Fast-rising American doom outfit FRAYLE have officially joined forces with Napalm Records, signing a worldwide contract with the premier Austrian rock and metal empire.
Cleveland, Ohio’s FRAYLE crept onto the scene after forming in 2018, helmed by original members Sean Bilovecky (guitars) and Gwyn Strang (vocals). Since then, the band has been lauded by fans and media critics alike, merging the heaviness of occult-driven doom and blackgaze with Strang’s distinctively eerie vocal stylings. FRAYLE has since expanded into a four piece, welcoming drummer Jon Vinson and bassist Jason Knotek to the fold, allowing the band to fully realize their “lullabies over chaos” musical vision. Noted first by Revolver Magazine as a band to watch in 2023, and then again by Knotfest for the coming year, the band continues to invigorate their already buzzing sway on the scene. Following gloomy performances in Europe and the United States at festivals such as Damnation, Desertfest, Soul Crusher, Gloomnar, Post Fest and Inkcarceration, FRAYLE vows to enrapture audiences with new music in 2024.
FRAYLE says about the signing: “We are thrilled to be joining the incredible team at Napalm Records. Napalm has always been the label that artists strive to be a part of and we are honored to bring our unique blend of heavy witch gloom to their impressive roster.
We’d also like to take this opportunity to say we are extremely fortunate to be part of the Oracle Management family, and are grateful for them helping us realize our goal of signing to Napalm Records. It was Oracle’s existing relationship with Napalm that helped to seal the deal. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Sebastian Muench, Senior A&R at Napalm Records, adds: “FRAYLE have been enchanting their fans with their unique way of interpreting doom metal since 2017. Their artistic vision and past live performances have fascinated us and enticed us to work together as partners on the next step in the band’s career. I can guarantee that the new studio album will be simply amazing!”
Stay tuned for more FRAYLE news coming soon!
FRAYLE is: Gwyn Strang: Vocals Sean Bilovecky: Guitar Jason Knotek: Bass Jon Vinson: Drums
SYLVAINE has grown into a guiding light for ambient post-metal and atmospheric black metal. But today, she’s tracing back to her roots on Eg Er Framand.
Growing up in Norway, amidst the contrasts between nature and urbanity, Kathrine Shepard often performed in the Kampen Church in Oslo. This 19th century relic is where she recorded the entirety of her ethereal new EP.
Lead single “Dagsens Augo Sloknar Ut“ comes from mysterious origins. The lyrics were written in 1891 by Elias Blix, a professor-turned-politician, who also wrote hymns. Staying true to the original’s delicate, reverent melody, Sylvaine sings in a breathy, elongated whisper that’s both haunting and soothing.
The music video for “Dagsens Augo Sloknar Ut” was directed and produced by William Lacalmontie. Kathrine dances and enchants across a magnificent tapestry of poetic landscapes, striking the beautiful balance that’s at the heart of Eg Er Framand.
With “Dagsens Augo Sloknar Ut”, Sylvaine opens the book on an intricate, transformative fairy tale.
“A beating heart so pure Who wished to feel once more As her eyes slowly opened to the world
She lifted her head And at once beheld A light in front of her
A path to take The choice to make To lead her on her way
A story about to begin Of a soul ignited again On a road to turn loose dismay?“
Track-list 1. Dagsens Auga Sloknar Ut (4:36) [WATCH] 2. Arvestykker (4:36) 3. Eg Veit I Himmelrik Ei Borg (4:47) 4. Livets Dans (6:09) 5. Tussmørke (3:15) 6. Eg Er Framand (4:46) Total runtime: 28:12
Kathrine Shepard, the visionary artist behind the evocative musical project SYLVAINE, weaves an intricate tapestry of emotions through the language of music. A transcendental bridge between worlds, a mesmerizing duality that encapsulates the beautiful and the harsh, light and darkness, serenity and chaos, and the delicate balance between the external world and the inner sanctum of the soul. It is a symphony that harmonizes the human experience with its spiritual origins – a resonance of something beyond the tangible.
