Richard Black was once known as the “King of the Sunset Strip” and Shark Island was once the house band at the world famous Gazzaris. Signed to Epic Records in 1989 the band released their debut album, Law Of The Order, and also saw the tracks "Dangerous" and "Father Time" featured in the movie Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, as well as the song "My City" from the movie Point Break.
Lead Singer Richard Black would go on to be part of the short-lived supergroup Contraband, which also featured Michael Schenker (Scorpions, UFO), and members of L.A. Guns, Ratt and Vixen. They released one album in 1991 before disbanding.
Shark Island was resurrected in 2005 and recorded and released the album Gathering Of The Faithful in 2006. In 2018 the band started work on Bloodline, which was recorded in Croatia and Los Angeles and officially released by Deko Entertainment as Bloodline 2.020 in 2020. It was produced by Alex Kane (Life Sex Death, Enuff Z’Nuff) and mixed by the legendary Sylvia Massy (Aerosmith, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers).
Now Shark Island reclaims their spot on the Sunset Strip with Memento Mori - Live On The Strip. Hosted by Sirius XM’s Eddie Trunk and recorded at the world-famous Whisky A-Go-Go on April 22, 2022. Richard and the guys give you more than an hours’ worth of classics like “Paris Calling”, “Read My Lips”, and their cover of the Fleetwood Mac song, “The Chain”.
Watch a video for “Paris Calling” below, and stream the song here.
Memento Mori - Live On The Strip will be available on CD and limited-edition bundles while supplies last. Order here.
Bundle includes:
1x Memento Mori - Live On The Strip CD
1x T-Shirt
1x 10x10 Autographed Flat
1x Bracelet
1x Sticker
Tracklisting:
Eddie’s Intro
"If You Want Me To Stay"
"Make A Move"
"Passion To Ashes"
"You Got That Right"
"Paris Calling"
"All My Friends"
"Fire In The House"
"Stranger"
"Thank You Kindly"
"Why Should I Believe"
"You Shoulda Heard It Two Days Ago Somebody's Fallin"
"Everyone Hangin’?"
"Rocks On The Rocks"
"Y’all A Noisy Bunch"
"My City"
"Not Bad At All"
"Read My Lips"
"I'm Serious"
"The Chain"
Former SLIPKNOT drummer Jay Weinberg has shared drum-cam video of the "Monster Skank" performance from his April 1 concert with INFECTIOUS GROOVES at Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Australia. You can check out the clip below.
Weinberg made his live debut with INFECTIOUS GROOVES on March 23 at the Garden Grove Amphitheatre in Garden Grove, California.
INFECTIOUS GROOVES is the long-running outfit formed more than three decades ago by now-METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo alongside Robert's then-SUICIDAL TENDENCIES bandmate Mike Muir.
Weinberg was recruited by INFECTIOUS GROOVES for the band's first live appearances since a one-off show in 2019 due to longtime drummer Brooks Wackerman's commitment to AVENGED SEVENFOLD.
INFECTIOUS GROOVES recently entered the studio to record a new song. The track, which was co-written by former INFECTIOUS GROOVES guitarist Adam Siegel, will mark the band's first release with Weinberg, who joined INFECTIOUS GROOVES in January.
In a recent interview with Australia's Metal-Roos, Muir stated about how Weinberg came to join INFECTIOUS GROOVES: "We wanted to get somebody that you know could carry that torch and was there. It's funny 'cause we were kind of saying… well, I told Robert, 'You put a list [of drummers] together, I'll put a list together and then we'll kind of see who's touring and who's available and try to do it.' And my middle son, who's 14, was asking, he goes, 'If Brooks can't do it, who are you gonna get to play drums?' And I'm, like, 'We're not sure. We're putting a list together.' He goes, 'You're gonna ask Jay?' So my son, his two favorite drummers are Lars [Ulrich] and Jay Weinberg and stuff. And I was, like, I hadn't even thought of Jay. And I knew that he had surgery. And I looked [on his social media] and I go, 'It's January 1st.' And he goes [in a social media post], 'I'm walking for the first time [since surgery], and I'm like, 'Ooh.' And my son said, 'You should get Jay. I saw him. He's playing the drums again. You should get him. Talk to him.' And I go, 'I don't have his number.' He goes, 'You could get it. Robert's probably got it.'"
Muir continued: "The first tour that that Jay did in SLIPKNOT, SUICIDAL opened. I, obviously, have been around a lot of drummers, a lot of musicians, and I'd heard the drummer they got is really good. As I always say, I don't judge, I observe. And I was watching him play at soundcheck, going, 'Oh, dude, this guy's actually really good. He mixes it up really well. And he's really versatile.' And it always stuck out to me because, I go, 'He obviously kills it in SLIPKNOT,' but I go, 'He's actually a really versatile drummer and really good.' And it stuck out to me and stuff. So I knew that he could definitely do it, obviously. It's a matter of would he want to do it and then physically could. So I got his number and I texted him. And he goes, 'I'm at my physical therapist's right now. I'm not even supposed to be starting to play until the middle of April.' But he goes, 'I think I'm way ahead of my schedule.' And he goes, 'Let me get back to you. I'm gonna be there on Monday.' And it was the weekend… But he goes, 'Yeah, I think it's gonna be all right,' and this and that. So anyhow, we talked a lot and then were, like, 'Let's fly out and get together.' And when we practiced, I was going, 'You cannot tell that he's just had two major surgeries.' It's funny because my kids went to the practice and they were, like, 'Dude, Robert was smiling ear to ear the whole practice. He looked like a little kid just having a ball.' And it was just so much fun in a good way. Jay on drums, he's driving that sports car, and he's got a really good edge and he's able to actually showcase a lot more on the INFECTIOUS songs, which he was really appreciating. I think people, they're gonna trip. Because everybody knows Robert's great bass player; they know the bass lines in INFECTIOUS. Whether you know the music or not, you hear it, you're, like, 'Oh, dude, that bass player is insane,' especially for the time. But I think, when Jay's up there, they're gonna go, 'Wow, that's really powerful.' So we're super excited, as you can tell."
