Greyhaven Sign to Solid State, Announce "Stereo Grief" EP+ Share "The Welcome Party" — WATCH

 GREYHAVEN — Brent Mills [vocals], Nick Spencer [guitar], Johnny Muench [bass], and Ethan Spray [drums] — have signed to Solid State Records.

The band will release the Stereo Grief EP on April 12. Pre-order it here.

Today, the band is sharing the video for the single "The Welcome Party." Watch it below. 

It's a rager with lots of forward-thinking, noodly riffs, and sonic twists and turns that will leave your head spinning in the best possible way.

"It's a classic Greyhaven song, but I think we've figured out what that means and how to do that the best way possible, while still exploring new things," says Mills about "The Welcome Party." He continues, "This is the first time I've tried to tackle a central concept throughout a release. This song, and the EP as a whole, really deal with framing life and death...If these songs can build a house, this is the first knock at the front door."

Further expanding on the EP, which takes inspiration from the classic short story And He Built A Crooked House by Robert A. Heinlein, Mills states,"The EP is a loose story of someone navigating existential fear relating to all life and all death on a grand scale through a multi-dimensional lens. I was inspired by a short story I read while we were tracking that sort of serves as a backdrop for what's going on in the lyrics. Overall, I feel like this is the best material we've written so far and it's only hinting at where we're going. We couldn't be more excited to release it with a new team behind us."

 
He continues, "On the EP, this character is traveling through a house where he watches all of these versions of himself. He experiences good and bad moments as well as regret. I struggle with a lot of anxiety and depression. I'm always thinking, 'I wish I could've done that differently.' By looking through the lens of a person who has access to every variation of life, the project is a way to process a really depressive episode. It leads to acceptance though." 

Greyhaven have magnified the scope of heavy music since emerging in 2013. The group transfixed audiences with Empty Black [2018] and This Bright and Beautiful World [2022], gathering streams in the tens of millions. Beyond praise from Revolver, KERRANG!, and more, New Noise Magazine professed, "Greyhaven have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the post-hardcore and the heavy music scene at large with their latest release," and Blabbermouth applauded how "musicianship and eloquence are apparent." Throughout 2023, they assembled what would become Stereo Grief with producer Will Putney [Body Count, Norma Jean, Every Time I Die].

Greyhaven are also embarking on a North American tour this spring with Better Lovers. All dates are below.

GREYHAVEN ON TOUR:
WITH BETTER LOVERS, SEE YOU SPACE COWBOY, + FOREIGN HANDS:
4/18 — Indianapolis, IN — Old National Centre
4/19 — St. Louis, MO — Off Broadway
4/20 — Lawrence, KS — The Bottleneck
4/22 — Albuquerque, NM — Launchpad
4/23 — Tucson, AZ — 191 Toole
4/24 — San Diego, CA — Brick By Brick
4/29 — Roseville, CA — Goldfield Trading Post
4/30 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theatre
5/2 — Boise, ID — Knitting Factory
5/3 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon
5/4 — Vancouver, Canada — Rickshaw Theatre
5/6 — Edmonton, Canada — The Starlite Room
5/7 — Calgary, Canada — Dickens
5/9 — Winnipeg, Canada — Exchange Event Centre
5/10 — Fargo, ND — The Aquarium
5/11 — Minneapolis, MN — Fine Line
5/12 — Madison, WI — Majestic Theatre
5/14 — Grand Rapids, MI — The Pyramid Scheme
5/15 — Columbus, OH — The KING of CLUBS
5/16 — London, Canada — London Music Hall

PHOTO CREDIT: Errick Easterday (@easterxdaily) 

FLAT BLACK Drop "NOTHING TO SOME" Feat. Corey Taylor — WATCH

Guitarist Jason Hook introduced his new band FLAT BLACK last year. 

The former Five Finger Death Punch guitarist teamed up with a trio of young and talented musicians and signed with Fearless Records for its debut album, the details of which are TBA. The album, produced by Hook and Chris Collier (Korn), was recorded at both Hook's home studio and The Hideout. 

Today, the band has shared a fierce and fiery new single with "NOTHING TO SOME," featuring a vocal cameo from Slipknot's Corey Taylor.

Watch the lyric video and listen to the song below. 

"NOTHING TO SOME" is a rager that is destined to land on year-end "best of" lists and in repeat rotation in your preferred music listening service. Bolstered by anthemic riffs, battering ram percussion, and full on rhythmic thrust, Taylor's vicious vocals sound as though he gargled with razor blades and battery acid before spewing his parts, and it's a beautiful thing. All of that, combined with a classic metallic influence that is threaded through the song, makes "Nothing to Some" a seriously definitive moment for Flat Black.

"'NOTHING TO SOME' features the brutal and unapologetic Corey Taylor," Hook says. "This guy is a bottomless pit of creativity and delivered a vocal that perfectly matched what I wanted for this track. The guitar solo is unique on the album in the way that I let it rip with no rhythm guitars underneath. Now that I'm in a one-guitar band, I could strip it down and let it be as raw as Corey is on the vocal track. I remember hammering out live takes with Rob pounding away next to me. It was inspiring."

ABOUT FLAT BLACK:
"I feel like FLAT BLACK is a secret I've been keeping for three years," Hook says. "It's finally time to unleash this band on the world. I'm grateful to Sully from Godsmack for giving us the chance to get out on the road and play for such an amazing group of fans."

Despite having reached a commercial summit with his prior band, thanks to multiple platinum certifications, sold-out arena shows, and a string of No. 1 singles, Hook remains as hungry for musical blood and thunder as the day he first picked up a guitar at the age of six. He is eager to not only replicate but to surpass his past successes with his new band.  

Having left his prior band in February 2020, which was right before COVID-19 put the entire world on pause, Hook wanted to assume creative control and let his musical free spirit soar in a project that was truly his. He opted to gamble on himself. With great risk comes great reward and the decision to form FLAT BLACK clearly worked out in his favor.

"As a musician, I crave freedom and I wasn't ready to stop creating," Hook shares.

"Life is short," he continues. "We all want to feel satisfied and happy with what we are trying to accomplish in life." 

 The pandemic shutdown allowed him the opportunity to assemble the right musicians and carefully craft their debut album. FLAT BLACK are armed with an arsenal of riffs that'll rattle your teeth loose from your gums, stadium-sized hooks, arena-ready anthems, and choruses that are guaranteed to touch a nerve. All of those factors combined make FLAT BLACK poised for success.

The origin stories of the rest of the players are indicative of a lifelong love of music and plenty of road-worn experience. The desire to play courses through their veins and propels them forward, which is why they all meshed so well with Hook.

Singer Wes Horton was introduced to music at age 13, thanks to his sister and Guitar Hero. He honed his vocal chops by playing in local bands and making online videos. Various music industry friends and acquaintances would become the connective tissue between himself and Hook. Horton knew he wanted to be a frontman, and FLAT BLACK afforded him that opportunity. Wes loves the fact that his bandmates prioritize songcraft — and that allows him to be the singer he has always wanted to be. 

Bassist Nick Diltz, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, is the son of a legendary rock music photographer who brought him to concerts during his formative years. He recalls being inspired by watching a VHS video of U2 performing at legendary venue Red Rocks. Seeing fans clamoring for a piece of Bono in the footage is a vision that never left his head. This first exposure to the power of a true rock icon solidified Nick's destiny as a live performer.

Drummer Rob Pierce hails from Nashville, aka Music City. His dad was a race car driver and his grandfather was a pastor. He grew up racing go karts and at first, wanted to follow in his dad's footsteps until he joined the fourth grade band and was bitten by the music bug. He chose the snare drum over the saxophone and from that moment on, music was the only thing that mattered. Rob got his first drum kit at age 11, which he set up in his dad's car shop. He learned to play his instrument next to 1,000 horsepower engines, which influences his highly energetic style to this day.The chemistry between the players in FLAT BLACK is palpable. And while FLAT BLACK's songs are built to take up real estate in the brains of fans for weeks at a time, the true nature of the band's material is meant to be experienced live. FLAT BLACK are now ready to hit the road and bring these brutal bangers to the masses live and in the flesh.

FLAT BLACK ARE:
Jason Hook — Guitar
Wes Horton — Vocals
Rob Pierce — Drums
Nicholas Diltz — Bass

Extortionist Unleash New Single + Music Video "Dissociate" via Unique Leader Records

Heavy metal mainstays Extortionist have today released their latest banger "Dissociate" and the accompanying visualizer (via Unique Leader Records). The track can be found on the band's forthcoming full-length album 'Devoid of Love & Light' out on Friday, May 18. Speaking about the track, vocalist Ben Hoagland shared:

"'Dissociate' has a self explanatory title in regards to the meaning of the song but it is a very real & honest representation of what I frequently struggle with on a daily basis. Not only does it touch base on the struggles of “dissociation” but also the effect that my way of being has had on my personal relationships & those around me."

Prior to today, the band released the titular album title track "Devoid of Love & Light". Stream "Dissociate" here, watch the visualizer below, and pre-save 'Devoid of Love & Light' here.

Extortionist are gearing up for their upcoming run with Born of Osiris, Attila, Traitors, and Not Enough Space on The Angels & Villains Tour kicking off on April 12. For ticket information, please click here.

