Challenge The WindDue Out This May On AFM Records!
May 31, 2024 will see symphonic melodic metal overlords Rhapsody Of Fire release their hotly-anticipated, new studio epos ‘Challenge The Wind’ via AFM Records. A new music video for their latest colossal single, “Diamond Claws” (now available on https://rhapsodyoffire.bfan.link/diamond-claws), is premiering today! Watch the band’s new clip below, and pre-order your album copy now athttps://rhapsodyoffire.bfan.link/challenge-the-wind
For more than thirty years, Rhapsody Of Fire have been able to rely on one thing: there’s nothing half-hearted about this band. The Italian masters of their craft can look back at an impressive catalogue of 14 studio albums, three EPs and two live recordings to date, all marked by lots of heart and soul, passion and a virtually inexhaustible wealth of ideas. Since 1993, mastermind and founder Alex Staropoli has been hailed as the creator of the film score metal genre and his band as one of the most charismatic acts worldwide.
In addition, Staropoli has enlisted a highly creative first-rate guitarist in Roby De Micheli, who joined the fold in 2011, contributing lots of gritty metal riffs and virtuoso solos to contrast the band’s symphonic orchestral style.
Challenge The Wind will mark Rhapsody Of Fire‘s most fast-paced rager to date, as the composer and keybordist Staropoli recently revealed: “Compared to all previous Rhapsody Of Fire releases, the current album consists exclusively of up-tempo numbers, not a single ballad in sight. None of our other records have featured as much pure, unadulterated metal as ‘Challenge The Wind’!”
In support of their forthcoming album, the band is gearing up for a busy touring schedule in 2024, with many more shows to follow soon. Find all upcoming Rhapsody Of Fire dates listed below!
Challenge The Wind was produced by Alex Staropoli and mixed by Seeb Levermann (Orden Ogan), who is responsible for the homogeneous sound of the ten songs’ elaborate arrangements. As all of the band’s first single releases prove, one can be sure: Rhapsody Of Fire’s fast-paced adventure is set to continue with undiminished intensity! Pre-order Challenge The WindHERE!
Challenge The Wind track-list:
Challenge the Wind
Whispers of Doom
The Bloody Pariah
Vanquished by Shadows
Kreel’s Magic Staff
Diamond Claws
Black Wizard
A Brave New Hope
Holy Downfall
Mastered by the Dark
Rhapsody Of Fire: Giacomo Voli (vocals) Alex Staropoli (keyboards) Roby De Micheli (guitars) Alessandro Sala (bass) Paolo Marchesich (drums)
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Rhapsody Of Fire Live: 05.05.2024 (MX) EL CONDE, Foro 360 07.05.2024 (CO) BOGOTA, Astor Plaza 09.05.2024 (BR) SAO PAULO, Caricoa Club 10.05.2024 (CL) SANTIAGO, Blondie 11.05.2024 (AR) COMUNA 1, El Teatrito 18.05.2024 (IT) TREZZO SULL’ ADDA MI, Live Club 29.06.2024 (FR) CLISSON, Hellfest 13.07.2024 (BG) MOGILOVO, Midalidare Rock in the Wine Valley 2024 19.07.2024 (FI) PERUNKA, John Smith Rock Festival 07.11.2024 (SE) MALMOE, Plan B 08.11.2024 (SE) GOTHENBURG, Surr Arena 09.11.2024 (SE) STOCKHOLM, Fryshuset Klubben 10.11.2024 (SE) GAVLE, Centralteatern
Following ‘Kreel’s Magic Staff’, a first single and album harbinger released in 2023, Rhapsody Of Fire have revealed full details about their brand new studio offering, entitled ‘Challenge The Wind’, due out this May! In support, the band has announced a busy touring schedule, with many more shows to follow soon. Find all upcoming Rhapsody Of Fire dates listed below!
