OPETH will return to the stage this Spring on the second leg of their North American co-headlining tour with Mastodon. The journey will commence April 21st in Montreal, Quebec and make its way through sixteen US and Canadian cities, coming to a close on May 11th in Riverside, California. See all confirmed dates below.
Comments OPETH mainman MikaelÅkerfeldt, “We’re excited to come back to North America for the second leg of shows together with our ‘brothers from other mothers’ in Mastodon. And… hello, Canada! It’s been too long, we know! We’ll soon dust off the ole guitars etc. and get in shape for this run. The last tour was quite splendid; the only downside being the restrictions. We don’t know for sure how it’s going to pan out this time around, but we’re hoping for a bit more freedom to move around. Crossing fingers here. See you semi-soon! Signing off from a rainy, gloomy Stockholm, Mikael (on behalf of OPETH).”
Blabbermouth and Knotfest.com ticket presales will be available Tuesday, February 8th at 10:00am EST through Thursday, February 10th at 10:00pm local time. General on sale date is Friday, February 11th at 10:00am local time. Visit the band’s official tour page HERE for tickets!
Exciting news! We are pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new studio album w/ Frontiers Music. We are looking forward to introducing our newest collection of hard rock music across the globe. A very special thank you to Serafino, Mario & the entire Frontiers Family!
From Frontiers Music srl Twitter timeline:
Autograph has signed to Frontiers and is currently working on a new album! Autograph features vocalist Simon Daniels, guitarist Jimi Bell, bassist Randy Rand, and drummer Marc Wieland. Stay tuned for more news as we have it!
We’re thrilled drummer extraordinaire Brian Tichy has returned to the Daisies fold.
“Well, what a nice way to start off 2022. I’m excited to get behind the drum kit and do some powerful, groovy rocking with my good friends Doug Aldrich, Glenn Hughes, and David Lowy in The Dead Daisies! Looking forward to seeing you all out on tour this year!”- Brian Tichy
Can’t wait to get out and play some showstogether!
Heavy metallers SPIRITSOFFIRE – Feat. Chris Caffery, Steve Di Giorgio, Mark Zonder, and new vocalist Fabio Lione – have unveiled the title track of their upcoming album “Embrace The Unknown”, coming out February 18th on CD/LP/Digital, via FrontiersMusic. (Please note, due to ongoing worldwide vinyl manufacturing delays, the LP release date is March 18, 2022.). Pre-order/save HERE: https://orcd.co/embrace
Heavy metal supergroup SPIRITS OF FIRE first formed in 2017, released their first single in late 2018, and unleashed their debut album in February 2019. Originally formed by Chris Caffery (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Steve DiGiorgio (Testament, Death, etc.), Mark Zonder (ex-Fates Warning, Warlord) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (ex-Judas Priest), the band’s self-titled debut was met with fan and critical praise upon its release.
As it approaches two years since the release of their debut, Spirits of Fire are now set to return with a new album, ” Embrace The Unknown ” that sees renowned Italian metal vocalist Fabio Lione taking over frontman duties for the band. Production this time comes courtesy of Aldo Lonobile, whose recent work on releases by Archon Angel featuring Zak Stevens, Sweet Oblivion featuring Geoff Tate, and his own band, Secret Sphere, makes him the perfect fit for the band.
Once again, the band worked on a set of songs that were primarily put together by Caffery, with Lione and Lonobile adding their own touches to Caffery’s stellar songs. The final result sees a killer musical output that continues in the vein of “classic Priest meets Savatage” sound that the band has pursued since their formation.
With Caffery’s renowned guitar playing, the undeniable power of the rhythm section of Di Giorgio and Zonder, and the world class vocals of Lione, “Embrace The Unknown ” sees SPIRITS OF FIRE pushing their sonic stamp further and further. From the biting riffage of the charging opener “Embrace The Unknown”, the band is firing on all cylinders and prepared to appease the heavy metal gods.
SPIRITS OF FIRE are built to deliver classic in-your-face heavy metal and they have accomplished that goal on every level on “Embrace The Unknown”. From Lione’s soaring vocals, to Caffery’s guitar pyrotechnics, to the propulsive and crushing rhythms of Di Giorgio and Zonder, the performances are stellar from beginning to end. There is no shortage of memorable, metal hymns to raise your fist and bang your head to on this all killer, no filler metal journey.
