Blues-rock icon Joe Bonamassa has gifted fans with a brand-new holiday staple, "Lonely Christmas Eve", out now on streaming platforms. Infused with Bonamassa's signature guitar prowess and soulful vocals, "Lonely Christmas Eve" captures the spirit of the season while offering a fresh addition to his growing Christmas music collection. Co-written with James House (Martina McBride, Bonnie Raitt, George Strait),the song tells the story of friends gathering together to celebrate the season.
This release follows Bonamassa's recent Grammy nomination for "Blues Deluxe Vol. 2" in the "Best Contemporary Blues Album" category, his fourth career nomination. The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Blues Album chart last year, resonating with Grammy voters and further solidifying his legacy as a modern blues powerhouse. His other nominations include 2022's "Royal Tea" ("Contemporary Blues Album"),2017's "Live At The Greek Theatre" ("Best Traditional Blues Album") and 2014's "Seesaw" (Contemporary Blues Album) with Beth Hart.
2024 has been a monumental year for Bonamassa, with his live album and concert film "Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra" debuting at No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Blues, Classical and Classical Crossover. This achievement marks his 28th career No. 1 on the Billboard Blues chart, extending his record and showcasing his ability to blend blues with orchestral grandeur seamlessly.
Last Month, Bonamassa celebrated the tenth anniversary of his landmark album "Different Shades Of Blue" with the special digital reissue "Different Shades Of Blue (Overdrive)". Featuring rare tracks and fan favorites like the newly released "Black Irish Eyes", the project invited listeners to revisit the album that marked a turning point in his career, debuting at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 back in 2014.
Currently, Bonamassa is in the midst of his highly anticipated fall tour, delivering electrifying performances across the U.S. Fans can expect a powerful mix of new tracks, classic hits, and perhaps a few holiday surprises.
Only in his mid-40s, Bonamassa has become a living legend with an astounding multi-genre catalogue. He has released more than 40 albums, including studio and live recordings, as well as collaborative albums with his adventurous side projects: BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION and ROCK CANDY FUNK PARTY.
A prolific writer who is always on the hunt to expand his eclectic musical horizons, Bonamassa has a limitless work ethic whether it's in the studio, on the road, or working with other artists to spur new music. In recent years, he has produced an immense number of albums, including Joanne Shaw Taylor, Marc Broussard, Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall and others for his independent label KTBA Records, and has also recently launched Journeyman LLC, a full-service artist management, record label, concert promotion, and marketing company that builds awareness for independent artists worldwide.
Following their latest, colossal studio album Expedition One - released in January this year via AFM Records - Swedish melodic power metal frontrunners Metalite present a new video clip for the song "Cyberdome", recorded live at Skogsröjet 2024. Check it out below.
Expedition One tells a fictitious story about life on our planet in the year 2055. The band's upcoming magnum opus inspires with a wide range of diverse compositions and an intelligent sci-fi story that couldn’t be more topical. In addition, their fourth album offering manifests the musicians’ amazing artistic development.
Metalite's visionary sci-fi trip is told over sixteen multi-faceted songs that combine the quintet’s many strengths: powerful and at the same time delicate guitar riffs and solos, anthemic melodies courtesy of vocalist Erica Ohlsson, driving rhythms and cleverly positioned keyboard parts. Expedition One was produced by guitarist Edwin Premberg, and was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen.
Former Sabaton guitarist / Majestica frontman Tommy Johansson has shared his weekly cover, this time performing the iconic hit, "Never Ending Story", released by Limahl in 1984.
Symphonic power metal quartet, Majestica, have announced their brand new studio album, Power Train, which will see the light of day on February 7 via Nuclear Blast Records. After more than four years since their last album, the Swedes are ready to set the bar high once again with their new long player and are presenting their fans what is their strongest album to date.
Power Train is a spellbinding experience that awakens sleeping dreams with powerful riffs and epic choruses. The enchantment rises like a breath of stars, propelling listeners into the heart of a fairytale world. This is particularly evident in the album's first single. With the title track "Power Train", Majestica leaves an exciting first impression and also presents a strong music video, which you can witness below.
Tommy Johansson comments: "Get ready for explosive power metal with a ”can’t stop singing along”-chorus in the new track 'Power Train'. The video literally takes you onboard the Power Train with elements taken from the entire album."
Stream the single here, and pre-order/pre-save the new album here.
When it came to the process of recording and putting all the pieces together, the band did not change a lot compared to the last projects. Again the music was written, recorded, and produced by Majestica themselves.
"Like our previous albums this one is also produced by ourselves, and we recorded most parts in our new place Majestic Studios. For mixing we went back to Jonas Kjellgren as we have been very happy with the sound of A Christmas Carol and Metal United," says bassist Chris Davidsson.
Regarding the amazing artwork for Power Train, Chris explains: "For the artwork we teamed up with Jan Yrlund / Darkgrove design. It invites you to join this majepic ride of the Power Train, imagine standing there on the platform eagerly waiting, and you hear ”all aboard”!"
Power Train contains ten brand new tracks and will be available in the following formats: CD Jewel (incl. booklet), Vinyl, and digital.
Power Train tracklisting:
"Power Train"
"No Pain, No Gain"
"Battle Cry"
"Megatrue"
"My Epic Dragon"
"Thunder Power"
"A Story In The Night"
"Go Higher"
"Victorious"
"Alliance Anthem"
"Power Train" video:
Shortly before the release of their new album, Majestica will play a few shows, perfect to warm up for the upcoming album. The tour, which is called The Dead Don't Die Tour, kicks off on December 26 in Nürnberg, Germany. Along with headliners Dominum and support Hammer King, the Swedes are going to stop in seven cities. Furthermore, Majestica will play a festival show at No Sleep After X-Mas Festival in Runkel with some extra focus on their Christmas album, A Christmas Carol, on December 29.
