EXOCRINE have been blending ultra technical and extraordinarily rapid death metal with philosophical musings for quite some time now. The French band released their first album back in 2015. But their new album marks a new chapter. While still choked-full of eerie, dissonant finger-taps and enough blast beats to blow out your eardrums, ‘Legend’ rages from within.
“We see ‘Legend’ as a reflection of our existence, of what we create, and what we wish to leave of ourselves in the end”, says lead guitarist Sylvain Octor Perez. “It’s this Dante-like confrontation between these three characters in complete opposition, combined with questions about the lessons of the past and our place in the universe.That’s why we wanted to create a more intimate atmosphere with a more organic production, and return to calmer tempos at times.”
Today, Exocrine are releasing the chilling video for the album’s title track.
Video credits Accessories: Sieriek Bouten Camera: Benoit Laporta Make-up: Marine Fassot Actress: Alban Ldl
“Legend is a new chapter for Exocrine and we’re eager to introduce you to it. It’s probably the album we’re most proud of, it’s also our most personal one”, says Sylvain. “It’s a more ‘airy’ album, allowing the cinematic side of our music to express itself more fully. But we’re staying true to what defines us, going as fast as ever and trying to reinvent ourselves in terms of the technical aspects of our style.”
Track-list 1. Presage (1:26) 2. Legend (3:55) [WATCH VIDEO] 3. Life (3:56) 4. Eidolon (3:21) 5. The Altar Of War (4:36) 6. Dust In The Naught (3:52) 7. Warlock (3:25) 8. Dragon (4:15) 9. The Oath (3:46) 10. By The Light Of The Pyre (6:19) 11. Cryogenisation (Bonus Track) (4:49) Total: 43:30
Born from the depths of Bordeaux, France, EXOCRINE is a technical death metal juggernaut, a force that has redefined the very essence of the genre. Founded by the guitar-virtuoso Sylvain Octor-Perez, alongside the formidable talents of Nicolas La Rosa and Jordy Besse, this trio embarked on their relentless journey in 2013, marking the inception of a musical saga that would leave an indelible mark on the world of extreme music.
EXOCRINE‘s debut album, ‘Unreal Existence,’ unleashed in 2015, was nothing short of a revelation. It showcased the band’s audacious creativity, instantly distinguishing them within the technical death metal scene. With labyrinthine compositions, ferocious riffs, and relentless drumming, EXOCRINE‘s music delved into uncharted territories of sonic complexity.
In the years that followed, EXOCRINE solidified their signature sound, with albums such as ‘Ascension’ in 2017 and ‘Molten Giant’ in 2018, upon the latter release, Théo Gendron joined as a new member – forming the current-standing quartet of musicians. These releases cemented their reputation as pioneers of the genre, pushing the boundaries of what technical death metal could achieve. The band’s compositions are like sonic mazes, constantly evolving, keeping listeners captivated at every twist and turn.
Their 2022 release, ‘The Hybrid Suns,’ was yet another testament to their musical prowess. It demonstrated their unyielding commitment to pushing the envelope and exploring new realms of technical complexity.
Now, as the anticipation reaches a fever pitch, EXOCRINE is poised to release their next full-length opus, ‘Legend.’ This forthcoming masterpiece promises to be an epic chapter in their already storied career, destined to secure their place as legends within the hallowed halls of technical death metal.
EXOCRINE are architects of sonic transcendence, explorers of the uncharted, and pioneers of the unimaginable. With each release, they redefine the limits of technical death metal, and ‘Legend’ is poised to be their most audacious and groundbreaking endeavour yet, a true testament to their status as legends in the making.
Line-up: Sylvain Octor Perez: Lead Guitars Nicolas La Rosa: Guitars Jordy Besse: Bass, Vocals Theo Gendron: Drums
Recording Studio: Triceraprod Studio Sound, mixing & Mastering Engineer: Sylvain Octor Perez Biography: Sébastien J. Gamez
November 24, 2023 sees German death/thrash metal band BURDEN OF GRIEF release their much-awaited, eighth studio album, titled “Destination Dystopia”, via Masssacre Records. Coming as CD, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats, the pre-sale is available at: https://lnk.to/destinationdystopia
It’s the band’s first offering in more than five long years. Five years, in which so much has happened in the world that BURDEN OF GRIEF were forced to refer to it lyrically and musically. Reinforced by the two new members Dominik Hellmuth (guitars) and Manuel Lüke (drums), they now present the strongest, heaviest and most varied album in the almost 30-year band history.
