Spirited cultivated fervor

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

►► In Lucid - Album ◄◄

4,5 / 5
" … epic ... thanks to good melodies and driving rhythms, listeners will not only find fast access, but will stay on the ball and discover new accents even after repeated hearings ... all around positive impression of an outstanding debut, which has already been announced with the much acclaimed EP 2017 …"
(DeepGround)

90 / 100
"… a huge pleasure … obviously some groups in the past made the same mix of styles, with the difference that the German quintet shows personality and autonomy."
(Heavy Metal Thunder Brasil)

9 / 10
"… ´Suicide Of A Chiromantist´ ... this ten-minute monster is so full of enthusiasm and passion that it almost takes your breath away ... one of the best German genre albums of recent years …"
(Obliveon)

9 / 10
"On the way to the Heavy Metal Olympus ... deliver with the grandiose 'Suicide Of A Chiromantist' a very hot contender for the song of the year. ... a must-have for every fan of traditional yet progressive Metal …"
(Powermetal.de)

9 / 10
"After the EP 'Astoria', the expectations for this first album of the originals were high … and we do not leave disappointed … undoubtedly they manage to establish a very own environment … melody is their main weapon … solos and frenzied riffs …  'Horror Infernal' and the epic 'Suicide Of A Chiromantist' generating immediate fascination …"
(World Of Metal)

4 / 5
"... consistent songs ... strong debut, please more!"
(Guitar Magazine)

13 / 15
"… the techno-Thrashers from Wildsteig put one more powerfully with the debut longplayer ... the guitar harmonies and solos of Simon Bertl are world class and the many breaks, which are also supported by piano and acoustic guitar, are the tasty salt in this balanced Prog Metal meal."
(Legacy)

8,5 / 10
"SWEEPING DEATH is one of the few bands today that are innovative, without annoying or losing the much quoted thread. And you first have to master this art!"
(Crossfire Metal)

8,5 / 10
"SWEEPING DEATH can keep up with the new album in the highest league of Prog/Thrash Metal bands ... so songwriting has taken a big step forward."
(Rock Castle Franken)

8,3 / 10
"… exciting performance … a band that knows its stuff, demonstrating it in every step … strongly recommended to lovers of Progressive Metal with theatrical and dark atmospheres."
(MetalEyes.IYE)

8 / 10
"Atmospherics, dynamics and epic melodies adorn the debut album from German progressive Metallers SWEEPING DEATH … swings beautifully through a number of Metal genres, including the legendary and iconic NWOBHM …"
(Metal Gods TV)

8 / 10
"The guitar lover, who likes long drawn out solos … will not be disappointed, because every song is a bomb full of infectious jars of eargasm … special vocal input of a frontman who in terms of voice is reminiscent of Heavy Metal greats from the 80s … these gentlemen are masters …"
(Musiczine)

7,5 / 10
"The guys definitely have a lot of technical skills ... a pretty remarkable record …"
(Zephyr's Odem)

7 / 10
"If you like Old School Prog done with a lot of energy, I have no doubt you will like this album."
(Metal Temple)

"'In Lucid' is an absolutely brilliant album, a gem within the rough. Be sure to get it when you can."
(The Median Man)

"What piles up on 'In Lucid' is a massive wall of sound in perfect proportions ... a heavy roller that captivates the listener with epic width, with dark as well as light density and passion."
(Blattturbo)

"SWEEPING DEATH go all out ... after last years 'Astoria'-EP, the techno-Thrashers from Wildsteig put on a quite big hit with the debut longplayer once again."
(Darkscene.at)

"There is no doubt that the musicians have something on their minds ... the range and span are amazing ... even elements of the Neo-Classic, which are reminiscent of Yngwie Malmsteen and their consorts, have an impact ... this disc is definitely for people who got fed up with the usual, commercial monotony ... I personally hear ample potential …"
(Heavy Metal Heaven)

