Release Date: July 13th 2018
Finnish heavy metal quintet Ratbreed have completed the works on their debut album. Formed in 2015, the band have gained reputation this far with live shows mostly in Helsinki area and now they’re finally ready to spit out their first full-length album, entitled “Evoke The Blaze”.
The recordings took place partly at Deep Noise Studios in Kouvola with mr. Juho Räihä and partly at the band’s guitarman Markus Taipale’s private studio. The album was mixed and mastered by Juho Räihä at Sound Spiral Audio (Wolfheart, Profane Omen, Before The Dawn etc.) in Kouvola, Finland.
“Evoke The Blaze” is set for release on July 13th 2018 through Inverse Records and will contain 8 songs of heavy metal madness at its best. The digital version (Spotify, iTunes etc.) will also include cover version of Warlock’s “I Rule The Ruins” as a bonus track.
Watch GATES OF UNDERWORLD video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/XO3OvdXRD6o
Line-up:
Jasmin Anglén – Vocals
Mikko Kaipainen – Guitars
Markus Taipale – Guitars
Lauri Palmunen – Bass
Mikko Toivonen – Drums
Brand new Romanian/Swedish symphonic power metallers CROSSING ETERNITY are gearing up to release their debut album “The Rising World” to the world June 15, 2018 via Rockshots Records.
"The Rising World" blends elements of modern metal with psychedelic soundscapes alluding to the innocence of the 70s' rock music. The album contains thirteen epic songs, widely varied in composition and arrangement. The lyrics are a natural extension of this musical experience and they are tales of a spiritual journey. At times they talk about the invisible side of the world, other times they speak of fairy tale magic characters. Human nature and the causal dynamic of human interactions are also among the approached topics.
In regards to recording of the album, singer Berti Barbera says:
“Recording this album was the most challenging vocal experience of my life. It brought back the times me and Manu were playing in a rock band, with all the jokes and high energy. The serious effort made me use a lot of techniques and ways of expression I thought I lost or never use again. This is a great achievement and definitely our best work together in a time I stopped believing in magic. There is something cosmos related in this, it must be. I can’t wait to be on stage with these guys.”
Manu Savu (Guitar/ Bass/ Keyboards) also reflects on the album:
"I wrote the music for this album as an introspective journey, like a confession, a deep soul search, a backward connection, a connection with the almost unseen world of metaphors and symbols, an essential part of our existence. It's an act of honesty, a musical statement about what we can and cannot see, a story between the tangible and the magical world.”
The adventure of CROSSING ETERNITY started in the summer of 2017, when guitarist/composer Manu Savu entered the studio with a head full of great song ideas alongside fellow Romanian Berti Barbera, the band’s singer and Swedish Uffe Tillman taking on drum duties. Although the band is brand new, the three passionate, experienced musicians bring 25-30 years of experience across all genres with them. This mix of experience and wide variety of musical influences allows them to create a sound they describe as big, organic, personal, vibrant and honest.
Enjoying the privilege of sharing the stage with big names like Uriah Heep, Ten Years After, Scorpions, Larry Coryell, Blood, Sweat and Tears, the band’s main priority is to expand their boundaries and play worldwide, finding opportunities to make their music known and appreciated in as many countries as possible.
Album pre-order available at the following link: http://bit.ly/Risingworld_PREORDER
Track Listing:
1 - Crossing Eternity (4:22)
2 - Ghost Of A Storm (4:30)
3 - Sand In The Sky (4:35)
4 - High Above The Crown (4:28)
5 - Kingdome Come (4:05)
6 - Embrace Your Voices (3:56)
7 - Journey To The End Of Dreams (4:33)
8 - Winter Poem (4:42)
9 - Haunted (5:17)
10 - Dreams Fall (4:56)
11 - Angles Cry, Rainbows Hide (4:30)
12 - Spirit Of The Forest (3:49)
13 - War Of Gods (4:50)
Album Length: 1:00:49
CROSSING ETERNITY is:
Berti Barbera - Lead Vocal/percussion instruments,
Manu Savu - Guitar/ Bass/ Keyboards
Uffe Tillman - Drums / Percussion
For more info:
www.Rockshots.eu
http://crossing-eternity.com
https://www.facebook.com/CrossingEternity
https://twitter.com/CrossingEternit
Slovakian Power Metal Group Eufory are back with their new album Higher And Higher and it’s different in almost every aspect when compared to their previous album. From the members’ songwriting capabilities, the technical proficiency, the lyrical thoughts to the resulting sound – all of these things have moved to another level and changed through several gears, providing the greatest amount of pleasure possible to the listeners ears. The only thing that has remained untouched is the urge to push the “Play” button once again, even after repeated spins of the album.
The material was recorded in PureSound Studio in Slovakia and GM Recording Studio in Czech Republic. Higher And Higher got its final touches thanks to the mixing and mastering skills of Roland Grapow (Grapow Studios), who is also known as the former guitarist of Helloween and co-founder of the Masterplan band. His creative ideas greatly contributed to how the final of the album. This is straight ahead, old-school influenced power metal with a modern attitude. Eufory are back with 9 tracks (including a killer Motorhead cover) and a great new sound to get the juices flowing!
Higher And Higher | Released on May 29th, 2018 on Sliptrick Records
Track Listing:
01. Dragon Hearts | 02. Louder | 03. Karmic Eyes | 04. What A Shame! | 05. On A Pyre | 06. Dancing Star | 07. Soldier From Beyond | 08. I Want Out | 09. One More Fucking Time (Motorhead cover)
Ancient Oak Consort come back to the scenes with the third album “Hate War Love” that will be out on may 18th. The album is a majestic opera of 17 tracks that mix prog rock/metal and the chamber music with Mediterranean Folk influences inspired by great composers like Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota.
The band was born in 1995, founded by Andrea Vaccarella (composer/guitarist). This is a project composed of 3 fixed members: Andrea Vaccarella - Guitars; Giulia Stefani - Voice; Stefano Ruscica - Drums.
