On June 22nd 2018 BRASS OWL will release their self-titled EP. The band's blend of stoner, psychedelic and heavy metal is highly recommended for fans of Corrosion of Conformity, ZZ Top, Cream and Pride And Glory.
Formed in the conservative world of southern Ohio, Brass Owl has never been a typical band. With a bonafide shred master on guitar, an award winning session drummer and a bassist with a distinctive retro style this power trio is poised to take over the scene. Their jam oriented sound isn’t just a testament to the bands past accomplishments, but also reflects how tightly they have gelled as a unit. Their music is reflective of a lifetime of playing music a deep understanding of rock and roll. With a new record coming out soon, one can’t help but to get excited for what these Ohio boys are going to be pulling out of their hats next.
The mastermind behind this project, Brian Tarter is thrilled to finally have a band where he has embraced being both lyricist and vocalist. This music gives him a platform to not only show off his Steve Vai approved licks (Tarter performed with Vai after winning a shred contest in the 90s) but also bring his songwriting to a new level. The band act as a tight unit combining all manner of musical ideas through a unique blend of jaw dropping hooks and thrilling, largely improvised solos. Avoiding both tired stoned rock and roll cliches and maintaining a concise approach to songwriting, Brass Owl aspire to be a new kind of jam band.
Brass Owl is a band who have not only paid their dues, they have nearly a centuries worth of experience between the three of them. They are ready now to go out once more and claim the hearts of a legion of fans. With a sound that appeals to everyone from modern rockers to stoners, classic rock maniacs to acid jazz heads, Brass Owl are unafraid to push the boundaries. This is not just another jam band, this is a group with a distinct artistic vision, a motivated team, and the passion, combined with the know how to go far beyond the dives they cut their teeth in.
24rd April 2018 sees the official release of the new Stormzone opus, Lucifer's Factory. This is the sixth album from the Belfast-based Heavy Metal merchants, whose previous releases have prompted gushing praise from major print media and online zines alike, from Japan to the US, including rave reviews in UK's Classic Rock and Metal Hammer magazines, "absolutely magnificent” .
"if you call yourself a HM fan do yourself a favour and buy this album .
With interviews pending in Sweden Rock magazine and the UK's Fireworks magazine to name two early indicates for Lucifer's Factory's reviews thus far indicate more of the same
Rock Hard Germany 7.5/10 the metalgodsmeltdown.com 10/10
gbhbl.com 8.5/10 rock-garage.com 9/10. Burrn! magazine Japan 80/100.
Rock Tribune Mag Belgium 9/10. Aardschock Magazine Holland 80/100 . tntradiorock.com 10/10. Battlehelm USA 4/5. Rock hard Italy 7.5/10
On hearing the album Neal kay , Iron Maiden / Soundhouse dj said , " How this band are not up there with the greatest of the best is still beyond me "
Lucifer's Factory, 13 tracks of blistering Heavy Metal combining the superb vocals of Harv Harbinson with the crunching, powerful delivery of Stormzone, who not only keep the Classic Heavy Metal flag flying but also continue to celebrate their Irish/Celtic roots in subject matter with tracks such as Cushy Glen, Albhartach and Dark Hedges. Vocalist Harv Harbinson is the lyricist and artist responsible for the band's artwork.
Stormzone will promote this new release live having already notched up festivals like Wacken, Sweden Rock, Sonisphere and Bloodstock, as well as tours and shows with George Lynch, Saxon, Inglorious, Anvil and Sebastian Bach to name a few. Watch out for dates on the band's website at www.stormzone.tv
Tracklist:
Dark Hedges / Lucifer's Factory / Cushy Glen / Last Night In Hell / Albhartach /
We Are Strong / Broken Window / The Heaven You Despise / Hallows' Eve /
Your Hell Falls Down / In For The Kill / The Last Goodbye / Time To Go
Band members (l-r):
Steve Moore - Guitars Jr Afrifa - Guitars John "Harv" Harbinson - Vocals Graham McNulty - Bass Jonathan Millar - Drums
Discography:
Caught In The Act (2007) - Escape Music Death Dealer (2010) - SPV / Steamhammer Zero To Rage (2011) - SPV / Steamhammer Three Kings (2013) - Metal Nation Records Seven Sins (2015) - Metal Nation Records Lucifer's Factory (2018) - Metal Nation Records
The 9th studio album of the US power/thrash veterans from Boston MELIAH RAGE "Idol Hands" will be released by Metal on Metal Records on April 27th. It was a long time in the making as this time the band's leader, composer and guitarist Anthony Nichols wanted to leave no stone unturned to ensure it sounds just like he had envisioned it. This album marks the return of Paul Souza (the vocal powerhouse that can be heard on the band's 3 older studio albums) whose more melodic voice complements the music perfectly, and it features some of the most inspired songwriting and best guitar work in the band's history. It's still most comparable to METALLICA, but fans of METAL CHURCH, WARGASM, XENTRIX, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, HERETIC and TESTAMENT should be pleased with it too.
A video clip has been created by Omnidawn Productions for "Dark as Your Thoughts" song and can be watched on YouTube. There are also two other songs, "Infernal Bleeding" and "Idol Hands", available for streaming in the player on the MELIAH RAGE page.
The album track listing is as follows:
1. The Kill-All Rule
2. Dark as Your Thoughts
3. Idol Hands
4. Crushed Beneath My Heel
5. Sentenced to Life
6. Absolute Power
7. Infernal Bleeding
8. Where Darkness Lies
The cover art was created by BreakerMaximus @ Shutterstock.
