BERZERKER LEGION was founded in 2016 by guitarists Tomas Elofsson (Hypocrisy) and Alwin Zuur (Asphyx) with a vision to create death metal of the most belligerent quality, they recruited a line-up of solid well-known musicians consisting of James Stewart (Vader) on drums, Jonny Pettersson (Wombbath) on vocals and Fredrik Isaksson (Dark Funeral) on bass to complete the Legion.
Alwin Zuur (guitars/songwriter) comments: “During the recent years Tomas and I met each other at shows and festivals regularly. Much of our conversations were about music and styles. During these meetings we found out that we really had a lot of common musical interests .
Music wise our debut album ‘Obliterate the Weak’ displays the perfect balance between brutality, melody and harmony. Being a fan of the early 90’s Swedish Gothenburg style, with bands like At The Gates, Eucharist, A Canorous Quintet, as well as being a die-hard fan of brutal old school death metal style with bands like Bolt Thrower, Obituary, I have always wanted to write songs showing a mix of such different death metal genres.
With our new album “Chaos Will Reign” we have further developed ourselves in our typical musical mix of melody and brutality. “Chaos Will Reign” sounds more professional, complete, massive and powerful thanks to Jonas Kjellgren’s production. It has become the logical successor, a huge step forward compared to our debut album “Obliterate the Weak”.
Saying the album songs transpire massively produced invigorating heavy death metal is an understatement. BERZERKER LEGION knock out with warlike triumphant, powerfully addictive harmonies that will turn them into an unstoppable beast in a live situation and on record.
THUNDERMOTHER don’t just play Rock’n’Roll. THUNDERMOTHER are Rock’n’Roll!
The Swedish rock queens return with a new single after the attention-getting line-up change. A music video for “I Left My License In The Future” – a jaw-dropping, straightforward, energetic, catchy potential hit, is now premiering below! Produced again with Danish mastermind Soren Andersen (Pretty Maids, D-A-D, Glenn Hughes, Mike Tramp, …) in autumn 2023, the song will showcase globally the potential of THUNDERMOTHER in terms of vocal performance and songwriting skills.
The release of the new single will be accompanied with a central-European tour with LANSDOWNE starting November 24 in Munich’s Backstage club and will be continued in early 2024 – for the first time ever – with a wide-ranging Swedish tour. The goal is to bring their Rock’N’Roll message live and on stage to their home country – all the way up to the Far North. Find all upcoming THUNDERMOTHER shows listed below!
Says the band about “I Left My License In The Future”: “With this first single from the new line-up, we would like to give the fans a hard hitting no-brainer track aimed at the one in the passenger seat without a driver’s license. An anthem for those of us who never gets to be the designated driver and a love letter to the ones in the driver’s seat. Cheers and let’s party!“
“I Left My License In The Future” is now available on all digital services HERE, the video clip is now premiering HERE:
THUNDERMOTHER 2023 – this is Linnea Vikström Egg, Majsan Lindberg, Joan Massing and Filippa Nässil. One line-up, one vision, one goal! Their slogan “We fight for Rock’N’Roll” has to be taken literally!
Make sure to catch THUNDERMOTHER fighting for Rock’N’Roll, on their upcoming European tour with Boston-based rock band LANSDOWNE, tickets are now available via: https://www.thundermother.com/
24.11.2023 DE München / Backstage 25.11.2023 DE Köln / Live Music Hall 26.11.2023 CH Bern / Bierhübeli 28.11.2023 DE Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal 29.11.2023 FR Paris / Petit Bain 01.12.2023 DE Memmingen / Kaminwerk 02.12.2023 DE Hannover / Capitol 03.12.2023 NL Utrecht / De Helling
With remarkable records such as the self-titled Voodoo Circle or Locked & Loaded, Alex Beyrodt’s VOODOO CIRCLE quickly establish themselves as the epitome of quality in classic hard rock. This band has it all: lots of experience featuring members of PRIMAL FEAR, SINNER and PINK CREAM 69, outstanding songwriting skills and musicianship, passion and a sense for great hooks.
It’s obvious that VOODOO CIRCLE have enhanced their classic rock repertoire on the highest level. A German band never before sounded that international, with that much “American Hard Rock“ in their blood. These melodic anthems, cultivated by the powerful voice of David Readman, the tasteful Hammond-sounds by Jimmy Kresic, Mat Sinner’s as usual precise bass foundation and Markus Kullmann’s drumming in best Bonham tradition, appear to come down right from the Olympus of hard rock.
To shorten your wait for a new studio offering to follow in the hopefully not so distant future, on December 1, 2023, VOODOO CIRCLE present their Best Of “15 Years Of Voodoo” via AFM Records, featuring not only highlights of their discography ( Locked & Loaded, Raised on Rock, More Than One Way Home, Whisky Fingers, Voodoo Circle ), but also two previously unreleased tracks! One of them, “Sweet Devotion”, recorded in 2021 during the Locked & Loaded album-era, is now available with a music video, streaming HERE
Says Alex Beyrodt:“Sweet Devotion is a typical Voodoo Circle song with all trademarks. David’s voice blows me away every time. I’m glad that the song now has its place on the Best Of album that will be released soon!“
Brace yourself, Austin! The city known for its vibrant music scene is about to get a new blitzkrieg of a bash. Announcing the first ever Austin Death Fest, a two-day death metal extravaganza set to reverberate through Austin on April 27th and 28th, 2024 at the Mohawk.
Today, the festival has announced WITCH VOMIT, MORTUOUS, MAUL, CIVEROUS, TORTURE RACK and LUNAR CHAMBER will be joining thepowerhouse lineup. Previously, headliners MORTIFERUM, OUTER HEAVEN, TOMB MOLD, and PHOBOPHILIC were announced.
The festival founder, Jason Dahlke, shares his vision: “The goal with Austin Death Fest is to showcase the best contemporary bands in the genre on one of the coolest stages Austin has to offer. So many of the bands on the lineup are churning out some of the best records in modern death metal and grinding it out in clubs or DIY venues, playing for the die hard fans of the culture. Paying homage to previous Austin festivals such as Chaos in Tejas, I wanted to bring back a festival that got people excited for what’s happening currently in the scene and hopefully inspire them to start up their own bands, start attending more local shows, and putting their passion into the scene to help it further grow.”
