Under Siege: Slayer, Immortal, Baroness, and more…

[Under Siege: A weekly recap of the noteworthy riffage from the wicked world of metal and hardcore.]

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Slayer post “World Painted Blood”

Slayer’s “World Painted Blood” made its way to the band’s MySpace this week. The song is the title track from the band’s new album and the second from the album to have been released so far. Wow! This is admittedly noticeable change of pace for a band that is often (justifiably) maligned for remaining stubbornly close to their infamous Bay-area thrash roots. It’s complex, quite epic, and they’re thrashing like hell through and through. Slayer hasn’t sounded this adventurous in recent memory, and depending on whether they can pull this off, World Painted Blood is going to be either the best or the worst metal album released this year. But honestly, I can’t tell if I dig it or not; for all the freshness, something still feels lazy to me. Listen for yourself… [via Metal Underground]

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Immortal are back with “All Shall Fall”

Immortal are back at it again, and this week they have posted the title track from their new album All Shall Fall at their MySpace. Abbath, Demonaz, Horgh, and Apollyon recently resurrected the legendary Norwegian black metal outfit, deciding after seven and a half years without an album that it was time for them to speak as Immortal again. “All Shall Fall” sets the tone for the band’s new scripture, and on this track their true spirit for the sound obvious. This is Immortal reawakened, and with teeth-sharpened, they are snarling more fearsome than ever. [via Metal Injection]

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Baroness whet our appetite with “Swollen and Hollow” stream

More juicy goodness is leaking out from the watery new Baroness album entitled the Blue Record. The band just released “Swollen and Hollow” via their MySpace, a heady hard-stomper that demolishes all the pre-release hype the band has been enjoying lately. Nothing this good can be adequately described, but let’s just say that Baroness have made the album that you probably wish all your favorite bands would’ve made. For Baroness devotees: if you enjoyed the Red Album, I’m predicting that the Blue Record will have your undivided attention for many months (nay, years!) to come. [via Punk News]

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Founding Candiria guitarist Chris Puma passes away

Chris Puma, original guitarist the visionary Brooklyn hardcore band Candira, passed away on the 20th of September. He leaves behind two children: three year old Aislinn A’marie and a four month old Aidan Todd. The chaotic dimension that his guitar sound added to the band’s groundbreaking records in the mid-’90s went on to redefine a generation of metal and hardcore bands in its wake. A statement from Candiria release this week reads: “Chris Puma died on September 20th 2009. The cause is not known to us, as his family did not speak of it. He leaves behind two children, 3 year old Aislinn A’marie and a 4 month old Aidan Todd. Chris was a great friend to the founding members of the band, and a respected musician among his friends and peers. He was a kind and gentle person and he will be missed.” [via Cerebra Metalhead]

Candira “Elevate in Madness” [MP3] (From Surrealistic Madness, 1995)
Candira “Pages” [MP3] (From Surrealistic Madness, 1995)

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Former 3 Inches of Blood bassist Brian Redman dies in car accident

Continuing the trend in negative news, former 3 Inches of Blood bassist Brian Redman passed away on September 27 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Redman recorded 3 Inches of Blood’s Advance and Vanquish with the band in 2004, and he left for a more peaceful life after helping the band get their foot in the door on a couple years of grueling tours. I extend my deepest sympathies to Brian and his family. You will be missed dearly, deadly sinner! May you rest in peace. [via Metal Underground]

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—Between the Buried and Me revealed dates for their forthcoming U.S. tour with Veil of Maya and Animals as Leaders.

—Kiss have announced they will appear on David Letterman’s Late Show on October 6, giving (grand)mothers everywhere yet another reason to denounce the program.

—Dillinger Escape Plan revealed some pointless behind-the-scenes antics (as well as some jaw-dropping studio footage) from their Option Paralysis recording sessions in their new video diary.

—Anaal Nathrakh have announced plans to reissue their debut album, The Codex Necro.

—Secrets of the Moon are hosting a stream of the seductively epic blackened sludge metal (or is it sludgy black metal?) track “Queen of Rats” from their new album Privilegivm at their Myspace. Whatever it is, it’s insanely good.

—Vader uploaded their new music video “Never Say My Name” from their album Necropolis.

—Rob at Metal Injection was recently treated to a behind the scenes tour of Skeletonwitch’s forthcoming “Repulsive Salvation” video. They have uploaded their interview and recap here.

—Lye By Mistake debuted their new song “Invincible Badass” at Lambgoat, and HOLY CRAP is it sweeeeeet! Any and every fan of guitar theatrics and damn superb songwriting, do yourself a favor and stream this puppy!

—Belphegor posted their new music video for “Der Geistertreiber” from their album Walpurgis Rites – Hexenwahn. I’m no psychologist, but I don’t think that’s necessary to know these dudes are fucking insane. What is this shit?

—Expect to hear some ravenous new tech-grind from Leng Tch’e early next year. The band are busy wrapping up a new album in studio right now.

—Horse the Band have uploaded the “Shapeshift” music video from their new album Desperate Living.

—Evergreen Terrace released music video for “Sending Signals” from their new album Almost Home (which they are now streaming here).

—God Dethroned, Abigail Williams, Augury, and Woe of Tyrants are currently on tour. They play Station 4 in St. Paul on October 11th.

—Arch Enemy posted an mp3 for the new version of “Pilgrim” that will appear on their new “re-recording” album The Root of All Evil. The song originally appeared on the band’s third album, Burning Bridges.

—Within Temptation recently uploaded their new music video for “Utopia” from their disgusting acoustic album An Acoustic Night at the Theatre. I had no idea Within Temptation sucked this bad.