Archive for music news

EKTOMORF – Returns With New Album, “Vivid Black” And Unleashes Music Video For Brutal First Single “I’m Your Last Hope (The Rope Around)”

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , , on October 16, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Hungarian Metal Giants EKTOMORF Return With Their Heaviest & Angriest Album To Date!Vivid Black coming on December 8, 2023 via AFM Records!

December 8, 2023 will see Hungary’s metal frontrunners, EKTOMORF, release their brand new album offering, titled Vivid Black, via powerhouse label AFM Records! Available as CD,Vinyl and Digital formats, the pre-sale has just started at THIS LOCATION!

Vivid Black marks not only the already fourteenth studio album by EKTOMORF, but their most brutal and darkest to date! Even after almost 30 years of an impressive career, with chart-topping album releases and countless, international tours under their belt, the band proves to sound more intense, merciless and honest than ever before.

The Corona pandemic has left its mark on the world. This was also the case with singer and guitarist Zoltàn Farkas. Due to isolation and loss, he had to fight with depression, which he processes on Vivid Black. Written in only three (!) weeks, this hateful piece of art will bang directly into yours ears and in an obscure way, gives comfort to anyone who had similar emotional difficulties during the lockdowns. At the same time, Vivid Black is a personal reckoning with everything and everyone who stirs up hate and forces people to be something they are not and do not want to be. The band’s forthcoming record marks a new, honest and insanely brutal album from EKTOMORF,so better get ready for the destruction that is Vivid Black!

A first single, the fierce album opening track “I’m Your Last Hope (The Rope Around)”, has just been unleashed. The song is now available on all digital services HERE! Watch the new EKTOMORF music video now premiering HERE:

“Vivid Black is the darkest and angriest album I wrote in my entire life,” the EKTOMRF frontman reveals. “There is nothing beautiful or even nice about the songs, this album is about pain, hate, anger, disappointment of ungrateful people I had to know. In this part of my life, and also the dark time facing losing my Mother in long and painful sickness, I truly hate this world, no light left in me. Vivid Black is all I am. And this record will show what I feel, with all the heaviness and anger.”

On Vivid Black, EKTOMORF return to their music roots while bringing entirely new elements to light, including clear vocal passages and a modern metal sound. The iconic band remains a fixture in the European metal scene even after more than three decades, their relentless style and dedication are unmatched. With their forthcoming album and an unwavering passion, they will continue to dominate stages worldwide and get people headbanging around the globe, from small clubs to the biggest festivals. EKTOMORF prove, that music and the passion for what they do never cease.

Vivid Black was produced by Zoltàn Farkas and longtime friend and renowned producer Tue Madsen. The cover artwork was created by Bramantya Ardhy Wardhana. Pre-order your copy of this must-have, brutal album banger HERE!

Vivid Black – track listing:
01 – I’m Your Last Hope (The Rope Around Your Neck)
02 – Die
03 – Never Be the Same Again
04 – I Don’t Belong to You
05 – Fade Away
06 – You and Me
07 – Vivid Black
08 – The Best of Me
09 – You Belong There
10 – REM

EKTOMORF:
Zoltàn Farkas (Vocals, Guitar)
Szebasztián Simon (Guitar)
Csaba Zahorán (Bass)
Dániel Szabó (Drums)

Source: AFM Records

SONATA ARCTICA – Returns With Rapid New Digital Single, “First In Line” – Nordic Power Metal Titans European Tour To Commence This Weekend

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, Power Metal with tags , , , , , , , , on October 13, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Jaakko Manninen

After two acoustic albums, SONATA ARCTICA have been secretly working on a new full-length. Fans can expect a return to their golden power metal roots on the group’s forthcoming opus. Slated for release in the Spring of 2024 via Atomic Fire, today the band is pleased to unveil a first taste of what’s to come with “First In Line.”

Frontman Tony Kakko elaborates, “This is the first power metal song I wrote for the forthcoming album which is laden with them. Its demo title was ‘First In Line’ and I managed to stick with it. The song handles the worry about raising a new generation of people with or rather letting an electronic screen — namely tv, pad, or some such — do a big part of raising this generation of human beings. We think that we buy ourselves time with these gadgets, but are these devices the right ‘nanny’ for our kids or should we maybe slow down a bit, read books, teach that happiness can be and often is something we reach by stopping and letting go of constant stimulation of all our audiovisual senses? In ways, we are flying blindly with these things. Things are advancing too fast in many ways…”

More details on SONATA ARCTICA’s upcoming full-length will be announced in the months to come.

In the meantime, stream/purchase “First In Line” at THIS LOCATION.

In related news, The Nordic Power Metal Titans 2023 European tour, featuring SONATA ARCTICA alongside Finnish countrymen Stratovarius and rising international power metallers and labelmates Induction will commence this weekend. The twenty-four-date trek stands among the most anticipated tours of the year! See all confirmed dates below.

SONATA ARCTICA – Nordic Power Metal Titans 2023 w/ Stratovarius, Induction:
10/14/2023 Northern Rockfest @ Energi Arena – Umeå, SE
10/15/2023 Cozmoz Arena – Borlänge, SE
10/16/2023 Vulkan Arena – Oslo, NO
10/17/2023 Trädgår’n – Gothenburg, SE
10/19/2023 Slaktkyrkan – Stockholm, SE
10/20/2023 Gimle – Roskilde, DK
10/21/2023 Kulturpalast – Hamburg, DE
10/22/2023 Hellraiser – Leipzig, DE
10/24/2023 TivoliVredenburg (Ronda) – Utrecht, NL
10/25/2023 Garage – Saarbrücken, DE
10/26/2023 Bataclan – Paris, FR * No Induction
10/27/2023 Konzertfabrik Z7 – Pratteln, CH
10/28/2023 Alcatraz – Milan, IT
10/30/2023 Backstage – Munich, DE
10/31/2023 Szene – Vienna, AT
11/01/2023 Barba Negra – Budapest, HU
11/03/2023 Fuzz Club – Athens, GR
11/04/2023 Principal Club Theater – Thessaloniki, GR
11/06/2023 FORM Space – Cluj-Napoca, RO
11/07/2023 Quantic – Bucharest, RO
11/09/2023 Sono Centrum – Brno, CZ
11/10/2023 Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, DE
11/11/2023 Hell’s Balls Belgium @ Xpo – Kortrijk, BE
11/12/2023 Matrix – Bochum, DE

7/31-8/03/2024 Wacker Open Air – Wacken, DE Sold Out

Order SONATA ARCTICA‘s two latest albums Acoustic Adventures – Volume One & Two — plus back catalog records as well as merchandise now at: atomicfire-records.com/brand/2323.

