Photo by Robert Hellström and Grafikbyrån/RAWdjuret media
SAFFIRE have released their lyric video for a new song ‘Starhunter’, the title-track, taken from the band’s upcoming EP “Starhunter” that will be released on all digital streaming/download platforms on December 1st, 2023 and includes three brand new and unreleased songs! “Starhunter” is a 3-song EP with everything Saffire is about. Groove, hard rock energy, melodies and a little bit of everything sprinkled on top.
VANIR is one of Denmark’s most prominent melodic death metal bands and has, since the band’s inception, released six full-length albums. And now, they’re ready to unleash their seventh beast, titled “Epitome”.
The theme of this new opus is the Danish middle-ages, with two songs branching into the Renaissance (“Wood Iron And Will” and the early middle-age “Blood Eagle”). The core of the album’s theme is the throne and the battles fought to keep it or to cement its power.
The first single of the album, “Twisting The Knife”, was written about The Stockholm Bloodbath, which was a trial that led to a series of executions in Stockholm between 7 and 9 November 1520. The siege of Arkona in 1169, led by the Danish and Pommeranian forces under Valdemar I is the beginning point for “Fall of Arkona”. Finally, a song about strength, valour and courage (“One Man Army”) completes the singles trilogy of the record.
The “Epitome” album cover is a depiction of the Danish queen Sorte Grethe (Black Greta). In her own time, Margaret had a reputation as a competent and enlightened regent. Regent Margaret was faced with the unresolved conflict between the crown and the archbishop. The song “Sorte Grethe”, on the album, is about a bloody battle where 12.000 men were killed to protect her sons’ right to the crown.
“Epitome” will be released on CD, LP (black vinyl, limited to 300) and digital formats via Mighty Music on February 16th, 2024. Pre-orders are available here. The first digital single taken from the record, “Twisting The Knife” is already out and can be streamed here.
“Epitome” tracklist: 1. Twisting The Knife 2. One Man Army 3. Wood Iron And Will 4. Sanguis Et Aurum 5. Sorte Grethe 6. Call To Arms 7. Fall Of Arkona 8. Blood Eagle 9. Kings Will Fall
Vanir has been around for more than 10 years and has evolved a lot since the band’s beginning. With the last three records, and now with “Epitome”, Vanir shows its hard edge and catchy melodic death metal.
From the Sagas of old to the halls of kings and the bloody battlefields, Vanir’s music has been put together, without compromise, with a fascination with Scandinavian common origins, and the blood spilled throughout history.
Live dates 2024: 17/18.02 – Cernunnos Pagan Fest, Paris (FR) 01.03 – Kulturfabrikken Nykobing (DK) 23.03 – Gimle, Roskilde (DK) 09.05 – Dark Troll Festival (DE) 10.05 – Heathen Gathering (AT) 23.08 – Von Hatten, Randers (DK) 28.09 – Fredagsmangle, Stockholm (SE)
Lineup: Martin Rubini – vocals Kirk Backarach – guitar Michael Lundquist – guitar Mikael Christensen – bass Jon Elmquist Schmidt – drums Stefan Dujardin – keyboards
Faroe Islands-based folk metal collective TÝR will return to North American stages next Spring. The Battle Ballads headlining tour, named in honor of their upcoming new full-length of the same name, begins March 28th in Baltimore, Maryland and makes its way through over two dozen cities, coming to a close on April 26th in Greensboro, North Carolina. Support will be provided by Trollfest, Æther Realm, and The Dread Crew Of Oddwood. The tour marks TÝR‘s first North American run since 2019.
Comments the band, “It is with great joy that we announce our return to the US and Canada. It’s been too long, and we have missed the people, the cities, and the vast landscapes dearly. It warms our heathen hearts to think that we will soon see all your familiar faces again, and probably, hopefully, a few people we have not seen before. We will bring our lighthearted neighbors, Trollfest from Norway, with us, as well as your metal compatriots, Æther Realm, and The Dread Crew Of Oddwood. See you soon!“
Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 24th, at 12:00pm EST/9:00am PST. See all confirmed dates below.
More info on TÝR‘s Battle Ballads album, set for release in the Spring of 2024, will be unveiled in the new year. In the meantime, view the cover art by Gyula Havancsak.
