On Friday, June 26, MEGADETH guitarist Kiko Loureiro will release "Imminent Threat", the second single from his fifth solo album, "Open Source". The track features a guest appearance by former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman.

The cover artwork for "Imminent Threat" and "Open Source" was created by Gustavo Sazes (MACHINE HEAD, AMARANTHE, ARCH ENEMY) and can be seen below.

Kiko said: "For the last five years, I've always been compared to Marty Friedman, and Marty Friedman is a great musician — not only a great guitar player but an amazing musician. And I'm a big fan of his solo work and CACOPHONY and, of course, other MEGADETH years, and I had a chance to meet him two times and have great conversations about music and about life with him.

"I have some guest musicians, guest guitarists on my new album, and guess what? Marty Friedman is one of them.

"I'm so happy to have Marty Friedman. He did, of course, an amazing solo on one of my songs. So, thank you, Marty."

"Open Source" will arrive on July 10. The LP will include an instrumental titled "EDM (e-Dependent Mind)", which was released as a single last week. The track features Loureiro on guitar and keyboards, as well as Felipe Andreoli on bass and Bruno Valverde on drums.

"Open Source" will be the follow-up to "Sounds Of Innocence", which was released in June 2012.

Loureiro said: "By definition, 'open source' is related to softwares which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified. It brings us a higher sense of community, enhances our creativity and creates new possibilities. So why not take this concept to our art, our music? How much richer a song could be if others had access to its source code? What if the song's original composition wasn't the final product? What if it was just the beginning? Something that could be constantly updated and evolve over time. And as well as a machine, we as humans are also minded to enhancements, being an open source ourselves, constantly moving and growing, through technology, science, spirituality… and art."

"This is the mindset which I bring now to my fifth solo album, that was named... guess what? OPEN SOURCE!

"My compositions and recordings are not the final objective of the album, but rather the start. I want you to have access to the way I created the album concept, to the songs and to how I played them. In addition, I will make the stems available for download. So you can remix, recreate and make new versions of it. And I can't wait to see what you're gonna create from that. I can expect different approaches and better versions than mine.

"To make all this possible, I'm doing a crowdfunding campaignand stretching goals to be able to create and share even more with you. Some of the perks are unique. Brings us closer, we can collaborate together and I'm very excited to have this possibility through this campaign.

"When you participate in this limited-time exclusive crowdfund, you officially become a partner of mine. And you're helping to launch this album worldwide. And if you're not the composer kind, don't worry, the backing tracks will also be available. So weather you play an instrument or are a music producer, you can put your own spin on it."

"I'm looking forward to sharing this project with the world. Stay healthy and stay safe!"

Kiko started composing his new solo album last year. The recordings started in September 2019 and he has been working on the LP ever since, in between MEGADETH's activities.

"Sounds Of Innocence" featured guest appearances by Virgil Donati on drums and Felipe Andreoli (ANGRA, ALMAH) on bass. One track also featured LIVING COLOUR bassist Doug Wimbish. The effort was produced by Kiko, mixed by Dennis Ward and mastered by Jürgen Lusky.

Kiko made his recording debut with MEGADETH on 2016's "Dystopia" album. The "Dystopia" title track was honored in the "Best Metal Performance" category at the 2017 Grammy Awards.

MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine told Revolver magazine that finding Loureiro "was really a mind-blower. It was the first time since Marty Friedman joined the band that I was really intimidated as a player," he said. "He's such an amazing talent, and he's been coming in with all of these fresh ideas." Mustaine has also called Loureiro the "best guitarist we've ever had," adding that he was a good fit personality wise. "Chris [Broderick] and I had a good chemistry, but we weren't really as close as I would have wanted us to be," Mustaine explained. "Kiko, I feel like I've known him for years."
























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⁣⁣ Here is the cover art of the second single ⁣⁣ called '???????? ??????’ ⁣⁣ (????????? ????? ????????)⁣ ⁣⁣ To be released this Friday, June 26th.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #opensource #kikoloureiro #megadeth #angra #guitar #imminentthreat #newsingle ⁣ ⁣ cover art by @gustavosazes

A post shared by Kiko Loureiro (@kikoloureiro) on Jun 24, 2020 at 10:32am PDT

MARILYN MANSON's classic single "The Beautiful People" has been certified silver in the U.K.

To earn a single certification for a single in the U.K., MARILYN MANSON had to sell 200,000 units of the song.

The platinum, gold and silver certifications awarded by the British Phonographic Industry in recognition of sales milestones have included audio streaming data since June 2015, with 1,000 streams counting as one "sale."

MARILYN MANSON's "Tainted Love" was also previously certified silver (in 2013), with the "Antichrist Superstar" album (featuring "The Beautiful People") being certified gold in 2013.

Marilyn Manson recently completed work on his highly anticipated new studio album. The project's status was revealed by collaborator Shooter Jennings, who took to his Instagram to say that the follow-up to 2017's "Heaven Upside Down" was "finished," also calling it a "masterpiece." Manson replied to Shooter's post, writing in the comments "Finished masterpiece album" and "Shit is gonna get real."

In April 2019, Manson said that his upcoming album was nearly done, later adding that he wouldn't compare his new record to his past work.

"I'm in a mode in life where I wanted to tell stories with this record, and it's sort of like a wax museum of my thoughts, a study of the chamber of horrors in my head," he said. "All the romance and hope you can have in the world, here in the End Times where it can be a different kind of apocalypse for each person listening to the record. I tried to paint it with words, and Shooter with sounds, so you can see and hear all of your longing, your passion and despair. That's sort of a dramatic explanation of it. But it is full of drama. I wouldn't compare it to any of my other records, but you hear a bit of everything. It's like I've focused everything into one spot, finally."

Manson's guitarist Paul Wiley will also appear on the new disc, as will his new drummer, Brandon Pertzborn (of BLACK FLAG, DOYLE and HO99O9).

Manson and Jennings previously teamed up in 2016 to record a cover version of "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)" for Jennings's "Countach (For Giorgio)" LP, a covers collection featuring songs by electronic-music pioneer Giorgio Moroder.

Supergroup FLYING COLORS will release a brand new live set, "Third Stage: Live In London", on September 18 via Music Theories Recordings.

