Defeated Sanity Premiere New Playthrough with Sick Drummer

Few bands in the halls of metal have marched to a beat that's more brazen, brutal and bizarre than Defeated Sanity. Thirty years after their flaming, cataclysmic demo, the underground legends have repeatedly slammed death metal on its deformed skull. Each member is a certified lunatic when it comes to breaking brains with their fine-tuned instruments, but the band's punishing headiness is led by drummer Lile Gruber, their fleet-footed co-founder and singular mastermind. 

"Lile's drumming can be described by his band's appropriately chosen name", Black Dahlia Murder drummer Alan Cassidy told Loudwire. "When you hear one of their songs for the first time you quickly become mentally exhausted with all the twists and turns of his extremely technical and groove-oriented playing".

Whether he's flaying his snare, pinging between cymbals, pounding out blast beats or riding a colossal groove, Lile ensures that Defeated Sanity's new album flows like a never-ending stream of filth. To gear up for Chronicles of Lunacy, Sick Drummer are premiering a new drum playthrough of the band's latest single. It's still plenty twisted, but "Accelerating the Rot" now stands as one of the fastest songs in their torrid history.      
 
Watch Lile rip through "Accelerating the Rot” for Sick Drummer.

Chronicles of Lunacy comes out November 22 on Season of Mist. 

Pre-order & Pre-save 

https://orcd.co/defeatedsanitythecroniclesoflunacy

The drum playthrough for "Accelerating the Rot" was created by Obscenery Films.

Can't wait for your pre-order? Join Defeated Sanity for tonight's Bandcamp Listening Party. Chat with the band and listen to all of Chronicles of Lunacy two weeks before the album comes out.

Chronicles of Lunacy Bandcamp Listening Party

Thursday, November 7 @ 9 pm Eastern Time

RSVP
https://defeatedsanity.bandcamp.com/live/chronicles-of-lunacy-listening-party

None of their albums are ever going to follow a straight line, but on Chronicles of Lunacy, Defeated Sanity return to sheer brutality.  

Lineup
Josh Welshman - Vocals
Vaughn Stoffey - Guitars
Jacob Schmidt - Bass
Lille Gruber - Drums

Guest musicians
Danny Nelson and Paolo Paguntalan provide backup vocals on "Amputationsdrang" and "Accelerating the Rot"

Recording Studio
Thousand Caves Studio in January 2024.

Production
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Colin Marston.
Produced by Colin Marston and Defeated Sanity.

Cover Art
Artwork by Jon Zig
Title lettering by Liz Schmidt
Layout by Alex Eckman-Lawn

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

Booking: Daniel Defonce TKO: danieldefonce@tkoco.com

Follow Defeated Sanity
https://defeatedsanity.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/DefeatedSanity
https://www.instagram.com/defeated_sanity_official 
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dy6peOuKo2QkwaNWPoJpx
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/defeated-sanity/277268753

Paleface Swiss Drop Dark New Single "My Blood Your Hands" & Announce Huge Golden Ticket Give Away

Paleface Swiss, Switzerland’s finest purveyors of expertly crafted brutality, have unveiled their brand new single, “My Blood On Your Hands”, today. Diving deep into the turmoil of unspoken fears and the endless cycle of unresolved struggles, the track serves as the latest glimpse into the band’s highly anticipated third album, 'Cursed' due January 3rd, 2025. Stream “My Blood Your Hands” HERE, watch the official music video below and pre-order the album HERE.

Promising be the band’s most thematically layered and sonically intense release to date, every track on Paleface Swiss’ upcoming opus is represented by a different flower featured on it’s artwork. “My Blood Your Hands” is represented by the butterfly weed —a flower, which in Victorian Flower language, symbolises rejection and bears the message “let me go”. The song and its video marks the first act in a series of upcoming releases, each exploring a blend of vulnerable and emotional themes intertwined with the band’s signature brutal intensity. Cutting to the core of the human experience, “My Blood Your Hands” balances themes of internal chaos and raw despair. Frontman Marc “Zelli” Zellweger offers further insight into the track:

“ Have you ever been lying in bed, unable to fall asleep because you’re haunted by the same problems you’re too afraid to confront? You replay different scenarios in your mind, but just as you’re about to reach a resolution, you find yourself back at the beginning. It keeps spiralling, growing worse and worse until you reach a point where you think, ‘It would be easier to die than to face this pain.’ 

 The next morning, everything seems mostly fine—until night comes again.   

 That’s what this song is about.”

In addition to the new single, Paleface Swiss are thrilled to announce a one-of-a-kind Golden Ticket initiative for fans. Starting Monday, November 11th, fans who pre-order the special box set on the official website will have a chance to find the coveted Golden Ticket, hidden within one lucky box. This golden ticket will grant the winner and a guest an unforgettable experience at the band’s album release show in their home-town of Zurich. Head to the band's website for more information www.palefaceswiss.com

The lucky Golden Ticket Winner will receive

- Round-trip airfare for two to Zurich, Switzerland  

- One night’s accommodation at a comfortable hotel  

- An exclusive Meet & Greet with the band 

The band's upcoming third full-length, ‘Cursed’ is a masterclass in modern brutality and encapsulates two years of creative exploration and raw personal experiences for the Paleface Swiss members. The band retreated to the seclusion of the Canary Islands to craft this sonic juggernaut. Collaborating with Ron Steven Deris at Misueno Studios and with long-time collaborator Florent Salfati (Landmvrks) helping to add the finishing touches, their work culminated in an album that marries the band’s signature heaviness with intricate conceptual storytelling. The first single from the album, “Hatred”, was released in September, delivering the perfect blend of bombastic nu-core swagger, incendiary rapid fire vocals, thrash-inspired guitar solos and the pummeling rhythmic section the band have become globally renowned for. Since release, ‘Hatred’ has hit 877k streams on Spotify alone, with the accompanying music video hitting 250k views.  

Joining the band for their mega US run will be Stick To Your Guns and Nasty, making it another bonafide unmissable lineup. The tour kicks off on March 20th, 2025, in Detroit, MI, and will cover 30 cities, including Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto. Full tour dates and tickets are available HERE.

Known for their incomparable live performances and fearless approach to intense and vulnerable topics, Paleface Swiss has built a reputation as one of the most vital, unfiltered and rapidly rising forces in the world of modern metal today. With ‘Cursed’, Paleface Swissare ready to take listeners into their darkest, most intricate and artistically diverse chapter yet, combining their trademark deathcore heaviness with raw vulnerability, a rare and special combination for a band within their genre. With a brand new album, an ever-growing army of devoted fans, critical acclaim, sold-out headline shows and stellar festival performances garnering new fans wherever they go, Paleface Swiss have their sights firmly set total, global domination. Stay tuned, buckle up and kick back for the ride.

ABOUT PALEFACE SWISS

Since the release of their first album, 'Chapter 3: The Last Selection', independent outfit, PALEFACE SWISS have gained international recognition throughout the Deathcore and Beatdown Community. Known for their huge, aggressive riffs, brutally bombastic rhythm section, frontman, Zelli's outstanding vocals and a pinch of humor. This is Switzerland’s finest heavy music. Across their catalog, the band have gained 110 million streams, 21 million YouTube views on their own channel, and recently peaked at 1 million Spotify monthly listeners.

‘Chapter 3: The Last Selection’ was released on October 30th 2020, spawning four huge tracks “Curse Us”, “The Rats”, "Lights Out" and “Skalpell” which quickly ranked high in the beatdown/hardcore charts and saw the band become cover stars on Spotify’s Heavy Beatdown playlist.

In 2022 the band released their second full-length album 'Fear & Dagger'. The album was widely considered a huge step up for the band as plaudits began to roll in for frontman Zelli's vocal ability and the band's unflinching commitment to never shy away from brutally heavy riffs, face-melting technically insane guitar solos, punishing beatdowns or from facing difficult, emotional topics head on. Metal Injectionaccurately summed it up in their review by saying, "It's fun to get caught up in Paleface's unrelenting instrumentals, but Zelli's really the star of Paleface. This is largely because he treats his screams like rap bars." New Transcendence stating "Paleface have created one of the most emotionally relevant and intriguing beatdown releases to date" and Wall of Sound calling it "an unashamedly brutal and angry album".

The album shot the band into the upper echelons of the "New Wave Of Deathcore" and spawned singles "The Orphan", "Deathtouch", "Dead Man's Diary" feat. LANDMVRKS frontman Florent Salfati and fan favourite and stylistic curveball, "My Grave / Lay with Me". The album focused on more mature and critical topics related to the fears and struggles young people have to contend with in the 21st century, most importantly, the topic of mental health.

The ensuing 2 years saw the band's popularity sky-rocket. Honing their craft in the live arena, the band rapidly jumped from strength to strength, creating what is now one of the most thrilling and impactful live shows in modern metal. Their ability to win over any crowd, wether it be their own headline shows, touring the US with the likes of Body Snatcher or The Ghost Inside, touring the UK with the likes of Counterparts and Kublai Khan or at globally renowned festivals such as Sick New World, Hellfest Open Air, Summer Breeze, Cabaret Vert, Dynamo Metal Festival and more, one thing is for sure, Paleface Swiss will turn an audience into fans by the time they're done at every show they play.

