I know a lot of people have been waiting for the digital release of “Vast Oceans Lachrymose,” and I am pleased to announce that both the full-length album as well as the download-only release “The Vast Oceans Lachrymose Singles EP” are both now available on iTunes, the Cruz Del Sur Music digital store, and will ultimately surface on all the other existing services by the end of the year. Between these two releases, whatever your individual preference is, you should be covered; while the album is meant to be heard as a whole, for those who are only interested in specific tracks I’d recommend the edited EP versions…however, please do consider that only the actual album truly fulfills our vision!
In other news, the absolutely stunning Maniacal Records 180gm LP pressing of “Vast Oceans Lachrymose” has just arrived in stock this week – and really, it is absolutely gorgeous. The vinyl mastering is flawless as well, so the long wait for this edition was more than worth it in my opinion. Mike wanted me to let everyone know that he has already shipped several orders, but would be out of town for the holidays therefore any remaining orders will go out upon his return next week. In light of the news of the forthcoming Iron Kodex LP’s, some people may have retracted their pre-orders – which is a mistake in my opinion, but at any rate, this means there very well could be additional copies of this 1st edition left after all (though very, very few). Drop Mike an email via manicalrecordsATaol.com to inquire. 
In the event that you’re too late to procure a copy of the Maniacal Version, fear not – the Iron Kodex/High Roller Records edition has already gone to press and should all the stars align, will arrive on time for the February 6th release date alongside “Sorrow Of The Angels” and “Of Empires Forlorn.” Estelle, Jim, and Manuel REALLY outdid themselves as far as the layouts of these are concerned, and for as jaded as I sometimes am regarding these past releases, now they really feel like “works of art.” By Mid-January, Iron Kodex should begin taking pre-orders for these equally limited gems, and I’ll certainly let everyone know as soon as this transpires.The Cruz Del Sur Music CD editions of the re-issues have already been pressed, hand-numbered and are on their way to the distributors for the January 29th release date. Pre-orders are being accepted, but keep in mind that CDSM will be on holiday until the 2nd week of January, thus unable to ship any items already available until this time. For US orders of the “Sorrow Of The Angels” and “Of Empires Forlorn” CD’s, please contact us directly; they will NOT be distributed to the stores due to their limited nature.
In the meantime, as a band we are preparing for our shows with our good friends Argus at the 31st Street Pub in Pittsburgh, PA. on Friday, January 8th, 2010 and the Little Barrow Theatre in Franklin, PA. on Saturday, January 9th, 2010. Both shows will serve as warm-up gigs for our upcoming Hammer Of Doom III appearance in Würzburg, Germany on February 6th, 2010. We encourage you to join us for these rare gigs and help us finalize our setlist for the festival! We’ll have some cool merch on hand as well! 
Lastly, as this year winds to a close – one that began with a personal storm and is coming to a close with a media storm, I just want to thank you personally for the absolutely shocking, overwhelmingly positive response to “Vast Oceans Lachrymose.” WHW and I are extremely flattered and surprised by this reaction…thank you SO much for listening and giving it a chance. We truly hope that we can deliver the “Fear Of Infinity” follow-up in a much shorter timeframe compared to past releases, and considering the material is already written, it is very possible…but still depends upon your support more than anything else!
I’ll leave you with the incredible final tally of scores for “VOL” that we’ve received so far from all over the world:12/12 - Heavy Magazine (Germany) + #1 score in Soundcheck!
9.5/10 - Rock Hard Magazine (Germany) + #2 score in Soundcheck!
8.5/10 - Power Metal. de (Germany) + #2 score in Soundcheck!
7/7 - Metal Hammer Magazine (Germany) #3 in Soundcheck!
14/14 - Legacy Magazine (Germany)+ 6 score in Soundcheck!
15/15 - Musik Reviews. de (Germany)
10/10 - Metal Review. Com
10/10 – Metal Message. De (Germany)
10/10 - Sleaze Metal. com (Germany)
10/10 – WrestlingDVD/wordpress.com (Germany)
6/6 – Transmission.nu (Denmark)
5/5 – Nightfall In Metal Earth (France)
5/5 - Metal Crypt. com (US)
5/5 - Metal Psalter.com (US)
5/5 - Sputnik Music .com (US)
5/5 – Igel Metal.com (Germany)
9.5/10 - Schweres Metall.de (Germany) + Album Of The Month!
