ALBUM RELEASE: Listless - selftitled
April 25, 2025

Forged in the grey skies of the pacific northwest, LISTLESS evokes a deep sense of foreboding dread on its debut album, transporting the listener to despondency and distress and creating the perfect soundtrack for quiet contemplative evenings. Today marks the official release of Listless' first chapter, so put on some headphones, settle into a dark space (or better yet, a nighttime walk), and let yourself get transported through this record of evocative depressive black metal!

Order "Listless" CD's, Shirts, Bundles | Order "Listless" CD's (Canada/USA)
Stream / "name-your-price" download

Album notes:
Listless is a solo Depressive Black Metal project from Victoria, BC, Canada. The project aims to capture an isolated sense of solitude through melancholic introspection. Emotionally resonant guitars, desperate howls, and sorrowful keys aim to hypnotize listeners into a dark, endless oblivion.

The project comes from the mind of Aidan Crossley, the guitarist and vocalist of Victoria-based Atmospheric Black Metal band: Liminal Shroud. Aidan's past musical work includes roles in projects such as Numenorean, Vaaltovashe, and others. This project channels the songwriting, intensity, and surging expansiveness of Liminal Shroud while focusing more on emotive aspects of musical expression.

Listless is inspired by genre-defining depressive acts such as Austere, Woods of Desolation, Coldworld, None, and Gris. The composition also implements depressive rock elements from bands like Lifelover and Psychonaut 4.

[Read More...]

VINYL RE-RELEASE : Hekseblad - Kaer Morhen 
April 19, 2025

Last year when we released Hekseblad's debut album "Kaer Morhen", the vinyl sold out in a matter of days which convinced us to add a third variant to the pressing, and that was also sold out by the summer. Since then, many of you asked if we had extra copies lying around or if we would do a repress. We didn't get to it immediately but the latest pressing arrived here about a month ago and we just held off on the release until today - April 19 - which is fittingly the one year anniversary of the release of "Kaer Morhen"! 

The 2025 pressing is limited to 200 copies, split between the "Yrden Trap" and the "Brokilon Boughs" variants. As mentioned, the vinyl are already here so there are no pre-orders. Orders will ship out immediately in the order in which they were placed. 

Order here
[SHIPPING IMMEDIATELY; NO PRE-ORDERS]

Album notes:
In the waning months of the cursed year 2020, as the seasons changed to the cold, dark months of winter two long time friends joined forces to create Hekseblad, a Melodic Black metal band who would soon take the underground by storm. Bruxa, a vocalist and songwriter from Michigan handles the lore and storytelling of the duo's music (Witch's Amulet, Fanged Imp, Bruxa, Oaken Palace), while Frosk (Frog Mallet, Groaning Retch), a multi-instrumentalist and Studio owner from Massachusetts handles guitars, bass and the entire production process.

Fresh off a run of successful EP releases and a well received Split (w/ Vér and Nachtheir), American Black Metal band Hekseblad returns in 2024 with the release of their debut Full-Length “Kaer Morhen”

Drawing lyrical inspiration from the works of Andrezj Sapkowski's beloved Fantasy franchise “The Witcher” and musically recalling the days of true Black Metal glory (namely the likes of Emperor, Dissection, Gorgoroth and Obtained Enslavement), Hekseblad delivers a furious and magickal take on the sound of late 90’s Black Metal; balancing on the edge of melodic but malicious with their furious barrage of riffs and tying it together with flourishes of Symphonic sorcery conjuring a maelstrom of frozen ferocity.

[Read More...]

SONG PREMIERE: Listless - Bloodstained Memories
April 11, 2025

As the release of Listless' self-titled debut fast approaches, we are excited to share another new song from the record today, entitled "Bloodstained Memories".

Youtube | Bandcamp
(also available on streaming platforms such as Spotify, YT Music, etc)

The self-titled album comes out Friday April 25! Pre-orders are live now and if you pre-order the CD,
you can expect it to ship out to you a few days prior to release. 

[Read More...]

