After three years of silence, HELLIGATORS are back with their new single, Disgrace. The song is an angst-ridden outburst towards all those people, institutions, mentalities and situations that only represent all the negative, corrupt, dishonest and dirty bullshit that happens in our day to day lives that sometimes makes us want to just F*CK SH*T UP! Rather than call for violence, it is a direct and unfiltered unveiling of these realities. A desire to defeat them through exposure. Because violence…is for losers!
In a desire to capture the true energy and primordial spirit of rock n’ roll, the band decided to record the song live, playing together at the same time. As if they were jamming in their rehearsal space in Rome. This was made possible thanks to the amazing work done by Danilo Silvestri of Rome’s Funhouse Studios.
The video that accompanies the song captures the ironic and light-hearted attitude that has always characterized the band and that finds the Helli-guys applying their very own and personal torture methods to an absolutely helpless victim, totally incapable of any opposition.
International heavy metal act BAD As‘ new singer John Jeff Touch has posted on his YouTube Channel a ‘one-take’ performance video of DIO‘s cover ‘Holy Diver’. No Autotune, No Edits!
John shared: “Vocal Planet: ⭐ Legends Never Die… R.J. DIO…One Of The Biggest Voices, That Defined Heavy Metal… The Tone Of His Voice & His Story Telling Ability Were Some Of The Things That Made Him So Special And Also Unique ! ⭐tip of the day: Strong Melodies With Powerful Vocals That Need To Be Kept As Is…Long Live Rock N Roll!!”
As previously announced, BAD As will join ELECTRIC GUITARLANDS (feat. Legendary Axemen GUS G (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind), Michael Angelo Batio, Rowan Robertson (R.J. DIO) and Andy Martongelli (David Ellefson), on their ‘The Great Final’ shows on May 19th and 20th at Teatro di Villa Potenza (Macerata – Italy), Borgo Nicolò Peranzoni 111.
BAD As will release their upcoming album “Fight The Demons” via WormHoleDeath Records/Warner, coming out in September 2023.
“Fight The Demons” promises to be an outstanding work of art with 11 catchy metal songs that will leave fans wanting more.
Bad As is known for their ability to cross over different genres, combining hard rock, metal, and prog to create a unique sound that sets them apart from other bands. The collaboration of the singer John Jeff Touch with Alberto Rigoni and the rest of the band has given a new vibe and modern sensation to the band while maintaining the power and aggressiveness of their previous albums.
“Fight The Demons” tracklist 1 Fear 2 You Better Run 3 The War is On 4 Fight The Demons 5 Nemesis 6 Where Did The Love Go 7 Inside A Dream 8 Awake 9 As I Walk Away 10 The Answer 11 Free
Watch “Fight The Demons” trailer below.
BAD As was formed in 2016 by world-renowned musicians, including rock vocalist Titta Tani, metal bassist Alberto Rigoni, guitarist Alessio “Lex” Tricarico, and drummer Denis “Denzy” Novello. Since then, they have released three albums and have caught the attention of journalists and promoters alike.
A special mention goes to the musical career of bassist Alberto Rigoni, who is also a composer and producer, worldwide known for his work as a solo artist and as a member of various metal bands such as Natural Born Machine, TwinSpirits, and Vivaldi Metal Project. He has released 12 solo albums spanning from progressive rock to fusion, featuring collaborations with notable musicians such as Jeff Scott Soto, Jordan Rudess, Marco Minnemann, etc. In addition, he has played live with various artists and recorded for international artists.
With the addition of new members, John Jeff Touch (winner of various European Artists Awards and collaborations with bands such as Deep Purple, VISION, S.I.N., COSMICRAY, Sanny X, etc) as new vocalist, and Marco Andreetto as the new drummer, BAD As is ready to take their music to the next level. Their future plans include playing their music live to bigger audiences and festivals after the release of their new album.
“We are looking forward to hitting the road and playing our music for our fans,” said the band. “We hope to see you all out there.”
Line-up: John Jeff Touch – vocals Alberto Rigoni – bass Alessio ‘Lex’ Tricarico – guitar Marco Andreetto – drums
Earlier Releases: Crucified Society – Album, Released: March 17 2020 via SlipTrick Records Midnight Curse – Album, Released: November 30th 2019 via RockShot RecordRigoni More Pain, More Gain – Album, Released: April 15th 2016 via Lion Music
PUPIL SLICER have today shared a new single and music video, titled Momentary Actuality. Momentary Actuality is the third and final pre-release single to be taken from their forthcoming second album, Blossom, due for release on June 2 via Prosthetic Records. The music video further expands upon PUPIL SLICER‘s hard science fiction/cosmic horror rock opera storyline for Blossom, with David Gregory once again providing visual direction.
