Our good friends from Bittered offered us the chance to premiere their latest live e.p.  It was recorded live @ The Depot in York, PA (US) on April 18th, 2015 by someone in the audience . Bittered pulled a few tracks off and uploaded the e.p. to their bandcamp page.  

You can listen below and download here

Read our review for 'Hubris Aggression'

Now here's an interesting line-up for a great evening.  Wovenhand and Chelsea Wolfe are touring North America together.  Both acts have impressed people far and wide with their dark, deeply personal music and will probably enchant them during the dates below.  Let's hope this line-up also comes over to Europe

08/29 - Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater *
08/31 - Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club *
09/01 - Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall *
09/02 - Cleveland Heights, OH @ Grog Shop *
09/05 - Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair *
09/09 - Brooklyn,NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg *
09/10 - Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts *
09/11 - Washington DC @ U Street Music Hall *
09/12 - Raleigh, NC @ Hopscotch Music Festival *
09/14 - Atlanta, GA @ Aisle 5 *
09/15 - Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge *
09/17 - New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks *
09/19 - Austin, TX @ Mohawk *
09/20 - Dallas, TX @ The Kessler *
09/22 - El Paso, TX @ Tricky Falls *
09/23 - Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad *
09/24 - Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar *
09/25 - Los Angeles, CA @ Regent Theater *
09/26 - San Francisco, CA @ Grand Ballroom at Regency Center *
09/28 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater *
09/29 - Seattle, WA @ Neumo's *

Belgian stoner doom duo Sardonis have released a brand new track from their upcoming album, III (read our review here).  The new song is named Battering-Ram and sounds exactly like that. The album will be released on 11 September.  Pre-orders are available at Consouling Sounds

Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats are back with a new video, named Melody Lane.  The new album, The Night Creeper, will be available of 4 September and will of course be promoted with a tour.  We don't have the exact tourdates for Europe yet, but below you can find the ones for North America.

Converge fans rejoice, there's something very interesting coming up in the form of a follow up for their highly acclaimed 2003 DVD release 'The Long Road Home'. 'Thousands of Miles Between Us' will be offered in 3 unique configurations; HD-Digital (Feature set only), 3 X Blu-ray set, and Limited Deluxe Box set versions.  Pre-order will start soon.
 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 
HD-Digital (Feature set only)
Available as a low priced direct download, a full 20 song Converge set from their Union Transfer (Philadelphia, PA) stop on the "All We Love We Leave Behind" tour. Filmed with multiple camera angles and edited by Jimmy Hubbard (Guitar World, Vice). The live audio was masterfully mixed by acclaimed engineer Alan Douches at West West Side (Motorhead, The Dillinger Escape Plan) in Stereo for the ultimate chaotic live experience (5:1 Surround Sound available on Blu-Ray only). 
 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 
3 X Blu-ray set
Blu-ray Disc 1:
A full 20 song Converge set from their Union Transfer (Philadelphia, PA) stop on their "All We Love We Leave Behind" tour. Filmed with multiple camera angles and edited by Jimmy Hubbard (Guitar World, Vice). The live audio was masterfully mixed by acclaimed engineer Alan Douches at West West Side (Motorhead, The Dillinger Escape Plan) and is presented in both 5:1 Surround Sound (exclusive to the Blu-ray) and Stereo configurations for the ultimate chaotic live experience. An HD-Digital Download (in Stereo) of this set is also provided in this edition.
 
Blu-ray Discs 2 and 3:
Collectively over 15 hours of live, rare, and previously unseen footage spanning over a decade in the life of Converge. Chronologically presented over two Blu-ray discs, this collection features international live performances, interviews, features, music videos, covers, and more.   
 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 
Deluxe Box set (Limited): 3 X Blu-ray, Live 2XLP, 160 Page Book, and Accessories
 
This definitive version for Converge completist includes:
 
Blu-ray Disc 1:
A full 20 song Converge set from their Union Transfer (Philadelphia, PA) stop on their "All We Love We Leave Behind" tour. Filmed with multiple camera angles and edited by Jimmy Hubbard (Guitar World, Vice). The live audio was masterfully mixed by acclaimed engineer Alan Douches at West West Side (Motorhead, The Dillinger Escape Plan) and is presented in both 5:1 Surround Sound (exclusive to the Blu-ray) and Stereo configurations for the ultimate chaotic live experience. An HD-Digital Download (in Stereo) of this set is also provided in this edition.
 
Blu-ray Discs 2 and 3:
Collectively over 15 hours of live, rare, and previously unseen footage spanning over a decade in the life of Converge. Chronologically presented over two Blu-ray discs, this collection features international live performances, interviews, features, music videos, covers, and more.   
 
