Sweden’s Dark Driven emerge in a chilling debut of grandeur and grit with From the Unbeliever, a collection of dark, gothic metal that fuses melancholy with menace.
A first offering, in the form of their single ‘Dressed Divine’, is now streaming via Hammerheart Records. From the Unbeliever will be released on 21st March via the label.
The band comment on the track: “‘Dressed Divine’ is one of the songs that we wrote and recorded at the end of the whole album process. The music is quite a melodious piece that starts with a rocking White Lion inspired riff with a nice hooky lead loop on it. The lyrics deals with a killer’s ego and perspective on his own excellence and is slightly inspired by the video for ‘Where the Wild Roses Grow’ featuring Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds ft. Kylie Minogue“
Dark Driven’s debut doesn’t merely flirt with darkness; it inhabits it. There’s a rawness here that feels simultaneously classic and refreshingly new, blending gothic melancholy with a relentless drive. You can expect music that is as uncompromising as it is evocative, bleak yet beautiful, with a depth that demands multiple listens to fully unravel. This isn’t just an album; it’s a journey into the abyss, with Dark Driven as the dark architects leading the way.
From the Unbeliever isn’t here to bow to trends or polish up for radio play; this is metal for those who prefer their music with shadows intact.
• Mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound AB (Dissection, Opeth, Marduk, Skeletal Remains) • Produced by Joakim Rimhagen and FilipLeo • Artwork and layout by Filip Leo, inspired by an idea from photographer Maria Åsén
Track-list: 1. To Death, Too Soon 2. Through Waves of Sand 3. The Letters Said Nothing 4. The Gods Won’t Intertwine 5. Tell Me 6. From the Unbeliever 7. Never Mind the Pain 8. Dressed Divine 9. Cinder to Stone 10. A Song for Revenge
Dark Driven are: Joakim Rimhagen: Guitars, keys Filip Leo: Lead guitars, vocals, bass, keys Nir Nakav: Drums
“full-throttle melodic Black…launched with atomic force!” (The Heavy Communion)
Emerging from out-of-nowhere, the enigmatic BLOOD ABSCISSION made a formidable entrance in 2023 with their short, sharp and startling debut album, simply titled “I“. Described as “a black gem” by No Clean Singing, the enigmatic entity quickly captivated a devoted following with their searingly powerful, emotive and transcendent modernist Black Metal.
BLOOD ABSCISSION has now inked a deal with DMP for the release of their sophomore album, aptly named “II“, in early 2025. The ever-ominous entity will present five more symphonies for the lost and forsaken, each note bearing the weight of unseen inner and outer universes. As BLOOD ABSCISSION themselves proclaim:
“United in pain, we step into the abyss – not as mere individuals, but as a collective force seeking meaning within the chaos, finding a voice in the silence between the stars.“
More information will be unveiled in due time. For a first musical teaser of the forthcoming work, click here! Alongside “II,” a physical edition of “I” will also be released in 2025.
Amidst the shroud of eternal night, where shadows and light dissolve into insignificance, a new soundscape emerges. An aural entity weaving chaos and purity into an ethereal hymn of resilience. BLOOD ABSCISSION‘s namelessness carves melodies of erupting rage and transcendental calm, capturing the collective pain that unites us all.
Each composition is a descent into the abyss of mind, where darkness sears and transforms, where fleeting moments of serenity are born from the fire of suffering. Melodies coil and writhe like serpents in the void, unearthing ancient emotions buried beneath the ever-present silence. Here, the unyielding embrace of mortality gives way to an eternal song – a journey that fractures reality and rebuilds it through the raw power of sound.
Through a haze of nihilism, the music transcends the boundaries of conventional form, speaking a language that defies both reason and tradition. This is a symphony for the lost and the forgotten, where the notes themselves seem to carry the weight of unseen universes. Each sonic texture calls to those who wander unseen and frees them from the chains of reality. Music to unbind the spirit, to navigate twisted paths, and to re-ignite the flame within. United in pain, we step into the abyss – not as mere individuals, but as a collective force seeking meaning within the chaos, finding a voice in the silence between the stars.
Euphrosyne, the groundbreaking post-black metal band from Greece, has officially signed with Black Lion Records in 2024 and is now excited to present their latest video for the second single “Funeral Rites .” This track serves as a preview for the band’s highly anticipated debut albumMorus, set to be released on March 21st, 2025.
““‘Funeral Rites’ is one of the darkest songs on Morus. With an immersive and atmospheric way, it tells the story of the ceremony at the burial of the Mother. The beginning of the track is a dark narration of how it feels to carry the dead and how you project yourself as one of them. Following a rough outbreak, feelings of guilt, anger, and despair are released. The song ends with a redemptive chorus and the wish that one day we’ll meet those who have been lost from our lives.”
