Italian melodic death metallers CULTØ have launched their new lyric video of “Frost”. The song is featured on the band’s debut album, “Of the Sun”, out now via Time To Kill Records. Watch the clip HERE or below:
CULTØ was born from an idea of mastermind Dave, who, in a very short time span, nmanaged to put together a line-up made up of well-known musicians from the Lombardy underground scene (Ghostheart Nebula, Vide, Perfidious, etc.) and record an album of nine songs.
The style of “Of The Sun” comes straight from the Gothenburg sound of the 90s (In Flames, Dark Tranquility, etc.) opening on to more aggressive musical tones. The album is not only a personal interpretation of this music style, but revolves around a message on the awakening of generative consciousness and on the power of artistic expression.
The concept of the lyrics is focused on the awareness of the artist and his creative abilities, through the metaphor of a star that, following a flare, becomes a creator and destroyer god in search of himself and his kind.
Line-up:
Dave – Vocals Panta – Drums Ema – Guitars BT – Bass John Pino Lisi – Guitars
CULTØ combine a number of genres and influences, ranging from In Flames to Bloodbath and Septicflesh, filtered through a prism of metallic extremity. The result is fierce melodic death metal, mixing the best of old and new school into their own sound.
Tracklist:
1. Flare 2. Experiment 1 3. Excrete 4. Frost 5. The Desert Of Shadows 6. Void 7. The Ashes Of Annihilation 8. Darkness Leads To Light 9. Fire From Inside
MUNROE’S THUNDER, fronted by renowned power-metal vocalist, Ronny Munroe, have released their new album The Black Watch today via RFL Records.
Ronny Munroe Comments:
MUNROE’S THUNDER, The Black Watch, is loosely based on my family heritage, as some of my ancestors were actually in the black watch who guarded Mary, Queen Of Scots. Finding that out intrigued me enough to do a concept record about my family heritage.
“After a very long wait, this record is finally finished and ready for you all to hear. I am very proud and elated by all the hard work that went into it, from the hours of research to the countless hours from DMP behind the board and all the remarkable talent that is on the album. Thank you so much to Jon and the team at RFL Records for having faith in our vision and for finally bringing MUNROE’S THUNDER to the masses.”
The Black Watch is a journey where melodic power metal tells the tale of darkness, betrayal and bravery during the reign of one of history’s most recognized Queens, Mary Queen Of Scots. Mary Queen of Scots, original name Mary Stuart or Mary Stewart, (born December 8, 1542, Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian, Scotland—died February 8, 1587, Fotheringhay Castle, Northamptonshire, England), queen of Scotland (1542–67) and queen consort of France (1559–60). Her unwise marital and political actions provoked rebellion among the Scottish nobles, forcing her to flee to England, where she was eventually beheaded as a Roman Catholic threat to the English throne. The story is one of history’s most recognized tales and Munroe, coincidentally, has ties to the legendary history of the Queen.
Sound effects and atmospheric textures set the mood of this album and its chilling tale, delivered, of course, in full-throttle power metal style. The title track unleashes Munroe’s soaring melodic vocals accompanied by epic guitar leads and riffs. The album also includes a number of ballad-style tracks: “Babbington Mary”, “Falkirk” and “Thirty Years War”. The shift in musical textures and pace adds further dimension to the dynamical journey of The Black Watch. “The Executioner” brings this royal story of bloodshed to a gruesome conclusion. Thunder and rain manifests alongside a sombre guitar melody before the track builds into the full heavy ensemble. An anthemic chorus, dark guitars and haunting lyrics tell of Mary’s execution and bring this chapter to a close.
About Ronny Munroe:
Ronny Munroe is an American singer, most noted as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band METAL CHURCH. Ronny recorded three albums with METAL CHURCH before the band decided to call it quits in 2009. His second tenure with the band lasted from 2012 when the group reunited until 2014, where he left to “pursue other interests.” In October 2011, Munroe joined the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, as a vocalist, which further defined his prominence as one of metals elite. In July of 2022, Munroe was announced as the new lead vocalist for the power metal titans, VICIOUS RUMORS.
Munroe has an extensive background as a lead singer and has fronted acts such as ZERODISCIPLINE, MADHOUSE, MOXI, the Seattle band PALADIN from 1986 to 1988 and also the band FARCRY in the early ’90’s.
MUNROE’S THUNDER meshes METAL CHURCH, SAVATAGE, VICIOUS RUMORS and IRON MAIDEN and there is something for every metal fan here. Munroe’s broad vocal range and power highlight the album and its easy to see that there is still plenty of fire left in the heart and voice of the talented rocker.
