A SHORELINE DREAM share 'Hollow Crown' feat. RIDE's MARK GARDENER ahead of 'Whitelined' album (out July 19)

July 16, 2024

"Delicate curves and beauty... a glorious dawn" – PopMatters

"One of the leading lights of the neo-shoegaze movement" – DKFM

"Shadowy and storming dreaminess" – Stereo Embers Magazine

"A Shoreline Dream and Mark Gardener open the gate to a garden of sonic enchantment built on trance-inducing spine-tinglingly magnificence... a masterpiece – dare we call it an instant classic for lovers of post-punk, dream-rock and shoegaze" ~ Spill Magazine

Iconic Colorado-based postpunk-shoegaze outfit A Shoreline Dream release their eighth album 'Whitelined' on July 19. Ahead of this, they preview the infectious upbeat track 'Hollow Crown', the second collaboration with Ride frontman Mark Gardener from this record.

On 'Whitelined', Gardener, together with founding producer and vocalist Ryan Policky and long-standing collaborator Erik Jeffries, have synergized forces to craft a record where shimmering walls of sound wash of turbulent percussion and swooning vocals to weave an otherworldly sonic reality.

Formed in 2005, A Shoreline Dream has churned out numerous releases under their own label Latenight Weeknight Records, carving a unique path that has produced a treasure trove of music that continues to inspire and captivate listeners.

A Shoreline Dream recently shared the lead single 'Everything Turns' featuring Mark Gardener on vocals, but also as co-writer and co-producer. With three of the album's tracks being collaborations with the Ride frontman, this marks the fifth time the band has worked with UK music legends. Ulrich Schnauss, Engineers, Chapterhouse and Rocket Girl Records have all been a part of the ASD family at one point or another.

Policky and Jeffries first met Gardener at a Ride show in Denver on Policky’s birthday. “Right after seriously one of the best shows in recent memory, we threw around the idea of collaborating” says Ryan Policky. They worked together for the remainder of 2023, wrapping things up near the one-year mark. “It was such an amazing collab. Mark was super open stylistically and the ideas flowed. I think we created something neither of us were fully expecting.”

'Whitelined' album order https://bit.ly/3ViwOaB
Bandcamp https://ashorelinedream.bandcamp.com/album/whitelined
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1742404415

The idea of every beautiful thing having a completely alternate reality is a driving force behind the words and stories on the album. The music and dynamics were all created on the fly, with only about 60% of what was recorded making the final cut. “The flow was super important and we finally landed on a set of songs we feel represent so much of the current A Shoreline Dream vibe,” says Policky.

Gardener shares, “It was great and one of those life-fate meant-to-be chances to connect with Ryan and A Shoreline Dream. Ryan sent a good few tracks through to me from Denver to my Ox4 Sound Studio in Oxfordshire and the first backing track I totally connected with was to become 'Everything Turns'. Lyrically, it’s a reflection on how technology is taking over and, the more connected we get with it, the more alone we can find ourselves in the real World. The backing track was special and the chemistry really happened with this track. It was a joy to ride these sonic waves with Ryan throughout the whole creative process. IN the end “Everything Turns!"

'Whitelined' will be the first A Shoreline Drive album released as a vinyl LP, fittingly on 180-gram white vinyl. Mark Kramer (Urge Overkill, Bongwater, Shimmy Records) oversaw mastering and the record's preparation for direct-to-vinyl production. The album art is based off a photo taken by Policky at Yellowstone in 2008, and re-worked into an oil on photo on canvas.

Refining their sound since their 2014 album 'The Silent Sunrise', A Shoreline Dream has been constantly reinventing themselves. 2020's 'Melting' found Policky gain creative strength and determination from events around him and abroad to create the most refined and heartfelt music ASD has ever produced. In 2022 brought their sixth album, the critically acclaimed 'Loveblind'.

On July 19, the album will be released as a limited edition on 180g white vinyland digitally everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where 'Everything Turns' can already be downloaded.

ASHES TO OMENS Release New Single "My Favorite Sin" + Official Music Video

July 15, 2024

STREAM "My Favorite Sin"

https://linktr.ee/ashestoomens

WATCH Ashes To Omens - "My Favorite Sin" Below

Athens-based hard rock band Ashes to Omens proudly announces the release of their new single, "My Favorite Sin," accompanied by a captivating music video. This highly anticipated release marks another significant milestone for the band.

"My Favorite Sin" was expertly engineered, mixed, and mastered by Michael Guevarez, ensuring a top-tier auditory experience for listeners. The music video was directed by James Murray and produced and filmed by Halo Union Productions. Grant Butler skillfully edited the video, which was shot on location in Decatur, GA, and Colbert, GA.

"‘My Favorite Sin’ is a song about struggling to find your way in a relationship that you know is toxic but you just can't let go because of how it makes you feel," explains James Branton, the band's vocalist. The song's powerful lyrics and intense instrumentals capture the emotional complexity of holding onto a relationship that's both harmful and irresistible.

Ashes to Omens continues to push the boundaries of the hard rock genre, and "My Favorite Sin" is a testament to their evolving artistry and dedication to their craft.

Based in Athens, Georgia, Ashes To Omens seamlessly blend Hard Rock, Alternative Rock and Post-Grunge styles into something powerful and unique. With the help of producer Michael Guevarez, Ashes To Omens is set to take 2024 by storm with the release of three new singles. Fans can expect nothing less than a further evolution of the sound they have come to know and love.

Beyond the music, the band’s story is one of triumph over hardship, overcoming challenges and staying true to a vision.

Following the band’s momentous start behind their 2017 single “The Screws,” lead singer James Branton, with the support of his brothers in music, triumphed over a battle with thyroid cancer. With renewed purpose and strength, Ashes To Omens hit the pavement, releasing critically acclaimed singles including “The Conflict Within,” “War Cry,” and their 2021 album Black Boxes (produced by Matt Washburn at LedBelly Sound Studios.) Along with touring the East Coast, these releases gained attention for the band in several publications, radio airplay, and a loyal and rabid fanbase.

Following a short break in 2022, Ashes To Omens, with its re-invigorated line-up, is set to give the world new music and a new show behind it in 2024. The latest singles further show the band’s growing maturity and evolution in their craft, sure to draw new fans while keeping the faithful coming back for more.

Ashes To Omens are:
James Branton - Vocals
Christopher Blake - Bass
Casey Lee - Drums
Trip Cooper - Guitar
Nathan Grant - Guitar

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Dela Kay's EP, Falling Into Place, Explores Mental Health & Triumph Over Trauma Celebrating Resilience and Newfound Artistic Freedom

July 12, 2024

Alt-Pop artist, Dela Kay, has unveiled her highly anticipated EP, Falling Into Place, today. Co-written by Dela Kay, Nick Cozine, and Stefano Pigliapoco, this EP marks a pivotal moment in her career,

embodying her personal journey of self-rediscovery and artistic evolution after a challenging hiatus.

Falling Into Place is a profound reflection of Dela Kay’s transformative years, where she faced and overcame significant adversity, including a traumatic brain injury and a sexual assault shortly thereafter. These experiences led to a decline in her mental and physical health, leaving her struggling to regain her balance. However, after a period of healing and reconnecting with her musical roots, she emerged stronger, ready to share her story through her new music.

In collaboration with co-producer and co-writer Ryan Dulude, and main producer Stefano Pigliapoco, Dela Kay found herself in a creative space where everything seemed to "fall into place." This creative synergy is evident throughout the EP, particularly in the title track, which was penned during her first session with Stefano and Nick Cozine. The song poignantly addresses themes of anxiety, depression, and trauma, offering a beacon of hope to listeners who may be facing similar struggles.

"Creating this EP was a deeply personal journey for me. After everything I went through, from my brain injury to the assault, my mental health was in a fragile state. It was especially meaningful being able to collaborate with such supportive friends and create music that allowed me to find my way back,” said Dela Kay. "The title track is a message to my fans that things do get better, even when they seem hopeless."

Dela Kay's music has always been characterized by its authenticity, vulnerability, and high energy. With Falling Into Place, she delves even deeper, sharing her true self and crafting music that resonates with her and her audience on a profound level. The EP is not just a collection of songs but a testament to her resilience and a celebration of newfound artistic freedom. "I hope this EP reaches those who need it the most," Dela Kay continued. "Every time I listen to it, I’m reminded of my own journey and how important it is to keep moving forward. This is just the beginning of my new sound, and I’m excited for my fans to hear what’s coming next."

MORE INFO:
Dela Kay, who hails from the vibrant music scene of Nashville, TN, draws inspiration from artists such as The Maine, Maggie Lindemann, Paramore, and Avril Lavigne. Falling Into Place follows the success of her pre-release singles, “Saving Face,” “Nasty,” "IDWTAY" and "Let You Down," which have amassed over 210K streams and secured a spot on Shazam's Best New Music Apple Playlist. Dela Kay, who identifies as a songwriter first and foremost, believes that this phase of her career is her most authentic to date. With a commitment to releasing a series of singles throughout the rest of this year, she is determined to leave a lasting impression and make her mark on the music industry with her unique voice and perspective.

In 2014, her electro-pop style began to emerge through a collaboration with Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and producer, Femke Weidema; which eventually led to her first electro-pop/European-infused single release, “9 out of 10,” as Dela Kay in 2016. Named by Earmilk as an artist who was gifted “with a rich, distinctive vocal style” for her 2018 release of “Make You Mine,” Dela Kay went on to continue releasing singles and garnering hundreds of thousands of streams. In 2019 Dela Kay released “All My Love” through Sony Music, which ended up charting 49 on the top 150 global artist charts for Digital Radio Tracker as well as in the top ten for the Top Independent Charts. The release of “Think About You” shortly followed, which ended up becoming Dela’s highest-streamed song to date with almost 800k streams and counting. After a brief hiatus, Dela Kay marked her return by debuting a new, more alternative sound in 2021 with the release of “The Worst Part,” via Wonderland Magazine.

