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 “Bismarck”, “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!
Death metal quartet SLAUGHTERSUN present their first ferocious offering, “Fall of the Firmament”. Brutal riffs, aggressive vocals and unrelenting percussion produces an unstoppable force as the track displays their lament for the miserable collapse of an ever sinking world.
Ben Karas comments on “Fall of the Firmament”:
“Lyrically this song combines the lore of the Nephilim, which are a race of giant angels rumored to be responsible for the great flood, and pits that dynamic against the tech age and the giant names of that industry mimicking the decadence and ugliness that brought about the end times.”
About SLAUGHTERSUN: Drawing musical, lyrical and creative influences from the likes of DEMILICH, GORGUTS, CANNIBAL CORPSE and AT THE GATES, to name a few, SLAUGHTERSUN create their own take on the death metal subgenre. Band founder Ben Karas initially began writing for SLAUGHTERSUN back in 2017, but it wasn’t until 2022 that Karas was able to fully dedicate time and energy into the band. The band’s line-up soon came together comprised of Karas’ THANK YOU SCIENTIST band mate Cody McCorry, along with Jason Quinones (TOMBSTONER) and Justin Hillman (CRANIAL DAMAGE). In 2023, SLAUGHTERSUN began to rehearse and record in their full form and soon turned to preparing their debut “Fall of the Firmament”.
SLAUGHTERSUN: Justin Hillman – Unearthly Wails Ben Karas – Treble Strings Cody McCorry – Bass Strings Jason Quinones – Hammer Battalion
Credits: “Fall of the Firmament” was produced, mixed and mastered by Ben Karas at Frost Gauntlet Recording in East Rutherford, NJ.
Hauntologist, a new project established by black metal stalwarts The Fall and Darkside, will release its debut album on 2 February via No Solace on CD and digital formats. To get a taste of the upcoming album, the band has released the first single “Ozymandian”.
Although the material is only about to be released now, the roots of the project go back many years and due to the band members’ busy schedules, they were waiting for the right time to unleash their creativity. The Fall – known for his work with Owls Woods Graves, Over the Voids… and as a live bassist for Mgła – and Darkside – known as the Mgła and Kriegsmaschine drummer – decided to venture further than the typical and conventional boundaries of black metal in their musical exploration.
Over the years, the band has undergone numerous clinical deaths and reanimations but eventually recorded their debut “Hollow” in 2023. Deeply rooted in negative metal music, it leans toward other genres and forms of expression to seek musical analogies of sleepless nights and surreal, anxiety-provoking hallucinations.
“Hollow” could be described as a field recording of a feverish nightmare. Despite its metal foundations, the music on “Hollow” constantly turns into side streets of other, often difficult to term and locate, music genres. It is an album built on the foundation of rubble and debris of visions that developed and died back throughout the years. The documentation of spirit decay and life slipping through the fingers.
Hauntologist – Hollow artwork
“Hollow” – tracklist:
Ozymandian
Golem
Waves of Concrete
Deathdreamer
Hollow
Autonomy
Gardermoen
Car Kruków
Hauntologist are: The Fall – Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keys Darkside – Drums
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, “A Monster Only You Can’t See;” 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 ARCTICA’s lyric video for “A Monster Only You Can’t See” HERE. Stream/purchase the track HERE.
Stream previously released single “First In Line” 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 “A Monster Only You Can’t See” and “First In Line” instantly at sonataarctica.afr.link/clearcoldbeyondPR.
Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube HERE and listen to “A Monster Only You Can’t See” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
SONATA ARCTICA: Tony Kakko – vocals Elias Viljanen – guitars Pasi Kauppinen – bass Henrik “Henkka” Klingenberg – keyboards Tommy Portimo – drums
Following their trip through various acoustic landscapes during the pandemic, Clear Cold Beyond contains ten tracks reviving SONATA ARCTICA’s penchant for power metal-esque songwriting. From high-speed anthems such as “First In Line” and “California” to emotion-laden tracks like “The Best Things” 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 (1999’s Ecliptica, 2012’s Stones Grow Her Name). Final mastering was handled by Svante Forsbäck (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 “Angels Landing“!
“Angels Landing” – a sonic odyssey at the threshold of longing and fulfillment.” The band states. “This 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 “Angels Landing” is out now on all digital services at THIS LOCATION!
“You are invincible — 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!