In addition to Weinberg, Muir and Trujillo, INFECTIOUS GROOVES' 2024 lineup includes guitarists Dean Pleasants (SUICIDAL TENDENCIES) and Dave Kushner (ex-VELVET REVOLVER).
INFECTIOUS GROOVES was formed soon after Trujillo joined SUICIDAL TENDENCIES in 1989. Muir and Trujillo got together with some friends to write song that centered more around the bass, but with the intent of giving everyone else a whole lot of freedom.
"SEX PISTOLS and PARLIAMENT were my two favorite bands when I was young," commented Muir. "People think they're completely different but I saw a lot of similarities, even if musically they were categorized as completely different styles. There's something beautiful about breaking rules that never should have been made."
INFECTIOUS GROOVES remaining 2024 tour dates:
April 04 - Adelaide, Australia @ Hindley Street Music Hall
April 05 - Sydney, Australia @ UNSW Roundhouse
Melancholic heaviness is upon North America - next week, Finland's melodic death masters Insomnium will finally embark on their headline tour through the United States and Canada. To prepare you for the 25 dates with none less than special guests Omnium Gatherum and support from Wilderun, Insomnium have just revealed a mesmerizing live video of their 10-minutes-long, epic "Song Of The Dusk", captured across several different cities on their latest European tour.
The band comments: "We can't contain our excitement as we are about to embark to North America! Get those tickets in time and see you soon!"
Insomnium recently checked in with the following update:
Insomnium are teaming up with their friends from high-speed melodic death virtuosi Omnium Gatherum, for 25 nights of gloom and sinister anthems in North America.
Both bands have been two prime examples of exceptional melodeath originating from Europe’s freezing North and have gained a massive following over the years through their captivating sound that combines blistering guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and guttural vocals. For years, the American and Canadian fans have been waiting for the combo of “Insomnium Gatherum” to hit the road together again after the pandemic-related cancellation in 2020 and now, with no more virus in sight, it will finally happen in April and May 2024.
Wilderun, hailing from Boston, will join as support with their unique mélange of prog and folk metal.
Dates:
April
11 – Cambridge, MA – The Middle East
12 – Montreal, QC – Theatre Beanfield
13- Ottawa, ON – The Brass Monkey
14 – Toronto, ON – The Opera House
15 – Detroit, MI – The Magic Stick
16 – Chicago, IL – House Of Blues
18 – Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room
19 – Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre
20 – Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall
22 – Calgary, AB – Dickens
23 – Edmonton, AB – The Starlite Room
25 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre
26 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
27 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
29 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall
30 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
May
1 – Mesa, AZ – The Nile Theater
3 – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
4 – Dallas, TX – The Factory In Deep Ellum
6 – Winter Park, FL – The Conduit
7 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
8 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
9 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
10 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
11 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre
Insomnium are:
Markus Hirvonen: Drums
Ville Friman: Guitars
Markus Vanhala: Guitars and clean vocals
Niilo Sevänen: Bass and vocals
Ayreon performed at 013 in Tilburg, Holland on September 15, 16 and 17, 2023, performing the album 01011001 in full. A live Blu-Ray and CD from the show will be released on May 17. Pre-order here, and watch a video for "The Day That The World Breaks Down", below.
Says Arjen Anthony Lucassen: "Finally... here is the second clip from the Live Beneath The Waves DVD/BluRay! I picked the song 'The Day That The World Breaks Down' because it’s one of my favorites and also it features so many of the talented singers. We never thought we could pull off this complicated song in a live setting, but it seems like we did it! Let me know if you agree… enjoy."
01011001 - Live Beneath The Waves formats:
- Artbook (Webshop only) - 2CD+2DVD + Bluray incl. Behind The Scenes (BTS)
- 3LP - Green vinyl
- 2CD+DVD: Full show on 2CD and DVD
- Blu-ray: Full show + BTS
"The Sixth Extinction" video:
01011001 - Live Beneath The Waves features the following performers:
Original 01011001 cast:
Hansi Kürsch
Tom Englund
Daniel Gildenlow
Jonas Renkse
Anneke van Giersbergen
Simone Simons
Wudstik
Marjan Welman
Liselotte Hegt
Maggy Luyten
Phideaux Xavier
Arjen Lucassen (yeah, sorry for that)
Special guests:
Damian Wilson
Brittney Slayes
Michael Mills
John Jaycee Cuijpers
Backing vocals:
Marcela Bovio
Irene Jansen
Jan Willem Ketelaers
Band:
Marcel Coenen - guitar
Timo Somers - guitar
Johan van Stratum - bass
Joost van den Broek - keys
Ed Warby - drums
Transatlantic - the prog supergroup of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt & Pete Trewavas - recently announced the release of Live At Morsefest 2022: The Absolute Whirlwind, on April 26. This mammoth Limited 5CD + 2 Blu-ray Artbook set features both sets from Morsefest in their entirety, with nearly four and a half hours of music in total.
