Although QUEENSRŸCHE would score multi-platinum albums and hit singles over their career, their fans have developed an undeniable love for the group’s early releases – when they helped trailblaze a style of rock that combined elements of metal and prog. And for the first time ever, Queensrÿche will be performing both classic releases in their entirety as part of ‘The Origins Tour.’
Launching on March 22, 2024 in Houston, TX at Hell’s Heroes Festival and running until May 12 in Ft. Meyers, FL, ‘The Origins Tour’ will see Queensrÿche – singer Todd La Torre, guitarists Michael Wilton and Mike Stone, bassist Eddie Jackson, and drummer Casey Grillo – joined on most dates by another highly respected/influential band that also launched in the ’80s, Armored Saint.
Tickets will go on sale on Friday, November 10 at 10:00am local, and can be purchased at https://bnds.us/8vkhdd
Mar 22 – Hell’s Heroes Festival * – Houston, TX USA Mar 23 – Tower Theatre * – Oklahoma City, OK USA Mar 26 – Sycuan Casino * – El Cajon, CA USA Mar 27 – House of Blues – Anaheim, CA USA Mar 28 – Ace of Spades – Sacramento, CA USA Mar 31 – Neptune Theatre – Seattle, WA USA Apr 2 – Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO USA Apr 3 – Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO USA Apr 5 – Ameristar Casino & Hotel * – Kansas City, MO USA Apr 6 – Delmar Hall – St Louis, MO USA Apr 7 – Paramount Theatre – Cedar Rapids, MI USA Apr 9 – Coronado Theatre – Rockford, IL USA Apr 10 – Peoria Civic Center – Peoria, IL USA Apr 12 – The Vogue – Indianapolis, IN USA Apr 13 – State Theatre – Kalamazoo, MI USA Apr 14 – Majestic Theatre – Detroit, MI USA Apr 16 – Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH USA Apr 17 – House of Blues – Cleveland, OH USA Apr 19 – Phoenix Theatre – Toronto – CA Apr 20 – Théâtre Beanfield – Montreal – CA Apr 21 – Elements – Kitchener – CA Apr 24 – Roxian Theatre – Pittsburgh, PA USA Apr 26 – Empire Live – Albany, NY USA Apr 27 – Palladium – Worcester, MA USA Apr 28 – Toad’s – New Haven, CT USA Apr 30 – Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ USA May 1 – Keswick Theatre – Glenside, PA USA May 3 – The Paramount – Huntington, NY USA May 5 – The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC USA May 7 – Masquerade – Atlanta, GA USA May 9 – Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL USA May 10 – The Plaza Live – Orlando, FL USA May 11 – Culture Room – Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA May 12 – The Ranch – Ft. Meyers, FL USA
HEARTS & HAND GRENADES are an explosive American hard rock group from Buffalo, NY, bursting with an edgy sound for all generations of true rock addicts, and they just premiered an explosive new music video and single entitled “Better Off Alone“. This is the second single & music video taken from their upcoming full-length album Where I Begin which is scheduled to be released on January 26, 2024 via Eclipse Records. The album was engineered by Justin Rose at GCR Audio, mixed & mastered by Jeremy Tabor at Triple Zero Music, and the music video was directed by Nick Sonricker.
“Better Off Aloneis a song about being overlooked in a relationship, finally getting fed up, and doing something about it” says lead vocalist & bassist Stephanie Wlosinski, “and we chose this song as a single to show that the band is extremely diverse when it comes to our music. We can go from a punk feel to hard rock, to metal, and back again!” Guitarist Mike Bress continues, “In thinking about all our music videos so far, this was actually the most fun to create. Each shot was thought up on the spot, and brought to life by the people at the party just being themselves and having a great time. For example, there is a guy in the video that just laid down after having too much to drink, and it looked like he was passed out drunk. We thought, that’s funny so we decided to have a bunch of shots where he was passed out everywhere. There is also a scene reminiscent of the movie 300 where he yells ‘This is Sparta’ and kicks a guy into the pit. Our female friend got to do the same when she finally had enough of her boyfriend ignoring her. Overall, Nick Sonricker is fantastic to work with. He is easy-going and comes prepared not only with all his camera equipment, but the ability to recognize and execute ideas that made our video pop!”
