Until I Wake Drop "Messenger" Lyric Video

Buffalo quartet Until I Wake — new vocalist Justin Smith, alongside bassistRyan Ridley, guitarists August Geitner and Niko Karras, and drummer Alex Curtin — recently announced their new album Renovate. It arrives on December 6 via Fearless Records. Pre-order it here

On Renovate, the band has upped the ante, cranking all knobs to 11. Pummeling verses collide with soaring, arena-ready choruses, all of which are backed with percussion so immediate it could replace your own heartbeat and a relentless barrage of neck snapping riffs — the kind that hard rock fans can't get enough of. Until I Wake have leveled up every element of their sound, and are re-invigorated by the addition of new singer Smith. They've honed their live chops with nonstop touring, appeared at key festivals, such as Download, Welcome to Rockville, Upheaval, and more, and have garnered press praise from Blabbermouth, Outburn, Kerrang!, and Alternative Press while amassing millions of streams. Now armed with a killer sophomore album and their lineup cemented, Until I Wake are poised to become "ones to watch" in the hard rock scene.

Today, the band shared the lyric video for latest single "Messenger." Watch it below.

"'Messenger' is a story of faith in what we cannot see or understand," Smith states. "The feeling that something is watching over us and guiding us from pain to growth. I wrote this song based off of a dream that strongly influenced my life toward the path of music and my faith in God."

 Until I Wake show off their moody side here. The band sprinkles hip-hop-inspired choruses and rhythms among its signature blend of molten metal, raging riffs, and alternately sung and screamed vocals. Fans of Linkin Park will find themselves magnetically attracted to UIW and "Messenger," which boasts a sick, galloping solo before a beautiful fade out.

LA Hard Rock Rising Stars S8NT ELEKTRIC Sign with Long Branch Records

Hard rock rising stars S8NT ELEKTRIC sign with Long Branch Records and release their new single "XTC".

Founded by frontwoman and powerful lead singer Bri Carbajal, and guitarist, songwriter, producer Niko Tsangaris, the band from Los Angeles, California, has toured Europe every summer, opening for artists like WolfmotherMammoth WVH, MC5Dirty Honey, and WARGASM, as well as playing huge festivals such as Bottlerock, Rockville, Prague Rocks, and Azkena Rocks. Everyone has heard the age old rock n’ roll cliche “Living on the edge,” but S8NT ELEKTRIC never quite fit into that stereotype. They’d rather live life “OFF THE EDGE,” pushing themselves to face their deepest fears and conquer their biggest dreams, all for the world to see on video. S8NT ELEKTRIC combines an adrenaline junkie attitude with honest songwriting. They’re a band about adventure, living life to its fullest, and expressing themselves unapologetically. 

"XTC" is the first single off S8NT ELEKTRIC’s debut album “OFF THE EDGE'' which will be released in 2025. 

Watch the Video for "XTC"

On the release of "XTC", guitarist Niko Tsangaris comments:

"I came up with the original melodies and lyrics for 'XTC' after the first time I did Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I had always wanted to fight, but I always felt that I was 'too weak'. However that day I pushed through my fear and had my first class. I got my ass kicked, to say the least. But I left with such excitement and joy because I had finally conquered my fear. In the car, I put on the instrumental track and the first lyric that came out of me was 'I feel so alive'. That feeling of pushing past my own limitations was so freeing. And since the beginning of this year it has become our mission statement as a band, to live 'Off the Edge'. To take the leap into the unknown, to adventure, and to realize our true potential! So we figured the most fitting way to express that would be to skydive with all our bandmates for the music video. It was all of our first time and it was exhilarating! The first thing we all said when we got down was 'We have to do that again'! That is the exact feeling that we aim to capture with everything we do, and we’re only upping the anti from here."

Stream "XTC" HERE

At the signing ceremony (from left to right):

Torben Meyer (Senior Talent Agent Eat Music), Niko Tsangaris (S8NT ELEKTRIC), Manuel Schönfeld (Long Branch Records / Managing Director SPV), Bri Carbajal (S8NT ELEKTRIC), Hendrik Wippermann (CEO Eat Music), Anton Surdin (Marketing Eat Music)

S8NT ELEKTRIC are:

Bri Carbajal - Vocals

Niko Tsangaris - Guitar

Destin Trey Baker - Drums

Joshua Flores Mayorga - Guitar

Daniel Avetyan - Bass

Revnoir Share Video For New Track "Crève"

French rock and metal sensation Revnoir have released the video for their gripping new single, "Crève," continuing their exploration of dark, emotional themes.

Watch the video below. Stream the song here.

The song delves into the painful paradox of a toxic love, blending intense English and French lyrics that navigate the turmoil of feeling entrapped by someone destructive. "Crève" captures this raw, cathartic experience with vivid imagery and a visceral soundscape that mirrors the psychological torment of its narrative.

Revnoir's bold integration of rock, metal, and dark electro elements makes this track a profound statement on love's darker side, resonating with anyone who has felt the desperation of a fraught relationship. This release follows their successful first show in Paris and comes ahead of their anticipated European tour with Future Palace and Our Promise.
 
"For the next tracks, our goal is to make you feel like you're living through one of your nightmares," says the band. "These dark dreams often stem from everyday fears, and we aim to amplify those anxieties, turning them into something bigger and more intense. Each song will immerse you in a world where the lines between reality and fear blur, making you confront the deeper emotions lurking beneath the surface."

Blackened Death Metal Masters THULCANDRA Unleash Video Clip From Very First Live Album 'Live Demise'!

Following the release of their much-acclaimed, latest studio album 'Hail The Abyss' (released in May 2023 via Napalm Records HERE), blackened death metal frontrunners THULCANDRA have announced their first-ever live album, celebrating the first chapter and early days of the band!

'Live Demise' was recorded live in 2011 at a hometown show in Munich, Germany, and features true gems that the band hasn't performed in more than a decade, all with the original line-up consisting of Sebastian Ludwig, Tobias Ludwig, Matthias Landes (Dark Fortress, Noneuclid) and Steffen Kummerer (Obscura, Death, Cynic).

The Video Clip for "Fallen Angel's Dominion (Live)"

THULCANDRA’s rise to power ignited when the four-piece unleashed their debut album, 'Fallen Angel’s Dominion', upon metaldom in 2010. Followed by their 2011 masterpiece, 'Under a Frozen Sun', 'Live Demise' contains brutal-as-hell classics from both records, like "Black Flags Of Hate", "In Blood And Fire" and "The Spirit Of The Night", aptly capturing the spirit and high-voltage energy of both the crowd and band. Ragers such as "Night Eternal" and "Fallen Angel's Dominion" perfectly showcase the band's raw and intense performances in their early days, and prove how THULCANDRA has quickly stepped up as one of the leading bands of their genre!