And special guests: Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth) – Voice; Mathias Blad (Falconer) – Voice; Francesco “Frank” Marino (Union Radio – J. Macaluso band) – Voice.
Cosimo Tranchino – Bass; Dario Giannì – Bass; Filippo Di Pietro – Bass; Alexandra Butnaru.
Why “Consort”? Because in Renaissance music “Consort” means that some musicians play music with the founding musicians.
DARE are probably best known for their singer/songwriter Darren Wharton (who first rose to fame in the early eighties playing keyboards with legendary Irish rock band Thin Lizzy). Today DARE are one of the most respected and innovative melodic rock bands on the AOR scene, and have gained cult status among AOR fans throughout Europe, the UK and the world. The band’s debut 1988 A&M album ‘Out Of The Silence’ recorded at Joni Mitchell’s Bel Air Studio in Los Angeles, and produced by Nickelback producer Mike Shipley is still widely regarded today as one of the all time great AOR albums.
Darren joined Philip Lynott’s Thin Lizzy at the tender age of eighteen and enjoyed 5 great years with the band touring extensively, alongside renowned guitarist Scott Gorham, drummer Brian Downey, guitarists Snowy White (Pink Floyd), Gary Moore and John Sykes (Whitesnake). Working closely with Philip Lynott, Darren also recorded classic Thin Lizzy albums, such as ‘Chinatown’, ‘Renegade’, and ‘Thunder and Lightning’ on which Wharton co-wrote 3 songs, including the hit single ‘The Sun Goes Down’. Sadly, the latter was to be Thin Lizzy’s last studio album, and in 1986 Darren Wharton returned to his home town of Manchester where, as an outlet for his creative flare for song writing, working with young Oldham guitarist Vinny Burns, formed his own band, DARE.
Following the debut ‘Out Of The Silence’, Dare’s second offering was the explosive ‘Blood From Stone’ produced by Keith Olsen (Whitesnake, Scorpions).Sadly this was the last album recorded for A&M Records after the company was sold to Polygram in 1993.
In 1994, Thin Lizzy reformed and Wharton found himself back with his old friends Scott Gorham, Brian Downey, John Sykes and Marco Mendosa, playing to packed out audiences across the world. But in 2000 Wharton decided to leave the Lizzy fold, and turn his focus back to DARE.
Now living in rugged mountains of North Wales, and working in his own studio, Wharton was soon back writing again. First album off the press was the majestic ‘Calm Before the Storm’. Then followed releases Belief and Beneath The Shining Water, each of which gained BBC2 national radio coverage. Arc Of The Dawn was to follow and featured Dare’s classic cover of Thin Lizzy’s Emerald, and was again playlisted on Planet Rock radio; Each album adding new dimensions to the unique sound that was now synonymous with DARE.
By this time, Darren’s long time friend and original DARE guitarist Vinny Burns, was now firmly back in the band; With Kev Whitehead on Drums, Blood from Stone’s Nigel Clutterbuck on bass, and Marc Roberts on live Keys Dare’s lineup had never been stronger; and in 2016 DARE released their highly anticipated 7th studio album Sacred Ground.
Sacred Ground delighted Dare fans everywhere, and after receiving spectacular reviews for European and UK press, quickly topped the Amazon Rock Charts in four countries, reaching number #1 in the UK, Germany, Spain and Italy. After national chart success in Sweden, DARE also reached new heights in America, hitting number #12 in the U.S. Amazon Rock charts, and number #2 in the Japanese International Imports charts.
Following acclaimed live performances in the UK, Rockingham, London Roundhouse, Germany’s Rock Of Ages, Sweden Rock Festival, Spain, Athens, Norway, the band’s reputation grew from strength to strength, reinstating Dare’s cult status in Europe and the UK and the world. With the first single ‘On My Own’ being playlisted on Planet Rock Radio for over 3 months, the band once more found themselves back on top of the AOR Rock scene.
Now 2018 promises to be another great chapter in the book of DARE, as the band celebrate their 30yr Anniversary with a Special Edition re-release of their debut classic album ‘Out Of The Silence’. Out Of The Silence II has been completely re-recorded and in Wharton’s own words “has taken on a new life”. Rockier and harder sounding than and the original version, this fresh new recording will set the stage for the bands European tour starting off at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire on the 18th May. With a brand new studio album set for 2019, it’s clear that DARE are back to stay, and ready to Rock!
RELEASE 31 August 2018 'Beyond The Pale' by Sweden's WheeI In The Sky is a concept album about darkness and death. The album contains an overflow of melody and a dark gothic energy, while tracks such as 'Burn Babylon Burn' and 'The Only Dead Girl in the City' also contain catchy pop hooks. The band is obsessed with mystical and religious imagery, obscure politics and harbor a morbid fascination for immolations and blood sacrifices, while trying hard to incorporate it all into a tasteful setting. The album will be released on August 31 via The Sign Records.
MATERDEA is one of the most known and recognizable metal band in Italy coming out of the pagan and celtic scene. After three releases and an acoustic album of cover songs, they’re finally coming back with a brand new masterpiece entitled “Pyaneta”!
Following the direction started with the previous “A Rose for Egeria”, this new record is a further step forward into the melting of metal and celtic music, in that personal own style that MATERDEA’s fans will acknowledge and love once more.
“Pyaneta” is a new fascinating and enthralling journey. It is a powerful symphony where all the instruments and the voices join the sounds of the Nature, painting new grandiose landscapes enriched by colors and sophisticated arrangements. The melodies reveal themselves along with the sumptuous guitar riffs, a powerful rhythmic session and the twist of strings and orchestration, allowing the listener to be carried away in a dimension full of energy, beauty and hope by these magical tales. “Pyaneta” is also an exhortation to a better awareness of the deep interconnection that exists between every living being and the largest, sentient organism that hosts us, our planet Earth. It is a message of love for life in its gorgeous wholeness.
