Swedish death metallers AMON AMARTH have released the official music video for the song "Raise Your Horns". The clip, which can be seen below, which features cameos from figures across metal, sports, television and horror cinema, including King Diamond, Zakk Wylde, Dave Mustaine, members of SLAYER, DISTURBED, MACHINE HEAD, BEHEMOTH, NIGHTWISH and many other bands, along with Olympic swimmer Paul Biedermann, NHL goalie Mike McKenna and MMA fighter Shayna Baszler, actress Jessica Pimentel of "Orange Is the New Black" and "Hatchet" director Adam Green.
"Raise Your Horns" is taken from AMON AMARTH's latest album, "Jomsviking", which debuted at No. 19 on The Billboard 200, having shifted 21,000 equivalent album units in the week ending March 31.
"Jomsviking" was released on March 25 via Metal Blade in North America and Sony Music internationally. The first concept record in AMON AMARTH's storied career tells a tragic tale of love and revenge, backed by the Swedes' trademark melodic, anthemic metal, which was produced and mixed once again by Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, ACCEPT) and also features special guest session drummer Tobias Gustafsson (VOMITORY). The epic original story is set in the world of the Jomsvikings, the legendary order of mercenary Vikings.
AMON AMARTH's tour with MEGADETH, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, METAL CHURCH and BUTCHER BABIES kicks off on September 20 in Casper, Wyoming and runs through October 15 in Camden, New Jersey.
The official video for "Prophets Of Rage" — a re-imagination of the PUBLIC ENEMY track of the same name — from PROPHETS OF RAGE can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's debut EP, "The Party's Over", which landed on position No. 5 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums chart with first-week sales of 7,000. The effort also entered the Hard Rock Albums chart at No. 2 and Alternative Albums chart at No. 4.
PROPHETS OF RAGE is the supergroup featuring members of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, PUBLIC ENEMY's Chuck D and CYPRESS HILL's B-Real.
"The Party's Over" was released on August 26. The five-song effort also includes live versions of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's "Killing In The Name" and PUBLIC ENEMY's "Shut 'Em Down", a Republican National Convention-inspired interpretation of BEASTIE BOYS' "No Sleep 'Till Brooklyn" called "No Sleep 'Till Cleveland", and the new original "The Party's Over". "The Party's Over" track listing:
01. Prophets Of Rage02. The Party's Over03. Killing In The Name (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE cover) (live)04. Shut 'Em Down (PUBLIC ENEMY cover) (live)05. No Sleep 'Till Cleveland (interpretation of BEASTIE BOYS' "No Sleep 'Till Brooklyn") (live)
Even though PROPHETS OF RAGE does not feature RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE frontman Zack de la Rocha, the group plays classics like "Bulls On Parade" along with tunes by PUBLIC ENEMY and CYPRESS HILL.
"I think the music of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE is more relevant today than it was when it was written," Morello told Cleveland.com. "And we give a lot of credit and honor to Zack at every show because his lyrics are brilliant."
In July, PROPHETS OF RAGE released the "Prophets Of Rage" single through digital download and streaming services. Featuring new music and a new original verse from B-Real, the single was recorded with legendary producer Brendan O'Brien who has done notable work with RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE and AUDIOSLAVE.
PROPHETS OF RAGE made their live debut in May in Los Angeles.
Following their wildly successful debut EP, Breaking Out, UK trio Raveneye are set to release their full length debut album, NOVA, worldwide on September 23rd. The video for "Madeline" is streaming below. The video, shot by Greta Valenti of Grow Vision in Los Angeles, depicts “love in the darkest of places.”
Singer, Oli Brown described the song/video as, “The arguments you have with the one you love can be the worst. That’s what this song is about, the heat of that fight where you say the worst possible things you can imagine to each other. Our friend Greta, put this story board to us and we fell in love with it. It ties into the relationship with the song, the relationship we have with love, what we do for it, what we sacrifice for it.”
Since forming in 2014, UK-based rock band Raveneye has toured globally, supporting bands such as The Darkness, Slash, Deep Purple, Halestorm and Blues Pills. The band has headlined their own tours through Europe and America and have performed at major international rock festivals such as Download Festival (UK), Hellfest Open Air Festival (France), Azkena Rock Festival ARF (Spain), Rock For People (Czech Republic), Louder Than Life (US), and Aftershock Festival (US), and will also perform at this year’s Maximus Festival in Brazil and Argentina this September. Their incendiary live shows have captivated crowds and put them on the map as a ‘must see live’ band.
Warren Riker (Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson, Down, Anders Osborne), who engineered the debut EP, took over as producer to capture the band’s true sonic identity on NOVA. Together, Oli Brown, Aussie bassist Aaron Spiers and renowned drummer Gunnar Olsen worked at Water Music in Hoboken, New Jersey for 25 days and created an eleven-track album that pushed the band beyond its boundaries and into new ground. From the hard hitting riffs of “Inside”, “Madeline” and “Hero” to the raw sounds of “Wanna Feel You” and “Oh My Love’ to the stark reality of life and death in “Eternity”, NOVA takes you on a journey of defiance, pain, hate, death and, yes, love.
