Consisting of two guitars, bass, drums and a powerful singer, BENTHIC playing a mixture of powerful post-hardcore and grooving metal with sustaining melodies. Dark guitar walls and angry roars are constantly being broken down to give room for emotions. An association with the elemental forces of maritime nature in all its beauty and brutality.
The band, featuring founding member Sebastian Formella of long-defunct German metalcore act DESTINY aka THE DESTINY PROGRAM and Siegmar Holzfuß of progressive rock act EDEN CIRCUS, was formed in Hamburg in 2012.
After a long period of writing, countless rehearsals and a few line-up changes, they finally joined as BENTHIC in 2014. Their debut EP called “THE MESS” was released in 2016.
After a long break, BENTHIC now has found a new label home at LIFEFORCE RECORDS and will be back in Februar with the first full-length “SANGUINE”.
With this work, which has matured in complexity and arrangements, BENTHIC wants to create new horizons and is looking forward to a future large and small stages of this world.
Sanguine tracklist: Sanguine Moloch Murmur Pitch and Tar The Stranger The Living Torch All Is Vanity Faded Godot Sanguine Pt. II
Hard rock sensation H.E.A.T light up 2025 with the announcement of their brand-new studio album ‘Welcome to the Future’, set for release on April 25th on earMUSIC.
The first single ‘Disaster’, which premiered yesterday on rock radio stations across Europe, is out today and guaranteed to snap listeners out of their winter sleep. The single was added to the A List on Planet Rock Radio in the UK. Watch the official music video on YouTube HERE.
The track comes with an explosive music video that merges 80s arcade aesthetics with metal madness, directed by the renowned Patric Ullaeus (known for his work with Europe, Arch Enemy, Children of Bodom, and many more rock superstars).
‘Welcome to the Future’ delivers everything that fans of the celebrated Swedish rock band love: an innovative, heavy, highly dynamic, and refreshingly melodic sound, the unmistakable vocals of frontman Kenny Leckremo, and an inimitable talent for catchy anthems that leave you hooked for days.
‘Welcome to the Future’ is now available for pre-order and will be released in multiple formats: CD Jewel Case, Black Vinyl, Limited Edition Neon Orange Vinyl, and Digital.
Tracklisting (CD/LP):
A
1. Disaster 2. Bad Time for Love 3. Running to You 4. Call My Name 5. In Disguise 6. The End
B
7. Rock Bottom 8. Children of the Storm 9. Losing Game 10. Paradise Lost 11. Tear It Down (R.N.R.R.) 12. We Will Not Forget
In support of the album, H.E.A.T will kick off their 2025 tour next week, bringing their breathtaking shows to stages across the UK, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru.
Jan. 28, 2025 – The Fleece, Bristol, UK Jan. 29, 2025 – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, UK Jan. 30, 2025 – Manchester Club Academy, Manchester, UK Jan. 31, 2025 – Islington Assembly Hall, London, UK Jan. 31 – Feb. 2, 2025 – Mid-Glamorgan, UK – Planet Rock Winter’s End Feb. 1, 2025 – KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton, UK Feb. 15, 2025 – Norrköping, Sweden Feb. 18, 2025 – Helsinki, Finland Feb. 19, 2025 – Tampere, Finland Feb. 21, 2025 – Uppsala, Sweden Feb. 22, 2025 – Lund, Sweden Feb. 23, 2025 – København, Denmark Feb. 25, 2025 – Göteborg, Sweden Feb. 26, 2025 – Oslo, Norway Feb. 27, 2025 – Örebro, Sweden Feb. 28, 2025 – Johanneshov, Sweden Mar. 1, 2025 – Falun, Sweden May 1, 2025 – Ciudad De México, Mexico May 3 – 4, 2025 – São Paulo, Brazil – Bangers Open Air Brasil 2025 May 4, 2025 – Comuna 1, Argentina May 6, 2025 – Santiago, Chile May 8, 2025 – Lima, Peru May 10, 2025 – Bogotá, Colombia May 23, 2025 – Madrid, Spain Jul. 11 – 13, 2025 – Mogilovo, Bulgaria – Midalidare Rock 2025 Jul. 17, 2025 – Bremen, Germany – Seebühne Rockt! 2025
Rising stars in the metal/punk scene, Lonely Empire, are set to release their highly anticipated debut EP,Dawn of the Empire, on January 31 via Golden Robot Records. This monumental release marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for the Adelaide-based band, whose raw energy and socially charged lyrics have already started to make waves.
