MEDIA ALERT: Scorpions Share "Seventh Sun" — LISTEN

19TH ALBUM ROCK BELIEVER OUT FEBRUARY 25, 2022

In the language of musicians, the term "flageolet" refers to an ingenious technique of eliciting harmonics from a string instrument, producing various overtones in addition to the fundamental frequency of that one string.

From the very first note of "Seventh Sun," Rudolf Schenker and his Flying V manage to spectacularly draw us into this powerful song in an almost mystical way, much in the tradition of Scorpions classics such as "Animal Magnetism" and "China White."

Once more, artistic elements of this kind highlight the band's intention to reaffirm the Scorpions' unique DNA with their latest album Rock Believer.

"Seventh Sun" is the imminent lead single from their outstanding studio recording Rock Believer, scheduled for worldwide release on February 25.

Yet again, the band underlines the authenticity and power of their songs with exceptional lyrics.

Rock Believer, the credo of their new album, will also be the moniker of their upcoming tour.

In March and April 2022, the band is set to perform at the Planet Hollywood Resorts & Casino in Las Vegas as part of their residency, followed by a world tour scheduled to kick off with a number of shows in Germany in June 2022.

Cinematic Ambient Duo SILENT SKIES Unveils New Album Nectar – OUT NOW!

Get your copy HERE!

New Single + Official Music Video “Let It Hurt”

“In a world where collaborations, especially at such a level, are rare, we can only applaud the gesture. This new album is simply remarkable”

Metallian, FR

“'...the rich record brims with emotive soul that manages to be intimate yet absolutely grand”

Prog, UK

“Music as soulful as it is enraptured, imbued with deep melancholy and cinematic beauty: SILENT SKIES conjures images of subtle sadness in the dark winter sky.”

Classic Rock, GER

“An album made for long, gloomy and thoughtful winter evenings.”

Legacy, GER

“An antistress remedy in notes.”

Sonic Seducer, GER

“On their second album, SILENT SKIES take the listener on an acoustic journey that

is full of surprises.”

Hardline, GER

“ ...one of the first highlights of 2022.”

Metal.de, GER

…a dark, haunting ambient soundscape…”

Folk N Rock, USA

“…a not-to-be-missed album…”

Metal Kaoz, USA

“…like a calm sea after a storm…”

A&P Reacts, CAN

SILENT SKIES, the cinematic ambient project of Evergrey’s Tom S. Englund and classically trained pianist and composer Vikram Shankar (Redemption), have finally unveiled their second studio album and label debut, Nectar, via Napalm Records today.

This spectacular full-length soaked in a melancholic atmosphere showcases the touching intensity of SILENT SKIES’ musical expression without holding anything back. Infinite, heartfelt Nectar enchants with sounds like pure poetry lifting off the page and wrapping around its listener with a gentle glow as it combines the reminiscence of the likes of producers and composers such as Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm and Ludovico Einaudi, and bands ranging from Sigur Rós to Anathema. The balance between haunting instrumentals and vocal intensity that complement each other in perfect harmony walks a delicate line where listeners are treated to the best of both worlds.

To accompany the release of Nectar, SILENT SKIES' emotive third single “Let It Hurt” has been released together with an intense official music video. “Let It Hurt” addicts with an intimate intro possible due to Tom S. Englund's heartbreaking vibrato, quickly developing dramatically and wrapping the listener in a multitude of evocative sounds, blending cinematic strings and piano with hooky modern vocals.

Vikram Shankar on “Let It Hurt”:

“To celebrate the release of Nectar, we are thrilled to unveil this video for 'Let It Hurt', directed with a subtle and artistic touch by our dear friend Patric Ullaeus. 'Let It Hurt' was one of the first pieces of music written for Nectar, and its composition was a dramatic catalyst for the way the rest of the album would turn out; writing and listening back to 'Let It Hurt' gave us immediate and intuitive visions of some of the new ground Nectar was to cover. It provides a window into some of the new sonic possibilities of the record, while simultaneously harkening back to the intimate core nucleus of SILENT SKIES that fans know well: piano, vocals, strings, and heart-rending honesty. We hope you enjoy Nectar as much as we enjoyed making it!”

Dive into the sonic universe of SILENT SKIES and watch the

official video for “Let It Hurt”

In 2017, the paths of Swedish progressive band EVERGREY’s vocalist Tom S. Englund and multi-instrumentalist Vikram Shankar crossed fatefully. Both artists set themselves free from limitations to captivate their listener with Nectar - a soulful ten-track offering, produced by Englund and Shankar themselves and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios.

SILENT SKIES on the new album:

“We are tremendously proud to announce our second record, Nectar, is out now! Nectar represents an expansion and an elevation of all things that make us who we are; simultaneously grander and more intimate, more futuristic yet more organic and thoughtful. This record represents who we are, and it means so much to both of us, that we cannot wait to hear your feedback on it.”

Get your copy of Nectar NOW!

With Gothenburg’s EVERGREY known as one of the most prolific bands in progressive metal, Englund is by far no stranger to the scene. After partnering with North Carolina, USA-based pianist Vikram Shankar – who had already worked with greats like Redemption and Anneke van Giersbergen – this fateful encounter, now known as SILENT SKIES, set its first milestone with the release of their spine-tingling debut Satellites back in 2020. Two years later, this fruitful collaboration returns with Nectar, marking the sequel of something that’s far more than just a side project of Englund’s. Rather, it’s the brainchild of two highly talented individual artists with deep knowledge and many years of experience, whose creativity and spirit culminates in an exceptional form of musical expression. Shankar’s sensitive yet intense piano tunes merge with the poignant vocal interpretation of Tom S. Englund to take the listener on a touching, melancholic ride that wanders through the darkest facets of life, while always leaving a spark of hope to hold on to. This otherworldly sonic collaboration is graced by the outstanding contributions of Leprous' cello player Raphael Weinroth-Browne, who appears on nearly every track of the album to spice up the stirring sound even more.

SILENT SKIES’ sophomore full-length sets off with the soulful, ethereal “Fallen From Heart”, immediately creating a tapestry of sound to get lost in. Tracks like delicate “Taper” and shimmering “Neverending” are dominated by the yearning vocals of Englund, but never fail to give Shankar’s instrumental virtuosity the well-deserved space to shine bright like the first sunray welcoming the day. Beautifully honest “Let It Hurt” addicts with its remarkable chorus hitting on point, blending cinematic strings and piano with hooky modern vocals. Darker realms lure with dramatically accented, heart-beating “Cold”, with its lingering electronic elements that build a tangible, gripping maelstrom of emotions. Instrumental title track “Nectar” closes this new chapter of SILENT SKIES but leaves its audience with a long-lasting impact and the key to a door that’s worth entering over and over again.

Nectar will be available in the following formats:

- 6p Digisleeve

- 2LP Gatefold BLACK

- Digital Album

[2LP Gatefold BLACK]

SILENT SKIES are:

Tom S. Englund

Vikram Shankar

AZ THE WORD BURNZ Pay Tribute to Local Artist & Friend with Official Music Video and Debut Single, "End Of Suffering"!

Tucson, AZ based, metal harmony band AZ THE WORLD BURNZ has released the official music video for their debut single, "End of Suffering." With the single produced by Elias Tannous(CRAZY TOWN), "End of Suffering" was directed by Louie Cohen(EPIDEMIC MEDIA), and was written in tribute to late local musician and friend Jesus Manuel Ramirez, Jr.

"That night, off in the distance, I overheard the triumphant sound of a horn, whilst wandering across what remained of a scorched, Southwestern wasteland. As the blanket of darkness covered the ash-filled desert, appearing before me was a large phoenix, with fiery scarlet wings and bold streaks of golden feathers. With enormous wingspan, I watched it rise up to the heights of towers, illuminating the smokey, night sky. Also, emerging from the flames, spawned four horsemen who would ride forth through the cities as a group, transcending the musical arrangements of the times into a unique crossbreed of genres fusion infectiously adorned by many nations. It was at that moment, I knew the end wasn't near. In fact, it was right here. It was the end of one era and beginning of another. And as for me, this meant the "End of Suffering"." - Local Tusconian

Click to Purchase / Stream "End of Suffering" Online

Az The World Burnz emerged from the ambers and onto the music scene shortly following the sudden death of a member in their music community, Jesus Manuel Ramirez, Jr. In honor of their late friend, their debut song "End of Suffering" was birthed, trailblazing into existence a first-of-its-kind, multi-faceted, quartet harmony group. In collaboration with Elias Tannous, from the 9-times platinum band, 'Crazytown' (best known for their international hit "Butterfly"), their new single reaches out to the listener who's ever experienced losing a really good friend. Due to release on February 4, 2022, "End of Suffering" brings an enthralling uniqueness of sound that unifies the fusion of metal, soul, and rap into a refreshing blend of harmony that could end all wars. Also known as A-T-Dub-B, this Tucson-based music group seeks to collaborate with artists/bands in various genres including metal, hip-hop, EDM, rock and country. Packing that much diversity of sound, the music world will definitely want to hear more from them….

