Future Slum by Backwoods Payback is not a pretty record; it's set for an August 3rd release on CD, vinyl and digital formats.

It’s not the clean and well-manicured one sitting awkwardly at a table in the local watering hole, it’s the grizzled one propping up the bar and regaling the crowd with conspiracy theories. Mike Cummings, guitarist and vocalist of Backwoods Payback - the ones responsible for this lumbering hulk of stoner rock n’ roll - certainly fits the bill, whether he’s yowling his head off or singing in an eerily hypnotic manner. Meanwhile, Jessica Baker is the reliable anchor on bass, and Erik Larson (he of Alabama Thunderpussy and the legendary hardcore band Avail, no less) gives a thumping performance on his kit. A friend pops her head round the door too - Mlny Parsonz of Royal Thunder trades words in her usual melodious tones on the apathetic "Whatever", yet also pulling out a surprising rasp.

Backwoods Payback are also able to spin a good yarn about their travels - sharing stages with Fu Manchu, Scissorfight and Third Eye Blind, a bewildering list when put side-by-side, but each represents an important factor in this band’s aesthestic. Fu Manchu demonstrate the “gloryfucked fuzz,” as Backwoods Payback so eloquently put it; Scissorfight showcase the no-holds-barred burly brawling such as on “Generals”; Third Eye Blind for the occasional moments of calm (!) like in “Big Enough”, giving brief respite from the warning shots being fired throughout the rest of the record.

Five albums in, Future Slum is the fruit of a hard slog for 15 years. Understandably, they are excited for it to see the light of day, not least for its cryptic subject matter. “It all revolves around the idea of feeling lost and disenfranchised with your surroundings, finding your people, and losing yourself within them. Have you ever followed?” Mike finishes, quoting from second track “Lines”. It’s up to you if you can read between them.

Tracklisting:

"Pirate Smile"
"Lines"
"Whatever" (featuring Mlny Parsonz of Royal Thunder)
"It Ain’t Right"
"Threes"
"Cinderella"
"Generals"
"Big Enough"
"Alone"
"Lucky"

Future Slum was recorded and mixed in February 2018 at Noisy Little Critter in Downingtown, PA by Mike Bardzik. It was mastered at The Mastering House by Tom Volpicicelli, and features artwork by Nick Potts. A brief teaser can be seen below:

For further details, including tour dates, visit Backwoods Payback on Facebook.

 

Entierro, a collective from Connecticut joins forces with ex-Fates Warning Guitarist Victor Arduini to begin a new chapter with the release of a lyric video for new song "Cyclonic Winds." The track is taken from the band's forthcoming self-titled debut album (targeted for September release).

The Entierro sound can best be described as focused on heavy drum and bass interplay, twin guitars harmonizing over visceral riffs with dynamic, multi-layered vocals. Founding member Christopher Taylor Beaudette (vocals/bass), who has played with Jasta and Kingdom Of Sorrow, provides a unique blend of captivating melodies mixed with soaring harmonies, as the band seamlessly blends NWOBHM with a bit of Thrash and a touch of Doom into captivating and surprisingly catchy songs. Entierro is a modern classic heavy metal band that is focused on using their past influences to create an intense expression of powerful riffs and handcrafted slabs of undisputed sonic steel that any fan of the genre will appreciate and enjoy. 

When asked what led to his joining up with the band in early 2017 Arduini stated:

"They were the one band from my area I was really digging. Their sound was true old school metal that just had some really cool heavy riffs and songwriting. They have elements of doom, bit of thrash and yet it comes across a class metal for the new ages. They took me out of my comfort zone as I had to learn a few new tricks which I've been embracing. I was a fan the first time I heard them. Chris is a great front man and after going to see them play a few shows I learned one of their guitarists was leaving and I was asked if I'd be interested in joining them. The timing was perfect. After finishing the Arduini/Balich album I pretty much needed a break from all that writing/producing I did and this allows me to just be a part of a band again without it all falling on my shoulders. With the great writing skills of the others I can focus on putting my style over what they come up with and occasionally add a riff or two when needed. It helped keep me actively playing and I've just been having a blast playing these songs with such awesome musicians."

Entierro has played extensively throughout the Northeast, surprising fans of all types of heavy genres with their energetic and precise live shows, and have released two EPs since 2014. Entierro is ow set to release their first self-titled debut album, which was recorded at Dexter's Lab in Milford, CT by engineer Nick Bellmore. The band will be performing a series of shows throughout New England in support of their new release.

Tracklisting:

“Cyclonic Winds”
“Dybbuk”
“Turn Out The Lights”
“Cauldron Of War”
“Valley Of Deceit”
“Santa Murete”
“Live To Tell”
“Controlled Burn”

“Cyclonic Winds” lyric video:

Swedish progressive doom rock band Kingnomad will release its new LP, The Great Nothing, on July 6th via Ripple Music. Delivering six haunting tracks of hazy, hook-laden hard rock, the album beams with magic melodies and angelic atmosphere, upping the ante on the band's 2017 debut, Mapping the Inner Void. New track, “Cosmic Serpent”, is streaming below.

A magnificent blend of ghostly pop-metal and darkened down rock, The Great Nothing showcases the Swedes' sumptuous songwriting and pitch-perfect hard rock dynamics. Tracks such as the bristling "Cosmic Serpent" and bouncing "The Mysterious Agreement" spotlight Kingnomad's light and dark interplay, as the group rides catchy guitar lines, spectral organ hum and soaring choruses straight to the devil's doorstep. Expertly paced, the record builds momentum and mood before perfectly pivoting to the climatic closing of its epic, 22 minute title track.

Tracklisting:

“The Yoga Of Desolation”
“Cosmic Serpent”
“The Mysterious Agreement”
“All Those Things”
“Collapsing Pillars Of The Earth”
“The Great Nothing”

“Cosmic Serpent”:

British goth metal band Her Despair have released their new track "Valentine's Mourning". The song is taken from their upcoming release Mournography, which will be released later this month.

The band commented: “Valentine’s Mourning” is as much a display of adoration to the punk rock of the 2000’s as to the gothic music of the 1980’s. Veering more towards romance than repentance, we wanted to showcase a song which is more upbeat than usual. A faint light in the approaching dark."

Listen to the song below:

Her Despair, formed in 2015, began as a solo project with the release of debut album Hymns For The Hopeless. Showcasing the melodramatic sound and aesthetic of gothic music with the accessibility of punk and the stylings of heavy metal, the solo studio project has subsequently evolved into the current full lineup. With nods toward fellow countrymen The Sisters Of Mercy and Paradise Lost, to bands such as HIM and Rammstein, the band create their own unique twist on the styles that they are influenced by.

