Rounding off a special anniversary year for the band (35 years since foundation of the group as well as launching the debut album ‘Animal House’) and its fearless leader & voice UdoDirkschneider (who turned 70 this April), November 18th 2022 will see iconic heavy metal act U.D.O. release a career-spanning ‘best of’ compilation, entitled The Legacy, via AFM Records.
The Legacy proves that U.D.O. produced classics throughout their entire career. Their longevity and quality of output is almost unmatched within the heavy music scene. With such an impressive back catalogue gathered within the past three and a half decades, it’s simply an impossible task to compile a double CD of material and satisfy everyone, however, The Legacy is by far the most extensive retrospective the band has ever released. Featuring 33 tracks overall and including songs from all U.D.O. studio albums; the compilation also includes 4 rare bonus songs which a lot of U.D.O.‘s loyal followers will hear for the first time.
Today, U.D.O. has shared one of the upcoming bonus tracks, “Wilder Life”. Only released on the Japanese edition of his latest album, “Game Over”, fans all over the world can now listen to the song right here:
Progressive/symphonic power metal quintet INDUCTION will release their sophomore full length, Born From Fire, on November 25th via Atomic Fire Records. After releasing their first two stand-alone singles, today the band reveals their latest helping from the record with “Go To Hell.”
As the world is scorched by flame and consumed in chaos, hope is born, forging a new path to mankind’s everlasting paradise. Stories of distant worlds welcome you to rethink how we live today. In a world where sadistic and religious fanatics prey on gullible minds and control the hearts of many, the truth is destined to be unveiled.
Comments the band, “‘Go To Hell’ appeals to unshackling the minds from religious boundaries – or any for that matter – and finding truth and power in yourself. It appeals to a world without oppression and people of power abusing their position to their benefit. But it also appeals to listeners to realize their full potential and take responsibility for their actions, standing up against the demons they face in everyday life. You always have the power to stay on top!”
Watch INDUCTION’s “Go To Hell” video or stream the track at THIS LOCATION.
View the band’s previously released video for “Queen Of Light” HERE and “Sacrifice” HERE.
Stream the tracks on the platform of your choice HERE.
Born From Fire, which boasts twelve metal anthems in fifty-eight minutes, was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen and is graced by the cover artwork of Peter Sallai (Sabaton, Jinjer, Powerwolf).
Born From Fire will be available on CD, 2xLP vinyl and digitally. Find special preorder bundles at THIS LOCATION.
In conjunction with the release of Born From Fire, INDUCTION will embark on a European tour supporting Serious Black. See all confirmed dates below. Keep up with INDUCTION’s upcoming European live dates at their official website HERE.
INDUCTION w/ Serious Black: 11/24/2022 Z7 – Pratteln, CH 11/25/2022 Matrix – Bochum, DE 11/26/2022 Club Zentral – Stuttgart, DE 11/27/2022 Rockhouse – Salzburg, AT 11/29/2022 South Of Heaven – Bilzen, BE 11/30/2022 Tivoli – Bremen, DE 12/01/2022 Garage – Saarbrücken, DE 12/02/2022 Gemeindehalle – Schirnding, DE 12/07/2022 Logo – Hamburg, DE
Originally founded in 2014, INDUCTION left their first mark with first single, “The Outwitted Consecration,” in 2016 before completely entering the metal world by releasing their eponymous debut album in 2019. Its enormously positive reception even paved them the way to touring across Europe alongside Brazilian power metallers Armored Dawn in November of the same year. It was a notable career start for the quintet that was unfortunately halted by the pandemic leading to a break (at least on the live front) that wasn’t only used by the band to work on their sophomore album but also to renew their power.
The holiday special will be available on DVD and digital/streaming on November 11
Originally set for release in July of 2022, before the heartbreaking and untimely death of beloved frontman Trevor Strnad, The Black Dahlia Murder‘s Yule ‘Em All: A Holiday Variety Extravaganza will now be available on DVD Digipak and digital/streaming on November 11.
Check out a clip to Yule ‘Em All: A Holiday Variety Extravaganza here: metalblade.com/tbdm
On October 28th at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, Michigan’s The Black Dahlia Murder will be playing their first show since Trevor’s passing. The show will be a celebration of the life and legacy of Trevor Strnad who was lost to us all on May 11th this year. This show also marks the first performance with the band’s new/old lineup with founding member Brian Eschbach taking on lead vocals and the return of Ryan Knight on guitar along with long-time members Max Lavelle on bass, Alan Cassidy on drums, and Brandon Ellis on lead guitar and backing vocals. Support for the show will come from Darkest Hour and Plague Years.
