On Friday, October 11, death metal act Vomit Forth released their new album Terrified Of God out through Century Media Records. To mark the occasion, they have shared an unsettling video for pulverizing focus track “Salt”.
Today, the legendary Stryper shares a fresh track from their recently released twelfth studio album, When We Were Kings, entitled "Betrayed By Love" This powerful single is accompanied by a music video, available below.
About "Betrayed By Love," Michael Sweet shared this: "We've all been betrayed by love. Jesus was betrayed by love. I found it fitting to write a song about this. It's a guitar ballad, unlike any ballad we have ever done. I hope you dig it!"
Stryper's current lineup includes original members Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, and Oz Fox, along with bassist Perry Richardson. With When We Were King' the band feels they are creating their finest and most powerful music yet.
Tracklisting:
"End Of Days"
"Unforgivable"
"When We Were Kings"
"Betrayed By Love"
"Loves Symphony"
"Trinity"
"Rhyme Of Time"
"Raptured"
"Grateful"
"Divided By Design"
"Imperfect World"
Helsinki-based outfit, Royal Sorrow, has been quietly preparing for the launch of their new band in collaboration with InsideOutMusic, part of the Sony Music label family. Today, they release their debut single, "Metrograve", showcasing a group that blends alternative metal with a very catchy pop twist. The launch is accompanied by a striking music video for "Metrograve", directed by Jaro Koho.
Stream the single here, and watch the video below.
It’s no secret that vocalist-guitarist Markus Hentunen, bassist Eero Maijala, drummer Janne Mieskonen, and guitarist Juha Rapanen have now reinvented themselves as Royal Sorrow. The band’s roots trace back to their childhood when some members met at a very young age and formed their first band.
Royal Sorrow comments on this new but very powerful start: "When we signed with InsideOutMusic, it also marked the start of a new era. Even though we’ve known each other since childhood, it was time to re-imagine everything we knew; the look, the visuals and the music itself. We started to write material with newfound determination. A lot of rounds and sessions were needed for the pieces to fall into place. After all this, it feels amazing to get to release the band and the first song to the world!"
The hypnotic and driving "Metrograve" takes the listener through a dystopian story, becoming the band’s "mission statement."
The band adds on the new single: "We wanted Royal Sorrow’s first single to convey the dynamic and energetic essence of the band. ‘Metrograve’ is a crushing yet hypnotizing journey through a dystopian setting. ‘Metrograve’ started with a rhythmic idea. We were inspired by the thought of bringing a rap beat to a metal setting, playing with it and creating a full song around it. The song became sort of like a mission statement for the band. The themes revolve around empowerment, fighting for the things that give meaning to you and ignoring the dogmas set by other people."
Producer-director Jaro Koho, along with lighting designer and location manager Tommi Tiitta, captured the atmosphere of "Metrograve" in the Hämeenlinna Ice Hall and other selected locations.
"It was definitely a unique experience to film at a huge ice rink. The cold locations really help to bring the kinds of atmosphere we were looking for. Jaro Koho did an excellent job in bringing the sights and sounds together! Special thanks to Tommi Tiitta for organizing this unique location and designing amazing lights."
Royal Sorrow is:
Markus Hentunen - Vocals, guitars
Eero Maijala - Bass
Janne Mieskonen - Drums
Juha Rapanen - Guitars
Last month, metalcore legends UNDEROATH returned with a new single "Teeth", and hinted at plans for a full album release via MNRK Heavy in 2025. Today, they are sharing another taste of what's to come with the punishing new song "Survivor's Guilt" and an accompanying music video, which the band directed while on tour and brought to a final edit in under 48 hours just last week, working in tandem alongside Jacob Moniz, their social media content director.
Speaking on "Survivor's Guilt", its lyrical themes and origins, UNDEROATH's Spencer Chamberlain says: "I feel this heavy guilt about making it out alive when so many of my friends didn't. There have been many times during my recovery when I've felt guilty, and that's a mindfuck in itself, but it's a real feeling. The opening line explains it pretty bluntly. I've been off drugs for seven years, and I've lost eight friends in 2023 alone to the same demon I was entangled with. It's a heavy feeling to bear because it's not like you're better than anyone else out there — you literally just got lucky. I got my shit together before it was too late and I'm grateful for every single day I wake up now, especially because there was a time when I wasn't sure I would."
He continues: "The song was really fun to work on. The chorus came from the first idea I threw out there. I love when a song has such a powerful feel to the music that the vocals come out completely naturally. It made the sad heaviness feel even more intense. We've also never had a song with this type of swing to it, which is hard to pull off without it feeling cheesy, but I love the way this one hits. I could probably say this about every song on the record, but this is one of my favorite UNDEROATH songs ever."