Following a previously-released, first album appetizer “Fevered Dreams”, now, BURDEN OF GRIEF are premiering a music video for their new single “A Daydream Of Sorrow”!
“On each of our albums we have 2-3 songs that break out of our usual musical context, mostly by being significantly slower,” the band comments. “This is enormously important to keep the music as varied as possible. “A Daydream Of Sorrow” is one of those songs that is particularly catchy, not least because of the slowing down of the tempo, and also has an extended solo part. In the studio it has already turned out that this song clearly stands out from the overall material. But fans of our heavier stuff don’t have to worry, most of the other songs are much faster.”
On “Destination Dystopia”, BURDEN OF GRIEF accomplished to focus on their years of experience, to combine their strengths and to put them into 10 riff monsters that are bursting with energy, great melodies and pure heaviness. First and foremost, you’ll get the thrash and melodic death treatment, but you’ll also find a plethora of elements that go way beyond what these musical drawers are all about. Expect killer grooves, classic twin-guitar solos as well as the return of the old-school Hammond organ.
Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner and his assistant Daniel Claar took care of the drum recordings, mixing and mastering of the album at the Kohlekeller Studios (Hämatom, Powerwolf, Aborted, etc.), and they made sure that “Destination Dystopia” is the tightest and heaviest album BURDEN OF GRIEF has ever released!
“Destination Dystopia” track listing:
World Under Attack
A Daydream Of Sorrow
Exposed To The Dark
Downfall
Fevered Dreams
The Devil’s Bride
Mass Murder Society
Destination Dystopia
Fall Into Oblivion
My Suicide
BURDEN OF GRIEF Live: 03.11.2023 DE Oberhausen – Helvete 04.11.2023 DE Osterode – Jugendgästehaus (United Forces Festival) 24.11.2023 DE Kassel – Goldgrube 25.11.2023 DE Verne – Rockscheune
BURDEN OF GRIEF is: Mike Huhmann – Vocals Philipp Hanfland – Guitars Dominik Hellmuth – Guitars Florian Bauer – Bass Manuel Lüke – Drums
JOHNNY O’NEIL announces the release of the second single and video “Take Me Down” from his third album “Brand New Day”. The video was premiered by Metal-Rules.com and is now available worldwide, watch below.
Discussing the new video for “Take Me Down”, Johnny O’Neil had this to say, “The subject matter is something that has touched just about everybody in some form or fashion, the epidemic of opioid addiction. When it came time to shoot the video our stellar videographers, Brianna and Kurt Jorgensen, had a very clear concept in mind, shooting the entire video in black and white. As such, there is a more cinematic ambience, and ironically it seemed to soften the more disturbing scenes. I wanted to convey a glimpse into that terrible affliction through the view of a narrator looking in from the outside. It was a delicate line to tread; we didn’t want to be gratuitous in capturing the inherently dark nature of this crisis, while at the same time conveying that there is hope, and help for anyone who is suffering. It is obviously quite a departure from our first video for the title track, but it also serves to showcase the range of emotions and sonic landscapes that we traverse as a band on this album.”
Johnny O’Neil adds, “This song was the first “O’Neil & Funk” songwriting collaboration of the three tunes John Funk and I co-wrote for ‘Brand New Day.’ John had a killer chord progression he had been keeping in his back pocket for years, and presented it to the band at a rehearsal. I was able to come up with a complimentary riff that fit with John’s descending chord progression, and the melody line and lyrics took shape in my head pretty quickly as we refined the arrangement of the song.
