LEAVESβ EYES Released Gripping Music Video For New Single “Realm of Dark Waves”
Symphonic metal vikings, LEAVES’ EYES, have revealed new details about their much-awaited, new album “Myths Of Fate“! Slated for a release on March 22, 2024 via AFM Records, the album pre-sale has just started at https://leaveseyes.bfan.link/Myths-of-Fate! Perfect in time to celebrate their new album live, LEAVES’ EYES have also announced an extensive touring schedule kicking off in March, find all live dates listed below!
Four years after bringing βThe Last Vikingβ to Valhalla with their previous opus, LEAVES’ EYES resurrect with “Myths Of Fate” to celebrate their 20th year of existence. With their ninth studio album under their belt, the Germany-based act consolidates their leading position in the symphonic metal universe. Powerful, epic and impressive – LEAVES’ EYES once again merge traditional metal genres by fusing elements of folk, gothic, and classical music into a captivating sonic masterpiece.
With βMyths Of Fateβ, the band once again set sails for new winds that definitely blow from the harsh shallows of the symphonic metal genre. The fantastic world of legends from Norse and Eastern European mythology is the setting for monumental entertainment. βThe early Middle Ages were a fascinating time of change. Some of these innovations have left their mark around the globe and continue to impact our modern worldβ, tells band mastermind and singerAlex Krull.
In support of LEAVES’ EYES’ forthcoming opus, the band produced a total of five music videos with Mastersound Entertainment. Filmed on impressive locations in Iceland, Germany and Poland, they bring the myths captivatingly to the screen. Magic creatures, great battles and enchanting warrior queens come to live! The music video for βRealm Of Dark Wavesβ is now premiering HERE.
Once again, LEAVESβ EYES have created an entire universe of their own imagination that showcases their talent as storytellers and music perfectionists. No doubt, the band will leave an everlasting footprint in their own genre with this album. βMyths Of Fateβ provides a dynamic soundtrack for a vivid escape into a magical world of mythology!
LEAVES’ EYES TOUR DATES with special guests METALITE on selected dates + CATALYST CRIME: 14.03.2024 UK Birmingham / Asylum 15.03.2024 UK Glasgow / Slay 16.03.2024 UK London / The Dome 17.03.2024 UK Manchester / Academy 3 19.03.2024 DE NΓΌrnberg / Hirsch 20.03.2024 CZ Solothurn / Kofmehl 21.03.2024 DE Bochum / Matrix 23.03.2024 DE OsnabrΓΌck / Bastard Club 24.03.2024 DE Leipzig / Hellraiser 26.03.2024 DE Darmstadt / Centralstation 27.03.2024 DE MΓΌnchen / Backstage 29.03.2024 ES Madrid / Moby Dick 30.03.2024 PT Porto / Hard Club 01.04.2024 ES Barcelona / La Nau 02.04.2024 IT Milano / Legend Club 03.04.2024 AT Vienna / Szene 04.04.2024 HU Budapest / Analog Music Club 05.04.2024 BG Sofia / Joy Station Club 06.04.2024 RO Bucharest / Fabrica 07.04.2024 RO Cluj Napoca / Form Space 08.04.2024 PL Krakau / Kamienna 12 09.04.2024 PL Warsaw / Hydrozagadka 10.04.2024 PL Gdansk / Drizzly Grizzly 11.04.2024 DE Hamburg / Headcrash 13.04.2024 DE Berlin / Orwohaus
Hard rock power metal titans FIREWIND, who are currently gearing up for an extensive European and US tour, among new live shows added in the UK and Japan (find all dates and infos listed below!), will release their much-awaited, tenth studio album, entitled Stand United, on March 1, 2024 via AFM Records.
Stand United will be available as CD, LP Vinyl, digital formats and highly collectable bundles including an autographed card, a FIREWIND cat patch plus a ticket for the band’s upcoming European tour withMASTERPLAN!For every ticket bundle purchase, fans will also get the chance to win a Meet & Greet, album pre-orders are up at: https://firewind.bfan.link/stand-united
Following previously-released, first album singles such as “Salvation Day”or the powerful anthem “Come Undone”, today, the iconic band formed by guitar legend Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil) has shared a music video for their latest single “Fallen Angel”! Gus G reveals:
βFallen Angel” is a song about the eternal battle between good and evil, a song about the temptations of life. There’s been so many interpretations of all this. Working again with director Rainer “ZIPP” Franze, we gave a biblical touch on the visuals and there’s even some choreography going on, for your viewing pleasure. Musically, I feel there’s a good balance of modern and classic Metal elements which is where Firewind should be in 2024.”
The new FIREWIND music video is now premiering HERE
Since more than twenty years, FIREWIND enthrall heavy music fans with their exciting blend of hard rock and power metal. Razor-sharp riffs by Gus G, big hooks and solos meet the incredible vocal skills of charismatic singer Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Radiant, Seventh Avenue, amongst others).