Regarding the breathtaking music video for the song, guitarist Timothy McTague says: "We had the idea to shoot a music video for 'Survivor's Guilt', as we really think the song is special and it needed a proper visual representation to accompany it. We are on the longest tour of our lives and had no time before we left, so we decided to shoot one ourselves with our content creator, Jacob Moniz. We spent the first few weeks of tour talking out ideas and flew into Denver early on our day off and just went for it. We had a plan, but much like a song, you have an idea and if you let the project speak back to you and let it in the driver's seat, magic happens. Some ideas we had came out better than we thought, other ideas morphed into shots we didn't know we could capture. We started shooting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and had the final cut before our show on Friday. I'm beyond impressed by the band and how we all dug in and sacrificed long hours to pull this off and I'm probably more proud of this video than anything we have done in years."
UNDEROATH is currently on the "They're Only Chasing Safety 20th Anniversary Tour" and will be performing at When We Were Young festival this weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to special guest STATIC DRESS serving as support throughout the run of dates, UNDEROATH have invited a group of friends to open for them at various local stops for the remainder of the tour. These handpicked acts play an important role in UNDEROATH's history, having been present during the original touring cycle of "They're Only Chasing Safety", and a few that have crossed paths with them along the way.
UNDEROATH reinvents the balance between chaos and harmony with each successive release. Their compositions, conjured from creative tension, become iconoclastic anthems. Even when the band almost combusts, the crackling energy coalesces into something deeply resonant for millions.
Their pair of gold albums and three Grammy nominations stand in stark defiance of the idea of commercial compromise. The UNDEROATH catalog weaponizes noise, aggression, and ambiance as skillfully as melody. The combination of heaviness and headiness found on "Define The Great Line" makes it the only record of its kind to debut at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
The heart of their sound, which delivers naked vulnerability with thrilling force and cinematic lushness, can be heard in generations of bands who've pursued their trail.
Walking an artistic tightrope between immersive access and isolationist otherness, UNDEROATH owns the space between huge choruses and forward-thinking heaviness, both on record and onstage.
Maryland quartet Stone Horses — John Allen (vocals + guitar); Teddy Merrill (guitars); Dylan Howes (bass); and Jason Heiser (drums) — have announced details of their new album, Redemption Chronicles. The album will be available digitally worldwide on October 25. It arrives physically on November 22. Pre-order it now at this location.
A limited edition indie exclusive vinyl releases to retailers nationwide on November 22, as well. A limited webstore exclusive variant is also available along with other exclusive products. It will be available in standard black and on CD as well. For more information, head here.
The band has shared the video for the rippin' and riffy new single "Free" (Remix).
Swedish/Canadian/American extreme metal titans ARCH ENEMY have unveiled their latest single, "Liars & Thieves", from their upcoming album "Blood Dynasty". The LP announcement and the start of the pre-order phase coincided with the beginning of ARCH ENEMY's European co-headline tour, "Rising From The North", with IN FLAMES on October 3 in Glasgow.
Throughout the tour, "Liars & Thieves" has already been performed live, as the band teased the release of the new single on stage. Now, with the release of the digital single, fans worldwide can finally experience the track.
"Liars & Thieves" delivers a powerful message of resilience and inner struggle, wrapped in fierce melodic death metal with intense lyrics about battling deception and enduring hardship.
"Our second single from 'Blood Dynasty' is here," says ARCH ENEMY guitarist Michael Amott. "'Liars & Thieves' is a fast, heavy-hitting track, with a melody that's been getting stuck in people's heads — don't say I didn't warn you! We've been playing it live recently, and it's been an absolute beast in the pit. Now, it's time to check out the studio cut!"
He continues: "The accompanying video has been captured out here on our ongoing European tour by director Jens De Vos, highlighting the passion and metal madness of these amazing shows where fans and band are one!"
"Liars & Thieves" was mixed by Jens Bogren and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios.
ARCH ENEMY's twelfth studio album, "Blood Dynasty" will arrive on March 28, 2025 via Century Media Records.
Amott previously stated about the effort: "This new album pushes the boundaries of what we've done before — it's everything you've come to expect from this band, and then some! We can't wait for you to hear it and feel the energy we've poured into every track. Welcome to the 'Blood Dynasty'!"
"Blood Dynasty" track listing:
01. Dream Stealer
02. Illuminate the Path
03. March Of the Miscreants
04. A Million Suns
05. Don't Look Down
06. Presage
07. Blood Dynasty
08. Paper Tiger
09. Vivre Libre
10. The Pendulum
11. Liars & Thieves
Next to the limited deluxe editions that feature two exclusive bonus tracks, fans can direct their attention to the limited liquid blood vinyl that is exclusively available in the band stores and limited to 666 copies.
"Dream Stealer" marked ARCH ENEMY's first new music since the release of the "Deceivers" album, which came out in August 2022.
"Dream Stealer" was mixed by Jens Bogren and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios. The video was directed and produced by Patric Ullaeus.
