SIMONE SIMONS of EPICA fame has revealed the video for the second single to be taken from her debut solo album, Vermillion, that is set for release on the 23rd August via Nuclear Blast Records. Written alongside ARJEN LUCASSEN (AYREON), the new single is titled ‘In Love We Rust’.
SIMONE SIMONS & ARJEN LUCASSEN comment:
“The video was filmed in just one take to keep it as pure and raw as possible. We opted to keep it in black and white so as not to distract from the song or the performance. In Love We Rust is quite different from our first single Aeterna, which shows how diverse this album is. This is one of our favourite songs. We hope you love this as much as we do.”
For more than 20 years, ever since she was a teenager, SIMONE SIMONS has been carving her own path as a woman within the world of metal. As a lead singer, icon, and role model for a whole generation of female metalheads, the Epica lead singer remains one of the most prominent key figures in all things metal. After eight albums and countless global tours with her band, SIMONE SIMONS finally found the time to release her first solo album – a moment 15 years in the making! Her breathtaking debut Vermillion is a stunning feat chronicling her storied past as well as her rise to fame, and showcasing her many different influences ranging from prog rock to film scores to metal to electronic elements.
Of the timing for her eagerly awaited foray into the realms of a solo career, the Dutch singer says with a disarming grin: Epica has my priority and I always have the liberty to do other musical projects besides my career in Epica. Yet, I never had the time to dive into a project to this extent. Some endeavors require patience and time, and rightly so. Simone chose not to rush her solo project, opting instead to thoughtfully consider how she wanted to present herself. Enter stage right Arjen Lucassen (AYREON). Her musical partner and longtime collaborator is no stranger to her soaring operatic voice. Together they have crafted a sonic universe that befits the influential figure she is. And while many would use their solo effort as a radical, even provocative departure from everything they stood for, SIMONE remains true to her love for epic melodies, huge choruses and monumental, intelligent music.
DEEP PURPLE releases their new song ‘Pictures Of You’ of their upcoming album =1 through earMUSIC.
Deep Purple’s latest song, ‘Pictures Of You’ is now available for streaming and as instant gratification track with all digital download pre-orders for =1. Additionally, the single is offered as part of a four-track bundle which features two previously unreleased live recordings from 2022 in Milan, Italy: ‘When A Blind Man Cries’ and ‘Uncommon Man’.
For collectors, the excitement continues as the physical pre-sale of ‘Pictures Of You’ begins today. The single will be released on CD and 12” vinyl on June 28th, 2024, with each format being strictly limited to 5,000 pieces worldwide, and each copy being numbered by hand.
The first music video for ‘Portable Door’, featuring the band performing live on stage, quickly surpassed one million views. In this new video, fans will once again see Deep Purple in their element, performing together.
The enigmatic album title ‘=1’ encapsulates the band’s philosophy of unity amidst complexity, promising an album that resonates deeply with their five decades spanning hard rock legacy. Produced once again by iconic Bob Ezrin, ‘=1’ captures the purest classic Deep Purple sound, without relying on nostalgia.
In celebration of the new album, Deep Purple will perform more than 60 concerts worldwide this year during their ‘=1 MORE TIME’ tour.
With three consecutive No.1 albums in their back pocket and a resurgent new energy powering them forward, this is Deep Purple at their pinnacle. ‘Now WHAT?!’ (2013), inFinite’ (2017), and ‘Whoosh!’ (2020) have sold over one million copies worldwide, making Deep Purple one of the most successful rock bands currently active. The latest studio album, “Whoosh!”, reached #1 on the album charts in 7 countries and charted in the top 10 in another 12.
‘=1’ will be released on July 19th via earMUSIC as Ltd. CD+DVD (Digipak), CD (Jewelcase), 2LP Gatefold (black, 180g), Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold (180g), Ltd. Crystal Clear 2LP (180g) and Ltd. Box Set (CD+DVD Digipak, 2LP black Gatefold, 3x exclusive 10” vinyl editions feat. live recordings from Deep Purple’s 2022 tour, exclusive Collector’s T-shirt, 2x exclusive guitar picks, 1x exclusive art print, 1x exclusive lanyard, and the chance to win a Golden Ticket giving access to every show on the Deep Purple ‘=1 MORE TIME’ tour).
All LPs include a rich 12-page LP sized booklet – exclusively in the first print run!
The bonus DVD features the approx. 60min documentary ‘Access All Areas’ joining Deep Purple backstage on tour and providing an exclusive look behind the scenes.
Further exclusive items are available via the official album store: Ltd. 2LP Picture Disc, Ltd. Cassette, strictly limited canvas signed by all band members – limited to 150 items only and various other merchandise items.
Tickets for the ‘=1 MORE TIME’ tour are available HERE
About Deep Purple
There simply aren’t enough superlatives to properly acknowledge the contribution Deep Purple has made to rock music. Having sold more than 100 million albums and filled global arenas for decades, there’s little wonder that the respected British radio station Planet Rock named the group the ‘5th Most Influential Band Ever’. The band were also presented the ‘Legend Award’ at the 2008 World Music Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Deep Purple truly are ‘rock royalty’.
