L-R: Florian Milz (Atomic Fire Records CEO), Udo Dirkschneider, Markus Wosgien (Atomic Fire Records CEO), Frank Süpfle (ITM Agency) – Photo by Thomas “Zwini” Zwirner
German heavy metal icon Udo Dirkschneider will turn 70 years old on April 6th, 2022. Born in Wuppertal during the post-war period, when heavy metal hadn’t even been envisioned, he is the constant among the German metal scene and one of the decisive characters who helped shape the genre so significantly over the course of about five decades. Originally becoming world-famous as a founding member of Accept, Dirkschneider continues to steadily expand upon his international successes with his U.D.O. and Dirkschneider outfits, remaining true to himself every step of the way. Deciding it’s time for another change in his career, today, U.D.O.announces his official signing to Atomic Fire Records.
Udo states: “As a globally active artist, it is very important for me to work with our respective partners in a trusting and highly professional way since large parts of our careers depend directly on their work. A friendly relationship and fun in day-to-day cooperation are just as important. With my U.D.O. and Dirkschneider bands, I have always paid attention to long-term partnerships, which really did not make the decision to change labels again after nearly twenty years of cooperation with AFM Records easy for me. I would like to specifically thank Jochen Richert and his team once again for the very trusting and personal cooperation over the last two decades!”
“But when the opportunity arose to follow a fresh path with the newly founded Atomic Fire Records label and experience new inspirations, I seized it immediately and won’t let go. The opportunity to work with a nationally and internationally experienced and successful team consisting of friends and years-long companions was too tempting. The team and the concept as well as Atomic Fire Records’ professional setup worldwide has convinced me completely and I look very optimistically and happily toward the future and a cooperation with Markus Wosgien, Markus Staiger, and Florian Milz and their team.”
(Photo by Tim Tronckoe)
Atomic Fire Records CEO Markus Wosgien says: “I was nine years old when I listened to a real metal song for the very first time – a live version of ‘Metal Heart’ – and it hooked me immediately. On that day, heavy metal became the center of my life. I started spending my whole pocket money for Accept’s records before I also discovered other groups. Accept were the ultimate band and the definition of heavy metal – it just had to sound like this. I was working with U.D.O.in support of their Mastercutor album during my time at AFM Records, but I even had the chance of cooperating with Accept for four full-lengths after their reunion in 2009. To welcome Udo Dirkschneider to Atomic Fire Records is a kind of a knightly accolade for us. He’s an icon and an old hand of metal who still has a lot to say. We’re pleased to release an outstanding album around his 70th birthday and can’t wait for all those U.D.O. hits that are yet to come.”
Further details on what’s behind Udo Dirkschneider’s upcoming opus will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Melodic metal quintet UNDRASK are preparing to unleash their second studio album God Emperor in early 2022. Based out of Greensboro, North Carolina, the outfit formed in in 2013 releasing their self-titled EP in 2015 and debut LP Battle Through Time in 2017. Their upcoming sophomore album takes their sound to the next dimension.
The band comments:
“We’re pumped to finally call our second album, God Emperor, complete! We were on schedule to release about a year ago, but life had other plans. To quote Patrick Rothfuss: “When you wait a few span or month to hear a finished song, the anticipation adds savor. But after a year excitement begins to sour.” Some of you have waited patiently with us, no doubt thinking “release the damn thing already!” We understand, agree, and hope you’ll find the finished product well worth the wait!”
Packed with even more harmonies and intertwined guitars, the new album sees the appearance of orchestral elements and several talented guests. With Melodies and riffs abound, and vocals more brutal than ever, each track carries its own life and vibe.
UNDRASK is: Steve Wynn – Vocals Darryl Dewitt – Guitars Erik Collier – Guitars Daniel McCoy – Bass Aaron Schimmel – Drums
Above photo: L to R: Matt Bachand (bass) & Chris Broderick (guitar)
Hey everybody, Stone here! I went to see Act Of Defiance at Oddbody’s in Dayton Ohio, back on June 16th of 2016. Accompanying me was Robert (Rob) Nickell; an old friend of mine and professional photographer. All of these fabulous concert photos featured in this post are credited to Rob.
