Grammy-winning band GRETA VAN FLEET has released the official music video for its new single, "Heat Above". It is the third track released from their forthcoming sophomore studio album, "The Battle At Garden's Gate", produced by Greg Kurstin (Paul McCartney, FOO FIGHTERS, Adele) and due out April 16 (Lava/Republic Records). "Heat Above" is an ethereal track that opens with a Hammond B3 seeping in slowly to set the tone for a triumphant sonic build.
"There's plenty of love left in this world, even though it may not seem like it," said Sam Kiszka, bassist/keyboardist for GRETA VAN FLEET. "And that's what 'Heat Above' is about, rising to the stars together."
GRETA VAN FLEET added: "'Heat Above' is theatrical, eloquent, and exaggerated. This is a dream in the clouds, a moment of peace in the storm. Thematically, we are dead center in the cult of Heaven, surreal, strange and free."
The band first debuted the song with Zane Lowe on "The Zane Lowe Show" via Apple Music 1 in an interview where they discussed what it was like to work with a new producer, the personal growth they've seen over the last three years, and where in the world they've been in the extended downtime away from touring.
"The Battle At Garden's Gate" is a reflection of GRETA VAN FLEET's journey into the present. With string orchestras, explorative songs, and the band building a visual story with every track, it has an elevated elegance unseen yet from the young band. It explores the boundaries of the group's artistry, with physical copies of the record featuring a stunning 16-page booklet full of mythical, transcendent visuals and metaphysical symbols for each track.
In three years, GRETA VAN FLEET (Josh Kiszka on vocals, Jake Kiszka on guitars, Sam Kiszka on bass and keyboards, and Danny Wagner on drums) went from touring the grimy rock bars of Detroit and Saginaw to headlining shows on five continents with audiences triple their hometown’s population. The band that once attracted crowds of teens to improvised forest concerts, have now sold over one million tickets worldwide.
The twelve songs and symbols on "The Battle At Garden's Gate" were revealed this week and touch upon themes of freedom, self-empowerment, power in community, and respect for Mother Earth.
Devil Sold His Soul will release their fourth studio album, Loss, via Nuclear Blast Records on April 9. The band members discuss their early years in this new video trailer:
Singer Paul Green on the new album: "We're incredibly excited to announce the release of our 4th album, Loss, through Nuclear Blast Records. Loss comes from a dark place for us, life was cruel in the years before and during we wrote this record, this was our fuel for the songs. Loss is an honest snapshot of that time in our lives, and it is our way of paying respect to those we loved and who are no longer with us. We couldn't be more proud of these 10 songs and where they have pushed our songwriting, and we hope they truly connect with the listener. I don't think any of us imagined when we were writing this album, that we would end up signing to the biggest metal label in the world. It's given us that added validation that we've created something special, and we now have the platform to push it to where it needs to be.The belief that the team at Nuclear Blast has shown in the record is truly humbling, we're extremely proud to be a part of this great label, and to be on a roster alongside so many bands we love and respect."
The album will be available in various formats. Pre-order here.
Tracklisting:
"Ardour"
"Witness Marks"
"Burdened"
"Tateishi"
"The Narcissist"
"Beyond Reach"
"Signal Fire"
"Acrinomy"
"But Not Forgotten"
"Loss"
"The Narcissist" video:
"Beyond Reach" video:
Devil Sold His Soul begin a new chapter in their highly-acclaimed career, signing to metal heavyweights Nuclear Blast Records. 2021 will see the band release their fourth studio album Loss, their first with the dual vocal attack of Ed Gibbs and Paul Green.
Devil Sold His Soul burst onto the UK underground metal and hardcore scene in 2004 growing a cult following from their first record, Darkness Prevails EP released through Visible Noise in 2005. Their debut album, A Fragile Hope, saw the band take their position as one of the most respected underground bands in the UK with their visceral and captivating live shows. Devil Sold His Soul’s sophomore album, Blessed And Cursed, elevated their sound and audience to new heights.
With Ed Gibbs departing the band early in the year, 2013 saw the first new material featuring singer Paul Green with single "Time", followed by 2014’s Belong Betray EP and 2016’s The Reckoning. After welcoming Gibbs back to sing on the 2017 A Fragile Hope anniversary tour, the band asked Gibbs to continue the dual vocals with Green for the remaining festivals and tours that year, with the lineup then becoming a permanent fixture.
2018 saw the band travel beyond Europe with their first touring in Asia, they also began to put the foundations down on what would become their new record Loss. Written about the struggles faced in recent years, Loss’treads familiar ground and explores exciting new territories for Devil Sold His Soul, including for the first time the dual vocals of Gibbs and Green on record. Recorded, engineered and mixed by guitarist Jonny Renshaw at his UK based Bandit Studios, Devil Sold His Soul have poured heart and sincerity into every atom of this their fourth album, with song writing elevated to new levels.
Devil Sold His Soul is:
Rick Chapple – Guitar, Piano
Jonny Renshaw - Guitar
Alex Wood - Drums
Jozef Norocky - Bass
Paul Green – Vocals
Ed Gibbs - Vocals
US progressive hard rock band, Fiction Syxx, have released a new single and music video for "Whispers In The Dark".
The track - about the thin line between this world and the spiritual domain - is taken from the forthcoming album, Ghost Of My Fathers Past, which will be released later in 2021 via Melodic Rock Records.
Fiction Syxx mixes progressive hard rock with a nuance of melodic rock. The first release from this project was a way to bring a talented core of seasoned musicians together to create a sound and an experience that is different from the rest.
The core of the band has stayed constant, other than one change - Larry Hart (King Kobra/Montrose) on bass guitar took over for Tony Franklin who played bass on the debut release. Prepare for songs with a story to tell, a mix of melody, harmony, soaring slide, and at times SHRED!
