US atmospheric doom/death metal veterans Avernus return with new full-length album »Grievances«; out now via M-Theory Audio!
Chicago, Illinois based atmospheric doom/death metal veterans Avernus return with their second full-length album, »Grievances«, which was just released this Friday, September 20th, 2024 via M-Theory Audio.
Tracklist:
01. Calling The Void
02. Nemesis
03. Exitus
04. Plateau
05. The Burning Down
06. Return To Dust
07. Open Arms (To The Apocalypse)
08. Utter Euphoria
09. Abandoned
10. Quietus
Courtesy of M-Theory Audio:
Anticipated new album from Chicago’s atmospheric doom/death band in stores & online!
A day many thought would never come. Who imagined this cult underground band from the ‘90s, mainly popular in the Midwest, would return someday? Let alone with a lineup of four classic members and armed with such a heavy, emotional, dark masterpiece. But today is upon us. Chicago’s atmospheric doom/death Avernus have returned, and today you can hear their »Grievances«.
Since announcing the signing of Avernus and sharing their backstory of promise and failure, as well as how our paths intersected, fans have come out of the woodwork sharing memories of the band through demo tapes, live appearances or their inclusion on Metal Blade’s »Metal Massacre XII« compilation. People have discovered or rediscovered a crushing artist with preview tracks and videos like »Nemesis« and »Return To Dust«. And fans have supported and anxiously pre-ordered their roaring comeback »Grievances«.
Photo credit: Gene Ambo Photography
Now the rest of you can listen – listen to the full album and take in the misery, empathy, darkness and majesty of Avernus either on your favorite digital platform or by picking up a CD or limited (300) Black Ash colored 2LP vinyl version (including a bonus track) in stores or via mail-order HERE.
“There were many times throughout the past few years we thought this day would never come. It is truly a gift to be able to do this with the four of us again. We are overwhelmed at the amount of love and support we have received so far. A culmination of years of hard work, revisions, rewriting, and even allowing doubt to occasionally set in. This record is honest and very personal for us. We poured ourselves into this project and we hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed writing and recording it. Although we have had a very interesting and colorful past, we are looking forward to the future. From the bottom of our hearts – thank you all,” McCoy, Genenz, Yifrach, Kikke (collectively Avernus).
Avernus will play their first show in six years on 11/1 at Heavy Chicago Fest at The Avondale Music Hall in Chicago. Heavy Chicago II is three days of complete metal debauchery November 1st to 3rd. Tickets on sale now HERE. Avernus will play Friday night alongside Bongripper, Pelican and support from Wraith.
»Grievances« is a long-awaited return for Avernus, as their last recording was released 21 years ago while their sole official album release, »Of The Fallen«, going back to 1997. When the core foundational members (vocalist/guitarist Rick McCoy, guitarist Erik Kikke, guitarist James Genenz and drummer Rick Yifrach) regrouped to create new music our curiosity and excitement grew and as you’ll hear why this is the most mature, dismally emotional and best Avernus have ever sounded.
Established in 1992 in Chicago, Avernus were one of the premiere bands mixing death metal with doom elements as evidenced by early demos over the next couple years – »A Tracery of Red« featuring singer Rick McCoy and drummer Rick Yifrach and fan-favorite »Sadness«, which added guitarist Erik Kikke to the lineup. In addition to becoming a live staple of Midwest shows and fests, a rippling effect began throughout underground circles. In 1994 Avernus’ reputation caught the attention of now-current M-Theory Audio president Marco Barbieri. At the time Marco worked at Metal Blade Records and included the band’s track »Godlessness« on »Metal Massacre XII« in 1995. The song showed the beginnings of the group reaching for more melodic and gothic tendencies. Marco urged Metal Blade to sign the group but there just wasn’t enough enthusiasm from above. Marco felt so strongly about Avernus that he contemplated starting his own imprint then but the group instead signed with M.I.A. Records (Darkest Hour, Oppressor, Spirit Caravan) and released their »Of The Fallen« album in 1997. The same year guitarist James Genenz (later of Fleshgrind, Jungle Rot) joined the ranks. Avernus didn’t make the breakthrough evidenced by their early talents and hard work. Recording a couple more demos the band wallowed in obscurity in the 2000s despite the efforts of remaining constant member, founder Rick McCoy. Avernus slowly crumbled away.
But things never truly die and nostalgia for the group was urged by fans and even band members and slowly the pieces were assembled, reunion shows played and new music written culminating in the song released today and the forthcoming full-length album. By far the most cohesive and powerful recording assembled by a more experienced and yet calmer heads to create truly a masterwork.
Avernus is:
Rick Yifrach – Drums & Percussion
Erik Kikke – Guitars / Bass Guitar
Rick McCoy – Vocals / Guitar Synthesizer
James Genenz – Guitars / Bass Guitar / Synthesizers / Vocoder
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well