Norwegian black metal quintet Den Saakaldte have said their farewell to Singaporean label Pulverised Records. The band is now looking for a new record label located closer to their home country.

Stated Den Saakaldte guitarist Mikael Siouzios (but you can call him Sykelig): "Many things changed during the last period of time for us as individuals and as an affect, to Den Saakaldte as well.

We felt and considered that we would like all factors surrounding the band and genereting life to the band to be surrounding us and to be more direct to us. We took the decision that Den Saakaldte's future would work better if the record label that we are signed by, is based in Europe. Pulverised Records that has always been in supportive spirit, respected this decision of ours and we agreed to part ways as friends and with mutual appreciation & respect.

We thank Pulverised Records for the faith and trust they've shown to us and we wish to the label all success with their future releases. Den Saakaldte will soon take decisions on what is to happen."

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Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Den Saakaldte

Kscope are very proud to announce that Ulver are the latest band to join their roster.

Here's the official press release: "Early pioneers of Norwegian black metal, the band have continually evolved throughout their career and now stand as living legends of the dark music industry. The last two years have also seen Ulver manifest into a live band. Following their first live performance in May 2009, at the Norwegian Festival of Literature, the band toured Europe in 2010 selling out prestigious venues such as the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, Volksbühne in Berlin and Casa da Música in Porto, to great acclaim.

2010 culminated in a packed performance in the main theatre of the Norwegian National Opera. Ulver were the first band outside the established Norwegian music scene to be invited to play at the opera house and a DVD of this landmark performance will be released on Kscope later this year.

Such an invitation is quite an accomplishment for a band that has always remained uncompromisingly independent, operating without marketing, advertising or any backing from a label (except their own imprint, Jester Records). Despite this stance the band are revered around the world, have sold in excess of half a million records, have well over 11,000,000 plays on Last FM and the interest does not seem to be fading; indeed the band are now preparing to add another bookmark to their chameleonic legacy.

A bigger label, management, touring - all this is new and unchartered territory for the band, and one in which they are not necessarily savoir-faire. During the last two years they have shifted from the safety zone of the studio towards a more traditional route, facing the music rather than hiding in the shadows. Everything can happen, and has. The new album, Wars Of The Roses, clearly reflects this.

With a long standing reputation for being unpredictable and unafraid of radical departures, the most subversive aspect this time is perhaps the band's increased accessibility; even touching on the polished sensibilities of pop and rock. The opening track "February MMX" is a striking example.

But naturally with Ulver comes ambivalence. Fringe figures appear: horror connoisseur Stephen Thrower of Coil and Cyclobe, experimental guitar-guru Stian Westerhus along with British free improvisation legends Steve Noble and Alex Ward. They all play important parts on the album, their instant instincts perfectly aligned with Ulver's composed compassion. The familiar baroque menagerie of piano, wood and wind sit alongside the machines and the ghosts within.

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Source:	kscopemusic.com
Band profile:	Ulver

Ulver have apparently changed the title of their forthcoming album from the lame Critical Geography to the far more manly War Of The Roses. The album is said to be released later this year.

A new song off that new album, entitled "February MMX", can now be streamed over at Soundcloud.

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Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Ulver

Video footage from the forthcoming Ulver live DVD, entitled Ulver At The Opera 2010, is now available for viewing at this location. No release date has been set for the moment, so keep an eye out for further updates.

Ulver played live at the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet on July 31th last year, with special guests Ian Johnstone and Christian Fennesz.

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Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Ulver
Event:	Ulver

Ulver has issued the following band update on their MySpace site:

"Ok, so now we have been on the road, and it has been rewarding, all fear and loathing considered. We are a domestic pack these days. The children miss their parents and we miss them. So. We have decided to limit next year's touring to two shorter blocks, one before and one after summer, plus an odd festival here and there. We would also very much like to make a few apperances overseas.

2011 is the future, a Critical Geography, the new album of Ulver. The anthological presentation we've been hiding behind since Lillehammer is history after Warsaw.

We are stoked to say that our blood-brothers Virus have accepted the offer to play their debut concert with us at London-palace Koko, as a kick-off spectacular. This is Virus' Lillehammer, and they are a bit apprehensive. We are certain though, that if you show them the same courtesy that you showed us, this will be one to remember.