The Angels & Villains Tour USA 2024:

4/12 - Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom

4/13 - Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s Entertainment Center

4/14 - Columbus, OH @ King of Clubs

4/15 - Buffalo, NY @ Iron Works

4/16 - New Kensington, PA @ Preserving Underground

4/18 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium (Upstairs)

4/19 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Brooklyn Monarch

4/20 - Reading, PA @ Reverb

4/21 - Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

4/23 - Richmond, VA @ The Broadberry

4/24 - Charlotte, NC @ The Underground

4/25 - Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

4/26 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

4/27 - Tampa, FL @ The Ritz

4/29 - Baton Rouge, LA @ Varsity Theater

5/01 - Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock

5/03 - Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th St. Collective

5/04 - Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live

5/05 - San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger

5/07 - Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey Theater

5/08 - Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater

5/09 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues

5/10 - Pomona, CA @ The Glass House

5/11 - Los Angeles, CA @ 1720

5/12 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom

5/14 - Portland, OR @ Bossanova Ballroom

5/15 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox

5/17 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot

5/18 - Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre

5/20 - St. Lous, MO @ Red Flag

5/21 - Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre

5/22 - Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater

5/23 - Davenport, IA @ Capitol Theater

5/24 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave II

5/25 - Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge

5/26 - Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom

Band names go a long way in helping paint a figurative picture in the listener's mind of what to expect before one ever hits “play.” When it comes to Extortionist, you think crime—you think gritty, raw, merciless and unsavory and maybe, just maybe, a little sprinkling of suaveness. When it comes to the Pacific Northwest’s resident moshslingers, those premonitions from their name are exactly what you get. As a band who have proven themselves exemplary at styles of heavy music ranging from downtempo deathcore to grunge-tinted metal, Extortionist are more than just a jack-of-all-trades; they’re masters. Utilizing bold, roaring guitars overtop crushing, steamrolling percussion and vocals that run the gamut from guttural to grating, pitched singing and topped off with—you guessed it—a now-infamous dodgeball-smack snare, Extortionist have proven that not only are they incredible at what they do, they’re a band that the heavy scene just can’t go without.

Emerging from the relatively understated pastures and prairies of Coeur d’Alene in early 2013, to say Extortionist have been on a journey since their inception would be an understatement. With "The Black Sheep" instantly earning them notoriety with its combination of feral grooves and eviscerating breakdowns, Extortionist proved themselves early on as prodigal masters of all things punishingly heavy. As the band grew and gained more experience on the road in light of the success of their debut EP, their style and dynamic grew as well. After nearly four years of touring and writing, Extortionist would unleash 'The Decline' in 2017, a band that saw their breed of brutalizing deathcore hybridized with riff-heavy metalcore and more introspective lyrics that tackled suicidal ideation and substance abuse. 'The Decline' was met with immense critical praise and continued to open up larger opportunities for the Northwestern act, ultimately earning them multiple co-headlining tours from coast to coast, and a spot on Stay Sick Records, alongside other up-and-coming heavyweights like SPITE and Bodysnatcher. Barely a year and a half after their signing, the band announced their sophomore full-length release, 'Sever the Cord', which saw them experimenting with the inclusion of grunge and alternative influences, adding even more depth and grit to their dynamic. Their sophomore album earned them not only critical acclaim, but nationwide tours alongside The Browning, Betraying the Martyrs, Lorna Shore and First Blood. 'Sever the Cord' was followed shortly thereafter by an eponymous EP which saw them diving deeper into a more exploratory realm of metalcore, colliding ferocious riffs into moments of warm, nostalgic melody. While their self-titled release was widely heralded as the band’s strongest work to date, was declared their Swan Song, as in the weeks that followed towards the back-end of Summer 2019, Extortionist announced their dissolution.

That isn’t the end of Extortionist’s story, however. As 2019 gave way into 2020 and the chaotic months that followed, the heavy music community felt the band’s absence all too strongly. In the early months of 2021, Extortionist announced their return with a series of shows in Spokane, Washington alongside AVOID and Seconds Ago as well as a new single, “Once More in Torment”. Once more highlighting the seamless blend of raunchy aggression and groove-heavy catchiness that only Extortionist can provide, the band’s comeback track is a strong reminder of just how missed they were throughout their nearly two-year absence. Frontman and founding member Benjamin Hoagland states “This is the best place we’ve ever been in as a band...Extortionist lives, and we’re here to stay.” Indeed, with a full-length record in the works and a ferocious return to live performance already underway, it would seem that Exortionist’s relative break was only a brief moment with which to collect themselves before reasserting their dominance over the contemporary metalcore scene. - Connor Welsh

Sweden's THEN COMES SILENCE presents 'Like a Hammer', a dark rich taste of seventh album 'Trickery'

"Then Comes Silence are everything a band should be - good tunes, good playing and singing, and good looking. Their songs are ear-worms, once heard difficult to forget, as catchy as gonorrhea but far better for your health" ~ Wayne Hussey

”I can see them being huge” ~ Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth)
 
"Capturing the alluring intersection of 1980s Post-Punk, New Wave and College Rock in one fell swoop, this music feels organic and fresh, with ample drive, clever songwriting and a killer melody, along with crisp production" ~ The Spill Magazine 

"Truly love it" ~ She Past Away
 
"Hellacopters of Gothic Rock" ~ Jyrki 69 (The 69 Eyes)

"The only band that have been voted in as album of the month three times!" ( 'Blood' in 2017 / 'Machine' in 2020 / 'Hunger' in 2022) ~ Sonic Seducer Magazine


Sweden's Then Comes Silence bring a new serving of their infectious post-punk with their new 'Like a Hammer' single. Arriving hot on the trail of the lead track ‘Ride or Die’, the band bring us one step closer to the release of their seventh album ‘Trickery’, forthcoming via Metropolis Records.

Based in Stockholm, Then Comes Silence was founded by Alex Svenson in 2012, originally inspired by frequent touring with A Place To Bury Strangers and an attraction to horror and the occult. Today he is joined by drummer Jonas Franssonand Hugo Zombie (Los Carniceros del Norte) on guitar.

"‘Like a Hammer’ was the first song written for ‘Trickery’ a little more than a year ago. There is a tradition based on an inside joke when I write and we record. Every album has an ABBA moment and a Ramones moment or a Judas Priest moment. A melody, a riff, a drum beat or a whole part that has something familiar with the mentioned artists. ‘Like a Hammer’ was pointed out as the ABBA moment in this album by Jonas the drummer," explains Alex Svenson.

"On the cover of the album, there’s a picture of a band custom made, upside down Ace of Spades with three drops of blood. 'Like a Hammer' is the only song with that graphic theme mentioned in the lyrics.  We celebrate the community we live and work in. It's like a garden with plants, flowers and trees. Don't forget to water it in dry season."

Recorded by Jörgen Wall (Jay-Jay Johanson, The Hellacopters) over three days at Stockholm's Kapsylen Studio and mixed by Tom van Heesch (Rammstein, Apocalyptica, Backyard Babies), this album was mastered by Svante Forsbäck / Chartmakers (Rammstein, Amaranthe, Ville Valo, The Rasmus, Apocalyptica).

This album celebrates friendship, unity and the feeling of belonging to a group, a tribe. Being a part of what most people would call the goth and post-punk  community is, according to the band, a great privilege. Of course, there are dark sides to everything, but after being on the road and meeting people from the music scene for so many years, the band have experienced a caring and welcoming community.

Following up their 2022 album 'Hunger', released via Nexilis Records / Schubert Music (Europe) and Metropolis Records (North America), these sessions capture the heart and essence of alternative rock. With electronic elements essential to the new recordings, 'Trickery' is also a salute to punk music, to which Then Comes Silence traces their roots.

After debuting with their eponymous album in 2012, Then Comes Silence put out two more albums before releasing 'Blood' via Nuclear Blast in 2016. Their subsequent 'Machine' album was jointly released via Oblivion/SPV and Metropolis Records in 2020.

Then Comes Silence has toured and played live with The Fields of the Nephilim, The Chameleons, A Place To Bury Strangers, The Bellwether Syndicate and Vision Video, as well as performing at Wave Gotik Treffen, M'era Luna, Amphi Festival, Castle Party and W-Festival.

As of March 22, 'Like a Hammer' is out everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where 'Ride or Die' can also be found. On April 5, the 'Trickery' album will be released on vinyl and CD, as well as digitally. From late April through May, Then Comes Silence hits the road for an extensive North American tour with Vision Video with tickets available now.

CREDITS
Music & Lyrics by Alex Svenson 
Published by HaHa Musikförlag
Alex Svenson - vocals, bass, synthesizer
Jonas Fransson - drums
Hugo Zombie - guitar
'Like a Hammer' video directed by Johnny Nattsjö & D.K. Griftegaard
'Ride or Die' video directed by Gözde Duzer & Then Comes Silence
From 'Trickery' album, released via Metropolis Records
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Then Comes Silence
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Apple Music | Spotify | BandsInTown | Press contact

Keep up with Metropolis Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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BEWITCHER Unveils New Music Video for "Our Lady of Speed," Announces Tour with UADA

Black magick metal masters Bewitcher are now unveiling the official music video for the track "Our Lady of Speed!" The clip captures the trio's blistering and relentless live performance, for which fans can experience in the flesh during Bewitcher's upcoming U.S. tour in support of their fellow Portland-based occultists, UADA. Directed and edited by Nate Souza, the clip was shot in front of a SOULED OUT hometown crowd and can be found below.

Bewitcher bassist and backing vocalist A. Magus comments, “Have ya missed us yet? After taking a much needed break, we're fucking stoked to return from crypt and lay waste to the stages of Europe and North America this spring. We've been sharpening our knives and preparing a very special evening for those in attendance...see you all very soon!"

"Our Lady of Speed" is taken from the band's recently released rarities and B-sides album, 'Deep Cuts & Shallow Graves: Ten Years of Black Leather, Black Magic & White Hot Fucking Steel,' a massive 17-track compilation of Bewitcher original demo recordings, including rare and previously unreleased material, all remastered as well as two brand new studio tracks. The record is now available worldwide on available as Standard CD Jewelcase, Ltd. Gatefold white 2LP, and Digital album. Stream, order, or download it HERE.

Prior to the run with UADA, the band will be conquering Europe, which kicks off next week in Spain! Bewitcher will then also be performing throughout California and Mexico. The full itinerary can be found below!

