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3 ìàð 2017


Australia’s HARLOTT To Release Extinction Album In April; “First World Solutions” Single StreamingOn April 7th, Australian thrashers Harlott will release their new album, Extinction, worldwide via Metal Blade Records.
Harlott returns with a harrowing offering of thrash metal, and a bleak interpretation of mankind's future. A blistering assault of speed and aggression awaits those who endure Extinction, as well as a reverent journey into the power and force that is metal.
For a preview of the album, the first single, "First World Solutions", can be streamed below. The album can pre-ordered here in the following formats:
- Digipak CD
- 180g black vinyl
- clear blue green vinyl (limited to 200 copies - EU exclusive)
- toxic green vinyl (limited to 100 copies - EU exclusive)
- burnt orange-marbled vinyl (limited to 100 copies - USA exclusive)
* digital options are also available
Featuring artwork by Andrei Bouzikov, Extinction is Harlott's third album and the successor to 2015's critically acclaimed Proliferation. Recorded at Monolith Studios (Orpheus Omega, In Malice's Wake, Bane of Winterstorm) and mastered by Jens Bogren (Kreator, Opeth, Soilwork), the album seeks to rain pure savagery upon any listener with furious riffs, spitting verses and face melting shred that are blended effortlessly with triumphant melodies and thundering groove to make a diverse and adaptable record which pays tribute to the kings of thrash metal, while making waves in the new dawn of evil. Taking what they had already mastered and pushing the limits of dissonance, evil, and atmosphere, they bring together an offering that will satisfy the bloodlust of their manic legion, and draw in the revelers of a dying breed. Containing 12 songs of pure bedlam, Extinction pauses only for the deafening silence between each blistering track.
Extinction tracklisting:
“Extinction”
“First World Solutions”
“The Penitent”
“Whore”
“No Past”
“Conflict Revelation”
“Better Off Dead”
“Violent Conspirator”
“And Darkness Brings The Light”
“Final Weapon”
“Parasite”
“Epitaph”
“First World Solutions”:
Harlott lineup:
Andrew Hudson - Guitar/Vocals
Ryan Butler - Lead Guitar
Tomas Richards - Bass
Tim Joyce - Drums 1
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3 ìàð 2017


GALLEY BEGGAR To Release Heathen Hymns Album In April; Details RevealedRise Above Records will release Galley Beggar’s new album, Heathen Hymns, on April 28th.
“We've always been compared to folk rock bands, but we haven't always fitted into the genre exactly," says Galley Beggar vocalist Maria O'Donnell. "We've gone to folk festivals, but because we're electric we don't fit in there. People like to put us in boxes, and I suppose folk rock is the closest thing. We're quite happy being different!"
To reduce Galley Beggar's allure down to a simple matter of folk rock revivalism would be foolish. With a sound that incorporates all manner of unexpected elements while always celebrating the mischievous spirit of folk music across the centuries, these Kentish chameleons have been steadily earning a formidable reputation since forming back in 2009. Over the course of three acclaimed albums - Reformation House (2010), Galley Beggar (2012) and Silence & Tears (2014), the band's first for Rise Above Records - Galley Beggar have pulled off the neat trick of simultaneously honouring and upgrading the psychedelic folk rock template, both reveling in the simple magic of acoustic instrumentation and joyfully harnessing the lysergic power of the electric too. And now they are poised to release their fourth and finest album, Heathen Hymns. A dizzying blend of the traditional and the untried, it's a record full of absorbing musical stories that showcase a newfound lust for experimentation.
For all its many detours down psychedelic rabbit warrens and shadowy, fog-shrouded footpaths, Heathen Hymns is still an album with melody and humanity at its core. Fresh originals like the hypnotic “Four Birds” and the woozy raga rock of “Moon & Tide” wield an insidious charisma, but it's the way Galley Beggar's collective ingenuity collides with the sacrosanct likes of traditional standards “Let No Man Steal Your Thyme” [here featuring a guest vocal from Celia Drummond of UK acid folk legends Trees] and “The Girl I Left Behind Me” that confirms this album as both an unequivocal triumph for creativity and a platinum-plated treasure trove for aficionados everywhere.
Although already firmly established in folk rock circles, Galley Beggar's greatest achievement to date is arguably their ongoing assimilation into the world of heavy music. Aided by their association with Rise Above, the band are picking up fans from both the metal and the prog worlds, their reliably idiosyncratic flair ensuring that all but the most cynical punters will eventually be drawn towards the GB web.
"We do take a lot of inspiration from heavier bands, so it's great that the rock and metal audience are starting to embrace us," says Maria. "However, all of us have a varied taste and grew up listening to loads of different things, so we just take a little bit from everything along the way".
2016 was a relatively quiet year for Galley Beggar but as Heathen Hymns begins to cast its spell on the psychedelic (and not so psychedelic) hordes, it seems that Maria and her comrades are ready, willing and eager to hit the road and share these new bursts of dazzling sonic light with the masses.
Heathen Hymns tracklisting:
“Salome”
“Four Birds”
“The Girl I Left Behind Me”
“The Lake”
“Lorelei”
“Moon And Tide”
“Let No Man Steal Your Thyme”
“My Return”
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3 ìàð 2017


