Swedish heavy metal power trio NEKROMANT will release their fourth full-length, Temple Of Haal, via their new label home of Despotz Records this Winter.
Hailing from the city of Vänersborg and formerly known as Serpent, NEKROMANT is renowned for delivering an authentic and effortlessly brilliant oldschool metal assault.
Standing on the shoulders of metal giants such as Black Sabbath and Pentagram, the band is well versed in the art of crushing riffs and powerful melodies, boasting a sound that echoes the might of the past with an eye cast toward the future. From a punishing percussive battery through to the Iommi-esque guitars, NEKROMANT understands that the riff is king, as demonstrated throughout their superb new long player.
Temple Of Haal is packed with ambitious metal gems such as the epic “Behind The Veil Of Eyes” and the doom-laden “Olórin’s Song.” In advance of the record’s release, the band is pleased to unveil first single, “The Woods,” revealing of the track, “This is a classic, unapologetic heavy metal tune. We’re not content with living this modern lifestyle, detached from what really matters. ‘The Woods’ is therefore an aggressive expression of Scandinavian grumpiness.”
Comic-inspired steampunk metal project HEIRSOFISILDUR have released a new song from their genre-bending second album Heirs of Isildur vs Tales From Nocturnia.
Heirs Of Isildur vs Tales From Nocturnia is the latest release from the content creation #DynamicDuo at Insymmetry Creations LLC. Most known for their forays into the comics world, with multiple titles to their credits in the independent market, Heirs Of Isildur vs Tales From Nocturnia again stretches their offerings into their other passion: METAL MUSIC.
The album contains songs that expand out on two of their comic titles (the steampunk time travel “Heirs Of Isildur” and the medieval fantasy “Tales From Nocturnia”).
“Into the Wilderness,” follows Svengard The Currier during events that take place in issue #3 “Tales From Nocturnia” comic book series. It features the violin mastery of Andrew Polo, alongside guest female vocals by Kelli Clark, and a guitar solo by the late Corey Steger (original UNDEROATH guitarist).
Insymmetry Creations LLC will release Heirs Of Isildur vs Tales From NocturniaSeptember 16 on digital and CD formats. The album will be available on vinyl in late 2021.
While both of the “Heirs Of Isildur” and “Tales From Nocturnia” comics are co-written by Insymmetry Creations’ Matt Knowles and Steph Cannon, the musical side of HEIRS OF ISILDUR is the brainchild of Knowles, with Cannon filling a producer role. Heirs Of Isildur vs Tales From Nocturniafeatures guest appearance by Fabio Grimdrap (Trollfest), Zac Leaser, Bryan Eckermann (Scars of the Flesh), Kyle Westin, and violinist Andrew Polo.
The album also features the final recorded tracks from original UNDEROATH guitarist Corey Steger. His tracks were recorded just 11 days prior to his untimely and tragic death in March of 2021. The album and associated comic issue “Heirs of Isildur – Nightmare Scenario” are dedicated to his memory.
In April, HEIRS OF ISILDUR released the album’s first single, which also features appearances by Andrew Polo and Corey Steger. Stream “The Perilous Prospects of Shadow’s Haven” at www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KRyR5_ZG88
While HEIRS OF ISILDUR (musically) is a studio project, both Knowles and Cannon are active in the comiccon scene, and have appeared at such shows as San Diego Comiccon, Megacon Orlando, Wondercon Anahiem, GalaxyCon Raleigh, Spooky Empire (Tampa), and Awesomecon DC (debuting their all ages comic Misfitz Clubhouse (Scoot / Scout Comics)).
First new music since 2013 available now for pre-order.
Los Angeles thrash metal force FUELEDBYFIRE have signed with M-Theory Audio. The group’s first new music since 2013 will be unveiled later this year with the release of Past…Present…No Future…Part 1, the first in a pair of two-song 7-inch releases mixed by Carlos Cruz (Warbringer, Hexen, Exmortus), mastered by Toxic Holocaust’s Joel Grind (Exhumed, Midnight, Power Trip) and featuring artwork by Mark Riddick (Autopsy, Exodus, Suffocation), out Nov. 11th.
