I’m so exceedingly exhausted of the thousands of lists I see on social media ranking who the greatest guitarists of all-time are. I won’t name the very popular publication that “ranked” Brian May as #1 aka “the greatest ever”. That ranking alone was enough for me to vomit and luckily I didn’t. My point is these clickbait lists are completely biased, whether compiled by a single person or group of people.
I’m not saying Brian May is a terrible guitarist; in fact he would probably be in mypersonal list of 100 greatest guitarists somewhere. Just not at #1 for the love of God. The only good that these lists generate are debate and discussion, I suppose many would say. End of my opinion. To conclude, without posting a nonessential list, the guitarist that is my #1 all-time is Jimi Hendrix and that resonates more historical than picking Brian May.
Only minutes after midnight, today, I discovered on my WordPress insights stats page the rather shocking “unknown region” listed on the visitor countries list. What!? What in the hell is an “unknown region”? It’s 2023 and I would think that our planet Earth has been completely mapped out! Hell, there is a thing called Google Earth that has data on every centimeter of our planet. Apparently… not good enough.
Yup. That “unknown region” is shown above like a beacon of the damned.
The creepy vibe of “unknown region” resonates my fears of Rob Zombie films and The Walking Dead Universe. For crap sakes. Next time someone asks me where I’m going, I’ll answer with: to an “unknown region”. God save us all. The creep meter has burst on this new revelation I uncomfortably stumbled upon.
Is an “unknown region” outer space? A portal to hell? A cave dwelling far beneath the Great Sphinx of Giza? Is it that humongous hole rumored to exist in Antarctica? A parallel universe? My guess is as good as yours. I won’t even try to ask WordPress support for the answer for they obviously don’t know either.
What is even more chilling is who visited my blog from that “unknown region”? Is it a Reptilian? Elvis? Mothman? A spirit from the other side? An evil troll from inner Earth? Something to ponder. Hopefully, one day our civilization will finally discover this “unknown region”. Metal be thy name – Stone.
Today, the spearheads of the next generation of power metal, INDUCTION,surprise their fans with a new digital EP, The Power Of Power. The six-track EP features brand new track “Set You Free,” alongside the best and most power metal songs of the band’s repertoire.
Rekindling all the classic elements of the genre in their own modern and unique way, “Set You Free” is INDUCTION‘s interpretation and homage to power metal’s glory days.
Guitarist Tim Kanoa Hansen explains, “Bands such as Helloween, Stratovarius, and Sonata Arctica have truly shaped the genre of power metal, and I have always wanted to write a song honoring this part of history, which we all know and love. This comes at just the right time, as we’re also joining all three of these giants on the road this year. ‘Set You Free’ is my humble attempt to reignite, or simply just fuel, your love for the genre, in my own way. Let it take you on a journey back through time and may the glory of power metal shine on forever!”
Watch INDUCTION’s “Set You Free” video at THIS LOCATION.
Earlier this week, INDUCTION announced that their guitar player Marcos Rodriguez will take an extended hiatus from the band to focus on personal issues in the upcoming months. Rodriguez will be temporally replaced by the Greek shredder, George Thanasoglou.
INDUCTION’s most recent full-length album, Born From Fire, which boasts twelve metal anthems in fifty-eight minutes, was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen and is graced by the cover artwork of Peter Sallai (Sabaton, Jinjer, Powerwolf). Preview and purchase Born FromFire and more at THIS LOCATION.
View the band’s previously released videos for “Queen Of Light” HERE, “Sacrifice” HERE, “Go To Hell” HERE, “Embers” HERE, and “A Call Beyond” HERE.
Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube and listen to “Set You Free” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
INDUCTION Live: 8/05/2023 Hello-Feast @ Štadión Lokomotíva – Košice, SK 9/09/2023 Port Of Power Festival @ Juki 42 – Ahrensburg, DE w/ Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius: 10/14/2023 Northern Rockfest @ Energi Arena – Umeå, SE 10/15/2023 Cozmoz Arena – Borlänge, SE 10/16/2023 Vulkan Arena – Oslo, NO 10/17/2023 Trädgår’n – Gothenburg, SE 10/19/2023 Slaktkyrkan – Stockholm, SE 10/20/2023 Gimle – Roskilde, DK 10/21/2023 Kulturpalast – Hamburg, DE 10/22/2023 Hellraiser – Leipzig, DE 10/24/2023 TivoliVredenburg (Ronda) – Utrecht, NL 10/25/2023 Garage – Saarbrücken, DE 10/27/2023 Konzertfabrik Z7 – Pratteln, CH 10/28/2023 Alcatraz – Milan, IT 10/30/2023 Backstage – Munich, DE 10/31/2023 Szene – Vienna, AT 11/01/2023 Barba Negra – Budapest, HU 11/03/2023 Fuzz Club – Athens, GR 11/04/2023 Principal Club Theater – Thessaloniki, GR 11/06/2023 FORM Space – Cluj-Napoca, RO 11/07/2023 Quantic – Bucharest, RO 11/10/2023 Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, DE 11/12/2023 Matrix – Bochum, DE w/ Accept, Songs Of White Lion: 12/12/2023 Große Freiheit 36 – Hamburg, DE 13/13/2023 Carlswerk Victoria – Cologne, DE
ELEMENT OF FATE, a Melodic Metal project consisting of fantasy artist and vocalist, Carol Phillips and guitarist/musician Scott Loose(Stellar Death, While Heaven Wept, et al), are streaming new single “Dreamfall” on Bandcamp! Visit the following link to stream it:
“Dreamfall” will be available on all digital platforms on August 25 through Bravemusic.
“Dreamfall is our third single release, and is a song that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever chased a dream. It’s about finding the light in the darkness. When your soul feels hopeless and broken, and life seems impossible to endure, when you feel like you just can’t go on anymore. It’s about believing in yourself, and overcoming the fears, doubts and the negativity that can stop you from reaching your full potential. The song lyrics are a reflection of my own journey, and fighting these inner demons.” – Carol Phillips
Element of Fate primarily draw influence from traditional metal bands, but leverage modern recording techniques to craft their unique sound. The music varies from high-energy thrashing to melodic and groovy, and the lyrics explore a range of fantasy-laden, mystical, and sci-fi storylines. Carol’s dynamic voice, paired with Scott’s passion for writing guitar riffs, creates a textured fusion of metallic and dream-like soundscapes. All of the music and releases are accompanied by Carol’s original artwork, which creates an even more immersive experience for the listener.
Line-Up:
Carol Phillips: Vocals, Lyrics Scott Loose: Guitars, Bass, Keys, Drum Programing
Credits: All music recorded at House Nine, and mixed/mastered by John Mario at JBG Records. Copyright 2023.
Individual Bios:
Carol Phillips is a fantasy artist and illustrator based in Portland, Oregon. She is a classically trained vocalist who began studying voice at age 13. She is primarily a lover of rock and heavy metal, but also enjoys singing many other styles of music. Her training and varied inspirations have allowed her to develop a very dynamic vocal range and tonality. Carol’s desire to explore all of the sounds and textures of the voice enables her to uniquely convey a story, and to emotionally connect with the listener. Element of Fate is her first foray into the world of songwriting and recording—merging her creative passion for both art and music, and fulfilling a life-long passion.
Scott Loose is a Washington, DC-based guitarist/musician and recording artist who has been writing music and playing in various rock/metal bands since the early 1990s. He has appeared on over 20 recordings, and has toured throughout the United States and Europe. Scott is also a founding member of the Bravemusic record label, whose motto is to create music “without boundaries” (www.bravemusic.com). Scott is best known for his work with As the Sea Parts, Brave, Day of Departure, Stellar Death, and While Heaven Wept.
Guitar legend George Lynch will release his sophomore instrumental album “Guitars at TheEnd of the World” via Rat Pak Records on September 08, 2023, an album which features 10 all new studio tracks along with 3 new bonus tracks. The album is the highly anticipated follow up to his 2021 opus “Seamless”, which fans of the shred-master embraced with open arms. Guitars at The End of the World features pro drumming legend Curt “Kirkee B.” Bisquera, who has worked with such greats as Elton John, Mick Jagger and Tom Petty, and also features renowned bassist Tony Franklin, who is known for his work with The Firm, Jimmy Page and Kenny Wayne Sheperd. Also appearing is Lynch Mob drummer Jimmy D’Anda on the track “The Crucible”.