Praise for “Take Me Down” from radio, retail and websites:
“Take Me Down highlights amazing guitar work, that’s full of emotion and bluesy riffs reminiscent of Michael Schenker, Gary Moore, Scott Gorham and Mick Jones. Great track!” – Leni DiMancari President/CEO, Ten13 Entertainment
“For those that are looking for new classic rock, this is the album. Mix Cheap Trick, Thin Lizzy, UFO and even Big Star and that is just some of the bands you will be reminded of when you listen to this instant classic from Johnny O’Neill and the album, Brand New Day.” – Danny Beck, Know Name Records
A fine slab of classic rock that will please and surprise many people. – Sleaze Roxx
This is strong and naturally resonates with me. Well done. – Andy Powell, Wishbone Ash
“Loving “Take Me Down”, it may be my favorite song off “Brand New Day”. Old school vibe, but a modern groove with a smokin’ solo.” – Brian Basher, BraveWords Radio
Wooow, “Take Me Down” is a great song that instantly makes you bang your head and feet beat to the beat, Johnny O’Neil at his best! – Tarja Virmakari, Metal Shock Finland
It’s been said “Don’t bore us…get to the chorus”. Johnny doesn’t mess around by getting to the hook straight away. This is followed by a descending verse featuring a smooth vocal delivery. Before you know it the chorus comes back around and ropes you in. By the end of the song you can’t help but sing along. – Mark Skaar, Program Director KIOW
There aren’t many musicians who cut their teeth as a founding member of a rock band that performed five nights a week, 50 weeks a year, for 11 straight years, often for an audience of thousands, just as there aren’t many musicians who hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. But Johnny O’Neil is a rare artist who combines expert musicianship with astute observations of the human condition gleaned as a therapist and forensic psychologist, all brought to bear on his third solo album, Brand New Day.
Graphic Design & cover photo: JoBa Visuals
O’Neil’s third solo effort, Brand New Day, covers broad musical territory, taking elements from the past and adding a decidedly modern twist, combining guitar-driven hard rock and R&B with hooky choruses that get stuck in your head for days. Recruiting the talents of John Funk on lead guitar, Benny Craig on bass, and Joachim Baecker on drums, as well as engineer/co-producer Brian Bart – O’Neil’s former bandmate in Dare Force – O’Neil and his full band spent months writing and rehearsing before hunkering down to record with Bart atWinterland Studios in Minneapolis, as well as the legendary Pachyderm Studios in Cannon Falls, Minn., where Nirvana famously recorded In Utero.
Johnny O’Neil is excited to announce the following show:
11/24 – St. Paul, MN – The Doghouse
ARTIST: Johnny O’Neil
ALBUM: BRAND NEW DAY
1. BRAND NEW DAY (J. O’Neil) 2. TAKE ME DOWN (J. O’Neil, J. Funk) 3. MY MONA (J. O’Neil, J. Funk) 4. IT’S TOO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE (R. Hogan)* 5. WHEN JANIE MOVED INTO TOWN (J. O’Neil) 6. IN SEARCH OF (J. O’Neil) 7. COMIN’ DOWN LIKE A MOUNTAIN (J. O’Neil) 8. HANDS UP (J. O’Neil, J. Funk) 9. DON’T BELIEVE A WORD (P. Lynott)** 10. TELL ME YOUR STORY (J. O’Neil)
Band Members: JOHNNY O’NEIL: All Lead and Harmony Vocals, Guitars JOHN FUNK: Guitars BENNY CRAIG: Bass JOACHIM BAECKER: Drums and Percussion
SPECIAL GUEST ARTISTS:
JASON PETERSON DELAIRE Saxophone on “My Mona” Piano & Organ on “My Mona,” “Hands Up” & “Tell Me Your Story”
BRIANNA JORGENSEN Backing Vocals on “Brand New Day” & “My Mona”
JASON WOLFE Violin on “Tell Me Your Story”
RECORDED AT: Pachyderm Studios Cannon Falls, MN Assistant Engineer: Nick Tveitbakk
Logic Recording Minnetonka, MN Engineer: Brian Bart
String Arrangement on “Tell Me Your Story” by Johnny O’Neil & Brian Bart
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Johnny O’Neil
PRODUCED BY: The Blood Brothers – Johnny O’Neil & Brian Bart
RECORDED, ENGINEERED, MIXED & MASTERED BY: Brian Bart
JOHNNY O’NEIL:
O’Neil has been in practice as a Ph.D.-level clinical psychologist for over two decades, quite a feat considering he dropped out of high school at 16 to focus on his burgeoning music career. After more than a decade of achieving many of his musical dreams, including the ‘80s with Dare Force, O’Neil decided to go back to school at the age of 28 to get his GED. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, followed by a Master’s degree and eventually a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from The Ohio State University.
