Finnish horror squad AS I MAY is back with a killer new single “Never Stop Dreaming”. The song is inspired by the Nightmare on the Elm Street Movie Series and combines modern low riffs with a little taste of deathcore synths to bring horror chills and atmosphere to haunt your listening experience. If 80- horror movies, down-tuned riffs, and big choruses are something that you’re looking for, this is for you.
The band comments on the track:
“We all are big fans of Nightmare on the Elm Street movies. Those were the first real horror movies when we were kids. I think maybe a couple of us were too young to watch those movies and also got nightmares from them, so Freddy has stayed with us all this time.”
“Never Stop Dreaming” was mixed and mastered by Christoph Wieczorek (Sawdust Recordings).
In additional news, As I May had a line change-up in early 2024 when Jani Valhola stepped out from the ranks and was replaced with Jere Koponen.
Lasse comments on Jani’s departure:
“Yeah, it’s sad to do any lineup changes. I have played with Jani for over 2 decades in different bands. Jani has been building his own mixing business for many years and it has got really strong ground now and he has tons of work with it. We have toured in 14 countries and played in many great venues, festivals, etc. together. So he has seen a lot. He has been struggling to find time for all of this. So it’s natural to keep following your dreams and build a bigger business. It’s really hard to try too many things well at the same time. We are all really going to miss him and wish him the best of luck in the future. He says thanks to all of the fans that came to see us live and listened to our music”
Formed in 2016 in Mikkeli, Finland, As I May‘s music is all about combining metal/death-core and vibes from horror movies to create a soundscape they dub HorrorCore.The band is known for big melodies, huge choruses, and hard-hitting riffs. As I May is one of the front-running acts in the new wave of Finnish metal bands being exported. Touring all over Europe, they have made a name for themselves along with over a million streams for their albums ‘Karu’ (2022) (Uprising Records) and ‘My Own Creations’ (2019) (Rock Shots Records, Spiritual Beast “Japan”).
AS I MAY is: Lasse Hiltunen – vocals, guitars Jere Koponen – vocals, guitars Tipi Nokelainen – vocals, bass Leevi Räsänen – drums
June 14, 2024French alternative metal favorites ONLAP released their long-awaited album “Waves” via AFM Records. Now, together with famous composer and creator of EpicTrailerMusicUK, Vince Cox, they revisited the album and are now back with “Beyond Nevermind”, an epic and completely new version of their most successful song, that gained more than 150million streams on digital streaming platforms and 40million+ views von YouTube to date!
ONLAP comment: “‘Beyond Nevermind’ is a new experience for ONLAP. It’s a complete cinematic and symphonic re-orchestration by the talented Vince Cox of our first single “Nevermind” from the ‘Waves’ album. We also re-recorded all the vocals accordingly. We wanted to have a sort of “bonus song” a few months after the album’s release. ONLAP has always been a kind of laboratory for the music we want to make at any given moment, and ‘Beyond Nevermind’ is once again the result. We can’t wait to finally release this track and share it with everyone.”
This score like track will catapult you in another universe full of tension and excitement. Lean back, close your eyes and enjoy:
Finnish classic rock band The Grammers traveled to Rockfield Studios in Wales to record their eighth album in the footsteps of mammoths. Now the album, named after the studio made famous by Queen, Rush, Black Sabbath and many more, is finally out and the release party is on!
‘Rockfield’ album was recorded live and on analog in Monmouth, Wales, and many top international mixers and professionals eventually participated in its making. The album was mixed by Tim Palmer (U2, Pearl Jam, Ozzy Osborne, HIM), Jens Bogren (Amorphis, Kreator, Dimmu Borger, Sepultura), Richardo Borges and Nick Brine (Oasis, The Darkness) and mastered by Justin Shturtz at Sterling Sound in Nashville.
Music & Lyrics by Hannu Vainionpää, Ville Vesalainen, Hannu Huitu, Saku Kujala, Jussi Vuola, Tuomo Pfaler, Timo Toikka
Recorded by Joe Jones, Rockfield Studios, The Quadrangle
Mixed by Tim Palmer, Jens Bogren, Nick Brine, Richardo Borges
Mastered by Justin Shturtz, Sterling Sound
Cover art by Rami Mursula
Catalog nr. VRDIG323
ISRC: FIV2U2400029-39
Distributor: Playground Music Scandinavia.
