CROWNSHIFT – Release Video For New Single 'A World Beyond Reach' + Announce Debut Album For May 10th

One of Finland's hottest new exports, high-profile modern metal band CROWNSHIFT, are happy to finally announce the release date and details of their eagerly awaited self-titled debut album, which is due out on May 10th, 2024 via Nuclear Blast Records. The pre-order has launched today.

Earlier this year CROWNSHIFT released their first single and music video, 'If You Dare', which was received with great acclaim by fans and media alike. To whet your appetite even more, today marks the release of yet another infectious single accompanied by a stylish and energetic music video, 'A World Beyond Reach'. 

'A World Beyond Reach' is a perfect example of what CROWNSHIFT's debut album offers - eight contemporary melodic death metal anthems with a progressive edge and captivating choruses for the ages. CROWNSHIFT's members are or have been involved in some of Finland's most renowned and universally beloved metal bands, including NIGHTWISH,CHILDREN OF BODOM, WINTERSUN, and MYGRAIN, and it shows. On their first album, CROWNSHIFT have managed to combine their collective experiences and have crafted a modern metal masterpiece that sounds distinctively Finnish and offers stellar songwriting and excellent production. 

Catch CROWNSHIFT live this year at several big Summer festivals across Europe or at their album release show in Helsinki on May 15th. Not too many bands are getting booked by high-profile festivals having released only one single, which again speaks for the level of quality that CROWNSHIFT brings to the table. Scroll down for all confirmed show dates!
 

PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE CROWNSHIFT'S DEBUT ALBUM:
https://crownshift.bfan.link/cslp

LISTEN TO 'A WORLD BEYOND REACH':
https://crownshift.bfan.link/awbrsg

WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'A WORLD BEYOND REACH':

Born as the long-time idea of four friends, CROWNSHIFT are a new high standing metal act from Finland. The members, who come from the ranks of Finland’s finest exports such as Nightwish, Children Of Bodom, Wintersun and Finntroll, are thrilled to start a new journey together and spread their authentic sonic print across the globe.

Seamlessly covering a diversity of styles, the quartet has a unique signature to their modern sound. Hypnotizing melodies paired with ripping riffs, from moody mid-tempo songs to fierce prog-death-metal opuses, CROWNSHIFT were born to be master of all trades.

Their forthcoming debut album will undoubtedly be a showcase of relentless ambition that will take you through a wide musical spectrum, with no compromises or boundaries, proving that the band are on a quest to put a striking mark on the map.

Keep your eyes peeled for teasers and further announcements and make sure to follow CROWNSHIFT on their socials to stay up-to-date.

CROWNSHIFT IS:
Tommy Tuovinen: Vocals 
Daniel Freyberg: Guitar, Backing Vocals 
Jukka Koskinen: Bass 
Heikki Saari: Drums 

FOLTERKAMMER Shares BTS Footage for the Making of "Leck Mich!" Music Video

Operatic black metal rising stars FOLTERKAMMER are now sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the band's Rococo "Fight Club" style music video for the song "Leck Mich!" The video was once again directed by FOLTERKAMMER drummer Brendan McGowan and produced by Vile Luxe Studios. Watch the making of "Leck Mich!" below.

The original video is 18th century class against 21st century crass; a bloody journey into the Rococo underground and its lustful ringleader, vocalist and frontwoman Andromeda Anarchia. The clip can be found HERE.

The song is taken from the band's sophomore full-length, 'Weibermacht,' which is due on April 19, 2024 via Century Media Records!

'Weibermacht' serves as a counterpart to the band's 2020 debut, 'Die Lederpredigt.' The new record is another searing blend of modern black metal and classical music elements, lending to its Avant Garde sound. The music itself is elevated by frontwoman and vocalist Andromeda Anarchia's dynamic vocal work as she juxtaposes her classical training as an opera singer with her hellfire screams, summoning a maelstrom of ethereal chaos. Pre-orders are now live HERE.

In addition, FOLTERKAMMER has recently announced their first ever U.S. tour! The rising powerhouse will be embarking on an East Coast headliner with support from WITCHING, which kicks off on March 22 in Baltimore and will circle back to the band's hometown of Brooklyn, NY on March 30. The full itinerary can be found below!

GET TICKETS HERE

FOLTERKAMMER U.S. TOUR DATES (w/ WITCHING):

03/22: Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery

03/23: Richmond, VA @ Another Round

03/24: Columbus, OH @ The Summit

03/25: Chattanooga, TN @ Dark Roast

03/26: Nashville, TN @ The End

03/27: Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle

03/28: Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge

03/29: Cleveland, OH @ No Class

03/30: Brooklyn, NY @ Kingsland

Founded in New York around 2018/2019, Folterkammer, or “Torture Chamber,” is the operatic black metal outfit that is redefining modern music. This ingenious band seamlessly fuses beauty with brutality. A combination of raw passion and technique contributes to the epic nature of Folterkammer’s dark art. Their work is both nostalgic and remarkably fresh. Yes, Folterkammer fuses various musical traditions and genres to craft an unparalleled experience.

Folterkammer is composed of Andromeda Anarchia on vocals, Zachary Ezrin on guitars, Darren Hanson on guitars, Laurent David on bass, and Brendan McGowan on drums. Both Anarchia, who hails from Switzerland, and David, who was born in Paris, divide their time between Europe and Brooklyn. Thus, even though the group can be described as international, Anarchia states: “It took New York to create Folterkammer.” Her project Andromeda Anarchia’s DARKMATTERS acted as the catalyst that brought her to the Big Apple, where she met Ezrin. Many metalheads already know that Anarchia has appeared as a guest on the three most recent albums by Ezrin’s brainchild Imperial Triumphant — a leading avant-garde band that marries extreme metal, jazz, classical components, etc. McGowan has also provided guest vocals for Imperial Triumphant, and Hanson lent his songwriting excellence to their 2012 instrumental track “Scaphism.”

Ezrin, McGowan, and Hanson have a wealth of shared history. These friends attended college together in California, where Hanson and Ezrin studied classical composition. Thus, much of Folterkammer’s orchestration is classically based. Hanson harbors a special love of Baroque music and knows precisely how to expertly wed it with his passion for black metal. Folterkammer was actually conceived when Ezrin proposed that Anarchia collaborate with him on some of Hanson’s material. Ezrin writes killer riffs and more for the band. McGowan was invited to join Folterkammer on Hanson’s wise suggestion. His drums are perhaps the heaviest element keeping one of Folterkammer’s limbs firmly anchored in traditional black metal. McGowan mines inspiration from different generations of acts: He names 1349 and old-school heroes like Blasphemy and Marduk. That said, black metal fans will also be pleased to hear the spirit of the second wave in the aggression of Folterkammer’s tremolo picking, for example.

The exceptionally skilled David, Folterkammer’s newest weapon, truly perfects the group with his golden touch on bass. Whereas the bass is not always as prominent as it could be in the content of many black metal groups, Folterkammer purposely allows David’s bass to shine through. Like his bandmates, David is an avid consumer of several forms of music, and thus creates delightfully eclectic art. He has received both classical and jazz training. This major talent has toured worldwide alongside musicians and bands such as Ibrahim Maalouf, Guillaume Perret & The Electric Epic, Yael Naim, and Shijin. David has done so both as a side man and as a band leader/producer. Anarchia and Ezrin already knew David before asking him to join Folterkammer. After all, David founded the “avant metal-jazz trio” Kilter of which Imperial Triumphant’s Kenny Grohowski is an essential part. 

Lineup:

Andromeda Anarchia - Vocals

Zachary Ezrin - Guitars

Brendan McGowan - Drums

Darren Hanson - Guitars

Laurent David - Bass

Guest Harpsichord: Steve Blanco on "Anno Domina"

Album Credits:

Producer: Zachary Ezrin

Recording: Kevin Antreassian at Backroom Studios in NJ

Additional Recording: Laurent David and Antoine Delecroix

Mixing: Colin Marston at Menegroth, The Thousand Caves, in NY

Mastering: Fred Kevorkian

Cover Art: Eliran Kantor

Album Layout: Brendan McGowan

Photography: Alex Krauss

Logo Design: Mister Kams

Bio: Jillian Drachman

Photos: Alex Krauss

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Insanity Alert Announce New Album

All too often, the world can feel so dark and heavy that everyone seems to have lost their collective minds. But one band are hell-bent on partying like there's no tomorrow.

Though they were formed out of the powdered slopes of Austria, Insanity Alert have a different style of shredding in mind. Their undying allegiance to '80s crossover thrash is only rivaled by their craving for a juicy moshburger and an ice-cold 666 pack.    

Today, Insanity Alert are announcing a new EP. Moshemian Thrashodyputs a fun, frothy and snot-nosed spin on four familiar classics, though the inspiration behind the lead single might surprise you.

Watch the video for "Beerless Fiesta" BELOW

Moshemian Thrashody comes out May 17 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/insanity-alert-moshemian-thrashody

Pre-save: https://orcd.co/moshemianthrashodypresave

It makes sense that Insanity Alert parody Queen, Guns 'N' Roses and Iron Maiden on Moshemian Thrashody. After all, these speed freaks will go to comically absurd lengths when paying homage to the classics. So when the video for "Beerless Fiesta" opens with a faint but familiar waft of saxophone, it throws you for a loop, like an edible that your friends swore was just a regular old brownie.

Wait, are they about to rip on...George Michael?

"I'm never gonna drink again", Heavy Kevy screams in agony, as if wrapped around the toilet. If this band are so much as entertaining the idea of sobriety, then you know they're battling one hell of a hangover. But their new single only goes to show that Insanity Alert aren't hopping on the wagon anytime soon. When the thrash riffs start spilling forth like a frothy beer bong, that means it's time to jump in the mosh pit.

"Moshemian Thrashody rides the thin line between familiar and super awkward", says Insanity Alert. "It's like getting shitfaced with your favorite highschool teacher".

The video for "Beerless Fiesta" was produced, filmed and edited by Max "Mugs" Raggl in Innsbruck, Austria ( www.mugs.at ). 