To support their largely sold-out touring efforts, the band released a series of stand alone singles, "Best: Before Death" - now a staple and firm fan favourite in their live set list, "Please End Me" and "The Gallow".

Now, with the impending release of their third full-length album, 'Cursed', Paleface Swiss are set to write the next chapter or their incredible, epic journey as they reveal their most thematically and sonically ambitious album to date. Never pulling punches when it comes to heaviness, technicality or emotional vulnerability, Paleface Swiss are rewriting the rulebook on what it means to be an extreme metal band.

PALEFACE SWISS Are: 

Vox: Marc “Zelli” Zellweger

Guitar: Yannick Lehmann

Bass: Tommy-Lee Abt

Drums: Cassiano 'Cassi' Toma



Find Paleface Online 

www.palefaceswiss.com

Zombie Metal Sensation DOMINUM Releases Second Single “One Of Us” with Official Music Video

Before DOMINUM unleashes the zombies with their new album, 'The Dead Don't Die', on December 27, 2024, a new single entitled “One Of Us” has arrived, and it’s all about Jesus… Zombie Jesus, that is!

In the song, the undead sing about an exciting story of betrayal, redemption and resurrection. In addition to the well-known, mighty and powerful orchestration and the vocal prowess of Dr. Dead, they once again offer something to catch the eye! In the official music video for “One Of Us”, DOMINUM proves that they can not only create top-notch, catchy tunes, but also aesthetically intriguing music clips.

The zombie empire will expand even further at the end of the year when the Living Dead march out on DOMINUM's first headline tour - the world of the living has a lot to look forward to!

Dr. Dead on the new single “One Of Us”:

“I have pondered at length whether you were ready to hear what I am about to reveal. There exists a book—a tale of a man who boldly declares himself to be 'One of Us.' This is not a false claim; indeed, it holds a certain truth. Yet, there are details concealed from you, truths you deserve to know in full. And so, we tell you this story.

Be neither alarmed nor sorrowful, for this revelation must be shared. The word must be spread. Thank you for your understanding.

Yours faithfully,

Dr. Dead”

Watch the Official Music Video for “One of Us” Below.

DOMINUM on the upcoming album 'The Dead Don’t Die':

"Hey, living people. Exactly one year ago, our journey began, and now it’s time for a new chapter. In the darkest nights, I buried my fallen zombies and brought them back to life under the full moon. But the real story is still to come. Stay calm, stay close (forever—pun intended), and I’ll tell you everything soon. Just remember one thing: the dead don’t really die."

Yours,

Dr. Dead

DOMINUM entered the scene in 2023 with a blast and hit the top 20 of the Official German Album Charts immediately with their debut album, 'Hey Living People.'

Massive album opening track “We Are Forlorn” invites the listener on a dark and dramatic journey that continues full-speed on “One Of Us”. Irresistibly catchy “Don't Get Bitten By The Wrong Ones” features DOMINUM’s trademark eerie yet tongue-in-cheek lyrics, continuing straight from where the band left off with their first album. The monumental title track “The Dead Don’t Die” is another highlight of 'The Dead Don’t Die' - a clever take on a classic children’s lullaby leads into brilliantly dark storytelling, that heavy instrumentation and a multifaceted vocal performance take to the next level.

Feuerschwanz and dArtagnan mastermind Ben Metzner is featured in this song. In addition to the album’s 10 original tracks, DOMINUM continues delivering the exciting cover of Scorpions’ classic hit “Rock You Like A Hurricane.” Some formats come with the bonus CD 'Live at Graspop Metal Meeting 2024' which includes their acclaimed performance at Graspop 2024.

Get Your Copy of 'The Dead Don't Die' NOW

Since the release of the first album in December 2023, DOMINUM has played nearly sold-out tours supporting big names such as Bruce Dickinson, Avantasia, Feuerschwanz, and Peyton Parrish in Europe, as well as convincing international audiences at summer festivals such as Graspop and Rock Harz.

DOMINUM will kick off their first full headlining tour right in time for the release of 'The Dead Don’t Die,' bringing their new horror stories to life on stage for the first time, after supporting Feuerschwanz on the second leg of their Fegefeuer tour again.

DOMINUM are:

Dr. Dead – Vocals

Patient Zero – Bass

Victor Hilltop – Drums

Tommy Kemp - Guitars

NECKBREAKKER - release video for new single 'Face Splitting Madness'

Burgeoning death metal power house NECKBREAKKER have revealed the video for 'Face Splitting Madness', the latest single to be taken from their debut album, Within The Viscera, that's set for release on 6th December via Nuclear Blast Records.

On the latest single, the band comment: “We are honoured to release out third and final single from our upcoming debut album Within The Viscera. We feel the song encapsulates our vision for the brutality and themes set for the final album. We are proud of every step in the process of making this product come to a reality.”

Pre-order and pre-save Within The Viscera now at: https://neckbreakker.bfan.link/witv

NECKBREAKKER is
Christoffer Kofoed - Vocals
Joakim Kaspersen - Guitar
Johan Lundvig - Guitar
Sebastian Knoblauch - Bass
Anton 'Hajn' Bregendorf - Drums

Folk Metal Icons SUBWAY TO SALLY Celebrate Life With New Single "Post Mortem"!

Those thought to be dead live longer – and German folk metal masters SUBWAY TO SALLYprove this on their 15th studio album, 'Post Mortem', set to be released on December 20, 2024 via Napalm Records. The first single, the title track “Post Mortem”, unleashes captivating energy that has drawn in fans and critics alike for over three decades. The significant title reflects the spirit of the band: despite all obstacles and the notion of mortality, life is celebrated.

With lyrics that invite the Grim Reaper to join at the table and face life’s challenges with a wink, SUBWAY TO SALLY call on listeners to embrace the unknown and make the best out of the time we are given – so raise your glass to an unbreakable zest for life!

Not even two years have passed since the release of their previous record 'Himmelfahrt' in 2023, and initially, the band had secretly planned for it to be their last album. With a symbolic title, the genre-defining force from Potsdam, Germany intended to close their over 30-year career with dignity. But things took a different turn. SUBWAY TO SALLY undeniably struck a chord with the times, and the response to 'Himmelfahrt' was overwhelmingly positive from both fans and critics alike. After a tour with many sold-out shows, it became abundantly clear that their 14th album was not the final chapter. The album’s release unleashed an unstoppable sense of lightness and energy that sparked their creativity to such an extent that SUBWAY TO SALLY is now ready with their brand-new masterpiece, 'Post Mortem', following the fastest creative process in the band’s history.

SUBWAY TO SALLY on the new single:

"Some songs write themselves. Our band has been around for thirty years; we’ve been through thick and thin together! Death has knocked on our door several times, at least metaphorically speaking. COVID, then our resurgence with the last album 'Himmelfahrt': we’re simply not to be silenced and nowhere near quiet yet – folk, rock, raw, defiant, and unmistakably SUBWAY TO SALLY; that’s the song ‘Post Mortem.’"

Watch the Official Music Video for “Post Mortem” below

SUBWAY TO SALLY are:

Eric Fish - Vocals, Flutes, Bagpipe

Ally Storch - Violin

Bodenski - Hurdy Gurdy, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

Simon - Acoustic Guitars, Trumsheit, Vocals

Ingo Hampf - Guitar, Lute

Simon Michael - Drums, Percussion

Sugar Ray - Bass

SUNSTORM Shares New Single "Hope's Last Stand" + Lyric Video

Today, AOR/Melodic rock quintet SUNSTORM shares a new single “Hope’s Last Stand”, taken from their third album, 'Restless Fight,' set for release on November 22nd, 2024, via Frontiers Music Srl. The track is accompanied by a new lyric video, available below.

Guitarist Aldo Lonobile says:

“'Hope’s Last Stand' is one of my favourite tracks. A solid rock song with an anthemic chorus. Ronnie really shines on this song, one of the strongest performances of the album!”

Ronnie Romero expresses his enthusiasm for the release, by saying:

“I really love the new album! I believe it keeps the SUNSTORM essence with an AOR base, but bringing a fresh more guitar-oriented and a heavier sound.”

SUNSTORM is a project created, overseen, and directed by Serafino Perugino, President of Frontiers Records, and it was originally designed to showcase a musical style similar to singer Joe Lynn Turner’s Melodic Rock/AOR roots.

Check Out the Video for "Hope's Last Stand" below

Since 2021, SUNSTORM has featured one of the most impressive vocal talents of recent years, Lords of Black and Rainbow singer Ronnie Romero. Romero’s debut album with SUNSTORM, 'Afterlife' was released in early 2021 and showcased a rejuvenation of SUNSTORM's previous musical formula, mixing Melodic Rock/AOR with more '70s-oriented hard rock, a la Rainbow (for which Romero performed as the singer).

Romero's voice and prolific musical activity have brought him to the forefront of the hard rock/metal scene where he can be seen/heard with Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, The Michael Schenker Group, Lords of Black, The Ferrymen, and Elegant Weapons with Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner. 

