Omer Cordell, the mastermind behind Canadian metal project Trailight featuring vocalist Dave Padden (ex-Annihilator) and drummer Ryan van Poederooyen (Devin Townsend Project), has completed work on a single release cover of the Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds classic "The Weeping Song". It features Padden and Fear Factory frontman Burton C. Bell on vocals. It was released on February 22nd. Check it out below.

Cordell: "I can only think of a handful of people alive today who I consider to be the most prolific and inspiring artists who have influenced and inspired countless of people all over the world yet, in some way are considered to be unpopular. Who instead of following trends, the trends seem to follow them. Who continue to create their art without having to compromise their artistic vision and by doing so, they are able to create their own fusion and magic in music, words and visuals.And so, I wish to pay tribute to one of those people; one who I consider to be the most important artists of our time; the great Nick Cave. This is our version of 'The Weeping Song'

My endless gratitude to Dave Padden, Burton C. Bell, Cory McBain and Adrian Windsor for their great talent and hard work!"

Cordell recently spoke with BraveWords scribe Carl Begai about Trailight. Following is an excerpt from the interview.

“When I was first starting to think about doing this project, considering the vibe and riffs I was coming up with – ‘A Thousand Years’ was the first song I wrote – I knew who I wanted to play drums on it. Ryan has known me as a photographer for years, so when I called him up it was like ‘This may come as a surprise, but I’m making music now…’ (laughs). I asked if he’d be interested in playing on it and he wanted to hear the demos, but he had a bunch of touring to finish with Devin and then record the DVP double album. After that he had time to do my stuff.”

“Ryan came back from Devin’s album recording, learned my songs in about a week or 10 days, we had one day of pre-production where I had a chance to hear what he would be doing in the studio. Three days later we were in the studio and 10 hours later he was done recording. When we were finished I knew why I’d gotten Ryan to do it. He not only fits stylistically, he was also such an immense help with the whole process. I was basically flying blind. I’d been to the studios lots of times back when Strapping was around to take photos, but I’d never actually recorded in one before, so Ryan was helpful in guiding me.”

Cordell also took on outside help to produce The Primitive Mountain, a long and drawn out process that slowly deteriorated as the songs were being mixed. He eventually opted to take on the task of mixing and mastering himself; a daunting task on one hand, but the only option left if the album was going to live up to his expectations. Rather than a play-by-play of events, Cordell channels Metallica to sum up the situation.

“As far as the mix of the album, the first batch of songs that I sent you sound like St. Anger, and the final mixes sound like the Black album.”

Go to this location for the complete story.

Trailight recently released an official video for the song "Open Doors" from the debut, The Primitive Mountain:

The complete tracklist for The Primitive Mountain is as follows:

"Open Doors"
"Sentient Beings Pt. 1 - The Dim Future Of Our Distant Past"
"Sentient Beings Pt. 2 - All That We Are" 
"We Are The Ocean"
"Frail Human Form"
"The Primitive Mountain"
"Passer By"
"A Thousand Years"
"Navarino"
"Beyond The Rubicon"

Cordell released a 30 minute behind-the-scenes look at the production earlier this year, which can be viewed below. For information on Trailight go to this location.

Photo by Greg Rakozy



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UK-based metallists, Sworn Amongst, will be issuing their sophomore full-length, Under A Titan Sky, on February 26th. The video for “Wraith” is streaming below.
 
"Brutal, real, and unnerving!" is how the group's vocalist, Sy James, explains the hard to forget clip. "The video is a representation of those of us, or should I say all of us that live with our demons on any level! We are all responsible for the things that are buried deep within us no matter how big or small! The question is, 'So you control them, or do they control you'?"
 
The band - which also includes Jonny Barker (riffs’n’shreds), James Cooper (riffs), Jonny Harper (drums) - initially came to the fore when they won a Kerrang! unsigned competition, but since then have firmly established themselves on the live circuit, having played increasingly higher-up-the-bill shows at countless European festivals, as well as Download, Bloodstock and Hammerfest, and supported the likes of Anthrax, Sepultura, Meshuggah, Skindred, Evile and Sylosis.

The band are thrilled to be signed to the label SMG with worldwide relationships. “Sworn Amongst are extremely proud to have recently become part of the SMG roster,” says the band’s drummer Jonny Harper.  “The label has injected new life into the band and has given us their all, having worked tremendously hard to help further our name and expose our forthcoming releases to the world…and long may it continue!"
 
Soon, Sworn Amongst will be expanding their following globally, with the metallic onslaught known as Under A Titan Sky.

Tracklisting:

“Wraith”
“Torn Asunder”
“Degradation, Genesis”
“Under A Titan Sky”
“Ruins Of Our Own Construction”
“Kolin Nem”
“The Resistance”
“Through The Eyes Of The Decimated”
“Laments”
“Low”
“The Ash Of Your Demise” (Bonus track)

“Wraith” video:



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France’s BlackRain have launched an EPK (Electronic Press Kit) in support of their upcoming new album, Released, out via UDR Music on March 25th. The legendary Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, Cheap Trick) is on production duty once again on BlackRain’s fourth CD, Released.

Tracklisting:

“Back in Town”
“Mind Control”
“Killing Me”
“Run Tiger Run”
“Puppet On A String”
“Words Ain´t Enough”
“Eat You Alive”
“Home”
“For Your Love”
“Fade To Black”
“Electric Blue”
“Rock My Funeral”
“One Last Prayer”

EPK:

“Back In Town” lyric video:



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Tucson, AZ-based trio North have premiered a video for “Light The Way”, the title track from their upcoming new album. See the clip below:

Listen to the album track “Earthmind”:

In the decade-plus they’ve been a band, North has ebbed and flowed their way into becoming one of the most respected outfits in the underground metal scene. Despite a series of lineup changes and personal setbacks, North has returned stronger and more focused than ever on their debut full-length release for Prosthetic Records, Light The Way.

One week prior to the album's March 18th worldwide release, the band will play a hometown record release show at Tucson's Club Congress before embarking on a North American jaunt with Intronaut. A full listing of dates can be found listed below. Tickets are available here.

Originally starting off in 2005 as an instrumental act, North has continued to push the boundaries of the heavier side of post-rock. Formed by Evan Leek (bass) and Zack Hansen (drums) and rounded out by guitarists Ty Engle and Matt Mutterperl, the band’s first recordings were done in Hansen’s bedroom and self-released. With their debut 2006 EP Siberia, they soon made a name for themselves in the Arizona scene, supporting others in the genre such as Caspian, Tera Melos and This Will Destroy You on those bands’ southwestern tour stops.

