THE VERY BEAST OF DIO VOL. 2 featuring last recorded track “Metal Will Never Die”

Out on January 31st 2025

PRE-ORDER NOW



Originally released in 2012, The Very Beast of Dio Vol. 2 is compilation of classic tracks from DIO’s seventh to tenth albums: Angry Machines (1996), Magica (2000), Killing The Dragon (2002), and final studio album Master Of The Moon (2004).  It’s a carefully curated follow up to The Very Beast of Dio Vol. 1. which included tracks from Dio’s first 6 albums.
 
Featuring liner notes from Eddie Trunk, famous radio host and longtime friend of Ronnie, the album also contains the last track ever recorded by Ronnie “Metal Will Never Die” which he performed with his cousin David ‘Rock’ Feinstein.  
 
Includes later period DIO classics like “Push”, “The Eyes”, “Fever Dreams”, and two very rare tracks, “Electra” (intended for the never completed Magic II) and “Prisoner Of Paradise” (from the Japanese edition of Master Of The Moon).
 
Out of print for nearly 10 years, The Very Beast Of Dio Vol. 2 will be available on January 31st  on Limited Edition Dragon’s Fire 2LP and 1CD.

Retromorphosis Announce New Album 'Psalmus Mortis'

True legends never die, especially in death metal.

Having already reached unholy nirvana by their third album, in 2017, Spawn of Possession was put to rest. But like an especially pungent spore, the seeds of those most accursed influencers have been festering in their hallowed crypt, waiting to come alive and haunt the earth once again. 

Such is the sordid backstory behind Retromorphosis. Jonas Bryssling and his Spawn of Possession bandmates have once again joined forces with ex-Obscura and Necrophagist guitarist Christian Muenzner. Only now, their proven chemistry explodes with even more deadly proficiency. They've added former Decrepit Birth drummer KC Howard to the equation, along with a few new, old-school bells and whistles.    

With their first album, Retromorphosis emerge with the missing link in tech-death's evolutionary chain. Psalmus Mortis is almost a decade in the making, but its lead single "Vanished" shows that this band of fearsome players loom over metalheads' imaginations larger than ever. 

Watch the haunting visualizer for "Vanished" Below:

Psalmus Mortis comes out February 21 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/retromorphosispsalmusmortis

Spawn of Possession had the final nail hammered into its coffin nearly a decade ago, but time has only accelerated the mutation of Retromorphosis. The first offering from Psalmus Mortis comes screaming out of the shadows before quickly settling in to a bone-crunching riff that reeks of the old school. "I prefer my death metal to sound ugly and mean", Bryssling says with a satisfied grin. "Vanished" was one of the first songs that Bryssling wrote after he hopped back on the death metal songwriting minotaur, but the band continued to tinker with album's lead single after the other eight tracks were smashed into shape. 

"There was no hesitation", Bryssling says about respawning with his old bandmates as Retromorphosis. With "Vanished", it's not hard to see why. Muenzner's freakishly fast solos are not for the squeamish. At one point, Casperon's bass line breaks into a ghoulish bounce, whisking the songs cosmic body horror into the light. "Fading flesh, his skin turning translucent", Röndum roars with laughter. All of the tales on Psalmus Mortis will test your sanity, though this song officially opens the album with a tale that reads like a twisted mirror image of Dorian Gray.  

"I don't have to tell them much", Bryssling continues. "They know how it's done".

So does their new drummer. "Everyone knows KC Howard is an insane talent", Bryssling says. Howard first etched his mark on the underground as the blistering heartbeat of Decrepit Birth. His non-stop pounding is the radioactive ooze that feeds Retromorphosis' frenzied nucleus. Even when "Vanished" slows to a crawl, his cymbal crashes and thunderous fills spell doom.

But Howard isn't the only new blood injected into Retromorphosis. Psalmus Mortis was produced by Magnus Sedenberg, who's been their Swedish engineer du jour dating back to SoP's first two demos. But while the band opted for more raw production, they fleshed out their technical arsenal with some unusual instruments of torture. Amidst all its unflinching punishment, "Vanished" is backlit by a ghostly choir and synths that glow like a portal into hell.   

"We had rules in Spawn of Possession", Bryssling explains when asked what separates Retromorphosis from their first mutation. "Everything had to always be so intense. Retromorphosis is more free. Psalmus Mortis can be eerie, doomy, or even quite simple".

With "Vanished", one of the great legends of modern death metal reveal their gloriously grotesque new form. 

The visualizer for "Vanished" was created by Riivata Visuals.

Lineup 
Jonas Bryssling (Spawn of Possession) - Guitars
Dennis Röndum (Spawn of Possession) - Vocals
Christian Muenzner (Spawn of Possession, ex-Obscura and Necrophagist) - Guitars
Erlend Caspersen (Spawn of Possession, The Allseeing I, Abhorrent) - Bass
KC Howard (Odius Mortem, ex-Decrepit Birth)- Drums

Recording Studio:
Pama Records AB, Kristianopel, Sweden
Sharkbite Studios, Oakland, CA, United States

Production Credits:
Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Magnus Sedenberg at Pama Records AB, Kristianopel, Sweden

Cover Art:
Arif Septian (Poisondust)

Booking information
retromorphosis.contact@gmail.com

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

Available Formats

Digital Download
CD Digipack
12" Vinyl (Black)
12" Vinyl (Red and Black Marble)

Follow Retromorphosis
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0fBVXSuBO4MlVPMmugfW7L?si=pzjuRGxDRCWvlSZtAETA-Q
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ua/artist/retromorphosis/1503268871
Bandcamp:https://retromorphosisofficial.bandcamp.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/retromorphosis.swe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retromorphosis_official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Retromorphosis_Official

JINJER Drops New Single “Green Serpent” + Official Music Video!

JINJER reigns as one of the most exciting and promising acts in the current scene! After releasing their chart-topping studio album, 'Wallflowers,' in 2021, which was hailed as “… one of the finest – and most important – metal releases of 2021” by KERRANG! (UK) as well as “a progressive masterpiece” by New Noise Magazine (US), the four-piece entered stages at Europe’s biggest festivals, such as Wacken, Download, and Rock am Ring, just to name a few. With the announcement of their upcoming record 'Duél,' to be released on February 7, 2025, via Napalm Records, JINJER justifies their reputation and delivers an eleven-track offering loaded with technical grooves, heavy progressive passages, and brutal vocals destined to drop jaws. 

Out today, JINJER’s new single, “Green Serpent”, is prime preparation for the band’s new full-length. The song begins with thick grooves and calm, clear vocals by matchless vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk, before transforming into a furious steamroller shortly after. Once more, JINJER nails their balance of various influences, defying all rules and setting their own path.“Green Serpent” has premiered alongside a blistering official music video and is now available on all streaming services worldwide.