The Grammers, founded in Säkylä, Finland in 1999, are the northern torchbearers of classic rock.The band is known as an extremely strict and uncompromising live act. The band’s strengths are based on the interpretation of Hannu Vainionpää – one of the most talented heavy rock vocalists in Finland, the highly refined and catchy composition work, and the virtuoso mastery of vintage instruments by its members.
Hannu commented on the recording process of the album as follows: “Rockfield had a pretty magical atmosphere (even if it sounds cliché); a quiet enclosed yard, nice local people, the right kind of atmosphere that helped to focus on what was essential, i.e. making the record. It was nice to stay and watch the horses and cows in the pasture and play a little bit of billiards and table tennis on session breaks. All in all, the atmosphere was very homely. When I found out that I was going to sing to the same microphone that Ronnie James Dio sang – of course, it sent chills down my spine for a moment. That we are now part of a certain kind of great continuum. And I think you can hear it both on this first single and also on the whole album. It was a great time, a great session, good memories. And it really couldn’t have gone any better!”
Also participating in the sessions was cinematographer-director Petri Vilén, who is responsible for many of the earlier music videos and the photos on the album. A documentary about the band’s journey is also being prepared.
Iconic hard rock act D-A-D celebrates the release of their critically-acclaimed, thirteenth studio album, entitled ’Speed Of Darkness’, via AFM Records. To order your copy of this must-have gem, one that belongs into every well-sorted hard rock record collection, visit: https://dad.bfan.link/speed-of-darkness
“Just in time for their 40th anniversary, the 13th studio album, “Speed Of Darkness”, is being released, and it doesn’t really need many spins to convince across the board. Hardly anyone knows as much as the Danes, how to whip up catchy melodies seemingly effortlessly and actually write an album without any filler, but full of hits!” – ROCK HARD (GER)
“D-A-D has delivered again – as they always do!” – NORWAY ROCK MAGAZINE
“Album number 13 is a 14-track masterclass without a weak moment in sight. Danish legends D-A-D have recently celebrated their 40th anniversary and as new album “Speed of Darkness” proves, they sound as fresh as ever- in fact, all new bands should be handed a copy of this album and told this is what 40 sounds like!”– GET READY TO ROCK (UK)
Earlier this year, D-A-D turned 40 years and even got their own museum exhibition. But this is by no means the end of everything. The quartet is brimming with energy, and they have written 40 songs since their last album, “A Prayer for the Loud”, that was released in 2019. Out of these songs, the band has selected 14 of the best ones for their new double album ’Speed Of Darkness’. Many bands never get to stick together and celebrate their 40-year anniversary without any breaks, but the fact this is currently happening to one of Denmark’s best and most popular rock band, with an even greater audience beyond the country’s borders, is remarkable. It’s in fact more than that, according to bassist Stig Pedersen:”Turning 40 as a band is in and of itself totally crazy. We are a social experiment!”, he states.
While this year started with a trip back in time for D-A-D, now, they look into the future with their brand new studio offering, without a doubt a remarkably strong collection of songs. Some would call this a clear understatement; the four band members have not been in so much agreement about the quality of new songs for an album in many years as they are today. As Jesper Binzer says: ”I am totally stoked about this new collection of songs – I can’t wait for the fans to hear this album. It is so much D-A-D – and so much better!”
Drummer Laust Sonne agrees:“I think that we have taken a collective step up, on many parameters, with “Speed of Darkness”: We have never played better than we do on this album. Our songwriting is on top notch, and this collection of songs is our strongest in many years. Sound- and production-wise, we have cared deeply for every little detail. It has both power and finesse. All of this makes us sleep soundly at night and just look forward to presenting “Speed Of Darkness” in its entirety to all of our fans.”
Speed Of Darkness’ was produced with Nick Foss and was mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe, Powerwolf). Jacob Binzer adds: ”Although you can’t really judge albums before one to two years after their release, I think that this is a strong pool. Some of these songs have surprised me positively while we recorded them, and that is very promising.”
Jesper Binzer agrees with his brother: ”For the first time in three to four albums, I am totally excited about our material, and I was looking forward to go into the studio every single day. We have an excess of both songs and ideas, and this is a place that I have wanted to reach with the last three to four D-A-D albums. It’s crazy how things are circular that way. I thought that everything was done, and I thought that we were just old guys who were doing whatever we could, but a new necessity has arisen.”