Their upcoming studio album, ‘Challenge The Wind’, is slated for a release on May 31, 2024 via AFM Records, the pre-sale has started today at:
For more than thirty years, fans of symphonic melodic metal act Rhapsody Of Fire have been able to rely on one thing: there’s nothing half-hearted about this band. The Italian masters of their craft can look back at an impressive catalogue of 14 studio albums, three EPs and two live recordings to date, all marked by lots of heart and soul, passion and a virtually inexhaustible wealth of ideas. Since 1993, mastermind and founder Alex Staropoli has been hailed as the creator of the film score metal genre and his band as one of the most charismatic acts worldwide. In addition, Staropoli has enlisted a highly creative first-rate guitarist in Roby De Micheli, who joined the fold in 2011, contributing lots of gritty metal riffs and virtuoso solos to contrast the band’s symphonic orchestral style.
The song is out now on all digital streaming services via:
Rhapsody Of Fire: Giacomo Voli (vocals) Alex Staropoli (keyboards) Roby De Micheli (guitars) Alessandro Sala (bass) Paolo Marchesich (drums)
The album will mark Rhapsody Of Fire‘s most fast-paced rager to date. “Compared to all previous Rhapsody Of Fire releases, the current album consists exclusively of up-tempo numbers, not a single ballad in sight,”reveals composer and keyboardistAlexStaropoli. None of our other records have featured as much pure, unadulterated metal as ‘Challenge The Wind’!” Give ear, today, Rhapsody Of Fire are premiering a music video for their new single, the album title track!
Staropoli adds: “The new Rhapsody Of Fire single “Challenge The Wind” is another strong musical statement from the band. Speed, energy, orchestrations, shredding guitars, amazing vocals and choirs; truly epic and divine music. Expect to be blown away, the entire album will shake you to your core!”
Challenge The Wind’ was produced by Alex Staropoli and mixed by Seeb Levermann (Orden Ogan), who is responsible for the homogeneous sound of the ten songs’ elaborate arrangements. As the first single releases prove, one can be sure: Rhapsody Of Fire’s fast-paced adventure is set to continue with undiminished intensity!
‘Challenge The Wind’ tracklist:
Challenge the Wind
Whispers of Doom
The Bloody Pariah
Vanquished by Shadows
Kreel’s Magic Staff
Diamond Claws
Black Wizard
A Brave New Hope
Holy Downfall
Mastered by the Dark
Rhapsody Of Fire Live: 05.05.2024 (MX) EL CONDE, Foro 360 07.05.2024 (CO) BOGOTA, Astor Plaza 09.05.2024 (BR) SAO PAULO, Caricoa Club 10.05.2024 (CL) SANTIAGO, Blondie 11.05.2024 (AR) COMUNA 1, El Teatrito 18.05.2024 (IT) TREZZO SULL’ ADDA MI, Live Club 29.06.2024 (FR) CLISSON, Hellfest 13.07.2024 (BG) MOGILOVO, Midalidare Rock in the Wine Valley 2024 19.07.2024 (FI) PERUNKA, John Smith Rock Festival 07.11.2024 (SE) MALMOE, Plan B 08.11.2024 (SE) GOTHENBURG, Surr Arena 09.11.2024 (SE) STOCKHOLM, Fryshuset Klubben 10.11.2024 (SE) GAVLE, Centralteatern
LEAVES’ EYES Released Gripping Music Video For New Single “Realm of Dark Waves”
Symphonic metal vikings, LEAVES’ EYES, have revealed new details about their much-awaited, new album “Myths Of Fate“! Slated for a release on March 22, 2024 via AFM Records, the album pre-sale has just started at https://leaveseyes.bfan.link/Myths-of-Fate! Perfect in time to celebrate their new album live, LEAVES’ EYES have also announced an extensive touring schedule kicking off in March, find all live dates listed below!
