This Gift Is A Curse Reign Terror on 'Heir'

Though they bonded together after a chance encounter, for the past 16 years, This Gift Is A Curse have pushed the confines of underground metal  to violent extremes. On their upcoming fourth album, the Swedish band extend their all-encompassing reign with a cold, hard fist. Heir claims metal's crown of thorns behind an unruly arsenal of hardcore and sludge-encrusted black metal. As its lead single so cryptically proclaims, there's no escape from their terrifying reign.

Watch the harrowing video for lead single "Kingdom" below.

Heir comes out March 7, 2025 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/thisgiftisacurseheir

Their new video sets an appropriately grim scene for the return of This Gift Is A Curse. After all, a decrepit, god forsaken cabin in the woods looks awfully picturesque when framed against this band's unholy seance. Hammering blast beats and a swarm of needling tremolo picks tear through the gates of "Kingdom" like the hounds of hell.

"I made a secret door into your eyes", a possessed Jonas Holmberg chants alongside Livmødr's bewitching Laura Morgan. The song's eerie pangs of melody summon us deeper into its pentagram-shaped maze, only for the tortured screams and chaotic bludgeoning of riffs to slam the door behind you.

This Gift Is A Curse defies the transient trends of music, instead choosing to carve its path with the bones of the fallen. Their forthcoming album, 'HEIR,' is a relentless pursuit of the extreme, a mosaic of human suffering and the dark beauty that lies within. As the album prepares to sear its mark upon the world, one thing is clear: There will be no heirs to the throne of darkness that This Gift Is A Curse occupies. The crown is theirs alone, forged in the fires of creation and destruction, a beacon for those who dare to walk the shadows.

Line-up
Jonas A. Holmberg - Vocals
Patrik Andersson - Guitars, Vocals
David Deravian - Guitars
Lars Gunnarsson - Bass
Christian Augustin - Drums

Recording Studio
The Overlook Studio, Gävle, Sweden

Production Credits
Produced, Engineered & Mixed by William Blackmon at The Overlook Studio.
Mastered by Magnus Lindberg at Redmount Studios, Stockholm, Sweden.
Guitars recorded at Laard studios and House of Inge Studio. Engineered by Daniel Noring and TGIAC.
Bass recorded at Cold Barn with the help of Daniel Noring.
Vocals recorded at Cold Barn by TGIAC.

Guest Musicians
Laura Morgan (of Livmødr) - Vocals on Kingdom (Track 1), Old Space (Track 9) & Ascension (Track 10).

Cover Art
Jonas A. Holmberg / House of No Light .317 (Instagram)

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

Follow This Gift Is A Curse
Bandcamp: http://thisgiftisacurse.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thisgiftisacurse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisgiftisacurse/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7MoipbqoshfYNfckhzRtYC
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/this-gift-is-a-curse/405256386
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/1005843
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3813169

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

2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Gold w/ Silver Splatters

2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Red w/ Black Splatters

Defeated Sanity Release Raging Double Guitar Playthrough

Around this time last year, before the underground legends descended one last time into Menegroth, The Thousand Caves, Defeated Sanityfelt like they were in need of an adjustment. Over the past 30 years, no other band has hit on more ways to spin death metal on its deformed head. But instead of concocting another heady bludgeoning of jazz-infused chaos, they wanted to double-down on the neck-snapping brutality that fans love about their earliest classics.

Judging by the reaction to Chronicles of Lunacy, it's safe to say that Defeated Sanity delivered in skull-crushing spades. The band's new album cracked Billboard's Rock, Hard Music and Independent charts. 

As they gear up for their first headlining tour of Europe since 2018, today, Defeated Sanity are flexing their rabid technical chops with a double guitar playthrough of the album's most infectious deep cuts.

Watch guitarist Vaughn Stoffey and bassist Jacob Schmidt tear through "Extrinsically Enraged" Below.

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

SAOR Release "Amidst the Ruins" Playthrough

In the windswept grandeur of Scotland's towering peaks and mist-laden lochs, the mythic resonances of Saor's sound rise once again. Today, the band are sharing a masterful playthrough for the lead single and title track off their new album Amidst the Ruins.


Watch the full band playthrough of "Amidst the Ruins".

https://youtu.be/wugVW7uwQsU


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

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

Amidst the Ruins draws inspiration from a bygone era. On their fifth album, Saor merges black metal's raw intensity with Celtic folk’s heartfelt melodies. The title track weaves together melodic guitars, heavy bass lines and blast beats. As echoes of forgotten paths and crumbling relics of history unfold before your eyes, this song serves as a solemn reminder of a heritage lost amidst the modern world's clamor.

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

Live Line-up:
Andy Marshall - Vocals, Bass
Nicolas Bise - Guitar
Martin Rennie - Guitar
Ella Zlotos - Tin whistle, Low whistle, Uilleann pipes, Vocals
Carlos Vivas - Drums

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
Miguel Izquierdo - Viola on "Amidst the Ruins"

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

MAGNUM Release New Single "Days Of No Trust (Live)" + Music Video

British Rock icons MAGNUM release a new digital single and music video, "Days Of No Trust (Live)". The song is taken from the upcoming live album 'Live At KK's Steel Mill' which will be available January 10, 2025.

On the new single "Days Of No Trust (Live)", singer Bob Catley states:

“As we all know, Tony wrote this song for our 1988 album ‘Wings Of Heaven’ and it’s a political statement that is still valid today – that people worldwide deserve better than vagabonds, crooks and corrupt politicians.” 

Watch the Official Music Video for "Days Of No Trust (Live)"

MAGNUM recently announced the release of the band's final live album with founder Tony Clarkin. Recorded December 10, 2022, 'Live at KK's Steel Mill' was the memorable night when they played the final show of their European tour at KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton and, as they had done on all previous nights, wowed their fans from the first to the last note.

The concert was recorded by state-of-the-art audio equipment, which later turned out to be a real blessing because it was – as we now know – the last official live recording starring Tony Clarkin. The guitarist and main songwriter died unexpectedly on January 7, 2024, just a few days before the release of MAGNUM’s studio album ‘Here Comes The Rain.’

