Whitesnake celebrates the blues sound that helped inspire its multi-platinum career on a new collection that features remixed and remastered versions of the group’s best blues-rock songs. The Blues Album is the third and final release in the band’s Red, White and Blues Trilogy, a series of compilations organized by musical themes that began this year with Love Songs (red) and The Rock Album (white).

The Blues Album is available for pre-order now, and will be available on February 19 digitally and on CD and as a double-LP set pressed on 180-gram, blue vinyl. Like The Rock Album and Love Songs, all the tracks on The Blues Album have been revisited, remixed, and remastered.

An HD video for the 2021 remix of "Slow An' Easy" can be found below.

Whitesnake’s singer-songwriter David Coverdale says, the music reflects how blues artists like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and the three Kings (Albert, B.B. and Freddie) continue to inspire him. In the album’s liner notes, he writes: “It’s hard to find the words to show how profoundly they connected with my soul. But ‘blues’ to me is a beautiful word that describes emotional expression… feelings, be it feelings of sadness, loneliness, emptiness… but, also those that express great joy, celebration and dance, sexiness and Love!!!”

The new compilation delivers a potent mix of hits and deep tracks that originally appeared between 1984 and 2011 on six Whitesnake studio albums and Coverdale’s solo album, Into The Light.

The Blues Album showcases two of the band’s biggest songs: “Slow An’ Easy,” a Top 20 Mainstream Rock hit in 1984 from Whitesnake’s double-platinum album Slide It In, and a brand new guitar based remix of the smash hit “Give Me All Your Love” from the band’s 1987 self-titled album, which was certified multi multi platinum. Other choice tracks from Whitesnake are also featured: “Looking For Love” and “Crying In The Rain,” and “Steal Your Heart Away” (video below).

Restless Heart (1997), Good to Be Bad (2008), and Forevermore (2011) are all represented on The Blues Album by multiple tracks (“Too Many Tears,” “A Fool In Love” and “Steal Your Heart Away”). The collection also includes “If You Want Me,” a studio recording released in 2006 as a bonus track on the live album, Live… In The Shadows Of The Blues. Coverdale also taps his 2000 solo album, Into the Light, for “River Song.”

Pre-order here

CD tracklisting:

“Steal Your Heart Away”
“Good To Be Bad”
“Give Me All Your Love”
“Take Me Back Again”
“Slow An’ Easy”
“Too Many Tears”
“Lay Down Your Love”
“The River Song”
“Whipping Boy Blues”
“If You Want Me”
“A Fool In Love”
“Woman Trouble Blues”
“Looking For Love”
“Crying In The Rain”

LP tracklisting:

Side One
“Steal Your Heart Away”
“Good To Be Bad”
“Give Me All Your Love”
“Take Me Back Again”

Side Two
“Slow An’ Easy”
“Too Many Tears”
“Lay Down Your Love”

Side Three
“The River Song”
“Whipping Boy Blues”
“If You Want Me”
“A Fool In Love”

Side Four
“Woman Trouble Blues”
“Looking For Love”
“Crying In The Rain”

"Slow An' Easy" video:

"Steal Your Heart Away" video:

Heart's Ann Wilson has release a new original song, "Tender Heart", available now at all DSPs and streaming services here. Find a lyric video for the song below.

“‘Tender Heart’ came out of a personal struggle,” says Wilson, “but quickly evolved into a greater, more universal meaning. We as the human race are coming to realize realities we never dreamed we’d have to face – environmentally, culturally, financially, and health-wise. Humanity is coming to terms with uncomfortable, heartbreaking, terrifying truths. This song is for the soul whose heart is blindsided by reality, but is still soft and innocent. I hope people will identify with this song and feel they are not alone.”

Widely regarded as one of the greatest voices in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, Wilson will discuss “Tender Heart” and much more in a special interview with The Washington Post national arts reporter Geoff Edgers on his weekly Instagram Live show, Stuck With Geoff, set for today at 2 PM, ET/11 AM, PT exclusively via the official Washington Post Instagram page.

Metal icons, Soulfly, have entered the studio to record their follow-up to their 2018 release, Ritual. For the twelfth album, the band is working with producer Arthur Rizk (Cavalera Conspiracy, Power Trip, Code Orange) at Platinum Underground in Phoenix, Arizona.

Max Cavalera comments, "I’ve been working on this record with my son, Zyon, since June of last year. We are in the studio now with producer Arthur Rizk, creating a really wild record. Expect the unexpected! No rules, no limits, not holding anything back, just pure Soulfly!”

The as-of-yet-untitled-record is tentatively scheduled for a late 2021 release via Nuclear Blast Records. Stay tuned for more updates.

U.D.O. return with their upcoming fifth live album. The year 2020 faced many with tough challenges, but U.D.O. managed to play a great show under pandemic conditions in front of the breathtaking backdrop of the amphitheater in Plovdiv/Bulgaria, making it not only one of the world's grandest shows under Corona, but also certainly beyond compare. This is exactly the feeling that the live recording captures.

There are certain events that put bands into the spotlight, even experienced musicians who have been in the business for over 40 years. This is one of those events, and happened on September 18, 2020 with U.D.O.

U.D.O., the band featuring German rock icon Udo Dirkschneider (the original voice of Accept) played a concert in the stunning Roman Amphitheatre in Plovdiv, Bulgaria in front of 2500 fans - in the middle of a year that is one of the quietest ever for musicians and bands, both at home and internationally.

Live In Bulgaria 2020: Pandemic Survival Show will be released on March 19, and will be available as CD/DVD, Blu-ray/CD and very limited vinyl (audio only). Pre-order here, and watch a video for "Man And Machine", below.

