Atlanta crossover neanderthals TURNCOLD, in conspiracy with Asheville black thrash maniacs ALLHELL, are pleased to announce a summer spectacle of heavy metal madness across the circle pits of the east coast. This July – HELLFREEZESOVER.
Their latest eponymous EP is another unapologetic homage to classic thrash and hardcore. No neck is safe from the weekend bangover.
Tour Dates: 7/8 West Columbia, SC – Art Bar 7/9 Chapel Hill, NC – The Cave 7/10 Washington, DC – Pie Shop 7/11 Philadelphia, PA – Kung Fu Necktie 7/12 Brooklyn, NY – St Vitus 7/13 Cambridge, MA – Middle East 7/14 Richmond, VA – Banditos 7/15 Asheville, NC – Odditorium 7/16 Atlanta, GA – Boggs Social Supply
Atlanta Based TURN COLD: Brett – Guitar Sten- Vocals Matt – Drums Twitch – Bass Matt – Guitar
Clifton, NJ, May 2022 – British Thrash Metal pioneers Onslaught will be Inducted into the 2022 Metal Hall of Fame, during their on-stage performance at Maryland Deathfest, May 28, 2022.
Now celebrating their 40th year, U.K Thrash legends Onslaught are one of the most ferocious, explosive and controversial Metal bands ever to come out of the UK. Releasing 3 now legendary albums in the 80’s (PowerFromHell / TheForce / InSearchofSanity) the band marked its path to become a major influence for many metal generations to follow.
Since reforming in 2005 the band have performed countless shows in no less than 70 different countries across the globe, earning themselves the reputation as one of the very best Live Acts in the metal scene today. Onslaught also have the enviable kudos of being the first International thrash band to perform in Vietnam and Lebanon respectively.
5 critically acclaimed albums were released between 2007 & 2015 – KillingPeace / LiveDamnation / SoundsofViolence / VI / LiveattheSlaughterhouse – with millions of streams between them. Onslaught have taken their sound to a whole new level of brutality with the release of the latest opus GenerationAntichrist in August 2020. The album charted successfully in the USA, the UK, Europe and Asia.
Produced by Grammy award winning Engineer Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah / In Flames / Behemoth) GenerationAntichrist gathered huge international acclaim, with many renowned rock and metal pundits declaring it the album of the year.
“We are excited to Induct British thrash metal pioneers Onslaught into the 2022 Metal Hall of Fame during their performance on stage at Maryland Deathfest,” says Metal Hall of Fame President/CEO Pat Gesualdo. “Thrash Metal is a crucial part of the entire spectrum of Heavy Metal, and also a huge foundation for the Metal Hall of Fame. We are very proud to have Onslaught represent this genre that we all love so much.”
About the Metal Hall of Fame The Metal Hall of Fame is a volunteer non-profit organization that enshrines forever, those Legendary musicians, artists, and music industry executives who are responsible for making Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music what it is today. Their contribution to the genre is invaluable, and they keep inspiring fans throughout the world, from generation to generation. The Metal Hall of Fame holds the Annual Metal Hall of Fame Celebrity Gala every January.
The Metal Hall of Fame is a Volunteer Organization, and part of the 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization D.A.D. (Drums and Disabilities). Numerous Celebrities, Law Enforcement Agencies, Sports Stars, Doctors, School Systems, and Veterans Hospitals join with D.A.D. to bring music programs to help special needs children and wounded veterans in community centers and health facilities throughout the United States. 100% of the profits from all D.A.D. and Metal Hall of Fame events are dedicated to this great cause.
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 cast their vote all year round for their favorite artists, bands, producers, and industry executives via the Metal Hall of Fame website at www.metalhalloffame.org.
The traditional metal powerhouse from Portland, Oregon, are beginning their next chapter by unleashing the high-octane recordTheGreaterGoodofManon August 19th 2022. Refining their classic metal sound fused with progressive hard rock and striking melodies, SPLINTEREDTHRONE have created a majestic and vivacious release.
Well known for their high energy live performances, and having supported the likes of FLOTSAM & JETSAM, PRIMAL FEAR, LITA FORD, and more, TheGreaterGoodofMan sees the band distill their captivating sound. Following the departure of vocalist and founding member Brian Garrison, two-time Blues Music Award winner and European Blues Award nominee Lisa Mann stepped into the role.
Lisa Mann Comments: “I still pinch myself that I’m even in this band- and now we’ve written and recorded a kick ass album? It’s as good a feeling as sex and chocolate. Can’t wait to unleash it upon the world!”
