I PREVAIL DROP “DEEP END” (STRIPPED) VIDEO — WATCH
TRUE POWER OUT NOW VIA FEARLESS RECORDS
Platinum-certified and twice GRAMMY-nominated Michigan rock powerhouse I PREVAIL — Brian Burkheiser (vocals), Eric Vanlerberghe (vocals), Steve Menoian (guitars/bass), Dylan Bowman (guitars), and Gabe Helguera (drums) — released their monumental new record TRUE POWER via Fearless Records last year. It was followed by a sold out, two-leg tour across the U.S. and Canada.
Today, the band has shared the video for the gorgeous, stripped version of their latest single “Deep End.” This version of the song is laced with a haunting piano melody. Watch it here.
‘”Deep End” showcases I Prevail’s deftness with dynamics, vacillating between tempos and emotions before the final fadeout. The song’s message is as powerful as its melody, and that’s precisely why the song takes hold from start to finish.
“‘Deep End’ felt special from the day we wrote it,” the band says. “Being one of the most introspective tracks on the record, it became a reflection on an attempt to stop battling certain things about yourself and instead learning to accept them as a part of who you are. There’s a peace to be found in that. Overall, this track allowed us to evolve the softer side of our band and we’re incredibly proud of it.”
SIRENIA is: Morten Veland – Vocals, guitars, bass, synth, programming Nils Courbaron – Solo Guitar Emmanuelle Zoldan – Vocals Michael Brush – Drums
Symphonic Metal Force SIRENIA Reveal Third Single “Wintry Heart” & Performance Music Video | Watch HERE!
New Album, 1977, out May 26, 2023 via Napalm Records Pre-Order Your Copy NOW!
The symphonic metal icons effortlessly merge 80s rock and synthwave elements on their immense 11th studio album!
International symphonic metal force SIRENIA reveal their third and final new single, entitled “Wintry Heart”! Ranking at the top of their genre for more than 20 years, the band will release their eleventh studio album, 1977, on May 26, 2023 via Napalm Records. Led by mastermind Morten Veland, SIRENIA gathered worldwide press coverage with their previous releases and toured throughout Europe, Latin America, North America, Asia and Australia.
Fast-paced new single “Wintry Heart”gives a bittersweet taste of early 90’s vibes, roaring guitars and synth melodies, exploring a new style like never before. The single comes with an exciting performance music video.
Morten Veland on “Wintry Heart”: ‘Wintry Heart’ is a powerful, melodic and more up-tempo song. I also find it to be very energetic – it’s definitely one of the songs on the 1977 album that I really look forward to performing live. The chorus also has a great hook line. I hope you’ll enjoy it!”
Watch the Official Music Video for “Wintry Heart”HERE:
1977 Tracklist: 1. Deadlight 2. Wintry Heart 3. Nomadic 4. The Setting Darkness 5. A Thousand Scars 6. Fading to the Deepest Black 7. Oceans Away 8. Dopamine 9. Delirium 10.Timeless Desolation 11.Twist in my Sobriety (Bonus track)
1977 will be available in the following formats: Digipak Album Digital Album
Captivating album opener “Deadlight”is followed by “Wintry Heart”, and“Nomadic” that represents SIRENIA‘s characteristic dark and heavy side as shredding guitar riffs alternate with playful interludes while relentless drums and symphonic electronic elements go hand in hand with one another. “A Thousand Scars” marks a totally new fusion for SIRENIA, as heavy symphonic tunes dressed as remarkable rock riffs and poppy rhythms dance together with the feathery light vocals of Emmanuelle. With the eerie and epic tunes of “Fading to the Deepest Black”, the song is reminiscent of their last album, Riddles, Ruins & Revelations (2021). Kicking off with vertiginous blast beats and a mesmerizing performance by Emmanuelle Zoldan, a warm vocal interlude by Morten Veland supports the song’s stunning atmosphere before it leads into an impressive guitar solo. Following their operatic symphonic highs, the heavy side of SIRENIA is not forgotten and appears especially towards the end of their 11th record.
OBLIVION PROTOCOL: Richard West – vocals, keyboards Ruud Jolie – guitars Simon Andersson – bass Darby Todd – drums
OBLIVION PROTOCOL — the new project led by Threshold keyboard player and songwriter Richard West — today unveils “Forests In The Fallout,” the first single from their forthcoming debut album, The Fall Of The Shires, due out on August 18th via Atomic Fire Records.