Mournography, the brand new follow-up EP and first as a full-fledged band, was recently completed by the band with Matt Bew at Whitehouse Studios (Reading, UK), and is described as such: “Mournography is an exploration into the mysteries of tragedy, blasphemy, death, and love; both literally and figuratively. The mourning of some, the lust of others. These songs praise and pervert the Word of God simultaneously: providing a deeply unsettling spiritual experience set to a bleak backdrop of melancholia.”

From their location in Berkshire UK, the band is set to unleash new convocations upon locations which have included London, Oxford, Bournemouth and Reading. Continuing to expand their fan base throughout live performances, clouds of smoke and lights theatrically immerse the audience, providing a perfect setting to experience the compelling material.

THE LOCAL BAND, the Finnish covers act featuring Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM), Jussi 69 (THE 69 EYES), Olli Herman (RECKLESS LOVE) and Archie Kuosmanen (SANTA CRUZ), performed on June 10 at Kaisaniemi Park in Helsinki, Finland as the support act for the HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES. Fan-filmed video footage of the entire concert can be seen below.

Featured songs:

00:00 Lay Your Hands On Me (BON JOVI)

06:24 Looks That Kill (MÖTLEY CRÜE)

11:00 Sunglasses At Night (COREY HART)

17:00 Fallen Angel (POISON)

21:24 Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love (VAN HALEN)

25:47 Nightrain (GUNS N' ROSES)

30:43 Untouched (THE VERONICAS)

35:41 Nothin' But A Good Time (POISON)

39:57 Out Of The Darkness (LITTLE STEVEN)

44:33 Piece Of Me (SKID ROW)

48:24 Panama (VAN HALEN)

53:38 Livin' On A Prayer (BON JOVI)

THE LOCAL BAND made its live debut in December 2013 and has been playing sporadic shows ever since.


It was a warm dark night before Christmas in Los Angeles in 2013. Jussi 69 and Alexi Laiho met in Hollywood, had a couple of drinks and decided to put together a covers band that would perform songs from POISON, MÖTLEY CRÜE and others classic acts of the 1980s. They shook hands and swore that they really were going to make this happen. The key word and the whole idea behind THE LOCAL BAND would be to have fun. No stress, no pressure, and definitely no business plans.

Right after Jussi and Alexi decided to do this, it was obvious they would need a charismatic singer, one who could handle all the classic hard rock super hits, from "Jump" to "Girls, Girls, Girls", among all their other favorites. Jussi decided to send a message to RECKLESS LOVE's Olli Herman.

"Naturally, I was immediately excited and kept saying: 'Yes — HELLYEAH!!!' over and over again while listening to Jussi talk me through the idea," says Olli. "Nothing could've kept me from taking part after I heard we would only perform killer songs from all the greatest '80s hair metal bands. I couldn't believe it. All my favorites!! I was ecstatic."

To complete the lineup, they got Archie Cruz from SANTA CRUZ to play bass. Now this crazy crew was ready to rock!

Says Archie: "When I got the call from Jussi, my jaw basically hit the floor. I had been watching these guys, these huge rock stars since I was a kid, and never in a million years thought I'd be in the same band with them when I was practising BODOM riffs in my bedroom, or watching a 69 EYES show as a kid. The fact that we're playing pretty much all of my favorite songs makes it even cooler. Being a part of THE LOCAL BAND is a dream come true for me and it's been one of the coolest things in my life to be a part of this."

THE LOCAL BAND was supposed to last for one night only, for a single show at the legendary Tavastia club in Helsinki, with just one interview, no rehearsals and half a soundcheck. But the universe had some other plans for these rock gods, and the mighty quartet decided to spread its good vibes around the world: their "Locals Only - Dark Edition" debut EP, full of all-time classics, was released in December 2015.

If you ask Jussi, the idea of recording an EP was written in the stars.

Jussi: "Some weeks after our first show, I walked into a bar in New York and they were playing 'Shout At The Devil' by MÖTLEY CRÜE — which was our opening song at the Tavastia show — followed by 'Sunglasses At Night' by Corey Hart. I saw this as a sign, and called Alexi to say that we can't leave this cool thing here. We have to do this, we need to record a single, and 'At Night' is the most perfect song for us to cover. Alexi agreed immediately. We didn't want to cover the most obvious songs that every other cover band plays, as those songs are perfect the way those bands originally recorded them. We wanted to surprise people with unexpected, twisted songs. Suddenly recording just one song expanded into an EP. And it's a perverse, totally unexpected collection of songs that me and Alexi came up with. Those are some of our favorites that pretty much nobody knows."

The EP was recorded in four days, and THE LOCAL BAND is very proud of the result.

"It's a killer, mind-blowing party music EP which is going to blow people's minds," said Jussi. "Oh, and the key word, the reason why we did this, even though every one of us is busier than ever with our own bands... We had so much fun doing it, a fucking blast! I know that can be heard from the end result."

THE LOCAL BAND is:

Olli Herman - Vocals

Alexi Laiho - Bass

Samy Elbanna - Guitar

Jussi 69 - Drums

Hohottava Hujoppi - Keyboards

Essen, Germany-based rock band Time, The Valuator have released a lyric video for the new single "How Fleeting". The song is the last single from the upcoming debut album How Fleeting, How Fragile, which will be released via Long Branch Records in Europe. Watch the lyric video below, and order the album here.

The album will be released on August 3rd and will be available as exclusive bundles, digipack, download and stream. The bands debut consists of 12 tracks, including the advanced released singles "Elusive Reasons", "When I Meet Death", "The Violent Sound" and "In Control", which gained over 3 million streams since release and the bran dnew "How Fleeting".

Tracklisting:

"Terminus"
"In Control"
"The Violent Sound"
"Fugitive"
"Cloud City"
"Elusive Reasons"
"Heritage"
"How Fleeting"
"When I Meet Death"
"Onryo"
"Starseeker"
"How Fragile"

"How Fleeting" lyric video:

The band also announced the dates for their first European tour with shows in the UK, France, Germany and Sweden. Supported by the UK natives Winchester, Time, The Valuator will present the new album and will surely leave the audience with dropped jaws.

August
7 - Bournemouth, UK - The Anvil
8 - Brighton, UK - The Green Door Store
9 - London, UK - The Black Heart
10 - Manchester, UK - Night People
11 - Ashford, UK - The Junction
12 - Strasbourg, France - Elastic Bar
13 - Dijon, France - Deep Inside
14 - Lyon, France - Le Blogg
16 - Hamburg, Germany - Astra Stube
17 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Garda
18 - Stockholm, Sweden - High 5ive Summer Fest

Lineup:

Phil Bayer - Vocals
Cedric Dreyszas - Guitars
Rene Möllenbeck - Guitars
Yunus Proch - Drums

(Photo - Alina Nolte)

SOILWORK singer Björn "Speed" Strid spoke to United Rock Nations about the progress of the recording sessions for the band's follow-up to 2015's "The Ride Majestic" album. "I have about three more songs to do vocals for, and then it's pretty much done; then it's gonna be mixed," he said (hear audio below). "And I'm really, really pleased with it — it's really, really cool. [It's] possibly the most epic and darkest album we've done. And it's also very melancholic, but it's also very sort of uplifting. It's huge. I'm really happy with it."

