Finnish speed metal cult Excuse premiere the new track "Blade of Antichrist" at Decibel magazine's website. The track hails from the band's highly anticipated debut album, Prophets From the Occultic Cosmos, set for international release on August 2nd via Shadow Kingdom Records. Hear Excuse's "Blade of Antichrist" in its entirety exclusively HERE.

One of Finland's hottest newcomers, Excuse began to make a name for themselves with their EP  Goddess Injustice. Released to critical acclaim in 2016 by Shadow Kingdom, Goddess Injustice  largely introduced the fierce foursome to the international metal underground - with a nuclear-powered bang! A finely honed missile of speed metal majesty, Excuse's sound on that EP in many ways recalled the classic Canadian gods Sacrifice and Razor, but there were hints of greater glories to come. And at last, they've arrived with the presciently titled Prophets From the Occultic Cosmos.

Whereas Goddess Injustice suggested some darkly melodic leanings, Excuse's first full-length expands that arsenal considerably. Here, the six songs comprising Prophets From the Occultic Cosmos stretch out to epic lengths - one even hitting double digits, the climactic 10-minute closer "Watchtower of the Trans-Dimensional Pathway" - and take the listener on a wild, winding ride. The evil 'n' sleazy surge on which Excuse made their name still exists, but has now been finesse into a wholly more dynamic beast, able to reflect haunting moodiness and spacey horror alike. Suitably, co-guitarist Oskar Lindström's vocals have a conspicuous amount of echo placed upon them, suggesting the inter-dimensional struggles of a narrator literally lost in space. Likewise, fellow guitarist Anselmi Ahopalo's leads take centre stage here and weave an almost storytelling aspect, much in the way that classic heavy metal songwriting should, evoking both triumph and tragedy but remaining equally hummable throughout. Completing the totality is album's production, which locates the perfect balance between grit and gleam.

So many young bands blow their proverbial wad during the demo/EP days and peter out by the time their debut album comes. Not so for Excuse, who have been able to transform their earlier youthful energy into enviably advanced maturity with Prophets From the Occultic Cosmos. Behold these Prophets' coming!

The next herald of that coming can be heard with the new track "Blade of Antichrist" exclusively HERE, courtesy of Decibel, North America's only monthly metal magazine. The first herald of that coming is the previously revealed video for "Sworn to the Crimson Oath" HERE. Also hear that track HERE at Shadow Kingdom's Bandcamp, where the album can also be pre-ordered.

www.facebook.com/excuseofficial

www.shadowkingdomrecords.com
www.facebook.com/shadowkingdomrecords 

Finnish melodic death/doom band Shadecrown released a second single "Rain's Edge" which is taken from the upcoming second album "Riven". The album is released later in 2019 by Inverse Records and it is mixed and mastered by keyboardist & songwriter Saku Tammelin at Painwood Studio, Viitasaari, Finland.
 
Watch Rain's Edge video : https://youtu.be/JzoERbAAkgU 
 
Saku Tammelin comments:-

     ""Rain's Edge" is the second single off Shadecrown's upcoming second album "Riven". This song is much more heavier and faster than our first single "Incomplete", but still melodic as hell."
 
Listen to the single:

• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2X4Hc9g
  
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/100823712
• Amazon: https://amzn.to/2RJH2hP
• Tidal: https://listen.tidal.com/album/111602456
• Google Play: http://bit.ly/2FyfxTn
• Yandex: http://bit.ly/2LhzT75

 
Line-up:

Jari Hokka-Vocals
Joonas Vesamäki-Guitar
Tomi Tikka-Guitar
Saku Tammelin-Keyboards
Janne Salmelin-Bass & Clean vocals
Kalle Varonen-Drums
 
https://www.facebook.com/shadecrownband
https://shadecrown.bandcamp.com/

Finnish modern metal act As I May announce they will be releasing their second album "My Own Creations" this coming July 2019. Signing with labels Rockshots Records (Italy) and Spiritual Beast  (Japan), the sophomore full length is slated for a worldwide release on July 26th along with it being available in Japan on July 24th.

