“Return To Earth”, the new single from heavy psych doom metal space project, THEY WATCH US FROM THE MOON will be released on all streaming platforms on December 10th. Landing ahead of their upcoming album in Spring 2022, the dynamic collective of seasoned musicians, powerhouse vocal talent and a visual Sci Fi stage show has seen the project take off into orbit.
“We are incredibly excited to release the first single off our new Album. Return To Earth is the perfect song to showcase our new sound. After wood shedding through the worst of the pandemic we are very proud of the work we have accomplished. This song is the first of many new exciting adventures. Climb aboard and strap yourself in. We are about to blast off!”
With wide appeal in Comic Con culture, THEY WATCH US FROM THE MOON not only perform epic sounds and live shows, they are busy with famed horror artist Rick Lara as the band’s art director and artist involved in rebooting the band’s comic book. “Return To Earth” delivers soaring instrumentation, ethereal lead vocals and a haunting choral backing. The soundscape is an expanse of powerful chord progressions, along with heavy grooves from the guitars and bass that bring a delicious sludge edge. All of the elements combine to produce a theatrical mood with added effects in the form of narrative clips.
THEY WATCH US FROM THE MOON use their music to transport to other worlds. Their cosmic sound is a fantastic combination of genre mixing and sheer creativity. Take trip out into the galaxy and beyond safe in knowledge that with THEY WATCH US FROM THE MOON you’ll “Return To Earth”.
THEY WATCH US FROM THE MOON IS:
Luna Nemesis- Lead Vocals The General Shane Thirteen- Guitar and Vocals R. Benjamin Black- Lead Guitar and Vocals Zakkatron- Bass Adryon Alin- Drums Nova 1001001- Vocals
Metal Tour of the Year takes the front cover of this week’s Pollstar Magazine. Check out the full story behind this summer’s run with Megadeth, Lamb of God, Trivium and Hatebreed, now up at pollstar.com
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.”
Earlier this week, reunited German black/death metallers MYSTIC CIRCLE announced their signing to Atomic Fire Records. Today, the duo unveils a video for “Letters From The Devil,” the first single off their highly-anticipated, eponymous comeback, set for release on February 4th, 2022.
Elaborates the band of the track, “This song tells the true story of a possessed nun who reportedly received messages from Satan at night back in 1676. They were of a language that can’t be decoded to this day. Myths like these are always worthy of becoming a song within the MYSTIC CIRCLE universe, of course. Musically, we kept it diabolical but still infectiously melodic. That diabolicalness has greatly been staged in our new music video. Get seduced…!”
“Letters From The Devil” is part of a trilogy written by the band’s own A. Blackwar.
View the video, filmed and edited by Alen Ljubic and Nils Lesser, at THIS LOCATION.
Following the musical path where Infernal Satanic Verses — the final MYSTIC CIRCLE record featuring both reunion members — had left off in 1999, Mystic Circle was produced by the band and Nils Lesser at Vaultroom Productions while its artwork was designed by Brazilian artist Rafael Tavares.
Preorder Mystic Circle in various formats (box set, CD-digipak, black/red marbled vinyl), presave it, or preorder the album digitally to receive “Letters From The Devil” instantly and order the group’s new Letters From The Devil 7″ black vinyl single, which includes the exclusive, non-album B-side track “The Godsmasher,” limited to 666 copies and available now at THIS LOCATION.
Mystic Circle Track Listing:
1. Belial Is My Name, 2. Seven Headed Dragon, 3. Hell Demons Rising, 4. Letters From The Devil, 5. Darkness In Flames, 6. The Arrival Of Baphomet, 7. Curse Of The Wolf Demon, 8. Satanic Mistress, 9. Death Metal (Possessed Cover) * * CD-digipak only bonus track
Letters From The Devil 7” Track Listing:
Side A: Letters From The Devil
Side B: The Godsmasher
With seven studio albums and many tours alongside black metal heavyweights Marduk, Gorgoroth, and Dimmu Borgir under their belt, it wasn’t just a little history that German black/death metal legends MYSTIC CIRCLE left behind when they decided to call it quits in 2007. But alas, 14 years of silence are over as MYSTIC CIRCLE – consisting of Beelzebub and A. Blackwar who had actually left the group in 1999 – have risen from their graves to renew their deal with the Dark Lord.
