PATCHWORK Releases New Album 'Scars'

After nearly a decade since their debut, metal band PATCHWORK returns today with the release of their powerful new album, Scars. The album is accompanied by the debut of a lyric video for the emotionally devastating closing track, “At The End," available HERE. 

Formed in 2010 by five longtime friends reuniting after years away from music, PATCHWORK has evolved from a thrash cover band into a formidable force of original songwriting. Scars serves as a conceptual sequel to their 2015 debut Exit Wounds, digging deeper into the emotional and psychological aftermath of trauma. Where Exit Wounds explored the moment of impact, Scars lingers in its wake.

The album showcases PATCHWORK's signature fusion of thrash, power, and speed metal, sharpened by tighter songwriting, intense performances, and guest contributions from heavyweights like Bobby Gustafson, Kragen Lum, Michael Gilbert, Dallas Toler-Wade, and Ronnie Parmer. New vocalist Heith Gruner and bassist Liza Sanchez inject fresh energy into the band’s lineup, giving the record a modern edge while staying true to its roots.

Among Scars’ 13 tracks is the heart-wrenching closer, “At The End,” a tribute to late band member Mark Sheetz, who passed away from cancer in 2023. Featuring lyrics written by Dave Caruana, solos by Kragen Lum, and a final recorded message from Sheetz himself, the track stands as the album’s emotional core.

Scars was written over six years and recorded at multiple studios, including Scars Studio and The Junkyard, with reamping completed at TVR Studio. The album’s production mirrors its themes: raw, honest, and unrelenting. Scars is available for purchase HERE.

About PATCHWORK:

PATCHWORK is a dynamic metal band hailing from Rockford, IL, known for their aggressive blend of thrash, power, and progressive metal. Since their inception in 2010, PATCHWORK has captivated audiences with their intense soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics. Composed of Heith Gruner on vocals, Brad Carlson on guitars, Liza Sanchez on bass, and Dave Caruana on drums, the band has forged a unique path in the metal scene, distinguished by their musical complexity and deep thematic content.

The origins of PATCHWORK trace back to a group of seasoned musicians looking to reflect on their personal experiences and the broader human condition through music. The name "PATCHWORK" itself symbolizes the diverse elements that each member brings to the band, stitched together to form a cohesive and resilient artistic tapestry. Over the years, PATCHWORK has undergone several lineup changes, each time emerging with a renewed focus and energy that have enriched their sound and artistic direction, with Dave and Brad remaining as integral songwriters and collaborators.

Their debut album, Exit Wounds, released in 2015, introduced PATCHWORK to the world, showcasing their ability to blend melodic precision with raw power. The album was well-received, establishing the band as a formidable presence in the metal community. Since then, PATCHWORK has continued to evolve, exploring new themes and musical territories with each subsequent release.

The band’s latest album, Scars, is a profound exploration of the scars—both physical and emotional—that life’s trials leave behind. The album reflects the band's journey, marked by personal losses and the challenges of the ever-changing music landscape. Through Scars, PATCHWORK delves into the process of healing and the strength found in vulnerability, themes that resonate deeply in their meticulously crafted tracks.

Despite not being a live band currently, PATCHWORK's music continues to reach a wide audience through their recordings and online presence. Their dedication to creating authentic, powerful music that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit remains unwavering.

With a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and a passionate approach to music, PATCHWORK stands as a beacon in the metal genre, inviting listeners to find solace and strength in their thunderous riffs and compelling narratives.

PATCHWORK is: 

  • Dave Caruana - Drums

  • Brad Carlson - Guitars

  • Heith Gruner - Vocals 

  • Liza Sanchez - Bass

Connect with PATCHWORK:

Patchwork - Scars

In the heart of Rockford, IL, a powerful narrative of triumph over adversity is about to be unleashed. PATCHWORK, known for their intense musical blend of thrash, power, and progressive metal, has crafted their most profound work yet. On May 15, 2025, the band will release Scars, an album that explores the lasting impact of life’s challenges and the indelible marks they leave behind.

Formed in 2010, PATCHWORK has evolved through significant transformations, with current members Heith Gruner (Vocals), Brad Carlson (Guitars), Liza Sanchez (Bass), and Dave Caruana (Drums) at the helm. Their journey has been anything but ordinary, marked by lineup changes, personal losses, and the ever-present drive to articulate their experiences through music.