The concept was created by Heavy Kevy and Insanity Alert.

Praise for Insanity Alert

"Maddening and powerful thrash from guys who understand the sound and culture" - Metal Injection

"Experts in crafting immense and blistering fun" - Distorted Sound

"Heavy, fast, old-school and right in your face" - Grimm Gent

"They make quite a noise...combining retro thrash with their own boozy brand of skateboarding-crossover thrash which hits at such a speed that by the time you've slapped the disc on you're already getting back off your arse to play it again" - Metal Forces

[Movie trailer voice] In a world that’s plagued by war, natural disasters and TikTok dance challenges, one band are hell-bent on partying like there’s no tomorrow. Sure, the hangovers might hit a little harder now that they’re four albums in. But on Moshemian Thrashody, Insanity Alert are still nothing but a good time.  

Ski parties visit Austria for its powdered slopes, but when Insanity Alert banded together from around Innsbruck in 2011, these adrenaline junkies had a different, more dangerous type of shredding in mind.  Their destructive appetite for ‘80s crossover thrash is only rivaled by an unquenchable thirst for ice-cold beer.  

While under the influence of older party monsters like Suicidal Tendencies and Municipal Waste, Insanity Alert roll their riffs with the same strand of humor as labelmates Cannabis Corpse. Their songs parody everyone from perennial punching bags like David Guetta and Milli Vanilli to sacred cows Iron Maiden.  

“We think of our renditions as tributes to the greatness of the original songs”, the band says. “Mixing their greatness with our blend of speed, fun, brutality and weirdness just feels right.   

On the strength of their demo tape alone, Insanity Alert sent skate punks and metalheads running into the pit. First Diagnosis was quickly confirmed by follow-up EP Second Opinion. Critics properly diagnosed their self-titled full-length as a much-needed dose of derangement, but the band has upped their prescription of snot-nosed speed and grinding d-beats with each release.  

Moshburger was served up in 2016 while Insanity Alert were on tour with Hatebreed, Madball, Terror and Power Trip. They then shared a 666-Pack with festivalgoers at Wacken Open Air. With names like Slapmaster Puke and The Inphiltrator, this band will go to comically absurd lengths just to jump into the circle pit with their fans -- so long as there’s a full fridge and good bud(s) waiting backstage. When Insanity Alert played the main stage at Hellfest in 2019, Dave of the Death could barely feel his fretting hand after taking one heck of a stage dive the night before.        

Moshemian Thrashody keeps the festivities going with new parodies of familiar classics like Guns N’ Roses and Iron Maiden. One might surprise you, though. Lead single “Beerless Fiesta” gives the crossover thrash treatment to (checks notes) George Michael? Insanity Alert aren’t going into mosh retirement anytime soon, though. The title track sees Queen’s theatrics and raises it with a clown car full of hijinks, including a Hauwitzer guitar solo that pops off like a bottle of champagne. Don Melanzani chugs down blast beats as the band joins in an acapella gang chant about “letting it snow” with Santa Claus that’s rowdier than a German beer hall.  

“These are some killer tunes that we threw in our drunken 420 blender”, says Heavy Kevy. “Moshemian Thrashody rides the thin line between familiar and super awkward – like seeing your old grandpa in the mosh pit or masturbating for the first time with your other hand”.  

After almost 15 years of bringing crossover thrash to party animals everywhere, Insanity Alert will still go anywhere the weed blows. 

Line-up
Heavy Kevy - ​Vocals
Don Melanzani - Drums
The Inphiltrator - Guitar
The Dave of Death - Guitar
Slapmaster Puke: Bass

Guest appearances
"Welcome to the Moshpit" - Hauwitzer (guitar solo)

Recording Studio
Subsound Station (Telfs, Austria)

Producer
Matthias Mayr

Mixing
Andy Reinhardt

Mastering
Andy Reinhardt

Cover art
James Callahan / Barf Comics

Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/insanity-alert-moshemian-thrashody

Links
https://www.facebook.com/insanityalert
https://www.instagram.com/insanityalert/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw79GR8zx8EsZ13DIwhye5g

Available formats
Digital Download
CD
10" Vinyl - Black
10" Vinyl - Colored (Translucent Turquoise)    

High On Fire release new music video

Iconic U.S. rock band, High on Fire , will release its new LP, ' Cometh the Storm ', on April 19 via MNRK Heavy. The GRAMMY Award-winning group, celebrating its 25th anniversary, recorded ' Cometh the Storm ' at GodCity Studio in Salem, Massachusetts with producer Kurt Ballou. The 11-song effort -- the band's ninth studio album -- marks the release of the first new High on Fire music since 2018's 'Electric Messiah' and the first to feature drummer  Coady Willis (Big Business, Murder City Devils), alongside bassist Jeff Matz , and guitarist/vocalist Matt Pike . ' Cometh the Storm ' boasts runic art and design by longtime High on Fire collaborator Arik Moonhawk Roper.

High on Fire releases a video for the new record's lead track, " Burning Down," captured live and on location at GodCity by Jason Zucco during the recording of " Cometh the Storm." Portions of the video footage feature direct takes of the record's recording sessions, including the fervent vocals of Matt Pike.

High on Fire - Cometh The Storm Color In Color Vinyl

PRE-ORDER

High on Fire - Cometh The Storm Compact Disc

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GET MORE HIGH ON FIRE HERE

New Jersey rockers Quiz Show previews 'Super Concrete' single from new EP

"Inescapable catchiness, rawness and youthful spunk – Quiz Show is extending an undeniably attractive invitation to superb punk-kilned indie rock" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Quiz Show is what pop music would have sounded like if punk had had a more significant and longer-lasting effect on modern music" ~ The Big Takeover

"A new sonic force to be reckoned with... That’s a bit unfair as Quiz Show, comprised of members of such luminaries as Shudder To Think, Guided By Voices and The Dambuilders, has been making music since 2017" ~ Second Scene Magazine

"Gloriously shambolic post punk/alt rock goodness" ~ The Ginger Quiff

"A sonic Trojan horse able to smuggle the forces of swagger, attitude, and outsiderness into the mainstream, hidden in a construct of melody and infectiousness" ~ Dancing About Architecture 

New Jersey-based indie rock trio Quiz Show presents their new 'Super Concrete' single. This is the first taste of their 'Flotsam' EP, which will be released via Montclair, NJ-based Magic Door Record Label.

Quiz Show is made up of Shudder To Think's Chris Matthews and bassist Jesse Krakow, together with drummer Joe Billy, who replaces the original drummer Kevin March (Guided By Voices, The Dambuilders).

Found floating or washed up by the sea, 'Flotsam' represents the shattered, lost stories of people’s lives. It’s easy to ignore, but perhaps there is value in treating flotsam as a mystery to solve, a story to tell, a lost connection between past and present waiting to be discovered.

Recorded and produced by award-winning producer Ray Ketchem (Guided By Voices, Luna, Versus, Elk City, Gramercy Arms) at his Magic Door Recording Studio, this EP was engineered by Ketchem with Brian Robbins (Blondie, Bring Me The Horizon, Papa Roach).

"Super Concrete was the name of the company my brother worked for before he passed. He was a different sort of person, mostly a source of the unexpected, and usually trouble. Many wrote him off as poorly adjusted – as flotsam – but that’s not even close. So, while he may have lived a nontraditional life working at Super Concrete, living in DC’s gay community, and making a home with his boyfriend, he created a life of beauty and purpose," says Chris Matthews.

"These songs are the first that the current Quiz Show lineup wrote together from scratch. We each added our instrumental work and vocals, but in the process discovered something new and unexpected– a whole that was far more than the sum of its parts. This EP offers three original songs that tell stories about living – both now and in the past. There is something melancholy about the record, but also a resonant chord of joy and perseverance."  

In 2023, the band released their 12-track eponymous debut album to wide acclaim - an electrifying collection that is full of protest, friendship and frustration.

As of March 5, 'Super Concrete' is available via Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The full 'Flotsam' EP will be released on March 29 and can be pre-ordered directly from the band.

CREDITS
Chris Matthews / guitars, vocals
Jesse Krakow / bass, backing vocals
Joe Billy III / drums, backing vocals
Produced by Ray Ketchem
Engineered by Brian Robbins and Ray Ketchem
Mixed and Mastered by Ray Ketchem
Recording at Magic Door Recording, Montclair NJ
Songs by Chris Matthews and Quiz Show
© 2024 Shake at the Thought (BMI)


Keep up with Quiz Show
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Rick Monroe & The Hitmen Premieres "Worth The Hurt" Music Video on Rock Rage Radio!

TLG/Virgin Music Group recording artists Rick Monroe & The Hitmen continue to gather momentum for their latest single "Worth The Hurt" (currently bubbling under at #52 on last week's SMR chart while maintaining its top-10 standing among the Most Adds of active/mainstream rock in secondary markets). To support its upward climb, the group is pleased to premiere the official music video TODAY exclusively through Rock Rage Radio.

Additionally, "Worth The Hurt" has been made available in Dolby Atmos, a new spacial audio technology that allows you to "hear music like you've never heard it before" and deliver the ULTIMATE listening experience for fans and audiophiles to enjoy.

"Even though it adds several steps to the mixing and mastering process, getting the track on Atmos was important to us," says Monroe."We wanted fans to know... just like the single says, that they are 'Worth The Hurt.' We aren't doing our work as a band if we aren't striving to provide the best quality music we can to our fans. That's our job," he says."Now, it's the fan's job to go out and give it a listen!"

Co-written by Monroe, Jared Weeks and Scott Wilson of Saving Abel, and multi-Grammy and multi-Dove award-winning producer and composer, Skidd Mills (Skillet, Third Day, Saliva, Katie Arminger), who also produced the track, "Worth The Hurt" is an angsty, uptempo banger that highlights the addictive qualities and unhealthy co-dependence of a love gone wrong.

"You guys are so talented, it's stupid."

▪Shawn Drover - Drummer (Megadeth)

"Great crossover song!"

