Metal Icons XANDRIA Release Title Track “The Wonders Still Awaiting” + Official Video

New Album, 'The Wonders Still Awaiting',

out February 3, 2023 via Napalm Records

Pre-Order NOW!

After six years of silence, XANDRIA are finally back on February 3, 2023, introducing their new lineup with the brand new studio album, 'The Wonders Still Awaiting'!

Today, the pioneers of German symphonic metal release the album’s title track, alongside a captivating official video. The new single combines the impressive vocal range of new singer Ambre Vourvahis and a real choir and orchestra with grandiose, bombastic orchestrations by Lukas Knöbl - known for his work with Hollywood greats like Roland Emmerich. On the new single, the band around mastermind and songwriter Marco Heubaum focus on their strengths and deliver a song perfect for the pre-holiday season.

XANDRIA on the new single:

“As one more taste of our upcoming album 'The Wonders Still Awaiting' (out February 3rd, 2023) we proudly present you the title song of it. We think that together with the songs you´ve heard so far, it gives you a hint of what to expect, and that it will be musically about a lot of powerful and magical atmosphere. 

But every song on this album will be its own little universe to explore, its own story and altogether it will be quite a journey of wonders and surprises..."

Watch the Video for “The Wonders Still Awaiting”

'The Wonders Still Awaiting' marks the first record presenting new vocalist Ambre Vourvahis, Robert Klawonn (guitars), Tim Schwarz (bass) and Dimitrios Gatsios(drums). Presenting 13 songs in total, XANDRIA's sound emerges harder, darker and more epic than ever before, but holds an intimate setting and range of emotions at the same time. Rich in different styles and genres, the massive album resembles that of a blockbuster movie score at each and every turn - sending its listener on an exciting journey to experience a world of sound never heard before in the universe of XANDRIA.

This is further brought to life by a 40-piece classical choir, authentic Celtic instruments performed by renowned musicians, and delicate violin and cello contributions from SUBWAY TO SALLY's Ally Storch. The new record is topped by the Bulgarian National Radio Children’s Choir, which marks the first collaboration of this kind in the band's history, while none other than Lukas Knöbl is responsible for the orchestrations - known for working with Hollywood greats like Roland Emmerich, for example. Each song’s colossal soundscapes and cinematic nature create a story that rapidly unfolds in the listener's imagination.

XANDRIA on 'The Wonders Still Awaiting':

"'The Wonders Still Awaiting' is very diverse and includes many different influences. We had a lot of things - little musical dreams - in our minds and hearts that we wanted to realize, and along with what you already heard in the first two new songs this is just one of them. There will be quite some more surprises coming..."

Pre-Order your copy NOW

The impressive vocal wealth of Ambre Vourvahis - ranging from rock grit, operatic highs and even death metal growls - opens the unit’s sound to a wider palette of colors. Songs like the opening epic “Two Worlds”, “The Wonders Still Awaiting” and “Ghosts”manifest the thematic mood of the album while constructing incredible soundscapes of pure symphonic metal. “Two Worlds” also sets the record's lyrical concept, dealing with questions of what kind of world we are living in; one in which people deal sensibly with each other and treat it respectfully, or a dystopia dominated by autocrats and controlling technology?

“Paradise” showcases some of the album’s strongest hooks, captivating with great metallic pop melodies. The veil of various influences is lifted once more in “Illusion Is Their Name”, dashing all deception with heavy power metal vibes. Tracks like “Your Stories I'll Remember” and “Scars” show the intimate side of XANDRIA on one hand, while combining rhythmic heaviness on the other. The latter is reminiscent of a James Bond theme, dressed in a heavy musical soundscape.

The epic nine minute album closer “Astéria”, featuring Greek lyrics written by Ambre Vourvahis, lands as the album’s exclamation point, proving with a grand finish that the five-piece has fearlessly started a revolution in the symphonic metal genre - commencing an impressive new era of XANDRIA with 'The Wonders Still Awaiting'.

'The Wonders Still Awaiting' will be available in the following formats:

=> 1CD Jewelcase

=> 2CD Mediabook

=> 2LP Gatefold BLUE/BLACK MARBLED

=> Deluxe Box (incl. 2CD Mediabook, Heat-Change XANDRIA Mug, Flower Ball Box (2 pcs.) incl. 1€ donation to "Eden Reforestation Projects", Album Cover Patch (⌀10cm), excl. Golden "Meet & Greet" Ticket (strictly ltd. to 10 pcs.), excl. Autograph Card, packed to a high-quality wooden box)

=> Digital Album

XANDRIA are:

Ambre Vourvahis – Vocals

Marco Heubaum – Guitar

Robert Klawonn – Guitar

Tim Schwarz – Bass

Dimitrios Gatsios – Drums

TRAUMA ANNOUNCE US TOUR WITH QUEENSRŸCHE & MARTY FRIEDMAN

Bay Area thrash metal band Trauma have announced a US tour with prog metal vets Queensrÿche early next year – running from March 3rd through April 16th.

Also on the bill will be guitar shredder Marty Friedman, with Spotify presale and local presale beginning on Wednesday, December 7th at 10am local time (and running until Thursday, December 8th at 10pm local time).

Public sale will begin on Friday, December 9 at 10am local time.

“Everyone in Trauma is thankful for the opportunity to be touring all across the US with Queensrÿche on their ‘Digital Alliance’ tour,” says the band in a statement. “Trauma is very excited to be a part of this tour.”

Trauma’s latest album ‘Awakening,’ was issued this past September via Massacre Records, and can be ordered or listened to via this link: https://lnk.to/Trauma-awakening

And the metal community has offered praise for ‘Awakening,’ including Markus' Heavy Music Blog saying, “‘Awakening’ convinces with power and enthusiasm,” Metal Temple adding, “The thrash they play is pure, the voice clean and the production sound,” and the This Day In Metal site stating, “It’s clear to see from their grand return after a 30 year silence that they are still very much so a driving force within the thrash metal scene and “Awakening” is the gateway to the thrashy glory they have always deserved.”

“Trauma is very pleased with the current reaction from fans, journalists and many others in the music business with the current release of our 4th studio album, ‘Awakening’,” says the band. “The release has received many stellar reviews, and write ups from around the world. We are hopeful to gain some new fans along the journey and look forward to possibly touring in Europe, and many other places soon.”

Originally formed in 1981 in San Francisco, Trauma was one of the first heavy metal bands – along with Exodus, Metallica, and Testament – to trailblaze the style now known as “thrash.” And the thrash metal band’s original bassist was none other than the late/legendary Cliff Burton (who would later join Metallica). 1984 saw the release of the group’s debut album, ‘Scratch and Scream,’ before the band parted in 1985. But in 2013, Trauma reunited, and have been back in business ever since.

The group’s current line-up consists of singer Brian Allen (who replaced original vocalist Donny Hillier, who sadly passed away in 2020), Steve Robello (guitar), Joe Fraulob (guitar), Michael Spencer (bass), and Kris Gustofson (drums). – and soon, will be rocking the metal masses on their US tour with Queensrÿche and Marty Friedman.

CONFIMRED TOUR DATES OPENING FOR QUEENSRYCHE AND MARTY FRIEDMAN

3/3/2023OrlandoFLThe Plaza Live3/4/2023Fort LauderdaleFLCulture Room3/5/2023JacksonvilleFLFlorida Theatre

3/7/2023DestinFLClub LA3/9/2023San AntonioTXThe Vibes Event Center Showroom3/10/2023HoustonTXScout Bar

3/11/2023DallasTXHouse Of Blues - Dallas3/12/2023MidlandTXLa Hacienda Event Center

3/14/2023TempeAZMarquee Theatre3/16/2023SacramentoCAAce of Spades3/19/2023AnaheimCAHouse Of Blues - Anaheim

3/21/2023PortlandORCrystal Ballroom

3/22/2023SeattleWAThe Neptune Theatre

3/24/2023EnglewoodCOGothic Theatre

3/25/2023Kansas CityMOThe Truman

3/26/2023St. LouisMODelmar Hall

3/28/2023MilwaukeeWIThe Rave

3/29/2023Fort WayneINThe Clyde Theatre

3/31/2023ChicagoILConcord Music Hall

4/1/2023Grand RapidsMIThe Intersection

4/2/2023DetroitMISt. Andrew's Hall

4/4/2023ColumbusOHNewport Music Hall

4/5/2023McKees RocksPARoxian Theater

4/7/2023WorcesterMAThe Palladium

4/8/2023HuntingtonNYThe Paramount - Huntington, NY

4/10/2023New YorkNYIrving Plaza

4/11/2023BaltimoreMDBaltimore Sound Stage

4/12/2023CharlotteNCThe Underground - Charlotte

4/14/2023NashvilleTNBrooklyn Bowl - Nashville

4/15/2023AtlantaGAHeaven at The Masquerade

4/16/2023St. PetersburgFLJannus Live

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
www.traumametal.com/links
www.instagram.com/Traumathrash/

facebook.com/TraumaThrash/

twitter.com/Trauma_theband

BLACK MARKET KARMA team with RUARI MEEHAN on ‘Aping Flair', previewing 'Friends In Noise' LP

UK artist Black Market Karma and Ruari Meehan (Belakiss, Tess Parks & Anton Newcombe) present 'Aping Flair', the second single from the band's eleventh full-length album 'Friends In Noise'. An international collaboration rooted in friendship and spontaneity, the record will be released in mid-January via London boutique label Flower Power Records.

