Icelandic retro rock trio, The Vintage Caravan, announce their first live album, The Monuments Tour (Live), to be released on October 13 via Napalm Records.
Bringing back vintage rock with progressive influences, The Vintage Caravan has proven more than capable of creating their own trademark sound, presenting guitar driven classics merged with blues and rock. Today, the band unveil the live single, “Can’t Get You Off My Mind”, taking the listener on a blistering ride through pounding drums, intense guitar solos and an undeniably catchy chorus.
Known as an energetic live band, The Vintage Caravan has convinced thousands of fans after countless high-voltage live performances at festivals such as Roadburn, Wacken and Hellfest, touring with Opeth, and most recently on their latest Latin American headline tour. The Vintage Caravan create nostalgic nuances to get lost in, and with their upcoming first live album, they’ve finally captured the magic of their live performances on record.
Watch the live video for “Can’t Get You Off My Mind” below and catch The Vintage Caravan live on the second leg of The Monuments Tour.
With 13 diverse tracks taken from all throughout their discography, these youngbloods from Reykjavik take their fans on a psychedelic journey of bewitching, guitar-driven classic and blues rock influences. Starting off with the opener of their latest studio album, "Whispers" clearly showcases the band’s musical progression without sacrificing their tried-and-true sonic trademark. “Crystallized'' convinces with light blues influences, encircling the listener in enchanting guitar lines and quickly rising to the full extent of its power while evoking anecdotes of retro nostalgia. “On The Run” lures with an acoustic intro building up a catchy melody in the chorus that drives itself deep into the listener's head. Tracks like “Psychedelic Mushroom Man”, taken from their self-titled debut album released in 2011, represent a stunning blueprint in The Vintage Caravan’s musical universe with unconventional, skillfully created melodies and Óskar’s gripping, tranquil vocal power. In contrast, bold drumming merges with fast-paced riffs, enveloping an impressive galloping vortex like on the top-notch rock piece “Cocaine Sally” from their second album, while “Expand Your Mind” takes the listener on a splendid journey. The Icelanders close The Monuments Tour with the soft plugging, atmospheric sound of “Clarity” symbolizing the crowning culmination that showcases the full scope of their capabilities - delivering refreshing 70’s-inspired rock with a modern twist.
The Monuments Tour (Live) will be available in the following formats:
"Whispers"
"Crystallized"
"Reflections"
"Innerverse"
"Forgotten"
"Can’t Get You Off My Mind"
"Psychedelic Mushroom Man"
"Cocaine Sally"
"Hell"
"Babylon"
"On The Run"
"Expand Your Mind"
"Clarity"
"Can’t Get You Off My Mind" live video:
Lineup:
Óskar Logi Ágústsson - Vocals, Guitar
Alexander Örn Númason - Bass
Stefán Ari Stefánsson - Drums, Percussion
MTVOID, the duo featuring TOOL's Justin Chancellor and SWEET NOISE/SERCE vocalist Peter Mohamed, will release its sophomore album, "Matter's Knot, Pt. 1", on November 10 via Lobal Orning.
"'Matter's Knot, Pt. 1' is our pan-dynamic tapestry of sound and thought, twisted together and pulled taut, a connection of ideas remotely fused between Los Angeles, California and Swarzędz, Poland," Chancellor explains.
News of the seven-song, independently produced album's forthcoming arrival comes with the release of "MaBeLu" and its Jimmy Hayward-directed video.
Mohamed shares the inspiration behind the track: "It all started with a child weeping. I heard it very early in between the notes, in between the noises. It was a fragile process that took me to all of those places that come crashing down, places that burn down to the ground leaving broken humans; lonely and sad children. It was at the time of the huge explosion in Beirut, and I was channeling my energy and trying to put myself in the mind of this child watching the catastrophe from under the ruins. The sound, the bass, the noises, and the beat all started to tell the story. Apocalypse Now… seeing the reality through the eye of cataclysm... I still believe we will get through this… we are falling off the cliff… Humanity needs that. This art drops right on the top of the wave that comes crashing and bringing the greatest transformation of our times. It's terrifying and fascinating at the same time. 'MaBeLu,' I love you. I believe in you, and I will see you on the other side. Be strong."
"Matter's Knot, Pt. 1" pre-orders are available now, with the album available on a trio of hyper limited-edition, 180g vinyl variants: glass bottle green, a Revolver-exclusive metallic swirl and standard black, as well as CD and digitally.
The album also includes contributions from friends of Chancellor and Mohamed: Aric Improta (NIGHT VERSES, ex-FEVER 333) on "Propagator", Isabel Munoz-Newsome of PUMAROSA on "Drop-Out", and Andy Morin (DEATH GRIPS),who contributed drums and production to "Scanner Void". Revolver described the early album preview as "a brief, two-and-a-half-minute low-rumbling tune that uses laser-like synths and sharp licks to form a dynamic journey through textural soundscapes and subconscious musings. DEATH GRIPS producer and guest musician Andy Morin adds depth with his drum and synth licks while Mohamed's gravelly voice warns, 'They are scanning your soul.'"
An unpredictable-yet-undeniable call-and-response between two lifelong musicians and friends powers MTVOID. As the vision of Peter Mohamed (vocals, production, programming) and Justin Chancellor (bass, guitar, production, vocals),the music thrives on an intense creative conversation between its founders. In one breath, future-facing beat-craft incites a warbling bass transmission only to underline an ominous vocal exorcism awash in glitchy distortion. Adrenaline swings in pendulous motion through grinding industrial soundscapes, inventive production architecture, metallic accents, and haunting poetic musings.
