From the Depths: Nachtmystium, Marduk, Wolves in the Throne Room

CONTROVERSY: Chicago psychedelic black metallers Nachtmystium were forced to pull out of Scion Rock Fest after the powers that be were told about the band's alleged connections to NSBM (National Socialist ("Nazi") black metal). Frontman Blake Judd issued an emotionally-charged statement explaining the situation and assuring fans that Nachtmystium "are, IN NO WAY, a 'Nazi' band. We do NOT support such groups, political beliefs or bands that are affiliated with that world." Disappointed US fans; stay tuned for news of Nachtmystium's next tour. Fans across the pond can catch Nachtmystium with Jarboe on The Mahakali Assassins EU tour this spring!

ADVANCING LEGIONS: Sweden's most blasphemous export, black metal horde Marduk, will be making their way across North America on the Blackenedfest tour, sharing the headlining spot with Norwegian black metal legends Mayhem and joined by Cephalic Carnage, Cattle Decapitation, and Withered. The most brutal US tour of the year? You bet your corpsepainted a*s it will be!

COMING SOON: The insanely-anticipated new full-length from Wolves in the Throne Room is entitled 'Black Cascade,' and will be available soon from Southern Lord. Also on the black horizon: the Ajna Offensive will soon be unleashing new records from Funeral Mist, Ofermod, and French iconoclasts Deathspell Omega. The new Amesoeurs and Cobalt records will be brought to you by the fine folks at Profound Lore next month, and oh, and have you heard the ridiculously good new Absu and Blut Aus Nord albums yet? No? Why not? Thank Candlelight profusely then go buy them immediately.