FIREWIND: Gus G. (guitars) Herbie Langhans (vocals) Petros Christo (bass) Jo Nunez (drums)
βStand Unitedβ – track listing:
Salvation Day
Stand United
Destiny is Calling
The Power Lies Within
Come Undone
Fallen Angel
Chains
Land of Chaos
Talking in Your Sleep
Days of Grace
In support of Stand United and among a European tour with MASTERPLAN kicking off in February, FIREWIND will not only return to the US and Canada this Spring, but have also announced new live dates for the UK and Japan! Make sure to see them live on tour, Tickets and VIP bundles are available at:https://bnds.us/663bll
MASTERS OF FIRE EUROPEAN TOUR 2024 FIREWIND & MASTERPLAN LIVE:
UK 30.03 π¬π§ – London, Underworld (w/ special guests Fury)
FIREWIND – STAND UNITED IN AMERICA 2024 – with Special guests: EDGE OF PARADISE & IMMORTAL GUARDIAN:
04.11 πΊπΈ Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz 04.12 πΊπΈ Manchester, NH – Angel City Music Hall 04.13 πΊπΈ Reading, PA – Reverb 04.14 πΊπΈ Pittsburgh, PA – Crafthouse 04.15 π¨π¦ Toronto, ON – Ground Control 04.16 πΊπΈ Westland, MI – Token Lounge 04.17 πΊπΈ Hobart, IN – Hobart Art Theatre 04.19 πΊπΈ Springfield, IL – Danenberger Family Vineyards 04.20 πΊπΈ Peoria, IL – Revival Music Hall 04.21 πΊπΈ Joliet, IL – The Forge 04.23 πΊπΈ Denver, CO – HQ 04.25 πΊπΈ San Diego, CA – Brick by Brick 04.26 πΊπΈ Anaheim, CA – Parish @ House of Blues 04.27 πΊπΈ W. Hollywood – Whisky A GoGo 04.28 πΊπΈ San Francisco – DNA Lounge 05.01 πΊπΈ Austin, TX – Come and Take it Live 05.02 πΊπΈ Dallas, TX – Sundown @ Granada 05.03 πΊπΈ San Antonio, TX – Rolling Oaks Events Center 05.06 πΊπΈ Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
JAPAN 15.05 π―π΅ Tokyo – Shibuya Club Quattro 16.05 π―π΅ Osaka – Club Quattro
ALTERIUM, the new Italian power metal quintet led by Nicoletta Rosellini (ex. Kalidia, Walk in Darkness), has revealed new details about their hotly-anticipated, first full-length studio album! “Of War And Flames” will be out on March 8, 2024 via AFM Records, the pre-sale is now available via: https://alterium.bfan.link/of-war-and-flames
Following previously-released, first album appetizers, “Siren’s Call”, “Drag Me To Hell” and the epic cover version of Sabaton‘s “Bismarck”, ALTERIUM have unleashed their powerful title track “Of War And Flames”!
Born in late 2022, ALTERIUM consists of vocalist Nicoletta and former bandmates Paolo Campitelli (guitars) and Dario Gozzi (drums) from Kalidia, soon joined by Alessandro Mammola (guitars, also in Draconicon) and Luca Scalabrin (bass, also in Altair).
After Kalidia parted ways, Nicoletta decided to take a different approach and finally unleashes her whole potential as both a singer and a songwriter. Produced by Lars Rettkowitz (Freedom Call), and featuring 9 original classy power metal tracks including the cover of βBismarckβ, “Of War and Flames” turns out to be a triumph of catchy choruses, terrific vocal lines, powerful sounds, strong guitar riffs, explosive drums, majestic choirs and captivating grooves, all skillfully mastered by Achim Koehler. Pre-order your album copy now, and get ready for new power metal hope ALTERIUM, when theywill take the metal scene by storm!
Heavy metal icons Pantera will return to the stage this February on the second leg of their North American headlining tour with special guest, Lamb Of God. Much like last Summerβs run, each show will feature an opening performance by one of three Housecore Records recording artists on select dates.
Housecore Records was founded by Pantera frontman Philip H. Anselmo in an effort to release material by his many side projects and from other bands heβs supported throughout his career. Joining this leg of the tour will be St. Louis-based metal trio and recent Housecore Records signees NEST, featuring Scour/Agoraphobic Nosebleed bassist John Jarvis, as well as two Detroit juggernauts β art punk/noise metallers CHILD BITE and hardcore punk/thrashers SNAFU (Situation Normal All Fucked Up) — both of which opened for Pantera in 2023.
Notes Anselmo, βI am very pleased Housecore bands will have the opportunity to play these shows; theyβre all excellent and will deliver the goods, no doubt, so show up early!β
The bands comment:
NEST – Photo by John Jarvis
NESTβs John Jarvis: βIβd like to thank Housecore Records, Lamb Of God, and Pantera for this incredible opportunity! I was lucky enough to see Pantera when I was 12, and if you had told me then that Iβd open up for them on an arena tour in 2024, I would have called you crazy. Actually, I still donβt believe it as I type this, but itβs apparently happening! Thanks to everyone thatβs helped us along the way and all NEST members past and present. Itβs truly a dream come true and will probably go down as the coolest thing thatβs ever happened to me.”
