September 20, 2024 will see German rock upstarters Bird’s View release their much-awaited, sophomore studio album “House of Commando” via Drakkar Entertainment. Mastered by Howie Weinberg (Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins & many more), a music video for their new single, the album opening track “Vienna”, is now streaming below!
“Vienna describes the curse and the blessing of being available and connected all the time.” The band reveals. “The song was written during 2 off days in Vienna between 2 support tours. It’s mainly about having to be reachable and available all the time. The 2 days in Vienna were the first time we really switched everything off completely and were able to gain distance from everything by simply ignoring everything.”
Following the previously-released, first album appetizer “Come Back Home” (listen HERE!), “Vienna” is out now on all digital providers via https://birdsview.bfan.link/vienna. The video clip is premiering right here:
Since their much-acclaimed debut album, “Red Light Habits” (released in the Spring of 2023 via Drakkar Entertainment), their path has been shaped by an unstoppable, forward momentum. Every show is an explosive mix of sweaty rhythms, wild guitar riffage and raw movement. With an expression reminiscent of the best days of grunge, alternative rock upstarters Bird’s View sweep their audience away from the first to the last beat. After touring with acts such as Soulfly, Skid Row or Dirty Honey, it’s no wonder why they have been labelled as “one of the best young rock bands in Germany”!
Bird’s View’s sound is a wild fusion of driving rhythms, razor-sharp guitar riffs and catchy hooks. Being in their early twenties, the young band quickly developed its own explosive sound that combines the authenticity of punk with the melody of alternative rock. Since their formation in 2019 by founding member Niko Huber – son of Nik Huber, owner of world re-known boutique company Nik Huber Guitars , their course and goal has been clear: Straight forward! Balancing between Queens of the Stone Age, Soundgarden and Refused, Bird’s View fire their songs into the captivated crowd. With their youthful energy and fast pace, Bird’s View not only inspire a new generation of rock fans, but will also awe the old school heart. They are the voice of a generation longing for real, unadulterated music!
BIRD’S VIEW Live: 08.06.2024 Wasted Open Air, Obernzenn DE 14.06.2024 Berlin, Maschinenhaus DE 15.06.2024 Hamburg, Headcrash DE 27.07.2024 Willwerath Rock City, Weinsheim DE
with many more shows to be announced soon!
BIRD’S VIEW is: Niko Huber – Guitars, Lead Vocals Alex Köper – Guitars Jan Iser – Drums Max Westenburger – Bass, Backing Vocals
Italian death metal trio MIASMIC SERUM will release their massive debut album, “Infected Seed”, on June 14th 2024 via their new label homes of Night Terrors Records (tape) and Chaos Records (CD format).
Today, you can listen to the stark new single “Lethal Bite”, now premiering at Mystification. Stream it HERE.
MIASMIC SERUM is an old-school death metal power trio born in late 2022, between Venice and Treviso, Italy. The band’s style takes inspiration from early 90’s American death metal, leading to a viperous sound that is conceptually related to poisoning, intoxication on the whole, toxic plants, animal venoms, and even personal previous psycho-nautical experiences. In fact, ‘Miasmic Serum’ stands for an unhealthy exhalation of a serum, which can be identified in the animal and plant kingdoms. Two entwined snakes in the band logo depict the Caduceus symbol, which represents a lethal dose, and the therapeutic one.
All lyrics in “Infected Seed” take inspiration from various realms and cultures, including personal experiences in the world of psychonautics, revisited with Aldous Huxley and Terence Mckenna’s literary works, between dystopian fiction and psychedelic culture, which is also based on the main use of sacred plants. Furthermore, other major analyzed themes are the Eleusinian mysteries of Ancient Greece and the shamanic traditions of the peoples of South America.
MIASMIC SERUM‘s musical style is poised and pure: guttural but clearly enunciated vocals, catchy blastbeat sections, multiple tempo changes without losing sight of classic songwriting, vicious atmospheres and speed-shredding riffs and solos that harken to the earliest days of the genre.
The single “Mortal Training”, features guest vocals from Jason Netherton of MISERY INDEX, while the title track “Infected Seed” features guest vocals from Fiore Stravino of FULCI.