BEWITCHER Live Dates:

MANIFESTING DARKNESS - Europe 2024

26.03.24 (ES) Gasteiz / Vitoria @ Urban Rock Concept

27.03.24 (ES) Santander @ Rock Beer The New

28.03.24 (ES) Gijón @ Sala Tizón

29.03.24 (ES) Virgo @ Pub Transylvania

30.03.24 (ES) Madrid @ Sala Silikona

31.03.24 (ES) Barcelona @ Sala Upload

02.04.24 (FR) Balma @ L'Engrenage

03.04.24 (CH) Meyrin @ Undertown

04.04.24 (CH) Basel @ Hirscheneck

05.04.24 (AT) Innsbruck @ PMK

06.04.24 (DE) Selb @ Rockclub Nordbayern

07.04.24 (DE) Karlsruhe @ Alte Hackerei

09.04.24 (DE) Düsseldorf @ Pitcher

10.04.24 (BE) Liège @ La Zone

11.04.24 (DE) Hamburg @ Bambi Galore

13.04.24 (NL) Eindhoven @ Welcome To Hell Fest / Effenaar

14.04.24 (FR) Paris @ Le Klub

Headlining California + Mexico Dates:

05/04: Berkeley, CA @ Omega Fest 24

05/05: Hollywood, CA @ Knucklehead Hollywood

05/07: Mexicali (MX) @ Malgro Cervecería & Tap Room

05/08: Morelia (MX) @ Cactux Espacio Cultural

05/09: Guadalajara (MX) @ Foro Independencia

05/10: Mexico City (MX) @ La Mezcalli

05/11: León de los Aldama (MX) @ La Cadena del Rock

THE SHADOWS RETURN TOUR w/ UADA

05/14: Salt Lake City, UT @ Aces High

05/15: Denver, CO @ HQ (w/ Exhumed)

05/16: Des Moines, IA @ Lefty's

05/17: Milwaukee, WI @ Milwaukee Metal Fest

05/20: Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary (w/ Stabbing)

05/22: Nashville, TN @ Vinyl Lounge

05/23: Dallas, TX @ RBC

05/24: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

05/25: Phoenix, AZ @ Pub Rock

05/27: Las Vegas, NV @ Usual Place

05/28: Sacramento, CA @ Goldfield Midtown

Since their formation in 2013, Bewitcher has seen their signature “Black Magick Metal” sound go from humble beginnings to new heights of creativity and wild anthemic fervor. A small collection of long out-of-print demo tapes kicked off what has proven to be an enduring line of ripping studio albums, singles and EPs. They have earned a reputation as one of the hardest working touring acts around, bringing their volcanic, high energy live shows to every corner of North America and parts abroad.

Now, as the band reaches a new crucial milestone, they are taking a moment to look back on a

decade of diabolic speed and sorcery. Their latest offering, ”Deep Cuts & Shallow Graves: Ten Years of Black Leather, Black Magic & White Hot Fucking Steel“, is a massive 17-track compilation of Bewitcher’s original demo recordings, including rare and previously unreleased material, all remastered as well as two brand new studio tracks. Released November 17 on all formats, including a stacked double LP version, it is a compelling retrospective on the earliest days of this rising force in the world of heavy metal.

Line-Up:

M. von Bewitcher – vox & guitars

A. Hunter – drums & percussion

A. Magus – bass guitar & backing vox

Follow:

Official Website

Facebook

Instagram

Pre-order // Stream

New music from Turin!

UK Heavyweights of Misery, the intense & visceral TURIN (formerly This Is Turin) , announce their new album The Unforgiving Reality In Nothing, an unflinching glimpse into the harsh realities of what it means to be human, mental health, the loss of faith and struggling to let go of trauma in a desperate attempt to find yourself.

TURIN says, “As well as it being an acronym for TURIN it's been at the heart of this album's concept for all the lyrics. All five of us have been in situations where we act like nothing's wrong or bothering us, the reality of doing that is unforgiving. It harms us. It can impact those around us and often the reality of the situation doesn't change until we speak up and look for support. In some cases, forgiveness. We wrote this song at the tail end of the COVID lockdown in the UK as a way for us to reinvent our sound and push forward with whatever the next stage of this band would be, what came from it was a new album and a new drive to evolve what we have"

New single Loss is a self-reflective view of losing a fundamental part of yourself that made you human. Clawing at the hope of being saved through any means but being ultimately abandoned with the video being shot when fellow MNRK Heavy label mate Travis Worland (Enterprise Earth) was touring the UK on their recent UK & EU tour with Suffocation.

The band worked with one of the UK’s finest heavy metal producers & multiple Heavy Music Awards nominee Lewis Johns ( Loathe, Rolo Tomassi, Ithaca, Employed To Serve, Svalbard, Conjurer, Pupil Slicer) creating a milestone in the bands long history in the metal scene, a pure evolution of their sound and writing ability to define a new chapter for UK Deathcore.

Berlin postpunk duo CIRCOLO VIZIOSO presents angst-filled title track from their debut album 'Verrückt'. Watch !

"From Sonic Youth, The Black Angels to Fugazi and Nirvana, this is a band who wears their inspirations on their sleeves, blending these in a fascinating way. Raw and visceral, Circolo Vizioso makes for a highly recommended listen, presenting groundbreaking music with a signature sound" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Hailstorm distortion... that great feel like it has its own time signature; speeding up and slowing down depending on their anger levels or the nervous urgency that bubbles to the surface. It sounds fresh and in the moment, in part due to it being written in a little over an hour" ~ Joyzine

"Cathartic, a taste of the actual sound of the grassroots music makers, a reminder of just how false the world we are offered through advertising, media, marketing, branding... A timely, sonic wake-up call" ~ Big Takeover Magazine


After much fanfare over the past few month, German-Italian post-punk duo Circolo Vizioso presents the title track from their debut album 'Verrückt', the latest audio-visual offering from this invigorating collection of tracks. Earlier, the band presented the singles 'Walls', written in outrage over the Russian invasion in Ukraine, and 'Choppy', a high-octane song spawned from a bout of depression brought on by a failed love story.

Hailing from Berlin, Circolo Vizioso is made up of Tony Scafidi (guitar, bass, drum, hi-hat, vocals) and Paul Geigerzaehler (violin, snare drum, vocals). The band plays abrasive, groovy punk music that is influenced by the sound of 1990s New York, Chicago and Washington (i.e. Fugazi, Blonde Redhead and Sonic Youth), as well as the sound of early 80's-90's Eastern German and Eastern European punk bands like Dezerter, Sandow and Schleimkeim.

"This song asks the question of whether it might be possible to not lose one's mind while watching the world become more and more dystopian. There is no answer in this song, just as there seems to be no answer for a lot of questions of our time," says Paul Geigerzaehler.

"This song is about someone loosing his mind to an even crazier world, which keeps on spinning around them with no apparent sense left to interpret it. The video concept is simple , another anonymous person lacking interactive skills, using people and the space and time around them almost as disposable objects at a whim, apparently not even taking any real satisfaction out of it, if only to prove to themselves that they are still alive. A prove of reality based not on connection with the others but based on disposing of the others embodying therefore social Dystopia and Alienation  in flesh and blood," says Tony Scafidi.

"In the end, by changing things around and involving the actors in decision-making regarding the script, we ultimately got an interesting and cooler video than we had in mind in the first place. It took Clement almost a year to get the video mounted and edited with me having to chase him by any possible mean of communication, including messenger pigeons and telepathic powers performed by Mexican sorcerers. But, in the end, he pulled it off, memorably giving us such a smooth and cool video!  Thanks to our friends! Everyone was great"

Arriving four years after releasing their 5-track 'Isolation' EP (2020), 'Verrückt' offers a powerful taste of high-intensity, lyric-driven post-punk, created mainly with electric violin, guitar and drums.

Formed in March 2020 on a balcony in Friedrichshain, Berlin during the first Covid-19 lock-down, Circolo Vizioso was born as an attempt to keep art and music alive and to provide support to their neighbours during a time when no concerts were happening and no cinemas, museums or galleries were open. Circolo Vizioso is these artists' attempt to resist the isolation and the lack of social and human contact, as well as the hunger for music and art during this unusual time.
:
The full 'Verrückt' album is out now, available from fine music platforms, such as Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. Circolo Vizioso's Paul Geigerzaehler has also just released his solo album 'KAPUTT' as a Bandcamp exclusive.

CREDITS
Music and Lyrics by Paul Geigerzaehler and Tony Scafidi
Tony Scafidi - guitar, bass, drum, hi-hat, vocals
Paul Geigerzaehler - violin, snare drum, vocals
Audrey Quillons - backing vocals on 'Walls' and 'Verrückt'
Produced by Paul Geigerzaehler and Tony Scafidi
Sound Engineer - Smail Shock Production at B Studio in Berlin
Mixed & mastered by Sacha Tilotta at TommyBoy's Studio (Catania, Italy)
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
'Verrückt' video directed by Clement Thomann
Featuring Tony Scafidi (the bartender), Paul Geigerzähler (the mad man), Audrey Houillon (the woman in the corner), and Anni, Camilla, Guido, Heinrich, Jenny, Katja, Peter and Sabrina as the bar customers.
Special thanks to the Baiz and to Kay for providing the location and taking care of us.


Keep up with Circolo Vizioso
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Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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Saul Share "More of the Same" Video — WATCH // Spring Tour Kicks Off Next Week

NEW ALBUM THIS IS IT... THE END OF EVERYTHING OUT NOW

Iowa hard rock heavyweights SAUL — brothers Blake Bedsaul [lead vocals] and Zach Bedsaul [lead guitar, backup vocals], William McIlravy [bass, backup vocals], and Myles Clayborne [drums] — are about to hit the road on a headline tour with Kingdom Collapse serving as support. The tour kicks off on March 29 in their native Iowa and runs through April 12 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. All dates are below. Get tickets here. 

To get the ball rolling and stoke the fire of fans, the band has shared the video for new single "More of the Same." Watch it Below. 

"For this video, we decided to go super raw," the band says. "One take, one camera. It's us doing our thing, in our element. Plus, we put a ton of easter eggs from all the music videos through out the set. See if you can spot them all."

Saul dropped its latest album THIS IS IT... THE END OF EVERYTHING last year via Spinefarm. It was celebrated for sticking to its "own artistic terms without bending at the knee to current trends" by Cryptic Rock and "a master class in hard rock" by Brutal Planet. Get it here.

Check out "TOOTH AND NAIL" and "A MILLION MILES" from the album.

