George Strait Adds Second Nashville Show with Chris Stapleton Due to Overwhelming Demand

Appearing with Strait and Stapleton is GRAMMY Award-Winning Band Little Big Town

July 28 Nissan Stadium Date Joins Shows in Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Milwaukee & Tampa Set for May Thru August

Tickets On Sale Friday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. Local Time via GeorgeStrait.com

Following the news earlier this week that George Strait will team up with Chris Stapleton to perform one-off stadium dates in Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Milwaukee, Nashville and Tampa, a second Nissan Stadium date has been added due to overwhelming demand. Joining the King of Country and Stapleton for all dates are GRAMMY Award-winning special guests, Little Big Town.

The second Nissan Stadium show will take place on Friday, July 28, joining the initial date of Saturday, July 29. Tickets to all shows go on sale next Friday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. local time at GeorgeStrait.com. American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets to the newly added date before the general public beginning today, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. local time through Thursday, Nov. 3 at 10 p.m. local time.

“When I walk through those curtains and see those smiling faces, my feet don’t touch the ground again ‘til I walk back out and get on that bus that got me there. That’s from a song I wrote called ‘I’ll Always Remember You.’ It’s a true statement,” Strait shared exclusively with Billboard of the initial announcement. “When we talked about doing these six shows next year with Chris, it was a no brainer for me. I was all in.”

“I love doing these shows with George about as much as I like doing anything. There’s nothing to compare it to,” added Stapleton. “So many of his songs are in the ethos of what country music is. Playing these shows together is a great experience all the way around.”

George Strait w/ Chris Stapleton and special guests Little Big Town 2023 Stadium Shows
May 6 Glendale, Ariz. || State Farm Stadium
June 3 Milwaukee, Wisc. || American Family Field
June 17 Seattle, Wash. || Lumen Field
June 24 Denver, Colo. || Empower Field at Mile High Stadium
July 28 Nashville, Tenn. || Nissan Stadium
July 29 Nashville, Tenn. || Nissan Stadium
Aug. 5 Tampa, Fla. || Raymond James Stadium

About George Strait
With an unmatched 60 singles hitting the top of the charts—more than any other artist in any genre—during the span of his 30+ year career, Strait has collected 33 Platinum or multi-Platinum-selling albums, more than any other Country artist and ranking third across all genres behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. The Texas troubadour is the only artist or act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades and recently earned his 100th entry on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his latest single, “The Weight of the Badge.” He has sold nearly 70 million albums and earned more than 60 major entertainment industry awards, including induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Since his record-breaking Cowboy Rides Away Tour wrapped in 2014, Strait has performed for limited engagements, including appearances in 2021 headlining both weekends of the Austin City Limits Music Festival as well as Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium. He also extended his Strait to Vegas series at T-Mobile Arena earlier this year along with headlining shows at Little Rock’s Simmons Bank Arena and Kansas City’s GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in addition to returning to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for his 31st performance at the event and headlining back-to-back nights in Austin for the Moody Center’s grand opening celebration.

As previously announced, Strait will also perform in his home state of Texas this fall for a two-night stand at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena on Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19, 2022. The two shows sold out within just hours of going on sale to the public this spring. In addition, he will return to Las Vegas for his Strait to Vegas series once again, gracing the stage at his T-Mobile Arena home away from home for the 35th and 36th times on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3.

About Chris Stapleton
Kentucky-born Chris Stapleton is an 8x Grammy, 14x CMA and 10x ACM Award-winner and one of the country’s most respected and beloved musicians. His most recent album, 2020’s acclaimed Starting Over, recently won three awards at the 67th Annual GRAMMYs: Best Country Album, Best Country Solo Performance (“You Should Probably Leave”) and Best Country Song (“Cold”) in addition to earning Album of the Year honors at both the 54th Annual CMA Awards and 56th ACM Awards. The new album follows Stapleton’s pair of Platinum-certified releases from 2017, From A Room: Volume 1 and From A Room: Volume 2, as well as his x6 Platinum breakthrough solo debut album, Traveller, which includes the Diamond-certified “Tennessee Whiskey.” Stapleton will wrap-up his extensive 2022 “All-American Road Show” tour next weekend with shows at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena and Houston’s Cynthia Woods Pavilion before ending his year with a special show at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium with Miranda Lambert, Dwight Yoakam and Katie Pruitt on November 12. In addition to his work as a musician, Stapleton and his wife, Morgane, are founders of the Outlaw State of Kind charitable fund, which supports a variety of causes that are close to their heart.

About Little Big Town
GRAMMY, ACM, CMA, AMA and Emmy Award-winning group, Little Big Town – consisting of members Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman and Jimi Westbrook – first entered the music scene over 20 years ago with hit songs “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone” and the GRAMMY-nominated “Little White Church.” The band’s breakthrough albums Tornado and Pain Killer produced multiple No. 1 singles, including “Pontoon,” “Tornado” and “Day Drinking,” as well as the history-making, best-selling country single of the year (2015) “Girl Crush.” 2017’s The Breaker debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts and Top 10 (No. 4) on the Billboard 200 to critical acclaim. The album features their GRAMMY-winning, multi-week No. 1 single, “Better Man,” as well as the 2019 GRAMMY-nominated, “When Someone Stops Loving You.” The band’s self-produced ninth studio album Nightfall was released January 2020 and hit the top of the Billboard Country charts. The record included critically-acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated “The Daughters,” “Over Drinking” and “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” – the latter of which has reached more than 380 million global streams. In April 2022, they released their new single “Hell Yeah,” which has amassed more than 60 million global streams to date. Little Big Town has earned more than 45 award show nominations and has taken home nearly 20 awards, including multiple GRAMMY, AMA, People’s Choice, CMA and ACM Awards, in addition to an Emmy award. Their highly anticipated 10th studio album Mr. Sun was released on September 16, 2022.

Dalton Dover Signs with Universal Music Group Nashville

Photo Credit: Chris Hollo

Country newcomer Dalton Dover signs with Universal Music Group Nashville. Dover, who has earned praise as a “master country talent,” will release his highly anticipated new music via Mercury Nashville.

“All of us at UMG have been fans of Dalton for a long time,” says Mike Dungan, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville. “For months our staff has filled the rooms at almost every one of his live performances in Nashville. As we worked our way through the legal process, our four label promotion teams were fighting over which label he would go to and who got to work with him. We are thrilled that he chose to be a member of our family and anxious to release the first taste of music with the Mercury logo on it.”

“I’m so excited to join the Mercury and UMG Nashville family,” shares Dover. “I wouldn’t be here without the support from my wonderful wife and family, my team, and the fans who have listened to and shared the songs we’ve released so far. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on!"

Dover first achieved prominence after appearing on Season 16 of “The Voice,” where he earned a chair turn from legendary country artist Blake Shelton. Two years later, Dover has continued to build his fan base on TikTok, garnering millions of views with his popular #CatchMeOffGuard series of cover song mashups. The series has earned the praise of country artists including Jimmie Allen, Luke Combs, Kidd G and Kameron Marlowe. Dover’s songs “You Got A Small Town” and “Baby I Am” helped the 23-year-old earn a place on Spotify’s Hot Country 2022 Artists to Watch, along with a spotlight as Billboard’s February Country Rookie of the Month and a nod for MusicRow’s 2022 Discovery Artist of the Year. His TikTok track “Baby I Am” had nearly 500k streams and 1.1k downloads in its first week.

About Dalton Dover
Lauded by MusicRow as a “master country talent,” twenty-three-year-old Dalton Dover first started singing at church as a kid, winning his fifth-grade school talent show performing Justin Bieber’s “Baby.” In that moment Dover’s love of performing was born. By the age of 16 he had picked up a guitar and started teaching himself to play, yet it was his grandfather who turned him on to country music and artists such as Keith Whitley, Rhett Akins, Joe Diffie and Steve Wariner. Enamored with the honesty and storytelling found in country music, Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” was the first song Dover taught himself to play on guitar. Performances at local bars soon followed along with sharing covers of some of his favorite songs on TikTok. It was there he caught the ear of producer Matt McV and A&R veteran and founder of Droptine Recordings, Jim Catino, who quickly signed Dover.