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.”
NYC’s FEARIS DEAD have released their new single “Disciples of Death”. The song is the follow up to their last single “Assimilation” which was released earlier this year. The band’s cross of metal and hardcore will appeal to fans of BIOHAZARD, SICK OF IT ALL and more!
The band was born from and transcends the everyday struggle, exploring the darker, deeper, and sometimes grittier side of the human experience. Five EPs have been released to date-Fear Is Dead, Mourning ritual, Eleutherophobia, What Remains and Omnicidal. In 2019, following their last release, the band put together a short but well-received west coast tour. Launching from Vegas to California, then up the western seaboard to Seattle and back, making new fans and friends along the way
FEAR IS DEAD has shared the stage with notable local artists like REBELMATIC, SOLEMN VISION, and touring bands like Hed P.E. The group has also been featured in publications such as Metal Injection, Metal Underground.com, Aquarian Weekly, Tattoo.Com, and New Noise Magazine.
The guys are currently working on their first full-length LP to be released in 2022. The present lineup consists of the front-man and founder, Skila, and David English (guitarist for the last three EPs, and second senior member). Ish Roberts (drums) has spent nearly 3 years leading the group rhythmically. Lastly, FEAR IS DEAD welcomes their newest member, Tony Sofio (bass), into the fold as of 2021.
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.”
On January 14 2022 psychedelic rockers SPACECOKE will release their new album Lunacy.
The band comments: “We have an origin theme that a trip to space is a breakaway from a society gone mad. A planet that has built up civilizations based on power and oppression. Also mix that with the SPACE COKE scene from Cheech and Chong’s movie. Reno grew up in a diverse multicultural household and likes his music and musical companions to reflect that. SPACE COKE is aural magic to ground us in how small our planet and its affectations are in an immeasurable existence.”
Lunacy is a Twilight Zone-like journey and will be both darker and more occult themed than previous albums. Each musician’s influences add to the complexity of the album and lend to something far beyond the traditional hallmarks of fuzz and bass. Reno Gooch pulls from his childhood of listening to Indian classical, as well as contemporary artists such as SUN RA, SONIC YOUTH and ANTHONY BRAXTON, plus some of rocks most well known godfathers: BLACK SABBATH, MOTHERS OF INVENTION and JIMI HENDRIX.
If you’re ready to embark on a journey from which you may not return, SPACE COKE will be your guide. As they say: If the amp don’t smoke, it ain’t SPACE COKE.
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.
SHADOWKINGDOMRECORDS is proud to announce the signing of LEATHÜRBITCH. The first fruit of this union will be the band’s highly anticipated second album, to be released in 2022.
Formed in 2015 in Portland, Oregon, LEATHÜRBITCH have quickly ascended the underground ranks with the release of their self-titled debut EP in 2018 and successive debut album, Into the Night, a year later via High Roller Records. With the sound of early ‘80s Sunset Strip AND first Metal Massacre comps as their foundation, LEATHÜRBITCH have created an addicting blend of vicious sleaze and propulsive speed, all done with power, poignancy, and above all, a larger-than-life charisma.
Think early Ratt, W.A.S.P., and even Mötley Crüe meets equally early Jag Panzer, Bitch, and Armored Saint – and SHADOW KINGDOM will be bringing that to stereos soon with the band’s second album!
HorrorPainGoreDeathProductions are set to unleash the debut album from Italian terror Maestro DOLORE. L’Orrendo Spettacolo della Morte is up now for pre-order and will be released October 31st on CD and Digital formats.
