Finnish thrash legends, BLOODRIDE, are currently entrenched in the crucible of creation, meticulously molding what is destined to be the next monumental chapter in thrash metal history. Their passion ignites the studio as they channel their raw energy and unrivaled skill into their fifth album, promising an unparalleled auditory assault that will redefine the boundaries of thrash metal.
Studio Confessions from the Heart of the Metal Storm – Drummer Petteri Shares Insight:
“Thrashing in the studio with Bloodride… All drum- and rhythm guitar tracks done, it´s time to focus on solos, vocals and the secret ingredients. Those being the extra guitar- and-what-not noises. And some backing choirs, in this case shouting and growling by angry men. Lots to do, still rewriting some lyrics, because there are cases of a song having too much lyrics and on some other song has a bit too little. All about balance and artistry…NOT! Just the fact that even these songs must be adaptable for live shows and it´s not fun to stumble on lyrics. More studio updates coming, as we slowly but surely proceed…”
Stay tuned for more updates from the studio as BLOODRIDE continues to craft their next thrash masterpiece.
About BLOODRIDE: Formed in 2000, BLOODRIDE has been a force to be reckoned with in the Finnish thrash metal scene. Their journey began with the EP “Bloodridden Disease” in 2004, leading to their debut full-length album “Crowned In Hell” in 2011. Their latest and fourth album, “Idiocracy,” was unleashed in September 2021 through Great Dane Records. BLOODRIDE’s sonic assault combines old-school thrash metal with dark death metal elements and the raw edge of hardcore, delivering a headbanging, neck-breaking experience. Over the years, they’ve shared stages with legendary acts like Exhumed, Exodus, Nunslaughter, Toxic Holocaust, and Whiplash, consistently delivering an electrifying live performance that’s nothing short of a perfect storm.
BLOODRIDE Lineup:
Jykä Leskinen: Vocals
Esa Pennala: Bass
Simo Partanen: Guitar
Teemu Vähäkangas: Guitar
Petteri Lammassaari: Drums
Discography:
“Idiocracy” – Album, Release Date: 2021-09-17, Label: Great Dane Records
“Planet Alcatraz” – Album, Release Date: 2016-11-25, Label: Inverse Records
“Bloodmachine” – Album, Release Date: 2014-03-14, Label: Violent Journey Records
“Crowned in Hell” – Album, Release Date: 2011-04-16, Label: Violent Journey Records
“Supreme Predator” – Single, Release Date: 2010-04
Red Giant are pleased to announce the radio edit of “Friends” the third single from their critically acclaimed eponymous debut album (out tomorrow). The single, released Friday October 18th, will be available on all streaming platforms HERE.
From today, fans can watch the official “Friends” music video on YouTube HERE.
“Friends” is Simpson’s hymn to his younger days of inebriated nihilism which portrays a typical Friday and Saturday night in the UK.
With its driving riffs, powerful rhythm, and harmony guitar solo, it recalls such legendary duos that include Thin Lizzy’s Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, Iron Maiden’s Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, and Metallica’s James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett. “Friends” ramps up in intensity and mirrors the culmination of a night of drunkenness and debauchery.
Inspired by heartbreak, betrayal, bullying, and mental health, the album is a journey through a dark landscape supported by an undertow of defiance and resilience. Featuring powerful performances, Red Giant trips the light fantastic and is clearly firing on all cylinders on this unforgettable ten-track masterpiece.
“Red Giant” Album Track Listing
1. Friends (4:00) 2. Tell Me (4:11) 3. Why? (3:54) 4. Monsters (2:42) 5. Was It All My Fault? (4:00) 6. Don’t (2:00) 7. Free Me (3:35) 8. The Dark Of Me (3:10) 9. What You Gonna Do? (6:00) 10. You Say, I Say (3:35)
The Band
Dave Simpson – Guitar, Lead Vocals John Joe Gaskin – Drums, Percussion Carina Powell – Bass, Vocals
Friends This is a song that I wrote a few years back and never found a home. I’m now so happy to say that it finally has become what I feel it was always supposed to be. It’s just a great driving rock song. Heavily inspired by Thin Lizzy, the song’s subject is exactly what you’d expect it to be about. Friends.