“Pyaneta” is set to be released via Rockshots Records in Europe on June 8 and in North America on July 6.
TRACKLIST:
01. Back To Earth
02. The Return of the King
03. One Thousand and One Nights
04. Pyaneta
05. Neverland
06. S'Accabadora
07. The Legend of the Pale Mountains
08. Legacy of the Woods
09. Coven of Balzaares
10. Metamorphosis (Bonus Track CD version only)
11. Bourrè del Diavolo
The Soul Exchangeis a band that mixes Classic Hard Rock with a contemporary Metal sound. They have taken influences from the 70’s Hard Rock scene and created their own unique style of Metal infused, guitar driven hard rock, with great attention to the melodies and grand vocal arrangements. The lyrics deals mostly with subjects from the darker side of life such as insanity and evil in various forms.
The Soul Exchangefound their formula and sound with the line-up consisting of Daniel John (vocals & keyboards), Hans von Bell (guitars), Thomas von Bell (guitars), Patrik Ekelöf (bass), and Benny White (drums). Although mostly unknown to the wide public, all band members have long careers in the music business. They released the critically and likewise publicly acclaimed debut album “Bloodbound” in March 2017 on the Mervilton Records label and the five Track EP “Vow Of Seth” in December 2017 on the Pride & Joy Music label.
In the fall of 2017, the Swedish group began working on their 2nd full length release titled “Edge Of Sanity” that is penned for release on the Pride & Joy Music label on June 15th, 2018. It’s not a theme album per say, but lyrically all the songs have a common theme with lyrics that are metaphorical and treats the dark side of the human psyche. Musically the record is hard hitting and dark themed but not hard listening. Sonically ”Edge Of Sanity” is harder and darker than anything The Soul Exchange have produced in the past, but the trademark vocal arrangements and choruses are predominant, and grander than ever before.
In contradiction to the 2016 debut ”Bloodbound”, that was mainly written by Hans & Thomas von Bell with lyricist Jens Joel Evaldsson over a two year time span, all nine songs on the new effort were written in a very condensed period of time and a true team effort by Hans & Thomas von Bell, Daniel John and producer Magnus Ljungqvist with Daniel John taking over the full responsibility as the band’s lyricist. This has resulted in a much more coherent effort compared to the debut.
The stunning and detailed cover art for Ambition’s Price was created by Serbian fantasy graphic designer Dusan Markovic (Jag Panzer, Seven Kingdoms, Mystic Prophecy). Pre-order the CD at the label’s site at www.m-theoryaudio.com/store
“The album title and artwork were directly inspired by events that occurred within Graveshadow over the past few years,” explains the band. “With all the incredible experiences that have come with the evolution of our musical family, a great deal of sacrifice has been given by every member of the band in the pursuit of our dreams. Though the price of our ambition still weighs heavy in our hearts, we are proud of what we have accomplished with this album and are excited by what the future may hold.”
Ambition’s Price features Heather Michele’s powerful vocals that range from operatic highs to unearthly growls backed by crushing guitars, beautiful keyboard melodies, thundering bass, and earth-shattering drums creating a rich and dynamic atmosphere that is ripe for storytelling. Whether it is a tale of personal struggle or of fantastical creatures, the listener is sure to find themselves immersed in a world apart. The new album was produced and mixed by Armand John Anthony (Night Demon, The Fucking Wrath, Gygax), and mastered by Colin Davis at Imperial Mastering (Deeds of Flesh, Decrepit Birth, Origin) and is the follow-up to the group’s Mausoleum Records’ debut, Nocturnal Resurrection, from 2015. Since its release, GRAVESHADOW have toured with the likes of Arkona, Sirenia, Anvil, Night Demon and Unleash the Archers steadily building a following and reputation.
GRAVESHADOW is poised and ready to leave a lasting impact within the metal community. With an electrifying stage show and a sound as large as the Dragons of Westeros, they are as talented as they are unforgettable.
Fallen Angels spent the entire year of 2017 in the writing and composing their new release and at the end of that year, they retreated to the recording studio to complete their first full album. Within the walls of Hypnoise Recording Studio and assisted by the talented Filippo Galvanelli, they succeeded in perfecting their songs and ideas.
Even Priest Knows represents the bands desire to revive the spirit and atmosphere of the 80’s. It’s an album of 10 tracks that passes from more direct songs to real reflections on modern society, touching topics such as loneliness, war, alienation, viciousness, even themes with a simple appearance but surrounded by multiple meanings, to tracks with peaks of amusing sinfulness and esoteric-ism, all surrounded by riffs of pure rock ‘n roll and sharp melodies.
On Even Priest Knows, the sound reaches into different shades of the 80’s period (pop, rock, metal, blues …), but never leaves its core genre. This is a record that does not want to bore or outstay it’s welcome but wants to bring with it a strong appeal to the magnificent 80s, presented by the eccentric personalities of the Fallen Angels.
Even Priest Knows | Released April 30th, 2018 on Sliptrick Records
Track Listing:
01. Intro | 02. Captain In The Dark | 03. Feast With The Beast | 04. Millionaire Man | 05. Pink High Hills | 06. Jennifer Drugs | 07. The Force In The Mind | 08. Psycholove | 09. But I’ll Live Forever | 10. For A Piece Of Bread
With members from bands like Constancia, The Poodles, Token, Narnia and Essence of Sorrow, and with guest stars Nina Söderquist (Bjorn Skifs/Badrock, Champions of Rock a.o.), Janne Stark (Grand Design, Mountain of Power a.o.), and Tåve Wanning (The Voice, Adrenaline Rush, Peaches), new melodic hard rockers Heartwind may come across as one of those one off band projects, but nothing could be more far from the truth. Heartwind is the story of two old friends, with a common love for classical melodic hard rock and AOR, that after fifteen years of friendship started to write the album they always had wanted to listen to themselves. Over a meal in downtown Stockholm, guitar player and songwriter Goran Engvall (former with Hitworks) and progressive/melodic keyboard player and fellow songwriter Mikael Rosengren (Constancia, Token, Scudiero), laid down the vision for what was yet to come. 15 original songs and 12 months later, Mikael started to pull some strings from his many fellow musicians in the Swedish hard rock scene since 20 years back. The two songwriters were amazed with the positive response they got on their first demos, from hard rock industry people & fans. It became evident that they were going to be able to attract some great talent to the album and the band. Believing in the importance of fellowship and a strong people fit when starting a band, Mikael and Göran started to dig in closest ground: Drummer Peter TrumPeter Svensson (Constancia, Faith) and singer Germán Pascual (Narnia, Dj Mendez, Essence of Sorrow), happily joined the band, and two key pieces of the puzzle came into place. With Peter and Germán onboard, the band knew they had both a powerful backbone and a phenomenal front man in place!
