California metallers Saviours will drop the molten fruits of their new full-length this October 30th via a new partnership with France's Listenable Records. Titled Palace Of Vision, their first full-length in four years was captured at Type Foundry in Portland, Oregon with the inimitable Billy Anderson (Neurosis, Brothers Of The Sonic Cloth, Eyehategod, Taurus, Ommadon etc.) and boasts nine tracks of Saviours' signature brand of towering riffs, colossal rhythms, infectious guitar harmonies and an obsession with the end of times, the occult, psychedelics and the arcane.

Listen to the new track “Flesh Of Fire” below:

"It's a natural and logical continuation of where we left off with [2011's] Death's Procession," said drummer Scott Batiste of the offering. "There are some doomy crushers and faster ragers."

As an added bonus, the record comes sheathed in the fittingly dark, intricately transfixing cover renderings of Derrick Snodgrass (Obliterations, Lecherous Gaze).

Palace Of Vision tracklisting:

“The Mountain”
“Flesh Of Fire”
“Devil's Crown”
“Palace Of Vision”
“Burning Shrine”
“Hell's Floor”
“The Beast Remains”
“Cursed Night”
“The Seeker”

“Burning Shrine”:

 
Saviours will embark upon a North American fall tour supporting Corrosion Of Conformity and Brant Bjork And The Low Desert Punk Band. The trek will commence on November 16th and run through December 10th with additional support provided by Mothership. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 18th at all local ticket outlets.

Saviours tour dates:

November
1 - Day Of The Shred Festival @ The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA

November (with Corrosion Of Conformity, Brant Bjork And The Low Desert Punk Band, Mothership)
16 - Pub Rock - Scottsdale, AZ
17 - Teragram Ballroom - Los Angeles, CA
18 - Slim's - San Francisco, CA
20 - Venue Nightclub - Vancouver, BC
21 - Neumo's - Seattle, WA
23 - The Summit Music Hall - Denver, CO
24 - The Riot Room - Kansas City, MO
25 - Mill City Nights - Minneapolis, MN
28 - The Odeon - Cleveland, OH
29 - Underground Arts - Philadelphia, PA

December
1 - Opera House - Toronto, ON
3 - Altar Bar - Pittsburgh, PA
7 - 9:30 Club - Washington, DC
9 - Shaka's Live - Virginia Beach, VA
10 - Lincoln Theatre - Raleigh, NC
 
Saviours:

Austin Barber - guitar, vocals
Sonny Reinhardt - guitar, vocals
Scott Batiste - drums
Andy Anderson - bass

The heavy yet technically challenging metal of Martyrd will soon be on display once more, with the arrival of a new album, Endless, and a performance on the star-studded Motörhead's Motörboat Cruise.

In a statement, the New York-based band (which is comprised of members Aaron Pollard - Vocals, Michael Andreas - Guitar, Mike Kitsos - Guitar, Brian Nichols - Bass, and Randall Lee - Drums) explained: "We loved what we did with The Mortal Coil, but we wouldn't want to keep making the same album again. All of us have grown as musicians and humans, and its been a natural progression taking us from that era to this new territory we're exploring with Endless. This time around, we're diving right into the deep end, the album is darker and heavier than anything we've ever done before - just how we like it! It's still Martyrd, but taken to the tenth degree."

And the quintet pointed out that Endless is a conceptual work, as well: "The album is really story driven - both musically and lyrically, every song is part of this big story. Each song stands by itself, but they're all part of a bigger whole. Musically too - you'll be able to listen to the whole album through as a single piece of music. We didn't decide on the name 'Endless' until very late in the recording process. All the music and story was done, by that point, we had been in the studio for almost a year already, and the name seemed really fitting!"

And headbangers will be able to sample some of the Endless material with a performance aboard Motörhead's Motörboat Cruise, which sets sail on September 28th, and features such renowned metal artists as Slayer, Anthrax, Suicidal Tendencies, Hatebreed, Exodus, and of course, the mighty Motörhead.

"We're incredibly excited to bring this album on the road. It defines who we are today - the culmination of all we've become. Its also the heaviest thing we've ever done, and we can't wait to get out there and go nuts with our friends. We'll be debuting a few new songs for the fish, the sea, and a couple thousand of our closest friends on Motörhead's Motörboat next week. Definitely no better way to kick off the new tunes from Endless!"

Reject The Sickness will release their new album, Chains Of Solitude, on November 13th via Mighty Music. The band’s new lyric video for “Only Darkness Is Real” is streaming below.

Reject The Sickness is a five-piece band from Belgium that has been shredding metal since 2010. The songs are a mixture of punching death-melodic guitar riffs, progressive characteristics and a slice of core. The music is perfectly balanced between melody and brutality. The lyrics are about confused and abused teenagers and all the anger and emotions that go hand in hand with that horror. Guy, the vocalist, works as a social worker and his job inspires him to write fictional stories about outcast youth and how they get back at society and at their molesters.
 
The band chose to record Chains Of Solitude themselves, in their own studio. This way they had the luxury of trial and error and could take time for the recordings. The mixing and mastering was done by Jochem Jacobs at Split Second Sound in Holland. "We really liked his work and sound for Textures, Crimson Falls, Scarred, … The fact that we could communicate in the same language was a huge advantage. He did a great job and we would like to thank him for that."

 
Reject The Sickness made a music video for the track “Hopeless” (streaming below), taken from Chains Of Solitude. "We chose to collaborate with Malika Maria at wOrk to shoot the video. Her dark, repetitive images and extreme live visuals convinced us. Malika Maria at wOrk also frequently joins us at our live gigs. The blend of her amazing visuals and our punching death-melodic guitar riffs makes our live show a total experience."
 
Reject The Sickness released its first demo in 2010, Slack Muscles Heal, and a mini-CD called Bloodstained Eyes in 2013. The mini-CD and demo where united on one CD and re-released worldwide through Headshot Records. Reviews for Bloodstained Eyes were very promising and fueled the bands eagerness to work even harder and more intensely to get the best possible result.
 
Reject The Sickness are five musicians, brought together by the love of metal. The different metal preferences and personalities in the band make them what they are today. They are more than ready for you.

“Only Darkness Is Real” lyric video:

“Hopeless” video:

Odium has been operating out of Hanover, Ontario producing dark, yet melodic metal layered with fast-paced gruff bellows, resonating vocals, and pounding instrumentals for nearly a decade. After releasing an EP, two full-length records plus lineup change, the band is gearing up for their third album, Terraform, due out on October 23rd, and before its release they are offering fans a free download of their latest single, “Return To Form”, at this location.

Terraform tracklisting:

“Odyssey”
“Feral Inversion”
“Centipedes”
“Return To Form”
“Delusion”
“Dead”
“Failure II”
“Obsolete”
“The Cell”
“Redemption”
“Displacement Of Hope”

“Return To Form”:

Return to Form by Odium

 

Ulterium Records has announced the signing of the Greek heavy metal band Diviner to the label. Their debut album, Fallen Empires, will be released on November 20th in Europe and North America on CD, LP and digital. The vinyl edition of Fallen Empires is strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide.

