I’m pleased to say that I discovered December Flower on MySpace (does anyone still use MySpace?) a fair while ago and instantly became hooked on their demo, “Moloch”. “Moloch” was an insanely promising dose of melodeath that made me want to hear more… so, since then, I’ve been waiting (rather impatiently) for a full length album to be released.
Now, in December 2011, I have my full length and the tension in the air as I was about to press ‘play’ for the very first time was palpable. On the strength of the demo, I had decided that whatever December Flower released in the future would be pure gold. By my calculations, “When All Life Ends…” should be the melodeath equivalent of the Holy Grail. That’s a lot of pressure to put on one album.
Let me get one thing straight: “When All Life Ends…” is not the Holy Grail. Nor will it necessarily change your life. You will find, however, that December Flower have achieved what they set out to do – they’ve created neck-breakingly impressive melodeath record. The band gives nods of apprecation throughout the release to the Gotherburg scene – particularly In Flames (as you might expect) and Dark Tranquility.
The fact that “Despise Your Life” from the “Moloch” demo makes an appearance made me do my Happy Dance (I really should get that dance trademarked) and it was great to hear it alongside the newer material. “Despise Your Life” was one of my favourites from the demo, so it’s odd to think that it’s NOT one of my favourites on the album. It’s clear that the band have progressed immeasurably since “Moloch” and the newer material is absolutely blinding. New favourites now include: “As Darkness Reigns”, “Aeon”, “And Blood Has to be Shed” and “The Fountain”.
I know it’s nearly the end of 2011, but don’t let this album pass you by.
… and, you never know, perhaps it will reach that Holy Grail status after multiple listens… 
Rating: 97%
December Flower’s upcoming album, “When All Life Ends…”, is now available for pre-order. The album will be released on 2nd December 2011 and will be available on both CD and vinyl.
The vinyl edition will be released through Imperium Productions and will be available in black, blue and black-transparent marbled 180g vinyl. Only 100 copies of the blue and marbled versions will be available – so make sure you order your copy quickly!
The CD edition will be released by Cyclone Empire.
“When All Life Ends…” can already be pre-ordered at metal-recycler.de and scr-shop.de
Earlier on this month we reported that December Flower’s forthcoming album would be called “When All Life Ends…” and we took great pleasure in showing off the artwork. In fact, we liked it so much we’re going to share it with you again – check it out below:
The band have now released a teaser on YouTube to whet our appetites even more:
I am currently smiling like a deranged person. This isn’t because I’ve finally lost the plot, or because I’ve had too many cans of Monster Energy Drink today (speaking of which, if the lovely people at Monster would like to sponsor me, I like the Low Carb one best … it’s gotta be worth a try!) – nope, it’s neither of those things. The reason for my ever-so-slightly disturbing grin is because I’ve just seen the cover art for December Flower’s new album. Not only is it a thing of absolute beauty, it also holds a very special meaning. It can only mean that the release date for album can’t be too far away. I’ve had a hankering for some new December Flower stuff since I first got a copy of their demo “Moloch”. If you like good quality melodeath, you’re going to be as obsessed with these guys as I am. Anyway, that’s enough from me… below you will see the cover art for December Flower’s forthcoming album called “When All Life Ends…”.
The following message was taken from the band’s official Facebook page:
This is the cover artwork of our upcoming release “When All Life Ends…”.
Thanks to Marc of ArtWars|Mediadesign for his awesome work.
“When All Life Ends” contains eleven tracks of unique Melodic Death Metal Art.
Track List:
01. Invasion
02. The Apprentice
03. Your Darkest Path
04. As Darkness Reigns
05. Aeon
06. Dying Sun
07. Life Ends
08. Despise Your Life
09. Lost In Twilight
10. And Blood Has To Be Shed
11. The Fountain
I’ve been obsessed with December Flower’s “Moloch” CD for quite a while… So I was over the moon when they agreed to answer my questions!
Lou: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions – it’s very much appreciated! For the benefit of the uninitiated, please could you describe December Flower’s music?
Manu: Well I would describe it as an melodic kind of death metal with its roots based in the 90’s Swedish old school and early melodic death metal.