MELIAH RAGE "Idol Hands" CD can be ordered from Metal on Metal Records' website, also in convenient bundles with the previous studio album "Warrior" and/or the rereleased at the same time "Dead to the World" 2018 Edition CD, while the digital download is available from Bandcamp.
Official website: www.MetalOnMetalRecords.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MetalOnMetalRecords
Bandcamp: www.metalonmetalrecords.bandcamp.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/MetalOnMetalRecords
Breakthru is the perfect example of the combination of influences within Aeren. Many of the songs featured on the album have been a staple of their live shows for some time and now they are taking their rightful place in Aeren’s world. Breakthru is feisty and colorful, melodic and sharp. The main lyrical subjects are social difficulties, environmental issues and there are some “anthems” of freedom and exhortations to live life without worries.
The artwork has been created by Marcile Powers and it represents a Buddhist mandala, which is the symbolic representation of the universe. Based on the various and eclectic combination of music and colors, it is the perfect synthesis of the different sides of our lives which are all entwined together. The name of the album is inspired by the Queen’s song, Breakthru, the word is used in order to mean “a step forward” for the band and in their way of making music.
The Breakthru production started in March 2017 in the StudioGaudio and ended in September that year with the final mix made by Francesco Gaudio and Salvatore Buzzerio. The mastering process was handed to Giovanni Versari, grammy award winner for “Drones”, the latest MUSE album.
Breakthru | Released on March 6th, 2018 on Sliptrick Records
Track Listing:
01. Time Flux | 02. Wrong Reactions | 03. Preachers (Redux) | 04. Shooting Stars | 05. [Prelude] | 06. Breath Of Air | 07. Our Flaws | 08. Lightheartedness | 09. Don’t Fall Apart | 10. In The Well (Redux) | 11. No Way For Crying | 12. Bad Weakness (Video Edit) | 13. Breath Of Air (Full Version)
Note: Track 13 is a bonus track only available with the digital version.
H E X were founded in Geneva in 2011 by Vincent Hänggi, Alex Muller Ramirez and Adriano Perlini. Having previously played in acclaimed bands such as Equus and Commodore, the pared-down rock trio (consisting of drums and two guitars) set about shaping the abrasive sound of this latest project, infusing it with a dense, linear and repetitive quality. Vincent Devaud (Equus, Shelving, Forceed) and Nicola Todeschini (Shora) joined the group the following year, expanding the instrumentation to include a bass and extra guitar. After a series of noteworthy live shows, the new five-piece line-up decided to work with a more sophisticated array of sounds: boosting the rhythm section with electronic instruments and replacing the bass guitar with synthesizers. This new incarnation of the band toured Switzerland, sharing the stage with artists such as Spacemen 3 and The Soft Moon, before starting work on their self-produced first record under Vincent Hänggi’s direction. The album’s process was ambitious in its desire to fully exploit modern recording techniques in order to morph their original compositions into something new, thereby amplifying the intense, epic and psychedelic character of these tracks. Following Adriano Perlini’s departure, Laure Betris (Kassette) joined the group in 2016, whose delicate voice brings a bewitching dimension to the ensemble. Hummus Records will be releasing the first record by this third line-up on 25 May 2018.
As far as debut albums go, this one is particularly compelling. HEX’s five members have concocted their epic and brutalist poetry with a skill that only a glimpse at their past achievements gets close to explaining. While the record’s nocturnal mood and fascination for cyclical motifs recalls some of the band members’ earlier work, HEX weave a very singular kind of magic, charming the listener in unique – and enduring – ways. Behind the quasi-orchestral sound are heavy, propulsive beats relentlessly driven by drums, a sequencer and gritty guitars. From these beats emerge, in hallucinatory clouds, synthetic chords and spectral incantations. Fully in charge of their sound, HEX are masters of the spectacular – which brings to mind Hollywood film music of the last 40 years (the tensely dramatic kind that owes as much to György Ligeti as to John Carpenter). And despite the warped melodies and a sinister tone that evokes the nebulous Rock In Opposition movement (particularly Univers Zero), the music’s instrumental energy seems akin to the spirit of EBM. Finally, with the music's 4AD-like otherworldly aspect, and a punch inherited from hardcore punk, it is impossible not to be taken in by the magnetic rigour and stunning contemporary power of these four tracks. A maximalist tour de force for the 21st century.
LINE-UP
Laure Betris – guitars, vocals
Vincent Devaud – synths
Vincent Hänggi – drums, electronics
Alex Muller Ramirez – guitars, vocals
Nicola Todeschini – guitars
UPCOMING SHOWS
11.05.18 La Chaux-de-Fonds (CH) @ Bikini Test
12.05.18 Basel (CH) @ Czar Of Crickets Festival, Kaserne w/ Tryptikon
24.05.18 Geneva (CH) @ Kalvingrad w/ Buzz Kull
26.05.18 Porrentruy (CH) @ Galerie du Sauvage w/ Coilguns
27.05.18 Bern (CH) @ bee-flat im PROGR
17.07.18 Nyon (CH) @ Paléo Festival w/ Depeche Mode
Edge Of Ever is a greek/german metal band formed in December 2012 in Berlin, Germany by frontman Minas Marston and bassist James Smith.
The band consists of six members of different age, nationality and musical influences.
The music of Edge Of Ever is hard to define and not easy to put into a specific genre. It can be described as a modern mixture of old-school heavy metal and progressive metal combined with core influences or as referred to by Rock Hard Magazine: "high energy prog."
The band released their debut-album "Global Ignition" in October 2014 and has received outstanding reviews from various rock/metal magazines, including giants in the genre like Metal Hammer, Rock Hard and Legacy.