DELA KAY ON SOCIALS:

Colin Stough Drops Hard-Hitting Lookin’ For Home EP

July 12, 2024

Pairing burning passion and coming-of-age struggle with the raw strength of a supercharged vocal and stinging lyrical honesty, 19 Recordings/BMG Nashville artist Colin Stough stands tall where Country and modern Southern Rock collide in his brand-new Lookin’ For Home EP. Available across all streaming platforms and digital retailers, listen to Stough’s Lookin’ For Home EP here.

“This EP is really special to me. I connect with every song on this project, and I’m so grateful for the writers who came together and helped me make this body of work what it is. It’s a pretty good reflection of me and my different personalities too,” shares Stough. “‘Boat Somewhere’ is me on a lazy – ‘I don’t want to have a care in the world’ – kind of day. That’s just a fun one, while ‘Sober’ and ‘Amen’ are those darker records where there’s a bit more of my struggles with right and wrong, pain, loneliness, and heartbreak out on display. ‘Makes Two of Us’ and ‘Outside Lookin’ In’ are the relationship songs, and relationships are usually where I find myself struggling with my demons the most – and then there’s ‘Lookin’ For Home.’ I’ve felt out of place most of my life, like I can’t figure out where I’m meant to settle or even if I’m meant to settle down somewhere someday. So, I guess in the meantime, I’ll just keep wandering about and writing songs about the journey.”

Presenting a full-spectrum view of a free spirit on the run for something more, the Lookin’ For Home EP reveals Stough as a vulnerable storyteller who’s fearlessly exploring the push and pull between small-town comfort and the drive to leave his mark on the world. Co-penned with hit-makers like Rivers Rutherford, Jacob Durrett, Chase Matthew, and more, highlights include previously released songs like the craving “Makes Two of Us” and tormented “Sober” – plus the road-weary “Amen,” a foreboding ballad sung from the end of an emotional rope. Narrated by a broken soul pining for the simple days of the past – and praying for escape from the demons at his door – “Amen” matches Stough’s warm growl with a softer side, as it chases down a dreamer who’s ready to leave the fast life behind. A chilling rocker with a dynamic Southern rasp, the pure grit track helps bring Stough’s mix of dark and light themes into sharper focus. All about the contrast between living hard and living well with lyrics by Stough, Jacob Durrett (also the producer), and Jordan Dozzi, listen to “Amen” here.

Arriving as Stough continues to carve out his place in the genre, the Lookin’ For Home EP follows his debut EP Promiseland, which helped introduce the American Idol Season 21 finalist as a serious contender in Nashville and beyond.

After a head turning appearance at CMA Fest 2024 last month, Stough will spend the rest of the year on the road with a series of coast-to-coast fair and music festival dates, plus select shows with Austin Williams, Chase Matthew, Midland, and The Lacs. Find a full list of dates here. 

ABOUT COLIN STOUGH:

While Country Rock phenom and Gattman, Mississippi, native Colin Stough is only knocking on the door to his twenties, he has traversed a long journey in a few short years – starting with his debut EP Promiseland and following up with new EP Lookin’ For Home. After learning to play guitar at 8 years old, Stough first pursued his artistic dreams at 10, boldly trading childhood possessions for his first guitar at a local pawn shop – an instrument he still plays to this day. After graduating high school, the naturally gifted singer and self-taught songwriter began working full-time as an HVAC technician, before his mother convinced him to audition for American Idol. Impressing judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, Stough stunned viewers and soon built a thriving fan base, finishing third on Season 21 of the show in 2023. He spent the ensuing months writing and recording original music, while also touring nationwide to put his blowtorch vocal and guitar-slinging edge on full display. After signing with 19 Recordings/BMG Nashville, his distinctive mix of Southern Rock distortion and pure-Country style has helped Stough’s music rack up more than 19.8 MILLION global on-demand streams. Stough has headlined across the country and opened for established artists like Chase Matthew, Kidd G, and Drake White.

KEEP UP WITH COLIN STOUGH

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

Jenna Paulette Releases “Outside” off Upcoming Sophomore Album ‘Horseback’

July 12, 2024

For cowgirl and songstress Jenna Paulette, whose roots were planted on a ranch in Thackerville, Oklahoma where she grew up working cattle with her grandaddy, being outside is where she has always felt most true to herself. It’s this sentiment of finding solace in the outdoors that inspired her latest release, “Outside,” available now. Listen HERE.

“I heard this song and instantly saw myself in it,” reflects Paulette. “We adjusted a few of the lyrics to better fit the 'me' that played Little House on the Prairie with my sisters under the pecan trees at my family's ranch. ‘Outside’ is what shaped me into the woman and artist I am--a west wind blowing through barbed wire truly makes me feel the most at home in my own skin.”

Written by Kelley Lovelace, Ashley Gorley and Dallas Davidson, and produced by Will Bundy, “Outside” is one of 13 tracks on Paulette’s upcoming sophomore album Horseback, arriving Sept. 6 via Leo33. A culmination of all aspects of her life that have shaped her, including heartbreak and newfound love, Horseback further expands on her debut album The Girl I Was.

In an interview with Cowboys & Indians last month, Paulette shared, “This record is a cumulation of perspectives I have from the moments and people that made me: rural, cowboy, America, my biggest heartaches leading to my healing, the men and women I’m so proud to come from and represent.”

Paulette released The Girl I Was (Red Dirt Deluxe) in March of this year, marking the one-year anniversary, which swiftly earned critical acclaim from outlets including People Magazine and Grammy.com.

Paulette is currently on the road with Aaron Watson as part of The Armadillo Dance Hall Tour. For more information on new music and upcoming shows, visit jennapaulette.com or follow @JennaPaulette on all social platforms.

About Jenna Paulette:
A CMT Next Women of Country honoree and an Apple Music’s Country Riser, singer-songwriter Jenna Paulette — a cowgirl who came of age amid the gritty realities of ranch life — is part of Nashville’s growing wave of female artists who are rewriting the rules and charting their own paths. Paulette settled in Nashville in 2015, where she struck up a mentorship with Ashley Gorley – a veteran songwriter with 60+ No. 1 tunes under his belt – which ultimately led to her publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music in June 2021. Since collaborating with songwriters Will Bundy, Rhett Akins and Jessie Jo Dillion, as well as opening for Mason Ramsey, Parmalee, John Michael Montgomery, Clay Walker and most recently Aaron Watson, Paulette has landed brand partnerships with Justin Boots, Boot Barn, Ely Cattleman and Ranch Water.

The deluxe version of her debut album, The Girl I Was (Red Dirt Deluxe), is available now, showcasing Paulette’s finely calibrated blend of toughness and sensitivity in tracks like “Country In The Girl” and “Pretty Ugly.” Wearing her heart on her sleeve, Grammy.com remarked The Girl I Was as “transformative,” noting it “fuses the sounds of Twain and Miranda Lambert, tackling mental health with the somber ‘You Ain't No Cowboy’ and waxing philosophical on ‘Country In The Girl.’” As Paulette continues to tease her sophomore project, she most recently released “Darlin’” and “Hang Your Hat.” She continued to spotlight her authentic western lifestyle last year, performing the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo, making her Grand Ole Opry Debut and performing in multiple festivals including CMA Fest. Paulette recently signed with independent label Leo33. For more information, visit www.jennapaulette.com.

Living Dead Girl Drops "UGLY" Video

July 12, 2024

LIVING DEAD GIRL has premiered the video for the latest single "UGLY" over at Revolver. Watch it Below.

"'Ugly' is a song I wrote from a place of frustration, knowing many fellow women could relate," the artist shares. "It's about wanting to be taken seriously for your contributions and skills without being objectified or undermined in any profession or passion. When it came to making a music video, we wanted to bring that idea to life, but in true Living Dead Girl form, it still needed to have an element of fun and humor. Even with a serious message, we still are a band that likes to have fun in everything we do. I paid some subtle homage to The Powerpuff Girls and their message of girl power and empowerment, while playing into the aesthetic of a campy horror movie. All while tying it into a gym setting: the place in which every woman just wants to be left alone!"

ABOUT LIVING DEAD GIRL:
Florida transplants originally from Toronto Canada, LIVING DEAD GIRL is a female-fronted metal band that exploded onto the alternative music scene with their debut album Exorcism in 2021. Created by vocalist and songwriter Molly Rennick, produced by the critically acclaimed Mitchell Marlow (In This Moment, Papa Roach, All That Remains), and mastered by Howie Weinberg (U2, Nirvana, Metallica), Exorcism boasted 11 banging tracks including the hit single "Alive," which reached the Billboard charts with two weeks at #1 as the Most Added song on the Mainstream Rock Indicator, and #17 on the Mainstream Rock Indicator Chart. "Alive" was also #3 on the Top 10 Greatest Gainers Secondary Market Rock Chart, reached #5 on the Top 50 Secondary Market Rock chart, and #10 on SiriusXM Canada's Indigenous Music Countdown! The album's success has had the band interviewed by, and featured in dozens of world-renowned publications including Revolver, Hustler, Outburn, and more.

Rennick's bold presence on stage and in videos attracts large audiences around the world, with the band's YouTube videos in the hundreds of thousands of views, and regular signed merchandise and CD orders being shipped all around the world as far as Australia and Japan. A noteworthy fact about the band is that Rennick was thought to be a stillborn at birth; however, Rennick survived and grew into the powerhouse vocalist she is today, which boasts a significant and meaningful underlying story to the name "Living Dead Girl."

The momentum Living Dead Girl is moving at as a young independent band that released their first album in the middle of a pandemic is unbelievable, until you hear it for yourself. A seamless hybrid of goth, rock, and pop punk, Living Dead Girl has distinctly created their own genre that markets to the masses. After filling 2022 with international tours including festival performances, Living Dead Girl attacked 2023 with two NEW ALBUMS, new music videos, and months of international touring! Now, they have come into 2024 swinging with new single "Ugly," as featured on SiriusXM Octane TestDrive, and more touring in both the U.S. and Canada. Living Dead Girl is force to be reckoned with, and is "the future of heavy music." (Underground Nation). 

