THIS GIFT IS A CURSE Premiere New Album

Over the past 16 years, This Gift Is A Curse have pushed the edges of underground metal to violent extremes. The Swedes' new album extends their blackened reign of sludgy terror. With Heir, there's no escaping the blinding punishment that's handed down by their cold, hard fist.

Heir comes out tomorrow, March 7 on Season of Mist. But you can hear all 10 dark and ascendant tracks today by listening to the full album stream on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.

Listen to Heir Below:

Pre-order & Pre-save 
https://orcd.co/thisgiftisacurseheir

This Gift Is A Curse are blessed with an unholy triple attack. Heir wields the transcendent ferocity of black metal, sludgy doom and the crushing weight of hardcore. Hammering blast beats and a swarm of needling tremolo picks tear through lead single "Kingdom" like the hounds of hell. "I made a secret door into your eyes", a possessed Jonas Holmberg chants alongside Livmødr's bewitching queen Laura Morgan.  

On Heir, This Gift Is A Curse reign where other swinelords fear to tread.

THIS GIFT IS A CURSE defies the transient trends of music, instead choosing to carve its path with the bones of the fallen. Their forthcoming album, 'HEIR,' is a relentless pursuit of the extreme, a mosaic of human suffering and the dark beauty that lies within. As the album prepares to sear its mark upon the world, one thing is clear: There will be no heirs to the throne of darkness that THIS GIFT IS A CURSE occupies. The crown is theirs alone, forged in the fires of creation and destruction, a beacon for those who dare to walk the shadows.

Line-up:
Jonas A. Holmberg - Vocals
Patrik Andersson - Guitars, Vocals
David Deravian - Guitars
Lars Gunnarsson - Bass
Christian Augustin - Drums

Recording Studio:
The Overlook Studio, Gävle, Sweden

Production Credits:
Produced, Engineered & Mixed by William Blackmon at The Overlook Studio.
Mastered by Magnus Lindberg at Redmount Studios, Stockholm, Sweden.
Guitars recorded at Laard studios and House of Inge Studio. Engineered by Daniel Noring and TGIAC.
Bass recorded at Cold Barn with the help of Daniel Noring.
Vocals recorded at Cold Barn by TGIAC.

Guest Musicians:
Laura Morgan (of Livmødr) - Vocals on Kingdom (Track 1), Old Space (Track 9) & Ascension (Track 10).

Cover Art:
Jonas A. Holmberg / House of No Light .317 (Instagram)

Pre-order & Pre-save: https://orcd.co/thisgiftisacurseheir

Follow This Gift Is A Curse:
Bandcamp: http://thisgiftisacurse.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thisgiftisacurse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisgiftisacurse/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7MoipbqoshfYNfckhzRtYC
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/this-gift-is-a-curse/405256386
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/1005843
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3813169

BENEDICTION - Release Video For New Single 'Crawling Over Corpses'

British death metal legends, BENEDICTION, have released yet another single from their upcoming new studio album, Ravage Of Empires, which is due to be released on April 4, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records.

'Crawling Over Corpses' is a ferocious up-tempo banger, which transports the band's old school roots into the here and now while destroying everything that stands in its way. Dave Ingram's primal growls have never sounded more vicious, and the rhythm section fires on all cylinders with a barrage of riffs and massive breakdowns. Alongside the single, another fiercely entertaining music video has been released, which you can watch below.

Ravage Of Empires is available for pre-order on CD, LP and as digital album. 

PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE RAVAGE OF EMPIRES:
https://benediction.bfan.link/ravage-of-empires

STREAM 'CRAWLING OVER CORPSES':
https://benediction.bfan.link/crawling-over-corpses

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'CRAWLING OVER CORPSES' BELOW:

ABOUT BENEDICTION

“Sometimes They Come Back” is not just the title of a horror movie based on a macabre tale by Stephen King, it is also a summary of what happened to UK death metal veterans BENEDICTION, yet you might like to add a “better than ever before”. While never officially disbanded, 2020’s Scriptures, the group’s eighth studio album achieved what is usually not an easy feat. It connected well with classics like Transcend the Rubicon (1993) and its immediate and memorable songwriting, the heavy-as-a-brick Grind Bastard (1998), and also saw legendary vocalist Dave Ingram return with his merciless roar and knack for morbid, twisted lyrics. After two albums with Dave Hunt on vocals, Scriptures was BENEDICTION’s first record in over a decade impressing with aggressive up-tempo attacks like ‘Iterations of I’ and ‘Rabid Carnality’ or the neck-breaking mid-tempo barrage of ‘Stormcrow’, songs that became live staples alongside ‘evergreens’ such as ‘I Bow to None’, ‘Magnificat’, ‘Subconscious Terror’ or ‘Vision in the Shroud’ in no time. With Scriptures, BENEDICTION even almost cracked Germany’s top ten by entering at a phenomenal #11 of the Official German Charts showing that the death metal veterans founded 1989 in Birmingham, England, offered an extremely well received sonic catharsis when due to the pandemic, people were locked down and pissed off.

With their brilliant new record Ravage Of Empires in tow, founding members and guitarists Darren Brookes and Peter Rew, longtime vocalist Dave Ingram, drummer Giovanni Durst, and Nik Sampson (bass) will travel far and wide once more. Already confirmed are the Tales of the Triple Death Tour with Jungle Rot and Master kicking off on album release date as well as confirmed appearances at Wacken Open Air and Maryland Deathfest. More to be announced soon!

Catch BENEDICTION live on their European release tour in April 2025 with guests Jungle Rot and Master.

TICKETS HERE: https://www.we-live.agency/shows 

More confirmed dates for 2025:

    21.05.25 US Brooklyn, NY The Meadows

22.05.25 US Baltimore, MDMaryland Deathfest

Reece Young Shares "broken glass" (Feat. Downswing)

Rising star Reece Young, who released the HERE EP last year via UNFD, is storming into the new year with the first taste of new music in the form of a ferocious, arena-sized new track. 

 Young has just shared the visualizer for "broken glass." The track features Albany hardcore band Downswing. Yes, it slays from top to bottom.
 
But don't just take our word for it. Watch and listen below. 

"broken glass" is pumped full of crunchy, gnarly synths, death howls, and memorable melodies.

"The entire theme of this upcoming batch of songs encompasses my personal struggle with constant comparison," muses Young. "In today's social media-centered society, it is impossible to not compare yourself to others. I'm often sitting there wondering, 'Why them?' when I see someone thriving at something I'm trying to achieve myself. 'broken glass' is my message to those at the top."

And what a message it is! It certainly lets the listener know that Reece Young did not come to play. He came to stay.

New Jersey born and raised, Reece Young emerged and gained traction via his self-released early music. He lays it all out there has put all the adversity he's faced, his personal struggles, his frustration, into a vulnerable and universally authentic sound. Young, now Nashville-based, is "one of us" — a music obsessive who has channeled his passion for the scene and his favorite artists into making his own and getting onto the stage himself. With a modus operandi of sharing tales of facing adversity, overcoming personal struggles, by tying open-vein vulnerability and authenticity to gargantuan choruses, the time is now for Reece Young to set about joining the big leagues and emulating what his heroes have done before him. 

WITHIN DESTRUCTION Drop New Single/Music Video 'INCOMPLETE'

Slovenia’s most awesomely audacious, genre defying metal pioneers, Within Destruction have dropped brand new single 'INCOMPLETE' today. The track is the fourth single taken from the band's upcoming album ‘ANIMETAL,’ set for release on April 11th, 2025, via Sumerian Records. Listen to the new track HERE and watch the accompanying video Below. Pre-orders for 'ANIMETAL' are available now HERE.

