Karisma Records have today released the first five studio albums from Swedish Prog Rockers AGUSA, a band that has been at the forefront of the Swedish Psychedelic Prog scene since its formation in 2013.
Over the years, AGUSA’s lineup of Simon Ström on bass, Nicolas Difonis on drums, Mikael Ödesjö on guitar, Roman Andrén on keys, and Jenny Puertas on Flute, have demonstrated a remarkable ability to communicate with their listeners on both an emotional, as well as a visceral, level.
The five albums to be released are:
HÖGTID: first released in 2014
TVÅ: first released in 2015
AGUSA: first released in 2017
EN ANNAN VÄRLD: first released in 2021
PRIMA MATERIA: first released in 2023
All five of the albums have initially been re-released in digital formats, whilst the physical versions will be released in the near future, with details to be revealed.
The digital formats are available to stream or download on all streaming platforms.
AGUSA is a band whose roots lie deep within the fertile ambients of space rock, kraut rock and jazz, and who draw their influences from Nordic and Latin American folk music. When you listen to AGUSA’s music, you get a sense of being transported back to the 70s, but this time the decade has a whole new slant, because this is a group of musicians who interpret things in their own way, and have come together to forge a strong musical identity that is unmistakably AGUSA.
Blending tripped-out psychedelic and progressive rock structures aimed at instilling visions of nature and the cosmos, AGUSA’s sound ranges effortlessly from majestic beauty to violent outbursts. Dreamlike passages meander into realms that hint at a supernatural or parallel existence.
On stage too, AGUSA’s lineup is able to perform meditative soft parts, and seamlessly combine them with epic interludes and the occasional trip to a rock hard darkness, all of which provide audiences with an unforgettable live experience, and which fans will be able to witness for themselves on the following dates:
29 June: Stationen Röstånga, Röstånga, Sweden 13 July: Summer Fog Festival, Spodek, Katowice, Poland 08 August: Kuudes Linja, Helsinki, Finland 14 August: Malmöfestivalen, Malmö, Sweden 28 Sept: Progressive Circus, Babel
The legendary pioneers of Norse Heavy Metal, EINHERJER, released their latest single, “Deaf Forever,” on June 21st, 2024. The single is a cover and tribute to the legends in Motörhead and their track with the same name, and it comes just in time for Einherjer’s performances at major summer festivals like Tons of Rock, Summer Breeze Open Air, and the iconic Wacken Open Air in Germany.
About the track Einherjer states: “‘Deaf Forever’ is a homage to one of the most iconic bands in heavy metal history. Motörhead has always been an inspiration for us. ‘Deaf Forever,’ with its relentless energy, gritty vocals, and driving rhythm, makes it a good fit for Einherjer. We fused the thunderous legacy of Motörhead with the mythic resonance of our Norse Heavy Metal. I think it turned out great!”
Listen to the single here:
Founded in 1993, Einherjer has been a powerful force in the Viking Metal genre for over three decades. Hailing from Haugesund, Norway, the band draws deeply from their Norse heritage, creating music that is both a cultural homage and a modern interpretation of the epic sagas of old. With nine studio albums and two Norwegian Grammy nominations, Einherjer has solidified their place in the annals of metal history.
Einherjer’s music is a potent blend of mythic storytelling and powerful soundscapes, their commitment to their vision is unwavering, inspired by the bravery and spirit of their Viking ancestors. Prepare to be enthralled by the fierce energy and mythic power of Einherjer as they breathe new life into Motörhead’s classic “Deaf Forever.” For fans, this track might sound familiar, as the single was previously released exclusively on vinyl. But now it’s finally making its digital debut. This tribute is not just a cover but a fusion of two legendary sounds, bringing together the raw power of Motörhead and the epic majesty of Viking Metal.
Upcoming Festival Performances:
Tons of Rock (Norway) Summer Breeze Open Air (Germany) Wacken Open Air (Germany)
German post-hardcore trio Future Palace have released a video for their new single ‘Dreamstate’. The track is taken from the band’s upcoming album Distortion, due for release on 6th September via Arising Empire.
Future Palace collaborated with Pavel Trebukhin once again for the ‘Dreamstate’ music video, returning to Riga, Latvia.
Sometimes the world is so overwhelming that the thought of another reality seems like a salvation. In their new single ‘Dreamstate’ Future Palace describes the escape into a dream world with an unmatched musical vigour.
Dense synthwave arpeggios put the epic instrumentals into fluid hovering states, and the energetic drums sound like a racing heartbeat, while vocalist Maria Lessing lets all emotions run free in a monumental hook. With the crashing breakdown in the finale, in which the constructed illusion finally collapses like a nightmare, it becomes clear that this escape offers no real way out. In their new song, Future Palace emphasise, both sonically and lyrically, a desire for escapism that arises from deep pain.