Ronnie Romero is also a prolific solo artist, with the release of his first two cover albums 'Raised On Radio' and 'Raised On Heavy Radio' – where he pays tribute to legendary artists from the metal world – and his latest work 'Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters', the first to feature all-new original material, released in September 2023.

With the new album 'Restless Fight,' the third to feature Ronnie Romero, SUNSTORMchanged its skin. The new line-up that backs Romero, comes from a heavy background. 

On guitars, Aldo Lonobile, musician, songwriter and producer (Geoff Tate's Sweet Oblivion, Archon Angel feat. Zak Stevens, Ring Of Fire feat. Mark Boals), Andrea Arcangeli (from the Italian progressive metal band DGM) on bass, Alfonso Mocerino (ex-Temperance, Virtual Simmetry) on drums and Antonio Agate (one of the most talented Italian keyboard players and arranger for symphonic orchestras, featured in countless albums) on keyboards. It brings back SUNSTORM’s classic AOR/Hard Rock formula with a heavy dose of energy culminating in a more dynamic and bombastic approach.

Order 'Restless Fight' HERE

Since the inception of the new album’s production, the discussion has centered on the concept of keeping the roots of SUNSTORM’s musical style: the AOR sound of the early records that everyone wanted, but with special attention to the 80s way to arrange the guitars and keys in order to reach more powerful vibrations. The aim was to give a fresh appeal to the new music so that it could be the perfect foundation for Romero, who with his powerful vocal style, is the perfect fit to deliver the goods for the music.

The result is 'Restless Fight,' an album where Ronnie’s vocal acrobatics sit perfectly into Lonobile’s way to play guitars, clearly influenced by the 80’s guitar heroes such as Jake E. Lee/Steve Stevens, to name a few.

'Restless Fight' stands pretty tall in its own right and SUNSTORM is here to stay with a lot more to say!

SUNSTORM are:

Ronnie Romero – Vocals

Aldo Lonobile – Guitars

Andrea Arcangeli – Bass

Antonio Agate – Keys

Alfonso Mocerino - Drums

MAJESTICA - Announce New Album 'Power Train'!

Great news from Sweden!
Symphonic power metal quartet MAJESTICA have announced their brand new studio album Power Train, which will see the light of day on February 7th, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records. After more than four years since their last album, the Swedes are ready to set the bar high once again with their new long player and are presenting their fans what is their strongest album to date. 
Power Train is a spellbinding experience that awakens sleeping dreams with powerful riffs and epic choruses. The enchantment rises like a breath of stars, propelling listeners into the heart of a fairytale world.
This is particularly evident in the album's first single. With the title track 'Power Train', MAJESTICA leaves an exciting first impression and also presents a strong music video, which you can witness below.

Tommy Johansson comments: 
"Get ready for explosive Power Metal with a ”can’t stop singing along”-chorus in the new track "Power Train". The video literally takes you onboard the Power Train with elements taken from the entire album."


Stream the new single here: https://majestica.bfan.link/powertrain-sgl
Pre-order/pre-save Power Train here: https://majestica.bfan.link/powertrain-album

The new album Power Train contains ten brand new tracks and will be available in the follwing formats: CD Jewel (incl. booklet), Vinyl , and digital.

When it came to the process of recording and putting all the pieces together, the band did not change a lot compared to the last projects. Again the music was written, recorded, and produced by MAJESTICA themselves. "Like our previous albums this one is also produced by ourselves, and we recorded most parts in our new place ”Majestic Studios”. For mixing we went back to Jonas Kjellgren as we have been very happy with the sound of ’A Christmas Carol’ and ’Metal United' says bassist Chris Davidsson. Regarding the amazing artwork for Power Train, Chrisexplains: "For the artwork we teamed up with Jan Yrlund / Darkgrove design. It invites you to join this majepic ride of the Power Train, imagine standing there on the platform eagerly waiting, and you hear ”all aboard”!".

TOUR
Shortly before the release of their new album, MAJESTICA will play a few shows, perfect to warm up for the upcoming album. The tour, which is called 'The Dead Don't Die Tour', kicks off on December 26th in Nürnberg, Germany. Along with headliners DOMINUM and support HAMMER KING, the Swedes are going to stop in seven cities. Furthermore, MAJESTICA will play a festival show at 'No Sleep After X-Mas Festival' in Runkel with some extra focus on their Christmas album A Christmas Carol on December 29th.

MAJESTICA is:
Tommy Johansson | guitars, vocals
Petter Hjerpe | guitars
Chris Davidsson | bass
Joel Kollberg | drums

Polish Black Metal Icons PATRIARKH, Formerly Batushka, Reveal Official Music Video for “ВЕРШАЛИН IV“

Polish black metal icons PATRIARKH (formerly Batushka) embark on a dark and ominous pilgrimage as they unveil the next single from the upcoming concept album, 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ'(Lat. PROROK ILJA), out on January 3, 2025 via Napalm Records.

Accompanied by an official music video, the new song, entitled “ВЕРШАЛИН IV” (Lat. WIERSZALIN IV), weaves the sacred-inspired vocals of Eliza Sacharczuk with liturgical melodies, building into a storm of dark choirs and unforgettably intense harsh vocals.

Building on the critical success of 'Hospodi '(2019) and relentless touring around the globe, PATRIARKH brings a renewed vision and profound storytelling to their Napalm Records debut. This eight-track journey immerses listeners in the true story of Eliasz Klimowicz, the enigmatic Prophet Ilja, set against the dramatic historical backdrop of the 1930s and ’40s. Deeply rooted in Eastern Orthodox traditions, PATRIARKH masterfully merges black and doom metal with haunting religious themes, conjuring an atmosphere as dark as it is mesmerizing.

Make sure to pre-order your copy of ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ (Lat. PROROK ILJA) now and check out the thrilling music video for “ВЕРШАЛИН IV” (Lat. WIERSZALIN IV) below!

PATRIARKH on the new single “ВЕРШАЛИН IV”:

“This is the most Oriental-sounding song on our new album. The beautiful monody that runs throughout the entire piece is deeply influenced by Greek and Romanian traditions, which are integral to Orthodoxy. In our new music, we aim to showcase different aspects of Orthodoxy. Just as the Prophet Ilja journeyed to Kronsztadt, we traveled far for musical inspiration to create a psalm in honor of the New Jerusalem that our prophet was building.

This song features our long-time singing teacher, Eliza Sacharczuk. We have been collaborating with her since 2016, continuously improving our singing skills through lessons and consultations. Our choice was intentional; Eliza has a truly unique voice. Listen and see for yourself!"

Check out the official music video for

“ВЕРШАЛИН IV” (Lat. WIERSZALIN IV) Below

Reborn PATRIARKH (formerly Batushka) returns with

a masterpiece of arcane black metal!

'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ' details a true story that happened in the band’s home area of Podlasie, in the village of Grzybowszczyzna, in the 1930s and 40s. The album takes the listener into the world of Eliasz Klimowicz, the titular Prophet Ilja, an illiterate peasant who was the leader of the Orthodox Grzybowska Sect, active until the 1960s, cultivating and transmitting the history of the self-proclaimed prophet. PATRIARKH spread their gospel by using an arsenal of folk instruments, such as tagelharpa, mandolin, mandocello, hurdy gurdy and stringed dulcimer, and worked with a symphony orchestra and choirs to give their new creations the most organic and vivid feeling possible. As is trademark with PATRIARKH’s music, Orthodox sacredness is mixed with black and doom metal, now largely enriched with folk music, neo dark folk, and even film music. The band utilizes the entire palette of Orthodox music, venturing into the areas of Byzantine monody, liturgical chant and Russian polyphony, neatly adapting folk and liturgical melodies to their own style. 

PATRIARKH on the new album:

“With this new release, we are starting a new chapter in our history - not only is our name changing, but our music is also undergoing a natural evolution. The story on the album encouraged us to get out of our comfort zone, we reached for means that we had not used before in our music. Many of you will wonder if this is still black metal? Or is it even metal? Radio play, audiobook, theater, film soundtrack, folk music, performance... All these terms will fit here. Some will hate, others will love...”

The lyrical side of 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ' is an interesting mix of theater and pastoralism. PATRIARKH uses fragments of texts from the theater play "Prorok Ilja" and draws from the messages contained in the works of Włodzimierz Pawluczuk, combining it with folk and liturgical texts. On 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ', listeners can hear various languages – and Polish for the first time ever! The album was recorded in January and May 2024 at Tall Pine Records (Behemoth, Zalewski, Afromental), Heinrich House (Behemoth, Vesania, Hate), Wem Studio (Kasa Chorych, Lukasyno, Cira) and Radio Białystok studio. Mixing and mastering was handled by Wojciech Wiesławski at Hertz Studio (Vader, Behemoth, Decapitated), and production was helmed by band mastermind and leading vocalist Bartłomiej "Варфоломей" Krysiuk. “ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ is an album full of emotions, sentimentalism and folklore. It’s pastoral, lyrical, epic, multidimensional and multicolored, just like my Podlasie is multicolored,” says Варфоломей. Dive into the deepest of all shadows with this black metal masterpiece and join PATRIARKH on this intriguing ride!  

