Inception‘ is the first solo single from Swedish rock singer Guernica Mancini (lead singer of Thundermother) and will be available via Golden Robot Records on November 11th.
Having forged a successful career at the helm of Thundermother, with over 300,000 monthly listeners and millions of streams, Guernica has been working on a solo side project that can only be described as a mind blowing fusion of rock and pop.
Sonically, the first single features groovy guitar riffs backed by heavy drums and powerful vocals that display an impressive range, clarity and the perfect amount of grit.
‘Inception‘ will be premiered on Saturday by WBC Australasia and WBA Asia Boxing Champion Linn Sandstrom as the walkout song to make her U.K. main event debut at York Hall, London for the WBA Intercontinental Title.
Both Guernica Mancini and Linn Sandstrom have a lot in common; they’re both strong women hailing from Sweden who know exactly who they are and where they’re headed – TO THE TOP!
Deadwolff released their new single ‘Heavy Rock n’ Roll’ today, their first single under Golden Robot Records, part of the Golden Robot Global Entertainment Group.
In addition to release the new track, Deadwolff have released a music video to accompany the song on November 2.
The track is a punch in the guts from the start with heavy drums and guitar before you’re met with screeching vocals from lead singer Tommy Wolffe. You get exactly what you’ve bargained for will a song called ‘Heavy Rock n’ Roll.’
The track is a fast paced, heavy rocking tune. It’s a song for whatever you’re passionate about or for someone you love. What you’d do to feel the joy that only music or a loved one can bring. So, turn it up ands lap it on repeat. This is the new wave of heavy rock and roll.
Deadwolff is a three-piece band based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 2020, Deadwolff is composed of Tommy Wolffe, on bass and vocals, Bobby Deuce, on guitars and backing vocals, and Angus Pike on drums.
In late December of 2020, Boonsdale Records released the band’s debut EP digitally. Shortly after, Deadwolff signed with Metal Assault Records, based out of Los Angeles, and released their debut EP on cassette, which sold out quickly.
As of recently, Deadwolff has been touring throughout Canada, bringing their catchy hooks, and eccentric live show to electric audiences. Building momentum quickly, Deadwolff sought out and was noticed by Golden Robot Records, whom is set to release their full length debut album.
Finnish melodic death metal band Admire the Grim is set to release their debut EP Rogue Five on January 13th 2023 via Inverse Records. The first single Rogue Five was released earlier with a music video. The second single The Flood is released today and it’s available on all essential streaming platforms: https://push.fm/fl/atg-flood
Vocalist Katri Snellman comments on The Flood Single:
“The Flood was the first song that we wrote together. Jani came up with the idea for the instruments and I wrote the vocal and lyric lines. The lyrics are about the feeling of drowning into your own thoughts, described with a lot of metaphors”.
Guitarist Jani Loikkanen comments on Rogue Five Single:
“My goal was to write a song that has a catchy chorus and lead parts. There’s good energy and spirit for a sweet party. I wrote the intro riff first and that set the song up for a fast paced guitar riffage. And to be honest, this is definitely a song for guitar maniacs”.
Line-up: Katri Snellman (vocals) Jani Loikkanen (guitar) Sirja Ojaniemi (guitar) Kalle Raatikainen (bass) Tommi Vante (drums)
Single cover by Katri Snellman
Admire the Grim – The Flood (single) 2022
Composed by Katri Snellman & Jani Loikkanen. Lyrics by Katri Snellman
Single cover by Anssi Kuivalainen
Admire the Grim – Rogue Five (single) 2022
Composed by Katri Snellman, Jani Loikkanen & Tommi Vante. Lyrics by Katri Snellman
BIOGRAPHY:
Admire the Grim is a melodic death metal band from Lappeenranta, Finland. The group was formed by five friends in early 2021. In May 2022 the band released its first single ‘Storm the Barricade’ and in September 2022 music video and single for ‘Rogue Five’ saw the daylight. In November 2022 the second single ‘The Flood’ from ‘Rogue Five’ -EP was released and the EP itself is published on January 2023 via InverseRecords.
The Blood of Creation continues the reign of classic heavy metal that Iron Kingdom has been presenting over the years to music lovers of the style along with keeping the flame burning for a new generation.
“We wanted to create music in a style of metal that seemed to have been forgotten when we were kids. Since no one else seemed to be doing it, we decided to play metal the way it used to be played in the 70s and 80s. That was the reason for forming Iron Kingdom. Essentially, we wanted to give people an exciting show like an early Iron Maiden, Scorpions, or Saxon show from the 1980s.” recalls Osterman on the beginnings of the band.
