German death grind masters Stillbirth have have released a lyric video for their song "Psychological Manipulation" off their new album Annihilation of Mankind which will see an August 31st release date on Unique Leader. The explosive and unrelentingly heavy album, which the band described as "faster, harder, with more brutality and more groove than anything we have done before."

Annihilation Of Mankind tracklisting:

"Fictional Entertainment"
"Enemy Of The Enemy"
"Hypnotized By Lies"
"Psychological Manipulation"
"Firststrike"
"Highest Of Malice"
"Torturized"
"Plague Of Warfare"
"Torn Apart"
"Nuclear Stench"
"The Sky Turns Black"
"Annihilation Of Mankind"

Teaser:

Expect more news from Stillbirth very soon.

Lineup:

Lukas Swiaczny - Vocals
Dominik "Pumpa" Koenig - Bass, Vocals
Dr. Jan Weidemann - Guitar
Martin Grupe - Drums

Celebrating its 50th anniversary as a band in 2018, NAZARETH is marking the occasion with a hard-rocking new album, "Tattooed On My Brain". Scheduled for release on October 12 via Frontiers Music Srl, the effort will be available on CD, LP, and digital formats.

"Tattooed On My Brain" is NAZARETH's 24th full-length album and the first to feature new vocalist Carl Sentance (ex-PERSIAN RISK).


A track from the album, "Pole To Pole", can be streamed below.


"Pole To Pole" is available as an instant download with all digital pre-orders and on all streaming services.


NAZARETH bassist and founding member Pete Agnew says about the new album: "What I know and expect is that this record, because of our new lineup, will come under the highest scrutiny of any record in NAZARETH's history and after that, hopefully be judged as one of the best of NAZARETH's career.

"While there is always going to be hints of the classic NAZARETH sound on our albums, when you consider that all the musicians have been playing classic NAZARETH songs for most of their lives, what is fresh and inspired the new songs and new approach is the fact that we have a new singer: Carl Sentance.

"You can change band members and still keep pretty much on the same road, but there is nothing that changes a band's approach so definitively as the sound, style and performance of a new frontman. It also influences the way the other guys write songs, because mostly when you write a song for the band, you have in mind whether it will suit your singer's style and how he'll sound singing it. And, of course, with Carl, we have not only a new singer but a great new songwriter as well, so the whole project was always going to be fresher than a new laid egg, given all these ingredients we had to work with. Tastes fantastic, by the way."


While it is difficult to sum up in few words the history and the influence on the history of rock that an act like NAZARETH has had, there is no doubt that they have left an indelible mark. The band originally formed in Dunfermline, Scotland in 1968, releasing their eponymous debut album in 1971. The band broke through to a larger audience when, after supporting DEEP PURPLE on tour, they released the Roger Glover-produced "Razamanaz" album in early 1973. A string of hit records, including "Loud 'N' Proud", "Rampant" and their biggest success, "Hair Of The Dog" (featuring the smash hits "Hair Of The Dog" and "Love Hurts") followed, cementing the band's legacy in the history of hard rock. NAZARETH continued on throughout the '80s and '90s, making new studio albums and touring the world.


In 2014, original singer Dan McCafferty had to leave the band for health reasons and with his blessing, Carl Sentance is now fronting the legendary band. Rejuvenated and as energetic as ever, NAZARETH is back with an album that firmly shows their roots, but also sees the band progressing forward and seeing the future.


The band has a wealth of tour dates commencing this Friday, July 20 and running through August, before picking up again in November.


"Tattooed On My Brain" track listing:

01. Never Dance With The Devil

02. Tattooed On My Brain

03. State Of Emergency

04. Rubik's Romance

05. Pole To Pole

06. Push

07. The Secret Is Out

08. Don't Throw Your Love Away

08. Crazy Molly

09. Silent Symphony

10. What Goes Around

11. Change

12. You Call Me

NAZARETH is:

Pete Agnew - Bass

Carl Sentance - Vocals

Jimmy Murrison - Guitar

Lee Agnew - Drums

On September 28, Birmingham extreme metal miscreants ANAAL NATHRAKH will release their 10th full-length album, "A New Kind Of Horror", via Metal Blade Records. The disc's first single, "Forward!", can be streamed below.

When writing about "A New Kind Of Horror" in the record's liner notes, ANAAL NATHRAKH vocalist Dave Hunt is succinct in his description: "This is not a happy album; it is bitter, vengeful, sarcastic, sardonic, violent, terrified and horrified, terrifying and horrifying in equal measure. Above all, it is human, and all that that entails. It's as sincere as we could make it."

Those exposed to the ten tracks comprising the band's tenth full-length will be unable to deny the truth to these words, for lyrically, musically and sonically it is a punishing listen mired in darkness and seething with raw emotion. With multi-instrumentalist Mick Kenney pushing their distinctive hybrid of symphonic black metal, death metal, industrial and grindcore ever forward, Hunt draws lyrical inspiration primarily from the horrors of the First World War, contemporary politics, and the letters of D.H. Lawrence, creating one of the most powerful, timely and unique releases of 2018.

"There's a lot that goes into our albums, of course, but it all comes about as a natural result of who we are, and for 'A New Kind of Horror' we felt early on that it was clearly its own thing," Hunt says. "It doesn't have to stand in comparison with anything, because to us it's in a class of its own."

"A New Kind of Horror" track listing

01. The Road To...

02. Obscene As Cancer

03. The Reek Of Fear

04. Forward!

05. New Bethlehem/Mass Death Futures

06. The Apocalypse Is About You!

07. Vi Coactus

08. Mother Of Satan

09. The Horrid Strife

10. Are We Fit For Glory Yet? (The War To End Nothing)

DEF LEPPARD has unveiled its "Spotify Singles". As part of the streaming platform's coveted initiative, the multiplatinum rock legends performed the classic "Hysteria" in addition to a brand new cover of DEPECHE MODE's "Personal Jesus". Listen and share the singles here.


Recorded live on May 16 at the Spotify studio in New York, the musicians preserve the provocative power of "Personal Jesus" while imbuing their own signature style and spirit. A recording of the cover has preceded recent live shows. Meanwhile, they amplify the energy of "Hysteria" with this hyper-charged rendition. A live staple, it most notably serves as the title track of their 1987 best-selling album of the same name, which garnered a diamond certification from the RIAA and housed seven smash singles. The original also stands out as a fan favorite on Spotify.


"Spotify Singles" was launched in 2016 and features artists recording at least two live songs — an original and a cover — for release exclusively on Spotify. As the name suggests, the "Spotify Singles" concept channels back the good old days of vinyl and CD singles.

The first round of "Spotify Singles", which launched in November 2016, gave users access to new music by more than 20 artists, including John Legend, Grouplove and Lindsey Stirling.

DEF LEPPARD singer Joe Elliott spoke about the band's Spotify session during a recent appearance on "The Eddie Trunk Podcast". He said: "[We recorded] just two songs. I won't say any more because I don't want to spoil the surprise for whenever it's gonna get broadcast, but [it was a] bit of fun. [We laid down] one of ours and a cover of somebody else's stuff."

