Terzij de Horde 12" Vinyl Preorder is Live!

The time is finally here.  The test pressings have been approved by both the band and Antithetic, so we are moving forward with pressing the Terzij de Horde vinyl immediately!  These will be ready to ship by the week of September 12th.  The preorder is now live in our store.  We are going to do another preorder giveaway for this release, similar to our Stained Glass giveaway.  This time we are only offering one prize, but its awesome!  Here are the details:

Preorder the album and you will receive an entry to win the giveaway for each item in your cart (order 5 items, including the TdH vinyl, you have 5 chances to win!)

Winner will be chosen at random, and will receive the following:

-One Test press of the album, #4/15

-The ORIGINAL hand drawn artwork for the latest Terzij de Horde shirts, by Mr Michiel Eikenaar of Dodecahedron. Here's a photo of it, currently hanging on Johan's wall:

and a brief description of the meaning behind the design from the band here:
http://terzijdehorde.blogspot.com/2011/06/my-skinny-body-was-used-to-show-off.html

These guys have great taste, don't they?  Head over to the store to preorder your copy today! 

maudlin of the Well Update - Kayo Dot Newsletter

Greetings again everyone.  If you're signed up to receive the Kayo Dot newsletter, you're probably here to get an update regarding our upcoming maudlin of the Well box set release.  Things have been quiet about this set recently, but trust when I say that its not for lack of progress behind the scenes.  We were just waiting for the right time to divulge some more information.  The time has come!  Here are the details so far, with some secrets revealed, and some still in store for a later date:

-4xLP + 7" Box Set - You read correctly, the set will now be featuring a separate 7" for "The Secret Song"!
-500 sets in total, EVER.  This set will not be repressed.
-High resolution scans of ALL of the original artwork have been recovered and will be used to create all new vinyl sized layouts for these albums, meticulously pieced together by Toby Driver (who hasn't seen this art in a VERY long time himself!)
-Digital download card will be included for both albums
-All audio will be remastered for the vinyl format
-These are being done as a split release (as we've stated before) between Antithetic and Blood Music out of Finland.  US and CANADA buyers will purchase through the Antithetic store, the rest of the world will purchase from the Blood Music storefront.  Please be certain to follow these guidelines!  Any international purchase made in the Antithetic store for this item will be refunded.
-Other goodies: This is still a work in progress as we determine what is feasible to include, and how many copies will include what items.  Possibilities at the moment are a poster, patch, motW shirt, guitar pick, etc.  None of these are set in stone as of yet and will be announced as soon as the final decisions are made.

So as soon as we finalize these last few items and can nail down the price, we will start taking preorders for this item.  Please bear in mind that this will likely be $65-70 depending on the final feature set.  Since this is such a huge undertaking, we will kindly ask for your patience once your order has been placed!  In order to make this a reality, we will need to sell roughly 175 sets through each store (Antithetic and Blood Music).  I don't believe this is an unreasonable goal at all, considering the overwhelming response we've received regarding this set so far.  We thank you for your patience thus far, and are thrilled to finally be moving this set forward!

More soon.

-Shawn

Terzij de Horde Band Profile

I know that there are probably a lot of people here in the US that aren't familiar with Terzij de Horde.  Its understandable, being that they are a relatively young band from the Netherlands, you almost have to be actively looking for information on them to find them.  Well I wanted to give everyone an idea of what they're about, and I'm going to compile a list of reviews for you to check out.  

First off, I just have to say that these are some of the coolest guys I've ever had the pleasure of working with.  It's a real shame that we live thousands of miles away from each other, because I know if there wasn't an entire ocean between us, we'd hang out on a regular basis.  I'm not saying that the personalities of a band's members needs to reflect in their music, or that it even matters to the people who listen, but it sure makes me feel good to be working with them and supporting their efforts. As I've said before, they are truly top notch guys.

I recently asked the band to describe their sound and their main influences on their debut album.  Here's what they had to say:

Johan (Bass) - "The main influence here was Deathspell Omega, we used the record "Kenose" as the audio focal point. Furthermore, Neil Perry, Wolves in the Throne Room, Khanate, Taake, Converge and 16 Horsepower. Those are the bands I'd really like to mention here."