MUNROE’S THUNDER: Ronny Munroe – Vocals David Mark Pearce – Guitars, bass BJ Zampa – Drums Justin Zych – Guitar Oliver Wakeman-Keyboards
Track Listing:
1. Battle Cry 2. The Black Watch 3. Awaken The Fire 4. Gray Hall 5. Babbington Mary 6. Brace For The Night 7. Dead Man’s War 8. Falkirk 9. Thirty Years War 10. Echoes Of The Dead 11. The Executioner
Finnish melodic death metal band Admire the Grim is set to release their debut EP Rogue Five on January 13th 2023 via Inverse Records. The first single Rogue Five was released earlier with a music video. The second single The Flood is released today and it’s available on all essential streaming platforms: https://push.fm/fl/atg-flood
Vocalist Katri Snellman comments on The Flood Single:
“The Flood was the first song that we wrote together. Jani came up with the idea for the instruments and I wrote the vocal and lyric lines. The lyrics are about the feeling of drowning into your own thoughts, described with a lot of metaphors”.
Guitarist Jani Loikkanen comments on Rogue Five Single:
“My goal was to write a song that has a catchy chorus and lead parts. There’s good energy and spirit for a sweet party. I wrote the intro riff first and that set the song up for a fast paced guitar riffage. And to be honest, this is definitely a song for guitar maniacs”.
Line-up: Katri Snellman (vocals) Jani Loikkanen (guitar) Sirja Ojaniemi (guitar) Kalle Raatikainen (bass) Tommi Vante (drums)
Single cover by Katri Snellman
Admire the Grim – The Flood (single) 2022
Composed by Katri Snellman & Jani Loikkanen. Lyrics by Katri Snellman
Single cover by Anssi Kuivalainen
Admire the Grim – Rogue Five (single) 2022
Composed by Katri Snellman, Jani Loikkanen & Tommi Vante. Lyrics by Katri Snellman
BIOGRAPHY:
Admire the Grim is a melodic death metal band from Lappeenranta, Finland. The group was formed by five friends in early 2021. In May 2022 the band released its first single ‘Storm the Barricade’ and in September 2022 music video and single for ‘Rogue Five’ saw the daylight. In November 2022 the second single ‘The Flood’ from ‘Rogue Five’ -EP was released and the EP itself is published on January 2023 via InverseRecords.
Hailing from Canada, Alienatör is a sludge metal band that confronts tough issues with razor-sharp riffs and memorable hooks. They released their debut album “Pariahs’ in 2019, and are now following it up this year with “Regrets”, which is darker, more focused, and more intense. They say it also boasts better songwriting and more dynamics. The themes of this upcoming release also explore some heavy topics including alienation, grief, pain, and disgust at the state of the modern world. The single “The Priest” is no exception, which vocalist/guitarist Brad King explains:
“This is the darkest song I’ve ever written. Another is where the bass really drives the song and the guitar comes in, jagged and angular on top. Ralph Rowe was an Anglican Priest who molested countless kids in fly-in reserves in the 70s and 80s. He ruined so many lives and plea-bargained for a prison sentence that was a slap on the wrist. There’s a documentary about him called “Survivor’s Rowe,” and I’ve met a few survivors through my work. Here, he serves as an example of the type of abuse of power we allow those in positions of trust. I’m proud of the dynamics of this one, lots of tension and release and the calm atmospheric part in the middle.”
The music video for “The Priest” can be seen and heard via its premiere on IDIOTEQ HERE.
Composed during the claustrophobia of the 2020 election and the global pandemic the album channels rage and catharsis before lulling the listener into a sense of security and then thundering down again into a feedback-drenched conclusion.
Compared to their debut release, fans will recognize a more hard-hitting sound, depth of songwriting, dynamics, darker themes, and more vulnerable and introspective lyrics. Alienatör has matured and grown as musicians, with the addition of drummer Simon Paquette who has added a lot of depth to the sound, and bass player Sean Skillen becoming part of the writing process has added a new dimension. The band is a more cohesive unit and it shows in the material.
Alienatör is recommended for sludge fans as well as those who enjoy Melvins, Neurosis, and Botch.
Track Listing: 1. Revisionist History – 2:10 2. Loss Leader – 4:03 3. Blood Red Blood – 3:08 4. Regrets – 3:44 5. The Priest – 5:30 6. The Less Dead – 1:56 7. Flat Earth Society – 2:51 8. Irreconcilable – 2:59 9. Your Funeral – 3:20 10. Wounded Birds – 4:10 11. Dark Matters – 4:09 Album Length: 38:04
Album Recording Credits: – All songs performed by: Alienator – Music by Alienator – Lyrics by Brad King – Produced by: Sean Skillen – Mixed by: Sean Skillen – Mastered by: Brad Boatright – Album Artwork by: Peter David Wragg – Member of SOCAN – Canadian Content (MAPL)
Album and Live Line Up: Brad King – Vocals, Guitar Sean Skillen – Bass, Vocals Simon Paquette – Drums
Legendary death metal icons MORBID ANGEL will celebrate their 40th anniversary this Spring with a month-long US headlining tour! The United States Tour Of Terror 2023 will commence on March 15th in Pensacola, Florida and run through April 22nd in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Support will be provided by Revocation and Crypta as well as Skeletal Remains from the March 15th through April 4th and Vitriol from April 6th through the tour’s conclusion.