Pre-orders for the first 7-inch release – which will be pressed on white vinyl and includes a sticker – are available now. The group also performed live for the first time in 2021 this past Friday, August 20 at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood, at a sold-out show alongside veteran Southern California thrashers Evildead and Hirax.
“We’re excited to be a part of the M-Theory crew and finally get some new music out to the masses. It’s our most violent and aggressive music yet and we can’t wait to get it into your hands” states drummer Carlos Gutierrez. “Thank you, Marco, for your support. Cheers!”
FUELED BY FIRE was formed in 2002 by a group of Southern California teenagers that bonded over a love of ’80s thrash metal acts such as Exodus, Testament and Possessed. The group recorded their first demo in 2004 and emerged as a persistent presence on local concerts throughout the greater Los Angeles region. Those shows saw them open for many of the iconic acts that they grew up worshipping, as well as performing alongside other burgeoning thrash bands that were emerging around them in Southern California such as Warbringer and Hexen.
They initially self-released their 2006 debut album, “Spread The Fire.” The album was praised by AllMusic.com for its “authentic thrash,” and the combination of their impressive studio effort and prolific live performances earned the attention of Metal Blade Records, who reissued the record a year later.
FUELED BY FIRE soon spread their sound on stages across the United States alongside fellow rising thrashers such as Bonded by Blood and Merciless Death before re-emerging with their self-released 2010 follow-up record, “Plunging Into Darkness.” That album was applauded by Metal-Rules.com for serving as a reminder of “just how vibrant thrash metal can be,” and the band followed up that momentum by touring Europe alongside heavy hitters such as Kreator, Morbid Angel and Nile.
The group applied a more sinister tone to their lyrics and compositions on 2013’s “Trapped in Perdition,” which was released by NoiseArt Records and produced by Erik Rutan (Hate Eternal, Cannibal Corpse). The album received accolades from Burning Ambulance for being “their best album yet” and – alongside well-received performances the following year on European festivals such as Hellfest and Metalfest Open Air Loreley – cemented FUELED BY FIRE’s reputation as generators of powerful thrash metal.
The group went on hiatus shortly after those festival performances, but reconvened at the beginning of 2020 to record new music. Initially set to be released in fall 2020, the four songs put together by the new lineup – consisting of returning members Rick Rangel (guitars/vocals), Anthony Vasquez (bass) and Carlos Gutierrez (drums), who are now joined by Gutierrez’s bandmate in Blade Killer, guitarist Jon Rubio – were further refined during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first of two 7-inch singles to come, “Past…Present…No Future…Part 1” showcases FUELED BY FIRE as a group ready to re-stake its claim to thrash metal supremacy, with the second 7-inch single to come in 2022.
More information on new music from FUELED BY FIRE will be unveiled in the weeks to come by M-Theory Audio and at www.facebook.com/FueledByFireOfficial.
OMINOUSCONCLUSIONS, the Lovecraft-inspired instrumental project of French guitarist and composer Louis Nas, is streaming his new EP The Outsider via Ghost Cult Magazine. The EP will be released tomorrow.
Louis commented “The Outsider was supposed to be released almost a year ago, but there were a lot of issues that forced me to postpone it. Now that it’s out, it’s an incredible relief, and I must say I’m really proud of the result! I owe it to a lot of talented people I’ve had the chance to work with, and who kept faith in me all the way.”
The Outsider is a three-part instrumental piece built around H.P. Loevcraft’s tale and fully immerses the listener in the story, with only the notes to guide them. Nas comments: “I use instrumental music mainly because I’m not a singer, but also because I find the use of words too restrictive. I think that with just music you can really go into incredible nuances and details, and make the listener live the story you tell. Also, what’s great about not using words, is that every listener will picture something different in his mind while listening to the music, and thus connect deeper with it.”
It’s progressive metal, but so much more. Packed with technical proficiency and profound storytelling, in one word OMINOUS CONCLUSIONS is… OMINOUS.
