VESTIGE Unveil Total Package on First Single

VESTIGE formed during an intense period of individual turmoil. But after vocalist and guitarist Théodore Rondeau and his old Naraka bandmates Pierre-André Krauzer (bassist) and Quentin Regnault (drums) bonded with guitarist Thomas Petit over a shared love for metal innovators like Alcest and Deftones, together, the four-piece embarked on their own journey toward a modern vision of metal that's both cathartic and crushing.    

Last year, Vestige achieved their first milestone by signing with Season of Mist, even though they had yet to release any music. This year, the band have played several shows in their native France, including a recent date with Celeste. Now, people all over the world can hear the first glimmer of their debut album, Janis, with lead single "Deviens la Nuit".    

"'Deviens La Nuit' catalyzes everything that Vestige represents in a single piece of music", Rondeau says. "Between deep melancholy and the violence of realization, it marks the beginning of the journey that is Janis". 

Watch the colorfully strobing video for "Deviens la Nuit", which was directed by Mathie Ezan (Cult of Luna, Hans Zimmer) Below.

Janis comes out September 6 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & pre-save:
https://orcd.co/vestigejanis

Vestige draw inspiration from modern metal innovators like Alcest and Deftones, but "Deviens la Nuit" encapsulates all the individual pieces that make this band unique. Within the span of 5 minutes, they shift seamlessly from chugging riffs and tortured growls to melodic shoegaze and atmospheric post-metal before closing with a doomy and dissonant, head-banging breakdown. It's here, within this dark night of the soul, that they bring us to the edge of despair so that we can feel what it's like to be born anew.

"Cathartic, gentle, violent but enveloping, 'Deviens La Nuit' is the transformation and realization of the condition in which Theodore composed it", Vestige says. "We hope that this song will invite you to experience this introspective journey with us". 

Théodore Rondeau, the creative initiator behind VESTIGE, embarked on a journey of forming the band during a turbulent phase in his life. Emerged as a creative vessel for a complicated emotional journey, the band transcends the boundaries of individual therapy into a collaborative force that hopefully resonates with the feelings that may be all too common for the human experience.
 

With a profound connection to their craft, VESTIGE pour their souls into their debut album, infusing it with a captivating blend of melancholy, desperation, and catharsis. The music serves not only as an expression of their turmoil, but as a conduit for listeners to navigate the complexities of their own emotions. Through this process, VESTIGEbecomes a project with the potential to connect with people on a profound level, forging a collective experience through the universal language of music.
 

The formation of VESTIGE’s lineup reads like a musical destiny unfolding: Pierre-André Krauzer on the bass, Quentin Regnault on drums, and Théodore on vocals and guitar. They first crossed paths during their tenure in Naraka, a band that shared stages with icons like Cradle of Filth and Alcest. This initial connection laid the groundwork for the formation of the band. Not long after, the addition of Thomas Petit on the second guitar solidified the lineup, bringing a sense of completeness to the ensemble. The band’s sonic identity now established; VESTIGE was ready to share this experience with the world.
 

The signing with Season of Mist brings the band’s first milestone, allowing VESTIGE to share their journey in the form of their debut album, Janis. Poised for release in late 2024, the album is a culmination of their collective efforts and a statement of the band’s arrival in the heavy music scene. Weaving through atmospheric shoegaze textures, melodic landscapes and intense, tormented moments that reflects the emotional spectrum of the human experience, the band established a foothold into the genre of modern metal.
 

Beyond the studio, VESTIGE is gearing up for a series of live performance in 2024, setting the stage for an introspective musical experience that brings raw and authentic energy. A cathartic release that pulls in the listener into the emotional depths the band has to bring.

Line-up
Théodore Rondeau - Vocals, Guitar
Pierre-André Krauzer - Bass
Quentin Regnault - Drums
Thomas Petit - Guitar

Recording Studio
Théodore’s Home Studio, and Quentin's Home Studio (For Drums)

Production Credits
Mixed by Geoffrey Bonnifet at his Home Studio
Mastered by Acle Khaney at 4D Sounds, Oxfordshire, UK

Biography
Sébastien Gamez

Cover Art
Kilian d’Angelo & Justine Dorin

Photography & Video Production
Mathieu Ezan


Pre-save & Pre-order: https://orcd.co/vestigejanis

Follow Vestige:
https://linktr.ee/vestigemusic

Booking Contact:
Thomas Petit - thomas@tourvie.fr

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
2x12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Gold

Brooklyn electronic artist Pas Musique releases 'Too Civilized' single, subverting our understanding of progress

"A glitchy and eerie trip... an adventurous sonic thread, the electronic maestros we know as Pas Musique weave an instrumental path inspired by pioneers such as Zoviet France and NEU!" The Spill Magazine

"Fans of 1980s electronic music will recognise the influences: early monophonic synths that spit out jarring sawtooth and creamy muted wave forms in equal proportion, as well as the one-note crunchy handclaps, tinny electronic hi-hats and thudding beat repetition to infinity" ~ Joyzine

"Pas Musique recall an industrial that once was, such cacophonous and ominously bustling sounds from the likes of Throbbing Gristle, Zoviet France, or more modern wreckers of civilization like the Belgian duo Silk Saw" ~ PopMatters

"Constantly pushing the boundaries of electronic music... Like neurons firing impulses on all cylinders contrasted by lightly biting buzzsaw nicks, much electro-knob-twiddling and a menacing sonic undercurrent" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"An appealing if appropriately bizarre flow to everything... effective sound art" ~ Scene Point Blank


Brooklyn-based experimental electronic artist Pas Musique presents the single 'Too Civilized', previewing his new full-length album 'Come Follow Me', out on July 16 via NYC-based label Alrealon Musique. This song blasts the myth of progress, implying that the shiny veneer of progress is actually masking a society and systems that have been degraded - a regression of our own making.

Influenced by such artists as Faust, Coil, Zoviet France and NEU, Pas Musique was launched in 1995 Brooklyn as a solo abstract-sound project of founder Robert L. Pepper, having since evolved through different lineups and variations of experimental electronic iterations.

The 'Come Follow Me' album pays tribute to the late Frank Tovey a.k.a. Fad Gadget, one of Pepper's top musical influences. These 80's synthpop-inspired compositions with a touch of modern noise and lyrics that are inspired by metaphysical and philosophical themes, interlaced with abstract vocalizations. These seven new experimental electronic krautrock-influenced tracks were previewed by the title track.

"“Too Civilized” is a concept in regard to how the human civilization tricks itself into thinking that we are perfect and we have all of the solutions. We choose not to see the consequences of our actions when it comes to technology, thinking and so called “progress”.  Before technologies and ideologies are put in place, we need to sort out the downsides of these concepts and make them the best that we can. Often it seems like we push out these concepts for money and power without sorting out the bad parts," says Robert L. Pepper.

The new album follows up 2023's 'Shaman' album and 2021's 'Amateur Radio', when Pas Musique was a four-piece consisting of Jon V Worthley, Michael Durek, Jesse Fairbairn and Robert L. Pepper. While still involved with live performances (and other recordings currently in the works, it is solely Pepper involved in the new album.

"This is the first album where I added vocals and not solely vocalizations. It's a balance of the commercial and the strange. It is a tribute to the pop-industrial project Fad Gadget so I tried to keep my experimental edge and add in some pop elements. I never thought I would be trying something like this. But if you know Pas Musique's history, we change periodically with different styles. I like to keep the sound fresh and challenge the project sonically," says Robert L. Pepper.

"It started with a concept of "Could I make an album with vocals, while dipping into a pop edge?" So I wrote sequences that use some 80's sounding synth sounds in the style of Fad Gadget. Then the vocals just came to me. 'Come Follow Me' was the first track that materialized and then the workflow began. Tracks just evolve naturally."

Since emerging on the music scene 29 years ago, Pas Musique has pursued musical elements of electronic and experimental music with krautrock undertones. Pas Musique has collaborated with many great musicians, including Faust, Rapoon, ZEV, Philippe Petit, HATI, Chester Hawkins, Jim Tuite, and many more. Pas Musique has performed in 18 countries and throughout the United States. Pas Music is also currently working with Robin Storey of Rapoon on other completely avant, experimental, improvisational compositions.

As of June 10, the 'Too Civilized' single will be released everywhere digitally, including SpotifyApple Music and Bandcamp. The full album by the same name is out on July 12 via Alrealon Musique. Available on CD and digitally, it is already available for pre-order via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written and performed by Robert L. Pepper
Recorded, mixed, mastered & produced by Pas Musique
Cover artwork and photography by Pas Musique
Released by Alrealon Musique
Catalog Number: ALRN145
Video created by Pas Musique
Film footage by Anrrea Dune, Anthony Donovan, Audrey Dégez, Black Saturn, Brandstifter, Cristobal Eme, Damien Olsen, Dan Gitlin, Daniel McKleinfeld, El Santo del Rock, Jim Tuite, Jon Worthley, Katrin Rätte, Ken Beckford, Kensaku Nishizato, Kurt Schamann, Lazaro LaVista, Linda Ganus, Marc Edwards, Meeky, Rute Ventura, Shaun Sandor, Susannah Gilley Nishizato, Thomas Boettner (Straight Panic) & William Kurtis Chang (張光偉)

Keep up with Pas Musique
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact
 
Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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SETH Mount Insurrection on New Single

In the shadow-clad heart of a forsaken world, Seth smolder with rebellion against the oppressive night. The historic French black metal band are issuing a new declaration of war with their upcoming eighth album, La France des maudits.

Today, Seth are releasing the third single from La France des maudits. "Insurrection" is a hymn of the damned that heralds the dawn of a new era, where the chains of servitude are shattered and the throbbing heart of revolution is laid bare.    

Watch the visualizer for "Insurrection" Below.

La France des Maudits is out on Bastille Day, July 14, via Season of Mist.

Pre-order & pre-save: https://orcd.co/sethlafrancesdesmaudits

"Insurrection" is a blackened tome carved from the anguished wrath of exile. On their new single, Seth speak for pariahs, the decried and those heretics who are cast out from the grace of a callous heaven. It's an ode to liberty, equality and truth. The frenetic riffs are a defiant thrust against the overseer, each crashing cymbal a challenge to the throne of an absent deity.

"Le Diable st avec nous" St. Vincent cries, cutting through the treacherous but triumphant melodies with the same cold and unforgiving reserve as the steel that once severed crowns. 

In the solemn shadows of a lyrically resurrected Paris, where the whispers of revolution still haunt the cobblestones and the phantom caress of the guillotine's blade lingers in the air, stands a band – not merely of musicians, but of modern Marats, Robespierres in leather and lace, anointed with the spirit of insurrection. SETH, the harbingers of a dark yet fervidly awaited dawn, are poised once more to unleash a tempest upon the sanctified silence of the contemporary music scene with their newest auditory uprising, La France des Maudits.

