German heavy metal icons U.D.O. will return to North America this Fall on the Touchdown US/Canada Tour! The journey will commence on November 3rd in Frenchtown, New Jersey and makes its way through nearly two dozen cities, closing on December 7th in Manchester, New Hampshire. Tickets, as well as VIP upgrades which include a meet and greet with U.D.O., a photo-op, autographs, and more are available now at: national-acts.com/UDO. See all confirmed dates below.
U.D.O. Touchdown US/Canada Tour: 11/03/2023 Arties Bar and Grill – Frenchtown, NJ 11/04/2023 The Vault Music Hall – New Bedford, MA 11/05/2023 Reverb – Reading, PA 11/08/2023 The Southport Music Hall – Jefferson, LA 11/09/2023 Rise Rooftop – Houston, TX 11/11/2023 Royal Oaks Event Center – San Antonio, TX 11/12/2023 Trees – Dallas, TX 11/15/2023 The 44 – Glendale, AZ 11/16/2023 Whiskey A Go Go – West Hollywood, CA 11/17/2023 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA 11/18/2023 Stages – Santa Ana, CA 11/20/2023 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 11/22/2023 The Rick House – Denver, CO 11/24/2023 The Vixen – McHenry, IL 11/25/2023 The Forge – Joliet, IL 11/26/2023 King Of Clubs – Columbus, OH 11/28/2023 Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON 11/29/2023 Les Foufounes Electroniques – Montreal, QC 11/30/2023 Lees Palace – Toronto, ON 12/01/2023 Token Lounge – Westland, MI 12/03/2023 Blue Note – Harrison, OH 12/04/2023 Shank Hall – Milwaukee, WI 12/07/2023 Angel City Music Hall – Manchester, NH
U.D.O. – featuring legendary vocalist UdoDirkschneider, drummer Sven Dirkschneider, guitarists Fabian Dee Dammers and Andrey Smirnov, and bassist Peter Baltes – released their latest studio album, Touchdown, last month via Atomic Fire Records. The record continues to reap critical accolades globally and entered the official German album charts at #4 upon its first week of release marking the highest charting result in their homeland in their long-running career! Other notable chart entries include:
New Haven (CT) – Traditional heavy metal band ENTIERRO have partnered with Invisible Oranges for the lyric video premiere of “The Gates of Hell,” the title track from the forthcoming album! Check it out at the following link:
The Gates of Hell not only marks a return to the studio where they recorded their self-titled full length album, but also introduces a new period for the band, as this incarnation of the unit has grown into a solid force in songwriting and collaboration.
Most bands take time to grow into their own sound. For ENTIERRO, this growth has become more evident on their forthcoming release, The Gates of Hell. Building on the momentum of their previous offering, El Camazotz, the band has refined their sound and continues to create their own musical identity within the world of traditional heavy metal.
While many bands seem to continually rehash the work of those that came before them, on The Gates of Hell, ENTIERRO have put more focus into a version of this artform that is all their own. While still borrowing influence from such luminaries as Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate and Rainbow, the band has expanded their palette to also reflect a more melodic direction than they have in the past. This brings the ENTIERRO twin guitar attack of Victor Arduini and Christopher Begnal into a new light, exploring longer harmony lines and really pushing a new melodic sense to the forefront of their songwriting.
The same can also be said for vocalist Christopher Taylor Beaudette, whose performance is far more varied and explorational than on El Camazotz. Of course, laying down the structural foundation for all of this to happen is drummer Dave Parmelee, who continues to push the band with his driving rhythms. This, in conjunction with their already punishing old-school metal style, brings their collective sound into new sonic territory and further illustrates the development of their own distinctive style as a unit. The Gates of Hell have opened and unleashed a more mature and focused sound for one of the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal’s most exciting new bands.
The Gates of Hell was recorded at Dexter’s Lab Studio in Milford, Connecticut under the watchful eye of engineer Nick Bellmore. Timothy Smith – Additional Vocals and Alejandro Chavez – Additional Vocals.
Photography by Jason Mannello. Cover Artwork created by Metal Cover Art. All songs written & arranged by Entierro. Produced by Entierro. instagram.com/entierrometal
NEURECTOMY, a trio of NYC-based tech-death wizards, are set to unleash their debut album, Overwrought. Featuring the drumming prowess of ORIGIN‘s John Longstreth, Overwroughtdelivers 30 genre-bending minutes of forward-thinking technical death metal.
The band has posted visualizers for two songs off the album, “Crimson Tsunami” and “Dolphin.” Watch the videos at:
NEURECTOMY will release Overwrought on November 17.
Tracklist: 1) Abducted for Research 2) Culinary Cadaveric Art 3) Anencephalic Birth 4) Dolphin 5) Zombified 6) Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progres 7) Overwrought 8) Crimson Tsunami
The term NEURECTOMY is a reference to the surgical removal of a nerve which ties into the band’s interests in medical themes and the human condition. NEURECTOMY focuses on overall musicianship in their songs and aims to write engaging material that has musical depth and complexity. Listeners will often find something new and interesting even on repeated listens of the material.