Four years after bringing “The Last Viking” to Valhalla with their previous opus, LEAVES’ EYES resurrect with “Myths Of Fate” to celebrate their 20th year of existence. With their ninth studio album under their belt, the Germany-based act consolidates their leading position in the symphonic metal universe. Powerful, epic and impressive – LEAVES’ EYES once again merge traditional metal genres by fusing elements of folk, gothic, and classical music into a captivating sonic masterpiece.
With “Myths Of Fate”, the band once again set sails for new winds that definitely blow from the harsh shallows of the symphonic metal genre. The fantastic world of legends from Norse and Eastern European mythology is the setting for monumental entertainment. “The early Middle Ages were a fascinating time of change. Some of these innovations have left their mark around the globe and continue to impact our modern world”, tells band mastermind and singerAlex Krull.
In support of LEAVES’ EYES’ forthcoming opus, the band produced a total of five music videos with Mastersound Entertainment. Filmed on impressive locations in Iceland, Germany and Poland, they bring the myths captivatingly to the screen. Magic creatures, great battles and enchanting warrior queens come to live! The music video for “Realm Of Dark Waves” is now premiering HERE.
Once again, LEAVES’ EYES have created an entire universe of their own imagination that showcases their talent as storytellers and music perfectionists. No doubt, the band will leave an everlasting footprint in their own genre with this album. “Myths Of Fate” provides a dynamic soundtrack for a vivid escape into a magical world of mythology!
LEAVES’ EYES TOUR DATES with special guests METALITE on selected dates + CATALYST CRIME: 14.03.2024 UK Birmingham / Asylum 15.03.2024 UK Glasgow / Slay 16.03.2024 UK London / The Dome 17.03.2024 UK Manchester / Academy 3 19.03.2024 DE Nürnberg / Hirsch 20.03.2024 CZ Solothurn / Kofmehl 21.03.2024 DE Bochum / Matrix 23.03.2024 DE Osnabrück / Bastard Club 24.03.2024 DE Leipzig / Hellraiser 26.03.2024 DE Darmstadt / Centralstation 27.03.2024 DE München / Backstage 29.03.2024 ES Madrid / Moby Dick 30.03.2024 PT Porto / Hard Club 01.04.2024 ES Barcelona / La Nau 02.04.2024 IT Milano / Legend Club 03.04.2024 AT Vienna / Szene 04.04.2024 HU Budapest / Analog Music Club 05.04.2024 BG Sofia / Joy Station Club 06.04.2024 RO Bucharest / Fabrica 07.04.2024 RO Cluj Napoca / Form Space 08.04.2024 PL Krakau / Kamienna 12 09.04.2024 PL Warsaw / Hydrozagadka 10.04.2024 PL Gdansk / Drizzly Grizzly 11.04.2024 DE Hamburg / Headcrash 13.04.2024 DE Berlin / Orwohaus
ALTERIUM, the new Italian power metal quintet led by Nicoletta Rosellini (ex. Kalidia, Walk in Darkness), has revealed new details about their hotly-anticipated, first full-length studio album! “Of War And Flames” will be out on March 8, 2024 via AFM Records, the pre-sale is now available via: https://alterium.bfan.link/of-war-and-flames
Following previously-released, first album appetizers, “Siren’s Call”, “Drag Me To Hell” and the epic cover version of Sabaton‘s “Bismarck”, ALTERIUM have unleashed their powerful title track “Of War And Flames”!
Born in late 2022, ALTERIUM consists of vocalist 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. Produced by Lars Rettkowitz (Freedom Call), and featuring 9 original classy power metal tracks including the cover of “Bismarck”, “Of War and Flames” turns out to be a triumph of catchy choruses, terrific vocal lines, powerful sounds, strong guitar riffs, explosive drums, majestic choirs and captivating grooves, all skillfully mastered by Achim Koehler. Pre-order your album copy now, and get ready for new power metal hope ALTERIUM, when theywill take the metal scene by storm!
releases their long-awaited second album ”Arctic Atlas” today 12th of May.