Dover is married to his high school sweetheart, Faith, and the two have lived in the same small rural Georgia town, population 1,200, all their lives. The Dovers hope to give their two young children, Taylor and Alyiah, the same idyllic childhood they had growing up — the life one finds in a small town. And it is that pace and familiarity he enjoys so much that he sings about on his debut track “You Got a Small Town.” Produced by McV, “You Got A Small Town” quickly garnered critical acclaim from Billboard, MusicRow, Country Now and Wide Open Country.With his debut and his follow-up “Baby I Am” earning notable playlisting, Dover was named a Spotify Hot Country 2022 Artist to Watch. Dover’s latest single “Damn Good Life” is available now.

After opening for Luke Comb’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium show in Atlanta, Ga. this summer, Dover set out on a seven-date run of his own headlining shows, performing across multiple locations of Blake Shelton’s Ole Red. Dover is currently on the road with his captivating live set on Priscilla Block’s Welcome to the Block Party Tour which runs through the fall. For the latest follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.

MICHAEL MONROE Releases Spine Chilling Video for "Derelict Palace"

'I LIVE TOO FAST TO DIE YOUNG'

OUT NOW

NEW LIVE DATES ANNOUNCED

Today, on All Hallows’ Eve, Michael Monroe releases his video for the majestically dark single, “Derelict Palace”, taken from the album, 'I Live Too Fast To Die Young', out now via Silver Lining Music.

“'Derelict Palace' is about watching someone that you care about disappear into drug addiction," guitarist Rich Jones explains. Musically, the track takes on a melodic, somber tone. “I had been listening to a lot of post-punk when I wrote it - Echo & The Bunnymen, Psychedelic Furs, The Church - and I wanted to see if we could push the band in that kind of musical direction” adds Jones.

The single is aptly accompanied with an eerie, yet mesmerizing, video showing the band performing in a desolate, gothic, manor house, including scenes of Monroe flicking a switchblade knife gifted to him recently in Milan by none other than Alice Cooper himself.

Michael Monroe adds, “the song was written about people who get a little too into drugs and before you know it, they kind of disappear from all of the people and things that they used to love. Of course, that’s sad, but that said, there’s something cool about being an outcast and not fitting in… This is one of my favorite songs off the 'I Live Too Fast To Die Young' album and it adds a nice new dimension to my band’s sound and style. Plus, we found the perfect place to film the video for it!”

Watch the Video for "Derelict Palace"

Get the Album HERE

At a time when it seems increasingly hard to remain positive, 'I Live Too Fast To Die Young' encompasses eleven lean, mean, raw slices of rock ‘n’ roll joy.  Even when the key goes minor, Monroe’s music always seems to retain at the very least a hopeful edge, something he ascribes to a specific Finnish quality.

“Finnish people are experts in melancholia,” Monroe affirms, “and a lot of that melancholia - certain chords and sounds, even though they’re minor keys - is not necessarily sad. It’s just kind of a melancholic feeling that feels good in the end.”

Michael Monroe and gang will be joining Black Star Riders on their 2023 UK tour along with Motörhead’s Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons. The tour will kick-off on February 13 at Nottingham’s Rock City and conclude at London’s 02 Shepherds Bush Empire on February 26.

For tickets and more information please visit: www.michaelmonroe.com  

'I Live Too Fast To Die Young' is available now on:

=> CD Digipak

=>12” Red Vinyl

=>Digital Download

=> Streaming and special D2C bundles at HERE

Listen to the recently released ‘Murder The Summer Of Love’, ‘Can’t Stop Falling Apart’ and ‘Everybody’s Nobody’ HERE

Band Line-Up:

Michael Monroe - lead vocals, harmonica

Steve Conte - guitars, vocals

Rich Jones - guitars, vocals

Karl Rockfist - drums

Sami Yaffa - bass, vocals

Recorded and mixed by Erno “Error” Laitinen at Inkfish Studios, Helsinki, Finland

Produced by Erno “Error” Laitinen, Michael Monroe, Rich Jones, Sami Yaffa, Steve Conte & Karl Rockfist

Mastered by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers

Additional musicians:

Slash - guitar solo & additional guitars on “I Live Too Fast To Die Young”

Lenni-Kalle Taipale - Piano on “Antisocialite” & “Can’t Stop Falling Apart”

Suvi Aalto & Astrid Nicole - Additional backing vocals on “Can’t Stop Falling Apart” & “Murder The Summer Of Love”

Neil Leyton - Additional backing vocals on “Everybody’s Nobody”, “Murder the Summer of Love” & “All Fighter”

HOST Release GOST Remix Of Debut Single "Tomorrow's Sky"

Emerging dark wave project HOST, launched by Nick Holmes and Greg Mackintosh of PARADISE LOST, have revealed a remix of their debut single 'Tomorrow's Sky' by US synthwave producer GOST. The release follows the recent announcement of their debut album IX, out on 24th February, and signing to Nuclear Blast Records.

The remix is an amped up version of the duo's track that surges with a brooding, yet irresistibly danceable energy.

GOST comments "After listening to the original track I knew the vocals and overall vibe would fit well with the Gost sound. The vocals sat effortlessly into my mix and the guitar solo’s are super smooth. Stoked to work with Host on this and I cannot wait to share the remix with my fans."

Stream 'Tomorrow's Sky (Gost Remix)' on all platforms now at: https://HOST.bfan.link/TS-gost-remix.ema

Pre-order IX on various formats now from: https://bfan.link/host-ix.ema

About HOST

The origins of HOST do not trace back to the 1999 PARADISE LOST album bearing the same name but instead to the West Yorkshire music clubs of the mid-to-late 1980s. WhileHolmes and Mackintosh were already certified heavy metal fanatics (“metal thrashing mad” as Holmes equates), they were equally drawn to the New Wave and Goth music scenes. The pounding rhythms, sublime melodies and undercurrent of darkness drew them in, creating immediate earworms and a desire to delve further.

Mackintosh finally put plans into motion during the pandemic for a venture that would merge his penchant for sound design with the moods and atmosphere of 1980s dance-pop and Goth. The project was originally a solo pursuit until he asked Holmes, his longtime PARADISE LOST songwriting partner, to join. 'HOST' was selected as the name as a tip of the hat to the aforementioned album that found PARADISE LOST in an unprecedented period of experimentation that eschewed their metal roots and also challenged their fanbase in ways like never before.

“We always stood by 'Host' as an album,” says Mackintosh. “This project is not totally connected to that album, but some of the ideas are extrapolated. We’re taking the basic premise and trying it out now. And, really, it was something fun and interesting for us to do. We’ve been doing PARADISE LOST for a long time and got an itch to try something different from where PL is now. I could take PL down this route again. Who knows? It may happen if we live long enough, but I thought, ‘Why not now?’ I had the time to do it.”

HOST is:
Nick Holmes - Vocals
Greg Mackintosh - Guitars, Synths & Programming

Follow HOST:
https://www.facebook.com/officialhostuk
https://www.instagram.com/officialhostuk/
https://twitter.com/officialhostuk

JOHN ENTWISTLE’S “BOGEY MAN,” FEATURING KEITH MOON ON DRUMS, GETS NEW LYRIC VIDEO

RARITIES OXHUMED--VOLUME ONE, WITH PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED AND REMASTERED STUDIO TRACKS, DEMOS, AND LIVE RECORDINGS IS OUT NOW.

PHILADELPHIA, PA–October 31, 2022--John ‍Entwistle is best known as the legendary bassist ‍for the Who. Nicknamed the Ox and Thunderfingers, Entwistle's music career spanned over four decades. Entwistle was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Who in 1990. Renowned for his musical prowess, Bass Player magazine named the bassist at number seven. Entwistle was voted as the greatest bassist ‍of all time in a 2011 Rolling Stone magazine readers' poll and in its special "100 Greatest Bass Players" issue in 2017.

