Australian death metal duo DOMINATION CAMPAIGN has today released their sophomore album, A Storm of Steel. Alongside the release, DOMINATION CAMPAIGN has also released a new music video for album track Time to Die. Time to Die sees the Tasmania based pair, comprised of Psycroptic’s Jason Peppiatt and Joe Haley, focus in on the real world horror of trench warfare.
Speaking on the album release, Jason Peppiatt (vocals, bass, guitar) comments: “I’m stoked that A Storm of Steel is now out there in the world, and the whole thing can be heard in its entirety. Who knows… maybe we’ll even get around to playing some of these tracks live this year.”
Speaking on Time to Die, Peppiatt adds: “Time to Die details the horrors of first World War trench raids – when armies would infiltrate their enemies’ trenches in the dead of night. It aims to depict the terror of such an experience, of hand to hand combat and fighting for your life in a very real and far from glorious way.”
Having enlisted Psycroptic bandmate Joe Haley for 2021 debut, Onward To Glory, the winning formula was retained when work began on A Storm of Steel. Jason laid down vocals, bass and guitar tracks, whilst Joe took care of drums, recording, mixing and mastering. Whilst they’ve not strayed too far from the core death metal sensibilities of their first ride out, A Storm of Steel is a more melodic affair featuring guitar harmonies (and even a guitar solo), whilst simultaneously being heavier overall.
Lyrically the album is inspired by tales of war, but unlike other bombastic war-themed albums out there, DOMINATION CAMPAIGN don’t seek to glorify battle. Instead they depict the atrocities experienced – both on a grand scale and the more personal, intimate terror of conflict. The artwork by Peppiatt continues this theme, bringing a visual element to the dirty, gritty reality of life in the trenches.
Uniting old school death metal values with modern production, DOMINATION CAMPAIGN have crafted an eight-track heavy metal odyssey that follows in the footsteps of the likes of Bolt Thrower, Sinister and Deicide. With more than two decades of experience under their belts, DOMINATION CAMPAIGN have refined the art of bringing fetid tales to life in the great tradition of death metal.
A Storm of Steel tracklist: 1. Time to Die 2. The Iron Beast 3. Winds of Death 4. D-Day 5. Storm the Lines 6. Pit of Disease 7. 141 Days of Terror 8. Death Landing
DOMINATION CAMPAIGN is: Jason Peppiatt – Vocals, bass, guitar Joe Haley – Drums, recording, mixing, mastering
Swedish multi-instrumentalist PER WIBERG releases his brilliant new single, “Dead Sky Lullaby”, via Despotz Records along with his new album “The Serpent’s Here, to be released on March 15th, 2024.
About his new single he had this to say:“I’d like to think Dead Sky Lullaby’s good traveling music, a kraut/space rock rager that boasts a Hawkwind-meets-Sonic Youth vibe with a big chorus in the vein of Killing Joke. It was recorded live in the studio, it shows and it definitely sets the tone for the rest of the album. It’s kinda divided in two parts with different type of choruses, the first part’s a bit wilder and the second has more of an epic melodic feel to it. It’s all tied together by the apocalyptic lyrics and a beat that could go on forever and ever and ever…., enjoy!”
As an unrivaled musical alchemist, WIBERG‘s work has illuminated an array of now-classic albums over the years performing with the likes of Opeth, Spiritual Beggars, and Candlemass, as well as Clutch/The Bakerton Group, Switchblade, and Kamchatka, among others, for over thirty years. However, it’s WIBERG‘s solo conjurings that serve as the zenith of his musical voyages.
In 2019, WIBERG released his debut solo offering Head Without Eyes. A record of Nordic prog submerged in a gnawing stew of jolting guitar notes and emotive melodies, WIBERG’s debut laid bare an unexplored sonic landscape that surpassed the successes of his past and solidified his strong presence as a unique solo artist in his own right. Wiberg followed Head Without Eyes with his equally stunning 2021-released All Is Well In The Land Of The Living, But For The Rest Of Us… Lights Out EP, a compelling celebration of innovative rock at its finest. Expanding and further evolving his vision, WIBERG expertly composed the definitive and established paradigms of traditional progressive rock with spirited and electrifying twists of dark tone. The Metal Observer hailed, “a great EP that serves as a fitting soundtrack to these strange, dark times,” adding, “its thick, otherworldly atmospheres represent a gloriously dark and hallucinated take on Scandinavian prog that weaves together WIBERG’s many musical influences and takes them to the next level of dark melodic exploration.
