Dutch symphonic metal titans, EPICA, are thrilled to announce a special livestream event for one of their highly anticipated “The Symphonic Synergy” shows, set to take place in Amsterdam with a full orchestra and choir. This unique sold out performance, scheduled for September 20th at 20:00 CEST (19:00 LONDON, 15:00 SAO PAULO, 14:00 NEW YORK, 12:00 MEXICO CITY and 11:00 AM LOS ANGELES TIME), will showcase the band’s signature fusion of their greatest hits and secret fan favourites with soaring orchestral arrangements, guest performers and plenty of surprises including new music!
Fans from all around the world who are unable to attend the show in person will now have the opportunity to experience the concert in real time through a professional multicam livestream.
The band comments:
“We’re beyond excited to bring this special show to every Epican anywhere in the world! ‘The Symphonic Synergy’ is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of everything Epica stands for, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone, no matter where they are.”
In recent years, EPICA has captivated their global fanbase with a series of innovative livestreams. These virtual events, such as the boundary-breaking “Ωmega Alive” from the pandemic times, or their epic 20-years-anniversary show from Tilburg, allowed fans to experience their powerful performances and intricate stage production from the comfort of their homes.
Tune in on September 20th from anywhere in the world and watch EPICA’s orchestra show either live or up until 72 hours following the performance.
Tickets and exclusive merchandise from the event are now available at symphonicsynergy.com at early-bird-prices up until September 6th.
to galvanize (verb, [ˈɡæl.və.naɪz]) to cause someone to suddenly take action, especially by shocking or exciting them in some way
The time has come to galvanize! Modern metal force LEAGUE OF DISTORTION make a ferocious statement with their second album, Galvanize, set for release via Napalm Records on October 25, 2024. Two years ago, the band entered the scene with their bombastic self-titled debut album, delivering a fresh sound and unique style that interprets modern metal in a creative way.
This is showcased on their newest single and title track, “Galavanize”, which dropped today to kick start the anticipation! The song features a powerful electronic intro, hard-hitting verses, a catchy chorus and showcases frontwoman Ace’s commanding vocals alongside guitarist Arro’s dynamic riffs.
The band is composed of the aformentioned, talented vocalist Anna “Ace” Brunner (Exit Eden) and exceptional guitarist Jim “Arro” Müller (Kissin’ Dynamite), who succeeds on this album as vocalist as well. Together with the strong and steady beats of drummer Tino “Aeon” Calmbach and edgy rhythm of bassist Felix “Ax” Rehmann, the quartet is ready to add to their wins with their newest onslaught. Their most successful song, “Wolf or Lamb”, reached over 1 million streams, and beyond this, they demonstrated their raging live performance at major festivals like Metalfest, Rock Harz, Baltic Open Air, Castle Rock, as well as an absolute kick-ass show at Summer Breeze in 2023. In addition, they took various stages by storm as support for German stadium rockers Kissin’ Dynamite, metalcore heroes Caliban on their German tour, and the legendary Kamelot on their European tour. Later this year, LEAGUE OF DISTORTION will hit various stages for their very first headline tour in fall and winter, kicking off November 15 in Cologne.
LEAGUE OF DISTORTION on “Galvanize”: “Life has its own inexplicable rules, and it feels like the world is on the verge of destruction. Each individual existence is vested with chains and challenges. Life sometimes seems like a video game – but it’s not, this is real! With the song ‘Galvanize’, we want to encourage everyone to have the audacity to break free from what holds you back. Fight for the right thing, make a change and become the best version of yourself. Don’t let your life pass by. Be brave and take action – now is the time to GALVANIZE.”
Starting off, the brute title track sets the tone for this relentless album, as an electronic intro is followed by a stomping verse. This soon melds with a blasting chorus and catchy melody, as Ace’s forceful vocals unleash her power and incredible skills. Followed by previously released single “My Hate Will Go On”, the intense track is a raw onslaught embodying everything LEAGUE OF DISTORTION stands for – sincerity, honesty and incredible power – topped by hard beats and bludgeoning guitar riffs! Interchanging and irresistible, soft and aggressive vocals fire with emotion, reflecting Ace’s inner “hate” that can no longer be contained. The indisputable center of the music is her voice, as the quartet bleeds the essence of LEAGUE OF DISTORTION into the track – bravely reflecting on the painful, dark parts of life. But instead of falling deeper into despair, the musical force turns darkness into relentless power, taking these obstacles head on.