Iron Kingdom has come a long way since their 2011 debut “Curse Of The Voodoo Queen” and their next offering is a potent full force of classic shredding heavy metal thunder and will take the fans into some unique fantastic worlds, but will also show a dark side of storytelling.
I think we started as a bit more of a hard rock band on the first record, taking a progressive metal dive for Gates Of Eternity and Ride For Glory, then for On The Hunt, I’d say we went fully classic metal, leading into this new record being a pretty solid mix of all those styles combined. We also came out of the pandemic, which brought some darker emotions some people may have never experienced previously that I think this album may parallel. In the end though, we want people to get the chance to escape this world for a time and find solace in the music.” adds Osterman.
The new album also sees new drummer Max Friesen (ex-Ophelia Falling) making his recording debut with the band to add another angle to their songwriting for this release. The album was self-produced by Iron Kingdom with mixing done by Andy Boldt and mastering by Greg Reely (Overkill, Fear Factory, 3 Inches of Blood).
Recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, and Saxon.
Fun Fact: ‘Queen Of The Crystal Throne’ played on City TV for Hockey Night In Canada (Montreal Vs Dallas) – Sat Oct 22, 2022
Finnish Hard Rock band Hootenanny Freaks had their 25th anniversary in January 2022 and now they are releasing two new songs to celebrate their quarter of a century journey.
This release also presents the new singer Arttu Kettunen who have brought loads of new fresh energy to the band – that can be heard on both songs. The song Lose it All is about things going to hell and nothing seems to work out. A music video was also made for the song and it can be viewed on the band’s YouTube channel.
Falling Waters is an empowering song that tells about how it feels when the imagination takes over and you believe you have superpowers. The song is one of the heaviest tracks the band has ever recorded.
Currently the band is working on their next full length album.
Composers/Lyricists: Arttu Kettunen, Esko Kemell, Aapo Häyrinen, Marko Kuurne, Marko Leino
Dallas Toler-Wade, was a long-standing 18-year member of the brilliantly Egyptian-themed metal band, Nile, where he composed the music for hit songs such as, “Execration Text”, “Permitting the Noble Dead to Descend to the Underworld”, and “Lashed to the Slave Stick”. Toler-Wade was also featured in Guitar World magazine alongside founding member and guitarist/vox/songwriter Karl Sanders. With his new band Narcotic Wasteland, he is pleased to announce the second single “The Best Times Have Passed” off the yet-to-be-titled new album coming in 2023.
Toler-Wade comments on the single:
When I was writing it I was at another big turning point in my life. I was feeling my own mortality. I was feeling beat down. As with me, I still manage to find good things within it all and pull myself out of it time and time again. I think we can all relate to the fact that that it’s not forever and we better make the best of things while we can.”
They expect good reception for the upcoming single, as a band, they have grown majorly and they sound focused, and mature through their writing, recording, and performing. They have released two albums, 2014’s self-titled and 2017’s “Delirium Tremens” with their third record due out in 2023.
Dallas worked once again with drummer, engineer, producer Erik Schultek, who is no stranger to the band having recorded drums, engineered and produced the debut album.
Inspired mostly by thrash metal and classic heavy metal, Narcotic Wasteland is becoming more thrash and speed and less death metal and getting better at writing material that is meaningful and powerful. They are recommended for fans of Vader, The Crown, and Nile.
In additional news, Narcotic Wasteland is currently hitting the road for USA tour dates supporting German heavy metal legends ACCEPT, during October (dates listed below). Those who attend will get to experience the full onslaught of Narcotic Wasteland. Always well rehearsed, they deliver a tight performance including dual guitars. From harmonies to counterpart melodies it gives the band some of that traditional metal style. They are also not afraid to challenge the audience with an array of styles from whiplash-inducing fast metal to infectious arena metal.
Tour Poster credit- Andrea Roberts of Ashley Talent International
Remaining Tour Dates:
10/21/2022 Providence, RI – Fete Music Hall *NW Only 10/22/2022 Brooklyn, NY – Lucky 13 Saloon *NW ONLY 10/24/2022 Wallingford, CT – Cherry St. Station *NW ONLY 10/25/2022 NYC – The Gramercy Theatre 10/26/2022 Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall 10/27/2022 Harrisburg, PA – XL Live 10/29/2022 Columbus, OH – The King of Clubs
Dallas Toler-Wade, long-standing 18-year member of the brilliantly Egyptian-themed metal band, Nile, composed the music for hit songssuch as, “Execration Text” (NILE – “Execration Text” (Official Music Video), which featured the band’s second video release on MTV Headbangers Ball and the Uranium channel. The video was well received and aired for several weeks. “Permitting the Noble Dead to Descend to the Underworld”, is also a fan favorite. The video release was long after the demise of Headbangers Ball. Dallas also composed music for many other hits like, “Lashed to the Slave Stick”, Evil to Cast Out Evil NILE – Evil To Cast Out Evil (OFFICIAL TRACK & LYRICS) ), “Wind of Horus”, “The Eye of Ra” and many others. Toler-Wade was also featured in Guitar World magazine alongside founding member and guitarist/vox/songwriter Karl Sanders.
