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HATCHET RELEASE FIRST NEW SONG IN 5 YEARS WITH “LEAVE NO SOUL”
Listen Now On All Streaming/Download Platforms or View the Video
Things have been too quiet on the HATCHET front. The Bay Area metal band arguably produced some of the best new thrash of the 2010s, along with some relentless high energy live shows. Outside of the ‘Awaiting Evil’ debut vinyl reissue last year fans have been demanding more. Well, wishes are heard and another punch is struck with today’s release of “Leave No Soul.” The song can be heard via all streaming/download platforms, or check out the video, created by Tsunami Films (Blessed Curse, Tegmentum, Apothesary) HERE
“Well kids, it's that time of year again... or rather that time in 5 years for us! That's right - New HATCHET material is finally here!” exclaims HATCHET vocalist/guitarist Julz Ramos. “It's hard to believe it's been that long since we released something. Time certainly is flying by faster than we all realize. Especially in these last couple of years of what some consider a changing of times or even a global crisis. Now the world is watching several violent invasion style wars that have just begun or are possibly continuations if you look back far enough. Seems mankind is constantly at odds with itself for trivial reasons. Does it ever get better? Or worse for that matter? Is this how it has always been and will always be? I found my mind drifting to these questions while spending lots of isolated time throughout the 2020-22 period, as much of the world did. This was the period of actually writing and tracking of this and some other songs which we will released on an upcoming EP.”
“As a band this EP process was a challenge for several reasons. One being the odd way of completing it through several online and zoom style sessions to try and convey thoughts etc. Also due to a couple of us relocating our living situations, so meeting in person had become more difficult. This would attribute to several recording sessions of just 2 or 3 of us being present but unfortunately never all 4 of us at the same time,” further elaborates Julz. “You can do a lot with the internet, file sharing and home recording but for me there is something about being in-person with all 4 members and having some open-ended time to discuss and collectively arrange/write music that you just can't get through the computer. Also spending that much time on something makes you overanalyze and eventually rework things you might not have with a shorter yet more organic in-person feel. Overall, I think this came out great, but the process was much more drawn-out this time, and I don't think any of us enjoyed that part.”
“Yet, sitting back listening to it all, it still puts a huge smile on my face, and I hope all of you out there who have been waiting. I don't really know what that all means. Maybe you can tell me?”
So now you’ve heard the genesis and evolvement of this long gestating track, which we are proud to release, and to know Julz and the rest of HATCHET have more new stuff coming up in 2024 with an eventual EP release. Till more info is shared just enjoy “Leave No Soul” and spread the word.
HATCHET was formed in 2006 by teenagers that shared a mutual love for the bands that built their hometown Bay Area metal scene two decades prior. Bands such as Testament, Exodus, and the early work of then-Bay Area transplants Metallica infused the initial blueprint that informed HATCHET's sound. Signing to Metal Blade Records the group released ‘Awaiting Evil’ in 2008, followed by the release of three more albums on different labels – 2013's “Dawn of the End,” 2015's “Fear Beyond Lunacy,” and 2018's “Dying to Exist.” The group has also cemented their status as a live powerhouse, performing alongside acts such as Trivium, Soilwork, Flotsam and Jetsam, Metal Church, Raven, Warbringer, Misfits’ Doyle, Jeff Loomis, Kataklysm, Krisiun, Havok and Exmortus.
GOD FORBID Reissue Campaign Continues With The Release of ‘Earthsblood’
Limited 2LP Colored Vinyl Out January 26th
We are pleased to announce the fourth reissue collaboration from seminal New Wave of American Heavy Metal group GOD FORBID. January 26, 2024 marks the release of the oft-inquired re-release of ‘Earthsblood,’ the group’s 2009 Century Media record. This marks the first time that ‘Earthsblood’ will be on vinyl and we’re excited to present the album as a 2LP specially colored ‘terrae sanguinem’ edition, limited to only 600 copies. Like the other reissues this one too will include an expanded layout with added photos re-designed by original A+R man and graphic designer Tom Bejgrowicz (Misfits, Beastie Boys, Bad Brains) along with personal liner notes this time from drummer Corey Pierce. In addition, two bonus tracks “Stockholm Syndrome” and “Static Signal” have been added for over 60 minutes of music.