"My Own Creations" is a fast-paced blend of modern metal with metalcore highlights. It’s heavy, melodic and unique; and sonically more mature than As I May's previous release "Speak No Evil" (2017). Working on writing music that is easy to identify with a digital atmosphere, As I May make their listeners headbang and sing along to the catchy choruses.

Paying homage to many old school metal bands, In Flames fans will find a special affinity for this Finnish act.

The band's next single 'Cure Is Worse Than Disease' follows their first revealed track off the album  'Pride Goes Before A Fall'. The song was released this past May and has hit over 50k streams on Spotify in its first month.

The band explains the track:-

     "'Cure Is Worse Than Disease' is the most modern sounding song off of the album. It has a lot of dynamic. It's really easy listening with melodic parts and a couple of seconds later you're getting a hard heavy beating. It also shows the power of silence. Silence can be equally powerful as the heavy hitting part when placed in the right places. The track can best be described as a touch of post-hardcore and newcore."

Watch and listen to the new music video for 'Cure Is Worse Than Disease' here and the band's previous music video 'Pride Goes Before A Fall' can be viewed here.

Single streams and downloads available at http://smarturl.it/AsIMay
Spotify direct link https://spoti.fi/2IGnhn4

As I May is a four-piece modern melodic metal band from Mikkeli, Finland - formed in 2016. The group now consists of Tipi Nokelainen (vocals and bass); Lasse Hiltunen (vocals and guitar); Jani Valhola (backup vocals and guitars) and Marko Korhonen (drums). As I May has since started to gain ground in the Finnish heavy metal scene. The music's soul lies within catchy melodies and big choruses. As I May combines modern elements, yet keeps focussing on the heavier side.

Rockshots Records: www.rockshots.eu
Official Website: www.asimay.com 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/asimay.official
Instagram: www.instagram.com/asimay_official 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/asimay_official

Finnish progressive metal act External have released a new single, "Anhedonia". It’s their first release with guitarist Roger Lundberg, as well as the first with major songwriting contribution from bassist Samuel Järvinen. In the mixing process External worked with Asger Mygind from the Danish band Vola. The song is accompanied by a music video by Tuomas Ikonen.
 
Check the music video: https://youtu.be/cFwLNvGirUQ
 
Listen to the single:

• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2I2kfdQ
• Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QUHxFm
• Apple Music: https://apple.co/2KuQxzw
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/97738902
• Tidal: https://listen.tidal.com/album/109803060
  

The band states:

     "We're extremely proud to share Anhedonia with the world. We chose this song as a single, since we thought it has a satisfying balance between things that define our current sound - groove, heaviness, softness, complexity and accessibility. Lyrically, the song is about losing all the colours from your life, feeling no enjoyment or pleasure from anything. Amidst all, the chorus is a plea to keep fighting and not to give up. It was truly an honour to work with one of our musical inspirations, Asger Mygind (Vola), in the mixing process. The greatest of thanks go to him, Samu Oittinen, Tuomas Ikonen and all the talented people involved for doing such an amazing job, as well as to our friends and families for their constant support!"
 
Credits:

Video by Tuomas Ikonen
Acting by Joona Jokilampi
Makeup by Maia Reid, Tiina Lehtonen

Music by Samuel Järvinen w/ Julius Lehtonen, Roger Lundberg, Aleksi Haukkaluoma
Lyrics by Samuel Järvinen

Aleksi Haukkaluoma - vocals, guitar
Roger Lundberg - guitar, programming
Samuel Järvinen - bass
Julius Lehtonen - drums

Additional synth by Asger Mygind (VOLA)

Drums recorded by Samu Oittinen (Fantom Studio)
The rest recorded by Aleksi Haukkaluoma, Roger Lundberg, Julius Lehtonen
Mixed by Asger Mygind (VOLA)
Mastered by Samu Oittinen (Fantom Studio)

Cover art by Pinja Sietiö
 
https://www.facebook.com/externaltheband/
https://www.instagram.com/externalband/
https://twitter.com/External_band

Finnish Technical Death metal act De Lirium’s Order released their fourth album Singularity on April 26, 2019 via Inverse Records. Ayatollah is the third single of Singularity, and comes accompanied with a music video.
 
