Danish hard rockers JUNKYARD DRIVE return with a new album, more energetic than ever before. The new album, with the title “Look At Me Now”, presents a band with new energy and inspiration.
Since 2014, Junkyard Drive has been determined to be the band that provides the soundtrack to life in the fast lane with the audience as passengers. Every time! With three critically acclaimed albums, lots of concerts and tours in most of the world, they have tried more than most Danish rock bands. Now their fourth album is on the way, and the goal has changed.
On “Look At Me Now”, Junkyard Drive rolls out ten high-octane rock tracks, delivered with flair, precision and lots of energy. One is tempted to say renewed energy, because even though Junkyard Drive are largely recognizable on the ten tracks that will be released in April, it is in many ways a changed band that delivers them. A few changes in the line-up and a much-needed look inside the internal relationships have restored focus and renewed the joy of playing. “Look At Me Now” welcomes two new guitarists: Oliver Hartmann and Kristoffer Kristensen. Both come with experience from genres other than rock, and that brings new ideas to the table during the songwriting process.
“Since we released “Electric Love” in 2022, we have gone through a process that can be heard in the new tracks”, lead singer Kristian Johansen offers. “We are tired of rock music always being put in the booth with draft beer and festivity. We want to show that rock music can develop and that it can contain sensitivity and depth. That’s why we had to go inside ourselves, to write texts that were more honest and that have something more at heart. When you go into yourself, you also have to come face to face with your own weaknesses. It can be a hard, but also very learning process. We have experienced that it has also taken a toll on the band’s internal relationships as you go through topics that can be tough, but we are incredibly proud to have gone through the process, because the lyrics and sound we have created have more layers than we have previously performed”.
“Look At Me Now” was produced by Soren Andersen (Glenn Hughes, Thundermother) and is out today on LP (black and red vinyl editions, the latter being limited to 500 units) CD and digital formats.
Italian post-hardcore group STORMO has today shared a new single and music video, Alte Mura, ahead of their forthcoming two-week European tour – full dates below. Alte Mura is their first recorded material since their 2023 full-length, Endocannibalismo, and showcases further industrial and noise rock inclusion in STORMO‘s sound.
Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Diego Castioni at Cabot Cove, Bologna (IT), January 2024. Electronics by Diego Casitioni.
Speaking on the single and music video, STORMO vocalist Luca Rocco comments: “Alte Mura was written and recorded in 9 hours at Cabot Cove, our sound engineer’s studio in Bologna. We added electronics parts, synths and noise to our classic sound; the songwriting has been cut to the bone and a dark and raw industrial approach will be more and more visible in our next works.
“The video was made mixing different footages of burning corpses taken, accordingly with the families of the dead-ones, in December 2022 on the Ganges river in Varanasi, India.
“On our next tour, starting in five days, we will perform this and other new songs we’ve worked on in the past few months, supported by the work of the visual artist Marco Fontichiari that will be projected during our live set.”
Upcoming STORMO European tour dates
18 April – Backstage By The Mill – Paris, FR 19 April – Roadburn Fest – Tilburg, NL 22 April – The Pit’s – Kortijk, BE 24 April – Hångmattan – Goteborg, SE 25 April – Vaktbua – Kristiansand, NO 26 April – Os Vaterland – Oslo, NO 27 April – Blackwork Tattoo Convention – Copenhagen, DK 28 April – Reset Club – Berlin, DE 29 April – Kabinet Muz – Brno, CZ 30 April – Venster 99 – Wien, AT 01 May – Pmk – Innsbruck, AT 02 May – Gaswerk – Winterthur, CH 03 May – Les Caves Du Manoir – Martigny, CH 04 May – CSA Arcadia – Vicenza, IT
On their tenth album, Benighted twist their brutal brand of death metal into something truly tormenting. Ekbom is named after a real-life psychological phenomenon that makes people believe their skin is infested with bugs.
Ekbom comes out today on Season of Mist. Listen to the whole terrifying experience on Season of Mist’s YouTube channel.
Ekbom crawls under your skin with writhing riffs and blast beats that will raise the hairs on the back of your neck. Just try not to shiver while watching the bugged-out music video for lead single “Scars”.
On “Nothing Left to Fear”, Archspire’s Oli Peters adds a new dimension of vocal terror, contorting seamlessly with Benighted’s terrifying speed. At 402 BPM, this song proves that when it comes to the realm of death metal, this veteran French band are fearless.
Benighted recorded Ekbom at the studio of producer Kristian Kohlmannslehner, who’s worked with bands like Aborted and Powerwolf. Germinating from this lair of dark, intricate production, “Metastasis” cultivates brutal, blackened death metal into a chorus that will crack open the deepest, darkest recesses of your skull.
Ekbom is just waiting to test your sanity. Let it crawl into your ears.