Rarities Oxhumed--Volume One dropped on October 21. It is the first in a series of posthumous releases coming from John Entwistle as part of a new partnership with Deko Entertainment and longtime friend and collaborator Steve Luongo. There are 13 tracks in total. Included are the demos for the Who’s “Where Ya Going Now” and “Life Goes On”; the unreleased studio track “I Wouldn’t Sleep With You”; and live tracks “Trick of the Light” and “Under a Raging Moon,” recorded during the John Entwistle Band’s final tour in 2001. All are packaged in a 6-panel digipak with artwork conceived by Chris Entwistle--John’s son--and Steve Luongo. There is also a limited edition expanded booklet with never-before-seen photos and a track-by-track description giving details of each of the 13 tracks included in this release.

Listen to album here: https://smarturl.it/RaritiesOxhumed

“Bogey Man” was originally recorded in the 70’s with Keith Moon of the Who on drums. As explained in the expanded booklet, the resurrection of this song was kismet. Entwistle began his quest with just a demo cassette of a rhythm track with Entwistle’s vocal and horns. When Steve Luongo identified Keith Moon on drums, Entwistle futilely made an exhaustive search for the multi-track tape, so he could add the missing tracks and complete the song. As he was giving up, “…a bloody loud bang from behind scarred me half to death.” It was the “Bogey Man” multi-track tape. Entwistle described the event as “spooky!”

Pick up Rarities Oxhumed--Volume One and special limited bundles via https://bit.ly/john-entwistle

Product Includes:
- One (1) Rarities Oxhumed--Volume One CD
- One (1) Rarities Oxhumed--Volume One 12-page Expanded Booklet with Exclusive Photos, Recording Info, and Unreleased Photos
- One (1) Entwistle Crest--Necklace or Keychain

Watch for music previews, lyric videos, and more on Spotify and YouTube.
For more information, visit
www.johnentwistle.com
www.dekoentertainment.com

Deko Entertainment–Where Art Has Value

Melodic Death Metal Act SWANSONG Signs to Noble Demon; To Re-Release "Winter Maiden" EP!

Swansong have announced their worldwide signing with German label Noble Demon for the release of the band’s upcoming debut album. Founded in 2020 in Kuopio, Finland and combining melodic death, heavy and folk metal - just to name a few -, Swansong are bringing their very own blend and something new to the metal scene. Powerful melodies with hard-hitting riffs revive the 80s and 90s and at the same time the old school elements get a fresh & modern twist with female death growls and screams!

Swansong comments:
"We are honored and excited to announce, that we have started to work on our first full-length album with Noble Demon Records! This is HUGE for us! The recordings for the album have already begun."

"We want to THANK YOU ALL, this is all for you! Thank you for listening to our music and supporting us! Thank you Noble Demon for seeing our potential. We are grateful to join the impressive Noble Demon roster with many awesome bands (Dawn Of Solace, Mercury Circle, Night Crowned, Gomorra, Kaunis Kuolematon, Zornheym, Oceanhoarse, Humavoid and more) that we respect! Along with these amazing partners Noble Demon & Heavy Metal Heart Agency we continue the Swansong journey. NOW LET'S MAKE A KILLER ALBUM!!"

Furthermore, to celebrate the signing in glorious style, Swansong and Noble Demon announced the re-release of the band's 2022 -debut EP Winter Maiden, which was produced by Mathias "Vreth" Lillmåns (Finntroll, ...And Oceans, Dispyt) and has already received great response from listeners all around the globe.

Listen to the full EP at THIS LOCATION or watch the band's latest video for "Lovely Bones"

So let the cold wind howl and dive into the Swansong world of powerful stories with midnight warriors and strong maidens!

Swansong are:**

Vocals: Jemiina
Guitar: Topi Pitkänen
Guitar: Tuomas Leskinen
Drums: Markus Tikkanen

For Swansong online:

Facebook

Instagram

Find NOBLE DEMON online:

Official Website

Facebook

BandCamp

Twitter

YouTube

TikTok

Spotify

CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX Premieres Haunting New Music Video, "Bonefire"

The veil is thin and progressive rock collective CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIXhave a treat for you today! The band is now sharing the haunting new music video for the song "Bonefire," which is taken from the band's brand new album, 'Banefyre,' out now! The video, which was directed by Guilherme Henriques, can be found below.

The band comments, "We gift to you a musical curse on the miserable ruling class politicians! Again, working with Guilherme was a total pleasure and a complete win. He got the vibe and the intensity spot on. Plus, he raised the bar a whole lot with production value, so what we have is basically a little cult horror film, telling the story of Bonefire. The ruling class getting some just karma in the flames."

'Banefyre' is out NOW and can be streamed, ordered, and downloaded HERE.

The thread that binds CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX’s bold and towering discography — a dozen studio albums, a half-dozen mini-albums, a handful of compilations and swaths of bootlegs — could not be more apropos circa 2022. Since its 2004 creation by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Justin Greaves, CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX has served as the voice for the voiceless, whether it be animals, the unequal and the different. Greaves and longstanding vocalist and lyricist Belinda Kordic have often proffered that these beings cannot fend for themselves. Henceforth, CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX’s mission has been to shed light on the human condition and the inequalities that befall humankind and its creatures. Their battle marches on with their latest studio album, Banefyre.

Banefyre follows 2020’s Ellengæst — an effort that found CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX employ a series of notable guest vocalists alongside Kordic, prompting Metal Hammer to describe it as their “most cohesive and emotionally devastating record.” Kordic is now paired with Swedish vocalist Joel Segerstedt, who made his CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX debut last year via the “Painful Reminder/Dead is Dead” single. Piano, synth and trumpet player Helen Stanley and additional guitarist Andy Taylor complete the lineup. Greaves says Stanley and Taylor “fit so well creatively,” which has made CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX feel like a band when making plans and decisions.

Also central to this is Segerstedt. According to Kordic, the vocalist and lyricist lives a mere five minutes from her in Sweden and has quickly integrated himself into the band. “What I like about Joel is that he’s a good person,” she says. “There’s no fakeness with him; he has cajones. He’s not a bitch-talker, either. I can’t handle people who don’t have a backbone, but Joel is real and can speak his mind.”

“I like how Joel has come in and spoke for himself,” adds Greaves. “He’s in the band for the right reasons. I see him the same way as Belinda — she took an interest in the whole artistic thing behind CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX, like the vocals, lyrics, artwork and aesthetic. It’s the same with Joel. He has taken an interest in all of those things. In the past, we had people who didn’t contribute artistically and only cared about what they got out of the band. But Joel is really proactive and takes the initiative.”

Greaves assembled 13 songs (including “No Regrets,” a bonus track for his new project with Kordic, Johnny the Boy) imbued with the depth and introspection that will reinforce CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX’s standing as a band that defies genre. The album was tracked at Chapel Studios in South Thoresby, Lincolnshire, with vocals cut at Monolith Studio and Kapsylen Studio in Stockholm, Sweden. Kurt Ballou handled mixing in GodCity Studios in Salem, Massachusetts — a pivotal move in determining the album’s overall sound.

“I love the album so much because it was a different approach with the production,” says Greaves. “For my part, it was a little bit of a reaction. I didn’t want to do the same warm, safe CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX album. I’m aware that when we did [2012’s] I, Vigilante, everyone wanted I, Vigilante again. As it so often happens with this band, people complain about the next one, then grow into it. Ellengæst is like I, Vigilante. It’s a shorter album. It hit the mark and was done really well, but everyone will expect another Ellengæst. I feared that, but I care enough not to make another Ellengæst. It’s the right thing to do. That’s why we got Kurt to mix it — we wanted that analog, raw power. Even though the album has mellow moments, those are edgy as well. We just didn’t want to do the same album twice. We’re never going to be a band that people can rely on.”

Greaves’ summation of his band notwithstanding, his distinctive guitar playing and enduring knack for immersive songwriting is the propellent behind the haunting, chant-laden “Ghostland,” pensive “The Reckoning” and forlorn “Everything is Beautiful but Us,” the band’s spot-on analysis of the retreat of humankind indoors during the pandemic that revealed nature’s priceless beauty. The album is also stocked with no less than four ten-minute-plus cuts (“Rose of Jericho,” “Down the Rabbit Hole,” “I’m Okay, Just Not Alright” and “The Scene is a False Prophet”) that are intermixed with drama and melancholy.

