"Sunday", the new video from Iggy Pop and Joshua Homme, can be seen below. The song is taken from "Post Pop Depression", the seventeenth Iggy Pop album, which was released on March 18 via Rekords Rekords / Loma Vista / Caroline.
The first Iggy Pop album co-created with producer/guitarist/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/bandleader Homme, "Post Pop Depression" began with a succinctly worded text from Iggy to Joshua, and was realized in seclusion with Homme's enlisted aid of his QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE bandmate and DEAD WEATHER-man Dean Fertita and ARCTIC MONKEYS drummer Matt Helders. Both became instantly integral in creating and shaping the Detroit meets Palm Desert by way of old Berlin vibe of "Post Pop Depression": Interweaving with and augmenting even more superhuman than expected Iggy vocal performances and Homme's tapestry of guitar, bass, piano and backing vox, Fertita's talent for wringing the most out of only the most essential notes worked in seamless tandem with Helders' pushing himself and his new bandmates to unforeseeable heights and depths.
The result would be a timeless work, one that sounds as if it's always been there, has existed before any of the musicians were even born-yet imbued with the ramshackle energy of a garage band that threw itself together yesterday.
"I wanted to be free," recalls Iggy of the earliest germ of the partnership with Homme that culminated in "Post Pop Depression". "To be free, I needed to forget. To forget, I needed music. Josh had that in him, so I set out to provoke an encounter — first with a carefully worded text, followed by a deluge of writings all about me. No composer wants to write about nothing. He got revved up and we had a great big rumble in the desert USA."
"This was to go where neither of us had gone before," adds Homme. "That was the agreement. And to go all the way."
"Post Pop Depression" is equal parts a dream come true for co-creator Homme as it is a record that defiantly takes its place in Iggy's storied discography alongside the twin towers of "The Idiot" and "Lust For Life" — two records and the mythic Berlin era of their creation canonized as much lyrically ("German Days") as sonically ("Sunday") on this new record.
"Post Pop Depression" is a singular work that stands proudly alongside the best works of either of its principles, from THE STOOGES to QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, bearing its creators' undeniable sonic DNA while sounding like nothing they've done before. It's a record that wouldn't exist without either Pop or Homme — and one that probably shouldn't in theory if you really think about it-but it does, and we and rock 'n' roll are all the better for it.
"Post Pop Depression" track listing:
01. Break Into Your Heart02. Gardenia03. American Valhalla04. In The Lobby05. Sunday06. Vulture07. German Days08. Chocolate Drops09. Paraguay
The album is being supported by a tour realizing Homme's ambition to assemble a live outfit worthy of both bringing the new album and doing justice to the gems and wreckage of the Ig's sprawling solo catalogue: The core band that recorded the album is expanded by QOTSA's Troy Van Leeuwen and journeyman guitarist Matt Sweeney.
UK rockers Cats In Space have released their new single and video, “Only In Vegas”, it's a light hearted ‘ELO tinged’ pop rock romp through the crazy world that is Las Vegas.
The track is taken from their critically acclaimed debut album Too Many Gods. The video can be viewed below:
The song was written by guitarist Greg Hart and 10cc’s Mick Wilson. This time focussing on massive lush harmony vocals, multi layered walls of guitars and accompanied by some delicious acoustics, this hook laden song even features the wonderment of the keyboard Vocoder. With a fun, no expense spent video to accompany the song, it is pop rock at its best and once again confirming there’s no other band out there quite like Cats In Space.
Greg Hart says: “Initially the track was a light acoustic ‘romp’ that Mick Wilson and I agreed could possibly fill a gap as a ‘bonus’ song, maybe perhaps as an album track. However, as in many cases in the studio, a song sometimes grows on its own and becomes something much more. Dean Howard laid down some amazing ‘Joe Walsh style’ guitar, which kinda lit the blue touch paper, and the ‘Cats wall of sound’ was once again implemented! Adding ELO vocoders, a Glenn Campbell style guitar solo played on a ‘Baritone guitar’ and a wall of 40 harmony guitars, tons of vocals and lead vocal ad- libs by Mick Wilson, it turned the song into another huge production. At the end everyone was insisting this ‘had to be a single’. Who was I to argue? After all, it hit all the 70s iconic themes that I loved as a kid. It does in my opinion benchmark the fact that us Cats like to have fun sunny songs as well as the ‘Gothic sinister epics’ in the ‘Cat repertoire’. We all need happy tunes in our lives, and this for us is the ideal song to play on a Summers day with the roof down as you blast along the motorways pretending it’s 1976, but respecting the national speed limits at all times of course..!”
