Italy’s Southern Metal act, JENA, has revealed new details about their upcoming, sophomore studio album, which is slated for a release on December 3, 2021 with Argonauta Records.
Ever since the band’s 2015- debut, “Womandile”, lauded by both fans and critics alike, JENA went through several ups and downs, from frenetically acclaimed live appearances to personal struggles and line- up changes. 2018 saw them rising from the ashes, and their forthcoming album, entitled “Graboid“, will not only mark a rebirth of their sound but their awaited return to the heavy music scene!
Presenting their strong bond of a new line- up also reflects the band’s progress of a top- notch songwriting, which is immediately evident while listening to their first single, the album title track ‘Graboid’: Powerful, decisive and never trivial. Inspired by the Southern Metal scene in the likes of Down, Crowbar and Pantera, JENA combines the heaviness of razor- sharp metal riffage, vibrant sludge grooves, a powerful voice with an addictive dose of the stoner and blues. Check out this first single from their upcoming record “Graboid“:
The band states:
“After quite some time and looking forward to get back on the road, we are proud and excited to release our next album with Argonauta Records soon,” the band states. “Graboid is the record of our rebirth, it ibrings Jena back on stage and into the studio. On the album you can hear the whole transition, Graboid is a path, a journey, an adventure on a clear and common road.”
Death metal supergroup HEADS FOR THE DEAD, with members of Wombbath, Gorefest, Hail of Bullets and Revel In Flesh, have unleashed a gnarly official video for one of the songs off their horror-themed EP that pays homage in their own way to the classic horror movies. “Slash ‘n’ Roll” will be released on November 5th via Transcending Obscurity Records. No Clean Singingpremiered the video AT THIS LINK and had this to say about it –
“A video that’s replete with over-the-top lyrical pathology and an abundance of blood-drenched film clips… this is the kind of thoroughly monstrous music that will put a fiendish smile on your face”
After releasing two standout full length albums which were both refreshing and thrilling for this style of death metal, Heads For The Dead whose lineup includes members of venerated and experienced bands such as Wombbath, Gorefest, Revel In Flesh, Hail of Bullets have come up with an EP paying homage to the classic horror movies which have inspired their music in a big way. Having already established their own horror-tinged sound, it’s fascinating to see the band employ a more crusty approach in giving these unforgettable horror movie tunes a brand new vision and output. There are reinterpretations of theme songs from movies such as Maniac, Halloween and The Thing, done entirely in the band’s style with lyrics and death metal extremity and then there are two fitting cover songs from punk bands like Misfits and Ramones. All in all, this is an exciting and highly enjoyable release not just for the Heads For The Dead fans, who have a new full length in the works, but also just about any fan of horror movies and heavy metal music.
Track listing –
1. Maniac 2. Halloween 3. The Thing 4. Skulls (Misfits) 5. Pet Sematary (Ramones)
Line up – Jonny Pettersson (Wombbath, Gods Forsaken) – Guitars, Bass, Keyboards & FX Ralf Hauber (Revel In Flesh) – Vocals Ed Warby (Gorefest, Hail of Bullets) – Drums
US atmospheric black metallers GHOST BATH are set to release their fourth full-length album, “Self Loather“on October 29th via Nuclear Blast Records. On the album, the band closes out the trilogy – tragedy, ecstasy, and dread/hatred – and hosts their most devastating and dark music to date.
Frontman Dennis Mikula has shared an insight into the recording of the album, exclusively with Metal Shock Finland. He outlines the equipment used and how he personally prepared for and approached the recording process. An interview will coming up nearer the release of “Self Loather”.
Dennis Mikula, GHOST BATH
Photo By Jenn Johnson Photography
Dennis explained:
“Prior to the recording process for the Self Loather album, I knew I needed to approach things different than ever before. I had experimented with a Keto diet before while training in boxing and knew the type of energy and focused mind it had given me, so I decided that could be a good place to start. Eventually, I developed my daily rules and regiments as the following:
No Sugar No alcohol Fasting for 16 hours a day 50 grams or less a day of carbs Run for 1 Mile a day Lift for 1 hour a day Practice Guitar through the album once, alone, with a candle burning in the dark to better my memorization and my wrist endurance Practice vocals through at least 1 song a day, with warm ups beforehand
I ended up following this perfectly for two months (Around 60 days) prior and during the recording of Self Loather. It ended up being an interesting experience, and one that I believe put me in the best mindset, and the best physically, I could have been to complete the grueling recording process.
