Leading symphonic metal band, XANDRIA, have released a new official video for fan favorite “Your Stories I’ll Remember”. The track is taken from XANDRIA’s latest and most successful album to date, The Wonders Still Awaiting, which peaked at #9 on the official German album charts.
XANDRIA returned with an impressive new lineup, enchanting their fans with new songs during this year’s ongoing European tour with labelmates DELAIN. The two symphonic metal frontrunners will play three more shows in the Netherlands and Belgium from November 17-19. XANDRIA is also looking forward to their headline tour through the UK, Germany and Switzerland with Phantom Elite and Skarlett Riot, kicking off on November 25.
Get Your Copy of the Top 10 Charting Album, The Wonders Still Awaiting,NOW
XANDRIA opens an exciting chapter with the eighth studio album, The Wonders Still Awaiting. Mastermind Marco Heubaum returns with a new lineup and leads the band once again into wonderful spheres, without renouncing their characteristic trademarks. The impressive vocal wealth of Ambre Vourvahis – ranging from rock grit, operatic highs and even death metal growls – opens the unit’s sound to a wider palette of colors. Songs like the opening epic “Two Worlds”, “The Wonders Still Awaiting” and “Ghosts” manifest the thematic mood of the album while constructing incredible soundscapes of pure symphonic metal. XANDRIA addresses issues of social inequality and the quest for a just world. “Paradise” showcases some of the album’s strongest hooks, captivating with great metallic pop melodies. The veil of various influences is lifted once more in “Illusion Is Their Name”, dashing all deception with heavy power metal vibes. Tracks like “Your Stories I’ll Remember” and “Scars” show the intimate side of XANDRIA on one hand, while combining rhythmic heaviness on the other. The latter is reminiscent of a James Bond theme, dressed in a heavy musical soundscape. The epic nine minute album closer “Astéria”, featuring Greek lyrics written by Ambre Vourvahis, lands as the album’s exclamation point, proving with a grand finish that the five-piece has fearlessly started a revolution in the symphonic metal genre – commencing an impressive new era of XANDRIA with The Wonders Still Awaiting.
The Wonders Still Awaiting tracklist: 1. Two Worlds 2. Reborn 3. You Will Never Be Our God 4. The Wonders Still Awaiting 5. Ghosts 6. Your Stories I’ll Remember 7. My Curse Is My Redemption 8. Illusion Is Their Name 9. Paradise 10. Mirror Of Time 11. Scars 12. The Maiden And The Child 13. Astèria
XANDRIA live: Beyond Dark Waters 2023 w/ Delain 17.11.23 NL – Zoetermeer / De Boerderij 18.11.23 NL – Enschede / Metropol – Sold Out 19.11.23 BL – St. Niklaas / De Casino
The Wonders Still Awaiting Tour 2023 w/ Phantom Elite, Skarlett Riot 26.11.23 UK – Manchester / Club Academy 27.11.23 UK – London / The Dome 28.11.23 DE – Bochum / Matrix 29.11.23 DE – Nürnberg / Hirsch 30.11.23 CH – Münchenstein / Rockfact 02.12.23 CZ – Zlín / Winter Masters Of Rock* 03.12.23 DE – Erfurt / From Hell *Festival show without Phantom Elite, Skarlett Riot
Festival 2024 31.07 – 03.08.24 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air
XANDRIA are: Ambre Vourvahis – Vocals Marco Heubaum – Guitar Robert Klawonn – Guitar Tim Schwarz – Bass Dimitrios Gatsios – Drums
Canada’s The Metal Voice recently spoke to former Scorpions’ guitarist Uli Jon Roth about his Electric Sun re-issues, his new Book, Upcoming tours and new music.
Uli Jon Roth Was Asked if he will be releasing new music or a new album soon he replied,” I’ve been recording a lot, particularly recently in Cologne (Germany) at the Dierks studios where we did our Scorpions’ album and we made really good progress. So there are quite a few tracks in the making. Rather than a complete album, it will probably be chunks of three (songs) at a time. We are already playing three of those tracks on the next English tour.”
