Death Is Liberty - A Statement Darkness (2016)

Death Is Liberty – a band which aim is to compose and perform music with no boundaries, under statement: No limits! Love in music!

This Jyväskylä (Finland) based ”prog-metal-alternative-quartet” and someone said ”hard to categorize band” is ready to release their debut album ”A Statement Darkness” in September 30th 2016. This ”less technical, more emotional” album presents full scale palette of songs of faith and devotion – in music and in lyrics.

”To The End” is a blast! Opening track is a bit ”far-out” and nasty song both musically and lyric wise. Strong lyrics works like a war cry for the album. ”Quiet Tides” is easiest and maybe the most common Death Is Liberty song – floating structure with heavy parts and melody filled vocals. Angry and straight forward ”Mrs. Nothing’s Wrong” gives no compromise. ”Hero Of The Other Way” is versatile song – despite of song structure, it is easy listening tune, because of catchy melodies. ”From Hollow” – tricky tune with changing emotions. No chorus – or is there? ”A Defendant” starts with a King Crimson Discipline era kinda ”guitar harmony” and ends up to albums most beautiful c-part. ”Calf” is a rhythmic monster with ”out of space” song structure. Song is a beauty within the beast, anger filled vocals combine sweet guitar melodies. ”Until The Morning Comes” combines careless verse with childish vocal melodies and weird guitar solo. ”Underdog” is a statement! This totally different song is same time easy, heavy, pretty and harsh. Beautiful female vocals on third verse by wonderful Aino Matveinen and doomed poem ”Alaspainettu” narrated by Timo Rautiainen.

The album is released October 7th worldwide and in Finland September 30th.

Line-up:
Ville Lapio - guitar
Eetu Pakkanen - drums
Eero Vehniäinen - bass
Teppo Haapasalo - guitar and vocals

Links:
Official website: http://www.deathisliberty.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Death-Is-Liberty-180580165314340/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/deathisliberty

X-Method - Sex, Alcohol, Rebel Music (2016)

Bay Area Hardcore Thrashers X-METHOD have announced the forthcoming Pavement release of their debut full-length album entitled Sex,Alcohol,Rebel Music. The album brings in a mixture of hardcore metal with the Bay Area Thrash flavor from their hometown territory.

Hailing from the infamous thrash metal breeding grounds of California's Bay Area, X-METHOD was formed in 2012 by lead singer Abby. Their self titled 7-song EP gained the band national attention and landed them extensive touring in Peru and South America.   X-METHOD is a family that loves to involve their fans in every aspect of the band. Referred to as the "Method Militia," these rabid and loyal fans stretch across the world and are ready to strike at a moment's notice.

http://www.xmethod1.com/

www.facebook.com/xmethod1

https://twitter.com/x_method

http://www.pavementmusic.com/

Northern Crown - The Others (2016)

 
NORTHERN CROWN's upcoming full-length debut The Others sees the Doom Metal band stretching out to new heights, with emphasis on the rock organ and a less rigid approach to the genre. Vocalist/guitarist Frank Serafine notes, “we know what we’re good at now, and focused more on bringing out those performances from each other.” The long-running title track, recalling a quote from philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, is sure to be another enthralling critical favorite.

Serafine summons a heady blend of his influences, such as Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, Roy Khan, and Jorn Lande, for his performance. Former NORTHERN CROWN founding member Leona Hayward returns to the fold, rounding out the rhythm section with a heavy Steve Harris/Geezer Butler-inspired attack. Drummer Josh Brown is guided by the rule of elegant simplicity in his stylings and momentum. Guest performers on The Others also include NIGHTFALL/DARK HOUND guitarist Evan Hensley and organs by Vincent Perez.

Main songwriter and guitarist Zachary Randall notes that “this is easily the most personal art I've ever created, both musically and lyrically.” The care and attention to detail have refined the songs, creating real character and vision. NORTHERN CROWN  is the sound of realization and reaction, with a touch of smoke and mirrors. Equal parts austere and ostentatious, but heavy all the way through.

 https://twitter.com/NrthrnCrownDoom

www.facebook.com/NorthernCrownDoom/

http://northerncrownband.com/

Dead End Finland - Slaves To The Greed (2016)

Celebrating their 10th anniversary next year, the melodic metal quartet Dead End Finland will release their third full-length album worldwide on the 4th of November 2016 via Inverse Records. The album bears the name Slaves To The Greed and continues on the same path with previous albums, but taking all the musical dimensions even further and deeper.

