OPETH Streams Visualizers for Song, "§4 ," New Album 'The Last Will & Testament' Out Today

The wait is finally over and OPETH's highly anticipated 14th studio album, 'The Last Will & Testament,' is now available worldwide today, November 22, via Moderbolaget // Reigning Phoenix Music! To celebrate this release, the Swedish prog legends are now sharing a visualizer for the song "§4," which can be found below.

Opeth frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt comments on the track, "'§4' is an oddball song, just written by instinct. I'm not a clever guy when it comes to writing music. People call us 'thinking man's metal,' I think that's laughable. I listen to music from so many different genres, it's impossible to me to stick to one genre. I find the idea boring to try and belong somewhere, we're a bit all over the place, and I think this song shows our diversity. For '§4' I was inspired by something called 'twelve note music,' which I think is a classical term, where you're supposed to play twelve notes und you cannot repeat a note twice. I heard some of that music by classical pianists playing, and it sounds wicked, it sounds evil, it sounds really strange - so that inspired the initial guitar theme. There's a melodrome theme in the beginning, it just sounds odd, like it doesn't fit in, almost like a free-form jazz solo or something like that. But it quickly kind of lands in an almost traditional metal theme with a common response type death metal vocal that has a stereo double-tracked normal vocal response. 

"I can't remember what happened during the writing process, but I reached a point where I just stopped and felt, 'ok, time for something strange!' We ended up with a flute solo by Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, which was kind of an accident in a way, because I asked him to do a narration, not flute. As he was doing the spoken word bits, he asked me 'do you need a flute solo?' I was like, 'yes, please!‘, while I didn't really have a part for a flute solo! I had to shuffle through the songs quickly in my head before he would change his mind. I had him on the hook, of course I was gonna find a piece! So, he played almost like a common response type flute solo in '§4.'

"This is a great song with the ending piece being one of the more evil pieces of music I've written in a long time: it sounds really menacing, sick almost!“

Order ‘The Last Will & Testament’: HERE

Opeth's fourteenth album was written by Åkerfeldt, with lyrics conferred with Klara Rönnqvist Fors (The Heard, ex-Crucified Barbara). ‘The Last Will & Testament’ was co-produced by Åkerfeldt and Stefan Boman (Ghost, The Hellacopters), engineered by Boman, Joe Jones (Killing Joke, Robert Plant), and Opeth, with Boman, Åkerfeldt, and the rest of Opeth mixing at Atlantis and Hammerthorpe Studios in Stockholm. The strings on ‘The Last Will & Testament’ were arranged by Åkerfeldt and returning prog friend Dave Stewart (Egg, Khan) and conducted by Stewart at Angel Studios in London. Not one to miss a beat, visual artist Travis Smith returns to the fold, crafting his 11th cover, a haunting "photograph" reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick's infamous "Overlook Hotel" photograph. Miles Showell (ABBA, Queen) also revisits mastering and vinyl lacquer cutting at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Åkerfeldt rolls out the red carpet for storied flautist and Jethro Tull main man Ian Anderson. Not only do Anderson's signature notes fly on "§4" and "§7", he narrates on "§1", "§2", "§4", and "§7". Joining Anderson, Europe's Joey Tempest lends a backing vocal hand on "§2”, while Åkerfeldt's youngest daughter, Mirjam Åkerfeldt, is the disembodied voice in "§1".

‘The Last Will & Testament ‘is gripping from start to finish, jaw-dropping inside and out, representing some of Opeth's finest material to date. Just as Opeth welcomed many into its distressed arms over the years, the Swedes again deliver on the promise that great music always tells a compelling story—this time with growls.

Moreover, OPETH has landed the the cover story for Decibel Magazine's current December 2024issue! The in-depth interview with the band was conducted by journalist Chris Dick while the photos were shot by Ester Segarra. The issue can be found HERE.

After three decades of dazzling the world, Opeth have made their most daring creative leap yet. The Last Will & Testament is a progressive and dramatic triumph, and yet more proof that expecting the unexpected is the only way forward for fans of Sweden’s finest.

“It’s a restless record for me,” concludes Åkerfeldt. “It’s an explosion of ideas, which I like. It’s a bit shorter and snappier. But I definitely didn’t want to rehash anything. The only thing that has come back is some of those death metal screams, but the mindset is still much more forward looking. In typical Opeth fashion, it’s not a direct record that you understand and that you love or hate right away. It takes time and if you put that time into it, you might like it… or hate it! It feels like it was written on a whim. Which it was, in a way! I hear things on this album and think, where the fuck did that come from?”

Lineup:

Mikael Åkerfeldt – Vocals, guitars

Fredrik Åkesson – Guitars, backing vocals

Martin Mendez – Bass guitar

Waltteri Väyrynen – Drums and percussion

Joakim Svalberg – Keyboards, backing vocals

Special Guests:

Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) - spoken word (tracks 1, 2, 4, 7) // flute (tracks 4, 7)

Joey Tempest (Europe) - backing vocals (track 2)

Mirjam Åkerfeldt - spoken word (track 1)

All Music and Lyrics written by Mikael Åkerfeldt

Lyrical concept by Mikael Åkerfeldt, dramatic consultation by Klara Rönnqvist Fors

Produced by Mikael Åkerfeldt

Co-produced by Opeth and Stefan Boman

Engineered by Stefan Boman, Joe Jones and Opeth

Mixing by Stefan Boman and Mikael Åkerfeldt and Opeth at Atlantis and Hammerthorpe, Stockholm, Sweden

Mastering and vinyl lacquer cut by Miles Showell at Abbey Road studios, London, UK

Strings conducted by Dave Stewart at Angel Studios, London, UK

Strings arrangement by Mikael Åkerfeldt and Dave Stewart

Drum technicalities by Kit Cunningham

Artwork by Travis Smith with directions from Mikael Åkerfeldt

Biography by Dom Lawson

About Reigning Phoenix Music

Founded in 2023, Reigning Phoenix Music is truly the 100% independently owned vision of music industry professional Gerardo Martinez and avionics and tech entrepreneur, Sven Bogner. The blueprint is to continue to help heavy metal, extreme, hard, and heavy music thrive by partnering with an array of well-established acts, new talent, and iconic artists, by offering best services and practices in the industry. But most important is to help the artists amplify their art and talent to a winning formula for success!

More on RPM:

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Escuela Grind's 'Dreams on Algorithms' vinyl comes with a free gift

Massachusetts metal band Escuela Grind has released its new LP, ' Dreams on Algorithms', via MNRK Heavy (High on Fire, Slomosa).

Recorded at Salem, Massachusetts' GodCity studio with Converge's Kurt Ballou, and mastered by Nick Townsend (Dr. Dre, Betty Davis) the record is the highly anticipated follow-up to Escuela Grind 's celebrated 2022 full-length debut, 'Memory Theater', a recording hailed as "an opus of extremity" by The New York Times. 

ORDER / STREAM 'DREAMS ON ALGORITHMS'

Atmospheric Black Metal Four-Piece GRIMA Announces New Studio Album, 'Nightside', out February 28, 2025!

With 10 years of experience behind them, Siberian atmospheric black metal legion GRIMA will release their sixth album and Napalm Records debut, 'Nightside', on February 28, 2025. After several shows across Europe, including some with fast-rising German death metal force Kanonenfieber, GRIMA are set to honor the spirit of the Siberian Forest, Taiga, with their impending next chapter. . In addition to their unforgettable sound echoing the mesmerizing cold of the Siberian evening wilderness, the band’s eerie, piercing look – towering like living trees with intimidating carved wooden masks and branched fingers – adds another haunting element to their brutal yet beautiful output.

Alongside the album announcement, GRIMA present their first output and reveal the new single “Skull Gatherers”, an atmospheric and haunting black metal track that conjures powerful imagery of inevitability, cold, and eternal slumber. “Skull Gatherers” is underlined with a bewitching official music video and serves as a perfect soundtrack for the gray season.

GRIMA on “Skull Gatherers”:

“'Skull Gatherers' tells the story of the Skull Gatherers, particularly devoted servants of GRIMA, who are dedicated to harvesting trophies from the bodies of the deceased and weaving them into an endless collection. Each lyric and chord resonate with the somber silence and chill of the earth, the final resting place for those who have found peace in the Taiga. The song transcends listeners into a realm of nocturnal shadows, rugged nature, and mysticism – the perfect soundtrack for those prepared to confront what lies beyond the boundary between life and death.”