The album presents MAGNUM as an enthusiastically celebrated act whose repertoire of hits, classics, and newer material could hardly be more varied. “It was the perfect evening,” recalls singer Bob Catley. “We finished our The Monster Roars tour in Wolverhampton, KK’s Steel Mill was packed out and the promoter was a passionate MAGNUM fan. I couldn’t imagine a more worthy farewell to Tony than those recordings.”

Due to the huge demand and to mark the first anniversary of Clarkin’s passing, ‘Live At KK’s Steel Mill’ will be available via Steamhammer/SPV starting January 10, 2025, for the first time on double CD, triple LP, and for digital download.

Pre-Order 'Live at KK's Steel Mill' HERE

"Live At KK's Steel Mill" will be released on January 10th, 2025

via SPV/Steamhammer in the following configurations:



=> 2CD DigiPak incl. 24 pages booklet

=> 3LP box bag, 140 g, solid viola vinyl, 6-page colored insert

=> Download / Streaming 

Pre-Order HERE

 

=> Exclusive CD/LP Bundles with a shirt and exclusive vinyl color

(solid baby blue) only at the Steamhammer shop

Pre-Order HERE

To pay tribute to their late bandleader, MAGNUM are set to play an exclusive series of ‘Tribute to Tony’ shows in the UK in January 2025. As a special gesture, Clarkin’s daughter Dionne will showcase two of her father’s favorite instruments to the concerts – his red Telecaster and his white custom guitar, hoping that Clarkin will be watching from heaven.

“My father was an extremely modest and humble man who would probably be surprised at how much the large MAGNUM community continues to love him to this day. He always believed that few people would really care if one day he would no longer be with us. As it turns out, the exact opposite is the case: We all miss him, his huge artistic achievement, and his great empathy as a father, friend and musician!” 

This is why ‘Live at KK’s Steel Mill’ is undoubtedly one of the most emotional albums in MAGNUM’s longstanding career!

Pre-Order Exclusive CD/LP Bundles HERE

AU's Windwaker Announce "HYPERVIOLENCE" Expansion Pack + Share "Apathy"

Australia's WINDWAKER — vocalist Liam Guinane, guitarist Jesse Crofts, bassist Indey Salvestro, drummer Chris Lalic, and synths/samples specialist Connor Robins — released HYPERVIOLENCE this past summer via Fearless Records. The band also crashed domestic shores for their first-ever U.S. tour this summer, supporting Northlane. It was truly a smashing success where Windwaker won the audience over each and every night!

The band is thrilled to announce that it is dropping the HYPERVIOLENCE EXPANSION PACK deluxe record on February 14. Pre-order it here.

The EXPANSION PACK will feature three new tracks, plus a new version of "SIRENS" featuring TSS, the further details of which will be announced at a later date.

But today, they are sharing the visualizer for "Apathy." Watch and listen below.

"'Apathy' is a reflection of the growing fatigue in today's society — a catchy upbeat anthem wrapped in a dark biting tone," the band states. "It tackles the overwhelming noise of politics and the relentless chatter both online and offline that leaves so many feeling disillusioned and detached."

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

Windwaker will return to the U.S. for their second-ever tour of the market this coming winter with fellow Aussies Make Them Suffer. All dates are below.

Emerging out of Melbourne, Victoria, the Australian outfit has cultivated a dedicated and passionate fanbase, amassing millions of digital streams since their inception in 2017. Last July's release, "SIRENS," has cracked over 4.5 million Spotify streams in just a few months time, and saw the band travel across the nation in celebration on the Love In The Dark Tour with Caskets (UK) and alt., selling out nearly every date along the way.

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

WINDWAKER ON TOUR:
WITH MAKE THEM SUFFER:
2/20 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater
2/21 — Chicago, IL — Bottom Lounge
2/22 — Detroit, MI — St Andrews Hall
2/23 — Lakewood, OH — The Roxy
2/25 — Pittsburgh, PA — Preserving Underground
2/26 — Toronto, ON — Opera House
2/27 — Montreal, QC — Beanfield Theater
2/28 — Boston, MA — Paradise Rock Club
3/1 — New York, NY — Gramercy Theater
3/4 — Baltimore, MD — Soundstage
3/5 — Richmond, VA — Canal Club
3/7 — Charlotte, NC — The Underground
3/8 — Cincinnati, OH — Bogart's
3/9 — Nashville, TN — Eastside Bowl
3/10 — Atlanta, GA — Masquerade (HELL)
3/12 — Tampa, FL — The Orpheum
3/14 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall
3/15 — Dallas, TX — South Side Music Hall
3/16 — San Antonio, TX — The Rock Box
3/18 — Albuquerque, NM — El Rey
3/19 — Mesa, AZ — Nile Theater
3/20 — Los Angeles, CA — Echoplex
3/21 — Santa Ana, CA — Observatory
3/23 — Roseville, CA — Goldfields
3/24 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theatre
3/26 — Vancouver, BC — The Pearl
3/27 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon
3/29 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Complex
3/30 — Denver, CO — Gothic Theater 

LANDMVRKS Announce "The Darkest Place I've Ever Been" + Share Two New Tracks "Sulfer" + "Sombre 16"

French metalcore powerhouse LANDMVRKS have unleashed a powerful one-two punch with the release of their double single "Sulfur" and "Sombre 16," offering fans a glimpse into their upcoming fourth album, The Darkest Place I've Ever Been.

Watch + listen below..

The album, described as their most personal and ambitious work to date, is set to drop on April 25th on Arising Empire, with pre-orders now live here.

Landmvrks will tour North America with Imminence in March. All dates are below.

