THE DEFIANTS Announce New Album, 'Drive', Set for Release on June 9th

April 3, 2023

The Defiants have announced their return with a new album, their third overall, 'Drive' on June 9, 2023 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Formed by Paul Laine, Bruno Ravel, and Rob Marcello, who are all current or former members of beloved rockers Danger Danger, The Defiants' latest opus is yet another impeccable slice of melodic hard rock.

The first single from the album, "Hey Life", is out today!

Watch a Lyric Video for "Hey Life"

Best known for being the D2 vocalist on four studio albums over the course of 12 years, Paul Laine came back to work with his former bandmates Bruno Ravel and Rob Marcello, who are the other two pillars of THE DEFIANTS, for the band’s self-titled debut in 2015.

The guys reunited at the suggestion of Frontiers' President & Head of A&R, Serafino Perugino, who really wanted these current and former Danger Danger members to offer fans of that band some new music. The resulting album was pleasing not only to the D2fans, but also to ALL the fans out there who are into the classic sound of the era from which D2 emerged.

THE DEFIANTS' debut album was greeted with a great acclaim as a glorious return to the “in your face” melodic hard rock that enraptured millions of fans back in the '80s and '90s and is currently enjoying a renaissance here in the 21st century. Within the first two weeks of its release, the album entered Billboard's Heatseekers Chart in the Top 50. Also that same year, the album claimed the #1 position on Classic Rock Magazine’s ranking of best AOR albums of the year.

Their follow up album, 'Zokusho' was released to critical acclaim in 2019 and needless to say, it had all the ingredients to continue to thrill THE DEFIANTS' fans. A BIG melodic rock album with huge choruses, hooks, and soaring guitars and vocals.

Now, after another four year wait between albums, THE DEFIANTS return with 'Drive', perhaps their greatest musical achievement...so far.

Pre-Order / Save 'Drive' HERE

THE DEFIANTS are:

Paul Laine: Vocals

Rob Marcello: Guitar

Bruno Ravel: Bass

Van Romaine: Drums

Written by Paul Laine and Bruno Ravel

Produced by: Bruno Ravel

SHADOW OF INTENT Return To Their Roots Whilst Breaking Some Rules With New Single; "THE MIGRANT"

April 3, 2023

SHADOW OF INTENT, one of the most innovative and revered bands to emerge from the metal world in recent years, have released brand new stand alone single, "The Migrant", today. Stream the new track HERE and watch the stunning accompanying music video below.

Commenting on the bands latest creative output, vocalist Ben Duerr shares

"Shadow Of Intent has always been about experimenting and expressing creativity freely, and making sure to have fun with it. With this song we've continued to do just that, reaching back to our roots and breaking some rules along the way, we made something we think you will definitely enjoy. To our oldest fans, and of course the new, The Migrant."

The new single follows the release of Shadow Of Intent's 2022's full length album, the critically acclaimed 'Elegy' which spawned singles "Of Fury", "Intensified Genocide", "Where Millions Have Come to Die", "From Ruin... We Rise", "Blood In The Sands Of Time" and killer live video for "Saurian King". Metal Injection raved in their 9/10 album review "Elegy is essential listening if you were one of those kids that spent high school rotating between Dimmu Borgir and Whitechapel. With flawless production and a masterful balancing of the two styles" with New Transcendence claiming, in their 9/10 review, that the album sees "Shadow of Intent continuing their growth, maturation and expansion into new territories of heavy music and the alchemy that comes with blending them."

Since their formation in 2014, SHADOW OF INTENT have garnered a reputation for crafting mind-blowingly technical, prog tinged symphonic deathcore. Widely acknowledged as one of the forerunners of the current deathcore renaissance, the band's debut album 'Primordial' was named as one of Revolver Magazine's '15 Essential Deathcore Albums', with Metal Sucksgiving their 2019 album 'Melancholy' a perfect 5/5 review, stating "you can expect Shadow of Intent to send echoes across metal for as long as they feel like making music". To date, they have clocked up 100 million streams, 42 million YouTube Views and have 229k monthly listeners on Spotify.

SHADOW OF INTENT kick off a huge run of US touring today with Lorna Shore, Brand of Sacrifice, Bodysnatcher, and Boundaries. Full routing is below. Tickets available from shadowofintent.com

Shadow of Intent W/ Lorna Shore, Brand Of Sacrifice, Bodysnatcher and Boundaries

4/03 Charlotte, SC @ Music Farm

4/05 St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Live

4/06 Destin, FL @ Club LA

4/07 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues

4/08 Little Rock, AR @ The Hall

4/10 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection

4/11 Evansville, IN @ Evansville Coliseum

4/12 Cedar Rapids, IA @ Club 5

4/14 Billings, MT @ Pub Station

4/15 Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory

4/16 Seattle, WA @ Showbox

4/17 Portland, OR @ Peter's Room*

4/19 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre*

4/20 Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep*

4/22 Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room*

4/23 Joliet, IL @ The Forge*

4/24 Indianapolis, IN @ HI-FI*

4/25 Cleveland, OH @ The Foundry*

4/26 Millvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls*

* = No Lorna Shore

ABOUT SHADOW OF INTENT

Shadow of Intent is an American metal band based in New England originally formed by Ben Duerr and Chris Wiseman in 2014. The band has released four albums independently since inception, including Primordial (2016), Reclaimer (2017), Melancholy (2019) and most recently their latest work Elegy (2022), which charted on Billboard at #4 Top New Artist Albums, #6 Current Hard Music Albums, and #16 on Current Rock Albums and Current Digital Albums.

The band name and lyrics were originally derived from lore from the Halo franchise and since then the band’s subject matter has become more dark and personal, focusing on the many evils in the world, whether myth or real-life events. Different genres of metal including death metal, black metal, symphonic metal, progressive metal, and metalcore are blended masterfully to create the unique sound that is Shadow of Intent.

Since their first live show at the end of 2017, Shadow of Intent have embarked on several US tours with bands such as Cannibal Corpse, The Black Dahlia Murder, Whitechapel, Carnifex, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Born of Osiris, Despised Icon, and more. The band's lineup today consists of Ben Duerr (Vocals), Chris Wiseman (Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards), Bryce Butler (Drums) and Andrew Monias (Bass).

Shadow Of Intent Are

Ben Duerr - Vocals

Chris Wiseman - Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards

Bryce Butler - Drums

Andrew Monias - Bass

Find Shadow of Intent Online

www.shadowofintent.com

Nordic prog-rockers Pennies by the Pound to release 'Nothingside' album with support from Mark Gardener & Rauli 'Rake' Eskolin

April 3, 2023

"One of Finland’s best kept secrets... quite chameleonic. Best known for their British prog-rock stylings, the quartet try a new size on in this current single – synthpop... truly of the 80s, only with a vocal timbre and passion of Marillion" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Big and extravagant.... this is brilliant music for here and now, wherever that may be" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"A trippy ride... Loads of flair and professionalism from the band" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

"Indeed a wonderful affair... Pennies By the Pound should be on everyone’s radar as a band to watch in future" ~ The Record Stache

Finnish prog rock outfit Pennies By The Pound release their new 'Nothingside' album on April 7 via the Lilith label. A collection of 10 tracks primarily in prog rock territory, 'Nothingside' is a concept album that takes the band's music to a fantastic new realm beyond anything they've released before.

The Helsinki-based band worked with RIDE frontman Mark Gardener, who mastered this record at his OX4 Sound Studio in Oxford, and top national producer Rauli 'Rake' Eskolin, who boasts over a dozen No.1 records in Finland to his name.

Most recently, they shared 'Whispers Under The Willow Tree', a song about longing for the past and regret, which was preceded by the invigorating lead track 'Burning Wish' and 80s-inspired synth-laden single 'The End Times', a song about love gone astray and the consequences thereof, which saw the band depart from their trademark British-style progressive rock output for a one-off synth-pop adventure.

"This album is an abstract story about politics, failed love and the irredeemable bad choices one tends to make in life. I'm not too keen to open it up any further. I'm hoping that keeping it quite open-ended more people can try to fit what's inside their heads into the framework of the story. But, there's three people involved in it, who interact with each other at different times but at the same place - the village, which is the birthplace of all three. And due to circumstances and things happening in the outside world, the village isn't doing that great at the moment," says frontman Johannes Susitaival.