GRUESOME Streaming Demo Version Of “Psychic Twin” TrackModern purveyors of old-school death metal, Gruesome, recently announced a new EP entitled Fragments Of Psyche. The EP further continues the band’s homage to the legendary band Death and offers a glimpse into the next era of Gruesome.
Fragments Of Psyche is due out March 31st on CD/7”EP/Digital via Relapse Records and features a two-song slab of Death Human-era worship including a brand new studio track with special guest drums from Sean Reinert (Death, Cynic) along with a "Humanized” reworking of Death’s classic track “Choke On It” off of their second album, Leprosy. The CD and digital versions include five deliciously raw, bonus demo tracks of the band's first ever recordings.
Physical pre-order and bundles are available via Relapse.com here and digital downloads can be pre-ordered at Bandcamp here. “Psychic Twin” (Demo Version) is available for streaming below.
Vocalist/Guitarist Matt Harvey commented on the new EP: “We are super psyched about this EP as it features a very, very special guest: Mr. Sean Reinert who did an incredible job on the tune we wrote for him. I can't even express how humbled I am to have such an incredible musician and equally great dude as Sean playing on one of our songs. Having Sean do this with us really makes it feel like we are honouring the legacy of Death in the best way that we collectively know how.
“This EP is all about connecting the different eras of the Death discography and also bridging the Gruesome sound into new areas moving forward. It's only fitting that we pay homage to the Leprosy record with this “Humanized” reimagined version that Gus and Dan did a fantastic job arranging.
We are really excited to continue paying tribute to Chuck's work in all the different eras of Death as we move forward with Gruesome. We hope that you enjoy going along with us, thanks for checking out our tunes and let the death metal flow.”
Fragments Of Psyche tracklisting:
“Fragments Of Psyche”
“Choke On It '91”
“Closed Casket” (Demo Version)
“Gangrene” (Demo Version)
“Gruesome” (Demo Version)
“Psychic Twin” (Demo Version)
“Savage Lands” (Demo Version)
“Psychic Twin” (Demo Version):
“Fragments Of Psyche”:
Gruesome is:
Daniel Gonzalez - Guitar
Matt Harvey - Guitar, vocals
Robin Mazen - Bass
Gus Rios - Drums 4
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3 ìàð 2017


UNLEASH THE ARCHERS To Release Apex Album In June; Details RevealedIt has now been 10 years of Unleash The Archers. These heavy metal heroes are celebrating this honour with an exhilarating feast on their upcoming album, Apex, out on June 2nd via Napalm Records.
Channeling the fiery brilliance of shooting stars, there is immense beauty on Apex, and it clutches you with a fervour that lingers well beyond the last cymbal decay.
The band states: “We are extremely excited to release another full on concept album; it's just so much fun to play out a story when you're up on stage. This one has a protagonist that we call 'The Immortal' being forced to serve the antagonist, a.k.a. 'The Matriarch' as she embarks down a very dark path to achieve immortality. We had a great time writing this record, and I think the cohesiveness of the story has really shone through in the music as well. It has a certain vibe throughout, from beginning to end, and we can't wait to hear what our fans have to say about the direction this album has taken. We don't like to write the same record over and over again and we are very happy with the progression of our sound on Apex. We think it will appeal to all of our fans old and new; it has the best parts of our past albums combined into one with just a little more spit and polish.”
Ken Sarafin created the picturesque album artwork for Apex. This album takes nerves of steel; from its opener “Awakening” to the title track that closes the album, the listener will partake in a furious adventure, weaving through elements of the strongest metal genres of our time. You’ll be guided by the shimmering heat of sweeping lead guitars, face-melting solos, deafening growls, pummeling bass lines and of course the thrilling hooks of Brittney Slayes' queen-size voice.
Tracklisting:
“Awakening”
“Shadow Guide”
“The Matriarch”
“Cleanse The Bloodlines”
“The Coward's Way”
“False Walls”
“Ten Thousand Against One”
“Earth And Ashes”
“Call Me Immortal”
“Apex”
Through swift melodies and a flair for the dramatic, Unleash The Archers newest release compels you to chant with fists raised high in the air, "All hail heavy metal!” Stay tuned for more news to come.
Lineup:
Brittney Slayes - Vocals
Scott Buchanan - Drums
Grant Truesdell - Guitar, Vocals
Andrew Kingsley - Guitar, Vocals
Nikko Whitworth - Bass
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3 ìàð 2017


VALBORG Stream New Song “Beerdigungsmaschine”German extreme metal band Valborg has signed with underground indie Lupus Lounge / Prophecy Productions. The self-described “German metal monster” will release its new full-length LP, Endstrand, on April 7th. In advance of the record's release, the new song “Beerdigungsmaschine” can be enjoyed via the YouTube clip below.
Championed by Celtic Frost / Triptykon architect Tom G. Warrior as "abundantly original and unique" and "a mixture of Bohren und der Club of Gore, early Black Sabbath and Hellhammer," Valborg creates dense, inventive music that escapes categorization. The trio’s blunt, forceful songs are at once raw and primitive yet hold a nihilistic sophistication that forges clouds of nightmarish atmosphere, giving them a narcotic, dreamlike feel that very few bands achieve.
Produced by Markus Siegenhort (Lantlôs), Endstrand is a 13 song end-time vision hosting apparitions of empty beaches, bunkers in the dunes, novel biological phenomenon, washed up artifacts, noise distorted signals and omnipresent whirring, all of which float above the backdrop of Valborg’s utterly barbaric death crunch. Forging "brutal and wasted, yet powerful" music, Valborg unleashes sound as scorched-earth policy on Endstrand, delivering an immersive mysteriousness and darkness that has earned the group the right to be called one of Europe’s most exciting extreme metal bands.
"Working with Prophecy now feels natural and good to us," comments Valborg bassist Jan Buckard. "We’re looking forward to a pleasant time together."
Tracklisting:
"Jagen"
"Blut am Eisen"
"Orbitalwaffe"
"Beerdigungsmaschine"
"Stossfront"
"Bunkerluft"
"Geisterwürde"
"Alter"
"Plasmabrand"
"Ave Maria"
"Atompetze"
"Strahlung"
"Exodus"
Pre-order Endstrand at this location.
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3 ìàð 2017


