NJ indie rocker ROB MUNK presents 'Amazon' single, inspired by climate change & fatherhood

American indie rocker Rob Munk presents his new single 'Amazon', an upbeat environmentally-conscious banger that previews his 'Phased Out' LP. It will be released on November 18 via New Jersey's new Magic Door Label, founded by Guided by Voices drummer Kevin March, together with producer Ray Ketchem and artist Renée LoBue.

A dynamic album that’s creatively pure - a little poppy, a little sloppy, entirely honest and exactly what Rob wanted to make, 'Phased Out' is a record that somehow comes out of nowhere from an artist that has been almost everywhere.

"As a father, climate change is especially painful. Sure, it’s a societal failure but also a personal one. I wanted to write about the hurt of leaving the world worse than I found it, but I could never write an earnest anthem about climate change. It’s undignified. 'Amazon' is cynical but optimistic. I have little faith we are capable of making the necessary sacrifices, but I’m really hoping we can get there. I felt possessed by REM as I wrote it. That’s me in the corner," says Rob Munk.

This is modern rock that respects people's emotional intelligence. With elements of 1990’s and 2000's indie rock, this song also bears sound traces of 1970’s AM pop. No wonder Munk produces such a welcome potpourri with influences ranging from The Byrds, The Lemonheads and ELO to The Shins and Carole King. This is music to be enjoyed by fans of all ages, all genres, on the rocks with a side of your finest prosciutto.

For Rob Munk, music was never the plan - or maybe there never really was one. He just got to work. An actor from the age of three, he and his brothers would commute into NYC from New Jersey for gigs to help support life with a single Mom. After several years of filming commercials (including Jello pudding with Bill Cosby), Rob was cast as young Woody Allen in 'Stardust Memories', his brother having played the same role in the Oscar-winning 'Annie Hall'. Having worked with multiple future pariahs, he left acting when he was 14. Off to boarding school in search of new adventures, he formed a band and realized performing music felt more natural and was a lot more fun than acting, and he was hooked.

Upon moving to Boston, Rob’s new band Thudpucker became a staple on the Boston rock scene in the early 90’s as many local bands were starting to explode. Between several singles, local gigs and touring, they opened for everyone from Pavement and Hole to the Afghan Whigs and Juliana Hatfield. After relocating to Chapel Hill, NC, Rob formed the indie rock band Tinsel, having opened for Polvo, Guided By Voices, Pipe and Come, while also playing in cover bands with members of Firehose and Superchunk. After some touring and a few singles, they put out two records before imploding of natural rock and roll causes.

A return to NYC led to stints in a few more bands before once again acting in commercials and the occasional TV show, including scenes with the likes of Tina Fey, Tony Hale, John Goodman and Paul Giammatti. Having flown West for a pilot season but getting no traction in LA, Rob launched the now-defunct blog 'LoserActor', creatively chronicling his daily humiliation, before this was brought to the attention of the creative directors at famed ad agency Wieden + Kennedy. Rob returned to New York, not as a movie star or a rock star, but as a copywriter and creative director, writing huge campaigns for ESPN, Delta Airlines and AT&T.

20 years on, Rob again started composing - better songs, deeper songs, songs that meant a great deal to him. Recording throughout the pandemic, he was joined by his good friend, actor-writer Daniel London (Old Joy, Minority Report, Manhattan) and Tinsel drummer and writer-director Joe Ventura. Those sessions produced two singles earlier in 2022 - 'Heavy Shoes (to kill the blues)' and 'Ghosts of San Francisco'.

Mixed by Oakland composer-producer Chuck Johnson at Cirrus Oxide, this album was produced, recorded, mastered and partially mixed at Magic Door Recordingby Ray Ketchem, whose production credits include Guided By Voices, Gramercy Arms, Luna and Elk City.

'Amazon' is out now, available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music and Spotify. The full 'Phased Out' album, which will be released on November 18, is already available for pre-order via Bandcamp.

SINGLE CREDITS
Rob Munk - vocals, guitar
Daniel London - lead guitar
Joe Ventura - drums
Scott Anthony - bass
Ray Ketchem - keyboards
Recorded and mastered by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door Recording
Mixed by Chuck Johnson at Cirrus Oxide in Oakland
Cover Art by Ron Liberti
Video directed by Iam Williams and Rob Munk
Video edited by Iam Williams at Shoffice with additional art by Ron Liberti


Keep up with Rob Munk
Website | Bandcamp | TikTok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify

Keep up with Magic Door Label
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube

MIKEY ROTTEN Lends Vocal Talent on VOLT X VIPERACTIVE "Misfits"!

Antagonistic punk rapper MIKEY ROTTEN has teamed up with bass music producer VOLT and producer / drummer VIPERACTIVE on the new collaborative single and music video, "Misfits". Shot and edited by Thereelmj and J_visionz, the video features ROTTEN performing the track before a raucous, enthusiastic audience.

Mikey Rotten is everything your parents warned you about. The ferocious punk rapper is a rogue and a force to be reckoned with like few others, a devil-may-care, non-conforming bad boy with a striking look and a singular vision. But what’s maybe most threatening to the establishment about Mikey Rotten is his never-ending drive to challenge authority. More than just rebelling or raging, Mikey Rotten wants his listeners to question everything about the world around us: the rules we’re ordered to follow, the media pumped into our minds, even what we put in our bodies. His music may not be straightforwardly political or intend to deliver a specific agenda, but he’s always pushing back against the systems and structures that want us to conform, and driving his audience to do the same.

In his own words, Mikey Rotten was “born in the swamp, raised in the gutter, and now living out in West Coast paradise.” Conceived in backwoods Louisiana, he came of age amidst the almost post-apocalyptic desolation of the Midwest, and now makes his name in a city of fallen angels. Growing up, when Mikey wasn’t finding trouble on his own, trouble seemed destined to find him, and he’s got a whole movie’s worth of stories even crazier than Kids. But whenever a barrier was put in the way, Mikey blasted through it like a charging bull. Whenever he was told no or boxed in or counted out, he became single-mindedly determined to prove the doubters and naysayers wrong.

The energy Mikey once devoted to less-than-legal behavior now finds an outlet in his music, which is equally chaotic and cathartic, a soundtrack for stressed-out and struggling people fighting their way out of difficult situations, just like Mikey has had to do. The wild journey he’s taken to where he is now is also part of why Mikey Rotten remains so relentlessly true to himself and critical of the powers that be. When you’ve spent so much of your life being told who you are and what’s expected of you, there comes a point where the only voice you can trust is your own. Mikey’s forceful delivery and raging beats exude an amped-up confidence that he wants to pass along to his listeners.

Mikey Rotten musically cut his teeth in the hardcore scene, and then as producer and DJ, throwing buckwild bass music parties in a place where few people were hip to forward-thinking electronic. He brings that intensity to his work now as a rapper — at times there’s a hint of wonky or even industrial flavor to his production. Mikey first connected with underground legends like Xavier Wulf and Eddy Baker through the Los Angeles scene, but was inspired less by the actual sound of their music and more so the infamously raucous energy of their shows and the hungry devotion of the followings they’ve built. As an obsessive fan of hardcore punk culture, Mikey found a modern equivalent to the anything-goes antics of GG Allin and Black Flag in the boundary-pushing rap of today.

Whether he’s spinning hard-stomping bass music for house parties, laying down cut-throat rap bars, or diving into the mosh pit, Mikey Rotten is drawn to scenes and musical cultures defined by a relentless do-it-yourself attitude, a fighting spirit that he carries into his own work. As an artist and creator, Mikey is not just a single voice, but a total package, who makes beats, directs his videos, and designs album artwork and merch — and if he’s not the person directly tasked with part of the process, you can be sure he’s had a vital guiding hand in it. Mikey does it all not because he’s controlling, but because he has such a defined vision of who he is and where he wants to be, the kind of self-knowledge you can only acquire through a lifetime of questioning. But even more vitally, Mikey’s determination and self-reliance is evidence to his supporters and listeners that, no matter the obstacles in your way, no matter the box you’re placed into, you can fight your way out. Mikey may have once been written off as a rotten seed, but every attempt to cut him down just makes the roots grow stronger.