"… progressive, melodic, and bordering on Thrash … riffs are absolutely delicious but not showy for the sake of it … interesting to listen to … rarely do you get the opportunity to hear where a big sound like that can start, and SWEEPING DEATH is an excellent example of that … there’s a bright future for the band … good songwriting, complex guitar acrobatics, and the extreme talent each member has … jump onboard before they get too big …"
(Heavy Blog Is Heavy)

"SWEEPING DEATH fulfills the promise … accurate and inspired songwriting … deserve the label Progressive Metal … the guys can make it rain!"
(Metal Addicts)

"… thrilling Thrash riffs, rocking guitar swerves, powerful drums and distinctive vocals make the Metal heart beat faster and offer something for almost all tastes."
(Metal Viewer)

"Mixing traditional Heavy Metal with Thrash and Death Metal traits, the album is a varied and intriguing listen … overall, a wandering meander of heavy hitting, genre boundary spanning Metal and Rock that will appeal to a very wide audience."
(Frenzy Fire)

"Excellent work, with very good background … SWEEPING DEATH have to give a lot … we wish them the best."
(Noizy.gr)

"Tip Of The Month - SWEEPING DEATH stepped up their game with 'In Lucid'! Catchy hooklines and very diverse!"
(RockHard)

"This album has a larger connection to classical music than you would expect … SWEEPING DEATH constantly bring a complexity of technical and progressive Metal where you can recognize obvious hints to Thrash and Power Metal … at the same time, they keep music firmly understandable for better reception … I am glad to tell you that in luxury of their music I find my mind`s harmony which is why I like this album so much."
(Monarch Magazine)

"… their longest … 10 minutes … 'Suicide Of A Chiromanist' … is filled with such passion and energy that the enthusiasm added along the top layer, makes the track that more precious, let alone tight and effective in terms of style and sound, as far as heavy Metal and Death Metal go … very gripping, showcasing such a raw amount of talent … vocal chords make it come full circle really … a treat for the ears …"
(Nataliez World)

"… if you're into Psychotic Waltz and Hades (US), you should definitely risk an ear ... the great production by Rolf Munkes (Empire Studios) is also consistent ... international level!"
(Totentanz)

"At this time is undeniable that Sweeping Death are made of talented musicians … 'In Lucid' is the proof that a band can wide their musical style without losing its essence … more than innovating … they show how to make a difference without becoming different."
(Metal Em Portugal)

"… Sweeping Death uses every opportunity they have to shake things up with plenty of Prog Metal tropes while using the Thrash elements to keep 'In Lucid' fast-paced and interesting at the same time while trying new things like bringing in a piano and having vocals with brilliant range … an absolutely dazzling display of creative diversity that came together shockingly well …"
(Head-Banger Reviews)

"Progressive, but not cumbersome, original, but not overloaded ... the Wildsteig formation SWEEPING DEATH works both melancholic ('Blues Funeral') and aggressive ('Horror Infernal'), based on choruses with recognition value and an earthy sound."
(Heilbronner Stimme)



►► Astoria - EP ◄◄

5 / 5
"Such a multi-layered yet consistently high-profile Metal album as the debut of Bavarian newcomers was not at the start for a long time. Stylistically, they move in the intersection of Annihilator, Judas Priest and Fates Warning, coupled with classically influenced, very melodic guitar work and really strong vocals ... predicate: absolutely worth listening to!"
(DrumHeads Magazin)

5 / 5 - legendary
"SWEEPING DEATH put a bold exclamation mark behind every element of their style mixture and combine their on-the-point play with a complexity that promises songwriting claim, but has no bulkiness. If you are looking for an original Metal tradition with a touch of virtuosity, you will definitely find it here."
(DeepGround)

5 / 5
"Based on really good, Guitar-heavy Metal, SWEEPING DEATH have a good style and a rousing sound - clear recommendation."
(Stage Reptiles)