That ‘Dreamstate‘ has become such a massive sonic demonstration of power is not at all evident from the song’s genesis. “At first, I actually intended to write a piano ballad,” says guitarist Manuel Kohlert. “But the song quickly became much harder.”
“It’s now one of my favourite songs on our new album,” adds Lessing.
The organic development process of the song, in which quiet sounds were ultimately overtaken by massive anger, can perhaps even be read symbolically – after all, the vocalist was also thinking about her career as a musician, which sometimes seems just as overwhelming. “Very often I lack the strength to see it all through,” she continues. “I think many people can empathise with this feeling of being overwhelmed in our performance-oriented society.”
Future Palace‘s music has always explored internal struggles, and Distortion is the brutal climax of this approach. The album title, derived from the psychological term cognitive distortion, reflects a world where changing perceptions trap individuals in recurring pitfalls. Distortion addresses various mental illnesses and personal struggles, from ADHD to depression to narcissism. The band’s third album is a powerful force of emotions, cycles, and cries of desperation, overwhelming listeners with its intensity.
The band’s creativity shines as they tackle demanding topics with fresh perspectives. On Distortion, they build on their previous work by incorporating new elements, like orchestral interjections in ‘The Echoes of Disparity’, which combines brutal screams and chant-like passages to convey psychological struggle. ‘Panic Paralysis’ features a massive vocal motif with an arabesque touch, while ‘They Take What They Want’ dives into emotional depths, blending raw metalcore with gentle vocal passages and massive choirs.
Despite the album’s emotional intensity, Distortion was created amid excessive demands. Produced by Julian Breucker and Christoph Wieczorek, known for their work with Annisokay, Beyond the Black, and Smash Into Pieces, the recording process was grueling. Singer Maria Lessing recorded the album with a root infection and after wisdom tooth surgery, adding stress but enhancing the songs’ authenticity. Guitarist Manuel Kohlert notes that the album reflects the band’s experience as a heavy touring band, capturing the feelings of being on the road and contemplating their existence.
Despite its challenges, Distortion carries a piece of hope. ‘Decarabia’ tells a bittersweet story about a depressed couple, while ‘The Echoes of Disparity’, featuring Charlie Rolfe of As Everything Unfolds, is militantly rebellious, addressing abuse of power and the oppression of women. Lessing emphasizes the importance of female support to convey the song’s message loudly.
The album features the most powerful metalcore breakdowns meeting trembling darkwave beats, anthemic emocore refrains à la Bad Omens contrasted with sacred choirs, and the coldness of industrial clashing with the powerful emotionality of Sleep Token, making Distortion an album like a manifesto.
Tour dates: Oct 17:. DE Nuremberg, Hirsch Oct 19: HU Budapest, Analog Music Hall Oct 22: CZ Rague, Rock Cafe Oct 23: PL Warsaw, Hydrozagadka Oct 24: PL Gdansk, Drizzly Grizzly Oct 26: FI Helsinki, On the Rocks Oct 28: SE Stockholm, Kollektivet Livet Oct 29: DK Copenhagen, Pumpehuset Oct 30: NO Oslo, John Dee Oct 31: SE Gothenburg, Musikens Hus Nov 01: DE Hamburg, Gruenspan Nov 02: DE Bremen, Schlachthof Nov 28:. DE Hanover, Musikzentrum Nov 29: DE Frankfurt, Batschkapp Nov 30: DE Cologne, Kantine Dec 02: FR Paris, Supersonic Records Dec 04: UK London, The Garage Dec 05: UK Manchester, Rebellion Dec 06: BE Antwerp, Trix Dec 07: NL Amsterdam, Melkweg Dec 09: DE Stuttgart, club Cann Dec 10: CH Bern, Stellwerk Dec 12: CH Zurich, dynamo Dec 13: DE Munich, Backstage Werk Dec 15: DE Berlin, Huxleys
Festivals 2024
Jun 21-23: DE, Full Force Festival Jun 23: BE, Graspop Metal Meeting Jun 26-29: ES, Resurrection Fest Jul 31-Aug 03: DE, Wacken Open Air Aug 14-17: DE, Summer Breeze Open Air Aug 15-17: DE, Reload Festival Aug 15-18: FR, Motocultor Festival
Future Palace are: Maria | Vocals Manuel | Guitar Johannes | Drums
Cape Town’s Rock ‘n Roll Mavericks Unleash Anthemic Track and Announce Powerful New Line-Up.
