Dark/Gothic Metallers ANIMAE SILENTES have announced that they are currently recording a new album!
Stated the band: “It’s time to tell you guys what we are up to! We finally started the recordings our new album! The new songs are almost ready and we can’t wait to share them with you. We are definitely taking a different direction with this release. The drums will be heavier and faster, we will include much more growl singing and of course the music will still be dark and atmospheric. Keep an eye on our pages, see you at the gigs! Cheers <3”
Just recently ANIMAE SILENTES released a new single & lyric video for the song “Bring Me Back Tomorrow”, feat. TO/DIE/FOR guitarist Juppe Sutela! The song was produced, recorded and mixed by Animae Silentes. Mastered by Mika Jussilla (Finnvox studios). Watch the lyric video here:
Next ANIMAE SILENTES show:
June 28th – Rock N Beer 2019
July 21st – MetalDays 2019
Italian Dark/Gothic metal act ANIMAE SILENTES was formed in June 2015. In February 2017 the band released the debut album “Suffocated” as independent and immediately began promoting the album with a series of live shows, mainly in Northern Italy. Among the live experiences, the band shared the stage with names like Lacrimas Profundere at “Venice Vampire Fest” and also Votum and Swallow The Sun at “Metal Gates Festival” in Romania in November 2017. In the summer 2017 Animae Silentes sign a record contract with the label Sliptrick Records for the reprint and promotion of Suffocated and made it’s first foreign experience with a mini tour in Latvia.
Alan Dixon from Canada’s The Metal Voice spoke in-depth to singer Jorn Lande prior to his performance on the current Avantasia tour in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on May 23 2019. Jorn spoke about recording and performing with Tobias Sammet‘s Avantasia, his new Live album, Live on Deth Road, a new Heavy Rock Radio in the works and the music industry today vs yesterday.
Watch the interview here:
When asked about the Musical landscape of the industry today compared to the earlier years
“Maybe things go to fast now, that is the challenging part. Every month there are so many records being released. The problem is that the time is compressed so you have to deliver the albums quickly, which can jeopardize the quality of the music. Also bands may use digital tools to finish albums sooner that sometimes kills the soul and the heart of the music. This is my kind of issue with things today because I am used to making music by playing, looking for the right notes, the right performance and would sing over and over until it was right. I kind of miss that way of working. I’m still trying to work in the same way of old when I do my Jorn albums. Also I think that is why music today is so stereotypical more than before because artists all use the same programs and there is a certain formula that the record companies are looking for. It has always been like this but today it is more extreme. This is why we miss the quality older songs.”
When asked about his new Album -Live on Deth Road
“We did a few covers Ozzy Shot in the Dark, Black Sabbath the Mob Rules, which is one of my favorite bands, Christopher Cross’ Ride like the wind. Besides that we did a lot of my stuff from my catalogu. I also did one song from the Dracula Swing of Death Album. ”
When asked about the differences between how Tobias Sammet works and how he works
“Tobias has some sort of idea for a concept and it’s going to be his baby for a period of time. That project will be his only main focus for the next couple of years, which is brilliant. The way I work is totally different, I work all the time on different things, I release different types records all the time not just one specific project. I need to spread my branches To do one thing like Tobias I can’t because I have so many different things i need to do . ”
When asked about plans to record another cover album like Heavy Rock Radio album which he did a few years back
“There is a new Heavy Rock Radio album in the works, this will be number two. This project might even be an ongoing thing. I think it’s a cool idea to do it. I get to do my favorite songs that I grew up with.”
When asked what it is like being on stage with Geoff Tate and the other singers on the Avantasia tour
“I grew up with Queensryche and I used to play Geoff all the time in my car. It’s a special thing to experience all the singers together on stage. We all give compliments to each other, we all respect each other. ”
“Moonglow” was released on February 15 via Nuclear Blast. The album debuted at No. 1 in Germany and also cracked the Top 10 in Sweden, Switzerland, Austria and Spain.
Lande has fronted various bands, among them Ark, Beyond Twilight and Masterplan. Jorn has also participated on several projects, such as the Nostradamus and Dracula Rock Operas, the Allen/Lande albums with Symphony X vocalist Russell Allen, the Ayreon and Avantasia projects.