Watch the official music video for “Green Serpent” below:

While JINJER’s previous album, 'Wallflowers,' was slightly more alluring and contained noticeably more clean vocals, 'Duél' now takes on a much more aggressive tone. This is proven by songs like “Rogue”, “Green Serpent” and “Dark Bile”, with their brutal and hefty breakdowns. Fans of super-talented vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk’s clear vocals also get their moments, as tracks such as the opener “Tantrum” show the potential of the frontwoman’s outstanding vocal prowess. 'Duél' presents itself way more cruelly – and JINJER is more vicious than ever before. “Fast Draw” is a wild death metal beast with grooving drums from Vlad Ulasevich, Roman Ibramkhalilov’s one-of-a-kind riffs and Eugene Abdukhanov’s trademark bass wizardry – showing what this band does best: brilliant state-of the-art modern metal.

On 'Duél', JINJER continues their long-lasting collaboration with accomplished producer Max Morton, who co-produced, mixed, and mastered the album. This new masterwork lives up to JINJER’s reputation as metal visionaries, once more showing that the band refuses to follow any set rules in their genre, but choose their own path of creativity.

Eugene Abdukhanov, JINJER bassist on the new album:

“First of all, it‘s hard to believe that we’re about to release our fifth full length album! After all the releases we’ve made, finally having 'Duél' in our hands and ready to be shared with the world, makes us very proud that our band still hasn’t run out of creativity and inspiration. The fact that we still challenge ourselves to release the best music we have ever made with each new release, is what keeps JINJER moving forward. This upcoming album was the longest songwriting process we’ve ever had and it took almost two years to complete. We worked very hard with every free minute we weren’t on tour, recording demos over and over again and always searching for the perfect sound for guitars, bass, and drums. It was also the first time that Tatiana did vocal pre-productions, so it’s safe to say that none of our releases were so well thought out and calculated as this one. It pulverizes the boundaries of the modern progressive metal genre but still remains sophisticated, exciting, and extreme all at the same time. We took up the challenge to expand our musical horizons even wider than before in order to cement Duél to be the next step in JINJER‘s musical growth and hopefully the evolution of metal music in general.”

Pre-Order Your Copy of 'DUÉL' NOW

JINJER are:           

Tatiana Shmayluk – Vocals         

Roman Ibramkhalilov – Guitars 

Eugene Abdukhanov – Bass       

Vlad Ulasevich – Drums

OVERSIZE Announce Debut Album "Vital Signs" + Share Video For Title Track

OVERSIZE have announced their stunning debut album Vital Signs, due February 28 via SharpTone.

To commemorate the news, the group has unveiled the title track "Vital Signs."

Watch the video below.

Stream the track here.

Of the single, the band comments, "While 'Vital Signs' is technically the title track of the album, it was originally written as an album closer and from start to finish was written comfortably in under an hour. The simplicity of the song and the free-flowing structure, combined with extra production elements — drum loops and super saturated and effect heavy guitars — give this song a unique feel within our catalogue of songs. Lyrically, much like the rest of the album, the song revolves around a journey of grief and the acceptance of loss. We felt the lyric 'Vital Signs' was the perfect summary for the album as a whole."

On the album, the band continues, "It feels very surreal to finally be releasing our debut full-length. Pretty much since the start of the band, we knew we wanted to be an 'album band.' Even through we had released two EPs previously, we've always had enough material written to make a full-length, so we knew after the second EP it was time to make the jump. Recorded in under two weeks at The Ranch Production House, we closely collaborated with producer Lewis Johns to create something we’re really proud of.

"It was always our aim to write an album where each song has its own identity yet still works holistically as an album, we were really conscious of the album not sounding too 'samey,' yet at the same time, not feeling like a playlist of random songs. We're still so honored that SharpTone shares our passion and vision for the record and can't wait for people to finally hear it."

The band members and the shared experience of writing and playing live together has found them carving out their own space within the alternative scene, in just a handful of years. Exploring the vast range of dynamics within their music, songs drift between atmospheric textures to loud fuzzy riffs, magnifying and complimenting the personal and often venerable vocals.

OVERSIZE ARE:
Sam Shutler — Drums
Sam McCauley — Vocals
George Lewis — Bass
Tazz Edwards — Guitar
Lewis Lennane-Emm — Guitar

Legendary Hard Rockers BONFIRE Share New Video for "I Will Rise"

Today, legendary German hard rockers BONFIRE share the video for their hot new single "I Will Rise." The track is off their highly anticipated new studio album, 'Higher Ground', out on January 24th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Guitarist Hans Ziller describes the new single, by saying:

“'I Will Rise' is the story of Hans Ziller, who founded the band in 1972 and was fired by his friends in 1989. He was threatened, humiliated and cheated out of millions. In his book Rock'n'Roll Survivor he writes that he died inside at that time. But he doesn't give up and gets his band back - I will rise!”

Ziller also expresses his enthusiasm for the new album:

“The new BONFIRE album is a masterpiece. BONFIRE have reinvented themselves with 'Higher Ground', never neglecting their virtues - fat hard guitars, incredible solos, great choir passages and stirring vocals. The band plays as one and is at its best.”

Watch the New Video for "I Will Rise"

BONFIRE is one of the most seminal German hard rock bands of the past fifty years. Originally founded as Cacumen in 1972 by guitarist Hans Ziller in Ingolstadt, Germany, the group initially played local venues, steadily building a fan base before releasing their first album under the name Cacumen.

In 1986, the band rebranded as BONFIRE, and their debut album as BONFIRE, 'Don't Touch the Light,' marked their international breakthrough. They followed it up with 'Fireworks' in 1987, which further cemented their status in the rock and metal scene. Despite their success, BONFIRE experienced several lineup changes, including the departure of key members. However, Ziller, the band’s driving force, kept BONFIRE alive, continuously adapting to the challenges faced by the group.

In the 1990s, BONFIRE briefly disbanded but returned in 1996, with Ziller reclaiming the rights to the band’s name. Since then, BONFIRE has released numerous albums and maintained a strong presence on the international rock scene. BONFIRE has remained a resilient force in hard rock, continuing to tour and release new material well into the 21st century.

During their most successful phase with album classics such as 'Don’t Touch The Light' (1986), 'Fireworks'(1987) and 'Point Blank' (1989), the group – alongside Scorpions and Accept – counted among the three most popular German acts on a global basis, including triumphal accomplishments throughout Europe and overseas, celebrated tours alongside Judas Priest and ZZ Top, gold records, high chart positions, TV appearances and more than 35 million YouTube views of their hit “You Make Me Feel” alone.

The band’s trademarks continue to be and always have been deeply melodic hard rock songs, driven by captivating guitar parts, grooving rhythms, and haunting vocal melodies. To this day, band founder/guitarist Hans Ziller and his exceptional group regularly awe their fans with new releases and impressive shows.

'Higher Ground' is a new life chapter for BONFIRE and the very first release under the wings of Frontiers Records.

BONFIRE are:

Hans Ziller - Guitar

Dyan Mair - Vocals

Frank Pané - Guitar

Ronnie Parkes - Bass

Fabio Alessandrini - Drums

New Album 'Higher Ground'

Out January 24th via Frontiers Music SRL

Pre-Order HERE

No Cure Share "The Basement Beneath the Fountain" Video

NO CURE — comprised of Blaythe Steuer [vocals], Aesop Mongo [guitar], Kyle Ray [guitar], Jake Murnane [bass], and Duncan Newey [drums] — recently announced their signing to SharpTone Records. The quintet, who released their debut EP back in 2022 and has been touring relentlessly ever since, will release the new concept EP I Hope I Die Here on December 6. Pre-order the eight-track EP here, which will include a limited run of double 7" vinyl, cassettes,  and a CD. 

