The year was 1984, the year of the cassette boombox and the Sony Walkman, and the year when a little band from Los Angeles invited the world to “Turn Up The Radio.” That band was Autograph, fronted by the fiery-haired powerhouse vocalist STEVE PLUNKETT, and their single became an immediate smash hit from the debut album Sign In Please and was featured in numerous films and TV shows of that era.
But as big as Autograph was, it could not contain the creative energy of Plunkett. He soon found a new career as an in-demand songwriter for bands such as The Go-Go’s, Edgar Winter and Vixen as well as doing production work for Cyndi Lauper and Graham Nash. He released his first solo album in 1991, an album that showed Plunkett’s growing confidence in both his own songwriting and studio techniques. Now, more than 3 decades later, Plunkett is ready to release his second solo album, a smokin’ hot collection called Straight Up.
This 10-track all-killer, no-filler album cranks up the volume knob to 11 and shows that Plunkett hasn’t lost an ounce of the passion and power that made him a hard rock hero! Just check out the album’s first single, “Rock Machine,” which kicks off with a driving guitar lick and chanted lyric that lunges straight at the listener’s jugular. It’s a powerblast of pure, unfiltered rock mania as only Plunkett knows how to deliver.
Reflecting on the album, Plunkett declares, “With Straight Up, I wanted to get back to rock basics. No parameters or targets – just the kind of real rock that got me excited back in the day. Fast, fun and loud!”
Straight Up will be available on both CD and digital July 26. Order your copy today!
Embark on a journey of resilience and reinvention with KINGCROW as they soar to new progressive heights on their upcoming eighth album Hopium. Catch the high-flying Italian prog-metal band as they display their eagle eye for poignant lyrics and grooving melodies on the album’s powerful lead single, “Kintsugi”.
Hopium continues Kingcrow’s steadfast commitment to exploring the depths of emotion, a trait that has solidified their standing in the hearts of music enthusiasts across the globe. With “Kintsugi”, listeners are invited into a world where imperfections are not merely accepted but celebrated with golden seams of strength.
Drawing inspiration from the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery, “Kintsugi” beautifully parallels life’s ability to recover from adversity, a theme that’s intricately woven throughout Hopium. The single is an anthem for anyone who has ever faced defeat, only to rise again with a renewed sense of purpose and beauty.
The music video for “Kintsugi” was masterfully crafted by Riccardo Nifosì and Devilnax.
Cover Art by Devilnax
Tracklist1. Kintsugi (3:53) [WATCH] 2. Glitch (3:56) 3. Parallel Lines (6:46) 4. New Moon Harvest (3:30) 5. Losing Game (5:28) 6. White Rabbit’s Hole (6:55) 7. Night Drive (5:48) 8. Vicious Circle (4:21) 9. Hopium (8:24) 10. Come Through (Bonus Track)(4:21) Total runtime: 53:27
The first incarnation of the band was originally founded in Rome, Italy, by brothers Diego Cafolla (guitars) and Manuel Thundra Cafolla (drums) under the name of “Earth Shaker”.
Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “Raven” and driven by a will of change, the band’s name was soon altered into KINGCROW and a couple of self-produced demos/albums where recorded under the KINGCROW moniker: Something Unknown(2001), Insider (2004) and Timetropia (2006).
In the early months of 2010 the band finished recording their new album “Phlegethon” that was released in June of the same year under the “Scarlet Records” label.
It was considered on an international level as a relevant masterpiece and was classed as one of the elite progressive metal albums of the year. It has been near the top of the “album of the year” charts in some international prog-rock websites. Phlegethon promotion lasted for about two years and a half.
During the same year, the band recorded the new album “In Crescendo” that was released in February 2013 by the American label “Sensory Records.
The band toured along with Pain Of Salvation in North America in April and May, 2013. In 2015 the band released the album “Eidos” and toured Europe as Headliners. Meanwhile KINGCROW signed a management deal with GlassVille Music, house of very well known progressive acts like Pain Of Salvation and Riverside among others.
