German metalcore act, Rising Insane, have released a new single, "Monster", marking the sixth track released off their forthcoming album Wildfires, out August 23 via Long Branch Records. A new music video accompanies the track.
Singer Aaron Steineker comments "It feels like we all get upset far too quickly when we see people who don't behave according to our expectations. You can look at this in general, whether it's the classic example of senior citizens getting upset about young people or the cow's milk mafia getting angry about vegan substitute products. People will always hate on other people and the whole thing is brutally amplified by social media. So it's completely pointless not to do and be what you feel like. 'Monster', to me, is the song that makes you feel exactly that way and makes you just do your thing instead of always looking left and right to bitch about others."
Rising Insane's fourth studio album, Wildfires, (out August 23 via Long Branch Records) takes an in-depth look at the consequences of our collective abstinence from empathy and challenges listeners to ignite their inner flame for change. It is an urgent call to break out of the darkness.
While Rising Insane remains true to their post-hardcore and metalcore roots on Wildfires, the band has evolved collectively and individually, clearly reflected in the new and fresh sound.
Steineker comments on Wildfires: "Over the last two years, I have felt that there is a huge source of strife lurking around every corner. All we have to do is pick up our cell phone and we're immediately thrown into a hate-filled sea of conflict, there's so much hate everywhere. You get the feeling that the world around us is on fire when you add war, global warming, inflation, and depression to the mix. That's how this album got the title Wildfires. Each song on the album is about a specific trouble spot, themes, and stories that have weighed on me while writing. Our goal is to create awareness through our music of how much we burden ourselves and each other instead of focusing on things that connect us and create positivity."
Wildfires will be available in the following formats:
• Exclusive LBR Shop LP Edition incl. orange-red marbled vinyl
Limited to 300 copies
• LP Edition incl. white-black marbled vinyl
Limited to 300 copies
• CD Edition in digipak
• Exclusive LBR Shop Bundles
• Standard Stream & Download
After an eight-year absence, Tiles guitarist and songwriter Chris Herin arrives with the debut solo album under the Herin moniker, titled Hiding In Plain Sight, now confirmed for November release through The Laser’s Edge, who today unveils the album’s cover art, tracklisting, pre-orders, and lead single/video, "The Darkest Hour".
A conceptual work recounting Chris Herin’s difficult walk alongside his father’s ten-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, Herin’s Hiding In Plain Sight combines distinctive prog and art rock influences that alternate from sophisticated orchestral arrangements and polyrhythmic complexity to contrasting cinematic soundscapes and ambitious guitar workouts.
Teaming up with Herin are renowned producer Terry Brown (Rush) and Grammy award winning mastering engineer Peter Moore (Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell) who give Hiding In Plain Sight a luxurious and dynamic sonic landscape. For the attentive and patient music enthusiast each listen gradually reveals the album’s cache of nuanced and subtle details. Complementing the reflective and occasionally disquieting lyrics is Hugh Syme’s (Rush) whimsical and engaging imagery, the artwork capturing the album’s sensibilities of time and place for a compelling and enigmatic visual counterpart.
Hiding In Plain Sight is a collection of thoughtful observations and somber meditations while Herin sidestepped through the debris field and collateral damage of the growing Alzheimer’s storm. Eleven watershed moments that echo the fragile impermanence of life and encourage the listener to turn inward in sympathetic introspection. Musical adventure abounds as sprawling vocal hooks glide over angular riffs, richly textured instrumentation, and brooding ambient orchestrations. Abundant prog filigree adorns the album and is well-represented in the album’s lead single and advance video for "The Darkest Hour", a standout track featuring odd meter gymnastics, an army of guitars, and intricate percussion, and is especially notable for boasting members of the classic Jethro Tull line up joining forces for the first time in over twelve years.
Lending their exceptional talents to Hiding In Plain Sight is an impressive cast of nearly thirty musicians, including Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame members Peter Frampton and Alex Lifeson (Rush), plus Martin Barre, John O’Hara, and Doane Perry (Jethro Tull), Michael Sadler (Saga), Kim Mitchell (Max Webster), Cody Bowles and Kevin Comeau (Crown Lands), Jeff Kollman and Shane Gaalaas (Cosmosquad), Tim Bowness (No-Man), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Randy McStine (Porcupine Tree), Kevin Chown (Tarja, Chad Smith), Matthew Parmenter (Discipline), Hugh Syme, Johnathan Blake (Kenny Barron), Ben Riley (Mohsen Namjoo), Gary Craig (Bruce Cockburn), and many more.