CHILD BITE – Photo by Trevor Naud
CHILD BITEβs Shawn Knight: “Oh boy, here we go! Pantera hath beckoned the BITEβ¦ again. Can’t wait to blast our brain-damaged jams in some MFing arenas. Winter too, so it’ll actually be dark when we play this time around! Philip, Rex, Charlie, Zakk… see you at catering [smooch]!”
SNAFU – Photo by Brian Sheehan
SNAFUβs Scott Curnow: “Oh man, I can’t believe we get to do this again! Last Summer was absolutely insane for us. One minute we’re playing in a two-car garage to fifty people, the next minute we’re opening for Pantera and Lamb Of God in front of 13,000 people. What a trip! Weβre forever grateful to the Pantera crew, the Housecore family, and Lamb Of God for having us back. We can’t wait!”
German Hard ‘n Heavy metal band CobraKill, recently signed to Frontiers, are set to release their incredible second album ‘Serpent’s Kiss‘, on 19th January 2024.
The band show excitement for the upcoming album: ββSerpent’s Kissβ is a testament to our musical evolution. Recorded in the studio, it showcases a remarkable diversity, giving birth to infectious earworms right from the initial sessions. The album is a testament to our growth since our debut, radiating with creativity and displaying a newfound maturity. With drummer Toby Ventura taking the reins in production, mixing, and recording, we had unparalleled freedom to sculpt our sound. “Serpent’s Kiss” undoubtedly marks a significant leap forward for usβ.
Formed in 2020, CobraKill swiftly garnered attention for embracing the sound, attitude, and ferocity reminiscent of iconic artists such as MΓΆtley CrΓΌe, Judas Priest, W.A.S.P., Lizzy Borden, and RATT. Their ambitious goal is to reignite the flames of heavy metal’s glory days from the ’80s and conquer the world with their unique music.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of these legendary bands, the quintet, featuring Nick Adams on vocals, Randy White on lead guitar, Tommy Gun on rhythm guitar, Crippler Ramirez on bass, and Toby Ventura on drums, not only captures the essence of the ’80s but embodies it in both sound and appearance.
CobraKill‘s rise to prominence has been marked by electrifying performances and meticulously crafted songs. Fans attending their shows often describe the experience as magical, with many likening the atmosphere to witnessing the young MΓΆtley CrΓΌe commanding the stage.
The band’s debut album, ‘CobratΓΆr,’ released in 2022, achieved remarkable success, selling out its physical format within weeksβa testament to the band’s rapid ascent in the music scene.
CobraKill’s music seamlessly blends metal, rock, sleaze, and glam, creating a sonic landscape that not only pays homage to the glory days of hair metal in the ’80s but also asserts the enduring vitality of rock n’ roll in 2024. ‘Serpentβs Kiss’ promises to be an infectious rock record that will undoubtedly set the tone for the musical landscape in the year ahead.
The brand new open air festival METAL PARK have announced its first edition, set to take place from July 6th to July 7th 2024 in the ancient park of Villa Ca’ Cornaro in Romano D’Ezzelino, Vicenza (Italy).
The legendary frontman of Iron Maiden, BRUCE DICKINSON will headline the first day of the festival with his solo project. The second day will host as headliners the iconic Norwegian black metal band EMPEROR.
CAVALERA (full SEPULTURA set), THE DARKNESS, STRATOVARIUS, RICHIE KOTZEN, DARK TRANQUILLITY, MICHAEL MONROE, MOONSPELL and FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE are the first confirmed support acts.
JULY 6 2024: BRUCE DICKINSON THE DARKNESS STRATOVARIUS MICHAEL MONROE RITCHIE KOTZEN
more tba
JULY 7 2024:
EMPEROR CAVALERA – Full Sepultura Set DARK TRANQUILLITY MOONSPELL FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE
more tba
Two-days passes and single day tickets can be purchased on Ticketone, Ticketmaster, TicketSms, and Mailticket. Attenders can also buy admission ticket to the camping site and car parking.
Single day ticket: 70β¬ + p.d. Two-days pass: 100β¬ + p.d. Camping 2 nights including pitch for 4 people with tent or camper van and car parking: 40 β¬ Parking (1 car): 7 β¬
Bay Area thrash icons VIO-LENCE will return to the stage this April for a special eight-date headlining tour featuring the band performing their classic 1988-released debut full-length Eternal Nightmare in its entirety!
The tour runs from April 5th in Cambridge, Massachusetts through April 13th in Chicago, Illinois. Support will be provided by Exhorder, Deceased, and Mortal Wound. Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
VIO-LENCE w/ Exhorder, Deceased, Mortal Wound: 4/05/2024 Middle East / Downstairs – Cambridge, MA 4/06/2024 Monarch – Brooklyn, NY 4/07/2024 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA 4/08/2024 The Ottobar – Baltimore, MD 4/10/2024 The Winchester – Cleveland, OH 4/11/2024 Legends Bar & Venue – Cincinnati, OH 4/12/2024 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 4/13/2024 Reggies – Chicago, IL
Formed in 1985, Oakland thrashers VIO-LENCE helped define and refine what came to be known as the Bay Area sound, dropping three seminal albums before splitting in 1993. Leaving behind a heady legacy, they briefly reformed a handful of times in the intervening years before becoming a full-time band once more in 2019.