Scars emerges a narrative arc that reflects on personal traumas turned into lessons of endurance and strength. It is a testament to the idea that while wounds heal, the scars remain, mapping out a story of survival. This concept resonates through the powerful guitar riffs and complex compositions that have become PATCHWORK’s signature.

The album kicks off with "You Have Failed," featuring Todd Paluzzi, setting a tone of introspection and challenge that pervades the entire work. Tracks like "Fallout" with Bobby Gustafson and "Skies in Flames" featuring Michael Gilbert incorporate guest artists who bring their unique flair to the project, enhancing the thematic depth and sonic intensity.

One of the album’s highlights, "The Vulture," showcases the band’s ability to weave dense narratives with explosive musicality. "Skies in Flames" and "At The End," each released as singles leading up to the album launch, delve into the transformative power of facing and embracing one’s past.

Produced by Dave Caruana and co-produced by Jason Z at TVR Studios in Rockford, the album captures the raw energy and emotion that PATCHWORK channels into each track. The involvement of guests like Dallas Toler-Wade and Kragen Lum not only enriches the sound but also infuses Scars with diverse musical perspectives, underscoring the album’s themes of collective experience and personal reflection.

As they prepare to release Scars, PATCHWORK invites fans and new listeners alike to explore the depths of their musical and emotional landscapes. Through tracks that vary from relentless assaults to melodic contemplations, the album promises to be both a journey and a destination—reflecting on scars not just as remnants of pain but as symbols of resilience and potential growth.

This narrative-driven release promises to not only resonate deeply with those who have followed PATCHWORK’s career but also with anyone who appreciates the cathartic power of heavy music crafted with genuine passion and precision. As Scars makes its mark on the musical landscape, it stands as a beacon of hope and strength, reminding us all of the beauty and depth that can arise from life’s most challenging moments.

About PATCHWORK:

PATCHWORK is a dynamic metal band hailing from Rockford, IL, known for their aggressive blend of thrash, power, and progressive metal. Since their inception in 2010, PATCHWORK has captivated audiences with their intense soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics. Composed of Heith Gruner on vocals, Brad Carlson on guitars, Liza Sanchez on bass, and Dave Caruana on drums, the band has forged a unique path in the metal scene, distinguished by their musical complexity and deep thematic content.

The origins of PATCHWORK trace back to a group of seasoned musicians looking to reflect on their personal experiences and the broader human condition through music. The name "PATCHWORK" itself symbolizes the diverse elements that each member brings to the band, stitched together to form a cohesive and resilient artistic tapestry. Over the years, PATCHWORK has undergone several lineup changes, each time emerging with a renewed focus and energy that have enriched their sound and artistic direction with Dave and Brad remaining as integral songwriters and collaborators.

Their debut album, Exit Wounds, released in 2015, introduced PATCHWORK to the world, showcasing their ability to blend melodic precision with raw power. The album was well-received, establishing the band as a formidable presence in the metal community. 

The band’s latest album, Scars, is a profound exploration of the scars—both physical and emotional—that life’s trials leave behind. The album reflects the band's journey, marked by personal losses and the challenges of the ever-changing music landscape. Through Scars, PATCHWORK delves into the process of healing and the strength found in vulnerability, themes that resonate deeply in their meticulously crafted tracks. Their dedication to creating authentic, powerful music that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit remains unwavering.

With a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and a passionate approach to music, PATCHWORK stands as a beacon in the metal genre, inviting listeners to find solace and strength in their thunderous riffs and compelling narratives.

PATCHWORK is: 

  • Heith Gruner - Vocals

  • Brad Carlson - Guitars

  • Liza Sanchez - Bass

  • Dave Caruana - Drums


Connect with PATCHWORK:

Benighted Crawl Under Your Skin on New Album

BENIGHTED weave a writhing tale of psychological horror on their new album, which was recorded at Kohlekeller Studio. Famous for working with bands like Aborted and Powerwolf, producer Kristian Kohlmannslehner helped Benighted twist their brutal brand of death metal into something truly tormenting.  

Ekbom refers to delusional parasitosis, a real-life phenomenon that makes people believe their skin is infested with bugs. Just try not to shiver while watching the  creepy-crawly music video for lead single "Scars".  

Watch Below:

Ekbom comes out April 12, 2024.