Asked if the musical direction of the new SOILWORK material is similar to that on the last album, Strid said: "I would say a mixture between 'The Ride Majestic' and [2013's] 'The Living Infinite'.'

As for when fans can expect to see the new SOILWORK disc, Björn said: "I think it's gonna be released at the end of [this] year or the beginning of next."

SOILWORK's eleventh album was recorded at Nordic Sound Lab studios in Skara, Sweden with producer Thomas "Plec" Johansson.

"The Ride Majestic" was SOILWORK's last album to feature longtime drummer Dirk Verbeuren, who left the band in July 2016 to join MEGADETH. He was replaced in SOILWORK by Bastian Thusgaard of THE ARCANE ORDER.

SOILWORK is now a quintet, following the departure of bassist Markus Wibom in late 2016 due to "other commitments." He has since been replaced by touring bassist Taylor Nordberg (THE ABSENCE).

In 2016, SOILWORK released a special collection of rarities titled "Death Resonance" via Nuclear Blast.

SOILWORK is:

Björn "Speed" Strid - Vocals

Sven Karlsson - Keyboards

David Andersson - Guitars

Sylvain Coudret - Guitars

Bastian Thusgaard - Drums

Strid's THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA side project released its fourth studio album, "Sometimes The World Ain't Enough", on June 29 via Nuclear Blast.

Photo credit: Stephansdotter Photography

Japanese thrashers United have released an official video for Arise, taken from their 10th full length album, Absurdity. Check it out below.

The new album was released in July 18th via Spiritual Beast, distributed by Universal Japan. The tracklist is as follows:

"Absurdity"
"Settle My War"
"Arise"
"Trapped Fake World"
"Dead by Dawn"
"Don’t Ever Let Me Down"
"May (feat. Anza from Head Phones President)
"Alive"
"Empty Eyes"
"Fabricated The Justice"

With their new album Vicious out now (as of July 27th), US rockers Halestorm have shared the track "Painkiller". Check out the official visualizer below.

Recorded earlier this year at Nashville, Tennessee's Rock Falcon recording studio with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Alice In Chains, Rush), Vicious is available at all DSPs and streaming services.

Deluxe album packages are available for pre-order exclusively at the band’s official webstore, including the new album on standard vinyl, plus a limited edition opaque purple double vinyl with enhanced cover art and bonus tracks, limited to 1,500 units worldwide. Also exclusively available at the webstore are a limited edition t-shirt, dog tag necklace, autographed poster, and a free album cover magnet with physical album purchase while supplies last.

Vicious tracklisting:

"Black Vultures"
"Skulls"
"Uncomfortable"
"Buzz"
"Do Not Disturb"
"Conflicted"
"Killing Ourselves To Live"
"Heart Of Novocaine"
"Painkiller"
"White Dress"
"Vicious"
"The Silence"

"Black Vultures" visualizer:

"Uncomfortable" video:

"Uncomfortable" behind the scenes:

On album release day (July 27th) Halestorm will kick off the second leg of their co-headline tour of all female-fronted rock bands with In This Moment and New Year’s Day.

Halestorm's upcoming UK headline tour is already completely sold out. The September shows form the band's biggest UK run yet. Special guests are Avatar and Rews.

Find Halestorm's live itinerary here.

VUUR featuring Anneke van Giersbergen played The Gathering's "Strange Machines" live at at the Dynamo Metalfest 2018 in Eindhoven, Netherlands on July 14th. Check out fan-filmed video below. 

Anneke van Giersbergen was lead vocalist for The Gathering from 1994 - 2007. "Strange Machines" appeared on the band's 1995 album, Mandylion.

Earlier this year, Anneke van Giersbergen's VUUR have released a guitar playthrough for "Freedom - Rio", a track from the band’s debut album, In This Moment We Are Free - Cities, out worldwide via InsideOutMusic. The footage was recorded at VanderMeij Gutiars, Amsterdam.

 

 

 

 

Each track on the new album is named after a city that made an impression on Anneke while touring the world. Order the album at this location.

 

 

 

 

Tracklisting:

 

 

“My Champion - Berlin”
“Time - Rotterdam”
“The Martyr And The Saint - Beirut”
“The Fire - San Francisco”
“Freedom - Rio”
“Days Go By - London”
“Sail Away - Santiago”
“Valley Of Diamonds - Mexico City”
“Your Glorious Light Will Shine - Helsinki”
“Save Me - Istanbul”
“Reunite! - Paris”

 

 

 

Germany's Wild Zombie Blast Guide, featuring guitarist Fabian Schwarz (The New Black, Who Brought The Dog) have checked in with the following update:

"Long time, no see, huh? Guess what.... we start writing new songs right now. And we will go back to the primitive. See ya soon."

WZBG have released three albums: Wild Zombie Blast Guide (2013), Salute The Commander (2014, and Back From The Dead (2016). Purchase the albums via Amazon.de here or go to the band's official website here.

Frost*, the band masterminded by producer, keyboard player & vocalist Jem Godfrey, has announced that they have re-signed with long-time label partner InsideOutMusic (who this year celebrate their 25th anniversary).

This new deal will encompass several forthcoming releases, including two new studio albums, a live album (filmed at 2017’s sold out show in London), as well as reissues of the bands back catalogue.

Jem had this to say: “InsideOut have been a long suffering supporter of Frost*. Unwaveringly supportive even when I was lobbing as many toys as I could find out of my pram. As time has passed, I’ve grown up and come to realize what a luxury it is to have a record company of this calibre covering your back. Many bands don’t have that luxury so I’m absolutely raring to go with the new album and the one beyond that.”

InsideOutMusic label-head Thomas Waber adds: "I am really pleased that we managed to extend our partnership with Frost* mastermind Jem Godfrey. His unpredictable nature and humour is a breath of fresh air in this genre and provides for some of the best music we have released on the label. Let's see what mischief we can come up with in the years to come!"

More news on these forthcoming releases will be released in the coming months.

Canadian metal band Malacoda are set to release a brand new album via Rockshots Records this fall.

Following on from the release of the Ritualis Aeterna EP, Malacoda will be releasing the new full length album Restless Dreams. The album delivers a full musical experience inspired by the horror video game Silent Hill 2. Malacoda first introduced their fans to the Silent Hill 2 storyline with the track "I Got A Letter", which featured on the band's sophomore release Ritualis Aeterna (Rockshots Records, 2017).