Polish heavy metal act CRYSTAL VIPER are releasing music video for “In The Haunted Chapel” single, which came out digitally earlier this year. It’s the first CRYSTAL VIPER video featuring Marta Gabriel on vocals and bass guitar (who played rhythm guitar between 2009 and 2022), and drummer Jakub Galwas, who joined CRYSTAL VIPER last year.
“The music video is one thing, but we have some other cool news to share as well” says CRYSTAL VIPER front woman and founder, Marta Gabriel. “We started to work on a new studio album, which will come out in the Summer of 2024 on Listenable Records. We’re very proud of what we achieved on our latest album, “The Cult”, so from one side you can expect its natural continuation – especially when it comes to lyrics, which once again are inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft – but from the other side, we prepared few surprises and we will explore some new territories. I think all CRYSTAL VIPER fans will be very happy, and I believe the album might be interesting for people who never listened to us” she adds.
Crystal Viper Discography: The Curse of Crystal Viper (Album – 2007) Metal Nation (Album – 2009) Legends (Album – 2010) Crimen Excepta (Album – 2012) Possession (Album – 2013) Queen of the Witches (Album – 2017) Tales of Fire and Ice (Album – 2019) The Cult (LISTENABLE Album – 2021) The Last Axeman (LISTENABLE Album- 2022)
Hard rock power metal titans FIREWIND, who just recently announced their brand new studio offering, entitled Stand United, for a release on March 1, 2024 via AFM Records, have not only revealed a brand new single, but a US headlining tour kicking off in the Spring of 2024! Find all upcoming FIREWIND live dates listed below. Tickets are on sale now! More US dates TBA.
Following “Salvation Day”, the previously-released, first track taken off the band’s forthcoming offering, now, FIREWIND have shared a lyric video for their new, powerful singe “Come Undone”. Their new album,Stand United will be available as CD, LP Vinyl, digital formats and highly collectable bundles including an autographed card, a FIREWINDcat patch plus a ticket for the band’s upcoming European tour with MASTERPLAN. For every ticket bundle purchase, fans will also get the chance to win a Meet & Greet. The album pre-sale is available at: https://firewind.bfan.link/stand-united
The video clip for the new FIREWINDsingle, “Come Undone”, is now streaming 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 guitar legend Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil), 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.
Stand United, features nine brand new songs produced with Dennis Ward (Magnum, Unisonic), as well as a cover of the 80s pop rock classic ‘Talking in Your Sleep’, originally recorded by The Romantics but giving it a metal twist in the style of FIREWIND. Their forthcoming, tenth studio album also bears testament to the band’s sheer enthusiasm and lyrical topics that could not be more relevant.
FIREWIND: Gus G. (guitars) Herbie Langhans (vocals) Petros Christo (bass) Jo Nunez (drums)
“I wouldn’t exactly call ‘Stand United’ a classic concept album, but the album title indicates what we’re about thematically,” explains Gus G, who has also contributed with more lyric ideas on this one than any album before. “This world seems to be getting more and more out of balance, what with environmental disasters, the pandemic, the wars currently raging all over the globe. In such times, it’s more important than ever for mankind to stand close together instead of fighting each other. That’s what ‘Stand United’ is about!”
In support of Stand United and among a European tour with MASTERPLAN early next year, FIREWIND have announced to tour the US in the Spring of 2024.
Says Gus G: “We’re proud and excited to bring our new album “Stand United” World Tour to America! In 2022 we made our comeback tour after a 9 year absence from American shores. We vowed to return as soon as possible. With a new album release ahead of us, we’re gonna do a full headline set for our American fans which will feature new songs and a best of setlist from our whole catalogue that’s been long overdue! We’re also very happy to have Edge of Paradise and Immortal Guardian with us. This is gonna be a Power Metal night to remember. We hope to see you all there!