Hailing from London and now residing on the South coast of England, Black Market Karma revolves around songwriter Stanley Belton. Last month, he released the first single 'The Sky Was All Diseased', with iconic vocalist Tess Parks.

Ruari Meehan plays with Tess Parks' band and contributed to her album with Anton Newcombe. He is also known as vocalist and guitarist of Belakiss, formed with Tatia Starkey (granddaughter of Ringo Starr). Apart from touring with Kasabian, they saw huge success in Japan, reaching number 1 in the international airplay chart with their hit ‘Only You’ and charting high in the official Japanese charts for several releases. Ruari is also a professional photographer and the son of Tony Meehan, drummer for iconic 60's band The Shadows and a producer).

"The very first incarnation of this song came to life during a somewhat inebriated jam between Ruari Meehan and myself at my old studio. I threw a mic up quickly in the middle of the room just to capture the general essence of it for future reference. We were amped about the tune but life happened and for whatever reason it got shelved. I stumbled across it again years later and a vocal melody and lyrics came to me, real easy. It felt right so I got in touch with Ruari, he came to my studio and we got it down," says Stanley Belton.

"As for the lyrics, you know those kind of people who enter a room, switch on their clout radar, scan for fame and then proceed to charm that person as hard as they can to further their career, while simultaneously dismissing anyone who they think doesn't need to be bothered with? They're about those kind of people".

Black Market Karma offers a colourful carousel of jingle jangle and distorted wobble. With broader flavours of psychedelia, fuzzed out tones and thumping grooves, their thick and colourful sound is shaped by the use of a lot of vintage equipment. Rooted in 60's guitar and pop music, other influences include folk, blues, lo-fi electronica, alt pop and soul.

Technically nine years in the making, 'Friends In Noise' is a series of collaborations between Black Market Karma and friends. Apart from Tess Parks, this album also involves The Underground Youth, Les Big Byrd / Joakim Ahlund, The Confederate Dead and Ruari Meehan. More recently, Stan has also been collaborating with Pete Kember (a.k.a. Sonic Boom) of Spacemen 3 fame on a forthcoming release.

Earlier this year, the band released the ‘Aped Flair & Hijacked Ideas' LP, a loaded 11-track offering with a fluid texture of beach-soaked instrumentation. Themes ranging from the sycophantic circles that leach from the arts, desperately attempts to stay spiritually close to a distant love, Japanese folklore, and the deep connection between man and beast.

As of December 6, 'Aping Flair' will be available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The full 'Friends In Noise' album (out January 13) can be ordered on 180-gram coloured vinyl from the label, as can their latest 'Aped Flair & Hijacked Ideas' LP.

CREDITS
Lyrics written by Stanley Belton
Music written by Ruari Meehan and Stanley Belton
Stanley Belton - drums, guitar, vocals, keys, percussion
Ruari Meehan - guitar, bass guitar, backing vocals
Recorded, produced, mixed & mastered by Stanley Belton in London
Released via Flower Power Records
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon at Shameless Promotion PR

-SELECT FEEDBACK-
"Emotive, tender and nostalgic...an intriguing and evocative release that effortlessly demonstrates Stan Belton's spectacular composing skills" ~ Clash Magazine

"Addictive... bravely and perfectly executed" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Impressive and singular, yet filled with easy and accessible appeal... making music without following fad or fashion" ~ The Record Stache

"Their psychedelic vision goes well beyond the influential underpinnings of 60s rock, presenting a kaleidoscopic array of sonic threads woven together into the fabulous tapestry" ~ Amplify Music Magazine


Keep up with Black Market Karma
Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Flower Power Records
Website | Store | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Discogs

Kenny's HERE AND NOW Is BILLBOARD'S #1 Country Tour

Photo Credit: Catherine Powell/Getty Images

Kenny Chesney couldn’t believe it had been four years since he and his band stood on America’s NFL stadium stages – and rocked No Shoes Nation for everything they were worth. After three postponements, a name and line-up change and in many cases over 1,000 days, the man the Wall Street Journal called “the King of the Road” and his Here And Now 2022 Tour is Billboard’s No. 1 Country Tour. Like 2018’s last true full-on tour – the 19-stadium, 42-date Trip Around The Sun – Here And Now played to 1.3 million fans, making him to the top country touring act in the nation.

“You don’t think about this stuff,” Chesney says, “just the way it feels to be back out there with the fans! As good as No Shoes Nation is, and they’re the best, this year they took that heart and passion and brought it up six levels. Suddenly, me and my team were looking for ways to open up seats, move the stage back, create cleaner sight lines, so we could get every single person who wanted to be there into the venues.

“It’s a crazy thing to play a show when you’re backed up to the edge of the back end of the end zone,” marvels the eight-time Entertainer of the Year. “But you have this blast of energy coming from the people, hitting that, mixing with the band and that massive sound system and creating a whole other thing that we’re trying to throw back out to them. It was, in a word, insane!”

Chesney’s longtime manager Clint Higham told Billboard for “The Year In Touring Issue” that posted Dec. 6, “The people of No Shoes Nation are such intense fans, the being together after four years created its own energy and momentum. We found ourselves adding seats in so many markets trying to meet the demand because whether it was the people who’d held their tickets for over 1,000 days in many cases or the people buying those new tickets who felt the buzz and wanted to be there, it was a whole new level of demand based on what Kenny gives people.”

With his just announced I Go Back 2023 Tour – designed to bring the euphoria of Chesney’s live shows to those markets he started out in – almost sold out, the power of the musician from East Tennessee’s relationship with No Shoes Nation may be stronger than ever. By keeping the focus on those who find their life in his songs, the songwriter/superstar maintains one of the most passionate relationships in Country music.

“When we hit pause on our 2020 tour, I never thought we would go much past the fall, let alone into 2021,” muses the only country act in Billboard’s Top 10 Touring Acts of the Last 25 Years for the past 14 years. “The idea it would be 2022? That it would be four years was unthinkable. Yet, here we are, and it feels better than it ever has. So, for everyone who came out and helped make this Country’s No. 1 tour, this is all about you and how much we love you and what you bring us every time we set up and play where you are.”

For Chesney, who’s become the sound of coming of age in the heartland for the 21st Century, moments like this have come to define a career that created a new dynamic for modern Country music. With the full-tilt energy of his live shows and songs that reflected a new aesthetic for country fans across the nation, Chesney has set a standard that he continues to maintain.

FANS OF THE DARK Announce New EP 'Cover Me' - Digital EP Out December 9, 2022

FANS OF THE DARK

Announce New EP "Cover Me"

Digital EP Out December 9, 2022



New Single & Video for "In For The Count" Out Today!

On the heels of their second album 'Suburbia', FANS OF THE DARK have announced the release of a new covers EP, 'Cover Me' on December 9, 2022.

The band covers tracks by Balance, Blue Öyster Cult, REO Speedwagon, and Rush, all of whom have been an influence on the band's style.

A single and video for the Balance cover, "In For The Count" is out today.

Watch the Video

Pre-order / Save the "Cover Me" EP, a digital only release, HERE

As with 'Suburbia', drummer/songwriter Freddie Allen and vocalist Alex Falk are once again joined by guitarist Oscar Bromvall and new bassist Rickard Gramfors for the 'Cover Me' EP.

The quartet's musical prowess displayed on that album is perfectly suited to tackle the four artists and tracks on this EP. The songs were also picked specifically for having connections to the overall theme of the band's second album: the world where the band grew up and where they first got in touch with hard rock music, horror films on VHS, 80's teen culture, and all else that shaped them - the suburbs. And also because, quite simply, the band loves the songs.

Like 'Suburbia', 'Cover Me' was produced and mixed by multi-talented musician and producer Lars Fredrik Swahn (Dungen, The Amazing) and co-produced by Allen.

FANS OF THE DARK is an exciting new band formed in the summer of 2020 by Freddie Allen, drummer and main songwriter, and lead vocalist Alex Falk. The pair went to high school together in Stockholm and after a few years reconnected recently with a vision to create a band which would mix the melodies and approach of classic and melodic rock with elements of the great metal music of the '80s.

Their musical output over the course of their first two albums is one of the most exciting things you'll hear emerging from the fruitful melodic rock in Sweden, showcasing a tight, inventive musical approach with outstanding vocals.