Two months ago, Amott told Pulp Magazine about "Dream Stealer" and ARCH ENEMY's plans for new music: "We've been staying busy for sure and are really focused on writing and recording new stuff in between the touring we're doing. I'm kind of always coming up with new musical and lyrical ideas though — I just keep going as it's what I enjoy doing anyway. Making music is a natural process, and it's pretty much a daily thing, so it can be hard to pinpoint exactly when everything was conceived. I do, however, actually remember that the initial seed for 'Dream Stealer' was written during a songwriting session I did with Daniel [Erlandsson, drums] in Los Angeles, California, two years ago, and then it's been rearranged and updated a lot till it reached its final state that you're now hearing."
Asked if it was a conscious decision to go back to the "classic ARCH ENEMY" direction and approach with "Dream Stealer", Amott said: "I've seen some seriously great feedback from the fans, and that's always very encouraging, of course. Personally, I don't know if I’d necessarily say 'Dream Stealer' is a throwback to the sound of the past, but I get what they mean — the song has the energy and speed that is very exciting and infectious. Maybe there is a hint of vintage ARCH ENEMY in there, and why not? I'm looking forward to playing it live on stage — I think it is going to be intense as hell."
ARCH ENEMY played its first concert with new guitarist Joey Concepcion on April 24 at Musinsa Garage in Seoul, South Korea. The show was part of ARCH ENEMY's 2024 Asian tour.
Last December, ARCH ENEMY announced that it had "amicably" parted ways with longtime guitarist Jeff Loomis.
Jeff, who was the main songwriter in his previous group, NEVERMORE, joined ARCH ENEMY in late 2014, but was not involved in the writing for the latter act's last two albums, 2017's "Will To Power" and the aforementioned "Deceivers".
ARCH ENEMY is:
Alissa White-Gluz - Vocals
Michael Amott - Guitar
Joey Concepcion - Guitar
Sharlee D'Angelo - Bass
Daniel Erlandsson - Drums
One of the most iconic voices in rock and roll history, Steve Perry will release "The Season 3" on November 8 via Dark Horse Records. The album expands on the former JOURNEY singer's exquisitely curated 2021 holiday album "The Season", which revealed him as a flawless interpreter of the classic Christmas songbook. "The Season 3" includes six newly recorded songs, including "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Let It Snow", as well as a moving duet with his late father, Ray Perry.
To celebrate the announcement, Perry has released a soulful, lilting rendition of "What A Wonderful World" alongside an animated video created by Magdalene Kennedy featuring archival family photos.
"The Season 3" marks Perry's first release on Dark Horse Records. He joins the highly curated home of legends on the label founded by George Harrison in 1974, alongside labelmates Joe Strummer, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, Billy Idol, Nina Simone, and more.
On signing to Dark Horse Records, Perry says: "I am so pleased to announce that I have just signed with George Harrison's label, Dark Horse Records. I've so much music in me that has yet to be heard. To be able to work with a team of people who support and respect my creative expressions, is a dream come true."
On "The Season 3", Perry says, "I've always loved the magic in holiday songs. When I was a child, I would hear them on the radio in my grandmother's kitchen while she was cooking. Today when I hear those songs, they take me back to so many wonderful memories."
He continues: "The magic of music is a very emotional gift. The idea of me recording a holiday record started many years ago and now has grown into my latest collection, 'The Season 3'. I have added six new tracks to this latest compilation, which now totals 16. I hope this record brings you precious memories too.
"All the best to you and yours this holiday season."
"The Season 3" is co-produced by Perry and engineer Thom Flowers with an immaculately arranged and richly nuanced sound. Mainly recorded at Perry's home studio, "The Season" series came to life in collaboration with drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa) and Dallas Kruse (a multi-instrumentalist who also worked with Perry on his acclaimed 2018 album "Traces"). While most of "The Season 3" encompasses an understated sonic palette — piano, strings, upright bass — each track leaves an indelible impact thanks to the soulful sincerity of Perry's vocal work. For both artist and audience alike, "The Season 3" ultimately serves as a form of emotional time travel, a direct conduit for the kind of memories that sustain the spirit and restore a sense of joyous serenity.
"The Season 3" track listing:
01. What A Wonderful World
02. The Christmas Song
03. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
04. This Christmas
05. Jingle Bell Rock
06. Call Me Irresponsible
07. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve
08. Auld Lang Syne
09. Silver Bells
10. I'll Be Home For Christmas
11. Let It Snow
12. Maybe This Year
13. Winter Wonderland
14. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
15. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
16. 'Twas The Night Before Christmas
One of the most iconic voices in rock and roll history, Perry has captivated generations with the sheer power of his range and extraordinary warmth of his tone. One of Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Singers Of All Time," he fronted JOURNEY during the band's massively successful era and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Perry returned to music in 2018 with the release of his Fantasy album "Traces" which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard album charts and No. 6 overall — a personal best for his solo work.