The band also reflects this energy on tracks like “Chainsaw”, which convinces with a hymn-like chorus. With intense and empowering tracks like the aggressive and forward stomping “My Enemy” and “Suck My Blood”, the band is self-assured with lyrics reflecting toxic relationships and defending against an oppressor. Thematically similar, speeding “The Crown” further impresses with incredible synthesizers evoking invincibility. Another standout track is “In our DNA”, featuring guest genre-mates Cypecore, which addresses the long-standing debate of nature vs. nurture and is underlined by stunning male and female vocal lines. This potent combination can also be found on “Crucify Me”, which bribes with a stomping rhythm. Musically, the band doesn’t shy away from crossing genre-boundaries, proven on tracks like “What’s Wrong With Her?”, which deals with the theme of envy and competitive behavior among women. The song boasts a reggae inspired intro before bursting into an intense modern metal wall of sound with electronic elements and rap-like vocals. Similarly, genre-fusing is “Anti-Hero”, with rap and hip hop-beats in the verses that build up to a hymnic metal chorus.
Galvanize is like a brutal thunderstorm of unbound energy, guiding the listener into eternal darkness while still shining with the bright, lightning-like energy that lies within. The quartet proves they’re a perfect modern metal match, combining creative performance, composition, provocation and pure emotion. It’s clear that this album is only the beginning of an untamable modern metal storm!
LEAGUE OF DISTORTION on Galvanize: “We are excited and euphoric to share this second album with you! Yes, the relentless modern metal storm is raging on. Untamed and rampant we are again, openly and honestly speaking our minds, trying to process what’s going on in this world, sharing very personal topics and lyrics and providing a badass sound-wall. Fearless of crossing lines and musically borders we created an album which has its own personality and sound.”
Galvanize Track Listing: 1. Galvanize 2. My Hate Will Go On 3. Chainsaw 4. Suck My Blood 5. My Enemy 6. What’s Wrong With Her? 7. In Our DNA 8. Crucify Me 9. Anti-Hero 10. The Crown
Experience LEAGUE OF DISTORTION live!
Headliner Tour 15.11.24 DE – Köln / Helios37 16.11.24 DE – Frankfurt / Nachtleben 22.11.24 DE – Stuttgart / Club Zentral 29.11.24 DE – München / Backstage Club 30.11.24 DE – Weinheim / Café Central 05.12.24 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser 06.12.24 DE – Berlin / Cassiopeia 07.12.24 DE – Hamburg / Headcrash
LEAGUE OF DISTORTION are: Anna “Ace” Brunner – Vocals Jim “Arro” Müller – Guitar Felix “Ax” Rehmann – Bass Tino “Aeon” Calmbach – Drums
Arizona death-crusters GO AHEAD AND DIE are proud to announce their newest offering Better Dead Than Mainstream: Live At The Marquee Theater will be released digitally on September 13th via Nuclear Blast Records. The audio from the album was taken from their September 25, 2021 show with SOULFLY as well as INCITE and HEALING MAGIC. The night featured a performance of their debut self-titled album which was released two months prior. The audio for the live album was produced, engineered, and mastered by Arthur Rizk. For the album cover, the band enlisted Costin Chioreanu to create the artwork.
Max Cavalera states, “It’s amazing to me that the lockdown allowed Igor and myself the opportunity to make such a brutal record! That era gave us a clear view of harmful social issues as authoritarian rule was exploding in aggressive ways. This is a true live album, with no overdubs. It’s as brutal as the pandemic!”
Igor Amadeus Cavalera comments, “Playing live with GAAD is an absolute adrenaline rush. You can hear the unchained raw energy through every song on this recording.”
