Having recently announced their signing to Century Media Records, with a debut album on the way, Predatory Void are now giving fans a new standalone single, "*(struggling..)". Stream the track here, and watch a video (by Jeroen Mylle, and shot in the workshop of painter and visual artist Sven Verhaege) below.
Predatory Void comments: "'*(struggling..)' is about how we slowly begin to decay from the inside, trapped in a flesh prison, experiencing pain and longing for a release. Physical agony follows, amplifying despair and misery, and there is no escape."
Predatory Void came to be when guitarist Lennart Bossu (Amenra, Oathbreaker) found himself writing material that wasn't really suited for Amenra. Lennart gathered a group of likeminded people living in the area of Ghent (BE) - including the versatile vocalist and tattoo artist Lina R - and soon after, the band was born, with Tim De Gieter (bass; Amenra, Doodseskader, Much Luv Studio), Thijs De Cloedt (guitar; Cobra The Impaler, ex-Aborted), and Vincent Verstrepen (drums). Predatory Void played their first show at the renowned Soulcrusher Festival (NL) alongside artists such as Ihsahn, Envy, Cave In and Heriot, creating a buzz within the scene. With an album's worth of material already written, they signed to Century Media Records for their worldwide debut.
With this signing news, Predatory Void revealed their plans to perform said debut record - Seven Keys To The Discomfort Of Being - in full at Roadburn Festival 2023.
The band comments: "We feel privileged to be granted the opportunity to present our debut album, 'Seven Keys to the Discomfort of Being', in its entirety at Roadburn, one of the institutions that set the standard in the world of underground heavy music. The album contains some things that will be difficult to recreate live elsewhere, so this will definitely be a unique occasion. It will also be one of our very first live shows ever, so we can't imagine a better and more exciting start for a new band."
Stay tuned for more news about Seven Keys to the Discomfort of Being coming soon.
Predatory Void lineup:
Lina R - vocals
Lennart Bossu - guitar
Tim De Gieter - bass
Thijs De Cloedt - guitar
Vincent Verstrepen - drums
Swedish rockers, Creye, will release their new album, III: Weightless, on February 17. Watch a video for the new single, "One Step Away", below, and pre-order/save III: Weightless here.
As with their last album, II, this new album sees the band’s songwriting and playing jumping by leaps and bounds to put them at the forefront of the Swedish melodic rock scene. With an album and live EP as well as multiple gigs under their belt, this lineup of Creye has truly gelled and that cohesiveness shines through on III: Weightless. Fans of the band's previous work certainly won't be disappointed and will also be thankful that the band has managed to evolve while staying familiar.
After releasing the Straight To The Top EP in early 2017, Creye signed a multi-album deal with Frontiers and released their self-titled debut album in October 2018. After announcing that August Rauer would be the new frontman for the band in late 2018, Creye toured in Sweden and Europe in 2019, including appearing at Melodicrock Fest, Frontiers Rock Sweden, and the Rockingham Festival. Creye regrouped in the studio in late 2019 to start working on the follow-up album to their self-titled debut. The plan was to refine and improve their songs and approach. The band’s strong determination to achieve this goal shone through on what would become their second album, II.
With III: Weightless, Creye's evolution as a premiere band in the Swedish melodic rock scene continues unabated.
III: Weightless tracklisting:
"Glorious"
"Air"
"One Step Away"
"The Game"
"Spreading Fire"
"Weightless"
"How Far"
"In The Shadows"
"Stay"
"Dangerous"
"Pieces"
"One Step Away" video:
"Air" video:
"Spreading Fire" video:
- Produced by: Jacob Gustafsson
Lineup:
August Rauer - Lead Vocals
Andreas Gullstrand - Lead Guitar
Fredrik Joakimsson - Rhythm Guitar
Joel Selsfors - Keyboards
Gustaf Örsta - Bass
Arvid Filipsson - Drums
SKID ROW singer Erik Grönwall has shared his cover version of the JUDAS PRIEST classic "Painkiller". The track, which features Love Magnusson on lead guitar and Erik Modin on drums, was produced, mixed and mastered by Jona Tee.