Uli Jon Roth is a pioneer, a visionary, and explorer who has put his 50-year career in the service of art and music. He is one of the most mentioned and most influential rock guitarists of modern times.
2023 is a very special year in the career of Uli – with a series of releases and touring planned. The year has already seen BMG reissues of the five seminal the Scorpions albums Uli was a part of – reinforcing the monumental legacy and trailblazing worldwide impact his tenure in that band exerted.
The first release is now set – Electric Son “Earthquake” being released in November 2023. The album was lovingly transferred from the original 2-track master tapes at Dierks Studios, the very place where all the iconic Scorpions albums came to life. Through painstaking precision, the sound quality has been restored, capturing and reviving its original vibe for a new generation of listeners. Further refining the sound quality, the albums were meticulously remastered by there renowned sound engineer, Dieter Wegener. The album will be release on Vinyl Gatefold and CD Mini Gatefold.
Electric Sun Reissue Tracklisting: 1. Electric Sun 2. Lilac 3. Burning Wheels Turning 4. Japanese Dream 5. Sundown 6. Winterdays 7. Still So Many Lives Away 8. Earthquake Bonus tracks: 9. JAM ‘Spirits Soar 1978 10. JAM ‘BETWEEN THE TIDES’ – 1978
Heavy metal icons PANTERA will return to the stage this February on the second leg of their North American headlining tour. The journey follows the band’s massively successful twenty-city run this past Summer, a tour which stood as one of the most anticipated tours of 2023, as well as their dates supporting Metallica. Featuring classic members, vocalist Philip H. Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, alongside guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante, the latest stretch of live dates continues the celebration of the lives of late founding members, drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell.
The trek, which will commence on February 3rd in Sunrise, Florida, runs through fourteen cities, coming to a close on February 27th in Quebec City, Quebec. The band will again be joined by special guest, acclaimed metal powerhouse Lamb Of God, with additional support acts to be announced in the weeks to come.
Comments Anselmo, “Looking forward to jamming with everybody! These shows mean a lot and we aim to kick ass! Love y’all!”
Adds Brown, “We’re really excited to announce new dates in 2024. Looking forward to bringing the show to some cities we missed in 2023. Come jam!”
Ticket presales and VIP upgrades begin Tuesday, November 14th at 10:00am local time. General on sale date is Friday, November 17th at 10:00am local time at Pantera.com.
PANTERA was recently confirmed to play the 2024 edition of Download Festival. The performance will mark the band’s first UK appearance in three decades! Additionally, fans can catch PANTERA supporting Metallica on the remaining dates of their North American stadium tour this August. See all confirmed dates below.
PANTERA w/ Special Guest Lamb Of God:
2/03/2024 Amerant Bank Arena – Sunrise, FL 2/05/2024 Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL 2/07/2024 Rupp Arena – Lexington, KY 2/09/2024 Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN 2/10/2024 FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN 2/13/2024 T-Mobile Center – Kansas City, MO 2/14/2024 Pinnacle Bank Arena – Lincoln, NE 2/16/2024 Canada Life Centre – Winnipeg, MB 2/18/2024 Resch Center – Green Bay, WI 2/20/2024 Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI 2/22/2024 Madison Square Garden – New York, NY 2/24/2024 CFG Bank Arena – Baltimore, MD 2/26/2024 Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON 2/27/2024 Centre Vidéotron – Québec City, QC
End Tour
6/14-16/2024 Download Fest @ Donington Park – Derby, UK # 8/02/2024 Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, MA ** 8/09/2024 Soldier Field – Chicago, IL ** 8/16/2024 US Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN ** 8/23/2024 Commonwealth Stadium – Edmonton, AB ** 8/30/2024 Lumen Field – Seattle, WA **
#Festival date **PANTERA supporting Metallica