Swedish hard rockers Seventh Crystal have shared their new single and official video “Blinded By The Light”, taken from their third studio album Entity, set for release on November 8, 2024, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The band describes the new single: “‘Blinded By The Light’ is the epicentre of the album’s storyline. It tells the story of a desperate person who experiences oppression and ostracism. In their desperation they strive to save others from the same fate and are prepared to die for the cause.
“In a polarized society where disinformation and fake news are commonplace, the experiences are many and different, but the outcome is the same. Total collapse and system failure with disproportionate consequences,” they add.
Describing the new single, the band had to say the following: “Have you ever been to a concert, or maybe visited a beautiful natural monument and thought, “Am I the only one experiencing this right here and now?” Everyone's looking at the world through a camera- or a smartphone screen, trying to get online affirmation, likes and reactions. No one is really living in the moment. 'Path Of The Absurd' is about getting caught in that web, pun intended. Addictive, quick impulses that trigger the reward system and then you're stuck. You become an asset to the system, and not the other way around...”
Seventh Crystal also explain the concept of the album: “We live in an age of social media, AI, filter bubbles and sensational headlines by unknown writers. Disinformation controls the masses and creates multiple truths where the reality remains unknown. The development of technology is largely about solving problems and fulfilling human needs. But can it also lead to the opposite and become its own master with humans as its subjects? A kind of being, an "Entity". “Entity” is a depiction of past and present in which this particular development is at the centre. “For good or bad?”, “Under or out of control?” - the listener is the one who gets to decide."
Seventh Crystal, who stormed on the melodic rock scene in 2021 since their debut album Delirium, with this third full-length work, Entity, take everything up a major level (or two, really).
The album sees the band exploring and expanding different genres, bringing their melodic rock formula, to progressive rock fields, sometimes little heavier and back to their unique rock style.
Seventh Crystal is a melodic hard rock band from Gothenburg formed by Kristian Fyhr in 2019. What started as a solo project by Kristian, quickly grew into a larger endeavour when Johan Älvsång and Olof Gadd joined the project. Shortly after, Anton Roos and Emil Dornerus also joined the band, completing the initial lineup.
In 2020, the band signed a deal with Frontiers Records and released their debut album Delirium in 2021, making waves all around the world. Due to the guitar-heavy parts on the album, the band realized that they needed one more guitarist to be able to perform the songs live. Gustav Linde, an old friend of Anton Roos, took on the job, and the band began to work on their slightly more guitar-oriented follow-up album, Wonderland.
Wonderland was released in 2023, alongside the Infinity EP, establishing the band as an act to be reckoned with. During the fall, Johan Älvsång decided to step aside, and the band continued as a five-piece into the recordings of a third album.
Drawing inspiration from a variety of genres, from soft rock to hard-hitting heavy metal, Seventh Crystal showcase a diverse range of musical expression. The band aims to be authentic and serve as an inspiration, outlet, and escape for their audience. Their sound is characterised by bombastic productions, catchy hooks, and dramatic and emotional melodies.
Metal powerhouse Lords Of The Trident have released electrifying new music video for "Master Of Speed", the grand finale single from their latest EP, V.G.E.P. This high-octane visual caps off the release, showcasing the band's signature blend of blistering riffs and soaring vocals.
Frontman Fang VonWrathenstein explains:
"The initial intent of the 'Master of Speed' music video was to shoot it in an arcade. The Baron noted, 'Hey, the Mad With Power Fest pre-party is at an arcade, and all of our friends & fans will be there already...why don't we just shoot it there?' While this was a fantastic idea, it also filled me with dread, as I'm already losing sleep (and hair) over all the stress of running the fest, but good ideas always win out. The shoot was sweaty and chaotic, but thanks to the energy of our fans, we made it through with some certified SICK FOOTY!"
The EP made its "sudden drop" as an exclusive release for Lords Of The Trident's Patreon supporters. Anyone who pledges $5 or more to the Lords Of The Trident Patreon gets immediate access to download the full EP as well as the band's last four albums, 25+ live albums, 10+ singles, and more.
On the release of V.G.E.P., Fang VonWrathenstein adds:
"Very excited to finally (publicly) release the V.G.E.P.! We hope you enjoy cranking the new tunes while playing along to some of your favorite games! We'll be holding a CD release party with our buddies Psychostick in Madison, WI on 10/11, and then it's off to Japan in December. I wonder if there's going to be a divide over fans' favorite track in each country?"
With no explanation offered, Van Halen singer, David Lee Roth, has shared the video below, entitled "LA River Yacht Club".