Back in January, DEF LEPPARD finally made its entire catalogue available for downloading and streaming. The British rock icons, who had been longtime holdouts to having the band's music available digitally, even went so far as to re-record their classic hits in note-for-note replications rather than cave to a deal that didn't serve them well. Now, the band's work — from its 1979 debut, "The Def Leppard E.P." through 2015's self-titled album — can all be found online.

DEF LEPPARD's 58-city tour with JOURNEY kicked off on May 21 in Hartford, Connecticut and will run through October 6 in Los Angeles.

Courtesy of the XTV Podcast, multi-camera footage of KISS' July 10th show in Lisbon, Portugal is available below. It was the band's first show in Portugal in 35 years.

The setlist on the night was as follows:

"Deuce"  
"War Machine" 
"Firehouse" 
"Shock Me" 
"I Love It Loud" 
"Flaming Youth" 
"Dr. Love" 
"Lick It Up"  
"God Of Thunder" 
"I Was Made For Lovin' You" 
"Love Gun" 
"Black Diamond"
"Cold Gin" 
"Detroit Rock City"
"Rock And Roll All Nite"

Dynamite is thrilled to announce a new comic book series featuring KISS. Writer Bryan Edward Hill (Detective Comics, Postal) and artist Rodney Buchemi (Death of Hawkman) crank the volume high as they bring you the KISS series we have all been waiting for this October.

In KISS: Blood And Stardust, an immortal cabal is taking the lives of innocents and the only ones who can stop them are KISS! The only problem…they are dead. And now they have to make a deal with a demon to save their souls and return to Earth to fight evil!

"KISS was the soundtrack of a time in my life where I had tons of ambition and few rules. Endless nights in dive bars in New York City, watching sunrises on the rooftops of Brooklyn. I might have discovered them in the aughts, but I was filled with the spirit of the 70's,” remarked author Bryan Hill. "The 1970's was a special decade, a decade of fame and magic where guitar riffs and drum solos were your co-pilots and the devil MAY have cared, but he couldn't stop your shine. "

"As one of rock's most celebrated bands, KISS continues to be a staple in the comic book industry," said Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment. "Bryan Hill has really built a name for himself, so we’re thrilled to have him penning KISS: Blood & Stardust as part of our fall lineup."

The origins of KISS comic books date almost as far back as the inception as the band itself, having been an integral part of comics culture since their 1977 appearance in Howard the Duck #12 and 1978's Marvel Comics Super Special: KISS. Today, nearly 40 years later, Dynamite Entertainment is the proud home to the comic book series KISS, KISS: The Demon, KISS/Vampirella, KISS/Army of Darkness and now KISS: Blood & Stardust.

Read more here

Dynamite Entertainment is bringing a Deluxe-Premiere trading card set to specialty retailers this fall, featuring a select group of KISS’s fan-favorite photos and artists portraying the world-renown rock band in all their glory, plus Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley signed cards.

“KISS trading cards are some of the most collectible memorabilia out there, they’ve been around since the early days of the band,” said KISS co-founder Gene Simmons. “These new cards add to the tradition and the lore of KISS and I can’t wait for fans to get their hands on them.”

In 1978, Donruss released the first set of KISS trading cards and Dynamite Entertainment continues the tradition 40 years later with the KISS Deluxe Ultra-Premium Trading Card Set from America’s #1 Gold Record Award-winning group of all time.

“KISS continues to be one of the greatest bands of the century, their logo, makeup and songs are instantly recognizable and after 40 years, fans are collecting their memorabilia more than ever,” said Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment. “We’ve been publishing KISS comics, but the fans wanted more so now we give you the hottest trading card set on shelves this fall!”

Dynamite’s KISS Deluxe Ultra-Premium Trading Card Set includes an 18-card base set, plus Dynamite chase cards that include: 6 autographed cards, 3 B&W art cards, 9-card puzzle cards, 2-box-topper special cards, and hand-drawn original art signed sketch cards.  Every autographed card featuring a color ink or ultra-rare, gold ink signature!

Every individual foil pack includes 2 Base Cards, 2 Sketch Cards, 1 B&W Art Card, 1 Puzzle Card, and 1 Autographed Card.  Additionally, every specially designed, 4-color box includes 12 foil packs.

The KISS Deluxe Ultra-Premium Trading Card Set will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ August 2018 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in October.

Ian Gillan reunites with his very first band for a musical journey through the songs and the sounds of the days when it all began… Ian Gillan & The Javelins the studio album, out August 31st via earMUSIC. An official lyric video for the song "Do You Love Me" can be found below.

“In the early 1960’s, you might have seen The Beatles doing Chubby Checker’s ‘Twist and Shout’ at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, or The Rolling Stones doing Chuck Berry’s ‘Come On’ at the Station Hotel in Richmond, and The Javelins doing Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Smokestack Lightning’ at Wistowe House in Hayes.” – Ian Gillan

Every Deep Purple true lover knows how much their magic and powerful style is the result of many different influences brought in by the single members, all merging into the powerful sound loved by millions of rock fans. Ian Gillan´s love for American soul and Rhythm & Blues as well as skiffle and early rock and roll has been well documented in many articles and interviews.

Founded in the early 60s, The Javelins were influenced by Pop, Soul, Country, Jazz and Blues artists from America. They soaked up the music of their heroes, added their own stamp and went from town to town to perform their favourite songs in front of a small but ever growing audience – becoming local heroes themselves.

This was the time when Ian Gillan discovered himself, broke the chains and ‘found his voice’. The Javelins paved the way for the Ian Gillan who, only a few years later, wrote music history with Deep Purple, becoming one of the most iconic frontmen of all time and, together with very few others, shaped rock music the way we know it today.

“These contemporary recordings (2018) by The Javelins are drawn from our set lists, circa 1963, when I was 18 years old. Now, a few years later, I have the privilege and joy of working with my old mates from the original group; Gordon Fairminer (Lead Guitar); Tony Tacon (Rhythm Guitar); Tony Whitfield (Bass Guitar); Keith Roach (Drums), as we make a long overdue L.P.” Ian Gillan has defined this new studio album as “a collection of catchy rhythms and feel-good melodies”. This understating definition shows Gillan´s ability to still look at those songs and his whole career with the same eyes of the 18 year old boy who sang them many years ago.

But there is a lot more to this recording… By paying tribute to music legends such as Chuck Berry, The Drifters, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly and Bo Diddley, Gillan and The Javelins have not only managed to do that.

Avoiding the use of any modern technology, the band has managed to find the spontaneity and true sense of freedom of pop and rock and roll music of 50 years ago, probably without completely realizing it themselves. One world superstar and four friends who have taken very different directions in life (none decided to “turn pro” as they would say it) but still able to capture the essence of what being a performing band is about.

This album is what happened during four days of recordings in a studio in Hamburg, Germany, where instruments, microphones, lyrics sheets and memories were the only tools allowed. This album is not an act of nostalgia, or a celebration of the purity of the old days versus modernity. This is simply what the Javelins were in 1963… and this is what they are now, if they happen to meet in the studio, embracing their guitars and look at each other with a big smile on their face. This is where it all started.