On the EP, the band delivers an inimitable hybrid of gritty basement-bred hardcore boosted by death metal proficiency and explosive unpredictability.

The EP features guests on every track, including Daniel McWhorter from Gideon and Matthew Hasting of MyChildren MyBride, among others. All features are highlighted in the track listing below. "Every track features someone that has made an undeniable mark on Alabama hardcore over the years," the band explains about inviting so many of its friends to contribute to the release. "We do not expect you to recognize every name on this record, and that's the point."

Today, they have dropped the new single "The Basement Beneath the Fountain." Watch the video below.

The song features Kayhan Vaziri of Wretched Blessing + Yautja.

"This is a normal song," says Steuer. "Don't worry about it. There is no reason to be alarmed. That’s just what it sounds like. 33.50074° N, 86.79610° W."

As for the EP as a whole, the band reveals, "I Hope I Die Here is a love letter to Alabama and the Southeastern experience. It is an acknowledgment of suffering, and a proclamation of strength. This record is conceptually driven and more musically diverse than our previous EPs, on purpose. There is a distinct reason for each song to exist. We approach many topics, including what it's like to grow up under the boot of religion, fraternity culture, the dark side of a beloved landmark, local ecological exploitation, and more. We do not believe the world needs any more songs about how craaaaaazyyy of a guy you are, how much you hate your town, or how your ex was such a *checks notes* bitch for breaking up with you because you cheated on her."

Clearly, No Cure did NOT come to play. 

CRAZY LIXX Announce New Album 'Thrill Of The Bite' Out February 14th via Frontiers Music SRL

Swedish hard rockers CRAZY LIXX are thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated new studio album, 'Thrill Of The Bite', set for release on February 14th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

 

Today, to get a first “bite” of the new record, CRAZY LIXX shares the first single, “Midnight Rebels”, which is accompanied by an unofficial soundtrack music video, made with clips from the classic 1986 horror movie “Trick Or Treat”, starring Marc Price, Gene Simmons and the late Tony Fields.

Vocalist Danny Rexon expresses his enthusiasm for the new album, by saying:

“So stoked to finally reveal the news of our upcoming album, set to be released in February 2025. Even though we did release some new songs on the compilation album earlier this year, it has been quite a while since the fans got a proper full length studio album with all originals, but now we can finally announce that that time is soon upon us. And dare I say that this album is one really worth waiting for? Personally, I'm really proud and happy with how it came out and I think that the response to the two singles we've put out so far (“Call Of The Wild” and “Little Miss Dangerous”) gives us a clear indication that our fans seem to agree.”

 

Rexon also comments on the first single:

“And just to sweeten the good news even more here we are with another banger from the upcoming album, called 'Midnight Rebels'. Probably one of the happier and more party-friendly songs on the album, but still with that darker lyrical theme (which you might have guessed by now, no?). Happy listening, hope you guys enjoy it!”

Watch the Unofficial Soundtrack Music Video for "Midnight Rebels" Below.

Since the latest studio album release with 'Street Lethal' back in the winter of 2021, fans have been eager to hear new CRAZY LIXX material, and even though the compilation album 'Two Shots At Glory' (2024) gave the listeners some covers, fresh takes on old songs, and a couple of new tracks, this next studio album is what they have all been dying to hear.

 

'Thrill Of The Bite' promises to elevate CRAZY LIXX’s rock music to new heights. Following the success of their previous album 'Street Lethal' (2021), this new record is packed with powerful anthems, memorable riffs and melodies, electrifying guitar solos, and the larger-than-life sing-along energy that fans have come to expect from the band, delivering what is already shaping up to be one of the bands strongest works in their 20+ year career.

 

The album features tracks that highlight the band’s ability to balance their nostalgic, sleaze-metal roots with their love for the 80s and early 90s, drawing inspiration from the flamboyant heavy metal and movies of that era alike. CRAZY LIXX have teased a few tracks, suggesting a turn to a heavier, riff-driven style while maintaining their signature melodic choruses and glam-influenced attitude.

 

With 'Thrill Of The Bite', CRAZY LIXX are poised to continue their reign as one of Sweden’s premier retro hard rock bands, solidifying their legacy in the global scene while pushing their creative boundaries even further.

Pre-Order 'Thrill Of The Bite' HERE

CRAZY LIXX are a Swedish heavy metal / hair metal / hard rock band hailing from Malmö, Sweden formed in 2002. Known for their energetic performances, catchy hooks, and an unapologetic revival of the glam metal sound from the late 80s, CRAZY LIXX has become a flagship of the New Wave of Swedish Sleaze Metal. The band draws inspiration from acts like Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Alice Cooper, RATT, Skid Row and Guns N’ Roses, creating a perfect blend of melodic hard rock with modern production values and a keen eye (and ear) for 80s and 90s nostalgia.

CRAZY LIXX first gained global recognition with their breakthrough albums 'Loud Minority' (2007), 'New Religion' (2010) and 'Crazy Lixx' (2014), including hits like “Blame It On Love”, “21 'Til I Die”, “Hell Raising Women” and “Girls Of The 80s”, who have all become favorites among the fans and classics in the modern hair metal community.

 

The band’s lineup has evolved over the years, but it is led by founder and frontman Danny Rexon, whose vocals, songwriting and music production skills are the driving force behind the group. Alongside him, the band currently consists of bassist and creative sidekick Jens Anderson, guitarists Jens Lundgren and Chrisse Olsson, and the newest addition in the form of drummer Robin Nilsson.

CRAZY LIXX are:

Danny Rexon - Vocals

Jens Lundgren - Guitar

Chrisse Olsson - Guitar

Jens Andersson - Bass

Robin Nilsson - Drums

ELECTRIC WIZARD to Release Double Live Album 'Black Magic Rituals and Perversions Vol. 1' on December 13, 2024 via Spinefarm

Spinefarm has confirmed that legendary British doom outfit, ELECTRIC WIZARD, will release ‘Black Magic Rituals and Perversions Vol. 1,’ their new 2-disc live-to-tape album, on December 13, 2024. Pre-orders are now live HERE.

Recorded onto a 16-track tape machine, capturing their essence and malevolence, 'Black Magic Rituals and Perversions Vol. 1' is as heavy as can be expected from The Wizard. 

 

“It's raw as f**k,” boasts Jus. “It’s like a lost ’70s black metal demo rehearsal session or something. It’s raw, nasty, screaming in your face. I always promised ELECTRIC WIZARD was like rats in your face. This is verging on it.”  

As the COVID pandemic took hold in 2020, ELECTRIC WIZARD wondered if they might ever play live again. Out in the wilds of the English Westcountry where singer/guitarist Jus Oborn and guitarist Liz Buckingham live, the band descended into their crypt-like jam space to make a live album like no other.

