Koe Wetzel Sets '9 Lives' for July 19 Release; Introduces 9 Personas

For almost a decade, Koe Wetzel’s name has carried a certain mystique among his dedicated following, a reputation built as a powerful and unpredictable live performer, a genre-disrupter blending country with rock, hip-hop and grunge, and a notorious party animal. Now, he's ready to prove that there’s more to his story with forthcoming album 9 Lives set for release via Columbia Records on July 19 across all digital platforms and physically on Standard Black Cat Black Vinyl, D2C Exclusive Translucent Blue Colored Vinyl and Limited Edition D2C Exclusive Pyro Colored Vinyl. Pre-order / pre-save HERE.
 
Produced predominantly by Gabe Simon (Noah Kahan’s Stick Season) alongside a lineup of trusted collaborators like Josh Serrato, Carrie K and Sam Harris (X Ambassadors), 9 Lives showcases Wetzel’s versatility as a songwriter and his prowess as an interpreter of songs. 
 
Ranging from emotional ballads like “Sweet Dreams” and “Hatchet” to easygoing country singalongs such as “Casamigos” and his take on Keith Gattis’s “Reconsider,” plus songs like “Leigh” that reveal a deep vulnerability beneath their humorous surface, the album features an array of tracks as diverse as the man behind them.
 
“I want fans to know that there's a different side of me, not just the sex, drugs, and rock & roll Koe that they may have heard about online,” Wetzel says. “I've grown up a little bit. I’m no longer the 20-year-old kid that's partying down and getting thrown in jail all the time. 9 Lives reveals a vulnerable side that people may not be used to hearing.”
 
Both out now as an early preview of the album, lead single “Damn Near Normal” sees Wetzel reflecting on his life's choices with candor and humor, while the title track “9 Lives (Black Cat)” arrives with an ominous piano intro an explodes into a chest-thumping declaration of defiance. 
 
Wetzel offered fans a further preview of the album’s multi-faceted narrative with a special trailer released earlier today, introducing nine unique Koe Wetzels as the man praised by Billboard for “music that’s unvarnished and unfiltered” showcased his comedic acting skills. Watch below.
 
The live-phenom also plans to take his new music global this year with his recently announced Damn Near Normal World Tour. Wetzel will also perform prominent sets at several festivals this year, including Rock the Country, Hangout, Country Jam, Country Thunder Wisconsin, WE Fest, Watershed and more, plus a hometown stadium show as he joins Morgan Wallen’s One Night At A Time World Tour in Arlington, Texas this July.
 
For more information on all things Koe Wetzel and to purchase tickets to upcoming shows, visit KoeWetzelMusic.comand follow on Instagram and Facebook @KoeWetzelMusic, TikTok @Koe_Wetzel and Twitter/X @KoeWetzel.