Dallas Toler-Wade started Narcotic Wasteland while he was in between tours with Nile. He started writing music that was a little more similar to things he was doing in a previous band and since then he has completed writing for the third album and is currently finishing up the recording process. Ahead of that, they have released the single “Morality and the Wasp” and going on a US tour with German heavy metal legends Accept.
Toler-Wade shares his hope for the single’s reception:
“I think fans will really enjoy it. The band has grown majorly and this album sounds like a band that is focused on writing, recording, and performing the very best we can., but also I think I am getting better at just writing stuff that is meaningful and powerful.”
For Toler-Wade, who is the primary songwriter for the band, the main goal is to give the listener music and lyrics that are deeply emotionally charged. Anger, sadness, and triumph are put to music the best way he knows how. The new album has a lot to say about human behavior and unchecked egos as well as his own personal philosophies about life.
The tour with Accept consists of 18 dates across the US during October (dates listed below). Those who attend will get to experience the full onslaught of Narcotic Wasteland. Always well rehearsed, they deliver a tight performance including dual guitars. From harmonies to counterpart melodies it gives the band some of that traditional metal style. They are also not afraid to challenge the audience with an array of styles from whiplash-inducing fast metal to infectious arena metal.
Oct 20 – Jim Thorpe, PA – Penns Peak Oct 21 – Providence, RI – Fete Music Hall – NARCOTIC ONLY Oct 21 – Patchogue, NY – Stereo Garden * NO NARCOTIC Oct 22 – Peekskill, NY – Paramount Theater * NO NARCOTIC Oct 22 – Brooklyn, NY – Lucky 13 Saloon # Narcotic Wasteland Only Oct 23 – Teaneck, NJ – Debonair Music Hall * Oct 24 – Wallingford, CT Cherry St. Station # Narcotic Wasteland Only Oct 25 – New York City, NY – The Gramercy Oct 26 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall Oct 27 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live Oct 29 – Columbus, OH – The King of Clubs
Rounding off a special anniversary year for the band (35 years since foundation of the group as well as launching the debut album ‘Animal House’) and its fearless leader & voice UdoDirkschneider (who turned 70 this April), November 18th 2022 will see iconic heavy metal act U.D.O. release a career-spanning ‘best of’ compilation, entitled The Legacy, via AFM Records.
The Legacy proves that U.D.O. produced classics throughout their entire career. Their longevity and quality of output is almost unmatched within the heavy music scene. With such an impressive back catalogue gathered within the past three and a half decades, it’s simply an impossible task to compile a double CD of material and satisfy everyone, however, The Legacy is by far the most extensive retrospective the band has ever released. Featuring 33 tracks overall and including songs from all U.D.O. studio albums; the compilation also includes 4 rare bonus songs which a lot of U.D.O.‘s loyal followers will hear for the first time.
Today, U.D.O. has shared one of the upcoming bonus tracks, “Wilder Life”. Only released on the Japanese edition of his latest album, “Game Over”, fans all over the world can now listen to the song right here:
The holiday special will be available on DVD and digital/streaming on November 11
Originally set for release in July of 2022, before the heartbreaking and untimely death of beloved frontman Trevor Strnad, The Black Dahlia Murder‘s Yule ‘Em All: A Holiday Variety Extravaganza will now be available on DVD Digipak and digital/streaming on November 11.
Check out a clip to Yule ‘Em All: A Holiday Variety Extravaganza here: metalblade.com/tbdm
On October 28th at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, Michigan’s The Black Dahlia Murder will be playing their first show since Trevor’s passing. The show will be a celebration of the life and legacy of Trevor Strnad who was lost to us all on May 11th this year. This show also marks the first performance with the band’s new/old lineup with founding member Brian Eschbach taking on lead vocals and the return of Ryan Knight on guitar along with long-time members Max Lavelle on bass, Alan Cassidy on drums, and Brandon Ellis on lead guitar and backing vocals. Support for the show will come from Darkest Hour and Plague Years.
