Last summer, royal metal powerhouse HAMMER KING dropped a hammer strike with its Napalm Records debut, Hammer King. Now, the kings from Kaiserslautern, Germany return once more with their new “King Of Kings” music video, taken from the band’s latest critically acclaimed self-titled album!
HAMMER KING on “King Of Kings”: “Hammerous Folks! For ‘King Of Kings’, we gave our dear friend Ingo Spörl a carte blanche to create a final video for Hammer King. So this is the last chapter for this album – and we are about to begin a new chapter in the next weeks. Stay tuned! Royal gratitude to everyone of you for making Hammer King the success it was! God bless the King, may the King bless all of you.”
HAMMER KING keeps it heavy with speedy riffs, energic grooves and fist-pumping choruses, devoting their existence to the one and only myth of the godly Hammer King! The new self-titled album starts off with blasting drums and brisk guitars on “Awaken the Thunder”, with frontman and guitarist Titan Fox V showing off his incredible vocal range, whereas tracks like “Atlantis” prove HAMMER KING’s ability to write catchy and memorable choruses. Hammer King tells the lore of the Hammer King himself, a wrathful and mighty war god, who is praised in tracks like anthemic “Baptized by the Hammer”, energetic and double-bass driven “In the Name of the Hammer” and the hard-hitting “Hammerschlag”. Kneel before the king of kings, the HAMMER KING!
Irish Viking Metal/Norse Pagan Rockers REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS have released their third single and animated music video ‘Sigurd the Dragon Slayer’, via United Music Mafia, now available on all major platforms including United Music Steaming and Spotify. The single is taken from the upcoming album ‘Tales of Rune‘, which is out early 2022 through United Music Mafia.
Enjoy and have a great Sols-day Heathen Tribe 🛡⚔️🔥
The band revealed on the song: “Sigurd the Dragon Slayer is a song based on the Saga of the Volsungs. The Saga tells the tragic Norse tale of a Dwarf king and his 3 sons who all met their untimely and treacherous demise through cursed riches. The Saga also tells the story of one brave warrior Sigurd who became entangled and ultimately had to face the Dragon Fafnir alone. He was alone but he was armed however, with his mighty sword ‘Gram’, reforged from his Fathers sword which was given to him by Odin himself.”
Just recently Ren Marabou announced a Metal Podcast ‘SAGAS’ in collaboration with Corban Skipwith AKA ‘Serpent Tounge’, the first episode is now online, in case you missed it, watch here: https://youtu.be/0tKoCldup5M
At the beginning of January, the band released a new video for ‘Death of Baldr’, the closing track on the band’s most recent album ‘SAGAS’.watch it here: https://ummmusicvideo.com/v/FtJpCN
Furthermore REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS are featured, with their two singles ‘Fenrir’ And ‘Dødssang’, on United Music Mafia (UMM) label’s mass compilation of new music from all their artists.
Hailing from the Emerald Isle and based in the hills of Co.Donegal these Irish Viking Metal/Norse Pagan Rockers, REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS, deliver their own take on this powerful genre with a high energy stage show and anthemic, contemporary stylings. Endorsed by Cassidy Guitars, Skull Strings and Fishsticks drum sticks. Signed to United Music Mafia and Managed by Split Screen Management.
REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKER are: Ren Marabou (Vocals and Guitar) Terence McCann (Drums) Michael Casserly (Bass)
THE NOMADIC have released a new single and music video for “Grand Mistakes”.
“Grand Mistakes is, along with ‘Under a Georgia Sky,’ one of the first songs I wrote on piano,” says singer-songwriter Rob. “I am excited to see what Nomadic fans think of it! It is probably a little different to the singles we have put out so far. And I hope it moves and inspires people in different ways. It is really a song that captures the essence of the fact that we learn and grow from our greatest mistakes. And also, if we choose to, we can stop family trauma and repeat mistakes from continuing in a vicious cycle.”
He adds, “This is a song that addresses the theme of conflict, reconciliation and learning from mistakes. for most of my professional life, I have worked in situations of conflict, including Somalia, Sudan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, and Israel and Palestine. I have often paused to reflect on the damage such conflict does, not only on those who directly participate, but the trauma that gets passed on, to families from generation to generation. That is, more or less, the theme of Grand Mistakes!”
Australian guitarist and singer/songwriter Robert Gaylard brings a unique perspective and vision when it comes to creating music. His inspiration and passion for starting The Nomadic began early on as a child after traveling to many countries like Myanmar (formerly Burma), Singapore and the Solomon Islands. His “nomadic” lifestyle continued on into his adulthood when he began to work for the United Nations in various countries such as: Kenya, Somalia, the Sudan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Israel and Palestine. His travels eventually brought him to New York in September of 2012 and motivated him to pursue his songwriting by establishing an indie rock band.
