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
OSDM beast THE GLORIOUS DEAD is set to release its second full-length, Cemetery Paths. The follow-up to 2020’s Into Lifeless Shrines sees THE GLORIOUS DEAD continue to dole out lethal amounts of unapologetically brutal, yet compositionally-minded death metal.
Bindrune Recordings will release Cemetery Paths on July 28.
Track-list: 1) Semita Cineris 2) Horizons of Ash 3) Gag on Viscera 4) Purulent Forms 5) Daylight Graves 6) Cadaver Within 7) Malefic Sepsis 8) Dragging the Dead 9) Living Rot 10) Corpse of the King 11) Cemetery Path 12) Semita Pulveris
THE GLORIOUS DEAD is a Northern Michigan band that consists of members of other such notable acts as Pan, Feast Eternal, and Reasonable Deception. The members have gathered to revel in the cathartic release of creating death metal in the old spirit and after the positive acclaim surrounding their Into Lifeless Shrines debut full-length on Bindrune Recordings, the band spent the entirety of the pandemic creating another album worth of material with the intention of moving forward creatively, without losing sight of their core sound.
With their second full-length, Cemetery Paths, time, evolution and dedication to their old death metal influences have found the band building upon the foundation set by their debut, with more speed, doom, and melodic elements that feel like a progression while never losing sight of memorable riffs and songwriting. A lot of thought and care have gone into these songs and the band is thrilled to share their brand of filthy Northern Death Metal with those who heed the mortal yearning for the grave.
Cemetery Paths was recorded in 2022 at AV Studios in Traverse City, Michigan by Andy Vanguilder, mixed by Spenser Morris, and Mastered by Andrew DeCagna (Ironflame/Nechochwen) at Sacred Sound Studios.
THE GLORIOUS DEAD: TJ Humlinski – Vocals/Lead Guitar Chris Boris – Bass/Vocals Chris Fulton – Drums Marty Rytkonen – Guitar
Bay Area death metal trio NECROT will make their long-awaited return to the stage beginning this weekend with headlining shows in Brooklyn and Philadelphia respectively. From there, the band will take a short breather before kicking off their Western US tour which begins May 12th in Los Angeles, California and runs through May 20th in Oakland, California. Support for the tour will be provided by Mortiferum and labelmates Deathgrave. One week later, NECROT will make a live appearance at this year’s Northwest Terror Fest. Tickets are on sale now! See all confirmed dates below.
NECROT: 5/06/2023 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY w/ L.O.T.I.O.N., Skullshitter 5/07/2023 Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA w/ Skullshitter, Radian, Oktas, Drifter
NECROT w/ Deathgrave, Mortiferum: 5/12/2023 Brick by Brick – San Diego, CA 5/13/2023 1720 – Los Angeles, CA 5/14/2023 Nile Underground – Mesa, AZ 5/15/2023 Sister – Albuquerque, NM 5/16/2023 Hi Dive – Denver, CO 5/17/2023 Ace’s High Saloon – Salt Lake City, UT 5/19/2023 Cafe Colonial – Sacramento, CA 5/20/2023 Eli’s Mile High Club – Oakland, CA 5/26/2023 Northwest Terror Fest @ Neumos – Seattle, WA * NECROT only
NECROT released their Mortal full-length in 2020 via Tankcrimes. The crushing studio offering earned the #2 spot on Billboard’s Top New Artist chart, #30 on the Top Current Albums chart, #4 on the Current Hard Music, and #10 on the Heatseeker Albums chart upon its first week of release.
Mortal was recorded by Grammy-award-winning engineer Greg Wilkinson (High On Fire, Autopsy) and mastered by Alan Douches (Cannibal Corpse, Cattle Decapitation, Mastodon) at West West Side. The record features cover art by Marald Van Haasteren (Baroness, Mortuous) and is available on CD, LP, cassette, and digital formats.
For physical orders, visit the Tankcrimes Merch table at THIS LOCATION. Visit the NECROT Bandcamp page HERE for digital orders and more.
Following their much acclaimed, self-titled 2017-debut, June 30, 2023 sees Australian heavy metal force NIGHT LEGION release their sophomore studio album, entitled “Fight Or Fall” via Massacre Records!
As first album single, “The Hounds Of Baskerville”, immediatly proves, “Fight Or Fall” is a no-nonsense return to fast and powerful heavy metal with screaming vocals, crushing guitars and hooks that remind you what great songwriting sounds like. This record is not a happy walk through a forest of elves – this is the battlefield where metal lives and soaring vocals invoke the spirits of what made metal the force it is today!
Give ear, a music video for NIGHT LEGION‘s new single is now streaming HERE!
“A classic horror inspired track slightly based around the Sherlock Holmes’ “The Hound of the Baskervilles”, however with a much more dark and brutal twist and in our own way,“ the band reveals. “It centralizes to a small town being terrorized by the local werewolves, with descriptive references.