Fiction Syxx is:
Mark Allen Lanoue - Lead Vocals & Guitar (Biloxi, Persian Risk, Message)
JK Northrup - Guitar, B. Vocals & Production (XYZ, King Kobra)
Rory Faciane - Drums (Biloxi, Fall From Eden)
Larry Hart - Bass (King Kobra, Montrose)
Eric Ragno - Keyboards (The Babys, Joe Lynn Turner)
For every release, there is a passion to out do the last. The musicianship, the complexities of the songs, the production and the hooks. All maximized for fan enjoyment.
Fiction Syxx, is the brain child of songwriter/vocalist/guitarist, Mark Allen Lanoue. But like all ideas, including musical ones, it is not just about the writing; it is about the delivery. So, since the writing the first song in 2016 called “Welcome To My Nightmare” this band and the writing chemistry between Mark Lanoue & JK Northrup has become like a band of brothers that knows exactly what to add to make each song amazing.
Former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman will release his new studio album, "Tokyo Jukebox 3", on April 16 via The Players Club/Mascot Label Group. The record, which was made available in Japan last October, is the third in a series that began with "Tokyo Jukebox" in 2009, and then "Tokyo Jukebox 2" following in 2011. The trilogy presents Friedman's inspired performances to Japanese repertoire he's chosen to cover. He shares: "I've been playing stuff from the first two 'Jukebox' albums live all over the world, and it's taken on a life of its own. Especially in places like North and South America, Australia, Italy, France and even India. My fan base is very dedicated, and what I have found is that lots of new fans have been introduced to Japanese music and culture through me, which is very gratifying. On the tours it seems like aside from the dedicated guitar fans, the Japan fanatics have been noticeably growing, so now felt like the right time to do 'Tokyo Jukebox 3'."
On this announcement, he presents a new music video for the song "Makenaide" which can be seen below. Friedman offers: "I feel so incredibly fortunate and grateful for the love and support of wonderful people from so many countries and cultures around the world. With this video, I tried my best to share that unique feeling with you, and what better way than to have those cool folks jam for us. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time and energy to learn this song and make this video so fun to look at."
Friedman put a lot of energy into selecting the right songs to cover for the album, He shares: "In Japan, you have to get permission to record and release cover versions, and that can be a very tricky and long process. So, the last thing I wanted to do was to ask permission to do a song, only to wind up not recording it for whatever reason. That would be very impolite. I spent several weeks choosing songs and demoing them to see whether I could create versions that I could get pumped up about, before I even approached any publishers. I came up with a short list of 20 songs, and from this chose about 15 that I knew I could really score with."
Friedman has also included "The Perfect World", which he wrote, recorded and originally released in 2018. This is the only track on the album with vocals. He reflects: "Back then I did the song with Jean-Ken Johnny from MAN WITH A MISSION on vocals, and that was used as the main theme for the Netflix series 'B: The Beginning'. On the day of release, the song went straight to the top of the Japanese iTunes chart." This recording is a new, fresh interpretation with Alfakyun, one of Japan's premier female J-pop singers performing the vocals. As Friedman offers: "It's really a self-cover, so it fits in with the idea of this being a covers album."
Friedman has also included "Japan Heritage Theme Song", another of his own compositions on which he worked with the Tokyo Philharmonic orchestra. He reflects: "I was asked by the Japanese government to compose an official song to be played at government sponsored events which celebrate Japanese heritage. This was a huge honor, and it was wonderful to be able to work with such a prestigious orchestra which, rather conveniently, my wife plays cello in. Doing this was a little different from what I am used to, because instead of playing a completed track to record company people, I had to face Japanese government officials. I recall looking at their stony faces after they heard it and sweating anxiously awaiting their reaction. Thankfully, they liked what I'd done. I felt this was a great, uplifting way to close the album."
Much of the recording process was done at Power House Studios in Tokyo, with Friedman, who was also the producer on the project, joined by bassist Kiyoshi and drummer Anup Sastry. He shares: "Kiyoshi has been in my band for about six years now doing all my tours and recordings. She is a powerhouse, and I honestly have never seen anyone hit the bass as hard as she does, especially while keeping up with my kind of challenging music. Anup was a member of SKYHARBOR (an Indian/American progressive metal band) and has been on my last three albums. He is just plain phenomenal as well."
The recording process started in January, 2020 and was due to end in March with a release in May. Then the pandemic struck, and everything was pushed back. Friedman had no firm deadline to finish the album within, and he took advantage of the time, reflecting on executing his vision without limitations. He offers: "I kept reworking the music, and improving everything. In the end, it took several months to get the album completed, but it was time well spent. I believe the music turned out so much better because I wasn't under any deadline pressure." The mixing was handled by Jens Bogren at his own Fascination Studios in Sweden. He's a resource Friedman has the utmost confidence in offering, "Jens has mixed my last three albums and he's one of the best in the business. He knows what I want, and I know he'll get it for me."
Friedman's remarkable attention to detail on this album goes beyond the music. The cover image presents the guitarist dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono, with make-up that honors authentic tradition. He offers: "I have to admit that getting this done was a hellish process. It could easily have just looked like a dude in drag and therefore rather stupid. It does take a very serious attitude and approach to pull this off properly. If you look at the covers for the first two 'Jukebox' albums, I had on kabuki make-up. There was no photoshop used at all and that's precisely why they came out so well. This time I brought on the absolute top professionals in the unique field of wardrobe and make-up, and I believe we've hit the bullseye. I am actually wearing two kimonos in the photo, as well as padding to fill me out a little like a sumo wrestler. You'd never believe I am this skinny rock dude from the East Coast of America!"
