Don’t know about you, but May 18 sounds like the distant future to me. It’s not. I guess somehow I just missed all of April and it’s still March in my head, despite the semi-decent weather. I don’t know. Either way, it’s just a little over two weeks until the new Age of Taurus album, The Colony Slain, is released on Rise Above Records, and they’ve got  new track called “In Dreams We Die” streaming now that’s rife with trad-doomly righteousness. It’s been five years since they put out their debut full-length, Desperate Souls of Tortured Times, and though I haven’t heard the full-record yet, the single certainly sounds invigorated. You know, at least as far as doom goes.

The PR wire has info. Audio’s at the bottom. You know how we do:

Age Of Taurus To Release “The Colony Slain” May 18th via Rise Above Records – First Single Streaming

“Many centuries ago, when the world was slightly younger and a little less ravaged by time’s unrelenting grasp, there existed a sprawling empire of unrivalled power. Yet, whilst its might and influence stretched across great oceans and through vast mountain ranges, its immense dominion was born not out of prosperity and industry, but from rampant fear and blind obedience…”

So begins the arcane tale behind The Colony Slain, the second full-length album from doom metal diehards Age Of Taurus. The album is set for release May 18th via Rise Above Records.

Nearly five years on from the release of acclaimed debut Desperate Souls Of Tortured Times, singer/guitarist and conceptual mastermind Toby W. Wright is ready to unveil a new, ultra-dramatic chapter in the turbulent saga of the Taurean Empire. Showcasing a new line-up featuring new bassist Leo Smee (With The Dead/ex-Cathedral) alongside Wright, drummer Darius Claydon and most recent recruit, guitarist Daniel Knight, The Colony Slain is the sound of a great band reborn in heavy metal glory.

Formed in 2009, Age Of Taurus have already established themselves as a doggedly unique force within the modern world of doom. Ever the stubborn mavericks, they have once again conjured a collection of songs that defy lazy notions of doom metal as a one-dimensional creative cul-de-sac. Still rooted in the rumbling sonic bedrock of Trouble, Candlemass and Sabbath but increasingly steeped in the gritty swagger of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal and in thrall to numerous left-field, progressive ideas, songs like fiery opener Taken To The Tower and the rampaging In Dream We Die eschew the languorous repetition of much modern doom in favour of subtly elaborate song structures that proudly salute the spirit of old school heavy metal. With nods to everything from radio-friendly hard rock to gritty crossover thrash, The Colony Slain is a flat-out celebration of the metal code.

Rejuvenated and refocused, Age Of Taurus have returned from the wilderness bearing the most potent of gifts. Living, breathing, thunderous proof of doom’s timeless allure and the inspirational power of the riff, The Colony Slain brings past, present and future together in a riot of heartfelt heaviness and, as the story says, unrivalled power. A new age is dawning and this story never ends…

The Colony Slain Track Listing:
1. From the Hills to the Halls
2. Taken to the Tower
3. The Trial of Blackwynn Chaise
4. In Dreams We Die
5. The Lost Garrison
6. Beyond the Westward Path
7. For Treason We Rise
8. The Walls Have Ears
9. To Seal a Mountain
10. As Ice Into Blood
11. The Colony Slain

Age of Taurus is:
Toby Wright – Vocals/Guitar
Leo Smee – Bass & Synthesizers
Darius Claydon – Drums
Daniel Knight – Lead Guitar

https://www.facebook.com/AgeOfTaurus/
https://www.facebook.com/riseaboverecords/
http://www.riseaboverecords.com/

Age of Taurus, “In Dreams We Die”

One of the things I enjoy most about these Roadburn streams every year is that not only do they allow the people who were there to relive the awesome (and in many cases, fuzzy) memories of seeing these bands, but they allow everyone, whether they were there or not, to get a glimpse at some of what they didn’t get to see. Because you can try your damnedest to catch everything at Roadburn every year — I know I have on the years I’ve been fortunate enough to go — but it’s just not going to happen. At any point during the three days of the fest-proper, there are at least four stages running simultaneously, and there’s just no way to be everywhere at once. I saw Noothgrush at Roadburn 2014, but I missed Brutus, saw Samothrace and missed Windhand.

