Firewind guitarist Gus G. has released a guitar playthrough video for his new solo single, "Fierce". Check it out below, and get the single here
Upon the release of the "Fierce" music video (available below) Gus G. stated: "Boo! 👻 Check out the video for my brand new single, 'Fierce'! Don’t be scared, this is just a love story… 😈 I came up with the concept of a lonely rock star who eventually finds true love in the eyes of “Necromantissa” - a girl he previously kept hostage in his dungeon. Music finally unites them and they live happily ever after and even form a metal band. Nightmare or reality?? We had tons of fun shooting this, getting in full makeup. I love certain black metal & shock rock aesthetics & wanted to try something different, instead of doing yet another performance video. And I also wanted to make a video with my cats too. Many thanks to Panagiotis Kountouras for the excellent directing once again, my immortal beloved & our cats Marquise and Leon."
International all-female metal collective, Chaos Rising, have released their fifteenth video, "Lullabies Of Madness". Founded by French multi-instrumentalist Stéphanie Nolf (Unsafe, Syrinx), Chaos Rising is a unique project that brings together female metal musicians from across the globe.
The new song "Lullabies Of Madness", is a death metal track composed by Chaos Rising guitarist Barbara Teleki (Hungary/UK) and featuring her awesome shredding.
Says Barbara: ,“For me writing is rather about channelling a certain feeling, than a thought. However as this song contains lyrics, it's a humble attempt to describe how part of humanity is pulling apart, while other parts are gravitating closer to each other over certain ideas, beliefs. Some groups are choosing to live in uncertainty and fear, others to perceive happenings from a more hopeful perspective. And if those two sides collide, you might end up labelled, abandoned. But there's only the Absolute Truth."
"Lullabies Of Madness" also features vocals from Stéphanie Nolf (France), bass from Natalia Rozanova (Russia) and drums all the way from Brazil with Janaina Melo.
Chaos Rising is blazing a trail, and not only by providing opportunities for women and gender minorities to become involved in all aspects of metal music. These girls are innovating fast, exemplifying how musicians are networking to adapt and create amidst current challenges.
Frontiers Music Srl welcomes the new melodic metal project, Between Worlds, to the label. The band is a vehicle for vocalist Ronny Munroe (ex-Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Metal Church) and highlights his incredible vocal talents.
The self-titled debut album will be released on September 10, 2021. Written and produced in partnership with Alessandro Del Vecchio, this album is a must hear for fans of classic American heavy/power metal. The first preview of the album is available today with the release of the single and video for the title track. Watch the video below, and pre-order/save Between Worlds here.
"The song 'Between Worlds' is about how when unexpected changes in life occur, as they did with myself and my late wife. You find yourself not knowing what to do as you are lost in the mist and you really don't know what is going to happen next. So, basically, you are caught between worlds," says Munroe of the first single from the album.
He continues, "When Ale[ssandro Del Vecchio] contacted me and asked if I wanted to write some songs with him, I jumped on it because I have a lot of respect for him as a musician, writer, producer, engineer, and so on. He does it all and does it very well. That's why we call him the "Maestro". When writing the songs on my end, I just stayed true to myself and didn't really change anything up. I have always written somewhat about my life and the things that I have gone through. I find writing to be very cathartic and I've had, and have, a lot to say. Musically, I write the same. Alessandro and Pete just wrote what they felt and I really can't say what or who the songs may sound like, to me they sound like Between Worlds and I really look forward to building on the foundation that Alessandro and I have started."
Ronny Munroe first came to prominence in the metal world when he stepped into the role of frontman for the legendary band Metal Church. During an audition for a project principal Metal Church member Kurdt Vanderhoof was working on, Ronny was first put on Kurdt's radar. After watching Munroe's performance, Vanderhoof decided to resurrect Metal Church with Ronny on lead vocals. He would go on to sing four albums with the band, The Weight Of The World (2004), A Light In The Dark (2006), This Present Wasteland (2008), and Generation Nothing (2013). Ronny would also wind up singing for Vanderhoof's progressive rock project, Presto Ballet, further showcasing his vocal talents.
In another sign of the power of his voice, in 2011, Ronny was asked to join the mighty Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which further highlighted his vocal talents and showcased his voice to the popular act's audience.
After a break from music for personal reasons, Ronny joined Steve Smyth’s (Forbidden, Nevermore) band One Machine in 2019 before starting work on the, at the time, as yet untitled Between Worlds project with Alessandro Del Vecchio. Munroe and Del Vecchio got in touch at the end of 2019 with the idea of writing some songs together and creating a musical project centered around Ronny's vocal abilities and songwriting. Alessandro invited his longtime songwriting partner Pete Alpenborg to join forces with them and sent the first four demos to Frontiers, who moved quickly to sign them to the label. Between Worlds was thus formally born.
Ronny and Alessandro wanted to involve people in the project that would resonate with Ronny's history in music and put their mark on this incredible set of songs, so Johnny Lee Middleton (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Chris Caffery (TSO, Savatage, Spirits Of Fire), Jack Frost (Seven Witches, Savatage), and Joel Hoekstra (also of Whitesnake) all contributed. Fans of Crimson Glory, Metal Church, and Classic American power metal will revel in hearing Ronny deliver some of his best vocal performances to date, while telling the story of his rebirth in music. Ronny poured his soul into the performance, with musical power and melody lifting him up during the process.
Tracklisting:
"Between Worlds"
"These Walls"
"Life Enough For Me"
"Times Of Change"
"No Escape"
"Soul Chaser"
"Scent Of An Angel"
"Beautiful Disaster"
"Flip The Script"
"Beneath The Surface"
"Calm Before The Storm"
"Between Worlds" video:
Lineup:
Ronny Munroe - Vocals
Alessandro Del Vecchio - Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Pete Alpenborg - Rhythm Guitars
Jack Frost - Lead Guitars
Alex Jansen - Bass
Michele Sanna - Drums
John Lee Middleton - Bass On “No Escape”
Joel Hoekstra - Lead Guitar On “Soul Chaser”
Chris Caffery - Lead Guitars On “Angel” And “No Escape”
"With the first three of the warm-up dates done, it's been great to see your smiling faces!," states a message from The Dead Daisies. "Check out some of the on-road antics... more to come!"
The Dead Daisies recently announced dates for their "Like No Other" US tour, set to launch in Rockford, IL in September.
The tour will kick off in style with a combination of theatre and synonymous rock venues across the US, delivering an essential dose of undiluted rock with the voice of rock Glenn Hughes, the dueling guitars of Doug Aldrich and David Lowy and the monstrous beats of Tommy Clufetos.
Says the band: "Can’t wait to see all our fans and anyone else who loves their ROCK when we play songs from the new album along with your favourites!"
