It’s been a minute since we heard from MetalSucks faves The Absence, but thanks to a new interview with Rock My Monkey we now have an update on the band: they’ve parted ways with Metal Blade, who released all three of their full-lengths (those would be 2005′s From Your Grave, 2007′s Riders of the Plague, and last year’s Enemy Unbound), apparently (or maybe I should say “presumably”) because their recording budget exceeds the amont of money to be made from their album sales. Which makes sense. ‘Cause though we all hate to admit it, there is a business to this thing we love.

Of course, splitting with a label — even a cool label like Metal Blade — is not necessarily the end of the world, and the band is persevering: they also say they’re working on a new EP “with a couple of cover songs,” although I’m not clear if that will be in addition to some new material or just covers. In either case, it sounds like they’re gonna release it DIY-style.

Check out the interview above. More updates on The Absence as we get ‘em.

-AR

Thanks: Andreas Weissenborn 

‘Cause they just released a video for the title track from their new album, Enemy Unbound, and while it’s not the greatest video ever made, the song takes no fucking prisoners so I’m all about it. I mean, this band rocks so hard that they make me wanna go to prison just so I can shank some fool, y’know? Like, I really don’t understand how anyone could not like The Absence. They just hit my “what metal should sound like” sweet spot every time.

Enemy Unbound is out now on Metal Blade.

-AR

That’s right! One of MetalSucks’ most controversial voices — which is really saying something — is gonna be the DJ at tonight’s Heavy Metal Happy Hour at Arrow Bar (85 Avenue A). There are 2-for-1 drinks from 6:00PM until 9:00PM, so if you’ve ever wanted to get drunk and ask Gary “ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS OR WHAT?!?!” in person, here’s your chance!

Now the week’s highlights:

• We debuted new music by The Absence and Vanisher.
• We spoke to Accept’s Wolf Hoffmann and Sebastian Bach (but not really with that last one).
• We checked out new releases by Filter, Neurosis, and The Last Felony.
• Vince contemplated a Mike Portnoy-less Dream Theater.
• Sergeant D. contemplated the new Escape the Fate song…
• …while we couldn’t even pay attention during the new Oceano song.
• We considered bidding on the best band name in the world.
• As it turns out, Wormrot are really good live, too.
• Neil Young and Burzum are collaborating on a new album?!?
• Wanna see a fat man eat seven cans of ravioli in time to a Fuckshovel song? OF COURSE YOU DO!!!

As Eyal promised yesterday, next week will see the full-on return of “Jumping Darkness Parade.” Plus we’ll have more contest, more video and track debuts, more interviews, more everything. Be there or be ᄆ.

-AR

…when I interviewed Gus G. a couple of weeks ago, he told me that the band was working on putting together a North American headlining tour for the fall. Well, the good news is, that tour is now booked; the bad news is, it’s only four dates. I’m completely speculating, but I imagine this has to do more with Gus’ ongoing commitments to Ozzy than it does anything else. Hopefully he’ll get another reality show or something soon and Firewind can tour more.

But if you’re in a position to go one of these gigs, you should. The band hasn’t played here since they toured with Arch Enemy (I think it was Arch Enemy… feel free to correct me if I’m wrong) in 2008, and these sets will obviously be way longer than those ones were, seeing as the band is headlining.

And – BONUS! The Absence and Powerglove will be doing support. I don’t think it’s any secret that we love The Absence — in fact, we’re streaming their new album right here! — and I like that there’s some real diversity on this bill. I think these shows are gonna be a lot of gun.

Here are the four dates, via Firewind’s MySpace page:

Click to read more…

If  ”Vertigo,” the EVH-meets-Dimebag instrumental album intro of The Absence‘s new album Enemy Unbound, isn’t enough to get you to listen to the whole thing… how about the promise of the hundred or so absolutely top-notch riffs contained therein? And plenty of killer riffs I do promise; riff after riff after riff after riff. Of both the singular and harmonized-lead variety, both in spades, every single one of ‘em headbang and fist-pump worthy. If that’s still not enough to get you to listen, how about the promise of expertly crafted scorching solos? Or of that lost art — actual songwriting? If that’s still not enough for you… it’s fucking free! Just press the damn “play” button below and let ‘er rip.

