BREAKING BENJAMIN guitarist Keith Wallen will release his new solo album, "Infinity Now", on May 3 via Rise Records. The official music video for the new single from "Infinity Now", a song called "Headspace Holiday", can be seen below.
"Life can stress you out and there's a lot of bad news on the TV more often than not, so 'Headspace Holiday' is about just that, the need for a mental escape from all of life's noise," Wallen shares about the song's inspiration.
As for the video, he states: "It can be a challenge to find the right visual representation for your music sometimes, but we were able to get some cool performance and artsy silhouette shots. The director Jake Johnson was awesome to work with and I really like how it turned out. Plus, there was a Trans Am in it so that was cool!"
Last month, Wallen served as the support act on an acoustic tour with his main band BREAKING BENJAMIN.
Wallen is a prolific songwriter responsible for soaring melodies and hypnotic hooks heard across modern rock radio. The West Virginia-born troubadour uses his solo work as a vehicle to explore his multifaceted passions, moving seamlessly from the smart pop of '80s favorites like THE POLICE and DEPECHE MODE to the big moody riffs of '90s grunge heroes like ALICE IN CHAINS, SOUNDGARDEN and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS.
His co-writing collaborations include compositions with SAINT ASONIA, FUEL, WE CAME AS ROMANS, RED, DOROTHY and KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch's LOVE AND DEATH. Wallen bares his soul as a solo artist with earnest resolve, powering his honest anthems with commanding vocals.
A former member of ADELITAS WAY, Keith was among his first calls when Benjamin Burnley decided to reform and reconfigure his band. "Dark Before Dawn", BREAKING BENJAMIN's powerhouse comeback, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. "Ember" followed in 2018.
Keith's self-produced acoustic and piano-driven "Allies" EP arrived in 2014. His debut solo album, 2021's "This World Or The Next", featured "Dream Away", a song streamed 1.4 million times on Spotify alone. His second solo album, "Infinity Now", includes production and co-writing contributions from Kevin Thrasher (RIVALS, JELLY ROLL) and work with Dan Braunstein (SPIRITBOX, DAYSEEKER) and Andrew Baylis (SLEEPING WITH SIRENS, JELLY ROLL, BRANTLEY GILBERT).
As guitarist for BREAKING BENJAMIN, a solo artist or songwriting collaborator, the common threads through Wallen's work are honesty, authenticity, and heartfelt spirit.
"Infinity Now" track listing:
01. Infinity
02. Strings
03. Headspace Holiday
04. The Wolf
05. Don't Fall Asleep
06. Nemesis
07. Blackout
08. Crown Of Thorns
09. Crush Me
10. Dear Father
King Zebra will release their new album, Between The Shadows, on April 12. The band hailing from the picturesque city of Zurich, Switzerland, emerges as the new face of rock in a harmonious fusion of youthful exuberance and veteran wisdom.
Their lead single and video, "Dina", is out today and offers a tantalizing glimpse into the energy and creativity that defines the album. Watch below.
Between The Shadows promises to be a thrilling exploration of sound and emotion, encapsulating the essence of King Zebra's distinctive musical prowess. Pre-order the album here.
King Zebra burst into the music scene with their 2019 EP, a sonic voyage marked by the standout track "Firewalker," amassing over 2 million streams and firmly establishing the band in the hearts of rock enthusiasts globally. Their presence soared as they graced renowned festivals like Rock the Ring and Rock of Ages, sharing stages with iconic acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Uriah Heep, and Rose Tattoo.
In 2020, King Zebra embarked on a transformative journey to Crehate Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden, to craft their sophomore album, Survivors, under the skilled guidance of producer Oscar Nilsson. The collaboration with ex-Thundermother singer Guernica Mancini on "Wall Of Confusion" elevated their sound, resonating with fans and critics alike. The album found a home with Golden Robot Records, paving the way for extensive touring throughout Europe, sharing stages with notable acts like Crash Diet.
Now, signed to Frontiers Records, King Zebra is poised to deliver their next sonic masterpiece, Between The Shadows, meticulously produced once again by Oscar Nilsson. This highly anticipated album promises a musical journey three years in the making.
Between The Shadows is set to showcase the culmination of dedication, passion, and attention to detail that defines King Zebra's distinctive sound, characterized by former China vocalist Eric St. Michaels. As the band fills their schedule with live dates, the world eagerly anticipates the release of this new chapter in King Zebra's musical legacy.