Elle King Beckons Brazenly On "Come Get Your Wife," Album Set for 1/27 Release; Available for Pre-Order 10/21

Photo Credit: Matthew Berinato

Elle King can do many things, ranging from exuberant alternative/punk to soul pop. She’s also been a compelling presence in country music; winning both Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Awards and breaking the 30 year old, glass-ceiling record for women on the radio charts with the lead single “Drunk (And I Don’t Want To Go Home).” She’s collaborated with Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde and been on tour with Chris Stapleton for the better part of 2022; it’s been an unbridled love fest with Nashville’s music community.

Now she makes it country music official with Come Get Your Wife, a dozen glorious tracks that run a gauntlet of styles and attitudes leaving King’s roots showing. See the album trailer below. Set for release on Jan. 27, the quadruple Grammy nominee co-produced the album with award winning songwriter Ross Copperman and the result is a collection that moves through all the topics. From being a hot mess, a glorious excess and a woman coming into her own, King has created a very real, small-town frayed at the edges but solid at core missal.

“Even the album title, it comes from something some asshole said to my partner one night. Something thrown off in a bar, intended to put me in my place… and he probably didn’t think twice about it. But I did.”

Indeed, she did. Elle King, singular, swaggering, sardonic, is a musically and personally fearless woman. With Come Get Your Wife, she sharpens her gaze, digs into her roots, puts her banjo front and center and creates a record that’s as alive and electric as she is. Taking all the pieces – the rock, soul, (blue)grass and country that she loves – she’s made an album that demands your attention, then delivers on all cylinders.

“There’s something about how you put the pieces together,” King offers of her first true country project. “This whole album is a crazy quilt of all sorts of moments and things that might not seem to go together, but because they’re me, they do. It’s very Southern Ohio, very who we are – and very much a lot of people who are just like me, because I know they’re out there.”

Epica Release New Single "The Great Tribulation" ft. Fleshgod Apocalypse from Forthcoming EP 'The Alchemy Project'

With 'The Alchemy Project', out on November 11th through Atomic Fire Records, symphonic metal titans EPICA finish their 20th anniversary year with a bang and will deliver seven new songs that were all created with a unique concept in mind: They invited 13 bands and musicians to co-write and perform the tracks with them and the result is a mind-bending mini-album ranging from melodic hard rock hymns, via progressive melodeath to even the heaviest track you've ever heard from EPICA. 

For this new single, which once again thematically dives into apocalyptic realms, the band teamed up with none less than Italy's symphonic tech-death pioneers FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE - a collaboration that many fans have been waiting for, not only since both bands shared the stage on their North American Tour in 2016.

Mark Jansen explains how the new song came to life: "We know the guys and girl from FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE already for quite a long time and toured together. There’s a lot of mutual respect for each other’s music, so when we approached them to work together on a track, they were right away enthusiastic. I did send them some very basic ideas I had for two songs, so they could pick what they liked the most. They ended up using all the ideas and combining them into one song. That was already very promising. From there on, we organized several sessions where we worked on the song together. The process was very smooth and very inspiring. I think the result is a perfect blend between both bands!"

Get ready for symphonic extravaganza and stream or download "The Great Tribulation" at the link here: https://afr.link/EpicaFleshgodApocalypsePR

EPICA are currently touring North America with SABATON and you can catch them on one of the dates below, as well as in Latin America in November and Europe in early 2023 - tickets and VIP experience are available at www.epica.nl/tour

— NORTH AMERICA TOUR –

with SABATON

13.10.22 | The Fillmore | Minneapolis, MN SOLD OUT!

15.10.22 | Aragon Ballroom | Chicago, IL

17.10.22 | Stage AE | Pittsburgh, PA

18.10.22 | The Fillmore | Philadelphia, PA

21.10.22 | MGM Music Hall | Boston, MA

22.10.22 | Place Bell Arena | Montreal, QC

23.10.22 | Hammerstein Ballroom | New York, NY

Find EPICA Online

epica.nl/home

NIGHTWISH - Announce HUMAN. :II: NATURE. (Tour Edition) + Release Stunning Video For 'Noise'

In the past two years, Symphonic metal super stars NIGHTWISH have been affected by the cancellations and restrictions just like many other artists out there, and could not present their highly successful Human. :II: Nature. album (No. 1 in Finland and Germany) with live shows all across the globe yet. Now, this is about to change with a full European tour taking place in November and December 2022.

As a special, limited release right on time with tour start, on November 18th, NIGHTWISH present the Human. :II: Nature. (Tour Edition) as luxurious 2CD plus Blu-ray Digipak including the recent album alongside the Virtual Live Show From The Islanders Arms 2021 on Blu-ray - region code free for the first time - to cater their gigantic global audience! Originally available just as DVD release, and on Blu-ray in Japan, this new edition is the ultimate version to re-experience this unique and magical show NIGHTWISH created after their world tour had to be cancelled.
Half a year in preparation and premiered on May 28 and May 29, 2021 , An Evening with Nighwish in a Virtual World was not just a regular streaming show. It was an exceptionally ambitious production, allowing fans to follow the band playing live in an astonishing 3D world, designed according to the band’s vision, while interacting with each other. Also, songs from NIGHTWISH’s latest album Human. :II: Nature. were debuted live to a massive audience consisting of more than 150.000 fans from 108 countries!

“This is definitely one of the coolest things NIGHTWISH has ever done”, the band comments. “Entwining visual elements, technology, and music in such an extraordinary way offers a unique experience to us all.”

About 30 people from seven different countries, many of them long-time fans, put everything they had into the game to craft a high-quality virtual concert featuring a NIGHTWISH-themed tavern, elaborate animations, and 3D models that provided an atmospheric and inimitable stage for the group’s 100 minutes long, stellar career-spanning set brilliantly mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox.
So, while you, dear NIGHTWISH fans, can look forward to seeing Floor, Tuomas, Emppu, Troy, Jukka, and Kai for real again at many sold-out shows in the upcoming months, the Human. :II: Nature. (Tour Edition) invites you to revisit a one-of-a-kind event unique in the band’s history.

Pre-order HUMAN. :II: NATURE. (Tour edition) here:
https://nightwish.bfan.link/human-nature-tour-edition

Celebrating the announcement, NIGHTWISH releases a stunning video for "Noise" taken from the An Evening with Nightwish in a Virtual World .

About:

HUMAN. :II: NATURE. was recorded from August to October 2019 at Röskö campsite, Petrax Studios and Troykington castle, as well as Finnvox Studios, by Tero Kinnunen, Mikko Karmila and Troy Donockley. The mixing was done by Mikko Karmila at Finnvox, with Tuomas Holopainen and Tero Kinnunen. Mastering was done by Mika Jussila at Finnvox.

Line-Up:
Tuomas Holopainen | Keyboards, Piano
Floor Jansen | Vocals
Emppu Vuorinen | Guitars
Jukka Koskinen | Bass
Troy Donockley | Uilleann pipes, Tin whistle, Low whistle, Guitars, Bouzouki, Bodhrán, Vocals
Kai Hahto | Drums

Pre-order HUMAN. :II: NATURE. (Tour edition) here:
https://nightwish.bfan.link/human-nature-tour-edition

BLIND GUARDIAN - Release New Video For "Life Beyond The Spheres"!

Following the release of their highly acclaimed new album The God Machine and a successful club tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking masterpiece Somewhere Far Beyond, German metal legends BLIND GUARDIAN have another ace up their sleeve: Today, the band releases an artistic new video for the song"Life Beyond The Spheres".

Playing with stunning visual effects and a retro-futuristic setting, the music video for "Life Beyond The Spheres", taken from The God Machine is a remarkable eye-catcher that you can discover below.

Guitarist André Olbrich states about the song:
"I’m a big supporter of innovation, to bring the whole music genre forward to something else. Maybe even find something new that wasn’t there before, I think with 'Life Beyond the Spheres,' I knew I wanted to go somewhere in the soundtrack direction. At that time, I was playing cyberpunk, so my inspiration was somewhat cyberpunkish. I tried to bring in a metal soundtrack in a cyberpunk direction, more spacey than we ever did before. Hansi grabbed that feeling and I think now we have a song we never did before, not even close to that genre. I like that, that is a very innovative song, I’m proud of this too."

