Helheim's V'gandr To Make Guest Appearance At Dark Essence Records Inferno Festival Event

DARK ESSENCE RECORDS plans to make their annual Inferno Festival event a little different this yea when they join forces with sister label KARISMA RECORDS to showcase two of their bands each at Blå on Wednesday 16th April.  "We are always conscious of the fact that while many of Dark Essence's artists such as TAAKE tour frequently, and fans in Europe have a good chance of seeing them live, the Karisma artists tend to tour much less, so we thought that this year we would open up the event to give their fans a chance to see some of them, and introduce them to Dark Essence's fans at the same time", commented the label's Martin Kvam.

Representing Dark Essence will be two bands whose recent releases have been getting rave reviews from press and fans alike.  First up will be SLEGEST, the new project from former VREID guitarist Ese, who has skilfully blended classic heavy rock and old-school black metal to produce a sound that is both dark and sinister, and with an unmistakably  down and dirty catchy groove  that weaves its way through the music.  Originally started as a one-man project, once the debut full-length album “Løyndom” was released at the end of 2013,  it quickly became clear that the demand from fans to see SLEGEST perform live was such that Ese was persuaded to form a fully functioning band. 

The official video for the track “Ho Som Haustar Aleine” from SLEGEST's “Løyndom” can be seen below. 

Joining them will be Sweden's ALFAHANNE, whose lineup includes members of bands such as VINTERLAND and early MAZE OF TORMENT, and who have come together to play what they themselves have called ”Alfapocalyptic Rock”, a fascinating and hard-hitting mix of Black Metal, Classic Rock and Punk with some Goth influences .  Their high-energy live performances have garnered them much praise.   Making a guest appearance on stage with ALFAHANNE, will be HELHEIM's V'gandr who performed vocals on one of the tracks from the band's new album "Alfapokalyps” .  It is a tribute to ALFAHANNE that they were able to attract not only V'gandr to make a guest appearance on the album, but also Dark Essence label-mates Hoest from TAAKE and Niklas Kvarforth from SHINING. 

The track “Såld På Mörkret” from ALFAHANNE's album ”Alfapocalyptic Rock” and  which features TAAKE's Hoest on guest vocals can be heard below.

Making an appearance for Karisma will be two bands, representing the new and the established.  Lovers of Prog Rock cannot fail to recognise the name of AIRBAG, a band known the world-over for an exquisite musical craftsmanship that enables its musicians to create a sonic experience ranging from massive walls of sound, to ambient textures and soulful soundscapes, both in the studio and on stage.  The release of AIRBAG's third full-length album “The Greatest Show on Earth” at the end of last year confirmed the band's status in the world of prog, earning them many accolades.   Inferno will be one of the very few chancesthat to catch this incredible band live this year so it is an opportunity that should not be missed.  One for fans of ANATHEMA. 

The title track from AIRBAG's album "The Greatest Show on Earth" can be heard below.

The second of the Karisma bands is one of their latest signings, SEVEN IMPALE.  The release of the digital EP "Beginning/Relieve" last year gave an indication of the multi-faceted nature of these young musicians.  With its member drawn from a range of disciplines including classical orchestra, big band, metal, jazz, rock and electronic music, their sound ranges from progressive and jazzy to the softer and more melodic  to the harder and edgier.  They bring a freshness and enthusiasm to their live performances, and it is anticipated that their debut full-length album later this year  will more than meet expectations, setting them apart from many other new arrivals on the scene.  If you are a fan of Norway's SHINING, SEVEN IMPALE is definitely a band you will want to check out.

The title track from SEVEN IMPALE's  "Beginning/Relieve"  EP can be heard below.

Scheduled performances for the Dark Essence Records / Karisma Records artists at Inferno Festival, which will take place at Blå, Brennereiven 9C, Oslo, Norway, on Wednesday 16th April as follows:

Seven Impale: 20:20

Slegest: 21:25

Alfahanne:  22:30

Airbag: 23:45

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DARK ESSENCE RECORDS Fields A Total Of 7 Bands At This Year’s INFERNO FESTIVAL

Bergen-based DARK ESSENCE RECORDS, the Norwegian label whose roster features not only some of the most respected and long- standing Black and Extreme Metal artists in the business, but also some of the most talented upcoming bands, showcases no less than seven of its bands at this year’s Inferno Festival. One of Europe’s foremost music festivals Inferno takes place annually in Oslo, and this year runs for four days from the 27^th to the 30^th March http://www.infernofestival.net 