NECROWRETCH Stream New Track "Curse Of Blasphemy"Necrowretch from Valence, France have released a new track from their forthcoming album Satanic Slavery. This vicious dose of death metal titled "Curse Of Blasphemy" can be heard via the following YouTube clip.
Regarding "Curse Of Blasphemy", guitarist and vocalist Vlad comments: "Spewed out from our forthcoming album Satanic Slavery, 'Curse Of Blasphemy' is an evil incantation composed to the Evil God of the Dark Spells, from its most devoted zealots. Surrender now and renounce your life to the Serpent of Old. Torment, pain and suffering!"
Satanic Slavery will be released worldwide on April 14th. Pre-orders are available across several CD and LP formats at this location. The artwork and tracklisting can be found below:
"Sprawl Of Sin"
"Tredeciman Blackfire"
"Satanic Slavery"
"Evil Names"
"Hellspawn Pyre"
"Bestial Rites"
"Curse Of Blasphemy"
"Verses From The Depths"
Established in 2008, France's Necrowretch draw their inspiration from some of the genre's most grotesque and evil cornerstone bands, ranging from the likes of Merciless, Nihilist and Marduk, to Finnish legends Impaled Nazarene and the early brutality of the USA's Death. Necrowretch's signature fast, occasionally melodic black metallic riffing defines their trademark vicious and maniacal sound.
"Sprawl Of Sin":
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3 ìàð 2017


WITHIN THE RUINS Debut “Objective Reality” Music VideoMassachusetts metal veterans, Within The Ruins, have debuted a video for the new song, "Objective Reality". The video is available for streaming below.
“Objective Reality”, ”Beautiful Agony" and "Death Of The Rockstar" are available on all major streaming services and will be offered as an iTunes instant gratification tracks. Fans who pre-order the album today will get all three tracks immediately as a download.
Within The Ruins will release Halfway Human on Friday, March 3rd via Entertainment One (eOne) in North America and SPV overseas. The band recorded the new effort from their own studio with producer and guitar player Joe Cocchi at the helm. Vocal production took place at Zing studios in Westfield, MA with Jim Fogarty (Killswitch Engage, The Devil Wears Prada).
"The writing process was a bit different for this album," says Cocchi. "We took a step back and kind of reviewed some of our older material. Typically we'd rush and blast out a group of songs and then hit the studio. At the time it felt right. And It had a more organic feel. Now because of a combination of maturity and honestly just feeling sick of the same old formula, we really focused on creating something different sounding."
Halfway Human will be the band's followup to the critically acclaimed Phenomena LP released in 2014. Cocchi concludes, "We went back to a more organic style of writing and production. I personally was finally able to abandon a lot of my writing habits or 'rules,' if you will. No more 'oh, that part doesn't really sound like us, have to change that,' type of bullshit. Doing that created a fresher sound. This is the most raw and extreme sounding material we've ever written. Keep an eye out for studio blogs and more updates."
Within The Ruins maintain an emphasis on showmanship but with diversity, smartly sidestepping predictable structures and contrived breakdowns. Born and bred in the same heavy metal rich Northeast soil as New Wave Of American Heavy Metal progenitors Killswitch Engage, All That Remains, Unearth and Shadows Fall and weaned on the dark sounds of classic death metal, the technical melodicism of Scandinavia and the precision staccato crunch of Meshuggah, Within The Ruins have busted their collective ass to carve out a unique identity for themselves from those ingredients.
Within The Ruins are refreshingly authentic, feverishly committed and have proven that they will endure. Filled with power, deserving of utter respect, armed with concise compositions and technical might, Within The Ruins will not be stopped.
Tracklisting:
“Shape-Shifter”
“Death Of The Rockstar”
“Beautiful Agony”
“Incomplete Harmony”
“Bittersweet”
“Objective Reality”
“Absolution”
“Ivory Tower”
“Sky Splitter”
“Ataxia IV”
“Treadstone”
“Objective Reality” video:
"Beautiful Agony" video:
“Death Of The Rockstar”:
The band are on the road in support of the new LP with friends in Born Of Osiris on The New Reign Tour. Click here for all tour dates.
(Photo - Jeremy Saffer)
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3 ìàð 2017


DANKO JONES - Unboxing Wild Cat Limited Edition Box Set; VideoCanadian rockers Danko Jones have released an unboxing video for the limited box set edition their upcoming Wild Cat album, out on March 3rd via eOne in Canada and Bad Taste Records/AFM Records internationally.
Danko Jones have never felt more vibrant or hungry than they are on Wild Cat. The 11-track album is a raw representation of the band’s collective musical history and influences, and without a doubt their most solid album yet.
Tracklisting:
“I Gotta Rock”
“My Little RnR”
“Going Out Tonight”
“You Are My Woman”
“Do This Every Night”
“Let's Start Dancing”
“Wild Cat”
“She Likes It”
“Success In Bed”
“Diamond Lady”
“Revolution (But Then We Make Love)”
“My Little RnR” video:
Wild Cat teaser:
Wild Cat is available as a special limited edition coloured vinyl - 500 units each - in black, white, purple yellow and orange. Go to this location for purchase details.
(Top photo - Dustin Rabin)
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3 ìàð 2017