 

“We’d been gigging for two years at that point, around America three times, going to Japan and Australia, and we were sounding pretty good by the end of it,” adds Jus. “When the pandemic happened we thought, ‘F**k it, maybe we’ll never play again.’ So we went into the jam room and played the songs to get them on tape to capture how we were playing at the time.” 

Opening with the enormous "Dopethrone", and taking in signature apocalyptic doom staples like "Witchcult Today," "Satanic Rites of Drugula," and the ever-destructive "Funeralopolis," the set here shows how powerful and dominating The Wizard can be.

 

Jus says he wanted to capture a feeling like that of Motörhead’s classic 'No Sleep 'til Hammersmith' (1981), or the sense from 'KISS’ ALIVE!' (1975) that you were getting a window into something, a world the band created. It’s also, he says, an opportunity for a band as big and cult-like as ELECTRIC WIZARD to bring something from metal’s dirty underbelly into the light, if only to freak out the unprepared. 

“We've always been trying to drag the underground into the overground,” offers Jus. “Rather than pretending to be playing some big stadium, arena show.” 

A soundtrack to the end of the world? Come this way, my fanatics. Electric F**king Wizardawaits… 

Pre-Order 'Black Magic Rituals and Perversions Vol. 1' HERE

Formats available for 'Black Magic Rituals and Perversions Vol. 1' will be

two ltd. edition 2-disc vinyl pressings - one transparent green, one hot pink – as well as CD and digital. There are also two exclusive shirt designs.

FIRE ACTION Release New Single "Survive" + Music Video!

Finnish Heavy Metal powerhouse FIRE ACTION unleash their electrifying new single and music video for "Survive", marking a thunderous preview of their upcoming studio album 'Until The Heat Dies'. The single is also accompanied by a music video.

 

Guitar player Juri Vuortama states:

"'Survive' is about - well - surviving. It comes after 'No Drone Zone' on the LP so maybe we defeated the evil powers pretty quick!"

 

Watch the Official Music Video for "Survive" Below

With three albums – ‘Rock Brigade’ (2016), ‘Fahrenhater’ (2018), and ‘9112’ (2020) – to their name, FIRE ACTION are anything but newcomers and have long established themselves as an integral part of Finland's metal scene. However, their international career looks to gain added momentum with 'Until The Heat Dies' and an exciting new contract with Steamhammer/SPV.

The quartet surrounding guitarist Juri Vuortama and vocalist Pete Ahonen has taken a musical quantum leap producing eleven traditional heavy metal songs, each diverse in their own right. From the grooving opener "Storm Of Memories" to the anthemic finale "Midnight Avenue" the group’s continued evolution is on mighty metal display.

Vuortama aptly comments on the new songs: “It’s riffs, riffs, and riffs, with awesome melodies on top!”

The album will be available on November 29, 2024 on CD, LP, and for digital download.

Pre-Order 'Until The Heat Dies' HERE

FIRE ACTION are:

Pete Ahonen - vocals

Juri Vuortama - guitars

Jarkko Poussu - bass

Samuli Häkkilä - drums

Steve Hackett announces ‘Live Magic At Trading Boundaries’ for release in January

Steve Hackett’s annual performances at Trading Boundaries, in Sussex, UK have become something of a tradition for the legendary guitarist in recent years. Presenting stripped down material, and showcasing his acclaimed classical compositions, these unique & intimate concerts have become a highlight of the year, beloved of his fans. As Steve explains: “It’s always a joy for me to play at Trading Boundaries, a magical intimate place full of beautiful lights and exotic imagery, illuminating the darkest time of year over Christmas and New Year… It’s the perfect location for my acoustic set.”
 
‘Live Magic At Trading Boundaries’, set for release on  January 17th 2025, collects various recordings from these shows from over the years, and also features appearances from regular collaborators including brother John Hackett on flute, Roger King on keys, Rob Townsend on flute & sax, & Amanda Lehmann on guitar & vocals. The release also coincides with Steve’s next two live appearances at the venue, on the 18th & 19th of January 2025.
 
To celebrate the announcement, a recording of the track ‘Ace Of Wands’ (originally from his debut solo album ‘Voyage Of The Acolyte’) has been launched, and you can listen now below.
 
‘Live Magic At Trading Boundaries’ will be available as a Limited Edition CD Digipak, Gatefold 180g 2LP & Digital Album, mixed by long-time live sound engineer Ben Fenner. Pre-order now here: https://stevehackett.lnk.to/LiveMagicAtTradingBoundaries

Over the course of 17 tracks, Steve explores various facets of his catalogue, including Genesis classics like ‘Blood On The Rooftops’ & ‘Horizons’, stripped down solo material such as ‘Ace Of Wands’ & ‘Hands Of The Priestess’, and magical renditions of his much-acclaimed classical catalogue like ‘Black Light’ & ‘The Journey’. As a result, this album shows a completely different side to his playing: “Somehow, you can feel the special atmosphere through the sound of the music on this new live album, which is a complete contrast to my live rock shows.”
 
“I love the delicate dreamlike quality of this show with John and Rob interplaying beautifully on flute and sax, interspersed by surprising moments of power, such as the point when Roger’s keys become the sound of a full blown pipe organ!” The album also features two performances of tracks from Amanda Lehmann’s most recent solo album ‘Innocence and Illusion’, “Amanda’s lovely vocals on her own spellbinding songs also provide a special contrast.”
 
Steve has recently been reissuing his classical catalogue, and the latest two in the series, ‘Metamorpheus’ & ‘Tribute’ are available now. Both albums have been newly remastered for vinyl, and are available as Gatefold 180g LP’s in both black and limited coloured vinyl editions for the very first time. New digipak CD editions are also available, and they can all be ordered below:
https://stevehackett.lnk.to/Metamorpheus-Reissue
https://stevehackett.lnk.to/Tribute-Reissue
 
These follow hot on the heels of his critically-acclaimed new studio album ‘The Circus and the Nightwhale’. A rite-of-passage concept album with a young character called Travla at the centre of it, the 13 tracks have an autobiographical angle for the musician who says about his 30th solo release: “I love this album. It says the things I’ve been wanting to say for a very long time.”

Order now here: https://stevehackett.lnk.to/TheCircusAndTheNightwhale

Bury Tomorrow Announce New Album "Will You Haunt Me, With That Same Patience" + Share Video For New Single "What If I Burn"

For Bury Tomorrow, the last two years have been about trying to fill the space where they knew something was missing.

From the depths of uncertainty, through line-up changes, and COVID-inspired road blocks, the arrival of guitarist Ed Hartwell and keyboardist/vocalist Tom Prendergast and the creation of 2023's The Seventh Sun has allowed them to lay out a whole new path of possibilities that felt unavailable before.

Now, with an invigorated belief and fresh outlook on what the band can encompass, they present Will You Haunt Me, With That Same Patience, their most fantastically visceral offering to date. Pre-save/pre-order it here.

Crafted more intimately and intricately than ever before by internalizing every aspect of the writing process, with Carl Bown [Sleep Token, Bullet For My Valentine, While She Sleeps] manning production duties for the first time, the result is a profoundly personal, extraordinarily expansive and punishingly grand display of cathartic craftsmanship.