It all ties into Banefyre’s central theme of the persecution of people who are deemed “different” by society. The album title is a play on the song “Bonefire” that Kordic named and wrote lyrics for. In classic CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX fashion, Greaves turned it into the Olde English translation to represent the bonfires that engulfed witches and politicians through the 15th and 18th centuries, hence, the name Banefyre.

The album begins with “Incantation for the Different,” which was written and orated by Chicago-based witch, artist, author and occultist Shane Bugbee, who, according to Greaves, “brought us some positive, dark energy.” Banefyre then delves into the Salem Witch Trials (“Wyches and Basterdz”), fox hunting in Great Britain (“The Reckoning”), politicians of an unscrupulous and dishonest kind (“Bonefire”) and the New York City Blackout of 1977 (“Blackout77”).

Greaves says Banefyre’s topics may have a decidedly negative and pessimistic tone, but a glimmer of hope and joy remains. “There’s always the random bits, but overall, Banefyre is about the people who have suffered because they are different. The album covers inequality and oppression, like ‘Incantation for the Different,’ which is about overcoming when you’re put down because you’re not like everyone else.”

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

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

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

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

Line-up
Justin Greaves : Guitars, Drums, Bass, Samples, Saw
Belinda Kordic : Vocals, Percussions
Helen Stanley : Grand Piano, Synthesisers, Monochord, Trumpet
Andy Taylor : Guitar, Baritone Guitar, 12 String Guitar
Joel Segerstedt: Vocals, Guitar

www.facebook.com/CBP444
www.instagram.com/cbp_444
www.crippledblackphoenix.net
https://evilgreed.net/collections/crippled-black-phoenix
https://crippledblackphoenixsom.bandcamp.com
https://riseupandfight.bandcamp.com

Recording:
Recorded at Chapel Studio, Lincolnshire, November 2020 & April 2021.
Engineered by Pieter Rietkerk
Additional vocal sessions recorded at:
Kapsylen Studio, Stockholm - Engineered by Jörgen Jugglo Wall.
Monolith Studio - Engineered by Tomas Asklund
Churchstreet Studio, Bergen - Engineered by Rene Misje
Mixed live by Kurt Ballou at God City Studio
Mastered by Magnus Lindberg
Produced by Justin Greaves

Artwork: Original paintings created for this album by Lucy Marshall
Layout master: Benedikt Demmer

Pre-Save link: https://orcd.co/cbp-banefyre
Pre-sale link: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/CBP-Banefyre

THE ABBEY Signs to Season of Mist, Unveils First Single + Music Video

Season of Mist is proud to announce the signing of THE ABBEY, the emerging progressive doom metal band ft. Natalie Koskinen (SHAPE OF DESPAIR), Jesse Heikkinen (HENGET, ITERUM NATA, etc), Vesa Ranta (SENTENCED, THE MAN-EATING TREE), and Janne Markus (THE MAN-EATING TREE)! In conjunction with the announcement, the band is now revealing their bewitching first single, "A Thousand Dead Witches," along with a chilling music video that will certainly get you in the spirit of Samhain! The clip, which was directed by Ranta, can be seen been

THE ABBEY comments on the signing, " We feel honored and privileged to get to write a new chapter in the history of Season of Mist - a distinguished label that has the courage and vision to do something extraordinary. We do believe that the collaboration between Season of Mist and The Abbey is going to lead us to great things."

Regarding the single, the band adds, "Our first single has all the basic The Abbey elements: big vocals, dissonant harmonies, hauntingly beautiful melodies and tempo changes. This is The Abbey’s ode against oppression and tyranny."

"A Thousand Dead Witches" is taken from THE ABBEY's upcoming debut album, 'Word of Sin,' which will be released next year via Season of Mist! The cover artwork can be found below while more information will be revealed soon!

In the meantime, pre-save the album across all streaming services HERE.

Aleister Crowley’s Abbey of Thelema was located in Sicily, Italy, and functioned as ground zero for many of the occultist’s most complex and groundbreaking hedonistic pursuits. Here, Crowley codified his ritual practices and took his concept of “Magick” to new, unforeseen levels. He rebranded the temple as “Collegium ad Spiritum Sanctum,” translating to “A college towards the Holy Spirit.” But the Abbey of Thelema was not without its controversy: A young disciple died in 1922 after contracting typhoid fever from the drinking water. And a year later, Crowley was evicted by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini’s regime, yet the mystery and intrigue behind the Abbey of Thelema remain.

It was only appropriate, then, that Jesse Heikkinen, a veteran of the Finnish music scene and a solo artist under the Iterum Nata banner, branded his newest musical pursuit as The Abbey. Drawing lyrical inspiration from esoteric organizations, their beliefs and his own practices, Heikkinen and co-lead vocalist Natalie Koskinen (Shape of Despair) weaved ritualistic tales from the darkest corners of themselves to pair with music that is a provocative, alluring kaleidoscope of dark, heavy rock. The result is the mystical Word of Sin, The Abbey’s nine-song debut long-player.

The Abbey tale began when Heikkinen generated the sudden urge to try his hand at singing in a doom metal band after laying down guest vocals for fellow countrymen Fuzzifer. His idea was to form a doom metal band with “big vocals” — a project for fun’s sake that would thrive off writing from the heart and improvisation. Those plans involved former Sentenced and The Man-Eating Tree drummer Vesa Ranta — the first name that came to Heikkinen’s mind for the project.

Ranta, now a professional photographer and filmmaker, provided the steady backbone behind Sentenced’s groundbreaking career that was brought to its conclusion in 2005. According to Heikkinen, Ranta plays “like a battalion of marching giants,” a not-so-subtle nod to the drummer’s mastery of the quarter-note. Ranta quickly took to Heikkinen’s early demos and suggested they add a female singer. Enter Koskinen. Koskinen knew Ranta from a video shoot where she was serving as a makeup artist. Reluctant to try a new band considering her Shape of Despair and career obligations, Koskinen listened to Heikkinen’s first demo and decided to give the project a go. Janne Markus (guitar, also of The Man-Eating Tree) and Henri Arvola (bass) were soon tapped to complete the band’s lineup.

Word of Sin was recorded between April and November 2021 in several locations across Finland. Drums, bass and Markus’s guitars were tracked at Kratio Studio in Oulu by Kyösti Rautio. Rautio also served as co-producer and mixed the album, becoming the unofficial sixth member of The Abbey. Heikkinen, who recorded most of his vocals and guitars in his stepdaughter’s room, surrounded by My Little Ponies, Disney figurines and a pile of esoteric literature, is careful to point out that The Abbey fails to drop into any neat, little subgenre.

“The album was made purely for self-expressive reasons,” he says. “My music is the channel where I can be as true and authentic as possible. It is also a somewhat safe way to explore and express the dark side of myself and the collective consciousness. Word of Sin may seem like a tremendously dark piece as a rock album, but it’s pretty lightweight for a doom metal album! The material proved so strong that it was obvious that it wasn’t going to be another side project. I think using the means of improvisation made the music sound more like its creator instead of it being forced to be this or that — and that seemed to work really well for us!”

Regardless of where Word of Sin falls between the vast channels of doom and heavy rock, the vocal interplay between Heikkinen and Koskinen is undeniable. Each has songs where they take the lead, but their harmonies and trade-offs carry songs like “Rat King” and “Desert Temple” to the fore, creating a restless, captivating atmosphere resembling vintage rock from the 1970s. And, for his first go at singing lead in a band, Heikkinen proves to be quite the capable vocalist, carrying a smooth, almost airy delivery on “Crystallion” and “Widow’s Will.”

“I didn’t think of it that much — my vocals all came naturally,” he says. “I still think I’m more of a guitarist than a vocalist, really. During the writing and recording, I listened to King Crimson’s Red quite a lot, so I’m sure I got some influences from John Wetton’s singing on that album. The vocal harmonies were heavily inspired by bands like E.L.O, Queen and Yes.”

Heikkinen and Koskinen didn’t know each other before the formation of The Abbey. Heikkinen met Koskinen for the first time when she tracked vocals at his home studio, but their partnership generated immediate results. “Nowadays, I usually record my vocals at home, but in this case, as I had yet to meet Jesse in person, I wanted to record my parts at his place,” says Koskinen. “It’s very important to see what kind of energy is between the musicians I’m going to work with in the long run. It turns out that we are a perfect match musically. Later on, I traveled to Oulu to meet the rest of the guys [Janne and Henri] and I must say that we had a very strong bond from the beginning. Sometimes things just happen even when you don’t plan them.”

