Archives

All posts by metalshockfinland

ASPHYX: “The Rack” And “Last One On Earth” Vinyl Reissues Out In March

Posted by metalshockfinland on February 5, 2015
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Asphyx

Originally released in 1991 (“The Rack“) and 1992 (“Last One On Earth“), the first two full-length albums by much respected Dutch death/doom commando ASPHYX, are considered immortal classics of the genre now finally returning back on vinyl! Both are set for worldwide release on March 16th, 2015 via Century Media Records.

ASPHYX vocalist Martin van Drunen has checked in with the following comment about these re-releases: “Over the years Century Media has put out a lot of superb vinyl re-releases. Especially for that LP freak of today for whom it’s difficult, if not impossible, to find the originals. Even I couldn’t obtain everything as a young metalhead back in the days and therefore I am happy that labels do decide to re-release some sonic classics. And so is the case with these first two Asphyx albums. After the mauling “Death…The Brutal Way” and crushing “Deathhammer”, old and new Asphyx fans are now given the opportunity to add “The Rack” and “Last One On Earth” to their vinyl collection. Two outstanding re-releases by dedicated metalheads for loyal metalheads. Kept as close to the originals as possible, not only when it comes to the artwork of ancient master Axel Hermann, but also sound-wise these take you back to the early days of true Death Metal…and of Century Media as well! The band is proud of these milestones, as lots of the tracks are still and always will be played live with the intensity and volume Asphyx is so well-known for. So get your hands on these albums, and give ’em a deafening spin on your record player! Vinyl…The Brutal Way!”

Both vinyl editions orientate on the original pressings and feature the original covers. In contrast to previous CD or vinyl reissues, these 2015 editions do not contain remastered versions of “The Rack” and “Last One On Earth”. Both albums are based upon the original early 90’s recordings and were specially mastered for vinyl by Patrick W. Engel / Temple Of Disharmony (Massacra, Dissection, Grave) in December 2014, allowing you to enjoy these classics in their authentic, original rawness. Death…the fuckin’ brutal way!

The following editions will be available for pre-ordering via www.cmdistro.com from February 16th, 2015 on:

ASPHYX “The Rack (Re-Issue 2015)”

Single gatefold LP w/ original product sticker replica, printed innersleeve, 180g vinyl.

Black LP – limited to 600 copies
Gold LP – limited to 200 copies (only available via CMDistro.com / European webshop only)
Clear LP- limited to 200 copies (only available via CMDistro.com / US webshop only)

ASPHYX “Last One On Earth (Re-Issue 2015)”

Standard LP sleeve with printed innersleeve, full-color labels, 180g vinyl.

Black LP – limited to 600 copies
Silver LP – limited to 200 copies (only available via CMDistro.com / European webshop only)
Transparent Red LP- limited to 200 copies (exclusive to CMDistro.com / US webshop only)

Last year, ASPHYX announced the departure of founding member / drummer Bob Bagchus (now playing with the re-activated death/black metal outfit Soulburn), who was replaced by Stefan Hüskens (Desaster, Metalucifer), and the band is currently working on material for a next studio album effort in order to follow up 2012’s much acclaimed “Deathhammer” release. In the meantime, ASPHYX will also continue to perform intense shows all over the globe and here is a list of all upcoming dates that have already been announced:

ASPHYX line-up:
Martin van Drunen – Vocals
Paul Baayens – Guitars
Alwin Zuur – Bass
Stefan Hüskens – Drums

ASPHYX online:

ASPHYX


http://www.facebook.com/officialasphyx

Announced Two Release Parties For TOTO’s Upcoming “Toto XIV”

Posted by metalshockfinland on February 5, 2015
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

toto_by_heather_porcaro_hr

Frontiers Music Srl has issued as follows:

GGM Studios, Official ToTo Italian Fanclub, is proud to announce the organization of an unprecedented event! With the release of the new album “ToTo XIV” will be held 2 release parties in Italy with the a preview listening of the new songs for all the ToTo fans and other surprises to be discovered!! The 2 events not to be missed are the following:

March 13th, Naples, at the “Hades Live Music” 10.00 pm
During the evening we will be entertained by the great music of ToTo played by the “Absolute ToTo” band. More Info at this location.

March 14th, Pavia, at the “FuoriOnda” in Cura di Carpignano, 10.30 pm
Guest of the evening with the great music of ToTo is the band “Mindfields” with special guest “HeLLeR Gratitude” , “Terry Power Music band” and “Marco Ferrari Project”. More Info at this location.

The ToTo XIV Release Party represent a wonderful opportunity to gather all ToTo fans and make them absolute protagonists of the evening. For those who participate at the event, will be distributed ToTo gadgets and other cool gifts !!!