With the audio streams — diligently recorded at Roadburn 2014 by Marcel van de Vondervoort and his team, as ever — that doesn’t matter. It would be something if the fest set up a security system for the audio one of these years that you had to be there to hear it (actually it would suck, aside from being a logistical/coding nightmare), but fortunately that’s not the case, and whether you were at the 013 or in the Netherlands or not, you can enjoy the fruits of Roadburn‘s considerable labors. If it sounds utopian, it is.

To listen and enjoy:

Age of Taurus – Live at Roadburn 2014

Bong – Live at Roadburn 2014

Brutus – Live at Roadburn 2014

Noothgrush – Live at Roadburn 2014

Regarde Les Hommes Tomber – Live at Roadburn 2014

Samothrace – Live at Roadburn 2014

Whitehorse – Live at Roadburn 2014

Windhand – Live at Roadburn 2014

Thanks as always to Walter and the Roadburn crew for allowing me to host the streams. The first batch is still available as well, and for all of the Roadburn 2014 coverage, click here.

Still fresh off a lengthy tour alongside Spirit Caravan that took them across the country in support of their new album, II: Void Worship (review here), Rhode Island’s Pilgrim have announced their next tour starting June 14. They’ll headline this time around, escorting London’s Age of Taurus out to the Midwest to take part in the Days of the Doomed IV fest before circling back to the East Coast to close out at Brooklyn’s The Acheron.

I’m not sure how each of the bills checks out, but Druglord play Richmond, Wasted Theory are on the Indianapolis show, Iron Man play with them in Baltimore, and both Blackout and Holly Hunt are lined up for Brooklyn, so they’ve got some excellent company along the way. I don’t know who else is playing the New Bedford gig, but I know No Problemo has tacos, and that’s something.

What’s that, PR wire? You want to give dates and links? Well, by all means:

Critically-lauded doom purveyors, Pilgrim, announce headline tour with support from Age of Taurus!

Rhode Island’s Pilgrim are returning to the road in June with Age of Taurus! The east coast/Midwest tour begins on June 14th in New Bedford, MA and wraps up in Brooklyn on June 25th at the Acheron. The entire list of confirmed dates are available below, as well as on facebook.com/hailthepilgrim.

Recorded at Moonlight Mile Recording by sound sage Mike Moebius and centered on tales of swords and sorcery, death, doom and widespread obliteration, PILGRM’s “II: Void Worship” is a frighteningly crushing exercise in pure, sonic doom. Each of its eight tracks ebb and flow into frenzied climaxes and fade into sweet audio depressions, molding perfectly crafted rock songs into twisted spires of critic, shadowy doom metal epics.

PILGRIM Tour w/ Age of Taurus
06/14 New Bedford, MA @ No Problemo
06/15 Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
06/16 Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter
06/17 Johnson City, TN @ Hideaway
06/18 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
06/19 Indianapolis, IN @ Fifth Quarter
06/20-6/21 Milwaukee, WI @ Days of the Doomed Festival (NO PILGRIM)
06/22 Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge (NO AGE OF TAURUS)
06/23 Cleveland, OH @ Now That’s Class
06/24 Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery
06/25 Brooklyn, NY @ The Acheron

Since the early 2012 unveiling of their debut sonic behemoth, Misery Wizard, fans and critics alike have patiently yet anxiously awaited the second chapter in the ongoing legacy of the mighty Rhode Island trio that is PILGRIM. Their first release shook the metal underground to its core, making a loud, in-your-face effort to bring doom metal back to its most minimalist and archaic roots, restoring it to its former glory. Their critical success, paired with their controversial interviews and emotionally draining live performances have lead PILGRIM to excellence, traversing the globe performing sold-out shows in multiple countries and playing festivals alongside some of the biggest names in their genre. Two years later, the fabled outfit has returned with a brand new record, the highly anticipated next installment of their aural adventure, “II: Void Worship”.