Not appearing in a photo here is the legendary drummer Shawn Drover. Trust me, Shawn was creating plenty of thunder behind his drum kit on that night! Shawn is also an ex-member of MEGADETH.
Yes, 2016. How or why it took me over 5 years to finally publish these photos of such an amazing Metal supergroup? Regardless, I’ve rediscovered them in the Metal Odyssey archives and they’re to be enjoyed now and forever! Thank you Act Of Defiance for killing it on that night! Thank you, Robert Nickell for the camera talent!
Above photo: Chris Broderick / guitarist
I remember this concert being high octane! Chris Broderick shredded on guitar and played to the crowd with his constant smiles of appreciation. A true thrill it was for me, to see such a legendary Metal guitarist so close up! Yes, I was psyched outta my mind that night!
Above: Chris Broderick gives back the horns to his fans. Chris also is an ex-member of world-class Metal bands: Jag Panzer, Nevermore and MEGADETH.
On this tour, Act Of Defiance were out supporting their debut studio album: BirthAndTheBurial. This album was released back in August of 2015, via Metal Blade Records. I highly recommend both studio albums that Act Of Defiance created! Their second album was released back in 2017, titled: OldScars, NewWounds (Metal Blade Records).
Above: Henry Derek (vocalist). Henry is also an ex-member of Thrown Into Exile and Scar The Martyr.
Vocalist Henry Derek was outstanding! He was a thrill to see and hear live! Henry is an underrated Metal vocalist and that’s my Metal fact for the day.
Above: Matt Bachand (bassist) – Matt is also a founding member, rhythm guitarist and clean vocalist for the mighty Shadows Fall.L to R: yours truly aka Stone & bass player Matt Bachand
Imagine blending the early frenzy of System Of A Down, the heaviness of Slipknot, and the explosive energy of Social Distortion in a Mexican setting and multiply it tenfold and you might come close to the rabid intensity that is 8 KALACAS (spoken: “Ocho Kalacas”). Not so much an ordinary band than it is a tidal wave of bristling energy, hard-hitting music, and biting social commentary, this Californian skacore collective is set on conquering the world with their astounding musical exorcism.
Today, Atomic Fire Records is proud to announce the signing of 8 KALACAS. To celebrate their union with the label, the band presents “R2rito,” the first single off of their upcoming new album Fronteras set for release on March 25th, 2022.
“This song is for all the people who are tired of the same routine day-in and day-out. We become robotic slaves to industry and the casualty of it all is our ambition. There will never be growth in a system designed for clockwork obedience,” comments Choriz, the man behind the trumpet.
Additionally, 8 KALACAS recently signed a management deal with Dez Fafara (Devildriver, Coal Chamber), who is COO and founding partner of the Oracle Managament (Cradle Of Filth, Jinjer, The 69 Eyes etc.) along with his wife and CEO Anahstasia Fafara. “When I was approached by 8 KALACAS to manage I was sent songs and immediately knew there was something special about this music,” recalls Dez Fafara. “The combination of heavy metal, done in punk rock fashion with a ska twist and a horn section… you would have to be blind to not see the special combination of influences the band was mashing up! Then I caught them live and couldn’t believe how out of control the crowd was, how tight the band was, and how special this whole vibe surrounding them is. I was in!”
“This is the coolest and hottest shit out there,” says Atomic Fire Records CEO and founder Markus Wosgien. “The first thing that I heard and saw after Dez and Anahstasia introduced us to the band, was the video clip for ‘R2rito,’ which completely blew me away. What an energy and what a damn unique mix! This had to be the first single and I want everyone out there to experience the same. Enjoy this aggressive chunk and prepare yourself for some more hits on the same level. This band is the future! Once you get into them, you will be addicted!”