The Mojo Dojo's Ramses Rio recently released an animated video for David Lee Roth's cover of American folk duo Brewer & Shipley's "Tarkio Road". Check it out below:
Ramses Rios previously released a video for "Black Sand", featured on the DLR Band album from 1998. Ramses said: "Perhaps one of David Lee Roth’s greatest and most underrated tracks of his solo career, 'Black Sand' from the DLR Album is perfection. Matching the same type of vibe as 'Damn Good', Dave’s smooth voice and lyrical genius paired with Terry Kilgore’s guitar on this track is like combining JD & Coke.
"As you know, I am a die hard DLR fan. To me, DLR is not simply just legendary or my hero, like he is a hero to all. DLR is a lifestyle. My goal is to share my passion I have for illus
Southern rock icons VAN ZANT have released the official music video for the song "Speak His Name" from their upcoming album, "Always Look Up", due November 22, 2024 via Frontiers Music Srl.
VAN ZANT, made up of .38 SPECIAL co-founder Donnie Van Zant and LYNYRD SKYNYRD frontman Johnny Van Zant, has reunited and returned to the studio for what will be their first new album in nearly two decades. "Always Look Up" will also mark the duo's first foray into Christian music, while holding firm to their southern rock roots.
"I think that this one probably means more to us then what we’ve done in the past and it's very different," says Johnny about the new music. "It's probably not what people may expect from us, which I think is kind of cool. There is stuff that's real pop and commercial. There's stuff that's heavy with, of course, Christian lyrics and values. Me and Donnie have got a saying that if we touch one person with this music, our mission for Jesus Christ is done."
VAN ZANT released the first single, "Jesus Christ", in August, followed by "There You Are" in September.
The Van Zant musical dynasty built its foundation firmly on family. Donnie Van Zant co-founded .38 SPECIAL and brother Johnny Van Zant is the current lead vocalist for LYNYRD SKYNYRD after the passing of their brother Ronnie Van Zant, who fronted and co-founded the iconic Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame rock band.
But throughout their four decades of climbing the southern rock and country charts together and separately, faith has stayed just as important of a factor in the equation, so much so that the guys decided to finally share their inspirational side with the upcoming new album.
"This has been on our bucket list for quite some time to do a gospel record," says Donnie of the sessions that started during the pandemic. "We're both big believers in Jesus Christ, so that's really how it started."
In spite of their enormous successes, including .38 SPECIAL's more than 20 million album sales and LYNYRD SKYNYRD continuing to sell out arenas and amphitheaters, much of what makes VAN ZANT so relatable is the fact they'll be the first to admit their flaws and struggles.
"I'll be honest with you, the devil was my best friend at one time," says Johnny. "I'm not gonna lie about that and there ain't too much that I didn't try over the years, but I always kept hearing our dad speaking the Bible [in my mind]. Our dad should've been a preacher, because boy when he started talking the gospel, you didn't get up and move. Of course, as kids, I think we listened to half of it and tried to consume what we could, so that was always in the back of my head. I always believed in Jesus Christ, but I wasn't saved and I felt like I had my personal connection, just like the song 'It's Up To You' that's on this new album. Over the years, that voice of my dad was reminding me to try to be a better person. I made lots of mistakes, lots of things that hopefully I don't get to the pearly gates and they're closed for me. I'm trying to get through them now!"
Adds Donnie: "We've tried our very best to just write about truth, about people, about problems and situations and just try to be true to ourselves. We don't write nothing that's B.S. We try to touch people emotionally and spiritually. If we can do that, I think we've done our jobs."
VAN ZANT released the first single, "Jesus Christ", in August. Inspired by a painting hanging in Johnny's Sulfur Water Studios, the song speaks about the crucifixion and resurrection with vivid lyrical descriptions. The follow-up single, "There You Are", came out today.
"Always Look Up" track listing:
01. Awesome God
02. Stand Up
03. Warrior
04. There You Are
05. Speak His Name
06. Why God Brought Me Here
07. Praying
08. It's Up to You
09. Holy Moment
10. Leaning On The Cross
11. Jesus Christ
Recording lineup:
Johnny Van Zant: Lead Vocals
Donnie Van Zant: Vocal, Guitar
Mark Matejka: Lead Guitar, Rhythm, Slide
Carl Lindquist: Lead Guitar, Rhythm, Slide
Jimmy Carter: Bass Guitar
Shawn Fichter: Drums & Percussion
Jeffrey Roach: Keyboards
Chris Hurst: Keyboards
Dennis Wage: Keyboards
Photo credit: Doltyn Snedden for DS Creatives Agency (courtesy of Frontiers Music Srl)
Polish black metal icons Patriarkh (formerly Batushka) return with a clear and fresh vision as they unveil their new concept album, ÏÐÎÐÎÊ ÈËÈß (Lat. PROROK ILJA), out on January 3. The Napalm Records debut unveils eight new compositions and immerses the listener in the true story of Eliasz Klimowicz, the titular Prophet Ilja, set in the 1930s and 40s. Following the success of their critically acclaimed album, Hospodi (2019), and relentless touring around the globe, the new band looks towards a bright future! Firmly grounded in Eastern Orthodox traditions and music, Patriarkh blends black and doom metal with haunting, dark religious concepts.
