Respected Danish hard rock singer/songwriter, Ronnie Atkins of Pretty Maids, has released a video for his new song, "Rising Tide", featured on his upcoming studio album, Make It Count, out March 18. Watch the video below, and pre-order/save Make It Count on CD/LP/Digital here.
The electrifying melodic hard rock masterpiece Make It Count will be released almost one year to the day after the release of Atkins' last solo album, the critically acclaimed One Shot. Rather than hyperbole from the record label, we'll let Ronnie tell the story of Make It Count in his own words....
"Me and my great team of musicians followed exactly the same procedure as we did with One Shot, since I still feel a bit like I am racing against time because of my diagnosis. So, I basically sent my songs to Chris [Laney, producer], who would then work on a demo. When we were satisfied with the arrangements, I would then record the vocals and then the individual musicians laid down their tracks. I already had quite a few ideas from when One Shot was released back in March 2021 and continued writing on and off through the spring and summer of 2021. The album was then recorded between April and October 2021," explains Atkins.
"Let me also state that I felt pretty good during the whole process, at least physically. And this time, I had the chance to actually meet with some of the musicians in-person because the Covid-19 restrictions were not as tough as they were back in 2020 when we recorded the last album," adds Atkins.
As for the music, Ronnie says, "Once again it was quite an easy going process!! Some of the songs were written on piano and some of them on guitar. I write the way I write, which means that the melodies and toplines are the first priority. If I feel I got a good song with the right chord structure and a strong melody that sticks in my head, then I know I’m on to something good and from there it can only get better. And that’s when I send it on to Chris Laney, who then listens to it with a new set of ears and comes back with his input about the arrangement and additional little bits and pieces. As said, it is an easy going process since we’re on the same page and that’s a great way of collaborating. Style wise, it’s basically just melodic pop/rock songs, so to speak, that we turn into something suitable for those who followed me all those years. To me, a good song is a good song and then it’s a matter of how you wrap it up."
He continues, "Finally, the great thing about doing this is that I don’t have to argue with anyone whether it’s too pop or too lightweight, etc. I do what I do, 'cause that’s what I like and I’m my own boss for these solo albums and therefore, also the only one to take responsibility if it doesn’t live up to people's expectations. But, this is what I wanna do at this stage of my life and I think I’m convinced that “Make It Count“ is a great melodic rock album and I hope the fans won’t be disappointed."
As to the lyrical themes on the album, Ronnie says, "The lyrics are always the hardest part of an album from my perspective!! It’s way easier for me to write a song than a lyric, to be honest. But of course it varies. Sometimes you already have the title and the topic when you’re writing the song and at other times you’re just out of ideas. This time, it was tough at times since my health issues are somehow in my subconsciousness 24/7. No matter what I do, I’m being confronted with it everyday one way or the other. So, some of the songs are touching on this issue of course, can’t help it. That said, I’m also trying to give it a positive twist, meaning that we just have to get the best out of life and love the one we’re with while we’re here. It’s just impossible to write about sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll or whatever living with a life threatening disease and a dagger hangin' above your head!!! Or it is for me, at least! So, bottom line, I guess the lyrical content on this album is partly about the aforementioned topics, the climate, and in general, topics that make sense to everyone without being political."
Since the start of his rock 'n roll journey with Pretty Maids, Ronnie Atkins has consistently gifted fans with quality, melodic rock and Make It Count delivers again in spades.
Tracklisting:
"I've Hurt Myself (By Hurting You)"
"Unsung Heroes"
"Rising Tide"
"Remain To Remind Me"
"The Tracks We Leave Behind"
"All I Ask Of You"
"Grace"
"Let Love Lead The Way"
"Blood Cries Out"
"Easier To Leave (Than Being Left Behind)"
"Fallen"
"Make It Count"
"Rising Tide" video:
"Unsung Heroes" video:
Lineup:
Ronnie Atkins: Lead and backing vocals
Chris Laney: Rhythm & Lead guitar, keyboards
Allan Sørensen: Drums
Pontus Egberg: Bass
Morten Sandager: Keyboards
Linnéa Vikström Egg: Backing vocals
John Berg: Guitars
Oliver Hartmann: Guitars
Pontus Norgren: Guitars
Anders Ringman: Acoustic guitars
The clip below features Nightwish vocalist Floor Jansen performing rhe ReVamp song "Sweet Curse" with singer Henk Poort at her solo show at AFAS Live in Amsterdam, Netherlands on September 1st, 2021.
Floor: "The ReVamp track that originally features Russell Allen from Symphony X on vocals! Now this ReVamp classic performed with Henk Poort live at AFAS Live together with the Marcel Fisser Band. We're starting to get deeper and deeper into the live show in Amsterdam."
