May 2023, TOKYO – Nemophila, the all-female Japanese band who recently wrapped up a U.S. tour, which was preceded by a performance at Aftershock 2022, have released “Night Flight,” a new song, and its accompanying video (https://ssm.lnk.to/NightFlight).
“This is a song we’ve been playing live for some time, but have not recorded or released it until now,” explains singer/Nemophila founder mayu of the new track. “Please take a look at the video as well, as it does a great job capturing the spirit of the song.” In March, preceding the band’s SXSW show, Nemophila released the single, “Rise” (watch the video here).
The arrival of “Night Flight” coincides with the release of “Seize The Fate,” a concert film featuring Nemophila’s February performance from Tokyo’s Zepp DiverCity.
Photo credit: Michael Nambu
Guitar Girl Magazine described the quintet as “one of the most thrilling metal bands in Japan,” Distorted Sound said their music is “a reminder of just how fun heavy metal can be,” and Glasse Factory, commenting on their riveting Aftershock performance, noted “they nodded to metal legends with their styling and offered a refreshing take on their own unique blend… the excitement was tangible and radiated through the crowds as they all leaned in to watch the rising rock stars.”
Nemophila formed in 2019, playing their first live show in August of the same year, supporting Loudness and Hammerfall at Tokyo’s Metal Weekend 2019. The band have released two albums: Seize The Fate (2022) and Revive (2021). Nemophila is mayu (vocals), Saki (guitar), Hazuki (guitar), Haraguchi-san (bass) and Tamu Murata (drums).
Denver’s progressive sludge trio, VEXING present their debut full-length Grand Reproach – a sonic landscape, unsoothing by design. With striking guitar tones, fiercely spirited drums and mercilessly relentless riffs, Vexing create an overwhelmingly heavy soundscape with an undulating and frightening ambience.
GrandReproach is available now on CD, cassette, and digital formats via Ordovician Records. Order at: ordovicianrecords.bandcamp.com.
Grand Reproach – track listing: 1) The Mold 2) Vanquishing Light 3) The Invisible Hand 4) Shallow Breath 5) Howling 6) Blunderbuss 7) Small Black Flame 8) Red Skies
Active since 2017, VEXING is a progressive sludge trio that doesn’t make the most soothing music. But that’s all by design.
With influences stemming from sludge acts like Yautja, and Inter Arma but also from more progressive acts like Russian Circles and even Rush – the music is a certain grinding brand of sludge that reaches towards a more dynamic sound.
It’s an enveloping and obtuse experience that’ll leave you engaged with that tension you’ve always had.
Grand Reproach was written and produced by VEXING (ClaytonWhitelaw, Garrett Jones, Jeff Malpezzi). The album was mixed and mastered by Mikey Allred from Dark Art Audio. Artwork by Ethan Lee McCarthy / Hell Simulation, with layout/design by Andrew Notsch.
Following their feature in a documentary on Germany’s public TV station SWR about the future of metal, unstoppable progressive symphonic power metal machine INDUCTION returns with another uplifting new song, “A Call Beyond.” The track, which comes just six months after the release of their sophomore album BornFrom Fire, proves they are indeed the spearheads of the next generation of power metal.
“A Call Beyond” takes listeners on an epic and melodic journey through what it means to be human, to resist, to rise up, to fall and to succeed. Bathed in the rich orchestration of the independent French composer Peter Crowley and awakened by lead singer Craig Cairns‘ soaring vocals, this mid-tempo song will surely leave a feeling of awe.
Guitarist Tim Kanoa Hansen comments, “In a way, this song is the thematic followup to our fan favorite title, ‘Scorched.’ Chaos breaks loose on earth, up is down, right is wrong, light is dark. Ethereal voices call you to follow and fight as well as lead into a new, better world. It’s a call to stand up and to realize the potential paradise we live in, to embrace progress and to resist the tyrants that are in control of the masses.”
Watch INDUCTION’s visualizer for “A Call Beyond” at THIS LOCATION. Stream/purchase the track HERE.
Subscribe Atomic Fire Records on YouTube and listen to “A Call Beyond” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
View the band’s previously released videos for “Queen Of Light” HERE, “Sacrifice” HERE, “Go To Hell” HERE, and “Embers” HERE.
Born From Fire, which boasts twelve metal anthems in fifty-eight minutes, was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen and is graced by the cover artwork of Peter Sallai (Sabaton, Jinjer, Powerwolf).
INDUCTION will serve as openers on the NordicPower Metal Titans Tour 2023 which features Finnish power metal heavyweights Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius.
Hansen adds, “Our latest album, Born From Fire, was received very positively during its release tour at the end of last year, but this was just the beginning. We can’t wait to present it to many more power metal hungry fans around Europe in Autumn. Warming up the crowds for such influential giants of the scene will make it an even more special experience for sure. INDUCTION is already starting their high-power engines – and you better do the same. Get your tickets and we’ll see you on the road!”