Germán invited his old friends, and former band mates, guitar virtuoso Martin Hall (Germán Pascual band) and bass wizard Germain Leth (The Poodles, Watchmen) to join the band and magic was about to happen. When also the very well respected Fredrik Folkare (Unleashed, Firespawn, Eclipse, Scudiero a.o.), accepted to team up to produce and mix, the band knew they had something special going. Fredrik’s contribution also as a musician on the album (guitar & bass) cannot be underestimated.
With classical albums like Hysteria (Def Leppard), 1987 (Whitesnake) and Escape (Journey) serving as inspiration, the intention from the band has been to get every single track to stand on its own two feet! Timeless melodic hard rock with a modern but still genuine sound! After publishing a short teaser on Youtube, just before X-mas 2017, Heartwind stood ready as a band and was offered record deals by no less than three (!) different labels. Heartwind washappy to sign with AOR Heaven in early January and making an old dream come true.
The album is mixed and produced by Fredrik Folkare, Chrome Studios, and mastered by Erik Mårtensson, Blowout Productions (Eclipse, Ammunition, WET a.o). Heartwind is ready to rock the world!
With the new album from Greek metalists Alphastate, The Grind, the band wanted to take a more modern and aggressive approach musically. They deliver this with very loud and distinctive guitars, a more modern production with the vocals pushed upfront and drums that punch through the sound. In the lyrics, they have included more personal thoughts and experiences so that The Grind will be the groups most personnel release and sonically their best so far. Alphastate have made an album of pure aggression along with the best songs they have ever written.
Alphastate started in 2013 as a personal project from Pete Breaker (Guitars). In 2014, Manos Xanthakis (Vocals) came in and in 2015, the band’s line up was complete with Dimitris Tsounakas (Bass) and Fivos Andriopoulos (Drums). The band wanted to combine modern metal with 80’s and 90’s influences such us Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Pantera, Nevermore, etc, to create a very personal and extreme style with no boundaries. Out Of The Black, the groups first album, was released in 2015 and garnered excellent and positive press globally. After playing numerous live shows in Greece from 2015 until now, Alphastate continue to evolve with their second album The Grind, which is ready to be released in 2018 worldwide via Sliptrick Records.
The Grind | Released April 3rd, 2018 on Sliptrick Records
Track Listing:
01. Trapped | 02. Phantom Desires | 03. Speak Your Mind | 04. Theater Of Lies | 05. The Grind | 06. Forevermore | 07. Behind The Dark | 08. Heaven’s World | 09. Man Made God
All music by Pete Breaker | All lyrics by Manos Xanthakis
Artwork by Manster Design | Official logo by Gustavo Sanchez
Guest keyboards by Bob Katsionis (Firewind-Outloud) on Speak Your Mind and Forevermore.
Guest guitar solo by Bob Katsionis (Firewind-Outloud) on Trapped.
Produced by Alphastate. Recordings by Bob Katsionis (Firewind-Outloud) at Sound Symmetry Studios, Athens. Mixing and Mastering by Kimon Zeliotis, Athens.
Remember the well established Norwegian heavy metal band Highland Glory?
Most of the members have now formed a new band called Angel Heart and they are now ready to release their debut "Angel Heart" on Mighty Music 18th of May.
“Three of us used to play in the metal band Highland Glory, who released 3 albums worldwide. Our musical roots belong in the 80`s hard rock / heavy metal, where bands like Dio, Dokken, Queensryche and Judas Priest ruled the scene. We are very happy that Mighty Music believes in us, and are really looking forward to be working with them”. Lars André Rørvik Larsen,
Beautilful melodies, catchy riffs, big choruses and the feeling of the cold North. This is what Angel Heart is all about.
It's melodic hard rock/heavy metal fronted by the amazing singer Trine Elise Johansen.
Line up
Guitar and keyboard: Lars André Larsen
Drums: Morten Færøvig
Vocals: Trine Elise Johansen
Bass: Øystein Aaseby Pedersen
SAATE is an upcoming metal band hailing from Sweden, formed by Stefan Rådlund (Guitars) and Robert Ahlenius (Bass) from power/prog metal band BINARY CREED. Right after the release of Binary Creed’s latest studio album “A Battle Won”, released by Rockshots Records in late 2016, Stefan began to compose new music with the talented singer Rickard Thelin, frontman of a young and promising Swedish band called Summoned Tied. Pretty soon the band forged its own style: a heavy, fresh and modern sound with a traditional metal feeling.
SAATE’s music offers different sonic moods for the listener to explore that impressive epic, heavy and melodic music which immediately caught the attention of Rockshtos Records's A&R department and got them signed to the label’s roster.
SAATE will unleash their metal beast on April 27, premiering it with a first single - “The Conjuring” - released for digital download and streaming besides the official videoclip.
Keep your eyes open on Spotify and YouTube Metalheads!