Line-up:
John Longstreth – Drums Joe – Guitar/Vocals Kris – Guitar/Vocals
Recording and production of the album feature many prominent metal musicians and sound engineers in the industry. Longstreth’s drum tracks were recorded at Silver Chord Studios (owned by Joe Duplantier of Gojira) and were tracked with Johann Meyer (front-of-house engineer for Gojira). The album is mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson from Cryptopsy with assistant engineering from Dominic Grimard.
The band recommends listening to the album front to back as there is a natural order of progression in intensity where each track generally tops the preceding one. Listeners will notice obvious influences from tech-death bands such as Origin, Beneath the Massacre, Dying Fetus, etc. Additionally, the band includes jazz elements and touch style/tapping guitar techniques similar to Psyopus. Lyrical themes on the album are generally tongue-in-cheek and primarily meant to compliment the underlying music with additional aggression, not any deep-rooted message or sentiment.
The album clocks in at around 30 minutes which hits a sweet spot giving the listener the opportunity to enjoy the album front to back in one sitting without being overwhelmed, but maybe overwrought…
IV: Constitution of Treason out Oct. 20th on Limited 2LP Gatefold Colored Vinyl
Pre-orders now available; Upcoming touring in Oct.
Seminal New Wave of American Heavy Metal act GOD FORBID have announced a vinyl reissue of their 2005 groundbreaking conceptual album IV: Constitution of Treason on Oct. 20th. Anticipated and requested by fans, M-Theory Audio is pleased to announce a proper vinyl release of this landmark and critically praised album. Housed in a gatefold jacket this 2LP set is further expanded with a 4-panel insert with liner notes from singer Byron Davis and personal pics, flyers, etc. reworked by original designer and A+R man Tom Bejgrowicz (Misfits, Beastie Boys, Bad Brains), plus the bonus track, “We are No More.”
While the album is available from retailers worldwide Oct. 20th, pre-orders are available now HERE
IV: Constitution of Treason comes available as the retail 700 copy run on Ashes of Liberty splatter, or the mail-order/band direct variant format in a limited 300 copies on Dead, White and Blue colored vinyl.
“We are very proud to announce the release of God Forbid’s IV: Constitution of Treason on vinyl. Although there was a small picture disc pressing released almost 20 years ago, the fan’s demand for vinyl is so much more passionate now,” states guitarist Doc Coyle. “Many consider Constitution the best God Forbid album, and I couldn’t be happier to give everyone a chance to re-experience this classic album in the best way possible.”
The concept behind the IV: Constitution of Treason album told the story of a futuristic society that destroys itself, reforms many years later, and eventually destroys itself again in the same way as originally. Produced by Jason Suecof (Trivium, All That Remains, Death Angel), Eric Rachel (Black Dahlia Murder, Municipal Waste, Symphony X), and guitarists Doc and Dallas Coyle the album was a significant undertaking. The statement was further visualized by the wraparound artwork of Travis Smith (Opeth, Devin Townsend, Overkill, Nevermore). GOD FORBID’S fourth full-length was the first to chart on the Billboard 200, and the band toured relentlessly in Europe and the US in support of this album with bands such as The Haunted, God Dethroned, Meshuggah, Mnemic, Full Blown Chaos, and more.
While God Forbid disbanded in 2013 a recent slate of reissues in recent years of Determination and Gone Forever prompted renewed interest in the band, as well as guitarist Doc Coyle’s success in BAD WOLVES, leading to an invitation to reform for the Blue Ridge Festival, in addition to some headliners in the northeast. Next month GOD FORBID have announced a special run of shows in support of former labelmates LACUNACOIL, as well as their participation on the Headbangers Boat alongside names like Lamb of God, Mastodon, Testament, Shadows Fall, Hatebreed, GWAR and more.
10/26 – Chelsea’s Live – Baton Rouge, LA
10/28 – Club LA – Destin, FL
10/29 – Janus Live – St. Petersburg, FL
10/31-11/4/23 Headbangers Boat – Miami, FL to Nassau, Bahamas
GOD FORBID signed with Century Media Records shortly after the release of their 2000 self-released debut, Reject the Sickness. GOD FORBID would go on to release four albums in cooperation with the label including Determination, Gone Forever, IV: Constitution of Treason, and Earthsblood, before recording Equilibrium at Victory Records. Watch for the M-Theory Audio reissue of Earthsblood in early 2024, while copies are still available of Determination and Gone Forever in stores or direct via Bandcamp or our webstore
Progressive death metallers ENTHEOS will begin their North American tour supporting Unearth and labelmates Revocation next week! The three-week run begins September 29th in Brooklyn, New York and closes on October 20th in Ottowa, Ontario. Additional support will be provided by High Command. Tickets are on sale now at entheosofficial.com. See all confirmed dates below.