Erik, who made his recording debut with SKID ROW on the recently released studio album, "The Gang's All Here", spoke to The Rock N' Roll & Coffee Show about how he has been accepted by the band's fans since he joined the group earlier this year as the replacement for ZP Theart. He said: "There's so many different types of fans. I've realized that… 'Cause when we did the show in California, [some] people came up to me after the show, and they were, like, 'Sebastian [Bach], you've still got it.' [Laughs] Yeah, that happened. Then you have the fans who still think that Sebastian is in the band, and then you have the fans who know the whole story."
Erik went on to say that he isn't bothered by the fact that some fans are still clamoring for a reunion of the band's classic lineup.
"I understand the fan perspective of wanting the original lineup — I understand that — because I'm a Bon Scott guy myself," he explained, referencing AC/DC's late singer. "But I think that people are really excited about this new album, and I feel like even the people who want the original lineup are actually starting to approve."
He added: "When I joined this band, I realized that it's such a privilege to have people so interested in the band, talking about the band, discussing everything. A lot of bands would kill for that, and that's a privilege. You have all these people talking about SKID ROW and they like that singer or they like that song or they like that era, and that's just incredible, having people so excited about it or hating it. [Laughs]"
Bach fronted SKID ROW until 1996, when he was fired. Instead of throwing in the towel, the remaining members took a hiatus and went on to play briefly in a band called OZONE MONDAY. In 1999, SKID ROW reformed and, after a bit of shuffling over the years, featured a lineup consisting of bassist Rachel Bolan and guitarists Dave "Snake" Sabo and Scotti Hill, alongside drummer Rob Hammersmith and singer Johnny Solinger. SKID ROW fired Solinger over the phone in April 2015, a few hours before announcing ex-TNT singer Tony Harnell as his replacement. Eight months later, Harnell exited the band and was replaced by Theart, the South African-born, British-based singer who previously fronted DRAGONFORCE, TANK and I AM I.
"The Gang's All Here" arrived in October via earMUSIC. The group recorded most of the LP in Nashville, Tennessee with producer Nick Raskulinecz, who has previously worked with FOO FIGHTERS, STONE SOUR, HALESTORM, EVANESCENCE, RUSH and ALICE IN CHAINS, among many others.
Grönwall, who auditioned for the competition show "Swedish Idol" back in 2009 by singing a cover of SKID ROW's "18 And Life", joined SKID ROW in January 2022. Theart, who had been in the group for more than six years, played his final gig with SKID ROW in February 2022 before being officially given the boot.
Grönwall was a member of the Swedish hard rock band H.E.A.T. with whom he recorded four studio albums — "Address The Nation" (2012),"Tearing Down The Walls" (2014),"Into The Great Unknown" (2017) and "H.E.A.T II" (2020) — before exiting the group in October 2020.
In September 2021, Grönwall announced that he was cancer free after receiving a bone marrow transplant. "Some anonymous wonderful human being somewhere in the world donated his/her blood cells so that I could get a second chance at life," he told Headbangers Lifestyle in January. "Sometimes I can just get tears in my eyes when I think about it. It's so beautiful that one person who is not connected to me in any way wanted to do that for me. He/she doesn't know that the blood cells were for me. It's completely anonymous."
In September 2021, Grönwall released his cover version of SKID ROW's "18 And Life" via all streaming platforms.
In 2018, Grönwall debuted in the U.S. for 10 million viewers in NBC's live broadcast of Andrew Lloyd Webber's and Tim Rice's musical "Jesus Christ Superstar". Along with John Legend, Alice Cooper, Sara Bareilles and others, Erik played the key role of Simon Zealotes.
The official music video for the song "Drowning Emotion" from VENAMORIS, the project featuring legendary extreme metal drummer Dave Lombardo (SLAYER, FANTÔMAS, TESTAMENT, MR. BUNGLE, MISFITS, DEAD CROSS) and his wife Paula, can be seen below.
"Drowning Emotion" is taken from VENAMORIS's debut album, "Drown In Emotion", which will be released on February 10. The LP was recorded and produced at Ritmo Studio by Dave Lombardo. Drum overdubs were recorded at Studio 606. It was mixed at Ritmo Studio by David A. Lombardo and mastered by John Golden at Golden Mastering.
"Drown In Emotion" features guest appearances by Tyler Bates (JERRY CANTRELL, MARILYN MANSON),Roberto "Ra" Díaz (KORN, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES),Jack Gibson (EXODUS),George Pajon (BLACK EYED PEAS, CAIRO KNIFE FIGHT) and Tim Stewart (LADY GAGA, DAMNAGE).