Watch the Official Music Video for “Skull Gatherers”

The brand-new single, “Skull Gatherers”, is constructed with folk instruments such as the Russian accordion bayan, but GRIMA also incorporate death metal-like growls into their delivery on “Impending Death Premonition”. While fans of their dark, deep, and melancholic sound can look forward to tales like in “Flight Of The Silver Storm” and “The Nightside”, GRIMA also showcase focused effort and skill on the album’s more brief, accessible offerings. “Beyond The Dark Horizon” and “Curse Of The Void” are as dreamy and complex as their big brothers, but also satisfy as more direct black metal anthems. With their mysterious visual aura and intriguing sound inspired by the unforgiving nature around them, GRIMA continue to prove themselves as an unmissable band to watch within the genre with their new album 'Nightside'.

GRIMA about the album:

“GRIMA is a secretive cult devoted to an ancient, long-forgotten Siberian forest deity, lying in wait, shrouded within the endless embrace of the Taiga. Our music is a ritual of reverence to the ancient magic of the forest, an endless dance of mysterious entities and ancient spirits, a beautiful and terrifying legend cloaked in the form of Siberian Atmospheric Black Metal. 'Nightside' is a mysterious and melodic recording, infused with the mesmerizing cold of the Siberian night wilderness—brutal, yet equally beautiful and irresistibly alluring. A mysterious nocturnal land where winds slam the shutters of cabins in abandoned villages, guiding stars only lead you deeper into the silver storm, and a dead man is knocking his claw on an ancient pine, counting down the remaining time of yet another lost.”

Pre-order your copy of 'Nightside' NOW

Mixing, mastering, and helming 'Nightside’s harsh, powerful but also clear-as-an-icicle sound is black metal-experienced producer Vladimir Lehtinen. The two driving forces behind the band’s unique sound, Vilhelm and Morbius, both deliver different aspects of the band’s impactful, massive guitar riffs, leads and melodies, while Vilhelm also soars as the voice of the woods. Guest musicians Vlad (drums) and Serpentum (guitars) also join the fold both in studio and on stage.

GRIMA are:

Vilhelm - vocals, guitars

Morbius - guitars

KREATOR - Release Digital Album, "Live in Chile" + Full Video Of 2023 Show

The mighty KREATOR have released a digital album and full video stream of their monumental live performance at Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile, which was held and recorded on April 23rd, 2023.

Fans can relive the mayhem and massive circle pits that erupted throughout the night, showcasing the raw energy that only KREATOR and their Chilean Hordes can command.

With Live In Chile you can experience one of the world's most renowned extreme metal bands rip through a breathtaking, career-spanning set full of fan favourites and songs from their most recent album, Hate Über Alles, proving that they're still at the very top of their game.

Almost coinciding with the release, KREATOR's European co-headline tour with US thrash legends ANTHRAX and guests, TESTAMENT, kicks off Thursday, November 21st. Tickets are still available for some of the shows. Scroll down for all dates.
 
LISTEN TO KREATOR - LIVE IN CHILE: 
https://kreator.bfan.link/liclp

WATCH KREATOR - LIVE IN CHILE Below:

ABOUT KREATOR
 
Decades into their game-changing career, German metal legends Kreator find themselves more successful and influential than ever. They’ve stuck to their guns, weathered the trends and outlasted their peers – never once wavering from the ferocious noise that excited them as teens. If anything, that thirst for sonic warfare is just as strong, if not stronger, today. Where others have suffered from creative malnourishment and artistic uncertainty, something which even metal’s biggest and best are prone to, Kreator have always charged full steam ahead – thanks to the red-eyed conviction and fearless determination of founding singer and guitarist Miland ‘Mille’ Petrozza. On 1985 debut Endless Pain, the Essen innovators created the template for extreme noise to come, fusing elements of thrash and black metal in ways that had never been heard before. Their sophomore album of the following year, Pleasure To Kill, became one of the landmark albums of 1986 – making metal history alongside key releases from Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth. And onwards they marched, bringing hellish anthems to the masses in every album that followed, with a track record few could ever rival.
 
The last decade has been a particularly exciting time for the group, with 2012’s Phantom Antichrist proving how they could embrace modern production techniques and move with the times without forsaking the underground spirit and defiance which made them a household name in the first place. Its successor, 2017’s Gods Of Violence, saw them topping the German charts for the very first time in their career, a feat virtually unheard for a band of such thunderous intensity.

They returned in 2022 with fifteenth opus Hate Über Alles – which marked their first studio album with Frédéric Leclercq (ex-Dragonforce, Sinsaenum) on bass, joining Mille, guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö and drummer Jürgen ‘Ventor’ Reil – the metal titans are once again channelling an unholy heaviness strong enough to tilt the earth off-axis.

UK Black Metal Standouts THE INFERNAL SEA Release Deluxe, Reimagined Version of 'Hellfenlic'

As UK black metal luminaries THE INFERNAL SEA launch their European tour in France tonight, the band have also unleashed the deluxe edition of their acclaimed 2024 album 'Hellfenlic'. Titled 'Hellfenlic Deluxe (Reincarnated Evil)', this expanded version is now available through Candlelight, offering fans a deeper dive into the band’s unrelenting darkness.

Originally released in January, this enhanced version takes each track to new, reinterpreted heights, offering fresh arrangements that reimagine the original compositions. With every song reworked, 'Hellfenlic' in its deluxe form challenges listeners to approach the album from a completely different perspective, inviting them to rediscover its dark intricacies in a whole new light.

To celebrate the release of 'Hellfenlic Deluxe (Reincarnated Evil)', THE INFERNAL SEAhave also released a brand new visualizer for "Black Witchery (Curse of The Coven Remix by Nekravol".

Watch the Visualizer for "Black Witchery"

(Curse of The Coven Remix by Nekravol) Below.

THE INFERNAL SEA draw from a vast musical palette, influenced by a wide array of genres, including electronic and industrial. Having come of age in the 90s, they were immersed in a time when metal bands were boldly crossing genre lines, experimenting with new sounds and styles. Acts like Fear Factory and White Zombie were at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of their art and creating genre-defying remix albums that shattered conventions and expanded the possibilities of what metal could be.

THE INFERNAL SEA comments on the deluxe album:

"Our goal was to imagine how these songs might have sounded if someone else had shaped them – to explore the possibilities of an alternate vision. These reimagined tracks aren’t meant to replace the originals; far from it. Instead, they’re designed to challenge listeners, encouraging them to approach 'Hellfenlic' from fresh perspectives and discover new layers within the music.

"It's been highly satisfying if not mind-bending to hear other people's takes on these tracks, in a genre where you almost never see this happen. There is a wide range of sounds, influences and flavours on offer here all while staying true to the intent of the original songs, infernal gratitude to all who gave their most precious time to this unusual project."

Stream 'Hellfenlic Deluxe (Reincarnated Evil)' HERE

THE INFERNAL SEA have been a plague on this Earth since 2011, composing fierce and terrifying black metal from the Fenlands of England, conjuring compelling tales of English & European history throughout the Medieval period.

Over several releases, THE INFERNAL SEA have solidified their reputation as black metal wraiths—enigmatic and elusive, their true identities obscured by plague doctor-inspired masks and shadowy shrouds. In January 2024, they released 'Hellfenlic', a ferocious new album whose title, derived from Old English, translates to "a Fen of Hell." The record delivered eight tracks of seething, raw black 'n' roll fury, continuing the band's unrelenting assault on the senses. 'Hellfenlic' follows their trio of studio albums — 'Negotium Crucis' (2020), 'The Great Mortality' (2016), and 'Call of the Augur' (2012), further cementing their place as one of the genre's most powerful and uncompromising forces.

THE INFERNAL SEA have continued to elevate their live performances with a terrifying and captivating ritualistic stage show, enthralling audiences wherever they may roam. This has included performances at key UK festivals such as Bloodstock Festival, Incineration Festival, Damnation Festival, A Night of Salvation, Reaper Fest, Cosmic Void as well as a whole host of key support slots to bands such as Anaal Nathrakh, 1349, Taake, Napalm Death, Akercocke, Nargaroth, Primordial, Hellripper, Tsjuder, Mork, Rotting Christ, Hulder, Strigoi, Abigail Williams, Arch Enemy and many more. 

Continuing to captivate audiences with their electrifying, raw live performances, THE INFERNAL SEA kick off their European headline tour in France today.

Iodine Recordings to Reissue Six Going on Seven's Classic "Heartbreak's Got Backbeat"

Heartbreak's Got Backbeat is the sophomore album from Boston-based indie rock/emo band Six Going On Seven. It's long been out of print — for 25 years.

