FRAGMENTARY SOLID ABYSS has released ‘The King’s Feast’ music video, taken from “Concento Pavor Nocturnus” album, which is out via Wormholdeath.
Ömer Doğramacı is a multidimensional artist and musician blending diverse cultural and musical influences. Born in the Bronx, he draws inspiration from traditional Turkish, Middle Eastern, jazz, rock, and electronic music, creating fluid, boundary-defying compositions. His visual art explores the intersection of spirituality and the material world, using various mediums to reflect his mystical journey.
‘Dark Wing Gospel’ is the second album from Amsterdam-based Italian composer Carlo M. Dini and his BLACK YET FULL OF STARS Project, and to say that it doesn’t disappoint is an understatement!
Dini’s ability to stray from the symphonic metal herd and produce a captivating and utterly unique listening experience comes naturally for the composer, as he presents this elaborate collection of six spellbinding compositions that delve deep into the crevasse of Symphonic, Progressive Metal, adding Power metal elements among a rich and tapestry of layered aural arrangements.
Written and produced entirely by Carlo, ‘Dark Wing Gospel’ was recorded with Michiel van der Plicht (Pestilence, God Dethroned, Carach Angren), Ludovico Cioffi (Delain, Modern Age Slavery, Nightland) amongst other incredible guests.
With elements of power, progressive, and heavy metal, the album showcases all that Carlo has learned since starting his film scoring company in Amsterdam and it features unique taste in blending heavy guitar riffs, elaborate orchestral arrangements, dramatic symphonic choruses and unique harmonies, all driven by horror-themed lyrics, about an alchemist turned serial killer.
The album is a triumph of self-production, with Carlo M. Dini taking full control of both the music and the lyrics, as well as the production and arrangement of each track, down to every minute detail.
It was written “backwards” when it comes of the typical arrangement process: Carlo wrote all the orchestral and voice lines first, with a first intention of releasing the record with just these two elements. The metal band was arranged on top of the existing orchestra in all of the songs. ‘Dark Wing Gospel’ was re-amped by Stefano Morabito (Fleshgod Apocalypse, Hideous Divinity) and mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni (Rhapsody, Vision Divine, Michael Romeo).
The sound is defined by its masterful use of orchestral arrangements, with lead singer Davide Penna seamlessly blending clean vocals with Ludovico Cioffi’s powerful growls, creating a dynamic and evocative listening experience. Massive sounding string sections, a fifteen people choir, and cinematic soundscapes are prominently featured, adding a lush, elegant and epic quality to the music that sets it apart from typical symphonic metal releases. Each track takes the listener on a journey through dark, introspective themes, exploring topics such as madness, art and alchemical symbolisms.
Album Track-listing 1. Halom Shacor 2. The Great Work 3. Nigredo, Foulest Servant 4. Albedo, Ancient Heart 5. Rubbed, The Artist 6. King of Salt
Watch recently released ‘Nigredo, Foulest Servant‘ here:
About Carlo M. Dini. Carlo M. Dini studied music on his own during his university years, switching his focus from classical to electric guitar, eventually focusing more and more on harmony and composition. He started Black Yet Full of Stars in Italy, and wrote the first release under the name Black Yet Full of Stars between 2010 and 2014, during the same years in which he had started studying orchestration.
The first release (self-titled, Rockshots Records, 2016) has been well received by reviewers and featured a much more trash and heavy metal influence. When Carlo moved to Amsterdam to complete his university studies and made of his orchestral music “hobby” his daily job, he also turned Black yet Full of Stars into his metal playground, and decided to experiment – within the metal music context – how the orchestra can be featured together with the band, changing line-up and finding new guests for his records every time.
With influences ranging from Nightwish to Peter Gabriel, Carlo has created a sound that is both personal and epic in scale, and aims to make of Black yet Full of Stars a unique orchestral metal project.
[Photo by Robert Eikelpoth / Photo editing by Blake Armstrong]
2024 was a triumphant year for international symphonic metal frontrunners VISIONS OF ATLANTIS. The release of their latest full-length album, Pirates II – Armada, marks the band’s most successful record to date, climbing to top positions on international charts, including #5 on the German and Austrian Official Album Charts, #4 on the UK Rock & Metal Charts, and #2 on the US Hard Music Album Charts, to name a few. The summer and fall were filled with extensive touring, enchanting their devoted fans across Europe and the UK.
