I went to see PRONG and VOIVOD back on February 28th, at the King of Clubs in Columbus, Ohio. What a night! I was (and still am) elated to have experienced PRONG on this tour! PRONG took the stage first and ripped out a scorching set of their songs, culminating with their intense and heavy hitting cover of “Working Man” by RUSH.
PRONG is continuing to tour in support of their newest and 13th studio albumfrom 2023:State Of Emergency. Tommy Victor and his band kickstarted my Metal adrenaline that lasted straight through VOIVOD and into the next day! Tommy’s vocals sounded stronger than ever; while always a master on his guitar. PRONG flat-out kicked Metal ass that night; I couldn’t have expected any less! Metal be thy name. – Stone
Tommy Victor – photo credit: Stone/Metal OdysseyTyler Bogliole – photo credit: Stone/Metal OdysseyJason Christopher – photo credit: Stone/Metal OdysseyTommy Victor – photo credit: Stone/Metal OdysseyTommy Victor – photo Credit: Stone/Metal Odysseyphoto credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
SETLIST:
The Descent Irrelevant Thoughts Seeing Red (Killing Joke cover) For Dear Life Beg to Differ Unconditional Disbelief Cut-Rate Broken Peace Breaking Point Whose Fist Is This Anyway? Another Worldly Device Revenge…Best Served Cold Dark Signs Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck Third From the Sun (Chrome cover) Working Man (Rush cover)
Edward Escamilla, lead guitarist of Chicago based thrash metal band REIGN has joined WAR CURSE, replacing co-founder and lead guitarist Joshua Murphy. The lineup change comes on the tail of the band’s Metal Blade Records / Blacklight Media debut album, Confession, which was released October 20th, 2023.
Guitarist Justin Roth comments: “It’s on the best of terms that we thank Joshua Murphy for ten years of commitment and for his invaluable contributions to WAR CURSE. Murphy is truly like a brother to me. We’ve played in bands together for the last 20 years, spent holidays with each others’ families, and driven each other up a wall on occasion, as brothers do. I speak for all of us when I say that we’ll miss his shenanigans. But as they say, the show must go on.”
We had conversations with a few guitarists, but ultimately Ed was our first choice. We were stoked when he accepted our offer to join. The dude absolutely rips, and more importantly, we like him as a person. Talent matters, but so does liking the people you’re going to be stuck in a van with. We’re optimistic about the band’s future and embracing the change.”
Roth continued: “We’ve wasted no time getting new music ready to record. I’ve been demo recording new material nonstop since the week after Confession was handed in. I truly believe that I’m writing the best material of my career right now. We tried some new things on Confession. I really like some of it. Some of it will never be revisited. We’re constantly evolving. Some of the new stuff is heavier than hell. Heavier than I ever saw us going with WAR CURSE. It’s a lot of fun. But we’re always working. We’re a band that’s laser-focused on the future.”
Listen to WAR CURSE’s most recent album Confession on Spotify:
A SPELLBINDING CHRONICLE OF SEDUCTIVE FROZEN ATMOSPHERES AND FEARLESS INNOVATION
Pioneers of a sound that changed the world. Lifelong disciples of suspense and mystery. An enigmatic duo like no other, hell-bent on haunting souls through the eternities. There are many things Darkthrone have been called since forming in 1986 and these are but a few, having drawn from a creative well so potent and powerful it turned them into one of Norway’s biggest musical exports. Following from their debut album Soulside Journey, the next three full-lengths, often referred to as ‘the unholy three’, set the benchmark for black metal in the early 90s, though in truth they’ve never been the kind to rest on such laurels – distilling elements of vintage punk, doom, thrash and death into their own sonic fingerprint and continuing to test that equation throughout the years. It’s been quite the journey, having won cryptic pair Nocturno and Fenriz legions of loyal fans around the world. This tradition will only continue with latest masterpiece It Beckons Us All.
Set for release on Peaceville on 26th April 2024, the new music is an intense observation of the world around them – exciting and challenging the listener in equal measure, in the way only they can. Some of the riffs howl across a gallery of ice and snow while others crackle like a volcano awakening from its timeless slumber, Nocturno’s demonic barks ricocheting across the intoxicating structures almost like it’s beaming from a long-distant galaxy. As Darkthrone have shown us so many times in the past, their music is as visual as it gets – evoking tangible imagery through the medium of sound. Whether the ideas are sombre, reflective or incensed, they exist as emotional concepts you can see and feel as much as you hear.
“I am having difficulties putting into words my personal feelings around the existential title It Beckons Us All, I can only hope others out there can feel the darkness that encompasses it,” muses Fenriz.
Fenriz
Never afraid to venture beyond the confines of the extreme metal template they were paramount in creating, there are moments on It Beckons Us All that will dazzle and surprise, as well as satisfy fans of old.
Nocturno comments: “We recorded in the manner we always do, live, meaning drums and guitar, with another guitar added later. We found a new twist during this process that surely benefited this album. Fenriz did stellar clean vocals on several songs, and his way of thinking creatively made it so good. We also shared the bass work this time around. We added a lot of extra layers like solo guitars… it was just a cauldron of ideas. Instead of finding a plug-in or choir synth patch, we both recorded four vocal tracks each. Darkthrone is an ever-evolving band, as many should know by now, and this album is touching a bit into the heavy genre. I have no idea what genre we are, and have really not cared much about it, but I know for sure it’s metal.”