Comments MORBID ANGEL’s Trey Azagthoth “We are stoked about this new tour with all these cool bands! We will see you all on the road.”
Tickets are on sale Friday, November 4th at 10:00am local time. See all confirmed dates below.
MORBID ANGEL w/ Revocation, Crypta, SkeletalRemains: 3/15/2023 Vinyl – Pensacola, FL 3/17/2023 Rise – Houston, TX 3/18/2023 Amplified Live – Dallas, TX 3/19/2023 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 3/21/2023 Marquee Theater – Tempe, AZ 3/23/2023 Virginia Street Brewhouse – Reno, NV 3/24/2023 Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA 3/25/2023 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 3/26/2023 The Regent – Los Angeles, CA 3/28/2023 Oriental Theater – Denver, CO 3/30/2023 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI 3/31/2023 Apollo Theater – Belvidere, IL 4/01/2023 The Forge – Joliet, IL 4/02/2023 The Art Theater – Hobart, IN 4/04/2023 Piere’s – Ft Wayne, IN w/ Revocation, Crypta, Vitriol: 4/06/2023 Machine Shop – Flint, MI 4/07/2023 Riverfront Live – Cincinnati, OH 4/08/2023 The King Of Clubs – Columbus, OH 4/09/2023 Jergel’s – Pittsburgh, PA 4/11/2023 Gramercy Theater – New York, NY 4/12/2023 Warehouse On Watts – Philadelphia, PA 4/14/2023 Empire Live – Albany, NY 4/15/2023 The Palladium – Worcester, MA 4/16/2023 Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 4/18/2023 The Concourse – Knoxville, TN 4/19/2023 Masquerade – Atlanta, GA 4/21/2023 Orpheum – Tampa, FL 4/22/2023 Culture Room – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
MORBID ANGEL released their KingdomsDisdained full-length in 2017 via Silver Lining Music. The critically adored offering reunites founding guitarist Trey Azagthoth with bassist/vocalist Steve Tucker. Captured at Mana Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida and produced by MORBIDANGEL with Erik Rutan, the record delivers eleven pieces of devastatingly dynamic death metal.
Orders for Kingdoms Disdained are available at THIS LOCATION.
The Blood of Creation continues the reign of classic heavy metal that Iron Kingdom has been presenting over the years to music lovers of the style along with keeping the flame burning for a new generation.
“We wanted to create music in a style of metal that seemed to have been forgotten when we were kids. Since no one else seemed to be doing it, we decided to play metal the way it used to be played in the 70s and 80s. That was the reason for forming Iron Kingdom. Essentially, we wanted to give people an exciting show like an early Iron Maiden, Scorpions, or Saxon show from the 1980s.” recalls Osterman on the beginnings of the band.
Iron Kingdom has come a long way since their 2011 debut “Curse Of The Voodoo Queen” and their next offering is a potent full force of classic shredding heavy metal thunder and will take the fans into some unique fantastic worlds, but will also show a dark side of storytelling.
I think we started as a bit more of a hard rock band on the first record, taking a progressive metal dive for Gates Of Eternity and Ride For Glory, then for On The Hunt, I’d say we went fully classic metal, leading into this new record being a pretty solid mix of all those styles combined. We also came out of the pandemic, which brought some darker emotions some people may have never experienced previously that I think this album may parallel. In the end though, we want people to get the chance to escape this world for a time and find solace in the music.” adds Osterman.
The new album also sees new drummer Max Friesen (ex-Ophelia Falling) making his recording debut with the band to add another angle to their songwriting for this release. The album was self-produced by Iron Kingdom with mixing done by Andy Boldt and mastering by Greg Reely (Overkill, Fear Factory, 3 Inches of Blood).
Recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, and Saxon.
Fun Fact: ‘Queen Of The Crystal Throne’ played on City TV for Hockey Night In Canada (Montreal Vs Dallas) – Sat Oct 22, 2022
Like a bat out of hell, thrash attack Gamerrai is coming at you hard and fast from Lafayette, Louisiana, USA. Their sound can be summed up as if Ghoul were written by doomsday preppers hopped up on PCP that listen to too much Revocation. They have a shiny new EP out that will scratch your thrash itch by filling your ears with tight riffs and speedy solos. “Couillon Death Squad” provides a twenty-minute thrash ride over three tracks that expand on the lore of the band. They explain the release:
“Over the years we have gotten a lot more intense and progressive musically and the vocal patterns and lyrics have gotten considerably more mature (not in content, but in quality). We’re pretty far forward from the sound people heard on “Detached from Reality” (2019). We hope that people will enjoy “Couillon Death Squad”. It is a big step up from our previously released material and we’re sure people will notice the difference.”