With songs filled with deep, bluesy grooves and infectious hooks that invoke giants such as Led Zeppelin and Soundgarden, Raveneye (who formed just two years ago) continue to win fans over around the world with their huge sound and killer live shows. The extensive touring in 2015 laid the ground work for a hungry fan-base and, this past April, one year after the release of their debut EP, Breaking Out, the band debuted on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart.
NOVA tracklisting:
“Wanna Feel You”
“Come With Me”
“Inside”
“Hero”
“Supernova”
“Walls”
“Oh My Love”
“Madeline”
“Hate”
“Out Of The Rain”
“Eternity”
Kayser has released a brand new video for the track “Through The Darkness”. The track is taken from their new album IV: Beyond The Reef Of Sanity, releasing September 23rd via Listenable Records.
The video was shot in the huge complex where the Ladah-land studios are located. This is the studio where IV: Beyond The Reef Of Sanity was recorded. The building used to be a slaughterhouse back in the day and has a distinguished desolate vibe to it.
Sinemax productions produced the video and wanted to capture the emotion of the lyrics with the somewhat graphic imagery in between band shots. Focus in the video lies on the side story imagery creating a feeling of an ongoing continuum spiraling downwards
Spice comments :"It’s about my past. The life I once used to lead. And it’s about the fact that I’m not getting any younger. There’s also some reflections about my lifelong problems with insomnia embodied in the lyrics."
This magnificent artwork was done by German artist Timo Wuerz following the previous album concept.
Joke explains the cover art: "The artwork mirrors the dystopian topics in the lyrics. Emptiness, fear and regret. Mankind or a single soul come to an end. The rise and demise of the world as we know it. It's connected to the previous album Read Your Enemy, which can be seen as the rise. IV: Beyond The Reef Of Sanity is the demise. But also the start of something new in the cycle of life."
Tracklisting:
“Beyond The Reef Of Sanity”
“Through The Darkness”
“Debris (Of A Dream)”
“The Silent Serenade”
“Dusk”
“Asphalt And Suicide”
“One Man Army”
“I Sold My Soul (For Your Dream)”
“Old Blanket”
“Allergic To Life”
"Through The Darkness" video:
“Asphalt And Suicde” and “I Sold My Soul (For Your Dream)”:
Rob Zombie's video for the song "The Hideous Exhibitions Of A Dedicated Gore Whore" can be seen below. The track is taken from his latest album, "The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser", which debuted at No. 6 on The Billboard 200, having shifted 41,000 equivalent album units in the week ending May 5. It's the sixth solo Top 10 album for Zombie.
"The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser" was released on April 29 via UMe/T-Boy Records.
Regarding his decision to keep the new album and songs short, Rob told Rolling Stone magazine: "Whenever I go through records that I love and I listen to over and over and over, I go, 'Man, this record's short. That's why I loved it so much.' It's, like, thirty minutes, so I've listened to it nine thousand times, whereas you have other records where you go, 'Yeah, I know that record's great, but it's, like, seventy-five minutes long, or the tracks are, like, six minutes long.' Like, I'd go back and look at BEATLES records and go, like, 'These songs are like a minute-and-a-half long. They don't feel a minute-and-a-half long.' Even when… Later, on 'Magical Mystery Tour', I used to think, 'Oh, well, these songs are much longer.' But they're not really; they're still short songs, but they seem epic. I love long songs, but if you're gonna write a song that long, it's better be 'Freebird' or 'Stairway To Heaven' or something. It'd better be worth my time."
"The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser" was produced by Chris "Zeuss" Harris and features Zombie alongside guitarist John 5, bassist Piggy D and drummer Ginger Fish.
Heaven Shall Burn have released a cinematic video for “Passage Of The Crane”, a track from their new album, Wanderer, out today worldwide via Century Media. The new video, directed by Michael Winkler for Iconographic, can be seen below:
You can also check out a synopsis that gives you the background story for each original song on Wanderer, here.
“He seeks distance to change his perspective
In freedom and seclusion he arranges his thoughts
Strength and power he regains in nature’s shielding bosom
In vivid silence and familiar remoteness he can listen to his heart
Yet he experienced that from no wayfare you return the same
He knows that nothing will change until you change yourself
And therefore every revolutionary is a wanderer.”
Heaven Shall Burn open the visually stunning booklet for their eighth studio album, Wanderer, with a quote which sums up the overall idea of the album: During confusing and troubled times you occasionally need to retreat from all the madness that surrounds you. This allows you to gain new perspective, energy and focus, so that you can attack change with a refreshed and strengthened mindset. Modern life has become so complex that sometimes choosing simplicity and solitude can give you the strength to conquer the chaos around and within you.