Eventually, the group decided to expand the sound of the band, adding vocals on 2008’s What You Were, which was met with critical acclaim and expanded touring throughout the US. When it came time for the band to begin work on their next record, numerous line-up changes occurred. Writing stopped, started, stopped again and at times the band wondered if it would ever restart again. Amazingly enough, this turmoil produced their best material to date. The Great Silence, released in the summer of 2012, was a compelling fusion of post-rock and metal and garnered their finest reviews yet. The band toured for a year to support the album, but after two members left the group, North once again questioned its future.

The three remaining members, Leek, Hansen and Mutterperl, regrouped and sat down to write for the first time as a three-piece and found the chemistry the best it had ever been. Four tracks came together quickly, which was released as the Metanoia EP, and the guys did what they do best: play live. There seemed to be a genuine rebirth in the band as they embarked their most extensive touring to date. It was shortly after this that the group signed to Prosthetic Records – which reissued Metanoia and Siberia last year – and quickly began working on new material, not wanting to lose the momentum they were feeling. The two-track single, "Through Raven’s Eyes”, recorded in early 2015, saw the band at possibly its darkest and heaviest, musically speaking. Now, with Light The Way, North begins a new chapter – one that kicks off with the highest-profile shows of the band's career.

Tour dates:

March
12 - Tucson, AZ - Club Congress (Record Release Show)
15 - Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy
16 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
17 - Mesa, AZ - Nile Underground
18 - ALbuquerque, NM - Launchpad
19 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theatre
20 - Lawrence, KS - Aftershock
21 - Ft Worth, TX - Tomcats
22 - Austin, TX - Dirty Dog
23 - Houston, TX - Walters
24 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
25 - Tampa, FL - Orpheum
26 - Jacksonville, FL - 1904 Music Hall
27 - Charlotte, NC - Rabbit Hole
28 - Washington DC - Rock And Roll Hotel
29 - New York, NY - Marlin Room at Webster Hall
30 - Boston, MA - Middle East
31 - Montreal, QC - Bar Le Ritz

April
1 - Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace
2 - Detroit, MI - Loving Touch
3 - Chicago, IL - Reggies Rock Club
4 - Minneapolis, MN - Skyway Theatre
5 - Winnipeg, MB - Goodwill
6 - Regina, SK - Exchange
7 - Edmonton, AB - Skylite
8 - Calgary, AB - Dickens
9 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre
11 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile
12 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
13 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom Of The Hill



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Turin, Italy-based symphonic gothic metal band, Misteyes, have released an official video for "The Prey”, from their debut album Creeping Time, due out on April 8th via Canadian label Maple Metal Records. "The Prey" will be included in digital pre-orders starting on March 11th. The clip features video footage from the recordings of the album at Alarm Studio, and was produced by the band.

Misteyes describe themselves as “light and dark metal”. Their debut album Creeping Time consists of 12 songs, with the finalized tracklisting and album cover art to be revealed shortly.   

Misteyes have also revealed the names of a few special guests that appear on Creeping Time: Björn "Speed" Strid (singer of Soilwork) vocal parts on the track "Decapitated Rose", Nicole Ansperger (ex-Eluveitie) violin on the track "Winter's Judgment", and Roberto Pasolini (singer of Embryo) backing vocals on the song "The Demon Of Fear".

A demo version of the song “Lady Loneliness” is streaming below. The official version appears on Creeping Time.

Misteyes have shared the stage with such acts as Arcturus, Cadaveria, Opera IX, Whyzdom, and Rublood, as well as performing at some Metal Festivals in their home country of Italy. The ban will be touring Italy, and Europe in support of their new album, with the dates and locations to be announced.

Misteyes is:

Edoardo "Irmin" Iacono - lead vocals
Denise "Ainwen" Manzi - lead vocals
Daniele "Insanus" Poveromo - guitars
Riccardo "Decadence" Tremaioni - guitars
Gabriele "Hyde" Gilodi - keyboards
Andrea "Hephaestus" Gammeri - bass
Federico "Krieger" Tremaioni - drums

 



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Midas Fate have released two guitar videos, for songs that will be featured on the band’s upcoming album, to be released later this year. Check out videos for the track “Stillborn Reason” and “The Crime”, below.

The new album will be mixed by Chris Tsangarides (Judas Priest, UFO, Helloween). Stay tuned for updates.

“Stillborn Reason”:

“The Crime”:

Midas Fate is:

Mike DiMeo - Vocals
Vitor Campos - Guitars
Renato Videira - Bass guitar
Aquiles Priester - Drums



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Frontiers Music Srl will release "Ghost Of Graceland", the new album from Swedish hard rockers TREAT, on April 15.

The song "Inferno", taken from "Ghost Of Graceland", can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. Building on the success of their last album, 2010's "Coup De Grace", hailed by both fans and critics as a masterpiece, TREAT has put together an album packed with reflective, soul-searching songs dressed in devilishly seductive yet hard-hitting melodic rock. "This is where we are today, as a band, as musicians, songwriters and individuals. It's a statement: this is us in 2016," says TREAT's main songwriter and guitarist Anders Wikström. "Ghost Of Graceland" was produced by longtime TREAT fan and respected writer/producer Peter Mansson and co-produced by Anders Wikström, showcases a band with a thirty-plus-year career, that are hungrier and more energetic than ever! To achieve the organic, pure, bold, (somewhat) cocky, contemporary sound with melodies and choruses to die for that they were going for, the band took a step back. Wikström explains: "It's a musical as well as a personal soul searching. We traced us back to our roots, the music and the heroes that got us dreaming back in the '70s: KISS, VAN HALEN, SWEET, DEEP PURPLE and UFO. An era where music and musicianship really mattered and rock 'n' roll was a matter of life or death." TREAT got in the time machine and retrieved all that restless energy. But "Ghost Of Graceland", with all its delicious, action-packed and hook-laden melodic rock that could soundtrack a party, also sees a band that reflects on their personal lives. Robert Ernlund (vocals), Anders Wikström (guitars and backing vocals), Patrick Appelgren (keyboards, guitar and backing vocals), Jamie Borger (drums) and new bass player Pontus Egberg (KING DIAMOND, LION'S SHARE) are a powerhouse. Pontus replaces the band's songwriting partner Fredrik Thomander, who has also been performing live with the band since 2013.

"When we started working on this album and in need of a permanent replacement on bass, Pontus was the only guy we had in mind," Wikström says. "He's a good friend of ours and a fantastic musician and live performer. He and Jamie just blow the roof off together on this new album!" "We're doing what we love. We're proudly flying the flag for hard and melodic rock. Honestly, this is a very, very good TREAT album," adds Wikström.

