Hellenic melodic metal heroes INNERWISH unveil their exciting new single featuring BLIND GUARDIAN front-man Hansi Kürsch. Entitled ‘Sea Of Lies’ is the first taste from the band’s upcoming album “Ash Of Eternal Flame,” which is set to hit stores worldwide on November 8, 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).
“It wasn’t the ‘Hansi song’ in the beginning but there actually was no way around! And how couldn’t it become that since Hansi Kürsch blessed it with his voice! We love 6/8-time songs, they come totally naturally out of us and this one might be our best one to date! Lyric-wise, it’s about one of our times’ biggest problems: immigration. The story’s told from the perspective of a child, leaving home and warmth for an unknown destination and a probably dark future. The obstacles, the images, the thoughts – they’re all shown through the child’s eyes and mind. Sometimes people overlook this situation perhaps believing that it doesn’t affect them or it’s far from their future. But is it after all? Who’s next in line? Children are the future. They all deserve the world. Nothing less!” state the group.
Drummer Franki Samoilis adds, “I’ve been a HUGE BLIND GUARDIAN fan since my teenage years, and so is our singer George. Having Hansi Kürsch lend his voice to one of our songs was a childhood dream come true. Thanks to my best friend, Sakis Fragos from Rock Hard Greece, we were able to make it happen. When Hansi sent us his recordings, it was a surreal moment – I was moved to tears. That voice, that presence…we are beyond honoured to have him on our album.”
“Ash Of Eternal Flame” can be pre-ordered physically [ltd. CD-digipak or ltd. coloured vinyl], pre-saved on your favourite digital service provider (DSP), or pre-orderd digitally to receive ‘Sea Of Lies [feat. Hansi Kürsch]‘ instantly, here: https://innerwish.rpm.link/aoefPR
The album “Ash Of Eternal Flame” features two distinct cover designs by Giannis Nakos of Remedy Art Design (known for his work with AMARANTHE, KAMELOT, ARION, and more). The blue version is used for both the CD and digital formats, while the red version is reserved for the vinyl edition. The album includes twelve tracks (including a bonus cover version for physical formats), recorded at LoNe and Devasoundz Studios in Athens, Greece under the guidance of producer Fotis Benardo. Mixing and mastering were handled by award-winning engineer Henrik Udd, who has worked with acts like HAMMERFALL, POWERWOLF, and SEPTICFLESH.
With a diverse range of lyrical themes — spanning social and global issues, personal struggles, mythology, and even fantasy — INNERWISH are poised to shine brighter than ever with “Ash Of Eternal Flame.” Musically, the album cements their legacy as a formidable force in the melodic metal scene.
“Ash Of Eternal Flame” – Track Listing:
01. Forevermore 02. Sea Of Lies 03. Higher 04. Soul Asunder 05. Primal Scream 06. Ash Of Eternal Flame 07. Cretan Warriors 08. The Hands Of Doom 09. Once Again 10. I Walk Alone 11. Breathe Bonus Track (physical only): 12. Send Me An Angel [BLACKFOOT Cover]
INNERWISH stand for melodic and melancholic heavy metal, played in a powerful and dynamic way. Their story began in Athens in 1995, and in their almost 30 years of existence they didn’t only manage to be one of the most important metal bands from Greece, but also to establish themselves as a much-respected band in the European metal scene.
Heavy new Swiss band Vicious Rain have unveiled their latest single, ‘Hysteria’ ft Half Me, which is taken from their highly anticipated debut album, There Is Beauty In Letting Go out on 11th October via Arising Empire.
Fronted by vocalist David Häusermann, guitarist and vocalist Mauro Gugerli, guitarist Tristan Meier, bassist Loris De Notaristefano and drummer Michael Teufelberger, Vicious Rain continue to carve their mark on the alternative music scene.