Ian Gillan & The Javelins has been recorded at the Chameleon Studios during a five days recording session in Hamburg, March 2018, Germany. It features Don Airey as special guest on piano. It will be released on August 31st on earMUSIC as CD digipak, 1LP Gatefold (180g, black) and Digital.

"Do You Love Me" lyric video:

RED DRAGON CARTEL, the band led by former OZZY OSBOURNE and BADLANDS guitarist Jake E. Lee, will release its sophomore album, "Patina", on November 9 via Frontiers Music Srl.

The track listing for the disc is as follows:

01. Speedbag

02. Havana

03. Crooked Man

04. The Luxury Of Breathing

05. Bitter

06. Chasing Ghosts

07. A Painted Heart

08. Punchclown (bonus track)

09. My Beautiful Mess

10. Ink & Water

The follow-up to RED DRAGON CARTEL's eponymous 2014 debut, "Patina" will mark the group's first release with drummer Phil Varone (SAIGON KICK, SKID ROW) and bassist Anthony Esposito. The band's current lineup is rounded out by singer Darren James Smith.

RED DRAGON CARTEL's new album was recorded at Esposito's Obscenic Arts studio in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania and was reportedly mixed by legendary producer Max Norman, who has previously worked with OZZY OSBOURNE, MEGADETH, SAVATAGE and LOUDNESS, among others.

Jake told That Just Happened last August that RED DRAGON CARTEL's upcoming album would contain "a wide variety of sounds and songs," including some surprises.

"I've said this in interviews before and I really look like an asshole. [Laughs] But my end goal isn't to please people," he said. "And I suppose that is what an entertainer is supposed to do — give people what they want. That's not why I do it, that's not why I've ever done it. I do it for me. And it sounds selfish, but I think that's… You have to be true to yourself.

"I make music that I wanna hear," he continued. "I just hope other people like it also. If they don't… [sighs] Oh, well. [Laughs] If they don't, they don't; they don't have to buy it. But I do think that they should give it a listen. 'Cause it's interesting. We're trying to stir things up a little bit. We're not playing it safe and just doing exactly what people expect."

Back in September 2015, RED DRAGON CARTEL was rejoined by Darren James Smith after a period of several months during which the band played shows with a number of other vocalists, including former JONES STREET frontman Shawn Crosby, Canadian singer Paul D'Eath (CITIZENS UNITE, MUSHROOM TRAIL), Chas West (Jason Bonham, LYNCH MOB, 3 LEGGED DOGG) and Michael Beck.

Issued in January 2014, RED DRAGON CARTEL's debut CD sold around 5,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 69 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Heavy rockers Tower Of Babel featuring Csaba Zvekan (vocals - Exorcism, Raven Lord, Metal Machine), Andreas Passmark (bass - Royal Hunt) and Peter Berger (guitars - Killer, Appearance Of Nothing) re-release the single “"It's Only Rock'N'Roll" with a slightly changed lineup. The track comes of the debut album Lake Of Fire, out on September 13th via Dream Records. Listen below.

Singer and producer of the record Csaba Zvekan comments: “There is a complete new lineup in the Tower Of Babel camp. We welcome Peter Berger (Killer, Appearance Of Nothing) as our new guitar player for the band. Now we shortened the songs somewhat down and added cool new solos by Peter. Great work! At the same time I used Andreas Passmark (Royal Hunt) for the bass guitar duties. What a tight and awesome job he did! Also new in the band is drummer Gigi Nervoso Sinnone. He will be handling the drum duties from now on. The rest of the recording I kept the same with Joe Stump on rhythm guitar and Mark Cross on drums. You can expect some live shows  with us in the near future! But I’d like to point out that I will not be doing any live performances in any of Joe Stump’s version of the band…"

Tracklisting:

“Dragonslayer”
“It’s Only Rock’N’Roll”
“Lake Of Fire"
“Addicted”
“Midnight Sun”
“Eternal Flames”
“Once Again”
“Stardust”
“Eyes Of The World”
“Lamb And The Wolves”
“Thoth”

“It’s Only Rock’N’Roll”:

Lineup:

Csaba Zvekan - Vocals
Peter Berger - Guitar
Maestro Mistheria - Keyboards
Andreas Passmark - Bass Guitar
Gigi Nervoso  Sinnone - Drums

Metal Blade Records has announced the signing of Polish death/black metallers HATE.

Based in Warsaw, HATE has been praised by press and fans alike for years for creating lacerating and dark music, proven best on its current album, "Tremendum" (2017). The album saw Adam "ATF Sinner" Buszko (vocals, guitars) utilize the dark aspects of the mystic and arcane Slavonic folklore to explore themes both personal and impersonal. It is an album that is relatable at first listen, but that is hard to fully know.

Buszko stated about the new deal: "'You are judged by the company you keep', the saying goes — and if that is true, then we shall be judged extremely favorably.

"We are very proud to announce our signing to Metal Blade Records, a label that is as synonymous with metal as the invention of the distortion pedal.

"This signing could not have come at a better timing, as it coincides with an opening of a new chapter in the band's history. Beginning with the release of 2017's 'Tremendum', HATE has been on a journey towards new, even darker horizons, and we're confident that this step will help us in reaching these goals. Our first collaboration is already well underway and plans have already been laid down to enter the studio in December of this year, with a tentative release date for mid-2019.

"Come, bear witness and join us on this journey."

A pre-production recording of a new HATE song, "Path To Arken", can be streamed below.

HATE is:

ATF Sinner - vocals, guitars

Pavulon - drums

Apeiron - bass (session)

Domin - guitar (session)

Photo credit: Daniel Rusilowicz

MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Phil Campbell joined German hard rock veterans SCORPIONS on stage this past Saturday (July 7) at the Rock Fest in Barcelona, Spain to perform a cover version of the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Overkill" as a tribute to late MOTÖRHEAD frontman Lemmy Kilmister. Fan-filmed video footage can be seen below.

SCORPIONS' current lineup includes MOTÖRHEAD drummer Mikkey Dee. Dee officially joined the band in September 2016 as the replacement for James Kottak.

"It's been great," Mikkey said about playing with the SCORPIONS. "These are great guys and we've known them for many years, and I love their music."

Regarding how playing with SCORPIONS is different from performing with MOTÖRHEAD, Mikkey said: "I played so long with MOTÖRHEAD, we were a three-piece, and that's a tremendous difference. For instance, when Phil was doing his solo, I might have to be a little busier on the kick drum. Here [in the SCORPIONS], I've gotta think the opposite — I've gotta be easier on certain things and step into some other stuff. But it's a great challenge. I mean, these guys are so nice, and we've known each other for many, many years. And it's a great honor to carry the SCORPIONS flag here."

SCORPIONS will perform a handful of American shows with QUEENSRŸCHE in August and September. They mark the group's first U.S. shows since the band canceled the final five dates of its fall 2017 tour due to singer Klaus Meine's "severe laryngitis."