Tracklisting:
"Starlight"
"Children Of The Night"
"Wicked"
"Dina"
"Love Lies"
"Cyanide"
"With You Forever"
"Love Me Tonight"
"Out In The Wild"
"Restless Revolution"
This Friday, February 9, tAKiDA, one of Sweden’s largest and most successful rock bands, will finally reveal their massive ninth studio album and Napalm Records debut, The agony flame. In anticipation of the upcoming release, the quintet have unveiled their fourth single, “On the line”. The track presents fast-paced melody and intense vocals - building a highly-infectious hymn alongside its official music video.
tAKiDA on The agony flame: “The agony flame is our ‘now or never’-album and you’re free to interpret that however you want. Hope you’ll like it.”
The agony flame will be available in the following formats:
1LP Gatefold marbled orange red Die Hard Edition (Cotton Bag + Slipmat + Record Butler)
1LP Gatefold solid red
1CD Digisleeve + Shirt Bundle
1CD Digisleeve
1LP Gatefold black
Digital Album
Pre-orders available at the Napalm Records webstore.
Tracklisting:
“Third strike”
“The other side”
“Sacred spell”
“In time”
“Your blood awaits you”
“Nothing but a misplace”
“The loneliest hour”
“Sickening”
“Isolated (smoke & mirrors)”
“On the line”
“Second fiddle”
Serbian heavy / speed / thrash act Jenner released their second album, Prove Them Wrong, on January 24 on CD, vinyl, cassette, and digital formats via Fighter Records. Fourth single and video for “Not Even You” is streaming below:
Prove Them Wrong artwork and tracklisting:
"No Time For Prayer"
"Prove Them Wrong"
"Born For Something More"
"Down In The Pit"
"Not Even You"
"Eye For an Eye"
"I Saw It All Clear"
"Never Say Die"
"Laws Of The Weak"
French black metallers Benighted will release their new album Ekbom on April 12 via Season Of Mist. First single and video “Scars” is streaming below.
The band states about Ekbom:
“Welcome our new schizophrenic baby Ekbom and take a trip into the depths of psychosis with hallucinations of insects and worms… A beautiful story born from the mind of our vocalist Julien inspired by his work as a nurse in psychiatry. Recorded at the famous Kohlekeller Studios in Germany, this album bleeds with darkness and brutality, destroys every limit of what we have done before…”
Ekbom also features two guest vocalists, Oli of the death-tech masters Archspire and Xavier of the grindcore legends Blockheads.
“Prodrome”
“Scars”
“Morgue”
“Le Vice des Entrailles”
“Nothing Left To Fear”
“Ekborn”
“Metastasis”
“A Reason For Treason”
“Fame Of The Grotesque”
“Scapegoat”
“Flesh Against Flesh”
“Mother Earth, Mother Whore”
“Scars” video:
Lineup:
Julien Truchan - Vocals
Emmanuel Dalle - Guitars
Pierre Arnoux - Bass
Kevin Paradis - Drums
Israeli gothic doom metal band Tomorrow's Rain announces their second album, Ovdan, will be released on April 19 with AOP Records. The album features guest collaborators from Mayhem, Sol Invictus, Dark Funeral, Mercyful Fate and Sisters of Mercy to name a few.
Commenting on the impending record, the band states:
"We are excited to announce our upcoming second full length album Ovdan to be released via A.O.P Records in April. Ovdan means Loss, the album was written and recorded during a dark period in our lives and the creative process was in fact our cure to get back to life after several traumatic events we faced, musically we pushed the boundaries and yet kept the vision started in our debut album Hollow (2020). We hope that Ovdan will light a candle at the edge of the tunnel for you as it did to us."
First single and video for “Sunrise” is streaming.
"Ovdan means loss, and ‘Sunrise’ is a song for hope in an hour of need, a kind of personal prayer for a better future, writing and recording this album was a healing process for us from many tragic events we been through, ‘Sunrise’ is the candle at the edge of the tunnel, a kind of force to keep us going along the road."
The band's sophomore album Ovdan, which is Hebrew for "Loss," marks the return of vocalist Yishai Swartz who suffered a near fatal heart attack and open heart surgery in early 2023. After nearly losing everything, Swartz and crew have emerged with resilient spirit and creative force on their most dynamic and ambitious record yet.