About the release – originally released in December of 2020: Detroit’s Kings of the Underworld, The Black Dahlia Murder, present their Yule ‘Em All: A Holiday Variety Extravaganza program hosted by Neil Hamburger (Pick Of Destiny, Tim and Eric). This feel-good metal holiday special contains live performances of 16 beloved tracks from the band’s extensive catalog, original comedy skits featuring band members, and a special appearance by George “Corpsegrinder”Fisher (Cannibal Corpse)! The DVD version also comes with a special commentary track by band members and producers of the special. Raise your glass of eggnog and prepare to toast to the season’s finest offering of Yuletide joy and laughter.
Iron Maiden will be bringing a new tour to Europe in the Summer of 2023 including arena shows in the UK & Ireland. The Future Past Tour will feature previously unperformed songs from the band’s most recent studio album, Senjutsu along with a focus on 1986’s iconic Somewhere InTime record, plus other classic cuts.
The first shows to be announced are as follows:
June 2023 13 Tauron Arena, Krakow, POLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 19 Hallenstadion, Zurich, SWITZERLAND – (On sale Thu Oct 13) 24 3Arena, Dublin, IRELAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 26 Ovo Hydro, Glasgow, SCOTLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 28 First Direct Arena, Leeds, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 30 AO Arena, Manchester, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14)
July 2023 03 Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 04 Utilita Arena, Birmingham, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 07 O2 Arena, London, ENGLAND – (On sale Fri Oct 14) 11 Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS – (On sale Thu Oct 13) 13 Sportpaleis, Antwerp, BELGIUM – (On sale Thu Oct 13) 15 The Return of the Gods Festival, Milan, ITALY – (On sale now)
Further European dates for The Future Past Tour will be announced later. Keep up to date here.
Fan Club Presales begin Tuesday 11th October. Details here. Support for The Future Past Tour will be announced at a later date. Trooper VIP will be available at selected UK and European dates.
Steve Harris says, “Following the release of our latest album, Senjutsu, we updated the current Legacy of the Beast Tour a little by opening the show with the first 3 songs from it, with the Japanese Palace stage set. As it doesn’t make a lot of sense to repeat this for a Senjutsu album tour, we thought about other options and we’ve decided to revisit Somewhere In Time as that tour didn’t feature in the various retrospective history tours we’ve played over the years. They were based on our 80’s concert videos and sadly we did not film that tour (blame the manager!!). We have had lots of requests from fans over the years for many tracks on it so we are now going to play them, plus of course a few others we know you will like! It will also be particularly satisfying to finally get to play some of the more epic tracks on Senjutsu, it’s been a long wait! 2023 is going to be an exciting time and we’re really looking forward to seeing everyone again in the UK, Ireland and around Europe”.
Manager, Rod Smallwood adds, “This combination of the two albums we feel is very exciting. We know fans want to hear those epic cuts on Senjutsu for the first time live and we think that by combining it with an iconic album like Somewhere In Time it will make for another really special tour for fans old and new! Of course, for a new album tour in Europe and the UK we will go back largely to the relative intimacy of arenas and we know fans will be very happy about that too!”
Ace Von Johnson is an accomplished rhythm guitarist and lends backing vocals for the acclaimed L.A. Guns. Ace is also a former member of Faster Pussycat. Recently, Ace was kind enough to take time from his schedule to do a video interview with our very own Tanis Enos. Kick back and enjoy the interview below!
Heavy metal/speed metal veterans will serve as special guests to Metallica during a special concert paying tribute to the lives of Jon and Marsha Zazula. The performance will take place Sunday, November 6th at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
As founders of Megaforce Records, the Zazulas are widely credited for discovering and launching the careers of many of heavy metal’s most ground-breaking, influential, and now legendary artists. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated in Jon and Marsha’s name to MusiCares, a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs to musicians and industry professionals.
RAVEN is currently amid their Wiped Out 40th anniversary tour, treating their fans by playing the iconic album in full during each show. Support is being provide by Riot Act, the band formed by former Riot guitarist Rick Ventura, performing a Riot repertoire from their classic 1977-1982 era. See all confirmed dates below.
Additionally, RAVEN are also finalizing their next studio album, which will be their first for SilverLining Music, with details to be unveiled in the months to come.
