I was approached by Rufus Publications back in 2019 with an interest to create a high end and compelling book of 100 of my most unique and used guitars. I knew there was only one guy that could do this job most effectively and that was Michael Mesker, who was eager to do it. There isn’t anyone who knows the history of my guitars, nor has the artistic overview of photography and forensic attention to detail as he does.
Mike spent 5 years compiling this book and photographing the guitars with a quality technique that will blow your mind. He scoured the globe to find many of these guitars, as I had given many away or sold them through the years, but he tracked them down and got the necessary shots. The results are stunning and the book is a masterpiece. I didn’t realize how diverse, eclectic and innovative my guitar collection was until I saw this book. Besides the documenting of various models, this book is the penultimate definitive word on the history of the Jem and the guitars that were part of its evolution. It’s magnificent and I’m blown away.
Brace yourselves, metalheads! Budapest’s alternative metal heroes, NEST OF PLAGUES, have inked a scorching deal with Wormholedeath Records and are ready to drop their earth-shattering album, “Hellsolation,” upon the world! With a sound that blends the crushing heaviness of groove metal with the infectious melodies of alternative metal, Nest of Plagues delivers a powerful and undeniably catchy sonic experience.
“We’re very excited to announce that we signed with WormholeDeath, our first international label!” said the band.” We’re unspeakably grateful they believed in our music and got us under their wings to help us grow as a band and reach our ambitions. With their help, we hope to bring our message to all corners of the world.”
About ‘Hellsolation’
Dropping on September 6th, Nest of Plagues’ third concept album, “Hellsolation,” tells an honest story of how the band has dealt with isolation and mental health challenges over the years. Dani shares, “Five years ago, I was diagnosed with OCD. Our previous album, ‘To Kill A God,’ explored how I tried to live with this condition, which makes everyday life miserable. ‘Hellsolation’ continues this narrative but approaches these increasingly common issues in modern society from a different angle. The lyrics mainly reflect my own journey, but also tell the stories of others who struggle with loneliness and mental difficulties. The lesson in all of this is that no matter what you do, in the end, you can only count on yourself. But this isn’t a negative message—it’s about finding strength within.”
Coming from Budapest, the band brings this strong narrative to the international metal scene with a touch of glitter. Expanding their sound from metalcore into groove metal with elements of alternative metal, they still maintain a core edge. Thanks to their eclectic image and powerful live performances, Nest of Plagues injects joy and energy where darkness reigns.
‘Hellsolation’ is more than just an album; it’s a sonic apocalypse waiting to be unleashed. Prepare for headbanging anthems that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Nest of Plagues is embarking on a three-week European tour alongside the legendary Orphaned Land! Witness their captivating live performance and experience the power of ‘Hellsolation’ firsthand. More info: nestofplagues.com
1. Blackened Sky 2. Dear Abyss 3. Mundane 4. Blood Marks 5. All Hail The Rat God 6. Kill The Kings 7. Suffer Together 8. Hell Is A Place On Earth 9. Circle 10. Supreme 11. Hellsolation
Dive into the world of “Hellsolation” and experience Nest of Plagues’ signature sound by checking out their powerful single, “Blood Marks”, through their music video:
Danish roots-rock sensation Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado are back with their brand new single, “Long Time Ago,” out now via Provogue/Mascot Label Group. You can watch the video HERE.
This track is the second release from their yet to be announced and much-anticipated new album and it offers a fresh, modern take on the blues, channeling the vibes of contemporary giants like The Black Keys and My Baby or a modern JJ Cale take while staying true to the band’s deep blues roots.
“Long Time Ago” is a masterclass in blending classic blues traditions with modern soundscapes. The single is driven by a pulsating groove and Risager’s soulful vocals, reminiscent of the swampy, raw energy that has become synonymous with The Black Tornado’s sound. Accompanying the release is a stunning lyric video, shot on the road, capturing the melancholic yet captivating spirit of the blues noir—a perfect visual complement to the track’s mood.
“Long Time Ago is a song about searching,” says Thorbjørn. “Everybody’s searching for something. Maybe you’re searching for true love, maybe you’re searching for your lost youth, maybe you’re searching for something and you don’t even know what it is.”
The release of “Long Time Ago” follows a string of accolades and successes for Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado, including winning four Danish Music Awards (often referred to as the Danish Grammys) and eight nominations, as well as receiving the prestigious Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik in 2014. The band has also been honored with the European Blues Award for Best Band in 2017 and was voted “Best Album” by Classic Rock’s Blues Magazine for their 2014 album ‘Too Many Roads.’