LANDMVRKS ON TOUR:
WITH IMMINENCE:
3/8 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium
3/9 — Montreal, QC — L'Olympia
3/10 — Toronto, ON — History
3/11 — Cleveland, OH — The Agora
3/12 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore
3/14 — Chicago, IL — Riviera Theatre
3/15 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave
3/16 — Minneapolis, MN — The Fillmore
3/18 — Denver, CO — The Ogden
3/19 — Albuquerque, NM — Sunshine Theater
3/21 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern
3/22 — San Diego, CA — Observatory North Park
3/23 — Tempe, AZ — Marquee
3/25 — San Antonio, TX — The Aztec Theatre
3/26 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
3/28 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues
3/29 — Atlanta, GA — Masquerade
3/30 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore
4/1 — Norfolk, VA — The NorVA
4/3 — McKees Rocks, PA — Roxian Theatre
4/4 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore
4/5 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom

ABOUT LANDMVRKS:

LANDMVRKS were born in 2014 in Marseille, France.  For two years, the band composed songs, recorded and started playing local shows by sharing the bill with bands such as FIRST BLOOD, MORE THAN LIFE and little by little, LANDMVRKS started making a name for themselves in the French metalcore scene. During this time, the band released a few singles and videos to help build up their fan base. In May 2016, LANDMVRKS released their first album Hollow, entirely produced by Salfati and Exposito. They decided to release this album independently, and toured Europe to showcase this opus. They seduced their audiences with a modern metalcore style peppered with hardcore riffs and catchy choruses. This album helped secure them slots on big festivals, helping to strengthen their reputation.
 
In 2018, the band signed a contract with Arising Empire for their second studio album Fantasy and they demonstrated how successfully the band has managed to build their name and assert its own style. the next two years, they traveled the world, played in Japan, did some headlines tours and had the opportunity to have great European tours (While She Sleeps, Stray From The Path, Any Given Day).
 
While they were on the road, they had the time to focus on brand new material. The band members gathered together when lockdown ended in France, after one of the strangest periods ever experienced. The time had come for them to assemble, within the vocalist's studio (Homeless Records), the elements of their third album, fashioned for months. The purpose of this album, entitled Lost In The Waves, is clearly not to reinvent LANDMVRKS. The purpose is to fully deploy the band's arsenal in order to definitively impose its style. An uncompromising style, assumed, claimed, and highly distinctive. The listener goes through massive, energetic, or even aerial parts, without escaping the efficient groove inherited from a rap culture. The musical production of this album is the most accomplished and organic that the group has ever had. This album shows that instead of getting lost in the waves, the French band firmly holds the helm.

Dutch Futuristic Metallers CRYPTOSIS Announce New Album 'Celestial Death' Out March 7th via Century Media Records

Following their acclaimed 'Bionic Swarm' debut album (2021) and the EP 'The Silent Call' (2023), Dutch futuristic metallers CRYPTOSIS return with a mighty, awe-inspiring sophomore album entitled 'Celestial Death', set for worldwide release on March 7th, 2025 via Century Media Records.

As the first example of the intense material available on 'Celestial Death' a first single entitled “Faceless Matter” has been made available today across digital platforms and is also accompanied by a video produced by the film production company F/53, available to view below.

CRYPTOSIS comments about the track:

“With 'Faceless Matter', we’re opening the new album 'Celestial Death'. The song dives into a future where individuality fades, and people become part of one collective mind, haunted by the loss of self. This track brings a darker, heavier, and more symphonic sound. Welcome to the new era of CRYPTOSIS.”

Watch the Video for "Faceless Matter"

CRYPTOSIS checked in with the following comment about 'Celestial Death':

“We’re excited to announce our new album! A sonic journey that pushes all boundaries of everything we created before. This album represents our evolution - an exploration of darkness that’s both vast and cinematic. 'Celestial Death' pulls you into a haunting atmosphere with relentless heaviness. Each track digs deeper into the enigma of existence, decay and fragile hope. 'Celestial Death' is our darkest vision yet - a soundtrack to the chaotic world we live in. It’s heavier, bolder, and still very much CRYPTOSIS. We can’t wait for you to experience it, and join us in this new chapter. Prepare to ascend. The 'Celestial Death' awaits!".

Recorded by Olaf Skoreng at Tom Meier and Studio Moon Music between April and August 2024, mixed by Fredrik Folkare at Chrome Studios (Unleashed, Necrophobic, Hellbutcher) in Sweden and finally mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Studios (Arch Enemy, Borknagar, Amorphis) in Sweden too, 'Celestial Death' once more comes with artwork by Eliran Kantor (Kreator, Testament, My Dying Bride) and showcases the group on a darker, heavier, more melodic and extremely cinematic journey across its 11 tracks / 42 minutes of playing time.

Pre-Order 'Celestial Death' HERE

In other news, CRYPTOSIS has recently been announced as part of a European tour with British Thrashers Onslaught, who are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their classic 'Power From Hell' album. Check all already confirmed upcoming CRYPTOSIS dates - including an album release show in Enschede, The Netherlands on March 29th.

CRYPTOSIS are:

Laurens Houvast - Vocals, Guitars

Marco Prij - Drums

Frank te Riet - Bass, Mellotron, Synths, Backing vocals 

THE HELLACOPTERS - Release Video For New Single '(I Don't Wanna Be) Just A Memory'

High-energy rock'n'roll royalty, THE HELLACOPTERS, are pleased to present a brand new single from their much anticipated new studio album Overdriver today. 

'(I Don't Wanna Be) Just A Memory' sees the band take on the (post)modern preoccupation with nostalgia.

Forgoing influences like the MC5 or KISS, '(I Don't Wanna Be) Just A Memory' nods more to powerpop pioneers THE WHO, THE RASPBERRIES, or even BADFINGER with its major/minor shifts, offering up hidden harmonic treasures while still beating to the 'Copters' signature driving pulse.

Like past favorites 'No Song Unheard' or 'Carry Me Home', '(I Don't Wanna Be) Just A Memory' reminds us of the band's unique capacity to temper their furious-paced action rock with a songwriting sensibility that transcends their genre.

Play it loud!

Of course, there's also an audio-visual treat in the form of a brand new music video for the track by director Emil Klinta, which includes behind-the-scenes footage from the recording sessions. You can watch it below.

Please scroll to the bottom for all confirmed live dates for THE HELLACOPTERS.


PRE-ORDER / PRE-SAVE THE ALBUM OVERDRIVER:
https://hellacopters.bfan.link/odlp

LISTEN TO THE NEW SINGLE '(I DON'T WANNA BE) JUST A MEMORY':
https://hellacopters.bfan.link/msg

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR '(I DON'T WANNA BE) JUST A MEMORY' Below.

ABOUT THE HELLACOPTERS

Less than three years after their triumphant, chart-storming comeback record, Eyes Of Oblivion, which entered at #1 in their home country, on #3 in Germany, and on #6 in Finland, Sweden's most consistently great rock outfit is back with another banger of an album called Overdriver, due out on January 31st, 2025.