Until now, courtesy of your friends at Iodine Recordings, the label which continues to re-introduce beloved and hard-to-find titles on vinyl to a diehards as well as a new generation of fans. The label remains a caretaker of fan favorites from the early '00s, and before and after.

The album is now available digitally, while the physical release of Heartbreak's Got Backbeat arrives on February 5 of next year. Get it here. 

Often referred to as a "band's band," Six Going on Seven came up alongside many of the household names that set the tone for the era: Jimmy Eat World, Hot Water Music, and The Get Up Kids.

6GO7 sharied the stage with the aforementioned band and many others. Originally released on Some Records in 1999 and produced by Brian McTernan at Salad Days Studio (Hot Water Music, Cave In), the album is being presented on a limited-edition vinyl pressing with all new artwork and remastered by Jack Shirley (Quicksand, Joyce Manor) at The Atomic Garden.

"'Let's take the long way 'round, turn right here. Go down this hill we can leave the car at Cathedral Park Pier...,'" so begins the first track of our second record. This, an homage to roots in St. Johns (Portland, OR) and more specifically, my childhood home, first love and the push/pull of moving on and paying tribute to the things that shape us," says vocalist/bassist Joshua English. "It's a perfect representation of what we were/are/will be as a trio, 3:05 of bass/drums/guitar and nostalgia..."

SIX GOING ON SEVEN WERE:
Joshua English — Vocals + Bass
James Bransford — Guitar
Will Bartlett — Drums

San Francisco's AURSJOEN releases debut 'Strand' EP (ethereal / post-punk)

San Francisco-based ethereal artist AURSJOEN presents her debut 'Strand' EP, released via Stratis Capta Records and produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate, Faith and the Muse, Mephisto Waltz, Christian Death) at 13 Studio in Chicago.

AURSJOEN is the project of Ria Aursjoen, who is vocalist and keyboardist for critically acclaimed post-punk outfit Octavian Winters, whose 2023 debut EP 'The Line or Curve' was followed by 2024's double A-side single 'Nebula / Velveteen' with electronic legend Mark Pistel (Meat Beat Manifesto, Consolidated). A classically-trained singer and multi-instrumentalist, her musical past is steeped in genres ranging from Celtic and Nordic folk to darkwave and progressive metal.

This music is lush, layered and sweepingly cinematic. This dynamic slice of ethereal gothica is dark and light in equal measure. Octavian Winters bandmate Stephan Bryan Salit contributes atmospheric guitars on two songs. While Aursjoen’s voice and composition are distinctly recognizable and unique, the performances and sweeping arrangements somewhat recall Faith’s work with Faith and the Muse. 

"The title 'Strand' holds two meanings, first being something that is spun or drawn off of something larger, like a strand of hair or a strand of a web. There is a sense that it is not only a piece of a larger whole, but also that it has its own emerging existence, reaching outward and beyond. The word “strand” also means beach in Danish. A beach marks the boundary of one’s defined world; it is a place to gaze out, to dream of possibilities and adventures to come, a point of departure for journeys to new places," explains Ria Aursjoen.

These ideas all relate to this collection of work as AURSJOEN, which heralds Ria Aursjoen’s emergence in a new direction, without leaving behind her ongoing work with Octavian Winters.

She adds, “This record is very special for me, as this is the first time I have had free creative rein to release work that is entirely my own. I have always enjoyed collaborating with other musicians, but I had built up a huge amount of my own material that had nowhere to go. This collection includes a piece written 10 years ago ('Apollo') and one written on the spot in the studio ('Strand'). It’s very exciting and fulfilling for me to bring all that together into one package. The listening arc of this EP represents many different times of life for me. William Faith and I have woven everything together with a recognizable sound that has continuity as well as variety.”

In the lead up to this EP, Aursjoen shared the second single 'For Want Of', offering a glimpse into her versatility as an artist and keeping with the cinematic orchestration found in her ethereal debut 'Nytår'. Sensual and mystical, both beauties nod to her Scandinavian ancestry. Both songs are accompanied by a haunting video created by filmmaker David Kruschke.

"What I really love is to create music that is more than the sum of its parts, where the interplay (either harmonically or rhythmically) between different motifs gives birth to something extra, something “meta” that you can’t predict or engineer. I think those two states of feeling did that in my life too… a different self,  a new era was born for me out of that ice and fire," says Ria Aursjoen. 

As someone who has synesthesia, a rare neurodiverse condition in which senses overlap, Aursjoen experiences sound as visual structures, colours and textures. As a child, she wrote her musical ideas down in a unique system of notation she created, based around her visual perceptions of music. Ria Aursjoen is also a published writer and visual artist, having won two national art competitions by the age of eight and illustrated a children’s book. She creates much of Octavian Winters’ artwork and currently works with inks and parchment velum to create palimpsest-style art.
 
As of November 15, the 'Strand' EP is out everywhere and is available for pre-order, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
All songs written & performed by Ria Aursjoen
Arranged by Ria Aursjoen and William Faith
Guitars on 'Lilypad' & 'Apollo' by Stephan Bryan Salit
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by William Faith at 13 Studio in Chicago
Published by Airdaughter Music BMI
Released by Stratis Capta Records
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
'Nytår' and 'For Want Of' videos by David Kruschke
Cover artwork by Ria Aursjoen


Keep up with AURSJOEN
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

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

IMPELLITTERI Shares New Single "Hell On Earth" + Music Video

Renowned metal group IMPELLITTERI have unveiled an enthralling new single, "Hell On Earth". The track is taken from the band's brand new album 'War Machine', out now via Frontiers Music Srl. This electrifying song is accompanied by a music video, which you can view below.

"Hell On Earth" takes the band into pure metal territory with a killer riff, highly energetic vocals, an anthemic chorus, aggressive rhythm section, and illustrious guitar soloing, all of which have become a staple of the IMPELLITTERI sound. 

About the new track and its video, Chris stated,

“I think ‘Hell On Earth’ shows that we always strive to write a great riff and great song long before any solo or screaming vocal is created! On ‘Hell on Earth’ I had this really fun addictive riff that just allowed everyone in the band to shine. It was amazing how powerful the song sounded when we first played it together…. The music really inspired an interesting lyric and amazing vocal performance from Rob Rock!

 The band and I are humbled by all the love we have been getting from our newly released music videos and singles so far!“

With legions of fans worldwide, IMPELLITTERI is known for exciting music, addictive riffs, and mesmerizing melodies. New album 'War Machine' features guitar hero Chris Impellitteri’s guitar virtuosity and lead singer Rob Rock’s vocal range powered by the incredible rhythmic foundation of bassist James Pulli, and former Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph.

With 'War Machine,' the IMPELLITTERI band presents a mind-blowing, highly energetic, and thrilling new musical adventure.

Watch the Video for "Hell On Earth" Below

To date, IMPELLITTERI has sold 2 million+ records worldwide and has performed on the same stages as Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Journey, and more. The band has been featured on multiple magazine covers, television, radio, and internet shows. In its glorious past, IMPELLITTERI was also featured on MTV, VH1, and Headbangers Ball.

Chris Impellitteri is an iconic guitar player and a huge inspiration for many players. He has been named one of the fastest guitar players of all time by magazines like Guitar One and Guitar World, while Burrn! Japan, voted Chris as the best rock guitarist. In 2023, Impellitteriwas inducted into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame.

'War Machine' delivers one of the band's best albums to date. From the opening riff of the title track to songs like today's “Out Of Mind (Heavy Metal)” or “Hell On Earth”, the album is a manifest of bone-crushing riffs, hyper-technical solos, and anthemic choruses.

Chris on the album:

“This new album has been an absolute thrill to make with my friends Rob Rock, James Pulli, Paul Bostaph, and our engineers Mike Plotnikoff, Jun Murakawa, and Jacob Hansen! 

"This music expresses where we are today as a band emotionally and technically! This is probably the most sincere album we have made because we just played music that moved us emotionally without chasing any trends or other bands. We definitely played our asses off! And so, I truly hope everyone gets a chance to listen to this new album and rock with us!! I am looking forward to touring behind this album!!"

Order 'War Machine' HERE

IMPELLITTERI are:

Chris Impellitteri : Lead Guitarist

Rob Rock : Vocalist

James Pulli : Bassist

Paul Bostaph: Drummer

Produced By : Chris Impellitteri

Studio: NRG Recording studios , Studio B

Recorded By: Mike Plotnikoff, Jun Murakawa

Mixed & Mastered: Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios

Heavy // Hitter Drop "Heaven's Gate" Video — WATCH // EP Out NOW

Orlando, Florida juggernauts HEAVY//HITTER — Austin Hayes [vocals], Dane Loeprich [guitar], Chris Perez [bass], and Josh Archeval [drums] —dropped their new EP, Moments of Misery, November 8, via Blue Grape Music. Get it here.