Formed in 2017 by Johannes Susitaival and Vesa Ranta, Pennies by the Pound later expanded with the addition of Tomi Laaksonen and Alexander Meaney. Having written for various bands, Johannes' exploration and passion for alternative and progressive rock led to Pennies' self-produced 'Bloodshed and the Blinding Sunlight' EP in 2018, followed by their critically-acclaimed debut album 'Heat Death of the Universe' in 2020.

As of April 7, the 'Nothingside' LP will be released everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where the lead singles are already available.

CREDITS
Music & lyrics by Johannes Susitaival
Arranged by Pennies By The Pound and Rauli Eskolin
Johannes Susitaival - vocals, rhythm guitar, drums, keyboards
Vesa Ranta - lead guitar
Alexander Meaney - rhythm guitar
Tomi Laaksonen - bass guitar
Rauli Eskolin - additional keyboards
Produced, recorded and mixed by Rauli Eskolin
Mastered by Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound

Kingsmen Release Their New Album 'Bones Don't Lie' via SharpTone Records + Drop Visualizer For Album Title Track

April 3, 2023

Providence, RI hard rock quartet Kingsmen have today released their new album 'Bones Don't Lie'(via SharpTone Records). The full-length is the band's follow-up to their 2020 LP 'Revenge. Forgiveness. Recovery'. In celebration of today's drop, the band has also unleashed a visualizer for the album's titular track, "Bones Don't Lie". Speaking about the album, vocalist Tanner Guimond commented:

“'Bones Don’t Lie' is an adventure into the human mind and soul. A story of discovery about the inner truth of humanity. The good. The evil. The give and take between the two. With metal and industrial influences highlighting the sonic production of this record; we deliver this to you as a heavy, melodic, and destructive message.“

Leading up to today, Kingsmen have released visual accompaniments for tracks "Trial By Fire", "Bitter Half", "Dead Letter", and "Diamondize". Stream 'Bones Don't Lie' here and watch the visualizer at the thumbnail below.

Kingsmen are currently on the road on the Bones Don't Lie Tour with special guests Rise Among Rivals and Zonezero. For ticket information, please click here.

Bones Don't Lie Tour

April 4 - Toledo, OH @ The Ottawa Tavern

April 5 - Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge

April 6 - Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle

April 7 - Columbus, OH @ Ace Of Cups

April 8 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Black Forge Coffee

ABOUT KINGSMEN:

Like carbon atoms crystallized into precious stone, radiant transformation was clearly an important aspect for vocalist Tanner Guimond, bassist Adam Bakelman, drummer Michael Perrotta, and guitarists Tim Lucier and Nick Gilbert as they set out to craft their forthcoming ten-track offering, Bones Don't Lie. Yet, just as diamonds aren’t formed without a little heat, the metal outfit welcomed a good challenge in the name of personal growth.

Embracing their most experimental outlook to date, the tight-knit group wasted no time stepping outside their comfort zone and even across the country in search of inspiration. Recorded primarily in Los Angeles, California, with a short stop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Kingsmen took a substantial risk, discarding around twenty-five already mapped-out tracks and arriving at the studio with an almost completely clean slate. Combined with a willingness to soak in their new environment, the band developed the chorus of "Bitter Half" while on a thoughtful drive through Santa Monica, transformed a moving visit to Gettysburg into the poignant theme of comradery in “Trial By Fire”, and along with the guidance of new collaborators Zach Jones (Chelsea Grin, Fever 333, Silent Planet), Josh Strock (Bad Wolves, Pop Evil), and Ricky Armellino (Ice Nine Kills, This or the Apocalypse), effectively hit their stride.

A distinct difference in approach from previous album Revenge. Forgiveness. Recovery, in which the majority of the music was written prior to entering the studio, Bones Don’t Lie stemmed from the back-and-forth teamwork of real-time feedback. For Kingsmen, bouncing ideas around in a room full of friends was an ideal scenario as opposed to “ripping our hair out trying to figure out how to add to an already completed picture.” And, according to Gilbert, it was this “push-and-pull dynamic that kept us creative.”

Setting their sights on achieving what they’ve dubbed a “big metal sound that fills up your whole brain when listening to it between the headphones,” the group had fun bashing steel pipes, hammers, and pickaxes together for a striking industrial feel ("Bones Don’t Lie") and incorporating components such as the glass slide ("No Road Home") for an eerie unsettling atmosphere. Reflecting on his classical training, Guimond even found himself rediscovering a singing voice he felt he had left in the past long ago but was destined to revisit.

The most important unwavering factor, however, was the fighting Kingsmen spirit. Connecting with listeners through universal themes and lyrical stories ranging from championing positivity to coming together in the face of adversity, shining light, and hope into all they do is something the band has no intention of changing.

“To be a kingsman is to be someone that has the courage to endure the worst, but still reflect the best parts of humanity,” Guimond expressed. “So, with all of our songs, that’s what we try and showcase. There’s no way that anyone will go through life without experiencing some terrible things. But to grow from that… to become a better person after the fact is, we believe, one of the true purposes of life. Maybe someday we’ll do something wild like a concept album with ogres and elves. But we really believe that when you’re conveying your emotions through music, it comes across when you’re being honest. So as often as we can, and as many different ways possible, there’s no doubt that you’ll see a lot more of that kind of attitude through our music in the future.”

Kingsmen Are:

Tanner Guimond - Vocals

Tim Lucier - Guitar

Nick Gilbert - Guitar

Adam Bakelman - Bass

Mike Perrotta - Drums

Tanith Share "Olympus By Dawn" Video — WATCH

April 3, 2023

NEW ALBUM VOYAGE OUT APRIL 21 VIA METAL BLADE

New York City's Tanith — Russ Tippins (guitars, vocals), Cindy Maynard(bass, vocals), and Keith Robinson (drums) — previously announced their new album Voyage, out April 21 via Metal Blade. Pre-order it here.

The album was recorded and mastered on 24-track analog tape and has never been digitized from recording to pressing. Also, fans will recognize Tippins from NWOBHM legend Satan.

Today, the band has shared the video for "Olympus By Dawn." Watch it below.

"On 'Olympus,' we were looking for a different dynamic with a clean guitar riff woven around heavy bass and drums," the band says. "The lyric relates the feeling of performing while sleep-deprived, something we experienced on our last tour. With the video, we were trying to reinforce the feeling of the song with a dream-like vibe. We are thrilled with how both the song and video turned out!"

ABOUT TANITH:
There is perhaps no band keeping the spirit and sound of '70s hard rock and heavy metal alive more so than Tanith.

Formed in 2017, the band embraced that era wholeheartedly, resulting in 2019's aptly titled In Another Time, which instantly earned cult status and put them on the map. Now, they return with Voyage, picking up where they left off and once again demonstrating their mastery when it comes to this niche. "I wanted more of the same but different in some marginal way," explains vocalist/guitarist Russ Tippins (also of Satan). "Voyage is the sound of the universe speaking to mankind through the medium of Tanith. Or, if you like, twin-guitar heavy rock with dual singers which, if you grew up in the 1970s, will make you want to bounce over to the nearest record store. On a space hopper."

While their debut came together easily, this time around there were hurdles to overcome, first and foremost the COVID-19 lockdown, which geographically split up the band, Tippins living in the UK while vocalist/bassist Cindy Maynard and drummer Keith Robinson dwelt in Brooklyn. Once life finally returned to "normal" and they were ready to record, they were hit by another bombshell with guitarist Charlie Newton abruptly bowing out of the band the day before tracking began.

"Speaking as one part of a two-guitar band, it felt like trying to fly with one wing," says Tippins. "It happened so suddenly we were dumbstruck. I guess we sat around for a few days thinking he was sure to walk through the door at any moment. But soon enough we realized we'd have to try to find a way to make this record without Charlie and I’m not just talking about laying down his lines. It’s about the shared dream we had with him. The conviction he brought to that dream. The four-way belief now reduced to three."

Returning to Brooklyn's Excello Recording and engineer Hugh Pool — the same combination used for tracking In Another Time — the band produced the album themselves, with Pool mixing. The sessions were a fun time for Tanith, again recording to tape rather than digital and utilizing vintage amps and speakers to find the best possible sounds for the instruments. "Just having the time every day all day to be in the music was a big deal and all of our energy went into this project even after leaving the studio," says Maynard. "We were thinking and breathing the music, constantly working on parts and ideas. We came in well prepared overall, and that gave us time to try out different sounds for different parts to get just the thing we were looking for." Given that they established themselves as a twin-guitar band on their debut they also brought in an extra player, Andee Blacksugar, best known for touring with Peter Murphy and as a member of KMFDM, now also a member of Blondie, who Robinson had played with before.

