...With Grimm Regards...

An update is long overdue

2011-10-03T19:53:00.001-07:00

Wow, so the last post was the download for the KUSOOF "Transmissions From the Abyss Bizarre"... a shit ton has happened in the Dread Lair camp since then! Where to begin? Well, for starters, if you missed the news, SPECTRAL MANIFEST is now a trio. Ulfr Thorvaldson, formerly of the band EPIC DEATH, joined in mid-June as the band's new bass player. Yes, finally!!!!

The Lair released our first split release, PLUTONIAN SHORE/HUMUT TABAL "Oaths of Stygian Dusk," if you have yet to hear it, you should seek it out immediately. There are 200 hand numbered copies. Other releases include both the back catalog and latest release from the Colombian black metal band MANTUS, these titles are must haves for any fan of the underground. We also ventured into new territory for us and released French progressive doom metal band DEAD MOUNTAIN MOUTH's "Loka," a full length trippy adventure, which includes a cover of THE CURE's "A Hundred Years."

We acquired some more local Texas talent as of late, including MHINOTAHN, SOUL INQUISITION, OF FORSAKEN DIVINITY, VALGUD, VENOMOUS SUPREMACY, OVERDOSE, and oh, a retrospective release from the mighty FUNERAL RITES... the future is definitely looking impressive!

More updates to come, stay tuned! - CGG

Kusoof - Transmissions From the Abyss Bizarre

2011-06-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

So, after some consideration, I decided not to release the posthumous compilation I had worked on for the Middle Eastern band KUSOOF for sale. The very nature of their demise was a result of feeling threatened by their own countries' governments. So, instead I have opted to simply offer it as a free download to all who want to check it out. The complete artwork is included. 10 tracks of excellent occult black metal. Hopefully, if you enjoy this as I think you will, you will seek out their four releases that are still available.

http://www.mediafire.com/?9549ku92wt2dt8h

On the horizon...

2011-05-08T20:17:00.000-07:00

A lot has been going on as of late, lots of releases coming out. Strategizing future moves as well as strong considerations in launching the new catering venture... and even ideas stirring about for a new side project with a lot of my friends.

As far as Spectral Manifest goes, we have three shows coming up between now and mid June, after which we will retire from the stage for a short while to really put in some serious work on the album. We've got three brand new songs we are working on along with the six in the can, so things are definitely coming along. So, no Spectral Manifest live performances for the rest of the summer. We will see you in the autumn.
- C.G.G.

My Final Performance With AXIS IN COLLAPSE, opening for HELSTAR

2011-04-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

Little did I know this would be my last show, but here it is in its entirety. This is also the only show we did with John "Hate" Ramos on guitar. Truth be told, I never rehearsed with him, and it was wild walking up on stage not knowing what to expect, but we pulled if off as best we could. And yes, my leg locked up and cramped on me second to last song, due to the cold weather and the wide open door behind the stage.. lol. Needless to say, both I and Mikey of HELSTAR had to leave the stage that night due to this. But the show must go on, I came back out after a few seconds of beating the crap out of it and closed the set with "Feasting With Nero." Good times.

The entire Spectral Manifest set @ Anti-Christ Mass last year

2011-04-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

This is our entire performance filmed by Slaytanic Sal and Texas Metal Syndicate.

SPECTRAL MANIFEST "Wraith Horde Assault" Download

2011-04-17T12:16:00.001-07:00

We have decided to unleash a free download of our live EP "Wraith Horde Assault," so enjoy and with our permission and the protection of the Wraithen Horde, spread it around the world, coast to coast. Tyrants unite!

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PWBW7F70

Checking in from the Lair

2011-04-10T15:41:00.000-07:00

Hails! All is well, lots going on in The Dread Lair camp as we gear up for the summer. Releases coming out from The Nephilim Terror, Sculpting Atrocity, Venomous Supremacy, and many more. We will also be releasing the Metal Summit 3 dvd with Plutonian Shore, Humut Tabal, The Nephilim Terror and Spectral Manifest.

