it is therapeutic to surrender to the fact that nothing gets the fire inside burning quite like cheesy boomer thrash. thank you sir k.k. warslut! you're the second best k.k.!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwrmvru_8n4

#ThrashMetal #Destroyer666

Urn – Demon Steel Review

By Mark Z.

As a U.S. government employee, I’ve spent way too much time lately thinking about RIFs and not enough time thinking about riffs. Fortunately, Finland’s Urn is here to change that. Helmed by vocalist, bassist, and former guitarist Jarno Hämäläinen (a.k.a. “Sulphur”), this black/thrash troupe raised hell throughout the 2000s via albums like 666 Megatons and Dawn of the Devastation, both of which blasted with reckless abandon and hit with all the subtlety of a hand grenade. After years of silence following 2008’s Soul Destroyers, the group returned with a revamped lineup and more melodic sound on 2017’s The Burning, resulting in a rousing collection of blackened thrash anthems that was bogged down a bit by songwriting that often felt too cut-and-paste. With 2019’s Iron Will of Power, another revamped lineup helped Sulphur better combine the group’s newfound melodic tendencies and more raucous sensibilities, making for a career-high that sounded like the forgotten little brother of Deströyer 666. On their sixth album, Demon Steel, Urn returns after six years to continue down that same path, mixing the black/thrash of yore with melodies even a folk metal fan could enjoy. But have they taken things too far?

FUKK NO! Rather, Demon Steel is one of those rare late-career albums that shows an extreme band maturing into something more complex, interesting, and catchy, all while still remaining vicious enough to satisfy those poser-crushers in our midst. The basic sound here largely remains the same: frantic and rushing guitars combined with fast and pummeling drums, tossed together with snarled vocals and a sense of epic fury. The soaring melodies that often appeared in the choruses of Iron Will remain; yet here, the addition of a second guitarist has allowed Urn to craft compositions that are more intricate than ever. Early highlight “Are You Friends With Your Demons” proves that it needs neither a question mark nor a decent title to succeed, commanding attention with the layered guitars of its chorus and the supreme melody that appears after that refrain’s second and third iteration.

And fortunately, plenty of the other nine tracks are just as strong. “Heir of Tyrants,” “Burning Blood’s Curse,” and “Ruthless Paranoia” offer perhaps the best example of Urn’s heightened maturity, as each song combines fierce riffing worthy of Aura Noir with sugary lead guitars that could have appeared on a Children of Bodom album. Turning the throttle further into overdrive, “Iron Star” and “Turbulence of Misanthropy” charge forward on bouts of galloping, heavy-as-fuck riffs that sound like Iron Maiden dipped in molten steel, with the latter even offering some melodic black metal moments that recall Dissection. Even the album’s introduction, “Retribution of the Dead,” is a winner, creating an effective buildup with immense chords, pounding drums, and snarls of “Rise!”

Overall, there’s little to complain about here. In addition to delivering plenty of swirling solos, returning guitarist “Axeleratörr” works alongside new axeman “Pestilent Slaughter” to absolutely stuff these 44 minutes with great ideas, resulting in a record that probably contains more unique leads and riffs than the band’s first two albums combined. Sulphur once again sounds venomous and commanding, though perhaps a bit more croaky and aged than before. That doesn’t stop him from pushing himself, however, by embellishing songs like “Wings of Inferno” and “Heir of Tyrants” with powerful clean wails that make things feel extra mighty. The only real downside is that, with every track trying to be a big epic fist-raiser, things get a tad tiresome eventually. The closer, “Predator of Spiritforms,” feels a bit overshadowed by its predecessors, and while the mid-paced stomp of “Wings of Inferno” offers a bit of late-album variety, I’d still love to have just one straight-ahead rager in the second half. Fortunately, the production is great, with a clear, balanced, and powerful sound that emphasizes the crystalline leads while giving the riffs plenty of bite.

It’s been exciting to watch Urn grow from a pretty basic black/thrash band to one of the few older groups left in the style still producing worthwhile music. While I’ll always love the hammering and explosive sound of their early stuff, Demon Steel shows the band crafting songs that are more exciting, memorable, and well-written than anything they’ve done before. The result is a truly fantastic release that’s sure to please everyone from diehard Desaster fans to casual blogreaders just looking for some good fukkin music to distract themselves from all the bullshit out there today. Push play, crank that volume, and BANG YOUR FUKKIN HEADS!