SCORPIONS are currently promoting "Born To Touch Your Feelings - Best Of Rock Ballads", an essential anthology of the band's new and classic recordings, which was released last November via Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment.

SCORPIONS' previous release was 2015's "Return To Forever", partially comprising songs the band had in the vault from the '80s.

Norwegian metallers VREID will release their new album, "Lifehunger", on September 28 via Season Of Mist. The disc's title track, "Lifehunger", can be streamed below.

VREID comments: "Sometimes everything is so dark that you only see life.

"This album is all about the primordial hunger that keeps us marching forward. It's a celebration of the creative spirit, and a big fuck off to every obstacle on the way.

"The title track, 'Lifehunger', is the first single, and it's a heavy beast. There is much more to follow; the album is as varied as life itself can be. Enjoy the ride!"

"Lifehunger" track listing:

01. Flowers & Blood (1:50)

02. One Hundred Years (5:39)

03. Lifehunger (5:36)

04. The Dead White (4:59)

05. Hello Darkness (4:39)

06. Black Rites In The Black Nights (6:26)

07. Sokrates Must Die (3:29)

08. Heimatt (6:01)

VREID has announced a string of Norwegian tour dates with ENSLAVED and GAAHLS WYRD.


VREID was formed in 2004. The Norwegian metal brigade rose from the ashes of WINDIR after the tragic perishing of the "Sognametal" legends with the declared mission of exploring new musical paths.


The Norsemen proved true to their words and have so far delivered seven albums and one DVD, each of which received high praise from critics and fans alike. VREID chose a course of constant evolution that is marked by thematically denoted phases regarding their often historically inspired lyrics.


This became particularly clear with albums "I Krig" (2007) and "Milorg" (2009), which both revolved around concepts dealing with resistance and liberation of Norway during World War II. With their following three records, VREID returned to their Norse roots, especially on latest full-length, "Sólverv", which received high critical acclaim in 2015.


VREID has hammered out its success partly by being a heavily touring band. The four-piece performed more than 500 shows in 25 countries so far. Their everlasting march to conquer new territories has led the Norwegians to headline tours in Europe, North America, Japan, and India.


VREID's style is often referred to as black 'n roll and Metal Hammer described their music as "a unique time travel in metal" as elements of '70s rock, '80s classic metal and Norwegian black metal are all clearly audible.

Progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER recently entered an undisclosed studio to begin work on material for the follow-up to 2016's "The Astonishing" album. An early 2019 release is expected.

A two-minute video featuring footage from the first day of drum tracking for DREAM THEATER's next disc can be seen below.

DREAM THEATER vocalist James LaBrie stated about the new material, "There's a heaviness to it, there's an aggression to it," while guitarist John Petrucci added: "So far the music is heavy, it's progressive, it's melodic, it's shredding, and it's also epic. So it has all those elements, which… they are the five pillars of DREAM THEATER, if you wanna call it that."

Petrucci hinted in a recent interview that DREAM THEATER's next album will be musically inspired by the "Images, Words & Beyond" tour, which saw the pioneering group celebrating the 25th anniversary of its milestone RIAA-gold-certified album "Images And Words".

DREAM THEATER's next studio album — its 14th — will be the band's first for Sony Music's progressive imprint InsideOut Music. The group spent the past 25 years recording under various labels in the Warner Music Group system, most recently Roadrunner Records, which released five albums by the band between 2007 and 2016.

Metal Blade Records has announced the signing of East Coast thrash metal veterans WHIPLASH.

Comments WHIPLASH's Tony Portaro: "My main influences were the West Coast thrash bands that Brian Slagel brought into the limelight in the early '80s. Without them attracting my attention in the first place, I never would have written 'Power And Pain'. And the fact that Metal Blade is still promoting old-school thrash and believing in me gives me the inspiration to continue creating my East Coast style of metal."

Known for his lightning speed riffs and leads, Portaro heads a power-trio lineup delivering metal, old-school style.

WHIPLASH exploded on to the USA metal scene in 1984, branding the East Coast with its original thrash sound. Debuting their Roadrunner release "Power And Pain" at Ruthie's Inn in Berkeley, California, they followed it with two additional releases: "Ticket To Mayhem" and "Insult To Injury". From its East Coast thrash beginnings, WHIPLASH claimed its place in the metal archives.

As a New Jersey native, Portaro made his chops at New York clubs, including CBGB and L'Amour. Always attracting talent, Portaro led bandmembers through various incarnations of WHIPLASH, trying to realize the musical vision he heard in his head. Producing four more WHIPLASH records through 2009, WHIPLASH stamped their way around the globe, gaining thrash followers whose ranks still grow to this day.

WHIPLASH has recorded a new album, and in order to get a more old-school sound, Portaro opted to record to two-inch tape. Also, with the advice of renowned mastering engineer, Maor Appelbaum (FAITH NO MORE, HALFORD, ARMORED SAINT, SEPULTURA, CANDLEMASS, ANVIL, GOATWHORE), he chose to have the mix done by Phil Anderson, a longtime collaborator of Maor. Phil mixes on an analog board which should further benefit the project and push it in the direction Portaro is looking to reach.

Besides Portaro, WHIPLASH consists of bassist Dank Delong, who had been recruited by Portaro in 2010, and drummer Ron Lipnicki, whose thrash injection to WHIPLASH in 2018 would begin a new era for the band on Metal Blade. Hailing from New Jersey, Ron's drum skills need no introduction, coming off a 12-year run with OVERKILL, and before that, hitting it with HADES. With his precision guns firing, Lipnicki obliterates the kit while setting rapid-fire pace.

WHIPLASH's new album will drop in early 2019.

Photo credit: DM Jones

On September 21st, 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"

Progressive dark metallers Dark Millennium will release their new album Where Oceans Collide on August 24th via Massacre Records. A music video for the album track "Lovers Die" can be found below. Pre-order the album here.

Dark Millennium continues its unpredictable evolution with Where Oceans Collide. The distinctive guitar work by Hilton Theissen and Michael Burmann as well as the unique voice of Christian Mertens are still dominant and highly recognizable even in a new and experimental setting.

The album, which will include 11 songs, was mixed and mastered by the band's guitarist Hilton Theissen at Wide Noise Studio in Arnsberg, Germany. The artwork was created by Alexander Freund.

Tracklisting:

"Vampire's Empire"
"Lovers Die"
"Moving Light"
"Insubstantial"
"Nights, Eternal"
"Flesh Is Weak"
"The Lie Behind The Trust"
"Diseases Decease"
"Jessica's Grave"
"In Equilibrium"
"Across Oceans Of Souls"

"Lovers Die" video:

(Photo - KIKI)

Dutch death/black metal band SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION has inked a deal with Napalm Records.

Napalm A&R Sebastian Muench comments: "We are super excited to announce the signing of Holland's, and arguably Europe's, best up-and-coming death metal band SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION! The 2017 debut album, 'Anthology Of Curiosities', was a hate-spitting death metal masterpiece."