After its release Edge Of Ever has played various concerts in Germany and abroad and in November 2017 the band finished the production of their newest double album "We Came With The Flood." An Album which is set to be released on Mighty Music 22nd of June 2018!
The press said:
"..a unique interpretation of Prog (...) a band with enormous breakthrough potential.." - RockHard (DE)
"One of the surprises of the year (...) for those who seek for innovation in metal.." 13/15 - Legacy (DE)
"such a high level, which is often not found even when looking at estabilshed acts.." Metal Hammer (DE)
Line Up:
Minas Marston - vocals
James Smith - bass
Ralph Swan Krieger - keys
Julios Greco - guitar
Tom Krue - guitar
Lucas Freise - drums
Crone is a dark rock band from Northern Germany, led and shaped by Secrets of the Moon mastermind Phil 'sG' Jonas and Markus Renzenbrink (Embedded). "Godspeed" is the group's first full-length LP and follow-up to Crone's 2014 debut, "Gehenna", an EP hailed as "morose, thick, melodic music for cloudy days".
A conceptual album with song titles and themes inspired by real life tragedies and mysterious events, "Godspeed" pairs heavy subject matter with emotionally-charged music. Each track on the record is a cenotaph to a real life person(s) that met an unfortunate or untimely demise; each track a touching testimonial to an incredible instance in time. "The Ptilonist" is about inventor and parachuting pioneer Franz Reichelt who jumped to his death from the Eiffel Tower while testing a wearable parachute of his own design. "H" pays homage to stage actress Peg Entwistle who, in 1932, jumped to her death from the giant letter "H" on California's famous Hollywood sign. Cuts like "Mother Crone", "The Perfect Army", "Leviathan's Lifework" and others are epic, electric eulogies, each with its own odd tale to tell!
On a purely musical level, "Godspeed" is a compelling and cathartic marriage of alternative rock energy and hard rock grit. Crone crafts hypnotic harmonies and haunting melodies that would easily find favor with fans of Alice In Chains, Opeth, Crippled Black Phoenix and Ghost. With "Godspeed", Crone creates bleak music that's not consumed by darkness.
"Godspeed" will be released as Digisleeve CD and Gatefold LP.
Swedish post-hardcore band Tengil is a constellation of musicians playing atmospheric, experimental heavy music that is at once nostalgic, quasi-symphonic and spiritually violent. The band tabs itself as "a spiritual task, an impulsion to through music tell the story of moments passing you by, the longing to live and die at the same time, to always be both among and in flames." Despite its young age, Tengil as a collective has already performed over 50 concerts across Europe and released the full-length album "Six" (2015) as well as a slew of EPs and singles. The band's Prophecy debut is titled "shouldhavebeens".
"'shouldhavebeens' tells the story of two friends, three New Year's Eves and one longing greater than life," says the band. The record aims to speak about nostalgia, saudade, mental illness, decadence, the promise of tomorrow, and how our collective views of future themselves determine who we turn out to be.
Tengil's eye-opening musical style has developed from raw hardcore to an almost heavenly wall of aggressive sound which takes center stage on "shouldhavebeens". Commanding a mind-bending and dynamic meld of hardcore, rock, blackgaze and melody, Tengil weilds its wide-reaching range over varied tempos, electronics, and occasional pop moments executed with a raw energy that suggests a mash up of Dillinger Escape Plan and Explosions in the Sky. Although its delivery and musical approach is very different, the inherent self-confidence and captivating creativity that Tengil shows on 'shouldhavebeens', calls for comparison to Alcest and its legendary debut "Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde".
With flowing grace and force of conviction, Tengil's lush layers of sound crush and caress in equal measure. Explosive, angular, powerful and enlightening, "shouldhavebeens" propels the listener across multiple musical boundaries.
Out of the ashes from SHOTGUN EXPRESS, the dirtiest band ever out of Stuttgart/Germany, MOTOR CITY MAYHEM will continue their legacy with an even dirtier album. SHOTGUN EXPRESS has been the winner of the German Rock and Pop Award as the best (Hard) Rock band back in 2012. They have been on tour with GREAT WHITE before they parted ways with their singer. Instead of continuing with their old brand, they decided to do a complete new start.
With the guitarists Johnny & Scott and bassist Robin as well, the main people from back then are involved in MOTOR CITY MAYHEM. Singer Van also is from the old family, since he was a temporary replacement as a guitarist for Scott in SHOTGUN EXPRESS. The line-up is completed by drummer Armin who came from their fellows STROKER ACE.
MOTOR CITY MAYHEM stands for dirty Street Rock'n Roll from the late 60ies/early 70ies like MC5, BLUE CHEER or THE STOOGES combined with the Scandinavian Street Rock sound like THE HELLACOPTERS, BACKYARD BABIES or GLUECIFER.
The self-produced album "Shitfaced And Outta Luck" will make you dance, sit on your old triumph bike to ride down Route 66 and brings back the time when Hard Rock music was pure, rude and real.
Heavy Metal Thunderpicking is the new full-length album from Italian metal group Sacro Ordine (full name: Sacro Ordine dei Cavalieri di Parsifal) and it represents the band’s comeback into the music market since their first work in 2005. Inspired by Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Dio, Doomsword, Manowar and Candlemass, Heavy Metal Thunderpicking continues the band classic heavy metal tradition.
