An all-new King Kobra with We Are Warriors, the band’s hard-hitting 7th studio album. KK founder Carmine Appice is joined once again by longtime bassist Johnny Rod, and vocalist Paul Shortino who welcome to the den the newest vipers, Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo and former DIO guitarist Rowan Robertson. Check out the first single, the supercharged title track, which was released earlier this week on all digital platforms.
The band even recorded a captivating performance music video that proves these veteran rockers still have what it takes to bring the rock! We Are Warriors releases on August 11th.
We Are Warriors – Track List:
01. Music Is A Piece Of Art 02. Turn Up The Music 03. Secrets And Lies 04. Drownin’ 05. One More Night 06. Love Hurts 07. Dance 08. Darkness 09. We Are Warriors 10. Drive Like Lightning 11. Trouble (Bonus Track) 12. Side By Side (Bonus Track)
Sources: Cleopatra Records newsletter cleorecs.com
Can you hear the sirens howling? Code Red, the forthcoming new studio album from German metal commandos PRIMAL FEAR, will be unleashed upon the world in just six weeks on September 1st via Atomic Fire.
Following the release of celebrated first single, “Another Hero,” the group today shares a second new track, “Deep In The Night.” The raging yet stomping song is a massive statement for all human beings that have lost faith in mankind or other people while underlining that there’s still better times awaiting.
Vocalist Ralf Scheepers comments, “Finding out to being cheated is one of the worst experiences for a young man or woman. Unfortunately, it happens to almost every one of us in life and if not, I hope it never will! But one thing is for sure: If it happens to you, it will definitely help to make the cornea around your heart grow even more. It affects your trust and if you take it too personally, you will probably never be able to trust anyone again. Nevertheless, there are fortunately always people who penetrate this cornea and reach your heart with their beautiful souls.”
Watch PRIMAL FEAR‘s “Deep In The Night” video at THIS LOCATION. Stream/purchase the track at THIS LOCATION.
Ubik Media, who produced the music video for aforementioned hit track “Another Hero,” has once again greatly caught the atmosphere of the song. The video was shot at Stuttgart, Germany’s Im Wizemann venue, where PRIMALFEAR will kick off their release tour with support from special guests The Unity.
Watch PRIMAL FEAR’s previously released video for “Another Hero” at THIS LOCATION.
Code Red will be available in digipak CD, 2xLP in multiple color variants, and digitally.
Preorder Code Red in the physical format of your choice, presave it on your favorite DSP, or preorder it digitally to receive “Deep In The Night” and “Another Hero” instantly at THIS LOCATION.
Cover artwork by Stan W. Decker
Recorded in Germany at Sebastian “Basi” Roeder’s Backyard Studios, with the helping hands of vocalist Ralf Scheepers as well as Mitch Kunz, Code Red was produced by bassist MatSinner and co-produced by Scheepers and guitarist Tom Naumann. Long-time PRIMALFEAR companion Jacob Hansen took care of mixing and mastering at his own Hansen Studios in Denmark once again. Additionally, Stan W.Decker, who created previous works for the band including 2017’s Angels Of Mercy – Live In Germany, 2018’s Apocalypse, and 2021’s I Will Be Gone), provided the record’s magnificent artwork.
Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube HERE. Listen to “Deep In The Night” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
PRIMAL FEAR w/ The Unity – Code Red EuropeanTour – Part 1: 9/01/2023 Im Wizemann (Halle) – Stuttgart, DE 9/02/2023 Kaminwerk – Memmingen, DE 9/03/2023 Frankenhalle – Naila, DE 9/05/2023 Backstage (Werk) – Munich, DE 9/06/2023 Zeche – Bochum, DE 9/07/2023 Batschkapp – Frankfurt, DE 9/09/2023 Le Port Franc – Sion, CH 9/10/2023 Z7 – Pratteln, CH
PRIMAL FEAR: Ralf Scheepers – vocals Mat Sinner – bass, vocals Tom Naumann – guitars Alexander Beyrodt – guitars Magnus Karlsson – guitars Michael Ehré – drums
American heavy metal icons CIRITH UNGOL today announce three special live performances. The trio of dates includes a performance in Denver, Colorado for the first time ever as well as a show in West Hollywood, marking the band’s first Los Angeles live appearance in thirty-five years!
Comments the band, “CIRITH UNGOL legions arise! We are coming to unleash our epic metal darkness upon three US cities. Los Angeles will see our first appearance since 1988 – be there to behold this triumphant return! Our Colorado show will mark the band’s first time ever in the Centennial State, and for you New York diehards, we cannot wait to return and play for you. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable descent into the abyss!”
Tickets are on sale now. See confirmed dates below.