Pre-Order Your Copy of 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ' NOW:

PATRIARKH are:

ВАРФОЛОМИЕЙ – Vocals

ЛЕХ - Drums

МОНАХ ТАРЛАХАН - Guitars

МОНАХ БОРУТА - Guitars

АРХАНГЕЛ МИХАИЛ - Guitars

ХИАЦЫНТОС ЯЦА - Choir

ЯЗЫЧНИК – Choir

35 years in, Manchester's THE SPEED OF SOUND presents 'Artificial Paradise', previewing 'Bounty' LP

Manchester indie rock / power pop outfit The Speed Of Sound present 'Artificial Paradise', a hugely upbeat danceable rail against Artificial Intelligence, along with the B-side 'Jaunt', which also happens to be the first single revealed from the album 'A Cornucupia: Bounty' - the third of their album trilogy 'A Cornucopia: Minerva, Victory, Bounty', released via Big Stir Records.

Formed in 1989 with a pre-history dating back to the day Andy Warhol died in 1987, the band is  now made up of father and son John Armstrong (guitars and vocals) and Henry Armstrong (keyboards), Ann-Marie Crowley (vocals and guitar), Kevin Roache (bass guitar) and John Broadhurst (drums). 

"Already the 'music industry’ appears to have no actual interest in music beyond creating prefabricated manufactured ‘product’. The logical next step from their existing ‘talent factories’ and hologram concerts perpetuating careers of dead stars is for major labels to move to entirely virtual stars; AI singing AI songs with AI instruments. AI regurgitates what is available for it to scrape, it cannot create something new. There will be no advancement, no evolution, no change. There is no life without change," says John Armstrong.  

''Artificial Paradise' is uncompromisingly human and says a firmly grooved up “No” to Artificial Intelligence in music. The video uses A.I images which are all generated from the prompt “Artificial Paradise” and are all meaningless, formless and empty. Which is exactly what A.I does".

Full of ambition, energy and melodic brilliance, this three-album deluxe edition is available on vinyl and CD. Beginning with the 'Minerva' album, The Speed of Sound shared a rich bouquet of thought-provoking compositions, including the hauntingly spacious 'Trickledown', the stratospherically vast 'The Great Acceleration', the uplifting 'Mind Palace' and 'West Wind', where a recklessly fast rhythm merges with a Wagnerian horn section.

The 'Victory' album then brings 14 fresh and unexpectedly shape-shifting grooves, from the supremely danceable 'Underground', unabashed sensuality of 'Monsoon', gothic lounge jazz of 'Permafrost', the glam-rocking 'E to F', reckless garage punk punch of 'Go For It', post-nostalgia of 'The Same River' and triumphant shimmering elegance of 'Tranquility Falls' to the strangely linked pairing of  'Apocalypse Acropolis' and 'Apocalypse Metropolis'

The Speed of Sound's music has always been idiosyncratic and counter-intuitive, in search of something new. Creating music with lyrical bite, expanding their foundation of 1960s, punk and new wave influences, their dynamic and stylistic variation crossing borders and pushing boundaries at every opportunity. 

Following 2021's critically acclaimed album 'Museum Of Tomorrow', the band returns triumphant, defiant and redemptive with this trilogy, marking their 35th anniversary. Most music is never even recorded, and most recorded music remains unheard. 'Victory' is a celebration of this unheard underground music and the counterculture itself - music made for the pleasure of making it. 

'Artificial Paradise' is out now and available everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where the full trilogy 'A Cornucopia: Minerva, Victory, Bounty' can be obtained on CD or vinyl. The 'Bounty' album will be official released on November 22. 

CREDITS
All songs written by John Armstrong
John Armstrong - guitars and vocals
Ann-Marie Crowley - vocals and guitars
Kevin Roache - bass guitar
John Broadhurst - drums
Henry Armstrong - keyboards
Bob Dinn - trumpet and flugelhorn
Chris Guest - harmonium, vibraphone, organ, shakers, tambourine
Alex Armstrong - typewriter on 'Yet Another Tuesday'
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Vibratone Sound Studio in Manchester by Chris Guest, Adam Crossley and The Speed of Sound
Main sleeve image: Purple Spaceman © Lina Landers 2022
Artist photographs by Shay Rowan
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with The Speed Of Sound
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Mastadon | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Big Stir Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Mixcloud | YouTube

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

Scot music legend JOHN DOUGLAS (TRASHCAN SINATRAS) presents his 'Still or Sparkling?' EP

Celebrated songsmith John Douglas, co-founder and guitarist of beloved Scottish music icons Trashcan Sinatras presents his new 4-track 'Still Or Sparkling EP', out November 8 via Reveal Records, having returned home after wrapped up his debut headline North American tour (with select shows involving fellow Trashcans Frank Reader and Paul Livingston).

In the home stretch to his EP, Douglas introduces his rendition of 'Johnsburgh, Illinois', noting that he had dreamed of finding a love so strong as that which inspired this Tom Waits classic and finally did upon meeting his wife Eddi Reader (of Fairground Attraction fame and a solo artist in her own right),

He earlier shared the lead single 'Still Or Sparkling?', evoking the early days of any relationship…. the getting to know each other phase, flirtatious and light, in which he also name-checks the unlikely trio of Shirley Collins, Annie Briggs and Michelangelo. John Douglas says, "This is a new song of new love… the fresh, early days. Inspired by a late night date with my future wife, spent listening to folk records, eating figs and getting to know each other."

A slight move away from his acoustic debut album while maintaining a natural 'no overdubs' approach, this EP involves contributions by some stellar musicians, including Eddi Reader, Boo Hewerdine (The Bible), Kevin Mcguire and Alan Kelly - all also part of Reader's band.

In 2023, John Douglas released his eponymous debut album via Reveal Records, recorded with renowned producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion). Other highlights of the year include a UK headlining tour, UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras' reissued album 'Cake' (33 years since debuting), and a Trashcan Sinatras documentary, produced by award-winning journalist Ken Sweeney, featuring Douglas performing beloved Trashcans' songs.

Douglas also recently shared his version of 'Weightlifting' for the 20th anniversary of the milestone Trashcan Sinatras album with that name, preceded by videos for 'Oranges & Apples', 'I Just Want To Go Home', 'Lost', 'I'm Not The Fella', 'Always'and 'Leave Me Alone'.

As of November 8, the 'Still or Sparkling?' EP is available from fine online platforms, including Bandcamp, where it is now available to order.

CREDITS
John Douglas - Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar & Finger Clicks
Eddi Reader - Backing Vocals
Alan Kelly - Accordion
Kevin McGuire - Double Bass
All footage filmed by Stephanie Gibson upstairs in Cathkin, South Lanarkshire and upstairs at The Doublet Bar, Kelvinbridge (Glasgow, Scotland)
Video edited by John Douglas.
John Douglas photos by Stephanie Gibson
Trashcan Sinatras photo by Chris Williams
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with John Douglas 
Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Songkick| BandsInTown | Press contact

Keep up with Reveal Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud  

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

DELAIN Releases Brand-New Track “The Reaping” + Official Video!

DELAIN will finally release their new EP, 'Dance with the Devil', this Friday, November 8, 2024 via Napalm Records! Right in time, the melodic synth-metal masters around keyboardist, founder, and main songwriter Martijn Westerholt create a stir with a brand-new song, entitled “The Reaping”, cut from the new offering.

The gripping track acts as a whirlwind of emotions articulating feelings of foreboding and sorrow through catchy electronic synth melodies and modern heaviness. It delves into collective themes, expressing disillusionment with the current path of society toward imminent and inescapable consequences. “The Reaping” is now available on all streaming services worldwide and comes with an electrifying official music video, underlining this exceptional track with stunning high-quality visuals.

'Dance with the Devil' allows DELAIN’s listeners to dive through their highest quality discography while striding ahead into a future that promises to explore new, more synth-driven soundscapes than ever before.

Martijn Westerholt on “The Reaping”:

“’The Reaping’ is a very expressive song with a serious subject - where the world/society is heading and metaphorical storms on the horizon. Musically the song can be recognized as a typical DELAIN song filled with heavy guitars, but also with the very recognizable 80's synth elements DELAIN is known for”.

Watch the Official Music Video for “The Reaping” below.

As their second release with a revitalized lineup anchored by Martijn Westerholt, 'Dance with the Devil' features a thrilling collection of two brand new tracks, two newly-presented favorites, nine electrifying live performances, and two instrumental bonus tracks, showcasing the best of their catchy, melodic signature sound with extensive electronic synth elements and fresh modern nuances.

Secure your Copy of 'Dance with the Devil' NOW

'Dance with the Devil' debuts with two gripping new tracks, “Dance with the Devil” and “The Reaping”, followed by a brand-new version of "Sleepwalkers Dream", showcasing singer Diana Leah’s outstanding voice and her breathtaking full vocal capacities. 'Dance with the Devil' continues with nine live performances, featuring massively-streamed hits from both the present and the past. These include "Burning Bridges", "The Quest and the Curse", "Moth to a Flame", and the massive hit "April Rain", which has been streamed over 10 million times, along with "Queen of Shadow". In addition, the digipak edition features instrumental versions of “Dance with the Devil” and “The Reaping”, as well as an alternate ending version of “Underland”. DELAIN’s new EP impressively underlines the unit's high-class standing in the scene and continues their voyage of setting fans’ hearts ablaze!