A tidal wave is approaching. Khroma’s fourth and final single from the upcoming “Ex Nihilo” album, “Tidal is the soundtrack for the end of times, when the flood will come and wash it all away. In a collage of downtuned grooves, electronic beats, sorrowful ambiences and the relentless rhyming by vocalist Riku Rinta-Seppälä, ”Tidal” takes you on a one-way journey beyond the darkest waves. To accompany the single, “Tidal” music video will be released along with the audio on August 20th, 2021.
The Helsinki-based electro-metal outfit is getting ready for the release of “Ex Nihilo”, release date September 10th, 2021. With the first Khroma album release in five years, Khroma will be getting ready to hit the stages again.
Progressive metal band BLACKSITES have released their track “Lost Tribes” via the Far Beyond Metal Podcast. The song is from their upcoming release Untrue, which is out on October 8th.
The band comments: “Lost Tribes” was one of the first songs we worked on for this album, and helped set the tone for the rest of the project. We sincerely hope you enjoy it.”
Effortlessly entwining elements of traditional metal with progressive experimentation and their own distinctive style, BLACKSITES have produced a release with huge impact. From beginning to end Untrue reveals their creativity on a sojourn not to be missed.
Line-Up: Mark Sugar – Vocals, Guitar Ryan Bruchert – Guitar, Vocals Garry Naples – Drums
How do you synthesize America’s most legendary weekend of rock and roll debauchery into something every fanatic can rage to all year long? Press it on vinyl and send Psycho out to the world. Announcing PSYCHO WAXX, an in-house label brought to you by the founders of Psycho Las Vegas with all the bombast, attitude, and fan-oriented curation as the festival you love. The boutique labelwill offer up exclusive live albums, special releases, and studio records from a loaded roster of Psycho-approved artists.
PSYCHO WAXX’sinaugural releasewill beLöve Me Förever: A Tribute To Motörhead. Motörhead was a dream headliner for the very first Psycho Las Vegas in 2016, and when the world lost the legendary Lemmy Kilmister, his band became an essential part of Psycho’s DNA. In commemoration of Lemmy’s legacy, PSYCHO WAXX is unleashing a double album of Motörhead tracks by some of the festival’s biggest bombers, being cut during the fest this coming weekend (August 20th – 22nd) at National Southwestern Recording in downtown Vegas. That’s right, while fanatics are getting their heads kicked in at the fest, the same artists melting their eardrums are hitting the studio to lay down their love in tribute to Mr. Kilmister and crew.
Preorders for the exclusive, limited-edition Löve Me Förever LP are available now at THIS LOCATION. Special editions will be available exclusively for fest attendees as well through the PSYCHO WAXX webshop and Psycho’s partners at Zia Records. The release is expected to drop Summer 2022.
Watch for exclusive videos from the recording studio to be posted via the Psycho Las Vegas and PSYCHO WAXX Instagram pages throughout the fest.
Löve Me Förever: A Tribute To Motörhead artists scheduled to record this weekend:
High On Fire, Blackwater Holylight w/ Matt Pike, Midnight, Exhorder, Stöner, Psychlona, Creeping Death, The Bridge City Sinners, Lord Buffalo, Relaxer, EyeHateGod, Cephalic Carnage, Death By Stereo, Howling Giant, Mothership, Foie Gras
Additionally, the compilation will include an all-star collaborative take on “Ace Of Spades” featuring Philip H. Anselmo (Down), Gary Holt (Exodus), Chuck Garric (Alice Cooper), Sacha Dunable (Intronaut), Nick Oliveri (Stöner, Queens Of The Stone Age, Kyuss), Dwid Hallion (Integrity), and Zach Wheeler and Tom Polzine (Howling Giant).
Following the success of their debut record Nostophobia, Portland based post death/ prog band SEASLEEPER are unleashing the album on vinyl via Metal Assault Records.
“‘Nostophobia’ was always meant to be a vinyl experience. To our supporters, friends, and Metal Assault Records, thank you! You were all vital in the orchestration of our vision.”