Due to the pandemic, which was subsequently followed by their latest studio album 'Hail The Abyss', 'Live Demise' could not be released alongside THULCANDRA's 20th anniversary as originally planned. Now, with mixing and mastering by Dan Swanö (Katatonia, Edge Of Sanity, Dissection) and cover artwork designed by Herbert Lochner, this very special release will become available in only strictly limited editions exclusively via Napalm Records and atTHULCANDRA's upcoming live shows - including their European co-headlining run with legendary Swedish black and death metal band Sacramentum with support from Nephylim. The tour begins January 2025; find all upcoming dates listed below!

Pre-Order 'Live Demise' HERE!

THULCANDRA are:

Steffen Kummerer – Guitars & Vocals

Mariano Delastik – Guitars

Carsten Schorn – Bass

Alessandro Delastik – Drums

Liverpool's THE WOOD shares 'Thornside Walk', previewing eponymous debut album

Liverpool-based The Wood presents 'Thornside Walk', a song of hope, redemption and eventual triumph, and the second taste of the duo's debut 'Days' album, out on November 22 via Riverdream Records.

Made of up Alex Evans (vocals, backing vocals, percussion) and Steve Powell (guitars, bass, backing vocals, keys, percussion), The Wood bring rock solid grooves, creating melodies full of beauty, passion, pain and the power of real soul.

As a producer, Steve Powell is an expert at unearthing sonic magic, having recorded many notable artists records, including Michael Head and The Strands, John Power, def.fo, The Stairs and Ella Guru He also produced and played guitar on the first Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band record 'Arturius Revisited' and number one indie album 'Adios Senor Pussycat'.

“'Thornside Walk' was written in the darkest period of my life - a place filled with anger, confusion and sorrow. This was first time I was truly able to express my feelings through music and the beginning of The Wood creating music with real depth. 'Thornside Walk' serves to show that, even in our darkest hour, there lies resilience and hope. A true reflection of a moment in time and one of our proudest songs to date,” says Alex Evans.

Steve Powell adds, “This was the first song Alex and myself wrote together. It’s about being faced with the darkest of times, but there’s light at the end of the long tunnel. Allow yourself to embrace the joy life has to offer. Ultimately, it’s an uplifting song."

Last month, the band released the lead single 'Let It Loose' with a surreal video, filmed and edited by Dylan Cox at the Pro Flex Gym in Liverpool and featuring boxer Jake Harrison, along with a host of other shady characters.

The two met when Powell was blown away by Evans' voice while recording him at his Ark Recording Studios in Liverpool. From the outset, they realised they were creating music that was difficult to categorise yet somehow sounded familiar, meshing blue-eyed soul, southern and indie rock.

With Steve on guitar and bass, they enlisted several talented friends, including Martin Smith and Simon James (The Coral, Shack) on brass, and Jake Howden-Woodward (Nova Twins).

Alex Evans has a voice capable of turning real pain into raw beauty. Imbued with a rare natural soul, he leaps effortlessly from brooding, troubled depth to full-throated gospel glory as he leans in close to that groove. Together as The Wood, they create music of passion and pain, of glory and redemption. Songs where all the right decisions have been made, deliberate and slowly, without any external pressure, only the enriching pleasure of artistic collaboration.

As of November 8, 'Thornside Walk' is available everywhere online, including Bandcamp and Spotify. The 'Days' album is out November 22, accompanied by The Wood's album release show at Leaf - Bold Street in Liverpool on November 20 and December 6 show at A.R.C @ Camp&Furnace Liverpool.

CREDITS
Written by Alex Evans and Steve Powell
Alex Evans - vocals, backing vocals, percussion
Steve Powell - guitars, bass, backing vocals, keys, percussion
Produced and recorded by Steve Powell at Ark Recording Studios, Liverpool
Mastered by Pete Maher
Jake Howden-Woodward – drums (tracks 2,3,4,7)
Jay Irving – drums (1,5)
Roy CorkillL – upright bass (6)
Martin Smith – trumpet (1,4,5,7)
Simon James – sax (1,5)
Amy Chalmers – violin and backing vocals (2,7)
Matt Phillips – cello (2,7)
Andy Jacobson – piano (7)
Mike Smith – keys (5,7)
Phil Melville – slide dobro (6)
Charlie Griffiths – backing vocals (1,5)
Clair Griffiths – backing vocals (1,5)
Single cover artwork photo by Dylan Cox
Album cover graphics design by Pascal Blua
'Let It Loose' video filmed & edited by Dylan Cox @DylanCoxMedia
Featuring boxer Jake Harrison @JakeHarrison_Boxing at Pro Flex Gym, Liverpool
Photography by Kevin Barrett
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with The Wood
Single order | Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Press contact

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

Oxford's JODY & THE JERMS shares 'Winter Heart' feat. THE WONDERSTUFF violinist ERICA NOCKALLS

Jody and the Jerms round off 2024 with the fast-paced yet emotive single 'Winter Heart', a bittersweet song exploring loneliness and hope. Rich in melody with an epic and uplifting chorus, this track features an appearance by acclaimed violinist Erica Nockalls of The Wonder Stuff, The Proclaimers and one-half of the acoustic duo Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls.

Jody and the Jerms is an Oxford-based sextet, made up of Jody Jeger (sings and lyrics), Salma Craig (harmonies and guitar), Niall Jeger (guitars), Rob Anwood (piano and synth), Steve Clark (drums and backing vocals), and Sam Hutchinson (bass).  Recorded in October 2024 at Send Hill Studios and produced by James Welch, the single was mastered by Tim Turan at Turan Audio in Oxford.

‘This is a story about never knowing where you stand in a relationship, unrequited love and the loneliness it brings. Someone has already moved on, and you’re naively hoping the Universe will bring you back together,” says Jody Jeger.
 
This has been quite the busy year for the band, who released their 'Different Skies' EPthis summer, garnering acclaim across the airways and print, and also toured throughout the UK and Sweden. With over 100 gigs behind them to date, Jody and the Jerms continue to build on a reputation as an an excellent live band with further dates to be announced in early 2025.
 
Three albums, two EPs and many singles into their career, Jody and the Jerms look forwrd to releasing their 14-track ‘Best Of’ album in spring of 2025, which will be available exclusively on limited edition coloured vinyl. Last year, the band released several singles and their 'Wonder' album, which was produced, mixed and mastered by RIDE legend Mark Gardener at his OX4 Sound studio near Oxford. 

Championed by the late Janice Long at BBC, among others, Jody and the Jerms is a six-piece revolving around Jody Jeger (vocals) and Niall Jeger (guitars and vocals). Jody had never sung or been in a band before the Jerms formed in 2019, although Niall had been in 00s Oxford trio The Anydays, who graced the pages of NME, played with Radiohead and Supergrass, and were featured by Mark Radcliffe at BBC Radio 2.

Jody and the Jerms create endearing jangle-pop songs that are both evocative and relatable. Formed in Oxford in 2019, they have been writing, recording and performing their blend of melodic and uplifting indie/ alt rock ever since, having enjoyed national airtime on Radio X (UK), Sirius XM (USA) and RTVE (Spain), as well as BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing, BBC Wales and BBC Ulster.  

As of November 8, 'Winter Heart' can be found on fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Jody and the Jerms will be staying close to home for the next few months with a string of Oxfordshire shows.