“Embrace The Unknown” Tracklist:
A Second Chance
Resurrection
Wildest Dreams
Into The Mirror
Embrace The Unknown
My Confession
Sea Of Change
Shapes Of A Fragile Mind
Hearts In The Sand
House Of Pain
Remember My Name
Out In The Rain
LINE-UP: Fabio Lione – Vocals Christopher Caffery – Guitars Steve Di Giorgio – Bass Mark Zonder – Drums
WILDSTREET had a huge 2021 and are set to follow suit in 2022. They released their stunning new album WildstreetIII via Golden Robot Records. The band spent most of 2021 on tour in the USA which included Rockfest WI, but they remarkably also toured in Europe performing at Swiss Rock Cruise in Switzerland, France and Belgium.
They are set to release 2 new singles on February 15th: One Tattoo’ and ‘Born to Be (RLK)’. Both tracks were originally released in 2014 under the name RAVE LA KILL and both will be released with accompanying lyric videos.
‘One Tattoo’ is an electronic love song which is slick and modern. On ‘Born To Be (RLK)’ the song structure is identical to the version on Wildstreet III. This version has a more modern and electronic vibe, with all the arena hooks one would expect from WILDSTREET. Both singles were mixed by Kyle Kelso and mastered by Howie Weinberg.
Watch the Wildstreet III album version of ‘Born to Be’ HERE
About Wildstreet: After WILDSTREET reportedly broke up in 2013, Eric Jayk and co-founder Jimmie Marlowe teamed up with New Jersey guitarist/vocalist Felix Skiver & using the pseudonym RAVE LA KILL. The project released two singles in 2014, ‘Born to Be’ & ‘One Tattoo.’‘Born to Be’ was later re-recorded and released as part of Wildstreet III, released in 2021. The album has 1.8 million streams on Spotify. They also released a cover of THE 69 EYES classic ‘Mrs.Sleazy.’ They have been added to editorial playlists by Apple Music and Spotify.
In 2022, WILDSTREET has festival dates confirmed in the USA, Mexico, Colombia, the UK and Europe. They will also begin work on a full-length follow up album III.
Connecticut-based hard rock juggernaut KINGSANDLIARS – featuring members of THE DEE SNIDER BAND, JASTA andENTIERRO have released the video for their newest single, “Conquering the Fear.” New Noise Magazine is hosting the exclusive premiere of “Conquering the Fear.” Watch the video now at this location.
Guitarist/vocalist Charlie Bellmore said this about the song, “This is an important song for me, it’s about not giving up when your entire life feels like it’s crumbling around you and fixing it all. It’s dedicated to anyone who’s ever been a victim of sexual assault.”
“Conquering the Fear” comes off the band’s forthcoming new album, Transition Animals, due out January 28 on Salt of the Earth Records.
Compared to previous releases, Transition Animals sees a more streamlined band returning to the spotlight as a three-piece, hell-bent on delivering some heavy as all hell, well-crafted, catchy songs.
The members of KINGS AND LIARS share international notoriety as members of some severely ass-kicking bands… Kingdom Of Sorrow, The Dee Snider Band, Jasta, Entierro, and Toxic Holocaust to name a few. Charlie and Nick Bellmore have also written and recorded material for the upcoming solo album by George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher (Cannibal Corpse).
Dummer NickBellmore is an uber-producer who has been at the helm of many many kick-ass releases. When great artists want to up the heavy, they call these guys.
KINGS AND LIARS will hit the road early this year in support of Transition Animals. They will be joined by ’70’s-style Hendrixian Motör Funk band LORDBISHOP. Dates are as follows:
1/28 – Pompano Beach, FL @ Pipers 1/29 – Orlando, FL @ Shovelhead 1/30 – Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero 2/01 – Murfreesboro, NC @ Zakk’s Coffeehouse 2/02 – Chesapeake, VA @ Riff House 2/03 – Baltimore, MD @ Zen West 2/04 – Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz 2/05 – Hamden, CT @ The Cellar on Treadwell (CD Release Party)
KINGS AND LIARS: Charlie Bellmore: vocals/guitars Nick Bellmore: drums/vocals Christopher Taylor Beaudette (vocals/bass)
Melodic hard rock supergroup OUTOFTHIS WORLD featuring legendary names such as Kee Marcello (Europe), Tommy Heart (Fair Warning), Ken Sandin (Alien), and Darby Todd (Devin Townsend, Gary Moore, The Darkness), have officially unveiled their self-titled debut full-length, out now on Atomic Fire Records!