The history of black metal formation SETH and Season of Mist spans back to the early days of the French metal scene. The band’s debut Les Blessures de L’Ame (1998) was one of the first releases on the label. This album is now regarded as a cornerstone in French black metal, pioneering the usage of their native tongue on a black metal record.

The release of Les Blessures de L’Ame quickly gained international attention and SETH built a solid fanbase. The French blasphemers signed a two-release deal with Osmose Productions and participated on the MAYHEM cult tribute album Originators of the Northern Darknessalongside IMMORTAL and BEHEMOTH. The second full-length The Excellence came out in 2000 and featured a contribution from none other than Fenriz (DARKTHRONE), who wrote the lyrics for the song Let Me Be The Salt In Your Wound.

Shortly after, the group recorded their third album Divine-X (2002) at the Excess Studios in Rotterdam (EPICA, AFTER FOREVER, SINISTER). This record demonstrated the ability of the band to mix gloomy and violent atmospheres and received extensive coverage from the international metal press at the time.

Returning to the Netherlands to record the fourth album Era-Decay(2004), two new members joined the ranks of SETH: vocalist Black Messiah and guitarist Cyriex. Afterwards, the band was invited to play at the prestigious Inferno festival in Norway in 2005.

A long hiatus followed, until the band returned in 2011 to play an exclusive show in Germany with the German cult act BETHLEHEM. The band re-joined the ranks of Season of Mist, eventually releasing The Howling Spirit (2013) and embarking on a European tour with PESTILENCE. Several appearances at major festivals followed, including Hellfest and Graspop Metal Meeting, concluded by a Canadian headliner tour with new vocalist Saint Vincent (BLACKLODGE).

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Les Blessures de L’Ame in 2018, SETH exclusively performed the entire album at festivals in Switzerland, Canada (Messe de Morts) and Belgium (Thronefest). The French label Les Acteurs de l’Ombre productions released a live recording of these shows, called 20 ans de Blasphème. The band’s new line-up features members of LOUDBLAST, ARKHON INFAUSTUS and MELTED SPACE.

In the twilight year of 2021, within Paris' shadow-ridden crypt, Studio Sainte Marthe, an album was birthed from SETH's tumultuous revelation, christened, La Morsure du Christ. Earning plaudits of wonder, it was no mere collection of hymns, but a solitary harbinger of deconstruction, a cataclysm of unseen proportions. Inspiration seeped from Notre-Dame de Paris—her skeletal frame ablaze in a 2019's firestorm—an emblem of decaying faith for a godforsaken era. As heavy as the iron heart of a guillotine, La Morsure du Christ echoed through the chambers of 2021, reigning supreme in a multitude of international & French metal charts, as well as its inclusion on premier streaming platform playlists. Bold symphonies interwoven with razor-sharp lyricism and a sophisticated conceptual resonance that dared to envision black metal through a revolutionary lens.

Rooted deeply in the soil that once drank deeply of royal and commoner blood alike during the tumultuous fervour of the French Revolution, SETH presents their latest opus - a black metal gospel according to the damned and the outcast. An intricate tapestry of shadows and defiance emerges from the darkness of history's recesses, swirling with the mists of apocalyptic visions and the ashes of fallen angels. La France des Maudits is a declaration of war, a call to arms for the souls still smouldering beneath the veneer of a world too long gripped in the cold hands of a moribund orthodoxy.

With the fractured bones of dead gods beneath their boots, SETHvoyages through the forbidden and the occult, tracing the lines of ancient prophecies and the decadent whispers of La Grande Catin Écarlate, the scarlet woman of the apocalypse. Their songs, from Paris des Maléfices to Insurrection, resonate with the echoes of a Paris besieged not by armies, but by souls clamouring for liberation - a city where each stone tells a tale of defiance, where every shadow harbours the spirit of revolt.

Lyrically, La France des Maudits is dripping with the wine of condemned men and the blood of saints, narrating the epic saga of rebellion from the ashes of a fallen Notre-Dame. This is not the Paris of light, but of enlightening darkness, where the façades of grandeur crumble to reveal the raw flesh of true humanity, writhing in its eternal struggle against divine oppression. Here, in the very heart of darkness, SETH finds its muse among the cacophony of broken chains and shattered dogmas.

Prepare to march beneath the banner unfurled by SETH, in the grand tradition of those unyielding souls who once stormed the Bastille and dared to dream of a world remade. La France des Maudits beckons - not to the gallows, but to glory.

Line-up
Saint Vincent - Vocals (Blacklodge)
Heimoth - Guitar (Sinsaenum)
Drakhian - Guitar (ex-Loudblast, Griffar)
Pierre Le Pape - Keys (Melted Space)
EsX - Bass (Arkhon Infaustus, ex-Merrimack)
Alsvid - Drums (ex-Enthroned, ex-Ad Patres)

Recording Studio
Sainte Marthe Studio

Production Credits
Mixed, produced & mastered by Francis Caste

Biography
Sébastien Gamez

Cover Art
Andy Julia (Photography)

Stream & Order: 
https://orcd.co/sethlafrancesdesmaudits

Links/Follow Artist
Official Website: https://www.innomineseth.fr/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/innomineseth
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sethblackmetal
Bandcamp: http://innomineseth.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0mZohnzbCiVv54VIEA6Wb7
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/artist/56150
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/seth/1643927366
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/InNomineSethOfficial
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/innomineseth

Available Formats
Digital Download
CD Digipak
Limited CD Clamshell Box
12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Gold
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Blue & Black Marbled
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Red, White & Black Marbled
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Crystal Clear
12" Liquid-Filled Vinyl Gatefold - Bood Red Liquid
Cassette

Black Lava's Legend Grows on New Single

"Familiar yet undeniably creative, heavy and a clear statement in the darkness of music" - Metal Roos

"Practically forces you to headbang" - Metal Injection

"One of the more impressive debuts of recent years" - Distorted Sound

Like any good sorcerer, Black Lava cast a wicked array of spells. On their new album, this blackened band of Aussies swirl together howling old-school death metal, eerie melodic dissonance, technical wizardry and sludgy grooves into haunting fantasies. Today, they're releasing the third single off The Savage Winds to Wisdom, which is bound to stand as another crushing pillar in the band's growing legend. 

Listen to "Dark Legacy" below

The Savage Winds to Wisdom comes out July 12, 2024 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Stream: https://orcd.co/blacklavathesavagewindstowisdom

Heading into The Savage Winds to Wisdom, Black Lava were hellbent on tapping deeper into the medieval witchcraft that they conjured on their debut album. "Our first time in the studio, we were dealing with all these frustrations that had boiled up during the pandemic", says Dan Presland, who's nimble pounding on the drum kit has helped shape Vipassi, A Million Dead Birds Laughing and Ne Obliviscaris. "That anger led to more of a bang-bang, punk rock approach. This time around, we took more time on the songwriting with the hope of conjuring a deeper and darker sense of atmosphere".

Black Lava got their wish. "Dark Legacy" leaves even the most ghoulish of metal heads shivering in its wake. Presland slithers between hissing cymbals as Hadal Maw guitarist Ben Boyle rips through the long black night with a sustained roar of reverb, like an angry giant that's been disturbed from its cave. "I have walked / I have seen", Rob Watkins waxes and wanes, so drunk on witches' brew that he's begging for death's cold embrace.  

"There was greater care taken with the compositions on The Savage Winds to Wisdom, while still staying true to what we set out to do with Black Lava", Boyle says. "Create catchy, anthemic tunes that are heavy-but-energetic and give a sense of power to the listener". 

While it's not short on dread-inducing ambience, "Dark Legacy" cuts all the way to the bone. After some stormy feedback, the song opens with a riff that comes cracking down like a bolt of lightning. When Watkins summons his death growl for a dance with the grim reaper, it cuts straight through the iciest of heart. 

"We sharpened our tools on this album", Black Lava says. "The Savage Winds to Wisdom is a step up in all aspects. We went a little more dark and brutal and that's exactly where we want to take our music".

Not even the most stifling period in recent history could contain Black Lava. Despite being kept under strict lockdown during the pandemic, these Aussies were just stewing together, waiting to erupt. Now, only two years removed from their smoldering debut, the band are roaring back with even more mythical firepower on The Savage Winds to Wisdom.  

“Our second album is a step up from the first in all aspects”, drummer Dan Presland says. “We took more time on the songwriting. The Savage Winds to Wisdom shows exactly where we want to take our music”.  

Though possessed by an ancient and mysterious alchemy, Black Lava formed with the ease of a natural spring. Over the past decade, all four members have crossed paths around the various corners of Melbourne’s metal underground. On top of their progressive all-instrumental vision quests in Vipassi, Presland also drums alongside Hadal Maw guitarist Ben Boyle in the grinding, tech-death, underground curiosity A Million Dead Birds Laughing. But when the two got together to blow off steam amidst quarantine at Presland’s newly minted home studio, they were pleasantly surprised by the darkness that swept over these jam sessions.   

“Both of us were dealing with a lot of pent-up frustrations”, Presland remembers. A few weeks before, his flight home from America (where he was supposed to track the drums for Ne Obliviscaris’ fourth album Exul) touched down hours before Australia closed its borders. “But that anger, coupled with our need to keep creating, led us in a different direction”.

Progressive metal was still a clear undercurrent, but the songs that came spewing out were unusually heavy. Death and black metal held more sway, though sludgy rock n’ roll also found its way into the mix. Such a peculiar range of influences required a vocalist with a very particular set of pipes. Fortunately, Rob Watkins jumped at the opportunity to reunite with Presland, who was the drummer in their thrash band Metalstorm. With Watkins’ Blackhelm bassist Tim Anderson added to the fold, Black Lava burst onto the scene in 2022 with their smoldering debut.    

Soul Furnace more than lives up to those lofty expectations”, Distorted Sound hailed, “proving to not only be a late contender for album of the year, but also one of the more impressive debut albums of recent years”.  

Black Lava wasted no time in keeping the juices flowing. The band was already hard at work on their second album while the first one was hot on the shelves. The Savage Winds to Wisdom stirs from the same cauldron of influences. Lead single “Ironclad Sarcophagus” echoes from the crypt with eerie countermelodies and a rhythm section that’s more bewitching than a spell book.  

“I pictured this ancient wizard sending out evil vibes into the world in hopes of tricking someone into opening his coffin”, Watkins says. “When writing lyrics, I try and stay true to the spirit of metal. But really, I’m just channeling how the music makes me feel”.  