Nocturno Culto photo courtesy of Peer Olav Kittilsen
In that sense,It Beckons Us Allis very much demonstrative of two visionaries at their world-commanding best. They know what works but more importantly they choose to grow, throwing every ounce of their hearts and souls into evolving the jaw-dropping whirlpool of noise that could only ever have come from their collective minds. There are clean guitars, clean vocals and less typical instruments thrown into the mix, but the approach, intent and ethos at the heart of their fearless artistry remains very much the same. This is music for dreamers who find themselves paralysed by the contrasting beauty and ugliness in the world surrounding them. Never ones to appease the faint-hearted, Darkthrone are as real and human as it gets.
Limited Edition Deluxe boxed edition: includes It Beckons Us All on CD, an exclusive corona vinyl LP & cassette and art prints all housed in a heavy duty lift off lid box
Limited edition ‘Fenriz’ edition LP on blue marble coloured vinyl– exclusively available through the Peaceville stores
Limited edition ‘Nocturno Culto’ edition LP on grey marble coloured vinyl–available through the Peaceville stores
CD
LP
Digital
Plus other limited edition coloured vinyl LPs are available in stores across the world – cream white, crystal clear, petrol and .. a collectors dream .. if you can find them!
Two big names of the 80s teamed up and took the Music City by its cowboy boots. Adrian Vandenberg, and Geoff Tate played the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville Tennessee on March 5th, to a very rock n roll hungry crowd.
Adrian’s band, properly named Vandenberg, took the stage first. The screams of excitement started right when the first member hit the stage. Vandenberg opened with “Hit the Ground Running” off their newest album, Sin, released in 2023. Not only was the album well received by fans all over the world but the song they did play was the perfect way to open the show. A few days prior to this show Adrian took to his social media accounts to express how much he enjoys having so many Whitesnake songs in the set as it was 12 years of his career. Vandenberg played 7 Whitesnake songs out of an 11 song set and the crowd devoured every song.
Vandenberg’s current lead singer, Mats Levén, has quite the resume, including working with Yngwie Malmsteen and touring with Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Levén has a very seductive voice that pairs very well with the overall sex appeal of almost every Whitesnake song. He stays nicely in a lower register which is perfect for songs like “Sailing Ships,” but when he needs to hit the high notes, like in “Still of the Night,” he hits them spot on. Ears perk up and bras come off. (Not literally but it wouldn’t be surprising). Adrian even stated he had vocal cords of steel.
Adrian started Vandenberg when he was around 27 years young, watching him play on stage 43 years later he is still that lively young man who stole hearts with the power of his guitar in the 80s. Whether you understand how to play or not there is no questioning Adrian’s abilities. Every guitarist says they always have more to learn but watching and listening to him play it’s easy to say that every young guitarist could learn a lot from him.
The rhythm sections is currently made up of Randy Van derElsen on bass and Joey Marin on drums. 10 out of 10 and absolutely solid pair. Van der Elsen absolutely tears up the bass and his facial expressions show that he’s not just playing the notes but feeling the music as he goes. Marin destroys the drums with such speed yet such grace and happily holds up the thunderous sounds of Vandenberg and Whitesnake. Last but certainly not least, Len Van de Laak adds those finishing touches on the keyboard.
Vandenberg had a very good mix of high and low energy songs transitioning from the intensity of Vandenberg’s “Freight Train” to the slightly more subdued sound of Whitesnake’s “Sailing Ships.” The most intimate moment of their whole show was during “Here I go Again.” As the band began their final song every fan in the audience knew their role.
Levén let the crowd have their moment singing the chorus back at him, and even had the crowd repeat it back to him one extra time. Needless to say, Vandenberg set the crowd on fire and prepared them for who was to take the stage next.
Geoff Tate and his band closed out the night. The second the lights went out, the crowd was on their feet trying to get as close to the stage as a seated venue would allow. They opened the show with “Empire,” the title track off Queensryche’s fourth studio album. Tate and his band treated fans to at least one song off of six different Queensryche albums including Operation: Mindcrime, Rage for Order, and Promised Land.
Very little has changed with Tate’s vocal range since the release of the self titled EP Queensryche in 1983. Every vocalist who has been doing this for as long as he has should be aware of what notes they can and can’t hit. Tate smoothly transitioned over pieces that he may have felt weren’t going to come out like the album, but also added a little spice to those high notes he knew he could hold.
Sound is definitely very important when putting on a good show for obvious reasons but so is having good chemistry between band mates. The best way to describe the relationship between Tate and his band is a loving and encouraging father and his 6 sons. Tate has put together a nice blend of young international rockstars.
Tate had up to 4 guitarists raising hell behind him, including James Brown (Ireland), Dario Parente (Italy), AmauryAltmayer (France), and Cillian Plummer (Ireland). The fun didn’t stop with the guitarists. The fiery rhythm section was made up of Jack Ross (Scotland) on bass and Danny Laverde on Drums. As a group they play like they are the original line up of Queensryche!
Fans sang along to every song never missing a beat and it fed the energy of everyone on stage. Tate even conducted the crowd during “Operation: Mindcrime.” After singing “Screaming in Digital,” Tate explained how he loves singing that song because of how accurate it is in this day and age with AI and all the new technology that has come along since the song was released.