Each new single from the band marks a significant step in their ascent within the music industry. ‘Hysteria’, delves into the tumultuous chaos and emotional upheaval of a relationship where two people are passionately in love yet painfully aware of their incompatibility. With its raw energy and heartfelt lyrics, ‘Hysteria’ captures the intensity of confronting difficult truths and the emotional whirlwind that accompanies the decision to part ways. It beautifully illustrates how love, even when it leads to separation, forges an unbreakable connection between those involved, leaving a lasting impact that resonates long after the final note.
Formed in late 2022, Vicious Rain are an alternative metalcore band from Baden, Switzerland. The group combine intertwined singing/screaming vocals with anthemic singalongs, screaming melodic leads and crushing breakdowns, as they embrace everything from the heavy side of the genre all the way to the more intimate melodies. The band‘s spirit is marked by their shared belief in the importance of solidarity, and the role of the individual accomplishment of a common vision. Lyrically, the Swiss quintet wholeheartedly express their stance on personal matters, while highlighting their belief that self-reflection is the key to growth.
Live: 27.-28.09. Mettlerfield Festival 10.10. CH Luzern @ Musikzentrum Sedel /w The Narrator 11.10. CH Baden @Werkk /w The Narrator – Album Release Show Tickets
Vicious Rain are:
David Häusermann | Vocals Mauro Gugerli | Guitar & Vocals Tristan Meier | Guitar Loris De Notaristefano | Bass Michael Teufelberger | Drums
Southampton, UK power metal band BATTLE BORN has today shared a new single, Magic and Steel, with an accompanying music video ahead of their forthcoming UK tour in October in support of Tailgunner – full dates and details below. Magic and Steel is a previously unreleased track recorded during the sessions for their 2023 debut full-length, Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel, with the visual directed by Dean Addison in BATTLE BORN‘s hometown venue Heartbreakers Bar.
Speaking on the single release, BATTLE BORN comments: “Magic and Steel embodies BATTLE BORN‘s devotion to balls-to-the-wall, high octane, speed metal. It’s an apocalyptic ride of pure adrenaline that will make your lungs bleed fire. Ready or not, you’re all gonna die.”
Of the tour, the band adds: “Magic and Steel also drops less than a month before we hit the road for a UK run alongside fellow new blood Tailgunner! With two of heavy metal’s most exciting new acts on one bill, this an unmissable lineup for any metal fan, guaranteed to bring unlimited energy and pure steel.”
Melding the tradition of full-speed traditional 80s metal with high energy European inspired power metal, the UK Skyrim-themed power metal band’s latest single was recorded in 2023 by Kurt Fagan at The Ranch Production House and mixed & mastered by Orden Ogan’s Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann at Greenman Studios.
Upcoming BATTLE BORN tour dates:
w/ Tailgunner15 October – Bannermans – Edinburgh, UK 16 October – KK’s Steel Mill – Wolverhampton, UK 17 October – Rebellion – Manchester, UK 18 October – The Underworld – London, UK 19 October – The Joiners – Southampton, UK
BATTLE BORN is: Jack Reynolds – vocals Will Kerr – guitars, keyboards Tom O’Dell – guitars, vocals Charles Lamacraft-Perrett – drums, vocals Matt Hudson – bass
Swedish prog legends OPETH announce that the release of their 14th studio album, ‘The Last Will & Testament,’ has been postponed to November 22, 2024 due to unforeseen delays in the manufacturing process.
OPETH’s frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt comments:
“We strive to deliver the highest quality product possible, and to achieve that, we need a bit more time to ensure the final release meets our standards. We understand this may come as a disappointment, but we sincerely appreciate your patience and continued support. We can’t wait to share this new music with you, and we are confident it will be worth the wait”
Following the critical acclaim of their first single “§1”, the band just released second single “§3” – Listen HERE.