Experience TREAT live at Frontiers Rock Festival in Trezzo Sull'Adda (Milano) on April 23. "Ghost Of Graceland" track listing: 01. Ghost Of Graceland02. I Don't Miss The Misery03. Better The Devil You Know04. Do Your Own Stunts05. Endangered06. Inferno07. Alien Earthlings08. Nonstop Madness09. Too Late To Die Young10. House On Fire11. Together Alone12. Everything To Everyone

TREAT is:

* Robert Ernlund - lead vocals* Anders Wikström - lead guitars and background vocals (lead vocals on "Together Alone")* Patrick Appelgren - keyboards, guitars and background vocals* Pontus Egberg - bass guitar* Jamie Borger - drums

Houston, Texas-based progressive metallers, Oceans Of Slumber, are streaming the new track “Devout”, from their debut Century Media release, Winter. Listen to the track below. The band has also announced that they will be supporting My Dying Bride on their upcoming European tour. See below for all dates and venues.

Oceans Of Slumber commented: "We are beyond excited to announce that we will be joining the magnanimous and legendary My Dying Bride in the UK and in Europe! To have the opportunity to support our new record and share the stage every night with such an amazing and genre defining band like My Dying Bride is beyond our expectations. So "Feel The Misery", and get yourselves ready for our brand of bayou tinged darkened metal!"

Tour dates:

March
31 - London, England - Islington Assembly Room    

April
1 - Leeuwarden, Netherlands - Neushoorn
2 - Hamburg, Germany - Grünspan
3 - Saarbrücken, Germany - Garage
5 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Konzertfabrik Z7  
6 - Paris, France - Nouveux Casino
7 - Tilburg, Netherlands - 013
8 - Antwerp, Belgium - Trix
9 - Essen, Germany - Turock
10 - Utrecht, Netherlands - Tivoli Pandora

The cover art for Winter was gracefully imagined by Costin Chioreanu over at Twilight 13 Media (At The Gates, Katatonia, Grave, Arcturus).

Tracklisting:

“Winter”
“Devout”
“Nights In White Satin”
“Lullaby”
“Laid To Rest”
“Suffer The Last Bridge”
“Good Life”
“Sunlight”
“Turpentine”
“Apologue”
“How Tall The Trees”
“... This Road”
“Grace”

“Devout”:

“Turpentine”:

“Suffer The Last Bridge” video:

“Winter” video:

"The time has come and we're more than excited to release this first glimpse into our new record Winter. We wanted to reveal ourselves a bit more and try to capture the energy of the band in UltraHD. We've put every bit of our heart and souls into this record and can't wait to start this journey with everyone." states the band on the forthcoming album.

Winter will see a synced, worldwide release date of Friday, March 4th. Pre-order the album now at iTunes. Digital pre-orders will come with both "Winter" and "Suffer The Last Bridge" as instant-grats. Physical pre-orders with exclusive t-shirt bundles are available here.

The Century Media newcomers caught the attention of the masses with their previously released Blue EP, which featured re-imaginings of classic tracks from seminal artists such as Candlemass, Led Zeppelin, Emperor and Pink Floyd, as well as two originals that served as teasers of what was to come. This extended play highlights the undeniably epic wall of sound that has become the Texans' trademark.

Lineup:

Cammie Gilbert – Vocals
Anthony Contreras – Guitar
Sean Gary – Guitar
Keegan Kelly – Bass
Uaeb Yelsaeb - Synthesizers
Dobber Beverly – Drums

 



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Iconic Norwegian black metallers, Ragnarok, are streaming the track “Infernal Majesty”, off their eighth studio album, Psychopathology. The 11-track album is set for release via Agonia Records on March 25th and is now available for pre-order via the label's webshop.

Psychopathology was recorded at the Endarker Studio in Sweden with Marduk bassist Devo at the helm. Following last year's surprise announcement that Ragnarok founder and drummer Jontho would be stepping out from behind the drum kit to take on the role of frontman and Dauden’s Malignant would take his place on drums, the lineup on the album comprises Jontho on vocals, Bolverk on guitars, Malignant on drums, and, making his swansong appearance with the band, DezeptiCunt on bass.

Psychopathology tracklisting:

“Dominance And Submission”
“I Hate”
“Psychopathology”
“My Creator”
“Infernal Majesty”
“Heretic”
“Into The Abyss”
“The Eighth Of The Seven Plagues”
“Lies”
“Blood”
“Where Dreams Come To Die”

“Psychopathology”:

With artwork by the Brazilian graphic artist Marcelo Vasco (Slayer, Machine Head, Dimmu Borgir), Psychopathology will be available in Jewel Case CD and Limited Edition black vinyl formats, as well as in transparent brown vinyl with red, yellow, white and blue splatter, strictly limited to 133 hand-numbered copies. Additionally, Agonia will release a CD Box which will be limited to 666 copies and which will include Psychopathology in CD format, a logo pin, poster, booklet with rare photos and old interviews, and the bonus compilation CD Chaos And Insanity Between 1994-2004 (details of which can be found below ).

As mentioned above, in addition to Psychopathology, Ragnarok will also release a special compilation album titled Chaos And Insanity Between 1994-2004, which features a rare collection of the band's early demos and EPs. The compilation will be released on Agonia Records at the same time as Psychopathology and will also be available in Limited Edition black vinyl, as well as in a red vinyl version which will be limited to 133 hand-numbered copies.

Chaos and Insanity Between 1994-2004 tracklisting:

I.Pagan Land demo 1994
“Intro”
“Pagan Land”
“From The Darkest Deep”
“Et Vinterland I Nord”
“Hammerens Slag”
“Ragnarok”

II.Various Unreleased tracks:
“Et Vinterland I Nord” (Ørevox version)
“Under The Wings Of Satan” (pre-production)
“Fainted Eyes” (Celtic Frost cover)
“Live 2004”

Jontho recently had this to say about fans can expect from Psychopathology: "I can say with absolute certainty that this album will be the best in Ragnarok's career to date. It is the result of dedication, hard work, and the musical skills of our lineup, and is the next stage in the band's development, both musically and lyrically. Psychopathology is about to unleash total chaos upon you as it invites you to dive deeper into the dark recesses of the human mind.”

 



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Hell Or Highwater, the rock band featuring Atreyu drummer/vocalist Brandon Saller on lead vocals, have signed to Search & Destroy/Spinefarm Records. They will release Vista via the label in 2016. View the signing video below.

