METAL ALLEGIANCE began as a celebration of heavy metal, powered by the almost tribal bond shared between the extreme music community’s most revered trailblazers, armed with a list of contributors onstage (and off) that read like a Wikipedia entry on the genre itself – whose “core 4” is comprised of David Ellefson, Mark Menghi, Alex Skolnick, and Mike Portnoy.
On September 6th, 2024, the band will rock the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, on a bill that will also feature Meanstreak and Held Hostage. As with their previous shows, expect a setlist that balances original material with classic covers of metal royalty.
AMEX Presale: Wednesday, June 5th 10am – Thursday, June 6th 10pm
Venue presale: Thursday, June 6th 10am – 10pm PW: METALNJ
Spotify Spotlight Presale: Thursday, June 6th 10am – 10pm
The Starland show will come nine months after the group’s last performance in January, at the House of Blues Anaheim, as part of NAMM, and this will be the first Metal Allegiance show to feature the group’s core 4 in six years on the East Coast.
“Metal Allegiance’s performance at the Anaheim House of Blues stood as a resounding triumph, exceeding the lofty expectations of fans and critics alike. The band’s mastery of their craft, coupled with an unwavering commitment to delivering an unforgettable live experience, solidified their status as torchbearers of modern metal… Metal Allegiance is alive and well and their 10th anniversary show solidified their righteous spot on the altar of all things metal.” Says thevinyldistrict.com
As with previous shows, expect several guests, this time including Troy Sanders (Mastodon), John Bush (Armored Saint) and Dave Davidson (Revocation), among others.
“It’s time once again, for our metal summit with Metal Allegiance! This time we celebrate in heavy metals founding father state of New Jersey… the launch pad to so many legendary careers of our genre. The set list is sure to be blistering as we wrap up the summer together…see you there!” – David Ellefson
“After 10 years of performing as Metal Allegiance, it’s now finally time for us to take a trip across the GW and pay our friends in Jersey a visit…see ya soon Slayerville.” -Mark Menghi
“Metal Allegiance is beyond pleased to announce our long overdue return to the East Coast. In addition to making up for lost time, this gig will mark the first time, after a number of noteworthy shows in the New York area, that we finally make the pilgrimage across the river. New Jersey may be a State that those of us from NY kid around with, but its place in metal history, both on the musician and industry side, is no joke. So join us September 6, 2024, as Metal Allegiance and Jersey finally meet!” – Alex Skolnick
“Looking forward to throwing down with my Metal Allegiance brothers again… it’s always such a blast! While New York and Southern California are the two usual locations for our bashes, it will be fun to venture into NJ for the 1st time. On a personal note, I’m also excited that the gals in Meanstreak will be joining us for this special one-off show.” – Mike Portnoy
“Happy as hell to see Metal Allegiance playing in New Jersey! There is always a great crowd at the Starland Ballroom and I’m thrilled to go back. Good times are ahead my friends.” – Troy Sanders
“Jersey! I’m pumped to be a part of Metal Allegiance alongside some truly legendary musicians. This show is gonna be epic, see you in the pit on September 6th!” – Dave Davidson
“Looking forward to playing the all-mighty New Jersey for another east coast Metal Allegiance extravaganza! Love playing and hanging with the guys. Always a fun time and you never know who will attend to join the fracas.” – John Bush
Also available will be a Meet & Greet VIP package, which will include:
• Early access into the venue • Exclusive pre-show Meet & Greet with members of Metal Allegiance • Personal photograph & autograph signing with members of Metal Allegiance • Collectible show poster (which they’ll happily sign for you) • Official Meet & Greet VIP laminate • Crowd-free access to the merchandise booth
Today sees the release of “Hallucinations”, the new single by PANIC IN MARCH, available on all streaming platforms through the record label Volcano Records & Promotion.
This hypnotic and decisive track begins with repetitive sequences typical of Stoner Rock and then flows into the most direct Heavy mood. Metric variations and powerful riffs mark the various structural parts of the song, leading the listener to a moment of reflection before being hit by the final wall of sound. Panic In March, a Turin-based band born in 2020 during the global pandemic, presents itself as an instrumental power trio consisting of Andrea Del Giudice (guitar), Luca Carlone (bass), and Valerio Fornai (drums).
