Inferno Metal Festival Norway Launches 2024 Early Bird Passes

“Something strange and magical happens in the town of Oslo, Norway over Easter week. Most of polite society flees to the mountains while a scourge of metal heads pour in from all over the globe to experience the four day extravaganza of extreme metal, hedonism & hepatocyte known as Inferno Festival. Subsequently, the entire city becomes a misanthropic miscreant’s soggy dream come true, and we’ve got the whole place to ourselves!” - Metal Injection

GET EARLY BIRD PASSES

Following the success of Inferno Metal Festival's 2023 edition, early bird passes for the 2024 edition are now on sale and can be found HERE! Next year's Easter Sunday extravaganza will take place once again in the heart of Oslo (NO) from March 28-31, 2023.

Yet another absolutely stacked lineup of extreme and esoteric is metal is to be revealed, along with unique opportunities for fans to take in rich metal history and culture that Oslo has to offer.

In addition to celebrating heavy metal in the birth country of Norwegian black metal, Inferno Metal Festival also offers festival attendees a chance to embrace Norwegian culture. This year, metalheads traveling to Oslo were able to witness a very special black metal exhibition in the National Library of Norway, which just opened in April 2023 in conjunction with Inferno Metal Festival.

The new exhibition investigates the dark and chaotic feelings of Norwegian black metal. Drawing from the library’s rich collection, the exhibition references ancient Norwegian cultural history and shows black metal as a music form with a distinct artistic expression The exhibition conveys how Norwegian black metal has had an impact far beyond Norwegian borders with a vast number of international followers.

The National Library of Norway invites fans and other lovers of music and cultural history to dig deep and explore Norwegian black metal as a music genre and a cultural phenomenon. There will be guided tours every day of the festival week. Photos from the experience can be found below and those visiting Oslo this summer can still visit the curation!

In addition, Inferno Metal Festival introduced Black Metal Sightseeing bus tours to concert-goers this year. Hosted by Anders Odden (Cadaver, Celtic Frost, Satyricon, Order), the tour took fans on a trip through the places that marked the beginnings of Norwegian black metal.

This field trip has exclusive anecdotes and personal memories of the early life of the scene from someone who was there.

Inferno Metal Festival will be curating more once-in-a-lifetime experiences for attendees for 2024 - stay tuned!

For more than 20 years, Inferno Metal Festival has been a leading force in the international extreme metal movement, attracting fans from more than 50 countries to the yearly event in metal mekka, Oslo, Norway. Each Easter metalheads have been swarming the city center for four days straight.

Links:

Official Inferno Fest Website

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Tickets

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Enters the World of League Of Legends with Fifth Single, “Legends Never Die”

Debut Album, 'Metamorphosis',

Out May 12, 2023 | Pre-Order NOW

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON enter the world of League Of Legends and present their epic fifth single, entitled “Legends Never Die”! The band transforms the song - which gained hundreds of millions of streams with its original version, sung by the incredible Against The Current - into a metal delight, bringing it back to life with the incredible vocal lines of Melissa Bonny.

It’s the next step in their journey that takes them from the depths of Moria up to the Iron Throne, showcasing the metal side of well known songs from video games, TV shows and big movies. The multi-talented quartet that consists of members of Feuerschwanz, Amaranthe, and Ad Infinitum will release their highly anticipated debut album, 'Metamorphosis', on May 12, 2023 via Napalm Records.

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON on "Legends Never Die": 

“‘Legends Never Die’ - exactly one month until the release of our debut album 'Metamorphosis'! To shorten the waiting time we present you today our version of the mega hit from Against the Current and invite you into the gaming world of 'League of Legends'! Can you hear us screaming out your name?”

Watch the Official Music Video for “Legends Never Die”

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON started with a bet between AD INFINITUM singer Melissa Bonny and Hans Platz, the guitarist of FEUERSCHWANZ. Whoever lost owed the other a "dare". Hans won and challenged Melissa to record a metal version of their first ever single, "Jenny Of Oldstones", and the rest is history! Exploring the fantastical lives of famous pop culture heroes since their childhood, the multitalented musicians transform soundtracks of internationally recognized movies, TV shows and video games into powerful metal tracks on the debut album 'Metamorphosis'. 

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON don’t just limit themselves to cover versions, but also include new, original songs dedicated to their favorite warriors. Marching into the great worlds of The Lord of the Rings, the band paints the Grammy-nominated soundtrack "May It Be", featuring Charlotte Wessels (ex-DELAIN), in a new light, while the mystic song, "Misty Mountains" (feat. EVERGREY’s Tom S. Englund) of The Hobbitfilm trilogy underlines the tragic story through melodic folk vocal lines and rousing guitar riff choirs.

Like the seven untamed seas, the melodies appear in energetic and rousing waves, while others head towards the shore in an exciting, elegant and soulful rhythm. Exploring the untouched sides of these multifaceted selected songs, the multinational band shifts the world famous soundscapes into new adventures, taking listeners back to forgotten times. Just like the moon, every song has an unexplored side, now discovered by THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON.

Pre-Order your copy of 'Metamorphosis' NOW!

'Metamorphosis' will be available in the following formats:    

=> 1-CD Digisleeve in Cloth Bag (incl. Pendant, Leather Cord & Keyring, Patch, Signed Card) – limited to 300 copies worldwide (Napalm Records shop exclusive)

=> 1-LP Gatefold (black)     

=> Shirt "Metamorphosis" + Digisleeve          

=> 1-CD Digisleeve

=> Digital Album

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON are:

Melissa Bonny – vocals

Hans Platz – guitars

Morten Løwe Sørensen – drums

Jenny Diehl – harp

NECROFIER Premieres Bewitching New Music Video, "To The Wolves"

Texan black metal outlaws NECROFIER are now premiering the brand new single, "To The Wolves," along with a bewitching music video! The clip can be seen below.

The song is taken from NECROFIER's second full-length, 'Burning Shadows in the Southern Night,' which will be released on on June 2, 2023 via Season of Mist Underground Activists! The record was recorded at legendary Studio Gin Brooklyn, NY by  6x Grammy nominated and 1x Latin Grammy nominated engineer, producer, and musician Joel Hamilton (UNSANE, IGGY POP, TOM WAITS).

In addition, the band will be touring Western North America in support of MIDNIGHT! NECROFIER will join the trek on June 1 in Denver, CO until the tour's conclusion on June 16 in Tucson, AZ. The full run can be found below!

'Burning Shadows in the Southern Night' is now available for pre-order HEREand can be pre-saved on streaming services HERE.

NECROFIER (w/ MIDNIGHT + EARLY MOODS):
06/01: Denver, CO @ HQ [TICKETS]
06/04: Vancouver, BC @ The Red Room [TICKETS]
06/05: Portland, OR @ Dante's [TICKETS]
06/06: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon [TICKETS]
06/07: Boise, ID @ The Shredder
06/09: Reno, NV @ The Cypress [TICKETS]     
06/10: Sacramento, CA @ Cafe Colonial [TICKETS]     
06/11: Oakland, CA @ Eli's Mile High Club        
06/13: Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst    
06/14: Bakersfield, CA @ Temblor Brew 
06/15: San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar [TICKETS]
06/16: Tucson, AZ @ The Rock

Deep within the scorching cauldron of Texas, the alchemists of Necrofier have brewed another potent dose of American black metal with their sophomore full-length, ‘Burning Shadows in the Southern Night.’ The Houston four-piece honors the time-tested virtues of traditional black and heavy metal, even taking an organic sonic approach, tapping seven-time Grammy-nominated producer and engineer Joel Hamilton (Unsane, Tom Waits, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, etc.) to lend his magic touch for a natural sound. 

“The goal going into the new record was to start setting ourselves apart from our contemporaries,” explains Necrofier drummer Dobber Beverly. “One of those ways was changing what the record sounded like. Moving away from the clinical and sterile nature that most productions suffer from and back into a real room with real instruments and performances. Our friend and esteemed producer/engineer Joel Hamilton had expressed interest in venturing back into the metal world and offered to make the record with us at his facility, Studio G Brooklyn. With a full vintage Neve front end and a host of Telefunken and Neumann microphones we tracked a record the old way, mostly. The results will speak for themselves hopefully, as this record breathes and spits fire wherever it’s played.” 

“Joel is one of the world's best engineers,” adds Necrofier guitarist and vocalist Bakka. “Dobber and Joel have become good friends since they recorded the last Oceans of Slumber album with him. After that, Joel wanted to record something heavy, so we made the trip to New York City to record in his legendary studio. It was an amazing experience in a great studio; besides having all the gear, he also created an environment where we challenged ourselves and brough everything up to the next level.” 

‘Burning Shadows in the Southern Night’ doesn’t just simply pick off where Necrofier’s debut album left off, but displays a conscientious effort to double down on the elements that made ‘Prophecies of Eternal Darkness’ successful. The solos are more plentiful and intricate, the hooks are more anthemic, and the overall musicianship is bolder and more daring. Speaking of the band’s evolution, Bakka explains, “I think this collection of songs represents us very well. We have grown together as a band and it shows in the new songs. Also, for this record we flew to NYC and recorded all day long for 10 days straight. I love recording this way because it captures a certain magic. The whole band is immersed in the process and it's all we would think, do, live and breathe during the process.” 