What are you waiting for !! Take note of this event right away….. we will be there waiting for you with the new album “ToTo XIV”

GGM Studios Staff

toto-release-party

Celebrated rock band TOTO will release “TOTO XIV” – there first studio album in ten years!  The album will be released by Frontiers Music Srl in Europe on March 20, followed by the UK on March 23 and the US on March 24, and will be followed by a World Tour that kicks off in Glasgow on May 21st, 2015.

Configurations include CD, with a Deluxe Edition available featuring a “Making of” Documentary on DVD, expanded booklet that includes an in depth story and interview about the new album alongside exclusive pictures in ecol-book packaging. Additionally Toto XIV will be available as a 2LP vinyl set, and a Super Deluxe limited edition which includes the Deluxe CD/DVD edition, 2LP vinyl, an exclusive poster, t-shirt (large size only), and lithograph.  A pre-order has gone live via Amazon for the LP, CD and Deluxe Edition, and from RecordStore.co.uk and from all digital retailers.

The new album is a realised vision three plus decades in the making exhibiting world-class musicianship, masterful arrangements, topical lyrical commentary, and melodies that the collective genius of Steve Lukather, David Paich, Steve Porcaro, Joseph Williams and their assembled band-mates bring to life. TOTO XIV is the band’s first album of new material since 2006’s Falling In Between.  However, the band personally considers the new album to be the true follow-up to TOTO IV, which made the band global superstars.

“This is opposite of going through the motions,” says keyboardist Steve Porcaro.  We’re treating this like it is Toto V, our follow-up to TOTO IV. We just want to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. Be true to ourselves and make the best music we can.  Entertain people which is what we were put on this earth for.”

“When you put us in a room, and everybody brings in their pieces, the next thing you know it all fits together,” says guitarist Steve “Luke” Lukather. “Everybody’s performances are top notch. We are really bringing our best out, forcing ourselves to make personal best choices, what’s best for the music. I’m really excited to hear what people think.”

toto-xiv-cover-sm

TOTO XIV –TRACK LISTING

1. Running Out Of Time
2. Burn
3. Holy War
4. 21st Century Blues
5. Orphan
6. Unknown Soldier (For Jeffrey)
7. The Little Things
8. Chinatown
9. All The Tears That Shine
10. Fortune
11.  Great Expectations

The new album is a realised vision three plus decades in the making exhibiting world-class musicianship, masterful arrangements, topical lyrical commentary, and melodies that the collective genius of Steve Lukather, David Paich, Steve Porcaro, Joseph Williams and their assembled band-mates bring to life. TOTO XIV is the band’s first album of new material since 2006’s Falling In Between.  However, the band personally considers the new album to be the true follow-up to TOTO IV, which made the band global superstars.

“This is opposite of going through the motions,” says keyboardist Steve Porcaro.  We’re treating this like it is Toto V, our follow-up to TOTO IV. We just want to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. Be true to ourselves and make the best music we can.  Entertain people which is what we were put on this earth for.”

“When you put us in a room, and everybody brings in their pieces, the next thing you know it all fits together,” says guitarist Steve “Luke” Lukather. “Everybody’s performances are top notch. We are really bringing our best out, forcing ourselves to make personal best choices, what’s best for the music. I’m really excited to hear what people think.”

TOTO 2015 TOUR DATES

5/21        Glasgow, UK – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
5/23        Dublin, Ireland – Vicar Street (SOLD OUT)
5/25        Manchester, UK – 02 Apollo Manchester
5/26        London, UK – Apollo Hammersmith
5/28        Paris, France – Zenith
5/29        Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg – Rockhal
5/30        Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
6/02        Sonderborg, Denmark – Molleparkens Friluftscene
6/03        Copenhagen, Denmark – Falkoner Theatre
6/04        Solvesborg, Sweden – Sweden Rock Festival
6/06        Bergen, Norway – Bergen Calling
6/07        Oslo, Norway – Sentrum Scene (SOLD OUT)
6/10        Bremerhaven, Germany – Stadthalle
6/11        Berlin, Germany – Tempodrome
6/12        Leipzig, Germany – Parkbuhne
6/13        Dresden, Germany – Junge Garde
6/15        Cologne, Germany – Tanzbrunnen
6/16        Offenbach, Germany – Stadthalle
6/17        Stuttgart, Germany – Freilichtbuhne Killesberg
6/18        Abenberg, German – Burg Abenberg
6/20        Hinwil, Switzerland – Rock The Ring Festival
6/21        Klam, Austria – Castle Clam
6/23        Wroclaw, Poland – Orbita Hol
6/24        Warsaw, Poland – Torwar
6/26        Budapest, Hungary – Petofi Hall
6/27        Bucharest, Romania – Sala Palatului
6/28        Sofia, Bulgaria – Arena Armeec
6/30        Belgrade, Serbia – Kalemegdan Fortress
7/03        Milan, Italy – City Sound Milan
7/05        Rome, Italy – Cavea Auditorium
7/08        Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle
7/13        Morzine, France – Morzine Harley Days
7/15        Nimes, France  – Festival de Nimes
7/16        Vienne, France – Theatre Antique