If Soul Furnace was like stumbling upon the entrance to an ancient cave, then The Savage Winds to Wisdom is a fiery, full-blown descent into the belly of the beast. “Dark  Legacy” rings through the long black night with one sustained roar of a guitar roar, like an angry, one-eyed ogre. But while the songs came quickly, with Presland and Boyle carving out monstrous riffs and scaly grooves for Watkins to splatter his medieval fantasies, Black Lava took their time with this album. It's not until nearly three minutes into the opening number, after “Colour of Death” has boiled to a full headbang, that the first of its many horns-up roars is unleashed.    

“There was greater care taken with compositions on The Savage Winds to Wisdom”, Boyle says. “There’s more depth and layering to the riffs and melodies. Calling on a more broad list of inspirations and tones, the album has a real sense of balance, a certain quality that will lend itself to repeat listens and attention to detail, while still staying true to what Black Lava set out to do; create heavy, yet energetic and catchy anthemic tunes that tell a story and emanate a sense of atmosphere and power for the listener.”

True to its name, The Savage Winds to Wisdom swirls within a deeper and darker sense of atmosphere. Whereas before their bang-bang approach to songwriting resembled something closer to a punk rock band, this time around, Black Lava concentrated more on atmosphere. “Unsheathing Nightmares” reveals its root source of terror in careful layers, mutating from raw black metal and razor-sharp tech-death into a rainy, ambient  hellscape. “That’s one of the songs that really excited me”, says Watkins, who calls upon a coven of witches by digging into the slimier depths of his baritone.  

The title track is big enough to stand alone as its own self-contained world. Winding  over the course of seven eventful minutes, it’s the longest and perhaps most ambitious song in Black Lava’s musical geology. Blast beats pound like hail beneath waves of distortion that crash with the force of a monsoon. “The silents of fate” Watkins reckons, like a sea captain stranded among the wreckage.  “The thousand winds swirl the soul”. Swept up by a screeching solo from special guest Ben Baret (Ne Obliviscaris), the song whirls into an unstoppable force, a torrential finale that brings this album to a truly epic conclusion.     

“We sharpened our tools with this album”, the band says. “We went a little more brutal and that sets the tone for where we’ll head in the future.  

On The Savage Winds to Wisdom, Black Lava conduct a perfect storm.       

Recording line-up 
Dan Presland (drums) 
Ben Boyle (guitar) 
Ben Boyle (bass) 
Rob Watkins (vocals) 

Guest musician
Benjamin Baret (Ne Obliviscaris, Vipassi) plays the guitar solo on "The Savage Winds to Wisdom". 

Live line-up 
Dan Preslans (drums 
Ben Boyle (guitar) 
Nick Rackham (bass) 
Rob Watkins (vocals)

Recording studio 
Bushido Studios in Melbourne, Australia

Producer and sound engineer
Troy Mccosker

Mastering, mixing and engineering 
Studio Fredman and Fredrick Nordstrom

Cover art
Paolo Girardi

Pre-order & Stream: https://orcd.co/blacklavathesavagewindstowisdom

Follow Black Lava 
https://www.facebook.com/BLACKLAVA00
https://www.instagram.com/blacklava.aus/
https://blacklava-aus.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1KnUaYbFhPHqEgEvySQYxw?si=IboyCWpOTa2e4fqiUfG2XQ

Available Formats
Digital Download
CD Digipack
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
12" Colored Vinyl Gatefold (Gold with Silver Splatters)

MC5 Announce New Album "Heavy Lifting" + Share New Track "Boys Who Play With Matches" — LISTEN❗

EARMUSIC TO RELEASE FIRST NEW ALBUM IN 53 YEARS FROM LEGENDARY DETROIT PUNK ROCK PIONEERS MC5

HEAVY LIFTING IS DUE OUT OCTOBER 18 IN ADVANCE OF ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

DEBUT TRACK & VISUALIZER FOR "BOYS WHO PLAY WITH MATCHES" OUT DIGITALLY TODAY 

"The MC5 represents a kind of uncompromising vision of the future and that is eternal…the flame keeps burning on." – Wayne Kramer

Led by founding member Wayne Kramer and recorded with iconic producer Bob Ezrin (Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, Kiss), the album features original MC5 drummer Dennis 'Machine Gun' Thompson on two tracks along with special guests including Slash, Tom Morello, William DuVall (Alice in Chains), Vernon Reid (Living Colour), Don Was, and Tim McIlrath (Rise Against).

STREAM + DOWNLOAD THE NEW SONG HERE

WATCH VISUALIZER BELLOW.

Emerging from the gritty streets of Detroit in the mid-60s, MC5 revolutionized rock 'n' roll with their blistering fusion of garage rock, blues, soul, free jazz, and proto-punk. Infamous for incendiary live performances and a radical left-wing stance, their status as pioneers of punk and protest rock has inspired many musicians like Ramones, The Clash, Rage Against The Machine, The White Stripes, Slash, and countless others and continues to shape the sound of punk and alternative rock for generations to come.

earMUSIC will release the first new music from MC5 in 50+ years (following 1971's High Time) with the album HEAVY LIFTING due October 18 — one day prior to the band's induction into 2024's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when they will receive the "Musical Excellence Award."

HEAVY LIFTING features guitar and vocals by founding MC5 member Wayne Kramer, who also co-wrote 12 of the album's 13 songs together with Oakland singer/songwriter Brad Brooks. Prolific for five decades, Kramer was the last remaining active member of MC5. He passed away suddenly in February, followed by the death of drummer Dennis "Machine Gun" Thompson in May. It is Thompson's final studio recording.

The album's debut track "Boys Who Play with Matches" is out digitally today.

Stream + download it HERE.

In an interview with UNCUT in November 2023, Kramer discussed the album and said: "Live long and stay creative. This is my attitude. And this album continues from where High Time left off. In that, I think it's an artist's responsibility to reflect the times they're going through. And I think that we made an album that is in sync with where we're at today and the challenges that we're facing, and that carries a positive message."

HEAVY LIFTING was recorded with iconic producer Bob Ezrin (Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, KISS) and features an all-star lineup of Kramer's friends and musical colleagues including Slash, Tom Morello, William DuVall (Alice in Chains), Vernon Reid (Living Colour), Don Was, and Tim McIlrath (Rise Against), allowing for a collaborative effort that bridges the gap between generations of musicians inspired by MC5’s fearless approach to music and activism. The breadth of MC5's impact can be heard by all the album’s players, including Vicki Randle (Aretha Franklin), Stevie Salas (Parliament Funkadelic, Rod Stewart), Abe Laboriel Jr. (Paul McCartney), Winston Watson Jr. (Bob Dylan), and Joe Berry (M83). Far more than a trip down memory lane, HEAVY LIFTING is a resounding affirmation that the spirit of punk endures.

"It's very heavy," Ezrin reports on HEAVY LIFTING. "It has a revolutionary message but also a good sense of humor. There's a little bit of heavy metal. There's quite a bit of funk. But it is a heavy record, and it's a guitar record left, right and center. Just a wall of guitars most of the time, and mostly driven by Wayne and his ethos. It's a snapshot of a guitar man at the height of his powers. We all feel a responsibility to make sure that his work is heard, and he is celebrated. We poured our hearts into the project."

In addition to the 13-track album, a 2CD + 2LP bonus disc will be released including previously unreleased live recordings from the MC50 tour in 2018 celebrating the 50th anniversary of MC5’s revered 1969 debut album, Kick Out the Jams, which features classic anthems like "Kick Out the Jams" and "Ramblin' Rose." Alongside Kramer, the MC50 live band features Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil, Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty, Faith No More's bassist Billy Gould, and frontman Marcus Durant (Zen Guerrilla), with a special guest appearance by Mark Arm (Mudhoney). See the full track listing below.
 
Pre-order HEAVY LIFTING on CD, vinyl and digital download, in addition to bonus 2CD and bonus 2LP, HERE

FORMATS:
CD (Digisleeve)
LP (black, 180g, Gtf.)
Ltd. Arctic Pearl LP (180g, Gtf.)
2CD (Digisleeve)
2LP (black, 180g, Gtf.)

HAMMERFALL - release video for new single ´The End Justifies´

Heavy metal titans HAMMERFALL are thrilled to announce the release of their electrifying new single, ´The End Justifies.´ 
This classic HAMMERFALL anthem is the second single from their highly anticipated upcoming album, Avenge The Fallen, set to be released on August 9th through Nuclear Blast Records.

´The End Justifies´ captures the essence of HAMMERFALL's signature sound, combining powerful riffs, soaring vocals, and a relentless rhythm that fans have come to love. The accompanying video, filmed in the band's rehearsal studio, brings an intense visual experience that matches the song's driving energy. Fast-paced camera movements and raw, unfiltered footage showcase the band's passion and dedication, creating an immersive experience for viewers.

Watch the video Below.

Listen to the song on all platforms: https://hammerfall.bfan.link/TEJ.ema 

Pre-order the album here: https://hammerfall.bfan.link/avenge-the-fallen.ema

Line-up:
Joacim Cans - vocals
Oscar Dronjak - guitar
Fredrik Larsson  - bass
Pontus Norgen - guitar
David Wallin – drums

HOMEPAGE: LINK
FACEBOOK: LINK
INSTAGRAM: LINK
TWITTER: N/A

Alleviate Announce"DMNS" + Share "Alive"

Following the excitement around their previous singles, which cumulatively amassed over 2.5 million plays on Spotify, ALLEVIATE return with their latest single "Alive" and announce their debut album DMNS, set for release on August 23 via Arising Empire

Watch the visualizer Below. Stream the track here.

"Alive" takes listeners on an intense journey of resilience and rebirth, featuring powerful lyrics, and a dynamic performance. The track showcases the band's ability to fuse crushing heaviness with melodic depth, making it a standout piece in their growing discography. "Alive" is a pointed statement of Alleviate's artistic evolution and sets the stage for DMNS.

 Pre-order DMNS as CD, limited colored vinyl, together with unqiue merch options at the Arising Empire Online Shop.

Upon dropping "Die For Me," ALLEVIATE  quickly gained fans from all over the world. Famous internet reactors like Nik Nocturnal and Too Lit Mafia were all about their powerful and catchy sound, as the group combines technical riffs, heavy breakdowns, and catchy hooks that get stuck in your head for hours at a time.

ALLEVIATE stand for strength that's hidden deep inside us all. The band is comprised of accomplished musicians from five different bands in different genres of metal music. Formed in 2020 with the launch of "Die For Me," the band combines the best of technical metalcore, deathcore, djent, and post-hardcore in one powerful and beautiful style. Riffs, breakdowns, deathcore vocals, and catchy choruses are how ALLEVIATE stand out from the crowd. The members have proven themselves numerous times in previous and current bands. They've played hundreds of shows and are experienced live performers. As soon as the world returns to normal, they will take the stage as ALLEVIATE. The band's name itself represents what it stands for — giving hope and spreading a positive message into the world.