FANS OF THE DARK are:

Alex Falk - vocals

Oscar Bromvall - guitars

Rickard Gramfors - bass

Freddie Allen - drums

PHIL FIRETOG TRIO & CO. RINGS IN THE HOLIDAY WITH "LONG ISLAND CHRISTMAS EVE"

Alternative acoustic rock musicians, Phil Firetog Trio & Co., has released their merry and bright new single, “Long Island Christmas Eve.” Blending comforting acoustics, a cheerful beat, and personal, storytelling lyricism, the track has listeners reminiscing on their own family’s holiday traditions. "Long Island Christmas Eve" is available now on all streaming platforms.

Establishing a traditional festive sound from the get-go, “Long Island Christmas Eve” sets the mood with beautiful acoustics and bright, cheerful orchestration. Soft, harmonic background vocals complement lead vocalist Phil Firetog in his nostalgic ode to reuniting with long-distance friends and family for the holiday. Confirming this vision, Firetog sings, “And no matter the distance, we couldn’t miss this; let's keep our tradition of a very merry Long Island Christmas Eve.” Continuing to articulate his relationship with Christmas Eve through his lyricism, Firetog captures the heartstrings of listeners by inviting them to relate and reminisce on their own individual relationships with the holiday. “‘Long Island Christmas Eve’ is a festive and nostalgic reminder of the friendships we all have, keeping in touch with those who may have moved far away,” exclaimed Firetog. “This song is based on my own personal tradition of a Christmas Eve dinner, meeting up with friends who may live out of town, but return home for the holidays.”

“Long Island Christmas Eve” instills jubilance and nostalgia in listeners as they paint their own picture of what the holiday looks like for them.

First Look: Eric Church’s Chief’s, Set to Open in Downtown Nashville in ‘23

Featuring a Ticketed Music Venue and Whole Hog BBQ from James Beard Award Winning Pitmaster Rodney Scott, Plus Additional Live Entertainment Throughout the Building

Rendering Courtesy of Chief's / AJ Capital

Eric Church alongside real estate and hospitality entrepreneur Ben Weprin announced the entertainer’s flagship bar, restaurant and live music venue, Chief’s, earlier this year. As construction is well underway, the co-owners tease the first detailed renderings of the six-story project set to open at 200 Broadway in 2023.

Designed to celebrate Church’s ever-expanding musical legacy while creating a downtown Nashville gathering place for all, Chief’s will feature a ticketed music venue plus additional live entertainment throughout the building and unique décor elements such as more than 3,000 concert posters from throughout the CMA Entertainer of the Year’s career papering the ground floor. Chief’s will also house a studio for live broadcasting, inclusive of Church’s Outsiders Radio SiriusXM channel, with the capability of hosting broadcasts by various media partners.

The venue also taps into Church’s Carolina roots in partnership with James Beard Award Winning Pitmaster Rodney Scott. His restaurant, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, will overlook downtown with its ‘Hell of a Q’ rooftop offering.

“I’ve had a blast working with Ben on the design of Chief’s,” says Church of the establishment’s stage of development. “Like everything we do with our music, the same care and consideration has gone into every detail of this place. It will be unrivaled downtown. I can’t wait to play here..”

Situated at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Broadway in historic downtown Nashville, Chief’s is designed with Church’s direct input to pay homage to chapters in his life. The property boasts character-driven design that revitalizes the former Cotton Eyed Joe building. Between the inspirational interiors and thoughtful focus on unique live performances, Chief’s will offer fans an unparalleled entertainment experience in in Music City.

“Chief’s is an example of impactful design storytelling at its finest,” says Weprin, CEO and Founder of AJ Capital Partners. “We are excited to bring an experience unparalleled in the world of music, food, and entertainment to the heart of Broadway with one of the most storied properties downtown has seen. Through Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, two seated music venues and a meaningful design, Chief’s is a physical manifestation to Eric Church and his musical legacy.”

# # #

About AJ Capital Partners
Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners (“AJ Capital” or “AJ”) is a vertically integrated real estate investment manager with a portfolio of timeless businesses and brand platforms. AJ’s portfolio has over $5.0 billion in current real estate investments, including hotels, multi-family apartments, creative office, single-family rental, retail, and entertainment venues, with another $2.5 billion in equity under management. AJ anchors developments in the core principles of hospitality, placemaking and residentially inspired design, applying the firm’s deeply rooted hospitality expertise to every project, including 100+ portfolio assets, across 50+ markets worldwide, and owns and operates multiple brands such as Graduate Hotels, a collection of handcrafted hotels in university communities internationally. For more information on AJ Capital Partners, please visit www.ajcpt.com.

About Pitmaster Rodney Scott
Pitmaster Rodney Scott has been cooking whole-hog barbecue over wood coals since he was 11 years old. For the next 25 years he worked with his family in their BBQ stop in Hemingway, S.C. until 2017 when he opened Rodney Scott’s BBQ in the North Central neighborhood of Charleston, S.C. In that same year, the restaurant was named one of the 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit Magazine and in 2018, Scott was awarded the James Beard Foundation’s Award for Outstanding Chef Southeast. In 2019, Rodney Scott’s BBQ opened a second location in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham, Ala. and in the summer of 2021, a third location in Atlanta, Ga., bringing whole-hog, South Carolina-style barbecue along with his famous “Rodney’s Sauce” to another part of the South.

Rodney has been the subject of a full episode of the award-winning Netflix series “Chef’s Table” and worked as a judge on Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl” for two seasons. His cookbook, Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ, published by Clarkson Potter, was released in the spring of 2021 to great fanfare and named one of the best cookbooks of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time Out, Taste of Home, Garden & Gun, Southern Living, VICE and Library Journal.

For more information, visit www.RodneyScottsBBQ.com and follow on Instagram @PitmasterRodneyScott.

German Gothic Rock Band MONO INC. Release New Single "At the End of the Rainbow"

MONO INC. Release New Single "At the End of the Rainbow"

New Album 'Ravenblack' Out January 27 - PRE-ORDER

Germany's biggest Gothic Rock band, MONO INC., have released the fifth single from their upcoming twelfth studio album! Fans can check out the new track, titled "At the End of the Rainbow", along with a lyric video (see below). The band's new full-length effort, 'Ravenblack' (pre-save), will see a January 27, 2023 release via NoCut Entertainment.

'Ravenblack' succeeds MONO INC.'s most recent album, 2020's 'The Book of Fire', which reached #1 on the German Music Charts!

MONO INC. Bio (Ravenblack):

MONO INC. emerged from the ashes of several band projects, from the frustration of being forced in unwanted directions by major record companies, and from ardent desire to make uncompromising music.

In 2000 Martin Engler (drummer, songwriter and producer), Carl Fornia (guitar) and Miky Mono (vocals) relaunched their previous band project as Mono Inc. From 1995 to 1997 the three had already played together in the band Wild Thing and then from 1998 to 2003, initially as a trio under the name Mono69, they went in search of their own special sound. In 2003 Manuel Antoni joined as bass player, completing the quartet, which is why the Monos call 2003 their founding year. Independently, they produced their debut album “Head Under Water” and submitted it to all major labels. They were rejected consistently. Since the band was unwilling to compromise its style for a coveted record deal, they decided in 2004 to set up their own independent label NoCut. The mechanisms of the music business were well known to Martin and Carl: Martin had professional experience as songwriter and producer under contract with EMI for various interpreters since 1990 – Carl on the other hand because he gave up his mechanical engineering studies in 1993 to join a music management company in Hamburg.

In the summer of 2021, MONO INC. played a total of eleven "corona-compliant" open-air shows of their own with changing support bands. Under the motto "We Are The Raven", the band was happy to celebrate with their fans again and let the raven fly after a long forced break. In December, the platinum version of their # 1 charting album 'The Book of Fire' was released, which contains a live CD as well as all songs as instrumental versions.

At the beginning of 2022, Val Perun replaced Manuel Antoni on bass. Together with their new band member, MONO INC. made up for the long-awaited "The Book of Fire" tour in Spring 2022. Much to the fans' delight, the single "The Raven's Back" was released on June 17, 2022, which could hardly describe the feeling of regained freedom better. At the same time, the new, eagerly awaited studio album 'Ravenblack' was announced, which will be released on January 27, 2023.

MONO INC. are looking forward to going on tour with their new album in spring 2023 and then starting an eventful festival summer

MONO INC. are:

Martin Engler – vocals

Katha Mia – drums

Carl Fornia – guitars

Val Perun – bass

Tigirlily Gold Takes to the Road on Their "Introducing Tigirlily Gold: The Tour Presented by Lee"

Powerhouse sister duo Tigirlily Gold continue their trek across the country on their Introducing Tigirlily Gold: The Tour Presented by Lee®, with stops in Portland, Maine on Nov. 30 where they met with WPOR-FM Portland's radio team and Boston, Massachusetts on Dec. 1 where they performed ahead of the annual Christmas tree lighting. With previous stops in St. Louis, Missouri; Denver, Colorado and San Antonio, Texas, among others, the sisters will continue traveling from coast to coast into early 2023.

