We discovered the existence of Alkaloid quite by accident last July after learning of the departure of Christian Muenzer and Hannes Grossman from German technical death metal overlords Obscura, and wrote about them at a time when not much information had been publicized — but what was known was certainly enticing. In the months since then, the reasons for excitement have only grown. This supergroup’s debut album The Malkuth Grimoire is now set for release on March 17 — and today we bring you the premiere of its title track.
The word “supergroup” is overused, but it’s entirely justified in the case of Alkaloid. The band’s members have histories with an impressive list of groups:
Morean (Dark Fortress, Noneuclid) – Vocals, Guitars
Christian Muenzner (Spawn of Possession, Ex-Obscura, Ex-Necrophagist) – Guitars
Danny Tunker (Aborted, Ex-God Dethroned) – Guitars
Linus Klausenitzer (Obscura, Noneuclid) – Bass
Hannes Grossmann (Blotted Science, Ex-Obscura, Ex-Necrophagist) – Drums
Their 73-minute debut album is an entirely DIY effort. It was financed through a successful crowdfunding campaign, produced by Alkaloid, and recorded by Hannes Grossmann at Sound-of-Mordor Studio in Nuremberg, Germany.
As for the song you’re about to hear, NCS writer Austin Weber has a few enthusiastic observations:
From the onset, the track explodes like a supernova, igniting a shimmering explosion of guitar pyrotechnics, hellish growls, and decimating drum beats. Yet from its explosive beginnings, the belly of the song evokes a crushing, groovy, Morbid Angel stomp, not dissimilar to the slow-motion massiveness explored on “Ocean Gateways” by Obscura.
A procession of rapid and snaking solos follows from this deathly doom, soon hitting an atmospheric stride of celestial wonder, abounding in dark melodies and a backing flurry of leads. Soon after, the track doubles back into a furious aggressive jaunt before slowly getting quieter and dissolving into the aether.
Quite a dense track indeed, one that showcases a new merger between death metal and progressive elements spun into a vortex of impressive creativity.
Pre-Order on Bandcamp: http://alkaloid-band.bandcamp.com
Official Site: http://www.alkaloid-band.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alkaloid.metal
11 Responses to “AN NCS PREMIERE: ALKALOID — “THE MALKUTH GRIMOIRE””
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Note: Before clicking play, volume should be turned up to 11.
Thank you for this addition. Our failure to include this instruction was an oversight. 🙂
Awesome track – everything I hear from this album gets me more and more psyched for it.
Holy shit,
Danny Tunker sounds amazing!! Whooaaaa!!
This one sounds the most similar to Nonecluid of the ones I’ve heard.
Oh just Wait till you hear Dyson Sphere, guy 😉
The album really is superb. I’m only on about my third listen of it in its entirety, but The Malkuth Grimoire just keeps getting better. I especially like how clear the bass is without being Obscura-levels of high in the mix
Love the sudden shift in pace around the 2:00 minute mark! And the solo at 02:54 sounds downright ghastly. And to my eye, the album art is a little Giger-esque.
Damn that’s some seriously good shit, that was one hell of an easy pre-order decision
For me, it was an instant decision to join the crowd funding campaign back when this project was announced. This is album looks and sounds like a monster.
this sounds so cool, i can’t wait to hear the whole album 🙂