Featuring a mix of heavy riffs, anthemic choruses, and poignant commentary, Dawn of the Empire showcases the band’s unique fusion of metal and punk influences. With tracks like their electrifying singles ‘Like a Misfit’ and ‘Convoluted Insanity’, the EP serves as both a declaration of intent and a thrilling invitation to their expanding fan base. “This EP is a reflection of the struggles and triumphs we face in a world that feels increasingly chaotic,” says lead singer Lucas. “It’s our way of connecting with anyone who’s ever felt like they’re fighting to carve out their place in this empire of noise.”
Produced with precision and passion, Dawn of the Empire cements Lonely Empire as a force to be reckoned with in the global punk and metal communities and with their intense live performances and a message that speaks directly to the outcasts, the band is poised to make a big impact. Fans can expect a sonic experience that’s as cathartic as it is exhilarating.
Innovative guitar visionary MARTY FRIEDMAN shares a new single, “A Prayer,” from his latest solo album ‘Drama.’ The new track is being released as a digital single that includes a “Guitar Karaoke” version of the track as a B-Side. “A Prayer” is accompanied by a visualizer, available below.
MARTY comments on the new single:
“‘A Prayer’ was one of the first songs I wrote for ‘DRAMA,’ It is an unapologetic tearjerker, and it set the melancholy tone for the entire album. I always wanted to do a full album of wistful songs like this, but only recently have I developed the ability to put together elaborate arrangements like this that sound deceivingly simple and uplifting.”
MARTY is excited to commence his “LIVE DRAMA 2025” US Tour supporting his most recent studio album ‘Drama’ out now on Frontiers Music. The tour begins this week on January 24th in Santa Ana and wraps up on February 22nd in Los Angeles. Tickets are available now. A full list of tour dates is below.
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
Commenting on the upcoming tour, MARTY shared this:
“My three band members from Japan, Chargeeeeee, Wakazaemon, and Naoki have created the ultimate setting to perform music from all stages of my career. If you`ve seen us live before, you know what to expect. If not, you are in for a unique treat. You will remember my band`s performances on this ‘Drama’ tour for a long time. Our last two USA tours have left an unforgettable impact on them. We are all beyond excited to cross the pond and play for my home country again!”
The dynamic acoustic duo of Nikki Stringfield & Patrick Kennison will perform as special guests for these dates.
MARTY FRIEDMAN ‘Live Drama 2025’
Jan 24 – Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory Jan 25 – Las Vegas, NV @ Count’s Vamp’d Jan 27 – Denver, CO @ HQ Live Jan 29 – St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway Jan 30 – St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theater Jan 31 – Westland, MI @ Token Lounge Feb 1 – Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs Feb 2 – Cleveland, OH @ The Winchester Feb 4 – New York, NY @ The Loft at City Winery Feb 5 – Boston, MA @ City Winery Feb 6 – Derry, NH @ Tupelo Music Hall Feb 7 – Annapolis, MD @ Ram’s Head on Stage Feb 8 – Pawling, NY @ Daryl’s House Feb 10 – Philadelphia, PA @ City Winery Feb 11 – Leesburg, VA @ Tally Ho Theater Feb 13 – Greenville, SC @ Radio Room Feb 14 – Nashville, TN @ The Basement Feb 16 – Houston, TX @ Bronze Peacock at House of Blues Feb 17 – Austin, TX @ Antone’s Feb 18 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater Feb 20 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launch Pad Feb 21 – Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room Feb 22 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Whisky
Tickets, Exclusive Meet and Greet VIP Packages, Stage Played Guitars, and more are available HERE
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
When Woodstock legend Melanie passed away on January 23 last year, we not only lost one of the most distinctive voices and songwriters of the last 60 years. We lost, too, what promised to be one of the most audacious albums of her entire career – and with 30-plus others to choose from, that was a very high bar to clear.