Not only do I believe each element of this had their own unique contribution, but I think that the act itself of getting into a strict routine, a ritual of sorts, put me in a place I could never have been otherwise.
Our sound is just an extension of this philosophy. I strive to use instruments that are not common in the craft of metal, and especially black metal. I strongly prefer single coil guitars, namely a telecaster. And I use an Orange Rockerverb.
For this album in particular, I bought all new gear. An extensive list of parts from gold-plated Mogami cables, to Fender Tre-Verb pedals, to a brand new Fender American Original 60’s Telecaster. I even used the vintage ‘57 grey bottom pickups. The vintage style guitar really set my tone apart on this record and I could be more happy with it.
Overall, I think my message is to try something new. Try something different. Don’t just accept a certain way of doing things or a certain way of playing just because everyone does it. Because then all you’ll create is a boring cookie-cutter sound. Make art. Make YOUR art.”
Check out the new video for ‘Convince Me To Bleed’:
The video was edited and directed by Austin Scherzberg as well as written and co-directed by John Olivier.
GHOST BATH’s fourth full-length sets the mood meter to desolation/antipathy—and never quite lets go. Produced by the band with Xander Moser engineering at Tree Speak Recording Studio in Minneapolis and mixed by Jack Shirley (DEAFHEAVEN, BOSSE-DE-NAGE) at The Atomic Garden Recording Studios in Oakland, “Self Loather”is a sonic exercise in shadow, nuance, and, most of all, power. The band enlisted Zdzisław Beksiński to create the cover artwork which was licensed through the Muzeum Historyczne w Sanoku.
“Self Loather” Track List:
Convince Me to Bleed
Hide from the Sun (feat. CJ McMahon of THY ART IS MURDER)
Shrines of Bone
Sanguine Mask
Crystal Lattice
Sinew and Vein (feat. Graf of PSYCHONAUT 4)
I hope death finds me well
For it is a Veil
Unbearable
Flickering Wicks of Black
GHOST BATH is: Dennis Mikula | Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Synths, Lyrics Tim Church | Guitar John Olivier | Guitar Josh Jaye | Bass Jason Hirt | Drums
IVAR BJØRNSON and EINAR SELVIK have announced the release of a new two track EP “Hardanger” and acclaimed album “SKUGGSJÁ” re-issue via Norse Music on November 5th.
One of the places that made the strongest impression on Bjørnson & Selvik during the initial research and following performances that created their second collaborative piece “Hugsjá” was the area of Hardanger, a few hours from their base in Bergen, Norway. Hardanger is mysterious, pure and able to blow the minds of even the most experienced hikers and nature dwellers. It is also assumed to be the area in the Germanic tribe of the Harudes settled in ancient times, becoming the first Western Norwegians.
The title track celebrates the history of this land being populated from both the Harudes and other peoples migrating, meeting and melting together – thus creating what we now know as Norway. It is a percussion-heavy track, with ores of both traditional and exotic melody lines crossing and moving steadily through the sonic landscape of Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik. The song features guest appearances by Lindy-Fay Hella (Wardruna, Lindy-Fay Hella & Dei Farne), Grutle Kjellson and Iver Sandøy (the latter two both from Enslaved).
The other song on the EP is ‘Heim til Yggdrasil’, a re-imagination of Enslaved’s much loved song ‘Return to Yggdrasill’ – selected by Einar Selvik for the ‘Hugsjá’ live-tour. The song fitted so well into the IB & ES tapestry that they eventually decided to invite the entire live band (Silje Solberg on Hardanger fiddle, Iver Sandøy on drums/ vocals and Håkon Vinje on piano/ vocals) to record it with them for this release.
To complete the circle, the «remaining» two Enslaved-members joined in; Ice Dale joined on acoustic guitar while Grutle Kjellson added his signature spoken word-voice to Einar’s passionate vocals. The result is much more than a mere cover; it is a new piece that needs to be experienced!
