I’m so exceedingly exhausted of the thousands of lists I see on social media ranking who the greatest guitarists of all-time are. I won’t name the very popular publication that “ranked” Brian May as #1 aka “the greatest ever”. That ranking alone was enough for me to vomit and luckily I didn’t. My point is these clickbait lists are completely biased, whether compiled by a single person or group of people.
I’m not saying Brian May is a terrible guitarist; in fact he would probably be in mypersonal list of 100 greatest guitarists somewhere. Just not at #1 for the love of God. The only good that these lists generate are debate and discussion, I suppose many would say. End of my opinion. To conclude, without posting a nonessential list, the guitarist that is my #1 all-time is Jimi Hendrix and that resonates more historical than picking Brian May.
Only minutes after midnight, today, I discovered on my WordPress insights stats page the rather shocking “unknown region” listed on the visitor countries list. What!? What in the hell is an “unknown region”? It’s 2023 and I would think that our planet Earth has been completely mapped out! Hell, there is a thing called Google Earth that has data on every centimeter of our planet. Apparently… not good enough.
Yup. That “unknown region” is shown above like a beacon of the damned.
The creepy vibe of “unknown region” resonates my fears of Rob Zombie films and The Walking Dead Universe. For crap sakes. Next time someone asks me where I’m going, I’ll answer with: to an “unknown region”. God save us all. The creep meter has burst on this new revelation I uncomfortably stumbled upon.
Is an “unknown region” outer space? A portal to hell? A cave dwelling far beneath the Great Sphinx of Giza? Is it that humongous hole rumored to exist in Antarctica? A parallel universe? My guess is as good as yours. I won’t even try to ask WordPress support for the answer for they obviously don’t know either.
What is even more chilling is who visited my blog from that “unknown region”? Is it a Reptilian? Elvis? Mothman? A spirit from the other side? An evil troll from inner Earth? Something to ponder. Hopefully, one day our civilization will finally discover this “unknown region”. Metal be thy name – Stone.
Today, the spearheads of the next generation of power metal, INDUCTION,surprise their fans with a new digital EP, The Power Of Power. The six-track EP features brand new track “Set You Free,” alongside the best and most power metal songs of the band’s repertoire.
Rekindling all the classic elements of the genre in their own modern and unique way, “Set You Free” is INDUCTION‘s interpretation and homage to power metal’s glory days.
Guitarist Tim Kanoa Hansen explains, “Bands such as Helloween, Stratovarius, and Sonata Arctica have truly shaped the genre of power metal, and I have always wanted to write a song honoring this part of history, which we all know and love. This comes at just the right time, as we’re also joining all three of these giants on the road this year. ‘Set You Free’ is my humble attempt to reignite, or simply just fuel, your love for the genre, in my own way. Let it take you on a journey back through time and may the glory of power metal shine on forever!”
Watch INDUCTION’s “Set You Free” video at THIS LOCATION.
Earlier this week, INDUCTION announced that their guitar player Marcos Rodriguez will take an extended hiatus from the band to focus on personal issues in the upcoming months. Rodriguez will be temporally replaced by the Greek shredder, George Thanasoglou.
INDUCTION’s most recent full-length album, Born From Fire, which boasts twelve metal anthems in fifty-eight minutes, was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen and is graced by the cover artwork of Peter Sallai (Sabaton, Jinjer, Powerwolf). Preview and purchase Born FromFire and more at THIS LOCATION.
View the band’s previously released videos for “Queen Of Light” HERE, “Sacrifice” HERE, “Go To Hell” HERE, “Embers” HERE, and “A Call Beyond” HERE.
Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube and listen to “Set You Free” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
INDUCTION Live: 8/05/2023 Hello-Feast @ Štadión Lokomotíva – Košice, SK 9/09/2023 Port Of Power Festival @ Juki 42 – Ahrensburg, DE w/ Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius: 10/14/2023 Northern Rockfest @ Energi Arena – Umeå, SE 10/15/2023 Cozmoz Arena – Borlänge, SE 10/16/2023 Vulkan Arena – Oslo, NO 10/17/2023 Trädgår’n – Gothenburg, SE 10/19/2023 Slaktkyrkan – Stockholm, SE 10/20/2023 Gimle – Roskilde, DK 10/21/2023 Kulturpalast – Hamburg, DE 10/22/2023 Hellraiser – Leipzig, DE 10/24/2023 TivoliVredenburg (Ronda) – Utrecht, NL 10/25/2023 Garage – Saarbrücken, DE 10/27/2023 Konzertfabrik Z7 – Pratteln, CH 10/28/2023 Alcatraz – Milan, IT 10/30/2023 Backstage – Munich, DE 10/31/2023 Szene – Vienna, AT 11/01/2023 Barba Negra – Budapest, HU 11/03/2023 Fuzz Club – Athens, GR 11/04/2023 Principal Club Theater – Thessaloniki, GR 11/06/2023 FORM Space – Cluj-Napoca, RO 11/07/2023 Quantic – Bucharest, RO 11/10/2023 Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, DE 11/12/2023 Matrix – Bochum, DE w/ Accept, Songs Of White Lion: 12/12/2023 Große Freiheit 36 – Hamburg, DE 13/13/2023 Carlswerk Victoria – Cologne, DE
Ukraine’s death metallers LIEWEAVER have today shared a new single entitled “Last Hope”. Stream it HERE.
LIEWEAVER convince with a dark mixture of everything that is extreme, but with grooves and modern sounding, recognizable songs, that basically can be described as black hymns with pit-stirring mentality.
LIEWEAVER first began to coalesce in October 2018 through the union of vocalist Vasiliy Kutsenko, guitarist Alex Choopov, and drummer Bogdan Fesenko. Soon, guitarist Alex Reshetnuk joined the group, and together they released a a debut single, “Paradox Of Creation“. A few months later bassist Bogdan Khoroshilov joined the band, and in February 2021 Ruslan Kovtun (keys/synth) completed the line-up for the recording of “The Origin” EP, which released by Lethal Scissor Records a few months later.
After release of the EP, the band kept themselves busy by playing gigs and working on new material. The outbreak of war made the band’s activities difficult for some time, but lately LIEWEAVER have managed to return on stage and to focus on songwriting once again.
The band’s new single, “Last Hope”, can be considered the swansong of their old sound. LIEWEAVER are now working on brand new material that while retaining the heaviness of the old style, will delve into a darker spectrum of sounds and concepts.
Watch for more news on other upcoming LIEWEAVER activities to be posted shortly.
ELEMENT OF FATE, a Melodic Metal project consisting of fantasy artist and vocalist, Carol Phillips and guitarist/musician Scott Loose(Stellar Death, While Heaven Wept, et al), are streaming new single “Dreamfall” on Bandcamp! Visit the following link to stream it:
“Dreamfall” will be available on all digital platforms on August 25 through Bravemusic.
“Dreamfall is our third single release, and is a song that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever chased a dream. It’s about finding the light in the darkness. When your soul feels hopeless and broken, and life seems impossible to endure, when you feel like you just can’t go on anymore. It’s about believing in yourself, and overcoming the fears, doubts and the negativity that can stop you from reaching your full potential. The song lyrics are a reflection of my own journey, and fighting these inner demons.” – Carol Phillips
Element of Fate primarily draw influence from traditional metal bands, but leverage modern recording techniques to craft their unique sound. The music varies from high-energy thrashing to melodic and groovy, and the lyrics explore a range of fantasy-laden, mystical, and sci-fi storylines. Carol’s dynamic voice, paired with Scott’s passion for writing guitar riffs, creates a textured fusion of metallic and dream-like soundscapes. All of the music and releases are accompanied by Carol’s original artwork, which creates an even more immersive experience for the listener.
Line-Up:
Carol Phillips: Vocals, Lyrics Scott Loose: Guitars, Bass, Keys, Drum Programing
Credits: All music recorded at House Nine, and mixed/mastered by John Mario at JBG Records. Copyright 2023.
Individual Bios:
Carol Phillips is a fantasy artist and illustrator based in Portland, Oregon. She is a classically trained vocalist who began studying voice at age 13. She is primarily a lover of rock and heavy metal, but also enjoys singing many other styles of music. Her training and varied inspirations have allowed her to develop a very dynamic vocal range and tonality. Carol’s desire to explore all of the sounds and textures of the voice enables her to uniquely convey a story, and to emotionally connect with the listener. Element of Fate is her first foray into the world of songwriting and recording—merging her creative passion for both art and music, and fulfilling a life-long passion.