Crypta, the Brazilian death metal powerhouse, delivered a thunderous performance on the Ronnie James Dio Main Stage at Bloodstock Open Air 2024 on August 10. Known for their ferocity and crushing sound, the band emerged as one of the festival’s standout acts. Led by the formidable bassist-vocalist Fernanda Lira and the relentless drummer Luana Dametto, Crypta has been rising rapidly in the metal scene since their formation in 2019.
This performance, drenched in raw energy and deep passion, includes highlights like “Lift the Blindfold”, “The Other Side of Anger”, and “From the Ashes.” Each track echoes Crypta’s drive to push boundaries in the genre, leaving a powerful mark on Bloodstock’s massive audience of metalheads.
Setlist:
"The Aftermath"
"The Other Side of Anger"
"Poisonous Apathy"
"Lift the Blindfold"
"The Outsider"
"Stronghold"
"Dark Clouds"
"From the Ashes"
Empires Of Eden, led by producer / guitarist Stu "The Hammer" Marshall, released their new album, Guardians Of Time, today (November 15) via Massacre Records.
Lyric video for “When Will It End” is streaming below. The track features Darren Smith (Jake E. Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel), Mike LePond (Symphony X), and Clay T. (Arkenstone).
Guardians Of Time holds even more electrifying collaborations, with artists such as Jonas Heidgert (Dragonland), Louie Gorgievski (Night Legion), Tony Webster (Archetype) or John Gallagher (Raven) to name just a few, and continues Marshall's legacy of delivering high-octane metal with both precision and passion.
Stu Marshall, a renowned Australian guitarist and producer, is best known for his explosive guitar work, blending technical prowess with melodic sensibility. Rising to prominence with the power metal band Dungeon and more recently US power supergroup Death Dealer, Marshall's career has spanned decades, marking him as one of Australia’s most respected metal musicians.
In 2008, Marshall embarked on his solo project, Empires Of Eden, creating a platform to collaborate with some of the biggest names in metal. The project brought together an array of world-class vocalists, allowing Marshall to blend symphonic, power, and traditional heavy metal elements into epic soundscapes. Since its inception, Empires Of Eden has released four critically acclaimed albums, showcasing collaborations with metal legends such as Udo Dirkschneider (U.D.O., ex-Accept), Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Zak Stevens (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Rob Rock (Impellitteri), Mike Vescera (Yngwie Malmsteen, Loudness), and Jeff Martin (Racer X). Each release delivers a mix of Marshall's complex guitar compositions and the iconic vocal styles of his guest artists.
Guardians Of Time can be pre-saved here. The album will be available to pre-order on CD Digipak and limited edition vinyl LP soon.
Guardians Of Time was mixed by Stu Marshall, Clay T and Chris Themelco. Chris Themelco also mastered the album. The album artwork was designed by Alex Yarborough.
CD Digipak / Digital tracklisting:
"The Dawn March"
"Guardians Of Time"
"When Will It End"
"Mortal Rites"
"The Inner Me"
"When The Beast Comes Out"
"Arabian Nights"
"Stand United"
"August Runs Red"
"Baptise This Hell"
"The Devil's Only Friend"
"Baptise This Hell" (Alternate Version) [Bonus Track]
Crucial Velocity have announced Controller, the follow-up to their self-titled 2023 album release, is forthcoming and due to drop January 10, 2025. Heavier, leaner and darker than the debut album, Controller is ready for the masses.
“On the new album, Controller, we took the elements that we loved from the debut and basically magnified them. The songs are more concise and heavy yet always melodic. There is a flow and a consistency throughout. We do not shy away from our influences. We embrace the classic hard rock and metal from the 80's and 90's while keeping it fresh and creating a unique Crucial Velocity sound. Fans of Queensrÿche, Alice In Chains, Ghost, Black Sabbath and even prog metal will align with this album." - Nate Bauer
The theme of “control” runs through much of the album. Political unrest with cult like figures. Online mind control. Religious control. Brainwashing men to kill thousands in the holocaust...
"Brainstorm" - the powerful and haunting lead single - was created by Crucial Velocity's Nate Bauer through empathetic perspective-taking inspired by his child with autism.
Nate Bauer explains "‘Brainstorm’ is a deeply personal song with lyrics written from what I imagine to be the perspective of my non-verbal son who, as a result of Tuberous Sclerosis, has severe autism and seizures. I tried to capture what it might be like inside of his head, as he is unable to verbally communicate for himself. It is a tribute of sorts to everyone affected by autism or any special needs."
Crucial Velocity:
Matt Thompson (King Diamond) - Drums
Androo O'Hearn (Shaolin Death Squad) - Voca
Swedish melodic metal powerhouse Starchaser have released their second studio album, Into The Great Unknown, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.
The band also share the title track, accompanied by a music video, available now.
Guitarist Kenneth Jonsson describes the themes of the title track:
“The song ‘Into The Great Unknown’ explores humanity’s fascination with the unknown -discovering realms beyond Earth and facing the fear of the unexpected. Musically, it builds on the style of Starchaser’s first album, blending atmospheric depth and intense melodies. The layered guitars and synths evoke both wonder and apprehension, capturing the thrill and tension of venturing into uncharted territory.”
Jonsson also expresses his enthusiasm for this release, by saying: “We’re pumped to unleash Starchasers' latest album to the metal masses. Our debut ignited the scene with blazing reviews, and the fan and critic response was beyond epic. For this new record, we've delivered fiercer melodies and a more thunderous sound.”