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/BenightedEkbom
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/benightedekbompresave   

"Scars" will make the hairs on the back of your neck jump. The song blasts straight into Julien Truchan's signature pig squeal. The riffs are as fast as they are nimble, but Benighted compliment their grinding technicality with clever drum breaks and harmonic passages. Creepy, gruesome and still absolutely brutal, the French band are back to crack open the deepest, darkest recesses of our skulls. 

Video created by Kick Your Eye Productions.

Benighted are hitting the road in April for the Hellfest Warm-up Tour. Along with their signature style of brutal death metal, the French band are bringing along the support of Ten56 for these 13 lucky shows. Rise of the North Star, Stinky & KAMIZOL K will also join them on select dates.

Dive into the darkest realms of the human psyche as Benighted, the French purveyors of brutal death metal & grindcore, unleash their tenth full-length album Ekbom in April 2024. The madness that has defined their discography continues with this radical soundtrack to the twisted times we inhabit.

Born from French Death and Black metal bands Dishumanized, Darkness Fire, and Osgiliath, Benighted emerged in 1998 with a mission to explore a more brutal, heavy, and modern form of musical expression. The impact of their first self-produced and self-titled full-length album in 2000 transformed BENIGHTED from a side-project into a main act, quickly amassing a devoted fan base. Subsequent albums like Psychose (2002), Insane Cephalic Production (2004), Identisick (2006), and Icon (2007) further cemented their visceral, skull-breaking sound into extreme death metal history.

After a detour into the realms of Necrobreed in 2017, Benighted celebrated their 20th anniversary by capturing the live madness with Dogs Always Bite Harder Than Their Master in 2018.

With Obscene Repressed, they once again took sadistic pleasure in pushing the boundaries of brutality, delving into the disturbed mind of little Michael. His relentless battle against demons, fueled by unresolved oedipal issues with his mother, provided a grotesque tableau for Benighted's sonic butchery. Not content with merely slaughtering everything in their auditory path, Benighted crafted thematically explorative pieces, each turn in their music revealing new layers of horror and despair.

As the relentless journey continues, Benighted is set to unleash Ekbom in April 2024, an album that draws inspiration from the nightmarish 'Ekbom syndrome.' This rare neurological disorder, also known as Delusional Parasitosis, forms the thematic core of the upcoming release. A feeling of having a vile concoction of parasites, worms, and insects crawling under your skin is an apt description of what BENIGHTED have to offer on this newest release. The auditory assault mirrors the repulsive sensations of the syndrome, a visceral and unsettling journey into the abyss of the human mind.

Madness reigns yet again, this time intertwining with the haunting echoes of Ekbom syndrome. Brace yourselves for another mind-shattering chapter in the Benighted saga as they continue to carve their niche in the putrid annals of extreme metal, leaving a trail of sonic disgust in their wake.

Line-up
Julien Truchan - Vocals
Emmanuel Dalle - Guitars
Pierre Arnoux - Bass
Kevin Paradis - Drums

Recording studio
Kohlekeller Studios, Germany (Powerwolf, Aborted, Crematory)

Producer, Sound, Mixing & Mastering engineer
Kristian Kohlmannslehner

Guest musicians
Oliver Peters (Archspire) on "Nothing Left to Fear"
Xavier Chevalier (Blockheads) on "Fame of the Grotesque"

Biography: Sébastien Gamez

Cover art: Grindesign (Rob Borbas)

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

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/BenightedEkbom

Links:
Official Website: https://www.benighted.fr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brutalbenighted
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benighted_band/
Bandcamp: https://benighted.bandcamp.com/music
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/brutalbenighted
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benighted_band
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@_BENIGHTED
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dUwIwaPc6UukkCZTaaf7J
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/benighted/267088245
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3919180 

Booking Contact:
France: Rage Tour - philippe@ragetour.com
Worldwide: Redback Promotion - ronny@redback-promotion.com

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
12" Vinyl Gatefold - Black
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Crystal Clear
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Transparent Yellow & Black Marbled
12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Golden
12" Liquid Vinyl Gatefold - Blood Red Liquid-Filled

ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN - RELEASE GUITAR PLAYTHROUGH FOR "SCARS"

ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN absorb the icy emotion of their surroundings in a hard-hitting hybrid of heavy metal proficiency, metalcore intensity, and skyscraping melodic sensibility. The group channel this energy on their second full-length offering, Kingdom Undone which will be unleashed on May 26th via Nuclear Blast Records.

Last week, the band set the stage with the incendiary fretwork and pummeling drums that erupt throughout “Scars.”. The contagious melody will lead listeners on an energetic journey that will leave them shouting along  “Why don’t you show your scars?” 