Austin Death Fest not only offers a platform to the greatest in contemporary death metal but also hopes to revive and grow the love for the genre within Austin’s eclectic community of music enthusiasts.
Mark your calendars, gather your crew, and prepare for a weekend of headbanging, electrifying riffs, and the raw energy that is the essence of death metal. Austin Death Fest is coming!
Currently, weekend passes are on sale at Early Bird pricing. Tickets can be purchased HERE. All Early Bird passes cover the entire weekend – two days of solid death metal! Single day passes will be made available at a later date.
About Austin Death Fest:
Founded by Jason Dahlke of LEFT TO ROT, Austin Death Fest is a new festival aiming to celebrate and grow the death metal community in Austin, Texas. With an inaugural lineup that promises a sensational experience, the festival seeks to be a cornerstone event for all death metal enthusiasts.
November 24, 2023 sees German death/thrash metal band BURDEN OF GRIEF release their much-awaited, eighth studio album, titled “Destination Dystopia”, via Masssacre Records. Coming as CD, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats, the pre-sale is available at: https://lnk.to/destinationdystopia
It’s the band’s first offering in more than five long years. Five years, in which so much has happened in the world that BURDEN OF GRIEF were forced to refer to it lyrically and musically. Reinforced by the two new members Dominik Hellmuth (guitars) and Manuel Lüke (drums), they now present the strongest, heaviest and most varied album in the almost 30-year band history.
Following a previously-released, first album appetizer “Fevered Dreams”, now, BURDEN OF GRIEF are premiering a music video for their new single “A Daydream Of Sorrow”!
“On each of our albums we have 2-3 songs that break out of our usual musical context, mostly by being significantly slower,” the band comments. “This is enormously important to keep the music as varied as possible. “A Daydream Of Sorrow” is one of those songs that is particularly catchy, not least because of the slowing down of the tempo, and also has an extended solo part. In the studio it has already turned out that this song clearly stands out from the overall material. But fans of our heavier stuff don’t have to worry, most of the other songs are much faster.”
Watch the new BURDEN OF GRIEF video now streaming HERE
On “Destination Dystopia”, BURDEN OF GRIEF accomplished to focus on their years of experience, to combine their strengths and to put them into 10 riff monsters that are bursting with energy, great melodies and pure heaviness. First and foremost, you’ll get the thrash and melodic death treatment, but you’ll also find a plethora of elements that go way beyond what these musical drawers are all about. Expect killer grooves, classic twin-guitar solos as well as the return of the old-school Hammond organ.
Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner and his assistant Daniel Claar took care of the drum recordings, mixing and mastering of the album at the Kohlekeller Studios (Hämatom, Powerwolf, Aborted, etc.), and they made sure that “Destination Dystopia” is the tightest and heaviest album BURDEN OF GRIEF has ever released!
BURDEN OF GRIEF: Mike Huhmann – Vocals Philipp Hanfland – Guitars Dominik Hellmuth – Guitars Florian Bauer – Bass Manuel Lüke – Drums
“Destination Dystopia” track listing:
World Under Attack
A Daydream Of Sorrow
Exposed To The Dark
Downfall
Fevered Dreams
The Devil’s Bride
Mass Murder Society
Destination Dystopia
Fall Into Oblivion
My Suicide
DISCOGRAPHY: 2000 – Haunting Requiems 2001 – On Darker Trails 2004 – Fields Of Salvation 2007 – Death End Road 2009 – Haunting Requiems (Re-Release) 2010 – Follow The Flames 2014 – Unchained 2018 – Eye Of The Storm 2023 – Destination Dystopia
DOGBONE featuring Keel guitarist Bryan Jay, Keel drummer Dwain Miller, new vocalist Bob Reynolds (7 Angels, Fierce Heart, Grave Danger) and bassist David Dion have released the new single “Speed Kills,” a full throttle heavy metal thrill ride full of dangerous turns and high speed straightaways.
The track is featured on RFK Media’s “LIVETHE ROCK Volume One” CD and now available on all digital and streaming platforms, along with the relentlessly dizzying lyric video, via http://lnk.to/dogbonespeedkills.
Originally formed in the cultural transition between 80’s metal and 90’s grunge, DOGBONE once included the late great Rhett Forester (RIOT) on vocals. This long-awaited resurrection took place in the wake of the 2020 pandemic when Bryan Jay began working with vocalist Reynolds on tracks for his Digital Assassin TV & film music library, capturing lighting in a bottle with tracks like “Speed Kills.”
In addition to running the Digital Assassin music library and sporadic reunion shows with Keel, Jay also was instrumental – playing guitar and arranging music – in the 2001 VH1 film “Hysteria – The Def Leppard Story.”
BRYAN JAY (photo: Missie Tong)
“This song ‘Speed Kills’ is the perfect opening statement for the next chapter of this band,” Bryan claims. “We hope that rockers everywhere, Keel fans and all metalheads will keep up with us online and on social media as we put the pedal down. Speed kills – but life and rock & roll will keep us in the fast lane!”
“Bryan Jay and I have always been the best of friends and worked together in Keel and on a number of other projects,” explains RFK Media founder Ron Keel. “I must admit, when he sent me ‘Speed Kills’ I was both proud and jealous – songs like this put us both on the map, and RFK Media is extremely proud to be part of Dogbone’s rebirth.”
The follow-up to 2021’s “Embrace the Unknown” (released by Germany’s Pure Steel Records), “Deception” features five tracks of prog-infused thrash highlighted by the band’s signature melodic vocals and hook-laden approach to songwriting.
Deception is set for release on November 10. Pre-order and pre-save the EP at linktr.ee/lower13official
Tracklist: 1) More Time 2) Your Love’s a Curse 3) The One to Blame 4) Holding on to Misery 5) You Just Left Her
LOWER 13 was formed in Parma, Ohio in March 2006 and is comprised of Eric Kruger (drums), Sean Balog (bass, vocals), and Patrick Capretta (guitars, vocals). Lower 13 strives to carve their own identity in the metal scene, blending styles and pulling from their various influences. They create their own brand of metal laced with crushing riffs, grooves, and dual vocal harmonies.