The band recorded the new album titled “The Persistence”.
The album was released on September 7th via Sensory Records and received great reviews and ended on a lot of “best of 2018” lists on magazines and webzines.
The upcoming album “Hopium” marks another step forward in pushing boundaries remarking the restless progressive attitude of the band in incorporating countless influences into a personal sound.
Describing the band today is quite a difficult task, but one could state that the influence of different kinds of music, from progressive rock , ambient music, alternative rock and metal are all present in the music of KINGCROW.
With each release KINGCROW has taken a step further away from their original roots and is regarded today as one of the most exciting bands that Italy has to offer.
Line-up Diego Marchesi – Vocals Diego Cafolla – Guitars, Keys, Backing Vocals Ivan Nastasi – Guitars, Backing Vocals Riccardo Nifosì – Bass, Backing Vocals Thundra – Drums, Percussions
Recording Studio Sound Under Pressure (Rome, Italy)
Production Credits Produced by Diego Cafolla & Thundra Cafolla Sound Engineer – Diego Cafolla
Mixed by Giampiero Ulacco at Holofram Studios (Francavilla al Mare, Italy)
Mastered by Marco Vannucci at Spitfire Mastering Studio (Italy)
Guest Musicians Vikram Shankar – Piano solo on “Hopium”
On July 5th 2024, Finnish death metal outfit CRYPTIC HATRED will release their highly anticipated second full-length, “Internal Torment”, via Time To Kill Records.
Today, the band is proud to share “Mesmerized by the Malignant Gaze”, a brutal new single and harbinger of things to come. Stream it HERE.
The band commented: “’Mesmerized by the Malignant Gaze’ is the perfect Cryptic Hatred song, as it combines multiple different genres and inspirations creating this fierce, groovy but atmospheric song. This song is definitely one of the highlights of the album for us!”.
Inarguably the band’s most diverse work to date,“Internal Torment” ventures far beyond the conventions of old school death metal, without surrendering an ounce of viciousness. Strong nuances of doom and creepy melodies can be heard throughout the record’s ten tracks concluding fittingly with a suffocating wall of sound that leaves its listeners bruised, battered, and shaken.
The album highlights the band’s surgical and intuitive take on death metal mechanics – yet also channels eerie atmospheres and dimensions through moments of tension and tranquility, coexisting in a fragile balance. Between riffs born of primal rage, to melodies seemingly from other worlds, “Internal Torment” is an album that delivers on all levels of darkness in uncanny and transcendental ways. Brace yourself for a journey through the unknown, rendered in haunting, mesmerisingly cryptic death metal!
Tracklist:
01. Death Is Upon You 02. Breeding of Evil 03. Chasm of Void 04. Homicidal Intentions 05. Mesmerized by the Malignant Gaze 06. Tomb of Desecration 07. Mauled To Flesh 08. Beyond Hatred 09. The Passage 10. Internal Torment
CRYPTIC HATRED emerged from the depths of the Finnish underground death metal scene in 2020, with their debut demo titled “Free From The Grave”. Founded in 2019 by a group of four school friends driven by their passion for extreme music, the band quickly gained recognition for their intense and visceral old school sound.
Initially drawing inspiration from the old-school Florida death metal scene, CRYPTIC HATRED embarked on a journey of sonic exploration, pushing the boundaries of their genre and forging their own unique path. With a relentless dedication to their craft, the band honed their skills and evolved their sound, blending elements of death metal with haunting melodies and cryptic atmospheres. As CRYPTIC HATRED continued to refine their sound, they gained a reputation for their mesmerizing live performances, where the raw energy of their music collided with an aura of mystique and darkness.
In 2022, CRYPTIC HATRED released their debut album, “Nocturnal Sickness” which received critical acclaim for its unrelenting intensity and haunting melodies. The album showcased the band’s ability to seamlessly weave together brutality and their cryptic harmonies, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.