After a few years of composing and producing, “Arctic Atlas” is finally available as a physical album or digital version. Averlanche is more than ready to introduce themselves as a newborn Symphonic Metal band from Finland with modern sounds and a completely new style.
The album will be released through JVR MUSIC GROUP record label. INVERSE RECORDS handles the digital promotion worldwide.
Arctic Atlas is an interesting album full of surprises. It starts in the freezing cold and then jumps straight into a burning theater. It is something you never expected from Averlanche.
Averlanche’s debut album “Life’s Phenomonen” was produced, recorded & mixed by the famous Finnish producer Hiili Hiilesmaa, best known for collaborating with bands like HIM, Sentenced, Apocalyptica and others. After a long collaboration, this time the band’s manager Joonas Rinne was chosen to be the producer. The album was recorded in different sessions during 2022-2023.
“Working with Averlanche has been an interesting journey through time. The album was being prepared for about a year, from the demo sessions to arrangement and production. The album was fun to mix and the collaboration with the band went well. Mika Jussila took care of the mastering process and a few days ago we received the finished product from Finnvox. The entire production team and the band are very satisfied with the results. I hope the listeners will take the album as their own from the first time listening.” – Joonas Rinne, producer
Tracklist:
-273.16 °C
In The Theater Of Fire
Killing Floor
Heartache Parade
Island Across
Polaris
She & The Dark Winter
Little Lotus
Black Butterflies´ Night
Arctica
Atlas Of Hearts
The recording process of ”Arctic Atlas” was a very different experience from recording the debut album. This album was recorded in different sessions and every session had its unique style.
“I enjoyed the recording process and I think we have all grown a lot during this past year. My favorite song on the album has been changing a lot. It really depends on my mood. At the moment I would say ”Island Across”! I love the atmosphere it creates. I would like to thank you so much for your patience and your support. Soon it will be rewarded. We hope to see you at the upcoming shows!” – Rebecca Spörl, vocals
Most of the songs on the album had already been composed before the release of debut album “Life’s Phenomenon”.
“The oldest songs of the album, ”In The Theater of Fire” and ”She & the Dark Winter”, we have already been playing live for a while. I’m We put a lot of time and effort into the production phase of our songs and tested and discussed many different possible arrangements to find the best versions. This time we did the recordings in multiple sessions in Oulu, instead of all at once like last time. This way we had more time to work on the details.” – Antti Kopra, keyboards
Vocals: Rebecca Spörl Keyboards: Antti Kopra Guitars: Otto Haalahti Drums: Henri Tenhunen
On August 26th, 2022 symphonic gothic metal band BLOOD OF INDIGO will unleash their debut album DawnoftheShadedWorld.
The band comments:
“We poured every ounce of love and passion into this album. Each song is like a carefully crafted dish from a Dark Fantasy Metal buffet. Every song tells its own story and was inspired by our favourite video games. We gave our devoted attention to every little detail and we hope this album will inspire someone to create. Dawn of The Shaded World is everything we’ve dreamed of and more.”
Become immersed in the dark, fantastical world that surrounds BLOOD OF INDIGO. Legend has it that the dark, majestic project hail from Toronto, Canada, and seek to indulge in their passion for storytelling through epic music.
The dynamic trio’s creative influences spawn from metal bands including DIMMU BORGIR, NIGHTWISH and DREAM THEATER, along video games such as Dark Souls, Hollow Knight and Bloodborne. The origins of this mystic ensemble are all but lost, scrolls from the distant era of 2017 reveal that following advice from Lindsay Schoolcraft to pursue his dream of being a metal vocalist, Alex Centorame formed the band in that year with MariuszSyposz. The third companion Nathan Gross joined forces with the line-up shortly after. Thriving in the realms of horror and fantasy, they sought a title that would live up to the bravery, majesty and wonder – and BLOOD OF INDIGO was born.