“Ulrich and I worked in close collaboration, pushing each other to new extremes and elevating the band's performance to shredding new levels. Our combined effort has forged the songwriting into something truly formidable”, continues Jonsson. “Örjan, Johan, Eric and Kay also played crucial roles, contributing their talents to make this album a powerful force. A huge shoutout to Roger Bergsten for his crushing mix - his expertise has turned this second album into a face-melting experience. We’re stoked for you to crank it up and hope it hits as hard as our first.”
Starchaser is a new band formed by former Tad Morose guitarist Kenneth Jonsson, with vocalist Ulrich Carlsson (Shaggy, ex-M.ILL.ION), bassist Örjan Josefsson (Cibola Junction), drummer Johan Kulberg (Wolf, Therion, Hammerfall), and keyboardist Kay Backlund (Lions Share, Nils Patrik Johansson, Impera).
Initially, the musical journey that Kenneth undertook was supposed to be a solo album, but it turned into a brand new band after the chemistry between the players he was working with became apparent.
After leaving Tad Morose, Jonsson decided to focus on songwriting, by combining his “outside” musical influences – such as composers Phillip Glass and Max Richter - into the hard rock/metal genre he was known for.
His first choice for a singer was Ulrich Carlsson, whom he felt had the perfect mix of clean and raw tone in his voice, with a very melodic approach. Ulrich wrote all the lyrics and vocal melodies for the songs and came up with some arrangement ideas which Kenneth felt made the songs sound even better.
Kenneth later asked Örjan Josefsson to handle bass duties. As with Ulrich, Örjan contributes to the songs in a meaningful way and fits perfectly into the concept of the band.
Kenneth asked his friend Magnus Ulfstedt (ex drummer for Eclipse, Jimi Jamison, Nordic Union), to play on the Starchaser album, but it didn't work out due to conflicting schedules. Magnus kindly helped Kenneth to get in contact with Johan Koleberg, who turned out to be a perfect match.
Since Kenneth's songwriting is based on the piano, he needed a skilled keyboard player who could help him develop his ideas into bigger ones, so he asked Kay Backlund to play keyboards on the album and suited the concept perfectly.
The band released their debut album, Starchaser, on Frontiers Records in 2022. Largely composed by Jonsson and Carlsson, the record was produced by Roger Bergsten at Nevo Studio in Sweden.
This second album. Into The Great Unknown. will bring the band to the next level, with a consolidated chemistry between the members and, as a result, a strong songwriting and a great performance!
Into The Great Unknown tracklisting:
"Stella Exodus"
"Into The Great Unknown"
"Battalion Of Heroes"
"Who Am I"
"One By One"
"Shooting Star"
"Under The Same Sky"
"The Nightmare King"
"The Broken Empire"
"War Is A Bad Place For A Good Man"
"In A Time Of Steel"
"Far From Home"
Today marks the release of the debut EP from Lurking Terror. A World In Darkness features five songs of old-school death metal and to further exemplify their lethal intention the LA-based quintet have revealed a new lyric video for song “In Darkness.”
"‘In Darkness' draws inspiration from the haunting and otherworldly tales of H.P. Lovecraft,” explains singer Enrique Chavez. “The song delves into the eerie and unsettling realm of a nightmare that I find myself trapped in, yet paradoxically, there's a strange sense of fascination and enjoyment in the experience, as if I'm both terrified and mesmerized by the dark visions unfolding before me."
While Lurking Terror have only been together for 3 years, the five band members have roots dating back three decades when the core trio of vocalist Enrique Chavez, drummer Joel Marquez and guitarist Vincent Cervera played together in the cult death metal band Sadistic Intent. Lurking Terror, named after the opening cut of the classic 1990 Sadistic Intent EP, Impending Doom…, are joined by guitarist Noel Bello (ex-Infinitum Obscure) and bassist Lorenzo Kemp (Temblad).
Since releasing a demo there’s been tremendous interest in the group leading to performances not only in the band’s So Cal home but in other states with festival appearances in Texas and Illinois, and even further with concerts in Mexico and Japan, along the way sharing bills with Sacramentum, Sinister, Midnight, Incantation, Pessimist, Nausea, Phobia and more.
Lurking Terror brings the classic death metal sound that has rumbled in the underground for decades. With heavy down-tuned guitars, blistering riffs, grinding blast beats and guttural Death Metal vocals, the band is everything death metal was meant to sound like. The slow, pounding heavy sounds are reminiscent of bands like Autopsy and the classic Stockholm Swedish sound of Entombed, while the downbeats hit your ears with the aggression brought forth by bands like Napalm Death and Terrorizer, leaving the listener wanting more after every assault.
A World In Darkness is out now on digital, jewelcase CD and limited-edition vinyl run of only 200 copies that features completely different album art and a digital download code m-theoryaudio.com/store.
Intromental Worldwide is proud to announce the signing of the Swiss melodic prog-metal band, Neverland.
Founded back in 1999, the band released an album in the early 00's, toured around the world and went on hiatus for a long time, due to the death of the vocalist at that time. The band reunited some years ago and wrote their new album, Illusory World. Musically, Neverland is a fusion of ‘spaciousness and vastness,’ which is expressed through atmospheric keyboards, melodic vocals, and a solid rhythm section. In short, Neverland is energetic metal with melody.
Find the video for the song "Legends" below:
Following a reunion of founding members Daniel Huber and Boris Stoll, they decided to start a new chapter in the band’s history. Original vocalist Mike Zotter shared this vision, and they began exchanging ideas. Together with Roland Jost (bass), they worked on new songs. The COVID-19 pandemic complicated the recording process, as cross-border meetings were impossible. The songs were recorded and produced in their own Peakville Studio, with Tommy Vetterli once again handling the mixing. Mastering was completed by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios. The finished songs caught the attention of Tobias Bruntschi from Powerblast Records, who offered the band a contract.