Tate is not only a wonderful musician but there is something oddly satisfying about his story telling. Right before going into “Silent Lucidity,” he tells a silly story of being recognized at a gas station but not for being Geoff Tate! As the show comes close to the end Tate asks what everyone would like to hear as the last song. Unanimously the crowd screams for “Queen of the Reich” and honestly it was the perfect way to close out the show.
Tate and Vandenberg came together to remind the crowd of what fun the 80s were or for those of us not alive then, to give us a little taste of what it was like. – Tanis Enos
One of the early bastions of true U.S. metal, New Jersey’s Attacker is back to celebrate their 40th anniversary on The GodParticle, a triumphant, eight song classic metal offering! The new album will be released on CD, vinyl and digital formats through Cruz Del Sur Music on April 12.
A lyric video for the first single, “The Mighty Have Fallen” is available at: youtu.be/cVpamPWzZg8.
New Jersey heavy metal legends Attacker are celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2024. A milestone marked by their influential 1985 Battle at Helm’s Deep debut and 1988 The Second Coming sophomore effort, as well as post-2001 reformation full-lengths like 2004’s Soul Taker and 2006’s The Unknown that served as reminders of Attacker’s staying power.
While it hasn’t always been easy for Attacker, founding member and drummer Mike Sabatini attributes the band’s longevity to their love of heavy metal music. That red thread and never-ending appreciation for what Attacker means to them and so many across the globe helps define the band’s newest studio foray, The God Particle.
The follow-up to 2016’s Sins of the World LP and 2018’s Armor of the Gods EP was recorded at Sabatini’s Bandmother Recording Studio in Jersey City, New Jersey, from November 2023 to January 2024. The album was mixed by Sabatini alongside C.J. Scioscia, with mastering by Joe Lambert.
The God Particle is a tried-and-true dose of pure, unbridled heavy metal with ample broadsides of aggression and melody; both permanent elements of Attacker’s sound. The band rounded out by vocalist Bobby Lucas, the guitar tandem of Mike Benetatos and Jon Hasselbrink and bassist Brian Smith, have gelled into a formidable writing unit, offering what is perhaps Attacker’s most varied batch of songs.
The album’s gestation period was longer than normal (see: Covid). The extended time writing afforded Attacker the opportunity to craft new songs that are primed and ready for European festival sing-along participation. Lucas is responsible for the album’s soaring choruses and its concept, which is based on the Large Hadron Collider Particle Accelerator in Cern, Switzerland, that is used to create energetic collisions of particles like protons, breaking them into subatomic components that are detected and studied. Adding to the intrigue: supposedly a satanic ritual was performed at the Collider site to call in evil from another dimension. Whether that actually happened or not, it serves as the perfect tie-in to Marc Sasso’s cover art (DIO, HALFORD, Marvel Comics).
Sabatini has been on record that he was reluctant to reform the band during its 1990s dormancy. Only the passing of original guitarist Jim Mooney and vocalist John Leone (who performed on The Second Coming) reignited the Attacker fire. The band now exists to honor its storied legacy and to create new, compelling music to satisfy a worldwide fanbase that remains hungry for Attacker music. Consider the job complete on The God Particle.
Detroit (MI) – Melodic Power Thrashers AMONG THESE ASHES have released “Restless Gypsy,” a cover of the W.A.S.P. classic on all major streaming platforms, including the following:
Guitarist/Backing Vocalist Richard Clark released the following statement on the decision to cover the song:
“W.A.S.P. embodies so much of what I love about metal, and at that band’s core has always been masterful, memorable songwriting. Restless Gypsy has long resonated with me as a great song, and JP [Abboud] and I have been discussing covering this track since we started this band in 2020. We’ve slightly reconfigured a few of the riffs to put our stamp on the song while prioritizing staying true to the original recording. Matt Ries from Traveler gave us an awesome guest solo on it. Also, Matt Roach gave us an excellent mix and master that perfectly captures the atmospheric elements of the 1980s recording. We intentionally dropped this cover so that we could make a content release prior to the release of our second album. The new album is completely tracked, and we expect to drop it in summer 2024.”
Photo Credit: Aaron Lumsden of Akuro Productions
Line-Up:
JP Abboud: Vocals Richard Clark: Guitars and backing vocals Dylan Hamann: Guitars Kane Bochatyn: Bass Kyle Wagner: Drums
BIO: Among These Ashes is a melodic power/thrash metal band hailing from Detroit, MI. The central focus of this band is creating stellar, highly-memorable metal songs. The band’s sound is crushingly heavy and punctuated by cerebral arrangements, thought-provoking lyrics, and dynamic shifts in tempo and aggression. The band’s debut musical offering, Dominion Enthroned, is a conceptual tour de force inspired by modern societal parallels and struggles. In April 2023, the band released the single “The Enemy In I” with a b-side cover of Savatage’s “Sirens.”
Credits:
Guest guitar solo: Matt Ries (Traveler).
Recorded by Among These Ashes. Mixed and Mastered by Matt Roach.
March 6, 2024 – Baroness and Red Fang have announced five special co-headlining performances this May, bringing back-to-back sets from two of heavy music’s most beloved bands, for the first time ever.
“It will be great to get out and play some shows with our old friends in Red Fang,” Baroness collectively shared. “Surprisingly, we’ve never properly toured together, so we’re all excited to bring these shows to you this spring. Furthermore, it will be great to have another opportunity to support and perform songs from our latest record, STONE, with you!”