DAWN OF ASHES Takes on the Depths of Darkness with New Single, "The Despondent Hole"!

Los Angeles based Industrial Metal band DAWN OF ASHES has released "The Despondent Hole," the newest single off of their upcoming LP, Scars Of The Broken. Reflecting on the darkest experiences of severe depression, "The Despondent Hole" is more than a simple song, but an assertation of the overwhelming, all-encompassing struggle that sufferers face.

“'The Despondent Hole' takes you down into a place where depression rules your life. People who struggle with depression feel that others don’t understand how it feels to be depressed, and this disorder is like a disease that is hard to cure. Feeling trapped and alone is a hard experience to face in life. Understand that you’re not alone and you can pull yourself out of this hole.” - Kristof Bathory

“Scars Of the Broken has been one of the most emotionally difficult albums that I have ever created. All of the musical and lyrical content was straight from a place that I have been dealing with for a long time of my life. I poured out every darkest and deepest emotion into every song. Mental health is something that a lot of people struggle with and sometimes it just needs to be heard through music. I hope this album helps those that are struggling.”

Click to Pre-Order 'Scars of the Broken' Online!

Los Angeles, CA-based DAWN OF ASHES – whose very name brings to mind “the beginning of the end” – has broken ground across multiple genres, from aggrotech/terror EBM to industrial black metal, producing a unique hybrid of dark electro and industrial-metal styles since 2001.

Rolo Tomassi New Album 'Where Myth Becomes Memory' Out Now

ROLO TOMASSI have released their new album Where Myth Becomes Memory through MNRK today. Already hugely acclaimed, this album is a finale to their trilogy that began with Grievances (2015) and ran through Time Will Die And Love Will Bury It' (2018), with all three albums being produced by long term collaborator, Lewis Johns. Listen to Where Myth Becomes Memory on your streaming platform of choice here.

What the press are saying about Where Myth Becomes Memory:

"Across Myth, Rolo Tomassi artfully balance feelings of uncertainty with bold moments of stunning clarity." - Revolver

"A triumph for intuition and instinct, "Where Myth Becomes Memory" is another unique and relentlessly fascinating ROLO TOMASSI album, and arguably their finest yet." Blabbermouth (8.5/10)

"Where Myth Becomes Memory is a goosebump-inducing collection of brilliance that binds explosive energy and epic elegance." - Knotfest.com

"Nothing is ever cut-and-dry for Rolo Tomassi. The depth of their arrangements manifests at their most savage, and their most accessible." - Metal Injection (9/10)

"Where Myth Becomes Memory makes the ethereal into something strikingly personal, like suddenly becoming awash with otherworldly light." - New Noise Magazine

"Masters of heaviness" - The Guardian

“Rolo Tomassi's evolutionary journey has been a pleasure to behold." - Metal Hammer (9/10)

"A record that mesmerises without compromise, and could not have come from anyone else" - Kerrang! (4/5)

“A stunning record that cements Rolo Tomassi as one of the best British bands around" - Upset Magazine (5/5)

"Where Myth Becomes Memory is the definitive Rolo Tomassi experience, a crushing and direct release that further cements their place in heavy music." - Guitar.com (9/10)

ROLO TOMASSI have spent 17 years leading the pack rather than following and 'Where Myth Becomes Memory', sees them lead with more poise and determination than ever before. The new album serves as the final part in an unintended trilogy that began with 2015’s 'Grievances' and continued with 2018’s 'Time Will Die And Love Will Bury It', the most critically acclaimed album of the band’s career to date. Every ROLO TOMASSI album shows signs of growth, but 'Where Myth Becomes Memory' serves as a culmination of a period of creativity that has exalted ROLO TOMASSI to their loftiest status so far as a band, with a singular vision where the most savage, unhinged sonics can co-exist harmoniously with epic cinematic elegance and grace.

ROLO TOMASSI have released 3 singles from Where Myth Becomes Memory to date, "Cloaked", "Drip" and most recently, "Closer", watch the video by clicking the image below.

MORE ON ROLO TOMASSI:

Formed in 2005 this quintet’s early material blended hardcore with kitschy synths and nonsensical song structures. However, the group shaved off its more oddball qualities in favor of shoegaze and dream-pop on subsequent releases.This sound is beautifully demonstrated with Dillinger-style freak-outs that transition to lush soundscapes at a moment’s notice. Anchored by the Spence siblings’ complementary singing voices, the group perfectly blur the barrier between tranquility and destruction.

They have worked with US super producer Diplo and performed on Channel 4 TV live with Biffy Clyro (watch that HERE), they have played the SXSW Festival, released an album through IPECAC after catching the ear of Mike Patton and their last album is on around 7 million streams on Spotify alone.

This most recent album from 2018 'Time Will Die And love Will Bury It' was released to a flurry of praise an acclaim, landing it as the 2nd highest review score for the year on Metacritic (gaining a 92/100). Following previous tours and shows with the likes of Faith No More, Biffy Clyro, Dillinger Escape Plan, Architects, The Bronx and Gojira in 2019 (as main support), the band have established themselves as a live tour-de-force, now a headline prospect not only in their home territory of the UK and the EU, but also Australia, Japan, Russia and the USA.

There is no band on Earth quite like ROLO TOMASSI.

ROLO TOMASSI are:

Eva Korman - Vocals

James Spence - Keyboards, Piano, Vocals

Chris Cayford - Guitars

Nathan Fairweather - Bass

Al Potts - drums

Find Rolo Tomassi Online

www.RoloTomassiBand.com

UPON WINGS Release New Single/Music Video "Scars" - feat. Kevin Jardine (Slaves on Dope)

UPON WINGS have been heard everywhere - from Slipknot's Knotfest "New Flesh"playlist to SiriusXM Octane's Big 'Uns Countdown.

Now, Upon Wings and vocalist Anné Autumn Erickson have released an inspiring new single, called "Scars", featuring beats from Slaves on Dope guitarist Kevin Jardine. In addition to releasing the single, the official music video for "Scars" is out today.

Watch the official music video for "Scars” below and listen on all platforms at UponWings.com/Scars!

"Scars" is new territory for Anné and Upon Wings, as it features a strong, catchy hip-hop beat in the tradition of greats such as Eminem and Dr. Dre, crafted by Jardine, and inspiring lyrics and melodies from Anné.

"Thematically, this song is about being proud of your scars and what you've been through," Anné Autumn Erickson says. "It's about letting go of negative influences in your life, whether that means people or anything else that is bringing you down. Be proud of your scars."

"Musically, this song features a hot hip-hop beat," she adds. "I felt super inspired to try something new!"

Jardine produced and mixed the beats for "Scars" at his Uplift Studios in Canada. The final song was mixed and mastered by R&B artist and recording engineer WinksDaGod in Michigan.

"Scars" is available now on streaming and download platforms right now. Find it at UponWings.com/Scars.

"Scars" will appear on Upon Wings' upcoming EP. Last year, the band released their previous single, "Eternal Way", featuring Ralf Scheepers of Primal Fear and Gamma Ray and Falling in Reverse touring guitarist Max Georgiev and mastered by Grammy Award-winning Glenn Brown. Then there's the band's 2020 charity single, "Amazing Grace", featuring Corey Lowery of Seether. Both of the aforementioned tracks will also appear on the new EP.

Watch and listen to the previously released "Eternal Way" here.

Upon Wings, fronted by Anné Autumn Erickson, have spent the last several years carving a name for themselves in the music world with their inspiring, heartfelt brand of rock and metal. They've been heard on SiriusXM Octane's Big 'Uns Countdown for their single "Afterlife", featuring Brett Hestla of Creed and Dark New Day. Their 2021 single, "Eternal Way", appeared on Knotfest's "New Flesh" playlist. They've also been featured on Loudwire's "Weekly Wire" playlist with their Christmas music.