With the reunion of the founding members and the signing with Intromental, the band is more determined than ever to open a new chapter in Neverland’s history. The band aims for songs that are diverse, balancing straightforwardness and experimental elements, allowing listeners to discover hidden details with each listen. Neverland’s songs are designed to remain fresh and captivating, sparking new interest with each play. Neverland has now laid the foundation for another chapter in their musical journey
Wardruna, the Norwegian outfit known for their evocative, immersive music rooted in Norse history and nature, have released a live video for “Lyfjaberg" (Live At The Acropolis), from the band’s forthcoming concert film, Live At The Acropolis (available on DVD/Blu-Ray on January 24).
Each of Wardruna’s performances bridges the ancient and the elemental, resonating with audiences in a profoundly human and natural way, and this recording of "Lyfjaberg" serves as a powerful example of that connection. Filmed at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, at the Acropolis in Athens during the autumn equinox on September 21, 2023, the forthcoming concert film captures a once-in-a-lifetime performances.
The song is featured on the Einar Selvik-helmed band’s forthcoming album, Birna (January 24, Sony Music/By Norse Music). Birna was written and recorded over three years, with music by Selvik and longtime collaborator/vocalist Linda-Fay Hella, and lyrics solely by Selvik. Performers on the album include Eilif Gundersen (bukkehorn, lur, flute, backing vocals), HC Dalgaard (drums, percussion, backing vocals), Sondre Veland (percussion, backing vocals), John Stenersen (mora-harp) and Arne Sandvoll (percussion, backing vocals).
Birna and Live At The Acropolis pre-orders are available here, with the new album available on limited-edition vinyl, CD and digitally.
Birna cover, photo by Tuukka Koski with artwork by Øivind A. Myksvoll.
Birna tracklisting:
"Hertan"
"Birna"
"Ljos til Jord"
"Dvaledraumar"
"Jord til Ljos"
"Himinndotter"
"Hibjørnen"
"Skuggehesten"
"Tretale"
"Lyfjaberg"
"Hibjørnen" video:
“Himinndotter” video:
"Hertan" video:
"Lyfjaberg" video:
From the Runaljod album trilogy (2009, 2013, 2016), exploring old Norse myths, traditions, and language through the 24 proto-Norse runes, the sound of Wardruna evolved and blended into the stripped down, acoustic compositions on Skald (2018). The group’s most recent album, Kvitravn (White-Raven) (2021), explored Northern sorcery, spirit-animals, animism, and the act of creation – the ever-interchanging prolific relationship between the skaldic poet and nature itself. The record charted in 13 countries, including #1 in Canada and Austria, and #2 in Germany. Wardruna has performed at multiple manmade historical locations including Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Acropolis, Bulgaria’s Ancient Theater of Philipoppolis, as well as locations set amidst natural wonders such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. Alongside his work with Wardruna, Einar Selvik has composed music for large tv and game productions such as “Vikings” and “Assassin’s Creed – Valhalla,” he gives tutorials and lectures on Old Norse literature, musicology, instruments and philosophy, and he has worked with renowned artists such as Mari Boine, Tina Guo, Matoma and Eivør, including appearances
Over four decades after its debut, a deluxe edition of Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers’ groundbreaking but often overlooked 1982 album, Long After Dark, was released via Geffen/UMe/Universal Music Canada in October (oder/save here).
A music video for “Never Be You”, a previously unreleased track featured on Long After Dark (Deluxe Edition), is available below. The clip was directed and animated by Jeff Scher.
Long After Dark (Deluxe Edition) features the newly remastered original album from the original analog master tapes, plus 12 rediscovered bonus tracks newly mixed by Petty’s longtime engineer Ryan Ulyate and boasts packaging designed by Grammy Award-winning designer Jeri Heiden, liner notes by legendary rock journalist and Tom Petty Radio host David Fricke, with commentary from Jimmy Iovine and Cameron Crowe and iconic archival photographs by Dennis Callahan, Neal Preston and Aaron Rapoport.
The set is available in a variety of configurations, highlighted by a limited edition TomPetty.com 2LP pressing on 180-gram red with black splatter color vinyl, housed in a numbered foil tip-on jacket with an exclusive lithograph; a 3-disc set featuring 2 CDs, and a Blu-ray audio disc with additional hi-res stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes of the album and bonus tracks, also mixed by Ulyate; a variety of additional vinyl options includes a 2LP on 180-gram black vinyl; a limited edition 1LP 180-gram turquoise color vinyl pressing (main album only) with double-sided lithograph of Blaze Brooks’ illustrations (available exclusively at indie record stores).
The album is also available at all streaming, download and HD audio download partners.
For more info, complete tracklisting and to order 2 LP versions and 3 disc set visit the official Tom Petty store, here.
Long After Dark (Deluxe Edition) tracklisting:
Disc 1
“A One Story Town”
“You Got Lucky”
“Deliver Me”
“Change Of Heart”
“Finding Out”
“We Stand A Chance”
“Straight Into Darkness”
“The Same Old You”
“Between Two Worlds”
“A Wasted Life”
Disc 2
“Stories We Could Tell (French TV)”
“Never Be You” *
“Turning Point (Original Drums Version)”
“Don’t Make Me Walk The Line” *
“I’m Finding Out (French TV)” *
“Heartbreakers Beach Party (Extended Version)”
“Keeping Me Alive (French TV)”
“Straight Into Darkness (French TV)”
“Ways To Be Wicked (Denver Sessions)” *
“Between Tw
Sodom’s cult 1992 album, Tapping The Vein, covered a wide range of lyrical topics amongst its eleven songs and opening track, "Body Parts", deals with the horrors of the organ trade. The lyric writing duties on the album were, for the first time shared out between all three members; Tom Angelripper, Andy Brings and Chris Witchhunter. It was Chris along with a friend of his called Bertrum, who contributed the lyrics to "Body Parts". It was also one of the songs where producer, Harris Johns suggested Tom lowered his voice, which worked perfectly with the bands standard tuning, while still retaining a menacing character.
