IRREVERENCE are just finishing their European tour, in support of their new album “Forsaken”, released on April 1st.
IRREVERENCE was founded in 1995 by Riccardo Paioro, which found in Davide Firinu the right person to start the project.
The band took advantage of the difficult period due to the pandemic and the consequent scarcity of live shows to compose new music. This resulted in what is the combo’s eleventh official release:
“FORSAKEN”. Recorded at ADSR Studios, the band’s new full-length consists of 9 tracks and can be described as a further compositional breakthrough for the Italian quartet. The new album saw the light of day on 1 April 2024 on all digital and streaming platforms, as well as in digipack version, and was supported by a European tour scheduled for the second half of April 2024.
LEVIATHAN PROJECT is a powerful Metal ensemble featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens (KK’s Priest), Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath), Bobby Koelble (Death), Matt Nardo (Producer), and Tom Kay (Britny Fox). Collectively, they tap into the late 70’s and early 80’s sound that defined a generation. The result is an aggressive and captivating group that combines traditional Metal with soaring melodies, haunting vocals and other worldly guitars.
Leviathan Project released “MCMLXXXII” on April 1st Digitally and as a Limited Edition CD. In addition to the CD there are several bundle options available which include a signed CD, Guitar Pick, T-Shirt and the first Ep on Cassette!
Product Includes:One (1) Leviathan Project – MCMLXXXII CDOne (1) Leviathan Project – MCMLXXXII Autographed CD Bundle. Includes T-Shirt, Autographed CD and Guitar Pick. One (1) Leviathan Project – MCMLXXXII CD/Cassette Bundle. Includes T-Shirt, CD, Guitar Pick and It’s Their World Cassette.
“MCMLXXXII” Track list: Starlight Spirits The Darkness Vampires Nuclear Bomb Justify The Edge Electric Waves Starin Away (Live) The Prophet Leviathan (Remix) CD ONLY Solar Storm (Remix) CD ONLY
‘Garrison Lane’, the new single by guitarist Emiliano Tessitore, was released yesterday! The artist is back in a big way with a wonderful new composition, dragging us back into his world full of harmony, technique, a mix of notes and emotions that only he is capable of creating!
The single, is available on all the best music stores worldwide, on Wanikiya Record’s Japanese store and on showcase on Crash Sound Distribution.
Guitarist for Vinnie Moore (UFO), Uli Jon Roth (Scorpions), Mark Boals (Y J Malmsteen), Doogie White (Rainbow, Alcatrazz) and the original band Stage of Reality. Guitarist and author together with TItta Tani (Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin, DGM, Necrophagia) of the band Ehfar.
Guitarist of Trial Of Dreams, Tribute Band Dream Theater.
In 2022 he composed his first original instrumental album “Complex Melodies for Simple People” with guests such as Nick Johnston, Vinnie Moore, Atma Anur, Mike Lepond and Leo Margarit.
A Modern Rock guitarist, he is the director of the Modern Music Institute office in Rome.
On tour with Vinnie Moore in 2018, 2020 and 2022 in Europe. On tour with Uli Jon Roth in 2019 in Europe. On tour with Mark Boals in 2019 in Europe. On tour with Doogie White in 2022. Played with Kee Marcello (Europe), Edu Falaschi (Angra), Nathaniel Peterson (Twin Dragons) and opened for bands such as Angra, Vinny Appice, Haggard, Blind Guardian.
Co-organizer of events such as Paul Gilbert Masterclass, André Nieri Masterclass, Reb Beach in concert and live interviews with international artists such as, Micheal Angelo Batio, Vinnie Moore, Joel Hoekstra, Ryan Van Poederooyen, Bumblefoot, Joey Tafolla, Cristina Scabbia and many others. Collaborator for Mezzabarba Amplification, Jaketto Picks and Ernie Ball Strings brands with Algam Eko.
Deicide announce the launch of their intense new single “From Unknown Heights You Shall Fall,” which is released alongside a emotionally disturbing and deeply graphic music video. This debut aligns with the release of their powerful new album, Banished by Sin, now accessible on all major platforms and in stores.