“When a newly restructured PANTERA took the stage at Milwaukee’s American Family Insurance Amphitheater, the chorus of cheers that greeted them was a voluminous mix of both excitement and disbelief.” — Illinois Entertainer
“…a true tribute to the legacy of the Abbott brothers and the music they helped create. It is also a gift to the many fans that have gotten goosebumps from the raw power that PANTERA is able to harness like no other band.” — The Intelligencer
“…an emotional tribute to the music the quartet made.” — TribLIVE
“Anselmo, Brown, Wylde, and Benante masterfully honored the band’s legacy while embracing a new chapter, standing as a testament to the indomitable spirit of heavy metal. In a genre defined by resilience, PANTERA’s triumphant return is nothing short of remarkable.” — All Music Magazine
“As PANTERA closed its set with the opening riff of ‘Cowboys From Hell’ playing behind them, Anselmo asked the packed stadium who would come to see them in the future. The response would be one of the evening’s loudest.” — Dallas Observer
Creators of the “power groove,” PANTERA got their start in Arlington, Texas with its best-known lineup, consisting of founding members and brothers, drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell, with bassist Rex Brown and vocalist Philip H. Anselmo. The group would become one the most successful and influential bands in heavy metal history. To date, PANTERA has sold 20 million records worldwide and has received four Grammy nominations along with sold out arena tours across the globe.
CARNATION recently released their third full-length album ‘Cursed Mortality’ through Season of Mist. A true testament to the versatility the band can offer to the death metal realm, with brutal vocals, blasting drums and absolutely filthy riffs.
Now, CARNATION prepare themselves to embark upon a journey of brutal ‘black death‘ destruction together with PESTILENCE and BODYFARM in Europe in April, 2024. Not a single venue won’t be shaken to its core.
Black Death over Europe Tour 2024 3 April: Munich, DE @ Backstage 4 April: Trier, DE @ Mergener Hof [TICKETS] 5 April: Berlin, DE @ Orwo Haus 6 April: Krakow, PL @ Kamienna 12 7 April: Jaromer, CZ @ Narodak [TICKETS] 8 April: Ostrava, CZ @ Barrak [TICKETS] 9 April: Kosice, SK @ Collosseum [TICKETS] 10 April: Vienna, AT @ Viper Room [TICKETS] 11 April: Budapest, HU @ A38 [TICKETS] 12 April: San Donà di Piave, IT @ Revolver [TICKETS] 13 April: Milan, IT @ Legend [TICKETS] 14 April: Marseille, FR @ Jas Rod 15 April: Barcelona, ES @ Sala Boveda [TICKETS] 16 April: Madrid, ES @ Revi Live [TICKETS] 17 April: Lisbon, PT @ RCA Club 18 April: Porto, PT @ Hard Club 19 April: Zaragoza, ES @ Sala Lo Intent [TICKETS] 20 April: Limoges, FR @ C.C.J. Lennon 21 April: Antwerp, BE @ Zappa [TICKETS]
For the last decade, Carnation has been at the forefront of reviving old school death metal. There’s something to be said about the artfulness of taking something so primitive and walking that fine line between keeping its classic authenticity without sounding tired or dated. Carnation has always teetered this line, injecting a fresh and contemporary approach without losing the genre’s time-honored traditions. However, the band’s third endeavor sees Carnation erasing those boundaries entirely and abandoning any and all conventions as they traverse into daring new territory. ‘Cursed Mortality’ pulls the Belgian death dealers deeper into experimental new waters, taking risks as the band steps out of the shadows of its predecessors and comes into its own identity. ‘Cursed Mortality’s’ statement is clear: This is no longer simply a revival; this is Carnation’s rebirth.
“We still play death metal and we still identify as such” explains frontman Simon Duson. “But we know that this is also our second decade performing it. And while it is very important for us to stay true to the old-school style, we know we had to open things up a bit and reach out to those who might be interested in extreme metal, but aren’t that much into the old aspect of it. It also feels fresher to us because we’ve decided to change our visual approach, with a new logo, a new look on stage and so on. In a way, it really feels like the beginning of a new chapter for Carnation.”