Wanderer isn’t merely offering interesting historical and political stories, but also serves as a travelogue of a journey into one’s inner self. A search for a safe haven for our daily stress as well as an outlet for negative feelings and aggression. For its breathtaking artwork, Heaven Shall Burn sent their friend and photographer Christian Thiele on a quest and asked him to capture the beauty of mountains, plains and shorelines.
Once again the album was produced by guitarist Alexander Dietz and co-produced by guitarist Maik Weichert. While the drums were tracked by Eike Freese at Chameleon Studios in Hamburg, the rest of the album was recorded at Dietz’s own Chemical Burn Studios in Bad Kösen. Tue Madsen mixed and mastered Wanderer at Chemical Burn Studios as well as at his Antfarm Studios in Aarhus, Denmark.
Wanderer tracklisting:
“The Loss Of Fury”
“Bring The War Home”
“Passage Of The Crane
“They Shall Not Pass”
“Downshifter”
“Prey To God”
“Agent Orange” (not available on the standard jewel-case and standard digital album)
“My Heart Is My Compass”
“Save Me”
“Corium”
“Extermination Order”
“A River Of Crimson”
“The Cry Of Mankind”
Australian hard rockers AIRBOURNE have released the video for new single "Rivalry" from the band's forthcoming studio album, "Breakin' Outta Hell". The LP will be issued on September 23.
The "Rivalry" clip, which can be seen below, was filmed in the U.K. and Ireland by Dark Fable Media and contrasts the spectacle of the AIRBOURNE live setup with an underground tale of one-on-one conflict.
"The lyric probably came from us watching 'Football Factory' or 'The Firm', one of those kind of films," explains frontman Joel O'Keeffe. "And I think at the time there was a big Grand Prix race on, lots of intense rivalries being reported in the media. Plus, as with other songs we've done, there's an aspect here of rock 'n' roll taking a stand against those corporate forces that seek to restrict our freedoms, that try to shut down the little live venues, leaving bands with nowhere to really hone their craft…"
Musically, "Rivalry" represents something of a different groove for AIRBOURNE. It's a barrel-chested stomper shot through with typical bite and power, as is the whole of "Breakin' Outta Hell" (the album). It boasts eleven brand new numbers produced by Bob Marlette and engineered/mixed by Mike Fraser.
Speaking about the new album title, Joel said: "'Breakin' outta hell,' it's for everybody that's having a hard time, or even if you've just had a hard week at work, or at university studying, trying to learn economics or stuff that you don't know what the fuck is going on, and you're, like, 'I just wanna rock.' Anyone who's having a bit of a shit day, we've got a saying, it's called, 'World off, music on.' So that's what it's about. Breakin' outta hell, and rock and roll is your one-way ticket out."
On the topic of AIRBOURNE's decision to sign with Spinefarm after parting ways with longtime label Roadrunner, the band's Ryan O'Keeffe said: "Well, basically, Roadrunner… the option was up, so the deal was up, and Roadrunner… a lot of friends at Roadrunner had moved on. And Spinefarm has a whole new plan, basically. They've been around for a while, but they're getting serious — they have a few plans, Universal is putting a lot of investment in the label, and we wanted to be a part of that. So we figured, 'The option's up. Let's start fresh with a new label.' And the thing was, they came to us and said, 'How do you wanna make your record?' And we said, 'Usually we go to the States and we find a producer.' And they said, 'Yeah, but how do you wanna make it?' Think outside the box.' And we were, like, 'We haven't made [an album] in Australia. And we've always wanted to work with [producer] Bob [Marlette] since [2007's] 'Runnin' Wild', and Mike Fraser's the best engineer in the world. Can we have him fly to Australia and do it there?' And they said, 'Yeah, yeah.'"
Anderson / Stolt, the new duo of legendary YES vocalist and singer/songwriter Jon Anderson and progressive rock veteran Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings, Transatlantic), recently released their collaborative album, Invention Of Knowledge, via InsideOut Music. A new video for the track “Know….”, created by Jon's daughter and much acclaimed photographer, Deborah Anderson, can be found below.
Tracklisting:
I. Invention of Knowledge
“Invention”
“We Are Truth”
“Knowledge”
II. Knowing
“Knowing”
“Chase And Harmony”
III.Everybody Heals
“Everybody Heals”
“Better By Far”
“Golden Light”
“Know...”
The official video for "Square Hammer", a brand new song from Swedish occult rockers GHOST, can be seen below. The track appears on the band's new EP, "Popestar", which is being released today (Friday, September 16). The effort, which consists primarily of covers, was helmed by English producer Tom Dalgety, who has previously worked with ROYAL BLOOD and KILLING JOKE, among others.
GHOST will perform "Square Hammer" on its upcoming North American tour. One of the Nameless Ghouls told SiriusXM: "We're very proud of it. We're obviously thrilled to be able to play something new. This is a short, to-the-point little gem right at the jugular."
"Popestar" track listing:
01. Square Hammer02. Nocturnal Me03. I Believe04. Missionary Man05. Bible
The EP cover artwork can be seen below.
