HIEROPHANT are annihilating Europe all summer long. The down-and-dirty Italian death metal band have already stormed festival stages in Austria, Germany and France. Today, they’re releasing a live video from Hellfest. Watch the controlled chaos of “Death Seige” over on our YouTube channel HERE.
“We fiercely brought the Death Siege flag over the Hellfest ranks”, says Hierophant. “Forever cursed, into the abyss”.
“Death Siege” is the title track off the band’s latest album. Order it from the Season of Mist shop HERE.
Hierophant aren’t done terrorizing Europe. They’re sieging the stage at festivals well into the fall, including three shows in their home country of Italy.
HIEROPHANT 08/03 Velenje, SI @ Metal Days 2023 [TICKETS] 08/04 Budapest, HU @ Analog Music Hall [TICKETS] 08/05 Transylvania, RO @ Rockstadt Extreme Fest [TICKETS] 08/17 Pescara, IT @ Frantic Fest 2023 [TICKETS] 09/09 Bologna, IT @ Arcanum Fest [TICKETS] 09/22 Weimar, DE @ Party.San Herbstoffensive [TICKETS] 09/24 Torino, IT @ Burning Tower Feast [TICKETS] 10/28 Prague, CZ @ Prague Death Mass [TICKETS]
Track-list 1. Mortem Aeternam (1:20) 2. Seeds of Vengeance (4:26) 3. Devil Incarnate (4:23) [WATCH] 4. Bloodbath Compendium (4:04) 5. Crypt of Existence (4:08) [WATCH] 6. Interlude (1:09) 7. In Chaos, In Death (3:54) 8. Abysmal Annihilation (4:21) 9. Death Siege (5:43) [WATCH] 10. Nemesis of Thy Mortals (6:29) Total: 39:57
London, UK mathcore band PUPIL SLICER has today premiered a bass playthrough for Momentary Actualityvia Gear Gods, with bassist Luke Fabian sharing some words on the songs creative process ahead of the band’s upcoming festival appearances at Boomtown and ArcTanGent in the UK – full touring dates below. Momentary Actuality is taken from PUPIL SLICER‘s acclaimed and US Billboard charting second album, Blossom.
Speaking on the premiere, PUPIL SLICER‘s Luke Fabian comments: “Although Momentary Actuality is a relatively short track, it has a lot of different parts and I feel it was carefully and considerately placed into the album. Likewise, I tried to reflect this in the bass parts for the tracks. Using octaves on the main riffs for thickness, some slap in the mathcore type ‘verse’, a melodic and arpeggiated progression in the chorus and some dissonant chords in the middle section to thicken the guitar panic chords.
“This is a fun song to play live, and to do backing vocals on. This was the third single released from Blossom and a firm staple in the set list for the foreseeable. The playthrough was shot at Patronaat, Haarlem in the Netherlands on our Tour with Boris earlier this year in May. For the record, and live I used this 5 string Ernie Ball MusicMan Stingray, tuned AEADG.”
On BlossomPUPIL SLICER‘s primary lyricist, Kate Davies has crafted a story that conveys personal experiences via an other-worldly narrative. In the wake of a profane signal of alien origin, the album opens with the protagonist losing touch with reality beneath a starry night sky. What follows is a kaleidoscopic voyage through another plane of existence where all is not as it first seems; trapped in a loop of destruction that must be imparted upon others. The tale ultimately comes to a point with serenity achieved in the closing minutes, planting the seeds of hope for an opportunity to start anew.
Whilst 2020’s Mirrors was lyrically a very raw, biographical album, on Blossom Davies has deftly blended between their lived experiences and the tales that unfold throughout the ten tracks on the follow up. These stories are supported by the intensely intricate and skillful rhythmic backbone provided by Josh Andrews on drums, Luke Fabian on bass and bursts of shredding leads from former live guitarist Frank Muir. Told through the prism of a fantastical fiction, the visceral delivery and cathartic energy is palpable as ever; intergalactic embellishments can’t destroy the umbilical link between what churns within and what is later spewed out.