With a body of work spanning seven decades, Deep Purple has helped pioneer and define the hard rock genre while progressively moving into new areas, both keeping their sound fresh and attracting new fans to the legions who have remained loyal since the band’s inception. The celebrated MKII line up of Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore were responsible for creating many of the defining rock albums of the early 70’s, including ‘Made In Japan’, universally accepted as one of the most important and influential live albums of all time.
Known as one of the hardest working bands ever, Deep Purple has continued to release No.1 albums and tour globally since forming in 1968, with little rest. In 2007 (almost 40 years after being formed), the band performed 40 dates in France to an award-winning audience, and they continue to spend much of their year on the road selling out arenas across the globe.
Deep Purple has stayed true to its musical roots taking from an eclectic mix of styles to create a distinctive sound that defines the band today, but which in turn, has created a legacy that very few bands could ever hope to replicate. The band has written and produced so many “classic,” well-known songs, that its audience range widely in age and background – something the band has readily embraced.
Deep Purple’s recent studio album, ‘Whoosh!’ (2020), followed their worldwide chart-topping albums ‘inFinite’ (2017) and ’NOW What?!’ (2013). 2024 sees the release of their brand-new album ‘=1’. On all albums, Deep Purple joined forces with producer Bob Ezrin, who has worked with the likes of KISS, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper.
Furthering their collaboration with Ezrin, in 2021 and during the pandemic the band recorded a collection of cover songs from their own homes (normal for most bands nowadays, revolutionary for a band that records everything together in the studio), creating an eclectic and celebratory history of their roots in music, in the shape of ‘Turning To Crime’.
In 2022 came the sad news of Steve Morse’s departure due to personal circumstances. Moving forward, Deep Purple sought out the masterful skills of guitarist Simon McBride and played the year out in style, exciting crowds with a new energy and excitement.
Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey, and Simon McBride continue with renewed vitality, pushing the boundaries of hard rock to audiences around the globe, proving that Deep Purple are very much here to stay.
Swiss metal pioneers ELUVEITIE are thrilled to announce their highly anticipated ‘ÁNV RISING – EUROPE PT I‘ tour, set to electrify stages across Europe in early 2025. The tour will feature, Moldovan metal sensation INFECTED RAIN and the modern metal powerhouseAD INFINITUM.
ELUVEITIE, renowned for their unique blend of melodic death metal and traditional Celtic music, have consistently captivated audiences worldwide with their rich musical heritage and dynamic live performances. Following the success of their critically acclaimed album, Ategnatos, and their recent single releases, ‘Aidus‘ and ‘Exile Of The Gods‘, Eluveitie are set to bring an unforgettable experience to their European fans.
ELUVEITIE frontman Chrigel Glanzmann comments: “We are beyond excited to return to the road and share our music with our fans,” says Eluveitie frontman Chrigel Glanzmann. “ÁNV RISING – EUROPE PT I’ tour is not just a concert series; it’s nights of celebration and of good we‘ll have all together braving troubled times!”
Supporting ELUVEITIE on this epic tour are Infected Rain and Ad Infinitum, two bands that have rapidly risen in the metal scene.
INFECTED RAIN, hailing from Moldova, are known for their powerful, energetic performances and unique fusion of metal genres. Led by the charismatic vocalist Lena Scissorhands, the band has made waves with their latest album, TIME, which showcases their evolution and bold experimentation within the metal sphere.
Joining them is AD INFINITUM, fronted by the versatile and captivating vocalist Melissa Bonny. AD INFINITUM has quickly garnered a dedicated following with their sophisticated modern metal sound, as highlighted in their recent album Chapter III: Downfall. Their music blends heavy riffs, orchestral arrangements, and hauntingly beautiful vocals, promising a spellbinding performance.
The ‘ÁNV RISING – EUROPE PT I‘ tour promises a night of high-energy performances, intricate musical storytelling, and a celebration of metal’s diverse genres.
Tickets will be available starting Friday, June 7th, at 10:00am CEST, via the official ELUVEITIE website and major ticketing platforms.
‘ÁNV RISING – EUROPE PT I‘ tour dates: 23.01.25: DK, Copenhagen – Amager Bio * 24.01.25: SWE, Gothenburg – Pustervik * 25.01.25: NO, Oslo – Rockefeller Music Hall * 26.01.25: SWE, Stockholm – Klubben Fryshuset * 28.01.25: FI, Helsinki – House Of Culture 29.01.25: FI, Turku – Logomo 30.01.25: FI, Kuopio – Sawohouse Underground 01.02.25: EST, Tallinn – Helitehas 02.02.25: LV, Riga – Palladium Riga 04.02.25: PL, Krakow – Klub Studio 07.02.25: GR, Thessaloniki – Principal Club Theater 08.02.25: GR, Athens – Gagarin 205 09.02.25: BG, Sofia – Joy Station 11.02.25: SLO, Ljublijana – Kino Siska 12.02.25: IT, Trezzo sull´Adda – Live Club ** 13.02.25: AT, Wörgl – Komma VZ 14.02.25: DE, Würzburg – Posthalle 15.02.25: DE, Jena – F-Haus 16.02.25: DE, Hannover – Capitol * wihout INFECTED RAIN ** without AD INFINITUM
Finnish Folk Metal Superstars KORPIKLAANI have released a video for the song ‘Harhainen höyhen‘ from their latest album, Rankarumpu.