Pre-Orders are available now so check HERE for ordering options, or demand your local retailer bring in a copy to their store.
"I couldn't be more excited to announce the release of God Forbid's last album released on Century Media, ‘Earthsblood.’ This is also the final album featuring the classic lineup with guitarist and backing vocalist, Dallas Coyle, and the first time we worked with the incredibly talented graphic designer, Gustavo Sazes,” states guitarist Doc Coyle. “’Earthsblood’ has never been available on vinyl, so this is a monumental opportunity for fans. I feel like this is GOD FORBID’s most underrated album. It is the most progressive and adventurous album the band ever made, and being able to experience it in this format will give it a new life."
“Earthsblood” was produced by Eric Rachel (Every Time I Die, Black Dahlia Murder, Municipal Waste) and Christian Olde-Wolbers (bassist for Fear Factory, Cypress Hill and Vio-lence), along with a mix by Jens Bogren (At The Gates, Opeth, Amon Amarth). It includes guest appearances from Symphony’X’s guitarist Michael Romeo and keyboardist Michael Pinella. And as Doc pointed out, the album features the artwork of Gustavo Sazes (Arch Enemy, Cynic, Exodus). Check out the video for “War of Attrition” HERE.
God Forbid supported this album touring with Lamb of God across the US and Canada, as well as being part of the Rockstar Mayhem Festival tour with Slayer, Marilyn Manson, Trivium, Bullet For My Valentine, Cannibal Corpse, and All that Remains.
SHADOWS FALL ‘THE WAR WITHIN’ VARIANT VINYL REISSUE OUT JAN. 12th
Pre-Order New Wave of American Heavy Metal pioneers classic album on limited colored vinyl
While we released a limited Record Store Day pressing of SHADOWS FALL’s popular ‘The War Within’ last April, demand continues and many fans were left struggling to find a copy. Next year, January 12th to be exact, we’re pleased to present a 20th Anniversary limited variant vinyl version (this time on red/grey swirl) that will be available to all retailers as well as through Bandcamp and our label site’s webstore where pre-orders are going on now HERE. You won’t want to miss this second opportunity to pick up a copy of the classic and well-regarded album, especially as it’s limited to just 500 copies with no plans for a future represses.
The reissue came out really nice featuring expanded packaging, designed by original A+R guy Tom Bejgrowicz (Misfits, Beastie Boys, Bad Brains), including an 8-page LP sized insert featuring liner notes, extra photos and interviews with every band member.
"Still blows my mind that we are celebrating two decades since the release of ‘The War Within.’ This record changed everything for us as a band and to me was a major step towards creating the music we had always wanted to hear. It showcases everything we do well as a band and balances all of the influences we had at the time,” states singer Brian Fair. “As an obsessive collector of vinyl myself, I am very excited about a new color variant of the vinyl reissue! This will be dropping January 12th, 2024 so pre-order now or plan on grabbing one at your favorite local record store. There is nothing more metal than literally carving the music into the surface of an object with a blade so grab a copy of ‘The War Within’ on vinyl and crank it as metal was meant to be listened to!"
To celebrate the anniversary SHADOWS FALL have a special headliner anniversary March 16th at The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ. Additionally, the band have already been announced for next year’s Welcome to Rockville festival in Daytona Beach, FL performing May 12th a day which also includes performances by Slipknot, Evanescence, Black Veil Brides, Sum 41, Atreyu, Fear Factory and more.
SHADOWS FALL are the famed originators of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal alongside Lamb of God and Killswitch Engage. Upon its original release ‘The War Within’ entered the Billboard charts at #20 and has sold well over 400,000 units. The band were nominated for a Grammy for Best Metal Performance and featured on Guitar Hero 2. Four music videos were released from the album, including “Enlighted by the Cold,” “What Drives the Weak,” “The Power of I and I,” and “Inspiration on Demand.” Touring for the album included OzzFest, tours with Slipknot and Lamb Of God and headliners with support from DamagePlan, The Haunted, Candiria, All That Remains, and As I Lay Dying.