Richard (Drums) in response to Johan - "Those are indeed bands we 'used' as an influence for this record, Not really anything to add, maybe just the musical styles we use as inspiration and maybe to add: Funeral Mist, (old) Lifelover, Circle Takes the Square and (old) Shining, but those are more bands that inspired us, not really bands that have a thing in common. So with the bands already listed i guess we have a good amount of bands that will give people an idea how we sound and what we are like. Most important are: DsO, Wolves, Khanate, Altar of Plauges and 16 horsepower in my opinion."

So there you have it, straight from the mouths of the blackened beasts themselves.  I would also like to add Thou to their list, as the doom passages on the album are definitely reminiscent of the Baton Rouge sludge masters.  Now, here are some reviews:

LURKERS PATH (too cvlt for scoring)

Metalstorm - 7.4/10

Metal Review - 9/10

Sputnik Music- 4.0/5.0

The Metal Crypt - 4.22/5.0

The Metal Observer - 8.5/10

Metal Rage - 86%

Don't Count On It - 7/10

Lastly, I'd like to leave you with an interview with Johan (Bass) and Stefan (Guitar) that originally printed in Dutch, but was kindly translated to English for my enjoyment by Johan, and I want to share it with all of you:

THE TRVE FACE OF BLACK METAL 

Because of a criminal past the genre Black Metal has been struggling with a persistent image problem. Too bad, says the American photographer Grant Willing. In his photo series Svart Metall, now on show at Foam, he shows the themes on which black metal is based. Mission accomplished? CJP visited the expo metal band with two members of Terzij de Horde.

Until the late eighties, the world of metal revolves around one question: who can play the most quickly and the loudest? Slayer and Metallica with their Thrash Metal have a good chance. Until Death and Morbid Angel come around with gurgling horror texts on a bed of heavy chords. They call it Death Metal and so it seems, the limits of the possible are achieved.
Screaming about Satan

Seems. For in Norway, bands like Mayhem and Burzum are referred to as Black Metal, and they go one step further. Roaring about horror becomes screaming about Satan and the end of time. No music to laugh aboout and to emphasize that, churches are burned and people killed. Crimes that every metal fan with a mind does not want, but the tone is set. Black Metal has become synonymous with the criminal acts of a group of madmen.
And photographer Grant Willing (1987) feels that that's put too bluntly. As a fan of the genre he listens and looks beyond the sad events of the past. Black Metal is for him Norse mythology, rugged nature, winter and occultism. In his exhibition Svart Metall he hopes to show the underlying themes of the Black Metal subculture. Dark, unruly, but not violent or criminal.


Battered and Bruised.

 The band Terzij de Horde can find themselves in this. Genre: Black Metal / Screamo / Shoegaze's on their MySpace profile. "We combine the energy  and intensity of Black Metal with different styles," explains guitarist Stefan Hayes (35).
Content is paramount. Terzij de Horde wants nothing to do with corpse paint, black leather clothing and medieval weaponry that the average Black Metal band adorns themselves with. "The audience often thinks that we are a bunch of hipsters. Until we begin to count down and play, " laughs bassist Johan van Hattum (29). A show is successful if the audience picks itself up off the floor, battered and bruised.

John: "Herein lies a major difference from traditional black metal in which nihilism is central. Our music sounds like the world set aflame, but with the intention to build something more beautiful." No wonder the band sings in their song Non Timetis Messor 'The function of one is to live, not to exist . 'Johan:' We advocate a conscious lifestyle. Living with heart and soul, not on autopilot. "
And with that, the band already wipes the floor with the prejudice that Black Metal is simply intended as a soundtrack to the apocalypse. Let's see what insights Mr. Grant Willing is able to offer through his Svart Metall. 

Stefan (S) and Johan (J) selected five photographs from the series. 