Chris Herin proclaims with the album’s announcement, “I’m honored to have worked with so many talented musicians and to witness these songs take shape under Terry’s watchful eye and unfailing ear. His meticulous care and artistic commitment meant the unique characteristics of each performance influenced the music’s evolution and identity. I thank everyone involved for their distinctive contributions and for helping create a unified spirit of purpose in honor for those afflicted and affected by dementia. A portion of this album’s proceeds will be donated to Alzheimer’s charities.”
Embracing a prog-rock spirit that appeals to both the heart and mind, Hiding In Plain Sight is a bold and adventurous fusion of musical palettes as the distinguished roster of guest artists propel Herin’s songs into inspired and expansive directions.
Hiding In Plain Sight’s second song, “The Darkest Hour,” serves as the lead single for the album. The song features Jethro Tull alums guitarist Martin Barre and drummer Doane Perry together again for the first time since 2011, and features vocals by Mark Mikel, who has also played with Jethro Tull as well as Alan Parsons and more. The song arrives in the form of a video by Mathew Kennedy, who created multiple videos for the album.
Chris Herin states of the song, “Doane and I had several conversations about Alzheimer’s since his father also suffered from the disease and he is quite versed in many of the medical complexities. He liked the song (even in its embryonic form), so I sent him a chart to outline the structure and identify a few meter twists and turns. He enthusiastically experimented and developed a great groove for the drum track with meticulously layered percussion – all which propel the song with muscular polyrhythms. Likewise, Martin enthused about playing with Doane again and contributed mandolin, flute, rhythm guitar enhancements, and of course his trademark soloing. If you listen closely, I’m sure you’ll get a chuckle out of the playful reference to that well-known JT tune from 1969. Martin and Doane definitely bring a powerful and identifiable energy to the track.”
Watch Herin’s “The Darkest Hour” video below, and stream the song at Bandcamp here.
Hiding In Plain Sight will be presented in a limited full-color digipack CD including a 8-page booklet and digitally on November 1.
Pre-orders are available at The Laser’s Edge webshop here and Bandcamp – the standard digital here and the 24 bit hi-res here.
Watch for additional videos from the album to be issued over the months building up to its release.
Hiding In Plain Sight tracklisting:
"Warning Signs"
"The Darkest Hour"
"Living In The Night"
"The Heart Of You"
"Secret Adversary"
"A Wrinkle In Time"
"Second Ending"
"Safe House (Isolation)"
"Slow To Crumble"
"Wilderness Years"
"White Dandelions"
Dutch black/death metal icons, God Dethroned, have released the new single, "The Judas Paradox", the title track of their new album, out September 6 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).
Frontman Henri "The Serpent King" Sattler: "The title track of the album. The song talks about Judas Iscariot, who speaks about the events surrounding the betrayal of Jesus Christ from his point of view. It's a topic that holds the world in its grip since the story became public knowledge. Musically it's the most atmospheric and melody driven song on the album."
Stream the track here, and watch the music video below:
Eleven songs strong, The Judas Paradox was produced by the band themselves, with mixing being handled by their very own singer/guitarist Henri. Tony Lindgren took over mastering duties at Fascination Street Studios, rounding off the grandly sinister sound of The Judas Paradox.
The Judas Paradox will be available in the following formats:
Inside The Trojan Horse finds Jibe lead singer and solo artist Joe Grah joining forces with his long-time friend and collaborator Charles Lee Salvaggio (Gemini Syndrome guitarist and Filter/Theory Of A Deadman bassist) and Pat Gerasia, drummer from Red Sun Rising and The Violent. The trio makes their official debut with the gritty, self-produced “Burn,” which takes listeners on an unruly mission to reclaim the lost. Fueled by intricate drums and layered with heavy, ethereal guitars and driving bass, “Burn” sets the bar high for what’s to come from the new group.
BraveWords is premiering the music video for the debut single – watch below!
The band comments on “Burn”:
“We've been working on this material for quite some time now as we grind through the trials and tribulations of finding our way through it all. The feeling is unreal in the sense that it's happening. This music means everything to us and has taken over our lives, pulling us through the wringer, squeezing out every last drop, all while reflecting some of our most intense and revealing moments. With Burn's birthday finally upon us, we are so proud and grateful to release this beautiful child into your arms and ears. Thank you so much for sharing this experience with us.”
“Burn” was self-produced and was mixed by Evan Rodinache (Lacey Sturm/Flyleaf, Escape The Fate, Powerman 5000).
Joe and Charles initially met while working in the Island Def Jam group Loser featuring current Motley Crüe guitarist John 5. Over several years, in between projects, the pair wrote and recorded dozens of songs, ultimately developing a unique and heavy sound unlike any other. In search of a powerful and articulate drummer to complete the group, they enlisted Pat.