Now, the band are pleased to reveal a video of them performing "Lay Down Your Life" from Night 1 of Morsfest. Watch below:
Pre-order the album as a Limited 5CD + Blu-ray artbook, featuring an extensive 36-page booklet including photos and liner notes at this location.
Mike Portnoy comments: "Not to be confused by last years live release of our last show in Paris, THIS release of TA at Morsefest 2022 represents the most epic and mammoth of all TA Live releases!
"2 Nights, 2 completely different sets, 2 TA concept albums done in their entirety…accompanied with Strings, Horns, Percussion, Female Vocals, etc…Transatlantic has always been about ‘More Never Is Enough’, but no live TA release has ever been more EPIC than this one…It’s the ULTIMATE Live TA experience!""
Neal Morse adds: "At long last, a musical dream come true in true epic fashion! To play The Absolute Universe, The Whirlwind, and other great pieces of music with Transatlantic, along with an amazing string section, background singers, etc. What more could any musician ask for? This is the very best of the very best in my view. I hope you all enjoy experiencing this as much as we enjoyed performing it!"
Roine Stolt comments: "Playing Morsefest was quite a task, learning all the different material for the 2 different shows. We even got a chance to play that Procol Harum tune, that is dear to me & takes me back to my teenage years, just getting to know what prog is/was. The addition of the strings and choir at Morsefest, plus Philip adding percussion lent a different and perhaps more of an orchestral side. That worked really well and made these 2 nights very special."
Pete Trewavas comments: "To play Morsefest 2022 was an absolute pleasure for me and gave us a natural break at the end of the North American leg of The Absolute Universe tour, where we regrouped at Neal’s to rehearse for the two shows, back where we had rehearsed for the tour some four or five weeks earlier. We had 3 days I think it was to refresh The Whirlwind full version and learn ‘In Held T’was In I’. The festival was an absolute blast. We were all super relaxed and enjoying ourselves probably due to the little break from touring back to rehearsing. Neal had been wanting to get Transatlantic at MorseFest since we released Whirlwind and it never panned out for various reasons, so it felt fitting that we got it all together for The Absolute Universe tour.""
Morsefest, the festival put on by Neal Morse annually in Nashville, Tennessee has been in existence since 2014. Typically, the weekend-long event celebrated music from Neal’s solo work and other bands from his career. But with each passing Morsefest, there had been one question lingering among the faithful audience that returned every year…when will Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt & Pete Trewavas perform at Morsefest? In 2022, at the 9th Morsefest, it finally happened and in epic Transatlantic fashion.
In 2021, Transatlantic released The Absolute Universe, the band’s 5th album since forming in 2000. However, as the band’s motto is "More Is Never Enough," The Absolute Universe was released as two different versions – The Breath of Life (Abridged version), and Forevermore (Extended version). In addition, the band combined those two versions for an Ultimate Edition of the album. With touring restrictions due to the pandemic finally lifted, the band finally started their tour in April 2022 ending up at Morsefest on the weekend of April 29 and 30.
The weekend at Morsefest provided 2 nights of shows. For night one, the band performed their classic album The Whirlwind in its entirety, the first time they had done so in 10 years. The evening also added "Into The Blue" and "Shine" from the band’s 4th album Kaleidoscope as well as the classic ballad "We All Need Some Light." As a surprise, the band played a song they’ve never performed live before - their cover of the Procol Harum classic "In Held ‘Twas In I" from the first Transatlantic album SMPTe.
Night 2 saw the full performance of The Absolute Universe – The Ultimate Edition, combining all of the tracks from the two versions of the album. The night closed with a medley of tracks from the band’s first two albums including "All Of The Above," "My New World," and "Stranger In Your Soul."
For the first time, the band performed alongside a choir and string section, making these shows truly special for those who were in attendance.
"
Tracklisting:
Night 1:
"Into The Blue"
"In Held (‘Twas) In I"
"Shine"
"We All Need Some Light"
"Overture/Whirlwind"
"The Wind Blew Them All Away"
"On The Prowl"
"A Man Can Feel"
"Out Of The Night"
"Rose Colored Glasses"
"Evermore"
"Set Us Free"
"Lay Down Your Life"
"Pieces Of Heaven"
"Is It Really Happening?"
"Dancing With Eternal Glory/Whirlwind (Reprise)"
Night 2
"Overture"
"Reaching For The Sky"
"Higher Than The Morning"
"The Darkness In The Light
"Take Now My Soul"
"Bully"
"Rainbow Sky"
"Looking For The Light"
"The World We Used To Know"
"The Sun Comes Up Today"
"Love Made A Way (Prelude)"
"Owl Howl"
"Solitude"
"Belong"
"Lonesome Rebel"
"Can You Feel It"
"Looking For The Light (Reprise)"
"The Greatest Story Never Ends"
"Love Made A Way"
"Bridge Across Forever"
"The Final Medley"
Technical death metal troupe, Cognitive, is back with Abhorrence, set for release on May 17 via Metal Blade Records.
The band's fifth full-length album and a tremendously worthy successor to 2021's Malevolent Thoughts Of A Hastened Extinction, Abhorrence finds the New Jersey powerhouse quintet at its brutal best. Unrelenting riffs leave the listener stunned, while a wave of thoughtful, devastating lyrics washes over. The album is a raging, draining, and ultimately fulfilling experience.
Cognitive started work on Abhorrence while touring in support of Malevolent Thoughts Of A Hastened Extinction, sending tracks back and forth while trekking from one intense gig to the next. "There were riffs and ideas that didn't make Malevolent Thoughts…," notes guitarist Rob Wharton. "We just kept toiling away with it. And then we recorded the 'Rot Eternal' single in between touring. So, it's been just nonstop writing."
