Hope Darling, the rising modern rock group, has released their emotionally charged lyric video for the track “Say A Prayer”, extracted from their critically acclaimed album, Ensō, now reissued via Epictronic. The video serves as a touching tribute to lost loved ones while offering solace and hope to those left behind.
“Dedicated and written for the ones that have traveled on beyond the stars but if we look hard enough we can see the signs that tell us they never left.”
Hope Darling is a Florida-based rock quintet that blends passionate vocals, immersive melodies, and a captivating full-band sound that’s enchanted audiences for over five years. Led by Gabriel Sanchez and comprising Jason Donadio, Jeff Durso, Frank Dancey, and Richard Gomez, the band draws from diverse influences, spanning Rock, Classical, Reggae, and Hip-Hop.
Their compelling songwriting and exceptional musicianship earned them a Breakout Band nomination in 2015 and saw their single “Lifeline” featured in Spike Lee’s Netflix series “She’s Gotta Have It,” gaining local and national airplay.
“Ensō” is a culmination of 3 years of songwriting, recording, arranging, and lots of patience. It starts with a burst of energy, followed by a melodic twist that pulls on the heartstrings and then kicks back into high gear.
“There’s torment in this unconventional Black Metal too, in the tension that coils within the rapidly whirring guitar and in the hammering drive of the drums. Much darker and more depressive moods come forth in a wailing melody whose chime-like and dream-like tones contrast with the scalding intensity of the vocals, the bursts of percussive riot, and the marrow-deep bass throb.” (No Clean Singing)
Prior to its official release on April 19th, Latin American Black Metal project SELBST reveals a complete stream of next-level new album “Despondency Chord Progressions“. The band’s third offering consists of seven tracks, each one a riveting expression of fresh, focused and fervent Black Metal. The album enhances the band’s trademark passionate and ‘dissonant’ sound with added layers of complex depth, increased melodicism and elevated songwriting acumen.
Discover the album through the Black Metal Promotion YouTube channel:
In dialogue with Hungary’s Hammerworld magazine, composer and multi-instrumentalist N, discusses his new artistic creation:
“The new album is nothing more than the result of what has been flowing within me over time when I am alone with my guitar and my thoughts. I am a person with somewhat varied musical tastes, so perhaps, unconsciously, I wanted this to be reflected in a new work. I can assure you that I don’t make an exhaustive plan when I start composing; I just let things come to the surface and try out certain “textures,” so there is a lot of trial and error in the process. After finishing composing “Relatos…” I remember being very creatively exhausted, and this is something that happens every time I finish a new work. So, it takes me time to take back the reins of composition. Still, I have always been composing some ideas and playing because it is important to consider Picasso’s advice, if I’m not mistaken, that creativity must find you working. I always apply it.”
SELBST‘s third album, “Despondency Chord Progressions,” is set for release on April 19th across multiple formats – CD, vinyl, tape, and digital. A new t-shirt design will accompany the launch. Pre-orders are available through the label’s EU, US (no merch), and Bandcamp stores.
SELBST was formed 2010 in Venezuela by multi-instrumentalist/lyricist N and vocalist Frozen, releasing their initial demo “Veritas Filia Temporis” shortly afterwards. In 2016 N moved to Chile to search out new collaborators and opportunities. The resultant self-titled full-length, featuring vocals by N. Onfray of ANIMUS MORTIS, was released in 2017 to great underground acclaim.
In 2018 N became SELBST‘s lead vocalist and the project turned into a fully-fledged live band, taking to the stage for the first time as the next step of their evolution. The band unleashed second album, “Relatos de Angustia“, in 2020 – a universally praised, deep and challenging record which rewarded repeat listens.
SELBST subsequently honed their artistry and the band’s evolution into a formidable live act was marked by the 2023 digital release of live album, “Vortex Of Anguish And Death“.
As SELBST reaches its 14th year, visionary N is now poised to reveal the band’s third and most compelling album yet. Titled “Despondency Chord Progressions,” this landmark release will emerge on April 19th through Debemur Morti Productions and further refines the intricate, shadowy depths of their already sophisticated sound.
Swiss Metallers AKROASIS have unleashed their new single and video ‘Insult The Gods’, taken from the upcoming album “Hubris”, set to be released on April 29th.
AKROASIS explains to the song: “‘Insult The Gods‘ is probably the most brutal song on our new album ‘Hubris‘. Driving Death Metal with a Thrash edge accompanies the story of Antigone. She accuses her uncle Creon of disregarding the laws of the gods and establishing his own laws for Thebes. Creon had taken over this rule for a short time after his nephews Eteocles and Polyneikes had killed each other at the gates of the city. Under threat of the death penalty, he had decreed that Eteocles should be buried and Polyneikes left outside the gates as he had attacked his city. His sister Antigone felt bound only to humanity and the laws of the gods, disregarded this instruction and buried her brother outside the gates, which resulted in her execution by being walled in alive.”