Tracklisting:

CD1
"Tongue Reaper"
"Make The Move"
"Midnight Mover"
"Wrong Side Of Midnight"
"Metal Machine"
"Independence Day"
"Rose In The Desert"
"Vendetta"
"Rising High"
"Prologue: The Great Unknown"
"In The Darkness"
"I Give As Good As I Get"
"Princess Of The Dawn"

CD2
"Timebomb"
Drum Solo
Bass Solo
"Hungry And Angry"
"One Heart One Soul"
"Man And Machine"
"Animal House"
"They Want War"
"Metal Heart"
"Fast As Shark"
"Balls To The Wall"
Outro ("Stillness Of Time")

"Man And Machine" video:

Former Anathema duo Darren White and Duncan Patterson have reunited under the moniker Antifear. The band describe the music as "doomy gothic punk" and are currently working on two 7" EPs to start things off. The pair worked together on classic releases such as The Crestfallen EP, Serenades and Pentecost III in the early 90s, and toured extensively when the gothic doom scene was still in its infancy. Patterson will also release his second solo album "Grace Road" later this year.

Patterson recently spoke to Cultartes about Antifear. Following is an excerpt from the interview.

Q: Can you recall the moment when you and Darren White thought you could be in a group together again? Was it hard to think of the Antifear name that you both agree on?

Patterson: "We were on an overnight train in Romania in 1994 and we discussed doing a project together, more punk and raw. Something Hellhammerish but with a more political theme. We have been in touch a lot more since the Resonance Tour and sometime this year decided to record a 7″ in the vein of that conversation we had back in 1994. I started writing and the music came quickly. I suddenly had three tracks worth of music. Then more ideas came and I had all these songs written in my head, and using pen and paper to write down the chord structures etc. So I bought and borrowed some equipment so that I could record demos at home and send them to Darren. The whole idea has grown wings now and we are working on a full-length album. 

The Antifear stuff is more riff-based. Like gothic punk, influences from Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Discharge, Christian Death, Fugazi, The Cure."

As for the name, it took us a while to come up with a name that stuck with both of us. But with the whole thing, we have agreed to do it without pressure, to work freely and let ideas come and go. Darren came up with the name Antifear and we agreed it was strong but continued to look for ideas. After a while, we decided to stick with it, and here we are."

Read the complete interview here. Go to the official Antifear Facebook page here.

In September 2020, Anathema issued an official statement regarding their decision to go on "indefinite hiatus."

Mascot Label Group announced the signing of Anathema in 2019. The band have released 11 studio albums of fearless and uncompromising beauty. Ever since their debut Serenades in 1993, they’ve refused to be pigeonholed and have continuously evolved;  all the way up to their most recent studio album, 2017's conceptual masterstroke The Optimist,  which revealed some of the darkest, most challenging music they ever put their name to, as well as a series of live albums and compilations.

Led by brothers’ Daniel (Vocals, Guitar, Keys) and Vincent Cavanagh (Guitar, Keys, Vocals) along with John Douglas (Percussion), Lee Douglas (Vocals) and Daniel Cardoso (Drums), they were due to head into the studio in 2020 to work on a new album.

Anathema was founded as Pagan Angel in 1990 by the three Cavanagh brothers, drummer John Douglas, and singer Darren White, as a death/doom band. At the time White was the only singer of the band. The following year, Jamie Cavanagh left and was replaced by Duncan Patterson. Under this line-up, Anathema released their first EP, The Crestfallen (1992), and their first album, Serenades (1993). However, White left in 1995; Vincent decided to act as Anathema's vocalist in addition to his guitarist function in the albums The Silent Enigma (1995) and Eternity (1996), which were going into a more gothic metal direction.

In 1997, John left the band, and was replaced by Shaun Steels for the album Alternative 4 (1998). Both Patterson and Steels left the same year, replaced by Dave Pybus and a returning John Douglas, while former My Dying Bride keyboardist and violinist Martin Powell also joined the band (Daniel Cavanagh was also acting as the band's only keyboardist, and shared this position since). The only album released with this line-up was Judgement (1999): the same year Powell switched positions with Cradle of Filth's keyboardist Les Smith who joined Anathema, and Lee Douglas, John's sister, was added to the line-up as a backing and occasional lead vocalist.

The band released their sixth album A Fine Day to Exit in 2001, turning to an alternative sound. Shortly after the release, Pybus announced his departure and was replaced by the band's original bassist, Jamie Cavanagh, reuniting the three brothers in the band for the first time since 1991. There were no new members for the next ten years, with the albums A Natural Disaster (2003) and We're Here Because We're Here (2010) all being recorded and released by the same line-up, with the sound turning even more towards progressive rock; however, Daniel Cavanagh left Anathema in 2002 to join Antimatter, returning in 2003. Smith left Anathema in 2011, and Vincent and Daniel both assumed the function of keyboardist for the band's ninth album, Weather Systems, in 2012. The same year, Cardoso, the band's live keyboardist since 2011, joined as a full-time member.

The band's tenth studio album, Distant Satellites, was released in June 2014. Their eleventh album, The Optimist, won Album Of The Year at the 2017 Progressive Music Awards.

HUM are planning to release remastered versions of their 1993 sophomore album “Electra 2000” and its 1995 follow-up, “You’d Prefer An Astronaut“. Both of those records are expected to get updated vinyl pressings later this year. A re Speaking on that yesterday (January 20th), the band’s guitarist Tim Lash commented:

“Hi all,
First off, the band sincerely appreciates all of the generous support and kind words we’ve received after releasing Inlet. We’re not the best at responding, but it means a lot. So thanks again, from all of us!

- ADVERTISEMENT -
Over the last few months, we’ve successfully navigated through some licensing stuff allowing us to re-release updated versions of Electra 2000, and You’d Prefer An Astronaut on vinyl. Our plan involves re-mastering and cutting higher quality pressings of these two records.

