I have to say that 2012 entered the best possible way. On Friday, we enjoyed a really good performance by Entombed. And on Saturday, it was time for the highly anticipated live of Septicflesh. This band is one of the very few Greek metal bands that has managed to make itself known outside the borders of Greece. Not to mention that in 2011 they presented us with a magnificent album that received great reviews. These two things, plus the fact that they would be playing in their hometown, made me think that this concert would be, without a doubt, sold out. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case, but the number of people gathered was pretty high nonetheless.

It was about 20:15 when the first band hit the stage. I must say that I hadn’t heard Heavier Than God before, and they were a pleasant surprise. They play a mix of heavy metal with some stoner and thrash elements and with vocals a little bit more extreme than what you would expect for their music. Their set was based on their own songs but we had the chance to listen to an interesting cover of Black Sabbath’s “Children Of The Grave”. One might say that this band wasn’t the right one to open this concert, but in the end they warmed up the audience pretty well for what would follow.

Next in line were the Swedish Dark Funeral. One by one, the members appeared on stage, and the traditional corpsepaint covered their faces to match their pure black metal music. The set started powerfully with “Stigmata”, “666 Voices Inside” and “Enriched By Evil” and there were two things to be noticed. First, the sound wasn’t the best, and second, the new singer, Nachtgarm, has really great pipes and proved to be a good replacement. The band appeared in good shape, though at times the drums weren’t heard clearly due to the average sound, but that got fixed later on. The guitarists and bassist were headbanging to their music, while the singer kept a different stance and didn’t address to the crowd much. “Goddess Of Sodomy”, “The Arrival Of Satan’s Empire” and “The Birth Of The Vampiir” were some of the songs that followed, and even though the communication between band and audience was minimum, the response of the fans wasn’t the same. Crazy headbanging and mosh pits accompanied a setlist that satisfied almost everyone, as no album was left outside, but it was during “Vobiscum Satanas” and “Shadows Over Transylvania” that Fuzz became hell on earth. “Heart Of Ice” was next and the band left the stage for the usual encore. A rather unfortunate moment followed, as some people in the audience started shouting “Septicflesh” instead of “Dark Funeral”, showing no respect for the band. When Dark Funeral returned, they didn’t seem bothered (I found out later that they certainly were bothered, a lot to say the truth), and closed their set with “The Secrets Of The Black Arts”, “Hail Murder” and “My Funeral”. A great performance by a great band!

It was time for the usual break, for the technicians to change the décor and the instruments, and it was certainly a relief for our necks. After a while, the artwork of “The Great Mass” covered the back and sides of the stage. When the lights went out, Fotis Benardo took his place behind the drum kit and the fans started yelling his name rhythmically. Christos Antoniou and Dinos (session guitarist) appeared next and last came Seth behind the microphone. When the first notes of “The Vampire From Nazareth” were played the crowd went crazy, headbanging and forming mosh pits right from the start. At some point, Sotiris Vayenas came out to sing the clean vocals, as he would do for all the songs that have clean vocals. Simple and grand, he performed his part and added a great deal to the mystery of the music. The setlist continued with “Communion” and I can’t describe the reaction of the fans. It was insane. From the second song the sound was really good and massive, and it allowed us to enjoy fully the orchestral parts. Great lighting, lots of smoke and videos on the side walls only added to the atmosphere created by the music. During “Chaostar” the fans relaxed a bit, as most of them seemed to be more familiar with the last three albums of SepticFlesh. “A Great Mass Of Death”, “Virtues Of The Beast” and “Unbeliever” were next. The guitarists, even though they were quite stationary, they were constantly headbanging, just like the crowd below them. More songs from the last three albums followed, “Pyramid God”, “Lovecraft’s Death”, “Oceans Of Grey”, “We, The Gods”, which Seth dedicated to the fans, and “Sumerian Daemons”. Of course “Persepolis” couldn’t be left out, along with a wall of death. After that Septicflesh had a surprise in store for us, as we traveled back in time with “DNA” and “Esoptron” and this time we enjoyed Sotiris Vayenas not only on clean vocals, but on the guitar too! I have to say that it was a truly beautiful moment to see the whole band on stage, as it’s supposed to be. It was time for the encore, and when the band came back up on stage, Seth got the audience to sing along the melody of “Anubis”, and then it was chaos! The live was coming to an end, and Septicflesh said goodbye with “Five-Pointed Star”.

