May 26, 2023 sees Swedish modern melodic metal outfit dEMOTIONAL reissue their latest, much acclaimed masterpiece Scandinavian Aftermath. With four albums under their belt and following their recent, worldwide signing with AFM Records, the Hamburg-based powerhouse label is proud to present the band’s self-released 2021-offering, Scandinavian Aftermath, to a global audience. With over 15 million streams on Spotify alone and a constant listener base of 100k, various live shows, tours and radio airplays, dEMOTIONAL have aready proved to be one of the most exciting, up-and-coming bands of their genre, now they are ready more than ever to conquer the world
The quintet from Gothenburg, that already became an anchor in the Swedish metal scene, has caused a stir with the release of their much-acclaimed debut album, STATE: IN DENIAL, in 2013. And they have not been slowing down since. Their second album TARASSIS got them a spot as main support on DEAD BY APRIL’s European tour and also their own headline shows around the world.
Scandinavian Aftermath will be reissued as a Deluxe Edition on May 26, 2023, visit the AFM Records shop at THIS LOCATION!
The brand new video for “Lost In This City” is now premiering HERE
Famed rock vocalist Zak Stevens and producer / guitar player extraordinaire Aldo Lonobile make up the force behind Archon Angel and this album, aptly named ‘II’ is their second album together. Like their first effort, but even more in tune and perfected, ‘II’ is an impressive and powerful work of prog metal.
Having aced the crystal perfect production and found a fluidity with their songwriting teamwork, these two veterans need no roses considering their impressive back catalogs, but ‘II’ is a project worth being very proud of and fans will be more than satisfied with the results.
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to present the upcoming release of Archon Angel’s second album, “II” on April 14, 2023. It follows the band’s 2020 debut, “Fallen”, which saw vocalist Zak Stevens (Circle II Circle, Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) and producer/guitarist Aldo Lonobile (Secret Sphere, Edge Of Forever) delivering a fantastic slab of power/progressive metal. Fans of Archon Angel’s debut will surely find no sophomore slump awaits them on “II”. In fact, the two have locked in on all the key parts that worked so well on their debut and amplified and perfected them for this glorious follow-up.
The seeds of Archon Angel were planted when producer/guitarist Lonobile and vocalist Stevens were collaborating on songs for Timo Tolkki’s Avalon’s ‘Return To Eden’ album, which Aldo produced and played guitar on and Zak did some guest lead vocals for. After some discussions about what musical direction they wanted to take, Aldo sent Zak some demos that were reminiscent of classic Savatage records like Edge Of Thorns and Gutter Ballet. The two felt they were onto something and followed their musical muse, ultimately culminating in what would become Archon Angel’s debut album, “Fallen”.
Zak Stevens first came to prominence in the metal scene when he was hand-picked by Savatage‘s Jon Olivia to take over as lead vocalist for the band. Starting with 1993’s Edge Of Thorns, he would record four studio albums with the band, including the aforementioned album plus Handful Of Rain, Dead Winter Dead, and The Wake Of Magellan. He has also performed on multiple Trans-Siberian Orchestra releases, including Christmas Eve and Other Stories, Beethoven’s Last Night, and more, while also being a member of the band’s touring production. Around 2001, Zak started a band, Circle II Circle, which has recorded seven studio albums, with the most recent being 2015’s Reign Of Darkness. Additionally, he has appeared on albums by Timo Tolkki’s Avalon, Machines Of Grace, Jon Olivia‘s Pain, and more.
Wilmington (NC) – U.S Heavy Metal quartet CHILDREN OF THE REPTILE have released Silent Circle, the third and final single before release of forthcoming album, Heavy is the Head. Check it out at the following links:
Though they are proudly part of what’s now called the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal, CHILDREN OF THE REPTILE aren’t simply aping styles from the 70s and 80s. Taking a page out of the book of Manilla Road and calling themselves “American Epic Heavy Metal,” these four travellers have been crushing the Southeast United States for over a decade now.
If you want the riffs of Metallica, the twin leads of Thin Lizzy or Iron Maiden, the attitude of Judas Priest, the progressive leanings of Mastodon, and the vibes of Manilla Road, then you must check out the best kept secret from the swamps of the Cape Fear: CHILDREN OF THE REPTILE.
Track Listing:
Delvers in Darkness*
Warriors of Light
Burner
Silent Circle
Fear The Old Blood
Seven Days of Fire
Last Words (Ruin’s Ride)
Adventurers
Oath to Order
Credits:
Written, produced, and performed by Hermit. It was recorded in Lost Woods Studio, Parts Unknown.
Additional Gang Vocals and Keyboard Programming: Stephen Cline
Produced by Stephen Cline TMF Studios, Raleigh, NC Mastered by Jamie King Basement Studios, Winston Salem, NC
Visual Layout and Art: Ozzie Darden Logo Design: Cayla Rickard All Lyrics by Ozzie Darden
Line-Up:
Ozzie Darden: Lead vocals, guitar Chris Millard: Guitar, backing vocals David “Pils” Hufham: Bass, backing vocals Chase Kelly: Drums, backing vocals
Valo is the third and final pre-album single from the forthcoming new VORNA album Aamunkoi, and now available on all digital platforms.
“When Arttu (Järvisalo, Lead Guitar) brought the first instrumental demo of this song to the table, and I started to work on the lyrics and vocal arrangements, my initial thoughts were that this sounds like a love song. And that’s not really my expertise. The end result is something that fits into the aforementioned category as well, but it can also be interpreted from a more universal perspective. We may not have the power to take anyone’s pain away or save them, but what we can do, is to try and make each other’s journeys more bearable. That’s what “Valo” (The Light) is all about.”
The music of VORNA, from Tampere, is as melancholic as sublimely gloomy. No wonder that the group has already toured or played shows with Insomnium, Wintersun, Kalmah, Thyrfing and Whispered. The sextet from Finland, active since 2008, enters with a majestic metal sound that also features symphonic and folk accents.