In the year 2019, Rob took a one-year leave of absence from the UN to follow his musical passion and focus specifically on songwriting and live performance. The Nomadic released its debut single “Drifting” in September of 2019, “Waiting” was released in April of 2020; “Beyond Blue” and “Manhattan View” in June; “Walk the Streets” in October; and “Jeannie” in January 2021. These were followed up by “Skaterpark,” in February 2021 and “Under a Georgia Sky” in June 2021. “Grand Mistakes”released December 3, 2021, and the single “My Mind is Racing” will be released on 28 January 2022, accompanied by the album of the same name.
Influenced by artists like Oasis, Radiohead, The Verve, Bruce Springsteen, Phosphorescent, The War on Drugs, Arizona and The 1975, The Nomadic produces a sound genre like no other as alternative rock meets blues with hints of Americana and pop.
Having been originally influenced by numerous cultures and ways of life, The Nomadic promotes and advocates for issues of social action and innovation, human rights, support for minorities, as well as doing the next right thing, including the idea that it is never too late, including for people to follow their dreams and passions.
IGNESCENT have released their new single “Remnant” to all major platforms! The single is from their EP Ascension that drops March 4, 2022.
“The definition of remnant is a small remaining quantity of something, especially after a tragedy. ‘Remnant’ is about us being blessed beyond measure despite our failures and weaknesses and despite going through tragedy and hardships. It’s about perseverance and saying to the world even when we are brokenhearted and suffering we won’t give up and we will keep going,” vocalist Jennifer Benson says. “We will come up stronger despite adversity. It’s an encouragement to others to do the same and to not lose hope and to not give in to fear. I hope this song makes people feel inspired and to rock out!” says the band.
Female fronted and from Chicago, Illinois, IGNESCENT is a rock band founded by Jennifer Benson. Since 2008, the band has been primarily touring throughout the Midwest and Nashville area. IGNESCENT headlined the Budweiser Boneyard Stage last year at Rock Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin. IGNESCENT have opened for Stryper, Flyleaf, Eve 6, Buckcherry, Megadeth, Saliva, Lacey Sturm, Otep, John Cooper of Skillet’s band – Fight The Fury, Dan Sperry of America’s Got Talent, Another Lost Year, September Mourning, Art of Dying, Letters From The Fire, Like a Storm and has played at fests with Switchfoot, Colton Dixon, Memphis May Fire, The Devil Wears Prada, and Veridia. The band has co-written songs with Jeremy Valentyne of New Years Day, including their release “Exodus,” which he also produced and performed on.
IGNESCENT’s music is a great mixture of rock and pop with a great message. Their music has a rock/alternative edge that sounds right at home with most Top 40 formats. IGNESCENT combines their musical backgrounds to form a harmony that is both addictively musical and inspiring.
IGNESCENT is more than just a rock band, they are real people with a combination of great stories, combined with moving guitar riffs and a driving beat create a sound fans connect to. Their influences include Flyleaf, Evanescence, and Jinjer. “We’re authentic people that just want to encourage others with our message”, shares Jennifer Benson.
IGNESCENT’s first CD, Electrified, was produced by four-time Dove Award winning & Grammy nominated producer Travis Wyrick (10 Years, P.O.D.) and recorded at Lakeside Studios in Knoxville, Tennessee. The first song on the CD, “Calling Out to You”, was co-written with former lead guitarist of Skillet, Ben Kasica. IGNESCENT’s newest release was produced by Cameron Pierce Mizell who has worked with Memphis May Fire and Sleeping With Sirens. IGNESCENT also co-wrote a song with Sameer Bhattacharya of Flyleaf called “Fearless”. IGNESCENT has already been booked at Rock Fest in Cadott, WI summer of 2022 and will be appearing with special guest Sameer Bhattacharya.
Ignescent on Tour:
March 5 – Ignescent at Route 20 in Sturtevant, WI featuring Sameer Bhattacharya of Flyleaf on guitar March 11 – Ignescent at The Back Bar with Trapt in Janesville, WI May 7 – Ignescent at Suicide Awareness Show in Chicago – place tbd May 13 – Ignescent at WC Social Club with Disciple in West Chicago, IL July 15 – Ignescent at Rock Fest in Cadott, WI featuring Sameer Bhattacharya of Flyleaf on guitar
Industrial metal prophets, DIVISION:DARK, have shared a brand new track taken from their upcoming, first full-length album. Prophecy will be out on February 11, 2022 through Drakkar Entertainment, and features a high class list of guest musicians!