The EP features a varied collection of music, the first song and the last are polar opposites of each other. The opener “Couillon Death Squad” is fast and furious with a slower section in the middle and has a short runtime; the closer “Sugar Mill Headhunt” is slower, chunkier, and spaced out with a speedy section in the middle and a long runtime. The middle song “H.O.A.” has a Havok vibe to it, a good jam song for the classic thrash fans to sink their teeth into with a deadly solo. Gamerra definitely put a focus on holding the listener’s interest on this one.
“Couillon Death Squad” was produced by lead guitarist/vocalist Jacob Broussard and lead vocalist Jake Meche; it was mixed by Broussard, Meche, and guitarist Reece Benoit and mastered by Broussard. The EP art was done by Splezz.
Fast, weird, fun, and heavy, “Couillon Death Squad” is classic thrash suitable for any maniacs, especially those who enjoy Exodus, Death, and Warbringer.
Just in time for Halloween, doom metal band GRAVE NEXT DOOR have released a spooky video for their track “Charnel House”. The song is from their album Sanctified Heathanwhich was recently relesaed via Black Doomba Records.
The band comments: “‘Charnel House’ was inspired by Henry Miller’s book Tropic Of Cancer. Miller used the archaic term ‘Charnel House’ in this sentence: ‘The cradles of civilization are the putrid sinks of the world, the charnel house to which the stinking wombs confide their bloody packages of flesh and bone.’
The song is about being trapped in a tomb of the past by one’s own mistakes and misery. The tortured soul seals his own fate by not forgiving himself and living in the past no matter how bad he wants to be free he can not free himself from his past and has therefore destroyed his future by not letting go and moving forward. At the same time he is dead and he doesn’t even realize it. He is the quintessential tortured soul rotting in his own tomb of self inflicted misery.”
Formed back in 2018 by brothers Patrick and Anthony Salerno, and aptly named after the graveyard situated next to their home, GRAVENEXT DOOR delves into the dark and macabre. Drawing from the iconic sounds of BLACK SABBATH, BLACK FLAG and even CREAM, all blended with the trio’s individual edge. SanctifiedHeathensees the band deliver brutally heavy distortion, doom grooves and powerful vocals. A morbid exploration awaits with lyrical themes of addiction, mortality, war, and their own personal experiences seeping through the album.
Track Listing:
Thor
Bloody Nuns
Witch Head
As Heavy As Texas
Charnel House
Sanctified Heathen
Sand in the Blood
Nuclear Winter
Bloody Nuns (Live Bonus Track)
Line Up: Patrick Salerno Anthony Salerno Travis Soleski
“Remember To Breathe” is the latest magical offering from LINDSAY SCHOOLCRAFT. Featuring a duet with SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA and Mustis on piano, the new release delivers an epic and heavy sound, setting the stage for SCHOOLCRAFT to take her solo work to the next level in 2023.
LINDSAY comments: “This one is rather special because it’s the result of community. Community of musicians and community of fans.
The track was originally something I orchestrated that didn’t make a cut a few years back. But I love how on Patreon I can just throw up my lost demos and the community there decides what path I go down next.
I definitely have not been on the heavy train much the past few years, but it was time to change that. The minute I came across this demo I knew it had to be another duet with the one and only Sarah Jezebel Deva and along the way the lovely and talented Mustis lended his piano talents (I’m still over the moon about that). I also couldn’t have done it without the super talented team that came on board.”
Additional Credits: Guitars and Drums: Fabian Daniel Bass: Håkon Didriksen Additional Orchestration: Chris Caouette Mixing and Mastering: Tyler Williams Artwork: Effy Gold
Dallas Toler-Wade, was a long-standing 18-year member of the brilliantly Egyptian-themed metal band, Nile, where he composed the music for hit songs such as, “Execration Text”, “Permitting the Noble Dead to Descend to the Underworld”, and “Lashed to the Slave Stick”. Toler-Wade was also featured in Guitar World magazine alongside founding member and guitarist/vox/songwriter Karl Sanders. With his new band Narcotic Wasteland, he is pleased to announce the second single “The Best Times Have Passed” off the yet-to-be-titled new album coming in 2023.
Toler-Wade comments on the single:
When I was writing it I was at another big turning point in my life. I was feeling my own mortality. I was feeling beat down. As with me, I still manage to find good things within it all and pull myself out of it time and time again. I think we can all relate to the fact that that it’s not forever and we better make the best of things while we can.”