"Third Stage: Live In London" was filmed during FLYING COLORS' 2019 U.S. and European tour and the footage captures the exhilarating sold-out final night, on December 14 at the iconic Grade II Listed, Shepherd's Bush Empire, London.

The album will be released on several formats, including orange transparent 3LP, Blu-ray, digitally, 2CD/DVD and a 40-page earbook which includes five discs; 2CD album, 2DVDs and a Blu-ray. The Blu-ray and DVDs in the earbook also include bonus material of music videos and concert footage of FLYING COLORS' Morsefest 2019 performance in Cross Plains, Tennessee.

When you combine the calibre of supergroup musicians — guitarist Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE, DIXIE DREGS, ex-KANSAS), drummer Mike Portnoy (THE WINERY DOGS, ex-DREAM THEATER, TRANSATLANTIC), keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse (TRANSATLANTIC, ex-SPOCK'S BEARD, and a prolific solo artist in his own right), bassist Dave LaRue (DIXIE DREGS, ex-JOE SATRIANI), and powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Casey McPherson (ALPHA REV, THE SEA WITHIN) — the results are going to be lightning in a bottle.

FLYING COLORS had only played nine exclusive shows on the tour, culminating at the sold-out show in London, which saw Portnoy stand up mid-set and quip, "Welcome to the rarest of all sightings, rarer than a UFO sighting, rarer than a sasquatch sighting. A FLYING COLORS sighting, here on stage in London. This is a very sad night for us because it is the last night of the tour and we don't get to play together enough, so we're going to savour every moment tonight and enjoy each and every moment here on stage."

FLYING COLORS' latest studio album, "Third Degree", had only been released two months previously, and songs from that record make up just under half to the night's setlist, with the rest of the songs coming from the 2012 self-titled Billboard Top 10 debut and 2014s worldwide Top 10, "Second Nature". Backed with a HD projector screen, the five take the stage in the darkness amidst a rumble of applause and immediately groove into opener "Blue Ocean", and from the outset, their technical virtuosity, joyous melodies and reflective lyricism wash over the crowd proving to be the cornerstones of the FLYING COLORS sound.

Talking about walking out on the stage, McPherson recalls: "I remember how I felt right before the show in London. I was excited because my oldest daughter and her grandmother was there, whom I love dearly, and felt like I had the show, down by then. It's always a good feeling to take the stage when the material is ingrained enough to just let go and let it out."

They flow into the melodic progressive wonderment of "A Place In Your World", featuring guitar heroics from Steve Morse before they shift up a gear further for a duo of thunderous new songs, "The Loss Inside", and the almost rousingly apocalyptic sounding "More" — it's this that makes them so special, the ability to weave through several genres simultaneously.

The sight of LaRue and Portnoy bouncing off one another is a gloriously effortless sight to behold, while the wizardry of Neal Morse throughout is hypnotic. The band flit nimble-fingered through complex yet musical treasure trove of accessible and sophisticated pop songs, jazz-fusion, progressive-rock and multi-layered vocals from Macpherson, Neal Morse and Portnoy — giving the band added dimensions, many can only dream of. "Kayla" lights up the room and makes the 100-year-old theatre feel like the most intimate of settings.

From its opening in 1903 as a Music Hall, hosting variety performances and revues from the likes of Charlie Chaplin the venue has been a captivating one. The Shepherd's Bush Empire was designed by architect Frank Matchem, who also designed the world-famous Palladium, Victoria Palace Theatre and London Coliseum. Its mix of stunning Art Nouveau and Baroque style creates a luscious backdrop to the spiralling psychedelic progressive pop stylings of this supergroup.

"The Shepherd's Bush Empire is a classic theatre. Little nooks and crannies backstage, and that ornate vibe in the hall. Great people to work with which always makes for a fun gig," says McPherson.

As the camera weaves from cascading light effects and a captivating video backdrop to the view from the stage, sweeping above the crowd and along the lavish balconies, it's visually stunning and as the band journey through their back catalogue it at times creates an almost spiritual awakening and has you hooked through further crowd favorites such as "Geronimo", "Infinite Fire" and new songs alike until it reaches its triumphant finale "Mask Machine".

"Playing in FLYING COLORS is like being in a movie," says the singer. "It's so incredibly powerful emotionally, and to think this was going to be the last show was a bittersweet feeling. I love the other guys in the band and we always have such a good time on the road together. Our chemistry is like really good sushi. There's not one ingredient you could replace and it taste that good. It is one of the kindest and uniquely unified band's I've ever been in."

"Third Stage: Live In London" captures the band in all their uncompromising glory, five musicians that when they come together prove that they have a special and breath-taking connection. In the words of Portnoy, it's the "rarest of all sightings," but what a sight to behold.

On September 18, FLYING COLORS will also re-issue the "Flying Colors" and "Second Nature" albums on light blue 2LP, both limited to 1000 units.

Track listing:

CD1:

01. Blue Ocean

02. A Place In Your World

03. The Loss Inside

04. More

05. Kayla

06. Geronimo

07. You Are Not Alone

08. Forever In A Daze

09. Love Letter

CD 2:

01. Peaceful Harbor

02. Crawl

03. Infinite Fire

04. Cosmic Symphony

05. The Storm

06. Mask Machine

Guitar gear company SoloDallas recently teamed up with guitarist Tommy Henriksen (Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires) for a cover of the AC/DC classic "Hells Bells" (found below). BraveWords did some backtracking and found the team's cover of another AC/DC classic, "Gone Shootin'". Check it out below.

"Gone Shootin'" is taken from AC/DC's fifth album, Powerage, released in 1978.

In 2019, Hollywood Vampires completed a triumphant seven-city North American tour which included a sell-out show at the famous Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and the group was voted “Best Performance” of 2018 at London’s Wembley Arena.

An exclusive glimpse behind the scenes on the road can be found in the video for “I Want My Now” off of the album Rise. Watch below:




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Arjen Lucassen has checked in with a new update on the next Ayreon album, Transitus:

"And here’s the cover of my very first comic book... I’m a proud nerd! Illustration by the amazing Felix Vega, logo by Heilemania. And I have some very good news for you all: every product ordered from the Ayreon webstore will include a free copy of the comic book!"