Watch SONATA ARCTICA’s videos for “The Rest Of The Sun Belongs To Me,” “For The Sake Of Revenge,” “I Have A Right,” and “Victoria’s Secret” from Adventures – Volume One & Two at THIS LOCATION.

Source: EARSPLIT PR

TOMB MOLD – Physical Versions Of Acclaimed Fourth Album, “The Enduring Spirit” Out Today On 20 Buck Spin

Posted in Death Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , on October 13, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

photo by Colin Medley

Band Featured On The Cover Of Decibel Magazine And Confirmed To Headline Austin Death Fest

Following its surprise digital release last month, physical editions of The Enduring Spirit, the fourth LP from Toronto, Ontario death metal outfit TOMB MOLD, are now available through 20 Buck Spin.

After releasing three albums in three years and then spending the next four years in the wilderness, TOMB MOLD has been reborn on their fourth album, The Enduring Spirit, a thoroughly unabashed step into vast new territories. Yet for all its frenetic daring and audacious exploration, The Enduring Spirit is never anything other than unmistakably TOMB MOLD.

What was already inarguably one of the most anxiously awaited metal albums of the year is now one of the most acclaimed and revered, as The Enduring Spirit reigns supreme among critics and fans alike. A band with boundless creative energy, as TOMB MOLD is, was certain to expand the scope of their vision, and on The Enduring Spirit they’ve shaped a record with a cinematic environment that offers unlimited avenues of exploration, both for themselves and the listener.

The Enduring Spirit was recorded at Boxcar Sound Recording by Sean Pearson (Tomb Mold, Dream Unending), and mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Tomb Mold, Dream Unending, Kommand, Gravesend, Power Trip). The album’s artwork was handled by Jesse Jacobi who was also responsible for the Planetary Clairvoyance artwork, with additional artwork by Karmazid, layout and design by Chimère Noire, and photography by Colin Medley.

Stream TOMB MOLD’s The Enduring Spirit everywhere including YouTube HERE and Bandcamp HERE.

The Enduring Spirit is now available on CD, MC, and both LP and the label’s first picture disc LP ever – both vinyl versions including a four-panel insert and huge 36×24-inch poster – at the label webshop HERE and Bandcamp HERE.

The November issue of Decibel Magazine is out now, featuring TOMB MOLD on the cover! Pick up the issue HERE.

Following two crushing release shows for the album, TOMB MOLD was just announced as headliners of the inaugural Austin Death Fest in Austin, Texas on April 27th and 28th alongside Mortiferum, Outer Heaven, and Phobophilic, with the full lineup to be announced shortly. Watch for updates to post in the weeks ahead.

TOMB MOLD Live:

4/27-28/2024 Austin Death Fest @ Mohawk – Austin, TX [tickets]

Source: EARSPLIT PR

CIRITH UNGOL – Announces Retirement From Live Performances At The End Of 2024

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , on October 12, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Peter Beste

Cult heavy metal legends, CIRITH UNGOL, today announce their official retirement from live performances at the close of 2024.

In a collective statement, the band comments, “After careful deliberation, we have decided that 2024 will be the final year that CIRITH UNGOL will be performing live. Having taken a twenty-five-year-long hiatus, we could never have imagined the tidal wave of love and support that would come from all of you upon our return. From the depths of our soul, we would like to thank every one of you for attending our shows and supporting our music. We are immensely proud of the work we have created in the past few years, and are beyond excited about our latest epic album, Dark Parade.

“Legions, this is your call to arms. If you’ve never had the opportunity to see the band live, or if you want to see us perform once more, 2024 will be your last chance. We will be announcing shows worldwide in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for news. If you’re a promoter interested in booking the band, please contact our booking agents directly:

United States – nanotear@gmail.com

Europe – schroerg@dragon-productions.com

South/Latin America – edu.lane13@gmail.com

“The end approaches, but we’re not there yet. We look forward to seeing you all on the road, one final time. With our undying love and eternal gratitude.

“You never lost hope, you never have strayed,

Arise now my children, arise from the grave,

We lead not the weak, they won’t answer the call,

As chaos descends, false metal will fall…- ‘Legions Arise’”

CIRITH UNGOL will release their sixth full-length, Dark Parade on October 20th via Metal Blade Records. Wasting no time to ride the molten wave they started with their 2020-released studio comeback Forever Black, CIRITH UNGOL started writing songs for Dark Parade as soon as Forever Black was released. Then, like everyone else, they were hamstrung by the global pandemic, struggling through illness, seclusion, grief, and depression in their quest to create dark, vibrant art.

But like the greatest warriors, they persevered. With all eight demos finished — which are included on the expanded edition of the album — CIRITH UNGOL started recording Dark Parade in October 2022. The end result is an unrelenting triumph of pessimism and pain; a head-over-heels, Lovecraftian tumble into an abyss of horror and despair and arguably the most vitriolic expedition CIRITH UNGOL has undertaken to date. Despite the fantasy-inspired art on the band’s albums and their Tolkien-derived name – the band stopped exploring sword and sorcery-related themes in the mid-‘80s. Most of the subjects they’ve addressed since then have been far more real and frightening than any ravenous make-believe creatures fighting sword-wielding warriors.

Watch CIRITH UNGOL‘s recently released video for “Looking Glass” HERE and the “Velocity (S.E.P.)” visualizer HERE.

Dark Parade will be available on digipak-CD, digitally, and LP in the following color variants:

  • Special edition LP (slipcase w/ hot-foil embossing, 2xLP incl. demos of the entire album, 12” booklet, 2 posters, art print, tote bag – ltd. 1000)
  • 180g Black vinyl (EU excl.)
  • Olive Green Marbled vinyl (EU excl. – ltd. 700)
  • Charcoal Marbled vinyl (EU excl. – ltd. 500)
  • Pale Grey w/ Black Smoke vinyl (EU excl. – ltd. 500)
  • Gold “Black Dust” vinyl (Metal Blade Store EU excl. – ltd. 300)
  • Fog Marbled vinyl (US excl.)
  • Grey/ Black Marbled vinyl (US excl.)

Find preorders at metalblade.com/cirithungol.

CIRITH UNGOL will play a special record release show on October 20th at The Roxy in West Hollywood, marking the band’s first Los Angeles live appearance in thirty-five years. The performance will commemorate The Roxy’s 50th anniversary and find the band playing Dark Parade in its entirety followed by a full set of classic material. Additionally, the set will be filmed and recorded for a future live release.

