May 10, 2024 sees progressive metal veterans IVANHOE release their much-awaited, new album, “Healed By The Sun” via Massacre Records. Available as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats, the pre-sale has just recently started at https://lnk.to/healedbythesun
After the band assigned “One Ticket To Paradise” with their latest, first album single, today, IVANHOE present us a second track taken of “Healed By The Sun”! A lyric video for “Headnut” is premiering below, the song is out now on all digital streaming providers at: https://ivanhoe .bfan.link/head nut
“Headnut” describes the psychological burden of COVID, from the restrictions caused by lockdowns, the uncertainty in dealing with governments as well as the psychological consequences and how we deal with them. We weep for the victims while “the beast” roams hungrily around the globe. Our dreams and plans fall short and we see them burning like a light (candle). (As in “Healed By The Sun”, the light is again manifested as hope and healing, which is solidified in the album’s title),”says new IVANHOE member, guitarist Chris Lorey.
Musically, “Headnut” is one of the heavier, faster and more profound songs on the album and explores new paths. It’s more metal than progressive but still features the typical IVANHOE riffing. Chris already worked on this song when he was not yet part of the band.
Although “Healed By The Sun” introduces new band members Chris Lorey and drummer Mathias Biehl, the songwriting process turned out to be a journey back to the roots of the band. Revisiting all previous IVANHOE albums, according to the band, yet the songs on “Healed By The Sun” are catchier and more accessible, and the compositions more sophisticated. Their ninth studio offering was produced by Giovanni Soulas and Lorey, and was mixed and mastered by Andy Horn at The Red Room Studios. The cover artwork was created by Michael Krebes.
Tracklist:
Daybreak
Healed By The Sun
Headnut
Moments In Time
Goodbye
Small Path Home
Invictus
Picture In My Mind (Bonus Track)
One Ticket To Paradise
War Of Ages
10C
Broken Illusions
Awaiting Judgement Day (Re-recorded) – CD Bonus Track
IVANHOE is: Alex Koch – Vocals Chris Lorey – Guitars Gio Soulas – Bass Richie Seibel – Keyboards Mathias Biehl – Drums
Following the release of their much-acclaimed debut album Cloud Sculptors (released in March 2024 via Stickman Records),experimental Oslo based rock-quintet Full Earth has shared a new, intimate studio session video for the track “Full Earth pt II – Disintegration”.
Full Earth is the latest psychedelic wunderkind from the far north. Headed by and centered around composer and drummer Ingvald Vassbø (best known for his stellar drumming in Kanaan, now also playing with Motorpsycho), the ambitious new band is rounded out by Kanaan bandmates Ask Vatn Strøm and Eskild Myrvoll, as well as bassist Simen Wie and organist/synthesist Øystein Aadland.
In support of Cloud Sculptors, Full Earth will embark on an extensive European tour to kick off this April, find all upcoming live dates listed below!
Full Earth creates entrancing organ and synth-laden soundscapes anchored by tight rhythmic grooves. As arpeggiated keys pass and interlock with one another, a compelling and hypnotic picture reveals itself to the listener gradually. With a deep connection and love for minimalist music, heavy stoner rock ala Sleep, High on Fire and Elder and the electronic avant-garde, the Full Earth– sphere circles in on fuzzed out riffs, sonic experimentalism and noise music. Broadly speaking, Full Earth is equal parts heavy progressive rock and experimental music. Cloud Sculptors is a monumental album running 80+ minutes in which the band explores every facet of their musical interests: massive riffs, intricate and driving rhythms, swirling organs and ambient passages.
Following FEUERSCHWANZ’s two recent #1 albums, Fegefeuer and Memento Mori (Official German Album Charts), Germany’s hottest band celebrates their 20th anniversary by releasing some of their biggest hits for the first time in English on the upcoming album, Warriors, out May 3, 2024! The tracklist is completed by one new original song and an impactful cover of the Assassin’s Creed classic “Valhalla Calling”, originally by Miracle of Sound, and now out as a single.
FEUERSCHWANZ is one of the biggest current bands in the German metal scene, which headline and premium slots at the most important rock and metal festivals are undeniable proof of. The band’s Fegefeuer European Headline Tour kicks off in Hamburg today and tomorrow, and several cities are already completely sold out. Grab your copy of Warriors while you still can and watch the official music video for “Valhalla Calling” below!
FEUERSCHWANZ state: “As folk metal musicians, we always look for ancient melodies to put a heavy spin on – with “Valhalla Calling”, Gav @miracleofsound created a timeless, powerful and archaic viking anthem. We just couldn’t resist playing it in our style!Thank you @miracleofsound for this huge melody! We hope you like our tribute – check out the video premiere this Wednesday!”