Our hope is to do CD’s as well if possible. We’ll post another update once we iron out all of the details on release dates, label, etc… Since we’ve seen some inflated prices on the secondary market for our older records, we wanted to let people know as soon as possible.

If folks don’t mind waiting a little longer, we’ll be able to produce a higher quality pressing that we have control over, and are proud of. We’ll also have more copies of our Downward is Heavenward re-issue available in the near future as well.

We hope you all are healthy and well, and 2021 turns out to be a little easier for everyone. Take care.
–Tim“

HUM‘s first full-length album in over twenty years, “Inlet“, saw a release this past June.

Norwegian black metal legends Satyricon have revealed they are remastering their first two albums, Dark Medieval Times and The Shadowthrone.

The full-length debut, Dark Medieval Times, was released in 1994 and was the first release from Moonfog Productions and was recorded in the “Ancient Sphere Ruins at Skoklefald during dark autumn nights August and September anno 1993.”

Second album, The Shadowthrone, was also released in 1994 under Moonfog Productions and was recorded in May and mixed in June, July, and August at Waterfall Studios in ’94. 

Fuath, the atmospheric black metal offshoot of Saor’s Andy Marshall, will be releasing its upcoming full-length II, on March 19 via Season of Mist Underground Activists. The album artwork, tracklist, and details, can be found below. In addition, Fuath has shared the official music video for "Prophecies," the first single from the upcoming opus.

Originally slated as a one-off project after the release of 2016’s I, Marshall has decided to turn Fuath into a serious project. Early 2021 will see the release of the band’s second album, II, via Season of Mist’s Underground Activists sub-label.

Written during the winter of 2019 and then recorded in August and September 2020 at Fortriu Studios in Scotland, II features Marshall handling vocals and all instrumentation except for drums, which were performed by Carlos Vivas in Spain. Whereas I dutifully remained within the boundaries of conventional black metal, II finds the songs going further into the frozen plains with elaborate doses of melody, ominous riffing and hypnotic blast-beat sections. II marks a huge progression for Fuath from I. When writing the debut album, Marshall was treading Fuath as a side-project and didn’t have a formalized idea of how he wanted it to sound. In contrast, II is an improvement across the board with better-crafted songs, sharper black metal vocals from Marshall and enhanced production values.

Artwork by Luciana Nedelea:

Tracklisting:

“Prophecies”
“The Pyre”
“Into The Forest Of Shadows”
“Essence”
“Endless Winter”

“Prophecies” video:

Italian power metal trailblazers Airborn have dropped the story video for “Star A Star” from their new record Lizard Secrets: Part Two - Age Of Wonder (Fighter Records/Spiritual Beast), out on December 10, 2020, to thank their fans for showing great support and enthusiasm since the release. The almost 12-minute-long closing track is the longest the band released to date, and can be considered a musical work on its own.

In 2020, Airborn celebrate their 25th anniversary by releasing Lizard Secrets: Part Two - Age Of Wonder, their sixth full-length as well as second chapter of the Lizard Secrets trilogy.

Australia's Victoria K will be releasing their first official DVD Live Isolation Concert on January 29, 2021 via Rockshots Records. The top-notch live DVD experience was recorded during the pandemic crisis and includes all the songs from debut album Essentia unleashed during April 2020.

Leading up to the DVD's release, Victoria K is sharing the video clip for the track "Freaks", streaming belwo.

The band adds: "The song Freaks is based on the book Freaks by author Kieran Larwood.  In the book, The Freaks are a band of misfits, trapped in a nightly Victorian sideshow.  The song Freaks, therefore, explores how outcasts don’t fit in with the norms of society and are shunned by others and how these outcasts work through figuring out a way to finally accept and love who they are.

“The DVD was the only way we could share a concert of our music with the world during the global pandemic.  It shows how adaptable and resilient we can all be during times of crisis and that nothing can stop the music that brings people together and transcends race, religion, and even a global crisis.  As artists to be able to leave a legacy even during times of global crisis is humbling and a reminder that we can overcome all adversity.  Critically to be able to give something back to the fans for all their support over the years was very important to us and we a grateful for how the album Essentia was received.  So the live isolation show was really a thank you to all our fans and a reminder that together we can get through this pandemic."

The DVD is available for pre-order here. The live show will be also released as a digital album on the major online stores.

Tracklisting:

"The Haunting"
"Mist Filled Sky"
"Forsaken"
"Humanity"
"Surreal"
"Freaks"
"Shroud Of Solitude"
"Lacuna"
"Freedom Uncharted"
"Matrix"

"Freaks":

For further details, visit Victoria K on Facebook.

 

TEN YEARS AFTER is often considered one of the top and trailblazing blues rock acts of all-time — particularly due to a simply show-stopping performance at the first-ever Woodstock festival in 1969. And from the beginning, the drummer that has kept the beat has been Ric Lee, who recently put pen to paper and wrote his autobiography, "From Headstocks To Woodstock".

"It was something I'd always wanted to do and I actually started it more than 10 years ago, but kept stopping and starting for various reasons," explains Lee. "Then a chance conversation with a friend in Los Angeles persuaded me to get it finished." Comprised of 448 pages, the book is available for purchase directly via Lee's web site, ricleetya.com.

And while the book touches upon all eras of his career, there are certain parts that stand out as favorites for the drummer. "My early days in bands in the Mansfield (my hometown) area, my stories about meeting people like Sir David Frost, Muhammad Ali, THE WHO, LED ZEPPELIN, Miles Davis and many others, and, of course, playing at Woodstock."

As a result, fans will get a better understanding of TEN YEAR AFTER's contribution to rock music in an era when TYA's peers included some of the most renowned names of the classic rock genre. "Hopefully, it'll also be an inspiration to any aspiring young musicians to keep going against all adversity to finally win through," Lee says. "And they'll also need a little luck plus, importantly, the ability to recognize a potential direction that may lead to success."

