Italy’s rising force in deathcore, STIGMA, has completed the recording process for their upcoming debut album, When Midnight Strikes!, which is due out in spring 2008 through Pivotal Rockordings. The album was recorded at Db Studios with producer Ettore Rigotti (DISARMONIA MUNDI) and was mixed and mastered by Alessandro Vanara (DISARMONIA MUNDI, SLOWMOTION APOCALYPSE). Cover artwork, which was completed by Davide Nadalin, who has previously worked with NILE, THESHOLD, and THE DUSKFALL, can be seen at the left.

Vocalist Vlad comments: “We're thrilled about the final result! We knew Ettore [Rigotti] is an outstanding producer, but we never thought we could reach this level at only the first album! We've recorded everything at its best, using only killer stuff and added all the melodies, solos, atmospheres, insane breakdowns and horrific parts we dreamed about during the songwriting! When Midnight Strikes! is truly an amazing debut, and we really can't wait to offer you the chance to listen to it!"

When Midnight Strikes! features guest appearances from Tim Zlinsky (THE CLASSIC STRUGGLE), Alberto Zannier (SLOWMOTION APOCALYPSE), Ivan Odorico (SLOWMOTION APOCALYPSE), and Mike Lunacy (DARK LUNACY). Due to his

departure from HATESPHERE, Jacob Bredahl was unable to participate in the recordings. A video for the first single, 'I Am Dracula', was filmed by WhereCloudsPart and features a cameo appearance from Belgian break dancer Metal Girl. A teaser for the video of 'I Am Dracula' can be found below.

Stigma has also recently announced sponsorships Bulk Music, Shure (through SISME), and Hughes-And-Kettner, in addition to their deals with Black Flys Eyewear, Deepline Tattoo, Manne Guitars, and Ed Stone Rockwear (LAMB OF GOD, MACHINE HEAD, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE).

Tracklisting for When Midnight Strikes! is as follows: 'Walpurghis Night', 'I Am Dracula', 'Silver Bullets And Burning Crosses', 'To Be Really Dead… That Must Be Glorious', 'Flesh Ritual', 'Beneath The Crown Of Eternal Light', 'Blood, Your Precious Blood!', 'A Call For Vengeance', 'Walking The Fields Of Apocalypse', 'Sons Of Midnight', 'Epitaph Of Pain' (re-mixed bonus track), 'Mirthless Soul' (re-mixed Japanese bonus track).