Slaves to the Greed´s production value is top notch, no wonder it took over two years to get this album done. Each instrument and each sound were perfectly validated. With number of tracks reaching over 200 in some songs, the sound of this album is absolutely massive.

Slaves to the Greed was recorded, like previous albums at the prestigious D-Studio and we are so very pleased with the result. The sound is fuller and heavier, however crystal clear and dynamic. We really hope that the album is listened to as a whole, because it has been built that way. Still it is not exactly a concept album and every track has it´s own story.

We recommend to put your headphones on and spend a joyful 45 minutes of listening. We hope that this album will reveal something new every time you listen it. There's maybe not any hidden messages when playing it backwards, but if you turn it loud and play it with 150db volume, it sounds louder than Jumbo jet.

Discography:
Stain Of Disgrace (full-length 2011 independent / 2012 Inverse Records)
Season Of Withering (full-length 2013 Inverse Records)
Slaves To The Greed (full-length 2016 Inverse Records)

Line-Up:
Mikko Virtanen – Vocals
Santtu Rosén – Guitars & bass
Miska Rajasuo – Drums
Jarno Hänninen – Keys

Links:
http://deadendfinland.com
https://www.facebook.com/deadendfinland
https://twitter.com/deadendfinland
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0CaIj7zL84FAI28Dksrcuv

Zombie Rodeo - Cult Leader (EP 2016)

Zombie Rodeo is a Finnish, Helsinki based gritty fuzz rock band. The band is now releasing a brand new EP named Cult Leader, through Inverse Records on 18th November 2016.

This time both the music and vocals are much tighter and pronounced, than with the previous releases, with a more heavy, melodic and diverse feeling. Even the band themselves were very positively surprised by the outcome. Now Zombie Rodeo is ready to spread the music and to perform energetic and loud live performances.

The band released an eponymous single from the EP today 23rd September 2016. Cult Leader single is available on Spotify at this location: https://open.spotify.com/album/6PuqNQsKmyUNebBrayAdxC

Discography:
Blind Eye Blues EP (2011)
In Love with the Dead EP (2012)
Día de los Muertos EP (2015)
Cult Leader Single (2016)
Cult Leader EP (Inverse Records) (2016)

Line-Up:
Thomas Vee - Vocals
Miika Partonen - Guitar / Vocals
Mika Rissanen - Guitar
Mikko Puhakka- Bass
Mikko Mustonen - Drums

Links:
http://www.zombierodeo.org
http://www.facebook.com/ZombieRodeo
https://zombierodeo.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/zombierodeo
https://twitter.com/ZombieRodeoFi

Exclusive Interview With Alternative Rock Singer Seraphim Aun Weor

Seraphim Aun Weor is an alternative rock artist who is promoting her debut single "You Never Loved Me". The song delivers a first-hand view of the raw emotional conflict of self-affliction and allows the listener to invade the deepest parts of her soul!

We caught up with Seraphim for an interview.

EatThis: Can you describe your songwriting/recording process?
Seraphim Aun Weor: Yes, I can.. it usually starts with an unique repetitious idea, phrase or thought and as I write, the meaning within takes on an life force of it's own, as a song that I write may be longer than what's recorded, my Producers take note in the studio during our scheduled recording and songwriting session, revamping the thoughts that I have painted lyrically into songwriting mode in which that becomes the editied finished writing version of the song that we record in the studio.

EatThis: Besides hard work what advice would you give to aspiring musicians out there?
Seraphim Aun Weor: Never give up on your vision for the vision was given to you and you alone, although the compitition seems thick, there is only one you, so always believe even if it seems to far away, because one day will be your day to shine!