Iron Maiden will return to the USA, Canada & Chile with The Future Past Tour in 2024!
Oct 2024: 4 North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, San Diego, CA, USA 5 Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas, NV, USA 8 Kia Forum, Los Angeles, CA, USA 12 Aftershock Festival, Sacramento, CA, USA (on sale now) 14 MODA Center, Portland, OR, USA 16 Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA, USA 18 Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA 19 Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA 22 Xcel Energy Center, St Paul, MN, USA 24 Allstate Arena, Rosemont, IL, USA 26 Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON, CANADA 27 Videotron Centre, Quebec, QC, CANADA 30 Centre Bell, Montreal, QC, CANADA
Nov 2024: 1 Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA 2 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA 6 DCU Center, Worcester, MA, USA 8 PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 9 Prudential Center, Newark, NJ, USA 12 CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore, MD, USA 13 Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC, USA 16 Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX, USA 17 Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX, USA 27 Estadio Nacional, Santiago, CHILE
Tickets on sale: Chile – 2 Nov at 12pm (local) USA & Canada – 3 Nov at 10am (local)
IMFC Presales: Chile – 30 Oct USA & Canada – 31 Oct
Trooper VIP will be available for most shows in the USA & Canada.
Further dates for 2024 will be announced in due course.
Longtime Tesla guitarist Dave Rude will release his highly anticipated full-length album, “Through the Fire” on November 17, 2023, via Rat Pak Records. The album features 11 new studio tracks and was mixed by fellow Tesla band-mate Brian Wheat, at his studio J-Street Records in Sacramento, CA.
Regarding the recording process Dave states, “Through the Fire” was written all over the world – in dressing rooms, hotels and at soundchecks. “When I tour with Tesla, I usually have a mobile Pro-Tools recording rig with me so I can put down ideas during our downtime. Writing and recording in so many different places over a long stretch of time gave the songs a lot of variety and dynamics. I’m very happy with how it turned out and I’m excited to get this music out there!”
From the driving intro of album opener “Hell and Back”, to the melodic acoustic outro track “Ship Came In”, Dave Rude shines with his signature brand of rock-n-roll. Tracks like “Drink with the Devil”, “By the Blade”, “Eye for an Eye” and “Ain’t my Time” are chock full of memorable hooks and melodies, while songs like “Bron-yr-Rude” and “Gotta Pay” showcase his diverse and unique songwriting abilities. “Through the Fire” delivers all the power and punch that one would expect from this high-level guitarist!
After an incredible run earlier this year on the Rise of the Machine Tour, Static-X is back on the road but this time with some new friends. The 2023-2024 Machine Killer Tour now includes not only Static-X and Dope but Sevendust has now been introduced into this already powerful equation. Fans lined up early at Piedmont Hall in Greensboro NC on Oct. 13th to get a taste of the action. There was no better way to spend Friday the 13th.
The show opened with Lines of Loyalty, a three piece band from Wisconsin. The band consists of Glenn Morrison on guitar and vocals, Redo Ianni on bass and Brayden Pike on drums. Morrison has extremely crisp vocals that come from a place of passion. Pike is the definition of never judge a book by its cover. He looks all sweet and innocent but plays the drums like they owe him money. The only time Lanni ever stood still was when he was addressing the crowd. Other than that he owned every inch of his side of the stage with both physical movements and sound. Overall Lines of Loyalty was extremely well received.
Dope was up next with a bit of a last minute line-up change. Early on in the show lead singer, Edsel Dope, informed fans that long time guitarist Andre Karkos, better known as Virus, was hospitalized. At the time the reason for hospitalization was unknown, however, Edsel reassured everyone that he was doing ok. He then introduced Virus replacement, Tommy Shaffer. Shaffer fit in perfectly. He looked the part and he played so well it felt more like he had been touring with them the whole time rather than just filling in.
Edsel has a very calming presence when he speaks. He talked to the crowd with such care and confidence and then turned around and sang with such anger, power and intensity. The rest of the band easily matched his performance. Drummer Chris Warner is always a treat to see. He makes it look so effortless but the sound is so fierce. Bass player, Daniel Fox, was all over the stage making faces and making sure everyone could feel the music.
Dope had the crowd hyped but when Sevendust took the stage the crowd erupted with screams of excitement. Lead singer, Lajon Witherspoon is a powerhouse of a front man. He had command of everyone in the building with just his voice. Witherspoon is proof that even though metalheads may look and sound scary they really are one big family and they look out for each other. During their set, Witherspoon, opened up a walking pit and encouraged everyone to join in a safe space that was similar to a circle pit.
This did not stop him from also encouraging the crowd to open multiple mosh pits. He acted kind of like a mosh pit life guard, singing one moment and in the same breath asking if someone was ok then going right back into the next line. Mid set Witherspoon paused, pointed the microphone at the audience, and stood back to listen as the crowd sang back at him like they were part of the band.
The best way to describe drummer, Morgan Rose, is the human version of Animal the Muppet. He shows no mercy to those drums yet the music still sounds so wonderful.
Pairing his animalistic approach to the drums with the deep soul touching sound of Vinnie Horsnsby’s bass, it was impossible not to feel the music. From the bathroom to the concession line every part of that venue was shaking. Clint Lowery and John Connolly are an underrated guitar duo who even on opposite sides of the stage still play well together.
Finally it was time for Static-X to take the stage. Imagine this, a storm of soapy foam like bubbles cloud the stage, a large smiling pumpkin man enters from the side as music plays. Suddenly the music changes and the pumpkin man’s smile turns into a terrifying devilish grin. Tony Campos, Ken Jay, and Koichi Fukuda take the stage as Xero’s laser red eyes appear atop a podium dressed in a steal Static-X logo. Hollow begins to play. As Xero steps down from the podium and the band transitions into Terminator Oscillator the stage became flooded with smoke bubbles (dry ice). Whoever says bubbles aren’t metal has obviously never seen a cyborg play guitar as they pop around him.
