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 I was withdrawn and bitter and frightened.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.”
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.
Oakland, California-based melodic death/thrash metal quartet GLACIER EATER emerges with their second album, Tempest, confirming the record for release through Glacier Recordings at the end of October, and issuing the cover art, track listing, preorders, and the title track as the lead single.
Bursting out of the thrash mecca of the Bay Area like an alien thrash baby tearing through your stomach, GLACIER EATER again delivers their shredding alloy of metals with the long-awaited follow-up to their 2015-relesed eponymous debut, Tempest. Acting as a prequel to Glacier Eater, Tempest reveals an odyssey of turmoil and tragedy through the lyrics and vocals of Keith Welch and Ryan Hansen. Each song is another chapter in a story about the struggles of trying to create a better life, the self-inflicted tortures we pull ourselves out of, and the lessons learned through the reflections of the journey endured.
Lifted off the shoulders of guitarists/vocalists Keith Welch (Sworn Vengeance, Murder Practice) and Ryan Hansen (Light This City, ESP Guitars artist), GLACIER EATER introduces new drummer Trey Derbes (Heartsounds) and bassist Bret Fontaine on the new album. With eight crushing tracks, Tempest is reminiscent of the 2000s Swedish melodic death metal sound, showcasing virtuoso guitar solos and decimating riffs delivered at breakneck speed.
Tempest was recorded, mixed, and mastered by the legendary Zack Ohren (Machine Head, Cattle Decapitation, All Shall Perish) at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, and completed with artwork by Trey Derbes.
The first single from Tempest is the album’s title track. Ryan Hansen writes about the song, “‘Tempest’ was a great song to be the title track of the album because I think we really hit one of the highest peaks of intensity for the record on this one. The song describes a ship getting tossed around and badly damaged in a wild storm at sea, so I wanted the riffs and melodies to feel like a real flurry of notes at times. Also making it one of the biggest pains in the ass to perform! It’s really the only song on the album with a proper chorus making it just feel right to be the leadoff single.”
Keith Welch adds, “The part of ‘Tempest’ I wrote the lyrics for and sing on the record are a self-reflection an individual is having about their own failed attempts to outgrow and overcome their past issues. These thoughts detonate in their head as they feel like they are being punished for their failures to vanquish their past issues while being hurled through a storm at sea.”
Listen to GLACIER EATER’s “Tempest” now at THIS LOCATION.
Glacier Recordings will release “Tempest” digitally on October 27th with a physical version to follow. Find preorders at Bandcamp HERE.
Features brand new interviews with Necromantia, Arcturus, Immortal, Agalloch, Destruction, Mystifier, and Winterfylleth plus extended interviews with Rotting Christ, Behemoth, Sigh, Mayhem and many more
The Restored, Expanded & Definitive Edition” to consist of 130,000 words of new content, 25 new chapters with over 70 new interviews and improved cover art and design
The book release marks 10 years of Cult Never Dies
UK-based publishing house Cult Never Dies will mark its 10th anniversary this November with the release of Dayal Patterson’s “Black Metal:Evolution of the Cult – The Restored, Expanded &Definitive Edition”. Pre-orders are available now via Cult Never Dies (UK & ROW store / EU store). North American orders can be placed via Decibel Books.
With the original version of the book no longer available in print, Black Metal: Evolution of the Cult is hailed as the most acclaimed book on the history of black metal, and the only one endorsed by those involved in creating the genre.
The book will be approximately 340,000 words long, including 130,000 words of new content, 25 new chapters and 48 extended and updated chapters. This will include over 150 exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the genre, including: Venom, Mercyful Fate, Bathory, Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Blasphemy, Darkthrone, Behemoth, Rotting Christ, Mayhem and many more. The author also included over 70 brand new or previously unpublished interviews with the likes of Necromantia, Arcturus, Immortal, Agalloch, Destruction, Mystifier, and Winterfylleth.
Evolution of the Cult will also have hugely improved cover art and layout by longtime Cult Never Dies artist David Thiérrée (Behemoth, Gorgoroth, Mortiis), and will include almost 600 photos, many previously unseen, including an 80-page colour/gloss section.
Silenoz of Dimmu Borgir commended the book: “You don’t have to read between the lines anymore ‘cause it’s all there, straight from the source,” while Sakis Tolis of Rotting Christ called it “a valuable educational piece of dark writing.”
Vorph of Samael added: “This is a very insightful work: Without doubt the ultimate book on the subject, a testimony of black metal and a good introduction for neophytes.”
Hvall of Windir and Vreid said: “A brilliantly written book – mandatory if you have any interest in the genre, or want to explore a new world.”