The album artwork and illustration are designed by the Colombian artist Julian Mora Ibañez.
Tracklist:
01. Auditory Hallucinations 02. Near-Death Visions 03. Mortal Training (feat. Jason Netherton) 04. Immortal Entity 05. Neurotoxic Venom 06. Lethal Bite 07. Brain Walls 08. Lost Control 09. Ancient Initiation Rite 10. Infected Seed (feat. Fiore Stravino)
Are you ready for summer? “Sunshine” is the newest release by upcoming musician and songwriter Thomas Thunder. This 16 year-old prodigy wrote, arranged and plays the drums on this upbeat, Latin jazz, instrumental song. The incredible session musicians on this composition are Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) on piano, Ric Fierabracci (Blood, Sweat and Tears) on bass and Terminus Horns (Snarky Puppy) on saxophone, trombone and flute. The song was mixed by Ron Bumblefoot Thal.
Thomas Thunder is a 16 year-old upcoming musician, songwriter and drummer from Boston, Massachusetts. His prodigious songwriting has captured the attention of both fans as well as professional musicians.
Thomas began his journey as a musician when he started drum lessons at age five. He started playing in performance bands at age seven at School of Rock, and in addition to drums, he’s learned to play bass guitar, upright bass, guitar and keyboards. Thomas is currently in three School of Rock bands, is an assistant music teacher, and recently joined the Providence Drum Troupe.
In regards to songwriting, Thomas began at age ten when he released his first single and was awarded a prize in the New England Songwriting competition. In fact, Thomas grabbed the attention of the ‘King of Keyboards’ Derek Sherinian (Sons of Apollo; Dream Theater; Alice Cooper) with his songs. By the time Thomas reached the age 14, he released his debut album The Pharaoh’s Temple, and his team of session musicians included Derek, Ron Bumblefoot Thal and Tony Franklin.
Thomas also began his collegiate academic journey at age 14. He began taking Berklee College of Music Online courses, and has achieved a Berklee Professional Drum Certificate at 15 years-old, and a Professional Music Theory and Composition Certificate at age sixteen. In fact, Thomas graduated high school almost two years early in January 2024, and at age 16, he was accepted full time into Berklee College Online Bachelor’s of Arts in Composition for Film, TV and Games. His achievements were highlighted by local news stations, including NBC,CBS and WPRI.
The title track of Hidden Capacity‘s upcoming album On The Verge Of Chaos is a clear change of direction from the band’s previous EP release. It is the most aggressive track on the album. .
Hidden Capacity is a two-piece groove metal project where the technicality of the sound is only a side issue.
“Above all, the music should be easy to relate to, which means simple song structures, sharp riffs and meaningful lyrics.”
Listen to the single on music services (spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer etc.): https://push.fm/fl/hc-otvoc – composition & Lyrics: Lauri Rätti
Reno, NV progressive metal duo FOUR STROKE BARON has today shared a new music video for 1000 Threads, taken from their fourth album, Data Diamond, released today (May 31) via Prosthetic Records. 1000 Threads is the third instalment of their four part visual narrative for Data Diamond‘s blood soaked narrative thread, that comprises a series of anthology tales.
Speaking on the music video’s narrative, FOUR STROKE BARON comments: “William’s shocking discovery of the truth is too much for him to bear. Robert is beyond possession and now in a state of complete capture beyond his control, and he knows exactly how to end it all.”
Data Diamond is the sound of FOUR STROKE BARON at their most confidently unhinged. Originally conceived as two separate EPs (one purely electronic – Data, one heavy – Diamond) that would then meld together on one full length release, the idea morphed into what is now the succinct sucker punch of an album that is heading our way at speed.
Heavily inspired by their own work on Data Diamond’s predecessor, Classics, Witt and Vallarino got to work in their laboratory creating the most potent, concentrated form of FOUR STROKE BARON possible. “We love Classics, we think it’s one of the coolest albums ever”, the pair state unequivocally. If they have any criticism of their previous work it is simply that they didn’t push their own boundaries far enough, feeling like they took just a little too long to get to the point.