Tour dates:
September
10 - Apollo Theatre - Rockford, IL
11 - The Forge - Joliet, IL
13 - Pieres - Fort Wayne, IN
14 - Agora Theatre - Cleveland, OH
17 - Showplace Theater - Buffalo, NY
18 - The Landis Theater - Vineland, NJ
20 - Sony Hall - New York, NY
22 - Elevation 27 - Virginia Beach, VA
24 - Culture Room - Ft Lauderdale, FL
25 - Janus Landing - St Petersburg, FL
27 - Pops - Sauget, IL
29 - Granada Theatre - Dallas, TX
30 - Rock Box - San Antonio, TX
October
2 - Warehouse Live - Houston, TX
3 - Come Take It Live - Austin, TX
5 - The Marquee Theatre - Phoenix, AZ
7 - The Ramona Main Stage - San Diego, CA
9 - El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
10 - Goldfield Placer - Sacramento, CA
12 - Alberta Rose Theatre - Portland, OR
15 - Neptune Theatre - Seattle, WA
Disclaimer: These shows are all subject to individual cities and venues coronavirus rules, regulations and restrictions and are therefore subject to change.
With their recent comeback to metal after temporarily transforming into a pop boyband, Nanowar Of Steel are back with their beloved brand of comedy infused heavy metal, taking their fans on a journey through the roots of their beautiful homeland of Italy on their new album, Italian Folk Metal, out July 2 via Napalm Records.
On their brand new offering, the five-piece takes its fans on a journey through the roots of their beautiful homeland. Starting with the first single “Der Fluch des Käptn Iglo”, an homage to the all beloved fried dish fishsticks by Captain Findus, followed by hilarious power metal anthem “Gabonzo Robot”, Nanowar Of Steel express their love for polenta on the new single "La Polenta Taragnarok”.
Says the band: “'La Polenta Taragnarock' is more than a song. It is also more than just food. It is an anthem which we wrote one year ago on a direct livestream with our fans, and merges our two souls - Italian food lovers and metal addicted vikings - into a single product. Moreover, we managed to get our hero and master of stainless steel Giorgio Mastrota to sing and act with us in the video. It's a dream embodied in 500gr of golden, tasty corn flour.”
Filled with references to Italian folklore, Nanowar Of Steel puts its own comedic metal twist on the various traditional sounds of their beautiful country.
Each song on Italian Folk Metal is performed in a distinct style of Italian folk music: Napoli-based sounds of musica neomelodica clash with melodic guitar sweeps on “Scugnizzi of the Land of Fires" and speedy accordions (prominently known from northern Italy‘s mazurka) are layered with dizzying guitar solos on “La Mazurka del Vecchio che Guarda i Cantieri".
Mixed with the band‘s eclectic, comprehensive brand of catchy, comedy-infused metal, Italian Folk Metal is a truly multi-faceted listening experience and a deep dive into the roots of Italy’s folklore! In the process of recording the new album in Rome and Milan during the summer of 2020, Nanowar Of Steel took the Italian-focused theme as an opportunity to gather Italy’s crème de la creme of musicianship: the album features Francesco Paoli from Fleshgod Apocalypse on “L’assedio di Porto Cervo”, Alessandro Conti of Luca Turilli's Rhapsody and Trick Or Treat fame on “La Mazurka del Vecchio che Guarda i Cantieri” and Frozen Crown’s Jade on “Rosario", among others. Italian Folk Metal showcases Nanowar Of Steel’s musical versatility at its best!
"Requiem per Gigi Sabani in Re minore"
"L'Assedio di Porto Cervo"
"La Maledizione di Capitan Findus"
"La Marcia su Piazza Grande"
"La Mazurka del Vecchio che Guarda i Cantieri"
"La Polenta Taragnarock"
"Scugnizzi of the Land of Fires"
"Rosario"
"Il Signore degli Anelli dello Stadio"
"Gabonzo Robot"
"Sulle Aliquote Della Libertà"
"Der Fluch des Kapt’n Iglo"
"El Baile del Viejo que Mira las obras"
“Gabonzo Robot” video:
"Der Fluch des Käptn Iglo" video:
Nanowar Of Steel are:
Gatto Panceri 666 - Bass
Potowotominimak - Vocals
Mr. Baffo - Vocals
Abdul - Guitar
Uinona Raider - Drums
Finnish doom stars, Swallow The Sun, have released the first live track and video for “Don’t Fall Asleep (Horror, Pt. II)" [Live in Helsinki] today via Century Media Records. The song is taken off the band's upcoming live album, 20 Years Of Gloom, Beauty And Despair - Live in Helsinki, which will be released on July 30. Watch the live video below.
“We were supposed to play anniversary shows in Europe and North America,” vocalist Mikko Kotamäki recalls. “We started our European tour in Finland in February 2020 and played 10 gigs. Everything got canceled two weeks after that. Luckily, we filmed and recorded our gig in Helsinki. Now, everyone can see it. At the time, we didn't know the footage or recordings would be used for this purpose.”
About the song the band comments, “This is the first single from our upcoming live album. 'Don’t Fall Asleep' is an old classic from 2007, which was also released as a single from our "Hope" album back then. We played a special fan voted setlist that night in Helsinki. So expect nothing but hits and classics. Enjoy!“
20 Years Of Gloom, Beauty And Despair - Live In Helsinki“ will be available as Ltd. 2CD+DVD Digipak, Gatefold 3LP+DVD and as digital album. All physical formats can be pre-ordered here.
The vinyl version will be available in the following colours:
- Black vinyl, unlimited
- Golden vinyl, limited to 200 copies worldwide, only available at Levykauppa Äx
- Dark green vinyl, limited to 200 copies worldwide, available at CMDistro
- Deep blood red vinyl, limited to 200 copies worldwide, only available at EMP
- Mint colored vinyl, limited to 200 copies worldwide, only available Nuclear Blast
- Glow in the dark vinyl, limited to 200 copies worldwide, only available at the official band store
Swallow The Sun are:
Juha Raivio - guitars
Matti Honkonen - bass
Mikko Kotamäki - vocals
Juuso Raatikainen - drums
Juho Räihä - guitars
Jaani Peuhu - keyboards/backing vocals
The Agonist vocalist Vicky Psarakis has shared a new video accompanied with the following message:
"Here's my one-take vocal performance of "In Vertigo" from The Agonist's latest album, Orphans."
September 2019 saw melodic death metal juggernaut, The Agonist, release their sixth studio album, Orphans, via Rodeostar Records. With Orphans the band delivered their most extreme, melodic, and larger-than-life sounding record to date.
The band released an official video for the title track of Orphans. Filmed in haunting black and white, the video dances between striking, dramatic and abstract images of frontwoman Vicky Psarakis as she delivers the eerie message of the track: “The story behind 'Orphans' was inspired by the novel, We Have Always Lived In The Castle, by Shirley Jackson. It emphasizes the feeling of "not belonging" and the social and physical isolation that comes as a result of that. Even though we've all felt like outcasts at some point in our lives, it's important to remember that we're never truly alone and that there's always someone there for you. We're all "orphans", but we're in this life together.”