DØDHEIMSGARD: Audio sample For “Aphelion Void” Available

Posted by metalshockfinland on February 5, 2015
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

DODHEIMSGARD

DHG/DØDHEIMSGARD, Norway’s premier experimental extremists have completed work on their fifth album, titled ‘A Umbra Omega’, and set for release on March 16th on Peaceville Records. Order your here: http://bit.ly/1F57cyf

Listen to the audio sample for the track Aphelion Void:

One of the top bands and boundary-pushing visionaries of the mid-90’s Norwegian Black Metal evolution, having released 4 full-length albums since their inception, DHG are widely hailed as masters of dark & psychotic psychedelia-tinged extremity.

The first fruits of DHG’s re-animated labour manifest in the shape of new studio album, ‘A Umbra Omega’; the first release of a 2-part concept, with original co-founding member Aldrahn (Thorns/The Deathtrip) making a return to the asylum on vocal duties alongside Vicotnik’s exquisite & unconventional compositions & structures.

‘A Umbra Omega’ is DHG’s first album since 2007’s ‘Supervillain Outcast’ opus, and undoubtedly marks the band’s most challenging work to date; twisted, technical, sprawling epics & an inverted outlook on existence from the depths of band mastermind/writer/producer Vicotnik, with similarities drawn to previous classic DHG  works such as ‘666 International’ and ‘Satanic Art’. A raw and organic production permeates the album courtesy of Vicotnik himself, with the album mastered at Strype Audio in Oslo by Tom Kvålsvoll.

Dødheimsgard was formed in 1994 by Vicotnik & Aldrahn. The early incarnation was that of a raw and melodic black metal band, with their debut album also featuring Fenriz of Darkthrone on bass, before the poisons of a more avantgarde & schizophrenic concoction started to take hold.

https://www.facebook.com/DODHEIMSGARD

Review: ALOGIA “Elegia Balcanica” (2014)

Posted by metalshockfinland on February 3, 2015
Posted in: News, Reviews. Tagged: , . 1 Comment

Reviewed by Giacomo Anelli

Alogia-coverArtist: ALOGIA
Album: Elegia Balcanica
Label: Miner Recordings
Release date: 6 Ottobre 2014 in Serbia, worldwide in 2015

Tracklist:
1. Almagest
2. Callis Ad Astra
3. Galija 4. Vreme Je
5. Elegia Balcanica
6. Lilith (Ona Zna)
7. Inferno
8. U Tišini
9. Intentionally Blind (bonus track w/ Amir Hadzic on vocals)

Listening to AlogiA’s new album ‘Elegia Balcanica’ is an exciting and mind-bending experience.  The melodic depth and completeness of the musical work is impressive and, at times, overwhelmingly hypnotic. While the album marks a solid return to their progressive metal sound, there is much more here than the sub-genre suggests. The dual guitars, synth keys and pristine vocals take care of a top end that is clasped in the tight thundering undercurrent of the rhythm section. It is a majestic and heady mix that owes as much to power metal as it does to prog.

If the general feel is that of power and prog-metal, it is the more delicate work that owes at least a small comparison to the realms of space-rock. Synthy keys and jangling guitars bring some softness and introspection to the songs, helping to create the sense of a complete and mysterious musical universe.

I’m a sucker for a great track but even more so for a great album and right from the first two songs, ‘Almagest’ and ‘Callis Ad Astra’, there is a statement of intent made in the intensity and shadow-play of rhythm and melody. The dark symphonic spirals of the synth break out over the shredding guitars and angular time changes while the vocals lift the raw power to new and terrifying heights. Taken together at over 7 minutes, it is an epic start to what turns out to be an even more epic album.

‘Galija’ is a straight-up melodic gem, while ‘Vreme je’ is a powerhouse of riffs. There is no let up on intensity as the title track ‘Elegia’ growls and cuts through string-like synth parts and an anthemic chorus.  There are some surprising and interesting elements here too, namely the influence of Balkan folk music, adding a new melodic shade to the bands already diverse sound. ‘Ona Zna’ sounds like a Balkan folk song filtered through Seventh Wonder and Iron Maiden while ‘Inferno’ is a power-prog brute-fest that leaves a welcome bruise upon the listener. ‘U Tisini’ is a satisfying end to proceedings with its delicate start and pulsating cinematic sound-scape.