“From Unknown Heights You Shall Fall” showcases Deicide‘s masterful blend of thunderous riffs and explosive drum work, complemented by Glen Benton’s powerful vocals. The song explores themes of religious corruption leading to ultimate downfall, echoing the relentless intensity Deicide is celebrated for.
The music video is both dark and compelling, featuring symbolic representations of suicide and fall from grace. Due to its graphic content and intense themes, viewer discretion is strongly advised.
Trigger Warning: Please be advised that the video includes depictions of suicide that may be disturbing for some audiences.
Banished by Sin represents Deicide ascending to new heights, with 12 tracks that delve into themes of darkness, sin, and corruption. The album promises to be a significant addition to the band’s storied discography, offering both new and long-time fans a profound listening experience.
Banished By Sin is finally here, ready to cement Deicide‘s legacy and influence in the death metal scene. The album is a testament to the band’s unwavering commitment to their craft, promising a collection of tracks that are both ferocious and unapologetically blasphemous.
“I’ve been sitting in a dark corner for several years now,” states Benton. “A few things have come into my life that have shaken and changed me. I got inspired writing this new record—it was like flipping a switch. I no longer have the aggravation of other peoples’ hang-ups interfering with what I have and want to do. I stopped chasing everybody else’s happiness a long time ago. The guy who started this shit is back! And it’s good to be back!”
“Musically, we’re back to the 1990s style,” Benton says. “There’s modern stuff in there, too. It’s Deicide the way it was meant to be. My hooky songs are there, Steve’s prog-styled songs are there, and we got Kevin‘s theme-styled songs. Having Taylor in the band has impacted Deicide greatly. He’s a fantastic songwriter and player. He can do anything. The four of us contributed three songs each. I’m back with the high screaming and layering. I’m just absolutely going off on this one. I’ve been told it’s one of my best vocal performances. I’m like Rumpelstiltskin—here to spin your hay into gold. Everybody’s going to be pleasantly surprised.”
Deicide stands ready to challenge the faithful and reward the wicked. Join them in their blasphemous crusade and prepare to be “Banished By Sin.”
New Jersey six-piece FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY are proud to announce new European tour dates for this coming November and December. Two years after their last headline tour through Europe, the band will visit over 20 different cities including London, Oslo, Berlin, Prague, Milan and many more! Starting the run on November 22nd in London, UK, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY will be supported throughout the tour by label mates SYLOSIS and also DARKEST HOUR and HERIOT.
FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY about the upcoming tour: “FFAA is always excited to get over to Europe to play shows! The European metal community has always been amazing to us. This tour is stacked with great bands that just happen to be people we consider friends. It’s one of those tours that you know will be a good time before it even starts!”
FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY · 2024 EU/UK TOUR Special Guests: SYLOSIS DARKEST HOUR HERIOT
22.11. UK London – Elecltric Brixton* 23.11. UK Leeds – Stylus* 24.11. UK Glasgow – QMU* 26.11. UK Manchester – O2 Ritz* 27.11. UK Birmingham – O2 Institute* 28.11. UK Bristol – SWX* 30.11. NL Nijmegen – Doornroosje 01.12. BE Antwerp – Kafka Zappa 02.12. DE Hamburg – Gruenspan 03.12. SE Gothenburg – Pustervik 04.12. NO Oslo – John Dee 05.12. SE Stockholm – Fryshuset Klubben 07.12. FI Helsinki – Ääniwalli 09.12. DK Copenhagen – Amager Bio 10.12. DE Berlin – Hole44 11.12. PL Warsaw – Proxima 12.12. CZ Prague – Meetfactory 13.12. DE Dresden – Reithalle 14.12. HU Budapest – Barba Negra 15.12. AT Wien – Simmcity 17.12. IT Milan – Live Club 18.12. CH Pratteln – Z7 19.12. DE München – Backstage 20.12. DE Karlsruhe – Substage 21.12. DE Köln – Essigfabrik
Black Tusk came roaring out of the Savannah swamplands nearly twenty years ago, but the sludge metal veterans aren’t looking back anytime soon. On their seventh album, The Way Forward, the band blaze full steam into the future behind the force of their new yet familiar lineup.
