It’s great that we’re getting a chance to work with more German bands. In addition to the massively awaited album by Heads For The Dead, which features members of Revel In Flesh among others, we have also announced the signing of Eremit who play stunning doom/sludge metal and Temple Koludra playing black metal and sharing members with Hexer.
Label owner Kunal Choksi states, “It’s an honour to work with the mesmerizing cosmic doom band Hexer from Germany. Along with label mates Eremit, they are sure to leave a mark where this style goes. Their brand of doom is just what I was looking for – something atmospheric and also intriguing, with the kind of occult heaviness that you can find in their label mates Jupiterian, with whom they toured last year. Their new album is one of my most anticipated releases and I’m sure it’ll be exceptional.”
Hexer members comment, “When Kunal invited us to join the roster of Transcending Obscurity, we already heard a lot about his work and the effort he puts into his releases, by our friends of Jupiterian and the german Trvefrykt-Zine. This collaboration gives us the opportunity, to work on new conceptual ideas and to create new soundscapes for the next chapter of our story. We are extremely stoked, that Transcending Obscurity will join us on this cosmic trip!”
Transcending Obscurity signs occult German black metal band Temple Koludra in a multiple album deal. It’s a significant signing that strengthens our black metal repertoire. This year has already seen signings of bands such as P.H.O.B.O.S., Dødsferd and Lifelost for the genre, and this will be another feather in the cap of the label. Along with the current releases of Arkheth, Nigredo, Gaerea and Sathanas, and the aforementioned signings, this is going to be the strongest year for the label where this genre is concerned. You can stream an exclusive new song from the upcoming full length below.
Label owner Kunal Choksi says, “It’s with immense pleasure that we welcome another German band after Eremit and partly Heads For The Dead to our label. It’s all possible because of V. of Jupiterian who told me about the band, and one thing led to another and culminated in this fantastic signing. It’s a coincidence that the band is into Indian spirituality and it can only be for the better. One can expect great things from the band’s upcoming full length titled ‘Seven! Sirens! To the Lost Archetype’.
Temple Koludra members state, “With Transcending Obscurity, we found the right label to release our upcoming work, after a long period of absence. Kunal understands and appreciates the spirit of our concept, so we are glad to be able to join forces with him.
‘Seven! Sirens! To A Lost Archetype’ combines chaotic black metal, with ritual instruments (kangling, rag dung etc.) from different traditions of the Himalayan region and underlines the endeavor to create a culture-overcoming symbiosis. But despite all tendency to reach for the east, these are just translation fragments of the underlying devotion, a devotion that is not geographically located but within the shining heart of darkness.”
Tracklisting for ‘Seven! Sirens! To the Lost Archetype’ – 1 Trimūrti 2 Vajra 3 Grey Apparition 4 Nāmarūpa 5 This Diadem will Last 6 Vertigo 7 White I Trance
It’s with great pleasure that we welcome another black metal band to the roster that not only upholds the quality but pushes it forward in terms of sonic expression and aesthetic appeal. Lifelost is a new band from Phlegeton of Wormed and one can expect the release of their debut EP titled ‘Dialogues From Beyond’ shortly. You can listen to a teaser here –
Transcending Obscurity Records label owner Kunal Choksi states, “I’m thrilled to work with the legendary Phlegeton of Wormed to release music of his new black metal band Lifelostwhich is dark and harrowing. He has outdone himself here in all aspects. Even the artwork and overall aesthetics are sublime and suit the music just perfectly. It’s been a breeze working with him and it further strengthens the label’s Spanish connection alongside other bands such as Bokluk and Come Back From The Dead.”
Lifelost‘s sole member Phlegeton adds, “Over the years, I’ve been working with many labels to build my music career but I didn’t think that signing with a new label could make me feel such great excitement and this breath of fresh air. It’s a real pleasure and honor to sign with a label that is rising as a colossus in the international metal scene; just as my music emerged without premeditation, this association has come unexpected. I cannot feel prouder of having this opportunity to present my darker side of music to this decadent world with my first solo album. Those who walk in the light will see a great darkness!”
Line up – Phlegeton – All instruments, lyrics and voices (Wormed, Human Mincer)
Track list – 1. Malign Emanatio 2. Sepulchral Vault 3. Released From Life 4. Metanoia 5. Incorporeal Gate
We’re always trying to expand our repertoire and it’s a rare thrill to come across exceptional bands that push the sound in their own twisted ways. We had a different category altogether for such bands in our 2018 label sampler where even P.H.O.B.O.S. contributed a track along with other luminaries such as Veilburner, 0N0, Project Omega, etc. It’s time to reveal the album artwork and other information pertaining to their upcoming release titled ‘Phlogiston Catharsis’.
Label owner Kunal Choksi states, “I’m ecstatic and overwhelmed to work with a band of the calibre of P.H.O.B.O.S. It’s extremely rare to find relentless and overlooked projects with that originality. Once a one-man operation for almost twenty years, this now multifaceted entity of perfectionists is back with a vengeance, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If in the past years we put out releases of Drug Honkey, then this year it will be P.H.O.B.O.S. that will keep high the torch of industrial black/doom metal, with their slab of sick atmospheres. Watch out for their upcoming release on Transcending Obscurity, which will for sure end up on several best of the year lists.”