Nostophobia delivers a hard-hitting sound from beginning to end. Opening with the intense “Salt”, the album begins a journey through heavily distorted instrumentation, obliterating harsh vocals, and utterly ludicrous energy from the percussion. Dynamic clean vocals, such as in “Old Guard”, enhance the texture of their sound without losing the all-encompassing dark atmosphere. Whilst “Mountain Carver” delves into technical realms with intricate melodies and riffs running throughout, accompanied by dissonant chord progressions. Influenced by the likes of Gorguts and Gojira or even Mastodon and Blut Aus Nord, SEA SLEEPER experiment with crossing genre boundaries and manipulating different styles.
The vinyl release of Nostophobia seeks to celebrate the success granted to them so early in their career. Despite the troubles of the pandemic, they are hard at work on their second album and are determined to support the underground scene that has cultivated their music.
Melbourne-based metalcore band THE LAST MARTYR will release their new single, ‘Afterglow’ on August 20th 2021. The track is from their upcoming EP Purgatory. The song is a hard-hitting and nostalgic bop about young love and reflection through rose colored glasses. The track itself features a huge chorus with a twist in the middle via a trap second verse.
Vocalist, MonicaStrut, shares the story behind the tune:
“Afterglow was written as an apology to a past lover whose heart I selfishly trod on. It was kind of this push/pull, will they/won’t they situation where it was hard to tell if love was actually apparent or if the idea of love was the appeal. In the end, fear and doubt got in the way before anything could eventuate.
Thinking about the time in my life this person was around, I was immediately transported to a chapter where I was young, partying a lot and living a fairly rock n’ roll lifestyle. The song is a culmination of that time where a lot of bad decisions were made yet everything seemed like an adventure.”
Produced by Chris Lalic (Windwaker, Rumours, To Octavia), the song marks the second installment of the band’s forthcoming EP and will be followed by a video clip in weeks to come.
THE LAST MARTYR are hitting the road in September for a weekend of shows with Heartline. They’ll be supporting the Adelaide band on 3 September at Enigma Bar before headlining The Workers Club on 4 September. Tickets are now available for both shows via Destroy All Lines here: destroyalllines.com/tours/heartline-w/-the-last-martyr
They will also be playing Halloween Hysteria Festival on 23 October alongside Spiderbait, Clowns, King Parrot, Gravemind and more. Tickets are available here: bit.ly/HH21Oztix
‘Afterglow,’ will be available worldwide on streaming services on 20th August.
Originally forming in 2016, BLACKSITES combine old school metal elements and draw inspiration from a wide spectrum of artists such as VOIVOD, THIN LIZZY, and BLACK SABBATH to name a few. The new release follows their previous albums In Monochrome (2017), and Exile (2019) which made Angry Metal Guy’s #3 album of the year. Untrue delivers intricate guitar leads, powerful percussion and soaring vocals.
The album explores the variations of BLACK SITES’ sound from the dramatic opening “Sword of Orion”, gradually building the anticipation to an intense climax, to the progressive nature of “Echo of a Lie”, and the emotional performance of “White Ashes”. Exploring sophisticated melodies enhanced through delicious guitar tones and powerful vocals, Untrue is an enticing record.
Effortlessly entwining elements of traditional metal with progressive experimentation and their own distinctive style, BLACK SITES have produced a release with huge impact. From beginning to end Untrue reveals their creativity on a sojourn not to be missed.
Line-Up: Mark Sugar – Vocals, Guitar Ryan Bruchert – Guitar, Vocals Garry Naples – Drums
TODAY IS THE DAY’s entire influential catalog of thirteen albums can now be purchased and streamed on all digital platforms and providers, released today under one roof through founding frontman Steve Austin’s own SuperNova Records.
Initially the label name Austin used to release the groundbreaking How To Win Friends And Influence People demo in 1992, SuperNova Records was most prevalent in the late 1990s and early 2000s, releasing a wide array of independent underground rock and metal artists. The label has been ramped up over recent months and now emerges in full-time capacity, uniting TODAY IS THE DAY’s vast catalog under the artist’s control.