With the record fully realized, the band are eager for people to hear it, and they are confident that it is worth taking the time to listen to it — and experience it — in all its old school glory. Tippins says, "I can think of only two other rock bands in the entire world right now that records onto 24-track analog tape. If all you've ever known is digitally produced music you really need to listen to Voyage on vinyl and experience the difference. And I'm not talking about vinyl pressed from masters recorded on Pro Tools. At no point from tracking to pressing has any of the music on Voyage been digitized. It will open your eyes."

BURNING WITCHES Reveals Second New Single, “Unleash The Beast” + Official Music Video!

April 3, 2023

BURNING WITCHES

Reveals Second Single, “Unleash The Beast”

+ Official Music Video | Watch Below!

New Album, 'The Dark Tower',

Out May 5, 2023 via Napalm Records

Pre-Order Your Copy HERE

Your favorite heavy metal force, BURNING WITCHES, have unleashed their newest ounce of mischief with the brand new single “Unleash The Beast”. On this track, roaring, dueling guitars battle each other with top-notch, fast-paced performances while the energy of the song rises to its climax when the sharp voice of singer Laura Guldemondcombines with powerful harmonies. With the song’s bloodthirsty guitars and raspy voices, the head-bopping melodies push fans against walls.

“Unleash The Beast” is the second single off of their upcoming fifth studio album, 'The Dark Tower', out May 5, 2023 via Napalm Records! Throughout their seven-year existence, the chart-cracking five-piece has had an exemplary career - topped by their most famous song, “Hexenhammer” (2 million clicks on YouTube), and strong appearances at Germany's most important metal festivals, like Wacken Open Air and Summer Breeze.

BURNING WITCHES on their single, “Unleash The Beast”:

“We are ecstatic to present you our new single ‘Unleash The Beast’ featuring the skillful Courtney Cox on lead guitar! The frantic track and video got visualized by DREAMFILM FACTORY, who already did an excellent job on our last video. Thanks for the wonderful teamwork and the awesome realization!

"We hope this powerful new track gets everybody even more excited about the release of album no. 5 on the 5th of May!”

BURNING WITCHES set the world ablaze, ushering in a new wave of heavy metal!

On fifteen energetic tracks, BURNING WITCHES ring the bells for a midnight mass in smoky-warm bars. “World On Fire” first gets the listener’s pulse pumping due to the rising tension of flashy guitar work, before melodic six-string solos unite with unbeatable guitar onslaughts and sophisticated drum attacks - underlining conjuring vocal lines that call out for an evening zombie dance! Restless and intense, the fierce women of BURNING WITCHES shred their instruments on 'The Dark Tower' like no other, but with the soft mid-tempo track “Tomorrow”, the witches settle down to gather their strength for just a moment. Bittersweet melodies float up to the sky like weightless feathers, carrying a message of five confident women. Ready again to gradually increase the tempo, “Heart Of Ice” and “Arrow Of Time” ensnare with extravagant guitar tapping and heroic vocals by Laura, while “The Lost Souls” merges devilish staccato and legato riffs, creating an ominous atmosphere amid the bewitching screams of the five Swiss enchantresses.

With their new studio album, BURNING WITCHES not only bring back the glory days of heavy metal, but push it beyond - trapping the soul of each listener with energetic performances on 'The Dark Tower'.

Pre-Order 'The Dark Tower' HERE

The Dark Tower' will be available in the following formats:

=> Wooden Box Edition: Digisleeve, Bonus CD Cardboard Sleeve, Bonus 7" Vinyl in Black & Logo Beanie

=> 2 LP Gatefold Edition in White Red Blue Splatter with Logo Patch & Cover Art Slipmat (strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide)

=> 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Marbled Blue Black – D-Side Logo Etching (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)

=> 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Transparent Red – D-Side Logo Etching (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)

=> 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Crystal Clear – D-Side Logo Etching (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)

=> 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Picture – D-Side Logo Etching (strictly limited to 100 copies worldwide)

=> 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Black – D-Side Logo Etching

=> 6 Page Digisleeve Patch & Signed Booklet (GSA exclusive, strictly limited to 300 copies)

=> 6 Page Digisleeve & Shirt

=> 6 Page Digisleeve

=> Tape Edition - Red with white print

=> Full Digital Album

BURNING WITCHES are:

Laura Guldemond - Vocals

Romana Kalkuhl - Guitars

Larissa Ernst - Guitars

Jeanine Grob - Bass

Lala Frischknecht - Drums

JOHNNY THE BOY Announces New Album, Reveals New Song + Music Video

April 3, 2023

Emerging black 'n' roll trio JOHNNY THE BOY will be debuting its first full length, 'You,' via Season of Mist on June 9, 2023! The band is now sharing its first ever single, "Crossings," along with an eerie music video, which can be viewed on the Season of Mist channel HERE.

Although the band contains members of CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX, the music of JOHNNY THE BOY is not what you'd expect. It's creepy, heavy, dark and full of diabolical black metal screams from none other than Belinda Kordic.
Together with Justin Greaves and Matt Crawford, the band created an album with Bathory style elements, a touch of 'Satyricon BlacknRoll' and a bit of fast Motörhead.

JOHNNY THE BOY comments: “'Crossings.' The act of dying, the final curtain call, sometimes dying alone, the surreal and the nightmares."

Pre-save "You" HERE and pre-order "You" HERE.

JOHNNY THE BOY has done it again.

Sometimes the best ideas come from spontaneity. Sometimes they come from gut instinct. When both happen simultaneously, anything is possible, unimaginable horrors included.

Born from a simple idea, and eventually coalescing over the last couple of years into a fully-formed entity, JOHNNY THE BOY make music that fucking hurts. Armed with a scabrous but sculpted blend of ice-cold black metal, excoriating sludge and sinewy, white-knuckle rock’n’roll, the trio’s musical identity has arrived, perfectly imperfect and ready to eviscerate. Formed around a creative core of vocalist Belinda Kordic, guitarist Justin Greaves (both members of Crippled Black Phoenix) and bassist Matt Crawford (CBP alumnus and live bassist), JOHNNY THE BOY began life as an instinctive grab for something darker and nastier.

“It began at a rehearsal with CBP many, many years ago,” says Greaves. “We were rehearsing down at Arthur’s, where CBP used to practice, and it was during one of those rehearsals that I just got on the guitar, someone else got on the drums and we were just fart-arsing about, with Belinda doing her necro vocals! Then we posted a little clip online and people starting asking, ‘Oh, is this legit?’ Like always, it took fucking years to even think about doing anything, but it was always going to happen.”

“In the background, there’s the fact that in the first band I was ever in, I sang that way,” adds Kordic. “I really missed doing that. We both missed that whole Iron Monkey, Varukers, aggressive side of music. That’s the first way of singing that I loved, and I’ve missed doing it. So we always wanted to do this.”

Brought together by a love of dark, twisted and extreme music and energised by an opportunity to return to the full-bore hostilities of their earlier creative years, JOHNNY THE BOY‘s debut album You is the final proof that the best ideas cannot be stopped. A collaborative effort that brought the evil best out of everyone involved, it’s an album that has been stewed in real blood, sweat and tears. But mainly sweat.

“Justin starting working for me at a venue in our hometown, and there was a mention of doing something called World War,” says Crawford. “We went to our rehearsal room for two days. It was the hottest, most uncomfortable sweatiest room ever, and we were trying to write the coldest, bleakest music you could imagine! So it was horrific, but I think we got five tracks out of those two days. Me and Justin were together in Scunthorpe, and Belinda was working remotely in Sweden, and that was before it was cool!”

One of the songs from that initial batch of JOHNNY THE BOY material was No Regrets: a caustic blast of blackened fury that was mischievously planted at the very end of Crippled Black Phoenix’s acclaimed 2022 full-length Banefyre, almost as a clandestine warning of the darkness to come.

“That was Justin’s idea. When we recorded Banefyre, he said, ‘Why not sneak in and record a JOHNNY THE BOY track?’,” says Kordic. “We did that and No Regrets went on the album, and then Michael at Season Of Mist said he wanted a whole album from us.”

“Yeah, No Regrets played two roles at the same time,” says Greaves. “It was something pretty outlandish at the end of a CBP album, to give everyone a a kick in the bollocks, but it was also our way of saying, ‘We do this other thing, by the way!’”