Martijn Westerholt adds:

“We're thrilled to have brand new material ready to be released! In addition to the new songs, it was fantastic to have captured some magical live moments of our European tour earlier this year as live tracks for the EP. We’re definitely very excited for this release and are really looking forward to bringing the new music to the stage!”

North America Tour

Special Guest: XANDRIA

Support: Edge Of Paradise

07.03.25 US – Phoenix, AZ / The Nile

08.03.25 US – Los Angeles, CA / Whisky a Go Go

09.03.25 US – Sacramento, CA / Goldfield Trading Post

10.03.25 US – Portland, OR / The Bossanova Ballroom

11.03.25 US – Seattle, WA / El Corazon

13.03.25 US – Salt Lake City, UT / Metro Music Hall

14.03.25 US – Denver, CO / The Oriental Theater

15.03.25 US – Lawrence, KS / Bottleneck

16.03.25 US – Joliet, IL / The Forge

17.03.25 US – Detroit, MI / The Token Lounge

19.03.25 US – Columbus, OH / The King of Clubs 

20.03.25 CA – Toronto, ON / Axis

21.03.25 CA – Montreal, QC / Fairmount Theatre

22.03.25 US – Cambridge, MA / Middle East  

23.03.25 US – New York, NY / The Gramercy Theatre

24.03.25 US – Baltimore, MD / Soundstage

26.03.25 US – Atlanta, GA / Masquerade (Hell)

28.03.25 US – Dallas, TX / Granada Theater 

29.03.25 US – Austin, TX / Come and Take It Live

DELAIN are:

Martijn Westerholt - keyboards

Diana Leah - vocals

Ronald Landa - guitars and backing vocals

Ludovico Cioffi – bass and backing vocals

Sander Zoer - drums

BURNING WITCHES Enchant with New Single “The Spell Of The Skull” + Official Video

BURNING WITCHES bring back the vibe of 80s heavy metal and update their powerful force with renewed sonic clarity on their upcoming maxi-single, 'The Spell Of The Skull', set for release via Napalm Records on December 10, 2024! With screaming guitars, the Swiss band is back for a heavy metal blast session in the snow.

This time, they curse their audience with two new songs from their latest conjuring of witchcraft. Witchqueen Romana Kalkuhl hypnotizes your mind with her melodic riffs, while diabolic priestess Laura Guldemond conquers your soul with crowd-pleasing shouts. Title track “The Spell Of The Skull” starts off with a short but mighty heavy guitar intro that perfectly sets up Laura’s powerful vocals, which especially shine in the chorus of the song, making it a true sing-a-long experience and creating an epic atmosphere pleasing every fan of heavy metal!

Only a few years after their foundation, these five witches had already performed at fully attended shows at the biggest and most important festivals of the entire metal universe, like Wacken, Summer Breeze, and Rock Harz Open Air in Germany. After five attention-grabbing albums, BURNING WITCHES prepares for another attack in 2025!

Guitarist Romana Kalkuhl on “The Spell Of The Skull”:

“We are busy bees and in between all the shows we managed to write the first new songs with Courtney on guitar. We are so excited to present you some fresh music and this keeps us all entertained till the next album. Working on this was such a blast, 'The Spell of the Skull' could be a new WITCHES anthem, what do you think? Lean back and enjoy & get enchanted by your favorite WITCHES!“

Watch the Official Music Video for “The Spell Of The Skull” below.

Featured on the New Two Track 12’’ Vinyl Edition

Pre-Order HERE

BURNING WITCHES are:

Laura Guldemond - Vocals

Romana Kalkuhl - Guitars

Courtney Cox - Guitars

Jay Grob - Bass

Lala Frischknecht - Drums

Kevin Jonas Sr. to Release Debut Christmas EP 'Ready Set Glow - A Holiday Collection' on Nov. 8

Kevin Jonas Sr., lovingly known as “Papa Jonas,” is set to release his debut Christmas EP, Ready Set Glow – A Holiday Collection on November 8. The collection presents a deeply personal, heartwarming, and festive compilation of seven tracks, largely co-written by Jonas, Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame Member and 2017 BMI Icon Bob DiPiero, acclaimed artist-songwriter Amy Stroup, and multi-platinum producer David Kalmusky, who also produced the EP. 
 
Adding to the project's holiday spirit, Kevin’s wife, Denise Jonas, lends her vocals to select tracks, bringing an intimate and family-centered feel to the EP. The Red Van Records release is available for pre-save/pre-add Here.
 
“Thirty-five years ago, I promised my wife Denise that I would record and release a Christmas record, and now it’s finally coming to life,” Kevin shared. “Ready Set Glow-A Holiday Collection is all about the magic and warmth of the holiday season, shared with family and friends.”
 
The collection opens with the standout title track, “Ready Set Glow,” a heartfelt duet between Kevin and Denise Jonas that perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas. The song includes guest vocals from members of Jonas Group Entertainment, Red Van Records and friends, embodying the inclusive, communal joy of the holidays.
 
“The EP also features a co-write with Nick Jonas on ‘Joy to the World (A Christmas Prayer)’, written when Nick was only 9 years old.”
 
The exquisitely arranged medley “Jesu Bambino/Oh Holy Night,” recorded with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and arranged by David T. Clydesdale, adds a classic touch that will add to any holiday tradition. 
 
With Ready Set Glow-A Holiday Collection, Kevin Jonas Sr. brings to life a festive celebration of love, laughter, and family—just in time for the holiday season.

WANG CHUNG ANNOUNCE EXTENSIVE CAREER RETROSPECTIVE, DOUBLE LP 'CLEAR LIGHT/DARK MATTER' AND EVERYBODY HAVE FUN TONIGHT REMIX OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO

Some of the '80s biggest and most enduring synth-pop hits were created by a single band, Wang Chung – including "Dance Hall Days," "Everybody Have Fun Tonight," "Let's Go!", "To Live and Die in L.A.," "Hypnotize Me," and “Fire In The Twilight” – and now all those tracks (and more!) will be included on the new compilation, 'Clear Light/Dark Matter.'

Scheduled to release on Friday, March 7th, 2025, 'Clear Light/Dark Matter' reveals the many layers of Wang Chung's music. This exclusive double vinyl set spans the band's more than four-decade and career, featuring a carefully curated selection of their greatest hits and hidden gems, including never-before-released demos and a new live recording.

The set also includes an edit of the recently released brand new remix of “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” by acclaimed remixer Eric Kupper, known for his work with artists such as Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Depeche Mode, Diana Ross, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Streaming everywhere now.

Priced at $89.95, the set is available now for pre-order as a "deluxe collector's edition," and includes instant access to the music and other exclusive digital content! https://singmarket.com/market/wangchung/cldm/deluxe

Included in this set is:
• Double 12" LP Vinyl Record: 180g colored vinyl (Clear White & Black Ice)
• 7" Vinyl Single: Everybody Have Fun Tonight (Eric Kupper Remix – Club & Dub versions)
• Exclusive Booklet: Featuring photos provided by Nick Feldman and Jack Hues, with written contributions from Jack Hues
• CD: 6-panel two-disc digipak of ‘Clear Light/Dark Matter’
• Turntable Mat
• 8" x 10" Semi-Gloss Photo: Exclusive image provided by Wang Chung
• 5” x 5” Sticker: Everybody Wang Chung Tonight

Additionally, digital assets include:
• 8 Exclusive Photos: Never-before-seen
• Thank You Video: Personal message from Wang Chung

The duo of Nick Feldman and Jack Hues came out of the post-punk/new wave scene in the UK, and went on to achieve global success selling millions of records. Throughout their 40+ year career, they have released 6 studio albums and 2 greatest hits collections. They have had 6 US Top 40 hits, including a massive #1 single. They composed and performed the complete score for the 1984 neo-noir action thriller film "To Live and Die in L.A.” and also the song 'Fire in the Twilight’ for the legendary film 'Breakfast Club’, amongst many others. Wang Chung’s hit song 'Dance Hall Days’ was featured almost in its entirety in the 2024 hit movie starring Anne Hathaway titled 'The Idea of You’.  'To Live and Die in LA' also got used as the theme tune for the John Mulaney Netflix show ‘Everybody’s in LA’. In the process of all of this (and somewhat unintentionally), Wang Chung became part of the contemporary culture of North America with their huge smash 'Everybody Have Fun Tonight', with its now famous line ''Everybody Wang Chung Tonight'' which saw the invention of a new US verb: ''to Wang Chung'’.

From Wang Chung:
"Our songs often have an accessible front end, but there's always a deeper layer beneath the surface—whether it's lyrically or musically. 'Clear Light, Dark Matter' reflects that balance between the light and the dark, the yin and yang, or as we like to say, the Wang and the Chung of what we do.” -Nick Feldman
  
Founded in 2019, Seattle-based SING Inc. is a music technology company specializing in deluxe collector’s editions and high-fidelity vinyl records. We focus on fostering the relationship between artists and fans by creating products of high quality and cultural importance. Each release is thoughtfully curated and uses our proprietary intellectual property technology to ensure authenticity. Every edition is designed to deliver a memorable experience in various physical and digital formats, allowing fans to truly "Own the Sound."