ALLEVIATE ARE:
Timo — Clean Vocals (Our Mirage)
Marius — Shouts (Breakdowns at Tiffany's)
Ramon — Guitar (The Evolutionist)
Marc — Guitar (We Are Perspectives)
Yunus — Drums (Time, The Valuator)

BLEED FROM WITHIN - Release Video For 'Hands Of Sin'

A brand-new BLEED FROM WITHIN anthem is out today, 'Hands Of Sin'. Two years on from the release of their last album, the critically lauded Shrine. This monumental new single arrives just in time for the band's intense summer of European festival shows and teases what is next during their Winter across European arenas as special guest support to Slipknot.

Watch the video for 'Hands Of Sin' Below.

Stream 'Hands Of Sin' on all platforms now at: https://bleedfromwithin.bfan.link/hands-of-sin.ema

Ali Richardson comments: “Hands Of Sin marks a new chapter for Bleed From Within. We’ve worked incredibly hard on this material and pushed ourselves as songwriters. The result is one of the best songs we’ve ever written and we’re incredibly proud to share it with the world. Can not wait to play this on the festival stages this Summer. Play it loud!”

Bleed From Within racked up some impressive tour dates last year, including the Lamb Of God Headbangers Boat cruise, following on from a colossal summer run that took in both headline shows, performances with Heaven Shall Burn, and festival appearances at the likes of Brutal Assault (Czech Republic), Summer Breeze (Germany) and Alcatraz (Belgium), finishing up with a 13-date tour supporting Trivium across the UK. This was all on top of a hugely successful debut American tour earlier in the year with August Burns Red and The Devil Wears Prada

In November of last year Bleed From Within released the Shrine Deluxe Edition. Their stunning latest studio album Shrine was released in the summer of 2022, marking the band's most groundbreaking work to date and staking out Bleed From Within's bold intent. The Scottish 5-piece claiming their position as the most exciting prospect in modern metal.

Stream/order the Shrine Deluxe Editionhttps://bleedfromwithin.bfan.link/shrine-deluxe.ema
Watch the 'Overthrone' lyric video: https://youtu.be/BfauvGS5FaU 
Watch the visualizer for 'The Will to Resist': https://youtu.be/YqKPB4bvyL8

Steven Jones from the band stated,
''Upon releasing 'Shrine' in June 2022, it's safe to say that none of us expected what the following months would bring. It's been a hell of a year, with our most rigorous touring schedule yet putting us in places we've dreamed of since we started the band. This era of Bleed From Within is something we have worked so hard toward, and in this moment we are extremely grateful to all those who have made it possible. To all of our fans who fill the rooms and sing the words, to the team behind the scenes who keep the cogs moving on tour, in the studio, and everywhere between, and to the creative minds that help us bring our music to life - thank you. 17 months since its original release, we are so proud to now present this limited and deluxe edition of 'Shrine', featuring all of the songs that were recorded during the sessions. Here's to the months and years ahead!''

More from Shrine:
'Temple Of Lunacy' visualizer: https://youtu.be/dB4arT5XN_Y
Flesh And Stone' official music video: https://youtu.be/NF6tw5XQFSM
'Stand Down' official music video: https://youtu.be/kJDMOvGYVqE
'Levitate' official music video: https://youtu.be/BGKS3mW2XPM
'I Am Damnation' official music video: https://youtu.be/swF5fiPdONo
'Killing Time' official music video: https://youtu.be/390LnQOz3MY

Bleed From Within have been to hell and back, but they are no strangers to enduring hardship. When a global pandemic threatened to shut down their plans, the Glaswegians collectively raised five middle fingers and pressed on. It’s no surprise that this unstoppable riff machine continues to crush forward at such a frantic pace – there's no putting the breaks on the heaviest band to ever emerge from Scotland.

The band’s reputation as one of the most formidable forces in modern metal has earned them tour slots with MegadethLamb Of GodTestament, and Heaven Shall Burn, to name just a few. The last few years has seen them dominate the UK live scene and take Europe and America by storm.

Shrine has taken the most graft to put together of any record in their catalog, challenging their self-perception on both personal and technical levels - the culmination of two years of hard work that embodies their artistic might. Armed with the learnings of evolving their sound over the last decade without ever losing sight of their DIY roots, this is Bleed From Within at their very best. There’s no denying the band’s inevitable next steps are world domination, with Shrine a turning point moment.

Bleed From Within are:
Scott Kennedy - Vocals
Craig Gowans - Lead Guitar
Steven Jones - Rhythm Guitar & Vocals
David Provan - Bass
Ali Richardson - Drums 

RYAN AND RORY TO BE THE NEXT “HIGHWAY FIND” FOR SIRIUSXM’S THE HIGHWAY

Today, Country music duo Ryan and Rory were revealed to be the next “Highway Find” for SiriusXM’s The Highway (ch. 56).

 

The Highway’s host, Buzz Brainard, surprised the duo during their appearance at the SiriusXM The Highway’s Music Row Happy Hour this afternoon with the good news.

 

Comprised of Ryan Follesé - a Nashville native, 2X PLATINUM #1 hit singer-songwriter and American Music Award winner - and Rory John Zak - a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter from Raleigh, North Carolina, who has played over 300 shows per year since he was 17- Ryan and Rory join the ranks of previous “Highway Finds” such as Luke Combs, Gabby Barrett, Parker McCollum, among others.

 

The duo just released their first taste of music with the buzzy party starter “Pour Decisions.” A nod to the universal heartache band-aid, the lively, summer smash launches their highly anticipated self-titled debut EP, coming July 26. Opening for Sam Hunt this summer, Ryan co-wrote all six tracks on the project, with Rory adding his masterful instrumentals and expertly smooth harmonies to Ryan’s robust lead vocals. Kickstarting their catalog with a vivacious, summer anthem, the EP embodies that vibrant, wide-open spirit, while also showcasing their depth as an artist with bright imagery, buoyant lyricism and soul-stirring ballads. 

 

Pre-Order/Pre-Save/Pre-Add
 the Duo’s Self-Titled Debut EP HERE

Photo ID (L-R): Rory John Zak, Buzz Brainard, Ryan Follesé

KEEP UP WITH RYAN AND RORY
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Beauty In Chaos presents 'Diving For Pearls' ft. Wayne Hussey & Cinthya Hussey, previewing new album

LA-based collective Beauty In Chaos presents 'Diving For Pearls', featuring The Mission trailblazer Wayne Hussey and Cinthya Hussey, his wife and partner in Archeometre.

Accompanied by an alluring overlapping-reality video, this is the first offering from the forthcoming record by the revolving evolving sonic entity that is Beauty In Chaos, formed in 2018 by guitarist Michael Ciravolo. Entitled 'Dancing With Angels', the full-length album is set for world-wide release on July 24. As BIC's curator, Ciravolo describes the new track as “a torrid earworm of a song with lots of swirling layers”.

This ‘single version’ was mixed by the legendary Tim Palmer, whose production and mixing credits include The Cure, U2, David Bowie, Robert Plant, HIM and The Mission, among many other notable artists. “I have been fortunate once again to mix Beauty In Chaos' latest offering and it’s a beauty! But beware, you can’t just hear it once as it will stay with you all day," says Palmer.

This is the fourth song Wayne Hussey has fronted with Beauty In Chaos, one that Ciravolo feels “may just be the best we’ve written together”, despite Hussey’s bout with writer’s block while searching for the perfect approach to the new song.

“When Michael first sent me the music track, I was on tour with The Mission. I had a few listens and thought, yes, this is good, I can find something to sing to this easy enough. And then nothing. For months, I’d listen, and I would come up with melodies aplenty, but no words. More time passed and Michael would ask how I was getting on and each time I’d reply, "I’ve got vocal melodies but no lyrics, absolutely nothing is coming". I must confess that I was getting worried that I’d never be able to write another song – ever,” recalls Wayne Hussey.

"I was raking over all my old lyric notebooks and various word documents on old hard drives and still nada. I was bemoaning my situation to Cinthya one evening and she suggested I write about a personal situation I’d found myself in a few years back. I got my mind focused in the right direction, and while in the studio singing along to the track, I soon got the first line, with the rest following fairly easily…and quickly. It was a huge relief to have the elusive muse visit me again. I played it to Cin and she suggested a couple of small changes and voila, here you have it! I won’t explain what or who the song is about, there’s no need for that, I’ll just leave the listener to make up their own mind, and take from it what they will”.

Ciravolo scoffs affectionately at Hussey’s recollection, “I think he has told me that every time I have sent him music! He cries wolf of ‘no words’, yet he proceeds to one-up our preceding song … which was damn good in my slightly biased opinion. The man is a genuine poet!”

Cinthya Hussey adds “When I first heard the instrumental track for this song I immediately fell in love with Michael's guitars. It's the kind of song that embraces you... and I could listen to it all day long.  Wayne was a bit stuck for ideas so I threw an idea at him that was relevant and would be good to get out of his system... And off he went... majestically so!  This is probably one of my favourite Beauty In Chaos songs!”

About the new album 'Dancing With Angels', Ciravolo divulges that several BIC alumni will return, along with some new members of the growing ‘BIC Family, while offering an open-ended description of the new album. “It’s sort of a sonic progression from 'Behind The Veil’, with a bit of ‘natural regression’ to our debut release ‘Finding Beauty in Chaos’

As of June 4, ‘Diving For Pearls' will be available a limited edition CD single and also digitally everywhere, including Bandcamp, Apple Music and Spotify via 33.3 Music Collective. The 'Dancing With Angels' album, set for release on July 24, can be pre-ordered directly from the Beauty In Chaos store.

CREDITS
Written by Wayne Hussey, Michael Rozon, Michael Ciravolo
Copyright 2024
Wayne Hussey - voice and words
Cinthya Hussey - voices
Michael Ciravolo - guitars, bass-VI and textures
Michael Rozon - bass, synth and drum programming
Dirk Doucette - live drums
Tim Palmer - additional textures
Recorded by Michael Rozon at SAINTinLA Studio
Mixed by Tim Palmer
Mastered by Justin Shturtz at Sterling Sound
Additional recording by Wayne Hussey
"Dancing With Angels" cover painting by Maren Platzhoff
Video filmed & directed by Vicente Cordero / Industrialism Films
Video edited by Ryan Conlon
Additional filming by Cinthya Hussey
Filmed on location at CypherBlu
Video features Wayne Hussey (vocals), Cinthya Hussey (vocals), Michael Ciravolo (guitar), Tish Ciravolo: bass guitar), Dirk Doucette (drums)
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR 
Artist photos by Kevin Estrada

Keep up with Beauty in Chaos
Website | Store | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Blog | Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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AU's Windwaker Drop "Get Out" Video

Australia's WINDWAKER — vocalist Liam Guinane, guitarist Jesse Crofts, bassist Indey Salvestro, drummer Chris Lalic, and synths/samples specialist Connor Robins — recently announced their new album HYPERVIOLENCE, which arrives July 12 via Fearless Records. Pre-order it here

They've dropped the video for the latest single "Get Out." Watch it Below.

