Album Release
SCARE: Québec City Hardcore/Sludge Outfit To Release Second LP, In The End, Was It Worth It?, February 21st
Watch SCARE’s "Thrash Melrose" video Here.
Québec City-based metallic hardcore/sludge metal quartet SCARE today unveils the details of their impending second LP, In The End, Was It Worth It?, alongside a No Echo-hosted video premiere for the track "Thrash Melrose."
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Cursed, Mi Amore, Buried Inside, and Trigger Effect, SCARE delivers an abrasive and intense style of sludge-tone metallic hardcore packed with slamming grooves. They released their first demo upon their formation in 2015, followed by their Fleshed Out EP in 2016, their debut LP Not Dead Yet, Probably... in 2019, a pair of remixes by ugly_bass player in 2020, and the Congratulations On Your Death EP in 2021.
Capturing the spirit of the times, rich in anxiety-driven emotions, SCARE focuses on inner struggles and the tensions of modern life. Having continually expanded their musical horizons with each new release, the band’s nuanced sound defies simple categorization, but one thing remains clear: they create anxiety-driven music for those feeling the pressure of the world. By shining a light on the darkest facets of humanity, they embody a spirit of “no fun” that resonates with everyone battling their own demons.
SCARE’s second LP, In The End, Was It Worth It?, drops thirteen powerful anthems, densely delivered in thirty-two minutes, each gripping track surging with the morose reality of modern life, and hopeful optimism for a better outcome. The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Ryan Battistuzzi at Le Stuzzio, and completed with artwork by Kevin Martel.
With the new single from In The End, Was It Worth It?, the band reveals, “‘Thrash Melrose’ is a reflection on Green Anarchism and a lament for the state of our planet. It speaks to the harsh reality that humanity has crossed a threshold, endangering the home that nurtures us. The song calls for a return to simplicity, to lives rooted in harmony with nature rather than domination over it. For even if we falter, nature will endure and thrive, a testament to its resilience and the balance we’ve strayed so far from.”
SCARE’s “Thrash Melrose” video is now playing exclusively at No Echo RIGHT HERE.
Single Release
S.O.R.M Releases New Single “Scream”
December 10, 2024 - Swedish hard rock sensation S.O.R.M has unleashed the standalone single, "Scream". This track marks the first release with new guitarist Patrik Sandström and showcases the band's eclectic blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and classic rock - S.O.R.M style!
"Scream is S.O.R.M’s first song written as a four-piece band. So it's Patrik's first recording with S.O.R.M," the band explains. "We are tired that us musicians can’t express ourselves with lyrics and music videos without being judged. So with “Scream” we stepped out of the box and wrote a song about Sex and being in control of your sexual needs. Writing music is a form of art. And like an artist that paints a portrait of two naked people having sex without being judged: Why can’t we musicians express ourselves the way we want?"
Listen to "Scream" HERE
Vinyl Release
Minus Head Records presents No Stars To Guide Me: 30 Years Of WHVN, a vinyl-exclusive retrospective LP celebrating three decades of output from Sacramento, California dark hardcore outfit WILL HAVEN.
December 10, 2024 - No Stars To Guide Me: 30 Years Of WHVN is a collection that spans Sacramento’s own WILL HAVEN’s ongoing lifecycle, collecting tracks from each of their records. It includes the tracks “Choke” from Will Haven, “I’ve Seen My Fate” from El Diablo, “Fresno” from WHVN, a new Eric Stenman studio mix of “Carpe Diem” from Carpe Diem, “Sammy Davis Jr’s One Good Eye” from The Hierophant, “When The Walls Close In” from Voir Dire, “Soul Leach” from Open The Mind To Discomfort, and “Hewed With The Brand” from Muerte, “No Stars To Guide Me” from their newest album VII.
Additionally, the record closes with the brand new single, “KIRE,” produced by Joe Johnston and WILL HAVEN and mixed and mastered by Eric Stenman.
Stream WILL HAVEN’s new single “KIRE” everywhere HERE.
No Stars To Guide Me: 30 Years Of WHVN is out now on Bone White Vinyl in a gatefold jacket, available alongside other merch at Minus Head Records HERE.
Single Release
Enemy of Fate Releases New Single “The Light”
Sacramento's own ENEMY OF FATE Releases The Light tomorrow, November 22, 2024. Aimed at raising awareness of the importance of mental health, The Light boldly addresses the unspoken struggles that 42.5 million Americans face. The Light is a testament to the power of music as a tool for social change. By addressing mental health, the band opens up a dialogue that encourages empathy, understanding, and action.
To listen to The Light, go HERE.
BAND BIO:
ENEMY OF FATE is an emerging band from my hometown of Sacramento, California. The band is swiftly making a name for themselves with their intense blend of heavy riffs, dynamic songwriting, and deeply introspective lyrics. Combining elements of thrash, death metal, nu-metal, alternative rock, and modern metalcore, the band’s sound is both aggressive and intricate, offering a little bit of everything to satisfy both purist metal fans and those seeking something new in the genre.
Lyrically, ENEMY OF FATE explores themes of personal struggle, resilience, and inner conflict, which is something everyone can relate to. The band doesn’t shy away from darker, more philosophical topics, offering listeners an emotional connection alongside their musical heaviness. The lyrics are thought-provoking, but not overly cryptic, making them accessible while still maintaining a level of depth. The band sets their thought-provoking lyrics to powerful, heavy, and precise guitar work. Jerome and Kevin's riffs are crushing, yet intricate, weaving in and out of complex rhythms and melodic moments that prevent the music from becoming monotonous. The rhythm section is solid, with Dakota's bass and Nicholas' drums - the backbone for the band's explosive energy.
ENEMY OF FATE does not shy away from explosive live shows. Fabiani draws you in with intensity, passion, compassion, and angst (and sometimes with cheeky humor). The band’s tightness as a unit is evident, with no wasted motion or missteps, ensuring that fans get the full impact of their music in a live setting.
Enemy of Fate is a promising force within the heavy metal scene, and their blend of classic and modern influences shows a high level of musicianship and songwriting skill. In my opinion, the band has broken through to larger audiences, by balancing excellent musicality with lyrically emotional depth. I have had the honor of taking photos at several of ENEMY OF FATE'S shows and I plan to attend many more if they'll let me!
#enemyoffate #tiffanyfabiani #climacticrock #numetal #heavymetal #alternativerock #hardrockmusic #heavymetalmusic #sacramentomusic #sacmusic #rockmusic #livemusic #supporthtearts #artpaparazza #artpaparazza_interviews #metalhead #metalphotography #concert #concertphotography #leatherandlace #me
Jason Charles Miller releases Deep Purple-inspired “I Need A Rescue” video
Video features guest keyboardist/vocalist Ellis Hall (Tower Of Power, Ray Charles)
Video Release
November 21, 2024 - Jason Charles Miller has released his official music video for “I Need A Rescue,” the second video from his new album ‘Knives In The Dark.’ The song and video features guest keyboardist and vocalist Ellis Hall, best known for his work with Tower Of Power, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Patti LaBelle, to name just a few.
“The song ‘I Need a Rescue’ accidentally became a tribute to Deep Purple – Mark 3 in particular, the David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes lineup that did the albums ‘Burn’ and ‘Stormbringer’,” Miller says of the track. “I’ve often said that ‘Burn’ has been one of the most influential albums in my life, and I think it’s one of the best rock albums in history, period! Once Gary [Potter, guitarist] came up with the riff for ‘Rescue,’ the song basically wrote itself. I had become friendly with Ellis Hall through knowing his family, and he’s an absolute legend. What he added to the recording, with his B3 playing and amazing vocals, really took it over the top.”
“I wanted to have a video where we are all just jamming the song, really vibing with it, so having my live band be in the video along with Ellis was super important to me,” he continues of the video itself. “Our director Andrew Fogel found the perfect location, making us the ultimate ‘garage band.’ Talk about going back to your roots! You’ll notice a purple tinge to the entire video, as an easter egg and a nod to the biggest influencers of the song!”
Released this summer on One Opportunity Records, ‘Knives In The Dark’ will be Miller’s first solo album to see physical release in Japan, where it drops November 22 via a joint partnership with Ward Records. The Japanese CD features Miller’s acoustic cover of Iron Maiden’s “Wasted Years” as a bonus track.
Spin hailed Miller’s “gritty rock and country hybrid” and named him one of “10 Emerging Artists Shaping the Future of Sound” in a November feature, with Rolling Stone, Forbes, and even Nerdist and Comic Book Resources coming on board to feature the music and gaming crossover’s latest musical campaign.
An accomplished southern rock and Americana-inspired artist, ‘Knives’ is Miller’s fifth full-length solo album, and first album with One Opportunity Records. He has also released multiple EPs and singles, and a host of high-profile soundtrack and theme music work for games and shows including ‘Critical Role,’ ‘Metal Gear Rising,’ ‘Cyberpunk 2077,’ ‘Legends of the Multiverse’ and AEW professional wrestler Brandon Cutler.
Miller’s vocal contributions to the Final Fantasy video game franchise have made him a fan favorite to players of the game, and he is featured regularly at Final Fantasy Fan Fest events worldwide, including officially sanctioned tour stops in China, Japan and South Korea this fall, and an upcoming appearance November 28-29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he will be featured as part of ‘Echoes of Eorzea: A Decade of Final Fantasy XIV In Symphony’.
Widely recognized as the frontman and founder of the rock band Godhead, where he toured the world with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Rammstein, Disturbed, Linkin Park, Slipknot and Korn frontman Jonathan Davis, Miller transitioned to a solo artist with the release of his ‘Last To Go Home’ EP in 2009.
Seamlessly blending the worlds of rock, southern rock, Americana and country, his solo career has seen him share stages with greats including Billy Ray Cyrus, Alan Jackson, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Ashley McBryde, .38 Special, Allman Betts Band and more.
LISTEN TO 'KNIVES IN THE DARK' HERE
ORDER JAPANESE ‘KNIVES IN THE DARK’ CD HERE
JAPANESE ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE
Track and Video Release
Legendary Arena Rockers House of Lords Release New Track and Video
October 31, 2024 - Today, HOUSE OF LORDS premieres the brand-new video for the title track of their latest album, "Full Tilt Overdrive". The video showcases the hard-hitting energy and classic sound that fans have come to love, capturing the essence of the band’s signature style.
This release follows the recent drop of 'Full Tilt Overdrive', the band's twelfth studio album via Frontiers Music Srl. Produced by vocalist James Christian and keyboardist Mark Mangold, the album delivers an inspired collection that proudly stands among the best in the band’s repertoire. With plans to bring these new songs to stages across Europe and the States, HOUSE OF LORDS continues to be a driving force in the hard rock scene.
On the video release for "Full Tilt Overdrive", HOUSE OF LORDS comments:
"This song is about Playin at Maximum Energy. Don’t Drive while Listening!!!"
Watch the Video for "Full Tilt Overdrive" HERE
Single and Album Release
Impellitteri Shares New Single “Wrath Child” . New Album out November 8th Via Frontier Music Srl
Iconic metallers IMPELLITTERI share a magnetic new single entitled "Wrath Child" taken from the band's new album - 'War Machine' out November 8th via Frontiers Music Srl. The lightning-quick track is accompanied by a music video, available below.
About the new track and its video, Chris stated,
“Our fans get to see the people involved in making this album, the equipment we used, and the team in action!
"Next, WTF is with this song title – ha, ha! It’s definitely been used by the mighty Maiden.
In all sincerity, we were writing about the wrath yielded by a child imprisoned by greed and power. Once he is freed from his demons, his mighty wrath is then bestowed upon those corruptive forces…hence, our wrath child.
"We were going to change the title, but then we thought: “F### it” - as it is a cool nod to Maiden for them scaring the S### out of us with their album covers when we were kids! On a serious note, the world just lost the amazing Paul Di’Anno from Maiden who will always be a legendary singer and force in the history of Metal!! God bless! We all will cherish those early albums with Paul!”
Chris adds:
“Regarding the music: The song was built off this very simple yet aggressive riff and chorus that at times sounds a bit reminiscent of Thrash. Once again, Paul Bostaph and James Pulli laid down a beastly foundation to let me rip on my guitar and for Rob to scream his head off. Paul definitely played some insane drum fills which only he can do, whilst bassist James kept the song driving from start to finish!
"The team behind this music were engineers Mike Plotnikoff, Jun Murakawa, and Jacob Hansen…and an amazing staff at all of the recording studios!
"We hope everyone has a bit of fun with this track!"
With legions of fans worldwide, IMPELLITTERI is known for exciting music, addictive riffs, and mesmerizing melodies. New album 'War Machine' features guitar hero Chris Impellitteri’s guitar virtuosity and lead singer Rob Rock’s vocal range powered by the incredible rhythmic foundation of bassist James Pulli, and former Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph.
With 'War Machine,' the IMPELLITTERI band presents a mind-blowing, highly energetic, and thrilling new musical adventure.
Watch the video of Wrath Child HERE.
Pre Order your copy of War Machine HERE.
#IMPELLITTERI #WrathChild #WarMachine #HeavyMetal #HeavyMetalMusic #ArtPaparazza #HardRockMusic #FrontierMusic
Album Announcement
Jinjer Announce Highly-Anticipated Fifth Album, 'Duél,'
Out February 7, 2025 via Napalm Records
Modern progressive leaders JINJER have announced their powerful, long-awaited fifth studio album, 'Duél,' set to be released on February 7, 2025' via Napalm Records!
Technical grooves and heavy progressive passages, brutally clear vocals, and skillful growls by matchless vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk have garnered the Ukrainian outfit millions of cross-platform streams and views worldwide, as well as revered renown with fans and critics alike. JINJER has traversed glorious paths of tireless touring and extremely successful album releases, including their most recent chart-topping studio album, 2021’s 'Wallflowers'. 'Duél' showcases the band at the very top of their game and marks yet another matchless milestone in the world of modern metal!
After releasing their breathtaking single and video “Someone's Daughter”, followed by the heavy-hitting single “Rogue” earlier this year, JINJER now unleash another untamed beast with their new track “Kafka." Dominated by Tatiana’s remarkably clear vocals, “Kafka” is a heavy and slow tamper, digging deep under one's skin just to break right through with venomous growls in the end.
Tatiana Shmayluk on “Kafka”:
“Being an artist is sometimes beautiful but most of the time it’s brutal… as our art is dissected word for word and ripped apart note by note, we‘re expected to be on point all-the-time … and when we aren’t, we are scandalized. A true artist is vulnerable but the crowd is most often plagued with vultures who pick at every single move you make. It’s a slippery slope when music means the world to us but how quickly praise turns into prosecution… We are all Kings and Queens for a day but most of the time it feels like a Kafka novel for a lifetime. It‘s exciting but surreal and absurd at the same time …”
While JINJER’s previous album, 'Wallflowers', was slightly more alluring and contained noticeably more clean vocals, 'Duél' now takes on a much more aggressive tone. This is proven by songs like “Rogue”, “Green Serpent” and “Dark Bile”, with their brutal and hefty breakdowns. Fans of super-talented vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk’s clear vocals also get their moments, as tracks such as the opener “Tantrum” show the potential of the frontwoman’s outstanding vocal prowess. 'Duél' presents itself way more cruelly – and JINJER is more vicious than ever before. “Fast Draw” is a wild death metal beast with grooving drums from Vlad Ulasevich, Roman Ibramkhalilov’s one-of-a-kind riffs, and Eugene Abdukhanov’s trademark bass wizardry – showing what this band does best: brilliant state-of the-art modern metal.
On 'Duél', JINJER continues their long-lasting collaboration with accomplished producer Max Morton, who co-produced, mixed, and mastered the album. This new masterwork lives up to JINJER’s reputation as metal visionaries, once more showing that the band refuses to follow any set rules in their genre, but chooses their own path of creativity.
Eugene Abdukhanov, JINJER bassist on the new album:
“First of all, it‘s hard to believe that we’re about to release our fifth full-length album! After all the releases we’ve made, finally having 'Duél' in our hands and ready to be shared with the world, makes us very proud that our band still hasn’t run out of creativity and inspiration. The fact that we still challenge ourselves to release the best music we have ever made with each new release, is what keeps JINJER moving forward. This upcoming album was the longest songwriting process we’ve ever had and it took almost two years to complete. We worked very hard with every free minute we weren’t on tour, recording demos over and over again and always searching for the perfect sound for guitars, bass, and drums. It was also the first time that Tatiana did vocal pre-productions, so it’s safe to say that none of our releases were so well thought out and calculated as this one. It pulverizes the boundaries of the modern progressive metal genre but still remains sophisticated, exciting, and extreme all at the same time. We took up the challenge to expand our musical horizons even wider than before in order to cement 'Duél' to be the next step in JINJER‘s musical growth and hopefully the evolution of metal music in general.”
Pre-Order Your Copy of 'Duél' NOW
Photo by Lisa Glasir
Tour Announcement
Cradle of Filth: "By Order Of The Dragon" UK/European Tour Begins October 27
October 22, 2024 - Closely following their recent sold-out Australian headline tour, extreme metal legends CRADLE OF FILTH are previewing their upcoming "By Order Of The Dragon" UK/European tour in the most grandiose macabre style - with a brand-new, entrancing single!