Today, Patriarkh unveils their first single, “ÂÅÐØÀËÈÍ III” (Lat. WIERSZALIN III), accompanied by a visually striking official music video, capturing an Orthodox mass. “ÂÅÐØÀËÈÍ III” showcases the band's signature blend of Orthodox sacredness with melodic folk instruments, infused with towering doom metal elements in which harsh vocals unite with rising choirs (featuring A. Strug & M. Maleńczuk). This crushing, colossal-sounding blend creates an instantly distinctive sonic experience.
Patriarkh on the new single “ÂÅÐØÀËÈÍ III”: “‘WIERSZALIN III’ is the first single that announces our new release PROROK ILJA (Lat.) and it probably best reflects the diversity and musical multidimensionality of this album. Just as the titular Prophet Ilja built New Jerusalem in Podlasie, we are building our new identity and showing our new musical face. Listen and share your impressions…“
Check out the official music video for “ÂÅÐØÀËÈÍ III” (Lat. WIERSZALIN III) below.
ÏÐÎÐÎÊ ÈËÈß details a true story that happened in the band’s home area of Podlasie, in the village of Grzybowszczyzna, in the 1930s and 40s. The album takes the listener into the world of Eliasz Klimowicz, the titular Prophet Ilja, an illiterate peasant who was the leader of the Orthodox Grzybowska Sect, active until the 1960s, cultivating and transmitting the history of the self-proclaimed prophet. Patriarkh spread their gospel by using an arsenal of folk instruments, such as tagelharpa, mandolin, mandocello, hurdy gurdy and stringed dulcimer, and worked with a symphony orchestra and choirs to give their new creations the most organic and vivid feeling possible. As is trademark with Patriarkh’s music, Orthodox sacredness is mixed with black and doom metal, now largely enriched with folk music, neo dark folk, and even film music. The band utilizes the entire palette of Orthodox music, venturing into the areas of Byzantine monody, liturgical chant and Russian polyphony, neatly adapting folk and liturgical melodies to their own style.
Patriarkh on the new album: “With this new release, we are starting a new chapter in our history - not only is our name changing, but our music is also undergoing a natural evolution. The story on the album encouraged us to get out of our comfort zone, we reached for means that we had not used before in our music. Many of you will wonder if this is still black metal? Or is it even metal? Radio play, audiobook, theater, film soundtrack, folk music, performance... All these terms will fit here. Some will hate, others will love...”
The lyrical side of ÏÐÎÐÎÊ ÈËÈß is an interesting mix of theater and pastoralism. Patriarkh uses fragments of texts from the theater play "Prorok Ilja" and draws from the messages contained in the works of Włodzimierz Pawluczuk, combining it with folk and liturgical texts. On ÏÐÎÐÎÊ ÈËÈß, listeners can hear various languages – and Polish for the first time ever! The album was recorded in January and May 2024 at Tall Pine Records (Behemoth, Zalewski, Afromental), Heinrich House (Behemoth, Vesania, Hate), Wem Studio (Kasa Chorych, Lukasyno, Cira) and Radio Białystok studio. Mixing and mastering was handled by Wojciech Wiesławski at Hertz Studio (Vader, Behemoth, Decapitated), and production was helmed by band mastermind and leading vocalist Bartłomiej "Âàðôîëîìåé" Krysiuk. “ÏÐÎÐÎÊ ÈËÈß is an album full of emotions, sentimentalism and folklore. It’s pastoral, lyrical, epic, multidimensional and multicolored, just like my Podlasie is multicolored,” says Âàðôîëîìåé. Dive into the deepest of all shadows with this black metal masterpiece and join Patriarkh on this intriguing ride!
ÏÐÎÐÎÊ ÈËÈß will be available in the following formats:
- Wooden Box (Digipak, bonus CD, pendant, flag & patch) - 300 copies (Napalm Records Mailorder and Patriarkh Shop exclusive)
- Deluxe 2LP GATEFOLD GOLD Vinyl (Alternative album cover artwork, bonus vinyl, & 24pp vinyl booklet) - 300 copies (Napalm - Records Mailorder and Patriarkh Shop exclusive)
- 1LP GATEFOLD SILVER Vinyl - 300 copies (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive)
- 1LP GATEFOLD MARBLED ORANGE RED BLACK Vinyl - 300 copies (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive)
Germany’s greatest export Scorpions have shared their full concert from Rock In Rio 1985. Go back in time when the Scorps were on top of the world, touring in support of their hit album Love At First Sting.
1985 was the first edition of the Rock In Rio festival. It was held from January 11-20 and an estimated 1.4 million attended. Scorpions performed on two days of the festival – Tuesday, January 15 and Saturday, January 19.
