Hard Impact Management & Napalm Records announces release of Debut Album, Under The Burning Eclipse for Stormruler.
Prepare to battle with the Stormrulers. US Black Metal on the rise! The design of the original American duo from St. Louis — showcasing the dark lyrical genius and dexterity of guitarist and vocalist Jason Asberry and drummer Jesse Schobel — has built a remarkable legion since its formation. Thus, the band signed a worldwide contract with Napalm Records and will release their impressive debut album, "Under The Burning Eclipse," on May 28, 2021! STORMRULER combines black metal and the vision of various metal genres with a brutal and modernized twist extracted from high fantasy and history. If we listen carefully, we can identify themes from some of WD's stories, and from games...
Featuring 19 tracks alternating between instrumental ambience and black metal riffs, the album tells harrowing tales of war, death, victory and defeat, and delivers an unmatched, hellscaped auditory experience. This is proven evident on first single “Reign Of The Winged Duke” – a searing track made rich with blackened trashy blast beats, infernal riffage and powerful progressions as it tells the tale of an immortal magical beast. Its accompanying video sees Stormruler donning their finest armour and swords, readying for battle!
STORMRULER offers about the track:
“‘Reign Of The Winged Duke’ is a great lead off track because we feel it most strongly represents our overall sound. The imagery of the song lends itself well to video performance too!”
The banners of the metal brigade Stormruler are flown high! Creeping in like, instrumental ambient intro track “Shine Of Ivory Horns” launches directly into opener “Reign Of The Winged Duke”, instantly with the pummelling drums and charred riffage. Under The Burning Eclipse evenly ebbs and flows between warning mystical atmosphere and ghastly action, evident on the likes of blackened head bobbers “Age Of Steel & Blood”, “Dawn Of The Eternal Fire” and unrelenting 8+ minute title epic “Under The Burning Eclipse”. Standout burner “Of Hollowed Souls & Distant Flame” looks to the north with archaic screams and memorable, colossal progressions, while combat-ready tracks like “At The Cliffs Of Azure City” incorporate ruminations of classic heavy metal combined with scorched, war-torn percussion. The album traverses desolate musical peaks and valleys before closing with the otherworldly brutality of “Fear The Old Blood” – a non-stop onslaught of black metal attack – and ambient, acoustically-driven finisher of older “Fields Of Mortal Shame”. Under The Burning Eclipse is a solid hour of fantasy-laden, grim fables transfixed in blackened scourge. Fans of extreme metal will not want to miss this debut offering from the mighty Stormruler!
STORMRULER adds about the album:
“We sought to take all of the elements we love about black and death metal and make the album we always wanted to hear. Early on, we formulated the idea to compose interludes between the songs to segue the moods, yet maintain a cohesive nature. As long-time fans of dark fantasy and historical warfare, it seemed like the proper path lyrically.”
STORMRULER comments on signing to Napalm Records:
“We are thrilled to embark upon this journey with a solid label like Napalm Records. Many bands that have inspired us have found their home on Napalm in the past and presently. We hope to forge our own path amongst their legacies!”
Sebastian Munch, A&R, Napalm Records adds:
“STORMRULER is living proof that excellent black metal is not an entirely Scandinavian business! Under The Burning Eclipse is probably the best black metal album of the last 10 years!”
STORMRULER also recently signed with Hard Impact Management, led by Maurizio Iacono (Ex Deo, Kataklysm)! Maurizio says:
“When Sebastian at Napalm called me up to check out STORMRULER, I immediately saw the fire and did not hesitate to make them part of the Hard Impact family. Scandinavia was the birthplace of black metal, but I think America is now crafting some of the most forward thinking black metal bands in the world. STORMRULER has the work ethic and the song writing magic to compete amongst the best in the genre, and I look forward to helping develop them to their full potential.”
Out May 28, 2021 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order HERE