Metal Injection has posted a performance video for Judas Priest's "Ram It Down", taken from Slay At Home Fest in support of Musicares / The Iggy Fund / NAMI / Cancer Research Institute.
The song is performed by
Ron Iglesias - vocals (Toxik, Xenophile, Paralysis)
Daniel Martinez - guitar (Atheist)
Phil DuBois - drums (Trillionaire, Fuligin, Cain Corso)
Olivier Pinaro - bass (Cattle Decapitation, Cryptopsy)
Chris Martin - guitar (Atheist)
Since beginning the Slay At Home series one year ago as a personal mission to create an entertainment fundraiser to aid the music industry and charities, mastermind Frank Godla has helped raise over $200,000 in donations for various charities through the virtual concert platform. The finale aired on June 18 and 19 in support of four great causes; Musicares, The Iggy Fund, The Cancer Research Institute and National Alliance On Mental Illness.
Seattle progressive metalcore outfit Draemora has shared their latest music video for the track “Victorious” from their new album Death Rectangle, recently unleashed on June 18th.
“Victorious” was written right after guitarist Terry Paulson got a new 7-string guitar that was tuned to drop G. Instantly inspired by its sound, he completed the whole song in an evening. Showing it to his bandmates, the final version of “Victorious” was done in just a few days. Debating and anxious to release, the band originally thought of sharing the song as a single during the pandemic, but in the end, Draemora decided that it would be best positioned on their new full length.
“We were going to actually separate it from the album and let it be a song on its own, but at the last minute, we decided it was the perfect way to end the album because it has that great classic formula in there with a twist to the parts that really puts our stamp on it in a great way. We want people to enjoy it live, so we made big choruses and really big recognizable parts,” says the band.
Completely DIY with all the recordings done in guitarrist Terry Paulson's home studio including the mixing and mastering, Draemora's first full-length Death Rectangle has a lot more depth than their previous work, 2020's debut EP Awakening. The band claim that has to do with the growing cohesiveness that comes with being together for over a year at this point. They also mention that this time around they were able to slow down and let everything come together, try out parts in the practice space a lot and make changes based on how they sounded performed to shorten the gap between live and studio performance. They continue to explain:
"Lyrically with Death Rectangle we wanted to make songs that anyone could very easily imprint their own life into. These songs all have deep meaning to us, but we stayed away from using any specific references so that the listener could make it whatever their imagination wants it to be. We think that is the best way to make a song. Musically, this collection of songs is mostly dark and heavy sounding. It wasn't intentional, but when this was written we were all locked up and lost our jobs, and had to watch the world riot and go nuts so we’re not surprised it sounds that way."
Tracklisting:
"The Cleansing"
"Slaves Until Death"
"Death Rectangle"
"Requiem"
"What You've Become"
"Gouge Out My Eyes"
"Blood Moon"
"Screaming Into The Void"
"Metacognitive"
"Victorious"
"Death Rectangle":
What’s next for Draemora is live gigs with tour dates in July and August with Hed PE. Confirmed venues are as listed:
July
23 - Backstage Bar & Billiards - Las Vegas NV
24 - Liquid Joe’s - Salt Lake City, UT
25 - Mesa Theatre - Grand Junction, CO
27 - Herman’s Hideaway - Denver, CO
28 - The Royal Grove - Lincoln, NE
29 - The Back Bar - Janesville, WI
30 - The Forge - Joliet, IL
31 - Diesel Concert Lounge - Chesterfield, MI
August
1 - Music Factory - Battle Creek, MI
3 - Red Flag (prev. Fubar) - St Louis, MO
4 - Club 1175 - Kansasville, WI
5 - Hobart Art Theatre - Hobart, IN
6 - Rockstar Lounge - Ft. Wayne, IN
Dark Station has released the reimagined version of their single "Misery" to all major platforms. This version of the single will be included on their upcoming 5-song EP titled Afterlight that features reimagined songs from their previous album Down In The Dark.
"Nathan wrote this song about the relationship between Harley Quinn and The Joker, but I think anyone who has been in a toxic relationship will identify with the lyrics. Instrumentally, we put everything together with Jeremy and Brandon Wolfe at Wolfe Studios. I really love how this version of the song turned out. I think it shows a different side of the band and I think a lot of people will appreciate that," says Kyle Ort, the band's guitarist.
He adds, "We wanted the video to feel like a live performance, almost like the viewer was in the room with us, so we did the entire video in 2 shots with minimal editing. The film location was Big Bear, California and I remember the temperature dropped to around 20 degrees while we were filming the outside shot. I could barely feel my hands as I was playing guitar. It definitely wasn't an ideal situation, but we did it!"
Dark Station is:
Nathan Spades - Vocals
Kyle Ort - Guitar
David Bruno - Guitar
Eric Sinful - Bass
Dylan Roy - Drums
One of The Big Four turns the Big 4-0 this year and is celebrating with a number of special activities and events to honor the landmark anniversary. Formed by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker in Queens, NY on July 18, 1981, Anthrax was one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the East Coast and quickly became regarded as a leader in the genre alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth.
Active over the past five decades, Anthrax has released 11 studio albums, been awarded multiple Gold and Platinum certifications, received six Grammy nominations, toured the world since 1984 playing thousands of shows, including headlining Madison Square Garden and playing Yankee Stadium with The Big 4. The band has built a strong reputation with fans as well as the record industry. With the lineup including Ian, bassist Frank Bello, drummer Charlie Benante, singer Joey Belladonna, and guitarist Jon Donais, the band is being feted on their 40th anniversary by a wide range of friends and music contemporaries.
Each week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and wrapping on the band's official founding anniversary of July 18, Anthrax's social media accounts will offer a series of video testimonials sent in by former band members, fellow musicians, colleagues, and industry veterans sharing behind-the-scenes stories of working with the band and what Anthrax's legacy has meant all these years on. These videos will honor each album in chronological order beginning with the original release, Fistful of Metal. Go here for the full schedule, and watch Episode #19: Stomp 442 below.
The 11-week series will include video contributions from Chuck D, Corey Taylor, Dave Grohl, Dave Mustaine, Gary Holt, Gene Simmons, Henry Rollins, John Carpenter, Kerry King, Mike Patton, Nergal, Norman Reedus, Michael Poulsen, Rob Zombie, Robert Trujillo, Roger Miret, Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC), Slash, Tom Morello and more. There will also be video clips from former Anthrax band members Dan Lilker, Dan Spitz, John Bush, Neil Turbin, and Rob Caggiano.
The finale will come as a very special Livestream performance from Anthrax on Friday, July 16, featuring a deep cuts set that will pull from the band's entire career-spanning catalog.