Another core facet of Necrofier’s allure is being a black metal band from Texas. “Where you live always helps shape someone,” says Bakka. “It helps shape our style and tone in ways, it’s hot most of the year, so as we burn, it gives us warmer tones and more of a heavy metal influence than when compared to our brothers from the North. Also, Texas has a style all of its own; everything is heavier, louder and we are always trying to outdo the rest of the world.” 
To that avail, Necrofier isn’t your typical black metal band, and so this isn’t your typical black metal record as there’s a healthy amount of traditional metal influences, particularly within the guitar work. While conceptually, the band doesn’t heavily rely on Satanic themes, exploring deeper human philosophies and the occult like burning for your dreams or spiraling out on a psychedelic trip and exploring the beyond. “While there isn’t overt satanic worship in the lyrics, I would still say that he is a friend of ours,” Bakka cheekily says. “There are Occult themes on this record, but at the same time, it does take a philosophical approach.” 

Further illustrating the influence of their environment, Necrofier also heavily explores one of Southern America’s most fabled myths. “The new record touches on selling your soul at the crossroads,” adds Bakka. “I like to take a different approach and touch on the elements of the esoteric world and dive into the forbidden or hidden that surrounds us in our lives every day.” 
As the Texan black metal outlaws saddle up for record two, they are leading the charge as one of the contemporary purveyors of black metal revivalism. ‘Burning Shadows in the Southern Night’ is certain to elicit a sense of nostalgia for those who dare to lay ears on this vicious new offering.  

Lineup:
Bakka – Vocals, Guitar
Semir Ozerkan – Guitars
Dobber Beverly – Drums
Mat Valentine - Bass

Guest Musicians:
Cammie Beverly (Oceans of Slumber) – Vocals on “The All Seeing Shadows” and “The Fall From Heaven”

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Necrofier 
https://twitter.com/necrofier 
https://www.instagram.com/necrofier/ 
https://necrofier.bandcamp.com

Producer/Sound Engineer/Mixing: Joel Hamilton at Studio G, Brooklyn, NY, USA

Mastering: Maor Appelbaum at Maor Appelbaum Mastering

Pre-save: https://orcd.co/necrofierbsitsn

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

Michael Ray's Smoky Country: Discretion + Triple Entendres

MICHAEL RAY RETURNS
True Country Turns of Phrase & Life on “Get Her Back”
Working with Producer Michael Knox, He Refines His Kinda Country

Photo Credit: Spidey Smith

Michael Ray’s love of country music is well-documented. From 69 appearances at the Grand Ole Opry and a black belt in jukebox songs, the dark-haired vocalist from the heart of Florida understands that real country music often distills the hard stuff in ways that lend insight and community to life’s turns and twists.
 
After a break post-COVID, the likable songwriter knew he wanted to dig deeper and find higher ground with his music. But he also knew he didn’t want to lose that ‘80s/’90s edge that had captured his imagination as a kid growing up in the rural part of the Sunshine State, just beyond where Disneyworld turns to horse country, orange groves, swamps and cow pastures.
 
Enter Michael Knox, the Macon, Georgia-born publishing exec, who came to prominence producing Jason Aldean’s hard-charging albums. Beyond his award-winning work throughout Aldean’s career, he’s helped elevate full-on country-made-for-men multiple ACM Award winner Trace Adkins and CMA Duo of the Year Montgomery Gentry.
 
“I knew Michael could get to the sound in my head,” Ray says. “I would think about how country music sounded to me as a boy, how big it felt and real. It was big more than it was loud – and the songs were always things nobody ever talked about, ever wanted to be caught in the middle of, but, well, there they were coming out of the radio.”
 
Together the pair started on what would become Dive Bars & Broken Hearts, an updated old school EP due June 23. More robust and full-bodied, this music is the product of the kind of places where the carpet’s a bit soggy, the beer’s cold and the bar’s got some nicks in it. To that end, these songs serve as a lighter held up to the power of capturing how life is never smooth.
 
Teasing the collection is the triple entendre “Get Her Back,” a taut song as smoky as it is haunting. Beyond the instinct to fix what’s wrong and the human reflex of striking out, there’s a subtler layer of getting to the heart of being human. It’s not about the falling apart or who said what as much as the emotions of anyone trying to make sense of the fall-out.
 
“Nobody wants to talk about all the emotions you feel, shock, anger, wanting to know why, or even wanting something bad to happen... because then there’s the letting go,” Ray explains. “It’s so many different things, all falling together really fast. But in the end, why bother? Like the song says, ‘I wasn’t raised like that...’
 
“I think ‘Get Her Back’ speaks for a lot of people who don’t wanna talk about it, you know? Most of us have all these emotions, feel all kinds of things – and we’re expected to act like we’re good or everything’s fine. You hear people talk, but if you respected whatever it was you had, feel it, but don’t feed the fire. That’s what’s at the heart of this song. For anyone out there like me, know we see you. It’s cool. But know you did the right thing...”
 
As the beat slinks and guitars descend, a sweltering vocal works against the drums. Never denying any of the feelings, but refusing to act, “Get Her Back” watches the aftermath with half detachment, half numbness and arrives at the reality that after all of it, perhaps the last thing the narrator wants would be to get her back.

About Michael Ray
Forged on the small stages of Florida’s rural communities, Michael Ray has created  an impressive foundation. Four No. 1 songs – RIAA Platinum-certified “Think a Little Less,” RIAA Platinum-certified “Whiskey And Rain,” RIAA Gold-certified “Kiss You in the Morning,” RIAA Gold-certified “One That Got Away” -- with over 1 billion global streams, over 650,000 album equivalents, and over 150 million YouTube views, he is a true country star who’s performed at the Grand Ole Opry more than 65 times. Looking to expand his sound, Ray sought out CMA Album of the Year Award-winning producer Michael Knox. The pair have taken his brand of country to a new level for Dive Bars & Broken Hearts, Ray’s six song EP arriving June 23 via Warner Music Nashville. Currently on the road headlining shows through the summer, he’s taking his music where it matters: to the people. For more information, visit MichaelRayMusic.com or follow him on Instagram and Twitter @MichaelRayMusic and
Facebook.com/MusicMichaelRay.

INFECTED RAIN, Premiere New Video for Live Version of "Freaky Carnival" & Announce European Tour Dates! ⛆⛆

DVD/BluRay Live Album, 'The Devil’s Dozen',

Out this Friday, April 14, 2023 on Napalm Records

Pre-Order HERE!

Since their formation in 2008, Moldovan progressive modern metal unit INFECTED RAINhave become one of the most exciting new acts in the heavy music world. In November 2021, in support of their much acclaimed fifth studio album, 'Ecdysis' (2022), the band fronted by multi-talented vocalist Lena Scissorhands – one of the fastest-rising leading ladies of the genre – offered an exclusive concert stream, entitled 'The Devil’s Dozen'. It was available online for only eight days. This Friday, on April 14, 2023, INFECTED RAINwill release their memorable live momentum that is 'The Devil’s Dozen', in DVD/BluRay + 2CD Digipak formats via Napalm Records!

To celebrate their first live record in style, and following previously-released live versions of “The Earth Mantra” and “Storm”, today, INFECTED RAIN have unleashed a new live performance video for “Freaky Carnival”, taken off their 2017 album '86'!

Vocalist Lena Scissorhands says:

"We're excited to announce the release of our live version of 'Freaky Carnival' from our upcoming Blu-Ray show, 'The Devil's Dozen'.

"This song has always been a fan favorite and we wanted to give it a new life by recording a live version to capture the energy and rawness of our live performances. We had an amazing time performing this song for the live audience and we're thrilled to share that experience with our fans through this single release. We hope this live version of 'Freaky Carnival' will give fans a taste of what's to come with 'The Devil's Dozen' and get everyone pumped up for the release of our full show on Blu-Ray."

The New Live Clip for “Freaky Carnival” is Now Premiering

Dive deep into the history of INFECTED RAIN like never before with their breathtaking full show spanning the past 15 years of the band’s history, with incredible production and special effects, and including rare song material! Featuring songs such as “Freaky Carnival”, taken off their 2017 album '86', and stage warrantors such as “The Earth Mantra” and “Storm” (released on their critically-acclaimed album 'Endorphin'), the release showcases the band’s metamorphosis throughout the years and celebrates INFECTED RAIN’s impressive career, songwriting and live skills to date.

'The Devil’s Dozen' electrifies with otherworldly live momentum by one of the most impressive modern bands within the extreme metal scene; unleashing resonating riffs, cosmic electronics, progressive grooves and Lena’s treasure trove of vocal abilities. The band’s upcoming DVD/BluRay is a must-have for every modern metal fan, as it demonstrates ultramodern brutality without sacrificing emotion and melody, performed live by a top-notch, high-voltage and enthralling live act!

'The Devil’s Dozen' will be released as Digipak, 2xAudio CD, 1x BluRay, 1x DVD on April 14, 2023 via Napalm Records.

Pre-Order 'The Devil’s Dozen' HERE!

Scissorhands comments:

"We're thrilled to be kicking off our HEYDAY Tour and bringing our music to fans across Europe. It's an honor to have the opportunity to connect with people through our music and share in the energy and excitement of live performance. We're looking forward to delivering a high-energy, unforgettable experience for everyone who comes out to see us. We're grateful for the support of our fans and can't wait to rock out together on this tour."

Colorado's A SHORELINE DREAM presents dark expansive journey on 'Driveaway' single

Delicate curves and beauty... a glorious dawn" – PopMatters

"Goth heaven... one of the leading lights of the neo-shoegaze movement" – DKFM

"A sonorous journey – a inward looking, lush and wonderfully orchestrated sonic adventure with dark intensity" ~ Spill Magazine

"A wild and beautiful thing" – The Big Takeover
 
"Shadowy and storming dreaminess" – Stereo Embers Magazine


Iconic shoegaze / postpunk outfit A Shoreline Dream presents 'Driveaway', a track that truly spells what A Shoreline Dream is all about. A song meant to drive to. A song that flows and wants to be put on repeat. Full of sea drenched layers and huge expanses.