It's a melancholic alt rock jam, sprinkled with phonk samples and Memphis/Southern hip-hop influenced electronic passages. The chorus is anthemic in nature, with less focus on technical guitar parts and more emphasis on playful rhythms.

"'Get Out' is about wanting someone (or something) out of your life and conscious thought," the band offers. "It explores the discomfort of something negative returning to the present, and the consequences of staying in a relationship for longer than you should."

Windwaker will embark on their first-ever U.S. tour this summer in support of Northlane. All dates are below and get amped to enjoy Windwaker live and onstage, in their most natural state.

Shattering all restraint, Windwaker tear at the seams of their sonic boundaries, refining and finessing their craft into something truly unique. Concocting an unsuspecting recipe of electro-charged violence, sickly sweet pop hooks, bouncing hip-hop moments and slick riffage, the charismatic quintet move towards exciting new territory with each new release. And HYPERVIOLENCE is the summit of their efforts.

Emerging out of Melbourne, Victoria, the Australian outfit has cultivated a dedicated and passionate fanbase, amassing millions of digital streams since their inception in 2017. Last July's release, "SIRENS," has cracked over 2.7 million Spotify streams in just a few months time, and saw the band travel across the nation in celebration on the Love In The Dark Tour with Caskets (UK) and alt., selling out nearly every date along the way.

The band's debut album Love Language was released in 2022 via Fearless Records and Cooking Vinyl, demonstrated an unpredictable and undeniable exploration of love across 12 tracks. Windwaker translate their electric and eclectic energy on record to the live stage, with JB Hi-Fi's STACK Magazine last year reviewing: "From full-on mosh to sensitive slowdance, the five-piece delivered a propulsive statement on the status of modern metalcore." The band have carved their name into the core of Australia's alternative music community and have toured alongside some of metal's most favored acts — Beartooth (US), I Prevail (US), Motionless In White (US), Enter Shikari (UK), Caskets (UK), Creeper (UK), Northlane, and more.

WINDWAKER ON TOUR:
WITH NORTHLANE, INVENT ANIMATE, + THORNHILL:
6/21 — Seattle, WA — Neptune
6/22 — Portland, OR — Roseland Theater
6/23 — Spokane, WA — Knitting Factory
6/24 — Vancouver, BC — Commodore Ballroom
6/26 — Edmonton, AB — Union Hall
6/27 — Calgary, AB — Palace Theatre
6/30 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater
7/1 — Chicago, IL — House of Blues
7/3 — Lakewood, OH — Roxy
7/4 — London, ON — London Music Hall
7/5 — Toronto, ON — Danforth Music Hall
7/6 — Ottawa, ON — Bronson Centre
7/7 — Montreal, QC — Beanfield Theatre
7/9 — New York, NY — Irving Plaza
7/10 — Boston, MA — Paradise Rock Club
7/11 — Philadelphia, PA — TLA
7/12 — Baltimore, MD — Baltimore Soundstage
7/13 — Charlotte, NC — The Underground
7/14 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl
7/16 — Tampa, FL — The Orpheum
7/17 — Atlanta, GA — Masquerade (Heaven)
7/19 — San Antonio, TX — Vibes Event Center
7/20 — Dallas, TX — South Side Music Hall
7/21 — Lawrence, KS — Granada Theater
7/23 — Denver, CO — Summit Music Hall
7/24 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Complex
7/26 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues
7/27 — Sacramento, CA — Ace of Spades

TESTAMENT ANNOUNCE REMASTERED VERSIONS OF THE LEGACY AND THE NEW ORDER + RELEASE VIDEO VISUALIZERS FOR 'OVER THE WALL' & 'INTO THE PIT'!

Iconic Bay Area thrash metal pioneers TESTAMENT are proud to announce an explosive celebration of the band's enduring legacy and their influential presence in the thrash metal scene. On July 12th, TESTAMENT will release the remastered versions of their seminal albums The Legacy & The New Order both digitally and on vinyl via Nuclear Blast Records.

Chuck Billy
states, "When The Legacy and The New Order were first recorded we were new and had limited resources to record the albums being a young band. Now, with the remastering, fans will hear the albums in their signature sonic onslaught they were intended to be heard."

Eric Peterson, "Wow, I can’t believe it's been 37+ years since The Legacy and The New Order have been released. We were very young when we went to record these songs. It is long overdue for them to have a fresh remastered sound which we believe now are sonically killer. Also included in the final LP is special memorabilia from these two records including very rare, personal photos from that era including behind-the-scenes and record deal memos. We are very happy with the outcome. We hope you enjoy these too!" 



Today, the band offers fans previews of the remastered versions completed by Justin Shturtz at Sterling Sound via singles from each of the albums. 'Over The Wall' from The Legacy (Remastered 2024) and 'Into The Pit' from The New Order (Remastered 2024) are now available to be streamed on all platforms as well as a video visualizer.

Watch the video visualizer for 'Over The Wall' from The Legacy (Remastered 2024) Below

Stream the remastered version of the single 'Over The Wall' off The Legacy (Remastered 2024), here:
https://testament.bfan.link/over-the-wall-remastered

Watch the video visualizer for 'Into The Pit' from The New Order (Remastered 2024):
https://youtu.be/cvAV9AgJ7q0
Stream the remastered version of the single 'Into The Pit' from The New Order (Remastered 2024), here:
https://testament.bfan.link/into-the-pit-remastered
 

The Legacy was remastered by Justin Shturtz at Sterling Sound. It will be available digitally and on 180G vinyl on red and white swirl with black splatter (limited to 1500 worldwide). The release includes alternate cover artwork and gatefold packaging with new liner notes as well it includes an oversized booklet with never-before-seen images.

Pre-order/pre-save The Legacy here:
https://testament.bfan.link/the-legacy-remastered

The New Order was remastered by Justin Shturtz at Sterling Sound. It will be available digitally and on 180G vinyl on blue and purple swirl with black splatter (limited to 1500 worldwide). The release includes alternate cover artwork and gatefold packaging with new liner notes as well it includes an oversized booklet with never-before-seen images.

Pre-order/pre-save The New Order here: 
https://testament.bfan.link/the-new-order-remastered

This Fall, the 'Klash of the Titans' makes its triumphant return to North America! Fans will enjoy an epic night of metal with thrash royalty TESTAMENT and KREATOR co-headlining the run. The 33-date trek will kick off on September 12th in Reno making its way across the US and will include 7 Canadian dates before concluding in San Francisco on October 27th. Joining the night are special guests Bay Area death metal pioneers and labelmates POSSESSED.

Don't miss your chance to witness this epic line-up!
Purchase the tickets at www.testamentlegions.com & www.kreator-terrorzone.de.

Confirmed dates for TESTAMENT and KREATOR's co-headlining 'Klash Of The Titans North American 2024' tour with POSSESSED are:
09/12/2024  Reno, NV - Grand Sierra Resort
09/13/2024  Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
09/14/2024  Salt Lake City, UT - The Union Event Centre
09/16/2024  Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo
09/17/2024  Portland, OR - Roseland Theatre
09/18/2024  Vancouver, BC Canada - Vogue
09/20/2024  Calgary, AB Canada - MacEwan Hall
09/21/2024  Enoch, AB Canada - River Cree Casino
09/22/2024  Saskatoon, SK Canada - Coors Event Centre
09/24/2024  Winnipeg, MB Canada - Burton Cummings Theatre
09/26/2024  Maplewood, MN - Myth Live
09/28/2024  Huber Heights, Oh - Rose Music Center
09/29/2024  Detroit, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre
10/01/2024  Cleveland, OH - The Agora
10/03/2024  Toronto, ON Canada - History
10/04/2024  Montreal, QC Canada - MTelus
10/05/2024  New Haven, CT  - College Street
10/06/2024  Boston, MA - House of Blues
10/08/2024  Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore
10/10/2024  Montclair, NJ - The Wellmont Theatre
10/11/2024  Bethlehem, PA - Wind Creek Casino
10/12/2024  Raleigh, NC - The Ritz
10/13/2024  Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle
10/15/2024  Orlando, FL. - Hard Rock Live
10/16/2024  St. Petersburg, FL - Jannus Live
10/18/2024  Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall (Lawn)
10/19/2024  San Antonio, TX - The Aztec
10/20/2024  Dallas, TX - The Factory
10/22/2024  Denver, CO - Fillmore Auditorium
10/23/2024  Albuquerque, NM - Albuquerque Convention Center
10/24/2024  Phoenix, AZ - The Van Buren
10/26/2024  Los Angeles, CA - Palladium
10/27/2024  San Francisco, CA - The Warfield

More information:
www.testamentlegions.com
www.facebook.com/testamentlegions
www.twitter.com/testament
www.instagram.com/testamentofficial
www.youtube.com/testamentofficial
www.tiktok.com/@testamentlegions

Koe Wetzel's "High Road" with Jessie Murph Out Now; New Album 9 LIVES Available 7/19

With recent release “Sweet Dreams” sending fans into a frenzy and pushing Koe Wetzel to a Billboard Hot 100 debut and the No. 1 album on Apple Music’s country chart with just three songs available, the journeyman turned bona fide cultural force continues to tease 9 Lives, his forthcoming fifth studio album set for July 19 release on Columbia Records, via today’s release of “High Road” with MTV PUSH Artist and Billboard 21 Under 21 honoree Jessie Murph. Listen Below and pre-order / pre-save the album HERE.
 
“‘High Road’ is a good example of how this album shows a different side of me than people might expect. Every record’s almost turning a new leaf, always a left turn because of how honest I am,” he admits with a laugh. “But this? It’s what the people have been expecting from me, but we hadn’t gotten there yet. It’s a grown-up version of me.”
 
Written by Wetzel alongside Amy Allen, Carrie Karpinen and producer Gabe Simon, “High Road” has already become a fan-favorite on social media ahead of its release with lyrics that showcase that mature level of vulnerability that defines the still hard-rocking album:
 
       Imma let you cool down while I walk out
       You ain’t messing me up like the times before
       I don’t need a ticket to your shit show
       Knock yourself out and hit a new low
       Imma take the high road, take the high road, take the high road
 
“High Road” joins lead single “Damn Near Normal,” title track “9 Lives (Black Cat)” and recent release “Sweet Dreams” in offering an early preview of the highly anticipated new album. Wetzel offered fans a further preview of the album’s multi-faceted narrative with a special trailer introducing nine unique Koe Wetzels as MusicRow’s “genre disruptor” praised by Billboard for “music that’s unvarnished and unfiltered” showcased his comedic acting skills. Watch HERE.
 