Artwork by Travis Smith with directions from Mikael Åkerfeldt
Opeth’s fourteenth album was written by Åkerfeldt, with lyrics conferred with Klara Rönnqvist Fors (The Heard, ex-Crucified Barbara). ‘The Last Will & Testament’ was co-produced by Åkerfeldt and Stefan Boman (Ghost, The Hellacopters), engineered by Boman, Joe Jones (Killing Joke, Robert Plant), and Opeth, with Boman, Åkerfeldt, and the rest of Opeth mixing at Atlantis and Hammerthorpe Studios in Stockholm. The strings on ‘The Last Will & Testament’ were arranged by Åkerfeldt and returning prog friend Dave Stewart (Egg, Khan) and conducted by Stewart at Angel Studios in London. Not one to miss a beat, visual artist Travis Smith returns to the fold, crafting his 11th cover, a haunting “photograph” reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s infamous “Overlook Hotel” photograph. Miles Showell (ABBA, Queen) also revisits mastering and vinyl lacquer cutting at Abbey Road Studios in London.
Åkerfeldt rolls out the red carpet for storied flautist and Jethro Tull main man Ian Anderson. Not only do Anderson’s signature notes fly on “§4” and “§7”, he narrates on “§1”, “§2”, “§4”, and “§7”. Joining Anderson, Europe’s Joey Tempest lends a backing vocal hand on “§2”, while Åkerfeldt’s youngest daughter, Mirjam Åkerfeldt, is the disembodied voice in “§1”.
‘The Last Will & Testament ‘is gripping from start to finish, jaw-dropping inside and out, representing some of Opeth’s finest material to date. Just as Opeth welcomed many into its distressed arms over the years, the Swedes again deliver on the promise that great music always tells a compelling story—this time with growls.
‘The Last Will & Testament’ Tracklist: 01 – §1 [LISTEN] 02 – §2 03 – §3 [LISTEN] 04 – §4 05 – §5 06 – §6 07 – §7 08 – A Story Never Told
In addition, OPETH will be celebrating the release of ‘The Last Will and Testament’ with headlining tours in North America, the UK, and Europe! The full itinerary can be found below while tickets are now on sale HERE.
OPETH North American Tour Dates (w/ TRIBULATION):
10/11: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave / Eagles Club 10/12: Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theater & Ballroom 10/14: Toronto, ON @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre 10/15: Montréal, QC @ L’Olympia 10/16: Worcester, MA @ Palladium 10/18: Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre 10/19: Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE 10/20: Washington, DC @ Warner Theatre 10/22: Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle 10/23: New Orleans, LA @ Fillmore New Orleans 10/24: Austin, TX @ Emo’s Austin 10/25: Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre 10/27: Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom 10/29: Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren 10/30: Los Angeles, CA @ YouTube Theater 10/31: San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
OPETH EU/UK Tour Dates 2025 (w/ Grand Magus):
02/09: Helsinki (FI) @ Ice Hall 02/11: Stockholm (SE) @ Cirkus 02/12: Oslo (NO) @ Sentrum Scene 02/14: Copenhagen (DK) @ DR Koncerthuset 02/15: Hamburg (DE) @ Docks 02/17: Cologne (DE) @ Palladium 02/18: Berlin (DE) @ Tempodrom 02/19: Munich (DE) @ Muffathalle 02/21: Paris (DR) @ L’Olympia 02/22: Amsterdam (NL) @ AFAS Live 02/23: Brussels (BE) @ Ancienne Belgique 02/25: Bristol (UK) @ Bristol Beacon 02/26: London (UK) @ Roundhouse 02/28: Birmingham (UK) @ Symphony Hall 03/01: Manchester (UK) @ Albert Hall 03/02: Glasgow (UK) @ Barrowland
More than three decades into their career, Opeth have trained their admirers to expect the unexpected. But even by their own standards, the Swedish progressive titans have conjured something extraordinary this time around. The band’s 14th studio exploration, The Last Will & Testament, is the darkest and heaviest record they have made in decades, it is also the most fearlessly progressive. A concept album recounting the reading of one recently deceased man’s will to an audience of his surviving family members, it brims with haunting melodrama, shocking revelations and some of the wildest and most unpredictable music that songwriter/frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt has ever written.
“I have become quite interested in family, and the idea that blood is not always thicker than water,” Åkerfeldt explains. “I became interested in how family members can turn on each other. I saw an interview with this guy whose family had all turned against him, over the inheritance, so I wrote a song about that on the last record. The idea stuck with me, and then along came the TV show Succession, and I loved that series. That was in the back of my head too. It felt like an interesting topic that you could twist and turn a little bit.”