Singer Hansi Kürsch adds:
"'Life Beyond the Spheres' leads us to spaces unknown and places where no man has gone before. It certainly delivers music that is not from this world. There is always hope. This is what the song means to me."

The God Machine marks another pinnacle in BLIND GUARDIAN’s impressive discography by not attempting to pretend it is still the nineties yet instead successfully relying on the muscle memory of this period. It is a gripping, addictive, and brilliantly arranged album in the tradition of records with which BLIND GUARDIAN reached for the stars in the 90s; yet, by no means, is it a throwback. The God Machine represents the heart and soul of BLIND GUARDIAN’s timeless metal in the here and now, unifying the bards’ past, present, and future secrets in one consistent, well-thought-out masterpiece.

Order the album here: http://nblast.de/BG-TheGodMachine

About BLIND GUARDIAN
In 1992, BLIND GUARDIAN released Somewhere Far Beyond, a legendary milestone of German speed metal. Three decades later, their latest offering, The God Machine, shows how to awaken the fury of youth to magical new life. As if they had paid a long overdue visit to the numerous highlights of their career, BLIND GUARDIAN appears to be in touch with the ghosts of their own past more than ever. "We’ve picked up a lot from our own history and built a new era upon this foundation," vocalist Hansi Kürsch explains. This new era begins right now. Seven years after Beyond The Red Mirror and almost three after the orchestral opus, Blind Guardian Twilight Orchestra: Legacy of the Dark Lands, Hansi Kürsch (vocals), André Olbrich (lead guitar, acoustic guitar, rhythm guitar), Marcus Siepen (rhythm guitar and acoustic guitar) and Frederik Ehmke(drums) invite you to their personal twilight of the gods."After ‘Beyond The Red Mirror’ and ‘Legacy Of The DarkLands’, we knew we couldn't push the orchestral side of BlindGuardian any further,” Kürsch says. The new directive while creating The God Machine was fairly straightforward but ever so welcome: "Less orchestration, more punch." In 2022, the opulent arrangements and powerful choirs still exist; yet they are used in a much more selective, focussed, and resonant manner.
This link is overtly present in the stunning, apocalyptic cover art by American fantasy icon Peter Mohrbacher, which teases a panopticon of fantastic tales and rather bleak prospects. “You have to look with a magnifying glass to find some hope on the album. But it's there," smiles Hansi Kürsch. "My lyrics have several levels. Some of them even I can only explore much later." Perhaps The God Machine is his most personal album since Somewhere Far Beyond.

Order your copy of The God Machine, here: http://nblast.de/BG-TheGodMachine

Miranda Lambert's "Strange" Gets Live Music Video, Out Now

Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas Residency Wraps Third Week of Shows
Tickets to Dates Through April 2023 Available at Ticketmaster.com/MirandaVegas

As her critically acclaimed Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas residency wraps a third week of shows, reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Miranda Lambert celebrates the joy of live shows with a new music video for her current single, “Strange.” Watch HERE.

Featuring her headlining set at the Windy City Smokeout plus various dates of this summer’s The Bandwagon Tour, the video offers a visual celebration of Lambert’s live show praised by the Tennessean for the way her “hits are elevated to being generation-defining artistic works,” plus a behind-the-scenes look at the backstage camaraderie between Lambert and her longtime band and crew.

“We wrote this song in the middle of 2020, when live shows felt so far away and we weren’t sure when we’d have that connection with fans again,” notes Lambert of the single written together with Luke Dick and Natalie Hemby. “Getting back on the road this summer, and now in Las Vegas, it’s so special to see a crowd full of smiling faces singing along. I love that we were able to capture that feeling with this video!”

The anthem of timely encouragement follows recent Top 10 hit “If I Was A Cowboy,” the 15th of her career, as the second single off Palomino, named one of the best albums of the year by TIME, Rolling Stone, Billboard and more. The project is nominated for Album of the Year at the upcoming CMA Awards, where Lambert is also nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.

Stereogum praises the track honored with MusicRow’s “Disc of the Day” award as “a bluesy ramble about treating yourself right in an uncertain moment” – a fitting description for the celebration of finding sanity in a “Strange” time:

Have a smoke, buy a round
Get on a jet liner going anywhere bound
Pick a string, sing the blues
Dance a hole in your shoes
Do anything to keep you sane
‘Cause times like these make me feel strange

Fans can see a live performance of “Strange” along with a full spectrum of hits from Lambert’s catalog as the L.A. Times’ “Queen of Country Music” continues her Velvet Rodeo residency into next year. Designed exclusively for Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and promoted by Live Nation and Caesars Entertainment, Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo The Las Vegas Residency gives fans an up close and personal opportunity to experience live performances of Lambert’s numerous chart-topping songs and beloved album cuts. Tickets for shows through April 9, 2023 are on sale now at ticketmaster.com/mirandavegas, with shows scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

About Miranda Lambert
Palomino, the eighth solo album from Vanner Records/RCA Nashville superstar Miranda Lambert, arrived in April as the largest female Country album debut of 2022. Already named among the best albums of the year by TIME, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Stereogum and more, it marks the latest installment in a storied career that has spanned seven previous No. 1 solo albums, 10 No. 1 hit radio singles, more than 70 prestigious awards and countless sales certifications, earning the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year praise from NPR as “the most riveting country star of her generation.”

With her headlining Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas residency now underway at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s Zappos Theater, the top streaming female Country artist of 2022 was also named to the 2022 TIME100 list honoring the world’s most influential people, with Pitchfork declaring that she “manages the hat-trick of both timelessness and timely activism.” Whether challenging conventional gender notions in her recent Top 10 hit “If I Was A Cowboy” or using her voice to write and record the inclusive “Y’All Means All” anthem for the latest season of Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” the Texas native continues to expand the tent of the Country genre via her music, including current single “Strange.”

In addition to Palomino, the celebrated singer/songwriter’s lauded discography includes Wildcard (2019), The Weight of These Wings (2016), Platinum (2014), Four The Record (2011), Revolution (2009), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2007) and Kerosene (2005). She has also released three albums with her trio, the Pistol Annies, as well as 2021’s GRAMMY-nominated The Marfa Tapes, a 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 38 ACM Awards (including a record-setting nine consecutive Female Artist 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 and was the youngest artist ever to serve as the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s Artist in Residence.

Her clothing and cowboy boot collection, Idyllwind, is a private-label brand sold at all Boot Barn stores nationwide and her home goods collection, Wanda June, is available now at Walmart.com. An avid animal lover, Lambert’s MuttNation pet product line is available exclusively at Tractor Supply Co. with proceeds benefitting her MuttNation Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that 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.

MirandaLambert.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

Sleep Signals Announce 'The Death Do Us Part' Tour This Fall!

Minneapolis, MN-based rockers Sleep Signals have announced that they will return to the road on the The Death Do Us Part Tour with QUOR, which begins November 30th at The Big Dipper in Spokane, Washington and concludes on December 11th.

Tickets and VIP for the tour are available on Friday 10/14 at www.sleepsignals.net

Sleep Signals, have garnered a dedicated following through relentless touring, their explosive live performances, and their ability to blend catchy hooks with their high-energy songwriting style.

In 2021 the band released a new EP, Ethereal, featuring the single, "Fireproof," which garnered the band's first commercial radio success. The single was featured on Sirius XM's Octane and received spins on 80+ US FM radio stations, spending 11 weeks on the Billboard Active Rock radio chart.

Unfortunately, 2021 also saw the band experience a severe bus accident on tour with POD, From Ashes To New, and All Good Things that left several members in the hospital and rehabbing injuries for months. The band released the music video for "The Return" to commemorate their comeback from the accident and look to get back to the touring circuit as soon as late 2022.

Founded in 2014, the band hit the road in early 2015 and has since played over 500 shows in 45 states. Prior to the accident, the band was coming off of major full US tours with heavy hitters Hellyeah and Nonpoint, as well as Atreyu, Memphis May Fire, Ice Nine Kills, All That Remains, Attila, Escape the Fate, and Like A Storm.

“Sleep Signals embodies the same DIY hustling ethic that Ice Nine Kills has used since the beginning. Great songs, and a work ethic that is quickly making this band stand out" says Spencer Charnas of (Ice Nine Kills).