Tell Me Tell Me is a song that means a lot to me as it’s all about someone who has handed a raw deal and has no idea why. We’ve all been there, and this song is a product of those situations. It features a stunning bass guitar solo from Miss Carina Powell and has a great dynamic. I love the way it builds, falls, and builds again. It really keeps you on your toes.
Why? This is without doubt the song that means the most to me off this album and the one I’m most proud of. It’s all about being bullied and not knowing why they picked you. The lyrics take you through the mind of the suffering protagonist and let you know the hopeless feeling they are going through. I really hope this song can reach people who have suffered and are suffering and let them know that they’re not alone. I hope they can find comfort in this song.
Monsters Monsters was a song I wrote in the 2020 lockdowns. I felt like we were not being told the whole truth and felt like everything wasn’t as it appeared. As things came out about the UK government’s antics behind the curtains this song took on a more powerful meaning and I will be forever proud of the lyrics and this song’s sentiment.
Was It All My Fault? This song is all about the end of a relationship when you are no longer sure why it ended and start questioning yourself. It’s a beautifully powerful ballad that has a true meaning to me. I love its vulnerability.
Don’t Love this song. Punchy, quick and to the point. I’m a firm believer in the fact that a sing doesn’t have to be long and complicated to get the point across. Don’t is a notable example of this. Heavily inspired by John Frusciante and Jimi Hendrix, the song takes you on a ride that makes you want to go again and again. It features a stunning drum break by Mr John Joe Gaskin who absolutely kills it.
Free Me This song is yet another one I am deeply proud of. It rises and falls and again gives you an insight into the suffering mind of someone who deals with mental health issues. The lyrics say it all – “Come free me from myself.” It’s an absolute cry for help in every sense of the word.
The Dark Of Me We all have a dark side. This is one I managed to write down. The idea of being trapped and lost in your own mind is terrifying and this song’s grungy and dark atmosphere really helps convey that emotion. It takes you from I can’t do this to yes, I can and back again. Being a long time suffer of mental health issues this song means a lot.
What You Gonna Do? My love for the British Blues scene of the sixties is very apparent in this six-minute homage to one of my heroes Mr Peter Green. I played an incredibly special guitar on this song. It belonged to another hero of mine that is sadly no longer with us. He was also my friend and I miss him. I channelled all that emotion into this song. The subject matter is quite different though. That’s all about asking someone who is abusing the people around them. “What you gonna do when there’s no one left?”
You Say, I Say Easily the heaviest song on the album and for the subject matter its perfect. The three verses of this song talk through the three stages of a relationship that’s always doomed to fail. You get the honeymoon period at the beginning. The middle is starting to show cracks, and the last verse shows complete failure and ends with the separation of the two characters. One of whom wanted this the other who did not.
Red Giant – Biography
Lead songwriter, guitarist and vocalist, Dave Simpson first picked up the guitar at 16 years old. Since that time Dave has been a prominent performer in several bands over the years and co-founded Red Giant at the beginning of 2024.
Dave decided after years of playing in other bands it was time to follow his own musical style. The music he was writing did not fit the bands he was playing with, and he soon set up his own group, The Dave Simpson Trio.
The trio performed all over the UK for years and was a very established blues rock band, but in 2024 the band wanted a change. Not just in name but in style, opting for a heavier rockier approach to go along with the new songs Dave was writing.
Red Giant was born. Not long after the name change the band went into the studio to record their self-titled debut album.
Dave is a world-renowned YouTube presenter with a channel that has amassed over 137,000 subscribers due to his unique playing style and expertise on the instrument.
Dave has been incredibly open about his struggles with mental health and his blunt openness has helped countless others deal with their personal traumas. Dave’s work ethic is outstanding, tirelessly working on songs and videos while also performing and collaborating with other musicians.
John Joe Gaskin, the drummer for Red Giant, also started playing drums at the age of sixteen. As soon as he found the drums he wanted to do nothing else. He’s dedicated his life to the instrument.
John Joe is an absolute powerhouse of a drummer with a supernatural sense of time and is the bedrock of the band. Widely known as a dynamic and versatile performer, playing nationwide in the UK and Europe John Joe is comfortable with any style of music.
John Joe not only performs his duties as the drummer of Red Giant but is also the joker of the band with his wicked sense of humour he keeps everyone laughing.