The group will close the year with a blast by supporting legendary act Accept in Germany.
The band further comments, “We are joining forces with Accept this year in December for two dates. It will be special for us playing in Tim Hansen’s hometown Hamburg and in [bassist] Dominik Gusch’s hometown Cologne!”
INDUCTION Live: 8/05/2023 Hello-Feast @ Štadión Lokomotíva – Košice, SK 9/09/2023 Port Of Power Festival @ Juki 42 – Ahrensburg, DE w/ Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius: 10/14/2023 Northern Rockfest @ Energi Arena – Umeå, SE 10/15/2023 Cozmoz Arena – Borlänge, SE 10/16/2023 Vulkan Arena – Oslo, NO 10/17/2023 Trädgår’n – Gothenburg, SE 10/19/2023 Slaktkyrkan – Stockholm, SE 10/20/2023 Gimle – Roskilde, DK 10/21/2023 Kulturpalast – Hamburg, DE 10/22/2023 Hellraiser – Leipzig, DE 10/24/2023 TivoliVredenburg (Ronda) – Utrecht, NL 10/25/2023 Garage – Saarbrücken, DE 10/27/2023 Konzertfabrik Z7 – Pratteln, CH 10/28/2023 Alcatraz – Milan, IT 10/30/2023 Backstage – Munich, DE 10/31/2023 Szene – Vienna, AT 11/01/2023 Barba Negra – Budapest, HU 11/03/2023 Fuzz Club – Athens, GR 11/04/2023 Principal Club Theater – Thessaloniki, GR 11/06/2023 FORM Space – Cluj-Napoca, RO 11/07/2023 Quantic – Bucharest, RO 11/10/2023 Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, DE 11/12/2023 Matrix – Bochum, DE w/ Accept, Songs Of White Lion: 12/12/2023 Große Freiheit 36 – Hamburg, DE 12/13/2023 Carlswerk Victoria – Cologne, DE
Israeli metalcore warriors CANINE will be releasing their latest single, “Mad For The Dead”, on June 21, 2023. This is the third of many planned singles, leading up to their second full-length, Perception, due out early 2024.
The band comments on the single: “‘Mad For The Dead’ is our take on the inability to let go of a loved one, taking heavy inspiration from Stephen King’s “Pet Sematary”. If you had the power to revive that loved one, not knowing the ramifications of your actions. Would you?”
Since forming in 2009 in Modiin, Israel, CANINE have been making a name for themselves by defying convention, creating their own distinct sound and never settling for anything that was just run of the mill or ordinary. Rather, the band have stretched the boundaries of their sound, through the trials of line-up changes and military service in the IDF. CANINE has established themselves as a powerhouse of the metalcore scene, while incorporating a healthy dose of groove metal, nu-metal and post-hardcore into their signature sound.
In November 2017, CANINE released their debut The Uprising and immediately set out on tour throughout Israel. 2019 marked a new beginning for the band as a four piece, touring Russia with THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER.
As CANINE breaks new ground and forges ahead in their career, they will do so with a sense of determination and defiance. Throughout 2023, the band will explore themes of addiction, depression, the weaponized power of religion, but mostly chasing your dreams no matter the circumstances, trusting in your friends and loved ones and never backing down.
After 4 years of intense work in the studio, experimenting with different production methods and recording techniques, as well as many personal hurdles, Perception was born and will be released in 2024 marking a new page in the band’s career, both sonically and aesthetically.
CANINE:
Ben Saada – Vocals Eliav Torjman – Guitars Nir Leberstein – Drums Ilya Kislitsin – Bass
The new sonic chapter for MUTUAL HOSTILITY continues, with the US death metallers today unveiling the brutal new single “Lie In Wait”. Stream it HERE.
MUTUAL HOSTILITY will be releasing their new album, “Inhuman Anguish”, on June 28th 2023 via Lethal Scissor Records, making it the band’s debut to the label. Toilet Ov Hell premiered the first single “Faces in the Walls” at THIS LOCATION.
Following the good feedback received for the “Sacred Propaganda” EP, MUTUAL HOSTILITY waste no time continuing their attack and return with their first full-length. The band have thankfully made no great changes to their juggernaut sound. Dynamic, utterly crushing, immediately memorable, the band’s death metal stick to its guns without de-escalating the branded frenetic motion and interminable aggression.
Drawing inspiration from bands such as Suffocation, Deicide and Gorguts, MUTUAL HOSTILITY create a sound distinctly modern but with an appreciation for the old school death metal legends, all executed with near surgical meticulousness.
Line-up: Dan Gates – Guitars, Bass Adam Rogers – Vocals Eric Frabotta – drums
MUTUAL HOSTILITY is a death metal band formed in January of 2020 in Northeast Ohio, USA. Merging many metal genres into the fold, Adam Rogers (vocals), Dan Gates (guitars & bass) and Eric Frabotta (drums) offer a blend of hostility and intensity. Most of 2020 was spent writing and recording at each others home during the pandemic shutdown. Soon after the band released a lyric video for the song “Pyramid of Hate” which gained some momentum and eventually led up to the EP titled “Sacred Propaganda” being released in November 2020 on the Cult of Parthenope record label. In 2022 nine new tracks were written and recorded for the first full-length album.