The setlist was as follows:
Set 1:
"Ever Dream" (Nightwish)
"Storm In A Glass" (Northward)
"Nemo" (Nightwish)
"Mama" (Samantha Steenwijk cover)
"Sweet Curse" (ReVamp song - with Henk Poort)
"Dangerous Game" (from Jekyll & Hyde - with Henk Poort)
"Euphoria" (Loreen)
"Face Your Demons" (After Forever)
"Winner" (Tim Akkerman cover)
Set 2:
"Slow, Love, Slow" (Nightwish)
"Shallow" (Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper cover)
"Strong" (After Forever)
"Élan" (Nightwish)
"Energize Me" (After Forever)
"Qué Se Siente" (Rolf Sanchez)
"Bridle Passion" (Northward)
"Our Decades In The Sun" (Nightwish)
"Wolf And Dog" (ReVamp)
"The Phantom Of The Opera" (Andrew Lloyd Webber cover - with Henk Poort)
Blacktop Mojo guitarist Chuck Wepfer has put together a playthrough video of how he plays "Do It For The Money", from his band's self-titled, fourth album. In the video below, Chuck is playing the song the way he plays it live, along to the album track.
Order your copy of Blacktop Mojo at this location. Cover art and tracklisting are as follows:
"Wicked Woman"
"Bed Tundy"
"Latex"
"Rewind"
"Jealousy"
"Make Believe"
"Darlin' I Won't Tell"
"Do It For The Money"
"Hold Me Down"
"Cough"
"Stratus Melancholia"
"Tail Lights"
Female-led Eternal Frequency has released their anthemic new single and video for “Step Up”. Drawing inspiration from cult classic films such as The Matrix, Blade Runner, and The Fifth Element, the visuals for “Step Up” paired with the track’s quick-paced, industrial instrumentation and structure creates a high-intensity experience.
While the group’s sonic influences such as Spiritbox, Halestorm, and In This Moment may be evident through their releases, lead vocalist Emelle set out to create an empowering anthem focused on the music. With lyrics such as, “Little do you know / Glass ceilings can break,” Emelle erupts into the chorus that displays her full vocal prowess.
“Lyrically and melodically, I wanted to convey the hardships of being a woman in the rock music industry and how it is so easy to be pigeonholed and oversexualized when the music is what should matter the most,” Emelle explains of “Step Up”.
Jumping into the “Step Up” music video is nothing short of tumbling down the rabbit hole similar to the plot of The Matrix. The visual opens in a dimly-lit alley where Emelle walks toward a body bag lying on the ground. Neon images flash behind her on the walls similar to the post-apocalyptic cityscape in Blade Runner and CyberPunk.
Adorned in all black with her hood up, Emelle zips the body bag and begins walking through the neon-clad streets before realizing she’s being chased by unidentified individuals. The video jumps back and forth between each band member running from the “hunters” and their performance of the track through green digital rain similar to The Matrix.
“As far as the video goes, [myself] and the other members of Eternal Frequency are prisoners of conscience on the run from an unknown organization trying to pick [us] off one by one,” Emelle explains. “The reasons on why they are wanted fugitives is unknown until the story begins to unfold throughout the video.”
“‘Step Up’ is chapter one of a fictional three-part series that [myself] and [guitarist] Justin envisioned as a short film while the songs were being written. The band must find out who is hunting them and why. Or maybe... just maybe... are the hunted actually the hunters?”
The “Step Up” music video was directed and edited by Tom Flynn, and the visual effects were created by Kyle Monroe. The track was written and recorded by Eternal Frequency, and produced by Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland of Atrium Audio.
Catch Eternal Frequency live at the following shows:
February
5 - Harrisburg, PA – XL Live
18 - Lancaster, PA – Tellus 360
Midwest American symphonic metal band Shield Of Wings emerge from their hiatus, and make their thrilling entry into the new year with their debut single, "Wetland". The song is coupled with a captivating music video. "Wetland" is the first offering from their forthcoming debut full-length album, Unfinished, set to release February 11th. Sure to appeal to fans of symphonic metal giants Nightwish and Epica, Unfinished will bring into view ten bombastic compositions of poetic exploration.
Vocalist Lara Mordian comments on the "Wetland" filming process: ‘’Shooting 'Wetland', and wading through that cold, wet, filth, was a challenging albeit invigorating time for me. Prior to filming in late autumn, I was warned of the certain discomfort to come, but I was reassured by James that 'pain is temporary, film is forever,' and I embraced it.”
Each song from Unfinished explores themes of growth through self-examination, regret, sacrificial death and rebirth. From the "Crushing Hail" of the suffering which is inherent in life, the listener is carried through this journey, until the final track expounds upon the realization that we are all, in ways, "The Scarred Clay Reshaping". With bold, vast orchestral compositions soaring over chugging guitars, Shield Of Wings makes it abundantly clear that they are Unfinished, in more ways than one. Pre-order Unfinished now at this location.
Tracklisting:
"Crushing Hail"
"Native Colossus"
"Breathing"
"Frozen Harbor"
"Cedar"
"Wetland"
"Mind Of Myth"
"Sunfire Shower"
"Come Home"
"The Scarred Clay Reshaping"
Swedish supreme rockers Dead Lord have released their new single “Sleeping My Day Away”. The band takes a bow to their Scandinavian colleagues from D-A-D for the cover track. Dead Lord’s new single is now available on all major streaming platforms here. The band has also shared a visualizer video, which features the spectacular cover artwork of their new EP Dystopia.