Alex Varkatzas (Ex-Atreyu) adds, “Seeing Sleep Signals' tireless work ethic and energetic live shows nightly, it’s only a matter of time before this band is a household name."

Sleep Signals Tour Dates:

11.30 Spokane, WA @ The Big Dipper
12.01 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
12.02 Portland, OR @ Dantes
12.03 Klamath FLS, OR @ Why Not Live
12.04 Sacramento, CA @The Boardwalk
12.06 Crockett, CA @Toots Tavern
12.07 Cupertino, CA @XBAR
12.08 Long Beach, CA @Supply & Demand
12.09 Las Vegas, NV @The Usual Place
12.10 San Diego, CA @Soda Bar
12.11 Glendale, AZ @The 44

For More Information Please Visit:

http://sleepsignals.net

https://www.facebook.com/sleepsignals/

St. Louis Black Metal Unit STORMRULER Reveal Occult Opus "Upon Frozen Shores"

New Album, 'Sacred Rites & Black Magick',

Out this Friday, October 14

Pre-Order HERE

2023 European Tour with

Cannibal Corpse, Dark Funeral & Ingested Announced!

Fresh off of announcing their upcoming 2023 tour dates with scene giants Cannibal Corpse and Dark Funeral, St. Louis, MO black metal duo STORMRULER will soon release their new album, 'Sacred Rites & Black Magick', out this Friday, October 14 via Napalm Records! 'Sacred Rites & Black Magick' weaves epic tales of war, history, black magick and sorcery beyond the standard confines of black metal, birthing an unforgettable conceptual journey of legend that any metal fan would be remiss to ignore.

Following the album's first two epic singles "Sacred Rites & Black Magick" and "Internal Fulmination Of The Grand Deceivers", STORMRULER has revealed a grim and gripping third single alongside a new lyric video. “Upon Frozen Shores” weaves a sonic tale of occult doom atop triumphant soundscapes, breakneck rhythms and ghostly melodic passages – succeeding in convincing even the newest of genre converts.

STORMRULER says about “Upon Frozen Shores”:

"'Upon Frozen Shores' was chosen as the final offering of the album cycle for its grim nature and the diversity that it demonstrates within the record. Starting out of the gate with a mid-tempo pace and story-telling prose, it will sink the listener directly into the story told. In a way, it showcases all different aspects that this record has to offer - from slow mid-tempo riffage, to the imperial buzzsaw, to acoustic passages and more. We're proud to present this song to you all and we can't for everyone to experience 'Sacred Rites & Black Magick' in its entirety."

  Watch the Official Video for “Upon Frozen Shores”

Pre-Order 'Sacred Rites & Black Magick' HERE:

STORMRULER broke out in 2021 with the avid subterranean support of their debut full-length, 'Under A Burning Eclipse' - subsequently garnering scores of acclaims upon its wide re-release via Napalm Records. The album, which Decibel Magazine called, “one of the best black metal albums of the year”, introduced STORMRULER’s beyond-their-years execution of raw, atmospheric black metal doused in extravagant lyricism.

Produced, mixed and mastered by Gabe Usery at Encapsulated Studios and featuring stunning artwork by Giannis Nakos of Remedy Art Design, upcoming sophomore album 'Sacred Rites & Black Magick' blisters with more unrelenting intensity while maintaining a haunting, visceral aura more ancient and foreboding than ever. As on 'Under A Burning Eclipse', between each song on 'Sacred Rites & Black Magick' is an intricately positioned interlude building the ambiance and steering the thematic intensity of the album.

STORMRULER says about 'Sacred Rites & Black Magick':

"This album is on another level in comparison to our previous offering. It falls in the same vein of the melodic second wave black metal worship of 'Under The Burning Eclipse', but with a more intense and darker touch. It's got the high speed buzzsaw attack we love, crushing grooves, solid leads, ambience within the interludes and acoustic passages, as well as lyrics that tell a story."

Beginning with echoing, clean dual acoustic guitars, introductory interlude “Hymns Of The Slumbering Race” begins the procession of grand ascension and hair raising riffage to come. “Internal Fulmination Of The Grand Deceivers” flashes STORMRULER’s brand of Imperial Black Metal Warfare, shining with heavy bass and blast beats before cascading into icy atmosphere topped by smoke-cloaked vocals. Entrancing guitars match an ebb and flow of carefully paced interludes and merciless, speeding fury, showcasing standout leads and a blazing solo.

Similar epic songwriting, lush lyricism and skillful dynamics can be witnessed on tracks such as the brooding “Entranced Within The Moon Presence”, intricate “In The Shaded Vlasian Forest” and introspective, glistening “Along The Appian Way”. “To Bear The Twin Faces Of The Dragon” stages some of the most menacing sonic escapades and memorable leads of the 20-track offering, combining chants of sorcery with searing screams and waves of crushing melody, while tracks such as “Upon Frozen Shores”weave a sonic tale of occult doom atop triumphant soundscapes, breakneck rhythms and ghostly melodic passages. Closing battle opus “A Malice Dead & Cold” wraps the album with some of its most threatening riffs and heroic leads, fittingly drawing the curtain on the band’s sophomore excursion.

'Sacred Rites & Black Magick' is available for pre-order in the following formats:

=> 4-page CD Digipak

=> 2LP Gatefold Black

=> 2LP Gatefold Marbled White/Black/Blue - Napalm Mailorder only, limited to 300 worldwide

=> Digipak & Shirt Bundle - Napalm RoW Mailorder only

=> Full Digital Album

STORMRULER is:

Jason Asberry - Vocals, Guitars and Bass

Jesse Schobel - Drums & Vocals

Ukrainian Metal Juggernauts JINJER To Begin 2022 U.S. Tour This Month!

Progressive groove metal juggernauts JINJER are returning to the United States! Earlier this year the band announced that with the support of the Ukrainian Ministry Of Culture, they were granted a special exemption to exit Ukraine in order to help their countrymen the best way they can – through music.

The group would begin their return to the stage with a European tour that saw the heavy-hitting quartet play several of the summer's biggest metal festivals!

Now, after much anticipation, JINJER will embark on a 29-city US tour, produced by Live Nation, beginning on October 31 in San Diego, CA, and ending on December 22 in Los Angeles, CA. Direct support on the tour comes from hard rock icons and special guests P.O.D., with American metal stars Vended, English groove/metalcore force Malevolence, and fellow Ukrainian modern metalcore unit Space of Variations rounding out the bill.

Visit www.jinjer-metal.com for tickets and more information, and for VIP packages including a photo with the band, t-shirt, and more, visit www.JinjerVIP.com.

JINJER - USA Tour 2022

wsg. P.O.D., Vended, Malevolence & Space of Variations

Oct 31 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues^

Nov 01 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades^

Nov 03 - Denver, CO - Fillmore^

Nov 05 - Minneapolis, MN - Fillmore Minneapolis^

Nov 07 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues^

Nov 09 - St Louis, MO - The Pageant^

Nov 10 - Grand Rapids, MI - 20 Monroe Live^

Nov 11 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall^

Nov 13 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues^

Nov 14 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogart's^

Nov 15 - Louisville, KY - Mercury Ballroom^

Nov 17 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore^

Nov 19 - Pittsburgh, PA - Roxian^

Nov 20 - Boston, MA - House of Blues^

Nov 21 - New York, NY - Hammerstein Ballroom^

Nov 23 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore^

Dec 07 - Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore*

Dec 08 - Greensboro, NC - Piedmont Hall*

Dec 10 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle*

Dec 11 - Nashville, TN - Marathon Music Hall*

Dec 13 - Tampa, FL - Jannus Live*

Dec 14 - Orlando, FL - House of Blues*

Dec 16 - San Antonio, TX - Aztec Theater*

Dec 17 - Austin, TX - Emo's*

Dec 18 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues*

Dec 20 - Phoenix, AZ - The Van Buren*

Dec 21 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues*

Dec 22 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern*

^No Malevolence 

*No Vended

Get your copy of JINJER's latest album, Wallflowers, HERE

JINJER is:

Tatiana Shmayluk - Vocals

Roman Ibramkhalilov - Guitars

Eugene Abdukhanov - Bass

Vlad Ulasevich - Drums

SOEN RELEASE SINGLE & VIDEO FOR SPELLBINDING SLIPKNOT COVER “SNUFF”

From Upcoming Release

'ATLANTIS' - AN ALTERNATE UTOPIA

North American Dates Start November 22nd

Today, the engaging, enchanting, cutting, yet beautiful Swedish metal supergroup Soenrelease the mesmerizing video for their interpretation of Slipknot classic, “Snuff”.