"We're so incredibly excited to be a part of the Spinefarm/Search & Destroy family. We've been crafting this album for two years and can't wait to share it with the world," Saller enthused.

Since their inception, Hell Or Highwater have earned comparisons to acts like Foo Fighters and Muse, thanks to their knack for crafting unforgettable and uplifting rock songs.

Hell Or Highwater honed their live chops by securing a spot on the annual Uproar Tour in 2013 and also toured the world with the likes of Avenged Sevenfold, whose frontman M. Shadows contributed vocals on the song "Go Alone”, as well as Stone Sour and The Used.
 
They've survived van wrecks and lineup changes. But they've emerged stronger than ever and are eager to start their next chapter and deliver new material to fans.

Hell Or Highwater resurfaced last year with a new song and video for "I'll Be Waiting”, which you can watch below:



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Formed in early 2013 in Perth Australia, Sanzu is a unique beast that has unleashed heavy music in a way that utilizes diversity and originality that doesn't cause itself to stray to far from it's death metal foundation. Sanzu has formed a unique presence. Guitar riffs like melodic saw blades meets savage bass along with powerful drumming to form a rhythm section that thunders and grooves in unison with unrestrained vocal assaults.

 
Listenable Records is now re-releasing both Australia-only releases, the Heavy Over The Home full length and the Painless EP, worldwide on one disc (CD/vinyl) and digitally with an updated layout this spring.

Sanzu lineup:

Ben Stanley - Drums (ex-0Malignant Monster)
Zachary Andrews - Vocals
Fatima Curley - Bass
Mikey Hart -  Guitars
Jarod 'Century' - Guitars (ex-Malignant Monster/ex-Animistic)

 



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Detroit rockers, Wilson, take no prisoners in their new music video, “Give ‘Em Hell” (streaming below). The track is taken from the band’s current album, Right To Rise, available via Razor & Tie.  

When explaining the concept behind the “Give 'Em Hell” clip, vocalist Chad Nicefield states, “This video embodies the very DNA of our band. If you're into kicking ass and taking names, no matter who or what the competition, this masterpiece is for you! It's got blood, guts and glory. A ‘no holds barred’ fun filled, roller coaster of fury coupled with the swiftest kick to your family jewels. Live for the thrill, cause it's kill or be killed motherfuckers! P.S. No small children were harmed in the making of this video... we think.”

Wilson have just wrapped a European run with their friends in Halestorm, and land in the UK today, raring to kick off their first ever UK headline tour at Wolverhampton's Slade Rooms tomorrow.



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Society 1 has released a music video for their track "I Can't Feel”, from their album Rise From The Dead. The video was directed and edited by singer Matt Zane of Lord Zane Productions (John 5, Wayne Static, Zakk Wylde, DMC, Orgy). The song was produced and mixed by Alex Crescioni at Stygian Sound and Mastered by Maor Appelbaum at Maor Appelbaum Mastering.

“When I direct our own videos it's always a challenge considering I have to jump in front and behind the camera. This video was the most difficult out of all the Society 1 videos because not only did I have to perform but imagine what was going on in the scene. Everything was done on green screen so I was just trying to think about what it was supposed to look like. When I brought it into editing the real challenge began attempting to create what I envisioned. A very cool creative experience. We're going to concentrate in the realm of complete manifestations of worlds and environments for further video's to bring the music that much farther. We want every sound and visual to really capture the full spectrum of the viewers imagination.” - Matt Zane

Purchase "I Can't Feel" on iTunes here.



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British melodic rockers, Vega, will release their new album, Who We Are, on May 13th. The album artwork and tracklisting can be found below.

Vega is really one of the few bands who successfully manage to mix in their music the heritage of the great melodic rock bands of the 80’s and 90’s with a very contemporary approach to songwriting and production. Vega is indeed one of the few bands that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and give you that butterflies in your stomach excitement as you listen to the songs on an album for the first time. And with their fourth studio album, Who We Are, Vega manage again to create a magic formula with 11 concise and riveting songs that rock from start to finish and will leave you wanting more.

“We always try to push the envelope with each record that we do and this one is no different. We have put in all of our different musical influences into every song and what has come out of it is undoubtedly Vega but a Vega that is bigger than ever!” says singer Nick Workman.

Brothers Tom and James Martin say: “We're thrilled with how this record came out. We were in a fortunate position where we could fly Harry Hess over from Canada to produce the record. We spent the best part of 3 weeks with Harry at Monnow Valley Studios in Wales perfecting this record. There was laughter, blood, sweat and tears along the way and even a hospital visit, but what a great time we had! And to be recording where the likes of Queen, Led Zeppelin Official, Oasis and Black Sabbath have recorded was incredibly inspiring.”

“The ballad “Nothing Lasts Forever” is a stand out for me,” adds keyboard player James Martin. ”It's a huge piano ballad with Queen and The Beatles influences and Harry really went to town on the production of this song.”

Tom Martin says: "This is probably our most diverse record and that's what we tried for when choosing the songs. Each song has its own identity and we probably have the heaviest and softest songs we have ever recorded and everything in between. That gives you an idea of how strong the material is on this record."

Vega will embark on a tour upon the new album’s release with UK rock veterans Magnum. Who We Are truly sees the band taking their song writing and performance to the next level. Be sure to catch the guys on tour.

Who We Are tracklisting

“Explode”
“We Got It All”
“Every Little Monster”
“Nothing Is Forever”
“White Flag”
“For Our Sins”
“Generation Now”
“Ignite”
“Savin' Grace”
“If Not You”
“Hurts So Bad”

Vega lineup:

Nick Workman - Vocals
Tom Martin - Guitars
Dan Chantrey - Drums
James Martin - Keyboards
Marcus Thurston – Guitars



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London-based progressive, psychedelic rockers, Messenger, recently signed to InsideOutMusic for the release of their forthcoming second album, Threnodies, due on April 22nd. Now the band reveal "Balearic Blue", the first track to be taken from the album, and the beautiful artwork which you can see below.

The band had this to say about the track: "We're very excited to present a preview track from our forthcoming album Threnodies as well as the cover artwork. The artwork and layout were created by Colombian, Berlin-based artist Daniel Correa Mejia. We were mesmerized by his paintings and decided that his work fits perfectly with our music. “Balearic Blue” is more along the lines of our previous release Illusory Blues, so expect something different for the next track. We're very much looking forward to performing some of these new songs on our forthcoming tour with the Von Hertzen Brothers and HRH Prog in March"

Messenger will be hitting the road in advance of the new album's release, with the band joining Finnish rockers Von Hertzen Brothers on their UK tour in March. They have also been confirmed for Hard Rock Hell Prog in March & Stone Free Festival at London's O2 Arena.
 