TREAT - “Ready For The Taking” Live Video StreamingSwedish melodic rockers, Treat, will release their first ever live CD and first live DVD/Blu-Ray in over 10 years, entitled The Road More Or Less Traveled - Live In Milano on April 21st. A video for “Ready For The Taking” from the upcoming release is available for streaming below.
On April 23rd, 2016, Treat played a hotly anticipated set at Frontiers Rock Festival III. Held close to Milano, Italy, this was the third annual edition of the festival and saw Treat playing hot on the heels of the release of their latest studio album, Ghost Of Graceland. The release date of this live album happens to be about one year after the initial performance took place and almost coincides with the 2017 edition of the Frontiers Rock Festival as well.
The band took the stage by storm, opening the show with the title track from their last studio album and showcasing a very special lineup, which features H.E.A.T. keyboardist Jona Tee taking the place of Patrik Appelgren for this exclusive performance. Treat offered a show with a great mixture of new and recent songs taken from their latest album, the highly regarded 2010 release Coup De Grace, and classic songs from the good ol’ days including “World Of Promises”, “Get You On The Run”, and “Ready For The Taking”.
Says guitarist Anders Wikström, “As we haven’t released a live home video in 10 years, let alone a live album ever, and then Serafino asked us, we were more than delighted, and frankly, long overdue, to show our fans what we been up to for the last couple of years. With so many albums to choose from and our audience constantly asking for different songs in the setlist, this was a great opportunity to close one chapter, only to start writing the next. "The Road more or Less Traveled” is a great reminder for anyone to see that Treat is very much a living and breathing live entity!”
Treat’s performance was truly a unique and special one and this live video documents a great moment in the band’s history as well as serving as a celebration of one of Sweden’s finest hard rock bands ever!
"This year will take us right back we belong, on stage! We have some really cool surprises and will of course play the best of the new, but also older songs we haven’t performed in ages! See you all on tour through 2017,” concludes Anders.
The Road More or Less Traveled will be released on CD/DVD, Blu-Ray standalone, and digital editions.
Tracklisting:
“Ghost Of Graceland”
“Better The Devil You Know”
“Non Stop Madness”
“Ready For The Taking”
“Papertiger”
“Do Your Own Stunts”
“Endangered”
“Gimme One More Night”
“We Own The Night”
“Roar”
“Get You On The Run”
“Conspiracy”
“Skies Of Mongolia”
“World Of Promises”
Treat tour dates:
March
25 - Torp - Avesta, Sweden
31 - High Voltage - Copenhagen, Denmark
April
1 - Oefenbunker - Landgraaf, Netherlands
2 - Roxy - Flensburg, Germany
4 - Garage DeLuxe - Munich, Germany
5 - Kreuz - Obermachtal, Germany
6 - Der Cult - Nurnberg, Germany
May
17 - Shibuya Club Quattro - Tokyo, Japan
18 - Umeda Quattro - Osaka, Japan
27 - Kalos Festival - Madrid, Spain
August
25 - Hair Metal Heaven Festival - Hull UK
Band lineup:
Robert Ernlund: Lead vocals
Anders Wikström: Lead Guitars and vocals
Pontus Egberg: Electric Bass and vocals
Jamie Borger: Drums
Patrick Appelgren: Keyboards and vocals
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3 ìàð 2017


BLACK SABBATH - Final Two Shows On The End Tour Earn $2.72 Million In Ticket Sales; Billboard "Hot Tours" Chart Position RevealedBillboard.com's "Hot Tours" list of top-grossing tours features Black Sabbath at #2, boasting $2.72 million in ticket sales from the band's two night stand at The O2 arena in London, England on January 29th and January 31st shows on their The End tour. Reports indicate Black sabbath raked in over $100 million worldwide on the tour.
Black Sabbath’s days of extensive touring may be over, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the end for the legendary band.
Speaking with Planet Rock, guitarist Tony Iommi reveals that the band hasn’t ruled out one-off shows or recording new material.
"No, I don't think we've ruled anything out, apart from me not wanting to tour any more on that scale, but who knows, we may do something,” says Iommi. “We haven't spoken about it. That's another thing.. we haven't talked about anything, really, that's to do with what's going to happen afterwards. But I'm sure something can happen somewhere."
Listen below:
Black Sabbath - Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler - along with touring drummer Tommy Clufetos, performed the final show of The End tour on Saturday, February 4th in their hometown of Birmingham, England at the Genting Arena. The band ran through a string of their classics last night before calling an end to The End with one of their most-loved classics, “Paranoid”.
Black Sabbath performed the following classics for one last time:
“Black Sabbath”
“Fairies Wear Boots”
“Under The Sun / Every Day Comes And Goes”
“After Forever”
“Into The Void”
“Snowblind”
“War Pigs”
“N.I.B.”
“Hand Of Doom”
“Supernaut” / “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath / “Megalomania” (riff medley)
“Rat Salad”
“Iron Man”
“Dirty Women”
“Children of the Grave”
Encore:
“Paranoid” 7
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3 ìàð 2017


IMMOLATION Release Seventh Atonement Video TrailerNew York death metal giants, Immolation, released their new album, Atonement, on February 24th via Nuclear Blast Records. Today, the band has released the seventh video trailer, in which Ross Dolan and Robert Vigna chat about if they change their sound from album to album. Watch below:
Atonement was recorded at Millbrook Sound Studios in Millbrook, NY with longtime producer Paul Orofino, and mixed and mastered once again by Zack Ohren (All Shall Perish, Suffocation). Cover art was created by renowned artist Pär Olofsson (Immortal, Exodus), along with additional artwork by the very talented Zbigniew Bielak (Enslaved, Watain).
Order a physical copy of Atonement by itself or in various bundles from the Nuclear Blast webshop.
Atonement tracklisting:
“The Distorting Light”
“When The Jackals Come”
“Fostering The Divide”
“Rise The Heretics”
“Thrown To The Fire”
“Destructive Currents”
“Lower”
“Atonement”
“Above All”
“The Power Of Gods”
“Epiphany”
Bonus Track (CD only):
“Immolation” (re-recorded)
“Fostering The Divide” lyric video:
“Destructive Currents”:
Immolation are out with Max & Iggor Cavalera on the second leg of their Return To Roots Tour.
"We are really excited to be a part of this tour! It is no secret that Sepultura was one of our earliest influences, and Max and Iggor were the force behind it all! From Bestial Devastation and Morbid Visions to Schizophrenia, Sepultura was one of the classic metal acts that is responsible for inspiring us to do what we do!
"To be able to join these guys around the US is definitely something special for us and we feel this whole package is going to have a lot to offer for the entire extreme metal scene! We look forward to seeing the metal masses out there in February!"
March
1 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
2 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
3 - San Francisco, CA - Slims
4 - Santa Ana, CA - Observatory
Immolation is:
Ross Dolan - bass/vocals
Robert Vigna - guitar
Steve Shalaty - Drums
Alex Bouks - guitar
(Photo - Rodrigo Fredes) 3
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3 ìàð 2017