The band’s fourth album stands out for its self-evident, breathing musicality. The lyrics are presented again in the Finnish native language of the musicians and support the mythical character of the tracks. The album title could hardly be more aptly chosen. “Aamunkoi” can be translated as “Aurora”. In literature, this means “The Dawn”. In the far north, where VORNA come from, this is also the name for the phenomenon of the polar lights. In both interpretations darkness and grace play a role. Astonishment and fear are also to be associated. Not everything can be grasped and cleary understood. Much remains in the indefinite and in the intermediate tones. This closes the circle to the melancholic metal of the six Finns and their nature-loving understanding of art.
In comparison with the debut “Ajastaika” (2013), the second album from 2015, “Ei valo minua seuraa”, and the debut on LIFEFORCE RECORDS, “Sateet palata saavat” (2019), VORNA surpass themselves on “Aamunkoi”. All songs sound immensely multifaceted, accentuated and above all atmospheric.
The gloomy emotionality and fine melody lines of the band’s fourth album pull in their spell. The contrasting play between forward attacks and fragile atmosphere, which reaches deep, has lasting effects and impresses.
“Life is finite, unpredictable, and unfair. The album’s main theme is survival in the uncertain world where the lucky ones who get to witness a new day have a chance to strive for a better future – when they still can. Music-wise Aamunkoi is Vorna’s most melodic work to date and we have once again broadened our musical horizon towards new territories on every instrument. “
VORNA live:
06.05.23 FI – Tampere @ Yo-talo 12.05.23 FI – Helsinki @ Kuudes Linja 20./22.07.23 FI – Laukaa @ John Smith Rock Festival 04./05.08.23 FI – Tampere @ SaariHelvetti 10./12.08.23 FI – Kotka @ Dark River Festival
Clear the manège, let the ultimate LORDI show begin! Screem Writers Guild, the new beast of an album by the beloved Finnish hard rock monster squad, is out TODAY on Atomic Fire Records!
In celebration of the release, the group has launched a cinematic music video for the record’s opening track “Dead Again Jayne,” once again scripted, directed, and edited by Mr. Lordi himself. Dealing with a patched-up lady who suddenly isn’t that dead anymore, the song is dominated by a morbid, Frankenstein-ish atmosphere.
Watch LORDI’s “Dead Again Jayne” video at THIS LOCATION.
View LORDI’s previously released video for “Lucyfer Prime Evil” HERE and “Thing In The Cage” HERE.
Screem Writers Guild was produced by Mr. Lordi with Mana and Janne Halmkrona as executive producers. Ilkka Herkman took care of mixing and Pauli Saastamoinen mastered the record. The artwork was also designed by Mr. Lordi himself who has made a name as director for the band’s vision since the early ’90s. The record’s title — a “LORDIfied” play on words — is a reference to the “Screen Writers Guild,” an association of Hollywood screenplay writers (1920s to 1950s), yet there is no doubt that LORDI‘s musical version is much louder and fiercer. “The record itself isn’t a real concept album, but it obviously plays with the overall cinematic theme,” says Mr. Lordi.
Screem Writers Guild is available in the following formats:
Limited Collector’s Box Set – Includes alternative cover artwork, CD-digipak, 2xLP in gatefold, exclusive Live At Masters Of Rock DVD featuring five live songs, five band member portrait art prints plus LORDI notebook.
The box set will be available in three color variants: – Red/Black Splatter vinyl @ Atomic Fire Records Mailorder – Green Marbled vinyl @ EMP – Purple/Black Marbled vinyl @ Atomic Fire Records US Mailorder, Nuclear Blast, and Levykauppa Äx
Other configurations: – CD-digipak – 2xLP gatefold (Transparent/Blue Marbled) – 2xLP gatefold (Red/Black Splatter; only available in Europe) – 2xLP gatefold (Green Marbled; only available @ EMP) – 2xLP gatefold (Purple/Black Marbled; only available @ Atomic Fire Records US Mailorder, Nuclear Blast, and Levykauppa Äx) – digital
Order Screem Writers Guild in the physical format of your choice, stream it, or get it digitally now at THIS LOCATION.
Tonight, LORDI will kick off another touring cycle at Aria Complex (San Gwann, MT) where they’ll premiere their new musical play on stage for the first time. The performance serves as a warm-up for Mr. Lordi and his crew as it will be followed by a massive European arena tour alongside Sabaton and Babymetal in April/May as well as select summer festival gigs and a few Austrian shows in the Fall. See all confirmed dates below.
LORDI: 3/31/2023 Rock ‘N Malta @ Aria Complex – San Gwann, MT w/ Sabaton, Babymetal: 4/14/2023 First Direct Arena – Leeds, UK 4/15/2023 OVO Arena Wembley – London, UK 4/16/2023 Motorpoint Arena – Cardiff, UK 4/18/2023 OVO Hydro – Glasgow, UK 4/21/2023 Zénith (La Villette) – Paris, FR Sold Out 4/22/2023 Festhalle – Frankfurt, DE 4/24/2023 Barclays Arena – Hamburg, DR 4/25/2023 Rockhal – Esch-sur-Alzette, LU 4/28/2023 Avicii Arena – Stockholm, SE 4/29/2023 Spektrum – Oslo, NO Sold Out 4/30/2023 Royal Arena – Copenhagen, DK 5/01/2023 3-Majówka – Wroclaw,PL *LORDI only 5/02/2023 ZAG Arena – Hanover, DE 5/03/2023 Ziggo Dome – Amsterdam, NL 5/05/2023 Mercedes-Benz Arena – Berlin, DE 5/06/2023 Quarterback Immobilien Arena – Leipzig, DE 5/07/2023 Stadthalle – Vienna, AT 5/09/2023 Atlas Arena – Łódź, PL 5/10/2023 Ostravar Aréna – Ostrava, CZ 5/12/2023 Lanxess Arena – Cologne, DE 5/13/2023 Sportpaleis – Antwerp, BE 5/15/2023 Olympiahalle – Munich, DE 5/18/2023 Saku Suurhall – Tallinn, EE 5/19/2023 Helsingin Jäähalli – Helsinki, FI 5/20/2023 Kuopio-halli – Kuopio, FI End Tour 6/08/2023 Rockfest – Hyvinkää, FI 6/16/2023 Tuhdimmat Tahdit – Tampere, FI *New* 6/25/2023 Rock Imperium Festival – Cartagena, ES 7/29/2023 Rock Of Ages – Rottenburg-Seebronn, DE New 10/14/2023 Wildstyle & Tattoo @ Stadthalle – Kapfenberg, AT 10/21/2023 Wildstyle & Tattoo @ Tabakfabrik – Linz, AT 10/28/2023 Wildstyle & Tattoo @ Messezentrum
Founded in 1992 by singer, songwriter, and designer Mr. Lordi, LORDI are one of the major Finnish rock/heavy metal acts of our time. Originally rooted in Rovaniemi (Northern Lapland, Finland), the band achieved their international breakthrough after winning the Eurovision Song Contest with their hit song “Hard Rock Hallelujah” in 2006.