In celebration of the record’s release, the band is pleased to deliver a video for the hugely epic “In A Million Years.” The track was originally written by Kee Marcello for Europe’s PrisonersInParadise and spent the past thirty years in his drawer. “But with this voice, it was just perfect,” Marcello raves of his vocal force Tommy Heart. “To me, it’s one of the highlights of the album.”
View OUT OF THIS WORLD’s “In A Million Years” video at THIS LOCATION and below:
View the band’s previously released video for “Hanging On” HERE.
Out Of This World is available now on CD, LP, and digital formats. Find ordering options at the Atomic Fire webshop HERE.
It’s no coincidence that Marcello’s latest endeavor bears the name of that legendary multi-platinum Europe album released back in 1988. “When I told people about my new project, someone suggested I call it something like Kee Marcelo’s Europe. But that’s terrible,” he laughs. “I hated it. Tommy suggested to call it OUT OF THIS WORLD, simple as that. Just as the Black Sabbath guys and Dio did with Heaven And Hell.”
The same vibe, the same ear for melody, the same hooks permeate an album that was brought to life with the vigor and passion you wouldn’t exactly expect in a rock star who’s seen it all and done it all in the past forty years. “I’ve always concentrated on music, and my passion for that never changed,” he says. “I’ve never changed style; I’ve never tried to do anything I’m not doing well.”
Out Of This World beams with a freewheeling and overflowing sense of fun, musicianship, and togetherness. It’s an effortless flux that’s just not normally found on a debut. “You have to remember that Darby, Ken, and I go way back,” the legendary axe-man notes of his rhythm section. “We did hundreds of gigs together and are as tight as a thumbscrew. Same thing goes for Tommy and I. We clicked instantly when working together for the first time a couple of years ago. We have this almost brotherly connection. We’re literally reading each other’s minds, man. There was no stumbling block, it was all a self-playing piano.”
It’s the same for vocalist Tommy Heart who’s been around in this game forever as well. “You meet, you play, and sparks begin to fly,” he describes the chemistry between the members. “We don’t even talk that much. We simply let the music speak. We touch our hearts when we play which is something that’s incredibly rare to find. Nobody has to explain himself; everybody is doing just what anybody else would do at that moment.” Heart was instantly hooked when he realized that OUT OF THIS WORLD was more than a one-off thing between bored musicians in lockdown. “I don’t like these temporary projects,” he muses. “This here is the real deal.”
“With OUT OF THIS WORLD, though, it never felt like a project,” says Marcello and he admits: “It felt like a band from day one. This is why the album turned out so well. It has a genuine band feel to it.” At their very first rehearsal session in Marcello’s hometown of Gothenburg, they sketched a couple of songs that would later wind up on their debut, namely “Twilight,” “Lighting Up My Dark,” and “In A Million Years.” “We actually found ourselves right in the middle of our first recording session without even knowing it,” he marvels. “Everything felt so natural and so good that writing the rest of the songs was a walk in the park.”
Graced by additional key wizardry courtesy of Deep Purple’s very own Don Airey and embellished by a Ron Nevison mix (Kiss, Bad Company, Ozzy Osbourne, Meat Loaf, Heart, Chicago, Damn Yankees, etc.) who reunited with Marcello for the first time since producing Europe’s Out Of This World a staggering thirty-three years ago, the songs masterfully transport the bygone era of melody driven, anthemic hard rock into the present. From uptempo rocking first single “Hanging On” via “In A Million Years,” originally written for Europe’s Prisoner In Paradise, to colossal anthem “Lighting Up My Dark,” and prog-rock playground “Staring At The Sun,” OUT OF THIS WORLD solitarily resurrect a genre we thought was lost long ago.