Messenger lineup:

Khaled Lowe: Guitars/Vocals
Jaime Gomez Arellano: Drums/Percussion
Barnaby Maddick: Guitars/Vocals
Dan Knight: Guitars/Keyboards
James Leach: Bass
 
Look out for more information on the album in the coming weeks.



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BraveWords is debuting the last video from The New Roses, who will release their new album, Dead Man’s Voice, on February 26th via Napalm Records. Check out “Dead Man's Voice” below:

Dead Man's Voice lives and breathes with catchy hard rock and flirts with glam, sleaze and blues. In fact this band is a true rock 'n' roll monster, combining influences of AC/DC, Kid Rock, The Black Roses and Aerosmith skillfully with an enriched and unique sound. The New Roses easily enter the ranks of previously mentioned legends or modern acts such as Blackstone Cherry – their bristling anthems are a true breath of fresh air.

The band on their upcoming album: "This record really shows the essence of The New Roses. It’s rough, it’s honest, it’s full of joy and energy. This album is like a true companion. It’s ready to rock whenever you are but it also speaks to your conscience every once in a while.“

Tracklisting:

“Heads Or Tails”
“Thirsty”
“Partner In Crime”
“Dead Man's Voice”
“I Believe”
“Ride With Me”
“Hurt Me Once (Love Me Twice)”
“Not From This World”
“What If It Was You”
“Try (And You Know Why)”
“From Guns & Shovels”

Preview:

“Thirsty” video:

Track-by-track Part 1:

“What If It Was You” lyric video:

 



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Danish/American rock 'n' rollers VOLBEAT have finished mixing their sixth full-length album with Joe Barresi, the American record engineer and producer who has previously worked with bands such as KYUSS, MELVINS, TOOL, CHEVELLE and QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. The follow-up to 2013's "Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies" was once again co-produced by Rob Caggiano, who joined VOLBEAT as the band's lead guitarist in February 2013.

A photo of Caggiano and Barresi in the studio at the conclusion of the VOLBEAT sessions can be seen above.

VOLBEAT last November parted ways with bassist Anders Kjølholm. A replacement bassist has not yet been announced.

VOLBEAT performed a brand new song, "The Devil's Bleeding Crown", in full live for the first time in August 2015 in front of over 37,000 people at Tusindarsskoven in Odense, Denmark.

VOLBEAT last year signed a North American management agreement with Q Prime, the New York-based music management firm founded and run by Cliff Burnstein and Peter Mensch.

VOLBEAT will return to the road this spring with a string of dates around their first-ever Coachella performances April 15 and April 22 with support from BLACK STONE CHERRY and MONSTER TRUCK.

Celebrating its return to the U.S., hits U.S. soil for the first time in 2016 with an intimate "Evening With Volbeat" show at the Roxy in West Hollywood, California on April 13. The legendary venue will serve as the perfect setting to get up close and personal with the band's signature hybrid of rock prowess, metal power, blues soul, and rockabilly swing.

A contestant on the Romanian reality competition series "Românii Au Talent" (English-language translation: "Romanians Have Talent") surprised the judges last week by performing the song "Unanswered" by SUICIDE SILENCE. You can watch video footage of his appearance below.

Vadim Balaban, who is 19 years old, hails from Moldova, a former Soviet republic.

Moldova is said to be one of Europe's poorest countries, with an average monthly salary of just 220 euros ($245).

The original version of "Unanswered" can be found on SUICIDE SILENCE's debut album, "The Cleansing", which is was released in September 2007 through Century Media Records. It debuted at No. 94 on The Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 7,250 copies, making it one of the best-selling debut albums in Century Media history.

Former NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon was taken to a hospital in Sweden after allegedly being "beaten down and robbed by a junkie" on her way home in Helsingborg earlier today (Monday, February 22).

Olzon, who was in NIGHTWISH from 2007 until 2012, wrote on her Instagram page: "Today changed rapidly from a good day into a horrible day when I got beaten down and robbed by a junkie on my way home from my car. In the hospital now cause she hit me hard and I fell backwards in the stony street with my back head and I am quite shaken and bruised and the worst thing of it all was that there were two adult men standing one feet away watching me get beaten doing f-ckin nothing! Cowards!! Thank god a girl ran after and then finally two REAL men took the junkie down and she is now with the police! Drugs people are making people really dangerous!! I'll write more after the dr but please be careful out there!"

Anette's debut solo album, "Shine", was released in March 2014 and received mostly positive reviews, despite its lack of metal overtones and its reliance on pop hooks and grandiose arrangements.

Olzon was fired from NIGHTWISH in September 2012 in the middle of the band's North American tour. She has since been replaced by former AFTER FOREVER and current REVAMP singer Floor Jansen.

In an interview with Metal Blast, Olzon stated about how she has been portrayed since her departure from NIGHTWISH: "It was really hard for me. You can always say 'no comment' and say nothing about what happened, or you can open your mouth, as I have done. It was really hard for me to decide if I should say something or if I should keep quiet. But I felt that in order for me to move on, I needed to tell my story. I also knew that there would be a lot of hate and negativity directed toward me; I can feel that many people do hate me because I have told people my truth. At first people were a bit more negative, but since then it has been less and less of that. I hope that now it can become more about me and 'Shine'. I know there's some negative PR, but people who know me would say it's a big laugh, me being called a diva. I just hope that all the negativity will fade away quite soon so we can all move on."

Melbourne, Australia-based rockers, Mammoth Mammoth, released their new EP, Mammoth Bloody Mammoth, on February 19th via Napalm Records. A full EP stream can be found below.

The EP features two brand new tracks, as well as a newly remastered version of “Dead Sea”, and a cover of MC5`s immortal “Kick Out The Jams”. Order the new released via Napalm Records in Europe here, or in North America here.

Tracklisting:

“Taste Your Blood”
“Drugs”
“Kick Out The Jams”
“Dead Sea”

EP stream:



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Queen have uploaded Part 3 of their Days Of Our Lives documentary, streaming below.

According to a press release: “Relive the triumphant legacy of Queen in this comprehensive documentary of the band’s career from the late 1960s to today. Packed full of rare archival footage of the band hashing out their signature overdub sound in the recording studio, mind-blowing live performances, and Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon’s candid reflections on their career and the last days of Freddie Mercury.”

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Queen’s A Night At The Odeon, Live At Hammersmith ’75, is out now on CD (Hollywood Records), and DVD & Blu-Ray (Eagle Rock Entertainment). This show was a culmination of the 26-date Queen Invite You To A Night At The Opera UK tour and the first tour that they had ever performed “Bohemian Rhapsody” on.