▪Don Jamieson - Comedian ("That Metal Show")

"This was such a fun song to write, and I love that groove it delivers all the way through. It's a crossover for you for sure. I'm proud of it!"

- Jared Weeks (Saving Abel)

Stream / download "Worth The Hurt" at https://ffm.to/worththehurt

The single serves as a tantalizing preview of the exceptional content that awaits fans in the group's highly anticipated, full-length vinyl project, SIX GUN SOUL, scheduled for release on April 12. This album features previously acclaimed singles such as "World's Gone Crazy" and "God's Ear", the latter earning praise from discerning critics like Robert K. Oermann (Music Row) and respected musicians, including Shawn Drover (formerly of Megadeth).

About Rick Monroe & The Hitmen:

World-class entertainers Rick Monroe & The Hitmen have no desire to trace the trail of every trend. Instead, they serve up a “poly-jam-orous” recipe they call “Blue Jean Rock” --artistically organic and spiced with a heavy blend of their musical influences to reflect country sensibilities with a rock and roll beat. As a result, the group has built a solid legion of fans across the globe and recently surpassed over 4.3 MILLION logged views on YouTube and over one MILLION captured streams without the benefit of ever appearing on a core editorial playlist.

Monroe brings his music and a magnetic presence wherever he goes and is no stranger to the stage: he’s performed in 17 countries – and every U.S. state including Washington DC & Puerto Rico. The seven-time Jägermeister Country Brand Ambassador has toured with Queensrӱche, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Lee Bice, Aaron Lewis, Eli Young Band, Pat Green, and Randy Houser, as well as has opened for Country Music Legends like Charlie Daniels Band, Dwight Yoakam, Travis Tritt, Patty Loveless and more. He has entertained the USO, AFE, U.S. troops in Vietnam, and former Soviet President, Mikhail Gorbachev. His brother called him “Elvis Gump” because of all the amazing people and places his career has led him.

For those unfamiliar with his music, Rick advises them to come to the show for a good time and to be ready for “just about anything.” “I love to play,” the singer notes. “And I want everyone to play along. I like to think of my shows as an interactive sport"--one that he will now play with the help of his permanent bandmates, Bobby Perkins (guitar), Alan Beeler (bass), and Jason Bohl (drums), also known as The Hitmen because "they kill it every single night!"

Rick enjoys sponsorships and endorsements with NOS/Full Throttle energy drink, Number Juan Tequila, Tony Chachare’s® Famous Creole Cuisine, Remington, GHS Strings, SE electronics, Roper Western Wear, Shubb Capos, Speakeasy Original, Westone Audio & Fishman Audio.

For More Information Please Visit:

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Northlane Share "Afterimage" Video

Northlane have revealed their stunning new single "Afterimage" featuring Ian Kenny of Karnivool. "Afterimage" is the third piece of new music from the band’s forthcoming EP, Mirror's Edge, out April 12 (Independent).

Watch the visualizer below.

Northlane recently debuted "Afterimage" in the live realm during their huge Australian tour, which set the internet alight and left fans hanging to hear the studio version. A nod to their Node-era, Northlane have always pointed to Karnivool as one of their biggest influences; Ian Kenny’s vocals sit so naturally in "Afterimage" that the song feels written just for him. It makes sense given, according to guitarist Jon Deiley, touring with Karnivool in 2013 had such a profound impact on his songwriting.

"Touring with Karnivool changed my perspective on songwriting by showing me a solid groove is more interesting than some flashy technical bit. Writing a good groove means you can exploit it in different ways while still keeping it interesting over time," says Deiley. "Karnivool influenced Northlane by showing us that songwriting and nailing every transition live is more important than jumping around. We hopped on the 'Asymmetry' tour years ago and were still riding the success of 'Singularity' when we discovered pretty quickly some fans just want to stand and enjoy you playing the music perfectly. I think that's where our unhealthy hyper-critical evaluation of our performance came from!"

A pensive song about reflecting on the past whilst looking ahead to a better future, "Afterimage" arrives after previous singles "Miasma" and "Dante" and is the final preview before Mirror's Edge arrives on April 12.

Mirror's Edge was recorded with their old friend and revered producer Will Putney in August this year. Described by Jon Deiley (songwriter/guitarist) as "the greatest hits of Northlane sounds," the EP is a nostalgic journey through all the colors on their sonic palette, with bonus shades from special guests Winston McCall (Parkway Drive) and Ian Kenny (Karnivool/Birds of Tokyo) — two of the most influential artists in Northlane's history. Their former bass player, Brendon Padjasek, also stopped by the studio to lend his scream to one of the tracks. 

Penned just over a year after the release of their #1 award-winning album, Obsidian, the road to Mirror's Edge was a bumpy one. Instead of riding high from the success of the album, the simmering tension and communication breakdown between band members threatened to engulf Northlane at any moment. Northlane tackled their issues head-on at a writing retreat in Victoria's Yarra Valley, where they worked through their problems and unlocked new channels of creativity in the process that reflects through the EP. From the expansive prog of "Afterimage" to their signature bottom-heavy groove and viscous breakdown of "Kraft" and compulsive beat and electronic focus of "Dante," Mirror's Edge is full of Northlane's most vivid colours and textures. 

Thematically, the EP is about looking at yourself and reflecting on the past one final time before leaving it all behind to find hope in what lies beyond the mirror's edge. With the recurring theme of acceptance binding these songs together, frontman Marcus Bridge is hopeful that Mirror's Edge will be the coda on this part of his personal life, so much of which he has shared in the last couple of Northlane releases.

"It's like looking at your reflection, looking at the past and everything I've been thinking about, or caught up within the last little while," Bridge says. "There's not much positivity in these songs, but it is about acceptance. Hopefully, by putting these songs out, I can leave that stuff behind and I can kind of find a new direction and something to be positive about on the other side of this mirror's edge."

PHOTO CREDIT: Kane Hibberd

ABOUT NORTHLANE:
Northlane are a chart topping, award-winning metal band from Sydney, Australia. Through fearless evolution and unmatched innovation, Northlane have become vanguards of heavy music across the globe, entirely on their own terms. The band have released six acclaimed albums, including ARIA Chart #1 records Obsidian (2022) and Node (2015), alongside Singularity (2013), Mesmer (2017), and Alien (2019) which all debuted at #3. Northlane have also won three consecutive ARIA Awards for Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Album, as well as two AIR Awards for Best Independent Heavy Album.

WHILE SHE SLEEPS Announce New Album ‘SELF HELL’

As they approach the biggest headline show of their career to date at London’s legendaryAlexandra Palace, Sheffield quintet, WHILE SHE SLEEPS share their brand new single‘SELF HELL’, the title track to their long awaited sixth studio album, which will follow on March 15th, 2024.

Drawing upon a far wider palette of influences to create a sonic collage of each member’s musical passions, ‘SELF HELL’ feels like a second debut album from a band who have become such a vital force over the past decade. This incarnation of WHILE SHE SLEEPSis uncompromisingly unpredictable, the riffs are still granite heavy, but this album sees them drawing upon more diverse influences such as Aphex Twin, Gorillaz, Bicep, TheProdigy and Kendrick Lamar.

Those influences have seen a broader range of instruments incorporated on ‘SELF HELL’, especially with vintage synths such as the Korg MS-20 and the Behringer TD-3. Just as importantly was their attitude. WHILE SHE SLEEPS were all raised in mining villages around Sheffield and remembered how Britpop surrounded the environment during their youth, its working-class swagger informing the album’s defiant nothing-to-lose and everything-to-gain spirit.

Sean Long says,

“The name of the album is the foundation of how we view ourselves and the world. Everyone has a subjective experience like no other. Yet the constant that binds us IS the differences between us and the fact that we are all suffering in our own way. Don’t be too quick to judge and demonize, your time will come for redemption or damnification.

"We’ve been drawing inspiration from an array of misfit artists far from where you would usually pigeonhole WHILE SHE SLEEPS. Each member has brought in a different perspective of inspiration so far apart in genre that it has left us with a very odd and satisfying sonic. WHILE SHE SLEEPS will continue to keep the world guessing on what we will do next. Not only for the fans but this is a spiritual venture that we have to keep alive, moving, and constantly in flux. We do this by scaring ourselves with things we are not supposed to do. Every. Single. Day.”

The single ‘SELF HELL’ demonstrates the sonic leap-forward that WHILE SHE SLEEPS are taking with the album. It does seemingly everything all at once – huge riffs, thumping big beat grooves, a maelstrom of synth textures, melodic vocals contrasted with bloody-throated screams and swirling backing harmonies - all in a way that remains coherent while pushing their boundaries to a maximalist new level.

Watch the Music Video for "SELF HELL"

The album was produced by their long-term collaborator Carl Bown and the band’s guitarist, Sean Long. WHILE SHE SLEEPS - completed by Lawrence ‘Loz’ Taylor(vocals), Mat Welsh (guitar), Aaran Mckenzie (bass) and Adam Savage (drums) - recorded the album during sessions at Metropolis Studios in London, Treehouse Studio in Chesterfield, and their own Six Audio in Sheffield.

Pre-Order 'SELF HELL' HERE

Since debuting in 2012 with ‘This Is The Six’, WHILE SHE SLEEPS have gone from strength-to-strength, achieving a Top 10 breakthrough with "You Are We" as well as widespread critical acclaim for their most previous album, ‘Sleeps Society’.

They’ve consistently been a huge draw across European festivals, most memorably with an emotional return to the stage with 2021’s Download Pilot, a set that The Guardiandescribed “as undeniably Pilot’s finest hour – if not the finest in the entire Downloadlineage.” Fewer than 500 tickets remain available HERE for the landmark Alexandra Palace show. They will then play select gigs around Europe before hitting China, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand in December.

Benighted Release New Single Feat. Oli Peters from Archspire

On their upcoming new album, Benighted crawl through a house of horrors. Ekbom doesn't tread so much as it tramples the line between sanity and madness. After all, the title takes its name from a real-life syndrome that makes people believe their skin is infested with bugs.