SUFFERING HOUR To Release In Passing Ascension Album In May; Two Tracks StreamingBlood Harvest Records announces May 26th as the international release date for Suffering Hour's debut album, In Passing Ascension, on both CD and vinyl LP formats.
One of the most exciting new bands Blood Harvest has had the pleasure of hearing, Suffering Hour exhibit a power and maturity that exceeds their otherwise short existence. Theirs is a death metal that defies most modern paradigms, safely eluding prevailing trends whilst driving deep into the heart of timeless death metal art, evoking mysticism as surely as molten crush, songwriting class as surely as hideous chaos, with a serpentine flow like no other.
As a title, In Passing Ascension is thus apt. There's something elusively transcendent about the sonic wormholes Suffering Hour create here, something that sounds plucked effortlessly from the ether whilst being grounded in the dirt and grime and filth of the earth - and, surely, the foundation of death metal itself. It's a sensation of floating across suspended terra firma, as paradoxical as that may read on paper. For verily, Suffering Hour have mastered the art of extremes: melodicism vs. miasma, space vs. swarm, tech vs. hypnosis, osmosis vs. disintegration, death metal as art vs. death metal as death metal.
In Passing Ascension therefore is an experience in and of itself, a virtual world in which to roam (and perhaps get lost). With suitable (and suitably stirring) cover art created by Witchrist's Alexander Brown, In Passing Ascension shall soon be hailed as one of the year's mightiest death metal debuts. Hear for yourself - "Devouring Shapeless Void" and "Through Vessels of Arcane Power" are available for streaming below.
Pre-order for the CD can be found here, while the pre-order for the vinyl can be found here.
Tracklisting:
“Insufferable Scorn”
“For The Putridity Of Man”
“Devouring Shapeless Void”
“The Abrasive Black Dust”
“Withering Microcosmos”
“Through Vessels Of Arcane Power”
“Procession To Obscure Infinity”
“Empty Avowls”
In Passing Ascension CD / 12"LP by SUFFERING HOUR
A statement from the band reads: "Suffering Hour are proud to announce our allegiance with Swedish label Blood Harvest. We will be releasing our debut album, In Passing Ascension, on CD and on black and colored wax. Blood Harvest has done releases for some of our personal favourite bands, such as Altars, Impetuous Ritual, and Adversarial, just to name a few. We are extremely excited to be working with a label of this quality in every respect of the word, and we're 100% sure Rodrigo will be doing our album justice. In Passing Ascension is an album we have been working on since summer of 2014, and after years of hard work, we're ready to present the album to you all. The album is our take on cosmic blackened death metal, with themes deeply rooted in nihilism and cynicism. Some of the big influences on this album range from Inquisition and Mgla to The Chasm and Dead Congregation. There will be more news coming soon, so stay tuned." 1
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3 ìàð 2017


Finland’s A LIE NATION To Release Begin Hate EP In April; “Shooting The Messenger” Video StreamingFinnish melodic extreme metal quintet, A Lie Nation, will release their second EP, called Begin Hate, on April 5th via Inverse Records.
Begin Hate is rough, yet melodic, extreme metal with an original touch that fuses elements from black and death metal with rock-like straightforwardness. The four song EP is a study of negative mindscapes of the human species and it spans from extreme aggression to apocalyptic and self-destructive atmospheres. Heavy hitting rhythms and razor sharp vocals are balanced out with intriguing melodies and smoothly grinding bass lines. Begin Hate does not bow to anyone or anything, but is sure to leave a mark with its energetic destructiveness.
Begin Hate was recorded during 2016 in Oulu, Finland. Recording, mixing, mastering and the cover art has been fully produced within A Lie Nation.
Tracklisting:
“Rot Of The Spirit”
“Shooting The Messenger”
“Into Black Divine”
“A Burn Afar”
“Shooting The Messenger” video:
Lineup:
Markus Leinonen, drums
Joonas Kokkoniemi, bass guitar
Joni Moisanen, guitar
Miikka Pyykkönen, vocals
Jussi Tuomisto, guitar 1
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3 ìàð 2017


ETERNAL REST Debut “Extinguished” Music Video; A Death In The Darkness Album Details RevealedEternal Rest introduce the first song and video, “Extinguished”, from the band’s crushing new album, A Death In The Darkness, out March 24th via Truth Inc Records. Pre-orders for the album are available now at this location.
A Death In The Darkness was mixed and mastered by Joe Cincotta at Full Force Studio NY (Obituary, Suffocation) and features a guest appearance by the mighty Joe Haley of Psycroptic.
Tracklisting:
“The Garment Of Death”
“Abolished”
“Scorned In Fractured Light”
“If My Dreams Wore A Crown”
“Heralds Of Woe”
“Halls Of Misery”
“Enlightened By Darkness” (featuring Joe Haley, Psycroptic)
“Atop The Towers”
“Extinguished”
“The Nectar Of Evil”
“Curse You All”
“Extinguished” video: 1
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3 ìàð 2017


