Italian death metal project EYES OF AGONY have joined the AWAKENING RECORDS roster ahead of their debut album, “When They Return.” The studio-based five-piece will release the album internationally later this year.

The EYES OF AGONY lineup brings together experienced musicians from the Italian extreme metal scene. Project founder and guitarist Danny Cinicolo is known for his work with EXCIDIUM and MALEFICARUM, while the lineup features vocalist Andrea Zanetti (ICONOCLAST, MALEFICARUM), drummer Davide Billia (BEHEADED, HOUR OF PENANCE), guitarist Massimo Boffa (MIND CONTROL, HALLEY), and bassist Fabrizio “Jesus” Biondi (MECHANICAL GOD CREATION, ART OF SILENCE).

“When They Return” consists of nine tracks that combine a traditional OSDM approach with a modern aesthetic. Citing IMMOLATION, NILE, AT THE GATES, CANNIBAL CORPSE, and DEATH among their musical references, the album brings together melodic guitar harmonies, guitar solos and razor-sharp riffs, a powerful rhythm section, and guttural vocals.

The album’s origins predate the current EYES OF AGONY lineup. According to Danny Cinicolo, the initial ideas for the songs emerged years ago after a long period of silence in his personal writing during his time with EXCIDIUM and MALEFICARUM. After completing the compositions, Cinicolo began looking for the right musicians for the project, starting with former MALEFICARUM vocalist Andrea Zanetti before completing the lineup.

Mixing and mastering for “When They Return” were handled by Luca Nicolucci at Comet Broadcasting Studio. The album is described as having a clear yet gritty production that brings together different facets of the death metal aesthetic.

The deal with AWAKENING RECORDS marks another step in the album’s release process. Cinicolo says he contacted the label while promoting the album through its EPK and streaming material. According to him, label owner Li Meng listened to the album several times and was impressed by its production quality before offering the band a deal, which they accepted.

The exact release date for “When They Return,” along with its cover artwork, tracklist, and first single, will be revealed in the coming period.

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