Below is the tracklisting for Better Dead Than Mainstream: Live At The Marquee Theater: 1. Truckload Full of Bodies (Live at the Marquee Theater, Tempe, 2021) 2. Toxic Freedom (Live at the Marquee Theater, Tempe, 2021) 3. I.C.E. Cage (Live at the Marquee Theater, Tempe, 2021) 4. Isolated / Desolated (Live at the Marquee Theater, Tempe, 2021) 5. Prophet’s Prey (Live at the Marquee Theater, Tempe, 2021) 6. Punisher (Live at the Marquee Theater, Tempe, 2021) 7. El Cuco (Live at the Marquee Theater, Tempe, 2021) 8. G.A.A.D. (Live at the Marquee Theater, Tempe, 2021) 9. Worth Less Than Piss (Live at the Marquee Theater, Tempe, 2021) 10. (In The) Slaughterline (Live at the Marquee Theater, Tempe, 2021)
GO AHEAD AND DIE unleashed their caustic sophomore album Unhealthy Mechanisms last year via Nuclear Blast Records. A torrential whirlwind born from the livid minds of Igor Amadeus Cavalera (HEALING MAGIC) and Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY). The sophomore album is a fresh dive into the madness of society and the pollution that ravages our minds. Unhealthy Mechanisms was produced by Igor Amadeus Cavalera while John Aquilino handled the recording in his Platinum Underground Studio steeped in the mystic ambiance of the Superstition Mountains’ foothills. The mixing and mastering were once again handled by Arthur Rizk (CAVALERA, SOULFLY, TURNSTILE). For the artwork, the band enlisted Santiago Jaramillo of Triple Seis Design to create the unnerving design that fits with the album title. GO AHEAD AND DIE‘s newest record is a testament to declining mental health around the world, and a reminder that we are not alone in our pain. The mind is lost. The fuse is lit. Time to set everything ablaze.
GO AHEAD AND DIE is: Max Cavalera | Vocals, Guitar Igor Amadeus Cavalera | Vocals, Guitar Johnny Valles | Drums Jackie Cruz | Bass
Eclectic singer-songwriter CHARLOTTE WESSELS (ex-DELAIN) has unveiled her brand-new single entitled “The Crying Room” today, alongside a gripping music video featuring footage from the song’s first ever live performance. “The Crying Room” is the next harbinger of Wessels’ first traditional full-length, full-band solo album, The Obsession, set to be released on September 20, 2024 via Napalm Records. The track unveils another touching facet of this sonic masterpiece, where themes like fear, obsessive thoughts and escapism run rampant on the one hand, whereas there are also songs that offer a more upbeat approach to the subject. “The Crying Room” deals with that fear while a weeping guitar solo draws the listener into darker soundscapes.
On The Obsession, CHARLOTTE WESSELS adds bucketloads of bombast to her genre-bending songwriting, as spellbinding melancholia and dark catchy elements meet progressive and heavier tunes. The storytelling within the songs give the multifaceted album even more depth, making The Obsession an exciting listening experience and Wessels’ most mature solo offering so far.
CHARLOTTE WESSELS on “The Crying Room”: “When we were gearing up for the very first performance under my own name after Covid, my tour manager asked if I wanted my own dressing room. Knowing full well that I’d be an anxious mess, I told her I didn’t need a private room — just somewhere I could have a well-earned meltdown without ruining everyone’s vibe. And that, my friends, is how ‘The Crying Room’ was born. It’s a song about the fear of failure, about needing to catch your breath before diving headfirst into something new. Everyone loves to tell stories about courage and heroism, but let’s be real: I want to hear more stories about people who are absolutely terrified… and do the thing anyway – it’s a central theme on the album, and ‘The Crying Room’ is an invitation to do just that.”
While still writing and producing the first incarnations of her songs in her Six Feet Under basement home studio and sharing them with patrons, now CHARLOTTE WESSELS is taking the songs from her new album The Obsession to the next level with a band of her fellow ex-DELAIN cohorts Timo Somers (guitars, additional arrangements), Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije (bass) and Joey Marin de Boer (drums) as well as Sophia Vernikov (piano/hammond), contributing to the new heavier sound. The album also features arrangements by Vikram Shankar (Silent Skies, Pain of Salvation), cello by Elianne Anemaat, was mixed by Guido Aalbers (Muse, Coldplay, The Gathering) and mastered by Andy VanDette (Porcupine Tree, VOLA, Dream Theater).
