Eisenwald

Iskandr’s latest offering “Spiritus Sylvestris” appears to be a radical statement in both content and form. Signifying a departure from the black metal roots of the project, the psychedelic folk doom of the new album builds upon the directions of where both “Vergezicht” and “Glas” were already moving towards. “Spiritus Sylvestris” is cinematic in scope: majestic and threatening in its aura of sublime grandeur. The Latin title translates to “spirit of the wild” and also refers to the early modern alchemical name for carbon dioxide –when the spirit of the wilderness releases into the aether through the burning of wood and charcoal. The songs tell impressionistic stories of natural elements personified; when powerful spirits that linger in the earth are stirred, those elemental forces will be forced to haunt our world. In an era of irreversible damage to our planet and anthropogenic climate change, Iskandr aims to offer funeral dirges for the world that we have already lost.

“Spiritus Sylvestris” embraces a limitless approach to translate this vision into musical form. Employing musical elements from a broad array of genres; easily moving between the martial stomp of early Laibach and the ethereal melodics of Dead Can Dance. Recorded and mixed by the legendary Pieter Kloos (The Devil’s Blood, Motorpsycho) at The Void Studio in Eindhoven, the new Iskandr record has broadened the scope and sound of the project beyond any confines, resulting in the most open soundscapes from Iskandrto date. The heavy baritone guitar riffs that form the backbone of the record provide a pitch-black canvas in which huge percussive rhythms and psychedelic layers of Hammond organ, Mellotron as well as subtle acoustics move in and out of focus. If this world is at an end it deserves a requiem for that what is lost.

Iskandr’s latest offering “Spiritus Sylvestris” appears to be a radical statement in both content and form. Signifying a departure from the black metal roots of the project, the psychedelic folk doom of the new album builds upon the directions of where both “Vergezicht” and “Glas” were already moving towards. “Spiritus Sylvestris” is cinematic in scope: majestic and threatening in its aura of sublime grandeur. The Latin title translates to “spirit of the wild” and also refers to the early modern alchemical name for carbon dioxide –when the spirit of the wilderness releases into the aether through the burning of wood and charcoal. The songs tell impressionistic stories of natural elements personified; when powerful spirits that linger in the earth are stirred, those elemental forces will be forced to haunt our world. In an era of irreversible damage to our planet and anthropogenic climate change, Iskandr aims to offer funeral dirges for the world that we have already lost.

“Spiritus Sylvestris” embraces a limitless approach to translate this vision into musical form. Employing musical elements from a broad array of genres; easily moving between the martial stomp of early Laibach and the ethereal melodics of Dead Can Dance. Recorded and mixed by the legendary Pieter Kloos (The Devil’s Blood, Motorpsycho) at The Void Studio in Eindhoven, the new Iskandr record has broadened the scope and sound of the project beyond any confines, resulting in the most open soundscapes from Iskandrto date. The heavy baritone guitar riffs that form the backbone of the record provide a pitch-black canvas in which huge percussive rhythms and psychedelic layers of Hammond organ, Mellotron as well as subtle acoustics move in and out of focus. If this world is at an end it deserves a requiem for that what is lost.

„Freiweitn“ is the third full-length record by Austrian Melodic Death Metal outlet VINSTA.

The alpine landscape with its looming mountain backdrops, cold winters, and incomparable beauty is reflected in both the music and lyrics that invite the listeners on an uplifting journey through extraordinary soundscapes that lead toward bleak myths and invoke fantastic netherworlds and vast sceneries.

Deluxe 180g alpine blue edition + Music Download card for the album!
Limited to 250 copies!
 

„Freiweitn“ is the third full-length record by Austrian Melodic Death Metal outlet VINSTA.

The alpine landscape with its looming mountain backdrops, cold winters, and incomparable beauty is reflected in both the music and lyrics that invite the listeners on an uplifting journey through extraordinary soundscapes that lead toward bleak myths and invoke fantastic netherworlds and vast sceneries.

Firstpress with Die-cut Slipcase.

