After some months stirring the cauldron in the underground, Italy’s FERAL FORMS emerge from the depths with their first ferocious EP, “Premalignant”.
Comprised of current and former members from Grime, The Secret, Claustrum and Fierce, the 4-piece conjures the unholy Gods of Death Metal and pushes their sound to a new level of tonal corruption, with tension-inducing stop/start angularity and a devouring thrust that would almost sound punk if it wasn’t so molten and creepy. Telluric drums and barbaric riffing collide, resulting in a putrid destructive mass of volcanic low end that incinerates everything in its path.
Tracklist:
01. Hunter of Chaos 02. Premalignant 03. Voice from the Altar
Night Terrors Records and Filth Junkies will issue “Premalignant” on MC and digital formats on December 15th. The EP was mixed and mastered by Gabriele Gramaglia (Cosmic Putrefaction). Find preorders and the first single, the title-track, at THIS LOCATION.
Stand by for additional updates from the FERAL FORMS sect as the release of the EP draws near.
For fans of: Angelcorpse, Teitanblood, Diocletian, Black Curse
Line-up:
Federico – Vocals Ciro – Guitar Paolo – Bass Christian – Drums
The time has come! New SCANNER full-length album after almost a decade! “The Cosmic Race” will be released on January 12, 2024 via ROAR! Rock of Angels Records, and as the band’s highly decorated discography dictates, this one is a concept album: Survival on earth has become more and more difficult, natural disasters are piling up and military conflicts have reached their highest level, large parts of the continents are nuclear contaminated. Life is concentrated in a few big cities, and the narrowness and heat in them has become almost unbearable. The SCANNER, (a hybrid of human and android, our leading figure who is resident on planet GALACTOS) picks up a chosen part of human beings from Earth with huge spaceships in order to transform them into a habitable planet, called Terrion, in another Galaxy.
SCANNER’s army, the Space Battalion guarantees for the safety of the precious cargo (the chosen ones which have to remain in hyper sleep for decades) on the long flight through various wormholes. The long journey ends successfully. But, even in the new world, people have to defend themselves against monsters, aliens and planetary invaders (troops from other civilized planets) and start all over again right from scratch. Most are again farmers or craftsmen. The new world is not just a mere accumulation of the products of sophisticated technologies, but a profane art of survival that begins with sowing seeds in the fields. But they also celebrate festivals and commemorate their ancestors and everyone who was once close to them and who they have left behind on earth.
The new settlers defend everything newly gained with absolute passion and to their last drop of blood against their enemies. They want to take their second chance and do better than they did on Earth against all odds. However, since there are also some doubters and renegades among them who oppose the new community and endanger the “Second Chance” -project, the SCANNER has developed a system that can identify those renegades during their dream phases at night and kidnaps them before dawn. They find themselves paralyzed in a Twilight Zone. They are lashed finally to giant totem poles in a trance where dreams and reality fight each other until they are purified.
Released as LTD. Mediabook CD Inc. Patch, two limited splatter vinyl versions, one super-limited picture disc version and digital streaming / download format.
“The Cosmic Race” was recorded and mixed 2022/23 at s1s-Studio Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Recorded, mixed and produced by Axel Julius (aka Nigel Boston) / Mastered by Max Morton. / All songs and lyrics by Axel Julius
All artwork by Henar Sherif /Layout by ArtWeRK-Mediadesign
TRACK LIST:
The Earth Song
Face the Fight
Warriors of the Light
Dance of the Dead
Scanner’s Law
A New Horizon
Farewell to the Sun
Space Battalion
The Last and First in Line
Line-up: Efthimions Ioannidis – Vocals Axel Julius – All Guitars Jörn Bettenrup – Bass Boris Frenkel – Drums
Pretoria based rock band ALL THIS FOR NOTHING are celebrating 25 years as an ever-evolving riff machine and to celebrate, are hitting all the major cities in South Africa this November and December.
Having largely drawn on progressive, metal and punk rock influences throughout their career, ATFN have crafted a sound proudly their own and will be flying the banner for local label Mongrel Records, who represent the very best in South African metal, alternative, punk and rock bands.
This nationwide tour which kicks off on the 17th November promises an unforgettable experience for fans of the punk rock genre, as ATFN takes the stage at some of South Africa’s coolest music venues including Sognage (JHB), JARR Bar (PTA), Daisy Jones Bar (CPT), Armchair Theatre (CPT). Striped Horse (CPT) and Robson’s Real Beer (KZN).
Joining ATFN on this exhilarating journey are some of the best bands that the local scene has to offer, including FUZIGISH, Nomadic Orchestra, West Coast Wolves and Hawema. Each of these powerhouse acts brings their unique flair to the stage, promising a diverse and thrilling lineup that will leave fans begging for more.