Enemy Unbound drops September 14th via Metal Blade. Pre-order that shizz here.

[this promotion has ended]

We’re getting closer and closer to the Septmeber 14 release of The Absence’s third album, Enemy Unbound (Metal Blade). We’ve now heard the album, and can happily report that it’s really, really good, which should shock no one. Lots of bands try to play this particular style of metal, but most of them fuck it up; The Absence, on the other hand, make it look easy. This is the metal equivalent of a good blowjob: all you have to do is lie back, close your eyes, and enjoy yourself.

Our homies at Metal Underground have now debuted a new track from the album, “Maelstrom.” I don’t really know how to top my BJ metaphor, so I’m just gonna provide another link and instruct you to give the song a listen.

And we’ll keep reminding you about this one in the coming weeks, as it is surely one of September’s strongest releases.

-AR

The Absence debuted the title track from their forthcoming new album, Enemy Unbound, during a gig earlier this year; then, last week, it became available as part of a free Metal Blade sampler; and now, in case you were too stupid to download that free sampler, it’s streaming right here. It’s an awesome song, and hit yourself in the face if you haven’t listened to it.

Now Metal Blade has announced a release date for the album: September 14. Write that down in your calendar, or put in your computer calendar, or your smart phone calendar, or just tie a string around your finger  – whatever you gots to do to remember. ‘Cause, mark my words, this record is gonna be a scorcher.

Here’s the cover art. I don’t know if the spiky bones are a deliberate reference to Carcass’ Heartwork or that’s just where my brain goes, but I’d wager that The Absence are Heartwork fans.

-AR

When I posted about the super-awesome totally FREE Metal Blade / Good Fight / Cool Tour Sampler available at Amazon, little did I realize that the sampler’s opening track is a brand spankin’ new song by none other than our favorite American thrashy melodeathsters The Absence. Silly me, ’cause if I’d bothered to look first instead rushing to get the article up in all my excitement about the freeness/awesomeness of said sampler, I would’ve been very stoked about new Absence music and definitely would’ve let you know about it.

So, allow me to make things right: there’s new Absence music, and it’s free! It’s the title track from their upcoming album Enemy Unbound, ripping live footage of which Axl posted in May, and no surprise, the track kills. We’re very excited for Enemy Unbound, which should be out later this year. So go and download the Metal Blade Sampler now to get the new Absence track — along with songs by Bison B.C., Brain Drill, Istapp, The Ocean, Skyforger, Woe of Tyrants, Cancer Bats, Son of Aurelius and more — for the unbeatable price of free.

-VN

Three cheers for MetalSucks Maniac Andreas Weissenborn, who just sent us a link to the below video of The Absence playing the title track from their new album, Enemy Unbound, at a show in Tampa last Friday. It’s the first song off the band’s new album that we’ve gotten to hear, and it bodes very, very well for the finished product.

And – BONUS! – the band held a stage-diving contest while they performed the lil’ ditty. Gotta love it.

Enemy Unbound will be out later this year on Metal Blade.

-AR

Not too much to say here. The following message has been posted on The Absence’s MySpace page:

In unfortunate news, Justin Reynolds, drummer for THE ABSENCE was involved in a bad automobile accident last week in Sarasota, Florida. Justin sustained injuries to his neck and back and totaled his car. At this point the full extent of his injuries are unclear, as well as when he will be able to continue with THE ABSENCE.

We wish our friend best of luck and a speedy recovery and hope he’s back doing what he does best soon.

For the time being the position has been temporarily filled by local Tampa drummer Matt Solka.

If you read MetalSucks regularly, you know we’re big, big fans of The Absence. Justin’s a very talented guy and we hope he gets well soon.