Photo credit: Ester Segarra
Dayal Patterson, book author, Cult Never Dies owner and longtime music journalist, said: “I cannot express how good it feels now that Cult Never Dies finally owns the rights to this book and are able to release it – along with Decibel in the US – in this massively improved form. The limitations placed on the original in terms of word count meant that so many chapters and parts I originally envisioned simply couldn’t be included or were not even worth completing due to a lack of space. What turned into a fairly straightforward restoration job led to about a year of 14-hour days, not only overhauling the existing chapters and layout (something we had always been unhappy with) of the book, but doing a huge number of new interviews and working with a wealth of new bands and artists. Finally, there are proper chapters celebrating bands such as Vinterland, Satyricon, Immortal, Arcturus, Mystifier and Profanatica, as well as greater explorations of black metal in Brazil, the US, the UK, Sweden, Greece, and, of course, Norway.”
For a full list of the 150 interviewees, visit Cult Never Dies.
New Orleans’ favorite extreme metal alchemists, GOATWHORE, today confirm another US live takeover! The Fall headlining run, which commences on November 3rd in Little Rock, Arkansas, will wind its way through twenty cities through the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest, drawing to a close on November 26th in Pensacola, Florida. Support will be provided by Withered and Spiter. The journey follows the band’s tour supporting Eyehategod, currently underway.
Comments guitarist/vocalist Sammy Duet, “I am stoked to be touring with our brothers in Withered and the maniacs in Spiter. See all you hellrats on the road in November.”
Tickets for all shows are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
GOATWHORE w/ Withered, Spiter: 11/03/2023 Revolution Music Room – Little Rock, AR 11/04/2023 Black Circle Brewing – Indianapolis, IN 11/05/2023 Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL 11/07/2023 Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI 11/08/2023 Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH 11/09/2023 Song And Dance – Syracuse, NY 11/10/2023 Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT 11/11/2023 Angel City Music Hall – Manchester, NH 11/12/2023 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ 11/14/2023 Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY 11/15/2023 Broken Goblet Brewing – Bensalem, PA 11/16/2023 Metro Gallery – Baltimore, MD 11/17/2023 The Loud – Huntington, WV 11/18/2023 Local 506 – Chapel Hill, NC 11/19/2023 Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC 11/20/2023 New Brookland Tavern – Columbia, SC 11/21/2023 The Earl – Atlanta, GA 11/24/2023 Conduit – Orlando, FL 11/25/2023 Orpheum – Tampa, FL 11/26/2023 The Handlebar – Pensacola, FL
Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven is available on CD, digitally, and LP on multiple color variants. Preview and purchase yours today at:metalblade.com/goatwhore.
Watch the band’s videos for “Born Of Satan’s Flesh” HERE and the title track HERE.
Sept. 6, 2023, PHOENIX – Holy Fawn, the Phoenix-based band who Stereogum said “build giant, cresting waves of uplifting brutality… without really sounding like anyone else,” give Realms, their independently-released, debut EP, the vinyl treatment for the first time ever, with Wax Bodega releasing the six-song collection on Oct. 20.
Ryan Osterman explains how the EP came to be: “Realms was a project that was created in my old apartment that was just a happy mistake if I’m being honest. Personally, I just wanted to record some new ideas as I felt a bit creatively stifled. I didn’t have a name or any sort of plan, just recording music that really resonated with me.”
“We figured we needed some sort of name as it was manifesting quicker than any of us expected. We landed on HOLY FAWN and just decided to go wherever that would take us. We played basically anything that was thrown at us, house shows, DIY tours, just any opportunity to perform. It just felt really different from any of our other musical experiences we had to that point. We would just play completely in the dark besides some random laser lights and the reaction was really pure after each show.”
“It felt that people were enjoying it, especially in the post rock/atmospheric community but it pretty much fell completely under the radar as a whole. We loved what we were doing and just wanted to share it with as many people as possible. It doesn’t matter if a project receives label interest or outside validation, as long as you press forward doing what you love, it’ll always bring you joy.”
“We all really believed in Realms and wanted to give it a proper release on vinyl as it’s become really requested live in the past few years and it’s nice to revisit how everything started. It feels very emotionally cathartic to play these songs and we still love them today as much as we did so many years ago.”