After playing a string of successful shows, the quintet delivered Let The World Burn in 2022, a five-song EP showcasing their first new material in twenty-nine years. Delivering on the classic VIO-LENCE sound, Let The World Burn 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).
βThe missing link between Ronnie James Dio and Christina Aguileraβ. Thatβs how Athens born ANDRY LAGIOU describes herself as a vocalist. A former runner-up on The Voice of Greece and frontwoman of The Harps, she has decided to embark on a solo career and will be just ANDRY.
Being a well-known name on the international metal scene, her highly anticipated debut album ‘Skies’ will be released on February 16 2024 through Baby Mistress Records.
The first single, for the title-track ‘Skies’ is out now and available on all streaming platforms via The Orchard, at https://orcd.co/skies.
Skies’, the hard-hitting title track of the album is an important song for Andry and close to her heart: βSkies is about empowerment and rising through the ashes of a nuclear war having many allegories of female abuse and my personal life. The artwork of the album is inspired by the space and how it might look in the future. Since you canβt live in the past it is consoling to dream about the future and about the changes it will bring.β
Andry is much more than just a singerβ¦ songwriter, guitar player, feminist. She first appeared on the scene in 2013, when she founded her band The Harps but it was in 2017 when she took Greece by storm after winning a blind audition on The Voice, covering a spectacular version of Deep Purpleβs ‘Burn’. The video garnered more than one million views on YouTube (see below). After finishing as the runner-up at The Voice of Greece, Andry released the album ‘Love Strikes Doves’ with The Harps and was featured as guest vocalist on several albums, including The Vivaldi Metal Project and prog metal act Pyramid, where she duetted with Tim Ripper Owens on the smash song ‘Stygma’.
By 2022 Andry decided to take fate in her own hand and wrote and recorded her first solo-album ‘Skies’. Mixed by sound wizard Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Winery Dogs, Steel Panther), the album features contributions from Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Winery Dogs, David Lee Roth), Mike Lepond (Symphony X), Russell Gilbrook (Uriah Heep) and Stephen Platt (Devin Townsend).
Most of all, ‘Skies’ contains the amazing vocal and songwriting talents of Andry, a strong and confident woman who has taken control of her own careerβ¦ and life: βOne choses her own destiny. Are you a slave to your emotions or your goals? Life is like a jungle, you eat or you’ll be eaten.β
With the imminent release of her album, Andry has put a kick-ass live band together to take her music to live stages across Europe and beyond. Her tour will start in January with shows in the Benelux.
Next confirmed shows: 14-01-2024: The Church – Almelo (TRY OUT) – NL 16-01-2024: De Lantaarn – Hellendoorn (NL) 18-01-2024: Eurosonic 2024 -Simplon Groningen (ESNS EXTRA) – NL 20-01-2024: Iduna – Drachten – NL 27-01-2024: Rockbox – Claussen β Lux
Live-band: Andry β vocals Ivan Keller β guitar Hans in βt Zandt β drums Robin van der Bor β bass Fab Jablonski β keyboards
Today, Atomic Fire Records proudly welcomes St. Louis metal powerhouse VOIDGAZER to their label family.
Comments the band, “VOIDGAZER is beyond fired up to join the roster of Atomic Fire Records and stand shoulder to shoulder not only with bands that defined entire genres, but also other up and comers also out to prove something to the world. We think we are in the right place at the right time to help rewrite the rules the way our predecessors did. With their DNA pumping through our veins, and the global vision of Atomic Fire Records behind us, VOIDGAZER is ready to write our own chapter in heavy metal history.”
Founded in late 2015 by mastermind Manny Watts, extreme prog merchants VOIDGAZER released their debut EP, Years Of Exile, the following year. The band jammed around the Midwest over the next three years, naturally evolving the music and band until the current lineup. Although they first played together in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them put their live performances on ice as well as hit pause on the release of their second EP, Dance Of The Undesirables. They initially planned a large release campaign for the offering but ultimately only pressed enough copies to cover their last few scheduled live performances. It was during this down time that Atomic Fire Records took interest in VOIDGAZER‘s vision and offered them an international recording contract.
To seal the deal, Dance Of The Undesirables will be released early next year with additional new material. Stay tuned for detailsβ¦
In a thrilling announcement for rock and metal fans, the legendary bands VOΓVOD and PRONG are delighted to confirm their much-anticipated co-headline tour, set to take place in 2024. This tour marks a reunion of sorts for the two bands, who have long admired each other’s work and have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to hit the road together once again.
Tickets will be available at 12pm EST on Friday, December 15th and can be purchased here: https://voivod.com/en/shows
The decision to embark on this tour was an easy one for both bands, united by their fresh and acclaimed new records. VOΓVOD, the Canadian heavy metal connoisseurs, recently released their latest album, Morgoth Tales, under the banners of Century Media, The Orchard, and Sony Music. This record is a testament to their enduring impact in the metal scene, showcasing their evolution and prowess.
Furthermore, VoΓ―vod‘s 2022 release, Synchro Anarchy, has garnered significant acclaim, winning the 2023 Juno Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Album in Canada. This recognition is a clear indicator of VoΓ―vod’s undiminished skill and relevance in the genre.