Five sonic vessels form the nucleus of 'Crepuscule Natura', and within it`s 41 minutes, the record easily creates a sonic and aesthetic bridge between the band`s debut, 'Devoid of Light' (2016), and their sophomore effort 'Cult of a Dying Sun' (2018), only to forge onward upon the relentless path set forth with 'Djinn' (2020). Here, a more refined and muscular, yet no less melodic stronghold awaits. On 'Crepuscule Natura', UADA provides all their memorable hooks, tasteful leads, and riding blasts in their distinct style, balancing their epic surging melodies with powerful spurts of aggression. Just like the band's smoke-heavy shows, the momentum and emphasis of their craft always stays grandiose, mythical, and triumphant – all the while making sure to birth a couple of new fan favorites and soon-to-be staple live songs.

'Crepuscule Natura', once again graced by the artwork of legendary Kris Verwimp and photo work by Peter Beste Photography, shows UADA on fire to unleash the marrow of black heavy metal.

The first press of the CD comes as a limited Die-Cut Slipcase edition + Music Download card for the album!

Five sonic vessels form the nucleus of 'Crepuscule Natura', and within it`s 41 minutes, the record easily creates a sonic and aesthetic bridge between the band`s debut, 'Devoid of Light' (2016), and their sophomore effort 'Cult of a Dying Sun' (2018), only to forge onward upon the relentless path set forth with 'Djinn' (2020). Here, a more refined and muscular, yet no less melodic stronghold awaits. On 'Crepuscule Natura', UADA provides all their memorable hooks, tasteful leads, and riding blasts in their distinct style, balancing their epic surging melodies with powerful spurts of aggression. Just like the band's smoke-heavy shows, the momentum and emphasis of their craft always stays grandiose, mythical, and triumphant – all the while making sure to birth a couple of new fan favorites and soon-to-be staple live songs.

'Crepuscule Natura', once again graced by the artwork of legendary Kris Verwimp and photo work by Peter Beste Photography, shows UADA on fire to unleash the marrow of black heavy metal.

Trifold DLP  2 x 180g clear red vinyl

EXCLUSIVE INDIE RETAILER EDITION FOR EUROPEAN DEALERS.

Although 'Pale Folklore' stands as Agalloch`s debut record, it already 
embodies several elements that later became part of the band`s signature
sound. Effortlessly picking up from their excellent demonstration
cassette, it sees the band refining their sound even further. An audio
amalgamation combining the profoundness of early Ulver, with the gloom
of old Katatonia and exalted boldness of Fields of the Nephilim, thus
adding unique elements of nostalgia and atmosphere to their own melodic
interplay of guitars and excellent musical framework. The album contains
strong signs of a band that knew at a young age how to draw their
canvas. “Influenced by the landscapes of the American Pacific Northwest,
and with an essence reminiscent of the Scandinavian wilderness, it
firmly put Agalloch on the map and raised eyebrows about what a band
from North America can be capable of.

As a person that grew up checking out records based on their cover
artwork alone, this album was particularly notable -  the wood grain
cover with a gold emblazoned logo engraving was instantly enthralling.
This is music that glorifies the night sky, envisions campfire magic,
heralds nature over humans, arcane arts & poetry, and worships the
beauty of a crackling fireplace. It could be the soundtrack for a lone
wanderer striving through a wintry storm, only to end up knocking on a
faded wooden door to find shelter in a desolate cabin. In many ways the
sound of forlorn times.

If you are looking to fill your heart with woodsmoke and the fire of the
mountain's spirit, look no further.

2CD Artbook
Packaging: Hardbound book edition with hotfoil finish, 54pages with gold print, including artwork, pictures, information, liner notes and specifically curated interview. Double CD set with Pale Folklore on Disc 1, and the whole early/demo material of „The Demonstration Archive“ + one unreleased early track version as a bonus, on Disc 2.

Although 'Pale Folklore' stands as Agalloch`s debut record, it already 
embodies several elements that later became part of the band`s signature
sound. Effortlessly picking up from their excellent demonstration
cassette, it sees the band refining their sound even further. An audio
amalgamation combining the profoundness of early Ulver, with the gloom
of old Katatonia and exalted boldness of Fields of the Nephilim, thus
adding unique elements of nostalgia and atmosphere to their own melodic
interplay of guitars and excellent musical framework. The album contains
strong signs of a band that knew at a young age how to draw their
canvas. “Influenced by the landscapes of the American Pacific Northwest,
and with an essence reminiscent of the Scandinavian wilderness, it
firmly put Agalloch on the map and raised eyebrows about what a band
from North America can be capable of.