Some people believe it, some people don’t and think it’s a legend we have devised ourselves until they themselves face the terror & wrath. The wolves in this case also represent the 5 of us – we are about to unleash a new record and we have the hunger to unleash on the live circuit!
It’s also inspired by how humanity’s own state of madness can conjure up such evil for the reason to terrorize, deceive and always live in fear. The reference to the chorus “Chase the hounds of Baskerville” really comes from how we as humans are intrigued to learn more about the mysteries of the world and anything that scares us. It’s a pretty bold, in your face, massive memorable chorus – it’s the run to the hills of the album, I’d say, hence being the first single.
It’s a heart stopper vocally & Stu’s guitar work adds another dimension – this song will play a movie in the listeners head.”
“Fight Or Fall” was produced by NIGHT LEGION guitarist Stu Marshall, and was mixed and mastered by Chris Themelco at Monolith Studios. Set to be released on June 30, 2023, the album pre-sale has just started via Massacre Records at THIS LOCATION!
“Fight Or Fall” track listing:
The Hounds Of Baskerville
Babylon Burns
Soaring Into The Black
Fight Or Fall
At World’s End
Beyond The Crimson Dawn
Harvest Of Sin
The Enemy
The Hand Of Death
NIGHT LEGION: Louie Gorgievski – Vocals Stu Marshall – Guitars Col Higginson – Guitars Glenn Williams – Bass Clay Tchakalian – Drums
While Swedish modern melodic metal outfit, dEMOTIONAL, is currently gearing up to reissue their latest, much acclaimed masterpiece album Scandinavian Aftermath, due out on May 26, 2023 via AFM Records. Today, the band has shared a brand new lyric video for the song “Boiling Point”: HERE
With four albums under their belt and following their recent, worldwide signing with AFM Records, the Hamburg-based powerhouse label is proud to present the band’s self-released 2021-offering, Scandinavian Aftermath, to a global audience. With over 15 million streams on Spotify alone and a constant listener base of 100k, various live shows, tours and radio airplays, dEMOTIONAL have aready proved to be one of the most exciting, up-and-coming bands of their genre and now they are ready more than ever to conquer the world!
The quintet from Gothenburg, that already became an anchor in the Swedish metal scene, has caused a stir with the release of their much-acclaimed debut album, STATE: IN DENIAL, in 2013. And they have not been slowing down since. Their second album TARASSIS got them a spot as main support on DEAD BY APRIL’s European tour and also their own headline shows around the world.
Scandinavian Aftermath will be reissued as a Deluxe Edition on May 26, 2023, visit the AFM Records shop at THIS LOCATION!
Scandinavian Aftermath – track listing:
Scandinavian Aftermath
Bärsärk
My Own Enemy
My Heart (Feat. Matt Guillory & Jenny Fagerstrand)
S.O.A.K
Cornered
All That I Knew
Young Wolves
Boiling Point
Typhoon
Northern Star
Fear Of Success
Don’t Wake Me Up
Close Yet Far
Lost in This City
Everbound
SINGLES/ VIDEOS: dEMOTIONAL – Boiling Point (2023) watch HERE dEMOTIONAL – Lost In This City watch HERE dEMOTIONAL – Bärsärk watch HERE dEMOTIONAL – Scandinavian Aftermath watch HERE
Canadian sci-fi metal innovators VOIVOD are continuing their 40th Anniversary touring cycle, kicking off their US leg next week! The US dates start on May 9th in Asheville, NC and wrap on May 23rd in Pensacola, FL. Most dates will see support from enigmatic experimental outfit, IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT. Full dates below. Tickets are available HERE.
VOIVOD – USA Tour w/ Imperial Triumphant: May 9, 2023 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel * no Imperial Triumphant May 10, 2023 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27 * no Imperial Triumphant May 11, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts May 12, 2023 – New York, NY – The Bowery May 13, 2023 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage May 14, 2023 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground May 16, 2023 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live May 17, 2023 – Tampa, FL – Floridian May 18, 2023 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage May 19, 2023 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues May 20, 2023 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall May 21, 2023 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It May 23, 2023 – Pensacola, FL – The Vinyl Music Hall * no Imperial Triumphant
VOIVOD recently announced a special Anniversary studio album entitled Morgöth Tales, to be released on July 21st, 2023 via Century Media Records.
Once more recorded and mixed by Francis Perron at RadicArt Studio, mastered by Maor Appelbaum and produced by VOIVOD, Morgöth Tales includes fresh studio (re-)recordings by the band’s current line-up of 9 especially selected, not-so-obvious picks from the band’s hyper-classy and extremely diverse back catalogue (between 1984 and 2003) as well as a brand-new song in the album’s title-track, “Morgöth Tales”.
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