SuperNova now presents TODAY IS THE DAY’s LPs initially released through Amphetamine Reptile Records, Relapse Records, Blackmarket Activities, Southern Lord Recordings, The End Records, and BMG across all digital providers through the label’s deal with The Orchard/Sony, including the How To Win Friends And Influence People, Supernova, Willpower, Today Is The Day, Temple Of The Morning Star, In The Eyes of God, Live Till You Die, Sadness Will Prevail, Kiss The Pig, Axis Of Eden, Pain Is A Warning, Animal Mother, and No Good To Anyone LPs.
Austin has painstakingly organized and optimized all the original TODAY IS THE DAY music and art masters 100% true to their original release; a dedication in sound and art to bring the original experiences that were had throughout the years to both long time listeners and new fans. With only overall volume levels being adjusted through mastering to current modern times standards, the craftsmanship that made these groundbreaking releases what they were is being preserved, so that the listener can experience the vast catalog without any alteration or deviance from the original powerful music and message.
Obtain TODAY IS THE DAY’s entire thirteen-album catalog at a discounted bundled deal at the SuperNova Records Bandcamp RIGHT HERE and see more at the label website HERE.
The catalog is also now on all digital services including iTunes HERE, Spotify HERE, and Apple Music HERE.
The catalog will also be reissued in all physical incarnations including compact disc, cassette, deluxe vinyl editions, and more in a steady rollout beginning in the weeks ahead.
TODAY IS THE DAY will release a new album through SuperNova in 2022 as well, with many other new projects already in the works, including records from new label signings GRIDFAILURE and WOORMS, among others.
Chicago-based thrash metal trio MISFIRE has joined EntertainmentOne for the release of their upcoming new full-length!
In 2004, at the age of 13 and 14 respectively, drummer James Nicademus and guitarist/vocalist Jay Johnson formed what ended up becoming the thrash metal band Diamond Plate. In 2007, Johnson left that band and has since released multiple solo projects. Diamond Plate went on to release two albums through Earache Records and played multiple tours and shows sharing stages with the likes of such thrash metal icons as Overkill, Death Angel, Testament, Megadeth, D.R.I., and others.
Fast forward to 2018. Nicademus joined forces with Tommy Denniger of End Of Sanity and Sean Coogan of Vitrial to launch MISFIRE. Shortly thereafter, Denniger decided to follow a different path. Nicademus called the only man for the job: his old friend, Jay Johnson. The decision would ultimately solidify MISFIRE‘s lineup. MISFIRE has been active ever since opening shows for Iron Reagan, Sacred Reich, and more. Writes Metal Crypt, “For a young band, these guys are tight as hell and damn fine performers, from Jay Johnson’s crunchy, skull-piercing riffs to Jim Nicademus’ pounding, bestial drum work to the angsty, Robb Flynn-esque rasps and merciless bass lines of vocalist/bassist Sean Coogan… these fellows are ready for the big leagues…”
Comments MISFIRE on their union with eOne, “We are beyond excited to join forces with eOne! We are so grateful to have the opportunity to share our music with so many people. Thanks to everyone who has supported and believed in us. We will see you soon!” Stand by for further news on MISFIRE to be announced in the coming weeks!
MISFIRE:
Jay Johnson – vocals, guitar Sean Coogan – vocals, bass, James Nicademus – drums
MISFIRE is managed by Jeromy Jerome and Frank Mastalerz of FM Music Management and booked by Andrew Goodfriend and Mike Monterulo at TKO.
Canadian symphonic metal band URIEL are pleased to announce that they will be re-releasing their album Multiverse on CD on October 1st 2021. The album will be available via their Bandcamp.
Frontwoman Gaia Guarda commented “I am so happy that we will be releasing Multiverse to a new audience! We put a lot of time and effort into these songs and I’m stoked for more people to hear them.”
1. Long Way Home 2. Multiverse 3. Mysterious Dancer 4. A Thousand Burdens 5. Follow You 6. Blood Forest 7. Insight 8. War Hammer 9. Lies 10. A Heart Underneath
New music to be released later this year, live performance on August 26th in Long Beach, CA
Reunited thrashers MANTICRITUAL have signed with M-Theory Audio. New music from the group – featuring original members Dan Wetmore (vocals/guitars), Jeff Potts (guitars), and Ben Mottsman (bass) alongside new drummer Carlos Cruz (Warbringer, Exmortus, Hexen) – will be released later this year, but the first taste of the new riffs to come will be unveiled with a live performance on Thursday, August 26th at Supply & Demand in Long Beach, CA.