The special worldwide Livestream event, presented by Danny Wimmer Presents and originating from Los Angeles, will kick off in North America on Friday, July 16, beginning at 4 PM, PT and 7 PM, ET, and in the UK on Saturday, July 17, starting at Midnight, BST.
Livestream event tickets and special 40th-anniversary ticket bundles - one including a live video chat with the members of Anthrax - are on sale now. Special 40th-anniversary artwork was created by Brian Ewing and Stephen Thompson for limited-edition t-shirts, commemorative tickets, and an anniversary poster. In addition to the Livestream and merchandise bundles, fans will be able to buy a digital ticket to relive the past 40 years with exclusive interviews, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes stories of the band's legendary career. All purchasing details are accessible at AnthraxLive.com.
The Global Livestream event, debuting July 16/17 (depending on your global location), will remain available to fans worldwide to tune in through July 25 at 11:59 PM, ET via video on demand. The band - Joey Belladonna/vocalist, Scott Ian/rhythm guitar, Frank Bello/bass, Charlie Benante/drums, and Jon Donias/guitar, will perform an extensive set of hits and deep cuts that will pull from the band's entire catalog.
"I was a 17-year-old metal-head kid from Queens when I started this band," said Scott Ian. "I am a 57-year-old metal-head kid from Queens about to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this band. That means for 40 years, I've gotten to do exactly what I've wanted to do - and getting to do what I love and being a part of something so much bigger than myself has made the time, the unbelievable weight of 40 seems so light. It's been an amazing story so far, and I see 40 as a milestone that absolutely should be recognized and celebrated. Congratulations to us! I also see 40 as a stepping stone to the next chapter of Anthrax - we still have a lot to say and some killer riffs to unleash. I'm not going to say, "Here's to 40 more" because nobody wants to see that (I'd be 97). How about, "Here's to at least ten more, and we'll go from there! Thank you for enabling me, my friends."
Brian May’s first solo hit, and the unforgettable TV ad it was made for, came from the most unlikely of origins. “Driven By You” is, without doubt, one of rock’s most rousing and lasting anthems. Originally written for a Ford car television commercial, the solo track was a worldwide hit when it first debuted as a single off May’s 1992 Back To The Light album. But the unforgettable song had its beginnings oceans away from the open roads of the UK countryside that were framed in that TV ad.
Originally released in November 1991, “Driven By You” saw success worldwide including reaching No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 9 on the US Billboard Album Rock Chart. Re-released to download on June 25 ahead of the forthcoming remastered reissue of May’s Back To The Light album on August 6, the reissue of the track comes with a scorching new 30th Anniversary video edit. The performance was originally filmed when the Queen legend sang the track live for the first time at the 1991 Guitar Legends concert in Seville, Spain, and during his 1992 South America tour.
The energetic footage features Brian performing the song with an all-star band including Cozy Powell on drums, Neil Murray on bass and Steve Vai on rhythm guitar. Plus, Rick Wakeman and Mike Moran on keyboards, alongside Maggie Ryder, Miriam Stockley and Chris Moran on backing vocals. That music video can be seen in its updated form below.
Sharing the backstory to “Driven By You,” May cites a Los Angeles pool bathroom as the unlikely starting point for his classic song. “There’s a kind of mystery about writing songs. You never know where they come from. All I know is I was sitting around a swimming pool in Los Angeles with an ad producer. He’s sitting there sunning himself. I’m there with my future wife sunning myself by the pool, and we get talking. And he says, ‘Oh, you write songs don’t you?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I write songs.’ He said, ‘Well could you write a song for an advert? Have you ever done that?’ And I went, ‘No, I’ve never done it.’ He asked, ‘Would you like to?’ And I said, 'Yes, I’d be very interested.’ He then asked me how I would feel about a slogan that goes, ‘Everything we do, we do for you’.
“And I went, ‘Yeah, I could relate to that’ because I can feel that in my own mind about my own self. And it got modified later on. It became ‘Everything we do is driven by you’ because it was about cars and I liked that even more. And as soon as he said that, I went off to the bathroom with my little tape recorder and sang some stuff into the tape recorder. I sang most of the verse and a bit of the chorus, which is the way it happens with me. Suddenly a light goes on and I could hear it in my head, I could hear the whole thing, ‘Driven By You’, and I wrote it for them, for the Ford Car Company, and completed it very quickly. I went into the studio when I got back, completed it quickly for them, and then they liked it.”
Revisiting “Driven By You” today, May has also revealed how the song helped create a special understanding with Freddie Mercury in his final days and how the Queen singer encouraged his dear friend and bandmate to ‘find his wings’ in his solo career.
Talking of Freddie, May says: “I played it to Freddie and I said, ‘Freddie, you know if this becomes a Queen track, which it might do, obviously you should sing it.’ He listened and went, ‘You’ve done it very well darling, and I think you should sing it’. Now whether that’s because he really did think I sang it well or just because he didn’t want to sing anything, I don’t know. But he said, ‘It’s beautiful, it’s great, it’s very complete in its own way, you should do it.’ And he said something very profound at the time. He said, ‘You know we’re all thinking and wondering what’s going to happen to me, and you don’t have to feel embarrassed about it. You know you should be thinking about your solo career at this time and if this is the beginning of your solo career then it’s a very worthy beginning. This is probably the beginning of your finding your wings as you need to do.’ So Freddie was very far-sighted and very generous as always and sort of gave me permission to do this as a solo track, which I did.
“I rewrote the words as a piece of relationship therapy, you know, ‘Everything I do is driven by you’ and put it out as a single and it was a hit. So it was a nice boost to me to feel I could do things on my own. I wasn’t just a piece of Queen. And that’s what I believe about the core of songs; sometimes you don’t know why you’re writing them. You don’t know where it’s coming from, but it can be channelled into a way which makes sense in various ways. And things are always about life for me; they’re always about relationships. Either my relationships or relationships with people around me. It’s about humans interacting. That to me is the most exciting thing in the world; the most important thing and the hardest thing to get right in your life. A lot of people can do great stuff. You know, fly aeroplanes, go to the Moon. Relationships… not so easy. So it’s about that as always.”
“Driven By You” is available to download and stream now.
“Anybody fancy a season of BM re-releases with lots of juicy extras?” asked Brian May through his Instagram feed in 2020. “We’re working on a plan!!!” The first stage of that plan comes to fruition now, with the long-awaited reissue of the legendary Queen guitarist’s superlative debut solo album. Almost 30 years on from its initial release, Back To The Light stands as an intimate and expansive testament to the talent and tenacity of one of the foremost guitarists and songwriters of his generation.