Fallen Empires is a very strong heavy metal album that keeps the legacy from the genre but at the same time sounds new and inspired. Perfect for fans of bands like Accept, Dio, Judas Priest and Iced Earth. Mastered by Peter In de Betou (Arch Enemy, Opeth, Amon Amarth).

Their sound influences cover a very wide range of metal paths having classic heavy origins and melodies, blended with modern crushing riffs, groovy rhythm sections, powerful vocals and an overall up to date approach.

Fallen Empires tracklisting:

“Fallen Empires”
“Kingdom Come”
“Evilizer”
“Riders From The East”
“The Legend Goes On”
“Come Into My Glory”
“Seven Gates”
“The Shadow And The Dark”
“Sacred War”
“Out In The Abyss”

Teaser:

Pre-order at this location.

Diviner is:

Yiannis Papanikolaou (Rock ’N’ Roll Children, ex-Innerwish) - Vocals
Thimios Krikos (Innerwish) - Guitar
George Maroulees (4bitten) - Guitar
Herc Booze (SiXforNinE) - Bass
Fragiskos Samoilis (Innerwish) - Drums

RATT guitarist Warren DeMartini (pictured) says that he is "totally against" his bandmate Bobby Blotzer's decision to use the RATT name for the drummer's "tribute band" and is taking steps "to prevent any further misuse" of the brand.

Blotzer announced on Wednesday (September 23) that he was taking control of the RATT name and was planning to hit the road with a new version of the group, which played shows earlier in the year under the name BOBBY BLOTZER'S RATT EXPERIENCE.

WBS, Inc., the company which owns the RATT brand, was originally formed by Blotzer, DeMartini and singer Stephen Pearcy. Pearcy lost his share of the name in court after splitting with the group in 2000. He returned to the band in 2006 but exited again last year. Blotzer has since expressed his desire to keep RATT alive with a new singer, but explained that DeMartini did not want to tour as RATT without Pearcy.

In an exclusive statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET, DeMartini says that he does not have any objections to Blotzer performing RATT's music with other musicians, but makes it clear that he does not want the drummer to "solicit his tribute band as RATT."

DeMartini's statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET reads as follows:

"Back in March, Bob Blotzer phoned me and said he wanted to form a RATT tribute band and call it something like '…RATT EXPERIENCE.' I suggested he not use RATT in the title and call it something like BOB'S CELLAR as RATT's debut record, 'Out Of The Cellar', has rounded its third decade. He said something to the effect that he wanted to use RATT in the title 'like JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE.' I said I had no problem with him playing songs he recorded with RATT, but I didn't agree to him using the name in the title. He used it anyway. "Now he is soliciting his tribute band as RATT which he is completely unauthorized to do. I am totally against it, and steps are being taken to prevent any further misuse of the name as well as representation about future RATT performances."

Joining Blotzer in the new "RATT" lineup are singer Josh Alan (SIN CITY SINNERS), bassist Scotty Griffin (ex-L.A. GUNS), and guitarists Doc Ellis (Jizzy Pearl's LOVE/HATE) and Blaze.

Shortly after announcing the formation of BOBBY BLOTZER'S RATT EXPERIENCE in March, Blotzer posted a message explaining that while he "had the right to go out and tour as RATT, [he] would not consider that." He added: "This is not RATT, but a chance to go out a tour with complete familiarity in our music for you, the fans of RATT and myself humbly… After five years of us not touring, I'm bored and I want to play our songs that we all wrote and created. It ain't RATT, okay, but I'm confident after you see my band playing Ratt N Roll music, you'll agree that it kicked your asses, and you walk out with a good buzz on and in your ears when we start rollin' up on your town."

Pictured below: Bobby Blotzer's new RATT

Fuzzorama Records announce the release of Make It Belong To Us, the fourth, and most explosive album yet from Malmö, Sweden-based rockers Deville.

Well-versed in the ways of brutal melody, for over a decade Deville have built a career out of tight, hard-hitting rock and roll. Brought together in 2004 out of a shared loved for stoner metal and hard fuzz, the band – made up of lead guitarist/vocalist Andreas Bengtsson, drummer Markus Nilsson, bass player Markus Åkesson and rhythm guitarist Andreas Wulkan – are no strangers to the power of the weighted riff.
 
As you will hear on new song “Life In Decay”, the chugging, hook-laden guitars, soaring vocal and ambitious progression in song writing has shaped Deville into a leaner, meaner, and ultimately heavier sounding machine. A band that while happy to hold court with the likes of Mastodon, High On Fire and Queens Of The Stone Age, plan to not only stand beside them shoulder to shoulder, but seize the throne from under their noses.

“Life In Decay”:

 
With previous releases on Daredevil Records, Buzzville Records, Heavy Psych Sounds and Small Stone Records, new album Make It Belong To Us will receive an official release on Fuzzorama Records on November 13th. Having played over four hundred gigs and festivals across Europe and the USA since their formation, in celebration of the release Deville also embark on a support tour with fellow Swedes, Mustasch throughout October (see dates below).

October
10 – Antwerp, Belgium - Desertfest
16 – Essen, Germany - Turock (with Mustasch)
17 – Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser (with Mustasch)
18 – Berlin, Germany - Magnet (with Mustasch)
19 – Hamburg, Germany - Knust (with Mustasch)
20 – Köln, Germany - Underground (with Mustasch)
21 – Pratteln, Switzerland - MiniZ7 (with Mustasch)
22 – München, Germany - Backstage (with Mustasch)
23 – Coburg, Germany - Bei Adam
24 – Leeuwarden, Netherlands - Popcentrum Neushoorn

Deville lineup:
 
Andreas Bengtsson – Vocals, Guitars
Markus Nilsson – Drums
Andreas Wulkan – Lead Guitar
Markus Åkesson – Bass

 

Originally formed several years ago by frontman Doedsadmiral (Nordjevel, Doedsvangr), Norwegian black metallers, Svartelder, have hit the ground running after a lengthy hiatus. With a freshly inked two-album deal with the Dusktone label, and with a new lineup that includes members of Carpathian Forest, In The Woods, Den Saakaldte, Pantheon I and Old Forest, Svartelder are gearing up to bring their particular take on Norwegian black metal to a wider audience.

As well as the two full-length albums, the first of which is set to appear in early 2016, Dusktone will also physically release the band's Askebundet EP, which has so far only appeared in digital format. The CD version will include an additional bonus track that is not available on the three-track digital version, and will hit the streets later this year.

