It’s by far one of the most impressive line-ups of 2024: For this year’s 31st edition, ROCKHARZ festival at Ballenstedt airfield in Germany has announced over 50 bands and a billing that impresses not only by featuring big names but also with its diversity. Headliners include JUDAS PRIEST, DIMMU BORGIR, KREATOR, HAMMERFALL and Iron Maiden frontman BRUCE DICKINSON. Loyal ROCKHARZ fans can also look forward to experiencing bands such as KANONENFIEBER, THE HALO EFFECT, NESTOR, THE NIGHT ETERNAL, D’ARTAGNAN and NANOWAR OF STEEL as well as many other well-known acts live during FOUR days of festival goodness!
Desperation has been great for the many metalheads who could not secure their tickets in time, since the festival announced that it was sold out – this year in record time. There is, however, a shimmer of hope now!
In addition to info on which bands rocks which day, ROCKHARZ has now also published pre-sale details for a limited contingent of single day tickets (available exclusively via the ROCKHARZ ticket store), which are as follows:
April 15 (5 p.m. CEST): Single Day Tickets for Saturday ON SALE (with Judas Priest and many more) April 16 (5 p.m. CEST): Sngle Day Tickets for Wednesday ON SALE (with Bruce Dickinson and many more) April 17 (5 p.m. CEST): Single Day Tickets for Friday ON SALE (with Dimmu Borgir and many more) April 18 (5 p.m. CEST): Single Day Tickets for Thursday ON SALE (with Kreator, Hammerfall and many more)
The complete line-up of the 31st ROCKHARZ from July 3 to 6, 2024 at the Ballenstedt airfield in the Harz Mountains reads as follows (in alphabetical order and by day):
Wednesday: AMORPHIS, BROTHERS OF METAL, BRUCE DICKINSON, CALLEJON, DIRKSCHNEIDER, GUTALAX, KANONENFIEBER, KÄRBHOLZ, MAMMOTH WVH, OOMPH!, POWER PALADIN Thursday: BULLET, D’ARTAGNAN, DOMINUM, HAMMERFALL, HAMMER KING, HATEBREED, HELDMASCHINE, KREATOR, MASSIVE WAGONS, NYKTOPHOBIA, PAIN, RAGE, THE HALO EFFECT, THE O’REILLYS AND THE PADDYHATS, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, VARG Friday: ALESTORM, AMARANTHE, BENEDICTION, DEFECTS, DIMMU BORGIR, DYING FETUS, DYNAZTY, KISSIN’ DYNAMITE, LEAGUE OF DISTORTION, NANOWAR OF STEEL, SPIDERGAWD, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THE NIGHT ETERNAL, UNEARTH, VAN CANTO, VOGELFREY Saturday: AVATARIUM, COPPELIUS, DRACONIAN, FAUN, HYPOCRISY, JUDAS PRIEST, KNIFE, LORDI, MYSTIC PROPHECY, NAKKEKNAEKKER, NESTOR, ORDEN OGAN, PARASITE INC., SCHANDMAUL, SOILWORK , STORM SEEKER
Theigns & Thralls, the internationally well-known folk-metal ensemble, unveils their latest sonic odyssey with the upcoming release of “The Keep & The Spire” marking a pivotal milestone in their musical journey. Following the success of their debut album and a series of electrifying live performances across Europe, the band emerges with a sophomore effort that promises to enchant audiences with its immersive storytelling and dynamic soundscapes.
Scheduled for release by Rockshots Records next September 2024 (more details soon), “The Keep & The Spire” represents the culmination of Theigns & Thralls‘ evolution as a band. Building upon the foundation laid by their debut album, the band ventures into darker and heavier territories while retaining the infectious energy and folk-inspired melodies that have become their signature.
Rooted in the rich tapestry of folk tales and epic poetry, Theigns & Thralls draw inspiration from local legends and historical narratives to weave a captivating musical narrative. Tracks like the new single & video “The Seeker” is based on the iconic tale of “Sir Guy, The Seeker” set against the backdrop of Northumberland’s rugged coastline, showcase the band’s prowess in storytelling and musical craftsmanship.
Led by seasoned musicians Kevin Ridley (Skyclad), Dave Briggs (Waylander), John Ryan (ex-Cruachan), Arjon Valk and Mike Verhof, Theigns & Thralls boast an impressive pedigree within the world of folk-metal and beyond. Kevin continues to charm audiences with Skyclad while Dave’s prowess shines with Waylander. John Ryan’s recent collaborations with Borknagar, Ghost Bath, and Vircolac have solidified his standing in the metal community. Additionally, Arjon and Mike’s vibrant presence in the live rock scene in the Netherlands further underscores the band’s diverse influences and musical depth.
