Monday 1 June 2020

Hemlock – Funeral Mask (1998)


Country: United States

Tracklist
1. Frozen Tears 02:03
2. Way Of The Wolf 03:44
3. Hemlock 05:09
4. Black Dawn 02:19
5. October Sunrise 03:05
6. Necrofuck 04:27
7. Loyal To Evil 06:10
8. Reign Of Death 04:39
9. Funeral Mask 04:38

Hemlock was created in late summer of 1992 by Laconist (guitars) and Desecrator (vocals, bass).
In that autumn of the same year His Eminence, hailing from the cult act Porphyria, joined them on drums.
He was one of the few individuals responsible for the birth of the black/death metal scene in New York City.
Later that year, Hemlock recorded a two song demo.
The band rehearsed on and off for 3 years searching for suitable members to complete their line up,
until they were joined by Balth on bass and lead Desecrator to concentrate on his vocal duties.

Weeks later, Azalin (guitars) was the last piece of the puzzle.
In June of 1996 Hemlock recorded a six song promo, which sparked interest from Head Not Found 

that later in 1997 re-released it as a MCD entitled "Crush The Race Of God".
Hemlock then took a breather long enough to enter the studio to record a split MCD

with fellow hardcore/punk/grind/thrash band Black Army Jacket.
One year later they recorded at the Smoke Grind and Sleep Studios their official full length

entitled "Funeral Mask" which was to be their last release for Head Not Found.
Due to the lack of promotion/professionalism of Head Not Found,

Hemlock decided to team up with long time supporter Jon Thorns of the Full Moon Productions.
During negotiations, Laconist departed from the band.
Hemlock as a four piece started writing/rehearsing for their second full length album entitled "Lust For Fire".
The album was originally tended to be released at the end of 1999 but instead saw the light of day in 2001.
The band has also made live appearances with acts like Sigh, Deceased, Exodus, Immolation and Usurper.
The Memory Link contains as a bonus track their cover of Kreator's "Awakening Of The Gods"

that featured on the compilation "Tribute To Kreator" in 2000.

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