CIRITH UNGOL Live:

10/20/2023 The Roxy – West Hollywood, CA * Record Release Show [Tickets]

CIRITH UNGOL:
Tim Baker – vocals
Jimmy Barraza – guitar
Greg Lindstrom – guitar
Rob Garven – drums
Jarvis Leatherby – bass

Source: EARSPLIT PR

QUIET RIOT, Slick Cadillac, and Corey Snowden At East Tennessee Distillery On 10/1/23 Concert Review – By Tanis Enos

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, concerts, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , , on October 6, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Quiet Riot brought the noize to the East Tennessee Distillery in Piney Flats, TN on October 1st. The band is celebrating 40 years of Metal Health, Quiet Riot’s third studio album. Metal Health is the first heavy metal album to make it to number one on the Billboard 200 chart and includes hits like the title track Metal Health (Bang Your Head) and their cover of Slade’s Cum on Feel the Noize.

Corey Snowden took to the stage first to an already excited crowd. Snowden is a Bristol TN native with a wide variety of musical influences spanning across different genres. His set was strictly acoustic but kept the tempo and engagement needed at a heavy metal show. He even had a few requests. Corey started his set with All Along The Watch Tower. Throughout the set, he peppered in some of his originals from his album Tennessee Line. Every rock show has that one person who yells “Play Free Bird” but Snowden did it without being asked. He perfectly blended a small part of Free Bird with his original song Brothers of the Road.

Next to hit the stage was Slick Cadillac, a heavy metal band whose set included a blend of covers and a few originals. The band consists of Jeremy Acito on guitar, Seth Cunningham on vocals, Jonathan Taylor on the keyboard, Chris Smith on drums, and GL Bortz on bass. Cunningham had such amazing control of his vocal range that during songs like Jump and It’s My Life he was able to hit the notes in such a way that almost sounded exactly like the original singers. Acito took to the stage like a true rock star and smoothly powered through a few technical difficulties before climbing onto the amps to get the crowd pumped. The crowd interaction was top notch as Bortz made his way off the stage and out to the fans. Slick Cadillac was defiantly a perfect match to play with Quiet Riot.

Finally it was time for Quiet Riot. Fans quickly got out of their seats and made their way to the stage. The energy was high as fans attempted to inch as close as they could through the line of security guards acting as a barricade. The roar of excitement was nearly deafening as the band took to the stage, but the band was louder. They opened the show with Run For Cover, a perfect way to get the crowd head banging early. Lead singer Jizzy Pearl has the attitude, stage presence and vocal capacity to keep the Quiet Riot spirit alive but with his own twist. He joked and engaged with fans as they transitioned into Slick Black Cadillac. The crowd was treated to a Quiet Riot song that was thought to be lost but was found again in 2021 and released earlier this year called I Can’t Hold On.

The Crowd continues to get crazier and by Condition Critical managed to push security as close as they could to the stage. As the song begins, the sound of Rudy Sarzo’s bass dominates the speakers. Fans not only hear his talent but can feel it as well. Sarzo plays with such ease and passion that the bass seems not like just an extension of him but a true part of him. It wouldn’t be Rudy Sarzo without his signature bass licks every once in awhile, which even after all these years still makes the girls (and guys) go crazy. Pearl then turned the mic over to Sarzo who introduced Thunderbird dedicating it to their fallen brothers, Randy Rhoads, Frankie Banali, and Kevin Dubrow.

Sarzo isn’t the only one who made his presences known with a bang. Drummer Johnny Kelly is an explosion behind the kit. He adds his own flair to the ends of their songs and perfectly grasps the crisp sound that Banali created. He played so hard that he busted one of his drumheads. He didn’t miss a single beat as the band started The Wild and the Young.

The members of the current lineup are known for rocking out in more than just Quiet Riot and they let that shine through in more ways than one. They played a perfect rendition of Blackout in the Red Room by Love/Hate, a band in which Pearl is well known. The song fit seamlessly into the set. The lights turned red as Pearl announced the song and the crowd’s reaction was just as impressive as every other song. Sarzo is a former member of Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band and treated the crowd to a small taste of a song every metalhead knows. The roar of fans fell over the venue as Sarzo beat (yes with his fist) out the intro to Crazy Train.

Guitarist, Alex Grossi’s presence is known before he even plays a note. Head to toe his appearance screams rock star but his playing says, “ I was born to do this”. Not a note was missed and, if it was, you would never have noticed. He shined during every song but was given the spot light for a spectacular guitar solo that left the crowd wanting more. From the guitar solo, Grossi transitioned the band into the beginning of Black No.1 by Type O Negative representing Kelly’s time with the band.

They ended the show the only appropriate way possible, with Metal Health (Bang Your Head). The crowd was singing the song back at them word for word basically fueling the intensity of the song. Sarzo even played his bass on a fans head. After years of performing, Quiet Riot has continued to build a fan base of all ages. Whether it’s celebrating 40 years of Metal Health or not, they are a band that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

– Tanis Enos

Legendary Female Rock Band VIXEN Release New Single “Red” And Premiere Music Video

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on October 2, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Vixen (Britt Lightning, Lorraine Lewis, Roxy Petrucci, and Julia Lage) – credit Mark Weiss

Los Angeles, CA (October 2, 2023)—Legendary female rock band Vixen has released their new single, “Red,” and premiered the track’s official music video. Produced and written by Cinderella drummer Fred Coury and self-released, “Red” is available now to stream/download.

VixenRoxy Petrucci (drums), Lorraine Lewis (vocals), Britt Lightning (guitar), and Julia Lage (bass) – debuted the infectious rocker today (10/2) on SiriusXM‘s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk.” Regarding the single, original member Petrucci shares, “‘RED’ is a very dynamic and hard driving rocker of a song! Modern yet embraces the amazing harmonies and catchy choruses that are signature to the classic Vixen style. It’s important to me we honor Jan and the band’s 35-year legacy by staying true to the Vixen sound while melding in fresh new ideas. I feel confident we nailed it with our new release ‘RED’!”

Coinciding with today’s single release, Vixen premiered their music video for “Red” featuring the band rocking out on the Sunset Strip and Lewis belting out the catchy chorus: “You’re taking me to the red, to the red. You’re pushing all my buttons. To the edge, to the edge. I’m getting such a rush. So intense, so intense. Don’t let it in. You’re taking me into the red.” Directed by Drew Johnston and Vicente Cordero, click here to watch the video for “Red.”

After a busy summer of touring, Vixen will finish off the year performing at Life After Death Horror Fest in Mexico City on Dec. 1st and then gear up for another busy year, kicking off 2024 with the Monsters of Rock Cruise next March 2nd-7th, with more dates to be announced. For more info and tickets, visit VixenOfficial.com.