BLOOD OF INDIGO is currently preparing to unveil lyric videos for “Angelus, the ‘Faceless’ Vampire” and “Sphynx, Collector of Eyes”, before unleashing their eagerly awaited debut album Dawn of The Shaded World. The album also features a guest appearance from Juno nominated singer/songwriter Lindsay Schoolcraft.
Band Members: Alex Centorame (Sen-Tor-Ah- Mee) – Vocals/Lyrics NathanGross (Grr-Oh-Ss) – Keyboards/Orchestrations MariuszSyposz (Suh-Pose) – Guitars/Drum Programming
Showcasing her evocative vocals in full color, MORDIAN has released her first official music video for her cover of NIGHTWISH’s beloved track “Gethsemane”. MORDIAN guides us fluidly through the classic track with thrilling emotion and her own creative stylings, paired with the faithful instrumental recreation performed and produced by Matt Motto (DISSONA).
“I chose to cover Gethsemane because it’s one of my most admired songs off Oceanborn, my first and favorite NIGHTWISH album.”MORDIAN recalls, “NIGHTWISH has had a big influence on me as a musician, and I wanted to breathe new life into this epic and beautiful track. I hope you enjoy it!”
MORDIAN is a Vocalist/Composer from Chicago, IL. Her Victorian-infused 2019 release Romance in Disguise received numerous rave reviews (including Metal Hammer) For Fans of Gothic, Victorian, and Metal music alike, MORDIAN’s overarching Gothic themes and ethereal sounds are certain to evoke a whole world of feelings within.
“Kintsugi is about the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by filling cracks with precious metals. We too can transform all ‘cracks’ – which represent both our weaknesses and the difficult times we sometimes are forced to face – into something that makes us stronger and more unique, without necessarily having to show fake perfection to the rest of the world. We are all human beings and, as such, we are not infallible”. – 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.
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
MOONLIGHT HAZE is:
Chiara Tricarico – Vocals Marco Falanga – Guitars Alberto Melinato – Guitars Alessandro Jacobi – Bass Giulio Capone – Drums
Dreamferno‘s new song is a reverence to songwriters’ close relative who passed away after a long struggle with terminal illness. Hagne is all about purity and virtue. One can only hope that everyone has at least one person in their life, who passes on the idea of good morals and kindness for the next generation.
The song starts off with a beautiful Disney -style intro wich transforms into a vibrant symphonic rock interpretation accompanied with vocals by Enni Rautiainen and Samuli Rimmi. Krzysztof Dobosiewicz is responsible for the exquisite arranging of the orchestrations. Composing and lyrics are from the pen of Samuli.
Prepare to be transported to a “New World” with the magical offering from LINDSAY SCHOOLCRAFT. Featuring a duet with Fabienne Erni of ELUVEITIE and a guitar solo by Jen Majura of EVANESENCE, the new release delivers an epic sound infused with Celtic elements.
Landing just in time for St Patrick’s Day, “New World” is the first heavy driven song to be unleashed since the release of LINDSAY’s full-length album Martyr. Made possible through the Patreon community, a symphonic/ folk version will also be available as a Patreon exclusive. Emerging out of ethereal realms, ghostly Celtic folk instruments perform an alluring backdrop for LINDSAY’s haunting vocals. Melodies soar gracefully seeing a subtle dark undertone weaving throughout. Explosive metal instrumentation thunders into existence elevating the track with an intense manifestation of power.
Fabienne Erni’s dynamic vocals beautifully complement the atmosphere of “New World”; it’s a stunning duet. Enthralling distorted guitars and bass tones provide a grounding contrast to the soaring melodies, and Jen Majura’s solo enhances the sound even further.
Become immersed in a dramatic tale of folklore, an exploration into stunning soundscapes and thrilling composition. “New World” is a truly bewitching release to kick off 2022. LINDSAY is already hard at work on her next release, preparing another heavy composition in collaboration with SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA.