Speaking on their latest release, Within Destruction share:

"The song’s animated video delves into the heartbreaking journey of losing someone deeply cherished and the emotional turmoil that follows. It begins with a raw expression of grief and loss of purpose in one’s life, consequently, the protagonist's color palette is darker in the intro. As the song unfolds, it moves through various stages of mourning—loneliness, longing, sadness and the haunting feeling of absence i.e. feeling in-complete. There are also moments of reflection, where the protagonist recalls fond memories, trying to hold on to the love that once was, but slowly realizing that they must let go in order to move on. The video also touches on the feelings of helplessness, questioning if there was more that could have been done. As the song progresses, a sense of acceptance begins to emerge. The protagonist starts to understand that healing isn't linear, and that while the pain may never completely fade, it's possible to find peace in the midst of loss. The song closes on a bittersweet note, suggesting that while the person may no longer be physically present, their memory will continue to live on, offering a sense of solace. The protagonist's color palette becomes vibrant towards the outro, suggesting a sense of resolve to their former "in-complete" self.

While the lyrics and video depict the loss of a loved one, they are also meant to be interpreted in a more general sense: "To truly live is to embrace the full spectrum of life, knowing that even pain has its place in shaping who we are and without sadness, joy loses its depth and without hardship, triumph feels hollow."

Building on the momentum of their previous singles - "CYBER GIRL", “DEMON CHILD” and “KANASHIBARI,” Within Destruction’s fifth studio album, 'ANIMETAL' pushes their sonic experimentation to new heights. Combining their trademark brutality with anime-inspired electronic flourishes, the album reflects their fearless creativity and relentless drive to challenge genre boundaries. Pre-order merch bundles, including Within Destruction instant cup noodles, are available now HERE

Within Destruction kicked off their 2025 with a bang. The band hit the road in the US in January for their Super Sugoi Headline dates.They then joined Born of Osiris for their US run. Now, the band set their sites on Australia and Asia as they gear up for their spring tour across both continents to celebrate the release of ‘ANIMETAL.’ Tickets and further information are available HERE.

About Within Destruction

Within Destruction are an innovative metal group from Slovenia. They have been disrupting the deathcore and metalcore scenes since their formation in 2010. Known for their intense sound, the band uniquely incorporates electronic elements and anime samples into their music, adding layers of unpredictability that have captivated fans worldwide. They gained international recognition with their 2016 album 'VOID,' and their irreverent approach to metal, which has built a dedicated global following.

Their third album, 'DEATHWISH,' which was mixed and mastered by Will Putney, further solidified their reputation. Featuring fan-favorite tracks like "Human Defect" and the title track, leading to their first European headliner tour, as well as a breakthrough in the U.S. market. In 2020, they took a bold step with 'YOKAI,' an album that divided fans by blending metalcore with electronic and trap influences, all while integrating anime-inspired themes.

Continuing to push boundaries, the band released 'LOTUS' in 2022, leaning further into metalcore and embracing clean vocals, which sparked both outrage and admiration among listeners. Known for their ambitious live performances and relentless dedication, Within Destruction remains a force in modern metal, constantly evolving and challenging genre norms. With ‘ANIMETAL,’ they’re poised to deliver their boldest statement yet. 

Kittie, The Pretty Wild & Diamante Collaborate To Cover "The Unforgiven" For The Queen Of The Ring Official Soundtrack

The countdown is on for the theatrical and official soundtrack release of Queen Of The Ring, arriving in theaters and streaming platforms this Friday, March 7, 2025. In anticipation for the big day, Sumerian Records is pleased to release an emotionally gripping cover of Metallica's "The Unforgiven" by Kittie, The Pretty Wild, and Diamante from the soundtrack for the hotly-anticipated biopic. Queen Of The Ring chronicles the trailblazing journey of wrestling icon Mildred Burke, written and directed by Ash Avildsen and starring Emily Bett Rickards.

The track is available for streaming at the link HERE, and pre-order tickets to see 'Queen of The Ring' and celebrate International Women's Month when it opens in theaters HERE.

‘Queen of the Ring,’ written and directed by Ash Avildsen, brings to life the untold story of wrestling legend Mildred Burke, who shattered barriers in the 1930s–1950s to become the first million-dollar female athlete and headline arenas over male competitors in a time when women’s wrestling was outright banned across much of the U.S. 

The film stars Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow) in a career-defining role as Burke, alongside a stellar cast featuring Josh Lucas, Walton Goggins, Gavin Casalegno, Tyler Posey, and Deborah Ann Woll, with pro wrestling stars Kamille, Toni Storm, Trinity Fatu, and Jim Cornette making appearances. 

With its March 7th release strategically set during for the weekend of International Women's Day, the film is an ode to inspirational, trailblazing women who defied the odds and forever changed their industries. Watch the official trailer for 'Queen of The Ring' HERE or below and pre-order your tickets to see if it in theaters HERE.

About Ash Avildsen and Sumerian

Ash Avildsen grew up in a single-parent household, never having met his father but knowing who he was and having his last name. He chose to pursue music first as an artist, touring in a band and teaching himself the business through a DIY lifestyle. Using all the knowledge he learned from the road, he started his own record label. Sumerian Records has now become one of the top independents in the world for rock and alternative music, with several Grammy nominations and record-setting Billboard chart metrics for the hard-rock genre. Sumerian Records recently celebrated a historic achievement with the first Grammy nomination in the history of the Recording Academy for a solo female artist in the “Best Metal Performance” category, featuring avant-garde singer Poppy.

Avildsen’s first feature film, American Satan, won several awards on the festival circuit before being distributed by Miramax. The film had a theatrical release and was subsequently picked up by Showtime, where it developed a growing cult following. Avildsen expanded on this success by writing and directing the limited series spin-off, "Paradise City ".

The Intemperate Sons Release Single "Dumb" (Live) via FRAME|WORK ​

The Intemperate Sons bring a raw, electrifying edge to Nirvana's "Dumb" with their latest live recording from the iconic Whisky A Go Go in November 2024. This is the second track off their Live EP scheduled for release in the spring of this year. This version transforms the original's contemplative mood into a powerful, heavy sound that resonates with the spirit of rock at its most unbridled. It’s a testament to the unquestioned influence of Nirvana through the lens of today's alternative rock sound

STREAM "Dumb":

https://onerpm.link/127172572341

The Intemperate Sons release all their music through the Frame|Work record label at the direction of Amir Derakh and Ryan Shuck. All Intemperate Sons’ tracks are mixed by Amir Derakh at Synthicidein Long Beach, CA.  All mastering is done by Mike Marsh Mastering in the U.K.

WATCH "Dumb" (Live) - A Nirvana Cover by The Intemperate Sons:

The band's latest album Dark Day's Night is available HERE

The Intemperate Sons emerged onto the rock scene in the summer of 2019 in Dallas, TX, to bring their distinct sound to the genre. A deep love for music brought family members Keith Watson (drums), Jake Watson (guitars) and Max Watson (vocals, guitars, keys) together along with close friend Mark Marks, who provides the groove on bass to unite everything together. The band's sound has been described as a 90's alternative style that is obsessed with the 70's.

Keith is well acquainted with entertaining massive crowds of concert goers and has played with many successful bands in Dallas, such as Gun Hill, Natural Born Thrillers and Agents of Solace, on top of opening for Lynch Mob, Joe Lynn Turner and Sponge. He is the primary lyricist for the band and has written the music for some of their most successful songs, including “Dust to Dust,” “The Color Within,” and “Unrealized.”

Multi-talented and gifted with the ability to play various instruments, Max is also the lead vocalist of the group. Along with being musically dexterous, he has also collaborated with Keith to write lyrics on the released songs “Going Crazy” and “Way Back When.” In the studio, Max usually surmounts expectations and goes above and beyond to prepare prior to a session with his own vocal harmonies.

Jake is the song architect of the Sons and extremely instrumental in the crafting of the music. His inventive ways of bringing lyrics to life in clever ways are unprecedented and fascinating to see in the studio setting. He is a prolific writer of music as well and is credited with helping create the songs “What’s Done is Done,” “Remission,” “Way Back When” and “Wading in the Gray.” Both Max and he play lead guitar on many of the songs as well. The other members of the band fondly refer to him as the “art director” since he enjoys taking charge in those areas for the group.

Prolific and unifying, Mark is an accomplished bass player and well known in Dallas. He was in the regionally successful band, Haggard, and had opened for Sebastian Bach of Skid Row. His input in song writing has been invaluable to the process of creating captivating melodies.

