Fleshgod Apocalypse - Veleno (Deluxe Version) (2019) [Hi-Res]

Italian grandmasters of orchestral death metal FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE are finding spontaneity rewarding on new album, »Veleno«. Over the past four albums - previous album, »King« (2016), floored fans and critics alike - the Francesco Paoli-led trio have planned every step, discussed every note, and ensured every salutation to Paganini, Bach, and Mozart was met with an equally brutal death metal equivalent. On »Veleno«, which is Italian for ‘venom,’ they needed a change of approach (and pace). To achieve this, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE distanced themselves from distraction - line-up changes, tours, and the frustrations of day-to-day life - unboxed the songwriting process, and let the inspiration flow freely. On »Veleno«, they’ve matured, blended more efficiently their musical vision, and walked away with 11 songs that sound like a new band with an unsatiable prey drive.

With the best possible production job, real orchestral ensembles - a full string quartet, a classical percussionist, and a baroque choir were part of the process - and guest musicians in the shape of Maurizio Cardullo (FOLKSTONE) and Daniele Marinelli playing uilleann pipes and mandolin, respectively, »Veleno« is FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE’s masterwork. From the tense opening barrage of 'Fury' through the scenic vistas of 'Monnalisa' to the brooding if heroic 'Embrace The Oblivion,' »Veleno« encompasses the greatness of the albums prior but opens up whole new opportunities - sonic and aesthetic - for FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE. In fact, it’s an album that will have dedicated fans frothing ('Worship And Forget,' 'Carnivorous Lamb') to evangelize FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE to new hordes, while introducing critics to the group’s now-fully realized score-like qualities ('The Day We’ll Be Gone,' 'Monnalisa').

As for what’s next, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE are beyond excited that »Veleno« isn’t just their best album to date but that it’s a paradigm shift for the Italians. That it includes a multi-faceted lyrical concept, direct (and important) cultural ties to their home country, and a deeply symbolic cover painting by Travis Smith (OPETH, OVERKILL) form a splendid coda, the likes of which have yet to be experienced on a FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE album. Look for the Italians this summer at festivals across Europe, a world tour, starting this fall in Europe. As famous Italian poet Dante Alighieri once wrote, “From the little spark may burst a mighty flame.” »Veleno« is that mighty flame.

Frontman/multi-instrumentalist Francesco Paoli commented of the effort:

“Today is the day. A first taste of our new album, Veleno, is finally available for you all. No words can describe how excited we are and how long we waited for this moment. What you see is the harvest of three years of sweat, revolutions, intense emotions and extreme challenges. We proved ourselves to be stronger than ever, despising compromises, setting the bar higher no matter what. The album is massive to say the least. Every song is a unique piece, literally alive and breathing. Can’t wait for you guys to hear the rest…”

Speaking of working with director Giovanni Bucci on this latest video, he offered:

“I met Giovanni Bucci a couple of years ago, while collaborating on his own band Oddko. We soon became good friends, so we started talking about having him as director for Fleshgod’s new videos. He is a true visionary, with amazing directing and production skills. He’s been making music videos for bands like Korn, and he also has a shining career in the movie industry.

We all agreed that he would’ve been the key to a huge step forward for us, visually and artistically, especially on a video like this, which was also extremely complex to produce and shoot. The result is on your screen now, and it’s better than any description. Just hit the play button and enjoy.”