The new expanded editions of Sodom’s Tapping The Vein feature the original album remastered, it also features a complete remixed version done by Andy Brings with some additional alternative takes of three album tracks, plus three live concerts: Tokyo 1992, Düsseldorf 1992 and Cologne 1992 (Chris Witchhunter´s last show with Sodom) in the super deluxe edition.
Check out a video for the 2024 redux version of "Body Parts":
32 years is a long time in anyone's book. Way too long according to Sodom fans worldwide. But if you ask Tom Angelripper and Andy Brings, those 32 years since the original release of Sodom's sixth album, Tapping The Vein, went by in the blink of an eye. With prices for the original vinyl LP skyrocketing in the collectors world and heated online fan discussions whether the re-release will ever see the light of day, the time has finally come to breathe new life into what appears to be everybody's favorite album by Sodom, alongside Agent Orange and Persecution Mania.
“At the time it was just another album for us,“ says only original band member Tom Angelripper, but the Sodomaniacs all over the world made it a cult classic. It's just sad that Chris Witchhunter is not here anymore to celebrate with us.” Guitar player Andy Brings, who was 20 years old and still in school when he joined the band in 1991, who wrote and recorded his first ever album with Sodom adds: “Bands don't determine what becomes a cult, the fans do. It just happened, and we are very proud of it. 18-year-olds come up to me these days and tell me how much they love that album.”
Not only was Tapping The Vein the last album with original drummer Chris Witchhunter hitting the skins more fiercely than ever before, but it was also a brutal statement from one of the originators of thrash metal, in a time when many bands strayed from their original paths, became too sanitized or caved in to newer trends. Sodom went in the opposite direction and put out what many fans call ‘Sodom's death metal album’, although no one in the band actually listened to death metal at the time. Angelripper: “We just did what we did, not paying attention to what was happening around us. Andy joined the band and we just hammered out these killer songs in no time. It all happened very fast. There were no distractions, just the music.“ Brings: “Tapping The Vein is the result of pure inspiration. I was young, hungry and full of energy and had ideas and that resonated perfectly with Tom and Chris, wanting to show everybody who's really in charge of thrash metal, in an era where not many bands stayed true to their original vision.”
So here it is. Sodom's ‘blue album’ revisited (like any true classic, it can be referred to by only mentioning the color of the artwork, just ask Metallica, Weezer and The Beatles), and the package could not be more complete. With the original album remastered, it also features a complete remixed version done by Andy Brings with some additional alternative takes of three album tracks, plus three live concerts: Tokyo 1992, Düsseldorf 1992 and Cologne 1992 (Chris Witchhunter´s last show with Sodom) in the super deluxe edition. Andy: “We fought and worked very hard for this re-release, I can only hope that it was worth the wait, but I'm pretty sure it will fill every Sodomaniac´s heart with joy.” Tom: “The fans mean everything to us, and this is really just for them. Working on Tapping The Vein again brought back so many memories, both good and bad, but this is who we were 32 years ago. An amazing trip.”
Tapping The Vein is the story of youth, life, death, friendship and loyalty. It's also testament to a time in your life, when everything was new and exciting, and bands and their music was all you had. When metal was pure, raw and wild. You thought that time would never come back. Until now……
Sodom’s deluxe, expanded reissue of Tapping The Vein is available via Noise / BMG in these formats:
- Super deluxe ‘blood filled vinyl’ edition. Triple LP, double CD deluxe 24 page bookpack (limited to 100 copies via the Noise Records store only)
- Deluxe triple LP red & black swirl vinyl and double CD deluxe 24 page bookpack
- Double, gatefold transparent red vinyl.
