British/Danish rock singer MICHAEL CATTON (ex-Tainted Lady) has teamed up with guitar virtuoso Soren Andersen, for the release Catton’s debut solo album. Immersing themselves in their common love of 70’s and 80’s hard rock, they are bringing the style, spirit and swagger of the golden age of rock to the modern day. And the first single of the album, “Ready For The Takin’”, hits the ground running.
“”Ready For The Takin’” is the final form of a song I began writing in my bedroom over a decade ago, back when I was discovering bands like Kiss and Def Leppard”, Catton reveals. “When I teamed up with Soren, we wrote the chorus together and had the first fully-fledged song on the album. It’s a fun rocker and holds a special place in my heart, representing my teenage dream of releasing my own songs that has now become a reality”.
Today Metal Shock Finland has a pleasure to premiere for Finland MICHAEL CATTON’s official video, enjoy the premiering below.
Lineup: Michael Catton – vocals Soren Andersen – guitar Chris Catton – keyboards, backing vocals Michael Gersdorff – bass Allan Tschicaja – drums
A strong debut demands a strong follow-up. The pop/rock sextet BOYS FROM HEAVEN are now ready with their sophomore album, “The Descendant”.
The group, though still faithful to the 80’s AOR universe, has found greater inspiration in a more atmospheric sound, where dreamy pads, punchy synthesizers and drum machines are blended with the band’s organic and authentic sound.
All musical elements have been meticulously crafted in this incredibly detailed production, which is mixed and mastered by Erik Martensson (Eclipse, Ammunition, etc.).
On “The Descendant”, Boys From Heaven present the sonic equivalent of cruising back to the future, straight to the arcade hall, on to the drive-in cinema, and back home to mend a broken heart.
“With this release, we have made an album that doesn’t just draw its inspiration from the 80’s, but also takes the listener through an array of emotions analogous with this period of music”, keyboardist Mads Noye offers. “The album takes you on a trip from the classic Kenny-Loggins-workout-montage heard on the track “Saling On”; to the sobbing-by-a-rainy-windowsill, 80’s pop banger “Sarah”; and everything in between. Above all, the songs on the album take you on an emotional rollercoaster – and that’s what we are best at!”.
For “The Descendant”, the Danish boys decided to approach the recording in a different way, opting for a more intimate setting. “We know from experience that the tracking process is the longest when crafting an album, and also the most important. Because of this, we didn’t want to book an expensive studio and feel pressed for time and money”, lead singer Chris Catton explains. “We wished to record as much of the album ourselves as possible, so we had time to polish all the details that are part of writing a great, coherent record. Therefore we chose to record the album in my studio in Copenhagen, giving us the opportunity to care for even the smallest details of the album. This, of course, means very little if you don’t have the right producer who can take the recordings and bring the songs to the next level. That’s why we teamed up with Erik Martensson of Eclipse who, it must be said, certainly lives up to his reputation with this impressive production”, he concludes.
“The Descendant” will be released on LP (180gr black vinyl, limited to 300), CD and digital formats via Target Records on June 9th, 2023. Pre-orders are available here.
The digital single “Sailing On”, taken from the album, is out now and can be streamed here.
“The Descendant” tracklist:
1. Sailing On 2. Make It Right 3. Sarah 4. Endless Love 5. Last Time 6. Circles 7. The Dream Is Gone 8. Too Far Gone
Lineup: Mads Noyé – keyboards Mads Schaumann – guitar, vocals Søren Viig Mathiesen – drums Chris Catton – lead vocals Jonas Klintström Larsen – saxophone Morten Bille – bass
April 7th will see the release of “Useless Propaganda”, the third album by Milan based One Horse Band, which will be coming out via Go Down Records. In support of the album, One Horse Band has released a music video for the new single “Supersonic”. Watch it below.
“Supersonic is a straight and simple rock’n’roll song. Sometimes you try to look suspicious or even sophisticated, afterall you always end up grabbing a guitar and playing the same old three chords. It’s such a timeless formula.” One Horse Band comments.
Recorded in Toronto, Canada, produced and mixed by the Los Angeles rock producer Dave Schiffman (who has worked for bands like Rage Against The Machine, System Of A Down and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club), the new album dials down the aggression in favor of reflection.
Coming from a strict do it yourself philosophy and a fast & loud attitude, the One Horse Band has not completely left his rawness behind but carefully redefined it in a more mature and polished dress. “Useless Propaganda” intentionally rips apart the idea of what the One Horse Band is and represents, sounding like a fine tuned mash up between alternative rock, garage noise and punk anger. Lyrics are getting very personal, but even the most introspective moments are delivered with the same desperation and represent a voice of righteous rage in the modern age. “Useless Propaganda” is an intimate journey from innocence to disillusion, a new evolutionary stage in the One Horse Band path and a painful scream that will probably remain unheard.