The band has also shared the video for "Heaven's Gate." Watch it below.

The high impact, black and white performance video, courtesy of Lawnchair Youth, will leave you wanting to to fight your way to the front of the pit at the next Heavy // Hitter show in your town.

"This song is about living your life the way you think is right because you're trying to get to your own personal gateway of heaven," says Hayes. "So, you're going to do anything you can to reach that point and feel like you're worthy of this prize at the end. Everybody wants a slice of heaven."

HEAVY//HITTER will be touring throughout the fall, with headline dates and a trek in support of Carnifex and Cryptopsy on deck. All confirmed dates are below.
 
HEAVY//HITTER are, have always been, and always will be... unabashedly and undeniably real.

Since 2019, the band have buzzed as an underground upstart. They bulldozed a path with the Street Violence EP in 2021. They picked up plugs from Lambgoat, Lawnchair Youth, and more. Between packing houses live, they caught the attention of Blue Grape Music and signed to the label. 

Unwavering drive, hustle, and a committed grind brought them to this point.
  
"Before I started this band, I quit music for five years," says Austin. "I tried to go to college. I was a general manager at Domino's Pizza. I did construction. Nothing was fulfilling, so I got back into music and started HEAVY//HITTER  with Dane. I just never gave up on this band. We always want more, and we’re not going to stop."
 
The band decamped to Los Angeles where they recorded Moments of Misery with producer Austin Coupe. Inspired by the likes of Suicide Silence, Knocked Loose, and Carnifex, they refined an "OG deathcore sound with newer hardcore and metalcore elements," according to the fontman. 
  
Ultimately, HEAVY//HITTER hold nothing back.
 
"When you listen to us, I hope you feel the emotion we put into the record. That's what music is about. We're not a machine. We're human and honest," Hayes shares.

What more could you want from a band?

HEAVY//HITTER ON TOUR:
HEADLINE DATES: 
11/8 — Augusta, GA — Grantski Records
11/14 — Orlando, FL — Will's Pub (Hometown Release Show)

ABOUT BLUE GRAPE MUSIC:
In 2022, industry veterans David Rath and Cees Wessels formed Blue Grape Music.  The name will be familiar to rock music fans, as it was the merchandise company also launched by Wessels, who founded the venerable and esteemed record label Roadrunner Records in the '80s. Roadrunner earned a reputation as an iconic label that turned hard rock and metal acts into household names for several decades under Wessels' tutelage. Rath spent 21 years in the A&R department at Roadrunner, working on albums by a variety of RIAA-certified and culturally important acts, including but not limited to Slipknot, Korn, Turnstile, Gojira, Coheed and Cambria, White Reaper, Slash, Trivium, Dream Theater, and more. When the label changed management and ownership, Rath guided the company and oversaw the signings of bands like Young the Giant and Vance Joy. Ultimately, the Blue Grape executive team is powered by experience and a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-your-hands-dirty, by-any-means-necessary work ethic. Blue Grape's inaugural signing was the two-time Grammy nominee Code Orange and since then, the label has gone on to sign San Francisco punks Spiritual Cramp, hardcore heavyweights GEL, and Baltimore sludge slingers GASKET, with several new signing announcements expected to be announced this year. Blue Grape is distributed globally by The Orchard.

Portland's SUN ATOMS release 'Everything Forever' album feat. guests from MODEST MOUSE, THE VANDELLES & more

Portland psychedelic gaze-wave outfit Sun Atoms present their sophomore album 'Everything Forever', released on November 8 via Little Cloud Records. Meticulously crafted with cosmic energy, their magnum opus features notable guest appearances by Modest Mouse’s Isaac Brock, Jasno Swarez of The Vandelles, and Lauren Andino of Tremours, amongst others. This sophomore album realizes the promise that was there in the debut not only musically, but in a sacred sense. This album gets between the ears, then heads south down past the brain and into the heart. 

Sun Atoms is made up of vocalist Jsun Atoms (The Upsidedown, Daydream Machine), producer and bassist Peter G. Holmström (The Dandy Warhols, Pete International Airport), multi- instrumentalist June Kang, saxophonist-trumpeter- guitarist Mars de Ponte (LoveBomb Go-Go), drummer Eric Rubalcava and guitarist Derek Spencer Longoria-Gomez (Hi Hazel). 

Homström and iconic mixing engineer Jagz Kooner had just finished The Dandy Warhols' latest album, generating an extraordinary symbiosis. Credited with creating some of the most genre-defining songs of the last 30 years, Kooner began his career working with Andrew Weatherall, remixing and producing for the likes of Bjork, The Chemical Brothers and New Order, as well as mixing for Primal Scream, Massive Attack, Oasis, Garbage and Killing Joke. With Pete producing and Jagz mixing in one of the great marvels of prehistoric Britain (Avebury Henge) at Jagz's Stone Circles Studios, the pair pushed the sonic envelope into the great abyss. The coup de grace was having Keith Tenniswood (Spiritualized, Death in Vegas) master the album at Curve Pusher UK.

Last week, the band shared the surreal, psychedelic fever dream of a video for 'Narco Polo' featuring Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse, which Jsun Atoms says "feels like a dada ice cream party inside a Salvador Dali painting". Holmström and Brock have been friends and collaborators for years, and Sun Atoms recently supported Modest Mouse for some West Coast shows. Earlier in 2024, Sun Atoms released the lead single 'Ceiling Tiles' with Leonard Cohen tribute 'Tower of Song (in the key of JAMC)', and fantastic sonic odyssey 'Take This Love' with B-side 'And The Lion Saw The UFO'.

A genre-defying fusion of psychedelic rock and indie pop, Sun Atoms push the boundaries of their own sonic exploration. Their debut album 'Let There Be Light' (2021). mixed by producer Stephen Street (Blur, The Smiths, The Cranberries), also involvedThe Black Angels’ Alex Maas,The Vandelles' Jasno SwarezandGregg Williams (Sheryl Crow, Blitzen Trapper). 

This year, Sun Atoms played a series of sold-out concerts with Dinosaur Jr., crowning the list of shows they have played with Fishbone, Modest Mouse, Federale, Besnard Lakes, The Veldt, New Candys and TREMOURS. They've also shared the stage with the likes of Ty Segall, A Place To Bury Strangers, Neko Case, Built To Spill. Allah Las, Broncho and Night Beats.

As of November 8, 'Everything Forever' is out everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.  It can also be ordered on vinyl directly from Little Cloud Records. Sun Atoms has several upcoming concerts in Portland and Seattle, accompanied by The Veldt, Asteroid #4, Los Mundos and Valley Suns, capping off the year with The Dandy Warhols 30th Anniversary show (with LSD & The Search For God and TREMOURS) in Portland on December 11.

ALBUM CREDITS
Written & performed by Sun Atoms
Produced & Engineered by Peter G. Holmström at Air Traffic Control
Additional drums recorded by Gregg Williams at The Trench Studio
Lead vocals & Track 1 recorded by Tommy Dietrick / Joshua Tree Recording Studio
Isaac Brock vocals on Track 5 recorded at his Ice Cream Party studio
Initial tracking by Eric Crespo at Red Lantern Studios
Mixed by Jagz Kooner at Stone Circle Studios (Avebury, England)
Mastered by Keith Tenniswood at Curve Pusher (Hastings, England)
Sequencing by James Scott at Populist Recording
Jsun Atoms - vocals, guitar
June Kang - MPC, synths, percussion
Derek Spencer Longoria Gomez - guitar, vocals
Mars de Ponte - guitar, keys, vocals, horns
Eric Rubalcava - drums, percussion
Peter G. Holmström - bass, guitar, sequencers, keys, xylophone
Gregg Williams – hand drums on Tracks 4,5
Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse) – vocals on Track 5
Allison Green (The Black Doors) additional vocals on Tracks 1,7
Jasno Swarez (The Vandelles) additional vocals on Tracks 6,8
Lauren Andino (TREMOURS) - additional vocals on Track 6
Maria Atoms – additional vocals on Track 7
Album cover by James Coffman. Layout by Sea Gothman
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


CONCERTS
Nov. 09  PORTLAND - Show Bar at Revolution Hall (with The Veldt, Asteroid #4 & Los Mundos)
Nov. 16  SEATTLE - Belltown Yacht Club (with Valley Suns)
Dec. 11  PORTLAND - McMenamins Mission Theater (with LSD & The Search For God & TREMOURS) - Little Cloud Records Showcase for The Dandy Warhols 30th Anniversary
Feb. 1  PORTLAND - The Get Down (with Elephant Stone & Asteroid No. 4)


Keep up with Sun Atoms
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Cocteau Twins legend Robin Guthrie presents new 'Astoria' EP, second of two EPs in 2024

Following up his luminous 'Atlas' EP, released this summer, legendary Scottish songsmith Robin Guthrie is back to kiss off 2024 with his new 'Astoria' EP, released via his Soleil Après Minuit imprint.  Delivering another four powerful and captivating instrumentals recorded earlier this year, 'Astoria' takes further inspiration from his post-pandemic travels and produced in his studio in Bretagne. 