“New World” Guest Appearances: Fabienne Erni – Guest Vocals JenMajura – Guitar Solo Rocky Gray – Guitar, Bass, Drums IVEEN – Folk Instruments and Backing Vocals Christopher Caouette – Orchestration Dagda – Viola
SHIELD OF WINGS press forward to their imminent album release with third single and video, “Crushing Hail”. Presented here, in the form of a powerful lyric video and full band playthrough, this single comes from their debut full-length album. “Unfinished” is set to be released on February 11.
Guitarist James Gregor said of the track: “High energy and full of life, ‘Crushing Hail’ is the first track of our upcoming album. It sets the stage for the dynamic and emotional journey housed within the rest of Unfinished. So, bang your heads with us as we go forward, unheeding, through the wind and hail!”
SHIELD OF WINGS will begin the year of 2022 with their Epic Symphonic Metal resurrection, and their debut full-length album, Unfinished.
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.
Line-Up: LaraMordian – Vocals Aliyah Daye – Support & Harsh Vocals, Keys James Gregor – Guitar & Orchestrations PatrickEulitz – Drums Alex Luke – Bass Guitar
Swedish, epically overpowering dark symphonic metal unit ELEINE has joined the Atomic Fire Records roster!
Founded and led by charismatic vocalist Madeleine Liljestam and guitarist/growler RikardEkberg, ELEINE has released three successful, multifaceted albums since 2015, all of which illuminate the remarkably sorted and exquisitely balanced dark mixture the collective is capable of producing. Indeed, the authors push their high-class, intense, cinematic flair to the extreme, manifesting a singular, atmospheric world where dark, thrash, black, and death metal influences collide in a fantastically captivating fashion. The unquestionable originality of ELEINE’s output reveals itself quite effortlessly in every single moment of listening.
“Signing with Atomic Fire Records is a huge step in the right direction for ELEINE,” Liljestam comments. “We’re entering a new era of metal, not only with this new, mighty label but also in a world where we have faced challenges as a music industry alongside our dedicated and loyal fans. Finding a label that agrees that both the physical and digital media world actually work together, and don’t have to exclude each other, made us feel that this is a label that will stay true to metal and at the same time evolve alongside the industry and us as a band.”
Says Atomic Fire CEO, Markus Wosgien, “We are in touch for a few years now and I followed their amazing career almost from the start. Especially after I saw ELEINE live on the Sabaton Open Air in 2018, I knew that this band is truly unique and something really special. I love their strong belief in themselves, their do-it-yourself attitude, and finally, their music. ELEINE is an experience; something intense that you feel and inspires you. On top, they are lovely people with their hearts in the right place.”
2022 will find the band touring alongside Firewind, performing at several festivals, and a tour through Finland before joining their new labelmates Sonata Arctica as special guests on their European acoustic tour.
We feel very confident in this new collaboration and we are very proud,” notes Ekberg, adding, “While we work on our next full-length album, we will keep busy releasing an acoustic spin-off EP all in honor of the upcoming Acoustic Tour as special guests to Sonata Arctica in Fall/Winter of 2022.”
Stay tuned for upcoming ELEINE news and visit the band’s tour page at THIS LOCATION to stay up to date on upcoming live adventures.
Progressive power metal with symphonic influences creating an epic and heroic atmosphere topped with catchy, soaring vocals, melodic solos, thunderous drums, and massive orchestration (crafted by Peter Crowley): that’s how the soundscapes of international outfit INDUCTION could best be described.
Originally founded in 2014, the band left their first mark with first single, “The Outwitted Consecration” (2016) before officially entering the metal world with their self-titled debut album in 2019. Its enormously positive reception paved the way to touring across Europe alongside Brazilian power metallers Armored Dawn in November of the same year. It was a notable career start for the quintet that was unfortunately halted by the still-ongoing pandemic ultimately leading to a break (at least on the live front) that was to work on their sophomore album and renew their power.
