Ulcerate

Originating from Auckland, New Zealand, the unorthodox Death Metal ensemble ULCERATE was conceived in 2000 by guitarist Michael Hoggard and drummer Jamie Saint Merat. Their initial intention was to craft dark, oppressive Death Metal – a vision that subsequently evolved into an innovative, nuanced approach embracing atmospheric and mood-rich elements. This progression was significantly influenced by the addition of bassist/vocalist Paul Kelland, pushing the band's will for constant development even further.

ULCERATE's artistry is characterized by a whirlwind of scything art-metal guitars, thunderous, intricate drumming, and guttural vocal roars which create an overwhelming sense of impending doom. This signature sound was perfectly executed on their first three groundbreaking and highly dissonant albums: "Of Fracture And Failure" (2007), "Everything Is Fire" (2009), and "The Destroyers Of All" (2011), each of which have become milestones.

Recognition from fans/critics and extensive touring brought about a partnership with the esteemed label Relapse Records. The resulting two albums "Vermis" (2013) and "Shrines Of Paralysis" (2016) found the band heading to deeper and darker climes, proving ULCERATE to be at the vanguard of modern Death Metal.

In 2020 ULCERATE joined pioneering French Extreme Metal label Debemur Morti Productions due to a shared artistic vision. The same year marked the release of the band’s sixth album, "Stare Into Death And Be Still," a groundbreaking exploration of melody, harmony, and power. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and limited touring opportunities due to travel restrictions, "Stare Into Death And Be Still" garnered widespread acclaim, noted for its unique mixture of emotive melodicism and crushing darkness.

In 2022 and 2023, ULCERATE were finally able to triumphantly tour Europe, Australasia and the United States, showcasing their unparalleled technical skill and creative vigor as they presented the compositions of "Stare Into Death And Be Still” on stage.

The year 2024 will herald the arrival of “Cutting The Throat Of God”, a mind-bending seventh album from these unparalleled Death Metal titans.