Drummer AJ Viana has his own studio (he's previously worked with bands as prestigious as Hath) and recorded, tracked, and mixed the album, before Ryan Williams (The Black Dahlia Murder, John Frum) at Metal Blade Records mastered it. To the album's immense benefit, it was a collaborative process and everyone brought their A game.
Abhorrence is an exercise in aural turbulence, each track taking its listener on a magnificently traumatic journey. "Our lyrics for this record are all over the place," says Wharton. "There's some stuff about video games and addiction and mental health. To me, that's the kind of subject matter that hits home because everyone's got stuff going on in their lives. It's relatable."
Relatable much like the album title itself. Peer at the state of the world in recent years and "abhorrence" seems like an entirely appropriate world. "We were going through all the song titles and wondering which is the strongest song," Wharton says. "We decided to go with Abhorrence. Everyone's so mean and cruel to each other and the world is terrible. We just felt like it kind of encompassed everything. We had put a lot of time into that one specifically because there are so many repeating parts, but it was mostly about depression, anxiety attacks and mental health."
The title track also serves as the record's opener and first single. Wharton elaborates, "'Abhorrence' is a groove-filled song with a melodic chorus. Heavily syncopated drums make every chug hit harder and harder. It's a song filled with tension and aggressive vocal patterns screaming about anxiety, panic, and depression all at once."
Watch Cognitive's video for "Abhorrence" below.
Abhorrence will be released on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
- Crimson Void (US retail)
- Gilded Abyss (EU + US Metal Blade Webstore - Ltd. 400)
Dublin, Ireland-based Pagan metallers, Primordial, have unleashed a video for "Death Holy Death", the new single from their tenth studio album, How It Ends, out now via Metal Blade Records. Watch the clip below.
Says vocalist A.A. Nemtheanga: "'Death Holy Death' is a song about martyrdom, sacrifice and giving your life to a higher ideal, I found myself standing watching a religious procession in a small Italian walled medieval city, a movement which had not changed much in 500 years, the city walls draped in the same flags, the same saints, martyrs, knights, queens, kings and demons, weathered and decayed but still standing on the walls and ramparts. The local saint flayed alive in the town square for Heresy and remembered for her devotion half a millenia later. Sacrifice endures. The passion of Joan of Arc (1928) seemed to perfectly fit to the song....."
How It Ends is available in the following formats:
(Worldwide) - Digital
(US) - Jewelcase CD
(Worldwide) 2xLP in Gatefold, with insert and downloadcard
(EU) - 2xDigipak CD (6-panel digi w/ 12-page booklet) w/ 6-bonus tracks
(EU) 2xLP Special Edition in Gatefold, with insert and downloadcard in slipcase with tote bag, slipmat, double-sided poster (ltd. to 1000 copies)
"How It Ends"
"Ploughs To Rust, Swords To Dust"
"We Shall Not Serve"
"Traidisiúnta"
"Pilgrimage To The World's End"
"Nothing New Under The Sun"
"Call To Cernunnos"
"All Against All"
"Death Holy Death"
"Victory Has 1000 Fathers, Defeat Is An Orphan"
"How It Ends" video:
"Pilgrimage To The World's End" lyric video:
"Victory Has 1000 Fathers, Defeat Is An Orphan" video:
Primordial lineup:
A.A. Nemtheanga - vocals
Ciarán MacUilliam - guitar
Michael O'Floinn - guitar
Pól MacAmlaigh - bass
Simon O'Laoghaire - drums
Skumlove is excited to announce the release of their new video, "Ego". Watch the clip below.
The band has been a staple in the Los Angeles music scene since the late 90’s. Able to sell out their first handful of shows in Los Angeles, with an all-star lineup with members from Fear Factory, Sx-10, Skinny Puppy and Professional Murder Music to touring through the Midwest and Canada supporting such acts as StaticX, Danzig, Type O Negative, Combichrist and Ministry. Skumlove’s music embodies multiple genres covering rock, industrial, metal and post punk.
Once again, Skumlove has teamed up with Industrialism Films for the release of their official video for their latest song, "Ego". (Prior videos collaborated were for "The Dark" and reimagining of Judas Priest’s "Turbo Lover"). The genius eye of Vicente Cordero of Industrialism Films collaborating with singer Skum has created a story as old as time in this new video, showing the arrogance and the ego it takes to be a cult leader. A story about a devious cult leader taking advantage of his followers only to lead them to their demise. The video plays out with an avant-garde, noir feel not usually seen in current music videos.
The song itself was actually the first song Skumlove ever wrote in 1998 only making it to the demo stages and was played live a few times where a handful of copies reached the public. Fast-forward to 2023 where the band began to write again bringing the song a new life with producer and engineer Alex Crescioni adding a darker and creepier sound.
With the help of Maor Appelbaum the song was mastered to perfection. "The song took on a whole new life of its own, a fresh resurrection, if you will. We did what we did and let Alex interpret it in his own way, and it turned out better than we planned.”
Skumlove has released two full albums, Songs Of Lust And Corrosion, and Sinister Minister, along with multiple singles and EPs.
The band has come back very strong from a hiatus and in 2023 filled venues all through the West Coast and released multiple singles that have pushed the band to the next level.
Italian heavy rock 'n' roll band, Sonic Wolves, has signed with Argonauta Records to release their third full-length album, titled III. A music video for the first single, "Dead To The World", can be viewed below.