We Kill Cowboys, the 4-piece rock ‘n roll powerhouse from Cape Town, have just released their incendiary new single “Fuck You” via Mongrel Records. Emerging from the creative genius of renowned tattoo artist and singer-songwriter Alex Muller, the band’s electrifying sound is an intoxicating blend of psychedelic rock, punk rock, grunge, and stoner blues.
Fronted by the mesmerizing and raw vocals of Alex Muller, We Kill Cowboys boldly tackle anti-establishment themes with their thought-provoking lyricism, inviting listeners into a world of gritty, sultry narratives. Muller’s delivery adds an irresistible edge to the sonic experience, supported by the thunderous beats of longtime drummer Andrew Middelkoop, the powerful riffs of new guitarist Mornay Carstens, and the return of original bassist Miggs Auer.
Commenting on the new single, Alex Muller states, “Not much needs to be said about it. It’s that singular moment when the light goes on and it all becomes clear. You’re done with bullshitting yourself, you’re done with being bullshitted. Life, relationships, politicians… that moment you decide to let it go and face the truth. There’s always hope and sometimes our own mind can be the biggest cage… let it go.”
Regarding the revamped line-up, Muller adds, “Jono and Danie left for personal reasons, all the best to them. We’re super stoked to have long-time friend and Cowboys OG Miggs back on the bass and it’s been amazing to welcome our good mate Mornay on lead guitar. The band sounds heavier, and we can’t wait to start writing and we’re even more amped to get back on stage!”
Unapologetically driven by a desire to shake the core of the music scene, We Kill Cowboys is a force to be reckoned with. Their live performances are a relentless surge of energy, an immersive journey that cranks the amplifiers to the max, leaving audiences’ ears ringing and minds reeling. Prepare to have your senses ignited as We Kill Cowboys deliver a musical experience that both blows ear holes and expands horizons.
Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa announces the release of his latest live album and film, Live at the Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra, out TODAY via his own J&R Adventures label. This stunning collection captures Bonamassa’s monumental performance at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, where he was joined by a 40-piece orchestra to deliver an unforgettable musical experience.
Accompanying this release is the album’s latest music video, “Prisoner,” which he also covered on 2011’s Dust Bowl album. “Prisoner” was famously recorded by Barbara Streisand back in 1978 for the cinematic film “Eyes Of Laura Mars.” This slow-burn ballad is a poignant showcase of Joe’s emotional depth and technical brilliance. Listen to the full live performance recorded with a 40-piece orchestra on all major platforms NOW.
Live at the Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra has garnered widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. “Playing the Hollywood Bowl was another milestone for Joe Bonamassa’s illustrious career, and he did it in style,” praises Classic Rock Magazine.
The album has been hailed as “another example of the high standard of performance that comes as a guarantee with every new Bonamassa live release,” by Blues In Britain, and described as “one of the best modern-day live albums of all time” by Blues Matters, who further celebrated the project by calling it “a spine-tingling, curtain-raiser for what was to be an unforgettable evening.” Record Collector Magazine awarded the album 5 stars, stating, “The setting is impressive. The performance is flawless. What more do you need?”
Powerplay Magazine echoes these sentiments with a perfect 10/10 rating, declaring, “Hollywood Bowl may be his finest achievement,” and adding, “At this point in his career, Joe can seemingly do no wrong.” Fireworks Magazine adds, “This is one of the best, if not the best things Bonamassa has ever done.” The meticulous orchestration and flawless execution have made this album a career-defining release. All Music lauds, “Bonamassa has captured lightning in a bottle with Live at the Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra,” and notes, “It is a truly spectacular listen.”
Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra showcases Bonamassa’s virtuosic blend of blues and rock but also elevates fan-favourite tracks with grandiose orchestral arrangements by some of Hollywood’s finest – David Campbell, Trevor Rabin, and Jeff Bova. “Very few gigs represent my journey in music more than the Hollywood Bowl. I moved to Los Angeles in 2003 in search of opportunity and cheaper rent than New York City. My first gig at The Mint was attended by 5 of my friends and that’s all. We have played The Greek Theatre many times since, but the Bowl has always been a dream. The orchestra and the sheer scale of the event and venue is something I will never forget. I am so grateful that we filmed this special event in my life,” reminisces Bonamassa.