UPON WINGS Online:

Website: UponWings.com

Facebook: facebook.com/UponWings

Twitter: twitter.com/UponWings

YouTube: youtube.com/UponWingsOfficial

Instagram: instagram.com/UponWings

BLACK SWAN ANNOUNCES NEW STUDIO ALBUM "GENERATION MIND"

DUE APRIL 8, 2022

NEW SINGLE FOR THE TITLE TRACK OUT NOW

Vocalist Robin McAuley (McAuley Schenker Group), guitarist Reb Beach (Winger, Whitesnake), bassist Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, The End Machine, ex-Dokken), and drummer Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr. Big), otherwise known as BLACK SWAN will return with a second album, "Generation Mind" on April 8, 2022. The first single from the album, the title track, is out today. Listen to the single and pre-order/save "Generation Mind" on CD/LP/Digital HERE: https://orcd.co/generationmind A music video for 'Generation Mind' was filmed in Los Angeles recently and fans can expect that to premiere in the coming weeks.

Picking up where their stunning, and well-received, debut album “Shake The World” left off, the foursome once again delivers a powerful hard rock statement. With the entirety of the album written and composed by McAuley, Pilson, and Beach, "Generation Mind" sees Black Swan an even more cohesive and focused unit from their debut.

Once again produced and recorded by Jeff Pilson at Pilsound Studios in LA, with Matt Starr’s drums being recorded at On Deck Sound Studios, “Generation Mind" is another outstanding showcase for the musical talents of the instrumental players in the band as well as McAuley’s powerful voice, which seems to defy age. Black Swan has again produced something fresh, heavy, intensely melodic and an album that is certainly not a mish-mash of the members other bands, but it’s own unique sonic entity.

“Generation Mind” is a killer slice of melodic hard rock/metal from seasoned players who defied all expectations on their debut by having gelled musically so cohesively. And now, having established their sonic signature and being more in tune with one another's songwriting, they have taken the blueprint of "Shake The World" and taken it to the next level on "Generation Mind".

Whether you are a fan from “back in the day” of the members' other bands or brand new to the '80s hard rock scene and just diving in, "Generation Mind" is going to be essential listening!

LINE-UP:

Robin McAuley - Lead Vocals, Background Vocals

Reb Beach - Guitars, Background Vocals

Jeff Pilson - Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Keys, Background Vocals

Matt Starr - Drums, Percussion

Casey McAuley - Additional Background Vocals

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/BlackSwanRockNRoll

'Deeper Sleeper' - the new single from Jules Maxwell (Dead Can Dance)

"Sublime ... a work of reflective, sophisticated elegance"

Brendan Perry (Dead Can Dance)

Roger O'Donnell (The Cure)

"I love this collection of songs and the way they gently describe places and times we may have visited and forgotten"

James Chapman (MAPS)

"Cycles is a stunning album. This is music for the soul"

Charlotte Vincent (Vincent Dance Theatre)

"This is a haunting, absorbing and atmospheric collections of works"

Foy Vance

"This is fucking beautiful, every bit as alluring as I have come to expect from Jules Maxwell"

deeper sleeper

Jules Maxwell’’s first single from the forthcoming Cycles album is an intriguingly hypnotic piece of work. A simple piano motif builds and expands and intensifies like some dark movie soundtrack. It is an exquisite and affecting piece of music, accompanied by an equally compelling video featuring a snail filmed in his garden. The secret of Maxwell’s music is that its simplicity allows the listener space to contemplate deeper, and in so doing discover a world of detail and complexity.

“Working with Dead Can Dance for the past decade has taught me a lot about composition” explains Maxwell. “Brendan and Lisa’s music is dense and poetic, but actually at it’s core it is constructed from beautifully simple strands. Like life. In my opinion that is why people can identify with it. Simplicity for me as a composer is the Holy Grail. I have spent my whole career trying to simplify and distill ideas to their essence, and allow my music to breathe”

For fans of Radiohead, Max Richter and Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Jules Maxwell will be opening for Dead Can Dance on their European shows in 2022.

Jules Maxwell is a multi-instrumentalist composer and songwriter. He plays keyboards for Australian band Dead Can Dance and in May 2021 released a critically acclaimed album with Lisa Gerrard, entitled Burn.

In 2021 he also released Nocturnes on Archangelo Recordings - a beautifully melancholic collection of instrumental pieces, much of it written in collaboration with the acclaimed UK dance company Vincent Dance Theatre.

He composed 4 songs for Le Mystére des Voix Bulgares 2018 album Boocheemish and the song First of July which appeared on Foy Vance’s debut album Hope. Jules has also collaborated with Duke Special on numerous recordings, shows and projects including the 2009 National Theatre production of Mother Courage directed by Deborah Warner.

He has worked often with acclaimed theatre artist Mark Storor on projects at London's Roundhouse as well as in ice cream vans, warehouses and schools.

His work at Shakespeare’s Globe, includes the 2016 production of The Merchant of Venice starring Jonathan Pryce and the 2017 production of Boudica starring Gina McKee.

He has created modern dance soundtracks for Wayne McGregor, Cathy Marston, Vincent Dance Theatre, Bern Ballet, Skanes Dansteater Malmö, Jasmin Vardimon and Candoco Dance Company and in 2019 his debut full length opera The Lost Thing was presented by the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

He has released 5 albums of his own eclectic material over the years and in 2022 will be releasing a second volume of piano instrumentals entitled Cycles on the Ghost Palace label.

Jules Maxwell is originally from Ireland but currently lives in London with his wife and young son.

All music composed, arranged, performed and produced by Jules Maxwell

Cycles album publishing : Copyright Control

Nocturnes album published by Schubert Music Publishing Ltd

Recorded at The Cross, London

Mastered by Michał Kupicz

Executive producer: Daryl Bamonte for Archangelo Music

Cover photographs by Jules Maxwell

Artwork design by Giovanni Rodriguez and Jules Maxwell

Jules Maxwell

social media links

facebook

twitter

instagram

website

STORMRULER Joins the "Devastation on the Nation" North American Tour!

STORMRULER Joins "Devastation on the Nation" North American Tour

Beginning April 21st w/ Rotting Christ, Borknagar, and More!

Debut Album, Under The Burning Eclipse, Out Now via Napalm Records - Order HERE

Rising Black Metal outfit STORMRULER are pleased to announce that they will be joining the lineup for this year's highly anticipated 'Devastation on the Nation' North America tour! The midwestern duo will fill the space vacated by their vaunted labelmates Wolfheart, who announced their withdrawal from the bill as they work to finish their upcoming studio record.

Speaking on joining this excellent lineup for the upcoming Spring trek, Jason & Jesse from Stormruler comment, "We're incredibly proud to announce that we'll be a part of this year's Devastation On The Nation tour supporting the mighty Rotting Christ and Borknagar. We are eager to lay siege alongside all of our fans across North America, leaving behind a sea of ash and embers."

STORMRULER re-released their epic, 19-track debut album, 'Under The Burning Eclipse', on May 28th, 2021 via Napalm Records

STORMRULER on the "Devastation on the Nation" 2022 North American Tour

w/ Rotting Christ, Borknagar, Abigail Williams & Ghost Bath

4/21 - Berkeley, CA - Cornerstone

4/22 - Portland, OR - Bossanova Ballroom

4/23 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre

4/24 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon

4/26 - Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Music Hall

4/27 - Denver, CO - The Roxy Theater

4/28 - Kansas City, MO @ BLVD

4/29 - Minneapolis, MN - Skyway Theatre

4/30 - Chicago, IL - Reggies

5/01 - Detroit, MI - Sanctuary

5/03 - Toronto, ON - Lees Palace

5/04 - Montreal, QC - Foufounes Electriques

5/05 - Quebec City, QC - Imperial

5/06 - Manchester, NH - Jewel

5/07 - Brooklyn, NY - Saint Vitus Bar *SOLD OUT*

5/08 - Baltimore, MD - Soundstage

5/10 - Greensboro, NC - Blind Tiger

5/11 - Nashville, TN - Exit/In

5/12 - Birmingham, AL - Zydeco

5/13 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade (Hell)

5/14 - Tampa, FL - The Orpheum

5/16 - Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall

5/17 - Fort Worth, TX - Haltom Theater

5/18 - Austin, TX - Come and Take It Live

5/19 - El Paso, TX - Rockhouse Bar

5/20 - Phoenix, AZ - Nile Theater

5/21 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick

5/22 - Los Angeles, CA -1720

Order 'Under The Burning Eclipse' Here

STORMRULER – featuring the dark lyrical genius and deft skill of guitarist/vocalist Jason Asberry and drummer Jesse Schobel – have built a noteworthy subterranean following since their formation, leading to their recent signing with Napalm Records. Combining unrelenting black metal atmosphere and vision from varying metal genres with a brutal, modernized twist of inspiration, careful listeners may just be able to identify themes from some of their favorite stories, games, and more…

Featuring 19 tracks alternating between ominous instrumental ambiance and incendiary black metal riffs and fury, their latest album, 'Under The Burning Eclipse', tells harrowing tales of war, death, victory, and defeat, and delivers an unmatched, hellscaped auditory experience. The album is a solid hour of fantasy-laden, grim fables transfixed in blackened scourge. Fans of extreme metal will not want to miss this debut offering from the mighty STORMRULER!