The upcoming tour promises to be an exhilarating experience, as both VOΓVOD and PRONG are known for their dynamic and powerful live performances. Fans can expect a blend of new hits and classic favorites, delivered with the raw energy and passion that both bands are renowned for.
VOΓVOD and PRONG Full Dates: Wed 2/28/24 – Columbus, OH – King of Clubs Thu 2/29/24 – Milwaukie, WI – The Rave Fri 3/1/24 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater Sat 3/2/24 – Kansas City, MO – recordBar Sun 3/3/24 – Denver, CO – Oriental Theater Mon 3/4/24 – South Salt Lake, UT – The Commonwealth Room Wed 3/6/24 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom Thu 3/7/24 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon Fri 3/8/24 – Eugene, OR – John Henry’s Sat 3/9/24 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre Sun 3/10/24 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre Tue 3/12/24 – San Diego, CA – Brick by Brick Wed 3/13/24 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren Fri 3/15/24 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater Sat 3/16/24 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom Sun 3/17/24 – St. Louis, MO – The Golden Record Wed 3/20/24 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall Thu 3/21/24 – Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s Entertainment Center Fri 3/22/24 – Knoxville, TN – The Concourse Sun 3/24/24 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater
Tickets will be available at 12pm EST on Friday, December 15th and can be purchased here: https://voivod.com/en/shows
Other previously announced, upcoming VOΓVOD live dates are as follows:
VOΓVOD β Live 2023/2024: Sat 12/16/23 – Laval, QC – Place Bell + Meshuggah & In Flames Fri 2/23/24 – Joliette, QC – Centre Culturel Desjardins Sat 2/24/24 – Saint-Hyacinthe, QC – Centre Des Arts Juliette-Lassonde
And more international dates to be announced soon…
Stressing the bandβs untamed and contagious live-energy, you can now also check out a newly released VOΓVOD live-video of their classic track βRiseβ (which also appeared on the bandβs 40th anniversary release βMorgΓΆth Talesβ) from the bandβs appearance at this yearβs Wacken Open Air festival in Germany: https://youtu.be/ue5vkaoIqFU
βMorgΓΆth Talesβ succeeded VOΓVODβs 15th (!) much acclaimed studio album βSynchro Anarchyβ, which entered sales charts upon release in early 2022 as follows: Germany # 7 (!), Switzerland # 64, Austria # 67, The Netherlands # 88, Belgium # 129, UK (Rock & Metal) # 7, Canada (Hard Music) # 2, USA Current Hard Music # 8, USA Top New Artist # 11, USA Heatseekers # 56 and USA Current Album # 67.
And stay connected for more VOΓVOD news coming soonβ¦
Finnish melodic metal titans SONATA ARCTICA deliver the perfect soundtrack for the cold season with their stormy new opus Clear Cold Beyond, set for release on March 8th, 2024 through Atomic Fire. In advance of the release, the quintet is pleased to unveil epic new single, βA Monster Only You Can’t See;β a song about friendship and never leaving anyone behind.
Frontman Tony Kakko elaborates, “We all may have, in our group of friends, that one person who seems to be a magnet for all kinds of problems, many of which they may not even see themselves. Maybe you’re that one? You might be an asshole, but you’re our asshole and we can see through all that, see the real you, and help. And when children arrive to the scene, they all fit under that same umbrella. Don’t worry. We’ll kick your butt up that hill.”
Watch SONATA ARCTICAβs lyric video for βA Monster Only You Can’t Seeβ HERE. Stream/purchase the track HERE.
Stream previously released single βFirst In Lineβ at THIS LOCATION.
Clear Cold Beyond will be available on digipak CD, jewel case CD (US), 2XLP on multiple color variants, and digitally.
Preorder the album in the physical format of your choice, presave it on your favorite DSP, or preorder it digitally to receive βA Monster Only You Can’t Seeβ and βFirst In Lineβ instantly at sonataarctica.afr.link/clearcoldbeyondPR.
Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube HERE and listen to βA Monster Only You Can’t Seeβ as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
SONATA ARCTICA: Tony Kakko β vocals Elias Viljanen β guitars Pasi Kauppinen β bass Henrik βHenkkaβ Klingenberg β keyboards Tommy Portimo β drums
Following their trip through various acoustic landscapes during the pandemic, Clear Cold Beyond contains ten tracks reviving SONATA ARCTICAβs penchant for power metal-esque songwriting. From high-speed anthems such as βFirst In Lineβ and βCaliforniaβ to emotion-laden tracks like βThe Best Thingsβ and the closing title track, the record offers something for each and every SONATA ARCTICA fan. The album’s artwork, reminiscent of the art adorning early releases, was created by Niko Anttila. Additionally, the band returned to mixing engineer Mikko Karmila (1999βs Ecliptica, 2012βs Stones Grow Her Name). Final mastering was handled by Svante ForsbΓ€ck (Rammstein, Korpiklaani, Delain, The 69 Eyes, Deathstars) who has also been part of other SONATA ARCTICA productions.