OUT OF THIS WORLD: Tommy Heart – vocals Kee Marcello – guitars, keyboards Ken Sandin – bass Darby Todd – drums
UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER is THE constant among the German metal scene. Originally becoming world-famous as a founding member of Accept, he continues to steadily expand upon his international successes with his U.D.O. and DIRKSCHNEIDER outfits. Remaining true to himself over the years in a way few musicians could, Dirkschneider consistently bucks music industry trends in favor of following his heart and his most personal and extraordinary album to date will be released on April 22nd via Atomic Fire Records.
Titled MyWay, the record contains seventeen cover versions of the very songs that have influenced the musician and singer the most. All kinds of classics from music history are among them – including those that you might not expect from Dirkschneider. Not only does a very personal story lie behind each of the tracks, but also a sometimes-surprising arrangement that, despite the very individual implementation, lives and breathes Udo’s manuscript throughout.
Udo: “Now, when I hear the song, I remember the time when, as a very young Udo, I’d go out to light up the town and lived all the stories that can only be experienced late at night in the clubs,” he recalls. Here, Alex Harvey’s “Faith Healer” allows the artist to feel those days of an era long past. The fact that “Nutbush City Limits” is also on the album reveals a secret rarely told until now, “What hardly anyone knows so far: I was a huge fan of Ike and Tina Turner, and especially Tina’s voice. We always covered this song during Accept rehearsals in the early days. It was one of the mainstays of our Accept rehearsal repertoire for years. Regrettably, there is no recording of it.”
With Wolfsheim’s “Kein Zurück,” Dirkschneider sings in German for the first time in his career, “I immediately felt like the words understood me. It seemed to me that the lyrics were telling the story of my career, of my highs and lows and all the good and bad experiences that life has. There simply is ‘no going back’ for those who choose to live as a musician.”
The cover album also makes one thing clear: Just how many in the music industry have come and gone over the years. Yet, UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER is still here.
Midwest American Symphonic Metal band SHIELD OF WINGS emerge from their hiatus, and make their thrilling entry into the new year with their debut single, “Wetland”. The song is coupled with a captivating music video. “Wetland” is the first offering from their forthcoming debut full-length album, Unfinished, set to release February 11th. Sure to appeal to fans of symphonic metal giants NIGHTWISH and EPICA, as well as film score composers like HANS ZIMMER, JAMES HORNER, and HOWARD SHORE, their new album, Unfinished, will bring into view 10 bombastic compositions of poetic exploration.
Vocalist Lara Mordian comments on the “Wetland” filming process:
’Shooting Wetland, and wading through that cold, wet, filth, was a challenging albeit invigorating time for me. Prior to filming in late autumn, I was warned of the certain discomfort to come, but I was reassured by James that “pain is temporary, film is forever”, and I embraced it.”.
Each song from Unfinished explores themes of growth through self-examination, regret, sacrificial death and rebirth. From the “Crushing Hail” of the suffering which is inherent in life, the listener is carried through this journey, until the final track expounds upon the realization that we are all, in ways, “The Scarred Clay Reshaping.” With bold, vast orchestral compositions soaring over chugging guitars, SHIELD OF WINGS makes it abundantly clear that they are Unfinished, in more ways than one.
GRAMMAVEDETTA has released their new album The Hum Of The Machine in its entirety, as an 8Bit version. Available on their Bandcamp, this is a nice surprise for their fans as they await the release of the full album.
“We recommend listening to this gem in headphones while waiting for the full release, the one made with loud amplifiers, various noises, bang, crash, boom and aaaaaarrrrgghhgghgh, out on May 27th via Mandrone Records.”
The idea was born from Marco’s experiments with the virtual-synth “Super Audio Boy” during the release of the previous EP and it has now become his (and the band’s) tradition to publish the rearranged songs in a version that pays homage to the music of 1980s and ’90s video games.
The artwork was created by Dan as a tribute to the cartridge artwork from Nintendo, Sega and Commodore 64.