Cover Art by 119 Design
The new album by Hearts & Hand Grenades is entitled Where I Begin and the record is a blast of sass and attitude! The album takes us on a journey through the toxic politics of love and relations, tearing us up, rending us raw, leaving us burning to cinders. That’s when we rise from the ashes and drown the whole damn forest fire in a thunderous squall, the music and lyrics coursing through us like sonic rip currents in the bloodstream of a savage with a battle hatchet. Listen to the songs and you will walk taller, shout louder, drive faster, love harder. The hard groove of the guitar work and percussion is based on clever riffs and heavy, addictive hooks appealing to classic rockers, 80s metalheads, 90s grunge-lovers, and enthusiasts who reveled in the post 2000s’ resurgence of hard-ass rock meant for bars and arenas, rock rooms, saloons, theaters and festivals, rock ‘til you drop. Moreover, bassist and vocalist Stephanie Wlosinski puts on a clinic for instrumental groove-sense and glorious power-singing over an enormous guitar sound and drumming that is way more than satisfying. Where I Begin was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jeremy Tabor at Triple Zero Music, and the art was created by 119 Design. Where I Begin will be released on January 26, 2024 by Eclipse Records.
Modern progressive metal unit INFECTED RAIN experienced their most successful years yet in 2022 and 2023, and are back to own 2024 with brand new music! Amid their current USA tour with Wednesday 13, the band has announced their multifaceted upcoming sixth album, TIME, out February 9, 2024 via Napalm Records.
Following their most successful album to date, 2022’s Ecdysis – which garnered prime media acclaim, hundreds of thousands of streams and views, and debuted in the Top 20 on the US Current Hard Music charts – INFECTED RAIN climbs even higher with TIME. Described by the multinational band as “an homage to every fleeting second, every heartbeat, and every breath that has led us to this moment,” TIME was once again produced, mixed and mastered by Valentin Voluta, and combines the deft talents of returning members Vidick (guitars, cover artist), Eugeniu Voluta (drums) and famed frontwoman Lena Scissorhands (vocals), plus introduces new member Alice Lane (bass) to the fold.
Today, the band kicks things off with an eerie, top quality music video for the crushing new single, “NEVER TO RETURN”. The track flirts with trip-hop elements and far eastern instrumentation before bludgeoning with aggressive riffs and dynamic vocals!
INFECTED RAIN says about “NEVER TO RETURN”:
“‘NEVER TO RETURN’ is our deep dive into the unstoppable flow of time, reminiscent of the shifting sands in an ancient desert.
Like smoke that slips through fingers, moments pass us by, leaving behind traces of memories.
In this song, amidst the backdrop of the vast, timeless desert, we transform into ethereal creatures, exploring the mysteries of time. It’s a reflection on life’s journey, with all its fleeting moments, and a reminder that every second counts.”
INFECTED RAIN exercise their trademarks withTIME, tastefully accenting the introspective musical journey with effectively-placed progressive, electronic and even nu-metal features amid ethereal passages.
INFECTED RAIN says about TIME:
“TIME is not just an album, it’s a journey, a testament to our evolution as INFECTED RAIN.
Time isn’t just a measure; it’s an ever-flowing river, a constant reminder of our fleeting moments and enduring legacies.
This subject resonates deeply throughout the record, offering to you a chance to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and dream of the future.
With TIME, we invite you to experience the phenomena of time with us, in all its haunting beauty and raw power.”
First track “BECAUSE I LET YOU” bursts in with undeniable energy, boasting aggressive lyrics and Lena Scissorhands’ swift, menacing delivery, before previously released first single “DYING LIGHT” marches with subterranean heaviness and rhythmic grooves beneath eerie vocals and keys, and even snaps into an EDM passage, showcasing the dynamic delivery of the band in 2024. Melodic ode to self-empowerment “LIGHTHOUSE” then crashes in to juxtapose soft verses and intense auditory shifts. Album standout and djent driven “VIVARIUM” warns of society’s fickle freedoms as Lena Scissorhands delivers some of the album’s most hair-raising screams amid a haunting, ominous atmosphere, while fast-paced burners like “THE ANSWER IS YOU” and “ENMITY” flash between various EDM, synthwave and even drum and bass brushed transits amid bludgeoning rhythms. Intense “GAME OF BLAME” explores themes of hypocrisy and emotional pain delved out by those we love while boasting one of the album’s most searing breakdowns, while tracks like “PANDEMONIUM” and “UNPREDICTABLE” detail the uncontrollable energy of the future and past, respectively – boasting lofty, angelic verses with hard-hitting guitars and punching drums. Italian/English-language journey “PAURA” closes out the album with a path to self-discovery – beckoning the listener to understand that we limit ourselves with our own fears, and must harness the pain to overcome. TIMEends in a state of calm with ambient finisher “A SECOND OR A THOUSAND YEARS” – drawing the curtains closed on yet another fantastic, experimental expedition by rising stars INFECTED RAIN.