“Malignant Perfection” arrives just in time for the Halloween season, haunting with eerie keys, vampiric atmosphere, intricate riffs, and revered frontman Dani Filth’s iconic soaring vocals. The track is accompanied by a deliciously dark new official music video, which promises to be only the first of several upcoming visual delights brought to you by CRADLE OF FILTH as they creep closer to the release of their 14th full-length album and Napalm Records studio debut.
Dani Filth divulges about the track and video:
"Our new single and video, 'Malignant Perfection’, is our horrific homage to All Hallows Eve, as embodied by the female deification of evil. It is a perfect musical accompaniment to the spirit of the witching season; invoking dark, Autumnal splendour and celebrating the time when the thin line between life and death is at its most tenuous and the denizens of the otherworld seek to break the veil into ours.
"The video, directed by the imitable Vicente Cordero and featuring the creative masterstrokes of one Missy Munster, is a playground of seductive darkness rife with malicious monsters and cryptid creations, all vying voraciously for the viewer’s eternal soul.
"This comes at a perfect juncture for the Halloween period and our ‘By Order Of The Dragon’ UK/European Autumn tour. It also arrives on the back of a sensational collaboration with massive fashion label Vetement and also Blackcraft Clothing, and in the fiery wake of a successful sold-out Australian tour."
Watch the Music Video for “Malignant Perfection” HERE
Thrash Metal Legends Exodus Kick Off “The Battle of 24” Tour in November
October 17, 2024 - American thrash metal legends and genre originators EXODUS are set to unleash their ferocious live show across North America next month with their "The Battle of '24" tour!
The tour marks the band's first headlining run in many years and will feature support from thrash metallers Havok, metallic hardcore outfit Candy, and crossover thrashers Dead Heat. The tour kicks off on November 2 in Tampa, FL, and will thrash across North America, ultimately concluding on December 7 in Los Angeles, CA.
"The Battle of '24" tour promises to be a must-see event for metal fans, showcasing EXODUS' legendary status in the thrash metal scene alongside some of the genre's most exciting current acts.
11/02/24: Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
11/04/24: Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
11/05/24: Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
11/06/24: Atlanta, GA @ Heaven @ Masquerade
11/08/24: Dallas, TX @ Granada
11/09/24: Austin, TX @ Empire
11/11/24: Denver, CO @ Ogden
11/13/24: Des Moines, IA @ Wooly's
11/14/24: Joliet, IL @ The Forge
11/15/24: Columbus, OH @ King of Clubs
11/16/24: Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage
11/17/24: Bethlehem, PA @ Wind Creek Event Center
11/18/24: Montreal, QC @ Beanfield Theatre
11/19/24: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
11/21/24: Worcester, MA @ Palladium Upstairs
11/22/24: Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw
11/23/24: Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving
11/24/24: Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
11/26/24: Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
11/27/24: Winnipeg, MB @ Exchange Event Centre
11/29/24: Calgary, AB @ Palace Theatre
11/30/24: Edmonton, AB @ Union Hall
12/2/24: Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre
12/3/24: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
12/4/24: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne
12/6/24: Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre
12/7/24: Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent
Tour Announcement
New Orleans’ finest riff bringers, CROWBAR, will close out the year with a final run of US shows.
October 11, 2024 - The journey begins on November 5th with a special performance in Houston with Soulfy and makes its way across nearly two dozen cities through November 29th in New Orleans. Support will be provided by Morbid Visionz. Tickets are on sale now at crowbarnola.com/tour. See all confirmed dates below.
CROWBAR w/ Morbid Visionz:
11/05/2024 Warehouse Live Midtown – Houston, TX w/ Soulfly, Eyehategod, Mutilation Barbecue, Skinflint, Will To Live, Stone Nomads
11/06/2024 Paper Tiger – San Antonio, TX
11/07/2024 Lowbrow Palace – El Paso, TX
11/08/2024 The Rock – Tucson, AZ
11/09/2024 Backstage Bar & Billiards – Las Vegas, NV
11/10/2024 Tarros Chicali – Yuma, AZ
11/12/2024 The Casbah – San Diego, CA
11/13/2024 Chain Reaction – Anaheim, CA
11/14/2024 Harlow’s – Sacramento, CA
11/15/2024 Senator Theatre – Chico, CA
11/16/2024 Dante’s – Portland, OR
11/17/2024 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
11/19/2024 Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT
11/21/2024 Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO
11/22/2024 HQ – Denver, CO
11/23/2024 TempleLive – Wichita, KS
11/24/2024 Revolution Music Room – Little Rock, AR
11/25/2024 Workplay – Birmingham, AL
11/26/2024 The Earl – Atlanta, GA
11/27/2024 Soul Kitchen – Mobile, AL
11/29/2024 Southport Music Hall – New Orleans, LA
CROWBAR’s most recent studio offering, the critically acclaimed Zero And Below, was released in April 2022 via MNRK Heavy. Led by riff lord and vocalist Kirk Windstein, with guitarist Matt Brunson, bassist Shane Wesley, and drummer Tommy Buckley, songs like “Chemical Godz,” “It’s Always Worth The Gain,” and “Bleeding From Every Hole” are unapologetic emotional outpourings, with a bare-knuckle resolve alongside its soul-searching vulnerability, reliably delivered with crushing heaviness.
Produced, mixed, and mastered by Duane Simoneaux at OCD Recording And Production in Metairie, Louisiana, Zero And Below is the band’s most unforgivably doom-driven record since their 1998 landmark effort, Odd Fellows Rest.
#Crowbar #HeavyMetalMusic #HeavyMetal #HardRock #Rock #Concerts #USTour #SupportLiveMusic #ArtPaparazza
Video Release
Octoploid Unveils Video for their single “Monotony”
October 3, 2024 - OCTOPLOID, the band founded by Amorphis bassist Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine, has just unveiled the official video for their latest single, “Monotony.” This track was previously only available as a bonus on the physical versions of their debut album, Beyond The Aeons, which was released on July 5th via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).
“Monotony” is a powerful blend of stoner rock, death metal, and psychedelic prog rock. The song moves from a fragile melodic chorus into a crushing death metal section, creating a striking contrast that really works. The lyrics deal with the animal industry, making it a thematic counterpart to their first single, “Human Amoral,” and not exactly a tribute to humanity.
"With ‘Monotony,’ I aimed to incorporate as much variety as possible,” explains Laine. "Musically, it represents creative freedom and stepping out of the comfort zone — which makes for an exciting, challenging listen!"
Watch “Monotony” HERE!
Album Release
GOD BULLIES: New Noise Magazine Streams As Above, So Below, The First LP From Michigan Noise Rock Prophets In Thirty Years; Electrical Audio-Produced Album Out Tomorrow On Reptilian Records
October 3, 2024 - New Noise Magazine is hosting an exclusive stream of the Electrical Audio-produced As Above, So Below – the first LP from Michigan’s caustic noise rock prophets GOD BULLIES in thirty years – ahead of its release tomorrow through Reptilian Records.
Originating in Kalamazoo, home of the state’s largest mental facility, the dark-edged satirists GOD BULLIES warped minds in the ‘90s by taking rock and garage-punk conventions and injecting them with massive overdoses of mental sickness, Midwestern perversion, backwoods hatred, and completely whacked-out speech sampling. Imagine Flipper crossed with Link Wray, fronted by a prison-bound Jim Bakker, and you might be close.
With several LPs and EPs on former label Amphetamine Reptile and various other independent labels, breaking up and shuffling members to return on West Coast’s Alternative Tentacles for their fourth LP in 1994, they again broke up. Mike Hard went on to perform in several bands including Thrall, Hand Over Head, and BrainSaw, with incestuous sharing of members between these bands, with the one constant through all this twisted output being the charismatic singer/psychopath, "Father" Mike Hard.
Fast-forward to 2024, and Father Hard and a core group of deranged Detroit disciples – guitarist Scott Kodrik, bassist Pat O’Harris, and drummer Cliff Carinci – have made the pilgrimage to Steve Albini's Electrical Audio Studios to share their twisted, obsessive tales of conspiracies and fringe beliefs with the brainwashed masses! Boasting a much tighter, heavier and more sinister sounding GOD BULLIES, As Above So Below is set to rock the foundations of your faith; a dark, crude, and menacing attack that should appeal to fans of Jesus Lizard, Tomahawk, Easy Action, Melvins, Unsane, The Birthday Party, and the prime years of Amphetamine Reptile Records.
As Above So Below was recorded at Electrical Audio in Chicago, produced by Sanford Parker and the band, engineered and mixed by Sanford Parker, and mastered by Collin Jordan at Boiler Room Mastering in Chicago.
Father Hard proclaims, “As Above So Below; What was once a secret recipe of allegory and alchemy has now been revealed. This wisdom, hidden for centuries, has been rediscovered by Father Hard and is now available to you for a limited time in only twelve easy lessons. The incantation of this ancient mandala weds the frequency of matter with the vibration of sound creating a metaphysical transformation of mind and body into spirit and soul. Tired? Run down? Lonely and lost? Do you hide in the darkness afraid of the light? Come out of the catacombs and your mountain caves pay witness to the astonishing healing power of GOD BULLIES. Time to loosen up the bible belt and hit 'em where it hurts, in the belly of the beast.”
Guitarist Scott Kodrik adds, “The four of us have been playing together for many years. Mike, Cliff, and I for over thirty. Since the beginning, I have wanted to get into Steve Albini's Electrical Audio studio and throw some thunder. The live B-room in particular, because it has the best drum sound I've ever heard. The studio also has one of the best microphone collections ever along with Neve mixing desks and all-around everything a musician could dream of. When I heard our friends’ band These Beasts recording they had done there with Sanford Parker behind the board I instantly knew that this album had to be done there and by Sanford. I wrote the drafted outlines for the songs and then we spent the next four months evolving the songs recording them in our studio. We'd play the demos back, add or subtract to the songs and Hard would work out the lyric placement as well as the words themselves. We worked harder than we ever have. When we got to Steve Albini's, we recorded the entire album, overdubs, solos, and vocals in two days. Mike went back to Chicago to record two more vocal tracks and it was complete. The final result was nothing short of our expectations and this album is hands down the best sounding and best written album we have ever done. We are proud to call it a GOD BULLIES album.”
Beer Release
Testament and Modist Brewing Co. Launch “Apocalyptic City” IPA
10/3/2024, MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Modist Brewing Company is thrilled to announce their latest beer release, Apocalyptic City, a West Coast IPA brewed in collaboration with thrash metal icons Testament. This limited-edition brew celebrates the iconic sounds and energy of Testament while delivering a crushable 6% ABV IPA with bursts of bold flavors and intense aroma.
Apocalyptic City is a smooth, medium-bodied IPA that will lay your taste buds to waste with a balanced hop bitterness and bright tropical flavors. Crafted with pale ale malt and Goldpils Vienna malt, and dry-hopped with hand-selected Simcoe, Citra, and Sultana hops, this IPA glows with a pale golden-orange hue. On the palate, drinkers can expect notes of pineapple-orange marmalade, passion fruit, and citrus pine, creating a true thrash-inspired experience.
This collaboration brings together Testament's Apocalyptic City, a song that captures the chaos and power of the band's music, and Modist's commitment to pushing boundaries in brewing. In addition to the beer’s unique profile, the label features artwork by the talented Mats Engsten and Vic Moya, reflecting Testament's iconic thrash metal aesthetic.
“We’re beyond stoked to team up with one of thrash metal's greatest bands,” said Keigan Knee, Co-Owner and Director of Product Development at Modist. “This beer is a tribute to the raw energy and influence of Testament, and we can’t wait for their fans—and our beer fans—to get a taste of Apocalyptic City.”
Beer Availability:
● Pre-sale: Apocalyptic City is available for pre-sale now exclusively through Halftime Beverage. With shipping to most US states and all countries worldwide, consumers can order 12- or 24-packs of this exclusive release. Shipping begins in early October, but quantities are limited.
● Retail & Taproom Release: Apocalyptic City in cans is available for retail now at the Modist Brewing Taproom, with distribution within the Metro area to select liquor stores starting now.
Stay tuned for more information on upcoming events and special releases connected to Apocalyptic City via Modist Brewing’s social media platforms.
Album Release
Florida-based heavy rock unit THE ELECTRIC MUD will release their Ashes And Bone full-length on October 4th via Small Stone Recordings!
September 30, 2024 - It’s been three years since the release of THE ELECTRIC MUD’s Black Wool EP and, encouraged by friends, family, and the brass at Small Stone, the band is excited to announce their return. They believed they had more to say, and that their best music was still in front of them. They believed the ideas and creative philosophy that brought the band to life and to the precipice of so many exciting things just a few short years ago had to be carried to the next point in their evolution. A new full-length album, it was decided, was the best way to make that statement.
During the writing sessions a theme emerged: Mankind’s obsession with its own destruction. Where did it come from, and where will it take us? THE ELECTRIC MUD intended to examine some of the darker angels of our nature, and set it to a heavy, post-apocalyptic soundtrack. Decamping to Juniper Recordings in Cape Coral, Florida, and bringing Caleb Neff aboard not just to engineer the record but produce it created an open and creative environment in the studio that’s integral to the sound. There is a deep collaborative bond stitched into the fabric of the record, a collection of heavy sounds and ideas that are truly egalitarian in nature. The point is emphatically driven home with a fantastic mix by Ben Mcleoud, studio wiz by day, guitar demigod for All Them Witches by night. The resulting record, Ashes And Bone, has been a labor of love, and a reminder of what they love about music and each other.
Boasting a heavier, more aggressive sound that owes as much to the sludgy, prog inflected ferocity of Soundgarden or Mastodon as it does the eerie proto-metal riffing of Black Sabbath and soulful energy of Graveyard, Ashes And Bone is a firmly taken musical step forward into the future as much as it is the sound of a band taking care of unfinished business.
Ashes And Bone, which features album artwork and design by Alexander von Wieding, will be released on CD, LP and digital formats.
Album Release and Tour
Nefarious Industries presents Hello Hell, the caustic second LP from Boston-based dissonant noise-punks MIRACLE BLOOD.
September 26, 2024 - MIRACLE BLOOD has carved out a reputation for their electrifying live performances, charismatic songwriting, and what has been called “the best scream in the city” by If It's Too Loud... Since their formation in 2014, the trio – guitarist/vocalist Andrew Wong, bassist Garrett Young, and drummer Anthony Bollitier – has performed incessantly, sharing the stage with bands such as Great Falls, Landowner, and Tree. After several independently released EPs and singles, MIRACLE BLOOD self-released their debut LP Melter in 2022, scoring a Boston Music Award nomination for Rock Artist Of The Year in the process. Melter shows off the group’s one-of-a-kind, genre-bucking take on noise-punk—dissonant, heavy, and chaotic, yet melodic, catchy and playful all at the same time.
MIRACLE BLOOD recently completed their second album Hello Hell, which shows the band stepping up their game in every way. The new album slams the listener with ten ripping tracks in under thirty-two minutes, with a sound that is meaner, heavier, and noisier than its predecessor. Hello Hell was produced with Alex Allinson at The Bridge Sound & Stage (BEDTIMEMAGIC, The Freqs, Lesotho) and mastering engineer Brad Boatright (The Armed, Sleep, Nails). The record features guests from Sapling and BEDTIMEMAGIC joining the MIRACLE BLOOD crew on gang vocals, and the record is completed with art and design by the band’s Andrew Wong. Fans of Jesus Lizard, T.S.O.L., Dead Kennedys, Unsane, Big Black, Drive Like Jehu, Child Bite, Pigs, Karp, Agent Orange, Converge, and Everytime I Die require an infusion of MIRACLE BLOOD.
Hello Hell will be released November 15th on LP – Ivory w/ Red Splatter Vinyl in a run of 250 copies – and 4-panel digipack CD and cassette in runs of 100 each.
Find preorders for MIRACLE BLOOD’s Hello Hell at Nefarious Industries where the “Phenomenon” and "Lobotomizer” videos are playing RIGHT HERE.
MIRACLE BLOOD has an array of shows booked across the East Coast over the weeks ahead including dates in Providence and Troy this weekend. Next Friday, October 4th, the band will play a pre-release show for the album in Medford, Massachusetts with special guests BEDTIMEMAGIC and Sapling. Deep Cuts will be pouring a limited edition Psychtoberfest beer "Hello Helles Lager" for the occasion. Shows in New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and more are also booked, with more in the works. We can only hope they make it to the West Coast!
Singles Release
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY has unleashed a brand-new single titled "The Gallows" via MNRK Heavy
The track showcases the band's signature blend of bone-crushing riffs, soulful melodies, and a relentless energy that fans have come to expect. "The Gallows" is available across all major streaming platforms.
Watch the video HERE.
Singles Release
Ukrainian Modern Progressive Metal Icons JINJER Unleash Heavy-Hitting New Single “Rogue”
September 10, 2024 - Ukrainian metal juggernauts JINJER unleash their brand new single “Rogue”, showing once more their refusal to conform to the musical genre rule book. Generating millions of streams/views on platforms worldwide, JINJER have perfected and fine tuned their own unique sound to perfection and are in a league completely their own.
