Three years after their crushing debut Defiled in Oblivion, CASTRATOR returns with Coronation of the Grotesque, an album that not only exceeds all expectations but leaves them shattered in its wake, firmly cementing the band among the North American death metal elite.

“We see it as a leap forward,” exclaims co-founder Carolina Perez (drums). “It’s by far the strongest work we’ve done to date. Writing Coronation of the Grotesque was an incredibly enjoyable experience, and everything seemed to come together much more naturally this time. While the album still retains elements of who we were as a band, it’s much more refined, cohesive, and brutal.”

The creative collaboration is primarily driven by founders Carolina Perez and bassist Robin Mazen, with ferocious vocalist Clarissa Badini and newly recruited guitar virtuoso Sara Loerlein completing the lineup.

“Sara has been fantastic. She’s incredibly professional, brings a ton of new ideas, and her experience really shines through. She’s added a fresh dynamic to the band, and her guitar leads are absolutely killer! We’re really excited to have her as part of the band.”
Lyrically, Coronation of the Grotesque explores a range of historical and societal themes that reflect on injustice, victimization, and human suffering. Among the topics confronted are the tragic killing of Mahsa Amini, the ancient Sumerian practice of eunuchization, and seething condemnation of predator Naasón Joaquín García. Badini’s exceptional vocals elevate the lyrics, delivering a powerful and precise expression of the album's themes.
Coronation of the Grotesque was recorded across multiple studios with key figures in the US death metal scene. Bass recording was engineered by John Tardy (Obituary) at Redneck Studios, guitars and vocals by Jordan Milner at Obsidian Audio, additional guitars by Taylor Nordberg (Deicide) at Smoke and Mirrors Productions, and drums by Noah Buchanan (Nunslaughter) at Mercinary Studios, where Buchanan also handled mixing and mastering. Cover art by John Zig.

Touring with the likes of Immolation, Exhumed, and Cattle Decapitation has cemented CASTRATOR’s reputation as a commanding live force, and concert announcements in support of Coronation of the Grotesque are imminent.

 

Hailing from the Mid-Atlantic United States, DESOLUS formed in 2019 by Jimmy Frost (guitars and vocals) and Vivek Rangarajan (bass and vocals). While recording a series of demo during the dark years of the pandemic with Sebastian Philips (Exhumed / Noisem / Castle Freak), they met Travis Stone (percussion), a former member of Noisem and member of Pig Destroyer. Stone heard the demos and was immediately on board to join the band. Day in and day out, Frost, Rangarajan, and Stone bunkered down in their practice space, at a time when the world in a state of collapse, to write the band's debut album. Recorded and engineered by Sebastian Philips, SYSTEM SHOCK was the debut album written by the trio.

 

SYSTEM SHOCK quickly picked up traction in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, where the band resides. After building up a big fan base in their home area, the band knew it was time to tour across the US and Canada. As the band set their sights on the road, they welcomed Bileh Dougsiyeh to join as fill-in drummer, while Stone was touring with either Cavalera Conspiracy or Pig Destroyer. Dougsiyeh swiftly proved ready to play the relentless beats written by Stone. DESOLUS has since toured with some of the bests, including GRUESOME, NUNSLAUGHTER, DECEASED, and SPITER, across the US and Canada. The band swiftly proved themselves battle tested and ready. DESOLUS continues to set their aims farther and wider to spread their love for fast and evil metal.

 

CHARIOTS OVERDRIVE are Heavy Metal from China Highly influenced by NWOBHM and USPM Currently Based in Atlanta

 

Heretical Rights are Satanic Death Metal from Atlanta, GA