“Roads” (feat. Dark Funeral’s Andreas Vingback and Sol Invictus’ Tony Wakeford)
“Sunrise”
“Muaka” (feat. Mayhem’s Attila Csihar)
“Room 124”
“I Skuggornas Grav” (feat. Mickael Broberg of Unanimated and Anja Huwe of Xmal Deutschland)
“Burning Times” (feat. Depressive Age’s Jan Lubitzki)
“Turn Around” (feat. Mercyful Fate’s Michael Denner)
“Convalescence”
“Rainbow”
“Intensive C. U.”
“Turn Around” Gothic Rock Version (feat. Michael Denner of Mercyful Fate/King Diamond and Ben Christo of Sisters Of Mercy)
Greta Van Fleet have released the new video below, featuring a performance of the Starcatcher album track, "The Falling Sky", live from RCA Studio A.
Watch “Meeting The Master” from the same performance:
Greta Van Fleet recently announced the extension of their Starcatcher World Tour with the addition of 12 new dates throughout the US this year. The 2024 leg, produced by Live Nation, kicks off on Saturday, April 27 in St. Louis, with stops in Kansas City, Austin, Pittsburgh and Milwaukee (full dates below).Tickets are on sale now.
Dates:
April
27 - St. Louis, MO - Chaifetz Arena#
29 - Lincoln, NE - Pinnacle Bank Arena#
May
1 - Rogers, AR - Walmart Amp#
2 - Kansas City, MO - T-Mobile Center#
6 - Austin, TX - Moody Center#
8 - Huntsville, AL - Orion Amphitheater#
12 - North Charleston, SC - North Charleston Coliseum#
14 - Duluth, GA - Gas South Arena#
16 - Louisville, KY - KFC Yum! Center#
18 - Pittsburgh, PA - PPG Paints Arena#
19 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena#
21 - Milwaukee, WI - Fiserv Forum#
Wade Black’s Astronomica have released the video for the second single from their upcoming The Awakening album. Watch the clip for “Destiny” below.
The band comments on the song: “Everyone creates their own destiny. As we travel through the wastelands of life, we come upon many people. Some stay and share your life with you while others fade away in the distance and are forgotten. Taking care of yourself first is key, then all will fall into place. You can think of the chorus as a love song, but I think the song is about a higher power that gives you the faith and the strength to conquer evil.”
For three decades, Wade Black has triumphed and stayed metal recording and touring internationally in bands such as Crimson Glory, Leatherwolf, Seven Witches, Leash Law, and Chalice of Sin. Neither a stranger to change nor afraid of being a catalyst for it, Wade is announcing both changes and some very enticing teasers of things to come in 2024.
Born out of over a decade of writing, recording and touring together: After working closely for over a decade, Wade and guitarist Rich Marks have developed a song writing style that is out of this world and the reason, they chose the name Astronomica. They believe it’s the best way to describe their sound.
Looking to the Future: They are looking forward to bringing music that captures the heart, mind and imagination of their fans, taking them on a journey to far off places and inspiring them to be their best!
The Awakening will be released on March 8th as Digipack CD, Curacao transparent vinyl limited to 300 copies worldwide, and digital streaming/download format. Pre-order here, pre-save here.
Tracklist:
"Deceiver"
"Protectors of the Realm"
"Destiny"
"Monsters"
"Hellwalker"
"Darkness Falls"
"Fate or Faith"
"Chasing After"
"Letter From Hell"
"Sirens"
"Darkness Falls" video:
Lineup:
Wade Black - Vocals
Rich Marks - Guitars, Bass and Additional Keyboards
Patrick Johansson - Drums
James Fox - Rhythm Guitars, Additional Guitars and Keyboards
Touring lineup:
Wade Black - Vocals
Rich Marks - Lead Guitars
Ryan Bales - Rhythm Guitars
Kyle Sokol - Bass
Luca Caracciolo - Drums
Nuclear Blast Records are proud to announce the signing of Leeds, UK-based alternative rock band, Higher Power. The quintet were birthed from the effervescent UK hardcore scene, and through blending elements of shoegaze, grunge, punk, thrash and more have managed to establish themselves as a wholly unique prospect in the world of modern heavy music.
To commemorate their signing to the label, the band have released a brilliantly tongue-in-cheek video for their new single, "Absolute Bloom". The track is a vibrant, hook-laden anthem that sees their penchant for 90's alternative music take the fore.
On "Absolute Bloom", vocalist Jimmy Wizard comments, "I’m super excited to release this song. It’s really personal to me in this transitional period of my life, about wanting a deeper more meaningful connection to the real world and not quite being equipped to do so, but finding hope and figuring it out. The music reflects that with a song that's so big and upbeat.”