STORMRULER Online:

Website: https://www.stormruler.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StormrulerOFFICIAL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormrulerofficial/

HELL MILITIA Unleashes New Song,"Genesis Undone"

After nearly a decade of silence, French underground black metal formation HELL MILITIA has returned with a brand new album, 'Hollow Void!' The record is set for release on March 18 via Season of Mist Underground Activists.The band is now sharing the pummeling new single, "Genesis Undone," which can be heard at THIS LOCATION.

HELL MILITIA comment: "The song is very much inspired by the world crumbling right below our feet. While the topic is nothing new, the results have never been so close. All that matters right now is to accelerate the end and welcome a lifeless symbol among the ruins."

Pre-orders for 'Hollow Void' can be found HERE while the record can be pre-saved across your favorite streaming service HERE.

Ten years have eclipsed since ‘Jacob’s Ladder’, HELL MILITIA’s last studio album. Black metal has wandered into unforeseen territory and simultaneously drifted back to its roots in that span, remaining entrenched as a polarizing but no less interesting force. Its increased visibility has become the carrot dangled in front of many bands seeking wider acceptance within the underground. But has also made it easier to identify the bands who, fundamentally, will forever uphold black metal’s venerable tenets of darkness and Satanism. Therefore, it is with little surprise that HELL MILITIA have risen to the occasion with their fourth long-player, ‘Hollow Void’. 

HELL MILITIA’s absence can be explained through a mix of personal and intra-band turmoil. Line-up changes included members literally disappearing to the other side of the world. Vocalist RSDX went missing in action after his life took a dark turn. Side musical projects and new life endeavours eventually put the band on hold. But when HELL MILITIA (who are completed by guitarists Arkdaemon and Saroth, bassist S. and drummer Dave Terror) regrouped in 2018 for a few selected live shows, it helped lay the foundation for what would become ‘Hollow Void’.

As is now customary, the pandemic delayed the album’s recording. The band was rehearsing in Paris when global lockdowns began. And since some members of HELL MILITIA reside outside of France in Sweden and the Netherlands, it meant they had to wait out the first wave of the pandemic to start tracking later in 2020. HELL MILITIA eventually entered Studio Saint-Loup outside of Paris in the fall of 2020 to lay down drums. Additional instruments, vocals, and mix and mastering were conducted with producer/engineer BST at BST Studios through the summer and fall of 2021. According to RSDX, the tumult of recent years, the pandemic and real life’s comings-and-goings were perfect ammunition for ‘Hollow Void’’s creation.

“The whole recording process took longer than expected, but as life took its turn straight up until the vocal recordings, the timing was exactly what it needed to be,” he says “A lot of these experiences were included in the lyrics, giving an honest reflection of what was going on. Bitter days, unshakable religious faith, death, contempt for life, urban filth and an even more bitter aftertaste turned into the toxic cocktail we called ‘Hollow Void’. Still, the pent-up energy increased to a point it just had to explode. We put all that energy back into the album. Now that everything is recorded, we await the date we can unleash this on this world. We will keep the energy at this level until it’s time we can perform it.”

The resultant effort is perhaps HELL MILITIA’s most strident effort to date. The band’s orthodox, unrelenting approach is a broadside to the black metal scene at large. Dense chord swaths, a whirling barrage of blast-beats and RSDX’s nihilistic, scathing vocals coalesce into an album that exploits the true nature of black metal: Savage, unforgiving and grim.

“We wanted to make a much more aggressive approach this time,” confirms the vocalist. “A true-to-form, punch-in-the-face comeback album. We wanted to combine the dissonant riffs of ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ with the raw and filthy sound of our first album, ‘Canonisation of the Foul Spirit’ and include some new elements. I think we succeeded in this, as it is much more raw, aggressive, yet catchy and 100 percent recognizable as HELL MILITIA.”

The events of the last few years provided no shortage of lyrical topics for RSDX. The nihilistic, unforgiving concepts heard on the band’s previous full-lengths remain very much intact, albeit coming across far more prescient in a world on a fast-track toward its own demise. However, RSDX notes that his lyrics on ‘Hollow Void’ are a combination of him looking inward as well as outward toward a world that fills him with disgust. 

“The lyrics are the universe of HELL MILITIA, and at times, also a diary of all events of the last couple of years,” he says. “It is a summary of bitter days, fanatic unshakable religious faith, urban filth, decay, death worship and an extremely bitter aftertaste. It has traditional Satanism and a contempt for life at its very core.”

Indeed contempt, Satanism and a total disregard for human life have been the primary thread of HELL MILITIA’s musical output since they emerged on the scene in 2001 via the ‘SPK Kommando - We Hope You DIE’ split alongside fellow French black metal holdovers Antaeus, Eternal Majesty and Deviant. The band’s lauded and influential ‘Canonisation of the Foul Spirit’ would follow four years later, establishing HELL MILITIA as one of the leading purveyors of the 2000s French black metal wave. 2010’s ‘Last Station on the Road to Death’ and 2012’s ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ followed, bringing them even closer to black metal’s true, raw spirit. As evidenced by ‘Hollow Void’, the last ten years have done little to HELL MILITIA’s approach.

“We are still the old, bitter radical individuals whose masks are off,” closes RSDX. “What the scene does is of no concern or interest to us. We are in contact with bands and individuals we respect. The rest of the world can keep their watered down, non-ideological form of black metal. Black metal to us means the same as it did when the band was founded: A vessel of strong expression in music and ideology with unshakable faith at its very core. If a band doesn’t have that, it’s not black metal. I may approach life differently now that I’m in my 40s than when I was in my 20s, but the attitude and radical stand on what black metal should be has not changed.”

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/hellmilitiaofficial
https://www.instagram.com/hellmilitiaofficial

Genre: Black Metal

Line-up:
RSDX - Vocals
Arkdaemon - Guitars
Saroth - Guitars
S. - Bass
Dave Terror - Drums

Guest musicians: Meyhna’ch (ex-Mutiilation, ex-Hell Militia, former vocalist) Guest vocals on “Corruption Rejoice”
 
Recording studio: Drums recorded at Studio De Saint-Loup, all other instruments, mix, and mastering done at BST Studio
Producer / sound engineer: BST Studio
Mixing studio and engineer: BST Studio
Mastering studio / engineer: BST Studio

Biography: David E. Gehlke

Cover art: Manuel Tinnemans // Comaworx

Pre-sales: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/hellmilitia-hollowvoid

Available formats: CD digipack, vinyl black and coloured

Ignescent Releases New Single "Remnant" + Official Music Video; EP Ascension to Release March 4, 2022 1

"We will not be silent and we will not back down. We are the remnant."

"Remnant" can be bought/streamed at:

https://linktr.ee/Ignescentmusic

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ignescent/remnant

IGNESCENT released their new single "Remnant" to all major platforms! The single is from their EP Ascension that drops March 4, 2022.

"The definition of remnant is a small remaining quantity of something, especially after a tragedy. 'Remnant' is about us being blessed beyond measure despite our failures and weaknesses and despite going through tragedy and hardships. It's about perseverance and saying to the world even when we are brokenhearted and suffering we won't give up and we will keep going," vocalist Jennifer Benson says. "We will come up stronger despite adversity. It's an encouragement to others to do the same and to not lose hope and to not give in to fear. I hope this song makes people feel inspired and to rock out!" says the band.

Female fronted and from Chicago, Illinois, IGNESCENT is a rock band founded by Jennifer Benson. Since 2008, the band has been primarily touring throughout the Midwest and Nashville area. IGNESCENT headlined the Budweiser Boneyard Stage last year at Rock Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin. IGNESCENT have opened for Stryper, Flyleaf, Eve 6, Buckcherry, Megadeth, Saliva, Lacey Sturm, Otep, John Cooper of Skillet's band - Fight The Fury, Dan Sperry of America's Got Talent, Another Lost Year, September Mourning, Art of Dying, Letters From The Fire, Like a Storm and has played at fests with Switchfoot, Colton Dixon, Memphis May Fire, The Devil Wears Prada, and Veridia. The band has co-written songs with Jeremy Valentyne of New Years Day, including their release "Exodus," which he also produced and performed on.

IGNESCENT’s music is a great mixture of rock and pop with a great message. Their music has a rock/alternative edge that sounds right at home with most Top 40 formats. IGNESCENT combines their musical backgrounds to form a harmony that is both addictively musical and inspiring.