CREDITS
Music written by Niall Jeger. Lyrics by Jody Jeger
Jody Jeger – sings and lyrics
Salma Craig – harmonies and guitar
Niall Jeger – guitars
Rob Anwood – piano and synth
Steve Clark – drums and backing vocals
Sam Hutchinson – bass
Erica Nockalls - violin
Recorded at Send Hill Studios
Produced by James Welch
Mastered by Tim Turan at Turan Audio, Oxford
Single artwork by Niall Jeger

Keep up with Jody and the Jerms
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud | Apple Music | Spotify | Songkick | Press contact

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

Defeated Sanity Premiere New Playthrough with Sick Drummer

Few bands in the halls of metal have marched to a beat that's more brazen, brutal and bizarre than Defeated Sanity. Thirty years after their flaming, cataclysmic demo, the underground legends have repeatedly slammed death metal on its deformed skull. Each member is a certified lunatic when it comes to breaking brains with their fine-tuned instruments, but the band's punishing headiness is led by drummer Lile Gruber, their fleet-footed co-founder and singular mastermind. 

"Lile's drumming can be described by his band's appropriately chosen name", Black Dahlia Murder drummer Alan Cassidy told Loudwire. "When you hear one of their songs for the first time you quickly become mentally exhausted with all the twists and turns of his extremely technical and groove-oriented playing".

Whether he's flaying his snare, pinging between cymbals, pounding out blast beats or riding a colossal groove, Lile ensures that Defeated Sanity's new album flows like a never-ending stream of filth. To gear up for Chronicles of Lunacy, Sick Drummer are premiering a new drum playthrough of the band's latest single. It's still plenty twisted, but "Accelerating the Rot" now stands as one of the fastest songs in their torrid history.      
 
Watch Lile rip through "Accelerating the Rot” for Sick Drummer.

Chronicles of Lunacy comes out November 22 on Season of Mist. 

Pre-order & Pre-save 

https://orcd.co/defeatedsanitythecroniclesoflunacy

The drum playthrough for "Accelerating the Rot" was created by Obscenery Films.

Can't wait for your pre-order? Join Defeated Sanity for tonight's Bandcamp Listening Party. Chat with the band and listen to all of Chronicles of Lunacy two weeks before the album comes out.

Chronicles of Lunacy Bandcamp Listening Party

Thursday, November 7 @ 9 pm Eastern Time

RSVP
https://defeatedsanity.bandcamp.com/live/chronicles-of-lunacy-listening-party

None of their albums are ever going to follow a straight line, but on Chronicles of Lunacy, Defeated Sanity return to sheer brutality.  


Lineup
Josh Welshman - Vocals
Vaughn Stoffey - Guitars
Jacob Schmidt - Bass
Lille Gruber - Drums

Guest musicians
Danny Nelson and Paolo Paguntalan provide backup vocals on "Amputationsdrang" and "Accelerating the Rot"

Recording Studio
Thousand Caves Studio in January 2024.

Production
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Colin Marston.
Produced by Colin Marston and Defeated Sanity.

Cover Art
Artwork by Jon Zig
Title lettering by Liz Schmidt
Layout by Alex Eckman-Lawn

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

Booking: Daniel Defonce TKO: danieldefonce@tkoco.com

Follow Defeated Sanity
https://defeatedsanity.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/DefeatedSanity
https://www.instagram.com/defeated_sanity_official 
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dy6peOuKo2QkwaNWPoJpx
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/defeated-sanity/277268753

KORPIKLAANI - Release Video For 'Sauna', The English Version Of Their Song 'Saunaan'

Finnish Folk Metal Superstars KORPIKLAANI have released a video for the song 'Sauna', which is an English version of the first single from their latest album, Rankarumpu

KORPIKLAANI's twelfth studio album Rankarumpu is classic folk metal - fast, energetic and dynamic, showing once again they are the leaders in this genre. The fast paced, violin-driven and playful folk metal tune 'Sauna' is one of the finest examples of KORPIKLAANI's staggering virtuosity. With its irresistable lead melody and a chorus for the ages, 'Sauna' should fill any fan of the genre with pure delight.

Samuli Mikkonen (drums) commented:
"We’ve have played 'Saunaan' on every show after it was released and it has become a banger! Now it was about time to make an English version so everybody can understand our tribute to Finnish sauna culture. The message is simple:
'Sauna! To party is not a crime
Your worries will burn like a pine!'
"

Korpiklaani will embark on an extensive GSA tour with In Extremo and Rauhbein on November 15th. 

LISTEN TO 'SAUNA'
https://korpiklaani.bfan.link/sauna

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'SAUNA' Below.

FOLKFEST OF THE NORTH
NORTH AMERICAN CO-HEADLINE TOUR 2025
KORPIKLAANI  |  ENSIFERUM

GUESTS: Trollfest & NiNi
 

27.02.2025      US  Boston, MA, Brighton Music Hall

28.02.2025      CA  Quebec City, QC, Salle Montaigne - SOLD OUT

01.03.2025      CA  Montreal, QC, Beanfield - SOLD OUT

02.03.2025      CA  Ottawa, ON, Overflow

03.03.2025      CA  Toronto, ON, The Concert Hall0

4.03.2025      US  Columbus, OH, King of Clubs

05.03.2025      US  Pontiac, MI, Crofoot

06.03.2025      US  Chicago, IL, Outset

07.03.2025      US  Minneapolis, MN, Skyway Theatre

08.03.2025      US  Des Moines, IA, Wooly’s

09.03.2025      US  Denver, CO, Gothic Theatre

11.03.2025      US  Salt Lake City, UT, Metro Music Hall

13.03.2025      US  Sacramento, CA, Goldfield Roseville

14.03.2025      US  San Francisco, CA, Great American Music Hall

15.03.2025      US  Los Angeles, CA, Regent Theater

16.03.2025      US  San Diego, CA, House of Blues

17.03.2025      US  Phoenix, AZ, Nile

18.03.2025      US  Albuquerque, NM, Sunshine

20.03.2025      US  Oklahoma City, OK, Beer City Music Hall

21.03.2025      US  Dallas, TX, Granada

22.03.2025      US  Austin, TX, Come and Take It Live

23.03.2025      US  Houston, TX, Warehouse Live

25.03.2025      US  Tampa, FL, Orpheum

26.03.2025      US  Atlanta, GA, Masquerade Heaven

27.03.2025      US  Greensboro, NC, Hangar 1819

28.03.2025      US  Baltimore, MD, Baltimore Soundstage

29.03.2025      US  Mechanicsburg, PA, Lovedraft’s

30.03.2025      US  Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn Monarch

KORPIKLAANI ONLINE:
https://linktr.ee/korpiklaani

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT RAY HAWTHORNE

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

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

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

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

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

The EP finds the band going harder than ever before.