Despite the pandemic putting a pause on many major events, The Intemperate Sons lived up to their name and let nothing hold them back from making music. Constantly hard at work in the studio, they have collaborated with Amir Derakh (Julien-K, Dead by Sunrise, Orgy, Rough Cutt) and Ryan Shuck (Julien-K, Adema, Dead by Sunrise, Orgy). Both have lent their musical talents to various songs and ultimately have brought the Sons on to their label, Frame|Work. This led the band to also recently join the management roster at The Label Group. Ryan worked with Amir to produce the band’s upcoming track, “Game of Keep Away,”and has had a huge impact on the group. He’s been especially influential on Max’s vocal melodies and delivery. Amir also plays guitar on this latest ballad and has been mixing all of the band’s music as well as performing on multiple songs.

Another notable collaboration has been with Tony Franklin (The Firm, Roy Harper, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Whitesnake), primarily on the first album, The Color Within. He has been a valuable friend of the band and has played bass on some of their best tracks from that album, including “Running Man,” “Dust to Dust” and “The Color Within.”

The Intemperate Sons’ take on alternative rock is a dark and powerful concoction of hard rock mixed with folk and grunge concepts. The band has earned a serious reputation for writing and performing tracks that scratch deep into the backbone of the human experience. There is no shortage of darkness in their writing style, which has a retro vibe with many guitar-driven tracks stacked on top of a groovy rhythm section. The heavier style fits perfectly with the two and three-part vocal harmonies that are a huge part of their overall sound. It has been said that musicians that are related form unique sounds and communicate at a frequency only they can understand. This frequency has become engrained in their songwriting, arrangements, guitar melodies and vocal harmonies. The band has been compared to Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots and even R.E.M.

The Intemperate Sons Show Dates:

Fri March 14 @ Fitzgerald's Bar & Live Music Venue in San Antonio, TX

Sat March 29 @ Mystical Market in McKinney, TX

Fri July 11 @ Deep Ellum Art Company in Dallas, TX

Thu July 31 @ Hurricane Alley Live in Bossier City, LA

For More Information Please Visit:

The Intemperate Sons

Official Website

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

Spotify

Merch Store

FRAME|WORK

FRAME|WORK Website

FRAME|WORK Instagram

Rotting Christ Release New Live Medley

ROTTING CHRIST have stood the test of time. Over the past 35 years, Sakis Tolis, his brother Themis and their brothers-in-arms have risen from Greece's blackened catacombs to become one of metal's most reliable forces.

Backed by a legacy that has both defined and defied black metal, last year, the Greek legends carved out a new set of dark, melodic scriptures with fresh rebellion on the unbreakable Pro Xristou. 

"...this is the most arena-worthy Rotting Christ have been in some time", No Clean Singing wrote about their latest album.  

Now, as they continue to tour the world, Rotting Christ are celebrating 35 years of evil existence with a new live album. This two-hour set was recorded at the Lycabettus Hill Theater in the band's hometown of Athens. Like a pantheon, it spans the band's entire career, from the chiseled monuments of their modern Hellenic period to their early evil classics, including "Sorrowful Farewell" and "Among Two Storms", the mighty one-two punch from 1997's gothic triumph A Dead Poem. 

Watch Rotting Christ perform "Sorrowful Farewell" and "Among Two Storms" Live in Lycabettus.

35 Years of Evil Existence - Live in Lycabettus comes out April 4th on Season of Mist.
 

Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/rottingchristliveinlycabettus

The formidable bond between brothers Sakis and Themis Tolis is not only felt across their unholy discography but also live and in the flesh. Having played more than a hundred shows all across the world in 2024, Rotting Christ continue to keep the true metal spirit alive time and time again.    

Later this spring, Rotting Christ are blessing Europe on The Unholy Trinity Tour with Behemoth and Satyricon. Then this summer, the band will return stateside for an exclusive performance at Milwaukee Metalfest.

Rotting Christ @ Milwaukee Metal Fest
Friday, May 16 - Milwaukee, Wi @ The Rave/Eagles Club [TICKETS]

Line-up:
Sakis Tolis - Guitar, Vocals
Themis Tolis - Drums
Kostas "Spades" Heliotis - Bass
Kostis Fouk - Guitar

Biography:
Sébastien J. Gamez

Follow Rotting Christ:
Official Website: https://www.rotting-christ.com/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rottingchristofficial/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rottingchristofficial/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/athanatoieste
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RottingChristOfficia
Bandcamp: https://rottingchristofficial.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/artist/rotting-christ/id28441629
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FhkwcO8Jd7BRWdllBpXBJ

FALLUJAH TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM, 'XENOTAPH,' ON JUNE 13TH

Masters of progressive death metal FALLUJAH will make their anticipated return this spring with the release of their 6th album, Xenotaph, due out June 13th from Nuclear Blast Records. Picking up where they left off with 2022’s critically heralded Empyrean, the band expands the depth and breadth of their dexterous, aggressive sound while exploring extraterrestrial realms on an epic sci-fi journey through space and time.

Commenting on the impending record release, vocalist Kyle Schaefer states:

“We are excited to finally reveal Fallujah’s new album Xenotaph, marking the sixth chapter in our discography. This is our most ambitious record yet, and is certainly the band’s most technical, dynamic and progressive material to date. The music carried out by these eight tracks is matched with an equally ambitious concept, a lyrical story that traverses unfolding layers of time and reality in an otherworldly, post-death realm of existence. 

Xenotaph is also our most collaborative album, with broad input from the current lineup leading us to expand the scope of our songwriting while simultaneously highlighting the true potential of everyone involved. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming this bold new stage of the band’s evolution.”

Today, FALLUJAH reveals the album’s stunning cover by Peter Mohrbacher, tracklist and release date as well as the first single, ‘Kaleidoscopic Waves,’ that’s accompanied by the music video below.

Adding about the new song, Schaefer says:

“We knew ‘Kaleidoscopic Waves’ would be the perfect track to usher in this new era of Fallujah. It unmistakably showcases the soaring atmospheres and remarkable technicality the band is already known for, but with a new level of melodic depth and an invigorating desire to push beyond the boundaries of our previous work. It’s hard to fully encapsulate the vast scope of our new album with a single song, but ‘Kaleidoscopic Waves’ is a great place to start.”

Pre-order Xenotaph: https://fallujah.bfan.link/xenotaph

Stream ‘Kaleidoscopic Waves’: https://fallujah.bfan.link/kaleidoscopic-waves

About FALLUJAH:

Prog death-metal outfit FALLUJAH expand horizons and solidify their position as one of America’s most exciting acts on their new album, Xenotaph, through Nuclear Blast. The quintet’s confidence in the lineup that made their previous album, Empyrean (2022), such a resounding success—earning high marks from Metal Injection, New Noise, and Guitar World—has been reconfigured slightly, with guitarist Sam Mooradian (INHALE EXISTENCE, SAM MOORADIAN) and drummer Kevin Alexander (DISEMBODIED TYRANT, BROUGHT BY PAIN) bringing their jaw-dropping musical proficiency to the fold, as vocalist Kyle Schaefer, guitarist Scott Carstairs, and bassist Evan Brewer enter a new chapter with FALLUJAH. Moored by singles ‘Kaleidoscopic Waves,’ ‘Labyrinth of Stone,’ and ‘Step Through the Portal and Breathe,’ Xenotaph is FALLUJAH personified, reinvigorated, and re-imagined.

Xenotaph was produced by FALLUJAH, engineered by Dave Otero (CATTLE DECAPITATION, ARCHSPIRE) and Mike Low (VITRIOL, ABORTED) at Flatline Audio in Denver, Colorado and Top Track Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Otero also mixed and mastered Xenotaph. The main goal was elevation, building upon yet soaring upward from Empyrean, one of the group’s strongest productions to date. The team focused the separation of FALLUJAH’s breakneck pace, meticulous songcraft, euphonious leads, and unrivaled intensity, creating an experience pulls the listener into Xenotaph’s high-caliber music and concept.