Along the way, Tigirlily Gold are giving back to Musicians on Call, inviting healthcare workers to each show and calling for donations on stage each night, culminating in a livestream at the end of the tour that will go out to all Musicians on Call hospitals. For exclusive access to the tour date in a city near you, join Tigirlily Gold’s community by texting 615-813-4784.

Remaining Introducing Tigirlily Gold: The Tour Presented by Lee® Tour Stops:
Mon, Dec 5 Louisville, KY
Tue, Dec 6 Detroit, MI
Wed, Dec 7 Cleveland, OH
Thu, Dec 8 Pittsburgh, PA
Fri, Dec 9 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Sat, Dec 10 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Tue, Jan 10 Seattle, WA
Wed, Jan 11 Portland, OR
Thu, Jan 12 Los Angeles/Bakersfield, CA
Fri, Jan 13 Phoenix, AZ
Sat, Jan 14 Las Vegas, NV
Wed, Jan 18 San Antonio, TX
Thu, Jan 19 Houston, TX
Fri, Jan 20 Tulsa, OK

Ashley McBryde and John Osborne Bring 'Lindeville' to "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" Tomorrow, Dec. 6

Pair Performs “Gospel Night At The Strip Club” from
GRAMMY-Nominated Album Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville

McBryde’s Induction as a Grand Ole Opry Member This Saturday, Dec. 10

Sharing a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album as artist and producer, Ashley McBryde and John Osborne will bring Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville to “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” tomorrow, Dec. 6 with a performance of “Gospel Night At The Strip Club.”

Lauded by Tennessean as “one of this year’s best country-folk songs, period,” “Gospel Night At The Strip Club” has struck a chord with fans and critics alike, with Stereogum calling it “a total showstopper,” while Billboard praises the track “serves as one of the project’s most gripping, soul-searching pulses.”

“One of Lindeville’s highlights,” shares Los Angeles Times, “a sparse acoustic number that alternates detailed verses about a club’s various habitués with a moving chorus.” That chorus “is crucial,” asserts PASTE, “because it makes explicit the project’s unifying theme: Everyone is flawed, and everyone is worthy of love and respect despite those flaws. Perhaps we should spend less time hiding our sins and weaknesses, and more time forgiving the same in others.”

Marking her third consecutive GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, following Warner Music Nashville’s Girl Going Nowhere in 2018 and Never Will in 2020, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville was produced by Osborne and features performances from Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark, Aaron Raitiere, Pillbox Patti, Caylee Hammack and Benjy Davis. Landing on Rolling Stone’s “The 100 Best Albums of 2022,” the project brings them all together “to spin stories of small-town life both heartbreaking and hilarious.”

Both McBryde and Osborne are also up for Best Country Duo/Group Performance, with McBryde’s No. 1 duet with Carly Peace “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” and Brothers Osborne’s “Midnight Rider’s Prayer.”

This Saturday, Dec. 10, McBryde will fulfill a lifelong dream as she’s inducted as a Grand Ole Opry Member, and in 2023, the Arkansas native invites you to the revered Ryman Auditorium to experience Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville Live, featuring the cast of collaborators and special guests performing songs from her critically acclaimed album, February 15 and 16. Tickets are available at AshleyMcBryde.com.

Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville Tracklist
All songs written by Ashley McBryde, Aaron Raitiere, Connie Harrington, Brandy Clark, Benjy Davis and Nicolette Hayford unless noted otherwise.

1. Brenda Put Your Bra On feat. Caylee Hammack & Pillbox Patti

2. Jesus Jenny feat. Aaron Raitiere (Aaron Raitiere and Jon Decious)

3. Dandelion Diner

4. The Girl In The Picture feat. Pillbox Patti

5. If These Dogs Could Talk feat. Brandy Clark

6. Play Ball feat. Brothers Osborne

7. Ronnie’s Pawn Shop

8. The Missed Connection Section of the Lindeville Gazette feat. Brandy Clark & Aaron Raitiere

9. Gospel Night At The Strip Club feat. Benjy Davis

10. Forkem Family Funeral Home

11. When Will I Be Loved feat. Brandy Clark, Caylee Hammack & Pillbox Patti (Phil Everly)

12. Bonfire At Tina’s feat. Caylee Hammack, Brandy Clark & Pillbox Patti

13. Lindeville

Album lyrics and credits available HERE.

About Ashley McBryde
CMA and ACM award winner 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. The album earned 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. Her critically acclaimed duet with Carly Pearce, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” went all the way to No. 1 and earned McBryde and Pearce the ACM award for Musical Event of the Year. McBryde earned five total 2022 CMA nominations including her third consecutive nod for Female Vocalist of the Year along with Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year for her duet with Pearce. The Arkansas-native invites listeners to Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, a collaborative new project featuring Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark, Pillbox Patti, Caylee Hammack, Aaron Raitiere and more, earning McBryde her third consecutive nod for Best Country Album, while her duet with Pearce received a nod for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. Upon its release on September 30, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville garnered applause from The New York Times, NPR, Variety, Vulture, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Billboard and Stereogum, among many more. Tickets for the two-night special event Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville Live at Ryman Auditorium on February 15-16 are available now. For more information, visit AshleyMcBryde.com or follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @AshleyMcBryde and TikTok @AshleyMcBrydeMusic.

Ole Red Nashville Hosts Official Premiere Party for USA Network's "Barmageddon" Feat. Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton returned to Ole Red Nashville for the official premiere party of USA Network’s new celebrity game show, “Barmageddon” starring executive producers Blake Shelton and Carson Daly as well as host, Nikki Bella. Highlights of the evening included bar game show downs, a live social takeover and a special musical performance by Shelton who included hit song and the venue’s namesake “Ol’ Red” in the set list.

In this eight-episode TV series, “Barmageddon” has celebrity friends go against each other in a string of fun bar games hosted at Ole Red Nashville. Daly will be stationed behind the bar and Shelton on stage, while Bella will keep the competition fierce and set the stakes as two celebrities go head-to-head in over-the-top bar games such as Air Cannon Cornhole, Keg Curling, Drunken Axe Hole, Sharts (“Shelton Darts”), and many more. Celebrity guests include Gwen Stefani, Sasha Banks, Trace Adkins and Sheryl Crow. The series premieres on Monday, Dec. 5 at 11 p.m. ET/PT on USA Network.

In celebration of “Barmageddon,” Ole Red Gatlinburg, Nashville, Orlando and Tishomingo locations are hosting “Barmageddon” inspired themed bar games for patrons to enjoy, including Bar Mat Shot, Cornhole, and Buzz Words. The bar games will be available in venues from Monday, Dec. 5 – Monday, Jan. 23.

WHERE: Ole Red Nashville

WHEN: November 30, 2022

Pictured from L to R: Carson Daly, Blake Shelton and Nikki Bella at Ole Red Nashville's official premiere party for USA Network's "Barmageddon" | Photo Credit: Jason Davis/USA Network

ABOUT OLE RED:
Ole Red is a lifestyle and entertainment brand inspired by Blake Shelton’s clever, irreverent third-chart hit, “Ol’ Red.” Its bar, restaurant and live music venues showcase hand-selected country music talent alongside concert-quality production and a Shelton-inspired menu for a unique experience that is “served all day and night.” You can currently find Ole Red entertainment venues and products in four cities in the United States: Nashville, Tennessee, home to the brand’s flagship multi-story bar and restaurant on the famed Lower Broadway and a new location at Nashville International Airport; Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Blake’s hometown; Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains; and Orlando, Florida’s Icon Park. A sixth location is scheduled to open in Las Vegas, Nevada, in late 2023. Ole Red is owned and operated by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. as part of its Opry Entertainment division. For additional information about Ole Red, visit us online at OleRed.com.

Arista Records/Monument Records Release New EP for Season Finale of "Monarch;" Episode to Air Tues. 12/6 at 9PM ET/PT

ARISTA RECORDS/MONUMENT RECORDS
RELEASE NEW EP FOR
FOX’S COUNTRY MUSIC DRAMA, “MONARCH”

Season Finale to Air Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on FOX

Arista Records/Monument Records and FOX Entertainment released the latest EP for “MONARCH” – a drama about America’s leading family of country music which has reached 18.7 million viewers across platforms in the U.S. and Canada. Listen to the EP HERE.

• The season one finale to air Tuesday, Dec. 6 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

• The upcoming EP for the hit show includes:

  • A cover of three-time GRAMMY Award winning artist Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” performed by the “MONARCH” cast and featuring Anna Friel (“Pushing Daisies”) and Beth Ditto.

  • A cover of six-time GRAMMY Award winning artist Kacey Musgraves’ “Family Is Family” performed by the “MONARCH” cast and featuring three-time Academy of Country Music (ACM) Award winner Trace Adkins (“Old Henry”).

  • The songs were produced by three-time GRAMMY Award nominee and series executive music producer Adam Anders and co-produced by Peer Åström.

...And Oceans Announces Two-Hour Gimme Radio Special

Symphonic black metal formation ...AND OCEANS will be guest hosting a very special two-hour radio program via Gimme Metal this Wednesday, December 7 @ 11:00 A.M. EST! In addition to curating a unique playlist of music, members of the band will also be present in the live chat! Sign up and listen for FREE at THIS LOCATION.