Tracklist:
A Chance To Win The Orb (8Bit)
Starlight Portal Show (8Bit)
Robots For War (8Bit)
A Broken Time Machine (8Bit)
The Electric Game (8Bit)
The Future Of The Past (8Bit)
Transmission’s On (8Bit)
The General Magnetic And The Spanish Wormhole (8Bit)
I Feel The Comfort (The Hum Of The Machine) (8Bit)
Danish alternative metal quintet NORÐ is set to release their debut album Machine Blood on March 4th 2022 via Inverse Records. The album is mixed and mastered by the magnificent Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Denmark (Volbeat, Amaranthe, Primal Fear, etc). The first single Fear Reigns is released today along with music video.
Fear Reigns (single 2022) Composer: NORÐ lyrics: Niels Thybæk-Hansen
The band comments:“Fear Reigns is a track that means a lot to us. First of all it’s a killer riff and the verse has harmonic vibrations that would remind you of the Twin Peakstheme. The chorus begins with another bad ass groovy riff followed by a more atmospheric part that will speak to anyone who ever liked Deftones. The bridge is an epic melodic part with tight riffin’ and melancholic soundscapes.
The song has been with us for a long time and it still feels fucking awesome to play every time. The crowd also always has a good response to this track.
The lyrics talk about the cracks in the foundation of societies around the world. The ideal of a democracy based on trust is increasingly threatened by more simple means to power such as fear and repression. As the globalization have brought us closer together it has also drawn new battle lines between ideologies. Societies based on ancient traditions and belief collide with capitalistic societies based on the free will of the individual. Cohesiveness is threatened and protectionism becomes stronger.
So some really uplifting themes in that song 🙂 But seriously, we love this song and hope everyone will enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoy playing it.”
Line-up: Vocals: Bjarne Matthiesen Guitar: Niels Thybæk-Hansen Guitar: Thomas Bøgh Jensen Bass: Peter Littau Drums: Rune Kolsbjerg Hansen
Los Angeles-based dark melodic metal outfit Witherfall are hosting auditions to join guitarist/songwriter Jake Dreyer, vocalist/songwriter Joseph Michael, bassist Anthony Crawford, and keyboardist Alex Nasla on a full-time basis. Ideal candidates will be available full-time, own their gear, be available for practice in Los Angeles, hold (or be ready to apply for) a valid U.S. passport, be available for tours in North America, Europe and beyond, but most importantly be passionate about their work.
Witherfall is dark melodic metal. Our influences range from King Diamond, Iron Maiden, Boston, Judas Priest to Kansas, Dream Theater, Type O Negative, and Queen. Therefore, we’re seeking an able-bodied musician that is informed by or holds in high regard talent like Mike Portnoy (Winery Dogs, ex-Dream Theater), Martin López (Soen, ex-Opeth), Vinnie Paul (Pantera), and Gene Hoglan (Testament). This is by no means a list of but rather the type of talent we’re seeking.
“We want to thank Marco Minnemann for participating in and playing on our newest album Curse of Autumn (Century Media),” says Joseph Michael. “Unfortunately, due to Marco’s intense schedule, he’s unable to commit fully to Witherfall. Our new material is shaping up to be some of the best stuff we’ve written to date. We are looking for a new drummer to join us as we embark on the next chapter of Witherfall. We already have confirmed appearances at Hyperspace III Fest and ProgPower USA XXI.”
Interested parties will film (ideally with multiple camera angles) themselves playing to one of (or multiple) the following Witherfall songs: “Tempest,” (Curse of Autumn) “Shadows,” (A Prelude to Sorrow) or “Nobody Sleeps Here…” (Nocturnes and Requiems).
Witherfall will pick the best candidate for a live audition / hang session in Los Angeles on January 26 and 27, 2022.
Witherfall Curse of Autumn global chart positions: Billboard Top New Artist Albums #7 Billboard Current Rock Albums #31 Official German Album Charts #20 Swiss Albums Top 100 #73
Witherfall discography: Nocturnes and Requiems (2017) A Prelude to Sorrow (2018) Vintage (2019) Curse of Autumn (2021)
Finnish metal band Justice Theory is happy to announce that they will release a new EP “BEATEN WILL RISE” on Spring 2022. And now here they give you a first taste of their upcoming EP. Song titled “FIGHT UNTIL YOU DIE!” is OUT NOW on music services world wide! Cover artwork is created by Petri Lampela.
