Sydney’s Golgothan Remains have released Bearer of Light, Matriarch of Death, a concept EP of monumental death metal mastery, recounting a journey across a mystical, barren world cloaked in darkness.
The EP is available on CD, vinyl, and digital formats through Dark Descent Records. Purchase/stream at the following links:
darkdescentrecords.com/shop (North America)
ddmsuo.eu (Europe)
darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/bearer-of-light-matriarch-of-death
open.spotify.com/album/2I3nxzhE6kPT82VWJO8wiL
music.apple.com/us/album/bearer-of-light-matriarch-of-death-ep/1780849628
“This band is really tapping into something special here.” (8.5/10)
– Brave Words
“This fiercely intense EP convulses like a colossal maggoty biomass.”
– Invisible Oranges
“Killer release! This will likely head straight into the Top 10 of 2024.”
– Ten Killers
“If you’re a fan of death metal that sounds dirty and just a little bit dangerous, Bearer of Light, Matriarch of Death is for you.”
– Roppongi Rocks
“Bearer of Light, Matriarch of Death does a fine job of creating its own diabolic intrigue using the key components of Golgothan Remains‘ dark and imposing death metal sound.”
– Mystification Zine
“Bearer of Light, Matriarch of Death is a great listen.”
– Apocalyptic Rites
Bearer of Light, Matriarch of Death tracklist:
1) Methuselah
2) Tribulation
3) Necropoles
4) Andromeda
“It is a wrought, and evil love story about two centuries old creatures trying to find companionship but due to their strong evil spirit are unable to exist with another powerful figure by their side,” summarises M.
With two full-lengths under their belts, and a tenth anniversary on the horizon, an EP somewhat disrupts the customary album cycle – signaling a deliberate shift driven by creative intent.
“Early in the writing process, the EP’s lyrical themes were, just like the music, created as one flowing and entwined story,” explains M. “This collection of songs was written at a certain time and expanded upon the more atmospheric side of the band. The songs are very much connected and the first time we see the release as a single piece if you will.”
It is this cohesive execution that gives Bearer of Light, Matriarch of Death its exceptional sense of completeness. Golgothan Remains’ distinct brand of death metal is a relentless force, masterfully balancing blistering speeds, sinister black metal undertones, and crushing doom. The result is a suffocating, trance-inducing atmosphere of unyielding intensity.
Adding to the whole is a crushing production courtesy of Esoteric’s Greg Chandler (Priory Recording Studios) and artwork by Christian Kiesling of Misanthropic Art:
“The journey through time and space which is relayed in the EP’s four tracks has been beautifully expressed in Chris’ painting. The piece amazingly captures the story’s setting, landscapes and aura. It was a great collaboration, and we are extremely pleased with the result!”
Golgothan Remains is:
Matthieu Van den Brande – Vocals
Matt Hillman – Guitars
Adam Martin – Bass
Aled Powell – Drums