"The Conjuring" VIDEO ➤ https://youtu.be/b9wY8H_MWc4
TEASER - https://youtu.be/FF9r5D42fD4
SAATE TV Episode 1 - https://youtu.be/N9qXSpBNqB8
BUY ➤ https://www.smarturl.it/SAATE_TheConjuring
SAATE - Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/officialsaate
RELEASE 8 June 2018
After the release of six albums between 2008 and 2017, Italian bassist and composer Alberto Rigoni (soloist, co-producer of Vivaldi Metal Project, founder of Bassists Alliance Project, ex Twinspirits) is now going to release “EvoRevolution”, an instrumental prog/rock/ambient concept album which features worldwide known drummer Marco Minnemann (The Artistocrats, Paul Gilbert). “EvoRevolution” consists in a 33mins “concept” suite divided in 6 chapters and in a second track called Back to Life.
Minnemann: "Alberto approached me with the idea of adding drums to a fairly long piece composed mainly on the bass guitar. It goes in chapters and takes you on a trip through a variation of sensitive and dynamic soundscapes, leads through heavy rock song like parts, odd meter prog or jazz orientated sections and many more surprises. I was immediately up for this adventure and also enjoyed the musical freedom I was given for this production. Truly an enjoyable and great time being part of this release”.
Alberto: “The composition and production of this album have been the most challenging I’ve ever done. I tried to bring my bass to another level and, together with Marco’s drumming, I think (and hope) we created a unique sound.”
Line Up:
Alberto Rigoni: bass and samples
Marco Minnemann: drums
Website: www.albertorigoni.net Bandcamp: http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com (signed CDs and Vinyls) Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/albertorigonimusic
Alternative metal outfit HotBox from Israel have inked a worldwide deal with Zombie Shark Records. The group is reminiscent of bands from the heyday of nu metal such as Hed PE, Limp Bizkit, Korn, Snot, and Rage Against the Machine.
The official music video for the track "Big Bag Johnny", directed by Oliver Gurevich, is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kxONXwReS8
"Big Bag Johnny" is taken from the band's latest album entitled 'White Trash', recorded at Isacc Studios and Mastered by Yoram Vazan. Zombie Shark Records have released 'White Trash (Deluxe Edition)', featuring two bonus demo tracks, "Rule of Stoopid" and "Keepin' It Raw", not featured on the original release.
HotBox also recently released an official music video for the track "Rap Guillotine", produced by Khen "Alejandro" Solomon, which can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7vJJHz6xIE
‘White Trash’ Deluxe Edition tracklist:
1. Intro (White Trash)
2. Rap Guillotine
3. Big Bag Johnny
4. ShellShock
5. Ugh!!!
6. Use a Friend
7. Keepin' It Raw (Demo)
8. Rule of Stoopid (Demo)
'White Trash' graphics and design by Khen "Alejandro" Solomon
HotBox is:
Dave AKA Cise2 - Vocals
Eddie AKA Flippa - Guitar
Elick AKA SixPack - Bass
Danny AKA Skinny - Drums
‘White Trash (Deluxe Edition)’ is available everywhere digital music is sold, including:
Inspired by Metallica, Joan Jett, Iron Maiden, Slayer, and Ghost, MEKA NISM’s sound is powerful, metallic, aggressive, melodic, and in your face. They are a band that fires on all cylinders and with the most charismatic front-woman "Meka"; they have supported legends like Mastodon, Gojira, The Offspring, Limp Bizkit, Otep and In Flames. Preparing for the release of their new EP "The War Inside" on May 11th, the Orlando based band announces they will be performing a series of Florida show dates in May and June, which includes being local opening support for Jonathan Davis (Korn) plus hosting a local EP listening party at Park Ave CDs. "The War Inside" follows their three previous releases "Live From The Machine Shop" (Live CD) (2016), "The Shift" (EP) (2015) and "The Dance At The End of The World" (EP) (2013).
MEKA NISM have also unleashed two singles off the EP, "Trailblazer" and the title track. Both songs inspire messages of battling both internal and external demons with a positive choice and knowing you can persevere when times feel like they have no escape.
Track Listing:
1. The War Inside (4:49)
2. These Years of Silent Screams (3:32)
3. Trailblazer (4:32)
4. Arrows of Alchemy (5:22)
5. Black Sky (4:03)
EP Length: 22:20
EP and Live Band Line Up:
- Ms. Meka (Vocals)
- Bobby Keller (Guitar)
- Chris Lane (Drums)
- Jarret Robinson (Bass)
- Jay Adkisson (Keys)
Maryland bassed Rock Band Calisus have released their newest single, "Now or
Never". Originally premiered on 101.5 FM Bob Rocks (WBHB). “Now or Never” was Produced by the band's own Patrick Koch.
