Album Review: Desperate Souls of Tortured Times by Age of Taurus

If you're like me, the album cover of Desperate Souls of Tortured Times by Age of Taurus will trigger something in your leathered brain.Your Candlemass sector will light up, you'll start to think of all those early albums, and salivate. You might not even notice till a half minute later that the name of the band on this album is different and this thing came out in 2013.

Said album is the debut from Age of Taurus, and it was meant to be a studio exercise. But I'm sure that when the band heard the dark magic they were making they decided to get this behemoth out of the studio and into the real world, where they can stand on stage and let the music roll over audiences like a tidal wave of tar.

A Rush of Power kicks the album off with drums, but the poor things are quickly set upon by the baying guitars of Toby Wright and Alastair Riddell. Their six stringers wail for a bit before they lock into a groove that can't scare away the bass guitar of Richard Bruce, who gallops along his slender brothers into the muck and mire. Sinking City is next up, and it manages to be heavier and slower than the track that came before. The vocals are clean, like the NWOBHM bands, (but not operatic) and two songs in you know you're listening to a classic record in the best possible sense. This isn't a derivative album, this isn't simply a slightly altered copy of the classics you have in your collection; this the rare new album that can stand next to them and not be nervous.

I've included Embrace the Stone at the bottom of this page, which is a stand out track. Coming in at a little over eight minutes, the tune walks a slinky baseline and boasts monkish chanted vocals. There is a choir in there too, who float upon the riffs when the mad monk isn't doing his thing.

This is a great headphone album and the fact that the album was intended as a studio project is evident in the choirs and the spoken word pieces that pop up from song to song. Those of a psychedelic bent or who enjoy a bit of prog now and again will appreciate the clear sounding but complex lyrics and the simple flourishes added to the voices. There's a story in here somewhere, like the concept records of yore, but I'm in no shape to go down that path. Check 'em out. ---And because I didn't mention him elsewhere, Daurius Claydon on drums! Well done!

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THE GATES OF SLUMBER Signs To RISE ABOVE RECORDS

Heralded Indianapolis, Indiana doom metal masters THE GATES OF SLUMBER have signed to England's Rise Above Records. The band's as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2008's "Conqueror" is slated for a fall 2009 release.

Commented THE GATES OF SLUMBER frontman Karl Simon: "We're extremely pleased to be signing with Rise Above. The label understands what it is we want to do and shares the vision we have regarding the future of THE GATES OF SLUMBER and what it can become. Much praise was heaped on 'Conqueror'; however in reality I can say that it was just a beginning. We've been working steady for about a year now on the material that will make up our forthcoming record and once it's recorded, expect us to be that 'plague upon the land' we'd hoped to become so long ago as we intend to make the most serious run at touring we've ever made in order to support this new album. Lock up your daughters, lock up your wives, lock up your back door and run for your lives! Be seeing you soon."

The signing of THE GATES OF SLUMBER further bolsters the North American roster of Rise Above — the London based independent record label owned by Lee Dorrian (vocalist of the band CATHEDRAL and original lead singer of NAPALM DEATH) — which has increased its stateside profile of late by also welcoming San Diego prog rockers ASTRA and Toronto doom-psyche band BLOOD CEREMONY to its family of artists.

Weaned on BLACK SABBATH, SAINT VITUS, the melodic might of IRON MAIDEN and a host of classic bands from THIN LIZZY to RAINBOW to MERCYFUL FATE, THE GATES OF SLUMBER draws deep from heavy metal's most powerful blood and delivers doom in its purest form. The band's high-potency live performances have garnered serious word-of-mouth kudos and built it a cult following amongst the die-hard traditional metal/doom community, resulting in fans literally driving hours to catch the band's live sets. The band's debut music video — for the song "Trapped in the Web" — saw considerable TV play on MTV2's long-running "Headbangers Ball" program, generating further excitement about the band.

Rise Above Records Newsletter

From Rise Above Records:

Vinyl Update

Thanks for your patience with the delivery of Blood Ceremony LPs. They finally came in on Monday and we started to send them out on Tuesday. There are currently delays at pressing plants with gatefold sleeves for some reason. What we can say is they turned out really great, so hopefully it has been worth the wait.