Lisa was by no means a stranger to the world of metal having released her heavy debut album under the pseudonym of WHITECRONE receiving raving reviews in the underground scene. Despite the pandemic disrupting initial plans, the band have produced an astounding new record. Opening with the enthralling “The Reaper is Calling”, SPLINTEREDTHRONE bring a high-spirited energy into the deadly track. Channeling their melodic essence, this opening number aptly establishes the mood of the album.
The title track, “The Greater Good of Man” delivers bluesy influences with dynamic bass, groove rhythms, and soaring vocals. Yielding a thrilling pace of high-speed riffs and unrelenting energy, the epic lyrical narrative of “Night of the Heathens” draws the listener into the storytelling. Also included on the album is a moving re-recorded version of the power-ballad “Immortal”.
TheGreaterGoodofMan is the eagerly anticipated next milestone in SPLINTEREDTHRONE’s career. Showcasing compelling composition and genre fusion across the tracks, the album is a dynamic collection of energy, emotion and storytelling.
SPLINTERED THRONE: Brian Bailey – bass Matt Dorado – guitar Kris Holboke – drums Lisa Mann – vocals Jason “JMo” Moser – guitar
Track Listing: 1.The Reaper is Calling* (4:10) 2. The Crossing (6:09) 3. Morning Star Rising (5:50) 4. The Greater Good of Man (3:55) 5. Let it Rain (4:04) 6. Underdogs** (4:50) 7. Night of the Heathens (3:23) 8. Time Stands Still (4:03) 9. Immortal 2020 (Remastered)** (4:34)
Credits: All songs written by Jason Moser & Lisa Mann except: *written by Jason Moser, Lisa Mann, & Fred Osborn,**written by Jason Moser ALL SONGS ARRANGED BY SPLINTERED THRONE
“Underdogs” was inspired by those struggling with addiction and to those who made it into Recovery.
Bay Area thrash icons VIO–LENCE are readying to kick off a stretch of live shows this weekend with Swiss thrash legends, Coroner. The journey begins May 21st with a pair of shows at Reggies in Chicago. Exciter and LichKing join the run for some select shows leading up to VIO–LENCE’s performance at Maryland Deathfest. In June, the band will play a trio of shows in Oakland, Seattle, and Portland. In August, VIO–LENCE will perform in San Diego and Los Angeles before pillaging the stage at this year’s edition of Psycho Las Vegas! See all confirmed dates below.
VIO–LENCE: 5/21/2022 Reggies – Chicago, IL w/ Coroner 5/22/2022 Reggies – Chicago, IL w/ Coroner 5/24/2022 Middle East – Boston, MA w/ Coroner, Exciter, Lich King 5/25/2022 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA w/ Coroner, Exciter, Lich King 5/26/2022 Le Poisson Rouge – New York, NY w/ Coroner, Exciter, Lich King 5/27/2022 Maryland Deathfest – Baltimore, MD 6/05/2022 Oakland Metro Operahouse – Oakland 6/10/2022 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 6/11/2022 Hawthorne Theater – Portland, OR 8/16/2022 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 8/17/2022 Catch One – Los Angeles, CA 8/19/2022 Psycho Las Vegas @ Resorts World – Las Vegas, NV
An integral part of the San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal scene was, and still is, the quintet known as VIO–LENCE. Formed in 1985, they entered that scene with the intentions of being the most aggressive band that scene had to offer, always delivering a devastating live show complete with vicious mosh pits and constant stage diving by their faithful following, and a nonstop dose of adrenaline delivered by the band. Even though they had not performed since 2003, their frantic style of thrash metal still appeals to metalheads globally. Now they’re reformed and back with their intense live performance and their frantic music.
Joining original members Perry Strickland (drums), Sean Killian (vocals) and Phil Demmel (guitars) are legendary artists Bobby Gustafson (guitars) and Christian Olde Wolbers (bass), creating a formidable five-some ready to take the world by the throat.
The band recently issued their LetThe WorldBurn EP via Metal Blade Records. The five-song EP showcases the band’s first new material in twenty-nine years and fully delivers on the classic VIO–LENCE sound. “That came very naturally,” states founding guitarist Phil Demmel. “I hadn’t written a lot of thrash in the past seventeen years or so but being the main songwriter for the band over the years I wanted that sound, I wanted that mid-‘80s raw thing, but I also wanted to capture our signature notes and structures and stuff like that.”
Elaborates vocalist Sean Killian, “Each song has its own individual sound, they are all very thrash metal, there are grinding riffs, technical riffs, and plenty of speed. The lyrics are written freely with no restrictions and without compromise while the vocal patterns are typically unusual and delivered with a multitude of emotions.”