Written as a sequel to Threshold’s 2017 concept album Legends Of The Shires, The Fall Of The Shires delivers a dense, climactic sound somewhere between Rush, Steven Wilson, The Dark Side Of The Moon-era Pink Floyd, and hard rock masters Ghost, all the while providing the listener with clever little nods, bows, and references to the first installment.
OBLIVION PROTOCOL mastermind West elaborates, “At the end of Legends Of The Shires, the protagonist considers a number of possible futures – ‘maybe a painter, a guide, a clerk, a maker, or maybe a writer, a king, a star, a fighter.’ So the sequel tells the story of him becoming the king and the consequences of that choice where he decides that the only way to control the population is to suppress and control them, so the shires become a much darker place.”
The cover art for The Fall Of The Shires was designed by celebrated artist Thomas Ewerhard who was responsible for so many of Threshold’s classic covers such as Hypothetical and Subsurface, and depicts the downfall. The record’s first single, “Forests In The Fallout,” is told from the perspective of the suppressed people and is the perfect introduction to this new progressive metal masterpiece.
Watch OBLIVION PROTOCOL’s lyric video for “Forests In The Fallout” at THIS LOCATION. Stream/purchase the track HERE.
OBLIVION PROTOCOL’s lineup is completed with three renowned musicians: guitarist Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation), bassist Simon Andersson (Darkwater), and drummer Darby Todd (Devin Townsend). Additionally, Threshold’s Karl Groom has contributed some truly enthralling guitar solos to the record.
The Fall Of The Shires will be available in CD-digipak, LP (Green), and digital formats.
Preorder The Fall Of The Shires in the physical format of your choice, presave it on your preferred DSP or preorder it digitally to receive “Forests In The Fallout” instantly at THIS LOCATION.
The Fall Of The Shires Track Listing: 1. The Fall (Part 1) 2. Tormented 3. Public Safety Broadcast 4. This Is Not A Test 5. Storm Warning 6. Vertigo 7. Forests In The Fallout 8. The Fall (Part 2)
New York City progressive rock/metal quartet ICE AGEpresents a new video for the epic track “Riverflow,” the opus found on the band’s dynamic third album Waves Of Loss And Power, out now on Sensory Records.
ICE AGE’s first in twenty-two years, Waves Of Loss And Power showcases vocalist/keyboardist Josh Pincus, guitarist Jimmy Pappas, drummer Hal Aponte, and bassist Doug Odell wearing their varied influences confidently on their collective sleeve. The band conjures the spirits of Kansas and Genesis (“Riverflow”), fleeting shades of Queensrÿche, Rush, and Fates Warning (“The Needle’s Eye,” “Together Now”), and flexes their “hit song” muscle with the infectious hooks of “All My Years” and “Float Away.” In true prog tradition, ICE AGEcontinues the epic sagas begun on the first two albums with abiding narrative nods to the musical motifs and thematic tapestries of “Perpetual Child” (from The Great Divide) and “To Say Goodbye” (last visited on Liberation). In all respects, Waves Of Loss And Power is a seminal masterwork of catchy, thoughtful, and bonafide progressive songwriting.
Engineering for Waves Of Loss And Power was principally handled by Jimmy Pappas with mixing and mastering exquisitely dialed-in by auditory guru Rich Mouser (Spock’s Beard, Transatlantic, Dream Theater). The cover art concept and booklet design were brought to life by Bjorn GooBes of Killustrations, with a fresh new band logo by Thomas Ewerhard.
The video for the nearly eleven-minute “Riverflow” was conceived and edited by Wayne Joyner. With “Riverflow,” the band channels the spirits of their 1970s prog rock heroes while still maintaining a muscular, metallic edge. The song speaks of finding our way home, both individually and collectively, as we navigate the winding rapids of life, which often take us in unexpected and unfamiliar directions.
Watch ICE AGE’s epic “Riverflow” video now at THIS LOCATION.
Waves Of Loss And Power can be purchased at the Sensory Records web-shop HERE and the digital at Bandcamp – the standard version HERE and the 24-bit hi-res version HERE – as well as through all other digital outlets. Also watch the previously issued “The Needle’s Eye” video HERE.
ICE AGE is confirmed to perform at the 2023 edition of ProgPower USA. The massive festival runs from September 6th through 9th and will see the band sharing the stage with the likes of Kamelot, Caligula’s Horse, Myrath, Delain, Green Carnation, Doro, Cynic, Swallow The Sun, and many more. Watch for additional regional dates to post shortly.