About the release – originally released in December of 2020: Detroit’s Kings of the Underworld, The Black Dahlia Murder, present their Yule ‘Em All: A Holiday Variety Extravaganza program hosted by Neil Hamburger (Pick Of Destiny, Tim and Eric). This feel-good metal holiday special contains live performances of 16 beloved tracks from the band’s extensive catalog, original comedy skits featuring band members, and a special appearance by George “Corpsegrinder”Fisher (Cannibal Corpse)! The DVD version also comes with a special commentary track by band members and producers of the special. Raise your glass of eggnog and prepare to toast to the season’s finest offering of Yuletide joy and laughter.
Iron Maiden will be bringing a new tour to Europe in the Summer of 2023 including arena shows in the UK & Ireland. The Future Past Tour will feature previously unperformed songs from the band’s most recent studio album, Senjutsu along with a focus on 1986’s iconic Somewhere InTime record, plus other classic cuts.
The first shows to be announced are as follows:
June 2023 13 Tauron Arena, Krakow, POLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 19 Hallenstadion, Zurich, SWITZERLAND – (On sale Thu Oct 13) 24 3Arena, Dublin, IRELAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 26 Ovo Hydro, Glasgow, SCOTLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 28 First Direct Arena, Leeds, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 30 AO Arena, Manchester, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14)
July 2023 03 Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 04 Utilita Arena, Birmingham, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 07 O2 Arena, London, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 11 Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS – (On sale Thu Oct 13) 13 Sportpaleis, Antwerp, BELGIUM – (On sale Thu Oct 13) 15 The Return of the Gods Festival, Milan, ITALY – (On sale now)
Further European dates for The Future Past Tour will be announced later. Keep up to date here.
Fan Club Presales begin Tuesday 11th October. Details here. Support for The Future Past Tour will be announced at a later date. Trooper VIP will be available at selected UK and European dates.
Steve Harris says, “Following the release of our latest album, Senjutsu, we updated the current Legacy of the Beast Tour a little by opening the show with the first 3 songs from it, with the Japanese Palace stage set. As it doesn’t make a lot of sense to repeat this for a Senjutsu album tour, we thought about other options and we’ve decided to revisit Somewhere In Time as that tour didn’t feature in the various retrospective history tours we’ve played over the years. They were based on our 80’s concert videos and sadly we did not film that tour (blame the manager!!). We have had lots of requests from fans over the years for many tracks on it so we are now going to play them, plus of course a few others we know you will like! It will also be particularly satisfying to finally get to play some of the more epic tracks on Senjutsu, it’s been a long wait! 2023 is going to be an exciting time and we’re really looking forward to seeing everyone again in the UK, Ireland and around Europe”.
Manager, Rod Smallwood adds, “This combination of the two albums we feel is very exciting. We know fans want to hear those epic cuts on Senjutsu for the first time live and we think that by combining it with an iconic album like Somewhere In Time it will make for another really special tour for fans old and new! Of course, for a new album tour in Europe and the UK we will go back largely to the relative intimacy of arenas and we know fans will be very happy about that too!”
Ace Von Johnson is an accomplished rhythm guitarist and lends backing vocals for the acclaimed L.A. Guns. Ace is also a former member of Faster Pussycat. Recently, Ace was kind enough to take time from his schedule to do a video interview with our very own Tanis Enos. Kick back and enjoy the interview below!
Heavy metal/speed metal veterans will serve as special guests to Metallica during a special concert paying tribute to the lives of Jon and Marsha Zazula. The performance will take place Sunday, November 6th at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
As founders of Megaforce Records, the Zazulas are widely credited for discovering and launching the careers of many of heavy metal’s most ground-breaking, influential, and now legendary artists. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated in Jon and Marsha’s name to MusiCares, a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs to musicians and industry professionals.
RAVEN is currently amid their Wiped Out 40th anniversary tour, treating their fans by playing the iconic album in full during each show. Support is being provide by Riot Act, the band formed by former Riot guitarist Rick Ventura, performing a Riot repertoire from their classic 1977-1982 era. See all confirmed dates below.
Additionally, RAVEN are also finalizing their next studio album, which will be their first for SilverLining Music, with details to be unveiled in the months to come.