“The right lines for each were found really easily,” adds Heikkinen. “There already were dozens of vocal tracks in some of my demos, but every time Natalie found her place in the song, she added something new into it.”

The creative process behind Word of Sin proved so fruitful that the members of The Abbey are already thinking about a follow-up. It’s a testament to the material’s inherent strength and the immediate bond between all five musicians.

“The Abbey will most definitely be an active and serious project for me - I do hope it will turn out fun as well,” wraps Heikkinen. And closes Koskinen: “I do have a feeling this band will make a long trip together.”

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/abbeyceremonial
https://www.instagram.com/theabbeyceremonial/

Lineup:
Jesse Heikkinen – Guitar, keyboard, percussions, vocals
Natalie Koskinen – Vocals
Janne Markus – Guitar

Vesa Ranta – Drums
Henri Arvola – Bass

Cover Art: Alexander Reisfar

Bio: David E. Gehlke

Pre-save: https://orcd.co/theabbeysin

Glasgow's Starry Skies present solidarity-based 'Light In Your Soul' single from their 'Small Wonders' LP

"Soft, vibrant joyousness of the duetting on the Kinksien ‘Light in Your Soul" ~ Americana UK

“Light In Your Soul....an evocative proposal, a slice of Americana edged pop which united with body and thought as the warm radiance of harmonies shone" ~ Ringmaster Review

"Teeming with positivity... bountiful and grounding while, at the same time, giving cause for deeper thought" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Light In Your Soul is the sort of song that The Beautiful South would have wrestled you bodily into the dirt to get their hands on – spacious, reflective, gorgeous" ~ The Swindonian

"Among the finest of the current crop” ~ Clash Magazine

"Infectiousness, addiction, groove and melody and has some real depth... straight-forward and brilliant" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

“One of the finest singers Scotland has ever produced…singular song writing talent”~ Stevie Jackson (B&S)

Scotland's Starry Skies present the single 'Light In Your Soul', a firm favourite among fans of one of Glasgow's most beloved folk-rock band and a positive, heartfelt and gorgeous reminder to remember the light and strength inside themselves regardless of the challenges they face.

Lifted from their fourth studio album ‘Small Wonders’, it starts with acapella vocals and finger clicks, and soon transforms into a full-on production with hammond organ, jangly guitars and beautiful vocal harmonies.

Shaped by personal encounters with music icons Nina Simone, Iggy Pop and Chuck Berry, Warren McIntyre (aka Warren Starry Sky) founded the band in 2014 to encourage the proliferation of positive, hopeful music. Today, he is joined by Jenny Lunan, Heather Phillips, Sophie Pragnell, Johnny Rooney and Adam Scott, having supported Snow Patrol, Belle and Sebastian, The Vaselines and Teenage Fanclub over the years.

Dubbed a "masterpiece" and their strongest work yet, 'Small Wonders' is a hearty crowdfunded 10-track collection with a brilliant blend of indie rock and folk pop. These shimmering delights celebrate the small wonders that are all around us. These songs were written in 2021, when we were all really grateful for small things like being able to go for a walk with a friend.

"‘Light in Your Soul’ started off as a tribute to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. She has been getting a lot of criticism in the press and this got me thinking about female leaders.I wanted to write a message of support to Jacinda to let her know that, even in far away Scotland, there are people who admire her and the kind inclusive approach she takes to leading her country. Her public show of empathy for the Muslim survivors of the Christchurch shooting was admirable and showed the strength of connection," says Warren McIntyre.

"The verse lines “Hey there sister…..I don’t believe in these leaders – but I’d follow you to the end” and the chorus reminder that no matter how dark it gets it is important to remember the light were little messages in this song as a personal thank you to Jacinda"

Packed full of inspired and catchy songs with thoughtful lyrics, 'Small Wonders' was recorded and produced at Maybank Studios by Matt Harvey, perhaps best known for his work with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Opera, and mastered at Abbey Road Studios by legendary mastering engineer Frank Arkwright (The Smiths, New Order, Coldplay, Oasis, Primal Scream, Blur, Bryan Ferry).

As of October 7, 'Light In Your Soul' is available across digital platforms, including Spotify. The full 'Small Wonders' album can be ordered on Bandcamp or on CD and sky-blue vinyl via Last Night From Glasgow.

CREDITS
Written by Warren McIntyre
Recorded and produced by Matt Harvey at Maybank Studios, Glasgow
Mastered by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road Studios, London
Album artwork by GND Design, back cover photo by Didier
Released by Fox Star Records

Keep up with Starry Skies
Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Soundcloud | Apple Music | Spotify

Elliot Cole, Fiona Gillespie & Makaris present 'Tam Lin', a modern take on a 17th century ballad from the Scottish Borders

"A unique beautifully-orchestrated and impeccably-performed project, unearthing a long-lost Caledonian treasure and breathing beautiful new life into it... the Celtic and Baroque underpinnings of this performance are also shaped by more dramatic elements that recall the work of Andrew Lloyd Weber and also the unforgettable songwriting pair of Riccardo Cocciante / Luc Plamondon (best known for the musical Notre-Dame de Paris)" ~ Music-News.com


The harmonious trio of Elliot Cole, Fiona Gillespie and the Makaris ensemble present a fascinating audio-visual trip for the senses in 'Tam Lin', a Celtic-Baroque folktale rock opera, set on All Hallow's Eve. Produced by Kevin Eikenburg and Four Ten Media, this period video was filmed at St. Mary's on Grand in NYC.

This 17th-century ballad and fairy tale from the Scottish Borders is newly told in original music by Cole and Gillespie. A modern adaptation of this historic story of transformation and love, it has come to life through this folk-rock cantata - a half-hour long musical drama, weaving traditional Celtic, ancient and modern musical styles and instruments.

'Tam Lin' tells the story of Jenny, a girl with an unplanned pregnancy who defies social expectations to turn a bad situation good, pursue an unconventional love, and then perform a daring rescue of her beloved from the hidden world.

Elliot Cole is a composer, singer and "charismatic contemporary bard" (NY Times). He scored the film 'Evolver' (executive director Terrence Malick), he has written for and performed with Grammy winners Roomful of Teeth, Grammy nominees A Far Cry and Metropolis Ensemble, among others. His percussion music, which has been performed by 250+ groups around the world, evokes "sparkling icicles of sound" (Rolling Stone). Currently on faculty at the The New School and Juilliard, he is also Program Director of Musicambia at Sing Sing, where he runs a music school for incarcerated men.

Fiona Gillespie is a classically-trained soprano, folk singer, instrumentalist, songwriter and arranger. Born to a family of Celtic musicians, she sings with professional chamber and choral ensembles around the nation, while touring with her folk band The Chivalrous Crickets. She also collaborates with colleagues in the folk, early music, and contemporary music worlds. Commercial releases with Makaris include 'Wisps in the Dell' (2019), 'Tam Lin' (2021), 'The Galant David Rizzio' (2022), for which she was noted for her, “responsive lead vocals… warmth of tone… musicality, [and] comic defiance” (Early Music America).

Formed in 2018 and named for a royal court troubadour of medieval Scotland, Makaris explores Scotland's broad musical heritage and culture. Their debut album 'Wisps in the Dell' (2019) was met with critical acclaim. A study of continental classical composers’ takes on traditional Scots tunes, it also featured the premiere recording of several arrangements by Beethoven, alongside those of Schubert, Weber and Haydn. Their 2022 sophomore album explores a bizarre 18th-century musicological myth, whereby many popular Scottish melodies were implausibly attributed to the 16th-century Rizzio (secretary and consort to Mary, Queen of Scots, who was brutally murdered while in her service).

"Growing up in the Celtic music tradition, one of my favorite stories was the Ballad of Tam Lin. Like countless singers and storytellers before me, I'm pulled in by the weave of elements in this story. As a child, I loved the evil fairies, animalistic transformations, and a heroine in a plaid. As an adult, I’m also drawn to the rich symbolism, cultural history, the issues around societal standards and pressures that still resonate… and a heroine in a plaid! The more I understood everything contained in its 43 verses, the more complex it became to interpret easily. It challenges me, as I think it has - and as the best fairy tales do - all of us who have been sharing it for centuries," says Fiona Gillespie.