The tracklist for the album is available below.

Lucassen recently confirmed the story for the new Ayreon album, Transitus, will be narrated by Doctor Who legend Tom Baker. The album will feature the following vocalists:

Tommy Karevik (Kamelot)
Cammie Gilbert (Oceans Of Slumber)
Amanda Somerville (Trillium, HDK)
Michael Mills (Toehider)
Paul Manzi (Arena)
Dianne van Giersbergen (Ex Libris)
Johanne James (Kyrbgrinder)
Simone Simons (Epica)
Dee Snider (Twisted Sister)
Marcela Bovio (ex-Stream Of Passion)
Caroline Westendorp (ex-The Charm The Fury)

Guitar legends Joe Satriani and Marty Friedman, and hurdy gurdy player Patty Gurdy, also make an appearance on the record.




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Finland's twisted prog metallers Humavoid have released a new single / video "Aluminum Rain", taken from their forthcoming as-yet-untitled full length album. Check it out below.

Dual scream attack, haunting melodies and unexpected rhythms packed in a determined groove. Humavoid is a four-piece doomsday machine spits out a mix of high tech eight-string riffs by guitarist / vocalist Niko Kalliojärvi (ex-Amoral), the jazz fusion sound of keyboardist / lead vocalist Suvimarja Halmetoja, Heikki Malmberg’s (Diablo) polyrhythmic drumming, and the grinding bass tone of Mikki Rousi.

After a few smaller releases, the new album will present Humavoid as its most aggressive to date, but also further reveal the band’s experimental side.

Check out "Monkey Trap" below. Check out the band's official Facebook page here, and their catalogue via Spotify.




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Kissing Candice fans no longer have to wait. The Long Island group has heard their pleas and is set to satiate their metal demands. Kissing Candice's highly requested live and well-beloved music video, "Ghosted" is now available for streaming and download: anywhere, anytime. The moment has now arrived as their fans' yearning desires are being fulfilled. Kissing Candice along with The Label Group via INgrooves has now made "Ghosted" available for streaming/download. Find an outlet here.

“'Ghosted’ has been a staple in our live set for years now. However, fans consider it a 'lost track' as it never received a proper release. We never put it out on an album and people always ask where they can hear it other than on YouTube. We are beyond excited to finally introduce ‘Ghosted’ into the streaming universe so it can continue to crush skulls as it does live. We figured this would be a great thing to do while our fans eagerly await the release of our new full-length album!"' - Kissing Candice




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The Affair Of The Poisons is the second full-length album by the UK’s premiere blackened thrash metal trailblazers, Hellripper, presenting the latest savage assault of blistering old school riffs and hyperspeed soloing which has earned the band a reputation as one of the nation’s best rising heavy metal acts. Release is due for October 9 via Peaceville. Preorders available here.

Inspired by the likes of old-school legends including Venom, Kreator, Sabbat [JPN] and Metallica , James McBain formed Hellripper in 2014 and with the release of the debut EP The Manifestation of Evil shortly after, the Scottish band was already making a very clear statement of hellish destruction with an electrifying brand of blackened thrash. Building on the momentum of the debut EP with a string of split releases, the debut album Coagulating Darkness was released in 2017 to media acclaim, with the UK’s Metal Hammer hailing Hellripper as “Scotland's King of the arcane mosh” & the band receiving attention throughout Europe and the US. This was followed by the EP - Black Arts & Alchemy , along with an increased live presence of high profile shows before an eventual deal was inked with Peaceville .

The Affair Of The Poisons was recorded and mixed by McBain himself and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege (Obituary, Midnight, Nails). The album title itself is based around the 17th Century real-life scandal of murder and witchcraft, with the inspired cover artwork courtesy of Skadvaldur.

Tracklisting:

“The Affair Of The Poisons”
“Spectres Of The Blood Moon Sabbath”
“Vampire’s Grave”
“Beyond The Convent Walls”
“Savage Blasphemy”
“Hexennacht”
“Blood Orgy Of The She-Devils”
“The Hanging Tree”

“Spectres Of The Blood Moon Sabbath” lyric video:




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Mushroomhead recently released their new full-length oeuvre, A Wonderful Life - the eighth release of their benchmark career - via Napalm Records. Check out this unboxing video for the vinyl edition of the album:

A Wonderful Life clocks in at a whopping 70+ minutes with its four bonus tracks - leaving a total of 17 stellar compositions in its wake for fans to devour. Available in several enticing formats, A Wonderful Life is accented by the sharp production of band mastermind/drummer Skinny, as well as the standout mixing prowess of Matt Wallace (Faith No More, 3 Doors Down), also recognized for his work on the band’s classic offering XIII.

At its start, an ominous choir invites the listener into A Wonderful Life - introductory track “A Requiem For Tomorrow” smoothly shifts into an industrial-metal inspired, grooving punch to the gut juxtaposed with a melodic, synth-laden chorus. This sets the stage for stocky, chant-worthy anthems such as “Seen It All” and hair-raising, politically-inclined tracks like “The Heresy” and “Carry On”, both featuring the sinister multi-voice attack of new full-time vocalist Ms. Jackie and returning longtime vocalist J Mann, with an extra strike from aforementioned new vocalist Mr. Rauckhorst on the latter. Tracks like “What A Shame”, “I Am The One” and “Madness Within” will prove a treat for new and diehard Mushroomhead fans alike - providing the macabre inspiration followers have come to crave with a weighty dose of galloping drums and bone-rattling guitars, to boot.

Mushroomhead attacks track after track with a refreshed focus, delivering a carefully-curated selection of certified future hits. A Wonderful Life re-cements the band’s position as one of the most consistently impactful heavy bands of our generation.

Order here.

A Wonderful Life tracklisting:

"A Requiem For Tomorrow"
"Madness Within"
"Seen It All"
"The Heresy"
"What A Shame"
"Pulse"
"Carry On"
"The Time Has Come"
"11th Hour"
"I Am The One"
"The Flood"
"Where The End Begins"
"Confutatis"
"To The Front" (Bonus Track)
"Sound Of Destruction" (Bonus Track)
"Another Ghost" (Bonus Track)
"Lacrimosa" (Bonus Track)

“The Heresy” video:

"Seen It All" video:

"Seen It All" video behind the scenes:

Mushroomhead is:

Mr. Rauckhorst - Vocals
J Mann - Vocals
Ms. Jackie - Vocals
Dr. F - Keyboards & Bass guitar
Tankx - Guitar
Stitch - Keyboards & Samples
Diablo - Drums/Percussion
Skinny - Drums/Percussion




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Germany thrash metal veterans Paradox will release their new album via AFM Records later this year.