Today, the band release the guitar playthrough for the single. Watch as guitarists Brendan Anderson and  Ryan Sorenson breakdown the song, below.

Watch the video for "Scars" here: https://youtu.be/WBgqZiYlWr0
Listen to "Scars" on all streaming platforms: https://bfan.link/AOA-Scars

Jamison Friesen comments, “We are very excited to release the first track off our upcoming album Kingdom Undone! 'Scars' is about being real with the people around you and to stop pretending to be something you’re not. It doesn’t matter what’s on the outside, it’s about having the courage not to hide who you are! We look forward to playing it on our upcoming tours!”

ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN began the recording of Kingdom Undone in August of 2021 at Mark Lewis Studios in Hendersonville, Tennessee & at their own studio in Grande Prairie AB, and concluded in December 2021. The album was engineered by the band and Mark Lewis who also was in change of producing,  mixing, and mastering. The artwork for the album was created by Travis Smith.

Pre-order Kingdom Undone here: https://bfan.link/AOA-KingdomUndone 

Kingdom Undone will be available in the following formats:

  • CD Jewel case

  • T-shirt

  • CD + T-shirt Bundle

  • Orange/ Blue Swirl Vinyl

  • This month, ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN will hit the road with labelmates and Bay Area thrash legends HEATHEN. The "Empire Of The Blind" tour will kick off on March 9th in Rhode Island and will travel up and down the east coast making stops in Chicago, Atlanta and Orlando before concluding in Philadelphia on March 26th.

    Confirmed dates for the  "Empire Of The Blind"  Tour with headliners HEATHEN's are:
    3/09/2023  PROVIDENCE, RI - ALCHEMY
    3/10/2023  BROOKLYN, NY - THE KINGSLAND
    3/11/2023  MONTREAL, QC - PETIT CAMPUS
    3/12/2023  TORONTO, ON - SNEAKY DEE’S
    3/13/2023  DETROIT, MI - THE SANCTUARY
    3/14/2023  CUDAHY, WI - X-RAY
    3/15/2023  CHICAGO, IL - REGGIES
    3/16/2023  CINCINNATI, OH - LEGENDS  
    3/17/2023  KNOXVILLE, TN - THE BRICKYARD
    3/18/2023  ATLANTA, GA - BOGGS
    3/19/2023  TAMPA, FL - BRASS MUG
    3/20/2023  MIAMI, FL - GRAMPS
    3/21/2023  ORLANDO, FL - THE HAVEN
    3/23/2023  CHARLOTTE, NC - THE MILESTONE
    3/24/2023  CHESAPEAKE, VA - RIFFHOUSE
    3/25/2023  BALTIMORE, MD - METRO
    3/26/2023  PHILADELPHIA, PA - MILKBOY

    ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN is:

    Jamison Friesen | Vocals
    Brendan Anderson | Guitar
    Ryan Sorensen | Guitar
    Liam Frith| Bass
    Ty Fox | Drums

ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN - ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM KINGDOM UNDONE + RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR THEIR PUMMELING NEW SINGLE, "SCARS"

ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN absorb the icy emotion of their surroundings in a hard-hitting hybrid of heavy metal proficiency, metalcore intensity, and skyscraping melodic sensibility. The group channel this energy on their second full-length offering, Kingdom Undone which will be unleashed on May 26th via Nuclear Blast Records.

“After many obstacles and times of uncertainty we are reenergized, refocused and ready to finally show the world what we have been working on! Kingdom Undone is Arrival Of Autumn firing on all cylinders. This is our masterpiece and we can’t wait to play these songs for you on the road!”

Today, the band set the stage with the incendiary fretwork and pummeling drums that erupts throughout “Scars.”. The contagious melody will lead listeners on an energetic journey that will leave them shouting along  “Why don’t you show your scars?” 

 Jamison Friesen adds, “We are very excited to release the first track off our upcoming album Kingdom Undone! Scars is about being real with the people around you and to stop pretending to be something you’re not. It doesn’t matter what’s on the outside, it’s about having the courage not to hide who you are! We look forward to playing it on our upcoming tours!”

Watch the video for "Scars" below.
Listen to "Scars" on all streaming platforms:https://bfan.link/AOA-Scars

ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN began the recording of Kingdom Undone in August of 2021 at Mark Lewis Studios in Hendersonville, Tennessee & at their own studio in Grande Prairie AB, and concluded in December 2021. The album was engineered by the band and Mark Lewis who also was in change of producing,  mixing, and mastering. The artwork for the album was created by Travis Smith.