The track is taken from the forthcoming release ATLANTIS, out via Silver Lining Musicon November 18, 2022.

Founding members Martin Lopez and Joel Ekelöf explain their selection of Slipknot’s deeply dark meditation on darkness rejecting love “Snuff”: “We wanted to do something extra special during the ATLANTIS concert. The obvious path would have been to pick an epic progressive song from the likes of Genesis, Pink Floyd etc. Instead, we went for the opposite with ‘Snuff’, a scaled down and brutally honest song that we all love in its powerful sincerity.”

Watch/Listen to "Snuff" 

ATLANTIS is a special concert film featuring thirteen of the group’s most popular compositions reinterpreted with live orchestral accompaniment. ATLANTIS was created within the mystic and magical confines of Atlantis Grammofon Studio in Stockholm, Sweden, which has seen a wide range of international artists record, from Quincy Jonesto Lenny Kravitz to Green Day. Formerly a movie house in 1941, it went on to become Metronome Studio (during which time ABBA was born) before becoming Atlantis Grammofon in 1983.

Filmed and recorded on December 10, 2021, Martin Lopez (drums & percussion), Joel Ekelöf (lead vocals), Lars Enok Åhlund (guitars & piano), Cody Lee Ford (lead guitar) and Oleksii “Zlatoyar” Kobel (bass) worked together with an 8-piece orchestra to reinterpret and rediscover fresh energy and elements in classic Soen songs, such as “Antagonist”, “Monarch”, “Jinn” and “Lucidity”.

The end result of this 80 minutes performance is some remarkable new aural refractions of Soen’s greatest material for fans to absorb and enjoy. As has always been the way with Soen: the deepest dives yield the greatest treasures.

Pre-orders Available HERE

The first track released from Soen’s “alternative utopia” was their piece

“Trials”, which can be streamed/watched HERE

Following the success of the IMPERIAL European Tour, the relentless metal quintet is preparing to embark on a twenty-date North American Tour this winter, kicking-off at Chicago’s Lincoln Hall. The tour will also see Soen perform as special guests of Katatonia in Dallas and Austin on December 6th and 7th. The band are excited to be on the road again and show no signs of slowing down in their quest to bring the Soen experience to the world.

“It's a dream come true to finally be able to do an extensive North American tour,” enthuses Lopez. “It's a milestone for any band to tour a continent with such a rich musical history and we are very excited about finally getting to meet our North American audience. See you all there!”

For a full list of confirmed dates, tickets, and additional information visit HERE

IMPERIAL North America Tour 2022:

11/22 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall

11/23 - Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace

11/25 - Ottawa, ON - Brass Monkey

11/26 - Montreal, QC - Le Studio TD

11/27 - Quebec City, QC - L'Imperial

11/29 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall

11/30 - New York City, NY - Gramercy Theatre

12/01 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage

12/02 - Charlotte, NC - The Underground

12/03 - Tampa, FL - Crowbar

12/04 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage

12/06 - Austin, TX - Come and Take it Live*

12/07 - Dallas, TX - Amplified Live*

12/08 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar

12/10 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater

12/11 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge

12/13 - Seattle, WA - The Crocodile

12/15 - Roseville, CA - Goldfield Roseville

12/16 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour

12/17 - San Diego, CA - Brick by Brick

*Guests to Katatonia

'ATLANTIS' was recorded by David Castillo and Iñaki Marconi, mixed by Castillo, and mastered by Tony Lindgren. The performance was filmed and directed by George Laycock from the bespoke British production house Blacktide Phonic/Visual.

'ATLANTIS' will be available as a DVD-CD with bonus footage, a Double 12” Limited Edition Vinyl, Long Form Video, Digital Download and Streaming.

Pre-order all formats, including Long Form Video HERE

The additional orchestral musicians and contributors on 'ATLANTIS' are:

Stefan Stenberg, Double Bass

Joakim Simonsson, Piano and Organ

Karin Liljenberg, Violin 1

Andreas Forsman, Violin 2

Erik Holm, Viola

Cecilia Linné, Cello

Johanna Börjesson, Vocals

Therése Börjesson, Vocals

Technical support: Dan Wahlbeck

Drum tech: Rickard Gustafsson

Sound support: Niclas Lindström

Soen are:

Martin Lopez, Drums and percussion

Joel Ekelöf, Lead vocals

Lars Enok Åhlund, Guitars and Piano

Cody Lee Ford, Lead Guitar

Oleksii ”Zlatoyar” Kobel, Bass

NYC-based Dubliner RONAN CONROY presents 'Dark Paradise', a dark tribute to Lana Del Rey, from forthcoming album

"Simply sublime, a perfect blend of punch and panache, deftness and delicacy, shimmering darkness, and kaleidoscopic light" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Spellbinding... ddream pop at its finest. invoking the transcendental sonic ecstasy of folk romance with windswept shoegaze euphoria, enveloping the senses in a cocoon of gossamer sound" ~ Post-Punk.com

"Dreamy, brooding and ethereal with a DIY punk ethos... sonically haunting and otherworldly with dark fairy-land shimmer" ~ Amplify Music Magazine


Brooklyn-based artist Ronan Conroy presents his new single 'Dark Paradise', a clever goth-rock rendition of the Lana Del Rey classic. This is the second taster of his album 'The Slow Death of the LoveMyth', complemented by a fascinating video created by NYC artist Hypnodoll and featuring a sword swallowing performance by La Reine The Thrill.

This album reveals Conroy's post-punk alter-ego, soaked in dark pop and dream wave richness, and drawing on ethereal and goth rock classics. While select tracks on this album are crowned with ethereal female vocals, Conroy also sings on this and two other tracks on this album.

"Lana’s music, and the way it shows her evolution and her personal journey, has been continually inspiring. I heard 'Born To Die' years after it came out and it was an album I listened to incessantly, often choosing it as a record I’d fall asleep to last thing at night," says Ronan Conroy.

"Singing Lana songs is pretty challenging, but I wanted to try this one. I wanted to find a way to reinterpret the song in a way that fit this record, and the explosive distorted guitars and intensity of Mike Shinoda’s version of the Depeche Mode classic 'Enjoy the Silence' showed me the way. Charlie Nieland’s masterful command of synth, and his echoed Rickenbacker 8-string bass elevate the track to epic heights, all propelled by drumming by Justin Wierbonski (a.k.a. Demonic Sweaters)".

Earlier, Conroy released 'Double Helix', a lush and dark reverie-filled track withentrancing vocals by Julie Dicterow (Oh Halo). This record also features vocals by Shannon Brown and Susan Hwang (Lusterlit).

Growing up in a musical family in Dublin, Conroy was exposed to an array of musical influences, ranging from new wave and post-punk to David Bowie, Johnny Cash, Elvis and Abba. His world changed at 15 when his mother loaned him her nylon string guitar and taught him a few chords, instantaneously unlocking a whole new world of songwriting. Years later, he would release two albums with Brooklyn's The Listeners and go on to perform with gothic dreampop band Oh Halo on guitar and backing vocals from 2011 to 2014, during which time he released one album with them.

Since 2013, Conroy has immersed himself in the 'Lovemyth' project, this work culminating in 'The Slow Death Of The LoveMyth' LP, a collection influenced by the 80s/90s goth bands he grew up listening to, as well as ethereal darkwave bands he would be introduced to later.

As with all the music Conroy has released since 2013, this record was produced, engineered and mastered by Charlie Nieland at Capture Sound Studios. Frontman of Her Vanished Grace and Lusterlit, and a recognized solo artist in his own right, Nieland is a well-respected engineer and producer, known for his work with Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Blondie and Scissors Sisters.

As of September 27, 'Dark Paradise' will be available digitally via Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the full album (out on October 21) can also be pre-ordered.