Restless Dreams is a musical journey through dark, tormented themes of doubt, loss, guilt and terror. The plot of the album follows a broken man’s journey through the ghost town of Silent Hill after receiving a letter from his dead wife asking him to meet her there. Malacoda brings a fresh interpretation of the themes within the ground-breaking video game classic Silent Hill 2.

Malacoda artfully bring to life the oppressive, claustrophobic aura of the fog consumed town with deviously clever song-writing and mind-cacthing lyrics, Malacoda truly understand the importance of meticulous production, and appreciate the masterful mix by Jon Howard (Threat Signal, Imonolith), Restless Dreams is a musical release unlike any other. Fans and new listeners alike, prepare for an atmospheric and melodic metal descent into a world of horror and despair.

Restless Dreams is set to be released via Rockshots Records on October 19th in North America and October 26th in Europe. More details to follow.

Thomas Chr. Hansen and his Gaia Epicus is now ready to start mixing the long awaited sixth album, called Alpha & Omega. The album is to be released later this year and is being mixed and mastered by Eduardo Belchior at Intense Music Productions.

The cover artwork for the CD was created by Stan W. Decker (Masterplan, Primal Fear, Jorn).

Gaia Epicus:
Thomas Chr. Hansen – vocals, lead & rhythm guitars, bass.

Guest musicians:
Alfred Fridhagen – drums (Mad Hatter, Hellspray, Morning Dwell)
Mathias Hemmingby - guitar solo’s (Askheimr)
Jack Roger Olsen – guitar solo (ex-Highland Glory)
Christer Harøy – guitar solo (Divided Multitude)
Magnus Tveiten – guitar solo (Blodsmak)
Ann-Kristin Bjørby – choir
Amy Slootweg – piano

Tracklisting:

“War Against Terror”
“The System Is Down”
“Crush”
“Don’t Be A Fool”
“Join The Dark Side”
“The Poison”
“Fire & Ice (Reborn)”
“We Belong To Yesterday”
“Blinded By Hate”
“Destiny Calls”
“Land Of The Rising Sun”
“Alpha & Omega”

Studio report:

Pink Floyd released "Point Me At The Sky" as their fifth UK single in 1968. The song has become one of the rarest official recordings of Pink Floyd and was not successful at the time, with it's B-side "Careful With That Axe, Eugene" becoming more popular.

Pink Floyd's "Paintbox'', written and sung by keyboardist Richard Wright, was first released in 1967 as the B-side to the single "Apples And Oranges". The promotional film was shot for a Belgian television programme. In the video, the band is miming to the song on a bridge in Brussels. This is David Gilmour's first appearance on film with Pink Floyd.

"Apples And Oranges" is the third UK single by Pink Floyd, released in 1967. It was the final song written by Syd Barrett with the group. After David Gilmour replaced Syd Barrett, the band recorded a promotional video in Belgium in a fruit market with Roger Waters lip-synching to the song.

All of the above tracks are included in The Early Years 1965–1972. Get it here.

On September 28th, Pink Floyd Records will release, for the first time on vinyl,  A Foot In The Door - The Best Of Pink Floyd, a collection of classic Pink Floyd tracks, chosen by members of the band.

Originally released in 2011 on CD only, the artwork for this compilation is the last work of long-term Floyd designer, the late Storm Thorgerson. This is the perfect Pink Floyd album for both devoted fans and those discovering their music for the very first time.

The career-spanning compilation features some of the best-known album tracks from 1967 - 1994, including the band’s first UK Top 10 single "See Emily Play", and the iconic "Wish You Were Here", "Comfortably Numb", "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and "High Hopes".

The tracks have been newly mastered for vinyl by longstanding Pink Floyd associate James Guthrie, with Joel Plante, and with lacquers cut by Bernie Grundman of Grundman Mastering in Los Angeles, California. The 2-LP version features the reinstated version of "Time", with the ringing alarm clocks at the start of the track restored, after being omitted on the CD release.

The original sleeve design, has been amended by Pink Floyd Creative Director Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis and Peter Curzon, to include alternate versions of the photographs used in the original CD version. The album package comes in a gatefold outer sleeve, with two separate printed inner bags, and is pressed on heavyweight 180-gram vinyl.  

Tracklisting:

LP1 Side A
"Hey You"
"See Emily Play"
"The Happiest Days Of Our Lives"
"Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2"
"Have A Cigar"

LP1 Side B
"Wish You Were Here"
"Time" / "Breathe" (Reprise)
"The Great Gig In The Sky"
"Money"

LP2 Side A
"Comfortably Numb"
"High Hopes"
"Learning To Fly"

LP2 Side B
"The Fletcher Memorial Home"
"Shine On You Crazy Diamond"
"Brain Damage"
"Eclipse"

Spanish melodic metal band, Kilmara, have released a single and music video for "Out From The Darkness", the song is taken from their fourth album Across The Realm Of Time, out August 31st via ROAR Rock Of Angels Records.Order the album here, or here.

With the incorporations of the American singer Daniel Ponce and the Argentinian guitarist Miguel Laise, Kilmara returns to revolutionize their sound being now more melodic, faster and powerful, but without losing the class and mastery that characterizes them. Across The Realm Of Time is the definitive work and consecration of Kilmara, a new step to conquer all lovers of quality metal.

The album was produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Roland Grapow (Lords Of Black, Masterplan, Squealer, Black Majesty, Eagleheart). Artwork made by Didac Plà.

Guests on the album: Jordi Longán (ex-Ipsilon) keyboard solo on "Principles Of Hatred", Roland Grapow (ex-Helloween, Masterplan) start guitar solo on "My Haven", background vocals on “Out From The Darkness”, Viktorie Surmøva (Surmatra, Rosa Nocturna, Victorius) vocals on "I Shall Rise Again".

Tracklisting:

"…And Into The Realm"
"Purging Flames"
"The Silent Guide"
"The End Of The World"
"My Haven"
"Principles Of Hatred"
"The Forge"
"Disciples"
"I Shall Rise Again"
"Out From The Darkness…"

"Out From The Darkness" video:

Kilmara is:

John Portillo - Guitar
Miguel Laise - Guitars
Dani Ponce - Vocals
Javier Morillo - Drums
Didakio - Bass

Tomorrow’s Eve have released their early progressive metal albums The Unexpected World and Mirror Of Creation digitally for the first time.

With their brand-new album Mirror Of Creation III – Project Ikaros the progressive metal institution Tomorrow’s Eve have made their comeback more than a respectable success. These early masterpieces were released in the years 1999 and 2003 and have been out of stock and not yet digitally available. The prog metal band now makes this up with the digital release on their own label BAZE Records in cooperation with Dr. Music Records. Already in 1999, Tomorrow’s Eve proved with their debut The Unexpected World that their mix of melodic and brutal progressive metal is trendsetting.

Both early works are available on all digital platforms. 