Pre-order Kingdom Undone here: https://bfan.link/AOA-KingdomUndone 

Kingdom Undone will be available in the following formats:

  • CD Jewel case

  • T-shirt

  • CD + T-shirt Bundle

  • Orange/ Blue Swirl Vinyl

Next month, ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN will hit the road with labelmates and Bay Area thrash legends HEATHEN. The "Empire Of The Blind" tour will kick off on March 9th in Rhode Island and will travel up and down the east coast making stops in Chicago, Atlanta and Orlando before concluding in Philadelphia on March 26th.

Confirmed dates for the  "Empire Of The Blind"  Tour with headliners HEATHEN's are:
3/09/2023  PROVIDENCE, RI - ALCHEMY
3/10/2023  BROOKLYN, NY - THE KINGSLAND
3/11/2023  MONTREAL, QC - PETIT CAMPUS
3/12/2023  TORONTO, ON - SNEAKY DEE’S
3/13/2023  DETROIT, MI - THE SANCTUARY
3/14/2023  CUDAHY, WI - X-RAY
3/15/2023  CHICAGO, IL - REGGIES
3/16/2023  CINCINNATI, OH - LEGENDS  
3/17/2023  KNOXVILLE, TN - THE BRICKYARD
3/18/2023  ATLANTA, GA - BOGGS
3/19/2023  TAMPA, FL - BRASS MUG
3/20/2023  MIAMI, FL - GRAMPS
3/21/2023  ORLANDO, FL - THE HAVEN
3/23/2023  CHARLOTTE, NC - THE MILESTONE
3/24/2023  CHESAPEAKE, VA - RIFFHOUSE
3/25/2023  BALTIMORE, MD - METRO
3/26/2023  PHILADELPHIA, PA - MILKBOY

ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN is:

Jamison Friesen | Vocals
Brendan Anderson | Guitar
Ryan Sorensen | Bass
Ty Fox | Drums

Pre-order Kingdom Undone here: https://bfan.link/AOA-KingdomUndone 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPON WINGS Online:

Website: UponWings.com

Facebook: facebook.com/UponWings

Twitter: twitter.com/UponWings

YouTube: youtube.com/UponWingsOfficial

Instagram: instagram.com/UponWings

FRONTIERS MUSIC SRL ANNOUNCES THE SIGNING OF KANDIA

Listen NOW on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/28nd1pF3icSqT47zXQlXM1?si=TBqMZBBHSEae1kqo9vpgPw Follow KANDIA : FB: /kandiamusic IG: kandia_the_band C...

PORTUGUESE BAND CURRENTLY WORKING ON LABEL DEBUT

PLANNED FOR RELEASE IN 2021

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the signing of Kandia, an alternative metal band from Portugal, to a multi-album deal. The band is currently working on their label debut, which is planned for release in 2021. Kandia is one of the first bands signed through the Frontiers & Beyond initiative, which was launched by the label with the intent to sign bands who will be part of the next generation of hard rock and metal. 

“We are excited and very eager to work with Frontiers," says the band. "The label is passionate about music and we are proud to be part of the family. Our new album will definitely have our identity, but we always like to experiment with new things. These hard times that we are going through are giving us much inspiration, so this record will be filled with different emotions.“

Kandia started in November 2007, founded by singer Nya Cruz and guitarist André Da Cruz. They decided to name the band Kandia – to obfuscate, to blind by light – as they felt it would represent the positivity they wanted to radiate. Influenced by progressive rock bands such as A Perfect Circle, Tool, Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd, and metal giants like Metallica and Pantera, the band was able to find a unique sound joining all these influences in their songwriting. Musically, Kandia create raw, melodic, and sensual music that delivers positive messages while not leaving the aggressiveness out of the music.

Kandia has released two full length albums thus far, both produced by Daniel Cardoso (Anathema), and one EP. At the end of 2019, once again partnered with Cardoso to begin writing a new album. In May 2020, they released the song “4 Walls” as a taste of what's to come. More songs are now being written, with a full length album anticipated for release in 2021.

To get a taste of the band's style, see below for links to watch videos. 

"4 Walls" https://youtu.be/52m1YdhqIrc

“Scars” https://youtu.be/paB972Exy0k