It turns out that by releasing "From Headstocks To Woodstock", Lee has been bitten by the book bug. "I've started the second volume of my autobiography," he says. "Whether I'll ever get it finished is anybody's guess but I aim to keep going. I also have a novel on the back burner."

And that's not all concerning upcoming projects. TEN YEARS AFTER is planning a new bluesy album to be recorded for release later this year to follow on from the U.S. release in March this year by Deko Entertainment of "A Sting In The Tale" deluxe version." Tours of Europe and the USA, certainly for 2022 and hopefully, depending on the COVID-19 situation and the changes that are bound to follow the pandemic, to maybe tour both continents in summer and autumn of 2021.

EVANESCENCE's Amy Lee took part in a little game of "Rock & Tell" with AXS TV where she showed off all of her amazing memorabilia she has gathered during her time as the frontwoman of the Grammy Award-winning band. Watch the four-and-a-half-minute segment below.

EVANESCENCE's first album of original music in a decade, "The Bitter Truth" will be released on March 26 via BMG.

Fans can pre-order a digital version, CD, vinyl and a limited-edition deluxe fan box set featuring a bonus CD, journal, poster and special cassette of exclusive audio from the making of "The Bitter Truth". Every pre-order will automatically come with downloads of already-released songs "Wasted On You", "The Game Is Over", and "Use My Voice", as well as "Yeah Right".

"The Bitter Truth" is an epic, guitar-driven collection inspired by the (often-bitter) realities of the 21st Century and our world. The already-released songs have received early accolades from Elle, Billboard, SPIN, American Songwriter, and more, and showcase the "ferocious and hymnal" (The New York Times) sound that made EVANESCENCE a household name, as well as the drama and powerhouse vocals that made Amy Lee "one of rock's definitive voices" (Rolling Stone).

EVANESCENCE's new music was produced by Nick Raskulinecz, who also worked on 2011's self-titled LP.

On the topic of "The Bitter Truth" album title, Amy previously told Rock Sound: "As the lyrics had started to form, and just my feeling in this moment in general, there's a big theme of disillusionment for me. Just growing up and seeing that fairy tales aren't really real. And it's hard to be a grownup — it really is. Because somebody else isn't in charge, we really have to be able to make our own decisions, find out our own information, protect ourselves. People die — we're all going to. There's no magic castle. So that sounds like a lot of doom and gloom when I say it, but there's a choice to accept that truth and live in it and embrace it and choose to live and choose to live in a moment, and the choice to just give up. And there's a struggle there, but my choice is most definitely to take that pill."

Malacoda has announced the April release for their next EP, Crawling Chaos, independently. The first single “Crawling Chaos” will hit all streaming services on February 5. Crawling Chaos is the band’s first new release since 2018’s Restless Dreams and is a return to the band’s more cinematic and gothic roots as heard on Ritualis Aeterna (2016) as well as a deeper exploration of melodic vocal hooks as heard on their self-titled debut (2014). In the summer of 2019 the band formed a new live lineup and embarked on a small tour around Ontario, including a final show at Toronto’s legendary Rockpile venue before heading into the studio.

While looking for a drummer, the band recorded throughout the rest of 2019/2020 with friends behind the drum kit.

Tracklisting:

“Crawling Chaos”
“Deadlights”
“From The Depths” (feat. James Delbridge)
“The Harsh Law”

Israeli progressive metal outfit Subterranean Masquerade prepares to release their new single, "Ascend", through Sensory Records this Friday. Preceding its official release, a video for "Ascend" can be seen below.

While their new LP for Sensory Records is finalized for spring release, Subterranean Masquerade presents "Ascend" through a lively video captured on the band's European tour with Orphaned Land before the global pandemic halted performances.

With the new video's premiere, the band's founding guitarist Tomer Pink notes, "It is with an utmost excitement, to finally share with the world 'Ascend,' the first single from our album Mountain Fever, our most diverse album yet. We think there's something for everyone here. Turn off the lights and let's dance!"

Offers the band's new vocalist Vidi Dolev, "We've been working on this one for quite a while and thanks to COVID-19 we have been waiting even longer to release it. We played 'Ascend' live on our latest European tour. We filmed the song throughout the shows and were astonished by how well it was accepted. We dedicate this one to our friends and followers; you might find yourself in this video! A last memory from the live concerts before the world had stopped. Ascend is about the good things that make you feel bad and the bad things that make you feel better. Enjoy."

"Ascend" will see release across all digital services this Friday, January 22, paired with an instrumental version of the song as a bonus track. Find exclusive new merch for the single here.
 
Full details on Subterranean Masquerade's Mountain Fever LP will be issued in the weeks ahead and will see release this spring.

Mountain Fever will be Subterranean Masquerade's their first release for new label home, US-based Sensory Records. Their fourth LP, and sixth overall release, Mountain Fever was recorded between Golan Heights to Fascination Street Studio (engineered by David Castillo) and mixed by Jens Bogren (Leprous, Katatonia, Opeth). Here, Subterranean Masquerade continues pushing the balance between pioneering experimentalism to their own take on modern pop culture and its manifestation in the Middle East. Revealing an album composed of African and Balkan brass sections, Arabic violins, extended vocal techniques, and several special guest appearances, the band explores radio friendly hooks that emerge out of heavy riffs and polychromatic arrangements.

(Photo - Yalon Schori)

Polish pagan alchemists Varmia have premiered their new music video for “Upperan”, the second single from their upcoming third album (and M-Theory Audio debut) bal Lada. The clip was shot on location at a castle in the band's home region of Warmia and features a guest appearance from Polish “whitevoice” vocalist Jagna.

