Regular MetalSucks readers already know Empyreon; featuring Meek is Murder drummer Frank Godla (although it’s worth noting that they sound nothing like Meek is Murder), they’re one of NYC’s finest melodic death metal acts, and were on our free NYC Sucks comp earlier this year. And while we eagerly await their new full-length next year, the band has blessed us with a little taste in the form of a demo of “No Peace No Light,” which you can check out here.

Even in such rough demo song, it’s a prime example of why we love this band so much, and why we’re so stoked for their new full-length. It’s heavy, it’s fast, it’s catchy, and it’s fucking EPIC. Seriously, make sure you check that shit out.

While we continue to wait impatiently for the band’s new album, they’ll be opening next week’s New York stop of the currently-in-progress Firewind/Arsis/White Wizzard/Nightrage tour. We’re giving away two free pairs of tickets here; you can also buy a special ticket package from the band, which includes a copy of the new single and some sweet swag, right here.

-AR

In 2009, MetalSucks did a digital-only release for The Binary Code’s Suspension of Disbelief. We did this because the band was unsigned, the album was awesome, and we thought it would be fun to actually help some great music find its way out into the world for once, instead of just bemoaning the state of metal from our armchairs.

And it was fun! We had a blast, and have wanted to do it again ever since. But it’s hard to find good bands period, let alone good bands that meet our particular set of criteria.

But one such band is Meek is Murder, the brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Mike Keller (ex-The Red Chord), who we’ve been raving about for some time now. So when Mike and his fellow Meek Men Frank Godla (drums, also of Empyreon fame) and Sam Brodsky (bass) told us they were entering the studio this month to record a new album with producer Kurt Ballou — yep, that Kurt Ballou — and that the record did not yet have a home, well, we jumped at the chance to partner with them to help get their message to the masses.

The result will be Algorithms, which we’ll be releasing on March 22. You can check out the awesome cover art by Mr. Keller himself above, and there will be a demo of one of the new songs appearing on the album, “Sundowners,” on our upcoming NYC Sucks comp.

We’ll give you lots more details about Algorithms in the coming weeks, but for now, we just wanted to put it on your radar and let you know to get excited about it — ’cause we sure as hell are!

-Axl & Vince

Empyreon is one of New York’s best unsigned acts, a band so metal that their music will make you shit nuts and bolts for a week. They haven’t necessarily gotten the amount of attention they deserve in the past, but hopefully all that’s about to change, in part thanks to this excellent, David Brodsky-directed video they just released for the title track to their 2009 album,  Beyond Perception. It’s basically just a performance clip, but it’s a really excellent performance clip, unlike some recent videos.

Empyreon’s Beyond Perception is out now; you can download it from iTunes, or you can order a copy in Empyreon’s merch store. It was produced by the great Anssi Kippo, who has also worked with everyone from Children of Bodom to Insomnium to Rotten Sound. Good shit.

On a semi-related note: Empyeron drummer Frank Godla’s other band, experimental grind freaks Meek is Murder (who sound nothing like Empyreon), are playing at the Charleston in Brooklyn tonight. And they are so much fucking fun live, I can’t begin to tell you. If you live in the NYC area, don’t miss it.

-AR

[via Metal Injection]

Dear Meek is Murder,

I am sorry it took me so long to finally see you guys live. Even though there were multiple opportunities for me to do so. Even though guitarist/vocalist Mike Keller used to be in The Red Chord. Even though drummer Frank Godla is in Empyreon, who are a totally awesome band that sounds nothing like Meek is Murder. Even though your bassist is named Sam Brodsky, and dudes with the name “Brodsky” have a good track record working in heavy music. Even though Vince has already written about how awesome you are. I have no excuse. I am a schmuck.

But if it makes you feel better, I did finally see you play last night, and it was by far the most fun I’ve had a show this year.

Click to read more…

A month ago we saw Periphery headline a small club show in NYC with The Binary Code and Empyreon, prompting my brother from another mother Axl to write: “… these guys are the shit, and are gonna be huge. They had the crowd eating out of the palms of their hands, and, unlike some bands (I’m not naming names, but think Jack the Ripper), they actually have three guitar players for a reason.”

No longer do you have to take Axl’s (and my) word; Metal Injection has posted 4-camera live footage from that night’s performance of two songs, “Light” and “Icarus Lives.” Whether or not you like this kind of metal, there’s no denying that the band is tight, professional, and engaging, and that frontman Chris Barretto is a truly talented singer and an electrifying frontman.

Periphery’s Sumerian Records debut will drop some time in early 2010… it’s certainly on this writer’s “most anticipated” list for next year. In the meantime watch “Light” below and “Icarus Lives” after the jump, and don’t forget to check out a full recorded version of “Light” and more on Periphery’s MySpace.

-VN

Click to read more…

We’ve been raving about Sumeriancore upstarts Periphery for months now, and their first-ever U.S. headline tour (since signing with Sumerian, anyway) is finally upon us. The trek will be making just 9 stops, beginning this Sunday, November 8th in Richmond, VA. All dates also feature Mutiny Within and This or the Apocalypse — except a very special New York City show on Thursday, November 12th co-presented by MetalSucks, which will feature two of NYC’s very best metal bands: Empyreon and The Binary Code. Admission is only $8 and it’s an early show (starts at 7pm), so there’s no excuse not to drop by Santo’s Party House to get your metal on before going out on the town (or going home, for you oldies) on your Thursday night.

After the jump, check out the latest video update from Periphery.

Click to read more…

Meet Meek is Murder, the new (by way of old) project featuring guitarist Mike Keller (ex-The Red Chord), drummer Frank Godla (Empyreon, Dividing Light) and bassist Sam Brodsky (sorry dude, I’m sure you were in some cool bands too but I can’t find any info about them). Here’s their new video for “Hope Springs Eternal”; as Kip might say, it’s batshit crazy. Bands this talented and creative don’t come along often. The song’s only 1:23 long, so just click and listen… what have you got to lose?

Meek is Murder’s debut album Mosquito Eater drops this fall.

-VN