ENTHEOS w/ Revocation, Unearth, High Command: 9/29/2023 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY 9/30/2023 Lovecraft’s – Mechanicsburg, PA 10/01/2023 Frankie’s – Toledo, OH 10/02/2023 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL 10/03/2023 Pops – Sauget, IL 10/04/2023 Eastside Bowl – Nashville, TN 10/06/2023 Conduit – Orlando, FL 10/07/2023 Orpheum – Tampa, FL 10/08/2023 Respectables – West Palm, FL 10/09/2023 Music Farm – Charleston, SC 10/10/2023 Hangar 18 – Greensboro, NC 10/11/2023 Canal Club – Richmond, VA 10/12/2023 Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 10/13/2023 Preserving Upstairs – Pittsburgh, PA 10/14/2023 The Pit At The L – Horsehead, NE 10/15/2023 Wally’s – Hampton Beach, NH 10/16/2023 La Source De la Martiner – Quebec City, QC 10/17/2023 Fairmount Theatre – Montreal, ON 10/18/2023 The Queen Barrie – Barrie, ON 10/19/2023 Velvet Underground – Toronto, ON 10/20/2023 The Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON
ENTHEOS will be touring in support of their Time Will Take Us All full-length released earlier this year via Metal Blade Records. Pushing progressive death metal in ever more imaginative directions, ENTHEOS continues to stand apart from the pack, incorporating elements drawn from myriad genres – including death metal, groove, grunge, electronica, slam, gothic rock, jazz, prog and more.
“We knew when we started writing that we really wanted to make something darker and heavier that was still uniquely ENTHEOS, and we knew that we wanted to make a record that really came from our hearts and captured where we want to take this band,” explains vocalist Chaney Crabb.
“The new album also has a strong ‘trippy’ vibe, not in a generic sense but meaning when you are done listening to it you feel like you’ve gone on a journey,” adds multi-instrumentalist Navene Koperweis. “I’ve always loved albums that gave me that feeling. I can’t say we set out to have the experience, it just sort of happened and that’s something I’m proud of.”
Photo collage by Randy Caballero, Doug Julien, and Anthony Lopardo
RIOT: A band name that makes every metalhead’s mind ring alert. With countless iconic musicians and bands listing them as a significant influence, the New York City-based group has undeniably paved the way for the hard ‘n’ heavy music scene. Their early musical outputs such as 1977’s Rock City, 1979’s Narita, 1981’s Fire Down Under, and 1982’s Restless Breed saw the band’s growth from hard rock to more metal sounds which eventually led to their most iconic record, 1988’s Thundersteel.
The band’s path was unfortunately also marked by many strokes of fate causing significant lineup changes. The death of founding member Mark Reale had an immense impact on the group. Eventually Reale’s Thundersteel bandmate and songwriting partner Don Van Stavern decided to continue the band’s legacy and, out of respect for Reale, added “V” (Roman numeral five) to represent the fifth chapter of the group as well as the recorded singer. 2013 was the year that RIOT(V) Was born!
RIOT (V) continued writing and releasing music honoring their legacy. 2014’s fiery Unleash The Fire was followed by 2018’s furious Armor Of Light full-length which saw the band hit the official German album chart for the very first time in their prominent history at position 27. The success of Armor Of Light not only allowed the band the opportunity to perform around the world, but it also made their fans hungry for more. Heavy metal warriors rejoice, RIOT (V) is proud to announce that new music is finally coming through their new label home of Atomic Fire Records!
Original Thundersteel bassist/songwriter Donnie Van Stavern, who currently manages and handles affairs for the band, states, “Metal warriors, I’m pleased to announce that we have signed with the mighty Atomic Fire Records! Markus Wosgien and Flori Milz are not only label reps but friends and know our vision for the future of the band! The [upcoming album] was recorded in New York, Texas, and Michigan, and mixed in New Jersey with Bruno Ravel (Danger Danger) who produced the comeback Immortal Souland mastered in Germany by Bart Gabriel. Look for the new release in early 2024. We just finished it and it will be another crusher!”
Atomic Fire Records A&R Markus Wosgien raves, “We’re incredibly proud to reunite with RIOT (V)! After parts of our team had been working on their Armor Of Light campaign, we’re even happier that the band have decided to continue their path with the same crew. RIOT (V) is definitely one of the greats and only get better with age, although they’ve released so many true classics throughout their long-time career, starting in 1976, my year of birth. There’s a special magic connecting Donnie, Mike, Todd, Frank and Nick that actually makes every new record a milestone in the group’s history, and in my opinion, they’re one of the very best heavy metal acts of all time and are set to deliver yet another excellent opus with their upcoming album.”