“Upperan” is also now streaming on all major platforms and is one of two instant downloads that are included with digital pre-orders of bal Lada, which will be released on March 12. CD and limited-edition brown-marble double-LP editions of the album are now available for pre-order here.

Varmia pays tribute to their Baltic roots by combining black metal with traditional instruments such as the goat horn and the tagelharpa. All of the group’s albums to date have been recorded in culturally significant regions throughout their native Poland. The band continued this practice during the making of the music video for “Upperan”.
 
Vocalist/guitarist/band founder Lasota had this to say of the video for “Upperan” and the song itself: "An ecstatic dance of flames as they devour the flesh. To disassemble the bones to leave the soul naked in the cold. Nothing brighter than the burning pyre. Nothing colder than the stone stained with the stream of blood. 'Upperan' in ancient Prussian language means "sacrifice." We performed the song at the castle where such stone still stands. Deep in the ground, veiled by the numbness of the centuries, yet still pulsing with its coldness. It conducted these tones."

“The album title 'bal Lada' is a wordplay,” explains Lasota. “It's most obvious in Polish, but should translate well in other languages as well. It means both 'ballad' and 'Lada's ball'. The term 'ballad' could refer to a literary form, but is also understood as a sad song. 'Lada' or 'Lado' is an ancient deity associated with both Baltic and Slavic cult heritage. She and/or he was most likely responsible for harmony, fertility and well-being. The title represents our take on the medieval dance of death concept and its depiction in the danse macabre allegory - the 'bal' of life forces, circle of cycles, primal lusts, desires and thus deprivations and metamorphoses of flesh and spirit. This is a ritual dance in the oldest forest on one hand, but it's also a whole universe's life and death cycle on the other. The lyrics are mainly in Polish, but with some elements of ancient Prussian language. The cover art and graphic design is made by our band member Piotr, who plays all the ethnic instruments on the album. Follow the Moon and walk into the silent woods of Warmia.”

Varmia recently unveiled a taste of the sounds to be found on “bal Lada” with the premiere of the music video for the first single from the record, “bielmo”. The visually stunning tribute to the band's home region can be viewed below.

Varmia was formed in 2016 by vocalist/guitarist/composer Lasota with a mission of fusing black metal with musical influences that pay tribute to the ancient Baltic tribes of the historical Warmia region of northern Poland. On vocal duties, Varmia emits harsh growls that shroud the band's music and native Polish lyrics in a visceral aura, the only breaks from this vocal assault occurring when using the traditional, ancient technique of “whitevoice” clean singing as utilized during ancient East-Central European rituals, rites of passage and festivals. Meanwhile, the power of the band's metal influences are enhanced on Bal Lada by traditional ethnic instrumentation of the Baltic Rites via sounds of tagelharpa, goat horn, wood tuba and krivula. The final result is a compelling mix of dark metallic sounds that channel the spirit of early Enslaved, Satyricon, and Wolves in the Throne Room and folk elements that drive acts such as Wardruna.

Varmia has released two albums to date - 2017's Z mar twych and 2018's W ciele nie. The group records all of their music in culturally significant remote locations throughout their native Poland, and Bal Lada continues that practice, as the 11 tracks of ominous and atmospheric pagan black metal contained within were recorded in a makeshift studio set up by the band in an old 19th-century manor in Northern Poland, where they recorded while playing together as a live unit with no sound editing.

With the forthcoming release of bal Lada, M-Theory Audio is set to spread the band's native sounds to a worldwide audience. Says Lasota, “With two releases so far, Varmia has shouted out the voice of our land mainly on the Polish soil - the voice of disquiet, passion and agitation. It is now time to hear it echo throughout the whole world. Varmia still has many stories to tell, and we are very excited to work with such well-respected people from overseas. We have many spirits yet to summon.”

Lineup:

Lasota - guitars, vocals
Alle - bass, backing vocals
Svarrge - drums
Piotr - percussion, tagelharpa, goat horn, wood tuba, krivula, backing vocals

New England-based extreme metal quintet, Aversed, has released a video for the scientific-inspired track, “Laboratory”, from the band’s upcoming release, Impermanent, out March 19,

“‘Laboratory’ turns self-reflection and actualization on its head, discussing the consequences of ignoring and exploiting the natural world for our own gain regardless of its spiritual or intellectual benefit,” says drummer Jeff Saltzman. “In this interconnected world, we sow the seeds of our mechanized destruction if we only look inward rather than aim to help others."

“Laboratory” was inspired by Saltzman’s own time working in a biology laboratory and its effects on the world outside of the lab. “Despite our cutting-edge research, we weren’t helping a soul,” he says. “What’s the point? ‘Laboratory’ is my criticism of the pursuit of scientific progress just for the sake of progress.”

Mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy, The Agonist, Shadow Of Intent), Impermanent illustrates Aversed’s unique approach to songwriting with nine diverse compositions full of catchy hooks and vast melodies.

Pre-orders for Impermanent are available now at this location. In addition to the album, a variety of bundles are also available.

With the release of Impermanent, Aversed presents a metal experience cultivated of unprecedented beauty and torment. The third release following 2011’s self-titled EP and 2016’s Renewal EP, Impermanent marks a turning point for the New England scene veterans as they pivot from melodic death metal towards a nuanced balance of blackened and orchestral melodic metal.  

Tracklisting:

"Natsukashi"  
"Close My Eyes"
"Laboratory"
"Impermanent"
"Abandoned"
"The Solar Sea"
"Malaise"
"Spiraling"
"Nightshade"

"Impermanent" video:

Aversed is:

Haydee Irizarry - vocals
Sungwoo Jeong - guitars
Alden Marchand - guitars
Peter Albert de Reyna - bass
Jeff Saltzman - drums

Following the unexpected, sinister cover of Eiffel 65's 1998 hit single "Blue (Da Ba Dee)", orchestral death metal masters Fleshgod Apocalypse have released a playthrough video for their version of the track, featuring their monstrous drummer Eugene Ryabchenko.