Holy Fawn set out on a Fall headlining tour this October:
October 2 Austin, TX Empire Control Room October 3 Dallas, TX Tulips October 4 Houston, TX Bronze Peacock October 6 Orlando, FL Will’s Pub October 7 Atlanta, GA Masquerade Purgatory October 8 Carrboro, NC Cat’s Cradle Back Room October 9 Baltimore, MD Metro Baltimore October 10 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Made October 11 Worcester, MA Palladium Upstairs October 13 Philadelphia, PA First Unitarian Church October 14 Columbus, OH Ace of Cups October 15 Ferndale, MI Loving Touch October 16 Chicago, IL Cobra Lounge October 17 Kansas City, MO RecordBar October 18 Denver, CO Meow Wolf October 19 Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge October 21 Seattle, WA Vera Project October 22 Portland, OR Mississippi Studios October 24 San Francisco, CA Café du Nord October 25 San Diego, CA Soda Bar October 26 Los Angeles, CA The Echo October 27 Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom
Holy Fawn is Ryan Osterman (guitar, vocals), Evan Phelps (guitar), and Austin Reinholz (drums). The Arizona-born band have released two albums: Dimensional Bleed (2022), Death Spells (2018), as well as a pair of EPs: The Black Moon (2020) and Realms (2015).
Stereogum said Holy Fawn band are “impossible to ignore,” Paste noted that they “hold the sublime and the saturnine in equal reverence,” and Revolver said with Dimensional Bleed, the foursome reached “…a high-water mark for music that combines the skyscraping atmospheres of post-rock with the heavy breadth of textured metal.”
Helsinki-based death metal unit MALFORMED has signed a pact with Extremely RottenProductions for the release of The Gathering ofSouls. The EP, which comes less than a year after the self-released demo, Uncontrollable Malformity, bears the markings of a band versed beyond their years in the art of technical death metal.
Look for The Gathering of Souls to be released on vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital formats on October 13.
The Gathering of Souls – track listing: 1) Drowning in Emptiness 2) The Gathering of Souls 3) Defiled 4) Enchantments of Nihilism 5) Mind Refinery
MALFORMED is a young, relentless death metal band reigning from Helsinki, Finland. The band incarnated in 2022, as its debut demo Uncontrollable Malformity crawled out of the sewers alongside positive reviews and some underground hype. However, things are only getting started with the release of EP The Gathering of Souls which showcases even more intensity, brutality, and technicality through our recently solidified lineup.
MALFORMED: Jani Seppi – drums Akseli Lindroos – guitars Pauli Niemi – bass Eetu Hyvönen – vocals/guitars
MALFORMED began its journey through the hands of guitarist/vocalist Eetu Hyvönen and bassist Pauli Niemi, who were joined by guitarist Akseli Lindroos and drummer Jani Seppi in late 2022. As the demo was completed before Jani’s addition to the lineup, The Gathering of Souls is the first release to feature the full MALFORMED lineup. These five fierce and hellish tracks were completed during the winter of 2022-2023, and recordings commenced during the spring with Juuso Hämäläinen (Azatoth, Disguised Malignance) handling all production.
The tracks, which were both arranged and recorded at the band’s barren rehearsal place in Espoo, combine the technicality and brutality of bands like early Cryptopsy, Suffocation, Gorguts, and Demilich – without sacrificing the originality and inclusion of our own MALFORMED sound.
PERISCIANS specializes in creating hard-hitting metalcore, with a wider range of influences injecting more of their personality into the music. The new single “Halo” follows their debut “Blind By Design” released earlier this year, showcasing further the trio’s distinctive take on metalcore.
PERISCIANS‘ formula encompasses a ferocious blend of old-school hardcore punk and the intensity of metal, creating a sonic assault that resonates with fans of extreme music. “Halo” continues this genre-crossing trend fusing heavy rock-esque chord progressions and vocal melodies with intricate technical guitars, harsh vocals and pounding drums. “Halo” is a thrilling track that draws you in. Rhythmic verses deliver a combination of light and dark across the instrumental and vocal parts. When the thundering choruses hit, they unleash a fury of percussion and bass while vocal melodies offer a contrasting mood soaring above.
About PERISCIANS: Based out of Columbus, Ohio, PERISCIANS debuted in April 2023 with their single “Blind By Design”. Their tracks thematically seek to expose corruption and unmasking how the ruling class utilizes manipulation, censorship, and misinformation to shape public perception. Musically, PERISCIANS‘ sound appeals to fans of GOJIRA, FEAR FACTORY, CURRENTS, and TRIVIUM, to name a few.
Platinum selling Legendary LA Rockers ANGELES have released their new stand-alone single ‘Just Do It’, Music and Lyrics by Dale George Lytle, available now on all streaming platforms. Currently the band is working on more songs and this single will be included in the album.
ANGELES – Current 2023 Line-up: Dale George Lytle – Vocals and Guitar Bill Wildman – Bass Guitar Danny Basulto – Drums
ANGELES released their latest full-length album “Running like an Outlaw“ on March 5th 2022, via MVD Entertainment and SONY Music and is available at Walmart, FYE, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all Digital Streaming retailers.
Following their recent signing with powerhouse label AFM Records, ALTERIUM, the new Italian power metal quintet led by Nicoletta Rosellini (ex. Kalidia, Walk in Darkness), has shared a music video for their first album single “Drag Me To Hell”!