After a major festival summer run with 24 concerts, D-A-D will soon embark on a tour with numerous shows in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany and Switzerland, as well as a completely sold-out show inRoyal Arena in Denmark on November 1. Find all upcoming D-A-D concertslisted below! And if you want even more D-A-D, the National Museum, Copenhagen exhibit will run all the way to late October.
D-A-D Live: 22.10.2024 NO Trondheim, Tapperiet 24.10.2024 NO Oslo, Sentrum Scene 25.10.2024 SE Stockholm, Fållan 26.10.2024 SE Göteborg, Gothenburg Film Studios 01.11.2024 DK Copenhagen, Royal Arena 08.11.2024 SE Malmö, Slagthuset 09.11.2024 SE Malmö, Slagthuset 25.11.2024 IT Milano, Legend Club 27.11.2024 CH Pratteln, Z7 28.11.2024 DE München, Backstage (Werk) 29.11.2024 DE Aschaffenburg, Colos-Saal 01.12.2024 DE Heidelberg, Halle02 03.12.2024 DE Oberhausen, Turbinenhalle 2 04.12.2024 DE Nürnberg, Hirsch 05.12.2024 DE Berlin, Columbia Theater 06.12.2024 DE Hannover, Musikzentrum 07.12.2024 DE Hamburg, Docks 23.01.2025 DK Aarhus Congress Center – Aarhus 24.01.2025 DK Aalborg Kongres & Kultur Center – Aalborg 25.01.2025 DK Jyske Bank Arena – Odense 31.01. + 01.02.2025 DK Forum Black Box – København
Cuts Like A Knife, from rocktronica group Ghost In The Machine, is a haunting alternative track exploring a story of mental instability. Beginning with somber piano and undulating vocals mirror the chaos within, it turns into a hard rock crescendo offering a glimmer of hope.
This song reflects the hidden battle within, often masked by a façade of normalcy. This struggle can lead to perpetuating cycle of self-destructive behavior, highlighting the dangers of untreated mental health conditions. Managing mental instability is a lifelong journey and requires constant vigilance. Strength lies in support.
The track is taken from the 2022 album Journey To The Otherwise.
Ghost In The Machine – Journey To The Otherwise The new album from US rocktronica project Ghost In The Machine is called Journey to the Otherwise and is familiar yet different, subtle yet strong and mysterious yet exoteric. It is an intense musical experience, defying categorization but captivating lyrically in a time where the world has seemingly flipped upside down with a pandemic and social and political insanity …read more
Ghost In The Machine are: C4 – Vocals/Programming/Guitars/Hair | Face – Bass/Programming/Vocals/Glares/Stares
Emerging instrumental rock sensation Jon Harris is set to captivate listeners once again with the release of “Togetherness,” the second single from his forthcoming debut album, Parallel Heart. Known for his powerful, passionate guitar work, Harris delivers a track that fuses technical precision with a raw, expressive energy, marking him as a force to be reckoned with in the instrumental rock scene.
With “Togetherness,” Harris creates a rich musical experience where catchy melodies meet powerful rock energy. His guitar playing is captivating, as his skillful fingers move smoothly across the strings, delivering tunes that resonate and linger long after the track ends. This second single gives listeners a taste of the emotion and depth they can expect from his upcoming debut album.
This Edmonton-based artist poured his heart and soul into “Parallel Heart,” crafting every note from his home studio. The album’s instrumental focus stems from Jon’s wife’s unwavering support and inspiration, a testament to their incredible bond. Jon’s mastery extends beyond songwriting and recording; he combined the entire album to solidify his position as a complete musical force. The sole exception? Jon’s son, Gabriel, lends his drumming talents to the track “Mehnoynoy” and even collaborates on new tunes for the next album.
While instrumental, “Parallel Heart” pulsates with meaning. The song titles and melodies weave a narrative about navigating relationships and juggling the demands of a busy life. Each track takes you on a captivating journey, from the 80s synth-pop vibes of “97BPM” to the hard-hitting intensity of “Togetherness,” “Wasted Entertainment,” and the album’s title track.
Album credits:
Mastering was done by Kevin Ulliac at Vintique Sound
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 ) 