"Now or Never' is a song everyone can relate to. It's got a motivational, anthemic hook. When you turn it on you get a feeling deep down inside like 'this is my time, it's now or never.'” - Zach Constable (Lead Vocalist)
Coming from a bustling “Hub City” in Western, MD there lies a Region where great music often times gets overlooked…and then there comes the amazingly “active rock” sextet, Calisus. With power rhythms and elevated melodies that are delivered with laser focused pinpoint accuracy, Calisus not only satisfies the true live experience, but they also treat the listener with an amazing audible adventure. If you are looking for an “active rock” band that truly delivers the goods, Calisus is waiting for you... – Rob Figarola (Daily Unsigned)
RELEASE 15 June 2018 Crying Steel were founded in Bologna in 1982 from the ashes of the Hard Rock group WURDALAK. The founding members were Alberto Simonini (guitar) and Angelo Franchini (bass), who were joined by Luke Bonzagni (vocals) and in 1983, and after various line-up changes, by Luca Ferri (drums) and Franco Nipoti (guitar). After a couple of demos, the Italians released their debut EP “Crying Steel” in 1985. During the next two years the group intensified their live activities throughout Italy including a performance at Heavy Metal Festival in Bologna in June 1986 with Motörhead and Twisted Sister. After more demo and promo releases, the debut LP “On The Prowl” came out in 1987. This was a revolutionary album - at least for the Italian New Wave of Heavy Metal (NWOIHM), as it was the first to be also released on CD. In September 1988 the line-up changed again. Simonini and Bonzagni left Crying Steel and were replaced by Michele Vanni and Lisa Bisognin. In March of 1990 Michele Vanni also left when Francesco Di Nicola joined the group. In the same year, the band performed some gigs in Russia with Massimiliano Merlini as new singer in the line-up. Some more gigs followed in 1994 and 2003 - reunions which saw Crying Steel perform with the classic line-up (Simonini / Nipoti / Bonzagni / Franchini / Ferri). In 2006, Crying Steel were signed by Italian label My Graveyards Production and began to record the new record “The Steel Is Back” which was released in 2007. Shortly after the album came out, Simonini unfortunately decided to leave the group. Max Magagni stepped in for the release party. Luca Bonzagni then had to leave the band due to differences with the other members until Crying Steel announced their new singer Stephen Palmonari in November 2009. Another series of concerts followed and included a performance at the British Fest. The follow-up album, “Time Stands Steel”, was released in April 2013. In June 2013, Crying Steelparted ways with singer Palmonari who was immediately replaced with Ramon Sonato and Luigi Frati . Before the concert held in Reno in February 2014, Friars Luigi replaced Max Magagni who had to leave due to increasing work commitments. After this line-up change, the group intensified it’s touring schedule once more and also represented Italy at Wacken Open Air’s 25th Anniversary. In 2015, they played the Greek festival "Metal Rites" in Athens with Jag Panzer and signed a record deal with local label No Remorse Records before playing with former Iron Maiden singer Blaze Bayley in 2015. In 2016, Crying Steel celebrated their 30th Anniversary with a live show at Lokomotiv Club in Bologna with their friends Rain, Markonee and later on supported the American band Riot. A special box set containing a reprint of "On The Prowl" + a DVD with the performance at Wacken Open Air 2014 was released in 2016, and Mirko Bacchilega became the new singer. In 2016, Crying Steel announced that the coming studio release will feature Tony Mills (Shy, TNT), one of the greatest voices in the international rock scene, on vocals. Crying Steel also played Paris Metal Fest in 2017. Crying Steelduring the recent years have also shared the stage as well with Twisted Sister, Motörhead, Grim Reaper, Demon, Diamond Head, Girlschool, Angel Witch, Gotthard, Praying Mmantis, Vanadium, Raven, Satan, Killer, Jag Panzer, Behemoth, Razor, Riot, Blaze Bayley, Decapitated, Van Canto, Hammerfall, Hatebreed, Black Star Riders, Carcass, Children Of Bodom, Hellyeah, King Diamond, Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth, Kreator, Accept, Megadeth, Saxon, Skid Row, Slayer, Sodom, Steel Panther, Wasp and more… The name of the new album is “Stay Steel” and will be released on Pride & Joy Music on June 15th, 2018.
This is one of the creeds that 31 year old singer, songwriter, and guitarist Patrick Lew has lived by in his life, and his music. Born in San Francisco CA, Lew is a second generation Asian-American of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese descent, now based out of Antioch, CA. Whether by fate or coincidence, the eclecticism of Lew’s heritage is mirrored by the path his music has taken. Sometimes it’s credited to his Patrick Lew Band, and other times to his musical pseudonym, The Steel Lions, but the music is always a raw and loose mix of garage punk, grunge, and no nonsense rock and roll. Lew has been spending well over a decade practicing his craft, perfecting his sound, building an internet fan base, and putting himself into a position to take the music community by storm.
The Patrick Lew Band’s story doesn’t start off too atypically, it’s the age-old tale of a young thirteen year-old boy that picks up the guitar and finds out that rock & roll makes life a whole lot cooler than what it was. Flash forward through the years of friends, start-up bands, school, life in general, and eventually Lew found himself playing with his group, Band of Asians before having to invest his energies fulltime into college. Once he enrolled in California State University, going for his B.A. in Philosophy and Music, Lew found himself too busy to keep performing live. His musical talent still flourished in his writing and self-recording, especially partway through college in 2009. It was around this point that he began investing time into the Patrick Lew Band.
While primarily a rhythm guitar player, Lew’s been able to self-record much of his own music with a larger band sound by picking up the bass and programming some drum and percussion tracks to accompany him. Through the magic of the internet and home recording equipment, Lew’s also been able to collaborate with a lot of different musicians over the last ten years, each of them contributing to the library of songs in Lew’s arsenal. The legion of talented performers has included drummers David Arceo and Tommy Loi, basisst David Hunter and guitarists Eddie Blackburn, Greg Lynch and Jeremy Alfonso.
Amongst the reasons why so many musicians have been willing to lend their skills to the Patrick Lew Band and its various forms are the uniqueness and the sheer quality of the music Lew creates. With influences that span four decades worth of music, Lew has developed a sonic blend, inspired by some of the best guitarists and songwriters in the history of popular music. Musicians like Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, and songwriters like John Lennon, Joe Stummer of The Clash, Eddie Vedder, Noel Gallagher; they all have impacted Lew and elements of their work show up in his.
Most of Lew’s material is instrumental, and self-described as well as described by others as “garage punk and grunge meets 70’s classic rock.” When Lew does sing, his voice has been compared to Kurt Cobain’s and Liam Gallagher’s, a compliment held in high esteem by Lew, considering his love for those musicians. Regardless of vocal comparisons, Lew defines himself as an “unconventional yet interesting punk rock musician.” He fully acknowledges that some of his east coast contemporaries may be making music that’s more “radio-friendly,” but stylistically, Lew would, “If presented with the choice, I’d rather be an artist than an entertainer.” Ever since leaving Band of Asians, this is the direction his music has gone in, and the results have been very impressive.