9.2/10 - Fury Rocks.com (Netherlands) + Fury's Favorite!
9/10 - Metal. de (Germany)
9/10 - Heavy Metal.de (Germany)
9/10 - Terrorizer (UK)
9/10 - Heavy Sound.fr (France)
9/10 - Hellbound. ca (Canada)
9/10 - DarkScene. at (Austria) + Album Of The Week!
9/10 - Perfect Prog.com (Mexico)
9/10 – Lastadea.com
6/7 - Metal News. de (Germany)
5/6 - Scream Magazine (Norway)
95/100 - Metalzone.gr (Greece)
18/20 - Music and sich .de (Germany)
17/20 - Metal Integral (France)
93/100 - Lords Of Metal.com (Netherlands)
89/100 - Metal Reviews.com
86/100 - Hard Sounds.it (Italy)
74/100 - True Metal.it (Italy)
8.5/10 - Metal Asylum .net (US)
8.5/10 – Imperiumi.net (Finland)
8/10 – Metal Italia (Italy)
8/10 – Extreem Metaal .nl (Netherlands)
8/10 - Stereo Invaders (Italy)
8/10 - Event Horizon (Portugal)
8/10 - Ice Vajal.com (Germany)
8/10 - Informazione Metal (Italy)
8/10 – Ncore Webmagazine (Italy)
7.5/10 - Heavy Law.com (France)
7.5/10 - Progressive Waves.com (France)
7/10 - Ashladan.be (Belgium)
7/10 - Decibel (US)
6.5/10 – Mortem Zine (Czech Republic)
Please be safe and responsible this holiday season! We hope to see all of you out on the road in 2010 and beyond! Thank you again for all of your kind words and support – you are so very appreciated… thank you for making the first part of our 20th Anniversary so memorable already!
Seasons Weepings…
Tom Phillips
December 18th, 2009
While Heaven Wept:
After years of requests to re-issue our previous albums from all over the world, it is with great honor that we announce two new collaborations regarding this and more! In commemoration of our 20th Anniversary and in response to all of you out there waiting, WHW and Cruz Del Sur Music present to you brand new CD re-issues of “Sorrow Of The Angels” and “Of Empires Forlorn!” These versions feature the unaltered audio content of the originals, so as to preserve their integrity and offer those who missed them the first time around one more chance to procure them, but it should be noted that they are both strictly limited to 1000 hand-numbered copies each, and they will NOT be repressed. Both albums feature updated artwork, and new liner notes, but for those who already own these, unless you need to have the complete WHW collection, there’s nothing otherwise new on offer. However, the 2nd collaboration is likely to be a bit more exciting for the veterans: We’ve also reached an agreement regarding vinyl LP pressings for both albums for the first time and additionally, a final 2nd edition of our latest album “Vast Oceans Lachrymose” as well! A joint cooperation between Germany’s Iron Kodex and High Roller Records (plus Maniacal Records once again in the case of “Vast Oceans Lachrymose”) has enabled this truly amazing release schedule in time for our appearance at the Hammer Of Doom III festival in Wurzburg, Germany on February 6th, 2010. Here are the official press releases from the respective labels, and thank all of you out there for standing by us the past 20 years! Cheers! :
Cruz Del Sur Music:
We have heard your calls! After the incredible response to While Heaven Wept's brand new album "Vast Oceans Lachrymose" – which continues to receive the very highest of accolades worldwide, Cruz Del Sur Music, as well as the continued demands from their audience, have finally convinced the band to re-issue their long out-of-print past albums "Sorrow Of The Angels" and "Of Empires Forlorn" in limited-editions of 1000 hand-numbered CD's each!!!
This is a rare opportunity for everyone who missed these masterpieces of epic doom metal history the first time around to buy these at new-release prices (as opposed to the outrageous amounts these albums sometimes fetch on eBay). Both albums feature updated cover art, new pictures, and new liner notes from mainman Tom Phillips. The audio content is identical to the original Eibon Records ("Sorrow Of The Angels") and Rage Of Achilles Records ("Of Empires Forlorn") releases so as to preserve the integrity of the original albums.
