In 2021, the seeds were sown for what was to become a new odyssey in the realm of Norwegian black metal, marking the inception of YR, a fresh and fierce consortium emerging from the cold darkness of Oslo. The journey reached a crescendo in 2023 when Nekrosis and Doedsskaldr teamed and began work with the upcoming first EP “Maanelyst” – crafted with fervor by the combined genius of Nekrosis and Doedsskaldr, the music and lyrics echo the inner turmoil of human duality, from the frenetic pace of blast-beats to the deliberate rhythms of black’n’roll.
The duo is joined by Levik on bass and Niklas on drums, whose mastery completes the live experience. YR takes to the stage in warpaint, embodying the raw, unfiltered essence of black metal artistry, and setting the scene alight with their electrifying presence.
“Maanelyst” EP was mixed and mastered by Hugo Alvarstein (God Dethroned, Nocturnal Breed, Chrome Division). Cover artwork was done by Necrolust Productions (Kampfar, Whoredom Rife, Black Altar).
Hellstain Productions will release June 21, 2024 debut EP titled “Maanelyst” digitally and as digipak CD! Pre-order is available at official label webstore.
Finnish metalcore/progressive metal hybrid Split Iris have released new single ‘Oath’, taken from the band’s new album, Bloodred Dusk, out 28th June via Seek and Strike. ‘Oath’ is a dynamic and hard-hitting song that sets the tone for the entire album. This new offering is also a conceptual album that explores a wide range of sonic emotions.
Split Iris states: “Our new single, ‘Oath,’ is about finding oneself amid complete desperation with seemingly no way out. It is a reflection about everything that went wrong with humanity and how all the things one thought as stable truths collapsed in the view of the storyteller. However, even from the ashes of humanity there is a spark of hope to be found and the storyteller remembers the oath they made in the beginning of their story to never give up. Therefore, the storyteller sets out to find a way out of despair and carry the promise of restoring humanity, even if it would mean the end for them.
“The song has a very important meaning for us, as it carries a message about finding a solution no matter what we’re faced with. This powerful message is reflected musically in the song, and in the album’s story arc it’s a turning point of sorts, which is why the song is an obvious and natural choice to be a lead single as well.
“We’re super excited of how the the music video turned out. It complements the song by visually achieving its deep message and its energy with the bands intense and mesmerizing movements and the energetic camera work. The colors and the lighting reflect the mixed feelings of despair and hope, which are the core themes of the song. We and the filming crew feel we really put our souls into the performance and the making of the video, which shows. The video and the song go hand in hand, merging into a complete experience and further deepening the story, taking it to a whole new level.
“Our new album, Bloodred Dusk, is a story of humanity and its looming end. The album reflects on different aspects of humanity’s limits and about its resilience. A common theme throughout the album is hubris as a trait of humanity, and how it blinds us from seeing our limits and our lack of control. Even in the face of total obliteration and in the moments of the deepest despair there is still trust that everything can be fixed. The story arc moves from a sense of stability to losing all hope and giving up, and finally to finding hope even amid complete ruin with seemingly no possible future for humanity. From the deepest moment of despair there is still a spark of hope to be found for a brighter future. But will it be enough? Is it already too late? What will it take to fix humanity’s course? That is the theme and the core thought underlying the story.”
Split Iris are a Finnish progressive metalcore band combining elements of djent and many other styles of modern metal, resulting in a freshly unique mixture as their distinctive sound. The ambiences and massive soundscapes in the arrangements bring depth to the dark and driving down-tuned riffs, through which the mesmerising and catchy vocal melodies soar pristinely.
The quintet are based in Rauma, Finland and were formed in 2020. They are releasing their debut album in 2024 and will perform new songs live from the upcoming album. Relevant themes in the band’s music include self-acceptance and psychic resources. The down-tuned riffs and huge soundscapes inspire the listener to experience strong emotions, through which they can find spiritual strength in themselves and their surroundings.
Italian female fronted metallers SOULS OF DIOTIMA are excited to announce that they will perform on August 2nd at Rock’n Beer Festival alongside STRATOVARIUS + other bands, set to take place on August 2nd/3rd/4th, in Valledoria, Sardegna, free entrance!