Now a solopreneur in private practice as a forensic psychologist, O’Neil conducts Independent Psychological Evaluations (IPEs) of claimants involved in workers’ comp and personal injury cases, and provides courtroom testimony as an expert witness – a fascinating occupation to be sure. In fact, he found himself interviewing dozens of Minneapolis police officers who filed disability claims due to PTSD in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
Not surprisingly, for O’Neil, playing music is an invaluable form of therapy and expressing his emotions. “I don’t have a choice, I have to play music,” he says. “It’s how I’m wired and how I preserve my sanity. It’s therapy for me. I’ll be performing until my last gasp.”
O’Neil fell in love with music at the age of five, begging his parents to buy him a guitar after seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show, which they finally did when he turned eight years old. The stars aligned when his future Dare Force bandmate, Brian Bart, moved in across the street when he was nine. “We had a tussle over something silly in the front yard, then my mom invited us in for a piece of cake; we’ve been thick as thieves ever since,” O’Neil says.
O’Neil and Bart immediately bonded over their mutual love of music (including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Winter, Steppenwolf, and Creedence Clearwater Revival), and quickly formed a band together. One of their first gigs was at Sunny Hollow Elementary School in 6th grade, where Bob Dylan’s younger brother, David Zimmerman, was their music teacher and introduced their band to an audience of 500-some fellow classmates.
Infusing his songwriting with his personal values of tolerance, compassion and empathy throughout his career, O’Neil believes that an important part of an artist’s job is to not only reflect what’s going on in the world, but also to comment on it and influence it. To this end, O’Neil’s driving rock tunes go beyond being simply upbeat, feel-good rock ‘n roll, to songs that really have something to say to the world.
DARE FORCE: (Johnny O’Neil’s previous band Dare Force) Dare Force was a legendary hard rock/heavy metal band based in Minneapolis that was initially founded by Johnny and Brian Bart when they were 18 years old. Dare Force released three albums in the 1980s and performed in concert with numerous national acts such as KISS, Ted Nugent, Triumph, Kansas, UFO, the Joe Perry Project, and Ratt, as well as headlining in venues throughout the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Dare Force also had several songs that received heavy airplay on rock radio stations throughout the midwestern US in the 1980s. Dare Force released its third album, “Firepower,” with a reformed version of the band in 1989. The original lineup performed occasional reunion gigs after the long run of the original band ended in 1987, but the original version of Dare Force stopped performing live altogether after their last reunion show in 2002. Dare Force reformed yet again with a return to a four-piece lineup in 2017, and released its fourth album, “Callin’ Your Name,” in 2018.
Multi-instrumentalist SNOWY SHAW has released a new lyric video for “If I Was King For A Day” (featuring Andy LaRocque & Hal Patino). Watch it below.
Adds Snowy:
Are you familiar with the old proverb and expression ‘If Only I Was King For A Day’?… No? … Keep reading.
Here’s the back story that spurred the creation of this very song. Back in 2017 I wrote a song for my first namesake solo album ‘White Is The New Black‘ called ‘Family Feud‘ that has 3 verses and I had the idea of having King Diamond, Messiah and myself ‘brotherly’ sharing the vocals with one verse each and sing the rest together. King really liked the song and said he’d love to do it but the timing wasn’t ideal for him at that point and said he’d love to do something together later on. So instead I released it with me doing all voices and instruments myself, and then an alternative version that featured guest stars Joakim Brodén of Sabaton, Jake E of Amaranthe and Niklas Isfelt of Dream Evil sharing the vocals.