Not just another “thing”, but an entirely box-fresh (but intrinsically rotten) means of expression, JOHNNY THE BOY conjure a claustrophobic cyclone of serrated-edge riffs and bilious crescendos. Like the outer reaches of the Melvins’ back catalogue pumped backwards through a frosty, Bathory-fuelled prism, with marauding D-beats and moments of oppressive melancholy hurled in for extra impact, You offers a mesmerising blend of the familiar and the unknowable. From the imperious, doomy mantras of Endlessly Senseless to the all-out blitzkrieg of Wired, JOHNNY THE BOY’s warped vision is heavy in every sense.

Meanwhile, bursting out from the abrasive, treacly maelstrom of riffs at all manner of bone-snapping angles, Belinda Kordic’s extraordinary screams and howls elevate every song to a higher level of primitive intensity.
“I truly think that Belinda’s vocals are some of the most more visceral, vicious and spiteful I’ve ever heard,” says Greaves. “I love the opening song, Die Already, it’s just a horrible song. I just love when Belinda’s singing ‘You prick!’ or whatever it is. She’s just spitting venom.”

“It’s all Belinda too,” adds Crawford. “It’s all natural. There’s no studio trickery!”

“When I was recording the vocals in Sweden, at the same studio where we recorded most of the vocals for Banefyre, the engineer asked me ‘Why do you sing like that?’” Kordic recalls. “I just said, ‘It’s instead of crying!’ That’s what I do. I let it out that way.”

In keeping with the rapacious, hateful noise that JOHNNY THE BOY whip up, Kordic’s lyrics are also notable for their direct and destructive rhetoric. A collection of incensed diatribes, everything from the demagogue-baiting Die Already to the poetic grief of closer Without You resounds with gruelling emotional clarity. Eschewing the usual underground metal cliches in favour of harrowing, real world concerns, JOHNNY THE BOY are lunging straight for humanity’s jugular (with a little feline representation thrown in for balance).

“The songs all have different meanings,” Kordic explains. “Die Already is about dictators. Crossings is about how no one should have to die alone. The last song (Without You) is about Tigger, our cat. Wired is about being really neurotic. Druh is about Witold Pilecki who was in the Polish resistance in the Second World War. He got caught on purpose, so that he could get into the concentration camp, so see how the prisoners were being treated. There he discovered what was going on with the Jews, the gypsies, the disabled, and he tried to tell the world. He was a real fucking hero.”

Fuelled by decades of devotion to the infernal musical arts, JOHNNY THE BOYbring something unique and undeniable to the table. You screams its defiance and vitality from first to last, while a sense that Greaves, Kordic and Crawford are sharing an act of profound catharsis with the world is unmistakable. Soon, the band will expand into a full live unit, in order to inflict You’s brutal conflagration on the masses and in the flesh. Most importantly, You burns with a ferocity that simply can’t be faked. Equal parts magick, malice and metal therapy JOHNNY THE BOY ignores the rules and burns the fucking house down.

“This is totally new and it’s exciting,” concludes Greaves. “Everything’s an experiment at this point. But we’re doing it because we needed to rediscover the reason why we all make music in the first place. After a long time in the industry, we’re all very jaded and cynical, but now I can’t wait for the first gigs and seeing all the metalheads’ faces when Belinda comes out and starts screaming. This is going to be fucking great.”

Recording Line-up:
Belinda - Vokillz
Justin Greaves - Guiterrorist & Drumbs
Matt Crawford - Bass Avalanche

Links:
https://www.instagram.com/johnny_the_boy
https://www.facebook.com/JTB444UVO

Recording Studio: Chapel Studios, Lincolnshire UK, Kapsylen Studio, Stockholm Sweden
Mixing: Kurt Ballou @ GodCity Studio, Salem MA. USA.
Mastering: Magnus Lindberg - Magnus Lindberg Productions, Stockholm, Sweden.

Artwork: JOHNNY THE BOY

Biography: Dom Lawson

Photos: Chantik Photography – www.chantik.nl

Shop: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/JTB-You
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/jtbyoupresave

FALSE MEMORIES Announce New Studio Album 'Hybrid Ego System' Set For Release on June 9

April 3, 2023

'Hybrid Ego System' follows the band's last release, 'The Last Night Of Fall', which was composed by guitarist/producer Francesco Savino (Demons Down, T3NORS) and vocalist Rossella Moscatello. The duo also oversaw the creation of the new album, with drummer Emanuele Cossu, guitarist Moreno Palmisano, and new bassist Davide Tavecchia rounding out the line-up.

'Hybrid Ego System' sees FALSE MEMORIES continuing to explore the farthest reaches of dark metal while still exploring their fondness for progressive metal. And as a special treat, legendary vocalist Anette Olzon (The Dark Element, ex-Nightwish) joins the band for a duet with Rossella on the track, "The Storm Inside".

Beginning in 2021, FALSE MEMORIES have enjoyed a burst of creativity and activity that has heightened their profile. First, they released their well received album, 'The Last Night Of Fall', before closing out 2021 with a covers EP, 'Echoes Of A Reflection', where they paid tribute to Lacuna Coil, Paradise Lost, Katatonia, The Gathering, and All About Eve.

2022 would see the band release a special live EP, 'Live Until The Twilight' on all digital music platforms (footage of the band's full performance can be seen on YouTube HERE) and embarking on a European tour with labelmates Semblant. Additionally, vocalist Rossella Moscatello and Francesco Savino contributed their songwriting talents to tracks for their labelmates Revolution Saints' album 'Eagle Flight'. Of course, in 2022 the band also worked on their new album, 'Hybrid Ego System'.

Pre-Order / Save 'False Memories' HERE

FALSE MEMORIES was originally formed in 2015 by guitarist Francesco Savino, who soon started working on original material. In 2016, the band released a self-titled EP which included four original tracks and one cover.

As time progressed, the band’s soundscapes got more mature and headed towards a more goth rock/metal sound. Invigorated by their new sound, the band started to work on its first full-length release, 'Chimerical'. Originally released independently in January 2018, the album featured eight previously unreleased tracks and three of the original songs from the debut EP, for a total of 11 original songs.

In October 2018, singer Rossella Moscatello joined the band and the band eventually released a new edition of the 'Chimerical' album, including three bonus tracks sung by Rossella. The band would then go on to sign with Frontiers Records and release their debut for the label, 'The Last Night Of Fall', in 2021.

FALSE MEMORIES are:

Rossella Moscatello - Vocals

Francesco Savino - Guitars

Moreno Palmisano - Guitars

Davide Tavecchia - Bass

Emanuele Cossu - Drums

Produced by Francesco Savino

Chicago’s THE BELLWETHER SYNDICATE release ‘Golden Age’, the final single from much-anticipated ‘Vigil & Vestige' album (out April 28)

April 3, 2023

"Goth Rock Tornado... hair-raising speed, riff-racing insanity and badass drum/bass force... William Faith‘s edged Goth-infused vocals rumble all over this super-duper sucker-punch steamroller" ~ Turn Up The Volume

"Anything but conventional... the band is one of the most unique dissonant sounds in the scene" ~ Outburn Magazine

“Words so relevant to the time we are living in... Superb... The Bellwether Syndicate is full of brilliant surprises” ~ The Spill Magazine

“The time seems right for a new wave of post-punk to be ushered in... The Bellwether Syndicate is leading the charge” ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"A glittery piece of glamorous darkness...with William Faith’s crooning vocals and Sarah Rose smoothly cascading guitars” ~ Post-Punk.com

Alternative post-punk outfit The Bellwether Syndicate introduce 'Golden Age', the final single from their 'Vestige & Vigil' album, out on April 28 via Sett Records in North America and elsewhere via Nexilis Records / Schubert Music Europe.

With its ethereal atmosphere and haunted vocals, 'Golden Age' warns of getting lost in nostalgia at the cost of the time that remains, yielding an unforgettable shimmering chorus that stays with you. Directed by William Faith, the accompanying video was created by Sarah Rose Faith, Kristen Chiacchia, Hani von Gehenna and William Faith with still images by Bobby Talamine, Kristen Chiacchia and James Currie.

Based in Chicago, The Bellwether Syndicate is William Faith (vox, guitars), Sarah Rose Faith (vox, guitars), Philly Peroxide (keyboards, percussion), Stevyn Grey (drums) and Corey Gorey (guitars). Formerly of seminal goth acts Christian Death, Mephisto Walz and Shadow Project and co-founder of Faith & The Muse, William Faith moved from his native LA to Chicago in 2010, forming The Bellwether Syndicate with Sarah Rose Faith a.k.a. Scary Lady Sarah, one of the scene’s most eminent DJs and club promoters and host of Nocturna, the longest-running goth event in North America.

