Be your own master. Aspire, but do not obsess. Real success is not measured by others”, summarizes Jamie Graham (vocals) the positive side of “Severance”.

Since their inception in 2007 the heavyweight metal quintet has already come a long way on the never ending journey to ultimate mastery.

Against all odds that hit a band during the first years of their existence such as several line-up changes and songs being written over the time of several years, HEART OF A COWARD’s self-released “Hope And Hindrance” already secured them critical acclaim.

Add the undisputable ferocity of their chaos filled live shows - that left people speechless at Ghostfest 2012 or on the Metal Hammer Razor tour 2012 with fellow Devil Sold His Soul and Heights - and you’ll see exactly why HEART OF A COWARD are one of the UK's hottest prospects right now.

Jamie is having a quick glance back: “’Hope And Hindrance’ got a reaction we totally didn't expect from a self released debut. We are very proud of it, because it laid the foundation of our sound.”

However, the album also made them realise what they could achieve if they really knuckled down and honed their songs further.

“With 'Severance' I think we've achieved that and then some. Steve and Carl were so fast with the riff writing that when it came for us to put the songs together, it just fell into place seamlessly. It's undoubtedly heavier than our last record, but has a lot more 'traditional song structures' in that we're focusing on choruses and arrangements that are engaging, as opposed to riff after riff after riff.”

All instruments were recorded with their good friend Acle Kahney – who also plays in their label mates TesseracT - at his 4D Studios in Brighton. After getting everything bounced the instrumentals were taken to Justin Hill at Fortress Studios in London where all of Jamie’s vocals were recorded. Justin also kindly agreed to sing a part that was written specifically for him for the song “Distance”.

The whole band including Jamie is still enthusiastic about having Hill’s trademark vocals on “Severance”. “Those who know SIKTH will share my excitement for that!! Also guesting on the record is another CM label mate, our good friend Scott Kennedy of Bleed From Within, who wrote a killer part for a song called 'Psychophant'.” Not too long ago both bands were smashing clubs to pieces when they were touring the UK together in April 2013.

The album was mixed at Machine Shop in New Jersey, USA, by Will Putney. “In our opinion Will is the best up and coming producer right now within the heavy sphere. He just has such a good ear and has done great work for our friends in Thy Art Is Murder and Demoraliser, as well as some huge records like Suicide Silence's ‘No Time To Bleed'.”

When it comes to the loose concept of the album it revolves (typically) around the title, “Severance”: “... in a context of removing one's self from whatever negative aspects are impeding on life and self-progression. There are some very personal moments on the record lyrically, but it's very much an 'outside looking in' perspective on social leeches, elitism, internet culture, obsession with status; notably the 'celebration of celebrity' no matter how mundane their endeavours are. The positive side touches more on being an unstoppable force in your own right when it comes to doing what makes you happy.”

Without a single doubt, HEART OF A COWARD are 100% content with “Severance” and are primed to finally unleash its force onto their loyal fans; as well as the fans to come. As a special treat, the limited edition of the

European Release Date: November 4th, 2013
album will come with a bonus-DVD featuring their killer live show from Download 2013 as well as the video clip for “Deadweight”.

Soon after the release HEART OF A COWARD will embark on their own UK headlining tour with support coming from The Charm The Fury and Malevolence.