Not long after Justin joined TOOL, he met Peter backstage at a European festival on tour in the mid-1990s. At the time, Peter fronted seminal Polish alternative outfit SWEET NOISE, building a cult audience through a series of boundary breaking albums and immersive performances. Upon their introduction to one another, he and Justin instantly bonded over music, art and life in general. While Peter visited Los Angeles a few years later, the guys locked into a creative flow and recorded MTVOID's 2013 debut, "Nothing's Matter". Sung exclusively in Polish, it boasted a guest appearance from MASTODON guitarist Brent Hinds and mastering by the legendary Bob Ludwig, introducing an inimitable vision in the process. In the midst of the pandemic, they picked up where they left off. Co-producing, they collaborated remotely and gently expanded the sonic vision with Justin not only on bass, but also guitar and even on vocals for one track. Meanwhile, Peter delivers his provocative lyrics in Polish, English and Arabic.
Professionally filmed video of METALLICA performing the song "Dirty Window" on August 13 at Stade Olympique in Montreal, Quebec, Canada can be seen below.
METALLICA rescheduled last Sunday's (September 3) show in Arizona after frontman James Hetfield tested positive for COVID.
The concert, part of the band's two-year "M72" world tour, will now be held on Saturday, September 9.
The band previously cut Friday's (September 1) show at State Farm Stadium short by two songs as a result of Hetfield's "vocal issues".
As previously reported, METALLICA drew nearly 80,000 fans to the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on August 25 at the first of the band's two shows at the venue. It was the biggest crowd in the history of the SoCal stadium, which opened in September 2020. The San Francisco Bay Area-based metal legends drew a similarly sized capacity crowd on Sunday, August 27.
Fans purchased more than 156,000 tickets for the two-concert stand, which was part of METALLICA's "M72" world tour.
The "M72" tour features a bold new in-the-round stage design that relocates the famed METALLICA Snake Pit to center stage, allowing promoters to sell more tickets than usual. And since METALLICA's stage is hollow in the center, there is even more space available to accommodate fans.
According to Billboard, METALLICA's giant ring-shaped stage also includes eight towers of monitors and speakers, with each of the towers is anchored by a raised platform that doubles as VIP seating, with eight folding chairs decorated with the black-and-yellow color scheme of the band's new album, "72 Seasons".
Taylor Swift's recent six-night bow at SoFi was attended by 420,000 ticket-holders, with 70,000-plus in attendance each time.
The "M72" tour launched in late April in Amsterdam.
A portion of proceeds from the shows go to METALLICA's All Within My Hands foundation, which seeks to assist and enrich the lives of members of the communities who have supported the band and combat food insecurity; provides disaster relief; and bestows scholarships.
METALLICA's production travels in 87 trucks — 45 for the band and its setup, plus two groups of 21 each for the steel stage and towers. There are 130 people in the band's crew, plus 40 steelworkers, local hires and truck drivers.
METALLICA's manager Cliff Burnstein told Billboard that between 80% and 90% of fans at each concert are attending both shows.
METALLICA's two-night stand at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas last month was livestreamed to movie theaters across the globe. It marked METALLICA's first appearance in Texas since November 2021, when the band played before, during and after a Triad Combat event at Globe Life Field.
As they prepare for "The Hunt For Green October" tour, kicking off on Wednesday, October 11 in Oakland, California for their final Bay Area show of the year, LES CLAYPOOL'S FEARLESS FLYING FROG BRIGADE has unveiled a pro-shot video capturing their rendition of PINK FLOYD's "Pigs" live from the Mission Ballroom in Denver, Colorado.
After performing PINK FLOYD's entire "Animals" album during their summer tour — celebrating LES CLAYPOOL'S FEARLESS FLYING FROG BRIGADE's reunion after two decades — this upcoming tour presents the last opportunity for fans to witness their unique take on "Animals", performed in full each evening.
When the FROG BRIGADE returns to the road in October, they will be treating fans to a new, two-set show that delves deeper into their own remarkable catalog. Fans can look forward to a variety of FROG BRIGADE material that wasn't performed this summer, as the band explores new musical territories and treats fans to a two-set show filled with surprises. The fall tour comes as media around the country praise the band's reunion, with Glide Magazine writing "Despite the 20-year gap in their touring history, LES CLAYPOOL'S FROG BRIGADE is hitting the ground running." Buffalo.fm called the tour "spectacular," and Third Coast Review added, "When Les Claypool comes around, you need to heed the call."
The FROG BRIGADE is offering two VIP ticket options for "The Hunt For Green October" tour. The "Fearless Frogs Front Row VIP Package" includes a front row seat, an exclusive question-and-answer session with Claypool, a meet-and-greet photo opportunity, a signed tour poster, a VIP tour laminate, early venue entry, crowd-free merchandise shopping, and an onsite event host, available in select markets only. The "Flying Frogs VIP Package" offers either a premium reserved seat or a general admission ticket, with reserved seats located in rows 2-15 where available. This package also features similar benefits as the front row package, including the Q&A session, meet-and-greet, and other listed perks.