Watch the music video here: https://youtu.be/6y7MFmAI2RM
 
De Lirium’s Order was formed in 1998 by guitarist Juha Kupiainen and today, it is one of the most praised groups in technical death metal. Drawing inspiration also from thrash and progressive metal, De Lirium’s Order is known for their creative, experimental guitar riffs, solos and drum patterns. The current line-up consists of musicians from the acts like Abbath, Omnium Gatherum and Raskasta Joulua. The band’s previous album release Veniversum (2012) got a much awaited continuum with Singularity which opened new musical pathways for the band through the album’s futuristic, ambitious concept.
 
Guitarist Juha Kupiainen comments on Ayatollah:-

     “While the rise of The Monolith is awaiting behind the door, the human race is battling with cultural clash between Middle-East and West. Scarcity of resources, changing environment and increasing inequality among others limit their focus. A man who has lost his family to a drone strike seeks for revenge while the other part has technological superiority. With their short sight and vanity, mankind is hearing the first echoes of their doom.”
 
Listen to the album:

• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Zx7w9H
  
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/94716642
• Tidal: https://listen.tidal.com/album/108309410
• Apple: https://apple.co/2Z5ltua
• Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WhY6km
  

ORDER Singularity CD:

• https://www.recordshopx.com/artist/de_lirium_s_order/singularity/#621963
• https://www.plastichead.com/item.asp?ex=fitem&target=INV308
• https://metalmailorder.com/de/de-lirium-s-order-singularity.html

 
ORDER Singularity Vinyl:

• https://www.recordshopx.com/artist/de_lirium_s_order/singularity/#621964
  

Line-up

Kari Olli - Vocals
Juha Kupiainen - Guitars
Vesa Nupponen - Guitars
Erkki Silvennoinen - Bass
 
Guests

Ukri Suvilehto - Drums
 
https://www.facebook.com/deliriumsorder/
http://www.deliriumsorder.net/
http://www.instagram.com/DeLiriumsOrder

Finnish black metal elite Malum stream the entirety of their highly anticipated third album, Legion, at heavily trafficked web-portal NoCleanSinging.com. Set for international release on May 31st via Purity Through Fire, hear Malum's Legion in its entirety exclusively HERE.

An ever-growing force in the forever-fertile Finnish black metal underground, Malum have become a Satanic power in their own right since their formation in 2013. From there, the band have committed a prolific stream of atrocities, including two celebrated albums - 2015's Crowned with the Serpent Sun and 2017's Night of the Luciferian Light - three EPs, and three split recordings, alongside such comrades as Lathspell, Insane Vesper, Sacrificium Carmen, and Sarkrista. The latter two bands joined with Malum for the spiritually aligned split LP Trinity of Luciferian Illumination, which was released by Purity Through Fire in late 2018.

Now joining the esteemed ranks of Purity Through Fire following the preview Terror Rehearsal earlier this year, Malum are prepared to make their grandest statement yet with Legion. Titularly elegant in its simplicity, Legion storms forward from its very first seconds with that paradigmatic "freezing fire" so crucial to classic Finnish black metal. But whereas so many past but especially present have sought to dilute or "diversify" the intrinsic power of that idiom - and FAILED, obviously - Malum proudly hold high the torch of traditional black metal values, striding to the head of the flagging pack to lead Finnish black metal back to its former glory.

However, labor under no assumption that such is shorthand for rehashed ideas and general go-nowhere inertia. Naturally, Malum's Finnishness is immediately felt, but within those chosen boundaries do the band conjure new spells, new manners of communication, keeping the magick and language alive by imaginatively working within those proud parameters. What results is a deceptively anthemic 38 minutes that show Malum can move dynamically from spiraling speed to ominous march, always exhibiting a passion that's blanching (and inspiring) to behold. Also witness the band move into more mystical realms with such tracks as "Luciferian Legion."