Formed in Orange County in 2003, the fertile soil of extremity that also brought us Social Distortion and Avenged Sevenfold, 8 KALACAS are the harbingers of a new era. After establishing their unique brand of metallic hardcore, ska, and traditional Mexican elements in California and the rest of the Divided States, the massive seven-piece brotherhood is ready to take on the rest of the world. Fronteras, their third full-length and first for brand-new label Atomic Fire Records, is a curveball for the rest of the international metal/hardcore scene: An album so fierce and unique you simply can’t resist succumbing to the thundering grooves, malicious riffs, and infectious trumpet/trombone madness they so vigorously unleash like there’s no tomorrow.
And maybe there isn’t. Recorded in winter 2019 in Los Angeles, Fronteras is an album fit for times like these; a musical indictment of everything that goes wrong in this world. “This album is real life,” says the band. “It’s what’s happening now in our country and in many other countries. A lot of people leave behind their families, their loved ones, their security to come and try to make a new life just to discover that it was never that easy. Many people have lived and died for a dream they couldn’t achieve because they didn’t have the right documents or because they didn’t come from the right families, and we feel that because it can happen to so many of our brothers and sisters on this planet for bullshit borders that are just imaginary lines dividing us.”
8 KALACAS is well aware of California’s underbelly, the other side of beaches, sunshine, and shady glamour. “We see it every day in the streets. There are homeless people living under bridges while hundreds of buildings remain empty throughout the city. We see businesses and politicians make decisions that affect millions of people while their jobs are safe, and their security is stable. This country is filled with class division, racial division, sexist division and you don’t have to go far to see that reality.”
This is why 8 KALACAS is taking up their instruments as their arms: To smash those borders and to remind us that there is more uniting that separating us. “We sing about the literal borders that so many countries enforce, that keep humans separated and discriminated against. But we also sing about the borders in our head that keep us from being happy or that keep us from believing that we are worthy people capable of doing more than what society tells us we can do.”
More a family than a band, the 8 KALACAS tribe is welcoming everyone into their ranks who shares their values and their passion for music. “We love sharing that with anyone who’s willing to be a part of our family and we hope that family continues growing.”
It will. The energy level on Frontera is so high it will turn any fan of extreme and extremely uplifting music into an ecstatically banging, moshing, jumping or dancing dervish. “People see us and listen to us when they want to relieve their frustrations, when they want to celebrate their happiness, or just to share a night or a feeling they have. They keep us moving forward and we do not plan on letting them down.”
Taking their Latin roots and their Californian upbringing and ingeniously warping the two into this behemoth of an album, 8 KALACAS truly bring something new and exciting to the table. “More than anything it demonstrates to us that nothing is impossible,” the band says of their wild musical ride. “We started as a garage band and now we’re living a dream that many people thought was impossible. We did that by blending together the sounds that influenced us throughout our lives and creating this world of Latin skacore. It’s an honor to be able to represent our communities and have the opportunity to share those musical traditions to the world in our own way.”
Influenced by the Mariachi and Cumbia traditions of Mexico while also being true children of a globalized world, 8 KALACAS stand for a new era in rock and metal music. It’s music for anyone who feels at home in these intoxicating tunes. Hence their bandname, with “calaca” meaning “skull” in Spanish. “No matter who you are, the color of your skin, the type of people you love, what god you believe in, the poverty, or the wealth: when you die the only thing left is the fucking Kalaca.” In death at least we are united… or, if we don’t wanna wait that long, in this fiery phenomenon called 8 KALACAS.
Yes, GWAR were magnificent live! GWAR invaded Bogart’s in Cincinnati Ohio, back on November 11th. I took the live photos you see on this post with my iPhone; thus I’m admittedly no professional photographer (hahaha).
I bought quite a bunch at the merch table; one item is this GWAR stamped metal pin. Whoa!
There was a HUGE pit and everyone attending this show were lit in one manner or another. It was Metal euphoria and I drank plenty of PBR while there. I went to this GWAR show with my buddy Troy; it was his birthday as well. Good Metal times! At this concert, GWAR didn’t spray down the fans with any goo or monster secretions; not from my vantage point anyways.