Beyond releasing Xenotaph to an anticipating fanbase, FALLUJAH take aim at the road, drawing upon the success of their Empyrean runs. Indeed, attendees to the group’s live performances have witnessed some of Xenotaph’s songs already, namely the shimmery prog-bounce and inner world horror of ‘The Obsidian Architect.’ FALLUJAH are in a perpetual state of evolution, and Xenotaph demonstrates the group’s hard-won, if profound journey. For there is no reverse—only forward progress, and the path ahead is illuminating before them. Step through the portal if you dare…

Kyle Schaefer | Vocals, Programming
Scott Carstairs | Guitars
Sam Mooradian | Guitar
Evan Brewer | Bass
Kevin Alexander | Drums

Follow FALLUJAH:

Linktree | Facebook | Instagram | X | Youtube | Patreon

Progressive Metallers MAESTRICK Announce New Studio Album 'Espresso Della Vita: Lunare' Out on May 2, 2025 via Frontiers Music Srl

Brazilian progressive metallers MAESTRICK are thrilled to announce the release of their upcoming new studio album, 'Espresso Della Vita: Lunare' out on May 2, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. The new single and accompanying lyric video, “Agbara”, featuring Caligula’s Horse vocalist Jim Grey, are available now.

Vocalist Fábio Caldeira described the new song:

“'Agbara' is a fusion of diverse musical influences, blending Afro-Brazilian rhythms like Maracatu and Samba with their unique metal style. Inspired by artists like Hermeto Pascoaland Sérgio Mendes, the song embodies artistic plurality and cultural unity. Featuring Jim Greyof Caligula’s Horse singing in both English and Portuguese, along with the all-female Maracatu group Movimento Baque Mulher, 'Agbara' represents strength and power through the union of different cultures, languages, and musical styles”.

About the collaboration with Jim Grey, he added:

“Jim's dedication and respect for our work was incredible. From the beginning, he was interested in all aspects of the song, the meaning of the lyrics, and even sang in Portuguese. The results exceeded any expectations we could have had!”

Caldeira also commented on the new record:

“Thirteen years ago, we began what would become 'Espresso Della Vita,' a project that would tell the story of a one-day train journey as a metaphor for our journey in life. It was divided into two albums: Solare (daytime) and Lunare (nighttime). Partnering up with Frontiers for the release of Lunare is unprecedented to us”.

“'Lunare' is our most ambitious, grandiose work and the ultimate representation of our vision as artists to date. We are storytellers, musical illustrators of scenes, landscapes, and feelings. We could not be prouder and more excited for what this journey will bring!”, he continued.

Watch the Lyric Video for “Agbara (feat. Jim Grey)” Below:

With their new album 'Espresso Della Vita: Lunare,' MAESTRICK aims to redefine the Progressive metal boundaries. The number of high-quality arrangements, musical abilities, and influences that the band infused in the new album created the most fresh and exciting album of the genre in years.

With a malicious, dark, heavy, and sarcastic approach, MAESTRICK delivers adult themes like addictions, racial prejudice, abuse, the holocaust, and much more. It is a very emotional album, with deep reflections about what really matters in our journey/life. Thus, in the last song, the aged character gets off the train, and his name, Dante, is revealed.

The explanation for his name is that, just like the Italian writer Dante Alighieri, who went from hell to paradise, all of us, sometimes in the same day, go from paradise to purgatory, to hell. So, at the end of the day/life, we are all “Dantes” in some way, and it’s the reason why each album has an Italian title and is divided into three movements.

Pre-Order 'Espresso Della Vita: Lunare' HERE

Founded in São José do Rio Preto/SP by three friends, MAESTRICK has been active since 2006 and brings in sound elements of rock and progressive heavy metal, Brazilian regional music, world music, and classical music.

The band has released two albums in Brazil, Europe, the United States, and Japan, and are recognized for drinking from different artistic aspects - cinema, plastic arts, visual arts, and literature – for their compositions, which results in a unique and, according to specialized critics, innovative style.

Not surprisingly, MAESTRICK captivates movie fans, notably those of Tim Burton, George Méliès, Guillermo del Toro, and Christopher Nolan. In music, it attracts listeners of both modern rock/metal, such as Muse, and also of more niche styles within metal, such as Dream Theater, Haken, Jinjer, Spirit Box, and classics like Queen, Yes, and Gentle Giant.

Their songs address complex everyday themes of human nature. The album 'Espresso Della Vita: Solare,' from 2018, was rated by BURRN!, one of the most respected music publications in the world, with a score of 86/100 – quite high for the publication's standard. Solare's success led to a tour of Europe with nine shows in Switzerland, Italy, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

MAESTRICK are:

Fábio Caldeira - Lead Vocal/Piano, Synths and Orchestrations

Guilherme Carvalho - Guitars/Vocal

Renato “Montanha” Somera - Bass/Vocal

Heitor Matos - Drums and Percussion/Vocal

H.E.A.T Release Video for "Bad Time for Love"

After the announcement of their brand new studio album Welcome to the Future, hard rock sensation H.E.A.T continues to ignite 2025 with the release of their second single "Bad Time for Love."

Following the success of their first single "Disaster" — a mainstay on rock radio since its release — the band now unleashes this new anthem that pulses with the raw intensity of love on the edge. Listen here.

The song is accompanied by a high-energy music video, directed by the renowned Patric Ullaeus (Europe, Arch Enemy, Children of Bodom, and many more), promising another visual rock feast.

The new album Welcome to the Future is a dynamic, melodic, and powerfully anthemic ride — one that Powerplay Magazine hails as: "(…) not only H.E.A.T’s best album to date but one to raise the bar for their peers. This album will certainly be recognised as an AOR classic and is sure to be a contender for album of the year."

Welcome to the Future is set for release on April 25 via earMUSIC, is now available for pre-order and will be released in multiple formats: CD jewel case, black vinyl, limited-edition neon orange vinyl, and digital.

Fresh off the success of the first leg of their 2025 tour, which spanned the UK, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark, H.E.A.T are preparing to bring their stunning live performances to fans across the globe. Their upcoming tour dates include stops in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Spain, Bulgaria, and Germany.

Your Spirit Dies drops new single featuring Zao’s Dan Weyandt

“Serpentine” is the latest single from South Carolina metal/hardcore outfit YOUR SPIRIT DIES. The track comes by way of the band’s crushing My Gnawing Pains Will Never Rest debut, set for release on May 2nd via MNRK Heavy and features a guest appearance by vocalist Dan Weyandt of Zao.

Comments vocalist Brandon Byars, “‘Serpentine’ ended up being one of the last tracks we put together for the record. We were running two writing stations simultaneously — [guitarist] Tyler [Dorman] was writing these fast, aggressive d-beat riffs while [guitarist] Holden [Hall] brought some ideas that he had written previously. From there, we all dug in with [producer] Greg [Thomas ] to refine it further. I think the song really captures the essence of the album, showcasing a lot of the sounds that define it.

“Lyrically, it's something everyone can relate to. Almost everyone has had to deal with someone who’s got narcissistic tendencies, and, in some cases, you've had to walk away — whether it’s a relationship, friendship, or otherwise. I think the lyrics illustrate the sense of catharsis you get from finally ‘cutting the cord’ with those kinds of people.”

On having Weyandt on the track, Byars further shares, “It’s been awesome getting to know Dan over the last few years. Considering our name literally came from a Zao song, we thought our full circle moment was getting to tour with them, but to have his voice and face featured in a piece of our art is somehow even bigger than that. He did an amazing job and I think it elevates the song even further for it. A huge gratitude goes to him.”

New LIGHTNING STRIKES Album, 'The King Is Victorious', Set to Feature All-Star Contributions and Moscow Symphony

Los Angeles CA based heavy metal outfit LIGHTNING STRIKES are currently in the process of recording the follow-up to their eponymous 2016 full-length debut. Masterminded by founding member/drummer/producer, Karpis Maksudian, “The King Is Victorious” is set to feature a re-tooled line-up, including Japanese guitar virtuoso, Norifumi Shima, American bassist extraordinaire, Barry Sparks, up-and-coming Argentinian vocalist, Mariano Gardella, as well as returning keyboardist maestro, Derek Sherinian. In addition, Maksudian has worked with the 45-piece Moscow Symphony Orchestra on the album's epic title track.

