First limited edition in 6-panel Digipak with special cover-print in ‘glow in the dark’ ink, 2 exclusive Bonus-Tracks and special 28 page booklet! Beyond the edge of the world In 1992, a newly founded band project swept the moldy dust layers off the medieval music scene forever with only one club hit. “Ad Mortem Festinamus“ of the Llibre Vermell de Montserrat, a collection of late medieval songs from the 14th century, amazed the audience not by an authentic performance on historical instruments, but with an innovative reinterpretation using electronic sound spheres.

Powerful beats and impellent synthesizer pads in harmonic interplay with the engaging mezzo-soprano Sigrid „Syrah“ Hausen captivated dance floor enthusiasts as well as discriminating music lovers. Early music has never been more vivid and is being defined in a completely new way by the trio Qntal. The year 2014 though marks the beginning of a new creative period for Qntal. So far, Sarah "Mariko" Newman supported the band only at live performances, but as of now will be integral part of the line-up. New electronic magus will be Leon Rodt, substituting Philipp “Fil” Groth from now on at the keys and supporting the band as empathetic producer. Furthermore, for the first time in the history of the group, Michael Popp will appear as singer. The seventh studio album – again simply entitled „Qntal VII“ – is ushering in the third era for Qntal and, despite all changes, still remains true to the original virtues. Sensitivity and expertise guide these musicians on their approach to centuries-old lyrics and melodies.

Transformed into modern arrangements, lyrics and melodies alike are reanimated virtuousically. Gracious artistry connects with danceable, catchy sounds, always committed to the historical momentousness of the original piece. Alongside medieval sources such as the song manuscript Carmina Burana, the theologian Meister Eckhart, the minnesinger Heinrich von Morungen or the ars nova composer Guillaume de Machaut, Qntal now also advance as far as to the 17th, 18th and 19th century. For instance, the enchanting poem „By The Light Of The Moon“ by the British poet Lord Byron is just as well transformed into a dignified piece of musical art as the “Tyger” by the nature mystic William Blake. Romanticism thus is not only soundwise an integral part of the album, but also pervades with melancholic dreaminess its lyrics.

With the title “Schnee” [“Snow”] the album “VII” dares even to enter the present: fantasy author Markus Heitz, known for his Dwarves and Alfa novels, excogitated this ode to the “eternal night”. But regardless of which century the lines originate from, either 12th or 21st, Qntal always succeeds to let the essence resound in their songs – multifaceted, formidable and touching. No wonder that these unique avant-gardists play at classical events, such as the cloister concerts at the Walkenried Abbey, the “Landshuter Hofmusiktagen” [court music festival] or the European Church Music Festival as well as at medieval festivals or independent events such as the Amphi-Festival or the renowned Wave-Gotik-Treffen [Wave-Gothic-Meeting] at Leipzig. The opuses of Qntal are universal and timeless, permitting a glance beyond the edge of the world.

Click here for tickets to see Qntal in Belgium at Black Easter Festival.

In November Universal releases The Purge: Anarchy on both DVD and Blu-ray, plus also a box containg the first one.

Director: James DeMonaco

Stars: Frank Grillo, Carmen Ejogo, Zach Gilford 

A couple are driving home when their car breaks down just as the Purge commences. Meanwhile, a police sergeant goes out into the streets to get revenge on the man who killed his son, and a mother and daughter run from their home after assailants destroy it. The five people meet up as they attempt to survive the night in Los Angeles.

The newest chapter in the terrifying horror series is written and directed by franchise co-creator Leigh Whannell. This chilling prequel, set before the haunting of the Lambert family, reveals how gifted psychic Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl (Stefanie Scott) who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural entity.

Shooting has begun in Ontario on Chet Baker biopic Born To Be Blue with Ethan Hawke as the legendary jazz trumpeter. Written and directed by Canadian filmmaker Robert Budreau, the drama is inspired by Baker’s rise, fall and eventual resurgence. The story will chart his comeback in the late 1970s and the tumultuous love affair that changed the way he played music and helped him on the road to redemption after his self-destructive ways had seemingly destroyed his career.

Also starring with Hawke are Carmen Ejogo (The Purge: Anarchy, Selma) and Callum Keith Rennie (Fifty Shades Of Grey). Hawke has worked closely this year with the filmmakers to develop the project. Budreau has a history of music-related work including the short Dream Recording with jazz pianist David Braid, and a short about Baker’s ultimate demise, The Deaths Of Chet Baker. 

Source: Deadline

This truly fine collection of live recordings made in 2012 and 2013 delivers the intoxicating concert experience of an empusae performance right into your home environment. besides the project's mastermind nicolas van meirhaeghe the notable musicians tom de doncker, peter bjärgö (arcana, sophia) and benjamin sperling (jännerwein) joined the empusae lineup for these concerts in moscow and utrecht.

the seven tracks on this album include all aspects of the sound concept empusae has developed over the last three years, transformed into unique live versions. a vibrant inebriation of emotive ambient, ominous electronic soundspheres, melancholic melody lines, ritualistic beats, breathy, haunting vocals and skillful guitar and piano accompaniment.

if you didn't have the opportunity to watch an outstanding empusae performance, this release is ideal to work up your appetite - and if you already have, have a listen, and spend an hour of prosperous remembrance.