Commenting on the playthrough, Ryabchenko states: "Not gonna lie, I never thought a pop hit could be this challenging on drums. With Fleshgod's signature sound the arrangements took a completely different form. I am pretty sure one way or another it "blue" some people's minds."

Frontman Francesco Paoli adds: "We did this cover as a joke, but tracking it wasn't that funny 😅. Seeing is believing!"

Stream "Blue (Turns To Red)" via the digital platforms found here. Check out the official lyric video below.

Fleshgod Apocalypse recently released a new single titled "No", produced by Jacob Hansen (Epica, Volbeat), and an accompanying music video directed by Marina L. McLean (Sanda Movies). The standalone single's cover was created by Travis Smith (Opeth, Katatonia) who also provided the art for the band's recent acoustic rendition of "The Day We'll Be Gone".

Commenting on the single, Fleshgod Apocalypse frontman Francesco Paoli states: "We live in a world where people are searching for easy answers to complex questions. Self-styled gurus, fake news and miracle pills show up on screen as the silver bullet that may cast out all your fears and troubles. If you need shortcuts to dominate the intricate reality we live in, be aware that the outcome might not be what you expect. Will you find a way to save this world on Google? No. Will things change if we don't act? No. Will self-delusions lead us somewhere? No. Can music, and art in general, help us cope with this chaos? Absolutely yes."

Francesco Paoli adds: "This release marks another milestone for our lineup, featuring Veronica, Fabio and Eugene as official band members."

Stream "No" on all digital services, here. Watch the video below:

“It is the year 3025. Humanity has conquered space ... but this is not a fair universe!”

Heavy/power metal band, Airborn, is about to release the Cosmic Rebels video game. Powered by Unity 3D Engine, the game will be available for free on well known indie gaming platform Itch.io, starting on December 20. The game was developed by the band's frontman Alessio Perardi.

After 25 years of career, spent dealing with Sci-fi themes, the next step for the band is to bring fans inside those worlds with an interactive game: a 3D space shooter inspired by old school classics, in a new and modern key. With a 4 chapter single player campaign, Cosmic Rebels will bring you through 12 levels, filled with enemies, giant bosses, bonus stages, ships to unlock, loot and everything else making the life of a space pirate worth living.

Original Soundtrack, available at launch at arpmusic.bandcamp.com, will feature instrumental renditions of Airborn songs, from most recent numbers to fan favourites like “The Hero”, “Heavy Metal Wars” and, of course, “Cosmic Rebels”. The new versions were recorded by Airborn for the video game and were never released before.

Cinematic trailer:

Gameplay preview teaser:

Suit up and prepare to fight the evil corporation that seized the Milky Way, in the epic video game Cosmic Rebels.

Requirements: The game will be available on Windows PC 64bit, with 3D capable video card and will support keyboard and joypad.




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Horror-occult-goth metal/rock fusers, Bloody Hammers, have released a new video trailer for their new horror punk-inspired full-length album. The 11-track offering, Songs Of Unspeakable Terror, is out now via Napalm Records and marks a new, eccentric chapter in the Transylvania County, North Carolina-based husband and wife duo’s musical story.

Watch the trailer, Chats Of Unspeakable Terror #2, below:

Songs Of Unspeakable Terror is available in the following formats:

- CD Jewelcase
- LP Gatefold Black
- LP Gatefold Red/Black Split-Splatter (limited to 100, European Napalm Mailorder Only)
- Deluxe Vinyl Edition: LP Gatefold Red + 2 Patches - (limited to 100, North American Napalm Mailorder Only)
- Digital Album

Order here.

Songs Of Unspeakable Terror tracklisting:

"A Night To Dismember"
"Hands Of The Ripper"
"Witchfinder General"
"Not Of This Earth"
"The Ones Who Own The Dark"
"Waking The Dead"
"Night Of The Witch"
"We Are The Damned"
"The Brain That Wouldn't Die"
"Lucifer's Light"
"I Spit On Your Corpse"

“Not Of This Earth” video:

“Hands Of The Ripper” video:

"A Night To Dismember" video:

Chats Of Unspeakable Terror #1:

Legendary Dutch death doom elite, Asphyx, will release their 10th full studio album, Necroceros, this Friday (January 22) via Century Media Records.

Necroceros was recorded at Tom Meier’s Tom Meier Studio and at Paul Baayens’ The Mörserstudio and then finally mixed and mastered by Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann at Greenman Studios. The album once again features front cover artwork by Axel Hermann.

Necroceros will be available in the following formats:

- Standard Jewelcase CD
- Digital Album
- 180g LP
- Limited Mediabook CD+DVD
- Strictly limited Deluxe Gatefold 2LP+DVD

The limited Mediabook CD edition comes with an expanded booklet of 40 pages as well as the Bonus DVD “30 Years of Death Doom Domination, with over 2 hours of playing time. The DVD contains 2017’s special Asphyx live-show for their 30th band-anniversary with raw and pure camera-sound, as well as rehearsal footage and interviews with all current and former band members who attended this remarkable event.

Watch a trailer for the bonus DVD below:

The strictly limited Deluxe 2LP version of Necroceros is available either as dark green-yellow-white splattered vinyl (Limited to 500x copies via CM Distro or the band) or as white-black marbled vinyl (Limited to 500x copies available from Nuclear Blast). Next to the 30 Years of Death Doom Domination Bonus DVD, this Deluxe format of the album will come in Gatefold packaging with a bonus 12” vinyl, featuring 2 bonus-tracks (“Full Death Metal Scenario” and “Triple D”) on side C and an Etching on side D. This edition also includes the double-sided A2 poster, an exclusive LP booklet of 24 pages as well as an originally signed Asphyx photocard.