A Nameless Ghoul told myROCK about GHOST's new EP: "The EP will sort of connect with 'Meliora', so it's not [going to feature] a new Papa [Editor's note: In a parody of the Catholic Church's tradition of papal succession, GHOST singer Papa Emeritus is purportedly replaced by a new Papa for each GHOST album.], it's not a new album; it's gonna be like an extension of 'Meliora'. That is gonna prolong the tour. So we're gonna do an American tour in the fall, and then we're gonna come back to Europe in the beginning of next year and do a bigger, sort of final 'Meliora' show. And in between now and then, we will work on the new album, and after the European tour in the beginning of [2017], we're gonna go into the studio and record a new album."
GHOST won the Grammy for "Best Metal Performance" during the pre-telecast ceremony at the 58th annual Grammy Awards. GHOST was nominated for the song "Cirice" from "Meliora".
"Cirice" recently reached the Top 10 at rock radio, the first song from the band to get significant airplay in the U.S.
Swedish melodic metal band Narnia have released their new self-titled studio album worldwide and to coincide with its release the band have launched a new video/single for the track “Still Believe”.
On the new album, Narnia revisits their melodic roots but with an updated sound, creating a perfect blend; a powerful production by CJ Grimmark, mixed and mastered by Thomas “Plec” Johansson.
Tracklisting:
“Reaching For The Top”
“Still Believe”
“Highest Mountain”
“Set The World On Fire”
“Thank You”
“Who Do You Follow”
“Moving On”
“Messengers”
“One Way To The Promised Land”
“Messengers” video:
“Reaching For The Top” video:
During the years Narnia has been established as one of the leading forces in melodic, neoclassical metal, with a strong reputation of being a great live act that always delivers. And so it continues.. The fans are asking for more and the band is hungrier than ever.
Narnia tour dates:
September
23 - Scenen Sofiehof Underjord - Jönköping, Sweden
24 - Nalen Klubb (Alcazar) - Stockholm, Sweden
25 - iNTiMAN - Västerås, Sweden
November
5 - Blast Of Eternity - Neckarsulm, Germany
11 - Brainstorm Festival - Apeldoorn, Netherlands
Narnia lineup:
Christian Liljegren – Vocals
CJ Grimmark – Guitars, keyboards & backing vocals
Andreas “Habo” Johansson – Drums
Martin Härenstam – Keyboards
Andreas Passmark – Bass
Starting as a passion project of ex-GOD FORBID guitarist Doc Coyle and PHYLLOTAXIS singer-songwriter Ravi Orr, VAGUS NERVE became fully realized as a band in 2014 when they enlisted the talents of drummer Moe Watson (SHAI HULUD), bassist Aden Oxenreider (COSM) and guitarist Mike Gowen (MOTHER).
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the atmospheric rock band is ready to take the next step. Everyone's hard work and dedication has been leading to this moment as the band announces the official release date of their debut EP, "Visceral" — Friday, September 30. Digital and physical pre-orders are available here.
VAGUS NERVE has also debuted its first music video for the song "Pull Me Out", directed by Douglas Henderson for Bold Creative Media out of York, Pennsylvania. Like the songwriting, music production, and album artwork before it, this video falls in line with the elegance and beauty that characterizes VAGUS NERVE.
Garden State death metal faction Cognitive will release their new full-length next month via Unique Leader Records. Entitled Deformity, Cognitive's sophomore full-length was recorded at Full Force Studio by Joe Cincotta (Suffocation, Internal Bleeding, Dehumanized) and mastered at West West Side Studios by Alan Douches (Cannibal Corpse, Converge, Black Breath, Mastodon), and boasts nine tracks of unrepentant heaviness.
A new video for the track "Birthing The Deformity”, shot deep within New Jersey's sprawling Pine Barrens, can be seen below.
Says vocalist Jorel Hart, "'Birthing The Deformity' describes the nightmare that is the beginning of existence for the great and terrible horror that dwells in the vast and desolate Barrens. We agreed that the best way for us to portray the abominable actions that may have taken place that night was to film in the fabled forest itself."
Deformity will see release on Unique Leader Records on October 28th.
Deformity tracklisting:
"Awakening The Miscreation"
"Birthing The Deformity"
"Haunted Justice"
"Beneath The Floorboards"
"The Forgotten"
"Dead Soil"
"The Cull"
"Wraiths"
"Merciless Forest"
Hailing from South Jersey, Cognitive was born in 2011 with the sole intent to create heavy, intensely technical music, while maintaining an edge of creativity that separates them from the over-produced sea of subgenres. Combining technicality, guitar solos, grooves, and abstract ideas within their song writing, Cognitive is continually pushing itself to think outside of the proverbial box while maintaining an organic and unapologetically brutal edge. Cognitive seeks only to advance itself musically and export New Jersey's undying hatred globally.
Illinois-based symphonic melodeath group, Starkill, have released a video for “Burn Your World”, a track from the band’s upcoming third album, Shadow Sleep, to be released via Prosthetic Records worldwide on November 4th. The new clip can be found below.