- Triple CD digisleeve with 24 page booklet
Deluxe Triple LP & Double CD Bookpack Edition Tracklisting:
Tapping The Vein (2024 Remaster) (Disc 1):
"Body Parts"
"Skinned Alive"
"One Step Over The Line"
"Deadline"
"Bullet In The Head"
"The Crippler"
"Wachturm"
"Tapping The Vein"
"Back To War"
"Hunting Season"
"Reincarnation"
Tapping The Vein (2024 Redux) (Disc 2) Previously Unreleased:
"Body Parts"
"Skinned Alive"
"One Step Over The Line"
"Deadline"
"Bullet In The Head"
"The Crippler"
"Wachturm"
"Tapping The Vein"
"Back To War"
"Hunting Season"
"Reincarnation"
Live In Toyko 1992 (Disc 3) Previously Unreleased:
"Sodomy & Lust"
"An Eye For An Eye"
"One Step Over The Line"
"Deadline"
"Agent Orange"
"Skinned Alive"
"Shellfire Defense"
"The Crippler"
"Bullet In The Head"
"Wachturm"
"Body Parts"
"The Kids Wanna Rock"
"Body Parts" (Alt. Remix Version)
"Wachturm" (Alt. Remix Version)
"Reincarnation" (Alt. Remix Version)
Live In Düsseldorf 1992 (Disc 4) Previously Unreleased:
"Sodomy & Lust"
"An Eye For An Eye"
"Skinned Alive"
"One Step Over The Line"
"Exhibition Bout"
"Ausgebombt"
"Remember The Fallen"
"The Saw Is The Law"
"Wachturm"
"Bombenhagel"
Live In Cologne 1992 The Final Witchhunt (Disc 5) Previously Unreleased:
"Sodomy & Lust"
"An Eye For An Eye"
"Agent Orange"
"Skinned Alive"
"Better Off Dead"
"Ausgebombt"
"One Step Over The Line"
"The Crippler"
"Bullet In The Head"
"Wachturm"
"Bombenhagel"
Triple CD Edition Tracklisting:
Tapping The Vein (2024 Remaster) (Disc 1):
"Body Parts"
"Skinned Alive"
"One Step Over The Line"
"Deadline"
"Bullet In The Head"
"The Crippler"
"Wachturm"
"Tapping The Vein"
"Back To War"
"Hunting Season"
"Reincarnation"
Tapping The Vein (2024 Redux) (Disc 2) Previously Unreleased:
"Body Parts"
"Skinned Alive"
"One Step Over The Line"
"Deadline"
"Bullet In The Head"
"The Crippler"
"Wachturm"
"Tapping The Vein"
"Back To War"
"Hunting Season"
"Reincarnation"
"Body Parts" (Alt. Remix Version)
"Wachturm" (Alt. Remix Version)
"Reincarnation" (Alt. Remix Version)
Live In Toyko 1992 (Disc 3) Previously Unreleased:
"Sodomy & Lust"
"An Eye For An Eye"
"One Step Over The Line"
"Deadline"
"Agent Orange"
"Skinned Alive"
"Shellfire Defense"
"The Crippler"
"Bullet In The Head"
"Wachturm"
"Body Parts"
"The Kids Wanna Rock"
Double Red Vinyl Edition Tracklisting:
Tapping The Vein (2024 Remaster) (Disc 1):
"Body Parts"
"Skinned Alive"
"One Step Over The Line"
"Deadline"
"Bullet In The Head"
"The Crippler"
"Wachturm"
"Tapping The Vein"
"Back To War"
"Hunting Season"
"Reincarnation"
Tapping The Vein (2024 Redux) (Disc 2) Previously Unreleased:
Finnish melodic death/folk metal band; Warfarer; HAVE released their long-awaited debut concept album, A Tale Beyond The Pale, via Inverse Records. It is available via digital platforms here.
The band comments:
"The wait is over. A Tale Beyond the Pale is here — a journey through Finnish myth and legend: jealousy, scheming, Viking raids, and duels under the northern lights. We’ve poured our hearts and souls (or what’s left of them) into this album, and it feels incredible to finally share it with the world.
But this is just the beginning — our to-do list is long and relentless. Warfarer is gearing up to hit the road, bringing our full live sound to stages across Finland and beyond. We’re also deep into the pre-production of our second album, so rest assured, more music is on the horizon.
To our fans, thank you for your unwavering support. See you in the longhalls!"
Tracklist:
"Heir Uncrowned"
"As the Portents Foretold"
"Brotherslayer"
"Bereaver"
"Betrayer"
"In the Gravelight"
"March Through the Endless Snow"
"The Gates to Realms Beyond"
"Brotherslayer"
Born from the frost of Northern Finland in 2013, Warfarer weaves chilling tales of small people's great struggles amidst ancient myths. Their ferocious blend of melodic death metal and symphonic elements bites like the freezing wind and grips you like the flu.
After releasing an EP in 2017 and undergoing a complete reincarnation with new singles in 2018 and 2020, the band is more alive than ever, preparing for war with brutal new songs and sharpened axes. Their upcoming
UK heavy metal act Forged In Black have just launched a video for the song "Accusations Of The Innocent", which can be seen below, as a second advance single for the remastered re-issue of their first album, Lightning In The Ashes.
Originally released in 2013, Lightning In The Ashes has been renamed Forged In Black - Remastered MMXXIV, and will be released on December 3, 2024 through Fighter Records on CD and Digital formats, complete with two bonus tracks.
It’s time to head back to the forge, to the place where it all began, where the smith first brought the hammer down upon the anvil, tempering the British steel that would become Forged In Black! It’s time to celebrate 15 years of real heavy metal, 15 years of indefatigable spirit and musical power! It’s time to reach back into the past and draw the earliest creations of Forged In Black from the cold ashes and thrust them back into the fire, reinvigorating the hellion screams and contagious riff attacks! It’s time for Forged In Black to be born again!
It was 2009 when the first lineup of Forged In Black was assembled, originally under the name Merciless Fail – a moniker that was soon abandoned as the sheer strength of the young band’s material became apparent. After relentless work in the rehearsal room and on the stage, by 2013 the rebranded Forged In Black were ready to record their debut, self-titled album – and it is that monumental piece of history that has now been remastered and expanded, adorned in rejuvenated artwork and unleashed again in celebration of 15 years at the forge!
The original Forged In Black album artwork has been reimagined in vibrant fashion by the band’s guitarist Andy Songhurst, an acclaimed professional tattoo artist in his life away from the forge. The elements of the image will be instantly familiar to longstanding fans of the original album, but the style and approach make the cover fresh and impactful, ablaze with new life and colour - just like the songs it accompanies.
Tracklisting:
"Intro"
"Reins Of Sorrow"
"Bloodstained Is The Promise"
"Children
Italian symphonic power metallers, Xeneris, have released the deluxe edition of their latest album, Eternal Rising, available digitally on all platforms via Frontiers Music Srl. The focus track and accompanying visualizer video, “The Queen And The Dragons”. are also out now.
Watch the official visualizer for “The Queen And The Dragons” below, and buy/listen to Eternal Rising (Deluxe Edition) here.