An announcement from the band: "Apprehensive is not the word. Plain terrified, is more like it. We used to feel safe and sound inside our little bubble, being a non-live band, barely daring to release albums. We've gotten tons of propositions over the years, but when Ulver approached us it all seemed to fall right into place, to create the best possible condition for both us and our fans to finally do this thing. We couldn't think of a better way of taking that next step - bringing our mischief to the stage - than under the wings of our friends, who've been in the exact same spot we are now."

The Koko gig will be a further reunion of the old-school rebels, in that our red-bearded buddy Zweizz will be opening the ball. He will also be travelling with us to a quite a few of the other venues announced. See you in the wild."

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Ulver

It is finally now official: premier LA Thrash outfit Hexen is now a part of the Pulverised Records home of the Extreme Metal elite roster.

Formed in 2003 and with 4 demos and the brilliant 2008 full-length debut State Of Insurgency later, Hexen is now all geared up and preparing to enter the studio for a brand new second as-yet-untitled full-length album that will see the light of day in 2011.

Hexen's brand of blistering Thrash Metal caught the Metal community by storm with their intellectual and thought-out songwriting, and showcasing the fretboard virtuoso twin-axe attack of Ronny Dorian and Tak Arayan; very much reminiscent of Megadeth during their heyday. Having already proven that they are not your average Thrash band, their upcoming sophomore release will promise that the border is going to be pushed once again.

Having recently wrapped up a massive 30-day Thrash & deTOURED 2010 tour trekking across USA with Rattlehead and Mantic Ritual, the band is now in the midst of preparing another extensive tour in support of Bay Area Thrash legends Death Angel on their North American Retribution 2011 tour, alongside Bonded By Blood, Lazarus A.D. and Early Man.

Watch the entire Hexen show filmed at the Knitting Factory on 4th of August 2010 during their Thrash & deTOURED 2010 tour at the following locations:
HeXeN live at the Knitting Factory: | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |

States Hexen singer/bass-player Andre Hartoonian: "Metallic hails from Southern California world of heavy metal! We are excited to announce inking a deal with our new partners Pulverised Records as of October 2010. We have a lot of plans, the first order of business being entering the studio in a few short weeks. We cannot wait to unleash the album we have been working on for a long time and even though we usually don't like to over-hype, the fact that it will blow you all away is still an understatement.

Another thing is going on tour January-February with our friends Bonded By Blood, Early Man, Lazarus A.D., and the outstanding... Death Angel. Check back with us on our MySpace frequently to catch all the latest news and studio footage. 2011 is going to be an extravagant year for us. We cannot wait."

Comments Pulverised Records A&R Manager Calvin: "Hexen's mighty debut State Of Insurgency CD along with some of their demo tracks were sent to the Pulverised's office sometime ago and we were jaw-dropped by Hexen's sound, and we knew in an instant that we had to pick these guys up.

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Source:	pulverised.net
Band profile:	Hexen

Official press release

Pulverised Records are pleased to announce the re-signing of horror/gore death metallers Bone Gnawer; back to invade and pollute our roster with more impaling Death Metal.

Bone Gnawer is a collaboration between legendary growler Kam Lee (ex-Mantas, ex-Massacre, ex-Denial Fiend), Swedish madman Rogga Johansson (Paganizer, Demiurg, The 11th Hour) and together with Ronnie Bjornstrom (Hate Ammo, Ribspreader, Taedeat) and Morgan Lie of Naglfar fame.

Comments Bone Gnawer frontman Kam Lee on the new album deal and also giving us a sneak-peek into the upcoming album: "Once again those cannibal misfits and morbid horror freaks of Bone Gnawer are back to bring forth their unique blend of horror/gore death metal! And once more we are signing with Pulverised Records. It feels good to be back with Pulverised - because this is the one label that has a real true understanding of the type of old school 90's style of death metal we play.

This time around Bone Gnawer is taking another brave and bold approach to our musical direction and lyrical concepts. We always strive to push of going against the grain and not catering to the "modern trends", all the while staying "true" to the old school death metal sound.

This time around we are taking a slash & stab at the flesh and going for a complete hard revenge - torture & vengeance type lyrical concept. Although some of those 'cannibal themed' type lyrics will remain. We are taking on a more gritty feel and a much more darker edged 'grind-house' appeal to our lyrical concepts.

Taking influences from some of the more hard-core exploitation type films of the late 1970's such as I Spit On Your Grave and Last House On The Left. As well musically we are retaining all the horrific blend of old school death metal we are known for, yet combining it with an even more catchy and groovy flair!!"

The follow-up album to their successful debut Feast of Flesh is currently underway in the midst of recording, and more details will be announced soon.