RAVEN Wiped Out – 40th Anniversary Tour w/ Riot Act [remaining dates]
10/04/2022 Dante’s – Portland, OR 10/05/2022 Wise Hall – Vancouver, BC 10/06/2022 Alma – Tacoma, WA 10/08/2022 Aces High – Salt Lake City, UT 10/09/2022 The Coast – Ft. Collins, CO 10/10/2022 Reverb Lounge – Omaha, NE 10/11/2022 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL 10/12/2022 Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI 10/13/2022 Photo City Music Hall – Rochester, NY 10/14/2022 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON 10/15/2022 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 10/17/2022 No Class – Cleveland, OH 10/18/2022 Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON 10/19/2022 Sonia – Boston, MA 10/20/2022 Geno’s – Portland, ME 10/21/2022 Market Hotel – Brooklyn, NY 10/22/2022 West York Inn – York, PA 10/23/2022 Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA 10/24/2022 Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern – Raleigh, NC 10/25/2022 The Pour House Music Hall – Wilmington, NC 10/26/2022 Tribbles – Piedmont, SC 10/27/2022 Brickyard – Knoxville, TN 10/28/2022 The Southgate House Revival – Newport, KY 10/30/2022 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ 10/31/2022 Westside Bowl – Youngstown, OH * RAVEN only 11/03/2022 Hi Tone Café – Memphis, TN 11/04/2022 Fractal Brewing Project – Huntsville, AL 11/05/2022 The Loft At Center Stage – Atlanta, GA 11/06/2022 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Atlanta, GA * RAVEN only w/ Metallica 11/07/2022 Nice Guys – Cape Coral, FL
RAVEN: John Gallagher – lead vocals, bass, 12-string bass Mark Gallagher – guitar, vocals Mike Heller – drums
Michigan’s The Black Dahlia Murder has just announced a show in Detroit on October 28 at Saint Andrew’s Hall, which will be a celebration of the life and legacy of Trevor Strnad. The concert marks the band’s return to the stage after the untimely passing of their beloved frontman, Trevor Scott Strnad, on the 11th of May this year. Founding member, Brian Eschbach will be putting down his guitar and taking on the role of lead vocals moving forward. A decision that wasn’t made lightly when the band got together to discuss their future after they started to work through the initial shock and grief of losing their best friend. Stepping back into the BDM family is guitarist Ryan Knight. Support for the show will come from Darkest Hour and Plague Years.
Tickets went on sale on Friday, September 16 and can be purchased here.
Decibel Magazine has interviewed all members of the band to discuss what’s next, which will be the cover of the magazine’s November 2022 issue out this month.
Excerpt from Decibel Magazine: “We spent many days thinking things like, ‘Is this over?’” Eschbach tells Decibel. “None of us wanted it to be over. We still feel like there is a lot left to do. I know Trevor would keep this band going if I went down a deep, dark path and weren’t here. It’s bigger than us. When we finally started talking about it, we thought, ‘Let’s remake it from within and see if Ryan wants to return. And I’ll take a crack on the vocals and see how it goes.’ I can’t go out there and do Trevor’s voice or try to be him. I can only execute the music of the Black Dahlia Murder with respect and try to do it the most justice I can. I’ve heard Trevor perform more than anyone else alive.“
Knight says the decision to return was easy despite the difficult circumstances. “The time I’ve spent with this band is the best time I’ve ever had,” he says. “Being away has given me a lot of time to reflect, and it always occurred to me that being in BDM is the best use of my time. I’ve thought a lot about the band while I was away and realized how much value this band has. I almost feel like I let some opportunities slip, being away from the band. So, it feels great to be back and like everything has come full circle. I’ve realized how much I love being in this band.“
Albert Mudrian of Decibel Magazine has been kind enough to post the interview in its entirety on the Decibel site for fans to read. View the article here.
Arizona thrash metal practitioners INCITE will close out the year with a North American headlining tour. The journey will commence on November 17th in Louisville, Kentucky and run through December 17th in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Comments singer Richie Cavalera, “We’re beyond fired up to get part two of our Wake Up Dead headlining tour started. We’ll be hitting a lot of killer cities we haven’t been to in quite a few years. We hope to see you all in the pits burning and shredding with us!”
Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
INCITE – Wake Up Dead North American Tour2022: 11/17/2022 Germantown – Louisville, KY 11/18/2022 Legends – Cincinnati, OH 11/19/2022 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 11/21/2022 Sneaky Dee’s – Toronto, ON 11/22/2022 Turbo Haus – Montreal, QC 11/24/2022 Dominion Tavern – Ottawa, ON 11/25/2022 Backstage – Windsor, ON 11/26/2022 Corktown – Hamilton, ON 11/27/2022 Photo City – Rochester, NY 11/28/2022 Kingsland – Brooklyn, NY 11/29/2022 Planet Trog – Whitehall, PA 12/02/2022 Furnace41 – Atlanta, GA 12/03/2022 Slam House – Bradenton, FL 12/04/2022 The Haven – Orlando, FL 12/05/2022 The Goat – New Orleans, LA 12/07/2022 Boozers – Corpus Christi, TX 12/08/2022 Wonder Lounge – Laredo, TX 12/09/2022 Ridglea Room – Dallas, TX 12/11/2022 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 12/12/2022 The Vanguard – Tulsa, OK 12/14/2022 Reggies – Chicago, IL 12/15/2022 Zymurgy – Menomonie, WI 12/16/2022 Lefty’s -Des Moines, IA 12/17/2022 1867 Bar – Lincoln, NE
INCITE’s latest full-length, Wake Up Dead, was released in April via Atomic Fire Records. With Wake Up Dead, INCITE jettisons the extraneous bloat of slicker bands in favor of authentic grit and determination, consistently churning out “headbanging riffs with concussive force (Kerrang).” Ghost Cult champions, “a massively enjoyable collection of aggression from a band led by someone who has literally lived and breathed metal since the day he was born,” while Dead Rhetoric observes, “Consistent road warriors that they are, INCITE brings another platter to the table that should have no trouble adding more staples to the setlist – ensuring sweat infested hordes a glorious time.”