A rich crucible of sound packed into four tracks, Guthrie takes the listener on a peaceful and contemplative journey of dreamy and atmospheric instrumentals.  Like a Part 1 and Part 2 of his 2024 output, 'Astoria' and 'Atlas' represent Guthrie's first output since 2021, a prolific year that marked the end of a nine-year hiatus with the release of his 'Pearldiving' album and three EP's - 'Mockingbird Love', 'Riviera' and ' Springtime'.

“My EP 'Astoria' picks up where my release 'Atlas' had set off towards - a conclusion of a journey, like an arrival at a far-off destination. I enjoy the continuity, and the EP format allows me to express these ideas in an episodic form," says Robin Guthrie. 

Nearly 45 years since founding legendary dreampop / ethereal wave band Cocteau Twins, Robin Guthrie has certainly been its most prolific member, offering a steady and stellar stream of material over the years with a production style and signature guitar sounds that have shaped multiple genres and generations.
 
Guthrie's approach to music is akin to that of a painter or a photographer. The adept use of light and shade, melody and counter melody, the carefully and precisely arranged instrumentation, musical textures and colorings gives his music a depth and level of detail which marks a master craftsman.

In his time, Guthrie's output includes film soundtracks and collaborated with many outstanding people, the latest impactful release happening with 2021's 'Another Flower' with Harold Budd, released just a few days before Budd's untimely passing. They had also jointly composed the film scores for Gregg Araki's ‘Mysterious Skin’and ‘White Bird in a Blizzard’. Other notable collaborators include John Foxx, Mark Gardener, Telefon Tel-Aviv, Eraldo Bernocchi and Jay Jay Johanson.

He has produced and remixed countless artists, including Lush, The Veldt, A.R.Kane, Dif Juz, Chapterhouse, Felt, Mahogany and Violet Indiana, which he'd formed with Siobhan de Maré in 1999. More recently, Guthrie worked with Heligoland, Jack Colwell, Resplandor, Fawns of Love, Ummagma, Hatchie and Tam aryn.

The 'Astoria' EP is out now, available on CD and also digitally from fine platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where Guthrie's rich back catalogue can also be found. Released via Soleil Après Minuit, the EP is distributed in North America via The Orchard and in Europe by Cargo. 

CREDITS
Written and performed by Robin Guthrie
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Robin Guthrie at his studio in Brittany
Album cover by Robin Guthrie
Released by Soleil Après Minuit
Product Code SM2402
EAN:  0767461008876
Robin Guthrie photos by Violette Guthrie and Jeanne Aimon
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with Robin Guthrie
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THE TRAGICALLY HIP CAP OFF 40TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR WITH DELUXE BOXSET

Today, The Tragically Hip digitally releases the commemorative boxset of their Diamond-certified debut album, Up To Here, the latest installment of special deluxe packages. Up To Here was originally released September 5, 1989, as The Tragically Hip’s first full-length studio album, an introduction that brought them breakthrough success, including two Canadian rock radio #1 singles, “Blow at High Dough” and “New Orleans is Sinking.” The album also earned the band a JUNO Award for “Most Promising Artist” in 1990. 
 
The expanded reissue of Up To Here is a must-have for collectors, presented as a four-LP set on 180g vinyl, alongside liner notes documenting the history of the debut album era. The reissue includes a 2024 remastering of the original album and five previously unreleased songs that didn’t make it on the original Up To Here album - “She’s Got What It Takes,” “Get Back Again,” “Rain, Hearts And Fire,” “Hailstone Hands Of God,” and “Wait So Long” are also shared as part of this expanded package, remastered and mixed in Atmos. A recording of Live at Misty Moon, the special filmed for MuchMusic in 1990 from the Misty Moon Cabaret in Halifax, is also included, with an accompanying 1-hour concert film on Blu-ray. The package also contains demos from 1988 that were recorded prior to the Up To Here recording session. The four-LP box set, as well as a three-disc CD format, will be released on Friday, November 15. Fans can order Up To Here HERE today via UMe.

In June, The Tragically Hip officially dropped the new single “Get Back Again,” which fans consider to be the holy grail of previously unreleased tracks from the band. The track was recorded before signing to their first major record deal with MCA (now Universal Music Canada), produced by Chris Wardman in November 1988, before the Up To Here sessions, now remixed and mastered to today’s standards. The song recently reached #1 in Canada, marking their first chart-topping hit in 15 years. The band performed “Get Back Again” as part of the Live At Misty Moon set in 1990, which had been the only recorded version of the track from the band until now.

THE TRAGICALLY HIP IN 2024:
2024 marked the band’s 40th anniversary, which included physical releases (boxset featuring unreleased tracks, also available on DSPs and radio), fan-centric activations (Record Store Day, in-person screenings, listening parties, and public singalongs), the global premiere of a docuseries, a coffee table book in partnership with Genesis Publications, new merch, dedicated support at radio, streaming platforms, syncs, and social media campaigns.

The celebration kicked off in March when fans were teased with the upcoming coffee table book, This Is Our Life. In April, the band was tapped as the Canadian Record Store Day Ambassadors and released exclusive vinyl from their 1993 performance at NYC’s iconic CBGBs. 

On August 8th,  the band’s hit “Ahead By A Century” was featured in The Umbrella Academy on Netflix. The next day, Prime Video’s trailer was released, leading to a 138% spike in Shazam searches in one day.

No Dress Rehearsal, directed by Mike Downie (brother of the late Gord Downie, lead singer of the band), opened the Toronto International Film Festival in September, where it won the People’s Choice Documentary Award, the first time a series received this honor in the festival’s history. Following the premiere, a massive public singalong of the band’s hits took place in downtown Toronto, attended by fans. The series received rave reviews from Rolling Stone Magazine, SPIN Magazine, NPR, BBC, and others. It also had additional screenings at film festivals and won the 25th Anniversary Audience Award for Top Overall Score at the Calgary International Film Festival.

40 YEARS OF THE TRAGICALLY HIP:
The Tragically Hip has been at the heart of the Canadian musical zeitgeist, evoking a strong, unrivalled emotional connection between their music and their fans. A five-piece group of friends including Rob Baker (guitar), Gord Downie (vocals, guitar), Johnny Fay (drums), Paul Langlois (guitar) and Gord Sinclair (bass), who grew up in Kingston, Ontario, The Tragically Hip have achieved both mass popularity with more than 12 million albums in Canada and over 2 million sold in the U.S, as well as peer recognition through 17 Juno Awards – picking up the distinguished Humanitarian Award in 2021 at the 50th annual JUNO Awards, which recognizes Canadian artists or industry leaders whose humanitarian contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada and beyond. In 2022, they were inducted into Canada’s Walk Of Fame for Humanitarianism in pursuit of social and environmental justice. They had previously received a star on the Walk Of Fame in 2002 for Arts & Entertainment. Most recently, the band, along with their manager, Jake Gold, received the War Child Canada Founder’s Award, celebrating over 20 years of support for the global humanitarian organization. The Tragically Hip's tireless activism and philanthropic pursuits have raised millions of dollars for multiple social and environmental causes, such as Camp Trillium, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Sunnybrook Foundation, WAR Child, the Special Olympics, and the Unison Benevolent Fund. Their studio catalogue includes their self-titled debut album The Tragically Hip (1987), Up To Here (1989), Road Apples (1991), Fully Completely (1992), Day For Night (1994), Trouble At The Henhouse (1996), Phantom Power (1998), Music @ Work (2000), In Violet Light (2002), In Between Evolution (2004), World Container (2006), We Are The Same (2009), Now For Plan A (2012), Man Machine Poem (2016) and Saskadelphia (2021).  A National Celebration was the final show of The Tragically Hip’s Man Machine Poem Tour, recorded on August 20th, 2016, at the K-Rock Centre in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario, and is their last performance as a five-piece band. Through their career, the band became a cultural touchstone in Canada, who, despite their accolades and numerous recognitions, will always be proudest of the humanitarian work they have done over the years through numerous charitable organizations and causes. The legacy of the band's frontman, the late Gord Downie, continues with The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, which aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Established in 1984, 2024 marks 40 Years of The Tragically Hip – a milestone for the beloved band. The Tragically Hip broke open the archives, reminiscing with fans on four decades of music, friendship, and philanthropy. The band’s legacy is being honored with a yearlong celebration, which started with the designation of the Record Store Day Canada Ambassadors, the launch of a four-part Amazon Prime Documentary titled No Dress Rehearsal, which won The People’s Choice Award at TIFF, and the 25th Anniversary audience award for top overall score at CIFF. On October 1, in partnership with Genesis Publications, they released a deluxe, hand-crafted book titled This Is Our Life, the band’s story as told in their own words and features more than 300 pages of unseen rarities pulled from the band’s personal collections. The Up To Here boxset celebrates the early days of The Tragically Hip and is the latest installment of a series of reissues released over the last few years honoring the band’s extensive catalog – Road Apples 30th Anniversary Deluxe Boxset (2021), Fully Completely Vinyl Release (2022), Phantom Power 25th Anniversary Deluxe Boxset (2023).