Together, the trio has recorded a series of songs with music coming out throughout the remainder of the year and more to come in 2025. When performing live, the members of Inside The Trojan Horse have chosen a character to represent themselves in a way that highlights the music and message first by performing with balaclava masks and monikers with Joe as NoOne, Charles as NoThing, and Pat as NoBody.
Purveyors of their own genre-blurring sound "Thrash Grass", The Native Howl has breathed new life into Johnny Cash's brooding "God's Gonna Cut You Down" with their fresh reimagination of the song and accompanying music video (via Sumerian Records). Speaking about the track, the band commented:
"It was a privilege to honor Johnny Cash by following Frankie Nasso’s vision for this project. This song and video have a very different tone than anything in our repertoire thus far, and the writing/arrangement process was just as unique to us. We are grateful to Jay Ruston for helping us capture the studio magic of its’ assembly, and create a new Howl soundscape, of which we are very proud!”
Stream "God's Gonna Cut You Down" here and watch the music video below.
After winning Season 1 of the hit TV series No Cover and signing with Sumerian Records, The Native Howl released tracks "Can't Sleep", "Sons Of Destruction", and most recently, "Mercy" featuring the inimitable Lzzy Hale of Halestorm.
Don't miss your chance to see The Native Howl's incendiary live show on the Age Of Entitlement Tour with the legendary GWAR, Brujeria, and Brat. Grab your tickets now at this location. Confirmed dates are as listed:
September
12 - Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom
13 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogart's
14 - Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue
16 - Millvale, PA - Mr. Smalls Theatre
17 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
18 - Little Rock, AR - The Hall
20 - Fayetteville, AR - JJ's Live
The Native Howl is:
Alex Holycross - Guitar, Bouzouki, Lead Vocals
Jake Sawicki - Guitar, Banjo, Vocals
Mark Chandler - Bass, Vocals
Zach Bolling - Drums, Percussion
For further details, visit The Native Howl on Facebook.
Jäst, the new modern rock act featuring former Grave Digger guitarist Axel Ritt, have released their new single, "Ten Years Plan".
With "Ten Years Plan", the band is sending out its third single. After the first two songs, "Heartlight" and "In The Thrill Of The Night", were very well received, the band now follow up impressively. The song was composed and produced by Axel Ritt, the lyrics are by Steven Wussow.
Axel Ritt says: The lyrics of the Jäst song 'Ten Years Plan', which was written by bassist Sreven Wussow, are about a man who has completely structured his life and then is shocked to discover that his "ten year plan" is not working. All of his plans with his job, family and career evaporate into thin air, leaving a broken man behind. Conclusion: "When people make plans, fate falls off their chairs laughing."
Singer Jessica is the narrator in the accompanying video, while guitarist Axel, bassist Steven and drummer Timmi slip into the role of the broken man.
Listen to "Ten Years Plan" here, and watch the video below:
But who is Jäst actually? Behind the powerful melodies and stirring vocals is a talented group of musicians: Axel Ritt, known for his work with Grave Digger and Domain, brings his baritone guitar skills, while Steven Wussow, bassist for Orden Ogan and Domain, with his distinctive bass playing the fabulous addition. Timmi Breideband, formerly of Bonfire and Freedom Call, provides the solid rhythmic basis on the drums. The heart of the four-piece band is the charismatic singer Jessica Conte, whose impressive rock voice gives Jäst's sound its own distinctive sound.
Jäst are:
Jessica Conte - Lead Vocals
Axel Ritt - Baritone Guitar
Steven Wussow - Bass
Timmi Breideband - Drums
Belgian classic rock band, Beyond The Labyrinth, have released their new single, "Fear's The Killer", with new vocalist, Johan Lotigiers. The single is available on all streaming platforms. Listen below.
Johan Lotigiers made his debut with Beyond The Labyrinth on July 6 during the Coq Rock festival in De Haan. With his energetic performance, he managed to enchant the audience and his joining the band was received with great enthusiasm.
Every year, radio station Classic 21 pays attention to Belgian hard rock and metal bands in a special broadcast in their "100% Belge" special. Beyond The Labyrinth wanted to sign up, but it was short notice and they didn't have any recordings with Johan yet. So things moved quickly and Johan chose a song from the large repertoire that Beyond The Labyrinth has released since 1996. For this new recording of "Fear's The Killer", Beyond The Labyrinth worked with Bram Van Den Berghe, who did the recording and mixing. The mastering was done by Pieter De Wagter (Equus).
The single "Fear's The Killer" is a re-recording of a Beyond The Labyrinth classic from 2011, with the new version offering a fresh and updated interpretation of the original song.
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of the sixth studio album from Radioactive, Reset, out on October 11 marking a brilliant return for the AOR project masterminded by Swedish guitarist/songwriter/producer, Tommy Denander.