Stream the single here, and watch the video below:
Higher Power are currently on tour across the US supporting Neck Deep. Catch the band live at one of the remaining dates for your first opportunity to hear "Absolute Bloom" live. The band also have appearances planned at both Northern Unfest and Outbreak Festival this year. All dates and remaining tickets can be found here.
Billy Idol Rewind: A Twitch Livestream Event was held in July 2023, and today, Idol shares the official video for "Hot In The City" from the session. Watch below:
Check out "Come On, Come On" and "Eyes Without A Face" from the livestream:
MVD Entertainment released Billy Idol - State Line: Live At The Hoover Dam, on Blu-ray and DVD back in December.
Kicking off his sell-out 2023 North American spring and summer tour, Billy Idol’s once in a lifetime performance, which illuminated the surrounding Black Canyon of the Colorado River and the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, features a career-spanning run of chart-topping hits, including “Dancing With Myself,” “Eyes Without A Face,” “Rebel Yell” and “White Wedding”.
Billy Idol – State Line: Live At The Hoover Dam highlights the history and significance of Hoover Dam and includes performances from two unique sets of Billy Idol’s iconic hits: a full band concert at sunset with special guests that electrified and illuminated the surrounding Black Canyon, and an acoustic duo set (with guitarist/collaborator of over 40 years, Steve Stevens) on the roof of the powerhouse at the foot of Hoover Dam straddling the Colorado River, directly on the Nevada/Arizona state line.
One of the most recognizable faces and voices of rock 'n' roll, with over 40 million albums sold and numerous platinum albums worldwide, the hell-raising rock star is joined on stage by his longtime band and special guest stars, including The Kills' Alison Mosshart, former Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, and No Doubt bassist Tony Kanal.
The Blu-ray and DVD are loaded with bonus features, including an exclusive Q&A: Steve Stevens, Acoustic Dam performance: “To Be A Lover,” “Eyes Without A Face,” and “Rebel Yell,” and a 6-panel concert booklet.
Legendary rock guitarist, Steve Hackett, will release his new studio album, The Circus And The Nightwhale, on February 16 via InsideOut Music. A rite-of-passage concept album with a young character called Travla at the centre of it, The Circus And The Nightwhales’ 13 tracks have an autobiographical angle for the musician who says about his 30th solo release: “I love this album. It says the things I’ve been wanting to say for a very long time.”
Today, Hackett shares the track "Circo Inferno", and you can watch a visualizer for the song below.
Steve said of the track: "'Circo Inferno' is the most frenzied point in this album’s narrative… A plea for rescue within the maelstrom of a Dantesque circus, involving swirling Phrygian runs, insistent sax, full on vocals and blistering guitar…”
The Circus And The Nightwhale is Steve’s first new music in over two years. It follows the beautiful acoustic LP Under A Mediterranean Sky from January 2021 - which rose to #2 in the UK Classical chart - and, in September of that year, his metallic masterpiece Surrender Of Silence, which hit the UK Top 40. His 2023 live album, Foxtrot At Fifty + Hackett Highlights: Live in Brighton, reached #2 in the Rock & Metal Chart. Steve’s new LP promises ballads, blues, blistering progressive rock… and healthy measures of theatre and fantasia.
Recorded between tours in 2022 and 2023 at Siren studio in the UK - with guest parts beamed in from Sweden, Austria, the US, Azerbaijan and Denmark, the lineup for The Circus And The Nightwhale includes some familiar faces alongside Steve on electric and acoustic guitars, 12-string, mandolin, harmonica, percussion, bass and vocals. Roger King (keyboards, programming and orchestral arrangements), Rob Townsend (sax), Jonas Reingold (bass), Nad Sylvan (vocals), Craig Blundell (drums) and Amanda Lehmann on vocals. Nick D’Virgilio and Hugo Degenhardt return as guests on the drumstool, engineer extraordinaire Benedict Fenner appears on keyboards and Malik Mansurov is back with the tar. Finally, Steve’s brother John Hackett is present once more on flute.
The new album is available to pre-order on several different formats, including a Limited CD+Blu-ray mediabook (including 5.1 Surround Sound & 24bit high resolution stereo mixes), Standard CD Jewelcase, Gatefold 180g Vinyl LP & as Digital Album. All feature the stunning cover painting by Denise Marsh. Pre-order here.