Today, the brutal French death metal band are releasing the second single off Ekbom. "Nothing Left to Fear" features Oli Peters from their label mates Archspire. Peters adds a new dimension of vocal terror, twisting seamlessly with Benighted's terrifying speed. While inspired by truly horrifying tales of psychological suffering, at 402 BPM, this new single proves that when it comes to the realm of death metal, Benighted are fearless.

Listen to "Nothing Left to Fear":

Ekbom is out April 12 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/BenightedEkbom
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/benightedekbompresave

"'Nothing Left to Fear' features our brother and incredible vocalist Oli from Archspire", says Benighted. "This is the fastest track we've ever written. It starts off at 402 bpm! The combination of Julien and Oli's vocals makes it soooo brutal! We hope you like this new song and share it to the maximum. Enjoy!"

Benighted are hitting the road in April for the Hellfest Warm-up Tour. Along with their signature style of brutal death metal, the French band are bringing along the support of Ten56 for these 13 lucky shows. Rise of the North Star, Stinky & KAMIZOL K will also join them on select dates.

Photo by © Anthony Dubois

Dive into the darkest realms of the human psyche as BENIGHTED, the French purveyors of brutal death metal & grindcore, unleash their tenth full-length album Ekbom in April 2024. The madness that has defined their discography continues with this radical soundtrack to the twisted times we inhabit.

Born from French Death and Black metal bands DISHUMANIZED, DARKNESS FIRE, and OSGILIATH, Benighted emerged in 1998 with a mission to explore a more brutal, heavy, and modern form of musical expression. The impact of their first self-produced and self-titled full-length album in 2000 transformed Benighted from a side-project into a main act, quickly amassing a devoted fan base. Subsequent albums like Psychose (2002), Insane Cephalic Production (2004), Identisick(2006), and Icon (2007) further cemented their visceral, skull-breaking sound into extreme death metal history.

After a detour into the realms of Necrobreed in 2017, Benighted celebrated their 20th anniversary by capturing the live madness with Dogs Always Bite Harder Than Their Master in 2018.

With Obscene Repressed, they once again took sadistic pleasure in pushing the boundaries of brutality, delving into the disturbed mind of little Michael. His relentless battle against demons, fueled by unresolved oedipal issues with his mother, provided a grotesque tableau for Benighted's sonic butchery. Not content with merely slaughtering everything in their auditory path, Benighted crafted thematically explorative pieces, each turn in their music revealing new layers of horror and despair.

As the relentless journey continues, Benighted is set to unleash Ekbom in April 2024, an album that draws inspiration from the nightmarish 'Ekbom syndrome.' This rare neurological disorder, also known as Delusional Parasitosis, forms the thematic core of the upcoming release. A feeling of having a vile concoction of parasites, worms, and insects crawling under your skin is an apt description of what Benighted have to offer on this newest release. The auditory assault mirrors the repulsive sensations of the syndrome, a visceral and unsettling journey into the abyss of the human mind.

Madness reigns yet again, this time intertwining with the haunting echoes of Ekbom syndrome. Brace yourselves for another mind-shattering chapter in the Benighted saga as they continue to carve their niche in the putrid annals of extreme metal, leaving a trail of sonic disgust in their wake.

Line-up
Julien Truchan - Vocals
Emmanuel Dalle - Guitars
Pierre Arnoux - Bass
Kevin Paradis - Drums

Recording studio
Kohlekeller Studios, Germany (Powerwolf, Aborted, Crematory)

Producer, Sound, Mixing & Mastering engineer
Kristian Kohlmannslehner

Guest musicians
Oliver Peters (Archspire) on "Nothing Left to Fear"
Xavier Chevalier (Blockheads) on "Fame of the Grotesque"

Biography: Sébastien Gamez

Cover art: Grindesign (Rob Borbas)

Pre-save: https://orcd.co/benightedekbompresave

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/BenightedEkbom

Links:
Official Website: https://www.benighted.fr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brutalbenighted
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benighted_band/
Bandcamp: https://benighted.bandcamp.com/music
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/brutalbenighted
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benighted_band
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@_BENIGHTED
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dUwIwaPc6UukkCZTaaf7J
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/benighted/267088245
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3919180 

Booking Contact:
France: Rage Tour - philippe@ragetour.com
Worldwide: Redback Promotion - ronny@redback-promotion.com

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Crystal Clear
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Transparent Yellow & Black Marbled
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Golden
12" Liquid Vinyl Gatefold - Blood Red Liquid-Filled

Scotty McCreery Announces Fifth Studio Album 'Rise and Fall' for May 10

Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery announces his fifth studio album Rise and Fall, featuring 13 tracks that find him exploring themes of heartbreak, rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood, and enduring love, resulting in a project full of insightful storytelling that includes last night’s surprise release, “Slow Dance.” McCreery co-wrote 12 of the 13 songs on the album, which will be released digitally as well as on CD and vinyl. In addition, Amazon will release a limited edition, forest green vinyl version of the album.

• Pre-order/pre-save Rise and Fall HERE

• Pre-order autographed vinyl and CDs of Rise and Fall HERE

• Listen to “Slow Dance” Below.

“I know every artist says it, but this is truly my favorite album I’ve made so far,” shares McCreery. “I wanted to create an album that reflected the music I grew up on and wasn’t chasing trends. So, I brought several of my songwriting buddies to the mountains of North Carolina to sit down and write a full-on country album that told a story, start to finish, and spoke to my soul. We’ve been performing most of the album live on the road and the response from the audiences has been overwhelming. I can’t wait for everyone to hear Rise and Fall when it comes out May 10th.”
 
The North Carolina native knows all too well there’s a rhythm to life and a cycle of ups and downs. And right now, he’s on the upswing.
 
Now 30 years old and a seasoned country music veteran selling out concerts across the globe with five consecutive No. 1 hits under his belt, McCreery is also a dedicated husband and father, welcoming a son named Avery in 2022 whose impact on the singer is highlighted in several songs on the album. Recently, he even celebrated the milestone of all milestones for a guy who grew up on Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Ronnie Milsap; he was invited by his musical hero Garth Brooks to become the newest member of the iconic Grand Ole Opry. McCreery’s induction will take place on April 20 with another of his heroes, Josh Turner, officially welcoming him into the Opry family.
 
But folks like McCreery know it means more when you’ve seen the other side. For him, each highlight has come in contrast to a challenge – things like the loss of his first record deal and the year of naysaying uncertainty that followed before he built himself up again, brick by brick. As a result, Rise and Fall, produced by longtime collaborators Frank Rogers, Aaron Eshuis and Derek Wells, comes from an artist who knows to appreciate the ride – no matter where it leads.
 
“I feel like we’re on the rise now, but I’ve fallen pretty low as well,” McCreery admits. “I learned from every little part of that, and it helped me to know who I was as a person – let alone an artist. The rises and the falls helped craft these songs. They made this album what it is.”

With last night’s release of “Slow Dance,” written by McCreery with Brent Anderson, Derek George and Monty Criswell, McCreery looks for an exit to life in the fast lane, dropping everything to focus on what matters most. After teasing the song on social media a few months back, fans have consistently urged him to drop the track, as the romantic ballad can turn a kitchen floor into a ballroom with its ‘90s-country sway and deep, heart-melting vocal:
 
     Baby, you’re my slow dance
     To Whitley in the kitchen
     Taking my hand, and all of my attention
     Cheek to cheek across the floor
     When I need to shut the door
     On a world that’s always moving so fast
     Baby, you’re my slow dance
 
“I am not the greatest at doing social media, but my team encourages me to do it,” explains McCreery. “A few months back, I was waiting on some hibachi takeout and listening to the new tracks in my truck. I filmed a quick video of me singing along with ‘Slow Dance’ and posted it on my socials, picked up my takeout food, and went home to eat dinner with Gabi. I looked at my phone that evening and the song had blown up; it’s now my most watched TikTok video to date. Over the last few weeks, anytime I post a photo on social media, the response I get back is ‘that’s great…so when are you putting ‘Slow Dance’ out?’ I’m excited to finally put it out!!” 
 
“Slow Dance” is the fourth song released from the album, following lead single “Cab in a Solo” and tracks “Can’t Pass the Bar” and “Love Like This.”

Photo Credit: Jeff Ray

As the album’s lead single “Cab in a Solo” steadily climbs the charts (currently Top 12 on both Mediabase and Billboard), McCreery’s 2024 Cab in a Solo Tour continues tonight in Boston, MA at MGM Music Hall at Fenway with an additional stop in Syracuse, NY at the Landmark Theatre tomorrow, March 2. He will be joined by Anne Wilson as direct support along with Noah Hicks. The tour, produced by Live Nation, kicked off with three consecutive sold out shows and will continue to trek across the U.S. through mid-March.
 
Tickets for the Cab in a Solo Tour are on sale now at ScottyMcCreery.com.
 
Cab in a Solo Tour Dates:
3/1/2024          Boston             MA                  MGM Music Hall at Fenway
3/2/2024          Syracuse          NY                  Landmark Theatre
3/14/2024        Johnstown       PA                   1st Summit Arena
3/15/2024        Wallingford     CT                   Toyota Oakdale Theatre
3/16/2024        Schenectady    NY                  Proctors Theatre
 
McCreery recently launched a campaign with Tunespeak where fans can earn points to gain chances to win a variety of prizes. The ultimate prize winner will receive two tickets and airfare to this year’s ACM Awards in May. Other winners will receive merch packs, signed vinyl, and more. No purchase is necessary. Interested fans can enter the campaign and learn more information at http://tnspk.co/nqwrra.
 