“II: Void Worship” was released on April 1, 2014 in North America, and on March 28/31 in Europe/UK via Metal Blade Records. Music, cds, vinyl, and links to purchase the album digitally are available at http://www.metalblade.com/pilgrim.

http://www.facebook.com/hailthepilgrim
http://www.metalblade.com

Pilgrim, “The Paladin”

London-based heavyweights Age of Taurus, who formed in 2009 and made their full-length debut earlier in 2013 with Desperate Souls of Tortured Times on Rise Above/Metal Blade, have been announced as the first non-US band to take part in the Days of the Doomed festival. Days of the Doomed IV is set to be held June 20 and 21 at The Metal Grill in Cudahy, Wisconsin (formerly The Blue Pig), and Age of Taurus join the previously announced ranks of Blackfinger, The Mighty Nimbus and Wasted Theory, among others.

Full word from the fest follows here, complete with the band’s take and hinting at other North American dates around the Days of the Doomed appearance. Dig it:

One thing that has always eluded Days Of The Doomed Fest was a little European flavor. Well, that is about to end! You may have seen their album “Desperate Souls Of Tortured Times” on a lot of 2013 “Best Of” lists, and for just reason… it absolutely slays! So with that, it is an absolute honor to announce that Rise Above Records/Metal Blade recording artist Age of Taurus will be making the trip across the pond to join us at Days Of The Doomed Fest IV!!!

Says Age of Taurus:

We’re extremely proud to announce that we’ll be crossing the Atlantic next Summer for the Days of the Doomed Festival in Cudahy, Wisconsin! Set for the weekend of 20th-21st June, the fest is going to be a truly killer weekend of all things heavy!

We’re very grateful to Mercyful Mike for this great opportunity & it’s safe to say that we can’t wait to get over there!

In addition to the fest, we’ll also be playing some other US dates – more info to follow soon.

We’ll see you on the road….

https://www.facebook.com/AgeOfTaurus
http://www.daysofthedoomed.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/407651189366176/

Age of Taurus, “Embrace the Stone”

Even as I was getting ready yesterday to post an extended nerd-out praising the Roadburn 2014 lineup, that lineup was continuing to expand. Four more acts have joined the bill, from (at least) four different countries and with four different sounds. Yeah, that’s just kind of how it goes.

Samothrace, Procession, Age of Taurus and The Oath are the latest to be added, and you can see more about them courtesy of the Roadburn website below:

Samothrace To Deliver Massive Sludgy Heaviness at Roadburn Festival 2014; Performing Reverence To Stone In Its Entirety!

Slaloming between valleys of loping lethargy, rocky mountain peaks of noise and feedback and canyon sized, melodic riffs, Samothrace‘s crushing heaviness is suffused with psychedelic radiation, delivering the perfect bludgeoning atmospherics for spaced out headbanging.

Amidst Samothrace‘s massive, slo-mo sludgy grooves the band molds a captivating thing of beauty from anguish, ugliness and misery. Add to that some glorious, almost classic rock driven guitar soloing, and you’ll find sustaining strength and comfort in despair.

“We are very excited to be a part of Roadburn 2014 in our second trip to European soil”, says Joe Axler, “We feel privelaged to be able to share the stage with so many old friends and not only be able to play at such an amazing festival but also to see so many of our favorite bands and to be introduced to new ones as well. For Roadburn 2014, Samothrace we will be performing Reverence to Stone in its entirety. We are looking forward to bringing our form of Heavy to this event!!”

We can not wait for Seattle’s Samothrace to bring their psychedelic remorse to Roadburn Festival 2014 by performing Reverence To Stone in its entirety on Thursday, April 10th at Het Patronaat in Tilburg, The Netherlands.

Epic Doom Metal Overlords Procession To Reap Heavens Apart at Roadburn Festival 2014

Possessed of such a strong sorrowful and moving air, part Chilean, part Swedish doom metal titans Procession are easily one today’s truest torchbearers of classic epic doom, carrying on the tradition of Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus.