Six years in the making, the 'Vestige & Vigil' LP was produced by William Faith, whose credits include Jarboe, Clan of Xymox, Bootblacks and Autumn, and Chad Blinman (Face To Face, Faith and The Muse, Jarboe). Recorded by William Faith at 13 Studio in Chicago, it was mixed by Blinman at The Eye Socket. This album comes 9 years after debuting with 'The Night Watch' EP and four years since their latest single, 'Republik'.

"Golden Age' is a rare gift in that I received nearly the entire song in a dream… The beat, the guitar and bass melody, and the chorus lyric were all just there in my head when I woke up and, without saying a word to Sarah, I ran down to the studio to capture it before I lost it," explains William Faith.

"It has a haunting quality which felt very nostalgic to me, so the lyric is really about the danger of getting lost in nostalgia and losing the present as a result. This is a conversation we have a lot, as so many people seem to stop looking ahead, content to rummage through the past. I’ve always said that tomorrow is way more interesting to me than yesterday, so this song warns about getting stuck there. As for the chorus, it’s anyone’s guess what it means, as it’s all a dream!"

This single follows singles 'We All Rise' (a tale of hope and struggle, of inner-courage and rage for what could be), 'Beacons' (its ‘set adrift’ narrative supported by liquid, chorused guitars and distress-signal bass and synth) and the glam-noir lead track 'Dystopian Mirror'.

As of March 31, 'Golden Age' is will be available from all fine digital outlets, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where the other singles can also be found. The full 'Vestige & Vigil' album will be released on April 28.

CREDITS
Written and performed by The Bellwether Syndicate
Produced by William Faith & Chad Blinman
Recorded by William Faith at 13 Studio in Chicago
Mixed by Chad Blinman at The Eye Socket
Additional programming and treatments by Chad Blinman
Mastered by Josh Sebek
William Faith - Vox and guitars
Sarah Rose Faith - Vox and guitars
Corey Gorey - Guitars (live)
Philly Peroxide - Keyboards and percussion (live)
Stevyn Grey - Drums (live)
'Dystopian Mirror' video filmed by William Faith & David Staudacher
'Beacons' video filmed by William Faith & Sarah Rose Faith
'We All Rise' video filmed by Sidney Strong
All videos directed by William Faith

Keep up with The Bellwether Syndicate
Website | Tour | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Apple Music| Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with William Faith
Website | Twitter | Instagram | LinkTree | Press contact

Keep up with Sett Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Email

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

Darius Rucker Returns to Country Radio With "Fires Don't Start Themselves," Out Now

April 2, 2023

DARIUS RUCKER RETURNS TO COUNTRY RADIO WITH
“FIRES DON’T START THEMSELVES,” OUT NOW

Starting Fires Tour Kicks Off This June; Tickets On Sale Now via DariusRucker.com

Rucker to Join Forces With The Black Crowes for Special CMT Music Awards Performance This Sunday, April 2

Multi-time Diamond-certified star Darius Rucker returns to Country radio with a new preview of his forthcoming album, Carolyn’s Boy, as “Fires Don’t Start Themselves” debuts across all platforms today, March 31. Listen Below.

Written by Dan Isbell, Ben Hayslip and Jacob Rice, the sensual song showcases Rucker’s smooth baritone celebrated by Billboard as “one of the most distinctive voices of the modern country era” and by The New Yorker as “extraordinary: rich, round, and full of nuance.”

“When I first heard ‘Fires Don’t Start Themselves,’ the hook immediately got me,” reflects Rucker. “The beginning of the chorus, ‘Let’s drink what’s left of this…’ is classic ‘90s Country. I love it!”

The new release precedes a special performance from Rucker on the CMT Music Awards, where he will join forces with The Black Crowes for a duet of “She Talks to Angels.” Tune in to CBS or Paramount+ this Sunday, April 2 at 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. ET/PT to see the collaboration.

“I’ve been a fan of The Black Crowes for decades, and I’m grateful that we’ve also become good friends over the years. The first time I heard ‘She Talks to Angels;’ I remember being so moved by the lyrics that I went around Columbia, South Carolina asking every single bar to play it. I went home that night and put on Bonnie Raitt’s Home Plate, and decided I was going to try to write ‘She Talks to Angels’ for her. ‘Let Her Cry’ was what poured out of me. These guys have been so impactful on my career and I can’t wait to share the CMT stage with them.”

Rucker will also kick off his Starting Fires Tour on June 15, visiting 21 cities across the U.S. and Canada throughout the summer.  Joining the three-time GRAMMY winner as direct support across most dates is popular Americana band Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, with rising star Drew Green as direct support on select dates. Tickets are on sale now via DariusRucker.com.

He also recently announced the lineup for his second annual Riverfront Revival Music Festival, taking place October 7-8 in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. Joining Rucker to perform are fellow headliners Turnpike Troubadours, plus Lainey Wilson, Band of Horses, Greensky Bluegrass, Niko Moon, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Drivin N’ Cryin, Megan Moroney, Elvie Shane and more. Full lineup details and tickets are available via RiverfrontRevival.com.

Additionally, Rucker will return to the stage this spring with his Hootie & the Blowfish bandmates, taking over the picturesque stretch of white sand beach at Moon Palace Cancún for the second annual HootieFest: The Big Splash, a four-day celebration of all things rock. Set for April 26-29, the destination event will feature three headlining performances on the beach by the GRAMMY Award-winning band, plus daily pool parties, intimate oceanfront performances from Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies, Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, Everclear, Edwin McCain, Lit and Cowboy Mouth, as well as a special Hootie & the Blowfish sunset show. Limited ticket/travel packages remain via HootieFest.com.

For more information on all things Darius Rucker, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

“Fires Don’t Start Themselves” Lyrics Available for Download HERE

Starting Fires Tour Dates
* denotes Drew Green as direct support (all other dates are Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors)
June 15            Roanoke, Va.  ||  Elmwood Park Amphitheatre*
June 22            Washington, D.C.  ||  The Anthem
June 24            Canandaigua, N.Y.  ||  Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
July 13            Dubuque, Iowa  ||  Q Casino – Back Waters Stage*
July 20            Jacksonville, Fla.  ||  Daily’s Place
July 21            Wilmington, N.C.  || Live Oak Bank Pavilion
July 22            Alpharetta, Ga.  ||  Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 3             Niagara Falls, Ontario  ||  Fallsview Casino
Aug. 4             Bridgeport, Conn.  ||  Hartford HealthCare Amphitheatre
Aug. 5             Farmingville, N.Y.  ||  Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill
Aug. 10           Sterling Heights, Mich.  ||  Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
Aug. 11           Milwaukee, Wis.  ||  BMO Pavilion
Aug. 12           Maryland Heights, Mo.  ||  Saint Louis Music Park
Aug. 18           Irvine, Calif.  ||  FivePoint Amphitheatre
Aug. 19           Stateline, Nev.  ||  Lake Tahoe Harveys Outdoor Arena
Aug. 23           Los Angeles, Calif.  || The Greek Theatre
Aug. 25           San Diego, Calif.  ||  Gallagher Square at Petco Park
Aug. 26           Highland, Calif.  ||  Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
Sept. 8             Durant, Okla.  ||  Choctaw Casino & Resort – Grand Theater
Sept. 9             Durant, Okla.  ||  Choctaw Casino & Resort – Grand Theater
Oct. 14            Nashville, Tenn.  ||  Ascend Amphitheater

About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (21x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart, including RIAA Platinum-certified Learn to Live and True Believers,plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of  “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. He co-hosted the 54th annual CMA Awards in 2020 and topped the charts at Country radio once again with “Beers And Sunshine” in 2021. New songs “Same Beer Different Problem” and “Ol’ Church Hymn” (featuring Chapel Hart) are available everywhere now as Rucker puts the finishing touches on his forthcoming album, Carolyn’s Boy.

As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has raised over $3 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. Rucker is also an avid sports fan, offering his own NFL x Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics apparel line at NFLshop.com, and he is part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee in addition to serving as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.

ART NATION Announce New Studio Album, 'Inception', Set for Release on June 9th

April 2, 2023

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of ART NATION's new album, 'Inception', on June 9th.