Regarding George’s approach to instrumental albums, the virtuoso states, “I always focus on creating guitar-driven music that delivers something outside the realm of what most people would expect, coming from a semi-redeemed 80’s hair shredder. I want my instrumental records to be challenging, but not exhausting; personal, without being belligerently self-indulgent, include a fair amount of guitar histrionics, and pay tribute to the masters without making it sound like I’m competing to be the end-all summation of all guitar legacies that preceded me. I also wanted the underlying music to be more than vehicles for solos, I want the compositions to stand on their own”, explains Lynch. Fueled with driving guitar tracks like “Psycho Beta” and “The Crucible”, to the haunting outro of album closer “Contraflow”, it is clear there is no slowing down George’s creativity and Guitars at The End of the World is sure to be a fan favorite!
TRACK LISTING:
The Knowing
Psycho Beta
The Crucible
The Passage
Borracho Boogie Delux
Shadow of the Needle
The Wolf
Serpentarium
The Ritual
Contraflow BONUS TRACKS (CD & Digital versions only)
BERZERKER LEGION was founded in 2016 by guitarists Tomas Elofsson (Hypocrisy) and Alwin Zuur (Asphyx) with a vision to create death metal of the most belligerent quality, they recruited a line-up of solid well-known musicians consisting of James Stewart (Vader) on drums, Jonny Pettersson (Wombbath) on vocals and Fredrik Isaksson (Dark Funeral) on bass to complete the Legion.
Alwin Zuur (guitars/songwriter) comments: “During the recent years Tomas and I met each other at shows and festivals regularly. Much of our conversations were about music and styles. During these meetings we found out that we really had a lot of common musical interests .
Music wise our debut album ‘Obliterate the Weak’ displays the perfect balance between brutality, melody and harmony. Being a fan of the early 90’s Swedish Gothenburg style, with bands like At The Gates, Eucharist, A Canorous Quintet, as well as being a die-hard fan of brutal old school death metal style with bands like Bolt Thrower, Obituary, I have always wanted to write songs showing a mix of such different death metal genres.
With our new album “Chaos Will Reign” we have further developed ourselves in our typical musical mix of melody and brutality. “Chaos Will Reign” sounds more professional, complete, massive and powerful thanks to Jonas Kjellgren’s production. It has become the logical successor, a huge step forward compared to our debut album “Obliterate the Weak”.
BERZERKER LEGION line up: Jonny Pettersson – Vocals Tomas Elofsson – Guitars Alwin Zuur – Guitars James Stewart – Drums Fredrik Isaksson – Bass
Saying the album songs transpire massively produced invigorating heavy death metal is an understatement. BERZERKER LEGION knock out with warlike triumphant, powerfully addictive harmonies that will turn them into an unstoppable beast in a live situation and on record.
New single/video for the song ‘Choirs of Anguish’ out in September!
Chaos Will Reign’ track-listing: 1 Chaos Will Reign 05:54 2 Choirs Of Anguish 04:44 3 Nihilism Over Empathy 03:54 4 Towards Oblivion 04:34 5 This Is The End 04:58 6 Damnation 03:37 7 Eternal Void 06:00 8 Worship All That Is Dead 03:32 9 Shepherds Of War 03:41 10 From The Darkness Inside 05:00 (Bonus track) 11 War Chant 04:47
Discography/ Demos: ‘Obliterate the Weak’ (Listenable 2020) ‘Chaos will Reign’ (Listenable 2023)
JAG PANZER released their first album in six years, a conceptual opus titled The Hallowed, through Atomic Fire Records last month. The record earned the #23 position on the Official German Album Chart and #62 on the Official Swiss Album Chart: #62. Now, JAG PANZER have kicked off their European tour in support of the record at Germany’s Headbangers Open Air Festival. The ten-date journey also includes a stop at Wacken Open Air and will come to a close with an appearance at Alcatraz Festival on August 12th. In celebration of the tour, the band has unveiled a video for the track “Prey.”