Track listing:
01. Let Me Be
02. We Fall
03. This Is Me
04. Crimson Tears
05. Misguided
06. Drowning Emotion
07. I Love It
08. In My Silence
09. It's Gone
10. Tell Me How You Know
11. Oceans
12. So Good
Founded in 2021 by what can only be called, astral influence, VENAMORIS was launched a result of some persistent persuasion on Dave's part. The 57-year-old musician, who is in charge of drums and production on the record, explains: "Several months after meeting Paula in 2010, she hesitantly shared with me her past decade-long career as the lead backup singer for Wayne Newton. She later played me some of the demos she recorded throughout the years, and I was floored by her sonically soothing, rich tone and natural, instinctive ability to harmonize. I was determined to persuade her to return to her creative self. It's been a deeply gratifying journey witnessing this music come to life."
Canadian-born singer/songwriter Paula Lombardo, who performs vocals and piano for this project, bursts with vulnerability and intimacy, addressing a broad scope of emotion: anger, healing, pain, hope. It's evident that VENAMORIS was founded out of love, passion, communication, respect, and trust. One person thriving in music encouraged the other, who had abandoned music to find their way back. It is the result of many late nights with too much wine, and even more truth laid bare: an aural couple's journaling generously shared with the world.
Last month, Dave collaborated with his wife on a "love song" called "The Gift". On December 19, the Cuban-born musician shared an Andy Wallis-created video for the track via his YouTube channel, and he wrote in an accompanying message: "A romantic love song for the holiday season, written by my wife and I."
"The Gift" was written and recorded by Paula and Dave Lombardo and was mastered by John Golden of Golden Mastering.
During a recent question-and-answer session with the readers of U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine, Lombardo was asked if he would have joined SLAYER guitarist Kerry King's new band had he been approached about it. He responded: "I knew that was coming. I am, right now, working on too many other projects and I wouldn't be able to accept. New DEAD CROSS, MR. BUNGLE… the pandemic put a lot of stuff on hold, so we need to play some catch-up there. Besides that, he's got Paul Bostaph [playing with him], and I don't think he would have the need to ask me."
Lombardo was also asked if he would play with SLAYER again if the band reunited and wanted him to be part of the lineup. He said: "I don't think that's ever going to happen. But, yeah, I'd listen to whatever it is they had to say. That's it. You can't go any further than that."
Lombardo, who has spent most of the recent years between crossover pioneers SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, horror-punk icons MISFITS, hardcore supergroup DEAD CROSS and MR. BUNGLE, was effectively fired from SLAYER after sitting out the group's Australian tour in February/March 2013 due to a contract dispute with the other bandmembers. He was later replaced by Bostaph, who was previously SLAYER's drummer from 1992 until 2001.
Shortly after his dismissal, Lombardo said that he discovered that 90 percent of SLAYER's tour income was being deducted as expenses, including fees to management, costing the band millions and leaving them with about 10 percent to split four ways. While he and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya hired auditors to figure out what had happened, Lombardo said he was never allowed to see any of the information obtained.
SLAYER played its last-ever show in November 2019 at The Forum in Los Angeles.
Canadian bashers, Sven Gali, have released a music video for "Monster", a track from their new album, Bombs And Battlescars, due this spring (details to follow).
The song was produced by Andy Curran (Coney Hatch), and the video was produced by AP Media LIVE.
In other news, Sven Gali have confirmed their appearance at the upcoming Sound Of Music Festival, taking place June 11 - 18 at Spencer Smith Park in downtown Burlington, Ontario (Canada). Lee Aaron will also be performing at the fest. Details here.
Sven Gali lineup:
Dave Wanless – Vocals
Andy Frank – Guitars
Shawn Minden – Bass
Sean Williamson – Guitars
Dan Fila – Drums
"We're all affected by addiction, either as the addict or somebody that loves an addict and wants to see them get help," says singer Jon Ricci. "The world is more connected and yet more isolated than ever. Drugs, alcohol, sex, pain, social media, success - We're all addicted to something and we're often alone with our thoughts and problems, when what we really need is a conversation and support. We turn inward when what we really need is to reach out and to be reached out to. Filthy is a look inside those addictions, how they can take over our lives, and what can happen when we try to go it alone."
Dark Tranquillity performed at Bloodstock Open Air Metal Festival in August 2022 on the Sophie Lancaster stage. Professionally-filmed video of the band's entire set can be viewed below.