Opening night of the festival, which is effectively the club night, sees four of the bands appearing at Blå . Post Rockers KRAKOW (http://www.krakowofficial.com/), whose critically acclaimed sophomore album “diin” was release in Autumn of last year, kick off the evening at 21:00, followed by Melodic Extreme Metallers COR SCORPII (http://www.corscorpii.net/ ), who are currently working on their next album. Third band on will be VULTURE INDUSTRIES (http://www.vulture-industries.net/), a band whose skilled interpretation of avant-garde extreme metal, coupled with the highly theatrical and manic performance of frontman Bjornar Nilsen, makes for a fascinating live show. Topping the bill will be HELHEIM (http://helheim.com/) one of the original Norwegian Viking Metal bands who celebrate their historical roots both in their music and in the visual effects used in their live performances, and who have been together for over twenty years. Information about how to get to Blå can be found at http://www.blaaoslo.no/

Thursday 28^th sees another band celebrate its twentieth anniversary when TAAKE headlines on the Rockefeller stage at 23:00. TAAKE frontman HOEST will also be holding a signing session at 15:00 in the Shadowland record store (http://www.shadowland.no/ ), Torggata 36 (200 meters from the Rockefeller). Formed in 1993, TAAKE’s contribution to the Norwegian Black Metal Scene has been considerable; with founder Hoest remaining true to his Black Metal roots, whilst still being able to breathe life and originality into the genre even after twenty years. The band recently released "Gravkamre, Kroner og Troner" (Tombs, Crowns and Thrones), a double Anniversary CD which feature exclusive new tracks as well as rare and previously unreleased material, alternative versions of previously released tracks and recordings that have, until now, only been available on vinyl. More information about TAAKE at http://taake.svartekunst.no/

AETERNUS will hit the Rockeffeler stage on Friday 29^th at 19:45, a few days in advance of the release of "...And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth”, the band’s seventh full-length album.Founded in 1993 by guitarist and frontman Ares, AETERNUS has re-emerged seven years after the release of their last album “Hexaeon” with a new line up that comprises Ares on guitars and vocals, Phobos (GRAVDAL, MALSAIN) on drums and Specter on guitars. One of the pioneers of what the band calls “Dark Metal”, AETERNUS’ sound combines features from both Black Metal and Death Metal with superlative guitar playing and occasional haunting, melodic interludes. More information about AETERNUS can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Aeternusofficial

Saturday 30^th, the last day of the festival, also sees the last of the DARK ESSENCE RECORDS bands to appear. HADES ALMIGHTY will play on the Rockefeller Stage at 19:45, and, incidentally, they were one of the bands who performed at the very first Inferno Festival in 2001. Apart from the occasional live appearance from the trio of Janto on Bass and Lead Vocals, Jorn on Guitars and Synth and Remi on Drums and vocals, things have been relatively quiet since the re-release in 2004 of their 2001 classic “The Pulse of Decay”, but the band has been busy behind the scenes working on the next album. More information about HADES ALMIGHTY can be found at http://www.hades-almighty.com/

Tracks from all the releases of the above bands on DARK ESSENCE RECORDS can be heard on SoundCloud below.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Website | Facebook | SoundCloud | Contact mail

DARK ESSENCE RECORDS SIGNS RATTENFÄNGER, ALBUM DETAILS REVEALED

Norway’s Dark Essence Records have announced the signing of the Ukrainian band RATTENFÄNGER, and the Bergen-based label is set to release their debut album “Epistolae Obscurorum Virorum” in late October/early November of this year. Although RATTENFÄNGER is a new band, its lineup of Thurios on guitars, Krechet on bass, Vlad on drums and keyboards, and Roman on guitars and vocals, has a depth of musical experience behind them that most bands would envy, hailing as they do from cult acts such as DRUDKH, BLOOD OF KINGU, HATE FOREST and DARK AGES.

According to Dark Essence Records, if, after seeing this pedigree, anyone assumes that they know what to expect from RATTENFÄNGER, they would most likely be off target, because this band is a very different beast indeed. Inevitably there will be nuances from the members other projects, and comparisons can also be made with bands such as CELTIC FROST, early DARKTHRONE, ASPHYX, WINTER, BOLTHROWER and NIHILIST amongst others, but RATTENFÄNGER, is the epitome of old-school death metal and “Epistolae Obscurorum Virorum” has its own, very distinctive, sound. It is pitch black and bone crushingly brutal. It is Death Metal in its original form - and it is devastating. A track  Grimorium Verum” from “Epistolae Obscurorum Virorum” can be heard below.“

The name RATTENFÄNGER is taken from the legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin (Rattenfänger von Hameln), who was hired by the townsfolk of Hameln, Germany, to rid the town of the rats that had overrun it. Unfortunately he is deceived and cheated of his payment, and he exacts a dreadful revenge on the citizens.