Cover art: Grindesign (Rob Borbas)
Tracklist 1. Prodrome (1:19) 2. Scars (3:15) [WATCH] 3. Morgue (3:22) 4. Le Vice des Entrailles (3:06) 5. Nothing Left to Fear (2:44) [LISTEN] 6. Ekbom (3:42) 7. Metastasis (3:33) [WATCH] 8. A Reason for Treason (3:18) 9. Fame of the Grotesque (2:20) 10. Scapegoat (2:22) 11. Flesh against Flesh (3:18) 12. Mother Earth, Mother Whore (4:28) Total runtime: 36:48
For the first time in almost a decade, this fall, Benighted are slithering across the ocean to treat Canadian metalheads with a heavy dose of brutal death metal. They’ll be performing songs off Ekbom alongside New Jersey technical death metal malevolents Cognitive.
“Canada!! Finally, after 9 years, we’ll be back”, says vocalist Julien Truchan. “We can’t control our excitement to arrive and show you our new album, Ekbom, live on stage! We’ll have the pleasure to do this Canadian Infestation tour along with our brothers in Cognitive. Let’s make this tour unforgettable together!”
Benighted Canadian Infestation Tour 2024
September 22 – Rouyn Noranda, QC @ QG [TICKETS] September 23 – Montreal, QC @ Piranha Bar [TICKETS] September 24 – Ottawa, ON @ Rainbow Bistro [TICKETS] September 26 – London, ON @ Rum Runners [TICKETS] September 27 – St. Catharines, ON @ Warehouse [TICKETS] September 28 – Windsor, ON @ The Back Stage [TICKETS] September 29 – Toronto, ON @ Sneaky Dee’s [TICKETS] September 30 – Quebec City, QC @ L’Anti [TICKETS]
Dive into the darkest realms of the human psyche as BENIGHTED, the French purveyors of brutal death metal & grindcore, unleash their tenth full-length album Ekbom in April 2024. The madness that has defined their discography continues with this radical soundtrack to the twisted times we inhabit.
Born from French Death and Black metal bands Dishumanized, Darkness Fire, and Osgiliath, Benighted emerged in 1998 with a mission to explore a more brutal, heavy, and modern form of musical expression. The impact of their first self-produced and self-titled full-length album in 2000 transformed Benighted from a side-project into a main act, quickly amassing a devoted fan base. Subsequent albums like Psychose (2002), Insane Cephalic Production (2004), Identisick (2006), and Icon (2007) further cemented their visceral, skull-breaking sound into extreme death metal history.
After a detour into the realms of Necrobreed in 2017, Benightedcelebrated their 20th anniversary by capturing the live madness with Dogs Always Bite Harder Than Their Master in 2018.
With Obscene Repressed, they once again took sadistic pleasure in pushing the boundaries of brutality, delving into the disturbed mind of little Michael. His relentless battle against demons, fueled by unresolved oedipal issues with his mother, provided a grotesque tableau for Benighted’s sonic butchery. Not content with merely slaughtering everything in their auditory path, Benightedcrafted thematically explorative pieces, each turn in their music revealing new layers of horror and despair.
As the relentless journey continues, Benighted is set to unleash Ekbom in April 2024, an album that draws inspiration from the nightmarish ‘Ekbom syndrome.’ This rare neurological disorder, also known as Delusional Parasitosis, forms the thematic core of the upcoming release. A feeling of having a vile concoction of parasites, worms, and insects crawling under your skin is an apt description of what Benighted have to offer on this newest release. The auditory assault mirrors the repulsive sensations of the syndrome, a visceral and unsettling journey into the abyss of the human mind.
Madness reigns yet again, this time intertwining with the haunting echoes of Ekbom syndrome. Brace yourselves for another mind-shattering chapter in the Benighted saga as they continue to carve their niche in the putrid annals of extreme metal, leaving a trail of sonic disgust in their wake.
Line-up Julien Truchan – Vocals Emmanuel Dalle – Guitars Pierre Arnoux – Bass Kevin Paradis – Drums
Recording studio Kohlekeller Studios, Germany (Powerwolf, Aborted, Crematory)Producer, Sound, Mixing & Mastering engineer Kristian Kohlmannslehner
Guest musicians Oliver Peters (Archspire) on “Nothing Left to Fear” Xavier Chevalier (Blockheads) on “Fame of the Grotesque”
Italian symphonic metal band ROSSOMETILE are excited to share their new single and video “Gehenna”. The song is the title track of their seventh album, which has been slated for release on May 10th 2024. “Gehenna” is now streaming at THIS LOCATION.
The band commented:
“‘Gehenna’ is the second single from our new album. It’s a track with a strong gothic imprint and a dark atmosphere that not only opens the album but also introduces its main theme. It tells the tale of a hell within the soul, something unsolvable that surpasses our capabilities, offering no escape and no hope. It’s a condition where emotions cannot be concealed, forcing one to bare their heart, shamelessly displaying their torment”.