IGNESCENT is more than just a rock band, they are real people with a combination of great stories, combined with moving guitar riffs and a driving beat create a sound fans connect to. Their influences include Flyleaf, Evanescence, and Jinjer. “We’re authentic people that just want to encourage others with our message", shares Jennifer Benson.

IGNESCENT’s first CD, Electrified, was produced by four-time Dove Award winning & Grammy nominated producer Travis Wyrick (10 Years, P.O.D.) and recorded at Lakeside Studios in Knoxville, Tennessee. The first song on the CD, “Calling Out to You”, was co-written with former lead guitarist of Skillet, Ben Kasica. IGNESCENT's newest release was produced by Cameron Pierce Mizell who has worked with Memphis May Fire and Sleeping With Sirens. IGNESCENT also co-wrote a song with Sameer Bhattacharya of Flyleaf called "Fearless". IGNESCENThas already been booked at Rock Fest in Cadott, WI summer of 2022 and will be appearing with special guest Sameer Bhattacharya.

IGNESCENT is:

Jennifer Benson on lead vocals

Ian Sebastian on bass guitar

Ty Moreland on guitar

Joshua Garcia on drums

Ignescent on Tour:

March 4 - Ignescent EP Release Show featuring Sameer Bhattacharya of Flyleaf with Fallen Phobia and The Protest at The Town in Aurora, IL 
March 11 - Ignescent at The Back Bar with Trapt in Janesville, WI 
May 7 - Ignescent at Suicide Awareness Show in Chicago - place tbd 
May 13 - Ignescent at WC Social Club with Disciple in West Chicago, IL 
July 15 - Ignescent at Rock Fest in Cadott, WI featuring Sameer Bhattacharya of Flyleaf on guitar

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Facebook

Instagram

Spotify

TikTok

SnapChat

Merch Store

Killing Joke Announce "Lord of Chaos" EP + Share Video for Title Track — WATCH

As the Doomsday Clock hits 100 seconds to midnight, the original Killing Joke lineup announces the Lord of Chaos EP, marking their first new material in seven years.

Killing Joke confirm that all hope is probably lost — or at least missing — with their first new studio material in over seven years.

Enter the Lord of Chaos EP, featuring two brand new recordings, plus two re-workings of songs from the confrontational UK band's last studio album, 2015's Pylon.

"I've never known anything like the time we are living in now; not since the Cuban Missile crisis but now in comparison we have multiple flash points. Lord of Chaos is about complex systems failure, when technology overloads and A.I. misreads the enemies' intentions," says Dr. Jaz Coleman.

The Lord of Chaos EP will be available on CD, digital, and three vinyl formats.

Watch the video for the title track below.

LORD OF CHAOS EP TRACKLISTING:

"Lord of Chaos"

"Total"

"Big Buzz" (Motorcade Mix)

"Delete In Dub" (Youth's Disco 45 Dystopian Dub)

Tracks 1 and 2 were produced by Killing Joke and mixed by Tom Dalgety and they set the tone for the band's next studio album, currently being worked on in Prague.

Meanwhile, Tracks 3 and 4 give a fresh spin to numbers from the Pylon album — "Big Buzz" having been re-mixed by Dalgety and Nick Evans, and "Delete" getting the full dub treatment courtesy of Killing Joke's Youth, who has a longstanding reputation in this area.

Killing Joke are very much music as ritual — raw, uncompromising and precisely-targeted lyrically; and Dr. Jaz Coleman, Geordie, Youth, and Big Paul, founding fathers of the group and an ongoing influence on both alternative music and (counter) culture in general, show absolutely no signs of mellowing.

With collective nostrils flared and righteous anger carried torch-high, The Four continue to take their music of resistance to fresh levels.

Consider yourself warned.

KILLING JOKE ONLINE:

https://www.facebook.com/killingjokeofficial/

https://www.killingjoke.co.uk

Spinefarm Records:

https://www.facebook.com/spinefarm

https://twitter.com/Spinefarm

http://www.spinefarmrecords.com/usa/

https://instagram.com/spinefarmrecords/

https://www.youtube.com/user/SpinefarmRec

Miranda Lambert Among Most Nominated Artists at Upcoming ACM Awards: Entertainer, Female Artist, Album & Video of the Year

MIRANDA LAMBERT EARNS FIVE NOMINATIONS FROM THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC

Most Decorated Artist in ACM History Receives Nods for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Video of the Year

One of the Most Nominated Artists This Year, Lambert Becomes One of First Female Producers in ACM History to Earn Album of the Year Nomination

Lambert is Also Nominated for Best Country Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance at Upcoming GRAMMY Awards

Current Single “If I Was A Cowboy” Climbs Top 20 at Country Radio as Elle King Collaboration “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” Enters Top 10

Superstar singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert used 2021’s break in touring as anything but an off year, releasing a seemingly endless string of critically acclaimed new music both on her own and as part of varying collaborations. From upbeat anthems “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” with Elle King and her own “Tequila Does” dance remix to full-length albums The Marfa Tapes with Jack Ingram & Jon Randall (plus a corresponding film) and Hell of a Holiday with her Pistol Annies trio, the year was already a musical celebration for the three-time GRAMMY winner before even taking into account her recent solo releases; “If I Was A Cowboy” and inclusive Queer Eye theme “Y’All Means All.” Today, the voting body of the Academy of Country Music recognizes her efforts, honoring the woman NPR praises as “the most riveting Country star of her generation” with five nominations – among the most of any artist this year – for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (as both an artist and producer) and Video of the Year.

In addition to earning her record-tying 16th nod for Female Artist of the Year (tied with Reba McEntire), a category for which she has been nominated every year since 2006 and in which she won a record-setting nine consecutive trophies, Lambert also becomes one of the first female producers in ACM history to earn a nomination for Album of the Year, in honor of her work on The Marfa Tapes with Jack Ingram & Jon Randall, which is nominated for Best Country Album at the upcoming GRAMMY Awards and was named among 2021’s best by American Songwriter, Billboard, LA Times, Rolling Stone, TIME, Vulture and more. Her Video of the Year nod celebrates the raucous ’80s-inspired wedding collaboration with Elle King, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” which is also nominated for a GRAMMY in the Best Country Duo/Group Performance category.

“I am so humbled by our industry’s recognition of the music we’re making,” reflects Lambert. “Jack, Jon and I took five days to make this music around a campfire in Marfa, Texas, where we’ve been writing together for years, and receiving acknowledgement like this only furthers the permission we give ourselves to be vulnerable and stretch beyond our comfort zones. I can’t believe we get to do this, and do this together... to follow our dreams and be part of such a supportive community. Thank you for listening and for loving Country music.”

Today’s nominations extend Lambert’s longstanding relationship with the Academy of Country Music as the most decorated artist in the organization’s history with 35 ACM Awards. In addition to numerous trophies for her annual achievements, she is also the recipient of the ACM 50th Anniversary Milestone Award and ACM Gene Weed Milestone Award in honor of her record-setting win count, the ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award (presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing Haggard’s legacy by following their own path while epitomizing his spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling) and the ACM Song of the Decade Award for “The House That Built Me.”

Lambert is currently preparing to return to the road as “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” climbs the Top 10 at Country radio along with “If I Was A Cowboy” quickly rising in the Top 20. Seeing her join forces with Little Big Town, this spring’s co-headlining The Bandwagon Tour kicks off May 6 in Houston and offers a reincarnation of 2018’s run of the same name which earned rave reviews from Pollstar, CMT, The Tennessean and more. Lambert was also recently announced as a headliner for the NHL’s Stadium Series outdoor game at Nissan Stadium on February 26 and will headline the C2C Festival in the U.K. and Ireland this March.

For more information, visit www.MirandaLambert.com and follow on social media @MirandaLambert.

Upcoming Miranda Lambert Tour Dates
March 11 C2C Festival | London, England
March 12 C2C Festival | Glasgow, Scotland
March 13 C2C Festival | Dublin, Ireland
April 27 Tuscaloosa Amphitheater | Tuscaloosa, Ala.
April 28 FirstBank Amphitheater | Franklin, Tenn.
April 29 William Green Football Stadium | Johnson City, Tenn.
May 6 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman | Houston, Texas
May 7 Dos Equis Pavilion | Dallas, Texas
May 8 Walmart AMP | Rogers, Ark.
May 12 Credit One Stadium | Charleston, S.C.
May 13 MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre | Tampa, Fla.
May 14 iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre | West Palm Beach, Fla.
May 20 Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre | St. Louis, Mo.
May 21 Ruoff Music Center | Noblesville, Ind.
May 22 Riverbend Music Center | Cincinnati, Ohio
June 2 Budweiser Stage | Toronto, Ont.
June 3 DTE Energy Music Theatre | Detroit, Mich.
June 4 Blossom Music Center | Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
June 9 Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater | Wantagh, N.Y.
June 10 PNC Bank Arts Center | Holmdel, N.J.
June 11 BB&T Pavilion | Camden, N.J.
June 24 Country Jam | Grand Junction, Colo.
June 25 NebraskaLand Days | North Platte, Neb.
July 28 Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys | Stateline, Nev.
July 29-31 Oregon Jamboree | Sweet Home, Ore.
July 30 Watershed Festival | George, Wash.
August 5 WE Fest | Detroit Lakes, Minn.
August 7 Windy City Smokeout | Chicago, Ill.