I’m going to post more concert photos of GWAR with more merch I bought, in the coming days. I did buy a GWAR keychain that I gave to a coworker of mine. One last thought: it was raining like hell on our drive down to Cincinnati that night. Troy drove his car and (as usual) was a superhero behind the wheel; getting us there fast and safe.
If you’ve never seen GWAR live, I strongly encourage you to do so. If you’re not interested in GWAR, then drink a gallon of prune juice and listen to your ABBA records. Metal be thy name! – Stone
L-R – Oscar Rangel – Bass, JJ Tartaglia – Vocals, Drums, Keys, Jonny Nesta – Guitars Photo Credit – Rae Chatten
Debut Album “Fire It Up” Out Feb 25, 2022 via Boonsdale Records
March 2022 European Tour w/ Traveler, Toledo Steel
Thunderor is a relatively new band, just having started up in the midst of the pandemic when JJ Tartaglia (Skull Fist) felt a calling to develop his singing and front his own band. He was joined by Skull Fist bandmate Jonny Nesta and Oscar Rangel (Operus, ex-Annihilator) creating a heavy 80’s influenced power trio that knows how to rock fans. They are releasing their debut album “Fire It Up” early next year with the first single being “How We Roll”, which Tartaglia explains:
“How We Roll just felt like the right choice as the first single to come out with. It’s a catchy tune, with a big emphasis on the song-writing, and that’s the main thing with Thunderor. It’s got that anthem-like singalong chorus, feels like freedom and good times. It’s a song about friends, road trips, and not wanting to go home when it’s time to go home haha.”
The album is a fresh take on NWOTHM, with 80s synths, piano, and gong hits. Lyrically it’s an adventure, complete with motorcycles, romance, and danger. It inspires you to go after your life and to never give up. The video for the groovy, catchy single features shots of the band cruising on bikes; JJ Tartaglia is indeed an avid motorcycle rider and has been featured a couple of times in Adventure Bike Rider.
Tartaglia expects that the album will be a hit with Skull Fist fans who will find some familiarity in the music, and also will intrigue new listeners who will be drawn in by the originality and catchy hooks. He cites that being a singing drummer definitely adds a unique twist and will allow for a creative setup when they hit the stage. He sums up the album:
“I think we’ve created a truly original album with Fire It Up. It was a blast writing these songs and putting my personality into the lyrics for the first time. The songs on the album are meant to inspire a life journey – an adventure with friends, motorcycles, romance, danger, and victory. I hope it will be a soundtrack for your adventures.”
The 80s-infused heavy metal is recommended for fans of Skull Fist, Saxon, and Judas Priest.
The music video for “How We Roll”can be viewed via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.
Track Listing: 1. Fire It Up (5:12) 2. How We Roll (4:14) 3. All or Nothing (4:31) 4. Dangerous Times (5:24) 5. Thunderor (4:32) 6. On the Run (4:04) 7. Into the Storm (1:34) 8. We Can Make It (4:21) 9. Cold Tears (5:17) Album Length: 39:09
Dreamlike and longing but still vicious and punishing – Nordic black metal saturated in that characteristically wild and unbound organic spirit associated with many of the Nordvis bands. Perhaps somewhere in-between Murg and Panphage, but with an atmosphere rooted in folkloric mysticism. Blodtår’s primary strength is the masterful use of contrast in mood and music, showcasing both acoustic interludes and a youthful fire that brings early Dissection to mind.
Tracklist: 1. Djävulskap 2. Svartsejd 3. Besatt 4. Aldrig Mer
An outfit created in the midst of chaos, erected from an earth in mourning and the universal struggle to reclaim our humanity… Uncertainty of the collective future remains, but even in darkness there is light. A new challenge emerges from the shadows and a new hope begins to dissipate the pain. A powerful connection that binds us to the universe and a deep desire for spiritual illumination exists within us. We introduce to you, SEVENTH STORM.