RAVEN Wiped Out – 40th Anniversary Tour w/ Riot Act [remaining dates]
10/04/2022 Dante’s – Portland, OR 10/05/2022 Wise Hall – Vancouver, BC 10/06/2022 Alma – Tacoma, WA 10/08/2022 Aces High – Salt Lake City, UT 10/09/2022 The Coast – Ft. Collins, CO 10/10/2022 Reverb Lounge – Omaha, NE 10/11/2022 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL 10/12/2022 Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI 10/13/2022 Photo City Music Hall – Rochester, NY 10/14/2022 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON 10/15/2022 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 10/17/2022 No Class – Cleveland, OH 10/18/2022 Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON 10/19/2022 Sonia – Boston, MA 10/20/2022 Geno’s – Portland, ME 10/21/2022 Market Hotel – Brooklyn, NY 10/22/2022 West York Inn – York, PA 10/23/2022 Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA 10/24/2022 Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern – Raleigh, NC 10/25/2022 The Pour House Music Hall – Wilmington, NC 10/26/2022 Tribbles – Piedmont, SC 10/27/2022 Brickyard – Knoxville, TN 10/28/2022 The Southgate House Revival – Newport, KY 10/30/2022 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ 10/31/2022 Westside Bowl – Youngstown, OH * RAVEN only 11/03/2022 Hi Tone Café – Memphis, TN 11/04/2022 Fractal Brewing Project – Huntsville, AL 11/05/2022 The Loft At Center Stage – Atlanta, GA 11/06/2022 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Atlanta, GA * RAVEN only w/ Metallica 11/07/2022 Nice Guys – Cape Coral, FL
RAVEN: John Gallagher – lead vocals, bass, 12-string bass Mark Gallagher – guitar, vocals Mike Heller – drums
Celebrating their 40th anniversary, icons of heavy metal, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, have announced a US headlining tour this Fall! The excursion kicks off on November 10th in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and runs through November 27th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Support will be provided by Spirit Adrift and The Native Howl. See all confirmed dates below and purchase tickets HERE.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY w/ Spirit Adrift, The Native Howl: 11/10/2022 Chelsea’s Live – Baton Rouge, LA 11/11/2022 Vinyl Music Hall – Pensacola, FL 11/12/2022 Snowblind Festival – Atlanta, GA 11/13/2022 Growlers – Memphis, TN 11/15/2022 Ace Of Cups – Columbus, OH 11/17/2022 Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC 11/18/2022 The Queen – Wilmington, DE 11/19/2022 Granite State Music Hall – Laconia, NH 11/20/2022 Reverb – Reading, PA 11/22/2022 The Machine Shop – Flint, MI 11/23/2022 The Forge – Joliet, IL 11/25/2022 Headliners Music Hall – Louisville, KY 11/26/2022 Mr. Small’s Theatre – Millvale, PA 11/27/2022 The Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI
Since forming in 1982, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY has woven their distinct riffs deep into the fabric of heavy metal for over four decades. Across ten landmark, critically acclaimed albums, the band has continued evolving. From the early days of thrash to their more recent, blues-infused metal, the band has managed to progress with each release keeping fans and critics alike guessing.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY’s most recent full-length, No Cross No Crown, was released in 2018 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. Recorded with longtime producer John Custer, the record marks the first studio recording with vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan in over a decade and, earning the #67 spot on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, #12 on the Billboard Top Current Albums Chart, and #3 on the Top Hard Music Albums Chart upon its first week of release, is the highest charting album of the band’s career.
Swedish Epic Heavy Metal duo Sordid Blade will release full-length debut album Every Battle HasIts Glory October 14 on CD, vinyl LP, and digital formats via Gates of Hell Records.
The album’s first single, “Hidden Enthronement,” is available to stream at: youtu.be/CWW4gOuwiFs
“I view heavy metal as an art form.” It is this simple but impactful summation that spills into the music of multi-instrumentalist and Sordid Blade figurehead Niklas Holm. Formed in 2021 out of his desire to create an epic heavy metal band in the vein of Hammerheart-era Bathory, Manilla Road and Warlord, Holm issued Sordid Blade’s two-song MMXXI demo in 2021. It was an early indicator of Holm’s ability to meld heroic proto-metal with the style and persuasion of his primary influences. After a brief period of soliciting prospective labels, Sordid Blade found its rightful place on Gates of Hell Records for the release of their first full-length, Every Battle Has Its Glory.
Every Battle Has Its Glory was tracked over the course of a year with engineer Kim Ekwall Lattik, with drum recording provided by Magnus Jonsson at Milk Studio, who also mixed the album. The album marks the first appearance of drummer Micael Zetterberg, who joined Sordid Blade after the release of MMXXI. Together, Holm and Zetterberg tap into the broad, illustrious field of true, mid-paced anthemic metal, harnessing stout riffing and choice melodies to form a sound that remains faithful to the style’s storied past.
Line-up:
Niklas Holm: Vocals, Guitar, and Bass
Micael Zetterberg – Drums
Holm’s lyrics deal with existential themes and how the individual can gain strength by focusing on what’s really important in the world. His lyrics are driven by metaphor, developing a sort of “code” for the listener to decipher. Once they do, they will find a wealth of songs with deep, emotional subject matter that adds another layer of depth and intrigue to Sordid Blade. Even the instrumental “Kiolsvarf” is topical — it is a Swedish term to describe a family drowning at sea.