Spanish heavy power trio AATHMA will be releasing their fourth full-length album “Dust From a Dark Sun” on June 30th 2023 via Ardua Music.
The video of the first single, “Burned Garden”, is now streaming at THIS LOCATION.
Originally formed in Madrid in 2007 as a new project from members of the seasoned bands Glow, Autumnal and Adrift, the band quickly developed their own identity and gained popularity, leading to their 2009 debut album “The Call of Shiva” being chosen as the best unsigned record by the readers of Terrorizer magazine. Gaining momentum with their next two full-lengths (2011’s “Decline… Towers of Silence” and “Avesta” in 2017, as well as the EP “Deadly Lake” in 2014), the band increased their live activity, including an European tour with the blackened crust punks Khmer and support shows for diverse renowned artists like Godflesh, Baroness, Forgotten Tomb and Altar of Plagues, as well as celebrated sets at big festivals like Madrid is the Dark, Resurrection Fest, Doom Over Paris and Bracara Extreme Fest.
On this new album the band pursues a more straightforward approach, with heavier shorter songs that still show the band’s peculiar blend of sludge, different styles of doom and atmospheric metal, with massive wall breaking riffs, mesmerizing ambient passages and frontman and guitarist Juan Viguera‘s unique and emotive voice. The record’s lyrical concept revolves around the idea of becoming one with the cosmos after respecting Mother Nature’s creation, when we become dust from that dark star after trying to live a right and respectful life towards all other sentient beings.
The impressive cover artwork has been created by Robert Hernández, one of the most prestigious tattoo artists in the world and the stellar production is courtesy of the band’s longtime collaborator Carlos Santos (Wormed, Toundra) and Víctor García‘s (Adrift, Boneflower) crushing mastering.
“Dust From a Dark Sun” is a fresh-sounding record that avoids pigeonholed stereotypes and will resonate with listeners who yearn for a sincere and moving experience from one of Spain’s most personal heavy acts. Would you come to the end of AATHMA‘s world?
I’m 57 years old. I’ve been a metalhead since 8th grade. My thoughts below are based in fact. I lived the entire Metal movement. Call it The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, Texas Metal, American Metal, Thrash Metal, 80s Hair Metal or what have you; I’ve seen and lived the “waves”. I saw Metallica, Slayer and Motörhead in small clubs, End. Of. Story.
Below are my personal statements that are truth about Metal. If anyone disagrees then you never grew up during the beginning of the Metal years and you need to go back to your ABBA albums.
1. I don’t wanna ever hear again that Blue Cheer started Heavy Metal. That’s bullshit. Black Sabbath started Heavy Metal. Black Sabbath. End of story.
2. Van Halen was Heavy Metal before the DiverDown album. Deal with it.
3. Cinderella was NOT Hair Metal.
4. Def Leppard was NOT part of The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. Sorry, all you “Rock historians”.
5. Iron Maiden is better than Metallica.
6. Metal never needed MTV’s Headbangers Ball,
7. Grunge never killed Metal. The radio stations and record companies thumbed their noses at Metal. However, Metal was just fine during the 90’s. Just look up the discographies of Overkill, W.A.S.P., Motörhead, Megadeth, Black Sabbath and DIO to name a short list.
8. Metalheads tape traded, demos especially. There was no internet to receive instant music or Metal news; we were socially interacting in person with one another to share our Metal and its news.
9. Heavy Metal parking lot. ‘Nuff said.
10. VENOM. ‘Nuff said.
11. 70s KISS is better than any other decade of KISS.
12. Back then, Kerrang! magazine wasn’t a bullshit magazine that featured crap like Twenty One Pilots.
13. People that wore concert tees back in the day actually went to the concerts and listened to the bands albums.
Swedish dark symphonic metal powerhouse ELEINE today unveils their video for latest single, “War Das Alles,” a very special track taken from their upcoming new full-length, We Shall Remain.
“War Das Alles” — German for “Was this all?” — is a poem written by frontwoman Madeleine Liljestam during some dark hours. It translates into one of the most touching and intimate moments on the album.
The band comments, “It all started with a poem in English, that made more sense in German and ‘War Das Alles’ came to life. In the midst of darkness, you might question yourself, ‘was this all? Am I no more?’ It’s a natural question when going through something that’s too heavy for your shoulders. Before things get better – it will be heavier for a while. Whether it’s depression, a difficult task at work, or a relationship… it usually gets heavier right before you reach the goal.