ICE AGE Live:
9/06/2023 ProgPower USA @ Center Stage – Atlanta, GA [info]
“…one of the best albums of the genre in recent years.” – Profil Prog
“These eight songs continue the fine depth of stellar musicianship, synchronizing interplay, tempo shifting, as well as executing killer hooks and melodies to cohesively express musical ideas in such a way that the appeal isn’t just for the trained set, but also the ardent progressive mavens… this feels like ICE AGE could be the comeback act of the year through this amazing album. 9.5/10” – Dead Rhetoric
“…a welcome return for ICE AGE. The band have managed to defy the years, sounding as good – if not better – than before.” – The Progressive Aspect
“…for those of us who have had our appetite for this genre embedded deep within us, and who get to satisfy it so rarely today, this album is a true blessing. It is a love letter to a sub-genre that is falsely maligned, and which has much of everything that’s great about progressive metal as its very bones. God bless you ICE AGE for this album! Thank you for keeping the flame of heavy, dark, progressive metal alive.” – Heavy Blog Is Heavy
“Despite the lengthy sabbatical, it seems like the band picked right up where they previously left off… This is great news for long-time ICE AGE followers as there is certainly no question as to whether or not the band’s still got it. Undeniably, the songs are strong and the performances remarkable. If anything, the band is more of a powerhouse than they were at the turn of the century.” – Sonic Perspectives
“Like these forefathers, ICE AGE is full of talent, both in songwriting and performance. In fact, I would go so far as to say that they have brought a bridge between the past and the present with this album. I don’t know how many albums the band has put out, but you can hear their mature seasoning here. Any fans of Progressive music will surely find a lot to love.” – Metal Temple
North American Headline Tour, Featuring Support from Special Guests Battle Beast and Labelmates Xandria, Begins August 17!
Catch KAMELOT at Sweden Rock Festival in TWO WEEKS!
Modern heavy symphonic metal leaders KAMELOT recently released their most introspective, uplifting, vital release to date – their first full-length in five years, The Awakening. The album, which debuted at #2 on the US Current Hard Music Albums chart and #27 on the Current Album Sales chart, connected with fans and critics alike – touted by many as the best late-era KAMELOT release to date!
Today, the band is thrilled to reveal an exciting new live music video for the new fan-favorite anthem “New Babylon”, featuring none other than the enchanting Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum, The Dark Side Of The Moon). The new video features high quality live footage from the band’s recent European tour, adding an electrifying touch to the track’s already massive sound.
KAMELOT founder and guitarist Thomas Youngblood states: “Melissa Bonny joined us on this new album and massive tour, and she has been amazing to say the least. We are really excited to have her in this new video and also on the upcoming tour in North America!”
This new video arrives on the heels of KAMELOT‘s recent announcement of their 2023 “Awaken The World” North American headline tour, featuring special guests Battle Beast and additional support from labelmates Xandria! The tour kicks off in Silver Spring, MD on August 17, visiting several major cities in the US and Canada before coming to an end on September 9 in Orlando, FL. Tickets are on sale now, so visit the official KAMELOT website or local venue websites for tickets and more information.
See below for all current KAMELOT performance dates!
Spring/Summer Festivals: June 8th – Solvesborg, SE @ Sweden Rock Festival December 1st – Mexico City, MX @ Life After Death Horror Festival
“Awaken The World” North American Headline Tour Dates w/ Special Guests Battle Beast + Additional Support from Xandria August 17th – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore August 18th – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium August 19th – New York, NY @ Webster Hall August 21st – Montreal, QC @ Corona Theatre August 22nd – Toronto, ON @ The Opera House August 24th – Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theater August 25th – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater August 26th – Kansas City, MO @ The Truman August 27th – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre August 30th – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox September 1st – San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom September 2nd – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern September 3rd – Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren September 5th – Houston, TX @ House of Blues September 6th – Dallas, TX @ The Echo Lounge & Music Hall September 8th – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage (ProgPower USA) – SOLD OUT! *KAMELOT ONLY September 9th – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
The Awakening tracklisting: 1. Overture (Intro) 2. The Great Divide 3. Eventide 4. One More Flag in the Ground 5. Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem) 6. Midsummer’s Eve 7. Bloodmoon 8. NightSky 9. The Looking Glass 10. New Babylon feat. Melissa Bonny 11. Willow 12. My Pantheon (Forevermore) 13. Ephemera (Outro)
10/10 “Masterpiece!” – Metal-Temple
“The Awakening is KAMELOT’s best album in almost 20 years…” – The Prog Mind (US), 9/10
“The Awakening is KAMELOTperforming at the top of their game.” – New Noise Magazine (US)
“The Awakening is probably the hottest candidate for the (melodic) metal album of the year.” – Rock It! (DE) – 10/10
The Awakening enters the KAMELOTlegacy as their most massive and diverse offering yet – mixing symphonic, gothic, melodic, progressive and power metal styles while yielding some of the heaviest tracks in the band’s history. Having reigned supreme with the release of internationally top-charting melodic metal pinnacles such as The Fourth Legacy (1999), The Black Halo(2005), Silverthorn (2012), Haven (2015, #1 US Hard Rock Albums), and most recently 2018’s acclaimed The Shadow Theory (#2 US Hard Music Albums), KAMELOT‘s intense brand of ultramodern gothic and symphonic theatricality is amplified further and with more emotionality than ever on The Awakening.