But pirates never rest, nor do the raging seas! Immediately after their tour, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS surprised fans with another stunner: the launch of the digital live series Armada Live Over Europe. By releasing live songs and videos throughout recent and upcoming weeks, the symphonic metallers have kept excitement levels at an all-time high. So far, eight videos have been released, capturing the explosive energy of a VISIONS OF ATLANTIS live show and allowing listeners to relive the incomparable spirit of their recent tour from the comfort of home.
Today, the series continues with the fan-favorite high-energy track, “Hellfire”, performed live in Pratteln on October 17, 2024. The track features a visceral guitar solo and a stunning vocal performance by pirate queen Clémentine Delauney and her captain, Michele Guaitoli. Alongside its availability on all digital platforms, the live series will culminate in a five-part digital live album, which can now be pre-ordered.
For fans in North America, the live album will be the perfect way to warm up for VISIONS OF ATLANTIS’s upcoming tour, taking place in April 2025. Tickets for this adventurous ride are on sale now, and fans won’t want to miss the unique VIP upgrade, which includes an exclusive acoustic set performed for a small audience before the show—creating memories to last a lifetime!
Pirate Queen Clementine states: “This one is for anyone waking up and finding their own strength and voice again. For anyone tired of listening to whispers that urge us to dim our light. ‘Hellfire’ represents strong minds, unafraid to carve their own paths and unconcerned with others’ opinions. It’s the chant of rebels fighting against those who abuse power to manipulate others. May we all reclaim power over our own lives.”
Subscribe to the playlist HERE and don’t miss a new live video!
Armada Live Over Europe shows the gripping stage presence and artistic high-quality of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS. The pirate crew, fronted by vocalists Clémentine Delauney and Michele Guaitoli, have managed to create their very own inimitable universe with symphonic heaviness and stunning visuals, and encourages their listeners to join them into a world where spirits are free, hearts are true and where light always rules over darkness, whatever the cost. Fans can expect a colorful range of songs, mostly taken from the band’s previous two records Pirates (2022) and Pirates II – Armada (2024).
Armada Over North America 02.04.25 US – Mechanicsburg / Lovedrafts 03.04.25 US – Baltimore / Ottobar 04.04.25 US – Pittsburgh / Preserving Underground 05.04.25 US – New York / Meadows 06.04.25 US – Cambridge / Middle East 08.04.25 CA – Quebec City / La Source Martinière 09.04.25 CA – Toronto / Lee’s Palace 10.04.25 US – Detroit / The Sanctuary 11.04.25 US – Joliet / The Forge 12.04.25 US – St. Paul / Turf Club 14.04.25 CA – Edmonton / Starlite 15.04.25 CA – Calgary / Dickens 16.04.25 US – Seattle / El Corazon 17.04.25 US – Portland / The Bossanova Ballroom 18.04.25 US – San Francisco / DNA Lounge 19.04.25 US – Los Angeles / Whisky A Go Go 21.04.25 US – San Diego / Brick By Brick 24.04.25 US – Las Vegas / The Usual Place 25.04.25 US – Phoenix / The Rebel Lounge 26.04.25 US – Salt Lake City / Soundwell 27.04.25 US – Denver / Oriental Theater 28.04.25 US – El Paso / Rockhouse Bar & Grill 29.04.25 US – Dallas / Granada Theater
VIP Upgrades area available for every show! Tickets & VIP Upgrades available HERE
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS are: Clémentine Delauney – Vocals Michele Guaitoli – Vocals Christian Douscha – Guitars Herbert Glos – Bass Thomas Caser – Drums
Melodic metallers MANTRIC MOMENTUM share their new single and accompanying video “The Highest Mountain”, from the upcoming studio album, “Alienized”, set for release on February 14th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Guitarist Christer Harøy comments on the new release: “On our second album, “Alienized”, we continue to build on the foundation made from the first album: a mix of heavy riffs, twin guitars, melodic vocals and massive choruses”.