Rating: 4.0/5.0
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Osmose Productions | Bandcamp
Websites: facebook.com/urnofficial | instagram.com/urnmetal
Releases Worldwide: March 28th, 2025

#2025 #40 #AuraNoir #BlackMetal #ChildrenOfBodom #DemonSteel #Desaster #Destroyer666 #Dissection #FinnishMetal #IronMaiden #Mar25 #OsmoseProductions #Review #Reviews #ThrashMetal #Urn

Although I knew there were challenges ahead as the world ticked into 2024, I had no expectation of the struggles that would manifest from week one. Launching straight into the Mentors tour as festive fireworks still echoed was hardly the wisest timing; but through grit, good humour, and the able help of the Witchfinder, we made it a success.

With barely time to confirm venues and announce the Diocletian tour, a prolonged and vicious assault against my work began. Open threats made due to my association with Solstice soon impacted business outside the band. AI-generated screeds of anonymous accusation and outright fabrication risked cancellation of the entire tour. I thank the venues and promoters who saw these empty words for what they were – rewarded by sell-out shows across the country – and regret that others were so easily swayed despite our well-reasoned and oft-repeated rebuke.

Courage tested, and hesitant at the hand dealt my way in spite, I had no choice but to step up and stand against such petty subterfuge. Backing down is never an option, however tempting an easy life, and through stubborn resilience I found a notable shift in my friendships.

Those previously silent spoke in confidence, offering much needed words of support and deeds of decency – agreeing in areas of contention and respecting the right to disagree when not. Even as other promoters, in self-righteous convenience, colluded to run me out of their tiny fiefdoms.

Chatlogs from not-so-private ‘activist’ groups made for grim reading. My name, and those of my friends, fervently smeared by strangers. Contriving enemies across irrelevant and incorrect political divides for the sake of age-old grudges.

My bandmates rallied around me and I for them, inspirational in consistent strength of character. Facing cowardly condemnation from all quarters, we chose to focus on band business. Re-emerging around the Summer Sunstead to announce the Deströyer 666 tour and our signing to Prophecy Productions.

That tour was predictably targeted also, with disapprovers aflame in their apoplexy. The Glasgow show stalked with the social panache of a Peeping Tom. Full respect to those in London who shone a light on the more vocal detractors by naming and shaming at the venue.

Despite the efforts of those who seek silence, the bands played on. Each tour thrived in its own way, followed by smaller shows with Abysmal Grief and Deitus. I reflect positively on the outcome, even if future events are on hold as I focus elsewhere.

For such distractions take their toll. Energies devoted towards doing the right thing in the immediate gnawed away at the progress of long-term projects. Creativity stalled. Accountability waned. Health suffered. Balance restores.

It took a long time to return to the Orphan shoot, and I am deeply grateful we finally have a working cast and crew eager to bring it together – once schedules synchronise again.

Solstice grows from strength to strength. The current line-up is the tightest I have experienced in my six years on bass, united by an outlaw attitude and will to make music beyond the tropes of trite expectation. Prophecy Fest was a stand-out show, winning over the German crowd and justifying our place on such a prestigious label. Followed swiftly by a packed-out rampage across Finland, the support we’ve seen on all sides of the stage has been phenomenal.

I find myself walking different social circles now, having deftly circumnavigated the backbiting barriers evoked by gossip and hearsay. Feeble accusations dissipated by positive action, I cultivate kindness.

Renowned artists and musicians across the globe have reached out in respect of my stance. Deeper, more sincere friendships emerge, and bonds of blood and belonging are forged.

Yet the greatest triumph of this year is one which must be held tightest to my chest. All the effort and care invested into staying the course these past twelve months has been tremendously rewarded, as I do what I’ve always dreamed of at a scale unimagined. With wonderful opportunities already embraced on mutually beneficial terms and prosperity assured through hard work ahead.

It is the way of the weak to undermine all endeavours, and I am disappointed I cannot be more open about this achievement – mindful as I am of further feckless sabotage. A scar in the battle of hearts and minds. A blemish on the face of candour. But despite the schemes of lesser men, I have never been more certain of myself.