“Useless Propaganda” is available for pre-order at THIS LOCATION
May 19, 2023 will see blackened death metal force THULCANDRA release their fifth studio album, entitled Hail The Abyss, via Napalm Records. Following the recent release of their music video for first single “As I Walk Through The Gateway”, today, the German four-piece has shared their diabolic album title track, “Hail The Abyss“!
The band’s forthcoming magnum opus proves yet again why they’re atop death metal’s malefic vedette. It showcases their affinity for dark, aggressive and mellifluous metal while the entire album rips and terrorizes with the intensity of hell. As always, THULCANDRA‘s about a vibe – there’s always a unique “feel” that’s distinctly old-school, but without the tired trappings of it.
Preparing to return from their debut US tour alongside FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, OBSCURA & WOLFHEART, guitarist/vocalist Steffen Kummerer comments about the new single:
“The title track of our upcoming album, „Hail The Abyss“, turned into a sharp and pushing composition that blends a balanced mix of black and death metal. The record turned out as we hoped it will, and the video produced by Grupa13 (Behemoth, Kreator, Arch Enemy) might be the most iconic clip we came up with in our 20 year long lasting career.“
THULCANDRA’s rise to power ignited when the band unleashed their debut album, Fallen Angel’s Dominion, upon metaldom in 2010. The group, fronted by founding member and visionary Steffen Kummerer (also of Obscura fame), have tightened their hibernal grip on blackened death metal since. The desolate melodic emanations in follow-up studio records Under a Frozen Sun (2011), Ascension Lost (2015), and the chart-topping, 2021-album A Dying Wish, dedicated to late bassist Chris Kratzer, solidified THULCANDRA as a superior force, expertly thrusting the magic and mystery of mid-’90s melodic black-death metal into the modern era.
“With ‘Hail The Abyss’, we just count the 5th album within 20 years of Thulcandra“, Kummerer recently said.“A banger, and a diverse record that shows a unique blend of black and death metal, combined with classic heavy metal twin guitars. The album turned out excellent and Dan Swanö delivered a splendid mix – raw, natural and showcasing each individual musician on the record. ‘Hail The Abyss’ undoubtedly turned into a highlight of our long lasting career.“
Hail the Abyss is slated for release on May 19, 2023 via Napalm Records. Cooperation with renowned producer Dan Swanö (Dissection, Opeth, Katatonia) was compulsory, as was the re-invitation to cover-master Lochner.
Deliverance In Sin And Death – Live (CD Bonus Track)
THULCANDRA US TOUR DATES w/ FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, OBSCURA & WOLFHEART:
Mar-16 USA | Los Angeles, CA – The Regent
EUROPE: 19.05.2023 GER | Landshut – Rocketclub (Exclusive Album Release Show!) 22.07.2023 GER | Rock Unter Den Eichen Festival 2023 27.07.2023 GER | Kassel Goldgrube 28.07.2023 GER | Burning Q Festival 2023 02.09.2023 GER | Ghosts Of Dinmin Festival 2023
Death thrash force DIETH – featuring the iconic line-up of Grammy Award winning bassist David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth), Swedish Grammy nominated guitarist/vocalist Guilherme Miranda (ex-Entombed A.D.) and drummer Michał Łysejko (ex-Decapitated) – finally make their highly anticipated return with the upcoming release of their debut full-length via Napalm Records, entitled To Hell And Back, out June 2, 2023!
Produced by DIETH with mixing and mastering by Tomasz Zed Zalewski at Zed Studios in Chechło, Poland, the album represents new beginnings – musically, lyrically and for the band members themselves.Weaving a sinister thread of unrelenting tech-steeped death metal, rapid thrash bangers and even boasting the first ever lead vocal performance by David Ellefson on a track, the members of DIETH have pushed beyond the stereotypes of their former genres to create an unexpected yet charismatic and dynamic new sonic footprint.
Today, DIETH dominate with second single and title track “To Hell And Back” – marking the anticipated rebirth of these three metal greats. The track delivers a punishing death metal attack – with commanding vocals, tight, diverse percussion attacks, deep, grooving bass, inventive, technical riffs and a soaring solo. The high quality video shows the members pushing back against the dark forces around them, one by one, amid fiery performance footage.
Frontman Guilherme Miranda says about “To Hell And Back”: “‘To Hell And Back’ is the song that best describes our individual and collective journeys as professional musicians. For an album to connect with the listener, it has to have deep meaning, and this wraps up this whole moment for us. We’ve been to Hell – and we’re Back!”