Following their latest, chart-topping album, Invincible (available HERE!), that entered a phenomenal #1 in the Swiss album charts, SHAKRA return with another musical encore! While Christmas time is approaching, the Swiss hard rockers are now premiering a video clip for their new single βAngels Landing“!
βAngels Landing” – a sonic odyssey at the threshold of longing and fulfillment.” The band states. βThis song is a rock anthem for the rediscovery of lost hearts, inviting you to a rendezvous at a mythical place: where only angels dare to land. Are you ready for the landing?”
The new SHAKRA track βAngels Landing” is out now on all digital services at THIS LOCATION!
βYou are invincible β You can achieve anything, not if you believe in it, but if you know it…and that makes you invincible!” That’s the core message of the band’s latest album offering, Invincible, that was lauded by both rock fans and critics alike. Released in June 2023 via AFM Records, SHAKRA have proved why they are not only invincible but belong to one of the most enthralling, powerful acts the hard and heavy rock scene has to offer!
Epic Metal pioneers WARLORD are on a mission in tribute to fallen bandmate William J Tsamis and return once more with a new album in 2024.
With “Free Spirit Soar”, a brand-new studio album by Warlord with all songs having been recorded between March and September 2023, singer Giles Lavery and drummer Mark Zonder honor their bandmate Bill Tsamis who passed away in 2021.
They are joined by Jimmy Waldo on keyboards/synthesizer, Philip Bynoe on bass and Eric Juris on guitars. βWe wanted to finish these pieces of music that were started βfor Billβ,β explains Lavery, βand the material we felt was certainly strong enough to inspire us to do so.β Regarding the guitar parts he specifies: βBill is there where we could pull his tracks off the demo recordings, in much the same way the Beatles were recently able to rescue John Lennonβs voice from an old demo tape. however be assured this album is not “a demo”, nor does it sound like one, our new guitarist Eric does most of the heavy lifting as far the recording, but all of the music was written by Bill and we stayed very very faithful to what he wrote.β
Tracklist: 01 Behold A Pale Horse 02 The Rider 03 Conquerors 04 Worms Of The Earth 05 The Watchman (CD-exclusive track) 06 Free Spirit Soar 07 The Bell Tolls 08 Alarm 09 Twin (CD-exclusive track) 10 Revelation XIX
Line Up: Mark Zonder – Drums Philip Bynoe – Bass Eric Juris – Guitars Jimmy Waldo – Keyboards Giles Lavery – Vocals
Watch out for further news such as the album cover, pre-order info as well as a first single very soon!
QUEENSRΕΈCHE are releasing another thought-provoking video that was created by Above The Void with the help of AI. Check out βNocturnal Lightsβ, the 8th video taken from Digital Noise Alliance: https://youtu.be/2eZ9_1l-9R0
The band comments: βThis is a song spawned from the truly catastrophic year of 2020. Beginning with Kobe Bryantβs helicopter crash to a relentless global pandemic with lockdowns. If that wasnβt enough, we had to endure natural disasters, racial injustices, protesters, a chaotic reality tv presidential election, political division, highest level of unemployment, as well as the postponement of the 2020 summer Olympic games in Japan.β
Nocturnal Lightβ is taken from their latest album, Digital Noise Alliance, that was released in October of 2022. It is QUEENSRΕΈCHEβs 16th studio album and it continues their ever-evolving legacy. Once again teaming up with producer Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed), βDigital Noise Allianceβ not only refracts QUEENSRΕΈCHEβs past accomplishments but also pushes into the bandβs future. It is the band effortlessly moving from strength to strength: immediate and thought-provoking.
Photo by Silly Robot Studios
QUEENSRΕΈCHE: Eddie Jackson – bass Michael Wilton – guitar Todd La Torre – vocals Casey Grillo – drums Mike Stone – guitar
Digital Noise Allianceβ is quintessentially QUEENSRΕΈCHE. Track to track it embodies the lush melodies, passion and intelligence thatβs been the mark of the band since they first took hold of the flame with their hugely received self-titled 4-song EP in 1984.
Speaking of their legendary self-titled EP: Come March 2024 QUEENSRΕΈCHE will embark on βThe Origins Tourβ with Special Guests Armored Saint throughout USA and Canada. It will be the first time in their history that the EP and The Warning will be performed live in their entirety!
Join them for this unique and very special experience, as they celebrate the origins of QUEENSRΕΈCHE.
Clockwise – L-R – Dan Cleary – Vocals, John Simon Fallon – Guitar, Pete Klassen – Bass, Tim Brown – Guitar (Photo Credit: Dana Zuk)
New Music Video “Circle of Evil” From Seventh Studio Album “ULTRAPOWER” Out Feb 2024
Produced by Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, Tallah, King 810)
Canadian shredders STRIKER announce they will be joining the Legions of Metal 2024 lineup being hosted in Chicago, IL on May 3rd and 4th at Reggie’s – info. They will be performing alongside Unleash The Archers, WatchTower, Hirax, Mourn The Light, Ice Howl among more to be announced at a later date.
STRIKER is preparing to unleash their seventh studio album βULTRAPOWER” on February 2, 2024. They recently shared their latest single “Circle of Evil” accompanied by a music video. This punishing classic metal track brings STRIKER back to its roots of speed and power.