In the meantime, THE HELLACOPTERS have celebrated their triumphant return by playing a show with the mighty Iron Maiden in Gothenburg in July 2022, and gigs with Ghost in Germany in June 2023, apart from their own string of headline shows throughout Europe. Eager to keep the rock flowing, February 16th, 2024 saw THE HELLACOPTERS release not one, but two stunning versions of their classic Grande Rock album, which was originally released in 1999. Grande Rock Revisited included a remastered original version and a remixed and partially re-recorded version as a companion piece, showing how the album could have sounded in a parallel universe with guitarist Dregen being in the band at the time. After making rock grande again, the group set sights on new material, debuting the phenomenal single 'Stay With You'  in May 2024 and releasing it as a limited 7-inch via Lightning Records.

Their ninth full-length Overdriver was recorded at Strawberry Studio & The Honk Palace and is the first HELLACOPTERS album entirely produced by Nicke Andersson. As you might expect from a HELLACOPTERS album it's filled to the brim with roaring guitars and earth-shattering grooves, fist-raising energy, and anthemic choruses, while keeping the variety richer than ever before. The striking cover for Overdriver was created by German illustrator Max Löffler.

THE HELLACOPTERS ONLINE:
https://linktr.ee/thehellacopters

TheCityIsOurs Share Video for New Single + More Info

London-based metalcore band TheCityIsOurs have released their inspiring new single, "Can You Feel It?", offering a taste of their upcoming album, Will You Still Love Me?, due out on January 31 via Arising Empire.

The track delivers a powerful message of hope and resilience.

"Can You Feel It?" explores the courage it takes to face insecurities, embrace vulnerability, and strive for happiness. Speaking about the song, the band shares, "We wanted this track to be full of positivity, to not only encourage people to be brave and take risks for a chance at happiness, but also show that it is not impossible! Other people just like them are going through similar things and coming out the other side, stronger than ever!"
 
With its emotionally charged lyrics and uplifting energy, "Can You Feel It?" promises to resonate deeply with listeners navigating their own struggles. Keep an eye out for Will You Still Love Me?, a record destined to inspire.

Watch the video below. Stream the song here.

The Dark -Share Video for New Single + More Info

Emerging from the shadows of Los Angeles, The Dark have dropped their powerful new single "Head Of The Snake," delivering another raw and visceral glimpse into their apocalyptic soundscape.

The band has also launched pre-orders for their self-titled debut EP, set to arrive on February 21 via Arising Empire.

Watch the video below.

Stream the song here.

Fronted by Craig Johns Jr. and featuring Alan Ashby (Of Mice & Men) on guitar, The Dark's lineup is rounded out by bassist Nick Goins and drummer Derek Vautrinot. The EP promises to be a harrowing exploration of the darker facets of human nature, drawing inspiration from industrial and ''90s rock icons like Nine Inch Nails and Deftones, blended with a modern edge.

The band has already made waves with their debut single, "Chemicals," which racked up over 200,000 streams on Spotify within a month and earned international radio play. Their subsequent single, "Slip Away," climbed active rock radio charts and further cemented their reputation as a rising force in the rock scene.

Mörk Gryning Premiere Dystopian Symphony "Fasornas Tid"

From out of the shadows once more, Mörk Gryning have returned with a newly blackened opus.

These cultishly beloved lords of the Swedish black metal scene have been a blazing force in the underground since the early '90s. On their new album, Mörk Gryning refuse to yield to trends, honoring their feral countrymen by carving out raw, apocalyptic symphonies. Fasornas Tid is scrawled in the same sacred and bloody ink as their seminal debut, yet remains drenched in the visceral immediacy of the present.

Fasornas Tid comes out December 13th on Season of Mist, but you can hear all 12 savage songs today by listening to the full album stream on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.

Listen Below

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

Formed in the chilling embrace of '90s black metal, Mörk Gryning has always carved their own path, paying homage to their forebears while relentlessly pushing forward. Fasornas Tid - which in English means "The Time of Horrors" - dive bombs into a void inner turmoil, full of the insatiable hunger for self-destruction.  "Tornet" storms ahead with unbridled fury, featuring the savage vocals of C from AVSLUT, while the title track marks a return to the band's melodic roots in its relentless harmonies and breakneck tempos. 

Both haunting and ferocious, Fasornas Tid paints a dystopian symphony reminiscent of Mörk Gryning's iconic debut Tusen år har gått…, yet is still unmistakably a product of the now.

Mörk Gryning was founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 1993 by Goth Gorgon and Draakh Kimera. Two years later they released their debut album “Tusen År Har Gått” (1995), recorded and mixed at Unisound Studios, by legendary producer Dan Swanö and released by No Fashion. The album is one of the milestones of the ‘90s Swedish Black Metal scene.

The group returned to action in November 1996, working at Sunlight Studios together with Tomas Skogsberg and Dismember’s Fred Estby to craft the “Return Fire” album. Over the following years, three more albums were released, for example “Maelstrom Chaos” with new guitarist Avathar, a scene veteran, recorded at the legendary Grieghallen Studios Bergen, Norway.

Ever since the debut album, “Tusen år har gått…”, Mörk Gryning has refused to follow in the footsteps of others and walked their own paths – something which is made very clear on the 2003 release “Pieces of Primal Expressionism”, an experimental and heavy progressive release recorded at Dug Out, produced by Daniel Bergstrand. After a couple of years of touring and festival performances, the band was put on hold.

Returning to the scene again in 2017, the band performed an exclusive live show in Stockholm playing all the songs from the debut album and some other songs from the back catalogue. This ended in releasing the 4-song live record called “Live at Kraken”. During the pandemic the comeback album “Hinsides Vrede” was released to much critical acclaim with many of the songs today being the backbone of their live shows. A new album is scheduled for release in 2024 and the band is more active than ever.

