We’re excited to announce our second guitarist. From now on the Italian/Cuban guitar sensation Thalia Bellazecca of Angus McSix will join PRIMAL FEAR as a full member and guitar partner of Magnus Karlsson!
Comments Thalia: “I’m stoked and excited to have the opportunity to play with these giants of the heavy and power metal scene. I feel so honored to share the stage with these amazing musicians and to start a new journey also with this incredible and historical band! Can’t wait to start working with all of you!”
Comments Ralf Scheepers: “After my last show in Italy, I got to know Thalia personally and I realized what a wonderful person she is… Anyone who knows me knows that personal contact and sympathy is very important to me. So I read up on her musical projects and skills and was blown away by her incredible talent! I can’t wait to work with her in the studio and of course live soon!“
Welcome Thalia and we’re super happy to have you in the Metal Commando!
New video and re-recorded version of classic track “No One’s Crying” streaming now!
Italian heavy metal veterans Crying Steel have released a re-recorded version of their iconic track “No One’s Crying”, originally released on their 1987 debut album On The Prowl. The new version features Ralf Scheepers of Primal Fear and ex-Gamma Ray on vocals.
The video was created by Natalia Śmiechowicz / @n.station (Motörhead, Dokken, Uriah Heep)
The release of the video follows the news of the band’s new permanent live and recording vocalist Tiziano HammerHead Sbaragli. Crying Steel will be performing with the new vocalist at Italian Metal Heroes festival on Saturday 31 August.
Earlier this year the band released “Live And Thunder”, a brand new live album recorded at the band’s 40th anniversary festival in their hometown of Bologna in Italy. Grab the album via Bandcamp, listen via Spotify and other digital platforms.
Crying Steel was formed in 1982 and is considered to be one of the very first heavy metal acts to come out of Italy. The band’s discography includes: Crying Steel (1985), On the Prowl (1987), The Steel is Back! (2007), Time Stands Steel (2013), Crying Steel Deluxe Edition (Crying Steel and On the Prowl remastered + Wacken DVD – 2016), Stay Steel (2018) and Steel Alive (2019).
Next week, Finnish metal icons AMORPHIS will return to North America on a co-headlining tour with their comrades in Dark Tranquillity. The journey begins on September 3rd in Richmond, Virginia and winds its way through over two-dozen cities with the tour coming to a close on October 6th in New York City. Support will be provided by Fires In The Distance. Tickets for this must-see tour are on sale now at: amorphis.net/tour. See all confirmed dates below.
AMORPHIS w/ Dark Tranquillity, Fires In The Distance: 9/03/2024 Canal Club – Richmond, VA 9/02/2024 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC 9/06/2024 Prog Power USA @ Center Stage – Atlanta, GA * AMORPHIS Headlining 9/07/2024 Conduit – Orlando, FL 9/09/2024 White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX 9/10/2024 Trees – Dallas, TX 9/11/2024 The Rock Box – San Antonio, TX 9/13/2024 Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ 9/14/2024 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 9/15/2024 Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA 9/17/2024 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA 9/18/2024 Goldfields Roseville – Roseville, CA 9/20/2024 Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR 9/21/2024 Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC 9/22/2024 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 9/24/2024 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT 9/26/2024 Marquis Theatre – Denver, CO 9/27/2024 The Bottleneck – Lawrence, KS 9/28/2024 The Cabooze – Minneapolis, MN 9/29/2024 The Forge – Joliet, IL 10/01/2024 Opera House – Toronto, ON 10/02/2024 Fairmount Theatre – Montreal, QC 10/03/2024 La Source de la Martinière – Quebec City, QC 10/04/2024 The Middle East Down – Cambridge, MA 10/05/2024 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 10/06/2024 Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY
Last month, AMORPHIS released Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia) via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). Exactly thirty years after its original release, the band celebrated the anniversary of their milestone release, Tales From The Thousand Lakes, with a unique live edition of the record, which represents an essential collector’s item for every AMORPHIS connoisseur. The magic of this work, grandly transferred onto the stage of Helsinki, Finland’s Tavastia Club, displays the band in their full glory: powerful, passionate, and unforgettable.
Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia) manifests AMORPHIS‘ unparalleled dynamism and artistic uniqueness. Rarely has the raw power and emotional depth of a live performance been captured so authentically as on this sonic memento and extraordinary concert film. With their second album, AMORPHIS erected a monument to Finnish mythology, nature, and music that remains as touching, inspiring, and nurturing today as it was back in 1994.
Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia) is out now via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) and can be ordered both physically (CD+Blu-ray-digipak or colored vinyl) and digitally or streamed now at: amorphis.rpm.link/taleslivePR.
Watch AMORPHIS’ previously released videos for “Drowned Maid” HERE, “Black Winter Day” HERE, and “Into Hiding” HERE.
This week, we finally kick off our North American tour with Unleash The Archers on Thursday in Los Angeles! Who’s ready to celebrate with us? It’s uncertain when we’ll have the chance to return, so make sure you don’t miss it!
The 40th is getting close! Find your nearest city.. Tickets available now!
09/11/24 – Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, TN 09/13/24 – Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT 09/14/24 – Uprise Festival, Shippensburg, PA 09/15/24 – The Goodyear Theater – Akron, OH 09/17/24 – TempleLive at the Columbus Athenaeum – Columbus, OH 09/19/24 – The Paramount Theatre – Anderson, IN 09/20/24 – Arcada Theater, St Charles, IL 09/21/24 – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, Shipshewana, IN 09/23/24 – Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa, OK 09/24/24 – Haute Spot, Cedar Park, TX 09/25/24 – Aztec Theatre, San Antonio, TX 09/26/24 – The Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, Midland, TX 09/28/24 – Arlington Music Hall, Arlington, TX 09/29/24 – TempleLive Arkansas – Ft Smith, AR 10/17/24 – Soli Deo Center – Nashville, TN 10/18/24 – Capitol Region MU Healthcare Amphitheater – Jefferson City, MO 10/19/24 – TempleLive at Wichita Scottish Rite Center – Wichita, KS 10/21/24 – Oriental Theater, Denver, CO 10/25/24 – South Shore Room” @ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe – Stateline, NV 10/26/24 – The Coach House – San Juan Capistrano 10/27/24 – Belly Up – Solana Beach, CA 10/29/24 – Celebrity Theatre – Phoenix, AZ 10/30/24 – The Rialto Theatre – Tucson, AZ 10/31/24 – The Plaza Theatre – El Paso, TX 11/03/24 – The Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE 11/04/24 – The Hawthorn – St. Louis, MO 11/07/24 – Patchogue Theater, Patchogue, NY 11/08/24 – Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ 11/09/24 – Keswick Theater, Glenside, PA 11/10/24 – Rams Head Live!, Baltimore, MD 11/13/24 – Capitol Theatre – Clearwater, FL 11/14/24 – Florida Theatre – Jacksonville, FL 11/15/24 – Center Stage – Atlanta, GA 11/16/24 – House of Blues, North Myrtle Beach, SC
From the eerie mists of the Blue Mountains, Australia, CARMERIA combine the haunting sounds of dark symphonic metal with the lovelorn energy of gothic rock. Today marks the release of their highly anticipated sophomore LP, Tragédie D’amour, and to celebrate, CARMERIA unveil the stunning new video for their latest single, “A Thousand Winter Rains”.
This atmospheric and intense track delves into themes of longing and sorrow, perfectly complemented by the evocative visuals in the video, showcasing the band’s dedication to exploring the more melancholic aspects of the human experience. Watch the video HERE.
Singer/songwriter Jordan von Grae shares: “The past 3 years have been a monumental journey through the peaks of love, and the valleys of loss, and reflecting on these experiences in the writing and production process for this album was both haunting and beautiful. As a writer, Tragédie D’amour took me out of my comfort zone, and the result was a series of wonderful lessons in songcrafting and production, and a newfound appreciation for the vast range of emotions and experiences held in the dichotomy of love and grief. It is my hope that those who listen to our record find solace in the fact that they are not alone in their experiences – the good, and the bad.”