Showcasing the incomparable, stage-seasoned vocal acrobatics of Tommy Karevik and increasingly airtight, renowned technical teamwork of guitarist Thomas Youngblood, drummer Alex Landenburg, keyboardist Oliver Palotai and bassist Sean Tibbetts, KAMELOT‘s score-like 13th studio album is accented by guest contributions from the likes of Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum) and renowned instrumentalists like violinist Florian Janoske and cellist Tina Guo.
The Awakening features crystal clear modern production helmed by the band and longtime producer Sascha Paeth, plus mixing and mastering by Jacob Hansen of Hansen Studios.
The Awakening is available in the following formats: –Digital Album –CD Digipak –CD Digipak + Shirt Bundle – Napalm Records exclusive –2-LP Gatefold Vinyl Black –2-LP Gatefold Vinyl in Splatter Red + Black – Napalm Records exclusive (European webstore), limited to 500 –2-LP Gatefold in Marbled White + Black – Napalm Records exclusive (North American webstore), limited to 300 –48p Earbook with 7” Vinyl Single – Napalm Records exclusive, limited to 500 –Wooden Boxset with Envelope Opener, Flag, Patch and Band Postcard – Napalm Records exclusive, limited to 1000 –Music Cassette – Napalm Records exclusive, limited to 100
New Album, Tomorrow Will Be Without Us, out on Napalm Records Order HERE
On Tour in Europe this Fall
Following their latest, critically acclaimed studio album, Tomorrow Will Be Without Us, (released in November 2022 via Napalm Records), Belgian rock act BLACK MIRRORShas premiered a new music video for the song “Tears to Share”.
The band comments: “Our latest single, ‘Tears to Share,’ has just been released! This song has always held a special place in our hearts, and based on your incredible response during our live performances, it seems that you love it just as much as we do.“
Guitarist Pete adds: “I absolutely love every aspect of that tune. The vintage soul song vibe, the guitar full of reverb, and I also have to admit, it features my all-time favorite guitar solo that I’ve ever recorded. On top of that, what about Marcella’s vocal performance? It’s simply flawless. From her soulful and gentle delivery during the verses to the raw and commanding bridge, she absolutely nailed it. She gave it her all and created something truly remarkable.“
Watch the new BLACK MIRRORS clip for “Tears to Share”HERE:
BLACK MIRRORS’ sophomore album is a deep, soulful and vividly textured 90’s inspired rock record with umpteen layers begging to be picked apart with each spin, and lyrically, traverses humankind’s increasing apathy towards the world around them. Are we killing our own planet? No, BLACK MIRRORS doesn’t believe that we as humans have the power to destroy mother earth. However, as the album cover below portrays, it’s clear who will end up burning – all living creatures, us. Tomorrow Will Be Without Us is a clear statement impacting every single one of us living on our planet.
The album’s grunge-infused guitar lines meld in harmony, giving way to memorable riffs, rhythmic gems, big grooves and the addictive, beautifully unchained vocals of Marcella Di Troia. It fluxes from fierce and blustery to often gentle and calming – channeling the flavor of MTV’s glory era of acts like Nirvana, Radiohead, Hole, Alain Johannes, Alice In Chains and beyond – showcasing BLACK MIRRORS’ unforced, versatile and organic talent.
Together with the touch of worldwide-acclaimed producer Alain Johannes(Eagles Of Death Metal, Queens Of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, No Doubt,…), BLACK MIRRORS have reset the bar to unexpected heights, and their latest album left its mark on today’s rock scene worldwide. One can be sure, the music world of tomorrow would be a lonely place without BLACK MIRRORS, and Tomorrow Will Be Without Us locks them at the top!
