From the Depths: Nazxul, Maniac, Merrimack

THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER: Legendary Australian black metallers Nazxul have been confirmed for the 2010 edition of the Maryland Death Fest, marking the band's first-ever performance on North American soil. They are currently plotting a full North American tour in support of their new album Iconoclast, the band's first full-length since their classic debut, 'Totem,' in 1995. Guitarist/bassist Adrian Henderson commented, "2010 shall see the rise of the antipodean cult Nazxul! The black wings of death shall spread across America in a whirlwind of terror and madness. Nazxul is dead -- all hail Nazxul!"

ALBUM UPDATE: 'Skandinavisk Misantropi,' the highly anticipated debut release from Maniac (ex-Mayhem) has been given a European release date of Oct. 19, while it will be available in the U.S. come Nov. 17. A doomy, blackened journey through hellfire and hate, the album contains eight tracks of aural pain, and sounds like nothing you've ever heard before. 'Skandinavisk Misantropi,' is a nightmare of twisted, jagged chords, harrowing vocals, devilishly catchy elements of black, death, doom and noise -- and features guest appearances by David Tibet (Current 93), Niklas Kvarforth (Shining), Attila Csihar (Mayhem) and Gaahl.

'Skandinavisk Misantropi' track list

'Luciferon' (Intro)

'Slow Pain Coming'

'Hollow Devotion'

'Skandinavisk Misantropi'

'Towards the Shores of Loss'

'A Valley Below'

'Densetsu'

'ScumDrug'

THE FRENCH ARE COMING: Cult Gallic black metal horde Merrimack will be poisoning our shores for the first time as part of the U.S. Plague Tour in November and December. Joining them will be headliners Marduk, psychedelic Chicago black attack Nachtmystium, neo-thrashers Mantic Ritual and, on select dates, New York City's viciously vital Black Anvil. Merrimack will be playing songs from their brand-new record, 'Grey Rigorism,' which was recently released by black metal institution Moribund Records.