Tapping into a simpler, youthful, happier time, when music was meant to be like this. Cats In Space are now here for the duration, with the Spaceship firmly docked on Earth. Love or hate the name, it ain’t going away anytime soon. Yes, the ‘Cats crept in’, but they ain’t creeping out again!
Cats In Space fans, look out for something very special being released to tie in with the bands Out Of This World tour this September. A rock duet on a timeless 70s classic that will put your windows in, but more on that later. You can see the Cats In Space play live at The O2 London at Stone Free Festival Sunday, June 19th.
Dutch all-female Dutch death/black metal band SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION released its debut five-song EP, "Brutal Queen", on April 22. The effort combines technical, old-school death metal with great hooklines and elements of black metal, according to a press release.
Founded in 2014 in Eidhoven, SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION managed very quickly to establish an amazing live reputation and got lots of invitations from venues and smaller festivals. This was noticed by Eindhoven Metal Meeting, who gave them a chance to present themselves for a bigger audience.
It has always been a dream of vocalist Els Prins to start an all-female death metal band, but she didn't seem to be able find the right group of girls to make this dream reality — that is, until she met guitarist Simone van Straten. Sharing a love for extreme music, they recruited drummer Amber de Buijzer and bass player Marjolein van den Nieuwenhuizen and started rehearsing. They released their first single, "Boundaries", in July 2014 and played their first show one month later. In May 2015, Marjolein exited the band and was replaced by Puck Wildschut.
Earlier this year, SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION finally went into the studio in Antwerp to record "Brutal Queen", and the first pressing is already sold out.
The band is scheduled to perform at the Antwerp MetalFest on July 10, to be followed by an appearance at the Stonehenge festival three weeks later.
SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION is:
Vocals - Els PrinsGuitar - Simone van StratenDrums - Amber de BuijzerBass - Puck Wildschut
"Draconian Love", the new video from EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet's AVANTASIA project, can be seen below. The clip contains live footage from AVANTASIA's recent shows in Brazil.
"Draconian Love" is taken from AVANTASIA's seventh studio album, "Ghostlights", which entered the German chart at position No. 2. Released on January 29 via Nuclear Blast, the twelve-song CD was produced by Tobias and Sascha Paeth at Gatestudio in Wolfsburg, Germany. Paeth engineered and mixed "Ghostlights", while the mastering was done by Michael Rodenberg.
In an interview with Myglobalmind, Tobias stated about the lyrical themes covered on "Ghostlights": "It's a concept that started in novel form on 'The Mystery Of Time' and 'Ghoslights' is based on that one, so it finishes the story. The twelve new songs represent twelve stations on the protagonist's journey. It's a journey where he is looking for answers for some questions about his own existence and that leaves its mark on his philosophical worldview as well. Those twelve songs represent key moments on this journey and then it's done. There is no happy end indeed — it's a very open ending — but I didn't want to continue the story in fairytale form. Instead I wanted it to be more universal, so that people can think about the things that happen in the story. You should be able to interpret it for yourself in the end. So this concept and topic is definitely finished."
Tobias also talked about the musical direction of "Ghostlights". He said: "I'm not that kind of person who sits down after a large market analysis and says, 'The next album has to be faster, darker or softer.' That will never happen, and that's good, because you can keep it interesting for yourself. I never really know in which direction it will lead. I just have a rough idea in mind when I develop a concept and of course there is a certain quintessence that is always present during the whole process, but I never really know how it will turn out. You never know if a song gets more dark or something like that. These are simply nuances. So many things are happening during the development process, so because of smallest changes a song can go into a different direction in the end. Let me give you one example. There is one song called 'Draconian Love' that sounds quiet dark, but that just happened in the studio. Originally this one was a typical AVANTASIA track in the vein of 'Dying For An Angel' or 'Avantasia' from the very first record. At the end of the day, Sascha Paeth came up with the idea that my duet partner Herbie Langhans from SINBREED could sing his part an octave lower than me to get a bigger discrepancy between our two voices. And suddenly this song got this kind of… many people call it 'gothic' touch. I really can't compare it, since I'm not into this style of music, but because of that little change this song got a more darker tone."