About Scotty McCreery:
Scotty McCreery has been a household name for nearly half his life, ever since making history in 2011 as both the first country artist and the youngest male artist of any genre to debut his first studio album, the Platinum-certified Clear as Day, at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. With his forthcoming album Rise and Fall set for release May 10, featuring current single “Cab in a Solo” along with 12 additional tracks, McCreery explores classic themes of heartbreak, rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood, and enduring love, and through it all, felt comfortable being himself, resulting in a project full of electrified twang, rich baritone vocals and insightful storytelling. The 30-year-old has sold more than 4 million albums and achieved 5 consecutive No.1 hits: the RIAA Platinum-certified “Damn Strait,” the RIAA Gold certified “You Time,” the RIAA Gold certified “In Between,” the RIAA Platinum certified “This is It,” and the RIAA Triple Platinum certified ‘Five More Minutes.” The North Carolina native has earned one Triple Platinum, five Platinum and four Gold singles; one Platinum and two Gold albums; won the 10th season of “American Idol” in 2011 at age 17; was named the ACM New Artist of the Year in 2011; won the CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year (“The Trouble with Girls”) in 2012; and BMI Awards for writing One of the Top 50 Country Songs of the Year five times (in 2015 for “See You Tonight,” in 2018 for “Five More Minutes,” in 2019 for “This is It,” in 2021 for “In Between,” and in 2022 for “You Time”). He was awarded Pandora Billionaire status in 2021 in recognition of his music achieving more than one billion streams on Pandora. His song “Five More Minutes” inspired two popular holiday movies which aired on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network: “Five More Minutes” in 2021 and “Five More Minutes: Moments Like These” in 2022. He released his first book Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream in 2016. His most recent album is Same Truck: The Deluxe Album. This fall McCreery was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and was most recently invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks. The singer/songwriter married his high school sweetheart Gabi in 2018, and the couple had their first son Avery in October 2022. For more information, visit ScottyMcCreery.com.

ELVIE SHANE RELEASES THE REVIVAL ROUSING “DOES HEAVEN HAVE A CREEK” –

BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records singer/songwriter Elvie Shane today releases “Does Heaven Have A Creek,” available to listen HERE. Written solo in the days before recording his imminent album DAMASCUS, “Does Heaven Have A Creek” came from a question Shane once asked himself following the passing of his grandmother, about what really matters, and what comes next. His alluring vocals take you to church, with the heartland hymn serving as another reminder of how the Kentucky native "forces you to rethink anything you think you know, or assume, about the genre’s Music Row bros” (Stereogum).

“‘Does Heaven Have A Creek’ is simply the wondering mind of a believer,” said Shane. “A testimony of hope that Heaven has a few of the simple pleasures we enjoy here on earth. Is Heaven only for A-List Christians? Is there room for a prodigal ‘Good Ole Boy’ from Kentucky just trying to live a decent life and be a good man?” 

The track comes as the sixth release from Shane’s sophomore album DAMASCUS, releasing April 19th. Full of unflinching honesty rooted in compassionate clarity, each track steps into the shoes of another, with Shane taking pieces of each character he’s met on his path, melding them into one beautifully woven work. The album is available for pre-order/pre-save/pre-add HERE.

One of Nashville Scene’s “2024 Artists to Watch,” Shane has already garnered buzz for the project, with releases of “Baptized,” “Jonesin’” and “Forgotten Man,” with the latter dubbed “an ode to blue-collar workers that exposes the heart-aching realities of the working class,” (Billboard), and with his track “Pill,” critics praised its gripping honesty as it “further cements Shane as a new voice of the damaged, addicted, and lost in country music,” (Rolling Stone). Shane also recently released “What Do I Know,” along with a moving video to accompany the track featuring a cameo by John Carter Cash, available to watch below.

About Elvie Shane:
With a gritty-yet-gracious fusion of heartland rock and modern country, Kentucky native Elvie Shane has made the conscious decision to aim for impact with his upcoming sophomore release DAMASCUS out April 19. The dynamic project of extremes and deep empathy, sharp-edged fusion of country, rock, hip-hop tells the deeply-layered tale of Shane’s journey – one that countless others struggle to navigate each day. Shane "bravely wrote" (American Songwriter) the album’s lead track “Pill” as a love letter to those struggling with addiction, a reminder that it’s never too late to come back home. It was another shared life experience that earned Shane his Platinum-certified Number One debut, “My Boy.” The tender tribute to the unconditional love of stepparents took Shane from a country road to the top of the charts, touring the country’s biggest stages as well as overseas and racked up over 400 million streams and counting. The track helped launch Shane’s debut album BACKSLIDER, which was hailed by critics from Billboard and Rolling Stone to the Nashville Scene and beyond, earning spots on many "Best Of” lists alongside new artist nominations from the ACM Awards, CMT Music Awards and iHeartRadio Music Awards. For more information, visit www.elvieshane.com. 

Photo Credit: Nathan Chapman

KEEP UP WITH ELVIE SHANE
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | X

New ‘Ride or Die’ single from Scandinavian post-punk outfit Then Comes Silence out now.

"Then Comes Silence are everything a band should be - good tunes, good playing and singing, and good looking. Their songs are ear-worms, once heard difficult to forget, as catchy as gonorrhea but far better for your health" ~ Wayne Hussey

”I can see them being huge” ~ Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth)
 
"Capturing the alluring intersection of 1980s Post-Punk, New Wave and College Rock in one fell swoop, this music feels organic and fresh, with ample drive, clever songwriting and a killer melody, along with crisp production" ~ The Spill Magazine 

"Truly love it" ~ She Past Away
 
"Hellacopters of Gothic Rock" ~ Jyrki 69 (The 69 Eyes)

"The only band that have been voted in as album of the month three times!" ( 'Blood' in 2017 / 'Machine' in 2020 / 'Hunger' in 2022) ~ Sonic Seducer Magazine

Swedish post-punk outfit Then Comes Silence has unleashed their new single ‘Ride or Die’, along with an adrenaline-filled trip of a video, co-directed by Gözde Duzer. The first taste of their seventh album ‘Trickery’, forthcoming via Metropolis Records, it has already reached #3 in Germany's authoritative DAC Charts.

Hailing from Stockholm, Then Comes Silence was founded by Alex Svenson in 2012, originally inspired by frequent touring with A Place To Bury Strangers and an attraction to horror and the occult. Today he is joined by drummer Jonas Franssonand Hugo Zombie (Los Carniceros del Norte) on guitar.

This album celebrates friendship, unity and the feeling of belonging to a group, a tribe. Being a part of what most people would call the goth and post-punk community is, according to the band, a great privilege. Of course, there are dark sides to everything, but after being on the road and meeting people from the music scene for so many years, the band have experienced a caring and welcoming community.

"No one is free from apprehension and fear. Everyone feels some kind of alienation in certain degrees. You might often think you need to camouflage yourself to be part of a context. Make a change to fit in the group. The need for friendship is strong so you adapt. Maybe not always the way you hoped. But then...  there are moments when we unite and harmonize with other people and feel an incredible community together. That feeling is priceless and a blessing. Friendship is love. It is important and worth fighting for," says Alex Svenson.

Recorded by Jörgen Wall (Jay-Jay Johanson, The Hellacopters) over three days at Stockholm's Kapsylen Studio and mixed by Tom van Heesch (Rammstein, Apocalyptica, Backyard Babies), this album was mastered by Svante Forsbäck / Chartmakers (Rammstein, Amaranthe, Ville Valo, The Rasmus, Apocalyptica).

Following up their 2022 album 'Hunger', released via Nexilis Records / Schubert Music (Europe) and Metropolis Records (North America), these sessions capture the heart and essence of alternative rock. With electronic elements essential to the new recordings, 'Trickery' is also a salute to punk music, to which Then Comes Silence traces their roots.

After debuting with their eponymous album in 2012, Then Comes Silence put out two more albums before releasing 'Blood' via Nuclear Blast in 2016. Their subsequent 'Machine' album was jointly released via Oblivion/SPV and Metropolis Records in 2020.

Then Comes Silence has toured and played live with The Fields of the Nephilim, The Chameleons, A Place To Bury Strangers, The Bellwether Syndicate and Vision Video, as well as performing at Wave Gotik Treffen, M'era Luna, Amphi Festival, Castle Party and W-Festival.

'Ride or Die' is out now everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. On April 5, the 'Trickery' album will be released on vinyl and CD, as well as digitally. Then Comes Silence will be touring North America extensively with Vision Video from late April through May.

CREDITS
Music & Lyrics by Alex Svenson 
Published by HaHa Musikförlag
Alex Svenson - vocals, bass, synthesizer
Jonas Fransson - drums
Hugo Zombie - guitar
Video directed by Gözde Duzer & Then Comes Silence
Starring Johnny Nattsjö as Nebelmeer on synthesizer, 
Bengii, Lord Of All Possible Pain and Mischief, and El Pseudo as themselves  
From 'Trickery' album, released via Metropolis Records
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with Then Comes Silence
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Apple Music | Spotify | BandsInTown | Press contact

Keep up with Metropolis Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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ARISING EMPIRE ALERT: Venues Share New Video

NEW ALBUM TRANSIENCE OUT MARCH 29 VIA ARISING EMPIRE

The sparrows have been chirping it from the rooftops for a while, but now it's official certainty: in 2024, VENUES will unfold to their full size for the first time. And we're all here to witness it live. In short: Their third album Transience arrives worldwide on March 29 via Arising Empire!

Watch the video for new single "Godspeed, Goodbye" Belo.

After the two strong benchmarks with Aspire and Solace, which oscillated somewhere between post-hardcore, alternative metal, and metalcore, the Stuttgart-based band definitively tears down all barriers, boundaries, and bulwarks. Transience unleashes an emotional cascade full of grand melodies, visionary soundscapes, and raw, unfiltered emotion. This album = catharsis; it's medicine for a sick world and the antidote to dreariness, indifference, and coldness.

You hear it, you feel it: The 10 songs of Transience are about farewell, new beginnings, and the inevitability of change. They are they emotional projectiles that hit exactly where they hurt the most: In our wounded hearts.

Recorded in three creative and harmonious sessions with their regular producer Christoph Wieczorek (Annisokay) at the Sawdust Recordings in Halle, the Stuttgart band's third album carries all the pain of a wounded world within it.