Formed by Claypool in the summer of 2000 during a short break from PRIMUS, the FEARLESS FLYING FROG BRIGADE made its debut appearance at the Mountain Aire festival before embarking on several celebrated U.S. tours. The band released two live albums in 2001, as well as a studio album "Purple Onion" in 2002. The return of the FEARLESS FLYING FROG BRIGADE follows a busy year for Claypool, who in addition to performing with BASTARD JAZZ on NYE and throughout winter 2022, traveled the country with PRIMUS for the band's wildly popular "A Tribute To Kings" tour. Last year also saw the release of PRIMUS's first new music in more than five years, the sprawling three-song "Conspiranoid" EP, which included the epic 11-minute opening track "Conspiranoia" and second single "Follow The Fool".
Claypool is one of the most unlikely success stories in entertainment history. His trademark voice, thumping bass lines and unique worldview have become the calling cards for a number of wildly successful and influential albums in the last two decades. But through his myriad of musical and creative projects, Claypool has also become a favorite of jam banders, funk connoisseurs and pretty much everything in between.
"Let's put it this way … I think, with PRIMUS and without, I've played every music festival in the last ten years, except Lilith Fair," he comments. "You could say I'm the guy who doesn't fit in anywhere, but a little bit everywhere."
Berkeley, California punk stalwarts RANCID have released the official music video for their new single "Live Forever". Over rapid-fire vocal chants and classic punk riffs, the black-and-white video captures unseen footage of RANCID during the band's massive European tour this past June, including headline shows and performances at Hellfest and beyond. The track is taken from RANCID's tenth studio album, "Tomorrow Never Comes", which came out on June 2 via Epitaph. The follow-up to 2017's "Trouble Maker" was produced by longtime collaborator, BAD RELIGION guitarist and Epitaph founder Brett Gurewitz.
At a whopping 850 million catalog streams to date, fans and critics alike seem to agree that RANCID's brand of high-impact, no-frills punk still flows abundantly in their blood, while easily translating to a modern audience. Now embarking on their tenth full-length effort, this is evident throughout "Tomorrow Never Comes". With its sixteen blistering tracks barely making the two-and-a-half-minute mark, the album boasts the same gritty, straight forward punk-with-a-purpose that the world just can't get enough of.
Throughout the last three decades, RANCID has remained fiercely independent, never losing their loyalty to their community or each other. Their music confronts political and social issues, while balancing personal tales of love, loss, and heartbreak with attitude. By carrying on the traditions and spirit of the original punk rock bands that came before, Rancid has become a legend and inspiration to punk bands that have come after.
VENDED, the band fronted by Griffin Taylor, the 20-year-old son of SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR singer Corey Taylor, has released the official music video for its latest single, "Am I The Only One". VENDED's lineup is completed by Simon Crahan (son of SLIPKNOT percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan) on drums, Connor Grodzicki on rhythm guitar, Jeremiah Pugh on bass and Cole Espeland on lead guitar.
In a recent interview with Andy Hall of the Des Moines, Iowa radio station Lazer 103.3, Corey spoke about Griffin's work with VENDED, saying: "I cannot tell you how proud I am of that boy. And, of course, being a typical Taylor, on one hand I'm super proud of him, but I still can't get him to clean anything, dude; he's just such a nightmare.
"The funny thing is you and I were talking the day after he was born. And I keep going back to that night, going, 'What's he gonna be? Who's he gonna be in life?' And now 20 years later, almost 21, and he is this crazy metal pirate, just like I was," Corey continued. "And I'm just, like, 'Oh, I failed as a father. What did I do?' I kept trying to push him to be anything other than what I do. And, yeah, dude, he's crushing.
"I've heard the new stuff that he just recorded with [producer] Chris Collier, and it is so good," Corey added. "VENDED, their new stuff is so rad. Not only Griffin, man, but Simon's [Crahan] drumming sounds incredible. All of the guys — Cole [Espeland] and Grod [Connor Grodzicki] sound great [on guitar]. The guitars have just gone above and beyond. J.J.'s [Jeremiah Pugh] crushing it on bass. I'm really, really proud of those guys, man. And then to be able to watch my boy get out there and just be himself and crush. It's so easy for him, and it just makes me angry. Because he's got all the great stuff that I never had when I was… He can wear anything. It's just criminal. I'm just, like, 'You don't know how good you've got it, kid. The carbs haven't caught you yet.'"
Last November, VENDED released the official music video for its previous single, "Overall".
A year earlier, VENDED dropped a duo of singles ("Asylum" and "Burn My Misery") ahead of its five-track debut EP, "What Is It / Kill It", which arrived at DSPs in November 2021. The collection was recorded with Griffin Landa of THE ACACIA STRAIN. The two singles bookended VENDED's first U.S. headline tour, after which the band went on to open the day's proceedings at the huge Knotfest Los Angeles show at the Banc Of California Stadium, playing alongside SLIPKNOT, BRING ME THE HORIZON, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, FEVER 333, CODE ORANGE and CHERRY BOMBS.
In July 2022, VENDED released a new single, "Ded To Me", ahead of its first-ever European dates.
Formed in February of 2018 in Des Moines, Iowa, VENDED had its first mainstream exposure in 2020 when they performed as part of Knotfest.com's virtual "Pulse Of The Maggots" festival.
VENDED played its first headlining show in March 2020 at the iconic local club Vaudeville Mews in Des Moines, Iowa.