Scott Loose is a Washington, DC-based guitarist/musician and recording artist who has been writing music and playing in various rock/metal bands since the early 1990s. He has appeared on over 20 recordings, and has toured throughout the United States and Europe. Scott is also a founding member of the Bravemusic record label, whose motto is to create music “without boundaries” (www.bravemusic.com). Scott is best known for his work with As the Sea Parts, Brave, Day of Departure, Stellar Death, and While Heaven Wept.
Guitar legend George Lynch will release his sophomore instrumental album “Guitars at TheEnd of the World” via Rat Pak Records on September 08, 2023, an album which features 10 all new studio tracks along with 3 new bonus tracks. The album is the highly anticipated follow up to his 2021 opus “Seamless”, which fans of the shred-master embraced with open arms. Guitars at The End of the World features pro drumming legend Curt “Kirkee B.” Bisquera, who has worked with such greats as Elton John, Mick Jagger and Tom Petty, and also features renowned bassist Tony Franklin, who is known for his work with The Firm, Jimmy Page and Kenny Wayne Sheperd. Also appearing is Lynch Mob drummer Jimmy D’Anda on the track “The Crucible”.
Regarding George’s approach to instrumental albums, the virtuoso states, “I always focus on creating guitar-driven music that delivers something outside the realm of what most people would expect, coming from a semi-redeemed 80’s hair shredder. I want my instrumental records to be challenging, but not exhausting; personal, without being belligerently self-indulgent, include a fair amount of guitar histrionics, and pay tribute to the masters without making it sound like I’m competing to be the end-all summation of all guitar legacies that preceded me. I also wanted the underlying music to be more than vehicles for solos, I want the compositions to stand on their own”, explains Lynch. Fueled with driving guitar tracks like “Psycho Beta” and “The Crucible”, to the haunting outro of album closer “Contraflow”, it is clear there is no slowing down George’s creativity and Guitars at The End of the World is sure to be a fan favorite!
TRACK LISTING:
The Knowing
Psycho Beta
The Crucible
The Passage
Borracho Boogie Delux
Shadow of the Needle
The Wolf
Serpentarium
The Ritual
Contraflow BONUS TRACKS (CD & Digital versions only)
“Predatory Void feels like something totally new, it’s like learning to walk again and of course there’s ups and downs”, says Lennart Lennart Bossu (guitar). “It‘s important for people to realize that we’re really just a group of individuals who have the irresistible urge to play music, and that we’ll inevitably fuck up now and then, but that’s how it is.”
PREDATORY VOID have just released “A Portrait”, a short, but intimate documentary by Diana Lungu about the people and the dynamics in the band that you can find here: https://youtu.be/hcbxk1Og_2s
“Making music with Lennart, Thijs, Tim and Vincent had really taught me to focus and let go in equal parts”, says Lina R. (vocals). “To appreciate being pushed to do things you‘d normally be afraid of doing – just because someone else believes in your ability.”
PREDATORY VOID came to be when guitarist Lennart Bossu (Amenra, Oathbreaker) found himself writing material that wasn’t really suited for Amenra. Lennart gathered a group of likeminded people living in the area of Ghent (BE): the versatile vocalist and tattoo artist Lina R, Tim De Gieter (bass; Amenra, Doodseskader, Much Luv Studio), Thijs De Cloedt (guitar; Cobra The Impaler), and Vincent Verstrepen (drums; Carnation). The band released their debut album, “Seven Keys to the Discomfort of Being”, in April of this year.
Polish blackened death metal practitioners HATE will return to North America this September to take part in a portion of The Carnival Of DeathTour featuring Cryptopsy, Abysmal Dawn, Reaping Asmodeia, Warforged, and VisceralDisgorge on select dates. The full tour runs from September 7th through October 6th. HATE will terrorize stages from September 7th through September 19th. The band’s latest live endeavor follows the band’s successful North American run with Batushka last year as well as their recent tour through Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Tickets are on sale now! See all confirmed dates below.
HATE w/ Cryptopsy, Abysmal Dawn, Reaping Asmodeia, Warforged – The Carnival Of Death Tour 2023:
9/07/2023 Jewel Nightclub – Manchester, NH 9/08/2023 Meadows – Brooklyn, NY 9/09/2023 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ 9/10/2023 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA 9/11/2023 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA 9/12/2023 The Brass Mug – Tampa, FL 9/14/2023 Scout Bar – Houston, TX 9/15/2023 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 9/16/2023 TBA – Dallas, TX 9/17/2023 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM 9/18/2023 Backstage Bar – Las Vegas, NV 9/19/2023 Nile Underground – Mesa, AZ
No one combines death and black metal quite like Poland’s HATE. With unflinching viciousness and a sense of atmosphere unique to the band, Rugia, the band’s twelfth and most recent full-length released via Metal Blade Records, pushes the boundaries of their craft even further.