The setlist was as follows:
"Identical To None"
"Transient"
"Monochromatic Stains"
"Forward Momentum"
"Terminus (Where Death Is Most Alive)"
"The Dark Unbroken"
"Atoma"
"The New Build"
"Final Resistance"
"Phantom Days"
"The Treason Wall"
"Encircled"
"ThereIn"
"Lost To Apathy"
"Misery's Crown"
New England's premier metal band Dead By Wednesday have released their brand new animated stop motion music video for their single "Mars In Exile." The drummer's 8-year-old son, Orion St. Lawrence, inspired the story & concept, and designed the building brick band characters. Viewers can also see some of the footage he originally shot with real building brick figures projected on the screens during the guitar solo.
The video was directed by Sal DelGreco, who also did all of the voice acting. The animation was done by Paul Stamper. The single is taken from their brand new album Capital Conspiracy, released June 24, 2022 on Mindsnap Music / Salt of the Earth Records. This new album from DBW is a total lesson in authentic musical aggression and was produced by Nicky Bellmore (drummer & producer of Dee Snider, Corpse Grinder, & Jasta). DBW’s album is available in stores as well as anywhere music is streamed or downloaded. Capital Conspiracy also hit # 1 on the nationally renowned NACC Top 30 Loud - Hard Rock Radio Charts.
In addition, DBW announced their debut European Tour starting April 1 and ending April 16, dubbed The Sick As Fuck Euro Tour 2023. Dates and venues to be announced soon.
Frontiers Music Srl announces the upcoming release of the debut album, Seven Worlds, from Transworld Identity (T-ID) on March 17.
T-ID is a new Finnish/English rock band featuring vocalist Mila Bosa, guitarist Mika "Lamppari" Lamminsivu, keyboardist Juha "Junnu" Kinnunen, bassist Kasperi Kinnunen, and drummer Lacu Lahtinen.
A single and video for the track 'Everything Must Burn' is out today. Watch the music video below, and pre-order/save Seven Worlds here.
T-ID's music draws inspiration from the core foundations of hard rock music, showcasing that feel-good factor that will get your adrenaline flowing.
After honing her skills as the frontwoman of a hard rock covers band, Mila Bosa wanted to take a new direction with her musical career by singing original songs and subsequently formed Transworld Identity. To help her fulfill her musical vision, she has been joined by a stellar cast of bandmates.
Drummer Lacu Lahtinen is a showman behind the kit, who has spent time in Hanoi Rocks and vocalist Michael Monroe's solo band. Since 2008, Lacu has been part of one of Finland’s biggest bands, Popeda (who recently announced their disbandment). Guitarist Mika "Lamppari" Lamminsivu was a founding member of Baby Green and, later, progressive rockers Technical Justice. He has also played with Michael Monroe and Dave Lindholm. Keyboardist Juha "Junnu" Kinnunen's resume includes gigs with many big names, including a long stint with Finnish rock legend Muska Babitzin. He has also played alongside Marco Hietala and Ryan Roxie. Bassist Kasperi Kinnunen, despite his young age, is a very accomplished multi-instrumentalist. Aside from being keyboardist Junnu's son, Kasperi is also known for his other band Metallileka and the multiple musicals he has been in.
The Nordics have an established track record of producing top-notch hard rock and metal music and Finland's Transworld Identity continue that fine tradition.
Seven Worlds tracklisting:
"Everything Must Burn"
"Play & Pretend"
"I'm Such A Liar"
"Part Maroon, Part Indigo"
"Time"
"Starchild"
"Seven Worlds"
"In For The Long Haul"
"Livin' On The Run"
"I Never Lost My Faith"
"Roseate"
"Everything Must Burn" video:
Lineup:
Mila Bosa - Vocals
Mika Lamminsivu - Guitar
Lacu Lahtinen - Drums
Juha Kinnunen - Keyboards
Kasperi Kinnunen - Bass
Finnish progressive metal band Sum Of Seven released a new single and music video ''The Monster…The King'". The track is released in collaboration with Inverse Records. Pick it up via digital platforms found here.
Guitarist Ari Lempinen comments: "In the song 'The Monster…The King' we wanted to give more room to the instruments to tell the story supporting the vocals. The song flows with tasty solos and tight riffs in synergy with Marko’s vocals and dances between succulent blasting and a relaxing respite. The music reflects the atmosphere of the lyrics, which dive deep into a dreamlike space where the monsters and kings within us are in juxtaposition. The music video features the skilled breakdancer Jose Granados aka Bboy Kalaco who interprets the mood and the message of the song with his skillful moves."