The band shared: “Hey Souls…. Finally after many years, we return to play in our island together with Stratovarius and many others! What better occasion to celebrate our 20-year career than to play in our land? So no excuses, see you at Rock’n Beer in Valledoria on 02 August!🤘”
Souls of Diotima is a band with a unique style, characterized by recognizable elements of traditional, progressive and symphonic metal, as well as unconventional elements, woven musically in a new and highly expressive way. The band’s music engages all the senses and conveys a feeling similar to watching an epic film, creating strong visual scenes and almost tangible mental images. The defining characteristic of Souls of Diotima is its style, which recalls Mediterranean atmospheres and traditions. In fact, the band hails from Sardinia, an island in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. This makes its sound and style unique and recognizable.
The band has participated in tours and festivals abroad, headlining and sharing the stage with bands such as Obituary, Hatebreed, Vision Divine, Dgm, Folkstone, Saurom and others. Souls of Diotima have also worked with many of Europe’s top producers, including Jens Bögren and Oscar Nilsson, who is their current producer. In 2017, the Souls of Diotima founded a record label in London: “Diotima Records Music Management LTD,” and the following year the band with the new label created and participated as headliners in the first edition of the “Diotima Metal Fest” held in downtown Paris in order to raise funds for Parkinson’s research. Soon the band will announce new dates and a new tour, while waiting to re-enter the studio for the production of their fifth album.
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Just recently SOULS OF DIOTIMA released their surprise single, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their artistic career, and they do so with a cover of Phil Collins.
These are the band’s words about the single: “This single is a kind of bonus and will not be contained in our next album, so it is a stand-alone release just to celebrate our 20th anniversary and surprise our fans in the meantime when we are working on our fifth album.”
The band continues this way about the track, “This is actually the first time we are releasing a cover song, in our twenty-year career it had never happened, so in that sense, too, we are very curious to see the reaction of the audience. But why did we choose this track? First of all, it is a tribute to that great songwriter, composer and musician Phil Collins, and then it is a tribute to the “last ones”. In our career, in fact, we have always paid much attention, not only with our music but with concrete actions, precisely to the “last ones”, to those who live on the margins of society, to those who cannot. In our opinion, in fact, those who make art but in general those who have a “voice” that can be heard have a duty to call consciences to those people who are often “invisible.””
The single of “Another Day in Paradise” released via Diotima Records Music Management Ltd and distributed by Blood Blast Distribution, was produced at Crehate Studios in Gothenburg by Oscar Nilsson with the help of Simon Eliasson. The Souls of Diotima were formed by Giorgio Pinna and his brother in Sassari, Italy in 2004 and have released four studio albums and a single under three different labels worldwide.
Souls of Diotima are: Claudia Barsi – voice Giorgio Pinna – drums Antonio Doro – bass and screaming Fabio “The Black Mask” Puddu – guitars
“Falling Under” is the latest track off the upcoming album, Dark Day’s Night that is set for release on June 5th, 2024. This album has taken a darker turn than the debut, reflecting the crazy times we live in today. Everyone has their own demons that no one else can see. The brightest souls burn the shortest wick before their candle fades away. This track was produced by Amir Derakh and The Intemperate Sons at The Kitchen Recording Studios in Dallas, TX.
The Intemperate Sons release all their music through the Frame|Work record label at the direction of Amir Derakh and Ryan Shuck. A brand-new music video for the single will follow on 5/31/24 to the usual platforms. All Intemperate Sons’ tracks are mixed by Amir Derakh at Synthicide in Long Beach, CA. All mastering is done by Mike Marsh Mastering in the U.K.
Pre-order began on Monday March 18th where fans have the exclusive opportunity to secure a limited edition 12″ vinyl LP, offered in various package configurations.
Immerse yourself in the gritty sonic landscape of The Intemperate Sons’ second album, Dark Day’s Night. With tracks like the haunting title song, the introspective “Falling Under,” and the reflective “Way Back When,” this album weaves a compelling story of resilience amidst turmoil. “Unrealized” and “CØNTRØL8” delve into the battle for autonomy in a disordered world, while “Game of Keep Away” offers a raw take on the struggle of self-destruction and survival. The album also features a heavier, more intense cover of Nirvana’s “Dumb,” adding a unique layer to this already diverse album. Dark Day’s Night is not just an album; it’s a journey through the shadows, echoing with the sounds of defiance and liberation.
The Intemperate Sons emerged onto the rock scene in the summer of 2019 in Dallas, TX, to bring their distinct sound to the genre. A deep love for music brought family members Keith Watson (drums), Jake Watson (guitars) and Max Watson (vocals, guitars, keys) together along with close friend Mark Marks, who provides the groove on bass to unite everything together. The band’s sound has been described as a 90’s alternative style that is obsessed with the 70’s.