“Defenders of the night and snoozers, unite! Here's one fresh off the press that might sound familiar. Our fellow Scandinavians D-A-D cracked it quite some time ago, and we do agree that the nighttime sure is the right time. And the daytime is the not-so-ok-time. Here's our take on their fine little nugget. Let us all sleep our days away, all in the name of rock,” states Dead Lord vocalist Hakim Krim about the band’s take on ‘Sleeping My Day Away’.
Dystopia is a continuation and closing chapter for the band’s 2020 full-length LP, Surrender, the Dystopia EP starts off where that record ended, with the title track serving as a front bookend.
The remainder of its tracklisting features a collection of cover versions from acts like D-A-D (“Sleeping My Day Away”), Winterhawk (“Ace In The Hole”), Moon Martin (“Hands Down”) and Rory Gallagher (“Moonchild”), before closing out with the Swedish version of “Letter From Allen St.”. The Dystopia EP, which features front cover artwork by Juan Machado, will see a March 11, 2022 release via Century Media Records.
Speaking on their new EP, Dead Lord guitarist and vocalist Hakim Krim finds the following words:
“Wax is the only thing that's eternal! We know this as well as do you. So at last, here's our latest single-gone-ep release, for you to enjoy. 6 tracks of something new, something old, something borrowed and something ice cold. A couple of unreleased tracks, homages to our fellow rockateers, if you will, along with some nuggets previously only digitally released, finally make their way to a face melting platter of rocking grooves. So even in the most dystopian of potential futures, where computers have long since lost to the nuclear storms, your record player will keep spinning. And rock will prevail!”
Preorders for Dystopia, which is set for release March 11, have also launched today and will be available in the following formats:
-Black LP
-Transp. Green LP (available at CM Distro only / limited to 300 units)
-Digital Album
“Dystopia”
“Sleeping My Day Away”
“Ace In The Hole”
“Hands Down”
“Moonchild”
“I staden som aldrig slumrar till”
In addition to the release of their new EP, Dead Lord are also pleased to announce a next run of European live-shows for March 2022, supported by fellow Stockholmers The Riven.
Boston-based progressive metal outfit Wilderun have released their fourth studio full-length, Epigone, via Century Media. To celebrate the new album, the band has dropped a one-take-lyric video for the track “Exhaler”, which was filmed by their vocalist and guitarist Evan Berry.
Speaking on the video for “Exhaler”, Evan comments: “‘Exhaler’ feels like a dream that precedes the core of Epigone, and like much of our previous album, muses on better times long gone. There is almost a feeling of resentment towards past joys and prior clarity, as they seem to just become a dark mirror through which the current state of existence is poorly reflected. Musically, this song stands out as very organic compared to much of the rest of the album, keeping to acoustic instruments and orchestrations, as opposed to some of the synthetic and darker textures we experiment with on the other tracks. Hopefully this reflects those feelings of rose-colored nostalgia, versus the conflicted and cold reality of the present.
“I wanted the video to match that feeling of organic, earthly clarity, which is why I avoided any effects or editing of any sort, and the lyrics are written entirely with broken sticks found on that plot of land. The track also holds a more consistent tone and energy than some of our other more frenetic and dynamic songs, so the one-shot approach felt very appropriate.”
"Exhaler"
"Woolgatherer"
"Passenger"
"Identifier"
"Ambition"
"Distraction I"
"Distraction II"
"Distraction III"
"Distraction Nulla"
"Everything In Its Right Place" (Bonus - only on CD & digital)
"Exhaler" (Synth Mix - Bonus - only digital)
"Passenger" (Radio Edit) video:
About Wilderun’s Epigone:
With Epigone, Boston-bred aural imaginauts Wilderun take a deeper and darker step beyond their expansive, prog-leaning metal scores that so skillfully came together on 2019’s Veil of Imagination. The result is a record that is at once grandiose, complex, sophisticated and unexpectedly human. “This is certainly a “meta” record for me,” states guitarist and vocalist Evan Berry. “It’s the record that has the most to do with the artistic process.” Indeed, the nine-track-long offering: beginning with the haunting acoustic prelude, “Exhaler” and ending with a twenty-minute, four-part epic composition, “Distraction I-IV”, Epigone is nothing short of a journey into expression and ambition. It has all the earmarks that have made Wilderun a revelation unto themselves.
“This record has a different kind of inner turmoil than Veil,” says bassist and composer Dan Muller. “So much of that album was focused on the past and reminiscing on the progression from childhood to adulthood, and had a brighter, more flowery texture to it. This one is darker, and to me feels more introspective.” Admittedly, the universal pause and the frustration that came with the onset of a global pandemic of 2020 weighed heavily on the writing. “It was a frustrating time,” says Dan. “Things were starting to move in a direction that we had wanted them to for a while. We had signed to Century Media and were playing bigger shows like the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise. Then, suddenly, it felt like everything was ripped away from us. For me, that made it the hardest record we’ve ever had to write.”
