The Progressive Souls Collective releases ‘A Formular For Happiness’ as the lead single from the upcoming album ‘Encore Vol. II: Sonic Birth Live’ (Metalville Records – Release 04.04.)
With ‘Encore Vol. II: Sonic Birth Live’, The Progressive Souls Collective (TPSC) are now making their first mark in the live albumsector. Recorded at the Artrock Festival 2022, the album brings the atmospheric ambience of the concert directly to the fans’ homes. At its core lies the live performance of their acclaimed debut concept album “Sonic Birth” in its entirety, which unfolds its power in this live rendition.
The band plays with precision and passion. Lead vocalist Vladimir Lalic mesmerizes the audience with his vocal strength and commanding stage presence. Guitarist Florian Zepf delivers gripping riffs and tasteful solos, complemented by Jamie Powell’s solid bass lines, which together form the foundation of the band’s sound. Gerald Peter adds depth and dynamics and beautiful lead sounds to the music. Drummer Tim Korycki provides the essential groove and backbone to the ensemble, steering the band through intricate odd-time signatures and complex rhythms with finesse.
The final polish on this live album comes courtesy of Reuben Cohen, member of the Grammy-winning Lurssen Mastering team from Burbank and mastering engineer for legends such as Metallica.
With “Encore Vol. II: Sonic Birth Live,” TPSC deliver yet another solid and powerful release. This live album not only impresses musically but also captures the passion and energy of a band that shines in live settings.
TRACK LISTING Human Denaturation Metature Comfortalble Darkness Killing True Beliefs Fractional Emotion A Formular For Happiness Inner Circle You And Me Alone Hurt Destiny Inc. Mind Treasures
LINE UP Vladimir Lalic – vocals Florian Zepf – guitars Gerald Peter – keyboards Jamie Powell – bass Tim Korycki – drums
Ne Obliviscaris – Feat former vocals Xen in centre
2025 is lining up as another memorable year for Ne Obliviscaris. Next month, the maestros of progressive, extreme and melodic metal are returning to North America in support of their latest album. Only this time, the band will be joined by their new harsh vocalist James Dorton and original drummer Dan Presland.
As they tighten their strings in heavy anticipation for the Chaos & Carnage tour, today, Ne Obliviscaris are sharing a drum playthrough of “Suspyre”, the blasting, crashing, rumbling, double bass-filled 10-minute centerpiece from Exul.
Watch Dan Presland master “Suspyre”:
Get tickets HERE to see Ne Obliviscaris with Dying Fetus, Cradle of Filth, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Undeath, Vomit Forth and Corpse Pile on this year’s Chaos & Carnage Tour.
“We are excited to come back to North America next month as part of this year’s epic Chaos & Carnage tour package”, says violinist and clean vocalist Tim Charles. “These shows are going to be incredible. We can’t wait to see you there!”
CHAOS & CARNAGE 2025 April 17 – Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre April 19 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern April 20 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren April 22 – Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey Theater April 24 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater April 26 – San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center April 27 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues April 29 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl May 1 – New York, NY @ Palladium Times Square May 2 – Richmond, VA @ The National May 3 – Reading, PA @ Reverb May 4 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium May 6 – Montreal, QC @ L’Olympia May 7 – Toronto, ON @ Rebel May 8 – Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot May 9 – Chicago, IL @ Radius May 10 – Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom May 12 – Wichita, KS @ Temple Live May 14 – Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium
Exul and the 10th anniversary remastered version of Ne Obliviscaris’ monumental second album Citadel are now available on Season of Mist.
Even after this tour ends, Ne Obliviscaris aren’t done bringing chaos and carnage to the Americas. Come May, the band are performing three special shows in Mexico. This sprint includes a stop at Guadalajar’s The Metal Fest, plus two headlining dates in Monterrey and Mexico City, where they’ll perform Exul and Citadel in full.
“We had such a great time in Mexico this past November at MXMF”, Charles says. “We really wanted to make it to more cities in Mexico. We can’t wait to share The Metal Fest and these two special headline shows with you!”
Ne Obliviscaris Mexico Tour 2025 May 16 – Monterrey @ Caf Iguana* May 17 – Guadalajara @ The Metal Fest May 18 – Mexico City @ Circo Volador* *performing both Exul & Citadel in full
Lineup: Xenoyr – Harsh Vocals James Dorton – Harsh Vocals (Live) Tim Charles – Violin & Clean Vocals Benjamin Baret – Lead Guitar Matt Klavins – Guitar Martino Garattoni – Bass Dan Presland – Drums (Live)
“Spirit of Gravity” is the brooding new single from Italian funeral death doom entity TETRAMORPHE IMPURE. The track, now streaming exclusively at Mystification Zine, is the latest preview preceding the project’s imposing debut LP, “The Sunset of Being”, due out April 18th 2025 via Aesthetic Death.
