Today, true doom cult Angel of Damnation reveal the new track “Evangeline.” The track is the third to be revealed from the band’s highly anticipated third album, Ethereal Blasphemy, set for international release on June 20th via Dying Victims Productions. Hear Angel of Damnation‘s “Evangeline” in its entirety HERE at Dying Victims‘ official YouTube channel.
Angel of Damnation was formed in 2003 with the intention to create epic traditional doom metal influenced by the likes of Candlemass, Witchfinder General, and Saint Vitus on one side and the more ‘70s vibe of Pentagram and Black Sabbath on the other. The metal part of doom always was a major focus – in other words, putting guitar riffs over soundscapes. Lyrically, the band could maybe be mistaken for a black metal band but dealing less with Satanism and, instead in general, darker topics throughout the history of mankind. The band has a soft spot for blasphemy and simply mocking everything holy and religion in general.
Naturally, all this comes from a host of longtime scene veterans: Nocturnal / Front Beast mainman Avenger on guitar, the rhythm section of Cross Vault, and prolific vocalist Gerrit Mutz (Sacred Steel, Battleroar, Dawn of Winter) under the ever-apt handle Doomcult Messiah. Erstwhile Nocturnal / Blackevil drummer Hellbastard and his replacement, Cross Vault / Halphas drummer Tempestas, have since departed, and now replaced by Neudi of Sentry, Trance, and ex-Manilla Road. Angel of Damnation are nothing if not diehards!
And, seven years since their last full-length, they’re here to prove it again with Ethereal Blasphemy. Thankfully, little has changed in the sonic world of Angel of Damnation, and their third album is thus a reassertion of ancient powers. Like some lost relic of the NWOBHM, on Ethereal Blasphemy do the quartet purge the witchfinder generals and celebrate the old-world splendor of medieval witchery. From opener “Eternal Life in Hell” to closer “Anal Worship of the Goatlord,” Angel of Damnation lumber forward with the proud poise of titans, exuding heaviness even when the riffs aren’t strictly crushing; there’s an almost relaxed gait to the album that’s relatively unique for doom metal, maximizing the balance between hook and atmosphere. Credit is due to Neudi, for his looser and more-open style seems like a natural fit for the band, imparting a new dynamic to Angel of Damnation whilst keeping their signature sound. The whole album was recorded in Avenger’s own cellar, known as the “Somewhere in Nowhere” Studio, fully produced by himself; only the mix & mastering was given to the Journey Into Eternity Studios, and it all results in Ethereal Blasphemy having a vibrant-yet-eldritch feel.
In the past 20-plus years, Angel of Damnation have played live only a handful of times, but to celebrate the arrival of this third album, the band will play a few select shows following its release. Graced with characteristically blasphemous artwork courtesy of the legendary Chris Moyen, Ethereal Blasphemy will make you kneel before the goat!
In the meantime, hear the brand-new track “Evangeline” HERE at Dying Victims‘ official YouTube channel. Also hear the previously revealed “Lost in a World of Despair” exclusively HERE, courtesy of the NWOTHM YouTube channel, as well as the previously revealed “Eternal Life in Hell” exclusively HERE, courtesy of Deaf Forever magazine. Aforementioned cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Angel of Damnation’s Ethereal Blasphemy
1. Eternal Life In Hell [6:56]
2. Evangeline [4:55]
3. Stigmata [6:36]
4. Warning From The Sky [5:36]
5. Lost In A World Of Despair [6:51]
6. Hungry Hordes Of Hades [6:50]
7. Anal Worship Of The Goatlord [10:13]
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