From POWERWOLF Bandsintown:
The wolf is unleashed and raging at sea! Our new single “Sinners Of The Seven Seas” is OUT NOW!
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3xDIBH8
Watch Music Video: https://youtu.be/BM0_MJAwlDk
See you all on tour later this year!
Anniversary Live Album & Blu-Ray! 2024 marks twenty years of BLOODBOUND. Twenty years in which the Swedish power metal export has left a lasting impression on fans and the worldwide metal scene. The band can call ten studio albums their own, as well as numerous frenetically-acclaimed festival appearances and tours. Last year alone, the band played a major gig at Masters of Rock Festival, which is featured on their upcoming anniversary live album and Blu-Ray, entitled “The Tales of Nosferatu – Two Decades of Blood (2004 – 2024)”!
Due out on April 19, 2024 via powerhouse label AFM Records, the pre-sale is now available at: https://bloodbound.bfan.link/the-tales-of-nosferatu
With songs like “Nosferatu”, “The Warlock’s Trail”, “Battle in the Sky”, or new songs of the band’s discography like “Drink with the Gods”, BLOODBOUND – who were formed in 2004 by keyboard player Fredrik Bergh and guitarist Tomas Olsson – have quickly established their sound in the world of heavy music. Not only because of their immense talent, but also because of their own affiliation to the metal scene, a dedication that comes with it and the skills to write incredibly good power metal songs.
“What a ride it has been! 10 studio albums, shows in over 25 countries and chart entries from all over the world. When I look back at the last 20 years, I can only say how proud I am of what we have created!” Fredrik Bergh comments. “We’re super excited to celebrate 20 years of Bloodbound with this release – together with YOU – our fans! Without you we’re nothing!”
In support, BLOODBOUND are now premiering a single taken off “The Tales of Nosferatu – Two Decades of Blood”. The anniversary live version of the band’s classic “The Warlock’s Trail” is out now on all digital services and is now streaming HERE.
Their first studio album, “Nosferatu”, was released in 2005, followed by nine more offerings such as “Creatures of the Dark Realm”, “Rise of the Dragon Empire” or “Tales from the North”. Since two decades, the BLOODBOUND bandwagon is unstoppable! To celebrate their special birthday in 2024, and while BLOODBOUND have also made a name for themselves as a great, highly entertaining live act, “The Tales of Nosferatu – Two Decades of Blood” will be the perfect proof to that.
This live album and Blu-Ray perfectly reflect the highlights of their career and high-voltage stage energy. In addition to the entire Masters of Rock show, the Blu-Ray also includes excerpts from a past Japan performance and all of BLOODBOUND‘s music videos released to date.
As a special and unique gift to their dedicated fanbase, the upcoming BLOODBOUND release will also include a comic, which was created by long-time companion and designer Péter Sallai. It tells the story of how the band’s mascot Nossen came to be; tastefully illustrated and with a story tailored to the band and their songs, this work is an absolute must-have piece of art!
Celebrate 20 years of BLOODBOUND, and pre-order your copy of the band’s anniversary album here: https://bloodbound.bfan.link/the-tales-of-nosferatu
BLOODBOUND Line-Up:
Patrik J. Selleby (Vocals)
Tomas Olsson (Guitars)
Henrik Olsson (Guitars)
Anders Broman (Bass)
Fredrik Bergh (Keyboards)
Daniel Sjögren (Drums)
Live Album Tracklist:
01 – Bloodtale
02 – Tales from the North
03 – Slayer of Kings
04 – In the Name of Metal
05 – When Fate is Calling
06 – A New Era Begins
07 – Battle in the Sky
08 – Drink with the Gods
09 – The Warlock’s Trail
10 – Moria
11 – Creatures of the Dark Realm
12 – Rise of the Dragon Empire
13 – Nosferatu
Blu-Ray:
BR 01 – Bloodtale
BR 02 – Tales from the North
BR 03 – Slayer of Kings
BR 04 – In the Name of Metal
BR 05 – When Fate is Calling
BR 06 – A New Era Begins
BR 07 – Battle in the Sky
BR 08 – Drink with the Gods
BR 09 – The Warlock’s Trail
BR 10 – Moria
BR 11 – Creatures of the Dark Realm
BR 12 – Rise of the Dragon Empire
BR 13 – Nosferatu
BR 14 – Made of Steel
BR 15 – Bloodtale
BR 16 – Battle in the Sky
BR 17 – Dragons are Forever
BR 18 – Rise of the Dragon Empire
BR 19 – Tales from the North
BR 20 – Drink with the Gods
BR 21 – Creatures Of The Dark Realm
BR 22 – Rise Of The Dragon Empire
BR 23 – Battle In The Sky
BR 24 – Stormborn
BR 25 – In The Name Of Metal
https://www.instagram.com/bloodbound_metal
Source: AFM Records
From Helloween / Bandsintown:
We are thrilled to announce that we have signed a new record deal with Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) for our upcoming studio album!