Griffin, who looks a lot like his father, previously showcased his skills when he joined Corey onstage during STONE SOUR shows in 2017 and 2018. He's also played cover tunes with Simon Crahan, while Clown's daughter Alexandria Crahan-Conway has snapped some of VENDED's previous press pics.
PRONG's thirteenth studio album, "State Of Emergency", will arrive on October 6 via Steamhammer/SPV. The official music video for the LP's third single, "The Descent", can be seen below.
The track is a perfect blend of that impeccable recipe of punk, metal and thrash that makes up PRONG's signature sound, and shows Tommy Victor and the boys are primed and ready to tear some faces off with "State Of Emergency".
Victor comments: "'The Descent' has a narrative of isolation, confusion, and hopelessness due to the intervention of media."
The earned experience of having sat at the forefront of the heavy metal scene in the U.S. and around the world for many decades now has given frontman Tommy Victor and the band the foresight to know what's ahead, and to and to keep churning out that impeccable recipe of punk, metal, post-punk noise, doom, blues and thrash that makes up PRONG's sound.
"State Of Emergency" is a furious tableau of East Coast aggression, enveloped in that classic PRONG sound that never goes out of style.
Victor outlines the stylistic direction of the eleven songs that make up "State Of Emergency": "It's a very PRONG record. I think it's totally genre-transcending and definitely ignores what's going on out there these days."
Commenting on his artistic approach, he says: "I like all kinds of music. This record totally reflects that because it covers lots of different angles. At the same time, 'State Of Emergency' is very guitar-oriented and a typical example of my style.'"
Produced by the skillful hands of legendary producer Steve Evetts (SEPULTURA, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN),"State Of Emergency" surprises on the post-punk track "Disconnected" and then grooves on the title track. Originally released as a standalone single in early 2023, "Breaking Point" takes no prisoners with honest lyrics and cutting attitude, while hard-hitting "The Descent" is a lightning quick, classic ripper.
"Back (NYC)" has Victor saying: "To me it's as if Jimmy Page wrote a song playing through Dimebag's amplifier, with Henry Rollins singing. Kind of a weird experiment, for sure!"
The album closes with a cover of "Working Man", originally written and recorded by the legendary RUSH.
"RUSH was the first power trio I ever saw live and I was blown away by them," Tommy says. "'Working Man' is so simple and it's so heavy. I also love the lyric. I thought it would be great tuned down a bit and slowed down, and I think we nailed it."
"State Of Emergency" arrives perfectly in time for PRONG's upcoming headline tour and subsequent November dates with LIFE OF AGONY in Europe.
"State Of Emergency" track listing:
01. The Descent
02. State Of Emergency
03. Breaking Point
04. Non-Existence
05. Light Turns Black
06. Who Told Me
07. Obeisance
08. Disconnected
09. Compliant
10. Back (NYC)
11. Working Man (RUSH Cover)
THE ROLLING STONES come roaring out of the traps today with the release of their rocking single "Angry". It arrives alongside the announcement of their hugely anticipated new album, titled "Hackney Diamonds" and released on October 20. The exciting news was shared today by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood at a special media launch event at the historic Hackney Empire, East London's epicenter of pioneering art for almost 125 years. The launch was hosted by American TV star Jimmy Fallon and streamed worldwide via YouTube.
The 12-track album, for which full track list information will be revealed in due course, was recorded in various locations around the world, including Henson Recording Studios, Los Angeles; Metropolis Studios, London; Sanctuary Studios, Nassau, Bahamas; Electric Lady Studios, New York; and The Hit Factory/Germano Studios, also in New York.
The album is their first studio set of new material since 2005's "A Bigger Bang", coincidentally released exactly 18 years ago — on September 6. Since then, THE STONES have continued to smash box office records for fun on a series of global sellout tours and released 2016's Grammy Award-winning "Blue & Lonesome", which featured their brilliant versions of many of the blues tracks that helped shape their sound, and topped album charts around the world. Last year, they thrilled European audiences totaling nearly a quarter of a million on the anniversary "Sixty" tour.
"Hackney Diamonds" marks THE ROLLING STONES' first collaboration with New York-born producer and musician Andrew Watt, who was named "Producer Of The Year" at the 2021 Grammy Awards and has worked with Post Malone, Iggy Pop and Elton John.
The exhilarating "Angry" is accompanied by a music video directed by Francois Rousselet, whose credits include work with Nike, Diesel, Pharrell Williams, and on THE STONES' "Ride 'Em On Down", from "Blue & Lonesome". The new promo clip stars Emmy-nominated actress Sydney Sweeney ("The White Lotus", "Euphoria", "The Handmaid's Tale").
The bespoke artwork for "Hackney Diamonds" is by digital animator Paulina Almira.
"Hackney Diamonds" will be released across a number of formats including a special limited RS No. 9 Carnaby Red vinyl, available exclusively to pre-order direct from the flagship store from September 6. An exclusive "Hackney Diamonds" merch line is also available today from the London store.
THE ROLLING STONES' upcoming LP will be the first since their drummer, Charlie Watts, died in 2021.
This past February, THE ROLLING STONES confirmed that Paul McCartney makes a guest appearance on the band's upcoming album on at least one track. The band reportedly recorded the effort in a Los Angeles studio with 2021 Grammy "Producer Of The Year" Andrew Watt.