CIRITH UNGOL Live:
8/18/2023 The Gothic Theater – Denver, CO w/ Night Demon, Castle Rat, Chamber Mage [Tickets]
8/20/2023 Le Poisson Rouge – New York, NY w/ Night Demon, Sanhedrin [Tickets]
10/20/2023 The Roxy – West Hollywood, CA [Tickets]
CIRITH UNGOL released their Half Past Human EP via Metal Blade Records in 2021. The globe was ravaged by pandemic in the wake of the release of their reunion album, Forever Black, in April 2020. As time stood still, the band dug deep into their archival crypts, drawing back the veiled mists of history to expose long-forgotten jewels from their storied past. In doing so, they exhumed four songs written in a bygone era but never properly included as part of their fabled discography.
CIRITH UNGOL swept the dust off these precious relics, summoning long-dead forces back to life. Each song was reimagined for today, injected with a fresh dose of power and vitality while preserving their trademark mysticism and remaining drenched in sinister, apocalyptic energy. Recorded under the watchful eye of producer Armand John Anthony (Night Demon, Bewitcher, Gygax) in the darkness of 2020, Half Past Human is a treasured addition to the music collections of CIRITH UNGOL loyalists. In keeping with tradition, the package is completed by stunning cover art courtesy of acclaimed fantasy artist Michael Whelan, from the original Elric series.
“Touchdown” Full-Length To See Release This August Via Atomic Fire Records + Preorders Launched!
Heavy metal quintet U.D.O. — fronted by legendary singer Udo Dirkschneider and officially completed by former Accept bassist Peter Baltes in April — recently announced their new studio album, Touchdown, due out on August 25th via Atomic Fire Records.
Crafted with producer and mixing engineer Martin “Mattes” Pfeiffer at Redhead Studio (Wilhelmshaven, Germany), the massive, thirteen-track Touchdown was mastered by Stefan Kaufmann at ROXX Studio (Solingen, Germany). The record includes a guest appearance by violinist Stefan Pintev on the closing track, and bass tracks were recorded by new member Baltes. Artwork was provided by Martin Häusler who was also responsible for shooting band photos in support of the new album campaign.
Currently, U.D.O., who are also performing as DIRKSCHNEIDER, are gracing the stages of some of Europe’s biggest festivals including Graspop Metal Meeting, Leyendas del Rock, Summer Breeze Open Air, and more. Playing in front of their rabid loyal global fanbase makes each and every concert feel like a home game and today, U.D.O. kicks off their new musical season with their latest single and accompanying lyric video, “Forever Free.”
Elaborates drummer Sven Dirkschneider of the track, “‘Forever Free’ is supposed to make people not simply believe facts they hear or get shown, for example, by media, but to think individually. Of course, we don’t mean that one should question everything. The song shall just express that it’s better to create your own opinions about conflicts and other topics one stands for, even when they’re wrong sometimes, than to follow the mass blindly. It’s a musical tribute to our privilege of living in a free world as we luckily can.”
Preorder Touchdown, presave it on your favorite DSP, or preorder it digitally to receive “Forever Free” instantly at: http://udo.afr.link/touchdownPR.
Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube HERE. Listen to “Forever Free” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
European fans can catch U.D.O. / DIRKSCHNEIDER live throughout the coming months. For tickets and to stay up to date on upcoming shows go to THIS LOCATION.
Finnish heavy metal sextet BATTLE BEAST will be bringing their Circus of Doom to town and playing Day 3 (Sept. 8) of ProgPower USA. They will be replacing WIND ROSE. Tickets are still available for days 1 & 2 of the festival.
ProgPower USA is a progressive and power metal festival held annually in the United States since 2001. Its upcoming edition, ProgPower USA XXII, will occur Sep 6 – Sep 9, 2023 at Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, GA. This year’s lineup features KAMELOT, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, the final USA show for POWER QUEST, and the first announced USA show for THE HALO EFFECT. Other acts include DORO, BEAST IN BLACK, SWALLOW THE SUN, VOLA, CYNIC, and more!
Day 1 | September 6 DORO SWALLOW THE SUN CYNIC ELVENKING ICE AGE
Day 2 | September 6 BEAST IN BLACK VOLA THE HALO EFFECT ZERO HOUR SEVEN KINGDOMS
Day 3 | September 8 – SOLD OUT
KAMELOT CALIGULA’S HORSE GREEN CARNATION AD INFINITUM BATTLE BEAST THE CRYPTEX
Day 4 | September 9 – SOLD OUT
MYRATH UNLEASH THE ARCHERS DELAIN VISIONS OF ATLANTIS EVIL INVADERS POVERTY’S NO CRIME
Glenn Harveston reflected, “Our festival has established itself as one of the most unique and exciting events for progressive and power metal worldwide, and the history of sales speaks for itself. I’m thankful for yet another sell-out for days 3&4, and hope the trend continues for Milton and Nathan’s shows as well.”
Milton Mendonca continued, “This year’s Day 2 roster calls back to the quintessential blend of genres that made our festival so successful to begin with. You cannot find a show like this anywhere else in the States, so last call to join the best metal party of the year.”
ProgPower USA has served as the USA debut for iconic bands like Nightwish, Blind Guardian, Epica, Kamelot and more. Tickets for days 1 & 2 of the festival have limited quantities still available. Be a part of heavy metal history and join in on ProgPower USA XXII!