After releasing two self-produced EPs, “Spotted Life” (2020) and “Abandoned” (2023), they joined the roster of the Volcano Records label in 2024, with plans to release three singles between spring and summer.
“Hallucinations” is available today on all online streaming platforms, accompanied by a single cover designed by Deborah Agostinelli and a visual video created by Stefano Priola, available on the Volcano’s YouTube cannel at the link below:
EVERGREY, Gothenburg’s pioneering masters of darkness, have unveiled a new official video for “Cold Dreams” from their upcoming fourteenth studio album, Theories of Emptiness, set for release this Friday, June 7 via Napalm Records. This sonic majesty cut from the new album showcases an out-of-this-world vocal performance by band leader and vocalist Tom Englund, alongside a guest appearance by Jonas Renkse (KATATONIA) and Englund’s daughter, Salina – contributing lush backing vocals that enhance the song’s dynamics and highlighting another intense facet of the album.
Theories Of Emptiness stands as the distinguished successor to their worldwide chart-topping release, A Heartless Portrait(The Orphean Testament), and is leaving critics breathless all over the world. Seamlessly blending dark, emotive themes with complex progressive elements and melodic heavy metal, the album is already making waves, ranking #1 in the soundcheck charts of German Rock Hard, German Metal Hammer, Aardschok and Sweden Rock. With Theories Of Emptiness, EVERGREY have crafted an absolute masterpiece and goose-bump generator, solidifying their legacy as they continue to shape metal history after 30 years in the industry.
Tom Englund on “Cold Dreams”: “’Cold Dreams’ is probably the darkest piece of music on Theories of Emptiness. Its somber power is quite overwhelming. It’s a composition that honestly leaves me feeling a bit uneasy. To have Jonas Renkse of Katatonia singing words describing fates that we both encountered makes it even more special and intriguing. Jonas’ unique voice of sadness spreads like a disease and to hear him growl, again, is just fucking great! To balance the darkness, we decided to bring in some angelic qualities, and at the time of composing, I couldn’t imagine anything more suiting than my daughter Salina Englund’s voice. We cannot wait to hear what you feel after these 6 minutes and 46 seconds of soul searching. Enjoy!”
Theories of Emptiness was produced by Tom S. Englund and Jonas Ekdahl, and was mixed by Adam “Nolly” Getgood (ex-Periphery), who worked closely with the band from the start – bringing out the vividness of the album’s overall sonic profile. Rounding out the album’s production, mastering was helmed by Thomas “Plec” Johansson (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra, Onslaught, The Gems, Eleine and many more).
Theories of Emptiness follows its chart-topping and critically acclaimed predecessor, 2022’s A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament), which entered charts worldwide at #3 in Sweden (Metal), ranked #5 on the Top New Artist Albums charts in the United States, entered #7 in Finland and #12 in Germany.
“For us, progression is paramount”, states Tom S. Englund when discussing the eleven track opus, Theories of Emptiness. “We’re dedicated to ensuring that our music remains innovative and avoids stagnation. With each album, we strive to introduce something new — a unique flavor, a different key or chord, fresh voices in our writing, or innovative production techniques.” In fact, no stone has been left unturned. Tracks are created to balance each-other mutually: from the aggressive tones of “Misfortune“ contrasting the light-hearted opening of “To Become Someone Else“, to the ballad “Ghost of My Hero“ leading into the furious riffs of “We Are the North“. Album opener “Falling From the Sun” and “Say” interweave heaviness with mesmerizing keyboards and unpredictable instrumental parts, as also heard on “The Night Within“. Ending on a quiet note, Theories of Emptiness depicts exactly what emptiness is about, first with the immersive “Our Way Through Silence“, and then with “A Theory of Emptiness” which, with timid piano, makes us rationalize our innermost feelings. Navigating realms of darkness and light, Theories of Emptiness takes listeners on a carefully balanced roller coaster ride – showcasing EVERGREY‘s ever-evolving sound in 2024 and beyond.