The band states in an update: “First of all we are happy to tell you that we have been working on a new album since quite some time and we have already advanced far in the recording process.
It will be our 8th studio album and already our 6th album to be released through AFM Records in our 20 year collaboration with the label.

“A release date for the new album, which will be a concept album and a lyrical continuation of the band’s classic album Heresy (1989), will be announced separately.

“Original lyricist Peter Vogt (Product Of Imagination/Heresy) returns after over 30 years and is responsible for the story and the album concept.

“Also returning to the band after three decades is original founding member Axel Blaha (drums). The lineup is completed by returning members Christian Muenzner (guitars) and Olly Keller (bass).”




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From the mean streets of Gary, Indiana by way of Oslo, Norway (or maybe the other way around - we’re not sure) comes Witch Taint, the most extremely extreme and Satanic Norwegian Black Metal band from Indiana ever (probably). Today the taint tickles you yet again with the release of a new lyric video for their song "We Are Your New Gods."

Lance The King of Black Metal comments on the new video: "A lot of people ask us the meaning behind our incredible and also brütal song ‘We Are Your New Gods’ and it is very simple- we are your new gods. Like, for example, if you worship LeBron James because he is a ‘god’ at basketball, we are here to tell you he is indeed very, very good, one of the best ever even, but Witch Taint is still better at basketball and we will prove this just as soon as regular season play resumes and we are allowed on the court for even one whistle, at which point we will make both LeBron James' offensive and defensive games seem deeply flawed. Likewise, with acting, if you think Meryl Streep is the ‘best’ at acting, we are here to tell you that the one-man version of The Bridges of Madison County that our Matthias Backwards performed all alone in the back of his van last night will make you reevaluate the human condition and think Meryl Streep should be doing community theater at best. We are also the best at heavy metal, so there's that too. As for why we chose to make a lyric video instead of a regular video this time around, this was done because of our love of fonts and typefaces. If there's one or two things Witch Taint loves almost as much as Satan, it is fonts and typefaces. They are extreme!!!!”

Brought to fruition by the very unstable genius collective of Lance the King of Black Metal (rumoured to actually be comedian and musician Dave Hill) and Matthias Backwards (rumoured to actually be comedian and musician Phil Costello), Witch Taint's full-length debut Sons Of Midwestern Darkness (recorded entirely in darkness in a damp room that was also annoyingly cold even if you wore a coat and a hat and stuff the whole time) will be released tomorrow (April 10th) via Tee Pee Records. Pre-order the album here.

Sons Of Midwestern Darkness, is extremely difficult to listen to in all the best ways and features guest appearances from members of such not-nearly-as-extreme-as-Witch Taint bands as Venom, Carpathian Forest, and Autopsy and also Lance’s dog Lucifuge because they forgot to keep the basement door shut even though she will end up coming down there every single time no matter what. Sons Of Midwestern Darkness is a 12 song collection of extremely grim yet very catchy and danceable heavy metal anthems that are perfect to get hammered and sing along to with all your closest friends and enemies. There are also five extremely extreme interludes where Lance and Matthias Backwards basically school motherfuckers on various topics, which is awesome. If you think you can handle it, which- statistically speaking anyway- you probably can’t, please get yourself a copy. And by all means, come see the band live (where Lance and Matthias will be joined by the destructive tendencies of opera diva La Sinistra [rumored to actually be Jennifer Valle], bassist Dean Ripper [rumored to actually be Dean Rispler], guitarist Thomas Guillotine [rumored to actually be Tom Beaujour], and drummist Markus St. Bastard [rumored to actually be Dave Richman]) for an assault on yours and a lot of other people’s senses. However, whether you decide to kill yourself, go sit in a ditch for a while, or simply stare off into the distance for a disturbingly long amount of time as a result of having done either one of these things that is not Witch Taint’s fucking problem.

This past spring, Witch Taint began performing as a full, six-member live band (consisting mostly of members found in the darkest recesses of Craigslist) that is so extreme, brutal, grim, unholy, kvlt, and just sort of negative in general that most people can’t even handle it basically even if everyone agrees the Witch Taint T-shirts are pretty awesome and they should really consider keeping more mediums in stock but whatever.  This being the case, Witch Taint has scheduled an album release show for April 7 at the Mercury Lounge in NYC.

"Death To Death Metal" video:

“Sons Of Satan” video:




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Richmond's Inter Arma, reigning masters of the slow build, celebrate their past on Garbers Days Revisited, their new covers record, recorded in between tours in support of their critically acclaimed 2019 full-length Sulphur English. Listen to Inter Arma’s cover of Prince's "Purple Rain" below.

Says the band: "This was never meant to be heard publicly. It was meant to be outrageous- to be played late at night while laughing and drinking beer with our friends. Because that's what this is: Inter Arma covering the greatest pop song of the 1980s, and arguably of all time, by Prince, who HATED when people covered his music.

"The vocals were done in one take by the drummer and not pitch-corrected, because who else can sing like that? Prince. So we opted to stay honest and simple because we never thought that the general public would hear it. Once Relapse heard it there was a little bit of back and forth between the two camps and it was decided, reluctantly, to be included on the record.

"We hope everyone enjoys this and gets a little bit of a chuckle because I think we could all use that right about now. Stay safe, stay outrageous, BLM.”

Garbers Days Revisited is due out July 10 on CD/LP/Digital. Physical packages are available for preorder via Relapse.com. Digital Downloads/Streaming Services are available here.

Garbers Days Revisited, named after the band's former practice space, was once again tracked at Dark Art Audio in Madison, TN. Inter Arma show off their wide array of influences, tackling covers by Nine Inch Nails, Prince, Cro-Mags, and more. Garbers Days Revisited sees Inter Arma redefining the very aspects of the music that inspired and influenced them from their very beginnings.  