The Carl Larsson (1853-1919)-created cover art was the last piece to the Every Battle Has Its Glory puzzle. Zetterberg found one of Larsson’s paintings in a book and shared it with Holm. Holm knew the creation was the perfect choice — its dark style reflected the overall theme of the album.
It is by which this thoughtful depth and exploratory nature that Sordid Blade sets itself apart. The epic metal field is growing increasingly crowded, but for those in search of something with an emotional and personal atmosphere, there is no better choice circa 2022 than Sordid Blade.
Italian heavy metal band Crying Steel have announced that they have signed to Underground Symphony Records for the release of their upcoming album.
The 5th studio album is scheduled to be released in January 2023 in deluxe digital format. Further information will be revealed soon.
Underground Symphony is also based in Italy and is known to have released material from bands such as Sabaton, Labyrinth, Manilla Road, White Skull among others.
The band commented: “We are honoured to be joining Underground Symphony’s roster and have a feeling we will have a fruitful relationship. After being stuck at home during the pandemic lockdowns, we can’t wait to show you the new music we cooked up. Stay Steel!”
Crying Steel was formed in 1982 and is considered to be one of the very first heavy metal acts to come out of Italy. The band’s discography includes: Crying Steel (1985), On the Prowl (1987), The Steel is Back! (2007), Time Stands Steel (2013), Stay Steel (2018) and Steel Alive (2019).
Crying Steel will be performing at Boyler Fest, Bologna (17th September), Sheratan Live Club, Carpi (24th September), Metropolis Live Club, Frosinone (7 October) and Let it Beer, Rome (8 October) with more dates to be announced soon.
Progressive/symphonic power metal quintet INDUCTION will release their sophomore full length, Born From Fire, on November 25th via Atomic Fire Records.
Notes guitarist and band mastermind Tim Kanoa Hansen. “We tried to deliver a good mix of big hits, great melodies, emotions, brutal anger, intricate riffs, and arrangements as well as making it a ton of fun while listening. We are sure this album will convince old and new fans alike of what INDUCTION means. We sincerely hope that everyone finds themselves in some of the songs.”
The record, 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).
Born From Fire will be available on CD, 2xLP vinyl, and digitally. Find special preorder bundles at THIS LOCATION.
BornFromFire – Track Listing:
Born From Fire
Scorched
Fallen Angel
Go To Hell
Embers
Order & Chaos
The Beauty Of Monstrance
Queen Of Light
I Am Alive
Ghost Of Silence
Eternal Silence
Sacrifice (Bonus Track)
Keep up with INDUCTION’s upcoming European live dates at their official website HERE and stream the band’s previously released songs on the streaming platform of your choice HERE.
Originally founded in 2014, INDUCTION left their first mark with first single, “The Outwitted Consecration,” in 2016 before completely entering the metal world by releasing their eponymous debut album in 2019. Its enormously positive reception even paved them the way to touring across Europe alongside Brazilian power metallers Armored Dawn in November of the same year. It was a notable career start for the quintet that was unfortunately halted by the pandemic leading to a break (at least on the live front) that wasn’t only used by the band to work on their sophomore album but also to renew their power.
Maryland-based Crossover Thrash Metal quintet NINTH REALM will release their debut full-length album AFateUnbroken November 4 on Mercenary Press. The album is a perfect blend of of crossover thrash and traditional heavy metal that represents the band’s refined vision. “Plea to the Heavens,” the album’s first single, is streaming now at:
“Plea to the Heavens” is also streaming on Spotify.
A Fate Unbroken is a nine-track album that takes the influence of the widest range of heavy metal, 80s-toned thrash, death thrash, and hardcore that the decisive genres have to offer. Not only do the riffs, consistent guitar solos, and blackened vocals take the listener through a whirlwind of Slayer/Demolition Hammer era thrash metal, but the lyricism and quintessential raw fantasy style of their art and themes harken back to a Frank Frazetta/Ralph Bakshi age of pure Sword & Sorcery. A Fate Unbroken, for all intents and purposes, is a Maryland band’s attempt to bring a reunion of heavy metal and hardcore punk back to its raw, old-school roots.
Basing their lyricism and overall theme around the original fantasy realm of Tythorin, NINTH REALM delivers an electrifying synthesis of traditional heavy metal and hardcore punk for fans of both respective genres to enjoy.