On June 14 release of Jorn’s brand new live album and video, Live On Death Road on Frontiers Srl
CD1
“My Road”
“Bring Heavy Rock To The Land”
“Life On Death Road”
“Blacksong”
“World Gone Mad”
“Stormcrow”
“Sunset Station”
“Ride Like The Wind”
“Out To Every Nation”
CD2
“Shot In The Dark”
“Walking On Water”
“Traveller”
“Rock And Roll Angel”
“The Mob Rules”
“Rainbow In The Dark”
“Lonely Are The Brave”
DVD:
“My Road
“Bring Heavy Rock To The Land”
“Life On Death Road”
“Blacksong”
“World Gone Mad”
“Stormcrow”
“Sunset Station”
“Ride Like The Wind”
“Out To Every Nation”
“Walking On Water”
“Traveller”
“Rock And Roll Angel”
“Man Of The 80’s”
“The Mob Rules”
“Rainbow In The Dark”
“Lonely Are The Brave”
Live report by David Araneda (words) and Ricardo Santos (images).
Last Thursday, the British progressive metal legend THRESHOLD visited Finland for the first time as part of their “Legends of the Shires Tour”. Their latest studio album, released in 2017 via Nuclear Blast Records, achieved great critical acclaim and served as a comeback for their former singer Glynn Morgan. While in previous concerts of the tour the band has performed “Legends of the Shires” in its entirety, the last few dates have included also some material from their back catalogue. With eleven studio albums and three different singers to date, there were high expectations regarding their live performance.
The Finnish alternative metal band KEOMA were in charge of opening the evening. Thought I wasn’t familiar with their music, I was positively surprised by their musicianship, specially the performance of bassist Jaska and the vocal range of singer Jasse, whose voice and appearance reminds of Björn Strid from SOILWORK. Their eclectic 45-minute set comprised of a few songs from their 2016 album “Synthesis” such as ‘Bloodstar’ and ‘Solaris’, but also included some unreleased tracks probably from their upcoming album. The audience responded in a very enthusiastic way and the band seemed very touched by this. A great beginning for an epic night.
THRESHOLD came to the stage around nine, with the “Legends of the Shires” album cover in the background. Their kickstarted their set with ‘Slipstream’, taken from 2007’s “Dead Reckoning”. A very energetic beginning, featuring heavy riffs and even some harsh vocals. Glynn Morgan hit all the notes without any problems. A sublime keyboard intro by Richard West set the mood for the complex twelve-minute epic tune ‘The Man Who Saw Through Time’. Morgan’s passionate vocal performance was very moving and drummer Johanne James showed his skills behind the drumkit throughout all the rhythm changes of the song.
With ‘Long Way Home’ they jumped back to 2001’s “Hypothetical”, displaying a heavier guitar-oriented sound. Based in the audience’s reaction, there were quite a few old-school THRESHOLD fans in the house. Back to the Shires and to the more melodic spectrum of their music, ‘Stars and Satellites’ was performed with a lot of soul, specially the outstanding bass intro by Steve Anderson and guitar work by Karl Groom. Glynn asked the audience if the remember the “Psychedelicatessen” era, and the answer was: Hell yeah! The chosen one was ‘Into the Light’, another complex piece which allowed them to explore darker territories.
‘Hollow’ was their second nod to “Dead Reckoning” and showed the band at their heaviest despite its melodic chorus, which was song with the fist in the sky by everyone in the room. It was followed by one of the surprises of the night, ‘Light and Space’, a track full of contrasts and which was performed very faithfully to the album’s version. ‘Trust the Process’ was definitely one of the highlights of the show, featuring one of their catchiest riffs and vocal lines. With the beautifully dark ‘Pressure’ they dived for the last time in their back catalogue.
The rest of the show was all about “Legends of the Shires”, beginning with ‘The Shire (Part II)’, a calmed tune that became of the most emotional moments of the evening. Then it was time for ‘Snowblind’, one of their finest tracks including exquisite guitar harmonies with Morgan himself backing up. A little break before introducing the band members and coming back with the multi-layered ‘Lost in Translation’, a song full on intricated instrumental sections. Radio-friendly single ‘Small Dark Lines’ was the perfect way to end a magnificent and glorious set, making everyone go crazy to its infectious melody.
THRESHOLD delivered an hour and forty minutes of pure progressive rock and metal in front of a full-house of Finnish metal heads. What makes this band so great is that despite them being brilliant musicians they are very approachable to their fans. The band seem very moved by the audience’s reaction and mentioned that this was one of the best gigs of the tour, which could sound like a cliché, but in this case I would believe their word since there was clearly magic in the air, and the connection between the audience and the musicians was something to be remembered.
Live report by David Araneda (words) and Ricardo Santos (images).