Thrash cryptids BRAY ROAD are set to release their newest album, Focused, Fierce, Relentless… on July15. This trio of beasts from Milwaukee returns with their third full-length offering of aggressive, old-school thrash.
The band partnered with DeadRhetoric.com to premiere the B-horror-movie-inspired music video for the album’s first single, “Feed the Beast.” Check it out at this location
Tracklisting: Goodbye, Ms. Godfrey Nobody’s Junior Feed The BEAST Possible Violence Ride Dark Passenger Takes One To Know One
Focused, Fierce, Relentless… – all distinguishing traits that have come to symbolize BRAY ROAD’s attitude and approach. Formed by Guitarist / Vocalist Nino Nienas in 2011, BRAY ROAD is a 3-piece Thrash / Groove Metal band from Milwaukee, WI.
BRAY ROAD derives its name from an actual road located in Elkhorn, WI, where stories of the popular cryptozoological werewolf-like creature, the Beast of Bray Road, is said to stalk the area.
Photo by: Hobbes Caltous
Bray Road is: Nino Nienas – Vocals/Guitars Peter Kissane – Drums David Moran – Bass
The band’s debut full-length recording (recorded in 2015 via Cavern Entertainment), Feast Upon the Helpless was released in the Spring of 2017.
BRAY ROAD’s follow-up 5-song E.P. entitled Formation was released in early 2019 and highlighted the band’s direction featuring a more aggressive and heavy approach across the board, while still maintaining the Thrash / Groove Metal elements that complimented the BRAY ROAD sonic landscape. BRAY ROAD‘s latest release “Focused.Fierce.Relentless…” 2023, highlights the band’s current musical direction.
BRAY ROAD has shared the stage with and opened for International touring acts such as Testament, Raven, Jungle Rot and the legendary Grim Reaper, Battlecross, Morbid Saint, Deceased, Embalmer, N.S.O.A. RAVEN , Whiplash, Prong, DRI, TOXXIC, Morta Skuld, Ross The Boss, and many regional touring acts, and continue to storm the local and regional scene with some of the best bands and venues around.
Italian metal titans, LACUNA COIL, have unleashed their recently announced single, “Never Dawn,” today, June 2nd, 2023. This highly anticipated track marks a significant milestone in the new chapter of LACUNA COIL, who have captivated audiences worldwide with their unique blend of gothic and alternative metal.
“Never Dawn” showcases LACUNA COIL’s signature sound with its haunting melodies, powerful guitar riffs, and the mesmerizing vocal harmonies of Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro. The song delves into the depths of the human spirit, exploring themes of resilience, inner strength, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. LACUNA COIL’s ability to intertwine introspection and intensity creates an immersive listening experience that will undoubtedly resonate with fans old and new.
Cristina comments on the new song: “First presented, in its instrumental version, in the trailer for Zombicide White Death game, and then in its live version, during our last sold out show in LA, we’re so incredibly thrilled to finally unveil the full version of NEVER DAWN! This song is a fierce survival journey throughout grotesque and frozen lands, where the power within is the main weapon. Ignite the fire in your heart and enjoy the listening!”
Having established themselves as a force to be reckoned with over their illustrious career, LACUNA COIL continues to push boundaries and evolve their sound while staying true to their roots. “Never Dawn” is a testament to the band’s unwavering commitment to artistic growth and their unrelenting dedication to their loyal fanbase.
For the song “Never Dawn”, LACUNA COIL has partnered with CMON, the renowned board game publisher behind the popular game “Zombicide”. “Never Dawn” is a notable addition to CMON’s latest Kickstarter project, “Zombicide: White Death” and was initially used as an instrumental version in a campaign trailer. The game introduces new characters, mechanics, and challenges for players to overcome, and the upcoming “White Death” version features 5 LACUNA COIL Limited Edition survivor tokens.
The band recently toured the US West Coast with The Birthday Massacre, Blind Channel, and Edge Of Paradise selling out more than half of the shows.
LACUNA COIL will be back on stage for the European festival season before returning to the USA to embark on the Headbangers Boat cruise with Lamb Of God, Mastodon, Testament, Hatebreed and more:
10.06 – Parma Tattoo Nerd Fest – Parma, IT 25.06 – Area Concerti – Bonorva, IT 29.06 – Resurrection Fest – Viveiro, ES 01.07 – Midalidare Rock In The Wine Valley – Mogilovo, BG 08.07 – Rock Harz Festival – Ballenstedt, DE 14.07 – La Centrale – Imola Summer Fest – Imola, IT 15.07 – Cineland Live Arena – Ostia, IT 04.08 – Villa Bellini – Catania, IT 25.08 – Næstved Metalfest – Næstved, DK 27.08 – AMA Music Festival – Romano D’Ezzelino, IT 31.10 – 04.11 – Headbangers Boat – Miami, FL (US) 01.12 – Life After Death Horror Fest – Mexico City, MX
My very best Metal buddy, Scott Coverdale, was so generous to buy for me the HAMMERFALL – CRIMSON THUNDER – 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARYCD Box SetAutographed by the band! Whoa!! I thank Scott so very much for this gift!