“With this single, we want to highlight that these thoughts and feelings sometimes enter your life, and that it doesn’t mean it’s the end. It’s a part of something better to come. Balance within life. Feel that you are accepted as you are with this song, that you are not alone. Embrace the very special feeling and atmosphere this chorus brings – and tomorrow might feel a bit brighter with the entire ELEINE legion supporting you.”
Watch ELEINE’s previously released visualizer for “Never Forget” at THIS LOCATION and their video for the record’s first single, “We Are Legion,” at THIS LOCATION.
We Shall Remain, which will be released on July 14th via Atomic Fire Records, will be available as a digibook CD, digibook CD + signed photo card (limited edition; EMP & Sound Pollution excl.), jewel case CD, LP (Orange/White), and digitally.
Preorder the album in the physical format of your choice, presave it on your favorite DSP, or preorder it digitally to receive “War Das Alles,” “Never Forget,” and “We Are Legion” instantly at eleine.afr.link/weshallremainPR.
We Shall Remain was written and produced by guitarist/vocalist Rikard Ekberg and lead vocalist Madeleine Liljestam while Thomas “Plec” Johansson took care of co-recording, mixing, and mastering at The Panic Room Studio in Skövde, Sweden. Its fiery artwork was designed by Nestor Avalos (nestoravalosofficial.com) and Madeleine Liljestam.
ELEINE is currently setting stages ablaze across North America supporting Moonspell. The tour commenced on April 29th and will wind its way through nearly two dozen cities, coming to a close on May 23rd. See all remaining dates below.
ELEINE w/ Moonspell [remaining dates: 5/18/2023 The Forge – Joliet, IL 5/19/2023 Piere’s – Ft. Wayne, IN 5/20/2023 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA 5/21/2023 Petit Campus – Montreal, QC 5/22/2023 Source De La Martiniere – Quebec, QC 5/23/2023 Sonia – Boston, MA End Tour 6/03/2023 Evenew Arena – Stockholm, SE w/ Nightwish, Art Nation 8/02/2023 MetalDays – Velenje, SL 8/11/2023 Alcatraz Metal Festival – Kortrijk, BE Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube. Listen to “War Das Alles” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
After touring Australia and Japan as well as kicking off this year’s festival season by introducing new bassist Peter Baltes last month, U.D.O. — the iconic heavy metal five-piece led by legendary vocalist Udo Dirkschneider — today announces their massive, thirteen-track album, Touchdown, set for release late this Summer through Atomic Fire Records.
The band has been very productive recording at various locations in between live activities throughout the year. Crafted with producer and mixing engineer Martin “Mattes” Pfeiffer at Redhead Studio (Wilhelmshaven, Germany) and mastered by Stefan Kaufmann at ROXX Studio (Solingen, Germany), with bass tracks recorded by Baltes, Touchdown is scheduled to land in the end zone of the heavy metal world on August 25th. The record includes a guest appearance by violinist Stefan Pintev on the closing track. Artwork was provided by Martin Häusler who is also responsible for shooting band photos in support of the new album campaign.
First single, “Forever Free,” as well as album preorder options will become available on Friday, June 23rd. Presave “Forever Free” now at: udo.afr.link/foreverfreePR.
Touchdown – Track Listing:
Isolation Man
The Flood
The Double Dealer’s Club
Fight For The Right
Forever Free
Punchline
Sad Man’s Show
The Betrayer
Heroes Of Freedom
Better Start To Run
The Battle Understood
Living Hell
Touchdown
View Udo Dirkschneider’s videos for “We Will Rock You” HERE and “Kein Zurück,” where he sings in his native language for the first time ever, HERE.
U.D.O. / DIRKSCHNEIDER: Udo Dirkschneider – vocals Andrey Smirnov – guitar Sven Dirkschneider – drums Fabian Dee Dammers – guitar Peter Baltes – bass
Los Angeles hard-rockers STITCHED UP HEART have returned with an unapologetic new single, “To The Wolves.” A harbinger of things to come and one of the band’s heaviest songs to date, the anthemic new track serves as an inspiration to stand up and fight back, as vocalist Mixi Demner reminds you: “You’re f*cking with a wolf!”
“Incredibly excited to finally unleash our first single ‘To The Wolves,’” Mixi elaborates. “We didn’t play it safe on this one. We were more ourselves than ever and had a very clear vision of what we wanted to create.”
Featuring Craig Mabbitt and produced by Kevin Thrasher from ESCAPE THE FATE, the invigorating new track is accompanied by a first-bitten video, which can be viewed HERE. Showing the band, as well as Craig, surrounded by a frozen forest, the biting cold of the scenery furthers the biting message of the track.
“To The Wolves” is also available across all streaming platforms HERE.
More about STITCHED UP HEART:
STITCHED UP HEART is an American rock band known for their powerful and emotionally charged music. Formed in Los Angeles, California in 2010, the band has captivated audiences around the world with their unique blend of hard rock, alternative metal, and industrial influences. Led by the talented and charismatic vocalist Alecia “Mixi” Demner, STITCHED UP HEART has gained recognition for their intense live performances and deeply personal songwriting.