It’s been twenty years since they released their debut album, ‘Live 2004,’ and since then, they’ve picked up numerous awards and blazed a trail across the world, captivating crowds with their dynamic stage presence and a sound that fuses soul Chicago blues, boogie, and rock ‘n’ roll with a voice where Ray Charles, Van Morrison, and Billy Gibbons meet in the middle. They’ve opened for Bonnie Raitt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Risager himself, sharing the stage with legends such as Buddy Guy and Robben Ford. They’ve even picked up a fan in Elwood Blues himself – Dan Aykroyd! – who hailed their “Hot rhythm and blues.”
“Long Time Ago” is a powerful reminder of why Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado have become one of the most respected names in modern blues. With over 60,000 physical albums sold / 20 million streams over the past decade, and a dedicated following that continues to grow rapidly, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado are showing no signs of slowing down. The band is set to continue their non-stop touring schedule throughout 2024 and beyond, bringing their electrifying live performances to fans across Europe and North America.
Upcoming Shows 14 Sep – Bygningen/Crossroads – Vejle – DENMARK 28 Sep – Drantum Forsamlingshus, Brande – DENMARK 03 Oct – Fjordglimt, Jyllinge – DENMARK 25 Oct – Nysted Biograf, Nysted – DENMARK 26 Oct – The Tivoli, Helksingborg – SWEDEN 28 Oct – Godset (Voodoo Saints), Kolding – DENMARK 29 Oct – Amager Bio (Voodoo Saints), Copenhagen – DENMARK 30 Oct – Borgerforeningen (Voodoo Saints), Svendborg – SWEDEN 31 Oct – Tante Olga (Voodoo Saints), Randers – DENMARK 01 Nov – Dexter (Voodoo Saints), Odense – DENMARK 02 Nov – Fermaten (Voodoo Saints), Herning – DENMARK 13 Dec – Plantagehuest, Thisted – DENMARK 14 Dec – Elses Gab, Hoteborg – SWEDEN
The Black Tornado Band Thorbjørn Risager Vocal, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar Emil Balsgaard Piano, Organ, Wurlitzer, Clavinet, Farfisa Joachim Svensmark Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizer, Piano, Viola, Drums, Percussion, Glockenspiel, Mandolin Kasper Wagner Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Flutes, Clarinet Hans Nybo Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet Peter W Kehl Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Trombone, Sousaphone Søren Bøjgaard Bass, Moog Bass, Baritone Guitar, Synthesizer, Piano, Percussion, Mix, Producer Martin Seidelin Drums, PercussionThey will also be playing the following UK shows:
The heavens shall burn when they are gathered: Finnish melodic death metal juggernaut Horizon Ignited are taking things to the next level. The band just released the brand new single “Beneath The Dark Waters” together with a breathtaking video clip.
The single is now available on every major streaming platform: https://lnk.to/BTDW
The band states: “”Beneath The Dark Waters” is the first song released in over two years for us, which makes this super exciting! Even though we might feel extremely happy about this, the song itself is anything but joyful. It’s dark, sorrowful and fierce when it needs to be. The song is pretty different to the stuff we’ve done on the first two albums but I think it still sounds like Horizon Ignited. Not only is the song darker than what our listeners may have used to, but it’s also a lower tuning and includes some Finnish language in the bridge section, which is a first time for us. No idea if we’ll do it again in the future at some point, but for this song, which is full of Finnish melancholy, our native language seemed like a great fit for it.A new chapter for the band is here and this is but the first small taste of things to come!”
Recorded with Juho Räihä (guitarist of Swallow The Sun) at Inka Studio in Orimattila, the band really found themselves during the process. The song was then mixed and mastered by Chris Clancy (Machine Head, Kataklysm) in the UK. This song is the start of a new era.
More Information coming soon. Stay tuned!
HORIZON IGNITED are: Okko Solanterä – Vocals Johannes Mäkinen – Gitarre Vili Vottonen – Gitarre Miska Ek– Keyboards Jiri Vanhatalo – Drums Jukka Haarala – Bass
TheCityIsOurs have released their new single ‘Psycho’ via Arising Empire. Continuing their exploration of deep and evocative themes, the track follows previous singles ‘In The Dark’ and ‘Shame’, and delves further into the complexities of personal and societal challenges.This new track builds upon the emotional narrative established in ‘Shame’, offering a compelling blend of powerful melodies and introspective lyrics that highlight the ongoing journey towards self-discovery and acceptance.
Additionally, the band has announced their upcoming album Will You Still Love Me?, set to be released on 31st January, 2025.
track list: 1. Shame 2. In The Dark 3. Hot Mess 4. Sugar 5. Dopamine 6. Freak Like You 7. Work It Out (If You Let Me) 8. Hush! Hush! 9. Psycho 10. I See You 11. Can You Feel It?