Tom Englund adds: “Our new album is soon to be yours! We can’t wait for that to happen, there are so many new and refreshing elements on it as well as respect paid to every part of our past. We have just refined what we always have done and tried to make it as contemporary as we possibly could to please ourselves and our sonic expectations. With the presence of Adam ”Nolly” Getgood, we felt fired up, hungry and eager to do our utmost to ensure that we would write the best songs we possibly could – I really feel we have achieved that. Sound quality wise we feel that it is on par with the best the world has to offer today. It is a brave statement that I will stand behind for the rest of my life. Taking EVERGREY into a new cycle feels just as when I did it the first time. We are more motivated than ever, and with a lot of touring to be announced very soon, we cannot wait to come and play this new music for you. Finally, we need to mention that we couldn’t be prouder to announce our guest vocalist for this album. Jonas Renkse has graced KATATONIA’s music with his unique atmosphere for decades. Now we in the band and the fans of EVERGREY get to experience the same and we couldn’t be more excited! You might even get to hear Jonas growl for maybe the first time in many years… Much love, Tom”
Theories of Emptiness tracklisting: 1. Falling From the Sun 2. Misfortune 3. To Become Someone Else 4. Say 5. Ghost of My Hero 6. We Are the North 7. One Heart 8. The Night Within 9. Cold Dreams 10. Our Way Through Silence 11. A Theory of Emptiness
EVERGREY Live 2024: Latin America Tour 2024 11.06.24 MX – Mexico City / Foro Veintiocho 13.06.24 CO – Bogota / Ace of Spades 14.06.24 PE – Lima / Teatro Kantaro 16.06.24 CL – Santiago / Club Chocolate 18.06.24 AR – Buenos Aires / El Teatrito 20.06.24 BR – Brasilia / Toinha 22.06.24 BR – Sao Paulo / Carioca Club 23.06.24 BR – Limeira / Mirage
Emptiness Over Scandinavia Support: Cyhra 12.09.24 SE – Göteborg / Pustervik 13.09.24 SE – Örebro / Frimis 14.09.24 SE – Stockholm / Naten 15.09.24 NO – Oslo / Parktreatret 17.09.24 DK – Copenhagen / Pumpehuset 18.09.24 SE – Malmö / Babel 19.09.24 DK – Kolding / Godset 20.09.24 SE – Skövde / Valhall 21.09.24 SE – Helsingborg / The Tivoli 24.09.24 FI – Helsinki / Ääniwalli 25.09.24 FI – Tampere / Olympia 27.09.24 SE – Östersund / Rock Fest 28.09.24 SE – Lulea / Rockfest 30.09.24 SE – Eskilstuna / Lokomotivet 01.10.24 SE – Uppsala / Katalin 02.10.24 SE – Kristianstad / Bilijardkompaniet
NEW! Emptiness Over Europe Special guest: Klogr + Virtual Symmetry (02.11.2024 – 01.12.2024) + Tba support (03.12.2024 – 22.12.2024) 02.11.24 NL – Apeldoorn / Brain Storm Festival 03.11.24 DE – Herford / Kulturwerk 05.11.24 DE – Bochum / Zeche 06.11.24 DE – Siegburg / Kubana 07.11.24 CH – Sarnen / Urrock Musik Festival 08.11.24 CH – Monthey / Pont Rouge 09.11.24 ES – Barcelona / Sala Boveda 10.11.24 ES – Madrid / Revi Live 11.11.24 PT – Lisbon / RCA Club 12.11.24 PT – Porto / Hard Club Room 2 13.11.24 ES – Mos / Sala Rebullion 14.11.24 ES – Valladolid / Porta Caeli 15.11.24 ES – Vitoria-Gasteiz / Urban Rock Concept 16.11.24 FR – Nantes / Le Ferrailleur 17.11.24 FR – Paris / Petit Bain 19.11.24 DE – Würzburg / Posthalle 20.11.24 DE – Hannover / Musikzentrum 21.11.24 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser 22.11.24 DE – Hamburg / Bahnhof Pauli 23.11.24 DE – Weissenhaeuser Strand / Metal Hammer Paradise 24.11.24 DE – Berlin / Lido 25.11.24 PL – Poznan / 2Progi 26.11.24 PL – Crcow / Kwadrat 29.11.24 BG – Sofia / Mixtape 5 30.11.24 GR – Thessaloniki / Principal Club Theater 01.12.24 GR – Athens / Kyttaro Live 03.12.24 RS – Belgrade / Dorcol Platz 04.12.24 HR – Zagreb / Mochvara Club 05.12.24 BH – Banja Luka / Sports Hall Obilicevo 06.12.24 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra 07.12.24 DE – Burglengenfeld / VAZ Pfarrheim 08.12.24 AT – Dornbirn / Conrad Sohm 10.12.24 DE – Munich / Backstage Halle 11.12.24 DE – Mannheim / 7er Club 12.12.24 DE – Trier / Mergener Hof 13.12.24 BE – St. Niklaas / De Casino 21.12.24 DE – Andernach / Live Club 22.12.24 NL – Helmond / Cacaofabrik
EVERGREY on their upcoming EU tour: “We are so extremely happy to announce our European tour, it’s a long one and we are coming pretty much everywhere! We also have 10 more dates to be announced for Europe this year! With us as special guest we have KLOGR and you should go and check them out immediately, as well as our friends in Virtual Symmetry opening the first month of the tour! We cannot wait, now go get your tickets and we will see you in the fall!”
Festivals 08.08.24 UK – Catton Park, Derby / Bloodstock Open Air 17.08.24 RO – Caransebes / Gugulan Rock Open Air 31.08.24 GR – Rethymno, Island of Crete / Rethymno Rocks Open Air 02.11.24 NL – Podium Gigant, Apeldoorn / Brainstorm Open Air 07.11.24 CH – Sarnen / Urrock Musik Festival 22.-23.11.24 DE – Weissenhäuser Strand / Metal Hammer Paradise
EVERGREY are: Tom S. Englund – Vocals, Guitar Henrik Danhage – Guitar Rikard Zander – Keyboard Jonas Ekdahl – Drums Johan Niemann – Bass
Although German metal commandos PRIMAL FEAR sent an alarming signal into the (heavy metal) world with their current success album “Code Red,” fans shouldn’t worry as the band don’t plan to stop on their ongoing high note. Being vital both recording and touring wise, the group are already working on a new studio album and to make sure that metalheads around the globe will get it delivered in the best possible way, they have now officially joined the ranks of uprising hard ‘n’ heavy label Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).
Bassist/vocalist Mat Sinner states, “We are looking forward to continuing and rejuvenating our successful work with Sven, Jochen and their great team. We have big plans and we know that we have the right partner at our side at RPM!”
“It is an honour for us to welcome one of the most internationally successful bands from Germany to RPM! Mat and Ralf could certainly have worked with any label in the world. But they chose RPM. We see this as confirmation of our previous work, but at the same time also as a mandate and incentive. We will do everything we can to live up to this trust!” confirms Jochen Richert, RPM managing director.
While fresh material is being written, PRIMAL FEAR are about to kick off a summer full of exciting happenings: The band have been confirmed to play at various prestigious European festivals, including a special appearance at Wacken Open Air to commemorate their 25th band anniversary. But that’s not all: in addition, their jubilee shall be celebrated in the form of a career-spanning vinyl box set with further details to be shared soon. Stay tuned!