On its release in September 1992, Back To The Light was an unqualified hit. Hitting No. 6 in the UK album charts, it produced a brace of indelible singles. Introduced to Queen fans during an emotive performance at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, Wembley Stadium, in April 1992, “Too Much Love Will Kill You” reached No. 5 in the UK. “Driven By You” had already peaked at No. 6. The anthemic “Back To The Light” and rollicking “Resurrection” also charted, while the instrumental “Last Horizon” would become a staple of both The Brian May Band’s solo concerts and May’s later live return to Queen.
Sometimes rocking, sometimes reflective, the singles give a sense of the album’s depth and reach. “The Dark” reconfigures Queen’s “We Will Rock You” to introspective ends and builds to a symphonic crescendo, before the full-blooded title-track sets out May’s stall between its multi-tracked voices, euphoric chorus and crunchy guitars. “Love Token” is one of Brian’s “momma and poppa” songs, a tale of a break-up plotted over blues-rock backing. Co-credited to drummer Cozy Powell and featuring revered rock musician Don Airey on keyboards, “Resurrection” is a glittering high energy rocker, with probably as many operatic overdubs as “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Featuring a tour de force from May on guitar and cataclysmic drum pyrotechnics from Powell, for many this is the outstanding track of the album. Lyrically, it is mounted on personal foundations, troubled at the heart but determined to find hope in “the promise of the future.”
“Too Much Love Will Kill You” is a scorching confessional, which Brian cites as possibly the most important recording of his life. It earned a coveted Ivor Novello Award (Best Song Musically and Lyrically) and reappeared later in a different incarnation as a Queen track. “Driven by You” is a harmonious HIT rocker with a rousing chorus, the result of Brian accepting a challenge to create a track for a Ford Motor car TV ad. Bandmate Freddie complimented Brian on this vocal delivery! The heart-breaking “Nothin’ But Blue” is co-credited to Cozy Powell and is the sister track to “Somewhere In Time” from his The Drums Are Back album. The song was written by Brian the night before Freddie Mercury passed away. Queen’s John Deacon makes a rare guest appearance on bass.
The roistering “I’m Scared” wears Brian’s fears on its sleeve, while “Last Horizon” reaches for a sense of serenity in its expressive guitar work. Written for skiffle star Lonnie Donegan, “Let Your Heart Rule Your Head” proves Brian’s easy way with buoyant melody. “Just One Life” is a poignant elegy to a lost loved one, but very unusual in that Brian wrote the song about someone he never met – only came to know at a celebration of his life.
Finally, a joyful cover – the only one on the album - of the Small Faces’ “Rollin’ Over” realigns Brian with some of his early rock roots.
Throughout, the many flavors of Back To The Light remind us how vital Brian’s writing was to Queen. Besides his unmistakable guitar work, his songwriting credits include ballads (“Save Me”), multi-part epics (“The Prophet’s Song”), movie themes (“Flash’s Theme”), bluesy workouts (“Sleeping on the Sidewalk”) and numerous full-bore rockers – including, of course, stomping live tentpole “We Will Rock You.”
Written during a period of immense personal upheaval between 1988 and 1992, Back To The Light finds Brian assuming the spotlight with cathartic honesty and artistry. It followed the losses of his father and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, and the temporary cessation of the band’s activities. It also followed May’s separation from his first wife in 1988 and relationship with Anita Dobson, which made him the unwilling recipient of tabloid attention. In interviews, he talked about the struggles he experienced as a result of these life changes, describing the album as a kind of therapy.
In its making, he drew support from friends and storied collaborators. Alongside Deacon, Powell and Airey, guests included Neil Murray and Gary Tibbs (Adam & The Ants, Roxy Music) on bass, Geoff Dugmore on drums (“Let Your Heart Rule Your Head,” “Rollin’ Over”), and Mike Moran on piano/keyboards across three tracks. Vocal assistance came from famed British singer Chris Thompson, with backing vocals at various junctures from Miriam Stockley, Maggie Ryder, Suzie O’List and Gill O’Donovan.
Long unavailable on CD, vinyl, digital download and streaming services, the reissue arrives with audio supervision from Justin Shirley-Smith and Kris Fredriksson. On the original release’s liner notes, Shirley-Smith received an affectionate namecheck for, writes Brian, “dealing with my erratic recording habits” in his role as co-producer and engineer. “Brian is a perfectionist and he won’t leave something until he’s happy,” says Shirley-Smith, whose work for Queen stretches back to 1984.
Sound engineer Fredriksson wanted to see that perfectionism reflected in the reissue. “If it hasn’t been available and we’re going to reissue it,” he notes, “we thought why not get it remastered by the best mastering engineer in the world?” Enter Grammy-winner Bob Ludwig, who worked from the original restored flat mixes to ensure this new edition of Back To The Light sounds better than ever.
Meanwhile, Fredriksson cast the net wide to source bonus tracks for a second disc, Out Of The Light. Brian’s Red Special speaks on haunting instrumental versions of “Nothin’ but Blue,” “Too Much Love Will Kill You” and “Just One Life.” “Driven by You Two,” the Ford advert version of “Driven by You” and “Driven by You” (Cozy and Neil Version ’93) also feature alongside some live cuts. ‘’39/Let Your Heart Rule Your Head,” “Last Horizon” and “We Will Rock You” were recorded at a triumphant Brixton Academy show on June 15, 1993, documented on the Live at the Brixton Academy album and film, where The Brian May Band featured Powell (drums), Spike Edney (keyboards), Jamie Moses (guitar), Neil Murray (bass) and, on backing vocals, Catherine Porter and Shelley Preston. The live version of “Too Much Love Will Kill You” was recorded at the Palace Theater, Los Angeles, on April 6, 1993; the night before, Brian and a special guest tore through Queen concert favorite “Tie Your Mother Down” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. “Welcome, Mr Slash,” says Brian, as the Guns N’ Roses guitarist serves notice of May’s multi-generational influence.
To mark the occasion of the reissue, Back To The Light will be available in a Collector’s Edition box set featuring an exclusive white-vinyl LP, two CDs, a 32-page book, a 12” art print, a download card and an enamel badge all presented in a lift-lid box. A limited-edition (x1,000) of the same box-set is available exclusively on Queen Online Store with a signed 12” art print.
The album will also be released on 1LP black 180g vinyl, 1CD, Deluxe 2CD, Cassette and digital formats, with Out Of The Light available in the box set, on the 2CD and digital formats. A limited-edition 1LP Picture Disc will also be available exclusively on Queen Online Store.
On all fronts, Back To The Light stands tall as an album of heart and resilience, uplift and sensitivity. “In my mind, this album was always called Back To The Light,” wrote Brian on the original sleeve notes. “At its beginning I felt no real hope of finding the light; now it glimmers dimly, encouragingly, but always intermittently in the hall of mirrors around me.”