Atomic Fire Records is pleased to welcome INDUCTION and their new lineup — vocalist Craig Cairns (ex-Midnight Prophecy), guitarists Tim Kanoa Hansen and Marcos Rodriguez (ex-Rage), bassist Dominik Gusch, and drummer Kian Kiesling — to its roster.
Comments Hansen of the new union, “I am very pleased to announce today that INDUCTION and Atomic Fire Records are now partnered for musical ventures in the years to come. We are confident that we have found the right partners for our music and vision. Their incredibly capable and experienced team, sharing the passion and love for our music in the same way the band does itself, lets everyone involved look forward to an amazing future where INDUCTION will be elevated to a new level and touch the hearts of many more people with our music.”
Says Atomic Fire Records CEO Flori Milz, “When I got the debut album of the guys two years ago, I was totally excited. At that time, I tried to win the band for my own label Reaper Entertainment, but Reaper was still in its infancy and unfortunately nothing came into being. So, I’m even more happy that the band have now signed a worldwide contract with Atomic Fire Records. I’m still a very big fan and I’m really looking forward to our common future and of course the new album.”
The first fruit of this partnership will be revealed in the form of a new single, “Sacrifice,” on February 4th.
Orders for the band’s eponymous debut, signed by Hansen, are available via the Atomic Fire Records webshop 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.
TORNBETWEENTWOWORLDS (Featuring SARAHJEZEBELDEVA and CHRISREHN) will release their new single “Transparent” on January 14, 2021. The song will be available on all streaming platforms.
Sarah comments: “This song was a bit of a challenge for me as this song is totally from scratch. It wasn’t written a few years ago like “The Beauty Of Deception” was, “All Eyes On Me” was also written a few years ago, but 80% of the lyrics lost, re written and re arranged and the vocals recorded at my home and “Hello” being a cover song (Adele). This is the first song lyric wise that I have written in almost 10 years I think and when Chris sent me the music, I found it so difficult getting everything together. I recorded half a track and Chris and I, just weren’t feeling it, so we took a big step back for a few months and let everything digest, because you can’t rush a song if you want people to believe you believe in your music. Chris Rehn is a mind blowing composer and takes much pride in his arrangements and for me, as silly as it sounds, I want him to be proud of the song and me. I can’t stress enough how its him that should be praised to high heaven, not me.
The song is based on fame and ego, people who take everything and everyone for granted and takes pleasure in destroying everything and people, only to make themselves feel better. They love to take credit for absolutely everything, whilst others work their arses off, put their heart and soul into everything. Self destructive, compulsive liar who believes you are where you are today because of them. Surrounded by many for the wrong reasons, yet doesn’t actually doesn’t have much.”
AYIN ALEPH – has released her new video for Crystal Bell from her upcoming album due early next year. Listen to and watch AYIN ALEPH in all of her musical elegance below:
Support AYIN ALEPH and purchase her passionate new single Crystal Bell from her bandcamp page, by clicking the link below!
Hollywood based, but European raised, Ayin is at the confluence of classical music and heavy rock, combining Baroque influences (massive choirs) and romanticism (rhythmic and lead acoustic piano). With an extravagant personality, massive guitars, sophisticated bass lines, powerful back beats, philharmonic accompaniment and magnificent compositions, a new dawn of rock has broken.
Ayin is a consummate performer; classically trained and renowned concert pianist; operatic vocalist; provocateur, poet, model and fashion designer Ayin Aleph is a ready-made brand. Combining Baroque style and composition with the driving force of modern band format, Ayin has created her own genre of music that is passionate and inspired.
Thought provoking lyrics, infectious melodies, blazing rhythmic passages and high fashion coalesce in Ayin Aleph, rendering any preconceived notions of what makes a Pop, Rock or Metal star, pass. Ayin speaks directly to the senses with timeless, contemporary and cutting edge sensibilities.