"Hunter Thompson used to punch out pages of Ernest  Hemingway on his typewriter just to get the feeling of what it was like to write that way," drummer T.J. Childers comments. "The same can be said for anyone learning a great cover song: there's a lot to be deduced from the information there. Actually learning the songs can lead to inspirational, new musical ideas."

Inter Arma's inspiration can indeed be felt throughout the eight tracks therein; from the melancholic, spoken intro leading to the explosive, riff-heavy take on the Neil Young classic "Southern Man", to the nearly pitch-black metallic approach of Hüsker Dü's "The Girl Who Lives On Heaven Hill", every song on Garbers Days Revisited captures the sounds that make Inter Arma one of the scene's most unique and creative bands.  

Childers continues, "Covers have been an integral part of Inter Arma since the beginning of the band and some of these songs have a direct lineage while others are a little more... obscure. As timing would have it, we hope this provides a bit of an escape for listeners, given the surreal circumstances we're in at the moment, because after all, great art should provide an escape which is part of why we chose to do this: sometimes you just wanna be runnin' down a dream..."

Tracklisting:

“Scarecrow” (Ministry cover)
“Southern Man” (Neil Young cover)
“Hard Times” (Cro-Mags cover)
“March Of The Pigs” (Nine Inch Nails cover)
“The Girl Who Lives On Heaven Hill” (Hüsker Dü cover)
“In League With Satan” (Venom cover)
“Runnin’ Down A Dream” (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers cover)
“Purple Rain” (Prince cover)

"March Of The Pigs":

“Southern Man”:

(Photo - Bibiana Reis)




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The Agonist vocalist Vicky Psarakis has checked in with the following:

"If I had to choose a favorite song of all time, this would be it. I first heard Jeff Buckley's version of 'Hallelujah' and I was immediately pulled in by the darkness and beauty within the lyrics and the melody. I've been singing it for over 10 years now and I knew that one day I would cover it.

Big thanks to Adōn Fanion for the piano arrangement, and Christian Donaldson for the vocal mix. This is the result and I couldn't be happier.

Today's the day I turn 32 and I wanted to share this special moment with you in this way.

I appreciate you. I thank you. And I love you."

September 2019 saw The Agonist release their sixth studio album, Orphans, via Rodeostar Records.  With Orphans the band delivered their most extreme, melodic, and larger-than-life sounding record to date.

The band recently unveiled the video for the title track of Orphans. Filmed in haunting black and white, the video dances between striking, dramatic and abstract images of frontwoman Vicky Psarakis as she delivers the eerie message of the track: “The story behind 'Orphans' was inspired by the novel, We Have Always Lived In The Castle, by Shirley Jackson. It emphasizes the feeling of "not belonging" and the social and physical isolation that comes as a result of that. Even though we've all felt like outcasts at some point in our lives, it's important to remember that we're never truly alone and that there's always someone there for you. We're all "orphans", but we're in this life together.”

Order Orphans here.




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Capricia Productions games studio has announced that ASKING ALEXANDRIA's Danny Worsnop has joined the game "Of Bird And Cage", which is currently under development. The frontman will be performing the vocal parts for the character Ari, who is in a romantic relationship with the game's protagonist Gitta, voiced by Kobra Paige from KOBRA AND THE LOTUS.

"Of Bird And Cage" is the first rock/metal album completely produced as a story-driven narrative video game and it aspires to establish a new gaming genre of interactive musicals. The project features an array of other well-known musicians like Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (ex-GUNS N' ROSES), Rob Van Der Loo (EPICA), Ruud Jolie (WITHIN TEMPTATION), Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X), Rocky Gray (ex-EVANESCENCE), and many others.

Worsnop's vocal parts have already been recorded and Capricia's development team believes the singer has introduced a whole new level of complexity to the character — which is one of the most challenging roles within the game.

"It was an absolute honor to work with Danny," says Arnold Nesis, Capricia's CEO and music composer/producer. "He is a professional, and he understood that in this case, he was not just singing a 'normal' vocal line, but voicing a complicated character, who already has his own personality and voice. We believe Danny not only captured Ari perfectly, but also added his own personality to the character and made him even more interesting."

Regarding his participation, Worsnop says: "We've had a lot of fun making this — it's an entirely new approach, an entirely new concept, and a way to absorb the video game platform that I believe you guys are going to enjoy. There are a lot of incredible other musicians who've been involved in the casting, the creation, the scoring, and the performance within this video game and I would just want to say thank you to all of them who've been involved, and thank you to everyone who has created 'Of Bird And Cage' for having me on board."

Watch Danny Worsnop's participation announcement video below.

While there is no official release date for "Of Bird And Cage" yet, Capricia can reveal that the game is coming very soon and they are planning to make it available no later than early 2021.

Gamers can already wishlist "Of Bird And Cage" on Steam. The game will also be available on Xbox, PlayStation and Switch.

Carthagods have released an official music video for “Whispers From The Wicked”, the first track from the album The Monster In Me, to be released on July 17 via Metalville Records. The video was shot during the album release party in Tunis as the legendary Mike Stanne (Dark Tranquillity) joined the band on stage.

The Monster In Me tracklisting:

"Whispers From The Wicked"
"The Monster In Me"
"The Devil’s Doll"
"The Rebirth"
"A Last Sigh"
"Cry Out For The Land"
"Memories Of Never Ending"
"The Rebirth II"

"Whispers From The Wicked" video:




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Former Candlelight Red guitarist, Jeremy Edge, has signed with Deko Entertainment for his new project, The Jeremy Edge Project, which will be releasing its self-titled debut on August 28 - available for streaming and download, as well as all major online outlets on CD and Limited Edition Vinyl.

Deko Entertainment president Bruce Pucciarello states, "Smoothest axe and a complex rediscovery of the bluesy genre that serves as the foundation of all rock. Jeremy is here to let us know how we are going to drive that car in 2020. Top down, radio playing the perfect tune. Crank it up baby... here he goes..."

After 4 top 50 Active Rock singles with CLR, he is breaking a long hiatus by releasing an album that is a departure stylistically with more blues based, guitar based rock. According to Edge, this project has been brewing for a while and came by accident as personnel changes mid-recording session prompted him to make some tough choices about moving forward and finishing the record as a solo artist.