Tomorrow Will Be Without Us will be available in the following formats: – CD Digisleeve – LP Gatefold BLACK – LP Gatefold Marbled BLACK/GOLD (ltd. 300) – Digital Album
Album Track Listing: 01. Snake Oil 02. Lost in Desert 03. Tomorrow Will be Without Us 04. Hateful Hate, I’ll Kill You 05. Ode to my Unborn Child 06. Through the Eyes of a Giant 07. Collapsology (Raise Your Voice), feat. Alain Johannes 08. Anthropocene 09. Tears to Share 10. Say it Again
LP Gatefold Marbled BLACK/GOLD
Following several recent live dates with UK’s finest The Answer, and in support of Tomorrow Will Be Without Us, BLACK MIRRORS has announced a European headline tour for the fall of 2023! Tickets are now available at www.blackmirrors.net – Make sure to catch the band live at the following dates:
Norwegian black metal legend TSJUDER is now unleashing a the third new single from the band’s forthcoming album, ‘Helvegr!’ The song “Prestehammeren” can be found along with a visualizer at THIS LOCATION.
TSJUDER comments: “This is ‘Prestehammeren.’ The second track on our forthcoming album ‘Helvegr.’ Torture and Revenge!”
The album will be released on various physical formats, such as cd digipack and coloured vinyl, but also limited edition clamshell box (cd) and LTD vinyl box. These limited editions come with a bonus album ‘Scandinavian Black Metal Attack,’ in which TSJUDER pays a special ode to Bathory. Hurry and get yours now as some vinyl editions are already SOLD OUT!
‘Helvegr’ is due on June 23, 2023 via Season of Mist. Pre-orders are now available HERE while the album can be pre-saved HERE.
The cover artwork for ‘Helvegr’ was created by Jonas Svensson and Laura Nardelli. It can be viewed together with the track-list and further album details below.
Track-list: 1. Iron Beast (3:37) [WATCH] 2. Prestehammeren (4:01) [LISTEN] 3. Surtr (6:59) 4. Gamle-Erik (3:46) 5. Chaos Fiend (4:02) 6. Gods of Black Blood (5:19) [WATCH] 7. Helvegr (7:36) 8. Faenskap og Død (3:08) 9. Hvit Død (2:52)
Photo by Chantik Photography
Style: Norwegian Black Metal FFO: 1349, Nattefrost, Gorgoroth, Taake, Bathory
Since their inception in 1993, Oslo’s TSJUDER have been responsible for some of the most hate-filled ferocity perpetrated under the banner of TRUE NORWEGIAN BLACK METAL.
The band’s unholy fire was initially lit when founding members NAG (vocals/bass), BERSERK (guitar) and DRAUGLUIN (guitar) grew weary of playing death metal and sought out engorged levels of extremity to sate their increasingly profane ambitions. The time was ripe to inaugurate a ceaseless campaign committed to an uncompromising strain of brutally raw black metal, influenced by the primal thrash blasts of Sodom, Kreator, Destruction, Sarcófago and early Sepultura; black metal first wave trailblazers such as Bathory and Hellhammer; and, most vitally, Mayhem’s seminal Deathcrush, and Darkthrone’s game-changer, A Blaze in the Northern Sky.
Assuming the TSJUDER name, a moniker plundered from a mythical, murderous Northern tribe, various embryonic line-ups gathered around the all-conquering core of Nag and Draugluin, laying the fearsome foundations for what was to follow with two demos – Ved Ferdens Ende and Possessed – recorded between 1995-96. But it was with 1997’s EP, Throne of the Goat, that the black metal underground really began to sit up and take notice, the release establishing TSJUDER’s reputation as a blasphemous bulldozer hellbent on crushing the insipid and nostalgic in relentless blizzards of sub-zero riffage, punitive blast beats and blood-curdling screams.
Recordings for an inaugural full-length in 1999 were lost to a computer virus, but from the scavenged remnants of these sessions would emerge the Atum Nocturnem demo, an obnoxious foretaste of the group’s debut album, Kill For Satan, an international breakthrough slathered in slime-encrusted sacrilege. That damnable release saw the aptly-named ANTI-CHRISTIANopen his TSJUDER account, the drummer blasting a succession of gateways though the underworld, pulverising a punitive march to the band’s malevolent maelstroms.