Album number three is much more than just a new chapter, but rather feels like a sequel to an already storied career, punctuated by press accolades, an impressive history of live performances, and a lauded discography consisting of several EPs, splits, and two critically acclaimed full-length albums.
With the debut of its first EP in 2015, Carnation quickly garnered the attention of fans, media, and most notably of all, record label Season of Mist, who quickly noticed the band’s potential and picked them up without hesitation. Upon forming this union, the band dropped its first full-length, ‘Chapel of Abhorrance,’ in 2018. Angry Metal Guy astutely noted that the Belgians’ debut album was “one of the best death metal debuts of the year, and Carnation have earned their place as one of the most promising new bands in the genre” while Distorted Sound Magazine echoed these remarks, calling ‘Chapel of Abborhance’ “one of most brutalizing, well executed and, above all, fun, death metal releases of 2018” in its 9/10 review of the album.
Carnation’s momentum only seemed to pick up from there. The band kept busy on the road, performing a variety of tours with their death metal brethren in Deserted Fear, Schirenc Plays, Pungent Stench, and Pestilence, while headlining stages in Japan and Brazil. Upon conquering the live circuit and laying waste to audiences across three different continents, the band unleashed its 2020 opus, ‘Where Death Lies,’ which broke them out from the underground with the kind of seismic force that most bands can only dream of. If the critics liked ‘Chapel of Abhorrance,’ ‘Where Death Lies’ was the moment they fell in love, enamored by Carnation’s relentless brutality and crushing precision.
While touring had been halted that year, Carnation never stagnated nor waivered. The band’s tenacity paid off with their sophomore effort being named among one of the best records of the year by The Pit, Chicago Music Guide, Pandemonium Metal, and many more, while the single “Iron Discipline” was singled out by Loudwire as one of the best songs of 2020. Legacy outlet Kerrang! also took notice, ranking the band among the “50 Greatest Death Metal Bands Right Now,” cracking the top 20 picks.
While the Belgian slayers still stay true to their roots, they step outside of their comfort zone with more groove, melody, and progression, showcasing their versatility as musicians and clearly defining their own unique sound. ‘Cursed Mortality’ sounds darker, with passages of melancholic melodies that compliment the heaviness.
Most bands might feel anxious about making such dramatic changes, especially to incorporate clean vocals within such extreme music, Carnation embraces the unknown and does not fall victim to fear or monotony. “As artists, it’s something natural,” explains Verstrepen about why the band has shifted direction. “Doing the same thing over and over again doesn’t inspire us. We love to create and we love to explore new paths. We knew some people wouldn’t like clean vocals in death metal, but we don’t want to think of that too much. We stand 100% behind our music and we really like what we did here. Some people will drop out, but there will definitely be others joining! As Lemmy would say, ‘You win some, you lose some.’”
Indeed, a personal metamorphosis is always a risk, but one that historically has paid off. The first records of bands like Black Sabbath, Carcass, Death, or even Bathory sound nothing like the mid-late era offerings of those very same artists, and yet, those records that strayed off the beaten path are regarded as some of the most seminal albums in the history of metal. Playing it safe sounds easy, but it isn’t always a part of a legend’s origin story. And Carnation isn’t here to play by the rules; the band is ready to take a leap of faith and redefine an era.
Biography: Katy Irizarry
Tracklist: 1.Herald of Demise (04:03) feat. Andy LaRocque) 2.Maruta (04:07) [WATCH HERE] 3.Metropolis (03:24) [WATCH HERE] 4.Replicant (03:49) [WATCH HERE] 5.Dutroux (03:48) 6.Submerged in Deafening Silence (04:26) 7.Cycle of Suffering (04:05) [WATCH HERE] 8.Cursed Mortality (07:30) [WATCH HERE]
CARNATION Lineup: Simon Duson: Vocals Jonathan Verstrepen: Lead Guitar Bert Vervoort: Rhythm Guitar Yarne Heylen: Bass Guitar Vincent Verstrepen: Drums
TRAPEZE release their new single “Destiny”. The song is taken from the forthcoming album “Lost Tapes Vol.1“, which will be released on November 24th on Metalville Records.
