Bone Weapon Unleashes Their Debut Album: Chaos Marked by Death of Sun

A Bold Return to the Scene

Philly’s own death/doom band Bone Weapon has made a thunderous return with their debut full-length album, Chaos Marked by Death of Sun. This eagerly awaited album drops almost three years after their first EP, Thrive or Starve, marking a significant evolution in the band’s sound and thematic exploration.

Exploring New Concepts

According to bandleader FMG, the album’s inspiration draws heavily from the Paleolithic Era, encapsulating themes of war and survival. “This project channels power beyond ego and peacocking,” FMG explains, aiming to distinguish their sound from the typical hardcore-infused ‘caveman death metal’ genre. Influences from early Finnish death metal bands such as Abhorrence and Rippikoulu, along with US death/doom acts like Cianide and Derkéta, play a significant role in shaping the band’s musical identity.

The Vision Behind the Music

FMG elaborates on the creative process: “Isaac’s [Ryan] guitar work perfectly fits the vision I had, while Will’s [Hersh] bass has become the band’s backbone.” The album’s narrative romanticizes a primal existence centered around survival, emphasizing concepts like “thrive or starve” and “kill or be killed.” FMG’s lyrical approach incorporates primitive vocal phrasings, inspired by his friend Beck, which adds a unique depth to the project.

A Mythic Tale of Survival

Chaos Marked by Death of Sun unfolds a mythic narrative involving war, black blood magick, and ritual smoke ceremonies. The album tells the story of warriors battling mammoth hordes and dark spirits to liberate their ancestors’ souls. FMG envisions this record as the first of many tales within a meticulously constructed world, hinting at exciting future directions for the band’s creativity.

Production Quality and Evolution

The production of the album far exceeded the band’s expectations, thanks to contributions from Dan Angel and Armen of Red Mausoleum, as well as mixing by John Forrestal and mastering by Yave Rust. FMG notes that the evolution of the band is palpable and was effectively captured in this release.

Track Breakdown

Chaos Marked by Death of Sun is structured into four distinct parts, each representing a ritual crucial for the survival of the Katu tribespeople against the Matu horde of mammoths:

• 1 – Intro Track: A rapid reading of the lore sets the stage.
• 2 – The Battle: Humans wage war against evil blood-magic-possessed mammoths, culminating in the slaying of a bull mammoth.
• 3 – The Incantation: A warrior consumes the mammoth’s blood, entering a hallucinogenic state that heightens his senses.
• 4 – The Shaman’s Ritual: A shaman expels dark spirits from a hybrid entity born of the Sun god of death.
• 5 – The Final Transformation: Blood-sucking worms are consumed for strength, leading to the preparation of a tusk pipe. Smoking the worms at dawn frees ancestral spirits and keeps the Matu at bay for another cycle of 300 suns.

Conclusion

Bone Weapon’s Chaos Marked by Death of Sun is a compelling exploration of primal themes and death/doom metal, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a rich narrative filled with visceral imagery and powerful musicality. The album is set to release on January 23, with CDs available through the band (US) and Morbid Chapel (EU), while tapes will be offered by Transylvanian Recordings.

FAQs

When is the release date for Chaos Marked by Death of Sun?

The album is set to release on January 23.

Where can I purchase the album?

CDs are available through the band in the US and Morbid Chapel in the EU, while tapes can be found via Transylvanian Recordings.

What are the main themes of the album?

The album explores themes of survival, war, and primal existence, drawing inspiration from the Paleolithic Era.

Who are the key influences on Bone Weapon’s sound?

Influences include early Finnish death metal bands like Abhorrence and Rippikoulu, as well as US death/doom acts like Cianide and Derkéta.

What is the structure of the album?

The album is structured into four parts, each representing a crucial ritual for the Katu tribespeople’s survival against mammoths.