A few years later during the dark pandemic year of 2021 I was making this very special concept where I recorded and released one single per month digitally, that would later be collected on an album titled “This Is Heavy Metal, Plain & Simple”.
For the making of this album I’d invite a huge array of guests consisting of my teenage heroes, former bandmates and friends. Needless to say, King Diamond was at the very top of on my wish-list alongside Ken Hensley & Dan McCafferty (who both sadly passed away before their participation)
I presented a song for King but also this time around he had to decline due to the fact that (like he explained) he hadn’t released any new KD album in 15 years at that point and the record company would probably kill him if he appeared on someone elses. Fair enough, a fully understandable point and I just dropped the whole idea.
A while later I was watching some old movie one night when I heard the phrase uttered ‘If only I was king for a day’. Wow! That’s a cool phrase I thought to myself and instantly my little grey cells started working… what if… ?
So based on that title alone I wrote the song & lyrics as a tribute with what I considered a funny twist… To my ears it came out sounding a bit like the era around Fatal Portrait/Abigail, and since I had guests
for all other tracks on this special album concept why make an exception here? I figured what could possibly be more perfect than to have both Andy and Michael Denner for a trade off guest solo appearance on this song?
I approached them both and introduced my idea with a rough mix of my recording and they both agreed to do it.
Andy delivered his trademark solo contribution in no time (no brainer really as he’s the owner of Sonic Train Studios) it was however a little more tricky with Denner who at the time had no recording options or for that matter not a lot of time at his disposal and I was on a tight deadline, so sadly in the end he had no choice but to opt out and I ended up using the guide leads I had quickly recorded just to examplify the trade off parts. I still wanted more involvement from the King/Mercyful camp so I got hold of my good friend Hal Patino to re-record the bass guitar for it, which he gladly and rapidly did – Happy Ending & Happy Halloween!
Always hungry, wild and full of surprises, Austrian crossover legends KONTRUST are one of the most extravagant and exciting acts on the scene. With their new single and official music video for “lederhosen overkill” the band taps into their well-known stage attire, fusing modern and heavy tunes with the roots of their home country. The song is cut from their new studio album, madworld, out this Friday!
On their first album in nine years, KONTRUST present new vocalist Julia Ivanova and new drummer Joey Sebald, who already won over live audiences in the summer of 2022 at huge festivals such as Graspop Metal Meeting, Hellfest Open Air, Barcelona Rockfest and Resurrection Fest.
Throughout their two decade-spanning career, the Austrian based outfit has gained millions and millions of YouTube views with their exciting music videos, with over 15 million views on the electrifying hits “Hey DJ!” and “Bomba” alone. With their new album, madworld, KONTRUST prove their standing as an unpredictable force in the scene – ready to exceed everything they have achieved so far!
KONTRUST on “lederhosen overkill”: “Lederhosen, the ancient cursed battle attire of legends. These enchanted garments hold the power to harm both wearer and onlookers. Beware, for the mystical Dirndl are most vulnerable when these treacherous lederhosen fall into the wrong hands.”
Without a shadow of a doubt, KONTRUST have enthralled fans and critics alike with an inimitable sense of fusing various genres like reggae, pop and dance with heavy hard rock riffs, spliced with their very own way of representing the roots of their home country. This synthesis of styles has brought them not only notable chart entries for several releases, but also high recognition in the form of the “Austrian Newcomer Award” for their debut album, as well as the “AMADEUS Austrian Music Award” – Austria’s biggest and most important prize for national bands and artists – for their second album, Time To Tango. On madworld, the chart-storming unit sticks to their lively, playful and experimental signature style, ready to entertain longtime and new audiences alike.
KONTRUST add: “In a world already spinning out of control, we’ve cranked up the madness to 11 on madworld. This audacious venture marks a milestone for us, as we proudly present our first entirely self-produced album. It’s a sonic storm like no other, where vibrant sounds clash and blend in a symphony of controlled chaos – embrace the sensory overload and prepare to be swept away by a unique excess of KONTRUST that will leave you thirsting for more.”