Living Dead Girl is touring through November. All confirmed dates are below.

LIVING DEAD GIRL ON TOUR:
7/11 — Fort Walton Beach, FL— Downtown Music Hall
7/12 — Huntsville, AL — Shagnasty's
7/13 — Bristol, TN — The Mountain
7/14 — Cincinnati, OH — Legend's
7/17 — Green Bay, WI — Tarlton Theatre w/ City of The Weak
7/18 — Chicago, IL — WC Social Club w/ City of The Weak
7/19/ Cadott, WI — ROCK FEST
7/20 — Bloomington, IL — nightshop
7/21 — Indianapolis, IN — Long Shot w/ The Convalescence
7/22 — Saint Joseph, MO — The Rendezvous w/ The Convalescence
7/24 — Detroit, MI — Small's
7/25 — Corbin, KY — The Train Station
7/26 — Glasgow, KY — AJ's Place
7/27 — Gainesville, GA — Blackstrap Rock Hall
7/28 — Orlando, FL — Conduit
9/20 — Owen Sound, ON — The Harb
9/21 — Tillsonburg, ON — Paddy's Underground
9/22 — Hamilton, ON — The Casbah
9/25 — Kingston, ON — Overtime
9/26 — Montreal, QC — Piranha Bar
9/28 — Sudbury, ON — SICK Horror Convention
9/29 — Toronto, ON — Bovine Sex Club
11/14 — West Palm Beach, FL — Respectable Street w/ LYLVC
11/15 — Satellite Beach, FL — Wynfield's w/ Burning Witches + LYLVC
11/16 — Sanford, FL — West End Trading Co w/ LYLVC
11//17 Tampa, FL — Brass Mug w/ LYLVC

LYDIA CAN'T BREATHE Release New Single "Lifted"; Announce Might Be Insane Tour!

July 10, 2024

Lydia Can't Breathe is dropping a new single, "Lifted," on July 10th, the day before they kick off their summer tour in their home state of Florida. "Lifted" was produced by Andy Karpovck and Andrew Wade. The single is a departure from the band's usual style while revisiting the familiar theme of cannabis culture. The song celebrates the euphoric, "Lifted" feeling that various strains and different methods of enjoying cannabis can bring. This upbeat track highlights some memorable moments nostalgic to the band that will resonate with old and new fans alike.

The upcoming Might Be Insane Tour routes through the East Coast, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest and Mountain West beginning July 11th through early August. Performances include Inkcarceration Fest on July 21st and dates with Powerman 5000and Tantric where Lydia Can't Breathe will be presenting new music and their evolving sound to audiences across the United States. Releases, tickets, merchandise, social media links and all things Lydia Can't Breathe can be found at LydiaCantBreathe.com and on all streaming platforms.

Come get Lifted this summer on this highly anticipated and wildly euphoric tour.

STREAM "Lifted"

https://ffm.to/lcblifted

"Might Be Insane Tour" Dates
July 11 @ East Ocean Pub in Stuart, FL
July 12 @ Conduit in Winter Park, FL
July 13 @ Wynfields in Satellite Beach, FL
July 18 @ The Mountain in Bristol, TN
July 19 @ AJ's Place in Glasgow, KY
July 20 @ Madison Live in Covington, KY
July 21 @ Inkcarceration in Mansfield, OH
July 24 @ Sportmen's Cafe in Allentown, PA
July 25 @ The Foundry Concert Club in Lakewood, OH
July 26 @ The Venue Event Center in Cadillac, MI (with Powerman5000/Tantric)
July 27 @ Hobart Art in Hobart, IN (with Powerman5000)
July 29 @ Wild Goose Saloon in Parker, CO (with Powerman5000)
July 31 @ Vultures in Colorado Springs, CO
Aug 1 @ The Record Bar in Kansas City, MO
Aug 2 @ Grand Royale in Oklahoma City, OK
Aug 3 @ Fatboys's in Abilene,TX
Aug 4 @ Boozerz in Corpus Christi, TX

For More Information Please visit:

IN APHELION Shares Morbid Music Video for New Single, "Reaperdawn"

July 10, 2024

A new force is awakening, stretching the boundaries of consciousness, and devouring everything in its path. IN APHELION is now ushering in their sophomore album, 'Reaperdawn,' which is due on August 9, 2024 via Century Media Records. The black metal brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Sebastian Ramstedt (best known as guitarist and songwriter with Necrophobic) is now unveiling the title track along with a dark and morbid new music video, which is reminiscent of the devastating Heaven's Gate cult. Due to the graphic nature of the video, viewers must be 18+ to watch. The clip was created by F/53 films and can be found at THIS LOCATION.

"The title track is a straight-forward punch in the face," says Ramstedt. "Here we join the ‘Heaven’s Gate’ cult in their last hour waiting for the vessel in the sky. The whole album centers more or less around cults and sun worship, but this is right on point. Stay with us until the dawn will free us from our sins. The reaper will be sure to leave no one behind.”

Darker, stranger, more epic and progressive than admirers of his work were expecting, this new outlet for enigmatic and artistic expression emerged firmly tethered to the white-knuckle viciousness of benchmark, Northern European black metal, while also exhibiting a profound affiliation with both classic, traditional heavy metal and the black magic of psychedelic repetition. Based around a core line-up of Ramstedt (guitar/vocals), drummer Marco Prij (also Cryptosis), rhythm guitarist Johan Bergebäck (Necrophobic) and bassist Tobias Cristiansson (Necrophobic, ex-Grave…), IN APHELION have taken the uncompromising DIY route to their current status as new Century Media signees.

The atmosphere of “Reaperdawn” is a swirling maelstrom of obsidian sparkle and iridescent grime.

“Reaperdawn” is now available for pre-orders in standard CD jewelcase, gatefold black LP, and a limited Gatefold bloodred LP (red Vinyl), 300x via cmdistro.de and other retailers. Pre-orders can be found HERE.

The album artwork for 'Reaperdawn' was created by Sebastian Ramstedt

Aphelion - the point of a planet, comet or any other body in the orbit that is most distant from the sun.

A new force is awakening. Stretching the boundaries of consciousness. Devouring everything in its path. Ushering in the Reaperdawn.

IN APHELION could be the ultimate extreme metal adrenalin rush. The euphoric, black metal brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Sebastian Ramstedt (best known as guitarist and songwriter with Necrophobic), they formed during the grim times of the global pandemic. Inspired and enabled by long periods of free time, IN APHELION grew from Ramstedt’s creative restlessness, and his very personal desire to explore new territory that would be unacceptable in his other, better established band. Darker, stranger, more epic and progressive than admirers of his work were expecting, this new outlet for dark, artistic expression emerged firmly tethered to the white-knuckle viciousness of benchmark, Northern European black metal, while also exhibiting a profound affiliation with both classic, traditional heavy metal and the black magic of psychedelic repetition. From the release of debut EP Luciferian Age in the autumn of 2021, it was obvious that IN APHELION were a radical and fearless proposition.

Based around a core line-up of Ramstedt (guitar/vocals), drummer Marco Prij (also Cryptosis) and rhythm guitarist Johan Bergebäck (Necrophobic), IN APHELION have taken the uncompromising DIY route to their current status as new Century Media signees. After 'Luciferian Age' alerted the world to this new, maverick entity, they swiftly pieced together their full-length debut, 'Moribund.' A tour-de-force of whirlwind extremity and adventurousness, it received widespread acclaim and effusive support from the metal underground. Thrilled to learn that his personal mission was taking effect, Ramstedt avowed to commit to IN APHELION for the long haul, giving himself a meaningful alternative to his supposed day job.

“The original vision was to not do extreme metal at all,” explains Ramstedt. “It started off more like a progressive, hard rock thing, so some of the melodies on our first album were born in another environment. But it becomes very amateurish when I try exploring different areas, and I realised that what I am very good at is doing metal! In Necrophobic, I don’t really push my ideas beyond the usual limits, because we decided long ago to be death metal’s AC/DC and that we would never shock the audience. For instance, we don’t do palm muting in Necrophobic. We just don’t do it! We don’t do tempos over 160bpm. We also don’t do tempos under 135bpm. The concept is very strict. So if I wanted to have palm muting, different themes, and more beautiful, long, sweeping elements, then I had to do that in another band. I can say that all the IN APHELION songs are either above 160bpm or under 135! And they all have palm muting! [Laughs]”

While Sebastian Ramstedt is acutely aware of Necrophobic’s legacy and prominence in the death metal world, he has also longed to have a channel to let ideas that don't fit within the concept of Necrophobic thrive. IN APHELION is a sanctum for creativity where ideas are allowed to come alive and roam freely and as he prepares to unleash the band’s second album, Reaperdawn, he proudly states that he has brought the best possible comrades along for the ride.

“I wanted to have super dedicated musicians,” he says. “Like Marco, our drummer. I think he is one of the best drummers in the world, and I’m lucky to have him now. It was me and him that started this. Johan joined later, but I had to have him in the band too. He’s a good player but he’s also one of my best friends, and I wanted his support. Tobias Cristiansson was the last to join the band. He had been helping out as a session member on several occasions and it was just natural to ask him to be a full time member as it became clear that original bass player Dennis Holm would not join any further.

I wanted IN APHELION to be about really hard work and waking up every morning, looking at your instrument and thinking, ‘What can I be better at doing, and by this afternoon?’ I wanted musicians that be like that, and that was Marco. I could feel that he was the same as me.”

After receiving such a positive response for 'Moribund,' Ramstedt began to think about IN APHELION as a living, breathing entity with huge potential. Fired up creatively and determined to keep the material coming, he immediately began work on the songs that can be found on Reaperdawn, IN APHELION’s first album for Century Media.