Members: Jordan von Grae – Vocals | Principal Lyricist & Songwriter | Producer Jerry Zahija – Guitars Mishka Bobrov – Keys | Additional Backing Vocals Emma Louise Nagy – Bass | Secondary Vocals | Acoustic Guitars Lachlan Blackwood – Drums | Producer
Track Listing:
Call Forth My Sorrow
A Thousand Winter Rains
Thorns
Leading the Lyre
Whispers of Forgiveness
Shadow’s Throne
Immortal
Burning Ships
The Hoping Heart
A Vision in Passing
Since reforming with a new line-up in 2018, the band has been on a momentous warpath through the Australian music scene. CARMERIA’s debut album Advenae (2021) saw the 5-piece garner international acclaim. In the summer of 2021/2022, the group embarked on their first nation-wide tour, culminating in a sold out show in their hometown capital, Sydney.
The following years saw the ensemble write and record music for their 2nd opus, titled Tragédie D’amour, whichconsists of 10 new songs and sees the band’s sound taking on a more energetic gothic rock approach than its predecessor.
Credits: All lyrics and music written and performed by CARMERIA Produced by Jordan von Grae Co-Produced by Lachlan Blackwood Vocal Production and Mixing by Voya at Morava Audio Mastered by Miro Mastering Artwork by Digital Art – Mr_Anas1
Updated tour dates… PLEASE NOTE that if your city hasn’t been added yet, we are still rescheduling and it will be added!! All previously purchased tickets will be honored.
COAL CHAMBER Fiend For The Fans Tour with Fear Factory, Twiztid, & Black Satellite has been rescheduled for Spring 2025.
New Dates Announced + More To Follow
COAL CHAMBER FIEND FOR THE FANS TOUR 2025:
03/05 – Denver, CO – Summit 03/07 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues 03/08 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues 03/09 – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee Theatre 03/11 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre 03/12 – Houston, TX – House of Blues 03/14 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues 03/15 – Fort Worth, TX – Tannerhill’s Tavern & Music Hall 03/19 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live 03/22 – Newport, KY – Mega Corp. Pavillion 03/23 – Columbus, OH – Kemba Live 03/25 – Norfolk, VA – NorVa 03/27 – New York, NY – Palladium Times Sq. 03/28 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom 03/29 – Harrisburg, PA – HMAC 03/30 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live 04/04 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theater 04/05 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom 04/09 – Ft. Wayne, IN – Piere’s Entertainment Center 04/11 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop 04/12 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop 04/13 – Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall 04/15 – Sauget, IL – Pop’s 04/16 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave 04/18 – Maplewood, MN – Myth Live
Today marks the release of a new digital single from HATCHET. Surprisingly it’s the band’s cover of the W.A.S.P. classic “Hellion” from the LA shock rockers 1984 self-titled debut album, which just celebrated its 40th anniversary last week. “Hellion” can be heard on all streaming/download digital platforms or check it HERE https://youtu.be/V05Sa9n3Hv0?si=QA9epgSClc7Rl7TE
“Fist-pumping, headbanging, hardest of hard rock songs is what WASP’s ‘Hellion’ makes me feel. Few songs can take me from bored, sleepy, end of the day dredge to just full-on can’t sit still in your seat, rockin’ out with your cock out!” reveals HATCHETsinger/guitarist Julz Ramos.
“While there’s definitely heavier, faster, music galore out there, something about the energy in the recording of that specific song from that early time period of the band just can’t be beat. I’ve always wanted to play this song in some way. So here we go!
I really do have to lend a big thanks to our bassist and (ANUBIS frontman) Devin Reiche for helping with the melodic vocal duties on this one. It was a bit of a challenge for me, but with some coaching and his vocals in there thickening it up, it really enabled it to become a reality.”