STRIKER is preparing to unleash their seventh studio album“ULTRAPOWER” on February 2, 2024. They recently shared their latest single “Circle of Evil” accompanied by a music video. This punishing classic metal track brings STRIKER back to its roots of speed and power.
βSecret societies, shape-shifting reptilians, and evil forces? You’d be running for your life too. We’ve got the nuclear codes and we are launching heavy metal nukes directly into your ears.” adds the band.
ULTRAPOWER” follows their Juno Award-winning self-released full-length “Play to Win” (2018) released on their label Record Breaking Records and features the band’s latest lineup addition of long-time friend and guitarist John Simon Fallon (The Order of Chaos). For the band’s seventh full-length, they teamed up with producer Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, Tallah, King 810), entering the studio this past March. With the band writing material since 2018, “ULTRAPOWER” is a collection of five years of Striker tinkering and exploring new avenues.
βULTRAPOWER is the Strikerβs triumphant return to reality. The reality is that shredding rules and nothing can stand in its way. There are classic banger Striker songs, to dabbling in punk style choruses into full-on concept songs. Thereβs a lot to sink your teeth into if youβve got the guts.” adds vocalist Dan Cleary.
STRIKER recently wrapped up their fan-supported Kickstarter campaign with exclusive special edition CDs, Vinyl, and merch to aid them with upcoming physical production, marketing, and artwork. Fans supporting the Kickstarter gave STRIKER the ability to continue as an independent band.
βSeriously… a MASSIVE thank you to everyone for your support! Some of you took us over the finish line at the last minute, breaking into the 30K tier. This means we’ll be crankin’ out some Special Edition CDs with extra bonus tracks! Fire it up!!”
Track listing, Album Artwork, singles, and tour dates will revealed at a later date.
Previous singles “Best of the Best of the Best” (2023),“Strange Love” (2022), and “Death Wish”(2021), which will be featured on the album can be viewed and heard via their music videos below.
Following their Summer run crisscrossing the continent with their metal comrades in Ghost, Swedish heavy metal icons AMONAMARTH will return to US and Canadian stages this Spring on the Metal Crushes All Tour 2024, produced by Live Nation — the bandβs biggest North American tour to date!
Set to commence on April 21st and run through May 25th, the twenty-four-date journey includes a raid at the historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver as well as arena stops in Portland, Vancouver, Quebec City, Asheville, Tampa, and Anaheim. Support will be provided by special guests Cannibal Corpse along with Obituary and Frozen Soul making for a must-see heavy metal event of the year! See all confirmed dates below.
AMON AMARTH comments, “Heed our warning; we are gearing up for our biggest and most epic raid in North American history! We are bringing a massive show that will leave your cities in ashes. Scorching the Earth with us are our good friends Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, and Frozen Soul. Come out to the shows and party like Vikings and raise your horns with us. METAL CRUSHES ALL!”
Ticket presales for the Metal Crushes All Tour begin Tuesday, December 5th at 11:00am Eastern time and run through Thursday, December 7th at 10:00pm local time. VIP upgrades with the new Viking Valhalla Experience are available Tuesday, December 5th at 12:00pm Eastern time.
General on sales start Friday, December 8th at 10:00am local time atamonamarth.com.
AMON AMARTH: Metal Crushes All Tour 2024 w/ Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, Frozen Soul: 4/21/2024 Revel Entertainment Center – Albuquerque, NM 4/22/2024 Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Denver, CO 4/24/2024 The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT 4/26/2024 Alaska Airlines’ Theater Of The Clouds – Portland, OR * 4/27/2024 PNE Forum – Vancouver, BC * 4/29/2024 Edmonton Convention Center – Edmonton, AB 4/30/2024 Grey Eagle Event Center – Calgary, AB 5/03/2024 Steelhouse – Omaha, NE 5/04/2024 The Sylvee – Madison, WI 5/05/2024 GLC Live At 20 Monroe – Grand Rapids, MI 5/07/2024 Rose Music Center At The Heights – Huber Heights, OH 5/09/2024 The Wellmont – Montclair, NJ 5/10/2024 Toyota Oakdale Theater – Wallingford, CT 5/11/2024 Videotron Centre – Quebec City * 5/13/2024 The Fillmore Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA 5/14/2024 The Fillmore Silver Spring – Silver Spring, MD 5/16/2024 ExploreAsheville.com Arena – Asheville, NC * 5/17/2024 House Of Blues – Myrtle Beach, SC 5/18/2024 Yuengling Center – Tampa, FL * 5/20/2024 Bayou Music Center – Houston, TX 5/21/2024 Boeing Center At Tech Port – San Antonio, TX 5/23/2024 Arizona Financial Theatre – Phoenix, AZ 5/24/2024 Pearl Concert Theater At Palms Casino Resort – Las Vegas, NV 5/25/2024 Honda Center – Anaheim, CA *
arena show
Fans can check out a teaser for the band’s upcoming video for βSaxons and Vikingsβ HERE and can preview and purchase The Great Heathen Army at: metalblade.com/amonamarth.