These re-issues will be strictly limited to 1000 copies, with absolutely no re-pressing whatsoever at the request of While Heaven Wept themselves. Both albums will be released simultaneously at the end of January 2010, just in time for the bands' appearance at Hammer Of Doom III in Wurzburg, Germany on February 6th.
Sorrow Of The Angels:
---------------------------------
* Originally released in a limited-edtion of 1000 CD's via Eibon Records in 1998
* Out-of-print completely since 1999
* Features updated cover art, new pictures, and liner notes
* Hand-numbered limited edtion of 1000 CD's
* Includes the bands first mega-epic, the 17 minute "Thus With A Kiss I Die"
Tracklist:
1. Thus With A Kiss I Die (16:58)
2. Into The Wells Of Sorrow (9:43)
3. The Death Of Love (9:56)
4. September (2:21)
Release Date: January 29th, 2010
Of Empires Forlorn----------------------------
* Originally released on Rage Of Achilles Records in 2003
* Out-of-print since the demise of Rage Of Achilles in 2004
* Features updated cover art, new pictures, and liner notes
* Hand-numbered limited edition of 1000 CD's
* One of the most highly regarded releases of 2003
* Includes "The Drowning Years," "Soulsadness," and "Voice In The Wind"
Tracklist:
1. The Drowning Years (5:41)
2. Of Empires Forlorn (7:49)
3. Voice in the Wind (6:25)
4. In Aeturnum (7:30)
5. Soulsadness (7:24)
6. Epistle No. 81 (3:24)
7. Sorrow of the Angels (4:47)
Release Date: January 29th, 2010
www.cruzdelsurmusic.com
Iron Kodex:WHILE HEAVEN WEPT - All albums to be released on vinyl by Iron Kodex and High Roller
It is with great pride, that we can announce the vinyl releases of While Heaven Wept‘s albums „Sorrow of the angels“, „Of Empires Forlorn“ and „Vast Oceans Lachrymose“.
In cooperation with High Roller Records all three albums will be prepared for a release at While Heaven Wept‘s live performance at Hammer of Doom festival III in February 2010. We know that fans have been longing for a vinyl release of these ground-breaking masterpieces of doom metal for a long time and with this in mind, we can promise you that every release will be prepared only with the highest quality available. All three albums will be released in a heavy cardboard gatefold sleeve and pressed on 180g heavy black vinyl for the best sound possible. Moreover „Of Empires Forlorn“ will be released as a double vinyl with bonus tracks and this edition of „Vast Oceans Lachrymose“ will also be a double vinyl set – both albums will spin at 45 rpm for audiophile quality! All albums will come in limited editions of 500 copies.
Virgina based progressive-doom metal titans While Heaven Wept‘s latest release „Vast Oceans Lachrymose“ has been lauded by critics as one of the best albums of the decade. Both „Sorrow Of The Angels“ and „Of Empires Forlorn“ have never before been released separately on vinyl. Don‘t miss this!
Release dates: February 6th, 2010
www.ironkodex.de
www.hho-records.de
***As a footnote, the original single LP pressing of „Vast Oceans Lachrymose“ on Maniacal Records is finally scheduled to ship to the label on December 6th from the pressing plant. This version is basically sold-out provided all pre-orders are paid for, and this is partially why we’ve negotiated the release of a 2nd version – to insure all interested parties are able to secure a copy. If you’ve written to Mike previously to reserve a copy, he has your mail and info saved. Feel free to contact him or write to us to check on that, but rest assured, you should be covered! – Tom/WHW
Where do I even begin? Over the last couple weeks we've received such an incredible outpouring of positive feedback regarding "Vast Oceans Lachrymose" - from our colleagues, the media, and yourselves... more so than anything we could've ever expected... thank you all for expressing your opinions so passionately and your ongoing support - this album is as much yours as it is ours. I really struggle to digest all of this and I don't even know if I believe myself that "VOL" is worthy of such generous praise... I am completely humbled by all of this... all I can say is that all of the musicians that contributed to the realization of this album did such an amazing job - it's truly an honor for me to collaborate with them. And once again, thank all of YOU so much for your extremely kind words and support of WHW, it means so much to me.
Some surprising early review scores have come in, prior to the actual release of the album that are truly shocking for everyone in the WHW family:
12/12 - Heavy Magazine (Germany) + #1 score in Soundcheck!
9.5/10 - Rock Hard Magazine (Germany) + #2 score in Soundcheck!