EatThis: Has anything crazy ever happened on tour? How do you handle mistakes during a show?
Seraphim Aun Weor: What hasn't happened while touring.. dealing with other artist can be interesting at times especially when you are mixing genres, if there is an mistake made while performing live usually the audience won't know it, however knowing this, there is an sign language communication put in place while on stage, just incase this takes place.

EatThis: What’s the most challenging part of being Seraphim Aun Weor?
Seraphim Aun Weor: Being the Ï AM artist is not easy, I am expected to be a certain elite and nothing less, and at times I just want to be a simple girl who does simple things, but it is not allowed, which is not a bad thing at all i've learned!

EatThis: If you could have any band or artist cover one of your songs who would you choose and why?
Seraphim Aun Weor: Oh wow... that's a difficult question as there are a few artist that I perceive to be legendery and great artist, but if i had to sum it up to just one band or artist, it would be Nina Simone, although she was before my time, even now when her music is heard it demands attention and respect, I perceive that Nina Simone was an fearless artist with raw emotion this is in no doubt heard in her music, to where they have labled her music occult music, due to the nature of truth in which I can very much relate too!

EatThis: If you could have one of your songs retroactively applied to a movie soundtrack which one would you pick?
Seraphim Aun Weor: The movie soundtrack that I would pick for one of my songs to retroactively be applied to would be "The Fifth Element" I think it would be an amazimg illustration of one of new my songs off of my new album "Chaos and Innocence" which is called  "Fifth Element Yeshua" which is an Industrial Alternative Rock creation, of the actual Fifth Element, which is Yeshua!

EatThis: If you were on your deathbed what would be the last song you would want to hear before you die?
Seraphim Aun Weor: It would more than likely be at this point in time of my life "Ädventures Of A Lifetime" by Coldplay...  it's that magical journey that we all take!

https://www.facebook.com/SeraphimAunWeor
http://seraphimaunweor.com/

Narnia - Narnia Songs 2016

Narnia was formed in 1996 in Jönköping, Sweden by Christian Liljegren [vocals] and CJ Grimmark [guitars]. Between 1997 and 2009 they released six studio albums, one live album/DVD [recorded in Germany] and one “best of” album through the respected German labels Nuclear Blast and Massacre Records. Narnia have toured with bands like Dio, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica and Children of Bodom, played festivals like Sweden Rock Festival, Gates of Metal and many others, and established themselves as one of the leaders of the new wave of melodic metal.

Narnia have sold over 100,000 albums and have received praise from leading magazines as Rock Hard, Burrn!, Sweden Rock Magazine and many others.

On the new self-titled 2016 album Narnia re-visits their melodic roots but with an updated sound, creating a perfect blend. A powerful production by CJ Grimmark, mixed and mastered by Thomas “Plec” Johansson [Scar Symmetry].

The new album could be the strongest Narnia album so far. The band is hungry to hit the stages around the world so keep your eyes open for the new attack from these masters of melodic metal! The lion roars again!

Tracklisting:
01. Reaching For The Top
02. I Still Believe
03. On The Highest Mountain
04. Thank You
05. One Way To The Promised Land
06. Messengers
07. Who Do You Follow?
08. Moving On
09. Set The World On Fire

Narnia line-up:
CJ Grimmark - Guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
Christian Liljegren - Vocals
Andreas Passmark - Bass
Martin Härenstam - Keyboards
Andreas “Habo” Johansson - Drums

Narnia discography:
2016: Narnia [Narnia Songs]
2009: Course Of A Generation [Massacre Records]
2007: Decade Of Confession - Best Of [Massacre Records]
2006: At Short Notice.. Live in Germany [Massacre Records]
2006: Enter The Gate [Massacre Records]
2003: The Great Fall [Nuclear Blast]
2001: Desert Land [Nuclear Blast]
1999: Long Live The King [Nuclear Blast]
1998: Awakening [Nuclear Blast] 

 

Turn Down - Facing Tomorrow (Single 2016)