They expect good reception for the upcoming single, as a band, they have grown majorly and they sound focused, and mature through their writing, recording, and performing. They have released two albums, 2014’s self-titled and 2017’s “Delirium Tremens” with their third record due out in 2023.
Dallas worked once again with drummer, engineer, producer Erik Schultek, who is no stranger to the band having recorded drums, engineered and produced the debut album.
Inspired mostly by thrash metal and classic heavy metal, Narcotic Wasteland is becoming more thrash and speed and less death metal and getting better at writing material that is meaningful and powerful. They are recommended for fans of Vader, The Crown, and Nile.
In additional news, Narcotic Wasteland is currently hitting the road for USA tour dates supporting German heavy metal legends ACCEPT, during October (dates listed below). Those who attend will get to experience the full onslaught of Narcotic Wasteland. Always well rehearsed, they deliver a tight performance including dual guitars. From harmonies to counterpart melodies it gives the band some of that traditional metal style. They are also not afraid to challenge the audience with an array of styles from whiplash-inducing fast metal to infectious arena metal.
Tour Poster credit- Andrea Roberts of Ashley Talent International
Remaining Tour Dates:
10/21/2022 Providence, RI – Fete Music Hall *NW Only 10/22/2022 Brooklyn, NY – Lucky 13 Saloon *NW ONLY 10/24/2022 Wallingford, CT – Cherry St. Station *NW ONLY 10/25/2022 NYC – The Gramercy Theatre 10/26/2022 Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall 10/27/2022 Harrisburg, PA – XL Live 10/29/2022 Columbus, OH – The King of Clubs
Dallas Toler-Wade, long-standing 18-year member of the brilliantly Egyptian-themed metal band, Nile, composed the music for hit songssuch as, “Execration Text” (NILE – “Execration Text” (Official Music Video), which featured the band’s second video release on MTV Headbangers Ball and the Uranium channel. The video was well received and aired for several weeks. “Permitting the Noble Dead to Descend to the Underworld”, is also a fan favorite. The video release was long after the demise of Headbangers Ball. Dallas also composed music for many other hits like, “Lashed to the Slave Stick”, Evil to Cast Out Evil NILE – Evil To Cast Out Evil (OFFICIAL TRACK & LYRICS) ), “Wind of Horus”, “The Eye of Ra” and many others. Toler-Wade was also featured in Guitar World magazine alongside founding member and guitarist/vox/songwriter Karl Sanders.
Dallas Toler-Wade started Narcotic Wasteland while he was in between tours with Nile. He started writing music that was a little more similar to things he was doing in a previous band and since then he has completed writing for the third album and is currently finishing up the recording process. Ahead of that, they have released the single “Morality and the Wasp” and going on a US tour with German heavy metal legends Accept.
Toler-Wade shares his hope for the single’s reception:
“I think fans will really enjoy it. The band has grown majorly and this album sounds like a band that is focused on writing, recording, and performing the very best we can., but also I think I am getting better at just writing stuff that is meaningful and powerful.”
For Toler-Wade, who is the primary songwriter for the band, the main goal is to give the listener music and lyrics that are deeply emotionally charged. Anger, sadness, and triumph are put to music the best way he knows how. The new album has a lot to say about human behavior and unchecked egos as well as his own personal philosophies about life.
The tour with Accept consists of 18 dates across the US during October (dates listed below). Those who attend will get to experience the full onslaught of Narcotic Wasteland. Always well rehearsed, they deliver a tight performance including dual guitars. From harmonies to counterpart melodies it gives the band some of that traditional metal style. They are also not afraid to challenge the audience with an array of styles from whiplash-inducing fast metal to infectious arena metal.
Oct 20 – Jim Thorpe, PA – Penns Peak Oct 21 – Providence, RI – Fete Music Hall – NARCOTIC ONLY Oct 21 – Patchogue, NY – Stereo Garden * NO NARCOTIC Oct 22 – Peekskill, NY – Paramount Theater * NO NARCOTIC Oct 22 – Brooklyn, NY – Lucky 13 Saloon # Narcotic Wasteland Only Oct 23 – Teaneck, NJ – Debonair Music Hall * Oct 24 – Wallingford, CT Cherry St. Station # Narcotic Wasteland Only Oct 25 – New York City, NY – The Gramercy Oct 26 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall Oct 27 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live Oct 29 – Columbus, OH – The King of Clubs
Helsinki’s longest serving gothic rock vampires THE 69 EYES are unstoppable at the moment and have returned with yet another new song “Gotta Rock” – the first to come off their upcoming, as-yet-untitled new full-length slated to drop in early 2023.
“Gotta Rock” lives up to its name. THE 69EYES version of the track initially premiered on Vain Elämää, the biggest Finnish TV primetime show, in which you could watch singer Jyrki 69 staying in a castle with seven other artists who performed each other’s songs during their time together. “Gotta Rock” is a cover from the famous Finnish hard rock band Boycott that released the rock anthem in the late ‘80s.