Ray Hawthorne Returns with Humor & Heartbreak: “Ray Hawthorne Sucks” Out Now!

Defying expectations, Ray Hawthorne has returned - breaking new ground with humor and self-deprecation with the release of his latest album, "Ray Hawthorne Sucks." Known for his bold and emotive style, Hawthorne takes an unexpected, playful turn with Muppet-inspired elements scattered throughout the album, adding a surreal twist that injects levity into his cathartic lyrics. Fans can dive into to the new album HERE and pick up a limited-edition vinyl HERE.

Alongside today's long-awaited album release, Hawthorne has dropped the music video for "Flatline", a cinematic nod to his debut single,"EMERGENCY (feat. Kellin Quinn)." Set once again in the iconic bedroom that started it all, the video for "Flatline" is a treasure trove of Easter eggs that tell a layered story of his evolution all while featuring Muppet-inspired antics. Fans can watch the bittersweet new video below.

Speaking on today's video release, Ray Hawthorne shares:

"The Flatline music video is like your favorite rom-com if all the characters were actually puppets, and instead of falling in love they do drugs. No matter what you were expecting the Flatline music video to be, I can guarantee this was not it. Also, Kermit only showed up for the orgy scene. What a diva."

Furthering his excitement of his new album release, Ray continues:

"Are you looking for some random guy to spill his heart into mediocre pop punk music? Then THIS is the album for you! Wanna hear songs that sound like they should have been downloaded on Limewire in 2005? Then THIS is the album for you! Did you grow out of your emo phase only to realize life gets way more emo once you start paying taxes? Then THIS is the album for you! Did you ever get scared to walk into a Hot Topic so you just hung out at Orange Julius instead and made fun of posers but you were really just projecting because you thought you were the real poser? Then THIS is the album for you! Do you think Ray Hawthorne sucks? Then THIS. IS. THE. ALBUM. FOR. YOU."

Renowned for his work in North Kingsley, the acclaimed project alongside Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down, Hawthorne initially captured hearts as the Heartbreak Hero with his inaugural solo release "Heartbreak Feels Good in a Place Like This". However, his latest release, "Ray Hawthorne Sucks", shows a more introspective side of Hawthorne - one that channels sarcasm, raw emotion, and brutal honesty into a genre-blurring sound that’s distinctly his own.

While his work in North Kingsley and his debut EP showcased a different persona, Hawthorne’s latest solo venture shatters expectations, leaning into the pounding drums, distorted guitars, and chaotic energy. "Ray Hawthorne Sucks" is a self-aware, tongue-in-cheek title, but it’s also a reflection of the album’s themes—self-criticism, resilience, and emotional vulnerability. Packed with explosive anthems, the album strays from the cinematic, heartfelt tones of "Heartbreak Feels Good In A Place Like This", plunging listeners into a grittier side of post-punk, hardcore, and Hawthorne’s emo roots.

Be sure to to stay tuned for more new music from Ray Hawthorne coming very soon.

ABOUT RAY HAWTHORNE

Ray Hawthorne is basically an emo Muppet. His life revolves around pop culture references, Ninja Turtles action figures, and his dog named Oliver. Oliver laid on Ray’s feet during the recording of every song on his forthcoming album “Ray Hawthorne

Sucks”. This was mostly a positive experience, but there’s a particular section during the song “Panic Mode” where Ray had to yell “HEY HEY HEY HEY” over and over again. This made Oliver very tense, and he thought he was being scolded. Ray felt really bad for confusing Oliver in such a way. After the recording was done treats were had by all, and all was well.

Counterparts Drop New "Heaven Let Them Die" EP With No Advance Warning + Share Two Videos

Today, Canadian quartet COUNTERPARTS — Brendan Murphy, vocals; Kyle Brownlee, drums; Tyler Williams; guitars, and Jesse Doreen, guitars — dropped Heaven Let Them Die, a surprise EP. Listen here.

Fans can purchase the release, along with a full merch line, here. 

The EP finds the band going harder than ever before.

The band has also shared videos for "A Martyr Left Alive" and "No Lamb Was Lost." Watch them below.

"Heaven Let Them Die is Counterparts at our most aggressive — sonically, lyrically and visually," says Murphy. "Picking up where Eulogy ended, Heaven Let Them Die details how I came to terms with all I had foreshadowed in the previous release and how that led me to where I am now. This EP is the most authentic representation of Counterparts to date — honest, harsh and without restraint."

ABOUT COUNTERPARTS:
Since forming in 2007, Counterparts have gone from the Hamilton, Ontario, underground to touring the world as one of Canada's most important and impactful musical exports. They've released seven full lengths, with A Eulogy for Those Still Here landing in 2022. They've also released four EPs and a live album. Now, they have delighted fans with the surprise EP, Heaven Will Let Them Die, out via Pure Noise. The band has sold 250,000 albums through the course of its career and their most recent headliner in support of AEFTSS was almost entirely sold out.

TAK MATSUMOTO GROUP Shares New Single "Crash Down Love" + Teaser Video

Tak Matsumoto Group (TMG) - the internationally acclaimed project formed by guitar virtuoso Tak Matsumoto with Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and Eric Martin (Mr. Big) – are pleased to share their new single “Crash Down Love” alongside a teaser video.

The track opens the band's new studio album, 'TMG II' which is currently available digitally, with the physical CD release slated for December 6th, 2024.

Watch the Teaser Video for "Crash Down Love" below

About the new album, Jack Blades comments:

“'TMG ll' has a fresh and alive feel born out of the friendship and camaraderie that Tak, Ericand I share with each other. Throw in a healthy dose of my good buddy Matt Sorum on drums and you have a hell of a recipe for some seriously kick ass rock n roll. The songs tell the stories, the music rocks the soul, and woven throughout the fabric is the amazing guitar playing of Tak Matsumoto---a true “Guitar Hero”. Enjoy the ride!”

“I was the singer of the Tak Matsumoto group in 2004. We had an incredible experience, writing / recording a heavy melodic hard rock state of the art sounding record that went platinum, sold out tour all over Japan, It was perfect timing and one of the biggest highlights of my life”, states Eric Martin.

“Tak Matsumoto is the guitarist, main composer, producer of B’z!, the best music selling Rock act in Japan! So here we are, 20 years later… This time we have powerhouse drummer Matt Sorum from Guns & Roses /Velvet Revolver/ The Cult and B’z support guitarist / chorus Yukihide ‘YT’ Takiyama to round out the group”, continues Martin. “'TMG ll' has got a Japanese / American rock feel to it and it’s badass. We are on tour right now in Japan and killing it. I am hanging with the coolest musicians on the planet… Life is good. The record… is really good!”

Buy & Listen to 'TMG II' HERE

After a 20-year hiatus, TMG returns with original members Tak Matsumoto (guitarist and member of the Japanese rock superstars B’z), Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and Eric Martin(Mr. Big), reigniting the powerhouse trio’s signature rock sound. Originally launched in 2004, TMG wowed fans worldwide with their unique fusion of hard-hitting rock and oriental influences. Now, after two decades, they’re set to do it all again.