Filmed in Barnum and Central City, Colorado, Jessica Halpine stars in this dark journey of a video, which was filmed, directed and edited by Ryan Policky with costumes by Tiffany Smyth and Jessica Halpine.

This is the latest audio-visual offering from their sixth full-length album 'Loveblind' album, released via Latenight Weeknight Records, which dives into recollections and past desires while looking forward in a wash of soundwaves towards a blinding future. With 40 minutes of goth-laced progressive soundscapes, this album features immense synth layers, the band's signature guitar and symphonic vocals.

Having changed lineups over the years, A Shoreline Dream since forming in 2005, today ASD revolves around multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Ryan Policky and guitarist Erik Jeffries. Their legacy became even more lush owing to collaborations with legends such as Ulrich Schnauss, Mark Kramer and The Engineers. The band also opened for Chapterhouse for their very final appearance.

"After many months of pushing ourselves through the pandemic, we came up with this early on in the exploration of the 'Loveblind' album. The visual concept is based on a lot of what has been happening to people just going about their normal everyday lives, only to be now forcefully expelled from feeling any sense of freedom. Now that many are getting back to our pre-pandemic lives, we’re finding ourselves in an entirely new situation. A situation where lines are constantly crossed, art is overly scrutinized, and people are at each others throats trying to separate themselves to try and reset their entire existence. Computers and technology advances are faster than we can control, and our realities are being changed at every moment by a whole new way of living. Some are giving up," says Ryan Policky.

"Some are using it as a way to escape. Others are just moving into a hibernation state. In the video this is entirely the case. A person expelled by an unknown force. Something that is part artificial, and mostly real. A state of dreamy and a state of confusion. We follow along as it all blends together in a place from distant past. A place where we all find ourselves eventually."

The pandemic has taken its toll on our mental well-being and the perception of money and power has blown previous years away. Dying to get back to the good times and moments of pure, unscathed lust, we long for new experiences to sweep us off our feet. 'Loveblind' reaches for that same energy, taking cues from previous A Shoreline Dream works, drawing from their progressive goth roots. Layers of moodiness, blissful explosions of rock and chugging tempo mix with the pain, love, hope and moments of near death experienced while creating the album itself.

"The video was shot on location in Barnum, Colorado, involving one of my favorite treks up in the mountains - the Central City Graveyard on the far end of town, hidden at the top of a mountain, buried in layers of trees with nonstop exploration. I utilized a bit of machine learning techniques to bring that element of out-of-control computer advancements, while merging in the lore of witches being cast away in the wardrobe stylings by Artsmyths, Inc., who helped pull together the style for our recent 'Loveblind' and 'Harlow Syndrome' videos," says Ryan Policky.

The 'Loveblind' LP is out now digitally, available everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The band have already started working on new material, and expect to be able to make an announcement about this soon.


Keep up with A Shoreline Dream
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Latenight Weeknight Records
Website | Facebook | YouTube

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Through Fire Release New Single + Visualizer "Over The Influence" From Upcoming New Album 'Devil's Got You Dreamin' Out April 21 via Sumerian Records

Omaha-based hard rock quartet Through Fire has unleashed their latest visualizer for "Over The Influence". The track can be found on the band's upcoming new album 'Devil's Got You Dreamin', set for release on April 21 (via Sumerian Records). Speaking about the influence behind the track, the band commented:

"End the toxic relationships in your life. Don't allow anyone or anything have a negative impact on you. Take back who you are as a person and say, "I will not live like this, I'm over the Influence".

Leading up to today, Through Fire has previously released visual accompaniments for "Karma Kills", "Lose It", and most recently "Devolution", which altogether have clocked up over 1 million views on YouTube and counting. Stream "Over The Influence" here, watch the visualizer below, and pre-save 'Devil's Got You Dreamin' here.

ans have a chance to see Through Fire in May on the Confessions Anniversary Tour with Ill Niño and Dropout Kings. For ticket information, please click here.

Confessions Anniversary Tour Dates

5/4 - Jacksonville, NC - Hooligans

5/5 - Winchester, VA - Blue Fox Billiards

5/6 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom

5/7 - Horseheads, NY - The L

5/9 - Mechanicsburg, PA - Lovedrafts 

5/10 - Pittsburgh, PA - Crafthouse

5/11 - Lakewood, OH - Winchester Tavern

5/12 - Flint, MI - Machine Shop 

5/13 - Angola, IN - Eclectic Room 

5/14 - Joliet, IL - The Forge

5/16 - Bloomington, IL

5/17 - Belvidere, IL - The Apollo Theater

5/18 - Omaha, NE - Waiting Room

5/19 - Sioux Falls, SD - Bigs Bar  

5/20 - Billings, MT - Pub Station

5/21 - Great Falls, MT - The Newberry

5/23 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater

5/24 - Colorado Springs, CO - Sunshine Studios

5/25 - Grand Junction, CO - Mesa Theater

5/26 - Phoenix, AZ - Rebel Lounge

5/27 - El Paso, TX - Rockhouse  

5/30 - Lubbock, TX - Jakes

5/31 - Corpus Christi, TX - House Of Rock

6/1 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live

6/2 - San Antonio, TX - The Rock Box  

6/3 - Fort Worth, TX - Rail Club

6/4 - Tyler, TX - Country River Club

ABOUT THROUGH FIRE:

Hard rock should exist outside of the system. It should break the mold. It should burn through expectations. Through Fire most certainly does. The Omaha, NE quartet—Justin McCain [lead guitar & songwriter], Grant Joshua Kendrick [lead vocals], Tyler Halverson [bass], and Zack Halverson [drums]—fuses hard-hitting riffs, lyrics that truly resonate and contagious melodies that are unforgettable. As a result, this impactful, immediate, and infectious fusion defies categorization and incites energy as boundless as the style itself. Additionally, the approach transformed the quartet into a phenomenon with chart-topping radio successes and over 275 million streams worldwide.

Now, the same fire fuels the band’s third full-length for Sumerian Records. “This album takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions". We've all been through the fiery trials of life, this album aims to empower us all to get up out of the pit of despair and be victorious over our difficult circumstances. "Recording these songs was truly therapeutic, going in the studio to unleash every raw, honest feeling imaginable while enduring the heat of life's flames and heartache was powerful. This album brought us healing and we know from experience, we can all rise above whatever life throws our way.”

Cody Hibbard Debuts Official Music Video for "Looking Back Now"

Honesty and a hard-working attitude are just side effects of Cody Hibbard’s blue collar raising. The United States Naval Academy-recruit-turned-pipeline-worker incorporates the same grit and plainspoken truth learned from his work ethic into his music, with his Droptine Records debut “Looking Back Now” portraying an honest self-reflection of why a relationship went amiss. Watch the official music video below.
 
Written by Jordan Walker, Matt McKinney and Jordan Kiser and produced by Grady Saxsman – with the music video directed by Wales Toney (Whale Tale Media) – “Looking Back Now” is a 20/20 hindsight view of the narrator’s past mistakes, as Hibbard realizes the relationship’s ending was a culmination of little acts he overlooked. (“Looking back now I would have done things different / a lot of could’ve should’ve would’ve dones…but I didn’t / Now I’m standing alone in the kitchen…just wishin”).

“In the pipeline industry, you know, we travel so much to go to work, and to try to provide for a living,” Hibbard shared with Country Now. “Whether you call it work or a dream, to just be successful, you know, the music industry is not any different, and that’s how I took this song. The looking back now part was where we tend to go and chase dreams and do stuff like this, and sometimes we tend to forget other relationships. That song hits home for myself and other people that I know.” 

Known in Nashville circles for his expert A&R ear, music veteran Jim Catino of Droptine Music first discovered Hibbard’s music while diving into streaming services on the lookout for new artists to capture his attention. With recent development for Dalton Dover leading to a publishing deal with Droptine and Sony Music Publishing along with a record deal with UMG Nashville, Catino is excited to see Country’s tent expanding to encompass even more prowess.
 
Hibbard’s latest release and first on Droptine, “Looking Back Now,” is available on all streaming services.
 

CodyHibbard.com | Instagram | Facebook  | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | Apple | Amazon

Prog Rock Trio BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE Streams New Album Ahead of Release

Progressive rock trio BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE is now streaming its brand new full-length, 'Tempus Veritas,' ahead of its April 14 release date! The album can be heard in full below.

Pre-orders are now available HERE. The album can be pre-saved on various digital platforms HERE.

BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE create huge, memorable rock music that combines heavy-hitting savagery with intense melodic beauty. Their technical, fearlessly complex grooves and gigantic sing-along choruses have already earned them a widespread fanbase.
 
A ferociously tight live band, BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE have toured Europe and the UK extensively, supporting Skunk Anansie, HED p.e, INME and Black Map as well as festival slots at Download, Standon Calling and Planet Rockstock. Black Orchid Empire have sealed the bands reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
 
Having released their debut album ‘Archetype’ (2016) to universal acclaim, BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE signed with German label Long Branch Records to release the follow up albums ‘Yugen’ (2018) and ‘Semaphore’ (2020). Both albums received stellar reviews and over 3,000,000+ combined streams.
 
“Tempus Veritas” is a collection of stories that seeks to find compelling imaginary narratives hidden away in what we all think of as history.  Behind every milestone or major event in humanity’s long, complex past lies a treasure trove of possibilities for invention - how did Pope Urban VIII feel when confronted by his friend Galileo about the true nature of the sun?  What really happened during an almost triumphant but ultimately doomed Everest attempt? What was it like to be a Norse settler amongst the Saxons; did the omens of the ancient gods begin to disappear?
 
In approaching “Tempus Veritas”, BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE sought collectively to push themselves both musically and thematically. Their pursuit of heaviness, melody, emotional power and rhythmic complexity has pushed them to create something they‘re immensely proud of. “Semaphore” was an album of Sci-Fi, this is an album of Hi-Fi. Tempus Veritas.                 