An intense month in the studio with producer Lewis Johns has led to a cohesive and confident sounding album that embraces ethereal singing, electronic breakdowns, and bold experimentation – without ever losing sight of their core tenets. Through darkness and despair, there is always – at the very least – a glimmer of light in all that they do. Drawing from influences as diverse as Nine Inch Nails, Deafheaven, Radiohead, and Botch, PUPIL SLICER have moulded an album that is effervescent with passion but doesn’t shy away from a good hook and a catchy chorus.
Blossom track list 1. Glaring Dark of Night 2. Momentary Actuality 3. Departure in Solitude 4. Creating the Devil in Our Image 5. The Song at Creation’s End 6. No Temple 7. Terminal Lucidity 8. Language of the Stars 9. Dim Morning Light 10. Blossom
PUPIL SLICER is: Kate Davies – vocals and guitar Frank Muir – guitar Luke Fabian – bass Joshua Andrews – drums
Canadian sci-fi metal innovators VOIVOD are celebrating 40 eventful years of existence in 2023 with a special Anniversary studio album entitled Morgöth Tales, released worldwide now via Century Media Records.
Upon release this week, Morgöth Tales has entered the official album sales charts in Germany at # 36 and in Switzerland at # 94. Congratulations!
To further support the album’s release and their 40th Anniversary, VOIVOD are now launching a new live video of the song “Thrashing Rage” recorded by the Rockpalast / WDR team at the band’s recent appearance at Germany’s Rock Hard Festival. Check it out here:
VOIVOD drummer Michel “Away” Langevin checked in with the following comment about the clip: “At the end of the last USA tour in May, Rock Hard Festival asked Voïvod to fill in last minute for Discharge, who could not make it. We last played there in 2015 and love the outdoor amphitheater as well as the metal family atmosphere on the site and backstage. One of the highlights for me was watching Brian Downey’s Alive and Dangerous from the side of the stage. Here’s “Thrashing Rage”, a cut from our May 27th, 2023 Rock Hard Festival show, filmed by the legendary Rockpalast during our “Morgöth Tales” tour, which is not over yet! See you on the road soon…”
VOIVOD previously launched a stunning video for the album’s title-track “Morgöth Tales” directed by Above The Void / http://www.abovethevoid.com, which can be seen here: https://youtu.be/lzeQgtlnWhc as well as a lyric-video created by Cloud Music Typography for the song “Nuage Fractal (2023 Version)”, which can be seen here: https://youtu.be/YNQTBSu79T4
Once more recorded and mixed by Francis Perron at RadicArt Studio, mastered by Maor Appelbaum and produced by VOIVOD, Morgöth Tales includes fresh studio (re-)recordings by the band’s current line-up of 9 especially selected, not-so-obvious picks from the band’s hyper-classy and extremely diverse back catalogue (between 1984 and 2003) as well as a brand-new song in the album’s title-track, “Morgöth Tales”.
The cover artwork for Morgöth Tales was once again created by VOIVOD drummer Michel “Away” Langevin. Order the album at https://voivodband.lnk.to/MorgothTales
VOIVOD are set to return to Europe as part of their 40th Anniversary celebration again in August for a run of shows, commencing with an appearance at Germany’s legendary Wacken Open Air festival on August 5th, 2021. Make sure not to miss them on the upcoming shows:
VOIVOD – Live 2023/2024:
Aug. 5, 2023 – Wacken (Germany) – Wacken Open Air Aug. 7, 2023 – Copenhagen (Denmark) – Beta Aug. 8, 2023 – Aalborg (Denmark) – 1000Fryd Aug. 9, 2023 – Stockholm (Sweden) – Nalen Klubb Aug. 11, 2023 – Helsinki (Finland) – Helsinki Metal Festival Sept. 7, 2023 – São Paulo (Brazil) – Septembro Negro Festival / Pre-Festa Sept. 15, 2023 – Quebec City, QC (Canada) – Envol et Macadam Festival Sept. 21, 2023 – New Richmond, QC (Canada) – Salle De Spectacles Régionale Desjardins Sept. 22, 2023 – Gaspé, QC (Canada) – Centre de Création Diffusion Sept. 23, 2023 – Rimouski, QC (Canada) – Salle Desjardins-Telus Dec. 16, 2023 – Laval, QC (Canada) – Place Bell Feb. 23, 2024 – Joliette, QC (Canada) – Centre Culturel Desjardins Feb. 24, 2024 – Saint-Hyacinthe, QC (Canada) – Centre Des Arts Juliette-Lassonde
And more international dates to be announced soon…
Prepare to be captivated by the relentless energy and profound introspection of CARBON BLACK’s latest release, “The One Who Knows My Name.” This hard-hitting lyric video, accompanied by the band’s dynamic thrash metal sound, offers a gripping exploration of self-identity and the universal quest for connection.