“Gehenna” tracklist:
01. Gehenna 02. Voci Dal Deserto 03. Magdalena 04. Pasionaria (Frida) 05. Sangue e Seduzione 06. La Rosa d’Inverno 07. Dat Melti Min Modir 08. Valhalla 09. Stella del Mattino 10. Geminus 11. Duet With Satan 12. The Dying Mermaid
With a haunting blend of symphonic melodies, gothic undertones, and powerful operatic vocals, the Italian gothic/symphonic metal ensembleROSSOMETILE emerges as a formidable force in the realm of dark and atmospheric music. For two decades, this quartet has mesmerized audiences with their unique fusion of symphonic-gothic metal and ancestral influences, crafting a sound that transcends genres and defies convention.
Formed two decades ago in Salerno (Italy) and led by the enchanting vocals of their lyrically gifted frontwoman Ilaria Hela Bernardini with the founder-guitarist Rosario Runes Reina, ROSSOMETILE have meticulously crafted their signature sound, blending symphonic grandeur with the raw power of metal, all while infusing elements of ancestral music for an otherworldly experience. Their lyrics, adorned with poetic nuances, evoke a sense of mystery and introspection, drawing listeners into a realm of profound emotions.
Through cinematic music videos, they breathe life into their music, creating immersive narratives that complement their sonic journey, and further enhancing the atmospheric ambiance of their performances.
With their ethereal soundscapes and captivating presence, ROSSOMETILE continues to enchant audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of gothic and symphonic metal.
In 2024 they have completed their last album named “Gehenna”, recorded by Francesco Tedesco at Studio XXXV. Mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni (DGM) at Domination Studios.
Line-up:
Ilaria Hela Bernardini: vocals, piano Rosario Runes Reina: guitars Pasquale Pat Murino: bass Gennaro Rino Balletta: drums
Hypersonic, the powerhouse symphonic metal band founded in 2006 by Salvo Grasso and Emanuele Gangemi, has achieved their dream of creating unique, powerful, and epic music. Today, they proudly present their latest album, “Kaosmogonia” a musical journey that transcends genres and immerses listeners in a symphonic and extreme metal experience. “Kaosmogonia” is the culmination of Hypersonic’s musical evolution, showcasing a distinctive sound that is powerful, symphonic, epic, extreme, and dramatic. The album is a testament to the band’s dedication to pushing creative boundaries and introducing new elements to their signature sound introducing their new singer Eleonora Russo whose exceptional songwriting qualities bring a fresh and dynamic dimension to the band’s music. “Kaosmogonia” incorporates a powerful symphonic orchestra and explores new influences, including elements of death metal, creating a rich and diverse sonic landscape.
The third single off the album is called “Veil of Insanity”, it sounds like a poignant and powerful song. It’s fascinating how art can sometimes reflect or even predict real-world events. The theme of the madness of war in the Middle East is unfortunately timeless and the lyrics seem to capture the anguish and despair that conflict brings to the region. The contrast between the heavy music and the weighty subject matter likely amplifies the emotional impact of the song. For this song it has been filmed and produced an official music video which will be out today too!
Danish FREDDY AND THE PHANTOMS focus on big personal questions such as freedom, spirituality, betrayal and the eternal desire for power, money and carnal desire in their sixth studio album “Heathen Gospels”, out now via Target Records.
The album is a melting pot of country, blues and desert rock and their most fully-toned Americana record to date. The album offers a ride into the open landscapes with sky-high promises, while a deep desperation hides in the valleys of the mind. With these Heathen Hymns, the band focuses on big personal questions such as freedom, spirituality, betrayal and the eternal desire for power, money and carnal desires.
“We have written the album during the autumn of 2023 and it is our most collective effort so far. Everyone has contributed to the songwriting and compositions, and we have let the songs and melodies dictate where the track should land, which has resulted in a very varied, unpolished and melodic expression that we have not explored in the same way before. In January 2023 we played in the USA for the first time, with three shows in Asbury Park, so no doubt some inspiration was brought home for this record” – states the band.
“Heathen Gospels” was recorded in the band’s own studio in the countryside in Hornbæk on the North Coast of Sealand. The record is mixed by Knut Haavik (Hotel Hunger, Atterman etc.), who has assisted the band in bringing the cinematic qualities of the songs to life, while retaining plenty of warmth and presence in the sound. Sonically, the listener has arrived together with the band somewhere on the “Nordic Prairie” and is invited on a journey of discovery into an epic universe that stands on the shoulders of legends as The Band, Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top and The Doors.
“Heathen Gospels” is out today on LP (black vinyl, limited to 300 units) and digital formats via Target Records.
Recording lineup: Frederik Schnoor: vocals, electric guitar, harmonica, acoustic guitar Rune Rene Hansen: drums, vocals, percussion, production Anders Haahr: Hammond, keys, synths, acoustic guitar, cello, vocals, slide guitar Søren Nielsen: bass, acoustic guitars, slide guitar, vocals
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 ) 