Guitarist Mark Briody comments, “‘Prey!’ is probably the band’s favorite song to rehearse. The quick riff is lots of fun to play live! In the album concept this is where the panthers kill a family so that the team can take their supplies. We wanted something a bit different for this song, so there is no solo and the structure is much different from the other songs. The track also showcases some of our more unique influences. For example, the main riff in ‘Prey!’ ends on 4. We don’t do that a lot in our music but some of our very early (young teens) influences such as The Runaways’ ‘Cherry Bomb’ ends the riff on 4.”
CROWBAR today announces a US headlining tour! The twenty-four-date journey begins September 7th in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and runs through October 5th in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Support will be provided by PrimitiveMan as well as Bodybox, on select dates. Additionally, the band will play a special show with Venom Inc. on October 1st in Iowa City, Iowa. Tickets are on sale TODAY! See all confirmed dates below.
CROWBAR w/ Primitive Man: 9/07/2023 Downtown Music Hall – Fort Walton Beach, FL 9/08/2023 Conduit – Orlando, FL 9/09/2023 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL 9/10/2023 Gramps – Miami, FL w/ Primitive Man, Bodybox: 9/12/2023 Masquerade – Atlanta, GA 9/13/2023 New Brookland Tavern – Columbia, SC 9/14/2023 Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC 9/15/2023 The Camel – Richmond, VA 9/17/2023 Broken Goblet – Bensalem, PA 9/19/2023 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ 9/20/2023 Song & Dance – Syracuse, NY 9/21/2023 Palladium – Worcester, MA 9/22/2023 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY 9/23/2023 Angel City Music Hall – Manchester, NH 9/24/2023 Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT 9/26/2023 Crafthouse – Pittsburgh, PA 9/27/2023 Hobart Art Theater – Hobart, IN 9/28/2023 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL 9/29/2023 Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH 9/30/2023 Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI 10/01/2023 Wildwood – Iowa City, IA w/ Venom Inc # 10/02/2023 Red Flag – St Louis, MO 10/04/2023 Cobra – Nashville, TN 10/05/2023 George’s Majestic – Fayetteville, AR # = no support
Zero And Below is available on CD, LP, cassette, and digitally. Preview and purchase the record at THIS LOCATION.
View the band’s previously released videos for “Chemical Godz” HERE and “Bleeding From Every Hole” HERE.
CROWBAR released their critically-adored ZeroAnd Below full-length last year on MNRK Heavy. 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 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.
Brazilian progressive power metal legends ANGRA recently signed a deal with German-based record label Atomic Fire Records. The band’s upcoming studio album Cycles Of Pain is due out on November 3rd. Today, ANGRA is pleased to announce that the record is already available for preorder before their first digital single, “Ride Into The Storm,” is unveiled to the world next week, on Friday, August 4th.
Cycles Of Pain was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by long-time ANGRA partner Dennis Ward (D.C. Cooper, Pink Cream 69, Place Vendome) at the Sonastério & Elephant Office in Brazil, while mixing and mastering took place at The TrakShak in Karlsdorf, Germany. Its artwork was designed by Erick Pasqua before Jonathan Canuto took care of layout duties.
The album also features a range of guests including appearances by Amanda Somerville (“Tears Of Blood”), Brazilian artists Lenine (“Vida Seca”) and Vanessa Moreno (“Tide Of Changes – Part II” and “Here In The Now”), and Juliana D’Agostini on piano (“Tears Of Blood”).
Cycles Of Pain will be available in the following formats: digipak CD, jewel case CD, vinyl in various color variants (Red/Yellow Split, Clear/Blue Marbled, Clear Yellow/White Splatter), and digitally.