Mixi began assembling a lineup of musicians who shared her passion, dedication, and vision. Solidifying the core members James Decker on drums, Merritt Goodwin on guitar, and Randy Mathias on bass in 2016 upon signing with Century Media Records. They released their album titled “Never Alone,” which debuted in the Top 10 of both the Billboard Heatseeker and Hard Rock charts. With their single “Finally Free” organically gaining hyper rotation on active rock radio the band paved the way to success for the next two singles “Monster” and “Catch Me When I Fall”.
With a growing fan base and relentless determination, STITCHED UP HEART has toured extensively, touring with renowned acts like GODSMACK, HALESTORM, and IN THIS MOMENT. Their live performances are known for their high energy, infectious hooks, and Mixi’s captivating stage presence, leaving audiences mesmerized and craving more.
In 2020, STITCHED UP HEART released their highly anticipated sophomore album, “Darkness.” Produced by Matt Good. The album delves further into the band’s introspective songwriting and showcases their growth as musicians. Tracks like “Lost” featuring Sully Erna of GODSMACK and “My Demon” highlight the band’s ability to blend heavy guitar riffs with anthemic choruses, making a lasting impact on the rock genre.
STITCHED UP HEART continues to push boundaries and evolve their sound, refusing to be confined to a single label or genre. With their unwavering passion for music and their ability to connect with audiences on a profound level, STITCHED UP HEART is a force to be reckoned with in the rock music landscape.
More US and Canadian Dates w/ Gorgatron, Massacre + Loud As Hell Festival w/ Jungle Rot, Incite, Necronomicon, The Convalescence
Narcotic Wasteland is excited to announce that they will be hitting the road this June for their “Don’t Meth With Texas Tour”, which will see the death thrashers performing four show dates starting on June 22nd in Denton, and rolling through Houston, Fort Worth and wrapping up on June 25th in Corpus Christi, TX.
Following the Texas tour, the band will be beginning their West Coast leg of summer touring with Gorgatron and pushing north to Canada for a performance at Loud As Hell Fest in Drumheller, AB with Jungle Rot, Incite, Necronomicon, The Convalescence and more. They will then continue across the Canadian lands for the month of August that will wrap up with three special dates with Flordia death metal legends Massacre in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. All dates are listed below, with more to be announced.
2023 is going to be an exciting year for Narcotic Wasteland, not only is the band hitting the road they are will 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”.
Sex, Lies & DNA Tour. Special guests – Gorgatron and Tegmentum **only selected dates: July 28 – Long Beach, CA – Supply & Demand ** July 30 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge ** July 31 – Portland, OR – Twilight Aug 01 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon Aug 04 – Columbia Falls, MT – The Silver Bullet Bar Aug 05 – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Fest Aug 09 – Winnipeg, MB – Bulldog Event Center Aug 10 – Thunder Bay, ON – Black Pirates Pub Aug 11 – Sioux Falls, SD – Bigs Bar Aug 12 – Menomonie, WI – Zymurgy Brewing
Perfect in time for a hot summer, on July 14, 2023, power metal act WINTERSTORM will release their upcoming, fifth studio album, entitled “Everfrost”, via AFM Records. It’s their first offering since 2016.
As the “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 album single releases have already proved. Following “To The End Of All Known” and just recently, a music video for their latest single “Future Times”, today, WINTERSTORM are proudly presenting us “The Phoenix Died (Remember)!
Watch the new WINTERSTORM video for “The Phoenix Died (Remember)” HERE
‘Remember’ reminds us that we should remember our past in order to learn for the future,” the band comments. “The text urges us to use our resources responsibly and to provide for future generations. In this context, one could also think of the sinking of Atlantis.”
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 coming out as CD Digipak, limited clear blue Vinyl and Boxset on July 14, 2023 via AFM Records, the pre-sale is available at THIS LOCATION!
Veteran harbingers of technical death metal CRYPTOPSY have officially signed with Nuclear Blast Records! The world’s heaviest label welcomes one of Canada’s most ferocious bands with plans to release their first album in over a decade later this year.
Commenting on the the signing, vocalist Matt McGachy states: “We are truly excited to have joined Nuclear Blast’s roster. Many of the bands we love and a bunch of our friends have released killer albums via Nuclear Blast. Back in 2012, we became an independent band. Now in 2023, we have decided to team up with one of the most influential metal labels. We are eager to be showcased alongside the world’s best metal acts and can’t wait to unveil the next era of Cryptopsy as a Nuclear Blast artist.”
Details of the CRYPTOPSY’s long-awaited 8th album and return to the forefront of death metal will be revealed in the coming months. Follow the band for additional updates.
Originally hailing from Montreal, CRYPTOPSY officially formed in 1992 and has since been anchored by long-time drummer extraordinaire Flo Mounier. Over the last 3 decades the band has become a revered and influential pinion in North America’s underground metal scene.