Picture one:

Stefan: "This could actually be a record sleeve. Slap a logo on it and you're done. This powerful photo shows the atmosphere of gloomy and unspoilt nature. Norway is known for its harsh climate and therefore it is a breeding ground for traditional Black Metal. But America also has similar areas. Cascadia, spread across Oregon and further, is one such place. It's almost always raining. Black Metal from the region is called Cascadian Black Metal and emphasizes respect and admiration for nature. "
Johan: "The Netherlands has no great areas of wilderness, but during a tour in Ireland we found some. I found it overwhelming. "
Stefan: "Walking through a field, with no trails or signs, gives a sense of freedom. You decide where you go. That individualism, which is different from selfishness, is reflected in Black Metal. The starting point is not God, but you yourself determine the course of your life. "

Stefan: "This picture intrigues me, because you do not know where it is and what it is. It looks like a cellar where something's wrong... It reminds me of Helvete (Norwegian for Hell), in the nineties a major record store and meeting place for Black Metal bands. It was so dark there you could not even see which records were sold. "
Johan: "The more you look at the picture, the more you see. So I see a tiny white speck, it looks like a heart, or a kind of light in the tunnel. That makes the picture more subtle and intrigueing. "

Johan: "This person is entirely disjointed from the outside world. The picture seems to fade even towards the left. I find that impressively done. Especially the spine and the long hair are grabbing my attention. Vehemently so. "
Stefan: "I am myself quite melancholic, but this image goes beyond that. More like depression. I get an indeterminate feeling. I think that is craftily done of the photographer. "

Johan: "I see a very intense darkness containing one bright spot. If you  would have to capture Terzij the Horde in a picture, this picture would go a long way. The leaves provide a striking contrast to the light and seem to grow. I find it very beautiful. "

Stefan: "It reminds me of Under a Funeral Moon, an album by the Norwegian Black Metal band Darkthrone. They have legendary music, but rarely performed. Going to a concert and enjoying yourself in their eyes clashed with the nihilism of Black Metal. You can make of it what you want, but they are not hypocrites. "

Stefan: "One gets confidence from the church, the other from nature or the self. This picture shows that. Religion might answer people's questions, but   in my eyes, it stops them from thinking for themselves sometimes. Personally, I strive to keep asking questions to myself and to continue to develop. In the picture, nature seems to suppress the church, an image that is certainly fitting to modern and our black metal . "
Johan: "Consciously challenge yourself and question everything. That's an important message to both the band and myself. I am an English teacher and find nothing worse than a student who says they vote for a certain party because his father does. I try to teach my students that they must make their own choices. "
 Mission accomplishedAnd? Has Grant Willing managed to show the true face of Black Metal? Applicably over a bottle of Duvel, Stefan and Johan draw their conclusions.
(Note of the translator: Duvel is strong, Belgian beer, really good beer too, and translates as the Devil.FYI:))

Stefan: "The photographer has surprised me. I expected that he would choose an easier way, for example by shooting inverted crosses and other clichés. Good to see that he has really gone into the genre and captured the essence of Black Metal . So, yes, mission accomplished. "
Johan: "I agree with that. I found it much deeper and more impressive than I expected. For fans of the genre, this series is a must. But I hope that people who know nothing about the expo visit Black Metal. By studying this, they may change their view on a movement of which they now think it is just noise. "

So there you have it.  Now you are well versed in all things TdH.  If you haven't listened to their debut yet (for shame!) you should definitely do so now.  Preorder details for the vinyl will be coming very soon!  Test pressings will be in my hands this Thursday!

More Exciting Updates!

Last week saw the arrival of the Stained Glass records, which was very exciting.  All the preorders have been packed and shipped, and its time for some updates on our next two releases.  We will have the test pressings for the Terzij de Horde album in hand this week, and if all goes well, they'll be approved next week and put into production!  We're cooking up another great preorder giveaway for this one, so get ready!  Also be on the lookout for news on the upcoming split between Terzij de Horde and Starve, which will be out this fall as well.  They just completed the first recording session, and will finish up in a couple weeks.  Stay up to date with them on their thoroughly up to date blog here: http://terzijdehorde.blogspot.com/  I'll try to get copies for our distro section when the vinyl is finished.  I've heard an instrumental version of the new 14+ min track and its phenomenal.  It ranges from very mellow and calm to extremely intense, and the ending is nothing short of amazing.  Cannot wait to hear the finished product, and to see what these guys will do on their full length.