For this remake, THE 69 EYES received some famous help, as Jyrki 69 explains, “The Finnish classic rock band Boycott was one of our favorites in the ‘80s when we [started] THE 69 EYES. Due to the Finnish music TV program that I was recently featured in, we finally had a reason to make our own, more gothic rock sounding cover of Boycott’s ultimate classic smash hit ‘Gotta Rock.’ Die Krupps’ Jürgen Engler helped us to arrange it into this darkened mode!”
Stream or download THE 69 EYES’ rendition ofBoycott’s “Gotta Rock”atTHIS LOCATION.
Photo by Marek Sabogal
Further info on the new album from THE 69EYES will follow very soon. In the meantime, you can still get the limited edition Drive EP, cut in the shape of a steering wheel exclusively handcrafted by Night Of The Vinyl Dead, HERE.
THE 69 EYES: Jyrki 69 – vocals Bazie – guitars Timo Timo – guitars Archzie – bass Jussi 69 – drums
Rounding off a special anniversary year for the band (35 years since foundation of the group as well as launching the debut album ‘Animal House’) and its fearless leader & voice UdoDirkschneider (who turned 70 this April), November 18th 2022 will see iconic heavy metal act U.D.O. release a career-spanning ‘best of’ compilation, entitled The Legacy, via AFM Records.
The Legacy proves that U.D.O. produced classics throughout their entire career. Their longevity and quality of output is almost unmatched within the heavy music scene. With such an impressive back catalogue gathered within the past three and a half decades, it’s simply an impossible task to compile a double CD of material and satisfy everyone, however, The Legacy is by far the most extensive retrospective the band has ever released. Featuring 33 tracks overall and including songs from all U.D.O. studio albums; the compilation also includes 4 rare bonus songs which a lot of U.D.O.‘s loyal followers will hear for the first time.
Today, U.D.O. has shared one of the upcoming bonus tracks, “Wilder Life”. Only released on the Japanese edition of his latest album, “Game Over”, fans all over the world can now listen to the song right here:
Progressive/symphonic power metal quintet INDUCTION will release their sophomore full length, Born From Fire, on November 25th via Atomic Fire Records. After releasing their first two stand-alone singles, today the band reveals their latest helping from the record with “Go To Hell.”
As the world is scorched by flame and consumed in chaos, hope is born, forging a new path to mankind’s everlasting paradise. Stories of distant worlds welcome you to rethink how we live today. In a world where sadistic and religious fanatics prey on gullible minds and control the hearts of many, the truth is destined to be unveiled.
Comments the band, “‘Go To Hell’ appeals to unshackling the minds from religious boundaries – or any for that matter – and finding truth and power in yourself. It appeals to a world without oppression and people of power abusing their position to their benefit. But it also appeals to listeners to realize their full potential and take responsibility for their actions, standing up against the demons they face in everyday life. You always have the power to stay on top!”
Watch INDUCTION’s “Go To Hell” video or stream the track at THIS LOCATION.
View the band’s previously released video for “Queen Of Light” HERE and “Sacrifice” HERE.
Stream the tracks on the platform of your choice 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).
Born From Fire will be available on CD, 2xLP vinyl and digitally. Find special preorder bundles at THIS LOCATION.
In conjunction with the release of Born From Fire, INDUCTION will embark on a European tour supporting Serious Black. See all confirmed dates below. Keep up with INDUCTION’s upcoming European live dates at their official website HERE.
INDUCTION w/ Serious Black: 11/24/2022 Z7 – Pratteln, CH 11/25/2022 Matrix – Bochum, DE 11/26/2022 Club Zentral – Stuttgart, DE 11/27/2022 Rockhouse – Salzburg, AT 11/29/2022 South Of Heaven – Bilzen, BE 11/30/2022 Tivoli – Bremen, DE 12/01/2022 Garage – Saarbrücken, DE 12/02/2022 Gemeindehalle – Schirnding, DE 12/07/2022 Logo – Hamburg, DE
Originally founded in 2014, INDUCTION left their first mark with first single, “The Outwitted Consecration,” in 2016 before completely entering the metal world by releasing their eponymous debut album in 2019. Its enormously positive reception even paved them the way to touring across Europe alongside Brazilian power metallers Armored Dawn in November of the same year. It was a notable career start for the quintet that was unfortunately halted by the pandemic leading to a break (at least on the live front) that wasn’t only used by the band to work on their sophomore album but also to renew their power.
Ace Von Johnson is an accomplished rhythm guitarist and lends backing vocals for the acclaimed L.A. Guns. Ace is also a former member of Faster Pussycat. Recently, Ace was kind enough to take time from his schedule to do a video interview with our very own Tanis Enos. Kick back and enjoy the interview below!
