Archive for March 6, 2025

REIGNING PHOENIX MUSIC Unveils PERCEPTION, A New Label Imprint & Announces First Signing: German Power Metal Titans SERIOUS BLACK

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on March 6, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

Reigning Phoenix Music proudly introduces PERCEPTION, its latest label imprint. Following the success of ROAR, a sub-label dedicated to emerging talents and artists, PERCEPTION is set to provide a strong foundation for regionally and stylistically leading bands with high growth potential.

Jochen Richert, managing director of RPM Europe, shares his vision for PERCEPTION: “My responsibilities at Reigning Phoenix Music have often taken me away from what I love most – working directly with bands, nurturing their growth, and helping them reach their full potential. With PERCEPTION, I now can dive back into artist development, which I’m truly excited about. Of course, my main mission remains unchanged: to help Reigning Phoenix Music to become one of the leading metal labels in the world.”

Follow PERCEPTION:

perception.music | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

To celebrate the birth of RPM’s new sibling, PERCEPTION proudly announces its first signing – one that perfectly embodies the label’s core value of passion, professionalism, and ambition: SERIOUS BLACK.

More than 10 years of SERIOUS BLACK and highly melodic power metal with the license to create hymns: since 2014, the band led by bassist Mario Lochert, have been delighting fans not only by releasing six studio albums so far, but also by frequently playing much-lauded concerts and festival appearances, and that’s why PERCEPTION is even more proud to begin its journey by signing such a well-known act.

“We’re really happy, and we couldn’t have found a better partner than Reigning Phoenix Music as they greatly combine expertise and experience. We have a comfortable new surrounding, and re-connecting with old companions makes this new union even more special to us: Everything that belongs together comes together over and over again,” comments founding member Lochert.

Jochen Richert as PERCEPTION A&R adds: “Mario and Dominik [Sebastian; guitars] are incredibly passionate about SERIOUS BLACK, and that’s exactly what it takes to elevate this band even further. They are built for the top tier of power metal – with outstanding songwriting and an electrifying stage presence already in place. We’ll make sure they reach the level they truly belong to: the very top of the scene!”

On the heels of their latest album Rise Of Akhenaton [2024], SERIOUS BLACK are celebrating their 10th anniversary with an own headline tour this spring, following an enormously successful European run alongside SONATA ARCTICA, FIREWIND as well as TUNGSTEN. Special guests AUTUMN BRIDE, DRAGONY and RIGORIOUS will complete the line-up for the upcoming festivities.

SERIOUS BLACK are:

Nikola Mijić – vocals

Dominik Sebastian – guitars

Bob Katsionis – guitars

Maurus Meyer – guitars, keyboards

Mario Lochert – bass

Christian Schichtl – drums

Watch the tour trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9-K0Xz26s0

Mario states: “10 years, 6 charting albums, over 250 concerts, festival shows and gigs worldwide. A look back that lets me indulge in many memories. Personally, I’m really looking forward to this tour, not only because it’s our birthday headline tour, but also because old friends like AUTUMN BRIDE, DRAGONY [Mar 18-30], and RIGORIOUS [Mar 11-18] will be joining us on this tour with new albums at their hands. Get your tickets and spend an unforgettable power metal party full of hard riffs and hymns with us!”

SERIOUS BLACK – live:

“Metalized” World Tour:

w/ AUTUMN BRIDE, RIGORIOUS (*), DRAGONY (^)

11.03.2025 DE Berlin – ORWOhaus *

12.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Logo *

13.03.2025 DE Herford – KulturWerk *

14.03.2025 DE Monheim – Sojus 7 *

15.03.2025 CZ Prague – Storm Club *

16.03.2025 HU Budapest – Analog Music Hall *

18.03.2025 AT Vienna – Szene */^

19.03.2025 IT Bologna – Alchemica Music Club ^ (w/ STRANGER VISION)

20.03.2025 FR Lyon – Rock n’Eat ^

21.03.2025 ES Zaragoza – Sala Lo Intento ^

22.03.2025 ES Madrid – Revi Live ^

23.03.2025 ES Vitoria-Gasteiz – Urban Rock Concept ^

24.03.2025 ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 3 ^

25.03.2025 FR Paris – La Boule Noire ^

26.03.2025 BE Kortrijk – CVG Club ^

27.03.2025 CH Lenzburg – Met-Bar ^

28.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Club) ^

29.03.2025 DE Schirnding – Gemeindehalle ^ (w/ CHAPTER ELEVEN)

30.03.2025 DE Munich – Backstage (Halle) ^

01.04.2025 AT Mayrhofen – Full Metal Mayrhofen

26.06.2025 CH Grenchen – Summerside Festival

16.08.2025 CZ Moravský Krumlov – Rock Castle

Info & Tickets: https://www.serious-black.de/#tour

More on SERIOUS BLACK:

serious-black.com | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | Spotify | PERCEPTION

Source: C Squared Music

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INCITE – Release Explosive New Single “Just A Rat”

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on March 6, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

Photo credit Kim Hansen

Phoenix based groovers and thrashers INCITE are making waves with their explosive new stand-alone single, “Just A Rat.” This track infuses a fresh burst of energy into the metal scene, distinguishing itself with its unique vibe. Frontman Richie Cavalera hails this as the band’s most intense work yet, underscoring INCITE’s commitment to pushing the boundaries within the genre.

Featuring a powerful mix of thrashing rhythms and raw, visceral vocals, the song is poised to captivate and energize fans seeking something relentlessly unique and refreshing. The video accompanying the single is directed by Jim Louvau, known for his work with artists like KITTIE, LINKIN PARK, and JERRY CANTRELL.

Lyrically, the song speaks to anyone who has ever felt betrayed, with powerful lines like: “Tried to destroy me, won’t happen again. This was a part of your master plan, Figured it out so I ran.”

Richie comments: “Just a rat is our first single and it’s unique, heavy and, to me, moving metal into a whole new, fresh direction. I wanted the lyrical content to be very relatable and god knows we’ve all dealt with a rat at some point in our lives.”

Watch the video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ34yo9txzo

Listen on your preferred streaming platform here: https://incite.rpm.link/justaratPR

Produced by Steve Evetts and mixed by Arthur Rizk, “Just A Rat” marks INCITE’s first release under Reigning Phoenix Music, offering a glimpse of what’s to come from this exciting new partnership. Stay tuned for more exciting news about INCITE in the coming weeks!

Photo credit Kim Hansen

About INCITE:

Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2004 by frontman Richie Cavalera, INCITE blends groove and thrash metal with a raw, relentless edge. With Lennon Lopez on drums and EL on bass, the band has honed its unyielding sound across multiple albums, evolving with each release. The addition of guitarist Layne Richardson has injected fresh energy, elevating both their live performances and songwriting.

More on RPM:
reigningphoenixmusic.com | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

Source: C Squared Music

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