ANGRA: Fabio Lione – vocals Rafael Bittencourt – guitars Marcelo Barbosa – guitars Felipe Andreoli – bass Bruno Valverde – drums
Cycles Of Pain – Track Listing:
Cyclus Doloris
Ride Into The Storm
Dead Man On Display
Tide Of Changes – Part I
Tide Of Changes – Part II
Vida Seca
Gods Of The World
Cycles Of Pain
Faithless Sanctuary
Here In The Now
Generation Warriors
Tears Of Blood
ANGRA Live: 8/12/2023 Ópera De Arame – Curitiba, BR 10/28/2023 Festival Hora do Rock @ Arena Vale Fest – São José dos Campos, BR New 11/03/2023 Tokio Marine Hall (Album Release Show) – São Paulo, BR 11/18/2023 Armageddon Metal Fest – Joinville, BR 12/15/2023 Circo Voador – Rio de Janeiro, BR New 1/29-2/02/2024 70,000 Tons Of Metal – Miami, FL
It is impossible to talk about experimental or avant-garde metal without mentioning long-running metal icons, MESHUGGAH. Since forming in 1987 in Umeå, Sweden, MESHUGGAH has developed into one of the most technically complex and virtuosic groups of players the metal realm has ever encountered, their distinctly unique brand of progressive, groove‐infused extreme metal inadvertently launching an entirely new subgenre. Crowned “one of the ten most important hard and heavy bands,” by Rolling Stone, the band has earned the respect and admiration from fans and musicians alike.
2023 now marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of one of the band’s earliest milestones: Chaosphere. Originally released on November 9th, 1998, MESHUGGAH’s third full-length studio album shows the band toning down some of the thrashier sounds of previous releases in favor of the more technical, polyrhythmic, groove-oriented sound they would go to explore on subsequent albums. The record contains the songs “New Millennium Cyanide Christ,” “Corridor Of Chameleons,” and “Neurotica,” some of the band’s most streamed tracks, among other highlights.
To commemorate the album’s quarter-century anniversary, Atomic Fire will unleash a sonically updated version of the album on November 10th. The re-release of this masterpiece comes in hi-def audio remastered by Thomas Eberger and Sofia von Hage at Stockholm Mastering on all streaming platforms, as well as a jewel case CD edition (incl. 8-page booklet), and stunning new vinyl colors (most are limited worldwide to under 1500 of each color, 180 grams, 2xLP in 5 mm Sleeve incl. 2-page insert), to complete every collector’s dream.
Atmospheric post-black metal band EAVE presents their third full-length album, Fervor. Complex and powerful, Fervor offers seven new songs that show a more aggressive march across the bleak, depressive soundscape the band created on 2020’s Phantoms Made Permanent.
Tracklist: 1) Past Pulses 2) Chance is a Spectre 3) Mirroring 4) Stale Ash 5) Bending the Light 6) Shards 7) Into Perdition
A lot has happened since the release of EAVE’s Phantoms Made Permanent via Bindrune Recordings. The world has seemingly flipped upside down and in the case of this forward-thinking quartet, change isn’t always a bad thing.
After a band migration back to their home state of Connecticut and a period of tireless effort, EAVE emerges with a formidable selection of songs that see the band demonstrating a fiery new approach to their unique brand of atmospheric metal. Bristling with energy and venom amidst passages of ethereal and shadowed melodies, the duly titled Fervor exhibits an air of urgency, disillusionment, and resiliency. Heavily incorporating elements from a myriad of musical genres and applying a broad tone of experimentalism to their soaring style of New England black metal, Fervor marks a new period of focus for the band, as they press upon new territory that feels wholly their own.
Recorded by the band in Connecticut, and re-amped, mixed, and mastered by Colin Marston in Queens, New York, Fervor sheds stunning light on the beauty and darkness that forever exists in mankind and its relationship to the natural world.
EAVE is: Brian Tenison – Bass, Vocals Caleb Porter – Drums Ian Stoller – Guitars Gabriel Shara – Guitars, Vocals
German heavy metal act SKULL & CROSSBONES, the new band featuring former members of Stormwitch, have shared a new track taken off their upcoming debut Sungazer! The band’s first full-length studio album will be released as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats on September 8, 2023 through Massacre Records, the pre-sale is available at THIS LOCATION!
As the band reveals, the song “is about the occult, pagan nature religions. The attentive view of the beauty of nature should be sharpened, but from a dark point of view. One should leave a legacy of which one should be proud. Inspired by “The Witches’ Almanac.” It’s a classic, driving metal song with a short, calm and hypnotic interlude that culminates in a power metal solo.”