The very spirit and attitude of heavy music culture, courses through the veins of INCITE. Over the course of five albums — The Slaughter (2009), All Out War (2012), Up In Hell (2014), Oppression (2016), and Built To Destroy (2019) — the band has cemented their reputation as one of America’s leading groove armadas, heavily hitting home with their blend of old-school thrash majesty, frantic aggression, melody, and skill. Written over the course of several bouts of feverish inspiration throughout the pandemic, with recording duties again handled by legendary producer Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Suicide Silence, Everytime I Die), Wake Up Dead delivers in the most relentless way possible.
INCITE’s Wake Up Dead is available on CD, LP, and digitally. Find ordering options at THIS LOCATION.
Watch the band’s previously released videos for “Deadbeat” HERE, “Mental Destruction” video HERE, and “War Soup” (feat. Max Cavalera) HERE.
Celebrating their 40th anniversary, icons of heavy metal, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, have announced a US headlining tour this Fall! The excursion kicks off on November 10th in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and runs through November 27th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Support will be provided by Spirit Adrift and The Native Howl. See all confirmed dates below and purchase tickets HERE.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY w/ Spirit Adrift, The Native Howl: 11/10/2022 Chelsea’s Live – Baton Rouge, LA 11/11/2022 Vinyl Music Hall – Pensacola, FL 11/12/2022 Snowblind Festival – Atlanta, GA 11/13/2022 Growlers – Memphis, TN 11/15/2022 Ace Of Cups – Columbus, OH 11/17/2022 Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC 11/18/2022 The Queen – Wilmington, DE 11/19/2022 Granite State Music Hall – Laconia, NH 11/20/2022 Reverb – Reading, PA 11/22/2022 The Machine Shop – Flint, MI 11/23/2022 The Forge – Joliet, IL 11/25/2022 Headliners Music Hall – Louisville, KY 11/26/2022 Mr. Small’s Theatre – Millvale, PA 11/27/2022 The Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI
Since forming in 1982, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY has woven their distinct riffs deep into the fabric of heavy metal for over four decades. Across ten landmark, critically acclaimed albums, the band has continued evolving. From the early days of thrash to their more recent, blues-infused metal, the band has managed to progress with each release keeping fans and critics alike guessing.
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY’s most recent full-length, No Cross No Crown, was released in 2018 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. Recorded with longtime producer John Custer, the record marks the first studio recording with vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan in over a decade and, earning the #67 spot on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, #12 on the Billboard Top Current Albums Chart, and #3 on the Top Hard Music Albums Chart upon its first week of release, is the highest charting album of the band’s career.
Finnish melancholic metal band Denigrate takes a selection of tour dates in Europe in October and offers a chance to hear their latest Blackguard album live at its entirety.
Denigrate is supporting Fleshgod Apocalypse as follows:
24.10.22 Czech Republic, Prague @ Futurum 26.10.22 Poland, Poznan @ U Bazyala 27.10.22 Poland, Warsaw @ Proxima 28.10.22 Lithuania, Vilnius @ Vakaris 29.10.22 Latvia, Riga @ Melna Piektdiena 30.10.22 Finland, Helsinki @ Ääniwalli
Latest Denigrate album Blackguard was released April 22nd 2022 via Inverse Records.
Swedish Epic Heavy Metal duo Sordid Blade will release full-length debut album Every Battle HasIts Glory October 14 on CD, vinyl LP, and digital formats via Gates of Hell Records.