Sonic Wolves was formed in 2012 by drummer Vita (formerly of Ufomammut and currently in Rogue State) and bassist and singer Kayt Vigil (formerly of Pentagram, The Hounds of Hasselvander…Of The Horizon, Syzslak, Hatchetface, ZED, etc., also currently in Rogue State). In the summer of 2022 the band started a collaboration with Nico Nigro (ex Mortuary Drape, Eroded and currently in Suicide Force) on guitar.
Sonic Wolves is based in Alessandria, Italy and was formed in 2012, under the name Tsutar. The band released their first album Before The End Comes in 2016, followed in 2018 by the second full length Sonic Wolves. In 2016 and 2017, two 7” singles were also released - "He Said" and "He Said" tour ed. In spring 2022 a 12” EP It’s All A Game To Me was released, it contains two original songs in tribute to Lemmy and Cliff Burton.
In March 2024, the album III was been released via Argonauta Records.
Tracklisting:
"Shapeshifter"
"O.B.E."
"Dead To The World"
"Dark Recollection"
"Heavy Lies The Crown"
"The Ten Doors"
"Won't Be Their Fool"
"Gotta Do It Right"
Brace yourselves as Siriun, the powerhouse of Brazilian metal, prepares to plunge listeners into the kaleidoscopic heart of the tempest with their new album, Psychonaut. With a fusion of death, thrash, and progressive metal influences, this release promises to be a relentless journey through the depths of imagination and experimentation.
Emerging from the vibrant metal scene of Rio de Janeiro, Siriun has long been revered for their unique blend of extreme and progressive metal. Following the success of their debut album, In Chaos We Trust, the band returns with Psychonaut, a sonic odyssey that pushes the boundaries of their craft to new heights. Watch a video for the title track, below:
Led by guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Alexandre Castellan, Siriun has cultivated a reputation for weaving intricate melodies and evocative lyrics into cyclones of musical intensity. With the addition of guitarist Djavan Fernandes and bassist Marcos Medeiros, alongside longtime band member drummer Braulio Drumond, the band embarks on a new chapter of exploration and innovation.
Psychonaut is more than just an album; it is a concept-driven journey that delves into the depths of the human psyche. Drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as Carl Jung, Carlos Castaneda, shamanism, alchemy, Buddhism, and Taoism, the album offers a non-linear exploration of the protagonist's intimate alchemical journey.
Mastered by renowned producer Mark Lewis (Megadeth, Trivium, DevilDriver), Psychonaut represents a culmination of Siriun's evolution as musicians and storytellers. With its unpredictable and innovative production, the album immerses listeners in a world of brutal confrontation and blistering intensity, leaving them captivated from start to finish.
In a world fraught with tempestuousness, Psychonaut stands as a beacon of enlivening spirit and explosive craft. Join Siriun on this exhilarating sonic adventure and dare to explore the depths of your own imagination.
Tracklisting:
"Deep Water Flow"
"Psychonaut"
"Another Reality"
"Encoded Inception"
"Final Hour"
"Kailash"
"Primal"
"Into The Pillars of Existence (Axis Mundi)"
"The Trial"
"Expanded Optics"
"Igneous"
"Zenith"
Outro - "Ascension"
It was recently announced that Birmingham, England's Becky Baldwin is Mercyful Fate's new bassist, replacing Joey Vera (Armored Saint) in the band lineup.
Today, Baldwin - who toured North America with Mercyful Fate in late 2022 - has shared a bass playthrough video for "Curse Of The Pharaohs".
Says Becky: "What's not to love about this one? An iconic early Mercyful Fate track that inspired a new generation of metalheads all over the world. I think of the band as less experimental in the structuring of their songs at this time, but they came up with a lot of great riffs and already had a natural feel for how to put a killer song together. This one is hypnotic and really fun to play along to!"
Baldwin previously issued a bass playthrough video for "A Corpse Without Soul", which can be viewed below:
In an interview with That Metal Interview Podcast, Baldwin talked about her experience touring with Mercyful Fate in 2022, and her feelings now that she's a full-time member. She also gives us an update on her band Fury, and their future plans and recordings.
On when we can expect new music from Mercyful Fate, Becky reveals: "My guess is gonna be toward 2025, maybe towards the end of 2025. But it depends how it all goes, 'cause King is working on a King Diamond album first, so we've got a little bit of time there. And they'll have to tour that as well, give it the full world tour treatment and everything. But there is something in the works. I've listened to (Mercyful Fate guitarist) Hank (Shermann)'s demos. He sent me, I think about nine songs, a couple of weeks ago and I've been listening through those. So it's on the way. It's all just been in the works for kind of a while, and now things are just starting to fall into place."
Immerse yourself in the abyss of black metal with Abbath's full set at the prestigious Bloodstock Open Air Metal Festival 2023.
Witness history as on August 12, the Norwegian black metal titans, led by the formidable Abbath Doom Occulta, took command of the Ronnie James Dio main stage. This performance was not just a show; it was a ritual of metal might, echoing the depths of the genre's core.
Abbath, celebrated for their monumental riffs, haunting atmospheric melodies, and the unparalleled charisma of Abbath himself, traversed through their extensive discography. They brought to life anthems from their critically acclaimed self-titled debut and subsequent masterpieces, captivating the audience with every note.
This full set captures the essence of Abbath's legacy and the unbreakable bond with their fans. Revel in the spectacle of darkness, energy, and raw metal power.