As a person that grew up checking out records based on their cover
artwork alone, this album was particularly notable -  the wood grain
cover with a gold emblazoned logo engraving was instantly enthralling.
This is music that glorifies the night sky, envisions campfire magic,
heralds nature over humans, arcane arts & poetry, and worships the
beauty of a crackling fireplace. It could be the soundtrack for a lone
wanderer striving through a wintry storm, only to end up knocking on a
faded wooden door to find shelter in a desolate cabin. In many ways the
sound of forlorn times.

If you are looking to fill your heart with woodsmoke and the fire of the
mountain's spirit, look no further.

Golden tapes with black print

Although 'Pale Folklore' stands as Agalloch`s debut record, it already 
embodies several elements that later became part of the band`s signature
sound. Effortlessly picking up from their excellent demonstration
cassette, it sees the band refining their sound even further. An audio
amalgamation combining the profoundness of early Ulver, with the gloom
of old Katatonia and exalted boldness of Fields of the Nephilim, thus
adding unique elements of nostalgia and atmosphere to their own melodic
interplay of guitars and excellent musical framework. The album contains
strong signs of a band that knew at a young age how to draw their
canvas. “Influenced by the landscapes of the American Pacific Northwest,
and with an essence reminiscent of the Scandinavian wilderness, it
firmly put Agalloch on the map and raised eyebrows about what a band
from North America can be capable of.

As a person that grew up checking out records based on their cover
artwork alone, this album was particularly notable -  the wood grain
cover with a gold emblazoned logo engraving was instantly enthralling.
This is music that glorifies the night sky, envisions campfire magic,
heralds nature over humans, arcane arts & poetry, and worships the
beauty of a crackling fireplace. It could be the soundtrack for a lone
wanderer striving through a wintry storm, only to end up knocking on a
faded wooden door to find shelter in a desolate cabin. In many ways the
sound of forlorn times.

If you are looking to fill your heart with woodsmoke and the fire of the
mountain's spirit, look no further.

Trifold DLP (Black)
Packaging: Triple Gatefold sleeve with golden print, golden interior print, 12-page LP-sized booklet, double vinyl in black poly-lined inner-sleeves.
Vinyl: 2 x black, 180g
Cat.Nr.: Eisen200-DLP
Limitation: 100

Although 'Pale Folklore' stands as Agalloch`s debut record, it already 
embodies several elements that later became part of the band`s signature
sound. Effortlessly picking up from their excellent demonstration
cassette, it sees the band refining their sound even further. An audio
amalgamation combining the profoundness of early Ulver, with the gloom
of old Katatonia and exalted boldness of Fields of the Nephilim, thus
adding unique elements of nostalgia and atmosphere to their own melodic
interplay of guitars and excellent musical framework. The album contains
strong signs of a band that knew at a young age how to draw their
canvas. “Influenced by the landscapes of the American Pacific Northwest,
and with an essence reminiscent of the Scandinavian wilderness, it
firmly put Agalloch on the map and raised eyebrows about what a band
from North America can be capable of.

As a person that grew up checking out records based on their cover
artwork alone, this album was particularly notable -  the wood grain
cover with a gold emblazoned logo engraving was instantly enthralling.
This is music that glorifies the night sky, envisions campfire magic,
heralds nature over humans, arcane arts & poetry, and worships the
beauty of a crackling fireplace. It could be the soundtrack for a lone
wanderer striving through a wintry storm, only to end up knocking on a
faded wooden door to find shelter in a desolate cabin. In many ways the
sound of forlorn times.

If you are looking to fill your heart with woodsmoke and the fire of the
mountain's spirit, look no further.