This year’s The Serpent’s Here continues WIBERG’s innovative trajectory boasting six consuming tracks, plus a fantastically gloomy rendition of Warrior Soul’s “The Losers,” that are at once grim and surreal; airy yet ominous. WIBERG paints vivid sound tapestries with his clever sense of dynamics and thoughtful lyricism. Each song moves with alluring subtlety and suspense, not unlike the conventions of classic film noir. And while WIBERG strays far from the traditional musical constructs, there’s an inescapable melodicism and intrinsic catchiness to his output that makes even his most experimental conjurings seamlessly accessible.
“The music has a strong familiar identity I’d say,” notes WIBERG, “It’s heavy in its tone but this time a little braver, uptempo, loose, and ‘rock’n’roll’ compared to the previous two albums. Overall, this is the most epic sounding of my stuff so far. Things are more defined. I worked hard with lyrics and vocal arrangements this time.”
On The Serpent’s Here, WIBERG is joined by drummer Tor Sjödén (Viagra Boys) who played drums on the previous EP, as well as bassist Mikael Tuominen (Kungens Män). Basic live tracks (drums, basses, grand piano) were recorded at Studio Gröndahl by David Castillo and, as with previous releases, the record was mixed and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren at Blacklounge Studios.
“All songs are built from rough song sketches that I showed Tor and Mikael,” elaborates WIBERG of The Serpent’s Here’s writing process. “The idea was that they could improvise. All basic tracks were recorded live in an afternoon to give it that extra spontaneous energy, and then I’d layer keys, guitars, and vocals on top of what we recorded. Overall, there are more guitars this time as well as two basses on the majority of the tracks.”
Dead Sky Lullaby is released January 12th via Despotz Records
Eonian Records artists FREAKSHOW reveal their second singe and video for the track “It Hurts Me” from the new album “So Shall It Be”. The track is written for the late Cinderella/Freakshow guitarist Jeff LaBar. It is a special song for Ronnie Borchert and the band and they capture that in this performance of (It Hurts Me). “So Shall It Be” features the incredible talents of Ronni Borchert, Carlos Cavazo, Greg Chaisson and Stet Howland. You can now watch the video below.
Purchase and stream FREAKSHOW “So Shall It Be”: https://smarturl.it/Soshallitbe
Below are just a few of the reviews for FREAKSHOW “So Shall It Be”.
A special accolade to “It Hurts Me”. The song is easily racking into my top 50 of all time. – Sleaze Roxx
There is nary a skip-worthy moment on So Shall It Be. – KNAC
The guitars rip and shred as much as the planking and the fingerboard allow. The bass often peeks in from the background in the foreground and the drums knock every booger out of your mouth. – Rock Garage
Track Listing & Songwriters
Get It Ready
Wendi
You Shine
So Shall It Be
M.S.M.
Tell Me You Love Me
Full-on Shred (Instrumental)
It Hurts Me
Ice Cold Hands
Lovin You, Lovin Me
All songs written by Borchert, Cavazo, Chaisson, and Howland
Produced by Ronnie Borchert and Andrew Deguara Mixed & mastered by Andrew Deguara at A&D Studios in Sunnyvale, CA Assistant Engineers: Ryan McKay and Tom Frost Recorded at Cavazo Studio, Los Angeles, CA, Suspect Studios in San Jose, CA, and Alley Works Studio in Phoenix, AZ
About FREAKSHOW
FREAKSHOW’s debut album was a supergroup featuring Miss Crazy’s Ronnie Borchert, Cinderella’s Jeff LaBar, Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali, and Tony Franklin, who had played in The Firm, Blue Murder, and Whitesnake.
FAST FORWARD to 2023 …different players, yet another output of AMAZING, hook-filled, blazing rock-n-roll! Ronnie Borchert brings together friends Carlos Cavazo on guitars (Quiet Riot & Ratt), Greg Chaisson on bass (Badlands & Atomic Kings), and Stet Howland on drums (W.A.S.P. & Metal Church) to record the brand-new album “So Shall It Be.”
FREAKSHOW’s founder, Ronnie Borchert stormed onto the rock scene in 2005 as the frontmanfor San Francisco-based Miss Crazy. His vocal style quickly solidified Miss Crazy as one of the best new melodic rock bands and drew quick comparisons to singers such as Brian Johnson, Tom Keifer, Steve Whitman, and Joe Elliot. Prior to Miss Crazy and FREAKSHOW, Ronnie was the lead vocalist for melodic hard rock and glam bands Amsterdam and Trixie.