To get the album over the finish line, he decided to do some of the vocals himself for the first time, and enlisted the help of friends to complete the vocal compositions as well as adding more new players to contribute to the project.

"I always liked what Santana did years ago with using different singers and I love collaboration projects like ‘Postmodern Jukebox,’ so this was a fun an exciting idea for an album.”

The album features nine tracks - varying from bluesy and soulful ballads to in your face rock grooves with blazing guitar. This album was recorded and mixed by Grammy nominated engineer Mike Feretti in Ringwood, NJ - who has also worked with him in the past with Candlelight Red.

There are limited edition bundles (while supplies last), which can be ordered here.

Bundle includes:

- One (1) The Jeremy Edge Project - “Self-Titled” Vinyl / or CD
- One (1) The Jeremy Edge Project Tee
- One (1) The Jeremy Edge Project Pick
- One (1) Digital Download of "Firedancer"

Jeremy enlisted the help of some fellow musicians for this project - Brandon Yeagley from Crobot and Brett Hestla from Dark New Day / Virgos Merlot both sing lead vocals on three tracks, leaving the rest to Edge. Also appearing on guitar is legendary blues guitarist Josh Smith who does dueling solos with Jeremy on the track "Lies". Bassist John Delowery, drummer Dave Shaffer, and keyboardist Jeremy Baum on Hammond B3 organ round out the instrumentation.

On the stylistic direction, Jeremy says, "I have for years wanted to do something that puts me back in touch with my early influences, growing up and learning guitar - SRV, Hendrix, Billy Gibbons, Blackmore, Iommi, Page etc. But I did not want to do a retro album per se. I wanted this to be a melting pot of influences so there is some classic rock, blues, classic metal, and alternative. It's all there - along with Brandon and Brett bringing their unique vocals styles.”

"Lies" is the first track released from the debut  album. "I wanted to do a heavy, slow blues in the vain of 'Tea for One' by Zeppelin. Not exactly like that but a similar vibe to it. I wanted it to have the extended, bar room, blues jam type of feel and capture that on record. This song needed 2 guitars to do that!"

For this track vocal duties were served up by vocalist Brandon Yeagley and additional guitars by blues guitarist master Josh Smith. While Brandon delivers a dynamic vocal performance while Edge and Smith trade leads. Smith, opens the song with a hook on the Telecaster and sets up the ending dueling jam at the end of the song. Edge providing contrast with the Les Paul and wah wah to Smith's signature tone.

Check out the lyric video below.

Tracklisting:

"Firedancer Intro"
"Firedancer"
"Hot Lava" (Featuring Brandon Yeagley of Crobot)
"Sing My Blues" (Featuring Brandon Yeagley of Crobot)
"Breath Holding In" (Featuring Brett Hestla)
"Lies" (Featuring Josh Smith & Brandon Yeagley of Crobot)
"Indifferent" (Featuring Brett Hestla)
"Outlive Yesterday" (Featuring Brett Hestla)
"Sunrise"

"Lies" lyric video:




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After the successful release of their self-titled comeback album in February, which resulted in a Top 10 chart entry in Germany (#8), Neaera is now launching a brand new video (directed by Ben Liepelt for Port Royal Films) for the album track, "Deathless". The live footage in the video was filmed during the band's release show for Neaera in Münster, Germany on February 29.

Comments singer Benjamin Hilleke: "One of the songs on our current album is called 'Deathless', which deals with the topic of sexualised violence. According to UNIFEM it is estimated that 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner (not including sexual harassment) at some point in their lives. For anyone affected, we would like to hint at the following organizations:
- Unwomen.org - the help line of the Federal Office for Family Affairs
- Zartbitter .e.V. with whom we have already been able to work together in the past thanks to your helpfulness."

Order the Neaera album here.

Neaera tracklisting:

"(Un)drowned"
"Catalyst"
"False Shepherds"
"Resurrection Of Wrath"
"Carriers"
"Rid The Earth Of The Human Virus"
"Sunset Of Mankind"
"Lifeless"
"Eruption In Reverse"
"Torchbearer"
"Deathless"

"Catalyst" video:

"Torchbearer" video:

Neaera lineup:

Benjamin Hilleke - vocals
Sebastian Heldt - drums
Benjamin Donath - bass
Stefan Keller - guitars
Tobias Buck - guitars




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Swedish melodic, brutal death metal band, Demonical, are currently in studio, recording what will be their sixth album and first to feature vocalist Christofer Säterdal as well as drummer Ronnie Bergerstål.

Work on the album is progressing fast, with lead guitars and vocals being the only left to record. None of the nine racks are mixed or mastered yet and the album hasn't been named.

Recordings are taking place in Glashuset Studios with engineer Johan Hjelm. Karl Daniel Lidén is expected to put final touches on the record at his own Tri-Lamb Studios in July.

Demonical arose from the ashes of formerly disbanded Centinex in 2006 and in comparison to its older sibling, excecutes death metal in a far more impetuous and melodic manner. Their last release is 2018's Chaos Manifesto and their current lineup features founder & bassist Martin Schulman, vocalist Christofer Säterdal, guitarists Eki Kumpulainen and Johan Haglund, and drummer Ronnie Bergerstål. More news on the upcoming album will follow.




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Forming in 1990, Norway's Carpathian Forest began their recording career with the cult demo Bloodlust & Perversion in 1992. Since then the band has recorded multiple albums and are known as one of the elite bands to emerge from Scandinavia in the ‘90.

Originally released back in 2002, We’re Going To Hell For This consists of band rarities, featuring unreleased material spanning back to the prolific ‘90s with Carpathian Forest 's punishing brand of hate-fueled old school black metal; also including demo tracks, and cover-versions of classics by the likes of Darkthrone, Discharge and Venom. Release is due for June 26 through Peaceville. Preorder here.

Features mainman and sadistic mastermind Nattefrost , along with Vrangsinn, plus Anders Kobro ( In the Woods ...), & Tchort on bass ( Emperor, Green Carnation ).

We're Going to Hell For This is presented on 180gm heavyweight vinyl with printed inner sleeve including lyrics.