Trifold DLP (Gold/Black)
Packaging: Triple Gatefold sleeve with golden print, golden interior print, 12-page LP-sized booklet, double vinyl in black poly-lined inner-sleeves.
Vinyl: 2 x gold & black blend, 180g
Limitation: 250

Although 'Pale Folklore' stands as Agalloch`s debut record, it already 
embodies several elements that later became part of the band`s signature
sound. Effortlessly picking up from their excellent demonstration
cassette, it sees the band refining their sound even further. An audio
amalgamation combining the profoundness of early Ulver, with the gloom
of old Katatonia and exalted boldness of Fields of the Nephilim, thus
adding unique elements of nostalgia and atmosphere to their own melodic
interplay of guitars and excellent musical framework. The album contains
strong signs of a band that knew at a young age how to draw their
canvas. “Influenced by the landscapes of the American Pacific Northwest,
and with an essence reminiscent of the Scandinavian wilderness, it
firmly put Agalloch on the map and raised eyebrows about what a band
from North America can be capable of.

As a person that grew up checking out records based on their cover
artwork alone, this album was particularly notable -  the wood grain
cover with a gold emblazoned logo engraving was instantly enthralling.
This is music that glorifies the night sky, envisions campfire magic,
heralds nature over humans, arcane arts & poetry, and worships the
beauty of a crackling fireplace. It could be the soundtrack for a lone
wanderer striving through a wintry storm, only to end up knocking on a
faded wooden door to find shelter in a desolate cabin. In many ways the
sound of forlorn times.

If you are looking to fill your heart with woodsmoke and the fire of the
mountain's spirit, look no further.

Packaging: Triple Gatefold sleeve with golden print, golden interior print, 12-page LP-sized booklet, double vinyl in black poly-lined inner-sleeves.
Vinyl: 2 x smoke, 180g
Limitation: 500

Although 'Pale Folklore' stands as Agalloch`s debut record, it already 
embodies several elements that later became part of the band`s signature
sound. Effortlessly picking up from their excellent demonstration
cassette, it sees the band refining their sound even further. An audio
amalgamation combining the profoundness of early Ulver, with the gloom
of old Katatonia and exalted boldness of Fields of the Nephilim, thus
adding unique elements of nostalgia and atmosphere to their own melodic
interplay of guitars and excellent musical framework. The album contains
strong signs of a band that knew at a young age how to draw their
canvas. “Influenced by the landscapes of the American Pacific Northwest,
and with an essence reminiscent of the Scandinavian wilderness, it
firmly put Agalloch on the map and raised eyebrows about what a band
from North America can be capable of.

As a person that grew up checking out records based on their cover
artwork alone, this album was particularly notable -  the wood grain
cover with a gold emblazoned logo engraving was instantly enthralling.
This is music that glorifies the night sky, envisions campfire magic,
heralds nature over humans, arcane arts & poetry, and worships the
beauty of a crackling fireplace. It could be the soundtrack for a lone
wanderer striving through a wintry storm, only to end up knocking on a
faded wooden door to find shelter in a desolate cabin. In many ways the
sound of forlorn times.

If you are looking to fill your heart with woodsmoke and the fire of the
mountain's spirit, look no further.

20th Anniversary release of Agalloch`s classic recording, now remastered and equipped with extended artwork in a nice package.
Collectors picture disc vinyl, limited edition!

180g smoke vinyl in solid cover with thick insert, black inner-sleeve with poly lining, and a designed download card for the digital album.

Not only the water’s stream nor the heavy stones surrounding Elisa on her album’s cover are hitting powerfully, but also her songs’ instrumentals develop like that. Ellereve floats between captivating, magical soundscapes made of reverbs and distortions. By mashing electronic elements, folk influences, post-rock vibes, and varied dynamics to raise intensity and tension - the German singer-songwriter unveils her heart-treading melancholy and introverted nature. A curious sound researcher,

Elisa taught herself how to produce music in 2019 to maintain artistic freedom and be more independent in songwriting. The music of Ellereve has been recorded with the precious aid of her live band, which actively complements the organic and multi-faceted songwriting of the artist. The final production was done with her good friend and producer Salomon Appiah (7Apes), with whom she already worked on her debut EP "Heart Murmurs".

The visual side of the album was captured by the experienced hands of Konstantin Alexandroff and Laura Patricia. The album will be released as a limited CD edition (incl. 4 Bonustracks), various vinyl editions, and on all digital channels.