The band’s latest album, the utterly compelling To Reap Heavens Apart, ranks among the very best Roadburn-related albums of 2013, and we’re thrilled to announce that Procession will bring their gorgeous, massively heavy riffs and majestically morose vocals to Roadburn Festival 2014 on Friday, April 11th at Het Patronaat in Tilburg, The Netherlands.

Living up to the high expectations set by the release of The Cult of Disease EP and Destroyers of the Faith full-length, To Reap Heavens Apart carries the weight of the world to an emotionally effecting extreme and puts the band at the very top of their game – taking every haunting passage at a funereal pace, trudging through eternal darkness and utter hopelessness, Procession extinguish our very soul with their glorious despair.

Heavy Metal Warriors Age of Taurus To Conquer Roadburn Festival 2014

Firmly rooted in both doom and epic heavy metal, UK’s Age of Taurus majestically voyage down the road also travelled by the likes of Manilla Road and Brocas Helm in their prime.

Like their forebearers, Age of Taurus – led by Toby Wright (guitar / vocals) and flanked by Alastair Riddell (Guitar), Richard Bruce (Bass) and Darius Claydon (Drums) – supply twin-guitar-driven mountain shaking gargantuan stompers packed with soaring leads, bulldozer bass and huge drum fills, all delivered with heart-stoppingly, ‘EAVY METAL aplomb. Add to that Wright‘s exceptional songwriting (ranging from NWOBHM to classic doom to seventies hard rock), and fist-in-the-air choruses and you have everything for relentless headbanging – no excuse!

Every self-respecting metal-fan should own a copy of the band’s brilliant debut full-length Desperate Souls of Tortured Times (written during the band’s transition from one-man-project to fully-fledged band over the past three years, and released on Rise Above Records), as it’s THE BEST no-nonsense, genuine Heavy Metal album of 2013!

We at Roadburn HQ will definitely raise our fist and scream along with Age of Taurus on Saturday, April 12th at the 013 venue in Tilburg, The Netherlands, as the band bring back our much beloved memories of why we started to listen to metal in the first place, and why it’s still unashamedly the most exciting thing in our lives!

The Oath Will Bring The Children Of The Night To Roadburn Festival 2014

Hailing from Berlin, Germany, The Oath is one of the most talked about bands in the underground right now, and for good reason: their mind-blowing debut 7?, Night Child / Black Rainbow, puts The Oath at the forefront of the current crop of 70s inspired hard rock bands and earned them the highly-coveted title of ‘Band of the Week’ by none other than Darkthrone‘s don of metal Fenriz.

We at Roadburn HQ are captivated by guitarist Linnea Olsson (Sweden) and German singer Johanna Sadonis‘ perfect mix of 1970?s heavy rock and 1980?s New Wave of British Heavy Metal and felt the irresistible urge to invite The Oath to the 2014 Roadburn Festival solely based up on those two stunning tracks – we simply had no choice as the band is that good! Citing Danzig, Black Sabbath and The Runaways as some of their main influences, their lyrics, centered around death and the beyond, are just as raw and direct as their dark, dirty, exciting, but catchy take on soul stripping hard rock.

Olsson and Sadonis, completed by bassist Simon Bouteloup (Kadavar, ex-Aqua Nebula Oscillator) and British drummer Andrew Prestidge (Angel Witch, Winters), recently recorded their debut album, which will be released via Rise Above Records in March 2014, swiftly followed by The Oath‘s much anticipated Roadburn performance on Thursday, April 10th at the 013 venue in Tilburg, The Netherlands.

Roadburn Festival 2014 will run for four days from Thursday, April 10th to Sunday, April 13th 2014 at the 013 venue in Tilburg, The Netherlands.

Roadburn Festival 2014 ticket pre-sales are in full swing! GET IN ON THE ACTION HERE!

Samothrace, Reverence to Stone (2012)