The fuse is running short and Dolore is now lurking in the shadows… again! Horror Pain Gore Death Productions are proud to unleash the debut album from Italy’s soundtrack master of pain DOLORE, L’Orrendo Spettacolo della Morte! Originally released in 2019, L’Orrendo Spettacolo della Morte (Death’s Horrendous Show) is the first gruesomely morbid and horrific opus from Italian terror maestro DOLORE, available for the first time on CD format.
This album showcases DOLORE’s most gore-soaked tunes in true, uncompromising Fabio Frizzi fashion. Imagine a non-existing movie where all of your nightmares come real paired with the uncanny, obsessive sound of sinister synths and unearthly electronic beats drag you further down towards an unfathomable abyss of terror… pain is what you’ll gain! The icy hands of Death tighten the tourniquet around your neck, and creep into your soul! For fans of Antón García Abril, Buio Mondo, Carpenter Brut, Claudio Simonetti, Ennio Morricone, Fabio Frizzi, Goblin, Joel Grind, John Carpenter, Morte Macabre, Riz Ortolani, S U R V I V E, Tangerine Dream, Zombi and other masters of horror & giallo.
San Diego throwback rockers KING GORM have just released their new single “Beyond Black Rainbow” via their Bandcamp. The song is recommended for fans of Rainbow and Deep Purple.
Metal Jazz trio KILTER are pleased to announce that they have won the best Jazz EP award from the Independent Music Awards for their self-titled 2018 EP!
Band leader Laurent David commented: “We are very happy to win the Independent Music Award with our Debut-Ep! This one was the beginning of our process of how-to-mix-two-of-our-influences: Jazz and Metal music, which lead us to AXIOM album.”
Now in its 18th year, The Independent Music Awards, produced by Music Resource Group, honors the exceptional work by indie creatives from around the globe. The planet’s most diverse music awards program honors artistry and daring rather than streams and social reach and celebrates everything that makes indie music authentic and unique.
This year’s winning projects were culled from thousands of Album, EP, Song, Producer, Music Video and Visual Design submissions from 73 countries on 6 continents; Nominees were announced earlier this year.
Over the course of its history, the program has recognized an eclectic roster of established and emerging talent including: Killer Mike, Melissa Auf der Maur, Valerie June, Macy Gray, Jackson Browne, Pete Seeger, Flying Lotus, Lacuna Coil, Passenger, fun., JD McPherson, Team Me, Radio Radio, …And You Shall Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Meghan Trainor, Lionel Loueke, Girl in a Coma, Apples in stereo, Masta Ace, Le Bouef Brothers, Pokey LaFarge, Julianna Hatfield, RuPaul and many, many more indie innovators from around the world.
The winning projects were selected by influential judging panelists including: Tom Waits & Kathleen Brennan, Robert Smith, Ziggy Marley, KT Tunstall, Dee Snider, Drowning Pool, Roberta Flack, Jaci Velasquez, Coolio, Joshua Bell, Beth Gibbons, Joe Satriani and many more indie creatives, top recording artists and industry influencers.
As most of you know, Frankie Banali, drummer and manager of QUIET RIOT has been battling stage four pancreatic cancer for the last year. He is putting on a brave fight and punching cancer in the nose. However, with the spring and summer shows canceled or postponed because of the pandemic he now faces a struggle to cover the ever-mounting medical expenses. His friends Peter Beckett (of the band PLAYER) and his wonderful wife Eden started a go fund me to help raise funds for his battle. If you can chip in it would be greatly appreciated. We know this is a terrible time for everyone. If you are unable to, please share. Thank you and stay safe and healthy out there!
The entire Banali, and Hands on Productions family
Ohio power metal band SOLAR FLARE have released their new single “Born to Burn”. The song is from their upcoming self-titled EP which will be released on May 23, 2020.