Keith is well acquainted with entertaining massive crowds of concert goers and has played with many successful bands in Dallas, such as Gun Hill, Natural Born Thrillers and Agents of Solace, on top of opening for Lynch Mob, Joe Lynn Turner and Sponge. He is the primary lyricist for the band and has written the music for some of their most successful songs, including “Dust to Dust,” “The Color Within,” and “Unrealized.”
Multi-talented and gifted with the ability to play various instruments, Max is also the lead vocalist of the group. Along with being musically dexterous, he has also collaborated with Keith to write lyrics on the released songs “Going Crazy” and “Way Back When.” In the studio, Max usually surmounts expectations and goes above and beyond to prepare prior to a session with his own vocal harmonies.
Jake is the song architect of the Sons and extremely instrumental in the crafting of the music. His inventive ways of bringing lyrics to life in clever ways are unprecedented and fascinating to see in the studio setting. He is a prolific writer of music as well and is credited with helping create the songs “What’s Done is Done,” “Remission,” “Way Back When” and “Wading in the Gray.” Both Max and he play lead guitar on many of the songs as well. The other members of the band fondly refer to him as the “art director” since he enjoys taking charge in those areas for the group.
Prolific and unifying, Mark is an accomplished bass player and well known in Dallas. He was in the regionally successful band, Haggard, and had opened for Sebastian Bach of Skid Row. His input in song writing has been invaluable to the process of creating captivating melodies.
Despite the pandemic putting a pause on many major events, The Intemperate Sons lived up to their name and let nothing hold them back from making music. Constantly hard at work in the studio, they have collaborated with Amir Derakh (Julien-K, Dead by Sunrise, Orgy, Rough Cutt) and Ryan Shuck (Julien-K, Adema, Dead by Sunrise, Orgy). Both have lent their musical talents to various songs and ultimately have brought the Sons on to their label, Frame|Work. This led the band to also recently join the management roster at The Label Group. Ryan worked with Amir to produce the band’s upcoming track, “Game of Keep Away,” and has had a huge impact on the group. He’s been especially influential on Max’s vocal melodies and delivery. Amir also plays guitar on this latest ballad and has been mixing all of the band’s music as well as performing on multiple songs.
Another notable collaboration has been with Tony Franklin (The Firm, Roy Harper, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Whitesnake), primarily on the first album, The Color Within. He has been a valuable friend of the band and has played bass on some of their best tracks from that album, including “Running Man,” “Dust to Dust” and “The Color Within.”
The Intemperate Sons’ take on alternative rock is a dark and powerful concoction of hard rock mixed with folk and grunge concepts. The band has earned a serious reputation for writing and performing tracks that scratch deep into the backbone of the human experience. There is no shortage of darkness in their writing style, which has a retro vibe with many guitar-driven tracks stacked on top of a groovy rhythm section. The heavier style fits perfectly with the two and three-part vocal harmonies that are a huge part of their overall sound. It has been said that musicians that are related form unique sounds and communicate at a frequency only they can understand. This frequency has become engrained in their songwriting, arrangements, guitar melodies and vocal harmonies. The band has been compared to Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots and even R.E.M.
The Intemperate Sons Show Dates:
Sat June 15 @ Verma Fest – 3 Nations Brewing in Carrollton, TX Fri June 21 @ Adair’s Saloon in Dallas, TX Sat July 27 @ The Railhead Saloon in Lawton, OK Sat Aug 3 @ Hanovers Draught Haus in Pflugerville, TX Fri Sep 20 @ Fitzgerald’s Bar & Live Music Venue in San Antonio, TX Sat Oct 26 @ Lonestar Bulldog Rescue Benefit in Denton, TX Wed Nov 13 @ Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, CA
The Intemperate Sons are: Max Watson (vocals, backing vocals, guitars, keys, bass) Jake Watson (guitars, bass and backing vocals) Keith Watson (drums, backing vocals) Mark Marks (bass)
Following 2021’s critically acclaimed “Psychedelic Realms ov Hell”, Florida death-doom metal entity WHARFLURCH returns with “Shittier/Slimier”, a collection of previously unreleased demos that showcase the more experimental and psychedelic side of the project.
The album will be released on June 21st 2024 through Dawnbreed Records and Gurgling Gore.