“I started to write it directly after 'Moribund' was released, so the songs were written that summer,” says Ramstedt. “I knew what the other members of this band could do, I knew what Johan could do outside the Necrophobic box, I knew what I could do, and also my singing developed. I was not confident about my voice when we made Moribund. I had to try to sing a certain way, but now I know how to do it and I can push it. I can do what I want. Also, I knew what Marco could do on the drums. The drums on 'Moribund' were written on some digital platform and he just copied them, but the drums on this album were written /for/ Marco, so that was different.”

A spectacular leap forward from the already highly evolved grimness of its predecessor, Reaperdawn expands and outstrips the blueprint that IN APHELION laid down on their debut. The songs are grander and more epic. The arrangements are more intricate, but also more direct. The atmosphere is a swirling maelstrom of obsidian sparkle and iridescent grime. IN APHELION’s masterful blending of arcane blasphemy with grandiose, old school bluster has reached a new level of potency, as songs like momentous opener "The Fields In Nadir" and the woozily anthemic "When All Stellar Light Is Lost" further subvert the black metal ethos; with superhuman blasting and skull-rattling thrash tropes underpinning some truly euphoric and inspirational surges of melodic malice. Furthermore, the more extravagant likes of The Darkening and sumptuous finale "Aghori" represent a further sharpening of IN APHELION’s artistic blade, as progressive detours and ornate, elegant guitar solos are woven precisely into the band’s commanding blitzkrieg.

“I wanted to explore how far I could go,” says Ramstedt. “Maybe 'Moribund' sounded a bit like an offspring of Necrophobic, but I knew I could take this band much further away from the mothership! [Laughs] Some of the riffs and some of the guitar parts on 'Reaperdawn' are really fucking hard, and it’s all harder than anything I’ve ever done. Marco says that he has never played drums this intricate, but at the same time it’s all straightforward. So this is straightforward black heavy metal, but if you try and dissect it, there’s so much going on in it too.”

Tore Stjerna was asked to mix 'Reaperdawn' as the band wanted to distinguish the sound even more from Necrophobic. Sebastian also saw it as an experiment to combine the riffs of the new album that are very much inspired by classic heavy metal with the sound of one of the best black metal engineers of the world.

As strongly indicated by Sebastian Ramstedt’s striking artwork, 'Reaperdawn' is an album inspired by the phenomenon of religious cults and the predatory brainwashing that feeds their flocks. Mirroring the unnerving, otherworldly atmosphere of IN APHELION’s music, their leader has penned lyrics that delve deep into mortal conundrums, the sinister allure of the suicide cult and the truth that hides in darkness.

“The whole album centres around cults. It started off with the theme of sun worship, for the song 'The Darkening.' A lot of these suicide cults, these people really want to see the light. They’re not evil at all, they want to be closer to God and to see the light. But in darkness and in depression, you tend to see things in more detail. When everything is happy-go-lucky, life is easy and you don’t have to think and contemplate that much, but in the darkness you have to find some kind of clarity of vision. All of these cults, like the Heaven’s Gate cult, these people going up to the vessel in the sky to see the light, that is just the Reaper coming, but at dawn! So the title 'Reaperdawn' came from that. I wanted the artwork to reflect that idea, but to still look like a heavy metal album cover, you know?”

As he proudly states, Sebastian Ramstedt has dedicated his life to exploring the darkness. If the marauding grandeur of Reaperdawn is any indication, IN APHELION has become his most focused and effective contribution to heavy music yet. Built to last and hell-bent on glory, this band are taking extreme metal into a new realm of warped ingenuity, virtuoso skill and cerebral bite. From the depths of the underground to the edges of the cosmos, IN APHELION are hurtling towards victory, dogged and unstoppable.

“The plan is to build this up slowly but steadily,” Ramstedt concludes. “We’re all up for touring, but it will be expensive to tour as a small band. But we want to play as much as possible. We’re doing a lot of videos and visuals to reach out and spread the word, and I have already started to write the next album! I always say we should be on at Wacken Open Air in 2025, for us to take this somewhere, and I’m still aiming for that. I have big dreams and big hopes for this. I will fight for this band. The real work starts now.”

Lineup:

Johan Bergebäck - guitars

Tobias Cristiansson - bass

Marco Prij - drums

Sebastian Ramstedt - vocals, guitars

Mixing & Mastering: Tore Stjerna

Cover Art: Sebastian Ramstedt

Bio: Dom Lawson

Photos: Leo Bergebaeck

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ICE NINE KILLS & REEL BIG FISH Drop Ska Punk Cover of "Walking On Sunshine" In Partnership With Sumerian Comics' 'American Psycho' Comic Book Franchise

July 10, 2024

Just in time for a killer summer, murdersome metal trailblazers, Ice Nine Kills and ska punk legends, Reel Big Fish have joined forces and partnered with Sumerian Comics' 'American Psycho' comic book series to release an incredible cover of Katrina And The Waves hit, "Walking On Sunshine". Listen to the song HERE .

Speaking on his band's reimagining of this classic track, head psycho and frontman of Ice Nine Kills, Spencer Charnas shares:

"It’s no secret to INK fans that ska punk and horror movies are what pumps through my bloodstream. When the opportunity arose to combine one of my favorite films with one of my favorites bands of all time I didn’t just jump at the chance, I skanked over to my nail gun, axe and chainsaw and bludgeoned out my favorite cover we’ve ever done."

Nathan Yocum, President of Sumerian Comics, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, sharing:

"We are thrilled to have Ice Nine Kills performing a cover of 'Walking On Sunshine' for the soundtrack to our American Psycho comic book series. Their unique blend of theatricality and intensity perfectly complements the dark and twisted themes of our story. This collaboration brings an exciting new dimension to the project, and we can't wait for fans to experience this iconic song like never before."

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 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 677,000 streams with current sales for the comic book series topping 80,000 units.

Fans of the 'American Psycho' franchise can look forward to more from the accompanying soundtrack for the comic book series that perfectly complements the visual frenzy and deepens the narrative's impact, making each issue a multifaceted experience of sight and sound. Head to the Sumerian Comics website for more information and to order your copies of 'American Psycho'.

To celebrate this epic new track and give fans the freshest merch to wear whilst skanking their way through the summer, Ice Nine Killshave dedicated their monthly Nightmare On The Ninth merch capsule to the release with an offed the wall collection just in time for a summer of slaughter. . Items are limited and only available for a short time, so be sure to grab yours now from www.ink-merch.com

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.

About Ice Nine Kills

Decadent, devious and fiercely insane, Ice Nine Kills celebrate pop culture’s darkest edges, mining a cinephile library’s worth of iconic horror on 2018’s The Silver Scream which spawned Top 10 Mainstream Rock single “A Grave Mistake ” and Top 20 hit “Savages”. The creative marriage made in hell of music and fiction began in earnest with the Top 5 Hard Rock album, Every Trick in the Book, which brought the previous three records’ themes to new levels and which the band perfected on 2021's chart- topping smash hit ’The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood .’

The phenomenally successful album, released in October 2021, scored Ice Nine Kills their first Top 20 position (#18) on the Billboard Top 200, topped the Digital and Current Hard Music charts, hit Top 5 on the Current Rock, Independent, Current Albums and Album Sales charts and has clocked up 177 million cross-platform streams to date and 15 million YouTube views for singles “Hip To Be Scared”,“Assault & Batteries ”, “Rainy Day”, "Funeral Derangements", "Take Your Pick ", "The Shower Scene" and most recently, "Welcome To Horrorwood".

Since the release of 'The Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood ', Ice Nine Kills have seen phenomenal growth. Throughout 2022 they toured the US extensively on 3 legs of The Trinity of Terror tour. During 2022 and throughout 2023 they supported Metallica in packed, sold-out stadiums around the world on their M72 World Tour. They toured the US with Slipknot and launched their enormously successful horror convention, The Silver Scream Con, which just celebrated it's second, sold-out edition in the fall of 2023. Spencer was featured in the music video for the official song from Scream 6 - Demi Lovato's "Still Alive", an Ice Nine Kills flyer was used in the movie which also featured a Spencer-recommended easter egg.

Beginning in the spring of 2023, as well as wowing packed-out stadiums around the world with Metallica, Ice Nine Kills headlined numerous sold-out shows on their Wurst Vacation European tour and thrilled tens of thousands of fans at Download Festival to huge acclaim from both critics and fans alike. They then toured the US with Falling In Reverse on their Popular Monstour run and hit the road for 'Fear The Premiere' US headline shows in August. Ice Nine Kills closed out 2023 on a high with the release of ' Welcome To Horrorwood Under Fire ', an exclusive VIP event in Hollywood for the debut of new single "Meat & Greet" and the premiere of the full "Welcome To Horrorwood Saga" movies (featuring all music videos from the album as one chronological clip) and the phenomenally successful, inaugural run of the Kiss of Death co- headline tour with In This Moment.

The band’s synergy of music and lifestyle draws favorable comparisons to Slipknot and Rob Zombie. Visionary trailblazers and multimedia raconteurs, Ice Nine Kills have built a thrilling world for a growing legion of devoted true believers, with theatrical shows, high-concept videos, and inventive band-to-fan communion. Their wildly creative output has seen them become recipients of the prestigious Clio Award for Music Marketing for their "Merry Axe-mas" mobile game and their live streaming event from October 2020, The Silver Stream be nominated for 5 awards at 2022's Horror Hound Film Festival Awards in the categories of Judges Choice, Best Sound, Best Supporting Performance, Best Cinematography and Best Feature. With almost 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, 717 million career streams to date and over 204 millio

A message from TROPIC GOLD

July 9, 2024

Bizarrekult Cover Depeche Mode

July 8, 2024

Amidst both the icy solitude of Siberia's winters and the haunting desolation of the Norwegian landscape, Roman V - the lone mastermind behind BIZARREKULT - found solace in "Useless", a song that emerged more than 20 years ago during a dark and despairing time for global pop stars Depeche Mode.

"I found myself losing control of my life, immersed in a seemingly endless series of dramatic events that worsened each day," Roman reflects. "In those dark days, 'Useless' became a perfect companion, a soundtrack to my struggle, echoing my tired and bruised existence but still standing, battling the abyss."