Ace Of Clubs, Fate’s Embrance and Stripes On The Sand are epic songs in the tradition of Manowar and Black Sabbath, which will immediately capture and thrill the listener. More evocative and intriguing pieces such as The Blood Of Your Roots, Tears Of Lightand Four Kings portray a more doom-ish touch from the band, whereas Earthshaker and Endless Worm represent the “fast and violent” side of the band with zero compromises and iron fists.
Heavy Metal Thunderpicking was produced by Sacro Ordine dei Cavalieri di Parsifal. Edited, Mixed and Mastered by Marco Falanga & Sacro Ordine dei Cavalieri di Parsifal. Guitars, Bass, Vocals, Choirs recorded by Marco Falanga at Falanga Studios in 2016/2017.
Track listing:
01. Intro | 02. Ace Of Clubs | 03. Fate’s Embrance | 04. Earthshaker | 05. Tears Of Light | 06. Four Kings | 07. Endless Worm | 08. Stripes On The Sand | 09. The Blood Of Your Roots
Heavy Metal Thunderpicking | Released April 10th, 2018 on Sliptrick Records
Sacro Ordine are:
Paolo Fumis – Vocals | Carlo Venuti – Guitar | Davide Olivieri – Guitar | Luca Komavli – Drums | Claudio Livera – Bass
Imperium is the solo project of drummer Mika Brushane. Mika has been playing drums and percussion in various bands since 1981 in all genres from jazz to metal and composed songs for different genres - and this legacy of mixed genres can be heard in the IMPERIUM sound! The music is Melodic Rock which has a big dose of 80’s feel and sounds in it.
The project started in 2012 when Mika composed a new track for the new STRIKE record “We’re back” and realized that there was more songs in him that needed to be released. In 2016, the debut album by IMPERIUM, “Dreamhunter”, saw the light of day on AOR Heaven.
In IMPERIUM, Mika is in charge of the song-writing and playing all drums, bass, keyboards and the backing vocals. All lead vocals and guitars are performed by various very talented musicians from the rock/metal scene.
Also the album’s post production was handled by top professionals, i.e. it was mixed by Erkka Korhonen (Dark Sarah, Urban Tale, Northern Kings, Ari Koivunen, Raskasta Joulua) and mastered by the legendary Mika Jussila (Nightwish, Children of bodom, Stratovarius, HIM etc.) “Beyond The Stars” was produced and mostly recorded during 2017-2018 by Mika himself at his Groovehouse studio in Vantaa, Finland.
IMPERIUM is
Mika Brushane– Music, lyrics, drums, vst-bass, keyboards and backing vocals
Guest stars on “Beyond the stars”
Dennis Ward- Lead & backing vocals (USA /GER)
(Gus G, Khymera, Unisonic, Pink Cream 69, Place Vendome, Sunstrom, etc.)
Markku Kuikka- Lead & backing vocals
(Crow’s Flight, Agonizer, Kenziner, The Ragged Saints, Status Minor, etc.)
Antti Railio- Lead & backing vocals
(The Voice of Finland winner, Ex-Celesty, Solo artist, Raskasta Joulua Tour etc.
Rob Lundgren- Lead & backing vocals (SWE)
(Solo artist, The Midgard project, Barque of Dante, etc.)
Erkka Korhonen- Guitars
Samuli Federley- Guitars
Toni Huovinen- Guitars
After more than a decade honing its craft, Moscow's TANTAL soared to new heights with the release last September of Ruin, an album of dynamic compositions, stylistically located at the junction of Dark, Progressive, Gothic, and Modern Metal. Featuring penetrating melodies, punctuated with the powerful vocals of front woman Sofia Raykova, and expressive guitar work in the tradition of DREAM THEATER and YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN, Ruin is the ultimate representation of the TANTAL sound.
Ruin is available at the following locations:
iTunes: https://goo.gl/hMxeev
Google Play: https://goo.gl/LHA69L
Amazon: https://goo.gl/xymrpk
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5yCxCm
Track Listing:
1. Constant Failure
2. Denial
3. Torn Inside
4. Drained
5. Torpid
6. A Hopeful Lie
7. Low
8. Ruin
9. Tears Of Yesterday
10. The Awakening
BIO
Formed in Moscow (Russia) in 2005, TANTAL is an eclectic female-fronted metal band, whose music covers a wide range of the Metal and Rock genres in creating a style all its own: Modern, Progressive, Death, Gothic and Alternative Metal, to name some of the more obvious ones. The undeniable spark that sets all aglow comes in the form of Sofia Raykova's vocals, which range from powerful clean singing to screaming and growling.
The members of TANTAL boast an impressive pedigree. Dmitry Ignatiev is guitarist of EVERLOST and FLASH OF AGGRESSION (alongside Andrey Smirnov from German legends U.D.O. and DIRKSCHNEIDER). Ignatiev is also a guitarist in grand symphony project METALLICA SHOW (tribute to S&M album). Singer Sofia Raykova also participates in famous Russian Power-Metal band EPIDEMIA together with Maria Archipova from ARKONA.
TANTAL tours regularly in major cities of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and shared the stage with such bands as Lacuna Coil, Resistance, Sadist, Anata.
Guitarists Dmitry Ignatiev is officially endorsed by ESP Guitars (Japan/USA) and AMT Electronics (Siberia (RU)/Europe).
Discography:
Emotional Distress - promo CD, 2007
The Beginning Of The End - LP, 2009
Label: Mazzar Records (Russia), Raven Heart Music (England)
Expectancy - LP (Digipack), 2014
Label: Mazzar Records (Russia)/Scarlet Records (Europe/USA)
RELEASE 4 May 2018
Anglo-Antipodean Monsterworks to release new album Scale and Probability on Eat Lead and Die Music.