FREAKSHOW: Ronnie Borchert on Lead Vocals and Guitar Carlos Cavazo on Guitar and Backing Vocals Greg Chaisson on Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals Stet Howland on Drums and Backing Vocals
GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter Cedric Burnside announces his deeply personal and artistically bold new album ‘Hill Country Love’ is set to release Friday, April 5 via Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group. The record vibrantly explores the subset genre of Hill Country Blues, infused with Burnside’s singular experiences and musical heritage from the rolling hills of Northern Mississippi. Out today, Jan. 12, the album’s lead single and title track “Hill Country Love” is a heartfelt tribute to Burnside’s roots and journey, accompanied by a striking music video directed by Jim Arbogast – watch here.
“I’ve been traveling my whole life, and the song ‘Hill Country Love’ gave me a chance to let people know that I love what I do and give a sense of how we do it in Mississippi,” Burnside shares. “So that’s what I was thinking about as I was writing that song – where I come from and also where I’m going, and how my journey has been to get to where I’m at now.”
‘Hill Country Love’ was recorded in an unconventional location – an old building in the small town of Ripley, MS. This space, initially earmarked to be Burnside’s juke joint, created an authentic and resonant sound environment, capturing the essence of the album’s soulful and gritty aesthetic. Produced alongside fellow Mississippian Luther Dickinson, the album’s 14 tracks were completed in an extraordinary two-day session, highlighting the spontaneous and raw energy of Burnside’s music.
Burnside’s musical odyssey began when he was just 13, playing drums for his grandfather, the legendary R.L. Burnside. His recording career spans more than a decade and is marked by critical acclaim and artistic growth, with GRAMMY nominations for ‘Descendants of Hill Country’ and ‘Benton County Relic’. Burnside’s artistic versatility is also evident in his film appearances and the portrayal of significant roles, reflecting his multifaceted talent.
Following the 2021 release of ‘I Be Trying,’ Burnside won Best Traditional Blues Album at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The recognition solidified his place as not just the progeny of the Hill Country Blues, but also the genre’s torchbearer for the next generation.
‘Hill Country Love’ stands as a testament to his family’s rich heritage and his innovative approach to music. The album is an intimate portrayal of his life’s experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Burnside’s commitment to authenticity shines through each track, offering a modern interpretation of the blues while staying true to its roots.
Beyond the music, Burnside’s story is one of resilience, evolution, and the enduring power of family legacy. His journey from drumming in his grandfather’s band to becoming a celebrated artist in his own right is a narrative of dedication and passion for the blues tradition. ‘Hill Country Love’ is an immersive experience into the heart of Hill Country Blues, inviting listeners to partake in a musical journey that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Tracklisting 1.) I Know 2.) Hill Country Love 3.) Shake’em on Down 4.) Juke Joint 5.) Smile 6.) Closer 7.) Coming Real to You 8.) Thank You 9.) Love You Music 10.) Toll On Your Life 11.) You Got to Move 12.) Strong 13.) Funky! 14.) Po Black Mattie
Burnside will perform extensively in support of the album and is set to embark on the first leg of his Hill Country Love Tour this spring, bringing the vibrant energy of ‘Hill Country Love’ to audiences across the US and Canada. The tour kicks off on Wednesday, March 6 at the Miller Theater in Augusta, GA – the first of 17 shows with JJ Grey & Mofro. In addition to appearances at Big Ears Festival on March 23 in Knoxville, TN and a performance on NPR’s Mountain Stage on March 24 in Morgantown, WV, Burnside will headline 24 dates across the Southeast, Southwest and Pacific Coast. Highlights include stops in New Orleans, LA on May 3 at the Broadside; Austin, TX on May 10 at 3Ten; Los Angeles, CA on May 16 at Troubadour; and Vancouver, BC on May 25 at Fox Cabaret, before ending the run with two nights in Denver, CO at The Globe on May 31-June 1.