Recorded and mixed at Electrowerks Studio with Chuck Macak (Fall Of Troy, Oceano Letlive) while being sent for mastering by Troy Glessner (August Burns Red, Devin Townsend, Death Cab For Cutie), Shadow Sleep presents 13 tracks of melodic, majestic death metal reinforced by Jameson’s over-the-top shredding paired with one of the tightest rhythm sections in the scene.
"This album was the culmination of many tours, new experiences and knowledge, and in our opinion, marks the starting point of where the true Starkill sound begins" exclaimed ead guitarist and vocalist, Parker Jameson. "We've finally found ourselves, our musical style and finally have access to all the musical tools we've ever wanted: two screamers, two male singers, and newly featured on this record, the addition of a female vocalist. This album marks a critical turning point for Starkill, and we are excited to be with Prosthetic Records for this new chapter."
Shadow Sleep tracklisting:
“Walk Through Fire”
“Burn Your World”
“Through The Darkness”
“Shadow Sleep”
“Cloudless”
“Piece Of Paradise”
“Ruin”
“Into The Grey”
“Razors Edge”
“No Savior”
“Erase Me”
“Farewell”
“Captive Of The Night”
“Burn Your World” video:
Signing announcement with audio clips:
Starkill have won fans over throughout the country with their solid live performances on stages alongside bands including Epica, Moonspell, Arch Enemy and Ne Obliviscaris. In addition to the release of Shadow Sleep on November 4th, the band will also kickstart an extensive jaunt across North America with Gothenburg melodic death legends Dark Tranquility, Finland doom metallists' Swallow The Sun and Swedish heavy metal outfit Enforcer. Prior to this, the band will be seen at Illinois' Full Terror Assault with Dying Fetus, Belphegor and more.
A full list of their upcoming appearances can be found here.
Greek thrash metal tank, Suicidal Angels, released their new album, Division Of Blood, on May 27th via NoiseArt Records. Today, the band presents the official video clip for the track "Image Of The Serpent".
The clip was created by students at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia as part of the Bachelor of Design (Animation & Interactive Media) program.
Directors: Brandon Chung & Aonghas Shearer-Boyd
Animators: Veronika Aifeld, Laura Battista, Constance Boyce, Sean Carter, Kangsun Cho, Brandon Chung, Bonita Colles, Toby Garrow, Skye Henwood, Dylan Langmaid, Saskia Milledge, Thomas Murray, Madison Palmieri, Jaidon Powell, Aonghas Shearer-Boyd
Producers Aaron McLoughlin & Simon Norton spent around 3,000 working hours with their team to create the vdeo.
The band states: "What an honor it is, when a piece of your music becomes the project of work from some students, obviously really talented, in the other side of the world! An absolutely killer animated video for the song “Image Of The Serpent”, from the RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia which gives another view and different approach to the world of animation. Thank you very much guys, best of success to anything you do in the future!"
Division Of Blood’s cover artwork was created by acclaimed artist Ed Repka (Megadeth, Death, Municipal Waste).
Tracklisting:
“Capital Of War”
“Division Of Blood”
“Eternally To Suffer”
“Image Of The Serpent”
“Set The Cities On Fire”
“Frontgate”
“Bullet In A Chamber”
“Cold Blood Murder”
“Of Thy Shall Bring The Light”
"Blood Moon", the new video from GIRAFFE TONGUE ORCHESTRA, the band featuring ALICE IN CHAINS singer William DuVall alongside members of MASTODON and THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, can be seen below. The track is taken from GIRAFFE TONGUE ORCHESTRA's debut album, "Broken Lines", which will be released on September 23 via Party Smasher Inc./ Cooking Vinyl.
DuVall recently told the Rock 98-9 radio station about "Broken Lines": "It's a serious, serious album, man. I could not be more proud of this thing. We just pushed each other to new heights all around, and it's amazing… It's such a dynamic record, and it's just so powerful. And these are some of the best lyrics that I've ever written, because I was pushed to write to this really cinematic soundtrack."
Regarding GIRAFFE TONGUE ORCHESTRA's musical direction, DuVall said: "It has a lot of what people might expect in terms of heavy, progressive… a lot of riffing, a lot of stuff going on… A lot of beats per minute, a lot of beats per second. I mean, Thomas, he can scramble the eggs like nobody else. So there is a lot of that. There's a feast for the senses. For all the musicians and musos out there, we've got you covered. But as much of that heavy, progressive stuff is there, there are also more, shall I say, straightforward, for lack of a better way of putting it, there's more straightforward tunes, but they still have the drive and the attitude and the go-for-the-throat quality. But, you know, a couple of them you might even be able to dance to as much as headbang to. We all have eclectic tastes, and we wanted to represent all of that."