FIREWIND – STAND UNITED IN AMERICA 2024 – Special guests: EDGE OF PARADISE and IMMORTAL GUARDIAN
04.12 MANCHESTER, NH – ANGERL CITY MUSIC HALL 04.13 READING, PA – REVERB 04.14 PITTSBURGH, PA – CRAFTHOUSE 04.16 WESTLAND, MI – TOKEN LOUNGE 04.17 HOBART, IN – HOBART ART THEATER 04.20 PEORIA, IL – REVIVAL MUSIC HALL 04.21 JOLIET, IL – THE FORGE 04.23 DENVER, CO – HQ 04.25 SAN DIEGO, CA – BRICK BY BRICK 04.26 ANAHEIM, CA – THE PARISH @ HOUSE OF BLUES 04.27 W. HOLLYWOOD – WHISKY A GO GO 04.28 SAN FRANCISCO – DNA LOUNGE 05.01 AUSTIN, TX – COME AND TAKE IT LIVE 05.02 DALLAS, TX – GRANADA THEATER (SUNDOWN ROOM) 05.03 SAN ANTONIO, TX – ROLLING OAKS EVENT CENTER 05.06 HOUSTON, TX – WAREHOUSE LIVE
MASTERS OF FIRE TOUR 2024 || FIREWIND & MASTERPLAN LIVE Tickets on sale at: https://bnds.us/663bll
29.02 🇩🇪 – Frankfurt, Das Bett 01.03 🇩🇪 – Bochum, Matrix 02.03 🇳🇱 – Uden, De Pul 03.03 🇫🇷 – Savigny Le Temple, L’Empreinte 06.03 🇪🇸 – Barcelona, Sala Wolf 07.03 🇪🇸– Madrid, Shoko 08.03 🇪🇸 – Pamplona, Totem 11.03 🇩🇪 – Munich, Backstage Halle 12.03 🇦🇹 – Wien, Szene 13.03 🇸🇰 – Bratislava, Randal Club 14.03 🇨🇿 – Zlin, Masters of Rock Cafe 15.03 🇵🇱 – Lublin, Studio im. Budki Suflera 16.03 🇵🇱 – Zabrze – CK Wiatrak 17.03 🇩🇪 – Leipzig – Hellraiser 20.03 🇳🇴 – Oslo, John Dee 21.03 🇸🇪 – Malmö, Plan B 22.03 🇸🇪 – Gothenburg, Surr Arena 23.03 🇸🇪 – Gävle, Gasklockorna 24.03 🇸🇪 – Stockholm, Biblioteket Live
Frontiers Music is pleased to announce the upcoming release from The Grandmaster, “Black Sun” on January 12, 2024. The first single and video from the album, “Watching The End” are out today. Following their explosive 2021 debut “Skywards,” this remarkable band, led by German guitarist Jens Ludwig (co-founder of Edguy), is set to deliver a powerful fusion of power and melody with a distinctive Teutonic twist.
Keen to hit the road to promote further releases, Danish vocalist Peer Johansson has been welcomed into the fold for the recording of ‘Black Sun’, the group’s follow-up record. Celebrated for his contributions to bands such as Fate, Ureas and Pentakill, Johansson’s voice is characterised by its warmth and an impressive range that has seen him compared to fellow hard rock titans like Rob Halford, Jorn Lande and Udo Dirkschneider.
Musically exuding infectious grooves and again displaying the exceptional prowess of Ludwig with a series of rhythmic riffs and captivating solos, the stellar vocal performances delivered by one of the genre’s hidden gems is the icing on the cake.
Ludwig was thrilled to get Peer on board for the follow-up, “I’ve actually been a fan of Peer’s for decades and own all the Fate albums he was involved in. The excitement was back for this second record and it was great to see the songs take shape from their original demo form and also see how Peer’s voice has developed over the years.”
For his part, Johansson describes ‘Black Sun’ as “a fantastic collaboration from inception to completion. When I first heard Jens’ riffs, I was completely blown away. His guitar playing is absolutely mind-blowing and has left me with a sore neck from all the headbanging! He plays like a musical deity and I feel honoured to be part of this extraordinary project. I can’t wait to share the stage with him during live shows and give it everything we’ve got.”
Guided by the ubiquitous Alessandro Del Vecchio, who plays bass and keyboards while also making a significant contribution to its superb production, ‘Black Sun’ is a dynamic and captivating album that sees in 2024 with a massive metallic bang.
BLACK SUN – TRACKLISTING: 1 Black Sun 2 Watching the End 3 While the Sun Goes Down 4 Learn to Forgive 5 Heaven’s Calling 6 Something More 7 Fly, Icarus Fly 8 I’m Alive 9 What We Can Bear 10 Soul Sacrifice 11 Into the Dark
THE GRANDMASTER: Peer Johansson – vocals Jens Ludwig – guitars Alessandro Del Vecchio – bass, keyboards Brett Jones – keyboards Mirko De Maio – drums
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”.
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.
THUNDERMOTHER don’t just play Rock’n’Roll. THUNDERMOTHER are Rock’n’Roll!