The first single and accompanying video, “Sentimental”, is available now and offers a first taste of what to expect from this new melodic rock gem. Watch the video below.
Tommy Denander describes the new single as “a very “Toto-ish” sounding AOR rocker with Jim Jidhed singing, a song I’m sure all the fans who have missed that early Radioactive sound will love! Another big passion in life for me is creating artwork for albums, including this album, but also doing videos and this feels like one of the best I’ve done so far."
After working as a studio musician in Sweden, Tommy Denander moved to Los Angeles in 1987, when he was only 19 years old. There, he met some of the top players in town, from Toto band members to David Foster, Bill Champlin, and Michael Landau. When Toto played in Sweden in 1991, Tommy asked them if they would play on his first album if he got a record deal and, to his amazement, they all said yes. Only a few days later, Tommy signed with Sony, and in October of that year he travelled to Los Angeles to record the first Radioactive album with Jeff Porcaro, Mike Porcaro, Steve Porcaro and David Paich as his backing band.
Ceremony Of Innocence was released in 2001 and received stunning reviews worldwide, charting in Europe and Japan, and was followed by three albums with a sensational cast of musicians, including musical giants as Bobby Kimball, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Porcaro, Yngwie Malmsteen, Bruce Kulick, Neal Schon, Michael Landau, Steve Lukather, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jimi Jamison and more. The fifth album under the Radioactive moniker, X.X.X., was released by Frontiers Music on March 11, 2022.
As with the previous Radioactive releases, Denander has brought in a wealth of vocal talent to add their unique abilities to the proceedings, with the likes of Jeff Paris (Y&T, Cinderella), Robin McAuley (MSG, ex-Survivor), Joey Vana (Mecca), Jim Jidhed (Alien) and the awesome new vocal talent “Dio” Harris, whom he scouted in the Middle East, all making significant contributions.
Once again Tommy Denander plays guitar, bass and keyboards, while legendary producer Mutt Lange (Def Leppard, Bryan Adams, AC/DC, Foreigner etc.) appears on background vocals and co-writing two originals. Other special guests include Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) and Keith Scott (Bryan Adams guitarist) appearing on the title track.
Discussing the sound of the new record, Tommy explains: “Reset is a return to the sound of my first records, a more classic AOR, and I’ve chosen to use fewer singers to give it a bit more of a band sound. The title Reset stands for me pushing that lovely button to reset Radioactive back to the sound where I started it so I hope you all will enjoy it much as I do!”
“This time I did four songs each with two dear friends and top class singers, Jim Jidhed and Jeff Paris. Added to their magic are the equally superb Robin McAuley, Joey Vana and new rising star Harris Dio Zindani. And since this year is the 40th anniversary of my first album ever, I decided to sing lead vocals on half of a song!” continues Denander. “I’m really happy to have done a couple of songs with my dear friend and mentor Mutt Lange, who also sings backing vocals on them. I’m also very proud to have the legendary Tony Levin on bass and Keith Scott on guest solo on the album.”
Denander is the master of hard but melodic rock, with a real touch of class, and you cannot go wrong with any Radioactive album. Reset showcases a collection of energetic and melodic songs to celebrate Tommy's talent in composing great melodic hits. An absolute must if you are into Bryan Adams, Toto and classic Def Leppard music.
"Sentimental"
"Shame On You, Shame On Me"
"Gaia"
"When The Lights Go Down"
"In A Perfect World"
"Reset"
"Midnight Train"
"Open Spaces"
"Sweet Little Tina"
"Hard Times To Fall In Love"
"Breakaway"
"Sentimental" video:
Lineup:
Tommy Denander - Guitar, bass. keyboards, lead & backing vocals
Guest musicians:
Jeff Paris - Lead & backing vocals
Jim Jidhed - Lead vocals
Robin McAuley - Lead & backing vocals
Joey Vana - Lead & backing vocals
Harris Dio Zindani - Lead vocals
Mutt Lange - Backing vocals
Lenna Paris - Backing vocals
Neil Anami - Drums & percussion
Keith Scott - Guest solo on “Reset”
Tony Levin - Bass on “Reset”
Tony Nilsson - Additional keyboards & programming on “Reset”
Jeremy Rubolino - Strings
Up-and-coming Italian power metal unit, Frozen Crown, are gearing up to unleash their new studio album and Napalm Records debut, War Hearts, out October 18.
Founded in 2017, Frozen Crown has garnered significant media exposure with their previous four albums and their massive hit, "Neverending”, which has gathered over 11 million views on YouTube to date. The fresh ten track offering marks their first as a six-piece band, capturing the essence of Frozen Crown's dynamic sound brimming with powerful riffs, unforgettable melodies, and raw energy.