Line-Up:
Joey Burke – Drums Ben Hageage – Vocals Jared Henry – Bass Liam McMahon – Lead Guitar Charles House – Rhythm Guitar
Pulling from a range of influences that span everything between blackened thrash to old-school death metal, the music of NINTHREALM rips and tears with a ferocity and cadence that perfectly encapsulates the epic scale and grisly atmosphere of grim-dark fantasy. Between the use of aggressive thrash d-beat and viscerally direct song structure of classic metal acts such as Celtic Frost, combined with the melodic riffage of classic bands like Testament/Mercyful Fate, and an added twist of Cro-Mags/Leewaystyle crossover, NINTH REALM wields what is perhaps one of the most poignant new sounds to emerge from the metal underground in recent memory.
FFO: Power Trip, Eternal Champion, High Command, Iron Age
BIO: Sharing a bond for all things heavy metal and high fantasy, college classmates Joey Burke (drummer) and Liam McMahon (lead guitarist) joined forces in the fall of 2018, writing and practicing every week to produce the 2019 demo, Gates of Tythorin. Later adding Jared Henry (bassist) and Ben Hageage (vocalist) to the mix, Ninth Realm solidified their sound with their succeeding 2020 EP, All Hail Treachery. In 2022, to offer a glimpse at what is to come with their debut LP, Ninth Realm released Ondreis MMXXII, a promo tape featuring two songs that both share a track space on the debut full-length record.
Heavy metal icons MERCYFULFATE today announce their first North American headlining tour in over two decades! The journey will commence on October 25th in Dallas, Texas and weave its way through fourteen cities, closing on November 16th in Atlanta, Georgia. The tour follows the band’s stunning headlining performance at this year’s edition of Psycho Las Vegas.
Vocalist King Diamond comments, “These will be the first MERCYFULFATE concerts in North American theaters in over twenty years. Memories of a lifetime. Your special chance to see MERCYFUL FATE with the full European festival production, but up close and personal. You cannot miss this… I hereby respectfully invite you to Come To The Sabbath by which you may free your soul and feast with us in the dark Of Night. Witches and Demons, you may come as you are! Satanic Regards – King Diamond 666.”
Support for MERCYFUL FATE will be provided by Kreator and labelmates, Midnight. Various presales are available throughout the week:
Citi Presale: Tuesday, September 6th @ 11:00am ET | Password: Citi BINs Mercyful Fate Fan Club Presale: Tuesday, September 6th @ 12:00pm ET | Password: EVIL Ticketmaster Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am ET | Password: MELISSA Live Nation Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: VENUE Blabbermouth Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: SABBATH Knotfest.com Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: OATH
All presales end Thursday, September 8th at 10:00pm local time. General onsale date is Friday, September 9th at 10:00am local time at mercyfulfatecoven.com. These shows will sell out! Don’t miss it!
Additionally, multiple limited VIP packages will be available which will include Meet & Greets, photo opps, private Q&As, exclusive merch, and more starting Wednesday, September 7th at mercyfulfatecoven.com. Secure yours today.
MERCYFUL FATE w/ Kreator, Midnight: 10/25/2022 Dallas, TX – The Factory 10/27/2022 Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre 10/29/2022 Inglewood, CA – Youtube Theater 10/30/2022 Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Sacramento 11/01/2022 Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium 11/03/2022 Gary, IN – Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana 11/04/2022 Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J. Brady Music Center 11/05/2022 Detroit, MI – Masonic 11/08/2022 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring 11/10/2022 Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theater 11/11/2022 Laval, QC – Place Bell 11/13/2022 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall At Fenway 11/14/2022 Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia 11/16/2022 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
MERCYFUL FATE is currently working on a new album and recently gave fans a taste of the new material when they debuted a song called “The Jackal Of Salzburg” in Germany this past June as well as at Psycho Las Vegas. The band’s current lineup is King Diamond on vocals, Hank Shermann and Mike Wead on guitars, Bjarne T. Holm on drums and Joey Vera on bass.
MERCYFUL FATE was formed in early 1981 in Copenhagen, Denmark by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann. They were later joined by guitarist Michael Denner and bassist Timi Hansen, and soon thereafter drummer Kim Ruzz would join to complete the band lineup. The band recorded two demos in 1981 and later signed with Rave On Records in Holland for the recording of their successful self-titled EP, released in November of 1982. The Mercyful Fate EP was soon in heavy rotation around core metal radio stations, launching a new breed of heavy metal with their unique sound.
The band joined Roadrunner Records in 1983 and their debut full-length, Melissa, was recorded and released that same year. The following year, MERCYFUL FATE returned to the studio to record their now legendary Don’t BreakThe Oath full-length, released in September of 1984.