Damn Near Normal World Tour Dates:
July 27             The Woodlands, Texas  ||  Cynthia Woods Pavilion  
Aug. 7              Missoula, Mont.  ||  Big Sky Brewing Company Amphitheater 
Aug. 8              Nampa, Idaho  ||  Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater  
Aug. 9              Sandy, Utah  ||  Sandy Amphitheater  
Aug. 10            Las Vegas, Nev.  ||  The Theater at Virgin Hotel Hotels Las Vegas  
Aug. 15            Minneapolis, Minn.  ||  The Armory  
Aug. 16            Council Bluffs, Iowa  ||  Stir Cove (Harrah’s Casino)  
Aug. 21            Cleveland, Ohio  ||  Jacobs Pavilion  
Aug. 22            Columbus, Ohio  ||  KEMBA Live! Outdoor  
Aug. 23            Pittsburgh, Pa.  ||  Stage AE  
Aug. 24            Washington, D.C.  ||  The Anthem  
Aug. 28            Boston, Mass.  ||  Roadrunner  
Aug. 29            Uncasville, Conn.  ||  Mohegan Sun Arena  
Aug. 30            Atlantic City, N.J.  ||  Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena  
Aug. 31            Reading, Pa.  ||  Santander Arena  
Sept. 4              Charleston, W.V.  ||  Charleston Coliseum  
Sept. 5              Roanoke, Va.  ||  Berglund Center  
Sept. 6              Columbia, S.C.  ||  Colonial Life Arena  
Sept. 7              Cary, N.C.  ||  Koka Booth Amphitheatre  
Sept. 12            Kansas City, Kan.  ||  Azura Amphitheater  
Sept. 13            Camdenton, Mo.  ||  Ozarks Amphitheater  
Sept. 18            St. Louis, Mo.  ||  Chaifetz Arena  
Sept. 20            Huntsville, Ala.  ||  The Orion Amphitheater  
Sept. 21            Macon, Ga.  ||  Atrium Health Amphitheater  
Sept. 25            Alexandria, La.  ||  Rapides Parish Coliseum  
Sept. 26            Tuscaloosa, Ala.  ||  Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater  
Sept. 27            Nashville, Tenn.  ||  Ascend Amphitheater  
Sept. 28            Little Rock, Ark.  ||  First Security Amphitheater  
Oct. 3               Pikeville, Ky.  ||  Appalachian Wireless Arena  
Oct. 4               Indianapolis, Ind.  ||  Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park  
Oct. 5               Evansville, Ind.  ||  Ford Center  
Oct. 10             Abilene, Texas  ||  Expo Center of Taylor County  
Oct. 11             Lubbock, Texas  ||  Cooks Garage  
Oct. 13             Morrison, Colo.  ||  Red Rocks Amphitheatre  
Oct. 26             Manchester, U.K.  ||  Academy 3
Oct. 27             London, U.K.  ||  The Garage
Oct. 30             Glasgow, U.K.  ||  Oran Mor
Oct. 31             Birmingham, U.K.  ||  Academy 2
Nov. 1              Leeds, U.K.  ||  Brudenell Social Club
Nov.3               Amsterdam, Netherlands  ||  Melkweg (Oude Zaal)
Nov. 5              Hamburg, Germany  ||  Bahnhof Pauli
Nov. 6              Berlin, Germany  ||  Frannz Club
Nov. 7              Cologne, Germany  ||  Club Volta
Nov. 10            Stockholm, Sweden  ||  Nalen
Nov. 11            Oslo, Norway  ||  Rockefeller Music Hall
Nov. 13            Copenhagen, Denmark  ||  Lille Vega
 
Additional Shows:
May 10             Daytona Beach, Fla.  ||  Welcome to Rockville
May 11             Roma, Ga.  ||  Rock The Country
May 18             Gulf Shores, Ala.  ||  Hangout Music Festival
June 21             Grand Junction, Colo.  ||  Country Jam
June 29             Poplar Bluff, Mo.  ||  Rock The Country
July 18             Twin Lakes, Wis.  ||  Country Thunder Wisconsin
July 26             Arlington, Texas  ||  AT&T Stadium (with Morgan Wallen)
July 31             Davenport, Iowa  ||  Mississippi Valley Fair
Aug. 1              Detroit Lakes, Minn.  ||  WE Fest
Aug. 3              Sweet Home, Ore.  ||  Oregon Jamboree Music Festival
Aug. 4              George, Wash.  ||  Watershed Festival
Aug. 17            Wichita, Kan.  ||  Bulls, Bands and Barrels
Sept. 14            Prior, Okla.  ||  Born & Raised
Sept. 19            Louisville, Ky.  ||  Bourbon & Beyond
 