The distant howl of coyotes echoes through the desert night. Over a windswept mesa the Serpent Moon rises. This is how Galen Baudhuin (Wolves In The Throne Room  Infera Bruo, Street Tombs and more) envisions the debut album of ARIDUS. In conspiracy with Eisenwald, he takes you on a journey to his majestic and hostile homeland in the American high desert and through the inevitable stages of human existence.

ARIDUS is an outlet for multi-instrumentalist Galen Baudhuin's more overt black metal material. GB handled all instrumentation across the entire album, challenging himself to represent his creative vision unaided. This vision is deeply rooted in the unforgiving nature and beauty of the high desert of the southwestern United States. A sinister sonic landscape that resonates with a somber, dark energy.

The distant howl of coyotes echoes through the desert night. Over a windswept mesa the Serpent Moon rises. This is how Galen Baudhuin (Wolves In The Throne Room  Infera Bruo, Street Tombs and more) envisions the debut album of ARIDUS. In conspiracy with Eisenwald, he takes you on a journey to his majestic and hostile homeland in the American high desert and through the inevitable stages of human existence.

ARIDUS is an outlet for multi-instrumentalist Galen Baudhuin's more overt black metal material. GB handled all instrumentation across the entire album, challenging himself to represent his creative vision unaided. This vision is deeply rooted in the unforgiving nature and beauty of the high desert of the southwestern United States. A sinister sonic landscape that resonates with a somber, dark energy.

Firstpress with Slipcase

Simply titled but by no means simple in construction nor execution, Djinn builds upon the increasingly ambitious songwriting of its no-less-considerable predecessor, but pushes their dazzling artistry into nearly Technicolor landscapes of the Beyond. Upon the first opening notes, this boundless artistry is felt: big, rolling rhythms reminiscent of post-punk, tantalizingly setting the stage for the splendorous expanses to follow. There's a certain magick at play here, no doubt bolstered by the band's rhythm section of Josiah Babcock (who puts in his final performance here) and new bassist Nate Verschoor, erstwhile mainman of Veiled; this throttling-yet-deft foundation both leads and plays acute counterpoint to the spiraling, windswept riffing of founders Jake Superchi (also vocals) and James Sloan, their guitar work transcending the poignancy of prior works. And indeed, Djinn's generous six-song/hour-long runtime no doubt allows the listener the ultimate freedom to roam within Uada's ever-unique world, spanning both smothering speed and deliriously dream-like states, Very Metal urgency and textural exploration alike - put simply, the band at the height of their creative powers. Djiin is truly its own realm of experience.

"Djinn, first inhabitors of this world, the smokeless fire and those we call upon our enemies, has gifted us a 60-minute descent into the modern-day possessions of our existence and demise," state the band, "A duality that can only be known as our third wish."

Deluxe Digisleeve CD with 6 panels, 20-page booklet with artwork & illustrations & lyrics, Includes the album (CD 1) and 5 Covertracks + 2 Originals (CD 2). Includes a designed card for the digital album download!

Hailing from the shadowy forests of Ohio, the haunting hymns of OSI AND THE JUPITER dwell amongst the echoes of old songs. Sean Kratz offers his talent in honor to pagan traditions and in worshipful tribute to the peaceful finality of death. From its birth in 2015, the focus of the project has been on the spiritual connection between nature and the will of the old Gods. To this day, the project has already released four full-length-albums, the last of which was „Stave“ in 2021.

The music on „Cedar and Sage“ is again channeled through various representations of life, death, and rebirth. The songs resonate as tributes to these fundamental concepts, as they explore the spiritual connection to death and communication with otherworldly entities through incantations among nature. Sacred sacrifice plays a big part: What is given, you must give back to nature in good faith. It’s all about finding one’s own path and keeping the inner flame alive. Besides regular contributor Kakophonix on Cello, many other guests are involved this time: Among others, Dan Capp (Wolcensmen, Ex-Winterfylleth) provided lyrics and vocals for one song; so did Erik Moggridge (Aerial Ruin, Bell Witch, Stygian Bow) and Shawn Haché (Tithe/Night Profound). Czech project Nemuer played talharpa and did guest vocals for the opening track.