Xero’s vocal style is extremely similar to that of original lead singer, Wayne Static. The concept of replacing a fallen band member has always had some controversy behind it but Xero has been taken in with open arms. It is apparent that he is in no way trying to replace Wayne but instead keeping his legacy alive. Static came out with a new album in 2020 called Project: Regeneration Vol. 1. This year they have dropped a few songs from Vol. 2, which is set to release in 2024. As the band began to play Z0mbie a new but familiar looking monster appeared on stage. He towers over the band, he’s green, his hair reaches to the heavens and he is simply known as FRANKENSTATIC.
Campos and Fukuda do an amazing job at commanding the sides of the stage. Campos stomps along to the beat of his bass with the same power that he puts into playing it. Fukuda hypes the crowd up with a level of shredding that has been consistent over almost 30 years. Even though Jay is hidden behind Xero’s hair it doesn’t stop anyone from hearing the crashing of his symbols or thunder like sounds as he strikes the drumhead. It wouldn’t be a Static-X show without an appearance from everyone’s favorite Shovel Man during I’m With Stupid. A song which no one could resist singing along to. However, nothing could compare to the roar that they met as they ended the show with Push It.
Static- X used the momentum from the Rise of the Machine Tour and doubled that energy with new friends both human and monster. With all four bands there is something for everyone on the Machine Killer Tour. Whether it’s this year or next this is a show no one should miss. Everyone shoud enjoy a little evil disco now and again. – Tanis Enos
Italian death metal quartet SPIRITUALDECEPTION has shared the official lyric video for “Thousand Lives Within,” the first single from the band’s upcoming new album, SemitaeMentis. The song features a guest appearance by NILE guitarist/vocalist Karl Sanders.
Semitae Mentis will be out on February 9, 2024. Amputated Vein Records will release the album on physical formats, with Earache Records handling digital distribution.
Check out the video for “Thousand Lives Within” at this location.
Following a series of EPs, Semitae Mentis bears the markings of a band that has reached a higher level of songmanship and technical prowess. The album features guest contributions by Karl Sanders (Nile) and Luc Lemay (Gorguts).
Track Listing:
The I Swells… (Decadence pt.I)
Atavic Future (Decadence pt.II)
The Days of Sleep (Decadence pt.III)
Beyond Perception and Matter
Dirac Sea (feat. Luc Lemay – Gorguts)
The Night opens
On the Edge of the Abyss
Thousand Lives Within (feat. Karl Sanders – Nile)
Individuality Dissolves
…To the Coldest Decline (Decadence pt.IV)
SPIRITUAL DECEPTION is an atmospheric death metal band, with hints of technical and brutal death metal, active since 2016.
The band has a deep connection with philosophy and owes its name to a theory from the Danish philosopher Søren Aabye Kierkegaard, which struck the composers’ minds: different human beings in the act of analyzing a particular circumstance, approach (inevitably) the situation with different points of view. Extending that fact to the ethics field hence that nothing can be defined as objective good or bad, true or false, as the judgment is deeply rooted in everyone’s own perspective. As a result, there is no objective truth, your soul is constantly deceived.
Line-Up: Mirko Frontini – Vocals and Guitar Riccardo Maccarana – Lead Guitar Billy Repalam – Bass Manuel Del Giudice – Drums
Since its birth, the band produced 3 EPs: Spiritual Deception (2018), Etemenanki(2019), and Oxymoron (2021), sharpening its sound towards a modern brand of death metal, with brutal guitar riffing and blasting drums, combined with melodic elements, which go from guitar harmonies to liturgical choirs and strings ensembles. The result of the combination of these elements is a sound that satisfies all kinds of listeners, from the brutal to the more sophisticated ones.
This formula is enriched by the lyrics which are all about philosophy, astronomy, history, and literature. The band wants to spark an interest in all these themes together with the passion for music into the listener and, in order to achieve its goal, wants to deliver a complete product, well-finished from all the points of view: from the music and lyrics to the artwork and media contents.
BLAZONER‘S catchy single “Ghost”, delivers plenty of fretwork through intricate guitar melodies and overdriven rhythms. Drawing musical influence from some of rock and metal’s major names including the likes of MELVINS, GENESIS and BLACK SABBATH, the resulting sound carries a classic edge with a few electronic twists. BLAZONER‘S debut album Escape to Electric Landwill be released on November 3rd, 2023.
Today, the band has shared the first taste of the new album with new single, “Ghost”. Stream it HERE.
The band shares of the single: “The first single from our debut album Escape to Electric Land is called “Ghost”. It’s a groovy heavy rock tune with worked fretboards and catchy chorus lines. Lyrically the song has a deeper spiritual meaning pointing in the direction of perseverance through consciousness. Being able to step outside ourselves and reflect on our true intentions.”
The band comments further on Escape to Electric Land:
“We call it Escape to Electric Land because that’s the overall aesthetic we are going for. Our band is really loud and intense and we feel we achieved that with this release. It’s meant to be listened to as a whole. An almost sonic sleep or coma with ups and downs. Some of the material had already existed, but we didn’t know how to use it until we formed BLAZONER.”
BLAZONER: Stephen Sullivan – Guitar, Vocals Brian Carnes – Bass, Vocals Andy Murray – Drums, Vocals
Escape to Electric Land – Track Listing:
Electric Land
The Servant
Ghost
Fallout
Onyx Stone
Misfortune
Time Shift
Full Stop
Credits: Mixed and Engineered by bassist Brian Carnes. Formats: CD and digital.
AboutBLAZONER: Hailing from Fredericksburg, Virginia, BLAZONER emerged at the beginning of 2023 and within six months their debut album was completed. Comprised of seasoned musicians, BLAZONER’s members previously performed as the post-metal band ALLUVION. Sullivan and Murray are also former members of the doom metal outfit LORD, who shared stages with the likes of WEEDEATER, EYEHATEGOD and TORCHE. BLAZONER, sees the trio developing as musicians and performers as they seek to find their groove in this new heavy incarnation. Their upcoming full-length Escape to Electric Land will be released on November 3rd, 2023.