Recording studio:
The Recording Studio London
 
Producer / sound engineer:
Produced by Black Orchid Empire
Paul Visser (engineer)
Dobromir Vasilev (assistant engineer)
 
Mixing studio and engineer:
The Recording Studio London
Paul Visser (mix engineer)
 
Mastering studio and engineer:
Systematic Productions
Ermin Hamidovic (mastering engineer)
 
Line-up:
Paul Visser: Vocals | Guitar
Dave Ferguson: Bass | Vocals
Billy Freedom: Drums

Cover artwork: Black Orchid Empire & Ines Hernandez
 

Links:
www.blackorchidempire.com
www.fb.com/blackorchidempire
www.instagram.com/blackorchidempire
www.tiktok.com/@blackorchidempire
www.youtube.com/blackorchidempire
https://spoti.fi/3HqEfEh
https://blackorchidempiresom.bandcamp.com

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

Formats:
Digital
Digipak
Vinyl in various colours

BLACK HEART SAINTS Release Single "HUMAN XSTACY" to Radio via CLEOPATRA RECORDS

Austin City Council and Mayor Steve Adler officially proclaimed April 12th to be “Black Heart Saints Day!” What better day to release their latest single "Human Xstacy" to radio!

In addition, the band has released the “Human Xstacy” lyric video .

Black Heart Saints, consisting of Josh LeBlanc (Vocals), Mark Sean (Guitar), Nathan Flores(Drums), and Ian C.G. (Bass), announced the release of their new single "Human Xstacy" on January 20th with legendary label Cleopatra Records. The song was produced by Geno Lenardo (Filter, Device) and mixed/mastered by Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns 'N Roses, Sons of Apollo, Asia).

Black Heart Saints exploded onto the scene with a distinct groove steeped in classic rock and a modern intensity, and a bravado that is clearly backed by talent. With endorsements by some of the most respected rock personalities and critics such as Eddie Trunk, Lou Brutus, and Jose Manginfrom SiriusXM Octane, Black Heart Saints stands atop the "new wave of classic rock" pantheon and is destined for a bright future. In recent years, the studio singles “Reach the End”, “Lines”, and “Misery” topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock Radio Charts, paving the way for appearances at SXSW Festival, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and serving as the support act for national artists such as Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, Ace Frehley, Sevendust, Steel Panther, Pop Evil, Buckcherry, Dirty Honey, and more.

We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Cleopatra Records and welcome
them to our all-star team. 2023 is the year that ‘Black Heart Saints’ becomes a
household name,” says guitarist, Mark Sean.

Setting the stage for commercial success early in the band’s career, the band was awarded #1 Best Rock/Metal Act at the prestigious Austin Music Awards, being recognized alongside other local luminaries such as Willie Nelson and Black Pumas. In 2019, their first full-length release ALIVE, drew acclaim from fans and critics alike and led to the now famous “Road to Sturgis Tour.” Putting Black Heart Saints’ charismatic live performance to the test, the band took the stage at the world-renowned motorcycle rally, attended by over 500,000 bikers from all around the globe, and the group earned the respect and devotion of a whole new audience base. This experience catapulted Black Heart Saints to the West Coast where they completed an extensive tour, including a headline performance at the famed Viper Room in West Hollywood, CA.

Although 2020 proved to be a particularly challenging year for the entire entertainment industry due to the global pandemic and subsequent shutdowns, Black Heart Saints quickly adapted to the unprecedented conditions by partnering with distinguished brands Harley-Davidson and Loop.tvfor exclusive streaming performances that captured audiences from all around the world. In 2021, the band was named an 'Artist You Need to Know' by Rolling Stone Magazine.

Rapidly ascending to perform some of the biggest stages and festivals in the United States, Black Heart Saints have built an impressive resume, and have been recognized as one of the nation’s top emerging rock acts. Highlights to-date include:

• Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (Full Throttle Saloon) in 2022/2021/2020

• Upheaval Festival Mainstage Performer 2022

• 2021 Fort Hood Army Base / USO Independence Day Headliner

• Myrtle Beach Bike Rally 2022 Performer

• 2020 Loop.tv Music Festival Performer (over 2 million viewers)

• Official 2020/2019/2018 South by Southwest Artist

• 2019 Austin Music Awards Winner - #1 Best Rock/Metal Act

• Music videos featured in over 5,000+ gyms across the US and Canada

• Buffalo Trace Battle of the Bands Grand Prize Winner

• ESPN X Games Performer

• Named an 'Artist You Need to Know' by Rolling Stone Magazine

"I've been friends with Brian Perera (President/CEO of Cleopatra Records) for years, and with today's uncertain musical landscape, it's great to have a label like Cleopatra Records behind us,”says talent manager, John Gomez. “Brian and his staff are dedicated to rock and very focused in the right places to help bring Black Heart Saints’ music to market, build their audience, and reach new heights,” Gomez adds.

In 2023, we find Black Heart Saints returning to the road. The band performed a round of shows with Steel Panther in the Carolinas (as direct support) at the end of January, in February opened for Daughtry and showcased at the 10th Annual rock curated event, #HAPPENS, in Las Vegas, then In March, the band was direct support for some shows in Texas with the power trio supergroup The Winery Dogs. On April 22nd, Black Heart Saints will be performing the main stage at Fiesta Oyster Bake in San Antonio with P.O.D. and Saint Asonia, in May you can catch BHS opening for the legendary band King’s X in Austin,TX on May 25th and in Houston, TX on May 27th, and on the main stage at Upheaval in Grand Rapids, MI in July with Bring Me The Horizon, Lamb of God, Falling In Reverse, Halestorm, Dorothy and many more great bands. Dangerous & dirty, Black Heart Saints gives fans exactly what they want – rock god vocals catapulted over explosive, memorable riffs – leaving legions of the rock ‘n’ roll faithful yearning for more.

For more information on BLACK HEART SAINTS, please visit:

WEBSITE|SPOTIFY|FACEBOOK|INSTAGRAM|TIKTOK|YOUTUBE

Stay connected with CLEOPATRA RECORDS!

WEBSITE|INSTAGRAM|FACEBOOK|YOUTUBE

Veil of Maya Drops Third Single "Mother Pt. 4"; Continues Epic Music Video Saga from Upcoming Album

Genre-bending metal powerhouse VEIL OF MAYA continue to stoke the fires of fan excitement today with the release of the third single from their long-awaited new album, '[m]other' today. The track, titled "Mother Pt. 4" is accompanied by an official music video that continues the narrative from previous singles "Godhead" and "Red Fur". Stream the new track HERE and watch the new video below.

Veil of Maya announced their highly anticipated new studio album, their first in nearly 6 years, last month. The new album, '[m]other', will be released on the band's long-time label, Sumerian Records on May 12th. Pre-orders, with a variety of merch and vinyl bundle options, are available now from veilofmayaband.com

Speaking on the release of the new track, founder and guitarist, Marc Okubo shares

"We are very pleased to share this new experience with you! This is the 3rd video in our [m]other series made by the incredible Blvckbox Studios. We will be joining Avatar on their US tour in a few weeks and our album '[m]other' will be available everywhere May 12th! We're so stoked for you to hear it. See you soon!"

"Red Fur" follows the release of stand alone singles, "Godhead" (released last month) and "Synthwave Vegan" (released in May of last year). Both tracks feature on the new album and between them have clocked up 3.8 million Spotify streams and 968,000 YouTube views.

The band also announced today that in addition to the previously released album pre-order merch bundles, they will also be releasing a very limited run of colored cassette tapes (50 each in pink, green, yellow and blue only available in US and 150 white only available in UK and EU). In addition, they have partnered with highly respected streetwear brand Rucking Fotten to create a Meil of Vaya x Rucking Fotten all-over-print t-shirt and poster, both limited to 100 pieces each.

VEIL OF MAYA have a stacked touring schedule coming up. Having just returned from laying waste to Europe, they will embark on a 24-date run across the US starting on April 28th in Omaha, NE. For full dates and tickets, head to veilofmayaband.com

VEIL OF MAYA US TOUR DATES

W/Avatar & Orbit Culture

4/28 Omaha, NE - The Admiral

4/29 Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre

4/30 Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot

5/01 Garden City, ID - Revolution Concert House

5/03 San Diego, CA - The Observatory - North Park

5/04 Los Angeles, CA - The Belasco Theater

5/05 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore

5/06 Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues

5/07 Phoenix, AZ - The Van Buren

5/09 Austin, TX - Emo's

5/10 Dallas, TX - The Echo Lounge & Music Hall

5/12 Minneapolis, MN - Skyway Theatre

5/13 Green Bay, WI - EPIC Event Center

5/14 East Moline, IL - The Rust Belt

5/15 Chicago, IL - House of Blues

5/16 Royal Oak, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre

5/19 St Petersburg, FL - Jannus Live

5/20 Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre

5/21 Lexington, KY - Manchester Music Hall

5/23 New York, NY - Webster Hall

5/24 Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club

5/25 Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore Silver Spring

5/26 Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts

5/28 McKees Rocks, PA - Roxian Theatre

ABOUT VEIL OF MAYA

By channeling energy in one direction, force grows exponentially. Veil of Maya harness the individual experiences and talents of four distinct musicians—Marc Okubo [guitar], Sam Applebaum [drums], Danny Hauser [bass], and Lukas Magyar [vocals]—into airtight groove-laden metal accented by fits of instrumental virtuosity and vocal catharsis. This approach has endeared them to a devout fan base with critical acclaim and over 135 million total streams and counting (unprecedented for an outfit this crushingly heavy). The Chicago band draw on the strength of their union on their seventh full-length offering, [m]other [Sumerian Records].