With Atomic Fire Records behind the band and with many more releases to come, as well as reissues on Sony Music, EMI Records, and Metal Blade Records, RIOT (V) is consistently on radio and metal charts worldwide. The band has also been listed among “New York City’s Top 20 Most Influential Metal Bands,” “100 Best Metal Bands Of All Time,” and numerous mentions on classic episodes of VH1’s That Metal Show with Eddie Trunk with staff sighting RIOT (V) as one of the innovators of heavy metal music in America and beyond. Additionally, 2018 saw RIOT (V) inducted into the Metal Hall Of Fame with the likes of Ronnie James Dio, Randy Rhoads, Lemmy Kilmister, and Black Sabbath, among others!
RIOT (V) truly are metal soldiers and will keep marching and fighting the good fight to bring you the music you’ve come to know, love, and expect… are you ready to RIOT?
RIOT (V): Todd Michael Hall – vocals Mike Flyntz – guitars Nick Lee – guitars Don Van Stavern – bass Frank Gilchriest – drums
RIOT (V) Live:
9/28/2023 Blades Of Steel Metalfest 3 @ Crucible – Madison, WI [Tickets]
New wave of British heavy metal icons, SATAN, will kick off their US tour supporting Venom Inc. next week. The journey begins September 27th in Brooklyn, New York and runs through October 15th in Boston, Massachusetts with some SATAN headlining shows scattered throughout. Additional support will be provided by Ringworm and 72 Legions. Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
SATAN w/ Venom Inc., Ringworm, 72 Legions: 9/27/2023 Meadows – Brooklyn, NY 9/28/2023 No Class – Cleveland, OH 9/29/2023 X-Ray Arcade – Milwaukee, WI 9/30/2023 Cobra – Chicago, IL 10/01/2023 Wildwood – Iowa City, IA 10/02/2023 Black Circle – Indianapolis, IN * SATAN only 10/03/2023 Red Flag – St. Louis, MO 10/04/2023 Madison Live – Covington, KY 10/05/2023 Ground Zero – Spartanburg, SC 10/06/2023 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA 10/07/2023 Brass Mug – Tampa, FL 10/08/2023 Pipers – Pompano Beach, FL * SATAN only 10/09/2023 Conduit – Orlando, FL * SATAN only 10/10/2023 Pour House – Raleigh, NC 10/11/2023 Tally Ho Theater – Leesburg, VA 10/12/2023 The Queen – Wilmington, DE 10/13/2023 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ 10/14/2023 Geno’s Rock Club – Portland, ME 10/15/2023 Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA
Preview and purchase Earth Infernal atTHIS LOCATION.
SATAN released their sixth full-length album, Earth Infernal, via Metal Blade last year. Earth Infernal is a product of the times that birthed it and could only be the work of SATAN. Having churned out cutting edge heavy metal throughout the ‘80s – and reunited in 2011 – the record maintains the high standard of musicianship the band set long ago, and it is perhaps their timeliest release. “For two years, the world has been preoccupied with politics and pandemics and while we were all looking the other way our planet has continued to get hotter,” said guitarist Russ Tippins upon the record’s release. “Our Earth is now infernally hot. Almost irreversibly so. We are on a one-way trip to Hell and dragging our children along with us. Yes, SATAN has something to say about global warming.” The album entered the German Charts at position #12, the highest chart entry ever for the band.
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
Scheduled for a 22 September 2023 release, “Zephyrean Hymns” breathes new life into the black metal scene and promises to place the band among the greats of the Greek black metal scene.
“A quest through space and time, an ascension to something greater… Zephyrean Hymns lead our cause,” this is how the band describes the new album.
“Zephyrean Hymns” consists of eight songs that create a unique atmosphere. Sometimes the listener is assaulted by raging riffs and eerie screams and at other times engrossed in seductive vocals travelling with dreamy melodies.
Hailing from Trikala, Greece, Melan Selas formed in 2015 and have so far released two EPs and one full-length album, “Φάος”. The band consists of D.K. (Riffobia, Katavasia) who handles all instruments and Astraea (Oletir) on vocals and lyrics.
Melan Selas‘ music genre can be defined as black metal with epic and atmospheric elements, as well as some black/thrash metal sections. The lyrical themes of the project vary between nature, ancient times and philosophy. In 2016 they released their debut work, a self-titled EP. “ῬΕΟΝ” followed in 2018, released in vinyl format and in 2019 they released their full-length album “ΦΑΟΣ”. Currently, Melan Selas are on the way for the release of their new album “Zephyrean Hymns”, which is to be out in September 2023 via The Circle Music.
“Zephyrean Hymns” is available to pre-order via The Circle Music.
Italian black-death metallers ASKESIS will release their new album “Beyond the Fate of Death” on October 20th 2023 via Time To Kill Records.
The first single, “Dawn of Current Inferno“, is now streaming HERE.
“Dawn of the Current Inferno’ serves as a testament to the power of artistic expression to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. It encourages us to embrace the enigmatic and the unexplained, reminding us that within chaos, there’s a hidden order waiting to be discovered. This composition is an invitation to embark on a journey of introspection, where we confront our own biases and preconceptions, and ultimately find a deeper connection to the world around us”.