Heavy metal/speed metal veterans will serve as special guests to Metallica during a special concert paying tribute to the lives of Jon and Marsha Zazula. The performance will take place Sunday, November 6th at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
As founders of Megaforce Records, the Zazulas are widely credited for discovering and launching the careers of many of heavy metal’s most ground-breaking, influential, and now legendary artists. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated in Jon and Marsha’s name to MusiCares, a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs to musicians and industry professionals.
RAVEN is currently amid their Wiped Out 40th anniversary tour, treating their fans by playing the iconic album in full during each show. Support is being provide by Riot Act, the band formed by former Riot guitarist Rick Ventura, performing a Riot repertoire from their classic 1977-1982 era. See all confirmed dates below.
Additionally, RAVEN are also finalizing their next studio album, which will be their first for SilverLining Music, with details to be unveiled in the months to come.
RAVEN Wiped Out – 40th Anniversary Tour w/ Riot Act [remaining dates]
10/04/2022 Dante’s – Portland, OR 10/05/2022 Wise Hall – Vancouver, BC 10/06/2022 Alma – Tacoma, WA 10/08/2022 Aces High – Salt Lake City, UT 10/09/2022 The Coast – Ft. Collins, CO 10/10/2022 Reverb Lounge – Omaha, NE 10/11/2022 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL 10/12/2022 Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI 10/13/2022 Photo City Music Hall – Rochester, NY 10/14/2022 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON 10/15/2022 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 10/17/2022 No Class – Cleveland, OH 10/18/2022 Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON 10/19/2022 Sonia – Boston, MA 10/20/2022 Geno’s – Portland, ME 10/21/2022 Market Hotel – Brooklyn, NY 10/22/2022 West York Inn – York, PA 10/23/2022 Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA 10/24/2022 Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern – Raleigh, NC 10/25/2022 The Pour House Music Hall – Wilmington, NC 10/26/2022 Tribbles – Piedmont, SC 10/27/2022 Brickyard – Knoxville, TN 10/28/2022 The Southgate House Revival – Newport, KY 10/30/2022 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ 10/31/2022 Westside Bowl – Youngstown, OH * RAVEN only 11/03/2022 Hi Tone Café – Memphis, TN 11/04/2022 Fractal Brewing Project – Huntsville, AL 11/05/2022 The Loft At Center Stage – Atlanta, GA 11/06/2022 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Atlanta, GA * RAVEN only w/ Metallica 11/07/2022 Nice Guys – Cape Coral, FL
RAVEN: John Gallagher – lead vocals, bass, 12-string bass Mark Gallagher – guitar, vocals Mike Heller – drums
Michigan’s The Black Dahlia Murder has just announced a show in Detroit on October 28 at Saint Andrew’s Hall, which will be a celebration of the life and legacy of Trevor Strnad. The concert marks the band’s return to the stage after the untimely passing of their beloved frontman, Trevor Scott Strnad, on the 11th of May this year. Founding member, Brian Eschbach will be putting down his guitar and taking on the role of lead vocals moving forward. A decision that wasn’t made lightly when the band got together to discuss their future after they started to work through the initial shock and grief of losing their best friend. Stepping back into the BDM family is guitarist Ryan Knight. Support for the show will come from Darkest Hour and Plague Years.
Tickets went on sale on Friday, September 16 and can be purchased here.
Decibel Magazine has interviewed all members of the band to discuss what’s next, which will be the cover of the magazine’s November 2022 issue out this month.
Excerpt from Decibel Magazine: “We spent many days thinking things like, ‘Is this over?’” Eschbach tells Decibel. “None of us wanted it to be over. We still feel like there is a lot left to do. I know Trevor would keep this band going if I went down a deep, dark path and weren’t here. It’s bigger than us. When we finally started talking about it, we thought, ‘Let’s remake it from within and see if Ryan wants to return. And I’ll take a crack on the vocals and see how it goes.’ I can’t go out there and do Trevor’s voice or try to be him. I can only execute the music of the Black Dahlia Murder with respect and try to do it the most justice I can. I’ve heard Trevor perform more than anyone else alive.“
Knight says the decision to return was easy despite the difficult circumstances. “The time I’ve spent with this band is the best time I’ve ever had,” he says. “Being away has given me a lot of time to reflect, and it always occurred to me that being in BDM is the best use of my time. I’ve thought a lot about the band while I was away and realized how much value this band has. I almost feel like I let some opportunities slip, being away from the band. So, it feels great to be back and like everything has come full circle. I’ve realized how much I love being in this band.“
Albert Mudrian of Decibel Magazine has been kind enough to post the interview in its entirety on the Decibel site for fans to read. View the article here.