 

 

Aside from Doedsadmiral on vocals, Svartelder's new lineup is comprised of Maletoth on bass and guitars, AK-47 on drums, and Kobold on keys. The inclusion of these highly skilled and experienced musicians into Svartelder's ranks has expanded the band's original sound, which is firmly rooted in Norwegian black metal, into something much more fresh and varied, with each member bring with them their own set of influences and a variety of different elements.

It's no mystery as to where the musicians come from, but who each individual musician actually is still remains a mystery to some. "We really did want to be judged on our output with Svartelder as opposed to being compared to the various members' previous work," explains Doedsadmiral. "To that end most of the band members have used different names, but from what we have seen on the internet and the messages we're receiving, most people are already guessing who it is that's doing what!"

The track "Ingen Vet Jeg Var..." can be heard below:

Athens, Greece-based melodic power metal band, The Silent Rage, have revealed the special guests participating on their upcoming album, The Deadliest Scourge.

Apollo Papathanasio (Spiritual Beggars, ex-Firewind) – “He’s a singer with a voice that we all love. We asked Apollo to join our very own Steve Venardo on the track “Sin Of A Pilgrim” and he accepted immediately. The outcome is really breathtaking!”

Yossi Sassi (ex-Orphaned Land) – “He’s without a doubt the godfather of the “oriental metal” genre. Yossi has given an Eastern touch to our ballad “Shadow Spirit”, by performing some mind travelling melodies on the Oud.”

Vladimir Reshetnikov (Arkona, Rossomahaar) – “Alongside the magnificent Oud melodies of Yossi, Vladimir also performed on “Shadow Spirit”. The melodies on the Galician bagpipe (Gaita), and traditional Ukrainian flute called Sopilka are going to blow your mind.”

Theophilos Kritikos (Feel) - “He’s the mastermind behind the opening intro track of the album, under the title “Signal Of War”. Theophilos created the perfect opening of our upcoming album.”

Check a small teaser of the guests in the following clip:

The band has also scheduled a listening session for the local Greek media this Saturday (September 26th). After that, they will be officially in search of a record label.

Teaser #1:

Art Gates Records announce the signing of Slovenian black metal combo, Cvinger, as the new artist to enter their roster of artists.

This black metal crusade started in winter of 2012. Cvinger is an old Slovenian word with several meanings. One of them comes from Ottoman or Turkish Wars and was used for first defence wall around church, later this word was used for the wall which separated cemetery from those who committed suicide. The sound of the band is a combination of old school black metal with several influences, giving as a result the unique sound of Cvinger.

In words of the band: "We are very pleased to sign with Art Gates Records. They are great label, who put a lot of time and effort into bands, they help the artist to exceed their artistic form. Together we will start a new era of aural decadence."
 
This 4-pieced combo toured Europe as headliners and also shared stages with Melechesh and Keep Of Kalessin.
 
These Slavs released two EP’s, Abyss Of Horns (2013), Monastery Of Fallen (2013), an one LP entitled Enthronement ov Diabolical Souls (2014).
 
In September of this year, the band released their new single "Enchanted Conclave" (watch the video below). The new single will be presented live on Marduk's Frontschwein: 2015 European Tour Part III.

Tour dates:
 
October
8 - Katowice, Poland - Mega Club
9 - Trinec, Czech Republic - Barrocko
10 - Praga, Czech Republic - Nova Chmelnice
11 - Erfurt, Germany - Club From Hell
12 - La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland - Bikini Test
13 - Colmar, France - Grillen
14 - Zurich, Switzerland - Komplex 457
15 - Rome, Italy - Traffic Live Club
16 - Rozzano, Italy - Elyon

FIRESPAWN (formerly FIREBORN) — the new Swedish death metal project featuring Lars Göran Petrov (vocals; ENTOMBED) and Victor Brandt (guitar; ENTOMBED), Alex Friberg (bass; NECROPHOBIC), Fredrik Folkare (guitar; UNLEASHED, NECROPHOBIC) and Matte Modin (drums; DARK FUNERAL, DEFLESHED) — will release its debut album, "Shadow Realms", on November 13 via Century Media. The cover artwork was created by Paolo Girardi, who is well known for his oil paintings for BLACK BREATH, POWER TRIP, INQUISITION and BLASPHEMOPHAGHER.

"Shadow Realms" will include 11 tracks of devil-worshipping death metal, taking inspiration from the musical vision of early MORBID ANGEL, DISSECTION and BEHEMOTH. Expect an extremely varied, dark and brutal album of real death metal, spreading the arcane tenets of Lucifer.

The song "Ruination" from "Shadow Realms" can be streamed below.

FIRESPAWN released a seven-inch EP, "Lucifer Has Spoken' on August 7, limited to 500 hand-numbered copies.

The official video for "Lucifer Has Spoken" can be seen below.

Hailing from Stockholm, FIRESPAWN is the unholy union of five death metal veterans with the aim to create blasphemous, sacrilegious and evil death metal, played by sharp minds with ancient souls. Comments Friberg: "We are stoked to be joining forces with Century Media. They are one of the biggest labels out there in extreme music and together we will spread the fire worldwide!" Adds Jens Prüter, head of A&R at Century Media: "Don't call it supergroup but this spawn of Satan combines the best of Stockholm death metal and it's great to see a bunch of old friends coming together for just one goal: to destroy. I know some of the guys for many years and it's an honor to help them spreading fire worldwide. Special thanks from my side to Costin Chioreanu and Paolo Girardi for helping out on the band's visual presentation, and my colleague Philipp Schulte for taking over the torch and bring you... FIRE! I'll see you burn!"

FIRESPAWN is:

Lars Göran Petrov (ENTOMBED) - VocalsVictor Brandt (ENTOMBED) - GuitarAlex Friberg (NECROPHOBIC) - BassFredrik Folkare (UNLEASHED, NECROPHOBIC) - GuitarMatte Modin (DARK FUNERAL, DEFLESHED) – Drums

"Sorrow", the new video from the Los Angeles-based, occult-themed traditional heavy metal band HUNTRESS, can be seen below. The clip was written and directed by Phil Mucci (DISTURBED, STONE SOUR, HIGH ON FIRE), and produced by Mucci and Ian Mackay of Diabolik.

"Sorrow" is taken from HUNTRESS's third studio album, titled "Static", which is being released today (Friday, September 25) via Napalm Records. The CD was produced by Paul Fig (Grammy-nominated engineer who has previously worked with ALICE IN CHAINS, DEFTONES, TRIVIUM, GHOST) and Jim Rota (FIREBALL MINISTRY, executive producer for "Sonic Highways" series and producer of "Sound City" movie), and was engineered and mixed by Fig.

Vance Kelly (SLAYER, ALICE IN CHAINS, EVANESCENCE, GHOST) has once again delivered stunning album artwork for HUNTRESS. The band's creative unity with Kelly remains strong, with Vance having also created album covers for HUNTRESS's previous CDs "Spell Eater" and "Starbound Beast".

