Mickey's Metal Morsels: Episode Thirty Nine

Welcome back to MMM, where I have to say we’re still in the midst of a ‘Metal May’ hangover – enjoy the inevitable neck ache!

WRITTEN IN BLOOD

Formed in 2019 by former members of God Dethroned and Mandator, Written In Blood was later joined by ex-members of Morte Aeterna and Procreation. The band draws from the spirit of classic nineties death metal, blending it with themes from myth, folklore, and ancient history to create an atmospheric yet crushing sound.

Their debut album Written in Blood (2022) received strong praise from the European metal press, and now the Dutch bangers return with their crushing new single Black Widow Walpurga, now available on all major streaming platforms! The song is the first chapter of a brutal two-part concept based on the terrifying true story of Walpurga Hausmännin, a sixteenth century midwife accused of witchcraft, demonic pacts, and the murder of over forty children.

“With Black Widow Walpurga, we wanted to bring this forgotten nightmare to life through sound,” comments Beef, vocalist and bass player of WIB. “The story is horrifying. It fits perfectly with the dark atmosphere and heaviness we strive for in our music.”

Driven by punishing riffs, guttural vocals, and tight, thunderous production, Black Widow Walpurga is a relentless blend of old-school death metal and chilling storytelling. The track was mixed and mastered by Henri Sattler (God Dethroned), giving the band’s sound a sharp and crushing edge. “We put a lot of effort into the production to make sure every hit lands with full impact,” says Beef. “This is one of our most intense tracks to date.”

The song closes with a slow, haunting section, deliberately setting the stage for part two of the story. The second part will be featured on the band’s upcoming full-length album. “This is just chapter one,” the band adds. “The second part will take Walpurga’s tale to its bitter, gruesome end.”

Fans of Hypocrisy, Bolt Thrower, Unleashed, and God Dethroned will feel right at home with Written In Blood’s intense and narrative-driven death metal.

SVARTSOT

As they prepare to celebrate two decades of folk-infused death metal and release what may be their final traditional album, Danish titans Svartsot have just unleashed the first chapter of their ambitious concept album Peregrinus: the blistering new single Tarditas.

Tarditas – Latin for ‘slowness’ – sets the tone for the album’s dark and medieval narrative. A haunting tale of personal tragedy and misguided redemption, the track follows a young man whose life is torn apart by calamity: his family is lost, his love forbidden, and his fate sealed when he is imprisoned, awaiting judgement. But a priest offers a grim escape – absolution through war. To atone for his sins, he must take up the cross and march eastward on a crusade.

Sonically, Tarditas is classic Svartsot – thunderous riffs, authentic sounding folk melodies, and growled vocals that echo with the weight of centuries. It’s both an introduction and a warning: the journey ahead is soaked in blood, hypocrisy, and spiritual ruin.

Recorded at Antfarm Studios with legendary producer Tue Madsen, and featuring the first appearance of new drummer Rune Frisch, Tarditas marks a powerful, triumphant return – and the beginning of a deeply evocative saga.

Peregrinus is medieval Latin for a wanderer, stranger or crusader. Seven of the tracks have names taken from the seven virtues crusaders were expected to live up to: Tarditas (slowness), Communitas (community), Simplicitas (simplicity), Libertas (liberty), Neglentia (carefreeness), Spiritualitas (spirituality) and Silentium (silence). Via Dolorosa (“The sorrowful way”) is a pilgrims’ route in Jerusalem. Como Póden Per Sas Culpas (“Because of his sins”) – the album’s intro – is a thirteenth century Spanish song about going on a pilgrimage, also known as Cantigas de Santa Marias no. 166. A melody in Libertas is borrowed from the thirteenth century German crusade song Palästinalied by Walther von der Vogelwiede, whilst a melody in Spiritualitas is based on the traditional Lebanese song Al Nedda. All other music is original compositions by Cris J.S. Frederiksen, with all lyrics by vocalist Thor Bager.

DIRTY PAGANS

Rattling venues and ruffling leathers since 2016, Adelaide’s Dirty Pagans have been on a fearless mission to smear their gritty, thick, hard rock energy across every stage they storm. Unveiling the first hit of new material and designed to get you primed and ready for the massive stash to come, the band have lately released the video and title track to their new album Forever High. To be unloaded to the world independently on June 27th, it’s a full-throttle dose of huge riffs, dirty grooves, and unapologetic volume.

Self-dubbed riff ’n’ roll, Dirty Pagans deliver thunderous grooves, razor-sharp guitars, soaring vocals, and a rhythm section that hits like a sledgehammer. Fresh from a national tour support slot with Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple fame, the band is charging forward at full force. With the addition of powerhouse drummer Gareth Briggs, their live energy has never been more explosive.

Vocalist Matty Dee comments: “It’s been a labour of love, and now through the thick billowing smoke, Forever High is ready to rattle some loins. We road tested these songs on tour with Glenn Hughes last year and got an excellent response. Fans are loving our blend of heavy riffs, soaring vocals and tongue-in-cheek humour – Blaze up kings and queens, Forever High is here!”

To celebrate, Dirty Pagans are throwing a launch party of seismic proportions on Saturday, June 28 at Jive, Adelaide with Queensland sleaze lords Snake Bite Whiskey, the Sentinel Daily-approved Rocky’s Pride & Joy and The Coogees! I Wish I could be there reprasentin’ the mighty Morsels massive!

WHEN THE DEADBOLT BREAKS

For nearly twenty years, When the Deadbolt Breaks has stood as a singular presence in the underground heavy music scene, pushing sonic and emotional boundaries with a sound that is both crushing and otherworldly. Formed and led by Aaron Lewis (vocals, guitars), and completed by Amber Leigh (experimental vocals) and Steve Wieda (bass), the band masterfully fuses psychedelic doom, sludge, and avant-garde horror, creating immersive soundscapes where beauty and decay collide.

Known for their genre-defying compositions and haunting atmosphere, When the Deadbolt Breaks has built a reputation for crafting music that dives deep into the noisome pit that is the human psyche. Their style blends suffocating heaviness with eerie serenity, evoking feelings of inner darkness, spiritual decay, and cosmic dread.

In 2025, the band finds itself returning with In the Glow of the Vatican Fire, their tenth studio album and perhaps their most ambitious work to date. Set for release via the always-dependable Argonauta Records, the album is a towering, unrelenting experience inspired by human cruelty, the loss of compassion, and the eternal rage of forgotten gods. With tracks like The Chaos of Water, the band delivers a hypnotic descent into chaos, featuring monolithic riffs, ghostly melodies, and disturbing vocal textures that linger long after the last note fades. The album was mastered by the mighty James Plotkin, further enhancing its depth, clarity, and sonic weight.

In the Glow of the Vatican Fire captures the raw, visceral power of When the Deadbolt Breaks at their creative peak. A full tour in support of the album is on the cards in the US, with shows across New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, and more dates to be announced for late 2025.