The band commented: “It was summer 2021. We were all done recording ‘Psychedelic Realms…’, just waiting for it to come out in September… We had finished recording/filming ‘Transmissions…’ months ago, and we had been in the practice shed jamming weekly with no shows in sight until September 3rd, our release date / first show. So we ended up recording the stuff we were working on in a little more primitive mobile studio setup, like we used for ‘Shitslime’. After that was recorded, it was pretty much forgotten about… Until sometime in mid-late 2022, the tracks were rediscovered, and in the wake ov the band’s physical dissolution, overdubbing guitars and synths and vocals began in earnest effort to shape something out ov this incredible harnessed chaos we happened to capture. As more and more writing went into these ‘”demos’, the more the psychedelic production and expansive song structures began to coalesce into something more horrifyingly magical, showing an entirely different side to the FLURCH. This has been forged to be a document in time, a spell cast in the wind, and a psychedelic journey all at once. Voyaging into the depths ov exploratory heavy riffs and otherworldly atmospherics like a Death Metal jam band trying to summon a doomsday comet from beyond”.
Streamthe first single “Death Toll Horror” at THIS LOCATION.
As dense as it is mysterious, dark, and utterly hostile at times, the underground realms of death-doom hold many secrets. Of all of those deep cuts that many revere as some of the best the underground as a whole has to offer, WHARFLURCH has already made quite the impact for those that have come across its path of destruction. This is death-doom that is not user friendly; an act that is feels meant to corrupt and taint rather than offer any semblance of escapism. Their run since starting up in 2019 offered up multiple EPs, splits, and a massive full-length that really set the stage for WHARFLURCH to make quite an offensive towards becoming an underground sensation. A hiatus threw everything into question, however, with the prospect of WHARFLURCH throwing in the towel certainly on the table. But, the power of the grime has persisted with WHARFLURCH regrouping to continue their magnificent assault upon the concept of sanity itself. Armed with a voracious demo that is but the prelude of what’s to come, WHARFLURCH poises itself yet again for absolute domination. This is a creation that is the epitome of what it means to be uncompromisingly carnivorous in your craft. Supremely heavy and more than willing to drag the tortures out to ensure that no survivors are left with the victims living in a perpetual state of maximum suffering. Not a shred of refinement or polishing to be had for the whole of these seven horrific tracks, WHARFLURCH hasn’t spared a shred of the human spirit for all that “Shittier/Slimier” summons from all-consuming maw of darkness within which WHARFLURCH clearly holds dominion over. This is underground mastery made manifest in some of its most powerful and twisted forms with the very concept of this being but the beginning for WHARFLURCH‘s renewed offensive enough to make one buckle at the knees. Whatever is to follow, however, none can deny that this offering is one that is not going to be easily forgotten with the rippling effect caused by its release enough to invoke primal instincts of fear and flight in all who come before its immense presence.
Tracklist:
1. Shit Rains Down 2. Enochian Curse 3. Death Toll Horror 4. Headless God 5. The Empty Spaces 6. Wormwood Palace 7. From Ixaxaar to Xibalba
New Zealand Death Metal ensemble ULCERATE announce dates for their ‘Eclipse Death’ European tour this autumn, where they will present exceptional forthcoming album, “Cutting the Throat of God“, in a live setting. During this extensive 34-date tour, ULCERATE will also perform an exclusive expanded set at DMP‘s very own Servants of Chaos Festival in Oberhausen, Germany, on October 18th.
For this expedition, ULCERATE will be joined by French extreme Sludge band FANGE for select dates, and by Latin American Black Metal band SELBST on the tour’s second leg. Following the recent release of SELBST‘s acclaimed third album, “Despondency Chord Progressions“, this tour offers a rare opportunity to witness two of DMP‘s finest artists showcasing their latest and greatest works live.