VENUES do not look away. They repress and sugarcoat nothing. Yet, they also do not give up on themselves or this world and sing, scream, play against the feeling of powerlessness. They do not close their eyes to toxic relationships ("Unspoken Words"); they channel emotional baggage ("Godspeed, Goodbye").

But VENUES are most moving in their most intimate moments. Robin addresses his mother's cancer in "Braille" or Lela sings about captivity in the oppressive "Coming Home." She softly says, "I have yet to manage to sing this song without crying."

Pre-order the new album Transience as CD, limited colored vinyl and special fan box, together with unique merch options at the Arising Empire Online Shop, here.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ingmar Wein

VENUES ARE:
Lela — Clean Vocals
Robin — Shouts
Valentin — Guitar
Dennis — Drums

Party Cannon Announce Unique Leader Records Signing + New Album 'Injuries Are Inevitable' Out April 26th

Hold on to your seats as Party Cannon, purveyors of brutal party slam, have today announced their new signing with Unique Leader Records. In celebration of the news, the band announced their new upcoming album 'Injuries Are Inevitable' out on April 26th and unleashed their new track "Weird, But Not Illegal" along with the accompanying music video. When asked about signing with ULR, Party Cannon commented:

“We are hyped to announce UNIQUE LEADER RECORDS are joining the party – a label that should know much better. It’s amazing to be working with the label that put out such classics as GORGASM, DISGORGE, INVERACITY, DISAVOWED as well as current favourites such as WAKING THE CADAVER, DISENTOMB, and KRAANIUM and we can’t thank them enough for having us onboard. Now I know what all you fellow death metal mega virgins are thinking, an underground brutal band signs to a bigger label, have they gone soft? I can assure you that we’re not the type of band to get a bigger advance and start making the softest music imaginable under the guise of ‘good songwriting’, Unique Leader encouraged us to make the most sonically offensive album we could. This is pure, 1000% Party Slam in its most concentrated form.”

Speaking about today's 'Injuries Are Inevitable' album announcement, the band shared:

“’Injuries Are Inevitable’ is our first concept album, the main influence being the documentary ‘Class Action Park’ about the iconic Action Park. The park was an infamous landmark in the 80s due to its complete disregard for any kind of rules or safety. Park guests were free to do as they please and staff were undertrained and often very drunk – most of the rides were designed and built by people who had no idea what they were doing. All this plus a massive party atmosphere resulted in ridiculous antics, serious injuries, and a number of deaths. We felt this really embodied the Party Cannon spirit and was the perfect subject matter for a concept album.

Instruments were tracked with Mike Bew at Foel Studios in Wales which is a converted farm in the middle of nowhere. We spent most days tracking until 2 am and petting the large number of meerkats that were onsite. Steve Wright (DYING FETUS, VISCERAL DISGORGE) handled mixing and mastering. As always, we kept it sounding like you’re in the room with real humans playing real music real badly. Musically this album focuses more on shorter songs this time around so we can pack more nonsense into our live sets. Each song is still full of blastbeats, guttural vocals, and of course – a variety of physically punishing, sex drive raising, IQ lowering slam riffs.” 

Party Cannon also stated when asked about "Weird, But Not Illegal":

“We chose "WEIRD, BUT NOT ILLEGAL" to be the first single and to open the album as it is the perfect example of what Party Slam is – if someone asked you to define our sound, you’d blast this song. Hitting that sweet spot between slamming brutal death metal and goregrind, it’s packed full of fast blasts, inhuman noises, and repulsive slime this is exactly the song you need to hit a PR today. The last minute of the song is some of the most offensively danceable stuff we’ve ever written so we better see you getting dumb in the pit. The title covers the moral and legal grey area that Action Park operated in and how a lot of their practices only just fell in line with the law.

We really wanted to avoid the normal ‘band plays in front of background’ style video for this song and put out something ridiculous and entertaining. The video was filmed by Calum McMillan in Glasgow and is a tribute to our love of B-move horror films and stupid early 2000s stoner films. It is full of ridiculous gags, greenscreen effects, and tributes to some of favourite films.”

Pre-save 'Injuries Are Inevitable' here, stream "Weird, But Not Illegal" here, and watch the music video below.

EU fans who are ready to get their party on have their chance to see the band on the EU VOMITOUR 2024 run with Cognitive as support. Grab your tickets at the link here and stay tuned for more Party Cannon news coming soon.

PARTY CANNON are BACK with their HEAVIEST, SLAMMINGEST, and DUMBEST album yet; an overwhelming helping of the henchest and most nauseating Party Slam. The band have doubled down on their signature Party Slam style to bring you an experience so IQ-lowering, so soul-crushing, so life expectancy-reducing that we recommend you wear a helmet while listening for your own safety. 'Injuries Are Inevitable' takes us on a deep dive of the infamous Action Park; the world’s un-safest theme park. Through the medium of guttural vocals, rapid blast beats, and anabolic slam riffs you will be taken on an immersive 4D experience of the debauchery, partying, and downright irresponsibility this iconic park had to offer. 

No admission for cowards, big dumb party riffs only.

SYK Release First Single Off New Album

syk defy convention. Since 2013, the Italian band have transcended mere labels by forging a progressive and blackened bent on death metal. Their new album, eartHFlesh, puts them on the frontier of extreme metal by challenging any and all conventions.

Watch the eerie yet pummeling video for the album's title track below.

eartHFlesh comes out May 10 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/sykeartHFlesh
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/sykearthfleshpresave

"eartHFlesh" emerges as a raw rebuke. 7-string riffs ring out like a broken fire alarm before Stefano Ferrian digs into a dark and ominous death growl. "Nothing but lies, the theater goes on and on", he screams over a blast beats that whirl with the controlled rage of an inferno.

"'eartHFlesh' is about all of us and how decadence permeates our world, often manifested through brutal violence", Stefano says. "We’re in a time of transition, where evil is mostly manifested through power. The same power that's promoting ignorance degrades our planet, killing the importance of being an individual instead of a passive citizen.

Even when the song breaks from its djenty chug with eerie melodic dissonance, syk are still relentless in their scorn.

"Things will never change if we don't feel the urgency of our responsibility as humans of what we’re creating around us."

syk is a metal band that came into existence in 2013 when Stefano Ferrian and Federico De Bernardi di Valserra decided to embark on a new musical venture following the disbandment of their previous project, .psychofagist. They were soon joined by the immensely talented vocalist Dalila Kayros, whose vocal skills left a deep impression on the band during live performances.

In May 2014, syk released their debut album titled Atoma through L'Inphantile Collective. The album caught the attention of Philip H Anselmo from Housecore Records, who not only expressed his appreciation for the band's work but also offered them a deal for their second album. This second album, titled I-Optikon, was released on December 2, 2016, and was produced by Philip H Anselmo himself. The album was notable for its technical compositions that offered a unique and unparalleled listening experience, as Metal Trenches aptly described it.

Following the release of their second album, the band welcomed their long-time friend Marcello Cravini as a permanent member, taking on the role of the second guitarist. syk subsequently embarked on extensive tours across Europe in 2017 and 2018 and had the honour of being the official support act for GODFLESH during their Italian/Slovenian run in May 2018. Additionally, they also participated in the prestigious Roadburn Festival in the same year, further cementing their reputation as a promising metal act.

In 2019, Federico made the difficult decision to leave the band due to personal reasons, and shortly after, the global pandemic hit, disrupting the band's search for a new drummer. However, towards the end of 2020, Mauro Maraldo joined syk as their new drummer, and with their lineup complete, they wasted no time in entering the studio to record their third album. This album, titled Pyramiden, was released on March 11th, 2022, through Housecore Records/Nuclear Blast. The album's distinct and powerful character earned syk high praise, with MetalheadCommunity recognizing them as one of the most promising metal acts of the time.
 
Pyramiden received further acclaim when it was included in the ProgSpace Awards 2022 under the category of 'Album of the Year 2022/Extreme Prog Category', alongside esteemed acts like Fallujah, Allegaeon, Cult of Luna, and Conjurer. Unfortunately, soon after the album's release, both Mauro and Dalila had to depart from the band due to personal reasons.

However, syk, known for their sonic evolution, decided to press on. Founding members Stefano and Marcello continued working on their fourth album while actively searching for new members. Alan La Roca joined the band as the bass player, solidifying the lineup, but the search for a drummer remained a challenge. It wasn't until Federico Leone answered their call that the band found their new drummer. With the lineup in place consisting of Stefano Ferrian as the new frontman, guitarist, and main songwriter, Marcello Cravini on guitars, Alan La Roca on bass, and Federico Leone on drums, syk took on a new form.

In early 2023, syk caught the attention of Season Of Mist, who signed them for the release of their fourth album, eartHFlesh. This album not only marks the band's latest offering but also signifies their first decade as a band. With a reinvigorated sound and an intensified sonic progression, syk continues to captivate listeners and solidify their place in the metal scene.

Recording Line-up
Stefano Ferrian - Guitars, Vocals
Marcello Cravini - Guitars, Ambient FX
Alan La Roca - Bass
Federico Leone - Drums

Guest Musicians
Dalila Kayros - Guest Vocals (On 'I Am The Beast', 'I'll Haunt You In Your Dreams', For To Themselves I Left Them' & 'The Passing')

Recording Studio
Fiery Water Recording Studio (Alessandria, Italy)

Producer, Sound, Mixing & Mastering Engineer
Fabrizio Gesuato

Cover Art
Nihil & Leoncio Harmr

Video Production
Directed and Edited by Stefano Ferrian.
Filmed by Ancellotti Silvano & Vittorio Bottini at MF Old School Production.
Performer: StellaDiPlastica.
"Black Angel Wing" & "Demon's Face" artistic installations by Paola Monfrinotti.