THE ROLLING STONES' new LP will likely include several songs Watts recorded prior to his death.
"Let me put it this way," Richards told the Los Angeles Times in 2021. "You haven't heard the last of Charlie Watts."
THE ROLLING STONES released a new track, "Living In A Ghost Town", in 2020.
In 2016, the band released "Blue & Lonesome", a covers collection paying tribute to old-school blues.
Two years ago, Richards told the Los Angeles Times the pandemic delayed work on the new album, while Jagger added, "We have a lot of tracks done, so when the tour's finished, we'll assess where we are with that and continue."
The Loss Of Beauty is Shores Of Null’s fourth album and follows the acclaimed Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying), unanimously considered by fans and critics as one of the doom metal gems of recent years. The lyrics celebrate beauty in imperfection and transience and are meant to be an invitation to seek beauty in little things, especially those unexpected and ephemeral.
Today, the band presents their latest music video in support of this release, “Darkness Won't Take Me”, which vocalist Davide Straccione details:
“While I was collecting ideas for the album’s lyrics, I remember having a chat with Martina of Sanda Movies about possible topics, starting from visual ideas. Martina knows us very well, in fact, she contributed since our first album to create our visual identity through the videos she made for us. She showed me a painting by the Italian artist Verdirosi, portraying an old man, tired and hunchback, pulling a barrow with the grim reaper patiently sitting on it, and immediately connected with that vision. I imagined a man that had lived his life to the fullest, his time has come but he’s holding back death for a little longer ‘cause he’s so attached to life. He will leave this world on his own terms, and without regrets.”
The band goes on to share that stylistically, The Loss Of Beauty continues along the sulcus set forth by Quiescence and Black Drapes For Tomorrow, its melancholic dark metal with a wide range of influences, from gothic metal to doom metal and melodic black/death metal, with frequent use of vocal harmonies and deep growls. The lyrics celebrate beauty in imperfection and transience and are meant to be an invitation to seek beauty in little things, especially those unexpected and ephemeral.
The album consists of 13 songs, while the LP version only contains 11, the two extra tracks are bonus tracks that can be found on the CD version as well as on the streaming platforms. Dark and heavy, tinged with feelings of despair and melancholy, The Loss Of Beauty was released on March 24, 2023, and is recommended for fans of Swallow The Sun, Borknagar, and Paradise Lost. Order The Loss Beauty this location.
In additional news, the band will perform at various European Festivals this coming fall along with plans for an Italian Winter Tour to be announced at a later date.
Dates:
September
9 – Rieti, Italy – Summer Metal Festival
30 – Bucharest, Romania – Metal Gates
November
4 – Helsinki, Finland – Fall Fest
December
9 – Pescara, Italy – Scumm
January
13 – Bari, Italy – Metal Symposium
March
1 – Torino, Italy – Ziggy
2 – Mantova, Italy – The Academy
15 – Perugia, Italy – Rework
16 – Milano, Italy – Slaughter
Canadian sci-fi metal innovators VOIVOD celebrated 40 eventful years of existence in 2023 with a special anniversary studio album titled "Morgöth Tales", which was released on July 21 via Century Media Records. The LP's latest single is "Fix My Heart (2023 Version)", accompanied by a video directed by Above The Void.
VOIVOD guitarist Daniel "Chewy" Mongrain comments on the new single: "It's always the highlight of our live show when the audience claps with big smiles all round. To me it's about keeping hope and focus towards a better future, moving on, leaving the past behind and exploring new worlds within. 'I'm not afraid to live'."
Once more recorded and mixed by Francis Perron at RadicArt Studio, mastered by Maor Appelbaum and produced by VOIVOD, "Morgöth Tales" includes fresh studio re-recordings by the band's current lineup of nine especially selected, not-so-obvious picks from the band's hyper-classy and extremely diverse back catalogue (between 1984 and 2003) as well as a brand-new song and the album's title track, "Morgöth Tales".
VOIVOD drummer Michel "Away" Langevin comments: "'Morgöth Tales' covers 40 years of space exploration.
"It was really exciting for us to revisit a more obscure part of the VOIVOD catalogue, from thrash-punk to prog-metal.
"The title track is a new song, which we started writing on the tour bus and hotels during the OPETH European tour in November/December 2022. It has the vibe of the experimental music we are doing nowadays, with a new twist I think. We also had the great thrill of getting Eric [Forrest] and Jason [Newsted] involved on this album.
"I hope you'll dig it. Chewy, Rocky, Snake and I certainly had a blast recording it. All aboard and ready for take off!"