Live Double Album:
Exclusive to the Box set, a vinyl specific stereo mix of the full 20 song feature set by Alan Douches at West West Side (Motorhead, The Dillinger Escape Plan) presented on two 33rpm 12"LPs, and packaged in a Gold Mirror Board Wide Spine LP Jacket.
 
160 Page 12"X12" Book:
Exclusive to the Box set, this is the ultimate photographic accompaniment to "Thousands of Miles Between Us". Featuring Converge captured live by celebrated photographers Matt Miller, Reid Haithcock, and Jimmy Hubbard at shows across the United States. 
 
Accessories:
Exclusive to the Box set, a 16 oz turntable slip-mat, embroidered patch, and more featuring Converge themed artwork from illustrator Thomas Hooper.
 
All of the above is housed in an incredible 12" X 12" Box, printed with Gold Foil on Black Stock.
 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 
www.deathwishinc.com
www.convergecult.com 

Since we started this webzine, Sombre Soniks has been a frequently featured label on Merchants Of Air.  There's a good connection between both organisations which will hopefully last for a very long time.  Of course, we both focus on quality.  They with their releases and we by writing about them.  Several of their projects will also appear on our compilation next month.

The label recently released a sampler with 13 tracks from the most recent releases on the label, including Akoustik Timbre Frekuency, Babalith, Sielwolf & Nam-Khar and many other interesting acts.  You can download the album for free (or pay-what-you-want) on their bandcamp page.   When you do, you will also find a number of reviews for the respective albums, including some from yours truly.

Download here

Some more names are announced for one of Europe's finest stoner rock and doom festivals, Desertfest.  Mars Red Sky, Harsh Tole, Black-Bone and Belgian noise rock legends Vandal X have been added to the already impressive line-up.

Unfortunately, there was also a cancellation: Ruby The Hatchet will not be able to make it.  Due to personal issues their European tour has been cancelled.

Bands already confirmed are:
Goatsnake, Orange Goblin, Bongzilla Fatso Jetson, Dozer, Moon Duo, Greenleaf, Valient Thorr, Ufomammut, Causa Sui, Siena Root, Monolord, Mars Red Sky, Sourvein, Glowsun, Carlton Melton, Monomyth, Child, Harsh Toke, Planet Of Zeus, Vandal X, Tangled Horns, Psychonaut, The Progerians, Wheel Of Smoke, Sunder, Fever Dog, Black-Bone and 3rd Ear Experience. 
 More acts to be announced soon...

 DESERTFEST BELGIUM 2015 -
October 9-10-11th at Trix Muziekcentrum in Antwerp 
3-DAY COMBI TICKETS (96€) ON SALE HERE
Special hotel deals available here

Hardcore punk with keyboards, highly influenced by those dreadful but brilliant B-horror movies from the eighties, what's not to like about Autopsy Boys?  These U.K. punk rockers are on their way to stardom with a great sound and a sick sense of humor.  

With less than two months to go, the Desertfest organisation is working around the clock to make this festival as big a success as last year's edition.  Below you can find some details regarding tickets and hotel packages.

DESERTFEST BELGIUM 2015
October 9-11th at Trix Muziekcentrum - Antwerp 
3 day tickets (96€) on sale HERE
Hotel package infos here

Bands already confirmed are:
Goatsnake, Orange Goblin, Bongzilla, Fatso Jetson, Dozer, Moon Duo, Greenleaf, Valient Thorr, Ufomammut, Causa Sui, Siena Root, Monolord, Sourvein, Glowsun, Carlton Melton, Monomyth, Child, Ruby The Hatchet, Planet Of Zeus, Tangled Horns, Psychonaut, The Progerians, Wheel Of Smoke, Sunder, Fever Dog and 3rd Ear Experience. More acts to be announced soon...
  
More infos at www.desertfest.be
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Christian Mistress have released the video for their song "Open Road" from the upcoming album 'To Your Death'.  If you're into for some good old fashioned rock 'n' roll with a modern edge, this could be your thing.  The album will be available on 19 September through Relapse and can be pre-ordered on their bandcamp page