Almost three decades on, Brian’s new sleeve notes include a tribute to the late, great Cozy Powell, along with a reflection on the search the album documents. “In 2021, proudly and fondly presenting this work to a new audience,” writes Brian, “and noting carefully my original liner notes, I can report that I am still on the quest of finding answers to most of the questions posed in this suite of songs, and to this day, the Light still glimmers darkly, tantalisingly, always a little out of reach. Music gets us through.” Lit up with emotional honesty, big tunes, rock’n’roll vim and world-class guitar work, Back To The Light shines on.
“This is part of a series. The Brian May Gold Series. Each of them will have a little gold stamp on. And each one of them will give me the opportunity to rediscover the road that I travelled. I really found this fascinating. I was a little nervous at the beginning, thinking what is this going to dredge up in me? But I loved getting back in there. I’m really just hoping it will connect with people who have never heard this stuff before. They know me as guitarist for Queen. Some know me as an astronomer. Some know me as a campaigner for animal rights. I’m a sort of evangelist for 3-D Victorian Stereoscopy. But very few people have heard my solo output. So I’m excited to see how this turns out. I found it fascinating going back in there and rediscovering why I wrote certain things. What they meant to me. How we recorded. Some of it is so massive in the recording I can hardly believe we pulled it off - it’s very epic, some of it. And I like that. And at the same time, there’s little corners of it which are very simple, very understated, very emotionally naked. I discovered so much of what I’m saying in the album I still feel. I still feel those dangers, those fears, those hopes, those dreams.”
Tracklistings:
Back To The Light
"The Dark"
"Back To The Light"
"Love Token"
"Resurrection"
"Too Much Love Will Kill You"
"Driven By You"
"Nothin’ But Blue"
"I’m Scared"
"Last Horizon"
"Let Your Heart Rule Your Head"
"Just One Life"
"Rollin’ Over"
- Produced by Brian May.
- Co-produced and engineered by Justin Shirley-Smith.
- All vocals, backing vocals, guitars, keyboards and anything else around – by Brian May unless otherwise stated.
Out Of The Light
"Nothin’ But Blue" - Guitar Version
"Too Much Love Will Kill You" – Guitar Version
"Just One Life" – Guitar Version
"Driven By You Two"
"Driven By You" – Ford Ad Version
"Tie Your Mother Down" (Featuring Slash) - Live on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, 5th April 1993
"Too Much Love Will Kill You" - Live at the Palace Theatre, Los Angeles, 6th April 1993
"’39 / Let Your Heart Rule Your Head" - Live at the Brixton Academy, 15th June 1993
"Last Horizon" - Live at the Brixton Academy, 15th June 1993
"We Will Rock You" - Live at the Brixton Academy 15 June 1993
"Driven By You" - Cozy and Neil Version ’93
- The Live tracks are played by The Brian May Band from the ‘Back To The Light’ Tour 1993.
- Brian May: Vocals/Guitar, Cozy Powell: Drums. Neil Murray: Bass, Spike Edney: Keyboards, Jamie Moses: Guitar/Vocals, Cathy Porter: Vocals, Shelley Preston: Vocals.
- “And a special thank you to Slash”.
- Audio Supervised by Justin Shirley-Smith and Kris Fredriksson.
- Mastered by Bob Ludwig & Adam Ayan, Gateway Mastering Studios, Portland, ME.
- Audio Restoration Kris Fredriksson.
- Half Speed vinyl mastering Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios.
Swedish band Mad Invasion combines vintage 70’s hard rock influences with a modern approach and soundscape. The vast experience of the band members as musicians, songwriters and performing artists −includes numerous album releases and tours over the years.
In September, Mad Invasion release their long-awaited debut album, Edge Of The World, an album that offers a wide range of heavy songs with bone crushing guitars, airy keyboards, and a dynamic rhythm section - adding the fnal touches to the very distinct Mad Invasion sound. Pre-order here.
The first three videos also feature special guest Mikkey Dee from Motörhead and Scorpions. Join the Mad Invasion journey and rediscover the golden age of rock - in a new suit of armour.
About the song and video...
"The writing process typically starts with Björn laying down some basic guitar tracks in our studio, to try out a new song idea. Next Pete will get introduced to the song and some ideas for lyrics and arrangements. Once the he has a feel for the song he will write the lyrics and the vocals are then recorded. This part of the process is a bit different since Pete likes to record his vocals just to the guitars and a click track – without any backgrounds or effects in his listening. After the vocals, Hal comes into the picture and the recorded tracks are transferred to the computer where the actual music production project is officially born. Hal then adds keyboards, sounds and effects, as well as working with the rhythm section and overall arrangement of the song. At this point the final bass guitar and background vocals are recorded. Throughout recording and production process, the song is continuously iterated within the band for input and ideas until all feel satisfied with the result."
The band had an idea about filming this video in a castle and the local Trolleholm Castle seemed like a good choice since the environment there fitted well with the band's concept of vintage rock and the song's theme of demons and angels. As in several of the band´s other videos, both the evil and good angel appear to illustrate the constant battle between the two forces. The fortune teller is also part of the story, warning the band about bad things to come and that these can come at any time. For the intro of the video, the band wanted a reporter to be part of the story, desperately trying to interview the band – but without success. The video features special guest Mikkey Dee in superb form, adding to the visual expression of the song.
German power/thrash metal legends Paradox will release part 2 of their 1989 classic album Heresy on September 24 via AFM Records. The band managed to capture that special vibe on their new single "The Visitors" as well and adds another classic to their already impressive résumé.
Fans can expect 75 minutes of finest melodic trash metal on Heresy II – End Of A Legend which sounds even in the year 2021 as fresh and new as in its commercial heydays at the end of the 1980s.
The roots of Paradox go way back to 1981. After several changes of names, Paradox was born in 1986. The debut Product of Imagination (1987) was like a fresh breeze blowing through the scene, the concept album Heresy was an international success and catapulted Paradox in the first league of cult thrashers. More than 30 years later, it’s time for the eighth studio album Heresy II – End of a Legend. Preorders available on the AFM webshop.
Tracklisting:
“Escape From The Burning”
“Mountains And Caves”
“The Visitors”
“Children Of A Virgin”
“Journey Into Fear”
“Burying A Treasure”
“A Meeting Of Minds”
“Priestly Vows”
“Unholy Conspiracy”
“A Man Of Sorrow (Prologue)”
“A Man Of Sorrow”
“The Great Denial”
“End Of A Legend”
Legendary hard rockers NIGHT RANGER will release their 12th studio album, "ATBPO", on August 6 via Frontiers Music Srl. "ATBPO" stands for "And The Band Played On", an ode to making music during the COVID-19 era. It will be available on CD and vinyl (several limited-edition, color vinyl versions), as well as digitally across all streaming platforms.
Today, fans can get another taste of the album with the release of "Bring It All Home To Me", the second single and music video from the LP.