Friedman staged a live streaming concert on New Year's Day 2021 to celebrate the "Jukebox" series. Plans to tour worldwide are in his sights, sharing: "Obviously, we have to wait and see what happens with international travel protocol. But I cannot wait to get back on the road again. I have really missed it terribly." In the interim, he hopes the world enjoys the fruits of his labor of love on "Jukebox 3", where Friedman takes J-Pop hits and offers his own charismatic interpretations of contemporary repertoire that includes LiSA's "Gurenge" and Official Hige Dandism's "Shukumei", alongside Da Pump's dance track "U.S.A.", Sekai No Owari's ballad "Sazanka", and the vocaloid hit "Senbonzakura". Japanese old-school standards, Zard's "Makenaide" and Every Little Things' "Time Goes By", are also given Marty's modern overhaul to round out the album's track list to cover the full scope of his take on the Japanese music scene. In closing Friedman offers, "I am so happy with the way this turned out. And I am also grateful for how it's been received so far. The reaction has been fantastic. It was joyful and cathartic to record, and I am delighted it's now giving people such a fun diversion."
BON JOVI's music video for the song "Story Of Love" can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's latest album, "2020", which was released last October via Island Records.
Originally set for release in May 2020, "2020" was a completed album with a breadth and depth of songwriting, titled for a challenging and pivotal election year. Along with all of America, Jon Bon Jovi found himself unexpectedly experiencing a world-altering coronavirus pandemic, followed quickly by the staggering events of George Floyd's death and the ensuing national movement for racial equality. He knew there was even more to say about 2020. Writing from a home studio, two new songs were born: "American Reckoning" and "Do What You Can" encompass these events and made the album a complete body of work.
Jon Bon Jovi delves into socially conscious matters such as soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder ("Unbroken", featured in the documentary "To Be Of Service"), gun violence ("Lower The Flag"), our shared social experience ("Let It Rain", "Brothers In Arms") and the political climate ("Blood In The Water").
The album — which follows the band's 2016 No. 1 release, "This House is Not For Sale" — also finds the group coming out of the other side of a period of great change.
Once again co-produced by John Shanks and Jon Bon Jovi, the record features the entire touring band — keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, bassist Hugh McDonald, guitarist Phil X, percussionist Everett Bradley, and guitarist John Shanks.
"The Story Of Love" touches on the theme of parenthood, opening with the lines "Fathers love daughters like mother love sons." That touching lyric was inspired by Jon's own family. "I sat down to write a song for my children," he said. The song takes a journey through the circle of life, where suddenly the child becomes the parents and the parents are getting older. "I realized I was writing it about my entire family, my children, my wife and my parents," Jon said.
Over an illustrious career spanning more than three decades since its formation in 1983, BON JOVI has earned their place among global rock royalty and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as well as the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. With over 130 million albums sold worldwide, and extensive catalog of hit anthems, thousands of concerts performed in more than 50 countries for more than 35 million fans, and ticket grosses well over $1 billion around the world in the last decade alone, BON JOVI is the consummate rock and roll band.
Faroese-based melodic death/doom sextet, Hamferð, have launched a video for "Frosthvarv" (Live in the Eysturoy Tunnel), which can be viewed below. The track is taken from their 2018 album, Támsins likam.
Hamferð comments: "Through the band's history, we've always been fascinated by performing in untraditional venues. So when we got the opportunity of actually playing beneath the bottom of the ocean, it was obviously something which we had to do. The tunnel and the sculptures by Tróndur Patursson really add to the atmosphere of the music, and we hope that the atmosphere translates through the video so people are able to enjoy it wherever they are."
Be sure to catch Hamferð during Metal Injection's Slay At Home livestream this Friday, February 19th - featuring other performances by members of Paradise Lost, Spirit Adrift, Pallbearer, and more. Kicking off at 12 PM, PST/3 PM, EST/9 PM, CET, fans can tune in here.
Hamferð lineup:
Jon Aldara - Vocals
Eyðun í Geil Hvannastein - Guitar
Theodor Kapnas - Guitar
Isak Petersen - Bass
Esmar Joensen - Keyboards
Remi Johannesen - Drums
With their forthcoming 13th studio album, Portuguese dark metal giants, Moonspell, are approaching their 30th anniversary as a band more ambitiously and stronger than ever. Hermitage will see the light of day on February 26 via Napalm Records, and invites us on an entertaining and revolutionary journey through the darkest days of human existence.
"Hermitage is an open-hearted invitation to simplicity. To be humble. To be thankful. To serve you solace. Provide you comfort, entertainment,” vocalist Fernando Ribeiro recently said. "We sincerely hope this call reaches you. That you kindly accept what we offer. That you take our music with you to the place you must feel as yours. To your secret place, to your hermitage.”
Watch an unboxing video below:
Hermitage was recorded, mixed and mastered this past summer by Jaime Gomez Arellano (Paradise Lost, Primordial, Ghost, Sólstafir & many more) at the Orgone Studios in the UK. Building upon the album’s dark, revolutionary and sensitive facets, it’s a wonderfully intuitive and epic ride by one of the most distinctive dark metal bands of all time, and a testament to what they’ve always loved the most: Honest, emotional metal that binds us even in the darkest times.
Hermitage will be available in several highly limited and collectible Deluxe and Die-Hard Editions, Mediabook, and Cassette (all of them including the Candlemass cover "Darkness In Paradise") but also in Jewelcase and Digital formats. The Deluxe Box will also include an etched 7’’ Vinyl with another special bonus track, “The Great Leap Forward", as well as much more exciting additional collectible items.
"The Greater Good"
"Common Prayers"
"All Or Nothing"
"Hermitage"
"Entitlement"
"Solitarian"
"The Hermit Saints"
"Apophthegmata"
"Without Rule"
"City Quitter" (Outro)
Bonus tracks:
"Darkness In Paradise" (Candlemass Cover – LP, Box, Cassette + Mediabook)
"The Great Leap Forward" (7" Vinyl – Deluxe Box)
Norway's Vreid have unveiled the title track from their upcoming opus, Wild North West. The song is accompanied by a thought-provoking music video, which is the first instalment of the band's unique and ambitious movie project. Watch the first chapter below.