...AND OCEANS is supporting their upcoming full-length, 'As in Gardens, so in Tombs,' which will be released on January 27, 2023 via Season of Mist. The music video for the first single, "Cloud Heads," can be found HERE.

The album can be pre-ordered HERE and pre-saved HERE.

It’s rare for a band to commandingly return with their best effort to date, but Finland’s ...And Oceans are here to prove that 2020’s Cosmic World Mother was the sound of creative floodgates bursting through into a new body of water, an ocean if you will. Well, that was their pinnacle up until their new album, As In Gardens, So In Tombs, is let out into the world. Everything that ...And Oceans’ first full-length in 18 years did well – blistering symphonic black metal, heady themes that dealt with the connection between philosophy and psychics, and ...And Oceans’ trademark adventurous songwriting - As In Gardens, So In Tombs manages to eclipse and recontextualize. It’s the sound of a band seizing every ounce of momentum and upping the ante in every way. While ...And Oceans has never written the same album twice, in many ways, their latest sounds like an opportunity for the Finnish group to pick up and improve upon what they started. Symphonic black metal is never this fun, free, and fantastic.

Lead single “Cloud Heads” is a great introduction into the magic and serves as a statement of intent. Swirling melodies, blastbeats that sound like the rumbles after The Big Bang, and ethereal symphonic touches result in a song that’s equally fierce and pleasant to take in. A kinder, gentler (but not gentle) version of ...And Oceans.

“’Cloud Heads’ is certainly one of my favorites!” vocalist Mathias Lillmåns shares. “It was sort of an icebreaker song. It was one of the first songs we wrote straight after Cosmic World Mother was finished, and the first lyrics I wrote for the album. It was the song that paved way (or broke the ice) for the rest of the album.”

Part of the reason the band even needed to “break the ice” with this record is the pace at which their last was written, as guitarist Timo Kontio acknowledges:

“Well for me starting to do Cosmic World Mother was more nerve wrecking and even in doubt whether we should make new music or not. In the end it was quite an easy project to do, to our relief. So when we started to make this album, it was more relaxed and more or less go with the flow mentality. We had the first ‘difficult comeback album’ done, and everything came quite easily! It was really refreshing to make this kind of music after so long.”

“I was only supposed to produce guitars for Cosmic World Mother,” Lillmåns adds, “but a month before the recordings were supposed to start, my phone suddenly rang. I could sense that this phone call was going to be important when I saw it was Timo calling. I was asked to join the band and also to write lyrics for the whole thing. Immediately when I saw the first version of the [album] cover, I got this vision of what the concept of the album would be, and I wrote most of the album in sort of a frenzy with the next few weeks.”

“It’s strange with the new album,” he continues, “because I have always been forced to use tight deadlines for myself when writing music or lyrics. It seems I need the pressure to create something I’m happy with. Also, for some reason I get most done when traveling, I used to take trains to nowhere just write sometimes back in the day! This time there were no pressure, no traveling, and I was not on the edge of a burn out, and it went smoother than ever before! The lyrics just kept on coming, not as fast and not in such a trancelike frenzy as the last album, but good stuff on a steady basis.”

So while Cosmic World Mother was the sort of ravishing fever dream of an album that poured out of ...And Oceans in fits and starts, As In Gardens, So In Tombs was the result of the band taking the time to sweat the small stuff. The result can be found everywhere – melodies are brighter, the orchestral elements feel more essential, and Lillmåns’ vocals have swallowed a mushroom (in a garden or tomb?) as done a Mario-like levelling up. Even in the way the album sounds, As In Gardens, So In Tombs sounds warmer, the kind of record meant to be played while walking alone in nature. That sense of measured purpose was very intentional as Lillmåns notes:

“[The record] definitely feels grander and more melodic. I think stepping up the production also was something that helped in this sense! Having Juho Räihä at SoundSpiral Audio taking a bigger role in the recording and having it sent over to Tore Stjerna at NBS Production definitely made it sound more massive and took a load off our shoulders to focus on the music itself!”

Who could’ve guessed that leaving the musicians to focus on the music would have good results?

As noted earlier, musically and thematically, everything about Cosmic World Mother was rapidly birthed from its creators. The themes of that record weighed heavily on the band and carried over into this record. Cosmic World Mother was about how energy is eternal and how only changes form. This record doubles down on that notion by focusing on how humanity's energies toward enlightenment are often the same path, even if we have different languages, religions, customs, etc. I have this vision of us all playing different levels of a video game but ending up at the same ending. Energy is the most efficient recycler in the universe. So where and how did Lillmåns find inspiration to write the lyrics for this album? Did he end up walking gardens and pacing graveyards?

“I went back to gardens, moved away from the city into the nature. I always felt like I needed to be in a dark place to create lyrics that came from the heart, ‘when the body suffers, the mind flowers,’ kind of state. This time I was at ease, and it was surprisingly efficient. I usually don’t want to spoil too much and having people to think for themselves, but yes, I had the time to sit down and read during the pandemic and came to some conclusions (as in nature, so in books). I think it’s a very calming thought, that whatever happens, whenever it happens, makes no difference. We have always and always will be a part of the circle of eternal energy; we have always existed and will always exist in some form. A notion that became ever so clear when reading up on different religions, worldviews, customs, and philosophies.”

Recording Studio:
Drums & Bass at D-studio
Guitars & Vocals at SoundSpiral Audio
Keyboards & electronics at Ryijy’s cave.

Producer/Sound engineer: Juho Räihä
Mix/Master: Necromorbus Studio / Tore Stjerna

Line-up:
Timo Kontio - Guitar
Mathias Lillmåns - Vocals
Teemu Saari - Guitar
Pyry Hanski - Bass
Kauko Kuusisalo - Drums
Antti Simonen - Keyboards

Cover artwork: Adrien Bousson
Bio: Nick Senior
Pictures: M.Laakso

Pre-sales: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/AndOceansShop
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/andoceans-gardens

Formats:
CD Digipak
CD Clamshellbox
2x 12” Gatefold (Black)
2x 12” Gatefold (Crystal clear, red & blue marbled / limited to 600)
2x 12” Gatefold (Gold & black marbled / limited to 300)
Cassette

TO THE GRAVE Drop Brutal New Track "Axe of Kindness" with Gory, Horror Inspired Music Video

New Album

'DIRECTOR'S CUTS'

Coming February 24th via Unique Leader Records 

Pre-Order HERE

On tour throughout Europe in January 2023 with Shadow of Intent/Enterprise Earth/Angelmaker 

Australian extreme metal squad To The Grave have unveiled their powerful new single / video 'Axe of Kindness', the second taken from their new album, 'Director’s Cuts', out 24th February, 2023, via Unique Leader Records. Pre-order the album now here. Stream "Axe of Kindness" here and watch the new video (graphic content: viewer discretion advised) below.

"Axe of Kindness" continues the band's strong vegan message. The band comment: 

"Axe is a tongue-in-cheek horror concept in the vein of The Purge, we had a little fun going ultra-violent on the idea of someone who’s had enough with a world full of apathy and plans to exact vengeance for animals by going door-to-door with a fire axe."

At just over 44 minutes in length, 'Director’s Cuts' is an album packed with ambition and conscience. To The Grave have never shied away from channeling the real horrors of animal cruelty and its impact into the violent, emotional intensity of their music. Songs such as ‘Red Dot Sight’, ‘Found Footage’ and ‘Cut Off The Head’ perfectly conjure images of a world gone astray.  

'Director’s Cuts' was recorded by bassist Matt Clarke, with drums recorded live at The Brain Studios in Sydney and mixed and mastered by Lance Prenc at Prenc Audio (Void of Vision, Alpha Wolf, Polaris) in Melbourne with album photography by Animals Uncovered. 

The band comment on the new album: 

"This is the refinement of our combined musical tastes, fuelled by our sadness and anger at the state of the world. We made the music we wanted to make without really considering how it would fit into any little genre boxes, because we knew if we loved it completely then everyone else would too. These songs are hard and heavy without being technical just for the sake of it.”

Watch the video to their first single "Red Dot Sight", a hard-hitting track about anti-vegan public figures and the media perception against vegan activists, here.

ABOUT TO THE GRAVE

One of Australia’s most uncompromising bands, To The Grave return with their heaviest album to date, both sonically and thematically. Since the release of their 2019 debut album 'Global Warning', the caustic five piece have garnered international success, with 2021’s follow-up 'Epilogue', a re-issue of 'Global Warning' with bonus tracks, solidifying their position as “one of the country's heaviest exports.” (Revolver).

To The Grave have steadily built an audience in the underground, accumulating more than 11 million Spotify streams, racking up over 5.4 million YouTube views, all whilst decimating live audiences alongside Parkway Drive, Polaris, Cattle Decapitation, Thy Art Is Murder, Vulvodynia and Alpha Wolf.