This will be the band's first new album in four years and sees vocalist Alexander Strandell, guitarist Christoffer Borg, bassist Richard Svärd, and drummer Alexander Lundgren delivering a powerful musical statement. Huge, anthemic melodic hard rock mixed with European metal influences throughout, make 'Inception' an undeniably enjoyable sonic delight.

An epic new single, "Brutal And Beautiful" is out now.

Watch the New Music Video

After having worked with lead vocalist Alexander Strandell on 2022's excellent debut album from Crowne, 'Kings In The North', Frontiers Music Srl approached Alexanderabout working together on a new ART NATION album and thankfully, Strandell was keen on the idea.

Importantly and crucially, guitarist Christoffer Borg, who started the band with Strandell in 2014, has returned to ART NATION. Strandell and Borg, along with bassist Richard Svärd and drummer Alexander Lundgren, have re-established that great musical spirit and chemistry that launched the band and ART NATION is back and better than ever!

"When ART NATION released our debut album 'Revolution' in 2015, everything went extremely fast. Suddenly we were on tour, doing shows on some of the biggest stages in Sweden and walking the red carpet of the Grammy Awards. At the same time, we were navigating the difficulties of being a bunch of kids, playing in a band where no one had any experience of doing all the things that we were expected to do. I was totally broken and overwhelmed by all the anxiety that had built up from the pressure of trying too hard. After the release of 'Liberation' in 2017, I could barely be on stage anymore without pain in my chest and I was so frustrated with being ill.

"During this period, I did things to my friends in the band that I deeply regret today. Even if I told myself that it was okay because of my health, it’s never okay to treat your friends badly. I need to live with that for the rest of my life and I’ll try to do better from now on. I lost my friends in 2017 and the band was never the same after that. We tried really hard to continue the journey, but it never felt like ART NATION without Christoffer, who started the band with me back in 2014. The musical spirit was gone along with the strong friendship," explains Strandell.

"After the release of 'Transition' in 2019, the dawn of the pandemic in early 2020 forced me to cancel all future plans and everything went upside down. I tried to see it all as a sign to just focus on myself and try to repair all the damage I had done during the years. This break was necessary because I needed to heal myself and today I’m feeling stronger than ever, with much thanks to my family and friends. Christoffer and I are back together with Richard and Alex and we couldn’t be more happy," continues Strandell.

"We're here to stay this time and from the bottom of my heart, I’m so thankful for all the support during the band's existence. Let's make this next chapter of ART NATION the best ever!" concludes Strandell.

The band played their first show in three years at the legendary Sweden Rock Festival's”Sweden Stage'' on June 8, 2022 and plans on even more gigs for 2023 and 2024.

Pre-Order / Save 'Inception' HERE

ART NATION are:

Alexander Strandell - Vocals

Christoffer Borg - Guitar

Richard Svärd - Bass

Alexander Lundgren - Drums

THROW THE FIGHT, Announce New Album Release Details + Drops Music Video for "Hourglass"

April 2, 2023

"THROW THE FIGHT fires on all cylinders with a sound equally melodic and punchy, harnessing the perfect balance between riling up the basement circle pit

and a huge arena." - New Noise Magazine

"THROW THE FIGHT finds a balance between rock, and you know, rawk, and proceeds to tear it up in 4/4 time!" - Alternative Press

With over 50,000 albums sold, 700,000+ monthly Spotify listeners, and more than 100 million streams, American hard rock experts, THROW THE FIGHT, have already developed impressive numbers throughout their band history.

Three years after the release of their latest album 'Settle Your Sins', the band marks their return as they officially announce the release of their upcoming full-length, entitled 'Strangeworld', out June 30 via Long Branch Records. Produced by Josh Gilbert and Joseph McQueen (As I Lay Dying, Bad Wolves, Light The Torch, Upon A Burning Body), the record is a potent distillation of the strengths of their catalog and a huge step forward to the future.

In conjunction with this announcement, today, the band released their new single "Hourglass" alongside a brand new video - marking the second track released off 'Strangeworld' - following the single, "Cover Your Tracks".

Stream "Hourglass" and pre-order the new album HERE

Watch the video

Singer Kade Katz comments:

"An hourglass resembles the passage of time and serves as a reminder that time and moments are precious. It's a reminder to embrace life and be grateful for our limited time on this planet."

With a diehard audience earned the old-school way, and modern rock anthems suited for the digital age, THROW THE FIGHT celebrates two decades of passion and perseverance. Mixing soaring melodicism and heavy bombast without ever sacrificing hooks, this Minnesota outfit was built to last.

Pre-Order 'Strangeworld' HERE

'Strangeworld' will be released as LP Edition incl. transparent vinyl with blue streaks,

CD Edition, Stream and Download.

Exclusive T-Shirt+CD/LP Bundles are available for pre-order

at the Long Branch Records Shop.

Tours with Bullet For My Valentine, Black Veil Brides, and All That Remains; shows with Avenged Sevenfold, Papa Roach, and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus; festival appearances and headlining gigs introduced audiences to the power of the band’s sound as it evolved across four albums.

THROW THE FIGHT are:

Kade Kastelitz - Vocals

Ryan Baustert - Guitar/Vocals

Kris Weiser - Guitar

Jeff Baustert - Drums

Iodine to Re-Release There Were Wires' Self-Titled Debut For First Time on Vinyl

April 1, 2023

IODINE RECORDINGS will be re-releasing There Were Wires' self-titled debut on Friday, May 12. It marks the first time the classic and influential record will be available in 20 years. It's also the first time it will be released on vinyl.

The pre-order is now live here.

Listen to the 2023 God City remixed/remastered version of "Lukewarm Happy" below.

Unlikely but overwilling, the embryonic form of Boston's There Were Wires traversed every basement, rec hall, and dive club in the city to blow out speakers and vocal chords alike with their explosive brand of hardcore punk. Their blend of harshly emotive dissonance and punchy, anthemic songs pulled inspiration from bands like Converge, Portraits of Past, and Unbroken. Though it's true that TWW live shows were a powder keg of chaos, the true gooey center of the band revealed an honest vulnerability that belied the tough crowd of contemporaries, which gained them a small but devoted cult following in the New England scene. The band's debut self titled LP is being pressed for the first time on vinyl and has been completely remixed by Kurt Ballou (Converge) at God City Studios, and includes several out of print B-Sides and the band's 1999 demo. It will be available on two limited color variants! Members of TWW went on to form Disappearer, Doomriders, and No Flowers.

The band will be playing a pair of reunion shows this spring, marking their first live appearances in almost 18 years.

THERE WERE WIRES LIVE:
4/28 — Cambridge, MA — The Sinclair
4/29 — Providence, RI — AS220

The Meffs Release New Single + Music Video "Dead in the City" via Bottles To The Ground

April 1, 2023

British political punk duo The Meffs have released their new music video for "Dead In The City". The track is taken from the band's latest EP 'Broken Britain Pt. 2'. Produced by legendary punk rocker and songwriter Frank Turner, the EP is the follow-up to their December 2022 drop 'Broken Britain Pt. 1'. Both EPs were released via Bottles To The Ground, Fat Mike of NOFX's new label imprint of Fat Wreck Chords. Speaking on the inspiration behind "Dead In The City", The Meffs commented:

"Sitting in the Commons, laughing in our faces; think it's a joke - fuck their pompous airs and graces. An ode to the UK government, and politicians across the world."

Stream "Dead In The City" here, watch the music video below and be sure to stay tuned for more news from The Meffs coming soon.

Since exploding onto the UK scene in 2019, The Meffs - aka Lily on vocals/guitar and Lewis on drums/backing vocals - have built up a reputation as purveyors of frantic punk bangers and an absolute must-see live sensation.

A performance at Frank Turner's Lost Evenings Festival was followed by the band hitting the studio with Turner to record, arguably, their best work yet. Pulling no punches as ever, Lily calls out societal inequality at every opportunity over a wall of hard-hitting melodies.

2022 saw The Meffs sign to Bottles to the Ground, imprint label of Fat Mike's Fat Wreck Chords. Described by Turner as "an absolute monster", Broken Britain Pt.1 and Pt.2 are out now!

Following a multitude of festival appearances and sold-out shows across the UK, May 2023 sees the band embark on their first tour of the UK: BROKEN BRITAIN TOUR. Tickets are available on their website and most major ticket sites. 2023 also sees The Meffs join the likes of Buzzcocks, Grade 2, Barstool Preachers, and Dune Rats on the road, alongside making their Download Festival debut.

