Valkyrie’s Fire are a symphonic power metal band from Nashville, Tennessee, born of true emotional passion that ignites our hearts and unlocks the deepest mysteries of the soul. The band just premiered another new music video entitled “Ride of the Valkyrie” which is the third music video from their new EP album Ascension which was just released on November 8, 2024 via Eclipse Records. The album was produced and mixed by Joey Grimaldi, and mastered by Jack Kosto (Firewind, Seven Spires). The music video for “Ride of the Valkyrie” was directed by Austin Dellamano at Weems Creative.
“Ride of the Valkyrie is a song we wrote which tells the tale of beautiful Valkyries as they ride to the war-torn battlefield to carry the souls of the fallen Viking warriors to Valhalla”, says bassist Dave Hale. “The album, and specifically this song, is steeped in Norse mythology, and as such, the lyrics also hint at that, while keeping their relevance to the fans and musicians. Each of us fights a battle in the field of music, and each of us must remain strong and give our all for those things we fight so valiantly for.” Guitarist Joey Grimaldi adds, “Ride of the Valkyrie is the first track from the album ASCENSION by Valkyrie’s Fire, and it is a crowd favorite at all of our shows, delivering a solid, fast, and upbeat song which gets the audience banging their head and pumping their fists immediately when this first song is played. This music video was chosen to be our spotlight video to correspond with the release of our album ASCENSION, and as such, we wanted this music video to be EPIC in every way!! We feel like we delivered on that goal in this music video, and we incorporated live horses, emotional battle scenes, with fire, lightning, and lots of blood in this LARP (Live Action Role Play) rendition of an epic Viking battle.”
Valkyrie’s Fire are a symphonic power metal band from Nashville Tennessee, and their debut album titled Ascension, is a magnificent and unique blend of blazing guitar licks, soaring vocals, and a signature low-end bass attack in the rhythm section. This band has been hailed as the symphonic metal powerhouse of the American south, and the key word here is “power!” First, the band offers us a dual power vocalist approach, male and female, often in harmony, other times in unison, switching solos and trading octaves so effortlessly that they seem to be a unified, magical being. As for the power-guitar, the verse-tracks have enough chock-n-gravel “chunk” to satisfy the heaviest of head bangers, and the lead solos are simply red hot and blistering. Last but certainly not least, the power-bass and power-drums are just as complex and upbeat as they are lush and heavy and deep, dark and daring. Ascension is not just an EP, but more a bold statement. While many of the lyrics are drawn from Norse Mythology, which is a common trait for the genre, one cannot help but admire the record’s modern relevance, the lyrics that have us “outpacing the light” and suffering the scars cut so deep they lead to confession. Our hearts break when the band takes on the idea of emptiness, reminding us of toxic relationships and those who struggle just to live through the day. We drink and smoke and lie and rationalize, fooling ourselves into thinking there will be little cost, when it is our own “tomorrows” we have stolen from ourselves, and finally, when we fall, we must “rise up once again.” Ascension was released on November 8, 2024 by Eclipse Records.
IRON MAIDEN in 2022 – Photo Credit: John McMurtrie
Forty years ago, Powerslave, one of the most iconic albums in heavy metal history, was released. For many fans, it’s considered a masterpiece by Iron Maiden, containing some of the band’s greatest classics that are still performed live today. Songs like “Aces High” and “2 Minutes to Midnight” remain among the band’s most popular and well-known tracks. The guitar solo in the title track “Powerslave” is especially noteworthy, as it’s still considered one of the best solos of all time, showcasing the musical power Iron Maiden brought to the stage even back then.
Powerslave: An Album For The Ages
Powerslave was Iron Maiden’s fifth studio album, released in 1984, at a time when the band was already enjoying worldwide success. It was the first album recorded with a stable lineup of Bruce Dickinson, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Steve Harris, and Nicko McBrain, solidifying Iron Maiden’s status as one of the most influential metal bands of the 1980s.