Lots of great shows lined up. More to come.

Exiting a Collapse

2011-03-02T17:39:00.017-08:00

In what will be but a footnote in a chapter, I have parted ways with AXIS IN COLLAPSE. It was fun while it lasted, and I am proud of the concept that I created with the band name, but it was inevitable that it would come to an end. I wish my friend Lazaro the best with the resurrected FUNERAL RITES. As for me, I carry on with SPECTRAL MANIFEST and I have some other projects up my sleeve. Thanks to everyone for the support through the good and the bad. ~ C.G.G.

TEMPLE ABATTOIR - Nechronicles

2011-02-22T21:36:00.000-08:00

Now, if you like Krisiun, Morbid Angel and the like, have I got a treat for you. These guys are from Spain, and this was one of the first releases distributed by The Dread Lair. There are 4 tracks, the cd clocks in at around 15 minutes I believe, so enjoy, then hit play again when it's over.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8QBD8JEY

AXIS IN COLLAPSE - Exit: Sector D.V.

2011-01-31T16:58:00.001-08:00

In 2010, I joined Demoniac Vengeance, over the course of the next few months, we rehearsed, went through some inner band crap which saw the departure of our bassist at the time, which resulted in us finding our current bassist Kelly. Also, during this time we let Nick (one of our guitarists) go, only to have him return and then leave on his own a few months later... lol. Anyhow, this recording was captured at our first live show with this line up. There are some definite mistakes, but not bad for a first show.. After the show, we decided to change the band name to Axis In Collapse.

Shortly after this was released, as said above, Nick left the band and we are currently a four piece with guests sitting in on second guitar.

Hope you enjoy.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BSG60IP0

CATHARSIS NOCTURNA - Gènesis Dràmatica de lo difunto

2011-01-18T18:31:00.000-08:00

A phenomenal band from Argentina. This 4 track demo is one of my personal faves. If you like Emperor, chances are you will find something to enjoy in this.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9D7DYLFW

OMEN - Where Ravens Forever Fly

2011-01-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

This OMEN hails from Malaysia and as of now has yet to release a full length album. Tons of splits, EPs and demos though. This demo was originally released in 2009 as a digital download and then as a physical cd release upon request. Late last year, The Dread Lair released 50 hand numbered copies of this one. Their brand of dirty, raw black metal is not for everyone, but for those who so desire, enjoy!

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=O58N8GPI

Axis In Collapse opening for Helstar in Houston

2011-01-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

For me, growing up in Houston and listening to Helstar since I was a teenage kid, this is a pretty big deal. Even cooler is the fact that over the years I have become friends with most of the guys. If you haven't heard any of their latest album, Glory Of Chaos, you need to do so or risk finding that you aren't a real metalhead. It's by far the heaviest thing they have ever done and it will melt your face off. Come out on February 12th for their U.S. cd release show at Numbers.

More excerpts from the wraithen realm surface in new song "Forbidden Arts"

2011-01-16T22:28:00.000-08:00

Must say I am quite stoked about the newest Spectral Manifest song "Forbidden Arts." It starts in one place and takes you on a journey throughout and wraps itself up quite nicely at the end. Look forward to getting a decent recording captured of it, there is one in existence right now, but haven't decided if I want to upload it to the world or not... in due time.

Video clip from Anti-Christ Mass XIII

2010-12-22T22:07:00.001-08:00

SPECTRAL MANIFEST -Live from THE ADVERSARY on Vimeo.

Spectral Manifest performing "Darkening Horizon" @ the 13th annual Anti-Christ Mass in Houston, TX.

Anti-Christ Mass XIII, this Saturday @ Walter's on Washington

2010-12-16T21:08:00.000-08:00

Depravis and I are looking forward to playing the Anti-Christ Mass again this year. Lots of killer bands, it's going to be a fun evening and should be a triumph over last year's. Make sure and get out early to check everybody out. Lots of merch on hand, support the scene!