“We’re thrilled to unveil “The Keep & The Spire” our most ambitious project yet” says Kevin Ridley, vocalist and guitarist for Theigns & Thralls. “This album represents a culmination of our collective vision and musical evolution. It’s a testament to the dedication and creativity of everyone involved, and we can’t wait to share it with our fans.”
Following the success of their previous three singles “Devil Teasin’ Me,” “The Way I Am,” and “Too Soon To Know You,” Canadian roots and rock band The Commoners are pleased to announce the Friday 12h April release of “See You Again” – the fourth single taken from their highly anticipated third studio album, Restless. Released by Gypsy Soul Records on Friday 5 July 2024, Restless is available to pre-order at www.thecommoners.ca/store.
From today, “See You Again” is available on all major streaming platforms, and promises to be a heartfelt celebration to The Commoners’ ever-evolving musical journey. The single is available to stream HERE.
An emotionally compelling roots anthem, “See You Again” is an ode to love and loss, good times and memories made, featuring a chorus fit for kicking up dust on the backroads with the windows down. Full-bodied acoustic guitar guides this track through contemplation to celebration.
The new single is a tribute to the father of Commoners drummer Adam Cannon, who passed away when the band were on tour in the UK in 2023.
“We were in Sheffield when we received the news,” remembers Commoners lead singer, Chris Medhurst. “Halfway through our first UK tour, Adam was faced with the impossible decision if he should fly back to Canada to be with his father in his final moments. Greg, being a drummer himself, wanted nothing more than for Adam to keep going and make the family name proud. But the decision still weighed heavily on Adam and the band, as nothing felt like the right path forward.”
“A couple of days later in Birmingham, the decision was made for us. We played for Greg that night and have continued to do so every night since. “See You Again” is a song inspired by and dedicated to Greg. It’s also a message that each of us has been able to contextualize within our own lives, honouring the memory of people we’ve loved and lost. It’s a tribute that stretches across the sands of time as an ode to those who are no longer with us. We hope fans enjoy it and that it will resonate with those who have experienced loss in their lifetime.”
Following their critically acclaimed 2022 sophomore album Find A Better Way, on their forthcoming album, Restless, the Canadian Roots-Rock quintet continue their dedicated musical journey to provide listeners with a hearty dose of Southern-style swagger accentuated with slide guitar, organ swell, and heartfelt vocals.
Album Photography by Lindsay White – Album Design by Emily Goguen
Having wrapped up a bustling 2023 filled with recording sessions and a UK tour alongside Grammy-nominated duo Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton, The Commoners have solidified their position as a must-watch act.
The release of Restless will mark the quintet’s return to the road in 2024, with numerous festivals in the UK and EU, including Made of Stone, Steelhouse, and Moulin Blues Festivals, already scheduled for this summer. From the speakers to the stage, one thing is certain: The Commoners are spearheading a party rock renaissance, and the audience is cordially invited.
Combined with Ross Hayes Citrullo’s infectious guitar riffs, the new single delivers a song of quality and distinction. It’s the perfect follow-up to the previous singles, “Devil Teasin’ Me” and “The Way I Am.” “Devil Teasin’ Me” proved a popular staple on UK rock radio, with a 10-week run and over 100 spins on Planet Rock.
A natural evolution from their 2022 album Find A Better Way, the forthcoming album Restless offers a peek behind the curtain of success, revealing the gruelling routines and ragged emotions that hide behind the glamorous aesthetic of a rock band on the rise. With introspective, slower-tempo numbers pocketed amongst rip-roaring anthems, the new album, recorded at RHC Music in Toronto, is a portrait of a hardworking group revitalizing a classic genre.
“As with our previous album, we wanted to marry old and new southern rock together in a way that was unique to the band’s Canadian roots,” says the Commoners guitarist and producer Ross Hayes Citrullo. “By adding the soul and rock elements of The Black Crowes, and the southern blues rock undertones of The Allman Brothers to a production style akin to Blackberry Smoke and Rival Sons, I think we developed an authentic sound that compares sonically to some of our favourite records across all of those music genres.”