About Miranda Lambert
Vanner Records/RCA Nashville superstar Miranda Lambert’s storied career has spanned seven consecutive No. 1 albums, seven No. 1 hit radio singles, more than 70 prestigious awards and countless sales certifications, earning the Texan praise from NPR as “the most riveting country star of her generation.”

Following 2019’s critically acclaimed release of her seventh consecutive No. 1 album, Wildcard, Lambert ushered in her next musical era with the recent release of new single “If I Was a Cowboy,” while also adding her voice to Netflix’s new season of Queer Eye with inclusive anthem “Y’all Means All.” She is set to hit the road on The Bandwagon Tour with Little Big Town this spring.

In addition to Wildcard, the celebrated singer/songwriter’s lauded discography includes The Weight of These Wings (2016), Platinum (2014), Four The Record (2011), Revolution (2009), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2007) and Kerosene(2005). In addition, she has released three albums with her trio, the Pistol Annies, as well as 2021’s The Marfa Tapes, a critically acclaimed, raw and intimate recording with collaborators Jack Ingram and Jon Randall.

The most decorated artist in the history of the Academy of Country Music, Lambert has earned 35 ACM Awards (including a record-setting nine consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year Awards), 14 CMA Awards, three GRAMMY Awards, the Nashville Symphony Harmony Award, ACM Gene Weed Milestone Award and ACM Song of the Decade Award, plus was named 2019’s RIAA Artist of the Year. She is the youngest artist ever to serve as the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s Artist in Residence, joining a legendary list of predecessors including Kris Kristofferson, Guy Clark, Tom T. Hall, Jerry Douglas and more.

Her clothing and cowboy boot collection, Idyllwind, is a private-label brand sold at all Boot Barn stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.idyllwind.com.

Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit has raised over $6 million since its inception in 2009. The Foundation’s mission is to promote the adoption of rescue pets, support animal shelters across the country, advance spay & neuter and assist with the transport of animals during times of natural disaster. For more information, visit www.muttnation.com.

Seven Kingdoms reveal Cover Art and Track-Listing for 5th full-length album, ‘Zenith’

Seven Kingdoms have revealed the Cover Artwork and Track-Listing for their 5th full-length album! ‘Zenith’ was recorded at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, FL and 8 Arms Audio in Orlando, FL during the summer and fall 2021. The record was Mixed and Mastered by Jim Morris at Morrisound Recording in November of 2021. The Cover Art was done by Jan Yrlund (Battle Beast, Korpiklaani, Windrose). Commented Guitarist Camden Cruz, “This is a body of work that has been put together over the last 5 years. We chose the name ‘Zenith’ because of what the word means - we think it’s a good representation of the position we are in with this release. Behind the scenes, things are happening daily that will shape the rest of our year into next year and for that we are very excited! We have released the cover song a few days ago with great reviews! Now, we’re just that much more stoked for everyone to hear this newest material. We are certain you will love it! Please check out our campaign starting February 15th!

‘Zenith’ Track-listing:

1 - Diamond Handed

2 - A Silent Remedy

3 - Love Dagger

4 - Chasing The Mirage

5 - Valonqar

6 - Empty Eyes

7 - Magic In The Mist

8 - Universal Terrestrial

9 - The Water Dance

10 - Life Signs

11 - I Hate Myself For Loving You (Cover)

Seven Kingdoms - ‘I Hate Myself For Loving You’ (Cover)

Seven Kingdoms will launch the Crowdfunding Campaign for the new record on February 15th on Kickstarter.com and will end on March 22nd at Midnight! ‘Zenith’ is the 5th Studio Album from Seven Kingdoms and is scheduled to be released worldwide in June after the crowdfunding has completed. The band will complete crowdfunding before their USA tour with Beast In Black and spend the months of April and May promoting the release for June.

Are you new to Seven Kingdoms? Check them out below!

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sevenkingdomsofficial

• Instagram: @sevenkingdomsofficial

• Twitch :www.twitch.tv/sevenkingdomsofficial

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0PMYvG0U25tgSi8jQExPAC?si=S89QNQGfQ-unAYjr18Ph4A

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/sevenkingdoms1

• Official Merchandise Shop: https://sevenkingdoms.bigcartel.com

Ashley McBryde Earns Three Nominations from The Academy of Country Music

ASHLEY McBRYDE EARNS THREE NOMINATIONS FROM
THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC

Receives Nods for Female Artist of the Year,
Video of the Year + Music Event of the Year for “Never Wanted To Be That Girl”

Arkansas-Native Readies New Music To Be Announced Later This Year

McBryde’s Headlining Tour Continues Tonight at The Bluestone in Columbus, Ohio;
This Town Talks Tour On Sale Now at AshleyMcBryde.com

Photo credit: Eric Ryan Anderson

With multiple sold-out shows during the first leg of her 50+ dates on the This Town Talks Tour, including a milestone three-night headlining debut residency at Ryman Auditorium, Ashley McBrydecontinues her ascension in the format with three 2022 nominations from The Academy of Country Music, including her third nomination for Female Artist of the Year, Video of the Year and Music Event of the Year for “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” her chart-climbing duet with Carly Pearce.

“What an honor to be recognized by our peers and the Academy. There’s nothing better than celebrating alongside all the powerhouse female artists in this category,” shares the three-time Female Artist of the Year nominee, “and what a treat to be nominated with my friend Carly for Video of the Year and Music Event of the Year on a song we wrote together. Thank you to the fans for listening to our stories and for sharing yours in return. These moments wouldn’t exist without you.”

In between tour dates, McBryde has been writing and recording new music to be announced later this year. Dubbed “one of the most empathetic songwriters of her generation” by NPR, the Arkansas-native has been dropping hints and sharing some behind-the-scenes photos from her time in the studio with her band Deadhorse on social media, encouraging fans to get excited for the first taste of new music in nearly two years.

As the follow-up to 2018’s breakthrough major-label debut Girl Going Nowhere, McBryde’s Never Will (Warner Music Nashville) was released to critical acclaim, earning a title early on in 2020 as one of the best albums of the year to-date by SPIN, Variety, Billboard, Paste, Esquire, Stereogum and American Songwriter, and ultimately receiving the title of Best Album from Nashville Scene’s 21st Annual Country Music Critics’ Poll.

The 11-track collection also earned a spot in the Top 20 of Rolling Stone’s all-genre “Best Albums of 2020,” celebrating the record as “this year’s most adventurous mainstream country album” while landing at No. 1 on Rolling Stone’s “Best Country and Americana Albums of 2020,” proclaiming it “re-creates the trick McBryde pulled off on her stellar debut: proving that honest-to-goodness country songs can have commercial appeal.”

“Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” McBryde’s duet with fellow nominee Pearce, continues to climb the charts at Country radio, currently in the Top 15 on the Country Aircheck chart and at No. 17 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. The song was dubbed by Rolling Stone as a “spiritual descendant of Reba McEntire and Linda Davis’ classic ‘Does He Love You’” that “ditches the campy melodrama for a bracing jolt of regret and clarity,” while MusicRowsums it up with a similar sentiment: “In a word, sensational…For the love of country music, play this.”

McBryde headlined over 30 shows in 2021 along with supporting dates on Luke Combs’ What You See Is What You Get Tour. The This Town Talks Tour continues tonight at The Bluestone in Columbus, Ohio with Ashland Craft as support on the remaining shows. Additional dates and tickets are available at AshleyMcBryde.com.

This Town Talks Tour Dates

February 10 The Bluestone Columbus, Ohio
February 11 Tennessee Theatre Knoxville, Tenn.
February 12 Iron City Birmingham, Ala.
February 17 The Moon Tallahassee, Fla.
February 18 The Senate Columbia, S.C.
February 19 Paramount Arts Center Ashland, Ky.
February 24 Hoyt Sherman Place Des Moines, Iowa
February 25 The Pabst Theater Milwaukee, Wis.
February 26 The Clyde Theater Fort Wayne, Ind.
March 24 Uptown Theater Kansas City, Mo.
March 25 Surf Ballroom Clear Lake, Iowa
March 26 Boondocks Springfield, Ill.
April 7 JJ’s Live Fayetteville, Ark.
April 8 Orpheum Theatre Wichita, Kan.
April 9 The Admiral Omaha, Neb.