Songwriter and bass player Jarle Hváll Kvåle comments: "After being locked up in our own twisted little world for a long time, I am over the moon to finally be able to share the first chapter from our new album/movie with you all. This is the start of a journey that I don’t know where will lead us, but hey, isn’t that the point? Life is an everlasting march forward, so let’s see where it takes us. We kick it all off with the title track, a heavy and bombastic track that we can’t wait to unleash when we return to the stages worldwide. For now, enjoy the song, the movie and join us into the Wild North West."
Wild North West is a concept album that developed alongside an entire movie. Inspired by both true events and pure imagination, the listener is taken on a whirlwind of a journey, diving deep into themes of war, fear, betrayal, loss, anxiety, and madness with thought-provoking lyrics that embody human nature. It captures the Nordic heart at the core of their sound, taking cues from Norway’s rugged landscape as it ricochets between eternal darkness and the solace of bracing light.
The cover for Wild North West was created by Remi Juliebø (Deformat Design).
Tracklisting:
"Wild North West"
"Wolves At Sea"
"The Morning Red"
"Shadows Of Aurora"
"Spikes Of God"
"Dazed And Reduced"
"Into The Mountains"
"Shadowland"
Trailer:
From its tumultuous inception, the Norwegian metal scene has always been about pioneering. While embracing the illustrious black metal history as part of their musical heritage, the many iconic bands have now evolved in various directions. Leading the black ‘n roll movement in Norway, Vreid are the perfect example of that. The band arose in 2004 from the ashes of Winder after the tragic perishing of Terje ‘Valfar’ Bakken. The Sognametal legends declared the mission of exploring new musical paths, which they have pushed to even greater heights on their new record Wild North West.
The ninth record is not just a collection of songs, but a concept album that developed alongside an entire movie. Throughout eight chapters you will be taken on a journey deep into the mountains, to a dark place where the borders between reality and fantasy fade and where death is only one step behind you: The Wild North West. Not just in sheer size of the project but also in terms of music videography, creativity, and determination, Vreid have done something truly unique and lifted their art to a new dimension.
On the concept, founder and bass player Jarle Hváll Kvåle states: "Wild North West is a concept story about life itself and its eternal shadow: death. It is built around the world of our fictional character E, but it is surely inspired by my own life, my band’s life, historical events and many tales that have inspired me over the years. Is it a true story or fictional? I would have to say both, and sometimes is hard tell the difference.”
Wild North West features the most extreme and intense work of the band to date, as well as heavy and melodic rock songs. These influences have always been a part of Vreid’s DNA, and it is this combination that makes up the spirit of Sognametal. A remarkable homage to that same musical spirit is the song “Into the Mountains”. The ideas for that track were written in 2002 by Jarle ‘Hváll’ Kvåle and Terje ‘Valfar’ Bakken (Winder). Inspired by these ideas, Hváll wrote the song and included the original demo keyboard tracks from 2002, recorded back then by Valfar.
Vreid have always chosen a course of constant evolution that is marked by thematically denoted phases regarding their often historically inspired lyrics. This became particularly clear with albums ‘I Krig’ (2007) and ‘Milorg’ (2009), which both revolved around concepts dealing with resistance and liberation of Norway during World War II. With their following three records, the pitch black brigade returned to their Norse roots on ‘Sólverv’ which received high critical acclaim in 2015.
In 2018, the Norwegians teamed up with Season of Mist for their previous full-length ‘Lifehunger’, a record that successfully blended elements of 70’s rock, 80’s classic metal, and Norwegian black metal and which featured a remarkable guest contribution from Solstafir’s vocalist Addi Tryggvason on the track “Hello Darkness”.
Vreid have hammered out their success partly by being a heavily touring band. The four-piece performed more than 500 shows in 25 countries so far. Their everlasting march to conquer new territories has led the Norwegians to headline tours in Europe, North America, Japan, and India.
The band’s onward march did not come to a halt in 2020, a year that will go down as devastating for the international music scene. Vreid launched their own beer, which turned out to be the biggest success of the Balder Brewery as the first batches were sold out immediately. Instead of waiting to be able to tour again, the Norwegians invited the fans to their home region and hosted a massive streaming concert among the beautiful mountainous surroundings of the Sognefjord. The concert, ‘Into the Mountains of Sognametal’ took place in June 2020 was viewed by over 140.000 people from more than 40 countries.
In 2021, Vreid will once more invite the fans to their dark, cold, and wild universe but tread carefully as from these haunted mountains, no man can descend.
Legendary Norwegian outfit TrollfesT is back, ready to deliver their energizing and K.A.O.S-infused sound to the masses. TrollfesT are set to release their new dual-themed EP, Happy Heroes (out March 19 via Napalm Records), proving themselves as masters of K.A.O.S and madness more than ever before (with a wee sense of humor to boot).
As a first glimpse of what can be expected, the Norwegian Balkan Metal outfit have released their cover of Bobby McFerrin’s universally loved hit song, “Don’t Worry Be Happy”. TrollfesT give the classic tune a unique twist, making for a truly insane and chaotic reimagining unlike you’ve ever heard before! Along with the single, TrollfesT have released a music video in which the band literally goes mental – providing only a taste of what’s to come on Happy Heroes. Watch the clip below.
Four vivid songs on Happy Heroes deliver a vast variety of spectacular musical romps, made evident by the catchy original title track “Happy Heroes”, wherein TrollfesT tells the story of evil, self-righteous troll superheroes whom you should probably not call if you’re in need of help. The EP then presents three re-energized cover songs – Balkan and folk metal re-imaginings of the world-famous “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, quite possibly the cheeriest song known to man, the newly released “Don’t Worry Be Happy”, by Bobby McFerrin, as well as the Aqua hit “Cartoon Heroes”. Each revitalized track keeps its original catchiness and will have you humming in K.A.O.S!
Happy Heroes will be released worldwide digitally, as well as on blue/transparent Vinyl (limited to 300 copies).