TÝR w/ Trollfest, Æther Realm, The Dread Crew Of Oddwood: 3/28/2024 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 3/29/2024 Gramercy Theater – New York, NY 3/30/2024 Middle East Downstairs – Boston, MA 3/31/2024 La Source De La Martinière – Quebec City, QC 4/01/2024 Studio TD – Montreal, QC 4/02/2024 Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON 4/03/2024 Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON 4/04/2024 The Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 4/05/2024 Reggies – Chicago, IL 4/06/2024 Skyway Theater – Minneapolis, MN 4/07/2024 Park Theater – Winnipeg. MB 4/08/2024 The Exchange – Regina, SK 4/09/2024 Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB 4/10/2024 Dickens – Calgary, AB 4/12/2024 The Rickshaw – Vancouver, BC 4/13/2024 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 4/14/2024 Bossanova Ballroom – Portland, OR 4/15/2024 Cornerstone – Berkeley, CA 4/16/2024 1720 – Los Angeles, CA 4/17/2024 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 4/18/2024 Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ 4/19/2024 TBC 4/20/2024 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 4/21/2024 The Granada – Dallas, TX 4/22/2024 White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX 4/24/2024 Conduit – Orlando, FL 4/25/2024 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA 4/26/2024 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC
Last March, TÝR released A Night At The Nordic House (With The Symphony Orchestra Of The Faroe Islands), a special event recorded in February of 2020. “Working with the Symphony Orchestra was without a doubt one of the highlights of our careers,” noted vocalist Heri Joensen. “The feeling of sheer sophisticated power behind us was extraordinarily uplifting. We were awed by how well the songs worked in a symphonic setting. We are very excited to finally release a live [double] DVD, CD and LP, and even with the incredible new artwork by Gyula Havancsák, that excellently captures the epic atmosphere of the event.”
Melodic metal outfit LUTHARO returns with a cacophony of all that is metal! The Canadian metallers bring forth their signature mixture of traditional heavy metal, melodic death metal, thrash metal and more on their latest effort, Chasing Euphoria, the follow-up to their critically lauded debut full-length Hiraeth. Due out March 15th 2024 via Atomic Fire Records, Chasing Euphoria is as destructive and violent as it is soaring and captivating. Pre-orders are available HERE.
Today the band has also shared a new single and video for “Time To Rise.” The video is an intimate look inside behind the scenes at the band’s practice and rehearsal.
The band elaborates on the album: “We are beyond excited to finally announce our second full length album “Chasing Euphoria” will be released on March 15th 2024! This album is very near and dear to our hearts as it has brought out the most emotion in us to date! We laughed, we cried and we put everything we have into this album. So when you listen to these songs, know you are taking a piece of us with you.”
And of the single, they share: “We are incredibly eager to finally introduce to the world our newest single “Time to Rise”. This one is a doozy. This song is not only one of the most emotional we’ve written but has pushed us FAR out of our comfort zone in so many ways. This song has endless layers to it but its most dominant subject matter is inner child trauma and how it affects us in adult life especially when it isn’t resolved or acknowledged. We hope that through this song our listeners can begin a learning journey just as we have through this writing process. To anybody reading this remember to give yourself some grace, you and the younger version of you deserve it.”
Chasing Euphoria features dynamic production from Lasse Lammert of LSD Studios (ALESTORM, GLORYHAMMER, WIND ROSE, SVARTSOT & more!) and striking cover art from Niklas Sundin (ARCH ENEMY, DARK TRANQUILLITY, DELAIN, & more!), with orchestral arrangements from Elliot Vernon (ALESTORM).
Formed in 2014, LUTHARO strive to sculpt an epic sound that sees aspects of power and death colliding, combining artfully crafted melodies, harmonies and precision with hard-hitting power and force. Members Krista Shipperbottom (vocals), Victor Bucur (guitar), John Raposo (guitar), Chris Pacey (Bass) and Cory Hofing (drums) may have found their groove on this new record, but don’t expect them to fall into a rut. LUTHARO opens the throttle all the way and barrels forward into new territories.
After releasing two EPs, LUTHARO pulled out all the stops on Hiraeth, the debut full-length album that was released on October 15th, 2021. Following their 2018 debut EP UNLEASH THE BEAST, and 2020 EP WINGS OF AGONY, Hiraeth saw the quintet push their compositional and performance skills further than ever before. What Hiraeth brought forth, Chasing Euphoria now amplifies. Expertly balancing hauntingly beautiful atmospheres with raw power and aggression. A fantastically epic journey that needs to be experienced to be believed.
Recorded by drummer Cory Hofing at Coho Studio, with additional recording by Thomas Ireland and mixing and mastering by Lasse Lammert of LSD Studio, Chasing Euphoria is out March 15th, 2024, via Atomic Fire Records. The band partnered with Niklas Sundin for the stunning artwork featured on the cover.
Prepare your necks for a maelstrom of windmills as Chasing Euphoria is certain to provoke headbanging, boisterous pits and chanting singalongs. An aggressive touring schedule will give you plenty of opportunity to join them for an electrifying evening as the riffs and raucous beats pummel you.