The bone-crunching guitar-riffs and heavy grooves in the writing, music & sound of Turn Down can all be traced back to the innovative ideas and creativity of solo-artist Harold Galvan.  With an impressive 30+ years of experience playing guitar and rocking in bands Black Rain and Rusted Stone – Galvan decided to take a break from music for family time before coming back to challenge himself to recreate his career in an all-new solo-direction in Turn Down.
Drawing on the intense experience gathered throughout his time in bands, playing live and opening for well-known names like Fuel, Buckcherry and Puddle Of Mudd, and unearthing ideas he’s had throughout his career – the new music he’s making in Turn Down has allowed Harold to completely explore his own instincts and expression in entirely different ways.  With a distinct hard-rock/alternative rumble and grind – Galvan is now at the helm of the controls, all the instruments and his own destiny as a musician.
With the current single “Facing Tomorrow” already ripping up the charts and making a memorable impact on listeners worldwide – the support for Turn Down has inspired Galvan to continue the adventure at full-speed.  Currently recording, writing and jamming extreme amounts of wild new material from the comfort of his own studio – the ability to create daily has Turn Down turning UP and passionately pushing out rock with real attitude, meaty riffs and genuine rhythms you can feel.  Plans for a full-album are well underway and that next chapter in Galvan’s career is sounding better than ever – Turn Down has all the raw, gritty and innovative riffs & emotion that give true life to the heartbeat of rock; it sounds authentic…because it’s as real as it gets.


http://www.turndown.net/
http://www.instagram.com/turndownmusic

One Man Rock Band - TRUMP BAD BOY BOOGIE (2016)

One Man Rock Band is an American hard rock band formed in Whittier California in 2010. It was founded by drummer, guitarist, bassist, vocalist, Scott Gerling as a one-man project. Inspired by the likes of AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica, UFO, and Foo Fighters. One Man Rock Band video showcases its own aggressive brand of hard rock music.
Prior to the 2015 release of One Man Rock Band's debut EP “Power X," The band released two videos, "Highway Star,” (over 60 thousand hits) a cover song by Deep Purple, and an original song written about the death of Osama bin Laden called "We Will Never Surrender,” (Over 30 thousand hits).
Highway Star was well received by the fans (as well as fans of Deep Purple) as it is a technically difficult song to play, and equally difficult to perform. Alternatively, We Will Never Surrender has been heavily criticized (and praised) for for the lyrical content that contains a good amount of jingoism.
Currently, the band is rocking a new song called “TRUMP - BAD BOY BOOGIE.” The song is meant to inspire national patriotism by supporting Donald Trump as the next American president.
One Man Rock Band’s Power X can be purchased from:
CD Baby
iTunes
And a thousand and one other locations.

http://onemanrockband.com/
https://www.reverbnation.com/1manrockband
https://www.facebook.com/onemanrockbandofficial
http://www.twitter.com/1ManRocks

Ravenia – Beyond The Walls Of Death (2016)

The sound of Ravenia is characterized by the massive orchestrations and the beautiful and emotional vocals from Armi and can be described as a mix between composers like Two Steps From Hell and Hans Zimmer, and metal bands like Nightwish and Epica. The album was mixed by Nino Laurenne [Wintersun, Battle Beast, Ensiferum] at Sonic Pump Studios and mastered by Svante Forsbäck [Volbeat, Sonata Arctica, Apocalyptica] at Chartmakers. The album artwork was created by Jan Yrlund [Korpiklaani, Apocalyptica, Leah].

Track listing:

01. For Those We Forsakened
02. Into Oblivion
03. We All Died For Honor
04. There Is But One Path
05. In Silence
06. When Darkness Reigns
07. The Fallen
08. We Stand As One

Ravenia was formed in Finland during 2013 by vocalist Armi Päivinen and guitar player Samuli Reinikainen. In 2014 the band released the two-track Wingless EP.

After the release of the EP Armi and Samuli both felt that they wanted to do something else than the traditional symphonic metal they currently were doing with Ravenia. The goal was to create music that combined metal and film score music as Armi and Samuli were both big fans of both genres.