100 %
"Thrash, Progressive and Neoclassical. 6 tracks, but magnificent."
(Black Death Power Metal)

9 / 10
"… unbridled enthusiasm ... influences from classic Heavy Metal ... IRON MAIDEN-inspired dual guitars ... allow NWoBHM's trademarks to flow into their highly varied and fresh sound ... unbelievably strong troupe ... almost unbelievable, with what a professionalism and with so much musical class is trumped here …"
(Powermetal.de)

9 / 10
"The thrashy straight ahead of ANTHRAX, the nested progressive of ANNIHILATOR, the hard rocking and melodic of the early PANTERA and the aggressive, powerful vocals of the PANTERA of the 90s. Through the piano SWEEPING DEATH give the whole their personal touch."
(Reaperzine)

9 / 10
"Bear-strong first work …"
(The Pit)

9 / 10
"SWEEPING DEATH play multi-faceted, positive and very energetic Metal, which should appeal to any Rock and Metal fan. A really good CD of a sympathetic band, which not only has to be heard, but also demands for more. 30 minutes without filler are better than longplayer releases, which are not to survive without pressing the skip button."
(Burn Your Ears)

85 / 100
"… brings you to a whirlwind without getting tired of it."
(Insane Voices Labirynth)

8,5 / 10
"I'm always surprised when own productions like this sound better than some label releases ... although the level of this EP is consistently high, it's 'Death & Legacy' with its psychotic Waltz memory twin-guitar solo that really appealed to me ... anyone who likes progressive Thrash can not ignore SWEEPING DEATH."
(Darkscene.at)

8,5 / 10
"The band describes their style as 'Progressive Thrash Metal', which hits the nail on the head, because the six tracks are both heavy as shit and delicate as origami."
(Obliveon)

8,5 / 10
"… simply surprises with convention, performance and interesting ideas. A little Thrash Metal, Heavy, Speed, Power Metal with a bit of progressive. An explosive mix that resulted in a truly intriguing mini album. Waiting for a full-length album."
(Power Metal Warrior)

8,5 / 10
"… their innovative Thrash Metal sound is both melodic and dynamic and of course has their own personal touch … there can be comparisons with such bands like ANNIHILATOR, MEGADETH and TOURNIQUET … one of the most original works that I have listened to lately …"
(Behind The Veil)

8,2 / 10
"The group's sound does not stop … at the Bay Area … but dare with atmospheres and musical variations that remind about Mekong Delta and especially Savatage, not forgetting that we are in the new millennium and that the progressive has ennobled even the Extreme Metal (Opeth) … a very well thought out album that alternates traditionally Thrash songs, even if played divinely ('My Insanity' and 'Death & Legacy') to others where the progressive vein takes the talent of the group by the hand and accompanies … technical championship."
(MetalEyes.IYE)

8,1 / 10
"... a good EP ... that shows the potential of the band ... SWEEPING DEATH have definitely laid the foundation ... the suggested balancing act between classical Thrash and the modern time is mostly successful and fun. I am looking forward to the upcoming works."
(Zephyrs Odem)

8 / 10
"No signs of stylistic confusion, orientation deficits or even lack of conception, everything here has a hand and a foot. The listener may already be impressed by what is offered ...'Astoria' is an impressive introduction of the young lads, which we should definitely keep an eye on. Those who like it more demanding, without being overwhelmed, should not miss SWEEPING DEATH."
(Streetclip.tv)

8 / 10
"… 'Astoria' is by no means just for diehard Prog / Thrash Metal fans as it has so much more to offer. Consider that the boys are gifted and dare to open the door to step out of the very-hard Metal world."
(Schwermetallvergiftung)

8 / 10
"… can be called as an opus; it has loads of variety in it, but it stays well in the hands of the band, and doesn't jump over the hedgerow and shite on too many territories."
(Archaic Metallurgy)

8 / 10
"… like a hybrid of IRON MAIDEN, ARTILLERY and HADES … be sure to follow this newcomer band that are the next generation of Metal."
(Metal Temple)