Individual songs videos from Rock In Rio 1985:
Iconic track "The Zoo", the single earned the most success in the U.K., peaking at #75:
The official Rush YouTube channel has been updated to include two more videos filmed at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec on March 27, 1981.
Featured on the concert film, Exit… Stage Left, "By-Tor And The Snow Dog"/"In The End"/"In The Mood" (Medley) and "YYZ"/End Credits join the previously posted "Intro/The Camera Eye", "Limelight", "Tom Sawyer", "The Trees", "Xanadu" "Freewill", and "Closer To The Heart". All videos, chronologically as per the Exit... Stage Left setlist, can be viewed below:
British guitar sensation Sophie Lloyd has dropped a music video for "Won't You Come", a collaboration with MARISA AND THE MOTHS frontwoman Marisa Rodriguez.
Taken from last year's debut full-length album "Imposter Syndrome", "Won't You Come" is part of a collection that sees Lloyd teaming up with some of rock's biggest names and her own personal heroes to create a stunning collection of work spanning a variety of genres from the rock and metal world. Released totally independently via her own Autumn Records, the album debuted at No. 3 in the rock charts and 11 in the indie charts, receiving rave reviews in the press.
Sophie comments: "I always love working with Marisa. She's got one of the most incredible voices and she's also so creative and passionate about everything she does. It's very inspiring.
"We decided to do a music video for our song to celebrate the announcement that she'll be joining me as one of the vocalists at my first live show at the Underworld. The chemistry we have together is amazing, we have so much fun performing together and I'm so excited to join forces again! It's definitely going to be a night you don't want to miss."
This week Sophie plays her debut headline show at a sold-out London Underworld. U.K. fans will have another chance to see her live at Cardiff Arena supporting THOSE DAMN CROWS on December 14. Sophie also recently announced a show at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, California on January 16, 2025.
"Imposter Syndrome" features other blazing singles and guest collaborations like "Judge And Jury" (featuring THEORY OF A DEADMAN's Tyler Connolly),"Fall Of Man" (featuring TRIVIUM's Matt Heafy),"Do Or Die" (featuring Nathan James),"Lost" (featuring Cole Rolland),"Runaway" (featuring STEEL PANTHER's Michael Starr),"Hanging On" (featuring Lauren Babic)", "Imposter Syndrome" (featuring HALESTORM's Lzzy Hale) and "Let It Hurt" (featuring BLACK STONE CHERRY's Chris Robertson).
The 28-year-old Lloyd told Guitar World about the LP: "I always said this album was going to be me paying homage to my 15-year-old self. This is an album I wrote for that girl.
"I'm so fortunate to work with all of the amazing singers on the record, and I can honestly say I've been listening to them for years.
"I can't tell you how gratifying it's been — I'd write the songs, and then we'd send them off and hear back from the singers. They were, like, 'Yeah, I really dig this. I'm up for it.' It's all turned out better than I could have imagined."
Regarding the album title, Sophie said: "Well, the imposter syndrome is a thing. It's a phenomenon a lot of people experience in any field; not just music, but you basically feel like you're an imposter. You don't deserve to be where you are, and at any moment people will uncover you for what you are. I feel like I've broken out of that now. I proved to myself, like, 'Yeah, you're here for a reason. You're good enough.'"
Canadian singer, songwriter and producer Devin Townsend has shared a music video for his new single "Gratitude". The song is taken from his upcoming studio album, "PowerNerd", which is due on October 25 via InsideOut Music.
Devin said: "'Gratitude' is a simple song in the vein of 'Life' or 'Stagnant' (from 'Ocean Machine' and 'Terria', respectively) that acts as a simple way to continue the theme of 'PowerNerd'.
"During the making of this album, there were a lot of hurdles that we went through as a family, and the tendency to look at ones lot in life from the vantage point of being a 'victim' seems to be an easy hole to fall into. I wrote this song during a very difficult time, yet the idea of gratitude is not meant to be ironic in any way.
"I'm grateful for the lessons, I'm grateful for the swings and roundabouts of life, I'm here for it. Retaining equilibrium during challenging times is a job in and of itself, and in a sea of nihilistic thoughts, having ones creative output as a tangible expression of gratitude is in many ways the whole point for me at this stage. In any event: I feel like I'm dumb as a rock, and life is so incredible and absurd that I just feel the urge to say 'thank you' for all of it. If the quality of people who surround me and this work is of any indication, we're pointed in the right direction."
Townsend previously released videos for the "PowerNerd" title track and "Jainism".