The band added: "We are very proud and excited to announce that we have signed with the mighty Napalm Records. We are very happy to be working with them and are looking forward to releasing an album with them soon!"

At the moment, SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION are working on new material for an early 2019 release.

Founded in 2014 in Eidhoven, SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION managed very quickly to establish an amazing live reputation and got lots of invitations from venues and smaller festivals. This was noticed by Eindhoven Metal Meeting, who gave them a chance to present themselves for a bigger audience.

It has always been a dream of vocalist Els Prins to start an all-female death metal band, but she didn't seem to be able find the right group of girls to make this dream reality — that is, until she met guitarist Simone van Straten. They released their first single, "Boundaries", in July 2014 and played their first show one month later.

SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION lineup:

Els Prins - Vocals

Simone van Straten - Guitars

Emmelie Herwegh - Guitars

Puck Wildschut - Bass

Kevin van den Heiligenberg - Drums

Photo credit: Emmelie Herwegh

"Seven Tenets", the new video from San Francisco Bay Area stoner/doom heavyweights THE WATCHERS, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's debut album, "Black Abyss", which was released in March via Ripple Music.


THE WATCHERS is a gathering of international seasoned players Tim Narducci (SPIRALARMS, WHITE WITCH CANYON) on vocals, Carter Kennedy (ORCHID) on drums, Jeremy Epp (BLACKGATES, THE VENTING MACHINE) on guitar, and Cornbread (SPIRALARMS, WHITE WITCH CANYON) on bass.


THE WATCHERS delivered "Black Abyss" during an extensive tour schedule last year in support of "Sabbath Highway", the band's debut EP released in 2016. Mixed by Max Norman (OZZY OSBOURNE, MEGADETH), the album is everything you'd expect and more from a band well-versed in the enigmatic ways of heavy rock, packing an onslaught of massive riffs and twists that take the listener through a heady and heavy musical trip.


"Black Abyss" track listing:

01. Black Abyss

02. Alien Lust

03. Oklahoma Black Magic

04. Buzzard

05. Starfire

06. People Of The Gun

07. Suffer Fool

08. Seven Tenets

Tarja will release her live-art-album and video, Act II, on July 27th via earMUSIC. A few of the highlights from the upcoming release can be seen in the new video trailer below:

Filmed during Tarja's world tour The Shadow Shows, during which the influential heavy rock singer circled the world 7.5 times with over 300,000 km travelled and played over 200 shows in 40 countries in front of 1 million people, Act II consists of the singer's very intimate 75-minute set filmed and recorded live at the Metropolis Studio in London, UK and the breathtaking live performance of one of her shows in Milan, Italy, and previously unreleased interviews and photo galleries.

The theatrical rock adventure Act II combines two incredible, yet slightly different live performances on video:

The first chapter, Metropolis Alive, has been filmed two months prior to the release of Tarja's 2016 success The Shadow Self. Twenty winners from all over Europe were lucky to witness Tarja's intimate, yet rocking set at renowned Metropolis Studios in London, where the singer performed songs from her then unreleased album - for the first time in front of an audience.

Act II is the second chapter and was recorded on November 29th, 2016 at the magnificent Teatro della Luna Allago in Milan, Italy and includes numerous hits from all four Tarja albums such as "Innocence," "Die Alive," "Until My Last Breath," as well as an incredible cover of Muse's classic "Supremacy." That night's set list also enchants the soprano's long-time fans with a medley consisting of the distinctive Nightwish evergreens: "Ever Dream," "Slaying The Dreamer," and "The Riddler." It was all topped off with a remarkable acoustic set, which presented Tarja classics in a brand new way.

Even though the shows deliberately differ in look, sound, approach to the music and adrenaline, both have one thing in common: from the very first to the very last tune, the state of the art production displays Tarja's energetic performance and her graceful, charming presence.

Act II will be released on July 27th via earMUSIC as 2CD digipak, 3LP Gatefold (180g, black), DVD, Blu-ray, Limited Mediabook 2CD+2BD (including two full live shows filmed at Hellfest in France and Woodstock Festival in Poland as bonus) and Digital.

A wide variety of exclusive, limited fan items and bundles can be found on Tarja’s official web shop here.

Tracklisting:

CD1
"No Bitter End"
"500 Letters"
"Eagle Eye"
"Demons In You"
"Lucid Dreamer"
"Shameless"
"The Living End"
"Calling From The Wild"
"Supremacy"
"Tutankhamen"
"Ever Dream"
"The Riddler"
"Slaying The Dreamer"

CD2
"Goldfinger"
"Deliverance"

Acoustic Set:
"Until Silence"
"The Reign"
"Mystique Voyage"
"House Of Wax"
"I Walk Alone"

"Love To Hate"
"Victim Of Ritual"
"Undertaker"
"Too Many"
"Innocence"
"Die Alive"
"Until My Last Breath"
 
3LP + Download Code

Side A
"No Bitter End"
"500 Letters"
"Eagle Eye"
"Demons In You"

Side B
"Lucid Dreamer"
"Shameless"
"The Living End"
"Calling From The Wild"

Side C
"Supremacy"
"Tutankhamen"
"Ever Dream"
"The Riddler"
"Slaying The Dreamer"
"Goldfinger"
"Deliverance"

Side D
"Until Silence"
"The Reign"
"Mystique Voyage"
"House Of Wax"
"I Walk Alone"

Side E
"Love To Hate"
"Victim Of Ritual"
"Too Many"

Side F
"Undertaker"
"Innocence"
"Die Alive"
"Until My Last Breath"
 
BD//DVD

Filmed at Metropolis Studios, London, UK, June 6, 2016
"No Bitter End"
"Eagle Eye"
"Sing For Me"
"Love To Hate"
"The Living End"
"Medusa"
"Calling From The Wild"
"Victim Of Ritual"
"Die Alive"
"Innocence"
"Until My Last Breath"
"Too Many"

Filmed at Teatro della Luna Assago in Milan, Italy, November 29, 2016
"Against The Odds"
"No Bitter End"
"500 Letters"
"Eagle Eye"
"Demons In You"
"Lucid Dreamer"
"Shameless"
"The Living End"
"Calling From The Wild"
"Supremacy"
"Tutankhamen"
"Ever Dream"
"The Riddler"
"Slaying The Dreamer"
"Goldfinger"
"Deliverance"

Acoustic Set:
"Until Silence"
"The Reign"
"Mystique Voyage"
"House Of Wax"
"I Walk Alone"

"Love To Hate"
"Victim Of Ritual"
"Undertaker"
"Too Many"
"Innocence"
"Die Alive"
"Until My Last Breath"

Bonus Material
- Interviews with Tarja and band members
- Photo Gallery 1: Through the eyes of the fans
- Photo Gallery 2: From stages and streets by Tim Tronckoe

Limited Mediabook

BD1
Filmed at Metropolis Studios, London, UK June 6, 2016
"No Bitter End"
"Eagle Eye"
"Sing For Me"
"Love To Hate"
"The Living End"
"Medusa"
"Calling From The Wild"
"Victim Of Ritual"
"Die Alive"
"Innocence"
"Until My Last Breath"
"Too Many"
 