SAUL ON TOUR:
WITH KINGDOM COLLAPSE:
3/29 — Des Moines, IA — Lefty's Live Music
3/30 — Madison, WI — The Annex
3/31 — Westland, MI — Token Lounge
4/2 — Johnson City, TN — Capones
4/3 — Atlanta, GA — Masquerade (Purgatory)
 4/5 — Dallas, TX — RBC
4/6 — Austin, TX — Come And Take It Live
4/7 — Houston, TX — Scout Bar
4/9 — Oklahoma City, OK — 89th Street
4/10 — St Louis, — Old Rock House
4/11 — Sioux City, IA — The Marquee
4/12 — Sioux Falls, SD — Remedy at 611

ABOUT SAUL: 
 This Iowa quartet continues to bring audiences together with a one-two punch of pummeling metallic grooves and towering melodies. Amassing tens of millions of streams and earning acclaim from Revolver, Guitar World, Loudwire, and many more, the group fortify an unbreakable bond with listeners on their second full-length offering, THIS IS IT…THE END OF EVERYTHING [Spinefarm]. For this record, the band collaborated with producer Kile Odell [Motionless In White, Nita Strauss].  Saul emerged out of the Midwest in 2017 and tirelessly bulldozed a path to the forefront of modern rock. They notably performed alongside everyone from Motionless In White, Atreyu, August Burns Red, Crown The Empire, Bush, and 10 Years to HELLYEAH and Nonpoint in addition to gracing the stages of festivals, including Rebel Rock, Rock Fest, Rock USA, Inkcarceration, and Blue Ridge Rock Fest with Rob Zombie, Mudvayne, and Slipknot. The group independently landed a bona fide hit in the form of "Brother"— an homage to the co-founders' late brother Caleb. It marked their first #1 on Sirius/XM Octane in addition to gathering over 9 million Spotify streams and paving the way for their 2020 full-length debut, Rise As Equals. Co-written with David Draiman of Disturbed, "King Of Misery" reeled in 3.7 million Spotify streams, while "Trial By Fire" also surpassed 3 million Spotify streams. Of the former, American Songwriter praised "'King of Misery' wasted no time jumping into the heavy mainstream riffs that Saul set out to wrangle," and Outburn hailed its "futuristic and cinematic video." 

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.

P.O.D. Share "LIES WE TELL OURSELVES" Video

Platinum-selling rock juggernaut P.O.D. — Sonny Sandoval [vocals], Marcos Curiel [guitar], and Traa Daniels [bass] — will release their 11th albumVERITAS, which was deemed one of the most anticipated albums of the year by Revolver, on May 3 via Mascot Records. Pre-order it here.

Today, the band has shared the video for "LIES WE TELL OURSELVES." Watch it below.

Sandoval states, "Everybody lies to themselves! Just don’t believe it."

"As hate is to love, death is to life, lies is to VERITAS (truth). This song resonates the struggle and hope which keeps us from truly believing that the 'lies within ourselves' become a reality. Our struggle. Our truth," says Curiel.

Next month, the band will embark on a North American tour. Bad Wolves, Norma Jean, and Blind Channel will serve as support. The "I Got That Tour" itinerary includes several festival stops along the way. All dates are below. Get tickets here.

P.O.D. ON TOUR:
WITH BAD WOLVES, NORMA JEAN, + BLIND CHANNEL:
4/26 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
4/28 — San Diego, CA — House of Blues
4/29 — Santa Ana, CA — Observatory
5/1 — Los Angeles, CA — The Belasco
5/2 — Las Vegas, NV — House of Blues
5/4 — Colorado Springs, CO — Sunshine Studio
5/5 — Wichita, KS — TempleLive
5/9 — Charlotte, NC — Neighborhood Theatre
5/10 — Atlanta, GA — Buckhead Theatre
5/11 — Jacksonville, NC — Hooligans
5/12 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville*
5/16 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple*
5/17 — Reading, PA — Reverb
5/19 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom**
5/21 — Pittsburgh, PA — Preserving Underground
5/23 — Joliet, IL — The Forge
5/24 — Turtle Lake, WI — St. Croix Casino
5/25 — Minneapolis, MN — Uptown Theater
5/26 — Sioux City, IA — Hard Rock Sioux City
5/28 — Lubbock, TX — The Garden
5/29 — Austin, TX — Come & Take It Live
5/30 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
5/31 — San Antonio, TX — Vibes Event Center
6/2 — Dallas, TX — So What! Fest*
7/20 — Grand Rapids, MI — Upheaval Festival After Show*
9/21 — Camden, NJ — MMR*B*Q 2024*
9/28 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life*
10/12 — Sacramento, CA — Aftershock*
*Festival Date
**No Blind Channel

RED REIGN ANNOUNCE SUPPORT DATES WITH NAZARETH AND RELEASE A NEW LYRIC VIDEO FOR “DARKNESS OF PAIN” FROM THEIR LAEST ALBUM DON’T LOOK BACK

Richmond, VA-based rockers Red Reign take 80’s influences and steer them in a more contemporary direction – bridging the sounds of yesterday and today.

The band is comprised of members singer/guitarist Carlton “Bubba” McMichael, guitarist Stevie Shred, bassist Larry Moore, and drummer Sammy Lee.

Red Reign has worked with Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum producer David Ivory (Halestorm) on both its releases: 2021’s self-titled EP and 2023’s full-length Don’t Look Back.

Don’t Look Back landed in the Top 100 ADA/WMG Amazon sales and is bolstered by such standout tracks as the rocking “No Peace, No Love” which has gained over 120K views on YouTube, and “Don’t Look Back” which has a guest appearance from guitarist George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob).

Now they are set to release “Darkness of Pain”.

“Don’t Look Back has a modern sounding production, giving the songs a fresh feel to them. “Darkness of Pain” is a moody, mid-tempo headbanger with pounding drums and a piercing guitar riff.” Metal Express Radio

View the lyric video below.

The band is also very excited to announce that they will be hitting the road in May as direct to support on select dates of the upcoming 2024 Nazareth World Tour!

As they state, "We are extremely excited to be supporting an iconic band like Nazareth. We look forward to being back onstage, performing new material and meeting new friends along the way as we support our new album release "Don't Look Back".”

05/09/24: Tupelo Music Hall - Derry, Connecticut
05/11/24: Queen Theatre - Wilmington, Delaware
05/13/24: Robins Theatre - Warren, Ohio
05/15/24: Brown Hall - Nashville, Indiana
05/16/24: Arcadia Theatre - St Charles, Illinois

Don’t Look Back is available on CD and limited-edition vinyl.

Get your copy now and get a limited-edition bundle while supplies last https://bit.ly/red-reign-merch

Bundle Includes:

- (1) Red Reign - Don't Look Back CD or LP
- (1) Red Reign - Coozie
- (1) Red Reign - Sticker
- (1) Red Reign - T-Shirt

For more information, visit:
www.facebook.com/RedReignBand/
www.dekoentertainment.com

Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value

Kublai Khan TX Drop New Single "Low Tech" + Official Music Video via Rise Records

Kublai Khan TX fans, rejoice! The trailblazing quartet have today unleashed their latest sonic assault on the world with their new track "Low Tech" and the accompanying music video (via Rise Records). North American fans will also have their chance to see the band on Wave 1 of their headlining run beginning next week (with special guests Sunami, Judiciary and Momentum) and Wave 2 beginning in May (with support from Harms Way, Pain of Truth and Justice For The Damned), as well as a couple of dates with Slaughter to Prevail in April (ticket info here). When asked about today's drop, the band commented:

“As a thank you for selling out so many shows and supporting our upcoming headliner, we want to give y’all a new bone to chew on. Low Tech - A meat and potatoes mosh metal landmine for all our Neanderthals out there. Brought to y’all smoking hot straight from the fire pit. Share it. Learn it. And see it live. Thanks for a great start to year y’all.”

Stream "Low Tech" here, watch the official music video below, and keep 'em peeled for more Kublai Khan TXnews coming soon.

Kublai Khan TX First Wave Tour Dates with Sunami, Judiciary and Momentum

3/27 Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater (Sold Out)

3/28 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre

3/29 Anaheim, CA – House of Blues (Sold Out)

3/30 Berkeley, CA – UC Theatre (Sold Out)

3/31 Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades (Sold Out)

4/02 Seattle, WA – El Corazon (Sold Out)

4/03 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater (Sold Out)

4/05 Salt Lake City, UT – The Grand at The Complex (Sold Out)

4/06 Denver, CO – Summit (Sold Out)

4/07 Lawrence, KS – Granada Theater (Sold Out)

4/09 Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

4/10 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave II

4/12 Chicago, IL – Metro (Sold Out)

4/13 Detroit, MI – St. Andrew's Hall (Sold Out)

4/14 Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works (Sold Out)

4/16 Toronto, ON – Opera House (Sold Out)

4/17 Montreal, QC – Club Soda

4/18 Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club (Sold Out)

4/19 Hartford, CT – The Webster (Sold Out)

4/20 Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom (Sold Out)

4/21 Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer (Sold Out)

With Slaughter To Prevail

4/26 Los Angeles, CA – The Palladium

4/30 Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom

Kublai Khan TX Second Wave Tour Dates with Harms Way, Pain of Truth and Justice For The Damned

5/11 Charlotte, NC @ The Underground

5/12 Birmingham, AL @ Iron City (Sold Out)

5/13 New Orleans, LA @ The Joy Theater

5/15 Little Rock, AR @ The Rev Room

5/16 St Louis, MO @ Red Flag

5/18 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage (Sold Out)

5/19 Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club

5/20 Charleston, SC @ Music Farm

5/21 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Heaven)

5/22 Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl Nashville

5/24 Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall

5/25 Austin, TX @ Empire Room & Garage

5/26 Dallas, TX @ The Factory in Deep Ellum

Wage War Drop Video for Brand New Track "Magnetic"

WAGE WAR — Briton Bond [lead vocals], Cody Quistad [rhythm guitar, clean vocals], Seth Blake [lead guitar], Chris Gaylord [bass], and Stephen Kluesener [drums] — are barreling straight ahead into 2024 with an explosive new single.

Today, the band premiered the new single "Magnetic" via SiriusXM's Octane and dropped the video. Watch it below. 

The band has built its reputation on the back of smart songwriting that expertly pits hooks against heaviness and sprinkles melody amidst the maelstrom. On "Magnetic," the Florida five-piece continues this tried and true formula that has been so effective for them. But they take it up 10 notches and throw more than a few sonic curveballs in the space of four minutes. The melodic verses and choruses grab your attention and the hard-charging and unholy roars and thick riffs keep it. "Magnetic" should write you a rent check because it will live in your brain, thanks to its supreme catchiness. It is indeed "Magnetic."

"'Magnetic' is a song about an attraction to someone that you just can't seem to quit," the band explains. "Despite knowing what may be best, we're pulled back to a feeling that inevitably takes control. Fate decides our future."