Demonic Possession (2002) and Desert Northern Hell (2004) sustained the band’s focus on death, devils and destruction, while ratcheting up the production levels on a barbaric brace of flesh-strippers conjuring a landscape of frost-bitten wastes and foul abyssal realms. With the music press busy dishing out plaudits, the band’s burgeoning confederacy of fanatics were becoming desperate for some TSJUDER live action. Heeding the clarion, the band embarked on a full European tour with fellow countrymen Carpathian Forest. They also recorded a pair of gloriously powerful live performances in 2005, in Norway, which would subsequently be documented on the group’s NorwegianApocalypse DVD.
TSJUDER would take a deserved hiatus in 2006, with members finding other musical outlets for their creativity; Nag launching heretical black metal outfit KRYPT; Draugluin and Anti-Christian doing time with the thrashier TYRANN.
But it wouldn’t be long before the irresistible call of TSJUDERwould exert itself once more. The band reconvened, reenergised and eager to make up for lost time, returning to live performances in 2010 before finally unleashing the mighty Legion Helvete (2011), a typically uncompromising comeback interspersed with pronounced Motörhead influences on punkish hyper-blasters such as ‘Slakt.’
It would be another four years before TSJUDER issued the merciless Antiliv (2015), a snarling lycanthropic howl of a record, heavy-loaded with vindictive black’n’roll swagger and lashings of buzzsaw guitar.
TSJUDER quickly set about creating the follow-up to Antiliv, but musical differences and protracted disputes led to a parting of the ways, with Anti-Christian bowing out after an impressive 20-year tenure with the group. Undaunted, Nag and Draughluin enlisted doyen tub-thumper JON RICE to provide the requisite drum artillery and continued to work on new recordings – fine-tuning guitar tones and sharpening mixes.
Then COVID-19 struck, the pandemic further stymieing the album’s release as the world tumbled from its fragile axis. But humanity is now benignly settling into its most chronic phase of perpetual abnormality and TSJUDER are steeled again to hoist their inverted cross above the barricades of conciliation. Their latest opus, Helvegr, is a devastatingly savage offering, one which fully adheres to the band’s eternal credo of “NO FUCKING COMPROMISE.”
Recording Line-up: Nag – Bass & Vocals Draugluin – Guitars & Vocals Jon Rice – Drums
Guest musicians: Guitar solo on ‘Gamle Erik’ by Pål Emanuelsen Guest vocals on ‘Gods of Black Blood’ by Seidemann (1349)
After the departure of Anti-Christian, Jon Rice and Eivin Brye has shared the drum duties on TSJUDER ‘s live performances.
Band Lineup: Aaron Pinto – Drums Gurdip Singh Narang – Bass Prateek Rajagopal – Guitars Aditya Barve – Vocals
The Mumbai brutal death metal band go on a sadistic rampage in riffs for their first single off the follow-up to 2017’s ‘Amputheatre’” — Rolling Stone India “Drenched in gore and absolutely clobbering you with its powerful production” — Toilet ov Hell.
Gutslit: Transcended their status as a mere household name in the Indian metal scene to a global force to be reckoned with
Toured over 24 countries
Secured endorsements from top musical instrument brands.
Gutslit Announces New Album, ‘Carnal’ + Streams First Single, “Matriarch”
Gutslit returns with Carnal, their anticipated third full-length, scheduled for 07 July. The album delves into the intricate struggles of the human psyche, examining the conflict between good and evil while drawing inspiration from infamous serial killers, ultimately offering a distinct perspective on the human experience.
The Mumbai brutal deathgrind quartet is now streaming the first preview track, “Matriarch,” of which the band says, “‘Matriarch’ explores the concept of Nature vs Nurture, highlighting how external factors can amplify an individual’s predisposition to violence.”
The single “Matriarch” will be available soon on digital. (Can be accessed AT THIS LOCATION)
Carnal will be available on vinyl, CD, and digital formats. Pre-Orders are available at BANDCAMP (vinyl, CD, digital, merch) or the band’s OFFICIAL STORE(vinyl, CD, merch).
Gutslit will celebrate the release of Carnal with a performance at Obscene Extreme 2023 on July 7th, which coincides with the album’s official release date. Prior to that, Gutslit will be embarking on a mini tour across India in June.
Other Credits: Music by Prateek Rajagopal. Lyrics by Vigneshkumar Venkatraman. Produced by Gutslit. Mixed and Mastered by Mark Lewis. Drums engineered by Ninad Lad at Blue Cassette Studios. Vocal Production and arrangements by Ashwin Shriyan and Prateek Rajagopal.