The ferocity of vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk combined with a sonic rollercoaster of chugging riffs, pulverizing bass lines and intricate drums makes JINJER’s upcoming outputs some of the most anticipated in heavy music! “Rogue” is another raging reminder that JINJER never minces words when it comes to their music and always keeps the pressure on with each new release. The song arrives with a hefty music video, and is now available on all streaming services worldwide!
JINJER on “Rogue”:
“Our new single ‘Rogue’ is a reaction to many things … it’s brutally honest, it’s in-your-face and one of the most intense tracks JINJER has ever released. We are so excited about this new track, about the new album and everything that‘s on the way ….”
Watch the music video for “Rogue” HERE
Album Announcement
Legendary Heavy Metallers IMPELLITTERI Announce New Album 'War Machine' Out November 11th via Frontiers Music Srl
Pre-Order HERE
New Single "Out of My Mind (Heavy Metal)" + Music Video — Watch HERE
September 6, 2024 - With legions of fans worldwide, IMPELLITTERI is known for exciting music, addictive riffs, and mesmerizing melodies. Today they proudly announce that a new album - 'War Machine' - is dropping on November 8th via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate this announcement, the band shares the album's first single "Out of My Mind (Heavy Metal)" alongside a new music video available below.
'War Machine' features guitar hero Chris Impellitteri’s guitar virtuosity and lead singer Rob Rock’s vocal range powered by the incredible rhythmic foundation of bassist James Pulli, and former Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph.
About the album, Impellitteri had this to say:
“This new album has been an absolute thrill to make with my friends Rob Rock, James Pulli, Paul Bostaph, and our engineers Mike Plotnikoff, Jun Murakawa, and Jacob Hansen! “
"This music expresses where we are today as a band emotionally and technically! This is probably the most sincere album we have made because we just played music that moved us emotionally without chasing any trends or other bands. We definitely played our asses off! And so, I truly hope everyone gets a chance to listen to this new album and rock with us!! I am looking forward to touring behind this album!!"
With 'War Machine,' the IMPELLITTERI band presents a mind-blowing, highly energetic, and thrilling new musical adventure.
Watch the New Music Video for "Out of My Mind (Heavy Metal)" HERE
Tour Announcement
AMORPHIS To Kick Off North American Co-Headlining Tour With Dark Tranquillity Next Week; Tickets On Sale Now!
August 29, 2024 - Next week, Finnish metal icons AMORPHIS will return to North America on a co-headlining tour with their comrades in Dark Tranquillity.
The journey begins on September 3rd in Richmond, Virginia and winds its way through over two-dozen cities with the tour coming to a close on October 6th in New York City. Support will be provided by Fires In The Distance. Tickets for this MUST-SEE tour are on sale now HERE. See all confirmed dates below.
AMORPHIS w/ Dark Tranquillity, Fires In The Distance:
9/03/2024 Canal Club - Richmond, VA
9/02/2024 Hangar 1819 - Greensboro, NC
9/06/2024 Prog Power USA @ Center Stage - Atlanta, GA * AMORPHIS Headlining
9/07/2024 Conduit - Orlando, FL
9/09/2024 White Oak Music Hall - Houston, TX
9/10/2024 Trees - Dallas, TX
9/11/2024 The Rock Box - San Antonio, TX
9/13/2024 Nile Theater - Mesa, AZ
9/14/2024 Brick By Brick - San Diego, CA
9/15/2024 Echoplex - Los Angeles, CA
9/17/2024 DNA Lounge - San Francisco, CA
9/18/2024 Goldfields Roseville - Roseville, CA
9/20/2024 Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR
9/21/2024 Rickshaw Theatre - Vancouver, BC
9/22/2024 El Corazon - Seattle, WA
9/24/2024 Metro Music Hall - Salt Lake City, UT
9/26/2024 Marquis Theatre - Denver, CO
9/27/2024 The Bottleneck - Lawrence, KS
9/28/2024 The Cabooze - Minneapolis, MN
9/29/2024 The Forge - Joliet, IL
10/01/2024 Opera House - Toronto, ON
10/02/2024 Fairmount Theatre - Montreal, QC
10/03/2024 La Source de la Martinière - Quebec City, QC
10/04/2024 The Middle East Down - Cambridge, MA
10/05/2024 Baltimore Soundstage - Baltimore, MD
10/06/2024 Gramercy Theatre - New York, NY
Last month, AMORPHIS released Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia) via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). Exactly thirty years after its original release, the band celebrated the anniversary of their milestone release, Tales From The Thousand Lakes, with a unique live edition of the record, which represents an essential collector’s item for every AMORPHIS connoisseur. The magic of this work, grandly transferred onto the stage of Helsinki, Finland’s Tavastia Club, displays the band in their full glory: powerful, passionate, and unforgettable.
Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia) manifests AMORPHIS' unparalleled dynamism and artistic uniqueness. Rarely has the raw power and emotional depth of a live performance been captured so authentically as on this sonic memento and extraordinary concert film. With their second album, AMORPHIS erected a monument to Finnish mythology, nature, and music that remains as touching, inspiring, and nurturing today as it was back in 1994.
Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia) is out now via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) and can be ordered both physically (CD+Blu-ray-digipak or colored vinyl) and digitally or streamed HERE.
Watch AMORPHIS’ previously released videos for “Drowned Maid” HERE, “Black Winter Day” HERE, and “Into Hiding” HERE.
Announcement
International Metal Band ONE MACHINE Announces Tasos Lazaris as New Singer
Forthcoming Single Release + Tour with Overkill
One Machine are releasing their first single in nearly nine years, “A New Plane Of Existence”, across all digital platforms, as well as a music video for the song, on Friday August 30th.
The band is also happy to announce their return to the live stage, for the first time since 2018, on tour with Overkill and Angelus Apatrida across Europe in September with new lead vocalist Tasos Lazaris!
Steve Smyth says "I’m very happy to finally be able to announce Tasos Lazaris as the new singer for One Machine! Jamie Hunt actually found him through a YouTube video of a live performance, and sent it over to me. The second I heard him, I knew he would be the right fit for One Machine!
We are very happy to have him on board with us, as we prepare for our first live shows in 6 years, and touring again with the mighty Overkill, and Angelus Apatrida! This one should be fun!
Our first single release of new music in nearly a decade!"
Tasos Lazaris adds "I'm thrilled to announce that I've joined One Machine as their new singer. Can't wait to hit the road soon and release some amazing music!"
September 1 – Hamburg, Germany – Markthalle
September 3 – Hannover, Germany – Capitol
September 4 – Köln, Germany – Live Music Hall
September 5 – Karlsruhe, Germany – Substage
September 7 – Lodz, Poland – Summer Dying Loud
September 8 – Prague, Czech Republic – Meetfactory
September 9 – Kosice, Slovakia – Colosseum *
September 10 – Budapest, Hungary – Barba Negra
September 11 – Vienna, Austria – Szene
September 12 – Geiselwind, Germany – Eventhalle Strohhofer
September 13 – Lindau, Germany – Club Vaudeville
Eclipse Shares New Single “Still My Hero”
New Studio Album 'Megalomanium II' Set For Release on September 20th Via Frontiers Music Srl
Swedish rockers ECLIPSE share a new single “Still My Hero”, taken from their highly anticipated new studioalbum 'Megalomanium II,' set for release on September 20, 2024, via Frontiers Music Srl. The track is accompanied by a new music video, available below.
About the new single, lead singer Erik Mårtensson shared this:
"When I wrote this song I had the phrase 'still my hero' on my original scrap demo. The only hero I've ever had was my dad, so I made the whole song about him. He sadly passed away much too young in 2014. This is a tribute to a great man”.
ECLIPSE, the heavy rock powerhouse out of Stockholm, is renowned for its signature sound of massive hooks and stellar musicianship, quickly becoming one of Sweden's largest heavy rock bands with well over 100 million streams on streaming services.
Following the release of 'Megalomanium' last September and, most recently, of the exclusive 7’’ vinyl “Apocalypse Blues” and the single “Falling To My Knees”, the band's trajectory to craft memorable anthems is bound to stay intact.
Erik commented on the upcoming release:
“If you thought the title of our previous record was proof of us suffering from delusions of grandeur, then you’re absolutely right. The only way we could top it was to make another one. Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you, 'Megalomanium II'.”
Guitarist Magnus Henriksson continued:
“This band is on a continuous journey trying to find new avenues to explore. Having said that, 'Megalomanium II' is probably closer to what people mostly associate ECLIPSE with. It’s filled to the brim with large choruses, beautiful melodies, and some amazing guitar playing. I’m totally unbiased, by the way.”
Watch the New Music Video for "Still My Hero" HERE
Photo by Martin Darksoul
Tour Announcement
Hulder Announces Winds of Autumnal Sorrow Tour
Pacific Northwestern US black metal outfit HULDER today announces another stateside tour, headed back to the East Coast in October.
Earlier this year, HULDER headlined The Decibel Magazine Tour 2024, which was immediately followed by the Forests Of Aeternity Pacific Northwest Tour MMXXIV. The band then crossed the Atlantic and toured across Europe and the UK, which was followed by a short tour of Mexico.
In recent days, HULDER announced their return to the West Coast and Mountain states on the Bloodmoon Oath 2024 tour from September 17th through the 28th with Spectral Wound and Aridus. Today, HULDER announces the Winds Of Autumnal Sorrow tour, set to begin three weeks after the Western US dates. With support from One Of Nine, the tour will launch October 18th in Pittsburgh and run through October 26th, ending at the Heavy Mountain Fest in Asheville.
Tickets for all shows are available HERE.
Legions Of Doom Release THE SKULL 3 September 13th
August 19, 2024 -LEGIONS OF DOOM will release their The Skull 3 full-length on September 13th via Tee Pee Records, today unveiling the record’s first single and preorders.
Where does The Skull end and LEGIONS OF DOOM begin? The answer might be “right here.” Welcome to The Skull 3.
The 2021 passing of vocalist Eric Wagner (The Skull, ex-Trouble, Blackfinger, etc.) looms over LEGIONS OF DOOM’s debut, as The Skull guitarist Lothar Keller and bassist Ron Holzner (also ex-Trouble) pick up with material that would have been on that band’s third full-length and realize it in a different form. With Wagner’s involvement in the composition and the blessing of the singer’s family, LEGIONS OF DOOM shift further into supergroup territory by welcoming drummer Henry Vasquez (Saint Vitus, Pentagram, Blood Of The Sun), guitarist Scott Little (Leadfoot) and vocalists Karl Agell (Lie Heavy, Leadfood, Blind-era Corrosion Of Conformity) and Scott Reagers (original frontman of Saint Vitus) to the fold, both celebrating Wagner’s life and creativity and finding a path of their own as they do.
“Eric had a file on his computer labeled ‘New Skull Record,’” explains Holzner, “with his lyrics allotted to these songs. I was lucky that his family was able to access the computer and share the files with me. There were extra lyrics and verses that I used to finish the songs. I wrote most of the lyrics to ‘Lost Soul,’ but I’m so happy that Eric’s family was able to access the computer and pass along the lyrics to me.”
It is fitting to the brand of doom proffered by these Legions that Wagner’s spirit is part of this record – not to mention his vocals on “Heaven” – but LEGIONS OF DOOM are more than a tribute. Just as The Skull built on the legacy of its component members in Trouble and other outfits – Keller’s contributions to songwriting have always been the secret weapon; that remains true on The Skull 3 – so too does the new group chart its own forward course. In the end, the record becomes as much a debut as it ever might have been a third album for The Skull, and the persona of LEGIONS OF DOOM is immediately distinguished through the performances of Reagers and Agell on vocals. Yes, it’s classic doom by veterans who helped define the form, but LEGIONS OF DOOM are vibrant in their revelry, and, to be blunt, they sound like a band with more to say. Don’t go into the album expecting a one-off.
Holzner offers context: “Lothar and I wrote eighty percent of the record with Eric prior to him passing away. Karl, Henry and especially Scott Reagers wanted to finish it. Scott really didn’t want The Skull to end and insisted that we continue as The Skull as well as doing LEGIONS OF DOOM. LOD will be the main focus from here out and The Skull will play once in a while. Lo and I finished the record with a collaboration with David Snyder (Trouble, Blackfinger) on the song, [and first single], ‘All Good Things’ and wrote the newest song ‘Lost Soul’ with Henry. We also reworked Eric’s acoustic song ‘Heaven’ to go with his recorded vocals. The cover art was done by the legendary David V. D’Andrea (Samaritan Press). I told him I wanted something to represent moving on from The Skull and being reborn in LEGIONS OF DOOM…”
In advance of the record’s release, today the band unveils “All Good Things,” which also serves as the A side of a limited edition EP set for release on August 23rd. Side B features a cover of Deep Purple’s “Into The Fire,” exclusive to the EP.
Elaborates Agell, “‘All Good Things’ holds great significance. It’s the first true LEGIONS OF DOOM song. I was granted the great honor of singing Eric Wagner’s beautiful words which telegraph hope and redemption in the midst of pain and despair. It became a sort of collaboration beyond the grave, signaling a rebirth. ‘And so dear friends, you have to carry on. All good things come to those who wait.’
“‘Into The Fire’ is one of my favorite songs by Deep Purple off of their 1970 In Rock album. Ron and I recorded a version of it years ago with Reed Mullin of Corrosion Of Conformity (RIP) and Scott Little of Leadfoot on guitar. Scott also happens to play for LEGIONS OF DOOM. We loved it then, and we loved tracking it again as a worthy B side for the All Good Things EP.”
Watch ALL GOOD THINGS official music video HERE!
Video Release
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER Unleashes Animated Video For “Mammoth’s Hand;” Servitude
August 8, 2024 - “Mammoth’s Hand” is the latest single from THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER. The track comes by way of the band’s upcoming tenth studio album, Servitude, set for release on September 27th via Metal Blade Records.
“Mammoth’s Hand” is partly inspired by a scene from Don Coscarelli’s 1982 swords ‘n’ sorcery epic, The Beastmaster. “We usually like to give some idea of what kind of diversity is gonna be on the album with the first two tracks we release,” vocalist Brian Eschbach offers. “[guitarist] Ryan Knight wrote the music for this, and the slow rhythm made me think of these barbaric warriors riding mammoths out in the snow or that scene from The Beastmaster when the Jun horde takes the village.”
Eschbach further elaborates, “‘Mammoth’s Hand’ is a romp through a fictitious frozen tundra in which a clan of nomadic mammoth riding cannibals conquer villages in a time devoid of technology. The slow groove of this song is a vibe not often implemented by the group but immediately inspired a vision in my mind of a slow moving yet gigantic and powerful beast of antagonistic nature.”
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER’s first single from Servitude, “Aftermath,” was released in June to mass critical acclaim. Wrote Revolver upon its release, “THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER’s much-anticipated comeback single — the band’s first piece of new music since the passing of founding vocalist Trevor Strnad — is both a graceful return to form, and a ruthlessly ripping masterclass in death-metal dynamics.”
Loudwire hailed, “a lean, three-minute ripper and it’s this quality that drove the melodic death metal icons to lead with.” Consequence called the track, “a crushing introduction to this new chapter for THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER,” BrooklynVegan championed, “a melodeath rager that sounds like something Trevor would’ve been proud of,” while Metal Injection gushed, “As for the single itself, holy shit – THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER is doing Trevor’s memory justice while simultaneously putting out some fucking killer death metal.”
Guitars, bass and vocals for Servitude were recorded at guitarist Brandon Ellis’ home studio in New Jersey while drums were recorded by Mark Lewis in Nashville, Tennessee where the album was also mixed. Servitude was mastered by Ted Jensen.
Servitude will be released on digipak CD, cassette, and digital formats as well as vinyl.
They will be in Berkeley on October 17th and Santa Cruz on October 18th. Do not miss them! Get tickets HERE.
Singles Release
House of Lords Releases New Single Via Frontiers Music
August 6, 2024 - Hard Rockers HOUSE OF LORDS return this summer with a new single entitled "Crowded Room" accompanied by a visualizer (see pictures to the right).
HOUSE OF LORDS is helmed by its legendary singer James Christian, the sole remaining member appearing on all the band's albums. He is joined by guitarist Jimi Bell, who has been with the band since their return with 'World Upside Down,' the charismatic keyboardist and songwriter Mark Mangold (Touch, Michael Bolton, Drive, She Said) along with Swedish drummer Johan Koleberg (Lion's Share, Ignition, Therion).
This is the same line-up that appeared on the band's last album 'Saints And Sinners,' and they have gelled into an even more focused and extremely ambitious group full of superb hooks, majestic atmospheres, and monumental guitar riffs reminiscent of their self-titled debut album.