Hailing from the Alpine north of Italy, TETRAMORPHE IMPURE is the creation of Damien, an experienced musician and former member of Mortuary Drape. After a series of underground releases, TETRAMORPHE IMPURE emerge from years of dormancy to bring forth its first full-length creation. Melding the profound weight of funeral doom, old school death metal and early doom-death. Monolithic and crushing in it’s sonic core, “The Sunset of Being” brings forth vast soundscapes draped in despondent, shuddering riffwork.
Both nostalgic and reflective in its essence, TETRAMORPHE IMPURE create a brooding, despondent atmosphere, evoking the spirit of the early 90’s through the lens of funeral death doom and old school death metal.
As Damien explains, “…this album is a procession through darker corners of human experience. We intend to submerge the listener in a meditative state where they can reflect on the transient nature of existence, its desolation and dread. Work on these songs has taken over two years, with a focus on intentionally capturing the right feel and atmosphere in each moment. I would spend days experimenting with sounds until every passage had the raw intensity that I was aiming for. Bands like Decomposed, Disembowelment, Dusk, Evoken, Mournful Congregation, and Esoteric have left a big mark on my way of making music. Yet the inspiration of bands such as Dead Can Dance (especially ‘Within the Realm of a Dying Sun’) and Swans, plus being a huge fan of early Swedish and Finnish death metal – Demigod, Demilich, Convulse, Abhorrence, Gorement, Crematory, etc – are quite evident in our new album, adding a contrasting and primal edge to the sound.”
“The Sunset of Being” was co-produced, mixed and mastered by Alex Sedin.
For fans of: Evoken, early My Dying Bride, Decomposed
Tracklist:
1 – Forsaken Light 2 – Night Chants 3 – Spirit Of Gravity 4 – The Sunset Of Being
Guitar visionary MARTY FRIEDMAN is pleased to share a new digital single, “Tearful Confession,” from his latest solo album ‘Drama.’ The new track is being released as a digital single and is accompanied by a new video, available below.
MARTY comments on the new single:
“With this song and video, I am trying to express with music the hopeless feeling of hiding a secret in despair until you let it out and feeling a wave of relief and positivity. The video features the Marty Friedman Band, Chargeeeeee, Wakazaemon, and Naoki Morioka. You loved `em on tour and we are coming back for you soon.”
In addition, MARTY has a brand-new full autobiography, Dreaming Japanese, out now worldwide by Simon and Schuster. It is available at the following vendors: amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and dreamingjapanesebook.com
MARTY FRIEDMAN`s presence in the world of music, the world of guitar, and Japanese pop culture is mystifying, bizarre, and nothing short of inspiring. His latest solo album ‘Drama’ where he only slightly revisits the atmospheric elements of his acclaimed 1992 release ‘Scenes,’ elevating them to a modern and exotic collection of epic, extravagant, and unapologetically emotional mini-symphonies.
From his groundbreaking beginnings with Cacophony, alongside the legendary Jason Becker, to his pivotal role in propelling Megadeth to its peak of popularity with his breath-taking range and unorthodox melodic sense, MARTY FRIEDMAN has solidified his status as a unique guitar icon.
Tracks like “Illumination” and “Mirage” transport listeners to captivating realms, evoking sudden tears and chills. The entire album spotlights MARTY’s mesmerizing melodies, game-changing arrangements, and heart-tugging motifs even more than any of his previous work.
Recorded in Italy, where MARTY had access to a treasure trove of vintage guitars along with his modern signature models, ‘Drama’ is a pure, uplifting musical experience.
1) Illumination 2) Song for an Eternal Child 3) Triumph (Official Version) 4) Thrill City 5) Deep End 6) Dead of Winter 7) Mirage 8) A Prayer 9) Acapella 10) Tearful Confession 11) Icicles 12) 2 Rebeldes (Dead of Winter) (Spanish Version) 12) Mirage (Guitar Karaoke Version) Bonus track Japan
Produced By: Marty Friedman
Studios: Newsin Audio Design, Italy Woodcliff Studios, USA NK Sound & Sunshine Studios, Japan
Recorded By: Luigi Stefanini, Frank Rosato, Takao Nakazato, Atsuo Akabae, Kenjiro Naka Mixed By: Alexander Backlund and Jay Ruston Mastered By: Koji Tanaka at Victor Creative Media, Tokyo Guitar Technician & Sonic Guru: Franco Piona
Since moving to Japan in 2003, MARTY FRIEDMAN has become a household name even beyond the world of music. Fluent in Japanese, he has appeared on over 900 Japanese TV shows of every variety, as well as motion pictures and commercials including an ad campaign for Coca-Cola / FANTA that ran for over two years. He was recently appointed an Ambassador of Japan Heritage by the Japanese government who also commissioned him to compose the “Japan Heritage Theme Song”, recorded by MARTY and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and is played at official government-related events. He has played the Opening Ceremony at the Tokyo Marathon 5 times, including in March of this year. Three books on MARTY`s life have been released in Japan and a brand-new full autobiography will be released worldwide December 3rd.