VIDEO PREMIERE: Norilsk - D'ombre et de glace (l'asphyxie)
April 9, 2025

UPCOMING VINYL PRESSING: Hekseblad - Kaer Morhen
April 5, 2025

On April 19, 2024 we released the CD/Digital version of Hekseblad's debut record "Kaer Morhen" followed by the vinyl edition a couple months later which very quickly sold out. We heard your calls for a new pressing so on the one year anniversary of the release date, we will have a fresh pressing of "Kaer Morhen" available on vinyl!

The 2025 pressing is divided into 200 copies; 100 of the Yrden Trap variant, and 100 of the Brokilon Boughs variant'. There is no change beyond that, just another opportunity for you to pick up the vinyl edition if you missed it the first time!

The vinyl will go online in April 19, and the best news is: The vinyl are already here, so no pre-order bullshit, place your order and it'll be on its way to you in a few days!

In the meantime, listen to the album on Bandcamp if you missed it the first time.

[Read More...]

PRE-ORDER LAUNCH: LISTLESS - selftitled 
SONG PREMIERE: LISTLESS - Devoid
March 7, 2025

We are launching pre-orders for the debut album from LISTLESS, a new depressive black metal from the haunted shores of the Canadian west coast. The opening track from the album, entitled "Devoid" has also been premiered through No Clean Singing:

"“Devoid” is like a gradually expanding spell of sorrow, leading the listener deeper and deeper into its dark grasp until there’s no escaping the torment it has revealed. It’s a beautifully crafted and even elegant spell, whose varying and recurring melodies feed themselves like tendrils into a listener’s head and heart, but it also packs a viscerally head-moving punch before it’s done."

Listless aims to capture an isolated sense of solitude through melancholic introspection. Emotionally resonant guitars, desperate howls, and sorrowful keys aim to hypnotize listeners into a dark, endless oblivion.

The project comes from the mind of Aidan Crossley, the guitarist and vocalist of Victoria-based Atmospheric Black Metal band: Liminal Shroud. Aidan's past musical work includes roles in projects such as Numenorean, Vaaltovashe, and others. This project channels the songwriting, intensity, and surging expansiveness of Liminal Shroud while focusing more on emotive aspects of musical expression.

Listless is inspired by genre-defining depressive acts such as Austere, Woods of Desolation, Coldworld, None, and Gris. The composition also implements depressive rock elements from bands like Lifelover and Psychonaut 4.

CD's, Shirts, and a merch bundle are available to pre-order, as well as the digital album.
PRE-ORDERS: MAIN SHOP | CANADA/US SHOP | BANDCAMP
Album release is set for April 25, 2025

[Read More...]

ALBUM RELEASE: Norilsk - Antipole
February 7, 2025

Today - the new Norilsk album Antipole is released!
Always an exciting time when we can finally share the full album with you all. 

Check it out on Bandcamp - the album is available for unlimited streaming and name-your-price" download as always, and of course LP's, CD's, bundles and exclusive merch is also available! 

The quartet has assembled a brand new chapter in the band’s discography, building on the characteristics that made Norilsk what it is today while offering something undeniably contemporary. The new album, Antipole, picks up where 2022’s EP Beyond the Mountains left: with its slow doomy riffs, cold melodies, recognizable death growls, and a hint of post-metal atmosphere brought by a dual guitar interplay. While offering rewarding surprises to those who have been following the band since its beginnings, this album is also a major step forward for the band, and an ideal point of entry to anyone new to the band or death doom in general.

Norilsk is known for its unique take on winter doom, where cultures and nordicity provide a backdrop for addressing other deeper concepts such as loss, mental illness, or identity with the land. On its new album Antipole, the artist explores the concept of duality. The album flows between slow and faster songs, and highlights the contrasts in death and doom, with its beauty and tragedy, harshness and fragility, light and darkness, reality and fiction, and its gravity and ethereality.

[Read More...]