2024 has continued to be a successful year for Wang Chung with 'Dance Hall Days' being featured almost in its entirety in the 2024 smash hit movie starring Anne Hathaway, titled 'The Idea of You’.  'To Live and Die in LA' also got used as the theme tune for the John Mulaney Netflix show 'Everybody's in LA'.
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
Website: www.wangchung.com
Facebook: facebook.com/wangchungband
X: @WangChungMusic
Instagram: @WangChungOfficial

Acclaimed AOR Force THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA Reveal Nostalgic New Single, “Shooting Velvet”

THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA’s new album and Napalm Records debut 'Give Us The Moon' is set for release on January 31, 2025, and today the band offers a first taste of what’s to come with “Shooting Velvet”! The beautifully nostalgic new single arrives with an official music video. Founded in 2007, THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA already have six albums and three Swedish Grammis nominations as well as millions of streams and countless exciting live shows under their belts.

The multifaceted new offering continues THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA’s mission of protecting true AOR and will impress fans and critics alike with its spellbinding storylines, brilliant musicianship and unique sound. To celebrate the album release, THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA will head on a full European tour at the end of January. Make sure to pre-order your copy of 'Give Us The Moon' now and check out the exciting music video for “Shooting Velvet” below!

THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA comments:

“Here’s the first taste of the new TNFO universe that is 'Give Us The Moon'. Let yourself be mesmerized by the pulsating foundation and grandiose chorus of this glittery effort. This song is about keeping the highs, fighting the lows, and never skipping a beat. We shall be watching you from the moon as you lace your shiny shoes. Enjoy ‘Shooting Velvet’!”

Watch the Official Music Video for “Shooting Velvet”

Founded in 2007 by members of high-profile bands such as Soilwork, Arch Enemy, and Mean Streak, over the years THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA have been nominated three times for the Swedish Grammis, gathering millions of streams via their hits. The band has also won over live audiences internationally with their incredibly entertaining performances, including enormous festivals like Wacken Open Air and even opening for Kiss on their very last two shows in Sweden at legendary Dalhalla, as well as several successful European tours and a Latin American tour in summer 2024.

The 13-track album takes the listener on an exciting sonic journey, balancing between uplifting escapism and captivating stories inspired by real-life events. The album's themes span the likes of heroines and temptresses to liberation and romantic nostalgia, set to backdrops of abandoned cities and cosmic tides. The intro track “Final Call” sets the scene for Give Us The Moon before impressive opening track “Stratus”. The intro of “Like The Beating Of A Heart” captures the listener from its first notes, leading into an irresistibly catchy chorus. Massive “Melbourne, May I?” is a classic THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA anthem, featuring captivating solos that are equally prominent on following track “Miraculous”. THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA slows it down for the emotional “Paloma”, before again diving into different soundscapes on the exciting, uplifting “Cosmic Tide”. The title track “Give Us The Moon” builds into a singalong chorus, before the band continues their trademark of name-dropping streets and cities on “A Paris Point Of View”, that features fascinating instrumentation including particularly 80s-inspired keys and groovy bass. Sentimental “Runaways” feels like a part of a movie, only partially because of the attention-grabbing intro track before the first notes. THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA gets the tempo up once more for “Way To Spend The Night” before the epic closing track “Stewardess, Empress, Hot Mess (And The Captain Of Pain)” wraps up THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA’s most cinematic masterpiece so far.

'Give Us The Moon' is free from the limitations of one genre or style, although many of the soundscapes of the album draw inspiration from the 80s, making the album a varied, exciting adventure. The album was produced by THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA and Sebastian Forslund, who also mixed the album, and is mastered by Plec Johansson at award-winning The Panic Room Studios. The galactic artwork was once again created by the talented Giorgia Carteri. Boarding is completed - fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the flight!

THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA about their new album:

“We have never worked harder on an album before and what a journey it’s been. We feel that this album has it all and there’s no way we could have done any better. It’s an explosion of emotions and cinematic landscapes where you’ll be catapulted into space and then land smoothly while feeling right at home. It will be your haven and your grand escape all at once. We hope you will connect to this album with every fiber of your body and mind, just like we do. Please do enjoy 'Give Us The Moon'!”

Pre-Order Your Copy Of 'Give Us The Moon' NOW:

THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA are:

Björn Strid - Vocals

Sharlee D’Angelo - Bass

Jonas Källsbäck - Drums

Sebastian Forslund - Guitar, Percussions

John Lönnmyr - Keys

Rasmus Ehrnborn - Guitar

Anna Brygard - Backing Vocals

Åsa Lundman - Backing Vocals

Manchester post-punk / death-rock stalwarts Inca Babies unleash 'Ghost Mechanic 9' single

Manchester post-punk death-rock rockers Inca Babies present ‘Ghost Mechanic 9’,the title track and second single from their ninth studio album 'Ghost Mechanic Nine'. A driving blast of a guitar song, this song is a powerful indication of the flavour of the album as a whole, the sound owing more to the Incas' early music as Harry Stafford revisits the raw guitar sounds of their 80s output. Earlier, they released the lead track 'Spacewalk', a timeless Rockabilly groove inspired by Link Wray, Alan Vega and Brian Setzer (but set in a Sci-Fi space opera), together with the B-side 'Monster In The Deep'.

Today, Inca Babies is made up of Harry Stafford (guitar, keys, vocals), Rob Haynes(drums, percussion), Jim Adama (bass) and Kevin G. Davy (trumpet). This will be their first release in three years, following their 2021 album ‘Swamp Street Soul’. Continuing their explosive exploration of goth, punk and death-rock jazz-blues, this album explores the essence of the 80s death-rock vibe, with a tribute to the strong riffing and cool, dead-pan delivery of the dark wave scene at the time. 

With its singular hypnotic bass rhythm, 'Ghost Mechanic 9' could have fit neatly on their 1986 album ‘Opium Den’ . But those days of analogue imprecision are behind us and, with Simon ‘Ding’ Archer (The Fall, PJ Harvey) at the controls, there is still a contemporary zing to the production and a snap to the overall sound. Recorded at 6Db Studios in Salford, Archer and Stafford recorded and mixed this album over two years, with with 'Ding' also contributing serious sonic and dub flourishes. Marco Butcher subsequently mastered this record at his Boombox studio in North Carolina.

This collection of darkly invigorating tunes,album visits a similar place to where Inca Babies started in the 80s with their psychobilly trash rock, reconnecting with their roots, where The Gun Club and The Cramps met, the intersection where Inca Babies found their most passionate and loyal following. This song is a calling card for the album, taking listeners back to a sound that is raw, spiky and reminiscent of their early days in the 80s.  

“This is a surging highway groove that drives us on into the night with a rumbling bass line. Driving for the sake of it; driving to escape. Headlights in the dark: red and blue dash lights; wondering why anyone but you is driving this late. The ghost on the highway, the grease-ball mechanic who says you’ll keep going for miles and miles. And all the numbers are the same. It’s number 9, the ninth album for Inca Babies and he first of nine songs on the album," says Harry Stafford.

Originally comprised of Harry Stafford, Bill Marten, Mike Keeble and Pete Bogg, Inca Babies began in 1983 in the now-legendary deck-access flats of Hulme in Manchester. Intended as executive ‘cities in the sky’, they quickly became cockroach-infested slums inhabited by students, artists and druggies. They released their 1984 debut single 'Interior' on their Black Lagoon label with an unusual sound for Manchester, which was then associated with Joy Division, Buzzcocks, The Fall and The Smiths. With a nod to their influences, Writer CP Lee dubbed them "the Hulme Cramps" for their Gothabilly twang.

A vibrant part of Britain's early postpunk / goth /death rock scene, they amassed a steady following through touring and by releasing a further six singles and four albums over the next five years, all of which entered the UK Indie Charts. They also recorded four sessions for BBC's legendary John Peel show between 1984 and 1988 before calling it quits that year.

Since reforming in 2007, they've released three albums and toured extensively around Europe, Russia, North America, India and beyond. Renewed interest in the Incas was propelled by Cherry Red Records 'Best of’ compilation release ‘Inca Babies 1983-87: Plutonium’. After Bill Marten's death in 2008, the band decided to continue creating music, subsequently releasing their Death Blues Album Trilogy - 'Death Message Blues' (2010), 'Deep Dark Blue' (2012) and 'The Stereo Plan' (2014).

'Ghost Mechanic 9' is available everywhere as of October 30, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. On November 29, the ‘Ghost Mechanic Nine’ album will be released on vinyl and digitally, and can be pre-ordered via Bandcamp and the Louder Than War shop.