GIRAFFE TONGUE ORCHESTRA — whose lineup also includes Ben Weinman of THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, Brent Hinds of MASTODON, DETHKLOK bassist Pete Griffin and former THE MARS VOLTA drummer Thomas Prigden — made its live debut at this year's Reading (August 27) and Leeds (August 28) festivals in the United Kingdom.
Weinman told the "Rock Show" about GIRAFFE TONGUE ORCHESTRA: "This band has been the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life. Many times I considered just giving up on it, because it just seemed like it wasn't meant to be. From the very start, it was something that was just supposed to be fun and kind of casual, so, in essence, even if it didn't work out, that would have been fine. For some reason, Brent and I kept just wanting to continue to try to find the right kind of chemistry to make this happen, and William actually was the first guy we ever talked to about singing with this project when it was just me and Brent, interestingly enough."
From adventurous progressive-metal epics like "Crucifixion", "Broken Lines" and "Fragments & Ashes" to pounding rock anthems like "Adapt Or Die" and "Back To The Light" (featuring a vocal cameo from actress and singer Juliette Lewis), to future crossover classics like the gorgeous power ballad "All We Have Is Now" and the electrifying made-for-radio dance-rock of "Everyone Gets Everything They Really Want", and the equally propulsive "Blood Moon", GIRAFFE TONGUE ORCHESTRA's debut album promises to be one of the most exciting releases of 2016.
The GIRAFFE TONGUE ORCHESTRA name itself represents strength and ingenuity. Hinds explained: "During the time MASTODON was [in Australia] for Soundwave, I was at the zoo in Sydney and was checking out the giraffes. They are amazing animals. One just grabbed a bunch of bananas from my hand with its tongue and peeled them with it as well. By the time the bananas got to its mouth, they were ready to be eaten. I saw Ben who was at Soundwave too and said, 'Man, I think I found the name for our band,' and told him the story." Ben added: "That giraffe made it happen… like us, he figured it out." When asked about the genesis of "Broken Lines", DuVall shared: "Writing lyrics for these songs was somewhat like writing for film — the mood shifts rapidly and drastically within a song … sometimes the whole scene changes. There were a lot of times where, if you were trying to impose conventional rock songwriting standards on this, you'd be in a whole world of trouble."
As unconventional as the creation process was, what brought the core of the band together was simple — mutual admiration and friendship. "Brent, William, and myself have all been friends for a long time," said Weinman. "Finishing the GTO record with William completes the puzzle. He is a man of diverse talents, and this band gives him the opportunity to spread his wings."
"Broken Lines" track listing:
01. Adapt Or Die02. Crucificion03. No-One Is Innocent04. Blood Moon05. Fragments & Ashes06. Back To The Light07. All We Have Is Now08. Everyone Gets Everything They Really Want09. Thieves And Whores10. Broken Lines
Appearing on two tracks is QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE's Jon Theodore.
"Seven Stars", the new video from U.S. progressive metal pioneers FATES WARNING, can be seen below. The clip was directed by David Brodsky for MyGoodEye.
FATES WARNING vocalist Ray Alder stated about the video: "We are happy to debut the new video for 'Seven Stars' from our latest album, 'Theories Of Flight'. This song is very special to me. The lyrics for this song were the first that I had written for the new album. I knew that my life was changing, I had met my lovely (now) wife who lived in Madrid, Spain and she was the inspiration for this song. I knew that I would be moving to Madrid soon, so the lyrics tended to come very organically. That theme would develop more as the writing progressed. Stories of change and moving on. Living life, really.
"I found the flag of Madrid quite interesting. Seven white stars surrounded by red...Hence the inspiration for the title. I figured I would give a little tour of the city in the video since I'm now here. Enjoy!"
FATES WARNING recently confirmed its first European tour in support of "Theories Of Flight". The trek will take place in January/February 2017 and will feature ARMORED DAWN in the opening slot.
"Theories Of Flight" was released on July 1 via InsideOut Music. The cover artwork for the CD was created by Michigan artist Graceann Warn.
Performed by the FATES WARNING lineup that returned to form with 2013's acclaimed "Darkness In A Different Light" release, "Theories Of Flight" was produced by guitarist Jim Matheos and mixed/mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (OPETH, SYMPHONY X).
Frank Aresti contributed a couple solos on the new record, but due to his current work commitments, he is not be able to tour with FATES WARNING. He is being temporarily replaced by Mike Abdow, who is described by Aresti as "a great guitarist and a great guy."
"Everyone Talking Over Everyone Else", the new video from Atlanta, Georgia's NORMA JEAN, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's seventh full-length, "Polar Similar", which came out on September 9 via Solid State Records.
First and foremost, "Polar Similar" is a reminder that NORMA JEAN is anything but rudimentary. "Sonically, we hoped to open minds to something different," explains lead singer Cory Brandan. "It seems like the world has found the cookie cutter, microwaved form of everything, and we pushed ourselves really hard to be something else." Decisions like recording at Pachyderm Studio (the same studio where NIRVANA recorded their boundary-pushing classic "In Utero") in Minnesota proves it. Each morning the band walked from the cabin to the backyard studio, turned on "The Shining", Stanley Kubrick's isolation-themed thriller, and used the space's legendary acoustics to record audio that would end up so powerfully raw, it would need no added effects.