Next up is the brand new East of the Wall 2xLP "The Apologist".  All the artwork is complete, the 24/96 vinyl audio masters are finished, and everything has been sent off to the pressing plant.  This will see a release on October 26th along with the digital/CD version through Translation Loss records.  We will be offering a preorder on the vinyl alongside TL's CD version.  More details and dates will be posted soon.  Just bear in mind, after listening to the digital version 5-6 times, I finally listened to the vinyl master on my reference monitors in my studio, and all I have to say is you are seriously missing out if you don't have a turntable!!  Don't sleep on this, I have a feeling these are going to fly.

I'll post some images of the cover art and the vinyl packaging very soon!  These are going to be badass.

Stained Glass Viny Pictures

Now that the Stained Glass vinyl has finally arrived, its time to share some pictures of the finished product!  Enjoy.  For those of you who were waiting to order until it was in stock and ready to ship, now is the time!  There are only a handful of the Black/100 hand numbered copies left.  Every sale goes toward our upcoming releases!  Thanks for your support.

Sebastian, Protector of the vinyl.

Kayo Dot - Stained Glass Preorder Contest Winners

With the arrival of the Kayo Dot - Stained Glass records today, the preorder contest has officially come to a close.  I listed all of the orders for the album and numbered each copy ordered, then plugged this list into random.org's random list generator.  Here are the results:

1. Grand Prize Winner - Phil Tabaka from Maryville, Illinois

2. Runner Up Winner - Markus Petak from Hamburg, Germany

Congratulations to both Phil and Markus!  We have sent you both an email to alert you of your winnings.  We want to thank each and every person who preordered this album.  We greatly appreciate your support.  Thanks, and stay tuned for another giveaway for our next release by Terzij de Horde!!

Wildernessking Interview with Metal 4 Africa

An excellent interview with Keenan of Wildernessking has been posted on Metal 4 Africa.  In it, they discuss the band's recent name change, what direction they are going with their music, and what to expect from their upcoming full length.  We're incredibly proud to be working with this band.  I've had the pleasure of hearing one demo and it is fantastic.  I can only imagine how good the rest of the album is going to be. 

Their debut full length "The Writing of Gods in the Sand" will be out this fall on limited CD and 2xLP. 

Also, check out that awesome alternate logo! Also drawn by the always awesome Black Uroborus.

Kayo Dot - Stained Glass 12" Pre-order is Live!

http://antitheticrecords.storenvy.com/  Title says it all.

LURKERS PATH Interview

A quick and very exciting update!  LURKERS PATH recently did an interview with our label, and has posted it here: Antithetic Records Interview  They are also offering yet another way for you to win a FREE TEST PRESS of Stained Glass!  After reading the article, post a comment explaining how you heard of our label and what release you're looking forward to most.  The contest will be open until the records are in hand and ready to ship.  Enjoy!

Releases Confirmed for the Rest of 2011 (aka The Motherload)

Things have been incredibly busy and exciting over the last two months for our little label.  We are scheduled to have not one, not two, not three, but seven (7!) more releases either starting or shipping out between now and the end of 2011!  Here's a run down of what's to come:

ANTI-002 - Kayo Dot "Stained Glass" 12" EP (500 copies, 180 gram, 3 colors, 11x11 insert, 11x17 poster) - Preorder late June, Shipping early July.  Don't forget about the preorder giveaway!!!  Here are some pictures of the prizes:

Grand Prize - Artwork & Test Press #5/15:

Runner Up Prize - Test Press #6/15:

Remember, preorder this and get a change to win the original poster art hand painted by Toby Driver and a test press!  If you like to order multiple colors, each copy will get you an additional entry.  We're also giving away a test press to the runner up.  The two test pressings being given away are the lowest numbers of the available group.  There are 15 total, #1-4 are in the hands of the labels/band.