“This record represents our steadfast resolve to keep making music together as a band and evolve our sound”, says Andrew Fidler, Black Tusk’s longtime guitarist and co-vocalist.
The Way Forward is released today, Friday, April 26, and you can hear all 11 hard-hitting tracks on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.
The Way Forward pulls no punches. Right from the rip, album opener “Out of Grasp” charges head-on to the relentless chop of James May’s snare drum. Lead single “Brush Fire” quickly grabs the baton and lights it up like a Molotov cocktail. New bassist Derek Lynch makes one hell of a first impression. “I watch you burn!” he spits, already spewing with righteous fury.
“Derek said he’d never done heavy vocals before, so I was like, ‘Well, here’s the mic. Here’s some words. Yell at it and see if you like it.’”, says Fidler. “I was blown away the first time he did it. It sounded good as fuck.”
Black Tusk recorded The Way Forward at Hidden Audio, a studio run by frequent collaborator and now official member Chris “Scary” Adams. Not only did Scary handle the production, but he locks horns with Fidler, making this the band’s first album to feature a two guitar attack. On “Dance on Your Grave”, Fidler lays down a boot-stomping riff so Scary can rip into a solo that never stops climbing.
Cover artwork by Brian Mercer
Of course, no band makes it 19 years without having to shovel their share of shit. “The big theme of this record is putting your life back together”, Fidler says. Black Tusk have switched labels and lost members, all while navigating the bumps in the road that come with being tour musicians. But The Way Forward leaves those past misgivings in the rear view. “Sometimes the worst things you’ve ever seen or done end up being the best thing that’s ever happened to you”, May says.
“Breath of Life” opens with murky synths that swirl like a depressive fog, but that’s just the quiet before the storm. Over fuming distortion, together, Black Tusk reach for something that sounds close to a silver lining. “Mercy in suffering, all I see“, they scream in unison.
“The title is kind of a double play,” Fidler says. “It’s the first record with the new lineup, and this is the direction we’re taking the band in. We’ve been doing Black Tusk for 19 years now, and we still love it. That’s why we called it The Way Forward.”
Tracklist 1. Out Of Grasp – 2:47 2. Brushfire – 2:22 [LISTEN] 3. Harness (The Alchemist) – 2:35 4. Lessons Through Deception – 2:14 5. Breath Of Life – 5:12 [WATCH] 6. Dance On Your Grave – 2:54 [WATCH] 7. Against The Undertow – 3:06 8. Lift Yourself – 3:31 9. Ocean Of Obsidian – 2:50 10. Flee From Dawn – 3:38 11. The Way Forward – 4:40 Total runtime: 35:54
Celebrate The Way Forward with Black Tusk’s new four-piece lineup today, April 26, at their free record release show! Joining the party at Congress Street Social Club are special guests Bronco and fellow Savannahians The Maxines.
Black Tusk will then hit the road in May for more shows with fans down south.
The Way Forward Record Release Show April 26 – Savannah, Georgia @ Congress St. Social Club [Free Show]
Black Tusk 2024 May Tour Dates May 23 – Atlanta, GA @ Boggs Social & Supply [TICKETS] May 24 – Orlando, FL @ Will’s Pub [TICKETS] May 25 – Stuart, FL @ East Ocean Pub [TICKETS] May 26 – Jacksonville, FL @ Rain Dogs [TICKETS]
“The big theme of this record is putting your life back together.” That’s Black Tusk guitarist/vocalist Andrew Fidler talking about the band’s new album, The Way Forward. “When everything seems like it’s against you, put your head down and push through. Take those bad things that are happening and use them to help create.”
