In the News
Necropanther Releases New EP
"Oblivion Jones"
The four-song Oblivion Jones: A Tale Of False Consciousness was written and produced by NECROPANTHER guitarist, Joe Johnson. The EP completes a cycle of “solo” EPs, written and produced by each band member that are released between full-length albums.
The EP’s story follows the eponymous Oblivion Jones, a fictional mid-century painter and loose associate of the Beats. The artist is from Baltimore, working in Denver. After his death at the end of the second movement, he is astonished to find himself “resurrected” as a cybernetic replicant attending a retrospective exhibition of his work in a near-future dystopia.
Musically, the EP continues NECROPANTHER’s experimentation in their EPs, with a large-scale bass solo, spoken textures, mood shifts within songs, and influences from beyond metal, presented as a four-movement program reminiscent of a four-movement symphony but reimagined for an expansive vision of heavy metal, infusing thrash, doom, melodic death, and NWOBHM styles. Additionally, the EP sees the band joined by accomplished jazz musician/band leader Rico Jones performing tenor saxophone as a guest soloist across all four songs. Jones has performed as a leader with notable artists such as Dave Kikoski, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Matt Clohesy, Yasushi Nakimura, Ari Hoenig, Lage Lund, Kush Abaday, Joe Martin, Colin Stranahan, Rick Rosato, Rich Perry, Steven Feifke and many others. The release will include alternate versions of all four songs “sans sax” as bonus tracks.
Metal Storm Nominates BETRAYAL for Speed/Thrash Album of the Year
International heavy hitter webzine METAL STORM has named BETRAYAL a TOP TEN album of 2023 and have nominated it for Album of the Year in their Speed/Thrash categories, alongside metal greats like Enforced, Exmortus, Hellix, Hellripper and Overkill. The winner will be decided by fan votes - help us out!
https://metalstorm.net/awards/index.php?cb=65cff3f614dca
Metal Trenches puts BETRAYAL in “Perfection Tier”
Favorite YouTuber/Blogger/Metal Expert METAL TRENCHES selected BETRAYAL for his “Perfection Tier” Thrash Metal Albums of 2023 alongside heavy hitters like Hellripper, Cavalera, Enforced and Metallica.
Ending up on a list with Metallica…we did not see that coming!
BETRAYAL Named ALBUM OF THE YEAR In All Genres!
Popular YouTuber Belgian Jasper named Betrayal his Album of the Year and we couldn't be more thrilled. His year-end wrap up included 24 genres covering a wide spectrum of musical styles, even some outside the metal community.
This was an absolutely stunning honor to be selected over so many incredible releases from 2023.
Hear what Belgian Jasper had to say about Betrayal:
LIVE PERFORMANCE REVIEW:
“Easily one of Denver’s best metal acts, Necropanther is the perfect type of band. Talented musicians who don’t take themselves too seriously, Necropanther tear it apart on stage while having a blast and exuding rad, positive energy. If you’ve ever wanted to hear a heavier cover of the Terminator 2: Judgement Day theme, then be sure to show up at the next show. That's just an example to illustrate and iterate what I mean. The entire hour long set was FAST, thrashy, and tighter than the lid on a new jar of pickles. After the final song concluded, the crowd beckoned deafeningly for more; of course the band obliged and treated us all to one final ripper.” (February 2024)
Permanent Ephemera: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3yM_OKP2kx/?igsh=Nm80ZTQ5a3VrMWV3
BETRAYAL'S International Spotify Story
Year-end wraps are a great way for bands to chart their growth. Necropanther's 2023 wrap on Spotify showed huge growth new listeners in other countries. We increased our international friends by over 700% in 2023. We sent Necromerch to more countries than we could imagine. In the past 30 days, our top Spotify listener locations include German, UK, Sweden, Mexico, Australia, Brazile, France and Norway.
A great example: El Octavio Dio Radio (Spain) selected Betrayal as a Top 10 metal album of 2023!
Thank you to everyone who streams our music, wherever you are!