Born from a shared sense of frustration in feeling an ever-shifting disconnect from the state of modern society, the band have created an earnest, heart-wrenching and definitive look at the overlapping effects of brutal self-sabotage, crippling anxiety, fierce despondency and the never-ending search for peace and clarity in a world so full of noise. It is a record about division as much as togetherness, an outpouring of personal devastation but a hopeful reminder that we are all navigating it together.

Atmospherically stirring new single, "What If I Burn," centers on the tricks that our mind plays on our perception of existence, interactions and connections.

Watch the music video below.

"To haunt is to revisit or recur persistently to the consciousness of someone or something," explains guitarist Kristan Dawson. "There's beauty in that commitment somewhat. In a world full of distraction, discourse, instancy and demand, patience seems hard to attain. In patience, there is peace, one thing society is short of. The title serves as a call of reflection, relying on the present moment, remembering what truly matters. I think the notion of patience being haunting is quite a contrast and that's certainly reflective of the album musically."

Within such deep sonic exploration and shared emotional understanding, and despite its bleak outlook on things, Will You Haunt Me With That Same Patience still strives to represent that lingering presence, that hope, that reminds us that this isn't the be-all and end-all of this existence. That things can change for the better, just like we can change for the better with it, and persevering through such separation will bring us back around eventually. We just have to weather the storm and trust in that feeling to pull us through.

To have allowed themselves the time and space to reach this point of comfort and confidence now feels like a starting point for everything that the band will do in the future. Expanding their empire in all corners of the world and delivering their biggest statement of intent to date is the beginning of a whole new chapter in the story of one of the most devastating and dedicated assets to British heavy music

Killswitch Engage Announce New Album "This Consequence" + Band Shares "Forever Aligned" Video — WATCH❗

Three-time Grammy-nominated hard rock heavyweights and platinum-selling band Killswitch Engage — Jesse Leach, vocals; Adam Dutkiewicz, guitar; Joel Stroetzel, guitar; Mike D'Antonio, bass; and Justin Foley, drums — are pleased to announce their new album THIS CONSEQUENCE. It arrives February 21 via. Metal Blade. Pre-order it here. 

The band  has also shared the video for first single "Forever Aligned." Watch it below. 

"'Forever Aligned' is one of those songs that is not just about us as humans, our love, and connection, but that connection to the unknown, the greater power, the universe, or God," explains Leach. "It feels like a really good first song to release not just sonically, but lyrically, as it is all about connection. The device of world we live in could use a lot more connectivity."

Regarding the album, Leach continues, "This Consequence, to me, is the combination of everything the past five years has thrown at us as a band, as humans, and society as a whole. This album is just as much about everybody and their stories as it is for me about my journey personally. Sonically, I love the combination of everybody's ideas and contributions on this album. It feels more like a collaboration than the past few records have been. When all is said and done, I wouldn't change anything about this album."

He finishes, "I think it's the exact record we needed to make. I'm honored and proud of what we all were able to create and refine through this music and message."

KSE will also embark on a headline tour in March. It's their first tour of North America since late 2022, as the band has been busy working on the new material that has become This Consequence. The tour features support from Kublai Khan TX, Fit For a King and Frozen Soul, and kicks off on March 5 in Nashville and runs through April 12 in Portland, Maine. All dates are below, and includes appearances at key spring festivals. Tickets and VIP packages will be available here.

Additionally, the band returns to the cover of Revolver for the third time. See the Winter 2024 cover below. Get it here. It's on stands in January. Please note this issue is different than the special collector's edition deluxe magazine that is "must own" for fans!

ABOUT KILLSWITCH ENGAGE:
Killswitch Engage first shook the structure of heavy music upon climbing out of snowy industrialized Western Massachusetts in 2000. A musical outlier, the band pioneered a union of thrashed-out European guitar pyrotechnics, East Coast hardcore spirit, on-stage hijinks, and enlightened lyricism that set the pace for what the turn-of-the-century deemed heavy. 2002's Alive Or Just Breathing became avowed as a definitive album, being named among "The Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of the Decade" by Decibel and celebrated by everyone from Metal Hammer to Revolver. Not only did they bust open the floodgates for dozens to follow, but they also garnered three GRAMMY® Award nominations in the category of "Best Metal Performance" in 2005, 2014, and 2019, a gold certification for The End of Heartache [2004], and a platinum certification for As Daylight Dies [2006]. The group landed three consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 with Killswitch Engage [2009], Disarm The Descent [2013], and their career high best bow at #6 with Incarnate [2016]. The latter two releases, along with 2019's Atonement, would also both capture #1 on the Top Rock Albums and Top Hard Rock Albums charts. The band's total streams are nearing 3 billion to date, while they've remained consummate road warriors who've sold out countless headline tours and have shared stages with everyone from Iron Maiden to Slipknot to Slayer to My Chemical Romance to Mastodon to Parkway Drive, which is a testament to their ability to cross genres and appeal to all fans of hard rock. KsE have remained a featured attraction at every major North American and European festival through the years. The band is celebrating an astonishing, 25-year career as one of the most vital and genre-defining bands of the '00s and continues its incredible legacy.

Memphis May Fire Announce New Album "SHAPESHIFTER" + Band Shares Video for Title Track

MEMPHIS MAY FIRE — Matty Mullins (vocals), Kellen McGregor (guitar), Cory Elder (bass), and Jake Garland (drums) — spent much of 2024 dropping brand new singles, each of which was more incendiary than the next. Today, they are thrilled to announce their upcoming album SHAPESHIFTER, which arrives March 28 via longtime label Rise Records. Pre-order it here.

The band has also shared the video for the title track. Watch it below. 

The track and the album take a long, hard look at what lies beneath.
 
"'Shapeshifter' reflects the struggle of wrestling with identities and the need to confront the masks we wear," says Mullins. "This track, and the entire album, is about exposing those parts of ourselves we often keep hidden. It's a journey through the layers of deception, self-reflection, and the struggle to find what's genuine in a world full of pretense. We wanted 'Shapeshifter' to embody that feeling of losing and finding yourself, over and over, until you finally see what's real."

MMF have also announced a headline tour for Spring 2025, with support from Caskets, Wind Walkers, and Elijah. The tour kicks off April 16 in Little Rock and runs through May 17 in Atlanta. It includes appearances at several key spring festivals, such as Sonic Temple and Welcome to Rockville. All dates are below. Get tickets here. 

OBSCURA - Announce New Studio Album 'A Sonication'

With A Sonication, Germany-based metal band OBSCURA launch the second of their trilogy concept, set to be released on February 7th, 2025 via Nuclear Blast.

The group’s second (seventh overall) album for Nuclear Blast pivots on many fronts. Advanced, elegant, and yet refreshing, A Sonication sums up past endeavors effortlessly as it gazes with purpose and conviction into the future. OBSCURA are fan-renowned and critically acclaimed for challenging and then expanding upon norms. From Retribution (2004) through A Valediction (2021), the band flourished and made significant progress in a musical genre unprepared for a creative shot of German invention. A Sonication spearheads OBSCURA into a new era of extreme metal.