RPM proudly comments on the signing: “It is a true milestone for Reigning Phoenix Music to welcome HELLOWEEN to our family of artists. HELLOWEEN is not just a band, they epitomize the energy and passion of power metal. Their music has inspired generations, and we are proud to collaborate in order to reach new heights.”
As for us, we are equally enthusiastic about the new partnership: “Sven Bogner and his team have convinced us with their ideas and enthusiasm. They live and love metal, and this is what connects us – we look forward to be working with them!” explains Andi Deris.
Specifically, we will start working on new material from the summer and are planning to release a new studio album in 2025. Stay tuned, pumpkinheads!
Following the release of their latest, much acclaimed studio album Firestar, German power metal force IRON SAVIOR has unleashed a furious, new single entitled “Raising Hell”! Firestar was released in October 2023 via AFM Records, and is available at THIS LOCATION!
“Those were the days
When Metal came out ways
Making me stronger
Day by day
We’ve been the warriors
To rule the gleaming city lights
Metal on our minds
We’re raising hell”
Sings IRON SAVIOR frontman, Piet Sielck, but give ear and listen to “Raising Hell”, now premiering and available on all digital services at: https://iron-savior.bfan.link/raising-hell
Order the album, a must-have record that belongs into every well-sorted power metal collection, at https://bfan.link/firestar
Firestar – track listing:
https://www.afm-records.de/en/
Source: AFM Records
German power metal titans MASTERPLAN, who will not only embark on an extensive European tour with FIREWIND kicking off this February, return with a brand new song, entitled Rise Again! An official lyric video is now premiering below.
Following the band’s colossal anniversary edition, a reissue of their memorable debut re-released in 2023 via AFM Records, today, MASTERPLAN are sharing their new single Rise Again – an epic, powerful and hopefully first harbinger of a new album to follow in the not so distant future!
Founding member and guitarist, Roland Grapow, reveals:
“After almost 10-11 years of silence, we are ready to burst onto the heavy metal scene again. We missed the audience and new emotions. This song is about how we felt during the last period. Everything in the world changes so quickly that sometimes it is very difficult to understand where you belong. And it seems that you are talented and worthy of success, but you begin to doubt yourself. And this is a big mistake.
As usual and in the Masterplan style, we try to be positive and this is the main goal of our creativity. We want to inspire our fans to find the strength to overcome life’s challenges. Rise Again is the song about hope, life and better things to come, it’s like a phoenix rising from the ashes.“
“Rise Again” is out now on all digital streaming services via https://masterplan.bfan.link/rise-again
The new MASTERPLAN lyric video is premiering HERE
Make sure to catch MASTERPLAN and FIREWIND live on their upcoming
MASTERS OF FIRE EUROPEAN TOUR 2024!
Tickets: https://mfpconcerts.com/konzerte/#masters
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
Source: AFM Records
“The missing link between Ronnie James Dio and Christina Aguilera”. That’s 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: “Skies 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 can’t live in the past it is consoling to dream about the future and about the changes it will bring.”
Andry is much more than just a singer… 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 Purple’s ‘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 career… and life: “One 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.”
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 – Lux
Live-band:
Andry – vocals
Ivan Keller – guitar
Hans in ’t Zandt – drums
Robin van der Bor – bass
Fab Jablonski – keyboards
ANDRY – online:
Instagram – instagram.com/andrybluesmetalqueen
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@ANDRYBLUESMETALQUEEN/videos
Source: Tarja Virmakari PR / Split Screen Management
After two acoustic albums, SONATA ARCTICA have been secretly working on a new full-length. Fans can expect a return to their golden power metal roots on the group’s forthcoming opus. Slated for release in the Spring of 2024 via Atomic Fire, today the band is pleased to unveil a first taste of what’s to come with “First In Line.”