That’s the music most of us love since we are listening to metal. Bands like At The Gates, Unanimated, Dismember, early In Flames or Dark Tranquillity are a big inspiration for us.
Lou: Please could you let us know who is in the band and what each of your roles is?
Manu: We are five guys from the northern / western parts of Germany.
Michael is guitar player and songwriter as well as founding member of DF.
The other song writer and guitar player is Torsten. He just split up with his other band “Through The Ashes” and took part in several different underground bands e.g. Symbiontic or Eroded.
Ben is our bassman and he is also member of based Death Metal Act Resurrected
Simon takes part in several music acts besides the metal scene, e.g. a HC Band called Positive Strike. He also recorded our first demo and works beside his studies as sound engineer in a recording studio.
And finally there is me, Manuel, writing lyrics and performing vocals.
Lou: Why did you choose the name December Flower?
Manu: Well I really don’t know at all anymore. Michael and I were looking for a name and finally we found that DF was quite suitable and a great track too
Lou: From what I understand, December Flower rose from the ashes from another band called Chronicle of Tyrants (unfortunately I’m not familiar with Chronicle of Tyrants). How do the two bands compare to each other? If at all.
Manu: Well both bands have similar influences, but with December Flower we move one step further to the roots of European death metal and put some more old school tunes into the songs. CoT featured many keyboard parts what make it sound a little more “pussy” if you know what I mean You still can find some songs on myspace (www.myspace.com/chronicleoftyrants). But I like the new stuff more than the stuff we made with CoT.
Lou: I bought “Moloch” a few months ago and, I’ve got to say, it’s a stunning piece of work. I’m particularly obsessed with “Utopia” at the moment. Which track stands out the most for you from the CD?
Manu: I like Despise Your Life and Moloch most. But of course the other tracks aren’t bad or less good. To get to know about the sound of DF you have to listen to the whole album, because I think the songs differ very much in some parts and are not comparable.
Lou: What sort of feedback have you received for “Moloch” so far?
Manu: There was nearly no negative feedback. One or two averaged reviews but the most were positive and very motivating at all.
Lou: What subjects have been covered in the album’s lyrics?
Manu: Well my lyrics feature mostly standard death metal contents. Demons, death, war, depression, criticism in general, nothing special.
Lou: What inspires you?
Manu: Everything and nothing. It depends on the mood that I am in. Usually I become more creative when I’m fucked up.
Lou: What is a December Flower gig like?
Manu: Be there than you will see. Of course your neck is aching afterwards
Lou: Will you be touring soon? Do you have any plans to come over to the UK? We’d love to have you here!
Manu: Well if you find someone who pays the flights and the hotel for us than maybe. For gigs in other countries we are not popular enough so far I suppose
Lou: What bands have you shared the stage with so far?
Manu: Well mostly underground bands from Germany. On our last show we opened the evening for Demonical, My Own Grave and Deathbound.
Lou: Do you have any plans to record any new material soon? I realise that “Moloch” is not that old… but hey
Manu: Yes we are recording a complete album at the moment but it will last some months until we have it finished. And than we want to find a label who wants to release that stuff
Lou: Do you have any merchandise available? If so, where can we buy it from?
Manu: Nothing yet but who knows
Lou: I noticed that you now have a YouTube channel. Will you be filming any promotional videos to put on there?
Manu: Well till now we only use it to promote our stuff in another way than myspace. But maybe the will be some live shots ore making of features soon
Lou: Also, will we get to see some live footage on the YouTube channel? I could have a few beers, turn the volume up as loud as it will go and pretend to be at the gig!
Manu: Yes maybe.
Lou: What was the highlight of 2009 for the band?
Manu: I don’t really have anything in mind. It was a normal year without any highlights I guess.
Lou: What were your top 3 albums in 2009?
Manu: Hmm…
Katatonia – Night Is The New Day
Unanimated – In The Light Of Darkness
Demonical – Hellsworn
But maybe in some weeks there will be other favourites for me.
Lou: What’s next for December Flower?
Manu: Finishing the album is the most important thing for us at the moment.