Berry describes the arrangement process for Epigone as “solitary”, largely due to the Covid-restricted universe the band found itself in. Ideas were shuttled back and forth between members, and the band frustratingly never had the opportunity to meet as a whole before tracking commenced in early 2021. And with traveling being too risky at the time, Wayne had to do all of his recording and orchestrating out of his home studio in California, while the rest of the band tracked in Syracuse, NY. In spite of that isolation, tracks like the driving “Passenger” speak volumes of Wilderun’s increasingly canny sonic reach as soaring, cinematic orchestrations flirt with Berry’s death metalized inclinations. According to Berry, even Wilderun’s flawlessly integrated orchestrations were pushed in new directions. Guitarist and composer Wayne Ingram (who has worked for noted film composer Hans Zimmer’s Bleeding Fingers Company) focused on innovative and challenging compositions while Muller pushed his synth work to create a sense of atmosphere the band’s prior work only hinted at. The album’s mix by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Arch Enemy) sets the album’s standard to masterpiece proportions.
“There’s always a deep appreciation for the vibe and the atmosphere of folk and the heaviness of metal,” says Dan, “I think for us it comes down to this organic, esoteric atmosphere that incorporates a lot of different things.” That aesthetic is most pronounced when it comes to some of the album’s actual instrumentation. “This is probably the biggest number of folk instruments we’ve ever had on a record,” notes Dan. “Sometimes it’s prominent. Sometimes it’s layered. There’s fewer keys and more acoustic passages. It’s a little more earthy and a little less theater.”
When it comes to scoring soundtracks for the theater of the mind, Wilderun isn’t merely pushing boundaries, they’re writing sublime symphonies and setting the standard in the process. “At its core, Wilderun is escapist, transformative,” says Dan. “Our criteria is very simple: As a listener, does it put me in a place that’s better than where I am now? Even though the music and lyrics are very introspective, this could be anyone’s story.”
Lineup:
Evan Anderson Berry – Vocals/Guitars/Piano
Dan Muller – Bass/Synths/Orchestrations
Jon Teachey – Drums
Joe Gettler – Lead Guitar
Wayne Ingram – Orchestrations
Another year and the world is still dominated by pandemic restrictions... But there's musical hope at the end of the tunnel as 2022 sees the release of Scandinavian all-star band At The Movies' first two albums, available today via Atomic Fire Records. Ready to brighten all hard 'n' heavy fans globally with their uplifting movie hit adaptations, the group's arsenal features The Soundtrack Of Your Life - Vol. 2 (covers from the ‘90s) as well as a reissue of their debut album The Soundtrack Of Your Life - Vol. 1 (covers from the ‘80s).
Comments band leader Chris Laney, "Wow, it's release day. We never thought we would release two albums out of having fun... crazy! But here we are, twenty-two songs and videos later! I really hope it will be your soundtrack for at least 2022...because more will come out of this, that is for sure. Cheers!"
The band celebrates the release of both albums with a music video for “Heaven Is A Place On Earth.”
"This is one of those songs that a band like Kiss or Bon Jovi should have had back in the day, an instant feel-good rock song. I loved it from the get-go. I never really liked Belinda's vibrato, so I'm happy to have new voices on that one. I think most people wanna pop open a brewski and raise their glasses hearing this!"
Originally performed by Belinda Carlisle and featured in the 1997 film Romy And Michele's High School Reunion, At The Movies' interpretation can be viewed below:
Order both albums combined as a limited box set (includes cassette tapes, walkman, sunglasses, and keychain) or separately in various formats (CD/DVD-digipak - DVDs include videos for all tracks - vinyl, and digital), or stream them via the links below:
The Soundtrack Of Your Life - Vol. 1 (Re-Release) tracklist:
"Intro"
"No Easy Way Out"
"Maniac"
"St. Elmo's Fire"
"A View To A Kill"
"(I've Had) The Time Of My Life"
"Wouldn't It Be Good"
"We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)"
"The Power Of Love"
"The Heat Is On"
"The Neverending Story"
"Far From Over"
"Last Christmas" (Bonus Track)
The Soundtrack Of Your Life - Vol. 2 tracklist:
"Waiting For A Star To Fall"
"King Of Wishful Thinking"
"The One And Only"
"When You Say Nothing At All"
"(I Just) Died In Your Arms Tonight"
"(You Drive Me) Crazy"
"Heaven Is A Place On Earth"
"Crush"
"I've Been Thinking About You"
"Venus"
"I Want It That Way"
German rock icons, Scorpions, will release their new album, Rock Believer, on February 25. Pre-order the album here.
Today, the band conclude a three-part documentary series detailing the journey of making the new album. Find all three segments below.
Rock Believer tracklisting:
"Gas In The Tank"
"Roots In My Boots"
"Knock 'Em Dead"
"Rock Believer"
"Shining Of Your Soul"
"Seventh Sun"
"Hot And Cold"
"When I Lay My Bones To Rest"
"Peacemaker"
"Call Of The Wild"
"When You Know (Where You Come From)"
Limited deluxe edition bonus tracks:
"Shoot For Your Heart"
"When Tomorrow Comes"
"Unleash The Beast"
"Crossing Borders"
"When You Know (Where You Come From)"
"Peacemaker" video:
Rock Believer - The Journey videos:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Scorpions will kick off their Rock Believer World Tour in March 2022 in Las Vegas, where the band will play nine shows as part of their residency at Planet Hollywood Hotel. Afterwards, they will cross the Atlantic to Europe where they will play six concerts in France and six shows in Germany supported by Wolfgang Van Halen’s new band, Mammoth WVH.