Each song on Powerslave tells its own story. “Rime of the Ancient Mariner“ was inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem of the same name and, at over 13 minutes, delivers an epic album conclusion. “Aces High” references the air battles of the British Royal Air Force in World War II, while “2 Minutes to Midnight” takes a critical look at the theme of war.
Today, Powerslave is regarded as a benchmark for many metal bands. Its influence can be seen in the music, style, and stage performances of countless artists who followed. The album and the accompanying “World Slavery Tour” cemented Iron Maiden’s reputation as one of the greatest metal bands of all time, and continue to inspire fans and musicians worldwide.
Powerslave Tracklist:
Aces High
2 Minutes to Midnight
Losfer Words (Big ‘Orra)
Flash of the Blade
The Duellists
Back in the Village
Powerslave
Rime of the Ancient Mariner
With its epic duration, powerful riffs, and profound lyrics, Powerslave remains an inspiration for metal fans around the world. The songs are timeless classics that have endured changes in trends, showcasing the unwavering energy of Iron Maiden.
Punishing noise levels are a natural force among metal’s various habitats. But after hearing the roar of chainsaws tear through Costa Rica’s rain forest, two angry metalheads are banging their heads together to protect our ecosystems.
Savage Lands is co-operated by Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and musician-turned-activist Sylvain Demercastel. Since its founding in 2022, the U.S.-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit has preserved 100,000 square feet of Costa Rican forest using the money from their music. 100% of the royalties from the organization’s debut album, Army of the Trees, support their ongoing preservation projects in Costa Rica and other countries.
Army of the Trees comes out February 15, 2025 on Season of Mist.
Watch the video for the album’s anthemic title track, which features stars from across the French metal scene:
Like the trees of the rain forest, Savage Lands are supported by many different branches.
On the ground, the organization partners with scientists, forest engineers, ecological parks, private businesses and other local non-profits. Their Green Alliance has led to more than 11,000 trees being planted in deforested areas along the Costa Rican coastline thanks to the help of 1,200 volunteers. They also partner with global conservation leaders like the Jane Goodall Institute.
Collaboration also fuels Savage Lands’ creative drive. Army of the Trees introduces several species of metalhead into the band’s natural environment. The album features Alissa White-Gluz, Lord of the Lost and other movers and shakers from across the metal industry. While the title track boasts a wild ranging guest list, its anthemic energy comes from the organization’s earliest roots.
The foundation of Savage Lands was three decades in the making. Dirk and Sylvain first met in France during the late ’90s, when they both played in the socially conscious thrash metal band Artsonic. While Dirk went on to join Soilwork and Megadeth, the country has continued to support their joint conservation efforts. Hellfest pledged to donate 1 million Euro to Savage Lands after the band performed on the main stage at this year’s festival with familiar faces from Napalm Death, Biohazard, Body Count, The Gathering and their core members in French metalcore exploders Black Bomb A and Chicano crossover punks Loco Muerte.
“That’s one of the beautiful things about Savage Lands”, Sylvain says. “As a band, we’re not limited to just one genre. We can adapt to boost the strengths of whoever is joining us”.
“Army of the Trees” packs more Francophone force. Eight pillars from the French metal scene join Savage Lands in the fight to protect the world’s ecosystems. Niko of Tagada Jones throws lyrical haymakers while Loco Muerte’s Steeven Corsini spins a blazing rap between drums that pound with all the force of the jungle. Auré Jäger (Akiavel), David Sidilarsen and the mighty Julien Truchan from Benighted flex their beastly growls. The ghostly video is a chilling reminder of what’s at stake, but the fiery guitar solos from Sylvain, Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast) and Nils Courbaron (Sirenia / Dropdead Chaos) put more than enough bite behind Savage Lands’ fierce rallying cry. “Now is the time to take a stand“.
“Our goals are attainable,” Sylvain and Dirk say. “By converting the land that we purchase into nature sanctuaries, Savage Lands will help set a precedent for environmental activism. But we must work together and quickly. Ecosystems are still under attack. If we don’t, then there won’t be any wildlife left to save”.