Adorned with unforgettable artwork courtesy of R. Ärling, Malum have truly arrived with Legion! Hear the full arrival exclusively HERE, courtesy of NoCleanSinging.com. Malum will perform only a few selected gigs in 2019; booking requests can be sent HERE.

www.facebook.com/malumfinland
www.purity-through-fire.com

Ukraine's most ferocious metal export Jinjer have officially begun work on their highly anticipated third album and follow up to their Napalm Records debut King Of Everything (2016) and their amazing “Micro” EP (2018). Once again teaming up with sound producer Max Morton at Kaska Studio in Kiev, the as of yet untitled album is expected to be released sometime in fall 2019 and promises to be their best and most fierce material to date.
 
     "No rest for the wicked! Together with our long time friend and producer Max Morton, we are pleased to announce that we’ve entered Kaska Studio in Kiev to begin recording our third full album, to be released later this year. Trust us, it’s gonna blow your heads off," says the band.
 
Hot off the heels of the news that numerous North American dates with special guests The Browning being upgraded to bigger venues and some shows near the sell out point, Jinjer have also announced a full blown European Headline Tour in November/December to coincide with the release of their new album.
 
Jinjer seem determined to take over the world one country at a time and by any means necessary:-

     “Europe! We are coming for you! The time has come to show you the fiercest side of Jinjer ever, with a new album, new songs as well as all our older hits and a few surprises in-between. We know a lot of you have been waiting for us to do a proper headline tour with our own production and that time has finally come! Join us this November/December throughout Europe and the United Kingdom and help us celebrate this new era with a bang!”
 
Do not miss your chance to see Jinjer somewhere in Europe or North America this year!

Shadow Kingdom Records sets August 2nd as the international release date for the highly anticipated debut album of Finland's Excuse, Prophets From the Occultic Cosmos, on CD and vinyl LP formats. 

One of Finland's hottest newcomers, Excuse began to make a name for themselves with their EP Goddess Injustice. Released to critical acclaim in 2016 by Shadow Kingdom, Goddess Injustice largely introduced the fierce foursome to the international metal underground - with a nuclear-powered bang! A finely honed missile of speed metal majesty, Excuse's sound on that EP in many ways recalled the classic Canadian gods Sacrifice and Razor, but there were hints of greater glories to come. And at last, they've arrived with the presciently titled Prophets From the Occultic Cosmos.

Whereas Goddess Injustice suggested some darkly melodic leanings, Excuse's first full-length expands that arsenal considerably. Here, the six songs comprising Prophets From the Occultic Cosmos stretch out to epic lengths - one even hitting double digits, the climactic 10-minute closer "Watchtower of the Trans-Dimensional Pathway" - and take the listener on a wild, winding ride. The evil 'n' sleazy surge on which Excuse made their name still exists, but has now been subjected to finesse, resulting in a wholly more dynamic beast, able to reflect haunting moodiness and spacey horror alike. Suitably, co-guitarist Oskar Lindström's vocals have a conspicuous amount of echo placed upon them, suggesting the inter-dimensional struggles of a narrator literally lost in space. Likewise, fellow guitarist Anselmi Ahopalo's leads take centre stage here and weave an almost storytelling aspect, much in the way that classic heavy metal songwriting should, evoking both triumph and tragedy but remaining equally hummable throughout. Completing the totality is album's production, which locates the perfect balance between grit and gleam.

So many young bands blow their proverbial wad during the demo/EP days and peter out by the time their debut album comes. Not so for Excuse, who have been able to transform their earlier youthful energy into enviably advanced maturity with Prophets From the Occultic Cosmos. Behold these  Prophets' coming!

The first herald of that coming is the previously revealed video for "Sworn to the Crimson Oath" HERE. Also hear that track HERE at Shadow Kingdom's Bandcamp, where the album can also be pre-ordered. Cover and tracklisting are as above.

www.facebook.com/excuseofficial

www.shadowkingdomrecords.com
www.facebook.com/shadowkingdomrecords 

Legendary Finnish black metallers Black Crucifixion stream the entirety of their fourth album, Lightless Violent Chaos, at heavily trafficked web-portal NoCleanSinging.com. Set for international release on June 3rd via Seance Records for the definitive, worldwide edition, hear Black Crucifixion’s Lightless Violent Chaos in its entirety exclusively HERE.