Skid Row will be the opening band for all nine shows of Scorpions' Sin City Nights 2022 Las Vegas residency, thereby replacing previously announced support act, Queensrÿche. Scorpions' stint in Vegas was originally supposed to happen in July 2020, then it got pushed back to May 2021, only to be rescheduled to March - April 2022 at Zappos Theater inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Tour dates:
March
26 - Zappos Theater - Las Vegas, NV
30 - Zappos Theater - Las Vegas, NV
April
1 - Zappos Theater - Las Vegas, NV
3 - Zappos Theater - Las Vegas, NV
7 - Zappos Theater - Las Vegas, NV
9 - Zappos Theater - Las Vegas, NV
12 - Zappos Theater - Las Vegas, NV
14 - Zappos Theater - Las Vegas, NV
16 - Zappos Theater - Las Vegas, NV
May
10 - Altice Arena - Lisbon, Portugal
13 - Zenith Toulouse Metropole - Toulouse, France
15 - Zenith De Lille - Lille, France
17 - Accorhotels Arena - Paris, France
21 - Hallenstadion - Zurich, Switzerland
23 - Arena Di Verona - Verona, Italy
26 - O2 Arena - Prague, Czech Republic
28 - Tauron Arena - Kraków, Poland
30 - Laszlo Papp Sports Arena - Budapest, Hungary
June
3 - Rockfest - Helsinki, Finland
8 - Schleyerhalle - Stuttgart, Germany*
10 - Olympiahalle - Munich, Germany*
12 - Festhalle - Frankfurt, Germany*
16 - Mercedes-Benz Arena - Berlin, Germany*
17 - Zag Arena - Hannover, Germany*
19 - Westfalenhalle - Dortmund, Germany*
23 - Hellfest - Clisson, France
25 - Rock Imperium Festival - Cartagena, Spain
28 - Palais Nikaia - Nice, France
30 - Le Galaxie - Amneville, France
July
2 - Zenith D'Auvergne - Clermont-Ferrand, France
Brothers In Arms is the brainchild of guitarist/composer Jack Frost (Savatage, Seven Witches, Lizzy Borden), who along with several recruited iconic rock brothers, has made it his mission to prove rock music will never die. The guys unified to take a stand against the doubters and cynics who have claimed that it's simply not possible to resurrect this celebrated music in which so many lasting and fond memories were built around. Banding together, Jack & the Brothers forged ahead with one main goal: To make quality music that would both represent and immortalize the days of the sold-out legendary rock venues, to show the world that rock is not just a thing of the past.
The Brothers are back with their latest single and video for the track “Make You Mine”. The song was written by Keith St. John and Angel keyboardist Charlie Calv, and also features a guest solo by Dave Amato of REO Speedwagon.
Keith had this to say about it: “Twas a thrill having playboy playmate Katie play the long lost homebound flame in the new Brothers in Arms video for 'Make You Mine'! At a time when COVID restrictions were at an all time high I think we got lucky and hopefully portrayed the essence of "spouse on the rock n roll road" while happenstance gave us accidental guest stars like Andrew Freeman, Britt Lightning, and many others! The biggest challenge was having only myself on set and Katie for just an hour while shooting on location and trying to keep it feeling fresh! Charlie Calv's keyboard riff performance as well as Dave Amato’s blazing axe were both shot remotely to helping build the stage for this iconic beauty! Pat Benatar’s bassist Mic Mahan 100% slays as the fortress for us all... and I hail Jack Frost for masterminding this song, this record, and including me as part of an amazing new refreshing collection of real deal killer rock music that digs way down!”
Charlie continues, “Jack had asked me to contribute some songs to the album and I just happened to have this musical idea I was working on so I sent over a demo of it and was really thrilled with the way it came out, the guys did a great job and Keith really just nailed the vibe and wrote some great melodies and lyrics to it."
Brothers In Arms also features Karl Wilcox (Diamond Head), Alex Jansen (Hardline), Andrew Freeman (Last In Line, Lynch Mob), Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot), Steve Overland (FM, Overland), Nick Walsh (Moxy, Slik Toxik), Jesse Damon (Silent Rage), Todd Poole (Roxy Blue, Saliva), plus special guest Mick Mahan (Pat Benatar).
You can order the album now and there are limited edition bundles available (while supplies last), which can be ordered here. UK/European orders here.
Product Includes:
- Brothers In Arms - "Sunset and Clark" CD
- Brothers In Arms - Rock Is Not Dead T-Shirt
- Brothers In Arms - Sticker
Brothers In Arms tracklisting:
"Bitch Is Crazy"
"Last To Know"
"The City Never Sleeps"
"Feel The Love"
"Make You Mine"
"The Ties That Bind"
"Long Way From Love"
"My Heart Knows"
"Wasting Light"
"Voices Are Calling"
Swedish black metal pioneers DARK FUNERAL have released the music video for their new single "Let The Devil In". The track is taken from their upcoming full-length album, "We Are The Apocalypse", which will arrive on March 18 via Century Media Records.
The unforgiving darkness of this brand-new track perfectly fits the gory and sinister atmosphere of the video — filmed, directed and edited by Poland's Grupa13 — giving a good foretaste of what you can expect from "We Are The Apocalypse".
