EPK – XAEL – Bloodtide Rising (2021) (Pavement Entertainment)
For fans of Septic Flesh, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Wardruna, Nile, Cattle Decapitation, Dimmu Borgir
Album Title: Bloodtide Rising
Release Date: February 12, 2021
Label: Pavement Entertainment
Distribution: Sony
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“From the strong foundation the group built on The Last Arbiter, Xael has done an incredible job of both expanding and refining the eclectic sound they began with into something grander on Bloodtide Rising. The album’s music falls somewhere within a symphonic/progressive take on tech-death, without skimping on speed and brutality at the same time. Of all the tracks on their new album, I’d say “Bloodtide Rising” does a superb job at showcasing the many layers and styles that are a part of Xael’s sound. The visuals for the video are also pretty great and the guest guitar solo from Augury guitarist Matthieu Marcotte is just icing on the cake.” – Metal Injection
“If you’re new to the group, Xael includes among their ranks Nile bassist/vocalist Brad Parrish, Rapheumets Well members vocalist/drummer/multi-instrumentalist Joshua Ward and guitarist/backing vocalist Daniel Presnell, along with primary vocalist/cello player Joshua Niemeyer and guitarist/vocalist/percussionist Chris Hathcock. That’s a fuckload of talent and also a lot of killer musicians capable of playing multiple roles in order to create some damn cool music with a ton of depth and variety to it. This is precisely what Xael achieved on their killer 2018 debut album, The Last Arbiter.” – Metal Injection
“Although we are only in the second month of 2021 I feel safe in saying this is easily going to be a top 10 album of the year. It is simply that strong. Absolutely captivating, interesting and fun.” – CGCM Podcast
“It’s an album with a lot of ebbs and flows, leading the listener down many musical paths that make for a compelling listen.” – Heavy Music HQ
“The palette ranges from highly melodic sounds to brutal sinister outbreaks… XAEL have created a colossal cinematic epic with “Bloodtide Rising”, a dark symphony that tells the story of the album with an immensely intense atmosphere… It has become a powerful album. The sound of XAEL captivates with its originality in the way of composition and style. XAEL tell story in their own unique way. A masterful achievement.” – Metal-Heads.de
Album Title: Bloodtide Rising
Release Date: February 12, 2021
Label: Pavement Entertainment
Distribution: Sony
Track Listing:
1. Suun Rai Aru (Passion Begets Ruin) (3:04)
2. As Decreed: The Law of Vuul Athmar (4:25)
3. The Waste of Dreadrift (5:19)
4. Srai – The Demon of Erring (6:24)
5. Dark World Mirrors (4:42)
6. Bloodtide Rising (3:48)
7. The Red Odyssey (2:07)
8. The Red Odyssey Part 2: The Temple of the Sky Eater (4:57)
9. The Odium and the Contrition (4:12)
Album Length: 39:02
Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Xael
• All songs written by: Xael
• Produced by: Joshua Ward
• Mixed by: Joshua Ward
• Mastered by: Jamie King
• Album Artwork by: Shannon Wells
Album Band Line Up:
Joshua Niemeyer – Vocals
Daniel Presnell – Guitar
Chris Hathcock – Guitar, Clean vocals
Brad Parris – Bass vocals
Joshua “Nassaru” Ward – Drums, Keys, Vocals
Xael, based out of the American Carolinas was formed in 2018. The band’s current line-up consists of Joshua Niemeyer, Daniel Presnell, Chris Hathcock (The Reticent), Brad Parris (Nile), and Joshua “Nassaru” Ward (Rapheumets Well, Olkoth). Xael combines elements of extreme metal with orchestrations and folk music to create soundscapes of the imagination.
Xael’s music focuses on the endeavors of its members in a science fantasy epic. From the wastelands of war-torn planets to the pits where the fallen gods dwell, Xael paints an odd and fantastic sci-fi world both musically and visually.
Discography:
2021 – Bloodtide Rising (Pavement Entertainment)
2018- The Last Arbiter (Test Your Metal Records)
Bloodtide Rising Concept:
Imprisoned by the counsel of Tymeer, led by the insidious entity Sen, Darmak “ cursed with a degrading immortality” and the Watchers of Xan were presented as an offering to the Sovereign Ruler and rare species collector, Atara Avuniir in exchange for military and economic support. Finding Favor with the Queen, the Watchers were integrated into her elite guard where they became renowned for their success.
Unforeseen, the Queen fell in love with Darkmak and she would bare to him a son. Vuul Athmar along with the outer planets of the Eiasian-Rim prospered yet the queen harbors a dark secret, an anomaly that threatens the outer-worlds.
Touring history:
Though Xael is a new project, the members are no stranger to touring. Brad Parris, being the front man and bass player for Nile embarks on yearly international tours. Along with Joshua Ward (who is the drum tech for George Kollias of Nile), they have toured most of Europe, Australia, India, South America, Russia, and Japan. Other members being from bands such as Rapheumets Well and The Reticent are all versed at national and international touring.
Sounds Like: Septic Flesh, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Wardruna, Nile, Cattle Decapitation, Heilung, Dimmu Borgir, Devin Townsend, Emperor, Augury