ALBUM CREDITS
Written by Ronan Conroy (ASCAP 3284024), except 'Dark Paradise' by Elizabeth Grant and Rick Nowels
Ronan Conroy - lead and rhythm guitar on all tracks, and vocals on 'This Dream', 'Born in Conflict' and 'Dark Paradise'
Charlie Nieland - bass, synths, piano, drums, and backing guitar
Justin Wierbonski - drums
Julie Dicterow - vocals on 'Double Helix'
Shannon Brown - vocals on 'Passenger' and 'Nightland'
Susan Hwang - vocals on 'Love Myth' and 'Demon'
Publisher: Rip My Heart Out And Eat It Music (ASCAP 4499980)
Produced, engineered and mastered by Charlie Nieland at Capture Sound Studios, Brooklyn
Album cover and artist photos by Shannon Brown
Videos by Hypnodoll

Keep up with Ronan Conroy
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

CHRIS CONNELLY releases 'Ripcord, Ripcord' single on the traumatic turning point in NICO's war-torn life

"Connelly, with his beautiful timbre and artistic candour, delivers a haunting and touching rendition of Nico’s music. Nobody performs quite like this masterful musical chameleon and here, he channels her fabulously, honouring her with depth and personability... impeccable delivery and smoothness" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Chris Connelly has never been an artist of convention... a thematic mirror, Connelly’s songs follow her story – adventurous, controversial, and misunderstood"~ Regen Magazine

"Gently stroking ears with its guitar cast melody, the song simultaneously looms up in tension and anxiety... a moment of intense beauty. Connelly’s tones as the music are emotion and tension personified, leaving his own mark on the song whilst equally bringing forth an evocative and haunting reverberation of its original creators" ~ Ringmaster Review


Alternative music legend Chris Connelly presents 'Ripcord, Ripcord', the second single from his forthcoming album 'Eulogy to Christa: A Tribute to the Music & Mystique of Nico'. Written by Connelly, this song was inspired by a little known detail about Nico's life - her rape by a military offering while she was a teenager holding a bureaucratic position for the U.S. Army. This traumatic incident would inform the rest of her already war-torn life.

Now based in Chicago, the Scottish counter-culture icon had initially planned to release 10 Nico covers, but Connelly ultimately decided to write a string of additional compositions, spanning her life. This 24-track offering will be released in late autumn by Shipwrecked Industries in the USA and Easy Action in the UK, paying tribute to the iconic The Velvet Underground muse and one of the most unique, tragic and misunderstood female artists in the history of music.

Chris Connelly has been creating for circa 40 years. Since his days with Fini Tribein Edinburgh, Connelly has over 20 solo releases. He frequently collaborates with other musicians, including notable projects like Ministry, The Revolting Cocks and Pigface, while contributing to newer ones such as Cocksure and The Joy Thieves. He has also published four books (poetry, autobiographical and fictional narrative).

About 'Ripcord, Ripcord', Connelly comments, "When Nico was in her mid-teens, she worked in a U.S. army office in Berlin. She was raped by an American soldier and the soldier was executed. Some have said this may not have happened. Some have gone so far as to call her a liar. This event and the trauma of being in the rubble of post-war Berlin clearly, in my opinion, helped create the haunted spirit of Nico".

Earlier, Connelly released the lead track 'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce', heralded by some as Connelly's finest vocal performance. Appearing on Nico's 1967 album 'Chelsea Girl', this song was penned by the tragic Tim Hardin about the equally tragic Lenny Bruce but with slightly altered lyrics. Nico's sorrowful delivery is laced with anger at Bruce's death.

On this album, Connelly worked with producer and long-time collaborator Chris Bruce, who is a band member of Meshell Ndegeocello and also worked with Seal, Aaron Neville, Bob Dylan, The Waterboys, My Brightest Diamond, Cheryl Crow and Sam Phillips.

'Eulogy to Christa' is a labour of love, empathy, sadness, acting and channeling, along with Chris’s adoration of the dark corner of rock inhabited by the Velvets and their peers. This album sees Connelly purposefully adopt the personas of Nico, Lou Reed and John Cale – even Andy Warhol makes a cameo!

The album was also inspired by the book 'You Are Beautiful and Your Are Alone'by Jennifer Otter Bickerdicke, who contributed to album liner notes, noting “This is a record to be played at full blast, all the way through, as a commemoration not just to Nico the person, the musician, but to art for art’s sake, for making something because it is important and needs to be done – an idea that is as rare and precious as Nico herself.”

The Nico material spans from her first Jimmy Page-composed single and her time with The Velvet Underground to her intense and unique solo recordings up until her death. In song, Connelly follows her from Berlin to New York via Paris, Ibiza, and Rome, then back through Paris, London, Edinburgh, Manchester and up to her tragic and needless death in Ibiza.

As of October 12, 'Ripcord, Ripcord' will be available via Bandcamp. 'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce' can also be found there, as well as Apple Music and Amazon. The full 'Eulogy to Christa' LP will be released digitally on November 11, coinciding with Connelly's birthday, and is already available for pre-order via Bandcamp. The CD version will be released on December 4.

Connelly's album release show takes place on Thursday, November 10 at Chicago's Gman Tavern. He will be accompanied by Matt Walker, Carolyn Engelmann and other members of Sons of the Silent Age. Tickets can be obtained at http://bit.ly/ChrisConnelly_1110.

SINGLE CREDITS
Written by Chris Connelly
Recorded at The Rock Noir July 2021 / January 2022
Mastered by James Scott at Populist Recording and Mastering
Produced by Chris Bruce
Chris Connelly: Vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, harmonium, harmonica, keyboards, bass
Chris Bruce: Additional instruments and guitar solo
Sleeve design by Kimberly Blessing
Cover photo of Nico taken by Howard Goldblatt
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon @ Shameless Promotion PR
Management: Kimberly Blessing @ Shipwrecked Industries
Chris Connelly is published by Bicycle Music/Concord BMI
Dedicated to Nico (Christa Päffgen) 1938 - 1988
For the lovers on St. Stephen’s
Video by Kimberly Blessing


Keep up with Chris Connelly
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon

WOODS OF DESOLATION Premieres Video for New Song, "Far From Here"

Atmospheric black metal project WOODS OF DESOLATION will be releasing its new full-length, 'The Falling Tide,' on December 9 via Season of Mist, making its debut to the label! The band is now sharing the stunning music video for the brand new single, "Far From Here," which can be seen and heard below.

'The Falling Tide' is now available for pre-order HERE.

Pre-save on your favorite streaming service HERE.

Australian visionary Woods of Desolation returns with The Falling Tide, a bewitching crescendo of atmospheric black metal and post metal elements. Unlike the act’s Australian contemporaries who are known for their raw, unrefined grit, Woods of Desolation takes a different approach, showcasing the genre’s beauty and elegance with their grand melodic passages and radiant aura.

Formed by multi-instrumentalist D. in 2005, the project started as a means for personal expression through music. Firmly built upon this ethos, a series of demo recordings garnered attention and a solid following within underground black metal circles worldwide. Continually evolving and working with different guest musicians in pursuit of new artistic territory, D. began to showcase his talent for crafting melancholic, yet at times uplifting, melodies on the debut album Toward the Depths (2008), further refining it on the Sorh EP (2009) and the influential sophomore full-length Torn Beyond Reason (2011).

In 2014, Woods of Desolation released the critically acclaimed third full-length As the Stars, receiving strong placements on Decibel’s “Top 40 Albums of 2014” and Stereogum’s “50 Best Albums of 2014” list. This album saw D. further introduce a wider array of musical influences, such as post rock and shoegaze, into his unique take on black metal, becoming one of the main protagonists in what would become the burgeoning genre of post black metal. Additionally, lyrical themes were expanded beyond what had come before – nature, life, sorrow – now personally exploring the metaphysical aspects of spirituality and the afterlife.

In the intervening years that followed, D. created and worked on two new black metal projects Remete & Unfelled, simultaneously writing and developing material for the next Woods of Desolation full-length. In 2021, finally ready, D. teamed up with Vlad (Drudkh, Windswept) on drums & keys to record The Falling Tide, the long-awaited follow-up to As the Stars.

This forthcoming album sees the musical palette of D. and WOODS OF DESOLATION continue to grow, exploring higher peaks, deeper depths, all the while maintaining honest artistic expression, unfettered and free – remaining ever faithful to those principles that lead the way all those years ago.

