EPK – Necronomicon Ex Mortis – You and Your Friends Are Dead: Game Over (2024)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
For fans of Arsis, Black Dahlia Murder, Obscura, Death, Dethklok
“This EP shows Necronomicon Ex Mortis at our most versatile; proving we have multiple ways to rip your face off! We think the fans will love the variety on this release! We want to have the listener have their expectations constantly challenged on this record!” – Guitarist – Michael Nystrom Bala – Necronomicon Ex Mortis
Band: Necronomicon Ex Mortis
Title: You and Your Friends Are Dead: Game Over
Release Date: June 29th, 2024
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
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“From start to finish, it really is a head-spinner and a heart-pounder, and some of the most fun you can have with your clothes on (though you might need to strip down and dry off after the EP is done with you.). If it wasn’t clear already, it’s damned clear after Silver Bullet that Necronomicon Ex Mortis is “a band to watch”. And if these peoples really do have 69 more songs fully written, bring ’em on!” – No Clean Singing (2023 – Silver Bullet EP)
“Necronomicon Ex Mortis Mix Shredding Death Metal and Horror On Silver Bullet… If I were to inform you of a band out there describing themselves as a ‘combination of ‘80s shred with ‘90s riffs all wrapped up in a cheesy B-horror movie’ chances are you’d excitedly inquire as to who this band is, after which I could start taking over/under bets on how quickly said horror-metal nerd collective would become one of your new favourites.” – Decibel Magazine (2023 – Silver Bullet EP)
“Sit back and marvel at the eccentric sound of Necronomicon Ex Mortis as they take us on a wild, but brief journey of thrilling heaviness. Starting with a track about getting ripped apart by a giant undead ape called Crypt of the Gorilla God. It’s a thrashy and speedy opener that features some absolutely screaming guitar solos. An immediate example of the lovable nature of this EP and band. 8.5/10” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life (2023 – Silver Bullet EP)
“A tale of primordial monsters living in the dark waters, “The Swamp” finds Necronomicon Ex Mortis at their storytelling finest, evolving a tale in classical fashion while having some moments in the guitar work that wouldn’t be out of place if they were written by Scott Carstairs for a Fallujah record. Somehow they have taken the bare bones that surround them and carved them intro intricate designs that leap between Metal sub-genres with death defying consummate ease. There is so much depth and texture than you’d usually expect to find in these songs… You have to wonder just how long it will be before these Gentlemen find themselves playing the Summer Slaughter Tour because that’s exactly where they should be [8.5/10]” – Metal Noise (2023 – Silver Bullet EP)
“Necronomicon Ex Mortis combines elements of classic death metal, 80s shred worship, and gory lyrics about B-horror movies. This EP starts with Crypt of the Gorilla God, a track about getting ripped apart by a giant undead ape. It’s a thrashy and speedy opener that features some absolutely screaming guitar solos. Silver Bullet is raw but this band is worth keeping an eye on.” – WRIV 90.1FM (Burlington, VT) (2023 – Silver Bullet EP)
“Necronomicon Ex Mortis have shown with Silver Bullet that they want to hit hard very quickly. The pieces are striking and make you want to discover more very quickly! We hope that the European public will respond to the call of the Americans and their desire to immerse us in horror stories worthy of the 80s. We wish them the best and we encourage you to dive into their universe!” – Sounding Shivers (2023 – Silver Bullet EP)
“As EP’s it’s pitched just right in that it comes in and goes straight for the throat and doesn’t overstay its welcome. What will be interesting is to see what a full-length album will be like; can they sustain this level of quality for say ten songs? I’ll have to seek out their first release and compare, but for now this will satisfy those who love both death metal and 80’s horror. 7/10” – Musipedia of Metal (2023 – Silver Bullet EP)
“Thrashy death metal with catchy groove” – The Mosh Pit 89.9 FM (Madison, WI) (2023 – Silver Bullet EP)
“The fusion of Death Metal and shred is intriguing” – Amplified Magazin (2023 – Silver Bullet EP)
“They make a death metal with classical influences and are obsessed with 80s horror films, a passion that is always to be shared.” – Metal Skunk (2023 – Silver Bullet EP)
“if you want to hear guitar players that have spent time really learning their instruments and pouring their blood, sweat and tears into giving people metal that shows attention to detail, quality and songwriting, then you might be pleased by this band.” – Metal Bulletin (2023 – Silver Bullet EP)
“You might suspect we’re exaggerating, but we’re really not. The four songs on the EP are undeniably sinister and ferocious, but the dominant impression of the music is that it’s exhilarating and exultant, the work of people who decided to put their formidable talents to the test, while having a shitload of fun doing that. When you listen it will make sense to hear that the EP comes recommended for fans of Black Dahlia Murder, Obscura, Arsis, Racer X, and Megadeth.” – No Clean Singing (2023 – Necronomicon Ex Mortis – EP)
“Inspired by Swedish Death Metal “Celestial Tomb” lays down the blast beats while having an interesting melodic lead that flies into a monstrous extended face melting solo of the highest order, confirming if there was any doubt that these musicians have the capability to step on stages with World Superpower level bands and hold their own. If it wasn’t for their love of old school works, you could easily see them going down the more technical road of an Archspire or Inferi, the clues to that murder mystery are all wrapped up within this whirlwind of an opener for all to witness.” – Metal Noise (2023 – Necronomicon Ex Mortis – EP)