Filmed at Teatro della Luna Assago in Milan, Italy, November 29, 2016
"Against The Odds"
"No Bitter End"
"500 Letters"
"Eagle Eye"
"Demons In You"
"Lucid Dreamer"
"Shameless"
"The Living End"
"Calling From The Wild"
"Supremacy"
"Tutankhamen"
"Ever Dream"
"The Riddler"
"Slaying The Dreamer"
"Goldfinger"
"Deliverance"

Acoustic Set:
"Until Silence"
"The Reign"
"Mystique Voyage"
"House Of Wax"
"I Walk Alone"

"Love To Hate"
"Victim Of Ritual"
"Undertaker"
"Too Many"
"Innocence"
"Die Alive"
"Until My Last Breath"
 
Bonus Material
- Interviews with Tarja and band members
- Photo Gallery 1: Through the eyes of the fans
- Photo Gallery 2: From stages and streets by Tim Tronckoe
 
BD2
Filmed at Woodstock Festival, Poland, 16th of July, 2016
"Against The Odds"
"No Bitter End"
"Demons In You"
"500 Letters"
"Ciaran’s Well"
"Supremacy"
"Calling From The Wild"
"Tutankhamen"
"Ever Dream"
"The Riddler"
"Slaying The Dreamer"
"Innocence"
"Victim Of Ritual"
"Die Alive"
"Until My Last Breath"
"Over The Hills And Far Away"
 
Filmed at Hellfest, France, June 19, 2016
"No Bitter End"
"Never Enough"
"Ciaran’s Well"
"Calling From The Wild"
"Supremacy"
"Victim Of Ritual"
"Tutankhamen"
"Ever Dream"
"The Riddler"
"Slaying The Dreamer"
"Die Alive"
"Until My Last Breath"
 
CD1
"No Bitter End"
"500 Letters"
"Eagle Eye"
"Demons In You"
"Lucid Dreamer"
"Shameless"
"The Living End"
"Calling From The Wild"
"Supremacy"
"Tutankhamen"
"Ever Dream"
"The Riddler"
"Slaying The Dreamer"
 
CD2
"Goldfinger"
"Deliverance"

Acoustic Set:
"Until Silence"
"The Reign"
"Mystique Voyage"
"House Of Wax"
"I Walk Alone"

"Love To Hate"
"Victim Of Ritual"
"Undertaker"
"Too Many"
"Innocence"
"Die Alive"
"Until My Last Breath"

"Victim Of Ritual" video:

"Undertaker" video:

“Love To Hate" video:

Trailers:

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 teaser 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"

"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

New Zealand thrash metal trio Alien Weaponry unleash their brand-new music video for "Whispers" of the recently released debut album, Tū.

While previous hits "Rū Ana Te Whenua" and "Kai Tangata" have related to historic battles and injustices faced by their ancestors, "Whispers" raises much more recent incidences of conflict – the Foreshore and Seabed Act passed in 2004; and the Trans Pacific Partnership, signed in 2016.

"The government’s words are like whispers in our ears, telling us lies, to hide away our fears!"

Frontman Lewis de Jong comments: "These are just a couple of examples of the government not respecting the voices of the people, especially Māori. Even though historic wrongs have supposedly been righted with compensation, when the same thing keeps happening it’s hard to believe there has really been a change."

The spoken excerpt at the beginning of the song is part of a radio interview by well-known Radio New Zealand journalist Kim Hill with Don Brash, a former leader of two right wing political parties, and current spokesperson for a lobby group set up to advocate removal of so-called "special privileges" for Māori.
 
Drummer Henry de Jong: "It's kind of scary how many people share his views. They don't seem to understand that the current policies are there to help redress the imbalance that was caused after over a hundred years of colonization. During that time, millions of acres of Māori land were stolen, they were excluded from voting and children were punished for speaking Māori in schools, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. That sort of thing can't be fixed with compensation alone - it takes time and goodwill from both sides."

Alien Weaponry's debut album Tu was released on June 1st through Napalm Records.

Tracklisting:

"Whaikorero"
"Ru Ana Te Whenua"
"Holding My Breath"
"Raupatu"
"Kai Tangata"
"Rage - It Takes Over Again"
"The Things That You Know" (Bonus Track)
"Whispers"
"PC Bro"
"Urutaa"
"Nobody Here"
"Te Ara"
"Hypocrite" (Bonus Track)

"Holding My Breath" video:

Lineup:

Vocals, Guitars: Lewis de Jong
Drums: Henry de Jong
Bass: Ethan Trembath

Born Of Osiris have released the new single "Silence The Echo". Get it now via iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, and Sumerian Merch.

Listen to the single below:

Catch Born Of Osiris live on The Summer Slaughter Tour. Tickets available here.

BLACK TUSK has released the third track from its new album, "TCBT", which is due on August 17 via Season Of Mist. The disc was recorded at The Garage Savannah and mixed by engineer and longtime collaborator Chris "Scary" Adams.

The song "Scalped" can be streamed below.

"TCBT" track listing:


01. A Perfect View of Absolutely Nothing (1:22)

02. Closed Eye (2:28)

03. Agali (3:47)

04. Lab Rat (4:10)

05. Scalped (4:47)

06. Ghosts Roam (4:10)

07. Ill At Ease (4:03)

08. Rest With the Dead (4:55)

09. Never Ending Daymare (2:57)

10. Orange Red Dead (2:06)

11. Whispers (3:29)

12. Burn the Stars (4:14)

On the album, BLACK TUSK comments: "We decided to entitle this record 'TCBT'. It's a play on TCB, taking care of business, add a T to the end and it's 'Taking Care Of Black Tusk.' It's an idea, a slogan, if you will, that James and Athon came up with some years ago, and since his passing and essentially the reformation of this band, we found it fitting for a title.

"We turned inward after 'Pillars Of Ash'. Corey came on board and we did the tours to support that record playing the songs that we had written with Athon, then we took some time off and learned how to write with a new member, we took our time and worked out our ideas, we brought new ideas and talents into the fold.

"This record is something that we are truly proud of. It's its the culmination of two years of reworking ourselves as a band.

"We've closed one chapter of this band [and] are starting anew. We are Taking Care Of Black Tusk.

"We recorded this record as a three-piece and are going to tour to perform it as a four-piece.

"With a nod to our past and with the knowledge of lessons learned and experience gained, we are heading back out full throttle with a new energy and a new band.

"When you listen, you will hear BLACK TUSK, not the old as was, but a new BLACK TUSK keeping tour roots and carving a new path."

BLACK TUSK's latest full-length, "Pillars Of Ash", sadly had to appear posthumously for one member as the band had tragically lost their charismatic bass player Athon through a motorcycle accident. With a heavy heart, BLACK TUSK decided to honor Athon's memory by carrying on and recruited veteran musician and already longtime friend Corey Barhorst (ex-KYLESA) to take over his duties on the low end.