More details as they emerge…

-AR

[via Metal Underground]

1. It would appear that the dudes in The Absence don’t take themselves too seriously, which is exactly the way every rational human being on this planet should lead his or her life.
2. It may very well be the closest I ever to get to actually being inside of Erik Rutan’s Mana Studios.
3. The Beard Cam.
4. It’s a friendly reminder that The Absence’s new album, Enemy Unbound, will fuck your face off sometime in the not-too-distant future.
5. The new music we get to hear all sounds fuck your face offingly awesome.

-AR

The Absence may very well be one of the best American melodeath bands out there, and they just do not get enough love. Seriously, their guitar solos alone make me wanna cum so hard my nuts fly out of my dick. They’ve released two killer albums, From Your Grave and Riders of the Plague, on Metal Blade, and since Plague came out two years ago, I was hoping we’d get another one in ’09. And while there’s obviously been no such luck…

…it does look like 2010 will bring us some new material. Says Blabbermouth:

Tampa, Florida melodic thrash outfit THE ABSENCE will enter Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida on Monday, November 2 to begin recording its third album for an early 2010 release via Metal Blade Records. Guitarist Patrick Pintavalle states, “We will be tracking with Brian Elliot and mixing duties will be handled by Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY, CARNAL FORGE).

Kjellgren produced and also mixed Plague, so I guess the band found that collaboration as fruitful as us listeners did. Everyone should be really, really stoked to hear this new album.

Here’s the video for “Dead and Gone” from Riders of the Plague. If you dig it – and you should – I implore you to check out the full record.

-AR

While keeping fans on the line for the follow-up to 2007′s ridiculously underrated Riders of the Plague, The Absence are throwing fans a bone by teaming up with Ultimate-Guitar.com to offer one would-be shredder the opportunity to have a guest solo on the band’s new record. Entrants can download a rhythm guitar track from the contest page, add their shred over top of it, then submit it to the band as a YouTube video via Ultimate-Guitar.com. The winner gets “a chance” to have the solo included on the new record (which we’re guessing is just an insurance policy in case all the entries suck), and a slew of runners-up will receive an autographed CD, t-shirt, stickers and “other,” whatever that means.

The 15-year-old version of Vince Neilstein just got a giant boner; what a cool thing for the band to do. I wish the Intrawebs were around when I was a kid! Instead I had to settle for listening to 1984 and No More Tears on repeat whilst posing in front of the mirror and pretending to be EVH / Zakk Wylde. I had a helluva Zakk Wylde impression though; you shoulda seen it.

Check out The Absence on MySpace.

-VN

John Kempainen’s awesome guitar solos were major part of the appeal of The Black Dahlia Murder, at least for me. That being said, his replacement, former Arsis axeman Ryan Knight, is no slouch, so I’m definitely down to hear whatever the band comes up with next.

Our pals at Metal Injection captured some lo-fi footage of BDM doing a new song, “Necropolis,” and although it’s hard to hear much besides Trevor Strnad’s vocals, the track sounds heavy as a hippo (And I’ll even forgive the fact that The Absence, as well about as a gajillion other bands, already have a song called “Necropolis.”). Check it out:

Meanwhile, Blabbermouth posted footage of Vader doing a new song, “Rise of the Undead,” which will appear on their new album, entitled… Necropolis. Jesus H. Christ death metal bands, get some new fucking ideas already.

Check out the Vader video after the jump. Their Necropolis drops September 22.

Click to read more…

Metal band names are funny. I mean, sooner or later there just aren’t going to be any new ways to come up with variations of “death,” “dead,” “dying,” etc etc, right? And it doesn’t seem like a metal band is going to name themselves “Riding my pony through a field of daisies” any time soon, although admittedly that would be the most br00tal / tr00 name for a metal band EVARRR!