Vixen consistently delivers high-energy top-notch performances that leave fans wanting more. Over the years, the band has rocked theaters, casinos, and major festivals throughout the U.S., Canada, and Spain (including M3, The Moondance Jam, Monsters of Rock Cruise, FireFest, Hard Rock Hell, The Halfway Jam, and Rockin’ the Rivers). For more info, visit :VixenOfficial.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Source: Rat Pak Records

TWEEDLEDEAD – Italian Extreme Metal Project To Release Debut Album “Infernotes” In November

Posted in Extreme Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, music videos with tags , , , , , , , , on October 1, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Lethal Scissor Records is proud to welcome TWEEDLEDEAD to the label’s roster.

TWEEDLEDEAD
is a new extreme metal entity from Italy. Intertwining elements from a vast swath of extreme music genres, from death metal, grindcore to black metal, and everything in between, the project masterfully crafts an eclectic sound that breaks down many generic barriers or borders.

TWEEDLEDEAD‘s debut album, “Infernotes”, will be released on November 22nd 2023 via Lethal Scissor Records.

The first single, “Remains“, is now streaming at THIS LOCATION.

Infernotes – track-list:
01 Remains
02 Anger Mud
03 Kingdom Collapse
04 Psychotropic Lies
05 Cain
06 Ad Extirpanda
07 Liars
08 Queen
09 Influcancer
10 Nightmares
11 Sins
12 Rostov Butcher

With a musical background dating back to the 90’s and with musical experiences in both death and black metal bands (Sepolcral, Misos), TWEEDLEDEAD is a very conceptual project and which exists within its own universe. TWEEDLEADED expresses himself in a multi-faceted manner, but above all close to his lyrical and conceptual ideas. It is a story, a vision with an analytical eye towards the current social drift and the decline of modern civilisation, which has roots in ancient times.

The dynamic sound, a striking as well as glowing amalgam of everything extreme, is explored in very contrasting and distinct ways. The music is both a study of the intricacies of extreme metal as well as an exploration in how far certain typical elements can be stretched and pushed in new directions.

For fans of: Misery Index, Lock Up, Cattle Decapitation, Dyscarnate

TWEEDLEDEAD:

https://www.facebook.com/tweedledead

https://www.instagram.com/tweedledead

Lethal Scissor Records

https://lethalscissor.bandcamp.com/

https://www.lethalscissor.com/

Source: ANUBI PRESS

ATAVISTIA – Unveil “Beyond The Meadows Of Fire”

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, metal music videos, Music, music videos with tags , , , , , , , on October 1, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

“Beyond The Meadows Of Fire” is the heavy and theatrical offering from Canadian epic metal band, ATAVISTIA. A fresh take on the track from their debut album One Within The Sun, this redux version showcases the band’s progression. Become immersed in their captivating sound as they unleash a fury of intricate orchestration, high-speed rhythms, atmospheric synths and fierce vocals. “Beyond The Meadows Of Fire” is out now. You can stream it HERE.

Band founder Mattias Sippola comments:

“I’ve grown so much as a musician/producer over the years and it was time to re-record a track off of the debut. We’ve been playing ‘Beyond The Meadows Of Fire’.live almost every show lately and we shall be playing it in Europe so it only made sense to redux the song to our modern standards. It was an absolute blast to revisit this track and we’re extremely happy with the outcome!”

Following their latest and acclaimed album Cosmic Warfare, ATAVISTIA have revamped one of their early compositions, “Beyond The Meadows Of Fire”. Continually growing as musicians, this new version gives the track another lease of life with enhanced production showcasing the ethereal soundscape in a new light. Prominent percussion and bass manifest a heaviness that grounds the track in the dark depths while orchestration, haunting choirs and melodies combine into a powerful and elevated arrangement.

The band is also trekking across the pond and taking over Europe this October in support of SKÁLMÖLD and METSATÖLL. Full dates are below.

Ýdalir European Tour 2023 w/ SKÁLMÖLD, METSATÖLL, ATAVISTIA:

13/10/23 DK – Copenhagen @ Lille Vega
14/10/23 DE – Hamburg @ Headcrash
15/10/23 DE – Trier @ Mergener Hof
16/10/23 DE – Köln @ Gebäude 9
17/10/23 FR – Paris @ Backstage O’Sullivan
18/10/23 CH – Monthey @ Pont Rouge
19/10/23 CH – Solothurn @ Kofmehl Raumbar
20/10/23 FR – Sélestat @ Rock Your Brain Festival
21/10/23 DE – Mannheim @ MS Connexion
22/10/23 DE – München @ Backstage
23/10/23 AT – Wien @ Szene
24/10/23 AT – Graz @ Explosiv
25/10/23 HU – Budapest @ Analog Music Hall
26/10/23 SVK – Kosice, @ Collosseum
27/10/23 PL – Bielsko-Biala @ Rude Boy
28/10/23 PL – Lublin @ Studio

ATAVISTIA is:
Mattias Sippola – Guitars/Vocals
Dalton Meaden – Guitars
D’wayne Murray – Bass
Max Sepulveda – Drums

Bandcamp: atavistia.bandcamp.com

Instagram: instagram.com/Atavistia

Source: C Squared Music

LIGHTLORN – Share New Song, “Of Longing Spirit and Infinite Solitude”

Posted in Black Metal, black metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, music videos with tags , , , , , , , , on September 30, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Cosmic black metal duo LIGHTLORN has posted the official lyric video for “Of Longing Spirit and Infinite Solitude.” The song marks the newest single off their upcoming full-length debut, “At One with the Night Sky.”

Black Lion Records will release “At One with the Night Sky” on October 27. Pre-order or pre-save the album at: snd.click/Lightlorn_ATOWTNS

Watch the video at: youtu.be/nJzCyX_FMQU

Brimming with dark, melancholy passages and wistful bridges interspersed with soaring crescendos and uplifting melodies, At One with the Night Sky is a post-black metal tour de force. From the opener “Amongst Stellar Remnants” to the closing track “Earthbound,” the album takes the listener on a sublime journey through the inner depths of the human psyche to the outer reaches of the cosmos.

If you enjoy contrasting song structures and the interplay between light and dark, between stirring and gloomy, and between serene and aggressive, then “At One with the Night Sky” is an album you need to hear.

Track List:
1) Amongst Stellar Remnants
2) A Tragedy in Starlight
3) Dimensionless Blackness
4) Ghostly Soliloquies
5) Of Longing Spirit and Infinite Solitude
6) Spiral Arms Like Swirling Rivers
7) Earthbound

LIGHTLORN is:
Renwar – All instruments and vocals
Riaan – Drums and programming

Lightlorn Official YouTube

Lightlorn Official Instagram

blacklionrecords.bandcamp.com

Source: ClawHammer PR

NIXIL – Maryland Black Metallers Share Guitar Playthrough For “Collapsing The Poles” – US Tour To Commence Tonight!