Tracklisting:
"People Of The Smoke"
"These Passing Clouds"
"Taking You Down"
"Found And Lost"
"Enter The Ring"
"Get Me Out!"
"Ghost Moon And Living Love"
"Circo Inferno"
"Breakout"
"All At Sea"
"Into The Nightwhale"
"Wherever You Are"
"White Dove"
"People Of The Smoke" video:
"Wherever You Are" video:
The Circus And The Nightwhale interview series:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Summing up The Circus And The Nightwhale, Steve says: “It’s a lovely journey that starts dirty, scratchy and smoky and becomes heavenly and divine. How can you resist it?”
Steve Hackett & band will tour the world extensively in 2024, including a brand new UK tour Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights & Solo, which will see him return to the legendary Royal Albert Hall. He will also return to North America early this year, with European shows booked in for the Summer. For the full list of dates, head here.
After charting #1 on the Official German Album Charts with their latest two records, Germany’s top-notch force Feuerschwanz is now celebrating the band’s 20th anniversary by releasing some of their greatest hits rearranged in English for the first time, beginning with “Highlander”. Originally released on their latest studio album, Fegefeuer (2023), Feuerschwanz now present an English language version of the heavy track as a part of their first ever release with English lyrics, Warriors, out April 19 via Napalm Records.
In addition to English versions of “Highlander” and nine other big Feuerschwanz hits, Warriors also features the brand-new song "The Unholy Grail" and a cover of the Assassin's Creed classic "Valhalla Calling" by Miracle Of Sound, as well as many epic guest appearances, including Chris Harms (Lord Of The Lost), Francesco Cavalieri (Wind Rose), Dominum, Orden Ogan and Patty Gurdy. Reigning in the German metal scene, Feuerschwanz played a nearly sold-out tour followed by premium and headline slots at main European summer festivals in 2023. Check out the official music video for “Highlander” below.
Feuerschwanz state: "’There can only be one!’ Immortal words from Immortal Men. Swords and epic tales with the sound of Queen. We pay tribute to our heroes from the world of fantasy and rock with the sound of roaring pipes and epic metal. Check out our rendition to the highlander and ask yourself: ‘Who wants to live forever?’“
Warriors looks back on a remarkable track record of tireless work and is further proof that Feuerschwanz not only welcome challenges with open arms, but actively seek them out. Newly recorded - and for the first time ever in English - songs like "Das Elfte Gebot” (“The Forgotten Commandment”), "Memento Mori", "Untot im Drachenboot" (“Death on the Dragonship”), "Bastard of Asgard" and "Fegefeuer" (“Purgatory”) take on a whole new character, but still sound familiar in Feuerschwanz style. With "The Unholy Grail", Feuerschwanz surprise their fans with a brand-new song and take them directly into a captivating world full of legends and heroic battles. The final track is a cover of the Assassin's Creed classic "Valhalla Calling” by Miracle Of Sound, which fits perfectly into the overall work and discography of Feuerschwanz. Warriors is a new milestone in Feuerschwanz's successful career, which only knows its way to the top!
Warriors will be available in the following formats:
- 1CD Jewelcase
- 1LP Gatefold Black Vinyl
- 1LP Gatefold Orange/Rot Marbled Vinyl – Napalm Records Webstore exclusive – strictly limited to 200 worldwide
- Music Cassette Red Transparent – Napalm Records Webstore exclusive – strictly limited to 100 worldwide
- 1CD Jewelcase + A Bottle of Mead (0,35l) Bundle – Napalm Records Webstore exclusive
- 1CD Jewelcase + A Bottle of Mead (0,35l) + Mug (0,5l) Bundle – Napalm Records Webstore exclusive
- Digital Album
"Highlander" (English Version)
"The Unholy Grail" (feat. Dominum, Orden Ogan)
"The Forgotten Commandment"
"Memento Mori" (English Version, feat. Lord of the Lost, Chris Harms)
"Death On The Dragonship"
"Wardwarf" (feat. Francesco Cavalieri of Wind Rose)
"Circlepit Of Hell"
"Song Of Ice And Fire" (feat. Patty Gurdy)
"Purgatory"
"Bastard Of Asgard"
"SGFRD Dragonslayer" (English Version)
"Valhalla Calling"
Founded in 2004, Feuerschwanz have evolved over the years from their roots in comedy medieval folk rock into a band to be taken seriously and are rightly regarded as one of the hottest acts on the scene. After they hit #1 in the Official German Album Charts for the first time with Memento Mori (2021), Germany's hottest band managed to repeat that great success with their latest studio album Fegefeuer (2023). With premium slots at numerous festivals, such as co-headline slots at the legendary Wacken and Summer Breeze Open Airs, as well as abroad, including at Masters Of Rock and on the 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise in the Caribbean, and an almost completely sold-out headlining tour, Feuerschwanz underlined their outstanding position all the more last year. Many dates of the upcoming big Fegefeuer headline tour in 2024 are already completely sold out.
