Norway’s In Vain will release its third attack of progressive extreme metal, Ænigma, on March 8 in Norway, March 15 in Germany and Austria and March 11 in the rest of Europe through Indie Recordings. The band’s most extreme work to date, it was mixed and produced by the legendary Jens Bogren [Opeth, Soilwok, Borknagar] atFascination Street in Örebro, Sweden. The cover artwork was designed by Robert Høyem. Check it below.
According to a press release, Ænigma contains “eight songs of In Vain‘s unique trademark sound and as usual, In Vain has brought some guests along, and ‘Ænigma’ sees appearances by Lazare and Cornelius from Solefald.”
Commented In Vain‘s Johnar Håland: “We had a solid impression of the productions coming out of the Fascination Street Studio, and believed Jens was the right guy to give the music the crystal clear and powerful sound that it demands. Jens did not cut any corners and delivered a production par excellente.”
In Vain was formed by J. Haaland and A. Frigstad back in 2003. Their debut album was released in 2007, the metal world didn’t know what hit them. The Latter Rain was recorded in DUB Studio [Green Carnation, Blood Red Throne & Chain Collector] in the summer/fall of 2006.
The recording was a huge project involving close to 20 guest musicians and several guest vocalists such as legendary Jan K. Transeth [In the Woods…] and Kjetil Nordhus [Tristania, ex Green Carnation, ex Trail of Tears]. Although the band kept the same vibe as on the two previous recordings the music was taken a step further, in every direction. A united metal press praised the album, and it was described as an instant classic.
Their latest album Mantra was released januari 2010 via Indie Recordings. The album also includes a bonus disc with a The Making Of… documentary, one bonus track, screensavers, desktop images and more.
Upcoming Shows
February
23 – Fire Walk With Me Vol. 5 – Haugesund, Norway
March
27 – Inferno Festival – Oslo, Norway
April
4 – Barfly – London, United Kingdom
5 – Helvete – Oberhausen, Germany
6 – Ragnarok Festival – Lichtenfels, Germany
7 – ECI – Roermond, Netherlands
8 – Nacthleben – Frankfurt, Germany
9 – K17 – Berlin, Germany
10 – Durer Kert – Budapest, Hungary
11 – Gromka – Ljubljana, Slovenia
12 – Escape Metalcorner – Vienna, Austria
13 – Circolo Colony – Travagliato, Italy
14 – Cycle – Firenze, Italy
15 – Alte Kaserne – Zurich, Switzerland
17 – Magasin 4 – Brussels, Belgium
September
14 – Fimbul Festival – Dettelbach, Germany
Band members:
J. Haaland – Guitars, bgv and sounds
A. Frigstad – Main vocals
S. Nedland – Clean vocals, piano, organs and bgv
S. Reinhardtsen – Drums
K. Wikstøl – Bass and Hardcore vocals
K. D. Pedersen – Guitars and bgv
Discography:
2004 – Will The Sun Ever Rise (EP)
2005 – Wounds (EP)
2007 – The Latter Rain
2010 – Mantra
Weblinks: Facebook / Myspace / Twitter
Video below: In Vain – Dark Prophets, Black Hearts
Related articles:
‘In Vain’ Video Released For ‘Dark Prophets, Black Hearts’ [June 2012]
‘In Vain’ Begins Recording Third Album, This Monday [Sept. 2012]