LetThe WorldBurn was tracked in Trident Studios in Pacheco, California by Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Exodus), mixed by Tue Madsen (Dark Tranquillity, Heaven Shall Burn), and mastered by Ted Jensen (Alice In Chains, Death Angel) with Demmel tracking his solos at home.
AFTERLIFE was hands down our favorite record to make. It is our ninth album so at this point, we have legions of loyal fans, and our signature sound is more than established. It became its own island, our ground zero we operate from and we can always come back to. So when we started this record, there was an excitement of impending musical adventures, we knew we could step away as far as we wanted to, there was a freedom of truly “anything goes.”
This resulted in an album that is way more diverse than our previous ones, while it feels more unified, because there is a framework of overarching stories in Ivan’s lyrics and interconnecting musical motifs between songs. It was not planned in as a concept album, but we were so hyper-focused on painting a complete picture, it somehow feels like one…
We are very proud of it and are just as impatient as the fans waiting for the release, can’t wait to share it.
Founded by bassist MatSinner and vocalist Ralf Scheepers, and completed by guitarist Tom Naumann and drummer Klaus Sperling, German metal commandos PRIMALFEAR began to pave their way to the top of the scene in 1997. They’ve released thirteen studio albums and have played countless shows around the globe with relentless passion over the last twenty-five years. The band hit #7 of the German album charts (PRIMAL FEAR’s highest entry in their home country so far) and more top positions in other countries with their most recent offering, 2020’s Metal Commando. And there’s no end in sight as the band is already working on material for their next album.
Before the group enters the studio again and in celebration of their twenty-five-year anniversary, PRIMALFEAR will release a deluxe version of their highly-praised self-titled debut album from 1998 — remastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Denmark and featuring three bonus tracks as well as an extended booklet featuring liner notes and many photos from the band archives — on July 15th via AtomicFire.
As a first glimpse of the record’s refreshed sound, watch a brand-new lyric video for hit song “Chainbreaker” off PrimalFear, which was crafted by Gabriel Management, at THIS LOCATION. Stream and download the track HERE.
Preorder the album on CD, LP, and digitally at THIS LOCATION. Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube and listen to “Chainbreaker” in the AFR New Releases playlist HERE.
The album, which contains guest appearances by Kai Hansen (guitars; Helloween, Gammy Ray etc.) and Frank Rössler (additional keyboards), was originally recorded at House Of Music Studios, produced by founding member Mat Sinner, supported by Tom Naumann and Ralf Scheepers, and engineered by Achim Köhler. The iconic artwork was designed by Stephan Lohrmann who also cooperated with PRIMAL FEAR for their latest studio album and other parts of their back catalog.
Primal Fear (Deluxe Edition; Remastered) Track Listing:
Primal Fear
Chainbreaker
Silver & Gold
Promised Land
Formula One
Dollars
Nine Lives
Tears Of Rage
Speedking
Battalions Of Hate
Running In The Dust
Thunderdome Bonus Tracks:
Breaker (Accept Cover)
Chainbreaker (live)
Running In The Dust (live)
View PRIMAL FEAR’s previously released videos for “I Will Be Gone” [feat. Tarja Turunen] HERE, “The Lost & The Forgotten” HERE, “Hear Me Calling” HERE, “I Am Alive” HERE, and “Along Came The Devil” HERE.
PRIMALFEAR: Ralf Scheepers – vocals Mat Sinner – bass, vocals Tom Naumann – guitars Alexander Beyrodt – guitars Magnus Karlsson – guitars Michael Ehré – drums
Promo pic by Sami Hinkkanen. (From left to right: Rasmus Raassina, Harri Annala, Marko Loukamaa, Miika Erkkilä, Ari Lempinen, Esa Lempinen
Finnish progressive metal band Sum of Seven released a new music video TheEnemy. Famous Finnish model, dancer & singer Joalin Loukamaa, known from global Pop band Now United is featured on the video. The track is released in collaboration with Inverse Records.
“We wanted to create a video that has a nice balance of story and the band playing. Originally we planned this to be purely the band playing the song but the place we found for the shoot inspired us to add a story element. Joalin Loukamaa did an excellent job in our last video and we asked if she would join the project. Fortunately she said yes and did an amazing job again. We got Saku Suominen from Sakuvisuals to direct and work his magic behind the camera and we had an absolute blast filming this. We feel that the atmosphere of the video and the song complement each other in just the right way and the finished product definitely makes us proud.