Check out the video below.
Line-up:
Ari Lempinen: Guitar, backing vocals
Esa Lempinen: Keyboards
Rasmus Raassina: Drums
Harri Annala: Guitar
Miika Erkkilä: Bass
Marko Loukamaa: Vocals
The Convalescence is a five-member symphonic deathcore band formed in Toledo, Ohio in 2011. The Convalescence blends black metal / horror theatrics with intense death metal style blast beats and shredding guitar, along with brutal slamming breakdowns and catchy melodies. Since their inception, they have amassed an impressive discography including five full-length albums, and have toured extensively across the planet. The latest from them is the single “No Survivors” featuring Scott Ian Lewis of Carnifex, accompanied by a claymation music video. Vocalist Keith Wampler details the single and the upcoming album:
“The single is one of the hardest-hitting songs we’ve ever released. The lyrics and video were inspired by the Alien films, and having Scott doing some nasty guest vocals really helped give it the brutality we were looking for. We played it live throughout our recent European Tour and absolutely loved the energy it brings to the stage. We’re looking forward to this one being a part of our live show for many tours to come. This new album is basically like one big horror movie, song by song each one tells a story. Each one is brutal in its own way.”
The Convalescence expects the album will be received well by the fans, as they do their very best to step things up on each record. They worked with producer Jason Suecof on this one at Audiohammer Studios in Florida, who has worked with most of their favorite bands (The Black Dahlia Murder, Carnifex, Deicide, Job For A Cowboy) and they were beyond stoked he was down to do the recording with them. In their opinion, they’ve created the heaviest The Convalescence album so far. The full-length was mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy) and is expected for release summer 2023.
In live news, The Convalescence will be hitting the road this coming March for the "No Survivors Tour" with support from Casket Robbery and Ignominious. Confirmed dates are as listed:
March
10 - Jackson, MI - The Music Box
11 - Toledo, OH - Main Street Bar & Grill
12 - New Haven, IN - Carl's Tavern
13 - Louisville, KY - Mag Bar
14 - Overland Park, KS - Vivo Live Events
15 - Tulsa, OK - The Whittier Bar
16 - Fort Worth, TX - The Rail Club DFW
17 - San Antonio, TX - Bonds Rock Bar
18 - Houston, TX - House Of Blues
19 - New Orleans, LA - Gasa Gasa
20 - Pensacola, FL - The Handlebar
21 - Sanford, FL - West End Trading Co.
22 - Murfreesboro, TN - Crossroads
23 - Knoxville, TN - Brickyard Bar & Grill
24 - Lakewood, OH - The Foundry
25 - Chesterfield, MI - Diesel Concert Lounge
Grammy-nominated Lancaster five-piece August Burns Red — JB Brubaker [lead guitar], Brent Rambler [rhythm guitar], Matt Greiner [drums], Jake Luhrs [vocals], and Dustin Davidson [bass] — have a big year in front of them.
The band will drop its new album Death Below on March 24 via SharpTone Records. Pre-order it here.
Today, they have dropped the video for the new single "Backfire."
"'Backfire' is song that musically is a punch in the face, and we wrote the lyrics to follow suit," says ABR. "The song is about choosing who you follow wisely, and not allowing people you've never met to influence the decisions you make in life. 'Backfire' ticks all the boxes when it comes to an ABR song."
The album features guest spots from guitarist Jason Richardson, as well as Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage, JT Cavey of ERRA, and Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath.
Tracklisting:
"Premonition"
"The Cleansing"
"Ancestry" (Feat. Jesse Leach)
"Tightrope" (Feat. Jason Richardson)
"Fool's Gold in the Bear Trap"
"Backfire"
"Revival"
"Sevink"
"Dark Divide"
"Deadbolt"
"The Abyss" (Feat. JT Cavey)
"Reckoning" (Feat. Spencer Chamberlain)
"Ancestry" video:
ABR will also embark on the 20 Year Anniversary Tour, during which they will play material off all nine of their albums as they hit North America.
The first leg of the tour kicks off on February 15 in Silver Spring, MD and runs through March 14 in Charlotte, NC. The second leg launches on April 13 in Philadelphia, PA and wraps on May 12 in Quebec in Canada. The tour marks the first time the band has played Canada since 2019.