“Funeral Rites” was mixed and mastered by Psychon(Septicflesh), with the vocals tracked at Sound Abuse Productions studio. Video Directed by Manos G (U217) Actors: Alexandra Katsinelou, Bill Katsaitis, Marianne Baxevanidou, Panos Leakos
Morus is an experiential concept album inspired by the true story of the loss of Alex Despotidis’s Mother from cancer on 2017. The narration begins with the realization of death and the feelings surrounding it until the final embrace, continues with the existential question “what happens after all comes to pass” and the depiction of pain and suffering. It moves forward towards the acceptance of the image of the person who is losing the battle and the last journey forwards the Asphodel Meadows, the section of the ancient Greek underworld where the majority of souls were sent to live after death. The music has been written by Alex Despotidis and the lyrics by Efi Eva, the mixing and mastering by Psychon (Septicflesh) and the artwork, as well as the photoshooting of the band, by Dimitris Tzortzis.
New England Metal band DEATH RATTLE are back following the signing news a release of first single/video “Immersed In Black” with another great track and music video. Second single “Malthusian Dependency” is online at all platforms now, or watch the creepy music video for the song HERE.
DEATH RATTLE show another element of their sound on “Malthusian Dependency,” which comes across slower, heavier and overall doomier. The music video, once again captured by Jonas Em of EmVision Productions, adds to the overall edge of the song.
“We chose ‘Malthusian Dependency’ as our second single because we feel it is probably one of the standout songs on the new album. It was the first song that was written off the album and was the most organic song. It spawned from Ryan and Chris hammering out the riffs down at the studio. We really spent little time refining it when we were tracking because the song felt complete when we walked in. It had elements of what each of us individually loved about music. It had groove elements from Ryan’s favorite bands, it had melodic thrash elements from Trey’s passions, and it had plenty of drum hooks, which Chris loved so much.”
As noted, “Malthusian Dependency” follows first single/music video “Immersed in Black” and both songs come from the group’s forthcoming new album, ‘The Moral Chokehold,” due out early summer.
Today DEATH RATTLE begins 3+ weeks supporting their friends in Lamb of God cover band Ashes of the Priest for a series of dates supporting the singles and videos and letting their presence be known. Check out DEATH RATTLE live (tour dates below) if they’re coming to your town and say hi.
But that’s not all – DEATH RATTLE have announced dates for their third trip back to Japan in March, supporting Left To Die (featuring Rick Rozz and Terry Butler, classic members of Death), The Convalescence and Japan’s Defiled.
“We’re beyond stoked to be hitting Japan with Left to Die for this insane two-day tour! The energy between these bands is going to be next level, and we can’t wait to bring the chaos to Tokyo. It will be our third journey to the land of the rising sun and we’re anxious to see a lot of familiar faces. The sets we have planned are full of old favorites and a bunch of new tunes off of the upcoming album. Playing these alongside such a great lineup will make for an insane couple of days and we cannot wait for the tour to begin.”
But wait… did I say that’s not all – DEATH RATTLE have already announced European shows and will be joining a heavy package overseas supporting Gorgoroth and Aeturnus.
“We’ve been waiting for this moment for years—joining forces with Gorgoroth to hit the road across Europe this March is going to be nothing short of legendary. Expect brutality, intensity, and a level of energy that is unmatched. This will be the first of what we hope will be many tours that will span multiple countries and cities across the EU. We will be coming in hot off of our tour with Left to Die in Japan, and we will be putting our new material to the test in front of some new audiences. Europe has been the dream for a while. It’s going to be a blast.”
Hailing from the New England area, a spot which has a long history of producing some of the most influential metal acts in modern metal, DEATH RATTLE hope to follow in the footsteps of those that came before them. DEATH RATTLE have already released two albums independently, toured the US four times including a run supporting The Convalescence and went to Japan twice in support of such luminaries as Cattle Decapitation, Revocation, Ne Obliviscaris and Wolfheart. The band seems to be building quite a reputation being invited back to Japan next March for a couple shows with Left To Die and Defiled. All this in addition to regional plays supporting Hatebreed, Soulfly, Unearth, Crowbar, Allegaeon, Philip H Anselmo and the Illegals, and even label mates Let Us Prey plus appearing at local festival plays on Mayhem Fest, Summer Slaughter, New England Metal and Hardcore Fest and the Tattoo & Music Festival.
Being sidelined by the Covid-19 pandemic DEATH RATTLE are now back stronger than ever and armed with an impactful new album that is more aggressive and unique than ever to be released next spring.
UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS
US Dates below with Ashes of the Priest: 1/10 Dingbatz – Clifton, NJ 1/11 Scandals Live – Virginia Beach, VA 1/12 The Rooster – Gastonia, NC 1/15 Chapel of Bones – Raleigh, NC 1/16 Reboot Arcade – Winston-Salem, NC 1/17 Blackstrap Music Hall – Gainesville, GA 1/18 Hotspot – Gulfport, MS 1/19 Babylon – Metairie, LA 1/21 Haltom Theatre – Ft Worth, TX 1/22 White Rabbit – Oklahoma City, OK 1/23 Sk8bar – Kansas City, MO 1/24 Banky’s – Owensboro, KY 1/25 Maple Grove Tavern – Maple Heights, OH 1/26 Jokes N’ Tokes – Dayton, OH 1/29 Peabody’s – Plattsburgh, NY 1/30 Photo City Music Hall – Rochester, NY 1/31 The Palladium – Worcester, MA 2/1 Cellar on Treadwell – Hamden, CT
Japan Dates: 3/13 – Space Odd – Tokyo, Japan w/ Left To Die, Defiled, The Convalescence 3/14 – Space Odd – Tokyo, Japan w/ Left To Die, Defiled, The Convalescence
EU Dates below with Gorgoroth and Aeturnus: 3/20 – Barrak – Ostrava, Czech Republic 3/21 – Wiatrak – Zabrze, Poland 3/22 – Szene – Vienna, Austria 3/23 – Orto Bar – Ljubljana, Slovenia 3/25 – Traffic – Rome, Italy 3/26 – Alchemica – Bologna, Italy 3/27 – Audiodrome – Turin, Italy 3/28 – Factory – Verona, Italy 3/29 – Pont Rouge – Monthey, Switzerland 3/30 – Petit Bain – Paris, France
DEATH RATTLE is: Trey Holton (vocals) Ryan Vanderwolk (guitar) Justin Brown (bass) Chris Morin (drums)
More information on DEATH RATTLE and the upcoming album release will be revealed in the months to come at http://www.facebook.com/DeathRattleBand and by M-Theory Audio.
Swedish supergroup GINEVRA – comprised of vocalist Kristian Fyhr (Seventh Crystal), guitarist Magnus Karlsson (The Ferrymen, Primal Fear), bassist Jimmy Jay (H.E.A.T.), and drummer Magnus Ulfstedt (ex-Eclipse, Nordic Union) – are thrilled to announce the release of their new studio album, “Beyond Tomorrow”, set for release on March 28th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. Pre-order “Beyond Tomorrow” HERE
The band share also the new single and accompanying video, “Moonlight”, available now.
Lead singer Kristian Fyhr comments on the new single, by saying that “it tells a story about fighting inner demons— losing yourself to something uncontrollably while pretending it will all go away.”
Talking about the record, he adds: “The whole album covers a higher cause without being biblical or political. We are all meant to bring the best of what we have into daily situations and life. We have approximately eighty years to leave a mark here on Earth, so we better make it count.”
“Beyond Tomorrow” is Ginevra sophomore album, which comes less than 3 years after the exciting debut album “We Belong to the Stars”. Ginevra is a real funnel of talents comprised of vocalist Kristian Fyhr (Seventh Crystal), guitarist Magnus Karlsson (The Ferrymen, Primal Fear), bassist Jimmy Jay (H.E.A.T.), and drummer Magnus Ulfstedt (ex-Eclipse, Nordic Union).
Moonlight
Lightning Roses
True North
Let Freedom Ring
Echoes Of The Lonely
Beat The Devil
Samurai
Arms Of Oblivion
Wild Ones
Higher
Enemy Of Your Destiny
The group came to be after Kristian Fyhr sent Serafino Perugino, the label’s President, some songs he had written for consideration to be used on future Frontiers’ label projects. One particular song, “My Rock N’ Roll” jumped out at Perugino and he asked Fyhr if he would be interested in fronting a new band that would craft an entire album in a musical direction illustrated in that song, which was substantially different from Fyhr’s main band Seventh Crystal.
The final results brought Ginevra’s sound under the same big umbrella of excellent Nordic melodic hard rock like H.E.A.T, Eclipse, Crowne, without necessarily sounding like those bands. Ginevra is hooky and melodic, but mostly heavier and more guitar/riff oriented than traditional melodic rock.
Perugino thought that Magnus Karlsson, who contributed to the songwriting for the album as well, seemed the perfect fit to play guitar for Ginevra and when approached about participating, he was keen on the idea.
With a powerful vocalist like Fyhr and a monster guitarist like Magnus Karlsson, whose resume speaks for itself, a top notch rhythm section needed to join the fold. Jona Tee, musician and producer for New Horizon, Crowne, and Temple Balls, recommended his H.E.A.T. bandmate Jimmy Jay for the bass position and he was the perfect fit.