A lyric video for “Nature’s Legacy” is now streaming HERE
With SKULL & CROSSBONES, the four ex-Stormwitch members VolkerSchmietow, Tobi Kipp, Jürgen “Wanschi” Wannenwetsch and Marc Oppold, completed by vocalist TobiHübner, pick up where they left off: Dedicating themselves to traditional heavy metal.
Sungazer was mixed and mastered by Marc Ayerle at KlangManufaktur, with a cover artwork created by Michael Vetter.
New Zealand death metal trio ULCERATE will finally make their return to North American soil for a Fall headlining run. The thirteen-date StareInto Death North America MMXXIII Tour will commence on November 7th in North Hollywood, California and close November 25th in Brooklyn, New York. Support will be provided by Altars.
Comments drummer Jamie Saint Merat, “After three long years of pandemic interruption, we are very proud to finally announce the first shows on North American soil to showcase Stare Into Death And Be Still. Originally booked for 2020, to finally have this come to fruition is nothing short of cathartic. Joining us as special guests are our Australian brothers Altars – together offering a deadly Antipodean assault that will truly be a sight to behold.”
Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
ULCERATE w/ Altars – Stare Into Death North America MMXXIII Tour: 11/07/2023 Knitting Factory – North Hollywood, CA 11/08/2023 Neck Of The Woods – San Francisco, CA 11/10/2023 Bossanova Ballroom – Portland, OR 11/11/2023 Alma – Tacoma, WA 11/12/2023 Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC 11/16/2023 Reggies – Chicago, IL 11/17/2023 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 11/18/2023 Hard Luck – Toronto, ON 11/19/2023 Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC 11/21/2023 Middle East – Boston, MA 11/22/2023 Warehouse On Watts – Philadelphia, PA 11/24/2023 Metro – Baltimore, MD 11/25/2023 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY
Stare Into DeathAnd Be Still is available on CD, LP, and digital formats at THIS LOCATION.
September 1, 2023 sees hard rock power metal titans FIREWIND release their epic anniversary live album, titled “Still Raging”, through AFM Records. Recorded in 2022 at a frenetically-acclaimed hometown show in Thessaloniki, Greece, “Still Raging” will be available on Blu-Ray and as a 2CD edition, the pre-sale has just recently started at THIS LOCATION!
Following a previously-released single, a new live version of “Orbitual Sunrise”, today, the band is premiering a new video clip for their classic “Maniac”! Watch it HERE
As Gus G comments:“Maniac” is Firewind’s biggest hit and we didn’t even write it! Our Metal version of the “Flashdance” anthem goes back to 2008 straight out of “The Premonition” album of ours and it was originally recorded for fun during the album sessions. Whenever we play it live, it instantly gets the crowd on party mode and you can see that on this video from our anniversary hometown show. Enjoy!”
Since more than twenty years, the iconic band founded by exceptional guitarist Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil) enthralls heavy music fans with their exciting blend of hard rock and power metal. Razor-sharp riffs, big hooks and solos meet the incredible vocal skills of charismatic singer Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Radiant, Seventh Avenue, amongst others), who joined the band in 2019.
FIREWIND is: Gus G. (guitars) Herbie Langhans (vocals) Petros Christo (bass) Jo Nunez (drums)
Building on the foundations set by their previous 2019 album, “Unseen Planets, Deadly Spheres”, September 15, 2023 will see DAMNATIONS HAMMER release their much awaited, forthcoming magnum opus titled “Into The Silent Nebula“!
On their third album, DAMNATIONS HAMMER unleashes eight songs of relentless heavy metal, incorporating the band’s trademark doom-laden groove. Once again produced by Mark Mynett, “Into The Silent Nebula” will feature guest appearances from Rotting Christ’s Sakis, Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride and Fenriz from Darkthrone!
Give ear, today, DAMNATIONS HAMMER are presenting a first single, the colossal album opener “Sutter Cane“ (feat. Aaron Stainthorpe)! A video clip is now premiering HERE!