BLACK TUSK is:

Andrew Fidler - guitar, vocals

Corey Barhorst - bass, vocals

James May - drums, vocals

Chris "Scary" Adams - guitar, vocals

Los Angeles craft beer connoisseurs Trappist brew forth their debut full-length Ancient Brewing Tactics, due out August 17th via Relapse Records. A music video for the track "Victims Of A Bomber Raid" can be found below.

Trappist comments on the debut album: "Starting a beer-centric band came naturally, considering the many parallels between the hardcore and independent beer scenes. Both foster collaboration, community, and support of grass-roots efforts. It made sense to team up with our old pals at Relapse for this release since they've always supported our previous bands. But enough about us... your pint is getting warm!"

Physical packages are available via Relapse.com here, and digital downloads / streaming services here.

Formed in 2014 and consisting of scene legends Chris Dodge (Spazz, ex-Infest, ex-Despise You, etc.), Phil Vera (Crom, Despise You, ex-(16)-) and Ryan Harkins (co-owner of popular heavy metal-themed burger joint Grill Em’ All), Trappist have one clear mission, to annihilate the listener with a storm of d-beat, crust punk, powerviolence, and hardcore all in the name of BEER. Picture Discharge style punk and Xeroxed WWII photos with bombs replaced by casks, cans, and kegs.

Ancient Brewing Tactics is 21 tracks and 33 minutes of booze-induced chaos, bound to knock you on your ass faster than shotgunning a 15% Russian Imperial Stout. Trappist round out their alcohol-fueled blasts with special guest appearances by Tony Foresta (Municipal Waste, Iron Reagan), Steve Brooks (Torche), and Blake Harrison (Pig Destroyer). NO CORPORATE BEER.

For the ultimate sensory experience, Trappist have recommended a specific beer pairing for listeners to drink along to each song on the album! “Wolves in the Taproom” is paired with Sierra Nevada Barrel Aged Narwhal Imperial Stout and “No Corporate Beer” with Eagle Rock Brewery Amwolf Pilsner. The full tracklisting and beer pairing are available below. True aficionados only!

Ancient Brewing Tactics tracklisting and beer pairings:

"No Soldier Left Behind" (3 Floyds Zombie Dust Pale Ale)
"This Means Wort" (FiftyFifty Brewing Eclipse Imperial Stout)
"Tesguino" (Cerveza Fauna Penelope Coffee Porter)
"The Patron Saints" (Orval Belgian Pale Ale)
"Hymn To Ninkasi" (Beachwood Brewing Citraholic IPA)
"Waiting In Line - First Stanza" (Jackie O’s BBA Oil Of Aphrodite with Coffee Imperial Stout)
"Giving The Boot To Reinheitsgebot" (Schneider Weisse Aventinus Weizen Bock)
"Swignorant" (The Bruery Mash Barleywine)
"Nihamanchnihamnchii" (Insurgente La Lupolsa IPA)
"Frank The Tank" (Cigar City Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout)
"No Corporate Beer" (Eagle Rock Brewery Amwolf Pilsner)
"Victims Of A Bomber Raid" (Surly Brewing Darkness Russian Imperial Stout)
"99 Problems" (But A Beer Ain’t One) (TRVE Possession Saison)
"Proost-Op" (De Struise Black Albert Russian Imperial Stout)
"Waiting In Line - Second Stanza" (The Veil Brewing Daddy’s Home Triple IPA)
"To The Pint" (Thrash Zone Chris Dodge’s Ham Slappin’ Aru-Chu Ale Barley Wine)
"You’re The Reason" (Sante Adairius Saison Bernice Farmhouse Ale)
"Garbage Human" (Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch Imperial Oatmeal Stout with Vietnamese Coffee)
"Waiting In Life - Third Stanza" (Lawson’s Finest Liquids Double IPA)
"Wolves In The Taproom" (Sierra Nevada Barrel Aged Narwhal Imperial Stout)
"Trappist-1: Final Gravity" (Zundert Trappist Abbey Tripel)

"Victims Of A Bomber Raid" video:

"Wolves In The Taproom":

"No Corporate Beer":

Trappist is:

Brother Dodge - Bass, Vocals, Brewing
Brother Vera - Guitars, Vocals, Fermentation
Brother Harkins - Drums, Vocals, Bottling

(Photo - Paul Lee)

Atrocity’s Okkult II has entered the German album charts at #37, marking the death metal flagship’s fifth chart entry with an album in Germany.

The new album is a brutal and dark masterpiece. The production was once again handled by producer and Atrocity main man Alex Krull (Mastersound Studio), who made sure that the songs are as heavy as possible, while the atmosphere and energy of the songs let the listener immediately dive into the occult lyrical concept. The fantastic artwork was created by Stefan Heilemann / Heilemania (Lindemann, Pain, Kamelot, Epica). LG Petrov of Entombed A.D. and Marc Grewe (ex-Morgoth), have contributed guest vocals to the album.

Okkult II is available as a limited edition vinyl LP as well as a limited edition mediabook with a different artwork as well as a bonus CD that includes all songs as an instrumental version. You can order it here.

Jewel Case/LP tracklisting:

"Masters Of Darkness”
“Shadowtaker”
“Bloodshed And Triumph”
“Spell Of Blood”
“Menschenschlachthaus”
“Gates To Oblivion” (Feat. Marc Grewe)
“Infernal Sabbath”
“All Men Must Die”
“Phantom Ghost”
“Devil's Covenant” (Feat. LG Petrov)
“The Golden Dawn”

Mediabook with Bonus CD tracklisting:

“Masters Of Darkness”
“Shadowtaker”
“Bloodshed And Triumph”
“Spell Of Blood”
“Menschenschlachthaus”
“Gates To Oblivion” (Feat. Marc Grewe)
“Infernal Sabbath”
“All Men Must Die”
“Phantom Ghost”
“Devil's Covenant” (Feat. LG Petrov)
“The Golden Dawn”

Bonus CD:

“Masters Of Darkness” (Instrumental Version)
“Shadowtaker” (Instrumental Version)
“Bloodshed And Triumph” (Instrumental Version)
“Spell Of Blood” (Instrumental Version)
“Menschenschlachthaus” (Instrumental Version)
“Gates To Oblivion” (Instrumental Version)
“Infernal Sabbath” (Instrumental Version)
“All Men Must Die” (Instrumental Version)
“Phantom Ghost” (Instrumental Version)
“Devil's Covenant” (Instrumental Version)
“The Golden Dawn” (Instrumental Version)

"Shadowtaker" video:

"Bloodshed And Triumph":

“Masters Of Darkness”:

(Photo - Stefan Heilemann / Heilemania)

Australian death metallers Eskhaton have released the lyric video for "Culthulunatic," a track taken off the band's newest album Omegalitheos. 

Released on June 20th, Omegalitheos is an album that expands upon the violent nature of the genre. Each of its 14 tracks emanate dark chaotic energies; worshiping total death and execution. As a band, Eskhaton remains devoted to the legacy of the primeval forces like Possessed and Morbid Angel, moving them to levels which have not ever been reached in such intensity.