Since then, the unconventional troop has rocked their way into the spotlight of Europe with charm, unforgettable tunes, and elaborate monster costumes, and have become an integral part of the lineups of globally recognized festivals such as Wacken Open Air (DE) and Masters of Rock (CZ) among others.
LORDI: Mr. Lordi – vocals Kone – guitars Hiisi – bass Hella – keyboard Mana – drums
w/ RAZOR, WHIPLASH, SKULL FIST, WARSENAL, DROWNING IN BLOOD
This coming May 12th, Montreal, QC will be host to this city’s first-ever Piranha Pit Fest presented by Loudtrax, the one-stop online shop for everything swag from the biggest names in Loud Music.
Piranha Pit Fest will feature headliners RAZOR, the Canadian thrash legends who have been recognized as one of the country’s pioneers of the metal genre. RAZOR released their ninth studio album Cycle of Contempt this past September, making it their first album in 25 years. RAZOR will also be supported by another legendary thrash band, New Jersey’s WHIPLASH, one of the first American East Coast thrash metal bands of the 1980s to inspire many who followed in their footsteps. Also joining the lineup is the 2023 Juno nominated (Metal/Hard Music Album Of The Year) and international tour de force, Toronto’s high-flying heavy metal shredders SKULL FIST along with local Montreal moshers Warsenal and Drowning In Blood.
Piranha Pit Fest will be held at Piranha Bar 680 Sainte-Catherine St W, one of the city’s metal strongholds for extreme music events.
Calgary’s The Electric Highway Festival has wrapped up for 2023 and it was a resounding success according to festival organizers. The event took place from March 23, 24, and 25, 2023 at Dickens, with 3 days of music from Canadian bands trekking from across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba along with American headliners, Los Angeles’ Sasquatch.
The 2024 edition of The Electric Highway will take place April 4, 5, and 6, 2024 once again at Dickens in Calgary. Band submissions for the event open on April 1 and run until June 30, 2023. Bands can fill out the form on the website.
Fans of The Electric Highway will also have the opportunity to buy very limited Ultra Early Bird Passes for the 2024 festival starting at noon MST on April 1, 2023. Only 20 passes for $60 each will be available in the Festival Store.
About: Buckle up for The Electric Highway Festival! The 2023 edition of the festival focused on Desert Rock and Metal, Doom, Sludge, and Heavy Psych and had expanded to include some punk and hardcore bands as well.
The festival featured Californian headliners Sasquatch, one of the festival’s past favorites, laying down their brand of fuzzy, kick-ass Desert Rock & Heavy Psych with direct support from Vancouver’s La Chinga who returned for their 4th appearance on Saturday night. Black Mastiff returned to headline Friday night with Calgary’s Gone Cosmic and HypnoPilot headlined the Thursday show with support from Citizen Rage. These are just a few of the wicked bands that played at The Electric Highway.
The Electric Highway is a fully immersive festival experience and offers much more than just music. The festival also featured an art & vendor exposition during all three days at Dickens, March 23 – 25, 2023.
Check www.TheElectricHighway.ca for more festival information. We look forward to bringing this festival to you, and can’t wait to see everyone in 2024!
The Electric Highway 2023 Official Nightly Lineups:
Thursday, March 23: HypnoPilot (Lethbridge, AB) – Daily Headliner Citizen Rage (Calgary, AB) Musing (Calgary, AB) No More Moments (Siksika, AB) Father Moon (Calgary, AB) Destroy My Brains (Lloydminster, AB).
Friday, March 24: Black Mastiff (Edmonton, AB/Vancouver, BC) – Daily Headliner Gone Cosmic (Calgary, AB) Set & Stoned (Crossfield, AB) Hombre (Calgary, AB) Empress (Vancouver, BC) Molten Lava (Vancouver, BC) Space Queen (Vancouver, BC) Owls & Eagles (Calgary, AB)
Saturday, March 25: Sasquatch (Los Angeles, CA) – Festival Headliner La Chinga (Vancouver, BC) Buffalo Bud Buster (Calgary, AB) Brown Dwarf (Red Deer, AB) The Astral Prophets (Calgary, AB) Iron Tusk (Siksika, AB) The Sleeping Legion (Winnipeg, MB) Tebby & the Heavy (Edmonton, AB) Garuda (Cranbrook, BC).
New Album, “Everfrost”, Out This Summer On AFM Records!
July 14, 2023 will see power metal act WINTERSTORM release their upcoming, fifth studio album entitled “Everfrost”. It’s their first offering since 2016, and their debut with powerhouse label AFM Records.
“Winter” stands for nordic viking and folk metal, the “Storm” for fast-paced power metal, combined with epic and orchestral metal facettes, WINTERSTORM shines in a new splendor as first single releases prove. Following the previously shared, first album appetizer “To The End Of All Known”, now, the five-piece has released a music video for “Future Times”! The comments:
“Future Times is about focusing on the changeable future instead of wasting time on the unchangeable past. Whether it’s the small things everyday or big ones like the destruction of our planet — it’s always worth getting the focus right.”