About Koe Wetzel
Koe Wetzel never met a genre wall he couldn’t tear down: The Texas singer-songwriter has earned a rabid audience for his songs that mix country, rock, hip-hop, and even Nineties grunge. His 2016 album Noise Complaint endeared him to fans with its no- holds-barred lyrics about drunken nights, broken hearts and stints in jail, and included the Gold-certified hits “Love” (feat. Parker McCollum), “Something to Talk About” and the infamous “February 28, 2016.” Wetzel’s 2020 major label debut, Sellout, only furthered his legend with the Platinum-certified “Drunk Driving” plus the Gold-certified “Good Die Young” and “Kuntry & Wistern.” The 2022 follow-up, Hell Paso, hit No. 3 on Billboard’s Country Albums and spawned hits on both the country and rock charts, including the Gold-certified “Creeps” and “Cabo.” To date, Wetzel has 2.6 billion total streams and has created a genuine experience with his live concerts, which he describes as “total chaos.” In 2023 alone, he sold more than 275,000 tickets, and appeared for a third time on POLLSTAR’s Top Worldwide Tours. Wetzel will open for Morgan Wallen on the superstar’s One Night at a Time Stadium Tour this July and play prominent sets at festivals like Country Thunder and Watershed this summer, while also headlining his own Damn Near Normal World Tour. His new album, 9 Lives (Columbia), is set for release July 19.

FOLTERKAMMER Shares BTS Footage for the Making of "Leck Mich!" Music Video

Operatic black metal rising stars FOLTERKAMMER are now sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the band's Rococo "Fight Club" style music video for the song "Leck Mich!" The video was once again directed by FOLTERKAMMER drummer Brendan McGowan and produced by Vile Luxe Studios. Watch the making of "Leck Mich!" below.

The original video is 18th century class against 21st century crass; a bloody journey into the Rococo underground and its lustful ringleader, vocalist and frontwoman Andromeda Anarchia. The clip can be found HERE.

The song is taken from the band's sophomore full-length, 'Weibermacht,' which is due on April 19, 2024 via Century Media Records!

'Weibermacht' serves as a counterpart to the band's 2020 debut, 'Die Lederpredigt.' The new record is another searing blend of modern black metal and classical music elements, lending to its Avant Garde sound. The music itself is elevated by frontwoman and vocalist Andromeda Anarchia's dynamic vocal work as she juxtaposes her classical training as an opera singer with her hellfire screams, summoning a maelstrom of ethereal chaos. Pre-orders are now live HERE.

In addition, FOLTERKAMMER has recently announced their first ever U.S. tour! The rising powerhouse will be embarking on an East Coast headliner with support from WITCHING, which kicks off on March 22 in Baltimore and will circle back to the band's hometown of Brooklyn, NY on March 30. The full itinerary can be found below!

GET TICKETS HERE

FOLTERKAMMER U.S. TOUR DATES (w/ WITCHING):

03/22: Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery

03/23: Richmond, VA @ Another Round

03/24: Columbus, OH @ The Summit

03/25: Chattanooga, TN @ Dark Roast

03/26: Nashville, TN @ The End

03/27: Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle

03/28: Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge

03/29: Cleveland, OH @ No Class

03/30: Brooklyn, NY @ Kingsland

Founded in New York around 2018/2019, Folterkammer, or “Torture Chamber,” is the operatic black metal outfit that is redefining modern music. This ingenious band seamlessly fuses beauty with brutality. A combination of raw passion and technique contributes to the epic nature of Folterkammer’s dark art. Their work is both nostalgic and remarkably fresh. Yes, Folterkammer fuses various musical traditions and genres to craft an unparalleled experience.

Folterkammer is composed of Andromeda Anarchia on vocals, Zachary Ezrin on guitars, Darren Hanson on guitars, Laurent David on bass, and Brendan McGowan on drums. Both Anarchia, who hails from Switzerland, and David, who was born in Paris, divide their time between Europe and Brooklyn. Thus, even though the group can be described as international, Anarchia states: “It took New York to create Folterkammer.” Her project Andromeda Anarchia’s DARKMATTERS acted as the catalyst that brought her to the Big Apple, where she met Ezrin. Many metalheads already know that Anarchia has appeared as a guest on the three most recent albums by Ezrin’s brainchild Imperial Triumphant — a leading avant-garde band that marries extreme metal, jazz, classical components, etc. McGowan has also provided guest vocals for Imperial Triumphant, and Hanson lent his songwriting excellence to their 2012 instrumental track “Scaphism.”