MERCYFUL FATE embarked upon a two month US tour in support of the record, which took them across the States several times sharing the stage with the likes of Motörhead and Exciter. The shows had created a brush fire within the metal community. The band reaped recognition globally, closing the year with a five-date tour in Germany with Motörhead, Girlschool, Helix, and Talon.
MERCYFUL FATE’s first concert of 1985 was in their hometown of Copenhagen at an old movie theater with a large capacity. The show sold out and their stage show exhibited a new level of distinction. The night was a huge victory and a new highlight for the band.
By April of 1985 however, MERCYFUL FATE decided to part ways for each to pursue new challenges. The King Diamond band was born and reaped critical acclaim the following years with five studio albums on Roadrunner Records. King Diamond has since signed with Metal Blade Records and is going stronger than ever before.
In the Summer of 1992, MERCYFULFATE decided to reunite and penned a new deal with Brian Slagel and his label, Metal Blade Records. In The Shadows was released in 1993 and was an instant triumph furthered by a sold out US tour.
MERCYFUL FATE has gone on to release another five studio albums and have toured Europe, the US, and South America multiple times. The highlight of 1999 was their critically acclaimed album 9 which was followed by a European tour with Metallica, where King Diamond and Hank Shermann joined the band onstage several times for the medley “Mercyful Fate” which Metallica had recorded on their Garage Inc. double tribute album the year prior. Tours in the US and in South America followed, marking the band’s last live performances for over a decade. MERCYFULFATE then went on hiatus, but made a brief appearance when members joined Metallica onstage in 2011 for their 30th anniversary show in San Francisco, California.
Autograph‘s new forthcoming release “Beyond”, was the last album to feature founding member and bassist Randy Rand. The album is due out on November 18, 2022 on Frontiers Music Srl, which the band has dedicated to Randy and in his memory.
“We tragically lost our brother, Randy Rand on April 26th 2022. His passing was untimely, as he had so much rockin’ left to do. We dedicate our upcoming album “Beyond” to our band mate and founding member of Autograph. His signature bass playing is a major part of the new record and his spirit is felt throughout.”
“The new album also serves as a catalyst for bringing Autograph into a new era of rock with it’s heavy-hitting and powerful sound. In the spirit of Randy’s love for the music, his excitement on the new release and eternal brotherhood, this one’s for you. Thank you Randy for keeping us connected, bringing people together from all walks of life and fueling the social bonds that music invites. Rest easy brother, we love you.”
Steve Unger from Metal Church has taken over the bass duties for the band as the legacy of Autograph continues on with a new album dedicated to Randy Rand and a busy schedule of touring.
Current Band Line Up: Simon Daniels – Lead vocals/guitar Jimi Bell – Lead guitar/vocals Marc Wieland – Drums Steve Unger – Bass/vocals
Shadow Kingdom Records announces the signing of Cruel Force. The first fruit of this union shall be the band’s highly anticipated third album, which will see release next year. Additionally, reissues of the band’s cult two albums, 2010’s The Rise of Satanic Might and 2011’s Under the Sign of the Moon, will follow on Shadow Kingdom on all formats.
Truest of the true, Germany’s Cruel Force burst onto the scene in 2008 with the Into the Crypts… demo. While many have tried to emulate the ancient German (black)thrash sound, Cruel Force brimmed with an authenticity that could not be denied, as well as songwriting that added to that noble tradition rather than lazily picking at its corpse. Their two successive albums, 2010’s The Rise of Satanic Might and 2011’s Under the Sign of the Moon, made Cruel Force a certifiably CULT name in the international metal underground. Sadly, the band fell into a hiatus following that second album, but now are reinvigorated with the comeback 7″ EP Across the Styx and are ready to make up for lost time with their imminent new album with Shadow Kingdom.
Check out their latest single to give you a taste of what’s to come with the new album:
CRUEL FORCE – “Across The Styx” (Official Video)
A statement from the band as follows: “Today, we would like to announce that we have signed a deal with Shadow Kingdom Records for the release of our third album and for the re-release of our first two records. Signing with an American label was the right choice for us since we know that a big part of our fanbase is situated on the other side of the Atlantic, and we know that it was always a problem for you to get a hold of our releases, now even more than ever with the increase of postage costs. This way, we hope that access will get easier and more affordable for you folks.”
Concluding, the band says, “As for Europe and Germany in particular, everything will also be readily available through Shadow Kingdom‘s extensive distribution network and through our own BigCartel shop. We feel that this is the best decision for the band and the fans, and we are looking forward to spread the metallic mayhem through Shadow Kingdom Records in the future!
Further news about Cruel Force‘s third album will be announced in time.
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Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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