SONG PREMIERE : Norilsk - Antipole
January 31, 2025

Youtube | Bandcamp

We are premiering the title track from Norilsk’s new album, ‘Antipole.’ The song opens like a portal to the album, presenting cold melodies, ominous doom riffs, and the haunting atmosphere of a seemingly barren land. The song is about the Shadow People, which have been witnessed by various cultures around the world, including in the Arctic region. The antipole unveils what is hidden to our sight. …A storm is rising.

The album was mixed and mastered by James Plotkin. Vocals were recorded by Topon Das at Apartment 2, guitars and bass were recorded by Tom Hansen, and drums were recorded and mixed at Wolf Lake Studios by Mike Bond with assistance from JP Sadek.

Antipole will be officially released on Friday February 7, 2025
Pre-orders have already begun shipping!

UPCOMING RELEASE/BAND SIGNING: LISTLESS -S/T
January 24, 2025

Listless is a solo Depressive Black Metal project from Victoria BC, Canada. Crafted in solitude from the ashes of melancholic rumination, Listless channels despair through emotionally resonant guitars, desperate howls, and sorrowful keys. The resulting tracks are reminiscent of acts such as Austere, Woods of Desolation, Coldworld, Lifelover, and Psychonaut 4.

The project comes from Aidan Crossley, the guitarist and vocalist of Liminal Shroud (formerly on Hypnotic Dirge).
The debut, self-titled full length album will be available April 25.

Cast into the abyss
These vestiges of suffering
Drowning in a vast expanse
Of bloodstained memories

PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE: Norilsk - Antipole
SONG PREMIERE: Norilsk - D'ombre et de glace (l'asphyxie)
December 13, 2024

Pre-orders are now open for NORILSK’s new full length Antipole. The album will be presented in two versions of coloured vinyl: Blood of the North, and classic black. It will also be available in a gorgeous 4-panel CD digipack with a 12 page booklet, and in digital format.  Two distinctive limited shirts are also available, one short-sleeve (designed by CLLK) and another long-sleeve (designed by Mark Riddick) as well as an exquisite poster flag, embroidered patch and magnet. A variety of bundles are available for you to select from depending on your preference. [Click "Read More" below for details and specs]

Pre-order: Worldwide Store | Canada/US Store (CD's only) | Bandcamp

Norilsk also presents its new song ‘D’ombre et de glace’ (Of Shadow and Ice), taken from the new album. Musically, this first excerpt follows the precepts of death doom metal, while lyrically the album holds the key to one of the themes of Antipole. It speaks to the horror that lurks under the surface, an invisible force that can pull the living away from their humanity – drawing an analogy with anhedonia.

The album was mixed and mastered by James Plotkin. Vocals were recorded by Topon Das at Apartment 2, guitars and bass were recorded by Tom Hansen, and drums were recorded and mixed at Wolf Lake Studios by Mike Bond with assistance from JP Sadek.

Antipole will be officially released on Friday February 7, 2025
Pre-orders will begin shipping the first week of February

[Read More...]

ALBUM COVER: Norilsk unveils artwork for new album Antipole
December 6, 2024

In anticipation of the new NORILSK studio album, Antipole, we are unveiling the stunning cover art piece, created by Adam Burke / Nightjar Illustration (Loss, Bell Witch, Hooded Menace).

Antipole brings forth the theme of dualism, whether in the form of light and shadow, reality and fiction, or gravity and ethereality. Reflecting on the title track, the artwork depicts a portal connecting different dimensions, and the pole star evokes this alignment between the heavens and earth, or, as the artist calls it, ‘the Way’. 

NORILSK is a death-doom band formed in 2012 in Canada. It released its first full length album, The Idea of North, on Hypnotic Dirge Records in 2015. Ten years later, the stars align once again to bring forth the next chapter in the band’s discography.

Antipole will be released on February 7, 2025, and pre-orders will launch on December 13.

[Read More...]