🎥 🎬 ⚙️ Akroasis
The band was founded in 2016 by Marcel Knupp (guitar) and Gerhard Baeriswyl (drums, ex-Anitras Garden) in Kerzers, Fribourg. A short time later, Christof Schafer (lead guitar, ex-Distant Past) joined them.
They decided on the band name AKROASIS. In Greek, this means both hearing and what is heard and can also be interpreted as the conscious perception of music. The new album “Hubris” was recorded in October/November 2023, again in the tried-and-tested Little Creek studio with V.O. Pulver. The current artwork was once again designed by Mayte C.G., who had already created an outstanding cover for the predecessor “Ilion”. “Hubris” will be released on April 29, 2024 via Doc Gator Records on Digipak CD and in various vinyl versions. [ learn more here ]
🎨 Maite C.G. • Metal Album Design
TRACKS: 01. Nemesis (00:54) 02. Most Atrocious Deed (05:10) 📺 03. Insult The Gods (04:57) 04. Before A Fall (04:24) 05. Gifted With Fire (04:56) 06. Seven Times (04:20) 07. Driven To Kill (03:57) 08. Eternal Rest (04:11) 09. Unbearable Guilt (03:53) 10. King Minos (04:56)
Caligula’s Horse, Brisbane’s premier progressive metal outfit, known for their dynamic, soaring soundscapes, heavy melodic intricacy and huge live sound, will be astounding South African audiences this August. Proudly brought to you by prog metal aficionados Turning Tricks Entertainment, the band will be touring their critically acclaimed new album ‘Charcoal Grace’.
Caligula’s Horse has taken ambitious strides with every release, maintaining a course of continual artistic development and reinvention. Formed in 2011, the band garnered critical acclaim for their eclectic and exploratory debut, Moments from Ephemeral City (2011), and its dark, conceptual follow-up, The Tide, the Thief & River’s End (2013). But Caligula’s Horse truly made their mark worldwide with their vibrant and hard-hitting third album, Bloom (2015), the first on prestigious German record label, Inside Out. It was on the back of this record that the group expanded its touring regime beyond Australia, including shows with the likes of Mastodon, Opeth, the Dillinger Escape Plan, Tesseract, and Anathema.Caligula’s Horse’s fourth album, In Contact (2017), with its grand concept and expansive dynamics, saw the band grow its reach tremendously, packing out venues across Australia, the UK, Europe, and touring the Americas for the first time.
In 2020, Caligula’s Horse released Rise Radiant, an uncompromising exploration of the human experience dressed in vivid musical colour and virtuosic performances. With the release of Rise Radiant, Caligula’s Horse celebrated their highest international chart positions yet.
In January 2024, the band released their 6th studio album Charcoal Grace. Borne of the static hopelessness that the pandemic forced upon the band and, indeed, much of the world, these past few years, Charcoal Grace is an album reckoning with the experiences and outcomes of this time geared, ultimately, towards catharsis – moving towards a more hopeful future.
Having curated tours in the past for global hard-hitters such as Jinjer, Karnivool, Periphery, TesseracT, 36 Crazyfists and more, Turning Tricks Entertainment will undoubtedly leave South Africans of discerning musical tastes giddy with excitement at the announcement of their first tour post-pandemic.
Support comes from fellow Atonal Music Agency roster mates Deity’s Muse at both shows. In addition, Sunken State and New Earth join the Sognage billing with Megalodon completing the Daisy Jones lineup.
Powered by Jägermeister, the Caligula’s Horse Charcoal Grace South Africa tour is sure to be the most unforgettable two nights of progressive metal on the African continent this year.
CALIGULA’S HORSE Charcoal Grace South Africa Tour dates: Fri, 23 August – Daisy Jones, Stellenbosch. With support from Deity’s Muse and Megalodon. Sat, 24 August – Sognage, Johannesburg. With support from Deity’s Muse, Sunken State and New Earth.
Returning progressive death metal collective DÅÅTH are excited to unleash their latest single, “Ascension,” and an accompanying video. “Ascension” also features a guest guitar solo from Dean Lamb (Archspire). The track comes off their forthcoming full-length (and first new studio output in fourteen years), The Deceivers, set for release on May 3rd via Metal Blade Records.