Xeneris vocalist Maryan describes the new single: “'The Queen And The Dragons' takes inspiration from a defining moment in Game of Thrones where Daenerys Targaryen, a character embodying strength and resilience, liberates an enslaved army. Moved by her act of freedom, the soldiers pledge their loyalty to her, joining her quest for the throne. The song explores themes of liberation, loyalty, and empowerment, reflecting Daenerys’ transformative journey and her role as a leader fighting for justice.”
Discussing the theme of the album, guitarist Federico Paolini states: “Eternal Rising tells a story of resurrection and resilience narrated through the myth of the phoenix's rebirth: every 500 years, the phoenix dies and rises from its ashes, thus ensuring immortality through this purifying ritual. For us, it's a concept very representative of our musical journey that is reborn and continues, representing also the will to continue our path with renewed passion.”
“Get ready to be transported on a mesmerizing odyssey through the annals of myth and legend. From traversing the Mediterranean alongside Ulysses to beholding the Phoenix's resurrection. Follow Dante's descent into Hades and surrender to the seductive allure of an Arabian night, where the Sahara's gentle zephyrs embrace you in their warm embrace”, adds Federico.
Formed in December 2022, after the disbandment of Kalidia (one of the hottest italian power metal band with over 7 million streams and 5 million YouTube views), Xeneris is the brainchild of Federico Paolini (co-founder, composer, and guitarist) and Roberto Donati (co-founder, bassist).
Coupled with Maryan jaw-dropping vocals and the rhythmic genius of Stefano Livieri. Xeneris manage to honour the Heritage of Kalidia expanding the musical spectrum blending power metal, symphonic metal, and progressive metal into an electrifying blend of irresistible melodies, powerful riffs, and grand arrangements.
Xeneris invites metal enthusiasts worldwide to join them on this epic voyage, as they redefine the boundaries of symphonic power metal. Immerse yourself in a world of myths, real-life and fantasy legends, and introspection from human experiences.
Eternal Rising (Deluxe Edition) tracklisting:
"Barbarossa"
"Before The River Of Fire"
"Eternal Rising"
"Pandora's Box"
"A New Beginning"
"To The Endless Sea"
"Shahrazad"
"Scilla And Carid
Bon Jovi frontman, Jon Bon Jovi, has teamed up with global superstar, Pitbull, to release the new single, "Now Or Never", essentially a remix of the Bon Jovi classic, "It's My Life".
The music video for "Now or Never" includes footage from a performance by the two artists at Jones Beach Theater in New York in September 2023. Bon Jovi and Pitbull became friends after meeting at the 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Stream/download the single here, and watch the official music video below.
Meanwhile, Grammy.com is reporting that the Latin Grammy Awards have a history of surprise moments and last night added to that legacy when Pitbull joined forces with Jon Bon Jovi for an explosive performance of "Now Or Never".
While the pairing seems unlikely, Pitbull and Bon Jovi have a history that dates back to 2017 after meeting at the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Since then, the Grammy-winning artists have performed together a few times, including a Jimmy Buffet tribute concert last April. Back in September, Pitbull and Bon Jovi teased their updated version of "It's My Life" on Bon Jovi's Party After Dark Tour.
Finnish female-fronted rock sensations, Ginger Evil, are excited to announce the release of their debut album, The Way It Burns, out on February 14 via Frontiers Music Srl.
To coincide with the announcement, the band have today released the Hands Move To Midnight EP, available digitally now. The title track and accompanying music video are also out now.
Watch the official music video for “Hands Move To Midnight” below. Stream/download the track here.
Guitarist Tomi says: “The main reason for forming Ginger Evil was to have a safe place as a band, where the song is the boss. Not the production, not the so-called perfect sound, not the number one single. Keith Richards said once “Smile is the boss”. For me, that is the ground rule; to make yourself feel good. If someone else likes the song, it’s an added bonus. I guess that pretty much sums up Ginger Evil."
“We have released singles throughout the year, and we wanted to wrap this year up as an EP. We added one of the first songs we’ve ever recorded together, 'Hands Move To Midnight', to tie the EP together. It’s fast, it’s hard, it’s almost heavy, but still has layers of harmony which now seems to be the thing in our songs. The melody is always the main thing”, adds bass player Veli.
Hands Move To Midnight EP tracklisting:
"Rainmaker"
"Dead On Arrival"
"Shame Old"
"Hands Move To Midnight"
"Arrowhead"
"Flames"
"Hands Move To Midnight" video:
Ginger Evil began as Moonshine Inc. in 2005, in a rehearsal room in Helsinki, Finland. After a couple of years of rehearsal and composing, a fruitless search for a singer meant the songs were put on ice.
Meanwhile, guitarist Tomi Julkunen and bassist Veli Palevaara continued gigging in Finland with The Milestones, including arena shows with Deep Purple and Whitesnake. In the aftermath of their fifth album, those Moonshine Inc. songs from a decade back emerged from hibernation, so the search began again for a vocalist.
The powerful voice of Ella Tepponen was known to Tomi and Veli from many theatre and music projects, and drummer Toni Mustonen was already familiar to everyone. Jamming together found a shared musical passion, and a group creative process soon flourished. Ginger Evil was born.
“From Foo Fighters to Fleetwood Mac” is how the band hears their music, with singer Ella bringing a whole new kind of twist to their rock expression. Everything was coming together. Music producer and film director Richard Stanley, known for his work with The Who heard demos of Ginger Evil and was inspired to write lyrics.
In early 2022 Ginger Evil signed a deal with Deadfall Artist/Band management and a half year later with Frontiers Music Srl. (Def Leppard, Toto, Whitesnake, Journey). For the recording of their debut album, The Way It Burns, Ella brought in Teemu Aalto (Insomnium) as a producer, who also handled the final mixes with final mastering by Grammy-nominated Svante Forsbäck of Chartmakers (Rammstein, Volbeat, Sunrise Avenue, Apocalyptica).