Listen to the post-black metal mastermind perform a haunting cover of "Useless" by Depeche Mode.
Below.

Bizarrekult's cover of "Useless" serves as a convergence of two seemingly disparate musical worlds. Roman V weaves the melancholic threads of Depeche Mode into his visceral tapestry of black metal, which resembles Wiedgedood and Paradise Lost. His guides—Alexander on drums, Ignat on guitar, Magnus (Myrvandrer) on bass, and the newly inducted Jørgen Norby (Obzene) - cast growls, shrieks, and screams, like shadows upon a wall.

Bizarrekult's second album Den Tapte Krigen is now available on Season of Mist.

Order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/Bizarrekult

Stream: https://linktr.ee/bizarrekult

Since the genre’s inception, black metal has been ruled by lone wolves. Individuals who blur the lines between “masterminds” and “madmen,” creating in solitude and willful confinement. From first and second wave purveyors such as BATHORY to this century’s revivalists like SAOR and PANOPTICON, these anomic souls have made incomparable contributions to the dark arts. And in 2022, BIZARREKULT paves a new yet familiar path, establishing itself as one of the cult visionaries of this decade.

Before finding his way to music, multi-instrumentalist Roman V was first a poet. Since childhood, Roman found an outlet in writing and by 2006, he created BIZARREKULT as an auditory accompaniment to his verbal expressions. “BIZARREKULT since the beginning was a quest of identity and philosophical search for answers on the questions that bother the mind at night and day,” explains Roman.

Despite the project’s inception 16 years ago, BIZARREKULT’s music did not make its debut until the release of ‘Vi Overlevde’ in 2021. As he started feeling challenged by the declining state of the world, Roman pursued a new path and decided to go straight to the environment that incubated and birthed the genre that he loves. As he relocated from Siberia to his current home of Norway, his new surroundings had its intended purpose and greatly impacted his musical journey. “After some initial recordings the project was set aside in order to deal with increasing mass challenges from the surrounding world. And then it ended up getting a spark a decade later in a different environment, nature, language and culture. So distant, but so close. Norway has become my second home and the last few years that led to revitalization of BIZARREKULT were spent on reflecting on myself, meaning, purpose and reuniting with the things that were important – art and creativity.”

Meaning “We Survived,” ‘Vi Overlevde’ was a very intimate, vulnerable, and personal offering. Roman describes the record as “a testament to survival through personal crisis” and notes that it is “filled with reflections on childhood, family and societal relations.” The musician took care to ensure that the record delivered a comprehensive package, aligning the music, artwork, and lyrics with exact precision.

As the world was collectively reckoning with the turmoil of year two of a global pandemic, the album’s message gave many hope. Fans started to emerge, reacting to the record with their own artistic interpretations as a way to pay tribute. The album also won the hearts of the media, appearing on a handful of “album of the year” lists, including scoring a third place position from Sweden’s biggest newspaper, Aftonbladet.

Now, BIZARREKULT is ready to enter a new chapter, forging a new union with Season of Mist and completing the work on its sophomore full-length, ‘Den Tapte Krigen.’ Meaning “The Lost War,” ‘Den Tapte Krigen’ thematically picks up the thread from where ‘Vi Overlevde” left off, but sees a musical evolution as BIZARREKULT continues to find and establish its identity. “The main message of ‘Den Tapte Krigen’ is about a constant war inside our lives, war with ourselves, our closest ones, our societies,” says Roman. “It’s a war in which we can lose everything, including our personality, faith, honour and dignity. However, similar to ‘Vi Overlevde’ that ends on a rather positive note, ‘Den Tapte Krigen’ contains a message of hope and reconnection, of necessity to make a peace with yourself, accept what you are, your identity, and share forgiveness and love. This is the only way out of the vicious circle.”

Recording Lineup:
Roman V - Music, Vocals
Ignat Pomazkov - Guitar
Alexander Pryakhin - Drums

Guest Musicians:
Jørgen Norby - Vocals
Magnus F. Sand - Bass

Producer & Sound Engineer:
Alexander Pryakhin

Cover Artwork:
Ivan Gladkih

Available on Digital Only - Stream Now:https://orcd.co/bizarrekultuseless

Follow Bizarrekult:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bizarrekult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizarrekvlt/
Bandcamp: http://www.bizarrekult.bandcamp.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizarrekult

Dive Into Black Lava's New Album A Few Days Early

July 8, 2024

Blackened, grooving heavy metal from members of Vipassi, Hadal Maw and Ne Obliviscaris

"A fantastic album...wrapped up in a package that is so tight, you couldn't squeeze in between the layers if you were as thin as paper." - Metal Temple

"Practically forces you to headbang" - Metal Injection

"Familiar yet undeniably creative, heavy and a clear statement in the darkness of music" - Metal Roos

Just two years removed from their smoldering debut, Black Lava are once again ready to erupt. The Savage Winds to Wisdom spills from the band's sacred cauldron of influences. Blackened countermelodies and hexing prog rhythms boil amidst old-school death metal. Only this time, these Australian sorcerers have added a heavy dose of atmosphere, conjuring medieval fantasies that are bound to whisk metalheads straight into the pit.

The Savage Winds to Wisdom comes out this Friday, July 12 on Season of Mist, but you can get blown away by all nine gale-force songs today by listening to the full album stream on Season of Mist's YouTube channel.

Listen to The Savage Winds to Wisdom Below

Pre-order & Stream

https://orcd.co/blacklavathesavagewindstowisdom

Though they formed during pandemic lockdown, Black Lava came together with the ease of a natural stream. When he's not touring with Ne Obliviscaris, Dan Presland also drums alongside Hadal Maw guitarist Ben Boyle in the labyrinthine all-instrumental band Vipassi. Those two have crossed paths with vocalist Rob Watkins around Melbourne's metal underground for the past decade. But the band took their time summoning The Savage Winds to Wisdom. It's not until opener "Colour of Death" has bubbled to a nice, sludgy head that Watkins unleashes the first of his many blood-soaked roars.

"There was greater care taken with the compositions", Boyle says. "There's more layering to the riffs and melodies. We called on a more broad list of inspirations and tones to give the album a greater sense of balance while keeping the same attention to detail. The Savage Winds to Wisdom is the kind of album that lends itself to repeat listens".

"Unsheathing Nightmares" lures you in before hooking its claws into your skull. The drums crash and rumble behind clouds of buzzing distortion, only for a riff to reign down with the crushing force of an executioner. You can practically hear Watkins' eyes rolling into the back of his head as he calls upon an ancient evil amidst hellish, rain-soaked ambience. "Speak to me, O silent one" .

"I try and stay true to the spirit of metal", Watkins says about crafting lyrics. "For 'Ironclad Sarcophagus', I pictured this ancient wizard sending out evil vibes into the world in hopes of tricking someone into opening his coffin". The video for the album's lead single also has more to it than meets the eye. What appears to be just another Satanic ritual turns on a knife's edge into something even more bloody and sinister.

The Savage Winds to Wisdom swirls with a deeper and darker sense of atmosphere, but the album still cuts all the way to the bone. The towering riff on "Dark Legacy" reigns down nothing but dread. "There's more depth to this album, but it still stays true to what we set out to do with Black Lava: create heavy, energetic and catchy tunes that make our listeners feel powerful".

Winding over the course of seven eventful minutes, the title track is big enough to stand as its own mythical kingdom. Stirred by a screeching solo from Ne Obliviscaris' Ben Baret, the song whirls into a torrential finale that makes The Savage Winds to Wisdom a perfect storm of blackened, groove-laden heavy metal.

"We sharpened our tools with this album”, Black Lava says. "The Savage Winds to Wisdom is a step up in all aspects. We went a little more dark and brutal and that's exactly where we want to take our music".

Like any good sorcerer, Black Lava cast a wicked array of spells. Dan Presland, Ben Boyle and Rob Watkins treated Outburn magazine to a list of the band's most potent influences and most punishing songs.

Read Black Lava's Influences & Essentials

https://outburn.com/all-features/black-lava/

Not even the most stifling period in recent history could contain Black Lava. Despite being kept under strict lockdown during the pandemic, these Aussies were just stewing together, waiting to erupt. Now, only two years removed from their smoldering debut, the band are roaring back with even more mythical firepower on The Savage Winds to Wisdom.

“Our second album is a step up from the first in all aspects”, drummer Dan Presland says. “We took more time on the songwriting. The Savage Winds to Wisdom shows exactly where we want to take our music”.

Though possessed by an ancient and mysterious alchemy, Black Lava formed with the ease of a natural spring. Over the past decade, all four members have crossed paths around the various corners of Melbourne’s metal underground. On top of their progressive all-instrumental vision quests in Vipassi, Presland also drums alongside Hadal Maw guitarist Ben Boyle in the grinding, tech-death, underground curiosity A Million Dead Birds Laughing. But when the two got together to blow off steam amidst quarantine at Presland’s newly minted home studio, they were pleasantly surprised by the darkness that swept over these jam sessions.

“Both of us were dealing with a lot of pent-up frustrations”, Presland remembers. A few weeks before, his flight home from America (where he was supposed to track the drums for Ne Obliviscaris’ fourth album Exul) touched down hours before Australia closed its borders. “But that anger, coupled with our need to keep creating, led us in a different direction”.

Progressive metal was still a clear undercurrent, but the songs that came spewing out were unusually heavy. Death and black metal held more sway, though sludgy rock n’ roll also found its way into the mix. Such a peculiar range of influences required a vocalist with a very particular set of pipes. Fortunately, Rob Watkins jumped at the opportunity to reunite with Presland, who was the drummer in their thrash band Metalstorm. With Watkins’ Blackhelm bassist Tim Anderson added to the fold, Black Lava burst onto the scene in 2022 with their smoldering debut.

“Soul Furnace more than lives up to those lofty expectations”, Distorted Sound hailed, “proving to not only be a late contender for album of the year, but also one of the more impressive debut albums of recent years”.