Celebrating their 40th anniversary, icons of heavy metal, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, have announced a US headlining tour this Fall! The excursion kicks off on November 10th in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and runs through November 27th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Support will be provided by Spirit Adrift and The Native Howl. See all confirmed dates below and purchase tickets HERE.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY w/ Spirit Adrift, The Native Howl: 11/10/2022 Chelsea’s Live – Baton Rouge, LA 11/11/2022 Vinyl Music Hall – Pensacola, FL 11/12/2022 Snowblind Festival – Atlanta, GA 11/13/2022 Growlers – Memphis, TN 11/15/2022 Ace Of Cups – Columbus, OH 11/17/2022 Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC 11/18/2022 The Queen – Wilmington, DE 11/19/2022 Granite State Music Hall – Laconia, NH 11/20/2022 Reverb – Reading, PA 11/22/2022 The Machine Shop – Flint, MI 11/23/2022 The Forge – Joliet, IL 11/25/2022 Headliners Music Hall – Louisville, KY 11/26/2022 Mr. Small’s Theatre – Millvale, PA 11/27/2022 The Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI
Since forming in 1982, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY has woven their distinct riffs deep into the fabric of heavy metal for over four decades. Across ten landmark, critically acclaimed albums, the band has continued evolving. From the early days of thrash to their more recent, blues-infused metal, the band has managed to progress with each release keeping fans and critics alike guessing.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY’s most recent full-length, No Cross No Crown, was released in 2018 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. Recorded with longtime producer John Custer, the record marks the first studio recording with vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan in over a decade and, earning the #67 spot on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, #12 on the Billboard Top Current Albums Chart, and #3 on the Top Hard Music Albums Chart upon its first week of release, is the highest charting album of the band’s career.
Finnish melancholic metal band Denigrate takes a selection of tour dates in Europe in October and offers a chance to hear their latest Blackguard album live at its entirety.
Denigrate is supporting Fleshgod Apocalypse as follows:
24.10.22 Czech Republic, Prague @ Futurum 26.10.22 Poland, Poznan @ U Bazyala 27.10.22 Poland, Warsaw @ Proxima 28.10.22 Lithuania, Vilnius @ Vakaris 29.10.22 Latvia, Riga @ Melna Piektdiena 30.10.22 Finland, Helsinki @ Ääniwalli
Latest Denigrate album Blackguard was released April 22nd 2022 via Inverse Records.
Swedish Epic Heavy Metal duo Sordid Blade will release full-length debut album Every Battle HasIts Glory October 14 on CD, vinyl LP, and digital formats via Gates of Hell Records.
The album’s first single, “Hidden Enthronement,” is available to stream at: youtu.be/CWW4gOuwiFs
“I view heavy metal as an art form.” It is this simple but impactful summation that spills into the music of multi-instrumentalist and Sordid Blade figurehead Niklas Holm. Formed in 2021 out of his desire to create an epic heavy metal band in the vein of Hammerheart-era Bathory, Manilla Road and Warlord, Holm issued Sordid Blade’s two-song MMXXI demo in 2021. It was an early indicator of Holm’s ability to meld heroic proto-metal with the style and persuasion of his primary influences. After a brief period of soliciting prospective labels, Sordid Blade found its rightful place on Gates of Hell Records for the release of their first full-length, Every Battle Has Its Glory.
Every Battle Has Its Glory was tracked over the course of a year with engineer Kim Ekwall Lattik, with drum recording provided by Magnus Jonsson at Milk Studio, who also mixed the album. The album marks the first appearance of drummer Micael Zetterberg, who joined Sordid Blade after the release of MMXXI. Together, Holm and Zetterberg tap into the broad, illustrious field of true, mid-paced anthemic metal, harnessing stout riffing and choice melodies to form a sound that remains faithful to the style’s storied past.
Line-up:
Niklas Holm: Vocals, Guitar, and Bass
Micael Zetterberg – Drums
Holm’s lyrics deal with existential themes and how the individual can gain strength by focusing on what’s really important in the world. His lyrics are driven by metaphor, developing a sort of “code” for the listener to decipher. Once they do, they will find a wealth of songs with deep, emotional subject matter that adds another layer of depth and intrigue to Sordid Blade. Even the instrumental “Kiolsvarf” is topical — it is a Swedish term to describe a family drowning at sea.
The Carl Larsson (1853-1919)-created cover art was the last piece to the Every Battle Has Its Glory puzzle. Zetterberg found one of Larsson’s paintings in a book and shared it with Holm. Holm knew the creation was the perfect choice — its dark style reflected the overall theme of the album.
It is by which this thoughtful depth and exploratory nature that Sordid Blade sets itself apart. The epic metal field is growing increasingly crowded, but for those in search of something with an emotional and personal atmosphere, there is no better choice circa 2022 than Sordid Blade.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.