As Nicoletta recently revealed:“I am finally happy to present you Alterium, my new power metal adventure. In the past months, we have poured our hearts and souls into crafting a debut album that harmonizes captivating melodies, powerful guitar riffs, and thunderous drums. The result is a strong debut album that we are eagerly anticipating to share with all of you.”
About the band’s first single release, the exceptional vocalist says:“‘Drag Me To Hell’ captures the entire power metal essence of Alterium, combining strong guitar riffs and captivating melodies that blend with themes related to the world of Warcraft, one of my greatest passions. In this track, we tell part of the story of heroic paladin Bolvar Fordragon, who, after surviving dragon’s flames, makes the ultimate sacrifice of sitting upon the Frozen Throne, becoming the ruler of the Scourge.”
Watch the ALTERIUM video clip for their first single “Drag Me To Hell”,now debuting HERE:
Born in late 2022, ALTERIUM consists of Nicoletta and former bandmates Paolo Campitelli (guitars) and Dario Gozzi (drums) from Kalidia, soon joined by Alessandro Mammola (guitars, also in Draconicon) and Luca Scalabrin (bass, also in Altair).
After Kalidia parted ways, Nicoletta decided to take a different approach and finally unleashes her whole potential as both a singer and a songwriter. Under the guidance of producer Lars Rettkowitz (Freedom Call), ALTERIUM have finished the recordings of a bombastic debut album. The band’s first full-length will also feature a cover of the Sabaton classic “Bismarck”. Watch out for many more details and news to follow in the weeks ahead, when ALTERIUM will take the power metal scene by storm with a triumph of powerful sounds, big riffs, explosive drums, majestic choirs and captivating grooves!
L-R – Colin Ryley – Guitars, Marlee Ryley – Vocals, Ryan Idris – Drums, Jon Power – Bass Photo Credit – Caitlin Delaplace
Hyperia is a Canadian melodic thrash metal band known for wailing vocals, shredding guitars, and fast, heavy drums. Formed in 2018, Hyperia combines elements of aggressive thrash with intricate guitar melodies alongside a wide variety of vocal styles, which have been showcased on an EP and two albums thus far, with the third full-length slated for release this November. The first single off “The Serpent’s Cycle” is the blistering “Prophet Of Deceit”, which takes a more serious tone than the other tracks on the album. The band comments:
“This track brings us back into a serious mood, it is a quite melodic and technical song starting off with blistering guitar into a full-force attack of drums. The working title for this song was “Shredlord Supreme”, which should give you an idea of what to expect. This song is about the problems we have with certain members of society and gaslighting. It’s a hard-hitting track that is full of energy throughout.”
This album “The Serpent’s Cycle” has a wide variety of riffs, ones that will remind listeners of the 80s and also ones that usher in the new era of modern thrash. Song order was intentionally chosen to ensure that each song is given its space between different songs and makes the album continue feeling fresh throughout. Hyperia expects “The Serpent’s Cycle” to be received very well by fans as everyone who has heard it so far agrees it’s by far the best album they’ve made. It has all the usual elements of a Hyperia album, just amplified and refined. They think it’s a huge step up from their previous releases and hope the reception for it proves that.
The melodic and aggressive 11-track album that includes a cover of Heart‘s “Crazy On You” comes out on November 17, 2023, and is a perfect mix of old-school sensibilities and modern experimentation. It is recommended for fans of Exmortus, Municipal Waste, and Havok.
Track Listing: 1. Ego Trip (4:41) 2. Automatic Thrash Machine (4:02) 3. Prophet of Deceit (4:16) 4. Psychosomatic (4:29) 5. The Serpent’s Cycle (5:04) 6. Trapped in Time (3:58) 7. Spirit Bandit (4:04) 8. Eye for an Eye ( 4:47) 9. Binge & Surge (3:44) 10. Deathbringer (5:31) 11. Crazy On You [Heart Cover] (5:03) Album Length: 49:41
Watch and listen to “Prophet Of Deceit” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.
Cleveland death metallers 200 STABWOUNDS have begun an epic run of live dates that will find the band rampaging their way across much of the US through the end of the year.
The band wraps up their four-day adventure supporting Gwar tonight, September 1st, in San Antonio, Texas. From there, the band will play a handful of headlining dates before supporting The Black Dahlia Murder from September 9th through September 15th. Additional support will be provided by Chelsea Grin and Gates To Hell.
200 STAB WOUNDS will make an appearance at this year’s edition of the New England Metal And Hardcore Fest in Worcester, Massachusetts on September 16th. That following evening, the band will begin a week-long headlining tour with support from Snuffed On Sight through September 23rd.