KORPIKLAANI‘s twelfth studio albumRankarumpu is classic folk metal – fast, energetic and dynamic, showing once again they are the leaders in this genre.
The closing song ‘Harhainen höyhen‘ is slightly different in tone from the rest of the album as it leans more towards a melancholic side, which is not only being reflected in the song’s lyrics dealing with mental health issues, but also noticeable in the atmospheric new music video directed by Miika Hakala that’s out today.
KORPIKLAANI commented: “‘Harhainen höyhen’ is a song that deals with mental health problems and how a person can think they are weak and be susceptible to problems, as the weakest and poorest feather. Then you can hear bad things in your head which at worst can lead to committing suicide. I myself have been in a situation where I heard a voice in my head that said that my clock had rung a long time ago and that I could leave this world. But then I realized that my time wasn’t even remotely over yet … anyway this song is for all of us out there with mental health issues and about how wrong it is to harm yourself.” – Jonne
IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, depression and/or suicidal thoughts, there is help. For free, confidential support and resources 24/7 visit: https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp
KORPIKLAANI LIVE IN 2024 CONFIRMED FESTIVALS 2024 16.06. DE Merseburg – Merseburger Schlossfestspiele 21.06. CH Grenchen – Summerside Festival 29.06. FR Clisson – Hellfest 05.07. ES Barcelona – Barcelona Rock Fest 12.07. FR Laundresse – La Guerre Du Son 14.07. NL Helmond – Pirate Metal Party 03.08. IT Bergamo – Metal For Emergency 09.08. FR Cercoux – Festival 666 10.08. UK Walton on Trent – Bloodstock Open Air 11.08. BE Kortrijk – Alcatraz Festival 14.-17.08. DE Dinkelsbühl – Summer Breeze 16.08. CZ Zámek Moravský Krumlov – Rock Castle 24.08. PT Pindelo dos Milagres – Milagre Metaleiro Open Air 28-31.08 HU Alsóörs – Tabor Festival 06.09. FR Mennecy – Mennecy Metal Fest 07.09. FR Raismes – Raismes Fest 09.11. FI Lahti – Mösso XXL Metalli
EUROPEAN WINTER TOUR 2024 w/ In Extremo & Rauhbein 15.11. DE Saarbrücken – Garage 16.11. CH Pratteln – Z7 22.11. DE Rostock – Moya 29.11. DE Berlin – Columbiahalle 30.11. DE Bremen – Pier 2 06.12. DE Nürnberg – KIA Metropol Arena 07.12. AT Wien – Gasometer 12.12. DE Bielefeld – Lokschuppen 13.12. DE Hannover – Swiss Life Hall 14.12. DE Dresden – Alter Schlachthof 20.12. DE Leipzig – Haus Auensee 21.12. DE Stuttgart – Porsche Arena 27.12. DE München – Zenith 28.12. DE Wiesbaden – Schlachthof 29.12. DE Erfurt – Messehalle 30.12. DE Köln – Palladium
Heavy metal titans HAMMERFALL are thrilled to announce the release of their electrifying new single, ‘The End Justifies.’
This classic HAMMERFALL anthem is the second single from their highly anticipated upcoming album, Avenge The Fallen, set to be released on August 9th through Nuclear Blast Records.
‘The End Justifies’ captures the essence of HAMMERFALL’s signature sound, combining powerful riffs, soaring vocals, and a relentless rhythm that fans have come to love. The accompanying video, filmed in the band’s rehearsal studio, brings an intense visual experience that matches the song’s driving energy. Fast-paced camera movements and raw, unfiltered footage showcase the band’s passion and dedication, creating an immersive experience for viewers.
Catch HAMMERFALL live in 2024: 05.-08.06. SE Norje – Sweden Rock Festival 06.06. NO Trondheim – Trondheim Rocks 14.06. ES Zamora – Z-fest 20.06. DK Copenhagen – Copenhell 21.06. BE Dessel – Graspop 27.06. SL Snina – Rock Pod Kamenon 03.-06.07. DE Ballenstedt – Rock Hartz 12.07. BG Midalidare Estate, Chirpan – Midalidare Rock 10.08. FI Helsinki – Hellsinki Metal Fest 04.10. DE Hamburg – Barclays Arena 05.10. NL Amsterdam – AFAS Live
Chief Shock Video
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
Ads
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