Check out the video for the first single 'Silver Linings'. The opening track of the album is a powerful and melodic song, offering a glimpse into the next chapter of OBSCURA´s ever-evolving musical journey.

Watch the video for 'Silver Linings' below.
Play 'Silver Linings' on all platforms:https://obscura.bfan.link/slsg
Pre-order the album here:https://obscura.bfan.link/aslp

Mastermind Steffen Kummerer comments: "With 'Silver Linings' we present you the first track of our brand new album A Sonication, which sees the light of day in early 2025. Supporting the new record, Obscura will embark on the first leg of a world tour in February next year. Lend your ear to the music, and see you at a venue near you!“

A European tour is set to kick off in February 2025. Joining OBSCURA on tour will be American progressive deathcore outfit RINGS OF SATURN, and GOROD, the technical death metal force from France. With this international lineup, fans can expect a night of diverse and electrifying performances.

Ticketlink: https://realmofobscura.com/live/

BLACKBRIAR - RELEASE BRAND NEW SONG 'FLORIOGRAPHY'

Immerse yourself in the spellbinding world of Dutch symphonic metal band BLACKBRIAR next single release, 'Floriography'. This piece blends powerful riffs and delicate orchestrations, creating a captivating atmosphere. The lyrics evoke a hidden world where mysterious flowers carry secret messages, revealing Easter eggs throughout the melody.

Zora Cock comments: "Floriography marks the start of our upcoming third studio album. It's a song full of mystery, dark academia meets Sherlock Holmes. The song's protagonist deciphers hidden messages from a secret lover through the Victorian language of flowers, cryptic poetry, lyrical acronyms, and marks carved in trees. She may have even left some for you."

Watch the video for 'Floriography' below.
Stream `Floriography`here: https://blackbriar.bfan.link/floriography
Stream/Order the album A Dark Euphony here: https://blackbriar.bfan.link/a-dark-euphony

About BLACKBRIAR:

“Some say that there is beauty in darkness - terrifying visitors, worlds far gone, gothic romances, bone-chilling legends, sin-eaters, burning hearts frozen in time, songs with a misleading voice, and a truthful whisper. This and so much more for you to discover on A Dark Euphony.” Such are the words of vocalist Zora Cock about the band’s upcoming sophomore album, set to release in fall 2023 on Nuclear Blast Records. A telling sign coming from a band who has reveled in gothic beauty and metallic darkness since their onset, spanning three EPs and a full-length album, along with long-time collaborator Joost van den Broek.

Formed in 2012 by Zora Cock, René Boxem, Bart Winters, and Frank Akkerman, they crafted their first single in 2014 with 'Ready to Kill,' but it was 2015’s second single 'Until Eternity' that truly propelled them into the scene.  A sweeping track with an equally compelling and beautiful video, it continues to draw many to the act with over 20 million views since its debut. Taking advantage of the growing buzz surrounding the band, they independently recorded and released their first EP, Fractured Fairytales, as well as acquiring a second guitarist in Robin Koezen. This EP layed down an impressive foundation for the band’s ethereal and breathtaking sound and  brought about new opportunities for the act, including tour dates in The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and more, where the band played alongside EPICA, HALESTORM, IN THIS MOMENT, DELAIN and MaYan.

To keep moving ahead with full control of their creative ideals, the band successfully crowdfunded their follow-up EP, We’d Rather Burn, and brought it to life in October 2018. This EP would be the first time the band worked alongside esteemed producer Joost van den Broek to arrange and produce the effort, and this fruitful collaboration allowed BLACKBRIAR’s whimsical and enigmatic sound to reach new sonic heights.  Released the same day as their self-made video for 'I’d Rather Burn,' this EP showcased a stronger sense of dreamy atmosphere and brought listeners beautifully grim tales of witches, banshees, and sea sirens.  In the time following, keyboardist Ruben Wijga (ex-Re-Vamp) took a larger role within the band and began playing shows, after being involved in the songwriting process since Fractured Fairytales.

A busy 2019 followed, the band released a haunting single in May entitled 'Snow White and Rose Red.'  A duet with Ulli Perhonen, their take on the Grimm’s fairytale featured striking cinematic visuals to accompany the spellbinding track. Continuing to dig deeper into fairytale realms, BLACKBRIAR closed the year with their third EP, Our Mortal Remains.  Ever-sharpening their intoxicating blend of storytelling and breathtaking musicianship, the EP brought about new live exposures for the act as well.  Small, sold out tours with EPICA in 2019 and 2020, as well as a sold out opening for DELAIN’s Apocalypse & Chill release show in Utrecht followed, with more future plans then being put on hold due to COVID-19. 

Championing their continued independence, which included everything from songwriting, maintaining their web presence, overseeing merch, as well as shooting and producing their own videos and photos, BLACKBRIAR reached out to their ever-growing and loyal fanbase for assistance to make their full-length album a reality in 2020. Fans fervently heeded the call, reaching the € 25,000 goal in under 24 hours and ending with a total of € 70,000 and achieving all five stretch goals.  An impressive accomplishment for an independent act, which also showcases a strong internet presence with over 230,000 YouTube subscribers and 56.5 million channel views as well as 37.9 million Spotify streams and 275,000 monthly streamers on the platform.  

Entering 2021, the band relinquished a bit of control in signing exclusively with Doomstar Bookings to help properly support their highly anticipated first full-length album, The Cause of Shipwreck, which released in April.  Once again recorded with renowned producer Joost van den Broek (EPICA, AYREON, POWERWOLF) at Sandlane Recording Facilities, this release showcased the band’s continued evolution into masterfully dark gothic storytelling and theatrical aesthetics that entice you into a deadly yet spellbinding musical paradise. On the live front, launching into success with six sold out Dutch club shows, they later extended into more European territories such as Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, France, and the Czech Republic as the band moved into 2022. 

Despite a very successful 2021, the band still hungered for more, unleashing their latest single, 'Fairy of the Bog' in December.  A song about ‘het meisje van Yde’ (Yde girl), it’s a mixture of folklore, myth, and ancient local history wrapped into a more mystical and magical package that showcases what BLACKBRIAR does best. Due to winning ‘Drents Talent Award Culture 2021’ from ‘Stichting Kunst & Cultuur,’ BLACKBRIAR performed ‘I’d Rather Burn’ live on television together with the Dutch ‘Noordpool Orchestra in early 2022. In April, the band parted ways with founding member and bassist Frank Akkerman. Not a band to slow down, they welcomed Siebe Sol Sijpkens from The Netherlands as their new bassist.  A happy and energetic performer with a lifetime of global performances, he is a welcome addition to the act as they continue to strive forward.