THRESHOLD setlist:
Slipstream
The Man Who Saw Through Time
Long Way Home
Stars and Satellites
Into the Light
Hollow
Light and Space
Trust the Process
Pressure
The Shire (Part 2)
Snowblind
Encore:
Lost in Translation
Small Dark Lines
Italian metal quartet SOULS OF DIOTIMA are preparing to head into the studio at the end of May, to record the follow-up to their last album “The Sorceress Reveals – Atlantis”, which was released in 2016.
The band will be recording the new album, their fourth release, at Crehate Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden with producer Oscar Nilsson.
Stay tuned for a new interview with vocalist Claudia Barsi and drummer Giorgio Pinna coming up soon on Metal Shock Finland and Blackdiamond’s Metal Mayhem!
SOULS OF DIOTIMA are:
Claudia Barsi: Lead Vocals Giorgio Pinna: Drums Gianmaria Puledda: Guitar Antonio Doro: Bass, Vocals
BLACK STAR RIDERS release a video to accompany their new single ‘Another State Of Grace’. A cool performance video that introduces the new band lineup, featuring Chad Szeliga (Drums) and Christian Martucci (Lead Guitar), who join Ricky Warwick (guitar,vocals), Scott Gorham (guitar) and Robbie Crane (bass).
Watch the video here:
Vocalist Ricky Warwick says “We wanted a video that was direct, straightforward and uncompromising. To portray the power and meaning behind the song!”
You can also get their new single ‘Another State Of Grace’, here.
“Another State Of Grace” sees the band deliver another stunning collection of songs. The bands new members Chad Szeliga (Drums) and Christian Martucci (Lead Guitar) further developing the band’s burgeoning reputation as one of the most essential contemporary rock acts. Recorded at Sphere Studios in Burbank, California in February 2017, “Another State Of Grace” was produced & mixed by Jay Ruston (STONE SOUR, ANTHRAX, URIAH HEEP).
Longtime supporter Joe Elliott, vocalist of DEF LEPPARD says “I’ve been an ardent supporter ever since they started their journey having moved away from being Thin Lizzy and becoming a legitimate band in their own right. For me, this is by far their best effort to date”.
Vocalist Ricky Warwick says, “This has probably been the most enjoyable experience in the studio I have had making a record. The vibe and commitment the boys brought into this was stellar. Our most anthemic and soulful album to date. I’m very proud and excited for people to hear ‘Another State Of Grace’!”
The album is available on CD, vinyl and vinyl picture disc, limited edition boxset and limited edition light green vinyl. Full album tracklisting for all formats below:
CD: 1.Tonight The Moonlight Let Me Down 2. Another State Of Grace 3. Ain’t The End Of The World 4. Underneath The Afterglow 5. Soldier In The Ghetto 6.Why Do You Love Your Guns? 7. Standing In The Line Of Fire 8. What Will It Take? 9. In The Shadow Of The War Machine 10. Poisoned Heart
Vinyl and Vinyl Pic Disc Side A: 1.Tonight The Moonlight Let Me Down 2. Another State Of Grace 3. Ain’t The End Of The World 4. Underneath The Afterglow 5. Soldier In The Ghetto Side B: 1 Why Do You Love Your Guns? 2. Standing In The Line Of Fire 3. What Will It Take? 4. In The Shadow Of The War Machine 5. Poisoned Heart
Limited Edition Box Set Limited Digipack CD 1.Tonight The Moonlight Let Me Down 2. Another State Of Grace 3. Ain’t The End Of The World 4. Underneath The Afterglow 5. Soldier In The Ghetto 6.Why Do You Love Your Guns? 7. Standing In The Line Of Fire 8. What Will It Take? 9. In The Shadow Of The War Machine 10. Poisoned Heart 11.Candidate For Heartbreak (bonus track) Limited Gold Coloured Vinyl Side A: 1.Tonight The Moonlight Let Me Down 2. Another State Of Grace 3. Ain’t The End Of The World 4. Underneath The Afterglow 5. Soldier In The Ghetto Side B: 1 Why Do You Love Your Guns? 2. Standing In The Line Of Fire 3. What Will It Take? 4. In The Shadow Of The War Machine 5. Poisoned Heart + Hip Flask, Poster, Photocard
Limited Edition Light Green Vinyl (mail order only) Side A: 1.Tonight The Moonlight Let Me Down 2. Another State Of Grace 3. Ain’t The End Of The World 4. Underneath The Afterglow 5. Soldier In The Ghetto Side B: 1 Why Do You Love Your Guns? 2. Standing In The Line Of Fire 3. What Will It Take? 4. In The Shadow Of The War Machine 5. Poisoned Heart
The band previous album, “Heavy Fire”, was released in 2017 and enjoyed widespread fan and critical acclaim. The album enjoyed success in many countries and went on to score multiple high chart placings & radio playlists. They toured extensively in support of the release with notable appearances on the SOLD OUT Rock Legend’s VI cruise out of Florida, alongside Sammy Hagar and BAD COMPANY and very successful tour of North and South America with metal legends JUDAS PRIEST.