HUNTRESS lead singer Jill Janus recently told Loudwire about the band's new CD: "The concept for 'Static' came to me on tour with HUNTRESS, in a truck stop restroom.

"'Static' is a monster that exists within all things electrical. She turns humans into 'zombies of the noise', braindead humanity. This is a reflection on how I feel about the current state of the world and the glorification of mediocrity."

Regarding the making of "Static", Jill said: "The writing and recording process was difficult at times, touring relentlessly. HUNTRESS kept getting amazing opportunities with LAMB OF GOD, ARCH ENEMY and AMON AMARTH. Our vision is strong, so the imagery and music always comes organically. We just let it evolve, yet kept up our pace. No rest for the wicked."

"Static" track listing:

01. Sorrow02. Flesh03. Brian04. I Want To Wanna Wake Up05. Mania06. Four Blood Moons07. Static08. Harsh Times On Planet Stoked09. Noble Savage10. Fire In My Heart

Bonus tracks:

11. Black Tongue12. Vultures Can Wait (7" vinyl exclusive)

Audio samples all the tracks that are set to appear on "Static" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

HUNTRESS was recently forced to cancel its previously announced participation in the U.S. tour featuring AVATAR, GEMINI SYNDROME and FIRST DECREE so that Janus could recover after undergoing "major surgery" for uterine cancer.

HUNTRESS is:

Jill Janus - VocalsBlake Meahl - GuitarsEli Santana - GuitarsTyler Meahl - Drums

HALESTORM's Lzzy Hale joined HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES on stage last night (Thursday, September 24) at the Rock In Rio festival in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil to perform the LED ZEPPELIN classic "Whole Lotta Love". Professionally filmed video footage of her appearance can be seen below.

HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES' touring lineup features Alice Cooper on vocals, Duff McKagan (GUNS N' ROSES) on bass, Matt Sorum (GUNS N' ROSES) on drums, and Joe Perry (AEROSMITH) and A-list actor Johnny Depp on lead and rhythm guitar.

The HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES' album was released on September 11. The self-titled set, which was produced by Bob Ezrin, features appearances by Paul McCartney, Brian Johnson, Joe Walsh, Zak Starkey, Perry Farrell, Dave Grohl, Slash, Robbie Krieger, and Kip Winger, among others. All artist proceeds will be donated to MusiCares.

Perry told The Pulse Of Radio that he's looking forward to HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES growing into a solid working live outfit. "I'm an East Coast guy, y'know. I mean, everybody else is kinda like, West Coast, or… So, to spend all the time in L.A. and to be part of this, it's a real gas. And I know it's something that Johnny's wanted to do for a long time, actually have a band, y'know? And, y'know, we're gonna put a lot of time into the rehearsals, so it won't take anything but bring your guitar and show up."

The HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES project is a salute to Alice Cooper's hard-partying L.A. crew in 1973-1974, which included Keith Moon, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Harry Nilsson and Micky Dolenz, among others. A plank of wood featuring the legendary musicians' signatures is immortalized at Hollywood's Rainbow Bar And Grill in the club's upper level, known as "Over The Rainbow."

Former MEGADETH drummer Nick Menza has officially joined OHM:, the band led by another ex-MEGADETH member, guitarist Chris Poland.

Menza's addition to OHM: follows the recent passing of the band's previous drummer, David Eagle, who suffered a heart attack and had open-heart surgery in May.

On July 9, Poland and Menza performed at a benefit concert for Eagle at The Baked Potato in Studio City, California. Fan-filmed video footage of the event can be seen below.

As previously reported, Poland, Menza and fellow former MEGADETH member James LoMenzo (bass) have joined forces in a brand new band.

Regarding the new project's musical direction, which has been described by some as "LED ZEPPELIN meets METALLICA," Nick said: "It's got some elements of that, but I'd say we're just so far beyond everything that's been heard already. It's gonna be a conglomerate of styles. It's gonna be what we like to do best — have fun, play… Our material is gonna be really out there. It's gonna be different. It's gonna pumped, it's gonna be heavy, but it's gonna be us."

[Note: The music performed in the clips below is not to be confused with the project that Poland and Menza are working on with LoMenzo.]

Poland is best known for his work on MEGADETH's first two albums — "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!" (1985) and "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" (1986).

Menza joined MEGADETH for the 1989 recording "Rust In Peace" and for the next nine years became associated with the band's "classic" and most profitable era.

Joel Hoekstra will release "Dying To Live", the new melodic hard rock studio album from his electrifying new side project JOEL HOEKSTRA'S 13, on October 16 via Frontiers Srl. The currrent guitarist for WHITESNAKE, Hoekstra is best known for his work with NIGHT RANGER, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA and the show "Rock Of Ages".

The song "Long For The Days", taken from "Dying To Live", can be streamed below.

Says Hoekstra: "'Long For The Days' is a song about reflection and regret over a relationship gone badly. It's a good old-fashioned, classic-rock style track that captures elements of some of my favorite bands (I'll let you figure them out!). Vinny Appice (drums) and Tony Franklin (bass) lay it down while Derek Sherinian (keys) provides the right sounds and parts with tasteful perfection. Russell Allen delivers one of my favorite vocal performances EVER and Jeff Scott Soto sings some amazing backgrounds to support them. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing/recording it!" Hoekstra took charge of the creative process by handling the production, songwriting and arranging (music and lyrics). The end result could best be described as hard, melodic, classic rock that is DIO-ish at its heaviest and FOREIGNER-ish at its lightest. "Years ago, I released three solo albums that were mainly instrumental guitar music. I wanted to put something out that showcased my production, writing and playing in the genre that I'm known for, which is melodic, hard rock," explains Hoekstra. "That's when I decided to start what I consider to be my rock side project, JOEL HOEKSTRA'S 13."

"Dying To Live" focuses on struggles, potential pitfalls and the art of overcoming obstacles in life to finally arrive where we are meant to be. The CD was conceived before Hoekstra joined WHITESNAKE, whose lead singer, David Coverdale, gave the album his full blessing.