Posted in Black Metal, black metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , on September 29, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Baltimore, Maryland black metal quintet NIXIL has shared a guitar playthrough for “Collapsing The Poles,” taken from the band’s second full-length, From The Wound Spilled Forth Fire, recently released via Prosthetic Records. The playthrough comes in conjunction with NIXIL’s US tour set to begin tonight, September 29th, in Youngstown, Ohio and run through October 6th in New York City.

Speaking on the guitar playthrough, Shane Gardner comments, “My number one ‘BuZzy’ is a partscaster — a fender body and neck — that I purchased for $200 and added a Seymour Duncan Hot Rail Humbucker and a killswitch, no toggle. For the playthrough I overdubbed my track using an SM57 through a Marshall CODE 50 Practice amp into Adobe Audition.

“I use the inverted triad on a lot of our songs. ‘Collapsing…’ has them throughout the verse sections. I think they add texture to a simple chord structure, and it adds a hypnotic effect with the addition of Alden’s guitar note bend. It’s all in the hands I guess.”

Of their upcoming tour, the band adds, “We leave this Friday, September 29th, for eight dates in the Northeastern US to celebrate the release of From The Wound Spilled Forth Fire. This album — like all of our music — is best experienced live and loud; bring your rage, your aching heart, your unquenchable thirst for catharsis, and join us.”

Watch NIXIL’s guitar playthrough for “Collapsing The Poles” at THIS LOCATION.

Watch NIXIL’s previously released video for “Abyss Unto Abyss” HERE, “In Thrall” HERE, and “Collapsing The Poles” HERE.

From The Wound Spilled Forth Fire is available CD, LP, and digitally. For orders, visit THIS LOCATION.

NIXIL Live:
9/29/2023 Westside Bowl – Youngstown, OH
9/30/2023 Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA
10/1/2023 Ralph’s Rock Diner – Worcester, MA
10/2/2023 Cherry Street Station – Wallingford, CT
10/3/2023 Windsor Exchange – Windsor, VT
10/4/2023 Geno’s Rock Club – Portland, ME
10/5/2023 Dusk – Providence, RI
10/6/2023 El Bunker del Diablo – New York, NY

After solidifying their lineup in its current form, with the arrival of guitarist/backing vocalist Alden, NIXIL opted to record From The Wound Spilled Forth Fire live at Magpie Cage Recording Studio with J. Robbins. The resulting six songs seethe with a frenzied despair, whilst more ominous passages breathe with a disquieting existential terror in every percussive and rhythmically meditative trance, exactly as the band intended to capture before handing mastering duties to James Plotkin.

NIXIL:
C. – vocals
Key – drums
Aurora – bass, backing vocals
Alden – guitar, backing vocals
Shane – guitar

Source: EARSPLIT PR

U.D.O. Announces Touchdown US/Canada Tour – VIP Upgrades Available

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on September 27, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Martin Häusler

German heavy metal icons U.D.O. will return to North America this Fall on the Touchdown US/Canada Tour! The journey will commence on November 3rd in Frenchtown, New Jersey and makes its way through nearly two dozen cities, closing on December 7th in Manchester, New Hampshire. Tickets, as well as VIP upgrades which include a meet and greet with U.D.O., a photo-op, autographs, and more are available now at: national-acts.com/UDO. See all confirmed dates below.

U.D.O. Touchdown US/Canada Tour:
11/03/2023 Arties Bar and Grill – Frenchtown, NJ
11/04/2023 The Vault Music Hall – New Bedford, MA
11/05/2023 Reverb – Reading, PA
11/08/2023 The Southport Music Hall – Jefferson, LA
11/09/2023 Rise Rooftop – Houston, TX
11/11/2023 Royal Oaks Event Center – San Antonio, TX
11/12/2023 Trees – Dallas, TX
11/15/2023 The 44 – Glendale, AZ
11/16/2023 Whiskey A Go Go – West Hollywood, CA
11/17/2023 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA
11/18/2023 Stages – Santa Ana, CA
11/20/2023 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA
11/22/2023 The Rick House – Denver, CO
11/24/2023 The Vixen – McHenry, IL
11/25/2023 The Forge – Joliet, IL
11/26/2023 King Of Clubs – Columbus, OH
11/28/2023 Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON
11/29/2023 Les Foufounes Electroniques – Montreal, QC
11/30/2023 Lees Palace – Toronto, ON
12/01/2023 Token Lounge – Westland, MI
12/03/2023 Blue Note – Harrison, OH
12/04/2023 Shank Hall – Milwaukee, WI
12/07/2023 Angel City Music Hall – Manchester, NH

U.D.O. – featuring legendary vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, drummer Sven Dirkschneider, guitarists Fabian Dee Dammers and Andrey Smirnov, and bassist Peter Baltes – released their latest studio album, Touchdown, last month via Atomic Fire Records. The record continues to reap critical accolades globally and entered the official German album charts at #4 upon its first week of release marking the highest charting result in their homeland in their long-running career! Other notable chart entries include:

Germany: #4 (Album Chart)
Switzerland: #8 (Album Chart)
Austria: #33 (Album Chart)
Sweden: #1 (Physical, Vinyl & Hard Rock) / #17 (Album Chart)
Finland: #2 (Physical) / #34 (Album Chart)
France: #25 (Album Chart)
UK: #50 (Independent Album Chart)
US: #16 (Top New Artists) / #18 (Hard Rock)

Preview and purchase Touchdown at THIS LOCATION.

Source: EARSPLIT PR

Trad-Metal Stalwarts ENTIERRO Premiere Video For “The Gates of Hell”

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on September 26, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

New Haven (CT) – Traditional heavy metal band ENTIERRO have partnered with Invisible Oranges for the lyric video premiere of “The Gates of Hell,” the title track from the forthcoming album! Check it out at the following link:

invisibleoranges.com/entierro-the-gates-of-hell

ENTIERRO will release The Gates of Hell on October 19! Pre-orders available at entierro.bandcamp.com/album/the-gates-of-hell

The Gates of Hell not only marks a return to the studio where they recorded their self-titled full length album, but also introduces a new period for the band, as this incarnation of the unit has grown into a solid force in songwriting and collaboration.

Most bands take time to grow into their own sound. For ENTIERRO, this growth has become more evident on their forthcoming release, The Gates of Hell. Building on the momentum of their previous offering, El Camazotz, the band has refined their sound and continues to create their own musical identity within the world of traditional heavy metal.