14/14 - Legacy Magazine (Germany)
7/7 - Metal Hammer Magazine (Germany)
5/5 - Metal Psalter .com (US)
9.2/10 - Fury Rocks .com (Netherlands) + Fury's Favorite!
9/10 - Heavy Metal .de (Germany)
9/10 - Perfect Prog .com (Mexico)
5/6 - Scream Magazine (Norway)
93/100 - Lords Of Metal .com (Netherlands)
89/100 - Metal Reviews .com
8.5/10 - Metal Asylum (US)
8/10 - Ice Vajal .com (Germany)
Unbelievable really.
Now, the other purpose of this blog entry is to pass on the latest news, thus without further ado:
Cruz Del Sur Music has already shipped CD's to all of our distributors so "VOL" will be available through your local dealers on the respective release dates for certain (Nov.3rd US, Nov.6th EU). Additionally, all pre-ordered CD's and combination packs are now shipping as well. There's still a few days left to take advantage of the discounted pre-order specials via Cruz Del Sur, and I must say, the new shirts have turned out stellar!
The test pressings for the LP arrived at Maniacal Records this week, and once we have confirmed all is well, we'll give the manufacturing plant the "green light" to follow through with production. If everything sounds and looks the way it was intended, the limited edition LP's will be in stock by the end of November. If you were holding out for the LP version as opposed the CD, I feel that I should inform you at least 1/3 of the pressing is already sold, so if you haven't contacted Maniacal Records already to reserve a copy, I'd recommend doing so sooner than later!
I also want to announce a special download-only release that will be
made available through iTunes, Rhapsody (etc.) entitled "The Vast
Oceans Lachrymose Singles EP" consisting of mp3's similar to the
samples I've uploaded here on MySpace (but of higher fidelity). The
primary motivation behind this release is to insure that we address
the demand for every possible format, without compromising the
listening experience in any capacity; I've personally edited the songs
from the album so that they may stand alone, with (hopefully) tasteful
fades and so forth. This will make it possible for everyone to
download individual tracks at the standard price, if this happens to
be your preference, and alternatively it will be possible to download
the entire release as well.The complete album will also be made available for download in an "album only" form, so as to preserve the original vision, flow, and integrity of "Vast Oceans Lachrymose" - which I still recommend, as this is how it was meant to be heard (with all of the segues and transitions intact).
Both releases are in the process of being encoded and we will post another press release as soon as we have confirmed they're available for purchase.
There are many other "irons in the fire" related to new merch, past releases, and additional concerts that we'll let you know about as decisions are made/details confirmed. In the meantime, thank you all once again for your incredible support - we're very much looking forward to seeing you at Hammer Of Doom III and beyond!
Cheers!
Tom Phillips
October 29th, 2009
I'm very proud to announce that as of Monday, September 28th, 2009 the "Vast Oceans Lachrymose" album has been completed... after 5 tumultous years... approximately 14 years after it was first discussed (albeit with a different tracklist)... anyway, the bottom line is... it is DONE.There's no doubt we could've continued working on it, but perhaps the details and minutia that would be affected are ultimately irrelevant to anyone outside of the band and our engineer Chris Salamone. Further, we literally worked up to the very last possible minute given the time necessary to manufacture and ship in time for the release dates.
Speaking of those, for the compact disc edition, they are as follows:
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 - North America
Friday, November 6th, 2009 - Europe
The album is (and has been) available for pre-order through several retail outlets, and will be available through most major stores. I am sure there will be a plethora of online retailers as well, including Cruz Del Sur Music directly.
We will also be making the album and various tracks available electronically via all the existing options, and more details will be made available regarding that soon.
Additionally, a 180gm audiophile LP version (in a stellar gatefold
sleeve) will be released via Maniacal Records in a limited edition of
500 copies. The actual release date of this will be determined after
we've had the chance to listen to the test pressings and insure all is
well. Expect it before the end of the year however (most likely in
November).Coming up next will be massive website updates, information about merchandise, and upcoming shows in support of the album.