INFECTED RAIN are on tour in the USA right now, supporting the duke of spook himself, WEDNESDAY 13! See below for all remaining tour dates:
WEDNESDAY 13 w/ INFECTED RAIN, Gemini Syndrome and Black Satellite:
11/09/23: Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theater 11/10/23: Madison, WI @ The Annex 11/11/23: Joliet, IL @ The Forge 11/12/23: Bloomington, IL @ Castle Theater 11/14/23: Belvedere, IL @ Apollo Theatre 11/15/23: Flint, MI @ Machine Shop 11/16/23: Cleveland, OH @ The Foundry 11/17/23: Pittsburgh, PA @ Crafthouse 11/18/23: Lititz, PA @ Mickey’s Black Box 11/19/23: Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz 11/22/23: Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero 11/24/23: Winston-Salem, NC @ Millenium Center 11/25/23: Richmond, VA @ Canal Club 11/26/23: Leesburg, VA @ Tally Ho 11/28/23: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade 11/30/23: Knoxville, TN @ The Concourse 12/01/23: Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall 12/02/23: Columbus, OH @ The King Of Clubs 12/03/23: Indianapolis, IN @ Hi Fi Annex 12/05/23: Des Moines, IA @ Lefty’s Live Music 12/06/23: Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theater 12/08/23: Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater 12/09/23: Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep
INFECTED RAIN are: Lena Scissorhands – Vocals Vidick – Guitar Alice Lane – Bass Eugeniu Voluta – Drums
This Friday, on November 10, 2023, SHYLMAGOGHNAR will celebrate the release of its third, critically acclaimed studio album, Convergence, via Napalm Records. After the one-man, atmospheric black metal act enthralled listeners with previously-released singles, “Follow The River” and “The Sea”, today, multi-instrumentalist and founding band member Nimblkorg has dropped a music video for“Infinion”!
He comments: “For those who make it beyond the veil awaits Infinion. The crossroads of all that is and all that will never be. Weary traveler, welcome back.
Only three more days until the full release of Convergence! Let’s celebrate with a third and final music video release: Infinion. This is the first full music video that I’ve made by myself. Enjoy the trip.
I also wish to thank you all again for the beautiful response that the first singles of the album have already been receiving, and for sharing your own experiences with these themes. This album is extremely personal to me and I feel honored to have you all partake in this journey.
Warm regards, Nim”
What started out as a duo back in 2004 has turned into a one-man-band, yet, the upcoming new album sees SHYLMAGOGHNAR returning heavier and stronger than before!
Both inside and outside of the music, SHYLMAGOGHNARhas always been a path with a will of its own for the Southern Netherlands-based Nimblkorg, who produces and records all of the music on his own. SHYLMAGOGHNAR is still a home produced project to this day and once again, almost half of the album is instrumental.
Convergence picks up right where both previous albums left off, and is intended as the end installment of a trilogy-in-spirit. While its predecessors, the much acclaimed Emergence (2014) and Transience (2018), invited the listener on a journey through human existence, time and space, Convergence marks the inward journey of death that one has to go through before being able to pass on. While the album’s protagonist is dying and lyrics describe the emotional, philosophical and psychedelic journey he is undertaking, the new SHYLMAGOGHNAR offering is also an allegory for learning to let go of positive and negative themes of the past that hold us back from moving on, and eventually, hopefully reaching inner peace. It’s immediately evident, that Convergence marks the deepest and most personal SHYLMAGOGHNAR record to date, as it’sdedicated to Nimblkorg’s late mother.
Convergence is a stirring, emotional and deep journey – never afraid of genre borders and always balanced between the light and dark, the beauty and horror, life and death. Some bands need countless records and members to create a masterpiece, while SHYLMAGOGHNARalready unleashes it with album number three, and one that will ultimately establish this one-man-show as one of the most enthralling acts in extreme music!
On July 14th, metal legends CAVALERA released the re-recorded versions of SEPULTURA‘s first EP Bestial Devastation and their first full-length album Morbid Visions via Nuclear Blast Records.
Today, the band offers fans the lyric video created by Costin Chioreanu for ‘Necromancer‘ from the Bestial Devastation EP.
Max Cavalera states, “‘Necromancer’ stands out on the EP. The new version and video bring to life the magic that started 40 years ago. I consider it my first ‘big’ song!”
Iggor Cavalera comments, “’Necromancer’ is a very special song for me, it is such a powerful force of riffs, beats, and screams. The video has a super cool vibe, dark and creepy.”
In two days, CAVALERA will embark on their highly anticipated ‘Morbid Devastation’ UK/European Tour. Accompanying the brothers on stage will be Igor Amadeus Cavalera (HEALING MAGIC, GO AHEAD AND DIE) fulfilling bass duties and Travis Stone (PIG DESTROYER, DESOLUS) will be supplying lead guitars. INCITE will be opening the tour package each night.