In addition to his legendary work with Cacophony and Megadeth, MARTY has released fifteen solo albums starting in 1988 with ‘Dragon’s Kiss’, and has had multi-platinum, platinum, and gold album sales awards in twenty-seven countries, achieving seven Grammy nominations to date. In recent years, FRIEDMAN has put out the distinguished, ongoing Tokyo Jukebox line, which, as the title suggests, is a series of albums featuring covers of Japanese songs starting with ‘Tokyo Jukebox’ in 2009, ‘Tokyo Jukebox 2’ in 2011, and most recently, ‘Tokyo Jukebox 3’ in 2020. This series has become a go-to set for people all around the world who are fast becoming fascinated with Japan and its music.
MARTY has played the Tokyo Dome, Budokan, and every major Japanese venue multiple times. He has toured Japan countless times with his solo music as well as alongside many legendary Japanese stars. Since the release of ‘Tokyo Jukebox 3’ in 2020, MARTY has toured Japan twice, performed as a soloist with three major symphony orchestras, and made several TV appearances, most recently performing with Yoshiki of X Japan.
Since the pandemic, MARTY and his band have toured the U.S. twice and are planning to tour extensively for ‘Drama’.
Vocals on “Dead of Winter”: Chris Brooks (Like A Storm) Vocals on “2 Rebeldes”: Steven Baquero Vargas Bass on “Mirage”: Or Lubianiker Rhythm Guitar on “Thrill City”: Naoki Morioka Keys and Synth on “Song for an Eternal Child”: Takuro Iga Drums on “Thrill City”: Chargeeeeee Additional recording: Yukiko Takada, Jordan Rudess, Naoki Morioka, Maki Furugaki, Chris Brooks, Matt Brooks, Kent Brooks, Brian Becvar
The official video clip for ANGUISH FORCE’s “I know” from their latest album “Ten reasons to die” will be released soon via Wanikyia Record.
The song, for the first time for a Heavy Metal band, was specially shot in 9:16 and is a first for this genre. The band rented a theater to make it, but there is no shortage of filming on exteriors. The lyrics are meant to make the point that even if we do not replicate every news that is published in the media, it does not mean that we are not aware of an objectively intuitable reality.
The video clip will soon be followed by another video, this time in traditional 16:9 format. It is about the second single from the latest album, namely “Brother kills his brother.” The video, which is absolutely topical, is about the current war going on in the former Soviet Union and the contradiction it represents. Here we are not talking about politics but about the complete lack of common sense.
Rising heavy blues powerhouse Dead Groove, born from the creative crucible of 2020’s lockdown, release the EP Rubicon this week. Pressed on crystal clear 10″ vinyl, the release features a distinctive cover of Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades.”
Also included are two coruscating band originals, “Fire” and “The Damned,” the latter spotlighted by Dead Groove’s latest video, an auto-destruction rampage capturing the three piece in action. Watch out, too, for a special appearance by Moris Tepper’s “The Bummer Man” painting.
Filmed by Vinny Marvaso and produced/edited by band members Fred Aching and Holly West, the video premiered this week.
Dead Groove began as a pandemic collaboration between drummer Aching and bassist/vocalist West, and swiftly evolved into one of the scene’s most promising acts. The band, completed by guitarist Cesar “Cags” Salaverry, brings together decades of professional experience, including West’s current role with Zepparella, Salaverry with the Peruvian band Mauser, and Aching’s performances with Kings of Thrash alongside David Ellefson, Powerflo and BulletBoys.
The successor to the band’s acclaimed self-titled debut album, Rubicon represents a significant evolution in Dead Groove’s musical journey. The title, referencing the historic point of no return, perfectly captures the band’s commitment to pushing their sonic boundaries – they describe it as presenting “a more polished iteration of Dead Groove’s signature sound while maintaining the raw energy fans have come to expect.”
Their interpretation of Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades” demonstrates Dead Groove’s artistic vision. By deliberately slowing the tempo and incorporating their characteristic groove, the band has created a fresh interpretation that both honors the original and establishes their unique musical identity.
The EP’s creative process highlights the band’s collaborative strength, with Aching and Salaverry crafting the instrumental framework while West contributes her distinctive vocals and lyrical artistry. Drawing from influences including Black Sabbath’s heavy blues foundation, Deep Purple’s progressive complexity, and the melodic innovation of King’s X, Dead Groove continues to forge their own path in modern heavy music.
To celebrate the release, Dead Groove are performing at the legendary Whisky A Go Go on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood on March 23rd, opening for King’s X.
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
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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 ) 