The onstage bedlam continues in November when 200 STAB WOUNDS serves as direct support to Frozen Soul on their North American tour from November 2nd in Atlanta, Georgia through December 2nd in Houston, Texas. Additional support will be provided by Judiciary and Tribal Gaze. Tickets are on sale now! See all confirmed dates below.
200 STAB WOUNDS w/ Gwar [remaining dates] 9/01/2023 Vibes Event Center – San Antonio, TX
200 STAB WOUNDS: 9/03/2023 Vino’s – Little Rock, AR 9/06/2023 Mad Malts – Huntsville, AL 9/07/2023 New Brookland Tavern – Columbia, SC 9/08/2023 No Class – Cleveland, OH
200 STAB WOUNDS w/ The Black Dahlia Murder, Chelsea Grin, Gates To Hell: 9/09/2023 The Concourse – Knoxville, TN 9/10/2023 Mercury Ballroom – Louisville, KY 9/12/2023 The King of Clubs – Columbus, OH 9/14/2023 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ 9/15/2023 Reverb – Reading, PA 9/16/2023 New England Metal and Hardcore Fest – Worcester, MA
200 STAB WOUNDS w/ Snuffed On Sight: 9/17/2023 Mohawk Place – Buffalo, NY 9/19/2023 The Black Circle – Indianapolis, IN 9/20/2023 Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI 9/21/2023 The Forge – Joliet, IL 9/22/2023 Club Garibaldi – Milwaukee, WI 9/23/2023 Madison Live – Cincinnati, OH
200 STAB WOUNDS w/ Frozen Soul, Judiciary, Tribal Gaze: 11/02/2023 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA 11/03/2023 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC 11/04/2023 Canal Club – Richmond, VA 11/05/2023 Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY 11/07/2023 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA 11/08/2023 Middle East – Boston, MA 11/09/2023 Studio TD – Montreal, QC 11/10/2023 Garrison – Toronto, ON 11/11/2023 El Club – Detroit, MI 11/13/2023 Ace of Cups – Columbus, OH 11/14/2023 Avondale Music Hall – Chicago, IL 11/15/2023 Amsterdam – St. Paul, MN 11/16/2023 Waiting Room – Omaha, NE 11/18/2023 Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT 11/19/2023 The Shredder – Boise, ID 11/21/2023 Goldfields Roseville – Roseville, CA 11/22/2023 Cornerstone – Berkeley, CA 11/24/2023 Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA 11/25/2023 Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ 11/26/2023 American Legion Post 8 – Las Vegas, NV 11/28/2023 Jake’s – Lubbock, TX 11/29/2023 Rockhouse – El Paso, TX 12/01/2023 Rock Box – San Antonio, TX 12/02/2023 Secret Group – Houston, TX
200 STAB WOUNDS released their two-track Masters Of Morbidity seven-inch in April via Metal Blade Records. The title track, which was initially released as a digital single in November 2022, and the new track, “Fatal Reality,” were both produced by Mark Lewis (The Black Dahlia Murder, Nile, Deicide, Krisiun, Whitechapel, Fallujah). Check out the release at: metalblade.com/200stabwounds.
Black metal outfit MORBIKON, the creative effort of guitarist/bassist Phil “Land Phil” Hall (Municipal Waste, Cannabis Corpse, Iron Reagan), with drummer Dave Witte (Municipal Waste, Discordance Axis), and vocalist Mathias “Vreth”Lillmåns (Finntroll, …And Oceans), has announced their first ever live appearances!
MORBIKON released their debut full-length, OvMournful Twilight, last year via Tankcrimes. The project is guided by the second wave of Scandinavia’s black metal and melodic death metal scenes of the ‘90s.
Issues Hall, “MORBIKON was started as a passion project between myself and my writing partner Quotidius in 2020 to express our love of early ‘90s black metal while simultaneously blowing off some steam trapped in a quarantine. Getting Dave Witte involved pushed the music to a new level, then an awesome opportunity came to work with the outstanding vocalist Mathias Lillmåns from the Finnish band Finntroll. We completed the album Ov Mournful Twilightin the middle of the pandemic not considering any live show prospects. Now, three years after the inception of the band, we finally have the opportunity to play the music live. Unfortunately, the logistics of bringing Mathias Lillmåns all the way from Finland has proved to be infeasible. Stepping into the role of vocalist will be original lyricist Quotidius. We are also welcoming guitarists Toby Swope (Psychosomatic) and Adam Guilliams (Cannabis Corpse). Drums will be handled by Dave Witte. We are looking forward to playing live and bringing these awesome tunes to everyone soon!”