"Ghostlights" features guest appearances by:
* Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER)* Geoff Tate (QUEENSRŸCHE)* Marco Hietala (NIGHTWISH)* Sharon Den Adel (WITHIN TEMPTATION)* Michael Kiske (HELLOWEEN)* Ronnie Atkins (PRETTY MAIDS)* Bob Catley (MAGNUM)* Jorn Lande (MASTERPLAN)* Bruce Kulick (KISS)* Robert Mason (WARRANT)* Herbie Langhans (SEVENTH AVENUE, SINBREED)* Oliver Hartmann* Sascha Paeth
The instrumentalists on "Ghostlights" are as follows:
* Sascha Paeth - rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass, additional keys* Michael Rodenberg - orchestration, keys* Tobias Sammet - additional keys and bass* Bruce Kulick - lead guitar* Oliver Hartmann - lead guitar* Felix Bohnke - drums
CD
01. Mystery Of A Blood Red RoseLead vocals: TobiasLead guitar: Sascha Paeth
02. Let The Storm Descend Upon YouLead vocals: Tobias, Jorn Lande, Ronnie Atkins, Robert MasonLead guitar: Oliver Hartmann
03. The HauntingLead vocals: Dee Snider, TobiasLead guitar: Sascha Paeth
07. Master Of The PendulumLead vocals: Marco Hietala, TobiasLead guitar: Sascha Paeth
08. Isle Of EvermoreLead vocals: Sharon Den Adel, Tobias
09. Babylon VampyresLead vocals: Tobias, Robert MasonLead guitar: Bruce Kulick, Oliver Hartmann, Sascha Paeth
10. LuciferLead vocals: Jorn Lande, TobiasLead guitar: Bruce Kulick
11. Unchain The LightLead vocals: Tobias, Ronnie Atkins, Michael KiskeLead guitar: Sascha Paeth, Oliver Hartmann
12. A Restless Heart And Obsidian SkiesLead vocals: Bob Catley, TobiasLead guitar: Bruce Kulick
Digibook
CD 1
01. Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose02. Let The Storm Descend Upon You03. The Haunting04. Seduction Of Decay05. Ghostlights06. Draconian Love07. Master Of The Pendulum08. Isle Of Evermore09. Babylon Vampyres10. Lucifer11. Unchain The Light12. A Restless Heart And Obsidian Skies13. Wake Up To The Moon (bonus track)
CD 2 (Bonus Disc - AVANTASIA live)
01. Spectres02. Invoke The Machine03. The Story Ain't Over04. Prelude05. Reach Out For The Light06. Avantasia07. Whats Left Of Me08. Dying For An Angel09. Twisted Mind10. The Watchmakers' Dream11. Another Angel Down---Earbook (digibook including 68-page photobook, 28.5x28.5cm)+ CD 3 karaoke version of CD 1 without bonus track
01. Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose02. Let The Storm Descend Upon You03. The Haunting04. Seduction Of Decay05. Ghostlights06. Draconian Love07. Master Of The Pendulum08. Isle Of Evermore09. Babylon Vampyres10. Lucifer11. Unchain The Light12. A Restless Heart And Obsidian Skies
Mailorder Box
- Earbook- Poster- Autograph- Lanyard + Pass- 10" Vinyl (tracks to be confirmed)
Vinyl
Side A
01. Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose02. Let The Storm Descend Upon You03. The Haunting
Side B
01. Seduction Of Decay02. Ghostlights03. Draconian Love
Side C
01. Master Of The Pendulum02. Isle Of Evermore03. Babylon Vampyres
Side D
01. Lucifer02. Unchain The Light03. A Restless Heart And Obsidian Skies04. Wake Up To The Moon (bonus track)
US metallers Dead By Wednesday will release their new album, The Darkest Of Angels, on May 20th in Europe via David Ellefon's (Megadeth) EMP Label Group and distributed by SPV. The album was produced by Nicholas T. Rage of Toxic Holocaust (Hatebreed, Kingdom of Sorrow, Jasta).