ANNOUNCEMENT: Norilsk will release a new studio album on Hypnotic Dirge Records
November 29, 2024

NORILSK IS (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): MATT MACIVOR - GUITARS | NIC MIQUELON - VOCALS AND BASS |  TOM HANSEN - GUITARS  | NICK RICHER - DRUMS AND BACKING VOCALS

As the cold season is once more upon us, Hypnotic Dirge Records is proud to announce the brand new studio album by Canadian doom-death band NORILSK, scheduled for February 7, 2025.

The quartet known for its unique take on winter doom has assembled a brand new chapter in the band’s discography, building on the characteristics that made NORILSK what it is today while offering something undeniably contemporary. The new album, ‘Antipole,’ picks up where 2022’s EP ‘Beyond the Mountains’ left: with its slow doomy riffs, its cold melodies, its recognizable death growls, and a hint of post-metal atmosphere brought by its two guitars interplay. While offering rewarding surprises to those who have been following the band since its beginnings, this album is also a major step forward for the band, and an ideal point of entry to anyone new to the band or death-doom in general.

The album will be available in LP / CD / and digital formats. Pre-orders will follow in the coming weeks.

Canadian winter will once more spread doom upon the world.

[Read More...]

ALBUM RELEASE: Notturno - Our
October 6, 2024

Notturno's third album Our is now officially released!

In addition to Bandcamp, the new record is also streaming in full on your platform of choice!

For physical copies, we are expecting both the LP and CD to arrive from the plant later this week, so shipping of orders will begin in a few days. The poster flags are also already here, and the only thing that is slightly delayed are the t-shirts, which are expected to arrive in about 2 weeks!

Album Notes:
One year to the date of Notturno's last album, the newest chapter in the story of Notturno will see the light of day once again this year on October 6. Following "Obsessions" and "Inside", the new album entitled "Our" continues the exploration of the human psyche and our obsessive compulsions.

Similarly to previous Notturno albums, the sound is rooted in atmospheric and depressive black metal with the additional of classical instruments incorporated into the compositions only adding to the rich sonic tapestry, though perhaps never as seamlessly as on this latest album. Kjiel's vulnerable and desperate vocals hover over the musical layers creating a vivid reflection of anguish and melancholy.

[Read More...]

PRE-ORDERS: Notturno - Our
September 13, 2024

Notturno's latest album fast approaches its release and we're now accepting pre-orders for the new record!

Worldwide Shop | Canada/US Shop | Bandcamp

The third album - entitled "Our", follows on the heels of last autumn's "Inside", being officially released exactly one year after its predecessor.

Similarly to previous Notturno albums, the sound is rooted in atmospheric and depressive black metal with the addition of classical instruments incorporated into the compositions only adding to the rich sonic tapestry, though perhaps never as seamlessly as on this latest album. Kjiel's vulnerable and desperate vocals hover over the musical layers creating a vivid reflection of anguish and melancholy.

"Our" is available in both LP and CD formats, the LP coming in an edition of 250 copies, split 125 /125 between "Rusted Amber" and "Pale Shroud" variants on 140g vinyl with a large 60cm x 30cm poster/insert. The CD comes in a classic digipack format - 4 panel with 12 pages as were previous Notturno releases. 

A Notturno poster flag for this album, featuring photography from the album photoshoot with Giulia Simonelli is also available, printed on a 105cm x 70cm high-quality textile flag with corner ringlets and a new Notturno t-shirt is also available to pre-order now, either on their own or as part of a larger bundle.

Bundles are available for those who want to pick up a combination for a lowered price, or you can order each item individually. Having spoken to the plant recently, it seems we are right on track for both the LP and CD to be shipping out beginning in early October! Merch and Bundles should also begin shipping by mid-October!

The first track from this album, entitled "Anymore" is also now streaming on Bandcamp and Youtube.

[Read More...]

ALBUM COVER: Notturno - Our
September 4, 2024

Notturno's third album "Our" - continuing the series that began with their debut album - fast approaches and today is the day we reveal the cover art!

As is custom for Notturno records, the third album once again features a new model, Giulia Simonelli,
with photographer Riccardo Ziosi handling the shooting like usual.