RESTLESS – TRACK LISTING
1. Devil Teasin’ Me (4.25) 2. Shake You Off (4.00) 3. The Way I Am (3.42) 4. Restless (5.17) 5. Gone Without Warning (7.07) 6. Who Are You (Ain’t Knocked Down) (4.15) 7. Body And Soul (5.34) 8. See You Again (4.42) 9. Too Soon To Know You (5.11) 10. All That We Have (3.20)
Approx. Running Time: 45 minutes
TRACK BY TRACK
Devil Teasin’ Me A bonafide banger with anthemic group vocals and electric riffs, “Devil Teasin’ Me” captures self-reckoning wrapped up in rock ’n’ roll. Lush background voices lend heat to the chorus, supporting Medhurst through a feverish performance.
Shake You Off Gutsy guitar and driving percussion push “Shake You Off” from the speakers, initiating a gripping track that will have heads bobbing from start to finish. Punchy bass and searing organ pierce the arrangement, rousing listeners to a fever pitch as The Commoners attempt to break loose from restraints.
The Way I Am A rowdy riff catapults The Commoners into “The Way I Am”, joined by kick drum thuds that strike the chest, immersing the listener in a track made for stadiums. Tension builds into an infectious chorus spiked with vocal support by Sandra Bouza. A guaranteed hit, “The Way I Am” sees The Commoners united in conviction, playing with the confidence of a band that knows exactly who they are.
Restless Delicate picks and strums open “Restless”, lending a subtle Celtic feel to the track which evolves into a flourishing arrangement with piano and harmonic guitar accents. Within “Restless”, The Commoners unpack life on the road, folding the struggle and discomfort of pursuing a dream into a show-stopping number.
Gone Without Warning A gritty riff puts fire under “Gone Without Warning”, launching The Commoners into a track that boils over with tension. Featuring a heavy hitting chorus with soulful backing vocals by Chantal Williams, the track is further elevated by the combined voices of bassist Ben Spiller and drummer Adam Cannon.
Who Are You (Ain’t Knocked Down) Crunchy guitar cuts through the speakers, accented by stark percussion, and piano in this true party rock anthem. Certain to raise listeners to their feet, “Who Are You” features peppy organ alongside call and response vocals that kick this confrontational track into overdrive. Body And Soul Ambient slide guitar and viscous drones set the tone for a smoky and sultry number with a masterful arrangement that goes down smooth. Throbbing with rhythmic bass and percussion, “Body And Soul” traps The Commoners in a tangle of temptation. See You Again A true roots-rocker, “See You Again” is an ode to love and loss, good times and memories made, featuring a chorus fit for kicking up dust on the backroads with the windows down. Full-bodied acoustic guitar guides this track through contemplation to celebration. Too Soon To Know You Lively organ and crisp guitar support a soaring top line in this reflective track that wonders what might have been. Stirred by nostalgia, singer Chris Medhurst reminisces about a bond broken by time, offering a listen that will surely inspire a trip down memory lane.
All That We Have Resonant acoustic guitar pairs with an honest vocal performance by Chris Medhurst for a reflective, poignant track. Lyrically centered around acceptance and finding peace through life’s troubles and existential anxieties, “All That We Have” is a tender affirmation of support.
ALBUM PRODUCTION CREDITS The Band
Chris Medhurst – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar Ross Hayes Citrullo – Lead Guitar Ben Spiller – Bass, Vocals, Piano (Who Are You, Gone Without Warning) Adam Cannon – Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Miles Evans-Branagh – Organ, Rhodes, Piano (See You Again, Restless, Too Soon To Know You) Chantal Williams, Nicki Lawrence, Sandra Bouza – Backing Vocals
The Team
All songs written by The Commoners Produced by Ross Hayes Citrullo and The Commoners Executive Producer – Renan Yildizdogan Recorded at RHC Music, Toronto, Ontario
Album mixed by Ross Hayes Citrullo and Renan Yildizdogan (RYCH) Engineers – Ross Hayes Citrullo, Ben Spiller, Adam Cannon, Renan Yildizdogan
Assistant Engineers – Adil Batty, Ben Byck, Jon Savard, Dylan Davis, Emily Goguen
Mastered by Pete Lyman at Infrasonic Mastering, Nashville, Tennessee
Johnny Thunders, a true pioneer of punk rock music, continues to leave an indelible mark on the music world even years after his passing. Renowned for his electrifying performances and rebellious spirit, Thunders’ legacy persists with the release of ‘Cosa Nostra: Live At The Mudd Club Gothenburg 1983’, out now via Golden Robot Records.
As a founding member of the legendary New York Dolls, Johnny Thunders catapulted into stardom, blazing a trail through the music scene with his raw energy and unmistakable style. Following his tenure with the Dolls, Thunders embarked on a solo journey, forming Johnny Thunders & the Heartbreakers, solidifying his status as one of the true Godfathers of the US Punk scene.