Pre-order your Copy of WarriorsNOW – First Formats are Already Sold Out
Warriors looks back on a remarkable track record of tireless work and is further proof that FEUERSCHWANZ not only welcome challenges with open arms, but actively seek them out. Newly recorded – and for the first time ever in English – songs like “Highlander”, “Das Elfte Gebot” (The Forgotten Commandment), “Memento Mori”, “Untot im Drachenboot” (Death on the Dragonship), “Bastard of Asgard” and “Fegefeuer” (Purgatory) take on a whole new character, but still sound familiar in FEUERSCHWANZ style. The final track is a cover of the Assassin’s Creed classic “Valhalla Calling” by Miracle Of Sound, which fits perfectly into the overall work and discography of FEUERSCHWANZ. Warriors is a new milestone in FEUERSCHWANZ‘s successful career, which only knows its way to the top!
Tracklist Warriors: 1 Highlander (English Version) 2 The Unholy Grail (feat. Dominum, Orden Ogan) 3 The Forgotten Commandment 4 Memento Mori (English Version, feat. Lord of the Lost, Chris Harms) 5 Death on the Dragonship 6 Wardwarf (feat. Francesco Cavalieri of Wind Rose) 7 Circlepit of Hell 8 Song of Ice and Fire (feat. Patty Gurdy) 9 Purgatory 10 Bastard of Asgard 11 SGFRD Dragonslayer (English Version) 12 Valhalla Calling
Founded in 2004, FEUERSCHWANZ have evolved over the years from their roots in comedy medieval folk rock into a band to be taken seriously and are rightly regarded as one of the hottest acts on the scene. After they hit #1 in the Official German Album Charts for the first time with Memento Mori (2021), Germany’s hottest band managed to repeat that great success with their latest studio album Fegefeuer (2023). With premium slots at numerous festivals, such as co-headline slots at the legendary Wacken and Summer Breeze Open Airs, as well as abroad, including at Masters Of Rock and on the 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise in the Caribbean, and an almost completely sold-out headlining tour, FEUERSCHWANZ underlined their outstanding position all the more last year. Many dates of the upcoming big Fegefeuer headline tour in 2024 are already completely sold out.
FEUERSCHWANZ live 2024: Fegefeuer Tour 2024: w/ Orden Ogan, Dominum 10.04.24 DE – Hamburg / Große Freiheit 36 – EXTRA SHOW! 11.04.24 DE – Hamburg / Große Freiheit 36 – SOLD OUT! 12.04.24 DE – Berlin / Huxleys – SOLD OUT! 13.04.24 DE – Dresden / Alter Schlachthof – SOLD OUT! 18.04.24 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage 19.04.24 DE – Erfurt / Club Central – SOLD OUT! 20.04.24 DE – Munich / Backstage – EXTRA SHOW – SOLD OUT! 21.04.24 DE – Munich / Backstage – SOLD OUT! 26.04.24 DE – Hanover / Capitol – SOLD OUT! 27.04.24 DE – Osnabrück / Hyde Park – SOLD OUT 30.04.24 DE – Nuremberg / Löwensaal – EXTRA SHOW! 01.05.24 DE – Nuremberg / Löwensaal – SOLD OUT! 02.05.24 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn – SOLD OUT! 03.05.24 DE – Wiesbaden / Schlachthof 04.05.24 DE – Cologne / Palladium 27.11.24 NL – Eindhoven / Effenaar 28.11.24 NL – Haarlem / Patronaat 29.11.24 FR – Paris / Trabendo 03.12.24 IT – Milan / Live Club 06.12.24 AT – Vienna / Arena – SOLD OUT!
Festivals 2024: 10.05.24 DE – Rastede / MPS 11.05.24 BE – Bomal-Sur-Ourthe / Durbuy Rock 01.06.24 DE – Fulda / Museumshof 02.06.24 CZ – Pilsen / Metalfest Open Air 14.06.24 AT – Nickelsdorf / Nova Rock 15.06.24 CH – Interlaken / Greenfield Festival 16.06.24 PT – Sao Pedro do Sul / Belavista Open Air 20.07.24 DE – Niedergörsdorf / Motorcycle Jamboree 02.08.24 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air 03.08.24 DE – Bückeburg / MPS 09.08.24 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz Festival 16.08.24 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze 17.08.24 DE – Weil Am Rhein / MPS 31.08.24 DE – Halle (Saale) / In Extremo „Weckt Die Toten“ Festival 07.09.24 DE – Luhmühlen / MPS 10.–15.09.24 DE – Kiel / Full Metal Cruise 14.12.24 DE – Essen / Grugahalle – 20 Jahre FEUERSCHWANZ
In an electrifying announcement for fans of pagan metal, Ireland’s premiere group, REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS, have officially confirmed their performance at the esteemed Metalland Open Air Arena Festival. This much-anticipated appearance is slated for Day 2 of the festival, which will unfold on August 4th, 2024, at the scenic Casilino Sky Park in Rome, Italy! The Day 2 will be headlined by UK’s thrash metal legends ONSLAUGHT!