“This is Dan Wetmore with the first Mantic Ritual news in over ten years! We have reunited and working on a new EP for later this year via our recent signing with M-Theory Audio. With over twelve original songs already written, this will set the path for an imminent full-length album next year. Reviving Mantic Ritual isn’t something we’re taking lightly, we intend to best our debut album, “Executioner” in every way. The new material is true to our roots in Heavy Metal, Thrash/Speed and Punk. This is in our blood and it’s time to share with everyone. Mantic Ritual is ecstatic to work with M-Theory Audio and thankful for the opportunity furnished by Founder/President, Marco Barbieri. Cheers!”
The early beginnings of MANTICRITUAL were birthed in the band’s hometown of Pittsburgh in 2005. Performing initially under the name Meltdown, the group began building a buzz with Northeast heavy metal fans over the next two years with their combination of boundless thrash enthusiasm and superb songsmanship. The band moved across the country to Los Angeles in 2007, where performances alongside leaders of the budding Southern California thrash revival such as Warbringer, Fueled By Fire, and Merciless Death earned them attention from discerning metal audiences and a record deal with Nuclear Blast Records.
The group soon changed their name to MANTICRITUAL, and released their first – and so far only – full-length record “Executioner” produced by Andy Classen (Asphyx, Tankard, Krisiun) in March 2009. The album received critical acclaim at the time of its release, with MetalSucks praising the band’s “ability to display solid songcraft while maintaining a high-level of heaviness,” Blabbermouth taking note of their “passion, chemistry and intensity,” and the Washington Post noting that “MANTIC RITUAL’s old-school sensibilities act like a group hug that brings punks and headbangers together.”
MANTICRITUAL followed up the release of “Executioner” with live touring alongside heavy metal titans such as Rotting Christ and Destruction, before dissolving in 2010. Potts and Mottsman later went on to join Warbringer for their 2013 release, “IV: Empires Collapse,” with Potts himself also performing on Gygax’s 2018 release, “2nd Edition.” Potts, Mottsman, and Wetmore began writing and recording new music together – with Cruz (still a member of Warbringer) now joining them on drums – in the beginning of 2021.
The group’s upcoming live performance on Thursday, August 26th at Supply & Demand in Long Beach, CA – their first since a one-off reunion at Thrasho De Mayo 2013 in Los Angeles – is only the beginning of this exciting new chapter in the story of MANTICRITUAL. More information on new music from MANTICRITUAL will be unveiled in the weeks to come by M-Theory Audio and at www.facebook.com/manticritual.
First-ever vinyl and cassette releases due Sept. 17 alongside expanded 2CD feat. bonus disc of live material
M-Theory Audio will reissue “State of Insurgency,” the acclaimed 2008 debut album from California neo-thrashers HEXEN, on Sept. 17. The band’s combination of old-school ferocity, new-school technicality and socially conscious lyrics helped them stand out in the fiercely competitive Southern California thrash revival that birthed acts such as Warbringer, Exmortus, Merciless Death and Fueled By Fire. Pre-orders for the upcoming reissue – available as a red vinyl double LP, limited cassette and a 2CD with a bonus disc of previously unreleased live tracks – are available now HERE.
Says drummer Carlos Cruz (Warbinger, Machine Head, Power Trip, Ohm), “Thirteen years later, out from the remains of the blast radius, no longer out-of-print, prepare yourselves for a brand-new double-CD with loads of never-before-heard extras and for the first time ever, the album on vinyl and cassette! My goal was to celebrate my first-ever full-length studio album by pressing and releasing it DIY on vinyl, but thanks to Marco Barbieri, his team at M-Theory Audio and the extensive archive of founding member Andre Hartoonian, we were able to go above and beyond our expectations on this re-release for thrash fans everywhere! Amass the insurrection!”