Black Lava wasted no time in keeping the juices flowing. The band was already hard at work on their second album while the first one was hot on the shelves. The Savage Winds to Wisdom stirs from the same cauldron of influences. Lead single “Ironclad Sarcophagus” echoes from the crypt with eerie countermelodies and a rhythm section that’s more bewitching than a spell book.

“I pictured this ancient wizard sending out evil vibes into the world in hopes of tricking someone into opening his coffin”, Watkins says. “When writing lyrics, I try and stay true to the spirit of metal. But really, I’m just channeling how the music makes me feel”.

If Soul Furnace was like stumbling upon the entrance to an ancient cave, then The Savage Winds to Wisdom is a fiery, full-blown descent into the belly of the beast. “Dark Legacy” rings through the long black night with one sustained roar of a guitar roar, like an angry, one-eyed ogre. But while the songs came quickly, with Presland and Boyle carving out monstrous riffs and scaly grooves for Watkins to splatter his medieval fantasies, Black Lava took their time with this album. It's not until nearly three minutes into the opening number, after “Colour of Death” has boiled to a full headbang, that the first of its many horns-up roars is unleashed.

“There was greater care taken with compositions on The Savage Winds to Wisdom”, Boyle says. “There’s more depth and layering to the riffs and melodies. Calling on a more broad list of inspirations and tones, the album has a real sense of balance, a certain quality that will lend itself to repeat listens and attention to detail, while still staying true to what Black Lava set out to do; create heavy, yet energetic and catchy anthemic tunes that tell a story and emanate a sense of atmosphere and power for the listener.”

True to its name, The Savage Winds to Wisdom swirls within a deeper and darker sense of atmosphere. Whereas before their bang-bang approach to songwriting resembled something closer to a punk rock band, this time around, Black Lava concentrated more on atmosphere. “Unsheathing Nightmares” reveals its root source of terror in careful layers, mutating from raw black metal and razor-sharp tech-death into a rainy, ambient hellscape. “That’s one of the songs that really excited me”, says Watkins, who calls upon a coven of witches by digging into the slimier depths of his baritone.

The title track is big enough to stand alone as its own self-contained world. Winding over the course of seven eventful minutes, it’s the longest and perhaps most ambitious song in Black Lava’s musical geology. Blast beats pound like hail beneath waves of distortion that crash with the force of a monsoon. “The silents of fate” Watkins reckons, like a sea captain stranded among the wreckage. “The thousand winds swirl the soul”. Swept up by a screeching solo from special guest Ben Baret (Ne Obliviscaris), the song whirls into an unstoppable force, a torrential finale that brings this album to a truly epic conclusion.

“We sharpened our tools with this album”, the band says. “We went a little more brutal and that sets the tone for where we’ll head in the future.

On The Savage Winds to Wisdom, Black Lava conduct a perfect storm.

Recording line-up
Dan Presland (drums)
Ben Boyle (guitar)
Ben Boyle (bass)
Rob Watkins (vocals)

Guest musician
Benjamin Baret (Ne Obliviscaris, Vipassi) plays the guitar solo on "The Savage Winds to Wisdom".

Live line-up
Dan Preslans (drums
Ben Boyle (guitar)
Nick Rackham (bass)
Rob Watkins (vocals)

Recording studio
Bushido Studios in Melbourne, Australia

Producer and sound engineer
Troy Mccosker

Mastering, mixing and engineering
Studio Fredman and Fredrick Nordstrom

Cover art
Paolo Girardi

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

Follow Black Lava
https://www.facebook.com/BLACKLAVA00
https://www.instagram.com/blacklava.aus/
https://blacklava-aus.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1KnUaYbFhPHqEgEvySQYxw?si=IboyCWpOTa2e4fqiUfG2XQ

Available Formats
Digital Download
CD Digipack
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
12" Colored Vinyl Gatefold (Gold with Silver Splatters)

WORMED Release Stellar New Album

July 5, 2024

"An absolute whirlwind, as spastic and unpredictable as it is atmospheric" - Metal Sucks

"A remarkably good album from a remarkably unhinged band" - Lambgoat

"Quite the return" - Metal Injection

"The guitar playing continues to be on another level as they throw riff after riff towards the listener." - The Razor's Edge

"Omegon is different, it’s less interested in being the heaviest album in the planet and more into creating intricate music that really portrays a violent cosmic quest." - Metal Epidemic

"You’ll be astounded by the sheer heavy nature of this record mixed with beard stroking wonderment." - Ave Noctum

Though hatched from the underground, Wormed have expanded the realm of death metal beyond our solar system. The Spaniards warp heavy technical riffs and brutal vocals with distorted science fiction. Their new album, Omegon, defies the constraints of space, time and tech-death by launching into the heart of an ancient-but-futuristic conflict.

Omegon comes out today, July 5, on Season of Mist. Blast through all nine of Wormed's latest constellation of interplanetary crushers today by listening to the full album stream on our YouTube channel.

Listen to Omegon Below.

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

Wormed fuse laser-like technical precision with mass brutality to tear open holes into an alternate dimension of death metal. The riffs on lead single "Automaton Virtulague" twists like a double helix, while "Protogod" careens through an asteroid field of blast beats. Though guided on its journey by the masterful hand of Gorguts bassist Colin Marston at Thousand Cave Studios, the breee-ing black hole of "Pleoverse Omninertia" jumps into another timeline.

Omegon continues the saga of Krighsu. This time around the sun, the shadowy, posthuman timeline hacker is locked in a battle with galactic forces over a mysterious, alien substance that defies the grasp of mere mortals. With Wormed, the fate of the technical death metal universe is in good hands.

Space – the final frontier. Yet, when WORMED reach out into the void, the results sound far more like a dark space opera inhabited by bizarre aliens, genetically and technically evolved meta-humans struggling for power and survival in galactic empires. Now, the nano-technological war has been unleashed in the void to defeat the last sower of human life, Krighsu!

Odd-time signatures, avalanches of breaks and complex rhythmical as well as melodic patterns will excite every aficionado of extreme technicality, while growls down-tuned strings and double-bass assaults will more than satisfy extreme metal connoisseurs. While being outstandingly skilled musicians WORMED are avoiding any self-indulgent show of prowess for its own sake. Instead, the five-piece from Madrid clearly lays its emphasis on creating atmospheric songs, which develop and grow along the underlying story.

Originating from Spain's capital Madrid in 1998, WORMED immediately made an impact in the death metal scene with the release of their 'Floating Cadaver in the Monochrome' MCD (1999). Following a promo CD under the title 'Voxel Mitosis' (2001), the first studio album 'Planisphaerium' received high acclaim by critics and fans alike in 2003. In the wake of their debut full-length, the Spanish received invitations to international festival shows and touring around the globe. WORMEDperformed in Japan alongside GORATORY and VOMIT REMNANTS and afterwards hit Europe with MALIGNANCY and DESPONDENCY.

A creative hiatus, partly due to line-up changes and filled with re-issues of their previous released as well as the single 'Quasineutrality' (2010) finally ended, when their sophomore album 'Exodromos' came out in 2013. On their third full-length 'Krighsu' (2016), the fast-rising Spanish Sci-Fi tech death prodigies are telling a dystopian cosmic story with lyrics and music joined into an overarching concept. Its intense brutality, dissonant dynamic riffing, and tremendous heaviness combined with an amazing futuristic concept, which introduced the character Krighsu – last human in the cosmos, harvested top reviews and saw WORMEDheadlining in the US and co-headlining in Europe.

In the summer of 2019, WORMED brought their ultra-technical cosmic sonic onslaught to new heights on their 4-track EP ‘Metaportal’, released through Season of Mist. Praised as a monstrously satisfying addition to their catalogue, the EP bridged the gap between their previously released 2016 ‘Krighsu’ and their newest project. Atmospheric yet faithful to the skull-crushing mindboggling textures they’ve given fans over the years, ‘Metaportal’ allowed WORMED to come to terms with the loss of Guillermo Calero in 2018 and move forward.

On ‘Omegon’, WORMED’s upcoming 2024 release, they continue the story of Krigshu, a timeline hacker entangled in manipulation by cosmic forces. As viciously as the aggression they bring on their technically impressive instruments, Krigshu battles his way to unlock the mysteries of Omegon, a mysterious cosmic substance holding ultimate power. With 9 tracks of ultimate interstellar chaos, a story unfolds and WORMED prove yet again that they reign supreme on the technical death metal genre.

Line-up
Phlegeton - Vocals
Migueloud - Guitars
D-Kazar - Guitars
Guillemoth - Bass
V-Kazar - Drums

Recording Studio
BlackStorm Studios (Karrantza, Basque Country)

Production Credits
Ekaitz Garmendia - Producer & Sound Engineer
Mixed & Mastered by Colin Marston at Menegroth, The Thousand Caves (Queens, NY, USA)
Editing by Simon Da Silva at The Empty Hall (Madrid, ES)

Cover Art
Phlegeton - "Phlegeton Art Studio"

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

Links/Follow Artist:
Official Website: http://www.wormed.net/
Bandcamp: https://wormed.bandcamp.com/
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/324196
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wormed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wormedband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wormedband
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/WormedTV
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/artist/wormed/id341334269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1YXwL0RvyKn9swZ6CsVDwk
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/artists/B002XOX5EY/wormed

Riotous Indignation Release New Single "Wheel of Misfortune"

July 5, 2024

Riotous Indignation is pleased to announce the release of their new single “Wheel of Misfortune,” that is available on all digital service providers today, July 5th, 2024. The single is the #3 most added track on metal radio shows this week as reported by the Metal Contraband Charts and premiered on Decibel Magazine's website on July 3rd.

What makes "Wheel of Misfortune" unique is that the intro section of the song is old-timey country arrangement that builds up to a full-bore thrash metal onslaught that abruptly smacks you in the face and then follows with some moshable breakdowns as well.

While the writer and front man Mike Repel admits that he is unaware of a song composition like this ever being done before, he states that when combined with the subject matter of the lyrics, the cross-genre build-up of the song arrangement gives you the unexpected punch in the face that you want and deserve.

