ACHERON Officially Laid To Rest; Festival Appearances Cancelled

After 22 years of existence, black/death metal band ACHERON has officially calledit quits. The group has released five original full-length albums, three mini-CDs, one covers CD and a number of other underground releases.

Commented mainman Vincent Crowley: "After a 22-year run, I am finally putting ACHERON to an end.

"It has been an interesting journey, but it is indeed over now.

"I know I have broken up the band in the past, but there is no turning back this time. This musical entity has run its course and I didn't want to tarnish what ACHERON represented. Some people didn't agree with my decision, but I feel I know what is right to do.

"ACHERON never set out to be the most technical, fastest or heaviest band out there. That was not what I strived to achieve. Those who resonated to our music knew the feeling and spirit it had behind it. And this music was not created for the masses, it was an art form to be embraced by other kindred souls who shared the same likes and interests. That is why the fans have always been very special to me. Their dedication and support fueled the Hellfires!

"In the end I never really cared what the media thought of us, but I did want the fans to always get 100% ACHERON.

"I'm glad we were able to put out our last album, 'The Final Conflict: Last Days Of God'. I am very proud of the work we all did on it and was very pleased with the positive response we got from it.

"How ironic to have such a title. Very fitting, indeed!

"I'd like thank all the fans for showing their support throughout the years and keeping the Satanic beast alive for so long. I hail all you metal maniacs!

"I've had the chance to meet a lot of you throughout the years and the pleasure has been mine.

"I would also like to give special thanks to all the great musicians I have been able to work with the last twenty-plus years. Without their contributions I couldn't have continued to release albums and played shows.

"'Rites Of The Black Mass' was recorded in 1990 and it is now 2010. My 20=year pact with ACHERON has been fulfilled. But be assured, I will always be a thorn in the side of all that is Holy! (Ha, Ha)

"Originally we were going to play shows until the end of the year, doing the 'Rites Of The Black Mass' set. Unfortunately, the lineup I had planned to use for the shows didn't work out, so all those shows have been cancelled, including the Central Illinois Metalfest and Michigan Death Fest. I apologize to the fans and the promoters, but there is nothing I can do about it. So as of now, ACHERON will no longer be recording or playing shows. It has officially been laid to rest.

"Presently, I am slowly working on putting together a new project called CRIMSON HEROIN. And who knows what else I will get into? So you haven't heard the last of me! (sorry, media. lol) But I am taking my time and not rushing anything. For now I need a little solitude and escape from the populous.

"I hope you all keep an eye out for future musical assaults from me."

"I Am Heathen", the latest video from ACHERON, can be viewed below. The clip was filmed with Werner Videos Services and was directed by Aaron Werner. The video features the band lineup of Vincent Crowley, Kyle Severn, Max Otworth and Ash Thomas, and includes a special appearance by actress Madison Riley.

This video is featured on a free promotional DVD put out by the band. The disc is over 90 minutes long and also contains in-depth band video documentary on "Making Final Conflict" (rare footage!),video footage from the band's 2008 "December Damnation" mini-tour in Brazil and the complete "Satanic Supremacy" three-song demo. This DVD is being given out for free to people who are buying the new "The Final Conflict: Last Days Of God" CD from the band or Ibex Moon Records.

"The Final Conflict: Last Days of God", was released on April 30, 2009 via Displeased Records. The CD was once again recorded at Mars Recording Compound with Bill Korecky and was mastered at West West Side Music in New Windsor, New York. The follow-up to 2003's "Rebirth: Metamorphosing into Godhood" is a concept album based on the fall of the three major white light religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

Check out audio samples on the band's MySpace page.