Five musicians from Portugal who aspire to play music full of emotion and character, the members of SEVENTH STORM are fighters seeking a new path in life. Comments drummer and band leader Mike Gaspar (ex-Moonspell), “We come together with one goal: to stay strong so that there may be a chance of freedom to come, to never give up even in the most troubling times. Our crusade starts now. May our paths cross; may we one day visit the seven continents and navigate through the seven seas, in the hope of creating the perfect storm: the SEVENTH STORM. May the light and fire return to this forgotten art. Let the horns be heard once more. Join us.”
Atomic Fire Records is proud to announce the signing of this promising dark metal outfit who are working on their debut album, slated for release in August 2022.
“SEVENTH STORM signing to Atomic Fire Records is the best thing that could have happened to us,” says Gaspar. “We are so proud to be a part of this amazing team that truly believes in metal. Together, our mission is to set fire to your hearts once more. Get ready for the best label ever because we are here to stay.”
Adds Atomic Fire Records co-CEO and founder Markus Wosgien, “Our common friend Esa Holopainen of Amorphis introduced us and there was magic in the air right away. Within twenty-four hours, it was clear that we would experience this adventure together. The group’s demo songs, brimming over with inspiration and all their emotions, really touched us. Our whole team fell in love, and we are fully convinced that this STORM will become nothing but a hurricane.”
SEVENTH STORM emerged from Gaspar’s strong desire to continue making music after his departure from Moonspell in 2020. “I was at a crossroad in my life, feeling a bit lost and unsure of my artistic future,” notes Gaspar, who was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts and moved to Portugal in 1988. “Then a good friend of mine got me together with musicians that he thought could fulfill my vision.”
Initially, he was just eager to get back to drumming with a band and to feel inspired by music again, but after SEVENTH STORM’s first rehearsal, he realized how powerful their connection was. “Most of the members had a more hard rock background and not such an extreme metal underground influence like mine, but this diversity in musical styles is what made the energy in the rehearsal room so magical. Some of the first riffs we played reminded me of early Darkthrone and Emperor. It almost felt like I had gone back in time and was reliving my youth, but with thirty years of experience! The driving force was to save and honor my past and being able to share that with a new metal family – to hopefully make epic, meaningful music full of soul and emotion.”
Don’t miss out on SEVENTH STORM’s journey. Expect further travel details to be revealed in the weeks to come.
SEVENTH STORM: Mike Gaspar – drums, Rez – vocals, Ben Stockwell – lead guitar, Josh Riot – guitar, Butch Cid – bass guitar
Connecticut symphonic death metal band VIRUS OF IDEALS have released a stunning cover of the classic CRADLEOF FILTH track “Nymphetamine Fix”. The song is available on all digital streaming outlets including Spotify and Bandcamp.
The band comments:
” ‘Nymphetamine Fix’ is obviously a classic, but the main reason we chose to cover this song is because it fits our style perfectly: it has a balanced mix of screaming and clean vocals with strong keyboards and orchestrations. This song was a challenge to record because there are way more layers of vocals, orchestrations, and guitars than we are used to. Fortunately, our drummer Brian (Westbrook (Lich King)) is also a producer with a fantastic ear; we were able to stay very faithful to the original due largely to his direction. We know our debut album is long overdue (our EP is 5 years old), but we are still making progress despite numerous setbacks over the years. We were planning to cover this song anyways, but we thought it would make the wait a bit easier for our fans to have something new to listen to in the meantime.”
Madison (WI) – Midwest Death Machine CASKETROBBERY have officially released their newest single, “Bone Mother.” The song is now available on Spotify and all other streaming platforms.
“Bone Mother” is dedicated to the memory of Eric Orvold, father of CASKET ROBBERY vocalist Megan Orvold.
CASKET ROBBERY recently released a video for “Bone Mother.” HorrorPatch.com called the video “a claymation masterpiece of darkness and horror that you’re going to want to check out.”
The video was directed and created by Shayne Minott of Budget Blood Productions. “Bone Mother” was produced and engineered by Troy Powell at Unintended Studios, and mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson.
Emerging from the darkest and most desolate areas of the Midwest, CASKET ROBBERY creates its own signature style of death metal by infusing horror and occult themes. Their trademark huge riffs and unstoppable grooves create the unrelenting, brutally catchy, and eerie sound that only CASKET ROBBERY is known for. Death metal with a wink.