Set for release on November 5th 2021, “Hardanger” will be available as:
Black and Grey 12” vinyl with etched B-side
Limited White and Green 12” vinyl with etched B-side – Online stores exclusive
Cypriot hard rockers DON CANYON are set to release their new song ‘Ready To Dream’. The two brothers Panos and Themis Papadopoulos this time have recruited guest vocalist Andreas Kapatais from the band MINUS ONE and the track is produced by the band and Chris Cara.
The single will be released on Friday 9th April and will be available via Spotify and Apple Music.
As Panos explains, “The track describes the constant stress of trying to survive in a world without hope of a secure future.
There is a sense of unfulfillment about life and a difficulty finding a more meaningful way to exist. We represent the anger of society at politicians, corporations and media, who guide people into meaningless, materialistic lives for the rich to make increasing profits.
The strong chorus describes the people who are beginning to rebel against a system set up by politicians and corporations, in the hope of a more meaningful and secure future.
We aimed to show that current life is designed to prevent people improving their self-awareness and mental health, but there is hope that young generations will not tolerate this system any more and will fight back.”
‘Ready To Dream’ will also premiere as a lyric video on the band’s YouTube channel, fans can turn on the notification bell as a reminder. The band will be there to chat live to fans.
With only three weeks left until their debut album “Anti” sees the light of day, Norwegian eclectic hard rock band WHITE VOID are offering another glimpse at the tonal variety you can expect from the record. Their new single, ‘The Shovel And The Cross’, manages to hint at classic influences like Roky Erickson, New Model Army and Black Sabbath, while still maintaining a bold anything-goes approach that lets singer Lars Nedland showcase his ability to shift from an uber-cool dark post-punk timbre to formidable theatrical heights with ease. “Anti” will be released on March 12th, 2021. ‘The Shovel And The Cross‘ is again accompanied by an artfully crafted music video, which you can watch here:
Front man Lars Nedland comments on the song: “Facing the absurd is overwhelming. Sometimes you just feel like digging your own grave. After all, we are here against our will! This song is about the darkness we face while trying to figure out what the hell we’re supposed to be doing here. The video goes suitably with that theme as it shows my face quite literally falling to pieces. You know, normal, Norwegian stuff. It’s dark here. We try to entertain ourselves. Want to see me lose face? This is your chance!“
1. Do. Not. Sleep. 2. There is No Freedom but the End 3. Where You Go, You’ll Bring Nothing 4. The Shovel and the Cross 5. This Apocalypse is for You 6. All Chains Rust, all Men Die 7. The Fucking Violence of Love 8. The Air was Thick with Smoke
PHYSICAL FORMATS:
CD Jewelcase CD Jewelcase + Patch (ltd. to 200) Gatefold LP – Black Gatefold LP – White (ltd. to 300) Gatefold LP – Pink + Grey Splatter (ltd. to 100)
WHITE VOID is absence of direction and sense in life. It’s a description of the fundamental disharmony between the individual’s search for meaning and the meaninglessness of the universe. Eclectic hard rockers WHITE VOID are a curious bunch. Forged in the space between the occult rock of the seventies, the no-excuses-hard rock of the eighties and the British New Wave movement, they balance on the event horizon that separates old from new. Aggression from melody. Dream from drive.
Add to that the fact that the bandmembers of WHITE VOID have their backgrounds in Norwegian black metal, chiptune electronica, pop music and blues, and you’ll see why Anti is an album that’s hard to pin down. It’s darkly melodic, it’s driven, and it’s infused with earworms, hooks and licks. Boasting a shameless attitude, though, it comes forth as deeply true to the core of our shared hard rock heritage.
In the center of WHITE VOID stands Lars Are Nedland, long time member of BORKNAGAR and SOLEFALD. Leading a team of musicians including Tobias Solbakk of IHSAHN fame, electronica staple Vegard Kummen and blues rock virtuoso Eivind Marum, he navigates the waters of hard rock riffs, new wave harmonies and blues rock solos with determination and elegance.
Still, Anti probably doesn’t sound like you think. It’s an album riddled with contrasts and references, musically as well as philosophically. The concept is based on Albert Camus’ Absurdism and deals with how you cope with an existence that is in its core absurd. Musically it draws on the past while forging towards the future. And the result? Well, enter the Void to find out!
WHITE VOIDis: Lars Nedland- Vocals Tobias Solbakk – Drums Vegard Kummen – BassEivind Marum – Guitar
Chief Shock Video
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
Ads
Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 