2024 Hill Country Love Tour Dates March 6 – Augusta, GA – Miller Theater* March 7 – Nashville, TN -Ryman Auditorium* March 8 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern* March 9 – Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery* March 10 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center* March 13 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall* March 14 – Rogers, AR – Victory Theater* March 15 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse* March 16 – West Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom* March 23 – Knoxville, TN – Big Ears Festival March 24 – Morgantown, WV – Mountain Stage April 18 – Charlotte, NC – The Amp Ballantyne* April 19 – Lexington, KY – The Burl April 20 – Chesterfield, MO – Chesterfield Amphitheater* April 21 – Bloomington, IL – Castle Theatre* April 23 – Roanoke, VA – The Spot on Kirk April 24 – Greensboro, NC – The Flat Iron April 25 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater* April 27 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company* April 28 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal* April 30 – Athens, GA – The Foundry May 1 – Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium* May 2 – Decatur, AL – Princess Theatre May 3 – New Orleans, LA – The Broadside May 4 – Hattiesburg, MS – Saenger Theater* May 8 – Fort Worth, TX – Tulip’s May 10 – Austin, TX – 3Ten May 11 – San Antonio, TX – Jo Long Theatre May 13 – Santa Fe, NM – TumbleRoot May 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Music Instrument Museum May 16 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour May 17 – Fresno, CA – Tower Theater May 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Chapel May 21 – Portland, OR – Polars Hall May 23 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern May 24 – Bellingham, WA – Wild Buffalo May 25 – Vancouver, BC – Fox Cabaret May 26 – Victoria, BC – Wicket Hall May 28 – Boise, ID – Neurolux May 29 – Salt Lake City, UT – State Room May 30 – Fort Collins, CO – Aggie Theatre May 31 – Denver, CO – The Globe June 1 – Denver, CO – The Globe
Southern rock trailblazers Robert Jon & The Wreck have once again captivated the music scene with their latest single, “Ballad of a Broken Hearted Man,” now available on all digital platforms. The song features exhilarating slide guitar, powerful whiskey-soaked vocals and captivating lyrics painting a vivid picture of heartache and resilience, resonating deeply with the listener. This latest offering of The Wreck’s unique blend of roots and Southern Rock embodies the hard-hitting country rock vibe of Chris Stapleton, Whiskey Myers, and Blackberry Smoke.
“With an intro that places you on the set of a classic western and a mesmerizing guitar riff that takes you right into the action, ‘Ballad of a Broken Hearted Man’ is a story of just that,” the band describes. “Two people down on their luck trying to figure it out together, but for some reason, they never do.” Produced by Kevin Shirley, (Aerosmith, Black Crowes, Iron Maiden) the track showcases Robert Jon & The Wreck’s musical expertise, taking listeners on a journey through a captivating narrative.
Following the success of their previous singles “Help Yourself,” “Hold On,” and the high-energy rock anthem “Stone Cold Killer,” “Ballad of a Broken Hearted Man” is the latest single of their highly anticipated new studio album set to release in 2024. Alongside these hits, the band also recently released their studio albumRide Into The Lightand the concert film Live At The Ancienne Belgique, showcasing their live prowess and ability to capture audiences with their performances.
As we enter 2024, Robert Jon & The Wreck are preparing for an expansive Winter tour across the US, promising to bring their dynamic live shows and new music to a wide range of audiences. The tour is set to feature performances in cities from Phoenix to Nashville, continuing the band’s tradition of electrifying live performances and musical storytelling. Already gaining thousands of new fans from supporting sold out Blackberry Smoke and Maverick shows, the band continues to grow a loyal die-hard fan base.
Prolific songwriters with a wealth of new material who refuse to be constrained by traditional release strategies, the band’s new partnership with Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records affords them the opportunity to work with the world’s top producers and release a steady stream of high-quality singles on an ongoing basis, cutting through the industry chaos and ensuring new music is accessible to fans as intended.
Reigning from Southern California, Robert Jon & The Wreck take the Southern rock sound from the east coast and make it their own. Since their inception in 2011, these native Californians; Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, background vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, background vocals), and Warren Murrel (bass) have been electrifying audiences all over the world with their soaring guitar leads, rich vocal harmonies, and memorable tunes. Recently, keyboardist Jake Abernathie joined the band as an official member as they continue to tour and record in the studio. Simply put, it is difficult to ignore when these talented musicians take the stage.