The Enemy is a song that starts out fast and aggressive and really carries that momentum from start to finish. It is one of the heaviest songs that we have made so far. When that intro explodes you know that we’re going somewhere fast. But at the same time when the vocal melodies kick in they steer the song into a different direction than you might expect, still carrying the aggressive momentum. That element of surprise is really what crowns the song for me. The Enemy has one of the best melodies we have written in my opinion and Marko’s delivery is just absolutely breathtaking. The lyrics talk about freedom, victory and survival, but they also have connotations to the questionable interpretations of those subjects. The message can be interpreted as positively empowering, but also as a disturbingly delusional illusion.”
Single cover by Aki Niemi
The Enemy (single 2022) – Composed by Ari Lempinen – Lyrics by Ari Lempinen, Esa Lempinen & Marko Loukamaa
Line-up: Ari Lempinen: Guitar, backing vocals EsaLempinen: Keyborads RasmusRaassina: Drums Harri Annala: Guitar MiikaErkkilä: Bass MarkoLoukamaa: Vocals
A new Heavy Metal festival is being forged in the heart of New England. StormbringerMetalFestival, named after the infamous black sword of the Elric saga, arrives with an ambitious mission: to carve itself a spot on the map of some of the best heavy metal festivals of North America.
Founded by three musicians (Evgeny Gromovoy of Adamantis, Dwayne Eldredge of Mourn the Light and Carmine Blades of Seax), the festival will be celebrated on June 10-11, 2022 in Worcester (Massachusetts, USA) at the legendary Ralph’s Rock Diner. This year’s headliners include Riot City (Friday, June 10) and Attacker (Saturday, June 11). Supporting acts include Glacier, Gatekeeper, Icarus Witch, Greyhawk, Tower, Ironflame, Blazon Rite and Olorin among others. For most of these bands, Stormbringer will be their first appearance ever in New England.
“In addition to bringing some of the finest heavy metal acts of North America, we want to highlight our vibrant local scene,” Dwayne says. This year Stormbringer will feature five New England based bands: Entierro (feat. Victor Arduini of Fate’s Warning fame), Archdruid, Mourn the Light, Seax and Adamantis. “Moreover, we hope that the festival will establish a place for the north-eastern heavy metal vendor community to thrive,” Carmine adds.
Stormbringer Metal Festival features six bands on the Cruz del Sur Music/Gates of Hell Recordslabels: Tower, Gatekeeper, Adamantis, Attacker, Blazon Riteand Olorin. “Their inclusion on the bill is testimony to the great work Cruz del Sur Music/Gates of Helllabel does to support northamerican heavy metal scene”, Evgeny adds.
“This year’s festival is just the beginning of a saga, the Stormbringer saga” – the promoters conclude. “We have huge plans for years to come! Don’t miss this one, the one that started it all. It will be one to remember!”
The album will be available as CD Digipak, limited edition vinyl LP as well as in digital formats.
HATRIOT‘s new album “The Vale Of Shadows” covers topics such as personal growth, pent-up aggression, the Black Plague, serial killers, and a disturbing dark world.
WITNESSES, the cross-genre project of multi instrumentalist Greg Schwan, is set to releaseTheHolyWaterEPon July 15th, 2022.
The Holy Water EP marks a new chapter in WITNESSES’ doom metal sound–slowing the pace further, enhancing the atmosphere, and for the first time bringing long-time collaborator Gabbi Coenen into the metal side of the project. Thematically, the EP explores Bram Stoker’s Dracula characters Lucy Westenra and Mina Harker, imagining the characters from different perspectives.
HELLOWEEN will release a special vinyl single titled “Best Time” via AtomicFire on May 20th. The single features a 2022 remix of its title track on side A as well as an exclusive alternative vocal remix of the song on side B.
Purchase the band’s 2021 self-titled full-length in various formats as well as other records and merchandise at the Atomic Fire Records webshop HERE.
HELLOWEEN’s “Best Time” single comes in celebration of the band’s awaited United Forces European tour with HammerFall, set to begin this Wednesday, May 4th, at Manchester Academy in the UK. The band’s full upcoming itinerary can be found below.