Many of the shots taken during this session will be featured elsewhere in the CD and LP layouts as well as new Notturno merch which will all be revealed next week as we launch pre-orders and also finally release the first song from the record. 

"Our" features five tracks spanning a nearly 40 minute run-time and will be available on LP and CD.

1 - Adagio
2 - Inside
3 - Anymore
4 - Paranoia
5 - Doors

[Read More...]

UPCOMING RELEASE: Notturno - Our
August 13, 2024

One year to the date of Notturno's last album, the newest chapter in the story of Notturno will see the light of day once again this year on October 6.

Following "Obsessions" and "Inside", the new album entitled "Our" continues the exploration of the human psyche and our obsessive compulsions. 

Similarly to previous Notturno albums, the sound is rooted in atmospheric and depressive black metal with the additional of classical instruments incorporated into the compositions only adding to the rich sonic tapestry, though perhaps never as seamlessly as on this latest album. Kjiel's vulnerable and desperate vocals hover over the musical layers creating a vivid reflection of anguish and melancholy.

In the coming weeks, watch this space for additional details on the new record, including the album cover and tracklist, formats and merch, and of course the first song and pre-orders.  

NONE announces end to project
July 9, 2024 

Everything that begins reaches its inevitable end. After four full-length albums over the past 7 years, NONE have decided to put the project to rest. A big thank you to everyone who felt a connection to NONE's vision and supported its endevours.

A message from the band:
"We are announcing the closure of the NONE project. The reasoning is mutual but personal. We can, however, say that the fourth album "Inevitable" was always designed to be our terminal chapter, and this was an inspiring force behind many decisions on the album. Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to Nic & Hypnotic Dirge for the unparalleled  support and trust. Now we may find rest."

ALBUM RELEASE: Ov Shadows - Heresiarch
June 21, 2024

Returning for their third and final album, “Heresiarch” sees Ov Shadows honing their ferocious style of vigorous and energetic Black Metal that serves as an all-out auditory assault of powerful and relentless riffs, pummeling drums and impassioned vocals! "Heresiarch" promises to build on the band's previous works and add a final exclamation mark to the band’s catalog!

"Hereiarch" is a digital-only album, available now for "name-your-price" download. All digital donations will be shared with the band!

[Read More...]

Norilsk to release two new albums later in 2024!
June 7, 2024

PHOTO CREDIT: THE 5TH FASHION AVENUE

As if the first half of the year had not been busy enough for Hypnotic Dirge Records, two new NORILSK releases will see the light of day on the label in 2024. The first one will be a live in the studio release, covering songs from the first ten years of the band; the second one will be a brand new studio full length.

NORILSK should be a familiar name for those who have been following HDR over the years. Our collaboration goes back to 2015, when we released the band’s first full length album ‘The Idea of North.’ Following festival appearances and touring, HDR then released 2017 ‘Le passage des glaciers’, followed the next year by the companion album ‘Weepers of the Land.’ More recently, as the world seemed at a standstill, the label proudly released the 2022 EP ‘Beyond the Mountains.’

A lot of things happened in the first decade of the band, including lineup changes, extensive live appearances, collaborations, and artistic evolution. Bass player and vocalist Nic Miquelon comments: “Norilsk became an active band in 2014. Without a doubt we currently have the most solid lineup and focus we’ve had since our inception. We are building on our long-standing collaboration with HDR to complete a retrospective of what we accomplished so far, and open a new chapter on where we are heading. While fans will recognize Norilsk in both releases, they will also notice something entirely fresh. We can’t wait to unveil more.”

NORILSK is a death-doom band from Canada; its music can be described as heavy, cold and as slow-moving as glaciers, while also incorporating atmospheric elements akin to post-metal, melodic death metal, and funeral doom. The quartet has been singing in French and English over the years, using themes of nordic imagery and personal journey.

[Read More...]