Forming in the dark days of 1991, Black Crucifixion have long been a revered name in the Finnish black metal scene. From their beginnings through today, the band’s work has been a pillar of challenging magnificence: always with an immediately identifiable sound, but always evolving and surprising, taking the true heart of black metal - boundless freedom, unfettered unorthodoxy - and casting dazzling new shapes with it whilst honouring its original essence. And amidst an already sterling, supremely cult catalog do Black Crucifixion reach its apotheosis with Lightless Violent Chaos.

A true "dark horse" if there ever was one, Lightless Violent Chaos had its preliminary release as a limited edition in the band's homeland in 2018, and the album has not been available outside Finland. Long-time fans Séance Records – who worked with the band for the international edition of their third album, 2015's Coronation of King Darkness – are now proud to give Black Crucifixion's Lightless Violent Chaos the worldwide OFFICIAL release outside the Nordics.

     "Nowadays music sounds like it was written and produced in McDonald’s – by the people who work there. We instead wanted to create an album that evokes the horror of being less than a whisper in the time-defying roar of the cosmos."

So says the band of Lightless Violent Chaos. Ever aptly titled, Black Crucifixion's fourth album creates a sonic and lyrical journey that should be experienced by the most adherent supporters of cult black metal as well as fans of progressive rock and ambient atmospheres. And as was the case with the critically acclaimed Coronation of King Darkness, the Finnish prog rock legend Rekku Rechardt again features as lead and rhythm guitarist on Lightless Violent Chaos.

Since their 1991-recorded debut EP, The Fallen One Of Flames, Black Crucifixion have been delivering their unique brand of black metal in a manner that cannot be mistaken for anyone else. Although never as heralded as their contemporaneous countrymen like Beherit, Impaled Nazarene, and Archgoat, there’s a reason why more well-known bands like Primordial dedicate songs to Black Crucifixion.

Always the mavericks, Black Crucifixion's Lightless Violent Chaos was designed to be listened as one piece. As a result, its length coincidentally matches Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon - "a fact that we realized just when finishing the mixing," says long-time bassist E. Henrik. The band’s songwriting has been admired by many, but it has even improved on Lightless Violent Chaos. And yet, the album and its production are loyal to their original roots, as even the Stratocaster from The Fallen One of Flames sessions was employed in the recording. It can be said that everything that was good in recording technology in the early '90s is present on this magnum opus of Black Crucifixion. Indeed, such is the most endearing aspect of this long-cult band: the skilful balance of tradition and transcendence, purity and progressiveness, darkness and its underside. Finally shall Lightless Violent Chaos see the esteemed treatment it so rightfully deserves!

In the lead-up to the definitive, worldwide on June 3rd via Seance Records, hear Lightless Violent Chaos in its entirety exclusively HERE, courtesy of NoCleanSinging.com. Also see & hear the official video for "Black Hole Metal" HERE, and see & hear a lyric video for "Deathless Be Me" HERE. 

www.facebook.com/blackcrucifixion
 
www.seancerecords.com
www.facebook.com/seancerecs
www.seancerecords.bandcamp.com

Finnish atmospheric metal band Alase released a second single Riisuttu from their long-awaited debut album Vastaus which is set to be released on June 7th 2019 via Inverse Records.

Watch Riisuttu music video: https://youtu.be/OtfjG1Ik0MI 
 
Guitarist/composer Janne Lunnas comments:

     "Riisuttu is the most versatile song we have done so far. It combines influences from progressive metal to post rock and alternative metal/rock. This song presents well the new musical directions we have started to take in our music and it is very fun to play live.
 
Everyone in the band are extremely happy about the music video that was made by Kaira Films (Vesa Ranta & Aapo Lahtela). We wanted to have a stylish video full of atmosphere and they delivered it perfectly! It was great to see how well body painting theme worked out with our music!"
 
Listen to 'Riisuttu' single on:

Youtube: https://youtu.be/OtfjG1Ik0MI 
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2wfnWGo 
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/93763442 
Tidal: https://listen.tidal.com/album/108194562 
Apple Music: https://apple.co/2JYPO9J 

http://www.alaseband.com
https://www.facebook.com/alaseband
https://www.instagram.com/alaseband
https://www.youtube.com/alaseband
https://spoti.fi/2YYPrkj
https://alase.bandcamp.com