MORBIKON Live: 9/07/2023 Black Circle – Indianapolis, IN w/ Exhumed 9/08/2023 Wake Brewing Anniversary – Rock Island, IL 9/09/2023 Full Terror Assault Fest – Cave Rock, IL 12/01/2023 Decibel Metal And Beer Fest @ Summit – Denver, CO
Purchase Ov Mournful Twilight on CD or LP via Tankcrimes at the label webshop HERE and digitally at Bandcamp HERE. Watch the video for “Universal Funeral” HERE and “Borne Of Phantom Vessel” HERE.
German singer, guitarist, producer Michael Voss has announced the release of his upcoming album, “Rockers Rollin’ (A Tribute To Rick Parfitt)”, due out on October 13, 2023 via Massacre Records! The album will be available as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats, the pre-sale has just started at THIS LOCATION!
Voss is premiering a music video for the first album single! “That’s the title track of the album and features all the ingredients that made me a Status Quo addict,” he comments. “A stomping beat, driving guitars, hammering piano and road movie lyrics that keep that ole train a’drivin on.
I especially love the breaks of the chorus with its fine chord changes. Co-writer Jackie Lynton told me it was composed after Rick gave Jackie a white metal framed Harrods piano as a present! … Yeah, they had to catch that train… What a great tune to kick off with… it simply rawwksss!”
The clip for “Rockers Rollin'” is now streaming HERE
From almost year one, Michael Voss has been a huge Status Quo fan after attending his first live concert in a big arena in 1979 at Halle Münsterland, where dumbstruck and starstruck he witnessed the mighty Status Quo on their “If You Can’t Stand The Heat” tour.
Rick Parfitt stepped into the spotlight and fired his intro riff of ‘Caroline’ into the crowd, and Michael Voss was suddenly infected with his hard hitting, take-no-prisoners rhythm. Filled with an irrepressible desire to embrace all that is Status Quo, he greedily snapped up all their albums and became an ardent soldier in the Quo Army fan club as well.
Furthermore, Status Quo gave this impressionable 14-year-old the great inspiration to follow in their footsteps by learning to sing play and compose. Many years later he found himself with the skill to render Parfitt’s great contribution to rock music in this tribute to his first all-time hero.
Voss has carefully chosen ten songs, that Parfitt sang and wrote, and now proudly presents them in this glorious rock tribute. “Rockers Rollin’ (A Tribute To Rick Parfitt)” features severals high class guests, who shared the music and stage with Rick, such as longtime tour manager and co-writer of many super hits, Bob Young, original founding member of the Frantic Four, John Coghlan, Rick’s son, Rick Parfitt Jr., actual bass player Rhino Edwards, original band member Andy Bown, Mat Sinner of Primal Fear, among many more!
“Rockers Rollin’ (A Tribute To Rick Parfitt)” track listing:
San Antonio (TX) – Hot on the heels of their debut single, “Across Again,” Texas scorchers MYTHOLOGIK are proud to announce the September 20 release of their self-titled debut EP on CD, vinyl, and digital formats!
A lyric video for the EP’s second single, “Todesgeist,” is available now at: youtu.be/1PFoADSymkk.
MYTHOLOGIK is a scorching new Heavy Metal band has emeged from the blistering heat of Texas! Featuring multi-instrumentalist Bryan Eckermann (Solo Artist, Scars of the Flesh, Wings of Abaddon) on all instruments and Joe Gregory (Valkyrie TX) on Vocals. Mixing the Melodic Death Metal tendencies of Eckermann with the 80’s thrash vocals of seasoned veteran Gregory, MYTHOLOGIK are looking to break genre boundaries; bridging dark melodic atmosphere, Thrashing riffs, and Epic symphonic passages with aggressive/soaring vocals. Like a Nuclear Assault/Slayer/King Diamond mash-up, their debut EP goes straight for the jugular and does not let up!
Track Listing:
1 – Across Again 2 – Eroded 3 – Todesgeist 4 – Heir Apparent
The previously released lyric video for “Across Again” is available at: youtu.be/CeYs4sQm_Bo.
Long-running Sacramento, California thrash metal crew PSYCHOSOMATIC announces their first East Coast tour dates in years as they prepare to launch Escaping The Prison Tour 2023 this October.
The upcoming trek marks PSYCHOSOMATIC’s first tour since the release of their crushing seventh LP, The Invisible Prison, which saw release through Nefarious Industries at the height of the pandemic lockdowns to rave reviews but no touring. Escaping The Prison Tour 2023 runs from October 5th through 14th with shows in Atlantic City, Brooklyn, Boston, Cape Cod, Providence, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chesapeake, Richmond, and Raleigh. The band will be joined throughout the run by Chicago-based grinding hardcore outfit and Nefarious Industries labelmates Nequient as well as Boston thrash metal act Black Mass. See the confirmed routing below.