"I asked my dear friend Elliot to join me (and guide me!) in setting this ballad as a cantata-style dramatic piece. We composed it together, weaving our tunes, chords and concepts into one, and then brought it to our friends, the great medieval, baroque and folk musicians of Makaris, to bring it to life."

'Tam Lin' is out now digitally across online platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify. The band has also released a beautifully illustrated lyrics video for 'Tam Lin'.

CREDITS
Performed by Makaris, featuring
Fiona Gillespie: Jenny, Irish whistle
Bradley King: Tam Lin, piano
Molly Netter: Narrator
Alyssa Weathersby: Narrator [video]
Tracy Cowart: Fairy Queen, harp, chorus
Elliot Cole: Old Grey Knight, guitar, harmonium, chorus
Kivie Cahn-Lipman: Father, cello, lirone, chorus
Sian Ricketts: recorder, douçaine, chorus
Ben Matus: bassoon, chorus
Caitlin Hedge: violin, chorus
Loren Ludwig: viola da gamba, colascione, chorus
Paul Morton: theorbo, baroque guitar, chorus
Dylan Greene: percussion
Karl Ronneburg: percussion [video]
Recorded by Ryan Streber at Oktaven Audio
Mastered by Christopher Botta
Cover artwork by A.R. Welm
Video by Kevin Eikenburg and Four Ten Media
Filmed at St. Mary's on Grand in NYC


Keep up with Elliot Cole
Website | YouTube | Twitter | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Fiona Gillespie and Makaris
Fiona Gillespie Website | Makaris Website | Makaris Facebook | Apple Music | Spotify |

BLACKRAIN Release New Single & Video !

French Sleaze rockers BLACKRAIN

Release Fourth Single & Video Today

New Album "Untamed" Out in November 

French Hard Rock band BLACKRAIN released their fourth single and video for the song"Demon" today. The song is taken from the forthcoming studio album "Untamed".

You can watch the video below.

The new single, "Demon", is inspired by a French cult soap from the 90s that rockedBlackRain's childhood.



The garage, an improvised rehearsal studio, hosted the romances of Hèlène and her girlfriends. But when it came to listening to the musicians' music, a little jingle sounded, and the show moved on to another scene.

This is why 30 years after the screen debut of Laly (Laly Meignan), José and his famous waistcoats (Philippe Vasseur), Jimmy (Tom Schacht), the Hard Rock group BlackRaincomes to titillate our apprentice musicians for their offer to play a complete song in the garage.

Says the band, "The song, tinged with nostalgia, speaks of the memory of our young years and its cohort of new experiences. The demon is never far away to tempt us to come back to it."

The new album 'Untamed' will be released on November 25th throughSPV/Steamhammer in the following formats:

=> CD DigiPak

=> 2LP version

=> CD/LP bundle with shirt (only at the Steamhammer shop)

=> Download and stream HERE

SCREAMER Release New Single & Video Today!

SCREAMER, one of Sweden’s most ambitious Heavy Metal acts, release their new single and video for the song "Hellfire" today.

The new album 'Kingmaker' will be released on January 13th, 2023 through SPV/Steamhammer in the following formats:

=> CD DigiPak (incl.poster)

=> LP version

=> CD/LP bundle with shirt (only at the Steamhammer shop)

=> Download and stream HERE

DIMMU BORGIR - Release New Lyric Video For The Remixed & Remastered Version Of "The Maelstrom Mephisto" + Album Release

One of Norway’s most creative black metal bands DIMMU BORGIR released the groundbreaking Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia in 2001. DIMMU BORGIR celebrate this seminal album by releasing a brand-new sonic experience, which is released today via Nuclear Blast Records. The band are also releasing a new lyric video for the remixed & remastered version of "The Maelstrom Mephisto".

Watch the Lyric Video for "The Maelstrom Mephisto" below.
Order and listen to Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia (Remixed & Remastered) here: https://dimmuborgir.bfan.link/puritanical-euphoric-misanthropia.ema

Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia (Remixed & Remastered) is available as a 3 LP Box, CD Digipak and digital. Dust Of Cold Memories includes extensive bonus material, which includes the pre-production of Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia and instrumental rehearsals.

3LP, Box, Black
3LP, Box, Red
3LP, Box, Gold (Sold Out)
CD Digipak

Stream "Blessings Upon the Throne of Tyranny" (Remixed & Remastered) here: https://dimmuborgir.bfan.link/blessings-upon-the-throne-of-tyranny.ema
Stream "Puritania" here: https://dimmuborgir.bfan.link/puritania.ema
Stream "Hybrid Stigmata - The Apostasy" here: https://dimmuborgir.bfan.link/hybrid-stigmata-the-apostasy.ema

Conceived in the heart of the Norwegian black metal scene in 1993, DIMMU BORGIR quickly broke free from the boundaries of the genre, daring to combine a traditional raven black sound with opulent symphonic orchestration. Soon they turned into pioneers of their field, forging groundbreaking albums such as Enthrone Darkness Triumphant (1997), Spiritual Black Dimensions (1999), or Death Cult Armageddon (2003), invading the entire world with headline tours and eventually turning into the most influential act of their genre after nine full-length studio releases. After their last two successful albums Abrahadabra and Eonian, new music from DIMMU BORGIR follows with their remixed & remastered version of Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia which was originally released in 2001.

Order Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia (Remixed & Remastered) here: https://dimmuborgir.bfan.link/puritanical-euphoric-misanthropia.ema

THERION - Release New Video Clip For "Codex Gigas" + New Album Leviathan II Out Now!

With over 100+ million streams and a tremendously successful album released just a year ago, symphonic metal titans THERION have not been idle and continue their epic Leviathan trilogy with their striking new video clip for 'Codex Gigas'. The new masterpiece from the Swedish powerhouse THERION , Leviathan II, has finally been released today via Nuclear Blast Records.

Watch the video for "Codex Gigas" below.
Order and listen to the new album Leviathan II here: https://therion.bfan.link/leviathan-ii.ema

Christofer comments
"One day I was thinking about epic doom metal and wondering if it is harder to write a ”hit song” in that genre, or if it’s harder in regular metal. I’m a huge fan of Candlemass, and in my opinion, I haven't heard any other band match their hit songs in the genre. So, I decided to try to find out for myself how hard it is. Of course, I had to involve Thomas in the writing process, being an ex-CANDLEMASS singer. The result was 'Codex Gigas”', a CANDLEMASS -inspired THERION doom song. If it’s a hit or not will be up to the fans to judge.”

With defiant determination rarely found in a metal band, THERION have always and exclusively done what they deemed right. They never stuck to a successful formula for the sake of it, they never released the same album twice, and they never gave in to fickle friends like expectation, commercial aspects or trends. Which makes it all the more astounding that now, 35 years deep into their storied career, they are doing something every fan had hoped for but never actually thought possible. Enter Leviathan, enter a trilogy focusing on all the trademark elements that THERION are beloved by countless metal fans around the globe for. After the first part set hearts aflame in 2021, evoking goosebumps and reminiscing around the glory days of the nineties, the symphonic metal grand-seigneurs continue their surprisingly fan-friendly path with their epic odyssey Leviathan II.

“We wanted to give fans what they want this time,” musical professor Christofer Johnssoninforms us from his sunny new home in Gozo, Malta.

“We have been doing what we wanted for so long that we just thought it fair to turn the tables just this once.” Turning 50, you might misinterpret a move like this with a certain mellowing of age. You couldn’t be more wrong, of course: Johnsson is still the musical frontiersman, looking for new challenges and a hero’s journey under every stone he turns. However, after having finished the insanely sophisticated, elaborate triple album rock musical Beloved Antichrist, even Christofer Johnsson felt he had reached a certain frontier here. “After Beloved Antichrist, I was lacking direction because I had done everything I ever wanted to do or achieve.” He sat down with lead vocalist Thomas Vikström to ponder their next move when it quickly dawned on them: “The only thing we never did was give the fans exactly what they wanted,” he grins drily.