Veil of Maya have consistently pushed the boundaries of heavy music by pushing themselves collectively. 2015’s Matriarchmade major waves, crashing the Billboard US Hard Rock Albums Chart at #2 powered by “Aeris,” “LeeLoo,” and “Mikasa.” The latter has gathered over 25.4 million Spotify streams and counting. In 2017, 'False Idol' saw the band return to the Top 3 of the Hard Rock Albums Chart as “Overthrow” and “Doublespeak” each eclipsed 8 million-plus Spotify streams apiece. The record also incited the applause of LoudWire, Substream Magazine, Metal Hammer, and Invisible Oranges who raved, “False Idol is undeniably Veil of Maya: greatly contrasting the band’s past, it serves as a companion and booster for their older work.” Simultaneously, they toured alongside Animals As Leaders, Upon A Burning Body, Chelsea Grin, Oceans Ate Alaska, and more. In the midst of the Pandemic, they dropped “Outsider,” “Viscera,” and “Outrun.”

The Chicago band now draw on the strength of their union on their seventh full-length offering, [m]other [Sumerian Records]. In short, this is Veil of Maya at their collective best. Speaking on his hopes for his band's upcoming opus, guitarist, Marc Okuboshares

“I hope you’re inspired to listen to this again and again. Maybe you’ll hone in on the little details as you go further, and it will musically become a cinematic experience.”

XANDRIA Unveils Official Music Video for “My Curse Is My Redemption”

Get Their Latest, Top 10 Charting Album,

'The Wonders Still Awaiting', HERE!

European Tour with DELAIN Kicks Off on April 14!

Experience new wonders with the return of symphonic metal icons XANDRIA!

The freshly crowned Top 10 charting band XANDRIA recently returned to the peak of the mountain with an impressive new lineup and their brand new studio album 'The Wonders Still Awaiting'. Once again, the pioneers of German symphonic metal enchant their fans with the captivating official video for the single “My Curse Is My Redemption”. Singer Ambre Vourvahis underlines the intimate setting with breathtaking vocals.

XANDRIA on “My Curse Is My Redemption”:

“As many of you Xandria fans have named this song as one of your favorites from the new album, we decided to make a video for it - with beautiful pictures underlining the meaning of the lyrics:

"Music, art, as something that can derive from painful experiences, and then not only heal you, but also others. It is a wonderful gift for us all then.

"Another musical colour from the rich palette of our album 'The Wonders Still Awaiting', on which each song has its very own identity and its own atmosphere. This one is symphonic for sure, but also has some straight rock vibes, and a certain 80's flavour to it. It is melancholic but also has a hopeful twist, in both the music and the lyrics.

"We noticed that it is a wonderful song to play live - and we are looking forward to play that song for you on the upcoming tour!”

Watch the Official Music Video for “My Curse is My Redemption”

XANDRIA are:

Ambre Vourvahis – Vocals

Marco Heubaum – Guitar

Robert Klawonn – Guitar

Tim Schwarz – Bass

Dimitrios Gatsios – Drums

Paledusk Sign To SharpTone Records + Share New Single "I'm Ready To Die For My Friends"

BAND ANNOUNCES SIGNING TO SHARPTONE RECORDS

Japanese chaotic metalcore trio Paledusk step into new territory with triumphant new single "I'm ready to die for my friends," featuring VIGORMAN. The fresh new single marks the first to be released with the backing of SharpTone Records, joining Australia's own Greyscale Records.

Stream the new single here.

As the title suggests, Paledusk's latest single is a positive and upbeat offering, taking listeners on a rollercoaster ride through genre-defying, jubilant moments that show an energized and excitable side to the riotous three-piece. The ambitious new single welcomes VIGORMAN to the fold — a close friend and member of Japanese pop trio HENTAI SHINSHI CLUB.

Paledusk's diverse sound has captured the attention of music tastemakers across the world, with the band announcing their signing to mammoth record label, SharpTone Records for Europe, Africa, and the U..S. With Greyscale Records already covering Australia and New Zealand, Paledusk are on a steady path to world domination. 

PHOTO CREDIT: DAIKI MIURA

Paledusk, who hail from Fukuoka, Japan, have become one of the most important young bands of the new modern metal era. The trio's sights have been set firmly on taking over the world with their unique blend of skittish instrumentals with melodramatic sprinklings since their formation in 2014.

Paledusk's sound is the evolution of a band that is not bound by genre. With foundations heavily rooted in metalcore and hardcore, the trio also explores and incorporates sounds inspired by hip hop, dance, pop, rock, and more, resulting in releases that break the mold as they consistently tread new ground, earning the band hundreds of thousands of listeners and a dedicated global following.

The band's energetic and explosive live performances have been carefully crafted to captivate their audiences. Their impassioned act earned them a place at Australia's Good Things Festival 2022 last December, where they showcased a collection of their eclectic repertoire alongside the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, Deftones, NOFX, TISM, and so many more, visiting stages in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. This month saw Slipknot's festival KNOTFEST travel to Japan, where Paledusk took to the stage to play the inaugural event, joining Slipknot, Korn, Trivium, Parkway Drive, and more.

Inheriting the conventional digital rock feel of pioneers like Japanese experimental band The Mad Capsule Markets and English electronic dance act The Prodigy, Paledusk continue on their path, proudly leading the way for lawless metalcore, carrying the baton for the punk community and promising to keep their listeners guessing. 

"I'm ready to die for my friends" is out via Greyscale Records/SharpTone Records and is streaming everywhere.

INTERNATIONAL R&B SINGER-SONGWRITER, MALAVIKA IS TAKING CONTROL AND EXPRESSING HERSELF WITH THE RELEASE OF “OVERDRIVE”

International R&B singer-songwriter, Malavika, has released her empowering single, “Overdrive,” today. A full-package entertainer, Malavika draws on her globe-spanning influences to craft a mélange of r&b, hip-hop and pop from a unique perspective. "Overdrive" is truly a global

collaboration, created across three continents - Berlin, Dubai, and LA; including an Indian vocal sample sung by Malavika herself. She says “"Overdrive” is a song that showcases a different side of my personality. It’s confident, sexual and empowering. It’s about taking control, reversing gender stereotypes and expressing yourself unabashedly. But at the same time it’s a sexy R&B love song that is in an ode to your person.” Malavika’s intoxicating vocals are on full display, as she initiates romance with her lover over a pulsing beat, with natural confidence and sultry playfulness.

Following the organic success of the only other two singles to her name, “Don’t Let Go” and “Sugarcoat,” “Overdrive” was created with all the elements that Malavika is most inspired by. She expands “Vocally I wanted to go in on the song in terms of the harmonies, layers and adlibs. It’s stacked and is reminiscent of early 2000s R&B, one of many eras where the ad libs really mattered. I have this moment in the second verse where I wanted to have a Queen inspired harmony moment.” With West Coast legend DJ Quik, as her mentor, “Overdrive” showcases a combination of Malavika’s confident writing ability, commanding vocals, and musical influences. Alongside songwriting, Malavika has also found herself an advocate for infiltrating her culture into everything she creates. She expands; “The influences in my music are unique to my experience and upbringing, including the exposure to multilingual music. I try to incorporate sonic and visual elements of my culture whenever I can in a way that’s natural and organic, because it’s a part of my identity.”

Born and raised in India, Malavika began to display a profound love for the performing arts from her earliest years, and began performing at just 3 years old. Being exposed to various contrasting worlds and cultures throughout her childhood has had a transformative role in Malavika’s development as an artist. Imprinted with her parents’ love for music, Malavika grew up idolizing Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Tina Turner, alongside Indian masters like A.R. Rahman - not to mention the harder-hitting hip-hop of Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Kanye West and Drake. These influences helped push Malavika to make the move to Los Angeles to pursue her career, where she was discovered by West Coast legend DJ Quik, who is now a mentor and collaborator furthering her development as an artist. DJ Quik and Malavika have since worked on a variety of records, and toured together performing her music at the Novo in LA and venues all across the Bay Area. In 2020, Malavika’s debut single “Sugarcoat” premiered via Flaunt, and was followed by her 2023 release of “Don’t Let Go,” which premiered on BBC Radio. During quarantine Malavika posted a cover “All N My Grill” on social media which warranted a response from the legendary Missy Elliott herself. Her vision is to not only become a global artist, but also to create music and art that go beyond borders to integrate various cultures and their musical identities. Bringing people from all parts of the world together into the same arena is what Malavika strives for.

MALAVIKA ON SOCIALS:

INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

Catch LITTLE MISS NASTY SEX METAL CIRCUS TOUR 2023 with Special Guests GINA AND THE EASTERN BLOCK and RAVEN BLACK LIVE!

Rock & Metal Burlesque and dance troupe LITTLE MISS NASTY--named "The Best in burlesque" by Hustler Magazine--are set to dominate the Spring 2023 US landscape with their SEX METAL CIRCUS TOUR 2023!

Joining LITTLE MISS NASTY on direct support are GINA AND THE EASTERN BLOCK (aka GATEB), celebrated for their raucous and nasty Strip Club anthems, including their darkly luscious cover of KORN's "Freak On A Leash" ft. Heidi Shepherdof Butcher Babies. GATEB released a sumptuously dark cover of the Donovan classic “Season Of The Witch” in late 2022. The band’s latest single is the trip hop laced with NYHC track “Choke On My Dick”.

Gina And The Eastern Block (aka GATEB) is an American band formed in Los Angeles. The band was formed by record producer Marc Jordan (Slash, The Mowgli’s, The Cult, Stitched Up Heart, Bleached, Little Miss Nasty) and uniquely talented and blazingly sexy vocalist Gina Katon. GATEB’s touring unit includes Creighton Emrick from Orgy and has also featured current Deftones and former Marilyn Manson bass player Fred Sablan.