The follow-up to 2019’s widely acclaimed In Cauda Venenum; The Last Will & Testament is set in the shadowy, sepia-stained 1920s. It slowly reveals its secrets like some classic thriller from the distant, cobwebbed past, with each successive song shining more light on the stated machinations of our dead (but definitely not harmless) protagonist. The emotional chaos of the story is perfectly matched by Opeth’s vivid but claustrophobic soundtrack, which artfully winds its way towards a crestfallen but sumptuous finale. Masters of their own idiosyncratic musical domain, Opeth have never sounded more unique.
“I knew I could go a bit overboard and wild with the music, a bit heavier and a bit more metal, maybe, because I felt it would fit the concept, which is dark and kind of complex. You might dabble with the occult in your youth and write songs about Satan, but this felt like I could make a story about real evil, and about human behaviour. It felt like the music for this concept should be on the heavier side of things. It’s a pretty heavy topic.”
Proud adherents to a progressive ethos, Opeth have never repeated themselves, and The Last Will & Testament is every bit as revelatory and adventurous as its 13 predecessors. But one thing is undeniable: Mikael Akerfeldt’s peerless death metal growls are back, for the first time since Watershed in 2008.
“I like to be unfashionable, in a way,” grins Åkerfeldt. “So, when it comes to bringing that kind of death metal vocal back, I wanted it to happen when people had stopped caring… and I guess that’s now! Maybe it’s a bit surprising, but we did some anniversary type shows, and we played lots of old songs, and I just thought that my death metal voice sounded good. There’s also been a little push because of our new drummer, Walt. He’s a death metal guy. Mendez (Opeth bassist) has been a bit of a horse whisperer, too, saying ‘Maybe you should do something heavier this time…’ In the end I just thought, yeah, let’s give it a try.”
The Last Will & Testament is destined to be a milestone in Opeth’s illustrious recorded history. The band’s first out-and-out concept record, it features guest cameos from Jethro Tull legend Ian Anderson and Joey Tempest, frontman with Swedish rock gods Europe. Only one of the album’s eight songs has a title: closing ballad A Story Never Told. The rest are simply labelled as numbered chapters in this slowly unfolding saga of deceit, recrimination and betrayal. Enigmatic, unsettling and immersive, The Last Will & Testament is a turbulent, prog metal tale like no other.
To add to an overwhelming sense that The Last Will & Testament is a landmark record for Opeth, its guest stars are of impeccable and legendary quality. Ian Anderson has been making imaginative and influential music for nearly 60 years, both with Jethro Tull and as a solo artist, and remains one of progressive rock’s most revered figures. He joins Opeth here for the first time, performing as the voice of the album’s chief protagonist and contributing some glorious flurries of flute.
“With Ian, it’s about his voice and just how he is. I decided we should have spoken word, and if that was going to happen, the voice should be Ian’s. He’s like a distinguished gentleman. Everything he says has authority. So, it was just perfect. No one else would have been as good. I felt maybe it was a bit too cliched to ask him to play a flute solo too, but instead, he asked me, ‘Do you need a flute solo?’ and so obviously I said, ‘Yes! Yes, we do!’”
Another legend of the rock world to grace the new Opeth album with his presence and talent is Joey Tempest, singer with Europe.
“On the record, Joey does this call and response with Ian, which was another dream come true for me,” Åkerfeldt says. “I love Europe and I love Joey. We’ve become buddies over the years. So that was a big thing for me. He also knows Ian and had met him a few times. He’s a fan of Tull, so it was cool to have them on the same track. You don’t want to have guests that just for the glitter and glamour. You want someone that’s going to add something to the record, and those two guys were perfect.”
Making his recorded debut alongside Opeth’s long-established line-up of Mikael Åkerfeldt, guitarist Fredrik Åkesson, bassist Martin Mendez and keyboard maestro Joakim Svalberg on The Last Will & Testament is new drummer Waltteri Väyrynen, who joined the band in 2022. Åkerfeldt is eager to commend his new comrade’s immense drumming abilities, while observing that recording drums for the new album was a virtually stress-free process.