Today, the band has revealed their driving single, "Steel And Gold”, featuring swift guitar riffs, relentless drums and a catchy refrain. Transporting the uplifting spirit to keep on fighting, the track is accompanied by an official music video that captures the band in a stunning castle ruin.
Giving a first impression of the youthful, raw and passionate approach to metal, get ready to experience their powerful live performances as the band heads out on tour with Kamelot in the fall of this year.
Frozen Crown comments the new single "Steel And Gold": "We're extremely excited to have the ‘Steel And Gold’ official video finally released via Napalm Records. This is the fulfillment of years of hard work, as well as a fresh start! This video doesn't deviate from the usual Frozen Crown style, it just consolidates it. Very often, our videos have been labeled as 'just a bunch of people having the time of their lives playing metal in some beautiful scenery... plus a lot of hair'. We must say, we totally agree!
This time, though, the beautiful scenery is the gorgeous "Castello dei Doria", in Dolceacqua, Liguria, in northwestern Italy, and the 'bunch of people’ is just one more person on guitar, adding firepower (and hair) to the ensemble. ‘Steel and Gold” is a song about loyalty, integrity and self improvement. It’s about remaining true to your ideals and about the search for unattainable perfection.”
Check out the official music video for "Steel And Gold" below.
During its short lifespan, the relentless band has performed at several festivals like Sabaton Open Air, Metal Fest Plzen and Rock Imperium Festival, headlined two Japanese tours and followed extensive European touring with significant bands such as DragonForce and Nanowar Of Steel – dubbed by a tour with U.D.O. in 2023. Joined by their newest member, 18-year-old guitar prodigy Alessia Lanzone, the band's characteristic sound has been expanded by her skills, adding depth and complexity to their performances.
Featuring all members on the recording for the first time, War Hearts symbolizes a fresh start and pays homage to the legendary Children Of Bodom with its album title, a band that inspired Frozen Crown's youthful, raw and passionate approach to metal. Addressing themes of self-improvement, awareness, personal growth and inner struggles, album opener and title track "War Hearts” is about fighting for your dreams in the darkest of nights and creates a powerful and uplifting message of always staying strong, making it through the storm as war angels. "I Am The Wind” features soaring choruses with dual vocals from frontwoman Jade and guitarist Federico, ingenious guitar riffs and perfectly blended drums, while the lyrics inspire listeners to let go like the wind and rise to shine again. To wrap up the album, tracks like "Edge of Reality”, inspired by the ’86 Highlander movie, and "Bloodlines”, referencing the Vampire: The Masquerade series of board and video games, showcase the band's colorful storytelling.
Frozen Crown constantly define and refine their sound, pushing their trademark elements to new levels of complexity without forgetting the characteristic catchy hooks. War Hearts exceeds their previous successes and solidifies their place in the global metal scene.
Frozen Crown on their new album: "War Hearts is our fifth album, but it's also the first one as a 6-piece band and the first one on Napalm Records. It’s also the first album where all members actually make their appearance on the recording. For these reasons, War Hearts represents a new beginning, a fresh start, and it may be considered the first episode of Frozen Crown "reboot”. We wrote and arranged this album acting like we had no history at all, never afraid to repeat some of our trademark stylistic features. On the contrary, we highlighted and gave more value to them, to make our new songs sound 100% like us. We worked hard on the material to cut away all the useless parts and make the songs as catchy and straightforward they could be, and to make them sound like quintessential Frozen Crown.”
War Hearts will be available in the following formats:
- Ltd. 1LP Gatefold Crystal Clear Black Marbled (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive) - strictly ltd. to 200 copies
- 1LP Gatefold Translucent Red (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive)
- Digisleeve
- Digital
"War Hearts"
"Steel And Gold"
"To Live To Die"
"Night Of The Wolf"
"On Silver Wings"
"Edge Of Reality"
"Bloodlines"
"I Am The Windv
"King Of The Sky"
"Ice Dragon"
Preparing to decimate with their forthcoming release Acolythus on November 7th, A Scar For The Wicked offer their first blood offering, the title track with a new music video.
The band comments on the first single, "Acolythus":
"'Acolythus' serves as the main theme song and self-titled track of the album. It delves into the sin of blasphemy, focusing on the sixth circle of hell. The song portrays a dark, twisted depiction of a cult devoted to the dark lord, presenting an inverted version of Christ through rituals of blood and sacrilege. The cult's worship is depicted as a perverse inversion of holy rites, emphasizing their eternal damnation and the blasphemous nature of their devotion. They are forever the servants.