Sylvaine’s compositions are a visceral journey through the vast spectrum of emotions that the complexities of the human experience have to offer. They encapsulate the inherent struggle of being an entity in this world, yet not entirely of it. Katherine’s music serves as a conduit for her innermost feelings, a cathartic expression of the eternal longing that resides within the very core of her melodies.
Akin to a fairytale spun from the threads of Norwegian folklore, a narrative that resonates with the spirits of ancient woods and the whispers of long forgotten creatures. With every ethereal note and haunting melody, she conjures images of untamed forests, of misty clearings inhabited by mystical beings. In this artistry, there is an undeniable sense of transcendence, where listeners are transported beyond the confines of the ordinary into a dreamscape where reality and fantasy converge. A profound sense of wonder and allure creates a unique musical alchemy – with a touch of enchantment that lingers long after the music has ceased.
With four albums and one split-EP released to date, Sylvaine’s ethereal soundscapes have been taken to stages across Europe, North America and South America, leaving audiences mesmerized by the transcendent power of the band’s live performances. Two of these albums have been nominated for the Norwegian Grammy Awards Spellemannprisen in the category of metal. The ability to transport listeners to otherworldly realm through her music is a manifestation of the artistry & profound impact the band can bring.
As Sylvaine prepares to unveil her upcoming EP, Eg Er Framand, she embarks on a deeply introspective and serene journey through the rich tapestry of Norwegian heritage and tradition. Folk tales of old are brought to life in this new chapter of her musical odyssey, offering a glimpse into the depths of her creative spirit and an exploration of the roots that anchor her artistry. A reflection of myths is embraced through exquisite sonic realms.
Line-up Sylvaine – Vocals, Church Organ, Guitars, Synthesizers & Percussion
Recording Studio – Kampen Kirke Sound Engineer – Sylvaine Mixing Engineer – Magnus Lindberg (Magnus Lindberg Productions/VRTKL Audio/Redmount Studio) Mastering Engineer – Karl Daniel Lidén
Biography: Sébastien Gamez Cover art & Photography: Helena Aguilar Mayans Layout & Graphic Design: Dehn Sora
Richmond, Virginia metal-punk trio BAT has been delivering their own blood-spattered horror since ascending from the underground a decade ago on a dark, leather-winged trajectory. Today the band forged a new partnership and home at Nuclear Blast Records
BAT‘s Ryan Waste states, “After working the last 14 years with Nuclear Blast we’ve become family at this point. There was no question in my mind to bring BAT under their wing when the time was right. We’re thrilled to join forces and plan to push it even harder with the support of the label. You can expect more touring worldwide, along with new music and visuals as early as this March. Until then, stay heavy and beware of the BAT!”
Nuclear Blast American Label Manager & A&R Tommy Jones comments, “Heavy Metal and horror have been synonymous in our counter-culture since well before ALICE COOPER sang about the ‘Man Behind the Mask’ and DOKKEN stated they ‘Don’t wanna dream no more…’ Through decades of this marriage, and with the influence of a snaggletoothed warpig, BAT was spawned. We have such a great relationship with MUNICIPAL WASTE it made sense to check out Ryan and Nick’s other ripper of a band, BAT. I am excited to open the window at NB and let the BAT fly in! Beware the BAT y’all!”
This Spring, BAT is joining forces with their friends in the legendary EXCITER to play for all the Heavy Metal Maniacs in Latin America for the first time!
Confirmed dates for the Latin American 2024 tour are: MAR 29 MX MEXICO CITY @ Circo Volador MAR 30 CR SAN JOSE @ Peppers Club MAR 31 CO BOGOTA @ Boro Room APR 01 AR BUENOS AIRES @ Arena Sur APR 04 BR BELO HORIZONTE @ Caverna Rock Pub APR 05 BR BRASILIA DF @ Toinha APR 06 BR SAO PAOLO @ Jau Club APR 08 CL SANTIAGO @ Teatro Coliseo
To celebrate the band’s 20th anniversary in 2024, Germany’s hottest band, FEUERSCHWANZ, will release the special album, Warriors, with all lyrics in English, on April 19, 2024. It features the brand new song “The Unholy Grail”, a cover of the Assassin’s Creed classic “Valhalla Calling” by Miracle Of Sound, as well as ten of the band’s greatest hits in English. The band around founding member and singer Hauptmann Feuerschwanz, songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist Hodi, as well as Johanna on the violin are welcoming top-class names as guests on Warriors, such as Chris Harms (Lord Of The Lost), Francesco Cavalieri (Wind Rose), Dominum, Orden Ogan and Patty Gurdy.