THUNDER Perform “The Rain” At Planet Rock Studios; VideoLondon, England-based rock legends, Thunder, featuring Planet Rock's own Danny Bowes, performed the Wonder Days album track “The Rain” live at Planet Rock's studios in front of a tiny audience of competition winners. Watch the performance below:
Thunder released their new studio album, Rip It Up, on February 10th via earMUSIC.
About the new album, the band shared: “It was recorded in three sessions (March, June and August) and it's a real step up in every direction. There are 11 brand new cracking tunes, all written as ever by Luke (Morley). He also produced it, and our old mate Nick Brine recorded it at Rockfield in Monmouth (as with Wonder Days). This time we made a few changes, with some new mixing ears wrapped around it in the form of the talented Clint Murphy at Modern World, and Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound, who mastered it in New York USA. The album artwork was done by a fantastic Norwegian artist (yes he's an artist) called Magnus Gjoen. His work focuses on how things are not always what they seem, which we think is a bit like us.”
Rip It Up tracklisting:
“No One Gets Out Alive”
“Rip It Up”
“She Likes The Cocaine”
“Right From The Start”
“Shakedown”
“Heartbreak Hurricane”
“In Another Life”
“The Chosen One”
“The Enemy Inside”
“Tumbling Down”
“There's Always A Loser”
Trailer:
“Rip It Up”:
“No One Gets Out Alive” studio session:
Thunder continues: “Check out all the formats and the bundles in all their splendiferous glory, on our newly sexed-up online store.”
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3 ìàð 2017


NEXT STEP Announces New Album LegacyNext Step is a rock/metal band from Madrid, Spain. They will release their new album Legacy on March 17th.
In July 2016, the band released a music video for the song “Eternal”, which not only showed the maturity they were achieving in their compositions, but also served as a presentation for what was to come with their first album, receiving great critics from national and international media.
Their sound resembles the character of modern American rock and metal bands such as Alter Bridge, Trivium, Black Stone Cherry or Shinedown.
Legacy, as its own name indicates, is Next Step's particular legacy, their footprint. This work has Next Step’s purest essence, both musically and lyrically. It’s an album composed with great care and cooked in low fire that creates a dynamic and with this album the band feels fresher than ever.
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3 ìàð 2017


RONNIE JAMES DIO Hologram Will Tour The World, Says CreatorA hologram of the late Ronnie James Dio made its U.S. debut last month at the 28th annual Pollstar Awards at the The Novo (formerly Club Nokia) in Los Angeles, California. Created by Eyellusion, the appearance of the heavy metal icon took place during a performance by DIO DISCIPLES, which pays tribute to Ronnie and is fully supported by his widow/manager, Wendy.
DIO DISCIPLES features former DIO members Simon Wright (drums), Craig Goldy (guitar) and Scott Warren (keyboards) alongside vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) and bassist Bjorn Englen (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN). They are joined by singers Oni Logan (LYNCH MOB) and Joe Retta (SWEET, HEAVEN & EARTH).
The Dio hologram was first introduced at last year's Wacken Open Air festival in Germany.
Jeff Pezzuti, CEO of Eyellusion, recently spoke to AXS.com about plans for a tour featuring the hologram, which will showcase various eras of the legendary metal singer's career.
"The tour is currently being routed and we are hoping to make an announcement for an end of year kickoff in the coming months," he said.
"This is not just about the U.S. It is truly a world tour. Ronnie's fans are spread around the world and we intend to bring this exciting show to as many as we can.
"The show will not only feature Ronnie and his band but also live singers like Tim 'Ripper' Owens and others to complete the overall show vision. The show will feature effects and stage design that Ronnie made famous in the '80s and will also incorporate new technology into what will be some pretty awesome special effects. It will be a fun experience for all ages, and a way to experience the incredible catalog [RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, DIO] that Ronnie made famous. We will feature both the expected songs, as well as some crowd favorites that will be surprises."
Asked how the fans reacted to seeing the Ronnie James Dio hologram at the Pollstar Awards, Jeff said: "We opened the Pollstar Live! awards on February 2, with the Ronnie James Dio hologram performing with the DIO band. The band, which features Craig Goldy, Simon Wright, Scott Warren and Bjorn Englen, were on point and the performance of 'We Rock' wowed the audience. The room was electric and I was immediately swamped, post-performance, from audience members discussing how impressed they were.
"While we are proud of this performance, it's actually the last time we'll show this version of the Ronnie hologram.
"One comment we kept getting is that people that had seen our Wacken performance video online said that it's nothing compared to actually being in the room and seeing and feeling it — that is what makes people believers.
"We were so happy with the Pollstar Live! experience as an event, and tremendously proud of the panel and awards performance we put together.
"This is the most Ronnie has been talked about since before he passed away.
"We're accomplishing our original vision of making the artists that are so important to the fabric of rock and roll relevant again.
"Looking over at Wendy during the performance and seeing the smile on her face just really says it all."
Wendy, who manages DIO DISCIPLES and is affiliated with the Eyellusion team, said last year that she was blown away by the initial public appearance of the Ronnie James Dio hologram. "When I first experienced the full production of Ronnie performing with his band as a hologram, I couldn't believe my eyes and ears," she said. "We have been able to get Ronnie back up on stage where he belongs, ensuring that his music and memory live on."
Goldy defended DIO DISCIPLES' decision to perform with the Dio hologram, saying: "We know how much the fans miss Ronnie and the special and unequaled element that he brought to his live performances. Being able to recreate that same kind of magic for his fans at Wacken was incredible. For so many years, Ronnie always invested big in his live shows as his way to give back to the fans, and that is exactly what we aimed to do with this latest performance. We can't wait to bring this experience to even more of his fans and perhaps even a newer generation when we bring this incredible live experience on the road." 37
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3 ìàð 2017