With an at-capacity Whiskey Jam performance already under his belt this week, Wetzel continues to share the new music with CMA Fest fans in Nashville, taking the stage at both SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour and at Spotify House tomorrow, June 8.

The Texas-born live phenom also plans to take his new music global this year with his recently announced Damn Near Normal World Tour. Additionally, Wetzel will perform prominent sets at several festivals, including Country Jam, Rock the Country, Country Thunder Wisconsin, WE Fest, Watershed and more, plus a hometown stadium show as he joins Morgan Wallen’s One Night At A Time World Tour in Arlington, Texas this July.
 
For more information on all things Koe Wetzel and to purchase tickets to upcoming shows, visit KoeWetzelMusic.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook @KoeWetzelMusic, TikTok @Koe_Wetzel and Twitter/X @KoeWetzel.

Damn Near Normal World Tour Dates:
July 27             The Woodlands, Texas  ||  Cynthia Woods Pavilion  
Aug. 7              Missoula, Mont.  ||  Big Sky Brewing Company Amphitheater 
Aug. 8              Nampa, Idaho  ||  Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater  
Aug. 9              Sandy, Utah  ||  Sandy Amphitheater  
Aug. 10            Las Vegas, Nev.  ||  The Theater at Virgin Hotel Hotels Las Vegas  
Aug. 15            Minneapolis, Minn.  ||  The Armory  
Aug. 16            Council Bluffs, Iowa  ||  Stir Cove (Harrah’s Casino)  
Aug. 21            Cleveland, Ohio  ||  Jacobs Pavilion  
Aug. 22            Columbus, Ohio  ||  KEMBA Live! Outdoor  
Aug. 23            Pittsburgh, Pa.  ||  Stage AE  
Aug. 24            Washington, D.C.  ||  The Anthem  
Aug. 28            Boston, Mass.  ||  Roadrunner  
Aug. 29            Uncasville, Conn.  ||  Mohegan Sun Arena  
Aug. 30            Atlantic City, N.J.  ||  Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena  
Aug. 31            Reading, Pa.  ||  Santander Arena  
Sept. 4              Charleston, W.V.  ||  Charleston Coliseum  
Sept. 5              Roanoke, Va.  ||  Berglund Center  
Sept. 6              Columbia, S.C.  ||  Colonial Life Arena  
Sept. 7              Cary, N.C.  ||  Koka Booth Amphitheatre  
Sept. 12            Kansas City, Kan.  ||  Azura Amphitheater  
Sept. 13            Camdenton, Mo.  ||  Ozarks Amphitheater  
Sept. 18            St. Louis, Mo.  ||  Chaifetz Arena  
Sept. 20            Huntsville, Ala.  ||  The Orion Amphitheater  
Sept. 21            Macon, Ga.  ||  Atrium Health Amphitheater  
Sept. 25            Alexandria, La.  ||  Rapides Parish Coliseum  
Sept. 26            Tuscaloosa, Ala.  ||  Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater  
Sept. 27            Nashville, Tenn.  ||  Ascend Amphitheater  
Sept. 28            Little Rock, Ark.  ||  First Security Amphitheater  
Oct. 3               Pikeville, Ky.  ||  Appalachian Wireless Arena  
Oct. 4               Indianapolis, Ind.  ||  Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park  
Oct. 5               Evansville, Ind.  ||  Ford Center  
Oct. 10             Abilene, Texas  ||  Expo Center of Taylor County  
Oct. 11             Lubbock, Texas  ||  Cooks Garage  
Oct. 13             Morrison, Colo.  ||  Red Rocks Amphitheatre  
Oct. 26             Manchester, U.K.  ||  Academy 3
Oct. 27             London, U.K.  ||  The Garage
Oct. 30             Glasgow, U.K.  ||  Oran Mor
Oct. 31             Birmingham, U.K.  ||  Academy 2
Nov. 1              Leeds, U.K.  ||  Brudenell Social Club
Nov.3               Amsterdam, Netherlands  ||  Melkweg (Oude Zaal)
Nov. 5              Hamburg, Germany  ||  Bahnhof Pauli
Nov. 6              Berlin, Germany  ||  Frannz Club
Nov. 7              Cologne, Germany  ||  Club Volta
Nov. 10            Stockholm, Sweden  ||  Nalen
Nov. 11            Oslo, Norway  ||  Rockefeller Music Hall
Nov. 13            Copenhagen, Denmark  ||  Lille Vega
 
Additional Shows:
June 8               Nashville, Tenn.  ||  SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour / Spotify House
June 21             Grand Junction, Colo.  ||  Country Jam
June 29             Poplar Bluff, Mo.  ||  Rock The Country
July 18             Twin Lakes, Wis.  ||  Country Thunder Wisconsin
July 26             Arlington, Texas  ||  AT&T Stadium (with Morgan Wallen)
July 31             Davenport, Iowa  ||  Mississippi Valley Fair
Aug. 1              Detroit Lakes, Minn.  ||  WE Fest
Aug. 3              Sweet Home, Ore.  ||  Oregon Jamboree Music Festival
Aug. 4              George, Wash.  ||  Watershed Festival
Aug. 17            Wichita, Kan.  ||  Bulls, Bands and Barrels
Sept. 14            Prior, Okla.  ||  Born & Raised
Sept. 19            Louisville, Ky.  ||  Bourbon & Beyond

About Koe Wetzel
Koe Wetzel never met a genre wall he couldn’t tear down: The Texas singer-songwriter has earned a rabid audience for his songs that mix country, rock, hip-hop, and even Nineties grunge. His 2016 album Noise Complaint endeared him to fans with its no- holds-barred lyrics about drunken nights, broken hearts and stints in jail, and included the Gold-certified hits “Love” (feat. Parker McCollum), “Something to Talk About” and the infamous “February 28, 2016.” Wetzel’s 2020 major label debut, Sellout, only furthered his legend with the Platinum-certified “Drunk Driving” plus the Gold-certified “Good Die Young” and “Kuntry & Wistern.” The 2022 follow-up, Hell Paso, hit No. 3 on Billboard’s Country Albums and spawned hits on both the country and rock charts, including the Gold-certified “Creeps” and “Cabo.” To date, Wetzel has 2.6 billion total streams and has created a genuine experience with his live concerts, which he describes as “total chaos.” In 2023 alone, he sold more than 275,000 tickets, and appeared for a third time on POLLSTAR’s Top Worldwide Tours. Wetzel will open for Morgan Wallen on the superstar’s One Night at a Time Stadium Tour this July and play prominent sets at festivals like Country Thunder and Watershed this summer, while also headlining his own Damn Near Normal World Tour. His new album, 9 Lives (Columbia), is set for release July 19.
 
About Jessie Murph
19-year-old powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Jessie Murph has been having an exciting 2024. Most recently she released her new single, “Cold,” to rave reviews and brought her sold-out global headline tour to North America after hitting major markets abroad and 40 cities across the U.S. & Canada. Earlier this year, Jessie, who was featured as MTV’s PUSH artist in January, showcased her soulful side with “Son of a Bitch.” The Billboard 21 Under 21 honoree’s latest single comes on the heels of her hit track, “Wild Ones,” with Jelly Roll, which has tallied over 200M streams worldwide since release in October, broke through top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart. Jessie and Jelly Roll teamed up to perform the critically and commercially acclaimed track on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” and are nominated for Best Music Collaboration at the 2024 Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards.
 
2023 proved to be another standout year for Jessie who released her debut mixtape drowning in February to high praise. In May, she dropped “Cowboys and Angels,” which, along with her single “Texas (ft. Maren Morris),” ushered in a new era that etches raw emotion through her strikingly sincere songs laced with soul-gripping storytelling, hip hop-infused production and alternative experimentation anchored by her modest pop appeal. Named an ‘Artist to Watch’ by Genius,Pandora and Amazon Music, Jessie also collaborated with Diplo and Polo G on “Heartbroken,” which hit the Top 40 at pop radio in the U.S. Between praise from various outlets including SPIN, Rolling StoneFlaunt MagazineNYLON and amassing over 1 billion streams globally, Jessie is just getting started.

DARK FUNERAL Celebrates 30 Years of Raw Power with Reworked Debut Album, Shares 'Open The Gates (Re-Recording 2024)' ⛧

Swedish black metal icons DARK FUNERAL are celebrating three decades of blasphemy with a re-worked version of their debut album! 'Dark Funeral (30th Anniversary Edition)' is due on August 9via Century Media Records and has been remixed by David Castillo and re-mastered once again by Thomas "Plec" Johansson. To celebrate the release and to give fans a taste of the new sonics, the band is now sharing the first re-recorded single, "Open the Gates," along with a visualizer! The clip, which was created by 12 Inch Media, can be found HERE. DARK FUNERAL guitarist and original member Lord Ahriman comments, “In January 1994, Blackmoon (RIP) and I put our entire income and savings into a recording session and pressing 1,000 copies of our 4-track debut Mini-CD. A Mini-CD we released ourselves too. 

"To now reach the significant milestone with an epic 30th anniversary is of course very honorable for me & the band. Three decades of Swedish Black Metal filled with precious memories. 

"It is now time for us to reflect on what started it all, a 30-year epic journey, filled with experiences and an unbreakable bond. And in this honor, we have breathed new life into these legendary songs & given them an honest but modern update. Enjoy!“ 

Find rare material from the band's ominous beginnings in 1994 — an ultimate rendition and must-have for devoted disciples of darkness! Pre-Order this exclusive collector's edition HERE

Dark Funeral line-up (1994):

Lord Ahriman – Guitars

Blackmoon – Guitars

Draugen – Drums

Themgoroth – Bass & Vocals

Dark Funeral line-up (2024):

Lord Ahriman – Guitars

Heljarmadr – Vocals

Chaq Mol – Guitars

Jalomaah – Drums

Adra-Melek – Bass

Music & Lyrics by Blackmoon & Lord Ahriman

1994 Recordings & Mixes by Dan Swanö, Mastered by Thomas "Plec" Johansson

2024 Recordings & Mixes by David Castillo, Mastered by Thomas "Plec" Johansson

Video Production by 12 Inch Media

Artwork: Blackmoon & Lord Ahriman

Album Formats:

CD Jewelcase

Limited hand-numbered Transparent Blue-Black Marbled 180g Vinyl

Limited hand-numbered Clear Smoke Marbled 180g Vinyl (US EDITION)

Strictly Limited hand-numbered transparent Blue-Black Marbled 180g Vinyl including signed Art Print - Only 300 copies worldwide (Century Media Exclusive)

Digital Album

Links:

Official Website

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook X

YouTube

Spotify

Apple Music

BLIND GUARDIAN - Announce "Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited" & Release Video For 'The Quest For Tanelorn (Revisited)'

Legendary German heavy metal pioneers BLIND GUARDIAN have announced the release of an epic re-recorded version of their classic 1992 breakthrough album, Somewhere Far Beyond

Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited, which was recorded in 2022 and 2023, is a refreshing and powerful tribute to one of the most influential albums in German metal history. It paved the way for BLIND GUARDIAN’s international career that is still going strong today and this re-recording impresses with all the class and quality these pioneers have been known and respected for since forming as Lucifer’s Heritage three decades ago.

Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited will be released on August 2nd, 2024 coinciding with BLIND GUARDIAN's triumphant return to this year's edition of Wacken Festival, and a wide selection of physical variants can be pre-ordered as of today!

To give you a first impression of the new sound, 'The Quest For Tanelorn (Revisited)' has been released as a single today. A music video by Dirk Behlau featuring historic & new studio, backstage, and live footage has been released alongside. You can watch it below.

PRE-ORDER / PRE-SAVE SOMEWHERE FAR BEYOND REVISITED:
https://blindguardian.bfan.link/SomewhereFarBeyond-Revisited

LISTEN TO 'THE QUEST FOR TANELORN (REVISITED):
https://blindguardian.bfan.link/Tanelorn-Revisited

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR 'THE QUEST FOR TANELORN (REVISITED) Below.

AVAILABLE FORMATS

The album will be released as a Limited Edition 3 Disc Digipak which contains an additional 2022 live version of the entire album on a separate CD and a Blu-Ray disc with the anniversary sets at Rock Hard Festival and Hellfest 2022.

Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited will also be available as Gatefold LP with a 24-page LP booklet and as jewelcase CD as well as a digital album.

PRE-ORDER SOMEWHERE FAR BEYOND REVISITED HERE:
https://blindguardian.bfan.link/SomewhereFarBeyond-Revisited

ABOUT SOMEWHERE FAR BEYOND REVISITED

Right on time with their show at 2024’s edition of Wacken Open Air, BLIND GUARDIAN proudly announce the release of Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited on August 2nd which includes a complete re-recording of this classic as well as a live celebration of 1992’s Somewhere Far Beyond, a landmark record for Germany’s heavy metal titans. After three albums on No Remorse Records, it was the band’s major label debut via Virgin Records and opened the doors to the Japanese market resulting in a wider availability and presence on the global metal scene. After finding the right balance of speed, heaviness, melodies, drama, and irresistible choruses on 1990’s Tales From The Twilight World, Somewhere Far Beyond honed this approach to perfection, evolving further on a conceptual level and increasing BLIND GUARDIAN’s sonic range. On Somewhere Far Beyond the band experimented with keyboards, orchestrations, and folk elements, the latter manifesting in the group’s best-known song and live staple, ‘The Bard's Song (In The Forest)’, whereas other tracks like ‘Ashes to Ashes’, the rapid ‘Journey Through The Dark’ or ‘The Quest For Tanelorn’ connected well with previous mostly fast-paced albums yet offered an additional push in dynamics.

Fast forward 30 years! Prior to releasing the much lauded opus The God Machine in September 2022, BLIND GUARDIAN had been performing Somewhere Far Beyond in its entirety at Rock Hard Festival and Hellfest in Summer 2022 in front of tens of thousands of fans singing along to each track. Both shows were filmed and recorded professionally and aired via WDR and ARTE. For the limited triple-disc-edition of Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited the Hellfest material was newly edited by the band’s long-time videographer Dirk Behlau using additional multi-cam footage. The idea of re-recording the album originated from the rehearsals for these shows as Hansi Kürsch explains in the detailed liner notes: “The original idea wasn’t to do a re-recording. When rehearsing for the anniversary gigs, corona hit and we couldn’t be certain that those shows would take place. We still wanted to celebrate the anniversary of the album and if we wouldn’t be able to include a live version, we initially thought we could at least record the rehearsals.” Not 100% satisfied with those rough versions, BLIND GUARDIAN decided to go all in, knowing the risk of being frowned upon by fans who consider re-recordings utter blasphemy. “We tried to recapture what we did in 1992 but compensate youth with skillful experience, though in a hungry way. We never discussed any major changes but with over 30 years of experience, and our current line-up, those ingredients already add a new flavor to it.” With the basic tracks recorded in a live setting, Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited is leaner and more focused on impact in terms of guitar arrangements yet retains all the harmonies and melodies essential to the original. “We finally ended up with this cool hybrid version”, André adds. “We combined how we play the songs today, but at the same time, really tried to retain that speed metal spirit of the early 90s!

NIJI ENTERTAINMENT & BMG ANNOUNCE DIO'S 'THE COMPLETE DONINGTON COLLECTION'

On July 19th, Niji Entertainment & BMG will release The Complete Donington Collection, a Limited Edition 5LP boxset housing Dio’s classic Donington ’83 and Donington ’87 performances at the Donington Festival in the UK, both on 2LP 180gr vinyl with an etching on Side D, as well as the limited Picture Disc Double Dose of Donington ’83 & ’87.

Wendy Dio says, “Fond memories of sitting on the grass and watching the bands play. This is an amazing Collection. 1983 when Ronnie had just recently formed the Dio Band and again in 1987. Ronnie always enjoyed playing in Britain, he loved the audiences and the beer!”

DIO AT DONINGTON ‘83 captures the original DIO lineup on the HOLY DIVER TOUR and captures a young, hungry band 3 months after the release of their debut album. The set features classic tracks from Ronnie James Dio’s already amazing career as vocalist for Rainbow and Black Sabbath, alongside soon to be classics like “Holy Diver”, “Rainbow In The Dark”, and “Stand Up And Shout”.

Following three hugely successful studio albums and silver, gold, and platinum certifications around the world, DIO AT DONINGTON ’87 captures the DREAM EVIL line up, and features such classics as “The Last In Line”, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Children,” and “All The Fools Sailed Away”.
 
Additionally, both discs contain killer renditions of both RAINBOW and BLACK SABBATH classics, including “Man On The Silver Mountain”, “Neon Knights”, “Stargazer”, and “Heaven and Hell”, among others.

As the singer of Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell, and his own band, Ronnie James Dio is often considered to be one of rock’s all-time great vocalists, who sadly passed away in 2010, after battling stomach cancer. However, Dio’s music continues to connect with the masses – the official Ronnie James Dio Facebook page has over 2.5 million followers, his music on Spotify receives over 3 million monthly listeners, and in the most recent season of the hit Netflix series, STRANGER THINGS, the popular character Eddie Munson sports a large “DIO” patch on the back of his beloved denim jacket.
  

PRE-ORDER THE COMPLETE DONINGTON COLLECTION

DIO AT DONINGTON ‘87

Personnel:
Ronnie James Dio – Vocals 
Craig Goldy – Guitar
Jimmy Bain – Bass
Vinny Appice – Drums 
Claude Schnell – Keyboards

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
ronniejamesdio.com
facebook.com/OfficialRonnieJamesDio
twitter.com/OfficialRJDio
instagram.com/_ronniejamesdio

IN APHELION Unveils Video for New Song, "A Winter Moon's Gleam," Launches Pre-Orders for 'Reaperdawn'

A new force is awakening, stretching the boundaries of consciousness, and devouring everything in its path. IN APHELION is now ushering in their sophomore album, 'Reaperdawn,' which is due on August 9, 2024 via Century Media Records. The black metal brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Sebastian Ramstedt (best known as guitarist and songwriter with Necrophobic) is now offering a frosty relief from the blistering summer with the second new single, "A Winter Moon's Gleam." The song can be found along with a stunning performance video, which was directed and edited by Henrik Hedberg, Below.

“One of the more beautiful songs on the album,” Sebastian Ramstedt explains of the song. “The music is mainly sprung from rhythm guitarist Johan Bergebäck’s riffs, but the arrangement and lyrics bring it down to the pitch-black depths of loss and sorrow. It opens up the door in time where we sense the shadows of those long lost.”

Darker, stranger, more epic and progressive than admirers of his work were expecting, this new outlet for enigmatic and artistic expression emerged firmly tethered to the white-knuckle viciousness of benchmark, Northern European black metal, while also exhibiting a profound affiliation with both classic, traditional heavy metal and the black magic of psychedelic repetition. Based around a core line-up of Ramstedt (guitar/vocals), drummer Marco Prij (also Cryptosis), rhythm guitarist Johan Bergebäck (Necrophobic) and bassist Tobias Cristiansson (Necrophobic, ex-Grave…), IN APHELION have taken the uncompromising DIY route to their current status as new Century Media signees.

 

The atmosphere of “Reaperdawn” is a swirling maelstrom of obsidian sparkle and iridescent grime.

“Reaperdawn” is now available for pre-orders in standard CD jewelcase, gatefold black LP, and a limited Gatefold bloodred LP (red Vinyl), 300x via cmdistro.de and other retailers. Pre-orders can be found HERE.

Aphelion - the point of a planet, comet or any other body in the orbit that is most distant from the sun.

A new force is awakening. Stretching the boundaries of consciousness. Devouring everything in its path. Ushering in the Reaperdawn.

 

IN APHELION could be the ultimate extreme metal adrenalin rush. The euphoric, black metal brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Sebastian Ramstedt (best known as guitarist and songwriter with Necrophobic), they formed during the grim times of the global pandemic. Inspired and enabled by long periods of free time, IN APHELION grew from Ramstedt’s creative restlessness, and his very personal desire to explore new territory that would be unacceptable in his other, better established band. Darker, stranger, more epic and progressive than admirers of his work were expecting, this new outlet for dark, artistic expression emerged firmly tethered to the white-knuckle viciousness of benchmark, Northern European black metal, while also exhibiting a profound affiliation with both classic, traditional heavy metal and the black magic of psychedelic repetition. From the release of debut EP Luciferian Age in the autumn of 2021, it was obvious that IN APHELION were a radical and fearless proposition.

 

Based around a core line-up of Ramstedt (guitar/vocals), drummer Marco Prij (also Cryptosis) and rhythm guitarist Johan Bergebäck (Necrophobic), IN APHELION have taken the uncompromising DIY route to their current status as new Century Media signees. After 'Luciferian Age' alerted the world to this new, maverick entity, they swiftly pieced together their full-length debut, 'Moribund.' A tour-de-force of whirlwind extremity and adventurousness, it received widespread acclaim and effusive support from the metal underground. Thrilled to learn that his personal mission was taking effect, Ramstedt avowed to commit to IN APHELION for the long haul, giving himself a meaningful alternative to his supposed day job.