About THERION:
Since their early days – THERION originally formed as a death metal band back in the late 80’s – mastermind Christofer Johnsson has come a long way, defining and developing a perfect combination of orchestral, symphonic, gothic and incredibly catchy metal that is second to none.

ORDER / LISTEN TO "LEVIATHAN II"

LEGENDARY ROCK BAND JOURNEY ANNOUNCES NEW LIVE RELEASE 'LIVE IN CONCERT AT LOLLAPALOOZA' OUT DECEMBER 9, 2022

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the upcoming release of Journey's incredible Lollapalooza performance from Chicago, IL, which took place on July 31, 2021, 'Live in Concert at Lollapalooza' on December 9, 2022.

The stunning set, which will be released on CD/DVD, Blu-ray, and Vinyl, serves as a testament not only to the band's enduring legacy, but their relevance to a whole new generation of rock 'n roll fans.

"Journey are veteran professionals when it comes to throwing entertaining concerts, and the fans upfront knew that from experience. But for the young festival goers and indifferent onlookers who expected a weathered band of baby boomers to twiddle their thumbs for an hour before breaking out jukebox staples, they got to experience arguably the most underrated feeling a music festival can offer discovering a different side to an artist’s discography that you overlooked up until then." - Rolling Stone

"Journey’s Lollapalooza performance blended fresh and familiar, with the band’s new lineup delivering a hit-packed package during their Saturday headlining slot." - Ultimate Classic Rock

"Pineda’s kinetic showmanship was evident throughout the set’s litany of hits, as he brought fresh energy to ubiquitous singles from “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” to “Lights". However, the true spark of the night’s set rested in the hands of the band’s longest-serving members. Guitarist and founder Neal Schon was a quiet force, delivering a reliable string of solos that felt as economical as they were effortless, while on keys, hometown boy Jonathan Cain added soulful sharpness to “Stone in Love” and “Just the Same Way". If anyone in the crowd was worried about their image, they weren’t letting on. Instead, they were singing along to the band’s deep catalog of songs that have embedded themselves in the heads of anyone who’s owned a radio in the last 50 years."  -Consequence Of Sound

"Unlike so many of their classic rock brethren, Journey has managed to maintain some semblance of relevance amongst a younger demographic and wasted no time getting to the hits Saturday at Lollapalooza." - Forbes

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, Journey have 25 gold and platinum albums, including the fifteen million selling Greatest Hits collection, with total sales adding up to 80 million records around the world.

As the band’s legend continues to grow larger and their touring gets bigger, they recently released a new studio album, 'Freedom' in July 2022. It was their first album of new material to be released in eleven years, since 2011’s 'Eclipse'. The album was met with rave critical and fan reviews and charted in multiple countries around the globe.

Pre-order / Save "Live In Concert at Lollapalooza" HERE

Journey Lollapalooza 2021 Line-Up:

Neal Schon - Guitars

Jonathan Cain - Keyboards

Arnel Pineda - Vocals

Deen Castronovo - Drums

Narada Michael Walden - Drums

Marco Mendoza - Bass

Jason Derlatka – Keyboards, Vocals

DISMEMBER - Make All Their Studio Albums Available On Streaming Services Again!

Swedish death metal pioneers DISMEMBER are proud to announce that as of today their entire full-length discography, comprising eight studio albums, is finally available on streaming services worldwide, completely remastered from the original records!

After teaming up with NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS once again, where they had previously released their demo, Reborn In Blasphemy (1990), their 1991 debut album, Like An Everflowing Stream, as well as the four records that would follow, DISMEMBER's triumphant return to digital platforms marks only the beginning of a comprehensive re-issue campaign: Alongside the full-lengths, keep your eyes peeled for more classic releases to be made available soon. In addition to streaming, physical re-issues of the DISMEMBER catalog are slated for 2023.

DIVE BACK INTO DISMEMBER'S DISCOGRAPHY VIA THE LINK BELOW:
https://nblast.de/Dismember-DSPs

OR CHOOSE A PARTICULAR ALBUM:

Like An Everflowing Stream (1991):
https://dismember.bfan.link/like-an-ever-flowing-stream

Indecent & Obscene (1993)
https://dismember.bfan.link/indecent-obscene

Massive Killing Capacity (1995)
https://dismember.bfan.link/massive-killing-capacity

Death Metal (1997)
https://dismember.bfan.link/death-metal

Hate Campaign (2000)
https://dismember.bfan.link/hate-campaign

Where Ironcrosses Grow (2004)
https://dismember.bfan.link/where-ironcrosses-grow

The God That Never Was (2006)
https://dismember.bfan.link/the-god-that-never-was

Dismember (2008)
https://dismember.bfan.link/dismember

About DISMEMBER:

Between 1988 and 2011 DISMEMBER earned a notorious reputation as the “Motörhead (version) of death metal”, through eight classic albums and furious live shows around the globe. The band was formed by Robert Sennebäck, David Blomqvist and Fred Estby in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1988 and has long since been regarded as one of the originators of the trademark Swedish death metal sound, next to other pioneering bands such as ENTOMBED, GRAVE and UNLEASHED. DISMEMBER recorded a couple of self-released demos before their 1990 demo cassette, Reborn In Blasphemy, with Matti Kärki on vocals and ENTOMBED's Nicke Andersson taking over most lead guitar parts, got picked up for a wider release by NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS. In 1991, their first full-length, Like An Everflowing Stream (Nuclear Blast Records), saw the light of day, which was recorded by Thomas Skogsberg at the now legendary Sunlight Studios, and featured Richard Cabeza (UNANIMATED) on bass. DISMEMBER released their acclaimed sophomore album, Indecent & Obscene, in 1993, which to this day remains their most successful output. Three more albums would follow on NUCLEAR BLAST, Massive Killing Capacity (1995), Death Metal (1997) and Hate Campaign (2000), until the band decided to switch labels. They released two more albums, Where Ironcrosses Grow (2004, Karmageddon Records) and The God That Never Was (2005, Regain) before Fred Estby announced his departure for family reasons in 2007. Their last album, Dismember, followed in 2008 and the band officially broke up in 2011.After an eight-year hiatus, the band's original line-up reunited for a 30th anniversary gig at Scandinavia Death Fest in October 2019, performing together for the first time in over 20 years.


DISMEMBER are:
Fred Estby (Drums)
David Blomqvist (Guitars)
Robert Sennebäck (Guitars)
Matti Karki (Vocals)
Richard Cabeza (Bass)

DARK ROCK DUO HOAXED’S DEBUT ALBUM TWO SHADOWS OUT NOW ON RELAPSE RECORDS

HOAXED unveil their captivating and catchy debut full-length, 'Two Shadows', officially out now on LP/CD/CS/Digital!

Order & listen HERE

Comprised of vocalist/guitarist Kat Keo and drummer Kim Coffel, HOAXED's superlative blend of styles—heavy melodic rock with captivating hooks, gothic undertones, undeniable metal, and tinges of americana - pave the way for a singular expression that’s entirely their own.

'Two Shadows' is as unique as it is memorable and catchy. The record thrusts, retreats, and beguiles across its melody-powered and hook-driven expanse, with earworms “The Call,” “Guilty Ones”, and “The Knowing” serving as the album’s crucial lighthouses.

“Hoaxed are built for Halloween!”

-Loudwire

“Shows a level of songwriting that’s not typically seen from a group that started just two years ago.”

-Metal Sucks

“On 'Two Shadows', HOAXED deliver a doom-pop manifesto made to haunt your ears for days, months, maybe even years. This isn’t a debut; this is a collection of bangers you can’t be without.”

-Distorted Sound

“That's what I call a start! Singer/guitarist Kat Keo and drummer Kim Coffel formed the band in 2020, a year later their four-song EP got the attention of Relapse, and here we have their debut. And to me it feels like a revelation - to come up with your own and fresh style today is something almost unheard of. The girls combine their melodic rock with a gothic feel and create a catchy intersection of dynamic music and melancholic vocals."

- Spark Magazine Czech Republic

“The fact that acts like Unto Others, Blackwater Holylight or Amorphis have already toured with Hoaxed is easy to understand from 'Two Shadows'. Grab this disc and go on a nightmare journey with Kat and Kim yourself, in the course of which horror and beauty alternate at irregular intervals...Warm greetings from two dark hearts, enveloped in great talent and fascinating imagination."