Strip Club Anthems! GATEB released their debut single, "Sippin' On A Forty" in 2016 and attracted significant attention for the over the top salaciousness and sexiness of the accompanying music video for the song. The song pays homage to boredom, day drinking and lipstick lesbian sex. The dark, brooding, hip hop infused track “Bootsy Wally” (also released in 2016) has enjoyed significant popularity as well. Both songs have become verifiable stripper anthems inspiring many people to post performance videos online. #sippinonaforty #bootsywally
The band released the raucous and nasty rocker "Get Gone" in late 2016. "Get Gone" has received significant air play on BBCRadio1 probably because it is the perfect "go fuck yourself" anthem.
The band released several more singles including “I Love You I Hate You”, “Big Black Van”, “Wasted” and “Fuck The System” in 2018 and 2019.

The quarantine of 2020 enabled GATEB to write, record and release "Bloodsucker Motherfucker" featuring Kevin Thrasherfrom Escape The Fate as well as a nasty cover version of the Nine Inch Nails masterpiece "Head Like A Hole".

“The Insanity” was released in March of 2021 and is the first release from the band’s deal with Symphonic Distribution.

“Pussy Gon Eat You”, released in May 2021, is a highly infectious electronic and alternative metal track co-produced by hip hop and electronic music producer The Snowy White Owl and Marc Jordan. “The lyrics to “Pussy Gon Eat You” are not for the faint of heart. This song is ‘Pussy Power’ on crack. I did things vocally that I’ve never done before. I got weird!”, says vocalist Gina Katon.

The band released a mind blowing cover of Korn’s epic song “Freak On A Leash” in May 2022 that features a collaboration with Little Miss Nasty and Heidi Shepherd from Butcher Babies. The song was called one of the best rock/metal releases on 2022 by LOUDWIRE.

Gina And The Eastern Block has gone on numerous national and international tours and has amassed a large cult following across the world.

Dark Metal Carnival RAVEN BLACK will be opening the SEX METAL CIRCUS TOUR 2023, bringing an additional layer of growling vocals and crunchy guitars to whet fans' appetites!

Raven was reborn again, but lost in a world she didn’t fit into. LOST in her own journey hidden behind an innocent smile. Decades of inner turmoil and suffering, she finally let go and took her journey into the darkness with vigilance. She would be found and no one will stop her from reaching the sky from the underground.

RAVEN BLACK blazed onto the scene with the release of their first single, "Died Inside," and a sold out show at the legendary Roxy Theater on September 7, 2013. They continued to work in the studio and released their first EP, Midnight Dreary, in June 2014, successfully packing the house at the famous Viper Room.

In October 2014, the band revamped their line-up and began working with Grammy Nominated Producer Ulrich Wild (ROB ZOMBIE, WHITE ZOMBIE, ALICE IN CHAINS, BREAKING BENJAMIN, PANTERA, SEETHER, DEATHKLOK, OTEP, and more) on their new album. They then spent the next two years writing and releasing their single, "Seven Sins," in April 2016 with the EP, Seven Sins, September 2016.

Raven Black played the Corona Hell and Heaven Festival in Mexico City, Mexico, July 2016, alongside such headliners as RAMMSTEIN, TWISTED SISTER, GHOST, Five Finger Death Punch, MUSHROOMHEAD, SEPULTURA, ALIEN ANT FARM, and many others. They wrapped up 2016 playing DirtFest in Michigan sharing the stage with headliners KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, ASKING ALEXANDRIA, HATEBREED, ATTILA, BORN OF OSIRIS, and others.

The band released their first official EP with the new line up, Seven Sins, on September 29, 2016, before joining MUSHROOMHEAD, SUNFLOWER DEAD, UNSAID FATE, and DEATH DIVISION on MUSHROOMHEAD's Annual Halloween Tour.

2017 started very busy for RAVEN BLACK as they headed to Cleveland, OH to film their new music video, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Scars," with MonoBloc's Josh Apple and Andrew Sparks. Premiered on Revolver Magazine on April 13, 2017, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Scars" is a miniature horror version of their already theatrical presence in the metal community. "We wanted to have some blood in this one," says Raven.

After a brief rest, RAVEN BLACK toured through the Southern parts of the U.S. on their way to SXSW, where they played the Heart of Texas Rock Festival in March 2017, winning fans from across multiple genres at the iconic event. Raven says, "I am so proud of being able to share our METAL music with other fans of country, hip hop and pop genres. I was so surprised and happy to see them buying our music. It was fun and the only thing missing was the big mosh pit, LOL, although there was a small handful of metalheads represented this year at SXSW. "

After returning back home to Los Angeles, the band quickly prepared for their first headline run, The Hex O'Clock Tour, which kicked off in Guadalajara, Mexico at the Roadhouse Voodoo Bar on July 7, 2017. The Hex O'Clock Tour was a complete success and the band was able to visit so many new cities throughout the country, meeting fans, playing new venues, and sharing new stage props, a few new songs, and announcing their new album, 13, in early Spring 2018.

Ending their 2018 year, RAVEN BLACK went on tour with DEVILDRIVER and JINJER throughout the United States.

In Spring of 2019, RAVEN BLACK toured with CRADLE OF FILTH and ended the year with a two part US / Canada tour with STATIC-X, DEVILDRIVER, DOPE, AND WEDNESDAY-13through the Summer and Fall.

RAVEN BLACK was scheduled to tour with IN THIS MOMENT, BLACK VEIL BRIDES, and DED in the Spring of 2020, but the tour was postponed as a result of the pandemic. Instead, the band kept busy with their fans, "The Rejects," through constant engagement on social media, developing a support group, REJECTSHELP, to provide mental and emotional support for their fans who were struggling through the pandemic. They ended the year with a special 2020, limited edition Rejects Yearbook, which features all of the photo memories of their fans throughout 2019 and 2020, including traditional "favorites' and yearbook themes.Launching April 25th at Fulton 55 in Fresno, the SEX METAL CIRCUS TOUR 2023 travels through the West Coast and West Central US before winding through Texas and back into California, wrapping up May 14th at Jolenes in San Francisco.

Tour Dates:
04/25 @ Fulton 55 - Fresno, CA
04/27 @ Star Theater - Portland, OR
04/28 @ El Corazon - Seattle, WA
04/29 @ Cruisers - Post Falls, ID
05/01 @ Metro Music Hall - Salt Lake City, UT
05/03 @ Sunshine Studios - Colorado Springs, CO
05/04 @ The Wave - Wichita, KS
05/05 @ Big Rob’s - Dallas, TX
05/06 @ Scout Bar - Houston, TX
05/07 @ Deadhorse - San Angelo, TX
05/09 @ TBA
05/10 @ Holding Co. - San Diego, CA
05/11 @ Viper Room - Los Angeles, CA
05/12 @ Area 15 - Las Vegas, NV *
05/13 @ Harvelle's - Long Beach, CA *
05/14 @ Jolenes - San Francisco, CA *

* LITTLE MISS NASTY Only

Additional Tour, RSVP, & Ticketing Info

Straight from sold out residences in Las Vegas, LA and NYC, prepare for a sensually charged evening “off the leash” with the seductive global icons of dark performance art and rock and metal burlesque – Little Miss Nasty! It’ll be an electrifying spectacle of dancers, performers, and over-the-top visuals. Little Miss Nasty are the innovators and iconic pioneers of Rock and Metal Burlesque. The Little Miss Nasty live experience is a professionally choreographed production featuring some of the entertainment industry’s best dancers, aerialists, vocalists and contortionists. The show is full of over-the-top visuals and blazingly cool music from Korn, Slipknot, NIN, Rob Zombie, RATM, IC3PEAK and others along with surprises that leave jaws on the floor and memories fired up.

Little Miss Nasty delivers an overwhelmingly powerful experience that inspires and defies genre because Little Miss Nasty IS the genre. You have permission to be your Nasty, authentic self!

OBITUARY Release Spatial Audio Version of New Album, 'Dying of Everything'

OBITUARY

Release Spatial Audio Version

of New Album, 'Dying of Everything' 

North America Headline Tour Begins April 28th!

Announce the 'Barely-A-Live-Stream'

Happening April 22nd & 23rd

New Album 'Dying Of Everything' is Out Now!

“OBITUARY is a legendary band, and their latest record is one more reason why they deserve that legendary status.”

- Metal Injection

“'Dying of Everything' is as pure a death metal album as you’ll get in 2023 and that’s a good thing. Long live death and long live OBITUARY!”

- MetalSucks

“'Dying of Everything' wastes no time showing that OBITUARY are only working to further perfect their craft rather than change their formula.”

- Exclaim!

"OBITUARY once again show us how this death metal thing is done"

- Kerrang!

"Seethes with vital energy, possessing the spirit of a hungry new band and showcasing the skills of seasoned pros." - Revolver

"They're still one of the heaviest bands on the planet." - Blabbermouth

"An instant OBITUARY classic"

- Stereogum 

"Their live prowess and unwavering dedication to their fans made them one of the metal underground’s most respected bands."