We still have quite a few orders to get through, so some of you might have to wait a few more days yet. Sorry for the delay, we are trying to get them out as fast as we can. Anyone who ordered the Electric Wizard/Reverend Bizarre split 12" at the same time as the Blood Ceremony LP, please don`t worry, your orders are safe and will be sent in one package.

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Rise Above Records 20TH Anniversary Show in London

It is with great delight that we can now officially announce the Rise Above Records 20th anniversary show at London`s ULU on Saturday, 13 December. The line-up features a very rare headline performance from Electric Wizard (their first UK performance in several years), who will have an exclusive 12" vinyl on sale only at this gig. 300 copies will be available on the night and will not be on sale anywhere else.


The current line up is; Electric Wizard, Grand Magus, Taint, Gentleman`s Pistols, Diagonal, Moss, Litmus, Serpencult, and Witchsorrow. There is still the possibility of one or two more bands being added.


It`s going to be a great day, so get there early. Doors are 3 pm. Tickets are already on sale and selling fast. They are a mere £15.00 (+booking fee) and are available here.

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Diagonal Album Coming

Progressive prog`s brightest hope is ready to release its majestic self-titled debut album on October 20.


Diagonal Tour Dates
September 6: Hove, UK - St Andrews Church Brighton
November 8: London, UK - Night Of The Long Swords at El Paso`s
November 29: London, UK - Further Weekend, with Polar Bear and Syd Arthur


More dates to be added soon.


www.myspace.com/diagonalband

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Grand Magus at the Gates

Following the glorious success of their fourth album, Iron Will, Grand Magus had the honor of opening up for At the Gates on their forthcoming Swedish dates in Göteborg and Stockholm. They will also be touring Germany in November, with a few UK dates to be added.


Grand Magus Tour Dates
November 10: Frankfurt, Germany - Nachtleben
November 11: Ludwigsburg, Germany - Rockfabrik
November 12: Nürnberg, Germany - Hirsch
November 13: Munich, Germany - Backstage
November 14: Cologne, Germany - Underground
November 15: Berlin, Germany - Knaack
November 16: Hamburg, Germany - Logo
November 17: Essen, Germany - Turock
November 18: Osnabrück, Germany - Bastard Club


www.grandmagus.com

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Blood Ceremony

As mentioned above, the debut album from Blood Ceremony is now available and receiving great reviews everywhere. The last few copies of the die-hard vinyl version are still available but seriously going fast. Plans are currently afoot for the band to hit the UK and Europe for some key shows early next year


www.myspace.com/bloodceremony

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All Hail the SerpentCult

The heaviest band in the history of Belgian metal? We`re struggling to think of one heavier. Imagine frosty doom legends Dream Death playing mid-period style Cathedral rifferama on Goatsnake`s equipment and you`re getting close. The band`s simply crushing debut full-length album, Weight Of Light, will be released on October 6.


As well as performing at the Rise Above anniversary show, SerpentCult will also be playing a handful of UK shows with Grand Magus, yet to be announced.


SerpentCult Tour Dates
November 22: Dortmund, Germany - Days Of Doom Fest at FZW


www.myspace.com/serpentcult

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Cathedral Shows and Album in the New Year

Confirming recent speculation, Cathedral is excited to announce its first live appearances in almost eighteen months! They have just been added to the bill of this years Damnation Festival in Leeds (www.damnationfestival.co.uk) on Saturday, 22 November. They will also appear the following week at the Gunfest in Oslo, which takes place between 27 - 29 November. More details to follow.


The band will shortly begin finalizing material for their ninth studio album, to be released by Nuclear Blast some time in the new year.


A deluxe vinyl/CD edition of In Memoriam is to be released shortly through Rise Above.


Cathedral Tour Dates
November 22: Leeds, UK - Damnation Festival
November 28: Oslo, Norway - Gunfest


www.myspace.com/cathedral

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Litmus

The guys will shortly be putting the finishing touches to their second album. In the mean time they have the following shows lined up:


Litmus Tour Dates
September 20: Colchester, UK - The Twist
September 27: Bath, UK - The Black Swan Festival
October 11: London, UK - The Grosvenor
November 7: London, UK - The Standard Music Venue
December 6: Wales, UK - Hard Rock Hell II at Prestatyn


www.litmusmusic.co.uk

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Witchcraft Accoustic Demons Support Motorhead

Sweden`s coolest have posted an awesome video of an acoustic version of the now legendary track, “No Angel Or Demon.” It can be viewed here.