Previous albums “All Hell Breaks Loose”, “The Killer Instinct” and “Heavy Fire” have paved the way for BLACK STAR RIDERS to be recognized as a powerful force in contemporary Rock n’ Roll. “Another State of Grace” will be once again released by Nuclear Blast.
After a lengthy period off the road, BLACK STAR RIDERS are back with a 15 date UK & Ireland Tour with special guests STONE BROKEN and WAYWARD SONS. Dates for BLACK STAR RIDERS 2019 UK & Ireland Tour are:
w/ STONE BROKEN, WAYWARD SONS 10.10. UK Bristol – O2 Academy 11.10. UK Cambridge – Corn Exchange 12.10. UK London – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire 13.10. UK Wrexham – William Aston Hall 16.10. IRL Dublin – The Academy* 17.10. UK Belfast – Limelight* 18.10. UK Glasgow – Braehead Arena** 19.10. UK Newcastle – O2 Academy 20.10. UK Nottingham – Rock City 22.10. UK Bexhill – De La Warr Pavilion 23.10. UK Bournemouth – O2 Academy 24.10. UK Cardiff – University (Great Hall) 25.10. UK Wolverhampton – KK’s Steel Mill 26.10. UK Leeds – O2 Academy 27.10. UK Manchester – O2 Ritz *no WAYWARD SONDS **BSR only; w/ SAXON, GIRLSCHOOL
Two weeks ago, POSSESSED unleashed their highly anticipated »Revelations Of Oblivion«onto the world. Today the band releases the music video for ‘Graven’. Directed by Scott Hansen (Willie Nelson, A Day To Remember, Motionless In White, Deicide and Prong), the video features actor and friend of the band, Peter Stormare (Fargo, Constantine, The Brothers Grimm).
Watch the “Graven” music video here:
Jeff Becerra comments, “We are extremely excited to release our new music video for the song ‘Graven‘. This is actually our very first cinematic music video. I want to say thank you to my good friend Peter Stormare for everything and for being such an amazing inspiration. Of course, thank you to my band mates. And to Nuclear Blast.”
This week, the band released the final episode of their multi-part documentary series entitled “The Creation Of Death Metal“. Watch as they discuss staying true to their original sound while creating the band’s first new material in over 3 decades, here:
The band released their second single, “Shadowcult” with a live clip from their performance at “Live At Bloodstock Open Air 2017“. Watch the live clip for“Shadowcult”, here: https://youtu.be/BkUwVJjCyao
The band also offers fans a visualizer for the first single, “No More Room In Hell” which can be seen here: https://youtu.be/Ixk00N1W78c
»Revelations Of Oblivion«was recorded at NRG studios and Titan Studios with Jeff Becerra as executive producer and Daniel Gonzalez as co-producer for the album. Mixing and mastering was handled by Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY, PAIN, BLOODBATH) at Abyss Studios in Sweden. For the artwork, the band enlisted Polish artist Zbigniew Bielak(PARADISE LOST, DIMMU BORGIR, DEICIDE, GHOST, GORGUTS) to create a piece that brought back the notion of true fear that was once associated with the idea of evil.
So far, the band has announced the following live dates for 2019:
POSSESSED – Devils Over Europe 2019 06.06. UK London – Underworld 07.06. NL Rotterdam – Baroeg (w/ NORDJEVEL) 08.06. NL Enschede – Metropool (w/ NORDJEVEL) 09.06. D Gelsenkirchen – Rock Hard Festival 12.06. CH Langenthal – OldCapitol (w/ NORDJEVEL) 14.06. I Rome – Traffic Live Club (w/ NORDJEVEL) 15.06. I Paderno Dugnano (MI) – Slaughter Club (w/ NORDJEVEL) 16.06. E Barcelona – Boveda 17.06. E Madrid – Caracol 18.06. P Lisbon – RCA Club (w/ NORDJEVEL) 19.06. P Porto – Hard Club (w/ NORDJEVEL) 21.06. F Clisson – Hellfest 23.06. B Dessel – Graspop Metal Meeting 25.06. PL Krakow – Mystic Festival 26.06. CZ Ostrava – Barrák Music Club 28.06. N Oslo – Tons Of Rock
13./14.09. CDN Montréal, QC – Québec Deathfest
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Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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