"David wants his players to spread their wings and fly, and, of course, be ready to rock when WHITESNAKE needs them, which obviously won't be an issue," says Hoekstra. Excited how the new album turned out, Hoekstra is looking forward to the overall reaction from fans and media. "I hope everyone will give it a listen," he says. "I feel it showcases my production, writing and playing in essentially the same genre. The lineup of musicians is stellar! I want to thank everyone for any support in advance. Life is good!" "Dying To Live" track listing: 01. Say Goodbye To The Sun02. Anymore03. Until I Left You04. Long For The Days05. Scream06. Never Say Never07. Changes08. The Only Way To Go09. Dying To Live10. Start Again11. What We Believe12. Kill or Be Killed (bonus track digital download)

An EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for the album is available below. The musicians:

* Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE) - Guitar, Backing Vocals* Jeff Scott Soto (JOURNEY, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) - Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals* Russell Allen (ADRENALINE MOB, SYMPHONY X) - Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals* Vinny Appice (Black SABBATH, DIO) - Drums* Tony Franklin (THE FIRM, BLUE MURDER) - Bass Special Guest Musicians:

* Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION) - Keyboards* Chloe Lowery (TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA) - Vocals* Toby Hitchcock (PRIDE OF LIONS) - Additional Backing Vocals* Charlie Zeleny (JOE LYNN TURNER) - Percussion* Dave Eggar (AMY LEE, COLDPLAY) – Cello

"Kill The Flaw", the eleventh studio album from SEVENDUST, can be streamed in its entirety below. Due on October 2 via 7Bros. Records with ADA/Warner Brothers distribution, the CD was produced by SEVENDUST and recorded at Architekt Music in Butler, New Jersey with engineer/mixer Mike Ferretti.

"Kill The Flaw" is available for digital pre-order at iTunes. Fans who order the album will receive an instant download of the first single, "Thank You".

Lajon Witherspoon recently told The Aquarian Weekly about the making of "Kill The Flaw": "The whole thing, to me, was such an experience and fun because we were able to take a break and unplug and to get that creative process within us when we went into the studio to do this album."

He continued: "We went in with this live effect. There wasn’t anything really written for this album, so what we did was we set up on the live stage and everything was mic'd, from guitars to drums, so we were able to record while we were rehearsing pieces of songs. Then we would go in from 12 noon until 12 midnight and during the day, we would just get up there as the band SEVENDUST like when we started, which we loved to do, and just jam. Things came out and that’s the way this album, 'Kill The Flaw', came together, man. It was just like the beginning of our career when we sat down and jammed together like a band and it's what I think made this album flow so easily and come out with so many cool songs."

Asked if he and his bandmates like the freedom of producing their own records, Witherspoon said: "Sometimes we have in our minds that sometimes it's cool to have someone come in and 'police' the album. I like to say that… police' it and really tell us what to do, because we kind of know what to do, even though I say 'police' too, because we can do stuff illegally and maybe not go to jail for it. [Laughs] Only kidding! We're on the right side of the law!"

He continued: "This time, we just wanted to go in and give it our all. Every once in a while, we'll bring a producer in and see how it goes, but more than likely, we have so many that are so talented in the band and singers and players and it's always so much fun for us to go in and pick each other's brains as producers ourselves. It was really cool to get down that way, and I'm sure in the future we'll bring other producers in, but for this time around, it was really fun to do it as this band that started from day one." "Kill The Flaw" track listing: 01. Thank You 02. Death Dance 03. Forget 04. Letters05. Cease And Desist06. Not Today07. Chop08. Kill The Flaw09. Silly Beast10. Peace And Destruction11. Torched

SEVENDUST is comprised of vocalist Lajon Witherspoon, guitarists John Connolly and Clint Lowery, bassist Vince Hornsby and drummer Morgan Rose.

Fan-filmed video footage of VENOM INC., the new band featuring original VENOM members Jeff "Mantas" Dunn (guitar) and Anthony "Abaddon" Bray (drums) alongside ex-VENOM bassist/vocalist Tony "Demolition Man" Dolan, performing on September 21 at Scala in London, England can be seen below.

In a recent interview with Canada's The Metal Voice, Dunn stated about how VENOM bassist/vocalist Conrad "Cronos" Lant feels about VENOM INC.'s existence and whether he has tried to stop VENOM INC. from using the "VENOM" name: "I don't know [how he feels about it]. And at the end of the day, [our band's full name is] VENOM INC. – IRON & STEEL. The fans know who he is, the fans know who we are. In this band, you have the two founder members of [VENOM]."

He continued: "I don't wanna get into this whole political thing, but every band who's got a frontman who is iconic, [the fans] look at the frontman as 'that's the band.' Not true. [Cronos] was the last person to join VENOM — at my invitation. I met him at a girlfriend's friend's house. And we needed a rhythm guitarist — that's what we needed. We didn't need a vocalist; we had a vocalist. We needed a rhythm guitarist, because our rhythm guitarist had left. Essentially, we were, what? Two guitars, bass, drums and vocals — so we were a five-piece in the initial stages. So the rhythm guitarist left. I met this guy. I'd never met him before. He said he was a guitarist; he had long hair; he was into metal; he worked at Impulse Studios owned by David Wood, founder of] Neat Records. I had been there and walked out with my tail between my legs, because, at that point, me and the other guys who I had around in the band, we couldn't afford to do a demo. So it was, like, 'Hmm, that might be an inroad.' So he was invited to a rehearsal, he came in as a rhythm guitarist, and the bass player left, as bands do. By default, he took over bass, and then I wrote 'Live Like An Angel (Die Like A Devil)'. And the idea for that song was… I said to him, 'Can you sing?' And he was, like, 'I'll give it a go.' So the idea was that Clive Archer, our original singer, was gonna go off stage and do a costume change and come back on for 'Shizo'."

Dunn added: "A lot of these songs were written before he joined the band. And this is what people don't realize… And the other thing that people don't realize is… I'll say this. In 2005, my mother was seriously ill and I lost her… I lost my mother at the end of that year. My mind wasn't on music, it wasn't on fucking a band's name or anything like that. And I had already made my exit. Those things went on, and I was, like, 'That's it.' And [Cronos] called me. It was something to do with a license coming back for an album, which we were then gonna pass to Sanctuary Records. And I was just, like, 'My mind isn't on this. It's gotta be on family. And I don't care. I really don't care what happens with this fucking album. Put it wherever the hell you want.' And it was during the course of that conversation [that] he said, 'Are you okay with me continuing VENOM?' [And I said], 'Yeah.' Is it a decision I regret? Yes. Because, looking back, if my head had been right, if my head had been screwed on at that point, I would have said, 'I think we should just bury it now.'"

Said Bray: "But then, legally, he didn't ask me, and the name of the band, originally, was put together by the two of us. So if he had legal standing, he's asked one person, [and] you have to ask the other person. 'Cause I would have said no. And that's why he didn't ask me, 'cause I would have said, 'No, I'm not okay with it.'"

ASked whether Cronos has a possible legal case in wanting to stop VENOM INC. from using the VENOM name, Bray said: "No. The only thing he's got, if we have a legal argument about it, is the recent longevity. He's got [a period of several years] where he's been putting [stuff out and playing shows], so people know that's VENOM. And that's fair enough; we're not disputing that. None of us are disputing that. But we're saying is we have got what we've got and everybody knows what it's about and everybody understands it. And when we said, 'Let's call it IRON & STEEL,' everybody went, 'But you're VENOM. You're VENOM.' Everybody else said it. And we went, 'It's really nice to hear.'"