Shipperbottom’s earth-shaking vocal performance is impossible to ignore, from her thorny growls to soaring falsettos. – Metal Injection
…The Canadians’ self-released debut album is a primarily traditional metal record with bags of melody, shitloads of muscular power and large amounts of virtuoso musicianship….Bridging the gap between ancient and modern with admirable skill, LUTHARO have dropped one of this year’s most vital debuts. – Blabbermouth
Gatling gun riffage glues the listener to the wall, practically challenging you not to get out of your seat and bang that head, while huge melodies soar and dive in and out of that furious wall of noise. – Metal Observer
Chasing Euphoria Tracklist:
Gates of Enchantment
Reaper’s Call
Ruthless Bloodline
Time to Rise
Born to Ride
Bonded to the Blade
Chasing Euphoria
Creating a King
Strong Enough to Fall
Paradise or Parasite
Freedom of the Night
Lutharo Is: Krista Shipperbottom – Vocals Victor Bucur – Guitars, backing vocals Chris Pacey – Bass Cory Hofing – Drums Jeff Wilson – Guitar (Live)
Hailing from Cleveland, OH, Olathia (oh-lay-thee-ah) is a four-piece female fronted Heavy Metal band. Their music is a captivating blend of traditional Heavy Metal, Power Metal, and Thrash influences, creating a melodic and powerful sound that pushes the boundaries of the genre. On November 17th Olathia release their new full length album “The Forest Witch” on all digital platforms and on CD from the Olathia Bandcamp page.
“In our latest album, “The Forest Witch,” we weave tales of light and darkness, riding the line between thrash and traditional metal.” Chris E. Lead singer continues, “We’re staying true to our roots and doing what feels right to us, weaving in the battles we’ve faced and the good time that rage on. Riffs, melodies and lyrics burrow down deep. Let ‘em in and see where they take you.”
Track Listing: Insatiable The Forest Witch Shotgun Fight Who’s The Devil Last Breath Satan on My Mind Hall of the Mountain King
Production Details: Recorded, mixed and mastered by Noah Buchanan at Mercinary Studios in Avon, Ohio. Produced by Olathia & Noah Buchanan.
Metal Tim Henderson from BraveWords.com said this about Olathia… “Imagine a reincarnated Nevermore meeting Savatage with soaring female vocals and you’ve got the thrash-tastic Olathia that will surely have you doing a double take, they are that good.”
Having heard a early preview of “The Forest Witch”, Bill Peters from WJCU adds, “The Forest Witch pulverizes you from the cauldron of metal with a relentless sonic attack that never let’s up. Olathia’s HEAVIEST offering to date!”
Olathia’s music is often characterized as “Power Thrash,” offering a melodic, driving, and purposeful experience that supports storytelling of dark and light themes while fearlessly pushing the boundaries of songwriting and musicianship. Their ability to meld together catchy melodies, heart stopping rhythms and bone crunching chords has given them a rabid fan base in Ohio and throughout the Midwest.
Olathia embodies the heart and passion that defined 1980s Heavy Metal, infusing it with a melodic twist that resonates with the spirit of the metal world today. They draw inspiration from iconic acts such as Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Pantera, Heart, Halestorm, and Dio. Yet, what truly sets Olathia apart in the modern Heavy Metal landscape is their extraordinary female vocalist, Chris E., whose versatility captures the emotional essence of their songs.
Their songwriting dives deep into universally relatable themes, including battles with inner demons, the sting of betrayal, the weight of depression, the ache of loss, and the warm embrace of camaraderie. If Heavy Metal runs through your veins, Olathia’s music is the electrifying elixir that promises to deliver the thrilling experiences cherished by dedicated
The band members bring their own unique talents to the stage. Terry “Bull” Johnson handles the bass and contributes menacing backing vocals, delivering a stage performance that’s not to be missed. Joe Lowrie, behind the drum kit, provides metronome-perfect timing with powerful precision. Dylan Andras, with his lightning-quick fingers, unleashes crushing riffs and blistering shredding solos that set listeners ablaze.
Brace yourself for an auditory journey that harkens back to the golden era of metal while pushing the genre’s boundaries into exciting new territories by blending classic influences from both sides of the Atlantic. Olathia is a blazing comet in the metal constellation, destined to leave a lasting mark on the genre.”
Band Members: Chris E., vocals Dylan Andras, guitar Joe Lowrie, Drums Terry Johnson, Bass
Italian black metal unit STORMCROW have signed to Time To Kill Records for the release of their third album, “Path to Ascension”.
The new single “Vulgus Vult Decipi” offers a brief glimpse into the new direction for the band, who will return with the full album in 2024. Watch the video HERE.
The band that started out in northen Italy in 1997 is no secret to genre connoisseurs thanks to a couple of well-received albums and European tours with Dark Funeral, Enthroned, Shining and many more. But now their big moment in the spotlight has come – STORMCROW are ready for the final breakthrough with the new album “Path to Ascension”.
STORMCROW have kept the black flame burning for 20+ years simply out of adoration and their respect for the genre. Undoubtedly they share some of the same DNA of iconic black metal bands that have gone before them, and whilst their technical abilities add a more than impressive flourish, they operate on a ‘don’t overcomplicate for the sake of overcomplicating’ rule. Keeping theatrics to a minimum has yielded a lean, sharp album that embodies the blueprint of old school black metal and embraces both melody and an epic narrative.
Watch for more details on the new album release, new tour updates, and more news on other upcoming STORMCROW activities to be posted shortly.
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 