'Acolythus' stands out as the catchiest song on the album, with a blend of memorable and engaging elements. From melodic riffs and technical Solos, heavy down-picked riffs drive the song, providing a powerful and intense foundation. Not one single riffs in this track is being repeated twice. The track concludes with a heavy breakdown that intensifies the experience, followed by a final solo that provides a dramatic and satisfying finish. This track combines all the elements of what A Scar For The Wicked is all about."
Based out of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, the ensemble formed in 2011 drawing primary influences from the likes of The Black Dahlia Murder, Dimmu Borgir, The Zenith Passage, and Belphegor, and the gory blood-soaked realms of horror. The following year saw the release of the debut EP, Scars, with subsequent EPs The Necrobutcher and The Unholy landing in 2014 and 2018 respectively. Across their career, the band have have brought their unyielding energy to festivals around their home province, and notably have shared stages with heavyweight acts including Whitechapel, Thy Art Is Murder, Born Of Osiris, Archspire and Chelsea Grin.
Ancient Entities, from Milwaukee, WI is not your average death metal band. With a thematic focus on ancient civilizations, folklore, and mythology from across the globe, their music is a journey through time and legend. Combining technical death metal riffing with thunderous rhythm sections, Ancient Entities creates a sound that is both colossal and captivating.
This past June they released their debut album “Echoes Of Annihilation” on Worm Hole Death Records. Today, the band has their new music video for the track “Empire In Ashes” - with added bonus footage from their performance at this year's Milwaukee Metal Fest.
The band comments on some of their backgrounds:
“We have lots of talented musicians in the band. Alex and Luke learned from the same jazz teacher in the Milwaukee area, Steve Peplin. He's a very notable name in Milwaukee and the jazz community. On top of that Alex also took some lessons from Paul Ryan (Origin) in his early 20s and also from Cristiano Trionfera (ex-Fleshgod Apocalypse) a couple of times. Knowledge from these musicians helped form Alex’s style of playing especially when it comes to leads. You can hear a lot of what Paul Ryan calls ‘laser sweeps’ in Echoes Of Annihilation.”
Alex Rausa, the primary songwriter, draws inspiration from various cultures and mythologies, infusing each song with authentic vibes and grandiosity. Brian Gulliford, the band's lyricist, brings Alex's visions to life with vivid storytelling that delves into war tactics, ancient rituals, and the brutality of historical civilizations.
Ancient Entities is picking up steam with recent festival performances and certainly more to come. Echoes Of Annihilation is recommended for fans of Decapitated, Blood Red Throne, and Nile.
New music video for “Empire In Ashes” is streaming below.
Ascending Canadian post-punk sect Pøltergeist will release their debut album Nachtmusik, on October 25 via Bad Omen Records. Recorded in their native Calgary and mixed by Felix Fung (Spell, Spectres) at Little Red Sounds in Vancouver, the record is a dust covered collection of gothic death rock laced with heavy metal grit, which builds on the momentum of the band's debut 7" "Fall To Ruin" - a split with label mates Spell.
Nachtmusik is preceded by the single "Children Of The Dark", perhaps the most perfect distillation of the Pøltergeist style;, a catchy, tempestuous rocker that also functions thematically on a dual level- not only as Kalen reckons "a call to arms for people who share a passion for underground music" but also arriving via a morbid angle to assault the iniquities of the modern labour market; a Stokerist-critique of late-stage capitalism, if you will, but laden with biting hooks.
As Edgar Allan Poe once noted in The Masque Of The Red Death, "there are chords in the hearts of the most reckless which cannot be touched without emotion" - it was exactly these that Kalen Baker reached for - in splendid isolation in Grande Prairie, Alberta - at the very genesis of Pøltergeist, whilst fashioning the sepulchral serenades which would form his new band's mighty statement of intent 'Nachtmusik'.
Having played in the traditional metal band Whyte Diamond in Calgary in his teens, Baker moved 450 miles away for work in late 2019. "It was harsh and isolating being away from the Calgary scene, and I didn't end up meeting many musicians who were into the same stuff as me" he notes. "I started recording demos alone in the room I was renting and put them on Bandcamp. I didn't expect much from it, I just wanted a way to make music".
This isolation was exacerbated by the pandemic, and coincided with a period in which Baker's tastes were broadening from the epic metallic chills he'd grown up on into darker quarters. Having always had a penchant for the mystical metallic strains of Angel Witch, Cauldron and Blue Öyster Cult, he found himself moved by both Vancouver contemporary post-punk act Spectres and the epochal British melancholia of The Chameleons' 'Script From The Bridge', not to mention gothic and post-punk legends like Sisters Of Mercy and The Sound, and paradigms of the ethereal like Cocteau Twins, Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine.