Groundbreaking albums like Blashphemy Made Flesh (1994), None So Vile (1996) and Once Was Not (2005), helped define the genre of technical death metal, while the band’s intense, earthshaking live shows garnered them a rapid following around the world. Now signed with Nuclear Blast, the band begins the next chapter of their legendary career, ready once again the break necks and pierce the eardrums of metal fans everywhere.
Due to originally announced headliners OCEANO along with VCTMS and INCITE unable to perform at this year’s 2023 TOLEDO DEATH FEST, the festival is proud to announce their replacements will be SIGNS OF THE SWARM as the new headliner along with CASKET ROBBERY and SUMMONER’S CIRCLE.
The festival organizer Keith Wampler issued the following statement:
“We have good news and we have bad news. The bad news is that Oceano and VCTMS are no longer able to perform at TOLEDO DEATHFEST 2023, This was very unexpected and is something that is out of our control. We ask that you please respect the Bands, Organizers, and Venue and understand that we are all still working to bring you a great day of heavy music. That being said, We do have some good news… We were able to get two amazing artists to replace Oceano and VCTMS at this year’s event! They are Signs of the Swarm and Casket Robbery. We really appreciate these bands jumping in on such short notice and are looking forward to seeing them perform! Thank you to everyone who has supported Toledo Deathfest and we will see you all June 3rd!”
Along with a statement from OCEANO:
“We deeply regret to inform you that we will be unable to perform at Toledo Deathfest. The band is currently undergoing personal and internal changes that have unfortunately hindered our ability to proceed with our plans. However, we are pleased to announce that the festival organizers have secured another exceptional band to take our place. We encourage you to continue supporting your local music scene and show your enthusiasm for all the talented bands performing. The lineup promises to be outstanding! We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding. We hope to connect with you again in the near future!”
SIGNS OF THE SWARM
TOLEDO DEATH FEST will be stirring up the most extreme mosh pit to ever tornado Ohio and its surrounding states. This year’s event is being hosted on June 3rd in Toledo at Mainstreet Bar and will feature headliners, Signs of the Swarm alongside The Convalescence, Casket Robbery, Summoner’s Circle, and many more (full lineup below).
CASKET ROBBERY
Since its inception in 2009 by Keith Wampler, the frontman of The Convalescence and owner of The Legend Agency, the festival has showcased the talents of some of the American Midwest’s best up-and-coming metal bands. Past editions have seen past support from well-known artists such as Jungle Rot, Malevolent Creation, and The Breathing Process among many more. The festival has been an extreme metal pilgrimage for fans living in the surrounding states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
THE CONVALESCENCE
“I am very happy to be able to bring Toledo Deathfest back in 2023 with one of the most insane lineups we’ve ever had. This festival has come from being local bands at small venues to a two-stage festival featuring bands from around the country thanks to the incredible support of everyone who attends each year. Thank you to everyone who has supported Toledo Deathfest and I look forward to seeing everyone again on June 3rd!” adds Keith Wampler.
Highlights of the confirmed bands include headliners Signs of the Swarm with their slamming brutal chugs, to black metal-tinged frenzies and groove-driven downtempo bursts of aggression, the band cohesively captures a vile sound spreading across the genre’s various styles. The Convalescence is one of the USA’s unstoppable tour de force, touring Europe in 2022 with Chelsea Grin, and Carnifex plus an upcoming tour in Japan in 2023 with Exhumed and Defiled along with their latest single “No Survivors” ft. Scott Ian Lewis of Carnifex, that has fans demanding more and more.
Emerging from the darkest and most desolate areas of the Midwest, Casket Robbery creates its own signature style of death metal by infusing horror and occult themes. Their trademark huge riffs and unstoppable grooves create the unrelenting, brutally catchy, and eerie sound that only Casket Robbery is known for. Summoner’sCircle, hailing from Dandridge, TN, is a six-piece theatrical metal band that blends elements of doom, death, black and progressive metal into what they refer to as simply Epic Metal.
Toledo Death Fest 2023 Full Lineup: Signs of the Swarm (Pittsburgh, PA) The Convalescence (Toledo, OH) Casket Robbery (Madison, WI) Summoner’s Circle (Dandridge, TN) Hive (Chicago, IL) Carrion Vael (Richmond, IN) WoR (Raleigh, NC) Within Chaos (Fort Worth, TX) The D.O.O.D (Sarasota, FL) Squidhammer (Watertown, WI) Filth Spewer (South Bend, IN) Ignominious (Norwalk, OH) Cephlic (Toledo, OH) Death Hex (Toledo, OH) Pharohound (Fort Wayne, IN) Extinction Agenda (Ohio)
releases their long-awaited second album ”Arctic Atlas” today 12th of May.
After a few years of composing and producing, “Arctic Atlas” is finally available as a physical album or digital version. Averlanche is more than ready to introduce themselves as a newborn Symphonic Metal band from Finland with modern sounds and a completely new style.