Patrick Lew Band and Steel Lions has steadily been gaining popularity due to the entrepreneurial efforts of Patrick Lew and David Arceo. Popular independent music website, ReverbNation.com ranked the band as the #1 group on the Punk genre charts from the Contra Costa County section of the Bay Area in 2012, and again, in 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan. Similar distinctions have been earned from the continued success of Lew’s music on other musical websites such as SoundCloud and SoundClick. Full versions of several of Lew’s songs can be found on these sites, and the reviews coming in have been stellar:
“I swear when it comes time to hear a tune by Patrick in our Critics Corner contest…I have an odd tingly feeling like you get when you realize the unexpected is happening.” Larry Ludwick – Sounclick.com Critics Corner
“Patrick is a great believer in free music, free thought, and his music reflects that; so it’s best not to expect too much in the way of conventional structure or any of the rigors of ‘normal’ music standards.” Steve Gilmore’s Rebel Riffs (Indie Music Reviews)
“Patrick has good form, direction, energy, and an ability to beautifully convey organize chaos. Great stuff!” Howard Billington’s Indie Music Podcast
“Patrick stands firm in his relationship with his style and nothing anyone can say will sway him. For this, I applaud him.” Gabriel – Soundclick.com Critics Corner
In Patrick’s own words, “I want to be successful in my music career by playing gigs across America and overseas, while making great and interesting rock & roll music in the studio. Then I can help give back to the local music scene that I found my muse in.” That success may have originally been coming in fits and spurts, but the last few years have seen a consistent string of album releases. 2009 brought about the releases of Curb Your Wild Life and Let it Rise and Against. These were followed up by 2011’s Murder Bay, 2015's To the Promised Land and Bubblegum Babylon and 2017's Oakland. And if you want to hear the progression of Lew’s music, you can also find the albums he released with Band of Asians, Band of Asians, Live!, Revenge, and The I Product. All of Lew’s catalog can be purchased through iTunes.
The phrase, “guitar hero” has been tossed around lately with an almost casual disregard, but Patrick Lew embodies many of the qualities one needs to have to truly be a guitar hero. Through the years he’s worked his way up from being a young Taiwanese boy with a passion for music, to a one-man, garage, punk, grunge, hard rock band. By always remaining true to himself, true to his music, and true to his artistic vision, Patrick Lew has created in the Patrick Lew Band and Steel Lions, a dynamic sound, unparalleled in the burgeoning music industry.
PATRICK LEW BAND
FORMED: 2001 in San Francisco, CA
YEARS ACTIVE: 2000s, 2010s
GENRES: Hard Rock, Alternative Rock, Grunge, Punk, J-Rock
BAND MEMBERS:
Patrick Lew (Itaru Shimaka) - All Instruments (Or Most)
FORMER MEMBERS:
Tommy Loi - Drums
Eddie Blackburn - Lead Guitar, Occasional Lead Vocals
Jeremy Alfonso - Lead & Rhythm Guitar
David Hunter - Bass
Greg Lynch - Lead Guitar, Keyboards, Occasional Lead Vocals
David Arceo - Drums
Following up with 2017’s EP release “Back Again”, Canadian melodic proggers The Slyde return with their first full length effort titled “Awakening”. The band (formerly known as just Slyde) will drop ten tracks of the intricate, contrapuntal prog rock they’ve honed over the last decade, on May 18 2018.
The band comments:
“‘Awakening’ refers to the process of invoking change. Each song can be seen as a protest song, arguing for a more peaceful and autonomous way of life. For example, the opening track ‘Awaken/Walk With Me’ is about getting away from the powerful effects of media control and propaganda. ‘Back Again’ is about the beauty and fragility of our Earth, and how we take it for granted. ‘Divide’ refers to the brainwashing effects of politics of fear and division in the West. “Awakening” looks at our daily consumption and poses the question ‘what is, or could be, our reality?”
Aptly named, The Slyde focuses their lyrics on sociopolitical and environmental issues. The band has a mission to give fans of all genres something to rock out to while injustice and turmoil swirls around them. Hailed as ‘intelligent and compelling’, The Slyde is a euphemism or foreshadowing to the destination of our society and environment.
Beginning in 2008, they had the idea to create progressive and somewhat heavy music but with a pop sensibility. They have evolved far from their 2 demos (2009 and 2010) to formulate esoteric, textured, hair-swinging, high-energy prog with politically motivated lyrics showcased on the full-length Feed the Machine (2011).
Embracing their heavier side and putting a more metal spin into the riffs, the new album is less conceptual but stays true to their mission statement with their quirky arrangements, aggressive edge and ominous lyrics. The result is a thought provoking, high-octane album for fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Haken, Coheed and Cambria, and Megadeth. Driven by Nathan Da Silva’s elegant vocals, Sarah Westbrook’s powering keyboard skills, and the powerful rhythm section of Alberto Campuzano and Brendan Soares, the band will catch the ears of any technically minded melodic prog rock fan.
The Neal Morse Band’s triumphant double-album, “The Similitude Of A Dream,” is the most acclaimed release that Morse has helmed to date. The 2017 “Road Called Home” tour was their most extensive yet, including new continents for the band. At the 013 in Tilburg, Holland, the stars aligned for the most commanding performance of the run, captured for live release in stunning quality. Now the Neal Morse Band is releasing on June 15th “The Similitude Of A Dream” Live in Tilburg, Netherlands 2017 2CD/2DVD Set.
“An epic night on an epic tour” proclaims Neal. Released from Radiant/SONY/Metal Blade, it will be available on Blu-Ray and DVD/CD. Join Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Eric Gillette, Bill Hubauer, and Randy George for over two hours of musical magic, as they play the album in its entirety, as well as a four song encore that will leave you breathless!