The support acts are The Devil Wears Prada, and Scottish band Bleed From Within, who are touring the U.S. for the first time. The bands will appear on both legs of the tour.
VIP packages are on sale here, and include an exclusive, 200+ page photo book that spans each year of ABR's entire career.
Tour dates:
February
15 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore Silver Spring
16 - Raleigh, NC - The Ritz
17 - Atlanta, GA - Heaven at The Masquerade
18 - Orlando, FL - Heart Support Festival*
20 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Revolution Live
21 - Pensacola, FL - Vinyl Music Hall
23 - Houston, TX - House of Blues
24 - Dallas, TX - South Side Ballroom
25 - San Antonio, TX - Vibes Event Center
27 - Tempe, AZ - The Marquee
28 - San Diego, CA - Soma
March
1 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
2 - Sacramento, CA - Ace Of Spades
4 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
5 - Seattle, WA - Showbox Sodo
7 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex
8 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
10 - Denver, CO - Fillmore Auditorium
12 - Little Rock, AR - The Hall
13 - Nashville, TN - Marathon Music Works
14 - Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore Charlotte
April
13 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore Philadelphia
14 - New York, NY - Palladium Times Square
15 - Albany, NY - Empire Live
16 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium
18 - Niagara Falls, NY - Rapids Theater
19 - Royal Oak, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre
21 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Intersection
22 - St. Louis, MO - Red Flag
23 - Kansas City, MO - The Truman
25 - Oklahoma City, OK - Diamond Ballroom
26 - Omaha, NE - Slowdown
28 - Minneapolis, MN - The Fillmore Minneapolis
29 - Chicago, IL - Concord Music Hall
30 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogarts
May
2 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
3 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
5 - North Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues
6 - Richmond, VA - The National
7 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
9 - Toronto, ON - Danforth Music Hall
11 - Montreal, QC - MTelus
12 - Quebec, QC - Theatre Capitole
Swedish metallers AVATAR have unleashed yet another track from their upcoming ninth album, "Dance Devil Dance", due out February 17 via Black Waltz Records, distributed by Thirty Tigers. Today, the band has shared the new song "Violence No Matter What", a powerhouse duet with the inimitable Lzzy Hale of HALESTORM.
AVATAR frontman vocalist Johannes Eckerström says: "'Violence No Matter What' is about one thing and one thing only. It's okay to debate and fight and to think differently. But there is a limit, and the line must be drawn at authority held with violence, a worldview that cannot survive without enemies, a promised return to a fabricated former glory."
Hale states: "'Violence No Matter What' was such an inspiring piece to be a part of! Thank you so much to the boys for giving me the opportunity to express my angst against the horrors of this world through such a brilliant song!"
As previously reported, AVATAR will embark on a U.S. tour this spring. The trek, which will feature support from VEIL OF MAYA and ORBIT CULTURE, will kick off on April 28 in Omaha, Nebraska and conclude on May 28 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
"Dance Devil Dance" was recorded in the Swedish wilderness, far away from all the perceived glamor of the big city and modern studios. Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, MR. BUNGLE, CROBOT, STONE SOUR, AMON AMARTH, URIAH HEEP) returned as producer. He first worked with AVATAR when he mixed "Hail The Apocalypse", a role he reprised on "Feathers & Flesh" before taking the wheel as producer on "Avatar Country" and "Hunter Gatherer".
Last August, Eckerström told TotalRock about AVATAR's upcoming LP: "My best thing to liken it to is [JUDAS PRIEST's] 'British Steel' in the sense of that… JUDAS PRIEST were always great, and before 'British Steel' you had 'Killing Machine', you had 'Sad Wings Of Destiny' and all this, but they were a great heavy metal band, a great rock and roll band, a great prog band at times and kind of eclectic. And then with 'British Steel' I find they really got laser focused, cut off the fat. And we're focused on what we feel right now metal needs — this very pompous but yet…
"Honestly, I feel like we have to save heavy metal," he continued. "Because either people are lost in the past… They did it better than we will ever do what they do. Don't do that. What's next? What's next for us? And do that without disappearing up your own asses completely.