CREDITS
Written by Harry Stafford & Rob Haynes
Harry Stafford – vocals, guitars & keyboards
Rob Haynes - drums & percussion
Jim Adama – bass guitar
Kevin G Davy - trumpet, horns
Simon 'Ding' Archer - sonic and dub flourishes
Released by Black Lagoon Records
Catalogue no. BLRLP0060
Recorded, mixed & produced by Simon ‘Ding’ Archer & Harry Stafford
Recorded at 6Db in Salford under Simon ‘Ding’ Archer
Mastered by Marco Butcher at Boombox Studio (North Carolina, USA)
Artwork created by Harry Stafford
Live photos by Simona Masoni
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Inca Babies
Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcoud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Booking contact | Press contact

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

Crippled Black Phoenix Rewrite Grim Tale of "444"

Since emerging from the great smog of the United Kingdom, Crippled Black Phoenix have burned like a signal flare against the night, warning weary travelers of the troubles ahead. This year, Justin Greaves (ex Iron Monkey and Electric Wizard), long-time vocalist Belinda Kordic and their many collaborators are celebrating 20 years of end-time ballads with a new, two-part compilation. 

Horrific Honorifics Number Two (2) continues the UK band's tradition of haunting homages with covers that range from Fugazi to NoMeansNo, Deep Purple, Built to Spill and Laura Branigan's Top 10 hit "Self Control". The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature reworks their early signature songs, including the darker, gloomier "Goodnight, Europe (Pt2)".

Today, CBP are releasing a revamped version of "444". Originally released on 2009 standout The Resurrectionists, this dirge quickly became a fan favorite and staple in the band's set list. While faithful to how the song is performed live, this recording includes new lyrics that once again reflect the perils of our times.  

Listen to the new version of "444".

https://youtu.be/Y71jgGtfbq0

The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature and Horrific Honorifics Number Two (2) come out November 29 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/cbpwolf

https://orcd.co/cbphonorifics

CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX’s reputation was built on the back of their studio albums and live shows. The pandemic prevented the band from supporting Ellengæst, but it did provide them additional time to bring in new members to their live configuration.

“We’ve done one show since 2019,” says Greaves. “We are going to do something in Europe this year. Hopefully, we can get back on track. We’re also going to do something in the States — that’s not just talk, we’re actually going to do it. It’s well overdue. The live band is fucking amazing. We have the five of us and now we have Jordi [Farré] on drums, Paco [Fleischfresser] on synth and a really good friend of mine, Matt Crawford on bass.

“We did the Leipzig show and even though the rehearsals were better than the show itself, that lineup, our live band, is so good. Because we haven’t been under pressure to put a live band together since 2019 and spent so long talking to people, we’ve got a better band from those results. Out of disaster, we’ve got quite a good, positive thing.”

The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature & Horrific Honorifics Number Two(2) are a double album celebrating the 20 year existence of CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX.

Original Credits:
All tracks on Horrific Honorifics Number Two(2) are covers of various artists.

Vengeance
Originally recorded by New Model Army, Written by: Sullivan/Morrow

Self Control
Originally recorded by Laura Branigan, Written by: Giancarlo Bigazzi, Raffaele Riefoli, Steve Piccolo

Blueprint
Originally recorded by Fugazi, Written by: Canty, Lilly, MacKaye, Picciotto

And That’s Sad
Originally recorded by NoMeansNo, Written by: NoMeansNo

Hammer Song
Originally recorded by Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Written by Alex Harvey

When A Blind Man Cries
Originally recorded by Deep Purple, Written by: Gillan, Glover, Blackmore, Lord, Paice

My Pal
Originally recorded by God, Written by: God, Joel Silbersher)

Goin’ Against Your Mind
Originally recorded by Built To Spill, Written by: Doug Martsch, Jim Roth, Brett Nelson, Scott Plouf

Lineup:

Vengeance
Ryan Patterson - Vocals
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars, Backing Vocals
Belinda Kordic - Backing Vocals
Wesley J. Wasly - Bass

Self Control
Belinda Kordic - Vocals
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars
Andy Taylor - Baritone Guitar
Helen Stanley - Synth
Wesley J. Wasley - Bass

Blueprint
Ryan Patterson - Vocals
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars
Helen Stanley - Piano
Wesley J. Wasley - Bass

And That's Sad
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars, Vocals
Wesley Wasley - Bass, Vocals

Hammer Song
Belinda Kordic - Vocals
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars
Andy Taylor - Guitar, Acoustic guitar
Helen Stanley - Synth, Hammond
Wesley J. Wasley - Bass

When A Blind Man Cries
Belinda Kordic - Vocals
Justin Greaves, Drums, Guitars
Andy Taylor - Guitars
Helen Stanley - Piano
Kostas Panagiotou - Hammond
Wesley J. Wasley - Bass

My Pal
Belinda Kordic - Vocals
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars, Backing Vocals
Wesley J. Wasley - Bass

Goin' Against Your Mind
Justin Storms - Vocals
Justin Greaves - Drums, Guitars
Andy Taylor - Guitar
Wesley J. Wasley - Bass

Recorded in 2023 at:
Chapel Studios, Lincolnshire
Engineered by Pieter Rietkerk

Additional Vocal Sessions at:
Kapsylen Studio, Stockholm
Engineered by Jörgen Jugglo Wall.
House Of Foto, Louisville, KY
Engineered by Ryan Patterson

Additional Production Credits:
Mixed by Pieter Rietkerk
Mastered by Magnus Lindberg
Produced by Justin Greaves

Cover Art:
Erebus Art (Thanasis Stratidakis)

Pre-save & Pre-order 'The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature': https://orcd.co/cbpwolf

Pre-save & Pre-order 'Horrific Honorifics Number Two(2)': https://orcd.co/cbphonorifics

Follow Crippled Black Phoenix:
Official Website: https://www.crippledblackphoenix.net/
Bandcamp: https://crippledblackphoenixsom.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBP444/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbp_444/
Twitter (X): https://x.com/cbp_official/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WEyPcf9ezhNLm1xOBjbwH
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/crippled-black-phoenix/251718934
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/391823
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3607159

NYC chamber punk outfit ECCE SHNAK shares 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy', first single in 5 years

NYC-based art-rock outfit Ecce Shnak (pronounced Eh-kay sh-knock) presents the single 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy', dedicated to 19th Century English philosopher Jeremy Bentham, whose skull is kept on display at the University of London. Their fourth release to date and first new music since 2019, they return to once again shatter notions of genre, while addressing weighty themes and notable trivia alike.

This first taste of their 'Shadows Grow Fangs' EP, slated for release in early 2025 via NYC-based imprint Records Man, Records, is astonishing -- Ecce Shnak effortlessly combines math-metal, post-rock and choral anthems in just 150 seconds. Opening with a ferocious roar and a knotty, funk-metal riff, it’s interrupted by bursts of Queen-like harmonies and witchlike wails before punching through to bewitching keyboards and a bridge that would set off a cemetery mosh, only for a stern choral coda to arise like you’re now in a chapel coming around from an inadvertent knockout.

A 5-piece made up ofDavid Roush(vocals, electric guitar/bass),Isabella Komodromos(vocals),Chris Krasnow (electric guitar),Gannon Ferrell(electric guitar/bass),Henry Vaughn(drum kit), Ecce Shnak is one part pop music, another part classical music and a third part punk music, creating songs about love, sex, death, change, bravery, and food.

Since Roush formed the band in the mid-noughties, Ecce Shnak has been treading the high wire, leaping from craft to craft. Throughout their explorations, you’ll always find Roush tripping the light fantastic. Provocative and entertaining in equal, lavish measures, Ecce Shnak's performances are as vividly cartoonish as they are intellectually compelling, defying all earthly expectations.

"'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy' is a prog-punk psychiography of the father of utilitarianism, Jeremy Bentham. Though he was a staunch advocate for basic social services for poor and working people, Bentham was also a tragically confused do-gooder who promoted solitary confinement for prisoners. His single weirdest move was neither good nor bad, but pretty morally neutral: he had his body taxidermied after he died so that his students could muse upon his body as a no-biggie, just a “stale instrument",” says David Roush.  

"The comedic tragedy of Bentham’s life is a fascinating story that raises many complicated questions around happiness, suffering, justice, politics, and the role of mortality in human life. However, in the wake of his confused advocacy for solitary confinement, a more straightforward message emerges in light of the injustices of the modern era. Regardless of any of the good intentions of its architects, our system of incarceration and policing is pointlessly brutal. It needs to be challenged and transformed: for the incarcerated, for undocumented people, for those on death row, and for their loved ones."

An art-rock synthesis of pop music, heavy and classical music, 'Shadows Grow Fangs' EP is a raucous adventure through these styles that concludes with a folk song, a first for the band. Showcasing limitless invention, these five songs run the gamut from slow-burning meditations on love’s indispensability to mockery of the web from the perspective of a time-travelling poet, and much more.

Recorded and produced by Jeff Lucci at the Art Farm (NY), the EP was mixed by Nicholas Vernhes  (Animal Collective, Deerhunter, The Fiery Furnaces, Dirty Projectors, Wild Nothing, The War on Drugs) and mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Greg Calbi (John Lennon, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Talking Heads, Patti Smith, Tom Petty, Todd Rundgren).