This summer, Abbath and his band will revisit the past and pay tribute to the legacy by performing a carefully selected set of old fan favorites and iconic metal anthems he co-wrote and recorded in the period 1992 - 2009. Return To The Raven Realms Tour will be framed by the most spectacular stage show Abbath ever has undertaken in his nearly 40-year long career.
Abbath states: “I can’t wait to get back on stage this summer to perform some old favorites that I haven’t played for a long, long time. Mark my words – It’s going to be loud and epic!”
Return To The Raven Realms Summer Tour 2024 dates:
June
20 - Utrecht, Netherlands - Tivoli Ronda
22 - Dessel, Belgium - Graspop
23 - London, UK - Electric Ballroom
24 - Glasgow, Scotland - SWG3 Galvanisers
25 - Dublin, Ireland - Academy
28 - Oslo, Norway - Tons of Rock
July
7 - Barcelona, Spain - Barcelona Rockfest
31 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
August
1 - Vienna, Austra – Arena Wien
2 - Rasnov, Romania - Rockstadt Extreme Fest
3 - Belgrade, Serbia - Dorcol Platz
5 - Lignano, Italy - Arena Alpe
6 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
7 - Jaromer, Czech Republic - Brutal Assault
8 - Schlotheim, Germany - Party San Open Air
10 - Helsinki, Finland - HELLsinki
Abbath previously announced the Dread Reaver North America 2024 tour, with Imperial Triumphant, Black Anvil, and Final Gasp.
Says Abbath: "Abbath is back! After the unfortunate cancellation of our 2020 run we are eager to announce our return in May.
Tour dates:
May
9 - Quebec City, QC - Theatre Capitole
10 - Montreal, QC - La Tulipe
11 - Kitchener, ON - The Hub
12 - Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theatre
14 - Detroit, MI - The Majestic Theatre
16 - Saint Paul, MN - Amsterdam Bar & Hall
17 - Bloomington, IL - Castle Theatre
18 - Munster, IN - Dark Lord Day *
19 - Cleveland, OH - TempleLive at Cleveland Masonic
20 - Indianapolis, IN - Deluxe at Old National Centre
22 - Buffalo, NY - Buffalo Iron Works
23 - Cambridge, MA - The Sinclair
24 - New Haven, CT - Toad's Place
25 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre
26 - Baltimore, MD - Maryland Deathfest *
Kortrijk, Belgian-based metal band, Dyscordia, will release their new album, The Road To Oblivion, on April 17. Today, the band share the video for the second single, "The Passenger". Watch below.
A message states: "The song illustrates the insignificance of humanity in all its facets. A main character nearing the end of his life questions the purpose of his existence at the moment he realizes he is losing touch with reality. A reality that gradually gives way to a form of mental confusion, a loss of clarity that manifests in being pursued by evil, depicted in the animation as a devilish character.
"In the video, you see that our main character is initially fleeing from reality, specifically the fear of the insignificance of his existence on this planet. The closer the evil gets, the more risks he takes to break free, putting himself and his loved ones in danger, until a fatal accident, whether intentional or not, occurs.
"The song starts with a brief introduction before launching powerfully into the first part of the chorus. It then transitions to the second verse, and after the first full chorus, music and visuals blend into a chilling chase scene. The two solo pieces lead us to the fatal accident, followed by the final chorus and a dramatic visual conclusion.
"It seemed like a great opportunity for us to show an animated video for a change, for which we enlisted the talented illustrator and animator Jimmy Hostens. A major advantage was that Jimmy resonates completely with our music, making it easy for him to immerse himself in our mindset. We are all thrilled with Jimmy's work and are confident that the song will be well received by the fans. We are eagerly looking forward to the release!"
Dyscordia consists of long-time metal veterans who were the driving force behind bands like Gwyllion, Double Diamond, Artrach, Anesthesy, Impedigon and Rhymes of Destruction. Their first EP, Reveries, was released in the fall of 2010 and - together with their strong live reputation - earned them support slots for bands like Primal Fear, ReVamp, Ensiferum, Alestorm and At Vance.
With the production of their first full-length album, Twin Symbiosis (March 2013), the band established a strong working relationship with producer Jens Bogren (Opeth, Paradise Lost, Katatonia) and mastering engineer Tony Lindgren at the Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden. The album was followed by a lot of extremely positive reviews and resulted in the band playing more and bigger stages. Shortly after the release, Dyscordia were very well received at PPM Fest, Dokk'em Open Air and Graspop Metal Meeting.
In 2015, the second full-length Words In Ruin was recorded with the same team that was responsible for the sound of Twin Symbiosis. The album was released in 2016 and the release show for the album quickly sold out. Strong performances at numerous festivals, including Alcatraz Metal Fest, followed. The band was also noticed on several international performances, including Summerbreeze Open Air in 2016.
In 2019, the band teamed up with Jens Bogren and Tony Lindgren once again to produce their third album. Delete / Rewrite combines everything that made the previous albums shine, but also takes the band to new horizons, resulting in their strongest work yet. In the words of Jens Bogren, it sounds "heavy as fuck". A support slot for the Doro 2020 European Tour was secured.
When Covid kicked in, these plans had to be cancelled. As another consequence of this difficult period, founding member and drummer Wouter Debonnet quit and was replaced by Chevy Mahieu in the latter days of 2022. The band had to look for another rehearsal room and eventually returned to their hometown Kortrijk. During 2023, the band took the time to get Chevy worked in. Quickly this resulted in the creation of new material.