Frontman Tony Kakko elaborates, “This is the first power metal song I wrote for the forthcoming album which is laden with them. Its demo title was ‘First In Line’ and I managed to stick with it. The song handles the worry about raising a new generation of people with or rather letting an electronic screen — namely tv, pad, or some such — do a big part of raising this generation of human beings. We think that we buy ourselves time with these gadgets, but are these devices the right ‘nanny’ for our kids or should we maybe slow down a bit, read books, teach that happiness can be and often is something we reach by stopping and letting go of constant stimulation of all our audiovisual senses? In ways, we are flying blindly with these things. Things are advancing too fast in many ways…”
More details on SONATA ARCTICA’s upcoming full-length will be announced in the months to come.
In the meantime, stream/purchase “First In Line” at THIS LOCATION.
In related news, The Nordic Power Metal Titans 2023 European tour, featuring SONATA ARCTICA alongside Finnish countrymen Stratovarius and rising international power metallers and labelmates Induction will commence this weekend. The twenty-four-date trek stands among the most anticipated tours of the year! See all confirmed dates below.
SONATA ARCTICA – Nordic Power Metal Titans 2023 w/ Stratovarius, Induction:
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
10/26/2023 Bataclan – Paris, FR * No Induction
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
11/09/2023 Sono Centrum – Brno, CZ
11/10/2023 Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, DE
11/11/2023 Hell’s Balls Belgium @ Xpo – Kortrijk, BE
11/12/2023 Matrix – Bochum, DE
7/31-8/03/2024 Wacker Open Air – Wacken, DE Sold Out
Order SONATA ARCTICA‘s two latest albums Acoustic Adventures – Volume One & Two — plus back catalog records as well as merchandise now at: atomicfire-records.com/brand/2323.
Watch SONATA ARCTICA’s videos for “The Rest Of The Sun Belongs To Me,” “For The Sake Of Revenge,” “I Have A Right,” and “Victoria’s Secret” from Adventures – Volume One & Two at THIS LOCATION.
Source: EARSPLIT PR
Following their recent signing with powerhouse label AFM Records, ALTERIUM, the new Italian power metal quintet led by Nicoletta Rosellini (ex. Kalidia, Walk in Darkness), has shared a music video for their first album single “Drag Me To Hell”!
As Nicoletta recently revealed: “I am finally happy to present you Alterium, my new power metal adventure. In the past months, we have poured our hearts and souls into crafting a debut album that harmonizes captivating melodies, powerful guitar riffs, and thunderous drums. The result is a strong debut album that we are eagerly anticipating to share with all of you.”
About the band’s first single release, the exceptional vocalist says:“‘Drag Me To Hell’ captures the entire power metal essence of Alterium, combining strong guitar riffs and captivating melodies that blend with themes related to the world of Warcraft, one of my greatest passions. In this track, we tell part of the story of heroic paladin Bolvar Fordragon, who, after surviving dragon’s flames, makes the ultimate sacrifice of sitting upon the Frozen Throne, becoming the ruler of the Scourge.”
Watch the ALTERIUM video clip for their first single “Drag Me To Hell”,now debuting HERE:
Born in late 2022, ALTERIUM consists of 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. Under the guidance of producer Lars Rettkowitz (Freedom Call), ALTERIUM have finished the recordings of a bombastic debut album. The band’s first full-length will also feature a cover of the Sabaton classic “Bismarck”. Watch out for many more details and news to follow in the weeks ahead, when ALTERIUM will take the power metal scene by storm with a triumph of powerful sounds, big riffs, explosive drums, majestic choirs and captivating grooves!
ALTERIUM Live:
30.09.2023 (DE) – KillerZ Fest – Oberhausen
13.01.2024 (DK) – Epic Fest – Roskilde
Source: AFM Records
In support of their hotly-anticipated, fifth studio album “Everfrost”(postponed for a release on September 22, 2023) via AFM Records, pre-order HERE!
“In “Fate of the Atlanteans” we ask humanity, if it does not realize that if we do not change our way of dealing with our planet, we will face the same fate as in Atlantis history and thus the destruction of our world.” The band comments. Watch their new lyric video now streaming HERE:
As the “Winter” stands for nordic viking and folk metal, the “Storm” for fast-paced power metal, combined with epic and orchestral metal facettes, on “Everfrost”, WINTERSTORM shines in a new splendor. It’s the melodic grandeur, that clearly marks the foreground of WINTERSTORM, reflected in heavily catchy choruses and colossal, polyphonic vocals. Striking elements of different metal styles merge with each other and get a completely new impression, that WINTERSTORM’s new album may be their most versatile and powerful album to date; one that does not have to hide behind proved genre colleagues such as Blind Guardian or Rhapsody Of Fire.