The Swedish rock queens return with a new single after the attention-getting line-up change. A music video for “I Left My License In The Future” – a jaw-dropping, straightforward, energetic, catchy potential hit, is now premiering below! Produced again with Danish mastermind Soren Andersen (Pretty Maids, D-A-D, Glenn Hughes, Mike Tramp, …) in autumn 2023, the song will showcase globally the potential of THUNDERMOTHER in terms of vocal performance and songwriting skills.
The release of the new single will be accompanied with a central-European tour with LANSDOWNE starting November 24 in Munich’s Backstage club and will be continued in early 2024 – for the first time ever – with a wide-ranging Swedish tour. The goal is to bring their Rock’N’Roll message live and on stage to their home country – all the way up to the Far North. Find all upcoming THUNDERMOTHER shows listed below!
Says the band about “I Left My License In The Future”: “With this first single from the new line-up, we would like to give the fans a hard hitting no-brainer track aimed at the one in the passenger seat without a driver’s license. An anthem for those of us who never gets to be the designated driver and a love letter to the ones in the driver’s seat. Cheers and let’s party!“
“I Left My License In The Future” is now available on all digital services HERE, the video clip is now premiering HERE:
THUNDERMOTHER 2023 – this is Linnea Vikström Egg, Majsan Lindberg, Joan Massing and Filippa Nässil. One line-up, one vision, one goal! Their slogan “We fight for Rock’N’Roll” has to be taken literally!
Make sure to catch THUNDERMOTHER fighting for Rock’N’Roll, on their upcoming European tour with Boston-based rock band LANSDOWNE, tickets are now available via: https://www.thundermother.com/
24.11.2023 DE München / Backstage 25.11.2023 DE Köln / Live Music Hall 26.11.2023 CH Bern / Bierhübeli 28.11.2023 DE Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal 29.11.2023 FR Paris / Petit Bain 01.12.2023 DE Memmingen / Kaminwerk 02.12.2023 DE Hannover / Capitol 03.12.2023 NL Utrecht / De Helling
With remarkable records such as the self-titled Voodoo Circle or Locked & Loaded, Alex Beyrodt’s VOODOO CIRCLE quickly establish themselves as the epitome of quality in classic hard rock. This band has it all: lots of experience featuring members of PRIMAL FEAR, SINNER and PINK CREAM 69, outstanding songwriting skills and musicianship, passion and a sense for great hooks.
It’s obvious that VOODOO CIRCLE have enhanced their classic rock repertoire on the highest level. A German band never before sounded that international, with that much “American Hard Rock“ in their blood. These melodic anthems, cultivated by the powerful voice of David Readman, the tasteful Hammond-sounds by Jimmy Kresic, Mat Sinner’s as usual precise bass foundation and Markus Kullmann’s drumming in best Bonham tradition, appear to come down right from the Olympus of hard rock.
To shorten your wait for a new studio offering to follow in the hopefully not so distant future, on December 1, 2023, VOODOO CIRCLE present their Best Of “15 Years Of Voodoo” via AFM Records, featuring not only highlights of their discography ( Locked & Loaded, Raised on Rock, More Than One Way Home, Whisky Fingers, Voodoo Circle ), but also two previously unreleased tracks! One of them, “Sweet Devotion”, recorded in 2021 during the Locked & Loaded album-era, is now available with a music video, streaming HERE
Says Alex Beyrodt:“Sweet Devotion is a typical Voodoo Circle song with all trademarks. David’s voice blows me away every time. I’m glad that the song now has its place on the Best Of album that will be released soon!“
November 24, 2023 sees German death/thrash metal band BURDEN OF GRIEF release their much-awaited, eighth studio album, titled “Destination Dystopia”, via Masssacre Records. Coming as CD, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats, the pre-sale is available at: https://lnk.to/destinationdystopia
It’s the band’s first offering in more than five long years. Five years, in which so much has happened in the world that BURDEN OF GRIEF were forced to refer to it lyrically and musically. Reinforced by the two new members Dominik Hellmuth (guitars) and Manuel Lüke (drums), they now present the strongest, heaviest and most varied album in the almost 30-year band history.
Following a previously-released, first album appetizer “Fevered Dreams”, now, BURDEN OF GRIEF are premiering a music video for their new single “A Daydream Of Sorrow”!