After the success of Dyscordia’s first albums, the band went back in writing mode to prepare for the production of their fourth full-length album. Songs were recorded, polished, re-recorded and perfected with Dyscordia’s characteristic attention to detail, and a lot of time and effort was put into the writing and recording of the vocal lines, lyrics and harmonies. Yarne Heylen (Project Zero Recording studio – Carnation) mixed and mastered album.
Tracklisting:
"The Passenger"
"Hell"
"Oblivion"
"Interlude"
"Endgame"
"Toxic Rain"
"The Demon’s Bite"
"Infinite Fantasy"
The Venezuelan death metal band Mind In Lost, now based abroad, has released their new and second studio album Disrupted, available now on digital platforms and on CD and cassette on April 9th. Disrupted is accompanied by a new music video from the band, titled "Displaced To Oblivion".
Disrupted presents a notable evolution in sound and composition compared to the first album from Mind In Lost. Power and depth take center stage, with strident and fast rhythms, sharp guitars with unmistakable distortions, violent percussions and bass played with dense and enveloping harmonies. Aggressive vocals and abstract lyrics immerse the listener in erosive and hostile environments.
The album is a manifesto of desperation, a twisted vision of the world divided into eight tracks loaded with pure old school death metal. Each story narrates events and actions that lack control when mental stability is absent.
Tracklisting:
"Fall On Concrete"
"Enter The Swarm"
"Psychotic Resurgence"
"Neurodrome"
"Displaced To Oblivion"
"My Will"
"Ritual Of Silence"
"Sedation Abuse Delirium"
For further details, visit Mind In Lost on Facebook.
DISTURBED has shared video of the March 24 performance of the "Divisive" album track "Don't Tell Me", featuring a guest appearance by HALESTORM's Lzzy Hale, at Knotfest Australia in Brisbane, Australia. Check out the clip below.
DISTURBED played "Don't Tell Me" with Lzzy for the first time three days earlier at Knotfest Australia in Melbourne. A short time later, DISTURBED singer David Draiman shared a couple of backstage and onstage photos of him with Lzzy and he included the following message: "Thanks so much to @officiallzzyhale of @halestormrocks for absolutely nailing @annwilson 's part in #donttellme last night at @knotfestau".
In January, DISTURBED released the Matt Mahurin-directed music video for "Don't Tell Me". The song, an epic emotionally charged duet with HEART's Ann Wilson, marked the first time the band had included a guest feature on an LP.
Regarding how the collaboration with Wilson came about, DISTURBED drummer Mike Wengren told Terrie Carr of WDHA-FM 105.5 FM: "That was always supposed to be the 'power ballad,' per se. And as we were tracking it in the studio, David just threw out the idea, 'Hey, let's do a duet on this song.' We've tossed around the idea before, but there wasn't ever either the right material or the right time. So in this particular case, we kind of said, 'Well, who you've got in mind?' And he didn't even have a list; he just had one person, and that was Ann. It was a no-brainer. 'Hey, let's hit up Ann. Let's see if she'd be into it.' And she was on board right away; we didn't have to convince her."
Mike continued: "[David and Ann] sort of struck up a bit of a friendship, a little bit of a rapport. When [DISTURBED cover version of] 'The Sound Of Silence' came out years back and had its success, she was one of many artists and celebrities that took it up themselves to go on Twitter and praise the song and praise our version of it, which we couldn't have been more honored. Iconic, legendary Ann Wilson thinks that we did a great job with a SIMON & GARFUNKEL cover. That's pretty incredible, a pretty great honor. So when we reached out to her, she was more than willing to jump on board. And she came in and she killed it… And she's super cool and down to earth too, and just incredibly talented. It's such an honor to have her be on our record. And to me, the blending of her voice and David's voice, they really, really work so well together. I'm so proud of David and just so honored to have her a part of our record."
In September 2022, DISTURBED guitarist Dan Donegan, whose divorce inspired "Don't Tell Me", told Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station about the band's collaboration with Wilson: "Early in our career, we wanted to really establish ourselves without having any guests. We didn't really talk about it much, but just [felt], 'This is the band.' Not that we were ever against it, but this far along in our career… We're always pushing ourselves, trying to do stuff that's different musically. And there's so much talent out there and so many people we would love to do collaborations with now or later in our career.
"Ann Wilson had mentioned before — she tweeted about us before," he continued. "A few years back, somebody asked her in an interview or whatever if there's anything new out there, or newer, musically that she's heard that she's fan of, and she mentioned she really loved our version of 'The Sound Of Silence'. And that kind of opened the door to a social media friendship between her and David a bit. And then when we wrote this song, it just seemed like it would lend itself to Ann's voice and then trying to see that merge between her and David's voices together. She jumped on the opportunity. Immediately she responded, and we were, like, 'Holy shit. She just said yes to this.'"
Asked by Meltdown if "Don't Tell Me" is a more mellow track than the standard DISTURBED fare, Dan said: "I can't give it away, but their voices, it's like Fergie and Jesus — a little 'Step Brothers' [2008 movie] quote there… It was a pretty magical moment to be in the room and to hear the two of them harmonize together.
"We tracked David's vocals in Nashville, and we wanted to make it easy and convenient for her, 'cause we were, like, she said yes, she's gonna do it," Donegan continued. "Let's make it as easy as possible on her.' We flew out to California to meet with her. We went into a studio out there for just a couple of hours, and she sang against David's tracks. And he was there kind of going over the harmonies with her and stuff too. So it was kind of a really magical moment to see the two of them working on those harmonies together. It was pretty impressive. And she's such a pro, and she's so damn good. She's a legend. So it was pretty exciting. And it's not like she sits there and jumps on people's albums either, so we take that as a badge of honor to think that there's not many times where somebody as big a legend as she is that she would jump on any album. She doesn't have to, and she chose to be on this one. And she loves the track. And it just came together great."