In their over 15-year journey, Gutslit has transcended their status as a mere household name in the Indian metal scene to a global force to be reckoned with, showcasing their technical prowess and brutal riffs on two critically acclaimed full-length albums. The Mumbai-based quartet has embarked on independent tours globally and left audiences in awe with their intense live performances. Their meteoric rise has been further validated by the endorsements they have received from some of the world’s top musical instrument brands, cementing their status as a highly professional and internationally acclaimed band.
Gutslit’s untamed musical prowess, razor-sharp precision, and blisteringly fast songs earned them the distinction of being hailed as the finest and filthiest band in the Indian metal scene. Their formidable sound is a testament to their versatility in adapting various styles of death metal and grindcore, which is showcased by their pulverizing riffs, pummeling blasts, vicious bass grooves, and horrendous gutturals. The intent has always been to push the boundaries of the extreme metal genre.
Gutslit’s latest offering, Carnal, is an explosive follow-up to their 2017 album Amputheatre. With eight crushing numbers, the album showcases the band’s evolution in sound, smoldering and surging with violent energy. The album was mixed and mastered by Mark Lewis (The Black Dahlia Murder, Whitechapel) and produced by Prateek Rajagopal (The Book of Boba Fett, Creed 3), with artwork by Kidsquidy. Notably, Carnal marks the return of Aditya Barve (Skewered in the Sewer) on vocals and features guest vocals by Julien Truchan (Benighted) on the track “Bind Torture Kill.”
Informs the band: “‘Carnal’ is a masterful exploration of the intricate struggles of the human psyche. With a keen eye for detail and a remarkable understanding of the complexity of the human mind, we delve deep into the age-old conflict between good and evil. The tracks on this album depict the various phases of the human experience, from the deepest pits of despair to the highest peaks of euphoria.”
The album presents a captivating exploration of the many facades that we all wear and the numerous personas that we all adopt to navigate the challenges of life. In a stunning display of artistic prowess, the album features tracks that draw inspiration from the minds of infamous serial killers, illuminating the darkest corners of the human psyche and offering a unique perspective on the human experience.
With its thought-provoking themes and innovative approach to music, Carnal stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to illuminate the human condition and offers profound insights into the nature of our existence.
Dutch pagan folk band SOWULO have released a brand new single. The track “Seolfren Sicol” is about feeling the power of the waxing moon, and letting its light guide you through inner and outer darkness. Listen to the song HERE.
The band, fronted by Faber Horbach, also a performer in HEILUNG, have just performed at the prestigious Roadburn Festival and are gearing up for shows at Midgardsblot Festival and Castlefest this summer.
SOWULO comments: “Look at the silver sickle. Behold the beauty of the waxing moon. This song is about invoking the power of resurrecting moonlight. That it may help to find the awakening light that expels the darkness within.
Feel its growing power shine upon your hands
SOWULO release new single “Seolfren Sicol”
Sowulo is the work of multi-instrumentalist and composer Faber Horbach.
Captivated by the cyclical nature of existence and an animistic worldview, Faber is determined to express his spiritual path through his music.
With lyrics in Anglo-Saxon and music created with both historical and contemporary instruments, the creator and listener are challenged to go on an inner journey and to invoke archetypical wisdom from deep within.
Sowulo means ‘Sun’ in proto-germanic. Cycles can be found everywhere in Sowulo’s discography. The music follows our relationship with the Sun and tells the story of our inner and outer cycles of day and night, the four seasons, birth and death.”
The music of Sowulo is currently streamed over 20 million times on Spotify alone. The most popular track ‘Wulfwiga’ has reached over 4 million streams within 3 years.
JAG PANZER: Harry Conklin – vocals Mark Briody – guitars Ken Rodarte – guitars John Tetley – bass Rikard Stjernquist – drums
Watch JAG PANZER’s “Edge Of A Knife” lyric video HERE.
Heavy metal nonbelievers, beware: The Hallowed is near! A true “album of the year” contender, the new studio album from US legends JAG PANZER will be released upon the world on June 23rd via Atomic Fire Records. In advance of its official unveiling, today the band delivers a lyric video for third single, “Edge Of A Knife.”
The band elaborates, “‘Edge Of A Knife’ highlights the despair and hopelessness of the band of people/animals within the storyline. While earlier songs speak of unity among the group, this track speaks of worry and trepidation.”
Watch JAG PANZER’s “Edge Of A Knife” lyric video, created by guitarist Mark Briody, at THIS LOCATION.