NIGHT RANGER began writing the album in early 2020, amid the onset of the global pandemic. After narrowing down the song selection and tightening them up to their well-known rock and roll sound, the band hit the studio, although separately, due to the times we are in. Throughout "ATBPO", we hear NIGHT RANGER continuing their hot streak that kicked off with 2011's "Somewhere In California". Ten years on, and two highly acclaimed albums later, "High Road" and "Don't Let Up", the band's latest studio work shows them still burning with that high-octane hard rock energy they are known for. NIGHT RANGER has always had a knack for killer melodies, intricate instrumentation, and captivating lyrics; "ATBPO" delivers all of that and more.
"The process was strange but the outcome rocks," said Jack Blades.
Added Kelly Keagy: "This record was incredibly hard to do as we could not be in a room together with all the COVID-19 issues that were going on. But sometimes you do your best work when there's a deadline approaching."
States Brad Gillis: "It's been a crazy but fun task trying to write and finish this new record in a COVID situation. A few zoom video gatherings got us started. With everybody in the band having their own home studios, we were all able to elaborate and add our own textures to each song. As a vintage guitar collector, I was able to add some great classic sounds to rhythm and solos using my 57 Strat and 52 Goldtop! I hope everyone enjoys the record!"
Having sold over 17 million albums worldwide, performed across more than 4,000 stages, and enjoyed a radio audience that exceeds one billion, NIGHT RANGER has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style well beyond that era. With multiple songs having a significant impact on popular culture, NIGHT RANGER continues to grow its fanbase. The band is proof that powerful songs alongside incredibly talented musicians is the perfect formula for continued success.
NIGHT RANGER is Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead and rhythm guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards), and Keri Kelli (lead and rhythm guitars).
A bonus track, "Savior", appears on the CD and LP versions of "ATBPO" only.
Legendary death metal maniacs Aborted, under the charismatic leadership of Sven Caluwe, have returned to take over the earth with their highly anticipated 11th studio album, ManiaCult
In cooperation with G13 Production House (Behemoth, Accept, Kreator) the band presents their most terrifying and disturbing video so far, for the first single “Impetus Odi”. Find the clip below. Viewer discretion is advised - you have been warned!
Join the ManiaCult and you can never leave - at least not with your life intact. Aborted have crafted the perfect soundtrack to this sick sect, which demands human sacrifices to summon Lovecraftian demons. The sinister sound aptly snarls and snakes like the heads that worm their way out from the cult leader’s back.
It’s the same type of authority Aborted have had over the death metal masses for the 26 years since vocalist Sven de Caluwé formed the band in Belgium. As the lone original member, he’s directed the band like a demented conductor: each musician that filters through the ranks a tendril he waves around like a baton.
Aborted are shapeshifters, evolving from blazing deathgrind to groovier fare before settling into a technical approach on death metal. On 11th album ManiaCult, they split the difference between the over-the-top shred of TerrorVision and the dripping dark atmosphere achieved on follow-up La Grande Mascarade. That EP was their first as the current four-piece lineup, rounded out by drummer Ken Bedene, guitarist Ian Jekelis and bassist Stefano Franceschini.
ManiaCult will be officially released on Septenber 10 and will be available in the following formats:
- CD Jewelcase – all outlets
- Gatefold black LP+CD & Poster – all outlets
- Gatefold ultra clear LP+CD & Poster – Bandshop
- Gatefold neon green LP+CD & Poster - Bandshop (200 Units)
- Gatefold neon yellow LP+CD & Poster - EMP (300 Units)
- Gatefold opaque hot pinkLP+CD & Poster - Nuclear Blast (300 Units)
Disclaimer: Due to the high demand for vinyl manufacturing, production times are subject to possible delay. Everything will be done to ensure that we meet the original deadlines, and product is delivered as promised. However, customers are advised that the potential exists for delays beyond our control.
The pre-sale has officially started - so be fast and grab your copy here. The band will also offer a strictly limited amount of liquid filled vinyl and their own exclusive action figure on their band shop. Check out their band shop here.
Tracklisting:
"Verderf"
"ManiaCult"
"Impetus Odi"
"Portal To Vacuity"
"Dementophobia"
"A Vulgar Quagmire"
"Verbolgen"
"Ceremonial Ineptitude"
"Drag Me To Hell"
"Grotesque"
"I Prediletti: The Folly Of The Gods"
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH bassist Chris Kael joined STEEL PANTHER on stage this past Friday, June 25 at Emo's in Austin, Texas to perform a cover of the JUDAS PRIEST classic "You've Got Another Thing Comin'". Video footage of his appearance — courtesy of That Just Happened — can be seen below.
Kael joined FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH in 2011 as the replacement for Matt Snell, who left the group a year earlier for reasons that have not been disclosed. Originally from Kentucky, Kael moved to FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's home base of Las Vegas to pursue playing music full-time. He said in a statement about landing the job: "Never give up on your dreams. I'm living proof that with hard work and a little bit of luck, they can come true."
This past April, STEEL PANTHER confirmed that it has commenced the recording process for its sixth studio album. The follow-up to 2019's "Heavy Metal Rules" will tentatively arrive before the end of the year.
Last December, STEEL PANTHER released a re-worked version of its song "Fuck Everybody" from "Heavy Metal Rules", now re-titled "Fuck 2020". The newly recorded version included updated verses that reflect the insanity of last year.
"Heavy Metal Rules" was released in September 2019. The disc, which is described in a press release as a "heavy metal version of a self-help manual and ultimate party album combined," was once again produced by Jay Ruston, who collaborated with the band on all of its previous recordings, including 2017's "Lower The Bar".
STEEL PANTHER specializes in imitating and exaggerating the less flattering aspects of 1980s hair metal, with unrepentantly crude, non-PC sexual content as a favorite lyrical theme.
The group's music has been described as "VAN HALEN meets MÖTLEY CRÜE meets RATT meets 'Wayne's World', complete with operatic shrieks, misogyny, shredding guitar solos and libidinal overdrive."
Thirteen years ago, STEEL PANTHER changed its name from METAL SKOOL to its current moniker and shifted the focus of its act from '80s metal covers to originals.
RAMMSTEIN singer Till Lindemann has released a short movie titled "Ich Hasse Kinder" (English translation: "I Hate Kids"). The film, which was directed by Serghey Grey and produced by Lindemann and Anar Reiband, can be seen below.
The "Ich Hasse Kinder" short movie arrives a month after the release of Till's single of the same name. Last month, Lindemann also issued a music video for the orchestral version of his "Lubimiy Gorod" solo single, sung entirely in Russian, for the original motion picture "Devyatayev", which came out in late April. Translated as "Beloved Town", the piano-led ballad was composed by Yevgeniy Dolmatovsky (lyrics) and Nikita Bogoslovsky. It was originally performed by Mark Bernes in 1939.