Renowned for their compelling blend of historical lore and thunderous metal, REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS are set to bring their unique brand of Irish Viking music to the heart of Italy, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees. The Metalland Festival, celebrated for showcasing a diverse lineup of metal acts from around the globe, finds a fitting addition in REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS, a band that has consistently captivated audiences with their energetic performances and rich storytelling.
For further details on the festival and to secure your spot among the legends of metal, visit the official event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1067654067759070, and purchase your tickets through the DICE Circuit at https://link.dice.fm/metalland2024. Join us for a day where music and myth intertwine, under the open skies of Rome at Metalland Open Air Arena Festival.
March 29th, REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS unleashed their epic new saga “Helgafjell (Holy Mountain)” via Wormholedeath Records, available now on all digital platforms at https://orcd.co/helgafjell!
“Helgafjell,” The Sacred Peak, isn’t just an album; it’s a tribute, a myth, a journey through time and legend. Every track in this album is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, drawing inspiration from the depths of Norse Mythology, with an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy and mythological authenticity. “Helgafjell” is a soul-stirring tribute to Ren’s Father, Micka, who passed away in September 2022. It delves into themes of Life, Death, and the Norse Mythology Afterlife. The track “Holy Mountain” is a powerful homage to Ren’s Dad, a true warrior with a lion’s heart, now residing in the glorious Norse Afterlife, ‘The Holy Mountain’ – a place of eternal bliss for the righteous.
Every aspect of the album, from its evocative artwork by the talented Terence McCann of Blackdog Graphic Design to the captivating photography of Kathleen Curran, has been woven together with precision and passion. Ren Marabou himself has masterfully orchestrated the recording, mixing, and mastering of all tracks at Skåld Studios, ensuring that each note resonates with the spirit of the Norse legends.
The album ‘Helgafjell’ features an epic tracklist that reads like a saga:
The Journeys of Rig
Ran’s Hall
The Price of Glory
Curse Striker
Gramr the Bloodstained Beast
In the Hall of Gimle
Live and die by the sword (Einherjar)
The Duel of flint and steel
Idunn the Ever Young
Holy Mountain (Helgafjell)
Just recently, the band released the electrifying lyric video for the album epic anthem ‘Holy Mountain (Helgafjell)’, a masterful fusion of metal might and mythic tales now storming the gates of YouTube! In case you missed it, watch here:
Embark on an Epic Journey This Summer & Fall with REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS’ ‘Helgafjell (Holy Mountain)’ Tour! Celebrating Their Newest Saga, the Album “Helgafjell”, released March 29th via Wormholedeath Records – Witness the Legend Live!
The band stated: “Heathen Tribe, we are excited to announce our Irish tour to promote our upcoming album ‘Helgafjell (Holy Mountain)’. We will be joined on the tour with our Brothers in String Cut Puppets and Expedition. We are also delighted to have our good friends joining us at certain shows, @The Spudguns, Shock Sorrow, Rac’s Roll and Stanton’s Grave with more tba 🛡️⚔️ We can’t wait to hit the road and hang out with all our Heathen Tribe Brothers and Sisters, Skål 🪧⚡️”
June 8th – Sally Longs Galway June 14th – Pharmacia Limerick – in association with A.L.M Promotions July 13th – McHughs Venue, Drogheda September 14th – Fred Zeppelins, Cork October 12th – Smiddy’s/The Stables Venue, Mullingar November – tbc December 7th – Sandinos Bar/Club, Derry for Yuleblót Celebration.
Tickets, event pages and show details coming soon 🤘🏻🔥
Hailing from the mystical landscapes of Co.Donegal, Ireland, REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS are more than a band; they are a force of nature, blending the power of Viking Metal/Norse Pagan Rock with high-energy performances and anthemic melodies. With endorsements from Cassidy Guitars, Skull Strings, Iron Age Guitar Accessories, and Blackstar, and serving as Ambassadors for Ulster Mead Co., these warriors are unstoppable. Managed by the astute minds at Split Screen Management, the band has already made waves with their album ‘Tales Of Rune’ under United Music Mafia. And after touring across Scandinavia with the likes of VADER and HATE in September 2022, they are now ready to conquer new realms with Wormholedeath. 2023 was just the beginning of their saga, as they recorded ‘Helgafjell’ and stormed stages across Ireland, sharing their powerful music and stories. And 2024? It’s going to be legendary, with RMATB embarking on a tour across the UK and Europe to celebrate the release of their new album. Keep your eyes on their social media for the upcoming dates!
REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS are:
Ren Marabou (Vocals and Guitar)
Terence McCann (Drums)
Michael Casserly (Bass)
If you’re a fan of mythology, electrifying Norse tales, and rock-metal powerhouses, then Marabou and The Berserkers are your ultimate musical calling! Dive into the world of Ren Marabou and The Berserkers – where every chord strikes like thunder, and each lyric tells a tale as old as the gods themselves. Get ready to be part of a thrilling, mythological adventure with a modern metal twist. This isn’t just music; it’s a legendary experience! Join the journey, feel the power, and let the saga of ‘Helgafjell’ resonate with your warrior spirit. The stage is set, the legends await – are you ready to join the ranks of the Berserkers?
After the huge success of the single “Sad Time,” the ARADIA is preparing for the release of “Walkin on the Edge”!!! Yes! The band’s new album, will be released on April 23, 2024! It will be available on all the world’s top music platforms! Get ready to enter now, into the world of Aradia 100%.
In November 2019, Como guitarist Francesco Rasero decided to start a new musical project inspired by melodic metal and hard rock. Needless to say, the difficulties due to the 2020 pandemic also slowed down the birth of Aradia. The official lineup consists of : Stefano Cheville Perini ( vocals ) Francesco Rasero ( lead and rhythm guitar ) Marco Hellion Gilardoni ( lead and rhythm guitar ) Andrea Fumagalli ( bass guitar ) Cristian Sampietro ( drums ) Special mention : Paolo Gilardoni ( bass) who was a founder but had to leave the project due to family commitments During the first 2 years of activity despite the periods of stop already mentioned, the band cut its teeth jammando on classics by Iron Maiden, Saxon and Judas Priest ( but also Motley Crue ) and soon the need to write their own music was born.
Ahead of its release this Friday on the twisted Time To Kill Records roster, Decibel Magazine today presents an exclusive stream of “Alchemia Prophetica”, the merciless debut EP from traditional heavy metal stalwarts SULPHUR AND MERCURY. Stream the EP at THIS LOCATION.
SULPHUR AND MERCURY craft dark heavy metal dirges that summon and reimagine the sepulchral spirit of bands like Mercyful Fate and Celtic Frost. In this sense, “Alchemia Prophetica” acts as a portal into a parallel world of haunted chords and forlorn passages, where molten-melodic riffs burn and black smoke drifts into the midnight air. SULPHUR AND MERCURY‘s aural alchemy is born from this tradition: it invokes and embodies the enduring aura of the 1980s metal-mysterium, when NWOBHM bands like Satan and Venom collided and intersected with the tenebrous tones and paganistic rites of bands like Sabbat (UK) and early Cathedral. The time is nigh and this prophecy is foretold: let the reign of SULPHUR AND MERCURY begin!
SULPHUR AND MERCURY was born from a love of classic heavy metal and doom. The band is embodied by Jason Netherton (Misery Index, Asphalt Graves, ex Dying Fetus) on vocals, Francesco Conte (Spiritual Front, Nero Omega, ex Klimt 1918) on guitar, Marco Mastrobuono (Hour Of Penance, Inno, Buffalo Grillz) on bass and Dario Casabona (Griefbringer, ex Schizo, Sinoath) on drums.
Tracklist:
1. Presagio del Maligno (introduzione) 2. Invoke the Adversary (Pugnali di Megiddo) 3. Lightless Slumber 4. Venereal Levitation (Voci dall’aria) 5. Entombed in Necrodust 6. Heads Will Roll (Satan cover)
As time-travellers from 1987…SULPHUR AND MERCURY have arrived.
Born in the Cerverteri Necropolis under the blood moon of the Italian summer solstice, SULPHUR AND MERCURY forge haunted dirges of occultic heavy metal from the fires of its glorious past. Elements of Frostian apocalyptic doom are summoned and collide with the melodic instincts of the NWOBHM, manifesting caustic anthems to the arcane arts.
The group came together in 2021, when guitarist Francesco Conte and vocalist Jason Netherton bonded over their shared affinity for the darker incantations of 1980s heavy metal, along the lines of Mercyful Fate, Celtic Frost, Satan and Sabbat (UK). The pair were later joined by drummer Dario Casabona and bassist Marco Mastrobuono, after which they commenced to songwriting and then recording in 2022. Like soothsayers channelling the spirit of ‘87 (a year pivotal for both Conte and Netherton in their metal edification), the band explicitly invoke the ghosts of metal’s past, in order to hammer it into a distinctly modern vision.
The outcome is the 6 track EP “Alchemia Prophetica”. Featuring 4 original songs and a cover of Satan‘s demo-era anthem “Heads Will Roll”, the EP stands as an ode to the glory of heavy metal’s yesteryear in the form of haunting anthems to the unknown and otherworldly.
Line-up
Jason Netherton – Vocals Francesco Conte – Guitars Marco Mastrobuono – Bass Dario Casabona – Drums
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 ) 