Line-up:
DRAAKH KIMERA – Lead Vocals, Guitar
GOTH GORGON – Bass, Backing vocals, Lead Vocals on “Det Svarta”
S-L – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
C-G – Drums
AEON – Keyboards, Backing Vocals

Recording Studio:
Wing Studios, Stockholm, Sweden

Production Credits:
Produced by Sverker Widgren & Mörk Gryning
Mixed & Mastered at Wing Studios, Stockholm by Sverker Widgren

Guest Musician:
C of AVSLUT on "Tornet" & "An Ancient Ancestor Of The Autumn Moon"

Cover Art:
C-G

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

Follow Mörk Gryning:
Bandcamp: https://morkgryning.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morkgryningband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morkgryning/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/135tanf7FBI7ozrU3RelCX
Apple Music: http://music.apple.com/artist/m%C3%B6rk-gryning/75786010
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3616372
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/es/artist/62666

Emerging Swedish Thrashers SARCATOR Unleashes Vicious New Single, "Where the Void Begins"

Before the festive season starts, Sweden’s blackened thrash metal band SARCATOR offers an early present for its fans with their newest single “Where the Void Begins.” The third track from the band’s upcoming album delivers a haunting exploration of despair and existential reflection. With vivid imagery, the lyrics delve into themes of isolation, loss, and the allure of the unknown. Dark and poetic, the song paints a picture of surrender to the infinite unknown - terrifying but liberating. “Where the Void Begins” will be the last single before Sarcator’s third full length album, 'Swarming Angels & Flies,' will be fully unleashed January 17th, 2025, via Century Media Records.

Listen below.

The band comments, "'Where the Void Begins' is the brother song of 'The Long Lost,' off our 2022 album 'Alkahest' - not in an obvious way but it felt like continuing on a story that wasn't complete. It's the heavy one on this album and ends up in a total rock n roll frenzy.

Additionally, it is the first one we wrote that ended up on this album, so it still carries the spirit of the previous album in a way.”

Sarcator’s “Swarming Angels & Flies” sets the bar high for the upcoming album in terms of speed, heaviness and pure desire to see the song unfold live. Starting off like an explosion, the song delivers a sonic blast hurling the audience straight into a fire pit with raw, untamed energy. The album is now available for pre-order in various formats HERE.

At a juvenile age of 14-20, Sarcator released their first demo tape, “Visions of Purgatory”, via the American label Redefining Darkness Records in 2019. Just two years later the quadrumvirate got nominated for best rock/metal album for the Swedish music award P3 Guld with their 2020’s self-titled debut release for the same label. After releasing their 2nd album, “Alkahest”, via Black Lion Records in 2022, Sarcator finally got a proper chance to play live, captivating crowds with their intense, blackened live shows.

With their current line-up fully committed to the band despite their young age (all members are between 19 and 25) it was time for them to record their third album, which still features previous guitarist Emil Eriksson. Shortly after signing a new worldwide deal with Century Media Records and heading out on a debut European tour supporting Hellripper and Cloak, Sarcator will be releasing 'Swarming Angels & Flies' on January 17, 2025.

This album marks the most intense, brutal and rawest creation yet for the band. It is a remarkably mature and sophisticated piece of work, from mercurial musicians who are only in their early 20’s, and still at the beginning of their creative journey. Across eight, grotesque and utterly venomous tracks, Sarcator have deftly blended the wide-eyed extremity of their debut album with the inspirational musicality of their second record “Alkahest”, while playing everything with more intensity than ever before. Both deliriously melodic and mercilessly brutal: “Swarming Angels & Flies” is the most dangerously potent record the Swedens have made to date. 

Sarcator explains about the record and its creation process, “We wanted to highlight the most aggressive and extreme parts of us, but we still wanted to work with dynamics, so you still have elements of classic rock and post-punk, which we started experimenting with on the last record. There is no question that it’s our most intense, brutal, and rawest creation yet - It's not really a genre album and we like to keep it that way."

With plenty of live activity in support of the upcoming album, Sarcator are already at the forefront of an emergent, highly determined new generation of Scandinavian extreme metal bands and ready to take the rest of the world by storm soon too.

Lineup:

Mateo Tervonen – Vocals, Guitar

Felix Lindkvist – Bass

Leo Buchalle – Guitar

Jesper Rosén – Drums

Formats:

CD Jewelcase (in O-Card) w/ 11 tracks

Ltd. Purple LP (300x copies!) w/ 8 tracks & 2-page LP insert

Black LP w/ 8 tracks & 2-page LP insert

CD Jewelcase (US Version) w/ 8 tracks

Links:

FACEBOOK 

INSTAGRAM

WEB SHOP

BANDCAMP

SPOTIFY

APPLE MUSIC

YOUTUBE

Cinematic AOR Crew THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA Drop Second New Single & Official Music Video

THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA has released the energetic new single “Way To Spend The Night”, cut from the upcoming album 'Give Us The Moon,' set for release on January 31, 2025, via Napalm Records! Founded in 2007 by members of significant bands such as Soilwork, Arch Enemy, and Mean Streak, THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA have established their place in the scene with AOR-inspired, multifaceted soundscapes and spellbinding live shows, garnering an international fanbase by touring in Europe as well as in Latin America. Further live highlights have included enormous festivals like Wacken Open Air and opening for Kiss on their very last two shows in Sweden at legendary Dalhalla.

Fans will get the chance to hear songs from the new album live on THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA’s “Moon Over Europe 2025” tour from late January on, with Metalite and Tragedy announced as support acts, as well as on the Scandinavian leg of the tour starting in late February. Get your tickets now, make sure to pre-order the new album and check out the official music video for “Way To Spend The Night” below!

THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA comments:

“’Way To Spend The Night’ shows you the absolute electric connection we have as a band, both as musicians and people. This band that we have in common, brings out the very best of each member and makes them deliver beyond anyone’s wildest expectations. That is something we really treasure and this song proves it - both musically and visually. The footage was all captured in the glistening autumnal side of summer, one night on town in the heart of Stockholm. Please enjoy!””

Watch the Official Music Video for “Way To Spend The Night”

'Give Us The Moon' 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 the impressive opening track “Stratus” is followed by the beautifully nostalgic “Shooting Velvet”. 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”, which 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 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. 'Give Us The Moon' is 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. To celebrate the release of the new full-length, THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA will embark on a full European tour in late January 2025. 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

VUKOVI Share Video For "SNO"

VUKOVI have released the video for their melodic new single "SNO," which nods to the sound of '90s alternative greats such as The Smashing Pumpkins and Garbage, whilst retaining VUKOVI's unique identity.

