Dear friends, another five bands confirmed for the upcoming 12th installment of our/your Czech metal feast are here! This time we are adding names both from abroad and from the Czech scene, and also music-wise it is a rather diverse bunch. So, get ready for:
CARONTE (it)
CARONTE (the Italian name for Charon, the mythical ferryman in the underworld) was established in 2010 by the vocalist Dorian Bones. This heavy acid-doom metal act infuses their music with occultism, esotericism and the work of the mage Aleister Crowley, to whom the first of the thus far three CARONTE full-lengths was dedicated. With their latest album “Wolves of Thelema”, released December 7, these gentlemen open a new chapter in their musical vision, as this piece summons forces from truly otherworldly dimensions and takes its listener on a grand occult pilgrimage to the most mysterious recesses of the cosmos. CARONTE intend to properly introduce this obscure recording on a January tour alongside Enthroned, while we will have the opportunity in June, when this mystical doom-stoner piece will sound on MGCDF 2020.
VOLTUMNA (it)
The Etruscans were an ethnic group that inhabited Italy (primarily the area of present-day Tuscany, which in fact is named after what the Romans called the Etruscans) approx. from 900 to 100 B.C. when they were gradually assimilated into the growing Roman Empire. Why such a historical lesson you ask? Because it is the Etruscans and their culture that is the primary source of inspiration of the Italian horde VOLTUMNA, which we welcomed on MGCDF already once in 2016. In the current line-up of Haruspex, Augur Veii and Phersu, the band follows a path of esoteric wisdom and traditional heritage that is a source of unending fascination and permeates the entirety of their lyrics. The musical aspect is then characterized by a furious combination of black and death metal. Such particular concoction of music and thematic concept brought VOLTUMNA to support such icons as Nile, Aborym or Hour Of Penance, as well as to perform on notable festivals worldwide. That this act is currently in a great shape is evident not only from the critically acclaimed full-length “Dodecapoli” (2017), but also from the upcoming new release “Ciclope” that is to come out on Friday 13th, and about which the critics offer nothing but praise. On the technical and melodic side, “Ciclope” represents great progress, without sacrificing the overall band concept. All fans of ancient civilizations and histories, of myths and folklore should thus be on the lookout. Same goes for those who fancy such forms of extreme metal, as VOLTUMNA is the right choice for all of you!
MATER MONSTIFERA (cz)
MATER MONSTIFERA from South Bohemia may be known to those who fancy atmospheric black metal. Active since 2000, the band emphasizes from the very beginning the use of keyboards that build up the mystical atmosphere that is the signature of MATER MONSTIFERA. Another signature element is the use of the mother tongue, which within the genre is indeed unusual. Throughout their career, the band played numerous shows in Czech Republic and in the immediate vicinity, as well as released three full-lengths – “Zrozen z hříchu” (2005), “Na zrcadlech lží” (2011) and so far latest “Vězení bizarních bohů” (2017). Recorded as usual in the Prodigy Studio, the current album revolves around catchy melodies that quickly get under your skin, as well as fantasy themes that reference various stories about the netherworld and vampirism. We thus recommend their appearance on MGCDF to all who enjoy the fine mix of black metal and dark romanticism.
ARCH OF HELL (cz)
One of the foremost bands of the Brno metal scene that is at the same time at the forefront of Czech melodic-death metal-metalcore. Such are ARCH OF HELL. Established in 2006 more as a symphonic metal act, the band gradually moved towards a more modern and harder metal sound, which is clear already on the latest album “Freakshow” from 2016. Their current style is based on hard guitar riffs of the excellent tandem Kozdič-Childy, the melodic lines of the keyboard player Molly and on the contrast of two distinct vocals – the clean ones of the frontwoman Terka and the harsh ones of the forceful Štěpi. And we are sure that similar approach will mark also the new full-length of AoH that should be released before MGCDF 2020, which means that in June, we will get to enjoy not only the new stuff, but also the energetic performance that only ARCH OF HELL can deliver.
INNERSPHERE (cz)
Representing Pilsen on MGCDF is the young and promising guys from INNERSPHERE. This act was established towards the end of 2015 by the guitarists Míra Litomerický and Tomáš Sršeň, and reached a full line-up in Spring 2016, thus being able to release their first offering, entitled simply “EP”. Already here gravitates the style of INNERSPHERE towards melodic death metal, though with notable influence from other subgenres, such as thrash, black or heavy metal. Shortly thereafter, the work began on a true debut album, with the band approaching the composition with the utmost care and responsibility, leaving nothing to chance. Given that, the debut full-length “Amnesia” appeared some years later, in April 2018. It was certainly worth the wait, and the INNERSPHERE’s debut gained wide acclaim, not only for its quality soundtrack that reached a more aggressive form, but also for the dark tale it tells that revolves around a self-sacrifice in the name of a true love, which goes in the vein of the finest tradition of literary Romanticism. Recently, the band toured alongside Nahum and Purnama on “Within Destruction Tour”, showcasing their qualities far and wide. Admittedly, the guys are at full strength and deserve your attention, including on MGCDF 2020!
Enjoy!