Tracklist: 1. Retaliation 2. Creation of Non-Existence 3. Logical Suicide 4. Dawn of Current Inferno 5. King of Somberness 6. Stone of Perdition 7. With No Death that Chases Us 8. Black Ontology
ASKESIS was born in Venice in 2013. Since its genesis, the core line-up has featured Laura Nardelli (bass) and Samuele Scalise (drums), who have been joined by Nico Fabbri (vocals), Gregorio Di Angilla (guitart) and Juri Vatova (guitar) in 2022.
Italian death-thrashers INFECTION CODE are pleased to announce their union with Time To Kill Records for the release of their ninth full-length studio album, “Sulphur”. The album is set to be released on November 17th 2023.
The band is back after one year from their previous effort, “Alea Iacta Est”, with a new sound and a new sonic landscape to explore. “Sulphur” is the first album with the new line-up and the first written by new guitarist Chris, who joined the band in 2021.
Today, INFECTION CODE focuses on manifesting crushing riffs laced with visceral grooves that echo somber melodies. Eschewing all trends, the album takes every disparate element that INFECTION CODE previously employed, such as industrial tones, more prominent death and thrash metal influences, and amplifies them, while juxtaposing each next to each other, with genuinely unpredictable and exciting consequences. The tracklist also includes a cover version of AT THE GATES’ masterpiece, “Blinded By Fear”.
Lyrically, the album is based on some sci-fi and horror novels, and stories used as allegories to introduce personal reflections on the decline of human civilization. The authors are Howard P. Lovecraft, Philip K. Dick, Ben Bova, Ray Bradbury, Dan Simmons and Valerio Evangelisti.
“Sulphur” was recorded, mixed and mastered at The Cat’s Cage Recording Studio by Francesco Salvadeo. The artwork and the cover have been created by Simone Strige of STRX Art.
Tracklist: 01. Maze Of Death 02. The Colour Out The Space 03. Evil Side Of Mercy 04. Deleted Error 05. Old Viral Order 06. Protoplasm Hope 07. Something Wicked This Way Comes 08. Blinded By Fear 09. Lurking Creepy Love
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)
MOON SHOT plays true twenty-first century rock ‘n’ roll. So even at the threat of cliché, they describe it like it is: genuine rock music from the heart built on all the melodic loudness they grew up with. And this quartet is the right band to bring this honest-to-rock blast of music. These are no fresh-from-the-bud boys – they’ve already had careers hefty enough to define a person with the bands Children Of Bodom, Disco Ensemble, and Lapko.
MOON SHOT’s upcoming second album is preceded with their latest single entitled, “Yes!.” It rushes at you with a chorus that embraces so tight that it’s hard to see if it’s loving you or strangling you (or a bit of both). The video was shot in August 2023 in Helsinki by Sami Joensuu.
As chief composer, guitarist and producer Jussi Ylikoski notes, “The song appears easygoing at first but when you look at it closer, you see that it’s special both musically and lyrically.”
Watch MOON SHOT’s “Yes!” video HERE. The track is also available on all streaming platforms.
“People may also hear the chorus as something overly positive – and that’s fine,” vocalist and lyricist Ville Malja adds, “But I see it as a fight song. There’s a lot of things that aren’t ok in the world and YES we can do something about it.”
In a sense, this song captures the essence of MOON SHOT’s different sides: positive aggression with a vulnerable message that you want to join in with. Time to let this band into your life with a blast aimed right at the heart.
Further info on the band’s upcoming new full-length, set for release via Reaper Entertainment, will be revealed in the weeks to come.
MOON SHOT: Jussi Ylikoski – guitars Henkka Seppälä – bass Ville Malja – vocals Mikko Hakila – drums
After being self-released in February, MAMMOTH CARAVAN‘s debut LP Ice Cold Oblivion is now available on red and black splatter vinyl.
“The songs on Ice Cold Oblivion changed our lives forever and we are so thankful to our fans, friends, and family who helped make it possible for us to get this album put out on vinyl,” comments bassist/vocalist Brandon Ringo.
Since the release of the album, the band has gone on quite a journey that has included recording a releasing another new album (I, Megafauna), to playing with bands like Bongzilla, Weedeater, Thou, Pallbearer, and Rwake, and losing original guitarist Evan Swift. The band’s lineup now consists of former drummer Robert Warner on guitar, Brandon Ringo on bass and vocals, and Khetner Howton on drums.
The band is also offering limited-edition vinyl test presses of Ice Cold Oblivion. There are only 5 test presses available that come with a hand-numbered mammoth meme exclusive to that copy. Get details at facebook.com/MammothCaravan.
ETERNAL EVIL release new video for the album title track ‘The Gates Beyond Mortality’ set to be released on October 27th! Watch It HERE!