U.K. death metal veterans CANCER have inked a deal with Peaceville, the label known for its enviable death metal heritage, from the early days of PARADISE LOST and AUTOPSY to AT THE GATES and VITAL REMAINS through to OPETH, BLOODBATH and AKERCOCKE. CANCER's new studio album is tentatively due in late 2018.

CANCER said in a statement: "We are delighted to have signed a recording deal with such an esteemed label as Peaceville. We have full confidence that they understand this metal and CANCER as a band. Together we want to deliver an album that celebrates our 30-year existence and the old-school death metal sound that we played a part in creating back in 1988 when the band was conceived. So rejoice and hoist the bunting fashioned from flaps of skin, and fill your balloons with the last gasp of a dying man! We are back from the dead. CFC."

One of the U.K.'s premiere death metal purveyors of the late '80s and early '90s, including a major label spell on East West/Warner with 1995's "Black Faith", CANCER now marks 30 years since its formation by announcing its much-anticipated sixth full length album, reuniting all three original core members — John Walker on guitar/vocals, Ian Buchanan on bass and Carl Stokes on drums — for the first time since 1995.

With fan demand and interest in the rejuvenated band ever increasing, CANCER has been busy playing festivals over the last three years in support of re-releases of the first three albums, delivering their own punishing brand of death metal to fans old and new. This was the much-needed catalyst that spurred the band on to return to their classic inspirational sound when writing new material.

The new album is tentatively titled "Shadow Gripped" and will feature twelve songs of brutal old-school death metal. The disc was recorded at Foel studios in Wales with Simon Efemy (PARADISE LOST, NAPALM DEATH, AMORPHIS) handling production and mixing duties alongside the band, with further recording taking place in Spain. The band checked in from the studio saying: "The recording has gone really well. We have captured the raw essence of what the band actually sounds like. Death metal that will bite your balls off, spit them out, and leave you shouting for more!"

With their new album Vicious out now (as of July 27th), US rockers Halestorm have shared the track "Killing Ourselves To Live". Check out the official visualizer below.

Recorded earlier this year at Nashville, Tennessee's Rock Falcon recording studio with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Alice In Chains, Rush), Vicious is available at all DSPs and streaming services.

Deluxe album packages are available for pre-order exclusively at the band’s official webstore, including the new album on standard vinyl, plus a limited edition opaque purple double vinyl with enhanced cover art and bonus tracks, limited to 1,500 units worldwide. Also exclusively available at the webstore are a limited edition t-shirt, dog tag necklace, autographed poster, and a free album cover magnet with physical album purchase while supplies last.

Vicious tracklisting:

"Black Vultures"
"Skulls"
"Uncomfortable"
"Buzz"
"Do Not Disturb"
"Conflicted"
"Killing Ourselves To Live"
"Heart Of Novocaine"
"Painkiller"
"White Dress"
"Vicious"
"The Silence"

"Black Vultures" visualizer:

"Uncomfortable" video:

"Uncomfortable" behind the scenes:

On album release day (July 27th) Halestorm will kick off the second leg of their co-headline tour of all female-fronted rock bands with In This Moment and New Year’s Day.

Halestorm's upcoming UK headline tour is already completely sold out. The September shows form the band's biggest UK run yet. Special guests are Avatar and Rews.

Find Halestorm's live itinerary here.

A true spectacle to be witnessed, Lords Of The Trident is a daring adventure metal quintet that has been delighting their audiences and fans all over the world for ten years. To continue on their epic quest of bringing spectacular and entertaining metal to global fans these power metal warriors will be unleashing their 7th album, Shadows From The Past, on August 24th. In celebration of this new beast from their discography, Lords Of The Trident have released their second single and new lyric video "Burn It Down" featuring Unleash The Archers vocalist Brittany Slayes.

LOTT vocalist Fang VonWrathenstein comments: "This video collaboration between myself and Brittney Slayes was SO metal, I felt like the only way I could do it justice was to set my own face on fire. However, the rest of the guys expressed concern that I 'would only be able to do this once', I found an alternative - summoning our faces out of fire! Make sure you're wearing your most flame-retardant clothing before watching, as this video is likely to melt just about anything in a 15-foot radius!" 

Lords Of The Trident are offering fans a FREE track download of their first single "Death Dealer", a song influenced by the game Diablo and lyrics written based on the storyline of Diablo 1 and 2. Download the song at this location and stream the song below.

Fang VonWrathenstein: “This album is our most ambitious musical work to date, and the first album with our new members Baron Helleshaar and Master Herc. Fans who have been with us for a while will notice that our new songs are a bit more complex, and our songwriting continues to mature. The new songs are definitely still Lords songs, but explore some new musical themes. I believe the new album will be our strongest offering yet, and contain some songs that are sure to be fan favourites going forward.”

North American tracklisting:

"Death Dealer"
"Zero Hour"
"Tormentor"
"Burn It Down (With Fire)" Feat. Brittney Slayes (Unleash The Archers)
"Figaro"
"The Party Has Arrived"
"Brothers Of Cain"
"Reaper's Hourglass"
"Chasing Shadows"
"The Nameless Tomb"
"The Gatekeeper"

Japanese bonus tracks:

"Cross The Line"
"Desolation (Haze Of The Battlefield Pt. 2)"

"Death Dealer":

And Patreon backers will receive an extra exclusive track entitled "Fire And Sand".

In addition to the upcoming release of Shadows From The Past, Lords Of The Trident started a kickstarter campaign that went live on June 1st. The band has now reached their objective of $6,000 plus 1st stage stretch goal, which will now gives those who pledged for a physical copy of the album to receive multi-color Shadows From The Past custom guitar picks.

The band are still asking fans to answer the call to help them make their extra stretch goals, which includes a red blood double vinyl (included in any over $100 pledge or $25 added to any already made pledge) and full color zip up hoodies (design TBA) (for any pledge of over $250 or $50 added to any already made pledge).

Visit the Lords Of The Trident Shadows From The Past kickstarter ahere to view rewards that include merch, lessons from band members, festival tickets, private concerts and a copy of the video game Coffee Crisis that the band has partnered with to feature one of their songs for one of the levels along with band members as NPCs (non-playable characters).

(Photo - Mary Sweeney)

Sweden's Bandit Rock radio station, Stockholm 106.3, recently played host to Toronto rocker Danko Jones, who performed an acoustic rendition of the his song "You Are My Woman". Check it out below.

The song is taken from the Danko Jones album, Wild Cat.