Emerging from the Finnish coastal town of Kotka, melodic death/doom metal strikers Marianas Rest will unleash their third studio album, Fata Morgana, on March 12 via Napalm Records.
After unveiling their first sophisticated offering, “Glow From The Edge”, the Finns now set free their next hauntingly melancholic output, “South Of Vostok”: Fata Morgana's final epos starts off with Finnish wording that underlines the origin of the six-piece. With feral yet sensitive vocals as well as a harmonizing instrumental performance, Marianas Rest skillfully create a cohesive symbiosis of sound that allows every note to unfold its captivating power in the most appropriate way. The song's name comes from a place in Antarctica and a Russian research station named Vostok located there - one of the coldest and most hostile places towards life in the whole world, if not the coldest of all.
The record's open ending goes along with the narrator's physical and mental journey. Will he just give up, or will he hold onto some spark of hope, looking towards the horizon to start a new chapter? It's up to every listener to decide in the end.
Marianas Rest on the new single:
“'South of Vostok' is the end of a story. A cathartic pondering on the edge of the world where frost turns to fire.” - Jaakko, vocals
“It is a mix of hope and desperation. A journey through ugliness towards something more beautiful.” - Nico M., guitar
Watch the official video for “South Of Vostok”
Fata Morgana marks the final chapter of a trilogy that began when Marianas Rest released their first full-length, 2016’s Horror Vacui, followed by the critically acclaimed full-length Ruins (2019). The series encompasses themes of isolation, eventual mental collapse and emergence from that woeful state, respectively - however, the band invites fans to experience the concept from their own perspectives.
The upcoming eight-song epos delivers atmospheric melodies that are as endless and fascinating as the overwhelming beauty of Finnish nature, which tracks like the expressive “The Weight” or authentic “Pointless Tale” are evidence of. Topped by guest appearances of Timo Virkkala, who shares his awesome cello magic, and the bewitching backing vocals of Lindsay Matheson/Schoolcraft (ex-Cradle Of Filth), Marianas Rest take their creative output to the next level and make Fata Morgana a must-have for fans of bands like Insomnium and My Dying Bride.
Marianas Rest on Fata Morgana: "Fata Morgana is a voyage into isolation. A passage to a place where minds get distorted by the cold."
This melodic melancholy is produced by Teemu Aalto (Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum) and Marianas Rest, recorded and mixed by Teemu Aalto at Teemu Aalto Music Productions and mastered by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers, who received a Grammy nomination with Candlemass feat. Tony Iommi for Best Metal Performance.
Fata Morgana will be available in the following formats:
- 2LP Gatefold Marbled Black/White (Napalm Mailorder Only)
- 2LP Gatefold Black
- CD Digipack
- Digital Album
"Sacrificial"
"Glow From The Edge"
"Pointless Tale
"The Weight"
"Horrokseen"
"Fata Morgana"
"Advent Of Nihilism"
"South Of Vostok"
“Glow From The Edge” video:
“Glow From The Edge” behind the scenes:
As a special bonus, Marianas Rest will release a limited edition reissue of their aforementioned second studio album, Ruins, on vinyl for the first time ever on March 12 via Napalm Records. Unleashed back in April 2019, the Finns’ full-length tells the story of how a mind slowly crumbles, about introversion, putting up mental walls and eventually disappearing inside your own head.
Available as a 2LP Gatefold Marbled Black/White vinyl (limited to 300 copies), this is a must have for fans of this somber manifest of heavy riffs and grieving melodies.
Back in October 2020, progressive rockers The Flower Kings released their new double album, Islands, via InsideOutMusic, just a year after the group’s much celebrated Waiting For Miracles. Today, the band have launched a brand new video for the track "All I Need Is Love".
The band comments: “Hasse Fröberg - this is his contribution, 'All I Need is Love' - to the latest album Islands. The only member, besides Stolt, from the original first line up of The Flower Kings that started in 1994. Still with the band many moons later - vocalist, guitar-player,rock star. This video was recorded around Christmas time - some of it outdoors! A traditional multi-part prog-rock song penned by Fröberg - that has all the elements that put the Swedish 'kings' on the progressive map worldwide.”
The 92-minutes long Islands features artwork by legend Roger Dean (Yes, Asia, Gentle Giant, Greenslade, Uriah Heep) and all trademark sounds and melodies, the band is renowned for. From vintage keys to epic guitar solos, from odd drum patterns to symphonic elements, The Flower Kings present a dynamic and complex record that is bold, bombastic and beautiful.
Islands is available as massive Limited 3LP & 2CD box set with slipcase and 180 gram vinyl housed in two gatefolds, one single sleeve; as Limited Edition 2CD Digipak and Digital Album. Pre-order here.
Tracklisting:
Disc One
"Racing With Blinders On"
"From The Ground"
"Black Swan"
"Morning News"
"Broken"
"Goodbye Outrage"
"Journeyman"
"Tangerine"
"Solaris"
"Heart Of The Valley"
"Man In A Two Peace Suit"
Disc Two
"All I Need Is Love"
"A New Species"
"Northern Lights"
"Hidden Angles"
"Serpentine"
"Looking For Answers"
"Telescope"
"Fool’s Gold"
"Between Hope & Fear"
"Islands"
On March 12, The Crown will release their new album, Royal Destroyer, via Metal Blade Records. For a preview of Royal Destroyer, a video for the new single, "We Drift On" (directed by Christoffer Tönnäng and Oskar Norberger), can be viewed below.
Guitarist Marko Tervonen comments: "I think that after 30 years, people are aware that we can play pretty brutal music. But we also sometimes like to take it down a notch and explore other areas. I guess in 2021, it's pretty difficult to 'surprise' people with a brutal song, so we hope to surprise you with this more mellow tune. Dare I even use the word 'ballad' *insert-fear-here*. OK. Lean back, drift on and enjoy."