“Hellion” will be included on the band’s forthcoming EP, Leave No Soul, out Oct. 25th, which also includes the title track https://youtu.be/w45dmT7Hvn4?si=aie6nhKcF8s_DtFI plus 2 more originals and the group’s take on another cover – ANNIHILATOR’s “Human Insecticide.” This specially priced EP (featuring cover artwork from Andrej Bartulovic/All Things Rotten (Raven, Hirax, Alcatrazz) and recorded, mixed and mastered by Nick Botelho/NB Recording (Interloper, The Kennedy Veil) the team behind HATCHET’s last albums, is available for pre-order now on limited-edition (300) blood moon colored vinyl, limited run (100) of cassettes or CD. https://lnk.to/leavenosoul
“We’re thrilled to finally release ourselves into you… haha – Yup! Go get yours now as they are very limited in physical format,” exclaims Julz. “Once they’re out – they are out!”
HATCHET was formed in 2006 by teenagers that shared a mutual love for the bands that built their hometown Bay Area metal scene two decades prior. Bands such as Testament, Exodus, and the early work of then-Bay Area transplants Metallica infused the initial blueprint that informed HATCHET’s sound. Signing to Metal Blade Records the group released ‘Awaiting Evil’ in 2008, followed by the release of three more albums – 2013’s ‘Dawn of the End,’ 2015’s ‘Fear Beyond Lunacy’ and 2018’s ‘Dying to Exist.’ The group has also cemented their status as a live powerhouse, performing alongside acts such as Trivium, Soilwork, Flotsam and Jetsam, Metal Church, Raven, Warbringer, Misfits’ Doyle, Jeff Loomis, Kataklysm, Krisiun, Havok and Exmortus.
In two weeks we land in North America to start the Jailbreak tour with our friends Lich King and Hatriot. This is one of the most important tours in our entire career.
All of you who have been asking our band to come to America or Canada for so many years … we hope that we will see each and every one of you there so we can finally meet!
After our last trip to Latin America in 2020 and the great time we had there, we knew we had to come back! In April and May 2025, the time has finally come for the Latin American Crusade!
It’s finally time to WAKE UP THE WICKED! Our new album is OUT NOW, and we want to celebrate its release together with all of you with the new music video for “We Don’t Wanna Be No Saints.”
WOLFSNÄCHTE TOUR 2024: PARIS SOLD OUT and more and more cities have fewer and fewer tickets! There is already no doubt that this will be by far the biggest Powerwolf tour ever!
Heavy metal enchantress WHITE CRONE has released her latest single “Prognosticator”. The hard-rocking single conjures up the magic of another time both in its lyrics and in its feel. The music recalls metal classics such as DIO and JUDAS PRIEST, while the lyrics whisk the listener into a world full of darkness and corruption. Vocalist and composer Lisa Mann howls her condemned protagonist’s tale with elegant fury.
About WHITE CRONE: Based out of Portland, Oregon, WHITE CRONE is the metal brainchild of award-winning blues artist and bassist/vocalist Lisa Mann. Growing up in the mosh pits of the 80s, she was inspired by bands such as IRON MAIDEN, MERCYFUL FATE, BLACK SABBATH, MANOWAR, DIO, and more. A mostly one-woman project, WHITE CRONE is a love letter to this grand era of metal, and a lyrical homage to mystical storytelling traditions of yore.
In 2020 she channeled all those influences and released her debut album as WHITE CRONE, the critically acclaimed The Poisoner. For the first time, she featured not only on bass guitar and vocals, but on 7-string guitar as well. Larry London provided most of the drums, save for one track featuring the legendary Vinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, DIO).
Now she is poised to release a follow-up album, of which the title track, “Prognosticator”, is the first single. The song “Prognosticator” is a fast-paced, prog-adjacent power metal romp which tells the preternatural origin story of the character WHITE CRONE, retaining the occult storytelling elements of the first album. It is the tale of a self-fulfilling astrological prophecy.