78 / 100
"When thinking about older progressive/technical Thrash bands, Coroner, Sanctuary and Anacrusis come out of the hat first. Later the band get somewhat more thrashy and there's some wild screams and instrumental acrobatics."
(The Metal Archives)

7,5 / 10
"SWEEPING DEATH surprise on "Astoria" with creativity, independence and a maturity that can not be expected from first-fruits."
(Undergrounded.de)

11 / 15
"SWEEPING DEATH show that there are still fresh ideas in Thrash Metal also in 2017. On their debut, the band distances itself from the prevailing epicenter and makes a promising step in their young career with 'Astoria'."
(Musikreviews.de)

7,25 / 10
"… complex compositional structures … melody … and continuous changes of pace that will no doubt bring Iron Maiden to mind …"
(Friedhof)

3,5 / 5
"Fine NWOBHM tunes of the brand Iron Maiden ... enhance the conventional, fresh-impetuous Thrash board super ... the mixture of inciting guitar riffs to rambling chorus structures is rich ... at no time, the program is boring ... makes you really moodful and priority should be an enormous leap in the career ladder of this band ... should inspire classic Heavy Metal fans, as well as Thrash admirers equally ... testifies to many elements of sophisticated quality …"
(Metal Underground.at)

9 / 15
"SWEEPING DEATH makes a very strong impression with their debut 'Astoria'."
(Legacy)

7 / 10
"For the relatively recent history of the band, it's amazing what instrumental abilities the individual musicians already possess. Played is a mixture of technical Thrash and ProgMetal, which of course requires a rock solid musical qualification ... the basic alignment is in a harder pace, somewhere between hard Power Metal and Thrash ... songs like the opener "My Insanity" and "Pioneer Of Time" are more thrashy … starts with a high level of wit and skill, before the title song "Astoria" turns into typical ProgMetal ... you may will have one or two thoughts about bands like Fates Warning or Vanden Plas."
(Rock Castle Franken)

"SWEEPING DEATH push boundaries within a diverse range of Metal music. Going from the power of Power Metal, the high-tech excesses of so-called 'epic', SWEEPING DEATH's Metal is always, without any problem, Thrash Metal in its purest sense. On top of that, they further bring the kind of Heavy Metal to the front, as only the great ones on earth can do this way. The EP 'Astoria' is the kind that makes us look expectantly to the future. Because with this passionate approach, full of riffs that strike sparks in our souls, these Germans can still get very far in the global Metal scene."
(Snooze Control)

"Take a big mixer and a lot of riffs and vocals like ANNIHILATOR, EXODUS, DREAM THEATER, SACROSANCT, MEGADETH, PANTERA and BLIND GUARDIAN and the 'Chop Suey' sounds like SWEEPING DEATH ... very progressive … boredom has no chance … if Elias, Simon, Markus, Tobias and Andreas do it the same way live, then hats off!"
(Heavy Metal Heaven)

"… in the intersection of Annihilator, Judas Priest and Fates Warning ... much like Slayer at their Thrash Metal milestone "Reign In Blood" … SWEEPING DEATH on "Astoria" manage to 'say anything' what they have to say in their genre on an album in half an hour ... absolute insider tip!"
(Soundcheck.de)

"… a really solid mash-up of classic Heavy Metal and progressive Thrash Metal … six-pack of technical fury … fast, fun, and (above all!) high flying leads … behind the drum kit (where he excels!), Tobias Kasper provides some perfectly-placed piano … powerful debut … excitement … not just for the progressive-minded fans of Heavy/Thrash, but anyone that just loves good German Heavy Metal!"
(Heavy Metal Time Machine)

"The combination of both guitars is really good ... the overall picture remains catchy ... Thrash bands like Metallica, Exodus, Heathen, Testament or Megadeth made an audible impression ... this band has a lot of potential …"
(Crossfire Metal)