“On each of our albums we have 2-3 songs that break out of our usual musical context, mostly by being significantly slower,” the band comments. “This is enormously important to keep the music as varied as possible. “A Daydream Of Sorrow” is one of those songs that is particularly catchy, not least because of the slowing down of the tempo, and also has an extended solo part. In the studio it has already turned out that this song clearly stands out from the overall material. But fans of our heavier stuff don’t have to worry, most of the other songs are much faster.”
Watch the new BURDEN OF GRIEF video now streaming HERE
On “Destination Dystopia”, BURDEN OF GRIEF accomplished to focus on their years of experience, to combine their strengths and to put them into 10 riff monsters that are bursting with energy, great melodies and pure heaviness. First and foremost, you’ll get the thrash and melodic death treatment, but you’ll also find a plethora of elements that go way beyond what these musical drawers are all about. Expect killer grooves, classic twin-guitar solos as well as the return of the old-school Hammond organ.
Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner and his assistant Daniel Claar took care of the drum recordings, mixing and mastering of the album at the Kohlekeller Studios (Hämatom, Powerwolf, Aborted, etc.), and they made sure that “Destination Dystopia” is the tightest and heaviest album BURDEN OF GRIEF has ever released!
BURDEN OF GRIEF: Mike Huhmann – Vocals Philipp Hanfland – Guitars Dominik Hellmuth – Guitars Florian Bauer – Bass Manuel Lüke – Drums
“Destination Dystopia” track listing:
World Under Attack
A Daydream Of Sorrow
Exposed To The Dark
Downfall
Fevered Dreams
The Devil’s Bride
Mass Murder Society
Destination Dystopia
Fall Into Oblivion
My Suicide
DISCOGRAPHY: 2000 – Haunting Requiems 2001 – On Darker Trails 2004 – Fields Of Salvation 2007 – Death End Road 2009 – Haunting Requiems (Re-Release) 2010 – Follow The Flames 2014 – Unchained 2018 – Eye Of The Storm 2023 – Destination Dystopia
DOGBONE featuring Keel guitarist Bryan Jay, Keel drummer Dwain Miller, new vocalist Bob Reynolds (7 Angels, Fierce Heart, Grave Danger) and bassist David Dion have released the new single “Speed Kills,” a full throttle heavy metal thrill ride full of dangerous turns and high speed straightaways.
The track is featured on RFK Media’s “LIVETHE ROCK Volume One” CD and now available on all digital and streaming platforms, along with the relentlessly dizzying lyric video, via http://lnk.to/dogbonespeedkills.
Originally formed in the cultural transition between 80’s metal and 90’s grunge, DOGBONE once included the late great Rhett Forester (RIOT) on vocals. This long-awaited resurrection took place in the wake of the 2020 pandemic when Bryan Jay began working with vocalist Reynolds on tracks for his Digital Assassin TV & film music library, capturing lighting in a bottle with tracks like “Speed Kills.”
In addition to running the Digital Assassin music library and sporadic reunion shows with Keel, Jay also was instrumental – playing guitar and arranging music – in the 2001 VH1 film “Hysteria – The Def Leppard Story.”
BRYAN JAY (photo: Missie Tong)
“This song ‘Speed Kills’ is the perfect opening statement for the next chapter of this band,” Bryan claims. “We hope that rockers everywhere, Keel fans and all metalheads will keep up with us online and on social media as we put the pedal down. Speed kills – but life and rock & roll will keep us in the fast lane!”
“Bryan Jay and I have always been the best of friends and worked together in Keel and on a number of other projects,” explains RFK Media founder Ron Keel. “I must admit, when he sent me ‘Speed Kills’ I was both proud and jealous – songs like this put us both on the map, and RFK Media is extremely proud to be part of Dogbone’s rebirth.”
The follow-up to 2021’s “Embrace the Unknown” (released by Germany’s Pure Steel Records), “Deception” features five tracks of prog-infused thrash highlighted by the band’s signature melodic vocals and hook-laden approach to songwriting.
Deception is set for release on November 10. Pre-order and pre-save the EP at linktr.ee/lower13official
Tracklist: 1) More Time 2) Your Love’s a Curse 3) The One to Blame 4) Holding on to Misery 5) You Just Left Her
LOWER 13 was formed in Parma, Ohio in March 2006 and is comprised of Eric Kruger (drums), Sean Balog (bass, vocals), and Patrick Capretta (guitars, vocals). Lower 13 strives to carve their own identity in the metal scene, blending styles and pulling from their various influences. They create their own brand of metal laced with crushing riffs, grooves, and dual vocal harmonies.