Red Fang’s Bryan Giles adds: “We’re stoked to be paying shows with Baroness this Spring! I’m pretty sure these shows are gonna go off!”
Baroness/Red Fang tour dates:
May 13 Winston Salem, NC The Ramkat May 14 Norfolk, VA Elevation 27 May 15 Baltimore, MD Ram’s Head Live May 16 Asbury Park, NJ The Stone Pony May 18 Harrisburg, PA HMAC
Tickets for the newly announced, non-festival dates are on-sale this Friday at 10 am local time. Ticketing links can be found on: YourBaroness.com.
Baroness – photo credit: Ebru Yildiz
About Baroness:
Founded in 2003, Baroness is John Baizley (vocals/guitar), Gina Gleason (guitar), Nick Jost (bass) and Sebastian Thomson (drums). The Philadelphia-meets-Brooklyn foursome have released six full-length albums to date: STONE(2023), Gold & Grey (2019), Purple (2015), Yellow & Green(2012), Blue Record (2009), and the Red Album (2007).
Red Fang – photo credit: James Rexroad
About Red Fang:
Red Fang is Aaron Beam (bass/vocals/guitar/keyboards), Bryan Giles (guitar/vocals), John Sherman (drums) and David Sullivan (guitars). The Portland, Oregon-based band have released five studio albums: Arrows (2021), Only Ghosts(2016), Whales and Leeches(2013), Murder the Mountains(2011), and Red Fang (2009)
On February 28th, VOIVOD launched their 2024 North American Tour with PRONG, in Columbus, Ohio, at The King of Clubs. I was accompanied by my buddy Troy, who helped guide me along in the trenches due to my now using a cane to get around.
I’ve waited my entire life to see this legendary, pioneering, Canadian Metal band and I was left in awe; reminded at just how fabulous they are as musicians. Honestly, watching and hearing Michel “Away” Langevin was a treat in itself. His drumming was simply captivating.
Michel “Away” Langevin – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Away is a founding member of VOIVOD and I’ve always yearned to hear and see his drumming on the live stage. Mission accomplished!
Michel “Away” Langevin – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Fronted by vocalist and founding member Denis “Snake” Bélanger, VOIVOD had their fans ecstatic the entire night; inviting us all into the Sci-Fi themed world of their progressive thrash.
VOIVOD played songs that spanned their deep catalog of albums, (see set-list below). Snake stalked the stage, adding humor with his mannerisms to the Sci-Fi sound effects and speaking to the crowd between songs.
Snake’s vocals were sound and he worked the stage like a true Metal warrior. Snake even did a tribute to late founding member and guitarist Denis “Piggy” D’Amour, with VOIVOD playing their first ever song for him. The crowd chanted “Piggy” and it made for a memorable moment.
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Lead guitarist, Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain was on fire the entire show! His playing is top-tier for Metal guitarists, in my Metal opinion. I was caught fixated on his shredding and so were many, many around me; if he could’ve heard the adoration! Chewy has become a fixture of VOIVOD over these years.
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain and Away – photo credit: Stone/Metal OdysseyDominic “Rocky” Laroche – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Bassist Dominic “Rocky” Laroche was head banging while playing nearly the entire set it seemed, it looked like he felt every note he played go through his body and so did the crowd of fans! He and Away fit together perfectly on the rhythm section.
In summary, if you get any chance to see VOIVOD on their current tour or live in the future then GO! Truly one of the very best of Metal bands ever and they delivered a memorable show to brag about! Metal be thy name! – Stone
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
SETLIST:
Forgotten in Space Condemned to the Gallows Holographic Thinking Rise Pre-Ignition Nuclear War Fall Tribal Convictions The End of Dormancy Fix My Heart Encore: Voivod
From the heart of the Chicago underground metal scene arises epic traditional/doom metal collective ÇÖKÜŞ, today unveiling an earthmoving new single, “Wolf Moon.”
Chicago-based ÇÖKÜŞ is the product of ten years of mostly virtual collaboration between former Earthen Grave bandmates, vocalist Mark Weiner, drummer Chris Wozniak (Vanishment, Lair Of The Minotaur), and guitarist Jason Muxlow (Witchcryer, The Living Fields).
Even though Muxlow and Wozniak had moved thousands of miles away after the abrupt conclusion of Earthen Grave in 2013, the three stayed in touch, trading riffs, beats, and lyrics from their respective corners of the United States. The material that emerged saw influences from the usual suspects — Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Trouble, Dio — as well as old favorites like Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, and Kyuss.
Shortly before the pandemic, the group started meeting periodically in Chicago to write and record. Embracing a shorter, more polished format than their previous engagement, they privately released a demo under the moniker WMW in 2020, which generated a lot of buzz and positive feedback among those who had access to the recording.
Watch ÇÖKÜŞ’ “Wolf Moon” visualizer HERE and stream the song HERE.
In 2021, the group re-branded as ÇÖKÜŞ (pronounced cho-koosh; Turkish for “decline” or “collapse”) and recruited bassist and longtime friend Patrick Green to complete the lineup and the material which will become the band’s debut album. Soon after, they were joined by another old friend, Steve Ligeza (Torg, Makahiya), on second guitar, and ÇÖKÜŞ began playing live.