PSYCHOSOMATIC Escaping The Prison Tour 2023: 10/05/2023 Anchor Rock Club – Atlantic City, NJ w/ Black Mass 10/06/2023 Bootleg Bar – Brooklyn, NY w/ Nequient, Black Mass 10/07/2023 O’Brien’s Pub – Boston, MA w/ Nequient, Black Mass 10/08/2023 Arcade Bar – Cape Cod, MA w/ Nequient, Black Mass 10/09/2023 Dusk – Providence, RI w/ Nequient 10/10/2023 Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA w/ Nequient 10/11/2023 The Depot – Baltimore, MD w/ Nequient 10/12/2023 RiffHouse Pub – Chesapeake, VA w/ Nequient 10/13/2023 Bandito’s – Richmond, VA w/ Nequient 10/14/2023 Chapel of Bones – Raleigh, NC w/ Nequient
PSYCHOSOMATIC is working on their eighth LP for release in 2024. In the meantime, multiple earlier and out of print titles are in the process of being reissued through Nefarious Industries in the months ahead. Stand by for further updates to post over the weeks ahead.
PSYCHOSOMATIC has released seven studio albums, two EPs, and more since their inception in 1988, during the California thrash metal overthrow. With more than three decades of touring the US and Canada under their belt, the band has played over a thousand shows canvasing the North American tapestry with the likes of Exodus, Vio-lence, Death Angel, M.O.D., Havok, D.R.I., Fear, Possessed, Arsis, Warbringer, Exmortus, Black Breath, Ghoul, Possessed, Phobia, The Accused, Eat The Turnbuckle, Hammer Fight, Deathwish, Wartorn, Dr. Know, Verbal Abuse, Attitude Adjustment, Hirax, and countless others.
Unloading twelve tracks of classic thrash/crossover shred, PSYCHOSOMATIC’s The Invisible Prison was produced, engineered, and mixed by David Sanchez of Havok at Riffs Or Die Recordings, and mastered by Mark Lewis (Chimaira, Trivium, The Black Dahlia Murder) at MRL Studios. The record is completed with art by the band’s founding bassist/vocalist Jeff Salgado, coloring by Vincent Pizarro, layout by Greg Meisenberg, and photography by Michael Alvarez, and includes a cover of “Serial Killer” by Vio-lence.
Find The Inevitable Prison on LP, CD, CS, and digital formats including merch bundles alongside several videos from the album and more at Nefarious Industries HERE.
Unleashing their most audacious offering to date, Sargassus present their new EP, King of the Sun, a monstrous addition to their progressive death metal discography. These four tracks, composed in an intuitive manner in live jamming sessions and recorded in 2023, forge a unique sonic landscape that stands as testament to the band’s unyielding artistic evolution. The members of Sargassus continue to refine their skills weaving intricate, complex musical structures with raw, powerful emotion.
This EP encapsulates the relentless spirit of the genre while offering new layers of depth and complexity, with the songs being all the more atmospheric as the band aims to paint an eerie backdrop to the increased technicality of the songs. Samu Oittinen – the legendary producer responsible for the new EP’s mix and master – made sure to fulfill the band’s vision about organic yet brutal and atmospheric soundscape.
EP cover by Matias Stenman
Track list:
Dies Iræ
Queen of the Moon
Breed of the Exodus
King of the Sun
The lyrical themes of the EP heavily draw inspiration from the epic of Lucien, the first ever science fiction story to be told and recorded in history. Strange entities with selfish causes wage a cosmic war for the ownership of planet Venus, with even stranger armies ushered into pyrrhic battles. The EP reflects upon this madness as well as the needless suffering of all involved, with no clear victor to claim the prize in the end.
Cosmic black metal duo LIGHTLORN has unleashed “Dimensionless Blackness,” the newest single from their upcoming full-length debut: At One with the Night Sky.
The third track on the album, “Dimensionless Blackness” is full of contrasting elements. From the bright guitar picking in the intro, which belies the energetic, groove-infested opening riff that follows, to the ups and downs in the song structure, “Dimensionless Blackness” is highly representative of the sound LIGHTLORN has become known for. The lead guitar carries captivating melodies, while a foreboding piano section and an outro replete with strings and brass infuse the song with atmosphere and emotion. The lyrics are sung from the perspective of a supermassive black hole in the center of a galaxy. How it holds the galaxy together while slowly devouring the matter around it.
Thuringian (Germany) doomsters DÉCEMBRENOR release first new single from new album “Your Sunset | My Sunrise”
Against The Daylight is the first single from the new DÉCEMBRENOIR album Your Sunset | My Sunrise, which is set to be released on October 13th via Lifeforce Records.
The lyric video was created by JerkkaPerälä / Soft Neon Audiovisual, who is also responsible for the visual works for his own band ATLASES, also in Lifeforce Records.