PRE-ORDER: Hekseblad - Kaer Morhen [LP edition; new colour variant!!]
May 24, 2024

It wasn't long after launching pre-orders for the Hekseblad - Kaer Morhen LP's that they were already all spoken for. Since then, many people have asked if there was the possibility of an additional pressing, so we've heeded your calls! A new variant of the "Kaer Morhen" LP is now available for pre-order, limited to only 100 copies so act quick as this will be the last pressing for the foreseeable future!

Pre-order LP (Canada/US) | Pre-order LP (Rest of World)

This new variant, entitled "Brokilon Boughs" is scheduled for shipping at the same time as the other two variants, in July 2024.

ALBUM RELEASE: Dødsferd - Wrath
May 10, 2024

Today, the new album from Dødsferd - "Wrath" is officially released!

The long-awaited twelfth album from the Greek black metal legions Dødsferd is finally here!

"Wrath" is presented as a DLP gatefold in an edition of 300 copies, divided into 3 variants of 100 copies each - "Lava", "Womb of God", and Classic Black. [NA Store | EU Store]

The DLP is still currently on pre-order with shipping scheduled to begin in mid-late June, but probably best to act quick since copies won't be around forever.

Additional, "Wrath" is available in a 6 panel digipack CD with an 8 page booklet,
available and shipping out now! [NA Store | EU Store]

We also have an official 100cm x 70cm "Wrath" textile flag, with artwork from George Gyzis,
also shipping now! [NA Store | EU Store]

Today, we also have releasing the official "Wrath" t-shirt, available to pre-order now
and shipping in mid-late June! [NA Store | EU Store]

Thanks everyone for the support and we hope this album will be a cathartic release
within a backdrop of an ugly world.

Album notes:
Dødsferd has established its name over the years as a remarkably persistent black metal institution, one which has been consistent in delivering quality outputs album after album, not afraid in taking artistic detours only to come back with full force, and always remaining true to itself. Over the course of two decades, it released no less than 11 full length albums, alongside an impressive number of other EPs, splits, and demos. While it has nothing to prove to no one, Dødsferd burns today with the same fury and passion as ever.

Following the acclaimed “Diseased Remnants of a Dying World” album in 2018, Dødsferd released an atmospheric two-piece album of raw black metal entitled "Suicide and the rest of your kind will follow Part II", followed by an acoustic collaboration with Sarvok. Circling back to its blackest sources, the 12th and newest album "Wrath" promises to be a no holds barred, uncompromising onslaught of raw black metal. Aptly titled after its founder, the album’s eponymous quality can be recognized in its raw purity, and its ability to weave elements which have been used over the past 20 years. Erupting with a renewed maturity and confidence, “Wrath” is at the crossroad of where Dødsferd came from and where it is going; it will appeal to those who have been following Dødsferd over the years, as well as those new to it.  

Dødsferd is Wrath & Wrath is Dødsferd! Till the end of this corrupted and diseased world!

Thematically, “Wrath” carries in its wake a vigorous indictment of the social and economic consequences of capitalism, political corruption, ecocide, and the largest argument against our civility – warfare.

In conspiracy with Dødsferd's very own Fucking Your Creation Records, the new album "Wrath" will be officially released on both CD and LP formats in May 2024. Following that, you can also expect a limited Tape and Digi CD Box Set by the end of the year exclusively through FYC Records.

ALBUM RELEASE: NOTTURNO - Obsessions [LP Edition]
April 29, 2024

Two years ago today, Italian atmospheric black metal band Notturno released their debut album "Obsessions" on Hypnotic Dirge. Since then, many have asked for a LP edition of the album, especially since their second album "Inside" was released last autumn on both CD and LP. 

ALBUM RELEASE: HEKSEBLAD - Kaer Morhen
April 19, 2024

It is almost an exciting day for us when all the preparing that goes into a release culminates in the day when we can finally share the full album with you all, and today is no different! Hekseblad's debut full-length album, Kaer Morhen, coming off the heels of 2022's split album "Abattoir Dust Vol. 2" (with Vér / Nachtheir) and 2021's EP "The Fall of Cintra", releases today on Bandcamp, Youtube, and all digital platforms!