Secondhand Smoke, as she called it, was to be a collection of covers chosen precisely because nobody would have expected her to choose them.
Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, Depeche Mode, Morrissey, The Adverts, Britpop heroes Ash (their “Uncle Pat” had been in and out of Melanie’s live set since the 1990s) and more were lined up, and so was David Bowie, whose “Everyone Says Hi,” she admitted, resonated particularly deeply within her.
Indeed, it is one of the most emotionally affecting songs Bowie ever wrote. Taken from Bowie’s 2002 album Heathen, it is effectively a greeting to someone who has been loved and lost. And in the weeks and months following Melanie’s death, her son and long-time musical collaborator Beau Jarred found his thoughts increasingly returning to Bowie’s simple, but so moving lyric.
“Said you took a big trip, they said you moved away “Happened oh so quietly, they say.”
Although nothing had been recorded, Beau Jarred and Melanie had already started working on the song’s arrangement; now he returned to it, laying down a vocal in one sleepless night, and initially intending it simply as a gift to his family and friends.
But the more people who heard it, the more the performance took on a life of its own – until finally, with the first anniversary of Melanie’s departure looming, he was persuaded to release it to the world, a tribute not only to his mom, but also to Bowie, whose own death, in 2016, was also remembered this month; and to Melanie’s myriad fans, whose messages of support and love have done so much to sustain Beau and his family across these last 12 months.
The accompanying video, made up from a subtly sync-ed collage of photographs and press cuttings, adds further emphasis to the song’s emotional impact, as Beau explains.
“It’s for everyone. There’s nothing any of us would like more than to be able to say ‘hi’ to her, ask her how she’s doing, tell her to call sometime. And wherever she is, I know she can hear us. Hi mom, hi dad. And hi to David Bowie as well. We miss you all.”
It’s been six long years since The Great Old Ones released their last cosmic chapter of Lovecraftian lore. Finally, the French band has returned with another batch of dark tales, though now with a new twist. On Kadath, the post-black scribes climb out of Cthulhu only to descend into the dark heart of the Dreamlands.
“Great stuff for metalheads who like their fiction the same way they like their metal – dark, heavy, and highly disturbing” Metal Trencheswrote in their 9/10 review of Kadath.
Kadath is released today, Friday, January 24, you can hear all seven transcendant songs by listening to the full album stream on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.
On Kadath, The Great Old Ones draws the listener deeper into the dream-haunted world of Lovecraft’s strapping young hero. Always one to keep his head in the clouds, Randolph Carter embarks on a mind quest through the treacherous Dreamlands. But as the divine gods of old would have it, his nocturnal journey springs to life with otherworldly perils that push him to the brink of insanity.
The two-part epic “Me, The Dreamer” opens the album like an accursed bout with insomnia, tossing and turning amidst raging riffs. Just as Carter glimpses the stoned visage of the Gods on Mount Ngranek, “In the Mouth of Madness” sucks him into the grip of the nightgaunts with unflinching blast beats.
“Climbing the huge stone steps, seeing yellowish-red eyes, I’m running under, under the sign of Koth” vocalist Benjamin Guerry wails on “Under the Sigh of Koth” as the band tear through the very fabric that dreams are made of.
Cover Art: Jakub Rebelka
To usher in the latest chapter of the band, The Great Old Ones are bringing Kadath to stages across Europe. Catch the Lovecraftian legends on tour with Cult of Fire and Caronte later this spring.
“We’re very proud to announce that we will be presenting Kadath to our fans alongside the fantastic Cult of Fire and Caronte”, the band says. “We can’t wait to take you with us on the Dream-Quest of Unkown Kadath”.