A brand new song entitled "Scissored" in lower quality is now available for preview on the Bone Gnawer official MySpace page. To hear the high quality version of the song, fans will need to sign up for the Bone Gnawer mailing list on their Facebook page.

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Source:	pulverised.net
Band profile:	Bone Gnawer

Old school death metal from Japan? Yes please!

Official Pulverised Records press release

It is with great privilege to announce the official signing of Japan's upcoming Death Metal fiends GxSxD.

GxSxD (which stands for God Send Death) exploded into the Japanese Extreme Metal scene in 2002 and barely a decade into the band's career, GxSxD found themselves touring massively throughout their homeland and thus gaining widespread popularity as one of the most powerful Death Metal acts to have emerged from Japan. With an unforgettable trademark of the Japanese-tattooed twin brothers Yusuke and Yosuke Oka's synchronised windmill headbanging style; and with the unforgiving assault of heavily-induced Euro-Death Metal, GxSxD is definitely the perfect combination of flawless musicianship with an amazing stage presence.

The band commented: "Finally we have found our home!! We are very excited to work with Pulverised Records since we've been recognizing them as one of best label. We'll prove what we can do. Expect our Pulverised release."

States Pulverised Records A&R Manager Calvin: "I was instantly jaw-dropped by what I heard when I discovered GxSxD! Unbelievably tight and a literally vicious twin-guitar attack, GxSxD caught our attention and we knew they are an exceptional class of their own. After some discussions with the band, the deal was quickly sealed and plans are currently underway for their second full-length effort, which we should expect sometime this year. GxSxD is truly an unstoppable force and be prepared for their brand of barbaric Death Metal!"

Pulverised Records label manager Roy Yeo also added: "I had the pleasure of seeing GxSxD live in action when they stopped by in Singapore recently. The band is just visually stunning on stage and I was absolutely blown away! GxSxD is probably one of the most outstanding Death Metal band coming from Asia that I have heard in a long time, and also not forgetting that Japanese bands are notoriously known for producing real quality Metal. It is a great honour to have GxSxD as a part of the Pulverised family and we will expect nothing less than a devastatingly crushing album from GxSxD!"

I know you want more info about this band, so clickety click click!

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Source:

pulverised.net

Official press release

Pulverised Records is very excited to have Crypt Of Kerberos on board, one of Sweden's most underrated technical extreme metal band in history.

Previously known as Macrodex and consisting of members from various outfits such as Tyrant, Eternal Darkness, Obscene and the like; Crypt Of Kerberos's infusing style of unorthodox song structures, blazing fretboard mastery and a somewhat maze-like, Sci-Fi vibe reminiscent of the mighty old gods Nocturnus, came into the early Swedish Death Metal scene in 1990 with their nonconformist yet utterly heavy style while the rest of the Swedish bands were emphasizing more on brutality.

Crypt Of Kerberos is slated for a follow-up new album to the 1993's full-length album World Of Myths. More details and information will be announced soon.

States Crypt Of Kerberos axe-slinger Peter Bjärgö: "After many years of absence, we finally made the decision to make a new album. A lot of material has been written throughout the years and we realised that this was more than sufficient for a full length album. The new material is darker and heavier than ever before, so we definitely look forward to start recording this album."

Pulverised Records label manager Roy Yeo comments: "Having known Crypt Of Kerberos since the early days, I was absolutely intrigued by their sense of intellectuality in the songwriting department, and of course not forgetting those jaw-dropping guitar solos that complemented the songs flawlessly. Crypt Of Kerberos is a perfect example of how an excellent band was criminally ignored back in the days and we hope this brand new album would give them the recognition they duly deserve."

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Source:

pulverised.net

Official press release

Salem, the legendary and most enduring Israeli Extreme Metal band in Israel's rock/metal history ever, has now officially joined the ranks of Pulverised Records.

Salem achieved international success throughout the years with their consistency in belting out albums and has remained one of the hardest working bands coming from Israel, with each new album more powerful and stronger than the previous.

Some of the highlights of their career include the Colin Richardson-produced album A Moment Of Silence that was released in 1998 and more recently, appearing on main stage at the prestigious Hellfest Festival in 2007, alongside bands such as Machine Head, Slayer, Blind Guardian, Within Temptation, etc.

Salem's latest and 7th full-length album will be aptly entitled Playing God And Other Short Stories, with the band now deep in the midst of the mixing process.