They started to search for members and composing music for their debut album, and soon the Ravenia lineup was completed. Late 2014 they entered the Lunamy Creations Studio and started to record their debut album “Beyond The Walls Of Death”. The album was then mixed by Nino Laurenne [Wintersun, Battle Beast, Ensiferum] at Sonic Pump Studios and mastered by Svante Forsbäck [Volbeat, Sonata Arctica, Apocalyptica] at Chartmakers. The album artwork was created by Jan Yrlund [Korpiklaani, Apocalyptica, Leah].

The result can be described as a path between massive orchestrations and the aggression of metal, that leads to an epic journey beyond this world. The sound of Ravenia is characterized by the massive orchestrations and the beautiful and emotional vocals from Armi and can be described as a mix between composers like Two Steps From Hell and Hans Zimmer, and metal bands like Nightwish and Epica.

Close your eyes and let the music of Ravenia capture you, and bring you into another world of death, war, honor and hope..

Ravenia line-up:
Armi Päivinen - Vocals
Samuli Reinikainen - Guitars
Veikko Ringvall - Drums
Toni Hintikka - Bass
Ville Koponen - Violin
Erkki Lasonpalo - Violin
Janne Ahvenainen - Viola
Juuli Ilmonen - Cello
Tommi Laitinen - Contrabass

Ravenia discography:
2016: Beyond The Walls Of Death [Inner Wound Recordings]
2014: Wingless EP [independent]

Mixed by: Nino Laurenne [Wintersun, Battle Beast, Ensiferum] at Sonic Pump Studios
Mastered by: Svante Forsbäck [Volbeat, Sonata Arctica, Apocalyptica] at Chartmakers
Artwork by: Jan Yrlund [Korpiklaani, Apocalyptica, Leah]

 

Ravenia on the web
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raveniaofficial

 

Universal Mind Project - The Jaguar Priest (2016)

 

Fantastic debut album filled with perfectly executed modern progressive/power metal combined with the unique diversity of male and female vocals! Apart from band members Elina Laivera, Henrik Båth [Darkwater], Michael Alexander and Alex Landenburg [Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody], the album also includes performances by Nils K Rue [Pagan’s Mind], Mark Jansen [Epica, Mayan], Charlie Dominici [ex. Dream Theater], Mike Lepond [Symphony X], Diego Valdez [Helker] and more!

Track listing:
01. Anthem For Freedom
02. Truth
03. The Bargain Of Lost Souls
04. Dreamstate
05. Awakened By The Light (Universal Mind)
06. A World That Burns
07. Seven
08. The Jaguar Priest
09. The Force Of Our Creation
10. Xibalba

Founded in 2012 by guitarist and composer Michael Alexander, UNIVERSAL MIND PROJECT began as a collaborative project between musicians from all around the globe to finally shape into a band with a solid nucleus consisting of Elina Laivera and Henrik Båth [Darkwater] on vocals, Michael Alexander on guitars and growls and Alex Landenburg [Luca Turilli's Rhapsody] on drums.

In a mix of perfectly executed modern progressive/power metal combined with the unique diversity of male and female vocals that stylistically spread from lyrical and fragile to soothing and powerful, as well as the use of growl vocals at parts of the record, the debut album of the band "The Jaguar Priest" encloses a most impressive league of artistic creation.

The album was composed by Michael Alexander and Elina Laivera and a lot of hard work was put into writing the best possible vocal lines for each guest vocalist gracing different songs on the album. The result is truly rewarding. Apart from Elina Laivera and Henrik Båth, the album also includes performances by Nils K Rue [Pagan’s Mind], Mark Jansen [Epica, Mayan], Charlie Dominici [ex. Dream Theater] and Diego Valdez [Helker] -forming an incredibly powerful team of vocalists, each of whom add their own distinctive style to the songs.

One should find melodic and mellow passages, yet really heavy moments on ''The Jaguar Priest'' -all combined with philosophical, spiritual and other diverse themes that inspired the dynamic duo of Alexander and Laivera along the creative process of the album.

“The Jaguar Priest” was mixed by Simone Mularoni [Ancient Bards, DGM, Vision Divine] at Domination Studios and the impressive artwork was created by Jan Yrlund [Apocalyptica, Korpiklaani, Leah] at Darkgrove Design.