Tracklisting:

Side A
“The Angel And The Sodomizer”
“I Am Possessed”
“Bloody Fucking Nekro Hell”
“Bloodlust And Perversion”
“Possibilities Of Life’s Destruction” (Discharge cover)
“In The Shadow Of The Horns” (Darkthrone cover)

Side B
“In League With Satan” (Venom cover)
“The Good Old Enema Treatment Part II”
“Death Triumphant” (Demo Version 1996)




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Summer 2020 is a very different landscape from the usual event-packed few months, so to maintain a sense of community, 13 of the best independent metal festivals in Europe have joined forces to create a unique online event for both bands and fans.

The European Metal Festival Alliance is a joint venture between Alcatraz (Belgium), ARTmania (Romania), Bloodstock (U.K.), Brutal Assault (Czech Republic), Dynamo (Netherlands), Into The Grave (Netherlands), Leyendas Del Rock (Spain), Metal Days (Slovenia), Midgardsblot (Norway), Motocultor (France), Party.San (Germany), Resurrection (Spain) and Summer Breeze (Germany).

A special streaming event will take place across the weekend of August 7-9, offering exclusive live performances from a selection of yet-to-be-revealed artists chosen by each festival, as well as exclusive new interviews, and more. As a fundraiser for the beleaguered independent festival sector, who don't have the backing of big corporate money for their survival, viewers will be asked for €6.66 for a "full festival pass." In return, they will enjoy three days of live performances by more than 35 metal bands at various locations around the world and other exclusive content, from the comfort of their own home. Virtual ticket purchasers will also get a discount on a European Metal Festival Alliance "Rebooting For 2021" t-shirt.

Meanwhile, to get warmed up, the newly launched destination web site at www.MetalFestivalAlliance.com will host a wide range of previous footage from this festival co-operative, including many sets not previously broadcast, throughout the summer.

The lineup and schedule for the streaming event will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets will be available on Friday, July 10, 2020 from www.MetalFestivalAlliance.com.


?? THE EUROPEAN METAL FESTIVAL ALLIANCE! ??

Summer 2020 is a very different landscape from the usual event-packed few...

Posted by European Metal Festival Alliance on Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Guitarist John 5 (Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, David Lee Roth) and All Guitar Network are back with another Live From Home performance. This time, John 5 plays "Six Hundred And Sixty Six Pickers In Hell" from his 2015 album, Careful With That Axe.

Previous instalments of John 5 Live From Home can be seen below.

"Portrait Of Sidney Sloan":

"Black Grass Plague":

"Hell-Haw":

  

 




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Florentian melodic, technical death metal masters Oneiric Celephaïs have premiered their new lyric video for the track "From Beyond". The song is taken from the band's debut EP, The Obscure Sibyl, which will be released by Gore House Productions on August 7th. A perfect example of Oneiric Celephaïs' dextrous skills and accomplished song writing will, "From Beyond" is available to enjoy right now.

Speaking about The Obscure Sibyl, the band have said: “The EP has been recorded at Void Studios under the supervision of Leonardo Bellavista (guitarist of Vexovoid who also helped the band with their 2017 demo), and it has been produced and mixed by Marco Mastrobuono (Hour Of Penance, Fleshgod Apocalypse), Francesco Ferrini (Fleshgod Apocalypse, Kreator) and Francesco Paoli (Fleshgod Apocalypse, Coffin Birth). The EP plunges its roots into the nethermost recesses of human emotion and the listener will be guided by the Sibyl in a journey through visions and illusions to the uttermost fall of men."

The cover artwork for The Obscure Sibyl has been created by Vladimir Chebakov (Katalepsy, Hideous Divinity).

Tracklisting:

"The Eldritch Dark"
"The Aeon Of Death"
"From Beyond" 
"Vǫluspá" 

Pre-orders can be placed now at this location.

 




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Inspired by Magic The Gathering card game, Planeswalker is the new power metal band founded by Helion Prime guitarist Jason Ashcraft and former vocalist Sozos Michael. 

Today the band is debuting the music video for their first single entitled "The Forever Serpent", which is based on the MTG bad boy Nicol Bolas.

Jason Ashcraft explains the creation of the project:

"For those who follow Helion Prime understand that parting ways with Sozos was due to unfortunate struggles with visa issues as he lives in Cyprus, but I knew someday we'd work together again I just wasn't sure how. I then got the idea to start a band based completely on Magic The Gathering lore because between Helion Prime and Dire Peril I think I'm good on sci-fi based material and why wouldn't I need ANOTHER project. When I first heard the song Sozos had written for us I immediately knew it had to be about Nicol Bolas."

Sozos Michael adds:

"I am beyond excited for the release of 'The Forever Serpent', our first creative output with Jason since our collaboration in Helion Prime. As you will surely notice listening to the song (and/or watching the music video), we channeled our most primal nerdiness to this endeavor, and we have no plans to slow down! We have just begun exploring the rich and deep lore of MTG, and we are excited to see where this journey will lead us." 

Planeswalker currently has no immediate plans for a full-length album but Ashcraft would like to see something in 2021.

Planeswalker is: 

Sozos Michael - vocals 
Jason Ashcraft - guitar 

Guest musicians on "The Forever Serpent": 

Chelsea McMasters - bass 
Alex Bosson - drums 
Alex Nasla - keys 

Mixed and Mastered by Alex Nasla at Gear Gods Studio.

 




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Sophisticated, progressive, and refined, Los Angeles based progressive metallers Lufeh (a band of both Brazilian and American musicians) creates an enjoyable experience, meandering through jazz styles, heavy metal foundations, and rhythmic Brazilian influences. The mind expanded sonic journey is something new and interesting to listen to.

Released in April of 2020, Luggage Falling Down was a trying, yet successful first recording for these recently banded musicians who lived together for two weeks throughout the process. Having lost the original singer a month before recording began, the intrepid bunch found hope with Dennis Atlas who fell in step with the rest of the band immediately. This bond between the members can be seen in their videos along with their high energy and knack for performing.

Luggage Falling Down is a unique melodic story that continues to be demonstrated with their next video for the track “The Unknown”. Drummer Lufeh Batera shares his thoughts on the track: “'The Unknown' started as a keyboard-driven song and became perhaps the most technical and heaviest song on the album. It features every instrument, including guitar and bass shredding, a tremendously dramatic vocal melody, and great counterpoint.”