Success against organised adversity is the most radical response of all…

… and said I wouldn’t surrender!

https://heathenstorm.com/2024/12/31/the-year-that-radicalised-me/

#2024 #abysmalgrief #deitus #destroyer666 #diocletian #heathenstormproductions #mentors #music #newmoonincapricorn #newyear #orphan #prophecyfest #prophecyproductions #roundup #solstice #tour

It’s taken a few days to wind down and recover from the madness that was the Deströyer 666 mini-tour. A collaboration between promoters in Scotland and England, and one which came under fire from the first announcement.

With both the headliners and Solstice running afoul of cancellation attempts and weaponised grudges, it wasn’t long before threats of reprisal appeared across the usual keyboard collective. Although it was distasteful to only announce venues on the night, this little nuance was sufficient to frustrate their efforts.

As expected, nothing of these threats manifested in reality, and the shows went ahead without incident. All bar a pitiful attempt to stalk one of the band members outside the venue, taking surreptitious photographs to share online in lieu of actual activism.

But nonetheless, these petty annoyances take their toll. For those with a genuine stake in live music beyond the smug accumulation of Internet points in silence, contingency plans and counter-strategies require careful consideration. A task made easier by the predictable playbook used by such of limited wit.

The truth of the matter, as always, is in the praxis of the people. The hundreds who came to the shows and made their presence known. A richly diverse crowd from many countries, united to appreciate music above all in a community of like-minded souls. Transgressing the expectations forced upon them by those who hide at home.

In turn, attendees had stories of their own to tell. About those in their local communities who sabotage shows for selfish gain. Those who callously mask their ill intent behind faux-goodwill and insincere concern for others. Those whose influence shrinks with every self-righteous accusation. The window is shifting, people have had enough, and each cancellation attempt compels new alliances in opposition.

Much gratitude to everyone involved in putting these shows together, and to Necro Ritual and Dikasterion for giving their all in support. I am fundamentally proud of the efforts put in by everyone to make this tour happen.

As for the middle date, a return to The Spinning Top in Stockport was a calmer contrast, with both Chrysalïd and Mark Shepherd offering a different kind of support to the rest of the tour. We will definitely return there again.

Duck and weave. The fight goes on. Even if I never chose this battle, the solidarity shown this past weekend proves that we will triumph.

(Group photo by Anna Fabbri)

https://heathenstorm.com/2024/07/24/trialed-by-fire/

#blackmetal #chrysalid #destroyer666 #dikasterion #doommetal #heavymetal #livemusic #metal #music #necroritual #solstice #tour

Announcing a short run of UK shows for SOLSTICE this July. Heading out on the road with Australian anarchists DESTRÖYER 666 and London Black Metal heretics NECRO RITUAL, this line-up will lay waste to Glasgow and London on the 18th and 20th July. We headline an additional date in Stockport on the 19th with local lads CHRYSALÏD.

The Black Thrashin’ Doom event of the year awaits. Get your tickets in now to get on the list.

18th July 2024

Glasgow
Deströyer 666, Solstice, Necro Ritual

Facebook Event
Tickets from Gigs in Glasgow

19th July 2024

The Spinning Top – Stockport
Solstice, Chrysalïd

Facebook Event

20th July 2024

London
Deströyer 666, Solstice, Necro Ritual

Facebook Event

Email sjalvhat.music(at)gmail.com for tickets

https://heathenstorm.com/2024/06/13/never-surrender/

#blackmetal #chrysalid #destroyer666 #heavymetal #livemusic #metal #music #necroritual #solstice #tour

This weekend, HeathenStorm Productions are proud to escort Sweden’s Mean Filth Riders, Crank, to their debut UK shows.

Featuring members of Nifelheim and Deströyer 666, they will headline their Heavy Biker Rock at London’s infamous Cart and Horses this Friday, followed by a sly opening slot at The Gryphon in Bristol on Saturday.

CRANK ( Members Of Nifelheim & Destroyer 666 ) + IMPERIUM + DESOLATOR | Facebook

INHUMAN NATURE, NINTH REALM (USA), BETRAYERS, & CRANK (SWEDEN) @ THE GRYPHON | Facebook

So come along, grab a beer (or twelve), and listen to Rock and Roll as it’s supposed to be played. Loud and Dirty!

https://heathenstorm.com/2023/10/31/riding-out-into-the-night/

#bikerrock #cartandhorses #crank #destroyer666 #driving #nifelheim #thegryphon #tour