HELLOWEEN w/ HammerFall: 5/04/2022 Manchester Academy – Manchester, UK 5/05/2022 Brixton Academy – London, UK 6/23/2022 Hellfest – Clisson, FR* 6/28/2022 Papp László Sportaréna – Budapest, HU 6/29/2022 Gasometer – Vienna, AT 6/30/2022 O2 Arena – Prague, CZ 7/02/2022 Olympic Fields – Zvolenská Slatina, SK 7/16/2022 Metal Paradise – Fuengirola, ES * 8/27/2022 Ippodromo Snai San Siro – Milan, IT *
8/28/2022 Riverside Open Air – Aarburg, CH * 8/30/2022 L’Olympia – Paris, FR* 8/31/2022 Le Transbordeur – Lyon, FR* 9/08/2022 Verti Music Hall – Berlin, DE 9/09/2022 Donau-Arena – Regensburg, DE 9/10/2022 Brose Arena – Bamberg, DE 9/13/2022 013 – TilburgM NL 9/14/2022 Rockhal – Luxembourg, LU 9/16/2022 Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle – Stuttgart, DE 9/18/2022 MCK – Katowice, PL 9/22/2022 Centro de Eventos Pedregal – San José, CR 9/24/2022 Arena CDMX – Mexico City, MX 9/27/2022 Coliseo General Rumiñahui – Quito, EC 9/29/2022 Movistar Arena – Bogotá, CO
10/02/2022 Estadio Luna Park – Buenos Aires, AR 10/04/2022 Movistar Arena – Santiago de Chile, CL 10/06/2022 Arena Eurobike – Ribeirão Preto, BR 10/08/2022 Espaço das Américas – São Paulo, BR 10/09/2022 Espaço das Américas – São Paulo, BR 10/13/2022 Arena Armeec – Sofia, BG 12/09/2022 Jahrhunderthalle – Frankfurt, DE 12/11/2022 bigBOX – Kempten, DE 12/13/2022 The Hall – Zurich, CH 2/03/2023 Sant Jordi Club – Barcelona, ES 2/04/2023 WiZink Center – Madrid, ES 4/28/2023 Sentrum Scene – Madrid, ES 4/29/2023 Partille Arena – Gothenburg, SE 5/01/2023 Black Box – Helsinki, FI 5/02/2023 Noblessneri Valukoda – Tallinn, EE 5/05/2023 RuhrCongress – Bochum, DE 5/06/2023 Sporthalle – Hamburg, DE
No HammerFall
Visit/subscribe to HELLOWEEN’s official YouTube channel at THIS LOCATION and watch videos for “Out For The Glory,” “Skyfall [Single Edit],” “Fear Of The Fallen,” “Mass Pollution,” “Angels,” “Rise Without Chains,” “Indestructible,” “Robot King,” “Cyanide,” “Skyfall [Album Version]” and so much more!
Artwork by Eliran Kantor
HELLOWEEN: Michael Kiske – vocals AndiDeris – vocals Kai Hansen – guitar, vocals Michael Weikath – guitar SaschaGerstner – guitar Markus Grosskopf – bass Daniel Löble – drums
Indiana death/thrash band DEMIRICOUS have unleashed their song “Smoke Chaser”. The track is taken from their highly anticipated album III: Chaotic Lethal, which is out on May 13, 2022. The song is now available on all streaming platforms.
The band comments:
“From a writing standpoint, we took a bit of a different approach on this one. With the chorus, we wanted to open it up with a huge melodic riff, and a catchy, anthemic hook. And to counteract the catchiness of the chorus and melody, we wanted to cap it with one of the ugliest moments on the entire record. “Smoke Chaser” lyrically is about how humanity has a false sense of relevance, as a result of technology. We are all addicted, and constantly chasing something we will never actually obtain.”
Rising from the depths of the abyss, DEMIRICOUS are preparing to unleash their most monstrous record yet III: Chaotic Lethal. The death/thrash quartet from Indianapolis, Indiana, initially formed in 2005 and released two successful full lengths gaining international regard. Following an extended hiatus, the outfit are making an impactful return.
“It’s been 15 years since we’ve released a record. We are so unbelievably proud of this one, and this is the DEMIRICOUS record we’ve always wanted to make. Prepare yourselves. It’s a fucking monster.”
DEMIRICOUS delve into heavier instrumentation and sinister moods, releasing a plethora of hard-hitting sounds across the tracks. Immersing eerily into a desolate landscape, “Unconditional Hate” smothers the senses. As guitars begin to screech and grapple through the murkiness, it’s not long before the sheer speed and power of DEMIRICOUS breaks through.
Demonic low tones dominate the instrumentation and aggressive vocals. From the high fuelled groove rhythms of and blast beats of “Smoke Chaser”, to the unearthly doom and gloom of “Chaotic Lethal”, DEMIRICOUS venture across realms of dynamic metal influences creating a thrilling and hauntingly theatrical experience. The album operates in a cyclical nature seeing the final track, “Faith Crime” withdraw to the void from which III: Chaotic Lethal emerged.