After the yet anonymous collective – just known as the prophets Ezekiel, Abel, Judas, Aaron and Natanel – introduced their first single “Stärker als Gott” featuring Anna Lux & Eric Fish as well as just recently, “Twisted Game” (featuring Vicky Psarakis of THE AGONIST), DIVISION:DARK have shared another blistering song taken from their upcoming Prophecy! To carry their message into the world, this time the band invited Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann (Orden Ogan) as their envoy. Watch the new video for the homonymous “Division:Dark” here:
On their upcoming debut, DIVISION:DARK will take you on a bombastic ride through industrial metal enriched with epic melodies and yet darkest, bleak and heavy sounds. From a musical as well as lyrical perspective, the album marks the first stage of DIVISION:DARK’s Prophecy, that judgment day will be upon us soon. The guest feature list on this apocalyptic journey and literally on every single track reads impressive, especially for a debut album, as DIVISION:DARK will be joined by top-notch musicians such as Vicky Psarakis, Anneke van Giersbergen, Lex (Megaherz), Blutengel’s Chris Pohl, Anna Murphy of Eluveitie and many more! Get ready for the revelation, as judgment day is about to come; yet the journey of DIVISION:DARK has just begun…
Prophecy was produced at the Creative Lounge in Majorca and will be available as CD Digipak and Box set on February 11, 2022 through Drakkar Entertainment. Pre-order your copy now at THIS LOCATION!
Tracklisting:
Eve (feat. Isra Ramos)
Stärker Als Gott (feat. Anna Lux & Eric Fish)
Twisted Game (feat. Vicky Psarakis)
Bevor Wir Wieder Asche Sind (feat. Lex)
(They’re All) Hypocrites (feat. Chris Pohl)
Division:Dark (feat. Seeb)
Der Letzte Tanz (Dino Serci & Otto Dix)
Still Meinen Durst (feat. Frank Herzig / Schattenmann)
Violinist, composer, ethnomusicologist TUOMAS ROUNAKARI‘s upcoming album “Bear Awakener” is now mixed and mastered, by Pekko Käppi at Verde Studio.
“This is music that gods are listening to” said Pekko Käppi after having listened through the freshly finished mastered tracks.
Earlier this month Tuomas issued his studio recap: “Jan 13th. The midpoint of hybernation and winter. A perfect day to finish recording the Bear Awakener album. Most grateful for everything! Working at Verde Studio with Mika Rintala, a legend in audio engineering, was exactly what I was looking after: effortless, fun, inspiring and explorative. We lost a day from the schedule as the raw-gut violin strings arrived in the very last minute. These strings took the violin modifications to a next level and the sound was a perfect match with the custom equipment by Verde Audio✨“
At the beginning of January Tuomas posted online a video, expressing his gratitude to all the crowdfunding campaign contributors for the new “Bear Awakener”, which reached its goal in less than 12 hours! In case you missed, watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=2088130888009225
Even though the crowdfunding campaigned ended on January 2nd, the “Bear Awakener” pre-orders go on live at https://igg.me/at/bearawakener
Planned release date of “Bear Awakener” is on March 13th 2022! According to an ancient Finnish bear calendar this date marked the end of winter hibernation and awakening of the bears.
Just recently Tuomas unveiled three Episodes for “Bear Awakener” and its backgrounds and meanings.
What is “Bear Awakener”? The name Bear Awakener comes from specific songs sung in order to awaken the bear. This album dives deep into the bear myths and is designed to re-awaken or cherish anyones connection with this mythical entity.
The myth of a bear’s origin is identical among the Finns and the indigenous Khanty and Mansi people. Both cultures run ceremonial Bear feasts that last several days. Many songs, dances and plays are performed in honor of the bear. Tuomas Rounakari has studied the bear feast songs of all of these cultures. There are thousands of verses containing bear related myths in the vast archives of Finland and the tradition is now returning among the Khanty and Mansi.
TUOMAS ROUNAKARI is an internationally acclaimed violinist, composer and ethnomusicologist from Finland. He is a one-man-band blending violin, vocals and stomping with ankle-bells. In his performance he enters various trance-states. In this album he will also be playing a traditional Khanty instrument called Ning-juh.
Tuomas is inspired by different forms of dialogue; man and nature, the seen and the unseen world, ancient and future. His first solo album Shamanviolin was a result of ethnomusicological studies of the earliest 20th century wax-cylinder recordings from Siberia. These studies have also led to many collaborations with indigenous artists. He is one of the few artists who have actually returned their art to native communities for evaluation and development.
Enjoy online concert from Kaustinen Folk Music Festival 2020. Shamanviolin at Pauanne is a full-length online concert produced by the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival 2020. The concert was filmed at the magical Pauanne where a community of folk musicians and folk healers used to live in the 1980’s. All buildings are fully hand made with many mythological decorations. This Shamanviolin concert ends with lament melodies in a burnt down sauna. The magic and unique beauty of this place is still strong. A perfect environment for my music.
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 