09.11.23 UK Wolverhampton, Steel Mill 10.11.23 UK Manchester, Academy 11.11.23 UK London, Shepherd’s Bush Empire 12.11.23 FR Lille, Aeronef 13.11.23 FR Paris, La Machine 15.11.23 NL Tilborg, 013 16.11.23 BE Ghent, Vooruit 17.11.23 DE Wiesbaden, Schlachthof 18.11.23 CH Pratteln, Konzerfabrik 20.11.23 DK Copenhagen, Pumphuset 21.11.23 NO Oslo, Rockefeller 22.11.23 SWE Stockholm, Debaser 24.11.23 DE Cologne, Kantine 25.11.23 DE Leipizg, Hellraiser 26.11.23 DE Berlin, Metropol 27.11.23 PL Warsaw, Stodola 28.11.23 PL Krakow, Studio 29.11.23 AT Vienna, Szene 30.11.23 HUN Budapest, Dure Kert 02.12.23 CZE Winter Masters of Rock, Zlin
Morbid Visions and Bestial Devastation were re-recorded at The Platinum Underground. The albums were produced by Max Cavalera and Iggor Cavalera while John Aquilino handled the engineering. Arthur Rizk was responsible for the mixing and mastering of both albums. CAVALERA enlisted Eliran Kantor to create the artwork for both albums.
ATREYU have released the final installment of their three-part EP series, A Torch In The Dark EP, leading into The Beautiful Dark of Life album out on December 8.
“Forevermore” is the EP’s love song. The lyrics feature five band members channeling their individual emotions, coalescing into one unified voice. “I hear very specific lyrics now and can remember exactly who or what I was thinking of when that came out,” explains bassist, McKnight, while frontman Saller labels the track, “The most vulnerable, tender moment this band has ever had.”
A Torch In The Dark EP continues the journey set by The Hope of a Spark EP and The Moment You Find Your Flame EP leading into The Beautiful Dark of Life which is a culmination of all three representing pieces of a puzzle, collectively amounting to something far greater.
This EP is about self-discovery, finding your purpose and confidence, and your future again. A victory through the shadows and conquering the darkness – for now. “Many people remember these moments and experiences that shaped who they are in very formative years,” he says. “But for me, that period of my life is one big void. There are things about me as a person and things I do to this day that I don’t like, but I don’t understand why.”
“We draw strength from each other and give each other the space and support to be the best, most creative person we can be,” guitarist, Dan Jacobs explains. “And together, right now, that makes us the best band we’ve ever been.”
“Everything that we have put out to this point has built up to this moment,” concluded Jacobs. “Something special is happening with ATREYU right now. We can feel the creativity and collaboration when the five of us get in the studio. We can feel the confidence we all give each other when we stand on stage together. And we can see it in the audience when they’re losing their minds. They’re having as good a time as we are ourselves.”
Atreyu will kick off their UK & European headlining tour dates on November 12 in Dublin at The Academy and conclude on December 3 in Stockholm at Klubben.
UK & EUROPEAN HEADLINE TOUR DATES:
11/12 – Dublin, IE @ The Academy 11/13 – Belfast, NIR @ Limelight 2 11/15 – Glasgow, SCT @ Garage 11/16 – Nottingham, ENG @ Rock City 11/18 – Wolverhampton, ENG @ KK’S Steel Mill 11/19 – Manchester, ENG @ Academy 2 (SOLD OUT) 11/20 – Bristol, ENG @ SWX 11/22 – London, ENG @ Electric Ballroom 11/23 – Brighton, ENG @ Chalk 11/25 – Berlin, GER @ Hole 44 11/26 – Prague, CZEC @ Rock Café 11/27 – Vienna, AUST @ Szene 11/28 – Munich, GER @ Backstage Werk 11/29 – Zurich, SWTZ @ Dynamo 12/01 – Madrid, SPN @ Mon Live 12/02 – Barcelona, SPN @ Apolo 2 12/04 – Paris, FRAN @ Backstage BTM 12/05 – Munster, GER @ Skaters Palace 12/06 – Antwerp, BELG @ Zappa 12/07 – Utrecht, NETH @ Tivoli 12/09 – Cologne, GER @ Kantine 12/10 – Hamburg, GER @ Knust (SOLD OUT) 12/11 – Copenhagen, DEN @ Pumpehuset 12/12 – Oslo, NORW @ John Dee 12/13 – Stockholm, SWDN @ Klubben
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 ) 