Lineup:
D. – Guitars, Bass, Vocals
Vlad – Drums, Keyboards

Links:
www.facebook.com/woodsofdesolationofficial
www.instagram.com/woodsofdesolationofficial
www.woodsofdesolation.bandcamp.com

Recording Studio:
Cold Ways Studios (Australia) & ViTeR Music (Ukraine)

Producer & Sound Engineer:
D. & ViTeR Music

Mixing + Mastering:
ViTeR Music

Cover Artwork:
Lucas Ruggieri

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

Pre-save: https://orcd.co/wod-fallingtide

BRKN LOVE Announce New Album 'Black Box' & Share Video for "Under the Knife"

OUT NOW ON US TOUR WITH DEAD POET SOCIETY

CANADIAN TOUR WITH THE BLUE STONES STARTS NOVEMBER 4TH

Toronto-based alt-rock band BRKN LOVE are pleased to announce their new album 'Black Box' in the midst of their busy US/CAN touring schedule. It will be released on Nov. 4th and is available for preorder HERE

After the success of their 'Vol.1' and 'Vol.2' EPs, the trend continues with the band’s sophomore album, which once again showcases how well songwriter/front man Justin Benlolo uses all the tools in his arsenal to firmly position BRKN LOVE in the young, modern rock revolution.

Justin says, “We couldn’t be more excited to announce the release of our new LP 'Black Box'. This album is the next evolution of BRKN LOVE. Imagine everything you loved about our band and then turn it up to 11. It’s truly a milestone record for us. After the release of our first record and all the complications that came along with it (namely the pandemic), we really wanted to a chance to redeem ourselves. This is our redemption record. We’re back at full force and we’re not pulling any punches this time.

Making this album was a challenge unto itself. We had come off the back end of several tours and essentially had two weeks to write, record and mix the album. They say diamonds are formed under pressure, and I believe that the added weight forced us to come up with the best songs we have ever written.

The overall theme revolving around 'Black Box' is the concept of learning from your mistakes and bettering yourself because of them. When we were writing the record, our producer Anton Delost and I had become obsessed with flight recorders, that are put into airplanes to keep track of anything that happens. The idea came from how the people will assess a plane crash by what the black box has recorded. It’s a metaphor for our band, our lives and everything we have been through up until this point.

We truly hope you enjoy this piece of music as much we do. Make sure you turn it up and as always, rock on. Thank you.”

Pre-Order 'Black Box' HERE

The four singles that have been released so far from the album have garnered praise from fans, media and radio personalities alike. “Under The Knife” is the most recent, with previous singles “Forever’s Enough”, “Like A Drug” and “Dead Weight” being heralded by BBC Radio One’s Indie Show presenter Jack Saunders as “The new age of rock and roll.”

Meanwhile, BRKN LOVE are currently playing a number of shows across North America in support of Dead Poet Society and The Blue Stones, while also playing some of their first U.S. headline dates along the way.

US TOUR DATES W/ DEAD POET SOCIETY

(** denotes BRKN LOVE headline show – No DPS):

10/10   Mercury Lounge - New York, NY **

10/11   The Basement - Columbus, OH

10/14   Rec Room - Buffalo, NY **

10/16   Hi-Fi - Indianapolis, IN

10/17   Beat Kitchen - Chicago, IL

10/19   High Noon Saloon - Madison, WI

10/20   7th Street Entry - Minneapolis, MN

10/22   The Duck Room - St. Louis, MO

10/23   Bottleneck - Lawrence, KS

10/25   Lost Lake Lounge - Denver, CO

10/26   Kilby Court - Salt Lake City, UT

10/28   Lucky You Lounge - Spokane, WA

10/30   Polaris Hall - Portland, OR

11/1     Goldfield Trading Post - Sacramento, CA

11/2     The Moroccan Lounge - Los Angeles, CA

11/3     Constellation Room - Santa Ana, CA

11/4     House of Blues - San Diego, CA

CANADIAN TOUR DATES W/ THE BLUE STONES

11/9     The Ale House - Kingston, ON

11/10   The Danforth Music Hall - Toronto, ON

11/11   Maxwell's Music House - Waterloo, ON

11/13   Le Studio TD - Montreal, QC

11/17   Park Theatre - Winnipeg, MB

11/18   Coors Event Center - Saskatoon, SK

11/19   The Starlite Room - Edmonton, AB

11/20   Commonwealth Bar - Calgary, AB

11/22   Bo's Bar and Grill - Red Deer, AB

11/24   Capitol Theatre - Victoria, BC

11/25   Vogue Theatre - Vancouver, BC

For further information, go to www.brknlove.com/live  

FORMER TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA SINGER JOE CERISANO AND GRAMMY NOMINATED HIT SONGWRITER MARC BLATTE TEAM UP FOR THE DISTANT THUNDER

FORMER TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA SINGER JOE CERISANO AND GRAMMY NOMINATED HIT SONGWRITER MARC BLATTE TEAM UP FOR THE DISTANT THUNDER. THE DUO WILL PREMIER SONGS AT THE CUTTING ROOM IN NYC OCTOBER 12 AND RELEASE FIRST SINGLE, THROUGH DEKO ENTERTAINMENT, ON OCTOBER 14.

The most famous anonymous singer in America Joe Cerisano (TSO, Silver Condor) and hit songwriter Marc Blatte (the Four Tops, Celine Dion, Kenny Rogers, Bruce Springsteen) have teamed up for The Distant Thunder. This duo not only shared responsibility for “Hands Across America” but also were critical to the success of the most iconic commercials (GE, Army, Navy, Sprite, Miller) you have ever heard. Now they have come together and created an amazing slice of Americana with standout tracks like “Healing Hand” and “I’d Rather Be Dancing.”

Cerisano started his career on Columbia Records with Silver Condor alongside guitarist Earl Slick (David Bowie, John Lennon). He went on to do duets with Gloria Estefan and Placido Domingo as well as guest vocalist with Blue Öyster Cult and Korn; and fronted Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Blatte has penned the Grammy nominated Top 40 song “When She Was My Girl” by the Four Tops as well as songs by Celine Dion and Kenny Rogers. The song “When She Was My Girl” will also be making an appearance on the brand-new Bruce Springsteen covers album Only the Strong Survive due out in November.

The Distant Thunder album is out November 18 and the first single “Healing Hand” hits on October 14. Singer Joe Cerisano had this to say about what’s coming, "I'm super excited for the release of The Distant Thunder album. Hopefully our first single, "Healing Hand," says something that resonates with our listeners as something we can believe in. Maybe a little of it can seep through the cracks to our humanity and sanity." Songwriter Marc Blatte continues, “‘Healing Hand’ is a call for understanding and compassion in these turbulent times that we are living in.”

Pre-save album/single: https://ada.lnk.to/TheDistantThunder

The Distant Thunder strips it all down for a real rootsy American album filled with emotion and heart wrenching lyrics. Deko Entertainment President, Bruce Pucciarello, comments, “In The Distant Thunder, Joe and Mark share the special bond they have when they’re making music together. Forged in Americana, it tells the story of our lives, shares our secrets, and honors our strength of good will. Feel good.” In support of the record, the duo will make their first live appearance at The Cutting Room in NYC on October 12 where they will be sitting in with Blind Lemon Peel’s band to perform a few songs.

Get tickets here: https://bit.ly/3CDEGdn

Pick up the new album The Distant Thunder and autographed copies while supplies last via https://bit.ly/3SDXfDv

The Distant Thunder Tracklist:
“Healing Hand”
“I’d Rather Be Dancing With You”
“Like Father Like Son”
“Reasons”
“Distant Thunder”
“Put the Gun Down”
“Ain’t That What Praying’s For”
“Looking Through the Eyes of Love”
“Breakthrough”
“The Bridge Is Burning”

Watch for music previews, lyric videos, and more on Spotify and YouTube.

For more information, visit
www.thedistantthunder.com
www.dekoentertainment.com
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THRESHOLD - Unleash Lyric Video For Third Single "Complex"

NEW ALBUM DIVIDING LINES OUT ON NOVEMBER 18TH!

Formed in leafy Surrey in the late ‘80s, THRESHOLD truly blossomed in the following decade, swiftly establishing themselves as the UK’s leading progressive metal standard bearers.