Ezrin, McGowan, and Hanson have a wealth of shared history. These friends attended college together in California, where Hanson and Ezrin studied classical composition. Thus, much of Folterkammer’s orchestration is classically based. Hanson harbors a special love of Baroque music and knows precisely how to expertly wed it with his passion for black metal. Folterkammer was actually conceived when Ezrin proposed that Anarchia collaborate with him on some of Hanson’s material. Ezrin writes killer riffs and more for the band. McGowan was invited to join Folterkammer on Hanson’s wise suggestion. His drums are perhaps the heaviest element keeping one of Folterkammer’s limbs firmly anchored in traditional black metal. McGowan mines inspiration from different generations of acts: He names 1349 and old-school heroes like Blasphemy and Marduk. That said, black metal fans will also be pleased to hear the spirit of the second wave in the aggression of Folterkammer’s tremolo picking, for example.

The exceptionally skilled David, Folterkammer’s newest weapon, truly perfects the group with his golden touch on bass. Whereas the bass is not always as prominent as it could be in the content of many black metal groups, Folterkammer purposely allows David’s bass to shine through. Like his bandmates, David is an avid consumer of several forms of music, and thus creates delightfully eclectic art. He has received both classical and jazz training. This major talent has toured worldwide alongside musicians and bands such as Ibrahim Maalouf, Guillaume Perret & The Electric Epic, Yael Naim, and Shijin. David has done so both as a side man and as a band leader/producer. Anarchia and Ezrin already knew David before asking him to join Folterkammer. After all, David founded the “avant metal-jazz trio” Kilter of which Imperial Triumphant’s Kenny Grohowski is an essential part. 

Lineup:

Andromeda Anarchia - Vocals

Zachary Ezrin - Guitars

Brendan McGowan - Drums

Darren Hanson - Guitars

Laurent David - Bass

Guest Harpsichord: Steve Blanco on "Anno Domina"

Album Credits:

Producer: Zachary Ezrin

Recording: Kevin Antreassian at Backroom Studios in NJ

Additional Recording: Laurent David and Antoine Delecroix

Mixing: Colin Marston at Menegroth, The Thousand Caves, in NY

Mastering: Fred Kevorkian

Cover Art: Eliran Kantor

Album Layout: Brendan McGowan

Photography: Alex Krauss

Logo Design: Mister Kams

Bio: Jillian Drachman

Photos: Alex Krauss

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HANGMAN'S CHAIR - Release New Single 'Spleenwise' Ahead Of Their European Tour With IGORRR

As they prepare for their extensive European tour with IGORRR, French doom metal visionaries HANGMAN’S CHAIR reveal a previously unreleased gem in the form of new single 'Spleenwise'. Clocking in at over six minutes, 'Spleenwise' bears the trademark features of HANGMAN's CHAIR, as it combines dark, brooding atmosphere with somber melodies.

HANGMAN'S CHAIR stated about 'Spleenwise':
"'Laugh at everything, sad sex and poor decisions. Silence is addictive.'
'Spleenwise' is a neologism to express our state of mind towards everything that surrounds us: sit around, watch the world burn, and appreciate the spleen.
Plus, this song is a link between the past and the future, a track written many moons ago that closes the A Loner chapter, as it is the last remaining song of the studio sessions."

Recently, HANGMAN'S CHAIR's latest album A Loner celebrated its first anniversary. The band's Nuclear Blast debut was released on February 11th, 2022. A Loner is available in various formats. Order your copy here: https://hangmanschair.bfan.link/a-loner.ema

Last week, the band released a portrait video about the band's background and inspirations in cooperation with Radio Metal. You can watch the video below.