While many bands seem to continually rehash the work of those that came before them, on The Gates of Hell, ENTIERRO have put more focus into a version of this artform that is all their own. While still borrowing influence from such luminaries as Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate and Rainbow, the band has expanded their palette to also reflect a more melodic direction than they have in the past. This brings the ENTIERRO twin guitar attack of Victor Arduini and Christopher Begnal into a new light, exploring longer harmony lines and really pushing a new melodic sense to the forefront of their songwriting.

The same can also be said for vocalist Christopher Taylor Beaudette, whose performance is far more varied and explorational than on El Camazotz. Of course, laying down the structural foundation for all of this to happen is drummer Dave Parmelee, who continues to push the band with his driving rhythms. This, in conjunction with their already punishing old-school metal style, brings their collective sound into new sonic territory and further illustrates the development of their own distinctive style as a unit. The Gates of Hell have opened and unleashed a more mature and focused sound for one of the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal’s most exciting new bands.

The Gates of Hell was recorded at Dexter’s Lab Studio in Milford, Connecticut under the watchful eye of engineer Nick Bellmore. Timothy Smith – Additional Vocals and Alejandro Chavez – Additional Vocals.

Photography by Jason Mannello. Cover Artwork created by Metal Cover Art. All songs written & arranged by Entierro. Produced by Entierro. instagram.com/entierrometal

Pre-order: entierro.bandcamp.com/album/the-gates-of-hell

Track Listing:

1.The Gates of Hell

  1. Walk Away
  2. Vencerán
  3. The Lords of Rock and Roll
    5.Under The Eye
  4. Umibozu

Source: ClawHammer PR

ENTHEOS – North American Tour Supporting Revocation And Unearth To Begin Next Week!

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on September 24, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Progressive death metallers ENTHEOS will begin their North American tour supporting Unearth and labelmates Revocation next week! The three-week run begins September 29th in Brooklyn, New York and closes on October 20th in Ottowa, Ontario. Additional support will be provided by High Command. Tickets are on sale now at entheosofficial.com. See all confirmed dates below.

ENTHEOS w/ Revocation, Unearth, High Command:
9/29/2023 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY
9/30/2023 Lovecraft’s – Mechanicsburg, PA
10/01/2023 Frankie’s – Toledo, OH
10/02/2023 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL
10/03/2023 Pops – Sauget, IL
10/04/2023 Eastside Bowl – Nashville, TN
10/06/2023 Conduit – Orlando, FL
10/07/2023 Orpheum – Tampa, FL
10/08/2023 Respectables – West Palm, FL
10/09/2023 Music Farm – Charleston, SC
10/10/2023 Hangar 18 – Greensboro, NC
10/11/2023 Canal Club – Richmond, VA
10/12/2023 Soundstage – Baltimore, MD
10/13/2023 Preserving Upstairs – Pittsburgh, PA
10/14/2023 The Pit At The L – Horsehead, NE
10/15/2023 Wally’s – Hampton Beach, NH
10/16/2023 La Source De la Martiner – Quebec City, QC
10/17/2023 Fairmount Theatre – Montreal, ON
10/18/2023 The Queen Barrie – Barrie, ON
10/19/2023 Velvet Underground – Toronto, ON
10/20/2023 The Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON

ENTHEOS will be touring in support of their Time Will Take Us All full-length released earlier this year via Metal Blade Records. Pushing progressive death metal in ever more imaginative directions, ENTHEOS continues to stand apart from the pack, incorporating elements drawn from myriad genres – including death metal, groove, grunge, electronica, slam, gothic rock, jazz, prog and more.

“We knew when we started writing that we really wanted to make something darker and heavier that was still uniquely ENTHEOS, and we knew that we wanted to make a record that really came from our hearts and captured where we want to take this band,” explains vocalist Chaney Crabb.

“The new album also has a strong ‘trippy’ vibe, not in a generic sense but meaning when you are done listening to it you feel like you’ve gone on a journey,” adds multi-instrumentalist Navene Koperweis. “I’ve always loved albums that gave me that feeling. I can’t say we set out to have the experience, it just sort of happened and that’s something I’m proud of.”

Source: EARSPLIT PR

http://www.entheosofficial.bandcamp.com

http://www.metalblade.com

ASKESIS – Italian Black-Death Metallers Unveil Details Of New Album “Beyond the Fate of Death”

Posted in Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , on September 18, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Italian black-death metallers ASKESIS will release their new album “Beyond the Fate of Death” on October 20th 2023 via Time To Kill Records.

The first single, “Dawn of Current Inferno“, is now streaming HERE.

“Dawn of the Current Inferno’ serves as a testament to the power of artistic expression to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. It encourages us to embrace the enigmatic and the unexplained, reminding us that within chaos, there’s a hidden order waiting to be discovered. This composition is an invitation to embark on a journey of introspection, where we confront our own biases and preconceptions, and ultimately find a deeper connection to the world around us”.

Tracklist:
1. Retaliation
2. Creation of Non-Existence
3. Logical Suicide
4. Dawn of Current Inferno
5. King of Somberness
6. Stone of Perdition
7. With No Death that Chases Us
8. Black Ontology

ASKESIS was born in Venice in 2013. Since its genesis, the core line-up has featured Laura Nardelli (bass) and Samuele Scalise (drums), who have been joined by Nico Fabbri (vocals), Gregorio Di Angilla (guitart) and Juri Vatova (guitar) in 2022.

Preorders:

https://timetokillrecords.com/

https://askesis.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-the-fate-of-death

INFECTION CODE – Italian Death-Thrashers Sign To Time To Kill Records, New Album “Sulphur” Out In November

Posted in Death Metal, death metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , , on September 17, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Italian death-thrashers INFECTION CODE are pleased to announce their union with Time To Kill Records for the release of their ninth full-length studio album, “Sulphur”. The album is set to be released on November 17th 2023.

The band is back after one year from their previous effort, “Alea Iacta Est”, with a new sound and a new sonic landscape to explore. “Sulphur” is the first album with the new line-up and the first written by new guitarist Chris, who joined the band in 2021.

Today, INFECTION CODE focuses on manifesting crushing riffs laced with visceral grooves that echo somber melodies. Eschewing all trends, the album takes every disparate element that INFECTION CODE previously employed, such as industrial tones, more prominent death and thrash metal influences, and amplifies them, while juxtaposing each next to each other, with genuinely unpredictable and exciting consequences. The tracklist also includes a cover version of AT THE GATES’ masterpiece, “Blinded By Fear”.