“The original vision was to not do extreme metal at all,” explains Ramstedt. “It started off more like a progressive, hard rock thing, so some of the melodies on our first album were born in another environment. But it becomes very amateurish when I try exploring different areas, and I realised that what I am very good at is doing metal! In Necrophobic, I don’t really push my ideas beyond the usual limits, because we decided long ago to be death metal’s AC/DC and that we would never shock the audience. For instance, we don’t do palm muting in Necrophobic. We just don’t do it! We don’t do tempos over 160bpm. We also don’t do tempos under 135bpm. The concept is very strict. So if I wanted to have palm muting, different themes, and more beautiful, long, sweeping elements, then I had to do that in another band. I can say that all the IN APHELION songs are either above 160bpm or under 135! And they all have palm muting! [Laughs]”

While Sebastian Ramstedt is acutely aware of Necrophobic’s legacy and prominence in the death metal world, he has also longed to have a channel to let ideas that don't fit within the concept of Necrophobic thrive. IN APHELION is a sanctum for creativity where ideas are allowed to come alive and roam freely and as he prepares to unleash the band’s second album, Reaperdawn, he proudly states that he has brought the best possible comrades along for the ride.

“I wanted to have super dedicated musicians,” he says. “Like Marco, our drummer. I think he is one of the best drummers in the world, and I’m lucky to have him now. It was me and him that started this. Johan joined later, but I had to have him in the band too. He’s a good player but he’s also one of my best friends, and I wanted his support. Tobias Cristiansson was the last to join the band. He had been helping out as a session member on several occasions and it was just natural to ask him to be a full time member as it became clear that original bass player Dennis Holm would not join any further.

I wanted IN APHELION to be about really hard work and waking up every morning, looking at your instrument and thinking, ‘What can I be better at doing, and by this afternoon?’ I wanted musicians that be like that, and that was Marco. I could feel that he was the same as me.”

 

After receiving such a positive response for 'Moribund,' Ramstedt began to think about IN APHELION as a living, breathing entity with huge potential. Fired up creatively and determined to keep the material coming, he immediately began work on the songs that can be found on Reaperdawn, IN APHELION’s first album for Century Media.

“I started to write it directly after 'Moribund' was released, so the songs were written that summer,” says Ramstedt. “I knew what the other members of this band could do, I knew what Johan could do outside the Necrophobic box, I knew what I could do, and also my singing developed. I was not confident about my voice when we made Moribund. I had to try to sing a certain way, but now I know how to do it and I can push it. I can do what I want. Also, I knew what Marco could do on the drums. The drums on 'Moribund' were written on some digital platform and he just copied them, but the drums on this album were written /for/ Marco, so that was different.”

 

A spectacular leap forward from the already highly evolved grimness of its predecessor, Reaperdawn expands and outstrips the blueprint that IN APHELION laid down on their debut. The songs are grander and more epic. The arrangements are more intricate, but also more direct. The atmosphere is a swirling maelstrom of obsidian sparkle and iridescent grime. IN APHELION’s masterful blending of arcane blasphemy with grandiose, old school bluster has reached a new level of potency, as songs like momentous opener "The Fields In Nadir" and the woozily anthemic "When All Stellar Light Is Lost" further subvert the black metal ethos; with superhuman blasting and skull-rattling thrash tropes underpinning some truly euphoric and inspirational surges of melodic malice. Furthermore, the more extravagant likes of The Darkening and sumptuous finale "Aghori" represent a further sharpening of IN APHELION’s artistic blade, as progressive detours and ornate, elegant guitar solos are woven precisely into the band’s commanding blitzkrieg.

“I wanted to explore how far I could go,” says Ramstedt. “Maybe 'Moribund' sounded a bit like an offspring of Necrophobic, but I knew I could take this band much further away from the mothership! [Laughs] Some of the riffs and some of the guitar parts on 'Reaperdawn' are really fucking hard, and it’s all harder than anything I’ve ever done. Marco says that he has never played drums this intricate, but at the same time it’s all straightforward. So this is straightforward black heavy metal, but if you try and dissect it, there’s so much going on in it too.”

Tore Stjerna was asked to mix 'Reaperdawn' as the band wanted to distinguish the sound even more from Necrophobic. Sebastian also saw it as an experiment to combine the riffs of the new album that are very much inspired by classic heavy metal with the sound of one of the best black metal engineers of the world.

 

As strongly indicated by Sebastian Ramstedt’s striking artwork, 'Reaperdawn' is an album inspired by the phenomenon of religious cults and the predatory brainwashing that feeds their flocks. Mirroring the unnerving, otherworldly atmosphere of IN APHELION’s music, their leader has penned lyrics that delve deep into mortal conundrums, the sinister allure of the suicide cult and the truth that hides in darkness.

“The whole album centres around cults. It started off with the theme of sun worship, for the song 'The Darkening.' A lot of these suicide cults, these people really want to see the light. They’re not evil at all, they want to be closer to God and to see the light. But in darkness and in depression, you tend to see things in more detail. When everything is happy-go-lucky, life is easy and you don’t have to think and contemplate that much, but in the darkness you have to find some kind of clarity of vision. All of these cults, like the Heaven’s Gate cult, these people going up to the vessel in the sky to see the light, that is just the Reaper coming, but at dawn! So the title 'Reaperdawn' came from that. I wanted the artwork to reflect that idea, but to still look like a heavy metal album cover, you know?”

 

As he proudly states, Sebastian Ramstedt has dedicated his life to exploring the darkness. If the marauding grandeur of Reaperdawn is any indication, IN APHELION has become his most focused and effective contribution to heavy music yet. Built to last and hell-bent on glory, this band are taking extreme metal into a new realm of warped ingenuity, virtuoso skill and cerebral bite. From the depths of the underground to the edges of the cosmos, IN APHELION are hurtling towards victory, dogged and unstoppable.

“The plan is to build this up slowly but steadily,” Ramstedt concludes. “We’re all up for touring, but it will be expensive to tour as a small band. But we want to play as much as possible. We’re doing a lot of videos and visuals to reach out and spread the word, and I have already started to write the next album! I always say we should be on at Wacken Open Air in 2025, for us to take this somewhere, and I’m still aiming for that. I have big dreams and big hopes for this. I will fight for this band. The real work starts now.”

Lineup:

Johan Bergebäck - guitars

Tobias Cristiansson - bass

Marco Prij - drums

Sebastian Ramstedt - vocals, guitars

Mixing & Mastering: Tore Stjerna

Cover Art: Sebastian Ramstedt

Bio: Dom Lawson

Photos: Leo Bergebaeck

Follow // Stream:

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APPLE MUSIC

ANKOR Sign to UNFD + Share Video For New Single "Embers"

ANKOR are an Alternative Metal band based in Catalonia, Spain, fast becoming one of the rising stars in the European contemporary metal scene.

The multicultural quintet, consisting of vocalist Jessie Williams (Bristol, UK), drummer Eleni Nota (Athens, Greece), guitarists David Romeu, Fito Martinez, and bassist Julio López (Catalonia, Spain), have grown steadily since their origins in Els Pallaresos, a village near Barcelona, back in 2003.

From these humble beginnings, Ankor have built a worldwide fanbase and a reputation for being an absolute powerhouse live, through headlining tours of mainland Europe and Asia. But it was with the December 2022 release of breakthrough single "Prisoner" that a new era begun.

With over three million streams and counting, "Prisoner" has triggered a sonic and aesthetic (r)evolution for Ankor, their musical and visual worlds ascending to new creative heights ever since; The conceptually bound singles "Oblivion," "Darkbeat," "Stereo," and "Venom" that have followed have seen lyrical narratives, sonic aesthetics, and self-directed and edited music videos flow together to reshape Ankor in a playful, energetic, and refreshing new form: a fusion of Asian pop-culture, contemporary metalcore, and a dash of Spanish heritage.

Today, the band announces its signing to premier metal and alternative label, UNFD, with the release of their first single under contract, "Embers." Watch the video Below.

Jessie says, "'Embers' is the sixth chapter of our latest singles and story. A song that mixes EDM with classical Ankor melodies. A song about dealing with loss and grief. We recorded the music video in a beautiful church in London, and we believe it sends the exact message of the track."

She also goes on to explain the narrative behind the accompanying video, directed by bandmate David. "'Embers' is a journey through the mind of someone living an alternate reality. Dreaming of what could have been…but the truth is much darker, that's why we represented it with both dresses. It's a ceremony of what could have been a wedding and ends up being a funeral, in which she dances alone, knowing none of it will ever happen. It can hit as a negative song, but in her sadness there is hope, as she’ll always be connected to her loss," she states.

My Epic Drop "Make Believe" Video

My Epic — Aaron Stone [guitar, vocals], Tanner Morita [guitar], and Nate Washburn [guitar, bass] — will release their fourth album and Tooth & Nail Records debut Loriella on June 28. Pre-order it here.

The band has just shared the video for the latest single "Make Believe." Watch it Below.

"Intimate and delicate, 'Make Believe' might feel too personal, if its sentiment wasn't so universal. Thick vocoder harmonies and a minimalist ambient composition meld to create simultaneously the most beautiful and emotionally crushing song on the record. Listeners are caught in the middle of the hardest questions and it would be painful — if it wasn't so beautiful."

In other My Epic news, the band will appear at this year's Furnace Fest.

ABOUT MY EPIC:
My Epic tune into this moment of reawakening on their fourth full-length offering and Tooth & Nail Records debut Loriella. Balancing waves of warm distorted fuzz with lush melodies and cinematic production, the group make the kind of music that rouses the senses and might just encourage you to open your eyes, mind, and heart a little wider.
 
"The record is about having lived long enough to lose your innocence and still being able to find joy, hope, peace, and faith," explains Aaron. "I can be a critical person, but there's a difference between being critical and cynical. I understand why people end up choosing cynicism, because sometimes it can seem like the best way to make sense of all the data in the world–but I think cynicism is death. It's part of my aim to fight cynicism at every turn. The album is about discovery and re-engaging life with purpose on new terms of your own."
 
Throughout the past two decades, the band have quietly, yet consistently engaged a devout fanbase with a simultaneously anthemic and intricate approach to alternative rock. They've progressed across the likes of I Am Undone [2008], Yet [2010], and Behold [2013]. The latter notably catapulted onto the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart. Generating millions of streams, their catalog expanded with fan favorite EPs such as Viscera [2016], Ultraviolet [2018], and Violence [2019]—which HM Magazine hailed as "a blend of indie-alternative enchantments.Meanwhile, Cory Brandan of Norma Jean lent his voice to "White Noises.” During 2020, the band signed to Tooth & Nail, turning the page on another chapter as they set their sights on their first full-length since 2013. In between, life happened as band members became dads and moved around personally and professionally. 
 
For the first time, Nate assumed the role of primary producer, and Loriella materialized over the course of two years in three different studios. Along the way, they nodded to early inspirations such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, and Third Eye Blind. 

PHOTO: Grant A. Nicholls