DARK FUNERAL guitarist and founder Lord Ahriman states: "It is with great pleasure that we can hereby offer you a first taste of our upcoming album 'We Are The Apocalypse' with the track 'Let The Devil In'. It may be a slightly different song from us, but it still holds the true darkness and spirit that is DARK FUNERAL. It was obvious to all of us that this would be the song that we set the bar with and premiere first. The song also comes with a video, which we recorded in Wroclaw, Poland together with Grupa13. It really was a great pleasure to work with such a professional team. The result is outstanding and fits this completely dark story that is 'Let The Devil In' very well."
Ahriman adds: "To me, 'Let The Devil In' comes in as a proof of the great deeds you can achieve when you turn to your innermost darkness and in harmony become one with your inner devil. Enjoy the darkness!"
"We Are The Apocalypse" track listing:
01. Nightfall
02. Let The Devil In
03. When Our Vengeance Is Done
04. Nosferatu
05. When I'm Gone
06. Beyond The Grave
07. A Beast To Praise
08. Leviathan
09. We Are The Apocalypse
DARK FUNERAL will play a very special album-release show on March 19 at Fållan in Stockholm, Sweden, supported by SAMAEL and ELEINE. The show will also be streamed online.
DARK FUNERAL's previous album, 2016's "Where Shadows Forever Reign", was the band's first release to feature vocalist Heljarmadr (GRÁ), whose vitriolic snarl found a perfect match alongside Lord Ahriman's trademark riffing.
Rise Above Records recently announced the signing of doom metal machine Friends Of Hell. Brainchild of former Electric Wizard bassist, Tas Danazoglou, Friends Of Hell also feature the enigmatic talents of former Reverend Bizarre vocalist Albert Witchfinder.
The band will release their self-titled album on March 18. Check out the video for “Shadow Of The Impaler” below:
Following their latest magnum opus, Oscillation (2019), Swedish post-rock masters, Oh Hiroshima, have returned with their fourth studio album, Myriad, slated for release on March 4 via Napalm Records. Due to pandemic lockdowns, the band channeled all of their time and creativity into delivering an epic successor, unquestionably raising the bar and excelling with grandeur.
It’s a mixture of emotions - from infinite sadness to moments of clarity and heart-rending melodies blending into a rumbling volcano of aesthetic noise and ferocious power, but also the unique use of trumpets, cello and trombones throughout - that sees Oh Hiroshima outclass and grow renowned not only in post-rock circles, but beyond. In comparison to previous works, the band incorporates more influences from various genres, causing each track to stand out from the next. This phenomenon is perfectly emphasized on the beautifully crafted first single “Humane”. Building into a mesmerizing aura, the track explodes into a sonic ascension of grace and breathtaking power.
Watch the new music video for “Humane” below.
Band mastermind Jakob Hemström says: "‘Humane’ might be the most direct and intense song we've created as a band. For us it marks a somewhat new direction that we wanted to explore and we're very proud of how it turned out. We felt right away that this was the first song of the new album we wanted our listeners to hear. The lyrics revolve around themes of human hubris and the video was filmed, directed and edited by our drummer, Oskar."
Upon becoming a duo due to former bassist Simon Forsberg departing the band in early 2021, Oh Hiroshima were provided a challenging chance to step up their songwriting game. There is still a hefty dose of post-rock to be heard on Myriad, but brothers Jakob Hemström and Oskar Nilsson managed to kick down the creative walls of the band, making use of a much broader musical palette.
Recorded by Kristian Karlsson (pg.lost, Cult Of Luna), and once again mixed and mastered by Cult Of Luna’s Magnus Lindberg, with Myriad, Oh Hiroshima demonstrate outstanding ability - melding captivating melody with epic, fulminating fervency, and delivering a majestic masterpiece that will undoubtedly be an early album of the year contender.
Myriad will be available in the following formats:
- 6 Page CD Digipak
- Purple Gatefold Vinyl LP
- Digital Album
Ykä Järvinen at scratchnbake has footage of Bodom After Midnight drummer Waltteri Väyrynen covering Bloodbath's "Warhead Ritual". Check out the clip below.
Järvinen: "Personally, I think that the drums are the coolest instrument if you know how to play them. I've been privileged to work with many amazing drummers during my years in the world of music. Here's one of them. Waltteri Väyrynen and his drum playthrough/cover of Bloodbath - 'Warhead Ritual'."
Meant to celebrate the manifestation of a brand new metal era for Bodom After Midnight, Paint The Sky With Blood now pays tribute to their incomparable frontman, guitarist and creative visionary; Alexi Laiho.
The EP, recorded in the band's native Finland, was intended to be followed by a full-length album later in the year, but now embodies a whole new meaning and remains the only work by Bodom After Midnight. Paint The Sky With Blood is undeniable evidence of the late Alexi Laiho's artistic spirit and his extraordinary musical skills, together with his talented bandmates Daniel Freyberg, Waltteri Väyrynen, Mitja Toivonen and live keyboardist Vili Itäpelto.
Not only do the band's final recordings arrive in full today, but the matching visualizer for "Payback’s A Bitch" is also revealed. Watch below.