No such claim could be laid against Data Diamond – a dizzying sub-40 minute dive into the deranged psyches of its creators. The tracks on Data Diamond are lithe yet still allow enough room for idiosyncratic flourishes that mark this out as a true FOUR STROKE BARON opus. If Classics was a Man vs. Food belly busting plate of indulgence, Data Diamond is an upmarket Gordon Ramsay dish, served with a side of insanity. Finding a co-conspirator in Cynic’s Paul Masvidal, the trio get somewhat psychedelic on the album’s eponymous closing – and most expansive – track, which also features Vola’s Adam Janzi on drums.
Thematically, this is their most murderous anthology to date. Those who find themselves embroiled in these tales include a Radio Shack CEO, an internationally acclaimed cyborg, an accidental trafficker of human body parts, and the leader of a death cult located in a convenience store. FOUR STROKE BARON’s anomalous view of the world takes a particularly dark turn across the songs on Data Diamond, yet, as ever the macabre tragedies are dressed up with catchy melodies, pop hooks for days and a big shimmering bow of positivity.
Synths are a leading element across the length of the album, with more dark electronics seeping into the sound of the band than ever before – marking this out as the most experimental and intensely crazed the band have sounded to date. Samples recorded out in the wilds of Reno, Nevada weave their own kind of horror throughout the deliriously anthemic tunes laid down at FSB HQ, paving the way towards an incalculable future with limitless possibilities of where their minds will lead them next. It sure seems that they’re reaching a boiling point that will eventually tear a hole through spacetime. With this, their fourth full length, FOUR STROKE BARON has blossomed into the self-absorbed, wildly confident, musically deranged partnership that they were always destined to be – and it sounds incredible.
Data Diamond track list:
1. On Mute 2. Monday 3. The Witch 4. Cyborg Pt. 3 (Because I’m God) 5. VALLTT 6. Open The World 7. People In My Image 8. 1000 Threads 9. Data Diamond (Paul Masvidal and Adam Janzi)
FOUR STROKE BARON is: Kirk Witt – guitar and vocals Matt Vallarino – drums
Rising from the pillars of their Hellenic heritage, the sovereign kings of black metal, ROTTING CHRIST, invite you to partake in a monumental crusade across Europe. Hot on the heels of their enthralling 14th studio album Pro Xristou, the Greek metal legends unveil their spellbinding 2024 EU Tour dates, commencing this autumn.
“Dear Metal brothers & sisters, we can proudly announce that we celebrate our 35 years of existence with the release of our new album Pro Xristou & some special shows on European soils this Autumn. Together with the Scandinavian Pagan Metal Kings Borknagar and French diabolical horde Seth we promise to perform a hell of a show every night! Thanks for your attention and look forward to seeing you all in the battle field!” Says Sakis, on behalf of ROTTING CHRIST
With the spellbinding essence of their latest opus, Pro Xristou, the Greek forebearers ROTTING CHRIST will share stages with Norway’s progressive black metal giants Borknagar, whose profound musical narratives have sculpted their undisputed place within the genre. Alongside them, France’s SETH will bring their own brand of fervent intensity and atmospheric ferocity to the mix. Together, they stand as a triad set to invigorate and bewitch audiences across the continent.
“Sharing the stage for a whole month with thy mighty Rotting Christ is thrilling ! This will be our 3rd European tour in over 25 years and definitely the biggest journey that we’ve ever had ! We can’t think of any better band on Season of Mist roster to promote La France des Maudits!” Says SETH.
SETH will be releasing the full-length album La France des Maudits on Bastille Day, July 14th, on Season of Mist.
You can catch both titans of Black Metal ROTTING CHRIST & SETH, as well as Borknagar playing on the the dates below.