The bassist on the album is Carina Powell who despite her compact stature of only 4’11 is an absolute powerhouse on stage and in the studio. Using her bass both as a lead and supporting instrument. Her hard hitting and percussive style are evident all over this album and it blends seamlessly with Dave’s guitars and John Joe’s drums.
After years of silence and a painful hiatus punctuated by the pandemic, The Old Dead Tree have returned to confront our deepest fears. The French band’s upcoming fourth album and first full-length in almost two decades is a journey through life’s unpredictable fires. Each song confronts our inner demons. Each note takes another step toward our rebirth.
The latest single off Second Thoughts echoes concerns over our changing environment. “Solastalgia” laments a world that’s in peril, crying out against the environmental destruction that haunts us all.
An appearance at Hellfest announced their glorious return, but on Second Thoughts, The Old Dead Tree weave tales of agony and resilience with a gothic but newly progressive glint. “Solastagia” channels our collective anxiety over the fate of the planet into an unflinching narrative sung with fervent desperation. “I don’t know, my god I don’t know what to do now.”
Tracklist: 1. Unpredictable (3:33) [WATCH] 2. Don’t Waste Your Time (3:41) 3. The Lightest Straw (4:32) 4. Better Off Dead (1:54) 5. Without A Second Thought (3:39) 6. Luke (4:41) 7. Story Of My Life (3:42) 8. Fresh Start (4:33) 9. I Wish I Could (3:58) 10. The Trap (3:15) 11. Solastalgia (3:51) [WATCH] 12. OK (3:53) 13. The Worst Is Yet To Come (5:50) 14. Terrified (Box Set Bonus Track) (3:54) Total runtime: 51:04
Cover Art: Henri Lejeune
Throughout the 2000s, THE OLD DEAD TREE made a name for themselves on the European metal scene, performing almost 200 concerts and releasing three albums, creating a unique universe combining extreme music and dark rock-pop, sublimated by Manuel Munoz’s exceptional and versatile vocals.
Just as the band had released their first EP, The Blossom, in 1999, drummer Frédéric Guillemot took his own life. The shock profoundly scarred the other three members of the band, and formed the basis of the concept for their debut album, The Nameless Disease.
Following its release in 2003 on the Season Of Mist label, the immediate success of this seminal album led the band to hit the road with PARADISE LOST, OPETH and KATATONIA, introducing their music to metalheads across Europe.
Two critically acclaimed albums followed, The Perpetual Motion (2005) and The Water Fields (2007), making THE OLD DEAD TREE a pillar of the French metal scene and a reference point for progressive metal in Europe.
By the end of 2008, just as work had begun on a fourth album, the wear and tear of the necessary personal investment proved too much for some of the band to bear. THE OLD DEAD TREE officially split up in 2009.
Over the following years, the musicians moved apart geographically and became involved in other musical projects (PENUMBRA, ARKAN, OMMATIDIA, LUX INCERTA…), but their indefectible friendship never wavered.
In 2013, THE OLD DEAD TREE briefly reunited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their album The Nameless Disease with a mini European tour that included stops at HELLFEST and MOTOCULTOR.
In late December 2019, THE OLD DEAD TREE will announce the unexpected release of an EP of previously unreleased material, The End, featuring tracks begun in 2008. An extensive headlining tour and dates with LACUNA COIL are scheduled. Nevertheless, the pandemic thwarted these plans, and they were canceled one by one, with the exception of the band’s Paris date, which had sold out months in advance and was postponed until the end of 2022.
For a while, the members of THE OLD DEAD TREE were considering scrapping their return to the stage altogether, but finally settled on the last concert still to be announced, so as not to disillusion the hundreds of people who had already bought tickets. After months of waiting, and with the world in a state of questioning after the pandemic, the band finally decided to write a new song. In the spring of 2023, the popularity of the new single Terrified and the band’s high-profile appearance at HELLFEST paved the way for THE OLD DEAD TREE‘s long-lasting comeback.
On December 6th, 2024, the release of Second Thoughts, the band’s 4th album, opened a new chapter in the tormented history of one of France’s leading progressive metal bands.