“I knew Walt was a great drummer, but I didn’t know how good he was. We’re not crappy musicians in this band. We can play. But we sat there at Rockfield Studios, and he just was doing these insane, technical songs in one take. We were almost recording it in real time! [Laughs] He’s amazing.”
After three decades of dazzling the world, Opeth have made their most daring creative leap yet. The Last Will & Testament is a progressive and dramatic triumph, and yet more proof that expecting the unexpected is the only way forward for fans of Sweden’s finest.
“It’s a restless record for me,” concludes Åkerfeldt. “It’s an explosion of ideas, which I like. It’s a bit shorter and snappier. But I definitely didn’t want to rehash anything. The only thing that has come back is some of those death metal screams, but the mindset is still much more forward looking. In typical Opeth fashion, it’s not a direct record that you understand and that you love or hate right away. It takes time and if you put that time into it, you might like it… or hate it! It feels like it was written on a whim. Which it was, in a way! I hear things on this album and think, where the fuck did that come from?”
Lineup: Mikael Åkerfeldt – Vocals, guitars Fredrik Åkesson – Guitars, backing vocals Martin Mendez – Bass guitar Waltteri Väyrynen – Drums and percussion Joakim Svalberg – Keyboards, backing vocals
Special Guests: Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) – spoken word (tracks 1, 2, 4, 7) // flute (tracks 4, 7) Joey Tempest (Europe) – backing vocals (track 2) Mirjam Åkerfeldt – spoken word (track 1)
All Music and Lyrics written by Mikael Åkerfeldt Lyrical concept by Mikael Åkerfeldt, dramatic consultation by Klara Rönnqvist Fors
Produced by Mikael Åkerfeldt Co-produced by Opeth and Stefan Boman Engineered by Stefan Boman, Joe Jones and Opeth Mixing by Stefan Boman and Mikael Åkerfeldt and Opeth at Atlantis and Hammerthorpe, Stockholm, Sweden Mastering and vinyl lacquer cut by Miles Showell at Abbey Road studios, London, UK
Strings conducted by Dave Stewart at Angel Studios, London, UK Strings arrangement by Mikael Åkerfeldt and Dave Stewart Drum technicalities by Kit Cunningham
SEETHING AKIRA ramp up their campaign with the release of the hard hitting new single ‘Times Change’, a song that rips open the emotions and powerful energy unique to this hugely talented Portsmouth band.
“The Times certainly are changing with the 2nd drop from our newest emotionally charged single. We would like to welcome you all to the Cancel Estate”.
Following on from the release of their critically acclaimed ‘Nozomi’, Seething Akira are gearing up for their new album ‘Cancel Estate, to be released on 25th October.
Seething Akira are a band built on the foundations of connection, sharing something special with a stranger and forming a bond that lasts a lifetime. Taking the most gloriously crushing parts of metalcore and joyfully triumphant elements of EDM and smashing them together with lashings of British grit, determination and cheek, they craft a uniquely vibrant experience. Delivering as many breakdowns that could cut diamonds as techno breaks that wouldn’t sound out of place in the clubs of Berlin, they strive to unite two worlds with more in common than many think.
Inspired by the swell of the pit as much as the heat of the dancefloor, movement is encouraged, but so is critical thought. Though the band’s music straddles the shoulders of the community proudly, it is when they are on stage together that it truly comes to life. They’ve shared their hopeful philosophy with everyone from Don Broco and Ingested to Skindred, Killswitch Engage and Sleep Token, as well as decimating stages at Download, Bloodstock and Victorious. And each performance they been a part of has been viewed as a blessing, a chance to change someone’s perspective with the euphoria they have forged. There is no barrier between the band and the crowd, they are one in these moments
10/10 – Emerging Rock Bands: “Nozomi – New metal masterpiece!” Devolution Magazine – “In Nozomi they’ve created something very special. What these six guys from Portsmouth have just produced is a contender for album of the year.”