“You can’t go wrong with the combination of death metal and horror, it’s a blend that goes together as obviously as blood and guts. With so much influence on offer, newcomers NECRONOMICON EX MORTIS have taken the idea and ran like a madman with it.” – Distorted Sound Mag (2023 – Necronomicon Ex Mortis – EP)
“the EP feels solid. It has remarkable melodies, a good sound and a cool cover.” – Metal Bite (2023 – Necronomicon Ex Mortis – EP)
“Epic/symphonic black metal, good technical and proggy stuff too.” – WORT FM 89.9FM (Madison, WI) (2023 – Necronomicon Ex Mortis – EP)
“They are young, their desire is noticeable and they are also capable of entertaining… “Earth Cancer” radically changes the record and becomes something more classic, sounding more like things like CANNIBAL CORPSE or CANCER, but maintaining the technique of the former. I am very surprised by the work of both guitarists, since they are capable of combining good riffs with a certain dose of brutality without leaving an unintelligible hodgepodge.” – Necromance Magazine (2023 – Necronomicon Ex Mortis – EP)
[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]
Band: Necronomicon Ex Mortis
Title: You and Your Friends Are Dead: Game Over
Release Date: June 29th, 2024
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
Track Listing:
1. My Bloody Valentine – 5:50
2. Leprechaun – 3:35
3. In the Mouth of Madness – 4:59
4. The Dead Zone – 4:02
5. Jason Lives – 5:43
EP Length: 24:11
EP Recording Credits:
EP Lineup:
Michael Nystrom Bala – Guitars/Songwriter/Lyrics
Manuel Barbara – Guitars
Yusuf Rashid – Bass
Craigh Schmuhl – Vocals
Joey Ferretti – Drums
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About The EP Artwork:
The artwork is a color explosion; just like the songs themselves!
About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
There’s lots of variety in the songs and song structures, but very little variety in terms of lyrics. The lyrics are mainly about murder and blood.
Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
1. My Bloody Valentine – Thrash and technical death metal meet! This song retells the story of “My Bloody Valentine.
2. Leprechaun – Melodic metal that’s short and sweet, just like an actual Leprechaun. The song retells the story of “Leprechaun.”
3. In the Mouth of Madness – Low, slow, and filled with symmetrical scales. This one takes a more mid-paced approach to death metal. This song retells the story of “In the Mouth of Madness.”
4. The Dead Zone – This song is based more on the 90s progressive death metal sound. Lots of symmetrical scales, extreme dissonance, and a cool guitar moment from Manuel. This song retells the story of “The Dead Zone.”
5. Jason Lives – This song screams “Mike has been listening to too much Autopsy.” We even tried our hand at a “death/doom” section right in the middle. This song retells the story of “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.”
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FUN FACTS – STORY ANGLES
1. Manuel hates vodka, but Michael loves it.
2. Most of the movies that are written about in these songs come from the 80s.
3. The vocals are still done in Craig’s basement.
4. Joey and Michael share a birthday, but Joey forgets literally every year.
5. Manuel and Michael once attempted to abandon Yusuf at a Burger King in North Hollywood, California.
Top – Michael Bala – Guitar, Manuel Barbarà – Guitar
Bottom – Yusuf Rashid – Bass, Craig Schmul – Vocals, Joey Ferretti – Drums
Necronomicon Ex Mortis was formed by Michael Nystrom Bala out of a desire to combine elements of classic death metal, 80s shred worship, and gory lyrics about B-horror movies. After writing far too many songs, Michael contacted guitarist Manuel Barbara, who joined the band because he had “nothing better to do.” Shortly after, bassist Yusuf Rashid joined the band so he could escape the jazz world and play music people would listen to outside of an elevator. The three amigos then enlisted fellow Berklee Bros Craig Schmuhl and Joey Ferretti, on vocals and drums respectively. Apparently, they didn’t have much better to do, either.
After polishing up the first 4 songs, Michael, Manuel, and Yusuf recorded guitars and bass with Charlie Waymire of Ultimate Studios in Los Angeles, California. Shortly after the strings were finished, Craig recorded vocals in his studio in Illinois. The debut EP “Necronomicon Ex Mortis” was released on March 31st, 2023.
Hungry for more music (and flesh), the lads reunited in LA once again to record a follow-up EP called “Silver Bullet.” Over one long, blood-drenched week, Michael, Manuel, and Yusuf pieced the EP together under the hot California sun. From there, it was back to Craig’s underground lair (studio) in Illinois for more vocal goodness. On August 10, the EP “Silver Bullet” was presented to the world by Decibel Magazine, and then fully released the following day on August 11th.
As of now, the boys have just returned back from the laboratory of a mad scientist, and are preparing for the third release entitled “You and Your Friends Are Dead: Game Over” due out June 29th, 2024 to haunt your dreams.
EP/Live Band Lineup:
Michael Nystrom Bala – Guitar
Manuel Barbará – Guitar
Yusuf Rashid – Bass
Joey Ferretti – Drums
Vocals – Craig Schmuhl
Discography:
2024 – You and Your Friends Are Dead: Game Over – EP
2023 – Silver Bullet – EP
2023 – Necronomicon Ex Mortis – EP
Endorsement – Michael Nystrom Bala – ENGL Amplification
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