The sign of a great album is whether or not it gets put on repeat in your own home and if it gets better with multiple listens. I had it on high rotate for a whole afternoon and evening and liked it straight away, loved it by the fourth listen and was totally hooked by repeat number ten. I can’t stress enough how intense the experience of this album is; worlds are being created, senses are stripped and rebuilt only to be stripped again by the attack of the music that Alogia create.

The vocal work on ‘Elegia’ is outstanding. Nikola Mijic’s voice comes soaring and clear over the pulsating melodies of the music. In true prog-metal style, the guitars bite off melodies in angular movements, blending technical skill with sombre tones and power-packed riffs.

If the guts of the beast is the bass and drums and the head is the vocals and keys, then the back-bone of the band are the brother guitarists, Miroslav and Srdan Brankovic. Their melodies weave and writhe together, at times spitting pieces of neo-classical riffs out above the music, always pulling the different strands of the music together into some kind of dynamic whole. It is not often that I find myself thinking of how tender the guitar work is on a metal album. But it is just that; tender yet brutal.

Hailing from Serbia, AlogiA have developed a considerable following in their home country since forming in 2000, playing support shows for the likes of Whitesnake, Savatage, Paul Di Anno and Apocalyptica, not to mention some considerable festival slots including Hendrix Fest, Hard ‘n’ Heavy and Metal Days. ‘Elegia Balcanica’, their fifth studio album, is the band at its very best and should hopefully get them the international interest they deserve. Buy it and put it on repeat. Let the music pull you into the dark and beautiful world of AlogiA, a place where all should dwell.

Alogia2

More information at https://www.facebook.com/alogia.official

CHIP Z’NUFF To Release Debut Solo Album On February 2nd, Feat. Adler, Zander, Bozzio

Posted by metalshockfinland on January 24, 2015
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

ChipZnuff-stageOn February 3, Deadline Music (imprint of Cleopatra Records) will release STRANGE TIME, the first solo album by Chip Z’nuff.  The 10-track record marks a departure from the trademark Enuff Z’nuff trip-pop sound, with heavier guitars and more psychedelic elements.  In addition to special guest appearances, the album includes a bonus 5-track EP collaboration with Steven Adler (Guns ‘n Roses).

“It’s a stoner rock record,” said Z’nuff, matter-of-factly.  “What I have with Enuff Z’nuff is special, but this is a labor of love.  I started these songs while going through every type of hard time – family, finances, relationships – and found moments of clarity while writing.”  He also called on some tour buddies and long-time friends to guest on the record.

Having played bass for both Dale Bozzio (Missing Persons) and Adler (Adler’s Appetite), Z’nuff knew they’d contribute something truly unique (Z’nuff calls Adler’s drumming “incendiary”). Home state  legend Robin Zander lends his pipes to “All Day and All of the Night.”  Geezer Butler’s son, Biff, sings on “Rockstar.”

STRANGE TIME was recorded at Chicago Recording Company in Chicago and Abbey Road Studios in London.  Brendan Jeffrey produced all tracks except “Rockstar” (produced by Johnny K) and “Strange Time” (produced by R. Rubin).  Mixing was done by Jeff Luif and engineering by Chris Shepard (Elvis Costello, Smashing Pumpkins), Johnny K (Disturbed, Plain White T’s), Rob Pozen, and Ron Lowe.  Daniel Stout mastered at Colossal Mastering.   Performers include Z’nuff (vocals, guitar, bass), Adler (drums, percussion), Biff Butler, James Morrison Jr., Steve Ramone, Sir Ashley Scott, Robin Zander, and Scott Faukes.

ChipZnuff-StrangeTimeChipZnuff-bonusEP-Adler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The EP was recorded at Chicago Recording Company and Chip Z’nuff Studios in Blue Island, IL.  Brendan Jeffrey produced, Jeff Luif mixed, and Bob Ludwig mastered.  Z’nuff and Adler performed all the music, with Bozzio on vocals and a Slash sample solo on “Tonight We Met.”