The album’s first single, “Hidden Enthronement,” is available to stream at: youtu.be/CWW4gOuwiFs
“I view heavy metal as an art form.” It is this simple but impactful summation that spills into the music of multi-instrumentalist and Sordid Blade figurehead Niklas Holm. Formed in 2021 out of his desire to create an epic heavy metal band in the vein of Hammerheart-era Bathory, Manilla Road and Warlord, Holm issued Sordid Blade’s two-song MMXXI demo in 2021. It was an early indicator of Holm’s ability to meld heroic proto-metal with the style and persuasion of his primary influences. After a brief period of soliciting prospective labels, Sordid Blade found its rightful place on Gates of Hell Records for the release of their first full-length, Every Battle Has Its Glory.
Every Battle Has Its Glory was tracked over the course of a year with engineer Kim Ekwall Lattik, with drum recording provided by Magnus Jonsson at Milk Studio, who also mixed the album. The album marks the first appearance of drummer Micael Zetterberg, who joined Sordid Blade after the release of MMXXI. Together, Holm and Zetterberg tap into the broad, illustrious field of true, mid-paced anthemic metal, harnessing stout riffing and choice melodies to form a sound that remains faithful to the style’s storied past.
Line-up:
Niklas Holm: Vocals, Guitar, and Bass
Micael Zetterberg – Drums
Holm’s lyrics deal with existential themes and how the individual can gain strength by focusing on what’s really important in the world. His lyrics are driven by metaphor, developing a sort of “code” for the listener to decipher. Once they do, they will find a wealth of songs with deep, emotional subject matter that adds another layer of depth and intrigue to Sordid Blade. Even the instrumental “Kiolsvarf” is topical — it is a Swedish term to describe a family drowning at sea.
The Carl Larsson (1853-1919)-created cover art was the last piece to the Every Battle Has Its Glory puzzle. Zetterberg found one of Larsson’s paintings in a book and shared it with Holm. Holm knew the creation was the perfect choice — its dark style reflected the overall theme of the album.
It is by which this thoughtful depth and exploratory nature that Sordid Blade sets itself apart. The epic metal field is growing increasingly crowded, but for those in search of something with an emotional and personal atmosphere, there is no better choice circa 2022 than Sordid Blade.
Italian heavy metal band Crying Steel have announced that they have signed to Underground Symphony Records for the release of their upcoming album.
The 5th studio album is scheduled to be released in January 2023 in deluxe digital format. Further information will be revealed soon.
Underground Symphony is also based in Italy and is known to have released material from bands such as Sabaton, Labyrinth, Manilla Road, White Skull among others.
The band commented: “We are honoured to be joining Underground Symphony’s roster and have a feeling we will have a fruitful relationship. After being stuck at home during the pandemic lockdowns, we can’t wait to show you the new music we cooked up. Stay Steel!”
Crying Steel was formed in 1982 and is considered to be one of the very first heavy metal acts to come out of Italy. The band’s discography includes: Crying Steel (1985), On the Prowl (1987), The Steel is Back! (2007), Time Stands Steel (2013), Stay Steel (2018) and Steel Alive (2019).
Crying Steel will be performing at Boyler Fest, Bologna (17th September), Sheratan Live Club, Carpi (24th September), Metropolis Live Club, Frosinone (7 October) and Let it Beer, Rome (8 October) with more dates to be announced soon.
Progressive/symphonic power metal quintet INDUCTION will release their sophomore full length, Born From Fire, on November 25th via Atomic Fire Records.
Notes guitarist and band mastermind Tim Kanoa Hansen. “We tried to deliver a good mix of big hits, great melodies, emotions, brutal anger, intricate riffs, and arrangements as well as making it a ton of fun while listening. We are sure this album will convince old and new fans alike of what INDUCTION means. We sincerely hope that everyone finds themselves in some of the songs.”
The record, which boasts twelve metal anthems in fifty-eight minutes, was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen and is graced by the cover artwork of Peter Sallai (Sabaton, Jinjer, Powerwolf).
Born From Fire will be available on CD, 2xLP vinyl, and digitally. Find special preorder bundles at THIS LOCATION.
BornFromFire – Track Listing:
Born From Fire
Scorched
Fallen Angel
Go To Hell
Embers
Order & Chaos
The Beauty Of Monstrance
Queen Of Light
I Am Alive
Ghost Of Silence
Eternal Silence
Sacrifice (Bonus Track)
Keep up with INDUCTION’s upcoming European live dates at their official website HERE and stream the band’s previously released songs on the streaming platform of your choice HERE.
Originally founded in 2014, INDUCTION left their first mark with first single, “The Outwitted Consecration,” in 2016 before completely entering the metal world by releasing their eponymous debut album in 2019. Its enormously positive reception even paved them the way to touring across Europe alongside Brazilian power metallers Armored Dawn in November of the same year. It was a notable career start for the quintet that was unfortunately halted by the pandemic leading to a break (at least on the live front) that wasn’t only used by the band to work on their sophomore album but also to renew their power.