Vocalist and guitar player Valtteri states: “This song is ultimate power straight from the heart! After emotional and low-tempo song Fade Into the Night, I wanted to make a song that really hypes you up and makes you move. For me, lyric-wise this song is about two themes. First theme is standing together whatever comes to our way. Trust between brothers, and not giving up until you’ve given your everything ties it up really well. We should always remember that we are not alone in this world. Bond between humans can be stronger than we even realize, particularly when it comes to a matter of life and death. Another theme is that we always manage to find a way for rising up after being beaten down. When you’re at the bottom, it just gives you a moment for rise again…”
Coming this Saturday December 18, at 8pm ET is a very first for Stryper. It is the WORLD PREMIER of Stryper performing their iconic album Soldiers Under Command. Some of these songs have not been performed live in over 30 years. This is a multi-camera professionally recorded in-studio concert performing the album in its entirety. This is also the first event Oz Fox played after his first of two successful brain surgeries.
Stryper has NEVER performed Soldiers Under Command in its entirety until now.
The band will be live before the performance as well as after the performance with a Q&A. Also – during the performance the band will be in the chat room chatting with fans.
Can’t watch at that time? That’s okay – We have 2 options for you. 1) Purchase now before the show and re-watch it for 48 hours or 2) Upgrade and for just $8 more watch it as much as you want for as long as you want with our Lifetime Viewing option.
This is truly a rare event. Tickets are only $12. Get yours now.
Alt-Rock Artist Encourages Listeners to Let Go of the Worries in Life
Nashville, TN – Alternative rocker, MiaMorris, has just released her fiery new single, “Fucket Bucket.” With retro guitars, loops, and powerful vocals, this single is an ode to letting go of the worries in life and chucking them in the “Fucket Bucket.” “Fucket Bucket” is available now on all streaming platforms worldwide.
Mia Morris’s “Fucket Bucket” is the edgy punk anthem that can resonate with everyone. Handling everyday stress while trying to live life to the fullest can put a strain on people, so Mia Morris made a carefree anthem to help let go of the stressors. “I want life to be fun, so I wrote a song about where to put everything else,” states Morris. The song begins with her declaring, “life’s too short to have regrets,” as a single guitar advances into an ensemble of classic rock sounds. She uses her ability to mold together aspects of alternative, rock, and punk sounds to create a track that reminds listeners that some things simply need to be thrown into the “Fucket Bucket.” The song was written entirely by Mia Morris, which showcases her writing dynamic perfectly. From emphatic chord progressions to her energetic vocals, “Fucket Bucket” pulls from her varied musical tastes and eclectic influences.
17-year-old Mia Morris is a rock singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. She first made a name for herself online at the age of 12 when videos of her drumming reached over five million views on YouTube. Since moving to Nashville to pursue a music career, Morris has backed up over 150 artists on various instruments across the country. Morris has released over 40 songs as she continues to grow her career, with most being written, recorded, produced, and mixed by herself. Taking influences from artists such as No Doubt, Avril Lavigne, and Fountains of Wayne, her ever-growing style is uniquely hers, making her stand out in the rock genre.
Deemed a “drum protege” by other professional musicians, her musical resume puts her amongst some of the music industry’s most seasoned veterans. Learning from some of the best, she was able to study with rock legend Kenny Aronoff, drummer for many notable artists such as Alanis Morissette, among other famous and accomplished drummers. Her many talents and accomplishments have gained her a large following on social media; with over 34K TikTok followers, nearly 24.8K Instagram followers, and 51.8K YouTube subscribers alongside 9+ million views on her videos, Mia Morris is a name to remember.
Mia Morris reminds listeners that life is too short to have regrets, so take some time, put some things away in the bucket, and don’t worry about it. Stream “Fucket Bucket” on all streaming platforms and follow along with more of Mia’s journey on her Instagram @MiaMorrisMusic.
Finnish melodic metal icons SONATAARCTICA should be closing their Acoustic Adventures European tour this week. Unfortunately, it had to be postponed to late 2022 due to obvious reasons. But fans need not worry as the band are bringing some cozy living room concert atmosphere to their homes in the form of the first part of their two-piece Acoustic Adventures album, due out on January 21st, 2022 via Atomic Fire.