Now, as they prepare to unleash their sophomore album, “Internal Torment”, upon the world in the summer of 2024, CRYPTIC HATRED stands poised to solidify their place as pioneers of their cryptic metal take on death metal. With each track crafted to evoke a sense of inner thoughts and existential dread, “Internal Torment” promises to be a journey all the way from Florida Death Metal bomb blast beats, to melancholic Finnish death metal atmospheres.
Driven by a relentless passion for their art and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of extreme music, CRYPTIC HATRED continues to defy expectations and redefine what it means to create truly mesmerizing and cryptic metal. With their sophomore release on the horizon, the band’s enigmatic allure shows no signs of fading, ensuring that their legacy will endure long into the future.
COMANIAC is proud to unveil the mesmerizing animated lyric video for their intense “Long Life Doll” track. Taken from their album “None For All”, set to release in a CD special edition featuring two electrifying bonus tracks via Wormholedeath, this animated sensation is set to captivate the audience everywhere.
“Long Life Doll” delves into the depths of human emotion, exploring themes of betrayal, self-reflection, and the tumultuous nature of relationships. What initially masquerades as love is revealed to be nothing more than a selfish mental state, exposing the raw pain of deception. Through blistering riffs and searing vocals, Comaniac delivers a profound commentary on the complexities of human interaction.
“None For All” addresses and criticizes the imbalance of empathy and indifference in society. Between structure and chaos, hope and resignation, nine songs make you think individually, socially, and politically.
Following the success of their previous five singles, Canadian roots rock band The Commoners are pleased to announce the Friday June 7th release of “Shake You Off” – the final single taken from their highly anticipated third studio album, Restless. The album will be released byGypsy Soul Records on Friday 5th July 2024, and is available to pre-order at www.thecommoners.ca/store.
From Friday June 7th, “Shake You Off” will be available on all major streaming platforms and promises to be a heartfelt celebration to The Commoners’ ever-evolving musical journey. The single is available HERE.
Today, fans can get a sneak peek of the new single by streaming it on YouTube HERE.
Gutsy guitar and driving percussion push “Shake You Off” from the speakers, initiating a gripping track that will have heads bobbing from start to finish. Punchy bass and searing organ pierce the arrangement, rousing listeners to a fever pitch as The Commoners attempt to break loose from restraints.
Having wrapped up a bustling 2023 filled with recording sessions and a UK tour alongside Grammy-nominated duo Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton, The Commoners have solidified their position as a must-watch act.
The release of Restless will mark the quintet’s return to the road in 2024, with numerous festivals in the UK and EU, including Made of Stone, Steelhouse, and Moulin Blues Festivals, already scheduled for this summer. From the speakers to the stage, one thing is certain: The Commoners are spearheading a party rock renaissance, and the audience is cordially invited.
A natural evolution from their 2022 album Find A Better Way, the forthcoming album Restless offers a peek behind the curtain of success, revealing the gruelling routines and ragged emotions that hide behind the glamorous aesthetic of a rock band on the rise. With introspective, slower-tempo numbers pocketed amongst rip-roaring anthems, the new album, recorded at RHC Music in Toronto, is a portrait of a hardworking group revitalising a classic genre.
“As with our previous album, we wanted to marry old and new southern rock together in a way that was unique to the band’s Canadian roots,” says the Commoners guitarist and producer Ross Hayes Citrullo. “By adding the soul and rock elements of The Black Crowes, and the southern blues rock undertones of The Allman Brothers to a production style akin to Blackberry Smoke and Rival Sons, I think we developed an authentic sound that compares sonically to some of our favourite records across all of those music genres.”