BLAZONER‘S catchy single “Ghost”, delivers plenty of fretwork through intricate guitar melodies and overdriven rhythms. Drawing musical influence from some of rock and metal’s major names including the likes of MELVINS, GENESIS and BLACK SABBATH, the resulting sound carries a classic edge with a few electronic twists. BLAZONER‘S debut album Escape to Electric Landwill be released on November 3rd, 2023.
Today, the band has shared the first taste of the new album with new single, “Ghost”. Stream it HERE.
The band shares of the single: “The first single from our debut album Escape to Electric Land is called “Ghost”. It’s a groovy heavy rock tune with worked fretboards and catchy chorus lines. Lyrically the song has a deeper spiritual meaning pointing in the direction of perseverance through consciousness. Being able to step outside ourselves and reflect on our true intentions.”
The band comments further on Escape to Electric Land:
“We call it Escape to Electric Land because that’s the overall aesthetic we are going for. Our band is really loud and intense and we feel we achieved that with this release. It’s meant to be listened to as a whole. An almost sonic sleep or coma with ups and downs. Some of the material had already existed, but we didn’t know how to use it until we formed BLAZONER.”
BLAZONER: Stephen Sullivan – Guitar, Vocals Brian Carnes – Bass, Vocals Andy Murray – Drums, Vocals
Escape to Electric Land – Track Listing:
Electric Land
The Servant
Ghost
Fallout
Onyx Stone
Misfortune
Time Shift
Full Stop
Credits: Mixed and Engineered by bassist Brian Carnes. Formats: CD and digital.
AboutBLAZONER: Hailing from Fredericksburg, Virginia, BLAZONER emerged at the beginning of 2023 and within six months their debut album was completed. Comprised of seasoned musicians, BLAZONER’s members previously performed as the post-metal band ALLUVION. Sullivan and Murray are also former members of the doom metal outfit LORD, who shared stages with the likes of WEEDEATER, EYEHATEGOD and TORCHE. BLAZONER, sees the trio developing as musicians and performers as they seek to find their groove in this new heavy incarnation. Their upcoming full-length Escape to Electric Land will be released on November 3rd, 2023.
Lethal Scissor Records is proud to welcome TWEEDLEDEAD to the label’s roster.
TWEEDLEDEAD is a new extreme metal entity from Italy. Intertwining elements from a vast swath of extreme music genres, from death metal, grindcore to black metal, and everything in between, the project masterfully crafts an eclectic sound that breaks down many generic barriers or borders.
TWEEDLEDEAD‘s debut album, “Infernotes”, will be released on November 22nd 2023 via Lethal Scissor Records.
The first single, “Remains“, is now streaming at THIS LOCATION.
With a musical background dating back to the 90’s and with musical experiences in both death and black metal bands (Sepolcral, Misos), TWEEDLEDEAD is a very conceptual project and which exists within its own universe. TWEEDLEADED expresses himself in a multi-faceted manner, but above all close to his lyrical and conceptual ideas. It is a story, a vision with an analytical eye towards the current social drift and the decline of modern civilisation, which has roots in ancient times.
The dynamic sound, a striking as well as glowing amalgam of everything extreme, is explored in very contrasting and distinct ways. The music is both a study of the intricacies of extreme metal as well as an exploration in how far certain typical elements can be stretched and pushed in new directions.
For fans of: Misery Index, Lock Up, Cattle Decapitation, Dyscarnate
“Beyond The Meadows Of Fire” is the heavy and theatrical offering from Canadian epic metal band, ATAVISTIA. A fresh take on the track from their debut album One Within The Sun, this redux version showcases the band’s progression. Become immersed in their captivating sound as they unleash a fury of intricate orchestration, high-speed rhythms, atmospheric synths and fierce vocals. “Beyond The Meadows Of Fire” is out now. You can stream it HERE.
Band founder Mattias Sippola comments:
“I’ve grown so much as a musician/producer over the years and it was time to re-record a track off of the debut. We’ve been playing ‘Beyond The Meadows Of Fire’.live almost every show lately and we shall be playing it in Europe so it only made sense to redux the song to our modern standards. It was an absolute blast to revisit this track and we’re extremely happy with the outcome!”