"Devyatayev", directed by Timur Bekmambetov, is about the Soviet pilot Mikhail Devyatayev, who was captured by Germany during World War II. He leads an escape from a concentration camp on the island of Usedom in the Baltic Sea by hijacking an aircraft.
LINDEMANN, the project featuring vocalist Till and Swedish producer and multi-instrumentalist Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY, PAIN), released a concert film, "Live In Moscow", on May 21 on Blu-ray. The set includes professionally filmed video footage of LINDEMANN's March 15, 2020 performance at Moscow, Russia's VTB Arena.
Last November, Lindemann and Tägtgren confirmed that they were ending their collaboration on the LINDEMANN project.
LINDEMANN's second album, "F & M", was released in November 2019. The follow-up to 2015's "Skills In Pills" was once again produced and mixed by Tägtgren.
"Skills In Pills" reached gold status in Germany and was entirely in English. On the second opus, Lindemann went back to singing exclusively in German.
LINDEMANN had received some criticism due to its use of pornography during its second album cycle, with the music video for "Platz Eins" described by one site as "full-on art porn — slick and stylish, weird and experimental, and definitely X-rated."
This past February, RAMMSTEIN keyboardist Christian "Flake" Lorenz confirmed that the band recorded a new studio album during the coronavirus pandemic.
Last October, RAMMSTEIN revealed that it had returned to La Fabrique studios in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, in the south of France. At the time, the band wrote in a social media post: "Sadly no tour this year - but it's great to be back in the studio!"
RAMMSTEIN's seventh, untitled album came out in May 2019 via UME/Spinefarm in Europe and Caroline Records in the U.S. The band's first studio disc since 2009's "Liebe Ist Für Alle Da" debuted at No. 1 on the album charts in 14 countries and was the band's tenth No. 1 in Germany.
With their new single ‚Cosima‘ SCHATTENMANN is dropping a bombshell – they simultaneously are starting the pre-sale for their upcoming new record ‚Chaos‘, which will hit streets on November 5th 2021.
But do not believe that the complete album will sound like this new single, disbelievers will be proved wrong in the end for sure. ‚Cosima‘ is a very special song, but the core of it has got the same amount of social criticism as other tracks on the album and poses a question: does mankind still need true and real love? The band created the videoclip completely on their own and it is complementing the song to a audiovisual total work of art. Absolutely worth seeing, thought-provoking and it still leaves an aftertaste despite of the entertainment-factor.
It’s frequently the third album that decides the future direction of a band. While the debut and follow-up albums are usually considered to mark the beginning of a hopeful career, the third album indicates where the journey is heading. With their most recent release, their third album ‘Chaos’, the band SCHATTENMANN, helmed by vocalist Frank Herzig, unmistakably prove: the content of their music is getting tougher, more metal-oriented, more multi-faceted and more uncompromising. Herzig: “‘Chaos’ has us deliberately expand our sound to include modern and more original elements. We don't want to limit ourselves musically, but have included metal and industrial influences in our new material. The beginnings of this development were already present on our 2018 debut ‘Licht an’, and one year later on ‘Epidemie’. ‘Chaos’ sees us take it to the extreme and look beyond the obvious.”
It’s obvious that ‘Chaos’ has sharpened the profile of Herzig and his band mates Jan Suk (guitar), Luke Shook (bass) and Nils Kinzig (drums), refined their musical and thematic standards even further and given the songs something very special courtesy of their unusual instrumentation.
Chaos! From the opener to the final track, the new Schattenmann records clearly shows one definite direction: forward to the limit! With their third album, the band around bandleader Frank Herzig makes it unmistakably clear that they have come to stay.
Norway's progressive metal legends, Enslaved, have released their new package of live releases, Cinematic Tour 2020. To make the day even more special, the band shared one more live video out of it with you all: "Homebound" performed at their virtual release show Utgard - The Journey Within. Watch below:
The Cinematic Tour 2020 release features four new live albums/DVDs with audio and visuals taken from their digital performances in 2020.
- The Rise Of Ymir (Verftet Online Festival 2020)
- Chronicles of the Northbound (Cinematic Tour 2020)
- Below The Lights (Cinematic Tour 2020)
- Utgard - The Journey Within (Cinematic Tour 2020)
The releases are available via the following formats:
- Wooden Boxset (limited edition 300 copies - handcrafted, personally named & numbered)
- Splatter Vinyl (limited edition 300 copies)
- 4x CD/DVD boxset (limited edition 1000 copies)
- 4x DVD (limited edition 1000 copies)
- digital albums
All formats include a 4 movies download card.
Says the band: "Our will to keep moving regardless of weather and surroundings could be our Norwegian West-coast heritage (you know, from when there was only potatoes and no oil and certainly no reality-TV; Norwegians were once quite tough people), and is perhaps our greatest forte. That; and being surrounded by professionals that genuinely care about this old ship of a band. Put that together and you get the unlikely success of the Cinematic Tour of 2020. To see it materialize further into these wonderfully sounding and magically packaged releases is the Multiverse’s way of telling us to keep moving, creating and performing. No matter what idiotic state the world might be in. So be it.
"We are so stoked about how these Cinematic Tour 2020 releases turned out. The crown jewel for old vinyl collectors like ourselves has got to be the wooden box - handmade, numbered and named individually. That is simply... metal!"
Limited to 300 copies worldwide. Sold exclusively in the band's online store.
Featuring:
- Download card for all 4 movies
- All albums on black vinyl
- Each vinyl includes the show poster and the movies download card
- Original illustration by Tor Ola Svennevig on the inner-sleeve
- The 4 streams on DVD (PAL)
- Woven patch, enamel pin, poster flag and printed A2 poster
- Handcrafted and Autenticity Certificate
Splatter Vinyl Editions
1st pressing of each album on Clear with Splatter vinyl, limited to 300 copies each.
Featuring:
- Download card for all 4 movies
- Original illustration by Tor Ola Svennevig on the inner-sleeve
- All songs lyrics
4x CDs + 4x DVDs Boxset
Limited 1st press of 1000 copies, featuring:
- Download card for all 4 movies
- 4x dual layer DVDs in digipack (PAL for EU, NTSC for US)
- 4x CDs in digipack
- Slipcase with matt finish and Gold Foil
- 16 pages booklet
4x DVD
Limited 1st press of 1000 copies, featuring:
- Download card for all 4 movies
- 4x dual layer DVDs (PAL for EU, NTSC for US)
- Slipcase with matt finish and Gold Foil
- 16 pages booklet
Ãðåöèÿ
Gus G![=]](/img/news-bord-shr.gif){kind=small}
Ìåæäóíàðîäíûé
ÑØÀ
Èòàëèÿ
Ôèíëÿíäèÿ
Êàíàäà
Âåëèêîáðèòàíèÿ
Øâåöèÿ
Ãåðìàíèÿ
Áåëüãèÿ
Íîðâåãèÿ