This concert was undoubtedly a success, and the fans left satisfied. I think very few will say the opposite. Great setlist, great performance, great atmosphere. The only somewhat negative thing was that Seth was over-trying to communicate with the fans, and all the “let’s go Athens” and “are you ready?” got a bit tiring. But that was a small thing after all. All I have to say is that I would love to see them with a live orchestra and soon enough!

Report: Stella Papaspyropoulou.
Photos: Spanos Manos.

DARK FUNERAL recently recruited Nachtgarm (NEGATOR) as the band’s new lead singer following the July 2010 departure of Magnus “Masse” Broberg (a.k.a. Emperor Magus Caligula).

DARK FUNERAL has been confirmed for next year’s edition of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise, which will set sail from Miami, Florida to Cayman Islands on January 23, 2012 and return four days later. A total of 40 acts will perform on the cruise.

DARK FUNERAL in July announced the addition of bassist Zornheym to the group’s ranks.

Source: www.blabbermouth.net

Commented guitarist Lord Ahriman: “Now, that we face our new lineup, I must say that the atmosphere and the chemistry within the band feels absolutely fantastic. Furthermore, every single member of DARK FUNERAL is once again sharing a tremendously strong commitment, an absolute dedication as well as utter professionalism. And I am absolutely sure that what you, our dear fans, soon will be able to witness that this unholy gathering of these five knights in Satan’s service is the most sinful and powerful DARK FUNERAL ever!

“We have rehearsed together for a few months already. And it feels like we are already tighter and sound much better than ever before. So once we kick off touring again, we will be like an infernal war machine that will crush everything in its path.”

Added Zornheym: It is with great honor to be now part of this undefeatable armada of black metal warriors. When you join the truly ineffable kings of Swedish black metal it is beyond doubt that great excitement accompanies this unholy path of trampled souls. Onwards into Battle! The circle is closed!”

DARK FUNERAL recently recruited Nachtgarm (NEGATOR) as the band’s new lead singer following the July 2010 departure of Magnus “Masse” Broberg (a.k.a. Emperor Magus Caligula).

DARK FUNERAL has been confirmed for next year’s edition of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise, which will set sail from Miami, Florida to Cayman Islands on January 23, 2012 and return four days later. A total of 40 acts will perform on the cruise.

Source: www.blabbermouth.net

Guitarist Lord Ahriman of Swedish DARK FUNERAL has issued the following update:

“Recently, you could read about Nils ‘Dominator’ Fjellström’s departure from AEON due to personal/private reasons. Today we can confirm that he’ll no longer be part of DARK FUNERAL either. And just like AEON, we won’t comment on this subject any further.

“With that being said, I/we see no reason to waste any time here. Besides a new vocalist, we are currently looking for a new drummer, too.

“If you do believe that you have what it takes for the job, please send us a brief introduction and some audio/video files/links of your performance to: vocalist@darkfuneral.se.

“With the recent departures from the band I/we understand if this may cause some worries and/or confusion amongst you all, but you can be rest assured that everything is under total control! It’s not like anyone have left the band on bad terms, but unfortunately, sometimes things like this is inventible, and needs to happen to secure the survival of a band. And there is absolutely no doubt in my/our mind that once the new lineup is complete. We will be a stronger and better band than ever.

“Musically, we will continue in the same paths. I’m still main responsible for all the songwritings, including the drums. So you have nothing to worry about there. However, a new lineup will naturally color the sound in some ways, but I’m totally confident that it will only be for the better.

“I’ve recently started writing and demoing new stuff in my home studio. And just like I (and Chaq Mol) did when I/we worked on the pre-production for ‘Angelus Exuro pro Eternus’, I’m not only nailing down the guitar parts, I’m also programming the drums. So far it sounds totally fucking killer (of course!). However, at this point it’s obviously still too early to say in what direction we’ll be heading with the new material/album. We’ll keep everything wide open until the new lineup is complete. And once complete, we’ll continue to work on the new album as a full band. And this time I hope that everyone will be able to contribute with some killer material to make this to the best and strongest DARK FUNERAL album to date!”

Bassist B-Force recently left DARK FUNERAL. The band has already found “a new and totally amazing bassist; a bassist who lives and breathes DARK FUNERAL in its purest form,” according to Lord Ahriman. “We will, however, wait until everything is settled before we present him to all of you, so please be patient.”