With their vision looking firmly into the future, with a major label behind them, they set their sights on 2023 to conjure their most deadly siren song yet.  The band previously released the song 'Crimson Faces' to celebrate their partnership with Nuclear Blast Records, and now the world eagerly awaits the release of A Dark Euphony this fall. Set to contain 10 new original songs as well as a bonus track, they recently released their first single from it with 'My Soul’s Demise.' According to Zora, “We've had the pleasure of working with producer and musical genius Joost van den Broek, and we gave it our all to write this record and feel that this is our most complete, personal, and mature album to date.” With this in mind, the band launched a preorder campaign in April for the release, full of unique perks, which has been quite successful already. They have also been preparing on the road, with festival shows Wave Gotik Treffen, SummerBreeze, and Rock the Lakes in 2023, as well as being a special guest on CHARLOTTE WESSELS’s Club Tour.

With accolades behind them, such as being nominated three times for ‘Best Artist’ in EuroSonic/Noorderslag‘s Popgala Noord (2018, 2020, 2022), and continued fan support with current monthly streaming totals on YouTube and Spotify near 1.5 million streams, the world is primed and ready for a spectacular journey into darkness and beauty.


BLACKBRIARis:
Zora Cock - VOCALS
René Boxem - DRUMS
Bart Winters - GUITARS
Robin Koezen - GUITARS
Siebe Sol Sijpkens - BASS
Ruben Wijga - KEYS

CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX Cover Fugazi

Since banding together in 2004, Crippled Black Phoenix haven't played around when it comes to shedding light on our troubled existence. This year, Justin Greaves (ex Iron Monkey and Electric Wizard), long-time vocalist Belinda Kordic and their many collaborators are celebrating their 20th anniversary with a new two-part compilation.

While the first side of this compilation offers something slightly different than what long-time fans have come to expect,  the flip side continues the dark progressive rock band's tradition of haunting homages. Horrific Honorifics Number Two (2) includes all-new covers that range from NoMeansNo to Deep Purple, Built to Spill and Laura Branigan's Top 10 hit "Self Control".

Today, CBP are releasing a faithfully ferocious cover of "Blueprint", which Fugazi included on their widely canonized breakout album Repeater back in 1990.         

Hear Crippled Black Phoenix cover "Blueprint" below.

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

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/cbpwolf

https://orcd.co/cbphonorifics

In true CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX fashion, the Lucy Marshall-created Banefyre cover leaves plenty to the imagination, depicting four animals seated at a table — interacting and dressed like human beings. “It’s sort of like Planet of the Apes showing what animals could do to humans,” says Greaves. “The cover was specially commissioned and is unique to the album. It’s incorporating all the classic CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX elements with the love for animals and twisting the narrative around.”

 

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.

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

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
3x12" Tri-Gatefold - Black
3x12" Coloured Vinyl Tri-Gatefold - Transparent Red

3x12" Coloured Vinyl Tri-Gatefold - Yellow, Black & Red Marbled
3x12" Coloured Vinyl Tri-Gatefold - Black & Silver Marbled

Jaye Jayle Announce New Album "After Alter" + Share Single "Father Fiction"

Kentucky-based gothic blues ensemble Jaye Jayle have announced the release of After Alter, their fifth full-length album, on January 31 through Berlin's Pelagic Records. Pre-order it here.

Originally formed as an unfiltered outlet for the sounds inside the head of band leader Evan Patterson, Jaye Jayle has always been an unpredictable entity. In the beginning, the songs were short and lighthearted, written on acoustic guitar with no plans to release them or even perform them publicly but, within a year, the private solo project had evolved into a full band and a full-length album: 2016's haunting post-punk, kraut-blues debut House Cricks and Other Excuses To Get Out. Time is indeed a fickle thing, as Jaye Jayle's forthcoming fifth album will attest.

An astounding collection of musical memories and emotional fragments, After Alter is a body of work drawn together from previous recording sessions and previous lives in order to chart a driving, cathartic course into territories unknown. The excitement of nascent creative relationships collides with the crushing demise of turbulent personal ones as pivotal moments and unfinished refrains from the band’s rollercoaster career as outsider artists are reworked and reframed as a powerful of what Jaye Jayle is and alway has been: the raw, undiluted outpouring of Patterson’s creative mind. A host of fleeting feelings dragged once again to the surface; at once volatile, gut wrenching and serene, expect the unexpected.

Lead single and After Alter's opening track "Father Fiction," for example, dives headlong into the fables and factious ideologies of organised religion with hardened gazes and wry smiles as rolling drums and repetitive discordant guitar refrains spiral ever down into the labyrinth of meaning and misinterpretation before the album careens off to different places, times and people from Jaye Jayle’s past.

As much as After Alter serves as a document of the band’s history, the album also represents a new beginning. By creatively exorcising these poignant moments, Jay Jayle have opened themselves up to new inspirations and there is already so much more to come.

After Alter will be released on January 31, 2025.

Saor Announce New Album 'Amidst the Ruins'

As the mists of time part like whispers through the Scottish Highlands, Saor weaves a new historic tapestry. Inspired by a hilly walk through an older world, Andy Marshall and his band of Caledonian warriors craft a majestic symphony that welds the intensity of black metal with Celtic folk melodies on their upcoming new album Amidst the Ruins. 

Watch the stunning and scenic music video for the title track below


Amidst the Ruins is out February 7th, 2025 on Season of Mist.

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

Guided by the spirit of Caledonia, Saor's latest opus captures the stark contrast between the echoes of a once-great heritage and the distractions of our modern lives. "Amidst the Ruins" draws listeners into a reverent reflection of Scotland's sacred past, where the very ground holds stories of strength and identity that's now overshadowed by fleeting, shallow pursuits. 

In Amidst the Ruins, the warriors of SAOR cast a clarion call to awaken from the lethargy of modern existence, to reclaim the essence of a heritage laid asunder. From the vibrant resonance of ancient battles to the hushed despair of Glencoe's betrayed souls, every note spills forth like blood of the fallen seeping into the heathered earth.

As we stand on the cusp of this new era, Amidst the Ruins, the latest chronicle unfolds. SAOR's watchful eye turns to the horizon, the whispering woods, the twilight skies, and the sleeping stones bearing seers’ dreams, evoking the indomitable spirit of the realm. In their hands, the past is resurrected; its tales to be retold for those who would heed the call—SAOR, remain the ceaseless bards of Caledonia unbroken.