Album Photography by Lindsay White – Album Design by Emily Goguen
RESTLESS – TRACK LISTING
1. Devil Teasin’ Me (4.24) 2. Shake You Off (3.55) 3. The Way I Am (3.34) 4. Restless (5.18) 5. Gone Without Warning (4.02) 6. Who Are You (Ain’t Knocked Down) (3.59) 7. Body And Soul (5.31) 8. See You Again (4.44) 9. Too Soon To Know You (4.59) 10. All That We Have (3.14)
Approx. Running Time: 45 minutes
TRACK BY TRACK
Devil Teasin’ Me A bonafide banger with anthemic group vocals and electric riffs, “Devil Teasin’ Me” captures self-reckoning wrapped up in rock ’n’ roll. Lush background voices lend heat to the chorus, supporting Medhurst through a feverish performance.
Shake You Off Gutsy guitar and driving percussion push “Shake You Off” from the speakers, initiating a gripping track that will have heads bobbing from start to finish. Punchy bass and searing organ pierce the arrangement, rousing listeners to a fever pitch as The Commoners attempt to break loose from restraints.
The Way I Am A rowdy riff catapults The Commoners into “The Way I Am”, joined by kick drum thuds that strike the chest, immersing the listener in a track made for stadiums. Tension builds into an infectious chorus spiked with vocal support by Sandra Bouza. A guaranteed hit, “The Way I Am” sees The Commoners united in conviction, playing with the confidence of a band that knows exactly who they are.
Restless Delicate picks and strums open “Restless”, lending a subtle Celtic feel to the track which evolves into a flourishing arrangement with piano and harmonic guitar accents. Within “Restless”, The Commoners unpack life on the road, folding the struggle and discomfort of pursuing a dream into a show-stopping number.
Gone Without Warning A gritty riff puts fire under “Gone Without Warning”, launching The Commoners into a track that boils over with tension. Featuring a heavy hitting chorus with soulful backing vocals by Chantal Williams, the track is further elevated by the combined voices of bassist Ben Spiller and drummer Adam Cannon.
Who Are You (Ain’t Knocked Down) Crunchy guitar cuts through the speakers, accented by stark percussion, and piano in this true party rock anthem. Certain to raise listeners to their feet, “Who Are You” features peppy organ alongside call and response vocals that kick this confrontational track into overdrive. Body And Soul Ambient slide guitar and viscous drones set the tone for a smoky and sultry number with a masterful arrangement that goes down smooth. Throbbing with rhythmic bass and percussion, “Body And Soul” traps The Commoners in a tangle of temptation. See You Again A true roots-rocker, “See You Again” is an ode to love and loss, good times and memories made, featuring a chorus fit for kicking up dust on the backroads with the windows down. Full-bodied acoustic guitar guides this track through contemplation to celebration. Too Soon To Know You Lively organ and crisp guitar support a soaring top line in this reflective track that wonders what might have been. Stirred by nostalgia, singer Chris Medhurst reminisces about a bond broken by time, offering a listen that will surely inspire a trip down memory lane.
All That We Have Resonant acoustic guitar pairs with an honest vocal performance by Chris Medhurst for a reflective, poignant track. Lyrically centered around acceptance and finding peace through life’s troubles and existential anxieties, “All That We Have” is a tender affirmation of support. ALBUM PRODUCTION CREDITS The Band
Chris Medhurst – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar Ross Hayes Citrullo – Lead Guitar Ben Spiller – Bass, Vocals, Piano (Who Are You, Gone Without Warning) Adam Cannon – Drums, Percussion, Vocals Miles Evans-Branagh – Organ, Rhodes, Piano (See You Again, Restless, Too Soon To Know You) Chantal Williams, Nicki Lawrence, Sandra Bouza – Backing Vocals
The Team
All songs written by The Commoners except where noted. Tracks 1, 4, 8 and 9 co-written by The Commoners and Renan Yildizdogan Tracks 2 and 3 co-written by The Commoners, Jeff Desilets, and Renan Yildizdogan Produced and mixed by Ross Hayes Citrullo and Renan Yildizdogan Recorded at RHC Music, Toronto, Ontario
Engineers – Ross Hayes Citrullo, Ben Spiller, Adam Cannon, Renan Yildizdogan Assistant Engineers – Adil Batty, Ben Byck, Jon Savard, Dylan Davis, Emily Goguen Mastered by Pete Lyman at Infrasonic Mastering, Nashville, Tennessee
“The Ancient Gods” is the latest single from Swedish melodic black/death metallers KVAEN. The spellbinding new hymn comes off the band’s impending new full-length, The Formless Fires, set for release on June 21st on Metal Blade Records.