Containing acoustic adaptions of twelve tracks leading through SONATA ARCTICA’s discography, AcousticAdventures – VolumeOne was recorded and produced by Mikko Tegelman and the band at Studio57 in Finland. Tegelman was also responsible for the album’s mix and mastering alongside bass player Pasi Kauppinen. The artwork by the quintet’s longtime collaborator and fellow countryman, Janne Pitkänen (Nightwish, Auri) rounds out the experience charmingly.
The first single from AcousticAdventures – VolumeOne, “The Rest Of The Sun Belongs To Me” is available as a lyric video viewable at THIS LOCATION.
States keyboardist Henrik “Henkka” Klingenberg: “The Rest Of The Sun Belongs To Me was a song that first appeared as a bonus track for Japan back in 2003, just around the time I joined the band. When we started to arrange songs for the second Acoustic Adventures tour in 2019, this song somehow kept popping up and we decided to give it a go. Our dear friend Masi Hukari who joined us on stage for the tour did a lot of the work on this particular arrangement and I think that his input was really important in how this song turned out. For this record, we used the live arrangement as a starting point and I don’t think the song changed that much, so what you hear is a slightly refined version of the 2019 tour arrangement. We decided to use this song as the first single since it’s really different from the original studio version and as always, we prefer to offer something new and interesting for our fans and for ourselves as well.”
(Cover art by Janne Pitkänen)
Preorder Acoustic Adventures – Volume Onephysically – on digipak CD or vinyl in various color variants – and presave/preorder it digitally to receive “The Rest Of The Sun Belongs To Me” instantly now through the Atomic Fire webshop at THIS LOCATION.
AcousticAdventures – VolumeOne Track Listing:
The Rest Of The Sun Belongs To Me
For The Sake Of Revenge
A Little Less Understanding
Alone In Heaven
Tallulah
Don’t Say A Word
As If The World Wasn’t Ending
Paid In Full
Tonight I Dance Alone
The Wolves Die Young
Wolf & Raven
On The Faultline
Catch SONATA ARCTICA live on the Acoustic Adventures MMXXII trek across Finland in February, the 25th Anniversary Tour across South America in April, at a variety of festival and special performances throughout the Summer, in the Ukraine and Russia in September, on another leg of the Acoustic Adventures MMXXII across Europe beginning in October and more. Stay up to date on all live dates and ticket info at the band’s official tour page HERE.
SONATA ARCTICA: Tony Kakk – vocals, keyboards Elias Viljanen – guitars Pasi Kauppinen – bass Henrik “Henkka” Klingenberg – keyboards Tommy Portimo – drums
Italian melodic symphonic power metallers MOONLIGHT HAZE will release their third studio album “Animus” on March 18th 2022 on Scarlet Records.
“‘Animus’ represents a huge step up for Moonlight Haze’s songwriting and sound. This album got each of us excited since the very first melodies and lines that had been written. It’s an introspective work, but at the same time it also looks at the world outside – willing to bring a bright message of vitality and rebirth. Hence the title, ‘Animus’, a Latin word that has different meanings: vital force, conscience, soul, mind and courage as well.” Chiara Tricarico, frontwoman & lyricist
Recorded by MOONLIGHT HAZE and mixed & mastered by Simone Mularoni at the renowned Domination Studio, “Animus”boasts the stunning performance of vocalist Chiara Tricarico and is graced by the amazing artwork and pictures of Beatrice Demori.
The album will be released in the following formats:
– digipak CD – limited-edition vinyl – digital
Tracklist is as follows:
01. The Nothing 02. It’s Insane 03. Kintsugi 04. Animus 05. The Thief and the Moon 06. Midnight Haze 07. Tonight 08. Never Say Never 09. We’ll Be Free 10. A Ritual of Fire 11. Horror & Thunder
The first single/video will be released on December 10th 2022.