“The One Who Knows My Name” delves deep into the depths of the human experience, tackling the influence of societal expectations and the fears that arise during the journey of self-discovery. In a world filled with uncertainty and aimlessness, this powerful track serves as a rallying cry to break free from conformity and embrace an authentic existence, even in the face of fears and the unknown.
Carbon Black, known for their iron-clad rhythm section comprising the talented Giles brothers, Steve on drums and Rob on bass guitar, are joined by former Nekrofeist guitarist Damon Bishop and the remarkable musical theatre vocalist Jon Hurley. Together, they create a unique blend of groove-based metal and rock, combining a foundation of honest 1990s influences with their signature sound.
Carbon Black’s lineup includes Jonathan Hurley on vocals, Steve Giles on drums and percussion, Rob Giles on bass guitar, and Damon Bishop on guitar. The band’s blend of social and political commentary and a lot of heart has earned them a loyal following and critical acclaim.
To stay updated on Carbon Black’s latest news and releases, make sure to follow them on social media:
DOBERMANN have released their latest lyric video for the track ‘Summer Devil’. Check it out below.
Dobermann are one of the most active independent groups in the European rock circuit.
With 900 concerts and 5 albums in twelve years under their belt, the band has covered more than 1 million kilometers across Italy, Switzerland, France, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, England, and Germany, playing hundreds of dates in Spain and the United Kingdom.
They have also participated in important festivals such as Hard Rock Hell, Rock The Ring, Moped Marathon, Cubelles Rock Festival, Luppolo in Rock, Suoni di Marca, and many others, sharing the stage with Skid Row, Girlschool, Doro, Great White, and the Quireboys, all without an agency or management.
Their latest studio work, ‘Shaken to the Core,’ was released in 2021, with deliberately sleek and essential production by Alessandro del Vecchio.
UK blues rock band, ALBANY DOWN, are pleased to announce their second single “Same Damn Thing” – taken from their forthcoming album “Born In The Ashes” released Friday 1 September 2023. The album is available to pre-order from http://shop.albanydown.com.
Released Wednesday 2 August, Albany Down’s second single, “Same Damn Thing” is available on all streaming platforms from https://hyperfollow.com/AlbanyDown.
“Same Damn Thing has a hint of Motown about it,” says Albany Down’s guitarist and vocalist Paul Turley. “The premise of the song is about feeling of being stuck in a rut, unable to escape your worries.”
Albany Down originally came together with some classic rock and British blues-rock influences, but with their 2011 debut album, “South of the City,” they found their own sound.
Albany Down comprises founder member Paul Turley on vocals and guitars, drummer and backing vocalist, Pete Hancock, and bassist and backing vocalist Ben Atkins. The band has recorded four studio albums with producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, INME, Super Furry Animals).
Blues Rock Review offered a fair assessment of the band and their debut album: “South of the City” is a solid debut album from Albany Down. It will be interesting to see how they develop in the coming years.”
In 2013 the band stepped up to the plate with 12 original well-crafted songs on their formidable second album “Not Over Yet”, including the 2013 ISC award winning “Best Blues Song” – “You Ain’t Coming Home.” Traditionally a band’s second album is regarded as being problematical but Albany Down turned that notion on its head, taking all that was good in “South of the City,” honing their song writing craft and revelling in Greg Haver’s powerful production.
With the release of their third album “The Outer Reach” in 2016, Albany Down won many new fans touring in the UK and The Netherlands. They were voted winners of the 2016 UK Song Writing Competition for Best Rock Song (“Feeding the Flame”) and Best Music Video, and voted #5 Best Album of 2016 by Blues Rock Review.
