Since 2015, Canadian barbarians VHS have been a prolific force in the death metal underground. Inspired by the sleaziest films on celluloid, their albums have been conceptual odes to blood-soaked niche genres. By the power of Grayskull, VHS and Wise Blood will release Quest for the Mighty Riff on May 19th, 2023. Until then, polish your broadswords and ponder your orbs and get ready for the year’s craziest and most shamelessly fun death metal record.
After collaborating two years ago on a vampire-themed record (I Heard They Suck… Blood), VHS and Wise Blood reunite for a new adventure. Join VHS as they embark on a treacherous odyssey packed with monsters, marauders, and black magic. Quest for the Mighty Riff is a concept record paying violent homage to ’80s sword and sorcery flicks. VHS sounds heavier than ever while grinding out genre-decapitating death/punk bangers based on classics like Conan the Barbarian, Masters of the Universe, and The Highlander.
Pre-order Quest for the Mighty Riff here: https://vhshorror.bandcamp.com/album/quest-for-the-mighty-riff
VHS has assembled a lethal troupe of guests to join their journey. Aaren Pantke of MOLDER helps VHS kick off the bloodshed with “Cleave ‘Em and Leave ‘Em.” Later, HELLRIPER’s James McBain screams into the fire on “Are You Afraid Dragons?” Matt Harvey of EXHUMED and GRUESOME even conjures synth interludes that time-warp the listener back to the ’80s. Fans of EXHUMED, UNDEATH, GHOUL, and weirdo psychotronic flicks will devour this kitsch-crushing record. VHS pack with album with slashing solos and putrid snarls down to the final battle.
Links:
Pre-Order on Bandcamp: https://vhshorror.bandcamp.com/album/quest-for-the-mighty-riff
VHS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vhsthunderbay/
VHS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vhs_deathmetal/
Wise Blood Records on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wisebloodrecs
Wise Blood Records on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisebloodrecords/
VHS is:
Mike Hochins: Guitar/Vocals
Curtis Mill: Bass
Andy Middaugh: Drums
Credits:
Mixed by Mike Hochins
Mastered by Topon Das/Apartment 2 Recording
Intro/interlude music by Matt Harvey
Narration by Schuler Benson
LP and CD cover art by Creepy Jason
Cassette cover art by Nev/Gruesome Graphx
Guest vocals:
Aaren Pantke of MOLDER on “Cleave ‘Em and Leave ‘Em”
Marlee Ryley of HYPERIA on “Crimson Haired Warrior”
Schuler Benson of TROCAR on “There Can Be Only One”
James McBain of HELLRIPPER on “Are You Afraid of Dragons?”
Track Listing:
1. The Quest Begins…
2. Cleave ‘Em and Leave ‘Em
3. Dagoth Must Die
4. Crimson Haired Warrior
5. Illias and His Magic Bow
6. The Fighting Eagle
7. Adventurers, Heroes, Brothers
8. There Can Be Only One
9. The Quest Continues…
10. Are You Afraid of Dragons?
11. Hail King Arthur
12. Eternia Needs a Hero
13. The Beastmaster
14. The Quest is Complete
15. Everything I Do (I Do it For You) (bonus Bryan Adams cover)
16. The Neverending Story (bonus track)