The band’s return has been surrounded by excitement from enthusiastic fans, though founder/guitarist Eyal Levi admits that the hiatus wasn’t by choice. “I kept wanting to get back together. It was tough psychologically.” But Levi kept himself busy working in studios for other bands (Chelsea Grin, The Contortionist), honing his production and engineering skills. He later co-founded Unstoppable Recording Machine, a school that teaches metal music production, and its sister company, Riffhard, that specializes in metal guitar instruction. Both became Levi’s primary focus for a number of years, but folks never stopped asking him asking the status of DÅÅTH. Interest never waned.
When the pandemic lockdowns and an injury stunted Levi’s ability to work out, he needed an outlet for his energy and decided to pick up his guitar again. After shaking off years of rust, his love for the instrument reawakened. “Once my playing was starting to sound like me, I started writing and the riffs started to sound like DÅÅTH,” Levi says. “At that point, I spoke to [vocalist] Sean [Zatorsky], and he told me that he’d been waiting for this phone call for eleven years.“
The Deceivers is at once a devastating reminder and giant leap forward that showcases the technical wizardry and brutal intensity that the Atlanta, Georgia-bred band is capable of. Levi has overseen an overhaul of the lineup. Together with force-of-nature vocalist Zatorsky, who has fronted the band since 2007, they are now joined by Kerim “Krimh” Lechner (Septicflesh, ex-Decapitated) on drums, Jesse Zuretti (The Binary Code) on orchestration and guitar, Rafael Trujillo (ex-Obscura) on lead guitar, and David Marvuglio (ex-Ice Nine Kills) on bass.
The nine tracks comprising The Deceivers are monstrously heavy but beautifully orchestrated, blessed with melodies that will haunt anybody fortunate enough to hear them. The album title is the continuation of a theme that began with 2007’s The Hinderers and continued with 2009’s The Concealers. “Those titles are about the outside world,” Levi says. “They’re not about us. While they touch on self-destruction and self-deception, we all occasionally fall victim to, this album is a scathing critique and exploration of certain societal elements. The deceivers and obstructors in life. Those who impede your progress through subterfuge and manipulation.”
The latest single, “Ascension,” explores mindless conformity and how easily one can fall victim to coercion. From the first hit of the drum opening, the song is a powerhouse that delivers a journey through larger-than-life orchestrations fused with flattening metal devastation. “This song is a beast. Riffs for days, brutality and groove, there are soaring solos all over the place,” says Levi, “plus, it’s peppered with parallel universe Danny Elfman moments.”
Adds Zuretti. “Rarely is it true to be taken on a ride with music; let ‘Ascension’ prove its validity by guiding you through warping passages, orchestral fidelity, uncommonly creative musicianship, and uncontested power. ‘Ascension’ is the year’s mindfuck, carrying the listener from different realms of musical identity, showcasing talent to points that’ll make you think it’s otherworldly. Of all of the tracks you’ll hear in 2024, this will be one you’ll be revisiting the most whilst scratching your head in disbelief.”
Watch DÅÅTH‘s previously released video for “Hex Unending” at THIS LOCATION
The Deceivers was produced by Levi, with Andrew Wade handling vocal production, John Douglass engineering, Jens Bogren mixing, and Tony Lindgren mastering. Guest guitar solos are contributed across numerous tracks by Dan Sugarman (Ice Nine Kills), Jeff Loomis (Nevermore, Arch Enemy), Mark Holcomb (Periphery), Dean Lamb (Archspire), Per Nilsson, (Scar Symmetry, Meshuggah), and Spiro Dussias (Platonist), with renowned video game composer Mick Gordon (Doom Eternal) contributing sound design and synth to “Purified By Vengeance.”
DÅÅTH began their journey in 1999 and stayed busy for just over a decade before its 2011 hiatus. In that time, the band released four studio albums – Futility in 2004, The Hinderers in 2007, The Concealers in 2009, and their self-titled LP in 2010. Tours with Cattle Decapitation, Dark Funeral, Cynic, Nile, Slayer, Dragonforce, Goatwhore, Chimaira, Dying Fetus, and Devildriver followed. DÅÅTH also landed a coveted spot on Ozzfest playing before tens of thousands of fans in outdoor amphitheaters across the US, in addition to the infamous and long-running metal tour Summer Slaughter.
After twelve years on hiatus, DÅÅTH found their ideal new home at Metal Blade, signing to the label and wasting no time creating new music, cover songs (Death‘s “The Philosopher” and Morbid Angel‘s “Where the Slime Live“) and reissuing previous albums. The first new song from the revitalized DÅÅTH, “No Rest No End” (released ahead of the album in February 2023), features guest solos by Spiro Dussias and now-DÅÅTH member Trujillo, who impressed Levi so much while guesting on the track that he was invited to join the band.