The track is taken from their upcoming album, MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN, out January 24 via SharpTone Records.

Janine Shilstone comments, "'SNO' is a raw, emotional journey that captures the fragility and power of confronting your inner shadows. Vulnerability dancing with heavy-as-fuck guitars felt like the perfect soundtrack for an exorcism of trauma."

Watch the video below.

Stream the song here.

Pre-order and pre-save MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN here.

MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN is available in the following formats:
—Red, Black and White Splatter LP (Limited to 500 – Exclusively on the Band Store)
—Black & White Half & Half LP (Limited to 500 – Exclusively at Sharptone US)
—Black LP (Available via artist stores, label store and EU retail)
—Jewelcase CD (Available via artist stores, label store and worldwide retail)

ABOUT VUKOVI:
As the world waited with bated breath for new material, VUKOVI embarked on their first co-headlining tour across the United States with brethren Calva Louise, supported metal titans Babymetal across the UK, and conquered a number of major music festivals such as Welcome To Rockville, Sonic Temple, Download Festival, Rock For People, and Graspop (to name a few). How they found the time to crisscross the globe, leaving a trail of electrified audiences in their wake, remains a mystery.
 
Some say that when VUKOVI takes the stage, the air hums with a strange electricity, and time itself seems to bend, as if the band is channelling something otherworldly.
 
We asked the band for comment, but were offered no answers, only more questions. 
 
Their songs tell stories that are both intensely personal and universally relatable, exploring themes of mental health, love, and the human condition with a sharp edge. Yet, beneath the surface, there's always an undercurrent of something darker, a sense that the music is a portal to a world just beyond the veil of our reality.
 
As VUKOVI continue to carve their path through the rock landscape, one thing is certain: they are a band unlike any other, a force of nature that refuses to be tamed or fully understood. They invite us to join them on their journey, to explore the uncharted territories of sound and emotion, but they do so on their terms. In the end, perhaps it's the mystery that makes VUKOVI so compelling — a reminder that in a world where everything seems knowable, there are still secrets worth keeping

VUKOVI ARE:
Janine Shilstone — Vocals
Hamish Reilly — Guitars

ROBIN MCAULEY Announces New Solo Album 'Soulbound' due out February 28, 2025 via Frontiers Music Srl

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the upcoming release of legendary rock vocalist ROBIN MCAULEY's new solo album, 'Soulbound.' This new album sees MCAULEY's voice continuing to defy time, sounding as inspired and powerful as ever. The new album is definitively more guitar-driven straight hard rock compared to his previous albums and is still wonderfully melodic, infectious, and fist-in-the-air uplifting.

MCAULEY comments on 'Soulbound':

"I can't wait to share Record #3 with you all from Frontiers Music SRL. 'Soulbound' is a much edgier, harder guitar-driven record than my previous two for the label. In addition, I'm working with a new producer from the Frontiers label, Aldo Lonobile, who brought these songs to life with his Kick-Ass production.

"PLAY IT LOUD !!!!! I think you're gonna Luv It!!!!"

'Soulbound' showcases the respected Irish rock singer's desire to make a strong musical statement in what is proving to be his most creative period. To kick the announcement off, MCAULEY is also sharing the album's first track, "'Til I Die" alongside a new music video, available below.

About the single, MCAULEY shared this:

"We had so much fun shooting this mini-movie with the great production team of Enzo Mazzeoand Eric Boadello. ''Til I Die' comes at you right out the gate with heavy drums and biting guitars as I race across the Western wasteland to escape the unknown demons and images haunting me and determined to track me down. It's a race for survival at all costs.

"Come join me and escape together!!!!"

Check Out the New Music Video for "'Til I Die" Below.

After reemerging on the recording side of the music industry with guest spots on

Michael Schenker Fest albums and tours in addition to fronting the hard rock supergroup Black Swan, MCAULEY was (and still is) feeling invigorated and ready to explore even more creative output to let the world see that his voice is still as powerful as ever.

Work for 'Soulbound' began in early 2024, following an intense musical period in between tour dates and studio work. With a slightly different production approach compared to the previous album, ROBIN’s vocal performance here is simply outstanding. Truly an iconic voice of the genre, 'Soulbound' solidly delivers the more hard and heavy aspects of this respected artist.

ROBIN's backing band includes some of the previous artists who appeared with him on previous efforts, including guitarist Andrea Seveso, as well as some new talent such as guitarist Alessandro Mammola and drummer Alfonso Mocerino.

'Soulbound' is produced by Aldo Lonobile.

Pre-Order 'Soulbound' HERE

Robin McAuley is widely recognized as one of the great singers of a golden period in hard rock music. His voice can be heard on albums from Grand Prix and Far Corporation, and of course, on the chart-topping MSG records 'Perfect Timing,' 'Save

Yourself,' and 'MSG.' Through these releases, he was introduced to hard rock fans around the globe, who no doubt recognized the inherent talent and skill in his vocal abilities.

Once he departed MSG, McAuley released one solo record in 1999, then joined AOR

legends Survivor. He then re-grouped with Schenker in Michael Schenker Fest on their recent records 'Resurrection' and 'Revelation,' And of course, in what was an absolute revelation to hard rock fans around the world, in 2020, he came out swingin' as the frontman of the supergroup Black Swan, where he joined forces with Reb Beach (Whitesnake, Winger), Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, ex-Dokken), and Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr Big).

Band Members:

Robin McAuley - Vocals

Andrea Seveso, Alessandro Mammola - Guitars

Aldo Lonobile - Bass/additional guitars

Alfonso Mocerino - Drums

 

Additional keyboards: Antonio Agate

BURNING WITCHES Releases Spellbinding Newest Anthem "Mirror, Mirror" + Official Lyric Video

BURNING WITCHES bring back 80s heavy metal vibes and recharge their powerful force with renewed sonic clarity on their upcoming maxi-single, 'The Spell Of The Skull,' out today! With screaming guitars, the Swiss band is back for a heavy metal blast session in the snow.

With 'The Spell Of The Skull,' they curse audiences 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. Today, the stunning single “Mirror, Mirror” has been released alongside an official lyric video. The track opens with a virtuous intro that shows the band’s true witchcraft, especially when it comes to creating catchy and hypnotizing guitar riffs. Laura Guldemond, on the other hand, impresses with her incredible vocal range and distinctive style of singing. This new onslaught satisfies all supporters of the fast and unholy forces.