Designed by Frederic Sacri, Mani Ann-Sitar and Magnus Larssen Recorded and mixed by Frederic Sacri at Sapel Lomor Mastered by Greg Chandler at Priory Recording Studios, Birmingham, UK (Esoteric, Cruciamentum, Grave Miasma)
Artwork by Synckop (Merzbow, Deafhaven, Neurosis, Isis)
It’s a constant effort to spread our wings so to speak, with our base being in Mumbai, India. A couple of years back, we achieved a breakthrough of sorts, being the only label from the sub-continent to get full European distribution from Plastic Head (UK). Since then we have been endeavouring to acquire US distribution as most of our customers are from there. This will definitely solidify our presence in that region, and in the foreseeable future, there might be an exclusive US store for Transcending Obscurity Records via AISA Music which is a rapidly growing entity having ties with Sony-Red distribution too for the same. They’re working with several notable bands and labels and you can check out their site HERE.
Very soon all our latest products will be available through their US store which will definitely slash the shipping time for those based in that country. All customer service for the same will be handled by AISA Music directly.
In addition to the above two big entities, we have distribution worldwide through independent labels and distros, as well as worldwide shipping facilities from our official store and official Bandcamp page.
Master are one of the earliest proponents of death metal and are veritable legends in the line, having been around for over three decades and releasing over a dozen records. It’s phenomenal to get a chance to work with a band of their repute and we can only be grateful to be given a chance to work with them for a brand new full length this year if not more. Master‘s latest album ‘Vindictive Miscreant’ will not only please their old fans but will also turn many new listeners into one. It’s their best album in years.
Transcending Obscurity Records label owner Kunal Choksi says, “It’s truly a dream come true to work with a legendary band in Master. Paul Speckmann proved to be a man of rare integrity and signed the contract within two hours of bringing up the topic. Needless to say, I will be doing my utmost best not to let him down and do greater things for his band, now and in the future. This is a very fortuitous signing for the label and I couldn’t be happier. Hard work does pay off, it seems, when there was little respite. Thanks to Rogga Johansson of Paganizer for highly recommending my label to the band. Here’s hoping for a strong partnership with the legends Master.”
Master’s founder Paul Speckmann comments, “Of course it’s an honor and a privilege in these days to sign to a reputable label which comes highly recommended by many excellent musicians! The future of Master carries on and we will fight until the end!”
Track listing – 1. Vindictive Miscreant 2. Actions Speak Louder Than Words 3. Replaced 4. The Inner Strength Of The Demon 5. The Book 6. Engulfed In Paranoia 7. The Impossible Of Dreams 8. Stand Up And Be Counted
Band lineup – Paul Speckmann – Vocals, Bass Zdenek Pradlovsky – Drums Aleš Nejezchleba – Guitars and solos
Dødsferd have to be one of the most underrated bands in the style. They’ve toiled hard for years and haven’t yet received the attention they’re due. Their music has rare poignancy of late and it’s something that is relatable too, especially in these times, more now than ever before. The way they infuse melodies against a harsh, minimalistic backdrop is stunning. It’s atmospheric black metal and DSBM going hand-in-hand, with the emotions being all too palpable and real.
Transcending Obscurity Records owner Kunal Choksi states, “It’s an honour to work with a long-running and respected band such as Dødsferd. Their music always had this magical, haunting quality and I ended up revisiting it often. Their new album has the same quality. There’s a level of sincerity and depth that’s unparalleled and hope people come to understand that. It’s a magnificent album and will see the light of day on various formats this year. Wrath is a man of integrity and here’s hoping for a great partnership with him and his band.”
Dødsferd add, “My new album is the darkest and most soul-destroying albums I have ever written through all these 17 years of existence. ‘Diseased Remnants of a Dying World’ incipits the destruction of man and all the weak theories that kept him hypnotized all these years, sacrificing his will and strength to useless and unknown “higher” powers and incompetent shepherds. I never followed trends; I never compromised with the sayings and preferences of the masses. My new album is also my reply to nowadays black metal scene. I am still following my own path, like I did all these years and I am truly honored that I have found a trustworthy and respected ally such Transcending Obscurity Records to spread the word for my new album. A new era for my band is rising!!!! Nothing is external!!!”
With expectations for doom metal being sky high this year, having put out extremely well-received releases of Jupiterian, Mindkult, Drug Honkey, Altar of Betelgeuze, Illimitable Dolor and Warcrab last year on our label, we’re glad to reveal information on our latest doom metal signing in Eremit from Germany. Their style is unique and demanding, and their debut full length release hopefully will go down as one of the most memorable ones of this year.
Transcending Obscurity Records owner Kunal Choksi states, “I’m thrilled to come across a supremely talented new band in Eremit from Germany. Their debut album is absolutely crushing while also being progressive and adventurous in its own way. It’s almost impossible to find such a combination in sludge/doom bands, one that will keep you rivetted as it goes about destroying just about everything in its path. It’s only fitting that they have an artwork by none other than Mariusz Lewandowski (Bell Witch) for their album cover. This is a monstrous release and I hope the doom fans of the label will appreciate it.”
Eremit add, “We are glad to have found a label which supports our vision. By releasing our debut record Transcending Obscurity is enabling us to show our music to the community of extreme music fans and also start telling a tale which with this record is just beginning. We can’t wait to bring this record to life – DOOM!”
Gaerea released a stunning debut in 2016 that received widespread acclaim. It was in the form of a sensational EP that showcased their superior songwriting skills and outstanding aesthetic sense. This year the Portuguese black metal band will release their highly awaited full length album that takes forward their sound to new extremes.
