Out now, off their new album, The Cult of the Vestal Claret, Vestal Claret has released the video for “The Stragner”!
VESTAL CLARET might sound like a new name amongst American occult heavy metal music, but their origins can be traced back to 2005. When vocalist Phil Swanson met recording studio owner and multi-instrumentalist Simon Tuozzoli, he introduced Tuozzoli to his own “Occult Heavy Metal / Death Rock” project. Tuozzoli was quickly hooked, and VESTAL CLARET got started. After the release of the Two Stones demo, (that appeared on a split EP with Teutonic epic metal messiahs and label-mates ATLANTEAN KODEX), VESTAL CLARET composed and demoed out a full length recording. The recording was put aside and the group disbanded. They reformed in 2009 and soon followed with their 7″ vinyl release Virgin Blood. VESTAL CLARET then released their first full length recording Bloodbath in 2011 on vinyl with guest performances from musicians all over the globe. The band’s version of Bloodbath, without guest performances, was later released in 2013 on compact disc.
“They are not looking to sicken simply for shock value, and there is an underlying intelligence and subtlety to what Vestal Claret does, so even if they offend, they’re offending with art and forcing the listener to confront what it is about their material that proves so disturbing.” – TheObelisk.net
“The jangling melancholy of Trouble, the epic stomp of Candlemass, the creative freedom of Sabbath, add a big handful of classic 1980s metal and off they go, exploring places where no light shines.” – [9/10] Doom Metal Heaven
“Vestal Claret is hell as you imagined it when you were young. It’s all arrow-tailed demons, fire pits, a melting sky of blackness and heavy metal parties that go on for eternity. It’s a dark, loud and tough kind of lifestyle, but this band shows us how to deal with afterlife in the underground.” – Alternative Control
VESTAL CLARET is:
Philip Swanson – Vocals
Simon Tuozzoli – Bass, Guitar, Organ, Additional Voice
(Drums by Michael Petrucci)