"All in all, 'Astoria' is a lovingly and passionately composed repertoire of contrastful staged individual parts … in my opinion, SWEEPING DEATH is a promising troupe of strikingly talented team players. A real pleasure for the versatile Metalhead."
(Metalogy)

"With a modern approach to the classic, SWEEPING DEATH show versatility in terms of performance, speed and composition. By combining several sonorities, not only in style but also in ages, they can perfectly create a bridge between the past and the present."
(Metal Em Portugal)

"Another first-class newcomer from the Bavarian provinces ... dominated by more demanding, mostly two-part riffing with varied arrangements and many breaks ... even the successful production fits perfectly to the songs ... on "Astoria", SWEEPING DEATH fire their ideas out in the chord … hopefully there is enough left for further splendor."
(Totentanz)

"This debut has a nice facet of Prog and Thrash Metal and is very varied and powerful around the corner ... very well produced and layered ... refined riffs and fat drums, paired with beautiful melodies and rousing vocals ... as cross references you can confidently listen to bands like Annihilator, Judas Priest, Dream Theater, Pink Floyd or Pantera … "Astoria" is a tip for anyone who wants to hear something new and interesting without being offended. Highly recommended …"
(Metalmieze)

"You will appreciate positively their executive level, the action performed by the strings and drums, the vocals are also nice. Their sound is characterized by a pleasant sharpness, transports group dynamics without mechanistic amenities."
(Flight Of Pegasus)

"The fact is, I do not find a single hair in the soup, which these Bavarians cook there. Each song has its own charm, and fascinates in one way ... SWEEPING DEATH with their latest work "Astoria" is not to be missed. Not only suitable for the die-hard Metalheads, but also a good entry-level drug into the Metal world! Access, people!"
(Bad Black Unicorn)

"A handful of spectacular solos, half a dozen Neo-Classic quotes, various progressive inserts and the wonderfully dry production ultimately make this 'shortplayer' an absolute insider tip for all sophisticated (old school) Metallers."
(Metal Hammer)

"… BINGO! … old school influences from classic progressive thrash bands like Deathrow, Watchtower … somehow marked by 80`s and 90`s sound and SWEEPING DEATH is just doing their thing so convincing … great quality …"
(Monarch Magazine)

"… tackles bands like Machine Head, Nevermore or Annihilator … at the same time they are not alien to the progressive stuff, thanks to intricate melodies, with an impressive pair of guitars (the riffs are murderers) …"
(Rocka Rolla)

"Energetic and lively …"
(Silence Magazin)

"Between the old albums of Anthrax and Metallica, classic Heavy Metal / NWOBHM riffs and screams, up to really groovy sections, the band switches playfully back and forth, lets everything flow together organically and soaks the whole thing again and again with neatly progressive approaches."
(Metal Viewer)

"… a good mix between Trivium, Metallica and Iron Maiden ... the classic Metal guitars, the classic and formative vocals make up the new sound of SWEEPING DEATH …"
(Bungalou)

"A pleasant surprise from Germany this way comes, a young outfit specializing in brisk classic Power/Thrash with both a melodic and progressive flair as evident from the interesting varied opener 'My Insanity'."
(The Thrash Metal Guide)

"I like those new attempts on a classic way of the Metal music. It's band's like SWEEPING DEATH that dare to go new ways even where tradition may say that it's forbidden to do this. They don't care and go their own way … 'Astoria' sounds promising …"
(Metal Underdogs)

"SWEEPING DEATH is the new force in the Progressive Metal genre … they sure gonna stir up some dust internationally!"
(Rock Antenne)

Band:	SWEEPING DEATH
Base:	Bavaria • Germany
Genre:	Progressive Heavy Metal
Title:	In Lucid
Format:	Album
Label:	Self-financed
Release:	October 5th, 2018

Can there be anything better for a band than launching a promising debut album? Can there be anything more convincing for lovers of original and sophisticated PROGRESSIVE HEAVY METAL than "In Lucid"?