MIKE PORTNOY Teases New Progressive Metal SupergroupMike Portnoy is making a record with as yet-undisclosed progressive metal supergroup.
The former DREAM THEATER drummer revealed the news via a post on his Facebook page. He shared a photo of himself in the studio and wrote in the accompanying caption: "Hmmmm....what have we here?? I'm in L.A. recording an album with something NEW... Sorry, this is all you're gonna get outta me on this for a while... More will be revealed at a later date... stay tuned! #ProgMetalSupergroup Coming soon..."
Asked in a 2014 interview how he goes about handling the changes in playing styles between his many different bands and projects, Portnoy said: "Well, I'm just a big music fan of every style, so it's very natural for me to play different styles with different bands and different musicians, and switch it from day to day, just because I'm a fan. It's very comfortable for me. I'm just such a fan of so many kinds of music that I could change hats from day to day, even from hour to hour. [Laughs]"
Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER more than thirty years ago, abruptly quit the band in September 2010 while on tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD. He has since been replaced by Mike Mangini (ANNIHILATOR, EXTREME, JAMES LABRIE, STEVE VAI).
Portnoy revealed a few years ago that he tried to rejoin DREAM THEATER, only to be rebuffed. He explained the move in a 2015 interview by saying: "I was doing whatever it would take to keep peace and keep things going smooth. And at that point, they were just only speaking through their lawyer. But it's a 25-year relationship coming to an end, so, obviously, it goes very, very deep, not only personally and emotionally, but also legally, and all the red tape that's involved with something like that. So it was a tough time, a tough period, and, luckily, we all got through it. But, yeah, I don't wish that kind of stuff on anybody in a band. It's tough."
Hmmmm....what have we here??I'm in LA recording an album with something NEW...Sorry, this is all you're gonna get...
Posted by Mike Portnoy on Wednesday, March 1, 201710
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3 ìàð 2017


THE SILENT WEDDING Streaming "Silence" VideoGreek bashers The Silent Wedding are gearing up for the release of their new album, Enigma Eternal, on March 10th by FYB Records. A new video for the track "Silence" is streaming below.
The cover artwork for Enigma Eternal was created by Travis Smith. Preorders can be found at FYB Records.
The tracklist is as follows:
"A Living Experiment"
"Shadows And Dust"
"What Lies Beyond"
"Insanity"
"The Endless Journey"
"A Dream Of Choices"
"Loneliness"
"Under The Veil Of Grey"
"Catharsis"
"Closer To The End"
"Silence"
"Hands Of Fate"
"Silence" video:
"A Dream Of Choices" lyric video featuring Evergrey's Tom Englund:
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3 ìàð 2017


DUST BOLT - “Exit” Acoustic Video StreamingDust Bolt have released a one shot video of vocalist/guitarist Lenny performing “Exit”, taken from the band’s latest album Mass Confusion, as an acoustic version. “Exit” is the first Dust Bolt song appearing with acoustic guitars and clean vocals and shows a different and so far new side of the band. The shot was taken on a day off during the band’s tour for the album at a small art studio close to their hometown.
Mass Confusion is out worldwide via Napalm Records. Order here.
Mass Confusion tracklisting:
“SickxBrain”
“Mass Confusion”
“Allergy”
“Turned To Grey”
“Blind To Art”
“Mind The Gap”
“Exit”
“Empty Faces”
“Taking Your Last Breath”
“Portraits Of Decay”
“Masters Of War”
“Into The Void” (LP Bonus Track)
“SickxBrain” video:
“Mass Confusion” video:
“Into The Void”:
Album preview: 1
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3 ìàð 2017


Former GHOST Member Publicly Identifies Himself For First TimeSwedish musician Martin Persner has released a two-minute video message claiming to have played guitar for the band GHOST under the name Omega. In the clip, which can be seen below, Martin says: "Hi, my name is Martin, and I've been a part of the rock band GHOST for seven years. Some of you people know me as Omega or Quintessence or a Nameless Ghoul or a fucking asshole for that matter.
"Since July of last year — 2016, that is — I'm no longer a part of GHOST, as some of you have noticed. The reasons why we'll take at another date, not today.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you so much to everyone that has supported us, and me, and having come to the shows and all the tours and everything. I'm very, very happy and humbled for having been able to do this. And I'd like to say a massive thanks to every one of you from the bottom of my heart.
"A long time ago, there was a band called MCC, MAGNA CARTA CARTEL. MCC went to sleep seven years ago as GHOST emerged. There really wasn't much time for MCC and hasn't been for a long, long time. Now things have changed and it's time that MCC wakes up and rises up again."
Up until now, none of the GHOST bandmembers' real names have ever been revealed, although singer Papa Emeritus is believed to be Swedish rock musician Tobias Forge, who writes almost all of the group's music and does most of the act's interviews disguised as a member of his backing band of Nameless Ghouls.
Since none of the musicians in the band are ever identified, personnel changes in the group have gone unannounced. It is believed, however, that the lineup has changed a few times over the years, including at the end of 2016, when Forge is rumored to have fired all five of the Nameless Ghouls following the completion of GHOST's North American tour. As a result, GHOST's upcoming European headlining trek — which kicks off at the end of March — will apparently mark the live debut of GHOST's new lineup, featuring Forge as the sole remaining member from the band that previously toured in support of "Meliora" and last year's "Popestar" EP.
During a recent interview with Metal Wani, the GHOST leader touched on the subject of lineup changes and how they have affected the band's sound over the years.
"From a practical point of view, you're interested in, on the one hand, preserving the sound, or the elements that make up the sound, and you still wanna progress," he said. "I think one of the secrets behind our preserving ability is the fact that we don't necessarily have to have the same six people in the room to make that sound, which helps.
"It's always a blessing and a curse when you have some of these classic bands over the course of rock and roll history, where in order for them to sound like that exact band, you need those four individuals, and if one is missing, it does not sound like that," he continued. "And, fortunately, we don't have that problem. Because performing GHOST and recording GHOST has never really been the same thing. So that we can preserve our sound; we don't have to rely on… if some people come and go, which is good. QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE is the same thing. Everything goes through Josh's [Homme] hands, and therefore it sounds like QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, regardless of who he brings in and out of the band, which is, I guess, a similar situation."
MAGNA CARTA CARTEL has just released its first new music in eight years.
"Sway" is the first track from an upcoming MCC release, due later this year. Like many before it in the world of music, it is a song about love and hate with lyrics dealing with two different persons perspective — and the lack of the same.
"Sway" was recorded last October at Studio Underjord and Secret Location Studios and was engineered by Joona Hassinen and produced by Niels Nielsen and MCC.
"Sway" will also be released as an exclusive 500-copies-only seven-inch vinyl single on April 20. 4
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3 ìàð 2017