About "Crowded Room", James Christian succinctly states:
“Too many voices in my head, and I know them all by name”
Tour Announcement
Goatwhore Announces North American Headlining Tour
GOATWHORE will return to North American stages on a massive headlining tour this August/September. The caravan of chaos begins on August 9th in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and runs through September 30th in Pensacola, Florida with stops at this year’s editions of Full Terror Assault in Cave-In-Rock, Illinois and Metal Injection Fest in Brooklyn, New York. Support will be provided by Vitriol as well as Thantifaxath, Herakleion, and Necrofier on select dates.
Comments guitarist/vocalist Sammy Duet, “I am thrilled to be part of this supernatural intervention of a tour along with Vitriol, Necrofier, and Thantifaxath! I am especially excited to see our Canadian fans after a very long time. Falses Stay Hidden!”
Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below and get your tickets HERE.
GOATWHORE w/ Vitriol, Thantifaxath, Herakleion:
8/09/2024 Chelsea's Live - Baton Rouge, LA
8/10/2024 House Of Rock - Corpus Christi, TX
8/11/2024 Paper Tiger - San Antonio, TX
8/12/2024 CheapSteaks - Dallas, TX
8/13/2024 Lowbrow Palace - El Paso, TX
8/14/2024 Launchpad - Albuquerque, NM
w/ Vitriol, Thantifaxath:
8/15/2024 Rebel Lounge - Phoenix, AZ
8/16/2024 Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA * No Vitriol
8/17/2024 The Casbah - San Diego, CA * No Vitriol
8/18/2024 1720 - Los Angeles, CA * No Vitriol
8/20/2024 Backstage Bar & Billiards - Las Vegas, NV * No Vitriol
8/21/2024 The Siren - Morro Bay, CA
8/22/2024 DNA Lounge - San Francisco, CA * No Vitriol
8/23/2024 Harlow’s - Sacramento, CA
8/24/2024 Volcanic Theater Pub - Bend, OR
8/25/2024 Dante's - Portland, OR
8/27/2024 Substation - Seattle, WA
8/28/2024 Cobalt Cabaret - Vancouver, BC
8/30/2024 Commonwealth – Calgary, AB
8/31/2024 Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB
9/02/2024 The Park Theatre – Winnipeg, MB
9/03/2024 The Aquarium – Fargo, ND * No Thantifaxath
w/ Vitriol, Necrofier:
9/05/2024 Full Terror Assault – Cave-In-Rock, IL
9/06/2024 Gabe’s – Iowa City, IA
9/07/2024 Turf Club – St. Paul, MN
9/08/2024 X-Ray Arcade – Cudahy, WI
9/10/2024 Ace Of Cups – Columbus, OH
9/12/2024 Frankie’s Inner-City – Toledo, OH
9/13/2024 Spirit Hall – Pittsburgh, PA
9/14/2024 Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI
9/15/2024 The Sanctuary – Hamtramck, MI
9/17/2024 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON
9/19/2024 Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC
9/20/2024 The Middle East – Cambridge, MA
9/22/2024 Metal Injection Fest @ The Brooklyn Monarch – Brooklyn, NY
9/24/2024 Metro Gallery – Baltimore, MD
9/25/2024 Local 506 – Chapel Hill, NC
9/27/2024 Conduit – Winter Park, FL
9/28/2024 Gramps – Miami, FL
9/29/2024 Jack Rabbits – Jacksonville, FL
9/30/2024 Handlebar – Pensacola, FL
GOATWHORE continues to tour in support of their acclaimed Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven full-length released in October of 2022 via Metal Blade Records. Their most accomplished composition to date in sound, concept, and execution, the twelve-track offering earned the #9 position on Billboard’s Current Hard Music Albums chart upon its first week of release.
Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven was produced by Jarrett Pritchard (Exhumed, 1349), and tracked primarily at Studio In The Country in Bogalusa, Louisiana under pandemic restrictions. The band recruited acclaimed producer Kurt Ballou (Converge, High On Fire, Gatecreeper, Code Orange) to mix the record with final mastering duties handled by Grammy-award winning engineer Ted Jensen (Ghost, Gojira, Cult Of Luna). The record is tied together by the art of longtime collaborator Jordan Barlow.
Album Release
CATEGORY 7 to release their self-titled debut full-length album July 26th
July 25, 2024 - With veteran musicians from so many legendary bands, it’s hard not to think of CATEGORY 7 as a supergroup. “I think we’re pretty super,” jokes guitarist Phil Demmel, who has earned mega-metal cred over the decades as a member of Machine Head, Vio-Lence, Kerry King, and has also played as a fill-in road guitarist for Slayer, Lamb of God, Overkill, and others. “Really, I feel like this is a band, not a side project. And I feel like we have written this incredible piece of music, and we’re not done. I’m so proud of the way this came together and the people who were involved. And I think we all feel super positive about this and what else we can do with it going forward.”
CATEGORY 7 has created an album that is fresh and familiar. The mixture of NWOBHM, thrash, punk-metal, and traditional metal is cohesive and sonically rewarding, establishing an eclectic musical backdrop for vocalist John Bush’s instantly identifiable vocals. At the same time, the diversity of styles creates its own template that’s ideal for headbanging, moshing, and voluble sing-alongs.
“It’s all about big verses and big songs, and it has a lot of the elements we’ve explored in our other bands,” explains guitarist and main songwriter Mike Orlando.
Take lead single, the upbeat album opener, “In Stitches,” which commences with piledriving double-bass drums, a feral thrash passage, and a fiery lead before toning down just enough for the distinctive vocals to stand out.
“It gets heavy, it’s thrashy at times, but it opens up in the verses, and then the double-bass drums come in and knock you off your chair, but in a great way,” Orlando says.
Bush further elaborates, “I read an article on an unhoused pregnant woman named Stitches who resided in Los Angeles obviously living a very difficult life that was compounded by mental illness and drug abuse. The encampment situation in my beloved city drives me bats. I balance between serious empathy and complete anger. The combination of imagining her life as well as my own internal turmoil led me to an almost humorous insanity state while writing this scathing album opener.”
Category 7 was produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Orlando at Sonic Stomp Studios with art and layout by Carlos Fides at Artside Studio (Angra, Evergrey, Kamelot). The record will be available on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl .
To preorder, go HERE.
Nick Didkovsky Releases Profane Riddles
a New Album of Electric Guitar Music with 12 Page Booklet + Trippy Visualization Video
Nick Didkovsky (Vomit Fist, Doctor Nerve, Fred Frith Guitar Quartet) is proud to announce the release an album of new music for electric guitar. Profane Riddles includes nine tracks of intricately embroidered electric guitar music that rewards deep listening. The CD includes a 12 page booklet of finely detailed artwork which comes to life in a visualization video.
Nick Didkovsky shares, “Most of Profane Riddles is taken from one recording session. I followed a straightforward improvised composition path: beginning each piece with one pass of improvised guitar, then coming up with complimentary material to create additional interlocking layers. I kept things moving along, just letting my ears guide me and not interrupting the flow. I believe the intricately embroidered music on Profane Riddles will reward deep and careful listening, and I hope people can carve out 31 minutes of uninterrupted time so they can float away with it.”
Profane Riddles was performed, recorded, and mixed by Nick Didkovsky and mastered by sound artist Thomas Dimuzio.
To experience Profane Riddles “What is Revealed…” click HERE.
Photo By Lutz Diehl
Photo by Stefan Rosic
SATAN: Long Running Heavy Metal Outfit To Unleash Songs In Crimson September 13th Via Metal Blade Records; Preorders Now Available
July 24, 2024 - Long-running heavy metal legends, SATAN, recently announced their upcoming new full-length, Songs In Crimson, set for release on September 13th via Metal Blade Records. Today, they are pleased to launch the record’s preorders.
SATAN’s history is storied, their albums and incendiary live shows, iconic. The Newcastle, England-bred lineup may quip that their career has been “forty-four years of prolonged mayhem with a twenty-year lunch break” — forming in 1980, eventually pausing before reuniting in 2011 — but circa 2024 finds the band thriving, writing, recording, and touring at the top of their game.
Proof positive is their seventh studio album, and third for Metal Blade, Songs In Crimson. If 2022’s Earth Infernal album was brutal, up-tempo and with loud guitars, guitarist Russ Tippins calls Songs In Crimson “concise. It’s more to-the-point and gets there quicker. One of the reasons behind the album title is that this record is very ‘song’ focused. There’s more punch this time around. Each chorus speaks for itself.”
SATAN rails against characterless, metronomic, and “cut and paste music on a digital dog leash. Recording in the 21st century has become no more than a series of binary code. Call me reactionary,” says Tippins, “and maybe I am, but every bone in my body wants to rebel against the incoming tide of ones and zeros.” With influences from King Crimson to Mercyful Fate, SATAN’s own stylings remain unique, the band’s NWOBHM origins a springboard for musical and lyrical creativity, commentary, and nonconformity.
While Songs In Crimson features lyrics including “a once-great nation is going down” and “this is the end of an era,” SATAN offers no quick fix. “There is always hope; solutions are not for us musicians to proclaim,” Tippins believes. “Each song has its own different theme. While there is no title track as such, the song ‘Deadly Crimson,’ which is an anti-capitalism narrative, is as close as it gets to that. As a concept, making money from money is fatally flawed in that it depends on constant growth,” Tippins says. “But constant growth is obviously impossible; a conveyor belt of sacrificial lambs.”
Honed by years of collaboration, brotherhood and love, SATAN’s chemistry is unbreakable. “We played at a metal festival where the headlining band had zero original members,” Tippins says. “I cannot get my head around that, though I admire their bravery. We are the genuine article. We did not reunite just to trade on past glory,” he concludes. “If you want nostalgia, this is not the band for you. We look only ahead and always will.”
If 1983’s Court In The Act started SATAN’s aural journey, and 2018’s Cruel Magic was a game-changer, where does Songs in Crimson stand in SATAN’s heavy discography? “The goal is to further consolidate the style we’ve established, the pathway we’ve been on since the reunion,” Tippins says. “Part of that style is that each release must have something that sets it apart from its predecessors.”
Songs in Crimson was produced by the band and Dave Curle of First Avenue Studios who also engineered, mixed, and mastered the record.
Songs in Crimson will be released on jewelcase CD (USA), digipak CD (EU) and digital formats as well as spined sleeve vinyl with insert, poster, and download card in the following color variants:
Transparent Pigeon Blue Marbled (US)
180g Black (EU)
Dark Crimson Red Marbled (EU)
Steel Grey Marbled (EU - Ltd. 500)
Pale Yellow Marbled (EU - Ltd. 300)
Clear w/ Red & White Splatter (EU - Ltd. 300)
Clear w/ Black, Red & Gold Splatter (Ltd. 200 – Excl. Band Edition)
To Pre Order Songs In Crimson, click HERE.
EP Release
The Stabbing Jabs and Reptilian Records to Release Debut Album July 19th
Reptilian Records presents the eponymous debut LP from Cincinnati, Ohio’s ripping THE STABBING JABS. Having already been released in April via French label Beast Records, Reptilian will now unleash the gritty album on July 19th.
A punch in the face. Queen City style: LOUD. Some things are just meant to be.
The band consists of some veterans of the face-melting punk genre: Vocalist Peter Aaron (Chrome Cranks), guitarists William G. Weber (Chrome Cranks, GG Allin & The Murder Junkies) and Chris Donnelly (Gang Green), drummer Andrew Jody (Barrence Whitfield & The Savages), and bassist Jamie Morrison (Motorbike). Together, the STABBING JABS breathe fiery life into the type of tough, timeless, rock ’n’ roll a generation had left for dead. Here it is, ready to make your life a living hell: an arsenal of hard, hammering tunes built on thick, cinder-block guitars. Blood-flecked screams. Dirty, fuzzy, low-end. Drums that swing as hard as they bash. And RIFFS. Riffs, riffs, and more riffs. Did we mention the riffs?
Drop the needle on The Stabbing Jabs, the band’s debut LP, and it’s one high-octane face-blaster after another — all of them roaring straight at you. Right off the line is the pummeling, utterly unrelenting, freight-train opener, “Broken Brain,” with more rippers — the earth-shaking “Drowning Girls,” bone-crushing “Radiation Love,” and screaming, napalm overload “Bone And Breast” — lurking close behind. It gets moody in here, too: Just slide on into the slippery sleaze and grimy grinding of “Uptown Blues” before making your final descent into the collapsing, claustrophobic chaos of “You’re A Drag.” Once that last squealing squall has died out, just park it all on the shelf next to your copies of Damaged, Kick Out The Jams, Tied Down, Powerage, Raw Power, and Young, Loud, And Snotty until, man, you just gotta have that burning ‘JABS fix again — which, guaranteed, won’t be long after.
THE STABBING JABS got together by accident. Sort of. An amazing accident that, in retrospect, was so obvious and so long overdue that it’s a wonder it didn’t happen sooner. Once these gentlemen were in a room together, the flow was instant. Simpatico. Natural. Effortless. Unspoken. Fingers making an iron fist inside an iron glove. Pow!
Their first gig? Awesome, awesome, awesome. So killer. The audience? Incinerated. The nightclub? Destroyed. Completely. But as the drywall dust settled and the stage’s smoldering embers crackled and glowed and floated high above the stoic Cincinnati skyline, it was clear that this thing just couldn’t end.
“It would be cool to keep it going, with original material,” Jody observed. And, thus, it was so. More devastating gigs followed, and the band holed up in Weber’s Krakdhaus Studios to record their eponymous debut. In addition to its nine explosive originals, the record honors Cincinnati’s punk past with covers of two area underground gems: Dennis The Menace’s “Go-Go Wah-Wah” and the Verbs’ “Little In Doubt.” Straight-up, hard, mean, noisy rock ’n’ roll. The stuff that never gets old. Some things are just meant to be. And so they are with THE STABBING JABS. Take it and like it. Punker.
Watch Radiation Love HERE!
Single Release & Tour
British-American Trio RAYNES to release Single from Forthcoming EP “49”.
Tour Coming to Sacramento August 30th!
With its upbeat, driving nature, you might be surprised to hear that "Tie Me to the Tracks" from British-American trio Raynes is essentially a middle finger to a relationship that ended badly. In hindsight, it was unhealthy - maybe abusive - and could never have worked; realizing this, the narrator (perhaps tongue-in-cheek) is more willing to accept death than return to the relationship.
"'Tie Me to the Tracks' is easily a new favorite of ours to play live,” lead singer Mark Race said. We frequently open our sets with this four-on-the-floor barn stomper and it never fails to deliver. Trying a song no one has heard live yet is always a risk, but with the reaction the song has already received, we cannot wait for the rest of the world to hear it!"
Be The First To Hear Tie Me to the Tracks and Pre Save HERE!
“Tie Me To The Tracks” is the first single from the forthcoming EP, “’49” slated for November release. The title is inspired by the American gold rush of 1849, in which nearly 100,000 people flocked to California in the hopes of staking a claim and striking gold. The EP employs the historical events as a backdrop against which the songs are set, both sonically and lyrically. For Raynes, this thematic concept shares many similarities with their own journey as a band-leaving hometowns and loved ones, moving to California and enduring the risks and uncertainties of the music industry as they try to stake their own claim and strike gold.
Raynes formed in 2017, when North Dakota natives Mat Charley and Joe Berger came across a video of UK native Mark Race and invited him to Los Angeles to start a band. Shortly after their inception, the band signed with Sony Music Publishing, and since then have released six singles and two EPs, earned stories in publications ranging from Billboard and Earmilk to Spindle and Atwood Magazine and headlined sold-out shows from London to Los Angeles. Their singular blend of pop, folk and world music has been featured on television shows, commercials and tastemakers’ playlists, generating buzz in the UK and the US alike.
Raynes is currently touring and can be seen live on select dates with Yachtley Crew. Additional dates to be announced soon.
August 30 | The Backyard | Sacramento, Calif.
August 31 | Vina Robles Amphitheatre | Paso Robles, Calif.
September 1 | The Mountain Winery | Saratoga, Calif.
Album Releases
TESTAMENT Releases Remastered Versions of The Legacy and The New Order
July 15, 2024 - Iconic Bay Area thrash metal pioneers TESTAMENT are proud to announce an explosive celebration of the band's enduring legacy and their influential presence in the thrash metal scene. The remastered versions of their seminal albums The Legacy & The New Order are available both digitally and now on vinyl via Nuclear Blast Records.
Eric Peterson comments, "The time has come for these limited edition Legacy and New Order re-releases to finally hit the streets! They sound better than ever and with a nice slicey tight wallop! Plus album-sized booklets with personal photos and notes never before seen from these eras! Also slightly different covers and different band pics from those photo shoots! What are you waiting for?"
The Legacy & The New Order were remastered by Justin Shturtz at Sterling Sound. Each album is available digitally and on 180G vinyl. The Legacy on red and white swirl with black splatter and The New Order on blue and purple swirl with black splatter, both limited to 1500 units worldwide. These special, limited-edition remastered LPs include alternate cover artwork, gatefold packaging with new liner notes, and an oversized booklet with never-before-seen images.
Get The Legacy HERE!
Get The New Order HERE!
Do it! Support the arts!