Raise your horns and join the Army of the Trees in support of the metal non-profit.
Just listening to “Army of the Trees” helps support Savage Lands. 100% of the song’s royalties fund the musician-run non-profit’s preservation efforts.
The CD Digisleeve for Army of the Trees is made from eco paper, while the LP is pressed on BioVinyl.
Tracklist 1. Black Rock Heart (feat Kai Uwe Faust) (4:36) [WATCH] 2. Ruling Queen (featuring Alissa White-Gluz) (4:31) 3. The Last Howl (featuring John Tardy, Andreas Kisser) (6:04) [WATCH] 4. No Remedy (featuring Maria Franz) (4:27) [WATCH] 5. Out of Breath (featuring Lord of the Lost) (4:49) 6. Better Man (4:23) 7. Never Be Up (3:42) 8. Army of the Trees (4:26) [WATCH] 9. Visions of Life (4:02) 10. Addicted (4:45)
Photo by David Gallard
Having seen first-hand how deforestation threatens Costa Rica’s rain forest, two angry metalheads are banging their heads together to protect the world’s ecosystem.
“After hearing the chainsaws on a daily basis, we knew it was time to act”, says musician-turned-activist Sylvain Demercastel, “because the buzzing is only getting louder”.
Sylvain founded Savage Lands with his long-time friend and Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren in 2022. Thanks to their music, the 501 (c) (3) non-profit has preserved 100,000 square feet of forest in high-risk areas along the Costa Rican coastline. 100% of the royalties from their first album, Army of the Trees, support their ongoing preservation projects in Costa Rica and other countries.
The roots behind Savage Lands run deep. Dirk and Sylvain first met in France during the late ‘90s, when they both played in the socially conscious thrash metal band Artsonic. But just like a tree, the organization is supported by different types of branches.
“As a non-profit, we depend on the support of other organizations, fellow artists and our listeners”, Dirk says.
In Costa Rica, Savage Lands partners with scientists, forest engineers, ecological parks, private businesses and other non-profits. Their Green Alliance (Alianza Verde) has led to more than 11,000 trees being planted in deforested areas throughout Costa Rica thanks to the help of 1,200 volunteers.
Savage Lands’ debut album introduces several new species of metalhead to their ecosystem. Eurovision’s darlings Lord of the Lost spill their blood and glitter over the spiky riffs that puncture “Out of Breath”. Holding court over lead single “Ruling Queen” with her serpentine cleans and lioness roar is none other than Arch Enemy’s Alissa White-Gluz. “Now is the time to take a stand”, the band roar in a fierce rallying cry during the album’s climactic title track, backed by Julien Truchan from Benighted and other pillars from the French metal community.
Special member Dirk Verbeuren (Drums on “Black Rock Heart”, “The Last Howl” and “Out of Breath)
Collaborators Stephane Buriez Ardag Basmadjian HK Nico + James at Vamacara
Guest features Kai Uwe Faust – Vocals (Black Rock Heart) Chloe Trujillo – Vocals (Black Rock Heart, Out of Breath) Alissa White-Gluz – Vocals (Ruling Queen) Kenneth Andrews – Guitar (Ruling Queen) Andreas Kisser – Guitar (The Last Howl) John Tardy – Vocals (The Last Howl) Maria Franz – Vocals (No Remedy) Lord of the Lost – Vocals (Out of Breath)
*Army of Trees features Steeven Corsini (Loco Muerte), Auré Jäger (Akiavel), David & Viber (Sidilarsen), Niko Jones (Tagada Jones), Julien Truchan (Benighted), Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast, Sinsaenum), Nils Courbaron (Bloodorn, Sirenia, DDC) and Aurelien Ouzoulias (The Beat Factory, Mörglbl).
Production Recorded, mixed and mastered by Adair Daufembach at Daufembach Studio in Los Angeles.