Biography
Sébastien Gamez

Photo by © Filippo De Dionigi

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/sykeartHFlesh

Links:
Bandcamp: https://syk-official.bandcamp.com/album/earthflesh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syk_officialband/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mAhDco0hekGonexJ7ZdNG
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwGCWRkavCbr7DanM6W7wvw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/syk.official
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/syk/1589837870
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/album/290956952

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
12" Vinyl Jacket - Black
12" Coloured Vinyl Jacket - Silver
12" Coloured Vinyl Jacket - Crystal Clear & Red Marbled

P.O.D. Announce Headline Spring 2024 Tour

Platinum-selling rock juggernaut P.O.D. — Sonny Sandoval [vocals], Marcos Curiel [guitar], and Traa Daniels [bass] — will release their 11th albumVERITAS, which was deemed one of the most anticipated albums of the year by Revolver, on May 3 via Mascot Records. Pre-order it here.

Today, the band has announced a headline North American tour. Bad Wolves, Norma Jean, and Blind Channel will serve as support. The "I Got That Tour" itinerary includes several festival stops along the way. All dates are below. Get tickets here.

"With all of the love and amazing energy surrounding our new album VERITAS, we couldn't be more excited about hitting the road again and seeing your beautiful faces," says singer Sonny Sandoval. "This album is so special to us and we can't wait to play these new powerful songs and sing out loud with you until the whole world recognizes we're all in this together!"

Guitarist Marcos Curiel concurs, "We consider ourselves very fortunate to be back out on the road again here in the states. It's an honor for us to perform for you all. It's been way too long. We are extremely excited for the new album and the touring cycle that comes with it. We can't wait to see everyone jamming and singing along with us. This is why we do what we do! To reconnect with longtime friends and fans. And to make new ones. Let’s do this."

P.O.D. ON TOUR:
WITH BAD WOLVES, NORMA JEAN, + BLIND CHANNEL:
4/26 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
4/28 — San Diego, CA — House of Blues
4/29 — Santa Ana, CA — Observatory
5/1 — Los Angeles, CA — The Belasco
5/2 — Las Vegas, NV — House of Blues
5/4 — Colorado Springs, CO — Sunshine Studio
5/5 — Wichita, KS — TempleLive
5/9 — Charlotte, NC — Neighborhood Theatre
5/10 — Atlanta, GA — Buckhead Theatre
5/11 — Jacksonville, NC — Hooligans
5/12 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville*
5/16 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple*
5/17 — Reading, PA — Reverb
5/19 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom**
5/21 — Pittsburgh, PA — Preserving Underground
5/23 — Joliet, IL — The Forge
5/24 — Turtle Lake, WI — St. Croix Casino
5/25 — Minneapolis, MN — Uptown Theater
5/26 — Sioux City, IA — Hard Rock Sioux City
5/28 — Lubbock, TX — The Garden
5/29 — Austin, TX — Come & Take It Live
5/30 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
5/31 — San Antonio, TX — Vibes Event Center
6/2 — Dallas, TX — So What! Fest*
*Festival Date
**No Blind Channel

Female-led alt-rock duo LOVELORN DOLLS announces 'Deadtime Stories' album. Preview the new single 'A Heart Cries'

Female-fronted dark goth metal pop duo Lovelorn Dolls presents 'A Heart Cries', previewing their fourth album 'Deadtime Stories', slated for release on May 17 via Alfa Matrix / SPLEEN+, whose catalogue also includes Front 242, Ayria, Recoil, Leather Strip and Alien Vampires.

Hailing from Brussels, Belgium, Lovelorn Dolls is made up of Kristell Lowagie (lyrics, vocals, arrangements) and Bernard Daubresse (music, programming, guitars, production). Purveyors of synth-laced gothic rock, their sound resembles a mix of Theatre of Tragedy, Lacuna Coil and The Birthday Massacre.

Oscillating between industrial uptempo in the chorus and melodic midtempo in the verses, 'A Heart Cries' has hints of Theatre of Tragedy in its very gothic and martial sound.

"A heart cries but whose heart?" asks Kristell about the new single. "This song is dedicated to the hearts of people who sometimes feel so bad that they want to end it. We have all experienced a moment in life when we no longer find meaning, where we wonder what it is for, what we are for and why we are here. And we are in so much pain. Our hearts cry, we don't know whether to survive or die. You have to hang on because life is full of ups and downs."

After taking a 5-year hiatus that saw Kristell transformed into the photographer/visual artist Kristell In Wonderland, exhibiting across Europe, Lovelorn Dolls is back in a big way, inspired by this experience.

On 'Deadtime Stories', the duo embraces a stronger identity – creepy cute ambiance, eerie Tim Burton-esque scenes, guitar-driven sounds, catchy dark melodies, childlike synths, industrial tones, and Kristell’s distinctive voice, all boldly and fully embraced.

The title itself is a cynical play on words, referencing children’s rhymes with a dark twist. Each song delves into themes of death, endings, suicide, broken dreams, loss, and the perilous allure of fame. The artwork cover perfectly encapsulates this, depicting a lonely girl reading in a cemetery fog.

Produced, mixed and mastered by Maxx Maryan, known for his work with cult electro-goth metal duo Helalyn Flowers and IMJUDAS, the album features several guest appearances, including by Dero Goi (ex-vocalst of OOMPH!) in the duet 'Dancing at Your Funeral', which Goi co-wrote and co-produced. American Gothic rapper VVitchboy also appears on the energetic and enchanting track 'Death & Glory'.

Earlier, the band released the single 'Dream World' and, more recently, their 'Beautiful Chaos' EP with its eerie accompanying video. An ode to love stories gone wrong, they still manage to inject some beautiful chaos into our lives. Five bonus remixes roam from minimal EBM to industrial goth and ethereal wave via contributors The Breath of Life, Absynthe of Faith, Audiopyre, Restriction 9 and Antidote for Annie.

'A Heart Cries' and the 'Beautiful Chaos' EP are out now, available from fine digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, . Out May 17, the 'Deadtime Stories' album can be pre-ordered via the label or directly from the artist via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Lyrics & vocals by Kristell Lowagie
Music by Bernard Daubresse
Kristell Lowagie - vocals
Bernard Daubresse – guitars & synths
Additional arrangements, programming and synths by Maxx Maryan Recorded in Brussels and Rome
Produced, mixed and mastered by Maxx Maryan
Released via Alfa Matrix
All artwork, design & illustrations by Kristell Lowagie
Artist photos by Kristell In Wonderland

Keep up with Lovelorn Dolls
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | LinkedIn | Email

LAS VEGAS METALLISTS MADZILLA ISSUE FULL-LENGTH, A DEADLY THREAT, ANNOUNCE SHOWS WITH MAX CAVALERA'S GO AHEAD AND DIE

Officially launching in 2018, Las Vegas based Madzilla LV deliver a hefty mix of melodic, classic thrash-metal, reminiscent of the likes of Megadeth, Metallica and Iron Maiden. And on March 1st, 2024, the band – which is comprised of David Cabezas (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Ian Garcia (Guitar), Daniel Gortaire (Bass/Background Vocals), and Luis Zevallos (Drums) – will issue their full-length album, A Deadly Threat, via Into Records.
 
A Deadly Threat portrays the extremes to which greed can take a power-hungry mind, and its irreparable consequences. Outlining the inevitable clash between insatiable desire and imminent regret, the album presents a short story that describes the journey, which destruction for the sake of power and glory will inescapably lead to. Intertwined with heavy, fast and aggressive riffs, melodic passages, and immersive harmonies, A Deadly Threat encompasses a large canvas of feelings and emotions. 
 
Pre-order here: https://lnk.to/LV1T0C

- Madzilla 'A Deadly Threat will take you on a roller coaster ride! The full album tells a story that will spark every emotion, every feeling, from desire to agony!!
Enjoy and head bang with us!!'

Madzilla will be opening for Go Ahead and Die on their Unhealthy Mechanisms tour in the USA around the time of the release. A complete listing of dates are included below. With a hunger for live music and seeking to transcend their music through all ages, Madzilla has so far presented their ideology to crowds at over 50 live shows, including supporting Soulfly on tour along the USA West Coast in February 2020, performing at the 2021 Warlando Metal Fest (sharing the stage with metal legends Judas Priest, Sabaton, and Soulfly), supporting Saxon on their Seize the Day tour in South America in 2023, and have shared stages in their hometown with great bands like Allegaeon, Texas Hippie Coalition, Crypta, Adema, and more.
 
Get ready, Madzilla is coming!!

UPCOMING TOUR DATES WITH GO AHEAD AND DIE:

• Friday 3/1/24 - Denver, CO - HQ
• Saturday 3/2/24 - Greeley, CO - Moxi Theater
• Tuesday 3/5/24 - Grand Junction, CO - Mesa Theater
• Wednesday 3/6/24 - Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Music Hall
• Thursday 3/7/24 - Boise, ID - Neurolux
• Friday 3/8/24 - Seattle, WA - Substation
• Saturday 3/9/24 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
• Sunday 3/10/24 - Eugene, OR - WOW Hall

"Warfare Within" live in Brazil:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sttqvg7muzk

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
https://www.madzillalvband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MadzillaLV/
https://www.instagram.com/madzillalv/

Sylvaine Releases Title Track Off New EP

On her new EP, Sylvaine traces back to her roots in Norwegian folk music. Eg Er Framand was recorded at the Kampen Church in Oslo, where she performed while studying music in high school.

When Sylvaine first heard the title track, it hit her like no other song had before. Since then, she's shared this song with rapturous audiences everywhere. Today, she's releasing a new recording of "Eg Er Framand" that finds her searching for a higher, lonely power.  

Watch the shadowy and serene visualizer for "Eg Er Framand" below.

Eg Er Framand is out March 22 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/SylvaineEgErFramand
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/egerframand

Kathrine Shepard has grown into a guiding light for post-metal. As Sylvaine, her white-hot tremolo picking can ignite the coldest and blackest of hearts. She plays every instrument on Eg Er Framand, but the title track has no enchanting synths or eerie organ hums. Instead, the EP's emotional centerpiece is solely powered by her otherworldly voice.

Kjaere Herre (Dear being of light)
om eitt eg ber deg (With this I beg of you)
Fylg og lei meg (Take my hand)
fylg og le meg alltid du (Show me the way always you)

Sylvaine holds each note with soft restraint, as if cupped into the palm of her hand, like an offering. Close your eyes and envision her reaching through the trees, into the shadows, as her feet slowly lift off the ground. 