The band comments: “”Sutter Cane” is based on the film “In The Mouth Of Madness”. Sutter Cane is the protagonist from the film, he’s a horror novel writer who goes missing before the release of his latest book, “In The Mouth Of Madness”. It turns out that what Cane is writing is becoming reality: He’s opening a gateway to other worlds allowing an unspeakable horror to spill into our reality! That’s Aaron Stainthorpe from My Dying Bride at 02:51 minutes wanting to know “Do you read Sutter Cane?”
Set to be released as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats on September 15, 2023 through Massacre Records, the album pre-sale is now available at THIS LOCATION!
An all-new King Kobra with We Are Warriors, the band’s hard-hitting 7th studio album. KK founder Carmine Appice is joined once again by longtime bassist Johnny Rod, and vocalist Paul Shortino who welcome to the den the newest vipers, Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo and former DIO guitarist Rowan Robertson. Check out the first single, the supercharged title track, which was released earlier this week on all digital platforms.
The band even recorded a captivating performance music video that proves these veteran rockers still have what it takes to bring the rock! We Are Warriors releases on August 11th.
We Are Warriors – Track List:
01. Music Is A Piece Of Art 02. Turn Up The Music 03. Secrets And Lies 04. Drownin’ 05. One More Night 06. Love Hurts 07. Dance 08. Darkness 09. We Are Warriors 10. Drive Like Lightning 11. Trouble (Bonus Track) 12. Side By Side (Bonus Track)
Sources: Cleopatra Records newsletter cleorecs.com
The eagerly anticipated second leg of ARMOREDSAINT’s North American tour supporting W.A.S.P. has been canceled due to extensive back injuries suffered by W.A.S.P.’s Blackie Lawless during the European leg of the run. The tour will be canceled so Lawless can complete a full recovery. Tickets and VIP packages can be refunded at the point of purchase.
ARMORED SAINT vocalist John Bush comments, “To say we are super bummed about the tour being canceled would be an understatement. We were all prepping hard, and I was looking forward to turning 60 years old in Wheeling, West Virginia. That being said, we understand Blackie’s physical condition and we stand behind him and hope for a speedy recovery. Thank you to all the fans who purchased tickets and VIP packages. The Concert Tickets and VIP packages can be refunded at the point of purchase. ARMORED SAINT VIP Upgrade holders should go to www.national-acts.com for a full refund. Thank you for all your loyalty as always! I’m gonna turn a negative into a positive and let you know that this little snafu has allowed us to start writing songs for a new record. It’s sounding killer!”
ARMORED SAINT: John Bush – vocals Jeff Duncan – guitars Phil Sandoval – guitars Joey Vera – bass Gonzo Sandoval – drums
Finnish progressive metallers Damnation Plan have released their third single ‘Dreamdead’ off their new upcoming album ‘The New Horizon’. The new single represents a more straightforward metal side of the new album than the previously released 8 minute progressive epics ‘The New Horizon’ and ‘Under The Veil Of Sea’.
Guitarist / songwriter Kalle Niininen comments: “Dreamdead was one of the first new songs we came up for the new album. It got its form by us exploring a little bit lower tunings than usual for this album. The song got its final heavier feel after we introduced the theme riff with its slower drum beat. The chorus is classic Damnation Plan.”
Single / lyricist Asim Searah comments: “When a soul goes deep into oblivion with sadness and despair, one gets into a state of mind which is hard to fathom. It’s like a constant battle of belief in hope if you keep failing. Dreamdead resolves around such theme and reflects on constant failures in life that make one become hopeless and miserable.”
Can you hear the sirens howling? Code Red, the forthcoming new studio album from German metal commandos PRIMAL FEAR, will be unleashed upon the world in just six weeks on September 1st via Atomic Fire.
Following the release of celebrated first single, “Another Hero,” the group today shares a second new track, “Deep In The Night.” The raging yet stomping song is a massive statement for all human beings that have lost faith in mankind or other people while underlining that there’s still better times awaiting.