“Everfrost” will be coming out as CD Digipak, limited clear blue Vinyl and Boxset on September 22, 2023 via AFM Records, the pre-sale is available at THIS LOCATION!
“Everfrost” – track listing:
Source: AFM Records
German power metal frontrunners, IRON SAVIOR, have announced the release of their new studio album, titled Firestar, for October 6, 2023 via AFM Records. The pre-sale is available at THIS LOCATION!
Following previously-released songs, “Through the Fires of Hell” and the blistering, fast-paced album title track, IRON SAVIOR are premiering a music video for their new single “In the Realm of Heavy Metal”! The new clip is now streaming HERE.
Firestar track listing:
IRON SAVIOR have again come up with an exceptional studio album in Firestar, enhanced by Felipe Machado Franco’s impressive cover artwork presenting the band’s mighty spaceship that has been aroundr since 2011. The cherry on the cake is the powerful production courtesy of Hamburg’s Powerhouse Studio, including intelligently positioned keyboard parts and the anthemic background choirs, supported by Sielck’s 17-year-old daughter Frida and her boyfriend. Without any doubt, Firestar promises to be a bonfire in many respects!
IRON SAVIOR:
Piet Sielck (vocals, guitars)
Joachim “Piesel” Küstner (guitars)
Jan S. Eckert (bass)
Patrick Klose (drums)
Firestar track listing:
Source: AFM Records
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.
Stream/purchase The Power Of Power EP HERE.
The Power Of Power Track Listing:
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 From Fire 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:
Craig Cairns – vocals
Tim Kanoa Hansen – guitars
George Thanasoglou – session guitars
Dominik Gusch – bass
Dominik “Dome” Zester – session drums
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
Source: EARSPLIT PR
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 PRIMAL FEAR 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.
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 Mat Sinner and co-produced by Scheepers and guitarist Tom Naumann. Long-time PRIMAL FEAR 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 European Tour – 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
Source: EARSPLIT PR
Following their latest, much-acclaimed offering, Reforged – Ironbound (released in 2022 via AFM Records), Hamburg-based power metal act Iron Savior has announced the release of a brand new studio album! Firestar will be out on October 6, 2023 through AFM, the pre-sale has just started at THIS LOCATION!
To shorten your wait until the full-length release, today, Iron Savior have unleashed their blistering album title track! It’s immediatly evident, “Firestar” is irresistible and with its incredible 176 bpm definitely one of the fastest songs in Iron Savior’s history to date. Says singer and guitarist Piet Sielck: “With the power of the debut, the energy of Condition Red and a massive old-school-meets-modern-soundscapes production, Firestar is a massive track that won’t leave your players for a long time. We promise!”
Watch the official lyric video for “Firestar”, now premiering HERE
The band’s upcoming album will feature a wide range of influences from hard rock to pop, all calibrated to heavy metal standards thanks to those typical Iron Savior virtues. But sometimes pure coincidence or seemingly inconspicuous little details can turn a very good album into an outstanding release. In the case of Firestar, it has come as a real surprise even for Sielck that the new songs surpass the material of the impressive 2020 album Skycrest. In fact, the cornerstones of the current offering were already set and pointed to a successful production within the tried and tested framework, when all of a sudden everything turned out rather differently: “Just before the recordings were finalised, I was inspired by the muse, totally out of the blue. I wrote two more songs out of nowhere and changed a third one on the spur of the moment. And suddenly, ‘Firestar’ turned into an even better record,” says Sielck happily, admitting that this unexpected creative surge “triggered great emotions” in him.
Iron Savior have again come up with an exceptional studio album in Firestar, enhanced by Felipe Machado Franco’s impressive cover artwork presenting the Iron Savior spaceship that has been around since 2011. The cherry on the cake is the powerful production courtesy of Hamburg’s Powerhouse Studio, including intelligently positioned keyboard parts and the anthemic background choirs, supported by Sielck’s 17-year-old daughter Frida and her boyfriend. Without any doubt, Firestar promises to be a bonfire in many respects!
