Tag Archives: gorgoroth

GOD SEED Announce New Album & Full Line-Up

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GOD SEED have revealed plans for a new album and also unveiled a new line-up. Founding members Gaahl (ex-GORGOROTH) and King ov Hell (ex-GORGOROTH) will now be joined by:

Sir (TRELLDOM, DJERV) – Guitar
Kenneth Kapstad (MOTORPSCHYCO) – Drums
Geir Bratland (DIMMU BORGIR) – Keys & Noise
Lust Kilman (THE BATALLION, GRIMFIST) – Guitar

In regards to the change, King stated: “All members of GOD SEED have been carefully picked for their musical skills and devoted personalities. We aim to release an album which will sound different than what we have done in the past. The new members have been very important for creating a sound that hopefully will come across as unique and defining the new GOD SEED sound. From this moment, GOD SEED should not be viewed as a duo anymore, but as a band with six members.”

The band is currently at work on a new album — their official studio debut — for which no release date has yet been set. So far, all of the music has been written and recorded at various locations in Norway, and Gaahl is currently working on completing lyrics and vocal arrangements. GOD SEED will reveal material from the upcoming album this week during a two-hour lecture at the Inferno Music Conference during the Inferno Metal Festival. Attendees will not only be able to hear material from the upcoming album, but the lecture will also include a discussion with King and Geir Bratland on their recording process and the philosophy behind the upcoming release.

King commented: “I’m really looking forward to presenting the new music I’ve been working on for the last two years. We have put a lot of work into creating something very unique. We will give some previews from the GOD SEED album, but more importantly, we will give a detailed presentation on how we have made the songs. Geir will demonstrate how he has created the noise and key arrangements on the recordings.”

NIDINGR – Wolf-Father

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Despite the fact that Norway is no longer the “big” thing in metal does not mean that the nation is lacking in a new generation of black metal bands. With a five year hiatus between their debut release, Sorrow Infinite and Darkness, and their brand new album, Wolf-Father, NIDINGR has quickly gained ground in the hierarchy of new Norwegian black metal bands. Wolf-Father is distinctly and proudly Norwegian with its high frequency raging guitars, precise blast beats, and black feel. However, do not mistake NIDINGR for sounding old or derivative as they manage to give a fresh take on the famous Norwegian black metal sound.

Teloch (1349, ORCUSTUS, GORGOROTH) and Blargh (DØDHEIMSGARD) dish out the catchy, and, often, simple riffs that are not too far removed from bands such as 1349, DØDHEIMSGARD, and THORNS. The guitars in particular have a sweet resonance, and the perfect tone that you want for this type of metal. Vocalist Cpt. Estrella Grasa’s shouts and proclamations are reminiscent of Aldrahn (THORNS, ex-DØDHEIMSGARD) in a good way. Drumgod Hellhammer lays down his usual top-notch performance that, at times, seems too easy for him to run through. “Baldrs Draumar” explores a different vibe with its doomy section featuring ULVER’s Garm on vocals.

Wolf-Father is a very consistent in tone, style, and approach. On one hand, this characteristic holds the album back from really breaking out into greatness. On the other hand, being consistently good with no discernable drop off is a compelling reason to listen to it. The next release from NIDINGR should be even better. (Jester Records)

GORGOROTH – Quantos Possunt Ad Satanitatem Trahunt

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After a lengthy legal battle with ex-members over the band name, GORGOROTH leader Infernus has unleashed Quantos Possunt Ad Satanitatem Trahunt by recruiting a few well known musicians for this project – vocalist Pest from back in the band, along with Frank Watkins (OBITUARY) and Tomas Asklund (ex-DISSECTION, DARK FUNERAL) to round out this super group of sorts.

Immediately, the dry production of Quantos reminds the listener of DISSECTION‘s Reinkaos album, and a few of the same mundane beats used by Asklund are also featured on the opening track. While Pest’s vocals are quite tormenting and fit the black metal genre perfectly, the bland riffs and stale drumming turns off the listener to this hyped up album. The first few tracks show that the band has lost its edge and power of earlier GORGOROTH material, as witnessed on Antichrist and Pentagram.