“State of Insurgency” – originally released by OSM Records – was powered by the shredding double-guitar assault of Ronny Dorian and James Lopez, the precise drumming of Cruz and the dextrous bass and searing vocals of Hartoonian. The album – produced by Dave Swanson (Carnifex, Riot V), and featuring cover art from iconic metal artist Ed Repka (Megadeth, Death) – was hailed by Blabbermouth for being “well-written, molten thrash metal… heartfelt and proudly old-school… jam-packed with great riffs.” HEXEN supported the album’s release via touring alongside fellow new-school thrashers such as Rattlehead and Mantic Ritual. Check out the band’s self-produced 2008 music video for the title track HERE.
M-Theory Audio’s reissue of “State of Insurgency” includes new liner notes and never-before-seen photos from the archive of Hartoonian. He adds, “The most important part of this entire project for me was how the vinyl would sound. I am SO glad to say that we lucked out. I’ve not been able to stop listening to the LP test pressings because our album has never sounded so good. EVERYTHING has been improved in the new vinyl remaster. Better instrument separation. Better vocal presence, allowing the riffs to be better heard now without anything being buried. You can actually clearly hear the bass guitar now! The kick drums have a bassy boom to them now, and parts where you couldn’t exactly hear the riffs underneath the vocals, you can hear them all clearly now the entire time. Everything has improved. Vinyl-heads are gonna eat this shit up!”
More information on HEXEN and “State of Insurgency” will be unveiled in the weeks to come by M-Theory Audio.
Italian melodic death metallers LUNARSEA have a pleasure to announce that they will play at the 3-days CamuniaSonoraFest in Brescia – Italy, on Sunday, July 25th!
The band stated: “FINALLY BACK ON STAGE! We will share the stage with legends as Sodom and SAMAEL at Camunia Sonora on Sunday 25th July.”
Siberian metal collective MILLSTONE is set to release its newest album, Isle.
The album falls under the groove\death-metal umbrella, with melodic solos, varied rhythms and a “wall-of-sound” density. Each of the 9 tracks carries its own unique mood; from acoustic sketches to bottom-heavy Meshuggah-esque passages, along with a lethal dose of straightforward classic thrash.
Isle was written by MILLSTONE mastermind Ivan Scherbakov and produced by Vladimir Lehtinen (Second To Sun, Ultar, Grima, etc.), Isle is a concept album based on sci-fi novel “The Inhabited Island” (Arkady and Boris Strugatsky).
Stream album track “Turned Inside Out” now at this location.
Rising U.S. Heavy Metal force SLEEPLESS have released a lyric video for “Host Desecration,” a track from forthcoming debut EP Blood Libel. Check it out at youtu.be/MLp2iRNulEo
Original members of 80’s death metal pioneers Dead Conspiracy, Eric Dorsett and Eric Detablan have joined forces with their old friend, guitarist, singer and production machine Kevin Hahn to form SLEEPLESS. Classic, scorching Heavy Metal pulses through debut EP Blood Libel, which will be released on March 12 via Necromantic PressRecords.
Heavy metal inspired by an internal need to slam accepted dogma and to shed light on a dark past that is largely forgotten, Blood Libel is the genuine article! Metal, thrash, melody, and at times, depressive introspection, add up to a memorable gut-punch of an EP.
“The trick is that they are meant to be a traditional heavy metal act, but the death metal history makes its way into the actual music itself, thus creating something that could be heavy/death metal? Blood Libel is a quick taste of something stellar in the making.”
– Sleeping Village Reviews
“A classic heavy metal EP, influenced by a determination to bring dark history into the light and change perspectives, in the process. Combining melodic thrash with bleak contemplation, ‘BL’ packs a punch.”
In March of 1990, four hard rock kids got together and recorded a four-song demo titled “Painkiller”. 30 years later, with some new technology and some help from Connecticut music legends, Mike Z Livingston and Static Era’s Jay Reason, Crossover is re-releasing their EP and bringing it back to life with more balls than ever.