Scott took his son to the HELLOWEEN and lHAMMERFALL concert back on May 20th, in New York City at Terminal 5. This is where he bought this beautiful CD box set at. Scott bought one for himself too. Also, this was his sons’ first concert ever and his all-time favorite band is… HELLOWEEN.
Crimson Thunder is HAMMERFALL’s fourth studio album. It has been remixed and remastered by Fredrik Nordström. This box set version also include’s previously unreleased pre-production tracks, a brand-new medley, live acoustic songs and a live album. Very nice.
Back cover to box set. Track-list for all 3 CDs shown.Digipak opens as a trifold.Front cover of liner notes. It’s jam-packed with color concert photos and anecdotes of their 2003 world tour. Back cover of the liner notes. CD digipak cover.
The outstanding Stephen Pearcy has many concerts lined up for the remainder of 2023! As a founder and vocalist of the legendary RATT; Stephen Pearcy has also built his solo career to immense heights of success. Check out the tour dates and cities on above tour flyer! Also look into the fabulous meet N’ greet package below!
Last night, STEELPANTHER performed on America’s Got Talent. This was the first episode of season 18 for AGT., STEEL PANTHER performed Eyes Of A Panther (from their 2009 debut studio album Feel The Steel) and had the audience and all 4 judges on their feet with their collective fists pumping in the air. The large audience went electric, quite honestly. Even the ultra critical judge Simon Cowell was praising STEEL PANTHER, stating “this is what it’s all about”.
Check out the tour dates (above) for STEELPANTHER. Trust me, they put on a great live show and are fun as hell to see. – Stone
CAN’T MAKE IT TO A SHOW IN PERSON? WATCH STRYPER’S NASHVILLE SHOW LIVE STREAMED ON JULY 17
We will be going live, across the globe, on July 17, 2023 from the world-famous Basement East in Nashville TN. 7:30 Central Time / 8:30 Eastern. This will be a true-live broadcast, as it happens – featuring multiple cameras with a professional audio feed from the sound equipment at the Basement East.
We are also bringing in extra lighting and visual production for this special show. AND, if that weren’t enough – Also part of the broadcast is our friend and opening act, Jamie Rowe, the voice of Guardian, playing a special acoustic show featuring many of the Guardian fan-favorites. The broadcast starts at 7:30 PM CT.
Following their feature in a documentary on Germany’s public TV station SWR about the future of metal, unstoppable progressive symphonic power metal machine INDUCTION returns with another uplifting new song, “A Call Beyond.” The track, which comes just six months after the release of their sophomore album BornFrom Fire, proves they are indeed the spearheads of the next generation of power metal.
“A Call Beyond” takes listeners on an epic and melodic journey through what it means to be human, to resist, to rise up, to fall and to succeed. Bathed in the rich orchestration of the independent French composer Peter Crowley and awakened by lead singer Craig Cairns‘ soaring vocals, this mid-tempo song will surely leave a feeling of awe.
Guitarist Tim Kanoa Hansen comments, “In a way, this song is the thematic followup to our fan favorite title, ‘Scorched.’ Chaos breaks loose on earth, up is down, right is wrong, light is dark. Ethereal voices call you to follow and fight as well as lead into a new, better world. It’s a call to stand up and to realize the potential paradise we live in, to embrace progress and to resist the tyrants that are in control of the masses.”
Watch INDUCTION’s visualizer for “A Call Beyond” at THIS LOCATION. Stream/purchase the track HERE.
Subscribe Atomic Fire Records on YouTube and listen to “A Call Beyond” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
View the band’s previously released videos for “Queen Of Light” HERE, “Sacrifice” HERE, “Go To Hell” HERE, and “Embers” HERE.
Born From Fire, which boasts twelve metal anthems in fifty-eight minutes, was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen and is graced by the cover artwork of Peter Sallai (Sabaton, Jinjer, Powerwolf).
INDUCTION will serve as openers on the NordicPower Metal Titans Tour 2023 which features Finnish power metal heavyweights Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius.
Hansen adds, “Our latest album, Born From Fire, was received very positively during its release tour at the end of last year, but this was just the beginning. We can’t wait to present it to many more power metal hungry fans around Europe in Autumn. Warming up the crowds for such influential giants of the scene will make it an even more special experience for sure. INDUCTION is already starting their high-power engines – and you better do the same. Get your tickets and we’ll see you on the road!”
The group will close the year with a blast by supporting legendary act Accept in Germany.
The band further comments, “We are joining forces with Accept this year in December for two dates. It will be special for us playing in Tim Hansen’s hometown Hamburg and in [bassist] Dominik Gusch’s hometown Cologne!”