The CD, DVD & Blu-Ray package features the band’s full live show, complete with a never heard before ‘second encore’ of “Seven Seas Of Rhye” and “See What A Fool I've Been”. The DVD and SD Blu-Ray versions also contain two special bonus features – Looking Back At The Odeon, a brand new 22-minute documentary featuring a previously unseen interview with Brian May and Roger Taylor by Old Grey Whistle Test presenter Bob Harris about the 1975 Hammersmith Odeon show, plus the rarely seen Live At The Budokan – Japan 1975 footage, featuring three songs (“Now I'm Here”, “Killer Queen” and “In The Lap Of The Gods… Revisited”) recorded during their legendary tour of the Far East.

Tracklisting (CD/Vinyl/Digital):

“Now I'm Here”
“Ogre Battle”
“White Queen (As It Began)”
“Bohemian Rhapsody”
“Killer Queen”
“The March Of The Black Queen”
“Bohemian Rhapsody” (Reprise)
“Bring Back That Leroy Brown”
“Brighton Rock”
Guitar Solo
“Son And Daughter”
“Keep Yourself Alive”
“Liar”
“In The Lap Of The Gods... Revisited”
“Big Spender”
“Jailhouse Rock” Medley
“Seven Seas Of Rhye”
“See What A Fool I've Been”
“God Save The Queen”
 
DVD and SD Blu-ray formats do not include “Seven Seas Of Rhye” or “See What A Fool I've Been”.

Super Deluxe Box Set edition unboxing:

 

 

 

 

 

 



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In The Loop magazine has uploaded video footage of TESTAMENT's February 19 performance in Chicago, Illinois during the band's North American tour with SLAYER and CARCASS. Check it out below.

TESTAMENT guitarist Alex Skolnick is sitting out the first three shows of the SLAYER tour due to scheduling conflicts with this past weekend's Axes & Anchors cruise, where he was booked to perform. Replacing him for Friday and Saturday night's concerts in Chicago, Illinois as well as Monday night's gig in Nashville, Tennessee is Canadian guitarist Glen Drover (MEGADETH, KING DIAMOND), who has filled in for Skolnick in the past.

Commented Glen: "Sold-out show in Chicago tonight! SLAYER and TESTAMENT. I'm filling in for Alex for a few shows in TESTAMENT. First time playing onstage in years. It's going to be awesome!"

Added Alex: "Heads up: No Chicago / Nashville [for] me next [week]. Sorry [to] miss; was already booked. There'll be a good sub [and] I'll play Richmond [and] all the rest."

Skolnick will rejoin TESTAMENT on stage on Wednesday, February 24 in Richmond, Virginia.

TESTAMENT's U.S. tour with SLAYER and CARCASS is scheduled to end on March 26 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

TESTAMENT has set "The Brotherhood Of The Snake" as the tentative title of its eleventh studio album, due later in the year via Nuclear Blast. The CD's projected title track, which has already been recorded, is expected to be made available in the coming weeks.

Drover left MEGADETH at the end of 2007 and was replaced by Chris Broderick, who previously played with NEVERMORE and JAG PANZER.

Drover previously played with TESTAMENT in 2008, when Skolnick was on tour with TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, and again in 2010.

HELLYEAH played an acoustic version of the song "Hush" live for the first time on February 19 at Black Sheep in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Check out fan-filmed video footage of the performance below.

HELLYEAH's "Hush" single was released last March in conjunction with the arrival of "No More Week." The song's lyrics, written by singer Chad Gray, delve into his personal experience growing up in a home with domestic violence, with the aim of shedding light on a hidden subject and letting other survivors know that they are not alone.

Gray told The Pulse Of Radio that writing intensely personal lyrics is the only way he knows how to do it. "I do wear my life on my sleeve," he said. "I don't write things because I'm writing them and going, 'God, I can't wait for this to be heard and be judged.' I'm not writing it because I want people to judge it, I'm writing it because I have to let it go. You know, I have to get it out there, and I have to be honest."

"Hush" was the third single taken from HELLYEAH's latest album, "Blood For Blood". The previous ones were the title track and the Top 10 rock hit "Moth".

"Blood For Blood" was HELLYEAH's first album since parting ways with guitarist Greg Tribbett and bassist Bob "Zilla" Kahaha in February 2014.

Created by the No More movement, "No More Week" was designed to increase awareness of issues of domestic violence and galvanize more communities, organizations and corporations to make them a priority.

Advocates equipped with free education and awareness tools hosted more than 50 "No More Week" events around the nation, including fundraisers, sporting events, workshops, screenings and other activities.

No More was launched in 2013 with the support of nearly every domestic violence and sexual assault prevention organization in the country.

HELLYEAH recently posted a short studio teaser for its forthcoming fifth album along with the hashtag #HUMAN, which is likely the title the CD's first single.

The group's new album was recorded atThe Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada with producer Kevin Churko, who previously worked with HELLYEAH on "Blood For Blood".

Docker's Guild is very proud to announce the release of it's second album The Heisenberg Diaries - Book A: Sounds of Future Past in CD format on February 26th on Rock Company/Black Swan Records. The digital release was already available from January 21st on Lion Music.

"It is part of a series of four transitional albums placed between the five main 'seasons' and which focus on an aspect of the storyline’s main character, Dr. Jack Heisenberg. This particular installment focuses on Jack’s youth and love of science fiction, in fact the album contains exclusively vintage science fiction soundtracks reworked in the typical Docker’s Guild sound. Book A will be followed by The Mystic Technocracy – Season II: The Age of Entropy, already in development. Another unique feature of Book A is its all-female cast, which makes it, as far as we know, the first all-female metal opera ever recorded."

Performers on The Heisenberg Diaries include:

Roxy Petrucci - drums 
Elisa Montin - drums 
Anna Portalupi - bass 
Nita Strauss - guitars 
Mio Jaeger - guitars 
Douglas R. Docker - keyboards, vocals 
Amanda Somerville - vocals 
Elize Ryd - vocals 
Valentina Procopio - vocals

A new video trailer has been uploaded. Check it out below.



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Montreal's progressive death metal juggernauts Augury have issued the following update via their official Facebook page:

"Etienne Gallo is not part of Augury anymore, the band is actually finishing recording the guitars on the new album and we'll start the bass recording next week with Forest. We are focusing on this for now and look for a drummer right after once all the rythm section is recorded. All the album is composed and we think its gonna be an amazing one! Thanks to all for your support!"

Stay tuned for updates.