Album Release
Amorphis To Release Live Recording of Tales From The Thousand Lakes
July 8, 2024 - The 30th anniversary of AMORPHIS‘ landmark album, Tales From The Thousand Lakes, will be celebrated with a live recording that sets new standards in terms of brilliance and intensity. Set for official unveiling on July 12th via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) on CD+Blu-ray and vinyl, the performance was shot at the iconic Tavastia club in Helsinki, Finland.
Performing a legendary album in its entirety, front to back in the chronological order, is an extraordinary moment. It captures a time long gone, a point in our lives we will never forget. For who can say they weren’t forever changed after listening to the breathtaking and spiritual beauty that is Tales From The Thousand Lakes? With their second album, AMORPHIS erected a monument to Finnish mythology, nature and music, as touching, inspiring and nurturing today as it was back in 1994.
Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia) manifests AMORPHIS‘ unparalleled dynamism and artistic uniqueness. Rarely has the raw power and emotional depth of a live performance been captured so authentically as on this sonic memento and extraordinary concert film. The sheer commanding force of AMORPHIS’ veteran stage presence, combined with the magic of these tunes make for an unforgettable experience. Each track shimmers with spellbinding Northern beauty and the vigour of a present-day metal show. The iconic instrumental “Tales From The Thousand Lakes,” set to aerial shots of the Finnish wilderness, the stormy opener “Into Hiding,” the unforgettable classic “Black Winter Day” or “Magic And Mayhem” take us back in time while firmly holding tight to the here and now.
Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia) will be available in the following formats:
– Blu-ray+CD-digipak
– 2xLP in gatefold (Blue Blackdust | Crystal Clear Blackdust)
– digital
Preorder Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia) in the physical format of your choice, presave it on your favorite DSP, or preorder it digitally HERE!
Video/Single Release
Category 7 Reveals “Mousetrap” Video and Single
“Mousetrap” is the latest single from CATEGORY 7, the heavy metal supergroup featuring the iconic lineup of John Bush (Armored Saint, Anthrax), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob, Sonic Universe, Noturnall), Phil Demmel (Machine Head, Kerry King, Vio-Lence), Jack Gibson (Exodus), and Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, Overkill). The track comes courtesy of the band’s self-titled debut full-length, set for release on July 26th through Metal Blade Records.
Named after the numerical designation for the most powerful windstorms, CATEGORY 7 came together from a batch of musicians who strived to play music they loved and weren’t hearing elsewhere and wanted to do so with bandmates they enjoyed being with. The result is sonically rewarding and lives up to the storied histories of its members. Meticulously structured songs skillfully balance thrash beats, NWOBHM-inspired rhythms, a punk metal attitude, and ferocious dual guitar work ultimately establishing an eclectic musical backdrop for vocalist John Bush’s instantly identifiable vocals.
The band has already earned perhaps the most honorable of accolades from Metallica’s James Hetfield who added the band’s last single, “Exhausted,” to the the playlist of Metallica’s official podcast, The Metallica Report.
“It’s all about big verses and big songs, and it has a lot of the elements we’ve explored in our other bands,” notes guitarist and main songwriter Mike Orlando.
“I think the sound of this band really comes down to the odd connection that all of us have,” adds drummer Jason Bittner. “We’ve known each other for years as friends and peers. And we’ve all looked up to each other and know that one day we’d have to work together. It’s taken almost two decades for that to happen, but lo-and-behold, once it did there was no stopping us.”
In advance of the record’s official unveiling, today the band presents a video for third single, “Mousetrap.”
Comments Bush, “The music for this one felt like a mysterious caper to me. I drew inspiration from The Three Musketeers where a police tactic was used to apprehend someone who went to the residence of a person who was previously arrested. The whole thing feels like a black and white movie with scenes of entrapment, interrogation, and a corrupt warden. Even though it feels like something old, it also feels like it could be applied to what is happening in our modern justice system. Round and round we go.”
Watch the video HERE!
Support the Arts and be the cool kid on your block! Get merch HERE!
Tour Announcement
Death To All Embark on The Scream Of Perseverance Tour
June 14, 2024 - DEATH TO ALL is a unique opportunity for a new generation of metalheads to experience the genius of DEATH and Chuck Schuldiner first-hand.
Founded in 1984 by Chuck Schuldiner under the original name of MANTAS in Altamonte Springs, Florida, DEATH was among the more widely known early pioneers of the death metal sound, along with California’s Possessed. Inspired by Nasty Savage, DEATH was among the first bands in the Florida death metal scene. In the late 80s, the band was both a part of and integral in defining the death metal scene which gained international recognition with the release of albums by a number of area acts.
DEATH TO ALL operates as a tribute band to the original DEATH, which dissolved in 2001 following the passing of the group’s founder and frontman Chuck Schuldiner. The backbone of DEATH TO ALL is singer/guitarist Max Phelps (Exist, Cynic), drummer Gene Hoglan (Dark Angel, Testament, Dethklok), bass beast Steve DiGiorgio (Testament, Sadus) and Bobby Koelble (DEATH).
The Scream of Perserverance Tour features unique two-night stints in multiple cities, where the first night will be an old-school, brutal night featuring, in its entirety, the album which started the DEATH legacy, ‘Scream Bloody Gore’, as well as classic tunes from ‘Leprosy’ and ‘Spiritual Healing.’
The second night will feature the finishing touch in DEATH’s history, 'The Sound of Perseverance,' as well as timeless classics from the technical and more melodic era of DEATH, ‘Human,’ ‘Individual Thought Patterns’ and ‘Symbolic.’ Also, in certain cities, the sets will be ‘From First To Last’, where Death To All play the mightiest bangers from every DEATH album.
The tour will be coming to Cornerstone in Berkeley, CA on June 21 and 22nd!
Get your tickets HERE!
Need Merch?! I gotchur hookup HERE!
Do it! Support Live Music!
Photo By Bailey Olinger
Album Release
200 Stab Wounds Release “Ride The Flatline” Single; Album To Be Released June 28, 2024
“Ride The Flatline” is the latest single from Cleveland death metal outfit, 200 STAB WOUNDS. The punishing new track comes off the band’s Manual Manic Procedures full-length, set for release on June 28th through Metal Blade Records.
A superlative sophomore effort that follows their tour de force debut, 2021’s Slave To The Scalpel, Manual Manic Procedures is a brutal slab of old-school death metal with a contemporary edge. Not for the faint-hearted, the record may well be the album that puts classic gore-themed ferocity back into the metal community’s collective consciousness.
The album’s penultimate track, "Ride The Flatline," is a [bassist] Ezra Cook-penned song inspired by a chemical spill in the Ohio River after a train derailed. Vocalist/guitarist Steve Buhl further elaborates, “All the crazy chemicals caught fire. The Ohio River goes into Lake Erie, which is where our water supply is. So the song comes from that really. But obviously, we put a little bit of animation into it, with someone getting run over by a train in the process and fucking exploding and shit.”
Slave To The Scalpel saw 200 STAB WOUNDS insinuate themselves into the minds of extreme metal fans, leading to praise from Pitchfork for their “unpretentious brilliance, pitch-black sense of humor” and an “aesthetic [that’s] built around a chugging, groovy riff that stomps down a path of destruction.” Manual Manic Procedures sees the band upping the ante both musically and lyrically.
The album’s artwork -- graphically depicting radical surgery on somebody who may or may not be conscious -- is an immediate indicator of what this record is all about. No punches pulled, no holds barred, just blood-soaked death metal.
The songs on Manual Manic Procedures are not safe for work – perhaps unsafe most anywhere. But that’s its dark charm in a world where even heavy music can play it too safely. 200 STAB WOUNDS have crafted Manual Manic Procedures for themselves and like-minded brethren: thrill-seekers, carnage cravers, horror fans, and aficionados of the most extreme metal. Above all, 200 STAB WOUNDS created a future death metal classic.
Preorders can be purchased HERE!
Album Release
Sunbomb to Release Sophomore Album, Light Up The Sky June 24th
SUNBOMB, featuring heavy metal icons Tracii Guns and Michael Sweet, is set to release their sophomore album, Light Up The Sky on June 24, 2024.
Last week, SUNBOMB shared Steel Hearts, the second single from the album, via Frontiers Records Srl. The track is accompanied by a new lyric video. Developed as a tribute to the classic heavy metal of the 80s, SUNBOMB melds influences of classic metal bands such as Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, and Judas Priest.
About the track, Sweet had this to share:
"'Steel Hearts' is a song that has power and energy that showcases the past in the best of ways. It’s always an honor to work with Tracii and it’s always a privilege to be able to make music together. We’re excited about this project in this album and we hope you enjoy 'Steel Hearts'!"
Tracii played all guitars and bass on 'Light Up the Sky' with drums handled by Tracii's old L.A. Guns bandmate, Adam Hamilton.
‘Light Up the Sky' is a project created, overseen, and directed by Serafino Perugino, President and A&R director of Frontiers Records Srl.
Watch SUNBOMB’s Unbreakable HERE!
Preorder Light Up The Sky HERE!
Tour Announcement
GOATWHORE Announces North American Headlining Tour; Tickets On Sale Now!
May 16, 2024 - GOATWHORE will return to North American stages on a massive headlining tour this August/September. The caravan of chaos begins on August 9th in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and runs through September 30th in Pensacola, Florida with stops at this year’s editions of Full Terror Assault in Cave-In-Rock, Illinois and Metal Injection Fest in Brooklyn, New York. Support will be provided by Vitriol as well as Thantifaxath, Herakleion, and Necrofier on select dates. AND they will be in Sacramento at the Starlet Room at Harlow’s on August 23, 2024.
Comments guitarist/vocalist Sammy Duet, “I am thrilled to be part of this supernatural intervention of a tour along with Vitriol, Necrofier, and Thantifaxath! I am especially excited to see our Canadian fans after a very long time. Falses Stay Hidden!”
Tickets are on sale now. so get yours HERE ! I hope to see you August 23rd!
Single Release
HELLBUTCHER Unleashes “Hordes Of The Horned God” Single; Self-Titled Debut Nears Release On Metal Blade Records
As the frontman of legendary Swedish maniacs Nifelheim, Hellbutcher stands among the most elite figures of the black metal underground, and with his eponymous new band, HELLBUTCHER, his frenzied mission continues conjuring sounds of pure blasphemy and absolute musical Armageddon. Nothing less than total metal devastation will do!
Following the end of Nifelheim, who played their final show in late 2022, Hellbutcher wasted no time in forging forward. Teaming up with old compadres in evil, guitarists Necrophiliac and Iron Beast, bassist Eld, and drummer Devastator (ex-Nifelheim), HELLBUTCHER quickly set about bringing their new vision to life. Together, they had quickly amassed enough material to record their raging, hellish, self-titled debut album, set for release on May 31st through Metal Blade Records.
Recording in various locations around Sweden, such as Devastator’s own Red And Black Hall Drum Studio and Iron Beast’s Chrome Studios, and producing and mastering everything themselves – “No need for an outside producer since we knew exactly how our band should sound” – it is a record that stands proud and unambiguous as a work or pure, metallic mayhem.
From the album’s opener, the crazed “The Sword Of Wrath,” HELLBUTCHER’s intent is loud and clear: Channeling the spirit of Venom, Bathory, Iron Maiden, Exciter, Motörhead, Mercyful Fate, and the aggressive spirit of true heavy metal. It’s an explosion of diabolic evil, performed relentlessly by true masters of the form.
Elaborates Hellbutcher on the band’s latest single, “The title ‘Hordes Of The Horned God’ was inspired by an old Dissection song where Jon [Nödtveidt] mentions ‘my god has horns.’ I crafted the song with an epic yet raw and thrashing feel. The intro riff recurs in various forms, shaping both the chorus and the end of the mid-section of the song. Additionally, our great guitarist, known as Iron Beast, delivers some fantastic guitar solos on this track.”
Watch the band’s previously released video for first single, “The Sword Of Wrath,” HERE.
With an enviable musical pedigree and a killer album to their name, HELLBUTCHER are certain to scorch a mark onto the black metal scene. “I believe this band has the potential to surpass Nifelheim; we’ve accomplished more in a year than I did in the last decade with Nifelheim,” Hellbutcher states. “The key difference lies in the fact that this band shares a common goal. I am now filled with tremendous inspiration, and I plan to create new songs, records, and gigs at a completely different pace than before.”
Insisting in so many words that posers should die, and promising that their live shows “will be a neck-breaking experience,” the underground is about to be hit with an outbreak of evil unlike anything it has seen for a long time. Time to turn the cross upside down: HELLBUTCHER is here, and they mean evil business.
Grady Avenell, vocalist for SOCK and Will Haven, August 2023.
Album Release
SOCK and Minus Head Records Officially Release 3243
Minus Head Records presents an official release of 3243, the long-out-of-print solitary release from SOCK, the legendary mid-1990s metalcore band hailing from Sacramento, California, whose members went on to form Will Haven, Far, Crosses, and more.
SOCK was composed of vocalist Grady Avenell (Will Haven), guitarist Shaun Lopez (Far, Crosses), bassist Adam Federico, and drummer Jeff Irwin (Will Haven). The band’s electrifying energy on stage and raw passion for their craft defined a generation. With a sound that fused relentless riffs, thunderous drums, and searing vocals, the band’s music transcended boundaries and until now has only existed in memories worldwide. Born from the gritty underground scene, SOCK captured lightning in a bottle with their only recorded album, meticulously performed and captured live to tape. Their music isn't just a listening experience; it's a visceral journey through the depths of emotion, delivered with the ferocity that only SOCK could muster.
In an era of fleeting trends, SOCK remains an enduring force, their impact still felt in the hearts of fans who were fortunate enough to witness their legendary performances. Join the ranks of those who have been touched by the sonic fury of SOCK, a band whose legacy continues to resonate with metalcore enthusiasts and beyond. The album’s title 3243 was named after the street address of the birthplace of many seminal acts to emerge from Sacramento.
SOCK’s 3243 was recorded at Enharmonik Studios in June 1995, the album produced. mixed, and mastered by Eric Stenman (AWOLNation, Will Haven, Deftones, Far, Earth Crisis). While no official photos of the band seem to exist, the cover art was produced by Michael Cobra using old camcorder footage of live performances.
Fans of 108, Deadguy, Undertow, Harvest, the early records of Turmoil, Refused, and Snapcase, and of course Will Haven and other heavy Sacramento acts should check out SOCK’s 3243.
3243 will be released on all digital platforms and in a run of 150 cassettes on May 17th. Find preorders at Bandcamp HERE.
Ghost’s “Rite Here Rite Now” In Theaters June 20 and 22, 2024
View the trailer here!
Everyone loves a good origin story. How about a hauntingly good origin story? Arriving in a theater (hopefully) near you, GHOST is set to debut its first ever feature film. The movie combines footage of their live shows and original storyline, and it will land in theaters June 20th and 22nd ONLY! Directed by Papa himself, Tobias Forge, and Alex Ross Perry this once in a lifetime event is not to miss! Oh, and we have the trailer for your viewing pleasure RITE here!
You can get the poster and other merch on the band’s website HERE!
See you at the cinema!
Tour Announcement
MOUTH FOR WAR: Brutal Metalcore Outfit To Join Bodysnatcher And Spite On Extensive US Tour; Bleed Yourself LP Out Now On MNRK Heavy
May 8, 2024 - Colorado-based brutal metalcore crew MOUTH FOR WAR will join Spite and labelmates Bodysnatcher on the Common Enemies Tour beginning May 11th in Atlanta- with a stop in Sacramento at Ace of Spades on June 6, 2024! The journey runs through June 16th in New Orleans. Additional support will be provided by Thrown as well as Psycho-Frame and Cell on select dates.
MOUTH FOR WAR continues to tour in support of their Bleed Yourself full-length, released last Fall via MNRK Heavy. Catharsis builds community. As if conducting group scream therapy, MOUTH FOR WAR incites a collective release of emotion set to a soundtrack of metal intensity, pit-splitting hardcore spirit, and earth-rumbling grooves. The quintet — vocalist Trae Roberts, drummer Mason Sego, guitarists Gabe Moya and Jonah Starbuck, and bassist Michael Guglielmi — rallies listeners together around unflinchingly honest and uncontainable bursts of aggression and emotion, and they hold nothing back on Bleed Yourself, their second proper full-length and MNRK Heavy label debut.
Produced with Pete Grossmann at Bricktop Recording (Weekend Nachos, Harms Way, Gates To Hell) and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege (Obituary, Creeping Death, Vastum), the relentless delivery of Bleed Yourself has reaped worldwide critical acclaim since its release.
Watch MOUTH FOR WAR’s videos for “Captivated,” “Saturate Me” and “Under The Gun” at the band’s YouTube channel HERE.
Bleed Yourself is out now on CD, LP, cassette, and digital formats through MNRK Heavy, available HERE.
Limited VIP Seating Rock For Ronnie ‘Year of the Dragon’ Nearly Sold Out
Metal Veterans Quiet Riot Will Headline Concert Event on Sunday Afternoon, May 19, 2024 Benefiting Ronnie James Dio Stand Up & Shout Cancer Fund
Due to high demand, a limited number of additional VIP seats are now available for sale for this year’s ROCK FOR RONNIE “Year of the Dragon” Concert Celebration, set for Sunday, May 19, 2024, 11AM to 6PM. The afternoon of rock music and fun for the entire family will take place at a new location, the Lou Bredlow Pavilion at Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills, CA. Headlining the ROCK FOR RONNIE event will be heavy metal veterans Quiet Riot.