Released in November 2022, "Divisive" was recorded earlier that year with producer Drew Fulk (MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, LIL PEEP, HIGHLY SUSPECT) in Nashville, Tennessee.
According to Billboard, "Divisive" sold 26,000 equivalent album units in its first week of release, with 22,000 units via album sales.
On the all-format Billboard 200 chart, "Divisive" debuted at No. 13.
DISTURBED has had five No. 1s on the all-genre chart, beginning with "Believe" in 2002.
Video of ELEGANT WEAPONS performing the songs "Bitter Pill" and "Horns For A Halo" live at Sweetwater Studios can be seen below.
ELEGANT WEAPONS features JUDAS PRIEST's Richie Faulkner on guitar and Ronnie Romero (RAINBOW, MSG) on vocals, alongside Dave Rimmer (URIAH HEEP) on bass and Christopher Williams (ACCEPT) on drums.
ELEGANT WEAPONS' debut album, "Horns For A Halo", was released on May 26, 2023 via Nuclear Blast. The LP was recorded with bassist Rex Brown (PANTERA, DOWN) and drummer Scott Travis (JUDAS PRIEST) and was helmed by acclaimed British producer Andy Sneap, who has previously worked with JUDAS PRIEST, ACCEPT, EXODUS and MEGADETH, among many others.
In a recent interview with Jorge Botas of Portugal's Metal Global, Faulkner spoke about a possible second album from ELEGANT WEAPONS. He said: "We've already started. We've recorded drums for the second record. We got together in March, I think, of [2023]; I think it was March — I'm not sure. We got together in the studio and played together to record the drums, get the drums recorded. So it's been started."
Asked if the second ELEGANT WEAPONS LP will arrive in 2024 or 2025, Richie said: "I don't know. Maybe [in 2024]. Back in the day, bands used to release a record every year, sometimes two in a year. I know we don't do things under the same cycle anymore. But the ideas are there for the songs. We all were together, and we thought why not get at least the drums going. We got the drums and we got the guitars, and stuff like that, so why not start the process?
"It was important for me, really, when I started the band… It was a band that it wasn't just a one-record type thing," Faulkner explained. "It was a band that plays live and records — hopefully — multiple records and grows and evolves together moving into the future. So the next record is just a part of that sort of process, really."
Richie went on to say that he plans on focusing on ELEGANT WEAPONS full-time once PRIEST has officially called it a day.
"PRIEST music is gonna be around a lot longer than we are," he said. "It's legendary music. They're genre-defining musicians and it's a genre-defining band. It will be around for a long time. But none of us gets out of this alive. That's just the reality of it. So if one day that call comes in and that's the last tour or the last album, whatever it is… I mean, I joined the band on what was the farewell tour. Luckily it wasn't, and we're still here 12 years later. [It's] fantastic. But at the time, I think I would have been silly not to consider what I was gonna do after the band, because of the circumstances of the tour. It was a farewell tour — it was [supposed to be] the last tour — so what am I gonna do after? So it's always been in the back of my mind. And this is a band that seems natural to me to continue with if that call ever came in."
ELEGANT WEAPONS played a number of shows in Europe in June and July 2023, including performances with PANTERA, festival appearances and headlining gigs.
ELEGANT WEAPONS made its first two festival appearances on June 16, 2023 at Hellfest in Clisson, France and on June 18, 2023 at Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel, Belgium.
The clips below feature German metal legends, Helloween, performed at the Tokyo Budokan on September 16th, 2023 . The live footage below is taken from a WOWOW network livestream couŕtesy of antere5.
Setlist:
"Skyfall"
"Eagle Fly Free"
"Mass Pollution"
"Future World"
"Power"
"Save Us"
"Walls of Jericho"
"Metal Invaders / Victim of Fate / Gorgar / Ride the Sky"
"Heavy Metal (Is the Law)"
"Forever and One (Neverland)"
- guitar solo - (Sascha Gerstner)
"Best Time"
"Dr. Stein"
"How Many Tears"
Encore:
"Perfect Gentleman"
"Keeper of the Seven Keys"
Encore 2:
- drum solo - (Dani Löble)
"I Want Out"
Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) announces the signing of legendary power metal institution, Helloween, for their upcoming studio album. Since their formation in 1984 and the spectacular reunion in 2017, Helloween are undoubtedly one of the world's outstanding representatives of the genre.
RPM comments on the signing: "It is a true milestone for Reigning Phoenix Music to welcome Helloween to our family of artists. Helloween are not just a band, they epitomize the energy and passion of power metal. Their music has inspired generations, and we are proud to collaborate in order to reach new heights."
Helloween themselves are equally enthusiastic about the new partnership: "Sven Bogner and his team have convinced us with their ideas and enthusiasm. They live and love metal, and this is what connects us - we look forward to be working with them!," explains singer Andi Deris.
The combination of Helloween and Reigning Phoenix Music promises a powerful synergy between one of the world's most influential power metal bands and a label that is passionate about promoting up-and-coming talents as well as established artists. Fans can look forward to thrilling musical experiences and innovative projects. Specifically, Helloween will start working on new material from the summer and are planning to release a new studio album in 2025.
Helloween are:
Michael Kiske - vocals
Andi Deris - vocals
Kai Hansen - guitars, vocals
Michael Weikath - guitars
Sascha Gerstner - guitars
Markus Grosskopf - bass
Daniel Löble - drums
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