Using the haunting chill of winter woods, the eerie acoustics from an indoor pool, and the unrelenting drive to capture natural, the band stayed put until their record — a vulnerable, haunting accomplishment — was complete. The finished product stacks itself atop an already impressive catalog of releases that yells just as powerfully, just as distinctly, and just as as profoundly as the ones preceding it. "Polar Similar"'s lyrical themes, however, set it apart.
Much of "Polar Similar" centers around abuse. Inspired by a tumultuous relationship Brandan experienced many years ago, this album is his most unguarded. "As a man, it wasn't easy to face the reality of that abuse. Decades out of that relationship, I think it's important to reach out to listeners who feel like I did then, who feel alone or different — like this has only happened to them — because the facts are one in three women and one in four men will find themselves in abusive relationships in their lives," he explains. "It's not just physical abuse either — physical abuse is the product of an already abusive relationship. The record deals with all this in emotional detail."
From the track "Everyone Talking Over Everyone Else", an anthem about clawing yourself out of the cave of abusive relationships, to the song "A Thousand Years A Minute", which looks inside self-harm, to "Reaction", a song dealing with the struggle to reach victims, "Polar Similar" exposes — honestly and powerfully — the varied perspectives of relational abuse.
Although each of NORMA JEAN's albums are fastened together by unyielding talent and ingenuity, their seventh release does stand out in motive. "I hope fans can be reached through this," notes Brandan. "It's hard to know when you're in an abusive situation; the most important thing is to know what the signs of abuse are and to take action."
The making of "Polar Similar" in a secluded studio in the woods, however haunting, became a sanctuary for a twenty year legacy — one with the ability to build such mammoth sound as to reach the ears of those who need to hear it most. Inspired by their isolated setting, NORMA JEAN made a powerful record to remind listeners that they aren't alone. "Polar Similar" track listing: 01. I. The Planet02. Everyone Talking Over Everyone Else03. Forever Hurtling Towards Andromeda04. 1,000,000 Watts05. II. The People06. Death Is A Living Partner07. Synthetic Sun08. Reaction09. III. The Nebula10. The Close And Discontent11. An Ocean Of War12. A Thousand Years A Minute13. IV. The Nexus
LED ZEPPELIN will release an expanded version of its 1997 "BBC Sessions" on September 16. The updated set, retitled "The Complete BBC Sessions", was produced by Jimmy Page and features eight previously unreleased tracks — including "I Can't Quit You Baby", "You Shook Me" and the only recorded performance of "Sunshine Woman".
The official animated video for the BBC rendition of the song "What Is And What Should Never Be", featuring ZEPPELIN concert footage alongside "innovative animation," can be seen below.
"The Complete BBC Sessions" will be available in multiple formats from Atlantic/Swan Song on September 16: * Deluxe Edition (3CD) – Remastered original album plus a third disc of unreleased audio.* Deluxe Edition Vinyl (5LP) – Remastered original album, plus a fifth LP of unreleased audio, on 180-gram vinyl* Digital Download – Remastered album and unreleased audio will both be available.* Super Deluxe Boxed Set (3CD/5LP)– This collection includes: * Remastered album. 2 CDs, each in a replica sleeve.* Unreleased audio on CD in a separate card sleeve.* Remastered album on 180-gram vinyl.* Unreleased audio on 180-gram vinyl.* High-def audio download card of all content at 96kHz/24 bit.* 48-page book filled with photos of the band, the recording locations, BBC memorabilia, and session information.* High-quality print of the original album cover, the first 20,000 of which will be individually numbered.