"Like ourselves, Alexi was beyond stoked about these songs and anxious to get these out, so we are happy that we can fulfill his wish. Needless to say, we are honored and proud to be a part of his very last creative work and to unleash it the way he wanted it. It’s time to let the beast out of the cage one more time as a celebration of Alexi’s music, legacy and the man himself." - Bodom After Midnight
The heavy title track “Paint The Sky With Blood” sets the stage for the 14-minute EP of the same name, and is strikingly reminiscent of early-Children Of Bodom elements while also adding exciting modern influences into the fold. Second stunner "Payback’s A Bitch" and its massive riffing are on a quest for retribution, delivering a hard-hitting, second to none offense. The interplay of Alexi Laiho, guitarist Daniel Freyberg, drummer Waltteri Väyrynen (Paradise Lost), bassist Mitja Toivonen (ex-Santa Cruz) and live keyboardist Vili Itäpelto is not only a testament to the band's extraordinary musical ability, but also showcases their skill in deftly incorporating a variety of genre influences.
Closing cover track, "Where Dead Angels Lie" is an absolute triumph – originally performed by Swedish extreme metal outfit, Dissection, the track shines as a timeless classic with a new edge. Eerie riffs and vocals alternating between menacing murmurs and characteristic guttural, distorted vocals stay faithful to the original while branding this version with an undeniable Bodom After Midnight punch.
Paint The Sky With Blood is available in the following formats:
- 10" Spined Sleeve Oxblood
- 10" Spined Sleeve Inkspot Ox/Black
- 10" Spined Sleeve Black
- Deluxe Box
- 1 Digipak Mini CD
- Digital Album
Paint The Sky With Blood tracklisting:
"Paint The Sky With Blood"
"Payback’s A Bitch"
"Where Dead Angels Lie" (Dissection Cover)
The self-proclaimed "Best Goblin Metal on the Planet" known as Nekrogoblikon have announced their new album, The Fundamental Slimes And Humours. The album will arrive April 1st. Pre-orders can be placed now at this location.
Nekrogoblikon has shared the video for their new song "This Is It", which can be seen below. "We're excited to finally release 'This Is It', the second single from our upcoming album, The Fundamental Slimes And Humours," the band says. "This was the first song that got completed during the writing/demoing process, meaning it's also the one we've been waiting the longest for you all to hear. Hope you enjoy it!"
The Fundamental Slimes And Humours artwork and tracklisting:
"Right Now"
"Golden Future"
"Yin"
"Supernovas (Exploding In Space)"
"Bones"
"Going To Die"
"A Lesson In Hate"
"This Is It"
"Fancy Wind"
"Carousels"
"No Such Thing As A Key"
"Right Now" video:
Los Angeles, California's Nekrogoblikon are melodic hard rock pranksters who deploy gnarly death metal earworms filled with crafty hooks, claw-pumping choruses, lightning-fast riffs, and over the top, EDM-style keyboard flourishes. With their ostentatious goblin hypeman John Goblikon, the band takes cues from hyperbolic horror-metal enthusiasts like Gwar, Finntroll, and Dethklok, while maintaining an affable, self-referential sense of humor.
Primalfrost, the one-man melodic death shredding unit created by Canadian guitarist Dean Paul Arnold (touring guitarist Belphegor, Operus, ex-Vital Remains), recently unleashed his first full-length in seven years, Lost Elegies. This third album follows 2014's Prosperous Visions and features eight tracks packing their own punch.
Today, in support of the record, Primalfrost is sharing a new visualizer for the epic 11-minute album closer, "Tenebrous Skies". Watch below:
As the sole composer/multi-instrumentalist, Arnold had songs composed solely on guitar pro, as well as written and arranged in an actual recorded pre-production setting. There are songs on Lost Elegies that are both years old and completely new, as well as material hashed together from both old/new ideas.
"I’m sure it will be received very well, it’s definitely a solid continuation of the band's sound, but definitely in a matured/refined way. I’ve had plenty of time to really hone and refine every aspect of the sound, and to make sure it has the production quality/performance on my end to meet those requirements. If you’ve heard Primalfrost before it’s quite obvious there’s the influence of bands like Wintersun, Ensiferum, Kalmah, etc. My goal is to take influence from those sounds but add elements of grit, intensity, speed, & heaviness found in the more extreme genre."
"Maelstrom"
"Bringer Of Immensity"
"Nomad"
"Stormbearer"
"Voyage Into Ruin"
"Solace Kingdom"
"As Embers Wane"
"Tenebrous Skies"
"Stormbearer" video:
"Nomad":
"Maelstrom":
Album credits:
Dean Arnold - All Instruments, Vocals, & Orchestration
Recorded by Dean Arnold in Toronto, Canada
Mixed & Mastered by Jonathan Lefrancois-Leduc of Silverwings Studios in Montreal, Canada
Additional Orchestration by Jonathan Lefrancois-Leduc
German metalcore powerhouse, Setyøursails, have released a bass playthrough video for their single, "Mirror". The track is featured on the band's upcoming sophomore album and Napalm Records label debut, Nightfall, available on January 21. Watch the new clip below:
Nightfall stands as an impressive return for Setyøursails, who once again prove their musical diversity. A mixture of catchy choruses and intense breakdowns are evident on brutally melodic "Why", the changing spectrum of "Deadline", and "Into the Storm", which starts with a crisp deathcore intro. Among others, "Nightfall" (featuring Andy Doerner of metalcore veterans Caliban) shows the full straightforward range of Jules Mitch’s vocals, which oscillate between concise and clear, intense screams and expressive growling. "Mirror"begins atmospherically before bubbling up to an impressive journey through personal conflicts without losing its undeniably catchy quality. With tracks like "Secrets" and "Forgive Me" the band also presents its softer side. Setyøursails are also full of surprises – together with Mike Perez from No Bragging Rights, they cover "Shallow” (from the film A Star Is Born) by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, and give the ballad their personal touch, once again proving their musical diversity. Nightfall was produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Annisokay vocalist/guitarist Christoph Wieczorek and songwriter/producer Julian Breucker at Sawdust Recordings. Both have already worked with greats like Beyond The Black, Eisbrecher and Emil Bulls – just to name a few.