King Diamond returns to North America and has conjured support from Overkill & Night Demon to bring you a night of unholy apparitions. We have summoned and welcome Myrkur with special guest vocals during the King Diamond set.
We will be playing brand new songs from the upcoming album THE INSTITUTE also known as Saint Lucifer’s Hospital, which you will see on our brand new stage.
Presale begins tomorrow July 31st at 10 am EST. General on sale this Friday August 2nd at 10 am local: kingdiamondcoven.com/tour
Anyone that viewed the opening ceremony for the Summer Olympics held in Paris, France knows that there was music performances. One of the featured performers was Frances’ very own Gojira, at the Conciergerie on the banks of the Seine river.
I was surprised as any other metalhead to see Gojira there as well. It’s an extremely rare moment for any Metal band to take the world stage. They did our genre proud. I only tuned in because of hearing via news outlets that Gojira was featured. “Ah! Ça Ira” (a song made prominent during the French Revolution) was what I later found to be the song.
The (now controversial) headless Queen Marie Antoinette theme that segued into Gojiras’ performance took me by surprise as well and its visual shock and special effects made it all the more, well, can I say… Metal. Once Gojira was finished, I turned off the Paris Summer Olympics opening ceremony and went back to my UFO documentaries.
I will add, I later viewed the performance from Celine Dion and she was fabulous. This opening ceremony originally aired on NBC on July 26th and is currently being streamed on Peacock.
Iconic heavy metallers ARMORED SAINT will reissue their Revelation and LaRaza full-lengths on vinyl August 16th via Metal Blade Records.
Revelation is the fifth studio album from the band, originally released in 2000 on Metal Blade Records, and now available for the first time on vinyl in the US. The song “The Pillar” was originally written for the 1992 horror film Hellraiser III: Hell On Earth where the band makes a cameo appearance as a bar band performing the song “Hanging Judge” at the Boiler Room club.
Recalls bassist Joey Vera, “The story for ‘The Pillar’ was that sometime in 1991 we were approached by the producers for Hellraiser to write a song for the end credits of the movie. They had already agreed to give us the song ‘Hanging Judge’ and a part in the film. So we wrote ‘The Pillar’ which later they passed on and instead they decided to go with ‘Hell On Earth’ by Motörhead. If we’re gonna lose out, better that it’s by Motörhead!”
ARMORED SAINT’s Revelation was produced by Vera with executive producer Brian Slagel, mixed by Bill Metoyer, mastered for vinyl by Patrick W. Engel at Temple Of Disharmony in March 2024. The record will be released on double LP, featuring the bonus track “No Me Digas,” in the following color variants:
La Raza is the sixth studio album from ARMORED SAINT, originally released in 2010 on Metal Blade Records. La Raza was previously unavailable on vinyl outside of a limited 2010 UK release, and the album’s inclusion in the limited edition VMP Anthology: The Story Of Metal Blade eight-LP box set released in 2021.
La Raza was produced by Joey Vera, engineered by Bryan Carlstrom, mixed by Bryan Carlstrom and Vera and mastered for vinyl by Patrick W. Engel at Temple Of Disharmony in March 2024. The record will be released in the following color variants:
Long-running heavy metal icons, SATAN, will spend September roadbound on a nearly month-long European tour. The journey begins with seven dates through the UK and Ireland with special guests, Seven Sisters followed by a stop at Pyrenean Warriors Open Air Fest in Torreilles, France. From there, the band will wind their way through sixteen more cities throughout Europe alongside Haunt and Hellfire. Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
SATAN will be touring in support of their forthcoming new full-length, Songs In Crimson, set for release on September 13th via Metal Blade Records. Further details on the record will be revealed on July 24th. Stay alert.