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

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

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

Paleface Swiss Drop Dark New Single "My Blood Your Hands" & Announce Huge Golden Ticket Give Away

Paleface Swiss, Switzerland’s finest purveyors of expertly crafted brutality, have unveiled their brand new single, “My Blood On Your Hands”, today. Diving deep into the turmoil of unspoken fears and the endless cycle of unresolved struggles, the track serves as the latest glimpse into the band’s highly anticipated third album, 'Cursed' due January 3rd, 2025. Stream “My Blood Your HandsHERE, watch the official music video below and pre-order the album HERE.

Promising be the band’s most thematically layered and sonically intense release to date, every track on Paleface Swiss’ upcoming opus is represented by a different flower featured on it’s artwork. “My Blood Your Hands” is represented by the butterfly weed —a flower, which in Victorian Flower language, symbolises rejection and bears the message “let me go”. The song and its video marks the first act in a series of upcoming releases, each exploring a blend of vulnerable and emotional themes intertwined with the band’s signature brutal intensity. Cutting to the core of the human experience, “My Blood Your Hands” balances themes of internal chaos and raw despair. Frontman Marc “Zelli” Zellweger offers further insight into the track:

“ Have you ever been lying in bed, unable to fall asleep because you’re haunted by the same problems you’re too afraid to confront? You replay different scenarios in your mind, but just as you’re about to reach a resolution, you find yourself back at the beginning. It keeps spiralling, growing worse and worse until you reach a point where you think, ‘It would be easier to die than to face this pain.’ 

 The next morning, everything seems mostly fine—until night comes again.   

 That’s what this song is about.”

In addition to the new single, Paleface Swiss are thrilled to announce a one-of-a-kind Golden Ticket initiative for fans. Starting Monday, November 11th, fans who pre-order the special box set on the official website will have a chance to find the coveted Golden Ticket, hidden within one lucky box. This golden ticket will grant the winner and a guest an unforgettable experience at the band’s album release show in their home-town of Zurich. Head to the band's website for more information www.palefaceswiss.com

The lucky Golden Ticket Winner will receive

- Round-trip airfare for two to Zurich, Switzerland  

- One night’s accommodation at a comfortable hotel  

- An exclusive Meet & Greet with the band 

The band's upcoming third full-length, ‘Cursed’ is a masterclass in modern brutality and encapsulates two years of creative exploration and raw personal experiences for the Paleface Swiss members. The band retreated to the seclusion of the Canary Islands to craft this sonic juggernaut. Collaborating with Ron Steven Deris at Misueno Studios and with long-time collaborator Florent Salfati (Landmvrks) helping to add the finishing touches, their work culminated in an album that marries the band’s signature heaviness with intricate conceptual storytelling. The first single from the album, “Hatred”, was released in September, delivering the perfect blend of bombastic nu-core swagger, incendiary rapid fire vocals, thrash-inspired guitar solos and the pummeling rhythmic section the band have become globally renowned for. Since release, ‘Hatred’ has hit 877k streams on Spotify alone, with the accompanying music video hitting 250k views.  

Joining the band for their mega US run will be Stick To Your Guns and Nasty, making it another bonafide unmissable lineup. The tour kicks off on March 20th, 2025, in Detroit, MI, and will cover 30 cities, including Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto. Full tour dates and tickets are available HERE.

Known for their incomparable live performances and fearless approach to intense and vulnerable topics, Paleface Swiss has built a reputation as one of the most vital, unfiltered and rapidly rising forces in the world of modern metal today. With ‘Cursed’, Paleface Swissare ready to take listeners into their darkest, most intricate and artistically diverse chapter yet, combining their trademark deathcore heaviness with raw vulnerability, a rare and special combination for a band within their genre. With a brand new album, an ever-growing army of devoted fans, critical acclaim, sold-out headline shows and stellar festival performances garnering new fans wherever they go, Paleface Swiss have their sights firmly set total, global domination. Stay tuned, buckle up and kick back for the ride.

ABOUT PALEFACE SWISS

Since the release of their first album, 'Chapter 3: The Last Selection', independent outfit, PALEFACE SWISS have gained international recognition throughout the Deathcore and Beatdown Community. Known for their huge, aggressive riffs, brutally bombastic rhythm section, frontman, Zelli's outstanding vocals and a pinch of humor. This is Switzerland’s finest heavy music. Across their catalog, the band have gained 110 million streams, 21 million YouTube views on their own channel, and recently peaked at 1 million Spotify monthly listeners.

Chapter 3: The Last Selection’ was released on October 30th 2020, spawning four huge tracks “Curse Us”, “The Rats”, "Lights Out" and “Skalpell” which quickly ranked high in the beatdown/hardcore charts and saw the band become cover stars on Spotify’s Heavy Beatdown playlist.

In 2022 the band released their second full-length album 'Fear & Dagger'. The album was widely considered a huge step up for the band as plaudits began to roll in for frontman Zelli's vocal ability and the band's unflinching commitment to never shy away from brutally heavy riffs, face-melting technically insane guitar solos, punishing beatdowns or from facing difficult, emotional topics head on. Metal Injectionaccurately summed it up in their review by saying, "It's fun to get caught up in Paleface's unrelenting instrumentals, but Zelli's really the star of Paleface. This is largely because he treats his screams like rap bars." New Transcendence stating "Paleface have created one of the most emotionally relevant and intriguing beatdown releases to date" and Wall of Sound calling it "an unashamedly brutal and angry album".

The album shot the band into the upper echelons of the "New Wave Of Deathcore" and spawned singles "The Orphan", "Deathtouch", "Dead Man's Diary" feat. LANDMVRKS frontman Florent Salfati and fan favourite and stylistic curveball, "My Grave / Lay with Me". The album focused on more mature and critical topics related to the fears and struggles young people have to contend with in the 21st century, most importantly, the topic of mental health.

The ensuing 2 years saw the band's popularity sky-rocket. Honing their craft in the live arena, the band rapidly jumped from strength to strength, creating what is now one of the most thrilling and impactful live shows in modern metal. Their ability to win over any crowd, wether it be their own headline shows, touring the US with the likes of Body Snatcher or The Ghost Inside, touring the UK with the likes of Counterparts and Kublai Khan or at globally renowned festivals such as Sick New World, Hellfest Open Air, Summer Breeze, Cabaret Vert, Dynamo Metal Festival and more, one thing is for sure, Paleface Swiss will turn an audience into fans by the time they're done at every show they play.

To support their largely sold-out touring efforts, the band released a series of stand alone singles, "Best: Before Death" - now a staple and firm fan favourite in their live set list, "Please End Me" and "The Gallow".

Now, with the impending release of their third full-length album, 'Cursed', Paleface Swiss are set to write the next chapter or their incredible, epic journey as they reveal their most thematically and sonically ambitious album to date. Never pulling punches when it comes to heaviness, technicality or emotional vulnerability, Paleface Swiss are rewriting the rulebook on what it means to be an extreme metal band.

PALEFACE SWISS Are: 

Vox: Marc “Zelli” Zellweger

Guitar: Yannick Lehmann

Bass: Tommy-Lee Abt

Drums: Cassiano 'Cassi' Toma



Find Paleface Online 

www.palefaceswiss.com

Zombie Metal Sensation DOMINUM Releases Second Single “One Of Us” with Official Music Video

Before DOMINUM unleashes the zombies with their new album, 'The Dead Don't Die', on December 27, 2024, a new single entitled “One Of Us” has arrived, and it’s all about Jesus… Zombie Jesus, that is!