Rugia, which earned the #30 spot on Billboard’s Current Hard Music Albums chart and #33 on Billboard’s Top New Artists Albums chart in the US as well as the #25 on Billboard’s Current Hard Music Albums chart in Canada upon its first week of release, is currently available on CD, LP, and digital formats.
BERZERKER LEGION was founded in 2016 by guitarists Tomas Elofsson (Hypocrisy) and Alwin Zuur (Asphyx) with a vision to create death metal of the most belligerent quality, they recruited a line-up of solid well-known musicians consisting of James Stewart (Vader) on drums, Jonny Pettersson (Wombbath) on vocals and Fredrik Isaksson (Dark Funeral) on bass to complete the Legion.
Alwin Zuur (guitars/songwriter) comments: “During the recent years Tomas and I met each other at shows and festivals regularly. Much of our conversations were about music and styles. During these meetings we found out that we really had a lot of common musical interests .
Music wise our debut album ‘Obliterate the Weak’ displays the perfect balance between brutality, melody and harmony. Being a fan of the early 90’s Swedish Gothenburg style, with bands like At The Gates, Eucharist, A Canorous Quintet, as well as being a die-hard fan of brutal old school death metal style with bands like Bolt Thrower, Obituary, I have always wanted to write songs showing a mix of such different death metal genres.
With our new album “Chaos Will Reign” we have further developed ourselves in our typical musical mix of melody and brutality. “Chaos Will Reign” sounds more professional, complete, massive and powerful thanks to Jonas Kjellgren’s production. It has become the logical successor, a huge step forward compared to our debut album “Obliterate the Weak”.
BERZERKER LEGION line up: Jonny Pettersson – Vocals Tomas Elofsson – Guitars Alwin Zuur – Guitars James Stewart – Drums Fredrik Isaksson – Bass
Saying the album songs transpire massively produced invigorating heavy death metal is an understatement. BERZERKER LEGION knock out with warlike triumphant, powerfully addictive harmonies that will turn them into an unstoppable beast in a live situation and on record.
New single/video for the song ‘Choirs of Anguish’ out in September!
Chaos Will Reign’ track-listing: 1 Chaos Will Reign 05:54 2 Choirs Of Anguish 04:44 3 Nihilism Over Empathy 03:54 4 Towards Oblivion 04:34 5 This Is The End 04:58 6 Damnation 03:37 7 Eternal Void 06:00 8 Worship All That Is Dead 03:32 9 Shepherds Of War 03:41 10 From The Darkness Inside 05:00 (Bonus track) 11 War Chant 04:47
Discography/ Demos: ‘Obliterate the Weak’ (Listenable 2020) ‘Chaos will Reign’ (Listenable 2023)
“THE WILDFIRE EUROPEAN TOUR” TICKETS ARE ON-SALE THIS FRIDAY
July 31, 2023 – Periphery, who recently announced their first U.S. headlining tour in support of Periphery V: Djent Is Not A Genre, have expanded their limited live outings to Europe, performing their first shows on the continent since 2019 in what is dubbed “The Wildfire European Tour.”
“This will be our first tour of Europe in about 4 ½ years,” says Jake Bowen. “Now that Periphery V is out, I know we’re all excited to visit some of our favorite places and play songs off the new record. We’re looking at really great options for support and will announce those bands very soon. These shows are gonna be nuts, see you there!”
Tickets for the newly announced dates are on-sale this Friday, Aug. 4, at 10 am local time. A limited number of tickets remain for the upcoming U.S. trek with several shows already sold out. Ticket links for all shows can be found at Periphery.net.