"In the spring of 2023, when I had the idea to base this EP around Norwegian Folk music, I knew this song would be its center piece", Kathrine says. "This song has taken a place deep within my soul. My first meeting with 'Eg Er Framand' truly shook me to my core. Immediately, I knew that I wanted to share this incredibly beautiful piece. I have performed 'Eg Er Framand' on stages all around the world. Very often, I've been met with the exact same intense, emotional response from the audience. I have no idea who wrote this song, but it speaks to the exact same feelings I've spent the last 10 years trying to capture with Sylvaine".  

The visualizer for "Eg Er Framand" was created by William Lacalmontie

Praise for Sylvaine

"Sylvaine's knack for sound placement is impeccable...[her] guitar melodies and voice shine with a brilliant light" - Angry Metal Guy

"Sylvaine is an incredibly mature and ridiculously talented new artist...her music is utterly beautiful, playing on old paradigms but exploiting them in ways that will carry you off to a land that you once thought make-believe" - Metal Injection

"Lush and evocative...bridging dark folk, shoegaze and atmospheric black metal, Sylvaine's widescreen approach to music has always been distinct" - New Noise

"Heavy yet delicate, huge yet intimate" - Ghost Cult

"Everything feels deliberate; every melody, every word, every note feels carefully and lovingly arranged just so" - Nine Circles

The lead single off Eg Er Framand comes from similarly mysterious origins.

The lyrics to "Dagsens Augo Sloknar Ut" were written in 1891 by Elias Blix, a professor-turned-politician, who also wrote hymns. Staying true to the original's delicate, reverent melody, Sylvaine sings in a breathy, elongated whisper that's both haunting and soothing. 

Watch as Kathrine dances across a magnificent tapestry of poetic landscapes in the song's official video, which was directed and produced by William Lacalmontie.

Sylvaine is embarking on her first-ever solo tour this summer. She'll be performing songs from Eg Er Framand on stages across Europe with her new Season of Mist labelmate Eivør. 

"I'm so very excited to be heading out on my first-ever solo tour supporting none other than the wonderfully talented Eivør!", Kathrine says. "I'm honored to be sharing the stage with her and her musicians, and can't wait to showcase my music in a different format. It will be an intimate, emotionally heavy ride. October can't come soon enough!" 

Get tickets at eivor.com

In preparation for their tour together, Eivør and Sylvaine put together a playlist of their favorite songs. Get in the mood with some of the choice cuts off Nova and the soundtracks to The Last Kingdom and God of War Ragnarök. 

Stream:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7k4ImSEttiL9O6gOQ1tmrn

Photo by Helena Aguilar Mayans

Kathrine Shepard, the visionary artist behind the evocative musical project SYLVAINE, weaves an intricate tapestry of emotions through the language of music. A transcendental bridge between worlds, a mesmerizing duality that encapsulates the beautiful and the harsh, light and darkness, serenity and chaos, and the delicate balance between the external world and the inner sanctum of the soul. It is a symphony that harmonizes the human experience with its spiritual origins – a resonance of something beyond the tangible.

Sylvaine’s compositions are a visceral journey through the vast spectrum of emotions that the complexities of the human experience have to offer. They encapsulate the inherent struggle of being an entity in this world, yet not entirely of it. Kathrine’s music serves as a conduit for her innermost feelings, a cathartic expression of the eternal longing that resides within the very core of her melodies.

Akin to a fairytale spun from the threads of Norwegian folklore, a narrative that resonates with the spirits of ancient woods and the whispers of long forgotten creatures. With every ethereal note and haunting melody, she conjures images of untamed forests, of misty clearings inhabited by mystical beings. In this artistry, there is an undeniable sense of transcendence, where listeners are transported beyond the confines of the ordinary into a dreamscape where reality and fantasy converge. A profound sense of wonder and allure creates a unique musical alchemy – with a touch of enchantment that lingers long after the music has ceased.

With four albums and one split-EP released to date, Sylvaine’s ethereal soundscapes have been taken to stages across Europe, North America and South America, leaving audiences mesmerized by the transcendent power of the band’s live performances. Two of these albums have been nominated for the Norwegian Grammy Awards Spellemannprisen in the category of metal. The ability to transport listeners to otherworldly realm through her music is a manifestation of the artistry & profound impact the band can bring.

As Sylvaine prepares to unveil her upcoming EP, Eg Er Framand, she embarks on a deeply introspective and serene journey through the rich tapestry of Norwegian heritage and tradition. Folk tales of old are brought to life in this new chapter of her musical odyssey, offering a glimpse into the depths of her creative spirit and an exploration of the roots that anchor her artistry. A reflection of myths is embraced through exquisite sonic realms.

Line-up
Sylvaine - Vocals, Church Organ, Guitars, Synthesizers & Percussion

Recording Studio
Kampen Kirke

Sound Engineer
Sylvaine

Mixing Engineer
Magnus Lindberg (Magnus Lindberg Productions/VRTKL Audio/Redmount Studio)

Mastering Engineer
Karl Daniel Lidén

Biography:Sébastien Gamez

Cover art & Photography:Helena Aguilar Mayans

Layout & Graphic Design: Dehn Sora

Pre-save:
https://orcd.co/egerframand

Pre-order:
https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/sylvaine-eg-er-framand 

Links:
Official Website: https://www.sylvainemusic.com/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sylvaine/455094955
Bandcamp: https://sylvainemusic.bandcamp.com/music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sylvainemusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylvainemusic/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5C9ocrDvsfSz8qcxG70QEe
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/SylvaineMusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYoMxOgKpnqGrj-impj1wDQ
Last.FM: https://www.last.fm/music/Sylvaine

Booking Contact:
Alexander Obert - alexander@doomstarbookings.com

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Coke Bottle Green

Lowlives Announce New Album "Freaking Out" + Share New Video "Loser"

West coast based raucous rockers LOWLIVES have shared their new single and music video for "Loser." A celebration of love between outcasts, the single comes alongside the announcement of their debut album, Freaking Out, due May 31 via their new label home Spinefarm.

"'Loser' is a love song about a self-proclaimed ‘loser’ who has fallen in love with someone they also see as a misfit outcast like themselves," explains vocalist and guitarist Lee Downer. "Both as awkward and weird as each other just wishing they could be losers together. Musically, it's definitely the most pop song on the record and is an ode to '90s alternative radio."

Watch the music video to "Loser below.

Stream "Loser" here.

Pre-save Freaking Out here.

ABOUT LOWLIVES:
LOWLIVES aren't so much about carefully stoking the embers as pouring on gasoline with merry impetuosity. With vocalist Lee Downer and drummer Luke Johnson joined by guitarist Jaxon Moore and bassist Steve Lucarelli, the nascent band was founded on a shared love of '90s alternative and grunge, and a shared desire to make music once more for little more than the love of doing so. 

"During my time away from music, someone bought a pair of child's ear defenders for my wife and I as a present when we announced we were pregnant," Johnson recalls. "I'd put them away in the cupboard, thinking we'd never need them, that I wouldn’t be playing any shows again. But they became this thing that nagged at me, the feeling that my daughter would never know the original me, for whom music was everything. Over time, those feelings came flooding back, as did the hunger, and the innocence. A massive part of me had been missing, and I wanted to get back to doing something pure and for the sheer love of it. That's what Lowlives is. Whatever happens, happens. Let's just Thelma And Louise this off a cliff."

Debut album Freaking Out, set for release in May 31 via Spinefarm, arrives imbued with that same such spirit. The intervening years have, after all, been above all about nurturing exactly that, first through jam sessions at Luke’s home studio and latterly fledgling adventures on the road. A 2018 tour of the UK, hastily arranged following the cancelation of a high-profile support billing the band were mere hours from embarking upon, was formative in bonding the quartet on and off the stage. Performing to an audience of two before bedding down in a trashed squat will do that to even the most seasoned, tour-hardened souls. "It really did cement who we are and what we're about," Johnson says, laughing at the fond memories of the 13-date fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants trek.

Recorded at Chapel Studios with producer Adrian Bushby, the 10 tracks that arrive under Freaking Out's banner are the scintillating end product of their self-funded two-week stay, where the four musicians would work all day with joyous abandon on fleshing out the sketches of songs with which they arrived, before retiring at night to unwind over cans of cider and the football.

"The experience of being forced into that situation of living and working together brought us even closer together, I feel," nods Downer. "We were able to work collectively in a way we hadn't previously, due to the geography of where we all live in the States."

Downer points to his passion for Nirvana and Alice In Chains shining through on tracks such as "Vertigo" and "Swan Dive," Johnson likewise to his obsession with The Smashing Pumpkins on "You Don’t Care." Fans of early-day Foo Fighters, Bush and Stone Temple Pilots will feel at home between Freaking Out’s sheets; admirers of Billie Joe Armstrong ("Freaking Out"), Matt Skiba ("Damien"), and Rivers Cuomo ("Loser"), likewise. Freaking Out is an unashamed celebration of its influences, and the simple beauty of the coalescence of guitar, bass, drums and vocals. "We're making music that excites us because it's what we want to hear," Johnson says, simply.

But make no mistake: there is depth here, too, deeply ingrained in lyrics that mine fears, anxieties, vulnerabilities, and the existential questions that keep us staring at the ceiling in the early hours. Freaking Out is, above all, the distillation of what LOWLIVES is truly about. It's rock music to make you fall in love with rock music all over again. "I thought by now I'd have the answers / Or the power to save my soul," Downer sings on the impassioned "Closer Than You Know." LOWLIVES might not hold that key, but it's the spark that he and Johnson have been missing in their lives, and looking for all along. Let it in, and you might find it's the same for you, too.

LOWLIVES ARE:
Lee Downer — Vocals/Guitar
Jaxon Moore — Guitar
Steve Lucarelli — Bass
Luke Johnson — Drums

PHOTO CREDIT: Wil Foster