Norifumi Shima, whose neo-classical hard rock style has elicited comparisons to genre icons such as Ritchie Blackmore and Yngwie Malmsteen, is the founding member of CONCERTO MOON, one of Japan's premier heavy metal bands. Barry Sparks is best known for his long affiliation with German guitar legend, MICHAEL SCHENKER, as well as his work with YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, DOKKEN, TED NUGENT, SCORPIONS and Japanese superstars, B’z, among others. Sherinian has long been one of the most in demand keyboard players on the scene, with a resume that includes DREAM THEATER, ALICE COOPER, BILLY IDOL, and KISS. Says Maksudian: "I'm absolutely thrilled to have Norifumi and Barry on board for this album as well as Derek agreeing to participate once again. Barry is one of the absolute best and has been a pleasure to work with. His bass tracks are adding so much to the songs already. As for Norifumi - I've always had an interest in the Japanese metal scene and Concerto Moon has been a particular favorite of mine for some time. For Norifumi to agree to play on the new Lightning Strikes is a dream come true and an absolute honor. He has already completed his tracks in Tokyo and he sounds stellar! And Derek has come through again with flying colors - he is such an amazing player and always delivers at the highest level. I have also found a great, young vocalist in Mariano Gardella who may not be a household name yet but has a great set of pipes. I cannot wait for people to hear this record!"

Originally formed in 1984, LIGHTNING STRIKES were the first metal band to feature an all Armenian-American line-up, well over a decade before the arrival of SYSTEM OF A DOWN. Maksudian revived the name with new personnel a quarter century after the initial breakup recording the group's self-titled 2016 full-length debut with Brazilian vocalist Nando Fernandes (HANGAR, SINISTRA), guitarist Rob Math (LEATHERWOLF, SOUL SIGN), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (SONS OF APOLLO, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION), and former BLACK SABBATH vocalist, Tony Martin, who sang on and wrote the lyrics to 'Death Valley' and '301 AD Sins of Our Fathers'. Mixed by Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, JUDAS PRIEST, HALFORD), the album was well received and peaked on the Japanese Burrn! Magazine import charts at number 6.

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Ecce Shnak announces tour with EMF & Spacehog, sharing new video for 'Stroll With Me'. Debut EP 'Shadows Grow Fangs' is out now

Alternative art-rockers Ecce Shnak are pleased to announce they will be touring with platinum-selling legends Spacehog and EMF. In June, the three bands will hit the U.S. West coast, with the electrifying NYC quintet delivering a sonic experience that blends art-rock and punk energy with some unexpected twists. Kicking things off in San Jose, California on June 14, the tour wraps up on June 28 in Las Vegas.

Ecce Shnak will be touring in support of their newly-released debut EP 'Shadows Grow Fangs', released via Record Man, Records - five tracks that showcase incomparable ingenuity and limitless invention. The quintet also present their endearing new video for 'Stroll With Me', unveiled hot on the trail of their latest clip for the high-energy title track. 

If there’s a fine line between wild-eyed, inspired genius and utter, irrepressible insanity, that’s where you’ll find Ecce Shnak, teetering on a neon tightrope. With David Roush as composer, bassist, and one of two singers, he is joined by Bella Komodromos (vocals), Chris Krasnow (guitar), Gannon Ferrell (guitar), and Henry Buchanan-Vaughn(drums).

This EP runs the gamut from slow-burning meditations on love’s indispensability to mockery of the web from the perspective of a time-traveling poet – “What the fuck is the internet?!” Of course, this might sound a little ‘zany’, but it’s really not. Not at all. It’s intricately constructed, methodically fashioned, and – while undeniably offbeat – as serious and logical as it’s entertaining.

Recorded and produced by Jeff Lucci at the Art Farm (NY), their debut EP was mixed by Nicholas Vernhes  (Animal Collective, Deerhunter, The Fiery Furnaces, Dirty Projectors, Wild Nothing, The War on Drugs) and mastered by Grammy award-winning sound engineer Joe LaPorta (David Bowie, The Weeknd, Foo Fighters, Vampire Weekend, FKA Twigs, Twenty One Pilots).

'Stroll With Me' is the first folk song in Ecce Shnak's catalogue. Here, David Roush plays his classical guitar as he sings of his beloved friend - a young woman who chose to leave the Earth from the sometimes overwhelming woes and chaos of conscious human life. He pays homage to her spirit and memory and vows to hold her precious for every day until his own death. In the video itself, his character Larry pays similar homage to the ghost of his dear friend Barbara.

They stroll together to a canoe on the bank of a river that is special to their history. They paddle to an island where he bids farewell to her and his attachment to her as a living being. Though he tries to call her back onto the canoe in a last moment of denial, she gently but firmly insists that he leave her and paddle himself home. However, before pushing his boat offshore, she bids him farewell with a set of gesticulations and expressions that are part of their selfsame language of precious charms and inside jokes. To help tell this tale, they evoke imagery from an old-time Swedish film that addresses some of the same themes, albeit in a totally different context.

David Roush explains, "Where that old tragicomedy is about religious war, famine, and pestilence, ours is a story of heartbreak about a single life that seems to have ended far too early. Either way, death is certain and unavoidable. Music is one of the only methods human beings have at our disposal to understand and accept this great and mysterious challenge of life. Here is our own music toward that end. To all those in grief, whomever or whatever its subject: we honor you in your own versions of these great challenges of life, and we are utterly grateful to stroll with you through it all. In love, melancholy, and roundabout spiritual triumph."

Ecce Shnak subverts notions of style, playfully but reverently embracing multiple forms across the spectrum, while addressing weighty themes and notable trivia with striking articulacy. The single 'The Internet' is an eclectic gem that makes a fine mockery of the web from the perspective of a time-travelling poet. 'Prayer on Love' is a downtempo groove-inducing opus and the lead track 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy' is a hammering 150-seconds about 19th Century English philosopher Jeremy Bentham that combines math-metal, post-rock and choral anthems.

 
The 'Shadows Grow Fangs' EP is out now, available from fine music platforms, includingSpotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and Bandcamp.  Tickets for the Spacehog / EMF / Ecce Shnak tour go on sale on Friday, March 7.

CREDITS
Music written / composed by David Roush
David Roush - vocals, classical guitar, drum kit, keyboard
Jeff Lucci - electric guitar, electric bass
Isabella Komodromos -vocals
Recorded and produced by Jeff Lucci at the Art Farm (NY)
Mixed by Nicholas Vernhes
Mastered by Joe LaPorta
Video directed by Milton Walker and David Roush
Animation by Shuyler Nazareth
Produced by Beth Narducci and David Roush
Artist photos by Tommy Krause
A&R: Beth Narducci for You + Me Entertainment
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon for Shameless Promotion PR

TOUR DATES (with EFM and Spacehog)
Jun 14   San Jose, CA  - The Ritz
Jun 15   San Francisco, CA  - Great American Music Hall (tickets)
Jun 17   Portland, OR  -  Star Theater
Jun 18   Seattle, WA  - The Neptune
Jun 20   Salt Lake City, UT  - Metro Music Hall
Jun 21   Denver, CO  - Oriental Theater
Jun 23   Phoenix, AZ  - Crescent Ballroom
Jun 24   San Diego, CA  - Music Box
Jun 26   Santa Ana, CA  - The Observatory
Jun 27   Los Angeles, CA  - The Regent
Jun 28   Las Vegas, NV  -  House of Blues


Keep up with Ecce Shnak
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OUR MARVELOUS LIVES RELEASE THEIR 10TH ALBUM FIVE AMIGO LOCKDOWN. STREAMING NOW EVERYWHERE AND ON A LIMITED-EDITION CD.