DARK FUNERAL played its final show with vocalist Magnus “Masse” Broberg (a.k.a. Emperor Magus Caligula) on August 21, 2010 at the Summer Breeze festival in Dinkelsbühl, Germany. “Since this was a very special performance in many ways, we not only put on our biggest pyro show ever, we also captured this gig with 10 cameras (including one crane),” said Lord Ahriman. “So you can be sure to expect a DVD release from this killer show in the near future.”

Broberg announced his departure from DARK FUNERAL in July, explaining that “my life has taken a new turn lately, and I am also getting married this year, whereof my priorities in life lie somewhere else.” Guitarist and founding member Lord Ahriman added, “I understand when people change course and get new priorities in life. And I fully respect that. Life moves on, after all, and so will DARK FUNERAL.

“Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus”, the latest album from DARK FUNERAL, was released in North America on January 26, 2010 via Regain Records. The CD, which was made available in most European countries between November 18, 2009 and November 27, 2009, was recorded at Abyss Studio in Grangärde, Sweden with famed engineer and legendary producer Peter Tägtgren (PAIN, HYPOCRISY). Nine songs are featured on the effort, which is being described in a press release as “the band’s most technical and varied album to date. And while still being true to their roots, they have taken a great step forward in the evolution of their brand of fine Swedish black metal. ‘Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus’ is, from the very beginning to the end, a hell ride you simply don’t want to miss!”

The “Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus” cover artwork was created by Morbid (Daniel Valeriani).

“Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus” was released in a couple of different formats, including a two-disc limited edition containing one CD and one live DVD. The bonus live DVD features approximately 55 minutes of previously unreleased material professionally filmed with six cameras during the band’s 15th anniversary show at the Peace & Love festival on June 28, 2008 in Borlänge, Sweden. The album also includes two versions (soft and hardcore) of the band’s brand new video, “My Funeral”.

Source: www.blabbermouth.net

We are talking about a massive “worth-listening-every-minute” piece of work divided in nine tracks. A potential Dark Funeral classic, where everything is in place and the way it’s supposed to be: crystal clear production, ultra fast drumming by Dominator -a recent addition to the crew- ferocious yet melodic guitars leaving behind lots of memorable riffs, a trademark of the band, and of course the depute vocals of Emperor Magus Caligula dealing with Satan, death and sex.

Tracks such as “My Funeral” and Stigmata are perfect representatives of the album, and in fact a music video was shot for “My Funeral”.

“Angelus Exuro pro Eternus” absolutely upstages their previous release “Attera Totus Sanctus” and it’s in course to please tons of blacksters!

A new DARK FUNERAL track entitled “Stigmata” is available for streaming on the band’s MySpace page. The song comes off the Swedish black metallers’ new album, “Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus”, which will be released on November 18 via Regain Records. The CD was recorded at Abyss Studio in Grangärde, Sweden with famed engineer and legendary producer Peter Tägtgren (PAIN, HYPOCRISY). Nine songs are featured on the effort, which is being described in a press release as “the band’s most technical and varied album to date. And while still being true to their roots, they have taken a great step forward in the evolution of their brand of fine Swedish black metal. ‘Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus’ is, from the very beginning to the end, a hell ride you simply don’t want to miss!”

The “Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus” cover artwork was created by Morbid (Daniel Valeriani) and can be viewed below.

“Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus” will be released in a couple of different formats, including a two-disc limited edition containing one CD and one live DVD. The bonus live DVD features approximately 55 minutes of previously unreleased material professionally filmed with six cameras during the band’s 15th anniversary show at the Peace & Love festival on June 28, 2008 in Borlänge, Sweden. The album will also include two versions (soft and hardcore) of the band’s brand new video, “My Funeral”.

“Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus” CD track listing:

01. The End Of Human Race [4:43]
02. The Birth Of The Vampiir [4:50]
03. Stigmata [5:06]
04. My Funeral [5:30]
05. Angelus Exuro pro Eternus [5:04]
06. Demons of Five [4:48]
07. Declaration of Hate [5:24]
08. In My Dreams [6:30]
09. My Latex Queen [5:21]

* Video clip: “My Funeral” [2 versions]

Bonus DVD (limited edition only)

Live at Peace & Love festival on June 28, 2008 in Borlänge, Sweden:

01. Intro
02. King Antichrist
03. Diabolis Interium
04. The Secrets of The Black Arts
05. The Arrival of Satan’s Empire
06. Goddess of Sodomy
07. 666 Voices Inside
08. Vobiscum Satanas
09. Hail Murder
10. Atrum Regina
11. An Apprentice of Satan

DVD credits:

* Film production by Year Zero
* Professionally filmed with six cameras
* Sound engineering by Henrik Wenngren
* Sound recording by Erik Sjölander
* Mixed by Erik Sjölander at Studio Wasteland [Uppsala, Sweden]
* Pyro by Unique Pyrotechnic AB

The uncensored version of the “My Funeral” video can be viewed below. (WARNING: Video features graphic violence and is not suitable for all ages. Viewer discretion is advised.) The clip was shot in and outside an old and closed mental hospital by Standard Film Team.

According to the band, “My Funeral” “is one of the three heavier, non-blast-beat songs” that are featured on “Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus”.

Check out photos from the video shoot at this location.

DARK FUNERAL released “Attera Orbis Terrarum – Part II”, the second DVD recorded during the band’s world tour in support of the “Attera Totus Sanctus” album, on October 20, 2008.

Released in 2005, DARK FUNERAL’s previous album, “Attera Totus Sanctus”, was recorded and mixed by Daniel Bergstrand (MESHUGGAH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, IN FLAMES, BEHEMOTH) and Örjan Örnkloo at Dug-Out studios in Uppsala, Sweden.

Source: www.blabbermouth.net

Check out photos from the video shoot at this location.

“Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus” will be released on November 18 via Regain Records. The CD was recorded at Abyss Studio in Grangärde, Sweden with famed engineer and legendary producer Peter Tägtgren (PAIN, HYPOCRISY). Nine songs are featured on the effort, which is being described in a press release as “the band’s most technical and varied album to date. And while still being true to their roots, they have taken a great step forward in the evolution of their brand of fine Swedish black metal. ‘Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus’ is, from the very beginning to the end, a hell ride you simply don’t want to miss!”

“Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus” will be released in a couple of different formats, including a two-disc limited edition containing one CD and one live DVD. The bonus live DVD features approximately 55 minutes of previously unreleased material professionally filmed with six cameras during the band’s 15th anniversary show at the Peace & Love festival on June 28, 2008 in Borlänge, Sweden. The album will also include two versions (soft and hardcore) of the band’s brand new video, “My Funeral”.
“Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus” CD track listing:

01. The End Of Human Race [4:43]
02. The Birth Of The Vampiir [4:50]
03. Stigmata [5:06]
04. My Funeral [5:30]
05. Angelus Exuro pro Eternus [5:04]
06. Demons of Five [4:48]
07. Declaration of Hate [5:24]
08. In My Dreams [6:30]
09. My Latex Queen [5:21]

* Video clip: “My Funeral” [2 versions]

Bonus DVD (limited edition only)

Live at Peace & Love festival on June 28, 2008 in Borlänge, Sweden:

01. Intro
02. King Antichrist
03. Diabolis Interium
04. The Secrets of The Black Arts
05. The Arrival of Satan’s Empire
06. Goddess of Sodomy
07. 666 Voices Inside
08. Vobiscum Satanas
09. Hail Murder
10. Atrum Regina
11. An Apprentice of Satan

DVD credits:

* Film production by Year Zero
* Professionally filmed with six cameras
* Sound engineering by Henrik Wenngren
* Sound recording by Erik Sjölander
* Mixed by Erik Sjölander at Studio Wasteland [Uppsala, Sweden]
* Pyro by Unique Pyrotechnic AB

DARK FUNERAL released “Attera Orbis Terrarum – Part II”, the second DVD recorded during the band’s world tour in support of the “Attera Totus Sanctus” album, on October 20, 2008.

Released in 2005, DARK FUNERAL’s latest album, “Attera Totus Sanctus”, was recorded and mixed by Daniel Bergstrand (MESHUGGAH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, IN FLAMES, BEHEMOTH) and Örjan Örnkloo at Dug-Out studios in Uppsala, Sweden. Mastering duties were handled by Tomas Eberger at the Cutting Room in Stockholm, Sweden. The album features a guest appearance by former MESHUGGAH bassist Gustaf Hielm.

Source: www.blabbermouth.net