ÇÖKÜŞ’ first album, An Hour Of Lies, was captured in three states – Illinois, Washington, and Texas – the drums and vocals recorded by John E. Bohmher, Jr. at Berwyn Recording, the bass recorded by Patrick Green, and the guitars recorded by Jason Muxlow, the finished recordings were mixed by Chris Wozniak and mastered by Chris Hanzsek (Melvins, Soundgarden, Helms Alee).
The visual elements including the logo, album and single art, and video content was handled by Tom Denney (Soilent Green, Weedeater, Rwake)
While An Hour Of Lies will be released late this Summer, ÇÖKÜŞ presents a harbinger of the record with the new single, “Wolf Moon,” with it writing, “‘Wolf Moon’ is one of the last — and longer — songs written for the album, but quickly became a favorite, so we decided to release this one first. It’s a lot of fun to play, too. Musically, it features some odd scales and feels, which complement the lyrical themes well. It pairs well with Halloween and haunted walks through the woods.”
The full details on An Hour Of Lies will be issued in the months ahead and will be released by QumranRecords late this Summer.
ÇÖKÜŞ: Mark Weiner – vocals Jason Muxlow – guitar Steve Ligeza – guitar Patrick Green – bass Chris Wozniak – drums
Following ‘Kreel’s Magic Staff’, a first single and album harbinger released in 2023, Rhapsody Of Fire have revealed full details about their brand new studio offering, entitled ‘Challenge The Wind’, due out this May! In support, the band has announced a busy touring schedule, with many more shows to follow soon. Find all upcoming Rhapsody Of Fire dates listed below!
Their upcoming studio album, ‘Challenge The Wind’, is slated for a release on May 31, 2024 via AFM Records, the pre-sale has started today at:
For more than thirty years, fans of symphonic melodic metal act Rhapsody Of Fire have been able to rely on one thing: there’s nothing half-hearted about this band. The Italian masters of their craft can look back at an impressive catalogue of 14 studio albums, three EPs and two live recordings to date, all marked by lots of heart and soul, passion and a virtually inexhaustible wealth of ideas. Since 1993, mastermind and founder Alex Staropoli has been hailed as the creator of the film score metal genre and his band as one of the most charismatic acts worldwide. In addition, Staropoli has enlisted a highly creative first-rate guitarist in Roby De Micheli, who joined the fold in 2011, contributing lots of gritty metal riffs and virtuoso solos to contrast the band’s symphonic orchestral style.
The song is out now on all digital streaming services via:
Rhapsody Of Fire: Giacomo Voli (vocals) Alex Staropoli (keyboards) Roby De Micheli (guitars) Alessandro Sala (bass) Paolo Marchesich (drums)
The album will mark Rhapsody Of Fire‘s most fast-paced rager to date. “Compared to all previous Rhapsody Of Fire releases, the current album consists exclusively of up-tempo numbers, not a single ballad in sight,”reveals composer and keyboardistAlexStaropoli. None of our other records have featured as much pure, unadulterated metal as ‘Challenge The Wind’!” Give ear, today, Rhapsody Of Fire are premiering a music video for their new single, the album title track!
Staropoli adds: “The new Rhapsody Of Fire single “Challenge The Wind” is another strong musical statement from the band. Speed, energy, orchestrations, shredding guitars, amazing vocals and choirs; truly epic and divine music. Expect to be blown away, the entire album will shake you to your core!”
Challenge The Wind’ was produced by Alex Staropoli and mixed by Seeb Levermann (Orden Ogan), who is responsible for the homogeneous sound of the ten songs’ elaborate arrangements. As the first single releases prove, one can be sure: Rhapsody Of Fire’s fast-paced adventure is set to continue with undiminished intensity!
‘Challenge The Wind’ tracklist:
Challenge the Wind
Whispers of Doom
The Bloody Pariah
Vanquished by Shadows
Kreel’s Magic Staff
Diamond Claws
Black Wizard
A Brave New Hope
Holy Downfall
Mastered by the Dark
Rhapsody Of Fire Live: 05.05.2024 (MX) EL CONDE, Foro 360 07.05.2024 (CO) BOGOTA, Astor Plaza 09.05.2024 (BR) SAO PAULO, Caricoa Club 10.05.2024 (CL) SANTIAGO, Blondie 11.05.2024 (AR) COMUNA 1, El Teatrito 18.05.2024 (IT) TREZZO SULL’ ADDA MI, Live Club 29.06.2024 (FR) CLISSON, Hellfest 13.07.2024 (BG) MOGILOVO, Midalidare Rock in the Wine Valley 2024 19.07.2024 (FI) PERUNKA, John Smith Rock Festival 07.11.2024 (SE) MALMOE, Plan B 08.11.2024 (SE) GOTHENBURG, Surr Arena 09.11.2024 (SE) STOCKHOLM, Fryshuset Klubben 10.11.2024 (SE) GAVLE, Centralteatern
NEW DATE FOR THE WOLFSNÄCHTE TOUR 2024! After the metal mass in Paris is almost completely sold out already 8 months before the show, we have set everything in motion to make another date in France possible! On October 09th we will play an additional show at the Zenith in Nantes. We are already looking forward to coming back to the region near Hellfest, it brings back great memories! See you all there!