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MEGADETH kicked off the North American leg of its "Dystopia" world tour last night (Saturday, February 20) at South Side Ballroom in Dallas, Texas,

The setlist was as follows:

01. Hangar 1802. Kingmaker03. Wake Up Dead04. In My Darkest Hour05. She-Wolf06. Sweating Bullets07. Dawn Patrol08. Poison Was The Cure09. Tornado Of Souls10. Trust11. Fatal Illusion12. A Tout Le Monde13. Skin O' My Teeth14. Symphony Of Destruction15. Peace Sells

Encore:

16. Holy Wars... The Punishment Due

Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

In a recent interview with Full Metal Jackie, MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine stated about the band's setlist for the current tour: "We had to modify our setlist several times over the last couple of months of playing when we went from headlining by ourselves to playing with LAMB OF GOD in the U.K. to going down to Mexico and playing Knotfest festival. Each time the set got shorter and shorter. I'm hoping we’ll have a good 75-minute-to-90-minute setlist that we can play. Either way, we're going to try and play several songs off of [MEGADETH's latest album] 'Dystopia'."

Asked in a 2013 interview what it takes for a new MEGADETH song to stay in the setlist beyond the album touring cycle, like "She-Wolf" has, Mustaine said: "You know, a lot of it seems so scientific, but a lot of it isn't. It's just a matter of how long the set is, how high the song is singing-wise, who we're playing with... The set we did for Gigantour isn't that different from what we did for the IRON MAIDEN tour, but we took out a couple of songs, we took out 'A Tout Le Monde' and we took out 'Trust', kind of let it rip. I think a lot of people were totally surprised by that setlist for the IRON MAIDEN dates, and so was I. I thought that was a good setlist, but a lot of times you have people saying, 'Oh, you gotta play 'A Tout Le Monde'. That's your biggest song. You gotta play 'Trust'. That's your number one hit. You gotta do this, you gotta do that.' I ain't gotta do nothing. And listening to the fans, what they like, and listening to what I like. Between the two of us, one of us is going to be right. And I know that when it comes down to playing stuff that makes me feel good, I like playing the heavy stuff."

"Dystopia" debuted at No. 3 on The Billboard 200, having shifted 49,000 equivalent album units in the week ending January 28.

In terms of pure album sales, "Dystopia" opened with 48,000 copies, marking MEGADETH's highest-charting album since 1992's "Countdown To Extinction" debuted and peaked at No. 2 on the chart dated August 1 of that year. "Dystopia" also logged the group's best sales week since 2007, when "United Abominations" landed at No. 8 with first-week sales of 54,000.

In addition to Mustaine, MEGADETH's current lineup includes bassist David Ellefson, LAMB OF GOD drummer Chris Adler and Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro, best known for his work with ANGRA.

@Megadeth on the opening night of the #DystopiaWorldTour at the @SSBallroom in Dallas, TX - 2.20.2016. #Megadeth pic.twitter.com/ONeeDsicmf

— All Access Live (@allaccess_live) February 21, 2016

Legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen has completed work on a new studio album, "World On Fire", for a tentative April release. He told Seymour Duncan about the CD: "I spent two years [working] on it, touring, recording, touring, recording. And that's much, much better, actually, in a way. Back in the day I would write the songs then rehearse them with some musicians, then go and do a backing track and we'd record it, mix it, learn the songs to go play them on tour, then do it all again. That way isn't necessarily conducive to making the best music, y'know what I mean? So in a very, very backhanded way, this weird twist of fate in the music industry has actually made it a more inspiring environment, for me at least. I can write anytime and record anytime. My recording studio is always open, 24 hours. I can just record when I want and it's a beautiful thing."

Asked what the new record sounds like, Malmsteen said: "It's a Malmsteen record. [Laughs] But I would say it's a little different. First of all, I do all the lead vocals on it. Any time I did lead vocals in the past, I was singing blues stuff. This time I decided to do lead vocals in my style of songwriting, so it's different in that way. It's a very hard-hitting album and some parts are very advanced, very complicated. But it's a broad record. It's definitely a must-listen-to! It's finished and it's been delivered to the label in Japan so I would expect it to be released in about two months from now."

Yngwie also confirmed that he laid down the bass tracks on his new album. "I play all the bass and most of the keyboards," he said. "And there's a string section and a choir. It's very neoclassical. It's super neoclassical!"

Yngwie released a live album, "Spellbound Live In Tampa", and a live DVD, "Spellbound Live In Orlando", a little over a year ago. The two releases represent back-to-back Malmsteen shows.

The CD and DVD, both of which are named after Malmsteen's latest studio album, 2012's "Spellbound", were issued on September 17, 2014.

Asked what keeps him inspired to regularly release studio albums over the last thirty years, Malmsteen told Heavy Metal Bands Info in a 2015 interview: "It's the same approach I have when I am in the studio. I go into the studio and pick up the guitar or play the drums or whatever. I just do something and something comes out that inspires me. Then I carry on with it. I wanna have it happen like an inspired thing. Then I just put it down and listen to it in the car or wherever and I think, 'Oh, that sounds great.' I mean, I play it back a week later or so and I don't even remember doing it. Then I go, like, 'Wow, that’s great,' or, 'Wow, that's shit.' This is important to me, because at that stage I am listening more like a listener. Then I take that further and make it into a more complete thing. I found that this is the best way for me. That makes it exciting and inspiring. That's why I'm still doing it."

Progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER kicked off their "The Astonishing" world tour this past Thursday, February 18 at The Palladium in London, England.

The band's setlist was as follows:

Act 1

01. Dystopian Overture02. The Gift Of Music03. The Answer04. A Better Life05. Lord Nafaryus06. A Savior In The Square07. When Your Time Has Come08. Act Of Faythe09. Three Days10. Brother, Can You Hear Me?11. A Life Left Behind12. Ravenskill13. Chosen14. A Tempting Offer15. The X Aspect16. A New Beginning17. The Road To Revolution

Act 2

01. 2285 Entr'acte02. Moment Of Betrayal03. Heaven's Cove04. Begin Again05. The Path That Divides06. The Walking Shadow07. My Last Farewell08. Losing Faythe09. Whispers On The Wind10. Hymn Of A Thousand Voices11. Our New World12. Astonishing

Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

A detailed review of the show is available on the Australian Musician Network web site.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine, DREAM THEATER guitarist and main songwriter John Petrucci was asked if the band was concerned about the reception to its current live show, which features them performing their new concept album, "The Astonishing", in its entirety. He said: "I'm not concerned about it, because we're being very transparent about what we're doing. By very clearly billing this as 'The Astonishing' live, and letting people know that we're playing in very special seated theaters and symphony concert halls, and we're presenting this show as a stand-alone show — that's how we wrote it, that's how we intended it — it's its own special event.

