LIONHEART release “Flight 19”, the first single taken from the new studio album “The Grace Of A Dragonfly” (street date February 23rd – Metalville Records).
“Flight 19” relates the story a group of bombers that disappeared over the Bermuda Triangle on December 5 1945, after losing contact during a United States Navy overwater navigation training flight from Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale. The song’s industrial choruses convey the mysteriousness surrounding the whole affair.
As soon as the previous album “The Reality Of Miracles” hit the shelves in 2020 Lionheart knuckled down to record the next one. deciding early on that this time they would produce a concept album. The record centres around WW2, but the band very much wanted to make this an anti-war album, while at the same time remembering those who fought for our freedom.
The songs on the album are sensational, with Lee Small’s emotional lyrics reflecting not only the pain and grief inflicted by war on ordinary, innocent people in every conflict zone, but also their strength, resilience and determination. Supported by Lionheart’s superb songwriting, soaring backing vocals, beautiful twin guitar harmonies, and atmospheric keyboards, Lionheart’s sheer power shines brightly from every one of the eleven songs, culminating in a heartfelt prayer for peace in the world.
Each new Lionheart album has brought with it a leap in the quality of the songwriting and production and this album is no exception. “The Grace Of A Dragonfly” is nothing short of epic and is by far Lionheart’s finest work to date.
TRACK LISTING Declaration Flight 19 V Is For Victory This Is A Woman’s War The Longest Night The Eagle’s Nest Little Ships Just A Man UXB The Grace Of A Dragonfly Remembrance, Praying For World Peace
LINE UP Lee Small (The Sweet, ex-Shy) – lead vocals. Dennis Stratton (ex-Iron Maiden) – lead guitar/backing vocals Steve Mann (MSG, ex-Liar) – lead guitar/backing vocals Rocky Newton (Grand Slam, ex-MSG) – bass guitar/backing Clive Edwards (ex-Pat Travers, Uli Jon Roth & Wild Horses) – drums, percussion
Winter is now in full swing across most of the US, but Carnation are gearing up for the world’s biggest heavy metal cruise.
Packed in with their bomber jackets and corpse paint, the Belgian band are bringing aboard their new album to go along with more of their classic old-school death metal. “Cursed Mortality is a clinic in relentless riffage and ravenous drive,” writes Angry Metal Guy. “This latest release proves that Carnation is one of the best in the business”.
Carnation aren’t the only Season of Mist artist that are setting sail for warmer climates this month. Saor is also joining 70,000 Tons of Metal for some hellishly good fun under the sun.
70,000 Tons of Metal heads out on January 29 from Miami, Florida. Metalheads will enjoy shore excursions, clinics and workshops with fellow musicians, a belly flop contest and plenty of hard-rocking riffs as they cruise down to the Dominican Republic.
Carnation have been bringing back old-school death metal for the past two decades. On Cursed Mortality’ the Belgian band are still deadly serious about inflicting maximum corporeal punishment. “Maruta” is named after an especially brutal army unit, while “Cycle of Suffering” pumps thunderous double bass kicks over a solo that grabs you by the throat.
But Cursed Mortality also shows off Carnation’s range – literally. “Replicant” flexes clean vocals. Even “Metropolis”, which barrels ahead like a train with its brakes cut, comes with a personal touch; the band are all too familiar with the relentless pace of modern life after vocalist Simon Duson had the life sucked out of him by his last job.
The album’s title track now stands as Carnation’s magnum opus, a nearly eight-minute long reflection on growing old that’s shadowed by melodic leads, gloomy synths and tortured growls.
“This is definitely my favorite record from Carnation”, says A&P Reacts. “It feels like a more natural and focused album”.
Cursed Mortality isn’t a revival. It’s a bold step into the future for one of the most brutally innovative bands in all of death metal.
CARNATION Lineup: Simon Duson: Vocals Jonathan Verstrepen: Lead Guitar Bert Vervoort: Rhythm Guitar Yarne Heylen: Bass Guitar Vincent Verstrepen: Drums
Messer, the dynamic rock band known for their evocative melodies and powerful anthems, has launched their latest single titled “One More Time.” Available now on all major music platforms, this heartfelt track is set to be featured on the upcoming MESSERDeluxe Edition Album, slated for release on March 15, 2024, in Dolby Atmos.
In conjunction with the single’s debut, Messer has released the music video, also in Dolby Atmos, offering fans a visually compelling accompaniment that enhances the song’s emotional resonance. The music video was filmed, edited and directed by Maddox Messer.
Bassist, Maddox Messer, shared insights into the inspiration behind the song: “One more Time was written about relationships that had regrettably moved on. Personally, we felt that it was about trying to fix things too late. As the years went by we realized it had so much more meaning. Dealing with our own personal losses, wishing to see loved ones again, and wanting to be the person that they could rely on. One more time hits a heavy note of regret and longing for a second Chance to change things for the better.. Realizing the importance of fixing things now instead of putting them off.”