Rotting Christ 2024 EU Tour w/ Borknagar & Seth:
28 September: Warsaw, PL @ Proxima 29 September: Krakow, PL @ Hyde Park 1 October: Gdansk, PL @ Drizzly Grizzly 2 October: Leipzig, DE @ Hellraiser 3 October: Heidelberg, DE @ Halle02 4 October: Ostwald, FR @ Le Point d’Eau 5 October: Seyssinet Pariset, FR @ l’ilyade 6 October: Torino, IT @ Audiodrome Live Club 7 October: Bologna, IT @ Locomotiv 8 October: Nuremburg, DE @ Hirsch 9 October: Utrecht, NL @ Tivoli Pandora 10 October: Bochum, DE @ Matrix 11 October: Wasquehal, FR @ The Black Lab 12 October: Limoges, FR @ CCM John Lennon 13 October: Montpellier, FR @ Rockstore 15 October: Villava, ES @ Totem 16 October: Ponferrada, ES @ La Vaca 17 October: Porto, PT @ Hard Club 18 October: Lisbon, PT @ Under the Doom Festival 19 October: Madrid, ES @ Changó 20 October: Seville, ES @ Custom 22 October: Murcia, ES @ Gamma 23 October: L’Hospitalet, ES @ Salamandra 24 October: Toulouse, FR @ La Cabane 25 October: La Mézière, FR @ Samain Fest (Salle Cassiopée) 26 October: Sint Niklaas, BE @ De Casino 27 October: Maastricht, NL @ Samhain Festival *without Seth
Tickets will be available shortly on Rotting Christ’s bandsintown page.
Artwork by Thomas Cole – Digital Processing by Adrien Bousson
Dive into the legacy of the last Pagan kings with Pro Xristou—an album drenched in ancient wisdom and robust anthems, exemplified by sonic monuments like The Apostate and Like Father, Like Son. Through melodious symphonies and fierce, unyielding harshness, the album stands as a blackened testament to unquenchable Pagan might, resonating with the echoes of Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic myths.
1. Pro Xristou (Προ Χριστού) (1:29) 2. The Apostate (5:01) [WATCH] 3. Like Father, Like Son (4:35) [WATCH] 4. The Sixth Day (3:56) 5. La Lettera Del Diavolo (4:01) 6. The Farewell (6:15) [WATCH] 7. Pix Lax Dax (4:33) 8. Pretty World, Pretty Dies (4:51) [WATCH] 9. Yggdrasil (5:04) 10. Saoirse (6:17) [WATCH] 11. Primal Resurrection (Bonus Track) (5:32) – Only Deluxe Editions! 12. All For One (Bonus Track) (3:37) – Only Deluxe Editions! Total runtime: 55:17
In the dimly lit catacombs of extreme metal, one name stands as a monolith: ROTTING CHRIST. Sakis Tholis and his brother Themis started this band together back in 1987. In the three decades since, these Greek titans have left their blackened imprint all over the metal world. They’ve released 13 studio albums and played more than 1,300 concerts around the globe. Underneath all this hard work, Rotting Christ have but one vision – an urge to not only push the boundaries of extreme metal, but to keep reinventing themselves along the way.
Rotting Christ’s evolution has unfolded across several distinct chapters. After starting out closer to the barely controlled chaos of grindcore, they went on to establish the iconic sound of Hellenic black metal. Their albums often embrace refined gothic soundscapes, only to plunge back into the depths of blasphemous fervour. Each chapter marked another, further exploration, and an unwavering commitment to push boundaries.
But the real turning point came in 2007, when Rotting Christ signed a pact with Season of Mist. They unleashed a series of albums for the French label that defied any and all expectations. From the piercing Theogonia and the symphonic grandeur of Aelo to the ritualistic intensity of Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού, the cinematic experiences created by Rotting Christ became a spectacle of bombastic atmospheres, mesmerizing choirs, and neo-classical arrangements. The unexpected is their modus operandi, with the use of various languages (Latin, Arabic, Greek, English) as well as the extensive use of famous poetry woven into their music, like Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ on The Heretics.
In 2019, Rotting Christ’s epic journey continued with The Apocryphal Spell compilation, which offers fans an intimate glimpse into unreleased and rare material. This allowed them to gather strength, preparing for the release of their next, highly anticipated, 14th full-length studio album: Pro Xristou. Pro Xristou (‘Before Christ’ in Greek), serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, intricately woven through tracks such as ‘The Apostate’ and ‘Ygdrassil’, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 