The new WINTERSTORM clip for “Future Times” is now streaming HERE
It’s the melodic grandeur, that clearly marks the foreground of WINTERSTORM, reflected in heavily catchy choruses and colossal, polyphonic vocals. Striking elements of different metal styles merge with each other and get a completely new impression, that WINTERSTORM’s forthcoming record may be their most versatile and powerful album to date; one that does not have to hide behind proved genre colleagues such as Blind Guardian or Rhapsody Of Fire.
“Everfrost” will be available as CD Digipak, limited clear blue Vinyl and Boxset on July 14, 2023 through AFM Records, the pre-sale is now online at THIS LOCATION!
5th new song and music video released from the Power/Progressive Metal band’s upcoming new album
Hotly anticipated Power/Progressive Metal band IMMORTAL GUARDIAN continue building the anticipation for their next opus, sporadically issuing new material as it completes as we head towards a late summer release of the band’s next full album. Today, the group unveils “Roots Run Deep” along with a corresponding music video. To heighten the experience the group has enlisted the services of famed vocalist Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear, ex-Gamma Ray) who guests alongside IMMORTAL GUARDIAN singer Carlos Zema.
Recording independently and remotely the quartet is assembling the follow-up to 2021’s successful ‘Psychosomatic’ track-by-track and sharing the material as it completes, along with visually captivating music videos, that again the self-contained group produces themselves. Check out “Roots Run Deep” on all streaming/download services, or watch the clip at: https://youtu.be/j7CLsJ50glo
“This Super Metal style song brings together the powerful vocals of Mr. Scheepers with Immortal Guardian’s signature sound to create an epic and inspiring anthem,” explains Carlos. “’Roots Run Deep’ takes us on a journey back to a time when we were all united before our differences and conflicts divided us. It reminds us that we all share a common history and that as a society we must learn to survive the separations and unite to conquer. With a message of hope, unity, and perseverance, ‘Roots Run Deep’ encourages us to make the world a better place. So let us embrace our shared history and let this song inspire us to make a positive change in the world. Thank you for watching this powerful and inspiring video.”
“‘Roots Run Deep’ is about the levels of today’s division. Black and white, religion vs religion, left vs right, rich and poor, war and peace, etc.,” further explains guitarist/keyboardist Gabriel Guardian. “The world is so divided right now and what we want more than ever is unity. This song is about putting our differences aside and remembering that we are all humans just trying to survive. We all just want a happy life, and that would be more likely to happen if we all just agreed to disagree and respect each other and celebrate the things that make us all so different and unique.”
Heavy topics are not unfamiliar to Immortal Guardian whose previous album focused on the Covid pandemic, likely the first full album to be thematically linked to the disease and its effect on the globe and its people. In the past year, Immortal Guardian has revealed four other brand new songs including “Perfect Person,” “Ozona,” “Echoes” and “Southern Rain” forming a basis for their next conceptual piece, ‘Unite and Conquer.’ The band will continue to share new material as the creative process proceeds to build up to a new full-length album planned for late summer 2023. Watch for pre-orders soon for CDs and limited-color vinyl variants.
More info will be released by Immortal Guardian and M-Theory Audio in the weeks and months to follow. https://www.facebook.com/igmetal/.
IMMORTAL GUARDIAN: Gabriel Guardian – guitars/keyboards Carlos Zema – vocals Justin Piedimonte – drums Joshua Lopez – bass
Detroit (MI) – Melodic Power Thrashers AMONG THESE ASHES have revealed the artwork for forthcoming single “The Enemy In I.” Jayson Cessna of Prosthetic Records artists, Astralborne, is responsible for the visual stunner!
“The Enemy In I” will be released on April 21, packaged with b-side track “Sirens,” a cover of the Savatagegem. A lyric video for “Sirens” is available now at youtu.be/WQe52VAHb5Y!
Regarding “Sirens,” the band had this to say: “Among These Ashes pays homage to one of the best bands to ever do it, Savatage, with a cover of the band’s classic song, Sirens. This cover is deliberately made with ATA sonic trademarks, rather than being a carbon copy of the original. Thank you Savatage for being a continuous source of inspiration.
The band released the following statement concerning the forthcoming single package:
“A year after releasing our debut album, Dominion Enthroned, we return with our newest track, The Enemy in I. This track lyrically chronicles the woes of self-destruction. We worship at the altar of those who paved this musical path for us, and in that spirit, we’ve included a cover of a Savatageclassic, Sirens, as a B-side track to this release. Both tracks display our signature attributes with pummeling aggression contrasted by thematic melodies and harmony. We cannot wait to bring these cacophonous offerings to the ravenous metal hordes.”
In other news, the band recently released a lyric video for a reworked version of “A Veil of Black,” a track from Dominion Enthroned, at youtu.be/Dt8CsNn7QdQ.
The new version of “A Veil of Black” features Brooke Rousseau of Lady Luna and the Devil on vocals with AMONG THESE ASHES lead vocalist, JP Abboud. The video was created by Ross Morgan. The song is included as a bonus track on Alone Records’ CD reissue of DominionEnthroned, which is available to purchase at this location.
Dominion Enthroned, which was released in early 2022, is available to stream in its entirety at the following locations:
BIO: Among These Ashes is a melodic power/thrash metal band hailing from Detroit, MI. The central focus of this band is creating stellar, highly-memorable metal songs. The band’s sound is crushingly heavy and punctuated by cerebral arrangements, thought-provoking lyrics, and dynamic shifts in tempo and aggression. The band’s debut musical offering, Dominion Enthroned, is a conceptual tour de force inspired by modern societal parallels and struggles.
Following the much acclaimed, 2020-album Epitaph, Danish prog-and power metal masters PYRAMAZE have announced the release of their forthcoming full-length record, entitledBloodlines. The album will be out on June 23, 2023 via AFM Records
After PYRAMAZE previously shared a first song, “Broken Arrow”, today, they are premiering a music video for new single “Fortress”! The band comments:
“Fortress” has Pyramaze incorporating some of their traditional elements and melding it with a modern cinematic atmosphere. With hard hitting staccato strings, soaring and powerful vocals, driving rhythm guitars and drums, and moving and melodic keyboard passages, “Fortress” should please fans of both older and newer Pyramaze.”