Following their latest and acclaimed album Cosmic Warfare, ATAVISTIA have revamped one of their early compositions, “Beyond The Meadows Of Fire”. Continually growing as musicians, this new version gives the track another lease of life with enhanced production showcasing the ethereal soundscape in a new light. Prominent percussion and bass manifest a heaviness that grounds the track in the dark depths while orchestration, haunting choirs and melodies combine into a powerful and elevated arrangement.
The band is also trekking across the pond and taking over Europe this October in support of SKÁLMÖLD and METSATÖLL. Full dates are below.
Ýdalir European Tour 2023 w/ SKÁLMÖLD, METSATÖLL, ATAVISTIA:
13/10/23 DK – Copenhagen @ Lille Vega 14/10/23 DE – Hamburg @ Headcrash 15/10/23 DE – Trier @ Mergener Hof 16/10/23 DE – Köln @ Gebäude 9 17/10/23 FR – Paris @ Backstage O’Sullivan 18/10/23 CH – Monthey @ Pont Rouge 19/10/23 CH – Solothurn @ Kofmehl Raumbar 20/10/23 FR – Sélestat @ Rock Your Brain Festival 21/10/23 DE – Mannheim @ MS Connexion 22/10/23 DE – München @ Backstage 23/10/23 AT – Wien @ Szene 24/10/23 AT – Graz @ Explosiv 25/10/23 HU – Budapest @ Analog Music Hall 26/10/23 SVK – Kosice, @ Collosseum 27/10/23 PL – Bielsko-Biala @ Rude Boy 28/10/23 PL – Lublin @ Studio
ATAVISTIA is: Mattias Sippola – Guitars/Vocals Dalton Meaden – Guitars D’wayne Murray – Bass Max Sepulveda – Drums
Cosmic black metal duo LIGHTLORN has posted the official lyric video for “Of Longing Spirit and Infinite Solitude.” The song marks the newest single off their upcoming full-length debut, “At One with the Night Sky.”
Black Lion Records will release “At One with the Night Sky” on October 27. Pre-order or pre-save the album at: snd.click/Lightlorn_ATOWTNS
Brimming with dark, melancholy passages and wistful bridges interspersed with soaring crescendos and uplifting melodies, At One with the Night Sky is a post-black metal tour de force. From the opener “Amongst Stellar Remnants” to the closing track “Earthbound,” the album takes the listener on a sublime journey through the inner depths of the human psyche to the outer reaches of the cosmos.
If you enjoy contrasting song structures and the interplay between light and dark, between stirring and gloomy, and between serene and aggressive, then “At One with the Night Sky” is an album you need to hear.
TrackList: 1) Amongst Stellar Remnants 2) A Tragedy in Starlight 3) Dimensionless Blackness 4) Ghostly Soliloquies 5) Of Longing Spirit and Infinite Solitude 6) Spiral Arms Like Swirling Rivers 7) Earthbound
LIGHTLORN is: Renwar – All instruments and vocals Riaan – Drums and programming
Following the success of this year’s sold out Beermageddon Festival, Beermageddon have release their “Beermageddon Anthem” on all digital platforms with all proceeds going to RACPA (Rock Against Child Pornography & Abuse) to help their work with victims of child abuse.
The single written in 2014 by Roddy O’Donnell for an appearance at the festival had become the anthem for Beermageddon played across the weekend, and instantly recognisable by festival goers.
In 2022 the song was performed live once again by Roddy’s new band Cuttin’ Edge and after seeing the reception the band went into the studio and recorded the song giving the festival all the rights to the single to raise money for Rock Against Child Pornography and Abuse. The accompanying video produced by Rob Morgan features footage from Beermageddon Festival.
Beermageddon have always striven to support the amazing work that RACPA do, they have been regulars at the festival from day one, and are loved by the “Geddonites”. On a more serious note, they are always there with a friendly smile and ready to chat providing an invaluable service with their trained counsellors available to assist our metal horde, be it with advice on keeping young people safe, helping victims of abuse become survivors, or even just being a friendly ear for anyone who may be feeling down at the event. We all know “it’s OK to not be OK”.
We are a hard working, small team of 100% volunteers, working with and for victims and survivors of childhood sexual abuse, offering support, counselling and advice to help them deal with the long term effects of their abuse. We also offer information and education on the safe use of modern technology to parents, carers and young adults.
We travel with our info van all over the country, we attend events and festivals to listen and talk to members of the public, offering help and advice in strict confidentiality. We have always had a strong presence on the internet and social media, and can be contacted there via our website, Facebook and Twitter.