The Fermi Paradox asks: "why, in a vast universe where the probability of life evolving in multiple places would seem a certainty, have we not made contact with other civilisations?" Monsterworks' sixteenth album Scale and Probability attempts to answer that question.
Recorded at Rockfield Studios, Wales (Queen, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Coldplay, ugh) and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound, Sweden the band has gone for a full dynamic range approach to its music. Frontman Jon says:
'While there is a growing movement towards dynamic metal production, it is still all too common for the music we love to be overcompressed to make it sound louder, known as 'brickwalling', crushing the natural dynamics and causing listener fatigue. My band may have even been guilty of it a bit in the past, but no more. I urge you to demand the best sound quality from other bands and record labels. Full Dynamic Range or nothing (and not charging extra for it in an HD download). Not everyone can afford to record in great studios, but everyone can take the sensible decision not to ruin their own music during the mastering process in a futile attempt to fight and lose in the Loudness Wars..... and don't even get me started on drums that sound like typewriters and guitar amp simulation software! This has been a public service announcement.... also please buy our album.'
Monsterworks' Scale and Probability will be available as an FDR HD lossless download through Bandcamp with a PDF lyric book (honestly, it is stupid that most bands don't offer this simple added extra). CDs, vinyl and especially cassettes are made from dead dinosaurs and are inferior sound sources to an HD download. That is science. You are of course welcome to download a 320kbps MP3 rather than the lossless version because, honestly, science also says you won't be able to tell the difference, but its nice to know what we deliver is in the same form it left the studio.
Helsinki-based heavy rockers Vile Caliber release a new track and video
Modern melodic / heavy rock band Vile Caliber from Helsinki have released a new track 'Willpower'. They combine influences from rock/metal classics such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Whitesnake and KISS, and bring it together with a modern twist.
After releasing their debut album "Tomorrow's For Those Who Dare", the new single leans more towards their heavy metal sound.
Vile Caliber's Drummer Vesa commented on the new single:
"In terms of production and songwriting We have kicked it up a few notches and multiplied everything by a thousandfold. Roaring guitars with fast shredding, thunderous rhythm sections driving forward like a steamroller, with energetic and intense vocals as the icing on top of this heavy metal cake. Enjoy!"
Release date: April 16th 2018
Label: Inverse Records
Listen the single:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2HtpjZ5
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/61437912
Declared Dead was formed in mid 2014 and resides in Belgium. The current band line-up consists of Anders Milovovich - vocals/guitars, Dimitri Nagel III - guitars, Deiter Cox - bass, and Mikhel Van Zaal - drums/percussion. The band has independently released four full length albums, one e.p., and one demo since its inception. The newest full length offering is "Blood Bender" which was released on March 12th, 2018. This album encapsulates a "next level" maturity and progression from a unified musical effort and presentation for the band as a whole. All facets of expression - on this excursion - have been streamlined and exacted to garner a wider listening audience while maintaining artistic integrity and creative adaptivity.
The musical direction on "Blood Bender" has a powerful combination of "old school" aesthetics and modern flair. Genre speaking - "Blood Bender" might resonate with what is considered "Blackened Death-Thrash", for the most part. There are elements of "Traditional", "Progressive", and "Doom" Metal, as well. Though, overall - Declared Dead crafts its own unique perspective and prospective style.
The brand new album from Swedish melodic hard rock band Black Rose is called A Light In The Dark and contains 10 songs in the melodic hard rock/metal vein. It features the trademark sound of the group, built around recognizable distinctive riffs and melodic/catchy and powerful choruses. In fact, Black Rose have taken these calling cards and made them even more prominent on this release. The album covers a wide range of styles from song to song, from fast, hard driving tracks to mid-paced and heavier entries.
As with past releases, the Black Rose style of music has always stayed strong and constant, even though different music-trends have come and gone since the band began. A Light In The Darkshows the band in control and at the top of their game, 10 classic hard rock tracks delivered with an 80’s inspired metal sound.
The artwork for the album was created by Morgan Elswyse.
A Light In The Dark | Released on April 17th, 2018 on Sliptrick Records
Track Listing:
01. Sands Of Time | 02. Hear The Call | 03. Carry On | 04. We Come Alive | 05. A Light In The Dark | 06. Web Of Lies | 07. Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over | 08. Powerthrone | 09. Don’t Fear The Fire | 10. Love Into Hate
Produced by Black Rose. Mixed and mastered by Johan Gren at Studio Sensus. Guitars, bass and drums recorded by Peter Haga at Studio 51. Vocals recorded at Studio Cave by Pontus Ekwall. Songs written and arranged by Black Rose. Lyrics by Jakob “Jacke” Sandberg.
Black Rose are:
Jakob “Jacke” Sandberg – Vocals | Thomas Berg – Guitar | Peter Haga – Drums/Keyboards | Anders Haga – Bass
It all began back in 2011 with drive and determination to do something different on a musical note.
The guys work very hard in everything they do. They love joking around and hanging out with their fans , but take their music seriously.
The members of One Gun Shy come from varied and unique backgrounds, but share a common goal and vision for music.
The Seattle Rock Music Scene is making a resurgence and One Gun Shy is part of that effort. Many fans have commented on how well the band plays together and about their solid live performances. When asked why the fans acknowledge acknowledge the band's level of precision and polish, Michael Decker said, "One Gun Shy delivers crunchy and gritty melodic Hard Rock music. Period. This isn't some 'part-time bedroom band' recording stuff on their iPhones. These are dedicated, veteran musicians who use professional gear, create a professional sound, and make professional recordings."