"DREAM THEATER has been touring forever; we've played the different stadiums and arenas, ice halls, gymnasiums and whatever. We wanted to make this different — we wanted to make this special. And so as long as people know that going into it, I don't think anybody is going to show up in a DREAM THEATER shirt, saying, 'Why didn't they play 'Pull Me Under'?' They're going to totally understand what we're doing."

Regarding whether DREAM THEATER will be augmenting the band at all when they play "The Astonishing" live, Petrucci said: "We're not going to be augmenting the band as far as other performers — if we were to film this for a DVD or do a really special location, that would be the instance where we'd have a live orchestra and choir. But we decided to take a lot of time and a lot of care to enlist a company that could create the visuals, so that this is as much of a visual show as it is an aural experience. Because this is character-driven and there are locations, we're going to try to make the stage almost like a transformative stage, an immersive stage, where the settings come to life, and a lot of the artwork is going to be animated. We wanted it to be the closest thing to watching a movie while the band is playing a live score, basically."

"The Astonishing" was released on January 29 via Roadrunner. The CD was made available in a wide range of distinctive versions, including standard 2-CD set, 4-LP vinyl box set and a limited-edition deluxe box set.

Recorded at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove, New York, with John Petrucci producing, studio luminary Richard Chycki (AEROSMITH, RUSH) engineering/mixing and legendary arranger, composer and conductor David Campbell orchestrating, "The Astonishing" paints a tale of a retro-futurist post-apocalyptic dystopia ruled by medieval style feudalism. It's a place aching for a Chosen One to rise above the noise and defeat an Empire defined by the endless drone of noise machines and the illusion of safety in bland conformity.

This spring, Alarion - the solo project of Dutch guitarist Bas Willemsen formerly known as Alerion - will release their debut album Waves Of Destruction through Freia Music. The album contains an hour of melodic, symphonic and intense music featuring appearances by many great musicians, whose identities will gradually be revealed in time. The following update has been posted:

"Damian Wilson recorded lead vocals on six tracks of Waves Of Destruction, the debut album of Alarion. Damian is, of course, internationally acclaimed as frontman of Threshold and Headspace, a singer-songwriter, and for his work with many great artists including Rick Wakeman (Yes). Check out Damian's comments on the album and several glimpses of his vocals on finished songs of the album through the video teaser." 

Musicians also confirmed to appear on Waves Of Destruction include.

Bas Willemsen - guitars, keyboards, orchestration, bass
Tom Gorissen (Hymir) - keyboards
Nico Lammers - acoustic guitars
Ronald van Schaik - bass
Jeroen Nagel (Blind Justice) - drums

Check out the cover art for Waves Of Destruction below.

For more information go to the official Alarion website.



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Blackfinger, featuring the legendary voice of Eric Wagner (Trouble, The Skull), have announced that their revamped lineup is now complete with the addition of Dream Death / Penance guitarist Terry Weston. Says Wagner: “I’m really excited to have Terry join us. He fits in perfectly as a person and a player.”  

Weston has been involved in the US doom/death scene since the mid 80’s, and has been part of such landmark albums as Dream Death’s Journey Into Mystery and Penance’s Parallel Corners.  

Blackfinger 2016 is as follows:

Eric Wagner - vocals
Matthew Tuite -  guitar 
Terry Weston - guitar
Matthew Cross - bass
David Snyder - drums

Blackfinger is currently in pre-production for a new album to be released later this year, but fans will have a chance to catch them on these upcoming dates:

June
4 - Pittsburgh, PA - The Smiling Moose (w/Beelzefuzz & Argus)
25 – Frederick, MA - Café 611 – Maryland Doom Fest 

Somewhere in the darkest depths of Pittsburgh, Dream Death have risen from their self-imposed grave.

After making their full-length debut in 1987 with the groundbreaking doom/death/thrash masterstroke Journey Into Mystery - an album that somehow bridged the groaning gaps between Celtic Frost, Slayer and Saint Vitus while going on to influence many a notable death metal and death/doom faction - the vastly under-appreciated band pulled their own plug in '89 and formed the more traditional doom outfit Penance. The latter's 1992 album The Road Less Travelled was one of the earliest Rise Above releases, while Dream Death began what would prove to be a 22-year hibernation. In 2011, vocalist/guitarist Brian Lawrence, drummer Mike Smail (formerly of both Pentagram and Cathedral), bassist Richard Freund and guitarist Terry Weston regrouped and eventually stormed the studio for Dream Death's 2013 comeback album, Somnium Excessum.

The band's third and latest, Dissemination, marks the return of The Road Less Travelled lineup to Rise Above, this time in their resurgent Dream Death incarnation. Forged in the dank recesses of Lawrence's basement, Dissemination is the apogee of a creative process that recaptured and reinforced the singular spirit of Dream Death's late '80s triumphs. "While I'm proud of the material on Somnium, I think there was some experimentation there that could have been reigned in a bit," Lawrence offers. "The tracks on Dissemination are much more focused and delivered with intent."

The opening title track was the first song written for Dissemination, and ultimately formed the basis for one of the album's lyrical themes. "Mike had the title before we ever had a song," Lawrence explains. "He wanted something to express the idea of people blindly accepting the crap that's dished out to them on a daily basis and how little ability they have to change it even if they were aware of it in the first place. You think you're in control of your life? Guess again."

Elsewhere, "Expendable Blood Flow" opens with a nod to a certain classic horror score before descending into a gloriously moaning riff while "Nothing Ever Will" is very loosely based upon Russian novelist and naval engineer Yegeny Zamyatin's dystopian 1924 novel, We. "The song deals in some ways with the 'unheard voice' being crushed by the masses," Lawrence explains.

The album's other main theme is mortality, as perhaps best exemplified by closer "In Perpetuum," which was written shortly after Lawrence's mother passed away.  "The theme of death can be very clichéd in this genre but I've attempted to take a mature, personal view on this subject," he says. "In some ways I feel that I'm always running from my own mortality. On this album I've looked my enemy in the eyes and met him head-on."

Head-on just happens to be the best way to experience Dissemination. Not to mention loudly and often. Dissemination is set for a March 4th release via Rise Above Records.

Dissemination tracklisting:

“Dissemination”
“Expendable Blood Flow”
“Crawling”
“The Cold Hard Light”
“All in Vain Start”
“Dominion”
“The Other Side”
“Nothing Ever Will”
“Neutral Ground”
“In Perpetuum”



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