"Morgöth Tales" track listing:
01. Condemned To The Gallows (2023 Version) [originally on "Metal Massacre V" compilation, 1984]
02. Thrashing Rage (2023 Version) [originally on "Rrröööaaarrr", 1986]
03. Killing Technology (2023 Version) [originally on "Killing Technology", 1987]
04. Macrosolutions To Megaproblems (2023 Version) [originally on "Dimension Hatröss", 1988]
05. Pre-Ignition (2023 Version) [originally on "Nothingface", 1989]
06. Nuage Fractal (2023 Version) [originally on "Angel Rat", 1991]
07. Fix My Heart (2023 Version) [originally on "The Outer Limits", 1993]
08. Rise (2023 Version, feat. Eric Forrest) [originally on "Phobos", 1997]
09. Rebel Robot (2023 Version, feat. Jason Newsted) [originally on "Voivod", 2003]
10. Morgöth Tales [New Song]
VOIVOD vocalist Denis "Snake" Bélanger spoke about "Morgöth Tales" in an interview with Agoraphobic News. He said: "It was a really fun thing to do. It was like a time capsule, going back in time [to] revisit these old songs, especially one in particular, which was first song we ever recorded ['Condemned To The Gallows']; that was for 'Metal Massacre V' [1984] on Metal Blade Records back in the day, before our first album. And the funny thing about it was there was no lyric sheet in the compilation itself. It was us, including many other bands. And the way it was recorded, it was really hard to figure out the lyrics; I couldn't remember what I was singing. So we're looking everywhere on the Internet, if someone has it or whatever. And it was nowhere [to be] found. And then I said to myself, 'Maybe mom has it in the attic somewhere.' And then I called my sister: 'Can you check at mom's place? Maybe she put it somewhere.' And she went, and my mom classified — everything is in order with mom. And she was, like, 'Yeah, yeah, I have it. File number six.' And then she pulls out the only copy of the lyrics in the world of that song.' And we were, like, 'Yeah!' 'Cause [music for] the song was already recorded. And we were, like, 'Oh my God. What are we gonna do?'"
VOIVOD is a Canadian heavy metal band from Jonquière, Québec. Their musical style has changed several times since the band's origin in the early 1980s. Starting out as a speed metal band, VOIVOD have added a mix of progressive metal and thrash metal to create their own unique metal style, and are credited as one of the "big four" Canadian thrash metal bands, along with SACRIFICE, RAZOR and ANNIHILATOR. They are considered by many as one of the most influential metal bands from the '80s, influencing and gaining praise from multiple bands and across numerous genres.
VOIVOD found mainstream success in the late 1980s with their fifth studio album, "Nothingface" (1989),which is the band's only album to enter The Billboard 200 chart, peaking at number 114.
Last November, VOIVOD released an EP, "Ultraman", via Century Media Records. The effort featured a highly original tribute to the "Ultraman" TV series theme as well as previously unreleased bonus live cuts, available both as a 12-inch vinyl EP or as a digital EP.
VOIVOD's 15th studio album, "Synchro Anarchy", was released in February 2022 via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2018's "The Wake" was produced by Francis Perron at RadicArt Studio and features cover artwork created by drummer Michel Langevin (a.k.a. Away).
Canada’s new power thrash metal gods, Triskelyon, will be unleashing their sophomore album, Artificial Insanity - mixed and mastered by Michael Small (Winterhearth, Triskelyon, Artach - on September 8th via Moribund Records.
The band has unveiled their next single, "At War With Demons", featuring vocals from Cara McCutchen (Mortillery, Naitaka), which can be viewed below.
Guitarist Geoff Waye adds about the single:
"The title 'At War With Demons' was fashioned as a nod to the legendary 'At War With Satan' by the mighty Venom. However, that's precisely where the similarity ends. This track stands as one of the heavier offerings on the album, a direct and succinct thrasher that strikes at the heart with its intent. Its lyrics are fundamentally centered around the theme of war. On vocals for this one is the remarkable Cara McCutchen, whose vocal prowess I had become acquainted with through her contributions to Mortillery. Presently, she fronts the Canadian ensemble Naitaka. Her vocal range is remarkably versatile, spanning from piercing screams to unrelenting brutality. Undoubtedly, her band is fortunate to have her as their vocalist."
Founded in 2021 by guitarist Geoff Waye, of the popular true metal band Category VI, Triskelyon released one self-titled EP and was promptly signed to Moribund Records for their radio chart-topping debut album, Downfall (2022).
With Artificial Insanity, Triskelyon returns with a varied yet blistering thrash/power metal classic, bringing back the 1980’s glory days, while maintaining a fresh and modern sound. To close the album Triskelyon surprises all with an incredible female-fronted power metal rendition of the hit song, "It Doesn't Really Matter", by Canadian rockers Platinum Blonde.
Guitarist and band leader Geoff Waye has enlisted the following talent from (mostly) the vast Canadian metal scene to realize his vision this time around:
Guest Vocalists:
Amanda Jackman (Category VI)
Armin Kamal (Infrared)
Cara McCutchen (Mortillery, Naitaka)
Dale Drew (Sea Dogs)
Des Mason
Ellim
Pete Healey
Raúl Álvarez (Dark Order)
Tim Tymo (Tymo).
Percussion:
Raul Marques (Burning Torment)
Alexander Raykov
Bass:
Dwayne Pike
Keith Jackman (Category VI)
Darrin Pope
Tracklist:
"Tektyranny"
"At War With Demons"
"Bringers of Chaos"
"Is Hope Still Alive?"
"Obsolescence"
"One Blood"
"Visionaries"
"Beyond The Past"
"Celtic Creatures"
"Why Burn?"
"It Doesn't Really Matter" (Platinum Blonde)
Following the release of their new album Memorial, Soen have released the video for the new single, “Hollowed”, featuring vocals from acclaimed singer Elisa.
Memorial sees the band overall take a heavier approach to their craft but the new single, "Hollowed", is a hugely powerful and gushing ballad, which stands out as a powerful bridge across the album’s ten tracks. The song sees guitarist Cody Ford shine with an epic and intense Pink Floyd-tinged guitar solo, whilst tender vocals are traded throughout from singer and founding member Joel Ekelöf and Italian star Elisa.