In other Wage War news, the band will kick off its Spring 2024 co-headline tour with Nothing More on Tuesday, April 16 in Charlotte, NC. The trek runs through Friday, May 17 in Indianapolis, IN. All dates are below. Get tickets here.

WAGE WAR + NOTHING MORE ON TOUR:
WITH VEIL OF MAYA + SLEEP THEORY:
4/16 — Charlotte, NC  — The Fillmore
4/17 — Birmingham, AL  — Avondale Brewing Company
4/18 — New Orleans, LA  — The Fillmore
4/20 — Austin, TX  — Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater*
4/22 — Grand Junction, CO  — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park (Outdoor)
4/24 — Riverside, CA  — Riverside Municipal Auditorium
4/28 — Albuquerque, NM — Revel Entertainment Center
4/30 — Kansas City, MO — The Midland Theatre
5/1 — Des Moines, IA  — Val Air Ballroom
5/3 — Green Bay, WI  — EPIC Event Center
5/4 — East Moline, IL  — The Rust Belt
5/5 — Omaha, NE  — The Astro
5/7 — Madison, WI  — The Sylvee
5/8 — Grand Rapids, MI  — GLC Live at 20 Monroe*
5/10 — Bethlehem, PA  — Wind Creek Event Center*
5/14 — Norfolk, VA  — The NorVA
5/15 — Greensboro, NC  — Piedmont Hall
5/17 — Indianapolis, IN  — Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
*NO SLEEP THEORY

ABOUT WAGE WAR:
Traveling a constant forward trajectory at lightspeed, Wage War not only push their own sound forward, but they also propel heavy music into new territory. The Florida quintethave always tempered a pummeling metallic onslaught with unshakable melodies. A near-decade grind naturally brought Wage War to this point. They have unleashed a string of fan favorite albums, including Blueprints [2015], Deadweight [2017], Pressure [2019], and Manic [2021]. Beyond looks from SPIN, Modern Drummer, American Songwriter, Revolver, Guitar World, and more, KERRANG! hailed the latter as "their greatest album yet," and DORK raved, "It's an embracing of being metalheads, popheads and just fans of good songs. On more than one occasion, there's an earworm poking its head up through the dirt." They also put up numbers, tallying hundreds of millions of streams boosted by the likes of "Stitch," "Low," "Manic," and "Circle The Drain.

Awake The Dreamer Share Video For "Broken Home"

Awake The Dreamer have shared the new single "Broken Home," which unlocks deep emotion with music by exploring familial conflict and healing. With poignant lyrics and melodies, it offers hope and resonates deeply with those facing similar issues. This track underscores the band's commitment to meaningful music.

Watch the video below.

Stream the song here.

The history of Awake The Dreamer leads us back to 2015, when the Stockholm-based, melodic post-hardcore/metalcore act was formed by childhood and high school friends. Since dropping the Grow EP in 2016, the band been seen touring all across Europe and Asia alongside bands like Ice Nine Kills, Northlane, Adept, and Crystal Lake, to name a few.

In September 2019, the band dropped the debut album Damaged Souls via Arising Empire. A 10-track introduction to hard-hitting, melodic post-hardcore/metalcore, which also included features by Adept's Robert Ljung on "Vigilant" and Crystal Lake's Ryo Kinoshita on "Atmosphere."
 
"Being a smaller band that didn't even have an album out by the time we had toured Europe and Asia quite finally caught up to us and then the pandemic hit. Like that wasn't enough, we unfortunately had former members leaving the band, so it became natural for us to just start from scratch in order to re-develop a new sound. A sound which we are really happy and proud of. It feels great to start releasing music again and we are really excited to be back," says the band.

PHOTO CREDIT: John Gyllhamn

AWAKE THE DREAMER ARE:
Max Andrén — Vocals
Victor Sandberg — Guitar
Johan Norsander — Guitar

BLACKBRIAR - RELEASE BRAND NEW SONG 'MOONFLOWER'

Today BLACKBRIAR release their brand new song 'Moonflower' featuring Marjana Seminka. After the album release of A Dark Euphony in September last year the band shows once again, that they are always working on new songs and their creativity seems to know no bounds. 

Zora Cock comments:
“Moonflower tells a love story between a female vampire and a mortal girl and transports you to a bygone era where darkness and desire intertwine. It's inspired by the 19th-century gothic novel 'Carmilla', a timeless story that predates even the infamous Dracula. The song features a guest songstress Marjana Semkina, who I think is the most perfect fit for making this Moonflower an ethereal, haunting, and dark duet.”


Stream/Order the album A Dark Euphony here: https://blackbriar.bfan.link/a-dark-euphony
Watch the video for 'Moonflower' below.
Stream `Moonflower`here: https://blackbriar.bfan.link/moonflower.ema

After their successful co-headliner tour together with AD INFINITUM, BLACKBRIAR announced more European tourdates for October/November this year. BLACKBRIAR will join KAMELOT´S Awaken The World Tour as a special gusts. Together with AD INFINITUM and FROZEN CROWN they will share the stage withKAMELOT all over Europe and the UK.

The US tour together with BATTLE BEAST starts in May this year. All dates are listed below.

05/09 The Palladium, Worcester MA
05/10 Brass Monkey, Ottawa ON
05/11 Opera House, Toronto ON
05/12 House of Blues, Cleveland OH
05/14 House of Blues, Chicago IL
05/15 The Varsity Theater, Minneapolis MN
05/16 Grenada Theater, Lawrence KS
05/17 The Gothic Theatre, Denver CO
05/18 The Depot, Salt Lake City UT
05/20 The Neptune Theater, Seattle WA
05/21 The Rickshaw, Vancouver BC
05/22 Revolution Hall, Portland OR
05/24 Goldfield Trading Post, Roseville CA
05/25 The Observatory, Santa Ana CA
05/26 The Nile Theater, Phoenix AZ
05/28 Echo, Dallas TX
05/30 The Masquerade, Atlanta GA
05/31 The Underground, Charlotte NC 
06/01 Baltimore Sound Stage, Baltimore MD
06/02 Gramercy Theatre, New York NY

About BLACKBRIAR:

“Some say that there is beauty in darkness - terrifying visitors, worlds far gone, gothic romances, bone-chilling legends, sin-eaters, burning hearts frozen in time, songs with a misleading voice, and a truthful whisper. This and so much more for you to discover on A Dark Euphony.” Such are the words of vocalist Zora Cock about the band’s upcoming sophomore album, set to release in fall 2023 on Nuclear Blast Records. A telling sign coming from a band who has reveled in gothic beauty and metallic darkness since their onset, spanning three EPs and a full-length album, along with long-time collaborator Joost van den Broek.

Formed in 2012 by Zora Cock, René Boxem, Bart Winters, and Frank Akkerman, they crafted their first single in 2014 with 'Ready to Kill,' but it was 2015’s second single 'Until Eternity' that truly propelled them into the scene.  A sweeping track with an equally compelling and beautiful video, it continues to draw many to the act with over 20 million views since its debut. Taking advantage of the growing buzz surrounding the band, they independently recorded and released their first EP, Fractured Fairytales, as well as acquiring a second guitarist in Robin Koezen. This EP layed down an impressive foundation for the band’s ethereal and breathtaking sound and  brought about new opportunities for the act, including tour dates in The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and more, where the band played alongside EPICA, HALESTORM, IN THIS MOMENT, DELAIN and MaYan.

To keep moving ahead with full control of their creative ideals, the band successfully crowdfunded their follow-up EP, We’d Rather Burn, and brought it to life in October 2018. This EP would be the first time the band worked alongside esteemed producer Joost van den Broek to arrange and produce the effort, and this fruitful collaboration allowed BLACKBRIAR’s whimsical and enigmatic sound to reach new sonic heights.  Released the same day as their self-made video for 'I’d Rather Burn,' this EP showcased a stronger sense of dreamy atmosphere and brought listeners beautifully grim tales of witches, banshees, and sea sirens.  In the time following, keyboardist Ruben Wijga (ex-Re-Vamp) took a larger role within the band and began playing shows, after being involved in the songwriting process since Fractured Fairytales.

A busy 2019 followed, the band released a haunting single in May entitled 'Snow White and Rose Red.'  A duet with Ulli Perhonen, their take on the Grimm’s fairytale featured striking cinematic visuals to accompany the spellbinding track. Continuing to dig deeper into fairytale realms, BLACKBRIAR closed the year with their third EP, Our Mortal Remains.  Ever-sharpening their intoxicating blend of storytelling and breathtaking musicianship, the EP brought about new live exposures for the act as well.  Small, sold out tours with EPICA in 2019 and 2020, as well as a sold out opening for DELAIN’s Apocalypse & Chill release show in Utrecht followed, with more future plans then being put on hold due to COVID-19. 

Championing their continued independence, which included everything from songwriting, maintaining their web presence, overseeing merch, as well as shooting and producing their own videos and photos, BLACKBRIAR reached out to their ever-growing and loyal fanbase for assistance to make their full-length album a reality in 2020. Fans fervently heeded the call, reaching the € 25,000 goal in under 24 hours and ending with a total of € 70,000 and achieving all five stretch goals.  An impressive accomplishment for an independent act, which also showcases a strong internet presence with over 230,000 YouTube subscribers and 56.5 million channel views as well as 37.9 million Spotify streams and 275,000 monthly streamers on the platform.  

Entering 2021, the band relinquished a bit of control in signing exclusively with Doomstar Bookings to help properly support their highly anticipated first full-length album, The Cause of Shipwreck, which released in April.  Once again recorded with renowned producer Joost van den Broek (EPICA, AYREON, POWERWOLF) at Sandlane Recording Facilities, this release showcased the band’s continued evolution into masterfully dark gothic storytelling and theatrical aesthetics that entice you into a deadly yet spellbinding musical paradise. On the live front, launching into success with six sold out Dutch club shows, they later extended into more European territories such as Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, France, and the Czech Republic as the band moved into 2022. 