Firestar track listing:
IRON SAVIOR:
Piet Sielck (vocals, guitars)
Joachim “Piesel” Küstner (guitars)
Jan S. Eckert (bass)
Patrick Klose (drums)
IRON SAVIOR Live:
09.06.23 Hellpdays, Olmutz (CZ)
30.06.23 Midalidare, Rock in the Vine Valley (BGR)
01.07.23 Fahrendorf Open Air, Fahrendorf (D)
26.08.2023 Steel Fest, Stalowa Wola (POL)
02.09.23 1000Fryd, Aalborg tba (DK)
09.09.23 Kubana, Siegburg (D)
October 14, 2023 | Northern Rockfest | Umeå, Sweden
October 15, 2023 | Cozmoz Arena | Borlänge, Sweden
October 16, 2023 | Vulkan Arena| Oslo, Norway
October 17, 2023 | Trädgår’n | Gothenburg, Sweden
October 19, 2023 | Slaktkyrkan | Stockholm, Sweden
October 20, 2023 | Gimle | Roskilde, Denmark
October 20, 2023 | Kulturpalast | Hamburg, Germany
October 22, 2023 | Hellraiser | Leipzig, Germany
October 24, 2023 | TivoliVredenburg (Ronda) | Utrecht, Netherlands
October 25, 2023 | Garage | Saarbrücken, Germany
October 26, 2023 | Bataclan | Paris, France
October 27, 2023 | Konzertfabrik Z7 | Pratteln, Switzerland
October 28, 2023 | Alcatraz | Milan, Italy October 30, 2023 | Backstage | Munich, Germany
October 31, 2023 | Szene | Vienna, Austria November 1, 2023 | Barba Negra | Budapest, Hungary
November 3, 2023 | Fuzz Club | Athens, Greece
November 4, 2023 | Principal Club Theater | Thessaloniki, Greece
November 6, 2023 | FORM Space | Cluj-Napoca, Romania
November 7, 2023 | Quantic | Bucharest, Romania
November 10, 2023 | Colos-Saal | Aschaffenburg, Germany
November 12, 2023 | Matrix | Bochum, Germany
Finnish heavy metal sextet BATTLE BEAST will be bringing their Circus of Doom to town and playing Day 3 (Sept. 8) of ProgPower USA. They will be replacing WIND ROSE. Tickets are still available for days 1 & 2 of the festival.
ProgPower USA is a progressive and power metal festival held annually in the United States since 2001. Its upcoming edition, ProgPower USA XXII, will occur Sep 6 – Sep 9, 2023 at Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, GA. This year’s lineup features KAMELOT, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, the final USA show for POWER QUEST, and the first announced USA show for THE HALO EFFECT. Other acts include DORO, BEAST IN BLACK, SWALLOW THE SUN, VOLA, CYNIC, and more!
Day 1 | September 6
DORO
SWALLOW THE SUN
CYNIC
ELVENKING
ICE AGE
Get Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/progpower-usa-xxii-day-2-atlanta-georgia-09-07-2023/event/0E005D4CB6AB455E
Get Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/progpower-usa-xxii-day-2-atlanta-georgia-09-07-2023/event/0E005D4CB6AB455E
Day 2 | September 6
BEAST IN BLACK
VOLA
THE HALO EFFECT
ZERO HOUR
SEVEN KINGDOMS
Day 3 | September 8 – SOLD OUT
KAMELOT
CALIGULA’S HORSE
GREEN CARNATION
AD INFINITUM
BATTLE BEAST
THE CRYPTEX
Day 4 | September 9 – SOLD OUT
MYRATH
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS
DELAIN
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS
EVIL INVADERS
POVERTY’S NO CRIME
Glenn Harveston reflected, “Our festival has established itself as one of the most unique and exciting events for progressive and power metal worldwide, and the history of sales speaks for itself. I’m thankful for yet another sell-out for days 3&4, and hope the trend continues for Milton and Nathan’s shows as well.”
Milton Mendonca continued, “This year’s Day 2 roster calls back to the quintessential blend of genres that made our festival so successful to begin with. You cannot find a show like this anywhere else in the States, so last call to join the best metal party of the year.”
ProgPower USA has served as the USA debut for iconic bands like Nightwish, Blind Guardian, Epica, Kamelot and more. Tickets for days 1 & 2 of the festival have limited quantities still available. Be a part of heavy metal history and join in on ProgPower USA XXII!
Source: C Squared Music
Following their feature in a documentary on Germany’s public TV station SWR about the future of metal, unstoppable progressive symphonic power metal machine INDUCTION returns with another uplifting new song, “A Call Beyond.” The track, which comes just six months after the release of their sophomore album Born From Fire, proves they are indeed the spearheads of the next generation of power metal.
“A Call Beyond” takes listeners on an epic and melodic journey through what it means to be human, to resist, to rise up, to fall and to succeed. Bathed in the rich orchestration of the independent French composer Peter Crowley and awakened by lead singer Craig Cairns‘ soaring vocals, this mid-tempo song will surely leave a feeling of awe.