Elisa has firmly established herself as a global superstar during her more than twenty-year career. Her collaboration with Ennio Morricone, "Ancora qui", was featured in Quentin Tarantino's film, Django Unchained and its Grammy nominated soundtrack album. Just some of her other achievements include her albums going triple platinum and collaborations with the likes of Muse, Imagine Dragons, Tina Turner and Pavarotti & Friends.
Ekelöf comments, “’Hollowed’ is a song about moving away from the place and persons that have been your home. It’s also the first time we ever have had a guest appearance on one of our albums and the turnout was more than successful. Elisa is such a talented singer and she truly made this song reach the emotional intensity that it deserves.”
Drummer and co-founding member Martin Lopez adds, “The message of the track is powerful and is about whether to make the decision of either leaving behind what once was a perfect harmony but has turned into dissonance, or to just stay there and maybe spend the rest of your life trying to revive something that is already dead.”
Never ones to take the restrained path, Soen face down the ills and ways of current society with a crisp, wounded venom that betrays their pain, anger and frustrations. Each guitar carries a greater serrated edge, each melody a richer heart, each lyric a soul and spleen venting definitive proclamation. At the same time, Soen’s unique blend of progression, aggression, and beauty shows more maturity than ever before.
Soen have been building up to this moment for years and now they’re here with Memorial, which is an inspiring modern hard rock classic.
Memorial is available as a Deluxe CD, 12” vinyl album in black and colour variants, digital formats and special D2C products and bundles. Order here.
Following their incredible performances at this year’s summer festivals across Europe, Soen, completed by Lars Enok Åhlund (Keyboards and Guitar), Oleksii ‘Zlatoyar’ Kobel (Bass) and Cody Ford (Lead Guitar), will be heading out on their Memorial European tour, which will kick off in September in Odense, Denmark.
The band recently announced twenty-five new dates seeing them bring Memorial to the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tour will kick-off in May 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Full list of confirmed dates, tickets, and additional information available here
Lineup:
Joel Ekelöf - Vocals
Martin Lopez - Drums
Lars Enok Åhlund - Keyboards and Guitar
Cody Ford - Lead Guitar
Oleksii “Zlatoyar” Kobel - Bass
Infernalizer is the brand new creature conceived and brought to life by the creative mind of Claudio Ravinale to portray his own take on the heavy metal genre. Ravinale is best known as the vocalist of Italian death metal veterans Disarmonia Mundi, who has achieved worldwide recognition with their high-octane melo-death throughout two decades and featuring Bjorn "Speed" Strid (Soilwork) among their ranks, along with being in other recognizable bands such as The Silverblack, 5 Star Grave and The Stranded.
Heavily influenced by ‘80s metal acts such as Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, and Danzig, Ravinale's new project Infernalizer relies on the use of gloomy keys and eerie samples, paying homage to more somber gothic rock acts like Type O Negative and The Sisters Of Mercy. Vocally closer to contemporary acts like Rob Zombie and Wednesday 13, the range of influences also includes evocative cinematographic soundscapes that provide Infernalizer's songs with a more solemn and nocturnal atmosphere.
Ready to follow up the 2021 debut album The Ugly Truth, Infernalizer presents the new full-length After Dark set to be unleashed in October 2023 via Rockshots Records.
Constantly balancing between aggressive moments and gothic atmospheres properly supported by deep crooning vocals and more irate outbursts. This new record is deeply rooted in 80's metal and often prone to arena rock choruses, sets an eerie and nocturnal mood especially when it comes to the use of keyboards, often reminiscent of classic horror movie themes.
The desire to go towards more gothic rock territories on this new offering is fully represented by tracks like "Death Wish", "This Is My Yard" or "Falling In Slow Motion", while the planned-to-be-released singles "What Did You Expect?" and "What We Do In The Shadows" (both mastered at Sterling Sound Studio in Nashville by legendary Grammy-winning mastering engineer Ted Jensen) are open-heart love letters to 80's hard rock. There's no shortage of bangers as well with songs like "The Dark Passenger", "Moon of Blood" or the title track providing the more muscular edge of the album.
Infernalizer frontman Claudio Ravinale comments:
"People that loved the previous album are gonna dig this new one because we basically took our time to refine the formula, focus properly on how we wanted the record to sound, and had a starting point to evolve from. Usually with the first album you simply take a leap in the dark and see how it goes, with the second one you already have a layer of bricks to build on and that's exactly what we did. This is pure and simple entertainment. I'm not here to preach, I'm not here to make the world a better place, I simply want people to have a good time listening to this music, nothing else."
Today, Infernalizer presents the new video for the second single "What We Do In The Shadows".
"Right after we finished writing ‘What Did You Expect?’, the band wrote this one and as soon as it was finished we immediately decided it was going to be the second single. It somewhat mirrors on the B side of the vinyl what ‘What Did You Expect?’ does on the A-side. It has been mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound Studio in Nashville as well. While the intro of the track might have a little Ghost vibe it was originally intended as a tribute to Deep Purple. As soon as the song kicks in the whole ‘80s metal vibe explodes again into another modern-day tribute to what is widely considered the best era of metal and hard rock. The chorus clearly represents the intention to write an arena rock-style anthem to sing with fists in the air, the lyrics focus on the inner fascination with the darker sides of human nature. If you dig Ghost, Lordi, Wednesday 13, and Alice Cooper this one is for you!" adds Ravinale.