Dunn, Bray and Dolan released three albums as VENOM between 1989 and 1992 — "Prime Evil" (1989), "Temples Of Ice" (1991) and "The Waste Lands" (1992).

The classic lineup of VENOM — Lant, Dunn and Bray — is often credited with kickstarting the whole black metal movement, but is more accurately seen an early example of extreme metal.

VENOM's second album, 1982's "Black Metal", was a major influence on on the early Norwegian black metal scene.

"Too Much Is Not Enough", the new video from Swedish rockers GRAVEYARD, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's fourth full-length album, "Innocence & Decadence", which is being released on September 25 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was recorded at Atlantis Studios in Stockholm, Sweden with Janne Hansson (ABBA, THE HIVES, OPETH) and Johan Lindström (TONBRUKET).

Asked how GRAVEYARD approached the making of "Innocence & Decadence" compared to 2012's "Lights Out", guitarist/vocalist Joakim Nilsson told Ireland's Overdrive: "It was the same way that we usually record and write. Everybody contributes to the songwriting process in the band and sometimes someone comes with a direct idea and we just jam it out, twisting and turning it in every way that we can, to get the best out of the material. It's a long process for writing and had been off for about a year, when putting the songs together for this album. Part of this was due to our old bassist and founding member, Rikard, leaving back in October of 2014. We were writing without a bass player for a period and then we recruited our old friend Truls Mörck to help us out playing bass while we were writing the album. The connection between us all was just electric, so we asked him to continue and that's how it all came together to what it is today."

Nilsson also spoke about GRAVEYARD's decision to record "Innocence & Decadence" at Atlantis Studios in Stockholm with Hansson and Lindström.

"Janne is the engineer and actually owns the studio, so he comes with the place, if you know what I mean," he said. "We really wanted to do the album in Atlantis studios, and, luckily for us, Janne was part of the deal. He has been there since the '70s and really knows what he's doing. That studio is amazing and very iconic in Sweden, as so many bands have recorded there, and it's just an amazing place, with a huge recording room that we wanted to use. Also, we were fans of Johan, our producer, as has a mental band TONBRUKET, who are just amazing at what they do."

He continued: "We had many people tell us that we should work with Johan, because he is known for having a great ear for music and totally understood what GRAVEYARD was about. It just so happens that he is also not just a great producer/engineer, but also is a fantastic musician in his own right. He ended up playing some Hammond organ on the album, which just sounds really great and was something that just worked really well for the songs."

"Innocence & Decadence" was released in various formats (vinyl look digipak, digital download, black/clear/splatter/orange/green/bi-colored vinyl as well as a t-shirt/CD bundle).

FLYING COLORS, the band featuring Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Dave LaRue (bass), Neal Morse (keyboards, vocals), Casey McPherson (vocals, guitars) and Steve Morse (guitar), will release the electrifying "Second Flight: Live At The Z7" on November 13 via Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group on multiple formats (4K UltraHD, Blu-ray, DVD, LP + MP3, CD, iTunes, Headphone Surround, iTunes, Pono).

A performance clip of the song "Mask Machine" from "Second Flight: Live At The Z7" can be seen below.

On only the eighth show of their 2014 fall tour, FLYING COLORS took to the stage at Switzerland's storied Z7 venue and captured on film captured a breathtaking live performance. "It was especially exciting because we had just performed many of these songs for the first time, days before," explains Steve Morse. With their critically acclaimed sophomore album "Second Nature" out for only a week, the concert recorded an exceptional rarity: band and audience, together, discovering an album for the first time. That freshness is palpable in every frame of this Ultra-HD/Blu-ray/DVD release. With every crowd reaction you are transported there, becoming part of the event.

FLYING COLORS also explored technological innovation with the album, with unique ways for fans to experience it. Viewers can listen in 5.1-Surround from the two best seats in the house: behind the front-of-house soundboard, or right in the front row. In another first, an audio-only version of the concert is available in Headphone Surround, which recreates the front-row surround mix entirely in headphones. The headphone mix will be available in formats up to uncompressed 24 bit / 192 KHz from HD audio distributors, such as Pono. For the warmest sound and highest possible fidelity, every one of the show's mixes was mastered to 2" analogue tape, and digitised separately for each audio format, by mix/mastering engineer Rich Mouser (TRANSATLANTIC, WEEZER).

The audio itself underwent a new audio engineering process, Harmonic Phrase Analysis, developed specifically for the show at Manchester Metropolitan University in England. The technology reduces the unwanted processing normally associated with contemporary live recordings, imparting a more organic feel to the sound field. The video was mastered by famed special effects company Cinnafilm, using their revolutionary Dark Energy technology (IMAX). The result is unparalleled realism from the concert's 24 cameras, as well as eye-popping Ultra-HD versions of the concert.

"Second Flight: Live At The Z7" showcases a new level of musical prowess from the group, captures the candid energy of a new band, and lets fans experience them in innovative ways. It reflects the many hues and colors of the band members' individual-and collective-unique creative expression. Casey McPherson recounted, "We had a blast playing these tunes and can't wait for you to hear them… you can feel the excitement!" before going on to joke, "I'm still trying to learn Steve's guitar parts, though."

Summarizing the experience, Dave LaRue offered: "FLYING COLORS is like no other band to perform with. This tour was all about the joy of playing together, and sharing new songs with fans. Everyone felt something special that night, and I'm so glad we captured it."

FLYING COLORS' debut in 2012 auspiciously challenged conventional wisdom about fusing complex music with mainstream songwriting. Teaming the talents of such heavyweights as guitarist Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE, DIXIE DREGS), drummer Mike Portnoy (TRANSATLANTIC, THE WINERY DOGS, ex-DREAM THEATER), keyboardist/singer Neal Morse (solo artist, TRANSATLANTIC, ex-SPOCK'S BEARD), bass wizard Dave LaRue (DIXIE DREGS, JOE SATRIANI, STEVE VAI), with new pop singer/songwriter Casey McPherson, the band quickly established itself as one of rock's most melodic enigmas.

The mission was to join virtuoso players, a pop singer/songwriter, and the right producer-to create sophisticated music that was accessible. In 2009, executive producer Bill Evans brought the idea to Morse, Portnoy, Morse, LaRue, and music producer Peter Collins. Having helmed enduring works by progressive artists (RUSH, BRIAN WILSON), as well as mainstream ones (ELTON JOHN, BON JOVI), the renowned Collins was a perfect fit. The band was incomplete, though, even after Evans and Collins considered over 100 singer/songwriters.

Then Mike Portnoy one night on tour heard Casey McPherson's "Colder Months" in rotation on his iPod. McPherson had recently released "New Morning" (Hollywood Records), dominating the Billboard Top 10 for 17 weeks, and VH1's Top 20 Countdown for four months. Portnoy realized, soon followed by everyone else, that McPherson brought the perfect tone to FLYING COLORS.