III: Chaotic Lethal marks a monumental milestone. It is an epic collection of tracks exploring a dark narrative of the barbaric and grotesque. DEMIRICOUS’s sound is revived and restored, as the band have evolved into their next chapter.
Line-Up: NateOlp DustinBoltjes Scott Wilson Ben Parrish
Japanese Thrash Metal veterans “Samurais From Hell”, SURVIVE – active for more than 20 years – have a pleasure to announce that the band will play at “Metallization III”, taking place on September 3rd 2022 at Club Città in Kawasaki, Japan, one-day-event, dedicated to Japanese bands!
Last year’s edition was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but this year the third edition will be held and alongside SURVIVE, “Metallization III” will see 13 bands on stage: Head Phones President, Genocide Nippon, Hone Your Sense, Invictus, Numb, Phantom Excaliver, Sable Hills, Serenity In Murder, Sex Machineguns, Terror Squad, Volcano and more…
Blackment was founded 2014 in Hyvinkää and they are ready to release their debut album Plains of Oblivion on September 9th this year. As a sample from their upcoming album, they now present their strong new single, Maw of the Dread. Previously the band has released couple of small releases that gave a glimpse of the band’s sound that combines catchy melodies, striking riffs and a tight rhythm base, atmospheric synths, and a distinctive versatile vocal approach. The same elements are also present in the new single.
“Maw of the Dread is an energetic and heavy song that starts like a thunder”guitarist Allan Välimaa explains.”We’ve played this track on our rehearsal room since summer 2016 so this is one of our oldest tracks on the album. The structure of the song is still pretty much the same as back then, except for a couple of changes along the way.”
The vocals lead the listener through a heavy, somber, emotional, and melodic atmosphere. Lyrical theme has a twist of horror that deals with the subject of taking the easy way, in some sense with a hint of satire.
“It’s about people trying to manage things taking the easy way, usually with someone else’s expense. Writing lyrics is kind of a way to cheer myself up and most of the subjects has been created by my own challenges and mistakes in life. So basically, it’s also me looking myself in the mirror, even to this day” Allan Välimaa tells.
RIVERS OF NIHIL will kick off the US leg of their TerrestriaWorldTour next week with support provided by Fallujah, Alluvial, and Warforged. The journey, which begins May 6th in Brooklyn, New York and runs through June 12th in Greenville, South Carolina, includes a special show supporting Hypocrisy in Austin, Texas as well as appearances by TheZenithPassage and BurialInTheSky on select dates. Tickets are on sale NOW. See all confirmed dates below.
In related news, RIVERS OF NIHIL recently amicably parted ways with guitarist Jonathan Topore. Andy Thomas from BlackCrownInitiate, who provided guest vocals on 2018’s WhereOwlsKnowMyName full-length, will join the band on the upcoming tour.
RIVERSOFNIHIL w/ Fallujah, Alluvial, Warforged: 5/06/2022 The Monarch – Brooklyn, NY 5/07/2022 Jewel – Manchester, NH 5/08/2022 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA 5/10/2022 Metro Gallery – Baltimore, MD 5/11/2022 Blind Tiger – Greensboro, NC 5/12/2022 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA 5/13/2022 The End – Nashville, TN 5/14/2022 The Haven – Orlando, FL 5/15/2022 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL 5/17/2022 Southport Hall – New Orleans, LA 5/18/2022 Scout Bar – Houston, TX 5/19/2022 Amplified – Dallas, TX 5/20/2022 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX w/ Hypocrisy 5/21/2022 Rockhouse Bar – El Paso, TX 5/22/2022 Nile Theater – Phoenix, AZ 5/23/2022 Backstage Bar – Las Vegas, NV
RIVERSOFNIHIL, Fallujahonly: 5/24/2022 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA w/ The Zenith Passage 5/25/2022 1720 – Los Angeles, CA w/ The Zenith Passage 5/26/2022 Full Circle Brewery – Fresno, CA w/ The Zenith Passage 5/27/2022 Cornerstone – Berkeley, CA w/ The Zenith Passage 5/28/2022 Star Theater – Portland, OR 5/29/2022 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 5/31/2022 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT 6/01/2022 Bluebird – Denver, CO w/ Burial In The Sky 6/02/2022 BLVD – Kansas City. MO w/ Burial In The Sky 6/03/2022 Reggies – Chicago, IL w/ Burial In The Sky 6/04/2022 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI w/ Burial In The Sky 6/05/2022 Crafthouse – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Burial In The Sky
RIVERSOFNIHILonly: 6/10/2022 Richmond Music Hall – Richmond, VA 6/11/2022 Aura Fest – Savannah, GA 6/12/2022 Radio Room – Greenville, SC
RIVERS OF NIHIL will be touring in support of their newest full-length, TheWork, released last Fall on Metal Blade Records. RIVERS OF NIHIL has never fit neatly into a box, but with 2018’s WhereOwlsKnowMyName, they transcended all labels applied to them. Returning in 2021 with TheWork, they’ve forged further into new territory, delivering an album that’s as cerebral as it is visceral, and that covers a staggering sonic range, definitively placing them in a category of their own. Inarguably a dense, heavy collection, TheWork is far too dynamic to be considered a solely metal record and there is a genuine warmth that shows through, particularly tracks like “Wait” and the gorgeous “Maybe One Day.”