Mantras for Peaceful Death Over Europe 2025 Tour March 26 Tama, Poznan, PL March 27 Drizzly Grizzly, Gdansk, PL March 28 Orwo-Haus, Berlin, DE March 29 Samhain Festival, Antwerpen, BE March 30 Bibelot, Dordrecht, NL April 1 La Machine Du Moulin Rouge, Paris, FR April 2 7er Club, Mannheim, DE April 3 Turock, Essen, DE April 4 Musigburg, Aarburg, CH April 5 Revolver, San Donà di Piave, IT April 6 Fuori Orario, Taneto di Gattatico, IT April 7 Largo Venue, Roma, IT April 8 Mocvara, Zagreb, HR April 9 Backstage, München, DE April 10 Szene, Vienna, AT April 11 From Hell, Erfurt, DE April 12 TBC, Nitra, SK April 13 Kwadrat, Krakow, PL
Tracklist:
1. Me, the Dreamer (10:55) [WATCH] 2. Those from Ulthar (9:10) 3. In the Mouth of Madness (7:11) [WATCH] 4. Under the Sign of Koth (8:46) [WATCH] 5. The Gathering (Interlude) (1:19) 6. Leng (Instrumental) (15:00) 7. Astral Void (End of the Dream) (8:54) 8. Second Rendez-Vous (Bonus Track, Jean-Michael Jarre Cover) (11:32) Total runtime: 1:12:49
A name is whispered which chills the spine and quickens the pulse – THE GREAT OLD ONES. Like phantoms emerging from the fog, they have haunted the world of Lovecraftian Black Metal with their sonorous, foreboding melodies and eldritch tales. Descending once more into the abyss of H.P. Lovecraft’s enigmatic universe, they have unearthed their latest opus, Kadath – an album that promises to be a journey of both magnificent dreams and unspeakable horrors.
THE GREAT OLD ONES emerged in 2009 from the old parts of the ancient Aquitanian harbour city of Bordeaux, France, a city famed for its secrets and deep red wine. After releasing their first album, Al Azif, the reactions of critics and fans were unanimously positive.
The band followed up with their second full-length, Tekeli-li, which garnered even higher praise. As a result, THE GREAT OLD ONES played a show at the acclaimed Roadburn festival, opened for BEHEMOTH in their homeland, played at Hellfest, and supported label mates SHINING and DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT.
The third full length, EOD – A Tale of Dark Legacy, (2017) marked another big step in the band’s fast rising career. The five-piece took the road with the legendary GAAHLS WYRD and embarked on a successful European co-headline tour with AUÐN from Iceland. THE GREAT OLD ONES also appeared on the billing of respected festivals, such as Brutal Assault and Eindhoven Metal Meeting, in front of a gigantic crowd of cultists.
THE GREAT OLD ONES have been crafting sonic landscapes that echo with the cries of ancient, cosmic deities and the whispers of forgotten realms. Their discography masterfully showcasing the sheer power of atmosphere and narrative, and has guided listeners through the darkest corners of Lovecraft’s mythos, earning them a devoted following among both metal aficionados and acolytes of the macabre. With their unique blend of harrowing intensity and sombre beauty, they have captured the essence of the otherworldly, marrying it with the raw, blackened heart of metal.
Kadath marks a bold departure from the oceanic depths of the Cthulhu mythos, venturing instead into the Dreamlands. It is here that we follow the protagonist, Randolph Carter, as he seeks the fabled city that haunts his visions. The album resonates with his longing and determination, embodying the treacherous path he treads amidst the capricious gods and monstrous entities that dwell within this twilight realm. Through seven tracks, THE GREAT OLD ONES tortuously narrate Carter’s odyssey, transcending the boundaries of music to evoke a world where fantasy intertwines with terror.
Recorded under the vigilant eye of Francis Caste at Studio Sainte-Marthe, Paris, Kadath‘s production is nothing short of sorcerous. Each note and whispers are imbued with the power to transport the listener, offering an escape into an epic, immersive universe. Benjamin Guerry’s haunting vocals and guitars, alongside the mesmerizing contributions of Aurélien Edouard and Alexandre Rouleau on guitars, the deep resonance of Gregory Vouillat’s bass, and the relentless assault of Julian Deana’s drums, forge an album of unmatched emotional depth and technical prowess.
Thus, behold the latest chapter in their eldritch saga, Kadath – their unyielding quest to explore the outer margins of reality and imagination. An invitation to journey beyond the familiar, into a world of cosmic dread and awe-inspiring beauty, where the ancient gods still roam and dreams bleed into reality.
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 ) 