Music and lyrics written, performed, recorded, mixed, and produced by Mike Repel. Mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios.

STREAM/BUY "Wheel of Misfortune"

Spotify

Apple Music

Amazon Music

Founded by Bob Clayton and Mike Repel in 2015, the band released their debut, The Violentus Musicae EP, in early 2016. The EP was recorded and produced by Repel, and was mixed at Dexter Labs Studio in Milford CT. by Nick Bellmore and was Mastered by Chris “Zeuss” Harris.

Since the release of The Violentus Musicae EP in May of 2016, they have obtained positive press coverage and have confirmed airplay on over 50 internet radio stations, some terrestrial radio, and podcasts. This also includes a twenty-two week charting run for their song "Secret Societies" on Radio Naklo’s Czadlista & Czadlista Post Scriptum Radio Show in Poland.

In January of 2017 they released their music video for "The End" and also became a semi-finalist in the 2017 Hollywood Film festival for their work in creating the video.

In 2017 the band has increased visibility with ongoing promotions in mainland China. Their music was included in a music festival playlist, and was the focus of a syndicated column about heavy music on QQ Music.

Their music has been featured on several recently released compilations, including: The Making a Scene 2017 compilation by Whatever68 Radio and PP Promo Records, El Bunker Del Metal’s The Force of Annihilation compilation out of Argentina, and also The Metal Music GlobAlliance Compilation out of Slovakia.

They have also been featured on the 2018 Imperative Music Global Metal Compilation Vol. 15 with Destruction, Hammerfall, Cradle of Filth, Death, and many other bands. This compilation, based out of Brazil, is a DVD/with Audio and Video contributions from each band. It was distributed internationally through Imperatives label and media partners in several countries.

Previously unreleased music has been coming out in the form of singles, all which have been receiving terrestrial and internet radio play. This includes "Lords of War" (Nov. 2021), which debuted at #24 on the NACC Charts.

Riotous Indignation is:

Mike Repel: Vocals, Guitars, Bass

Bob Clayton: Drums

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Facebook

YouTube

Morgan Wallen’s Highly-Anticipated “Lies Lies Lies” Available 7/5

July 2, 2024

As his Billboard Hot 100 six-week No. 1 hit with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help” becomes 2024's longest running No. 1 – and as he prepares to return to London for his headlining BST Hyde Park debut on July 4 – East Tennessean Morgan Wallen readies his highly-anticipated “Lies Lies Lies” for release on Friday, July 5 via Big Loud/Mercury/Republic. Pre-save HERE.

Written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Miller, Daniel Ross and Chris Tompkins, and produced by Joey Moi, “Lies Lies Lies” was originally recorded by Wallen at London’s iconic Studio Two at Abbey Road Studios on Dec. 5, 2023 following his sold-out show at The O2 on Dec. 3, 2023. Recorded as part of his Abbey Road Sessions, the digital series, including “Lies Lies Lies,” was released on March 3, 2024 to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Wallen’s record-breaking third studio album, One Thing At A Time.

“Lies Lies Lies” depicts the narrator’s attempt to convince a past love that he’s moved on in one breath, before admittedly deeming them all “lies” and caving into his true feelings. With Holler noting Wallen injects “a sense of tenderness and vulnerability into his delivery” with his “distinctive, charismatic drawl,” “Lies Lies Lies” has become a staple on his Pollstar and Billboard-awarded Country Tour of the Year, One Night At A Time.

Wallen will rein in the song’s release in the city where it was originally recorded, as he prepares for his first-ever headlining set at BST Hyde Park London on July 4. Featuring openers Riley Green, ERNEST, Ella Langley, Alana Sprinsteen, Zandi Holup and more, limited tickets remain and can be purchased at BST-HydePark.com.

Wallen will commemorate the show with U.K. exclusive merch available at Hyde Park while supplies last. A limited edition “Lies Lies Lies” t-shirt will also be available online-only at Shop.MorganWallen.com beginning July 5 at 9am ET.

A portion of every ticket purchased to his live shows benefits The Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF), which operates on the core belief that all children deserve a chance to thrive, play, and create through sports and music. To further celebrate his Hyde Park debut, MWF has earmarked $20,000 to support London Youth Choirs (LYC). LYC’s mission is to improve access to singing and music for disadvantaged young people, and Wallen’s donation will support them to find their unique voice and to thrive through music.

As Wallen continues to tease new music, his 5x Platinum One Thing At A Time recently returned to the top of Billboard’s Country Albums chart, totaling 53 weeks spent at No. 1, the sole second-longest lead in the chart’s history, only behind Dangerous: The Double Album, which remained at No. 1 for 97 non-consecutive weeks.

His recent Post Malone collaboration, “I Had Some Help,” skyrocketed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in just seven weeks – the quickest climb to No. 1 since Garth Brooks’ “More Than a Memory” in 2007 – and has been declared a Song of the Summer contender by Spotify, Variety and more.

About Morgan Wallen:
When 11-time 2023 Billboard Music Awards-winner and Top Male Artist Morgan Wallen released his third studio album One Thing At A Time in 2023, its instant success left The New York Times proclaiming Wallen as “one of the biggest stars in pop, period.” One Thing At A Time has remained atop the all-genre Billboard 200 chart for 19 non-consecutive weeks, surpassing Garth Brooks’ Ropin’ the Wind with the most weeks at No. 1 for a Country album, and was the most-streamed album of the year on Spotify. The album’s 6x-Platinum single “Last Night” reeled in over 1.5 billion streams globally, becoming the most-streamed song of any genre in the U.S. across Apple Music and Spotify, and the longest running No. 1 solo song in Hot 100 history (16 weeks total). Recent collab with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help,” debuted at country radio with 167 first week adds, becoming only the second single in chart history to debut with the support of all reporting stations, opening at No. 15 on the Mediabase charts. Since its release, “I Had Some Help” has remained No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 all-genre charts for six weeks, becoming the longest-running No.1 of 2024.

With 14 chart-toppers at country radio, Wallen played for 5 countries/3 continents in 2023 for his One Night At A Time World Tour stadium tour. Performing to over 2.4 million fans, One Night At A Time was named a Pollstar and Billboard Country Tour of the Year, surpassing attendance records in numerous stops; including Ohio Stadium, where Wallen became the largest weekend ever for the venue. The 36-show 2024 extension of One Night At A Time takes Wallen to 24 additional stadium-plays, and will include Wallen’s first European run with seven shows this fall. Wallen donates a portion from every ticket sold to his Morgan Wallen Foundation.

About Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF):
Access to sports and music transformed and enriched Morgan Wallen’s life in ways he never could have imagined growing up as a kid in East Tennessee. They have been a constant presence since the age of three. Playing sports instilled in him the values and benefits of discipline, hard work and commitment. Exposure to music at a young age has led him to become the country artist he is today.

Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF) has a core belief that all children deserve a chance to thrive, play, and create through sports and music and supports programs for youth in these two areas – sports and music. MWF is also dedicated to being there for communities in times of need. Whether it’s providing supplies in the wake of natural disasters, meals for first responders, distributing groceries to food insecure families, we are there to help.
For more information go to www.morganwallenfoundation.org.

Feed The Wolves Release New Single "Breakaway" via TLG / Virgin Music Group

July 1, 2024

FEED THE WOLVES, the electrifying hard rock quintet hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, has officially launched onto the music scene with their debut single, "Breakaway" that was released through TLG / Virgin Music Group.

FEED THE WOLVES was formed in 2022 by Wally Wood, Joey Rodriguez, Jarrett Conant, Kyle Cogburn, and Chad Corder. The band recorded an EP in 2023 titled Vessel that is comprised of 5 absolute rock hits! Wally Wood and Joey Rodriguez are former members of the band Allele which had hits such as "Closer to Habit" that reached Top 10 at Active Rock Radio, as well as songs that made their rounds on video games Smack Down vs. Raw, TV spots such as Stephen King's Nightmares and Dreamscapes, ABC's Dancing with the Stars, Netflix hit show Kobra Kai, Showtime's Nurse Jackie and more.

Chad Corer and Kyle Cogburn are former members of the Orlando, Florida based band Shut Up and Dance, as well as the band Broadway (Uprising Records).

FEED THE WOLVES will be releasing singles throughout 2024 through TLG / Virgin Music Group.

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Facebook

Industrial-Electronic music legend Bill Leeb (Front Line Assembly, Delerium) signs to Metropolis Records for debut solo album

June 30, 2024

Iconic US-based label Metropolis Records is thrilled to announce the signing of beguiling industrial-electronic music legend Bill Leeb for his debut solo offering. Titled 'Model Kollapse', this record explores the intricacies of artificial intelligence and the very survival of humanity itself. The first single ‘Terror Forms’ will be released on July 9.

Based in Vancouver, Bill Leeb is the mastermind behind electro-industrial scene mainstays Front Line Assembly and ambient-pop duo Delerium, having gotten his start with Skinny Puppy (under the pseudonym Wilhelm Schroeder). He is also a key member of other occasional recording projects, including Noise Unit, Intermix and Cyberaktif.

"We are proud to announce that Metropolis Records has signed Bill Leeb for his first solo project. Bill Leeb has had a prolific career as a founding member of Skinny Puppy, Front Line Assembly and Delerium. His music has been highly influential, and we are excited to see what this new chapter in his career will bring for him and his listeners," says Nina Heckman of Metropolis Records.

"I'm honored to fulfill my father's (Dave Heckman) lifelong vision and to be doing this project with a lifelong family friend I can honestly call family (Bill Leeb). This project is near and dear to all of our hearts here at Metropolis and I know it would make my father proud."

Leeb acknowledges the role that Metropolis Records has played in his recording career since the late 1990s, noting that “Metropolis Records have been and are one of the most important labels for alternative music on this planet and this album was made possible by my long-standing friendship with Dave Heckman (RIP), who continuously has supported us through the ages and gave us complete artistic freedom”. Tragically, Heckman died in the summer of 2022.