Now, following a sold-out national headline tour in 2022 and revitalized by a new lineup, the band are more focused than ever, looking ahead to the release of their second album 'Director’s Cuts' in February 2023.

The eleven tracks lyrically expose a societal and environmental hell on earth whilst pushing the boundaries of accessible extremity, full of barbed hooks, thick with atmosphere and drenched in groove. Razor-sharp guitars played with an exploratory approach - blending everything from whammy pedal squeaks and chiming cleans to death metal chainsaw tones - are entwined with live drums to give a level of dynamism that musically sets this band apart from the extreme metal pack, yet they maintain the weight of the heaviest bands today. Vocalist Dane Evans commands a multifaceted performance, bursting with vocal energy from throat-ripping dissonant screeches to low end gutturals. 

To The Grave are

Dane Evans - Vocals

Jack Simoni - Guitars, Programming

Luke Ringin - Guitars, Vocals

Matt Clarke - Bass, Vocals

Simon O’Malley - Drums, Vocals

Find To The Grave Online

https://linktr.ee/tothegraveau

Märvel to Release 'Double Decade' Vinyl Compilation

New Single "Turn the Page" Out Now!

Stream "Turn the Page" HERE

After releasing their 9th studio album 'Graces Came with Malice' in April 2022, followed by organizing their own two day festival Märvelfest and heading on a tour in Spain, the Swedish power trio Märvel continues the celebration of their 20 year anniversary.

In the beginning of 2023, the group will be releasing the double vinyl compilation 'Double Decade'. Packed with Märvel’s patented take on high-octane and super-catchy rock’n’roll, the double vinyl contains Märvel's greatest hits remastered and previously impossible to get B-sides and rare tracks, as well as two brand new, previously unreleased tracks.

Today, the first of these brand new tracks, "Turn the Page", is released as a digital single.

Märvel on "Turn the Page":

”This song was inspired by the way Sweden’s king Carl XVI Gustav handled his affair of infidelity in the Stockholm archipelago by stating that he and the queen would simply turn the page. You don’t have to be a monarch to see the value of being able to move in life without bitterness and remorse. Instead of clinging on to old injustices, ask for forgiveness and a hug and get on with your life. Because life is too short to hold grudges.

Turn the page was recorded at Solskensfabriken while we were working on the album 'Graces Came With Malice'. We loved the songs from the start but it didn’t fit the album. Now it will get its revenge and a moment to shine.”

The double vinyl 'Double Decade' will be available in two different sets of colors, one containing 2x transparent clear vinyl, and the other containing one transparent orange and one transparent purple vinyl.

Both versions come in a luxurious gatefold with an exclusive booklet. 'Double Decade' will be released on The Sign Records on February 24, 2023.

Order 'Double Decade' HERE

Biography:

Märvel was formed in 2002 when John Steen (The King), Ulrik Bostedt (Speedo) and Tony Samuelsson (The Vicar) spent a high school exchange year in Colorado, USA. Ditching classes, drinking beer and playing rock n roll in the garage gave the world 'Marvellous', their first EP. The band got airtime on several college radio stations before they left the USA and returned to Sweden with lousy grades, but high spirits. Two other vinyl EP’s ('Heroine Tracks' & 'Bedlam at the Embassy') were released the following years through Swedish indie labels.

Between 2003 and 2011, the band started honing their skills and image by playing live and recording three albums. Constant touring and airplay during the period helped the band to build a very loyal fanbase in Europe.

With the release of their third full length album 'Warhawks of War', Märvel went through some changes. The earlier superhero gimmick was abandoned in favor of new and more iconic personas, The King, The Vicar and Speedo. A second live bass player, The Aviator, was also added to the line up. The band fully stepped into the new characters by also adopting them live on stage. 'Warhawks of War' was released in 2011 and marked a big step forward for the band in terms of sound and strong material. It also featured the guest stars Strings (Dundertåget, Hellacopters) and Dregen (Backyard Babies, Hellacopters, Michael Monroe). 

In 2012, Speedo (Ulrik Bostedt) was replaced by Burgher (Ulrik Bostedt). Filled with youthful raw energy, and with a unique style, Burgher helped catapult the band even further while touring Germany, France and Spain to promote the Warhawks album.

After touring with Dregen in 2013, the band returned to the studio to record 'Hadal Zone Express'. The album was released 28th of March 2014 to a never ending stream of praise. In the fall, the band recorded a mini album, with Fred Estby,'The Hills Have Eyes'. The title track along with a cover of W.A.S.P’s "L.O.V.E. Machine" made a big fuzz and got frequent air time. 

In 2017, the band partnered with The Sign Records, and the first release was the seventh album 'at the Sunshine Factory', the first Märvel album to be recorded fully by themselves in their own newly established studio, Solskensfabriken. The second release was a cheeky cover album, 'Guilty Pleasures', featuring songs from a wide spectrum of artists such as Dire Straits, Agnetha Fältskog, REO Speedwagon and Monster Magnet. 

In September of last year the first single ("Slasher With A Broken Heart") from the new album 'Graces Came With Malice' was released, followed by two more singles (“One Common Enemy” and “Lizard's Tongue”) before the busy celebration year arrived. In early 2022 Märvel released another two singles (“Sound Of Life Slipping Away” and "Great Man") before the album release in April. In connection with the album release, another track ("Hot Nite In Dallas") was released with an accompanying music video produced by Max Ljungberg. The song is a cover of Moon Martin and premiered in the american magazine Metal Injection and was featured on UK´s Classic Rock Magazine / Louder‘s “Tracks of the Week”.



The album 'Graces Came With Malice' was released to critical acclaim and scored high reviews in Germany's biggest online magazine Rock Hard, England's "Classic Rock magazine" and many more across the globe. 

In August Märvel held their own two day festival (Märvelfest) in Linköping Sweden where they invited new and old friends like The Pusjkins, Freedom, Omni Of Halos, Knifven, Dictator Ship, Hedda Hatar, Lykantropi and Reptile Tounge to celebrate this milestone - 20 years as a band! 

In November Märvel flew to Spain for their first headline tour in the country since the 2011 tour in support of the album 'Warhawks of War'. They toured in the cities of Barcelona, ​​Lleida, Zaragoza, Toledo and Madrid. “We got a fantastic reception from the spanish Märvel Army and the crowd rocked like there was no tomorrow. Be sure it won't be another 11 years before we rock 'n' roll Spain again!” 

What else do we have to look forward to in 2023? The Spanish online magazine Rock N Roll Army will launch a series of articles covering the entire career of Märvel with exclusive interviews with the members about nostalgia, memories, music and lots of candid stuff for the Märvel Army fans around the world. 

The upcoming double album 'Double Decade' will crown the celebration of the 20th anniversary. The album contains two brand new songs, Märvel's greatest hits remastered and previously impossible to get B-sides and rare tracks. Both the two new songs will be accompanied by music videos. The first single is released today along with the pre-order of the album and the second single will be released in January, 2023, one month before the album release on February 24th.

So you want more eh!? It remains to be seen what 2023 has to offer but one thing is clear, you can count on a band more eager than ever to meet all their fans around the world. Make sure to catch them on the road when you get the chance!

Anti-Flag Share "VICTORY OR DEATH (WE GAVE 'EM HELL)" Video Feat. Campino

New Album 'Lies They Tell Our Children' 

Out January 6 Via Spinefarm

Band Touring With

Flogging Molly & Skinny Lister in 2023

Incendiary Pittsburgh punk rockers ANTI-FLAG are inching closer to the release of their 13th album 'Lies They Tell Our Children' on January 6 via Spinefarm.

Pre-Order it HERE

For this record, the band recruited several high profile and like-minded artists to feature on the songs.

For "VICTORY OR DEATH (WE GAVE 'EM HELL)," A-F looked to Campino of Die Toten Hosen.

Watch the video below. Video is directed by INDECLINE.

"From the first play through of the chord progression of 'Victory or Death,' we knew where it needed to go lyrically. It sounded like hope. It sounded like empathy. Carrying the stories of freedom fighters who were forgotten, perhaps never known, or far too often had their legacies softened, made out to be less radical and safe for American History books.

"This song stands as homage and a testament to the people who've laid the groundwork for progress. Using all within their sometimes limited power to alleviate suffering, challenge the status quo of violence, and demand a reckoning with societal norms that further marginalize and exploit people.

"In spirit with the concept behind Lies They Tell Our Children, we were leaning hard on and embracing our inspirations as a band. Touring with Die Toten Hosen in 2008 was an eye-opening experience. One that has stuck with us through the years. So it only made sense for us to reach out to Campino to see if he had interest in being a part of this track. Not only was he willing to sing the verse we wrote for him, he also penned his own in German. Our hearts and minds were blown away by it.

"This song is one of the most important moments on the album. We’re grateful to share this with the world. To pay our respects to the activists and agitators who lived their lives to leave the world better than they found it.