The Darkest Of Angels features 11 killer tracks with 11 heavyweight guest vocalists including: Brian Fair (Shadows Fall), Eric AK (Flotsam and Jetsam), John Arch (Fates Warning), Rob Dukes (Generation Kill, ex-Exodus), Carley Coma (Candiria), Waylon Reavis (ex-Mushroomhead), Sean Danielsen (Smile Empty Soul), Paul Stoddard (Diecast), Kris Keyes (formerly Gargantua Soul), Antony Hamalainen (Armageddon) and Ceschi Ramos (Fake Four Inc.).
A new video for “Live Again” featuring Shadows Fall’s Brian Fair can be found below.
Tracklisting:
“The Beginning of the End (Intro)”
“Live Again” (featuring Brian Fair)
“Donner’s Pass” (featuring Rob Dukes)
“Self-Medicate” (featuring Paul Stoddard)
“Power Troopers” (featuring Ceschi & David Ramos)
“Darkest of Angels” (featuring John Arch)
“The Surgeon” (featuring Rob Roy & Marc Rizzo)
“Defining Fire” (featuring Antony Hamalainen & Waylon Reavis)
“Chosen” (featuring Carley Coma)
“Phoenix Rising” (featuring Kris Keyes)
“You Must Like Suffering” (featuring Sean Danielsen)
“Break When I’m Dead” (featuring Eric AK)
“Live Again” video featuring Brian Fair:
“Darkest Of Angels (D.O.A.)” featuring John Arch of Fates Warning:
“The Surgeon” featuring Dead By Wednesday vocalist Rob Roy:
Dead By Wednesday are:
Rob Roy - Vocals
Opus - Drums
Joey Concepcion - Guitars
Mike Modeste - Bass
Just before the start of their European tour next week, Sweden’s Port Noir has launched a new video for the track, “Earth”, taken from their latest album, Any Way The Wind Carries, which was recently released. Watch the video below:
Death Dealer the band featuring Ross The Boss of Manowar, Sean Peck of Cage and Denner/Shermann, Stu Marshall of Empires Of Eden and Blasted To Static, Mike Davis of Halford and Lizzy Borden and Steve Bolognese of Into Eternity have released the second music video from their sophmore release Hallowed Ground. The album was released October 4th, 2015 on SMG records to critical acclaim and now the video for the thrasher "K.I.L.L." is up for viewing.
"We shot this video in Los Angeles with some good friend of ours, and wanted to just have some fun with it,” says Ross. "When our director friend offered to film this idea he had, we took off an extra day from the tour and did it. It shows the lighter side of the DD world if you will." Sean added, "I love this song personally. I was watching a video in St. Petersburg, Russia of W.A.S.P. doing ‘L.O.V.E. Machine’ one of my favorites of theirs and I said to Stu, hey we need a spelling song! I came up with most of it right there on the spot and we wrote the rest of it backstage at the show the next day in Moscow. Thanks Blackie!"
Hallowed Ground can be purchased on vinyl and cd format at this location.
Hot off the heels of a very successful European mini-tour with The Ocean – French cinematic metal heads Hypno5e have released a brand new video for the track “South Shore - Blind Man's Eye”, taken from their new album Shores Of The Abstract Line (2016 Pelagic Records).
Clocking in at a whopping 15 minutes, the video represents the final chapter in the Shores Of The Abstract Line album odyssey.
Written and directed by singer and film director Emmanuel Jessua, the video also includes clips from his yet to be released short film Cerbere as well as outtakes from his upcoming independent movie debut El alba, Les ombres errantes (2017), filmed in Bolivia.
Sao Paulo traditional heavy metal act Primator has released a video for “To Mars”, a track written by Dark Avenger vocalist Mario Linhares. The band released their debut album Involution in 2015.
The collaboration between Primator and Linhares became closer when the band and Dark Avenger shared the stage at a show in San Paulo in April 2015. Linhares produced Primator’s debut album and also wrote the song “To Mars”.
Produced by Daniel de Sá, the video for "To Mars" occurred at Pedreira do Icatu, in Votorantim/Brazil at the same disabled mine that was used in 2012 for a memorable show of Focus, the legendary Dutch progressive rock band.
