Following their blistering and critically acclaimed 2017 release, Hope Attrition, New York black metal band Woe crawl out of the dismal dregs of winter to deliver A Violent Dread. The EP contains two new tracks; the first titled, “A Violent Dread” features Woe’s thoroughly thoughtful and dynamic songwriting, full-speed and merciless drumming, jagged webs of riffs, and visceral howls. “A Violent Dread picks up exactly where Hope Attrition left off thematically and musically” comments Woe frontman, Chris Grigg. “It is a song about death, fear, and exploitation — the modern focus of Woe. It reflects the seemingly inescapable cycle of violence, mourning, and blame that has become a surreal, predictable backdrop to American life. “A Violent Dread” was written over a period of many months until early 2018. It was intended to be “the slow song,” though it clearly didn’t turn out that way. It was a truly collaborative effort. It was a truly collaborative effort. I wrote the riffs, Grzesiek (Czapla – bass) acted as co-producer, and we finalized the arrangement, riffs, and dynamics as a full band.”
The second track features a cover of Dawn’s (Sweden) epic black metal classic, “The Knell and the World”. “Dawn are one of my all time favorite bands” comments Grigg. “There are few more responsible for Woe’s sound and having the opportunity to perform and release our cover is truly an honor. Receiving Fredrik’s blessing and praise for our interpretation was both a tremendous relief and a personal milestone that I will always remember.”
The second track features a cover of Dawn’s (Sweden) epic black metal classic, “The Knell and the World”. “Dawn are one of my all time favorite bands” comments Grigg. “There are few more responsible for Woe’s sound and having the opportunity to perform and release our cover is truly an honor. Receiving Fredrik’s blessing and praise for our interpretation was both a tremendous relief and a personal milestone that I will always remember.”
“We tracked the two songs with Nolan Voss (Anicon) in the summer of 2018 and we’re thrilled with his work” comments Grigg on the recording of the EP. “Chris Kelly did a fantastic job with the master, bringing it all together. This has the odd distinction of being the first time Woe has logged two recording sessions with the same lineup!”
The limited to 300 vinyl release features stunning new artwork from Philadelphia artist, Alex Eckman-Lawn. A Violent Dread is pressed on 180 gram vinyl, housed in screen-printed jackets, and features music on side A and Eckman-Lawn’s masterful designs screen-printed on side B! “His artwork for this release perfectly captures the feeling of the material” comments Grigg. “Alex carries on our tradition of bold, thoughtful album artwork.” Along with the limited edition pressing, two new t-shirts will be available via Bandcamp that features artwork from A Violent Dread.
A Violent Dread is available now, both digitally and on vinyl, at Woe’s Bandcamp and in Europe via Vendetta Records.
Track listing:
1. A Violent Dread
2. The Knell and the World
Album details:
“A Violent Dread” music by Woe, words by Chris Grigg
Synth and backup vocals by Nolan Voss
“The Knell and the World” written and originally performed by Dawn (SWE)
Recorded May and August 2018 by Nolan Voss in Brooklyn, NY
Mastered September 2018 by Chris Kelly
Album artwork by: Alex Eckman-Lawn
Photo by: Jonathan McPhail
Woe:
Chris Grigg – guitar and vocals
Grzesiek Czapla – bass
Lev Weinstein – drums
Matt Mewton – guitar
A Violent Dread is available now, both digitally and on vinyl, at Woe’s Bandcamp and in Europe via Vendetta Records. Limited edition t-shirts featuring artwork from A Violent Dread are available now.
Woe will perform new music from A Violent Dread and more at their record release show on March 20th at Knitting Factory in NYC with Pyrrhon and Former Human.
For more information, please contact Shannon at inaperfectworldproductions@gmail.com
Perfect World Productions 