Very much in keeping with the period of the legend, the lyrics for “Epistolae Obscurorum Virorum” are in Latin and are written in style of the medieval poets, the thinkers and the troubadours/minstrels of old. Track listing for “Epistolae Obscurorum Virorum”, which was recorded during the spring and summer of 2012 in Kharviv in the Ukraine, and produced by RATTENFÄNGER, is as follows:

1. Coelo Affixus Sed Terris Omnibus Sparsus - intro
2. Grimorium Verum
3. Victa Lacet Virtus 
4. Nunc Scio Tenebris Lux
5. Allegoria De Gula Et Luxuria
6. Clausae Patent 
7. Deest Remedii Locus, Ubi, Quae Vitia Fuerunt, Mores Fiunt 
8. Regno, Regnavi, Regnabo

ADDITONAL INFORMATION
More information, please contact:  martin@karismarecords.no
www.darkessencerecords.no 

DARK ESSENCE RECORDS SIGNS POST METALLERS KRAKOW

Norway’s Dark Essence Records have today announced the signing of Bergen-based post-metal crew KRAKOW who have just recorded their 2nd full-length album, "diin", with producer Iver Sandøy (TRINACRIA, MANNGARD). Commenting on the signing, label head Martin Kvam said: “KRAKOW have taken a huge step forward and upwards with this beast of an album, creating a unique sound and atmosphere that is entirely their own, and we are very proud to have them on our label”. “diin” is scheduled for release in September of this year.

Formed in 2005 by Frode Kilvik (bass, vocals), Kjartan Grønhaug (guitar) and René Misje (guitar, vocals), KRAKOW recorded their first three-track demo within a couple of months of being together and went on to release their “Dusty Roads” EP in 2007.  The band’s debut album “Monolith” appeared in 2009.   Initially drawing their inspiration from bands such as ISIS, NEUROSIS, IRON MAIDEN and MASTODON, KRAKOW have gone their own way, producing a sound that is at times dark, evocative and beautiful, at other times fast and aggressive or heavy and mesmerizing. It’s with difficulty that anyone can pin a genre on KRAKOW but the names most mentioned when talking about the band are post-rock, metal and stoner rock.  KRAKOW’s line up was recently expanded to include drummer Ask Ty Arctander of KAMPFAR and MONDVOLLAND.  More information about KRAKOW can be found here..

Below you can see fan-filmed footage of KRAKOW performing the track “Mound” live at the Nouveau Casino in Paris in 2011.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Dark Essence Records Contact: post@karismarecords.no

Dark Essence Records: http://www.darkessencerecords.no/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krakowband
Website: http://www.krakowofficial.com/
SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/krakow_band 
Band Contact: krakowband@gmail.com 

VULTURE INDUSTRIES TO PERFORM TWO SPECIAL SHOWS WITH GUEST APPEARANCE BY TAAKE’S HOEST

 

VULTURE INDUSTRIES will play two shows in February, which will see the Norwegian Progressive Extreme Metallers perform a set which will include some unexpected material that the band is rehearsing especially for these two performances. Also making a guest appearance for some of the set will be TAAKE front man Hoest. 

The first of the two dates will take place on the 3^rd February at Dirty Skunks, in the Kino Siska, an old movie theatre in Ljubljana, Slovenia.  Entrance to this show will be free, as the venue will be celebrating its tenth anniversary.  The second date will be on the 4^th February at Blue Hell in Budapest, and will mark VULTURE INDUSTRIES’ first ever appearance in Hungary.

Based in Bergen, and with two critically acclaimed releases on DARK ESSENCE RECORDS under their belts, VULTURE INDUSTRIES’ line up is composed of Bjornar Nilsen (BLACK HOLE GENERATOR) on vocals, keys and programming, guitarists Øyvind Madsen (SULPHUR, ex-ENSLAVED) and Eivind Huse (SULPHUR), Kyrre Teigen on bass and Tor Helge Gjengedal (ex-TAAKE) on drums.   Nilsen, who also happens to be TAAKE’s producer, is known for his highly theatrical on-stage performances, and the additional appearance of Hoest, one of Black Metal’s most focussed and dynamic front men, is an indication that these two shows promise to be something very special.

More information about VULTURE INDUSTRIES can be found on the band’s website.