PYRAMAZE are an exceptional phenomenon in the international, heavy music scene: Their sound brings along numerous traditional melodic and progressive metal trademarks, but gets an immensely high recognition value by their unique feeling for great melodies. The band is known for their technical finesse and unique arrangements, often melodic and atmospheric, and frequently including complex guitar riffs and solos supported by synthetic sounds.
In recent years, PYRAMAZE has played on many stages in Europe and North America, demonstrating their energetic live performance and impressive musical skills. They have built a loyal fan base and is considered by many metal fans as one of the most innovative and talented bands of their generation.
Bloodlines was recorded, mixed and mastered by PYRAMAZE guitarist and renowned producer Jacob Hansen. Set to be released on June 23, 2023 through AFM Records, the album pre-sale is now available at THIS LOCATION!
I went with my buddy Troy to see Cro-Mags and Ringworm, down in Covington Kentucky, at Madison Live!, on March 17, 2023. Both of these bands have been on my bucket list for many years. Suffice to say I had an amazing time seeing and hearing these bands, up close!
The line-up for Cro-Mags has changed over the years; however, the legendary band founder Harley Flanagan has once again proved to his fans he is still at his very best in performing live. With a mixed crowd of both younger and older fans, the Hardcore stage diving and insane pit of yesteryear was non-existent; save for a pit that was more congenial than over aggressive.
Photo Credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Two or three scuffles broke out in the crowd and Harley Flanagan was very quick to diffuse the scuffles. Harley made it clear his lack of tolerance for fighting. Harley also let his feelings be known for unity, brotherhood and being grateful for your loved ones. I couldn’t agree more. There were parents that took their little kids to this show. As for the music, I couldn’t stop moving; with my cane and screwed up knees. We’ve all gotten older and Harley doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. He’s forever immortalized in Metal and Hardcore history.
Photo Credit: Stone/Metal OdysseyPhoto credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey – above: Human Furnace of Ringworm
Cleveland Ohio’s Ringworm didn’t hold back nothing. They blazed and thundered through their set of songs like killer hornets. Human Furnace led his band like the Metal titan he is, vocally menacing. Opening for Cro-Mags, Ringworm set the Metal vibe on course. I always have more energy in the first half of any concert; thus I went into the pit with my cane and enjoyed every second of it. My fellow Metal brethren joined me in the pit, to cheer me on and make certain I didn’t fall down. It was more a nostalgic ceremony of yesteryear than anything else. I was so grateful to the brother/sisterhood that graciously joined me in celebration. My knees hurt so bad out there and the love and support I received from that Metal gathering brought me close to tears. I’ll never forget that night. God Bless them all and both bands. – Stone
Photo Credit: Stone/Metal OfysseyHuman Furnace and me!
West coast metal veterans Metal Church will release their 13thstudio album, Congregation of Annihilation, on May 26th via Rat Pak Records (America) and Reaper Entertainment (Europe). The new album marks the first release since the tragic death of legendary front man Mike Howe who passed in July of 2021. It also marks the first album with new vocalist Marc Lopes (Ross the Boss / Let Us Prey) who came on board in the summer of 2022 and features the current lineup of founding guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, guitarist Rick Van Zandt, bassist Steve Unger and drummer Stet Howland. The new songs are a return to the band’s musical roots harkening back to the vibes of the self-titled first album and The Dark.
Of the album Kurdt Vanderhoof comments: “This new album is starting a new chapter in the Metal Church legacy. I really love this album. It’s a fresh approach for us in one way, but also a return to the very beginnings of Metal Church as part of the New American Thrash Metal movement. This record contains some of the most aggressive songs we have recorded. I hope the fans will like it as much as we do.”
Marc Lopes comments, “I am beyond honored to be part of carrying on this legacy into a new era of Metal Church. Working with Kurdt and a band that was a huge influence of mine growing up was a surreal experience to say the least. For me there was no point in trying to imitate what was already done to perfection. So, with respect to the past, we moved forward to a new chapter and here we are!”
Congregation of Annihilationfeatures nine all new tracks from Metal Church and continues to build upon their iconic sound the band established over three decades ago. From the first guitar riff of album opener “Another Judgement Day” through the driving outro of album closer “Salvation,” it is clear Metal Church is back and better than ever. “Pick A God and Prey”, “Children of the Lie”, “Congregation of Annihilation” and “These Violent Thrills” showcase the sonically charged songwriting that made the early Metal Church albums such fan favorites.
Haunting musical opuses “Me the Nothing” and “Making Monsters” each puts the musicianship that Metal Church was known for on full display in 2023. Infused with intelligent lyrical content, thundering guitar riffs, and Marc’s aggressive soaring vocals, Congregation of Annihilation furthers the bands sonic evolution up to the next level and is guaranteed to enthrall metal music fans around the world.
Track List:
(01) Another Judgement Day (02) Congregation of Annihilation (03) Pick A God and Prey (04) Children of the Lie (05) Me the Nothing (06) Making Monsters (07) Say a Prayer with 7 Bullets (08) These Violent Thrills (09) All That We Destroy (10) My Favorite Sin (bonus track) (11) Salvation (bonus track)
VIO-LENCE 2023 tour lineup; Photo by Stephanie Cabral
VIO-LENCE is gearing up for a series of live shows in 2023 that will include the band’s new touring lineup. That lineup features Sean Killian on vocals, Christian Olde Wolbers on bass, Miles Dimitri Baker (Interloper) on guitar, Ira Black on guitar, and Adrian Aguilar (Exmortus) on drums.
While Phil Demmel remains a member of the band, his personal and professional schedule will limit his touring with VIO-LENCE to select festival appearances.