The upcoming album captures a historic moment in Thunders’ career, showcasing his unparalleled talent and magnetic stage presence. Recorded live at The Mudd Club in Gothenburg, Sweden, on June 16, 1983, this album offers listeners an immersive experience, transporting them back to a time when punk rock reverberated through the veins of society.
Prepare to immerse yourself in the raw energy and untamed spirit of Johnny Thunders with the exclusive release of ‘Cosa Nostra: Live At The Mudd Club Gothenburg 1983’, out now, available only through Golden Robot Records. Join us as we celebrate the enduring legacy of a true punk rock icon.
“All I ever wanted was to make the kids dance” – Johnny Thunders
Following their much acclaimed, eleventh studio album, Electric Sounds, Canada’s rock’n’roll frontrunners DANKO JONES are celebrating the release oftheir Electric Sounds Deluxe Version, out now on AFM Records! Additionally to the album Electric Sounds, the digital Deluxe Version will include two bonus tracks, “Waiting For You” (premiered earlier this Spring)and the previously-unreleased “Haunting Me”. The Electric Sounds Deluxe Version is now available on all digital providers via https://danko-jones.bfan.link/electric-sounds-Deluxe
For the dedicated record collector and as a very special Vinyl release, the DANKO JONES “4×10” – a limited 10” edition featuring both bonus tracks as well as two unreleased live songs – is also now available and can be ordered at: https://danko-jones.bfan.link/4×10
Electric Sounds Digital Deluxe Tracklist:
Guess Who’s Back
Good Time
Electric Sounds
Get High?
Stiff Competition
She’s My Baby
Eye for an Eye
I Like It
Let’s Make Out
What Goes Around
Shake Your City
Waiting for You (Bonus Track)
Haunting Me (Bonus Track)
“4×10” Vinyl Tracklist:
Haunting Me
Lipstick City – Live in Bremen
My Little RNR – Live in Stockholm
Waiting for You
With Electric Sounds, DANKO JONES have stormed international album charts ( Sweden #12, Germany #18, Switzerland #24), with consecutive top radio chart entries like with their hit singles “Good Time”, “Guess Who’s Back” and “Get High?”, ruling the German Rock Radio Charts at a phenomenal #1 position. On their ensuing, European album release tour, DANKO JONES sold out numerous shows, with many more live dates confirmed for 2024 (visit https://www.dankojones.com/tour for all upcoming shows!). Recently, the band was nominated for a Juno Award, the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy Award.
Without any doubt, Electric Sounds has the instant sound and feel of a classic. When the wheel is spinning freely and propelling you forward, there’s no need to reinvent the damn thing: instead, the Canadian trio is simply honing and refining their craft, and always at full volume. From the chest-out chutzpah of the opening “Guess Who’s Back” and the muscular new wave strut of “Good Time”, the ultimate pothead anthem “Get High?” to the title track’s promise to “smash a thousand guitars tonight!” and “Stiff Competition”’s angular, cock-eyed stomp and juddering bull’s-eye of chorus, Electric Sounds is a deceptively diverse affair. No band has ever sounded more ready to hit the road than the pumped-up threesome showcased on hell-for-leather ragers like “Eye For An Eye”, “What Goes Around” and mad-eyed and murderous closer “Shake Your City”.
Electric Sounds was produced by Eric Ratz, and guest spots from Tyler Stewart (Barenaked Ladies) on “She’s My Baby”, Damian Abraham of Fucked Up on “Get High?” and guitarist Daniel Dekay (from Canadian thrash legends Exciter) on “Electric Sounds” complete the picture with a snotty flourish.
With the latest Deluxe Version in addition to Electric Sounds as well as the “4×10” Vinyl edition, DANKO JONES present their fans some highly-collectable highlights featuring previously-unreleased bonus material, showcasing their amplitude of songwriting skills, an irrepressible energy and the reliability always providing a damn good time!
8 albums. 27 years. Numerous concerts on three continents. Ups and downs. Meetings with good people. Meetings with bad people. Stories we’ll talk about until we die. Stories that may live on after we are gone. Gratitude. Pride.
We will celebrate the very last time we stand together on a stage as EL CACO. Celebrate at the same place where we have had some of our very best moments and memories. Celebrate the start of a new year, and at the same time say goodbye to something. It will be strange and sad, but at the same time the right thing to do.
We hope as many people as possible will come and share memories, joys and perhaps a tear with us. We promise a very special evening. – Øyvind, Anders and Fredrik
ROCKEFELLER, OSLO, NORWAY Friday 03.01.25 Tickets on sale from Friday 12.4.24 EVENT
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 ) 