Lyrically, the album is based on some sci-fi and horror novels, and stories used as allegories to introduce personal reflections on the decline of human civilization. The authors are Howard P. Lovecraft, Philip K. Dick, Ben Bova, Ray Bradbury, Dan Simmons and Valerio Evangelisti.

“Sulphur” was recorded, mixed and mastered at The Cat’s Cage Recording Studio by Francesco Salvadeo. The artwork and the cover have been created by Simone Strige of STRX Art.

Tracklist:

01. Maze Of Death
02. The Colour Out The Space
03. Evil Side Of Mercy
04. Deleted Error
05. Old Viral Order
06. Protoplasm Hope
07. Something Wicked This Way Comes
08. Blinded By Fear
09. Lurking Creepy Love

LUTHARO Release New Single “Ruthless Bloodline” – Sign To Atomic Fire Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, music videos with tags , , , , , , , , on September 17, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

As they barrel towards their upcoming tour dates, Canadian melodic metal outfit LUTHARO are excited to announce they have joined new label home, Atomic Fire Records!

“We are incredibly excited to announce that we have officially joined the Atomic Fire Records family!” says the band about the signing. “This is a HUGE stepping stone on the path we are paving as a band and grateful doesn’t even begin to describe how we feel! With this being said, we have a TON of amazing things yet to be announced and we cannot wait to share them with you! If you are following us on our journey, thank you so much! And stay metal!”

“We are extremely excited to welcome one of the most promising and overwhelming newcomers in the metal genre: LUTHARO! This band simply blew all of us in the company away. What an incredible and unique mix of extreme, powerful and melodic metal with the stunning voice of Krista Shipperbottom. This upcoming new album is a record you simply fall in love with immediately. Also check out anything else available online, especially their epic “Wings Of Agony” hymn. You all will realize: LUTHARO is the future.” adds Atomic Fire Records A&R Markus Wosgien.

To celebrate this announcement, as well as give you a preview of what to expect live, the band has revealed a fresh new single “Ruthless Bloodline”, along with an electrifying live shot video showcasing the band’s powerful stage presence. The track can be streamed HERE, while the video can be found HERE.

“You wanted new music? You got it!” LUTHARO exclaims proudly. “‘Ruthless Bloodline’ is officially out now and ruthless it is indeed! This is our heaviest yet catchiest song to date and is a good omen of what’s to come.”

LUTHARO will also be riding across the East Coast of the US this Fall on a co-headlining run with thrashy power metal affront PALADIN. The tour kicks off on September 20th in Knoxville, TN and wraps on October 8th in Louisville, KY. From there, the band will support UNLEASH THE ARCHERS on four dates in their home country Canada. Full dates and more information are available below. Tickets are available HERE.

LUTHARO comments: “IT’S TIME TO SHRED! We are super stoked to be joining our friends in Paladin for an epic tour this fall! We hope to see you on the road! 🤘❤️‍🔥”

LUTHARO will be touring in support of their latest album, Hiraeth. This album launches into an epic exploration of the band’s technical, musical and compositional abilities. They expertly balance hauntingly beautiful atmospheres with raw power and aggression. Hiraeth is an astounding new album, a fantastically epic journey that needs to be experienced to be believed. Stream Hiraeth HERE.

LUTHARO/PALADIN Tour Dates: 

9/22 Fri – Youngstown, OH – Westside Bowl (Downstairs)
9/23 Sat – Cleveland, OH – No Class
9/24 Sun – Chicago, IL – Subterranean
9/26 Tue – Nashville, TN – DRKMTTR
9/27 Wed – Birmingham, AL – The Nick
9/28 Thu – Tallahassee, FL – The Bark
9/29 Fri – Gainesville, FL – Loosey’s
9/30 Sat – Atlanta, GA – Boggs Social & Supply
10/1 Sun – Charlotte, NC – The Milestone
10/3 Tue – Baltimore, MD – The Crown
10/4 Wed – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz
10/5 Thu – Brooklyn, NY – Kingsland
10/6 Fri – Providence, RI – Dusk

LUTHARO w/ UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, PALADIN:

10/19 Thu – Ottawa, ON – Brass Monkey
10/20 Fri – Toronto, ON – The Phoenix
10/21 Sat – Montreal, QC – Studio TD
10/22 Sun – Quebec City, QC – Imperial Bell

Lutharo Is:
Krista Shipperbottom – Vocals
Victor Bucur – Guitars, backing vocals
Chris Pacey – Bass
Cory Hofing – Drums
Jeff Wilson – Guitar (Live)

Source: C Squared Music

MOON SHOT – Finnish Rock Outfit Featuring Former Members Of Children Of Bodom, Disco Ensemble, And Lapko Releases New Video/Single, “Yes!”

Posted in Finland, Hard Rock, Music, music news, music videos, news with tags , , , , , , , , on September 16, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

MOON SHOT plays true twenty-first century rock ‘n’ roll. So even at the threat of cliché, they describe it like it is: genuine rock music from the heart built on all the melodic loudness they grew up with. And this quartet is the right band to bring this honest-to-rock blast of music. These are no fresh-from-the-bud boys – they’ve already had careers hefty enough to define a person with the bands Children Of Bodom, Disco Ensemble, and Lapko.

MOON SHOT’s upcoming second album is preceded with their latest single entitled, “Yes!.” It rushes at you with a chorus that embraces so tight that it’s hard to see if it’s loving you or strangling you (or a bit of both). The video was shot in August 2023 in Helsinki by Sami Joensuu.

As chief composer, guitarist and producer Jussi Ylikoski notes, “The song appears easygoing at first but when you look at it closer, you see that it’s special both musically and lyrically.”

Watch MOON SHOT’s “Yes!” video HERE. The track is also available on all streaming platforms.

“People may also hear the chorus as something overly positive – and that’s fine,” vocalist and lyricist Ville Malja adds, “But I see it as a fight song. There’s a lot of things that aren’t ok in the world and YES we can do something about it.”

In a sense, this song captures the essence of MOON SHOT’s different sides: positive aggression with a vulnerable message that you want to join in with. Time to let this band into your life with a blast aimed right at the heart.

Further info on the band’s upcoming new full-length, set for release via Reaper Entertainment, will be revealed in the weeks to come.

MOON SHOT:
Jussi Ylikoski – guitars
Henkka Seppälä – bass
Ville Malja – vocals
Mikko Hakila – drums

https://www.moonshotofficial.com

http://www.reapermusic.de

Source: EARSPLIT PR

Little Rock Doom Trio MAMMOTH CARAVAN Celebrates The Release Of Their Debut Album On Vinyl

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , on September 15, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

After being self-released in February, MAMMOTH CARAVAN‘s debut LP Ice Cold Oblivion is now available on red and black splatter vinyl.