The New single ‘The Gates Beyond Mortality’ is out now on all digital stores and you can also preorder the album in Limited edition Digipack CD , Fire Amber vinyl of 500 copies worldwide & cassette with full cooler print on the shell.
Influenced by Thrash Metal Royalties Slayer, Kreator, Destruction and Exodus’earlier works, ETERNAL EVIL was formed in Stockholm – Sweden in 2019. The band has intended to carry on the legacy of early High energy early Classic Thrash insanity.
Their quickly sold out ‘Rise of Death’ self released demo recorded in band leader Adrian Tobar’s garage and It was later eissued by Iron Fist and Redefining Darkness records.
Shortly after the demo release, the world was hit by a pandemic and during those restrictive years, the band worked on in silence and brought in Norrland guitarist Tobias Lindström. Recorded at Studio Humbucker by Robert Pehrsson, the band’s full length debut ‘The Warriors Awakening… Brings The Unholy Slaughter’ got released in November 2021.
Now with two new members, the band is ready with its follow-up album “The Gates beyond Mortality” to be released in October 2023. With lyrical themes from Occult Practice to the violent nature of warfare the band has crafted an album that has broken all the rules and standards from previous times, which makes this album sound darker than anything they have released prior.
Having kickstarted with an indestructible enthusiasm conjuring malicious Old School Metal powers, ETERNAL EVIL are destined to make that head bang forever!
The Gates beyond Mortality’ Tracklisting: 1) Depths a of a New Eternity 2:07 2) Guerilla Warfare 3:32 3) The Gates Beyond Mortality 5:30 4) Funeral Prayers 4:05 5) Signs of Ancient Sin 4:40 6) Desecration of Light 3:30 7) The Astral Below 6:00 8) Immolation 4:08 9) The Cursed Trilogy 7:29
ETERNAL EVIL (new band line up): Adrian Tobar – Vocals and Lead Guitar Tobias Lindström – Lead Guitar Niklas Saari – Bass Guitar Adam Schmidt – Drums
Cult heavy metal outfit CIRITH UNGOL will unleash their sixth full-length, Dark Parade, on October 20th via Metal Blade Records today unveiling the record’s cover art, track listing, and first single!
Few bands in the history of the heavy metal underground have a story as remarkable, improbable, or uplifting as that of CIRITH UNGOL. Formed in Ventura, California in the early 1970s, CIRITH UNGOL created a sound the world had never experienced before. Rather than passively channeling their influences, the band was driven to forge an altogether heavier, darker, more apocalyptic sound. It was obscure and arcane, mysterious and eccentric, epic and expansive, but most of all, unfailingly, bone-crushingly heavy, dark, and doom-filled.
Wasting no time to ride their molten wave they started with their 2020 studio comeback ForeverBlack, CIRITH UNGOL started writing songs for Dark Parade as soon as Forever Black was released. Then, like everyone else, CIRITH UNGOL were hamstrung by the global pandemic, struggling through illness, seclusion, grief, and depression in their quest to create dark, vibrant art. And like the greatest warriors, they persevered, working on one song at a time – distractions be damned. The first track composed was the crushing “Relentless,” which reinforced their confidence and clarity of vision. The rest of the album came naturally, fueled by personal misery and the tragedy of worldwide collapse.
“Band members lost close relatives and we struggled as best we could through the pandemic which ravaged the earth’s population and economies,” drummer Rob Garven notes. “As horrifying as it was, it was the perfect backdrop for our doom-laden message of a world on the edge of destruction.”
Watch CIRITH UNGOL’s “Velocity (S.E.P.)” visualizer at THIS LOCATION.
With all eight demos finished — which are included on the expanded edition of the album — CIRITH UNGOL started recording Dark Parade in October 2022. The end result is an unrelenting triumph of pessimism and pain; a charred vista rooted in the crunch-and-crash templates of classic doom metal and NWOBHM but delivered with contemporary production and perspective. The album is propulsive and insistent, reflecting the band’s love for metal, instinct to destroy, and disgust for mankind.
From the majestic eight-minute-long “Sailor On The Seas Of Fate,” which starts with a reflective arpeggio and builds into a pounding, near-tribal volley before segueing into a bleak, slow burn of retribution and agony, to the final three movements of the “Dark Parade” saga (comprised of “Dark Parade,” “Distant Shadows,” and “Down Below”), CIRITH UNGOL’s latest album offers a metallic soundtrack of societal decay and environmental collapse that foreshadows nothing less than total extinction.
Dark Parade – Track Listing:
1. Velocity (S.E.P.)
2. Relentless
3. Sailor On The Seas Of Fate
4. Sacrifice
5. Looking Glass
6. Dark Parade
7. Distant Shadows
8. Down Below
CIRITH UNGOL: Tim Baker – vocals Jimmy Barraza – guitar Greg Lindstrom – guitar Rob Garven – drums Jarvis Leatherby – bass
CIRITH UNGOL will play a special record release show on October 20th at The Roxy in West Hollywood, marking the band’s first Los Angeles live appearance in thirty-five years. The performance will commemorate The Roxy’s 50th anniversary and find the band playing Dark Parade in its entirety followed by a full set of classic material. Additionally, the set will be filmed and recorded for a future live release.