Vocalist Ralf Scheepers comments, “Finding out to being cheated is one of the worst experiences for a young man or woman. Unfortunately, it happens to almost every one of us in life and if not, I hope it never will! But one thing is for sure: If it happens to you, it will definitely help to make the cornea around your heart grow even more. It affects your trust and if you take it too personally, you will probably never be able to trust anyone again. Nevertheless, there are fortunately always people who penetrate this cornea and reach your heart with their beautiful souls.”
Watch PRIMAL FEAR‘s “Deep In The Night” video at THIS LOCATION. Stream/purchase the track at THIS LOCATION.
Ubik Media, who produced the music video for aforementioned hit track “Another Hero,” has once again greatly caught the atmosphere of the song. The video was shot at Stuttgart, Germany’s Im Wizemann venue, where PRIMALFEAR will kick off their release tour with support from special guests The Unity.
Watch PRIMAL FEAR’s previously released video for “Another Hero” at THIS LOCATION.
Code Red will be available in digipak CD, 2xLP in multiple color variants, and digitally.
Preorder Code Red in the physical format of your choice, presave it on your favorite DSP, or preorder it digitally to receive “Deep In The Night” and “Another Hero” instantly at THIS LOCATION.
Cover artwork by Stan W. Decker
Recorded in Germany at Sebastian “Basi” Roeder’s Backyard Studios, with the helping hands of vocalist Ralf Scheepers as well as Mitch Kunz, Code Red was produced by bassist MatSinner and co-produced by Scheepers and guitarist Tom Naumann. Long-time PRIMALFEAR companion Jacob Hansen took care of mixing and mastering at his own Hansen Studios in Denmark once again. Additionally, Stan W.Decker, who created previous works for the band including 2017’s Angels Of Mercy – Live In Germany, 2018’s Apocalypse, and 2021’s I Will Be Gone), provided the record’s magnificent artwork.
Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube HERE. Listen to “Deep In The Night” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
PRIMAL FEAR w/ The Unity – Code Red EuropeanTour – Part 1: 9/01/2023 Im Wizemann (Halle) – Stuttgart, DE 9/02/2023 Kaminwerk – Memmingen, DE 9/03/2023 Frankenhalle – Naila, DE 9/05/2023 Backstage (Werk) – Munich, DE 9/06/2023 Zeche – Bochum, DE 9/07/2023 Batschkapp – Frankfurt, DE 9/09/2023 Le Port Franc – Sion, CH 9/10/2023 Z7 – Pratteln, CH
PRIMAL FEAR: Ralf Scheepers – vocals Mat Sinner – bass, vocals Tom Naumann – guitars Alexander Beyrodt – guitars Magnus Karlsson – guitars Michael Ehré – drums
Swedish hard rock powerhouse BÜRNER have announced the upcoming release of their sophomore album, “Hittin’ The Target”, on September 15th, 2023 via Time To Kill Records. The first video from the album,“Beer Before Glory”, is out today. Watch it HERE.
“After the release of ‘Baptized in Gasoline’ we continued to write new songs as always. Soon there was enough material for a second album and recording began. We always do everything with a smile and our sick sense of humor. The inspiration it comes from anything really, there are so many bands that have inspired us over the years. Janne came up with the idea for the cover and title and work moved on. We are really happy with the result and our fans will be in for a nice surprise. ‘Hittin’ The Target’ will be our second release and once again it will be filled with hard rock’n roll riffs. The perfect soundtrack for gulping cold beer!”.
“Hittin’ The Target” tracklist:
Beer Before Glory
Burnerator
Haulin’ Ass
Bring Me The Fire
Warrior
Baptized In Gasoline
Soulmate Killer
Come Blow The Horn
Bloodstorm
Up Shit Creek
Line-up: Björn Ohlson – Guitars/Vocals Mats Thuresson – Bass Jan Andersson – Drums
BÜRNER call their music gasoline-fuelled rock with no brakes and with this expression they hit the nail. The three guys from Sweden don’t play stale guitar rock, but groove into R’n’R paradise. Motörhead, AC/DC, Saxon? Admittedly very big names. But you just can’t avoid mentioning those bands while describing BÜRNER. Their music sounds like a spontaneous casual jam, bursting with energy. Their sound is loud and heavy, vibrant and always catchy.
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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