INDUCTION Live: 8/05/2023 Hello-Feast @ Štadión Lokomotíva – Košice, SK 9/09/2023 Port Of Power Festival @ Juki 42 – Ahrensburg, DE w/ Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius: 10/14/2023 Northern Rockfest @ Energi Arena – Umeå, SE 10/15/2023 Cozmoz Arena – Borlänge, SE 10/16/2023 Vulkan Arena – Oslo, NO 10/17/2023 Trädgår’n – Gothenburg, SE 10/19/2023 Slaktkyrkan – Stockholm, SE 10/20/2023 Gimle – Roskilde, DK 10/21/2023 Kulturpalast – Hamburg, DE 10/22/2023 Hellraiser – Leipzig, DE 10/24/2023 TivoliVredenburg (Ronda) – Utrecht, NL 10/25/2023 Garage – Saarbrücken, DE 10/27/2023 Konzertfabrik Z7 – Pratteln, CH 10/28/2023 Alcatraz – Milan, IT 10/30/2023 Backstage – Munich, DE 10/31/2023 Szene – Vienna, AT 11/01/2023 Barba Negra – Budapest, HU 11/03/2023 Fuzz Club – Athens, GR 11/04/2023 Principal Club Theater – Thessaloniki, GR 11/06/2023 FORM Space – Cluj-Napoca, RO 11/07/2023 Quantic – Bucharest, RO 11/10/2023 Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, DE 11/12/2023 Matrix – Bochum, DE w/ Accept, Songs Of White Lion: 12/12/2023 Große Freiheit 36 – Hamburg, DE 12/13/2023 Carlswerk Victoria – Cologne, DE
I’m 57 years old. I’ve been a metalhead since 8th grade. My thoughts below are based in fact. I lived the entire Metal movement. Call it The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, Texas Metal, American Metal, Thrash Metal, 80s Hair Metal or what have you; I’ve seen and lived the “waves”. I saw Metallica, Slayer and Motörhead in small clubs, End. Of. Story.
Below are my personal statements that are truth about Metal. If anyone disagrees then you never grew up during the beginning of the Metal years and you need to go back to your ABBA albums.
1. I don’t wanna ever hear again that Blue Cheer started Heavy Metal. That’s bullshit. Black Sabbath started Heavy Metal. Black Sabbath. End of story.
2. Van Halen was Heavy Metal before the DiverDown album. Deal with it.
3. Cinderella was NOT Hair Metal.
4. Def Leppard was NOT part of The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. Sorry, all you “Rock historians”.
5. Iron Maiden is better than Metallica.
6. Metal never needed MTV’s Headbangers Ball,
7. Grunge never killed Metal. The radio stations and record companies thumbed their noses at Metal. However, Metal was just fine during the 90’s. Just look up the discographies of Overkill, W.A.S.P., Motörhead, Megadeth, Black Sabbath and DIO to name a short list.
8. Metalheads tape traded, demos especially. There was no internet to receive instant music or Metal news; we were socially interacting in person with one another to share our Metal and its news.
9. Heavy Metal parking lot. ‘Nuff said.
10. VENOM. ‘Nuff said.
11. 70s KISS is better than any other decade of KISS.
12. Back then, Kerrang! magazine wasn’t a bullshit magazine that featured crap like Twenty One Pilots.
13. People that wore concert tees back in the day actually went to the concerts and listened to the bands albums.
After touring Australia and Japan as well as kicking off this year’s festival season by introducing new bassist Peter Baltes last month, U.D.O. — the iconic heavy metal five-piece led by legendary vocalist Udo Dirkschneider — today announces their massive, thirteen-track album, Touchdown, set for release late this Summer through Atomic Fire Records.
The band has been very productive recording at various locations in between live activities throughout the year. Crafted with producer and mixing engineer Martin “Mattes” Pfeiffer at Redhead Studio (Wilhelmshaven, Germany) and mastered by Stefan Kaufmann at ROXX Studio (Solingen, Germany), with bass tracks recorded by Baltes, Touchdown is scheduled to land in the end zone of the heavy metal world on August 25th. The record includes a guest appearance by violinist Stefan Pintev on the closing track. Artwork was provided by Martin Häusler who is also responsible for shooting band photos in support of the new album campaign.
First single, “Forever Free,” as well as album preorder options will become available on Friday, June 23rd. Presave “Forever Free” now at: udo.afr.link/foreverfreePR.
Touchdown – Track Listing:
Isolation Man
The Flood
The Double Dealer’s Club
Fight For The Right
Forever Free
Punchline
Sad Man’s Show
The Betrayer
Heroes Of Freedom
Better Start To Run
The Battle Understood
Living Hell
Touchdown
View Udo Dirkschneider’s videos for “We Will Rock You” HERE and “Kein Zurück,” where he sings in his native language for the first time ever, HERE.
U.D.O. / DIRKSCHNEIDER: Udo Dirkschneider – vocals Andrey Smirnov – guitar Sven Dirkschneider – drums Fabian Dee Dammers – guitar Peter Baltes – bass
If you are serious about Heavy Metal, then most likely CRYSTAL VIPER doesn’t need an introduction. The band was founded by the singer and guitarist Marta Gabriel, and released its debut album in 2007. Since then, they toured in more than 15 countries, played in both tiny clubs and at huge open air festivals, released 8 studio albums, and a bunch of singles. So one thing is sure: they are one of the most hard working and most determined bands of their generation.