CHARLOTTE WESSELS about the new album: “On the one hand, this album tells a very personal story – through its unintended theme of fear, obsessive thoughts and the escapes from them – and at the same time it represents the joy of finding the song’s true forms with everyone involved in the making of this record. That’s why I chose The Obsession as a title. It refers to my personal challenges with OCD that inspired many of the songs – but I’ve also started referring to the band as The Obsession – because there were moments in the studio with them that truly reminded me of why I’m obsessed with making music in the first place.”
With thousands of monthly listeners on Spotify and a loyal fan base on Patreon, Charlotte Wessels has already made a mark with her earlier solo endeavors, Tales From Six Feet Under (2021) and Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II(2022). Now, she is taking her career to the next level with The Obsession. These compilations showcased her ability to blend various musical styles and deeply personal lyrics, earning her widespread acclaim. The Obsession is expected to build on this foundation, offering fans an even more immersive and powerful musical experience.
Songs like “The Exorcism”, “The Crying Room” and“Ode To The West Wind” (feat. Alissa White-Gluz/Arch Enemy) lead into darker spheres, whilst a track like “Dopamine” (feat. Simone Simons/Epica) shows a rather optimistic approach. It deals with SSRI-induced numbness, or “Praise” – which sings the gospel of needing external validation in order to feel anything. The reimagining of fan-favorite “Soft Revolution” won’t leave a dry eye in the room, while “Soulstice” and “Serpentine” present an unprecedented dark sensuality. Each song itself functions like an exorcism, an attempt to cast out a little of the fear it deals with.
CHARLOTTE WESSELS about the guests: “I’m extremely grateful and proud to add Simone Simons and Alissa White-Gluz to the line-up of this album. They are creative powerhouses that I have so much love and respect for. Whenever we get to work together is an absolute treat and they really elevated the songs with their performances.”
The Obsession Tracklist: 1. Chasing Sunsets 2. Dopamine 3. The Exorcism 4. Soulstice 5. The Crying Room 6. Ode To The West Wind 7. Serpentine 8. Praise 9. All You Are 10. Vigor And Valor 11. Breathe; 12. Soft Revolution (2024)
CHARLOTTE WESSELS LIVE 2024/25
Supported by her former Delain bandmates, CHARLOTTE WESSELS is set to bring The Obsession to the stage this year. The journey begins with a release show on October 4, 2024 at Utrecht’s TivoliVredenburg, followed by a special guest appearance with label mates Kamelot and Ad Infinitum in Drachten on October 11, 2024. After these shows, Wessels will join VOLA on their Friend of Phantom EU Tour 2024, kicking off on November 1.
Festivals 2025 27.-09.07.25 FI – Helsinki / Tuska 06.-09.08.25 ES – Villena / Leyendas del Rock 15. -17.08.25 NL – Eindhoven / Dynamo Metal Fest More to come…
Friend of a Phantom EU Tour 2024 Supporting VOLA 01.11.24 DK – Århus / Voxhall 02.11.24 SE – Gothenburg / Pustervik 03.11.24 NO – Oslo / Vulkan Arena 08.11.24 SE – Stockholm / Fryshuset Klubben 10.11.24 DE – Berlin / Columbia Theater 11.11.24 PL – Krakow / Hype Park 13.11.24 CZ – Prague / Meetfactory 14.11.24 AT – Vienna / Flex 15.11.24 DE – Munich / Backstage Halle 16.11.24 CH – Zurich / Komplex 17.11.24 IT – Milan / Live Club 19.11.24 DE – Cologne / Kantine 21.11.24 FR – Paris / Petit Bain 22.11.24 UK – London / Heaven 23.11.24 UK – Nottingham / Rescue Rooms 24.11.24 UK – Glasgow / G2 25.11.24 UK – Manchester / Club Academy 26.11.24 UK – Bristol / SWX 27.11.24 LU – Esch-Sur-Alzette / Rockhal 28.11.24 NL – Eindhoven / Effenaar 29.11.24 DE – Hamburg / Markthalle
Aussie melodic death metal titans, ORPHEUS OMEGA, are back to leave you breathless with the music video’s release for their soul-crushing track, “Star Maps.” Taken from their critically acclaimed album, Emberglow (out now via Wormholedeath), the “Star Maps” video is a poignant exploration of isolation, regret, and the desperate hope for redemption.