"I consider us first and foremost a Post-Punk band, but heavy metal will always play an important role," says Kalen, citing the likes of In Solitude, Unto Others and Tribulation as bands who've explored the hinterlands between the two worlds. "When I got really into Goth rock, one thing I noticed was that it was just as cold and bleak as black metal but in a different way.”
With this union bolstered by the lyrical influence of spiritual progenitors like Moorcock, Lovecraft, Poe and the David Lynch of Twin Peaks, the sound of Pøltergeist was born - a gritty but magickal realm where crepuscular intensity is joined in psychic battle by metallic fortitude. Whilst the like of the driving “Burning Sword” and “Ethereal Nightmare” may bear the ghoulish atmosphere of deathrock fury past, they're just as riven with the epic bravura and melodic salvation of the finest NWOBHM vintage, as well as possessing an emotional core that transposes the sound and fury to a contemporary world.
The band is now completed by guitarist Jacob Ponton, former Whyte Diamond bassist Ben Wytham and punk rock-styled drummer Amy Moore (although Al Lester from label mates Spell filled in on the recordings) and this line-up recently fulfilled a dream of supporting their trans-generational kindred spirits The Mission in Calgary - sure to be only the first of manifold triumphs to come.
Nachtmusik is true to Kalen's vision of 'a kaleidoscope of emotions, sounds and ideas'. Beguilingly ethereal but riven with steadfast intent, this is a record whose heart may yearn for the spiritual realm of the 1980s but whose feet are firmly treading the twenty-first century here and now. As storm clouds gather overhead, Pøltergeist's journey into darkness is just beginning.
Tracklisting:
“Einfürung”
“Burning Sword”
“Ethereal Nightmare”
“Cold In September”
“Yesterday Fades”
“Nachtmusik”
“Children Of The Dark”
“Swallowed By The Ocean”
“Will We Ever Live Again”
“Walking Alone”
“Dammerung (Outro)”
Get ready for a sonic autopsy! Southern California thrash, punk, and grindcore maniacs Trip To The Morgue has inked a deal with Wormholedeath Records for their new album, Toe Tagged & Body Bagged, set to be unleashed on the masses on September 13, 2024.
The band expressed their excitement about the partnership: "We were in contact with Wormholedeath early in the creation of our new CD. There were a few things that drew us to the label; the existing client list of hardcore and metal bands, the word of mouth as a reputable label, and the work ethic of everyone involved at Wormholedeath Records. After many emails and correspondence with Carlo and Carla, we were able to agree and see that Carlo was willing to work as hard or more than the band was willing to work to ensure our success. This was a 'no-brainer' for Trip To The Morgue. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Carlo and his team, share a label with talented like-minded, and ambitious musicians and bands, but most of all for the sincerity and dedication of those at the label who patiently worked with us to help gather and get our logistics together for a successful promotion and presentation of the band."
Toe Tagged & Body Bagged is a sonic time capsule, that transports listeners back to the golden age of thrash, crossover, grindcore, and hardcore. Brace yourself for a pummeling onslaught of heavy riffs, breakneck tempos, and unadulterated aggression, all inspired by the bands that laid the foundation for extreme music.
Dive into the sonic carnage and witness the band's fury in the music video for "Digging Your Grave" featuring Mitch Harris of Napalm Death:
Toe Tagged & Body Bagged cover art and tracklist:
"Disorder"
"Toe Tagged & Body Bagged"
"Digging Your Grave" (Feat. Mitch Harris of Napalm Death)
"Aluminum Bat"
"Nuclear Holocaust"
"Broken Glass"
"Tribal Lust"
"F*ckin Die"
For further details, visit Trip To The Morgue on Facebook.
Rotting Christ have released a video for "The Sixth Day", the track featured on the band's new album, Pro Xristou. Check out the new clip below:
Rotting Christ have stood the test of time. While their name has caused plenty of gatekeepers to clutch their pearls, Sakis Tolis and has brother Themis have risen from Greece's blackened catacombs to one of metal's most formidable bands.
This year, Rotting Christ are celebrating 35 years of evil excellence with their 14th album. ΠΡΟ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ (Pro Xristou) is bound to hold a revered place in the band's heretical history. Always true to their name, with Pro Xristou ("Before Christ"), the band pay tribute to the last of the Pagan kings by offering up more towering, gothic, melodic black metal.
"This album was inspired by the might of ancient pagan wisdom", says Sakis. "It's a tribute to those who resisted the coming of Christianity, which destroyed all the values, traditions and knowledge of the ancient world".
Tracklisting:
"Pro Xristou (Προ Χριστο?)"