Danko Jones (the band) have added four shows (**) to their upcoming European tour this fall. Their schedule is now as follows:

November
14 - Glasgow, Scotland - King Tuts 
15 - Manchester, UK - Ruby Lounge
16 - London, UK - Underworld 
17 - Eindhoven, Netherlands - Helldorado Festival 
18 - Alkmaar, Netherlands - Victorie **
21 - Antwerp, Belgium - Zappa 
22 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle 
23 - Erfurt, Germany - Stadtgarten 
24 - Wien, Austria - Flex 
26 - Stuttgart, Germany - LKA Longhorn 
27 - Salzburg, Austria - Rockhouse 
28 - Zurich, Switzerland - Dynamo **
29 - Milan, Italy - Legend Club 
30 - Rome, Italy - Orion Club

December
1 - Pinnarella Di Cervia, Italy - Rockplanet 
6 - Toulouse, France - Connexxion Live 
7 - Solothurn, Switzerland - Kofmehl **
8 - Lindau, Germany - Club Vaudeville 
9 - Münster, Germany - Skaters Palace 
11 - Paris, France- Forum 
12 - Wiesbaden, Germany - Schlachthof 
13 - Saarbrucken, Germany - Garage 
14 - Hannover, Germany - Faust
15 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Pumpehuset **

Icelandic classic rock trio The Vintage Caravan have released a visualizer for their new single "Set Your Sights", featured on the band's upcoming fourth studio album Gateways, to be released on August 31st through Nuclear Blast.

Bassist Alexander Örn comments, "We're very happy to present our new single, 'Set Your Sights'. This is the opening track from the new album. We wanted to start off the record with something epic! This song was the first one we started working on for the album, and it really set the tone for the rest of the songs. It's accompanied by a trippy new visual video by Viennese artist Max Roehrle. We're quite proud of this one and hope you like it!"

Gateways can be pre-ordered in various formats here. The album will be available in the following formats:

- Digi
- 2LP (black, white)
- Digital

The band commented on their upcoming record, "We are very proud to present our new album, Gateways! Recorded in the legendary Sundlaugin Studios in Iceland (owned by Sigur Rós). Produced by Ian Davenport. Overall we think this album feels more mature than the previous ones. We really pushed ourselves to make this album sound as great as possible. I won't name any names but some people have been heard saying this is the greatest thing since sliced bread. We can't wait for you all to hear it/taste it."

Gateways tracklisting:

"Set Your Sights"
"The Way"
"Reflections"
"On The Run"
"All This Time"
"Hidden Streams"
"Reset"
"Nebula"
"Farewell"
"Tune Out"

Bonus Track (Digi and 2LP only)
"The Chain" (Fleetwood Mac cover)

Trailer:

"Reflections":

With their melodic black/death metal, The Spirit have already made waves in the European underground scene and with their self-released debut album Sounds From The Vortex being strictly limited and nearly sold out on their homepage, the band is now reissuing their icy black / death metal chimera through Nuclear Blast on August 10th. Pre-order the album here. A lyric video for the track "Cross The Bridge To Eternity" can be found below.

The seven virtuosic tracks of the quartet hailing from Saarbrücken, Germany, freshly revive the past of the genre and immediately induce nostalgia with their clashing melodies and authentically rough sound.

Sounds From The Vortex is now available for pre-order as CD, LP (black and clear) and download. Get the version of your choice here.

Tracklisting:

"Sounds From The Vortex"
"Cosmic Fear"
"The Clouds Of Damnation"
"Cross The Bridge To Eternity"
"Illuminate The Night Sky"
"The Great Mortality"
"Fields Of The Unknown Of The Unknown"

"Cross The Bridge To Eternity" lyric video:

"The Clouds Of Damnation" lyric video:

Trailer:

At this year's Party.San Open Air, the band will play a release show for Sounds From The Vortex, and you can also witness the band's sinister live atmosphere and live skills at Summer Breeze and Metal Invaders. Later this year, in October and November, the quartet will join their label mates Kataklysm and Hypocrisy on their extensive Death... Is Just The Beginning European Tour.

Dates:

August
9-11 - Schlotheim, Germany - Party.San Open Air
15-18 - Dinkelsbühl, Germany - Summer Breeze

September
22 - Schwerin, Germany - Metal Invaders Vol. 2

October (with Kataklysm, Hypocrisy)
18 - Wiesbaden, Germany - Schlachthof
19 - Stuttgart, Germany - LKA Longhorn
20 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
23 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
24 - Vienna, Austria - Arena
25 - Wrocław, Poland - Zaklęte Rewiry
26 - Geiselwind, Germany - MusicHall
27 - Milan, Italy - Live Music Club
28 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
29 - Lyon, France - Ninkasi Kao
31 - Madrid, Spain - Sala Mon

November (with Kataklysm, Hypocrisy)
1 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz 2
2 - Limoges, France - CC John Lennon
3 - Paris, France - La Machine du Moulin Rouge
4 - Antwerp, Belgium - Trix
5 - Hamburg, Germany - Docks
6 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Trädgår'n
7 - Stockholm, Sweden - Fryshuset
9 - Helsinki, Finland - The Circus
10 - Tampere, Finland - Pakkahuone
12 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Pumpehuset
13 - Leeuwarden, Netherlands - Neushoorn
14 - Berlin, Germany - Kesselhaus
15 - Dresden, Germany - Eventwerk
16 - Oberhausen, Germany - Turbinenhalle 2
17 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser

December
8 - Münster, Germany - Wintermelodei

(Photo - Natalia Kempin)

Professionally filmed video of San Diego-based rock trio Earthless performing live at De Kreun in Kortrijk, Belgium on April 3rd can be seen below. The video was filmed‎ by Spookstad, with audio mixed by Michiel De Maeseneer.

 
Earthles will headline a series of dates across North America this fall in support of the latest album, Black Heaven. Confirmed dates are listed below.

Tour dates:

September
25 - Eugene, OR - Old Nick’s Pub
26 - Seattle, WA - Chop Suey
27 - Portland, OR - Dante's
28 - Boise, ID - Neurolux
29 - Salt Lake City, UT - Crucial Fest
30 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theatre

October
2 - Minneapolis, MN - Lee's Liquor Lounge
3 - Winnipeg, MB - Park Theatre
5 - Saskatoon, SK - Amigos Cantina
6 - Edmonton, AB - Up & Dowtown Music Festival
7 - Calgary, AB - Dickens Pub
9 - Victoria, BC - The Copper Owl
18 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre
12 - Oakland, CA - Starline Social Club
13 - Long Beach, CA - Alex’s Bar
14 - Desert Daze - Desert Daze

(Photo - Atiba Jefferson)

North Carolina riff-rockers ASG are streaming their sixth-full length and first new album in five years, Survive Sunrise. Listen below.

Survive Sunrise is available on CD/2xLP/Digital via Relapse Records. Physical packages are available via Relapse.com here and Digital Downloads / Streaming Services at this location.