For the drum stool, Magnus Ulfstedt, who has played with Eclipse, Nordic Union, and Jimi Jamison, was asked to join the band and complete this excellent Swedish foursome.
The pairing of Fhyr’s vocal and songwriting talents with Karlsson’s stunning guitar playing and songwriting has birthed something truly special and melodic hard rock fans can look forward to yet another gem from the ever fruitful Swedish hard rock scene.
Once again Fyhr took the lead in the songwriting department and worked on songs which are hooky and melodic but also fast, heavy, and driven by powerful hard rock groove (and some power metal gusto). His reach is enormous, his diversity is wide and he just fires on all cylinders on this album.
Magnus Karlsson also collaborated on the songwriting and his playing needs to description or introduction. It is not a case that he is considered one of the top musicians in his area of expertise.
The final result is another superb Melodic Metal album akin to other excellent Nordic melodic hard rock like Pretty Maids or Crowne, and the like, but without necessarily sounding like those bands.
Line Up: Kristian Fyhr – Vocals, Backing Vocals, Keyboards Magnus Karlsson – Guitar, Keyboard Magnus Ulfstead – Drums Jimmy Press Johansson – Bass
Steve Hackett’s annual performances at Trading Boundaries, in Sussex, UK have become something of a tradition for the legendary guitarist in recent years. Presenting stripped down material, and showcasing his acclaimed classical compositions, these unique & intimate concerts have become a highlight of the year, beloved of his fans. As Steve explains: “It’s always a joy for me to play at Trading Boundaries, a magical intimate place full of beautiful lights and exotic imagery, illuminating the darkest time of year over Christmas and New Year… It’s the perfect location for my acoustic set.”
‘Live Magic At Trading Boundaries’, set for release on Friday, January 17th, 2025, collects various recordings from these shows from over the years, and also features appearances from regular collaborators including brother John Hackett on flute, Roger King on keys, Rob Townsend on flute & sax, & Amanda Lehmann on guitar & vocals. The release also coincides with Steve’s next two live appearances at the venue, on January 18th &19th, 2025.
Today he is pleased to release a live recording of the track ‘Jacuzzi’, originally featured on his 1980 solo album ‘Defector,’ and you can listen to it now here:
Steve comments: “I’m thrilled to be releasing such a special album of live virtuoso performances over the years at such a magical venue.”
‘Live Magic At Trading Boundaries’ will be available as a Limited Edition CD Digipak, Gatefold 180g 2LP & Digital Album, mixed by long-time live sound engineer Ben Fenner.
The Red Flower of Tai Chi Blooms Everywhere 00:02:19
Hands of the Priestess 00:05:39
Memory Lane 00:05:12
Only Happy When it Rains 00:04:08
Ace of Wands 00:03:37
The Journey 00:03:36
Listen to the track ‘Ace Of Wands’ (originally from his debut solo album ‘Voyage Of The Acolyte’) performed live here: https://youtu.be/zfnwYd2IyYs
Over the course of 19 tracks, Steve explores various facets of his catalogue, including Genesis classics like ‘Blood On The Rooftops’ & ‘Horizons’, stripped down solo material such as ‘Ace Of Wands’ & ‘Hands Of The Priestess’, and magical renditions of his much-acclaimed classical catalogue like ‘Black Light’ & ‘The Journey.’ As a result, this album shows a completely different side to his playing: “Somehow, you can feel the special atmosphere through the sound of the music on this new live album, which is a complete contrast to my live rock shows.”
“I love the delicate dreamlike quality of this show with John and Rob interplaying beautifully on flute and sax, interspersed by surprising moments of power, such as the point when Roger’s keys become the sound of a full blown pipe organ!” The album also features two performances of tracks from Amanda Lehmann’s most recent solo album ‘Innocence and Illusion’, “Amanda’s lovely vocals on her own spellbinding songs also provide a special contrast.”
Steve has recently been reissuing his classical catalogue, and the latest two in the series, ‘Metamorpheus’ & ‘Tribute’ are available now. Both albums have been newly remastered for vinyl, and are available as Gatefold 180g LP’s in both black and limited coloured vinyl editions for the very first time. New digipak CD editions are also available, and they can all be ordered below: https://stevehackett.lnk.to/Metamorpheus-Reissue https://stevehackett.lnk.to/Tribute-Reissue
These follow hot on the heels of his critically-acclaimed new studio album ‘The Circus and the Nightwhale’. A rite-of-passage concept album with a young character called Travla at the centre of it, the 13 tracks have an autobiographical angle for the musician who says about his 30th solo release: “I love this album. It says the things I’ve been wanting to say for a very long time.”
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 ) 