The Way Forward might be the Savannah swamp metal crew’s seventh album, but it marks many firsts for Black Tusk. It’s their first with their new lineup, which sees guitarist Chris “Scary” Adams and bassist Derek Lynch joining Fidler and drummer James May. Which also makes it Black Tusk’s first record with a two-guitar lineup. “We were able to add leads and harmonies and all kinds of stuff on the new record that we haven’t done in the past,” Fidler says. “As far as our records go, this one has the most guitar work.”
You can hear it in the squealing solo of “Dance on Your Grave,” the killer harmonies on ripper “Harness (The Alchemist),” and the glorious dual guitar interplay of the powerful title track.
“‘The Way Forward’ is my favorite song on the record,” Fidler says. “It’s based on a personal experience that everyone can probably relate to. I got divorced in 2020, and I kinda felt like my entire world was collapsing when that happened. But I pulled myself out of it. I realized that this one thing ending in my life isn’t the end of everything. I’m gonna find a way forward. I’m gonna figure out how to live my life and create and be happy and make new relationships. Which is what I’ve done.”
In true Black Tusk fashion, the new lineup has expanded their triple-vocal approach to quadruple. “Everyone is doing vocals,” Fidler says. “That’s always been a thing in Black Tusk. Derek said he’d never done heavy vocals before, so I was like, ‘Well, here’s the mic. Here’s some words. Yell at it and see if you like it.’ I was blown away the first time he did it. It sounded good as fuck.”
That’s Lynch on lead single “Brushfire,” a song for which he wrote the main riffs and lyrical concept. “That was my first real contribution to the band,” the bassist says. “Thematically, I wanted the aggressiveness of the lyrics to keep with the idea of pushing forward even when the world is trying to drag you down. The mood of the lyrics needed to match the pulverizing tempo of the song.”
The lyrics for second single “Dance on Your Grave” were written by May, who moved from Savannah to Athens, GA, in the time since Black Tusk’s last album. “It’s about his struggles through Covid and what this lifestyle can do to people,” Fidler says. “It’s about getting past the party lifestyle and continuing to do things that are creative.”
Meanwhile, “Breath of Life” distills Black Tusk’s lyrical philosophy into a righteous five-minute pummeling. “Scary came up with the main riff of this song, and it’s one of my favorite riffs on the record,” Fidler says. “I wrote the lyrics, and it’s just about darkness crushing everything. The world is a fucked-up place that we have to navigate through. That’s what a lot of Black Tusk songs are about.”
Black Tusk recorded The Way Forward at Adams’ own Hidden Audio studio just outside of Savannah. Adams engineered the album and the whole band produced. “I actually helped him build the studio in the detached garage next to his house,” Fidler explains. “Me and my carpentry company went out there to do it, and Scary helped.”
“We had about 90% of the riffs and song structures going into the studio, while still experimenting with ideas and inspirations,” Adams explains. “Sometimes we completely reworked parts, which made all the difference. For example, early versions of ‘Breath of Life’ and ‘The Way Forward’ are quite different than the record, and I love where they ended up. Though we did use a few effects and synths here and there for texture and space, to me this record still feels raw and powerful. It captures the feeling of being at a Black Tusk show.”
The cover art for The Way Forward was done by Brian Mercer, who also created the sleeve for Black Tusk’s 2018 album, T.C.B.T. “T.C.B.T. had a dark cover because it was a dark time for the band,” Fidler says, referring to the period immediately after the passing of their longtime friend and bassist Jonathan Athon. “This time, it’s full blown, full-color Black Tusk. Brian Mercer and James collaborated on the concept, and Brian really knocked it out of the park.”
“The title is kind of a double play,” Fidler says. “It’s the first record with the new lineup, and this is the direction we’re taking the band in. We’ve been doing Black Tusk for 19 years now, and we still love it. That’s why we called it The Way Forward.”
Line-up:
Andrew Fidler: guitar, vocals James May: drums, vocals Derek Lynch: bass, vocals Chris “Scary” Adams: guitar, vocals
Recording Studio Hidden Audio
Producer/sound engineer Chris “Scary” Adams
Mixing studio and engineer Chris “Scary” Adams
Mastering studio and engineer Brad Boatright at Audiosiege
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 ) 