"March on to our very last breath, it's victory or death…"

For even further insight into this impactful song, go HERE

The Limited Edition 'Lies They Tell Our Children' Olive Green vinyl

is available for pre-order HERE.

 'Lies They Tell Our Children' was recorded, produced, and mixed by Jon Lundin.

'LIES THEY TELL OUR CHILDREN' TRACK LIST:

"SOLD EVERYTHING"

"MODERN META MEDICINE" (Feat. Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage)

"LAUGH. CRY. SMILE. DIE." (Feat. Shane Told of Silverstein)

"THE FIGHT OF OUR LIVES" (Feat. Tim McIlrath of Rise Against + Brian Baker of Bad Religion)

"IMPERIALISM" (Feat. Ashrita Kumar of Pinkshift)

"VICTORY OR DEATH (WE GAVE 'EM HELL)" (Feat. Campino of Die Toten Hosen)

"THE HAZARDOUS"

"SHALLOW GRAVES" (Feat. Tré Burt)

"WORK & STRUGGLE"

"NVREVR" (Feat. Stacey Dee of Bad Cop/Bad Cop)

"ONLY IN MY HEAD"

Anti-Flag are currently on tour. All dates are below, including their 2023 dates with Flogging Molly and Skinny Lister. Get tickets HERE.

ANTI-FLAG ON TOUR:   

U.S DATES 2022:

12/3 — Pomona, CA — The Glass House — ANTIfest

(With Bad Cop Bad Cop, The Bombpops, We Are The Union, and Suzie True)

12/4 — Phoenix, AZ — Crescent Ballroom

(With The Venomous Pinks, We Are the Union, The Limit Club)

12/8 — Brooklyn, NY — Saint Vitus

(With Teenage Halloween)

12/9 — Buffalo, NY — Rec Room

(With Cancer Bats and Plasmid)

12/10 — Toronto, ON — Danforth Music Hall – ANTIfest

(With Cancer Bats, Dilly Dally, Dead Tired, Indian Giver)

ANTI-FLAG ON TOUR 2023:

WITH FLOGGING MOLLY & SKINNY LISTER:

2/2 — Austin, TX — ACL Live at The Moody Theater

2/3 — New Orleans, LA — The Fillmore

2/4 — Huntsville, AL — Mars Music Hall

2/5 — Columbia, SC — The Senate

2/7 — Knoxville, TN — The Mill Mine

2/8 — Nashville, TN — Ryman Auditorium

2/10 — Chattanooga, TN — The Signal

2/11 — Louisville, KY — Old Forester’s Paristown Hall

2/14 — Norfolk, VA — The NorVa

2/15 — Richmond, VA — The National

2/17 — Rochester, NY — Main Street Armory

2/18 — Montclair, NJ — The Wellmont Theater

2/19 — Hanover, MD — The Hall at Live! Casino & Hotel

2/21 — Charleston, SC — Charleston Music Hall

2/22 — Asheville, NC — The Orange Peel

2/24 — Atlantic City, NJ — Sound Waves at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

2/25 — Bethlehem, PA — Wind Creek Event Center

2/26 — Huntington, NY — The Paramount

2/28 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium

3/1 — Syracuse, NY — Landmark Theatre

3/3 — Madison, WI — The Sylvee

3/4 — Grand Rapids, MI — 20 Monroe Live

3/5 — Ft. Wayne, IN — The Clyde Theatre

3/7 — Fayetteville, AR — JJ’s Live

3/8 — Oklahoma City, OK — Diamond Ballroom

3/10 — Kansas City, MO — Harrah’s Voodoo Lounge

3/11 — Omaha, NE — The Admiral

3/12 — Boulder, CO — Boulder Theater

3/14 — Tucson, AZ — Rialto Theatre

3/16 — Las Vegas, NV — The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – Chelsea Theatre

3/19 — Reno, NV — Grand Sierra Resort

KATATONIA Releases Second Single “Austerity” & Official Video!

Spellbinding New Album, 'Sky Void of Stars',

out January 20, 2023 via Napalm Records

Pre-Order HERE!

With eleven full-length records under their belts, Swedish melancholic metal unit KATATONIA don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Yet, it comes as no surprise that the outfit is about to impressively solidify their unique stance in the world of metal and beyond once more with their 12th album, the hauntingly beautiful 'Sky Void of Stars'.

Today, the unit unveils the second single and 'Sky Void of Stars' album opener“Austerity”, along with a visually palpable video. The heartfelt offering crashes through the dark with memorable, mind-bending rhythms as it shifts with elaborate guitar riffs that perfectly showcase the musical expertise and experience of the band. Topped off by the dark, conjuring voice of Jonas Renkse and mesmerizing lyricism, the gloomy mood for the album is set. The song is now available via all digital service providers worldwide.

KATATONIA on “Austerity”:

“We hereby present you our new single and the opening track of 'Sky Void of Stars' – ‘Austerity’. Energetic and dark, stern and disenchanted. Enjoy.”

Watch the Official Video for “Austerity”

"Melancholy at its best! Already one of the best Doom albums of 2023!“ (EMP)

"Another heartfelt offensive by KATATONIA" (Metal Hammer, DE)

“...Katatonia hit with highly energetic atmosphere, holding a gloomy ambience with epic sounds and poetic lyrics to get lost in.” (Prog Report)

Founded in 1991, KATATONIA have continually embraced the dark and the light alike, and, living through genre evolutions beyond compare, ripened their own particular form of expression. From doom and death metal to soul-gripping post rock, they’ve explored endless spheres of the genre, accumulating only the very best aspects.

Emerging from the gloom, KATATONIA is a beacon of light - breathing their unique, never stagnant, atmospheric sound through this new 11-track offering, all written and composed by vocalist Jonas Renkse. Significantly shaping the genre while still staying true to their own musical values, they orbit the musical universe - leaving their imprints on the scene. Projecting their sound to the endless realms, 'Sky Void of Stars' shines bright in metal and beyond!

KATATONIA on the new album, 'Sky Void of Stars':

“Our 12th album, 'Sky Void of Stars', is a dynamic journey through vibrant darkness. Born out of yearning for what was lost and not found, the very peripheries of the unreachable, but composed and condensed into human form and presented as sounds and words true to the KATATONIA signum. No stars here, just violent rain.”

Pre-Order 'Sky Void of Stars' HERE

KATATONIA is one of a kind in a state of perpetual evolution. With their previously released first single, “Atrium”, KATATONIA hit with a highly energetic atmosphere, holding a gloomy ambience with epic sounds and poetic lyrics to get lost in.

Songs like down- tempo “Opaline” and moody “Drab Moon” fully embrace their melancholic sound while fragile “Impermanence” is accented by the original doom metal roots of the band. Like a dark star, these pieces relume the dreariness, creating an ambient auditory experience with memorable hooks while still inducing the crashing sounds of hard guitar riffs and pounding drums.

The experimental mastery of the quintet and their atmospheric approach is purely vivid, making this album a thrilling sensation. With “Birds”, the artists show off their explosive potential with a quick and energetic sound, proving their genre-defying style.

'Sky Void of Stars' is now available for pre-order in the following configurations:

=> Ltd. Deluxe Wooden Box (incl. Mediabook + Digipack Atmos Mix BluRay + Crow Pendant + Star Chart Artprint + Pin) – Napalm Records exclusive

=> Die Hard Edition 2LP Gatefold Ink Spot / FOREST GREEN (incl. Slipmat, Patch, 12 pages poster) – Napalm Records exclusive

=> 2LP Gatefold DARK GREEN – Napalm Records exclusive

=> 2LP Gatefold MARBLED TRANSPARENT/DARK GREEN –  OMerch exclusive

=> 2LP Gatefold MARBLED CRYSTAL CLEAR/BLACK –  OMerch exclusive

=> 2LP Gatefold BLACK

=> 1CD Ltd Mediabook (incl. Bonus Track)

=> 1CD Jewelcase

=> Digital Album

KATATONIA are:

Jonas Renske – Vocals

Anders Nyström – Guitars

Roger Öjersson – Guitars

Niklas Sandin – Bass

Daniel Moilanen - Drums

JOHN DIVA & THE ROCKETS OF LOVE Announce New Album 'The Big Easy' Out March 17th, 2023

JOHN DIVA & THE ROCKETS OF LOVE

Announce New Album

'The Big Easy' out March 17th, 2023

Tour Coming in Spring 2023!

Pre-Order HERE

"Remember 80-something — we never seemed to miss a thing" – these first lines of John Diva’s latest song “Back In The Days“ are a perfect summary of what this band stands for: Spandex pants, juvenile folly, a love for partying, and a Walkman with a fresh set of batteries. John Diva & The Rockets Of Love are bringing back carefree 80s vibes, yet manage to make them sound brand new. 

With their debut album 'Mama Said Rock Is Dead', the group stormed to No. 24 on the album charts in 2019. On its successor, 'American Amadeus', the five U.S. Germans explored the boundaries of Glam Metal and also scored a major chart success. Sold-out tours, extravagant video clips, appearances at Wacken and well beyond: the brightly colored pirate ship that is John Diva & The Rockets Of Love has set sail to a nostalgic world of tan lines, Aviator glasses, and 80s Rock.