VIO-LENCE kicks things off on March 23rd in Houston, Texas where the band will be playing Hell’s Heroes Pre-Party at the White Oak Music Hall followed by a performance at the highly anticipated Milwaukee Metal Fest on May 26th. The band will head to Europe for an appearance at Motocultor Festival in Carhaix, France on August 18th followed by a series of performances on the Headbangers Boat going from Miami, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas October 31st through November 4th. Stay tuned for more dates and festivals to be announced soon.
VIO-LENCE: 3/23/2023 Hell’s Heroes Pre-Party Show – Houston, TX 5/26/2023 Milwaukee Metal Fest – Milwaukee, WI 8/18/2023 Motocultor Festival – Carhaix, FR 10/31/2023 – 11/04/2023 Headbangers Boat – Miami, FL/Nassau, BS
Formed in 1985, Oakland thrashers VIO-LENCE helped define and refine what came to be known as the Bay Area sound, dropping three seminal albums before splitting in 1993. Leaving behind a heady legacy, they briefly reformed a handful of times in the intervening years before becoming a full-time band once more in 2019. After playing a string of successful shows, the quintet delivered Let The World Burn in 2022, a five-song EP showcasing their first new material in twenty-nine years. Delivering on the classic VIO-LENCE sound, Let The World Burn was tracked in Trident Studios in Pacheco, California by Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Exodus), mixed by Tue Madsen (Dark Tranquillity, Heaven Shall Burn), and mastered by Ted Jensen (Alice In Chains, Death Angel).
South Carolina’s Narcotic Wasteland founded by guitarist Dallas Toler-Wade announces it will be performing at this year’s Denver DeathFest on April 20th along with Loud As Hell Festival in Canada in August among many others slated for this summer. (dates listed below).
“We are very excited about 2023! We have upcoming shows and new music on the way! We are ready to play some metal!” adds Toler-Wade.
2023 is going to be an exciting year for Narcotic Wasteland, not only is the band hitting the road they are also in the works of releasing their third yet to be titled album via Mega Force Records. So far they have unleashed three singles “Morality and the Wasp”, “The Best Times Have Passed” and “Victims of the Algorithm” to give fans a taste of their forthcoming mosh pit of terror. For their third full-length, the band worked once again with engineer, and producer Erik Schultek who produced the band’s self-titled debut album. The band’s 2023 album will be the follow-up to their sophomore full-length 2017’s “Delirium Tremens”.
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, Death, The Crown, Autopsy, Pestilence, and Nile.
Show Dates: April 20 – The King Room – Denver, CO – Denver DeathFest June 22 – Rubber Gloves – Denton, TX June 23 – The Concert North – Houston, TX June 24 – The Rail Club – Forth Worth, TX June 25 – Boozerz Rock Club – Corpus Christi, TX Aug 5 – Dinosaur Stampede Grounds – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Festival Aug 12 – Zymurgy Brewing – Menomonie, WI – Zymurderfest
The Rise of the MachineTour drew in a sold out crowd on March 16, at The Underground in Charlotte North Carolina. The show consisted of headliner Static X and supporting acts Society 1, Dope, Mushroomhead, and Fear Factory. Fans were lining up outside as early as 10am to secure a spot as close to the action as possible.
With an explosion of sound, Society 1 opened the show, immediately getting the crowd riled up and ready for the rest of the night. Lead singer Matt Zane, also known as Lord Zane, brings a creative mix of both clean low vocals and different levels of aggressive growls and screams. His performance style is extremely active and he is always looking to shock the crowd. Zane is backed by an equally intense band consisting of Erik Kluiber on guitar, Jimmy Minj on bass and Dagon TheDestroyer on drums. Loud, proud and in your face is the best way to describe all of Society 1.
In an almost seamless transition, Dope took the stage next. Lead singer Edsel Dope came out vocals blazing holding nothing back the entire show. The uncaged punk rage known as Acey Slade made an explosive impact but not on his normal low end, instead Slade wielded the axe all night. The foundation was set by the sturdy rhythm section made up of Daniel Fox on bass and Chris Warner on drums. All together the band produced a sound performance that any existing Dope fan would love and any new fan would remember for a long time.
Mushroomhead came out with a literal bang. Instantly fans in the front row were hit with water bouncing of the huge barrel-like drums on both sides. Water wasn’t the only thing flying off the stage. Singer Scott Beck jumped into the arms of rowdy fans and crowd surfed as chaos continued on stage. Mushroomhead excelled the most at adding the heaviest Nu Metal sound to an overall Industrial tour.
Fear Factory was next and by then the crowd was out of their minds. Still continuing the Industrial metal theme, Fear Factory added a touch of thrash metal at the hands of guitarist Dino Cazares, that set them apart from the rest of the bands. Tony Campos played double duty owning the bass for Fear Factory and later coming back with the same intensity and drive on the bass for Static X. Milo Silvestro commanded the stage with authority on vocals. Mike Heller kept the beat up on drums.
Finally it was time for Static X. Before the band even took the stage, fans were screaming at a level that could easily be compared to that of teenage girls at a boy band concert. After a thrilling rendition of Sweet Caroline sang at full volume by the crowd the lights went dark and one single light could be seen coming from the stage. The light was held by a strange creature, which Campos, later referred to as the Xbox Logo and others call Shovel Man, who can also be found in the music videos for both “Push It” and “I’m With Stupid”. Campos returned to the stage next followed by drummer Ken Jay and guitarist Koichi Fukuda.
Lights flashed to the thunderous sound of their music as lead singer Xer0 joined them on stage. Xer0 debuted a new look at the beginning of the tour that combined his primary look with that of a robot. The iconic tall spiky hair that original lead singer Wayne Static was known for is honored in a wiry cyborg like do. As anyone would be, some fans were skeptical about a new lead singer and how it would affect the Static X sound. However, as the show progressed it was clear that not only did Xer0 have the look but he brought the grit and sound that Static fans love. At this time, the band has no plans to reveal the identity of the new lead singer and as fans fell under Xer0’s robotic trance, it was apparent that it did not matter to them who was under the mask. Unfortunately, due to the size restrictions of the venue the band was unable to put on the full production they had planned for the tour.