In the song, the undead sing about an exciting story of betrayal, redemption and resurrection. In addition to the well-known, mighty and powerful orchestration and the vocal prowess of Dr. Dead, they once again offer something to catch the eye! In the official music video for “One Of Us”, DOMINUM proves that they can not only create top-notch, catchy tunes, but also aesthetically intriguing music clips.

The zombie empire will expand even further at the end of the year when the Living Dead march out on DOMINUM's first headline tour - the world of the living has a lot to look forward to!

Dr. Dead on the new single “One Of Us”:

“I have pondered at length whether you were ready to hear what I am about to reveal. There exists a book—a tale of a man who boldly declares himself to be 'One of Us.' This is not a false claim; indeed, it holds a certain truth. Yet, there are details concealed from you, truths you deserve to know in full. And so, we tell you this story.

Be neither alarmed nor sorrowful, for this revelation must be shared. The word must be spread. Thank you for your understanding.

Yours faithfully,

Dr. Dead”

Watch the Official Music Video for “One of Us” Below.

DOMINUM on the upcoming album 'The Dead Don’t Die':

"Hey, living people. Exactly one year ago, our journey began, and now it’s time for a new chapter. In the darkest nights, I buried my fallen zombies and brought them back to life under the full moon. But the real story is still to come. Stay calm, stay close (forever—pun intended), and I’ll tell you everything soon. Just remember one thing: the dead don’t really die."

Yours,

Dr. Dead

 

DOMINUM entered the scene in 2023 with a blast and hit the top 20 of the Official German Album Charts immediately with their debut album, 'Hey Living People.'

Massive album opening track “We Are Forlorn” invites the listener on a dark and dramatic journey that continues full-speed on “One Of Us”. Irresistibly catchy “Don't Get Bitten By The Wrong Ones” features DOMINUM’s trademark eerie yet tongue-in-cheek lyrics, continuing straight from where the band left off with their first album. The monumental title track “The Dead Don’t Die” is another highlight of 'The Dead Don’t Die' - a clever take on a classic children’s lullaby leads into brilliantly dark storytelling, that heavy instrumentation and a multifaceted vocal performance take to the next level.

Feuerschwanz and dArtagnan mastermind Ben Metzner is featured in this song. In addition to the album’s 10 original tracks, DOMINUM continues delivering the exciting cover of Scorpions’ classic hit “Rock You Like A Hurricane.” Some formats come with the bonus CD 'Live at Graspop Metal Meeting 2024' which includes their acclaimed performance at Graspop 2024.

Get Your Copy of 'The Dead Don't Die' NOW

Since the release of the first album in December 2023, DOMINUM has played nearly sold-out tours supporting big names such as Bruce Dickinson, Avantasia, Feuerschwanz, and Peyton Parrish in Europe, as well as convincing international audiences at summer festivals such as Graspop and Rock Harz.

DOMINUM will kick off their first full headlining tour right in time for the release of 'The Dead Don’t Die,' bringing their new horror stories to life on stage for the first time, after supporting Feuerschwanz on the second leg of their Fegefeuer tour again.

DOMINUM are:

Dr. Dead – Vocals

Patient Zero – Bass

Victor Hilltop – Drums

Tommy Kemp - Guitars

MALEVOLENCE - Release Video For New Single 'Trenches'

Sheffield’s metal powerhouse MALEVOLENCE have unleashed their brand-new single, 'TRENCHES,' embodying the raw resilience and grit of their Steel City roots. This standalone track is the first glimpse of their partnership with Grammy-winning producer Josh Wilbur, known for his work with heavyweights like LAMB OF GOD, KORN, and GOJIRA. Amplifying their Northern backdrop, MALEVOLENCE also collaborated with in-demand director duo Double or Nothing Productions for a Metal video debut that demonstrates their unique identity in British Metal.

Vocalist Alex Taylor comments: "Trenches is possibly the most aggressive, ignorant, and direct song we have ever written. Over the last few years, we’ve been playing more in the commercial metal circuit at festivals and arenas, so we wanted to take this opportunity to remind people that we still haven’t lost sight of where we came from. The lyrics are a declaration of not needing validation or approval, and a rejection of those who never supported the journey but only show their face when you achieve some level of success.”

Stream 'Trenches' on all platforms now at: https://malevolence.bfan.link/trenches

Malevolence are:
Alex Taylor | Vocals
Konan Hall | Guitar / Vocals
Josh Baines | Guitar
Wilkie Robinson | Bass
Charlie Thorpe | Drums

NECKBREAKKER - release video for new single 'Face Splitting Madness'

Burgeoning death metal power house NECKBREAKKER have revealed the video for 'Face Splitting Madness', the latest single to be taken from their debut album, Within The Viscera, that's set for release on 6th December via Nuclear Blast Records.

On the latest single, the band comment: “We are honoured to release out third and final single from our upcoming debut album Within The Viscera. We feel the song encapsulates our vision for the brutality and themes set for the final album. We are proud of every step in the process of making this product come to a reality.”

Pre-order and pre-save Within The Viscera now at: https://neckbreakker.bfan.link/witv

NECKBREAKKER is
Christoffer Kofoed - Vocals
Joakim Kaspersen - Guitar
Johan Lundvig - Guitar
Sebastian Knoblauch - Bass
Anton 'Hajn' Bregendorf - Drums

Folk Metal Icons SUBWAY TO SALLY Celebrate Life With New Single "Post Mortem"!

Those thought to be dead live longer – and German folk metal masters SUBWAY TO SALLYprove this on their 15th studio album, 'Post Mortem', set to be released on December 20, 2024 via Napalm Records. The first single, the title track “Post Mortem”, unleashes captivating energy that has drawn in fans and critics alike for over three decades. The significant title reflects the spirit of the band: despite all obstacles and the notion of mortality, life is celebrated.

With lyrics that invite the Grim Reaper to join at the table and face life’s challenges with a wink, SUBWAY TO SALLY call on listeners to embrace the unknown and make the best out of the time we are given – so raise your glass to an unbreakable zest for life!

Not even two years have passed since the release of their previous record 'Himmelfahrt' in 2023, and initially, the band had secretly planned for it to be their last album. With a symbolic title, the genre-defining force from Potsdam, Germany intended to close their over 30-year career with dignity. But things took a different turn. SUBWAY TO SALLY undeniably struck a chord with the times, and the response to 'Himmelfahrt' was overwhelmingly positive from both fans and critics alike. After a tour with many sold-out shows, it became abundantly clear that their 14th album was not the final chapter. The album’s release unleashed an unstoppable sense of lightness and energy that sparked their creativity to such an extent that SUBWAY TO SALLY is now ready with their brand-new masterpiece, 'Post Mortem', following the fastest creative process in the band’s history.