ANTI-003 - Terzij de Horde "A Rage of Rapture Against the Dying of the Light" 12" EP (500 copies, 180 gram vinyl (2 colorways), Gatefold jacket w/ revamped artwork) Shipping September/October.  These guys were brought to my attention by our friends at Lurkers Path, and we couldn't be happier to have found them.  They play some intense and furious black metal with doom and hardcore influences. If you've never heard them before, you're in for an unforgettable listen:
Terzij de Horde -  A Rage of Rapture Against the Dying of the Light

ANTI-004 - East of the Wall "The Apologist" 2xLP (Just confirmed!! This will likely be 500 copies, 180 gram, Gatefold jackets) Shipping October to coincide with the digital and CD release on Translation Loss.  The Apologist sees East of the Wall writing their first complete album worth of material with this current lineup.  Technical, proggy, and everything in between.  They will be touring this fall w/ Iron Thrones in support of the album.  Don't sleep on this!

ANTI-005 - The Postman Syndrome "Terraforming" 2xLP (500 copies, 180 gram black vinyl, Gatefold jacket, completely revamped artwork) Really want this one to ship along with The Apologist, all depends if the art will be ready.  Stay tuned!

ANTI-006 - Wildernessking "The Writing of Gods in the Sand" 2xLP (100 copies on CD, 500 copies on 180 gram vinyl, gatefold jacket, 11x17 poster) Recording is taking place this month, hope to have the CD's out in October, followed by the vinyl in November/December. 

This post is in conjunction with the unveiling of Wildernessking's new name and logo (seen above).  Previously they went by the name Heathens (listen to their single "Morning").  They have a new Facebook page and will be creating a new bandcamp page as well.  We are proud to be working with such an excellent group of musicians.  Here is a note from the band regarding the new name, logo & album:

"As some of you might know, we are or were in the process of changing our name. We have done so and are now called Wildernessking. The music has expanded and matured, and we feel that what we’re creating is better suited under a new moniker; more specifically our new moniker. The logo was designed by the talented Stephen Wilson of Black Uroborus (http://www.blackuroborus.com/).

We’ve landed a distribution deal with a great independent label called Antithetic Records who recently put out vinyl only releases for Kayo Dot and Maudlin of the Well. Our album will be released on both CD and vinyl and will clock in around 50 minutes. Cover artist and album release details to be revealed next month. For now, here’s the track listing for The Writing of Gods in the Sand:

Rubicon (The Fleeting Vessel)

Discovery (Chasing the Gods)

River (Nectar of Earth)

Utopia (Throne of Earth)

Surrender (The Ages)

Reveal (Nightfall)

Infinity (And the Dream Continues…)

It’s a little saddening to close the brief chapter that was Heathens, but we’re more than delighted to open a new book. Trust us; it’s a much better read.

Jason, Dylan, Jesse and Keenan

(20-06-2011)

“These are the times of change from the roots to our veins”

ANTI-007 & 8 - maudlin of the Well "Bath & Leaving Your Body Map" 4xLP Box Set.  (Tentatively going to be 300 copies, as a split release between Antithetic Records and Blood Music out of Finland. This will help all the international buyers save on import fees since this thing will be heavy!) This box is still very real, and is on target to start production by the start of November.  This will put a release date on this of December or January.  You will be floored when you hear the final details.  This is going to be MASSIVE.  We'll need to start preorders very early on this one to make it happen.  Rally!

ANTI-009 - Young And In The Way "V." EP (10", 250 copies, 180 gram colored vinyl, embossed jackets) I got in touch with the band about possibly working with them in the future, and it just so happens that they are working on a new EP that will be recorded this summer/fall.  This will be out by the end of the year. YAITW are such a great band, and we're stoked to be working with them on this release!!!  New to their music?  Check out their full length here:
Young And In The Way - I Am Not What I Am

So there you have it.  One hell of an upcoming release schedule, if I do say so myself.  Get excited, the Stained Glass preorder date will be announced this week (as long as the tests are approved!).  Then its a whirlwind of awesome releases straight through to the end of the year!!!