**Media and press people - If you have procured any other version of the album prior to September 30th, 2009 - you do NOT have the final production master, rather an initial master we assembled specifically for you, however, if you are on the CDSM promo list and would like an advance copy of the final album electronically, please contact me directly, and I'll sort something out. Many of you WILL receive a finished copy of the album as well once it is available**
New samples from the entire album are now available for streaming at www.myspace.com/whileheavenwept
Thanks again to everyone who has waited so patiently for this album... I cannot tell you how much of a relief it is to be done... I sacrificed so many things over the last 5 years and most recently my physical and emotional health in order to complete this on time... your comments are certainly welcome and encouraged... but please understand that I am desperately in need of sleep and I'm also dealing with a case of postpartum depression, so if I don't respond instantly to you, just give me a week or so to catch up on everything that I need to.
Cheers... more soon...
Tom Phillips
Tuesday, September 29th, 2009, with addendums Friday, October 2nd, 2009
First and foremost, WE'RE ALIVE... I know there has been a lot of speculation over the past couple years as to whether or not WHW was still active, and despite various sabbaticals that allowed us to tend to personal/familial obligations (as well as a hefty amount of soulsearching in my case), WHW was never really close to being finished; there are several other plans that we will see through before we call it a day, and after 20 years of WHW, I doubt I'll ever be "done" at this point!
20 years... that's right... 2009 marks two decades of WHW activity, and we've come a long way from the early days at Osbourn Park High School that's for sure. I am proud to say that we've always managed to produce music that is both sincere and deeply meaningful to all involved, without compromise. I'd like to thank all of the many members past and present for their contributions over the years, as we wouldn't be here now without them.
Speaking of band members, it is time now to welcome a new addition to the fold, vocalist Rain Irving, formerly of Magna Carta/Roadrunner recording artist Altura who produced a well-reknowned progressive metal classic in the form of "Mercy" back in 1996.
Now, I know many of you are probably jaw-dropped at the notion of me handing over the mic, but this was something that was a long time coming; previously in various updates, interviews, and forums I've talked about how WHW has come full circle in many ways...and going back to the very beginning, I was just a songwriter and guitarist - there were 2 singers before I assumed that role. Further, it's no secret that I've had various struggles over the years vocally - this eliminates that problem completely. Most importantly perhaps though are the practical reasons: for a long time now I've felt that I was only able to give 50% of myself to the vocals and 50% to the guitar in a live setting, which is completely unacceptable to me - I want to give nothing less that 110% every time. Beyond that, the new material is extremely demanding and would require an additional couple of years for me to master playing and singing simultaneously - let's be honest, "Vast Oceans Lachrymose" is long overdue (Hell, we've been talking about it since 1995!).
When all is said and done, Rain is more of a singer than I'll ever be, and this album will certainly prove that - hopefully silencing some of the naysayers in the process, but even if not, I know this is the correct path for my vision for a plethora of reasons. I will of course be working very closely with Rain, providing insights into my approach to the material and vocal "techniques" so there will be some parallels to past releases without infringing upon his own style and personality.
For your reference, you can check out the Altura MySpace page here.
The next burning question I'm sure relates to the aforementioned album. I am very pleased to announce that "Vast Oceans Lachyrmose" will be released before the end of 2009 via Cruz Del Sur Music. While I have a release date personally, we'll let CDSM make it public information at the appropriate time - but do no doubt, it IS really coming.
Before that however, we will be returning to the stage August 1st for
the second edition of the Born Too Late Festival in Rochester, New
York. The setlist will span 20 years of material, and will offer the
first glimpse into the "Vast Oceans Lachrymose" album for quite a few
of you. While it is possible that we will arrange additional shows
before the end of the 2009-2010 anniversary, there are no others
scheduled at this time, so if you've want to be sure to catch us live,
here is your chance. For more information and tickets click here We will however be working on plans to return to
Europe in 2010, but exact details are far from being hammered out, and
in many cases it's not up to us.There will be new merch available in time for the Born Too Late festival - there have been many emails regarding t-shirts specifically, and we'll make sure there are plenty available for those unable to attend the festival afterwards. We're also having discussions with past affiliates to insure merch is available outside of the USA too, and will post news of this as it develops.
Lastly, I'd like to thank all of you out there who have continued to believe in and support us, who have waited patiently for "Vast Oceans Lachrymose" - this album means a lot to us, and we hope you will feel the same about it as we do.
I promise there will be more news sooner than later!
In the meantime, as always, doom onward
Tom Phillips
June 2nd, 2009