CIRITH UNGOL Live:
10/20/2023 The Roxy – West Hollywood, CA * Record Release Show [Tickets]
THE EFFIGY has produced a haunting offering in “Deliver Me”. From delicate harp melodies and distorted guitars, to cinematic layers and Effy’s enchanting vocals, the new single is a magnificent addition to their ethereal discography.
THE EFFIGY comments:
“Depression sometimes felt like otherworldly possession; as if something else was piloting me. I said and did things that I never thought I would say or do. At times, I didn’t recognise myself. I was withdrawn and bitter and frightened. I felt like I was constantly battling a demon that was hollowing me out and I just wanted it to end. I wanted to be free.”
THE EFFIGY also explains the vision behind the video: “I wanted the video to feel claustrophobic and chaotic; a constant onslaught of aggressive motion. That’s the feeling behind the writing of this song and so that’s what the video needed to portray. I drew inspiration from alternative rock videos from the late 1990s and early 2000s. I’ve always loved the excessive use of textures and grit they employed to elicit that grungy feel.”
About THE EFFIGY: Originally from the UK and now based out of Perth, Australia, THE EFFIGY draws influences from the likes of GARBAGE, JOY DIVISION, EVANESCENCE, and KEANE, and is thematically inspired by gothic and folk imagery, along with mythology. THE EFFIGY’s music is a cinematic array of eclectic styles explored through expert composition.
After releasing three albums in three years and then spending the next four years in the wilderness, Toronto, Ontario’s TOMB MOLD has been reborn on their fourth album, The EnduringSpirit, a thoroughly unabashed step into vast new territories. Yet for all its frenetic daring and audacious exploration, The Enduring Spirit is never anything other than unmistakably TOMBMOLD.
While the expanding TOMB MOLD architecture could be heard on last year’s self-released Aperture Of Body tape, particularly on final track “Prestige Of Rebirth,” it comes into clear focus throughout The Enduring Spirit. Certainly, Derrick Vella’s time creating within and expanding the doom genre in Dream Unending has seeped into the flesh of TOMB MOLD, not to mention Payson Power and Max Klebanoff’s explorations in their own Daydream Plus project.
With four years away, a band with boundless creative energy, as TOMB MOLD are, were certain to expand the scope of their vision, and on The Enduring Spirit they’ve shaped a record with a cinematic environment that offers unlimited avenues of exploration, both for themselves and the listener.
The Enduring Spirit Track Listing:
1. The Perfect Memory (Phantasm Of Aura)
2. Angelic Fabrications
3. Will Of Whispers
4. Fate’s Tangled Thread
5. Flesh As Armour
6. Servants Of Possibility
7. The Enduring Spirit Of Calamity
The Enduring Spirit was recorded at Boxcar Sound Recording by Sean Pearson (Tomb Mold, Dream Unending), and mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Tomb Mold, Dream Unending, Kommand, Gravesend, Power Trip). The album’s artwork was handled by Jesse Jacobi who was also responsible for the Planetary Clairvoyance artwork, with additional artwork by Karmazid, layout and design by Chimère Noire, and photography by Colin Medley.
The Enduring Spirit will be released on all digital platforms this Friday, September 15th. The physical release is confirmed for October 13th where it will be issued on CD, CS, and both LP and the label’s first picture disc LP ever, both vinyl versions including a four-panel insert and huge 36×24-inch poster.
TOMB MOLD: Max Klebanoff – drums, vocals Derrick Vella – guitar, bass Payson Power – guitar
The band writes with the news of the new album, “After three years spent spiraling in the cycle reincarnate necessity, a myriad of consciousness have now become one. Prolong the final death spiral of nature and dive into the gnashing current of The Enduring Spirit of Calamity.”
TOMB MOLD has booked two release shows for the new album, in Toronto September 15th and Montreal September 16th. Additional live activities will be announced in the months ahead.
TOMB MOLD The Enduring Spirit Release Shows:
9/15/2023 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON w/ Undeath, Outer Heaven
Oakland, California-based melodic death/thrash metal quartet GLACIER EATER emerges with their second album, Tempest, confirming the record for release through Glacier Recordings at the end of October, and issuing the cover art, track listing, preorders, and the title track as the lead single.
Bursting out of the thrash mecca of the Bay Area like an alien thrash baby tearing through your stomach, GLACIER EATER again delivers their shredding alloy of metals with the long-awaited follow-up to their 2015-relesed eponymous debut, Tempest. Acting as a prequel to Glacier Eater, Tempest reveals an odyssey of turmoil and tragedy through the lyrics and vocals of Keith Welch and Ryan Hansen. Each song is another chapter in a story about the struggles of trying to create a better life, the self-inflicted tortures we pull ourselves out of, and the lessons learned through the reflections of the journey endured.