Messer’s ability to encapsulate raw emotion within their music has resonated with audiences, making their releases highly anticipated events. The band’s commitment to authenticity and relatable storytelling continues to solidify their place within the rock music landscape.
Messer is: Dereak Messer, Lead Vocals Bobby Tillotson, Guitar/Vocals Kenn Youngar, Drums/Vocals Maddox Messer, Bass/ Vocals
NDGO, the dynamic Pop/Rock duo comprising Hector Longoria (lead vocalist) and Jeremy Garcia (drummer), have unveiled their much-anticipated single, “Selective Hearing,” marking its release after a five-year hiatus. “The timing couldn’t be more perfect for this comeback”, asserts Hector Longoria, the band’s vocalist.
“Selective Hearing,” the oldest track in NDGO’s repertoire, has finally found its moment to shine. “The timing couldn’t be better,” comments Longoria. “As for the video, well, you know, miracles happened and we had a mansion full of witnesses to corroborate the adventure they were a part of.”
The music video for “Selective Hearing” is now available for viewing on NDGO’s official YouTube channel. Crafted with creativity and imagination, the video promises an immersive experience for fans and newcomers alike. Witness the visual journey that complements NDGO’s signature sound: Watch “Selective Hearing” (Official Music Video), below.
NDGO, pronounced “indigo,” draws from an eclectic blend of influences spanning 90’s pop, R&B, and hard rock to curate an original and unique sonic identity. Hector Longoria’s vision for something innovative and fresh in today’s music landscape birthed the project, with NDGO symbolizing the duo’s individuality and embodying their distinctive melodies.
The band made waves with their debut single, “Empty Room,” and its accompanying music video in 2019, garnering significant attention on YouTube. Throughout the challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020, NDGO remained active, releasing three additional singles, including “Hostage” and “Flicker Fade.” On August 26, 2022, they unveiled “Losing Game” along with its music video on the band’s YouTube channel.
Having graced stages alongside esteemed acts such as Awake at Last, Dayshell, VRSTY, and Famous Last Words,NDGO’s journey has been characterized by musical evolution and a commitment to delivering enthralling live performances.
After a limited number of shows in 2023, NDGO dedicated their time to crafting their forthcoming album, slated for release in 2024.
Italian prog/death metallers The Moor have released ‘Ombra’, the second single and title track from their upcoming third full-length, due 15th March via Inertial Music. The track, sang in the band’s native Italian language, follows initial single ‘The Overlord Disease’. The stunning music video for ‘Ombra’ was produced by Damiano Affinito and the band.
‘Ombra’ embodies the essence of the album, exploring the emotional turmoil and inner struggles that accompany the creative process. The song’s driving rhythm and soaring melodies perfectly capture the band’s signature blend of aggression and beauty, while Enrico “Ukka” Longhin‘s heartfelt lyrics delve into the depths of human resilience and the power of unity in the face of adversity.
Frontman Enrico “Ukka” Longhin comments: “The title track of the album is always a special one. ‘Ombra’ is a culmination of everything we’ve worked on for this record, a fusion of our signature sound with some new twists and orchestral turns. It’s a song that will take you on a journey through the darkness and light of our music, all in our native language.”
By nature, ‘Ombra’ suggests that the music’s emotive power goes beyond language, ensuring that the essence and emotions conveyed can be appreciated and felt by all listeners, regardless of their proficiency in Italian. At Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Fredrik Nordström meticulously crafted a mix that amplifies the album’s depth and raw emotion, promising an auditory experience that resonates with the album’s themes.
Complementing the release is visionary artwork by Niklas Sundin, renowned for his ability to visually encapsulate the essence of musical voyages. As the album’s due date approaches, exclusive pre-order bundles will be available at the Inertial Music website, offering fans an opportunity to delve deeper into The Moor‘s sonic labyrinth.
Ombra track list:
1. Intro – Il Tema dell’Ombra 2. The Overlord Disease 3. Illuminant 4. Ombra 5. This River Spoke 6. Lifetime Damage 7. Withered 8. Our Tides 9. Passage 10. Vitreous 11. Thirst
The Moor are a progressive metal band with ever-evolving facets of sound, hailing from Venice, Italy. Since their debut release in 2012, they have distinguished themselves through their innovative, atmospheric sound, incorporating elements of progressive rock, death and thrash metal, while retaining recognisable melodies and memorable choruses.