Our Marvelous Lives is a five-piece, melodically polished, guitar-oriented, bass- and percussion-driven, life-changing experience. Our Marvelous Lives consists of Max Huber on guitar and vocals, Jim Shargay on bass, Mike Fury on keys, Marc Ziccardi on drums (also of The Ratchets), and Javier Pombo on guitar. Together, OML has honed a dynamic, high-energy sound that is both timeless and fresh, appealing to a broad audience of rock enthusiasts.

OML is influenced by many musical styles, playing across the rock and alternative singer- songwriter genres with a rock ‘n’ roll storytelling lyrical palette that layers guitar, drums, bass, and keys with vocal harmonies. Reflecting on this deep musical connection, Fury states, “OML is excited about the release of our 10th CD with seven new, powerful songs. Five Amigo Lockdown is all about five dudes who gather religiously in the bunker located on the quiet, desolate streets of Dover. OML is about sharing the marvelous gift of music with everyone involved in our marvelous lives. Musica Fabulosa!”

Listen below:

Our Marvelous Lives has earned a reputation as powerful live performers. This reputation has led to opportunities to share the stage with legendary acts such as Gene Loves Jezebel, Reverend Horton Heat, The Smithereens, Sponge, Supersuckers, LA Guns, Wall of Voodoo, The Ramones, Little Steven Van Zandt, Joan Jett, Lone Justice, and many more. Now, with the release of Five Amigo Lockdown, the band continues to push the boundaries of their sound. Ziccardi describes the new album as “a sonic journey through heart, grit, and melody—crafted with passion, played with soul, and ready to be heard. We can’t wait for people to experience it.” Huber echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the collective effort behind the project: “Five Amigo Lockdown is really a ‘whole band’ effort. Everyone put in a piece of their creativity and groove; everyone added a unique feel. Like Ambrosia, there are a lot of parts that went into this to make up a yummy sound-dessert!”

See them live with a special Record Release Party scheduled for April 27th in their hometown of Dover, NJ.

Saturday, March 29, The Boiler Room at Congress Hall, Cape May, NJ

Sunday, April 27, Factory Records, Dover, NJ
Five Amigo Lockdown Release Extravaganza

Saturday, May 3, Finnegan's Pub, Hoboken, NJ

Saturday, June 14, Artie's Bar and Grill, Frenchtown, NJ
Supporting Reverend Horton Heat

Five Amigo Lockdown has seven songs in total starting with the in your face “More of the Same” and closing with the beautifully crafted “Sinners & Saints”. Order you CD here: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/our-marvelous-lives

For more information, visit
https://ourmarvelouslives.wixsite.com/our-marvelous-lives
https://www.dekoentertainment.com
Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value

NITE Shine on "The Mystic"

Ever since they banded together in 2018, NITE has carried the torch for Bay Area metal with pride. In the three years since their last Marshall-fueled venture, the San Franciscans have wisely tripled down on their trusted arsenal of blackened heavy metal. "...it will take a crowbar to pry this song out of your head", No Clean Singing wrote about the high-flying lead single from the band's upcoming third album.

With its epic slow burn, the latest single from Cult of the Serpent Sunstill conjures the trailblazing spirits of old. But "The Mystic" shines a light on what separates this band's particular blackened alchemy from mere imitation brew.  

Listen to "The Mystic" below:
  
Cult of the Serpent Sun comes out March 14, 2025 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/nitecultoftheserpentsun

After two swashbuckling albums, NITE's classic weaponry still shows no signs of rust. The title track off Cult of the Serpent Sun slithers with all the leathery glory of '80s heavy metal gods. Their new album was guided by what they harnessed while storming the stage at Northwest Terror Fest and Hell's Heroes VI, but its "more is more" philosophy also led them to explore new dimensions.

"Time / Space", Van Labrakis chants as "The Mystic" unfolds as if shrouded by frozen smoke.

NITE's new single highlights the band's blackened edges. Melodic riffs drip like candle wax. Drummer Patrick Crawford pops and pings as if leading a midnight procession. "Red, black and white", Labrakis summons from his spell book while Avinash Mittur stretches his Rickenbacker bass into a hypnotic groove.

Cult of the Serpent Sun pits the band against the shadowy mythologies that have long laid dormant beneath society. But even amidst its freshly blackened perils, NITE emerge victorious. As the flames rise higher and higher, Scott Hoffman's guitar solo illuminates "The Mystic" like a beam of light climbing through the shadows. "Fire / Bring me to life".  

"As above, so below", NITE says about "The Mystic". "Black and white, the checkerboard of space and time. Duality as the vehicle of human consciousness. Beyond all our achievements as a species in science, art and philosophy, still our biggest achievement, our alchemical triumph, our magnum opus as humans, is our most animalistic ability to procreate. To cheat time. To cheat death".

NITE's classic weaponry shows no signs of rust on their third album. "The Last Blade" draws first blood amidst an acoustic flurry before thrusting onto the offensive. "The aim here is not to replicate that era but to explore and evolve," Labrakis told Decibel when asked about the band's influences. Cult of the Serpent Sun honors the trailblazing spirits of old by honing what separates this band's particular alchemy from mere imitation brew. "The Mystic" expands their sonic palette, featuring a slow-burning bass line that stretches time and space into a hypnotic portal. With its whirling and enchanted melody, "Tarmut" glimmers like a desert mirage.

"We play a traditional style of heavy metal, but the blackened element takes us in a different direction," Labrakis says. His road-hardened voice stands resolute in "Carry On," denouncing the perils of war. "Dream on and find who you are," he beckons on the album's triumphant closer "Winds of Sokar."    
 
On Cult of the Serpent Sun, NITE guards the altar of blackened heavy metal with sharpened blades and axes raised.  

Lineup:
Van Labrakis: Guitar / Vocals
Scott Hoffman: Guitar
Avinash Mittur: Bass
Patrick Crawford: Drums

Recording studio
210 Studios San Francisco and The Hoagie Container

Production credits
Recorded by Van Labrakis
Produced by Van Labrakis and Nite
Mixed and mastered by Van Labrakis at 210 Studios San Francisco

Cover artist
Adam Vick

Available formats
Digital download
CD Digipack
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Red with black splatters)
12" Vinyl Gatefold (Red and black marbled)

Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/nitecultoftheserpentsun

Follow NITE
​​​​​https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nite/1499573755
https://nitemetal.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/nitemetal
https://www.instagram.com/nitemetal
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6MjCnAA9RF0vy3j6QYyLG0
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Telepathy Share Video For New Single "End Transmission"

UK-based post-metal instrumentalists Telepathy have shared "End Transmission," the third single from their forthcoming new full-length, Transmissions. The album is set for release on March 28, through forward-thinking Berlin label Pelagic Records,

A synth-driven instrumental epic that would make Vangelis himself proud, today's new single "End Transmission" was the first song of the new album to be fully formed and subsequently became the anthemic blueprint from which the band reverse-engineered the record's otherworldly atmosphere. Colossal riffs, space age synthesizers and Telepathy's signature use of found sounds combine to form this 15-minute odyssey that passes in the blink of an adrenaline-fueled eye.

"'You can spot, from a distance, a madman making sense,'" the band says. "'End Transmission' became the foundation of the record’s concept and the gateway to our newfound love for all things synth. As we worked on the album, this track opened up the space to blend electronic and found sounds, taking our music in a more cinematic direction. We first trialed this on tour with Oranssi Pazuzu in 2022, and it quickly became the highlight of our set. It marked the beginning of our shift in direction, and became a highlight of the show for us and the crowd. This song is like the climax of a film, reminiscent of the 16-minute piece from The Dark Knight — a riffy and cinematic crescendo to the new album. It created the perfect conclusion before leading to the album's final track — 'Home.'"

Telepathy will be celebrating the album's release with a headline show at London's The Black Heart venue on April 17.

Formed in 2011, Telepathy is the creation of three Polish brothers: Piotr, Albert, and Krystian Turek, and English guitarist Richard Powley. Bringing a collision of musical influences from Tool, Deftones, and Vangelis to genres as diverse as synthwave and post-punk, it is the collective's pervading love for film and movie scores that truly unites the band's members under the Telepathy banner. Together, the four-piece quickly made a name for themselves through their instrumental balance of atypical tunings, found audio samples and joyride-like time signatures, conveying remarkably deep and dynamic narratives through their instruments alone.

