Viking Thrash band THE HORDE (IL) has inked a deal with STORMSPELL RECORDS.  Their sophmore album, entitled Thy Blackened Reign is set for a September release.  Commented the band: “We are all very happy to be a part of the Stormspell roster,” said guitarist Tim Matthews. “Thy Blackened Reign is our second album, and it’s by far our heaviest and most diverse to date. Recording in analog helped get that old school feeling without losing any of the sonic power thatis held in high regard in today’s extreme metal scene.”

THE HORDE was formed in 2006 and released their debut album From Empire to Ashes via 

Scenester Credential Records in June of 2008.  Their new album was engineered, mixed and 

mastered by John Hopkins and John Svec at Minstrel Studios in Iowa City, IA using old school technology married with new school production values.
Check out THE HORDE live at Central Illinois Metalfest 2011 at this location.  

“Next time someone asks me how I like my metal I will reply, ‘I like it THE HORDE style.” -Deaf Sparrow online zine-

“I gazed upon these warriors of steel for the first time at Central Illinois Metalfest 2010 and right away, I knew I’d found a band after my own heart.”
-Dr. Abner Mality, Wormwood Chronicles online zine-

“Moreover, the foursome have a real grasp on old school power metal values, spicing them up with the odd tincture of thrash and doom.”
-Malcom Dome, Metal Hammer Magazine-  

“Bands like this are why I do this site. From the first note, it’s obvious they’re in it for the right reasons.” -Cosmo Lee, Invisible Oranges online zine- 

Unleashed in 2008, From Empire to Ashes consisted of six epic, metal classics that took the listener on a journey into dark forbidden realms and all the way to the hallowed gates of Valhalla. Songs of bravery in battle, demonic warriors, clan warfare, and bewitchment that would inspire any true warrior on the fields of battle. As the band themselves proudly proclaim, “worship the glory of death!” This is real metal, played by real men of metal, for real fans of metal. That tradition continues on the band’s fire-branded second release Thy Blackened Reign. 

Members of The HORDE have been playing together in one form or another for the

better part of two decades, having played in past regional bands from the area. With marked influence from their prior groups, The HORDE brings the perfect mix of headbanging Mosh pit chaos, epic Sword & Sorcerer monster battles, and just the slightest touch of stoner doomage.

The HORDE has shared the stage with the likes of Exodus, 3 Inches of Blood, Job For a Cowboy, Black Dahlia Murder, Soilent Green, Skeletonwitch, The Red Chord and many others…  Influenced by the likes of Venom, Celtic Frost, Metallica, Destruction, Kreator, Motorhead, Slayer, Cro-Mags, and Iron Maiden, Their next slab of pure battle metal will be a concept album which they are unleashing in September 2011 via Stormspell Records on a metal drenched fanbase.  Prepare for the HORDE to take a seat amongst the skulled thrones of previous metal masters and stand proud alongside their brothers in arms…

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