Guitarist Tim Kanoa Hansen comments, “In a way, this song is the thematic followup to our fan favorite title, ‘Scorched.’ Chaos breaks loose on earth, up is down, right is wrong, light is dark. Ethereal voices call you to follow and fight as well as lead into a new, better world. It’s a call to stand up and to realize the potential paradise we live in, to embrace progress and to resist the tyrants that are in control of the masses.”
Watch INDUCTION’s visualizer for “A Call Beyond” at THIS LOCATION. Stream/purchase the track HERE.
Subscribe Atomic Fire Records on YouTube and listen to “A Call Beyond” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
View the band’s previously released videos for “Queen Of Light” HERE, “Sacrifice” HERE, “Go To Hell” HERE, and “Embers” HERE.
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).
Stream/purchase Born From Fire at THIS LOCATION.
INDUCTION will serve as openers on the Nordic Power Metal Titans Tour 2023 which features Finnish power metal heavyweights Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius.
Hansen adds, “Our latest album, Born From Fire, was received very positively during its release tour at the end of last year, but this was just the beginning. We can’t wait to present it to many more power metal hungry fans around Europe in Autumn. Warming up the crowds for such influential giants of the scene will make it an even more special experience for sure. INDUCTION is already starting their high-power engines – and you better do the same. Get your tickets and we’ll see you on the road!”
The group will close the year with a blast by supporting legendary act Accept in Germany.
The band further comments, “We are joining forces with Accept this year in December for two dates. It will be special for us playing in Tim Hansen’s hometown Hamburg and in [bassist] Dominik Gusch’s hometown Cologne!”
INDUCTION:
Craig Cairns – vocals
Tim Kanoa Hansen – guitars
Marcos Rodriguez – guitars
Dominik Gusch – bass
Dominik “Dome” Zester – session drums
The band’s full itinerary can be found below.
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
12/13/2023 Carlswerk Victoria – Cologne, DE
Source: EARSPLIT PR
German heavy metal icons HELLOWEEN will be inducted into the Metal Hall Of Fame! The ceremony will take place on stage on May 20th during the band’s performance at Terminal 5 in New York City.
“HELLOWEEN has helped establish the origins of the power metal genre,” says Metal Hall Of Fame Founder/CEO, Pat Gesualdo. “Power metal is such an important part of the heavy metal community as well. We are proud to induct HELLOWEEN into the Metal Hall Of Fame and have them to help represent the power metal genre and all its fans throughout the world.”
Comments HELLOWEEN founding guitarist, Michael Weikath, “It’s truly an honor to be inducted into the Metal Hall Of Fame! Being listed next to some of the biggest bands in rock and metal makes us very proud and is rewarding our work as ‘The Ambassadors Of Power And Melodic Metal’ for the last four decades.”
HELLOWEEN will return to US and Canadian stages beginning this weekend as part of their ongoing United Forces world tour alongside supporting special guests, HammerFall. The trek will commence on May 13th in Dallas, Texas and wind its way through a total of thirteen cities, the journey drawing to a close on June 3rd in San Francisco, California. Fans can expect an epic night of HELLOWEEN hits spanning the band’s legacy as well as tunes from their latest album, Helloween, marking the first time tracks from the album will be performed live for fans in the US and Canada.
Tickets are on sale now. Secure yours today at THIS LOCATION. See all confirmed dates below.
HELLOWEEN w/ HammerFall:
5/13/2023 The Bomb Factory – Dallas, TX
5/16/2023 Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL
5/18/2023 The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
5/20/2023 Terminal 5 – New York, NY
5/21/2023 The Palladium – Worcester, MA
5/23/2023 History – Toronto, ON
5/24/2023 Royal Oak Music Hall – Royal Oak, MI
5/26/2023 The Riviera – Chicago, IL
5/27/2023 The Fillmore – Minneapolis, MN
5/30/2023 Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO
6/01/2023 Brooklyn Bowl – Las Vegas, NV
6/02/2023 YouTube Theater – Los Angeles, CA
6/03/2023 The Warfield – San Francisco, CA
Often referred to as the “Fathers Of Power Metal,” and known as one of the most influential European heavy metal bands, HELLOWEEN has released sixteen studio albums, three live albums, three EPs, and thirty singles. The band has fourteen gold and six platinum records and have sold over ten-million records worldwide. HELLOWEEN are known as one of the “Big Four” of the power metal genre, along with Blind Guardian, Sabaton, and DragonForce and has performed at festivals and concerts alongside Iron Maiden, David Lee Roth, KISS, Megadeth, and Guns N’ Roses, among countless others.