Tankcrimes is pleased to announce a special twentieth anniversary vinyl repress of Evil Never Dies, the debut full-length from TOXICHOLOCAUST, set for release on December 8th.
TOXIC HOLOCAUST began kicking out the corrosive jams in basements and bedrooms over twenty years ago, building a punishing legacy of mutant thrash and filthy street punk that’s outlasted the heydays of the genres that spawned them. Founder Joel Grind, whose dedication to the one-man-band ethos gives the late Quorthon a run for his money, melts down the greatest punk metal crossover riff collection imaginable into nuclear ooze. With each successive release, Grind repurposes the most visceral strengths of speed, thrash, and punk through his own unique vision, making for new metal anthems that consistently reignite a circle-pitting feeding frenzy in the scene.
Initially released in 2003 via Nuclear War Now Productions and Witches Brew Records, Evil Never Dies was Grind’s first official full-length. Wrote All Music of the release, “…Evil Never Dies may have originally been released in 2003, but it rocks and rages like it was plucked directly out of the metal underground circa 1983. The group’s leader — the appropriately named Joel Grind — managed to pack quite a wallop on this recording, which perfectly laid out the group’s subsequent releases.
In other words, you know exactly what to expect with each new TOXIC HOLOCAUST release — early Metallica/Slayer-styled thrash. Case in point, such eardrum bashers as ‘War Is Hell,’ ‘Enemy Of Jesus,’ ‘666,’ and the album closer, ‘Atomik Destruktor.
Comments Grind on the Tankcrimes reissue, “It’s hard to believe I recorded Evil Never Dies twenty years ago. It simultaneously feels like yesterday and forever ago. At the time, there was minimal info on recording a DIY solo record at home. I just kinda learned as I went through trial and error. After all these years, I’m still happy with the way it turned out. No computers, no fixing…bumps and bruises and all.
“People have been asking for this LP to be available again and I can’t think of anyone better to bring it back to life than Scotty Heath from Tankcrimes. There’s nothing better than getting to work with your friends.”
Tankcrimes will reissue Evil Never Diesas a one-time, vinyl-only pressing limited to 2000 copies in the following color variants: Toxic Radiation Splatter (500) and Yellow w/ Black And White Splatter (1500).
Find preorders at the Tankcrimes webshop at THIS LOCATION.
Hungarian Metal Giants EKTOMORF Return With Their Heaviest & Angriest Album To Date!Vivid Black coming on December 8, 2023 via AFM Records!
December 8, 2023 will see Hungary’s metal frontrunners, EKTOMORF, release their brand new album offering, titled Vivid Black, via powerhouse label AFM Records! Available as CD,Vinyl and Digital formats, the pre-sale has just started at THIS LOCATION!
Vivid Black marks not only the already fourteenth studio album by EKTOMORF, but their most brutal and darkest to date! Even after almost 30 years of an impressive career, with chart-topping album releases and countless, international tours under their belt, the band proves to sound more intense, merciless and honest than ever before.
The Corona pandemic has left its mark on the world. This was also the case with singer and guitarist Zoltàn Farkas. Due to isolation and loss, he had to fight with depression, which he processes on Vivid Black. Written in only three (!) weeks, this hateful piece of art will bang directly into yours ears and in an obscure way, gives comfort to anyone who had similar emotional difficulties during the lockdowns. At the same time, Vivid Black is a personal reckoning with everything and everyone who stirs up hate and forces people to be something they are not and do not want to be. The band’s forthcoming record marks a new, honest and insanely brutal album from EKTOMORF,so better get ready for the destruction that is Vivid Black!
A first single, the fierce album opening track “I’m Your Last Hope (The Rope Around)”, has just been unleashed. The song is now available on all digital services HERE!Watch the new EKTOMORF music video now premiering HERE:
“Vivid Black is the darkest and angriest album I wrote in my entire life,” the EKTOMRF frontman reveals.“There is nothing beautiful or even nice about the songs, this album is about pain, hate, anger, disappointment of ungrateful people I had to know. In this part of my life, and also the dark time facing losing my Mother in long and painful sickness, I truly hate this world, no light left in me.Vivid Black is all I am. And this record will show what I feel, with all the heaviness and anger.”
On Vivid Black, EKTOMORF return to their music roots while bringing entirely new elements to light, including clear vocal passages and a modern metal sound. The iconic band remains a fixture in the European metal scene even after more than three decades, their relentless style and dedication are unmatched. With their forthcoming album and an unwavering passion, they will continue to dominate stages worldwide and get people headbanging around the globe, from small clubs to the biggest festivals. EKTOMORF prove, that music and the passion for what they do never cease.
Vivid Blackwas produced by Zoltàn Farkas and longtime friend and renowned producer Tue Madsen. The cover artwork was created by Bramantya Ardhy Wardhana. Pre-order your copy of this must-have, brutal album banger HERE!
Vivid Black – track listing: 01 – I’m Your Last Hope (The Rope Around Your Neck) 02 – Die 03 – Never Be the Same Again 04 – I Don’t Belong to You 05 – Fade Away 06 – You and Me 07 – Vivid Black 08 – The Best of Me 09 – You Belong There 10 – REM
EKTOMORF: Zoltàn Farkas (Vocals, Guitar) Szebasztián Simon (Guitar) Csaba Zahorán (Bass) Dániel Szabó (Drums)
After two acoustic albums, SONATA ARCTICA have been secretly working on a new full-length. Fans can expect a return to their golden power metal roots on the group’s forthcoming opus. Slated for release in the Spring of 2024 via AtomicFire, today the band is pleased to unveil a first taste of what’s to come with “First In Line.”
Frontman Tony Kakko elaborates, “This is the first power metal song I wrote for the forthcoming album which is laden with them. Its demo title was ‘First In Line’ and I managed to stick with it. The song handles the worry about raising a new generation of people with or rather letting an electronic screen — namely tv, pad, or some such — do a big part of raising this generation of human beings. We think that we buy ourselves time with these gadgets, but are these devices the right ‘nanny’ for our kids or should we maybe slow down a bit, read books, teach that happiness can be and often is something we reach by stopping and letting go of constant stimulation of all our audiovisual senses? In ways, we are flying blindly with these things. Things are advancing too fast in many ways…”
More details on SONATA ARCTICA’s upcoming full-length will be announced in the months to come.