Below you can see video footage of VULTURE INDUSTRIES performing “Hangman’s Hatch”  at MetalCamp in July 2011

VULTURE INDUSTRIES INFO:

Band Contact: bjornar@vulture-industries.net
Management & Booking: Propulsion Music 

Vulture Industries on MySpace

Vulture Industries Website

Vulture Industries on Facebook

Vulture Industries on ReverbNation

Vulture Industries on SoundCloud

Dark Essence Records

Dark Essence Records info: post@karismarecords.no

NEW MUSIC VIDEO FROM NORWEGIAN BLACK METALLERS TAAKE

Hoest

With the MCD “Kveld” released in April as a taster for the band’s fifth full-length album “Noregs Vaapen”, and with the album itself hitting the streets on DARK ESSENCE RECORDS on the 20th September in Europe, and a release date set for the 1^st November in the USA, TAAKE has today released a music video for a track from the album. Directed by Torgeir Ness Sundli, the video, for song “Nordbundet”, is a mix of live footage of the band interspersed with scenes of the countryside around TAAKE’s home town of Bergen, which have been filmed by founder and front man Hoest, who also produced the video.   Audio production is by Bjornar E. Nilsen and the video debuts today on the website of the Norwegian Radio Station Pyro.


“Noregs Vaapen” was a much anticipated release from the band that is now seen as one of the leaders of the Norwegian Black Metal scene.  Whilst never losing TAAKE’s traditional sound and atmosphere with its icy riffs, its melodies redolent of Norway’s history, and distinctive vocals, Hoest has not hesitated to add a few twists that have taken everyone by surprise and kept the music fresh and original, including the use of the banjo on one track.  The addition of guest appearances by some of Black Metal’s elite including Nocturno Culto (DARKTHRONE), Attila Csihar (MAYHEM), Demonaz (IMMORTAL) and Skagg (GAAHLSKAGG, DEATHCULT) as well as producer and VULTURE INDUSTRIES front man Bjørnar E. Nilsen have added a further dimension to “Noregs Vaapen”. 

TAAKE will celebrate the release of the album with a special live set at Det Akademiske Kvarter in Bergen on the 30^th September, and will then head out for a European tour in October with fellow Bergen Blackened Metallers BYFROST and the UK’s DONN THE PHILOSOPHY.  Tour itinerary, including newly confirmed dates as follows:

October14 –  The Rock, Copenhagen (DK)
15 – Die Werkstatt, Koln (DE)
16 – Baroeg, Rotterdam (NL)
17 – Gloppe, Leeuwarden (NL)
18 – Biebob, Vosselaar (BE)
19 – Underworld, London (UK)
20 – Glazart, Paris (FR)
21 – Club 45, Zug (CH)
22 – Hellraiser, Leipzig (DE)

23 – Melodka, Brno (CZ)

More information about TAAKE can be found on the band’s website.

The video for “Nordbundet” from the album “Noregs Vaapen” can be seen above and below can be heard the track for “Hordalands Doedskvad 1” from the “Kveld” MCD.


  TAAKE - Hordalands Doedskvad 1 by PATRICIA THOMAS


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – TAAKE
Website | Facebook | MySpace | WebShop
Dark Essence Records
Management & Booking: Propulsion Music
Svartekunst Produksjoner
email: bjornar.erevik.nilsen@gmail.com

Cor Scorpii "Heart of the Scorpion"

Cor Scorpii was formed in late 2004 by former Windir/Ulcus keyboard player Gaute Refsnes.

After the tragic death of Terje "Valfar" Bakken and the following Windir farewell concert, the time was right to put some of his own musical ideas into a new band. Former band mates Stian Bakketeig (lead guitars) and Jørn Holen (drums) joined, and the line-up was completed by Thomas Øvstedal (vocals), Rune Sjøthun (rythm guitars) and Inge Jonny Lomheim (bass).

In july 2005, Cor Scorpii entered Studio 1184 and Amla Metal Studio, in order to record their first demo. "Attergangar" consisted of 4 tracks of extreme metal, with emphasis on melodies, aggression and atmospheres. The demo was highly praised by both fans and press, and was among other things awarded demo of the month in Metal Hammer Germany. The demo also caught the attention of various record labels, and Cor Scorpii signed a deal with Dutch label Descent Productions.

After the release of the demo, Jørn Holen parted ways with the band, due to his domestic situation and his obligations to Vreid. After an extensive search for a new drummer, Ole "Vargon" Nordsve (Celebratum, The Embraced, ex-Hellstorm) joined the band towards the end of 2006.