Bloodstock Main Stage 2023: MetalTalk – “With their adrenaline-fuelled approach, they tore the Bloodstock arena apart, and the masses responded in kind with pits and circles aplenty.”
Dark Arts Conspiracy: “They are a band that need to be seen to be believed, especially in the live environment, where they truly thrive, being in their element. It’s no surprise that they have already supported the likes of Skindred, Hacktivist and Don Broco.“
Seething Akira: When did waking up with air in our lungs and blood in our veins stop being all we needed to know that life is wonderful? At the end of everything, you won’t be thinking of the things you bought or the number of followers you had. You’ll be looking at the places you saw, the things you felt and the people you were with. That’s what this should all be about. It’s all this has ever been about. We just need a bit of reminding every now and then.
Seething Akira have made it their mission to be that reminder. That’s because they are a band built on the foundations of connection. Of sharing something special with a stranger and forming a bond that lasts a lifetime. It’s a sentiment that made them fall in love with heavy music in the first place, and since their inception in 2017, they have been striving to leave their mark on the genre in the same way their heroes have.
The future is more uncertain than it has ever been, but what we can control is the things that we stand for. As beautifully human as they are, they are wonderfully otherworldly; Seething Akira know who they are and what they believe now more than ever. Of what it means to make the most of our time and endeavour to make every moment one to remember. They want to be a flag in the ground for everybody else who feels the same. So, are you coming along for the ride?
Upcoming shows: 19th Oct, Moshville Rocktoberfest, Glasgow 1st Nov, Rabidfest, The Night Before, Jericho Tavern, Oxford 3rd Nov, Guildhall, Portsmouth 8th Nov, The Lounge Bar, Alton 4th April 2025, Takedown Festival, Portsmouth
Never Obey Again have released a video for “G.O.D. (Given Or Denied)”, second single taken from the new album “Trust” to be released on October 18th by Scarlet Records.
“G.O.D.” is a ‘straight fire’ modern metal song with female scream vocals and heavy riffs. “G.O.D.” means: we’re all human beings, we are all blank canvas at birth. The place and the moment in history we were born turn ourselves into the people we will become tomorrow. Some of us are given, some of us are denied.
video by Never Obey Again
sophomore record for the up’n’coming Italian modern metal band with a strong digital fanbase;
powerful, catchy and poignant songs based on ‘authenticity’ as main artistic asset;
outstanding vocal performance by charismatic frontwoman Carol;
Never Obey Again is an exciting live band that successfully toured Holland and Belgium this spring and will be touring Holland, Belgium, Germany and Austria next year;
first edition will be released in a 4-panel digipack;
for fans of Evanescence, Halestorm, Linkin Park, Spiritbox, I Prevail, In This Moment;
“Trust” will be released in the following formats: digipack CD, digital
Artwork by Never Obey Again
Never Obey Again is a female fronted alternative unit that blends heavy sounds and modern electronic elements to create captivating, emotional sound scenarios. They did it effortlessly on the 2023 debut album “The End Of An Era”; they did it better and with an even stronger personal touch on their brand new record, where extraordinary singer Carol shines throughout the entire work.
On one hand, “Trust” has been conceived as ‘music for everyone’ regardless of gender or age as its lyrics and vocals could resonate with anyone; words and melodies that allow the listener to feel like home, protected and safe in sharing feelings.
On the other hand, it represents the band’s decision to go heavier and dress those lyrics with their own sound avoiding any compromise; it sounds deeper, rough and straight to the point. It sounds like Never Obey Again and nothing else.
“Trust” tracklist: 01 Animal By Choice 02 G.O.D. (Given Or Denied) 03 Never Feel, Never Fear 04 Give Me A Fuckin’ Break 05 Under My Skin, Before Your Eyes 06 Lost… 07 Control 08 I Wish 09 Conquer And Divide 10 Waterfall 11 Trust
Never Obey Again: Carolina Bertelegni – vocals Alessandro Tuvo – guitar Alex Pedrotti – guitar Cristiano Trappoli – bass Marco Binda – 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
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 