Nonetheless, the fans soaked up every single bit of their performance singing just as loud as Xer0. Static X still had a few tricks up their sleeve for this small venue. During “Cold” the lights turned to shades of blue as a blizzard of snow covered the band, adding to the already deep and powerful vibe of the song. The energy shifted immediately as “I’m With Stupid” began to play. Everybody’s favorite Shovel Man returned to the stage and along with him came monstrous sized balloons. Overall, Static X did an incredible job stimulating the crowd both visually and audibly and left the crowd wanting more.
Heavy trio HEXICON have unleashed the fierce new single “Emerald Queen”. The song rattles the Earth with devastating riffs and psychedelic imagery. The music video is a homage to 80’s monster anime taped on VHS, animated by the band’s own Young Heller.
Austin Cox, HEXICON’s guitarist shares:
“‘Emerald Queen’ came about when I got my first eight string guitar in 2022. I never played one previously. The intro riff was basically the first riff I ever played on an eight string. Simultaneously, I had a goal to write a shorter, heavier track compared to our material from Leave It All Behind (HEXICON’s debut album). I brought the demo to Andrew and Young and once they added their elements ‘Emerald Queen’ quickly came to life. We’re very excited about the evolution of our sound with this track.”
About HEXICON: HEXICON formed in 2018 in Pasadena / Los Angeles, California, seeing vocalist Young Heller joined the instrumental duo of brothers Andrew and Austin Cox of the band ANDRAUS. Their songs veer dynamically from heavy doom to intense thrash with understated interludes and shifting rhythms. “Emerald Queen” is the outfit’s first offering since 2022 saw the release of their debut full-length Leave It All Behind.
HEXICON is: Andrew Cox (drums) Young Heller (vocals) Austin Cox (guitar)
Don’t miss a chance to see the invasion of Polish extreme metal legion!
Polish death metal legends VADER– currently on their “Revelation Of The Wicked – North American 2023” tour (see the tour trek below) – have confirmed their “An Act Of Darkness In Asia – tour 2023” shows + announced a special 40th Anniversary Tour in Poland!
Piotr “Peter” Wiwczarek shared: VADERMANIAX !!! We proudly announce NEW dates confirmed on the upcoming “An Act Of Darkness In Asia – tour 2023” \m/ Besides shows in New Zealand, Australia and Japan, which we announced already a while ago – here we added dates in Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia! More coming soon…. ARE YOU READY?
VADER w/ Hate + Thy Disease + guests: 30.05.23 🇵🇭 Manila / ”Ynares Sports Arena Pasig” 02.06.23 🇹🇭 Bangkok / ”MrFOX Live House” 03.06.23 🇸🇬 Singapore / ”GR.iD” 04.06.23 🇮🇩 Bekasi / ”Gladiator Arena” 09.06.23 🇯🇵 Tokyo / ”Shibuya WWW” 10.06.23 🇯🇵 Nagoya / ”Holiday Next” 11.06.23 🇯🇵 Osaka / ”Zeela” More shows to be announced soon!
Piotr “Peter” Wiwczarek on Polish “Carnal” 40th Anniversary Tour: “VADERMANIAX!!! “Brothers & Sisters” !!! Together with Massive Music we are preparing a nice birthday feast in the form of a series of concerts in Poland. We begin August 25 in the Olsztyn Amphitheater, where Vader was born and made his first stage cuts. Then we will visit eight more cities, ending in Poznań. There will be surprises… We will share the scenes with our colleagues from Frontside and Dopelord. See you there \m/ \m/”
Special 40th Anniversary shows are: Aug 25.2023 – Olsztyn / Open Air Amphitheater Aug 26.2023 – Rzeszów / Rock Night OA Aug 27.2023 – Warsaw / Summer Stage OA Aug 29.2023 – Gdansk / B90 Aug 08.2023 – Szczecin / OA Castle Aug 31.2023 – Wrocław / A2 Sep 01.2023 – Katowice / P23 Sep 02.2023 – Cracow / Kamienna Sep 03.2023 – Poznań / Tama
VADER are currently on their “Revelation Of The Wicked – North American 2023” tour. The 29-date trek kicks off in Arizona on March 18th. Joining the tour are Brazil’s death metal heroes KRISIUN and brutal-tech death merchants and labelmates DECREPIT BIRTH.
Confirmed dates for VADER’s “Revelation Of The Wicked – North American 2023” tour with KRISIUN and DECREPIT BIRTH are: 3/18/2023 Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ 3/19/2023 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM 3/20/2023 Amplified Live – Dallas, TX 3/21/2023 Come and Take it Live – Austin, TX 3/22/2023 White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX 3/24/2023 Gramps – Miami, FL 3/25/2023 The Conduit – Orlando, FL 3/26/2023 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA 3/27/2023 Canal Club – Richmond, VA 3/27/2023 Warehouse on Watts – Philadelphia, PA 3/29/2023 Le Poisson Rouge – New York, NY 3/30/2923 Middle-East Downstairs – Boston, MA 3/31/2023 Studio TD – Montreal, QC 4/01/2023 La Source de la Martinière – Quebec City, QC 4/02/2023 Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON 4/03/2023 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON 4/04/2023 The Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 4/05/2023 Reggies – Chicago, IL 4/06/2023 Skyway Theater – Minneapolis, MN 4/07/2023 BLVD Nights – Kansas City, MO 4/08/2023 Denver, CO – Marquis Theater 4/09/2023 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT 4/11/2023 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 4/12/2023 Rickshaw Theater – Vancouver, BC 4/13/2023 Bossanova Ballroom – Portland, OR 4/14/2023 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA 4/15/2023 Backstage Bar – Las Vegas, NV 4/16/2023 1720 – Los Angeles, CA 4/17/2023 Brick by Brick – San Diego, CA
The tour in Australia, New Zealand, adding even more diversity and dark, sinister atmosphere to these very special events.