"When people end up doing metal that is best enjoyed while sitting down and shutting up, you miss the point," Johannes added. "Metal is the music that you move to — in the pit, banging your head, dancing around, whatever, lifting weights, drinking too much, getting pregnant, impregnating someone, doing things. It's music to move with. You have drums in the band; why would you have drums if you don't move?
"We look a lot to the masters — that is wisdom from MOTÖRHEAD, from JUDAS PRIEST, from a lot of things — but then just… yeah, that, but not that. They did that. We're now and what's next with that. Where can we try to help bring it? And that is this album."
AVATAR enjoyed quite a productive summer last year, traipsing North America on a successful headline tour. They next embarked on some of the biggest shows of the career — a trek with IRON MAIDEN, supporting the band in stadiums in Brazil. AVATAR also played arenas supporting SABATON. They secured slots at major festivals globally — Inkcarceration, Summer Breeze and Bloodstock Open Air, among others.
Oakland, CA blackened progressive metal band Dawn Of Ouroboros will release their second album, Velvet Incandescence, on April 21st via Prosthetic Records. Pre-orders can be placed now at this location.
Alongside the album announcement, Dawn Of Ouroboros has unveiled the lead single and accompanying music video, "Rise From Disillusion".
Speaking on the announcement and premiere, Dawn Of Ouroboros' Tony Thomas (guitar / synths) comments: "We are happy to reveal the first song, 'Rise From Dissolution', from our upcoming album. We hope to have developed on our brand of harsh beauty. Bringing emotionally aggressive genre-bending metal mixed with plenty of dynamics."
Invigorated by the response to their 2020 debut album The Art Of Morphology, Dawn Of Ouroboros came together in November 2021 to commence recording of Velvet Incandescence, once again opting to team up with Nick Loiacono at Fang Studios in San Mateo, CA for recording and mixing, before being mastered by Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Oathbreaker, Bosse De Nage) at The Atomic Garden Studio. Placing an emphasis on melody and feel above technical virtuosity, Velvet Incandescence’s eight tracks revel in sanguine triumph both musically and lyrically.
Album highlights "Rise From Disillusion" and "Iron Whispers" both rise and fall with a beguilingly ethereal quality, thanks to additional vocals provided in the form of a choir. Elsewhere, precise and calculated bursts of tremolo picking and resplendent lead guitar from both Thomas and Ian Baker (Red Rot) coalesce in dizzying fashion on "Testudines". Rhythmically bolstered by the talents of David Scanlon (Deliria) on bass and Ron Bertrand (Botanist, Red Rot) on drums, album closer "Velvet Moon" musically encompasses Velvet Incandescence’s dual nature of serenity and volatility.
Both lyrically and vocally, Dawn Of Ouroboros’ Chelsea Murphy interfuses a deeply personal approach with the cosmic and universally human need for healing and a feeling of home across the album’s 46 minute runtime, with tactful hope and heart at the forefront of all things over solemnity and resignation. The thematic melding of the universal and personal is conveyed in arresting fashion by album cover artist Jilly Colbert at Manfish Inc.
In live news, catch Dawn Of Ouroboros live on their Velvet Incandescence album release tour with special guest Ashbringer. Confirmed venues are as listed:
April
21 - Thee Parkside - San Francisco, CA
22 - Supply and Demand - Los Angeles, CA
23 - Til Two Club - San Diego, CA
24 - Yucca - Phoenix, AZ
25 - Kilby Court - Salt Lake City, UT
26 - The Shredder - Boise, ID
27 - The Plaid Pig - Tacoma, WA
28 - Substation - Seattle, WA
29 - Mano Oculta - Portland, OR
Nightwish have shared pro-shot live video along with the following message:
"Nightwish's epic performance of 'The Phantom Of The Opera' featuring Henk Poort is finally here! This marks the first time in 17 years that the band has performed the song live, and it's also the premiere performance with both Floor Jansen and Henk Poort on stage. After a viral Beste Zangers performance and a three year wait due to Covid, don't miss out on this historic moment as Henk Poort joins the Nightwish family on stage at the sold out Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. Welcome to the family, Henk!"
Floor Jansen comments: "It all started when Henk, who performed as the phantom in the Dutch version of the production, and I met on Beste Zangers in 2019. He said he'd only perform the song with me if we could do it with Nightwish, and both Nightwish and me said yes!
It was a dream come true to make it happen and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to perform with Henk at a sold-out Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. Thank you to everyone who made this possible and to all the fans who have supported us along the way."