Despite a very successful 2021, the band still hungered for more, unleashing their latest single, 'Fairy of the Bog' in December.  A song about ‘het meisje van Yde’ (Yde girl), it’s a mixture of folklore, myth, and ancient local history wrapped into a more mystical and magical package that showcases what BLACKBRIAR does best. Due to winning ‘Drents Talent Award Culture 2021’ from ‘Stichting Kunst & Cultuur,’ BLACKBRIAR performed ‘I’d Rather Burn’ live on television together with the Dutch ‘Noordpool Orchestra in early 2022. In April, the band parted ways with founding member and bassist Frank Akkerman. Not a band to slow down, they welcomed Siebe Sol Sijpkens from The Netherlands as their new bassist.  A happy and energetic performer with a lifetime of global performances, he is a welcome addition to the act as they continue to strive forward.

With their vision looking firmly into the future, with a major label behind them, they set their sights on 2023 to conjure their most deadly siren song yet.  The band previously released the song 'Crimson Faces' to celebrate their partnership with Nuclear Blast Records, and now the world eagerly awaits the release of A Dark Euphony this fall. Set to contain 10 new original songs as well as a bonus track, they recently released their first single from it with 'My Soul’s Demise.' According to Zora, “We've had the pleasure of working with producer and musical genius Joost van den Broek, and we gave it our all to write this record and feel that this is our most complete, personal, and mature album to date.” With this in mind, the band launched a preorder campaign in April for the release, full of unique perks, which has been quite successful already. They have also been preparing on the road, with festival shows Wave Gotik Treffen, SummerBreeze, and Rock the Lakes in 2023, as well as being a special guest on CHARLOTTE WESSELS’s Club Tour.

With accolades behind them, such as being nominated three times for ‘Best Artist’ in EuroSonic/Noorderslag‘s Popgala Noord (2018, 2020, 2022), and continued fan support with current monthly streaming totals on YouTube and Spotify near 1.5 million streams, the world is primed and ready for a spectacular journey into darkness and beauty.

BLACKBRIAR is:
Zora Cock - VOCALS
René Boxem - DRUMS
Bart Winters - GUITARS
Robin Koezen - GUITARS
Siebe Sol Sijpkens - BASS
Ruben Wijga - KEYS

'80s POP HITMAKERS WANG CHUNG, MEN WITHOUT HATS, THE MOTELS, AND NAKED EYES ANNOUNCE THE “ABDUCTED BY THE '80s” TOUR

The 1980s were a unique, fun-filled era of music shaped in no small part by the emergence of MTV and the genre of New Wave. Fans will soon have a chance to step back in time to the electrifying era of the '80s with a music tour that promises a nostalgic journey of iconic sounds and unforgettable melodies.   

Wang Chung, Men Without Hats, The Motels, and Naked Eyes have joined forces to create a musical extravaganza that transports audiences to the heart of the neon-soaked, synth-driven decade with the impending launch of the Abducted by the '80s Tour.

Get ready to dance, sing along, and relive the magic of the 80s with this unforgettable music tour, including mega-hits such as "Everybody Have Fun Tonight," "Dance Hall Days," "Let's Go," "To Live and Die in L.A.," "Safety Dance," "Pop Goes The World," "Only The Lonely," "Suddenly Last Summer," "Take The L," "Always Something There To Remind Me," and "Promises, Promises."   

"I'm so excited to be reunited with Wang Chung and Naked Eyes for the Abducted by the Eighties tour this year," says the Motels' Martha Davis. "Nick, Jack, and Pete are some of my favorite people, not to mention amazing musicians! Hope to see you all there for some great nights and wonderful music."

"For our brand new tour this Spring, we have put together a group of acts that fit together musically, thematically, and harmoniously," adds Wang Chung's Nick Feldman and Jack Hues. "We wanted to create a night of big hits, big songs from your favorite movies and numerous TV shows, plus a few deeper cuts too. So come along and see us, get Abducted by the 80s, and have some FUN TONIGHT as you relive that magical decade!"

Combined, Wang Chung, Men Without Hats, The Motels, and Naked Eyes have recorded 28 Billboard Top 100 hits including eight top 10 hits.

"It's been an honor to work with these legendary artists on this tour.  With so many iconic 80s hits featured in the show, I know audiences will be in for a great night!” - Matt Rafal from Universal Attractions Agency

Come dance to the hits and get Abducted By the 80s!

Check out the tour teaser video below.

TOUR DATES BELOW (CHECK DATES TO SEE WHICH BANDS ARE PLAYING EACH NIGHT):

For Tickets Go AbductedBythe80s.com – Tickets are not on sale for all shows yet!

VIP Meet and Greets available for most shows.

Check Abductedbythe80s.com for updates and VIP info.

More dates will be announced soon!

Friday 5/17/2024 -
Kyle, TX  The Railhouse       
WC, Motels, NE

Saturday 5/18/2024 -
Katy, TX  Wildcatter Saloon       
WC, Motels, NE

Sunday 5/19/2024 -
Dallas, TX  House of Blues       
WC, Motels, NE

Thursday 5/23/2024 -
St Louis, MO  City Winery      
WC

Friday 5/24/2024 -
Oak Grove, KY  Oak Grove      
WC, MWH, NE, Animotion

Saturday 5/25/2024  -
Louisville KY  Mercury Ballroom      
WC, NE

Thursday 6/6/2024 -
Marion, IL  Marion CCC       
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Friday 6/7/2024 -
Des Plaines, IL  Des Plaines Theatre     
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Saturday 6/8/2024  -
Decatur, IL  Devon Lakeshore Amp     
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Sunday 6/9/2024 -
Fort Wayne, IN The Clyde Theater
WC, MWH, NE

Thursday 6/13/2024 -
Morristown, NJ  Mayo Performing Arts Center   
WC, Motels, NE

Friday 6/14/2024 -
Syracuse, NY  Sharkey’s      
WC, Motels, NE

Saturday 6/15/2024 -
Elmira, NY  First Arena       
WC, Motels, NE

Saturday 6/16/2024 -
Hampton, NH  Bennie’s
WC, Motels, NE

Friday 6/21/2024-
Jacksonville, FL  Florida Theatre      
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Saturday 6/22/2024 -
Clearwater, FL  Ruth Eckerd Hall      
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Sunday 6/23/2024 -
Ft Lauderdale, FL  Broward Center     
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
abductedbythe80s.com

FOR MERCH GO TO VISIONMERCH.COM

And remember - “Everybody Have Fun Tonight!”

Replacire Announce New Album

Replacire Announce New Album The Center That Cannot Hold 

"A band on their way to the top" - Angry Metal Guy 
"Leave you with a smile on your face and the horns in the air" - Metal Injection
"Mixes the pummeling intensity of Dying Fetus with the proggy eccentricity of Leprous" - No Clean Singing
"Engrossing brutality and neck-breaking charm. Truly the best of both worlds" - Dead Rhetoric

Going into album number three, Replacire had their duck boats all in a row. The Bostonians were fresh off a short run supporting their kindred spirits Exist. With their new lineup squarely in place, the tech-death band were all set to re-enter their mastermind's studio come March 2020.

Of course, the pandemic soon laid waste to Replacire's well-laid plans. As the title suggests, nothing about the band's new album came easy. But after countless Zoom calls, grueling 12-hour recording sessions, sleep paralysis and one near trip to the hospital, The Center That Cannot Hold flexes all of their might. 

The Center That Cannot Hold comes out June 21, 2024 on Season of Mist. 

Listen to the title track below.

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

Take a closer look at their name and it's clear why Replacire has become synonymous with Eric Alper. After all, Alper is their solo original member, having started the band all the way back in 2009 as a student at Berklee College of Music.  

When he's not producing other people's records, Alper is sculpting his own physique as a competitive body builder. But during the sessions for The Center That Cannot Hold, he was weighed down by writer's block.

"I was stressed out from just trying to keep my head above water", Alper says. "When the pandemic shut everything down, I had to sell our tour van and give up our rehearsal space just to keep my finances together. There were a lot of writing sessions where all I could manage to do was hum a few chords". 

Fortunately, help was close by. Replacire's lineup boasts three fellow Berklee grads. Alper might've managed to come up with the riff that chisels into the title track like a chainsaw through a hunk of granite, but Kee Po Hock fleshes out the head banging with zippy melodic leads and fret bends that sound as nerve-wracked as a malfunctioning cyborg. It's the rhythm section though that takes the reins on "The Center That Cannot Hold". Joey Feretti starts off fully aslant with harsh syncopated thwacks, only for bassist Zak Baskin to dunk the song's middle passage into a jazzy, unfettered breakdown.

James Dorton is no slouch, either. The former Black Crown Initiate vocalist has also filled in on tour for Ne Obliviscaris. Aside from his massive stage presence, Dorton is recognized amongst metalheads of all shapes and sizes for his annunciation. You can still make out every third word on "The Center That Cannot Hold", but he holds absolutely nothing back.

"I've been grey in my headspace", he growls with enough unclenched rage to bite through his tongue. "Just leave me bleeding in the dirt". Funny enough, Alper wanted "The Center That Cannot Hold" to scratch the same desperate itch as Corey Taylor's vocals on Slipknot's self-titled LP. Dorton took that inspiration to heart, too. When the song suddenly cuts out with a muffled thump, you might think that's his body hitting the floor instead of the mic.    

"James recorded the vocals for this song in one full take, with no stops, over and over, until we got it right" Alper says. "The next morning, he woke up shaking uncontrollably and his face was so pale. He came back to life after we got some fluids into him, but for a moment, I was worried that he needed to go to the hospital"

"The Center That Cannot Hold was a bitch to make", Alper continues. "There were plenty of days when I doubted whether we would ever finish this album. But I'm glad we did. It was worth it, especially when you end up with songs that are this chaotic and heavy". 

When Replacire started thinking about their third album, they gravitated around a simple idea. Write some caveman riffs to feed the mosh pit the next time they went out on tour. Of course, like any good technical death metal band that’s worth its weight in colored sands, these whiz kids deviated from their initial thought pattern. It wasn’t easy. Heck, they ended up crawling down a seven-year rabbit hole. But on The Center That Cannot Hold, the Boston band flex all their muscles 

"This was a grueling process", says guitarist Eric Alper. "But it was worth it in the end".  

On the surface, Replacire starts and ends with Alper. After all, the band is just his name spelled backward. Alper is a competitive bodybuilder with a mean and lean right rhythm hand, but don't let those beefy credentials fool you. When it comes to the studio, his brain does all the heavy lifting. By day, Alper produces music for other artists, as well as TV and movies. He's a proud alumnus  of Berklee College of Music, which is where he formed Replacire with four classmates back in 2009.   

