Avernus (USA) - Grievances @ Atmospheric Doom/Death Metal

Nemesis” is a long-awaited return for AVERNUS, as their last official recording was released 21 years ago while their sole official album release, ‘Of the Fallen’ goes back even further to 1997. Still when the core foundational members (vocalist/guitarist Rick McCoy, guitarist Erik Kikke, guitarist James Genenz and drummer Rick Yifrach) regrouped to create new music our curiosity and excitement grew and as you’ll hear with “Nemesis” this is the most mature, dismally emotional and best AVERNUS have ever sounded.

And “Nemesis” is just one song, albeit it almost 10 minutes long, from a forthcoming new album, ‘Grievances’ featuring 10 new compositions (an 11th song found on the 2LP vinyl set is a bonus re-recorded early demo song). And with today’s music video/single premiere we’re also launching the pre-order for that limited-edition (300) black ash colored vinyl pressing or CD at our webstore https://m-theoryaudio.com/store or Bandcamp www.avernus.bandcamp.com

Established in 1992 in Chicago, AVERNUS were one of the premiere bands mixing death metal with doom elements as evidenced by early demos over the next couple years -- ‘A Tracery of Red’ featuring singer Rick McCoy and drummer Rick Yifrach and fan-favorite ‘Sadness,’ which added guitarist Erik Kikke to the lineup. In addition to becoming a live staple of Midwest shows and fests, a rippling effect began throughout underground circles. In 1994 AVERNUS’ reputation caught the attention of now-current M-Theory Audio president Marco Barbieri. At the time Marco worked at Metal Blade Records and included the band’s track “Godlessness” on ‘Metal Massacre XII’ in 1995. The song showed the beginnings of the group reaching for more melodic and gothic tendencies. Marco urged Metal Blade to sign the group but there just wasn’t enough enthusiasm from above. Marco felt so strongly about AVERNUS that he contemplated starting his own imprint then but the group instead signed with M.I.A. Records (Darkest Hour, Oppressor, Spirit Caravan) and released their ‘Of the Fallen’ album in 1997. The same year guitarist James Genenz (later of Fleshgrind, Jungle Rot) joined the ranks. AVERNUS didn’t make the breakthrough evidenced by their early talents and hard work. Recording a couple more demos the band wallowed in obscurity in the 2000s despite the efforts of remaining constant member, founder Rick McCoy. AVERNUS slowly crumbled away.

But things never truly die and nostalgia for the group was urged by fans and even band members and slowly the pieces were assembled, reunion shows played and new music written culminating in the song released today and the forthcoming full-length album. By far the most cohesive and powerful recording assembled by a more experienced and yet calmer heads to create truly a masterwork.

“Decades in the making. We have known Marco Barbieri since he was with Metal Blade Records.

Marco has supported us since the mid-‘90s. He was the main reason we were given the opportunity to be a part of Metal Blade’s ‘Metal Massacre 12’ compilation.”

“Forward to now... we finished recording a full-length record. Somehow the stars aligned and the conditions were right, and it fell into Marco’s hands. Soon after, with a short discussion and knowing the history that Marco has with so many great bands, we formed a partnership and became part of the M-Theory roster. This journey really has been “decades in the making” and came together as a “perfect storm”. We are humbled and honored to be a part of M-Theory Audio family.”