Dear friends, weekend is upon us and to lift your spirit up even further, we have for you another five acts from the roster of the upcoming 11th installment of our/your Czech metal feast. We are remaining in extreme metal waters, though traversing towards black, or even post-black and sludge-doom spheres!

So, get ready for:

ARALLU (il)

Uncompromising metal storm incoming! That being our good old friends from Israel, who made their debut on MetalGate Czech Death Fest 2016 with such vehemence that those involved in the then afternoon circle pit may still be spinning. Most probably recovered by now, so it is time to call upon these warriors once again. In the meantime, ARALLU managed quite a lot: two European tours, a deal with the Indian label Transcending Obscurity, and the release (under TO) of their sixth full-length entitled, appropriately, “Six”. The band stays true to their sound on this piece, which means solid black/thrash metal, spiced with traditional Middle Eastern instruments, such as Saz or Darbouka, resulting in kick-ass battle hymns that do not lack in metal ferocity and Oriental charm. Get ready!

1914 (ua)

There are many ways of how to name a band that in their lyrics focuses solely on WWI, with one of the most precise options being the year at which this giant meet grinder was first set into motion. Exactly such was the reasoning of the regiment from Lviv in Ukraine, so who is already missing the Czech marching company Antigod that explores the same tragic period of history, should now pay extra attention. For even in 2019, the horrors of the Great War shall resurface with 1914, whose sound is a powerful combination of black metal, sludge and oldschool death. Their lyrics then explore not only all the infamous battles, but also the commonplace misery of trench war, during which every meter of advance was paid for with thousands of lives on both sides with actual gains being all but insignificant. And it is primarily this angle that is the focal point of 1914. As they say themselves: “It’s neither about politics, nor about propaganda – it’s just war, trenches, fear, hopelessness and endless death around of you.” On MGCDF 2019 the band shall present their latest second full-length “The Blind Leading the Blind”, so get ready for an intense summer offensive that shall take you to places where death is absurd and life even more so.

KUAR NHIAL (be)

Belgian post-black/sludge gem that was at the onset of 2018 still hidden in the underground of their home city of Ghent. By Spring however, the wheels are finally set into motion with first live shows and preparations for a debut creation. Soon after the band caught the attention of ConSouling Records, under which their eponymous debut EP is released on November 9, presenting a striking sound of dark guitar riffs, massive bass lines, complex drums and vocals rising from the deepest abyss. The outcome reflects the innermost layers of human psyche, where positivity is of course not the order of the day. And this is precisely what to expect from KUAR NHIAL on MGCDF. Never mind the bone chilling freeze and the sun turning black during their show, for this darkened existential beauty is something you cannot miss.

HNUS UMÍRAJÍCÍ (cz)

Prague-based black-doom act, established by former members of !Úl, Balaclava, Projekt Parabelum, Let Them Burn and N.W.O. as a response to the stagnant waters of the Czech black metal scene. HNUS UMÍRAJÍCÍ builds on energetic live shows, and supports all independent, underground and DIY activities, as well as all human and animal rights organizations. During a relatively short period of activity, the band not only already appeared alongside Harakiri For The Sky, Anomalie, Root or Malignant Tumour, but also struck festival stages, like Junktown, Žižkovská noc or Basinfire Fest. And MetalGate Czech Death Fest is next. So, do not miss their mix of atmospheric and unorthodox black metal and positive HC/punk attitude!

DUSTBORN (cz)

Those who follow Czech black metal scene most likely registered the departure of three members from Desire For Sorrow in 2017. These three did not however remain idle for long and soon after established the symphonic blackened death metal act DUSTBORN that consolidated by the end of 2017 and began recording first songs, released recently as four digital singles. The band is currently preparing their first EP, as well as a debut full-length, which is to be recorded in March next year. On MGCDF 2019 DUSTBORN promises a show based primarily on brand new songs, but the previous proven ones will surely not be left on the side.

Enjoy and more next time!