Recorded, mixed and mastered with longtime producer Matt Hyde (Deftones, Slayer, Monster Magnet), Survive Sunrise further expands upon ASG’s trademark blend of heavy, southern-fried, alt-rock fury and infectious, hook-centric accessibility. With unabashedly hooky vocals, evocative lyrics and well-honed musical chops, ASG create soaring, melodic rock anthems with a sunny, colorful vibe that are reminiscent of the album’s electrifying cover art, designed by Malleus (Queens Of The Stone Age, Foo Fighters, The Melvins). Survive Sunrise is the perfect summertime hard rock album, one that rocks with wild abandon and will burrow into your head for years to come.

Album art by Malleus.

Survive Sunrise Tracklist:

"Survive Sunrise"
"Execution Thirst"
"Up From My Dreams"
"Lightning Song"
"Hawks On The Run"
"The Heaven Moon"
"Kubrick Colors"
"God Knows We"
"Heavy Scars"
"Weekend Money"
"Lamb Song"
"Florida Sleep On"
"Tongues Tied" (Digital Bonus Track)

Album stream:

"Execution Thirst" video:

(Photo - Wynne Harrington)

Night Demon will release their new triple live album Live Darkness on August 10th via Century Media Records/Shadow Kingdom Records in the US. The track "Screams In The Night" is available for streaming below.  

Live Darkness will be released digitally as well as limited edition vinyl and double CD digipak. There will also be exclusive pre-order bundles available here.

Limited Edition US configurations include:

- LP 100x Black with etching on side F
- LP 100x Crystal Clear with Smoke with etching on side F
- LP 300x Transparent Red with Smoke with etching on side F
- Double CD digipak - limited to 1,000 copies

On December 2nd, 2017, Night Demon, featuring Jarvis Leatherby (vocals/bass), Armand John Anthony (guitar) and Dusty Squires (drums), played to a packed house of longtime friends and supporters at the Beachland Ballroom in their adopted second home of Cleveland, Ohio.

Ripping through a blistering 90 minute set, Night Demon wowed concertgoers with a comprehensive, career-spanning setlist including their entire debut EP, 2013’s Night Demon, “Full Speed Ahead”, "Screams In The Night” and “Mastermind” from 2015’s Curse Of The Damned, plus “Hallowed Ground”, "Black Widow”, “On Your Own” and “Welcome To The Night” from their current release Darkness Remains.

The entire show was recorded and now sees the light of day as Live Darkness, Night Demon’s first official live document. Darkness has never shone so brightly. Pre-order Live Darkness here.

Tracklisting:

“Welcome To The Night"
“Full Speed Ahead"
“Ritual"  
“Curse Of The Damned"
“Dawn Rider"
“Save Me Now"
“Hallowed Ground"
“Maiden Hell"
“Mastermind"
“On Your Own"
“Life On The Run"
“The Howling Man"
“Black Widow"
“Ancient Evil"
“Satan"
“Evil Like A Knife"
“Stranger In The Room"
“Screams In The Night"
“Flight Of The Manticore"
“The Chalice"
“Darkness Remains"
“Heavy Metal Heat"
“Night Demon"

“Screams In The Night":

“Life On The Run" video:

“Evil Like A Knife" video:

Helion Prime and their mascot - the mighty Saibot - return with their sophomore effort Terror Of The Cybernetic Space Monster, out on August 31st via AFM Records. The album consists of nine brand new tracks - with the seventeen minute monster title song marking a stunning finale. Check out a video for the single "Spectrum" below, and pre-order the album here.

The Sacramento, California-based power metal band’s new piece of work was mixed and mastered at LSD studio by Lasse Lammert (known for his work with bands like Alestorm and Gloryhammer). Helion Prime continues their theme of blending science fiction with science fact.

Founder Jason Ashcraft comments: "I wasn't sure where I was going when writing this album. As fans who follow us closely know, it's been a bumping two years for us since the release of our debut. We are back and fully inspired. This album focuses more on human nature and our battle with the good and evil within ourselves. I did not plan this when starting the album but that is where it naturally evolved. I am very pleased with the result and hope you are all as equally excited.”

This album will mark the first time the full band lineup is joined together on a release. This also marks the debut of Sozos Michael on vocals.

Sozos remarks on the subject: "Working on this album has been an incredibly rewarding experience. While Jason had a clear vision as to what this album would shape up to be as the principal songwriter, he was always open to my ideas on vocal lines and lyrics. Our collaboration went very smoothly and it definitely shows on the final product."

Jason also comments on the audition of Sozos: "He is the kind of singer I have always dreamed of working with. Not only are his vocal skills top notch but he understands and knows what the music needs. Writing together for this album was a breeze and I hardly had to ask for any rewrites. Often he would send me ideas that was exactly what I was thinking. I am thrilled to work with someone like that and can't wait to see what we accomplish together."

The cover art was once again done by Marc Whisnant, who was already responsible for the artwork of the band’s self-titled debut album, which was released via Divebomb Records in early 2016 before AFM Records signed the band to a worldwide deal and re-issued Helion Prime almost exactly a year after its initial release. Press hailed the album as a breath of fresh air in the power metal scene and called it one of the most innovative power metal records in a long time.

Tracklisting:

"Failed Hypothesis"
"A King Is Born"
"Bury The Sun"
"Atlas Obscura"
"Urth"
"The Human Condition"
"Spectrum"
"Silent Skies"
"Terror Of The Cybernetic Space Monster"

"Spectrum" video:

"Silent Skies" video:

On September 14th, the British supreme doom trio Conan will release their new record Existential Void Guardian. Today the band reveals the first crushing single "Vexxagon". Listen below.

Two years after the remarkable Revengeance, Conan once more leave us astounded with a previously unknown side to dual vocal sludge. The British trio presents a tar monster named Existential Void Guardian that seems even more menacing as soon as it gets high on its own down-tuned groove frenzy.

Existential Void Guardian will be available as:

- 1 CD Digipack
- 2 LP Gatefold black
- 2 LP Gatefold gold (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive)
- 2 LP Gatefold dark green (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive)
- Digital Album

Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Prosper On The Path"
"Eye To Eye To Eye"
"Paincantation"
"Amidst The Infinite"
"Volt Thrower"
"Vexxagon"
"Eternal Silent Legend"

Bonus tracks:
"Total Conquest" (live 2018 @ Rebellion Manchester)
"Satsumo" (live 2018 @ Rebellion Manchester)
"Foehammer" (live 2018 @ Rebellion Manchester)
"Hawk As Weapon" (live 2018 @ Rebellion Manchester)

"Vexxagon":

Conan will hit to the road again in 2018 with a series of headliner shows worldwide on their Existential Void Guardian Tour opening in Moledo, Portugal on August 10th and finishing at the Buried In Smoke X-Mas Weekender, Oxford, UK on December 2nd. The full list of dates is below and the tour will be continued in 2019.