“This is the Neal Morse Band playing arguably our greatest album to date at one of the greatest venues we have ever played for one of the greatest audiences ever! It’s kind of the pinnacle of everything we have done thus far.” – Neal Morse
Track Listing
Disc 1
0. Intro
1. Long Day
2. Overture
3. The Dream
4. City of Destruction
5. We Have Got To Go
6. Makes No Sense
7. Draw the Line
8. The Slough
9. Back to the City
10. The Ways of a Fool
11. So Far Gone
12. Breath of Angels
Disc 2
0. Slave to Your Mind
1. Shortcut to Salvation
2. The Man in the Iron Cage
3. The Road Called Home
4. Sloth
5. Freedom Song
6. I’m Running
7. The Mask
8. Confrontation
9. The Battle
10. Broken Sky / Long Day (Reprise)
Encore
11. Momentum
12. Author of Confusion
13. Agenda
14. The Call
To purchase Neal Morse Band’s “The Similitude Of A Dream” 2CD/2DVD Set:
http://www.radiantrecords.com/products/704-the-similitude-of-a-dream-live-in-tilburg-2017.aspx
Mountains, cows, wild streams and melodic Thrash Metal with female vocals and
violin? More likely a rare combination!
The band INFINITAS, founded by Piri Betschart and Selv Martone in 2009, manages to
reconcile all this skillfully. Mystic-melodies and hard thunder rushes through the Muota
Valley mountains, which already made it onto the same stage as Bloodbound in 2015
and Alestorm and on the stage of the Z7 in Pratteln in 2017. With violin and female
vocals in their luggage, the band breaks up the typical thrash pattern and generates a
completely new image of metal.
For example, the German LEGACY writes:
"With a mixture of heavy metal and folk parts, enriched with a slight thrash and progressive elements... it
becomes clear that INFINITAS attach great importance to variety with their compositions..."
Not only the sound is extraordinary, but also the story. INFINITAS main theme is a self-
invented medieval world in which demons play a central role. Frontwoman Andrea Böll
tells stories about the dark beings of different mythologies in the songs. She skilfully
uses her large, varied vocal range to give the demons their very personal character. This
can be seen, among other things, on the EP "Self-Destruction". But the even more
obvious proof of this extraordinary concept of the Muotathaler Band is the debut album
"CIVITAS INTERITUS". It combines sound and story, creates a deep insight into the
mystical, self-conceived world and involves the listener in the history of the city of
Lunatris, which is completely destroyed by the demons during one night.
The Swiss METAL FACTORY describes the album as follows:
"'CIVITAS INTERITUS' offers ten pieces that invite you to indulge... INFINITAS prove that a clear concept and the consequent pursuit of one's own musical visions can produce good."
That INFINITAS can not only convince with hard riffs is shown by their first single.
Besides the catchy song "Skylla" the Muotathalers present themselves with an acoustic
version of "Samael" and the pure instrumental song "Leprechaun" also from a gentler,
quite sweeping and multifaceted side. The song "Skylla" tells of the processing of death
and severe depression, which leaves the feeling of being drawn into the depths by a
monster. "Samael" is about the destructive rage and disappointment of the Angel of
Death, who is tempted to take revenge by his suffering. "Leprechaun", however, with its
slightly Irish rhythms and melodies, is about a small, Irish mythical creature - a goblin.
The band is open, creative and varied. Maybe it's the fresh Muotathal mountain air?
Hailing from the frozen tundra of Ontario, AxMinister are the heroes of metal the world needs!
Initially formed back in the forgotten mists of metallic history (1999); the power-trio AxMinister looked upon how po-faced metal had become; and yay, and verily, did they pull their mighty Ax from its anvil where it had rested, Excalibur-like, until it was needed; and set out to put the metal world to rights…that is as it should be! They are here to minister the metal; and they have their mighty Ax; their symbol of salvation to guide them.
In magic and metal myth, names have power, and none more so than AxMinister, as splendidly-named drummer Bas Von Bismark explains. “We play warriors of metal on a holy quest. Our preferred weapon is the Ax. It’s also a street name where we partook in libations as teenagers.”
Inspired by Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Manowar, Bas describes AxMinister’s sound as “sped up Type O Negative.”
Bas is stoked for fans to hear AxMinister’s new music, their forthcoming 2018 EP “The Crucible of Sin” to follow singles “Visceral Speed” (2017), “AXistential Christmas” (2015), “Unborn Warriors: The Cries of Tomorrow” (2015) and full length “Betray Everything” (2015).
“Our soon to be released EP “The Crucible of Sin” sports a sense of humour. It tries to tell an… at times, nihilistic, story about love, lust, oppression, and redemption. Following every recording and show, we try to reflect on our own mistakes, and attempt to improve. We grew to understand our 90s thrash/traditional style of songwriting, and compose accordingly. We also get the importance of having a big sound on stage and on record; and the importance of working with a good producer.”
Live, AxMinister really wield their weapons of choice to great effect. “We put on a show, as we play medieval characters on stage. Sometimes we make a human sacrifice as our guitarist solos, other times we chant and pour blood on ourselves. We try to be theatrical and our stage show is constantly evolving.”
“The Crucible of Sin” is due out May 4, 2018 and available for pre-order on Bandcamp here.
EP Band Line Up:
Nicholas Klaus – Bass and Vocals
Bas von Bismark – Drums
Tim Smith – Guitar
Nick Allaire – Backing Vocals
Live Band Line Up:
Nicholas Klaus – Bass and Vocals
Bas von Bismark- Drums
Tim Smith- Guitar
Discography:
2018 – The Crucible of Sin (EP)
2017 – Visceral Speed (Single)
2015 – AXistential Christmas (single)
2015 – Unborn Warriors: The Cries of Tomorrow (single)
2015 – Betray Everything (LP)
2013 – Ora Pro Nobis (EP)
2010 – Stripped of False Pride (EP)
Shared Stage with:
King Parrot, The Agonist, Varga, Psychostick, Cauldron, Crimson Shadows, Vesperia, Wrechedpain, Profaner, Lutharo, Protokult, PHEAR, Decatur
Release Date: July 13th 2018
