Formed in 2007 in New York City, Black Metal troupe BLACK ANVIL released their debut
album Time Insults the Mind on Monumentum/Reflections Records in September 2009, and later
that year signed to renowned independent label Relapse Records. After a re-release of their
acclaimed 2009 debut, BLACK ANVIL unleashed their first proper full-length Triumvirate in
September 2010. Recorded with engineer ‘General’ George Fullan (The Rolling Stones, Dream
Theater) at Mark ‘The Animal’ Mendoza’s (Twisted Sister) Diamond Drop Studio on Long
Island, NY, Triumvirate received critical acclaim and was hailed as an "all-around monster metal
album & Pitchfork even stated, “Black Anvil’s an amazing live band… and their songwriting’s as
strong as their stage presence.”
Triumvirate was followed in 2014 by Hail Death, a 70-minute journey of intensity that further
established BLACK ANVIL as a modern Black Metal powerhouse and was praised by
publications including Noisey, Pitchfork, Stereogum, MetalSucks, and many more. Constantly
bringing their live ritual to the masses, BLACK ANVIL have participated in numerous high
profile tours with Black Metal legends such as Mayhem, Watain, Inquisition, Urfaust and
Marduk plus dates with Aura Noir, Nachtmystium, Immortal, Eyehategod, Cannibal Corpse and
many others. Additionally, the band has appeared at various festivals including the Scion Rock
Fest, Beyond The Gates in Bergen, Norway and the renowned Roadburn Festival in The
Netherlands.
Now, BLACK ANVIL return with As Was, the staggering 50-minute follow-up to 2014's Hail
Death. Atmospheric and melodic without relenting on any of the ferocity BLACK ANVIL have
always been known for, As Was seamlessly weaves through eight monumental passages of
extreme metal art. More diverse, complex, and thought-provoking than anything they've done
before, As Was is a stellar representation of modern Black Metal, and of BLACK ANVIL's
continuous progression and songcraft. Featuring cover art by Metastazis (Behemoth, Watain,
Morbid Angel) and recorded at Menegroth by Colin Marston (Krallice, Gorguts, Panopticon)
with mixing and mastering done by Tore Stjerna at Necromorbus Studio (Tribulation, Funeral
Mist, Watain).