Having celebrated their thirtieth anniversary in 2020 [their first eight years spent as Crown Of Thorns], The Crown have proven themselves one of the most enduring forces in death metal. In 2021, they further up the ante with Royal Destroyer, a record that sets a new standard for the genre. "It is our album number ten, so now we are in the big boys club," says bassist Magnus Olsfelt. "I think it in some ways is our crowning achievement, and it encompasses our sound across all albums on one defining record. It's got it all - the early 90s death metal stuff, the haunting melodies, the thrash, the punk, the grind, the heavy metal and the more epic and doomy stuff."
With 2018's Cobra Speed Venom, the band reached the same lofty heights as their 2002 landmark release, Crowned In Terror, but they were primed and ready to write its successor. "It surely set the bar up high for a follow up," Olsfelt explains. "But it's more inspiring than daunting. We have a real good vibe in the band, so we know we are capable of creating great stuff if we all just put our hearts to it and work hard." Confident, they pushed ahead, with the idea of making a sequel to Cobra Speed Venom - a sequel meaning "more of everything".
Together with legendary producer Fredrik Nordström, the band tracked the resulting 10 songs at Gothenburg's Studio Fredman. "We push ourselves to the limit, really trying to make everything as good as it can get, trying to make every song as impactful as possible," Olsfelt states. While he believes that people need to hear the album themselves to be able to accurately describe it, Olsfelt also asserts that The Crown have achieved something that makes for a "continuous whole" - while being diverse. There are also some surprises in store for fans. "We have some of the most intense stuff ever, like one song is about one minute long, and we also have a ballad!"
The new album can be pre-ordered here in the following formats:
- jewelcase-CD
- ltd. digipak-2CD (incl. 'Deathrace 13' bonus disc w/ 13 tracks)
- 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
- midnight blue marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 400 copies)
- red-hot orange marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- golden clear w/ blue and white splatter spot vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- clear w/ gold splatter vinyl (Kings Road exclusive - limited to 100 copies)
- viole(n)t blue marbled vinyl (US exclusive)
Royal Destroyer tracklisting:
"Baptized In Violence"
"Let The Hammering Begin!"
"Motordeath"
"Ultra Faust"
"Glorious Hades"
"Full Metal Justice"
"Scandinavian Satan"
"Devoid Of Light"
"We Drift On"
"Beyond The Frail"
"Motordeath" video:
The Crown lineup:
Johan Lindstrand - Vocals
Magnus Olsfelt - Bass
Marko Tervonen - Guitar
Robin Sörqvist - Lead guitar and backing vocals
Henrik Axelsson - Drums
On April 9, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Lynyrd Skynyrd: Live At Knebworth ‘76 as a DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD, limited edition 2LP+DVD, and digital video, capturing the band’s historic performance in England on August 21,1976.
Featuring the legendary lineup of Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Steve Gaines, Leon Wilkeson, Artimus Pyle, Billy Powell, and The Honkettes, this set was part of a daylong festival which also boasted the likes of Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, 10cc, and headliners The Rolling Stones.
This footage, originally only available via the 1996 film Freebird...The Movie, was intercut with interviews and other performance footage. Now Live At Knebworth ‘76 presents the pure concert experience in its entirety, delivering the show as it happened that day. Kicking off with opening number “Workin’ For MCA,” Lynyrd Skynyrd ignited a powerhouse performance before over 150,000 attendees. Displaying the renowned triple guitar attack of Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, and Steve Gaines with Ronnie Van Zant’s signature vocals, Lynyrd Skynyrd: Live At Knebworth ’76 showcases fiery performances of such beloved classic rock anthems as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Gimme Three Steps,” and of course, “Free Bird”.
As a bonus, the Blu-ray set also features the full-length documentary If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd. Originally released in 2018, the film is an in-depth exploration of the band’s music and history.
Over 40 years after their inception, Lynyrd Skynyrd continues their legacy as icons of American music. Carrying on after the tragic 1977 plane crash, with sales beyond 30 million worldwide and 60 albums to their name, Lynyrd Skynyrd remain etched as pivotal forebearers of Southern Rock.
"Workin' For The MCA"
"I Ain't The One"
"Saturday Night Special"
"Searching"
"Whiskey Rock-A-Roller"
"Travelin' Man"
"Gimme Three Steps"
"Call Me The Breeze"
"T For Texas"
"Sweet Home Alabama"
"Free Bird"
Trailer:
Lynyrd Skynyrd lineup:
Ronnie Van Zant (Lead Vocals)
Gary Rossington (Guitar)
Allen Collins (Guitar)
Steve Gaines (Guitar / Backing Vocals)
Leon Wilkeson (Bass / Backing Vocals)
Artimus Pyle (Drums / Percussion)
Billy Powell (Keyboards / Piano)
2x Grammy nominated band Gojira have announced details of their long-awaited new album, Fortitude, which will be released April 30 via Roadrunner Records. Today, the band has shared the forthcoming album’s first single, “Born For One Thing”, which is available on all streaming platforms and accompanied by a Charles De Meyer directed official music video shot in France and Belgium. Watch the clip below.
Available in multiple formats for pre-order today, Fortitude stands out as Gojira’s first album in five years and the follow-up to 2016’s Grammy nominated LP, Magma.
As if shedding skin and baring armour in its place, “Born For One Thing” represents a natural evolution for the acclaimed French band: hyper-focused but unhinged, confrontational and yet compassionate. “We have to practice detaching ourselves from everything, beginning with actual things,” vocalist / guitarist Joe Duplantier says of the song’s anti-consumerist message, which was partially inspired by the Tibetan and Thai philosophers he read in his youth back in France. “Own less possessions, and give what you don’t need away, because one day we’ll have to let everything go, and if we don’t, we’ll just become ghosts stuck between dimensions.”