SUBWAY TO SALLY on the new single:

"Some songs write themselves. Our band has been around for thirty years; we’ve been through thick and thin together! Death has knocked on our door several times, at least metaphorically speaking. COVID, then our resurgence with the last album 'Himmelfahrt': we’re simply not to be silenced and nowhere near quiet yet – folk, rock, raw, defiant, and unmistakably SUBWAY TO SALLY; that’s the song ‘Post Mortem.’"

Watch the Official Music Video for “Post Mortem” below

SUBWAY TO SALLY are:

Eric Fish - Vocals, Flutes, Bagpipe

Ally Storch - Violin

Bodenski - Hurdy Gurdy, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

Simon - Acoustic Guitars, Trumsheit, Vocals

Ingo Hampf - Guitar, Lute

Simon Michael - Drums, Percussion

Sugar Ray - Bass

SUNSTORM Shares New Single "Hope's Last Stand" + Lyric Video

Today, AOR/Melodic rock quintet SUNSTORM shares a new single “Hope’s Last Stand”, taken from their third album, 'Restless Fight,' set for release on November 22nd, 2024, via Frontiers Music Srl. The track is accompanied by a new lyric video, available below.

Guitarist Aldo Lonobile says:

“'Hope’s Last Stand' is one of my favourite tracks. A solid rock song with an anthemic chorus. Ronnie really shines on this song, one of the strongest performances of the album!”

Ronnie Romero expresses his enthusiasm for the release, by saying:

“I really love the new album! I believe it keeps the SUNSTORM essence with an AOR base, but bringing a fresh more guitar-oriented and a heavier sound.”

SUNSTORM is a project created, overseen, and directed by Serafino Perugino, President of Frontiers Records, and it was originally designed to showcase a musical style similar to singer Joe Lynn Turner’s Melodic Rock/AOR roots.

Check Out the Video for "Hope's Last Stand" below

Since 2021, SUNSTORM has featured one of the most impressive vocal talents of recent years, Lords of Black and Rainbow singer Ronnie Romero. Romero’s debut album with SUNSTORM, 'Afterlife' was released in early 2021 and showcased a rejuvenation of SUNSTORM's previous musical formula, mixing Melodic Rock/AOR with more '70s-oriented hard rock, a la Rainbow (for which Romero performed as the singer).

Romero's voice and prolific musical activity have brought him to the forefront of the hard rock/metal scene where he can be seen/heard with Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, The Michael Schenker Group, Lords of Black, The Ferrymen, and Elegant Weapons with Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner

Ronnie Romero is also a prolific solo artist, with the release of his first two cover albums 'Raised On Radio' and 'Raised On Heavy Radio' – where he pays tribute to legendary artists from the metal world – and his latest work 'Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters', the first to feature all-new original material, released in September 2023.

With the new album 'Restless Fight,' the third to feature Ronnie Romero, SUNSTORMchanged its skin. The new line-up that backs Romero, comes from a heavy background. 

On guitars, Aldo Lonobile, musician, songwriter and producer (Geoff Tate's Sweet Oblivion, Archon Angel feat. Zak Stevens, Ring Of Fire feat. Mark Boals), Andrea Arcangeli (from the Italian progressive metal band DGM) on bass, Alfonso Mocerino (ex-Temperance, Virtual Simmetry) on drums and Antonio Agate (one of the most talented Italian keyboard players and arranger for symphonic orchestras, featured in countless albums) on keyboards. It brings back SUNSTORM’s classic AOR/Hard Rock formula with a heavy dose of energy culminating in a more dynamic and bombastic approach.

Order 'Restless Fight' HERE

Since the inception of the new album’s production, the discussion has centered on the concept of keeping the roots of SUNSTORM’s musical style: the AOR sound of the early records that everyone wanted, but with special attention to the 80s way to arrange the guitars and keys in order to reach more powerful vibrations. The aim was to give a fresh appeal to the new music so that it could be the perfect foundation for Romero, who with his powerful vocal style, is the perfect fit to deliver the goods for the music.

The result is 'Restless Fight,' an album where Ronnie’s vocal acrobatics sit perfectly into Lonobile’s way to play guitars, clearly influenced by the 80’s guitar heroes such as Jake E. Lee/Steve Stevens, to name a few.

'Restless Fight' stands pretty tall in its own right and SUNSTORM is here to stay with a lot more to say!

SUNSTORM are:

Ronnie Romero – Vocals

Aldo Lonobile – Guitars

Andrea Arcangeli – Bass

Antonio Agate – Keys

Alfonso Mocerino - Drums

MAJESTICA - Announce New Album 'Power Train'!

Great news from Sweden!
Symphonic power metal quartet MAJESTICA have announced their brand new studio album Power Train, which will see the light of day on February 7th, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records. After more than four years since their last album, the Swedes are ready to set the bar high once again with their new long player and are presenting their fans what is their strongest album to date. 
Power Train is a spellbinding experience that awakens sleeping dreams with powerful riffs and epic choruses. The enchantment rises like a breath of stars, propelling listeners into the heart of a fairytale world.
This is particularly evident in the album's first single. With the title track 'Power Train', MAJESTICA leaves an exciting first impression and also presents a strong music video, which you can witness below.


Tommy Johansson comments: 
"Get ready for explosive Power Metal with a ”can’t stop singing along”-chorus in the new track "Power Train". The video literally takes you onboard the Power Train with elements taken from the entire album."


Stream the new single here: https://majestica.bfan.link/powertrain-sgl
Pre-order/pre-save Power Train here: https://majestica.bfan.link/powertrain-album

The new album Power Train contains ten brand new tracks and will be available in the follwing formats: CD Jewel (incl. booklet), Vinyl , and digital.

When it came to the process of recording and putting all the pieces together, the band did not change a lot compared to the last projects. Again the music was written, recorded, and produced by MAJESTICA themselves. "Like our previous albums this one is also produced by ourselves, and we recorded most parts in our new place ”Majestic Studios”. For mixing we went back to Jonas Kjellgren as we have been very happy with the sound of ’A Christmas Carol’ and ’Metal United' says bassist Chris Davidsson. Regarding the amazing artwork for Power Train, Chrisexplains: "For the artwork we teamed up with Jan Yrlund / Darkgrove design. It invites you to join this majepic ride of the Power Train, imagine standing there on the platform eagerly waiting, and you hear ”all aboard!".

TOUR
Shortly before the release of their new album, MAJESTICA will play a few shows, perfect to warm up for the upcoming album. The tour, which is called 'The Dead Don't Die Tour', kicks off on December 26th in Nürnberg, Germany. Along with headliners DOMINUM and support HAMMER KING, the Swedes are going to stop in seven cities. Furthermore, MAJESTICA will play a festival show at 'No Sleep After X-Mas Festival' in Runkel with some extra focus on their Christmas album A Christmas Carol on December 29th.