Conflictiong Opinions on Mold and bacteria is the new EP from Canadian synth rockers, King Bull and is out now on digital platforms via Riot Records.
Hell bent on making a record that would upset folks in the FM radio industry, King Bull haphazardly put together what is undoubtedly the best EP of 2022 which is titled Conflicting Opinions on Mold and Bacteria. Fancy recording studios and high budgets were scrapped in favour of a dank mildew filled basement with a tendency to flood when a hose happy French Canadian over waters spruce trees for no reason. If you’re sick of the highly polished overproduced rubbish that everyone’s putting out nowadays, you should give this a shot.
Listen to focus track ‘Scary’ (Feat. Ryan Kuly) HERE
King Bull began to really build a name for themselves globally with the release of their 2020 EP What Happened Here which was described as ‘’Sonically cohesive throughout, featuring snarling guitars, growling bass, thunderous drums and vocals that sound similar to a jet engine that isn’t working properly.’’ You get the drift. King Bull continue to develop their already sophisticated yet eclectic sound in 2022.
Listen to previous single ‘Never Seen You Smile’ HERE
Stream/buy Conflicting Opinions on Mold and BacteriaHERE
ABOUT KING BULL:
Hailing from Red Deer, Alberta which is not the most artistic of all Canadian communities, King Bull has been plying the trade for the last decade and a half.
They encompass 70’s rock and punk with an angsty vibe and some earthy streetwise riffs, powered by a punk-tinged, rock-ignited fuel. Fired up by intricate licks, buzz-cutter guitar tones and uniquely edgy vocals, they cover what is great about rock music.
This is a band for fans of The Who, Iggy Pop, Against Me, AC/DC, Queens of the Stone Age, David Bowie, The Drones, Neil Young etc, (anything with electric guitar that snarls a bit, really).
Maryland-based Crossover Thrash Metal quintet NINTH REALM will release their debut full-length album AFateUnbroken November 4 on Mercenary Press. The album is a perfect blend of of crossover thrash and traditional heavy metal that represents the band’s refined vision. “Plea to the Heavens,” the album’s first single, is streaming now at:
“Plea to the Heavens” is also streaming on Spotify.
A Fate Unbroken is a nine-track album that takes the influence of the widest range of heavy metal, 80s-toned thrash, death thrash, and hardcore that the decisive genres have to offer. Not only do the riffs, consistent guitar solos, and blackened vocals take the listener through a whirlwind of Slayer/Demolition Hammer era thrash metal, but the lyricism and quintessential raw fantasy style of their art and themes harken back to a Frank Frazetta/Ralph Bakshi age of pure Sword & Sorcery. A Fate Unbroken, for all intents and purposes, is a Maryland band’s attempt to bring a reunion of heavy metal and hardcore punk back to its raw, old-school roots.
Basing their lyricism and overall theme around the original fantasy realm of Tythorin, NINTH REALM delivers an electrifying synthesis of traditional heavy metal and hardcore punk for fans of both respective genres to enjoy.
Line-Up:
Joey Burke – Drums Ben Hageage – Vocals Jared Henry – Bass Liam McMahon – Lead Guitar Charles House – Rhythm Guitar
Pulling from a range of influences that span everything between blackened thrash to old-school death metal, the music of NINTHREALM rips and tears with a ferocity and cadence that perfectly encapsulates the epic scale and grisly atmosphere of grim-dark fantasy. Between the use of aggressive thrash d-beat and viscerally direct song structure of classic metal acts such as Celtic Frost, combined with the melodic riffage of classic bands like Testament/Mercyful Fate, and an added twist of Cro-Mags/Leewaystyle crossover, NINTH REALM wields what is perhaps one of the most poignant new sounds to emerge from the metal underground in recent memory.
FFO: Power Trip, Eternal Champion, High Command, Iron Age
BIO: Sharing a bond for all things heavy metal and high fantasy, college classmates Joey Burke (drummer) and Liam McMahon (lead guitarist) joined forces in the fall of 2018, writing and practicing every week to produce the 2019 demo, Gates of Tythorin. Later adding Jared Henry (bassist) and Ben Hageage (vocalist) to the mix, Ninth Realm solidified their sound with their succeeding 2020 EP, All Hail Treachery. In 2022, to offer a glimpse at what is to come with their debut LP, Ninth Realm released Ondreis MMXXII, a promo tape featuring two songs that both share a track space on the debut full-length record.
Big news coming from the Jasta front! We’ve just added Biohazard’s very own Bobby Hambel to the September 16th Jasta Jam in Orlando, Florida! Grab your tickets through the button below before they run out! Meet and greets are available for purchase at www.martyrstore.net
Progressive death metal outfit REVOCATION will kick off their North American headlining tour later this week. The trek begins on September 9th and runs through October 16th with support provided by Krisiun, Alluvial, and Inoculation. See all confirmed dates below.