"The Apostate"
"Like Father, Like Son"
"The Sixth Day"
"La Lettera Del Diavolo"
"The Farewell"
"Pix Lax Dax"
"Pretty World, Pretty Dies"
"Yggdrasil"
"Saoirse"
"Primal Resurrection" (Bonus Track)
"All For One" (Bonus Track)
"Pro Xristou" lyric video:
"Primal Ressurection" animated video:
"Yggdrasill" video:
"La Lettera Del Diavolo" video:
"Pix Lax Dax" video:
"The Farewell" video:
"The Apostate" video:
"Saoirse" video:
"Like Father, Like Son" video:
Rotting Christ invite you to partake in a monumental crusade across Europe. Frontman Sakis comments: "Dear Metal brothers & sisters, we can proudly announce that we celebrate our 35 years of existence with the release of our new album Pro Xristou & some special shows on European soils this Autumn. Together with the Scandinavian Pagan Metal Kings Borknagar and French diabolical horde Seth we promise to perform a hell of a show every night! Thanks for your attention and look forward to seeing you all in the battlefield!"
The Greek forebearers will share stages with Norway's progressive black metal giants Borknagar, whose profound musical narratives have sculpted their undisputed place within the genre. Alongside them, France's Seth will bring their own brand of fervent intensity and atmospheric ferocity to the mix. Together, they stand as a triad set to invigorate and bewitch audiences across the continent.
Borknagar: "We are honoured and incredibly exited to announce our upcoming co-headline tour across the European lands with our brothers in music, and true legends, Rotting Christ! In 2022, during the aftermath of the Corona pandemic, we teamed up for a highly successful tour across the North Americas as a part of the Devastation On The Nation festival tour. Now, armed and ready with the new respective albums, Fall and Pro Xristou, it's time to team up once again for a epic European adventure. This one shall be for the books- powerful, passionate and legendary!"
Seth: "Sharing the stage for a whole month with thy mighty Rotting Christ is thrilling! This will be our third European tour in over 25 years and definitely the biggest journey that we've ever had! We can't think of any better band on Season of Mist roster to promote La France des Maudits!"
Legendary Danish band, Fate, announce their new studio album, Reconnect ‘N Ignite, scheduled for release on October 18 via Frontiers Music Srl. The first single and video, "Around The Sun", is out now and is available on all streaming platforms.
Watch the official video for "Around The Sun" below, and pre-order Reconnect ‘N Ignite here.
Guitarist Torben Enevoldsen expresses his excitement for the new album: "We are very much looking forward to Reconnect 'N Ignite, and can't wait for everyone to hear the new songs. We are all very excited about the new material and are anxious to present it to our fans, old and new ones alike!"
Describing the first single, Torben continues, "'Around The Sun' is a song that we are all very proud of. The song can be interpreted in many ways, but is basically about how quickly time goes by and how fleeting every moment can be. If there's a moral to it, it would probably be to seize the day."
Originally formed in late '84 in Copenhagen by Hank Sherman following his departure from Mercyful Fate, the band got their first record deal with the Danish EMI, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1985.
1988 saw the first line-up change in the history of Fate, as Hank Sherman left the combo and the band entered a difficult period of their career, until the release of Scratch N Sniff, in 1990, when the guys returned to their initial strongest sound and becoming a more mature band, this also thanks to the new powerhouse singer Peer Johansson.
Peer's powerful voice was the major addition to the sound of the band and his input on Scratch N Sniff was tremendous. After several tours in 1990/91, Fate was joined by a new guitarist: the talented Søren Hoff and they started to record new demos before to split up.
In 2006 Fate released V, after getting together to perform at the prestigious Deep Impact Festival in Germany in 2005. The band got so many good responses from fans and media that they decided to continue.
In the beginning of 2011 Danish guitar hero Torben Enevoldsen (Section A/ Fatal Force) replaced Søren Hoff, and the band recorded Ghost From The Past and later in 2013 If Not For The Devil.
V, Ghost From The Past and If Not For The Devil were reissued digitally last December, including four previously unreleased bonus tracks.
Reconnect ‘N Ignite sees the band in a state of grace, with a brilliant guitar work from Torben, a tight rhythm section, classy synth arrangements and the amazing Peer’s voice, that once again shows his incredible talent. Songs like "Reason For Everything" will be stuck into the fans’ head for a long time.
Reconnect ‘N Ignite tracklisting:
"Around The Sun"
"Reason For Everything"
"This Won’t Last"
"I’m On Fire"
"Running"
"Hold On"
"Nowhere To Run"
"When It’s Over"
"Children Of A Lesser God"
"Feel The Burn"
"Under The Gun"
"Around The Sun" video:
Lineup:
Patrik Törnblom - Keyboards
Torben Enevoldsen - Guitars
Peter Steincke - Bass
Peer Johansson - Vocals
Søren Ryan – Drums
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