November
27 - Eindhoven, Netherlands - Effenaar
28 - Haarlem, Netherlands - Patronaat
29 - Paris, France - Trabendo
December
3 - Milan, Italy - Live Club
6 - Vienna, Austria - Arena
Festivals:
May
10 - Rastede, Germany - MPS
11 - Bomal-Sur-Ourthe, Belgium - Durbuy Rock
June
1 - Fulda, Germany - Museumshof
2 - Pilsen, Czech Republic - Metalfest Open Air
14 - Nickelsdorf, Austria - Nove Rock
15 - Interlaken, Switzerland - Greenfield Festival
July
20 - Niedergörsdorf, Germany - Motorcycle Jamboree
August
2 - Wacken, Germany - Wacken Open Air
3 - Bückeburg, Germany - MPS
9 - Kortrijk, Belgium - Alcatraz Festival
16 - Dinkelsbühl, Germany - Summer Breeze
17 - Weil Am Rhein, Germany - MPS
31 - Halle (Saale), Germany - In Extremo „Weckt Die Toten“ Festival
September
7 - Luhmühlen, Germany - MPS
10-15 - Kiel, Germany - Full Metal Cruise
December
14 - Essen, Germany - Grugahalle – 20 Jahre Feuerschwanz
WHOM GODS DESTROY, the formidable group formed by keyboardist Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, SONS OF APOLLO, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION),guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (GUNS N' ROSES, SONS OF APOLLO) and vocalist Dino Jelusick (WHITESNAKE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA),along with the potent rhythm section of bassist Yas Nomura and drummer Bruno Valverde, will release its debut album, "Insanium", on March 15, 2024 worldwide via InsideOut Music.
The official music video for the LP's second single, "Over Again", directed and created by Wayne Joyner, can be seen below.
Thal commented on "Over Again": "This is the second song Derek and I began writing, at the time not knowing what the future would be, only that we were starting 'over again'. Soon after, Dino was with us, then Yas, Bruno and the song came to life. With this song and 'War…', our songwriting direction was falling into place — odd phrasing in verses, melodic choruses, strong lyrics, big unison music phrases, wacky solos, lots of energy throughout..."
Previously, WHOM GODS DESTROY released the first single and opening track off the upcoming album, "In The Name Of War", via a music video directed by Vicente Cordero of Industrialism Films and edited by Vojan Koceić of PILOTstudio.
Thal commented on "In The Name Of War" as follows: "Derek, Dino and I began writing this song in 2020. It was the first song we wrote together. This song captures a lot of what the band is about. It's a good example of what to expect from the album. The song gets pretty intense when the band kicks in, an unexpected contrast. The music tells the story alongside the lyrics — the Eastern scale melody in the chorus followed by the 'war drum' pattern, the bridge feeling like it's heading toward something, an urgency..."
The artwork for "Insanium" was created by Nello Dell'Omo and can be seen below.
"Insanium" track listing:
01. In The Name Of War (06:38)
02. Over Again (05:01)
03. The Decision (07:08)
04. Crawl (06:36)
05. Find My Way Back (05:46)
06. Crucifier (04:43)
07. Keeper Of The Gate (04:54)
08. Hypernova 158 (03:24)
09. Insanium (08:37)
Sherinian and Bumblefoot have built upon the creative link they developed as two of the key elements of supergroup SONS OF APOLLO and now set their sights on a new path with WHOM GODS DESTROY, who are getting ready to present the musical odyssey that is their debut opus, "Insanium", to be released in March 2024.
Bumblefoot explains how WHOM GODS DESTROY got started: "Derek and I began writing new music in 2020. Soon after, Dino joined, followed by Yas and Bruno. We'd share ideas, and each record parts, building and rebuilding songs, and by June '23 the album was finished. The songs all went through a lot of changes, developing...you can definitely hear what each person brings to the music – when it adds up, it's a mix of melody and intense heavy prog."