From 1993’s Wounded Land debut onwards, the enduring creative core of guitarist Karl Groom and keyboard maestro Richard West constructed a unique new strain of heavy, progressive music, combining incisive melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and intricate but thunderous arrangements.

The band recently announced their highly anticipated 12th studio album Dividing Lines, which will be released on November 18th via Nuclear Blast Records.

And today, we get yet another taste of the record with a lyric video for its energetic third single "Complex".

Guitarist Karl Groom comments: 
"Complex was the 2nd song written for Dividing Lines and I love the energy that Johanne injected into the song, particularly on the pre-choruses. The idea for the solo came about by accident when I left a parallel pitch shift on the lead sound whilst making the demo. We can’t wait to release the album and have the chance to tour again."

Check out the visualizer below.
Listen to the song on all platforms: https://threshold.bfan.link/complex..ema
Pre-order Dividing Lines: https://bfan.link/dividing-lines

The album is available on the following formats:

• CD Digi

• 2 LP Gatefold -

  • Black

  • Gold

  • Crystal Clear Orange Black Splatter

  • Orange Black Marbled

  • Transparent Red Black Splatter

Founded by guitarist Karl Groom in southern England in 1988, THRESHOLD were a unique proposition from the start. Driven forward by youthful confidence and verve, they swiftly became the UK’s premier purveyors of adventurous and progressive metal and have remained at the top of that tree for the best part of three decades. From early albums like Wounded Land (1993) and Psychedelicatessen (1994) to more recent triumphs like 2014’s acclaimed For The Journey and Legend of the Shires (2017), the band’s reputation has been built upon the sheer strength of their songwriting, collective chemistry and fervent disregard for following passing trends. As a result, THRESHOLD are as revered and respected as they have ever been.


Line up:
Glynn Morgan | vocals
Karl Groom | guitars
Richard West | keyboards
Steve Anderson | bass
Johanne James | drums


THRESHOLD online:
www.thresh.net
www.facebook.com/threshold
www.nuclearblast.de/threshold

Pre-order Dividing Lines here: https://bfan.link/dividing-lines

SATOR Release New Music Video for "Brown Eyed Son"

SATOR have released a new music video for "Brown Eyed Son" taken from the band’s album 'Return of the Barbie-Q-Killers', released earlier this year.

The video for "Brown Eyed Son" was recorded at SATOR's gig at Partille Arena on September 16 earlier this year. The idea of the video was to show off a legendary band in its proper element - on stage - in the simplest way. An element that SATOR still, to this day, 25+ years into their career, manages in a way few other bands can match.

During the video's 2 minutes and 10 seconds, the viewer gets an intense insight into what SATOR is, remains and will always stand for - Rock ‘n’ Roll with a slice of punk and everlasting coolness.

Enjoy!

"Brown Eyed Son" is produced and designed by Patrik Skoglöw Photography

SATOR’s Chips Kiesbye comments:

"What a great tour it was! We will take a short break now, but we will be back in 2023 for more shows.

While you wait you can see some footage from the tour in the new video for "Brown Eyed Son" from our new album 'Return of The Barbie-Q-Killers'.

See you soon, Sator" 

Buy & Listen to the Album HERE

EXOCRINE Signs to Season of Mist

Season of Mist is proud to announce the signing of EXOCRINE! The French technical death metal masters have been kicking in heads since their arise in 2015!

When you think of death metal filled with flying tempos, technicalities and brutality to the max, EXOCRINE is your best friend!

EXOCRINE comments on the signing: "We can’t say how proud we are and what an honor it is to join Season Of Mist! They have supported so many iconic bands that are part of our influences in many different styles. SoM is the perfect platform for our music, and we can’t wait to work with them and start the composition of our next album! We will stay true to ourselves while innovating and SoM totally puts us in confidence for that and for the future!"

The band just released its fifth full-length, 'The Hybrid Sun,' which can be streamed HERE for a glimpse of what's to come!

Genre: Technical Deathmetal

EXOCRINE
With the release of the the Bordeaux-based group EXOCRINE's first album 'Unreal Existence' in 2015, the band found their way into the world of technical deathmetal. The release of 'The Hybrid Suns' in 2022 is their career-defining fifth record, a concept album studying the voyage between life and death, and showcases a jaw-dropping level of musicianship. Continuing to push the boundaries of extremity and precision playing, Exocrine are the bridge between the ferocity of ARCHSPIRE and CRYPTOPSY, and the potent progressive leanings of OBSCURA and GOROD.

The band comments: "'The Hybrid Suns' is the first titular offering, introducing a new concept with a complex narrative frame to set the tone for the forthcoming album. As usual we have paid particular attention on the technical aspects and the speed, however this time we've pushed harder on the epic side of things to create a more grandiose sound!"

Line-up
Sylvain Octor Perez: Lead Guitar
Jordy Besse: Bass / vocals
Nicolas La Rosa: Guitar
Theo Gendron: Drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Exocrine
https://www.instagram.com/exocrine_official/

QUEENSRŸCHE – Release Video for New Single “Hold On”

New Album

“Digital Noise Alliance”

Out Now!

Upon the release of their new studio album, 'Digital Noise Alliance', QUEENSRŸCHEhave released a video clip for the song “Hold On”

The band comments: “‘Hold On’ primarily focuses on the misfortune of social media and how this new societal landscape has become a false barometer of ones’ value, essentially, influencing and affecting peoples’ self-worth. Reminding people to not believe everything they see, and to not buy into the glorification of fame, money, and popularity. It strives to empower those that have been blinded by the distorted reality of the glorified social media lifestyles. It is a song reminiscent of older, simpler times.”

In less than a week the band will embark on another US tour with Judas Priest.

QUEENSRŸCHE

opening for Judas Priest

Oct. 13 Wallingford, CT - Toyota Oakdale

Oct. 15 Albany, NY - MVP Arena

Oct. 16 Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall Fenway

Oct. 18 Uniondale, NY at Nassau Veterans

Oct. 19 Wilkes-Barre, PA - Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

Oct. 21 Kalamazoo, MI - Wings Event Center

Oct. 22 Detroit, MI - Masonic Temple Theatre

Oct. 24 Cincinnati, OH - The Andrew J Brady Music Center

Oct. 25 Waukegan, IL - Genesee Theatre

Oct. 27 Green Bay, WI - Resch Center Theater

Oct. 29 Moline, IL - TaxSlayer Center Moline

Oct. 30 Mankato, MN - Mayo Clinic Event Center

Nov. 01 Sioux City, IA - Tyson Events Center

Nov. 02 Rapid City, SD - The Monument

Nov. 07 Ontario, CA - Toyota Center

Nov. 08 Tucson, AZ - TCC Arena

Nov. 10 Loveland, CO - Budweiser Events Center

Nov. 12 Park City (Wichita),KS -Hartman Arena

Nov. 13 St. Charles, MO - The Family Arena

Nov. 15 Corbin, KY - The Corbin Arena

Nov. 17 Southaven, MS - Landers Center

Nov. 18 Baton Rouge, LA - Raising Canes River Center

Nov. 20 Oklahoma City, OK - Paycom Center

Nov. 22 San Antonio, TX - Tech Port Center & Arena

Nov. 23 San Antonio, TX - Tech Port Center & Arena

Nov. 25 Dallas, TX - The Factory - Deep Ellum

Nov. 26 Corpus Christi, TX - Concrete Street

Nov. 28 Edinburg, TX - Burt Ogden Arena

Nov. 29 Houston, TX - 713 Music Hall

With a career that not only spans, but has charted the course of multiple genres, QUEENSRŸCHE remains a force in their own right. 'Digital Noise Alliance', QUEENSRŸCHE’s 16th studio album continues their ever-evolving legacy.

Once again teaming up with producer Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed), 'Digital Noise Alliance' not only refracts QUEENSRŸCHE’s past accomplishments but also pushes into the band’s future. It is the band effortlessly moving from strength to strength: immediate and thought-provoking.

Quintessentially QUEENSRŸCHE.

QUEENSRŸCHE line-up:

Eddie Jackson - bass

Michael Wilton - guitar

Todd La Torre - vocals

Casey Grillo - drums

Mike Stone - guitar