STRANGE TIME TRACK LISTING:
~ all songs written by Chip Z’nuff except where noted ~
Sunshine
Rockstar
Strange Time  (written by Chip Z’nuff and Trent Reznor)
Dragonfly
Still Love Your Face (written by Chip Z’nuff and Wendel Rey)
F..Mary..Kill (written by Chip Z’nuff, Howard Stern, and Steve Miller)
Anna Nichole (written by Chip Z’nuff and Syklopps)
Strike Three
Hello To The Drugs
All Day And All Of The Night –  featuring Robin Zander & Steven Adler (written by Ray Davies)

BONUS EP: STEVEN ADLER & CHIP Z’NUFF
My Town
Yesterday (Another Wasted Day)
The Game
Tonight We Met (And Now We’re Going To Fuck) –  featuring Slash & Dale Bozzio
The Pain Is All On You (written by Chip Z’nuff, Steven Adler, Paul McCartney)

MP3 STREAM “Hello To The Drugs”

Enuff Z’nuff has a west coast run in February.

Feb. 19           Vamp’d – Las Vegas
Feb. 20           Whisky-a-Go Go – Los Angeles
Feb. 21           Fulton 55 – Fresno
Feb. 22           The Boardwalk – Sacramento
Feb. 24           El Corazon – Seattle
Feb. 25           Tonic Lounge – Portland
Feb. 27           RockBar Theater – San Jose
Feb. 28           TBA

STRANGE TIME will be available at record stores and online retailers including iTunes (http://tinyurl.com/n3mlwje) and Amazon (http://tinyurl.com/ohduxhy) on February 3.

In addition to a career in broadcasting as a go-to guest on Howard Stern’s radio show and co-host of “Mancow TV,” Chip is writing his autobiography.  It will chronicle, in part, his three decades in EZ. In 1989, Enuff Z’nuff released its self-titled debut, and the hit singles “New Thing” and “Fly High Michelle,” which earned them the first of two Gold records, huge credibility in the music video landscape, and legions of fans from the pop, rock, hippie, metal, and glam communities. Rolling Stone, David Letterman, and Howard Stern have all been continued vocal supporters of the band.   A new record of Enuff Z’nuff originals is planned for 2015.

Connect with the band at http://www.enuffznuff.com and https://www.facebook.com/Enuff.Znuff.Official

Rich’s Rapidfire Recommendations: IAN SIEGAL – One Night in Amsterdam (2015)

Posted by metalshockfinland on January 23, 2015
Posted in: Int. News, Reviews. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

Rich’s Rapidfire Recommendations – bite-sized metal morsels to let you know about albums that have grabbed Rich Davenport by the ears, that we hope you’ll enjoy too! ROCK ON!

IanSiegal_OneNightInAmsterdamArtist: Ian Siegal
Album: One Night in Amsterdam – live album
Label: Nugene Records
Release date: March 9th, 2015

Ian Siegal – One Night in Amsterdam – If you’re looking to reconnect with the roots of Rock, the Blues is one of the essential elements of its DNA. The contemporary Blues scene boasts a wealth of riches on the harder side, with cranked up guitars resounding in the hands of skilled contemporary players who meet the high watermark set during the 60s Blues boom. On this live set, Ian Siegal strips things back another layer, down to the absolute bare bones, bringing to mind the Blues recordings of the 40s and 50s, where the pure tones of the vocals, instruments and amplifiers ring out with no added studio embellishments, standing or falling on the skills and musical personalities of the band, and the quality of their material. Siegal’s vocals and lyrics possess both of those traits in abundance, and on first listen to this album, it’s clear why his passionate approach to the Blues has earned him no small number of awards and accolades from various magazines and Blues institutions in recent years. Opening number “I Am The Train” sets the tone, brimming with the kind of energy that characterised the classic early Sun Records singles from the likes of Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins.

In the hands of a less imaginative performer, familiar Blues themes, both lyrical and musical, can sound overdone, but Siegal and the three killer musicians in his band breathe new life into the genre’s traditional chord patterns and subject matter. Mr S has a reputation to be reckoned with as a live performer, and this album more than backs that up, the tracklisting benefitting from being a straight ahead live set list, containing the peaks and lulls in pace you’d associate with a skilled band delivering the goods on stage. It’s hard to pick out a highlight among the individual songs, because the overall running order works so well as a whole, and you may be surprised how much variety Siegal and the band can pack in, blending their Blues with touches of Funk (“Brandy Balloon”), Americana (“Temporary”), and a Tex Mex vibe worthy of Los Lobos on “Gallo Del Ciello”. Guitarist Dusty Ciggar, at just 23 years old, is a rare talent, and a worthy musical foil for Siegal, both parties colouring the songs with versatility and passion. “One Night in Amsterdam” makes either a perfect introduction to, or encapsulation of, Ian Siegal’s prowess as a songwriter and live performer, depending on whether you’ve had the pleasure of his musical company before, and if you only buy one Blues album all year, you’ll struggle to find one with as much to offer.

More information at this location.