Ex Deo is a Canadian metal band formed in 2008 in Montreal, Quebec, a new Roman themed death metal group led by Maurizio Iacono (Kataklysm) released their debut album Romulus to the world on June 19, 2009 (Europe) and June 30, 2009 (North America) via Nuclear Blast Records. The album was recorded with producer (and Kataklysm guitarist) Jean-Francois Dagenais (Misery Index, Despised Icon, Malevolent Creation).
Hailing from the burning southern lands of Australia comes Bane of Isildur, furiously brandishing their own brand of Triumphant War Metal. Taking their name from the subject of so many glorious battles in J.R.R Tolkiens master piece, Bane of Isildur has moved from strength to strength with a sold out debut EP, a demo out in 2009 and full-length album due for release in 2010. Uniquely, Bane of Isildur's performance remains technical and melodic while remaining full of a fury rarely seen in today's age of heavy metal.
Since 2005, SVARTSOT has conveyed their distinctive blend of metal and folk music with a hint of the medieval age. Besides crushing guitars, bass and drums, the music is flavoured with the tones of authentic folk instruments such as whistles, mandolins and bagpipes adding the ruthless medieval feel, and melodies that only a lobotomy can remove from the head. Inspiration for SVARTSOT’s lyrics is found in the wealth of Danish folklore and history, and the merciless growled vocals of Thor (yes that is his real name!) are therefore entirely delivered in Danish.