Using the money that they savvily raised on Kickstarter, Replacire self-released their debut album by the end of 2012. A hybrid of thrash, prog and death metal, The Human Burden punched through the underground like a cyborg's fist. "This is what would have happened if Chuck Schuldiner were still alive today and mixed up with the likes of Obscura and Opeth at the same time", Metal Injection gushed. After tours with Hate Eternal and Beyond Creation and an unintentional private showcase for a certain label rep, Replacire signed with Season of Mist in 2016. The band wasted no time before making a quick first impression. While still head-spinning, their second album landed with the decisive force of a first-round knockout.    

“This group has set the tone for modern, rhythmically-centered death metal”, proclaimed Loudwire, who named them one of the top 5 bands amongst the next generation of death metal. “It’s time to wake up and hop aboard Replacire’s train”.    

Indeed, Replacire were chugging along with a full head of steam. But there's a reason why their new album is called The Center That Cannot Hold. After all, this is extreme metal. Things were bound to go flying off the rails at some point. Before they could even step out on their next headlining tour, the band's lineup completely turned over. While their momentum stalled, Alper went searching for replacements.  

Luckily, he didn't have to go any further than his old stomping grounds. Alper linked up with Zak Baskin, who had filled in on bass for parts of Do Not Deviate. Alper then reconnected with Kee Poh Hock, a guitar whiz who'd lived with Baskin when all three were students at Berklee. Even though he graduated a few classes after them, Joey Feretti was so advanced behind the drum kit that he became Alper's roommate. With mighty vocalist James Dorton joining fresh off Black Crown Initiate's breakout, the new-and-improved Replacire were all set to hit Alper's Ugly Duck Studio come March of 2020.  

No one needs to be reminded of what happened next. Replacire  always grind in the studio, taking their sweet time to fine tune every technical detail down to the last seventh string. "It never ceases to amaze me the way other metal bands just churn stuff out", Alper says. "It doesn't come easy for us. So many hours go into so few seconds of music". But when the pandemic shut the world down, writing slowed to a crawl amidst the endless slog of Zoom sessions. With live music shut down for the foreseeable future, suddenly, their well-laid plan for pumping out an album of crowd killers seemed more and more like a flimsy proposition. To stay afloat, Alper sold the band's van and moved out of their rehearsal space.  

"Everything that I had built to support the band was falling apart", Alper says.  

The mounting stress would've left a lesser band bloody-tongued and screaming. But despite being stuck inside this perfect shit storm, Replacire banged their heads together and pushed through. "Living Hell" was inspired by a nasty spell of sleep paralysis that Dorton suffered after witnessing a traumatic event. "In the wake of suicide", he groans, shrouded by eerie pangs of distortion. Alper was battling his own bouts with anxiety and depression that were brought on by a rather severe case of writer's block, but even when all he could stand to do was lay on the couch while humming through a half-finished riff, Poh Hock would pick up his Strandberg and zip past the finish line. "The Helix Unravels" could twist all of Mensa into a pretzel with its interlocked chugs and squealing fret bends. 

The Center That Cannot Hold is crammed full of mind-bending tech-death workouts. Baskin’s unfettered groove serves as the perfect springboard for another transcendent Hock solo halfway through "Hoard the Trauma Like Wealth", though his reverberated bass echoes like a sea of voices trapped at the bottom of a well on "The Ghost in the Mirror". The title track unspools under Feretti's syncopated snare hits and precision blasting, though Alper was the real drill sergeant. "I wanted the vocals to sound like they do on Slipknot's self-titled album, where Corey is gasping for air". Dorton took the inspiration to heart, running through full takes, with no stops, for hours on end. Heck, his vocal chords were so tattered and torn that he narrowly avoided a trip to the hospital.  

"We poured all of our blood, sweat and tears into this album", Alper says. "It took years off my life. There were plenty of times where I wanted to quit. But I'm glad we didn't, because this is our best album. Everything from the overall production down to the lead guitar parts took a step up. The tone is more serious  The songs are still techy buy they're also a lot heavier. I'm proud of us".  

On The Center That Cannot Hold, Replacire stand stronger than ever.   

Line-up
Eric Alper - Guitars
James Dorton - Vocals
Kee Poh Hock - Guitar
Zak Baskin - Bass
Joey Ferretti - Drums

Recording Studio
Ugly Duck Studios

Production Credits
Eric Alper - Producer & Sound Engineer
Jens Bogren - Mixing & Mastering Studio Engineer (Fascination Street Studios)

Cover Art
Andrew Tremblay (@actremblayart)

Biography
Will Yarbrough

Pre-save:
Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/replacire-the-center-that-cannot-hold

Follow Replacire:
Bandcamp: http://replacire.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Replacire
Instagram: https://instagram.com/replacire
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/replacire
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Replacire
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Replacire/videos
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/replacire/576863051
Deezer: https://deezer.page.link/6prhUUWzLoxLRVhK8
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0t8nNth1Y9dRxGoiHHSSoa

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black

FOLTERKAMMER Shares Performance Video for New Song, "Algolagnia"

PRE-ORDER

Operatic black metal rising stars FOLTERKAMMER are now unveiling an in-studio performance video for their brand new song, "Algolagnia!" The clip showcases the searing and remarkable talents of each member, while also giving a glimpse of guitarist Zac Ezrin's (IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT) versatility as a guitarist as he displays his chops with some straight-forward black metal riffing! The clip was once again created by Folterkammer drummer Brendan McGowan and can be found below.

The song is taken from the band's sophomore full-length, 'Weibermacht,' which is due on April 19, 2024 via Century Media Records!

Guitarist Zachary Ezrin comments, "Algolagnia is a special song because it's the first and only song that we wrote together in the studio. It's a really raw and brutal piece that I'm very proud of."

Bassist Laurent David adds, “Finally, a black metal track that starts with a bassline!”

Vocalist Andromeda Anarchia further explains, "Musically, I would say that despite all its rawness, this piece also has a somewhat modern character. It is very unusual. This contrasts with the more traditional, dramatic-romantic operatic singing that floats over the raw music at certain points. My main inspirations for interpreting Algolagnia as a singer were Rob Halford, Nina Hagen, Nova Twins, and Joan Sutherland.

“When it comes to lyrics, one of the main inspirations for 'Algolagnia' was the opera ELEKTRA by Richard Strauss, which is one of my all-time favorite operas. It portrays strong women with strong voices, and that's exactly what I want for our music. For Algolagnia, I paraphrase a passage of the aria: 'Wie stark bist du!' ('How strong you are!'). (A personal note: This opera is so bloody and brutal, a must-see for all metal fans who want to venture into the world of opera. It's heavy! You shouldn't expect overly romantic melodies and sweet voices in this opera; it is written for women with strong voices from the so-called dramatic vocal fach. It's incredibly demanding to sing! Badass!) 

"In addition, I also paraphrase a passage from a spicy comic-mythological operetta called 'DIE SCHÖNE GALATHEE' ('The Beautiful Galatea') by the Austrian composer Franz von Suppé. The operetta is about the beautiful nymph Galathee, who, to Pygmalion's dismay, turns out to be a very capricious lady. This theme also plays wonderfully into our hands when it comes to the concept of 'Weibermacht' (the term that refers to an art and cultural-historical motif that describes the triumph of erotic, cunning and/or brutal women over powerful, strong, and wise men).

"'Algolagnia,' from Greek /ælɡəˈlæɡniə/: ἄλγος, álgos, 'pain,' λαγνεία, lagneía, 'pleasure.' Lyrically, as the song title suggests, it is about the phenomenon of sexual pleasure and stimulation through physical pain. The woman depicted in the song is the source of pleasurable pain, described as a kind of sun, warming, life-giving and sustaining, but also dangerous, life-threatening hot if you get too close to her. The descriptions are based on the legend of Icarus and the sun."

'Weibermacht' serves as a counterpart to the band's 2020 debut, 'Die Lederpredigt.' The new record is another searing blend of modern black metal and classical music elements, lending to its Avant Garde sound. The music itself is elevated by frontwoman and vocalist Andromeda Anarchia's dynamic vocal work as she juxtaposes her classical training as an opera singer with her hellfire screams, summoning a maelstrom of ethereal chaos. Pre-orders are now live HERE.

In addition, FOLTERKAMMER has recently announced their first ever U.S. tour! The rising powerhouse will be embarking on an East Coast headliner with support from WITCHING, which kicks off on March 22 in Baltimore and will circle back to the band's hometown of Brooklyn, NY on March 30. The full itinerary can be found below!

GET TICKETS HERE

FOLTERKAMMER U.S. TOUR DATES (w/ WITCHING):

03/22: Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery

03/23: Richmond, VA @ Another Round

03/24: Columbus, OH @ The Summit

03/25: Chattanooga, TN @ Dark Roast

03/26: Nashville, TN @ The End

03/27: Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle

03/28: Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge

03/29: Cleveland, OH @ No Class

03/30: Brooklyn, NY @ Kingsland

Founded in New York around 2018/2019, Folterkammer, or “Torture Chamber,” is the operatic black metal outfit that is redefining modern music. This ingenious band seamlessly fuses beauty with brutality. A combination of raw passion and technique contributes to the epic nature of Folterkammer’s dark art. Their work is both nostalgic and remarkably fresh. Yes, Folterkammer fuses various musical traditions and genres to craft an unparalleled experience.

Folterkammer is composed of Andromeda Anarchia on vocals, Zachary Ezrin on guitars, Darren Hanson on guitars, Laurent David on bass, and Brendan McGowan on drums. Both Anarchia, who hails from Switzerland, and David, who was born in Paris, divide their time between Europe and Brooklyn. Thus, even though the group can be described as international, Anarchia states: “It took New York to create Folterkammer.” Her project Andromeda Anarchia’s DARKMATTERS acted as the catalyst that brought her to the Big Apple, where she met Ezrin. Many metalheads already know that Anarchia has appeared as a guest on the three most recent albums by Ezrin’s brainchild Imperial Triumphant — a leading avant-garde band that marries extreme metal, jazz, classical components, etc. McGowan has also provided guest vocals for Imperial Triumphant, and Hanson lent his songwriting excellence to their 2012 instrumental track “Scaphism.”