MAJESTICA is:
Tommy Johansson | guitars, vocals
Petter Hjerpe | guitars
Chris Davidsson | bass
Joel Kollberg | drums

Polish Black Metal Icons PATRIARKH, Formerly Batushka, Reveal Official Music Video for “ВЕРШАЛИН IV“

Polish black metal icons PATRIARKH (formerly Batushka) embark on a dark and ominous pilgrimage as they unveil the next single from the upcoming concept album, 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ'(Lat. PROROK ILJA), out on January 3, 2025 via Napalm Records.

Accompanied by an official music video, the new song, entitled “ВЕРШАЛИН IV” (Lat. WIERSZALIN IV), weaves the sacred-inspired vocals of Eliza Sacharczuk with liturgical melodies, building into a storm of dark choirs and unforgettably intense harsh vocals.

Building on the critical success of 'Hospodi '(2019) and relentless touring around the globe, PATRIARKH brings a renewed vision and profound storytelling to their Napalm Records debut. This eight-track journey immerses listeners in the true story of Eliasz Klimowicz, the enigmatic Prophet Ilja, set against the dramatic historical backdrop of the 1930s and ’40s. Deeply rooted in Eastern Orthodox traditions, PATRIARKH masterfully merges black and doom metal with haunting religious themes, conjuring an atmosphere as dark as it is mesmerizing.

Make sure to pre-order your copy of ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ (Lat. PROROK ILJA) now and check out the thrilling music video for “ВЕРШАЛИН IV” (Lat. WIERSZALIN IV) below!

PATRIARKH on the new single “ВЕРШАЛИН IV”:

“This is the most Oriental-sounding song on our new album. The beautiful monody that runs throughout the entire piece is deeply influenced by Greek and Romanian traditions, which are integral to Orthodoxy. In our new music, we aim to showcase different aspects of Orthodoxy. Just as the Prophet Ilja journeyed to Kronsztadt, we traveled far for musical inspiration to create a psalm in honor of the New Jerusalem that our prophet was building.

This song features our long-time singing teacher, Eliza Sacharczuk. We have been collaborating with her since 2016, continuously improving our singing skills through lessons and consultations. Our choice was intentional; Eliza has a truly unique voice. Listen and see for yourself!"

Check out the official music video for

“ВЕРШАЛИН IV” (Lat. WIERSZALIN IV) Below

Reborn PATRIARKH (formerly Batushka) returns with

a masterpiece of arcane black metal!

 

'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ' details a true story that happened in the band’s home area of Podlasie, in the village of Grzybowszczyzna, in the 1930s and 40s. The album takes the listener into the world of Eliasz Klimowicz, the titular Prophet Ilja, an illiterate peasant who was the leader of the Orthodox Grzybowska Sect, active until the 1960s, cultivating and transmitting the history of the self-proclaimed prophet. PATRIARKH spread their gospel by using an arsenal of folk instruments, such as tagelharpa, mandolin, mandocello, hurdy gurdy and stringed dulcimer, and worked with a symphony orchestra and choirs to give their new creations the most organic and vivid feeling possible. As is trademark with PATRIARKH’s music, Orthodox sacredness is mixed with black and doom metal, now largely enriched with folk music, neo dark folk, and even film music. The band utilizes the entire palette of Orthodox music, venturing into the areas of Byzantine monody, liturgical chant and Russian polyphony, neatly adapting folk and liturgical melodies to their own style. 

            

PATRIARKH on the new album:

“With this new release, we are starting a new chapter in our history - not only is our name changing, but our music is also undergoing a natural evolution. The story on the album encouraged us to get out of our comfort zone, we reached for means that we had not used before in our music. Many of you will wonder if this is still black metal? Or is it even metal? Radio play, audiobook, theater, film soundtrack, folk music, performance... All these terms will fit here. Some will hate, others will love...”

 

The lyrical side of 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ' is an interesting mix of theater and pastoralism. PATRIARKH uses fragments of texts from the theater play "Prorok Ilja" and draws from the messages contained in the works of Włodzimierz Pawluczuk, combining it with folk and liturgical texts. On 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ', listeners can hear various languages – and Polish for the first time ever! The album was recorded in January and May 2024 at Tall Pine Records (Behemoth, Zalewski, Afromental), Heinrich House (Behemoth, Vesania, Hate), Wem Studio (Kasa Chorych, Lukasyno, Cira) and Radio Białystok studio. Mixing and mastering was handled by Wojciech Wiesławski at Hertz Studio (Vader, Behemoth, Decapitated), and production was helmed by band mastermind and leading vocalist Bartłomiej "Варфоломей" Krysiuk. “ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ is an album full of emotions, sentimentalism and folklore. It’s pastoral, lyrical, epic, multidimensional and multicolored, just like my Podlasie is multicolored,” says Варфоломей. Dive into the deepest of all shadows with this black metal masterpiece and join PATRIARKH on this intriguing ride!  

Pre-Order Your Copy of 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ' NOW:

PATRIARKH are:

ВАРФОЛОМИЕЙ – Vocals

ЛЕХ - Drums

МОНАХ ТАРЛАХАН - Guitars

МОНАХ БОРУТА - Guitars

АРХАНГЕЛ МИХАИЛ - Guitars

ХИАЦЫНТОС ЯЦА - Choir

ЯЗЫЧНИК – Choir

Iconic Guitarist MARTY FRIEDMAN Shares New Single "Song for an Eternal Child" + Music Video

Today, innovative guitar visionary MARTY FRIEDMAN shares a new single, "Song for an Eternal Child," from his latest solo album 'Drama.' This track is accompanied by the album's second music video.

About "Song for an Eternal Child," MARTY comments:

"The second music video from my album 'Drama' reflects on a feeling that resonates deeply with so many of us—the inescapable sense that we’ve never really grown up. The same innocent, wide-eyed child I was years ago, discovering everything about life, is exactly who I still am today, and it seems I’ll always be that way. Directed by Takumi Osera, the minimalistic imagery in this video might even change the way you see yourself. I’m on tour NOW! Tix/VIPs and all info at www.martyfriedman.com."

Also worth noting, MARTY has a brand-new full autobiography, Dreaming Japanese, being released worldwide by Simon and Schuster on December 3, 2024. It is available now for pre-order at amazon.combarnesandnoble.com and dreamingjapanesebook.com

Watch the New Music Video for "Song for an Eternal Child" Below

MARTY FRIEDMAN`s presence in the world of music, the world of guitar, and Japanese pop culture is mystifying, bizarre, and nothing short of inspiring. His latest solo album 'Drama'where he only slightly revisits the atmospheric elements of his acclaimed 1992 release 'Scenes,' elevating them to a modern and exotic collection of epic, extravagant, and unapologetically emotional mini-symphonies.

From his groundbreaking beginnings with Cacophony, alongside the legendary Jason Becker, to his pivotal role in propelling Megadeth to its peak of popularity with his breath-taking range and unorthodox melodic sense, MARTY FRIEDMAN has solidified his status as a unique guitar icon.

Tracks like "Illumination" and "Mirage" transport listeners to captivating realms, evoking sudden tears and chills. The entire album spotlights MARTY's mesmerizing melodies, game-changing arrangements, and heart-tugging motifs even more than any of his previous work.