In the meantime, stream/purchase “First In Line” at THIS LOCATION.
In related news, The Nordic Power Metal Titans 2023 European tour, featuring SONATAARCTICA alongside Finnish countrymen Stratovarius and rising international power metallers and labelmates Induction will commence this weekend. The twenty-four-date trek stands among the most anticipated tours of the year! See all confirmed dates below.
SONATA ARCTICA – Nordic Power Metal Titans 2023 w/ Stratovarius, Induction: 10/14/2023 Northern Rockfest @ Energi Arena – Umeå, SE 10/15/2023 Cozmoz Arena – Borlänge, SE 10/16/2023 Vulkan Arena – Oslo, NO 10/17/2023 Trädgår’n – Gothenburg, SE 10/19/2023 Slaktkyrkan – Stockholm, SE 10/20/2023 Gimle – Roskilde, DK 10/21/2023 Kulturpalast – Hamburg, DE 10/22/2023 Hellraiser – Leipzig, DE 10/24/2023 TivoliVredenburg (Ronda) – Utrecht, NL 10/25/2023 Garage – Saarbrücken, DE 10/26/2023 Bataclan – Paris, FR * No Induction 10/27/2023 Konzertfabrik Z7 – Pratteln, CH 10/28/2023 Alcatraz – Milan, IT 10/30/2023 Backstage – Munich, DE 10/31/2023 Szene – Vienna, AT 11/01/2023 Barba Negra – Budapest, HU 11/03/2023 Fuzz Club – Athens, GR 11/04/2023 Principal Club Theater – Thessaloniki, GR 11/06/2023 FORM Space – Cluj-Napoca, RO 11/07/2023 Quantic – Bucharest, RO 11/09/2023 Sono Centrum – Brno, CZ 11/10/2023 Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, DE 11/11/2023 Hell’s Balls Belgium @ Xpo – Kortrijk, BE 11/12/2023 Matrix – Bochum, DE
7/31-8/03/2024 Wacker Open Air – Wacken, DE Sold Out
Order SONATA ARCTICA‘s two latest albums Acoustic Adventures – Volume One & Two — plus back catalog records as well as merchandise now at: atomicfire-records.com/brand/2323.
Watch SONATA ARCTICA’s videos for “The Rest Of The Sun Belongs To Me,” “For The Sake Of Revenge,” “I Have A Right,” and “Victoria’s Secret” from Adventures – Volume One & Two at THIS LOCATION.
Band Featured On The Cover Of Decibel Magazine And Confirmed To Headline Austin Death Fest
Following its surprise digital release last month, physical editions of The Enduring Spirit, the fourth LP from Toronto, Ontario death metal outfit TOMB MOLD, are now available through 20 Buck Spin.
After releasing three albums in three years and then spending the next four years in the wilderness, TOMB MOLD has been reborn on their fourth album, The Enduring Spirit, a thoroughly unabashed step into vast new territories. Yet for all its frenetic daring and audacious exploration, The Enduring Spirit is never anything other than unmistakably TOMBMOLD.
What was already inarguably one of the most anxiously awaited metal albums of the year is now one of the most acclaimed and revered, as The Enduring Spirit reigns supreme among critics and fans alike. A band with boundless creative energy, as TOMB MOLD is, was certain to expand the scope of their vision, and on The Enduring Spirit they’ve shaped a record with a cinematic environment that offers unlimited avenues of exploration, both for themselves and the listener.
The Enduring Spirit was recorded at Boxcar Sound Recording by Sean Pearson (Tomb Mold, Dream Unending), and mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Tomb Mold, Dream Unending, Kommand, Gravesend, Power Trip). The album’s artwork was handled by Jesse Jacobi who was also responsible for the Planetary Clairvoyance artwork, with additional artwork by Karmazid, layout and design by Chimère Noire, and photography by Colin Medley.
Stream TOMB MOLD’s The Enduring Spirit everywhere including YouTube HERE and Bandcamp HERE.
The Enduring Spirit is now available on CD, MC, and both LP and the label’s first picture disc LP ever – both vinyl versions including a four-panel insert and huge 36×24-inch poster – at the label webshop HERE and Bandcamp HERE.
The November issue of Decibel Magazine is out now, featuring TOMB MOLD on the cover! Pick up the issue HERE.
Following two crushing release shows for the album, TOMB MOLD was just announced as headliners of the inaugural Austin Death Fest in Austin, Texas on April 27th and 28th alongside Mortiferum, Outer Heaven, and Phobophilic, with the full lineup to be announced shortly. Watch for updates to post in the weeks ahead.
TOMB MOLD Live:
4/27-28/2024 Austin Death Fest @ Mohawk – Austin, TX [tickets]
Cult heavy metal legends, CIRITH UNGOL, today announce their official retirement from live performances at the close of 2024.
In a collective statement, the band comments, “After careful deliberation, we have decided that 2024 will be the final year that CIRITH UNGOL will be performing live. Having taken a twenty-five-year-long hiatus, we could never have imagined the tidal wave of love and support that would come from all of you upon our return. From the depths of our soul, we would like to thank every one of you for attending our shows and supporting our music. We are immensely proud of the work we have created in the past few years, and are beyond excited about our latest epic album, Dark Parade.
“Legions, this is your call to arms. If you’ve never had the opportunity to see the band live, or if you want to see us perform once more, 2024 will be your last chance. We will be announcing shows worldwide in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for news. If you’re a promoter interested in booking the band, please contact our booking agents directly:
“The end approaches, but we’re not there yet. We look forward to seeing you all on the road, one final time. With our undying love and eternal gratitude.