Their latest studio album entitled “The Cult” is still hot: it came out in 2021, followed by ‘The Last Command’ mini album in 2022, and brought CRYSTAL VIPER back to their roots: the traditional and pure Heavy Metal, full of epic melodies, classic riffs and guitar harmonies, ripping solos, and catchy refrains. The band couldn’t tour properly and promote the album due to the pandemic, yet instead of sitting and waiting for better times, they decided to record more material.
CRYSTAL VIPER ‘s brand new single is a scorching new recorded version of ‘In the Haunted Chapel’ released at the light of the band’s forthcoming tour and festival dates.
Band leader Marta Gabriel comments: “In The Haunted Chapel’ is naturally connected with our latest studio album ‘The Cult’, as it was inspired by the H.P. Lovecraft story – ‘The Haunter Of The Dark’, which was originally published in 1936. It’s actually a very special story, as it’s the last one Lovecraft wrote before his death. The composition itself is based on this shuffle rhythm which is a bit unusual for CRYSTAL VIPER, and the twin guitars are our humble tribute to legendary acts such as Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden. This version is a little bit different than the one we released last year on “The Last Axeman” EP, because as I recently switched from rhythm guitar to bass, I decided to come up with different bass line, and of course we now have a new drummer on board, Jakub. Except that both Eric and Andy recorded different guitar solos.”
‘In the Haunted Chapel’ video release will be announced at a later date.
Tour dates: 27/05 – Czech Republic, Pasohlavky, Euro Bike Fest 01/06 – Germany, Gries, Iron Fest Open Air 02/06 – Germany, Freiburg, Artik 03/06 – Germany, Bielefeld, JZ Stricker 04/06 – Belgium, Bilzen, South Of Heaven 07/06 – Germany, Berlin, Cassiopeia 08/06 – Czech Republic, Frydek-Mistek, Hellpdays Festival 10/06 – Germany, Selb, Rockclub Nordbayern 14/07 – Sweden, Gavle, Gefle Metal Festival 12/08 – Belgium, Kortrijk, Alcatraz Festival 17/09 – Baltic Sea, Full Metal Cruise
Discography : The Curse of Crystal Viper (Album – 2007) Metal Nation ( Album – 2009) Legends ( Album – 2010) Crimen Excepta ( Album – 2012) Possession ( Album – 2013) Queen of the Witches ( Album – 2017) Tales of Fire and Ice ( Album – 2019) The Cult ( LISTENABLE Album – 2021) The Last Axeman (LISTENABLE Album- 2022)
German heavy metal icons HELLOWEEN will be inducted into the Metal Hall Of Fame! The ceremony will take place on stage on May 20th during the band’s performance at Terminal 5 in New York City.
“HELLOWEEN has helped establish the origins of the power metal genre,” says Metal Hall Of Fame Founder/CEO, Pat Gesualdo. “Power metal is such an important part of the heavy metal community as well. We are proud to induct HELLOWEEN into the Metal Hall Of Fame and have them to help represent the power metal genre and all its fans throughout the world.”
Comments HELLOWEEN founding guitarist, Michael Weikath, “It’s truly an honor to be inducted into the Metal Hall Of Fame! Being listed next to some of the biggest bands in rock and metal makes us very proud and is rewarding our work as ‘The Ambassadors Of Power And Melodic Metal’ for the last four decades.”
HELLOWEEN will return to US and Canadian stages beginning this weekend as part of their ongoing United Forces world tour alongside supporting special guests, HammerFall. The trek will commence on May 13th in Dallas, Texas and wind its way through a total of thirteen cities, the journey drawing to a close on June 3rd in San Francisco, California. Fans can expect an epic night of HELLOWEEN hits spanning the band’s legacy as well as tunes from their latest album, Helloween, marking the first time tracks from the album will be performed live for fans in the US and Canada.
Tickets are on sale now. Secure yours today at THIS LOCATION. See all confirmed dates below.
HELLOWEEN w/ HammerFall: 5/13/2023 The Bomb Factory – Dallas, TX 5/16/2023 Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL 5/18/2023 The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD 5/20/2023 Terminal 5 – New York, NY 5/21/2023 The Palladium – Worcester, MA 5/23/2023 History – Toronto, ON 5/24/2023 Royal Oak Music Hall – Royal Oak, MI 5/26/2023 The Riviera – Chicago, IL 5/27/2023 The Fillmore – Minneapolis, MN 5/30/2023 Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO 6/01/2023 Brooklyn Bowl – Las Vegas, NV 6/02/2023 YouTube Theater – Los Angeles, CA 6/03/2023 The Warfield – San Francisco, CA
Often referred to as the “Fathers Of Power Metal,” and known as one of the most influential European heavy metal bands, HELLOWEEN has released sixteen studio albums, three live albums, three EPs, and thirty singles. The band has fourteen gold and six platinum records and have sold over ten-million records worldwide. HELLOWEEN are known as one of the “Big Four” of the power metal genre, along with Blind Guardian, Sabaton, and DragonForce and has performed at festivals and concerts alongside Iron Maiden, David Lee Roth, KISS, Megadeth, and Guns N’ Roses, among countless others.