“Star Maps is an expression of stoicism and its effects on one’s self-image. When moments in life have taken hold and feel overwhelming, emotionally removing one’s self by pushing compassion away can be a coping mechanism. This is a journey of one performing such stoicism, defining their life and the path they’ve taken. “ said, Leon. “Musically it contains some of the most emotive moments of the album Emberglow, using atmosphere and long melodic passages to represent the repressed emotion given within the lyrics. Every time the chorus explodes, the emotions held back by the storyteller are kicking against its cage showing how poorly holding back such emotions can be. The bridge pulling back represents a full shift into one’s internal control, where the storyteller truly loses their sense of self and can no longer recognize the individual. “
Experience the full sonic assault of Emberglow on all streaming platforms: orcd.co/emberglow
With a career spanning 4 acclaimed albums 3 EPs and countless tour cycles both domestically and abroad, Orpheus Omega has cemented themselves as one of the hardest-working and entertaining mainstays of the Australian Metal scene.
Beginning with a sound forged along the lines of the great Gothenburg Melodeath era, the band has since grown further and further into a unique entity feeding off each member’s personality and life bringing them to touring with the likes of Insomnium, Trivium, At The Gates, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Lacuna Coil and many many more.
The continued evolution of Orpheus Omega has kept the band relevant and ever-growing and in 2024 brings with it the release of their most ambitious album yet, ‘EMBERGLOW’ through WormholeDeath Records.
Orpheus Omega is: Chris Themelco – Vocals/ Lead Guitar Leon Monaco – Bass/ Backing Vocals Matt Themelco – Drums Luke Ashley – Guitar Campbell Hill – Keyboard
U.S. band Black Metal band OTHER WORLD, featuring members of BLACK SALVATION and PILLORIAN, will release their new album, “Tenebrous“, on August 30th. In collaboration with Black Metal Promotion YT channel, DMP can now reveal an exclusive full album stream ahead of the official release date.
Across the six tracks of “Tenebrous“, OTHER WORLD weaves cinematic and hypnotic Black Metal with the relentless drive of Death Metal and the monolithic gravitas of Doom.
Composer Christopher shares some insight into the music of OTHER WORLD:
“I play in a way and style that I feel can resonate with fans of post, atmospheric, and doomy Black Metal. I am a fan of those genres, and I write what I feel fits what I am feeling. I still feel OTHER WORLD is an experimental Black Metal band. By no means will I go write a Death Metal album or something extreme. What I mean is, I don’t like limitations on what I can do. That was the sole purpose of me creating OTHER WORLD in the first place.“
Vocalist and lyricist Stephen explains the conceptual dimension:
“It is not a concept album. Generally, the lyrical theme for this record is about all kinds of grief. This could be the grief of losing someone close to you (whether they die or lost to another type of darkness, substance abuse, etc.), grieving the loss of one’s self, and anything dealing with the struggles of anxiety. It is terrifying in the split second that you think about decaying into the earth, then you realize that death is one of the only constants in our existence. One of the only things you can truly count on happening no matter what. Embrace that and enjoy your time.“
“Tenebrous” will be released on CD, vinyl and digital on August 30th. Pre-orders are possible via the label’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.
OTHER WORLD is an atmospheric/experimental Black Metal band formed in California in 2012 as a solo project of multi-instrumentalist Christopher A. (SUFFERING IN SOLITUDE, BLACK SALVATION). As his tenure with those projects came to an end, Christopher shifted his focus to OTHER WORLD, spawning five releases over seven years. In 2022, OTHER WORLD was joined by Stephen Parker (PARAPHILIA, MAESTUS, ex-PILLORIAN) on vocals and Jacob Holland on bass, which led to a collaboration on the new track, ‘Of Death and Alteration‘.
After arriving on DMP in authoritative style with epic 2023 single, the band expand and consolidate their vision via new album “Tenebrous” to be released on August 30th.
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 ) 