“You never lost hope, you never have strayed,
Arise now my children, arise from the grave,
We lead not the weak, they won’t answer the call,
As chaos descends, false metal will fall…- ‘Legions Arise’”
CIRITH UNGOL will release their sixth full-length, Dark Parade on October 20th via Metal Blade Records. Wasting no time to ride the molten wave they started with their 2020-released studio comeback Forever Black, CIRITH UNGOL started writing songs for Dark Parade as soon as Forever Black was released. Then, like everyone else, they were hamstrung by the global pandemic, struggling through illness, seclusion, grief, and depression in their quest to create dark, vibrant art.
But like the greatest warriors, they persevered. With all eight demos finished — which are included on the expanded edition of the album — CIRITH UNGOL started recording Dark Parade in October 2022. The end result is an unrelenting triumph of pessimism and pain; a head-over-heels, Lovecraftian tumble into an abyss of horror and despair and arguably the most vitriolic expedition CIRITH UNGOL has undertaken to date. Despite the fantasy-inspired art on the band’s albums and their Tolkien-derived name – the band stopped exploring sword and sorcery-related themes in the mid-‘80s. Most of the subjects they’ve addressed since then have been far more real and frightening than any ravenous make-believe creatures fighting sword-wielding warriors.
Watch CIRITH UNGOL‘s recently released video for “Looking Glass” HERE and the “Velocity (S.E.P.)” visualizer HERE.
Dark Parade will be available on digipak-CD, digitally, and LP in the following color variants:
Special edition LP (slipcase w/ hot-foil embossing, 2xLP incl. demos of the entire album, 12” booklet, 2 posters, art print, tote bag – ltd. 1000)
180g Black vinyl (EU excl.)
Olive Green Marbled vinyl (EU excl. – ltd. 700)
Charcoal Marbled vinyl (EU excl. – ltd. 500)
Pale Grey w/ Black Smoke vinyl (EU excl. – ltd. 500)
Gold “Black Dust” vinyl (Metal Blade Store EU excl. – ltd. 300)
CIRITH UNGOL will play a special record release show on October 20th at The Roxy in West Hollywood, marking the band’s first Los Angeles live appearance in thirty-five years. The performance will commemorate The Roxy’s 50th anniversary and find the band playing Dark Parade in its entirety followed by a full set of classic material. Additionally, the set will be filmed and recorded for a future live release.
CIRITH UNGOL Live:
10/20/2023 The Roxy – West Hollywood, CA * Record Release Show [Tickets]
CIRITH UNGOL: Tim Baker – vocals Jimmy Barraza – guitar Greg Lindstrom – guitar Rob Garven – drums Jarvis Leatherby – bass
NWOBHM champions SATAN invaded Madison Live! in Covington, Kentucky, on Wednesday October 4th. SATAN has been on my Metal bucket list for decades and the night of seeing them finally arrived and proved to be worth the enormous wait! It’s not any night that one can witness such a truly important band of Metal history and SATAN is such a band.
photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
I made certain to get up close to the stage and absorb every second of this show; for its never guaranteed when a band like SATAN will tour through my area again. The fans at Madison Live! were packed in and ready, with so many donning their SATAN tour shirts and battle vests; making for a scene that could easily transport me back to 1985 and I couldn’t be more at home.
photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
As SATAN took the stage, the scene became all so familiar to me; with that rush of Metal euphoria engulfing my senses of what was to come. The legendary Brian Ross commanded the stage with his presence and vocals; my eyes and ears in awe of his true Metal persona. Brian’s vocals were superb, encompassing the melodic power of the classic era of Metal; an era that defined a generation.
photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Yes, I banged my head and smiled like a Halloween pumpkin while raising my fist and throwing horns at SATAN. To some it may sound cliche now in 2023, yet this Metal genre started such celebratory concert manners which are forever locked into my now older DNA; being summoned by the likes of SATAN on this special night.
photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
SATAN played brilliantly, both their classics and newer songs. The Speed Metal and NWOBHM sounds, vibes and chills from SATAN were engulfing the concert hall, like a welcomed downpour of rain during a summer drought, while I soaked it all in. I had such a grand time experiencing SATAN that it went by too fast! I wanted 2 more hours and I was in that zone! – stone
Oct. 10, 2023, LOS ANGELES – TOOL, following a weekend that saw the band headline Aftershock and play the historic Power Trip festival, have announced a new round of U.S. dates, a trek that marks the band’s return to Madison Square Garden for the first time since 2001, and includes a doubleheader at Los Angeles’ Cypto.com Arena.
Tickets are on-sale this Friday, Oct. 13 at 10 am local time. In advance of the forthcoming on-sale, TOOL Army has opened additional memberships, with pre-sale tickets available exclusively to members from Oct. 11 at 10 am local time through Oct. 12 at 10 pm local time. A limited number of VIP packages will also be initially available to TOOL Army members, with remaining options, including premium tickets, soundcheck access, exclusive merchandise and more, available to the general public as the on-sale begins on Oct. 13. Visit Toolband.com for ticketing links and additional information. Elder opens on all 2024 dates.
TOOL 2024 tour dates:
January 10 Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena January 12 New York, NY Madison Square Garden January 13 New York, NY Madison Square Garden January 18 Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood January 19 Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood January 21 Charlotte, NC Spectrum Center January 23 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena January 24 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena January 26 Birmingham, AL The Legacy Arena at The BJCC January 27 Biloxi, MS Mississippi Coast Coliseum January 31 Austin, TX Moody Center February 2 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center February 3 Oklahoma City, OK Paycom Center February 5 Denver, CO Ball Arena February 9 Phoenix, AZ Footprint Center February 12 Fresno, CA Save Mart Center February 14 Los Angeles, CA Crypto.com Arena February 15 Los Angeles, CA Crypto.com Arena February 17 Ontario, CA Toyota Arena February 18 Las Vegas, NV T-Mobile Arena
————————————————————-
TOOL is currently on the road, with a show tomorrow night at Salt Lake City’s Delta Center followed by a string of dates that include their first Canadian performances since 2019. Steel Beans opens on all of the remaining 2023 shows.