Nightfall will be available in the following formats:
- 1 CD Digipak
- 1 LP Gatefold Recycled Color Vinyl
- 1 Digital Album
Of Gods & Monsters have released their debut single and video, "Bring Out Your Dead", from their upcoming record, Brace For Impact. The single is released by Hellaphonic Music and is available on all digital platforms (iTunes, Spotify). A follow-up lyric video is scheduled to be released later this month.
Of Gods & Monsters features drummer Simon Wright (AC/DC, Dio, UFO), guitarist Ira Black (Dokken, Lizzy Borden, Metal Church), bassist Bjorn Englen (Dio Returns, Soul Sign, Yngwie Malmsteen, Quiet Riot) and founding member, singer Kevin Goocher (Omen, Phantom-X).
"Bring Out Your Dead" was produced by Ira Black and Sterling Winfield. Winfield's credits include Pantera, Damage Plan, HellYeah, King Diamond and more; Mastered by Howie Weinberg whose credits include Metallica, Rammstein, Iron Maiden, Nirvana and more; Video by Dave Stabley.
Goocher earlier this year said: “I’m beyond thrilled with the new lineup. These guys are truly Gods and Monsters at what each of them do. Writing with Ira in particular has been something I’ve never experienced before. Working with these musicians has pushed me to think outside the box. It’s been exciting and I hope listeners will feel that.”
Their debut album, Brace For Impact, is scheduled for release in the spring with follow-up tour dates.
MUDVAYNE has uploaded drum-cam footage of the "Dig" performance from the band's third reunion show, which took place on November 14 at the Welcome To Rockville festival at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.
MUDVAYNE canceled its appearance at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky in September after the band's singer Chad Gray and "a few staff members" tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
MUDVAYNE played its first show in 12 years on September 11, 2021 at the Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival in Mansfield, Ohio.
MUDVAYNE formed in 1996 and has sold over six million records worldwide, earning gold certification for three albums ("L.D. 50", "The End Of All Things To Come", "Lost And Found"). The band is known for its sonic experimentation, innovative album art, face and body paint, masks and uniforms. MUDVAYNE is Chad Gray (vocals), Greg Tribbett (guitar, backing vocals), Matthew McDonough (drums, synthesizer) and Ryan Martinie (bass).
It's been more than a decade since MUDVAYNE released its self-titled fifth album and little had been heard about the group during that time.
Gray has spent the past 15 years fronting HELLYEAH, which released its sixth studio album, "Welcome Home", in September 2019 via Eleven Seven Music. The disc marked the group's final effort with drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott, who passed away more than three years ago.
In 2018, Tribbett said that fans who are calling for a MUDVAYNE reunion "just need a little more patience." He explained: "We're all flattered that everybody still wants MUDVAYNE to tour and do a new record and come out and do all that stuff. The thing is is that everybody is in three different bands and kind of doing their own projects, and there's no time for that right now."
Tribbett's most recent focus was AUDIOTOPSY, which released its second full-length album, "The Real Now", in November 2018 via Megaforce Records. He is joined in that band by MUDVAYNE drummer Matt McDonough, SKRAPE vocalist Billy Keeton and bassist Perry Stern.
MUDVAYNE did not tour behind its fifth album, which was barely promoted and sold weakly upon release.
Gray previously expressed skepticism about the possibility of a MUDVAYNE reunion, noting in a 2015 interview that "the only way I personally would want to do MUDVAYNE is if everybody licked their wounds and got over it."
Tribbett was also part of HELLYEAH with Gray but was fired from that band in 2013.
Asked in Revolver magazine if Greg's exit from HELLYEAH hit him especially hard, seeing as the two of them started off playing together in MUDVAYNE, Chad said: "Yeah, man. He has always been my right-hand man. He's been the back I look at when I'm writing songs and the sounding board for my ideas. When everything went sideways, it was like losing a great friend. I was filled with fear and I had mixed emotions. At first, I was, like, 'Goddamn, I don't know if I'm ever gonna be able to do this without him.'"
Äàíèÿ
Ronnie Atkins![=]](/img/news-bord-shr.gif){kind=small}
Íèäåðëàíäû
ÑØÀ
Øâåöèÿ
Ìåæäóíàðîäíûé
Ãåðìàíèÿ
Êàíàäà
×åõèÿ