CASKET ROBBERY’s intense, high energy shows have quickly surfaced a die hard following. They continue to show a relentless work ethic and dedication to their fanbase. After the release of their debut album CASKET ROBBERY has toured the United States continually, hitting large festivals like Full Terror Assault and Milwaukee Summerfest. CASKET ROBBERY has shared the stage with Cannibal Corpse, Jungle Rot, Psycroptic, Immolation and more.
Your unrelenting nightmare has just begun.
Casket Robbery is: Megan Orvold – VocalsCory Scheider – GuitarsTroy Powell – GuitarsEli Pete – Bass
Sponsors: Dean Markley Strings, Vader Cabinets, Pig Hog Cables, Dirtbag Clothing, Gravewitch Goods, Grindcore Coffee
Symphonic metal band THREADS OF FATE have released a lyric video for their stunning song “The Cold Embrace Of The Light”. The song is from their upcoming album of the same name which will be released via Layered Reality Productions on 11 March, 2022.
Band founder Jon Pyres comments:
“We’re very happy to finally release the first single of the new album, admittedly a very special track for us. It explores the darker aspects of despair, of delving deep within and facing your inner demons. It was an interesting time for the band and the new material resulted in a far more sinister manner than the debut EP.”
Eonia delivers a sonic masterpiece in the form of “To Live With Purpose.” Incredibly gifted multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Smith delivers the captivating follow-up to “Devotion,” which was released through The Charon Collective earlier this year. Listeners who enjoy Periphery, Hopesfall, Misery Signals, August Burns Red and the likes will no doubt find their new favorite artist in the midst of this emotionally-crafted 9-song masterpiece.
The exclusive Bandcamp CD and digital editions of “To Live With Purpose” come with awesome bonus features! They include a full-color profile picture of Gabriel Smith and a mini-album flat you can either print out to hang up or just keep as a file.
Legendary vocalist SARAHJEZEBELDEVA has revealed her song “A Sign Of Sublime (Redux)”. The track is a re-working of her classic song from her debut solo album and features guest appearances from Lindsay Schoolcraft (Juno nominated singer/Songwriter) and Ghul (MAYHEM).
Sarah comments:
“I’ve made it no secret that most of us involved with the out come of the album “A Sign Of Sublime” was a total disappointment, I’m not talking the orchestral tracks as 2 of them were off of the demo that Chris Rehn and I did before we formed Angtoria. I’m talking about the metal tracks. I never wanted to be just a backing singer, it was never the plan, so when you get a record deal under your own name, it’s a huge thing. To spare you the details, it ruined what dreams I had before the solo career started. I remember Dan, the guy mixing it saying to me outside the studio how over edited everything was and he literally couldn’t do a thing to save the album, basically you can’t roll a dog turd in icing sugar in the hope it will taste good. I’ve never seen a penny from the album, never seen a sales or streaming statement and the whole experience leaves a bitter taste in ya mouth. The guitarist who also had a dream, well I couldn’t explain what had happened as I knew he wouldn’t believe me and we stopped talking, but years later, trying to close the door on the album and company that destroyed it, we decided to re record the title track and show people how it should have been, how it should have sounded. Since meeting Dan, we have become really good friends, he has been by my side since he attempted to mix that album, so without him, this track wouldn’t haven’t happened. I’ve had so many good people, friends, get involved or give their blessing for this re recording, I am honoured and extremely lucky. We may record Lady Tyranny early next year also, but once that’s done, the door is closed. I hope people love it, but I do ask not to stream or buy the original album, go to YouTube and check it if you must. Hope this all makes sense and thank you.”
Mike Howe “In Memoriam” (Remembering Mike Howe) 60 page full color 8×11 memorial booklet and official tribute shirt is now available for a limited time. A visual celebration & tribute to Mike Howe’s music career, including photos from his days with Hellion, Snair, Heretic and Metal Church!
New Orleans thrash icons EXHORDER will return to the road later this month on a US headlining tour. The journey runs from November 24th through December 19th and will see the band performing their classic 1990 debut, Slaughter In The Vatican, in its entirety!