The band has completed their third album entitled "Eye of the Storm" made possible by a unique collaboration between Momma Lynn Records, Lime & Dime Records, and several Pacific Northwest Music Professionals at Studio Sage and Robert Lang Studios.
The new album is slated to be released July 2018, so look for a single release sometime in June 2018.
Catch One Gun Shy on tour near you.
Here we go AGAIN!!!
On July 20th 2018 UK goth/dark metal band HER DESPAIR will release their new EP Mournography.
About Her Despair
Her Despair, formed in 2015, began as a solo project with the release of debut album “Hymns For the Hopeless.” Showcasing the melodramatic sound and aesthetic of gothic music with the accessibility of punk and the stylings of heavy metal, the solo studio project has subsequently evolved into the current full line-up. With nods toward fellow countrymen The Sisters of Mercy and Paradise Lost, to bands such as HIM and Rammstein, the band create their own unique twist on the styles that they are influenced by.
“Mournography,” the brand new follow-up EP and first as a full-fledged band, was recently completed by the band with Matt Bew at Whitehouse Studios (Reading, UK), and is described as such:
“Mournography is an exploration into the mysteries of tragedy, blasphemy, death, and love; both literally and figuratively. The mourning of some, the lust of others. These songs praise and pervert the Word of God simultaneously: providing a deeply unsettling spiritual experience set to a bleak backdrop of melancholia.”
From their location in Berkshire UK, the band is set to unleash new convocations upon locations which have included London, Oxford, Bournemouth and Reading. Continuing to expand their fan base throughout live performances, clouds of smoke and lights theatrically immerse the audience, providing a perfect setting to experience the compelling material.
The dawn breaks on a new era of despair.
Mourning has broken.
Members
J - vocals
Dan - guitar
Vikki - bass
Jord - guitar
Lee - drums
The 8 th of February 2018 InDeep (Umeå, Sweden) did their first studio release:
”Rage and Obsession”, with the two songs Hell 2 Heaven and Dreamcatcher, who
have an ”80s Retro Metal-feeling”.
- We love melodic hardrock and we´re sure that´s pretty obvious for anyone who listen to
our music – says the drummer Anna Morén, who started the band, together with Anna
Granberg (bass) in 2015.
- I have written the lyrics so far, Anna Morén continues, so it´s bit of a challange for our
singer RG to sing some of the songs, since they are about angry women (Niklas RG
Gustafsson is also known as the dynamic frontman of the band Crystal Caravan).
The songs are charectarized by strong melodies and catchy choruses, inspired by bands
as Rainbow, Pretty Maids, Kamelot, Black Sabbath etc.
- We have six more songs more or less ready – and the next time we´re entering the
studio, we´re taking a road trip to Helsinki and Sonic Pump Studios.
Rage and Obsession was digitally released at Spotify, itunes, Google Play etc Thursday 8 th
of February 2018. The recording is done at The Mixroom, Enhanced Audio Productions
(Umeå, Sweden), by Ronnie Björnström.
Band members:
• Anna Morén, drums
• Anna Granberg, bass
• Niklas ”RG” Gustafsson, vocals
• Viktor Nylander, guitar
• Magnus Lindmark, guitar
Dallas, Texas band Messer are set to release their self-titled debut album on April 20th, 2018. The band is touring in support of the release in March and April with Red, Lacey Sturm, and Righteous Vendetta; and Shallow Side in late April and May.
Messer means knife in German, and the band is cutting a memorable swath through the Rock world in 2018, starting with their 1st single "Make This Life". The song is off to a fast start @ Active Rock Radio with spins @ SiriusXM Octane, an early add @ Music Choice Rock, along with 50 more Active Rock stations. It's currently charting @ #36 on BDS Active Rock and #37 on Mediabase.
The song is also featured on Key Hard Rock playlists @ Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Google Play Music, Pandora, Youtube and Slacker Radio.
The band's cutting edge modern rock sound was born through serendipitous connections in the thriving Deep Ellum music scene of Dallas, an area that has given rise to iconic Hard Rock and Metal bands like Pantera, Drowning Pool, Hell Yeah, and King's X. Dereak knew he wanted to pursue singing as a career while in High School in Iowa and started honing his chops with local bands. After high school he moved to Dallas to pursue his music career professionally. His first contact was with Dallas native Javier, who was making a name for himself playing in Jagermeister sponsored bands Mudflap and Pimpadelic. The two bonded at a show and became the genesis of Messer. While looking for a place to get his hair cut, Dereak walked into Maddox’s Hair salon on a whim. The two struck up a conversation about music and another connection was made. Kenny was traveling from his home in Canada to an audition in Phoenix when his car broke down in Dallas. He ended up staying in town and found success playing with the band Strangleweed, who made an appearance on the nationally televised Courtroom show "Eye for an Eye". That caught the attention of the members of Messer, and Kenny became part of the family. Donnie was playing in various Dallas bands and gaining attention as an award-winning Tattoo artist. Maddox would play Donnie tracks the band was working on and in turn, Donnie would play music he was recording at his own home studio. As Messer continued to develop as a band, they knew they wanted to add an additional guitar player, and they all agreed that Donnie was a great fit. The lineup for Messer was solidified.