October 11 Salt Lake City, UT Delta Center October 12 Idaho Falls, ID Mountain America Center October 14 Nampa, ID Ford Idaho Center October 15 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena October 17 Eugene, OR Matthew Knight Center October 19 Portland, OR Moda Center October 20 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome October 22 Kelowna, BC Prospera Place Arena October 23 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena October 25 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place October 27 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome October 29 Winnipeg, MB Canada Life Center October 31 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center November 1 Milwaukee, WI Fiserv Forum November 3 Knoxville, TN Thompson-Boiling Arena November 4 Charleston, WV Charleston Coliseum November 6 Rochester, NY Blue Cross Arena November 7 Allentown, PA PPL Center November 10 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena November 13 Manchester, NH SNHU Arena November 15 Boston, MA TD Garden November 16 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center November 19 Montreal, QC Bell Center November 20 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena November 21 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
Photo credit: Travis Shinn
Since the 2019 release of the TOOL’s critically-acclaimed album, Fear Inoculum, the band has won a GRAMMY Award® (Best Metal Performance for “7empest”), completed multiple, sold-out tours of both the U.S. and Europe, and headlined Bonnaroo, Power Trip, Aftershock, Welcome to Rockville, Louder Than Life, and the Sonic Temple Arts & Music Festival.
Reviews of TOOL’s recent live outings praised the four-piece, with Loudwire dubbing the performances as “a masterclass of immersion, sound and stage design, musicianship… and levels of ungodly tightness.” The Austin Chronicle described the incomparable live experience as an “unbridled exchange of catharsis between performers and fans” and Revolver said “TOOL delivered a stunning… set featuring classic fan favorites, newer Fear Inoculum standouts and choice deeper cuts … the striking visuals also included a psychedelic laser and projections show bar none.”
Quiet Riot brought the noize to the East Tennessee Distillery in Piney Flats, TN on October 1st. The band is celebrating 40 years of Metal Health, Quiet Riot’s third studio album. Metal Health is the first heavy metal album to make it to number one on the Billboard 200 chart and includes hits like the title track Metal Health (Bang Your Head) and their cover of Slade’s Cum on Feel the Noize.
Corey Snowden took to the stage first to an already excited crowd. Snowden is a Bristol TN native with a wide variety of musical influences spanning across different genres. His set was strictly acoustic but kept the tempo and engagement needed at a heavy metal show. He even had a few requests. Corey started his set with All Along The Watch Tower. Throughout the set, he peppered in some of his originals from his album Tennessee Line. Every rock show has that one person who yells “Play Free Bird” but Snowden did it without being asked. He perfectly blended a small part of Free Bird with his original song Brothers of the Road.
Next to hit the stage was Slick Cadillac, a heavy metal band whose set included a blend of covers and a few originals. The band consists of Jeremy Acito on guitar, Seth Cunningham on vocals, Jonathan Taylor on the keyboard, Chris Smith on drums, and GL Bortz on bass. Cunningham had such amazing control of his vocal range that during songs like Jump and It’s My Life he was able to hit the notes in such a way that almost sounded exactly like the original singers. Acito took to the stage like a true rock star and smoothly powered through a few technical difficulties before climbing onto the amps to get the crowd pumped. The crowd interaction was top notch as Bortz made his way off the stage and out to the fans. Slick Cadillac was defiantly a perfect match to play with Quiet Riot.
Finally it was time for Quiet Riot. Fans quickly got out of their seats and made their way to the stage. The energy was high as fans attempted to inch as close as they could through the line of security guards acting as a barricade. The roar of excitement was nearly deafening as the band took to the stage, but the band was louder. They opened the show with Run For Cover, a perfect way to get the crowd head banging early. Lead singer Jizzy Pearl has the attitude, stage presence and vocal capacity to keep the Quiet Riot spirit alive but with his own twist. He joked and engaged with fans as they transitioned into Slick Black Cadillac. The crowd was treated to a Quiet Riot song that was thought to be lost but was found again in 2021 and released earlier this year called I Can’t Hold On.
The Crowd continues to get crazier and by Condition Critical managed to push security as close as they could to the stage. As the song begins, the sound of Rudy Sarzo’s bass dominates the speakers. Fans not only hear his talent but can feel it as well. Sarzo plays with such ease and passion that the bass seems not like just an extension of him but a true part of him. It wouldn’t be Rudy Sarzo without his signature bass licks every once in awhile, which even after all these years still makes the girls (and guys) go crazy. Pearl then turned the mic over to Sarzo who introduced Thunderbird dedicating it to their fallen brothers, Randy Rhoads, Frankie Banali, and Kevin Dubrow.
Sarzo isn’t the only one who made his presences known with a bang. Drummer Johnny Kelly is an explosion behind the kit. He adds his own flair to the ends of their songs and perfectly grasps the crisp sound that Banali created. He played so hard that he busted one of his drumheads. He didn’t miss a single beat as the band started The Wild and the Young.
The members of the current lineup are known for rocking out in more than just Quiet Riot and they let that shine through in more ways than one. They played a perfect rendition of Blackout in the Red Room by Love/Hate, a band in which Pearl is well known. The song fit seamlessly into the set. The lights turned red as Pearl announced the song and the crowd’s reaction was just as impressive as every other song. Sarzo is a former member of Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band and treated the crowd to a small taste of a song every metalhead knows. The roar of fans fell over the venue as Sarzo beat (yes with his fist) out the intro to Crazy Train.
Guitarist, Alex Grossi’s presence is known before he even plays a note. Head to toe his appearance screams rock star but his playing says, “ I was born to do this”. Not a note was missed and, if it was, you would never have noticed. He shined during every song but was given the spot light for a spectacular guitar solo that left the crowd wanting more. From the guitar solo, Grossi transitioned the band into the beginning of Black No.1 by Type O Negative representing Kelly’s time with the band.
They ended the show the only appropriate way possible, with Metal Health (Bang Your Head). The crowd was singing the song back at them word for word basically fueling the intensity of the song. Sarzo even played his bass on a fans head. After years of performing, Quiet Riot has continued to build a fan base of all ages. Whether it’s celebrating 40 years of Metal Health or not, they are a band that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
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.