Watch SUICIDAL TENDENCIES Perform In HoustonFan-filmed video footage of California crossover thrash/hardcore punk legends SUICIDAL TENDENCIES performing on March 1 at White Oak Music Hall in Houston, Texas can be seen in the YouTube playlist below (consisting of twelve clips).
SUICIDAL TENDENCIES' latest album, "World Gone Mad", was released last September. The follow-up to 2013's "13" disc was the band's first to feature former SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo and guitarist Jeff Pogan, who replaced Nico Santora in May 2016.
Lombardo told Metal Wani about "World Gone Mad": "I think it's very typical and very traditional SUICIDAL TENDENCIES. It's that style. It's [SUICIDAL TENDENCIES frontman] Mike Muir and he was a very special style in which he writes his music and his lyrics and his structures. And I love it; I love it. It takes me back to how it all started, which was that punk attitude. I'm very happy to be a part of his organization. I feel very welcomed. I feel very much appreciated, and there's a lot of respect amongst the musicians, and camaraderie. We have a really good time together. We hang out as a band, which is important; I feel it's very important."
In an interview with Jump Metal, Muir stated about Lombardo's musical contribution to the new SUICIDAL TENDENCIES album: "It's interesting, because a lot of people, obviously, associate [Dave] with the SLAYER sound. On some of the SUICIDAL songs, it's different musically, and you can see how really a tremendously diverse drummer that he is. I think some of the songs, obviously, people that love his drumming, they're gonna hear it and they're gonna really, really, I think, enjoy it. He's really excited about it. He's getting to play some different kind of things, and it just brings a whole different intensity and rhythmic feel to the band. And he's definitely got the Cuban thing going on, that Latin flavor, where he gets to do a little bit more in SUICIDAL than he did in SLAYER. I think you hear it and you definitely know it's Dave, but it definitely takes us to another level." 3
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3 ìàð 2017


THE OBSESSED: New Song 'Punk Crusher' Available For StreamingMaryland doom legends THE OBSESSED will release their first studio album in over twenty years, "Sacred", on April 7 via Relapse Records. The song "Punk Crusher", taken from "Sacred", can be streamed below. "Sacred" will be made available on CD, LP, deluxe double LP, and digital formats. Physical preorders and bundles are available via Relapse.com here and digital downloads can be preordered by Bandcamp at this location. The deluxe 2xLP bundle includes an enamel logo pin, signed art print, and two bonus tracks.
With renewed energy and purpose, THE OBSESSED sounds heavier and more relevant than ever before. On "Sacred", the band doubles down on enormous, heaving riffs and pummeling low-end across twelve tracks of eternal doom. Rounded out by guitarist/vocalist Scott "Wino" Weinrich's lyrical honesty and iconic throaty vocals, "Sacred" is an album that further pushes THE OBSESSED into the annals of heavy metal history, well worth the two-decade-plus wait. "Sacred" track listing:
01. Sodden Jackal02. Punk Crusher03. Sacred04. Haywire05. Perseverance Of Futility06. It's Only Money07. Cold Blood08. Stranger Things09. Razor Wire10. My Daughter My Son11. Be The Night12. Interlude13. On So Long (bonus)14. Crossroader Blues (bonus)
Weinrich, who has also played with SAINT VITUS, SPIRIT CARAVAN, THE HIDDEN HAND and SHRINEBUILDER, is joined in THE OBSESSED's current touring lineup by Reid Raley on bass, and Brian Constantino on drums.
Weinrich announced THE OBSESSED's return in March 2016 on social media, explaining in a statement: "All over the world I've listened to friends tell me, 'We want you to bring back THE OBSESSED,' so I have decided to resurrect THE OBSESSED." He added that he was "waiting for the right combination of ability, attitude and personality to accomplish this goal."
Forged in 1976 in Maryland, THE OBSESSED weathered various lineup shifts and an on-again-off-again status over the course of a winding, forty-year history. The band released three now-legendary full-lengths — 1990's "The Obsessed", 1991's "Lunar Womb" and 1994's "The Church Within" — as well as a gaggle of seven-inch singles and compilation appearances.
"The Church Within" was Wino's most critically hailed album. Despite being co-released by Hellhound Records and the major label Columbia Records, the music-buying masses were not ready to embrace doom in 1994 and instead fixated on buying records by rehashed pop-punk bands. Several factors led to "The Church Within" becoming THE OBSESSED's last full-length album. Despite not becoming a top-seller, the album remains hugely influential. 1
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