Comments vocalist Kyle Thomas: “It seems kind of crazy that EXHORDER is finally doing a proper US tour for Slaughter In The Vatican in 2021, thirty-one years after its release. The opportunities and possibilities didn’t line up for us back in the day, so we’ve decided to take this show on the road and give everyone a proper tribute to this landmark album. As a band, we are truly grateful and honored to be able to do this, and for me it’s simply amazing. Almost like watching one of your children grow up and succeed in life! Without overstating the obvious too much, it’s going to be immeasurably exciting to once again take the show on the road after more than a year and a half on hold due to the pandemic. May we all find good health in the upcoming months to make the shows on this tour as exciting to witness as it is for us to perform them! We look forward to rolling with our support acts Take Offense, Extinction A.D., and Plague Years as well. See you all soon, can’t wait!”
Formed in 1986, EXHORDER’s thirty-five-year long (and counting) journey has proven exciting, yet tumultuous, fraught with euphoric peaks and crippling valleys throughout its existence. The band recorded their controversial classic demo, Slaughter In The Vatican, in 1987 and from there, the international attention the band drew via the world of underground tape-trading was indisputable. As fate would have it however, the band broke up for the first time in early 1988 due to internal struggles. A reformation ensued later that year and EXHORDER set out once again to pursue its vision.
The band soon signed with Mean Machine Records but the label dissolved before the band’s debut could be completed. The contract was subsequently purchased by R/C Records, a subsidiary of Roadracer/Roadrunner Records in the United States. With a small recording budget and repair to previous sessions, Slaughter In The Vatican was completed and released with the assistance of legendary producer Scott Burns in 1990, nearly five years after much of the material was written.
Following a series of lineup shifts, a second full-length, and multiple hiatuses, the band finally relaunched itself in 2017. Legends grow over time, and new generations emerge to keep them alive. With the demand of EXHORDER at an all-time high, the band set out once again to finish the job they had not yet completed. The band played a series of club shows and festivals to immense interest. A deal with the Nuclear Blast label was quickly inked and in 2019 the band released Mourn The Southern Skies. Rave reviews from critics and fans saw the band’s popularity increase yet again, and the band set out on the road to packed venues and large festivals.
In March of 2020, a direct support tour slot in front of Overkill allowed the band to showcase themselves at the level they had always strived to reach. Live reviews of the tour and audience reaction proved that the hunger for this band by the public continues to grow.
Slaughter In The Vatican, which was recently inducted into Decibel Magazine’s coveted Hall Of Fame series and re-released on vinyl, remains a crucial release in the annals of metal.
Decibel hailed the band’s “precision groove and whip-smart thrash,” Invisible Oranges lauded a, “groundbreaking and incredibly heavy slab of groove-infused thrash and speed metal,” Sputnik Music commended, “an album which helped to kick-start the groove metal revolution, while staying true to its thrash roots,” while AllMusic observed the album’s, “death metal-style double kick drums, chugging guitar riffs played at both slow and blistering tempos, and…the gruff but very expressive lead vocals of frontman Kyle Thomas,” After a seventeen month halt in touring due to the pandemic, EXHORDER put on a legendary performance of Slaughter In The Vatican in its entirety at Psycho Las Vegas 2021 and are fully ready to return to the stage with the record that started it all.
Texas death bringers I AM will kick off 2022 supporting death metal veterans Nile on their Age Of Vile Divinities US Tour. The trek begins on February 3rd in Nashville, Tennessee and makes its way through over two dozen cities, coming to a close on March 12th in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Additional support will be provided by Incantation and Sanguisugabogg.
Comments the band: “We’re incredibly excited to smash over a month of dates with some monsters of bands. With new music hidden away, it’s swelled up and ready to burst. Be prepared to enter into our domain. See y’all in February!” See all confirmed dates below.
I AM have come to embody the subgenre known as “Texas death.” While the band takes influence from “The Big Four,” their homage to artists like Pantera, Power Trip, and Cro-Mags is undeniable. Their signature style of dive-bomb guitars and guitar-driven riffs has come to define the genre.