Additionally, the band has incorporated far more clean vocals alongside the screaming that tears through many of the record’s heavier tracks. Courtesy of their friend Zach Strouse, saxophone once again adds extra layers of atmosphere to the collection, utilizing baritone, soprano, and alto saxes to great effect.
The band recently released a mini-documentary that offers a look into the creative process and recording of The Work, directed by Mike Trueheart. Follow the band’s creative process around Reading, Pennsylvania with producers Carson Slovak and GrantMcFarland on YouTube HERE.
Ljubljana’s underground legends NOCTIFERIA have revealed a teaser for their upcoming intriguing video “Smrt za Smrt” (Death for Death) coming out on May 4th. The song is taken from the band’s latest album ‘Reforma (tribute to Laibach)’, released on May 28th 2021 via Blood Blast Distribution / Nika Records.
Earlier the band on ‘Reforma (tribute to Laibach)’ album: “It’s never been a secret that we are fond of Laibach, their avant-garde approach to musical and visual art. And with this album we finally have the whole package ready with killer songs, amazing guest musicians, top-notch production and visual presentation!”
Reforma tracklist: Barbarians are Coming Now You Will Pay (feat. David Vincent) No History Tanz Mit Laibach (feat. Attila Csihar) Eurovision Smrt Za Smrt Das Spiel Ist Aus Nova Akropola (feat. Jørgen Munkeby)
Reforma released May 28th 2021, is the latest studio album by NOCTIFERIA, a tribute to the legendary and world-renowned avant-garde band Laibach featuring three big and legendary names of metal scene; David Vincent – ex Morbid Angel, Vltimas, AttilaCsihar – Mayhem and JørgenMunkeby – Shining. It was mixed and mastered by the award-winning producer Henrik Udd (Bring Me The Horizon, Architects, At The Gates, etc.). The artwork concept and design is the work of Jean-Emmanuel “Valnoir” Simoulin from French design studio Metastazis, known for their work with Ghost, Behemoth, At the Gates, Amorphis, etc. The album can be described as a ‘crushing sounding mix of extreme metal and avant-garde music, with some very special and legendary guests!
MinistryMinistryMinistryMinistryMinistryMinistryMinistry (sound check)Corrosion Of ConformityMelvinsMinistry Live at Madison Theater in Covington Kentucky – March 5, 2022Corrosion Of Conformity Live at Madison Theater in Covington Kentucky, March 5, 2022.
Back on March 5th, my good buddy Troy and I took a trek down to Covington Kentucky to see Ministry, Melvins and Corrosion Of Conformity at the historic Madison Theater. It was a stupendous evening of Metal and Hard Rock! We even had very nice Spring weather happening on this night with (gasp) no rain!
On a relevant side note: Back in February, I was diagnosed (by my surgeon) with severe arthritis and some bone-on-bone with my left knee. Yes, it’s extremely painful at times. I now walk with a cane, therefore, the balcony at Madison Theater proved to be not only spacious with comfortable seating it also gave myself and Troy a wide open view of the stage.
Ministry brought their Industrial Metal to Covington Kentucky and word has it there were earth tremors in the area while they were on stage. Okay, I exaggerated a touch. Al Jourgensen was enormous with his vocals and fronted his band as the true legend he is. Ministry had steel fencing around their stage, with a wicked light show. Their backdrop was loaded with changing photos that are relevant to the music; plus past band members that are now (sadly) deceased were commemorated in photos as well. Much respect.
Melvins were simply stunning! Melvins played their eclectic mix of music and I was amazed by their performance! Going in, I was agog thinking about seeing the Melvins. Hard Rock, Sludge, Metal and a slice of alternative was all thrown into the Melvins set. Long drum solos and flat-out jamming was highlighted as well. I wanna see Melvins 500 more times or more. Buzz Osborne for President, please.