In july/august 2007, time had come to record the debut full-length album. Cor Scorpii entered Børge Finstad's Top Room Studio, where the album entitled Monument, was recorded and mixed. The album was mastered in the renowned studio Tailor Maid, and released by Descent Productions in 2008. The album once again got great response from the metal press, but due to the label's financial difficulties, it barely reached the fans. The band decided to break the contract and soon after signed a deal with Norwegian label Dark Essence Records which was re-release "Monument" on March 1st 2010. The release will also include remastered versions of the Attergangar-demo.

Cor Scorpii

Country of origin: Norway

Location: Sogndal

Status: Active

Year of creation: 2004

Genre: Melodic Black Metal

Lyrical themes: Death, The Afterlife

Current label: Dark Essence Records

Formed from the remains of Windir.

"Cor Scorpii" means "Heart of the scorpion". Cor Scorpii, a different designation for "Antares", is the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius.

Discography

Attergangar
Type: Demo
Release date: December 29th, 2005
Label: Self-released/independent


1. Fall Of Man 05:27 
2. Transcendental Journey 05:33 
3. Attergangar 06:31 
4. Når Enden Er God 05:35 
23:06


Monument

Type: Full-length
Release date: March 9th, 2008
Label: Descent


1. Ei Fane Svart 05:47 
2. Endesong 05:01 
3. I, the Damned 06:16 
4. Our Fate, Our Curse 05:30 
5. Helvetesfossen 04:02
6. Oske og Innsikt 10:27 
7. Kjettar 04:29 
8. Bragder I Stein 05:58 
47:30

Members


Inge Jonny Lomheim Bass (2004-present)
Rune Sjøthun Guitars (rhythm) (2004-present)
Gaute "Righ" Refsnes Keyboards (2004-present)
See also: Fortíð, ex-Ulcus, ex-Windir, ex-Ulcus Molle
Thomas S. Øvstedal Vocals (2004-present)
Ole "Vargon" Nordsve Drums (2006-present)
See also: Celebratum, The Embraced, Vecordious, ex-Hellstorm, ex-Legiones, ex-Mistur
Erlend Nybø Guitars (lead) (2010-present)
See also: Funeral, Silent Vanquish, Fallen

Booking Agent thomas.ovstedal@corscorpii.net

facebook.Cor-Scorpii

Re-release of this brilliant melodic extreme metal bands debut album including a re-mastered edition of the Attergangar demo. Featuring members from Windir and Vreid.

Cor Scorpii - Monument + Attergangar

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HELHEIM TO STREAM RELEASE CONCERT LIVE

  Helheim - Viten og Mot (Stolthet) by PATRICIA THOMAS

With their new album “Heiðindómr ok Mótgangr” already out in Norway, and with a world-wide release date set for the 23^rd May, Norwegian Viking Metallers HELHEIM will stream the entire set of their release party concert live.  Far from being an ordinary set, the show will be much longer than usual, and will involve the use of two drum kits, concert drums, timpani and French horn players, as well as state of the art VJ’ing and the best sound and light technicians available in Norway.  With several superb guest artists also due to make an appearance, the whole event promises to be something very special.   The concert will take place on Saturday 09^th April at the Kvarteret in Bergen, and can be watched at http://www.helheim.com/live/  Streaming will commence at 22:00 Central European Time and the concert itself will start at 22:30.

“Heiðindómr ok Mótgangr”, is the natural sequel to the MCD “Åsgards Fall", which was released on Dark Essence Records in November of last year.  The first edition of the album will include a bonus DVD which contains HELHEIM’s live shows from the Full Force and Inferno Festivals, as well as the official videos for ”Dualitet og Ulver”, ”Stones To The Burden” and ”Jernskogen”.  The nine track album features guest appearances from Hoest (TAAKE), who also appears in the ”Dualitet og Ulver” video, Gunnar Emmerhoff (EMMERHOFF & THE MELANCHONY BABIES) amongst others. “Heiðindómr ok Mótgangr”, was recorded at the Conclave and Earshot Studio in Bergen with producer Bjørnar Nilsen (VULTURE INDUSTRIES, BLACK HOLE GENERATOR) and was mastered by Herbrand Larsen (ENSLAVED).

More information about HELHEIM can be found on the band’s MySpace

Below you can see the video of HELHEIM’s “Dualitet og Ulver” which features a guest appearance from TAAKE’s Hoest. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Helheim MySpace  
Helheim Website
Helheim Facebook
Helheim  YouTube
Band Contact: helheim@helheim.com
Promo & Additional Info: post@karismarecords.no