After Dark is due out on October 27, 2023, and available for pre-order on vinyl at the Rockshots Records webshop.
Tracklisting:
“Season Of The Witch”
“The Dark Passenger”
“What Did You Expect?”
“Moon Of Blood”
“After Dark”
“What We Do In The Shadows”
“Death Wish”
“This Is My Yard”
“Falling In Slow Motion”
“Sky Burial”
On August 13th, Finnish goth rockers, The 69 Eyes, performed at the 2023 edition M'era Luna Festival in Hildesheim, Germany. You can now watch professionally-filmed footage of the band's full set, courtesy of ARTE Concert.
The 69 Eyes are setting the scene alight with another high-profile hit, hot on the heels of their gothabilly transformation of The Cramps’ “Aloha From Hell”. Their latest release comes just in time to bring the summer heat, as they roar to the forefront with a fiery rendition of Rammstein's explosive hit, "Feuer Frei!" This scorching track was originally released as the fifth single from the German industrial giants’ third album, Mutter, which debuted on April 2, 2001, and has since sold nearly 1.7 million records worldwide. On August 9, 2002, “Feuer Frei!” made its film debut in the Rob Cohen action feature, xXx, starring Vin Diesel, and can be heard in its near entirety at the beginning of the film, which takes place at a Rammstein concert.
Never ones to be outdone, however, The 69 Eyes have released their own cinematic companion to the track in the form of an official music video. Directed by the acclaimed Vicente Cordero, this riveting display of pyromania-filled foreplay, courtesy of fire performers IvorySith & Kay Von Kola, perfectly captures the essence of the band’s eternally debonair rock ‘n’ roll flair, while simultaneously increasing the piston pressure of the original.
Musically, The 69 Eyes’ rendition of “Feuer Frei!” acts as a sonic reflection of the incendiary imagery burning through the screen, complete with a seamless blend of goth, rock, and industrial elements, no doubt bound to resonate with both The 69 Eyes' fervent fanbase and Rammstein enthusiasts alike.
Speaking to the impassioned demand for this very crossover, lead singer Jyrki 69 exclaims, “The 69 Eyes has been asked to cover Rammstein for decades. Now we finally did it!”
Watch the video below, and stream/download the single here.
On August 18th, Norwegian black metallers Abbath - featuring founding Immortal member Abbath Doom Occulta - performed at the 2023 edition of Germany's Summer Breeze festival. You can now watch professionally-filmed footage of the band's full set, courtesy of ARTE Concert.
Setlist:
"To War!"
"The Artifex"
"Dream Cull"
"Battalions" (I)
"Ashes Of The Damned"
"Hecate"
"Dread Reaver"
"Harvest Pyre"
"One By One" (Immortal)
"Winterbane"
"Endless"
Back in April, Immortal guitarist / vocalist Demonaz spoke with Finland's Chaoszine to discuss the band's new album, War Against All, his relationship with former members, and what lies ahead for the band. War Against All was released on May 26th via Nuclear Blast Records.
Demonaz on his current relationship with former Immortal members Abbath and Horgh:
"It's been some time (since I've seen them) but I think that's natural. They're busy with their stuff and I'm busy with my stuff. It's not like the old days where we were meeting up very often, but for me there's no bitterness. I've moved on and they've moved on. Abbath has said a lot of things (about a reunion) but I think he forgot to tell me (laughs)."
Abbath left Immortal in March 2015 over a trademark dispute regading the band name. Horgh exited in August 2020 for the same reason.
On August 19th, German thrash legends, Tankard, performed at the 2023 edition of Germany's Summer Breeze festival. You can now watch professionally-filmed footage of the band's full set, courtesy of ARTE Concert.
Setlist:
"Rectifier"
"The Morning After"
"Ex-Fluencer"
"Rapid Fire"
"Rules For Fools"
"One Foot In The Grave"
"Chemical Invasion"
"Zombie Attack"
"Beerbarians"
"A Girl Called Cerveza"
"Freibier"
"(Empty) Tankard"
Metal titans Kreator recently announced the Klash Of The Ruhrpott festival – July 20th, 2024 at Amphitheater Gelsenkirchen. Featuring the long awaited union of Germany’s legendary Teutonic 4, completed by Sodom, Destruction and Tankard.
The one-day thrash extravaganza is a celebration of German metal, expected to welcome domestic and international fans for this once in a lifetime event!
Mille Petrozza (Kreator):
"I’m so happy we have an opportunity to present this package in the best way possible! It’s going to be a really special day, full of love and respect…and the most extensive Kreator set ever…prepare for some deep cuts!"
Tom Angelripper (Sodom):
"I am very happy to finally be able to share the stage with my old companions and friends again. A meeting with these four fantastic bands cannot be surpassed in terms of cult status. It will be a very special event for us and our fans. Until then, please stay healthy and confident. See ya soon… Cheers."
Schmier (Destruction):
"Oh yes - we all have been waiting for this to happen, I am excited that it finally worked out! Hopefully this is the beginning of some more to come! We are super thrilled to be a part of this - thanks for the invitation Mille!"
Gerre (Tankard):
"Good things take time! Finally the 4 big will clash and thrash together. We feel very proud to be a part of this historical event!"
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