Horrenda Díoltas

Fiadh Records

30 May 2025

In a powerful fusion of Irish mythology and unbridled metal ferocity, HORRENDA’s 2020 album Díoltas is set to conquer the U.S. with its upcoming physical release. The Dublin-based extreme metal band, known for their intense blending of black and death metal with atmospheric elements, first captured the attention of the underground metal scene with their explosive live performances and innovative sound.

Formed in 2015 by Darragh “Outis” O’Connor, HORRENDA quickly evolved from a solo project into a six-member ensemble that channels raw black metal, death metal, and a unique infusion of Irish folklore. Their live shows, notorious for their chaotic energy and punk-hardcore influences, have earned them a dedicated following and a regular spot at Ireland’s largest metal festival, Siege of Limerick.

Díoltas, translating to “Revenge” in Irish, is HORRENDA’s most ambitious work to date. The album weaves a dark tapestry of themes ranging from ancient vengeance to the modern decay of Ireland, explored through the lens of Irish history and mythology.

The opening track, “Balor”, named after the Irish mythological giant and god of destruction, sets a foreboding tone, driven by aggressive guitar riffs and relentless drumming. Following up, “Dian” blends haunting melodic undertones with the ferocity of raw black metal, reflecting the intensity suggested by its name, which means “tough” or “intense” in Irish.

One of the highlights, “AxeWound”, draws influence from the Swedish melodic death metal band AT THE GATES, while the title track “Díoltas” serves as the album’s centerpiece, taking listeners on a harrowing descent into the Irish underworld with its expansive soundscape.

Collaboration takes center stage in “Craven X Horrenda”, which sees HORRENDA team up with Irish darksynth-industrial act CRAVEN for a track that fuses black metal with eerie, synthetic textures, creating a standout moment on the album. Another key track, “Doom Tranquility”, ironically named, is one of the band’s most aggressive offerings, exploring the paradox of seeking peace amidst chaos.

The album concludes with “Sluagh”, referring to the spirits of the unforgiven dead in Irish folklore. It’s a deeply personal track for the band, encapsulating the album’s themes of vengeance, existential struggle, and the supernatural core of Ireland.

The release of Díoltas in physical format in the U.S. is a testament to their growing influence and ambition. With this release, HORRENDA is not just exporting their music but also their dark, intense vision of metal that has been honed on the stages of Ireland and the UK. This release is more than just an album; it’s an invitation to experience the depth and intensity of HORRENDA’s world, a world where folklore meets ferocity in a raw, musical onslaught.

About HORRENDA:

HORRENDA is an experimental blackened extreme metal band hailing from Dublin, Ireland. Formed in 2015 by Darragh “Outis” O’Connor, what began as a solo project quickly evolved into a formidable force within the underground metal scene. The band blends elements of black and death metal with ambient influences, creating a sound that is both intense and atmospheric.

The current lineup consists of Darragh “Outis” O’Connor on guitars and studio backing vocals, Arron “Nomad” O’Shaughnessy as the lead vocalist, Keith “Donn” Smith on bass, Mark “Morrdok” O’Brien and Cormac “Desolatus” Jordan on guitars, and Matthew “Dearg” McKenna on drums. This ensemble has solidified HORRENDA’s sound as well as enhanced their live performances, known for their raw, chaotic intensity.

Since their inception, HORRENDA has been a regular presence at Ireland’s largest metal festival, Siege of Limerick, and has shared the stage with notable acts such as ROTTEN SOUND, THE CRAWLING, and CHRIST AGONY. Their music is deeply rooted in Irish folklore and historical themes, which adds a unique layer to their aggressive musical style.

The release of their first full-band album, Díoltas, in 2020 marked a significant milestone in the band’s career. It showcased a more developed and aggressive sound, blending the band’s trademark atmospheric elements with hardcore punk energy. HORRENDA continued to expand their reach with a debut at Cardiff’s Eradication Festival in 2022 and the premiere of their music video “Handprints” on Decibel Magazine in 2023.