“Destiny” comes from one of TRAPEZE’s first recording sessions in the early 70s. The song was created together with other tracks in the studios of 10cc, but didn’t fit the album being recorded at the time. Now this further jewel from the fantastic TRAPEZE, full of timeless hard rock, is made available to the music world for the first time; together with other previously unreleased TRAPEZE song treasures from Tom Galley’s private archive.
“LOST TAPES VOL.1” will be released on November 24th on Metalville Records.
The tracks on “Lost Tapes Vol.1” are a collection of previously unreleased TRAPEZE songs compiled by Tom Galley, brother of TRAPEZE founding member Mel Galley. The tracks are from various recording sessions, starting in the early 70s until the band’s break-up in the 90s.
The tracks not only prove how good the various TRAPEZE line-ups were, but also capture the passion, energy and enthusiasm in the making of the songs themselves.
“Lost Tapes Vol. 1” contains a total of 14 songs that are just as first-class as the well-known tracks on the band’s albums. And some of these tracks will probably become classics in the same way. “Lost Tapes Vol. 1” offers the opportunity to hear TRAPEZE with all its original energy, and shows that there was much more untapped potential lying dormant between the musicians involved than had previously been assumed.
TRAPEZE never stood still over the years. If time and circumstances had been different, we can well imagine the heights this unique band could have reached.
TRACK LISTING Cool Water Lover Breakdown Don’t Let Them Push You Destiny Lights Of Tokyo So In Love Bad Kid From School Catching Up On You Do You Understand Enough Is Enough You’ve Got It Who Do You Run To Going Home
Black/Death Symphonic Metal powerhouse DAMNATIONIS is thrilled to announce their signing with Wormholedeath Records. This exhilarating partnership heralds the reawakening of their magnum opus, “The Fallen Princess,” slated for re-release on December 12, 2023.
“The Fallen Princess” stands as a testament to Damnationis’ mastery, an album that beckons to Black Metal enthusiasts while weaving a captivating symphonic tapestry. Within its shadowy embrace, a melodic luminance emerges, setting it apart from its peers. It is a haunting journey that plunges listeners into a realm of romance, morbidity, and esoteric allure.
Hailing from the mystical landscapes near Metz, France, DAMNATIONIS emerged from the abyss in 2018. Their journey began with an homage to classic Black Metal. Yet, their evolution led to the creation of a genre uniquely their own – Black Death Symphonic Metal. Their lyrical inspiration flows from the realms of Gothic literature, mythology, and horror. Today, Damnationis reigns supreme on the Extreme Metal stage, boasting a formidable presence at festivals such as DEAD HOUSE FEST and sharing stages with global icons like NEGATOR, AGATHODAIMON, and ZORNHEYM.
Their debut masterpiece, “THE FALLEN PRINCESS,” is a testament to their sonic craftsmanship. Mixed and mastered by the alchemists at HAVOC Studio, this album boasts ten tracks that delve into the darkest recesses of the human psyche. The album’s striking cover art is a collaborative triumph with Damian Augustyniak of GuzikArt, acclaimed for his work with giants like SLAYER, EXODUS, and SABATON.
But that’s not all. DAMNATIONIS is poised to unveil a new single, “DARK SUCCUBUS,” a sinister reimagining of OZZY OSBOURNE’s classic “OVER THE MOUNTAIN” with a Black Metal twist. The cover art for this malevolent creation is courtesy of the brilliant Heino Brand, also known as hbrandr, renowned for his collaborations with WOLFHEART and KALMAH.
As we stand at the precipice of a new era for DAMNATIONIS, they are gearing up for live onslaughts that will shatter boundaries and transcend borders. Their mission? To conquer international stages at esteemed festivals across Europe.
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 ) 