Speaking on Momentary Actuality, PUPIL SLICER comments: “Momentary Actuality serves as the starting point for the story of Blossom and also encapsulates a musical mission statement for the album, the song encompasses a broad range of styles that are found on the rest of Blossom.
“This song really showcases our progression as musicians on a technical as well as compositional level, with a lot of care taken to craft a very satisfying structure to the over-the-top riffs and breakdowns we’ve come to be known for.”
Drawing influence from a myriad of genre classics across books, movies and videogames, PUPIL 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‘s Blossom is available on multiple physical formats, including various vinyl variants and CD – CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
PUPIL SLICER is: Kate Davies – vocals and guitar Frank Muir – guitar Luke Fabian – bass Joshua Andrews – drums
PUPIL SLICER have also recently announced a number of 2023 tour and festival dates, including their first ever shows in mainland Europe with Boris.
Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voice recently interviewed Ratt singer Stephen Pearcy about the bands upcoming limited 40 year Anniversary Box set which will be released June 12, 2023. The Box set covers five studio albums and is being released by BMG in partnership with Rhino Entertainment, chronicling the band’s biggest years with Atlantic Records.
Pearcy also talked about the infamous Gladiators, Van Halen and the legacy of the late guitarist Robbin Crosby.
In the interview Stephen Pearcy was asked about the legacy of the late guitarist Robbin Crosby he said,” he lived and breathed Ratt. If was around today he would be kicking some ass because of how some of the guys (in the band) have just dislocated themselves from this great brand band entity. Robbin was the epitome of Rat and Roll, he was our leader. He was our guy. He was the one who kept the sh-it together. So when he started falling apart, we (Ratt) fell apart at the seams. There was not much I could do and it was Mutiny after he was gone, it was Mutiny on me. because I was the only one left doing everything. Robbin was my right hand man from day one, I mean he picked Warren (DeMartini) to come into the band. Him and I did a lot of leg work. We bounced around as the Gladiators. We were doing that for a reason, to be noticed, here we are and he could not be missed. The only thing I could say about Robin is he was the glue that kept us together and he was the King man. He lived and breathed the band and I knew when he was out, it was pretty much the end of what we were, what we had accomplished.”
Ascending British hard rock sect, WYTCH HAZEL, will release its new album, ‘IV: Sacrament‘, on June 2 via Bad Omen Records. Recorded with long-time producer Ed Turner (Purson), and tracked in a converted Baptist chapel in rural Wales, the record is a resounding achievement and glittering treasure chest that builds on the momentum of the band’s celebrated 2020 album ‘III: Pentecost‘, glorified by Under The Radar as “an invocation of rock and roll at its purest and, more specifically, of all that made the New Wave of British Heavy Metal in the late ’70s so special” and compelled Metal Injection to opine, “Wytch Hazel is arguably one of the best heavy metal bands out there right now and everyone should be listening to them.”
Led by vocalist / multi-instrumentalist Colin Hendra, Wytch Hazel is a singular source of hard rock/heavy metal dominion, offering a never ending quantum of mediaeval melodic structures and to uplifting hymns, ‘IV: Sacrament‘ is overflowing with indelible ear-worms the likes of which must be heard to be believed. And believe, you shall.
In advance of the new record’s release, Wytch Hazel unveils a video for its new song, “Strong Heart”, a hook-laden anthem which features the band performing as live while surrounded by pillars of light. Observe the celebration at this location.
Wytch Hazel has also dropped a lyric video for the new track, “A Thousand Years”, a stone cold rock banger featuring classically beautiful production and a ripping Neal Schon/Aldo Nova-type guitar solo. Stream Wytch Hazel‘s “A Thousand Years” at this location.