ROCK FOR RONNIE will benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund (www.diocancerfund.org), founded in memory of the late singer who succumbed to gastric cancer in 2010. This year’s event will be general admission/open to the public with a limited number of first come, first served VIP seats located in front of the stage on sale now at www.diocancerfund.org/events. Only available in advance, these VIP tickets are $60 each and will also include access to the VIP bar for attendees who are over 21.
Radio and television personality Eddie Trunk, who is heard on SiriusXM’s 103 Faction Talk channel, will once again host. Also on the bill will be Dio Disciples, southern rock band Jason Charles Miller, Billy McNicol, X-COMM and a surprise-filled jam by Eddie Trunk’s All-Star Band. Already planning to participate are noted musicians including vocalists/guitarists Lita Ford, Abby Gennett (Slunt), Brett Scallions (Fuel); guitarists Doug Aldrich (Dio, Dead Daisies, Whitesnake), Marc Ferrari (Keel), Tracii Guns (LA Guns), Patrick Kennison (Lita Ford), Bill McBride, Robert Sarzo (Hurricane); bass players Martin Anderson (Lita Ford), Julia Lage (Vixen) and Marty O’Brien (Daughtry, Lita Ford); vocalists Andry Lagiou, Keith Saint John (Montrose, Kingdom Come), Patrick Stone (Budderside), Neil Turbin; keyboard player Dennis Atlas (QRST, Rock the Vault), drummers Ronnie Ciago (BrandX, Circa), Glen Sobel (Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires), Daniel Bermudez (Wilt) and Brian Tichy (Whitesnake) and sax player Scott Page (Pink Floyd, Toto, Supertramp), among others.
In an effort to make full use of the abundant space at this new location, this year’s will be open to all, with on site donations to the 501c3 charity welcomed. To RSVP and/or make a donation, visit www.diocancerfund.org/events.
There will be ample opportunities to support to the Dio Cancer Fund at the ROCK FOR RONNIE via a silent auction and raffle, beverage, food and merchandise sales, artist meet and greets, a specially-created Garden of Hope and, of course, direct contributions on site. There will also be food trucks and assorted vendor booths selling unusual crafts and other items to round out an afternoon of live music and fun for the entire family and open to everyone. Ronnie James Dio’s love of dragons and their association with his on stage persona will also be reflected in the events’ “Year of the Dragon” designation, a nod to this year on the Chinese calendar.
Sponsors for this year’s ROCK FOR RONNIE include the Rainbow Bar & Grill, The Ivy in Ojai, Christine Cardoso-Moore/Keller Williams Realty, McBride Wealth Management, Liquid Death, HOP WTR and Smart & Final with more added every day.
ROCK FOR RONNIE Year of the Dragon Celebration
Concert in the Park
Lou Bredlow Pavilion at Warner Center Park
21820 Califa Street, Woodland Hills CA 91367
11:00AM - 6:00PM
VIP Preferred Seating Tickets are available in advance only for $60 at:
RSVPs and Donations: www.diocancerfund.org/events
For more information, please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/RJDSUASCF/
https://www.facebook.com/events/1064934898067654
https://twitter.com/DioCancerFund
https://www.instagram.com/diocancerfund/
Legendary rock singer Ronnie James Dio, who lost his life to gastric cancer in 2010, is the subject of the acclaimed documentary film DIO: DREAMERS NEVER DIE, which is streaming on SHOWTIME and on the SHOWTIME app at: https://www.sho.com/titles/3519882/dio-dreamers-never-die It is also available on DVD and Blu-Ray+4K and can be ordered at: https://shop.bandwear.com/dio
The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund (www.diocancerfund.org) was founded in memory of the late singer. A privately funded 501(c)(3) public charity, the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund has already raised over $2 million since its inception. Monies raised have been committed to the cancer research work of the T. J. Martell Foundation for Cancer, AIDS and Leukemia Research, the gastric cancer research unit of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where Ronnie was treated for gastric cancer during the last six months of his life, and other cancer research projects. Since 2016, the Dio Cancer Fund has committed funds to support the research of Dr. David Wong and his team at the UCLA School of Dentistry in developing a simple, non-invasive saliva test for the early detection of cancer.
100% of the net proceeds from the ROCK FOR RONNIE will go to the Dio Cancer Fund, which is now in its 14th year of raising awareness and much-needed funding for cancer prevention, education and research for a cure. The organization also hosts the annual Bowl for Ronnie Celebrity Bowling Party, which will be held on November 14.
For further media information, regarding Dio Cancer Fund:
Please contact: Sharon Weisz, W3 Public Relations,
323-934-2700, w3pr@yahoo.com
For press inquiries and additional media information regarding ROCK FOR RONNIE, please contact: Maria Ferrero, Adrenaline PR
732-462-4262, maria@adrenalinepr.com
Album Release
Hexer, the volatile new EP from MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION, is out now on all digital platforms.
Vinyl release out in May.
Blending New Orleans heavy metal stylings in the vein of Crowbar and Down with energetic hardcore sensibilities made for the dance floor, MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION has captured the attention of audiences from across the heavy music spectrum though their constant live performances as well as on record, including prior output through Triple B Records, a collaboration with Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe, and more.
The Hexer 7” delivering three new crushing MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION tracks rooted in themes of anguish both inside and out, paired with groove riffs and wailing vocal melodies. Hexer was engineered and mixed by Jordan Faett at Soul Craft with vocals tracked by Marc Estabillo, the songs were mastered by Sam Deyerle at Studio Florens, and the EP is completed with cover art by Caleb Good. Fans of Iron Age, Down, Corrosion Of Conformity, Life Of Agony, Crowbar, Age Of Apocalypse, Alpha & Omega, and Twitching Tongues need to check out MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION.
MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION’s Hexer is now streaming, including at Bandcamp HERE and Spotify HERE.
New Single Release
Progressive death metal duo ENTHEOS unveils new single, “An End To Everything,” and an accompanying video.
The track serves as the band’s first new output since last year’s critically adored Time Will Take Us All full-length as well as a precursor to the music to come later this year.
Elaborates vocalist Chaney Crabb, “‘An End To Everything’ is lyrically about surrendering yourself or giving in to a sense of darkness and despair that you feel is beyond your own control. Musically, the first riff of the song came organically, and the rest of the song wrote itself after. We wanted the song to provoke a feeling of melancholy, with lyrics to match. It became a perfect combination of many of the styles of metal and rock that we aim to blend in our music.”
Incorporating elements drawn from myriad genres – including death metal, groove, grunge, electronica, slam, gothic rock, jazz, prog and more – and pushing progressive death metal in ever more imaginative directions, Time Will Take Us All proved that ENTHEOS continues to evolve with every release. Metal Hammer UK lauded a band, “poised to morph from a promising project into tech metal titans,” New Noise Magazine championed, “one of the best versions of modern riff–y progressive death metal we have now,” while Loudwire added, “the band plays with lockstep precision, turning the gears of their technical death metal machine as it steamrolls forward.”
ENTHEOS will return to the road this July on a US Summer tour supporting As I Lay Dying. The journey runs from July 9th through August 10th. Additional support will be provided by Chelsea Grin. Tickets are on sale now. They will be at Ace of Spades in Sacramento on July 10th! Get your tickets HERE!
Y&T Set to Rip Rocklin Up!
April 1, 2024 - Legandary rock band Y&T’s monumental 50th Anniversary Tour is coming to Rocklin! If you don’t know them, shame on you! These hardworking rockers have been around since the 1970s! They essentially paved the way for bands like Mötley Crüe, RATT, even a little known band named Metallica. Oakland’s own Y&T is one of the most iconic innovators of the hard rock sound.
Y & T are stopping off in Rocklin as part of their 50th Anniversary Tour! With an impressive 18 albums under the proverbial belt, 3 greatest hit collections, Y & T has sold over 4 MILLION albums since 1974! You do not want to miss this show!!
Purchase your tickets HERE!
Do it! Support the arts!
WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 2024
WHERE: Quarry Park Amphitheatre, 4000 Rocklin Road
TIME: Doors open at 6 pm, Show starts at 7 pm
COST: Tickets start at $35.50
Wind Rose Unveils Official Video for
“Fellows of the Hammer”
March 25, 2024 - Dwarven metal force WIND ROSE has unveiled a brand-new official video for their charging anthem, “Fellows of the Hammer”, first heard on their latest album, 'Warfront'! The game-changing album debuted Top 10 on the US Current Hard Music Albums chart upon its release in 2022, and to date, “Fellows of the Hammer” itself has reached nearly five million streams on Spotify alone!
Filmed by Simone D'Addazio at last year's Metalitalia Festival, the action-packed video for “Fellows of the Hammer” arrives just in time for WIND ROSE's upcoming North American tour kick-off! "North American Warfront" - also featuring special guests and Napalm Records label mates XANDRIA - will begin its charge through the USA and Canada on April 1 in San Diego, CA, visiting a slew of major cities before coming to an end on May 4 in Los Angeles, CA. Select dates, such as Montreal, QC, and Portland, OR, are already sold out, with several others expanding venues and near to selling out. Get your tickets now!
WIND ROSE on the “Fellows of the Hammer” video and North American tour:
"'Fellows of the Hammer' is one of the most iconic tracks in our latest album 'Warfront'. We wanted to shoot a live video for it and we chose the great stage of Live Club in Milan, Italy, on the occasion of the Metalitalia Festival. This show was the night right before embarking on our first headliner tour - great times!
"We are so happy to embark on another journey overseas for our first headliner tour in North America and Oceania! We are proud of our fans for all the sold-out shows we are having so far. Brace yourselves, fellow dwarves, for a night to remember!”
Watch the video for “Fellows of the Hammer” HERE
Record Release
Sons of Alpha Centauri Set To
Release ‘PULL’ On March 28th
March 25, 2024 - After delivering one the most critically acclaimed alternative metal albums of 2021 with Push, SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI – fronted by cult emo icon vocalist Jonah Matranga from post-hardcore legends Far and Gratitude – now prepares to release their fourth studio album, Pull, once again through Exile On Mainstream Records.
SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI’s Push ranked No. 8 for Metal Hammer’s Top 10 Alternative Metal albums in 2021. MetalSucks proclaimed, “The results are absolutely explosive. Fans of Far, as well as post-hardcore/alternative metal contemporaries like Quicksand, are going to absolutely eat this up.” BrooklynVegan premiered Push’s “Buried Under” single, writing of it, “A dose of heavy, soaring post-hardcore that really sounds like it could be a new Far song, which is a very good thing to sound like.”
Now, SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI’s Pull delivers a powerhouse of searing post-hardcore, alternative metal, and dreamy progressive riff rock, providing the natural evolution of Push while capturing both a renaissance of 1990s post-hardcore and a future take on atmospheric dream-metal. The band is once again joined by drummer Mitch Wheeler – the percussive powerhouse and backbone of Will Haven and founding member of Ghostride and The Abominable Iron Sloth – who together with guitarist Marlon King and bassist Nick Hannon deliver a formidable hard rock foundation for Matranga’s emotional and dreamy overlay.
Having previously collaborated with Godflesh, Karma To Burn, Yawning Man, and members of Kyuss, ISIS, and Queens Of The Stone Age, SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI offers an album that captures the essence of Around The Fur-era Deftones, the simplicity of Water And Solutions-era Far, and the integrity of Will Haven’s Carpe Diem. Pull provides a definitive reflection of the Sacramento luminaries cast in the mold of unadulterated riff rock, evolving a fresh take on alternative post-hardcore and emotive metal. The hypnotic and harmonic pulse of the music and the soaring introspective power of Jonah’s wrought, raw vocals provide an ever-emotional journey that sees new peaks in performance for all involved.
Founding member and bass player Nick Hannon comments, “We didn’t know if Push was going to be a one-off, but everyone involved loved what we did and thought we could collectively drive the sound even further, so Pull is an even more intense and emotionally direct performance from all of us. When Jonah returned to the studio he came with an ignited fire of passion and emotional intensity. Whereas Push focused on distress, distance, and separation, Pull is more cerebral and dreamlike. We’ve worked to create songs that everyone can engage with but with themes that are distant and eclectic. Immerse yourself!”
This milestone album was recorded by Lance Jackman of Deftones and Joe Johnson at Pus Cavern Studios in Sacramento (Deftones, Dance Gavin Dance, Hoods), engineered and mixed by Dan Lucas, and mastered by Nick Zampiello at New Alliance East Mastering (Cave In, Converge, Pelican, ISIS).
Exile On Mainstream will release Pull on LP with a bundled CD and all digital platforms this Thursday, March 28th. All preorders will receive two free posters from a series of four – the label will carry two, and the artist will carry the other two. Preorders and presaves can be found HERE.
Photo By Lisa Glasir
New Release on DVD/BluRay
Jinjer Announces First Official Live DVD Titled ‘Live in Los Angeles’ Out May 17, 2024 Via Napalm Records
JINJER, the quintessential metalcore band from the Ukraine has announced the May 17, 2024 release of their first official live DVD/BluRay, ‘Live in Los Angeles, via Napalm Records. According to the iconic band:
“Our sold-out Los Angeles show at the end of our 2022 tour was the perfect time and place to do something special - something like a long-awaited DVD/live album by JINJER! The totally packed, legendary venue, the crazy West Coast vibes, and most importantly, the band delivering it with full force after being on tour for 6 months around the globe - from Europe to Australia and back to the USA - made this an extra special night. For the fans who joined us that night at The Wiltern, it was an unforgettable concert, but now every single JINJER supporter around the world can experience and enjoy an ideal set featuring our biggest hits from older albums as well as recent bangers. This is not just a DVD or a live album, but a celebration of the first 15 years of the JINJER story, right before we move on to the next chapter…”
‘Live in Los Angeles’ was a spontaneous decision by the band and was recorded as raw as possible to emphasize the passion that can come from a live show. You do not want to miss out on getting your own copy. JINJER is awesome live and I have already pre-ordered mine!
To get your pre-ordered DVD/BluRay of ‘Live in Los Angeles’, click HERE!
Do it now! Support the Arts!
Tour Announcement
Crowbar Announces U.S. Tour
CROWBAR has announced their latest round of US headlining dates, confirming a two-week Spring run from March 30th through April 14th, with support from Morbid Visionz. The tour will see CROWBAR performing a special set of songs from their Crowbar and Odd Fellows Rest albums as part of the annual Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest in Philadelphia on April 12th. On April 13th, the band will play a Rocks Off Concert Cruise at Skyport Marina in New York City. Tickets are on sale now.
CROWBAR released their most recent studio offering, the critically lauded Zero And Below, on MNRK Heavy in April 2022. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Duane Simoneaux at OCD Recording And Production in Metairie, Louisiana, Zero And Below is the band’s most unforgivably doom-driven record since their 1998 landmark effort, Odd Fellows Rest. Led by riff lord and vocalist Kirk Windstein, with guitarist Matt Brunson, bassist Shane Wesley, and drummer Tommy Buckley, songs like “Chemical Godz,” “It’s Always Worth The Gain,” and “Bleeding From Every Hole” are unapologetic emotional outpourings, with a bare-knuckle resolve alongside its soul-searching vulnerability, reliably delivered with crushing heaviness.
Tour Dates and Tickets can be found HERE
Purchase Zero and Below HERE
“…as dark and heavy as a midnight avalanche.” – Decibel Magazine
“It’s slow (but not too slow) and dark and heavy as the swamps are deep. Their music makes you feel like you’re trudging in the marshlands around Lake Martin in the middle of the night while being slowly pursued by some deviously hungry gators.” – Metal Injection
“Heavy times demand heavy music. CROWBAR continues to be among the heaviest ever.” – Blabbermouth
“CROWBAR’s latest continues their current run of quality, the proud NOLA natives further exploring their internal and external demons through the heaviest heaping of mud anywhere.” – MetalSucks
“…heavy enough for the metalheads, raw enough for the punks, and catchy enough for straight-up rock fans.” – BrooklynVegan
“CROWBAR have cemented themselves as a pillar of sludge metal… delivering guitar hooks with more bite force than an alligator…” – Kerrang!
Video Release and Tour Announcement
CANNIBAL CORPSE Drops “Vengeful Invasion” Video; North American Tour With Amon Amarth Draws Near
February 8, 2024 - Since 1988, CANNIBAL CORPSE has remained at the forefront of death metal, shaping and defining the genre. In 2021, they raised the stakes again with their Violence Unimagined full-length. In 2023 they returned with its successor, the equally monstrous Chaos Horrific, consequently beginning the next chapter in their legacy. Produced again by guitarist Erik Rutan, who has now produced six of the band’s albums, Chaos Horrific is, without question, a full-on, CANNIBAL-style death metal outing, straight down to the themes, which include zombie warfare, resetting the human race through mass mutilations, and the violent revenge of victims of human trafficking, and its cover art by longtime collaborator Vince Locke.