Tour dates:

August
10 - Moledo, Portugal - Sonic Blast Moledo Fest
11 - Winchester, UK - Boomtown Fair
16 - Galway, Ireland - The Loft
17 - Cork, Ireland - Cyprus Avenue
18 - Limerick, Ireland Dolans Warehouse

September
30 - Sheffield, UK - O2 Academy

October
2 - Eindhoven, Netherlands - Effenaar
3 - Bochum, Germany - Rockpalast
4 - Hamburg, Germany - Logo
5 - Berlin, Germany - Musik & Frieden
6 - Wroclaw, Poland - Firlej
7 - Warsaw, Poland - Poglos
9 - Vinius, Lithuania - Rock River Club
10 - Jelgava, Latvia -Melno Cepuriso Balerija
11 - Tallinn, Estonia - Sveta
13 - Helsinki, Finland - Blow Up 4 Festival
15 - Stockholm, Sweden - Kraken
17 - Malmo, Sweden - Plan B
19 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Stengade
20 - Leeuwarden, Netherlands - Into The Void Festival

November
7 - Canberra, Australia - The Basement
8 - Melbourne, Australia - Max Watts
9 - Sydney, Australia - Manning Bar
10 - Brisbane, Australia - Crowbar
12 - Wellington, New Zealand - Valhalla
13 - Auckland, New Zealand - Whammy Bar
16 - Moscow, Russia - Aglomerat
17 - St. Petersburg, Russia - Zoccolo
23 - Nottingham, UK - The Loft
24 - Leeds, UK - Temple Of Boom
25 - Newcastle, UK - Byker Grave Festival
26 - Glasgow, UK - Audio
27 - Manchester, UK - Rebellion
28 - Coventry, UK - The Arches
29 - Cardiff, UK - Clwb Ifor Bach
30 - Milton Keynes, UK - The Craufurd Arms

December
1 - London, UK - Boston Music Rooms
2 - Oxford, UK - Buried In Smoke X-Mas Weekender

Lineup:

Jon Davis - vocals, guitar
Chris Fielding - bass
Johnny King - drums

German black/doom/punk chimera Mantar will release their third studio album The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze on August 24th via Nuclear Blast. Pre-order the album here, and check out a video for the album track "Seek + Forget" below.

Mantar have achieved more in five years than most bands twice their age and size. The product of a twenty year friendship between guitarist/vocalist Hanno Klaenhardt and drummer Erinc Sakarya, theirs is a success story born entirely of one thing: hard work, with three albums, an EP and a live release already to their name. Releasing their 2014 Svart Records debut Death By Burning, an uncompromising clash of stripped-back punk attitude and metal intensity to instant critical acclaim, the band toured relentlessly, gracing stages the world over, including the hallowed likes of Roadburn, Wacken Open Air and Maryland Deathfest. They used 2016’s Ode To The Flame, their Nuclear Blast Records debut, to further build upon their incendiary live reputation, conquering not only Europe and the US, but Russia, Japan and South Africa.

Now, following a brief period of repose which saw Hanno move to Florida, Mantar return with The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze, a short, sharp shock that hones the hungry riffs and breath-taking pace of their previous records. “We skipped the bullshit,” explains Hanno. “I wanted 3 or 4 minute songs; bam, bam, bam. Every song different, catchy - that’s what rock and roll is about.”

Tracklisting:

"The Knowing"
"Age Of The Absurd"
"Seek + Forget"
"Taurus"
"Midgard Serpent (Seasons Of Failure)"
"Dynasty Of Nails"
"Eternal Return"
"Obey The Obscene"
"Anti Eternia"
"The Formation Of Night"
"Teeth Of The Sea"
"The Funeral"

"Seek + Forget" video:

"Age Of The Absurd" video:

Mantar's metallic genesis is unique in that neither member classes themself as a metalhead. Hanno’s a punk kid that developed a love for black metal later in life. Erinc’s tastes are even further removed, preferring the svelte sadness of the likes of The Sisters OF Mercy. “But we have a metal audience and we are a metal band, I guess!” states Hanno proudly, “I take that as a gift.” He’s never listened to more classic metal records than when writing »The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze«, and it shows in the album’s ceaseless, hook-laden riffs and caustically blackened, nihilistic atmosphere. “Riffs, riffs, riffs are the only hard currency for Mantar - simple as fuck - that’s what I like,” says Hanno. “The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze is way more metal than the previous two records; on the other hand I think the songs speak for themselves, without the need for genre classification.”

The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze is a title in-keeping with Hanno’s symbolic obsession with fire on albums previous; this time disavowing mankind’s tendency to blindly follow those that would lead us into oblivion. This isn’t necessarily a political statement; more a morbid fascination with current smouldering tensions that threaten to set the minds of the masses on fire. The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze is the spark that will ignite the flame - especially onstage. “I’m addicted to those moments up there,” impresses Hanno, “being loud, raw and aggressive - setting the stage ablaze, causing violence; that’s what I live for.”

The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze is a title in-keeping with Mantar's symbolic obsession with fire on albums previous; this time disavowing mankind's tendency to blindly follow those that would lead us into oblivion. This isn't necessarily a political statement; but rather a morbid fascination with current smouldering tensions that threaten to set the minds of the masses on fire.

Mantar is currently on the road, playing select club shows as well as Europe's biggest festivals. See dates below.

July
27 - Metaldays - Tolmin, Slovenia

August
3 - Wacken Open Air - Wacken, Germany
5 - Sylak Open Air - Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans, France
10 - Sonic Blast Moledo - Moledo, Portugal
12 - Bloodstock - Derbyshire, England
24 - Kulturkombinat Bunker - Rostock, Germany
25 - Reload Festival - Sulingen, Germany

Skeletonwitch and Mantar recently announced that they will be hitting the UK and Europe this winter for a co-headline run. Support will come from Belgium thrash outfit Evil Invaders and German deathers Deathrite. Tickets on sale now.

Dates:

November
14 - Pumpehuset - Copenhagen, Denmark
15 - Krosset - Oslo, Norway
16 - Sticky Fingers - Gothenburg, Sweden
17 - Markthalle - Hamburg, Germany
19 - Musikzentrum - Hannover, Germany
20 - Hirsch - Nürnberg, Germany
21 - Turock - Essen, Germany
22 - Dynamo - Zürich, Switzerland
23 - KJH Hallschlag - Stuttgart, Germany
24 - Rockhouse - Salzburg, Austria
26 - Backstage - München, Germany
27 - Arena - Wien, Austria
28 - Explosiv - Graz, Austria
29 - Nova Chmelnice - Prague, Czech Republic
30 - UT Connewitz - Leipzig, Germany

December
1 - SO 36 - Berlin, Germany
2 - Biebob - Vosselaar, Belgium
4 - Rebellion - Manchester, UK
5 - Mama Roux´s - Birmingham, UK
6 - Underworld - London, UK
7 - Petit Bain - Paris, France
8 - Schlachthof - Wiesbaden, Germany
9 - Baroeg - Rotterdam, Netherlands