- Decibel 

"OBITUARY's strongest album in 30 years"

- Metal Hammer UK

OBITUARY TOUR DATES: 

North America 2023

w/ immolation, Blood Incantation & Ingrown

Apr 28 Charlotte, NC The Underground

Apr 29 Jacksonville, NC Hooligans Music Hall

Apr 30 Richmond, VA Canal Club 

May 01 Baltimore, MD Baltimore Soundstage

May 02 Philadelphia, PA Brooklyn Bowl

May 04 New York, NY Irving Plaza

May 05 Boston, MA The Middle East

May 06 Montreal, QC Theatre Fairmount

May 07 Toronto, ON The Phoenix Concert Theatre

May 09 Chicago, IL Metro

May 10 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line

May 11 Omaha, NE The Waiting Room *

May 12 Englewood, CO Gothic Theatre *

May 13 Salt Lake City, UT The Complex

May 15 Seattle, WA El Corazon

May 16 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre

May 18 Berkeley, CA UC Theatre

May 19 Los Angeles, CA The Fonda Theatre

May 20 Mesa, AZ Nile Theater

May 22 Austin, TX Mohawk

May 23 Dallas, TX Granada Theatre

May 24 Houston, TX White Oak Music Hall

May 26 St. Louis, MO Red Flag

May 28 Louisville, KY The Mercury Ballroom

* No Immolation

Michael Ray Road Hones DIVE BARS & BROKEN HEARTS

Eustis, FL country singer Michael Ray grew up in the Sunshine State’s many dive bars, juke joints, honky tonks and the storied Sunshine Opry. For him, country music was the thing where people drinking after a long day, a tough break-up, a big win or just the need to get out of the house found their music mingled with neon, cigarette smoke, cold beer and enough heartache and high octane to siphon off whatever might be on your heart.
 
Coming from a family of working-class folks who know the meaning of “40 and OT,” there’s no faking how Ray gets his country on. After spending a few years as a teenager going to school, playing bars and splitting cable, he decided to chase a crazy dream to Nashville. The result was four No. 1s, including his most recent platinum, two-week chart-topper “Whiskey And Rain,” as well as a reputation as one of those artists who can hold down any stage, anywhere.
 
“There’s nowhere I’m more alive than playing to a roomful of people,” Ray explains. “To me, that’s where country music comes to life. I love being in the studio, putting a song into just the right instruments and frame. But if you want to really understand how a song works, go play it somewhere big enough to get loud, but small enough to feel the people.”
 
Having teamed with fellow force of Southern rock meets country Macon, Georgia’s Michael Knox, the pair have been bulking up Ray’s beer joint roots and streamlining his classic country song sense for what is becoming one of the most anticipated pieces of new music this spring Dives Bars & Broken Hearts. Culled from the way life puts you in places you never knew you were going to go, the six song EP creates a sense of how it feels to be a man, hold your own space and make your own way.
 
“When the songs are this strong, you know you’ve got something,” says the dark-headed musician with a laugh. “And when you were practically born playing this kind of music with your family, literally grew up in the bars and little roadside theaters, you can’t help yourself. It’s like a fast car, you wanna take it out and see how it handles. You know, playing new music in these kinds of places ain’t for the faint of heart; but when you’re not afraid, you bring songs this good, it’s amazing what happens.”
 
Under the radar, beyond the city limits, Ray has been playing several songs that are part of Dive Bars & Broken Hearts for the last few months. Currently dropping anywhere from three-to-five new songs into his set, he’s been amazed by the fan response to showcasing what has always been the sound in his mind.
 
Having enlisted the man behind 28 No. 1s, 50 million singles and 25 million albums sold, Ray drew on the best of what Knox brought out in 3x Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean, Hank Williams, Jr., Montgomery Gentry and Thomas Rhett. Knox understands the potency of making music for people who work hard, who hit the bars and forget what’s bothering them with straight up country on the jukebox or the bandstand.
 
“When you came up punching it out in bars, there’s a different kind of energy. Michael let me record with live players, sing about things I knew – and trusted that who I am is who all the people I’ve been playing for since I was a kid are, too. We kept finding songs that felt right for who I am, and we kept singing live and pulling the heart out of the songs. It’s been an amazing process. When we’ve been playing, you can feel the difference with the new stuff... so we’re now using the road to really dial in what Dive Bars & Broken Hearts is gonna be.”

Photo Credit : Connor Morss

Michael Ray 2023 Tour Dates

April 13           Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial                   Athens, OH
                         Auditorium    
April 14           Del Lago Resort & Casino – The Vine                      Waterloo, NY
April 16           Moo & Brew Festival                                                 Charlotte, NC
April 20           Cherokee Hotel & Casino West Siloam Springs        West Siloam Springs, OK
April 21           Haute Spot                                                                  Cedar Park, TX
April 22           The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa                               Sonora, TX
April 25           Propst Arena at the Von Braun Center                      Huntsville, AL
April 26           Temecula Stampede                                                   Temecula, CA
April 27           Stoney’s Rockin Country                                           Las Vegas, NV
April 28           Clovis Rodeo                                                             Clovis, CA
April 30           Rolling Hills Casino & Resort*                                  Corning, CA
May 6              Key West Songwriters Festival                                  Key West, FL
May 19            Grizzly Rose                                                               Denver, CO
May 20            365 Sports Complex                                                   Inman, KS
May 26            Waterside Music Series*                                            Solomons, MD
June 1              Moonshine Beach                                                       San Diego, CA
June 3              San Bernadino County Fairgrounds                           Victorville, CA
June 4              Morongo Casino Resort and Spa                                Cabazon, CA
June 15            Barefoot Country Music Fest                                     Wildwood, NJ
June 17            B-93.7 Birthday Bash                                                 Comstock Park, MI
June 23            WYRK Toyota Taste of Country                               Buffalo, NY
June 24            Catskill Point                                                              Greendale, NY
June 30            Lazy Gators                                                                Lake Ozark, MO
July 1              Baldwin Golf Course                                                  Baldwin City, KS
July 15            Willow Tree Vineyard – Summer Sounds                 Ham Lake, MN
Aug. 9             Greene County Fair                                                    Waynesburg, PA
Aug. 26           Country In The Burg                                                  Cedarburg, WI
 
*with Dustin Lynch
 
About Michael Ray
Forged on the small stages of Florida’s rural communities, Michael Ray has created  an impressive foundation. Four No. 1 songs – RIAA Platinum-certified “Think a Little Less,” RIAA Platinum-certified “Whiskey And Rain,” RIAA Gold-certified “Kiss You in the Morning,” RIAA Gold-certified “One That Got Away” -- with over 1 billion global streams, over 650,000 album equivalents, and over 150 million YouTube views, he is a true country star who’s performed at the Grand Ole Opry more than 65 times. Looking to expand his sound, Ray sought out CMA Album of the Year Award-winning producer Michael Knox. The pair have taken his brand of country to a new level for Dive Bars & Broken Hearts, Ray’s six song EP arriving June 23 via Warner Music Nashville. Currently on the road headlining shows through the summer, he’s taking his music where it matters: to the people. For more information, visit MichaelRayMusic.com or follow him on Instagram and Twitter @MichaelRayMusic and
Facebook.com/MusicMichaelRay.

Avant Garde Black Metal Band HENGET Shares New Music Video for "Beyond North Star"

Guitarist Jesse J. Heikkinen (The Abbey, Iterum Nata) and vocalist King Aleijster de Satan (King Satan, Saturnian Mist) have teamed up for a mind-bending progressive black metal project, HENGET. The emerging Finnish band is now premiering the title track from its upcoming debut full-length, 'Beyond North Star,' along with a music video. The clip can be found below.

HENGET comments, "The titular song of the album grasps perhaps the best the band's psychedelic and progressive elements in the balance of solid artistic vision and chaotic channeling. Take the astral journey of the spiritual transformation and watch the new music video for our third single, ’Beyond North Star!'"

Drawing inspiration from the world of occult and the ways of ancient Shamanism, 'Beyond North Star' depicts a violent hallucinatory journey to the depths of the mind and beyond with a psychedelic outlook. 

HENGET will be debuting its first full-length, 'Beyond North Star,' on May 19, 2023 via Season of Mist!

Pre-orders are now available HERE. The album can be pre-saved on various digital platforms HERE.

The creation process has always been a very fascinating riddle isn’t it? After all, there’s no strict formula. Some spent weeks, months or even years meticulously working on every tiny detail over and over again until it feels perfect while others just have to let it all out, no matter how it all comes out, it just has to. And no, no matter how hard you try, you can’t force it. You just can’t. You need to have that vision, that unstoppable yearning to turn your dreams into reality. 

King Aleijster de Satan has long stopped asking himself all those questions. Although he’s only thirty-four years old, the Tampere based Finn is a bullet-proof veteran of the black metal scene: he used to run and sign bands for Saturnal Records. He also ran the Blackvox studio from 2013 to 2020 where he recorded multiple bands. Purely on the musical front, besides being the long-time standing frontman of Saturnian Mist he also because various experiences, in Arvet among others. But with the industrial rumblings of King Satan, he’s learnt to expand his mind and look over all those useless fences to see what lied beyond. In the end, it’s all about being free both as an individual and as an artist, to go where your instincts and muse take you, no matter what.   

And nothing encapsulates more this quest for freedom than HENGET. As a matter of fact, it lies at the very center of it as most of the music AND lyrics were on purpose improvised on the spot. Ever tried to capture lightning in a bottle? King Aleijster de Satan and his comrade Jesse Heikkinen just did with HENGET first album, Beyond North Star, Heikkinen having proved to be quite a versatile artist since dabbling with ‘progressive esoteric folk’ with Iterum Nata, the equally ‘out there’ Hexvessel or The Abbey.

“When I got in the studio to do the vocals, I only had various notes, sometimes hastily written on a small piece of paper and more or less some kind of loose structures to go with it. Most of them I gathered in between 2016 and 2019 after, let’s say experimenting quite a bit. I admit natural psychedelics and other shamanic methods influenced me a lot to reach another level of consciousness, besides my long interest towards the occult and mysticism. Those weren’t meant to get lost into but instead to be used as mere tools to help me opening new doors in my brain, a bit like a shaman would do when engaged in a ritual to reach a trance like of state. That’s also why I booked a two weeks session just for the vocals: I needed that amount of space to really dive in my subconscious. Overall, that was one of most intense recording experience I ever had but I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone because the toll you have to pay once it’s done is pretty heavy.” 