DÅÅTH: Eyal Levi – guitar Sean Z – vocals Krimh – drums Jesse Zuretti – orchestration, synth, guitar Rafael Trujillo – lead guitar Davis Marvuglio – bass
Los Angeles, California-based cinematic metal/rock unit EDGE OF PARADISE – who have made waves in the heavy music scene with acclaimed albums like Universe (2019), The Unknown (2021) and Hologram (2023), as well as tours with the likes of Lacuna Coil, DragonForce and Amaranthe – are pleased to announce that they have signed a worldwide contract with premier rock and metal empire Napalm Records!
Today, in celebration of the band’s signing, they have released a soaring new single entitled “Rogue (Aim for the Kill)”, accompanied by a brand new music video. The anthemic track swaggers with electric energy and dynamic vocals, transforming into a theatrical metallic burner.
The track and video arrive just days before EDGE OF PARADISE kicks off their upcoming USA tour with headliners Firewind and fellow support act Immortal Guardian, beginning this Thursday, April 11 in Clifton, NJ. See below for all currently confirmed tour dates.
Guitarist Dave Bates says about signing with Napalm Records: “We are thrilled to be joining forces with Napalm Records and look forward to elevating the world of EDGE OF PARADISE to new heights! With the support of our strong production team we’ve built over the years, and the forces of Napalm rallying behind our unified vision, it will allow us to focus on what is important: unleashing a new dimension of EDGE OF PARADISE and delivering the most exhilarating, powerful and futuristic experience possible!”
Frontwoman Margarita Monet adds about the new song: “‘ROGUE’ is a supercharged anthem, propelling the band into an exciting new era on all fronts! Fueled by our history and the thought-provoking narratives of our past albums, ‘Rogue’ smashes through every barrier we’ve encountered over the years and reshapes our own limits! This song truly captures our spirit and we hope to spark inspiration in others to never give up on their extraordinary paths! So let’s ‘Aim for the Kill’ together, united by the unwavering strength!”
EDGE OF PARADISE w/ Firewind and Immortal Guardian: 04.11 Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz 04.12 Manchester, NH – Angel City Music Hall 04.13 Reading, PA – Reverb 04.14 Pittsburgh, PA – Crafthouse 04.15 Toronto, ON – Ground Control 04.16 Westland, MI – Token Lounge 04.17 Hobart, IN – Hobart Art Theatre 04.19 Springfield, IL – Danenberger Family Vineyards 04.20 Peoria, IL – Revival Music Hall 04.21 Joliet, IL – The Forge 04.23 Denver, CO – HQ 04.25 San Diego, CA – Brick by Brick 04.26 Anaheim, CA – Parish – House of Blues 04.27 West Hollywood – Whisky A GoGo 04.28 San Francisco – DNA Lounge 05.01 Austin, TX – Come and Take it Live 05.02 Dallas, TX – Sundown – Granada 05.03 San Antonio, TX – Rolling Oaks Events Center 05.04 Eagle Pass, TX -Cooters 05.06 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
Boasting a cinematic blend of industrial rock, power metal and electronic elements, EDGE OF PARADISE reached heightened recognition in the rock and metal scene in 2019. With dynamic vocals, infectious choruses, thundering grooves and massive guitars, the epic sound of EDGE OF PARADISE has earned them the title of “music from another world” from fans worldwide.
After a European support tour with Sonata Arctica, the band followed 2019’s Universe with The Unknown in 2021, featuring production by the legendary Howard Benson (Halestorm, Seether) with Mike Plotnikoff, Neil Sanderson (Three Days Grace), and mixing from Jacob Hansen (Amaranthe, Volbeat). After a tour of the UK and Europe with new label mates Temperance, the band released 2023’s lauded Hologram, which launched them into the next echelon of recognition – leading to various North American tours with Lacuna Coil, DragonForce and Amaranthe, as well as a performance on the famed 70k Tons of Metal cruise.
EDGE OF PARADISE is one of the most engaging bands out there, welcoming and interacting with fans from all over the world! With a multi-dimensional approach – from one-of-a-kind artworks created by frontwoman Margarita Monet, and exclusive items featured in their cutting-edge videos, apparel, vinyl, collectable statues and numerous autographed items – fans everywhere can be a part of EDGE OF PARADISE‘s interactive world.
Most recently, EDGE OF PARADISE released a new graphic novel based on their music! Physical copies of the graphic novel, entitled Hologram and Slaves to Forever, are available now via the band’s webstore, paving the way into the next chapter of the band.
Stay tuned for more EDGE OF PARADISE news coming soon!
EDGE OF PARADISE are: Margarita Monet – Vocals, Keys Dave Bates – Guitars Kenny Lockwood – Bass Jamie Moreno – Drums David Ruiz – Guitars
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 ) 