The Wildfire European Tour ’24 dates:
January 20 Stockholm, SE Fryshuset Klubben January 21 Copenhagen, DK Amager Bio January 23 Hamburg, DE Markthalle January 24 Berlin, DE Huxleys Neue Welt January 26 Munich, DE Technikum January 27 Milan, IT Alcatraz January 29 Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU Rockhal January 30 Cologne, DE Live Music Hall January 31 Tilburg, NL 013 February 2 Paris, FR Élysée Montmartre February 3 London, UK Roundhouse
The Wildfire Tour ’23 dates:
November 4 Anaheim, CA House of Blues* SOLD OUT November 6 Denver, CO The Bluebird Theatre SOLD OUT November 7 Denver, CO The Bluebird Theatre SOLD OUT November 9 Dallas, TX The Echo SOLD OUT November 10 Ft. Worth, TX Tannahill’s November 12 Chicago, IL Bottom Lounge SOLD OUT November 13 Chicago, IL Bottom Lounge SOLD OUT November 15 Baltimore, MD Baltimore SoundStage November 16 Baltimore, MD Baltimore SoundStage November 18 Worcester, MA The Palladium **
All U.S. shows opened by Mike Dawes; Two night outings feature two different sets
*- Openers are Plini, Archspire, Thomas Giles, and Mike Dawes
**-Openers are Plini, Archspire, Thank You Scientist, and Mike Dawes
JAG PANZER released their first album in six years, a conceptual opus titled The Hallowed, through Atomic Fire Records last month. The record earned the #23 position on the Official German Album Chart and #62 on the Official Swiss Album Chart: #62. Now, JAG PANZER have kicked off their European tour in support of the record at Germany’s Headbangers Open Air Festival. The ten-date journey also includes a stop at Wacken Open Air and will come to a close with an appearance at Alcatraz Festival on August 12th. In celebration of the tour, the band has unveiled a video for the track “Prey.”
Guitarist Mark Briody comments, “‘Prey!’ is probably the band’s favorite song to rehearse. The quick riff is lots of fun to play live! In the album concept this is where the panthers kill a family so that the team can take their supplies. We wanted something a bit different for this song, so there is no solo and the structure is much different from the other songs. The track also showcases some of our more unique influences. For example, the main riff in ‘Prey!’ ends on 4. We don’t do that a lot in our music but some of our very early (young teens) influences such as The Runaways’ ‘Cherry Bomb’ ends the riff on 4.”
Hailing from the original era that spawned Death Metal, Sadistic Vision has spanned over three decades with their brand of “Traditional” style of Death Metal. Destroyer of All Dreams consists of five brutal tracks that represent a true homage to the roots of the sound that makes them SadisticVision.
The goal of this new EP is to give an insight of imaginative mental progressions that speak to the violent dispositions that come with murder, destruction, depressed and revengefully liberating musicality while maintaining true to the original sound of the band’s persona.
“We are truly grateful and excited to be working with our friends at Boris Records on this one. We’re looking forward to being a part of the Boris Records family.” — Sadistic Vision
“We feel that with today’s death metal consisting of so many bands that are quick to be trendy and stake a claim on the phrase “old-school” death metal that we would like to set ourselves apart from that. In saying that we are ‘traditional’ death metal, we are from the originating times of the style, and are still influenced and inspired by it both as individual and collective musicians.”
Track Listing:
Intro
Unremorsed Killing
Repressed Mind
Destroyer of All Dreams
J.C.
Line-up:
Beau C – guitars and vocals Brian Reed – bass Justin Kitzmiller – drums
BIO: Originally starting in the southern regions just outside of New Orleans Louisiana, the band relocated to Hanover Pennsylvania in 1989. After a hiatus and a few lineup changes, SadisticVision evolved into a 3-piece line up in 2017, with founding members Beau and Brian still at the helm.
CROWBAR today announces a US headlining tour! The twenty-four-date journey begins September 7th in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and runs through October 5th in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Support will be provided by PrimitiveMan as well as Bodybox, on select dates. Additionally, the band will play a special show with Venom Inc. on October 1st in Iowa City, Iowa. Tickets are on sale TODAY! See all confirmed dates below.
CROWBAR w/ Primitive Man: 9/07/2023 Downtown Music Hall – Fort Walton Beach, FL 9/08/2023 Conduit – Orlando, FL 9/09/2023 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL 9/10/2023 Gramps – Miami, FL w/ Primitive Man, Bodybox: 9/12/2023 Masquerade – Atlanta, GA 9/13/2023 New Brookland Tavern – Columbia, SC 9/14/2023 Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC 9/15/2023 The Camel – Richmond, VA 9/17/2023 Broken Goblet – Bensalem, PA 9/19/2023 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ 9/20/2023 Song & Dance – Syracuse, NY 9/21/2023 Palladium – Worcester, MA 9/22/2023 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY 9/23/2023 Angel City Music Hall – Manchester, NH 9/24/2023 Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT 9/26/2023 Crafthouse – Pittsburgh, PA 9/27/2023 Hobart Art Theater – Hobart, IN 9/28/2023 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL 9/29/2023 Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH 9/30/2023 Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI 10/01/2023 Wildwood – Iowa City, IA w/ Venom Inc # 10/02/2023 Red Flag – St Louis, MO 10/04/2023 Cobra – Nashville, TN 10/05/2023 George’s Majestic – Fayetteville, AR # = no support
Zero And Below is available on CD, LP, cassette, and digitally. Preview and purchase the record at THIS LOCATION.