The band grew their fan base locally, and began to branch out regionally and nationally, opening for notable bands such as Sick Puppies, Candlebox, Hinder, Vince Neil, Black Stone Cherry, Lynch Mob, Drowning Pool, Local H, Trapt, Metallica, Dokken, Scott Stapp Of Creed, Avenged Sevenfold, and Buck Cherry. It was on one of these tours that the band caught the attention of Los Angeles based writer/producer, Chad Gendason. The band felt an immediate comradery with Chad and a lasting bond was made. Messer started writing with Chad, and their first collaboration became "Simple Man". Fan favorite "Whiskey" soon followed and the songs started to flow into what would eventually become their self-titled debut album "Messer", which will be released on 4/20/18 on Maddpants Records. The album was mixed by Ben Grosse (Marilyn Manson, Breaking Benjamin, Disturbed) and mastered by Tom Baker (Papa Roach, David Bowie, Motley Crue).
The band's desire for creative expression and to touch as many lives as possible is what drives them forward. 2018 is shaping up to be the year that Messer cuts through the noise and clutter of the Rock & Metal world and makes it mark.
1). Throw It Away
2). Everything Beautiful
3). Fight Of My Life
4). Still Better Off
5). Lay Down Your Heart
6). Make This Life
7). Simple Man
8). Save Myself
9). One More Time
10). Whiskey
11). Simple Man (Acoustic)
Connect with Messer:
Pledge Music Campaign: https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/messerband
Perris Records is proud to release Sweden's hard rock band SAFFIRE "Where The Monsters Dwell" CD worldwide April 20th.
For fans of 80's melodic hard rock like Deep Purple & Rainbow. Saffire was formed in 2005 when Victor Olsson and Dino Zuzic were in school together. The idea was to form a band based on old school melodic hard rock and heavy metal but add a modern
twist to it. After months of searching and auditioning, the duo was joined by Magnus Carlsson, Martin Järbur and Gustav Elowson.
In 2007 they recorded a first demo but soon after, Gustav had to leave the band and was replaced by then 17-year old Anton Roos,who had just won the Swedish Drum Solo Champion of the year contest. Another demo was recorded in 2008 and Saffire started
playing shows in the local area, slowly making a name for themselves. In 2010 Martin was replaced by Tobias Jansson, and an EP was recorded and released. The band kept playing lot's of live shows and finally in 2013, Saffire signed with Inner Wound Recordings
for the release of their debut album ”From Ashes to Fire”. The album was highly praised all over the world, and Rocknytt.net, Sweden's biggest rock website, put the album on their top 10 list of the best albums of 2013. Saffire went on to tour all over Scandinavia, playing
some of the biggest festivals like Sabaton Open Air, Tons of Rock Gothenburg Sound Festival alongside bands like Slayer, Steel Panther, At the Gates and Sabaton. In November 2015 they released their second album "For The Greater Good". The album was, as its precursor, highly praised all over the world. In January 2016 they held a sold out release show in Gothenburg which followed by a co-tour together
with Spiritual Beggars in the spring. During the summer of 2016 they played many of the big rock festivals in Sweden which includes Sweden Rock Festival, Metallsvenskan, Skogsröjet and Rock in Lisch together with artists like Queen, GHOST, Twisted Sister, The Hellacopters etc...
Lucid Ending is an alternative rock band from Edmonton AB. Trevor Ahmet a.k.a. High Stakes Joker – Vocals, Lead Guitar Known as the High Stakes Joker because of his love of action and adrenaline, Ahmet is a professional poker player by trade with a love of alternative rock music. After many years of contemplation, Lucid Ending was formed with long-time friend and business partner Steven Mahoney. Ahmet’s primary musical influences include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bush, Weezer, Royal Blood, Cage The Elephant, Incubus and Everclear.
Steve Mahoney – Rhythm Guitar, Producer
A music producer and composer with over ten years experience, Steve Mahoney is most known for his work as a rap & hip-hop producer under the trade name White Hot. For several years he worked out of DJ Khaled’s We The Best Studio in Miami as Ace Hood’s in-house producer. His latest work includes composing 3 songs for the video game Mass Effect: Andromeda as part of the EDM duo Deep Six.
In this digital modern age of the millennial, Dynamos invites you to have a look into the encyclopedia of American rock music. Based in Los Angeles, Dynamos combines technical expertise with pure raw energy, displaying natural ability that delivers a unique and captivating storyline, enticing fans to fantasize and connect with their songs. With her keen charm, emotional vocalization, and expressive physical movements, Nadia brings the Dynamos musical stories to life. Growing up in northeastern New Jersey, Nadia was enrolled into opera lessons at a young age.
Having a narrative style of music at her roots, Nadia started to explore more liberal forms of singing and performing. Inspired by a variety of musical artists ranging from Otis Redding to Amy Winehouse to Nirvana, Nadia’s singing talents and broad range offer a diverse vocal style with a sense of power and confidence. Dynamos is comprised of Nick Schaadt (music director, bass), Jacob Mayeda (guitars), Ian Nakazawa (drums percussion), Carlos Barrera (guitars), and lead by Nadia E’s natural storytelling and commanding vocals. Collectively, Dynamos has an innate sense of enthusiasm and musicianship with their common goal of sharing their knowledge and love of music to the masses. This American rock band continues to release ear-catching singles, including “Shake, Rattle and Roll,”“Knowledge,” and the brand new single “Stainless.”