SATAN: Brian Ross – vocals Russ Tippins – guitars Steve Ramsey – guitars Graeme English – bass Sean Taylor – drums
Finnish winter metal monolith WOLFHEART has released a ferocious new single, “Evenfall”, off their highly-anticipated album Draconian Darkness, to be released on September 6th, 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music. Hard-charging, memorable riffs lead into a soaring, strikingly melodic chorus, with clean vocals layered under roaring harshes. The song recalls the band’s more stripped-down roots, but with renewed energy that propels the band forward into a new era. You can listen to the track now here: https://wolfheart.rpm.link/evenfallPR
The band comments on the single, “‘Evenfall’ is the most guitar/riff driven and also least symphonic song on the album and creates a perfect link to the old school Wolfheart material from the first 2 albums. With all this energy compressed into 4 minutes it is a guaranteed addition to our setlist on our Euro tour in November.“
Pre-order Draconian Darkness in the physical format of your choice (CD digipak, colored vinyl), pre-save the album on your favorite DSP, or pre-order the album digitally HERE: https://wolfheart.rpm.link/draconiandarknessPR
Hellwitch begin their US Tour with Exciter, Midnight, and Wraith on July 18th! See the dates below:
07/18 – Morro Bay, CA @ The Siren 07/19 – Santa Ana, CA @ La Santa 07/20 – San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick 07/21 – Phoenix, AZ @ Nile 07/22 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad 07/24 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall 07/25 – San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box 07/26 – Austin, TX @ Come And Take It Live 07/27 – Dallas, TX @ Echo Lounge 07/29 – Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club 07/30 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies 07/31 – Cincinnati, OH @ Legends 08/01 – Brooklyn, NY @ Meadows 08/02 – Boston, MA @ Middle East 08/03 – West Seneca, NY @ Rockin Buffalo* 08/04 – York, PA @ Skid Row Garage* 08/05 – Baltimore, MD @ Metro Baltimore* 08/06 – Washington, DC @ The Pie Shop* 08/17 – Atlanta, GA @ TBA
HELLWITCH: Pat Ranieri – Guitars, Vocals J.P. Brown – Guitars Brian Wilson – Drums
INFO: Originally formed in 1984, Old school Florida Death Metal Absolute Legends HELLWITCH are back and their unique brand of highly energetic, incisive, Thrashing Death Metal. The band has always sounded insanely catchy, always balancing technicality to a great measure, HELLWITCH have drafted some genuine classic songs over the years and their new album is a culmination of all such works and experience.
September 13, 2024 will see hard rock titans VICTORY strike back with their brand new studio album, entitled Circle Of Life, slated for a release on AFM Records. The album pre-sale is available at: https://victory.bfan.link/circle-of-life
Circle Of Life sees the five-piece surrounding founder and iconic guitarist Herman Frank not only effortlessly build on earlier feats, but also sounds stronger than ever. Frank describes the release with its first-rate production as “even more grown-up and mature than its predecessor, we’ve taken the new songs to a whole new level in every respect.” He knows what this optimised performance is due to: “The group operates as a tight unit, based on the experience of the many live shows we’ve played together. ‘Circle Of Life’ brings together what has grown together and belongs together.”
Naturally, the excellent reputation of a successful hard rock act such as VICTORY is based, among other things, on the superb achievements of their long-standing career. The early days of the Hanover-based group date back to the 1980s and include immortal album classics and successful tours around the globe. However, none of this would account for much or would indeed be classed as anything but nostalgia if their present accomplishments weren’t on a par with the band’s impressive past.
All of the ten new album tracks were recorded by Herman Frank together with vocalist Gianni Pontillo, rhythm guitarist Mike Pesin, bassist Malte Frederik Burkert and drummer Michael Stein at Hanover’s famous Horus Sound Studios, featuring a mix courtesy of sound engineer Arne Neurand.
Circle Of Life Tracklist: 01.Tonight We Rock 02. American Girl 03. Count On Me 04. Surrender My Heart 05. Unbelievable World 06. Moonlit Sky 07. Falling 08. Money 09. Reason To Love 10. Virtual Sin
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"
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