Berlin blackened sludge/post-metal act Shovel released their self-titled debut album; physical pre-orders available now via Argonauta Records

Berlin blackened sludge/post-metal act Shovel has just released their self-titled debut album this Friday, May 27th, 2022 via Argonauta Records.

Says the band: “The day has come: our album is out! After years of work, much dedication and much love, we are honoured to present to you our debut album! These seven songs are a diary, a dynamic journey through what we have personally and collectively experienced during the last years. Many changes in mood, in tempo, in dynamics, as in real life. But words make no sense, when you can also listen to the music yourselves! We are looking forward to hearing your thoughts on our album and hope you enjoy listening to it, as much as we did bringing it to life!
We are really grateful for the great collaborations we did on this: an amazing producer, Richard Behrens of Big Snuff Studio in Berlin, Jack Shirley of the The Atomic Garden Recording Studio in California doing increadible mastering work and Lisa Bender, Étions formidables, the extraordinary artist that did the whole artwork. And of course, Gero and Argonauta Records for releasing our album and Mona and All Noir for doing a great job bringing the album closer to your ears. Last, but not least, thanks a lot to George Kellamis and 666MrDoom for premiering our album!”

Tracklist:
01. VII. Havoc
02. V. Mære
03. VI. Scars Of A Dark Past
04. I. The Void
05. III. The Fall Of The Sun
06. IV. A Case Against Optimism
07. II. The Lake (feat. Vassilis Avgoustakis)

Courtesy of All Noir PR:

Berlin-based sludge and post-metal behemoths Shovel drop their first self-titled full-length album on May 27, 2022 via Italy’s powerhouse label Argonauta Records!

Ever since their first gig, Shovel created an immediate connection with the vibrant scene of Berlin, Germany, and following their colossal demo in 2019, they managed to establish themselves within the heavy music underground. The four-piece connects the immediacy of an intense riffage, existential screams and the elusiveness of otherworldly sounds and atmospheres. Emerging from the mud of sludge, doom and post-metal, their music travels through the openness and freedom of psychedelic textures to end up crawling in black metal claustrophobia and despair with an unconventional and distinct sound.

“A couple of years ago, we started playing together; we were not even sure we were forming a band,” guitarist and vocalist Kostis Benning reveals. “Our sincere experimentation and dedication formed these songs- and these songs formed Shovel. Our debut album is for us a diary of feelings, thoughts and ideas during the years that passed. And all of these were so intense, that we collaborated with people whose vision and experience gave us the chance to form these ideas into the album you are about to listen to. Thanks to all the people that helped us, you that are listening to us and, of course, to Argonauta Records for making this all happen!”

Photo by Miko Lewandowski

Shovel’s upcoming album was recorded live on tape at Big Snuff Studio, Berlin, by producer and engineer Richard Behrens (Kadavar, Samsara Blues Experiment, Elder). The album was mastered in The Atomic Garden Studio (California, USA) by Grammy nominated producer Jack Shirley (Amenra, Deafheaven, Oathbreaker). The artwork and layout was designed by Étions Formidables.

Slated for a digital release on May 27th via Argonauta Records with physical editions to follow, the pre-sale is available now at THIS LOCATION!

Shovel is:
Kostis Benning – Guitars & Vocals
Yorgos Anagnostopoulos – Guitars & Vocals
Pier Favia – Bass
Fotis Logothetis – Drums