Gruesome have released a music video for the title track of their forthcoming Dimensions Of Horror EP. Dimensions Of Horror is due out May 20th on CD, LP, cassette and digitally worldwide. Pre-orders are available at Relapse Records. The new video can be found below.
Self-produced by the band and recorded with Jarrett Pritchard at New Constellation Studios in Orlando, FL, Dimensions Of Horror is a gruesome salute to Death’s iconic Scream Bloody Gore. and once again features cover art by the legendary Ed Repka (Death, Atheist, Massacre). A six-song slab of grisly, bone-breaking death metal jams, Dimensions Of Horror continues the development of Gruesome’s homage to the founding fathers of the genre and proves that no matter the decade, old-school death metal is always relevant, always savage, and always irresistible.
Tracklisting:
“Forces Of Death”
“Raped By Darkness”
“Amputation”
“Hellbound”
“Seven Doors”
“Dimensions Of Horror”
Canada’s Mortillery have released a music video for “Torture”, a track from their their upcoming third album, Shapeshifter, set to be released on May 27th via Napalm Records. The new clip can be found below.
Mortillery are on a mission to deliver true thrash metal. They stand out with their smashing riffage, raw energy and dynamic female vocals.
Canada's Headstones kicked off 2016 with the release of a 12" vinyl EP featuring the title track, "Fuck It", and the B-side "One By One". The band has released a video for "One by One", which can be viewed below.
The Sound Of Music Festival in Burlington, Ontario presents The Cult, Headstones, The Glorious Sons and more on June 11th, 2016. More artists will be announced in the coming weeks for this full day of music.
Go to this location for details and ticket links, check out the event page here for updates.
Corners Of Sanctuary (COS) has announced the official release of their latest music video "Tomorrow Never Comes". The song appears on their current album, Metal Machine, released via Metalizer Records from Germany. The new video is the third installment in the album's film campaign following last December's "Left Scarred" and March's "Wrecking Ball" releases.
Corners of Sanctuary guitarist Mick Michaels has checked in with the following comment: "It has been such a positive experience for us, as a unit and as individuals, to work in a medium that visually creates a new interpretation and perspective to the music. Videos like these offer an artist yet another outlet to present their craft to a wider audience while at the same time elevating the creative prospects for future endeavors".
"Tomorrow Never Comes," as with the two previous videos, was produced and directed by Philadelphia-area Indie filmmaker Zen Say who stated: "’Tomorrow Never Comes’ centers on the entire group this time around. The previous films focused primarily on Frankie, at the request of the band, as a way to highlight his role as the front person. But this time we spaced things out."
When asked of his experience working with the band on three successive projects, Zen Say offered the following, "Having the honor and opportunity to work on a consecutive trilogy of music videos with Corners of Sanctuary has created a unique artistic experience for me and my medium," he continued. “They bring as much visually to the table as they do musically.”
COS bassist James Pera stated: The video was filmed on various historical outdoor locations within Montgomery County, located in the band's home state of Pennsylvania, over the course of a two-day guerrilla type shoot setting. Portions of the video were filmed under one of the county's oldest and tallest arch bridges. "There's uniqueness to the landscape here in PA... so much history. The energy is inspiring."
COS vocalist Frankie Cross added: "I simply love the fact that this video is another chapter in the COS Metal Machine book. The song itself is a darker rocker… heavier in substance, reflective and poignant… sometimes dealing with the juxtaposition of choice, fate and consequence. Making this video proved challenging. The desolate, unstable terrain proved to be the right setting, but presented its obstacles such as falling rocks, thorns and thistles, wild beasts, a roaring river, threatening natives… felt like the Road Warrior meets the Hungry Like the Wolf video. For art sake, we persevered. My band of warriors fought the good fight and at the end of the shoot, we patched our wounds, collected our dead and realized history was made!”
Corners Of Sanctuary is currently supporting Metal Machine with the Wrecking Ball Tour including a Midwest US excursion in May, along with performing as part of this summer's Metal Eternal Fest Tour followed by a US West Coast string of shows in the fall. A new crowdfunding page has been created to assist in supporting the band’s efforts and is now live, here.