If there was ever a time society needed this band to make some noise, it's now, and don't the people know it.

UP THE MEFFS.

HOT MILK Announce Debut Album, 'A CALL TO THE VOID'; Drop Video For Lead Single "HORROR SHOW"

April 1, 2023

Manchester, UK - Hot Milk have announced their debut album 'A CALL TO THE VOID' set for release 25th August 2023 on Music For Nations. Pre-order the album HERE. Highlighting today's announcement is the release of lead single "HORROR SHOW" and it's official music video. Listen HERE and watch the video below.

Speaking on the band's new single, Han Mee shares

"To those on the outside of the lives that we lead, we may look odd, scary and different,,, so what? In their eyes we may be damned, lost, rebellious, and less than. This song accepts that difference, embraces it and shoves it back in their faces. Built to be obnoxious and written to be purposely aggressive, Horror show combines our loves of drum n bass n dirty riffs. fuck it, where are who are like it or lump it.”

For some, it might feel like a long time coming but Hot Milk always knew that when the time came to make their debut album, they had to be ready for it. It will be their loudest statement yet of who they are and what they stand for, an opportunity to show the world what they are made of.

The band have blossomed over the course of three self-produced EPs, this constant stream of releases has meant that Hot Milk were never away from the spotlight – or the stages they call home. Their rise kept accelerating, taking them to stadium support slots with Foo Fighters, the main stages of some of the best festivals Globally, an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel in the US to tours with bands like Pale Waves and their own headline sold-out shows to over 50 million streams of the EPs alone. Crucially, however, they were giving themselves space to find themselves as artists.

The band recorded the album between Manchester, Los Angeles and Stockholm with the bands very own Jim Shaw at the Producing helm for the majority of the record, much like all previous releases. An element that has become so important to the band and allowing them to control just exactly what they want to be as artists.

Tracks on the debut album walk on a tightrope between the humorous and the serious, brimming with what might be called positive nihilism. They’re not so much finding the light in the dark as they are laughing because if they don’t, they’ll cry.

The most important thing for the band, however, is that these songs are written to scream from the speakers of the stage, and for their refrains to be screamed back at them by the adoring, tight-knit community they’ve built. “Live is where I’m happiest, live is where it’s home,” says Han. “We wrote songs with the intention of people going off, making you feel good, opening the pit up, letting go, crying, getting on your mate’s shoulders. It’s church for us.”

Hot Milk have just finished a tour of South America and will be playing a various festivals this Summer including Download and Reading + Leeds festivals.

28 May 2023 - Adjacent Festival, Atlantic City US

09 June 2023 - Download Festival, Donington UK

30 June 2023 - Rock Werchter, Werchter Belgium

01 July 2023 - Main Square, Arras France

07 July 2023 - TRNSMT Festival, Glasgow UK

25 August 2023 - Leeds Festival, Leeds UK

27 August 2023 - Reading Festival, Reading UK

With 'A CALL TO THE VOID', Hot Milk will launch themselves into the upper echelons of the British rock scene.

AD INFINITUM Releases Fascinating Fifth Single “Eternal Rains” + Music Video

March 31, 2023

Exciting New Album, 'Chapter III – Downfall',

Out TODAY | Order NOW!

Modern symphonic metal band AD INFINITUM is back to make a stand with their eagerly anticipated third record, 'Chapter lll – Downfall', out today via Napalm Records! Along with the album release, the four-piece presents the stunning album opener, “Eternal Rains”, as their fifth single off of the new offering. The song is represented by an impressively powerful music video that showcases AD INFINITUM as the energetic entity that they are celebrated as by their devotees.

Shimmering “Eternal Rains” proves the modern symphonic metal four-piece to be on top of their game, whirling the genre with their inimitable sound, topped by a breathtaking vocal performance by matchless rising star Melissa Bonny. This exciting ride showcases the massive talent of this uprising outfit, fanning the flames of a bright future!

AD INFINITUM on “Eternal Rains”:

“After the fire, here comes the rain! Today is the day, our third album 'Chapter III - Downfall' is out. We decided to feature one more song with a music video: ‘Eternal Rains’. ‘Eternal Rains’ is the opening track of this new record and sets the tone with a diverse palette of sounds and energies. Enjoy the new album, happy release day!”

Check out the Music Video for "Eternal Rains"

'Chapter III – Downfall' bewitches with an innovative sound full of soaring melodic splendor juxtaposed against brooding, dark and even gothic heaviness. Exploring concepts of Ancient Egyptian history and mythology, AD INFINITUM melds a perfect balance of storytelling and technically sophisticated songwriting, spreading their wings in both areas of production and lyricism. Charging instrumentals, pounding drums, chunky, grooving riffs, mind-boggling solos and enchanting orchestrations build the band's unique world of sound as frontwoman-to-watch Melissa Bonny’s soul-stirring cleans and haunting growls put her incredible vocal range on display - dropping jaws with each line.

Produced by AD INFINITUM and Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, 'Chapter III – Downfall' showcases that this up-and-coming quartet can effortlessly turn the genre upside down, gracing it with contemporary vibes without forgoing their signature metal origins, and thrilling all metal fans as they rise to the top!

AD INFINITUM add:

“The word is out, 'Chapter III - Downfall' is on its way! For this album, we explored stories and legends of Ancient Egypt with, as star character and main inspiration, Cleopatra. We added some extra dimension and sounds to our signature AD INFINITUM sound to create an extra dimension, transporting the listener to mystical landscapes of another era. We are beyond excited to start to unveil this new record!“

Get your copy of 'Chapter III – Downfall' NOW

Electric “Upside Down” showcases the addictive formula of AD INFINITUM while defying all rules, combining epic melodies and demonic growls with finesse. “From The Ashes”impresses with reminiscence of artists like Meshuggah, proving that AD INFINITUMnever fails to deliver surprises. “Under The Burning Skies” directs its haunting vocals towards the horizon, unfolding into an intense mid-tempo ballad shortly after. As a special treat, AD INFINITUM welcomes Chrigel Glanzmann of Eluveitie, who provides his voice for the atmospheric monologue introduction on “Legends”, paving the way for a touch of Middle Eastern-inspired djent flavor.

AD INFINITUM are:

Melissa Bonny – Vocals

Adrian Thessenvitz – Guitars

Korbinian Benedict – Bass

Niklas Müller – Drums

ENFORCER - Release Second Single 'Nostalgia' + New Music Video

March 31, 2023

Swedish heavy metal pioneers ENFORCER are stoked to share their second new single 'Nostalgia'. The title track of their upcoming album Nostalgia, due to be released on May 5th, gives fans another taste of the new long-player. Whilst the first single 'Coming Alive' showed the straight-to-the-point, classically heavy side that ENFORCER are well-known for, 'Nostalgia' flaunts a more melodic and powerful edge, including acoustic elements and a more delicate, heartfelt touch. It’s the album’s ludicrously catchy power ballad. Along with the new single, the band has also released a new music video to accompany the track, which you can witness below.

Listen to the new single 'Nostalgia' here: https://enforcer.bfan.link/nostalgia-single.ema

ENFORCER's Olof Wikstrand comments:
”Sooner or later you get to a point in life when you realize you’re not gonna live forever and you see things around you that you used to know aged, withered and died. There’s absolutely nothing you can do about the destructive force of time. We’re super excited to share with you one of the most ominous songs we’ve ever written: Nostalgia. A powerful semi-ballad about the futility of life. Enjoy!”

Pre-order or pre-save the new album Nostalgia here: https://enforcer.bfan.link/nostalgia-album.ema

ENFORCER's new album Nostalgia was recorded at Olof and Jonas Wikstrand's own Hvergelmer Studios, where the most recent ENFORCER records also first saw the light of day. All 13 album tracks were captured between October 2020 and February 2022. The entire record was produced, mixed, and engineered by the band. The artwork for Nostalgia is made by Adam Burke. With Nostalgia, ENFORCER are embracing their speed metal roots, fusing extreme guitar riffing with catchy stadium choruses.