Line-up: Manuel Munoz – Vocals Nicolas Chevrollier – Guitars & Backing Vocals Nicolas Cornolo – Guitars & Countings Gilles Moinet – Bass Guitar Raphaël Antheaume – Drums
Recording Studio: Drums Recorded at Vamacara Studio, France Bass Guitar, Guitars & Vocals at home T.C. Vocals at 8Gods Studio, France Ludovic Loez vocals at S.H. Studio, France
Production Credits: Drums produced & engineered by HK Manuel Munoz & Nicolas Chevrollier vocals produced & engineered by The Old Dead Tree Bass & guitars produced & engineered by The Old Dead Tree T.C Vocals produced & engineered by Philippe Tulleau Ludovic Loez vocals produced & engineered by Fabrice Loez Mixed & mastered by HK at Vamacara Studio, France
Guest Musicians: T.C. (Regarde Les Hommes Tomber) – Vocals Ludovic Loez (S.U.P.) – Vocals Raphaël Verguin (Psygnosis) – Cello
ODD CREW has announced the release of their eighth studio album, Dark Matters – Part III, to arrive at the end of this year. A first single, titled “New Waters”, is now online, and available on all digital services!
“New Waters” was recorded, mixed and mastered in the band’s own ButcherHouse Studio in Sofia, Bulgaria. The track comes along with a breathtaking music video directed by Petar Dimov who has made all released videos from the band’s much-acclaimed “Dark Matters” tetralogy:
Following seven much acclaimed studio records, two DVDs and countless live shows over more than two decades, Dark Matters Part III will see ODD CREW continue where they left off with Part II: Elevating their musical maturity on a new level, and one that doubles down on the band’s songwriting skills and exceptional talent.
Just recently, ODD CREW also released a full performance live video, ‘Live at Arena Sofia’, where the band appeared as a special guest for Pantera‘s show on their European tour last year. The event took place in the biggest arena in Bulgaria:
Despite the young age of the four members, in 2023 ODD CREW celebrated their 25th anniversary. Having started their musical journey at an early age, their lineup has never changed. ODD CREW may have stepped out as one of Bulgaria’s best kept heavy rock and metal secrets long ago, but their epic Dark Matters-record series will make them indispensable for the global heavy music scene. Watch out for many more news to be revealed in the weeks ahead!
ODD CREW is: Vasko Raykov – Lead Vocals Vasil Parvanovski – Guitar, Backing Vocals Martin Stoyanov – Bass, Backing Vocals Boyan ‘Bonzy’ Georgiev – Drums
Following their much-acclaimed 2019 album “From Voodoo to Zen”, Tides From Nebula, one of the most influential post-rock bands from Poland, return after a five-year hiatus with their new album titled “Instant Rewards”. The album will be released on November 8, 2024via the band’s own label imprint Nebula Records. To pre-save the album, visit: https://tidesfromnebula.bfan.link/instant-rewards
Following a previously-released visualizer clip for their first single, the cosmic album opening track “Burned To The Ground”, Tides From Nebula have just shared a brand new music video for their latest single “Rhino”! Watch the clip streaming here:
On “Instant Rewards”, that was self-produced by the band, Tides From Nebula return to their roots and take on the challenge of creating an album in the spirit of “do it yourself.” It’s a bold move, especially for a band with such a rich legacy, but the musicians emphasize that this allowed them to deliver the fully authentic sound they were aiming for.
“This album is a vision that is closest to our true selves.” Guitarist Maciej Karbowski recently said. “By working independently, we had full control over every aspect of creation, from composition to the final sound. It was a challenge, but also an incredibly satisfying process. ‘Instant Rewards’ is more than just another album for us – it’s our response to the changes that have occurred in the world and within ourselves.”
The album was created in independent conditions, far from commercial recording studios, in their own Nebula Studio, which added a raw and authentic quality to it. For Tides From Nebula, it was an opportunity to fully express themselves and return to the roots of their creativity. “Instant Rewards” is a blend of the raw energy from the band’s early days and the artistic maturity they have gained over the years!
“Instant Rewards” Tracklist:
Burned To The Ground
The Great Survey
Rhino
Fearflood
Flora
The Haunting
In The Blood
Ashes (reprise)
The Sweetest Way To Die
Tides From Nebula belongs to one of the most famous and respected bands on the Polish music scene, which has been attracting the attention of both domestic and international audiences for years. The group was formed in 2008 in Warsaw, quickly gaining recognition thanks to its unique approach to instrumental music, combining elements of post-rock, ambient and progressive music.