The Metal Hall Of Fame is dedicated to forever enshrining the iconic musicians and music industry executives responsible for making hard rock and heavy metal music what it is today. Their contribution to the genre is invaluable, and they continue to inspire fans throughout the world, from generation to generation.
The Annual Metal Hall Of Fame Celebrity Gala is held every January in California. As a non-profit organization, all proceeds from Metal Hall Of Fame events bring free music programs to help special needs children and wounded veterans. The Metal Hall Of Fame voting process is derived by fans of all genres of hard rock and heavy metal, along with the Metal Hall Of Fame voting committee. Fans can cast their vote all year round for their favorite artists, bands, producers, and music industry executives via the Metal Hall of Fame website: metalhalloffame.org.
Los Angeles’ own True Heavy Metal Festival returns October 14-15, 2023 at the Garden Amphitheater in beautiful, sunny Garden Grove, CA! LA’s GATES OF METAL FESTIVAL III features a quality mix of Traditional, Thrash, Power, Speed, Death, Black, Doom, NOWTHM and Classic Heavy Metal bands on two stages!
The venue features a fan-friendly open air stage and a badass indoor stage, as well as metal merchants, vendors, five bars, and food options, all presented in an all ages European-style Heavy Metal festival.
Voted Best Concert Venue in 2018 by OC Weekly, the Garden Amphitheater is conveniently located near the Santa Ana, Long Beach and LAX Airports. If you’re looking for a destination Festival to plan around and attend, THIS IS IT!
The Fest will Feature Special Heavy Metal Performances by Legendary bands, including:
RIOT SADISTIC INTENT HAIL MARY (The Original Triple Axe Attack – Performing a Classic LEATHERWOLF Set) EVIL DEAD HEATHEN VICIOUS RUMORS SIGLOS (Featuring SIN QUIRIN formerly of Ministry) RESISTANCE IRONFLAME HELL FIRE ANGER AS ART HAUNT FUELED BY FIRE STYGIAN CROWN RUTHLESS BONDED BY BLOOD SABER ADAMANTIS INTRANCED
Following their much acclaimed, self-titled 2017-debut, June 30, 2023 sees Australian heavy metal force NIGHT LEGION release their sophomore studio album, entitled “Fight Or Fall” via Massacre Records!
As first album single, “The Hounds Of Baskerville”, immediatly proves, “Fight Or Fall” is a no-nonsense return to fast and powerful heavy metal with screaming vocals, crushing guitars and hooks that remind you what great songwriting sounds like. This record is not a happy walk through a forest of elves – this is the battlefield where metal lives and soaring vocals invoke the spirits of what made metal the force it is today!
Give ear, a music video for NIGHT LEGION‘s new single is now streaming HERE!
“A classic horror inspired track slightly based around the Sherlock Holmes’ “The Hound of the Baskervilles”, however with a much more dark and brutal twist and in our own way,“ the band reveals. “It centralizes to a small town being terrorized by the local werewolves, with descriptive references.
Some people believe it, some people don’t and think it’s a legend we have devised ourselves until they themselves face the terror & wrath. The wolves in this case also represent the 5 of us – we are about to unleash a new record and we have the hunger to unleash on the live circuit!
It’s also inspired by how humanity’s own state of madness can conjure up such evil for the reason to terrorize, deceive and always live in fear. The reference to the chorus “Chase the hounds of Baskerville” really comes from how we as humans are intrigued to learn more about the mysteries of the world and anything that scares us. It’s a pretty bold, in your face, massive memorable chorus – it’s the run to the hills of the album, I’d say, hence being the first single.
It’s a heart stopper vocally & Stu’s guitar work adds another dimension – this song will play a movie in the listeners head.”
“Fight Or Fall” was produced by NIGHT LEGION guitarist Stu Marshall, and was mixed and mastered by Chris Themelco at Monolith Studios. Set to be released on June 30, 2023, the album pre-sale has just started via Massacre Records at THIS LOCATION!
“Fight Or Fall” track listing:
The Hounds Of Baskerville
Babylon Burns
Soaring Into The Black
Fight Or Fall
At World’s End
Beyond The Crimson Dawn
Harvest Of Sin
The Enemy
The Hand Of Death
NIGHT LEGION: Louie Gorgievski – Vocals Stu Marshall – Guitars Col Higginson – Guitars Glenn Williams – Bass Clay Tchakalian – Drums
Heavy metal icons ARMORED SAINT will return to the stage this August as direct support to W.A.S.P.! The 40th Never Stops World Tour 2023 begins August 4th in San Luis Obispo, California and winds its way through nearly three dozen cities, coming to a close September 16th in Los Angeles, California.