The band has collaborated with artists such as Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity), Niklas Isfeldt (Dream Evil), and BjörnStrid (Soilwork). The quartet is now composed of members of acts like Time and the Hunter (feat. NiklasSundin), Folkstone, and historical underground acts like Bleed In Vain and Ensoph. The Moor are set to release their highly anticipated new album, mixed and mastered at Studio Fredman by Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Architects, Dimmu Borgir, Obscura…) in early 2024. The Moor sound explores a mix of progressive metal, electronica, and melodic death metal influences.
The Moor are: Enrico “Ukka” Longhin – vocals, guitars, synths Davide Carraro – lead guitars Massimo “KKTZ” Cocchetto – bass Edo Sala – drums
Operatic black metal rising stars FOLTERKAMMER are pleased to announce their first ever U.S. tour! The rising powerhouse will be embarking on an East Coast headliner with support from WITCHERY, which kicks off on March 22 in Baltimore and will circle back to the band’s hometown of Brooklyn, NY on March 30. The full itinerary can be found below!
Folterkammer guitarist Zac Ezrin comments, ““Folterkammer is thrilled to finally embark on their debut tour. We are honored to share the stage and the road with our good friends in Witchery. We hope to see you all out there very soon. This will certainly be the first of many tours.”
FOLTERKAMMER U.S. TOUR DATES (w/ WITCHERY): 03/22: Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery 03/23: Richmond, VA @ Another Round 03/24: Columbus, OH @ The Summit 03/25: Chattanooga, TN @ Dark Roast 03/26: Nashville, TN @ The End 03/27: Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle 03/28: Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge 03/29: Cleveland, OH @ No Class 03/30: Brooklyn, NY @ Kingsland
During an XXX-mas shopping excursion in NYC, members Andromeda Anarchia, Zac Ezrin, and Brendan McGowan raided the iconic Purple Passion Sex Shop in New York City and showcased their exciting finds with a spicy “What’s in My Bag” feature. You can watch the NSFW video at THIS LOCATION.
Folterkammer recently announced their new union with Century Media Records and unveiled a BDSM inspired new single, “Das Peitschengedicht,” which celebrates the female empowerment of whip-wielding Femdoms. The powerful track can be found along with a lyric video, which was created by Folterkammer drummer and video director Brendan McGowan, at THIS LOCATION.
The single is taken from the band’s forthcoming album, which serves as a counterpart to their 2020 debut, ‘Die Lederpredigt.’ The new record is another searing blend of modern black metal and classical music elements, lending to its Avant Garde sound. The music itself is elevated by frontwoman and vocalist Andromeda Anarchia’s dynamic vocal work as she juxtaposes her classical training as an opera singer with her hellfire screams, summoning a maelstrom of ethereal chaos. More information will be revealed soon – stay tuned!
“Das Peitschengedicht” is now available on all streaming services and can be heard HERE.
Speaking on the empowering themes of the “Das Peitschengedicht” and forthcoming record, Andromeda Anarchia eloquently explains, “This song is our kinky ode to the whip as a torture instrument, and a celebratory hymn to the practices of BDSM, particularly, Femdom. The whip, a symbol of domination, pain and humiliation, is described here not only as playful and kinky, but as a poetic enactment of pain through the depiction of female ferocity on a submissive man, whose back the Domme uses like a canvas.
“It is about this sensual overdrive of stimulation and literally describes the lustful use of a whip as a kind of ‘calligraphy brush’ to write a poem. The dominatrix verbally humiliates her subject while blood runs down his spine; his blood is the ink with which she paints and signs her artwork of pain and ecstasy.
“The song bridges both musically and thematically the old album (regarding a vicious, violent, and abusive ‘Bad Domme’ goddess) and the new one (featuring a badass, erotic ‘Good Domme’). This opens a new chapter with a change defined not only by the expanded instrumentation and new songwriting styles, but also by the way the described dominant female protagonist treats her subordinates and has refined her skills in humiliation games. It’s no longer about being a vicious, exploitative deity, but about being a sensual, naughty, self-confident, kinky lady who knows exactly what she wants, who celebrates female power, who sometimes flirts and cleverly provokes with historical and mythological anecdotes, and even more with her charm and sass.
“This bridging of the debut album and the new album is also reflected in the aesthetics of the video. In the words of our drummer and music video director Brendan McGowan: ‘The ‘Das Peitschengedicht’ video sets the dominating lyrics to footage from the 1922 classic ‘Haxan’ – whose famous images of devils and demons often overshadow the wicked women within it and their blasphemous behavior.'”
Album Credits: Producer: Zachary Ezrin Recording: Kevin Antreassian at Backroom Studios in NJ Additional Recording: Laurent David and Antoine Delecroix Mixing: Colin Marston at Menegroth, The Thousand Caves, in NY Mastering: Fred Kevorkian
Cover Art: Eliran Kantor Album Layout: Brendan McGowan Photography: Alex Krauss Logo Design: Mister Kams
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 ) 