View the band’s previously released videos for “Chemical Godz” HERE and “Bleeding From Every Hole” HERE.
CROWBAR released their critically-adored ZeroAnd Below full-length last year on MNRK Heavy. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Duane Simoneaux at OCD Recording And Production in Metairie, Louisiana, Zero And Below is the band’s most unforgivably doom-driven record since their 1998 landmark effort, Odd Fellows Rest. Led by Windstein, with guitarist Matt Brunson, bassist Shane Wesley, and drummer Tommy Buckley, songs like “Chemical Godz,” “It’s Always Worth The Gain,” and “Bleeding From Every Hole” are unapologetic emotional outpourings, with a bare-knuckle resolve alongside its soul-searching vulnerability, reliably delivered with crushing heaviness.
Brazilian progressive power metal legends ANGRA recently signed a deal with German-based record label Atomic Fire Records. The band’s upcoming studio album Cycles Of Pain is due out on November 3rd. Today, ANGRA is pleased to announce that the record is already available for preorder before their first digital single, “Ride Into The Storm,” is unveiled to the world next week, on Friday, August 4th.
Cycles Of Pain was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by long-time ANGRA partner Dennis Ward (D.C. Cooper, Pink Cream 69, Place Vendome) at the Sonastério & Elephant Office in Brazil, while mixing and mastering took place at The TrakShak in Karlsdorf, Germany. Its artwork was designed by Erick Pasqua before Jonathan Canuto took care of layout duties.
The album also features a range of guests including appearances by Amanda Somerville (“Tears Of Blood”), Brazilian artists Lenine (“Vida Seca”) and Vanessa Moreno (“Tide Of Changes – Part II” and “Here In The Now”), and Juliana D’Agostini on piano (“Tears Of Blood”).
Cycles Of Pain will be available in the following formats: digipak CD, jewel case CD, vinyl in various color variants (Red/Yellow Split, Clear/Blue Marbled, Clear Yellow/White Splatter), and digitally.
ANGRA: Fabio Lione – vocals Rafael Bittencourt – guitars Marcelo Barbosa – guitars Felipe Andreoli – bass Bruno Valverde – drums
Cycles Of Pain – Track Listing:
Cyclus Doloris
Ride Into The Storm
Dead Man On Display
Tide Of Changes – Part I
Tide Of Changes – Part II
Vida Seca
Gods Of The World
Cycles Of Pain
Faithless Sanctuary
Here In The Now
Generation Warriors
Tears Of Blood
ANGRA Live: 8/12/2023 Ópera De Arame – Curitiba, BR 10/28/2023 Festival Hora do Rock @ Arena Vale Fest – São José dos Campos, BR New 11/03/2023 Tokio Marine Hall (Album Release Show) – São Paulo, BR 11/18/2023 Armageddon Metal Fest – Joinville, BR 12/15/2023 Circo Voador – Rio de Janeiro, BR New 1/29-2/02/2024 70,000 Tons Of Metal – Miami, FL
It is impossible to talk about experimental or avant-garde metal without mentioning long-running metal icons, MESHUGGAH. Since forming in 1987 in Umeå, Sweden, MESHUGGAH has developed into one of the most technically complex and virtuosic groups of players the metal realm has ever encountered, their distinctly unique brand of progressive, groove‐infused extreme metal inadvertently launching an entirely new subgenre. Crowned “one of the ten most important hard and heavy bands,” by Rolling Stone, the band has earned the respect and admiration from fans and musicians alike.
2023 now marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of one of the band’s earliest milestones: Chaosphere. Originally released on November 9th, 1998, MESHUGGAH’s third full-length studio album shows the band toning down some of the thrashier sounds of previous releases in favor of the more technical, polyrhythmic, groove-oriented sound they would go to explore on subsequent albums. The record contains the songs “New Millennium Cyanide Christ,” “Corridor Of Chameleons,” and “Neurotica,” some of the band’s most streamed tracks, among other highlights.