If there is one band that combines a classic approach with fresh ideas and an expansive joy of playing to honor their ancestors from the likes of early Exodus, Metallica, or Slayer, then it is the German heavy metal hellions, VULTURE. On their fourth album Sentinels, set for release on April 12th via Metal Blade Records, they prove once again that tradition and further development are not mutually exclusive, but on the contrary can lead to something extraordinary that leaves no headbanger untouched.
“In direct comparison to the last album, Dealin’ Death, we’ve picked up the pace again noticeably,” elaborates guitarist Stefan Castevet. “We’re bolder and a bit wilder again. It was important to us to be catchy and to include choruses that stick. Of course, we’ve basically retained our style, but we’ve defined the framework of the songs more clearly.”
“In order to create such a monster as Sentinels, some changes were necessary. “It started with the songwriting, where we took more time than usual. We recorded a total of three demos with numerous songs, which we also produced to the best of our ability. This gave us the chance to let our songs sink in as relatively final versions so that we could then choose the best pieces and – at least in part – rework them again.”
VULTURE again recorded with Marco Brinkmann in his Hellforge Studio where there were also some innovations. “We had a clearly structured daily routine, a normal working day with set goals in which we could focus purely on recording the songs. Our previous recordings were a bit less organized which resulted in working overtime for everyone involved at the end. This is one of the reasons why Sentinels is the best sounding VULTURE record to date!”
“In advance of the record’s release, today the band unleashes first single, “Unhallowed & Forgotten,” which serves as a blueprint for the VULTURE style: wild riffs, lots of breaks, and tone changes, furious solos, exploding toms, and a huge chorus! “Lyrically, we also stay true to ourselves,” notes Castevet. “The song is about the Blind Dead film series, whose thirst for blood, like ours, is difficult to quench.”
Watch VULTURE’s “Unhallowed & Forgotten” video, directed by Robert Piel, HERE.
Crystal Clear w/ Black Smoke (US) 180g Black (EU) Blood Red & White Splattered (EU – Ltd. 200) Bright Red White Marbled (EU – Ltd. 700) Special Edition Bundle w/ 12″ (Midnight Blue Marbled), 7″, Patch, Signed Photo, Poster (EU – Ltd. 500)
VULTURE: L. Steeler – vocals S. Castevet – guitars M. Outlaw – guitars A. Axetinctör – bass G. Deceiver – drums
Sentinels Track Listing:
Screams From The Abattoir
Unhallowed & Forgotten
Transylvania
Realm Of The Impaler
Draw Your Blades
Where There’s A Whip (There Is A Way)
Der Tod Trägt Schwarzes Leder
Death Row
Gargoyles
Oathbreaker
Sentinels (Heavier Than Time)
VULTURE Live: 3/14-17/2024 Underground Resistance Festival – Göteborg, SE 4/11/2024 Don’t Panic – Essen, DE * Record Release Show 4/12/2024 Bambi Galore – Hamburg, DE * Record Release Show 4/13/2024 Hühnermanhattan – Halle, DE * Record Release Show 4/26/2024 SWR Festival – Barroselas, PT 5/10/2024 Huginns Awakening Fest – Ostende, BE 5/30 – 6/1/2024 Muskelrock Festival – Alvesta, SE
The time has come to enter the next chapter in the CRASHDÏET book of madness. After much soul-searching, Gabriel has decided to leave the band to focus on other things in life.
We are shaken by his decision, but we respectfully wish him all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for the years he worked with us and his contribution to the last two studio albums.
Taking over the vocal duties will be none other than John Elliot. A good friend and excellent singer from the band Confess! He has the drive and the hunger to lead us into a promising future.
We also welcome Martin’s brother, Michael, as the band’s permanent drummer! He has stepped in for Eric on countless shows since 2011 and is a natural fit for us. Now that Peter is back and full of energy, we can proudly announce the lineup of CRASHDÏET in 2024:
John Elliot Martin Sweet Peter London Michael Sweet
By Norse Music is proud to celebrate Record Store Day on April 20th with two very special releases. The label will release a new edition of Wardruna’s ‘Skald’ album, which features two bonus tracks, including “Voluspá,” performed live with Eivør & Danish National Symphony Orchestra and the orchestral version of “Voluspá” with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.
The second release is Enslaved’s iconic album ‘Vikingligr Veldi,’ which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Both deluxe editions were entirely redesigned by Bartek Rogalewicz (Behemoth, Enslaved) and offer special high-end details that will ravish the fans and collector.
Wardruna – Skald details:
350g gatefold printed on reverse board
Red metallic ink and spot UV varnish
2LP 180g Voluspa red
12 pages full size booklet including English translations
2LP premium edition carefully restored and redesigned by Bartek Rogalewicz/Lodge. Black. First time in a gatefold 2LP format for a superior audio quality.
Enslaved – Vikingligr Veldi details:
350g gatefold printed on reverse board
metallic inks and spot UV varnish
2LP 180g Aurora Borealis green
30th Anniversary premium edition carefully restored and redesigned by Bartek Rogalewicz/Lodge. Black. Includes additional illustrations by Zbigniew M. Bielak and Bartek Rogalewicz.
Both editions will be available in Germany, USA and Canada only, starting April 20 in the participating stores. Get more information at recordstoreday.com.