Roush once lived opposite Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary, designed in line with English social reformer Jeremy Bentham’s 1791 circular prism plan. “He said a criminal can redeem himself by contemplation on the crime and restoration in solitude, a really cute, liberal idea that was modified horrifically to the point where we have the brutal practice of solitary confinement," elaborates David Roush, "A friend was working for their ‘Halloween Haunted Prison Experience’, so they were like ‘zombie’ prisoners, which was kind of funny, kind of absurd, but, in another way, horrible when you think about the reality. And I said, ‘Well, shit, I guess I have to write this song.’ So I went to the library, got a bunch of books and read.”

The song’s opening words? “Jeremy! What a show-off!"

Ecce Shnak might seem a frivolous moniker, but a great deal lies behind it. Ask frontman David Roush and, in his gentle, considered manner, he’ll point to the interjection ‘Ecce’ – Latin for “Behold!” – and the slang ‘shnokkered’, meaning ‘incoherently intoxicated’. Coincidentally, the German origin of ‘Roush’, ‘rausch’, also translates as ‘drunkenness’.

If there’s a fine line between wild-eyed, inspired genius and utter, irrepressible insanity, that’s where you’ll find these New Yorkers, teetering on a neon tightrope. They subvert notions of style, playfully but reverently embracing multiple forms from across the spectrum, frequently within a single tune, while addressing weighty themes and notable trivia with striking articulacy.

As of October 30, 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy' is available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Music written / composed by David Roush
Vocals by David Roush and Isabella Komodromos
Keyboard by David Roush
Electric guitar & bass by Jeff Lucci
Drums by Erik Scattareggia
Recorded and produced by Jeff Lucci at the Art Farm (NY)
Mixed by Nicholas Vernhes
Mastered by Greg Calbi
Video directed by Milton Walker and David Roush
Produced by Beth Narducci and David Roush
Artist photos by Tommy Krause
A&R: Beth Narducci for You + Me Entertainment
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon for Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with Ecce Shnak
Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music | Booking | Press contact

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

Argentinian-American indie pop duo Aerolinea debuts compelling video for 'What Moves You'

This is the first offering from their 'All We Need' album, an eight-track offering slated for release on November 28, which also sees an appearance by drummer Kellii Scott of Failure elsewhere.

What began in April 2023 with an Instagram message led to a year of long-distance file sharing and meet ups in Florida and Argentina. Thus was born Aerolinea, comprised of Victoria Real and Eric Weissinger. Both are songwriters, vocalists, guitarists and multi-instrumentalists. With Eric in Atlanta and Victoria in Buenos Aries.

What begins with Eastern-influenced vocals at the outset shifts to a more powerful exhibition of Real's vocals, followed by those of Weissinger and then joined in unison. This dreamy track oscillates track between minimalistic pensiveness and intense euphoria for a sonic journey that is worth the flight.

As many recent creative projects, this one came to form during the pandemic, during which time the two artists had both taken part in an online music festival. The spark that led to their collaboration - a quest, you could say, given that both had ongoing in-person musical projects in their respective home cities. After sending some rough song ideas back and forth, they came to the realization that they each nurtured something special in each other, bringing them to new sonic realms worthy of that exploration.

Eric Weissinger shares, "This is our first collection of songs and is a record of how we created music together during our first year, before meeting in person. If it feels mysterious at times, it's because our future was a mystery to us. It was inspired by our separate lives, but also by the potential we had to make music together. We recorded in our homes in Argentina and the U.S. and did final vocals together in Florida. We played all instruments, and the engineering and production was shared via emails, file sharing, phone calls, and texts."

With passionate tandem lyrics, intertwining guitars and rhythms that sometimes groove and sometimes surprise, Aerolinea crafts a sound designed for romantics and misfits, for late nights and strange places.

"This project really allows me to explore my creativity in a completely different context, with challenges and surprises since we two creating together: it’s an amazing experience because we can nourish our musical ideas and new things emerge. Aerolinea itself it feels like following a third force, a muse," says Victoria Real.

Victoria Real honed her musical skills under the tutelage of King Crimson frontman and guitar legend Robert Fripp, first as a Guitar Craft student and later performing with the League of Crafty Guitarists. In addition, she has had a blossoming career as a solo artist, releasing four albums under her name with a fifth album currently in production. For the past few years, she has received accolades at the Cordoba Entertainment Awards (Premios CIEyA), winning the award for “Artist Revelation Rock of the Year” in 2021 and nominated for both “Artist of the Year” and “Rock Artist of the Year” in 2023 and 2024.

Eric Weissinger is most renowned as half of Atlanta-based dream-gaze duo I Am a Rocketship, who have released five albums and an EP. He was also previously bassist for Anne Richmond Boston (DB Recs). As a bassist, guitarist and singer in various project, Eric Weissinger had opened for bands such as The Wedding Present, The Black Crowes, James, Cracker, and Portastatic.

'What Moves You' is is out now, available from fine digital platforms everywhere, including Bandcamp, where the full 'All We Need' album (out November 28) is now available for pre-order via My Long Wknd Records. Aerolinea will be touring Argentina in the new year, kicking off at Buenos Aires' Bar Carnal on January 11.

CREDITS
Music & Lyrics written by Victoria Real & Eric Weissinger
Vocals by Victoria Real & Eric Weissinger
Victoria Real - guitar, synths, bass, and samples
Eric Weissinger - guitar, synths, bass, and samples
Kellii Scott - drums on 'Dreamer'
Recorded & Produced by Victoria Real & Eric Weissinger
Mixed by Eric Weissinger
Cover artwork by Victoria Real & Eric Weissinger
Video directed by Nico Purdía
Video filmed by Mariano Laguzzi
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Aerolinea
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Threads | Apple Music | Spotify| YouTube Music | Press contact

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

KINGS OF MERCIA Celebrate Album Release with New Video for Title Track

KINGS OF MERCIA releases its sophomore album 'Battle Scars' via Metal Blade Records. To celebrate, they are sharing the title track along with a new video, available below.

Now and again, art offers up the perfect storm. When creative worlds collide with a furious cacophony of power, licks, and lyrics, magic happens. Such is the case with KINGS OF MERCIA, whose second album, 'Battle Scars,' is the continuation of a story as unlikely as it is glorious. The band is helmed by guitarist Jim Matheos (Fates Warning) and singer Steve Overland (FM) who are joined by drummer Simon Phillips (The Who, Toto) and bassist Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning).

About 'Battle Scars' Steve Overland shared the following:

"That's about post-war distress syndrome. It's about a guy who comes back from fighting and can't really deal with real life. He realizes that he can never be what he was before he went away and did this. But he really, really wants to, but he's trying to get that across to everybody that loves him. But the problem isn’t him–it's what he's been through. I came up with the title ‘Battle Scars,’ and I think that suggested the subject matter.”

Watch the Music Video for "Battle Scars" Below.

KINGS OF MERCIA's 2022 approachable, world-class self-titled debut was termed “truly a hybrid: it’s heavy, but not metal. It’s got tones of melodic AOR hard rock but with an edge.” Now, 2024 brings the band's sophomore album written and recorded throughout 2023, 'Battle Scars' sees the core writing team of Matheos and Overland expanding on their obvious chemistry.

"I think it was a bit easier this time around because we’ve established a good working rhythm,"states Matheos, "I’ll send Steve at least a few songs every couple of months, and I try to keep them varied. This allows him to work on whichever ones he feels strongly about."

“What Jim sends me is the first draft of that song,” says Overland. “So once he's heard all the melodies and the harmonies I sing, he can chop it about and make it how he thinks it should be. He always sends me three or four different versions. He'll say, ‘What do you think? Which do you like?’ Then we work it out between us and come up with the one we're both happy with.”

“Steve and I started working together in 2021,” says Matheos. “I was aware of FM–they came up around the same time as Fates Warning – but I’d lost touch with them and wasn’t familiar with their more recent work. When Steve was recommended to me, I checked out some of the newer releases and felt Steve was exactly what I was looking for.”

“It's a different genre of music that I'm normally involved in,” says Overland, whose voice has been likened to other British greats Paul Rodgers and Glenn Hughes. “Obviously, I’d heard of Fates Warning – they're a very big cult band in their field. Jim and I touched base, and I told him to send me one backing track. If it sounds great, then it's a win-win. If it doesn't, we'll just call it a day, knock it on the head, not take it any further. That song became ‘Humankind’ from the first album. I wrote the melodies and the title and put it all together. Jim got it and he was blown away. So we made a couple more. I loved doing it. It was just such a different challenge for me.”

Those songs would become the self-titled debut album, which was released in 2022. Written during lockdown, bouncing tracks across the Atlantic, KINGS OF MERCIA found its mojo. Fans of Fates Warning, FM, and Armored Saint all rejoiced at the common ground on KINGS OF MERCIA, the sweet spot in the middle of the Venn diagram.

It’s a true collaboration that has led to KOM's 'Battle Scars.' However, despite the unfolding sound and clear chemistry between the four Kings, Overland has never met his bandmates in person. 'Battle Scars,' like its predecessor, is a slab of transatlantic magic.

Pre-Order 'Battle Scars' HERE

KINGS OF MERCIA are:

Jim Matheos - Guitars

Steve Overland - Vocals

Simon Phillips - Drums

Joey Vera – Bass