Finnish Helsinki-based metalheads Wishing Well have released today their fourth album “SIN AND SHAME” (Inverse Records). Together with the album the band also released a single and a video for the opening track “In The Line Of Fire”. It’s the third single and video off the new album. The song is about ordinary hard-working people trying to manage in a busy, more and more complicated and competitive world with ever-growing pressure and expectations from left and right. This goes with bands and musicians as well. The video was filmed by Toni Pasanen and edited by Sami Timonen.
Songs on “Sin And Shame” vary from the fast power metal style opening track to classic hard rock ballad “Dancing Across The Stars” and prog-influenced instrumental “Flying Finn”. The title track deals with ancient religious themes of sin and punishment whereas “Dogs Bark But The Caravan Rolls On” is a classic hard rock shuffle with a catchy riff and a punchline that makes it clear to everybody that they mean business.
Wishing Well can handle all these styles with flying colours, sounding original and familiar at the same time. The band have updated their sound with some more synthesizers and keyboards, though their distinctive trademark Hammond organ is still there on most of the songs, giving the music a majestic touch.
“We are relieved to get this album finally off our hands and hopefully into the hands and ears of as many people as possible. We enjoyed writing, rehearsing and recording it but now we just want people to hear the songs, live if possible. The new songs are great fun to play together and we want to take our babies out to the world”, says Anssi Korkiakoski, the guitar player and prime mover of the band. “We take pride in our work and though our music certainly isn’t groundbreaking or revolutionary, it still represents us and shows the world who we are and where we come from. We’ve found our corner of the world and we want to share that corner with hard rock and metal fans all over the world. With our heads in the clouds and feet on the ground, seriously tongue-in-cheek”, he finishes.
Wishing Well – Sin and Shame
01. In The Line Of Fire 02. Soul Rider 03. Space Invaders 04. Mistress Of The Night 05. Lonely Road 06. Dogs Bark But The Caravan Rolls On 07. Sin And Shame 08. Heavenly Body 09. Dancing Across The Stars 10. The Golden Rule 11. Flying Finn
The album was recorded and mixed in various studios during 2022 by Henrik Sirelä, exclucing the title track, recorded and mixed by Marko Kataja.
The album is out on all major digital music services as well as on CD.
Untopia, the second LP from Tokyo, Japan’s brutalizing metallic hardcore quintet KRUELTY, is now streaming in its entirety on the eve of its worldwide release through Profound Lore Records.
Formed in Tokyo in the summer of 2017, KRUELTY has emerged as the most notable artist to find that sweet spot where heavy beatdown hardcore and ‘90s American/Scandinavian death/doom metal meet. This devastating amalgamation becomes the blueprint of brutality and slam the band unleashes. With KRUELTY, you will hear the ultimate convergence of some of the most punishing death metal riffs and the most mind-blowing breakdowns influenced by Japanese and ‘90s East Coast hardcore bands.
photo by Seijiro Nishimi
2020 saw the release of KRUELTY’s debut album A Dying Truth and revealed itself as one of the heaviest albums that year. With their second LP, Untopia, the band will release an album even more massive in scope and ultimately heavier than their debut. The bulldozing seven-song record was produced by Taylor Young at The Pit Studios (Nails, Xibalba, Section H8) while the band was touring in the US earlier this year, mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege (Obituary, Terminal Nation, Mindforce), and features artwork by Norwegian artist Sindre Foss Skancke.
Endure KRUELTY’s entire Untopia LP now at YouTube RIGHT HERE.
Untopia will see release through Profound Lore tomorrow, Friday, March 17th, on LP, CD, CS, and digital formats. Find preorders HERE and watch the “Harder Than Before” video HERE.
KRUELTY continues touring across the planet in support of Untopia. Having just completed tours of New Zealand and Australia, KRUELTY will now crush through their home country this week for ten dates on the Untopia Japan Tour, running from March 17th through April 2nd. Less than two weeks later, the band heads to Europe for the Untopia European Domination Tour 2023, running from April 12th to May 7th with special guests Gates To Hell, and Splitknuckle on select dates. See confirmed dates below and watch for additional tour announcements to post shortly.
KRUELTY Untopia Japan Tour: 3/17/2023 B.B. Street – Yokohama, JP 3/18/2023 Socrates – Kyoto, JP 3/19/2023 Keith Flack – Fukuoka, JP 3/21/2023 Hood – Nigata, JP 3/22/2023 東高円寺二万電圧– Tokyo, JP 3/23/2023 Bears – Osaka, JP 3/24/2023 Rizin – Kagawa, JP 3/25/2023 Agit – Hiroshima, JP 3/26/2023 Zion – Nagoya, JP 4/02/2023 Bushbash – Tokyo, JP
KRUELTY Untopia European Domination w/ Gates To Hell, Splitknuckle:
4/12/2023 Le Temps Machine – Joué-Les-Tours, FR 4/13/2023 Orbeko Etxea – Llodio, ES 4/14/2023 Sala Rouge – Vigo, ES 4/15/2023 Núcleo A70 – Lisbon, PT 4/16/2023 Let’s Go Rock Bar – Parla, ES 4/17/2023 La Deskomunal – Barcelona, ES 4/18/2023 Secret Place – Montpellier, FR 4/20/2023 Le Glazart – Paris, FR 4/21/2023 The Green Door Store – Brighton, UK 4/22/2023 The Cab – Newport, UK 4/23/2023 Deadwax – Birmingham, UK* 4/24/2023 The Lubber Fiend – Newcastle, UK* 4/25/2023 Flying Duck – Glasgow, UK* 4/26/2023 Percy Picklebackers – Nottingham, UK* 4/27/2023 Boom – Leeds, UK* 4/28/2023 New Cross Inn – London, UK* 4/29/2023 Treftpunt – Gent, BE 4/30/2023 Bloodshed Fest @ Metropool – Hengelo, NL 5/03/2023 Klub Pod Minogą – Poznan, PL 5/04/2023 Gerber 3 – Weimar, DE 5/05/2023 Kulturzentrum dasHaus – Ludwigshafen, DE 5/06/2023 Rocas – Luxembourg, LU 5/07/2023 Baroeg – Rotterdam, NL
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