On disc two King Dude provides a rendition of Johnny Cash’s „Ain’t No Grave“. For the album’s bonus part Sean Kratz has interpreted songs he grew up with and that has always moved him in some way or form, covering artists such diverse as Neil Young and Danzig. Consequently, Kratz‘ stepdad, who has always been his number one influence, as the artist states, played guest lead guitar on two original songs also included here. This album is a dedication to those influential artists. „Also with all going on in the world, we need to move forward together in these dark times. Seek nature as guidance when you can, and don’t let things around you bring you down, we will get through this, be you“, Sean Kratz says.

The album was self-recorded and mixed by the artist in his own Odinic Studios in Kent (Ohio). Mastering was done by Greg Chandler at Priory Recording Studios. The cover art was done by bone-artist Jeff Kastelic, known under the moniker „Death‘s Dust“.

With „Cedar and Sage (Riders of the Gallows) Vol. 1“ ritual-folk-project OSI AND THE JUPITER continues its own story, drawing listeners worldwide in with earthy, meditative hymns. Follow mastermind Sean Kratz on his well-trodden paths to the Appalachian woods! They will finally lead to your core.

Six previously unreleased tracks from the Strength album.
CD in classic Jewelcase, accompanied by a 8-page booklet including lyrics and artwork. Comes with a designed download card for the digital music.

Reminiscence"' is the debut full-length album by German female-fronted Dark Rock entity Ellereve.

Not only the water’s stream nor the heavy stones surrounding Elisa on her album’s cover are hitting powerfully, but also her songs’ instrumentals develop like that. Ellereve floats between captivating, magical soundscapes made of reverbs and distortions. By mashing electronic elements, folk influences, post-rock vibes, and varied dynamics to raise intensity and tension - the German singer-songwriter unveils her heart-treading melancholy and introverted nature. A curious sound researcher,

Elisa taught herself how to produce music in 2019 to maintain artistic freedom and be more independent in songwriting. The music of Ellereve has been recorded with the precious aid of her live band, which actively complements the organic and multi-faceted songwriting of the artist. The final production was done with her good friend and producer Salomon Appiah (7Apes), with whom she already worked on her debut EP "Heart Murmurs".

The visual side of the album was captured by the experienced hands of Konstantin Alexandroff and Laura Patricia. The album will be released as a limited CD edition (incl. 4 Bonustracks), various vinyl editions, and on all digital channels.

Choose your fate! On their seventh album „Vultus Fati“ Italian melodic-black-metallers BLAZE OF SORROW ask you to do exactly that – with your will unbroken and your sword held high, despite all sadness. All the styles that have marked the sound of BLAZE OF SORROW over the years can be found here. The riffs show a melodic sensibility and a sense of medieval grandeur, deeply rooted in the warm Hellenic school of black metal known from bands such as Rotting Christ, Varathron, and Yoth Iria. The vocals are screamed in Italian language, and the bittersweet sound of the viola make it all sound unique. Thematically, the songs on „Vultus Fati“ are related to the inexorability, inevitability, and fleetingness of time. We are alone in the face of events - but we can choose whether to stay down, submit and surrender or stand firm, upright, and resolute.

10" (extended play) Packaging: solid fold-out sleeve on natural red, rough cardstock with black prints, diy and handglued, die-cut on the front with passepartout and glossy photo glued in. White inner-sleeve for the vinyl, download of the album on a specially designed card.
Vinyl: classic black (with super minimal label)  Limitation: 600 available (out of 1000)
 

De Kronieken van het Verdwenen Kasteel (The Chronicles of Vanished Castle) will include three ep's that will be immortalized as 10" series. Made in the deep caverns of old Bennekom under the influence of old damp castle dungeons. Each Chronicle takes the listener on a wander through a vanished Bennekom stronghold. The fortresses, mostly built on forgotten pagan shrines, have ancient stories. We went into our mental dungeons to unravel those stories. We found exiled pagan gods hidden deep and cast away from daylight. Through the chronicles, we act as their mouthpiece. The first exclusive 10" vinyl in a handmade sleeve, on black vinyl.

180g Vinyl Edition, limited 1st pressing
ODAL`s infamous debut recording, finally back on vinyl for the first time in way over a decade. The original version of the album without bass, analog mastering from the original tape.

180g Gatefold Vinyl Edition

Solid gatefold cover with insert on thick stock, A2 Poster on uncoated art paper, and a designed download card for the album.