Line-up:
Andy Marshall - All Composition, Writing & Instrumentation

Guest Musicians:
Ella Zlotos - Female Vocals, Tin Whistles, Low Whistles, Uilleann Pipes
Carlos Vivas - Drums
Jo Quail - Cello & FX on "The Sylvan Embrace"
Àngela Moya Serrat - Violin on "Amidst the Ruins", "Echoes of the Ancient Land" & "Rebirth" Miguel Izquierdo - Viola on "Amidst the Ruins", "Echoes of the Ancient Land" & "Rebirth"
Samuel C. Ledesma - Cello on "Amidst the Ruins", "Echoes of the Ancient Land" & "Rebirth

Recording:
Andy Marshall - Vocals, Guitars, Bass recorded at Fortriu Studios, Scotland
Nikolaus Jira - Female Vocals, Tin Whistles, Low Whistles and Uilleann Pipes recorded at NikolausRecordings Studio, Germany
Jose Garrido and Daniel Sabugal - Drums recorded at NewLife Studios, Spain
Mattias Eklund - Violin, Viola and Cello recorded at Farkosten Studios, Spain
Chris Fielding - Mixing and Guitar reamping at Penylan Studio, Wales
Tony Lindgren - Mastering at Fascination Street Studios, Sweden

Biography:
Saor
Edits by Sébastien Gamez

Cover Art:
Julian Bauer (@julianb_art)
Website: https://julianbauer.com/
Layout by Adrien Bousson

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

Follow Saor:
Official Website: https://www.saormusic.com
Official Store: https://store.saormusic.com
Bandcamp: https://saor.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saorofficial
YouTube: https://youtube.com/saormusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saormusic
Bandsintown: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/4099241-saor
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rHMzJ1RKUMtid1K2QEYbr
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/saor/879243889
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/6768301
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/5653569

Booking Contact:
Redback Promotion
Joe Macgregor - saorbooking@gmail.com

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
2x12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Crystal Clear & Black Marbled
2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Green, White & Black Marbled
2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Crystal Clear, Red & Blue Marbled

South Carolina's THE YETS share providential single "3's" with superb video, previewing debut album

South Carolina-based alternative rock outfit The Yets presents their new single "3's", an evocative, haunting song that recounts the story of a circus performer teetering on a highwire, using her precarious balance as a powerful metaphor for the challenges of life.

Previewing their debut album 'Pinup Girl', to be released in February, this new single arrives on the trail of the reverie-laden lead track, 'Define The Man'.  Both offerings showcase their evolution as artists, blending modern and classic rock elements to create music that feels both fresh and timeless. 

Based in Myrtle Beach, The Yets features the creative synergy of guitarist-producer Craig Anderson Snook and vocalist Robin Wilson, both natives of the state. Their collaboration fuses Craig’s dynamic guitar work and production expertise with Robin’s rich, emotive vocals, resulting in a sound that is both powerful and distinctive.  Further highlighted by their multi-instrumental performance abilities, The Yets have developed a sound which is truly their own.  From composing to performing to production, Craig and Robin are a “duo” in the most genuine sense of the word.

As the song "3's" unfolds, the lyrics become a vivid illustration of her life as a performer – each line reflecting the beauty and danger of her art.  The imagery of the high wire evokes a sense of tension and vulnerability, symbolizing the constant struggle to maintain balance amidst the ups and downs of humanity.  She reflects on the thrill of the spotlight and the applause that once filled the air, eerily acknowledging the solitude that accompanies the act.  

The chorus introduces the central theme of “3’s”, capturing the idea that life’s challenges often come in waves-trinity, calamity, and the search for serenity amidst it all.  Her realization that no one can save her from herself metaphorically deepens as she ponders the illusion of control and the fragility of her existence. Ultimately, the performer recognizes the beauty of her struggles yet understands she must face them alone.  Capturing the essence of resilience and the complexity of life, the song leaves its listeners with a sense of empathy and introspection, as they traverse high wires of their own.  

"Life is a three-ring circus, where ego and pride take center-stage, performing illusions of perfection until the act unravels, revealing the calamity beneath. This song captures the tension between the false perfection of the ego and the inevitable unraveling of that facade, and also explores the discord between the constructed self-image and the underlying truth of human vulnerability," says Robin Wilson.

Craig Anderson Snook adds, "This song took on new dimensions for me when we did the video.  Robin's theme evolved into images that conjured even more "3's" in my mind ... earth, fire, sky ... birth, death, afterlife... body, soul, spirit ... the list could go on.  Musically, it crosses a few interesting borders from doom, to joy, to mystery; in sound."

In 2022, The Yets made their debut with a critically acclaimed eponymous EP, praised for its melodic sophistication and emotional resonance. They are now releasing their full-length album, "Pinup Girl", which showcases their evolution as artists, blending modern and classic rock elements to create a sound that feels both fresh and timeless.  Their music is marked by lush, atmospheric instrumentation, soulful melodies, and a seamless fusion of modern and classic rock influences, establishing The Yets as a distinctive presence in the alternative rock scene.

Craig Anderson Snook, who played guitar for several popular bands in the 1980s, such as Gross Negligence, brings decades of musical experience to the duo.  Robin, well known for her extensive touring with rock groups Skirt and  Bachelors of Art (B.O.A.), adds depth and passion to their music. Craig’s intricate compositions provide the perfect backdrop for Robin’s voice to soar, creating immersive and atmospheric landscapes that push the boundaries of alternative rock.

As of November 19, the "3's" single will be available fine online music stores and streamable via Spotify. The full album, out February 7, can be obtained digitally or on CD directly from the band via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written and performed by Craig Anderson Snook & Robin Wilson
© 2024 Craig Anderson Snook/Robin Wilson Snook (BMI)
Robin Wilson - vocals, other instruments
Craig Anderson Snook - guitars, other instruments
Recorded, mixed and produced by Craig Anderson Snook at 3’s in Myrtle Beach, SC
Mastered by Jay Matheson 
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Album and website art by Robin Wilson
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Dark Chapel announces debut album ‘Spirit In The Glass’

Guitarist/singer/producer Dario Lorina, best-known as a longtime member of Black Label Society (2014 to present), is launching his brand new band, DARK CHAPEL.

Led by Lorina and also featuring Brody DeRozie (Guitar), Mike Gunn (Bass), and Luis Silva (Drums), the band’s airtight guitar-craft and sludgy grooves with magnetic melodies, bluesy phrasing, and grunge mystique are spotlighted on their debut album, Spirit in The Glass, which is due out February 28, 2025 on MNRK Heavy. 

Dario’s gritty delivery on the song takes hold on a hypnotic hook, bleeding into a fret-burning lead punctuated by dramatic bends. “’Glass Heart’ is a lyrical and almost cinematic musical story that started with a riff and lyrically stemmed from emotion,” he reveals. “That emotion created an imagery for me that I began writing about as if that feeling was a painting I was writing to describe.”

Striking an elusive balance between dark and heavy, ethereal and passionate, Spirit in The Glass  is as Lorina describes, ““This is a culmination of all artistic influence, whether musical or otherwise.” 

SEE ALL DARK CHAPEL MUSIC + MERCH HERE

Dario Lorina began his professional career in 2006 when he was 16 as the touring guitarist with the late Jani Lane (ex-Warrant). At 19, he joined veteran metal act Lizzy Borden whom he toured with for four years. He released two instrumental records with Mike Varney on Shrapnel Records in 2013 and 2017 titled, DARIO LORINA and DEATH GRIP TRIBULATIONS. On January 1, 2014 he joined Black Label Society and has since been touring worldwide alongside Zakk Wylde, performing on guitar, piano and backing vocals ever since. Lorina dueled solos with Wylde on Black Label Society's 2022 album DOOM CREW INC., and he joined Zakk Wylde on the January 2022 cover of Guitar World magazine.

 

“The guitar never really left my hands,” he laughs. Years of woodshedding followed. At 16 years old, he answered the call to audition for Jani Lane and found himself on the road with the ex-Warrant frontman shortly thereafter.

FIND OUT MORE HERE