Transmissions marks the culmination of four years of introspection, experimentation and revitalisation; representing the band at its expressive core. Inspired by faded photographs unearthed in the brother's family home and the surprise discovery of a long lost relic, Transmissions is a cluster of musical messages that hurtles between nostalgic snapshots of the past and the everyday chaos of the present. 

Mastered by Grammy-nominated producer/engineer Machine (Lamb of God, Clutch, Unpeople), Transmissions was recorded and produced by the band at their newly established studio in their rural base in the East of England.

Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne Chart A Brand New Top 10 Single with "Gods of Rock N Roll" ​

On the heels of the tremendous success of The Morrison Project and #1 song "Crack Cocaine", rock guitarist Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne release an epic new single "Gods of Rock N Roll" throughTLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. 

As reported by Forbes, the single debuts on two additional Billboard charts this time around."This week, 'Gods of Rock and Roll' debuts highest on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart. On that list, Billboard’s ranking of the bestselling tunes that fit perfectly under the hard rock label, the single opens at No. 5," says Forbes Senior Contributor, Hugh McIntyre. He adds, "'Gods of Rock and Roll' is also new to the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. That list takes into account all forms of consumption — sales, streams, and airplay. On the ranking, the single blasts in at No. 12."

The song is already a Top 20 Billboard Mainstream Rock hit coming in at #16 this week!!

“Ozzy and I have breathed new life into what we always felt was a huge song. GODS OF ROCK N ROLL was written ten years ago in a South American hotel room, but with this re-recording we both feel we have finally made the song what it was always meant to be - a huge emotive ballad," says Morrison.

He adds, “A huge portion of the song was completely re-recorded, the 61 piece Budapest Scoring Orchestra recorded the orchestral score composed by Fred Coury, and then the John Burroughs High School choir were added. Barry Pointer had the unenviable task of mixing 132 tracks and he did an incredible job. The end result is what happens when Ozzy Osbourne makes some suggestions, and Billy Morrison listens!”

The orchestral score was composed and arranged by Fred Coury, and the song was mixed by Barry Pointer and mastered by David Donnelly. The recording features the renowned Budapest Scoring Orchestra. ”Gods of Rock N Roll" showcases the talents of Billy Morrison on guitar, Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, and Steve Stevens on lead guitar.

WATCH the video below:

STREAM "Gods of Rock N Roll"

https://ffm.to/billymorrison-ozzyosbourne-gods

To add to the excitement, Morrison released a deluxe digital edition of The Morrison Project album on February 21st through TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. The deluxe edition features six previously unreleased bonus tracks, including "Gods of Rock N Roll." There is also a “stripped down” mix of just the orchestra and Ozzy that will be available soon.

Morrison explains, “I have always wanted the opportunity to do an expanded, 'Deluxe' version of a record. It’s basically where you get to have some fun, remix some things, and include songs that mean something personal. Thanks to the guys at TLG ZOID, I have been given that opportunity! So to have YOUTH from KILLING JOKE actually mix an amazing dub version of We Are The Dead, to have JEFF LANE throw down an incredibly different remix of Crack Cocaine, and to have my track with Cypress Hill all on the extra disc is just a fantastic feeling! Plus I got the opportunity to remix Dystopia myself and did the whole half-time vibe that I was originally playing with, back when I wrote it."

                  The Morrison Project Deluxe Edition Digital Album can be found here:

https://ffm.to/themorrisonproject-deluxe  

Pre-Order the Vinyl Deluxe Edition here:

https://a.co/d/81EcYYr

International Powerhouse Rock Group W.E.T. Release New Single "This House Is On Fire" + Music Video

Today, international powerhouse rock group W.E.T. share their new single, “This House Is On Fire,” taken from their highly anticipated new studio album, 'Apex,' set for release on March 28th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. A music video, available below, accompanies the new single.

Guitarist Erik Mårtensson commented on the new single:

“I am beyond excited to share with you our latest single, 'This House Is On Fire. ' This song is a true testament to everything W.E.T. stands for—high energy, powerful melodies, and outstanding performances from the band members.

“Once again, I have the pleasure of sharing vocal duties with Jeff, creating a powerful blend that we hope you'll love. And as a special treat, the track features one of those rare moments where I actually play the guitar solo”, Mårtensson added. “We're eager for you to bang your head to this electrifying anthem and can't wait to hear what you think. Thank you for your incredible support!”



Watch the Music Video for "This House Is On Fire" below:

The acronym W.E.T. comes from the members’ association with other bands, Robert Säll & Andreas Passmark from Work of Art, Erik Mårtensson & Magnus Henriksson from Eclipse and Jeff Scott Soto from Talisman. And now, for the first time ever, the T is emphasized as Talisman drummer Jamie Borger has joined forces with the band’s original core members.

W.E.T. truly epitomizes what melodic rock has become in the new decade. The key element at the foundation of W.E.T. has always been to create a modern melodic hard rock sound that will drive the genre into the future. Combining powerhouse rhythms and top-notch production (courtesy of Erik Martensson), the music is equally classic and contemporary. 

Although a side project to the members’ original bands, over the course of the band’s existence, W.E.T. have reconvened regularly over the last 15 years to produce four studio albums and a live record.

Starting with a genre-defining self-titled debut, Robert Säll (the “W” from Work of Art), Erik Mårtensson (the “E” from Eclipse), and Jeff Scott Soto (the “T” from Talisman) accepted the daunting task to give that debut a follow-up, 'Rise Up'. After that stellar follow-up, their third opus, 'Earthrage', cemented a legacy of music which will stand the test of time.'Retransmission', their latest album, is nothing else than an absolute milestone, which is well in keeping with the tradition established by the three amazing records that have preceded this one.

Erik Mårtensson says:

“It’s always a challenge to find that sweet spot in our calendars when we are all available, not to mention the fact that Jeff lives in California and the rest of us in Sweden. But I also believe that adds to our ambition once we are able to gather. We are all aware that we don’t get too many shots at this, so when we do we gotta make it count.”

'Apex', the fifth studio album of the melodic supergroup, is a bold statement in the band's confidence that they have delivered their best work to date. Eleven tracks full of big choruses and hooky melodies, all served on a platter of smooth heaviness.

Pre-Order 'Apex' HERE

W.E.T. are:

Jeff Scott Soto - Vocals

Erik Mårtensson – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards

Robert Säll – Guitars, Keyboards

Magnus Henriksson – Guitars

Andreas Passmark - Bass

Jamie Borger – Drums

CHANGELING Unveil New Single "Falling in Circles" (ft. Subway to Sally)

Prepare to be mesmerized as CHANGELING, the audacious brainchild of musical maverick Tom "Fountainhead" Geldschläger, unveils the latest single "Falling in Circles" from Changeling's highly anticipated self-titled album. With all rhythm guitar & bass parts recorded on fretless instruments, "Falling in Circles" pushes for innovation while staying rooted in the fierce technicality and aggression of the genre.

The track's recurring arpeggio motif, a nod to the title track of Obscura's Akroasis, seamlessly weaves nostalgia into its complex tapestry. Here, Changeling juxtaposes heroic fretted solos with the ethereal timbre of fretless guitars, creating a soundscape that is both rooted and revolutionary.
 

Watch the music video for "Falling in Circles" Below:

Changeling comes out April 25th via Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/changelingchangeling

Morean, Arran, and Mike's contributions on "Falling in Circles" are nothing short of extraordinary. Each note they play, each rhythm they conjure, is imbued with their individual artistic touch, ensuring that the single stands as a unique entity within Changeling's conceptual debut album. Their collective virtuosity elevates the track, making it a cornerstone of the album's narrative & lyrical journey through the psychedelic experience.
 

While "Falling in Circles" sits comfortably between the aggression of death metal and the melodic sensibilities of modern progressive metal, the song's middle section breaks away from genre-conventions altogether, introducing a string section that evokes the orchestral grandeur of Obscura's "Weltseele", which Tom also wrote. Ally Storch (Subyway To Sally) wields her violin, viola, and cello with a virtuosity that amplifies the song's emotional depth and textural richness. Alex Kerski's (Vianova) backing vocals add layers of harmonic brilliance to the composition.