Originally, the pair planned to unite in Saturnian Mist but then, Jesse “had to move to another city and it made things too complicated. But we still wanted to work together as he is probably the best songwriter I know. And since I had this idea for this other thing where I knew I wanted to push the limits and go over the edge in terms of songwriting, I needed somebody of his calibre.” “Indeed, Aleijster approached during summer 2021” confirms the multi-instrumentist. “He had a quite clear vision of what kind of concept he wanted to do lyrically speaking for a long time. It did coincide with my own desire to express something personal yet aggressively, an urge I hadn’t felt in a long time. Based on his background, we agreed this should happen within some kind of black metal frame but without still paying attention to much conventions or rules. I was given free rein to do whatever I felt like and I quickly realized I wanted it to be quite intuitive while making sure the music would be as crazy as possible, like some typhoon swallowing everything in its path… So using mostly vintage instrumentation, I recorded most of the music by myself in my own studio, pushing the button ‘rec’ and then totally letting myself go, following Aleijster ‘automatic writing’ method and ending up with some pretty interesting result.”
 
There’s something strangely seductive about the eight tracks included on Beyond North Star, as if the listeners were invited to enter some alternative and colourful place, dangerous and scary yet always otherworldly. Some may argue that all along you will most likely cross there the ghosts of Dødheimsgård, Arcturus or King Crimson. But Aleijster remains pretty reluctant to label it but “if we really need to, I guess it’s avant-garde black metal.” After hesitating with Henkivallat (‘spiritual realms’), which they ended up using as a songtitle instead, the name HENGET was chosen because of its double meaning as it can be translated both as ‘life’ but also ‘spirits’, “a perfect name for an occult band”. Beyond North Star is a “loose” concept album, like one long journey, even if the songs are not exactly tied up together. Something the 70’s prog rock loving Jesse is quite happy with while its title is a reference to that actual spiritual journey the listeners are about to undertake. One they will never forget.

Three ambitious music videos in total have been shot already to promote the album and HENGET has gathered a full line-up in order to start playing live. Saturnian Mist drummer Ville Rissanen was the first one to be asked, soon followed by Lasse Launimaa, a teenage years friend of Jesse who also plays in cult symphonic black metal band Thyrane on keyboards.
  
Recording studio: 
Space Junk Studio, Tampere, Finland (Drums)
Beyond North Star, Salo, Finland
Studio Sampolaaris, Tampere, Finland (Vocals)

Producer / sound engineer:
Produced by Jesse J. Heikkinen & King Aleijster de Satan
Sound engineering: Kimmo Nyyssönen (Drums), Jesse J. Heikkinen, King Aleijster de Satan

Mixing studio and engineer:
Beyond North Star Studio & Jesse J. Heikkinen

Mastering studio and engineer:
Wavecrawler Audio & Teemu Iso-Kulmala

Line-up:
King Aleijster de Satan – Vocals
Jesse J. Heikkinen – Guitars, additional keys
Lasse J. Launimaa – Keyboards 
Ville J. Rissanen – Drums

Cover artwork: 
M.T. Salminen

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


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

Formats:
Digital
Digipak
Vinyl in various colours

E.S.P. (Engineered Society Project) Release New EP “MyTV” via Mindsnap Music/Combat Records!

Former Gargantua Soul singer and Woodstock ‘99 veteran, Kris Keyes, secures frontman position and takes over all vocal duties for Tim “Ripper” Owens joining the classic style metal band E.S.P. (Engineered Society Project).

In addition, E.S.P. signed a worldwide deal with the quickly moving indie label Mindsnap Music/Combat Records. Mindsnap Music is owned and operated by Christian F. Lawrence (better known as “Opus”) and is distributed exclusively by Von Artists, Ltd. / The Orchard. Mindsnap Music has put out the likes of Joey Concepcion (solo), Dead By Wednesday, Bomber Alley (members of Dee Snider’s solo band), Howland Hyatt (Metal Church drummer Stet Howland), Joetown, S.O.S. & more!

E.S.P.‘s new EP MyTV is available everywhere on all major platforms today, April 7th, 2023! Grab the new EP MyTV at https://orcd.co/esp_my-tv

Hailing from Houston, Texas. E.S.P. is set to perform at this years Reinstated Milwaukee Metal Fest 2023 with bands Lamb of God, Machine Head, Biohazard, Dead By Wednesday, Anthrax, Raven & many more!

Watch E.S.P.’s amazing animated video for their new single & title track “MyTV”

Check out what, Todd LaTorre, vocalist of Queensryche, has to say about them…

https://youtu.be/c8KKablWebk

E.S.P. takes the old school approach, but spins it with a modern twist without sacrificing integrity or respect for the style. E.S.P. consists of seasoned professionals that have extensive touring and industry experience. The band has lead singer Kris Keyes, formerly with Gargantua Soul, appeared at Woodstock 99. Kris's former band was managed by the Rage Against the Machine team. Jo Jo Brown, the lead guitarist, brings a unique style of Neo Classical Metal coupled with an unmistakable touch of soul that connects with his audience. Timothy Moss, the bass guitarist, is well known in industry circles. Sean Salinas drives the beat on drums and was with the Cirque Soleil KA and Zumanity resident shows in Las Vegas. Together with their original music, this act brings an electric night of music that captures the attention of their audience and provides great entertainment value.

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Facebook

Instagram

SWEET & LYNCH Release New Single, "Miracle", & Music Video

New Studio Album

'Heart & Sacrifice" Out May 19

Pre-Order HERE

Third Offering From The Team Up of

Michael Sweet & George Lynch

SWEET & LYNCH, the musical union of vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet (Stryper, Iconic) and guitarist George Lynch (Lynch Mob, The End Machine, ex-Dokken), have released a second single from their long-awaited third album, 'Heart & Sacrifice', out May 19th.

The combination of Sweet’s powerful, high-octane vocals and Lynch’s immediately recognizable guitar heroics once again prove to be an unbeatable combination sure to please the hard rock faithful. 

"Miracle" is now available to stream on all digital music services.

Watch the Official Music Video for "Miracle"

“I’m very pleased with the outcome of the new SWEET & LYNCH album, 'Heart & Sacrifice'. It’s diverse, complex and flows beautifully. Every song has something to say in its own unique way. George has always been one of my favorite players and it’s an honor to work with him again. It’s also an absolute pleasure working with Alessandro. We’re able to bring all our own contributions and contribute to create an amazing set of songs and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Get ready for 'Heart & Sacrifice'!” says Michael Sweet.

SWEET & LYNCH first emerged with their debut album, 'Only To Rise' in 2015. The album cracked the Billboard Top 200 and came in at #6 on the Top Hard Rock Albums, #17 on Independent Albums, #18 on Top Rock Albums, and #4 on Christian Albums charts.

Their sophomore album 'Unified' followed in 2017, landing at #53 Top Current Albums, #13 Top Current Rock Albums, and #8 Record Label Independent Current Albums on the Billboard charts. While plans for a third album were always on the table, the project went on a slight hiatus while the guys concentrated on their other musical endeavors. 2022 proved to be the year where the creative juices for SWEET & LYNCH began to flow again and work on what would ultimately become 'Heart & Sacrifice' began.

Alessandro Del Vecchio, who co-produced this release with Michael Sweet, plays bass on the album, while Jelly Cardarelli (Lalu) plays drums.

Pre-order 'Heart & Sacrifice' HERE

Michael Sweet helms the Grammy-nominated Christian hard-rock outfit Stryper, which he co-founded more than 35 years ago, as the band's vocalist, guitarist, and main songwriter. To date, the band has more than 10 million career album sales worldwide. The venerable band ascended to prominence in the 1980s with Billboard Top 40 charting singles like “Calling on You", “Honestly” and “Always There for You" and has in more recent years enjoyed an unparalleled career renaissance, delivering arguably the best albums of their storied career, including their 2022 album, 'The Final Battle'.

Michael has released multiple solo albums, including a self-titled release in 1994, which yielded five No. 1 singles, "Truth" in 2000, the critically acclaimed 2015 project "I’m Not Your Suicide" (peaked at No. 10 on Billboard’s Hard Rock albums), and 2019’s "Ten", which reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart. He recently partnered with Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake), Nathan James (Inglorious), Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake), and Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake, ex-Ozzy Osbourne) in the supergroup Iconic, which was greeted with much adoration by rock fans around the globe.

George Lynch emerged from the '80s hard rock scene with the L.A. based group Dokkenand went on to become a world renowned guitarist. Aside from Dokken, he also enjoyed great success with Lynch Mob, the group he founded after leaving Dokken.

Lynch has gone on to become a prolific (that is an understatement, to say the least) music creator, continuing with Lynch Mob, releasing solo albums, and a wealth of collaborative efforts over the decades. Those include, but are not limited to, KXM with dUg Pinnick (King's X) and Ray Luzier (Korn), The End Machine with Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, ex-Dokken), Mick Brown (ex-Dokken), and Robert Mason (Warrant), Sweet & Lynch with Michael Sweet (Stryper), Ultraphonix with Corey Glover (Living Colour), Dirty Shirleywith Dino Jelusick (Animal Drive, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), The Banishment with Joe

Another single from 'Heart & Sacrifice', the previously released, "You'll Never Be Alone", is also out now. Watch a lyric video HERE

SWEET & LYNCH are:

Michael Sweet – lead vocals, guitars

George Lynch – lead guitars

Alessandro Del Vecchio – bass

Jelly Cardarelli - drums

Produced by: Michael Sweet & Alessandro Del Vecchio

Executive Producer/A&R: Serafino Perugino