About:
Swedish heavy metal band ENFORCER was formed in 2005 by lead vocalist and guitarist Olof Wikstrand. The first two albums Into The Night (2008) and Diamonds (2010) established the band’s loyal fanbase and left a long-lasting imprint in the heavy metal world. With increasing success in the underground scene, ENFORCER led and created a worldwide movement later referred to as ‘the new wave of traditional heavy metal’. In 2012 the Swedes were recognized for their impressive musical repertoire and signed a worldwide record deal with the biggest metal label in the world, Nuclear Blast Records. Since then, the band have released three more studio albums with Death by Fire (2013), From Beyond (2015), and Zenith (2019). To date, ENFORCER have toured the world over, playing the biggest festivals and garnering a global fanbase. The culmination of their tireless work ethic resulting in the release of two live albums, Live By Fire (2015) and Live By Fire II (2021). ENFORCER have proved themselves both live and on record, and in 2023 they stake their place amongst the world’s most renowned heavy metal bands.

ENFORCER is:
Olof Wikstrand | vocals, guitars
Jonas Wikstrand | drums, piano & keyboards
Jonathan Nordwall | guitars
Garth Condit | bass

Pre-order or pre-save the new album Nostalgia here: https://enforcer.bfan.link/nostalgia-album.ema

Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys to release new 'Heaving' LP via Unique Records and Metropolis Records

March 31, 2023

"A rarity within music... one of Europe's most underrated talents" ~ The Revue

"Grandly superb... sonic depth and resonant dimension, infusing the music with weighty vibrancy" ~ Guitar Girl Magazine

“Scarily, startlingly good. Mesmerising. I was overwhelmed. I thought they’d be goodbut was kicked in the teeth by their power and theirsingular sensibility.. they were blindingly consummate andattuned to her vision. Really spectacularly good” ~ Jay Savage (Ex Director Sony ATV, ZA)

"With style and enigmatic poise... Kruger’s dreamy vocals spins visceral and poetic tales" ~ Texx and the City

As they gear up to release their new 'Heaving' LP, Berlin-based Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys has joined with Metropolis Records for North America distribution as a result of a partnership agreement with Europe-based Unique Records, a division of Schubert Music Europe. Uniquely merging moody art pop, dark folk and delightful ambient noise, the group, led by South Africa-born artist Lucy Kruger, creates music that is full of atmosphere and intensity.

To encounter Kruger's music is to witness a singular journey of constant reflection that is producing an ever-widening arc of creativity. Kruger has consistently engaged in a slow, steady exploration of what it takes to make music that is universal and enduring.

“I think that what I am able to offer as an artist is a detailed expression of my experience, for although the situation may feel unique to me, the feelings are universal. Giving them a sound and shape validates and creates space for those feelings, allowing listeners to feel seen, even at a distance. Even in the isolation of a bedroom. Especially in the isolation of a bedroom,” says Lucy Kruger.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Metropolis Records and feel as if 'Heaving' has found a good home on the other side of the ocean. Hopefully the band will be able to join the songs and the label for a visit and some shows very soon.‘

Kruger also recently released the single 'Howl', along with a lyrics video and a live performance video filmed in South Africa. Defiant and devastating, catchy and cutting, 'Howl' slips from casual storytelling into visceral, near violent, confession. Catharsis in the form of rock ‘n roll.

Earller, the band released the singles 'Burning Building', 'Stereoscope' and the title track 'Heaving' with accompanying film by Belgian director and motion designer Lena Nerinckx (Contour Collective).

Since releasing the final album in the 'Tapes Trilogy' in April 2022 and touring this material extensively, the band now shifts their attention to the 'Heaving' album, the collective sonic wealth between them allowing for a live set that drifts between introverted and ecstatic. On April 4, the band kicks off their European tour as the album launch takes place the following month (May 5) at the Lido in Berlin.

The 'Heaving' LP will be released on April 7 and will be available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written and published by Lucy Kruger
2023 P & C Unique Records / Schubert Music Europe GmbH
Lucy Kruger: vocals, bass synthesiser, electronic production
Liú Mottes: piano, guitar
Jean-Louise Parker: vocals, violin, viola
Martin Perret: drums
Mixed by Simon Ratcliffe at Sound & Motion Studios (Cape Town)
Mastered by Uwe Teichert at Elektropolis (Brussels)
Drums recorded by Dirk Feistel at Studio X (Berlin)
Guitars recorded by André Leo (Berlin)
Viola recorded by Jean-Louise Parker (Berlin)

NYC Sludge Rockers NETHERLANDS Release New Album, 'SEVERANCE'

March 31, 2023

Something unlike anything you’ve heard before, 'SEVERANCE' is the 9th release from multi-instrumentalist, compulsive creator, and unrepentant volume addict Timo Ellis (Cibo Matto, Spacehog, Yoko Ono) under the NETHrock moniker.

Officially out on March 31, 2023 today via Svart Records, 'SEVERANCE' features all the hallmarks of Ellis’ work, including blistering post-shred guitar heroics, primal drumming, and soulful, yet searing caterwauls. But as with every NETHERLANDS release, Ellis has inexplicably found a way to ratchet up the intensity, render the dynamic shifts more extreme, and hone his menacing melange of melody and rhythm into a uniquely weaponized form of rock ‘n’ roll that reaches towards high art.

Comment from band leader Timo Ellis:

"We are extremely grateful to SVART, and generally super excited to release SEVERANCE in its entirety, out into the world. In terms of tonal and emotional variety, narrative cohesion, and overall creating a unique mood, we believe it is our best work; I hope everyone enjoys it!"

The band shares a new single from the album, "Animal Insults", along with a shocking music video. Ellis comments on the video:

"The song (and video of) "Animal Insults" is more or less a straight up, punk rock animal-rights anthem/ scream of anger and grief.

"IMO, any regular meat/ fish/ dairy eaters that have the (relative) privilege + access to be able to *extremely easily* transition to a fully plant-based diet…ought to summon the guts to unflinchingly watch footage like this…in order to plainly see how horrifically inhumane (and socially and environmentally catastrophic!) the worldwide, legal, factory farm system really is. The current cultural and commercial manifestations of malevolent, ecocidal speciesism need to be dismantled, at scale…and as soon as humanly possible. ANIMAL LIBERATION RIGHT NOW!"

Watch the Video for "Animal Insults"

The following video may not be suitable for all viewers and

does not reflect the views of Freeman Promotions

An album exploring topics as heavy as the ones 'SEVERANCE' tackles, requires sonics to match. For Ellis -- a prolific producer and engineer himself -- the skills and peerless engineering sensibilities of taste making heavy music producer Kurt Ballou (Converge, High On Fire) and the hallowed walls of Ballou’s God City Studio in Salem, Mass, proved the ideal space to capture the record’s massive sounds.

Ballou’s unmatched attention to detail and “comprehensive tuning” of the drum and organic guitar sounds on 'SEVERANCE' proved to be an x-factor in capturing the most monstrous and fully refined NETHrock release to date.

Order 'SEVERANCE' HERE

New Music from VIRTA

March 31, 2023

With 'Horros', VIRTA build on and take into new terrain the questing, jazz-tinged electroacoustic adventures of their last album, December 2016’s 'Hurmos', and its predecessor, their November 2012 debut, 'Tales From Deep Waters. Still recognizable as who they were, the VIRTA of 2023 now delves further than ever before into their inner world to craft their most affecting, most atmospheric and most cinematic music to date.

Even so, 'Horros' does not need to be accompanied by images – it envelops so much that signposts are unnecessary. The music itself is the guide through this sound world.

Check Out the Video for First Single, "Tunneli"

Helsinki-based VIRTA is known for their immersive live shows and the extraordinary electroacoustic music they make. The way the band mixes ambient electronic music into nordic jazz, post-rock and psychedelia is something quite unique.

VIRTA, founded in 2011 by childhood friends Erik Fräki, Antti Hevosmaa and Heikki Selamo has released two critically acclaimed albums 'Tales from the Deep Waters'(Tourist Information, 2012) and 'Hurmos' (Svart Records, 2016).

After being in metamorphosis for the past three years - enriching their sonic palette - the trio is about to release their long awaited third album, 'Horros', later this year. With the upcoming album, VIRTA dives deeper into the twilight zone, reaching towards still uncharted soundscapes.

Stream "Tunneli" HERE

'Horros' is more than an album for VIRTA. It is also an expedition into fresh territory for Antti Hevosmaa, Erik Fräki and Heikki Selamo – creatively, musically and metaphorically. The spell it casts instantly captivates. Once this world is entered, it is not possible to depart.

VIRTA are:

Antti Hevosmaa - electronics, flugelhorn, trumpet, vocals

Erik Fräki - electronics, drums, percussion, vocals

Heikki Selamo - bass, electronics, guitar, lap steel, vocals