The band is kicking off their European tour supporting IGORRR alongside AMENRA and DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT tomorrow, starting in Tilburg, Netherlands. Y

HANGMAN'S CHAIR, formed in 2005 in Paris, are one of the most unique sounding Doom Rock bands currently active. Through the years, they have found and fine-tuned their own sonic brand, somewhere at the crossroads between TYPE O NEGATIVE, LIFE OF AGONY and SISTERS OF MERCY, to name a few, mixed with a certain street credibility connected to the group’s roots in hardcore. Each album takes its strength and essence from the band members’s life experiences, which they portrait with unflinching honesty. Whether it is the loss of band members, drug overdoses or the hardships of living in suburban Paris, all those human emotions resonate within each of their songs asthey embrace the darkness and transform it into something beautiful, heavy and melancholic.

HANGMAN'S CHAIR is:
Julien Chanut - Guitar
Cédric Toufouti - Guitar, Vocals
Mehdi Thepegnier - Drums
Clément Hanvic - Bass

REVENGE Premiere New Single

Extreme black metal titans REVENGE have released "Self Segregation (System Torched)," the second new single from their upcoming full-length, 'Strike.Smother.Dehumanize.' The album is out on May 22 via Season of Mist Underground Activists! "
Pre-sales for 'Strike.Smother.Dehumanize' are available HERE.

Canadian Chaos Black Metal extremists REVENGE return with 'Strike.Smother.Dehumanize', the follow up to their 2015 album 'Behold.Total.Rejection'. With 'Behold.Total.Rejection', the band caused a stir in the underground scene by signing to Season of Mist. In what many saw as an unorthodox move by both band and label, it caused long-time fans and critics alike to speculate on the outcome. Upon the release of 'Behold.Total.Rejection', the Canadians proved all who had questioned this unexpected alliance wrong, by releasing one of the most successful and over the top albums in their discography. 

Being called complete noise by some, and total genius by others, these polarized views continue to be worn by the band as a badge of honor. After the recording and subsequent release of 'Behold.Total.Rejection', REVENGE wasted no time systematically destroying the festival atmosphere at metal fests around the world and laying waste to stages in North America and Europe touring with the likes of WATAIN, DESTRÖYER 666, MAYHEM, SHINING and MGLA to name a few.

The smoke has now cleared from the rubble, and it is time to smother the fallen with another wave of Chaotic Black Metal in the Canadian tradition with the release of the band's forthcoming sixth full length album, 'Strike.Smother.Dehumanize'. Already being hailed as their most compelling work to date, 'Strike.Smother.Dehumanize' is a show of force that positions REVENGE at the top of the extremist black metal food chain. Continuing to maintain the lone wolf self segregation stance that has served the band well since day one, REVENGE has once again unapologetically refused to let any musical or ideologically alien influences infiltrate and poison the original intent upon which its foundations were built. 

On 'Strike.Smother.Dehumanize', J. Read has eclipsed all past releases. With an extremely potent and organic production, lightning speed, chaotic song structures and razor sharp vocals delivered with unparalleled conviction the black metal outfit has constructed a manifesto of self ascension, absolute hatred of organized religion, and total contempt for the enslaved modern man that feeds at the trough of mediocrity with every waking breath. The destruction and rebuilding of humanity is the only cure for the cancer known as mankind. No Scene No Brotherhood No Remorse.

Line-up:
J. Read - all music and lyrics

Recording line-up:
J. Read - Drums -Vocals - Effects
Vermin - Session Guitar - Bass - Effects 

Live Line-up: 
J. Read - Drums
Vermin - Guitar -Vocals
Haasiophis -Bass - Vocals

Pre-orders: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/revenge-SSD

For more on REVENGE, visit the band's official FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and BANDCAMP.