The album will be released through JVR MUSIC GROUP record label. INVERSE RECORDS handles the digital promotion worldwide.
Arctic Atlas is an interesting album full of surprises. It starts in the freezing cold and then jumps straight into a burning theater. It is something you never expected from Averlanche.
Averlanche’s debut album “Life’s Phenomonen” was produced, recorded & mixed by the famous Finnish producer Hiili Hiilesmaa, best known for collaborating with bands like HIM, Sentenced, Apocalyptica and others. After a long collaboration, this time the band’s manager Joonas Rinne was chosen to be the producer. The album was recorded in different sessions during 2022-2023.
“Working with Averlanche has been an interesting journey through time. The album was being prepared for about a year, from the demo sessions to arrangement and production. The album was fun to mix and the collaboration with the band went well. Mika Jussila took care of the mastering process and a few days ago we received the finished product from Finnvox. The entire production team and the band are very satisfied with the results. I hope the listeners will take the album as their own from the first time listening.” – Joonas Rinne, producer
Tracklist:
-273.16 °C
In The Theater Of Fire
Killing Floor
Heartache Parade
Island Across
Polaris
She & The Dark Winter
Little Lotus
Black Butterflies´ Night
Arctica
Atlas Of Hearts
The recording process of ”Arctic Atlas” was a very different experience from recording the debut album. This album was recorded in different sessions and every session had its unique style.
“I enjoyed the recording process and I think we have all grown a lot during this past year. My favorite song on the album has been changing a lot. It really depends on my mood. At the moment I would say ”Island Across”! I love the atmosphere it creates. I would like to thank you so much for your patience and your support. Soon it will be rewarded. We hope to see you at the upcoming shows!” – Rebecca Spörl, vocals
Most of the songs on the album had already been composed before the release of debut album “Life’s Phenomenon”.
“The oldest songs of the album, ”In The Theater of Fire” and ”She & the Dark Winter”, we have already been playing live for a while. I’m We put a lot of time and effort into the production phase of our songs and tested and discussed many different possible arrangements to find the best versions. This time we did the recordings in multiple sessions in Oulu, instead of all at once like last time. This way we had more time to work on the details.” – Antti Kopra, keyboards
Vocals: Rebecca Spörl Keyboards: Antti Kopra Guitars: Otto Haalahti Drums: Henri Tenhunen
If you are serious about Heavy Metal, then most likely CRYSTAL VIPER doesn’t need an introduction. The band was founded by the singer and guitarist Marta Gabriel, and released its debut album in 2007. Since then, they toured in more than 15 countries, played in both tiny clubs and at huge open air festivals, released 8 studio albums, and a bunch of singles. So one thing is sure: they are one of the most hard working and most determined bands of their generation.
Their latest studio album entitled “The Cult” is still hot: it came out in 2021, followed by ‘The Last Command’ mini album in 2022, and brought CRYSTAL VIPER back to their roots: the traditional and pure Heavy Metal, full of epic melodies, classic riffs and guitar harmonies, ripping solos, and catchy refrains. The band couldn’t tour properly and promote the album due to the pandemic, yet instead of sitting and waiting for better times, they decided to record more material.
CRYSTAL VIPER ‘s brand new single is a scorching new recorded version of ‘In the Haunted Chapel’ released at the light of the band’s forthcoming tour and festival dates.
Band leader Marta Gabriel comments: “In The Haunted Chapel’ is naturally connected with our latest studio album ‘The Cult’, as it was inspired by the H.P. Lovecraft story – ‘The Haunter Of The Dark’, which was originally published in 1936. It’s actually a very special story, as it’s the last one Lovecraft wrote before his death. The composition itself is based on this shuffle rhythm which is a bit unusual for CRYSTAL VIPER, and the twin guitars are our humble tribute to legendary acts such as Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden. This version is a little bit different than the one we released last year on “The Last Axeman” EP, because as I recently switched from rhythm guitar to bass, I decided to come up with different bass line, and of course we now have a new drummer on board, Jakub. Except that both Eric and Andy recorded different guitar solos.”
‘In the Haunted Chapel’ video release will be announced at a later date.
