The worst news of the day: Altar Of Plagues are ending

In terrible news for black metal, Altar Of Plagues are calling it a day.

The Irish experimental black metallers, who’ve released three amazing albums, three brilliant EPs and a split, are “concluding”. In a statement on their Facebook page, James Kelly (vocals and guitars) said:

“Altar of Plagues will conclude this year.

“I decided before writing “Teethed Glory and Injury” that it would be our final album. It was executed with this fact in mind. I can state it no more simply than this; it is time to move on.

“We considered whether or not we would say anything at all regarding this. But at the very least, we would like to give people an opportunity to see us perform again should they care to. And so, these upcoming shows will be our final.”

“Our very final performance will be on October 19th, at Unsound Festival Poland. As a festival that celebrates the eclectic and the eccentric, I can think of no other place that would be more appropriate for this occasion. It is exactly the type of environment in which I have always aspired to share our work, and it will be a celebratory occasion to conclude at what I believe will be the peak of our existence as a group.

“I still find it difficult to believe that what began as a bedroom recording in 2007, became a group of individuals that have performed in Moscow, San Francisco, and many places between. We have travelled further, and shared more music than we had ever expected. Thank you to each and every person who supported us.

“I will continue to work as WIFE. However, I am not closing the door on the sounds I developed as Altar of Plagues. Many stones remain unturned.”

We are beyond upset. Altar Of Plagues were a blast of cold, miserable fresh air in black metal, made genuine classics of our time and put on some of the most astonishing shows you will ever see. Do NOT, for the love of everything sane, miss them at Candlefest.