Cyclone Empire – New Signing: EREB ALTOR

Hailing from Gefle (Gävle), the eldest town in Norrland, EREB ALTOR are the newest members of the CYCLONE EMPIRE hordes. As EREB ALTOR are a already a well known force in the metallic underground scene, most metalheads should already be aware of their breathtaking hymns full of power and might somewhere between Viking, Doom and Black Metal always in praise of Swedish godfather Thomas Börje Forsberg (better known as Quorthon) and his musical heritage. After already three fantastic albums the three warriors Mats, Ragnar and Tord are now laying final hands on their fourth masterpiece ‘Fire Meets Ice’…be pepared for a release in the coming months !!!

Biography/Info:
Growing up with Bathory’s epic era in their hearts, it comes as no surprise that their music would somewhat flaunt the influence of their house gods. So with Bathory’s anthems as their spiritual foundation, they set out to find their creative and unique niche within the epic Viking metal genre. In early 2007 Mats and Ragnar heeded the call of the one-eyed elder to enter Apocalypse Studio and record a full-length. I Hate Records jumped at the chance to release first-class Heavy Metal; i.e., epic, heavy, melodic, melancholic, and true to the style created by such bands as Bathory, Scald, and DoomSword, as well as harboring elements from Candlemass and Isole. This debut album, entitled “By Honour”, comprised 7 long and adventurous tracks to kill for, delivered in a beautifully laid out 8-page booklet courtesy of Midark Media. Following its release, Ereb Altor undertook a few festival appearances assisted by the inclusion of sessionmusicians.
The response generated by “By Honour” was overwhelming and inspiring Mats and Ragnar to soon release a followup.“The End”, a slightly fasted album featuring more Scandinavian melodies and lyrics focusing on Nordic mythology, was picked up by Napalm Records. The title track is in fact 3 songs that are tied together to tell the story of Ragnarök. The choirs and the atmosphere from the first album remain and once again it contains 7 hymns.
EREB ALTOR is the brainchild of Ragnar and Mats, the doom masters behind ISOLE’s dark anthems. On their second collaboration, the Swedish duo also pays homage to the hypnotic and substantial power inherent within this genre. The viscid and elegiac riffs, as well as the doom metal foundation created by the dragging and purposely monotonous drums, make way for perfectly placed folk elements and haunting vocals. Ragnar plays with disparate vocal lines and coloring in order to communicate the oppression and hopelessness oozing out of the compositions. The songs in turn intensify into epic journeys that pull the listener inexorably into EREB ALTOR’s world. „The End“ is a dark work of art, to which lovers of doom will unequivocally succumb.
In 2012 there was time for a change of direction and pace. Viking Black Metal in the vein of early Bathory. Ragnar and Mats turn to a more aggressive musical direction when composing for EREB ALTOR. On the album „Gastrike“, the Swedes present the listeners with a matured sound, but at the same time with a higher level of brutality and aggressiveness than on the highly acclaimed predecessor „The End“. Therefore, EREB ALTOR’s sound also became closely tied to the legendary early works of Bathory. The epic hymns were enriched with a good portion of Black Metal elements, comprising of furious blast beats, thundering double-bass and aggressive vocal parts. ”Gastrike” was a concept album and told tales, myths and ghost stories quite dark and the change of sound was necessary to reflect the lyrics in the right way.
However, the Swedes have not forgotten their traditional elements. Hypnotic melodies and sweeping parts will be present again on the new Opus ”Fire Meets Ice” that will see the light of day the summer of 2013. On this new album which will be unleashed by Cyclone Empire EREB ALTOR will summon the norse Gods again and take the best parts from each sound of EREB ALTOR´s history to create a varied masterpiece.
“ Fire Meets Ice“ elevates EREB ALTOR from being an underground phenomenon into a heavy weight of the music scene.

Ragnar – Vocals, Guitar, Bass
Mats – Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keys
Tord – Drums

Band-Statement:
“We are proud to announce that we have signed a record deal with Cyclone Empire. We were searching for a label with lots of dedication and a great heart and we think may have found that in Cyclone Empire. Ereb Altor will not follow any fucking trends, we will create only pure music directly from the heart and Cyclone will help us to release quality products. The norse Gods have guided us to our new family within the Empire and we sure have a good feeling about it.”

Upcoming liveshows:

Tour w/ FORGOTTEN TOMB + ISOLE
24.04.13 ITALY – Torino / United Club
26.04.13 GERMANY – Göppingen / Doom Shall Rise Festival (only EREB ALTOR)
27.04.13 FRANCE – Montbeliard / Atelier des Moles
30.04.13 PORTUGAL – Benvente / Side B2
01.05.13 SPAIN – Madrid / Ritmo y Compas
02.05.13 SPAIN – Barcelona / Be Good
03.05.13 SPAIN – Zaragoza / Utopía
05.05.13 FRANCE – Paris / Glazart
06.05.13 UK – London / Garage upstairs
07.05.13 UK – Newcastle / Think Tank
09.05.13 NETHERLANDS – Arnhem / Willemeen
10.05.13 GERMANY – Oberhausen / Helvete
11.05.13 GERMANY – Erfurt / From Hell

www.erebaltor.com
www.facebook.com/ErebAltorOfficial
www.myspace.com/erebaltor