Tour dates: 27/05 – Czech Republic, Pasohlavky, Euro Bike Fest 01/06 – Germany, Gries, Iron Fest Open Air 02/06 – Germany, Freiburg, Artik 03/06 – Germany, Bielefeld, JZ Stricker 04/06 – Belgium, Bilzen, South Of Heaven 07/06 – Germany, Berlin, Cassiopeia 08/06 – Czech Republic, Frydek-Mistek, Hellpdays Festival 10/06 – Germany, Selb, Rockclub Nordbayern 14/07 – Sweden, Gavle, Gefle Metal Festival 12/08 – Belgium, Kortrijk, Alcatraz Festival 17/09 – Baltic Sea, Full Metal Cruise
Discography : The Curse of Crystal Viper (Album – 2007) Metal Nation ( Album – 2009) Legends ( Album – 2010) Crimen Excepta ( Album – 2012) Possession ( Album – 2013) Queen of the Witches ( Album – 2017) Tales of Fire and Ice ( Album – 2019) The Cult ( LISTENABLE Album – 2021) The Last Axeman (LISTENABLE Album- 2022)
Rhapsody Of Fire Glory For Salvation tour is underway! Plus guests Wind Rose and Seven Kingdoms
North American 2023 Tour – Dates and venues:
5/10 – Boston, MA – Sonia 5/11 – Quebec City, QC – Imperial Bell 5/12 – Montreal, QC – Studio TD 5/13 – Ottawa, ON – Brass Monkey 5/14 – Toronto, ON – The Garrison 5/16 – Joliet, IL – The Forge 5/17 – Minneapolis, MN – The Caboose 5/18 – Kansas City, MO – BLVD Nights 5/19 – Denver, CO – HQ 5/20 – Salt Lake City, UT – Soundwell 5/22 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon 5/23 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theater 5/24 – Portland, OR – Bossanova Ballroom 5/25 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge 5/26 – San Diego, CA – Brick by Brick 5/27 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory 5/28 – Los Angeles, CA – 1720 5/29 – Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater 5/31 – Oklahoma City, OK – 89th St. Col. 6/01 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater 6/02 – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live! 6/03 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live 6/05 – Orlando, FL – Conduit 6/06 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Hell) 6/07 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819 6/08 – Philadelphia, PA – Warehouse on Watts 6/09 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theater
Look for new Lyric Video on Friday, May 12th for ‘Kreel’s Magic Staff’! A Teaser for the video is available HERE
Los Angeles’ own True Heavy Metal Festival returns October 14-15, 2023 at the Garden Amphitheater in beautiful, sunny Garden Grove, CA! LA’s GATES OF METAL FESTIVAL III features a quality mix of Traditional, Thrash, Power, Speed, Death, Black, Doom, NOWTHM and Classic Heavy Metal bands on two stages!
The venue features a fan-friendly open air stage and a badass indoor stage, as well as metal merchants, vendors, five bars, and food options, all presented in an all ages European-style Heavy Metal festival.
Voted Best Concert Venue in 2018 by OC Weekly, the Garden Amphitheater is conveniently located near the Santa Ana, Long Beach and LAX Airports. If you’re looking for a destination Festival to plan around and attend, THIS IS IT!
The Fest will Feature Special Heavy Metal Performances by Legendary bands, including:
RIOT SADISTIC INTENT HAIL MARY (The Original Triple Axe Attack – Performing a Classic LEATHERWOLF Set) EVIL DEAD HEATHEN VICIOUS RUMORS SIGLOS (Featuring SIN QUIRIN formerly of Ministry) RESISTANCE IRONFLAME HELL FIRE ANGER AS ART HAUNT FUELED BY FIRE STYGIAN CROWN RUTHLESS BONDED BY BLOOD SABER ADAMANTIS INTRANCED
Polish death metal legends VADER – fresh from their successful “Revelation Of The Wicked – North American 2023” tour – have announced three more dates to the “An Act Of Darkness In Asia: 40th Years Anniversary Tour”, supported by HATE and THY DISEASE!
The added shows are in Kathmandu (Nepal) and Bengaluru & Mumbai in India close the list! This monster of a tour will start to roll in about two weeks!
Piotr “Peter” Wiwczarek shared: “VADERMANIAX !!! We are so happy to announce more shows on the upcoming “An Act Of Darkness” tour in Far East – organized in cooperation with Creative Music and Massive Music. We will visit Nepal and India at the end ot the trip.”
Catch polish death metal commando wreaking havoc at: 20.05 🇦🇪 DUBAI / EL Barrio 30.05 🇵🇭 Manila / Ynares Sports Arena Pasig 02.06 🇹🇭 Bangkok / MrFOX Live House 03.06 🇸🇬 Singapore / GR.iD 04.06 🇮🇩 Bekasi / NOXA Fest 09.06 🇯🇵 Tokyo / Shibuya WWW 10.06 🇯🇵 Nagoya / Holiday Next 11.06 🇯🇵 Osaka / Zeela 14.06 🇳🇵 Kathmandu / Purple Haze Rock 17.06 🇮🇳 Bengaluru / Fandom 18.06 🇮🇳 Mumbai / Anti-Social
In between the tour in Asia, VADER will hit Australia and New Zealand, adding even more diversity and dark, sinister atmosphere to these very special events.
Atmospheric post-black metal band EAVE is preparing to release its third full-length album, Fervor. These seven songs show a more aggressive march across the bleak, depressive soundscape the band created on 2020’s Phantoms Made Permanent.
Bindrune Records will release Fervoron July 28.
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, Fervormarks 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: Brian Tenison – Bass, Vocals Caleb Porter – Drums Ian Stoller – Guitars Gabriel Shara – Guitars, Vocals
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