For fans of Dream Theater, Incubus, and Hakan, Lufeh is smooth and rhythmic progressive metal; heavy chords followed by light melodies and the occasional crazy guitar solo.

Lufefh's new album Luggage Falling Down is available for stream and download on Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Tracklisting:

"Find My Way"
"The Unknown"
"Doors"
"Trial Of Escapade"
"My World"
"End Of The Road"
"Escape"
"The Edge"

"Find My Way":

"The Edge":

 




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Earth Crisis are an American hardcore band from Syracuse, New York, active from 1989 until 2001, reuniting in 2007. Since 1993, the band's longest-serving members are vocalist Karl Buechner, guitarist Scott Crouse, bassist Ian Edwards, and drummer Dennis Merrick. Their third guitarist Erick Edwards joined the band in 1998. Salvation Of Innocents is their eighth album, originally released in March 2014 by Candlelight Records. 

According to vocalist Buechner, it is their first album entirely dedicated to animal rights and anti-vivisection. A new comic book of the Liberator series, published by Black Mask Studios, has been made in collaboration with the band and released simultaneously with the album, sharing similar conceptual ideas and artwork. The album have been lovingly remastered by Tim Turan at Turan Audio.

Earth Crisis is considered a crucial developer and influence for both the metalcore genre and vegan straight edge movement.

The Salvation Of Innocents vinyl reissue is out July 10th. Pre-order your copy now at this location.

Tracklisting:

Side A

"De-Desensitize"
"Out Of The Cages"
"Shiver"
"The Morbid Glare"
"Razors Through Flesh"
"Depraved Indifference"

Side B

"No Reason"
"The Pallid Surgeon"
"Devoted To Death"
"Into Nothingness"
"Tentacles Of The Altering Eye"
"Final Breath"

 




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Dream Theater keyboardist, Jordan Rudess, has released the video below, along with the following message:

"With the VSL Bösendorfer Imperial at my fingertips, the moment my hand and the keys connect, I am instantly transported from the confines of my home studio to the thrilling expanse of a concert stage. It is a mighty new virtual instrument, with nuance, power, and purity that parallels the finest grand pianos I’ve ever played."

Rudess recently issued the following update: "Hey Everybody! I’ve unleashed my musical madness on a Chopin Nocturne. It’s no longer nocturnal but it might blow your mind."




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Soulfly's full performance at Hellfest 2014, which took place at Val de Moine in Clisson, France on June 21, can be seen below.

Setlist:

"Cannibal Holocaust"
"Refuse/Resist" (Sepultura cover)
"Bloodshed"
"Prophecy"
"Back To The Primitive"
"Seek 'N' Strike"
"Tribe"
"Rise Of The Fallen"
"Revengeance"
"Roots Bloody Roots" (Sepultura cover)
"Jumpdafuckup" / "Eye For An Eye"




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Greek occult black metallers with retro rock influences, Acherontas, are streaming the new track, "Kiss The Blood", from upcoming Psychic Death - The Shattering Of Perceptions album, out on June 26 via Agonia Records. Listen to the new song below, and pre-order the album in various formats here.

Mysticism, magic, occult arts and rituals, all of which are driving factors behind Acherontas, are also the most adequate words that can be used to describe the band's image, sound and lyrics. The band is considered as one of the leading representatives of the New Wave of Greek Black Metal, heavily influenced by the original Hellenic metal scene, retro rock (especially the 70's rock) and eastern philosophy.

Acherontas was brought to life in 1996 by V.Priest and was ever since true to its internal tenets and traditions, which deemed the band as a "Magical Coven, dedicated to the Ancient Summerian Mysteries of Drakonian Blood". According to the band, "many traditions embracee these ancient sources as footprints and take form in our Void as Astral Vampirism, Hermeticism, Kabbalah, Dream Workings and Luciferian Magic". V. Priest continues, "true sorcery is not an art, it's science... in order to dare, we must know; in order to will, we must dare. We must will to possess empire and to reign we must be silent. We are real to those with eyes to see.”

Psychic Death - The Shattering Of Perceptions was recorded in Grecce, Germany and UK, at the band's own studios (the "Coven’s Corridors of Wilderness"). The album was produced, mixed and mastered at Pentagram Studio by George Emmanuel (Lucifer's Child, ex-Rotting Christ). Cover artwork was prepared by Chris Undirheimar  of Blood and Fire Ritual Art studio.

Acherontas commented on the new album: "Two years after the release of Faustian Ethos the coven of Acherontas returns with a monumental album, delivering the most mature, potent and diverse offering throughout a vibrant discography of 23 years up to date, fulfilling the promises left abound with closure of the triptych Psychic Death. The shattering of Perceptions and the unfolding of the Psyche. A manifest of sound, spirit and matter, blending across the ancient routes of divination. Across all the cardinal directions, the core elements of the Psychic structure detonate and flourish, risen and aflame as a newborn supernova, embedding axioms and attributes on the vital points of existence, on the ethers as in the depths. The uncharted map of man’s subtle anatomy becomes flooded with the governing universal force of Vitae, the arrows of Life, the nectars of Death and the flames of Rebirth. The crystal halls of the Psyche reverberate, once more, with a monumental milestone to glorify the Ascension to Godhood, the Devil and the Inner Demon. Expect a fierce return deep into the roots of the 90s that we had grown up and evolved through the Black Arts... No more words... Actions define Men and the Brave Spirits".

On top of that, Agonia Records label manager commented: "It's definitely a milestone album in Acherontas' career."

Tracklisting:

"Paradigms Of Nyx"
"Kiss The Blood"
"The Brazen Experimentalist"
"Psychic Death (The Shattering Of Perceptions)"
"Coiled Splendor"
"The Offering of Hemlock"
"Sermons Of The Psyche"
"Μαγεια των καθρεφτων (Magick Of Mirrors)"

"Kiss The Blood":

"The Offering Of Hemlock" lyric video:

Trailer:

Lineup:

Acherontas V.Priest - vocals, guitars
Saevus H. - guitars
Hierophant - bass
Indra - guitars
Dothur - drums




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