Israel's premier metal act Salem, who recently left Season Of Mist, released the following statement to the local and international press: "We are thrilled to join the Pulverised team. The label is very attentive to our needs and puts us as a top priority act. It is something we have been yearning for years. We feel confident that together we can achieve goals that have alluded us in the past few years. The band's 7th album Playing God... is scheduled to be released mid 2010 and will include 12 scorching new tracks from the band, one of which is the head-turning cover of Bob Marley's "Exodus".

Comments Pulverised Records A&R Manager Calvin: "Personally, I have been a Salem fan for a good number of years and this is definitely a dream coming true, to be able to work hand-in-hand with one of my favourite bands. The Salem guys are all about pure dedication, as well as very meticulous and professional in every aspect. We are very anxious to see what new grounds Salem will break this time with the new album!"

Salem recently took a brand new promo photo-shoot in conjunction with the concept of the upcoming album Playing God And Other Short Stories, with the entire band donning 'superhero costumes'.

Salem skinsman Nir Nakav explained: The opening track on the new album, "Drums of the Dead" is inspired by a Hellboy graphic story by the same name. It is the first time that Abe Sapien goes on a solo mission and in the promo picture I am wearing a shirt that carries the insignia of his bureau. Remaining true to form, the other guys in the band took on characters that "Play God"; Superman with his ability to reverse time (that is why he can be seen in 3 different places at the same time on the promo shot) and the Punisher who kills evildoers.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Salem

Official press release

Pulverised Records is very pleased to announce the official signing of Norwegian Black Metallers Den Saakaldte!

Consisting of some of Black Metal's most notorious and prolific musicians and founded by main songwriter / guitarist Sykelig (ex-Gorgoroth session guitar player), Den Saakaldte previously released the monumental debut Øl, Mørke Og Depresjon (which translates to "Beer, Darkness And Depression") and also in early 2009 with the remarkably depressive full-length effort All Hail Pessimism, that eventually instituted the band a lot of positive rave reviews and exceptional attention worldwide.

Comments Den Saakaldte's founder / guitar player Mikael Sykelig: "We are proud to announce that Den Saakaldte's new record label is to be Pulverised Records. In our opinion, Pulverised is currently one of the most upcoming labels you can find. They work hard for their bands, and just seeing the names that they have on their roster is enough to know that their goals, and standards, are set very high indeed. We are delighted that our new album will be released on Pulverised, especially at a time when the label is going from strength to strength, and very much look forward to working closely with them."

Pulverised Records A&R Manager Calvin states: "It was quite a pleasant surprise when the email came in from Mikael, and he was wondering if there would be a possibility of us working together for their new album. Den Saakaldte very quickly established their reputation in the scene in just a period of a few years since their formation, and it was obvious that the band had already became a force to be reckoned with. There was not a single doubt about signing Den Saakaldte and an agreement was worked out almost immediately. We have absolute confidence that the band will outdo themselves and create yet another phenomenal follow-up full-length effort, filled with utter anguish and despondency."

Den Saakaldte's forthcoming album and first with Pulverised Records, will be entitled as Kapittel II: Faen I Helvete, scheduled for release Fall of 2010.

Den Saakaldte recently announced a line-up change in the ranks, with drummer Jarle "Uruz" Byberg (ex-Shining, ex-Urgehal) leaving the band. Further details on the replacement of the new drummer will be made soon.

In other Den Saakaldte-related news, the band will be part of the "Skandinavisk Pessimisme Omringer Europa Tour", touring alongside Troll and Sargeist from March 2010 onwards.

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Source:	pulverised.net
Band profile:	Den Saakaldte

Pulverised Records welcomes the latest old-school thrash addition to the roster: Hungarian thrashers Morbid Carnage.

Morbid Carnage recently completed their first full-length album Night Assassins, seven tracks of raw, intense and catchy thrash metal in the worship of the 80s golden years.

The street release date for Night Assassins will be announced soon.

Pulverised Records A&R Manager Calvin states: "Morbid Carnage definitely know their thrash metal; all the necessary ingredients to make a good old-fashioned thrash song work effectively and the overall vibe on Night Assassins is just totally immense. This is a straight-forward, no-holds-barred pure onslaught of retro-thrash at its finest!"

Comments Morbid Carnage's bass player Janos Horvath (aka Necrofaust): "It is our honour to be signed to Pulverised Records as the label has really some great bands and most importantly, a very positive attitude. We are sure that Pulverised Records will spread our first full-length album (recorded in the summer of this year) to the old-school souls of ripping thrash metal maniacs around the world!"