Washington DC Crossover Thrashers RED DEATH are proud to announce their upcoming third studio album and Century Media Records debut “Sickness Divine” for a worldwide release on November 29th, 2019.
RED DEATH checked in with the following comment about “Sickness Divine”: “ This is the record we all wanted to collectively make and we feel good about what we did. Whatever aspects we liked from our past material have been fine tuned and amplified. Any new ideas we wanted to bring to the table fit perfectly and now has opened the door for future material. We wanted to create something unique for our time. A crossover record but one that fully establishes RED DEATH as just RED DEATH and nothing more. A fine balance between what we’ve done and what we needed to do. We started recording with Arthur Rizk in Philadelphia, PA around late May and finished up early August. We are gearing up to tour Europe with the CRO-MAGS as well as preparing ourselves for 2020 and beyond. We are beyond excited and can not wait to share what we’ve created with everyone!”
Look out for the launch of the album’s first single as well as the album’s pre-order starts to happen on September 27th, 2019.
Once more produced by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Sacred Reich) and with cover art – to be seen above – by Timbul Cahoyno (The Black Dahlia Murder, Nocturnus A.D.), “Sickness Divine” is a sledgehammer-to-the-skull riff-ride across its 10 annihilating tracks. Here is the standard track-listing for the release:
Red Death – Sickness Divine:
1. Sickness Divine
2. Face The Pain
3. Sword Without A Sheath
4. The Anvil’s Ring
5. Sheep May Unsafely Graze
6. Path Of Discipline
7. (Refuse To Be) Bound By Chains
8. Dreadful Perception
9. Ravage
10. Exhalation Of Decay
RED DEATH line-up: (From left to right – Photo by Angela Owens) Chad Troncale – vocals, bass Ace Mendoza – guitar Will Wagstaff – guitar Connor Donegan – drums
We are pleased to announce our return to the USA and Canada this Autumn with the hellish union of Ohio’s Homewrecker & select dates with Joy, Call of The Void & Great American Ghost. We will be visiting some new places and soon to be regular haunts – bring yourself to a date and show us how it’s done.
NO REST. NO SLEEP. THE GRIND IS REAL.
Dates:
09/13 – Ottawa, ON – Mavericks *^
09/14 – Quebec City, QC – La Source de la Martinière *^
09/15 – Waterford, NY – Chrome *^
09/16 – Somerville, MA – Once Ballroom *^
09/18 – Brooklyn, NY – Saint Vitus Bar *^
09/19 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Smiling Moose *^
09/20 – Indianapolis, IN – The Citadel *
09/21 – Detroit, MI – Sanctuary *
09/22 – Chicago, IL – Cobra Lounge *
09/24 – Kansas City, MO – The Riot Room *
09/25 – Denver, CO – Larmier Lounge *
09/26 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court ^^
09/27 – Boise, ID – The Shredder ^^
09/28 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon (Funhouse) ^^
09/29 – Portland, OR – Paris Theatre ^^
10/01 – Orangevale, CA – The Boardwalk ^^
10/02 – Los Angeles, CA – Five Star Bar ^^
10/03 – Las Vegas, NV – American Legion Post 8 ^^
10/04 – Mesa, AZ – Club Red ^^
10/06 – Dallas, TX – Club DaDa ^^
10/07 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall ^^
10/08 – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live ^^
10/09 – New Orleans, LA – Santos ^^
10/10 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade ^^
10/11 – Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506 ^^
10/12 – Washington, DC – The Pinch ^^
10/13 – Amityville, NY – Revolution ^^
Venom Prison & Homewrecker (All Dates)
Call Of The Void (9/13-9/25) *
Joy (9/13-9/20) ^
Great American Ghost (9/26-10/13) ^^
Greetings, our thrash metal brothers and sisters from the United States! We are Azotador from Bolivia in South America and we will be coming to tour the United States for the first time for ten shows on the East Coast. We hope that you all can come to thrash with us while we are on the road and we want to meet you all!
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"
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