Formed by vocalist AndrewHileman in 2011, I AM quickly gained recognition in the great state of Texas as being a band meant for bigger things. After paying their proverbial dues and touring relentlessly, solidifying Texas death across North America on tour with bands like The Acacia Strain, For The Fallen Dreams, and Kublai Khan, I AM released their debut album, Life Through Torment, in February of 2017.
By 2018, the band began recording a new album with Randy Lebeouf at Graphic Nature Audio (Kublai Khan, Left Behind, Great American Ghost) with a vision of capturing their chaotic live performance and power they’d become known for. Hard 2 Kill was released in November of that year to serious critical acclaim. Decibel Magazine declared, “I AM know how to write songs that make you want to move,” Kerrang! noted, “Devoid of pretension and brimming with tangible anger, the band’s music is an angry headbanger’s dream.”
I AM will release their next full-length via MNRKHeavy with details to be unveiled in the months to come.
We are beyond excited about this one guys! April 16th, 2021 we will be headlining Hyperspace MetalFestivalIII in Vancouver. It’s Canada’s premier melodic & power metal festival!
This will be our first ever Canadian date and we are thrilled to be premiering in a new country alongside so many amazing bands!
We will be breaking out a few surprises and once more unveiling our brand of dark melodic metal on the live stage. It feels so good to start to have tour dates coming up where we can share our music with you. April 16th is going to be a special one any way you slice it!
Canadian thrashers LUTHARO have finally released their new video “Hopeless Abandonment”. The song is taken from their upcoming album Hiraeth.
Vocalist Krista Shipperbottom comments: Hopeless Abandonment has finally been released world wide and it comes with a strong meaning! This song wants you to remember that you were put on this earth with purpose and you have a destiny to fulfill!”
“Anadem Gyre” is the brand-new ethereal single from ANTIQVA (pronounced as; antiqua). The chamber black metal project was founded by Xenoyr (NE OBLIVISCARIS) and LindsaySchoolcraft while on tour in Europe in the Autumn of 2015.
“We’re pleased to reveal our debut music video, “Anadem Gyre”, a song released only in vinyl format in 2020 as a bonus track to our “Funeral Crown” single. “Anadem Gyre” is a more emphasised dark folk element from within our sound, a portion of this infused into our chamber black metal backbone is what to expect on our debut album. With all our tracks we utilise the Romanian tongue and so we thought it fitting that we pay respect to the country, one so rich in spirit, character, and folklore. We hope you enjoy this visual experience.”
Featuring an experienced ensemble of past, present, and live musicians from well-established bands; NE OBLIVISCARIS, NEGATOR, KARKAOS/BLACKGUARD, BLACK CROWN INITIATE, SUSPERIA/ABYSSIC, and THE OCEAN.
ANTIQVA is: Xenoyr – harsh vocals, lyrics, artistic vision Lindsay Schoolcraft – ethereal vocals, piano, main classical composer Fabian Schaper – guitars and main composer Justine Ethier – drums, percussion, main composer Memnock – bass, contrabass Dalai Cellai – Cello
Track Details: Lyrics by Xenoyr Violin and viola performed by David “Dagda” Sanchez Romanian voices performed by Ady Cernea Guitars recorded at: Doubletrack Studios – Germany Lindsay’s vocals recorded at: Monolithic Productions (Tyler Williams) – Canada Percussion recorded at: Silver Wing Studios (Jonathan Lefrancois-Leduc) – Canada Xen’s vocals recorded by: Troy McCosker (Audio Ninja) – Australia Cello recorded at: Bandito 36 Studio (Damian Murdoch) – Germany Andy’s vocals recorded at: Sonic Pariah Studio (Garrin Beaudoin) – USA Bass and contrabass recorded at: Darkwoods Studio – Norway
Mixed by Carson Slovak at Atrium Audio, USA Mastered by Lasse Lammert at LSD Studios, Germany Artwork, logo, and design by Xenoyr
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!
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