Ayin has 2 albums and 6 music videos to her credit, and has performed extensively in Russia, the United States and throughout Europe.
Stuttgart Germany’s Gothic/Symphonic Metal band Coronatus are to enter Klangschmiede Studio E, later this month to record their new album “Raben Im Herz” – scheduled to be released on December 4, 2015 via MASSACRE RECORDS – w/ Markus Stock!
Drummer Mats Kurth comments:
“The new songs will feature even more instrumental parts, which also changed our songwriting process: Our previous songs mostly consisted of up to 90% vocals, which turned out to be a bit limiting for us. Now, with additional instrumental parts, the songs will be more varied and it’s also more fun for us to play them.
There will also be a few changes in store for Anny and Carmen, who will both use a broader vocal range on the new record. This album will rock!”
DARK BEAUTY – There are a host of music genres that New Jersey’s Dark Beauty can be attributed to, from Symphonic Metal to Gothic, with Classical being the omnipotent glue that gives Dark Beauty their overall musicality. Dark Beauty released their new studio concept album, Fall From Grace, on August 19th, 2014. Lead vocalist (coloratura soprano), songwriter and band founder, Liz Tapia, has an alluring voice; even her shades of vocal darkness is mesmerizing.
As a songwriter, Liz Tapia can already rival that of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’sPaul O’Neill. Seriously. Greatness is not always mainstream or screaming from the pages of Rolling Stone and Dark Beauty’s musical greatness profoundly exists. Liz Tapia has assembled a consummate band of musicians with Dark Beauty, in my straight Metal opinion. I am absolutely thrilled that Dark Beauty has crossed my Metal path. Music is a powerful voice and universal language within our Universe; Dark Beauty easily reminds me of this.
Above photo: Liz Tapia
If you are a fan of Gothic, Symphonic Rock/Metal, Progressive, Epic and/or Dark music, you should absolutely adore the artistic works of Dark Beauty. Become transfixed below and listen to Dark Lullaby, from Dark Beauty’s new studio concept album: Fall From Grace:
Listen to track previews below:
DARK BEAUTY:
Liz Tapia – Lead Vocalist/Songwriter/Founder
Bryan Zeigler – Lead Guitarist
Warren Helms – Keyboardist
Gary Perkinson – Bass
Dan Granda – Drums/Percussion
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Purchase Dark Beauty – Fall From Grace on iTunes:
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Engineered by Arsenio Rodriguez of Artie Productions
Releasing on February 17th is the self-released and debut EP, Lucidity, from the UK’s Symphonic Metal Band: Nocturna. I have enjoyed this six song EP very much, to the point where I feel relieved to get this Nocturna review up on this blog for others to read about. Firstly, sonic quality is ever-present throughout this EP. Secondly, lead vocalist and guitarist James Davis reminds me of Rush legend Geddy Lee, with his harmonious, clean and pronounced vocals.
To say this band will go far is not a stretch by any means. Nocturna are a Metal treat to listen to, with their musicianship, songwriting and catchy melodies, all wrapped up into a delicious aural celebration of Symphonic Metal. With just the right touch of progressiveness in their music, Nocturna have a talent for the surprise with their songs. The epic closer on this EP, Cast Assured, showcases the diverse vocal and musical styles that Nocturna is all about.
Tom Frost on guitar is bona fide impressive, with his abundant ability to shred. I love the atmosphere that Josh Vigus gives to the songs with his synthesizer, creating an air of emotions that swirl about so very pleasingly, even while a blazing guitar solo is being executed. Ryan Palmer on bass and Phil Barber on drums are an exciting listen alone, these cats master their craft. Fans of European Power Metal should have no problem digging what Nocturna is all about either. Yes, I highly recommend Nocturna and their debut EP Lucidity; I cannot be more honest than that. Metal be thy name. – Stone
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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