A song like “Rebirth” fits Asklund‘s simpler drumming style better and the band can actually write good, slow songs; something that MARDUK has failed to do. “Building A Man” kicks in with an older GORGOROTH feel, which finally brings some life to this album. That is until the next track, “New Breed” – which sounds like a b-side from the Reinkaos sessions. After a few uninspired tracks, Quantos builds some momentum, but it’s too little, too late. “Satan – Prometheus” becomes one of the best tracks on the album, as Asklund finally blasts like he used to with DARK FUNERAL, and Pest shows off his clean vocals, with a much better range than Gaahl. “Introibo ad Alatare Satanas“, a short outro, is an excellent song for all 53 seconds, but leaves the album ending abruptly.

Quantos, like all GORGOROTH albums, are short and to the point, but it seems as if the album is more of a cluster of riffs mixed in a pile, and the arrangement of the songs are a little too haphazardly placed together. GORGOROTH is still living due to the name and reputation, but the music is not as brash and exciting as it once was. (Regain Records)

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Infernus Wins Dispute Over GORGOROTH Trademark

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Oslo City District Court has delivered a verdict on the main question in the GORGOROTH trademark case, which took place at the end of January 2009. The court has decided that bassist King Ov Hell‘s trademark registration #243365 of the band name GORGOROTH is not valid and shall therefore be deleted.

The court states that King ov Hell (Tom Cato Visnes) and Gaahl (Kristian Espedal) excluded themselves from the band GORGOROTH when they tried to fire Infernus (Roger Tiegs) in October 2007. The court further states that Infernus cannot be excluded from GORGOROTH, unless he himself decides to quit. Infernus is very pleased, but not surprised, by this verdict. The remaining issues concerning financial matters and such are yet to be decided upon.

Blabbermouth.net has received the following statement from King ov Hell and Gaahl regarding the latest developments in their legal dispute with guitarist Infernus over the rights to the GORGOROTH band name:

“Regarding the recent court case over the use of the name GORGOROTH, Kristian Espedal and Tom Cato Visnes confirm that parts of the verdict have been decided and went in favour of Infernus. This is only a partial verdict on the case. Because of the complexity of this case, there will be further court hearings and the final verdict will be announced within a few weeks.

“Gaahl and King wish Infernus the best of luck using the banner of GORGOROTH on his art.

“Gaahl and King will still present the art they are known for creating in GORGOROTH albeit under another banner. The new name will be announced shortly.”

GORGOROTH – True Norwegian Black Metal: Live in Grieghallen

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GORGOROTH are no strangers to controversy as banned shows, sheep heads, blood, beatings, and prison sentences follow the bands’ history, and Live in Grieghallen continues that tradition. Frontman Gaahl recently stirred up some news by announcing his sexual attraction towards men, but more importantly, the large controversy surrounds this “live” album. Live in Grieghallen is not a live show, so prepare to be disappointed if you were led to believe that – it is a live studio album. The second part of the GORGOROTH controversy is the well documented feud between the Infernus-fronted version and the Gaahl/King ov Hell-fronted version. Due to legal issues, Regain Records has been forced to halt promotion and distribution for this album, and could be quite difficult to get your hands on. However, the music on this disc is still for the die-hard GORGOROTH fan.

Almost all live albums sound weak and obviously lack the power and energy of studio albums, but Live in Grieghallen sounds clear and raw at the same time, probably due to the fact that it was recorded live in the studio, as Infernus handled all guitar and bass duties. Make no mistake, this is a “live” studio album, as there is no way Infernus could have handled guitar and bass at the same time, unless he had extra limbs. Nothing is said in between songs, and this album is just a slab of raw metal from start to finish.