"Second Nature" was released in September of 2014, debuting in multiple Top 10 charts worldwide. In addition to numerous other accolades, the album received a Prog Award nomination for "Album Of The Year," with FLYING COLORS being nominated for "Band Of The Year." Adorned with artwork by Hugh Syme (AEROSMITH, STONE SOUR, RUSH), mixed by prog rock stalwart Rich Mouser, and bookended by two tracks of truly epic stature — "Open Up Your Eyes" and the anthemic "Cosmic Symphony" — "Second Nature" was a fitting release for the band's sophomore outing.

In late 2012, the band toured the United States and Europe, dazzling fans with FLYING COLORS originals and selections from the catalogues of the five members.

"Second Flight: Live At The Z7" is the follow-up to the band's previous Blu-ray/DVD, the #1 European-charting "Live In Europe".

"Second Flight: Live At The Z7" track listing:

01. Overture02. Open Up Your Eyes03. Bombs Away04. Kayla05. Shoulda Coulda Woulda06. The Fury Of My Love07. A Place In Your World08. Forever In A Daze09. One Love Forever10. Colder Months11. Peaceful Harbor12. The Storm13. Cosmic Symphony14. Mask Machine15. Infinite Fire16. Peaceful Harbor (Orchestral Version)*

*Bonus track 3LP and digital only

Montreal extreme metallers CRYPTOPSY have unleashed a concept video for the song "Detritus (The One They Kept)", from their forthcoming EP, "The Book Of Suffering Tome 1", set to be released on October 30. The clip was produced by Chris Kells from Front to Back Video Production and can be seen below.

"The Book Of Suffering Tome 1" was produced by Chris Donaldson at The Grid studio in Montreal, mixed by Jason Suecof at Audiohammer Studio and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music.

It has been three years since CRYPTOPSY's last release and many fans have expressed their eagerness to hear new material.  This time, rather than a full album, CRYPTOPSY will release a series of EPs titled "The Book Of Suffering". This new approach will allow CRYPTOPSY to put out new music more often while remaining true to their standards of quality.

"The Book Of Suffering Tome 1" track listing:

01. Detritus (The One They Kept) 02. The Knife, The Head And What Remains 03. Halothane Glow 04. Framed By Blood

As of September 25, "The Book Of Suffering Tome 1" will be available to pre-order via CRYPTOPSY's Bandcamp page as well as on iTunes. Upon pre-order, fans will receive the exclusive single from the EP, "Detritus (The One They Kept)".

CRYPTOPSY states: "We are extremely proud of the new material; it is some of the most brutal, dark and technical music we have ever created."

CRYPTOPSY will take part in the "Canadian Rampage" tour in from October 7 to October 16.

Band photography by Eric Sanchez

Reactivated '80s rockers AUTOGRAPH have released a teaser video for their new single, "Every Generation". The track will be made available for download on October 2 via iTunes, Amazon, and various other digital-music providers.

Says AUTOGRAPH in a statement: "This is our third single to be released this year with our new lineup.

"We released our first new single, 'You Are Us, We Are You', back in January, and then in April came 'I Lost My Mind in America'.

"We are very proud of the new music we are creating in this new chapter in AUTOGRAPH history, and hope you'll all love this new song as much as we do.

"We continue to tour throughout 2015 and hope to see you all on the road!"

The platinum-selling Southern California hard rock juggernauts gave the world the ubiquitous hit "Turn Up the Radio", seminal albums such as 1984's "Sign In Please", 1985's "That's The Stuff" and 1987's "Loud And Clear", as well as unforgettable sold-out shows alongside everybody from MÖTLEY CRÜE and DIO to VAN HALEN and AEROSMITH. Given those accolades, when they disbanded in 1989, they never left the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the globe. Simply put, a reunion was both inevitable and essential.

In 2011, founding guitarist Steve Lynch and bassist Randy Rand decided to meet up at the NAMM show in Anaheim. They rekindled their friendship first, opening up the lines of communication and bonding more than ever before. With the relationship rebuilt, they made a collective decision to jam again.

"We approached our original singer Steve Plunkett about a reunion," recalls Lynch. "Unfortunately, he didn't have the time to join the band again due to how busy his business is. He did give us his blessing to move forward though, and that was important. There are so many eighties bands out there touring and having fun with it. We were one of the few that hadn't been out there. We missed our fans. This is for them."

Fully embracing the future, the remaining members caught some videos of singer Simon Daniels of JAILHOUSE on YouTube. Instantly, they sensed a connection and knew that he was meant for the open spot in the center stage.

"He has big shoes to fill," smiles Rand. "Nevertheless, he was born to front AUTOGRAPH. His hard-edged, bluesy voice and massive riffing sharpen our edge. He's given us a new energy, and he impressed us immediately."

"We all had a euphoric feeling after the first rehearsal," Lynch adds. "These songs hadn't been played in 25 years, and it was indescribable. It was great to be making music with my friends again."

With the lineup solidified, AUTOGRAPH stand poised to shake rock 'n' roll up yet again. It's as if every element has been enhanced from the guitars and drums to the bass and vocals.

Lynch puts it best: "We're much heavier than before. We're not using keyboards and we're tuning down for a much fatter sound. That strengthens everything. At the same time, the melodic vocals and catchy hooks are still an integral part of our sound."

For more information and tour dates, visit AutographBand.com.

Known as one of the most iconic forces in music history, Jeff Lynne’s ELO is set to deliver a new album which will be the first new ELO music in 15 years. Entitled Alone In The Universe, the album is set for global release November 13th on Columbia Records. The album is available globally for pre-order Friday, September 25th and the first single “When I Was a Boy” is also available Friday. Fans who pre-order the album will receive “When I Was A Boy” instantly. The single can be heard streaming below.

As with ELO’s previous chart-topping albums, Jeff Lynne continues to serve as ELO’s producer, songwriter, arranger, lead singer and guitarist. In September 2014, for the first time in 30 years, Jeff Lynne's ELO headlined BBC Radio 2's Festival In A Day in London's famous Hyde Park to a sold-out crowd of 50,000 fans in attendance and nearly a million people tuned in to watch.

Lynne was the creative genius behind ELO which sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, had more than 20 Top 40 Hits across the US and the UK and received countless awards and accolades. At the time of ELO’s formation, Lynne had said the goal was to create modern rock and pop songs. A goal that remains true some 30 years later with the creation of new material.

 

 

“Music is such a powerful force in our lives. A good song can make people feel much less alone in this universe. And trying to create one of those songs somehow makes me feel less alone too. My whole life—from being that kid with a dream in Birmingham right until today—proves how much music can do,” said Lynne.