Tak Matsumoto explains how the project came to life:

“Twenty-one years ago, I met Jack and Eric at The Fillmore in San Francisco. I suggested we collaborate, and that’s how TMG was born. We came together in LA to write our first single,“OH JAPAN”, which sparked the creation of our debut album, 'TMG I', and an incredible tour throughout Japan, ending with a memorable performance at the Budokan. Though we’ve stayed in touch, life pulled us in different directions, and two decades slipped by. In 2022, I reached out with a proposal to reunite.”

“Now, in 2024, TMG has completed our latest album, 'TMG II', featuring the talented drummerMatt Sorum. We’re excited to share this album, a blend of Japanese and American musical sensibilities. We hope you enjoy it!”, adds Matsumoto.

The recording line-up for this album includes Matt Sorum (Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver) on drums, and Yukihide “YT” Takiyama, who is well known for recording and live support for B'z, on guitar and arrangements.

Today's single, “Crash Down Love,” is impressively catchy and symbolizes the new TMGsound, while “Guitar Hero”, whose lyrics were written by Jack Blades with Tak in mind, may just be the best example of the band's evolved sound.

“I was able to create a truly exciting and convincing piece of work with my wonderful band members,” says Tak. The Japanese metal act BABYMETAL, appears as a special guest in a killer and groovy Dance-Metal song called “Eternal Flames” where their duet with Eric Martinis truly unique!

TMG are currently touring in Japan. The full list of tour dates can be found HERE.

TMG are:

Tak Matsumoto - Guitar

Jack Blades - Bass & Vocal

Eric Martin – Vocal

Matt Sorum - Drums

AUSTIN MEADE Shares Title Track for New EP 'PRETTY LITTLE WAIST' via Snakefarm NOW!

Texan rocker AUSTIN MEADE brings together all his recent singles into one fresh EP, 'PRETTY LITTLE WAIST.' Released via Snakefarm , the EP arrives alongside the brand-new single of the same name.

About "PRETTY LITTLE WAIST," MEADE comments:

"The main guitar riff was a regular sound check jam for a few months straight out of Willie’s brain. I was pumped to arrange it into a full song and push the limits on how heavy we could make the track feel. Kile Odell (producer) and Keith Wallen (Breaking Benjamin) helped us push the envelope there. I threw in quite a few lyrics intentionally referencing back to the 'Abstract Art' record. It was intriguing to play with the ‘waste of time’ and view of a ‘pretty little waist’ all within the same song. I love to hear the wide range we have been able to cover sonically from my original records up to this point. This is the heaviest headbanger we’ve released to date."

MEADE will be announcing his Christmas tour during the second week of November. 2025 tour dates will be announced shortly as well!

Order 'PRETTY LITTLE WAIST' HERE

Thanks to his metal and classic-rock-loving dad, MEADE got to see bands like Judas Priestand he worshipped Whitesnake. In junior high, he related to the intense emo-rock of Paramore and Fall Out Boy, and the power of songwriters like John Mayer.

Yet, with gratitude to plainspoken but deep heartland songwriters like Tom Petty, and cutting his teeth touring in the Texas and Oklahoma Red Dirt scene, MEADE’s music overflows with wide-open soulfulness. He was a drummer for years, even teaching to pay the bills, but MEADE found his true voice when he began playing guitar as a teen in his pastor father’s church. Those experiences lend both a gravitas and rebelliousness to MEADE’s songs and self.

Now the frontman of his band and slinging guitar licks with expert precision, his music rolled out with two releases in 2014, his first EP 'Long Ways To Go' followed by his first full-length album 'Chief Of The Sinners.' His next EP 'Heartbreak Coming' came in 2016 with a couple of singles to announce his commencement on the Texas Music Chart, followed by his second full-length album 'Waves' in 2019. In 2021, MEADE introduced his third LP 'Black Sheep' including the hit tracks "Happier Alone," "Cave In," "Dopamine Drop," and "Deja Vu." MEADE released his fourth LP 'Abstract Art Of An Unstable Mind' in the Fall of 2022, further showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend genres into a groovy yet piercingly fresh sound of rock 'n' roll.

Dead Icarus release debut album 'Zealot' today

Dead Icarus, the new band of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, as well as Gabe Mangold of Enterprise Earth and Brandon Zackey, have officially released their debut album ZEALOT today, October 31, via MNRK HEAVY.

Produced and co-written by Mangold, ZEALOT is a precise and pummeling execution of airtight technical riffs, miles of solos, blast beat assault and battery, and screamed, growled, and sung vocals.

"Zealot is the culmination of our unyielding, fanatical belief. We set out to create a dynamic, multi-faceted record that incorporated everything we love about music. It's heavy, it's melodic, it's angry, it's hopeful, it has riffs and hooks but above all it's sincere and comes from purely from our heart and minds. No outside interference. We hope you connect with and enjoy the music as much as we do," says Varkatzas.

"'ZEALOT,' the title track, is our most out of the box song on the record. It definitely toys with a nu-metal vibe but with our own unique Dead Icarus spin. It’s about abandoning comprises and following your internal compass NO MATTER THE COST. It's also the final video we shot in the haunted house, a perfect fit for this time of year."

Dead Icarus leans on the uncanny creative union between vocalist Varkatzas, guitarist and producer Gabe Mangold, and drummer Brandon Zackey. The band truly gets its wings from the undying commitment made by its members. The musicians pursue their artistry with a resolute sense of focus, manifesting in the precise execution of airtight technical riffs, virtuosic solos, blast beat assault and battery, and hard-hitting vocals.

Countless fans worldwide initially got to know Varkatzas as co-founder and original frontman for influential Southern California metalcore stalwarts Atreyu. After two decades earmarked by chart-shaking success, a pair of Gold albums and Gold singles, sold-out shows around the globe, and critical renown, he embarked on his next chapter in 2020. Enter Mangold. Celebrated as guitarist for Enterprise Earth, he and Alex instantly clicked and forged a musical partnership, yielding their 2024-released Ad infernum EP. Inciting critical applause, Revolver promised, "Fans of old-school Atreyu will definitely enjoy."

Sumerian Records Release 'American Psycho' Comic Series Soundtrack

Sumerian Records have today released the 'American Psycho' Comic Series Soundtrack, available now on all streaming platforms at the link HERE. Exclusive vinyl is also available for purchase at the Sumerian Records Merch Store HERE.

In celebration of the release, Weathers has dropped their new, original song from the soundtrack "Killer", produced and co-written by Max Urasky (Maggie Lindemann, Siiickbrain) and No Love For the Middle Child (Travis Barker, Grandson), co-produced and mixed by Sean Beavan (Nine Inch Nails, Pantera). Stream "Killer" HERE and watch the official video  below.

Speaking about the track, Weathers vocalist Cameron Boyer shared:

“'Killer' explores a dying relationship where you have been framed as a toxic villain, so you set out to kill this connection before falling victim to it, all the while, you just can’t help but still love them... We are also flattered to be among the many talented and established artists on the soundtrack. American Psycho is a movie we all love very much so we couldn’t help recalling so many of its iconic scenes during this whole process.”

President of Sumerian Comics, Nathan Yocum, commented:

"We’re thrilled to put out the full American Psycho Comic Series soundtrack today, a vibrant release shaped by some of the most talented artists in the industry today. This project captures the spirit of creative collaboration, with each track amplifying the energy and atmosphere of American Psycho in bold, unexpected ways. It’s not just a soundtrack—it’s an immersive experience that pulls listeners deeper into the dark, electrifying world this series creates."

The 'American Psycho' comic book series by Sumerian Comics is a bold reimagining of Patrick Bateman’s notorious saga. The five-issue series delves into a dual storyline format; one tracing the chilling exploits of Bateman, and the other introducing a contemporary narrative featuring Charlene Carruthers—a social media-savvy millennial whose descent into violence mirrors the chilling escalation of her predecessor. This innovative take reinterprets the iconic tale with a story written by Michael Calero (Quested), vivid artwork by Piotr Kowalski (The Witcher, Bloodborne, Sex) and striking colors by Brad Simpson (Kong of Skull Island, Stray Dogs, Blade Runner Origins).