The Metal Hall Of Fame is dedicated to forever enshrining the iconic musicians and music industry executives responsible for making hard rock and heavy metal music what it is today. Their contribution to the genre is invaluable, and they continue to inspire fans throughout the world, from generation to generation.
The Annual Metal Hall Of Fame Celebrity Gala is held every January in California. As a non-profit organization, all proceeds from Metal Hall Of Fame events bring free music programs to help special needs children and wounded veterans. The Metal Hall Of Fame voting process is derived by fans of all genres of hard rock and heavy metal, along with the Metal Hall Of Fame voting committee. Fans can cast their vote all year round for their favorite artists, bands, producers, and music industry executives via the Metal Hall of Fame website: metalhalloffame.org.
http://www.instagram.com/helloweenofficial
Source: EARSPLIT PR
North American Tour With Moonspell To Commence Later This Month
“Watch as I rise.
Reclaim my life.
Under the darkest of skies.
Scars will remain, signed by your name.
Never forget, we’re the same.”
ELEINE – “Never Forget” (2023)
Times are hard, we know. And while Tina Turner may have declared some time ago that, “we don’t need another hero,” the opposite seems to be true. We need heroes, we need anthems, we need perseverance. And fast! Luckily for us, ELEINE has heard the call with their newest single Never Forget.
Beginning with a heavy, thrashy riff which instantly drives the song forward and leads to a mighty chorus, the song is the perfect paradigm of the speed and epic vibe of their new album, We Shall Remain, set for release on July 14th via Atomic Fire Records.
The band comments, “Have you ever met someone who has scarred you? Made you doubt yourself? Maybe even made your life a living hell? We all have, in one way or another. But the most important part of experiencing something inevitable like this is to remember your own worth. It’s not about you, but you can evolve and learn from the situation itself.
“Rise up. Accept what has been. Move forward and cut the strings attached to anyone who really doesn’t give you anything else but a headache. In the end, we’re all facing the same fate. Make sure your life along the way has as less toxic people as possible and make sure you are in charge of your own life.”
Watch ELEINE’s visualizer for “Never Forget” at THIS LOCATION. Stream/purchase the track at THIS LOCATION.
Watch ELEINE’s previously released video for first single, “We Are Legion,” at THIS LOCATION.
We Shall Remain was written and produced by guitar player/vocalist Rikard Ekberg and lead vocalist Madeleine Liljestam while Thomas “Plec” Johansson took care of co-recording, mixing and mastering at The Panic Room Studio in Skövde, Sweden. Its fiery artwork was designed by Nestor Avalos (nestoravalosofficial.com) and Madeleine Liljestam.
We Shall Remain will be available as a digibook CD, digibook CD + signed photo card (limited edition; EMP & Sound Pollution excl.), jewel case CD, LP (Orange/White), 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 “Never Forget” and “We Are Legion” instantly at eleine.afr.link/weshallremainPR.
ELEINE:
Madeleine Liljestam – vocals
Rikard Ekberg – guitar, vocals
Filip Stålberg – bass
Jesper Sunnhagen – drums
Besides recently welcoming long-time live bass player Filip Stålberg as a new permanent member, ELEINE will embark on their very first North American tour later this month. Accompanying legendary Portuguese dark metallers Moonspell on their 30th anniversary tour across the US and Canada, the band will play twenty-three shows from April 29th through May 23rd with additional support coming from Oceans Of Slumber and Vintersea on select dates. To help the group on their journey, visit THIS LOCATION. Find ELEINE’s full live itinerary below!
ELEINE w/ Moonspell, Oceans Of Slumber:
4/29/2023 The Monarch – Brooklyn, NY
4/30/2023 Warehouse On Watts – Philadelphia, PA
5/01/2023 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC
5/02/2023 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
5/03/2023 Conduit – Orlando, FL
5/05/2023 Scout Bar – Houston, TX **
5/06/2023 Paper Tiger – San Antonio, TX **
5/07/2023 Trees – Dallas, TX **
5/08/2023 Tumbleroot Brewing – Santa Fe, NM **
5/09/2023 Last Exit Live – Phoenix, AZ **
5/10/2023 1720 – Los Angeles, CA **
5/11/2023 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA **
5/12/2023 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA **
5/13/2023 Bossanova Ballroom – Portland, OR **
5/14/2023 The Cobalt – Vancouver, BC **
5/16/2023 Oriental Theater – Denver, CO
5/17/2023 Granada Theater – Lawrence, KS
5/18/2023 The Forge – Joliet, IL #
5/19/2023 Piere’s – Ft. Wayne, IN #
5/20/2023 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA #
5/21/2023 Petit Campus – Montreal, QC #
5/22/2023 Source De La Martiniere – Quebec, QC #
5/25/2023 Sonia – Boston, MA #
End Tour
8/02/2023 MetalDays – Velenje, SL New
8/11/2023 Alcatraz Metal Festival – Kortrijk, BE
** = w/ Vintersea # = no Oceans Of Slumber
Don’t forget to subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube. Listen to “Never Forget” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
Source: EARSPLIT PR
New Album, “Everfrost”, Out This Summer On AFM Records!