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!

Watch the Official Lyric Video for “Mirror, Mirror” Below.

BURNING WITCHES are:

Laura Guldemond - Vocals

Romana Kalkuhl - Guitars

Courtney Cox - Guitars

Jay Grob - Bass

Lala Frischknecht - Drums

Pre-Order your Copy of 'The Spell Of The Skull' NOW!

Lord Of The Lost Join Savage Lands on Breathtaking New Single

As Savage Lands prove on their breathtaking new single,  metalheads aren't ones to back down from a fight. After witnessing how land developers are tearing down Costa Rica's rain forest, Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and his old guitarist Sylvain Demercastel decided they weren't going to sit around and rust in peace. In 2022, they started Savage Lands, the music industry's first artist-run environmental non-profit.

Using the money that's generated by their music, Savage Lands has preserved 100,000 square feet of Costa Rican rain forest. 100% of the royalties from the organization's star-studded album, Army of the Trees, support their ongoing preservation projects in Costa Rica and other countries. But as they warn on their crushing new single with Lord Of The Lost and Chloe Trujillo, if we don't act fast and protect our ecosystems, then pretty soon, we won't just be out of time. We'll be out of breath. 

Watch the video for "Out of Breath" featuring Lord of the Lost and Chloe Trujillo, Below.

Army of the Trees comes out February 15, 2025 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/savagelandsarmyofthetrees

"Out of Breath" marks the first time that Lord Of The Lost and Savage Lands have appeared together on a record, but the Eurovision darlings are one of the organization's earliest supporters. "When Sylvain Demercastel and Dirk Verbeuren introduced us to Savage Lands at Hellfest in 2023, we instantly saw the passion and necessity behind this endeavor and were absolutely thrilled by the opportunity", says Chris Harms and Pi Stoffers from Lord Of The Lost. "Music can not only offer a refuge to every single person on this earth, but it can be used as a sanctuary for the existential nature around us".

The video tones down the glam and glitter with its dystopian footage, but Harms screams with bloody conviction alongside the explosive wails of Black Bomb A and Savage Lands vocalist Poun. "We loved writing this song, as it was yet again another stylistic facet that we haven't necessarily touched already", Lord Of The Lost continues. The song's bridge craters under the cavernous weight of Harms' death growls. "We're left for dead". 

But not all hope is lost. From the ashes of Stoffers' smoldering solo alights a familiar voice. "Look at the sky", beckons Chloe Trujillo, who reprises her mystic role from earlier single "Black Rock Heart". "A place to breath / People and trees". It's a chilling reminder of all we stand to lose.   

“Our goals are attainable,” Sylvain and Dirk say. “By converting the land that we purchase into nature sanctuaries, Savage Lands will help set a precedent for environmental activism. But we must work together and quickly. Ecosystems are still under attack. If we don’t, then there won’t be any wildlife left to save”.

Raise your horns and join the Army of the Trees in support of the metal non-profit.

Just listening to "Out of Breath" helps support Savage Lands. 100% of the song’s royalties fund the musician-run non-profit’s preservation efforts.

The CD Digisleeve for Army of the Trees is made from eco paper, while the LP is pressed on BioVinyl.

Learn more about Savage Lands
https://savagelands.org/  

Donate 
https://savagelands.org/donation/

The video for Out of Breath was created by Brewster. Dirk's drum footage was provided by Drumeo. The live footage of Lord Of The Lost was provided by Lennard Schmitt, while the live footage of Savage Lands was filmed at Hellfest 2024  by Cornoss and Sombrero & Co. - Réal Bui Lê Quang.

“Our goals are attainable,” Sylvain and Dirk say. “By converting the land that we purchase into nature sanctuaries, Savage Lands will help set a precedent for environmental activism. But we must work together and quickly. Ecosystems are still under attack. If we don’t, then there won’t be any wildlife left to save”.

Raise your horns and join the Army of the Trees in support of the metal  non-profit. 
 

Learn more about Savage Lands
https://savagelands.org/  

Donate 
https://savagelands.org/donation/

Core lineup
Poun - vocals  
Sylvain Demercastel - guitars
Etienne Treton - Bass
Florian Pons - drums

Special member 
Dirk Verbeuren (Drums on "Black Rock Heart", "The Last Howl" and "Out of Breath)

Collaborators
Stephane Buriez
Ardag Basmadjian
HK Nico + James at Vamacara

Guest features
Kai Uwe Faust - Vocals (Black Rock Heart)
Chloe Trujillo - Vocals (Black Rock Heart, Out of Breath)
Alissa White-Gluz - Vocals (Ruling Queen)
Kenneth Andrews - Guitar (Ruling Queen)
Andreas Kisser - Guitar (The Last Howl)
John Tardy - Vocals (The Last Howl)
Maria Franz - Vocals (No Remedy)
Lord Of The Lost - Vocals, Guitars (Out of Breath)

*Army of Trees features Steeven Corsini (Loco Muerte), Auré Jäger (Akiavel), David & Viber (Sidilarsen), Niko Jones (Tagada Jones), Julien Truchan (Benighted), Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast, Sinsaenum), Nils Courbaron (Bloodorn, Sirenia, DDC) and Aurelien Ouzoulias (The Beat Factory, Mörglbl).

Production
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Adair Daufembach at Daufembach Studio in Los Angeles.

Cover artist
Brewster Agency  

Photographer
Gornos

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

Available Formats
Digital Download
CD Digisleeve
12" BioVinyl (Gatefold)

Follow Savage Lands
Official Website: https://savagelands.org/  
Bandcamp: https://savagelands.bandcamp.com/album/army-of-the-trees
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/savage-lands/1712738479
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5fft5SyNYhNar3PdYtKQSF
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Savage-Lands-100081754354224/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savagelands_project/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@savagelands9644

Polish Black Metal Force PATRIARKH, Formerly Batushka, Drop New Single “ВЕРШАЛИН II” + Audio Visualizer

Polish black metal icons PATRIARKH (formerly Batushka), centered around singer/mastermind Bartłomiej Krysiuk, continue their conceptual album with the release of their new single “ВЕРШАЛИН II” (Lat. WIERSZALIN II). Accompanied by an audio visualizer video, the official video will be released shortly after. The song perfectly blends heavy doom metal with black metal, seamlessly merging folk instruments and captivating choirs’ merges with beautifully arranged string instruments, building an eerie tension accentuated by engaging growls.