ATFN’s guitarist, Paul Gioia, expressed the band’s excitement about the upcoming tour, stating, “It’s been ages since we’ve played outside of Gauteng and it’s the first time since the pandemic that we’ve been able to get to The Western Cape and KZN. We are so stoked and I think it will be a little surreal. We’re especially excited to get to Durban because we’ve noticed such an awesome DIY scene thriving there again and for us, KZN has always been super close to our hearts. Our first real “tour” show was back in ’99 with Crossing Point and Still Thinking at the Bat Centre and for years after that, places like Burn, The Winnie and the Willowvale were like second homes to us. We learned so much from the Durban bands and have made some genuine life-long friends along the way. DSW for life.”
Tickets for the tour are now available for purchase online at www.quicket.co.za
AUTARKH already sounded like the future on their debut. But the Dutch contemporary metal band have pushed their distended view of the digital age to further extremes on their new album.
“It is even safe to say that the Autarkh that exists on Emergent is not the same Autarkh that existed on Form in Motion“, writes No Clean Singing. “…right when you’re able to put a pin in why you’re enjoying a particular segment of Emergent, Autarkh propel themselves off in a completely different direction with joyous abandon”.
Emergent comes out tomorrow Friday, November 10. But you can now stream the whole album on our YouTube channel.
Autarkh are known for hard-wiring extreme metal with glitchy electronics. Emergent still bristles with melodic dissonance and programmed beats. Lead single “Strife opens with drum pads that pound quietly, only to escalate into a towering chorus that’s spiked by a thousand megawatts of industrial-sized riffs.
But Emergent reveals a new and improved Autarkh. This album is bigger and brighter. “Open Focus” courses with hammering riffs, pixelated drum breaks and even an unfettered bass groove. After headbanging through another avalanche of a chorus, “Refocus” breaks into a crystal-clean vocal that’s backed by radiant harmonies.
There is a darker side to Emergent. “Duhkha” seethes with ominous sound effects that could’ve been ripped out of a slasher flick. “Clouded gaze, clouded aura / Left behind with my past self”, Nienhuis screams with vein-popping intensity, paying homage to former Dodecahedron band mate Michiel Eikenaar, who passed away in 2019. But through this battle with their inner demons, Autarkh find inner peace. Over a chugging beat and sky rocketing power chords, the band lift their voices to glistening new heights: “Remember all ye that existence is pure joy. Into the light”.
Autarkh might be from the future. But they’re still human after all.
“We are really happy that our new album Emergent is finally about to be officially released!”, says Autarkh. “We feel this is a next step in our artistic development – Emergent has a more open, diverse and radiant imprint and offers increased versatility compared to our debut Form In Motion. We sincerely hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it!”
Autarkh are metal’s version of a perpetual motion machine. They’re constantly evolving, always tinkering, turning old spare parts into shiny new songs. Heck, they’ve even created their own alter ego as Autarkh III, which reimagines their cutting-edge contemporary metal as ambient drones.
Watch the band explain how they turned material from Dodecahedrom into their new album’s emphatic send-off and see the bigger picture for this process in Autarkh’s circular art model: https://www.ffca.nl/cam
Dutch contemporary metal adventurers Autarkh are back with their sophomore full-length album Emergent. Michel Nienhuis, founder of Autarkh and Dodecahedrom, teamed up again with guitarist/producer David Luiten (Inferum), bassist Desmond Kuijk (Dear Mother) and electronics wizard Tijnn Verbruggen to create the follow-up to their highly acclaimed debut album ‘Form In Motion’, released by Season Of Mist on 12 March 2021. Monica Kendrick (Chicago Reader, US) on the relevance of the group’s debut:
“And I’ll call it now: given the time to flourish and sink into the ears of an audience, Autarkh will become highly influential on the next generation of extreme metal.”
‘Emergent’ is another testament to Autarkh’s imagination and creativity. It delivers increased versatility and contrast, and sees the band expand towards more uplifting and consonant territories. Form In Motion explored the boundaries of sonic extremes; on ‘Emergent’, Autarkh broadens its horizon and shows diversity and nuance while preserving its intense and razor-sharp edge.
With nine tracks, ‘Emergent’ is a sonic exploration of the inner universe where all things light and dark can be encountered. The listener is lured into an “Open Focus” (a meditative state of mind) in preparation for an inward journey along the physical energy centers. From the thumping synth basses of “Strife” and the menacing sludgy melancholy of “Duhkha”, we move into the bewildering blasts of “Trek”, where stellar harmonies will eventually burst through the oppressive atmosphere. The trip continues with the crushing downtempo groove that enforces “Refocus”, as well as the mind-bending a capella interlude “Aperture” and the frivolous “Eye Of Horus” and “Countless Kaleidoscopes”, to finally deliver all-encompassing enlightenment with Ka.
Composers Nienhuis’s and Luiten’s statements and states of mind capture the same capriciousness and unease of ‘Form In Motion’, this time leaving a more open, diverse and radiant imprint. With exciting vocal harmonies, bold contrasts and a vivid imagination, Autarkh sheds a bright light on the inner self and exposes it to the world with intensity and conviction. That makes Emergent an evocative release with a multilayered yet crystal-clear production that promises a bright future for Autarkh.