US TOUR 2024 2/7/2024 – Phoenix, AZ – Rhythm Room 2/8/2024 – Santa Fe, NM – Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery 2/9/2024 – Denver, CO – Marquis 2/10/2024 – Winter Park, CO – Devil’s Craft 2/13/2024 – Fort Worth, TX – Tulips 2/14/2024 – Austin, TX – Antone’s 2/15/2024 – San Antonio, TX – Sam’s Burger Joint 2/16/2024 – McKinney, TX – The Guitar Sanctuary 2/17/2024 – Houston, TX – The Continental Club 2/18/2024 – New Orleans, LA – Chickie Wah Wah 2/20/2024 – Tallahassee, FL – House of Music Tallahassee 2/22-26/2024 -Miami, FL – Rock Legends Cruise XI – Miami, FL to Puerta Plata, DR 2/28/2024 – Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar 2/29/2024 – Asheville, NC – Salvage Station 3/1/2024 – Chattanooga, TN – Songbirds 3/2/2024 – Maryville, TN – The Shed 3/3/2024 – Nashville, TN – City Winery 3/18-22/2024 – Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IX – Miami, FL to Cozumel, Mexico 3/22/2024 – Boca Raton, FL – The Funky Biscuit 4/9/2024 – Jacksonville, FL – Springing The Blues Music Festival
SUMMER EUROPEAN TOUR 2024 6/21 2024 – Penmarch, FR – God Save The Kouign Festival 6/23/2024 – Le Thor, FR – Le Sonograf 6/26/2024 – Barcelona, ES – Sala Wolf 6/27/2024 – Zaragoza, ES – Las Armas 6/28/2024 – Madrid, ES – Nazca 6/29/2024 – Sevilla, ES – Sala Fanatic 6/30/2024 – Málaga, ES – La Trinchera 7/3/2024 – Valencia, ES – Loco Club 7/4/2024 – Santander, ES – Enscenario Santander 7/5/2024 – Cognac, FR – Cognac Blues Folies Festival 7/6/2024 – Helsinki, FI – Puistoblues Festival 7/8/2024 – Verviers, BE – Spirit of 66 7/9/2024 – Aschaffenburg, DE – Colos-Saal 7/10/2024 – Köln, DE – Die Kantine 7/12/2024 – Weert, NL – Bospop 10/30/2024 – Utrech, NL – Tivoli 10/31/2024 – Antwerp, BE – Roma
Iterum Nata are now unveiling “A Darkness Within”, the second single from the upcoming release “From the Infinite Light”. The track features a guest appearance by Rob Coffinshaker on lead vocals.
The song now live on all digital streaming platforms HERE.
The project by Jesse Heikkinen (The Abbey, Henget, ex-Hexvessel), will release its fifth studio album via Nordvis on March 15. Physical pre-orders for the album are available in the Nordvis Store.
Jesse comments: “A Darkness Within” features Rob Coffinshaker (The Coffinshakers) on vocals and Petri Heinonen (King Satan) on drums. Musically, it might be the simplest song on the record, yet its lyrics possess profound depth. This track encapsulates the entire metaphysical concept of the new album. It narrates how darkness, or consciousness, emerged from the ‘limitless light’ – an idea inspired by qabbalah. The story parallels that of Lucifer, but here, it is darkness, not light, that imparts knowledge. The first verse delves into microcosmic levels, while the second explores macrocosmic realms – embodying the principle of ‘as above, so below’.
I recorded the lead vocals for the song and even mastered it myself. However, at some point, I felt it required a voice more compelling to convey this tale. Enter Rob Coffinshaker. His agreement to give it a try thrilled me, and the first version he delivered was the definitive take – it was just perfect!”
In the wake of his critically acclaimed 2023 album, “Trench of Loneliness”, Jesse embarks on a bold foray across the boundaries between folk music, black and doom metal, neo-folk, and progressive rock, orchestrating a symphony where every note is a harbinger of both darkness and light.
Delving into the abyss of the human psyche, the album chronicles the odyssey of a desperate soul seeking refuge in the shadows of his inner chaos, eventually finding a sombre embrace in the darkness borne from his disintegrating sanity.
Art created by Kjetil Karlsen
Tracklist:
1 – Overture: Infinite Light 2 – This Gleaming Eternity [WATCH HERE] 3 – A Manifested Nightmare 4 – Ambrosia 5 – The Drifter 6 – A Darkness Within [LISTEN HERE] 7 – Something Truly Almighty 8 – The Crown of All
In the wake of his critically acclaimed 2023 album, “Trench of Loneliness”, Jesse Heikkinen (The Abbey, Henget, ex-Hexvessel) embarks on a bold foray across the boundaries between folk music, black and doom metal, neo-folk, and progressive rock, orchestrating a symphony where every note is a harbinger of both darkness and light.
As twelve-string and six-string acoustic guitars weave a cloak of folky serenity, tremolo-picked electric guitars inject black metal mysticism, forging a sound that’s as distinctive as it is immersive. Fusing the brooding narratives of Nick Cave, the avant-garde creativity of Dødheimsgard, and the spectral chants of Dead Can Dance, “From the Infinite Light” is a beckoning path into a world where the melancholy of introspection meets the rage of existence.
With “From the Infinite Light”, Iterum Nata transitions from a solitary journey to a collective venture, featuring a full band setup that augments the weight and breadth of the project’s soundscape, marking this as its most ambitious and heaviest work to date.
Delving into the abyss of the human psyche, the album narrates the odyssey of a desperate soul seeking refuge in the shadows of his inner chaos, eventually finding a sombre embrace in the darkness borne from his disintegrating sanity.
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 ) 