Expressed through catchy hooks, bursting riffs, killer guitar and keyboard duets, as well as super melodic choruses performed by top names of the metal scene, the sensational power-sound of UNIVERSAL MIND PROJECT has come to blast your speakers off and is destined to capture full attention within the metal music community.

Universal Mind Project line-up:
Elina Laivera - Vocals
Henrik Båth [Darkwater, Waken Eyes] - Vocals
Michael Alexander – Guitars, Growls
Alex Landenburg [Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody, 21 Octayne] – Drums

Guests on the album:
Nils K Rue [Pagan’s Mind] - Vocals on "Bargain of Lost Souls"
Mark Jansen [Epica, Mayan] - Growls on "Anthem For Freedom", "Truth" and "Dreamstate"
Charlie Dominici [ex. Dream Theater] - Vocals on "The Jaguar Priest"
Diego Valdez [Helker] - Vocals on "Awakened By The Light" and "Seven"
Alessandro Bissa [Vision Divine] - Drums on "Dreamstate", "Anthem For Freedom", "Awakened By The Light", "Bargain Of Lost Souls" and "Truth"
Mike LePond [Symphony X] - Bass on "Truth" and "The Force Of Our Creation"
Emanuele Casali [DGM] - Keyboards on all tracks
Johan Reinholz [Andromeda]- Guitar solo on "The Force Of Our Creation" 07:08-07:30

Universal Mind Project discography:
2016: The Jaguar Priest [Inner Wound Recordings]

Mixed and mastered by: Simone Mularoni [Ancient Bards, DGM, Vision Divine]
Artwork by: Jan Yrlund [Apocalyptica, Korpiklaani, Leah]

Label info
Europe, North America: Inner Wound Recordings

 

Universal Mind Project on the web
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/universalmindproject

Votum - :KTONIK: (2016)

KTONIK: was mixed by David Castillo [Katatonia, Bloodbath, Opeth] at Ghost Ward Studio and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios [Paradise Lost, Kreator, Leprous]. “:KTONIK:” form an unparalleled mix of emotions and power, crafting the intriguing style of the band.

Track listing:
01. Satellite
02. Greed
03. Spiral
04. Blackened Tree
05. Simulacra
06. Prometheus
07. Horizontal
08. Vertical
09. Last Word

Votum combines a dark and vibrant atmosphere with heavy metal traditions, bringing both force and ambience to play. The band is no stranger to musical diversity, with subtle cinematic frailty and modern electronica, powerful guitars, as well as acoustic ballads, which all combine to create a fresh and unique blend of progressive rock and metal. Released back in 2008, Time must have a stop along with sophomore Metafiction (2009), Harvest Moon (2013) and freshly minted “:KTONIK:” form an unparalleled mix of emotions and power, crafting the intriguing style of the band.

With 4 LP albums and hundreds of on-stage performances - including shows with such bands as Opeth, Anathema, Pain of Salvation, Katatonia, Korn and European tour with Riverside - Votum is one of the most influential artists and the creators of the New Wave of Polish Prog.

The new masterpiece from Votum entitled “:KTONIK:” was mixed by David Castillo [Katatonia, Bloodbath, Opeth] at Ghost Ward Studio and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios [Paradise Lost, Kreator, Leprous].

Votum will tour Europe together with Kingcrow in February/March!

Votum line-up:
Zbigniew Szatkowski - Keyboards
Adam Kaczmarek - Guitars
Adam Łukaszek  - Drums
Bart Sobieraj  - Vocals
Bart Turkowski - Bass
Piotr Lniany – Guitar

Votum discography:
2016: :KTONIK:
2013: Harvest Moon
2009: Metafiction
2008: Time Must Have A Stop

Recorded at: Hertz Studio, Prusiewicz Sound Studio, Izabelin Studio
Mixed by: David Castillo [Katatonia, Bloodbath, Opeth] at Ghost Ward Studio
Mastered by: Tony Lindgren [Paradise Lost, Kreator, Leprous] at Fascination Street Studios
Artwork by: Kuba Sokolski

Label info
Europe, North America: Inner Wound Recordings 

Votum on the web
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Votumpage
Website: http://votumband.pl