Epic blackened heavy metallers SMOULDER have unveiled a new music video for “Shadow of the Vulture,” the second track from their forthcoming third studio album, Witch Wife in an Alien World.
Inspired by the gloriously over-the-top world of 1980s sword-and-sorcery cinema, the DIY video embraces everything from severed heads and fantasy adventure to the wonderfully cheesy spirit of classic heavy metal videos.
“We wanted to pay homage to our favourite sword and sorcery movies, and make a B-movie, DIY music video that was big and fun and trashy!” explains vocalist Sarah Ann. “We love films like Sorceress (1982), Deathstalker, The Devil’s Sword (1983), and Conquest (1983), so we wanted to merge that lineage with the classic goofy heavy metal videos that we always watch.”
The band teamed with Helsinki multidisciplinary artist Tekla Tekla Vàly, whose previous work includes projects with Warning, Oranssi Pazuzu, Hail Conjurer and 40 Watt Sun.
“She did a great job capturing that energy… plus, her severed head made us howl!” Sarah Ann adds.
Watch the “Shadow of the Vulture” video:
Musically, “Shadow of the Vulture” represents one of the more immediately traditional moments on Witch Wife in an Alien World, delivering classic heavy metal riffs and a massive singalong chorus. Across the rest of the record, however, SMOULDER push considerably further into darker territory, incorporating elements of black metal alongside their established mix of epic metal, power metal, speed metal and doom.
The eight-track album was recorded between Soundwell Studio in Espoo, Finland with Valtteri Kallio and Swift Road Studios in Chicago with Vincent Ippolito. Mixing and mastering were handled by Roland Rodas.
Among its more distinctive moments is “Noitien Loitsu,” SMOULDER’s first song performed partly in English and partly in Finnish. The track draws upon Sarah Ann’s Finnish roots and celebrates the forest neighboring her Helsinki home, while also featuring a guest solo from live guitarist Bootleg Henkka of Havukruunu.
The album artwork was created by British fantasy and horror illustrator Ian Miller, whose extensive credits include work connected to Warhammer, Magic: The Gathering, H.P. Lovecraft publications and Ralph Bakshi’s Wizards.
Witch Wife in an Alien World will be released through Cruz Del Sur Music on October 9 in Europe and November 6 in North America, available digitally as well as on CD and vinyl.
Pre-order Witch Wife in an Alien World:
CD | Black Vinyl LP | LMT Vinyl LP
Tracklist:
- Water Wars
- Shadow of the Vulture
- Noitien Loitsu
- Crush the Neophytes
- Empathy’s Wrath
- Their Name Lives On
- Cathedral of the Trees
- Smouldering Remains
Following the album’s release, SMOULDER will turn their attention toward an increasingly heavy and atmospheric live presentation, with European appearances scheduled throughout the fall.
SMOULDER is:
Sarah Ann — vocals
Shon Vincent — guitar
Collin Wolf — guitar
Adam Blake — bass
Kevin Hester — drums