About Ashley McBryde
Ashley McBryde cut her teeth playing country songs in rural biker bars – and it shows. Her 2018 major label debut Girl Going Nowhere (Warner Music Nashville) charmed the New York Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, Paste, The Washington Post, and more, all en route to landing a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album. McBryde closed out 2019 with ACM New Female Artist, CMT Breakout Artist of the Year, a New Artist of the Year win at the 53rd Annual CMA Awards and two nominations for the 2020 GRAMMYs for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” Her follow-up Never Will was tagged by Rolling Stone as one of the most anticipated of the year alongside NPR, who also ranked her Top 10 RIAA Platinum-Certified single “One Night Standards” as one of the best songs of 2019. Produced once again by Jay Joyce, Never Will reveals the witty, confessional, detail-driven songwriting addressing a wide spectrum of blue-collar Southern women’s experience introduced on Girl Going Nowhere is still here, but perhaps even sharper, earning McBryde a 2021 GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, making Never Will the only album nominated for Country Album of the Year by the ACMs, CMAs and the Recording Academy in the same award season. The music itself is stadium-ready rock-and-roll with a bluegrass wink or two and country music’s storytelling heart––and McBryde, no longer new, is the music’s ordained and highly capable standard bearer. Her duet with Carly Pearce, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” continues to climb the charts at Country radio in the Top 20. McBryde’s This Town Talks Tour is currently underway with stops across the U.S. before wrapping in April 2022. For more information, visit AshleyMcBryde.com or follow her at Facebook.com/AshleyMcBryde, Instagram @AshleyMcBryde and Twitter at @AshleyMcBryde.

Esprit D'Air Releases New Lyric Video 'The Abyss' feat. Ryo Kinoshita (Crystal Lake)

London-based Japanese electronic metal artist Esprit D'Air has today released their latest single and visual accompaniment for "The Abyss" featuring Ryo Kinoshita of Crystal Lake. The track is taken from their upcoming album 'Oceans', which will be out on Friday, February 18, and additionally features appearances by Ben Christofrom gothic rock legends The Sisters Of Mercy and remixes by Heavygrinder and Shirobon. Speaking on "The Abyss", Kai Takahashi shared:

“Working with Ryo was incredibly exciting. I love his powerful vocals and what he does in his band Crystal Lake, so it is truly an honor to have him on my album."

Prior to today's release, the band previously dropped the gorgeously thrilling music video for fan-favorite track, "Leviathan". Watch the lyric video for "The Abyss" below, and pre-order 'Oceans' here.

Reformed in 2016, Esprit D'Air is a Japanese electronic rock/metal solo project led by vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Kai. As featured on Loudwire, HuffPost, BBC Radio, Kerrang! & Louder, their sound is unique and fresh, bringing together hard-hitting aggression with melodic vocals and electronic synthesizers. In 2018, Esprit D'Air won 'Best Metal Album'at The Independent Music Awards in New York, for the release of their debut album, Constellations, judged by an esteemed panel featuring Slayer, Amy Lee (Evanescence), Sepultura & more.

Kai is not seeking a major record label but instead, follows a strong DIY ethos and produces everything himself to be as self-sufficient as possible. Consequently, they record and produce their own releases in their own home recording studio. In late 2020, Esprit D'Air released their single, "Leviathan", receiving support and praise from Loudwire, Kerrang! Radio, as well as members of The Sisters of Mercy, and The Birthday Massacre. In 2021, Esprit D'Air committed to releasing new material every six weeks made possible via their fans on Patreon. Esprit D'Air will release their 2nd album, 'Oceans' on February 18th, 2022, collaborating with members of the iconic gothic rock group The Sisters of Mercy and Japanese metalcore band Crystal Lake, plus remixes by Heavygrinder, and Shirobon.

Find Esprit D'Air Online

espritdair.com

TETRARCH Support Sevendust on 'Animosity' 21st Anniversary Tour - Starting March 4th!

Atlanta-based modern metal trailblazers TETRARCH have their sights set on the band's first touring run of 2022. Firing on all cylinders from the strength of their sophomore studio album, 'Unstable', Tetrarch will provide support on the upcoming Sevendust US tour - celebrating the 21st anniversary of the group's seminal album, 'Animosity'. The tour kicks off in Oklahoma City on March 4th, running three weeks until the first leg concludes on March 27th in Nashville. A complete list of dates can be found below!

Lead guitarist Diamond Rowe says:

“We are extremely excited about hitting the road this winter/spring with Sevendust. It should be a very exciting run and we are looking forward to hitting some cities that we haven’t in a while. It’s Sevendust’s 21st anniversary of their album Animosity which was an amazing record, so I know they have a lot of surprises up their sleeve and I know we do as well!”

Sevendust 2022 'Animosity' 21st Anniversary U.S. Tour

**First Leg** wsg. TETRARCH & Dead Poet Society:

3/4 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom

3/5 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues

3/7 - San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theatre

3/8 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues

3/11 - San Diego, CA @ SOMA

3/12 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades

3/13 - Sana Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst

3/15 - Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues

3/16 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theater

3/18 - Denver, CO @ The Oriental Theater

3/19 - Denver, CO @ The Oriental Theater

3/20 - Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion

3/22 - Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theatre

3/23 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

3/25 - Kansas City, MO @ The Truman

3/26 - St. Louis, MO @ The Factory

3/27 - Nashville, TN @ Wildhorse Saloon

Prepare to witness TETRARCH live and watch their latest music video for "Stitch Me Up" HERE:

BUY 'Unstable' HERE

Produced by the band and Dave Otero (Cattle Decapitation, Allegaeon, Khemmis), TETRARCH’s new album, Unstable, dropped on April 30, 2021 via Napalm Records to major critical acclaim! Loudwire stated, “TETRARCH are not messing around, bringing the heavy with full force…“, while Alternative Press said, “The meteoric rise of nu metal’s brightest new stars TETRARCH has been a compelling show for the scene around them”. Upon release, TETRARCH’s debut single, “I’m Not Right” cracked the Mediabase Active Rock Top 30 and has garnered multi-millions of combined cross-platform streams to date. Follow-up single “You Never Listen” received support from SiriusXM, HardDrive, Full Metal Jackie, and many more of the country’s leading active rock outlets, while one of their most recent singles, “Negative Noise”, has reached over one million views on YouTube and counting. With the release of the latest single “Sick Of You”, Unstable now boasts three Top 40 Active Rock radio hits!

“TETRARCH are about to have their breakout moment.” - REVOLVER

“TETRARCH marks a revival of everything that was right in the late 90s and early 2000s.”

- METAL INJECTION

“TETRARCH have risen through the ranks of metalcore with unwavering energy. Blending tectonic drop-tuned riffs and creative samples with catchy hooks, the four-piece have effectively carved their niche in the genre...TETRARCH are on the verge of world domination.” - GUITAR WORLD

“…Diamond Rowe has thrived in challenging expectations and dismantling the status quo.” - KNOTFEST

TETRARCH is:

Josh Fore – vocals/guitar

Diamond Rowe – lead guitar

Ryan Lerner – bass

Ruben Limas – drums

Caitlyn Smith Earns ACM New Female Artist of the Year Nomination

When singer-songwriter Caitlyn Smith arrived in Music City she quickly made a name for herself in writing rooms around town, penning songs for the likes of Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Meghan Trainor and John Legend and Garth Brooks and releasing two critically acclaimed albums of her own, 2018’s Starfire and 2020’s Supernova.

Now after more than a decade of song, Smith scores her first ever ACM Award nomination with a nod for New Female Artist of the Year. The news follows the release of “High” from her forthcoming self-produced project. The arena-ready new track was written by Smith along with Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Erin Decilveo (originally released by Cyrus on her album Plastic Hearts) MusicRow notes “this single confirms the widely admired songwriter’s status as a first-rate record maker.”

“I came to Nashville over a decade ago with a dream to write and sing songs,” shares Smith. “The journey since then from the stages I’ve played, to the incredible artists I’ve had the privilege to work with have gone far beyond my wildest dreams. This nomination is definitely another one of those pinch me moments, and I’m so humbled and grateful to be recognized by our country music family.”

After spending the last year opening for George Strait, Reba, Little Big Town and Old Dominion where she played stadiums and arenas across the country, Smith just announced her own headlining High & Low Tour 2022 which kicks off in her hometown of Minneapolis, Minn. on April 1. The 13-city tour includes stops at New York’s Gramercy Theatre and at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, Tenn.