“Vermiform” is the unsettling new single from Australia’s SARCOPHAGUM. The track, now streaming exclusively at Mystification, is the latest single preceding the band’s debut full-length, “The Grand Arc of Madness”, nearing release December 6th through Nuclear Winter Records. Stream “Vermiform”HERE.
SARCOPHAGUM spawned to life in the early half of 2021, during the time of the plague as a new project featuring Golgothan Remains members past and present. The purpose being to provide a channel to explore new ideas and sounds in a studio-only setting. The dark death metal realm remains the primary influence and a debut EP, “Conduits to the Underworld”, was released in 2022 through Nuclear Winter Records, followed swiftly by a stand alone single, “This Wrought Creation”. Now their full length debut is here, “The Grand Arc of Madness”. Poised to unleash a soundscape of disharmony and terror over the listener, the angular horror awaits…
Both a culmination of their already characteristic aesthetic and a whole new twist upon it, “The Grand Arc of Madness” sees SARCOPHAGUM fusing clanging angularity with haunting atmospherics, chaos with eerie melodicism, epic narrative with primal crush.
Mixed and mastered by Greg Chandler at Priory Recording Studios.
Cover art by Khaos Diktator.
Tracklist:
01. Ritual Pillars Burn 02. Feudal Futures 03. Vermiform 04. The Grand Arc of Madness
For fans of: Ulcerate, Immolation, Adversarial, Golgothan Remains
Turin-based KAIROSKILLER launch their new single “Freedom From Time”, available on all digital platforms as from today, November 13, 2024, through Volcano Records & Promotion.
The track produced by Pietro Foresti (Tracii Guns, Scott Russo, Marvin Etzioni), takes a bold and introspective dive into the concept of temporal freedom, encouraging listeners to break free from everyday routines and embrace a world of exploration and discovery. “Freedom From Time” marks a progression for Kairoskiller from their previous single “Kairos Killer”.
The band tackles the theme of breaking away from the constraints of modern society, rediscovering the Greek concept of Kairos – the time of quality – through a captivating beat and an alternative rock energy reminiscent of bands like Queens Of The Stone Age, Franz Ferdinand, and Arctic Monkeys. With a nuanced sound and powerful lyrics, Kairoskiller continues to demonstrate artistic maturity that surpasses their young age. Formed in 2022, the band’s musical mission is both an act of rebellion and an invitation to reflect. Don’t miss the chance to listen to “Freedom From Time” and be swept away by Kairoskiller’s unique musical vision.
Check out the video of ‘Freedom From Time’, below.
DAWN OF OUROBOROS has today shared a live video for their track Rise From Disillusion, taken from their 2023 sophomore album Velvet Incandescence. The performance, directed and graded by Andy Meyer (A Darkened Corner), was filmed during their set at The Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis, MN during the summer tour of North America in support of Fallujah.
Comprised of Tony Thomas (Botanist, Callieach Calling) and vocalist Chelsea Murphy (Callieach Calling) DAWN OF OUROBOROS’ formative years saw the band solidify their core lineup to a five-piece before releasing their debut album, The Art of Morphology, in 2020. The Art of Morphology showcased the young band’s penchant for hybridising the extreme and canorous qualities of progressive, atmospheric black and death metal, ushering in a warm reception from both fans and critics.
Invigorated by the response to their debut album DAWN OF OUROBOROS came together in November 2021 to commence recording of Velvet Incandescence, once again opting to team up with Nick Loiacono at Fang Studios in San Mateo, CA for recording and mixing, before being mastered by Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Oathbreaker, Bosse De Nage) at The Atomic Garden Studio. Placing an emphasis on melody and feel above technical virtuosity, Velvet Incandescence’s eight tracks revel in sanguine triumph both musically and lyrically.
DAWN OF OUROBOROS’ latest offering refined and redefined their sound to critical acclaim, serving as a luminous spark for the quintet’s increasingly bright future.
DAWN OF OUROBOROS is: Tony Thomas – Guitar / Synths Chelsea Murphy – Vocals David Scanlon – Bass Ian Baker – Guitar / Piano Ron Bertrand – Drums
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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
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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 