AMON AMARTH continues to tour in support of their critically adored The Great Heathen Army full-length. Recorded with esteemed studio guru Andy Sneap and released in 2022, the record represents another bold leap forward for the band, as their trademark sound undergoes yet another skillful, evolutionary overhaul, both lyrically and musically. From the noisily rabble-rousing βFind A Way Or Make Oneβ and the pummeling, pugilistic βGet In The Ringβ to the cinematic squall of the title track, The Great Heathen Army encapsulates the essence of this legendary band, while still allowing acres of space for new ideas.
Formed in Tumba, Sweden in 1992, AMON AMARTH has forged an extraordinary legacy over three decades of thunderous, anthemic metal, all rich in the magical imagery of Viking history, folklore, and culture. With albums like 2008βs widely acclaimed Twilight Of The Thunder God and 2016βs conceptual triumph Jomsviking, the Swedes have been consistent standard bearers for heavy metal as a life-affirming and communal experience, armed with a seemingly endless stream of instant classic songs.
Following their much-acclaimed debut album, Ban The Light ( 2019, AFM Records ) and a series of live tracks, taken off their incredible show in support of JUDAS PRIEST “Live In Dalhalla”, Swedish hard rock trio DEAF RAT has released a brand new single! The song is out now on all digital streaming services via https://deafrat.bfan.link/say-your-lies a lyric video for “Say Your Lies” is below.
βSay Your Lies” tells a story about the mysterious phenomenon of sleep paralysis and the malicious entity nightmare that has been documented to haunt people in their sleep worldwide since the early 1300s. “In six months time, I had three friends tell me about their experiences of waking up in the middle of the night, unable to move or speak”,frontman Frankie reveals. “They all saw a dark diffuse shadow like character in their room, and all felt like if someone was sitting on top of their chest. Now if that is not a good topic for a hard rock song then I donβt know what is!”
βSay Your Lies” shines as an expertly produced rock anthem that showcases the band’s musical prowess.DEAF RAT have again succeeded in merging lyrics and music into a gripping, pulsating high-energy rock track! Get ready to get dragged into the abyss, and watch the band’s new lyric video for “Say Your Lies”HERE.
DEAF RAT hails from Dalarna in Sweden, a small region with long traditions of mining, steel industry, music and a healthy dose of DIY attitude. The broad sound of DEAF RAT is built on a strong foundation of classic 70s, 80s and 90s rock packed with influences of the band members different personal favourites. With their massive guitar riffs and strong melodies, this is the band that fills up the cracks in the ageing concrete between old school and modern hard rock.
With their driving riffs, thundering drum beats, and an electrifying presence, DEAF RAT prove that they are one of the most explosive and dynamic forces in the world of hard rock. The band is currently in the studio, working on the successor album to Ban The Light. Earlier and this recent summer, they have already shared a first track, entitled “Schizophrenic Part Of Me”, which is available on all digital services and on Youtube. Frankie adds: “To be in the studio with the other guys is a dream. I can just sit in the studio and listen to the guys play their guitar parts and enjoy their sheer talent which is over the top!”
Photo collage by Randy Caballero, Doug Julien, and Anthony Lopardo
US heavy metal titans RIOT (V) are finally back with a brand-new studio album titled MeanStreets, set for release February 16th, 2024 through Atomic Fire Records! The record features twelve tracks recorded and mixed by Bruno Ravel and mastered by Bart Gabriel. Artwork was provided by Gyula HavancsΓ‘k (Accept, Stratovarius, Brainstorm) who captured the galloping style of the new material skillfully without missing the band’s signature seal. In advance of the release today the band unleashes the recordβs first single, βHigh Noon.β
Bassist Donnie Van Stavern comments, “We are extremely excited to release our seventeenth RIOT record, Mean Streets, with the mighty Atomic Fire Records label! We went back to the roots a bit on this one with some hard rockers and of course power metal stylings. Our new pre-release lyric video ‘High Noon’ is a song I wrote with [late founding guitarist] Mark Reale in mind; he loved the Old West and wrote songs about it as well (‘Restless Breed,’ βGunfighter’) and the music is a reminiscence of Thundersteel and The Privilege Of Power! Enjoy, metal warriors, more awesomeness is on the way!”
Adds vocalist Todd Michael Hall, “Iβm really excited for the people to hear Mean Streets. We are evolving well with one foot rooted in the past and one foot pointing towards the future.”
Watch RIOT (V)βs βHigh Noonβ videoHERE. Stream/purchase the track HERE.
Mean Streets will be available on digipak CD (EU), jewel case CD (US), vinyl in multiple color variants, and digitally.
Preorder the album in the physical format of your choice, pre-save it on your favorite DSP, or preorder it digitally to receive βHigh Noonβ instantly now at: riotv.afr.link/meanstreetsPR.
Mean Streets – Track Listing:
Hail To The Warriors
Feel The Fire
Love Beyond The Grave
High Noon
Before This Time
Higher
Mean Streets
Open Road
Mortal Eyes
Lost Dreams
Lean Into It
No More
RIOT (V): Todd Michael Hall β vocals Mike Flyntz β guitars Nick Lee β guitars Don Van Stavern β bass Frank Gilchriest β drums
Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube HERE and listen to βHigh Noonβ as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify 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!
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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