As for the direction of their new album, DÉCEMBRE NOIR reveal the following: “Your Sunset | My Sunrise” is the cry for inner peace set to music. A heavy heart full of tears, which threatens to plunge its bearer into the abyss at any moment. Even if this means giving up oneself, in the end only the long-awaited silence counts. It is the escape on the wings of addiction from the battlefield of never-ending depression.
The approach of the band from Thuringia, Germany also reaches deep on their fifth full-time album – both lyrically and musically. This is already known from the previous records “The Renaissance Of Hope” (2020), “Autumn Kings” (2018), “Forsaken Earth” (2016) and “A Discouraged Believer” (2014). DÉCEMBRE NOIR act consistently atmospheric, gloomily tuned and open to interpretation. The underlying thoughts, emotions and intentions of the songs of the quintet are not always clearly determinable. And they don’t have to be. For the nuances and forebodings set to music have a special significance in the German band’s playing.
TRACK LIST:
Dead End: May Against The Daylight Your Sunset | My Sunrise Sentimental Giants Sleepwalker (In Yesterday’s Smoke) Trivial Heart
What once started between doom and death metal, has developed over the years and releases to an independent, organic gloomy sound, which achieves its ominous effect space and its captivating fascination quite independently of liking or style questions. On“Your Sunset | My Sunrise”, produced by HEAVEN SHALL BURN’s Alexander Dietz at his Chemical Burn Studio, DÉCEMBRE NOIR again rely on melancholic as well as melodically addressed pieces that stand completely on their own and therefore captivate because they are presented so heavy, dark and atmospheric.
I went to see the mighty and legendary Queensrÿche back on April 6th of this year in Columbus Ohio at the Newport Music Hall. Man, what a show!! The place was jam packed with with a legion of fans! My wife and 2 good friends went with me, making for a good times night of memories.
I’ll add that the one song that made the crowd go absolutely bananas was their classic Jet CityWoman. I was thrilled. The band even played my all-time favorite of theirs: Queen of the Reich. This was my third time seeing Queensrÿche, dating back to the late 80’s. This era of the band I’m just as proud of as any. I hope you enjoy the photos I took, I tried my best not being up close as I’d like to have been.
Trauma was the opening band. Plus the great Marty Friedman and his band opened as well!! Metal be thy name! – Stone
Michael WiltonTodd La TorreL: Mike Stone R: Michael WiltonMike StoneTodd La TorreL: Mike Stone R: Michael Wilton Mike StoneOpening band: TraumaL: Mike Stone & R: Michael WiltonMarty FriedmanMarty FriedmanMarqueeNewport Music Hall – Columbus Ohio
Sweden-born death horde FARSOTH will crush skulls this fall with the release of their second full-length album Morbid Symphonies. FARSOTH puts their relentless brand of death metal on full display with the album’s first single, “Nothingness.”
Morbid Symphonies is simply 10 death metal songs done with a passion for music and the genre. As always, FARSOTH aims to make songs that will make you headbang, join a mosh pit, and chug a beer or two. If you are looking for music that will make you do the reptile dance, look no further.
FARSOTH invites all of you to join the madness and friendship of Death Metal. Morbid Symphonies is the album that everyone will soon be talking about.
Black Lion Records will release Morbid Symphonies on October 27. Pre-order the album atfarsothblacklion.bandcamp.com
FARSOTH was founded in Sala (Sweden) by Jari Kuusisto in 2020. Shortly thereafter JoakimMikiver on vocals, Jonas Magnusson on bass, and Kristofer Elemyr on guitar were contacted to join the band. The search for the right drummer turned out to be a more difficult task than expected. Several months later the place was still not filled so Jari decided to contact his good friend Chris Barkensjö (Lik) to help with the drum recording for the album. All said and done, FARSOTH had 9 songs recorded but still no permanent drummer.
FARSOTH: Jari Kuusisto – Guitar Joakim Mikiver – Vocals Jonas Magnusson – Bass Florian Rehn – Drums Johnny Nymark – Guitar
In early 2021 William Parkstam was recruited as the band’s permanent drummer. FARSOTH rehearsed for the first time as a full band in Williams’ hometown of Uppsala. Since then, they have released several videos, along with their debut album, The Plague, on all major streaming platforms.
Shortly after the album’s release in late 2022, William decided to leave the band due to other obligations, and Kristofer sadly passed away. William was quickly replaced by Florian Rehn on drums and in early 2023 Johnny Nymark joined the band as their new guitarist. At the beginning of 2023, Swedish record label Black Lion Records reached out to FARSOTH offering the band a record deal. So with a fresh record deal and more than 14 new songs, FARSOTH is looking forward to seeing what 2023 will bring.
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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