"Rainmaker"
"Dead On Arrival"
"Shame Old"
"Flames"
"Hands Move To Midnight"
"Arrowhead"
"Better Get In Line"
"Black Waves"
"Whispers"
"Not Your Fool"
"Last Frontier"
"Wake Me"
David Coverdale, the powerful voice behind Whitesnake and former Deep Purple frontman, sees his solo work shine brightly in a new collection featuring remixed, remastered, and revisited versions of his solo albums Whitesnake (1977), NorthWinds (1978), and Into The Light (2000).
Into The Light: The Solo Albums is available through Rhino Records as a 6CD boxed set. It comes packaged in a hardcover box featuring a 60-page book with rare photos, detailed liner notes, and a new interview with Coverdale. The newly remixed version of Into The Light is also available separately as a double vinyl album presented in a gatefold sleeve.
Watch "She Give Me" (Official Video 2024 Remix) below:
The boxed set features two versions of Coverdale’s solo albums: one newly remixed to deliver a more dynamic sonic experience and a second remastered from the original recordings for those who want to revisit the classic sound. The remixed versions feature significant updates (particularly to Whitesnake and NorthWinds) and utilize cutting-edge audio separation software. The track "Time & Again" from NorthWinds benefited from innovative voice extraction technology, allowing for new string and piano arrangements that Coverdale has envisioned for decades.
Coverdale shares, “The remixes are modern, using new technology to squeeze the best out of them… Truly exciting to revisit and take care of any technical ‘issues’ I had with the tracks all those years ago.”
Into The Light, Coverdale’s third solo album, boasts an impressive musical lineup that includes guitarists Earl Slick (David Bowie) and Doug Bossi, bassist Marco Mendoza (who later joined Whitesnake), legendary drummer Denny Carmassi (Montrose, Whitesnake), and keyboardist Mike Finningan (Jimi Hendrix). The remixed version of the album expands the original with songs like "Let’s Talk It Over" and "All The Time In The World". The collection also offers additional remixes, demos, and outtakes from the album, including "With All Of My Heart". Coverdale wrote the song for his wife and considers it one of the best he’s ever written.
The set also revisits NorthWinds, and Whitesnake Coverdale’s first two solo albums recorded immediately after leaving Deep Purple. Both albums have been reimagined and re-sequenced for the upcoming collection. NorthWinds includes some new arrangements and additional tracks like "Sweet Mistreater" and "Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth", breathing new life into this classic. Whitesnake features impossible remixes thanks to AI sound separation softwares, courtesy of technology that has only been available in the last couple of years.
CD1: Into The Light (Remix)
"She Give Me"
"River Song"
"Don’t You Cry"
"Love Is Blind"
"Slave"
"Cry For Love"
"Living On Love"
"Midnight Blue"
"Too Many Tears"
"Don’t Lie To Me"
"All The Time In The World"
"Wherever You May Go"
"Yours For The Asking"
"Let’s Talk It Over"
CD2: Into The Light (Additional Remixes)
"Love Is Blind" (Band Version)
"As Long As I Have You"
"With All Of My Heart"
"Wherever You May Go" (Strings Version)
"Love Is Blind" (Strings Version)
Demos & Unfinished Symphonies
"Lust"
"Oh No Not The Blues Again"
"Into The Light Intro"
"Into The Light"
"You Make It Hard On Me"
"Would You Be Happy"
"Fooling Yourself"
"Make The Best Of It"
"Veda of Cassandra Blues"
"I Can See The Light"
"Another Fallen Angel"
"Itchy Finger"
Original Demos 1997
"Crazy ’Bout Cha" (Original Version of "Whipping Boy Blues")
"If You Want Me"
"Lay Your Love On Me" (Original Version of "Lay Down Your Love")
CD3: NorthWinds (2024 Remix)
"Keep On Giving Me Love"
"Sweet Mistreater"
"NorthWinds"
"Give Me Kindness"
"Queen Of Hearts"
"Only My Soul"
"Time & Again" (String Version)
"Say You Love Me"
"Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth"
"Breakdown"
"Time & Again" (Piano Version)
"Time & Again" (Strings Only)
CD4: Whitesnake MCMLXXVII (2024 Remix)
"Lady"
"Blindman"
"Goldies Place"
"Time On My Side"
"Peace Lovin’ Man"
"Sunny Days"
"Hole In The Sky"
"WhiteSnake"
"Celebration"
Young Lad's Blues (DC’s 1968 Home Demos)
"Sunny Days" (Original)
"Love Me In The Morning"
"I Will Love You"
"Moment In Time"
"It Would Be Nice"
"There Was A Time"
"Why?"
"I Still Love You"
CD5: Into The Light (Original Mix 2024 Remaster)
"She Give Me"
"River Song"
"Don’t You Cry"
"Love Is Blind"
"Slave"
"Cry for Love"
"Living On Love"
"Midnight Blue"
"Too Many Tears"
"Don’t Lie To Me"
"Wherever You May Go"
CD6: Whitesnake (Original Mix 2024 Remaster)
"Lady"
"Blindman"
"Goldies Place"
"Time On My Side"
"Peace Lovin’ Man"
"Sunny Days"
"Hole In The Sky"
"Celebration"
"WhiteSnake"
NorthWinds (Original Mix 2024 Remaster)
"Keep On Giving Me Love"
"NorthWinds"
"Give Me Kindness"
"Time & Again"
"Queen Of Hearts"
"Only My Soul"
"Say You Love Me"
"Breakdown"
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