Chaos Horrific slaughtered Billboard charts upon its first week of release, earning the #7 position on the Billboard Album Sales chart, #2 on the Hard Music Albums chart, #3 on the Rock Albums chart, #5 on the Independent Label Albums chart, and more!
Wait! There’s more!! This April, CANNIBAL CORPSE will join labelmates AMON AMARTH on the Metal Crushes All Tour. The journey runs from April 21st through May 25th and includes performances at the historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver as well as arena stops in Portland, Vancouver, Quebec City, Asheville, Tampa, and Anaheim. Additional support will be provided by OBITUARY and FROZEN SOUL. I mean, are you even kidding me right now????
Watch the video for Vengeful Invasion here!
Watch the video for Chaos Horrific here
For CANNIBAL CORPSE merch, go here
For Tickets to the upcoming tour (I mean, really!), go quickly to AMON AMARTH’S site here!!!! And pick up their merch too.
This tour makes it EASY to support the arts! Do it! Now!
Album Release
HULDER’S Verses in Oath, Out February 9, 2024. Decibel Magazine Tour Starts February 21st, Stopping in Roseville!
February 6, 2024 - Take The hauntingly grandiose new HULDER album Verses In Oath, created during the dreariest cold months of the Northwest Winter, constitutes the most majestic, untamed manifestation thus far in the band’s journey of conquest, as new territory is put to flame and conquered by sword and shield.
Following a series of demos, EPs, singles, and the 2021 debut LP Godslastering: Hymns Of A Forlorn Peasantry, a pivotal 2022 saw HULDER release The Eternal Fanfare, a five-song mini-album, marking a new phase in the project’s rapid development. Further to HULDER’s auditory ascendency, the band set the live stage ablaze, touring widely in North America throughout the year and into 2023, which brought them to European shores for the first time as well. Spurred on by these noble victories, the ground was prepared for the immensity of Verses In Oath.
The ancient sorrow-filled melancholy and seething spirit that are the essence of “Hearken The End” permeate the entire album, by now a fundamental detail in HULDER’s identity where roots run deep in long forgotten soil. And whilst the slashing cruelty and torn flesh of “Vessel Of Suffering” and “Enchanted Steel” embrace a predatory barbarism, it is the joining of all those elements that places Verses In Oath in the timeless pantheon of black metal’s most strident lineage.
While black metal has evolved into myriad offshoots and subgenres to the point of incomprehension, HULDER is resolutely steeped in the genre’s destructive preeminence, rituals, and traditions, carrying the torch of its origins and heritage. And still Verses In Oath astonishes with the malevolent spirit of creative autonomy and individual freedom essential to reach the genre’s exalted heights.
Verses In Oath was tracked by HULDER in the Northwest – the drums recorded at The Underworld Studios and all other audio recorded at De Pestkerk Studios – and the mix and master were entrusted to cult legend Ahti Kortelainen of Tico Tico Studios in Finland, whose overwhelming list of credits stretch back decades to include Barathrum, Belial, Impaled Nazarene, and Moonsorrow, among countless others. The result is both unsparingly savage and wistfully evocative; black blood on white snow. The record was completed with photography by Liana Rakijian, illustrations by Mfaxii, logo by D. Andersson, and layout by Dan Fried.
Verses In Oath will be released on LP, CD, MC, and digital platforms on February 9th. Find preorders and merch at the 20 Buck Spin webshop and Bandcamp . HULDER is prime for fans of Aeternus, Ancient, Satyricon, Hades, Enslaved, Warmoon Lord, Moonsorrow, and Tsjuder.
Having been featured on the cover of Decibel Magazine in late 2022, HULDER will embark on the Decibel Magazine Tour of the US with labelmates Worm, as well as Devil Master and Necrofier. Presented by 20 Buck Spin, and sponsored by Pull The Plug Patches, Relapse Records, Night Shift Merch, Hell’s Heroes, and Magnanimous Brewing, the tour will run from February 21st through March 18th.
HULDER states, “It is an honor to be given the opportunity to headline the 2024 Decibel Tour. The band will be playing a strong setlist with a number of twists and turns throughout and I am looking forward to this new chapter in the journey of HULDER’s live performance. I can only imagine that being joined by our brothers in Devil Master, Worm, and Necrofier will be nothing but a display of power and force. We shall carry the torch of the old guard and blaze a pathway for the new era.”
For tickets to the Decibel Magazine Tour, go here
Preorder Verses In Oath here or here
Don’t miss it! Get your ticket now!
Album Release
Whitechapel’s Live in The Valley Out Now
January 29, 2024 - WHITECHAPEL’s new live album, Live In The Valley, came out Friday, January 26, 2024 and is now available across all digital platforms on Metal Blade Records.
Live In The Valley was captured live at the band's seventh annual Christmas Benefit Show on December 22nd, 2022 at The Mill & Mine in their hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee and features songs from the albums The Valley and Kin. The audio for Live In The Valley was recorded, engineered, mixed and mastered by WHITECHAPEL guitarist Zach Householder and serves as a chapter closer before the band begins work on their ninth studio album.
Head over to Metal Blade Records for all things Whitechapel: https://www.metalblade.com/whitechapel/
Album Release
APPARITION Releasing New Album March 22nd.
January 23, 2024 - The follow-up to 2021’s lauded Feel LP sees Los Angeles - based death metal band APPARITION traverse further into the realms of otherworldly doom-riddled progressive dark death metal. Since the conception of the band, APPARITION has been about creating an individualized version of death metal, all the while paying homage to its ancestors. Disgraced Emanations From A Tranquil State offers a dynamic range, from the brutal to the beautiful. A still expanding glimpse into the APPARITION cannon. A lathe of infinite death remaking itself—horrific and pristine.
Disgraced Emanations From A Tranquil State was produced by APPARITION bassist Taylor Young (Twitching Tongues, Deadbody) at The Pit Recording Studio and Electrical Audio respectively, mastered by Nick Townsend at Infrasonic Sound, and completed with album artwork courtesy of Vama Marga with additional art by Urgoted.
Tour Announcement
Great White and Slaughter Set to Rock Hard at Hardrock Live, Wheatland January 18, 2024
ONCE BITTEN…TWICE SHY…
The legendary band GREAT WHITE will be playing the Hardrock Live stage on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
I am beyond humbled to have snagged an interview with an absolute icon from GREAT WHITE so be sure to check back here this Friday to get the scoop! In the meantime, go get your tickets to see GREAT WHITE and SLAUGHTER together before it’s too late!
To purchase tickets, merchandise, and for other tour dates, go here: Great White!
And don’t forget to check back here this Friday to hear from one of the absolute GOATS of rock and roll!
Record Release
Grey Skies Fallen
Signs with Profound Lore Records
New Album out In March
Profound Lore Records announces the label’s first release of 2024, welcoming long-running New York City-based doomed dark metal veterans GREY SKIES FALLEN. The band’s first release for the label, Molded By Broken Hands, will be released March 8th, and today, a video for the lead single “Knowing That You’re There” has been issued alongside preorders and more.
GREY SKIES FALLEN’s sixth full-length album, Molded By Broken Hands sees the contingent offering their most triumphant work yet. This album carries that feeling of the underappreciated and underrated dark metal scene that was culminating in the US during the late 1990s, an era where the band grew from, while helping to signal a new resurgence of doomy dark metal artistry currently building. Through soaring, emotionally searing melodies, glorious epic harmonics, and with an overall conquering aura, Molded By Broken Hands will finally deliver the recognition GREY SKIES FALLEN is worthy of.
Molded By Broken Hands was recorded and engineered at Menegroth, The Thousand Caves (Krallice, Gorguts, Artificial Brain) by Colin Marston who also performed keyboards on the songs “No Place For Sorrow” and “I Can Hear Your Voice.” The album was mixed and mastered by legendary Swedish producer Dan Swanö (Opeth, Edge Of Sanity, Bloodbath) and completed with artwork and design by Travis Smith (Opeth, Death, Katatonia). The release date of Molded By Broken Hands also coincides with the 25th anniversary of GREY SKIES FALLEN’s debut album, The Fate Of Angels.
The lead single from Molded By Broken Hands, “Knowing That You’re There,” arrives through a video created and directed by friend and former bandmate Craig Rossi. Founding guitarist/vocalist Rick Habeeb states, “Sometimes in life, those that we care about the most are fighting a silent internal battle. This song is about helping guide someone through those dark times. Imagery in the video conveys these emotions and ties them together nicely with the lyrics.”
Watch the video now! Go here: GSF: Knowing That You're There
To buy their merch, Go here: GSF Merch!
Do it!! Support the Arts!
Video Release
In observance of the Winter Solstice, blackened death metal behemoths NOCTEM today unveil their video for “The Pale Moon Rite.” The threatening track comes by way of the band’s crushing Credo Certe Ne Cras full-length, released in 2022 via MNRK Heavy.
Comments NOCTEM guitarist Moss, "After an incredible twelve months that saw us bring our Credo Certe Ne Cras show to some of Europe's biggest metal festivals such as Graspop Metal Meeting, Summer Breeze, and Leyendas Del Rock, as well as cities far and wide, it feels like the perfect ending to the year to be releasing a music video for ‘The Pale Moon Rite.’ We hope that our devilish horde of NOCTEM followers enjoy the music video and play the song fucking loud! The sun has set, ‘The Pale Moon Rite ‘begins!"
WATCH “The Pale Moon Rite” here: The Pale Moon Rite
BUY NOCTEM merch here: NOCTEM Merch
Do it! Support the Arts!
20 Buck Spin presents
The Decibel Magazine Tour 2024
20 Buck Spin presents The Decibel Magazine Tour 2024, the extreme metal label’s first-ever sponsored national tour. The month-long trek features label acts WORM and HULDER, the latter of which is headlining the trek.
Running from February 21st through March 18th, The Decibel Magazine Tour 2024 celebrates the magazine’s twentieth anniversary with its return in February 2024 as Northwest black metal executioners HULDER headline Decibel’s eleventh nationwide expedition. Support for HULDER will be supplied by labelmates in Floridian blackened doom swamp things WORM, supreme Philly vampunk warriors Devil Master, and Houston black metal earth-scorchers Necrofier. Presented by 20 Buck Spin, the tour is sponsored by Pull The Plug Patches, Relapse Records, Night Shift Merch, Hell’s Heroes, and Magnanimous Brewing.
HULDER states, “It is an honor to be given the opportunity to headline the 2024 Decibel Tour. The band will be playing a strong setlist with a number of twists and turns throughout and I am looking forward to this new chapter in the journey of HULDER’s live performance. I can only imagine that being joined by our brothers in Devil Master, Worm, and Necrofier will be nothing but a display of power and force. We shall carry the torch of the old guard and blaze a pathway for the new era.”
Tickets for the 2024 Decibel Magazine Tour are on sale this Friday, December 8th, at 10:00am local time, and can be found here: Decibel Magazine
The Decibel Magazine Tour 2024 w/ Hulder, Worm, Devil Master, Necrofier will be in California in February. Don’t miss it!!
2/21/2024 Goldfield Trading Post -- Roseville, CA
2/22/2024 Thee Stork Club -- Oakland, CA
2/23/2024 Echoplex -- Los Angeles, CA
2/24/2024 Brick by Brick -- San Diego, CA
Tour Announcement
Pantera Announces Second Leg of North American Tour with Lamb of God
Heavy metal icons PANTERA will return to the stage this February on the second leg of their North American headlining tour. The journey follows the band’s massively successful twenty-city run this past Summer, a tour which stood as one of the most anticipated tours of 2023, as well as their dates supporting Metallica. Featuring classic members, vocalist Philip H. Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, alongside guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante, the latest stretch of live dates continues the celebration of the lives of late founding members, drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell.
The trek, which will commence on February 3rd in Sunrise, Florida, runs through fourteen cities, coming to a close on February 27th in Quebec City, Quebec. The band will again be joined by special guest, acclaimed metal powerhouse Lamb Of God, with additional support acts to be announced in the weeks to come.
Comments Anselmo, “Looking forward to jamming with everybody! These shows mean a lot and we aim to kick ass! Love y’all!”
Adds Brown, "We're really excited to announce new dates in 2024. Looking forward to bringing the show to some cities we missed in 2023. Come jam!"
Ticket presales and VIP upgrades begin Tuesday, November 14th at 10:00am local time. General on sale date is Friday, November 17th at 10:00am local time here: Pantera!
You DO NOT want to miss this!!!
HARM’S WAY at Goldfield November 12th
As part of their record release tour for Common Suffering by Metal Blade Records
HARM’S WAY is playing Goldfield in Roseville this Sunday, November 12, 2023 as part of the Common Suffering record release tour.
Common Suffering released by METAL BLADE RECORDS this past September showcases the relentless and aggressive blending of hardcore and metal and how easy the band makes it seem. The track “Silent Wolf” exemplifies this talent and why the band has staying power.
To hear “Silent Wolf” go here: Silent Wolf
Meshuggah Releases Remastered Neurotica, Part of 25th Anniversary Album
“Chaosphere”
MESHUGGAH, renowned for pushing the boundaries of experimental metal, is commemorating the legacy of Chaosphere, a release that reshaped the metal landscape. This innovative album witnessed MESHUGGAH pioneering ultra-complicated rhythmic patterns, massive riffs, and aggressive growls, blending elements of death metal, mathcore, thrash, and progressive metal to birth their unparalleled style. Chaosphere remains an iconic album featuring timeless tracks like “New Millennium Cyanide Christ,” “Corridor Of Chameleons,” “The Mouth Licking What You've Bled,” and “Neurotica” -- songs that have all become anthems in their own right.
To honor this quarter-century milestone, Atomic Fire is set to release a sonically updated version of Chaosphere by Thomas Eberger and Sofia von Hage at Stockholm Mastering on November 10th. This masterpiece is available for preorders on major streaming platforms, while physical enthusiasts can anticipate its release in jewel case CD format with an eight-page booklet, as well as vinyl editions with new, limited color variants, each a collector's gem. To explore all options, follow the link below.
Support the arts!
Record Release
Cirith Ungol Release Latest Single, “Looking Glass”; Special Record Release Show October 20th in West Hollywood
October 11, 2023 - Cult heavy metal icons CIRITH UNGOL today unveil their latest single, “Looking Glass,” with an accompanying lyric video. The monolithic new track comes by way of the band’s impending sixth full-length, Dark Parade, set for release on October 20th via Metal Blade Records.
Few bands in the history of the heavy metal underground have a story as remarkable, improbable, or uplifting as that of CIRITH UNGOL. Formed in Ventura, California in the early 1970s, rather than passively channeling their influences, the band was driven to forge an altogether heavier, darker, more apocalyptic sound the world had never experienced before. It was obscure and arcane, mysterious and eccentric, epic and expansive, but most of all, unfailingly, bone-crushingly heavy, dark, and doom-filled.
Wasting no time to ride the molten wave they started with their 2020-released studio comeback Forever Black, CIRITH UNGOL started writing songs for Dark Parade as soon as Forever Black was released. Then, like everyone else, they were hamstrung by the global pandemic, struggling through illness, seclusion, grief, and depression in their quest to create dark, vibrant art. But like the greatest warriors, they persevered, working on one song at a time, fueled by personal misery and the tragedy of worldwide collapse.
With all eight demos finished — which are included on the expanded edition of the album — CIRITH UNGOL started recording Dark Parade in October 2022. The end result is an unrelenting triumph of pessimism and pain; a head-over-heels, Lovecraftian tumble into an abyss of horror and despair and arguably the most vitriolic expedition CIRITH UNGOL has undertaken to date. Despite the fantasy-inspired art on the band’s albums and their Tolkien-derived name – the band stopped exploring sword and sorcery-related themes in the mid-‘80s. Most of the subjects they’ve addressed since then have been far more real and frightening than any ravenous make-believe creatures fighting sword-wielding warriors.
Up-tempo but still moody, latest single “Looking Glass” begins with a shattering mirror and gains steam with trenchant riffs that slither between a multitude of muted chugs. During the understated midsection, the tone turns dusky as the tune reaches its pinnacle, with lengthy, blues-based leads. Rob Garven’s drums match the shifting mood beat for beat. “It has the quintessential UNGOL slowed down middle section, like ‘Join The Legion’ [from 1991’s Paradise Lost] and ‘War Eternal’ [from 1986’s One Foot In Hell],” says Garven. “I spent quite a lot of time getting the drum fill at the beginning of the solo just perfect.”
“Looking Glass” marks the beginning of a conceptual four-song sequence that introduces listeners to “The Dark Parade,” a visceral and poignant multi-song presentation that leaves little room for happy endings. “Is it a nightmare tale of self-reflection or just another journey through the cracks in our reality and the curse of broken dreams?” asks vocalist Tim Baker, shedding a little light on the “darkness” within. “It’s not quite what Lewis Carroll [author of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, Through The Looking-Glass etc.] had in mind, but an even more bleak and deadly vision. Alice found that her visions were the complete opposite of her dreams, but here they are one and the same. Will waking dispel the nightmares, or are our waking hours just the extension of them? Once we smash the mirror, there is no turning back.” #cirithu
CIRITH UNGOL will play a special record release show on October 20th at The Roxy in West Hollywood, marking the band’s first Los Angeles live appearance in thirty-five years. The performance will commemorate The Roxy's 50th anniversary and find the band playing Dark Parade in its entirety followed by a full set of classic material. Additionally, the set will be filmed and recorded for a future live release.
To listen to and watch the “Looking Glass” video, go here: Looking Glass
To buy CIRITH UNGOL merch, go here: Merch
To purchase tickets to record release show at the Roxy, go here: Record Release Tix WeHo
Support The Arts! Do It Now!
Tour Announcement
Northern Metalcore WATERLINES Taking It On The Road In England
Formed in 2022, four-piece metalcore band WATERLINES is preparing to tour England for several shows and festivals this month through November. If you haven’t heard this band, you need to follow the link below and take a listen! Their video of their new release Anti Human showcases the Yorkshire metalcore band’s ability to absolutely melt your face off with nu metal and EDM influences throughout their music. Anti Human was released in August of this year, after their performance at the Bloodstock Open Air Festival in Derbyshire.
Having been heralded as one of the bands of the weekend with their electric performance at the festival, WATERLINES are taking their floor-filling brand of metalcore on the road throughout Autumn.
With a mixture of headline shows, festival appearances and a couple of support slots with other excellent bands, there are many opportunities to catch Ben, Si, Tom, and Mike up and down the length of England over the next couple of months. Do not miss them!
Their next show is Friday, October 13, 2023 at Boom Leeds UK.
To watch the official music video for Anti Human, go here: Anti Human - Waterlines
For tour dates and to buy merch, go here: 2023 Tour and Merch
Do it! Support the Arts! And the shirts are pretty cool!
AFTERSHOCK Is Just Days Away! Will You Be There?
I am so excited for @Aftershock coming to Sacramento this week! I have the days off of work and I have my comfy shoes (and some cool Docs!) ready to gooooo!
Looking through the lineup, I realize that I have been lucky enough to see a lot of these bands already. Although I am super bummed Pantera backed out because they are on my “bucket list”, I will not be disappointed with the four day festival!
If you are going, come out as early as you can. You never know when the “openers” will become “headliners” and then you can say, “I knew them when…” You will find me at a lot of those shows. I have been a huge fan of Australian alternative artist KIM DRACULA since first seeing him on Tik Tok. You may hate the platform but you cannot deny the range his voice can go. To prep for his show, listen to his cover of Lady Gaga’s song Paparazzi. It’s pretty cool. He will be performing Thursday, October 5th at 3:40pm on the DWPresents Stage. Come show support!
Then there’s Pennsylvania’s TALLAH. This nu metal band takes percussion to a new, effing level. Stomping Grounds (seriously, listen to this song before you go; or listen to Hellions or any song, really!) shows the dynamic range of its drummer, MAX PORTNOY and the absolutely savage vocals of JUSTIN BONITZ. If you haven’t heard this band, you *need* to get there early to hear them Friday, October 6th at 1:30pm on the DWPresents Stage.
I have photographed Phillie’s metalcore band VARIALS at significantly smaller venues around Sacramento. Seriously off. the. chain. shows! Lead vocalist, MITCHELL ROGERS can go from screams and growls to clean singing in the same breath. Romance is one of my favorite songs of theirs. They will also be performing on the DWPresents Stage at 2:40pm on Friday, October 6th.
These are just a few of the future headliners you will see at Aftershock this year. And, of course, if you have known me for a while, you will know that besides The Cure, Depeche Mode, New Order, Sisters of Mercy, Yaz, Talking Heads, The Smiths, Camper Van Beethoven, and Van Halen (to name only a few), GODSMACK, LIMP BIZKIT, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, TOOL, KORN, GUNS N’ ROSES sum up most of what contributed to my formative years as a child/teen (which explains my eternal love of all music) and you will see me at each and every one of these performances. I am too told to be crushed by the Pit so I will sit comfortably in the VIP Section. Say hi if you see me!
Cavalera’s “Morbid Devastation Tour” Comes to Sac! Exhumed and Incite to Support.
The Morbid Devastation Tour is Stopping in Sacramento!
Brothers Max and Igor Cavalera, who founded the band SEPULTURA , have a new project celebrating 40 YEARS OF METAL and they have been touring the United States since the end of August this year. The tour showcases their music pre-1989! CAVALERA is an American heavy metal band from Phoenix Arizona, and is currently on the 40-stop "Morbid Devastation Tour" which will be here in Sacramento on October 14th at Ace of Spades in Sacramento!
The bands EXHUMED and INCITE are supporting CAVALERA on this tour. Formed in1991, EXHUMED is an American Deathgrind/grindcore/gore metal band from San Jose, California and INCITE is an American Groove/Thrash Metal band from Phoenix, Arizona that was formed in 2004. Both bands are a great fit to "warm up" the crowd for CAVALERA.
This concert is going to be gory, loud, and energetically entertaining. Do NOT miss it! The Morbid Devastation Tour will be in Sacramento at Ace of Spades on October 14, 2023!
How lucky are we to get to experience three iconic bands in one concert? I love what I do!
For tickets and tour information, go here: MORBID DEVASTATION TOUR
For CAVALERA merch, go here: CAVALERA MERCH
For EXHUMED merch, go here: EXHUMED MERCH
For INCITE merch, go here: INCITE MERCH
#heavymetal #heavymetalmusic #cavaleraconspiracy #cavalera #exhumed #incite #deathgrind #grindcore #goremetal #gore #morbiddevastationtour #tour #concertphotography #aceofspadessac #concerts #concertvenue #Arizona #SanJose #Sacramento #Sacramento_life #sacmusic #metalmusic #metalaf #metalconcert #americanheavymetal #brazil #maxandigorcavalera #photooftheday #rockandroll #picoftheday #hardrockmusic #epic #October #thrashmetal #groovemetal #supportthearts #boom
Tour Announcement
Metal Church Baptizing Roseville September 27th!
Formed in San Francisco, California in 1980, METAL CHURCH has shown with their May, 2023 release why they have staying power in the metal genre. “Congregation of Annihilation,” released through Rat Pak Records, is a powerful example of the band’s intense lyrics, sharp drums, and blazing riffs that will leave you shook. Shaken to the core of your being.
The first track,"Reign of Fire” has the listener tossed into a tornado of aggressive guitar work by Kurdt Vanderhoof and Rick Van Zandt. It is insane! And the “in your face” of Stet Howland’s deafening drumming and Steve Unger’s badass bassline rhythmically entrancing the listener – their mastery is nothing short of extraordinary!
New Frontman, Marc Lopes, makes singing metal sound effortless. His ability to switch between hauntingly melodic and guttural aggression is something not many can achieve. It is inspiring. Lopes’ voice, paired with lyrics that explore ideas of existentialism, societal decay, and the human condition make “Congregation of Annihilation” a classic metal masterpiece.
"Congregation of Annihilation" showcases exactly why METAL CHURCH has endured. The band is able to evolve while staying true to their roots. This album is a must-listen for both longtime fans and newcomers to the genre.
Catch METAL CHURCH at Goldfield Trading Post in Roseville, California on Wednesday, September 27, 2023!
For tickets and tour info, go here: MC Tour and Tix
For METAL CHURCH merch, go here: Merch
Go see them! Support their music! Do it now!
Tour Announcement
The Devil Wears Prada and Fit For A King to Smash at Ace of Spades This Sunday, September 17th!
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (TDWP) and FIT FOR A KING (FFAK) kick off their ‘Metalcore Dropouts’ tour Friday, September 15th, with a stop off in California’s state capitol on Sunday, September 17th, ending Thursday, October 19th in Las Vega$!
When asked about the tour, TDWP’s Jeremy DePoyster said, “We are so stoked to be heading across America with our pals in FIT FOR A KING on the 'Metalcore Dropouts' tour! We know how excited everyone is to hear more of 'Color Decay' and we cannot wait to play these songs for you. Our buddies in COUNTERPARTS and LANDMVRKS are absolutely obliterating the metalcore world and we had to have them on the most exciting tour of the fall. We will be bringing the craziest show we've ever played, do not miss this tour!"
For tour dates, go here: Metalcore Dropouts Tour Dates
For TDWP Merch, go here: TDWP Merch!
For FFAK Merch, go here: FFAK Merch!
For Counterparts Merch, go here: Counterparts Merch!
For Landmvrks Merch, go here: Landmvrks Merch!
Support the arts! Do it now! :)
Show Tomorrow!
Atlanta’s Own Dead Register in Sacramento September 8th!
Atlanta Georgia’s DEAD REGISTER has been touring since August and they will be in Sacramento tomorrow, September 8th!
DEAD REGISTER sees pianist Avril Che and bassist/vocalist M. Chvasta joined by new drummer Greg Meisenberg (A Fucking Elephant, Maid Myriad), delivering genre-bending doomgaze for those who crave dark, tortured intimacy administered through gut-pulverizing sonic heft. The band released their second LP, Alive, through Seeing Red Records last year, the album recorded by the members of the band, mixed/mastered by Dan Dixon, and completed with artwork by the late Stephen Kasner. The band supported the album with multiple tours and is currently working on the follow-up album for release next year.
For tickets and awesome merch and other info, go here: Dead Register!
Do it! Now! Support the Arts!
200 Stab Wounds Live Takeover Starts TONIGHT!
September 1, 2023 - Happy Labor Day Weekend, Folks! Here’s a gift for you: Cleveland death metallers 200 STAB WOUNDS have begun an epic run of live dates that will find the band rampaging their way across much of the US through the end of the year.
The band wraps up their four-day adventure supporting Gwar tonight, September 1st, in San Antonio, Texas. From there, the band will play a handful of headlining dates before supporting The Black Dahlia Murder from September 9th through September 15th. Additional support will be provided by Chelsea Grin and Gates To Hell.
200 STAB WOUNDS will make an appearance at this year’s edition of the New England Metal And Hardcore Fest in Worcester, Massachusetts on September 16th. That following evening, the band will begin a week-long headlining tour with support from Snuffed On Sight through September 23rd.
The onstage bedlam continues in November when 200 STAB WOUNDS serves as direct support to Frozen Soul on their North American tour from November 2nd in Atlanta, Georgia through December 2nd in Houston, Texas. Additional support will be provided by Judiciary and Tribal Gaze. Tickets are on sale now!
Cool photo on the right courtesy of Stephanie Cabral.
200 STAB WOUNDS w/ Gwar [remaining dates]
9/01/2023 Vibes Event Center – San Antonio, TX
For the rest of the tour dates, GO HERE: 200 Stab Wounds Live Takeover!
Formed in 2019, the band that BrooklynVegan refers to as, “stupidly heavy” pays homage to old-school death metal in the vein of Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus, and Mortician while carving out their own brutal sound in this new wave of death metal starting to boil up in the metal scene.
“With a pitch-black sense of humor, the Cleveland death metal quartet boils the genre down to its essence – which means they live and die by the riff.” — Pitchfork
“They’ve only been around since 2019, but 200 STAB WOUNDS shows are already notorious bloodbaths.” — Revolver
“You are walking into a slaughterhouse and 200 STAB WOUNDS is holding the sledgehammer.” — Metal Injection
#heavymetal #200stabwounds #metalaf #extrememetal #thrashmetal #hardcorepunk #hardcoremetal #concert #concerttour #california #livetakeover #tour #metalmusic #metal #artpaparazza #vegan #tbdm #gatesofhell #gwar
FABRICANT to Release Debut Album “Drudge To The Thicket” on September 15, 2023.
August 31, 2023 - We here at Art Paparazza have been focusing on the visual/aural arts, as of late. So much so, that we have become obsessed with finding as many new bands as possible and supporting their work by way of promoting their concerts, tours, and the purchase of their merchandise (which is HUGE for all bands). In our ongoing efforts to become more cool than we already are (which is almost impossible!), we have decided to delve into interviewing bands and reviewing albums and getting that information to you!
My first record review is for the Berkeley, California death metal trio FABRICANT. FABRICANT was formed in 2010 and currently consists of Troy on guitars and vocals, Pendath on drums and synths, and Ryan on bass.
Their debut album, titled “Drudge To The Thicket” showcases the band’s obsession with telling the story of humanity and all of its flaws in ten fast-paced songs. I listened to the entire album. It wasn’t hard because each song had me head-banging in the office. The growled vocals and high-pitched shrieks in their song Disjunct make this my favorite song. To me, the song talks about how society forces you to assimilate and if you fight back, you find yourself tossed aside “…like garbage. Mocked by civilization and its beings.” Great song.
Profound Lore Records is set to release the vinyl/cassette/download on September 15th. Support the Arts and buy their album. I promise it will be great for when you are stuck in traffic on the 80 and need to release some stress!
You can download Until the Heavens Grow Dark, the last song on the album now!
Preorder Drudge To The Thicket here: Drudge To The Thicket
Will Haven’s Newest Album,VII, Out Now. Tour to Start August 24th!
August 23, 2023 - Sacramento’s noise metal hardcore band WILL HAVEN has a new album (it was out in July) and a string of tours, beginning TOMORROW in their hometown of Sacramento, CA. This month, the band announced the Carpe Diem/Vll Tour, with shows in California, Nevada, and Utah from August 24th through 31st including a set at Crucialfest in Salt Lake City on August 26th alongside Whores, Portrayal Of Guilt, Bongzilla, Cloakroom, and many others. The tour will see WILL HAVEN performing their Carpe Diem album in its entirety, in addition to new material from VII and more, and will also see original bassist Mike Martin returning to the lineup for the shows. The band then travels to play Furnace Fest in Birmingham on September 23rd alongside Hatebreed, Turnstile, Bane, Youth Of Today, Judge, Terror, Strife, and dozens more.
What’s VII, you ask? Well, last July, Minus Head Records released WILL HAVEN’S newest album, VII, which was recorded at Pus Cavern Studios in Sacramento, engineered by Joe Johnston (Deftones, Dance Gavin Dance, Hoods), produced and mixed by Joe Johnston and WILL HAVEN, and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music. The record also features guest vocals and additional lyrics on “Evolution Of A Man” by Reykjavik Osburn Bigfeather, and the final note of “La Ultima Nota” was played by WILL HAVEN fans.
I hope to see you out at OLD IRONSIDES in Sacramento tomorrow! Sign up to subscribe to my newsletter or come back here in a few days to see photos and read my review of the concert! Boom!
To Watch WILL HAVEN’S 5 of Fire, go here: WH - 5 of Fire
To Buy WILL HAVEN’S latest album, “VII”, or merch, go here: VII Vinyl and Merch!
Support the Arts! Do it NOW!
Cannibal Corpse Unleashes “Summoned for Sacrifice” Video
August 9, 2023 - Legendary death metallers CANNIBAL CORPSE today unleash their latest single and accompanying video for “Summoned For Sacrifice.” The pulverizing new hymn comes by way of the band’s sixteenth studio album, Chaos Horrific, set for release on September 22nd via Metal Blade Records.
Since their 1988 inception, CANNIBAL CORPSE has remained at the forefront of death metal, shaping and defining the genre. In 2021, they raised the bar again with their Violence Unimagined offering.And in celebration of their thirty-fifth anniversary, this year’s monolithic Chaos Horrific full-length, written shortly after the conclusion of the Violence Unimagined sessions, continues the trajectory.
While the band is notorious for technicality and complex songwriting, that doesn’t define where the writing process takes them. With Chaos Horrific, CANNIBAL CORPSE had no master strategy, approaching each track with an open mind, intent on simply composing the best songs possible. Produced again by guitarist Erik Rutan, who has now produced six of the band’s albums, starting with 2006’s Kill, (Chaos Horrific marks Rutan’s second release as a full-fledged member, since officially joining the band in 2020), the record is, without question a full-on, CANNIBAL-style death metal outing, straight down to the themes, which include zombie warfare, resetting the human race through mass mutilations, and the violent revenge of victims of human trafficking, and its cover art by longtime collaborator Vince Locke.
Of the band’s second single, “Summoned For Sacrifice,” themed around the selection of an individual to be dismembered, drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz elaborates, “One person is randomly selected to die. Thirteen people are randomly selected to kill this person by violently removing pieces of his body until he breathes no more.”
Watch it here: Summoned for Sacrifice
Agnostic Front Re-Releases Its Debut LP, “Victim In Pain” on Vinyl
Hardcore New York punk band AGNOSTIC FRONT has re-released its debut LP, Victim In Pain, on vinyl. The LP features tracks such as “Remind Them”, “Blind Justice”, and “Your Mistake.”
Founded in 1980, AGNOSTIC FRONT is one of the pioneers of the hardcore genre. The band’s “in-your-face” persona is what NY hardcore is all about. AFs music is hard, real, and unapologetic. Victim In Pain was debuted in 1984 on Rat Cage Records. Now is your chance to pick up a copy of this cutting-edge LP. You won’t be disappointed!
AGNOSTIC FRONT is on tour NOW. For a list of upcoming shows, go here: Agnostic Front Tour Dates
You can purchase the LP here: Victim In Pain LP