The album’s LP version will come on 180g vinyl and with a double-sided A2 poster in the following variations and limitations:

- Black LP: Unlimited
- Clear LP: 200x copies (via CM Webshop Europe)
- Dark green LP: 400x copies (via CM Distro Europe)
- Transparent petrol green LP: 200x copies (via District 19 Webshop)
- Deep blood red LP: 200x copies (via EMP)
- Grey LP: 200x copies (via High Roller)
- Mint colored LP: 200x copies (via Supreme Chaos)
- Transparent blue LP: 200x copies (via Sound Of Records)       
- Olive green LP: 500x copies (via CM USA / All Outlets) *
- Brick red LP: 500x copies (via CM USA / Indie Outlets) *
- White LP: 200x copies (via CM USA / Revolver) *
- Transparent orange LP: 200x copies (via CM USA Webshop) *

* Please note that the US versions of the LP will be available as of February 12, 2021.

Pre-order Necroceros in all its various formats here.

Tracklisting:

"The Sole Cure is Death"
"Molten Black Earth"
"Mount Skull"
"Knights Templar Stand"
"Three Years of Famine"
"Botox Implosion"
"In Blazing Oceans"
"The Nameless Elite"
"Yield or Die"
"Necroceros"

“The Nameless Elite” video:

"Knights Templar Stand" lyric video:

“Botox Implosion” video:

Asphyx lineup:

Martin van Drunen - Vocals
Paul Baayens - Guitars
Alwin Zuur - Bass
Stefan “Husky” Hüskens - Drums

On March 19, Dvne will release their sophomore album, Etemen Ænka, via Metal Blade Records. For a first preview of the record, a video for the new single, "Sì-XIV", can be viewed below.

Dvne comments: "With the context of COVID and the strong travel restrictions we've had in the UK and Europe, shooting 'SI-XIV' was a real challenge, but we're glad we could make it happen. The video was split between two shoots: we worked once again with our close friends Just-Aurèle Meissonnier, Louis Macéra, Gilles Garniers and Michel Jocaille for the creature part of the shoot (shot in Paris); the rest of the video footage was shot in Edinburgh by Calum McMillan and our light tech Sam Jones. We've always loved prosthetic effects and wanted to use our own creations in the video, but the overall aesthetic takes no small amount of inspiration from some of our favourite 70/80s sci-fi horror films. We had this concept of a weird humanoid-type creature facing the overwhelming harshness and the hopeless nature of its existence. The video symbolically follows the narrative theme of the track within the new album, with the creature attempting to escape its nature through metamorphosis throughout the video. It was an incredibly fun few days setting up and shooting all the creature parts in Paris."

Dvne are a band of great contrasts, weaving titanic heaviness and intricate gentleness together, complex lyrical ideas with engaging storylines, and this has only been expanded upon and concentrated on second album Etemen Ænka.

"It's an album that has a narrative musically, and we hope that will encourage the listener to explore the universe we've created around it," states guitarist/vocalist Victor Vicart. "It is a very dense and layered album which will reward multiple listens, and while this is becoming a recurring aspect of our music, we feel that we went further with it this time. It's also a very polarizing album, emotionally speaking. The heavy sections are, well, very heavy, while the clean sections are much more intricate and delicate - and in a way wouldn't be out of place in a Studio Ghibli anime soundtrack."

Exploring everything in greater depth in every way, it is a profound step forward from 2017's Asheran, starting an exciting new chapter in the existence of one of the most thrilling and imaginative metal bands active today.

"We knew we wanted to include keys and synths in the equation. We wanted to be able to add new textures and new sounds that weren't on our previous releases, and we felt that this was something that will give us more options creatively. Looking back, that was a great decision because we've used synths for everything, with ambient sounds, heavy subs and actual leads, which really added a new dynamic to this album. We've also kept this balance between down-tuned heavy riffs and clean movements, which were already present in 'Asheran', but we really wanted to make sure we could capture more details and subtleties once recorded," explains Vicart.

Synths are in fact so present, and at times so unapologetically 80s, that they sound like the soundtrack to a classic sci-fi, which may well surprise fans, the band confident in every step they took musically.

Etemen Ænka is also Dvne's second collaboration with producer Graeme Young in Edinburgh's Chamber Studio, having developed a great working relationship with him on Asheran - "he acts like an extra member of the band and really pushes us to do better takes." This made for a smooth and productive recording process, the challenging part coming before they entered the studio.

"The composition was challenging because we second guess every riff that gets written. We want to keep things fresh, and we want to keep the energy high too, so the initial creative stage can become intense. Then, because our tracks are pretty big and dense with ideas and movements, we didn’t finalize each track structure until we started laying down the drums. But I think it's what made the whole recording process so much fun too, because it allowed us to really think about the different options available without committing to a final structure too early in the process."

The record also features guest vocals courtesy of Lissa Robertson, who sings on "Omega Severer" and "Asphodel" and contributes spoken word on "Weighing Of The Heart" - her voice adding yet another depth to the heavily layered collection.

Etemen Ænka can be pre-ordered here in the following formats:

- digisleeve-CD
- 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
- raisin rouge marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 400 copies)
- grey / yellow-green marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 300 copies)
- gold / black dust vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- clear / black dust vinyl (Kings Road exclusive - limited to 100 copies)
- dark goldenrod marbled vinyl (US exclusive)
- clear ash gray marbled vinyl (US exclusive)

Etemen Ænka tracklisting:

"Enûma Eliš"
"Towers"
"Court Of The Matriarch"
"Weighing Of The Heart"
"Omega Severer"
"Adræden"
"Sì-XIV"
"Mleccha"
"Asphodel"
"Satuya"

"Sì-XIV" video:

International heavy metal group, Beast In Black, have released a bass playthrough video for "From Hell With Love". Watch Mate Molnar chugging through the title track from the band's sophomore album, below:

Having released two sensational records through Nuclear Blast Records, Beast In Black have played numerous thrilling shows, including mostly sold out international headline tours in Europe, Russia and Japan, supporting Gloryhammer in the UK and festival appearances around the world (Sweden Rock, Graspop, Summer Breeze, Heavy Montréal etc.)