RACPA UK was founded in 2006 and was awarded charity status in 2012. We receive no funds or grants and finance our work via the sale of merchandise, donations and fundraisers. More information can be found on the Rock Against Child Pornography & Abuse website. Rock Against Child Pornography and Abuse Registered Charity Number 1151556.
After over a decade of successively sold out years, and having cemented the Beermageddon name as Britain’s best 100% independent, 100% grassroots event, Beermageddon returns for our 12th year over the August Bank Holiday weekend 2024 to Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club with 4 days of hard and heavy metal!
BEERMAGEDDON 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, August 2024
EARLY BIRD TICKETS £50 FREE CAMPING – FREE PARKING
As they barrel towards their upcoming tour dates, Canadian melodic metal outfit LUTHARO are excited to announce they have joined new label home, Atomic Fire Records!
“We are incredibly excited to announce that we have officially joined the Atomic Fire Records family!” says the band about the signing. “This is a HUGE stepping stone on the path we are paving as a band and grateful doesn’t even begin to describe how we feel! With this being said, we have a TON of amazing things yet to be announced and we cannot wait to share them with you! If you are following us on our journey, thank you so much! And stay metal!”
“We are extremely excited to welcome one of the most promising and overwhelming newcomers in the metal genre: LUTHARO! This band simply blew all of us in the company away. What an incredible and unique mix of extreme, powerful and melodic metal with the stunning voice of Krista Shipperbottom. This upcoming new album is a record you simply fall in love with immediately. Also check out anything else available online, especially their epic “Wings Of Agony” hymn. You all will realize: LUTHARO is the future.” adds Atomic Fire Records A&R Markus Wosgien.
To celebrate this announcement, as well as give you a preview of what to expect live, the band has revealed a fresh new single “Ruthless Bloodline”, along with an electrifying live shot video showcasing the band’s powerful stage presence. The track can be streamed HERE, while the video can be found HERE.
“You wanted new music? You got it!” LUTHARO exclaims proudly. “‘Ruthless Bloodline’ is officially out now and ruthless it is indeed! This is our heaviest yet catchiest song to date and is a good omen of what’s to come.”
LUTHARO will also be riding across the East Coast of the US this Fall on a co-headlining run with thrashy power metal affront PALADIN. The tour kicks off on September 20th in Knoxville, TN and wraps on October 8th in Louisville, KY. From there, the band will support UNLEASH THE ARCHERS on four dates in their home country Canada. Full dates and more information are available below. Tickets are available HERE.
LUTHARO comments: “IT’S TIME TO SHRED! We are super stoked to be joining our friends in Paladin for an epic tour this fall! We hope to see you on the road! 🤘❤️🔥”
LUTHARO will be touring in support of their latest album, Hiraeth. This album launches into an epic exploration of the band’s technical, musical and compositional abilities. They expertly balance hauntingly beautiful atmospheres with raw power and aggression. Hiraeth is an astounding new album, a fantastically epic journey that needs to be experienced to be believed. Stream HiraethHERE.
LUTHARO/PALADIN Tour Dates:
9/22 Fri – Youngstown, OH – Westside Bowl (Downstairs) 9/23 Sat – Cleveland, OH – No Class 9/24 Sun – Chicago, IL – Subterranean 9/26 Tue – Nashville, TN – DRKMTTR 9/27 Wed – Birmingham, AL – The Nick 9/28 Thu – Tallahassee, FL – The Bark 9/29 Fri – Gainesville, FL – Loosey’s 9/30 Sat – Atlanta, GA – Boggs Social & Supply 10/1 Sun – Charlotte, NC – The Milestone 10/3 Tue – Baltimore, MD – The Crown 10/4 Wed – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz 10/5 Thu – Brooklyn, NY – Kingsland 10/6 Fri – Providence, RI – Dusk
LUTHARO w/ UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, PALADIN:
10/19 Thu – Ottawa, ON – Brass Monkey 10/20 Fri – Toronto, ON – The Phoenix 10/21 Sat – Montreal, QC – Studio TD 10/22 Sun – Quebec City, QC – Imperial Bell
Lutharo Is: Krista Shipperbottom – Vocals Victor Bucur – Guitars, backing vocals Chris Pacey – Bass Cory Hofing – Drums Jeff Wilson – Guitar (Live)
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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