Ezrin, McGowan, and Hanson have a wealth of shared history. These friends attended college together in California, where Hanson and Ezrin studied classical composition. Thus, much of Folterkammer’s orchestration is classically based. Hanson harbors a special love of Baroque music and knows precisely how to expertly wed it with his passion for black metal. Folterkammer was actually conceived when Ezrin proposed that Anarchia collaborate with him on some of Hanson’s material. Ezrin writes killer riffs and more for the band. McGowan was invited to join Folterkammer on Hanson’s wise suggestion. His drums are perhaps the heaviest element keeping one of Folterkammer’s limbs firmly anchored in traditional black metal. McGowan mines inspiration from different generations of acts: He names 1349 and old-school heroes like Blasphemy and Marduk. That said, black metal fans will also be pleased to hear the spirit of the second wave in the aggression of Folterkammer’s tremolo picking, for example.

The exceptionally skilled David, Folterkammer’s newest weapon, truly perfects the group with his golden touch on bass. Whereas the bass is not always as prominent as it could be in the content of many black metal groups, Folterkammer purposely allows David’s bass to shine through. Like his bandmates, David is an avid consumer of several forms of music, and thus creates delightfully eclectic art. He has received both classical and jazz training. This major talent has toured worldwide alongside musicians and bands such as Ibrahim Maalouf, Guillaume Perret & The Electric Epic, Yael Naim, and Shijin. David has done so both as a side man and as a band leader/producer. Anarchia and Ezrin already knew David before asking him to join Folterkammer. After all, David founded the “avant metal-jazz trio” Kilter of which Imperial Triumphant’s Kenny Grohowski is an essential part. 

Lineup:

Andromeda Anarchia - Vocals

Zachary Ezrin - Guitars

Brendan McGowan - Drums

Darren Hanson - Guitars

Laurent David - Bass

Guest Harpsichord: Steve Blanco on "Anno Domina"

Album Credits:

Producer: Zachary Ezrin

Recording: Kevin Antreassian at Backroom Studios in NJ

Additional Recording: Laurent David and Antoine Delecroix

Mixing: Colin Marston at Menegroth, The Thousand Caves, in NY

Mastering: Fred Kevorkian

Cover Art: Eliran Kantor

Album Layout: Brendan McGowan

Photography: Alex Krauss

Logo Design: Mister Kams

Bio: Jillian Drachman

Photos: Alex Krauss

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BLACK SMOKE TRIGGER Unveils High-Octane Single & Music Video 'K.M.T.L.'

New Zealand's rock powerhouse Black Smoke Trigger has released their anthemic new single 'K.M.T.L.', complete with a dynamic music video that perfectly captures the song's raw intensity. Stream the track HEREand watch the accompanying music video below.

'K.M.T.L.' speaks to the relentless drive and sometimes dizzying pursuit of making dreams a reality. Partly written at Nashville's historic Sienna Studio and recorded by producer Nick Raskulinecz at his Rock Falcon Studio, the band channeled the grit and determination required to achieve success against the odds into their latest offering. The track sprang to life in the jam room, the initial riff playing out almost as if by instinct, guitarist and band leader, Charlie Wallace recounts "K.M.T.L. began in the jam room, I was talking to the band I noticed my hands were playing the beginning motif of the song, I just kept playing it and we started jamming. It felt like it was building to something so we wanted to write a chorus with tons of energy and I think we got just that by the end of the jam session."

The music video for 'K.M.T.L.' is an adrenaline-fueled visual spectacle. "The opening line 'It all keeps spinning' was the inspiration for what was a highly energetic shoot on a circular camera dolly track," explains Wallace. Filmed on a massive theatre stage next to the Auckland SkyTower, the video features continuous rotation, mirroring the song's theme of pushing through the spin of life's challenges to come out victorious on the other side. "It's lit up like a big stage because we just wanted to show what people can expect when they see us play this track live."

Black Smoke Trigger continues to ride the high of their dynamic rock, anchored by the distinctive guitar work of Wallace and the commanding vocals of Baldrick combined with their pummelling rhythm section courtesy of bassist Dan Fulton, and drummer Josh Te Maro. Fast becoming known for not only churning out certified 10/10, arena ready rock bangers, Black Smoke Trigger are also quickly garnering a reputation for creating incendiary and often death defying music videos. 

"K.M.T.L" follows the success of their previous singles "Proof of Life" "Perfect Torture" and “The Way Down”, the video for which saw the band perform atop the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere whilst Wallace jumped off the edge, shredding a guitar solo whilst plummeting 630ft and has clocked up over 1.3 million views on YouTube. The release sees Black Smoke Trigger continue to deliver on their promise of high-energy rock music that's both entertaining and deeply relatable.

Prior to this new string of singles, the band put out track “Caught In The Undertow”, the video for which was also a feat of extreme conditions. Filmed at Muriwai beach in Auckland, New Zealand and at a helicopter crash testing facility in a 3.6M deep pool, the whole band performed much of the song underwater creating a stunning visual that has clocked up 3.2 million Youtube views and highlighting the band’s dedication to creating unforgettable visual accompaniments for their hard-hitting rock anthems.

Black Smoke Trigger will be supporting Filter on the Australia and New Zealand leg of their Algorithm World Tour next month, will be hitting the road to support Bruce Dickinson in the UK this May. For full dates and tickets head to www.blacksmoketrigger.com

With their debut, full length album set for release this year, the horizon shines bright for these Kiwi rock trailblazers. Stay tuned for much more to come.

Photo Credit - Andhe Chandler

ABOUT BLACK SMOKE TRIGGER 

Black Smoke Trigger are led by Wallace (creator of the hugely successful Guitar Mastery Method) whose insane talent provides everything from delicate melodic motifs to face-melting shred solos and stadium-conquering riffs. They are fronted by incendiary vocalist Baldrick, whose impressive vocal abilities provide that indefinable, timeless rock n roll soul to the Black Smoke Trigger sound. Bassist Dan Fulton, and drummer Josh Te Maro round out the line-up, joining forces to create a powerhouse rhythmic backbone and one of the most bombastic and inventive rhythm sections of recent years. 

With a rapidly growing fanbase, millions of streams, a reputation for raucous live shows and irrepressibly fearless approach to their craft, Black Smoke Trigger are poised to be the biggest and most thrilling entity to come from New Zealand since the Lord of The Rings movies. Just with more rock n roll and less hobbits.

Cameron Alexander Announces New EP "Ice Blue Punk" & New Single "Insomniac"

Rising pop punk prodigy, Cameron Alexander, has today announced his brand new EP "Ice Blue Punk" set for release on April 26, 2024. Bursting with infectious anthems, the highly anticipated EP is set to blend his punk attitude and beloved pop sensibilities.

To celebrate today's long-awaited announcement, Cameron has officially released a brand new single "Insomniac", that shares a sneak peek into the upcoming EP. With catchy melodies, soaring choruses, and the signature grit of pop punk, Cameron Alexander brings a fresh and contemporary edge to the pop punk sound, drawing inspiration from legends of the genre while infusing it with his unique style. Fans can watch the new video below.

Speaking on today's EP announcement, Cameron Alexander shares:

"The purpose of this song was to bend elements from traditional pop-punk songs as well as experiment with more electronic elements to resemble the confusing atmosphere that the sudden end of a relationship can cause. To me, Insomniac is a rapid fire of emotions channeled into an anthem that serves as the perfect closer to my first body of work, a triumphant cliffhanger to my life, my music, and what’s to come from both."

Lifting the curtain behind the accompanying single release, Cameron Alexander adds:

"I’m ecstatic to finally be able to release my first body of work to the world. It’s been an honor working with industry professionals as well as my best friends to create a project that embodies the journeys I’ve been on in my life up to this point. From the heartbreaks to the friendships that will last forever, from facing inner demons to learning to live and let go, the highest highs and lowest lows are all there in their perfectly imperfect reality, and it’s all wrapped up in an angsty and anthemic package for you to jump around to. Even though I create the music, it wouldn’t be what it is without the people in my life inspiring what it can become and the listeners supporting the music, and I’m forever grateful to the people that have chosen to come along for the ride."

Elevated by the collaboration of decorated producers Justin Cortelyou (Taylor Swift, Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires) and Liam Muckala (Anthony Amorim, Tornsey, Eva Snyder), Cameron Alexander has infused his music with a blend of contemporary innovation and timeless authenticity, setting the stage for his rise as an artist to watch in the industry. As more begins to approach on the horizon, be sure to stay tuned for more Cameron Alexander news coming soon.

ABOUT CAMERON ALEXANDER

Cameron Alexander is an emerging force in the pop punk scene who effortlessly bridges the gap between the old and new. With a deep respect for the genre's pioneers and a keen ear for contemporary trends, he crafts a captivating blend of nostalgia and modernity. Cameron has a deep care for his sound by playing every instrument in his tracks, yet it's his relatability and knack for weaving meaningful, heartfelt lyrics with a touch of honest wit that truly resonates with fans. A torchbearer for a new generation of guitar-wielding youth, he's revitalizing the spirit of pop punk while wholeheartedly embracing the modern musical landscape.

Photo Credit - Hayley Hollis

Sonic Universe (Feat. Corey Glover of Living Colour) Drop "Higher" Video

Sonic Universe, featuring Corey Glover (Living Colour) and Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob), have shared the video for "Higher." Watch it below. 

The song appears on the band's upcoming debut album It Is What It Is, out May 10 via earMUSIC. Pre-order it here. 

"Higher" follows the statement of purpose that was first single "I Am." It's a call for strength and resistance in the face of opposition. "Sometimes it's all around / Can't get yourself up off the ground / Don't let the world bring you down."

There's no mistaking the power of Glover's voice, Orlando's ascending riffs, and the rhythm section of bassist Booker King and drummer Taykwuan Jacksonto take fans "Higher" as anticipation builds for the album's release.

The album was recorded at Orlando's Sonic Stomp Studios in New York City and the new video was once again directed by Tom Flynn (Lamb of God, Buckcherry). Capturing Corey in all his "colourful" glory, Sonic Universe muscles through the powerful track, showing four musicians at their peak and a chemistry to conjure new musical worlds from the galaxies of hard rock, funk, punk, thrash, and metal.