DIETH set the metalsphere ablaze when they dropped their debut single and now album track, “In The Hall of the Hanging Serpents”, in mid-2022. Met with acclaim from both fans and media alike, the surprise track marked the exciting resurgence of these three renowned musicians, coming together as a new musical force after years of silence.
Opening with an entrancing acoustic introduction, first track “To Hell And Back” quickly slams in with a punishing death metal attack. Tracks like “Dead Inside” and “Don’t Get Mad … Get Even!” showcase the thrash-infused side of DIETH, while death metal anthems such as “Wicked Disdain” and “The Mark of Cain” lean diabolical with hair-raising solos and breakneck paced rhythms backed by crushing walls of aggression. Standout “Free Us All” flirts with the record’s pace by blending winding passages and aggression with throwback bass-driven interludes with psychedelic production, followed by “Heavy Is The Crown” – a slow and low grinder featuring stoner metal groove, a swaying chorus and a blues-infused solo. Pensive, powerful ballad “Walk With Me Forever” showcases David Ellefson’s lead vocal performance debut, singing about the intense loss of a loved one and their memory providing the strength to carry on.
Ending with intensely beautiful “Severance”, To Hell And Back proves that DIETH isn’t just another side project or “supergroup”, but rather the collective reincarnation of three renowned heavy metal forces who, by harnessing their own pain and conflict, have delivered an exciting next chapter no metal fan will want to miss!
Bassist/vocalist David Ellefson says about the new album: “This album has been a terrific collaboration, building upon our past as we created a new sound together… we’re looking forward to unleashing the fury!”
To Hell And Backtrack listing: 1. To Hell And Back 2. Don’t Get Mad … Get Even! 3. Wicked Disdain 4. Free Us All 5. Heavy Is The Crown 6. Walk With Me Forever 7. Dead Inside 8. The Mark Of Cain 9. In The Hall Of The Hanging Serpents 10. Severance
DIETH live: 15. – 18.06.2023 BE, Dessel / Graspop Metal Festival 06. – 08.07.2023 CZ, Velke Mezirici / Fajtfest 03. – 05.08.2023 PT, Vagos / Vagos Metal Fest 20.08.2023 FR, Carhaix / Motorcultor Festival
Swing of the Blade: More Stories from Metal Blade Records follows Brian Slagel’s critically acclaimed 2017 book, For the Sake of Heaviness, which delivered a compelling inside look at how a metal-obsessed California teen built Metal Blade Records into the preeminent international home of heavy music.
Rabid readers demanded more anecdotes, more bands, and more of Slagel’s musical wisdom.
With Swing of the Blade, he delivers.
Featuring a foreword by Slayer‘s Kerry King, the new book is part-memoir, part-music-business primer, and all metal – delving deep into scenes and bands that fans worldwide obsess about.
Slagel serves up more of his favorite memories about iconic musicians and events, and delves into even greater detail about his long and ongoing relationships with Metallica, Armored Saint, King Diamond, and other heavyweights. Swing of the Blade is told in Slagel’s humble but authoritative voice.
His view for the last 40 years – from the studio, in the crowd and boardroom – offers an unprecedented look into the music, business, and passion that has made both Slagel and Metal Blade champions of discovering and nurturing the best heavy music on the planet.
The exclusive bundle will include a bookplate signed by Brian Slagel, bookmark, patch, and a 40th anniversary medal, while supplies last!
Watch the promo video below.
About Metal Blade Records: Founded upon owner Brian Slagel‘s enduring drive to find great bands and get their music out to as many people as possible, since 1982 Metal Blade has brought wave after wave of powerful, innovative, and often genre-defining music to the ever-hungry metal masses. It is this ethos that has seen Metal Blade build up a stunning and diverse catalog, weather the various storms facing any independent label, and in an age of declining record sales boast the most successful years of its existence as it celebrates its fourth decade.
Metal Blade Records launched Metallica, Slayer, Armored Saint, Fates Warning, GWAR, Cannibal Corpse, Amon Amarth, Whitechapel, The Black Dahlia Murder, Cattle Decapitation, and dozens more genre giants, shaping four decades and counting of hard rock, metal, and extreme music culture. Brian Slagel worked as a record store clerk when he founded Metal Blade in 1982, reserving a spot for a young Lars Ulrich on his Metal Massacre compilation series. Metal Blade grew from humble beginnings in Los Angeles to become an international powerhouse, selling millions of albums while remaining fiercely independent. In 2017, Slayer‘s Kerry King inducted the label into the Hall of Heavy Metal History. Slagel‘s For the Sake of Heaviness: The History of Metal Blade Records arrived the same year.
For the Sake of Heaviness (book only) here For the Sake of Heaviness (35th Anniversary box set) here
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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
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