Working with powerhouse vocalist Dino Jelusick, as well as Yas Nomura and Bruno Valverde, they knew they were building something special, says Bumblefoot. "These guys are all just mind-blowing," he says. "I've known Dino for a few years. We did a collab song a few years ago... His voice is just magic. He's one of the greatest singers out there. Bruno and Yas are downright frightening; there's no limit to what they can do, WTF...! And all great guys to hang with."
Sherinian agrees: "All three of these musicians are super talented with great energy. I think Dino is the real deal. Ron and I knew that we could do something great with him."
Jelusick expresses his excitement as well: "What I love about this band is that it doesn't have any limits. It came together back in 2020 when we started talking about it. Yas and I started working separately not knowing we were both asked to do this. Bruno was the last piece of this puzzle and I'm glad the recommendation came from me. Love this lineup. Derek and Ron are wizards."
WHOM GODS DESTROY is (from left to right in photo from Greg Vorobiov):
Norway's trailblazing cosmic voyagers, Enslaved, released their latest avant-garde creation, Heimdal, one year ago. To celebrate the studio album's first year of existence, the band recently announced the Heimdal (Deluxe) digital album, due out on March 1 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Heimdal (Deluxe) will include the studio album in full, as well as bonus track "Gangandi", alternative versions of two album tracks "Congelia" and "Forest Dweller", both featuring sublime performances from renowned cellist Jo Quail, plus the entirety of The Otherworldly Big Band Experience - Enslaved's stunning 2022 streaming event featuring fellow psychedelic Norwegian prog band Shaman Elephant.
Today, Enslaved have released the alternative version of their track, "Forest Dweller", featuring internationally acclaimed composer and virtuoso cellist Jo Quail, alongside a beautiful visualizer video created by Costin Chioreanu.
Guitarist Ivar Bjørnson commented, "It is an absolute honour to have Jo Quail on these special versions of 'Forest Dweller' and 'Congelia'. We are all big fans of her unique work and style; I have personally had the pleasure of working with her for some time through By Norse Music (the label co-founded with Einar Selvik and our manager Simon Füllemann). When we had the chance to invite guest artists for the release show in Bergen of 'Heimdal' back in March 2023, Jo Quail was a given. She blew our (and the audience’s) collective minds with her powerful interpretation and performance on 'Forest Dweller' and 'Congelia' - to the degree that it simply could not be the end of the story. She has a take on her art that is one of a kind - impossible to categorise, haunting, emotive and atmospheric; we feel that this version of us joining forces underlines the artistic and musical kinship we feel being present between our two camps. So here we are; for the world to hear! Be sure to check out Jo’s releases while you are at it!!!"
Jo Quail added, "I’ve long been a fan of Enslaved, and I have huge admiration for the way their masterful compositions broaden and deepen with each release. When the band invited me to collaborate I had to re-read the email several times! I was honoured and humbled by this invitation from a band so greatly revered by so many of us all over the world, and I was tremendously excited by the chance to explore our sonic worlds together. Enslaved are the same people on and off stage, which is not always a given, and it’s something that, in my opinion, translates in their music and performance - the connection with their audience in concert draws us in deeply and it’s nothing short of inspiring. It was an absolute honour to be invited by Enslaved to perform Forest Dweller and Congelia with them in March 2023. I approached these two quite diverse tracks with immense respect, as both were already fully developed and everything sat perfectly and exactly where it needed to be, so any contribution from me needed to underpin or enhance the existing story arc rather than divert from it. Enslaved are musically very generous; they were wholly supportive of my suggestions for cello parts, and the result was a collaboration that I shall treasure for all time. I’m thrilled that this now has life beyond that one very special concert, and I hope you enjoy the result!"
Enslaved's latest studio album Heimdal (released March 2023) is both a departure and a communion with roots forged over three decades ago in the turbulent birth throes of Norway’s black metal scene. It's a record that points towards new beginnings, and a dawn that’s on the other side of the apex of the land. A psychedelic journey through arcane Norse folklore, connecting with one's ancient ancestors and our future selves.
The Otherworldly Big Band Experience was an Enslaved show like none other, their biggest, boldest project to date - a colossal, kaleidoscopic stage show featuring a stellar setlist covering their career, both past and present. Including some tracks never previously performed live.
Enslaved will be touring the UK and Europe in March. The 16-date run will take the band across 10 different countries, with support coming from British post-hardcore quartet Svalbard and US metallers Wayfarer. Tickets are on-sale now, here.