Recorded and Produced by Joe Duplantier at Silver Cord Studio - Gojira’s Ridgewood, Queens, headquarters – and mixed by Andy Wallace (Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine), Fortitude is a collection of songs urging humanity to imagine a new world—and then make it happen. The band initially laid the foundation for Fortitude last year with the surprise release of the 2020 single “Another World.” Fortitude continues Gojira’s career-long tradition of harnessing their music as a vehicle for environmental activism with songs like “Amazonia” and “The Chant” not only surveying critical cases, but also catalysing listeners to take action.
On 2016’s Magma, Gojira found strength - and crossover success- through a singular commitment to self-reflection. The intensely personal record, penned in memory of the Duplantier brothers' late mother, was a painful significant turning point for the French group. The album earned the band two Grammy nominations - ‘Best Metal Performance’ and ‘Best Rock Album,’ and upon release, Magma took the #1 spot on Billboard's ‘Hard Rock Albums’ chart, a first for a French band.
Fortitude tracklisting:
“Born For One Thing”
“Amazonia”
“Another World”
“Hold On”
“New Found”
“Fortitude”
“The Chant”
“Sphinx”
“Into The Storm”
“The Trails”
“Grind”
Metalcore band Slivers has released their official music video for single "Fragmented" off of their EP titled Worn Callous. The video was made by Deadlit Studios; check it out below:
Slivers is the culmination of years of collaboration between Kyle Skellington and Ron Hutchinson. After releasing Worn Callous in 2018 a full band was formed. With songs fueled by the sounds of current J-rock, metal, and post-hardcore of the past, the band looks to release new music and connect with the world for years to come.
Slivers is:
Kyle Skellington - Vocals
Ron Hutchinson - Guitar
Aero Marquez - Bass
Tomas Fonseca - Drums
Francisco Fonseca - Guitar
San Diego’s thrashers and winners of the 2019 Wacken Metal Battle USA, Monarch, will be unleashing their sophomore album Future Shock this year and have already released the first single/music video “Shred Or Die”.
“Shred Or Die” has been part of the band’s live show for a very long time and has stood out as a favorite and a good example of their aim as a band. This track is relevant to current events with lyrical content relating to civil unrest and power-hungry people ruling over others. The music video has received some pushback as it features heavy footage of the riots going on in America during the COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter protests. On the lighter side, it also features skateboarding around local San Diego skate spots.
Compared to their first, very DIY album, Future Shock was done professionally at Clarity Recordings in El Cajon, California, and is a big step forward for the band both musically and sonically. It explores the entire spectrum of Monarch’s creativity, with each song varying in sound but maintains a cohesive feeling. The band comments on the album:
“We’re all just super excited to get this album out to everyone because I think everyone right now needs something new to get excited about. At the time of this release, the world is still under quarantine from the COVID-19 virus in parts of the world and we think it will be a welcome escape from having to worry so much right now. We should all be cautious of course, but we can't make our lives not worth living. This album really inspires us to write even better and we're still amazed at how it came out. We look forward to hearing its response by fans and getting to play it live and loud again.”
Future Shock is out on April 16, 2021. CD / Vinyl preorder here.
Tracklisting:
“Blast The Seed”
“Khaos Warrior”
“Future Shock”
“Nuclear Warfare”
“Shred Or Die!”
“Multiverse”
“Fatal Vector”
“Collison Of Bones”
“Swarm Of The Whorenet”
“Metal Soul”
Dark folk project, The Devil's Trade, has teamed up with industrial noise artist John Connor (LLNN) to collaborate on a new creative approach for the track "Dead Sister". With the incorporation of dark beats and other electronic additions, a new sonic version was born; "Dead Sister Merope". Watch the video below.
The band comments on the collaboration: "Only a handful of bands create such worlds I can relate to and when I saw LLNN in Budapest a few years ago, I immediately became a fan. So when Rasmus and Ketil asked me about their new electronic project, John Connor, I had a very hard time not to act like a crazy fanboy. Being a singer songwriter without a band I can build my songs up to a certain level but never to its full potential. They built it to a higher level where I am not able to go alone and where it became bigger than just a song."
Says John Connor: "With admiration for sci-fi music composers such as Alex North (Stanley Kubrick, 2001 - A Space Odyssey), Jóhan Jóhannsson (Denis Villeneuve, Arrival) and of course Brad Fiedel (James Cameron, Terminator) our creative approach was to launch 'Dead Sister' into space and in orbit. To create 'something else' light years apart from the original. Though still by maintaining the integrity and sincerity of the vocals. We’ve been enjoying the music from The Devil’s Trade for quite some time now, so it’s been a great experience to finally be working together. It's an interesting match of musical expressions formed by the same DNA."
The original version of "Dead Sister" is featured on the album Call Of The Iron Peak, released in August 2020. The album can be ordered here.
Tracklisting:
"The Iron Peak"
"Dead Sister"
"III"
"No Arrival"
"Expelling Of The Crafty Ape"
"IIIIIIIIIIII"
"Három Árva"
"Eyes In The Fire"
"IIIIII"
"Dreams From The Rot"
"The Call Of The Iron Peak"
Fuath, the atmospheric black metal offshoot of Saor’s Andy Marshall, will be releasing its upcoming full-length II, on March 19 via Season of Mist Underground Activists. Fuath is now sharing the official music video for the second single from the offering, "Into the Forest of Shadows," which can be seen below.
Originally slated as a one-off project after the release of 2016’s I, Marshall has decided to turn Fuath into a serious project. Written during the winter of 2019 and then recorded in August and September 2020 at Fortriu Studios in Scotland, II features Marshall handling vocals and all instrumentation except for drums, which were performed by Carlos Vivas in Spain. Whereas I dutifully remained within the boundaries of conventional black metal, II finds the songs going further into the frozen plains with elaborate doses of melody, ominous riffing and hypnotic blast-beat sections. II marks a huge progression for Fuath from I. When writing the debut album, Marshall was treading Fuath as a side-project and didn’t have a formalized idea of how he wanted it to sound. In contrast, II is an improvement across the board with better-crafted songs, sharper black metal vocals from Marshall and enhanced production values.