Check out JAG PANZER’s previously released videos for “Stronger Than You Know” at THIS LOCATIONand “Onward We Toil” at THIS LOCATION. Watch the band’s Tales From The Hallowed mini-documentary at THIS LOCATION.
The Hallowed will be available as a digipak CD, jewelcase CD, 2xLP (White/Blue; Transparent/Blue; Blue/White; White/Black), and digitally.
Preorder The Hallowed in the physical format of your choice, presave it on your favorite DSP, or preorder it digitally to receive “Edge Of A Knife,” “Stronger Than You Know,” and “Onward We Toil” instantly now at jagpanzer.afr.link/thehallowedPR.
The Hallowed is quite a different album compared to JAG PANZER’s back catalog works as it follows the conceptual storyline of the band’s comic book of the same title which came out in late 2022.
Bass and drum tracks for The Hallowed were recorded at Sonic Phish Productions in Arizona and engineered by revered drummer Ken Mary (Alice Cooper, Fifth Angel, Flotsam & Jetsam), with additional recording for guitars and vocals taking place at SteamPunk Audio Labs in Arizona and Hound House Studios in Colorado. Longtime engineering guru and extended JAG PANZERfamily member Jim Morris mixed the record at the famous Morrisound Studios in Florida while Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Halford, Candlemass, Armored Saint) added his mastering magic to the album. The staggering cover artwork was crafted by Dusan Markovic (Angel Witch, Virgin Steele) before longtime underground metal artist Travis Smith (Megadeth, Opeth, Overkill) was brought in to handle the layout of The Hallowed, finalizing an amazing team of artists for the new album.
JAG PANZER – Welcome To The Hallowed Tour 2023: 7/29/2023 Headbangers Open Air Festival – Brande-Hörnerkirchen, DE 8/01/2023 Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, DE w/ Elvenpath 8/02/2023 Goldgrube – Kassel, DE w/ Generation Steel 8/04/2023 MTS – Oldenburg, DE 8/05/2023 Wacken Open Air – Wacken, DE 8/09/2023 Musigburg – Aarburg, CH 8/11/2023 De Pul – Uden, NL 8/12/2023 Alcatraz Festival – Kortrijk, BE 9/29/2023 Blades Of Steel Metal Festival 3.0 – Madison, WI
Subscribe to Atomic Fire Records on YouTube. Listen to “Edge Of A Knife” as well as other new tracks in the AFR New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.
Joe Evin of the band Atrocifer teases clip of “The Day is Dull.” from the up- coming EP Devour The Yellow Heart while demoing the Lizard Queen guitar pedal. Here’s what he had to say about it.
Here is my unconventional demo of the lizard queen! Here I am showcasing how I used the Lizard Queen in my signal chain for my upcoming release “The Day Is Dull” which drops June 2nd!
Thank you to the JHS Pedals crew, Daniel Danger, and Mike Matthews of EHX for creating such an awesome concept and bringing it to life!
Recorded by Joe Evin at MT Minds Recording Studio in Palm Beach, Florida
Atrocifer is a progressive rock solo act out of West Palm Beach, Florida. All music for Devour The Yellow Heart was written and recorded by Joe Evin. ‘The Day is Dull’ will debut June 2nd.
A video has surfaced out of Incineration Fest in London at the Camden Electric Ballroom showing Marduk bassist Joel Lindholm doing the Nazi salute on stage.
The rest of Marduk announced that Lindholm has “vacated his position in the band” and that ex-bassist Magnus “Devo” Andersson will temporarily fill in while the band finds a replacement. According to their post on social media regarding the change, the band said Lindholm was “very drunk” when he did the Nazi salute — not that that’s an excuse.
“Following a variety of intolerable stage antics by a very drunk Joel at Incineration Fest last week, he has vacated his position in the band. Our old friend and bass player Devo has agreed to step in on a temporary basis, so this is unlikely to affect any of upcoming shows.”
The incident happened just as they were finishing up their performance of “Beyond the Grace of God,” about 45 minutes into their set. As you can see in the video below, Lindholm is on the right side of the video when he blatantly performs the salute apropos nothing.
This is yet another incident involving Marduk and Nazi-based controversies. Back in 2018, a Swedish newspaper found vocalist Daniel Rostén and now ex-drummer Fredrik Widigs on a leaked database of customers that purchased Nazi propaganda from the Nordic Resistance Movement, a “Pan-Nordic Neo-Nazi Movement.” The band denied the allegations.