REVOCATION w/ Krisiun, Alluvial, Inoculation: 9/09/2022 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON 9/10/2022 Les Foufounes Electriques – Montreal, QC 9/11/2022 La Source de la Martinière – Québec City, QC 9/13/2022 Elsewhere Brooklyn – Brooklyn, NY 9/14/2022 Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub – Cambridge, MA 9/15/2022 Lovedraft’s Brewing CO – Mechanicsburg, PA 9/16/2022 The Metro Gallery – Baltimore, MD 9/17/2022 Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach, VA 9/18/2022 The Blind Tiger – Greensboro, NC 9/19/2022 The Masquerade (Purgatory) – Atlanta, GA 9/20/2022 Brass Mug – Tampa, FL 9/21/2022 Respectable Street – West Palm Beach, FL 9/23/2022 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 9/24/2022 Amplified Live – Dallas, TX 9/25/2022 Rockhouse Bar & Grill – El Paso, TX 9/27/2022 Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ 9/28/2022 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 9/29/2022 1720 – Los Angeles, CA 9/30/2022 Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA
10/01/2022 Santa Cruz Vets Hall – Santa Cruz, CA 10/03/2022 Dante’s – Portland, OR 10/04/2022 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 10/06/2022 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT 10/07/2022 Bluebird Theater – Denver, CO 10/08/2022 The Royal Grove – Lincoln, NE 10/09/2022 Bigs Bar – Sioux Falls, SD 10/11/2022 Turf Club – St. Paul, MN 10/12/2022 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL 10/13/2022 The Sanctuary 2 – Hamtramck, MI 10/14/2022 No Class – Cleveland, OH 10/15/2022 Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY 10/16/2022 Enclave – Pittsburgh, PA
The tour kick off coincides with REVOCATION‘s latest full-length, Netherheaven, set for release on September 9th via Metal Blade Records. Four years in the making, the Billboard-charting trio – Dave Davidson (vocals/guitars), Ash Pearson (drums), and Brett Bamberger (bass) – meticulously explore the allegorical and literal aspects of Hell as they dig deeper into the darker, more diabolical side of death metal.
In short, where the previous album, The Outer Ones (2018), jettisoned REVOCATION into the horrific maw of the cosmos, Netherheaven bores deftly through the nine rings of Hell to directly confront Lucifer and his multitudinous faces.
Heavy metal icons MERCYFULFATE today announce their first North American headlining tour in over two decades! The journey will commence on October 25th in Dallas, Texas and weave its way through fourteen cities, closing on November 16th in Atlanta, Georgia. The tour follows the band’s stunning headlining performance at this year’s edition of Psycho Las Vegas.
Vocalist King Diamond comments, “These will be the first MERCYFULFATE concerts in North American theaters in over twenty years. Memories of a lifetime. Your special chance to see MERCYFUL FATE with the full European festival production, but up close and personal. You cannot miss this… I hereby respectfully invite you to Come To The Sabbath by which you may free your soul and feast with us in the dark Of Night. Witches and Demons, you may come as you are! Satanic Regards – King Diamond 666.”
Support for MERCYFUL FATE will be provided by Kreator and labelmates, Midnight. Various presales are available throughout the week:
Citi Presale: Tuesday, September 6th @ 11:00am ET | Password: Citi BINs Mercyful Fate Fan Club Presale: Tuesday, September 6th @ 12:00pm ET | Password: EVIL Ticketmaster Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am ET | Password: MELISSA Live Nation Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: VENUE Blabbermouth Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: SABBATH Knotfest.com Presale: Wednesday, September 7th @ 10:00am local time | Password: OATH
All presales end Thursday, September 8th at 10:00pm local time. General onsale date is Friday, September 9th at 10:00am local time at mercyfulfatecoven.com. These shows will sell out! Don’t miss it!
Additionally, multiple limited VIP packages will be available which will include Meet & Greets, photo opps, private Q&As, exclusive merch, and more starting Wednesday, September 7th at mercyfulfatecoven.com. Secure yours today.
MERCYFUL FATE w/ Kreator, Midnight: 10/25/2022 Dallas, TX – The Factory 10/27/2022 Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre 10/29/2022 Inglewood, CA – Youtube Theater 10/30/2022 Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Sacramento 11/01/2022 Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium 11/03/2022 Gary, IN – Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana 11/04/2022 Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J. Brady Music Center 11/05/2022 Detroit, MI – Masonic 11/08/2022 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring 11/10/2022 Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theater 11/11/2022 Laval, QC – Place Bell 11/13/2022 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall At Fenway 11/14/2022 Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia 11/16/2022 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
MERCYFUL FATE is currently working on a new album and recently gave fans a taste of the new material when they debuted a song called “The Jackal Of Salzburg” in Germany this past June as well as at Psycho Las Vegas. The band’s current lineup is King Diamond on vocals, Hank Shermann and Mike Wead on guitars, Bjarne T. Holm on drums and Joey Vera on bass.