The songs chosen for this album are quite excellent, however, ranging from “Destroyer,” “Possessed (by Satan),” and of course, “Unchain My Heart!!!” Gaahl‘s “singing” can be quite laughable on “Profetens Apenbaring“, but his overall maniacal screeching is what appeals to all the rabid GORGOROTH fans worldwide. Keeping in tradition with other short GORGOROTH albums, this album only has eight songs, and breezes by quickly, as it is only 31 minutes long. Live in Grieghallen is probably better off for hardcore GORGOROTH fans, rather than the casual DIMMU BORGIR diet-Black Metal fan, as the casual Black Metal fan would probably run from GORGOROTH anyway. (Regain Records)

Latest Developments in the “GORGOROTH” Band Name Dispute

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Regain Records have made an official announcement recognizing founding member Infernus as the holder of the “GORGOROTH” band name. Infernus has been in dispute with other members Gaahl (vocals) and King ov Hell (bass) who claim ownership of the band name as well as the fact that they kicked Infernus out of the band.

Here is Regain‘s official statement:

“Regain Records will continue the co-operation with the bands original member Infernus with a new line-up. This new line-up will be announced by Infernus through the new official website www.gorgoroth.info. Regain Records recognizes Infernus as the rightful owner of the bands name, logo and trademark, and is prepared to take any legal steps necessary to prevent any 3rd part from exploiting it, artistically and commercially. A long time commitment between Infernus and Regain Records has been signed and GORGOROTH‘s next album entitled Quantos Possund Ad Satanitatem Trahunt – as well as the follow-up – will be released on Regain Records.”

In related news, Gaahl and King ov Hell have apparently changed their incarnation of GORGOROTH to “THE FORCE GORGOROTH.” They have also announced a headlining appearance at next year’s Wacken Festival on August 1st on the Black Stage. The band’s manager states, “Be prepared for a spectacular exclusive show at W:O:A. more blasphemic than the Krakow show. If you are a prude or sheepish person, this is your nightmare.”

AOL Music to Preview I’s Between Two Worlds This Monday, 11/13

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AOL Music has teamed up with Nuclear Blast Records to debut I‘s new album, Between Two Worlds, this Monday, November 13th at 12:01am EST (9:01am PST) and will be available for streaming for seven days at this location:
http://music.aol.com/songs/new_releases_full_cds?defaultTab=13
The album officially hits stores Tuesday, November 14th.

I is the new band fronted by IMMORTAL vocalist/guitarist, Abbath. I‘s line-up is rounded by a host of Norwegian metal veterans including Arve “Ice Dale” Isdal of ENSALVED, ex-GORGORTH bassist Tom Visnes (T.C. King), ex-IMMORTAL drummer Armagedda, and also showcasing the lyrical penmanship of ex-IMMORTAL member Demonaz.

In related news, IMMORTAL recently announced exclusive U.S. reunion shows. Click here for more details.

GORGOROTH – Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam

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It’s been three tumultuous years since GORGOROTH’s last album, and while line-up changes, label changes, and various altercations with the law have been known to break lesser bands, these setbacks seem to only fuel the misanthropic rage found on GORGOROTH‘s seventh offering, Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam. “Wound upon Wound” begins the audio assault with furious intensity. And the band maintains a relentless pace throughout most of the album with the ominous “Sign of an Open Eye” providing the only respite from the band’s pummeling barrage. “White Seed” quickly administers another punishing beating before arriving at a driving, droning yet altogether fiercely atmospheric riff that epitomizes the spirit of the album. The song then blasts off like a storm once again. The man responsible for all of this over-the-top percussive chaos? None other than longtime cohort/conspirator Frost of SATYRICON, 1349 and GEHENNA-fame. He has lent his considerable talents to Ad Majorem behind the kit, truly stepping up the intensity level on all fronts. So forget all the hype, infamy and controversy, Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam is a devastating aural onslaught from one of the few remaining true Norwegian black metal bands. (Candlelight Records)