Listen to Crossover’s timeless rocker, “True Believer”:
The EP includes three live bonus tracks, and their 4 original songs, “Painkiller”, “Identity”, “Too Many Fears” and “True Believer”. “It’s gritty, raw, and as old school as it gets,” says Jay “Ice” Piccirillo. “If you like Metallica Kill Em’ All meets DRI then this is a must listen! Enjoy and thank you all for the great memories!”
Crossover formed in Bridgeport, CT during the late 80s as part of the hardcore and metal scene that was beginning to flourish around New York City. Jay had an idea to put together a Metal/Hardcore/Thrash/Punk style band which, at the time, was labeled ‘Crossover’ music. Comprised of ScottSmith (rhythm guitar/vocals), Bill Smith (drums), Scott Camara (guitar) and Jay “Ice” Piccirillo (bass), the band played everywhere from keg parties to clubs, and quickly gained a loyal following.
During the Fall of 2002, the band reunited for a live benefit show that would feature Crossover, Payback, Sonick Plague, Dresden, Lost Generation, Forced Reality, and 76 percent Uncertain. The band’s lineup that night consisted of Jay, Bill Smith, GB Hammond from Lost Generation, Charlie Taylor from Payback, and Andy Reitano from Blastmat.
While the band’s lifespan was relatively short, their influence can still be felt today. Hatebreed singer, Jamey Jasta, bought Jay’s Mesa Boogie amp when they were in their beginning stages and told him he had a Crossover sticker on his bedroom door when he was 14 years old. Piccirillo recalls, “It was pretty damn cool hearing that.”
It is now 30 years later since the original demo was released and over the years technology has come a long way. Crossover now has the sound and mix they envisioned three decades ago, and are excited to share it with old and new fans alike.
For more on Crossover, including their new site and merchandise, visit:
Nov. 17, 2020, NEW ORLEANS – EyeHateGod, “the quintessential Southern sludge band” (Pitchfork) that Rolling Stone dubbed one of “America’s great live bands,” have returned to Century Media Records, with an eye towards a Spring 2021 release for the band’s first album in seven years: AHistory of Nomadic Behavior (date TBA).
A joint statement from the band on the band and label reunion: “EyeHateGod are pleased to announce we’ve signed a licensing deal with Century Media Records USA and Europe…! We welcome the new changes along with the new year coming, and want this union to benefit everyone involved, especially our rabid and disturbed fans across the globe!”
“We’re happy to announce solidifying our worldwide relationship with EyeHateGod,” added Director of Century Media Records, Phillipp Schulte. “While Century Media has worked with the guys in the past, we’re excited to begin a new chapter with a record that easily ranks amongst this hard-working, heavy-touring band’s best. We are very much looking forward to releasing EyeHateGod’s A Historic of Nomadic Behavior.”
“EyeHateGod are survivors on every level,” says Century Media Records Vice President of A&R, Mike Gitter. “Since 1988 they’ve been part of the framework of extreme music and A History of Nomadic Behavior will be no exception. Theirs is a tough and turbulent road that would have stopped most bands dead in their tracks. Not these NOLA legends. Century Media has been part of their career from the early days and we’re excited to be working together again. EyeHateGod is here to stay.”
The cover art for A History of Nomadic Behavior has been revealed as the band and label prepare to share additional details about the album in coming weeks.
About EyeHateGod:
New Orleans’ EyeHateGod is the snarling, bilious sound of dead-end America. Since 1988, they’ve been a soundtrack for the troubled masses. Ugly music for ugly times. That’s the sense of disenchantment and disease that lies at the heart of their latest and sixth full-length album, A History of Nomadic Behavior. Anyone familiar with EHG’s story knows this is survivor’s music, a sound unto itself where Sabbathian riffs are meted out with a caustic anger that goes beyond punk. That’s been the blueprint since guitarist Jimmy Bower (also of NOLA supergroup, Down) founded the band in 1988 with vocalist Michael IX Williams joining not long after. With a discography including sludge-punk mainstays like In the Name of Suffering (1990), Take as Needed for Pain (1993) Dopesick (1996), Confederacy of Ruined Lives (2000) or 2014’s eponymously-titled LP, released in the US through Housecore Records, EHG laid the cracked foundation for their infamous and influential sound.
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.