“The songs on Ice Cold Oblivion changed our lives forever and we are so thankful to our fans, friends, and family who helped make it possible for us to get this album put out on vinyl,” comments bassist/vocalist Brandon Ringo.

Since the release of the album, the band has gone on quite a journey that has included recording a releasing another new album (I, Megafauna), to playing with bands like Bongzilla, Weedeater, Thou, Pallbearer, and Rwake, and losing original guitarist Evan Swift. The band’s lineup now consists of former drummer Robert Warner on guitar, Brandon Ringo on bass and vocals, and Khetner Howton on drums.

Order Ice Cold Oblivion at: .bandcamp.com/album/ice-cold-oblivion

The band is also offering limited-edition vinyl test presses of Ice Cold Oblivion. There are only 5 test presses available that come with a hand-numbered mammoth meme exclusive to that copy. Get details at facebook.com/MammothCaravan.

Source: ClawHammer PR

CIRITH UNGOL – Cult Heavy Metal Outfit To Release New Full-Length “Dark Parade” October 20th On Metal Blade Records

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news with tags , , , , , , on September 13, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

Photo by Peter Beste

New Track Streaming + Preorders Available

Cult heavy metal outfit CIRITH UNGOL will unleash their sixth full-length, Dark Parade, on October 20th via Metal Blade Records today unveiling the record’s cover art, track listing, and first single!

Few bands in the history of the heavy metal underground have a story as remarkable, improbable, or uplifting as that of CIRITH UNGOL. Formed in Ventura, California in the early 1970s, CIRITH UNGOL created a sound the world had never experienced before. Rather than passively channeling their influences, the band was driven to forge an altogether heavier, darker, more apocalyptic sound. It was obscure and arcane, mysterious and eccentric, epic and expansive, but most of all, unfailingly, bone-crushingly heavy, dark, and doom-filled.

Wasting no time to ride their molten wave they started with their 2020 studio comeback Forever Black, CIRITH UNGOL started writing songs for Dark Parade as soon as Forever Black was released. Then, like everyone else, CIRITH UNGOL were hamstrung by the global pandemic, struggling through illness, seclusion, grief, and depression in their quest to create dark, vibrant art. And like the greatest warriors, they persevered, working on one song at a time – distractions be damned. The first track composed was the crushing “Relentless,” which reinforced their confidence and clarity of vision. The rest of the album came naturally, fueled by personal misery and the tragedy of worldwide collapse.

Find preorders at metalblade.com/cirithungol.

“Band members lost close relatives and we struggled as best we could through the pandemic which ravaged the earth’s population and economies,” drummer Rob Garven notes. “As horrifying as it was, it was the perfect backdrop for our doom-laden message of a world on the edge of destruction.”

Watch CIRITH UNGOL’s “Velocity (S.E.P.)” visualizer at THIS LOCATION.

With all eight demos finished — which are included on the expanded edition of the album — CIRITH UNGOL started recording Dark Parade in October 2022. The end result is an unrelenting triumph of pessimism and pain; a charred vista rooted in the crunch-and-crash templates of classic doom metal and NWOBHM but delivered with contemporary production and perspective. The album is propulsive and insistent, reflecting the band’s love for metal, instinct to destroy, and disgust for mankind.

From the majestic eight-minute-long “Sailor On The Seas Of Fate,” which starts with a reflective arpeggio and builds into a pounding, near-tribal volley before segueing into a bleak, slow burn of retribution and agony, to the final three movements of the “Dark Parade” saga (comprised of “Dark Parade,” “Distant Shadows,” and “Down Below”), CIRITH UNGOL’s latest album offers a metallic soundtrack of societal decay and environmental collapse that foreshadows nothing less than total extinction.

Dark Parade – Track Listing:

1. Velocity (S.E.P.)                                              

2. Relentless                                             

3. Sailor On The Seas Of Fate                               

4. Sacrifice                                              

5. Looking Glass                                                                             

6. Dark Parade                                           

7. Distant Shadows                                     

8. Down Below

CIRITH UNGOL:
Tim Baker – vocals
Jimmy Barraza – guitar
Greg Lindstrom – guitar
Rob Garven – drums
Jarvis Leatherby – bass

CIRITH UNGOL will play a special record release show on October 20th at The Roxy in West Hollywood, marking the band’s first Los Angeles live appearance in thirty-five years. The performance will commemorate The Roxy’s 50th anniversary and find the band playing Dark Parade in its entirety followed by a full set of classic material. Additionally, the set will be filmed and recorded for a future live release.

CIRITH UNGOL Live:

10/20/2023 The Roxy – West Hollywood, CA * Record Release Show [Tickets]

Source: EARSPLIT PR

THE EFFIGY Unveils Haunting Video For “Deliver Me”

Posted in Music, music news, music videos with tags , , , , , , on September 12, 2023 by Metal Odyssey

THE EFFIGY has produced a haunting offering in “Deliver Me”. From delicate harp melodies and distorted guitars, to cinematic layers and Effy’s enchanting vocals, the new single is a magnificent addition to their ethereal discography.

THE EFFIGY comments:

“Depression sometimes felt like otherworldly possession; as if something else was piloting me. I said and did things that I never thought I would say or do. At times, I didn’t recognise myself. I was withdrawn and bitter and frightened. I felt like I was constantly battling a demon that was hollowing me out and I just wanted it to end. I wanted to be free.”

THE EFFIGY also explains the vision behind the video: “I wanted the video to feel claustrophobic and chaotic; a constant onslaught of aggressive motion. That’s the feeling behind the writing of this song and so that’s what the video needed to portray. I drew inspiration from alternative rock videos from the late 1990s and early 2000s. I’ve always loved the excessive use of textures and grit they employed to elicit that grungy feel.”

Watch “Deliver Me” here: https://youtu.be/JZNweg02HAY

About THE EFFIGY:
Originally from the UK and now based out of Perth, Australia, THE EFFIGY draws influences from the likes of GARBAGE, JOY DIVISION, EVANESCENCE, and KEANE, and is thematically inspired by gothic and folk imagery, along with mythology. THE EFFIGY’s music is a cinematic array of eclectic styles explored through expert composition.

Track Credits:
Effy Gold – Lyrics, Composition, Vocals, Production
Cody Johnstone – Guitar, Production, Mixing
Siegfried Meier – Mastering

Links: 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/theeffigymusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/theeffigymusic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theeffigymusic
Bandcamp: https://theeffigymusic.bandcamp.com/

Source: C Squared Music