AEON DISCOVERIES: SATAN’S WRATH, THE ORDER OF THE SOLAR TEMPLE, HANNES GROSSMANN AND THE RADIAL COVENANT

Here are a few new songs I came across in my adventures through the interhole today. I came across other songs, but trust me, you don’t want to hear them. These, you want to hear. Serendipitously, they all have something to do with the word “Aeon”.

SATAN’S WRATH

It was only last year that Metal Blade released Galloping Blasphemy, the debut album by Satan’s Wrath, a two-man Greek “Satanic blackened thrash” band. But lo and behold, the label is already planning to release a second full-length, Aeons of Satan’s Reign. What’s more, it began streaming a new song today by the name of “Die White Witch Die”.

Poor Jesus, once again made the source of refreshment for the goat lord, but I do like the colorful cover. I also do like “Die White Witch Die”, voiced as it is by one of the goat lord’s hellish minions and filled as it is with rockin’, thrashin’, bloody minded riffs, plus an infernally good slowdown. This isn’t old school, this is roughly three old schools packed into one. Sick guitar solo, too.

The new album can be pre-ordered here. It will be in stores in North America on November 12 and on earlier dates elsewhere.

 

THE ORDER OF THE SOLAR TEMPLE

When I heard the advance track from Denmark’s Phantom that cult Italian label I, Voidhanger uploaded at the end of last month, it seemed the label was extending its tentacles into new musical territory. I didn’t know the half of it. Yesterday I, Voidhanger announced yet another new signing, Vancouver’s The Order of the Solar Temple, and began streaming a track from their forthcoming album, named “Aeon of Horus”. It’s waaay off the reservation.

Indeed, it appears the label has embraced the current trend of throwback occult rock, because that’s what you get in this song. Channeling the spirit of Blue Oyster Cult among other influences, and with excellent vocals reminiscent of Pentagram’s Bobby Liebling among others, it succeeds in delivering a hook-filled slow rocker that’s drenched in doomy, occult atmosphere and ignited by phosphorescent reverberating guitar solos. Very cool acoustic guitar finale, too.

For people whose first exposure to this kind of music came from listening to Ghost, you’re going to find some similarities — but this is nastier.

https://www.facebook.com/theorderofthesolartemple
http://www.theorderofthesolartemple.com

 

HANNES GROSSMANN: “THE RADIAL COVENANT”

I’m assuming you’ve heard the name Hannes Grossmann before. If it’s not ringing any bells, I bet you’ve heard his phenomenal drum performances as a member of Obscura and Blotted Science. If you’ve never heard the music of either of those bands, it’s my solemn duty to advise you that you need to get out more.

I learned today from a couple of valued sources that Grossmann has embarked on a solo project with a debut album named The Radial Covenant, on which he plays not only drums but also guitar. Not being personally as well-known as the bands for whom he plays, he has decided to launch an indiegogo campaign to help finance the album, with a goal of 4,000€. Take a look at the line-up of guest artists who will appear on the record:

V.Santura (Triptykon, Dark Fortress), Florian Magnus Meier (Dark Fortress) – Vocals
Linus Klausenitzer (Obscura) – Bass
Jimmy Pitts (Spastic Ink, Pitts/Minnemann) – Keys

On lead guitars:

Christian Muenzner (Obscura, Spawn Of Possession, Ex-Necrophagist)
Ron Jarzombek (Blotted Science)
Fountainhead
Danny Tunker (Aborted)
Per Nilsson (Scar Symmetry)
Jeff Loomis

Impressive, no? That’s a goddamned understatement. Now have a listen to an edited version of a song named “Aeon Illuminate”, and below that check out a sampler of music from other songs planned for the album. Then go to the indiegogo page linked below and contribute so this will become a reality and I can have the music. Man, this is hot stuff; if you’re pining away for something new from Obscura, this will hold you over quite nicely.

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-radial-covenant-solo-album
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hannes-Grossmann/101482779892304