Tour dates:
March
6 - London, UK - Islington Assembly Hall
7 - Leeds, UK - Brudenell Social Club
8 - Manchester, UK - Club Academy
9 - Glasgow, UK - Slay
10 - Dublin, Ireland - Opium
12 - Helmond, Netherlands - Cacaofabriek
13 - Paris, France - La Machine
14 - Geneva, Switzerland - PTR/l'Usine
15 - Montpellier, France - Victoire 2
16 - Milan, Italy - Legend
18 - Prague, Czech Republic - Futurum
19 - Vienna, Austria - Szene
21 - Cologne, Germany - Club Volta
22 - Leipzig, Germany - Taubchenthal
23 - Berlin, Germany - Hole44
24 - Warsaw, Poland - Proxima
Enslaved have also been announced for some festivals in 2024:
July
31-August 3 - Beyond The Gates - Bergen, Norway
August
11 - Bloodstock Festival - Derby, UK
14-17 - Summer Breeze - Dinkelsbühl, Germany
November
16-17 - Mexico Metal Fest - Mexico City, Mexico
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil native modern progressive death metal band, Siriun, is pleased to introduce fans to their visually artistic side with their brand new music video for the track “Another Reality”, with heavy mid-paced headbanging song alongside surreal visionary landscapes and psychedelic effects edited by Shah Talifta (Jinjer).
“The song is a journey through other realities. The protagonist, at a certain point in his alchemical journey, enters the doors of the unknown and launches himself through dreamscapes, interacting with surreal life forms in visionary places” states guitarist/vocalist Alexandre Castellan.
In the clip below, courtesy of the Ken Tamplin Music Academy, vocalist Gabbi Gun teams up with powerhouse musicians Rudy Sarzo, Scott Van Zen, Ken Mary, and Gary Schutt for a cover of the Whitesnake classic, "Slow An' Easy".
Released in 1984, "Slow An' Easy" was co-written by David Coverdale and Micky Moody, who were the only two original band members remaining in Whitesnake. Moody left the band shortly after the release of the album, which finally gave the group a commercial breakthrough in the US.
Check out Gabbi's previous cover of Whitesnake's "Still Of The Night" below.
Junkyard Drive is more energetic than ever before. The new album, with the title Look At Me Now, presents a band with new energy and inspiration.
Since 2014, Junkyard Drive has been determined to be the band that provides the soundtrack to life in the fast lane with the audience as passengers. Every time! With three critically acclaimed albums, lots of concerts and tours in most of the world, they have tried more than most Danish rock bands. Now their fourth album is on the way, and the goal has changed.
On Look At Me Now, Junkyard Drive rolls out ten high-octane rock tracks, delivered with flair, precision and lots of energy. One is tempted to say renewed energy, because even though Junkyard Drive are largely recognizable on the ten tracks that will be released in April, it is in many ways a changed band that delivers them. A few changes in the lineup and a much-needed look inside the internal relationships have restored focus and renewed the joy of playing. Look At Me Now welcomes two new guitarists: Oliver Hartmann and Kristoffer Kristensen. Both come with experience from genres other than rock, and that brings new ideas to the table during the songwriting process.
“Since we released Electric Love in 2022, we have gone through a process that can be heard in the new tracks,” lead singer Kristian Johansen offers. “We are tired of rock music always being put in the booth with draft beer and festivity. We want to show that rock music can develop and that it can contain sensitivity and depth. That’s why we had to go inside ourselves, to write texts that were more honest and that have something more at heart. When you go into yourself, you also have to come face to face with your own weaknesses. It can be a hard, but also very learning process. We have experienced that it has also taken a toll on the band’s internal relationships as you go through topics that can be tough, but we are incredibly proud to have gone through the process, because the lyrics and sound we have created have more layers than we have previously performed.”
Look At Me Now was produced by Soren Andersen (Glenn Hughes, Thundermother) and will be released in LP (black and red vinyl editions, the latter being limited to 500 units) CD and digital formats on April 12th, 2024. Pre-orders are available at this location.
The first single from the album, "Tearaway", is out now and can be streamed here. The official video can be seen below.
Tracklisting:
"Somewhere To Hide"
"Shoot From The Hip"
"Tearaway"
"Black Wolf"
"Beauty Fool"
"Blood Red Sky"
"Saw You Hanging There"
"The Tide Is High"
"Pipe Down"
"Afterglow"
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