FEUERSCHWANZ state: “FEUERSCHWANZ are conquering the world! From Miami to the Mediterranean coast of Spain, our journey has taken us to distant lands in the past months and years. There, we encountered many enthusiastic and motivated fans – unfortunately, they don’t understand a word of German (of course, that never stopped them from singing along). With our latest release, Warriors, we summon warriors and shieldmaidens from all over the world to be captivated by the blazing force of our music, embarking on a journey to dive into the realm of FEUERSCHWANZ. Join the conquest – Warriors, unite!”
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 11.04.24 DE – Hamburg / Große Freiheit 36 – SOLD OUT! 12.04.24 DE – Berlin / Huxleys 13.04.24 DE – Dresden / Alter Schlachthof 18.04.24 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage 19.04.24 DE – Erfurt / Club Central 20.04.24 DE – Munich / Backstage – SOLD OUT! 21.04.24 DE – Munich / Backstage 26.04.24 DE – Hanover / Capitol 27.04.24 DE – Osnabrück / Hyde Park 01.05.24 DE – Nuremberg / Löwensaal 02.05.24 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn 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
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 / Nove Rock 15.06.24 CH – Interlaken / Greenfield Festival 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
Copenhagen, Denmark -based Black Metal act SOLBRUD is set to unleash their highly anticipated fourth studio album, “IIII”, on February 2nd through Vendetta Records. In support of the upcoming release, the band has unveiled their latest single “For Evigt, For Altid, Forandret”. The track is now available on all major streaming platforms and is accompanied by a captivating animated stop motion music video set in 9th century Denmark. The fictional narrative was penned by Tobias Hjorth, with the band members taking on the roles of the main characters. Watch the video here:
On their forthcoming album, SOLBRUD go directly against their previous way of composing, arranging, and filtering the music – namely collectively. When the songwriting for the upcoming double album began, SOLBRUD decided that the four members should each, individually, compose music and write lyrics for one vinyl side each. But of course, all tracks recorded by the band as a whole. At the same time, there was a desire to expand the musical palette even further. This new process was therefore both inspiring and exciting for each individual band member. But also, a working method that became very time- and energy-consuming along the way. The result of it all has become SOLBRUD‘s longest, most ambitious, and most diverse album to date – even leaving room for shorter and simpler tracks. The band’s atmospheric and alluring black metal with their characteristic sound, however, remains intact.
As mentioned, the album is called “IIII”. The number 4 thus is a recurring theme; 4 members, 4 vinyl sides and SOLBRUD‘s 4th studio album. The 4 classical elements – Wind, Water, Earth and Fire – are also part of the universe around “IIII”. Each vinyl side – and thus each member’s compositions – constitute one element each.
The album was produced by SOLBRUD with Markus F. Larsen, who also mixed the album – and finally mastered by Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica, Morbid Angel, etc) in Sweet Silence Studios.
“IIII” will be released on Friday 2nd of February 2024 by Vendetta Records and is available for pre-order at THIS LOCATION.
“IIII” track listing:
Hvile (17:36)
Tåge (6:13)
Når Solen Brydes Del I – En Undring Vækkes I Mit Sind (2:04)
Når Solen Brydes Del II – Mod Afgrundens Flammehav (11:27)
Når Solen Brydes Del III – For Evigt, For Altid, Forandret (7:03)
Når Solen Brydes Del IIII – En Ny Tid For Mig Står (3:20)
Traditional metal stalwarts SULPHUR AND MERCURY have signed to Time To Kill Records for the release of their debut EP “Alchemia Prophetica”.
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.
Watch for the first single, more details on the EP release and more news on other upcoming SULPHUR AND MERCURY activities to be posted shortly.
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 ) 