"BBC Sessions" was originally released in 1997 and has been certified double platinum by the RIAA. "The Complete BBC Sessions" builds on that collection with a third disc that boasts eight unreleased performances. In addition, the set includes extensive session-by-session liner notes written by Dave Lewis. For the first time ever, it provides accurate details and notes about all of the band's BBC sessions. Musical highlights on this new collection include the debut of a long-lost radio session that has achieved near-mythic status among fans. Originally broadcast in April 1969, the session included three songs: "I Can't Quit You Baby", "You Shook Me" and the only recorded performance of "Sunshine Woman", which can be streamed below. Also included are two unreleased versions of both "Communication Breakdown" and "What Is And What Should Never Be". Separated by two years, the performances vividly demonstrate the young band's rapid evolution over a short period of time. Jimmy Page spoke about the band's growth in an interview with Guitar World. "The 'BBC Sessions' show in graphic detail just how organic the group was," he said. "LED ZEPPELIN was a band that would change things around substantially each time it played…We were becoming tighter and tighter, to the point of telepathy." Speaking with Wall Of Sound, John Paul Jones added: "We'd been on the road a lot by the time those sessions were recorded. The albums were always the starting point of the music, and then we'd take it out and expand it on the road. Then we'd come straight off the road into those BBC studios." Recalling the BBC experience in an interview with Mojo, Robert Plant said: "The whole thing was very quaint: the politeness of the audience, the technicians fumbling about, proper hallowed low-key introductions. Like there was some sort of holy moment about to occur." "The Complete BBC Sessions" CD track listing Disc One
01. You Shook Me02. I Can't Quit You Baby03. Communication Breakdown04. Dazed And Confused05. The Girl I Love She Got Long Black Wavy Hair06. What Is And What Should Never Be07. Communication Breakdown08. Travelling Riverside Blues09. Whole Lotta Love10. Somethin' Else11. Communication Breakdown12. I Can't Quit You Baby13. You Shook Me14. How Many More Times Disc Two
01. Immigrant Song02. Heartbreaker03. Since I've Been Loving You04. Black Dog05. Dazed And Confused06. Stairway To Heaven07. Going To California08. That's The Way09. Whole Lotta Love (Medley: Boogie Chillun/Fixin' To Die/That's Alright Mama/A Mess of Blues)10. Thank You Disc Three
01. Communication Breakdown *02. What Is And What Should Never Be *03. Dazed And Confused *04. White Summer05. What Is And What Should Never Be *06. Communication Breakdown *07. I Can't Quit You Baby *08. You Shook Me *09. Sunshine Woman * * Previously Unreleased
Frontiers Music Srl has announced the signing of Stephen Pearcy for the release of his fourth original solo album, "Smash".
Pearcy, best known as the original vocalist and founding member of the platinum rock band RATT, has been working hard to complete his highly anticipated disc while at the same time keeping busy performing shows across the U.S.
"I am very happy with the new music and the diversity of the songs," he says. "It's taken some time. I'm sure all the fans will be excited too. Also, to be involved with the Frontiers Music Srl family is way cool."
The good news is that the first taste of new music has been already made available! Check out "I Can't Take It" below.
Due in early 2017, "Smash" will be mixed and mastered by none other than the legendary Beau Hill, the producer of RATT's first four albums, among many other hit records.
Stephen will support "Smash" with live dates in the U.S. and internationally.
As previously reported, Pearcy will be rejoined by his former RATT bandmates Juan Croucier and Carlos Cavazo at his headlining appearance on October 30 at the Rock N Skull festival at The Tree Performing Arts Center in Joliet, Illinois.
Croucier previously performed with Pearcy in May at M15 in Corona, California.
Three members of RATT's classic lineup, Pearcy, Croucier and guitarist Warren DeMartini, reunited in July at the Los Angeles birthday party of former RIP magazine editor Lonn Friend. Also joining them at the event were former QUIET RIOT guitarist Carlos Cavazo, who played on RATT's last studio album, 2010's "Infestation", and ex-WHITE LION drummer Greg D'Angelo, a longtime member of Pearcy's solo band.
Notably absent was drummer Bobby Blotzer, who has been touring the U.S. for the last few months with his own version of RATT, featuring a rotating cast of musicians, including vocalist Josh Alan (ex-SIN CITY SINNERS).
Blotzer's new version of RATT played shows early last year under the name BOBBY BLOTZER'S RATT EXPERIENCE before the drummer announced that he was taking control of the RATT name.
DeMartini later filed a lawsuit against Blotzer, claiming that the drummer was falsely advertising his "tribute band" as the real thing. That dispute is still pending in California state court.
Blotzer and DeMartini are the only remaining shareholders in WBS, Inc., the company which manages the business and operations related to RATT.
Norwegian progressive classic metallers, Sahg, will release their new album, Memento Mori, on September 23rd via Indie Recordings. The band have released a video for the track “Black Unicorn”, which can be seen below.
In a time when threats of religious hostility and environmental decay loom heavily over the world, we have no choice but to acknowledge the inevitability of death. Not only does it spread fear, stigma and hatred, but it also reminds us of the grasp our own mortality has on us. Death is just a heartbeat away and our fear of the unknown is apparent now more than ever. Thus the title Memento Mori (Latin: remember that you must die).
The heavy rock powerhouse Sahg have since their beginnings in 2004 delivered grade-A hard rock of the fist bumping and heavy-leaded sort. When elements hoisted from the depths of doom converge with the realm of progressive rock, one can draw parallels to greats such as Black Sabbath, Pentagram and Mastodon. Sahg procure a unique blend of the aforementioned while resting firmly on a heavy metal base. The crisp sound on their fifth and latest effort Memento Mori defies the idea of simple genre categorization in favour of delivering a damn good heavy metal album.
Tracklisting:
“Black Unicorn”
“Devilspeed”
“Take It To The Grave”
“Silence The Machines”
“Sanctimony”
“(Praise The) Electric Sun”
“Travellers Of Space And Light”
“Blood Of Oceans”
Швеция
Amon Amarth
![=]](/img/news-bord-shr.gif){kind=small}
США
Великобритания
Германия
Австралия
Международный
Греция
Норвегия