The same goes for their third album 'The Big Easy' (out March 17, 2023, via Steamhammer/SPV), which marks the five rockers’ return.

The name of the record says it all: "We wanted to record an album that sounds like Cherry Cola," guitarist Snake Rocket explains the process of creating 'The Big Easy'. "Also, we put great emphasis on the fact that the record is intended as an album and doesn’t sound as if we jammed together an intro and eleven random songs. The record works in that order precisely." It only took six months from initial song idea to finished album. Never has John Diva & The Rockets Of Love sounded more like a unit – never has the group oozed so much joy and California sunshine from every pore.

John Diva & The Rockets Of Love are synonymous with wild parties, passionate live shows, but also liberal messages in their lyrics. Bullshit? Not at all. In their lyrics, the five musicians clearly reject the sexism that is so common in their genre, for example in songs like "Boys Don't Play With Dolls“: "In our music, everyone is welcome and appreciated," frontman John Diva emphasizes.

Right on. Because isn’t carefreeness exactly what we all need right now?

The new album "The Big Easy" will be released on March 17th, 2023 worldwide through SPV/Steamhammer as CD DigiPak, LP Gatefold version, CD/LP bundle with shirt (only at the Steamhammer Shop), download and stream HERE

"Hair Metal with a sleazy attitude. Your mom wouldn’t like it." 

What does that mean? The answer is the video for the previous single 

"God Made Radio" - Watch it

The Bellwether Syndicate present enigmatic 'Beacons' single & video, navigating through realism

"Goth Rock Tornado... hair-raising speed, riff-racing insanity and badass drum/bass force... William Faith‘s edged Goth-infused vocals rumble all over this super-duper sucker-punch steamroller" ~ Turn Up The Volume

"Anything but conventional when it comes to rock music... the band is one of the most unique dissonant sounds in the scene" ~ Outburn Magazine

“Amazing, stunning... Post-punk on a not-very-discreet death rock orientation” ~ The Noise Journal

“The time seems right for a new wave of post-punk to be ushered in. But I suspect that is already underway, and The Bellwether Syndicate is leading the charge” ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"A glittery piece of glamorous darkness...with William Faith’s crooning vocals and Sarah Rose smoothly cascading guitars” ~ Post-Punk.com


Chicago-based alternative post-punk outfit The Bellwether Syndicate presents 'Beacons', the second single from single from the band's 'Vestige & Vigil' album, scheduled for release in April 2023 via Nexilis Records / Schubert Music Europe and Sett Records in North America. The single debuted at #4 in the DAC/German Alternative Charts.

'Beacons' exerts its nautical feel in both tone and verse, with the ‘set adrift’ narrative supported by liquid, chorused guitars and distress-signal bass and synth, before the whole thing kicks into a full steam ahead chorus, with chiming, glorious guitars chasing the pulsing beat and soaring vocal all the way home.

The Bellwether Syndicate is made up of William Faith (vox, guitars), Sarah Rose Faith (vox, guitars), Philly Peroxide (keyboards, percussion), Stevyn Grey (drums) and Corey Gorey (guitars).

"'Beacons' is simply a love song to our family: our people — our fans. We’d be truly lost at sea without them, and every time we get ready to play a live gig, they really are the beacons that guide us home, to that moment where we’re together in a safe harbor and everything is possible. That moment is everything to us, and it’s what we live for," says William Faith.

Earlier, the band released the lead track 'Dystopian Mirror', which reached #11 in the German Alternative Charts (DAC). This glam-noir single wields a relentless assault of hard-edged guitars, buzzsaw synths and tribal beats set the stage for a guided tour through the realm of the unwell, spat out with sardonic conviction by the voices in your head.

Six years in the making, the 'Vestige & Vigil' LP was produced by William Faith, whose credits include Jarboe, Clan of Xymox, Bootblacks and Autumn, and Chad Blinman (Face To Face, Faith and The Muse, Jarboe). Recorded by William Faith at 13 Studio in Chicago, it was mixed by Blinman at The Eye Socket. This album comes 9 years after debuting with 'The Night Watch' EP and four years since their latest single 'Republik'.

William Faith is a former member of seminal goth acts Christian Death, Mephisto Walz and Shadow Project and also co-founder of Faith & The Muse. In 2010, he moved from his native Los Angeles to Chicago to form The Bellwether Syndicate with his wife, Sarah Rose Faith a.k.a. Scary Lady Sarah.

An underground legend in her own right, Sarah has been one of the scene’s most eminent DJs and club promoters for decades. She hosts Nocturna, the longest-running goth event in North America, which takes place at Metro in Chicago. Apart from forming the nucleus of The Bellwether Syndicate, the two often DJ together as The Pirate Twins.

As of December 2, 'Beacon's will be available from all fine digital outlets, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where 'Dystopian Mirror' can also be found.

CREDITS
Written and performed by The Bellwether Syndicate
Produced by William Faith & Chad Blinman
Recorded by William Faith at 13 Studio in Chicago
Mixed by Chad Blinman at The Eye Socket
Additional programming and treatments by Chad Blinman
Mastered by Josh Sebek
William Faith - Vox and guitars
Sarah Rose Faith - Vox and guitars
Corey Gorey - Guitars (live)
Philly Peroxide - Keyboards and percussion (live)
Stevyn Grey - Drums (live)
'Dystopian Mirror' video filmed by William Faith & David Staudacher
'Beacons' video filmed by William Faith & Sarah Rose Faith
Both videos directed by William Faith


Keep up with The Bellwether Syndicate
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with William Faith
Website | Twitter | Instagram | LinkTree

Keep up with Sett Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Email

WIG WAM ANNOUNCES NEW STUDIO ALBUM 'OUT OF THE DARK' OUT FEBRUARY 10, 2023

NEW SINGLE & VIDEO

FOR THE TITLE TRACK OUT TODAY!

2023 TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

WITH MORE TO BE ADDED

Norwegian rock n' roll warriors Wig Wam have announced they will release their new studio album, 'Out Of The Dark' on February 10, 2023.

Coming on the heels of renewed, enthusiastic interest in the band thanks to their classic track "Do Ya Wanna Taste It" being used as the theme song for HBO's popular Peacemaker television series, 'Out Of The Dark' sees an already extremely talented band feeling truly reinvigorated and inspired. 

A new single and video for the title track of the new album is out now.

Pre-Order / Save "Out Of The Dark" on CD/LP/Digital HERE

(Please note that the LP release date will be May 12, 2023)

The band has also announced multiple tour dates in the U.S., Europe, and Australia, with more dates to be added. Be sure to check the Wig Wam website for updates. A full list of confirmed dates can be seen below. 

"We came out of the pandemic and had a pretty rough 'rebirth' doing a comeback in the midst of this dark period of live music. The album is, of course, also a 'happier' album, even though some of the song lyrics reflect on darker themes in our society, but they all have one thing in common: A positive outcome. Never giving up," explains vocalist Åge Sten Nilsen of 'Out Of The Dark'. 

Wig Wam, vocalist Glam (Åge Sten Nilsen), guitarist Teeny (Trond Holter), bassist Flash(Bernt Jansen), and drummer Sporty (Øystein Andersen), formed in Halden, Norway in 2001 and have been mixing '80s inspired glam metal with classic hard rock, with entertaining lyrics and over-the-top imagery thrown in, to create a good old fashioned rock n' roll vibe for over two decades.

In 2005, the year after the release of their debut album (first titled '667.. The Neighbour of the Beast' and later changed to 'Hard To Be A Rock N' Roller'), the band had their first international breakthrough when they represented Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest, placing ninth with the song "In My Dreams". The band would go on to release three more studio albums, 'Wig Wamania' (2006), 'Non Stop Rock 'N Roll' (2010), and 'Wall Street' (2012) before splitting up in 2014.

The band would reunite in 2019 and work on a new album, 'Never Say Die' that was released in early 2021. In 2022, the band had a stroke of good fortune when film/television director James Gunn selected their 2010 song "Do Ya Wanna Taste It" (from the album 'Non Stop Rock 'N Roll') as the opening theme song for the HBO Max show Peacemaker starring John Cena. The show, based on a DC Comics character, showcased the band to a whole new audience who had been previously unaware of them and has seen the band taking on renewed interest and booking more and more live dates around the world.

WIG WAM 2023 TOUR DATES

01.07. Tower Theater - Fresno, CA USA

01.08. Goldfield - Roseville, CA USA

01.09. Whiskey A Go Go - Los Angeles, CAUSA

01.18. Rock Island Fest - Key West , FL USA

🇺🇸 More US dates to come 🇺🇸

Wig Wam are:

Glam (Åge Sten Nilsen) - vocals

Teeny (Trond Holter) - guitars

Flash (Bernt Jansen) - bass

Sporty (Øystein Andersen) - drums