Demoralizing Chicago collective, Lord Mantis, is currently immersed in the construction of their first official video, which is sure to be a disturbing and uncomforting visual experience. Directed, shot, and currently being edited by Brooklyn-based Gretchen Heinel - known for recent videos for industrialists Statiqbloom, Batillus and Theologian - and produced by Profound Lore Records and New Density, the video is being created for the mechanical and uncomfortable track "Possession Prayer" from Lord Mantis' third LP, Death Mask. In the tradition of their output and track record, according to the band, "the video will likely not meet YouTube guidelines due to explicit content." Stand by for the video to be presented upon its completion this Fall. Several screen shots from the video have been released:

Following its official CD and digital release via Profound Lore at the end of April, Death Mask now sees deluxe vinyl release via New Density, the label founded by Lord Mantis guitarist Andrew Markuszewski, also of Avichi. Engineered at Electrical Audio and Soma studios by Sanford Parker, mixed at Hypercube and mastered by Collin Jordan at The Boiler Room, Death Mask features artwork by Jef Whitehead (Leviathan, Lurker of Chalice) and layout duties handled by Chimère Noire. The massive 2xLP platter comes on 180-gram wax in an array of colors, including a traditional black run in addition to limited runs of 150 copies on silver/black splatter and 50 on gold/black splatter, and housed in a matte deluxe gatefold sleeve. Orders are now live at this location.

In concert news, Lord Mantis has been confirmed as direct support for Today Is The Day throughout October. The three-week US run carves a clockwise smile in the country, beginning in the Northeast, diving south to the Gulf Coast and then up the West Coast, then back down into the Southeast. Confirmed dates are as listed:

October

7 - Geno's - Portland, ME
8 - Sonny's - Dover, NH
9 - Spotlight Tavern - Beverly, MA
10 - Dusk - Providence, RI
11 - The Pinch - Washington, DC
12 - The Acheron - Brooklyn, NY
13 - Kung-Fu Necktie - Philadelphia, PA
14 - Church - Boston, MA
15 - The Depot - York, PA
16 - Cafe 611 - Frederick, MD
17 - Summit - Columbus, OH
18 - Jabber Jaws - Allentown, PA
19 - Hideaway - Johnson City, TN
20 - The Handlebar - Pensacola, FL
21 - Siberia - New Orleans, LA
22 - Will's Pub - Orlando, FL
23 - Ground Zero - Spartanburg, SC
25 - Riot Room - Kansas City, MO