Lifted off the shoulders of guitarists/vocalists Keith Welch (Sworn Vengeance, Murder Practice) and Ryan Hansen (Light This City, ESP Guitars artist), GLACIER EATER introduces new drummer Trey Derbes (Heartsounds) and bassist Bret Fontaine on the new album. With eight crushing tracks, Tempest is reminiscent of the 2000s Swedish melodic death metal sound, showcasing virtuoso guitar solos and decimating riffs delivered at breakneck speed.
Tempest was recorded, mixed, and mastered by the legendary Zack Ohren (Machine Head, Cattle Decapitation, All Shall Perish) at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, and completed with artwork by Trey Derbes.
The first single from Tempest is the album’s title track. Ryan Hansen writes about the song, “‘Tempest’ was a great song to be the title track of the album because I think we really hit one of the highest peaks of intensity for the record on this one. The song describes a ship getting tossed around and badly damaged in a wild storm at sea, so I wanted the riffs and melodies to feel like a real flurry of notes at times. Also making it one of the biggest pains in the ass to perform! It’s really the only song on the album with a proper chorus making it just feel right to be the leadoff single.”
Keith Welch adds, “The part of ‘Tempest’ I wrote the lyrics for and sing on the record are a self-reflection an individual is having about their own failed attempts to outgrow and overcome their past issues. These thoughts detonate in their head as they feel like they are being punished for their failures to vanquish their past issues while being hurled through a storm at sea.”
Listen to GLACIER EATER’s “Tempest” now at THIS LOCATION.
Glacier Recordings will release “Tempest” digitally on October 27th with a physical version to follow. Find preorders at Bandcamp HERE.
Features brand new interviews with Necromantia, Arcturus, Immortal, Agalloch, Destruction, Mystifier, and Winterfylleth plus extended interviews with Rotting Christ, Behemoth, Sigh, Mayhem and many more
The Restored, Expanded & Definitive Edition” to consist of 130,000 words of new content, 25 new chapters with over 70 new interviews and improved cover art and design
The book release marks 10 years of Cult Never Dies
UK-based publishing house Cult Never Dies will mark its 10th anniversary this November with the release of Dayal Patterson’s “Black Metal:Evolution of the Cult – The Restored, Expanded &Definitive Edition”. Pre-orders are available now via Cult Never Dies (UK & ROW store / EU store). North American orders can be placed via Decibel Books.
With the original version of the book no longer available in print, Black Metal: Evolution of the Cult is hailed as the most acclaimed book on the history of black metal, and the only one endorsed by those involved in creating the genre.
The book will be approximately 340,000 words long, including 130,000 words of new content, 25 new chapters and 48 extended and updated chapters. This will include over 150 exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the genre, including: Venom, Mercyful Fate, Bathory, Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Blasphemy, Darkthrone, Behemoth, Rotting Christ, Mayhem and many more. The author also included over 70 brand new or previously unpublished interviews with the likes of Necromantia, Arcturus, Immortal, Agalloch, Destruction, Mystifier, and Winterfylleth.
Evolution of the Cult will also have hugely improved cover art and layout by longtime Cult Never Dies artist David Thiérrée (Behemoth, Gorgoroth, Mortiis), and will include almost 600 photos, many previously unseen, including an 80-page colour/gloss section.
Silenoz of Dimmu Borgir commended the book: “You don’t have to read between the lines anymore ‘cause it’s all there, straight from the source,” while Sakis Tolis of Rotting Christ called it “a valuable educational piece of dark writing.”
Vorph of Samael added: “This is a very insightful work: Without doubt the ultimate book on the subject, a testimony of black metal and a good introduction for neophytes.”
Hvall of Windir and Vreid said: “A brilliantly written book – mandatory if you have any interest in the genre, or want to explore a new world.”
Photo credit: Ester Segarra
Dayal Patterson, book author, Cult Never Dies owner and longtime music journalist, said: “I cannot express how good it feels now that Cult Never Dies finally owns the rights to this book and are able to release it – along with Decibel in the US – in this massively improved form. The limitations placed on the original in terms of word count meant that so many chapters and parts I originally envisioned simply couldn’t be included or were not even worth completing due to a lack of space. What turned into a fairly straightforward restoration job led to about a year of 14-hour days, not only overhauling the existing chapters and layout (something we had always been unhappy with) of the book, but doing a huge number of new interviews and working with a wealth of new bands and artists. Finally, there are proper chapters celebrating bands such as Vinterland, Satyricon, Immortal, Arcturus, Mystifier and Profanatica, as well as greater explorations of black metal in Brazil, the US, the UK, Sweden, Greece, and, of course, Norway.”
For a full list of the 150 interviewees, visit Cult Never Dies.
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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