Recorded in Italy, where MARTY had access to a treasure trove of vintage guitars along with his modern signature models, 'Drama' is a pure, uplifting musical experience.

Order 'Drama' HERE

Produced By: Marty Friedman 

Studios: Newsin Audio Design, Italy

Woodcliff Studios, USA

NK Sound & Sunshine Studios, Japan

Recorded By: Luigi Stefanini, Frank Rosato, Takao Nakazato,

Atsuo Akabae, Kenjiro Naka

Mixed By: Alexander Backlund and Jay Ruston

Mastered By: Koji Tanaka at Victor Creative Media, Tokyo

Guitar Technician & Sonic Guru: Franco Piona

Since moving to Japan in 2003, MARTY FRIEDMAN has become a household name even beyond the world of music. Fluent in Japanese, he has appeared on over 900 Japanese TV shows of every variety, as well as motion pictures and commercials including an ad campaign for Coca-Cola / FANTA that ran for over two years. He was recently appointed an Ambassador of Japan Heritage by the Japanese government who also commissioned him to compose the "Japan Heritage Theme Song", recorded by MARTY and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and is played at official government-related events. He has played the Opening Ceremony at the Tokyo Marathon 5 times, including in March of this year. Three books on MARTY`s life have been released in Japan and a brand-new full autobiography will be released worldwide December 3rd.

In addition to his legendary work with Cacophony and Megadeth, MARTY has released fifteen solo albums starting in 1988 with 'Dragon's Kiss', and has had multi-platinum, platinum, and gold album sales awards in twenty-seven countries, achieving seven Grammy nominations to date. In recent years, FRIEDMAN has put out the distinguished, ongoing Tokyo Jukeboxline, which, as the title suggests, is a series of albums featuring covers of Japanese songs starting with 'Tokyo Jukebox' in 2009, 'Tokyo Jukebox 2' in 2011, and most recently, 'Tokyo Jukebox 3' in 2020. This series has become a go-to set for people all around the world who are fast becoming fascinated with Japan and its music.

MARTY has played the Tokyo Dome, Budokan, and every major Japanese venue multiple times. He has toured Japan countless times with his solo music as well as alongside many legendary Japanese stars. Since the release of 'Tokyo Jukebox 3' in 2020, MARTY has toured Japan twice, performed as a soloist with three major symphony orchestras, and made several TV appearances, most recently performing with Yoshiki of X Japan.

Since the pandemic, MARTY and his band have toured the U.S. twice and are planning to tour extensively for Drama’.

Band Members: 

Marty Friedman - Guitar

Wakazaemon - Bass

Gregg Bissonette - Drums

Mika Maruki - Piano, Keyboard & Synth

Hiyori Okuda - Cello

Miho Chigyo - Violin

 

Vocals on “Dead of Winter”: Chris Brooks (Like A Storm)

Vocals on “2 Rebeldes”: Steven Baquero Vargas

Bass on “Mirage”: Or Lubianiker

Rhythm Guitar on “Thrill City”: Naoki Morioka

Keys and Synth on “Song for an Eternal Child”: Takuro Iga

Drums  on “Thrill City”: Chargeeeeee

Additional recording: Yukiko Takada, Jordan Rudess, Naoki Morioka, Maki Furugaki, Chris Brooks, Matt Brooks, Kent Brooks, Brian Becvar

35 years in, Manchester's THE SPEED OF SOUND presents 'Artificial Paradise', previewing 'Bounty' LP

Manchester indie rock / power pop outfit The Speed Of Sound present 'Artificial Paradise', a hugely upbeat danceable rail against Artificial Intelligence, along with the B-side 'Jaunt', which also happens to be the first single revealed from the album 'A Cornucupia: Bounty' - the third of their album trilogy 'A Cornucopia: Minerva, Victory, Bounty', released via Big Stir Records.

Formed in 1989 with a pre-history dating back to the day Andy Warhol died in 1987, the band is  now made up of father and son John Armstrong (guitars and vocals) and Henry Armstrong (keyboards), Ann-Marie Crowley (vocals and guitar), Kevin Roache (bass guitar) and John Broadhurst (drums). 

"Already the 'music industry’ appears to have no actual interest in music beyond creating prefabricated manufactured ‘product’. The logical next step from their existing ‘talent factories’ and hologram concerts perpetuating careers of dead stars is for major labels to move to entirely virtual stars; AI singing AI songs with AI instruments. AI regurgitates what is available for it to scrape, it cannot create something new. There will be no advancement, no evolution, no change. There is no life without change," says John Armstrong.  

''Artificial Paradise' is uncompromisingly human and says a firmly grooved up “No” to Artificial Intelligence in music. The video uses A.I images which are all generated from the prompt “Artificial Paradise” and are all meaningless, formless and empty. Which is exactly what A.I does".

Full of ambition, energy and melodic brilliance, this three-album deluxe edition is available on vinyl and CD. Beginning with the 'Minerva' album, The Speed of Sound shared a rich bouquet of thought-provoking compositions, including the hauntingly spacious 'Trickledown', the stratospherically vast 'The Great Acceleration', the uplifting 'Mind Palace' and 'West Wind', where a recklessly fast rhythm merges with a Wagnerian horn section.

The 'Victory' album then brings 14 fresh and unexpectedly shape-shifting grooves, from the supremely danceable 'Underground', unabashed sensuality of 'Monsoon', gothic lounge jazz of 'Permafrost', the glam-rocking 'E to F', reckless garage punk punch of 'Go For It', post-nostalgia of 'The Same River' and triumphant shimmering elegance of 'Tranquility Falls' to the strangely linked pairing of  'Apocalypse Acropolis' and 'Apocalypse Metropolis'

The Speed of Sound's music has always been idiosyncratic and counter-intuitive, in search of something new. Creating music with lyrical bite, expanding their foundation of 1960s, punk and new wave influences, their dynamic and stylistic variation crossing borders and pushing boundaries at every opportunity. 

Following 2021's critically acclaimed album 'Museum Of Tomorrow', the band returns triumphant, defiant and redemptive with this trilogy, marking their 35th anniversary. Most music is never even recorded, and most recorded music remains unheard. 'Victory' is a celebration of this unheard underground music and the counterculture itself - music made for the pleasure of making it. 

'Artificial Paradise' is out now and available everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where the full trilogy 'A Cornucopia: Minerva, Victory, Bounty' can be obtained on CD or vinyl. The 'Bounty' album will be official released on November 22. 

CREDITS
All songs written by John Armstrong
John Armstrong - guitars and vocals
Ann-Marie Crowley - vocals and guitars
Kevin Roache - bass guitar
John Broadhurst - drums
Henry Armstrong - keyboards
Bob Dinn - trumpet and flugelhorn
Chris Guest - harmonium, vibraphone, organ, shakers, tambourine
Alex Armstrong - typewriter on 'Yet Another Tuesday'
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Vibratone Sound Studio in Manchester by Chris Guest, Adam Crossley and The Speed of Sound
Main sleeve image: Purple Spaceman © Lina Landers 2022
Artist photographs by Shay Rowan
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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