MERCYFUL FATE was formed in early 1981 in Copenhagen, Denmark by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann. They were later joined by guitarist Michael Denner and bassist Timi Hansen, and soon thereafter drummer Kim Ruzz would join to complete the band lineup. The band recorded two demos in 1981 and later signed with Rave On Records in Holland for the recording of their successful self-titled EP, released in November of 1982. The Mercyful Fate EP was soon in heavy rotation around core metal radio stations, launching a new breed of heavy metal with their unique sound.
The band joined Roadrunner Records in 1983 and their debut full-length, Melissa, was recorded and released that same year. The following year, MERCYFUL FATE returned to the studio to record their now legendary Don’t BreakThe Oath full-length, released in September of 1984.
MERCYFUL FATE embarked upon a two month US tour in support of the record, which took them across the States several times sharing the stage with the likes of Motörhead and Exciter. The shows had created a brush fire within the metal community. The band reaped recognition globally, closing the year with a five-date tour in Germany with Motörhead, Girlschool, Helix, and Talon.
MERCYFUL FATE’s first concert of 1985 was in their hometown of Copenhagen at an old movie theater with a large capacity. The show sold out and their stage show exhibited a new level of distinction. The night was a huge victory and a new highlight for the band.
By April of 1985 however, MERCYFUL FATE decided to part ways for each to pursue new challenges. The King Diamond band was born and reaped critical acclaim the following years with five studio albums on Roadrunner Records. King Diamond has since signed with Metal Blade Records and is going stronger than ever before.
In the Summer of 1992, MERCYFULFATE decided to reunite and penned a new deal with Brian Slagel and his label, Metal Blade Records. In The Shadows was released in 1993 and was an instant triumph furthered by a sold out US tour.
MERCYFUL FATE has gone on to release another five studio albums and have toured Europe, the US, and South America multiple times. The highlight of 1999 was their critically acclaimed album 9 which was followed by a European tour with Metallica, where King Diamond and Hank Shermann joined the band onstage several times for the medley “Mercyful Fate” which Metallica had recorded on their Garage Inc. double tribute album the year prior. Tours in the US and in South America followed, marking the band’s last live performances for over a decade. MERCYFULFATE then went on hiatus, but made a brief appearance when members joined Metallica onstage in 2011 for their 30th anniversary show in San Francisco, California.
Swedish metal titans MESHUGGAH will kick off their long-awaited US headlining tour this month! Set to commence on September 16th in Worcester, Massachusetts and run through October 16th in Atlanta, Georgia, the month-long trek includes a stop at this year’s editions of the Louder Than Life Festival in Louisville, Kentucky and Aftershock Festival in Sacramento, California. Support will be provided by Torche throughout the tour’s duration as well as special guests Converge from September 16th through September 30th and In Flames from October 2nd through the tour’s conclusion. Tickets are on sale now at meshuggah.net/tour. See all confirmed dates below.
MESHUGGAH will be touring in support of their critically lauded Immutable full-length, released earlier this year via Atomic Fire. Recorded at Sweetspot Studios in Halmstad, Sweden, mixed by Rickard Bengtsson and Staffan Karlsson, and mastered by multiple Grammy award winner Vlado Meller (Metallica, Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, System Of A Down), the band’s ninth studio album and follow-up to their Grammy-nominated full-length The Violent Sleep Of Reason showcases just how far ahead of the pack the band continues to be.
Full of surprises and yet instantly recognizable as the work of metal’s most idiosyncratic force, Immutable redefines and redesigns the MESHUGGAH sound across more than an hour of the most stimulating and engaging music the band has ever composed. Despite the challenges of the last few years, the progressive principles that have always cemented the band’s artistic efforts remain as steadfast as ever. As we spiral towards a dystopian MESHUGGAH still stands unique with Immutable, their most fearlessly creative studio album to date.
Immutable is available on CD, vinyl, cassette, and digital formats. Find ordering options and additional merchandise at THIS LOCATION.
View the band’s previously released videos for “The Abysmal Eye”HERE and “Broken Cog”HERE.
MESHUGGAH: Jens Kidman – vocals Mårten Hagström – guitars Dick Lövgren – bass Fredrik Thordendal – guitars Tomas Haake – drums
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