Christian Mistress on tour:
September 2  Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock 
September 3  Chicago, IL @ Red Line Tap 
September 4  Milwaukee, WI @ Cactus 
September 5  Louisville, KY @ New Vintage ^
September 6  Atlanta, GA @ The Earl ^
September 7  Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter ^
September 8  Pittsburgh, PA @ Smiling Moose ^
September 9  Brooklyn, NY @ St. Vitus ^
September 10  Worcester, MA @ Ralph’s ^
September 11  Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
September 12  Montreal, QC @ Wings of Metal Festival
September 13  Toronto, ON @ Coalition ^
September 14  Hamtramck, MI @ Smalls’ ^
September 15  St. Louis, MO @ Fubar
September 16  Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
September 17  Boise, ID @ Crazyhorse
September 18  Portland, OR @ The Know
October 2  Tilburg %
October 3  Belgium TBA %
October 4  France TBA %
October 5  France TBA %
October 6  Innsbruck %
October 7  Berlin %
October 8  Erfurt %
October 9  Olten %
October 10  Milan %
October 11  Bologna %
October 12  Vienna %
October 13  Germany TBA %
October 14  Hamburg %
October 15  Copenhagen %
October 16  Goteborg %
October 17  Oslo %
October 18  Denmark TBA %
October 20  Cologne %
October 21  London %
October 22  Birmingham %
October 23  Oxford %
October 24  Leeuwarden %

If you're craving for some good old fashioned heavy metal, you should check out this brand new single by British metalheads Kaine.  Their sole focus is reviving the 'British Wave Of Heavy Metal' and they do so with great flair, reminding me of bands like Iron Maiden, Saxon and Judas Priest.  You can get the single on their bandcamp page.

London sludge rockers LIMB have released the newest track off their upcoming second album "Terminal". Crank the volume up to maximum levels and play "Dawn Raiders" until the world collapses.

Psychedelic stoner rockers Red Mountains have released a first single from their upcoming album 'Down With The Sun' (read our review here).  You can listen and buy the song 'Sun' on their bandcamp page.  The full-length will be released on Nasoni Records in september.

New Orleans post-punk combo Heat Dust revealed a new track from their upcoming self-titled album.  The song shows some highly energetic and old school wave music, a bit similar to bands like Joy Division, Gang Of Four and Killing Joke.  The new album will be available on 25 September on The Flenser.  Below you can find some US tourdates, you lucky bastards ;-)

FALL 2015 TOUR WITH THOU/THE BODY
10.12.15 - Austin (no thou/body)
10.13.15 - San Antonio (no thou/body)
10.15.15 - Tucson at 191 Toole at Southwest Terror fest
10.16.15 - Albuquerque 
10.17.15 - Colorado Springs (matinee) 
10.17.15 - Denver 
10.18.15 - Salt Lake City with Sub Rosa 
10.19.15 - Reno 
10.20.15 - Portland 
10.21.15 - Seattle with Dreamdecay 
10.22.15 - Seattle (matinee) at KEXP 
10.22.15 - Olympia 
10.23.15 - Portland (matinee) 
10.23.15 - Salem 
10.24.15 - Arcata
10.25.15 - Santa Rosa (matinee) 
10.25.15 - Berkeley at 924 Gilman 
10.26.15 - Oakland at the Metro 
10.27.15 - Santa Cruz 
10.28.15 - San Luis Obispo with Hollow Sunshine 
10.29,15 - Santa Barbara (matinee)
10.29.15 - San Diego 
10.30.15 - Lancaster at Moose Lodge
10.31.15 - Los Angeles at Super Chief Gallery 
11.01.15 - Riverside at Blood Orange

Bay Area hardcore combo Loma Prieta have revealed a new track from the upcoming album 'Self Portrait'.  The song is called 'Love' but doesn't really sound as cute and cuddly as the title predicts.  Listen for yourself below.  The 7" for 'Love' is now available on Deathwish, who will also release the album on CD, cassette, and digital formats on October 2nd, and on vinyl on November 13, 2015.

Loma Prieta - On Tour
05/8 - Hannover, Germany @ Ujz Korn 
06/8 - Darmstadt, Germany @ Oettinger Villa 
07/8 - Cologne, Germany @ Underground
08/8 - London, UK @ Unicorn
09/8 - Cardiff, UK @ The Globe *
10/8 - Nottingham, UK @ Rescue Rooms *
11/8 - Edinburgh, UK @ Studio 24 *
12/8 - Manchester, UK @ TBA 
13/8 - Liverpool, UK @ Academy 2 *
14/8 - Bristol, UK @ The Stag and Hounds 
15/8 - Ypres, Belgium @ Ieperfest *
17/8 - Hamburg, Germany @ Logo **¯
18/8 - Holland, Netherlands @ Paradiso **¯
19/8 - Paris, France @ Glazart **¯
20/8 - Chemnitz, Germany @ AC 17 ¯
21/8 - Gottingen, Germany @ T-Keller ¯
22/8 - Karlsruhe, Germany @ New NOISE ¯
 
*Show with Touche Amore
¯Loma show only