“I’ve blown my own mind a bit,” Colin states, “and even after all this painstaking work, I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what Wytch Hazel could be doing musically. I wish I could have a month to work on one song, and go on a tangent a bit. I will in the future, it’s going in the right direction. It’s some of the most honest songwriting I’ve ever done, and the lyrics come from a darker place, I think. I’m getting older, that comes through in some lyrics: ‘see my body breaking’, ‘I’m digging deeper’, ‘time’s running out…’ – I struggle to see the positive a lot of the time, so the songs end up being negative, the subject matter coming from constant striving.“
It’s these deeply personal lyrics, coming from a place of faith and conviction, which make Wytch Hazel stand out further from the modern herd; although we’ve been bombarded with the cartoon diabolism of the ‘occult rock’ revival for the best part of two decades, no other band has dared to offer the other side of the story. Yet lest any heathen headbanger start to fear any kind of evangelical conversion agenda, Hendra expands on his position: “Music is created for all, it’s a common grace for everyone,” he affirms, “which is why the music that shows the glory of God the most, in my opinion, is not music created by Christians. It’s Black Sabbath, you know!“
Wytch Hazel has also unleashed a music video for the new song “Angel of Light”. Created by Wild Stag Studios (Angel Witch, Rick Wakeman), the clip features Wytch Hazel performing in a devout setting, showcasing the radiant energy of its purified live sets. The track met to rousing response upon its release, with Metal Injection noting, “Wytch Hazel has guitar harmonies for days” and Classic Rock naming the tune as one of its Tracks of the Week while opining, “there’s much to enjoy here regardless of your religious persuasion…think Blue Oyster Cult-meets-Thin Lizzy, with the gallop of Iron Maiden and uplifting harmonies“. Watch Wytch Hazel‘s “Angel of Light” video at this location.
Track listing: 01. The Fire’s Control 02. Angel of Light (watch VIDEO) 03. Time and Doubt 04. Strong Heart (watch VIDEO) 05. Deliver Us 06. A Thousand Years (watch VIDEO) 07. Gold Light 08. Endless Battle 09. Future Is Gold 10. Digging Deeper
In addition to vocalist/guitarist Colin Hendra, Wytch Hazel features Alex Haslam (guitar), Andy Shackleton (bass) and Aaron Hay (drums).
“Retro heavy rockers Wytch Hazel have drawn quite a bit of attention these last few years with a consistent stream of excellent and always-improving albums-and for their unabashed love for their lord and saviour Jesus Christ…their third album III: Pentecost came out on Bad Omen Records to near-universal acclaim (aside from a bit of grumbling from metalheads who that are less interested in Christian lyrics). For the uninitiated, Wytch Hazel sound quite a bit like the glory days of early heavy metal just before Iron Maiden and Saxon took over the world; some good references are Ashbury, Wishbone Ash, and Pagan Altar, but Wytch Hazel’s sound is all their own” – Invisible Oranges
Agonia Records is proud to welcome the American atmospheric black metal band ABIGAIL WILLIAMS to its roster. The band is currently working on a new album, follow-up to 2019’s “Walk Beyond the Dark”.
“I am thrilled to announce that Abigail Williams has signed with Agonia Records for our upcoming album release,” comments Ken Sorceron, the founding member and driving force behind ABIGAIL WILLIAMS. “The team at Agonia Records has shown tremendous enthusiasm and support for our music, and we feel confident that they will help us take our music to the next level. We can’t wait to unleash our new album upon the world, and we are grateful to have Agonia Records by our side for this journey.”
Photo credit: Hannah Lunds
Nearing its 20th year of existence (having been formed in 2004), ABIGAIL WILLIAMS has upgraded its formula to a quartet, comprising Ken Sorceron (ex-Aborted, ex-The Faceless, Vale Of Pnath) on vocals and guitars, Vance Valenzuela (Vale Of Pnath) on guitars, John Porada (ex-Nachtmystium, ex-Wolvhammer) on bass and Gabe Seeber (Decrepit Birth) on drums. With Sorceron retaining his leading role, the band intends to continue its evolution and expand on its unique and intensive sound, forged throughout five studio albums, and anchored in black metal with shades of death metal & symphonic metal.
ABIGAIL WILLIAMS‘ drive to create dark and powerful music debuted on the album “In the Shadow of a Thousand Suns” (2008), released on Cadlelight Records, who served as the band’s label for the majority of its career (excluding 2019’s “Walk Beyond the Dark”, released on Blood Music). Their early style encompassed metalcore and symphonic black metal, and underwent its first overhaul in 2010, on “In the Absence of Light”. The installment saw the band drift towards more traditional black metal, but it wasn’t until “Becoming” (2012) the group unlocked its true potential, and laid foundations for its future sound. Through “The Accuser” (2015) and the last album, “Walk Beyond the Dark”, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS evolved significantly and dove deep into exploring new sonic perspectives, both powerful and emotionally charged.
The band is known for its intensive live act, and was last seen on stage throughout the North American Devastation of the Nation tour 2022, where it played in support of Rotting Christ and Borkanagar.
ABIGAIL WILLIAMS has taken its name aftera girl whose false accusations ignited the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.The band’s logo was crafted by Christophe Szpajdel (Emperor, Moonspell, Borknagar).
Line-up: Ken Sorceron – vocals, guitars Vance Valenzuela – guitars John Porada – bass Gabe Seeber – drums
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 ) 