About the new single, he says: “We wanted to write an “anthem-esque” song; a driving heavy tune, still very accessible with hooks to sing along to.”
Mantric Momentum is the new melodic the heavy metal group centered around vocalist Terje Harøy (Pyramaze) and multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Christer Harøy (Divided Multitude, Crossnail).
With the debut album “Trial By Fire”, Mantric Momentum raised the interest of the Melodic Metal audience, delivering great songs, amazingly composed and arranged, with a big production. “Alienized” will bring the band to the next level, with an even more bombastic production, handled by Mr. Jacob Hansen and a collection of songs where Terje’s superb singing together with the excellent songwriting skills of Christer make the difference!
The initial idea for Mantric Momentum first saw the day of light in 2011, when Christ Harøy co-wrote a song with Danish producer Jacob Hansen. The project was slow to come to life though, due to Christer’s duties with the bands Divided Multitude, Teodor Tuff, and Crossnail.
Their first single, “Awaiting Tomorrow”, was finally released in 2017 along with the track “Immortal”, with guest appearances from Yannis Papadopoulos (Beast In Black), Truls Haugen (Circus Maximus), Joey Vera (Fates Warning), and Ketil A Jensen.
The single “Temple Of My Fears” followed in 2020, this time with Christer playing all the instruments and featuring Ralf Scheepers on vocals. A third single, “Shattered”, was released in 2021 and featured Netta Laurenne (Smackbound, Laurenne/Louhimo) on vocals.
With these songs out there in the world, Christer got the itch to make a full-length album. For the vocal duties for the album, Christer wanted a full-time singer and permanent member, so he brought in his cousin and great friend, the Norwegian powerhouse Terje Harøy, who fronts Pyramaze. Christer and Terje have been working together on numerous projects and bands, so this was a natural fit.
Once again, stay tuned for a massive dose of melodic heavy metal coming your way soon!
“Alienized” Tracklist:
1. Prelude To Take-Off 2. Resilience 3. Alienized 4. The Highest Mountain 5. The Light 6. Come Undone 7. Time Is My Ally 8. Remember 9. Sirens’ Call 10. A Stronger Stance 11. Barricades
Line Up: Terje Harøy – Vocals Christer Harøy – Guitars, bass and drums
Guest appearances: Frank Nordeng Røe – Drums on track 2 and 11 Jimmy Hedlund – Guitar solo on track 7 and 8 Magnus Karlsson – Orchestration on track 1
Norwegian black metallers SARKOM are pleased to unleash their new single, “Exceed In2 Chaos”. The song comes by way of the band’s ferocious new full-length, set for release on February 21st 2025 via Dusktone. The track is now premiering at Decibel Magazine. Stream it HERE.
Marking two decades of darkness in the underground, SARKOM returns with their highly anticipated fifth album, “Exceed In2 Chaos”! With four critically acclaimed albums and several EPs to their name, this trailblazing band – led by songwriter and vocalist Erik Unsgaard -continues to deliver top-tier Norwegian black metal.
A furious masterpiece, “Exceed In2 Chaos” stands as a seamless follow-up to their 2016 release, “Anti-Cosmic Art”. While many bands adhere strictly to their roots and traditions, SARKOM boldly pushes boundaries, thriving on innovation. The result? A truly unique and intricate album from start to finish.
Building on their legacy, “Exceed In2 Chaos” masterfully blends the glorious traditions of Norwegian black metal with bold new elements. The album explores dissonances, piercing grooves, varied rhythmic structures, and unexpected twists, delivering a rich and dynamic tracklist. Always forward-thinking, SARKOM redefines their sound with this release, proving that their innovative spirit remains as fierce as ever. Each track reflects the band’s commitment to artistic growth, ensuring a listening experience that is both intense and refreshing.