Anniversary Live Album & Blu-Ray! 2024 marks twenty years of BLOODBOUND. Twenty years in which the Swedish power metal export has left a lasting impression on fans and the worldwide metal scene. The band can call ten studio albums their own, as well as numerous frenetically-acclaimed festival appearances and tours. Last year alone, the band played a major gig at Masters of Rock Festival, which is featured on their upcoming anniversary live album and Blu-Ray, entitled “The Tales of Nosferatu – Two Decades of Blood (2004 – 2024)”!
With songs like “Nosferatu”, “The Warlock’s Trail”, “Battle in the Sky”, or new songs of the band’s discography like “Drink with the Gods”, BLOODBOUND – who were formed in 2004 by keyboard player Fredrik Bergh and guitarist Tomas Olsson – have quickly established their sound in the world of heavy music. Not only because of their immense talent, but also because of their own affiliation to the metal scene, a dedication that comes with it and the skills to write incredibly good power metal songs.
“What a ride it has been! 10 studio albums, shows in over 25 countries and chart entries from all over the world. When I look back at the last 20 years, I can only say how proud I am of what we have created!”Fredrik Bergh comments. “We’re super excited to celebrate 20 years of Bloodbound with this release – together with YOU – our fans! Without you we’re nothing!”
In support, BLOODBOUND are now premiering a single taken off “The Tales of Nosferatu – Two Decades of Blood”. The anniversary live version of the band’s classic “The Warlock’s Trail” is out now on all digital services and is now streaming HERE.
Their first studio album, “Nosferatu”, was released in 2005, followed by nine more offerings such as “Creatures of the Dark Realm”, “Rise of the Dragon Empire” or “Tales from the North”. Since two decades, the BLOODBOUND bandwagon is unstoppable! To celebrate their special birthday in 2024, and while BLOODBOUND have also made a name for themselves as a great, highly entertaining live act, “The Tales of Nosferatu – Two Decades of Blood” will be the perfect proof to that.
This live album and Blu-Ray perfectly reflect the highlights of their career and high-voltage stage energy. In addition to the entire Masters of Rock show, the Blu-Ray also includes excerpts from a past Japan performance and all of BLOODBOUND‘s music videos released to date.
As a special and unique gift to their dedicated fanbase, the upcoming BLOODBOUND release will also include a comic, which was created by long-time companion and designer Péter Sallai. It tells the story of how the band’s mascot Nossen came to be; tastefully illustrated and with a story tailored to the band and their songs, this work is an absolute must-have piece of art!
BLOODBOUNDLine-Up: Patrik J. Selleby (Vocals) Tomas Olsson (Guitars) Henrik Olsson (Guitars) Anders Broman (Bass) Fredrik Bergh (Keyboards) Daniel Sjögren (Drums)
Live Album Tracklist: 01 – Bloodtale 02 – Tales from the North 03 – Slayer of Kings 04 – In the Name of Metal 05 – When Fate is Calling 06 – A New Era Begins 07 – Battle in the Sky 08 – Drink with the Gods 09 – The Warlock’s Trail 10 – Moria 11 – Creatures of the Dark Realm 12 – Rise of the Dragon Empire 13 – Nosferatu
Blu-Ray: BR 01 – Bloodtale BR 02 – Tales from the North BR 03 – Slayer of Kings BR 04 – In the Name of Metal BR 05 – When Fate is Calling BR 06 – A New Era Begins BR 07 – Battle in the Sky BR 08 – Drink with the Gods BR 09 – The Warlock’s Trail BR 10 – Moria BR 11 – Creatures of the Dark Realm BR 12 – Rise of the Dragon Empire BR 13 – Nosferatu BR 14 – Made of Steel BR 15 – Bloodtale BR 16 – Battle in the Sky BR 17 – Dragons are Forever BR 18 – Rise of the Dragon Empire BR 19 – Tales from the North BR 20 – Drink with the Gods BR 21 – Creatures Of The Dark Realm BR 22 – Rise Of The Dragon Empire BR 23 – Battle In The Sky BR 24 – Stormborn BR 25 – In The Name Of Metal
Exclusive Special Limited Edition 2LP Gatefold Colored Vinyl Reissue With Personal Liner Notes
Record Store Day began in 2008, and since many fans and retailers look forward to the annual event celebrating independent record stores and the numerous exclusive releases issued on the special day. This year RSD will be April 20th and M-Theory Audio is proud to represent again with a special vinyl reissue and we are pleased to bring you a limited edition 2LP colored vinyl reissue from Bay Area Thrashers FORBIDDEN for their 2010 comeback album, ‘Omega Wave.’
Limited to 1000 copies, this double album will be presented on clear vinyl, one with blue splatter and the other record red splatter, to reflect the colors in Kent Mathieu’s (Exodus, Possessed, Autopsy) stunning artwork of the crystal skull with the red and blue flying skulls reminiscent of his work on FORBIDDEN’s 1988 debut.
Additionally, this gatefold 2LP will include a 4-page insert featuring lengthy and personal liner notes from guitarist Craig Locicero recalling the era when the band reformed, wrote and recorded this cherished effort along with an extra band photo from Alex Solca and revamped layout by FORBIDDEN fan and Metal Church/Ross the Boss singer Marc Lopes.