Tickets are on sale tomorrow, Feb. 11 at https://www.caitlynsmith.com/.

Caitlyn Smith - The High & Low Tour 2022

4/1 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
4/6 – New York City, NY – Gramercy Theatre
4/7 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
4/23 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI Indy
4/24 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
5/4 – Allston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
5/5 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Wonder Bar
5/6 – Philadelphia, PA – MilkBoy
5/7 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
5/11 – Atlanta, GA – Vinyl
5/12 – Charlotte, NC – Visulite Theatre
5/13 – Savannah, GA – District Live
5/14 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm

About Caitlyn Smith
After winning a Critics Choice Award and writing songs for the likes of Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Meghan Trainor and John Legend, Garth Brooks, and Jason Aldean, Caitlyn Smith has established herself as one of Nashville’s brightest rising stars. Undeniably one of the best vocalists of this generation, Smith’s 2018 Starfire and 2020’s Supernova saw her in the pages of TIME Magazine and The New York Times, and had her named to Rolling Stone’s 10 country artists to know and Paste’s 10 country artists to watch. Her latest single, “High,” is available everywhere now. Visit CaitlynSmith.com for more information and follow along on Instagram and Twitter @caitlynsmith or @caitlynsmithmusic on Facebook and TikTok.

IMPURE WILHELMINA Shares Live Video for Song "Jasmines"

Post hardcore sludge band IMPURE WILHELMINA w are now releasing a brand new live video for the track 'Jasmines' which is taken from the band's latest offering 'Antidote.' The video was recorded during one of their live shows at the L'usine venue in Geneva in October 2021. Unfortunately, IMPURE WILHELMINA were forced to cancel their upcoming tour dates with SHORES OF NULL due to event restrictions and lockdowns in Europe, but more shows will be announced soon! In the meantime, you can watch the new video and get a glimpse of what to expect from their live shows below.

The band comment: "While waiting to finally get back on stage, we are proud to share with you this intense moment from the ‘Antidote’ release party last October at L'Usine, in our home town of Geneva. Jasmines is a very special track which we had the chance to play that night accompanied on piano by our brother, friend and former drummer David. This rare and emotional atmosphere was beautifully captured by Steven Blatter in a single sequence shot across the venue. We love the result and hope you will too. We’re really looking forward to getting back on the road to share moments like this. Unfortunately our European tour that was supposed to start this week had to be cancelled, but we are actively working on rescheduling it later this year. We'll see you soon, be sure

'Antidote' can be pre-ordered in various formats HERE.

Music heals the soul, as it always has. "Antidote" evokes this simple idea, illustrating the cathartic aspect of IMPURE WILHELMINA's 7th full length. It acts as a remedy against the darker sides of the human mind.

For 25 years, IMPURE WILHELMINA has been creating a singular music on the borders of rock and metal. The Geneva quartet has never been afraid to reinvent itself and to push back the stylistic barriers, without ever losing its strong identity. Intensity, melody, power and melancholy are the key words that guide the band's discography, shaping record after record a subtle blend of metal, post-hardcore, new wave and indie rock sounds.

IMPURE WILHELMINA has experienced many line-up changes over the years around Michael Schindl, singer-guitarist, main composer and lyricist. Founded in 1996, the group quickly built a reputation in the local, then Swiss and European independent scenes. 

IMPURE WILHELMINA has regularly collaborated with sound engineers and producers Serge Morattel (I Can't Believe I Was Born In July - 2001, L'Amour, La Mort, L'Enfance Perdue - 2004, Prayers And Arsons - 2008) and Raphaël Bovey (Black Honey - 2014, Radiation - 2017). These five albums illustrate the constant musical evolution of the band, which from a very dark and metal base gradually incorporates more rock elements. The clear vocals occupy an increasingly important place in the compositions, reinforcing the intensity and melodic depth.

In 2015, thanks to the great response to Black Honey, IMPURE WILHELMINA  signed with the reference metal label Season of Mist, which published ‘Radiation’ two years later in 2017. Skilfully navigating between melodies and dissonances, always at the service of raw emotion, this sixth album was unanimously acclaimed by the press and the public, opening the doors to wider recognition.

After intensely touring all over Europe to promote ‘Radiation’, the band received great reward by being one of the four recipients of the 2019 grants for contemporary music awarded by the City of Geneva. This support has allowed Impure Wilhelmina to approach their new album with confidence and the will to develop their sound and get out of their comfort zone. The band put a lot of efforts in the elaboration and production of its new songs, notably by calling on Yvan Bing, producer and sound engineer, to accompany the four musicians throughout the creation process of the album. This successful collaboration began in the summer of 2019 and continued for over a year, giving rise to IMPURE WILHELMINA's seventh album, ‘Antidote’.

In the context of the pandemic that marked part of the recording of ‘Antidote’ and its long completion, this title also resonates in a very particular way. Welcome to this journey into uncharted musical lands.

Line-up
Michael Schindl – Vocals/Guitars
Diogo Almeida – Guitars
Sébastien Dutruel – Bass
Mario Togni – Drums

Recording line-up:
Michael Schindl – Vocals/Guitars
Diogo Almeida – Guitars
Sébastien Dutruel – Bass
Mario Togni – Drums

Recording: Yvan Bing, HOFA-Studios (DE)
Mix: Yvan Bing, Kitchen Studio (CH)
Master: Ladislav Agabekov, Caduceus Studios (CH)

Artwork: Julien Diels
Picture: Picture by Mehdi Benkler

Pre-sales: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/IWshop

Available formats: 
Digibook
Double vinyl in various colours
Digital

For more on IMPURE WILHELMINA, visit the band's official WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and BANDCAMP.

Austin Neal Opens The Neal Agency; 8 Artists on Initial Roster

AUSTIN NEAL LAUNCHES THE NEAL AGENCY

Boutique Artist Booking Firm Opens with Focus on Client Development
with Morgan Wallen, Chase Rice, Ashland Craft, Riley Green, HARDY + More

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Third generation country music booking agent and artist advocate Austin Neal is pleased to announce the official opening of The Neal Agency. Designed to be a smaller, more artist-focused organization, the eight-act company, which is based in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood in Nashville, is committed to creating touring plans that embody and build upon each artist’s individuality.

“I hope to have an agency that’s reflective of the kinds of relationships with my artists that I have with the people I’m starting this agency with,” Neal says. “I truly care about each person and the vision of what that artist wants to build. Beyond long careers and relationships, it’s a way to make a community of people through touring.”

With an initial roster that includes Ashland Craft, ERNEST, Riley Green, HARDY, John Morgan, Chase Rice, Seaforth and Morgan Wallen, The Neal Agency represents diversity and artists committed to staking their own claim. Each client has both a distinctive voice and a persona that stands out in today’s crowded marketplace.

With Green recently wrapping up a sold-out arena tour of the Southeast, and Wallen kicking off his first sold out arena and amphitheater headlining Dangerous Tour this month, Neal and his team are creating opportunities to fit the artist’s career. Having worked with most signings from the earliest phases of their time as an artist, they’re also invested in creating an agency where the artists support each other.

“I have always wanted and tried to be super-strategic in how I’ve attempted to tour our artists,” Neal explains. “It’s about being very focused on the next step to get to the next step. This smaller roster allows us to be hyper-focused on the people we’ve signed.

“Riley Green from Jacksonville, Alabama is the new age Tim McGraw, while HARDY is a songwriter who comes from another place. ERNEST is one of the most entertaining people I’ve ever met, Seaforth are both musical and hilarious, Chase Rice with his Head Down, Eyes Up brand understands the audience and Ashland Craft is such a free spirit and such a great vocalist. John Morgan is so dynamic and definitely an artist to watch in 2022. It’s an honor to work with all of them.”

With a management background from working with both Big & Rich and Bruce Kalmick while he was at Triple 8, Neal returned to the agency business at his father Kevin Neal’s urging. Never intending to run his own company – “I like booking dates, mentoring young agents and building up developing artists” – he is ready to follow in the footsteps of his Grandfather Bob, who managed Elvis and then opened the original Neal Agency in Nashville in the mid-60s after stints in Memphis and California booking Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Sonny James and Jerry Lee Lewis.

“My father grew up in this business with his father. He learned not just how to make deals, set up tours and build careers, but a wonderful sense of ethics and how to spot real talent. He did that with Jason, FGL and Morgan, and carried on the family tradition.

“My grandfather, who was a disc jockey, concert promoter and owned a record store understood recognizing talent, then helping the artists realize their potential. He brought people together, and that’s something I hope the new Neal Agency will do, too.”