Tracklisting:
“Prophecies”
“The Pyre”
“Into The Forest Of Shadows”
“Essence”
“Endless Winter”
On April 16, Endseeker will release their new album, Mount Carcass, via Metal Blade Records. For a first preview of the record, a video for the new single, "Unholy Rites" (directed and edited by the band's own Ben Liepelt), can be viewed below.
After unleashing Mount Carcass, Endseeker will host a record release livestream show on Sunday, April 18 at 10 AM, PST/1 PM, EST/ 7 PM, CET. Streamed live from Knust, Hamburg, reserve your ticket here.
* Tickets are available only as bundles with purchase of CD or vinyl (shirt optional) via Kings Road
Endseeker comments: "We took all the frustration and despair over the cancelled shows and the whole misery COVID has brought upon us all and forged it into a bunch of straight forward, powerful songs that accompanied us through 2020 and will now be shared with the rest of the world. Mount Carcass is definitely our most focused - in a way, even the angriest - record so far, and 'Unholy Rites', with its uplifting zombie-vibe, is the perfect opener for this new chapter in the history of Endseeker. We'd of course love to start this new chapter with YOU, our fans. Sadly, there won't be a sweaty sold-out release show like last time, however, we're back at the Knust in Hamburg on April 18th for a special livestream event (more details to be revealed soon). Come and celebrate with us online until we see each other in the pit again!"
Having become one of the premier German death metal bands - and rapidly rising the ranks of the genre as a whole - Endseeker storm back into the fray with Mount Carcass. Building on the groundwork laid down on 2017's Flesh Hammer Prophecy and having the difficult task of besting 2019's stunning The Harvest, they have returned with a streamlined, powerful collection that further raises the bar.
Like both of its predecessors, Mount Carcass was recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered by Eike Freese at Chameleon Studios in Hamburg, Germany. Going into the record, Endseeker knew they wanted something rawer and more organic than The Harvest, and while COVID was causing global havoc, the band embraced the time they would have otherwise spent touring, using it to rehearse and discuss what they wanted the record to be. From this process they knew they wanted the songs to be quite straightforward and even have something of a "punkish / crust feel, so to speak. The songs are pretty reduced to the core with all the ballast removed. Every part and every riff has a meaning and isn't just there for no other reason than extending the song. The album is also very melodic. There are a bunch of very strong guitar hooks and vocal compositions that really stick in your ears for days. It's way simpler and probably more easy to listen to compared to 'The Harvest' or 'Flesh Hammer Prophecy', but at the same time, it has a very spontaneous and lively attitude with a big chunk of personality."
To keep the genre sounding fresh in 2021, they focused on the production, having just a touch of the old school vibe to remain rooted, and they did not limit themselves too hard to the Swedish death metal style of songwriting they previously embraced, but also let other influences into their songs.
"You can hear all kinds of stuff that is inspired by bands like Morbid Angel, Bolt Thrower, Slayer, Dissection, Gorefest, etc. We listen to so many different bands, and somehow, a bit from all of this keeps adding to our music."
Mount Carcass is available for pre-order here in the following formats:
- digipak-CD
- 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
- brick red marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 300 copies)
- dark viole(n)t marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- orange / black dust vinyl (Limited to 200 copies)
Mount Carcass tracklisting:
"Unholy Rites"
"Merciless Tide"
"Bloodline"
"Mount Carcass"
"Count The Dead"
"Cult"
"Moribund"
"Frantic Redemption"
"Escape From New York" (John Carpenter cover)
Italian power/progressive metallers, Secret Sphere, are back with a new studio album, Lifeblood, out March 12. The album, aside from the deft musical prowess on display, is also special because of the return of original vocalist Roberto Messina.
Today, the band has released a lyric video for the song, "The End Of An Ego". Check it out below, and pre-order/save Lifeblood here.
Now approaching nearly 25 years of existence, Secret Sphere has been steadily and reliably crafting epic, melodic European metal of the power and progressive variety for their entire careers. With a rejuvenated line-up for their latest album, Lifeblood shows a band breathing new life and enjoying themselves.
"I spent the past two years thinking about the future of Secret Sphere and there was something missing. I needed to rediscover the joy in writing music for this band that has been part of my life for more than 20 years. And I'm pleased to say I found it. Lifeblood is the celebration of the joy to compose music," says founding member and guitarist Aldo Lonobile
The new album also marks the return of vocalist Roberto Messina to the fold, who fronted the band from 1997 – 2012. The reunion with Roberto takes everything back to those glorious early days for the band, with the same joy and will to make music for fun. Lifeblood is the result of this new found power. The album celebrates the classical sound of Secret Sphere with more energy, bombastic arrangements, and memorable choruses. An absolute must hear for not only fans of the band, but European metal fans in general.
Vocalist Roberto Messina says, “Lifeblood is the album that celebrates my return to the band, to my old roots, and “home” where I feel inspired and free. It also marks the return of the band Secret Sphere itself to its early unique style of pure, energetic, creative, and melodic power metal. Ten songs composed by a team of true friends, with a fun and metal attitude, killer production, and performances. We kick things off with the direct and aggressive title track, which includes more structured compositions and dreamy atmospheres, all with the guiding thread of catchy riffs and refrains that will remain etched in your memory. What we started more than twenty years ago is stronger than ever today!"
Tracklisting:
"Shaping Reality"
"Lifeblood"
"The End Of An Ego"
"Life Survivors"
"Alive"
"Against All The Odds"
"Thank You"
"The Violent Ones"
"Solitary Fight"
"Skywards"
"The Lie We Love"
"The End Of An Ego" lyric video:
"Lifeblood" video:
Lineup:
Roberto Messina - Voice
Aldo Lonobile - Guitars
Andrea Buratto - Bass
Gabriele Ciaccia - Keyboards
Marco Lazzarini - Drums
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