Two brand new songs entitled "Warlust" and "Night Assassins", taken off from the debut full-length album Night Assassins, can be heard on Morbid Carnage's official MySpace page.

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Source:

pulverised.net

Official press release

Pulverised Records welcomes Ukrainian Black Metallers Balfor. Describing their music as "Barbaric Black Metal", that explores themes from their countries' warrior past, the band had recently completed their debut full-length album entitled Barbaric Blood.

Barbaric Blood will be slated for a street release date sometime in the first quarter of 2010. More details and any further announcements will be made soon.

Comments Pulverised Records A&R manager Calvin: "Balfor are one of those bands that has pretty much the whole package; top-class musicianship and excellent songwriting prowess that perfectly describes their brand of Darkened Black Metal. It is our pleasure to be working with Balfor on their debut album, so expect nothing short of killer headbanging riffs blending together with the atmospheric feel that is ever so essential in Black Metal."

Balfor lead singer / guitarist Thorgeir states: "We are really excited to be working with a label with the reputation and experience of Pulverised Records for the release of our first full-length album Barbaric Blood, and we are very much looking forward to our collaboration. As a band, Balfor always gives 101% of itself in terms of commitment and this is what we will bring to Pulverised."

The band recently recruited second guitar player Agnarr to the ranks of Balfor. In an official press statement: "Agnarr is a highly trained and skilled guitarist, with a real instinct for music, so he got the feel of what we wanted straight away", said the frontman. "When we were recording material for our new album, we realised that the fuller sound we had developed was going to need an additional guitarist in order for us to be able to reproduce it live. It also takes some of the pressure off me on stage. Singing and playing at the same time is one thing, but when you want to give the audience a less static show, and communicate with them at the same time, it doesn't always work too well, so a second guitarist is the perfect solution for us".

Two new tracks "Behold My Hate" and "The Perfect Fire", taken off from the upcoming debut album, are now available on the Balfor official MySpace for streaming.

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Source:

pulverised.net

Pulverised Records is very proud to announce the fresh new signing of Swedish Melodic Death metallers The Cold Existence.

Pulverised Records A&R Manager Calvin states: "The Cold Existence approached us some time ago and what we heard on their latest album "Sombre Gates" totally caught us off-guard! We have confidence that the third full-length album will slay everything else they have done in the past!"

The band commented: "The Cold Existence are proud to announce that the band signed a new deal with Singapore-based label Pulverised Records for their upcoming-yet-untitled album."

The album will be recorded in Andy LaRocque's (King Diamond) Sonic Train Studios in late 2009 with producer Peter Laustsen for a release beginning 2010.

"The material written so far is very fast and brutal and will be the best album by this band so far".

More about the band on http://www.myspace.com/theColdExistenceonline.

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Source:

pulverised.net

Australian Black Metallers Pestilential Shadows recently inked a worldwide deal for their latest opus "In Memoriam, Ill Omen". The already-completed and released third full-length effort features some of Aussie's most prominent musicans from Naxzul, Rift, Illium, etc.

In a world filled with human-caused diseases and mindless genocides, it is no wonder why Hell Under's Pestilential Shadows chose the term "Anti-Human Plague Black Metal" to represent their brand of devastation.

Treading the exact same path with their third full-length release, "In Memoriam, Ill Omen" offers a bleak journey of sorrow-drenched riffs and a sonic production that mirrors the early 90's Black Metal sound, courtesy of guitarist / singer Balam.

Featuring present and past members from Naxzul, Rift, Illium, etc, "In Memoriam, Ill Omen" is a timeless piece of darl art that transcends all forms of mournful resentment towards human nature!

The album was recorded and mixed by Balam and mastered by D.Backovic. Stunningly beautiful old-school artwork and layout by Balam.

"In Memoriam, Ill Omen" tracklist:

01. Weapon Against The Sun
02. Beautiful Demise
03. With Serpents I Lay
04. Of Loss And Suffering Inherit
05. For Man And Heavens Ruin
06. Sundered
07. Ecclesia Moriendi (Instrumental)
08. Bathed In Ashes

Pestilential Shadows is:

Balam - Guitars / Lead Vocals
Desolate - Guitars / Backing Vocals
Zameth - Bass
Sorrow - Drums

More info about the band on http://www.myspace.com/pestilentialshadows.

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Source:

pulverised.net