“We are ecstatic to announce the full set of European performance dates in support of “Cutting the Throat of God“. Joining us on select dates as special guests are the impeccable FANGE (France) and SELBST (Chile), which will make for an evening of blissful sonic torment not to be missed.“
SELBST mastermind N states:
“I can assure you that the live members of SELBST and I are eagerly awaiting this. This is the next step we were waiting to achieve, and I can’t see a better way to cross the threshold into live touring for the first time than with such great hosts as ULCERATE! Also, this would not be possible without the enormous support of DMP! As this is the first time that I will present my music on the old continent, we will cover a good part of SELBST‘s discography…“
See all tour dates below:
12.10.2024 SOULCRUSHER FEST, NL 13.10.2024 MAMMOTHFEST, GR 14.10.2024 ATHENS, GR @ Kyttaro 15.10.2024 BERLIN, DE @ Urban Spree 16.10.2024 WEIHER, DE @ Live Music Hall 17.10.2024 DRESDEN, DE @ Kulturzentrum Strasse E 18.10.2024 SERVANTS OF CHAOS FEST, DE 19.10.2024 LEEUWARDEN, NL @ Neushoorn ++ 20.10.2024 PARIS, FR @ Petit Bain ++ 21.10.2024 LONDON, UK @ Oslo ++ 22.10.2024 WASQUEHAL, FR @ The Black Lab ++ 23.10.2024 NILVANGE, FR @ Le Gueulard Plus ++ 24.10.2024 LYON, FR @ Le Warm Audio ++ 25.10.2024 EX TENEBRIS LUX FESTIVAL, FR ++ 26.10.2024 CASTELLON, ES @ Sala Tal ++ 27.10.2024 PORTUGALETE, ES @ Estudios Groove ++ 28.10.2024 VALENCIA, ES @ 16 Toneladas ++ 30.10.2024 MURCIA, ES @ Garaje Beat Club ++ 31.10.2024 GRANADA, ES @ Sala Riff ++ 01.11.2024 MADRID, ES @ Sala Silikona ++ 02.11.2024 ZARAGOZA, ES @ Sala Lo Intento ++ 03.11.2024 BARCELONA, ES @ Sala Boveda ++ 05.11.2024 MILANO, IT @ Legend — 06.11.2024 BOLOGNA, IT @ Alchemica — 07.11.2024 LJUBLJANA, SI @ Menza pri Koritu — 08.11.2024 ZAGREB, HR @ Mocvara — 09.11.2024 NITRA, SK @ Nova Pekaren — 10.11.2024 PRAGUE, CZ @ Black Pes — 11.11.2024 VIENNA, AT @ Viper Room — 12.11.2024 ISTANBUL, TR @ TBA 13.11.2024 BUDAPEST, HU @ Dürer Kert — 14.11.2024 KRAKOW, PL @ Hype Park — 15.11.2024 BIELSKO-BIALA, PL @ RudeBoy — 16.11.2024 WARSAW, PL @ Hydrozagadka —
++ with FANGE — with SELBST
Originating from Auckland, New Zealand, the unorthodox Death Metal ensemble ULCERATE was conceived in 2000 by guitarist Michael Hoggard and drummer Jamie Saint Merat. Their initial intention was to craft dark, oppressive Death Metal – a vision that subsequently evolved into an innovative, nuanced approach embracing atmospheric and mood-rich elements. This progression was significantly influenced by the addition of bassist/vocalist Paul Kelland, pushing the band’s will for constant development even further.
ULCERATE‘s artistry is characterized by a whirlwind of scything art-metal guitars, thunderous, intricate drumming, and guttural vocal roars which create an overwhelming sense of impending doom. This signature sound was perfectly executed on their first three groundbreaking and highly dissonant albums: “Of Fracture And Failure” (2007), “Everything Is Fire” (2009), and “The Destroyers Of All” (2011), each of which have become milestones.
Recognition from fans/critics and extensive touring brought about a partnership with the esteemed label Relapse Records. The resulting two albums “Vermis” (2013) and “Shrines Of Paralysis” (2016) found the band heading to deeper and darker climes, proving ULCERATE to be at the vanguard of modern Death Metal.
In 2020 ULCERATE joined pioneering French Extreme Metal label Debemur Morti Productions due to a shared artistic vision. The same year marked the release of the band’s sixth album, “Stare Into Death And Be Still,” a groundbreaking exploration of melody, harmony, and power. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and limited touring opportunities due to travel restrictions, “Stare Into Death And Be Still” garnered widespread acclaim, noted for its unique mixture of emotive melodicism and crushing darkness.
In 2022 and 2023, ULCERATE were finally able to triumphantly tour Europe, Australasia and the United States, showcasing their unparalleled technical skill and creative vigor as they presented the compositions of “Stare Into Death And Be Still” on stage.
The year 2024 will herald the arrival of “Cutting the Throat of God“, a mind-bending seventh album from these unparalleled Death Metal titans.
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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
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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 