In addition to their music, HORRENDA is actively involved in collaborative and charity projects, including the All Ireland Metal Project, which united metal musicians from across Ireland during the Covid lockdowns to support various charitable causes.

With a sound that is as innovative as it is intense, HORRENDA continues to push the boundaries of extreme metal, making their mark both locally and internationally. Their dedication to exploring new sonic and thematic territories ensures that they remain at the forefront of the metal scene, captivating audiences with their dark, powerful narratives and uncompromising sound.

HORRENDA is:

Darragh “Outis” O’Connor – Guitars, Studio Backing Vocals
Arron “Nomad” O’Shaughnessy – Lead Vocals
Keith “Donn” Smith – Bass
Mark “Morrdok” O’Brien – Guitars
Cormac “Desolatus” Jordan – Guitars
Matthew “Dearg” McKenna – Drums

Connect with HORRENDA:

Official Website: https://horrendaofficial.com/
Bandcamp: https://horrenda.bandcamp.com/album/think-on-your-sins
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorrendaOfficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horrendaofficial/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/HorrendaEire
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorrendaOfficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/396IN8R4fgqAlSJB9UHiOU?si=dcJ5NUH3ReGjv5yolDOsiA
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/horrenda/1139929047

Horrenda Think On Your Sins

Fiadh Records

9 May 2025

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In a compelling new chapter of their musical journey, HORRENDA is set to unveil the U.S. physical release of their provocative album, Think on Your Sins. Known for their raw and introspective approach to blackened extreme metal, the Dublin-based ensemble continues to push the boundaries of the genre, exploring dark themes rooted deeply in psychological and historical narratives.

Released digitally and on limited physical formats by Fiadh Productions in 2024, Think on Your Sins quickly resonated with fans and critics alike for its intense sonic landscapes and evocative themes. The album, inspired by Dante’s Inferno, delves into the depths of human depravity and moral decay, echoing the harsh realities of modern Ireland and the broader human condition.

From the haunting opening of “Canto I: Descent”, an instrumental track that sets a chilling tone for the album, to the aggressive finale “Think on Your Sins”, each song meticulously crafts a narrative arc that invites listeners to reflect on their own shadows. The second track, “Come and See”, pulls no punches with its ferocious blend of tremolo-picked guitars and chaotic blast beats, painting aural pictures of historical atrocities and the horrors of war, reminiscent of scenes from Elem Klimov’s harrowing film of the same name.

“Nun’s Tears” and “Handprints” further expand the album’s exploration of sin and consequence. “Nun’s Tears” critiques the dark side of religious institutions with its somber melodies and rhythmic assaults, while “Handprints” captures the raw energy of HORRENDA’s live performances, focusing on the indelible marks of human actions.

Produced by Shannon Bowman of Xeropulse Media, the album’s sound is a testament to HORRENDA’s growth and ambition, recorded across multiple studios to capture the distinct essence of each track. The mixing and mastering by Bowman ensure that the thematic depth and complexity of the music are felt with every note.

The visual representation of the album features Gustave Doré’s striking illustrations for Dante’s Divine Comedy, aligning the artwork with the album’s exploration of infernal and divine retributions. This artistic choice not only enhances the listener’s experience but also bridges the gap between classical literary art and modern extreme metal.

With the release of Think on Your Sins, HORRENDA not only brings their music to new shores but also reaffirms their commitment to challenging the listener’s perception of metal music. The album’s narrative, both sonically and thematically, is a dark reflection on the sins of humanity, offering no respite but demanding confrontation and reflection.

As HORRENDA continues to tour and promote their profound and unsettling exploration of human sins, they invite U.S. audiences to experience the depth and intensity of their artistry firsthand, a journey that promises to be as enlightening as it is dark.

About HORRENDA:

HORRENDA is: