Finnish Death metallers HAUTAJAISYÖ are set to release their fourth studio album “Ei Hauta Kysy Lupaa” on August 5th 2022 via Inverse Records. The second single Harhaluulo’ is released today.
The band comments: “Harhaluulo (Delusion) is the second single from the upcoming ”Ei Hauta Kysy Lupaa” (Grave won’t ask permission) album and it starts with a aggressive riff. The song is raw and fast song about the delusion that we’d matter in this world. Even though we are just a blink of a eye in this planet’s lifetime.”
After “Take It to the Limit”, legendary bassist MARCO MENDOZA releases a new single from his upcoming album. This is time for “Shoot For The Stars”.
Known throughout the music world as a talented solid bass player for bands like Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Journey, Ted Nugent, and The Dead Daisies to name a few, Marco has recorded a body of amazing music in his own right.
Working with world-class producer Soren Andersen, owner of Medley Studios in Copenhagen, dubbed by some as “the new Mutt Lange”, the partnership that has already produced the career-defining “Viva La Rock” album in 2017, has created another future masterpiece together.
As with “Take It To The Limit”, “Shoot For The Stars”, was recorded before the world went crazy with a pandemic, then a war, which really has seen the world be taken to the limit.
“Shoot For The Stars” will be released as a digital single via Mighty Music on June 3rd, 2022. A new Marco Mendoza album is expected to be released in 2022.
Ukrainian sludge rock trio STONED JESUS is now releasing a brand new song, “Porcelain!” The song and visualizer, which was created by the band, can be found at THIS LOCATION.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Igor Sydorenko comments: “‘Porcelain’ was one of the last songs I brought to my bandmates for the upcoming album, and they loved it instantly! In fact, we all loved this track so much we decided we’d play it live even before the album’s out, so now it makes all the sense releasing it as a single. People told me it sounds like 2000s PORCUPINE TREE covering 2010s SWANS but to me it’s just another amazing chapter in the STONED JESUS songbook. Hope you’ll enjoy it too!”
The song is taken from the band’s new upcoming album, for which the details will be revealed at a later date. Stay tuned!
“Porcelain” can be pre-saved across streaming platforms HERE.
For frequent updates on the recordings and the band in general, check out STONED JESUS‘ Facebook or Instagram!
Formed by Igor Sydorenko in Kyiv in 2009, STONED JESUS quickly progressed beyond their tongue-in-cheek moniker. The Ukrainian trio’s second full length “Seven Thunders Road” converged doom, prog and grunge in their own recognizable way and the album’s centrepiece, 13-min long “I’m the Mountain”, boasts 15 million plays on YouTube.
STONED JESUS‘s next LP “The Harvest” sounded like a blend of MASTODON, PORCUPINE TREE and SOUNDGARDEN, and their charismatic live shows and relentless touring schedule helped to double and then triple their fanbase in mere months.
While being integral to the European psychedelic rock scene STONED JESUS helped popularize, creatively STONED JESUS never stopped pushing the envelope, taking influences for their newer material from such diverse acts like SWANS, THE CURE, KING CRIMSON and DEFTONES.
Line-up: Lead-Vocals and Guitar: Igor Sydorenko Bass and backing vocals: Sergii Sliusar Drums and backing vocals: Dmytro Zinchenko
Just recently, Ljubljana’s underground legends NOCTIFERIA bassist Uroš was interviewed by DIPARTICLE TV, talking about the band’s beginnings, their 25th anniversary, concert at MetalDays 2022, some of their achievements, memorable moments & future plans. Furthermore, Uroš revealed some new information regarding their new upcoming album.
On May 9th 2022, City of Ljubljana awarded its highest recognition to NOCTIFERIA for their cultural achievements and 25 years of activity!
The band shared: “Yesterday, on May 9th, at the Ljubljana Castle, we received the plaque from the capital City of Ljubljana for the achievements in the field of cultural creation and our first 25 years. Thank you Ljubljana and all of you who helped us build this story for a quarter of a century!”
The event included an award ceremony for the presentation of portraits of Honorary Citizens, Plaques and Awards of the City of Ljubljana for 2022.
‘Reforma’, released May 28th 2021, is the latest studio album by NOCTIFERIA, a tribute to the legendary and world-renowned avant-garde band Laibach featuring three big and legendary names of metal scene; David Vincent – ex Morbid Angel, Vltimas, Attila Csihar – Mayhem and Jørgen Munkeby – Shining. It was mixed and mastered by the award-winning producer Henrik Udd (Bring Me The Horizon, Architects, At The Gates, etc.). The artwork concept and design is the work of Jean-Emmanuel “Valnoir” Simoulin from French design studio Metastazis, known for their work with Ghost, Behemoth, At the Gates, Amorphis, etc. The album can be described as a ‘crushing sounding mix of extreme metal and avant-garde music, with some very special and legendary guests!
The band on ‘Reforma (tribute to Laibach)’ album: “It’s never been a secret that we are fond of Laibach, their avant-garde approach to musical and visual art. And with this new album we finally have the whole package ready with killer songs, amazing guest musicians, top-notch production and visual presentation!”
‘Reforma’ tracklist: Barbarians are Coming Now You Will Pay (feat. David Vincent) No History Tanz Mit Laibach (feat. Attila Csihar) Eurovision Smrt Za Smrt Das Spiel Ist Aus Nova Akropola (feat. Jørgen Munkeby)
Ljubljana’s underground legends NOCTIFERIA, have been spreading their unique style of the Slovenian Extreme Metal Movement since the beginning. Few could predict what the band and its members would mean for the whole scene in the years to come. Today, just as it sometimes seems that the artists have drained all genres of originality and that all the new musical styles have already been discovered, here comes NOCTIFERIA, bringing something fresh, a mix of styles that is uniquely theirs. NOCTIFERIA have toured Europe and UK with bands like In Flames, Hypocrisy, Mayhem, Samael, Marduk etc. Toured China couple of times so far and performed at various European festivals (at Wacken Open Air 2015 as first Slovenian band ever, Bloodstock, etc.).
What makes them unique is the way they explore music. Band has collaborated with electronic music producers, symphony orchestra, released acoustic album and has incorporated in their music elements of black, death, industrial metal and world music with modern touch. Quality and diversity is band’s motto. Noctiferia strives to always release high quality products and to not repeat themselves artistically.
NILE mastermind and multi-instrumentalist KARL SANDERS is thrilled to announce that the subterranean slumber of his Eastern-ambient Saurian series has finally ceased with the impending release of its dark third chapter, Saurian Apocalypse, out July 22, 2022 via Napalm Records. This segment of the hypnotizing saga arrives 13 years after the release of its predecessor, 2009’s Saurian Exorcisms, and nearly 20 after 2004’s equally lauded Saurian Meditation.
Emphasized by unique instruments like the baglama saz (Turkish lute), Ancient Egyptian Anubis Sistrum, Dumbek (Middle Eastern goblet drum), glissentar and gongs, the album’s score weaves cinematic auras and deep grooves, accented by the tribal percussive stylings of original NILE drummer Pete Hammoura and returning Saurian vocalist Mike Breazeale. A wealth of musical growth and refinement, both in Sanders’ guitar technique and compositional development, is strikingly evident. Eons more than just an album of interludes or ambient scores, Saurian Apocalypse is a shining advancement in the Saurian series, and the most dynamic, detailed KARL SANDERS solo release yet.
Feast your ears on the forthcoming Saurian Apocalypse by way of its haunting first single, “The Sun Has Set on the Age of Man”, out today. Accompanied by an entrancing animated music video, the track instantly showcases the unique instrumentation, sparkling production, and ominous conceptual themes of the album – echoing with vibrating flutes, exotic percussion, and a contextual acoustic guest solo by guest guitar virtuoso Rusty Cooley.
KARL SANDERS says about “The Sun Has Set on the Age of Man”: “‘The Sun Has Set on the Age of Man’ is a great choice for people’s first exposure to this album. It’s the opening track of the new Saurian record, very cinematic and an eerie mood setter. Much like the score of an opening scene of a Sci-Fi movie, the song serves as an introduction for the many twisted journeys of the album that follows. It uncannily evokes that feeling we all get right after the sun has gone down and night is upon us, conjuring an awareness of the ancient, evolutionary dread of the unknown dark and its terrors that have been imprinted on the human psyche since early prehistoric man first realized that there were things in the night that would prey upon him.
The track is also very special to me as it features two dear longtime friends of mine, original NILE drummer Pete Hammoura on percussion, and legendary guitar shredder Rusty Cooley on guest acoustic solos. Although Rusty certainly is a prolific electric guitar shredder, this track marks his debut on acoustic guitar. Thank you, Pete and Rusty!”
The musical and lyrical themes on Saurian Apocalypse detail the vexing fictional journey of Dr. Eduardo Lucciani, one of very few survivors of mankind’s self-destruction, who descends into madness after discovering the violent horrors occurring at the hands of the Saurian Masters.
KARL SANDERS adds about Saurian Apocalypse: “I have been driven for years by the knowledge of an inevitable doom, of an unyielding calling to realize what seems to me a preordained fate of making a third Saurian album. It’s a record that fans have been asking about for over a decade. It’s not a record born of casual intent, it’s a record that has quietly burned within me for many years awaiting its appointed hour. I have bided my time with near inhuman patience, yet that day is now imminently upon us. This new release, Saurian Apocalypse, is a deeply personal record of quiet and exotic, hypnotic dark music spawned from somewhere deep within the Reptilian part of my brain and soul. In some way, sharing this music with fans is much like sharing the lurking, haunting visions in my skull, of quiet blasphemies and an inexorable dread of the looming demise of our species. I am beyond happy that listeners and fans will finally be able to enjoy this music as much as I and my colleagues have while making it. It is my earnest hope that the music of this Saurian Apocalypse record will bring others as much inner peace as it has me. Fuck Yes.”
Whispering atop the ominous sands of opener “The Sun Has Set on the Age of Man” are resonant flutes and forewarning percussion, and immediately, the album’s impactful production and crystal clarity is apparent. Produced by Sanders with mixing and mastering by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio, the most subtle details of instrumentation shine. “The Disembodied Yet Slither Among Us” peaks between soulful acoustic guitar renderings and droning tones, ushering in “The Evil Inherent in All of Us”, featuring another uniquely thematic axe contribution by Cooley, and surfaces as an energetic jam and standout departure from the Saurian blueprint. “Skull Fuck Ritual (Skull Breach Edition)” begins eerily with a cautionary chime before its marching drums make way for Middle Eastern-inspired leads, bridging the journey to the 6+ minute desolating trek “Nada Zaag”. Fans will hear an alluring Oud (Middle Eastern lute) solo by Mustafa Stefan Dill and rare acoustic jazz drums by current NILE percussion goliath George Kollias on “An Altered Saurian Theta State”, before the seductive auditory excursion “Nihil Emplexus” and its iridescent strums and ominous chants signal the beginning of the end. Sitar-like sounds immediately ensnare the listener on “Divergence: The Long Awaited Third Primordial Ascension” before hopeful lutes make way for heart wrenching electric shred. Far-Eastern stylings creep in on “Mask of Immutable Self Delusion”, a tranquil moment of atmospheric bliss, before the album closes with the 10 minute epic “No Creature More Deserving of Cataclysmic Annihilation” – featuring the deft skills of jazz guitarist Matthew Kay and the panicked, incensed narration of Jonathan “ADD” Garofoli as Dr. Eduardo Lucciani himself.
Saurian Apocalypse track listing: 1. The Sun Has Set on the Age of Man 2. The Disembodied Yet Slither Among Us 3. The Evil Inherent in us All 4. Skull Fuck Ritual (Skull Breach Edition) 5. Nada Zaag 6. An Altered Saurian Theta State 7. Nihil Emplexus 8. Divergence: The Long Awaited Third Primordial Ascension 9. Mask of Immutable Self Delusion 10. No Creature More Deserving of Cataclysmic Annihilation
In addition to the upcoming release of Saurian Apocalypse, KARL SANDERS and Napalm Records are proud to re-release 2004’s Saurian Meditation and 2009’s Saurian Exorcisms on vinyl for the very first time – out on the same day, July 22, 2022. Saurian Meditation will be available in both 4-Panel CD Digipak and Transparent Orange 2-LP Gatefold Vinyl formats, while Saurian Exorcisms will be available in both 4-Panel CD Digipak and 1-LP White Gatefold Vinyl formats. Act now while copies last!
Pre-Order Saurian Meditation (2004) and Saurian Exorcisms (2009) HERE
On May 4th, Japanese Thrash Metal veterans “Samurais From Hell” SURVIVE – active for more than 20 years + with 7 studio albums released so far – unleashed their first ever live album “Live At Death Valley” in conspiracy with Pest Records. The CD version features 8 tracks plus a bonus EP made of 4 tracks, one having Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan (Venom Inc) as special guest! Today the band have released a lyric video for ‘Wrath‘ taken from the live album. Video was created by Mohsen “Stargazer” Fayazi.
Watch ‘Wrath’ lyric video below.
Here’s what the legendary Mantas from Venom Inc. had to say about SURVIVE’s live potential:
“I had the pleasure and honor of touring Europe with Survive and they proved themselves to be a valuable asset to the touring package. I can say without hesitation or reservations that they were most definitely my favorite band on the tour. Incredibly nice and gracious guys who obviously loved their music and delivered every single night. I gave them the nickname ‘The Japanese Machine Head’ a song that they played at every sound check became the tour anthem because of its wonderful chorus structure. Melody, hook lines and brutally heavy guitar riffs define this amazing band who deserve global recognition. Maximum Respect from Jeff (Mantas)”
“Live At Death Valley” coverart + booklet created by Mohsen “Stargazer” Fayazi
Track list : 01_Degenerate 02_Wrath 03_Fuck Against Authority 04_Obey Your Own Army Corps 05_Rules Of Lies 06_Immortal Warriros 07_Human Misery 08_the Road to hell is paved by goodwill
+bonus tracks from EP ‘The Road To Hell Is Paved By Good Will’: 1.The Road To Hell Is Paved By Good Will (Featuring Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan/Venom Inc)
Rules Of Lies (Orchestra Ver)
Seize The Victory
The Road To Hell Is Paved By Good Will (Live@Club Citta Metallization Festival 2020)
“It is easy to be technically brilliant metal band in the studio but the true trial by fire is a Live album! With this “Live At Death Valley” album SURVIVE proves they are truly the “Samurais From Hell”! The album was mixed live so it is 100% authentic, no studio gimmicks! Great songs, fantastic technical skills! On top of that you get great new bonus tracks! Brilliant!” – Kimmo Kuusniemi, Band Manager, Sarcofagus Guitarist
Produced by SURVIVE Executive Producer by NEMO Recorded & Mixed by GAKU
Furthermore SURVIVE are currently working on their next full-length studio album. In case you missed the earlier vlogs, check them out below, so you’ll get an idea about what’s coming up.
Tokyo’s Thrash Heroes SURVIVE – active in the world for over 20 years – have forged their own indelible path within the jmetal scene. It was back in 1998, when former Death File guitarist and mastermind Nemo decided to form a thrash metal band of his own which soon became the juggernaut known as SURVIVE. Over the next two decades the band have played many big festivals (Loud Park, Beast Fest, Multiplex-motorbike event, Korean Live Rock, Formoz Festival, Asia Metal Festival, Dongducheon Rock Festival, Trendkill Extreme Feast, etc) and toured all over the world with acts such as Behemoth, United, Killswitch Engage, Dope, Pulling Teeth, Testament, Outrage, Anthrax, Hatebreed, Napalm Death, Amon Amarth, Venom Inc, At The Gates, to name just a few, cementing their place in Japanese metal history. Still going strong, SURVIVE‘s latest album “Immortal Warriors” was released to the Japanese market on September 12th, 2018 and a year later, on September 24th 2019, the album is out worldwide via Sliptrick Records. SURVIVE are set to release their first live album “Live At Death Valley” on May 4th 2022 in conspiracy with Pest Records. SURVIVE have lost none of their verve and “Immortal Warriors” is an absolute must for fans. The band’s first ever live album “Live At Death Valley” was unleashed on May 4th 2022 via Pest Records.
SURVIVE’s album catalogue: 2001 Against Next 2002 Chaos Confusion 2003 Rebel Lion 2006 SURVIVE 2008 Nothing Left On My Path 2015 Human Misery 2018 Immortal Warriors 2022 Live At Death Valley
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 