It was no surprise therefore that in 2020 they once again turned to Greg to produce their new opus “Born In The Ashes” which like previous albums has a strong “overcoming adversity” theme, inspired by those darkest days during the 2020/22 global pandemic followed by War in Ukraine, political, civil, and economic unrest. The new album was recorded at Rockfield Studios with Greg bringing together the same recording and production team as he used on all previous Albany Down albums.
“We all came to the band with different but related musical influences” says Paul Turley. “I wanted to build on those and write and play music that was all our own and contemporary. We enjoyed working with Greg and his team and he has undoubtedly enabled us to expand both our musical horizons and our self confidence in trying out new things.”
With over 12,000 fans on Facebook, fans of Albany Down agree that their live show never disappoints. The band run on pure adrenalin, unrelenting energy and raw emotion and soon have any crowd entranced. The music is based on Paul’s thunderous guitar riffs, Pete and Ben’s pounding bass and drums juxtaposed with soulful, soaring, emotionally charged ballads.
Album Track Listing (CD and Digital)
1. Always Want What You Can’t Have 2. Good News 3. Same Damn Thing 4. The Memory of What Used To Be 5. Reflections 6. Born In The Ashes 7. Darkest Day 8. Kingdom of the Blind 9. Don’t Look Back 10. I’ll Come Running 11. Your Days Are Numbered 12. This Heavy Soul 13. Let Your Love Shine
Album Track Listing (Vinyl)
Side A
1. Always Want What You Can’t Have 2. Good News 3 Same Damn Thing 4. The Memory of What Used To Be 5. Reflections
Side B
6. Born In The Ashes 7. Darkest Day 8. I’ll Come Running 9. This Heavy Soul 10. Let Your Love Shine
Production Credits
Paul Turley: Lead and backing vocals, guitars Ben Atkins: Bass guitar, backing vocals Pete Hancock: Drums, backing vocals Produced by Greg Haver Engineered by Clint Murphy Assistant Engineer: Tarrant Shepherd Backing vocals: Cat Wyn Southall Keys: Nick Nasmyth Strings: Andrew Walters – The Vulcan Strings Brass: Uppercut Horns French Horn Matt Jewell (Darkest Day) Bedford Friends Choir (This Heavy Soul) Mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound USA
Album Track By Track
Always Want What You Can’t Have The album kicks off with the first song the band recorded at Rockfield Studios. Opening with a spiky guitar riff that is soon joined by a thumping rhythm section groove, in a song for people who are never satisfied with what they have.
Good News An endless barrage of bad news can soon wear you down, this song is a reminder that sometimes we all need a little Good News too. From the very first chord this tune Rocks like a bull in a China shop.
Same Damn Thing Brass stabs lend a hint of a Motown feel to this song about the feeling of being stuck in a rut, unable to escape your worries.
The Memory of What Used To Be A meditation on the relentless passage of time and the inevitability of change, featuring the beautiful soulful vocals of Cat Wyn Southall and benefitting from Greg Haver’s powerful production.
Reflections A Hendrix-tinged blues rock song contemplating the paths in life we didn’t take.
Born In The Ashes A song about rebirth and renewal seems appropriate as the title track of the new album. The band’s first live performance of this song was at the Whitby Blues Festival in November 2022 which proved to be the perfect setting for their “Born In The Ashes” album music video.
Darkest Day Continuing the themes of Born In The Ashes this dynamic song evokes a new chapter in the direction of the album. It creates a musical tapestry of images that bring together elements of the previous songs with those that are to follow.
Kingdom of the Blind This is an escapist homage to the Classic Rock songs of yesteryear. The song is littered with obscure cultural references, including its title which originates from a quote credited to Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus.
Don’t Look Back This high-octane rock song describes a journey of “no return” at a breakneck pace.
I’ll Come Running A feel-good song about friendship, featuring Brass recorded by Uppercut Horns in New Zealand
Your Days Are Numbered Inspired by corrupt leaders clinging to power, this song describes the termination of a dysfunctional relationship.
This Heavy Soul The albums penultimate song is a heartfelt ballad and a message of hope to those who feel the weight of existence is too much to bear.
Let Your Love Shine The final track on the album is a powerful love song full of optimism for a better future.
The album title track “Born In The Ashes” has recently been awarded semi-finalist in the 2022 ISC International Song Writing Competition “Best Rock Song” category.
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 ) 