MOONLIGHT HAZE:
Chiara Tricarico – Vocals Marco Falanga – Guitars Alberto Melinato – Guitars Alessandro Jacobi – Bass Giulio Capone – Drums
De Arma was founded in 2009 by guitarist, vocalist, and bass player Andreas Pettersson. After the 2011 “Towards the Shores of the End” split with British band Fen, they released their debut album – “Lost, Alien & Forlorn” – in February 2013. Due to various life obligations, a long hiatus followed.
Eight years later, De Arma made a sudden return with “Strayed in Shadows”. The second chapter sees the band explore a wide spectrum of music – from gothic metal to synthwave and even pop music. Cold and heartfelt northern melancholia sweeping in from the borderlands between Fields of the Nephilim, Katatonia, and Anathema.
Now, as the band is enjoying some serious momentum in the wake of “Strayed in Shadows”, work on their third album is in full swing. With any luck, it should be ready at some point in 2022. And this is where Silent Future Recordings come in – sealing a collaboration which the band describes as ‘coming home’.
Andreas commented:
While we recorded “Strayed in Shadows” in recent years, the material was written and arranged in its entirety shortly after “Lost, Alien & Forlorn”. Now that we’ve gotten it out of our system, we are looking forward to presenting music which is more representative for the De Arma of today.
Retro loving hard rockers BRANDY AND THE BUTCHER are preparing to unveil their new LP scheduled for the release in Spring of 2022. Drawing upon various genre influences from punk, notably artists such as THE CRAMPS, through to traditional metal, the album explores the different sides of BRANDY AND THE BUTCHER’s sound.
“BRANDY AND THE BUTCHER is proud to announce the release of our second full length LP. It will have some surprises in store for the fans of our first record as we explore some new sonic territory. Full blown fuzz and a few heavier songs will appear along with our straight rock and punk tunes.”
Initially forming as an ensemble and dropping their EP Pretty Girls in 2018, BRANDY AND THE BUTCHER saw their first tour cut short due to the pandemic. After releasing their debut full length in August of 2020, the new LP follows the quartet as they progress in developing their music. Delivering high energy and dynamic rhythms, BRANDY AND THE BUTCHER’s distinctive rock n roll edge mixed with seductive vocals produces a raw, powerful sound. The first single “TBC” will be released on January 14th.
BRANDY AND THE BUTCHER: Elizabeth Hale – Lead vocals Jay Matheson – Guitar Kevin Brewer – Drums Roger Shattuck – Bass
Los Angeles, CA – Long-time bassist for multi-platinum rockers Quiet Riot, Chuck Wright, proudly presents the release of the first single from his new solo album. Wright has also worked alongside such rock music luminaries as Alice Cooper, Greg Allman, Ted Nugent, various members of Guns N’ Roses and Kiss to name a few, and now embarks on his first-ever solo excursion.
The first single is a hard-rocking, intense interpretation of Björk’s 1995 hit “Army of Me” and is accompanied by a video that represents Wright’s exploration into disorder and parallels with the recent chaotic state of world affairs. The visuals include a 3D animation of an “army” of Ruth Bader Ginsburgs, the late Supreme Court Justice, feminist icon, and steadfast advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. “I chose to recognize the late Justice Ginsburg in this video as she was such a formidable presence on and off the bench. She challenged the status quo knocking down legal obstacles to women’s equality and inspired an army of believers.”
The track “Army Of Me” features several of Wright’s musical peers including the late Pat Torpey (Mr. Big) on drums, guitarist Lanny Cordola (House of Lords), and Sven Martin (Jonathan Davis Band) on keyboards along with songstress Whitney Tai, the recent “Best Vocalist” winner at The Intercontinental Music Awards.
The full-length album from Chuck Wright’s Sheltering Sky, coming in 2022, features over 30 guest performers including members of Mr. Big, Skid Row, Tesla, Dream Theater, Great White, Asia, Jefferson Starship, acclaimed solo artists Allen Hinds, Toshi Yanagi, and many others. Wright is finally stepping out on his own with a wide range of genres, from Jazz Fusion, Prog, Funk to in-your-face Hard Rock, which was in itself one of the things that led him to want to forge his own way and create this unique collection of songs within his “Sheltering Sky” project.
Photos: Top photo: Mari Kawaguchi Bottom photo: Tim Janssens
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