Now, the five-piece Helsinki based band announce their upcoming European Tour for November / December 2021, which will take them through 13 countries, ready to spew its unrivaled heavy metal fury all over them!

Beast In Black have issued the following statement: "Not easy to say any wise words in these dark times so just let us smoothly announce our upcoming European Tour for November / December 2021! Although it's still far away we hope that everybody who reads these lines now will be able to attend the shows in his / her best health! That's our wish for 2021."

The tour schedule is below.

(Photo - Jarmo Katila / Toni Kilpinen)

TOMAHAWK, the band featuring Duane Denison (THE JESUS LIZARD, UNSEMBLE), Trevor Dunn (MR. BUNGLE, FANTÔMAS), Mike Patton (FAITH NO MORE, MR. BUNGLE) and John Stanier (HELMET, BATTLES), will release its first full-length album in eight years, "Tonic Immobility", on March 26 via Ipecac Recordings.

"'Tonic Immobility' could just be something in the air we're feeling," says Denison. "It's been a rough year between the pandemic and everything else. A lot of people feel somewhat powerless and stuck as they're not able to make a move without second guessing themselves or worrying about the outcomes. For as much as the record possibly reflects that, it's also an escape from the realities of the world. We're not wallowing in negativity or getting political. For me, rock has always been an alternate reality to everything else. I feel like this is yet another example."

Pre-orders are available now, with the album available in the following formats: digital, CD digipak, and 180-gram LP in textured gatefold packaging. Vinyl variants include standard black, coke bottle clear (indie retail exclusive — 5,000 available), opaque metallic silver (Ipecac webstore exclusive — 2000 available), and crystal clear (Newbury Comics exclusive — 1,000 available).

"Tonic Immobility" track listing:

01. SHHH!

02. Valentine Shine

03. Predators and Scavengers

04. Doomsday Fatigue

05. Business Casual

06. Tattoo Zero

07. Fatback

08. Howlie

09. Eureka

10. Sidewinder

11. Recoil

12. Dog Eat Dog

The album art and visualizer were created by Eric Livingston.

2013's "Oddfellows" was TOMAHAWK's first CD in over six years.

TOMAHAWK was dormant for five years after releasing a trio of albums: "Tomahawk" in 2001, "Mit Gas" in 2003 and "Anonymous" in 2007.

Reunited San Francisco Bay Area thrashers VIO-LENCE have entered Trident Studios in Pacheco, California to begin recording their new EP, tentatively due in late summer via Metal Blade Records. Helming the sessions is producer Juan Urteaga, who has previously worked with TESTAMENT, MACHINE HEAD and EXODUS, among many others.

Earlier today, guitarist Phil Demmel shared an Instagram photo from the studio, and he wrote in an accompanying caption: "It's been just over 30 years since we've recorded an album together. I never thought this would be happening and that anyone would even care after so long. All of the support is so appreciated and we hope you enjoy the 5 new songs we are tracking. Perry [Strickland, drums] is working hard on his tracks and we'll start guitars next week. Going to be fun. Thanks again for joining us on this ride."

Singer Sean Killian previously described VIO-LENCE's new material as "a cross between 'Eternal [Nightmare]' [1988], 'Oppressing [The Masses]' [1990] and also our '93 demo. It's fast, it's heavy. We've got a couple of good chunk riffs and stuff like that," he explained. "We wanna get stuff in that's gonna start a pit up too. But we think people are gonna go crazy when they hear it. We've got some heavy lyrics, some heavy subjects. I mean, we're not a political band by any means, so when I say 'heavy,' it's just heavy shit that comes out of my demented head."

Last May, Demmel told EXODUS frontman Steve "Zetro" Souza's YouTube channel, Zetro's Toxic Vault, that VIO-LENCE was taking its time coming up with the best material possible. "When [the songs are] ready, they're ready," he said. "This [coronavirus pandemic] has given us more time. But still, it's gotta be fucking killer. I had a riff that the [other] dudes were kind of digging, and I'm all, 'I don't got a boner with this one.' I want a 10-foot boner with everything that we're doing now. It's gotta be better, it's gotta be fucking kick-ass… I don't wanna put out some crap."

In August, VIO-LENCE released a new digital single, "California Über Alles", a cover version of the DEAD KENNEDYS classic. The band also filmed a music video for the song with director Scott Kirkeeng.

In January, VIO-LENCE parted ways with guitarist Ray Vegas and replaced him with Bobby Gustafson (ex-OVERKILL). The band's current lineup also includes bassist Christian Olde Wolbers (ex-FEAR FACTORY).

VIO-LENCE released three studio albums between 1988 and 1993. The group reunited soon after Demmel left MACHINE HEAD in late 2018.

The band performed its first comeback concert in April 2019 at the Oakland Metro in Oakland, California and spent most of the ensuing months playing select shows in the U.S. and Europe.

Although MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn was part of VIO-LENCE's classic incarnation and played on the band's debut album, "Eternal Nightmare", he wasn't approached about taking part in any of the comeback shows.

Killian underwent a successful liver transplant surgery in March 2018. The year before, Killian was diagnosed with stage four liver cirrhosis, which was caused in part by a genetic condition called hemochromatosis.

VIO-LENCE's last album, "Nothing To Gain", was recorded in August 1990, but wasn't released until 1993.

Photo credit: James Willard
























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