Metal Summit 3 @ Sound Exchange, December 11th 2010

2010-11-29T20:53:00.000-08:00

I hope to see many metalheads at Sound Exchange on the 11th. The third installment of the Metal Summit series looks to be a fun one and one that all will remember for a long time to come. It's a free show, performing will be Plutonian Shore from San Antonio, Humut Tabal from central Texas, and hometown Houston bands The Nephilim Terror and Spectral Manifest. I have secured a film crew who will record the festivities for a future dvd release through The Dread Lair. Very excited about this aspect of the show. Support the local Texas scene and support Sound Exchange! For more info, call 713-666-5555.

CRUCIFIXION - Desert Of Shattered Hopes

2010-07-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

This one has been out of print for some time, but what a Texas classic! Feel like sharing it with those that don't have it.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TKXIM91Q

1. Desert of Shattered Hopes

2. Binding of Dragons

3. Home of the Lonesome Wanderers

4. Black Mourning

5. Remembering the Dead (Intro)

6. Sick Are the Shadows of Reality

7. Descendants Thereafter

8. Tomorrow Is the End

9. Woods For the Suicides

SPECTRAL MANIFEST - Wraith Horde Assault

2010-07-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

We have just released Wraith Horde Assault, a 5 track live ep/demo. This was the result of a surprise performance at the Unholy Trinity Bash, which was caught on tape and we were pleased with the end results, even though we had a few fuckups on our part. 100 hand numbered copies are available via The Dread Lair.

www.myspace.com/thedreadlair
www.facebook.com/the.dread.lair

The Dread Lair online store
http://thedreadlair.vstore.ca

AXIS IN COLLAPSE

2010-07-11T11:39:00.001-07:00

The band formerly known as Demoniac Vengeance....

www.myspace.com/axisincollapse

Check out my friends in DEMONIACAL GENUFLECTION

2010-06-28T22:54:00.000-07:00

A killer band from Houston, TX, DEMONIACAL GENUFLECTION just released their new cd, The Ministers of Lamentation, for free download at http://www.demoniacalgenuflection.com/

Wow, I just rediscovered my own fucking blog!

2010-06-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

Lol, it's been a busy year since I last posted on this blog! SPECTRAL MANIFEST releases Wraith Horde Assault tomorrow and since the last post, we have shared the stage with some of our favorite bands and made friends along the way.

Also, in the meantime, I have joined forces with ex-FUNERAL RITES vocalist Lazaro in a project currently called DEMONIAC VENGEANCE. Still heavy as fuck, but in a slightly different direction that that of SM.

Time to keep this a bit more up to date and better my blogging etiquette, I suppose!

Grimm Regards,
C.G.G.

2009-07-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

So, the release of the Wraith Insurrection: Live @ Sound Exchange DVD is upon us. I must say, Depravis and I are very pleased with the artwork, once again realized by Lord Atrum, who also gave us the artwork for the In Shadows Unseen rehearsal demo.

For those who may be interested in his work, you can visit his page at:

http://www.myspace.com/lordatrum

The dvd features our 6 song set from April 30th of this year at Houston's Sound Exchange. It will be released on July 28th and we are currently accepting pre-orders for this limited edition dvd. Email us at spectralmanifest@hotmail.com for more information.

The Grimm One Speaks

2009-07-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

So, here I finally start a blog besides the one that comes with myspace. For those who may have stumbled upon this bleak corner of the internet by chance accident, I am the drummer and co-founder of the band SPECTRAL MANIFEST, based in Houston, TX, USA.

This blog will focus on all of the music that I love. Especially a lot of underground bands that I have become friends with or that I just happen to enjoy and feel they could use a good reference if you will.

At any rate, thank you for reading and if you would like to check out SPECTRAL MANIFEST, you may do so by visiting www.myspace.com/spectralmanifest