The video for "Falling in Circles" was created by Chris Hesse / Strangeworks_

In a significant development in early 2024, Fountainhead, now branded under the name CHANGELING for his new project and album, signed with the label Season of Mist. This venture marks a new chapter in Tom’s career, amplifying his visionary approach to music. Accompanied by an all-star band featuring members from Fear Factory, Alkaloid, and Virvum, the project CHANGELING showcases a 60-minute concept album that takes all aspects of Tom’s artistry to new heights.

The album, sharing its name with the project, blends progressive metal, death metal, jazz/fusion, and world music, enriched with complex orchestrations by a 50-piece ensemble of guest musicians. It includes the eagerly anticipated “Part 2” to his renowned composition “Weltseele,” an orchestral metal epic from Obscura’s billboard-chart-entering “Akroasis” album, which broadly introduced Fountainhead to the metal community in 2016.

Core Lineup:
Tom Fountainhead (ex-Obscura, Amogh Symphony, Belphegor, Defeated Sanity) - Fretted & fretless electric & acoustic guitars, oud, keyboards, composition and arrangements.
Mike Heller (Fear Factory, Malignancy, Raven) - Drums.
Arran McSporran (Vipassi, Virvum) -  Fretless bass.
Morean (Alkaloid, Dark Fortress) - Lead vocals & lyrics.

Guest Musicians:
Bill Hudson (Trans-siberian Orchestra, Doro, I am Morbid) - Guest guitar solo
Jason Gobel (ex-Cynic, ex-Monstrosity)- Guest guitar solo
Andy Laroque (ex-Death, King Diamond) - Guest guitar solo
Yatziv Caspi (ex-Orphaned Land) - Tabla, hangdrum, dabouka, riq & shakers
Ally Storch (Subway To Sally)- Violins, viola & cello
James Dorton (The Faceless, NeObliviscaris, Black Crown Initate) - Spoken words
Alexander Kerski (Vianova)- Backing & harmony vocals
Matthias Alexander Preisinger - Piano and glockenspiel, violins & viola
Martin Matiasovic - Horns & Wagnerian Tube
Jan Ferdinand - Vibraphone & marimba
Chris Rützel - Flutes
Ivar Ludvig Nitzler - Cello
Shiho Murano - Tuba
Juliane Erding - Wagnerian tube & horn
Eduard Cortez - Wagnerian tube & horn
Tillmann Schulz  - Wagnerian tube & horn
Ava Bonam - Female vocals
Moran Magal - Piano
Cydney McQuillan-Grace, Lauren Gill, Shannon Bedford, Sara Robalo; Tenor and Bari - Ben Francis, John Schaffer,  Alice Williams, Cyd McQuillan-Grace; Alto - Lauren Gill, Sara Robalo; Tenor and Bass - James Schouten & John Schaffer - Choir vocals
Krassimir Jossifov - Trumpet
Brandt Attema - Trombones & bass trombones
Kristian Petkov - Bassoon
Stefan Prost - Church organ
Seonghyeon Park - Clarinet
Arnfried Falk - Oboe
Rouven Haliti - Upright bass
Dalai Cellai - Cello

Recording Studio:
FountainheadHQ, Hellersounds, Saforill, Klanghafen, Landesmusikakademie Berlin, Musikhochschule Carl-Maria-Von-Weber, Muziek Studio Beeld, Sonictrain.

Production Credits:
Produced & Engineered by Tom Fountainhead.
Mixed by Tom Fountainhead at FountainheadHQ.
Mastered by Leon Schmidt at his home studio & FountainheadHQ.

Cover Art:
Aaron Pinto (Gutslit) / KidSquidy
 
Photography:
Aaron Pinto (Gutslit) / KidSquidy

➤Pre-save & Pre-order: https://orcd.co/changelingchangeling
 

Follow Fountainhead & Changeling:
Website:http://www.thefountainhead.de
Facebook:http://facebook.com/tomfountainheadgeldschlaeger
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/changeling.official
Bandcamp:https://changelingofficial.bandcamp.com/
YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/fountainheadtv
Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/artist/changeling/294821510
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4MbRUvwQcEBzryOhWMHkvV

Goth-darkwave act THE AWAKENING announces 'Haunting Tour 2025' in support of 12th album. Watch the video for 'Haunting'

Gothic-Darkwave act The Awakening  has announced its first tour dates for 2025 in support of his eponymous album - his twelfth to date - recently released via Intervention Arts on vinyl, CD, digitally and various limited-edition formats.  

The Haunting Tour 2025 dates include headline shows in Germany, France, the USA and Canada and co-headline performances at the legendary Castle Party in Poland and Brainstorm Fest in the Netherlands. The Awakening will headline the first edition of Glōm Fest, a new pop-up festival, which will take six international acts up the west coast of the US from Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada.

Now US-based, The Awakening was formed in Johannesburg, South Africa in the late ’90s as the creative expression of vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Ashton Nyte, who was anointed as "Johannesburg's Bowie" for his widely varying musical styles and theatrical performances. Having morphed over the years, The Awakening's sound incorporates numerous genres, including gothic rock, darkwave, post-punk, electronic rock, folk noir, new wave and more.

The Awakening recently released 'Haunting', the second video from the album. 'Haunting' has already amassed over 400,000 views in 3 weeks, following the first single 'Mirror Midnight', which has surpassed 1.2 million views. The videos for both come in his trademark black-and-white format, a rich and dark indication of The Awakening's return to its dark roots.

"'Haunting' is a celebration of old-school Gothic Rock, with a suitable dose of Post-Punk swagger and a wink at the camera. It's probably the most whimsical song on the album and one I greatly look forward to playing live later this year", says frontman Ashton Nyte. "I wanted the video to capture some campy Horror B-Movie goodness, and I am very happy with the result," says Ashton Nyte.

"After the intensity and social commentary of 'Mirror Midnight', it was a lot of fun to create a video on the other side of the spectrum. It is best enjoyed at very high volume!"

'The Awakening' follows Ashton Nyte's second book and eighth solo album 'Autumn's Children', which was selected as one of American Songwriter's Top 17 Albums of 2023. This new album is a celebration of the band's roots and influences. The last two Awakening albums were departures, with 'This Alchemy' (2021) exploring the electronic side of his musical personality, and 'The Passage Remains' (2022) including his previously-unreleased heavier material.

Ashton Nyte is a core contributor to LA-based supergroup Beauty In Chaos, involved with every album released to date, including the latest 'Dancing With Angels' and 'Signs in the Heavens Reality Upside Down'. Nyte has collaborated with members of The Cure, The Mission, Tricky, Peter Murphy's band and All About Eve.

Having toured extensively and headlined music festivals in the USA, Europe, and South Africa to upwards of 30,000 people, Nyte has also written and performed in theatrical productions and hosted philanthropic events, including his “Rock Against Rape” concert series. He has also presented a lecture series at US universities focusing on tolerance and acceptance. Nyte is also an author and actor.

With a catalogue of over 300 songs, Ashton Nyte and The Awakening have enjoyed airplay and chart success worldwide, with songs featured in popular TV shows like 'Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin' and 'The Purge'. Nyte has contributed to several scores, working with composer Ethan Gold for 'Don't Let Go' (premiering at the Sundance Film Festival) and 'Pale Horse', directed by the late Pearry Teo.

'The Awakening' album is out now on vinyl, CD, digitally and limited-edition formats. It can be found on Spotify and other digital platforms, and can be ordered directly from the artist.  The Awakening will announce more dates for the 'Haunting Tour 2025' with shows in the UK, Mexico and Spain are rumoured to be added soon.  Tickets are available at  www.theawakening.com/live

CREDITS
All music and lyrics by Ashton Nyte
Published by Intervention Arts / ASCAP (2024)
Recorded, mixed & produced by Ashton Nyte at Intervention Studios (USA)
Cover artwork & artist photos by Ashton Nyte
Video created by Ashton Nyte
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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