To commemorate the album’s quarter-century anniversary, Atomic Fire will unleash a sonically updated version of the album on November 10th. The re-release of this masterpiece comes in hi-def audio remastered by Thomas Eberger and Sofia von Hage at Stockholm Mastering on all streaming platforms, as well as a jewel case CD edition (incl. 8-page booklet), and stunning new vinyl colors (most are limited worldwide to under 1500 of each color, 180 grams, 2xLP in 5 mm Sleeve incl. 2-page insert), to complete every collector’s dream.
Atmospheric post-black metal band EAVE presents their third full-length album, Fervor. Complex and powerful, Fervor offers seven new songs that show a more aggressive march across the bleak, depressive soundscape the band created on 2020’s Phantoms Made Permanent.
Tracklist: 1) Past Pulses 2) Chance is a Spectre 3) Mirroring 4) Stale Ash 5) Bending the Light 6) Shards 7) Into Perdition
A lot has happened since the release of EAVE’s Phantoms Made Permanent via Bindrune Recordings. The world has seemingly flipped upside down and in the case of this forward-thinking quartet, change isn’t always a bad thing.
After a band migration back to their home state of Connecticut and a period of tireless effort, EAVE emerges with a formidable selection of songs that see the band demonstrating a fiery new approach to their unique brand of atmospheric metal. Bristling with energy and venom amidst passages of ethereal and shadowed melodies, the duly titled Fervor exhibits an air of urgency, disillusionment, and resiliency. Heavily incorporating elements from a myriad of musical genres and applying a broad tone of experimentalism to their soaring style of New England black metal, Fervor marks a new period of focus for the band, as they press upon new territory that feels wholly their own.
Recorded by the band in Connecticut, and re-amped, mixed, and mastered by Colin Marston in Queens, New York, Fervor sheds stunning light on the beauty and darkness that forever exists in mankind and its relationship to the natural world.
EAVE is: Brian Tenison – Bass, Vocals Caleb Porter – Drums Ian Stoller – Guitars Gabriel Shara – Guitars, Vocals
German heavy metal act SKULL & CROSSBONES, the new band featuring former members of Stormwitch, have shared a new track taken off their upcoming debut Sungazer! The band’s first full-length studio album will be released as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats on September 8, 2023 through Massacre Records, the pre-sale is available at THIS LOCATION!
As the band reveals, the song “is about the occult, pagan nature religions. The attentive view of the beauty of nature should be sharpened, but from a dark point of view. One should leave a legacy of which one should be proud. Inspired by “The Witches’ Almanac.” It’s a classic, driving metal song with a short, calm and hypnotic interlude that culminates in a power metal solo.”
A lyric video for “Nature’s Legacy” is now streaming HERE
With SKULL & CROSSBONES, the four ex-Stormwitch members VolkerSchmietow, Tobi Kipp, Jürgen “Wanschi” Wannenwetsch and Marc Oppold, completed by vocalist TobiHübner, pick up where they left off: Dedicating themselves to traditional heavy metal.
Sungazer was mixed and mastered by Marc Ayerle at KlangManufaktur, with a cover artwork created by Michael Vetter.
New Zealand death metal trio ULCERATE will finally make their return to North American soil for a Fall headlining run. The thirteen-date StareInto Death North America MMXXIII Tour will commence on November 7th in North Hollywood, California and close November 25th in Brooklyn, New York. Support will be provided by Altars.
Comments drummer Jamie Saint Merat, “After three long years of pandemic interruption, we are very proud to finally announce the first shows on North American soil to showcase Stare Into Death And Be Still. Originally booked for 2020, to finally have this come to fruition is nothing short of cathartic. Joining us as special guests are our Australian brothers Altars – together offering a deadly Antipodean assault that will truly be a sight to behold.”
Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
ULCERATE w/ Altars – Stare Into Death North America MMXXIII Tour: 11/07/2023 Knitting Factory – North Hollywood, CA 11/08/2023 Neck Of The Woods – San Francisco, CA 11/10/2023 Bossanova Ballroom – Portland, OR 11/11/2023 Alma – Tacoma, WA 11/12/2023 Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC 11/16/2023 Reggies – Chicago, IL 11/17/2023 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 11/18/2023 Hard Luck – Toronto, ON 11/19/2023 Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC 11/21/2023 Middle East – Boston, MA 11/22/2023 Warehouse On Watts – Philadelphia, PA 11/24/2023 Metro – Baltimore, MD 11/25/2023 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY
Stare Into DeathAnd Be Still is available on CD, LP, and digital formats at THIS LOCATION.
New Album “The Future Remains In Oblivion” Out Now!
Rimouski, Quebec’s Vortex announces they will be hitting the road for show dates across Eastern Canada this coming Fall 2023 in support of their latest album “The Future Remains In Oblivion” released this past June. The band will be touring from the months of September to January performing across Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, and PEI where they will be joined by Aeternam, Serene Dark, Strigampire (2023 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions), and Beyond Fiction on select dates.
Vortex‘s third epic concept album is set to aggressive and beautiful orchestral melodic death metal with hints of black metal. Each song on “The Future Remains In Oblivion” is one chapter in their well-written sci-fi tale and there is a build-up in intensity and emotion that goes along with the storyline and the lyrics as you traverse the album. They share their thoughts:
“This is an orchestral death metal album with plenty of heavy riffing and melodies, technical vocals, and epic soloing. Some of the songs are riff-oriented and some others had the orchestra and melodies written before the drums and the guitars. We wrote all the lyrics before the music to make sure that it would fit the feel and emotion of each song/part of the story. When we start writing a song, we know exactly what feeling and emotion we are aiming at, it’s a good way to push ourselves creatively and write thoughtful music.”
Those familiar with the previous albums will note that they were more on the ambient/dramatic side. The new album’s songs are still melodic/orchestral but much more aggressive and some of them have a black metal influence. Vortex’s goal was to create songs that would have a greater impact on their live shows, and these aggressive songs will work well live. They feel the album is a good combination of aggression/melody, and ugliness/beauty.
Creativity and storytelling are the key tenets of Vortex. Their masterful lyric writing is equally matched with their prowess in devising riffs, and orchestrations. They will transport the listener into a new world and are recommended for fans of Lorna Shore, Dimmu Borgir, and Fleshgod Apocalypse.
Track Listing:
From The Sun (5:24)
Downfall (4:11)
The Fool (3:13)
The Walls (4:32)
Our Possible End (4:23)
First Blood (4:29)
The Future Remains In Oblivion (4:50)
When No More Words Will Be Heard (5:22) Album Length: 36:29
“The Future Remains In Oblivion” was released on June 9, 2023, and is available at the following links:
July 25, 2023 – Ghost Spirit, the L.A. hardcore band who surprised fans in early June with the release of “Kill The Strife,” the group’s first new music in four years, have now released an additional single via Blue Swan/Rise Records: “The Tradition That Remains” (watch the video here).
“’The Tradition That Remains’ is a heartfelt anthem celebrating the unbeatable spirit and promising future of the hardcore scene,” explains vocalist Alex Bigman of the Will Putney (Every Time I Die, Knocked Loose) mixed and Phil Odom (Code Orange, Portrayal of Guilt) engineered track. “Amid the Covid lockdowns, just like everyone else, we were deeply concerned about the fate of our beloved community’s shows. It seemed as though the very existence of the scene was at stake. Determined to rally the troops and reignite the passion, we set out to create a song that would unite us all. Out of the pandemic we overcame the challenges, and now in 2023 the scene feels more alive than ever. This music video, lovingly captured on Super 8mm, Super VHS, and digital formats, beautifully portrays the essence of this journey during the unforgettable run of our recent sold-out shows. We proudly declare that the tradition endures, binding us together in our shared love for hardcore, and illuminating a bright path towards the future.”
Photo credit: Connor Laz and Cameron Gile
Ghost Spirit released Hourglass in 2019, with the 8-song album landing on Rolling Stone’s staff’s personal best of lists, and being praised by outlets for capturing the band’s DIY spirit. Idioteq said the collection is “sonically and thematically immense,” while Sputnik Music noted the band’s ability to juxtapose “tenderness and honesty” with “frantic guitar work… and the pained screams of Alex Bigman.”
The band is currently writing a new album with additional details to be revealed soon.
Ghost Spirit is Alex Bigman (vocals), Taylor Jewell (drums), Niko Zaglaras (guitar) and Evan Henkel (bass).
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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