I didn’t take a video of the Melvins due to my jaw being on the floor. Seriously though, I was like a kid in a Hot Wheels store watching this renowned band and now I crave having a video moment of them. As a remote tree hermit once told me: “son, there will be times when you just fuck up”. Onwards to the night’s opener Corrosion Of Conformity.
Corrosion Of Conformity were already 2 songs into their set when Troy and I entered Madison Theater. We bought some beers and made our way up to the balcony as quick as two 50 year olds with sore bones could. We both were happy to finally sit our asses down with cold brews while semi head banging to the thunder of COC. To have an opportunity to see these three bands together in one night was yet another Metal dream come true for me. Each band represents a different branch from the Metal family tree; yet each of these three bands were a genuine compliment to each other. Good times. Enormous memories. Metal be thy name. – Stone
A kinda relevant side story: Troy and I went to the White Castle drive-thru in Cincinnati, on the way home. We were hankering for sliders and cold pop after the show. Troy drove and I appreciate his doing so. I had to work the next day; thus I couldn’t go nuts on the beer. Old Metalheads like us (laughing) have learned our lessons the hard way.
Finnish 1996 founded melancholic metal band DENIGRATE has released their third full length album. Album titled “Blackguard” is doom metal flavored and maybe the darkest album so far by the band.
Since Denigrate was founded, the inevitable vibe of the band was to be dark, melancholy, tormented, observative.
The quantity of albums released is really not the thing in this band. From the first released album in 2003 to the latest 3rd one in 2022 called “Blackguard”, decades has changed and so has the band.
After no more than two albums released, after big-time local momentum with a finnish cover song, after mandatory hiatus, after some line-up changes, Denigrate 2022 is at it’s hardest core.
“Blackguard” takes you deep, slowly, irreparably. It’s the place where all beauty and evil befalls.
DENIGRATE: GalziKallio: Vocals Pekka Pyrhönen: Bass, Seppo Nummela: Guitar TipiToivanen: Drums
Japanese SURVIVE Unleash Two New Studio Vlogs, Day 27 + 28, First Ever Live Album “Live At Death Valley” Out May 4th!
SURVIVE, the “Samurais From Hell”, Japanese Thrash Metal veterans active for more than 20 years, are currently in the studio, working on the band’s next full-length studio album. Today the band has unleashed two new studio vlogs, Day 27 + 28!
SURVIVE are set to release their first live album “Live At Death Valley” on May 4th 2022 in conspiracy with PestRecords. The CD version will feature 8 tracks plus a bonus EP made of 4 tracks, one having Tony “DemolitionMan” Dolan (Venom Inc) as special guest!
Here’s what the legendary Mantas from VenomInc. had to say about SURVIVE‘s live potential:
I had the pleasure and honor of touring Europe with Survive and they proved themselves to be a valuable asset to the touring package. I can say without hesitation or reservations that they were most definitely my favorite band on the tour. Incredibly nice and gracious guys who obviously loved their music and delivered every single night. I gave them the nickname ‘The Japanese Machine Head’ a song that they played at every sound check became the tour anthem because of its wonderful chorus structure. Melody, hook lines and brutally heavy guitar riffs define this amazing band who deserve global recognition. Maximum Respect from Jeff (Mantas).”
“Live At Death Valley” coverart + booklet created by Mohsen Fayazi.
Track list : 01 Degenerate 02 Wrath 03 Fuck Against Authority 04 Obey Your Own Army Corps 05 Rules Of Lies 06 Immortal Warriros 07 Human Misery 08 the Road to hell is paved by goodwill
+bonus tracks from EP ‘The Road To Hell Is Paved By Good Will’: 1.The Road To Hell Is Paved By Good Will (Featuring Tony “DemolitionMan” Dolan/VenomInc) 2. Rules Of Lies (Orchestra Ver) 3. Seize The Victory 4. The Road To Hell Is Paved By Good Will (Live@Club Citta Metallization Festival 2020)
“It is easy to be technically brilliant metal band in the studio but the true trial by fire is a Live album! With this “Live At Death Valley” album SURVIVE proves they are truly the “Samurais From Hell”! The album was mixed live so it is 100% authentic, no studio gimmicks! Great songs, fantastic technical skills! On top of that you get great new bonus tracks! Brilliant!” – KimmoKuusniemi, Band Manager, Sarcofagus Guitarist
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!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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