Their music is often described as “catching the sound of the universe,” reflecting their deep interest in cosmic and natural themes. This fascination is evident in their rich, ambient sound that blend dynamic post-rock with atmospheric elements. The band’s influences range from Oceansize and Deftones to Radiohead and M83 or Niels Frahm, creating a unique sonic identity that sets them apart in the instrumental rock genre.
Throughout their career, Tides From Nebula have performed at numerous prestigious festivals and toured extensively, sharing the stage with artists such as Deftones, Riverside, Marillion and God Is An Astronaut. The band has toured across Europe and Asia, building a dedicated fanbase and earning respect as one of the leading instrumental rock bands in Europe. Their live performances are known for their emotional intensity and the ability to take audiences on a journey through their intricate and powerful compositions.
Their forthcoming studio offering sees Tides From Nebula continue to push the boundaries of instrumental music, creating immersive and evocative experiences for their listeners. The trio’s dedication to its craft and their ability to convey profound emotions through their music without the use of lyrics and words, make them a unique and enduring presence in the post-rock scene.
Tides From Nebula are: Maciej Karbowski (guitar and keyboards) Przemek Węgłowski (bass and keyboards) Tomasz Stołowski (drums)
The Plague has released his latest alt-rock single “What Else Can I Do?”
The Plague‘s new track, “What Else Can I Do?”, dives deep into the frustration and emotional toll of trying to communicate with someone who feels unreachable. “The song is about struggling with communicating with a loved one. I recently found out about some severe limitations about a family member and have been coming to terms with it,”The Plague explains. Lyrically raw and vulnerable, the song captures the struggle of feeling unheard, with intense imagery of being pulled apart and overwhelmed by emotional disconnect. The chorus echoes a desperate plea, expressing the helplessness of trying every way to connect but finding no breakthrough. Themes of miscommunication, mental strain, and the weight of unresolved tension pulse through the track, blending personal turmoil with powerful, relatable emotion.
The song showcases The Plague‘s ability to tap into universal emotions surrounding miscommunication, mental strain, and personal turmoil, all driven by The Plague’s signature blend of alternative rock, modern rock, and hard rock elements. The track’s powerful synths, driving guitars, and pulsating drums perfectly complement its poignant message. “I hope people feel understood and supported in their frustration,” The Plague adds.
The Plague is the brainchild of producer/engineer David Adam Monroe, a pioneer of Future Punk. The Plague’s post-apocalyptic themes portray the struggles of being human, encouraging people to break free of the superficial and to know they are not alone.
David has been playing music from an early age, highly encouraged by his parents, he received an electric guitar at age ten and took off emulating his favorite bands at the time; Greenday, Smashing Pumpkins, and other 90’s rock bands. His career took off at age 16 when a promoter got his high school band on the Van’s Warped Tour.
As a producer/engineer, David has produced records with many artists including Glen Matlock from the Sex Pistols and multi-platinum engineer Earl Cohen. As a musician, he has toured internationally–including 4 years on Van’s Warped Tour— and has played with bands such as Tony Levin, My Chemical Romance, Story of the Year, NoFx, The Used, Yellow Card, Three Days Grace, and many more. ThePlague‘s debut album Hope For the F.U.T.U.R.E. was released independently in 2017.
In 2018 The Plague remixed Circle Of Dust’s “Embracing Entropy” (feat. Celldweller), through artist-owned record label FiXT. The Plague eventually signed to FiXT in 2022, and re-released the debut album with remastered tracks, new art as well as bonus tracks throughout the 2023, ahead of a new album slated for release in 2024. “My goal with The Plague was to make futuristic Christian rock, when I was producing bands in Boston, my assistant showed me Celldweller and said, “This guy is dope and reminds me of you!” I chased Celldweller’s blend of synths and guitars, and that exploration process helped me discover my own sound. When I finished the record I emailed James (FiXT Manager) with the spirit of a little brother and said, “Hey James, look! I self-produced a futuristic rock record that I’m releasing on my label! You guys inspired this!” By some wonderful miracle he was excited too!” – The Plague
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 ) 