Fans’ financial support is being gifted with several Official COS Metal Machine Merchandise Packages which include autographed photos and CDs, concert shirts, patches and supporters having their names listed on the COS website.
Dates:
May
12 - The Wire - Berwyn, IL
13 - The Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN
14 - New Dodge Lounge - Hamtramck, MI
21 - Diane’s Cafe - Pittston, PA
28 - Metal Eternal Fest Tour - Ardmore, PA
June
14 – Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA
21 – The Fire – Philadelphia, PA
23 – Metal Eternal Fest – The Depot – Baltimore, MA
30 – OpiumFest – The Bar – New Bedford, MA
August
6 – Metal Eternal Fest – The Oddity Bar – Wilmington, DE
20 – The New Penny – Scranton, PA
September
9 – Cherry Street Station – Wallingford, CT
Apocalyptica have released a video for their cover of Metallica’s “Battery”. The track is available instantly with iTunes pre-orders for the upcoming remastered edition of the band’s Apocalyptica Plays Metallica By Four Cellos, due for release on July 22nd. Watch the new video below:
Apocalyptica are currently a US tour. Remaining dates are listed below.
May
10 - San Antonio, TX - Aztec Theatre
11 - Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey Live!
13 - New Orleans, LA - House Of Blues
14 - Tampa, FL - The Ritz Ybor
15 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room
16 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
17 - Charlotte, NC - Amos' Southend
19 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live
20 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
21 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium
22 - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero
Apocalyptica is coming to The Baltic Princess. On this once in a lifetime cruise, which sails from Turku to Stockholm on June 9th, you get to enjoy the band's music in two different gigs, both electric and unplugged.
The cruise program features Apocalyptica-themed content including a game show with a grand prize of a meet and greet with the band. Check out the video announcement:
The cruise program is as follows:
Day Of Departure:
7.30 PM (UTC +03:00) M/S Baltic Princess sets off from Turku
8.30–11.30 PM Heavy metal karaoke (at Iskelmä Bar)
8.30–11.30 PM Troubadour (at Pubi)
9.30–11.30 PM Rock DJ’s Sändi & Aleksanteri K. (at Starlight Palace)
11.30 PM Apocalyptica (at Starlight Palace)
1.30–3.00 AM Tres Hooliganes (at Iskelmä Bar)
2.00–3.30 AM ROCK DJ’s Sändi & Aleksanteri K. (at Starlight Palace)
1.00–3.30 AM Ship DJ (at Klubi)
Day Of Return:
10.30–12 AM Apocalyptica quiz (at Starlight Palace)
12.00 AM–1.00 PM Apocalyptica Bingo (at Starlight Palace)
1.00–3.00 PM Apocalyptica Meet & Greet (TBA)
2.00–3.45 PM Troubadour (at Pubi)
2.00–3.30 PM Rock DJ’s Sändi & Aleksanteri K. (at Starlight Palace)
3.30–4.30 PM Apocalyptica Unplugged (at Starlight Palace)
4.45–5.30 AM Los Bastardos Finlandeses (at Iskelmä Bar)
6.05pm (UTC +03:00) M/S Baltic Princess arrives in Turku
Further information can be found here; book your spot aboard the boat at this location.
LEAVES' EYES' video for the new version of the song "Edge Of Steel" — featuring the band's latest addition, singer Elina Siirala — can be seen below.
The new version of "Edge Of Steel" will appear on the earbook tour edition of LEAVES' EYES' latest album, "King Of Kings", which will be released in June. There will also be a U.S. edition of "King Of Kings" with the new version of "Edge Of Steel" as a bonus track.
Siirala, a Finnish vocalist who lives in London, England, made her live debut with LEAVES' EYES on April 17 at the Hammersonic festival in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The remaining members of LEAVES' EYES and their former singer, Liv Kristine, have offered different accounts of the circumstances behind their split, with LEAVES' EYES claiming the decision to part ways was amicably made in January and Liv saying she was dismissed from the group on April 6.