1. Exceed In2 Chaos 2. Enter As Fool, Exit As Beast 3. Prime Time Suicide 4. Spectral Prophet In A Demonized Dream 5. Be[lie]ve 6. Bottomfeeders 7. Chasing Ghosts 8. Commit To Total Genocide (LP exclusive) 9. Nemesis
Credits:
Mixed by Jonas Jönsson at Studio LV5 Mastered by Roger Bergsten at Nevo Studios Photo by Ksenia Astera Hinderson Artwork in collaboration with Cursed Art
Three-headed Danish doom monster KATLA is set to take 2025 by the throat with the release of their unmissable debut album, Scandinavian Pain, out March 21 via Napalm Records. After years of honing their colossal sound and live energy, the band delivers an unrelenting blend of raw emotion, gritty riffs, and subterranean sonic battery. The album not only marks a new chapter for the band, but also reflects their rise to acclaim – from humble beginnings at Copenhell Festival, to becoming a standout act in Denmark’s heavy music underground. Witness this thunderstorm on European stages, when KATLA will support the mighty death metal force 1914 on their extensive tour starting end of February!
Scandinavian Pain also marks the debut of new KATLA bassist and vocalist Theis Thorgersen. His addition not only breathes renewed energy into the band itself, but imbues an evolved sound that is heavier, darker, and sharper than ever before. KATLA’s meaningful yet uninhibited sound and high-energy live performances have positioned them as a force to be reckoned with.
KATLA on “Taurus”: ”This was the first song that we created after the departure of our old bassist. We didn’t have a label or a clear plan of what we wanted to do besides making music. Taurus was our first step into the ‘newer’ sound of KATLA. After making the split ‘Overdoser’ and trying to up the tempo a bit to make it sound tougher and gritter, Taurus came naturally with the arrival of Theis on the bass and vocal parts, and the visions for the debut KATLA album.”
Scandinavian Pain is a cathartic exploration of personal struggles, mental health, and societal critique. Songs like “Dead Lover” and “Grim Jesus” dive deep into themes of overcoming inner darkness and rejecting oppressive systems, showcasing lyrics that resonate with the resilience of the human spirit. “Castle of Purity” is a searing anthem that calls out the abuse and hypocrisy in organized religion – a powerful statement about pushing back against injustice and finding strength in individuality. Produced by Lasse Ballade (known for his work with Solbrud, Alkymist, and Halshug), the record combines visceral sonic landscapes with a deeply personal narrative. Prepare to experience the raw power and unfiltered honesty of KATLA on Scandinavian Pain.
KATLA says about the album: “Scandinavian Pain is an album about the shame of feeling depressed in a country that in many ways seems to be out of any misery or control of others. The inherent feeling of guilt, the despondent thoughts. The weight of cultural Christianity and being part of a system that is destroying both ours and other lives. It’s about watching the newest season of whatever decadent TV show is on while children are being murdered daily. All the songs are different, yet similar. This time, there’s an affirmation for you, who might need it, a story telling, a short grindy track, something with a blast beat, but of course also heavy sludgy doom. Welcome to the house of pain.”
Scandinavian Pain track listing: 1. Don´t Let The Fuckers Get You Down 2. Goblet of Power 3. Dead Lover 4. Eating Grapes With Kevin Sharp 5. Taurus 6. Hunab-Ku 7. White Dagger 8. Grim Jesus 9. Castle of Purity
KATLA on Tour with 1914: 27.02.25 PL – Warsaw / Hydrozagadka 28.02.25 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser 01.03.25 DE – Selb / Rockclub Nordbayern 03.03.25 DE – Munich / Backstage Club 04.03.25 DE – Erfurt / Bandhaus 05.03.25 DE – Frankfurt / Nachtleben 06.03.25 DE – Essen / Don’t Panic 07.03.25 BE – Diest / Hell 08.03.25 BE – Kortrijk / DVG Club 10.03.25 FR – Paris / Petit Bain 11.03.25 NL – Leiden / Nobel 12.03.25 NL – Nijmegen / Doornroosje 13.03.25 DE – Osnabrück / Bastard Club 15.03.25 DK – Albertslund / Forbrændingen 16.03.25 DE – Hamburg / Logo 18.03.25 DE – Berlin / Reset 19.03.25 DE – Dresden / HD 20.03.25 CZ – Prague / Black Pes 21.03.25 SK – Bratislava / Randal 22.03.25 SK – Kosice / Collosseum 23.03.25 PL – Krakow / Hype Park
KATLA is: Rasmus Bang – Drums & Vocals Marc Lennart Christensen – Guitar Theis Stenberg Thorgersen – Bass & Vocals
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 ) 