Line-up: Michel Nienhuis: vocals & guitars David Luiten: vocals & guitars Desmond Kuijk: bass Tijnn Verbruggen: synths & beats
Recording Studio: David Luiten Studio, Monodisc Studio, Moonbear Music & Engineering Mix/Master: David Luiten
In the second instalment of the trilogy that make up his “Chronicles”, the intrepid Father Robin continues on his journey through the fantastical world of Airoea, this time making a trip to the underwater city of Oriasaleah and over the Sea of Ayrouhr to the Grand Reef , where he inevitably faces grave danger at the hands of the island people.
What awaits him there will be fully revealed on the 8th December, when “The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book II “Ocean Traveller – Metamorphosis” by Prog Rockers THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN (TCOFR for short), is released on Karisma Records.
But before then, the label has granted us another insight into Father Robin’s latest adventures with the release of the single “Ocean Traveller”, a firm favourite of everyone who hears it.
“Ocean Traveller” can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of sources at this location.
Having risen from the ashes of FANGORN back in 1993- 94, THE CHRONICLES OF FATHER ROBIN sprang into existence when WOBBLER frontman Andreas W. S. Prestmo was joined in a new musical endeavor by childhood friends Jon and Henrik, with whom he shared an interest in folk tales, mythology, fantasy literature, psychedelia and adventurous music.
Featuring members from some of the most revered progressive rock bands from Norway, WOBBLER, JORDSJØ, TUSMØRKE, and seasoned post-rockers THE SAMUEL JACKSON FIVE TCOFE set about creating a whole world which they bring to life with the kind of lush and varied soundscapes that evoke memories of the golden era of progressive rock.
Like most good things, “The Songs & Tales of Airoea” Trilogy did not happen overnight, but rather over a period of three decades. Time enough to perfect the use of a variety of instruments, such as flute, mellotron and glockenspiel, alongside more traditional rock instruments, coupled with a production that is both dynamic and organic.
The resultant Airoea trilogy forms a concept album that features 18 songs spread out over the three albums, with Book II following on directly from Book I which was released in September of this year. Contributors on the trilogy include the likes of Thomas Kaldhol (MT. MELODIÉ, THE SAMUEL JACKSON FIVE), Lars Fredrik Frøislie (WOBBLER, IN LINGUA MORTUA, WHITE WILLOW), folksinger Aleksandra Morozova (MT. MELODIE, OSLO PHILHARMONIC CHOIR), Kristoffer Momrak (ALWANZATAR, TUSMØRKE, LES FLEURS DU MAL), Håkon Oftung (JORDSJØ) and illustrator Lars Kvernberg.
“The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book II will be released in CD, Digital and LP formats, and the entire Trilogy is available as a Deluxe Limited Edition Triple Coloured Vinyl Box Set on Old Oak Records. Tracklisting on “The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book II” is as follows:
07. Over Westwinds 08. Orias & the Underwater City 09. Ocean Traveller 10. Lady of Waves 11. Green refreshments 12. The Grand Reef
On December 8, 2023, heavy power metal act SONS OF ETERNITY will release their first full-length studio album, entitled “End Of Silence”, via Massacre Records. The pre-sale is available at THIS LOCATION!
Following a recent track and video premiere for the song “In Silence”, today, SONS OF ETERNITY are sharing a music clip for their new single “Media Zombies”, “a straight mid-tempo metal song, combining groove elements with strong riffs”,as the band comments.
“Mobile phones, social media, online gaming, the WWW – people all over the world spend many hours a day in the virtual world. Yes, we do too! But sometimes we should remind ourselves there is more – there is a “real” life with real experiences waiting for everyone of us to discover. So don’t become a MEDIA ZOMBIE!”
SONS OF ETERNITY‘s members, coming from various musical and stylistic backgrounds, combine their unique influences to a strong, diverse and catchy mixture under the unifying banner of heavy metal: Modern low guitar tunings mixed with melodic harmony leads and rhythms, from up-tempo to pounding heavy grooves, and the unique and strong voice of lead singer Matthias with his impressive vocal range and expression. The lyrics on the album deal with all problems concerning the 21st century civilization, from personal to worldwide matters. “End Of Silence” by SONS OF ETERNITY is a global statement in metal!
Tracklist:
In Silence
Dark Orbit
Stand Your Ground
Media Zombies
Before The Day Will End
Travellers In Time
Eye Of The Storm
The End
Ruins
Horizon
Dawn Of A… (CD Bonus Track)
Revolution (CD Bonus Track)
SONS OF ETERNITY live: 20.01.2024 DE Würzburg – Café Cairo 19.-20.04. 2024 DE Geiselwind – Metal Franconia Festival
SONS OF ETERNITY are: Matthias “Schenky” Schenk – Vocals Matthias “Church” Kirchgessner – Guitars Jonas Roßner – Guitars Frederik Müller-Schartl – Bass Thomas Abts – Drums
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 ) 