- Sonic Seducer Magazine Germany

Stream & Share "Two Shadows"

Formed in Portland, Oregon, in 2020, HOAXED's initial songwriting plan casts a wide net.

The breach opened up considerably as Coffel and Keo explored the outer edges of their musical influences and artistic aspirations. After fruitful songwriting sessions, the twosome self-released their eponymous four- song EP in February 2021.

Signaled by the whirring, diaphanous spell of video single "Candle Master", HOAXEDcaught the attention of Relapse Records, who signed the outfit in 2021.

As a live act, the pair has already hit the ground running, rocking the stage with Unto Others, Blackwater Holylight, and Amorphis, and hailed as an “absolute riot on stage.” (Metal Insider)

TEETH - EXCLUSIVE 575 EP OUT NOW!

Highly influenced by discomfort, there can be no compromise in the structure of what Ontario, Canada hardcore/metal quartet TEETH are producing because what flows from them is purely honest, and quite unlike anything that has been heard before.

Their adherence to this artistic integrity is a huge part of what caught the eye of heavy metal foundry, Nuclear Blast Records.

Today the band release the 575 EP which contains four already-released songs. Listen and order your 575 exclusive EP here: http://nblast.de/Teeth-575EP

The band comments, “This is a collection of songs that represents the beginning ofTEETH. 'Filth', 'Destroyer', 'Smother', and 'Deathrace' were the first songs we wrote and recorded with our friend Davis in Fort Erie, Ontario and that’s when we realized how cathartic this band was (and how badly we needed to continue making music together). We actually wrote/recorded 'Deathrace' when COVID really took hold and quarantine began, so that song also represents a very uncertain, anxious, dark time for all of us. This is the first time any of these songs have been available in a physical format so we’re excited to give everyone a chance to get their hands on what is now essentially the birth of TEETH.”

TEETH live:
10/30/2022 Beasley Skatepark - Hamilton, ON

The 575 EP was produced and engineered by Davis Maxwell & TEETH at Bell Tower Studiosin September 2019. The cover artwork was created by Orupting (Madison Roger).

TEETH are of the philosophy that every subsequent part of the song needs to be more disgusting, uncomfortable, and nasty than the part before it. “It’s supposed to feel frantic; super visceral and aggressive,” explains Prince. “Pain is an adhesive, and in a time where there’s a lot of pent up emotion towards friends, family, everything around us... it gives people a nice vehicle to air their grievances.” 

Only a couple of things remain to be seen with TEETH: when will their new album drop, and what bands can you look forward to seeing them grace the stage with? Keep your eyes onNuclear Blast Records and TEETH socials for updates.

TEETH is
Chris LeMasters | Guitarist
Blake Louis Prince | Vocals
Marc Quagliarini | Bass
Mat Stewart | Drums

DESPISED ICON - Rarities EP DÉTERRÉ Out Now

Montreal Deathcore OG’s DESPISED ICON releases their special rarities EP entitled DÉTERRÉtoday via Nuclear Blast Records.

DÉTERRÉ means ‘Unearthed" in French. This is exactly what the latest release fromDESPISED ICON is. The EP consists of 5 old-school songs dating back to 2004. It seemed fitting to remaster and re-release these early recordings to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the band, which took form in 2002.

DESPISED ICON Alex Erian comments, "Shoutout to everyone that got a copy of Déterré! The first 2 tracks are the original demos that got us signed in 2004. The other 3 songs were originally released on a Relapse Records Split CD in 2005 and sold out that same year. We're happy to have these recordings finally available to you all.

Tomorrow, we fly out to Europe for our first tour in 3 years. We're also currently working on North American dates for next year. We look forward to finally playing shows again and hope to see you all on the road in the near future. PS new music in 2023."

DÉTERRÉ was recorded throughout 2004 by Yannick St-Amand at Wild studio for a few songs and drums at Studio Victor while guitars, bass, and vocals by J-F Dagenais at his home studio. The band produced the album and mixing was a joint effort between Yannick St-Amand; and Jean-François Dagenais. Alexandre Goulet created the artwork for the EP.

Order your copy of DÉTERRÉ in the format of your choice:

• CD Jewel

• Cassette

  • Gold (Band Exclusive)

• 10" LP

  • White w/ Gold + Black Splatter in gatefold (Band Exclusive)

  • Gold with Black Splatter in gatefold

  • Gold w/ Black Swirl in gatefold

  • Grey with Black Swirl in gatefold

DESPISED ICON's line-up for DÉTERRÉ is:
Alex Erian | Vocals
Steve Marois | Vocals
Eric Jarrin | Guitars
Yannick St-Amand | Guitars
Sébastien Piché | Bass
Alex "Grind" Pelletier | Drums

Carousel Kings Release New Single “Memory Kitty Chord” featuring AJ Perdomo

“Memory Kitty Chord” featuring AJ Perdomo can be streamed at:

https://linktr.ee/carouselkings

https://orcd.co/er1n38d

Carousel Kings released their new emo rock collaboration track titled “Memory Kitty Chord” featuring AJ Perdomo (Dangerous Summer) to all major platforms! This single is leading up to their independent full length release titled Untitled Mixtapethat was co-written, produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Grant McFarlandand Carson Slovak at Atrium Audio, in Lancaster, PA.

“The song was inspired by and includes lyrics written by my late father who wrote a breakup poem in about 1978. The poetry book Is one of the only things left I have of my father so it was cool to kinda collab with him and build out a song and write off of that first stanza that is his. The rest of the song fell into place organically in the studio with the rest of the guys and was fun to piece together. This was the first track we had AJ sing and write on over the bridge," says the band's vocalist, David Alexander.

Pre-orders for the album due out in February 2023 are already underway and can be found here:

https://motherwest.storenvy.com/collections/1977688-carousel-kings

UNTITLED Mixtape Spotify Playlist -

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7py7XJ2PXMfl5yi7y0bcel?si=HtYmKWsBR1OTfn6WzYoauA

All pre-orders help pay for pressing costs and will be available sooner (in the fall) for those fans who would like to support the bands 1st independent release since coming off of Victory Records. The band even has multiple limited Warped Tour Memorabilia packages inspired by the Kickstarter/go fund me platforms to further help fund the album pressing prior to release by offering one-off unique rewards to the biggest CK supporters.

Carousel Kings is the brainchild of lead vocalist and founder David Alexander and multi-instrumentalist Will Barovick. CK began its career in Lancaster, PA as a pop punk band circa 2008. The band released two full length albums on local indie label CI Records and toured relentlessly before signing to Victory Records and releasingCharm City in 2017 and Plus Ultra in 2019. The band completed multiple US tours including two runs on the legendary Vans Warped Tour and played alongside contemporaries like Taking Back Sunday, Rise Against and Less Than Jake. They toured Japan twice, the UK and Germany before taking some time off. 
 CK has spent the last few years quietly writing and working on what will be their fifth studio album titled Untitled Mixtape to be released independently via their publisher and label partner Mother West. Recorded and written with longtime collaborators Grant McFarland and Carson Slovak at Atrium Audio in Lancaster, PA, the album consists of collaborations with artists Sunday Friend, Sadgods and AJ Perdomo, and features including Saxl Rose, Rory Rodrigez, and Paycheck. It’s an eclectic blend of punk and pop and takes CK into some new ground they have yet to explore. Untitled Mixtape is scheduled for early 2023 release.

More music by Carousel Kings:

Link to single collaboration with artist AJ Perdomo- “Not Settling Yet”

https://open.spotify.com/album/0AfCQnaLRsFWMXSgMlCBjw

Link to single collaboration with artist SadGods - “Forgive and Regret”

https://open.spotify.com/album/4SEASHLJ8ni5XGhVLLirRJ?si=SfUDvy8JSuCTgQjWfum-NA

Link to single featuring artist Paycheck - “Something in the Water”

https://open.spotify.com/album/0QtneOmVZjZxqkfuojfXVj?si=D81lgHLTR7K44IuY0N7DZw

Carousel Kings are: 
David Alexander 
Will Barovick

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

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