‘Omega Wave’ marks a significant time as it was FORBIDDEN’s first comeback as original members Craig Locicero, bassist Matt Camacho and singer Russ Anderson regrouped and created a new album, their first since 1997’s ‘Green,’ with new members guitarist Steve Smyth (Testament, Nevermore, Vicious Rumors) and drummer Mark Hernandez (Vio-lence, Heathen, Defiance), which saw the group sign to Nuclear Blast Records and tour to support the album before hibernating again. Many regard ‘Omega Wave’ as an unheralded masterpiece and a record worth further investigation hence the value of bringing the effort back and making it available once more.
“In our opinion, ‘Omega Wave’ may be Forbidden’s strongest and most complete effort. That’s no disrespect to our first four offerings and the amazingly talented musicians that contributed to them. Those are all untouchable in their time,” states guitarist Craig Locicero. “After the years off, we had clear perspective and a new inspiration to make the best possible thrash record we could. We feel that we accomplished it.”
“Now we are very excited to have ‘Omega Wave’ re-released with a special two record, colored vinyl release and new packaging though M-Theory Audio. This ultra-limited special edition will be available on 4-20-24. Record Store Day! Get yours while you can.”
Additionally the timing of this is even more apparent considering FORBIDDEN premiered again in 2023 with a series of live shows and a further revamped lineup now featuring Craig, Matt, Steve and new singer Norman Skinner (Niviane, Imagika) and drummer Chris Kontos (Machine Head, Testament, Verbal Abuse). The group has met with tremendous renewed interest and performed several prestigious live dates with many more high-profile festivals on this year’s calendar including Hell’s Heroes, OmegaFest, Maryland Deathfest and Brutal Assault. Writing continues on FORBIDDEN’s forthcoming sixth album.
‘Omega Wave’ will be exclusively at indie record stores as part of the Record Store Day celebration. Check in with your local retailer and let them know you’re interested. Find stores and more information at recordstoreday.com
We are thrilled to announce that we have signed a new record deal with Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) for our upcoming studio album!
RPM proudly comments on the signing: “It is a true milestone for Reigning Phoenix Music to welcome HELLOWEEN to our family of artists. HELLOWEEN is not just a band, they epitomize the energy and passion of power metal. Their music has inspired generations, and we are proud to collaborate in order to reach new heights.”
As for us, we are equally enthusiastic about the new partnership: “Sven Bogner and his team have convinced us with their ideas and enthusiasm. They live and love metal, and this is what connects us – we look forward to be working with them!” explains Andi Deris.
Specifically, we will start working on new material from the summer and are planning to release a new studio album in 2025. Stay tuned, pumpkinheads!
Following the release of their latest, much acclaimed studio album Firestar, German power metal force IRON SAVIOR has unleashed a furious, new single entitled “Raising Hell”! Firestar was released in October 2023 via AFM Records, and is available at THIS LOCATION!
“Those were the days When Metal came out ways Making me stronger Day by day We’ve been the warriors To rule the gleaming city lights Metal on our minds We’re raising hell”
Sings IRON SAVIOR frontman, Piet Sielck, but give ear and listen to “Raising Hell”, now premiering and available on all digital services at: https://iron-savior.bfan.link/raising-hell
Order the album, a must-have record that belongs into every well-sorted power metal collection, at https://bfan.link/firestar
CROWBAR has announced their latest round of US headlining dates, confirming a two-week Spring run from March 30th through April 14th, with support from Morbid Visionz. The tour will see CROWBAR performing a special set of songs from their Crowbar and Odd Fellows Rest albums as part of the annual Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest in Philadelphia on April 12th. On April 13th, the band will play a Rocks Off Concert Cruise at Skyport Marina in New York City. Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
CROWBAR w/ Morbid Visionz: 3/30/2024 Southport Hall – New Orleans, LA 4/01/2024 Chelsea’s Live – Baton, Rouge, LA 4/02/2024 Growlers – Memphis, TN 4/03/2024 Granada Theater – Dallas, TX 4/04/2024 RecordBar – Kansas City, MO 4/05/2024 X-Ray Arcade – Milwaukee, WI 4/06/2024 Stan’s Room at Piere’s – Fort Wayne, IN 4/07/2024 Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI 4/08/2024 The Forge – Joliet, IL 4/09/2024 Black Circle Brewing – Indianapolis, IN 4/10/2024 Skully’s – Columbus, OH 4/11/2024 The Loud – Huntington, WV 4/12/2024 Decibel Metal And Beer Fest – Philadelphia, PA [tickets] * 4/13/2024 Rocks Off Concert Cruise @ Skyport Marina – New York, NY [tickets] * 4/14/2024 Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach, VA
CROWBAR only
CROWBAR released their most recent studio offering, the critically lauded Zero And Below, on MNRK Heavy in April 2022. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Duane Simoneaux at OCD Recording And Production in Metairie, Louisiana, Zero And Below is the band’s most unforgivably doom-driven record since their 1998 landmark effort, Odd Fellows Rest. Led by riff lord and vocalist Kirk Windstein, with guitarist Matt Brunson, bassist Shane Wesley, and drummer Tommy Buckley, songs like “Chemical Godz,” “It’s Always Worth The Gain,” and “Bleeding From Every Hole” are unapologetic emotional outpourings, with a bare-knuckle resolve alongside its soul-searching vulnerability, reliably delivered with crushing heaviness.
Zero And Below is available on CD, LP, cassette, and digitally. Preview and purchase the record at THIS LOCATION.
Watch the videos for “Chemical Godz” HERE and “Bleeding From Every Hole” HERE.
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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