The first single ‘Terror Forms’ features Shannon Hemmett of post-punk quartet ACTORS and her solo project LEATHERS, who are also based in Vancouver. This album also involves contributions by LA-based artist Mimi Page, a long-term Delerium collaborator, and Jason Corbett of ACTORS and Jacknife Sound Studio.

‘Model Kollapse’ marks Leeb's first solo venture since the mid-80s days of Front Line Assembly, when he used to make recordings in his bedroom and released them on limited edition cassette format. Almost four decades on, his new album was recorded and produced in Vancouver, Toronto and Los Angeles with assistance from Vancouver/Toronto-based production duo Dream Bullet and long-term FLA/Delerium cohort Rhys Fulber, plus regular mixing engineer Greg Reely.

Hard-edged yet melodic, danceable and very much song-oriented rather than soundscape-driven, the album carries traces of hard-edged electronic dance music pioneers such as Front 242, DAF, KMFDM and Skinny Puppy, as well as his own oeuvre. However, it also displays the influence that acts like these had on latter day artists such as Gesaffelstein and ADULT, not to mention music that came to be known as darkwave.

Influential as Front Line Assembly was in the industrial music world, Leeb formed Delerium in 1987, originally as a side project, exploring dark ethereal ambient trance, voiceless soundscapes and electronic pop music. Since their 1994 album 'Semantic Spaces', Delerium has received two Juno awards and grown to massive fame through collaborations, involving vocals by Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer), Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance), Kirsty Hawkshaw (Opus III), Emily Haines (Metric), Jacqui Hunt (Single Gun Theory), Matthew Sweet, Kristy Thirsk (Rose Chronicles)and Sarah McLachlan. The latter produced the worldwide hit 'Silence', which reached #1 in numerous countries and whose remixes are hailed among the greatest trance songs of all time (with the Tiësto remix having been voted the 12th-greatest dance track of all time by Mixmag readers).

Hunter Oliveri Shares "SCUM" — LISTEN

June 27, 2024

Hunter Oliveri, the 18-year-old talent who has been steadily buzzing and creating a name for himself, has shared the new single "SCUM."

Listen here.

"'SCUM' is about how people are sheep and do whatever they are told," Oliveri shares. "From a young age, people are brainwashed and taught they have to do certain things in life, whether it's going to college and getting a steady job, or even stereotypes people have held on them. Nobody has a mind for their own anymore and everybody just does what they are told."

The sonics match the overall rebellious vibe of the lyrics and the theme. It's a modern take on '90s alt rock, thanks to its gritty guitars and beautifully bratty vocals.

Oliveri previously shared the tracks "Novocain." "Stranger," "Dumb," and "Spiraling Out." Go ahead and further familiarize yourself with the artistry of Hunter Oliveri.

ABOUT HUNTER OLIVERI:
So what else do you need to know about Hunter Oliveri, whose previous single "Kids" was tipped by Pigeons + Planes? Plenty!

His songs channel the alternative and grunge blueprint of his musical heroes — like Chris Cornell and Soundgarden, Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins — imbued with the playful opaqueness of Kurt Cobain's lyricism and the easy slacker hooks of Weezer.

Like all of Oliveri's music, it speaks to the messiness of growing up. It sounds exactly like that, too. He simply writes what he knows.

There are songs about partying too hard and songs about loving too much; songs about last night's headrush highs and the morning-after's anxious comedown. There are songs for when you seek the comfort of relatability, and there are songs for when you want to simply say "fuck it all."

They are the product of the humble authenticity of someone who's grown up in a place no different to a million others the world over. Most have never heard of Paso Robles, CA, and might never again. There's sunshine, strip malls, and vineyards that outnumber venues ten to one, where the nearby underground music scene of San Luis Obispo a few miles down the road is more accessible than anything resembling the bright lights of L.A. two hours to the south or San Francisco up north. "It's a boring city, but we make the most of it," Oliveri shrugs. "We'll go skating, or hang out and smoke. And anyway, it's fun to go moshing in someone's basement."

It's no surprise, then, that Oliveri is used to creating more interesting scenes than those that existed outside his window. As a kid, he would do so in the stories he dreamt up in his bedroom. "I like writing stories about worlds I'd want to live in," he says, "which made my own world seem so much bigger."

Such creativity inevitably morphed into songwriting in his early teenage years — though music had long since embedded itself within him. "I was probably four years old when I first heard 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' around my parents’ house," he recalls of music's omnipresence in his life. "I never knew the name of the song but every time I heard it, I'd be like, shit, it's that song. It would give me this majestic feeling." He laughs that his mom holds a video recording of her son gamely plucking through a rendition of a Metallica song (it was the epic "One") at his Kindergarten graduation performance. His dad — an avid fan of Korn and Tool — meanwhile tells him that his parents met at Woodstock; not the peace-and-love of Woodstock '69, but, more aptly, the confusion-and-chaos of Woodstock '99.

A chance meeting at age 14 with a local producer's father while in a coffee shop with his grandpa was the first domino to fall in Oliveri's music story. The rest is a history still to be written. "I've been so incredibly lucky, but I've manifested this, too," he says. "I've always known writing music would be my life. I just had to make it happen. It was hard to find kids around my city that played instruments and wanted to be in a band, but I've been writing songs every day in my bedroom since I was maybe 13 years old. It takes me to a different place."

Those songs are anthems for those disassociated with the world on their doorstep, the soundtrack to growing up marooned inside a digital world that Oliveri speaks of with disdain as "rotting people’s brains."

"I want to bring people into my world through my music," he adds. "I want people to feel something when they listen to my music, and to relate to me, and for me to be a friend and an outlet for them."

And as for everything else?

Well, he'll figure it out as he goes.

FOLLOW HUNTER OLIVERI ON INSTAGRAM

ABOUT SPINEFARM:
Spinefarm represents some of the biggest and most important rock acts in the world. Founded in Finland in 1990, the label established itself as an independent powerhouse for successful European metal acts from Nightwish to Children Of Bodom. Acquired by UMG in 2002, Spinefarm Music Group is now home to a host of artists that reach millions of fans across the globe and showcases the very best in rock, punk and metal. From massive metal names such as Bullet For My Valentine (with over 3 billion streams to their name) to alt-rock legends Killing Joke and genre-benders Sleep Token, Spinefarm's artists are — and always have been —true leaders in their chosen field. The roster also includes renowned names like Atreyu, Airbourne, Saint Asonia, and While She Sleeps, as well as fast-rising young artists like Dayseeker, Dead Poet Society, Kid Kapichi, BRKN LOVE, and Creeper. Spinefarm, now flanked by associated SMG labels Candlelight (Emperor, Ihsahn, Urne) and Snakefarm (Marty Stuart, Austin Meade, The White Buffalo), has grown from its independent origins into a true global rock powerhouse.

Blacktoothed Share "Hell's Paradise" Video

June 27, 2024

The latest single from blacktoothed, titled "Hell's Paradise," features a mystic fusion of vocals, guitars, and cinematic elements, crafting a haunting auditory landscape. The song includes a robust chorus and an engaging hook, enhanced by the commanding vocal delivery of Felix Fröhlich from BITE.

Watch the video below. Stream the track here.

Guitarist Matti characterizes the track as capturing "the sensation of being paralyzed and trapped within one's own mind, racing against time in a paradox of ample time (paradise) yet struggling to use it wisely (hell)."

Singer Hendrik remarks, "There's always one song on every album that evolves significantly during the writing and recording process. Matti essentially wrote 'Hell's Paradise' twice. Trusting the process was crucial, and we are thrilled with the final vibe of the song, especially with Felix's contribution."

"Hell's Paradise" is now available on all major streaming platforms via Arising Empire.

The band's last album JULI was created in collaboration with the producing team of Sawdust Recordings (Christoph Wieczorek + Julian Breucker). Stream or download JULI here.

In the past few years, blacktoothed have shared stages with well known bands like Acres, Annisokay, Bad Omens, Hands Like Houses, Polaris, Thundermother, and many more, as well as through other live highlights, including opening up the IMPERICON FESTIVAL and many other open air concerts.

BLACKTOOTHED ARE:
Hendrik | Vocals
Mathilde | Guitar
David | Drums

PLAGUESTORM Re-Releases Latest Album "Purifying Fire" with Bonus Track; Out Now on Noble Demon!

June 26, 2024

Celebrating the three-year milestone since his last full-length album, Argentinian solo artist PLAGUESTORM is thrilled to unveil the re-release of Purifying Fire today through Noble Demon. The reissue comes with a bonus track - an instrumental orchestrated version of the album's title track, previously exclusive to physical copies.

PLAGUESTORM mastermind Sebastián Pastor comments:
"Originally, this instrumental version was released as a bonus track on the digipack version of the album 'Purifying Fire' (2021). To celebrate the album's 3 years of existence, Plaguestorm is releasing this track today, making it available digitally for all fans around the world!"

Listen to "Purifying Fire" HERE

Founded by Sebastián Pastor in early 2014, PLAGUESTORM delivers a wide range of furious and raging Melodic Death Metal. Sweeping melodies, heavy, dark and melancholic arrangements, mixing the old and new Scandinavian sound of Death Metal, as if it were based on a Swedish manufacturing standard. Featuring 9 tracks full of anger and rage, desolation and sadness, Purifying Fire was praised by fans and critics alike.

As on his previous releases, Sebastián Pastor was in charge of composing and writing all the lyrics and music (as well as recording the acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drum prog, and keyboards / synthesizers / strings), while the vocals do come from Mikael Sehlin, known to many as the vocalist of Amaranthe. For the guitar solos PLAGUESTORM got the support of Diego Martinez, as well as Pablo Roman, while the orchestral arrangement for the song “Purifying Fire” was made by Sebastián Nuñez Szymanski.

PLAGUESTORM is:
Sebastián Pastor
Guitars/Bass/Drum Programming
Music/Lyrics/Mix/Mastering

Find Plaguestorm online:

Facebook

Instagram

BandCamp

Find NOBLE DEMON online:

https://linktr.ee/nobledemon