July 14, 2023 will see power metal act WINTERSTORM release their upcoming, fifth studio album entitled “Everfrost”. It’s their first offering since 2016, and their debut with powerhouse label AFM Records.
“Winter” stands for nordic viking and folk metal, the “Storm” for fast-paced power metal, combined with epic and orchestral metal facettes, WINTERSTORM shines in a new splendor as first single releases prove. Following the previously shared, first album appetizer “To The End Of All Known”, now, the five-piece has released a music video for “Future Times”! The comments:
“Future Times is about focusing on the changeable future instead of wasting time on the unchangeable past. Whether it’s the small things everyday or big ones like the destruction of our planet — it’s always worth getting the focus right.”
The new WINTERSTORM clip for “Future Times” is now streaming HERE
It’s the melodic grandeur, that clearly marks the foreground of WINTERSTORM, reflected in heavily catchy choruses and colossal, polyphonic vocals. Striking elements of different metal styles merge with each other and get a completely new impression, that WINTERSTORM’s forthcoming record may be their most versatile and powerful album to date; one that does not have to hide behind proved genre colleagues such as Blind Guardian or Rhapsody Of Fire.
“Everfrost” will be available as CD Digipak, limited clear blue Vinyl and Boxset on July 14, 2023 through AFM Records, the pre-sale is now online at THIS LOCATION!
“Everfrost” track listing:
Source: AFM Records
Detroit (MI) – Melodic Power Thrashers AMONG THESE ASHES have revealed the artwork for forthcoming single “The Enemy In I.” Jayson Cessna of Prosthetic Records artists, Astralborne, is responsible for the visual stunner!
“The Enemy In I” will be released on April 21, packaged with b-side track “Sirens,” a cover of the Savatagegem. A lyric video for “Sirens” is available now at youtu.be/WQe52VAHb5Y!
Regarding “Sirens,” the band had this to say: “Among These Ashes pays homage to one of the best bands to ever do it, Savatage, with a cover of the band’s classic song, Sirens. This cover is deliberately made with ATA sonic trademarks, rather than being a carbon copy of the original. Thank you Savatage for being a continuous source of inspiration.
The band released the following statement concerning the forthcoming single package:
“A year after releasing our debut album, Dominion Enthroned, we return with our newest track, The Enemy in I. This track lyrically chronicles the woes of self-destruction. We worship at the altar of those who paved this musical path for us, and in that spirit, we’ve included a cover of a Savatageclassic, Sirens, as a B-side track to this release. Both tracks display our signature attributes with pummeling aggression contrasted by thematic melodies and harmony. We cannot wait to bring these cacophonous offerings to the ravenous metal hordes.”
In other news, the band recently released a lyric video for a reworked version of “A Veil of Black,” a track from Dominion Enthroned, at youtu.be/Dt8CsNn7QdQ.
The new version of “A Veil of Black” features Brooke Rousseau of Lady Luna and the Devil on vocals with AMONG THESE ASHES lead vocalist, JP Abboud. The video was created by Ross Morgan. The song is included as a bonus track on Alone Records’ CD reissue of Dominion Enthroned, which is available to purchase at this location.
Dominion Enthroned, which was released in early 2022, is available to stream in its entirety at the following locations:
amongtheseashes.bandcamp.com/album/dominion-enthroned
open.spotify.com/album/0J0gVCIQeLofMnK76NJQTt
Track Listing:
BIO: Among These Ashes is a melodic power/thrash metal band hailing from Detroit, MI. The central focus of this band is creating stellar, highly-memorable metal songs. The band’s sound is crushingly heavy and punctuated by cerebral arrangements, thought-provoking lyrics, and dynamic shifts in tempo and aggression. The band’s debut musical offering, Dominion Enthroned, is a conceptual tour de force inspired by modern societal parallels and struggles.
Source: ClawHammer PR
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