Today's release joins previously released tracks from the likes of Diamante putting her iconic spin on Pat Benatar's "Love Is A Battlefield", Gvllow featuring Mothica who breathed new life into Billy Idol's "Eyes Without A Face", Charlotte Sands who dropped a massive cover of AFI's smash-hit "Miss Murder", Royal & The Serpent who tackled Leadbelly classic "Where Did You Sleep Last Night", Carpenter Brut feat. Kristoffer Rygg who also released a cover of Billy Idol's "Eyes Without A Face", Ice Nine Kills feat. Reel Big Fish, who gave the Katrina and The Waves smash hit, "Walking On Sunshine" the ska punk treatment, Puscifer, who recorded a brand new, original single, "The Algorithm" for the comic book series, Unlike Pluto who covered Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams", Perturbator, who covered "Dangerous" by Depeche Mode and Ramsey, who covered Leadbelly's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night". Between them, the previously released tracks have racked up over 5.8 million streams with current sales for the comic book series topping 80,000 units.

About Sumerian Comics

Sumerian is an American comic book and graphic novel publisher headed up by Behemoth Comics co-founders Nathan Yocum and Ryan Swanson, alongside Sumerian Records founder and film director Ash Avildsen. Sumerian’s titles are distributed worldwide by Diamond Comic Distributors to the comic market and Simon & Schuster to the book market. Sumerian averages over half a million physical comic books sold yearly.

BEHEMOTH - Release Live Video For 'At The Left Hand Ov God' + "XXX Years Ov Blasphemy" Out NOW

Polish extreme metal giants, the mighty BEHEMOTH, have released their monumental anniversary concert XXX Years Ov Blasphemy from 2021. It's available as 3CD + BluRay, 3LP and Digital Album.

The career-spanning show, held at and filmed on three cinematic locations, has a total running time of 90 minutes, divided into three different acts, and features fan favourites as well as a few selected deep cuts that BEHEMOTH had rarely played live before.

Coinciding with the album release, the live video for the song 'At The Left Hand Ov God' has been made available on the band's YouTube channel. The original version of the song appeared on BEHEMOTH's 2007 opus, The Apostasy.

PURCHASE / LISTEN TO XXX YEARS OV BLASPHEMY:
https://behemoth.bfan.link/xxx-years-ov-blasphemy

WATCH THE LIVE VIDEO FOR 'At The Left Hand Ov God' Below.

ABOUT BEHEMOTH:
 

In the annals of metal there is no band more synonymous with an unswerving commitment to the single-minded defiance of expectation than BEHEMOTH. Over the course of their remarkable 33-year career, these Polish hellraisers – spearheaded by Adam Darski, aka Nergal – are more than just the architects of their country’s legendary extreme metal scene. Over the course of over three decades and twelve albums, Nergal’s singular vision has forged BEHEMOTH into something far more than a mere black metal band. Beyond any confines of genre, they have grown to become nothing less than the personification of rebellion, individuality and unflinching self-expression informed by a literate worldview and worldliness that’s resulted in a locking of horns with everything from the mainstream press to the Polish Catholic church – most notably manifesting in Nergal’s trial for blasphemy in 2010 that only served to expose the deep-seated hypocrisies that his music seeks to challenge.

GAEREA Surface to the Top of Extreme Metal

Ever since they set the world ablaze, Gaerea have raised the anticipation for their fourth album to an almost unbearable degree. From now on, the Portuguese masked sensations are no longer strictly a black metal band. Instead, they are emerging from the underground and clawing to the top of extreme metal. 

"As someone who's already heard Coma in full, you're getting a glimpse at one of the best metal records of 2024", wrote Metal Injection 

Now, Coma has finally surfaced. Gaerea's new album is out today, October 25, 2024 on Season of Mist. Hear all ten beautiful and bloodied songs by listening to the full album playlist on Season of Mist's YouTube channel, which features several all-new visualizers.

Listen to Coma  BELOW


Order & Stream

https://orcd.co/gaereacoma

As is often the case with black metal, Gaerea arrived shrouded in mystery. But while their identities remained hidden, the band emerged from pandemic limbo with a vision that was guided not by myths or pagan beliefs but a purging of raw emotion. Fear and loathing still pulse through their icy veins. However, with Coma, Gaerea have altered their stylistic makeup. 

"In the depths of my mind / Where the dusk resides", their new album beings with a heavy and heartfelt sigh. Coma is the first entry in  Gaerea's mantle-worthy discography to feature clean singing, though "The Poet's Ballet" is neither angel nor demon. Instead, the way the tremolo picking twists away from the light into wailing dissonance sounds like a soul trapped in purgatory.  

While produced by Gaerea's trusted confidant Miguel Tereso, Coma expands their signature sound in seemingly opposing directions. "World Ablaze" funnels their blackened vortex into a clearer song structure that's centered around an undeniable chorus. Even their most unsettling whispers were haunted by slivers of melody, but the new album digs its claws deeper into softly chiming post-rock. With its somber opening chords, "Suspended" unfolds like a wilted flower. That is, until the riffs come roaring into the fray behind an elevated gothic choir, bringing the band's level of despair to crushing new heights.  

Coma is carefully constructed, but the moments of intense beauty only raise Gaerea's devestating blows. Like a swaying chandelier, the bridge on "Hope Shatters" hangs perilously in the air before it's smashed to pieces by a hammering bass groove. "Welcome to the urban abyss", their vocalist screams in bloody anguish, as if chained to the gates of hell. "Where dreams turn to rust".     

The maze-like existence that Gaerea speak of on Coma is obscured by a depressive haze that feels like it will never end. Often, the lyrics go off in search of a greater sense of self, only to reach another dead end. "In the depths of bleakness / A glimmer of dawn" their vocalist cries out beneath the title track's unrelenting drum fills.    

But Coma finds Gaerea asserting their new identity with even greater confidence. "Unknown" now stands as the band's most viciously catchy song. The hooks slither and shake to a minor key before worming into your ear canals with sharp melancholic pangs. Once the blast beats  suck you into their vortex, the band’s sheer artistic force is blinding, like looking into the eyes of god. “This is who I am, sublime”.  

As grand finale "Kingdom of Thorns" reveals in all its devastating glory, the crown of excellence is a heavy one for any extreme metal band to come and bear. "Lone in the spotlight", their vocalist cries out above the album's mountain of a climax. But with Coma, Gaerea are boldly laying claiming to the throne. 

To usher in this new era, Gaerea are touring behind Coma well into 2025.

First, the masked sensations will return to North America this November with Zeal & Ardor and ZETRA. Next year, they'll embark on their first headlining tour of Europe with 10+ dates across Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.   

Get tickets at https://www.gaerea.com/ 

Gaerea North American Tour 2024 with Zeal & Ardor and ZETRA

November 23 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer [TICKETS]
November 24 - New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge [TICKETS]
November 25 - Allston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall [TICKETS]
November 27 - Montreal, QC @ Le Studio TD [TICKETS]
November 28 - Toronto, ON @ Opera House [TICKETS]
November 29 - Detroit, MI @ The Majestic [TICKETS]
November 30 - Millvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre [TICKETS]
December 2 -   Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue [TICKETS]
December 3 -   Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall [TICKETS]
December 4 -   Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre [TICKETS]
December 6 -   Engelwood, CO @ Gothic Theatre [TICKETS]
December 7 -   Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge [TICKETS]
December 9 -   Seattle, WA @ The Showbox [TICKETS]
December 10 - Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre [TICKETS]
December 11 - Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom [TICKETS]
December 13 - Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre [TICKETS]
December 14 - Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory [TICKETS]
December 15 - Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom [TICKETS]
December 17 - Austin, TX @ Mohawk [TICKETS]
December 18 - Dallas, TX @ Studio at The Factory [TICKETS]

The beauty of Gaerea lies in the directness and simplicity found within their florid tapestry of extremity and aggression. Whether it is in the less-polished aural dynamite of Mirage, or in the lustrous textures of Coma, Gaerea is building a mighty edifice of metal. With talons dipped in the inky blood of black metal and scraped across the flesh of human suffering, Gaerea is leading a charge into the future of darkness, and all those who find beauty and power in the dark side of existence would do well to take heed.

Recording Studio
Demigod Studios at Redbox Studios

Production Credits
Produced by Gaerea
Recorded by Miguel Tereso at Redbox Studios
Mixed and Mastered by Miguel Tereso at Demigod Studios

Artwork
Nathan Lorenzana

Photography
Chantik Photography
 
Biography
Gaerea

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

Follow Gaerea:
Official Website: https://www.gaerea.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaerea
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gaerea_
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@gaereaofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1wXoI3Ajpv4WwQ3LmcrSBw
Discord: https://discord.gg/CSyqFQZ6
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQOfL4E3Z_SpHLL52tOIpQ
Bandcamp: https://gaerea.bandcamp.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/gaerea_official

Booking & Management Contact: 
US Booking - nickstorch@artistgrp.com
World booking: https://www.teamwass.com / Contact info: tom.taaffe@teamwass.com