So, Malefice. They haven’t reinvented the wheel band-name wise and they haven’t done so music-wise either, but both their band name and music are pretty fucking cool if you ask me (and by visiting this here webernet site you did ask me, thankyouverymuch). Think the neo-classical-cum-American-new-wave riffage of The Absence or After the Burial mixed with the groove and swagger of God Forbid, and you’ve got a close approximation of what Malefice sound like. Their Metal Blade Records debut (and 2nd album overall) Dawn of Reprisal is out now, and it’s really fucking solid. These Brits have chops, but they know how to use them to write songs rather than just wank around. Recommended if you like any of the aforementioned bands.

-VN

(three out of five horns)

[Malefice on MySpace]

The Absence guitarist/frequent MetalSucks commentor Patrick Pintavalle has announced that the writing process for a new Absence album has commenced:

“We are writing for our third full-length album. It’s been a bit of a slow going thing. We are trying to make a record that has a classic and timeless feel to it. Some of you may also know that Riders of the Plague is going to be a hard album to top. We are doing whatever it takes to do just that. We have some ideas up our sleeves to involve you fans on this next record as well. The last time, we had many of our fans put their names in our CD insert. Keep your eyes open for something a whole lot cooler than that. The music is coming along. We will be posting video footage of the pre-production and the recording in the months to come.”

I don’t have anything clever/funny to say about this, other than it makes my otherwise shitty day a little bit brighter. Thanks, Patrick!

If you don’t know The Absence, you are most likely insufferable. Check out their video for “Dead and Gone” from Riders of the Plague after the jump.

Click to read more…

Last year Vader joined the re-recording club with the time-wasting and completely pointless XXV – and now I’m starting to wonder if the ridiculous exercise has sucked all the juice out of their mind grapes. The band has posted a demo for a new song, “Rise of the Undead,” on their website, and the song is the very definition of “forgettable.” And I say this as a Vader fan – it just doesn’t make me excited to hear their new album, Necropolis. In fact, it just makes me want to listen to The Absence’s album Necropolis, as everything on that record is vastly superior to this song.

Download the song below, then hit me with your best thoughts. Necropolis, the band’s first album with their new line-up, will be out later this year.

Vader, “Rise of the Undead” (Demo) – Necropolis

-AR

As you are (hopefully) already aware, God Forbid’s latest opus, Earthsblood, hits stores today. Guitarists Doc and Dallas Coyle was cool enough to give us a track-by-track breakdown of each song on what is inarguably the band’s best record to date. Enjoy!

1.”The Discovery” – The intro for Earthsblood came about in a peculiar way. The original piece started with the doomy guitars that kick in around 40 seconds into it. We wrote it as part of our black metal side project called Hell Nigger. It was the outro for a song that we wrote in one day. Without the keys and stuff, it sounded more like Morbid Angel, but with the new album having a much darker tone, we thought it would make a cool intro to the album. The piano piece was actually played and composed (with some direction from Dallas and I) by my Dad, Kevin Coyle. We showed him the chords that the guitars were playing, and he started doing this arpeggiated Danny Elfman thing that just killed. Our Dad is a piano teacher and has been playing for like 40 years. He also played on our last album. The orchestration was performed by Michael Romeo from Symphony X. We met each other through our producer, Eric Rachel. He has his own home studio where Symphony X records their albums and this orchestration program that costs some ungodly amount of money, and takes 4 computers to run. Apparently, they use that program to do film scores. Mike is incredible, and I can’t thank him enough for adding some much virtuosity to the record.
Click to read more…

The Absence, who are quickly becoming one my favorite new American metal bands, have released a new video for the song “Dead and Gone” from their excellent 2007 release Riders of the Plague. The video showcases just how hard the band rips live, as I found out last month when I saw them open for Amon Amarth.

In other news, there is nothing more metal than a pink guitar.

-VN

As my good friend Axl noted this past May, The Absence are one hell of a fucking good metal band. I’ve been highly digging on their Spring release Riders of the Plague but perhaps I haven’t written about them here enough, so let me just put it bluntly: THIS BAND FUCKING RULES AND YOU OUGHT TO PAY ATTENTION.

Click to read more…