TheCityIsOurs are a four-piece metal band from London who have quickly garnered attention and growing support for peers, industry and fans alike, with their high-octane live show and the success of their second album. Coma(2021) smashed into the Top 5 iTunes Metal Charts with several singles appearing in editorial playlists with the likes of Amazon Music, Deezer and Spotify (including two covers on New Core and Metal UK) supporting the band.
TheCityIsOurs have become a upcoming staple on UK and EU festival line-ups, with appearances at Camden Rocks, Macmillan Fest, Burn It Down, Holloween, a fly in appearance at High 5 Festival in Sweden, and a headline set in the Doghouse Tent at the revered Download Festival to a 4000+ audience of festival-goers. After a sold-out album release show at The Underworld in London, 2022 saw TheCityIsOurs break out into the European scene, with a full-length tour across the mainland. Most recently, the band toured across the UK supporting Heart Of A Coward.
Catch TheCityIsOurs live on the following dates: 01.11.24 Germany Stuttgart @ Core Fest 03.11.24 Germany Vechta @ Gulfhaus 04.11.24 The Netherlands Utrecht @ De Helling 05.11.24 Germany Cologne @ Club Volta 06.11.24 France Paris @ Backstage By The Mill 07.11.24 Belgium Antwerp @ Kavka 08.11.24 Germany Berlin @ Privatclub
15.12.24 Czech Republic Prague @ Rock Café 16.12.24 Poland Warsaw @ Voodoo Club 17.12.24 Hungary Budapest @ Durer Kert 18.11.24 Austria Vienna @ Chelsea
05.03.25 UK Manchester @ Academy 3 06.03.25 UK Bristol @ The Exchange 07.03.25 UK London @ The Underworld 08.03.25 UK Birmingham @ Asylum 09.03.25 UK Glasgow @ Garage 2
TheCityIsOurs are: Oli Duncanson | Vocals Mikey Page | Vocals / Guitar Jamie Deeks | Bass David Cardona | Drums
The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara (TCOMAS) have unveiled, their new single and official video for “It goes”. The track is taken from the band’s forthcoming new album, ORIGINS, which is due to be released on November 1, 2024. The album is now available to pre-save as well as digital pre-order on The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara’s official website.
Speaking about their new track and video for “It goes”, Daphne Ang and Andrea Papi shared, “This song is about working all your life for something that is never going to be yours.”
The new track showcases a haunting soundscape of classical guitars, cellos, and vocals by Andrea Papi. The single is launched with an official video produced by the duo’s visual and video production entity, TCOMAS Studio. The striking video employs AI video technology to generate lifelike scenes, achieving a cinematic quality.
It goes” is preceded by the release of several singles from the new album. The first single, “Mysterium Tremendum”, blended death metal, poetry, and classical orchestration, and was also accompanied by an animated music video. This was followed by “Feed the Beast”, a progressive rock and metal anthem that delving into the theme of addiction and recovery, and “Bite the Bullet”, a hip-hop/metal song featuring UK-based Italian rapper, Mr Meuri.
It goes – Single Cover Artwork by The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara
Continuing The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara’s impressive streak of self-produced efforts, ORIGINS will be the duo’s third studio album in four years.
Speaking about the inspiration behind their upcoming new album, the duo shares, “Origins is about our personal experience of mysteries, rituals, true friendships, bad mentors, addiction, and death. This album is deeply personal, and is written from the heart. We dedicate it to the people who are still here, and for those we have lost. You’ll find many unexpected twists and turns throughout the album. Such is the chaos and unpredictability of life.”
The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara’s new album, ORIGINS, will be released worldwide on November 1, 2024, — visit ffm.to/origins-album to pre-save. The album is now available for digital pre-order purchase as a digital download — visit tcomas.com/origins to pre-order.
The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara (TCOMAS), a UK-based duo featuring Daphne Ang (Singapore) and Andrea Papi (Italy), emerged in London in early 2020. Their debut album, Full Spectrum, established their innovative fusion of poetry performance and heavy music, creating a unique form of expression that has become synonymous with TCOMAS. Their sophomore album, Trust No Leaders, released on July 1, 2022, explores the history of metal, paying tribute to various subgenres and non-Western musical influences. In 2024, TCOMAS released “Mysterium Tremendum” – a fusion of classical orchestration, poetry, and death metal, followed by “Feed the Beast”, a progressive rock and metal anthem about addiction.
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 ) 