Rousing album opener “i physically like you” kicks the riot right off, followed by extremely danceable “madhouse” and “rock to outer space”, which feature heavy riffs and party pop vocals. The latter showcases that, despite the overall positive attitude and party mentality, KONTRUST don’t shy away from focusing on serious themes, like escaping the devastation of earth to possibly aim for a new beginning. That feeling goes on with the standout track “the end”, slowing it down halfway through madworld, while still providing massive rhythms and a sing-along chorus. Electronic influences on closing track “i can’t control it” absorb the listener before the album fades out.
madworld tracklisting: 1. i physically like you 2. madhouse 3. rock to outer space 4. black soul 5. criminal 6. the end 7. pulling 8. lederhosen overkill 9. masterpiece of a monster 10.u.f.i.u. 11.i can’t control it
KONTRUST is: Julia Ivanova – Vocals Stefan Lichtenberger – Vocals Michael Wolff – Guitar / Programmings Gregor Kutschera – Bass Johannes Sebald – Drums Manuel Haglmüller – Percussions / Programmings
The 1st December will see Karisma Records release the final three albums from the Back Catalogue of Prog Rockers ARABS IN ASPIC, and, as a prequel, the label has released, the title track from the band’s sixth album “The Magic of Sin” as a digi single.
The single can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at this location.
“The Magic of Sin” itself was an album that marked a turning point in the band’s career, setting the parameters, both musically and structurally, for the direction that ARABS IN ASPIC would take going forward. Like all the albums in the Back Catalogue re-releases, it has been re-mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo (WHITE WILLOW, OPIUM CARTEL, SOLSTEIN etc), and features artwork by the band’s long-time collaborator Julia Proszowska.
Following on from the 2021 re-release of the first three albums from the band’s back-catalogue, those included in this, the final trilogy of releases, are:
“Pictures in a Dream” which was originally released in 2013, and will now be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Blue/Yellow Marble Vinyl formats.
2015’s “Victims of your Father’s Agony” which will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Blue/Yellow Marble Vinyl formats.
And, of course, the afore-mentioned “The Magic of Sin”. First released in 2017, it is a very special album for ARABS IN ASPIC, for reasons too numerous to go into. Suffice it to say that its re-release deserves a special treatment. Thus, aside from the usual CD and Digital formats, “The Magic of Sin” will also be available in the form of a limited first pressing of the LP version in orange/black marble vinyl which comes in a unique tri-fold cover revealing more of Julia Proszowska’s striking cover art. If its combined with the original “Syndenes Magi” LP, all five panels of the painting will be visible.
All three albums will also be available as a Limited Edition Box Set vinyl titled “IV – VI”
All versions of all the albums can now be pre-ordered from:
Full details and history of each of the individual releases can be found here.
With a lineup consisting of Jostein Smeby on Guitars + vocals, Stig Jørgensen on Organs + vocals, Erik Paulsen on Bass + vocals, Eskil Nyhus on Drums + cymbals and Alessandro G. Elide on Percussion + gongs, and based in Trondheim, Norway, the band’s roots can be traced back to the Golden Era of rock.
Given that they have seven full-length albums to their name (their seventh, “Madness and Magic” having been released on Karisma Records in 2020), ARABS IN ASPIC are certainly not newcomers to the prog scene. Indeed, they have been at the forefront of 70’s inspired progressive rock and proto-hard rock for fifteen years.
ARABS IN ASPIC’s unmistakable sound is mix of loud, heavy guitars and drums, 12 string acoustics, funky bass and percussion, screaming Hammond organs, soft Rhodes, Mellotrons and 70’s Synths, topped with plentiful vocal harmonies. It’s an all-encompassing sound that includes aspects of classic rock, funk, pop, prog, heavy rock, bossanova, and a capella.
ARABS IN ASPIC’s next live appearance will be on the 11th November, alongside Dark Essence Records artist LUMSK, at the Verkstedhallen & Lobbyen in Trondheim, Norway.
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 ) 