The performance is also available via digital platforms found here.
Ripio has released a new 3D video clip of the song –“Agua y aceite”- (Water And oil) from the 2019 album -La Furia Que Hay En Mi - (The Anger That Is In Me).
Meanwhile, the solo artist Eduardo Costanzo (Ripio) from Buenos Aires - Argentina, continues with the production of what will be his seventh album, which will be called Enfrentando A Un Viejo Rival (Facing An Old Rival) and will feature ten new songs, in the vein of hard rock and heavy metal.
Coheed And Cambria have announced details of a massive North American trek deemed “Neverender: No World For A Waking Mind” tour which is set to get underway this spring. The upcoming dates will see the band performing their seminal album No World For Tomorrow in full, along with a strong mix of songs from their most recent album Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind.
Special guests Deafheaven will feature as support across the tour which begins April 28 at The NorVa in Norfolk, VA and continues through late May with a second leg picking up on September 6 at the Fillmore Charlotte in Charlotte, NC and wrapping up at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, CA on October 7.
Pre-sale tickets for the tour will be available beginning tomorrow, January 25 at 10 AM, local with public on sale starting Friday, January 27th at 10 AM, local. For tickets and more information on Coheed and Cambria’s upcoming live dates, visit coheedandcambria.com/tour.
To celebrate the forthcoming tour, the band has also shared an official music video for their single “Beautiful Losers,” which can be viewed below. Filmed while the band was on tour in Germany, the live performance clip illustrates the bond between the band and their fans around the world. The track itself depicts the plight of Vaxis II’s main characters Nea and Nostrand, two underdogs battling an evil empire and while the song’s title also serves as an allusion to Coheed and Cambria’s beginnings – frontman Claudio Sanchez and guitarist Travis Stever had briefly been in a band called Beautiful Loser, named after a Leonard Cohen novel.
This past summer Coheed And Cambria released their new album and the latest chapter of “The Amory Wars” saga with Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind. The 13-song collection landed at #1 on Billboard’s “Top Hard Rock Albums” chart marking the band’s fourth #1 on the tally. Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind is available on all streaming platforms along with a deeply immersive Deluxe Box Set available in Coheed and Cambria’s official store. Furthermore, the band will have tour exclusive vinyl variants of both No World For Tomorrow and Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind vinyl available at the upcoming shows.
Tour dates:
April
28 - The NorVa - Norfolk, VA
30 - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA
May
1 - The Fillmore Silver Spring - Silver Spring, MD
3 - The Rooftop at Pier 17 - New York, NY
4 - Roadrunner - Boston, MA
5 - Corona Theatre - Montreal, QC
7 - History - Toronto, ON
9 - Kemba Live! - Columbus, OH
10 - Agora Theater - Cleveland, OH
12 - The Cotillion Ballroom - Wichita, KS
14 - The Criterion - Oklahoma City, OK
15 - House of Blues - Dallas, TX
17 - Stubb's - Austin, TX
18 - House of Blues - Houston, TX
20 - Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA
21 - Welcome To Rockville - Daytona Beach, FL*
23 - Live Oak Bank Pavilion - Wilmington, NC^
24 - Township Auditorium - Columbia, SC^
26 - Arkansas Music Pavilion - Rogers, AR^
June
15-18 - Hellfest - Clisson, FR*
September
6 - The Fillmore Charlotte - Charlotte, NC
9 - Avondale Brewing Company - Birmingham, AL
10 - The Fillmore New Orleans - New Orleans, LA
11 - The Aztec Theatre - San Antonio, TX
13 - The Admiral - Omaha, NE
15 - Palace Theatre - Saint Paul, MN
16 - The Sylvee - Madison, WI
18 - Royal Oak Music Theatre - Royal Oak, MI
19 - Riviera Theater - Chicago, IL
23 - The Mission Ballroom - Denver, CO
24 - The Union Event Center - Salt Lake City, UT
26 - Knitting Factory Boise - Boise, ID
27 - The Wilma - Missoula, MT
29 - Knitting Factory Spokane - Spokane, WA
30 - The Palace Theatre - Calgary, AB
October
2 - Vogue Theatre - Vancouver, BC
3 - Showbox SoDo - Seattle, WA
4 - Roseland Theater - Portland, OR
7 - Hollywood Palladium - Los Angeles, CA
23-27 - S.S. Neverender - Miami, FL*
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