Comments vocalist John Bush: “Hello SAINTloyalists! We’re happy to inform you guys that, due to the overwhelming response we got on the W.A.S.P./SAINT tour we did last Winter, we decided to do another leg this late Summer/early Fall: The W.A.S.P./ARMORED SAINT 40th Anniversary tour part 2! This is going to happen in August and September. We will be doing about thirty more shows. The plan is to go to cities we didn’t do on the last run with a few exceptions of some places where we will be returning. There will be some cities that ARMORED SAINT hasn’t played in many, many years as well as some we’ve never played in our history! We’re also happy to be going to Canada including Vancouver, which we haven’t played since 1985. Too bad it won’t be hockey season. It’s gonna be awesome! Thanks as always for all your support, and who knows, maybe we can bring this tour to some other continents on planet earth. Thanks also to [W.A.S.P.]’s Blackie [Lawless] and the guys for making it happen again. Stay healthy and metal!”
Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 14th at 10:00am local time. See all confirmed dates below.
ARMORED SAINT w/ W.A.S.P.: 8/04/2023 Fremont Theater – San Luis Obispo, CA 8/05/2023 Hard Rock Live – Wheatland, CA 8/07/2023 Roseland – Portland, OR 8/08/2023 Vogue Theater – Vancouver, BC 8/10/2023 Moore Theater – Seattle, WA 8/11/2023 Podium – Spokane, WA 8/12/2023 Revolution Concert Hall – Garden City, ID 8/13/2023 The Depot – Salt Lake City, UT 8/15/2023 Steelhouse – Omaha, NE 8/16/2023 The Fillmore Minneapolis – Minneapolis, MN 8/17/2023 The Rust Belt – Moline, IL 8/18/2023 RCU Theater – Eau Claire, WI 8/19/2023 Horizon Events Center – Clive, IA 8/20/2023 Hard Rock Live – Gary, IN 8/22/2023 GLC Live @ 20 Monroe – Grand Rapids, MI 8/23/2023 Egyptian Room – Indianapolis, IN 8/24/2023 Capitol Theater – Wheeling, WV 8/25/2023 Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA 8/26/2023 Hammerstein Ballroom – New York, NY 8/27/2023 Hampton Beach Casino – Hampton, NH 8/29/2023 Dome @ Oakdale – Wallingford, CT 8/30/2023 The Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA 8/31/2023 Packard Music Hall – Warren, OH 9/01/2023 Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, ON 9/03/2023 Mtellus – Montreal, QC 9/05/2023 Andrew J Brady Music Center – Cincinnati, OH 9/07/2023 Graceland – Memphis, TN 9/08/2023 The Hall – Little Rock, AR 9/09/2023 Southside Ballroom – Dallas, TX 9/10/2023 Criterion – Oklahoma City, OK 9/13/2023 Rialto Theater – Tucson, AZ 9/14/2023 House Of Blues – San Diego, CA 9/16/2023 The Palladium – Los Angeles, CA
ARMORED SAINT released their Symbol OfSalvation Live CD/DVD in 2021 via Metal Blade Records. The release came in celebration of the seminal album’s 30th anniversary. A record vocalist John Bush refers to as the band’s “cornerstone record,” Symbol Of Salvation Live is a combination live album and video of the band playing the album in its entirety at New York City’s famed Gramercy Theatre during their 2018 tour. It captures the power, diversity, and peerless songwriting contained within. “I felt like showing Symbol… in another light was a great homage to the record itself,” states bassist Joey Vera. “Also, having all the fans be there and part of that event is a way for us to say, ‘Thank you!’ For, without them, we can’t do any of this in the first place.”
Preview and purchase Symbol Of Salvation Live at THIS LOCATION.
ARMORED SAINT: John Bush – vocals Jeff Duncan – guitars Phil Sandoval – guitars Joey Vera – bass Gonzo Sandoval – drums
w/ RAZOR, WHIPLASH, SKULL FIST, WARSENAL, DROWNING IN BLOOD
This coming May 12th, Montreal, QC will be host to this city’s first-ever Piranha Pit Fest presented by Loudtrax, the one-stop online shop for everything swag from the biggest names in Loud Music.
Piranha Pit Fest will feature headliners RAZOR, the Canadian thrash legends who have been recognized as one of the country’s pioneers of the metal genre. RAZOR released their ninth studio album Cycle of Contempt this past September, making it their first album in 25 years. RAZOR will also be supported by another legendary thrash band, New Jersey’s WHIPLASH, one of the first American East Coast thrash metal bands of the 1980s to inspire many who followed in their footsteps. Also joining the lineup is the 2023 Juno nominated (Metal/Hard Music Album Of The Year) and international tour de force, Toronto’s high-flying heavy metal shredders SKULL FIST along with local Montreal moshers Warsenal and Drowning In Blood.
Piranha Pit Fest will be held at Piranha Bar 680 Sainte-Catherine St W, one of the city’s metal strongholds for extreme music events.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
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