Taken from the upcoming studio album 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ' (Lat. PROROK ILJA), out on January 3, 2025 via Napalm Records, PATRIARKH returns with a clear and fresh vision! The album, spanning eight brand-new tracks, delves into the true story of Eliasz Klimowicz, the enigmatic Prophet Ilja. Set against the dramatic historical backdrop of the 1930s and ’40s,PATRIARKH masterfully transforms these events into dark yet mesmerizing atmospheres, interwoven with their deeply rooted Eastern Orthodox traditions. Building on the critical success of 'Hospodi' (2019) and relentless global touring, PATRIARKH shows no signs of slowing down, with countless live shows lined up for this and the coming year.

Pre-order your copy of 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ' (Lat. PROROK ILJA) now and immerse yourself in the next chapter of their saga. Watch the captivating video for “ВЕРШАЛИН II” (Lat. WIERSZALIN II) below!

 

PATRIARKH about the new single “ВЕРШАЛИН II”:

"‘Wierszalin II’ explores the theme of revelation, highlighting the significant role of the Mother of God as a symbolic sign within the piece. It reflects an anointing that accompanies the prophet's message, functioning as a prayer imbued with purpose. This hymn is associated with the Prophet Ilya, encapsulating his expressions of worship, praise, and gratitude for the opportunity to serve and glorify heaven through his work. Ultimately, the song emphasizes the connection between divine revelation and the prophet's mission, which ends in failure.”

Check out the audio visualizer for

“ВЕРШАЛИН II” (Lat. WIERSZALIN II) Below:napa

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

Arch Enemy Share Video For Title Track "Blood Dynasty" — WATCH

Swedish extreme metal pioneers ARCH ENEMY have unleashed the title track from their forthcoming twelfth studio album, Blood Dynasty. The full album is slated for release on March 28 via Century Media Records. Pre-order Blood Dynasty here.

Following the surprise drop of their single "Dream Stealer" in July and the subsequent release of "Liars & Thieves" in October, "Blood Dynasty" marks the third single offering from the highly anticipated album. The track promises to deliver Arch Enemy's signature blend of powerful guitar riffs and dynamic vocals, showcasing the band's evolution while staying true to their roots.

Founder and guitarist Michael Amott shares, "The third single from our upcoming album has arrived, and it's the title track: 'Blood Dynasty!' This one shifts gears from the fast and furious energy of our two recent singles, diving deeper into melody and atmosphere. Immerse yourself in this dystopian soundscape!"

"Blood Dynasty" was mixed by Jens Bogren and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios. The video was directed and produced by Mirko Witzki at Witzki Visions.

Listen to the single "Blood Dynasty" here and watch the official music video below.

Blood Dynasty marks Arch Enemy's 12th studio album. The record features 11 new tracks full of the band's signature powerful guitar riff and guttural force.

Pre-order Arch Enemy's new album Blood Dynasty here.

Next to the limited deluxe editions that feature two exclusive bonus tracks, fans can direct their attention to the Ltd. Liquid Blood Vinyl that is exclusively available in the band stores and limited to 666 copies.

In support of the new album, Arch Enemy has announced the European "Blood Dynasty" 2025 Tour, commencing on October 10, 2025, in Stuttgart, Germany, and concluding on November 15, 2025, in Düsseldorf, Germany. The tour will feature special guests Amorphis, Eluveitie, and Gatecreeper.

For more information and tickets visit here.

ARCH ENEMY ARE:
Alissa White-Gluz — Vocals 
Michael Amott — Guitars 
Joey Concepcion — Guitars 
Sharlee D'Angelo — Bass 
Daniel Erlandsson — Drums

Swedish Rockers SPIDERS Release New Single "What's Your Game (Miss Insane)" + Music Video

Swedish rock powerhouse SPIDERS are thrilled to announce the release of the dynamic single “What’s Your Game (Miss Insane)”, which is accompanied by a captivating new music video.

Known for their gritty, high-octane sound, SPIDERS have always drawn deeply from the well of classic rock ‘n’ roll. With their upcoming album 'Sharp Objects', the band expands their sonic palette, infusing elements of early 80s new wave and garage rock to create an album that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.

The release of their second single “What’s Your Game (Miss Insane)” marks another milestone for the band. The single, with its relentless energy and catchy hooks, captures the essence of SPIDERS' musical ethos: bold, unapologetic, and bursting with personality. The accompanying video elevates the experience, delivering a visual feast that perfectly complements the track's raw edge and electrifying spirit.

Ann-Sofie comments on the song:

"Everybody knows a Miss Insane and everybody is a Miss insane now and then. We all need them, we all love them, we all hate them but what would life be without a Miss Insane now and then.

"What's Your Game...?"

Watch the Video for "What's Your Game (Miss Insane) below.

SPIDERS' sound is deeply rooted in classic rock 'n' roll however this new album offers something fresh, weaving together influences from the early 80s' new wave and garage rock scenes. 'Sharp Objects' takes listeners on a sonic journey – from the legendary Truckstop Alaska in Gothenburg, across New York’s iconic Bleecker Street, through London’s vibrant Soho, and back again. Along the way, you'll encounter a musical landscape where the spirit of bands like The Faces, Dead Boys, Fred Cole, and Bikini Kill lives on, while a rebellious Debbie Harry gives a defiant nod to the present.

Founded in 2012, SPIDERS quickly made their mark with their debut album 'Flash Point' and continued to build their reputation with follow-ups 'Shake Electric' (2014) and 'Killer Machine' (2018). Over the years, they’ve toured extensively, bringing their electrifying performances to rock clubs and festival stages across Europe and the United States.

With 'Sharp Objects', SPIDERS is set to push boundaries, offering a record that blends grit, attitude, and a deep respect for rock’s past and future.

In partnership with the legendary Wild Kingdom Records, SPIDERS is ready to carve a new chapter in rock history.

Pre-Save 'Sharp Objects' HERE