The clear as well as the only correct answer give SWEEPING DEATH with much fervor and passion! While the visionary formation from the Bavarian town of Wildsteig was already able to set a bold exclamation point in the matter of 'Potent Newcomer Hopefuls' with the previous EP "Astoria", the fit all-round talents with their new album provide an almost electrifying level of tension and far-reaching fascination.

Pic by Michael Poganiatz

After all, virtuosically interpreted, uplifting influences from the world of classical music found their way into the multi-faceted compositions, which also brings with it a wealth of unspent, fresh melodies on "In Lucid".

The individually created long-player can already join with the remarkably coherent opener "Blues Funeral" in the upper ranks of the genre. All songs breathe this creative, hungry spirit for authentically transformed innovation.

The equally capable as well as optimally rehearsed musicians around exceptional singer Elias ‚Eli‘ Witzigmann shoot a gigantic firework of imaginative enthusiasm in the scene.

Official release of the debut album "In Lucid":
October 5th 2018.


While many artists in the genre strive to create something organic, understandable, and, above all, timeless, SWEEPING DEATH gives free rein to their fantasy and imagination and let on "In Lucid" everything sound like from one single source.


Diverse acoustic passages, relaxing until evocative, tempting to dream and revel repeatedly, serves the quintet in the midst of a well-dosed, metallic basic hardness as an excellent leveling contrast serial.

By means of jagged-sparkling Thrash interactions the Bavarians enrich the sophisticated numbers quite intuitively, if individual sections of mood sheets require it - and this is guarantee for a variety of agile, dynamic and surprising moments.

Pic by Michael Poganiatz

Drummer Tobias Kasper convinces with the right instinct for dynamics and supports the multi-layered compositions with the necessary pressure. His influences, which is also especially inspired by the grand masters of noble classical music, and an above-average talent, brought Kasper a profound understanding of music over the years.



Thus, the tact-secure allrounder participated as actively as productive in the songwriting for "In Lucid". As an impressive keyboard virtuoso, he refines the compositions with elegant piano passages, which can give the whole thing a touch of eternity again and again.

Bassist Andreas Bertl emphasizes the arrangement with a clever mix of fast runs and accentuated melodies. Even the high-class guitar work together with finely thought-out harmony solos from the pen of guitar duo Markus Heilmeier and Simon Bertl should make it easy for the creators to make the breakthrough with "In Lucid" on the whole line.


Thus, this work as a whole is reminiscent of the glories of eternal icons such as Fates Warning and Psychotic Waltz, in order to wander into the past. At the same time, however, SWEEPING DEATH also brings many associations to Opeth's intoxicating magic moments in order to be able to see into their own future. (Markus Eck)

Hellish horror, vividly staged

SWEEPING DEATH present the new music video for the song 'Horror Infernal' to the Metal world on September 14th. This song will be featured on the debut album "In Lucid".

This time, the Bavarian shooting stars have focused fully on the two factors atmosphere and mood to bring the fans to the highest possible voltage with a very special music video.

Christian Podolski from Bodo-TV is responsible for the production and editing of the new video clip.

•

TRACKS:
01. Eulogue 01:08
02. Blues Funeral 05:41
03. Horror Infernal 04:11
04. Suicide Of A Chiromantist 09:53
05. Purpose (Instrumental) 03:37
06. Resonanz 06:09
07. Antitecture 04:25
08. Lucid Sin 07:47
09. Stratus 05:59

total: 48:55 min.

•

LINE-UP:
Elias Witzigmann (lead vocals)
Simon Bertl (guitar/backing vocals)
Markus Heilmeier (guitar)
Andreas Bertl (bass)
Tobias Kasper (drums/piano)

•

Discography:
2017: Astoria (EP)
2018: In Lucid (full-length)

SWEEPING DEATH • Contact:
info@sweepingdeath.de