The guys,currently on the second leg of their US tour, have also been announced as support to Motorhead on their Scandinavian tour in December. Unfortunately this means that they will not be available to play the Rise Above anniversary show on Dec 13.


Witchcraft Tour Dates
September 10: Austin, TX - Red 7, with Graveyard
September 11: Houston, TX - Rudyard`s British Pub, with Graveyard
September 12: New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks, with Graveyard
September 13: Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn, with Graveyard
September 14: Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506, with Graveyard
September 15: Washington, DC - The Rock And Roll Hotel, with Graveyard
September 16: Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda`s, with Graveyard
September 17: New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom, with Graveyard
December 9: Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega, with Motorhead
December 10: Göteborg, Sweden - Scandinavium, with Motorhead
December 12: Karlstad, Sweden - Löfbergs Lila Arena, with Motorhead
December 13: Stockholm, Sweden - Hovet, with Motorhead
December 14: Oslo, Norway - Spektrum, with Motorhead
December 16: Helsinki, Finland - Jaahalli, with Motorhead



More European dates to be added.


www.myspace.com/witchcraftswe

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Astra in Studio

Astounding space proggers Astra are currently putting the finishing touches to their debut full-length album for Rise Above, which is slated for a January 09 release. Artwork is being handled by the fantastic Arik Roper.


www.myspace.com/astrasound

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Gentleman`s Pistols Free London Gig

Yes, the guys are playing a special free show at the Night Of The Long Swords Club (www.myspace.com/longswords) on Saturday, 13 September, held in the basement of El Paso`s, Old Street. Don`t miss it - band should be on stage around 10ish.


Gentleman`s Pistols Tour Dates
September 13: London, UK - El Paso`s
October 19: Leeds, UK - Brainwash Festival at Royal Park Cellars


www.myspace.com/gentlemanspistols
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More Wizard Magik

Electric Wizard is back playing some selective live appearances. Due to the forced cancellation of their appearance at the infamous Roadburn festival earlier this year, the band have rescheduled a show at the 013 Club next week. As well as their forthcoming exclusive UK performance at the Rise Above anniversary show on Dec 13, they are scheduled to play Gunfest in Oslo on Nov 28.

These live shows mark the first appearances of new bassist, Tas.


Electric Wizard Tour Dates
September 12: Tilburg, Holland - Roadburn.com Tenth Anniversary at 013
November 28L Oslo, Norway - Gunfest


www.myspace.com/electricwizarddorsetdoom

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Taint

Keeping busy after their recent UK/Euro stints with Clutch and Neurosis, amongst others, the guys have lined up the following shows:


Taint Tour Dates
September 13: Swansea, UK - Sin City
September 20: Tilburg, Holland - ZXZW Festival at Extase
October 4: Birmingham, UK Meltdown Fest at Barfly
October 24: Newport, UK TJ`S
October 25: Greece - TBA
October 26: Greece - TBA
October 27: Macedonia - TBA
October 28: Greece - TBA
October 29: London, UK - Underworld
October 30: TBA
October 31: Nottingham, UK - The Old Angel
November 1: TBA
November 22: Leeds, UK - Damnation Fest at University


www.myspace.com/taintuk


www.riseaboverecords.com

Rise Above Records Celebrates 20 Years

Electric Wizard and Grand Magus are among the bands that are scheduled to perform at Rise Above Records` 20th anniversary show on Saturday, December 13 at London, England`s ULU.

The billing for the event is shaping up as follows:


Electric Wizard
Grand Magus
Taint
Gentleman`s Pistols
Diagonal
Moss
Serpencult
Litmus


Tickets are on sale now at a mere £15.


Rise Above was founded by one-time Napalm Death and current Cathedral vocalist Lee Dorrian. It is a small but respected British independent label specializing in all things doomy.