KVAEN is led by creative mastermind Jacob Björnfot. A sumptuous but bitingly intense exploration of beauty and violence, KVAEN‘s The Formless Fires is a true masterwork radiating an inspirational sense of place. “Björnfot skillfully balances out anger and darkness with those deathly melancholic melodic loops that characterize the genre mix…,” writes Sweden Rock in an early review of the record. “KVAEN’s best record so far.”
Even more than 2020’s folky, speed metal-infused debut The Funeral Pyre or 2022’s compelling, expansive follow-up, The Great Below, the vast pine woods and icy lakes of Björnfot hometown of Kalixare powerfully evoked in the elemental gloom riffs, chilly melodies, and windswept solos running through these eight mighty songs. “Our surroundings — bizarre weather conditions, northern lights etc. — help shape the way we see and hear things. It affects us more than we think,” Björnfot ponders, contemplating the effect of his environment on KVAEN‘s exquisitely tuneful but richly atmospheric black metal. “I think it’s way better to be raised here than in Stockholm for example. I never liked big cities, except for weekend visits. I don’t like the big city attitude; here we are all calm and down to earth. I am in my thirties and most people have either left or returned. I am not planning on going anywhere soon. I still go to my cabin in the woods of Torne Valley and write a lot of music, especially during the Winter, which can feel very long and sometimes harsh.“
Assisting in this record’s immersive sweep are Björnfot’s fascinating lyrics. Like many Swedish songwriters, his use of English reveals a love and care for the language that few native speakers even bother to rival. If this album seems less intimate and more universal than the raw candor of its predecessor, it’s only because Björnfot’s knack for allegory has improved. Illuminating some of the lyrical themes, Björnfot asserts “I love mythology. ‘Basilisk’ is, for example, the king of serpents but is rarely mentioned by the mainstream. ‘The Perpetual Darkness’ is about being born different from those who are ‘normal.’ It is also about being a lone wolf and banished from society. That song has become a personal favorite of mine.” Additionally, ‘De Dödas Sång (Song Of The Dead)’ tackles the disturbing theme of Ättestupa, the ancient Norse suicide ritual whereby elderly villagers jump to their deaths from sheer precipices.
Comments Björnfot on latest single, “The Ancient Gods,” “This song was written right after The Great Below was released. I have always wanted to write a song with super-heavy/tight guitar riffing that’s just easy to listen to while letting the vocals do most of the work. I also unleashed a bit of my inner David Gilmour on the outro.”
Watch KVAEN‘s previously released video for “The Formless Fires” HERE.
All instrumentation on The Formless Fires was composed and performed by Björnfot with the exception of drums which were resoundingly hammered by ex-Amon Amarth basher Fredrik Andersson. The record features the guest solos of Sebastian Ramstedt (Necrophobic) on “Traverse The Nether” and Chaq Mol (Dark Funeral) on “The Wings Of Death.”
KVAEN Live: 6/21/2024 Helvete – Oberhausen, DE 6/22/2024 Boarstream Open Air 2024 – Buchenbach, DE 6/23/2024 Nachtleben – Frankfurt, DE 8/30-31/2024 Bulasal Metal Fest – Västeräs, SE 5/03/2025 Karmøygeddon Fest – Kopervik, NO
KVAEN: Jacob Björnfot – everything
KVAEN Live Lineup: Jacob Björnfot – vocals/guitars Kristian Gustavsson – guitars Rasmus Rova – guitars Per Lindström – bass Fredrik Andersson – drums
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 ) 