The unstoppable rockers Dynamos are thrilled to release their next single, “Stainless,”on April 20, 2018 to all online retail outlets worldwide. Their previous singles “Shake, Rattle and Roll”and “Knowledge” have amassed thousands of views each across social media platforms, with fans clamoring for more from the California-based group. Needless to say, the hype is higher than ever for the emerging band.“Stainless” is rock and roll that’s both timeless and forward-looking. It is Dynamos at their strongest, with a steely bassline running through the song that truly emphasizes the power behind Nadia E’s voice.Wasting no time, “Stainless” opens with Ian Nakazawa delivering a jolting drum performance. The rest of the band joins in on the antics, and crackling guitar licks build toward a crescendo, while Nadia demands a partner that can keep up with her. “Don’t run,” she sings, “Come on, son. Don’t fill me with disgust,” further riding the electricity while spinning a wicked tale with the moral, “Learn not to rust.”On 4/20, “Stainless” invites rockers to join Nadia in Dixieland. Throughout the song, a pulsating drum is a pounding heart, counting down the beats left to accept her offer. “Get a grip, take a hit,” she sings. On one condition: “Don’t smoke it all.”The track’s accompanying music video will be released on April 13, one week ahead of the single release. Much like Dynamos’ previous videos, this is a unique performance video, as the studio version of “Stainless” is replaced with the version recorded live during the video shoot.
The DYNAMOS are:
Nadia E. - Vocals, Percussion
Nick Schaadt - Bass, Vocals, Music Director
Jacob Mayeda - Lead Guitar, Vocals, Arrangements
Ian Nakazawa - Drums, Percussion
Carlos Barrera - Lead Guitar, Vocals
Hot on the heels of the release of first single "Got Me Rockin'", Southern California based Them Evils are set to release an EP of epic Rock N' Roll swagger titled "Rollin' Stoned and Livin' Free" on May 4th through Burning Records. Both were produced by Kato Khandwala (The Pretty Reckless, Blondie, Drowning Pool, Pierce the Veil). The band is currently on a West Coast run with Red Sun Rising, and then embarks on a national tour that will include stops at Welcome To Rockville, Carolina Rebellion, and Rock On The Range. Them Evils have started off fast and are accelerating rapidly with "Got Me Rockin'", which premiered @ Loudwire. Key playlist adds on Spotify Rock Hard and Loudwire Wired Weekly; and Google Play Music Rock Hotlist and Hard Rock Hotlist radio are helping the band gain early momentum. New press looks that include AXS, Rock Revolt, Alternative Addiction and others are adding to the bands critical acclaim. A video for "Got Me Rockin'" will debut in early May. Them Evils' late-night joyride through Rock N' Roll's seedy underbelly was born in the shadows of neon vice and nocturnal living in Las Vegas, when Jordan and Jake met in High School. They started writing and playing together and knew that they had a chemistry that was undeniable. In 2013 they made the move to Southern California to pursue their music professionally – with nothing to fall back on other than their drive and belief in their music and each other. They connected with David through a friend that worked at a bar with Jordan and who knew they were looking for a permanent drummer. Delaney auditioned for Griffin and Massanari, and all 3 knew it was a good fit immediately. The nasty energy befitting their name grew from there. Inspired by equal parts of rock giants like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Queens of The Stone Age, among others, the band pays tribute to their roots while carving out their own unique sound. Them Evils music is at times throwback without being too derivative and is thoroughly modern. "We pretty much made our own scene," Griffin says. "We started out doing straight up rock and roll, and that's what we're still doing... That said, we're always evolving.”
The band has released Two EPs: their debut Cold Black Love (2015) and the self-titled Them Evils (2016). They made inroads @ Active Rock Radio in 2017 with "She Got Nothin", which peaked @ #22 on the BDS Rock Indicator chart. They were born for the stage and have been road warriors for the past 4 years - the band have caught the ear of no less an icon thanZakk Wylde, who had them open for Zakk Sabbath in 2017. They have been constantly touring clubs, as well as with The Pretty Reckless, Alter Bridge, and 10 Years, among others. More tour dates being booked for the summer. Track Listing: 1). Got Me Rockin' 2). She Got Nothin' 3). Gets Me High 4). Have One On Me 5). Untold 6). Practice What You PreachPreach
"The world's a stage, we plug & play"! With a steady evolution from the band's first demos to its latest instalments, Crystal Tears have managed to leave their mark as one of the most qualitative heavy metal acts, proven to be a persistent, innovative & unstoppable force. Their previous testimony "Hellmade", with music videos involving Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (ex-Guns N' Roses, Sons Of Apollo) & actors Lew Temple (of The Walking Dead fame) & Lou Taylor Pucci (Evil Dead) - initiated their first European tour (with Mystic Prophecy), followed by their own headline Greek tour & a few more extended shows with Firewind/ ex-Ozzy Osbourne's Gus G.
Having gained a formidable reputation for delivering the goods on stage & via their honest and sing-along anthems, Crystal Tears strike back with the massively anticipated new, 5th album "Decadence Deluxe". With producer R. D. Liapakis (Mystic Prophecy, Devil's Train, Suicidal Angels etc.) on the front again, the quintet delivers high quality heavy metal dedicating heart & soul, managing to sound constantly inspired & fresh. The record includes a stunning cover version of Judas Priest’s “Heart Of A Lion”.
Crystal Tears have always been original. And this unique blend of dynamics in aggressiveness & harmony has been introducing 'em continually to new audiences all over the world. And as good ol' friend Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper, ex-Slash's Snakepit) says... "all is rock"! And the story continues...
The artwork for “Decadence Deluxe” was designed by Caio Caldas (Dragonforce) and guest musicians include Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper, Slash's Snakepit), Karis Charisma (Deadsquad), Julien Nutz Deyres (Gorod) and Fidel De Jesus (Xeno Devata Project).
Line-up: Søren Adamsen (vocals), Kostas Sotos (guitars), Máté Nagy (guitars), Alex Chamalides (bass), Chrisafis Tantanozis (drums)