Order “Code Red” in the physical format of your choice, stream it on your favourite DSP or get it digitally now, here: https://primalfear.afr.link/coderedPR
06.06.2024 SE Sölvesborg – Sweden Rock Festival 14.06.2024 FI Vaasa – Lisää Löylyä Rock Festival 22.06.2024 CH Grenchen Summerside Festival *NEW* 05.07.2024 ES Barcelona – Rock Fest *NEW* 13.07.2024 BG Chirpan – Midalidare Rock In The Wine Valley 31.07. – 03.08.2024 DE Wacken – Wacken Open Air *SOLD OUT* 16.08.2024 CZ Moravský Krumlov – Rock Castle 14. – 21.10.2024 ES Mallorca – Full Metal Holiday *NEW* — — — 09./10.05.2025 DE Braunschweig – Rock in Rautheim *NEW*
PRIMAL FEAR are: Ralf Scheepers | vocals Mat Sinner | bass, vocals Tom Naumann | guitars Alexander Beyrodt | guitars Magnus Karlsson | guitars Michael Ehré | drums
Ground-breaking symphonic death metal band GENUS ORDINIS DEI have just announced that their latest metal music video series The Beginning, released via Eclipse Records is now streaming in its entirety via Thunderflix, the world’s premiere on-demand video streaming service dedicated exclusively to heavy metal music and culture.
The Beginning is an experience, so finely crafted it feels precious, almost religious. Thematically, we follow the journey of two siblings at the dawn of mankind, as they navigate a dangerous wilderness, fight with savage cannibals, and seek the truth behind religion and their god, all set to a fantastically-brutal metal music soundtrack. Throughout their journey, we see our own reflections in the beautiful violence, the glorious savagery, and the power of love and betrayal. From the beginning to the end, the short film is an awakening. A red dawn. An experience. The metal music video series was written & directed by Genus Ordinis Dei and filmed by Steve Saints.
Watch The Beginning right now on Thunderflix at this location.
The Beginning was originally released as four separate music video episodes, during the promotion of the band’s latest full-length concept album The Beginning which was recently released worldwide via Eclipse Records. The album was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Tommaso Monticelli at Sonitus Studio in Crema, Italy. Listen to the entire full-length concept album on all platforms worldwide via this location
Symphonic metal collective IMPERIA has revealed new details about their forthcoming studio album “Dark Paradise”, that is slated for a release on July 26, 2024 via Massacre Records! Coming as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats, the pre-sale has just started at: https://lnk.to/imperiadarkparadise
A music video for their first single, the album opening track “Better Place” (now available on all digital providers at https://imperia.bfan.link/betterplace) is streaming here:
“Dark Paradise” marks a continuation of the musical style established in their previous release, “The Last Horizon”. The core of the album revolves around mid-tempo rock songs, some leaning towards a heavier sound while others adopt a poppier approach. Additionally, two power ballads are included in the album, adding depth to the overall composition. The album is characterized by its emphasis on guitars and orchestral elements. Helena’s vocals shine as she effortlessly transitions between operatic highs and brutal grunts, showcasing her versatility as a vocalist. Despite its concise length, “Dark Paradise” is a cohesive body of work, seamlessly blending symphonic and rock elements into a unified musical experience. While the album takes a step back from the more extravagant progressive elements of their past releases, it remains true to IMPERIA‘s signature symphonic and rocking style.
As the band celebrates their 20th anniversary with their seventh full-length album, “Dark Paradise” stands as a testament to their evolution and enduring commitment to their unique sound.
The collaboration between IMPERIA and Jacob Hansen for mixing guarantees a high-quality sound, given Hansen’s reputation for excellence in his field. Meanwhile, the band’s guitarist, Jan Yrlund, brings his artistic vision to the forefront, ensuring that the visual aspect of the album matches the depth and complexity of the music. The album also features guest musician Oliver Philipps (ex-Everon) on Piano, orchestrations, and additional guitars as well as additional vocals on the track “Lost Souls”.
With this collaborative effort, “Dark Paradise” is poised to deliver both sonically and visually, promising a captivating experience for fans of IMPERIA‘s music! Pre-order the album HERE!
Tracklist:
Better Place
Reach My Tears
The Family Chain
The Tree Of Life
Reflection
Soldiers Of Hell
Void Of Emptiness
Hope Of Joy
Lost Souls
The Demons’ Fireplace
IMPERIA is: Helena Iren Michaelsen – Vocals Jan “Örkki” Yrlund – Guitars Gerry Verstreken – Bass Merijn Mol – 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 ) 