In a recent interview with United Rock Nations, Devin stated about the inspiration for "Gratitude": "'Gratitude' is an interesting song for me, because it was such a depressing time while I was making this record, one of the most depressing times of my life. And 'Gratitude' I wrote to try to remind myself that even though it's depressing, even though it's sad, even though it's devastating in many ways, losing people, keeping in mind how fortunate we are to live this life and to have these experiences and to participate in these hard lessons and emotions… I mean, we're here for such a short amount of time, I never wanna lose sight of how grateful I am to be on this ride. It's astounding, just the audacity to believe that we can be here as a human being is so — the chances of it are so infinitesimally small that I try to keep gratitude as my baseline for my life experience now, even through moments of pain. And so that song was written during a period of really, really difficult moments for the family to remind myself that, yeah, it's difficult, but don't forget that it's beautiful."
When the interviewer noted that "Gratitude" sounds "more poppy" than the other songs on the LP, Devin said: "Yeah, well, ever since the beginning, I've written that type of music. 'Life' from 'Ocean Machine', or 'Stagnant' from 'Terria', I mean, that's just a part of my DNA, is that kind of DEF LEPPARD 'Hysteria' [sound]. [Laughs]"
Last month, Devin released a new video in which he explained the inspiration for the "PowerNerd" title. He said: "'PowerNerd' is essentially a manifesto of working through the problems that you face in life. And the definition of it had originally been — there are certain personality traits or proclivities that one may have that perhaps society deems as being a weakness, whether or not that's empathy or hypersensitivity or something. And to people who don't have those sorts of aspects of their personality, certain things can be taken for granted, as it's, like, 'Oh, it's easy to do that,' 'It's easy to go out in public,' 'It's easy to socialize,' whatever. But if these aren't things that are part of your psychological makeup, it's sometimes effort just leaving the house. So a powernerd, in a sense is — the definition that I at least adhere to — you turn those tendencies into a superpower. So if you're hypersensitive, your hypersensitivity becomes your superpower. It's about harnessing it, so it doesn't get imposed on others, of course, but at the same time, to be able to recognize the ways in which you're different and not view that as being a liability, but rather view it as being a strength. That's the definition of 'powernerd'."
Townsend's career is one of many distinct eras. He's been the leader of STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, the lynchpin of the DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT and the co-architect of country duo CASUALTIES OF COOL, all while maintaining his prolific and lauded solo project. Now, the polymath's newest era starts with "PowerNerd".
"It was a conscious thing," Devin said of his brand-new album, the music on which he wrote in just 11 days. "I thought, 'I've spent so much time overthinking every aspect of my work — what would happen if I didn't?' Maybe I would have the opportunity to be a bit more direct with what it is that I'm trying to do. I really wanted to see if I could cut through some of the meandering."
A song that embodies that is the album's title track, which features a guest spot from HATEBREED's Jamey Jasta. You can watch the video for that high-speed rampage of a song below.
However, that aggression is far from the only thing to come from "PowerNerd"'s 11 episodic tracks. "Dreams Of Light", by comparison, is an evocative and dynamic four-minute ballad. "Younger Lover" calms down from an explosive opening to lush verses of synths and singing, whereas "Falling Apart" and "Jainism" add texture after texture on top of dulcet, acoustic introductions.
Where "PowerNerd"'s music was written in less than a fortnight, its lyrics were refined over a far longer period of time into a narrative about strength and healing. On "Falling Apart", Devin commands himself to "keep the tension under control." "You've got to believe that things will only get better," subsequent song "Gratitude" powerfully declares. These uplifting messages even play into the record's title.
Devin previously offered as a definition: "I would say that a powernerd would be somebody that has a tendency that society has deemed weak or not valuable, whether that's empathy or being an insular person or an introvert, and turns that into a type of personal power. It's like, 'Okay, yeah, I'm sensitive to this, that and the other thing, but man, I am going to pull through! I am going to do things with that sensitivity that are rooted in strength.'"
"PowerNerd" will be available on several different formats, including a limited 2CD+Blu-ray artbook (featuring the album, bonus tracks and Devin's first-ever Dolby Atmos mix),limited 2CD digipak in O-card, standard CD, gatefold 2LP and digital album.
The full track listing for "PowerNerd" is as follows:
The album's artwork was created by longtime collaborator Travis Smith.
As well as express strength through adversity, "PowerNerd" will open the door to Devin's immediate future. Its positivity and succinctness will soon be contrasted by follow-up "The Moth" — described by Devin as "orchestral, over-the-top, dark and uncomfortable" — and the "alien weirdness" of finale "Axolotl". Both efforts have already been written, and together the trilogy will express the mind-boggling range of this man's musical talent.
"PowerNerd" recording lineup:
Devin Townsend - Vocals, Guitars, Synths, Bass and Computer
Darby Todd - Drums
Diego Tejeida - Keyboards, Synths
Mike Keneally - Additional Keyboards
Jean Savoie - Additional Bass
Aman Khosla - Additional Vocals
Tanya Ghosh - Additional Vocals
Jamey Jasta - Additional Vocals
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