Stream and purchase the album on Bandcamp.

Italian modern prog rock/metal outfit Kingcrow is presenting the title track and first single from their impending The Persistence LP, set for worldwide release in September through Sensory Records. The album will be released in conjunction with the band's European tour supporting Pain Of Salvation.

Diego Cafolla issues with the release of the album's title track, "'The Persistence' is one of the first songs I've written for the record. I was determined to have an unusual rhythm as the back bone of the song and worked on it several hours with Thundra before we nailed it. We think it's something somehow unusual for us and shows something new while still sounding like Kingcrow. Why we did choose it as the first single? Simple, it's the longest track on the record."

The Persistence will be released on CD, 2LP, and digital formats worldwide on September 7th via Sensory Records. The vinyl version features three bonus tracks recorded at ProgPower USA have a new mastering by Alan Douches on the D-side. Stand by for audio samples, preorders, and more info on the album to be issued shortly. Fans of Steven Wilson, Riverside, and Dream Theater, this is required listening.

The release of The Persistence is tied in conjunction to Kingcrow's support slot for Pain Of Salvation, which will run from August 31st through September 20th.

Cafolla offers of The Persistence, "With the last record, Eidos, we finished what we call the 'life trilogy' which included Phlegethon, In Crescendo, and Eidos, and when we started talking about the new chapter everyone agreed we needed somehow to step a bit outside of our confort zone and refresh our sound. With that in mind, I started to write a lot of music, which ended up being three hours of music more or less, trying different things until I came up with a couple of songs that sounded interesting and fresh to us and showcased the 'X factor' of the new record. 'Everything Goes' and 'Devil's Got A Picture' were the first two written. These early songs sounded different from what we did in the past but still somehow sounding like us, with a kind of a dark ambient, more modern vibe mixed with a heavier rock attitude. Devilnax was also determined to have a different cover style for the album, and after nights spent listening to the demos and discussing the lyrical content, for the first time all by vocalist Diego Marchesi, he came up with that very powerful image that fits beautifully with the main vibe of The Persistence."

(Photo by: Devilnax)

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.

The album will be released on September 14th via Napalm Records.

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)

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.

Tour dates:

August
17 - Cork, Ireland - Cyprus Avenue

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
23 - Nottingham, UK - The Loft
24 - Leeds, UK - Temple Of Boom
26 - Glasgow, UK - Audio
27 - Manchester, UK - Rebellion
28 - Coventry, UK - The Arches

Lineup:

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

"Already Dead", the new video from kings of Pennsylvania hardcore WISDOM IN CHAINS, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's seventh studio album, "Nothing In Nature Respects Weakness", which will be available worldwide on July 20 via Fast Break! Records. The disc was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Rich Rescigno at Mountain Side Studio in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania.


"The album title 'Nothing In Nature Respects Weakness' was taken from a piece of advice given to me by an older family member of mine," explains vocalist Mad Joe Black. "It's a reminder that when you feel like giving up, you have to keep pushing forward. Nature will not pity you. Life will not pity you. So, make yourself so you can fight through the inevitable struggles. As a band, we've dealt with personal struggles over the last few years and even currently. It's definitely embedded in the music and lyrics on this album."

WISDOM IN CHAINS' music is powerful, but the band's message is even more powerful. These 13 hard-hitting hardcore anthems shed light on current social issues including fear ("The Boy And The Cave"), violence ("Duck Down Stay Down"), empowerment ("Life Lessons"), depression ("Better Than I Was"), suicide ("Palisades Cliff"), substance abuse ("Truce"), personal boundaries ("Ultimatum"), and being consumed by technology ("Slow Drown"). In addition, MADBALL's Freddy Cricien splits vocal duties on the track "Someday" and Davin Bernard of KINGDOM breaks out a vicious verse attack on "Slow Drown".


Photo credit: 27 Black

CKY has released a brand new music video for the song "Wiping Off The Dead" from the band's most recent LP, "The Phoenix". Directed by Dave Causa, this is the third music video we've seen from the band off their current release.

"Our good friend Dave Causa filmed us rehearsing for our U.K. tour last summer and the end result was us making a badass music video," says drummer Jess Margera. "It was filmed before we ever played a single show for the release of our album. Thank you, Dave, and thank you, CKY alliance! Enjoy this great video from the archives."

CKY is headed back out on the road this summer on a co-headlining run with SLAVES and additional support coming from ROYAL THUNDER and AWAKEN I AM. Tickets and a limited number of VIP meet and greet packages are available now. VIP packages will include meet-and-greets, exclusive merch items, autographs and more. The band will also be doing highlighted performances on select festival dates such as Lollapalooza, Sturgis bike rally, Psycho Las Vegas and Blue Ridge Rockfest.

CKY released "The Phoenix" last summer via Entertainment One (eOne). The all-new LP was the first release since the band put out "Carver City" in 2009. The disc was engineered and mixed at Rancho De La Luna, the highly regarded recording studio in Joshua Tree, California.

Last October, CKY released a music video for the single "Head For A Breakdown", directed by The Costa Sisters. The clip was shot in and around London during the band's near sell-out run earlier last year.

Polish rock masters RIVERSIDE will release their seventh studio album, "Wasteland", on September 28 via their longtime label InsideOut Music. The disc will once again feature artwork designed by longtime visual partner Travis Smith (OPETH, DEVIN TOWNSEND).

"Wasteland" track listing:

01. The Day After

02. Acid Rain

03. Vale Of Tears

04. Guardian Angel

05. Lament

06. The Struggle For Survival

07. River Down Below

08. Wasteland

09. The Night Before


RIVERSIDE's Mariusz Duda checked in with the following comment about the album's overall concept: "I'd been thinking about exploring 'post-apocalyptic' regions for a long time. I read books, watched films, played video games, all connected by stories about an attempt to survive in a world that had just ended. But writing such a story myself didn't make much sense until now.

"RIVERSIDE are starting a new chapter and after our recent experiences, a story like that has gained more meaning. 'Wasteland' is mostly about what's happening in the world these days but it also makes a reference to the tragedy that befell the band in 2016. Musically, we've returned to darker sounds but we have also turned a new page and recorded the album in a different style. It's still RIVERSIDE, but expressed in a much deeper and more mature way.

"Most artists say the same thing while promoting their new releases: that they have just created their best work to date. I won't say that because everything we have done so far has been consistently very good and unique. But I will say that we have never had such an incredible emotional load on any of our previous releases, and it's not likely that we will ever make such a charged album again. 'Wasteland' is an epic, multidimensional, poetic and very deep album. Perhaps of the once-in-a-lifetime kind.”


RIVERSIDE's "Wasteland" marks the first studio album effort with newly composed music after the tragic passing of founding member and guitarist Piotr Grudziński on February 21, 2016.

After having just performed on a string of European festivals, including the prestigious Night Of The Prog festival at the historic Loreley Amphitheater in Germany last weekend, RIVERSIDE is next embarking on the "Wasteland 2018 Tour" throughout October/November to support the release of the upcoming album.