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!