LEAVES' EYES said: "We understand that many fans and friends are surprised and shocked about the change in our band. We all know Liv had an important role for the band in the past, and we understand people are sad as it was not an easy decision for every one involved. But since a lot of hateful and disrespectful comments are in the social media, we would like to take the opportunity to make some points very clear: LEAVES' EYES has always been a band, and not a project, nor a Liv Kristine solo project at all. We always worked as a team in LEAVES' EYES. In the last decade Tosso [guitarist Thorsten Bauer] and Alex [Krull, LEAVES' EYES' co-vocalist and Liv's husband] wrote the music for LEAVES' EYES and Liv took care of the lyrics.
"Liv's solo project is called 'Liv Kristine.' We supported Liv also in her solo career, writing music, recording and producing albums and doing management in the past.
"The decision to part ways with Liv was taken by all LEAVES' EYES members, including Liv. A mediator — a friend of Liv and Alex — was at the band meeting who can witness that the decision of parting ways was agreed by all members. Liv was happy to have the opportunity to plan changes in her future life and she does not have to go on tour so much anymore. The idea to go separate ways came up already in January. Elina was not part of this decision or process. It was also agreed to help Liv for her solo project 'Liv Kristine' and record her new demo songs and her further projects at the studio just like in the past."
Shortly after the LEAVES' EYES statement was posted on April 16, Liv took to her personal Facebook page to thank the fans and to say: "I was told a bit longer than a week ago that I am not preferred as the band's singer for further tours and recordings anymore. I asked for the situation concerning Indonesia and the soon-to-happen upcoming shows. The answer was 'no.' I asked if there's a replacement and I got no clear answer."
She added: "I can't believe this process happened behind my back, parallel to a huge disappointment in my private life.
"A few days later, there certainly was a replacement. I must say — that was 'quick'!
"I still see LEAVES' EYES as 'my baby' and I will miss playing these gigs, feeling the good vibes, sensing the real Norwegian Viking power with the audiences. Inside my heart I will always treasure LEAVES' EYES for all the good music, tunes, themes, concept and true Viking power. The melodies I used to sing will always stay alive in my ears."
After a period of inactivity since 2007’s The Blue, which involved the departure of longstanding member Giuseppe Orlando, Novembre recently returned with a new set of potent and poignant tracks, effortlessly transitioning between soothing, epic, melancholy and intense, from what is one of the originators of the whole atmospheric death/doom scene. URSA was released on April 1st via Peaceville Records, and a new video for the album track “Annoluce” can now be seen below:
Headed by founding member and writer Carmelo Orlando, and with a reinvigorated musical alliance with Massimiliano Pagliuso, the lineup is completed by Fabio Fraschini (previously bassist on the Materia album), and David Folchitto on drums. There is also a special guest appearance from Anders Nyström of the Swedish Doom masters Katatonia, adding his own unique ‘cold’ touch to the album’s single track, “Annoluce”.
URSA was recorded at Blue Noise Studio, and PlayRec studio by Massimiliano Pagliuso, then mixed and mastered at Unisound Studios by Dan Swanö (Opeth, Katatonia, Bloodbath). Cover art comes courtesy of Travis Smith.
Tracklisting:
“Australis”
“The Rose”
“Umana”
“Easter”
“URSA”
“Oceans Of Afternoons”
“Annoluce”
“Agathae”
“Bremen”
“Fin”
Album stream:
“Umana” lyric video:
Carmelo Orlando comments on URSA: ”This album is a very important step in my life. It got me closer to what some may call ‘maturity’. I’ve been able to delve even deeper into the chasm of the subconscious and unearth gems I didn’t think existed. Lyrically and conceptually I explored new shores. I moved my ever-inwards headlights, and for the first time I dared to point them outwards, against the squalor of this Orwellian apocalypse we’re committing towards the Earth and its sons, on a daily basis, in quasi-total indifference. The album is indeed called URSA (the acronym for “Union des Républiques Socialistes Animales”), which was the title initially chosen for the French translation of George Orwell’s masterpiece novel Animal Farm.”
URSA is available to order on CD & LP at this location. Pre-orders from the Peaceville Store receive a free 3-track EP including an alternate version of “Annoluce”, plus two exclusive tracks.
The seeds of Novembre were originally planted in September 1990 in Rome, Italy. Then known as Catacomb, their early recordings of unusual gothic doom metal were to quickly gain the band interest. It was around 1993 that the band decided that a name change was in order, and Novembre was born, evolving into one of the premiere European atmospheric doom bands.
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Iggy and the Stooges
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