Following his standout performance supporting The Rolling Stones at Lumen Field, Bonamassa is gearing up for his eagerly awaited tour this summer. Beginning July 17th in Selbyville, DE, Joe will be playing a set of three shows back to back, including the Great South Bay Music Fest in East Patchogue, NY and the Maine Savings Amphitheatre in Bangor, ME. The eagerly awaited “Blues Deluxe Tour” starts in Albuquerque, NM on August 2nd through the end of the month culminating in an unforgettable two-night performance in Hampton Beach, NH, on August 30th and 31st. This tour celebrates Bonamassa’s seminal albums Blues Deluxe and its chart-topping successor, Blues Deluxe Vol. 2, which earned him his 27th #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart, besting his own record for most #1s ever on the chart.
These 20 special performances will showcase an electrifying mix of Bonamassa’s classics and deep tracks live for the first time, alongside a band of world-class musicians. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.jbonamassa.com.
SUMMER TOUR June 22 – Sao Paulo, BR – Best of Blues & Rock Fest – Ibirapuera Parque June 24 – Curita, BR – Best of Blues & Rock Fest – Live Curitiba
U.S. SUMMER 2024 – BLUES DELUXE TOUR July 17 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion * July 18 – Patchogue, NY – Great South Bay Music Festival* July 19 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater* August 2 – Albuquerque, NM – Sandia Resort & Casino August 4 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre August 6 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater August 8 – Topeka, KS – Topeka Performing Arts Center August 9 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater August 10 – Jackson, MS – Thalia Mara Hall August 12 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall August 14 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center August 16 – Evansville, IN – Old National Events Plaza August 17 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre August 18 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium August 20 – Kettering, OH – Fraze Pavilion August 21 – Hershey, PA – Hershey Theatre August 23 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre August 24 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre August 25 – Rochester, NY – West Herr Auditorium Theatre August 27 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre August 29 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent August 30 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom August 31 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom September 15 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues & Brew Festival *
*Not part of the Blues Deluxe Tour
U.S. FALL TOUR October 28 – Santa Barbara, CA – The Granada Theatre October 30 – Rancho Mirage, CA – The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage November 1 – Tucson, AZ – The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall November 2 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre November 3 – Long Beach, CA – Terrace Theater November 5 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Civic Theatre November 7 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic November 8 – Sacramento, CA – SAFE Credit Union Convention Center November 9 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre November 12 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium November 13 – Boise, ID – Morrison Center November 16 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater November 17 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Civic Center November 19 – Park City, KS – Hartman Arena November 20 – Springfield, MO – Juanita K. Hammons Hall November 22 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre November 23 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre November 26 – Springfield, IL – UIS Performing Arts Center November 27 – Appleton, WI – Fox Cities Performing Arts Center November 29 – Davenport, IA – Adler Theatre November 30 – Des Moines, IA – Des Moines Civic Center
ABOUT JOE BONAMASSA Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performing musicians of today. As a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and 15x Blues Music Award Nominee (4-time winner), he achieved his 27th No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with his most recent studio album, Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. Only in his mid-40s, Bonamassa has become a living legend with an astounding multi-genre catalogue. He has released more than 40 albums, including studio and live recordings, as well as collaborative albums with his adventurous side projects: Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party.
A prolific writer who is always on the hunt to expand his eclectic musical horizons, Bonamassa has a limitless work ethic whether it’s in a studio, on the road, or working with other artists to spur new music. In recent years, he has produced an immense number of albums including Joanne Shaw Taylor, Marc Broussard, Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall and others for his independent label KTBA Records, and has also recently launched Journeyman LLC, a full-service artist management, record label, concert promotion, and marketing company that builds awareness for independent artists worldwide.
Bonamassa has been featured in several publications from Esquire, WSJ, and Parade to Rolling Stone and American Songwriter, as well as on the covers of Guitar World, Guitar Player, Vintage Guitar, Guitarist, and Classic Rock Magazine. His non-profit Keeping The Blues Alive provides funds and resources to schools and artists in need and has positively impacted more than 100,000 students to date while raising over $2 million in donation.
After releasing 3 much-anticipated singles in 2023, THE ROGUES are back with their debut EP ‘1963, Live at Rockfield Studios’, out today, June 21st.
In October 2023 the 5 lads from Newport spent 2 days at the world famous Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, recording a number of live tracks with Nick Brine, who’s recorded with Oasis, The Stone Roses, Bruce Springsteen to name a few.
4 of these huge sounding tracks will make up their debut EP, which is being released exclusively on CD. If you’ve been to a Rogues gig in recent times, you’ll know these tracks are always a staple of their live performances.
You can order the EP now for just £4.99 on Banquet Records or by searching The Rogues on social media and using the link in their bio.
The release ties in with their biggest headline gig to date, at Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach, on Friday the 28th of June. Tickets are still available online via ticketweb or on The Rogues social media pages. https://linktr.ee/theroguesofficial
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 ) 