“Jeff Lynne is a total master of his craft and Alone In The Universe is pure pop perfection. We are thrilled to be involved in the return of ELO and enormously proud to be releasing this contemporary classic on Columbia Records,” said Ashley Newton, President of Columbia Records

“When I Was A Boy”:

The new album from Voodoo Hill, entitled Waterfall, will be released on October 16th in Europe and North America. The album track “The Well” can be heard below:

The new album – the third release from the musical alliance between Italian axeman and producer Dario Mollo and legendary former Deep Purple singer / bassist Glenn Hughes – is the culmination of a 30+ year career for Mollo as a musician, songwriter and producer. Dario Mollo’s career started in 1981 with the heavy metal band Crossbones, he continued to develop his abilities with musical giants like Tony Martin (Black Sabbath), Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MSG), Don Airey (Rainbow, Ozzy, Deep Purple) and several others. The Voodoo Hill albums with Glenn Hughes has always marked a special milestone in Dario’s career though.

With the first Voodoo Hill album in 2000, Dario, for the first time, had the chance to have a proper international release, while the follow up album Wild Seed Of Mother Earth is probably the heaviest and strongest release ever from Dario.

The new record came about as a result “of the most prolific and creative period I had in my entire career” tells Dario. “I wrote and recorded more than 35 song ideas in a very limited amount of time, leveraging from all the experiences I gathered as a guitar player, writer and producer. This creative phase had a further development when Dario Patti (keyboardist, bass player and orchestra arranger) came into the picture. He brought the songs a new palette of sounds and some superb arrangements. I also wanted the songs to sound as fresh as possible, trying my best to preserve the feeling of the overall performances, so I used very old school recording methods, including recording acoustic drums in rooms with natural reverb.”

“It was right in the middle of this creative spring that Serafino of Frontiers called me to see whether I wanted to finally work on a third Voodoo Hill album after all these years,” continues Mollo. “He said Glenn Hughes was available in principle, so the next thing I did was to choose the 11 songs which I thought suited the project the best. In comparison to the previous albums, I wanted to have Glenn more involved in the artistic decisions, so I sent him the songs before the final mixes in order to have his advices on the final result. That was a precious process that brought substantial changes, for instance on “Last Door”, where I literally changed the entire guitar riff to make it work better with the vocal melodies. In the end the song was basically rewritten and dramatically improved. It was a fabulous creative process, which I am truly confident will last more than a bunch of listening sessions and will offer a lot of enjoyment to all those will want to follow Voodoo Hill in this exciting musical venture”.

Waterfall is a strong and straightforward hard and heavy rock album which is equally split between aggressive and heavy moments and beautiful melodies.

Waterfall tracklisting:

“All That Remains”
“The Well”
“Rattle Shake Bone”
“Underneath And Down Below”
“Waterfall”
“Karma Go”
“Evil Thing”
“Eldorado”
“White Feather”
“Sunflower”
“Last Door”

“Waterfall” lyric video:

“All That Remains”:

Album trailer:

Celtic metal band Darkest Era have released a new animated video for "Songs Of Gods And Men" from their 2014 album Severance. This video was created by French/Irish Artist Anaïs Chareyre (of Penny Dreadful fame) who had the following to say about it:

"The concept of this animation is about choices we make in life. This witch/woman is a representation of the Change, a step to something unknown, good or bad. She is the Fool tarot card, a promise for something definitely different. Sometimes in life we do need a radical change, but we are scared to walk to her. I went to her twice in my life, and twice I was terrified. But so far she is still smiling at me, even though she could change her face anytime, and I am aware of it. This is my first animation and I am really glad I could have such an awesome track as background, I hope you enjoy it!"

Cruz Del Sur Music and the band will co-release a new 7" called “An Dagda Awakens” / “Elohim” on November 20th. Cover artwork and an audio-teaser will be revealed soon.

 

Bucharest’s Bloodway will release their debut full-length album, Mapping The Moment With The Logic Of Dreams, on CD on September 25th via I, Voidhanger Records. The band’s new video for “Mirror Twins” can be seen below.

The video was directed by Costin Chioreanu, and it was filmed also by him together with Gina Sandulescu and Ghita Alexandru Adrian. The characters in the story were played by Crina Cristina Marian, Alexandra Victoria Dragu and Ghita Alexandru Adrian.

“Why did we cross 1500 kilometers and why did we have to reach three distant places in Bulgaria in order to film this video? It is because there we found the perfect sceneries to illustrate this song in the proper way. If someone reads the lyrics and goes deep into the story, then he/she will understand what I am saying. I think that we were very lucky that we did not have to cross half of the planet to reach these places. Or we did not have to struggle, like we did for the previous video, to imitate that space where unfortunately and most probably, we will never have the access… And yes, I am talking about Cosmos.” - Costin Chioreanu, September 24th

“Bloodway exist without expectations, and without trying to please anybody but ourselves,” proudly asserts Costin Chioreanu, the band’s leader and one of the most acclaimed graphic artists within the metal field.

He adds: "Conceptually speaking, this album represents the continuation of our debut EP. Sunstone Voyager And The Clandestine Horizon ends with the moment when our main character escapes the whale of illusions and falls into the infinite cosmos. He wants so bad to have the big picture of everything so he floats far, far away through space, until he reaches its limit. Mapping the Moment With The Logic Of Dreams starts with this moment. The character has the complete picture of the entire universe just for one second and then, he gets instantly absorbed into nothingness. Finding himself in that infinite lack of presence, he meets the highest solitude and he starts introspection. The entire album is a very tough introspection and meditation on the relationship between mind, soul and the outside world. The name presents the main conclusion of the album, as it can be easily translated into 'Live in the present and focus on the unseen.'"

Together with drummer Alex Ghita and bassist Mihai Andrei, he formed the band in 2013 and since then has been busy refining its style: An intriguing, surprising brew of black metal, psych-prog and avant-garde music, filtered through Chioreanu’s metaphysic visions and life’s deepest emotions. In a certain way, Bloodway’s music is an extension of Chioreanu’s art, and twice as bold: A shape-shifting creature inhabiting a bizarre reality, heavily deformed under the band’s surrealistic lens.

2014’s Sunstone Voyager And The Clandestine Horizon debut EP prepared the ground for Bloodway’s first full-length, a very mature work appropriately titled Mapping The Moment With The Logic Of Dreams. The album features Dr. Mikannibal from Sigh playing saxophone in one track, the mind-shattering prog instrumental “A Hallow Bridge”. The rest is Chioreanu, Ghita and Andrei at their best, injecting heavy doses of angst and craziness into a polymorphic musical matter that is adventurous as it is undeniably original.

Available as a CD in jewel case, 20-page booklet with lyrics. Cover art and additional booklet drawings by Costin Chioreanu.

Tracklisting:

“Seeding Distance”
“The Transfinite Castaway”
“Walking Past Near The Lighthouse”
“Mirror Twins”
“Early Glade Test Pilot”
“A Hallow Bridge”
“Garden Of Diurnal Fractals”
“Mapping The Moment With The Logic Of Dreams”

"The Transfinite Castaway" video: