Once upon a time, there was a bunch of trolls from the dark north. Deep in the caves of the woods, they partied all night long to their own tunes of flutes, mandolins and accordions. They mostly surrounded themselves with clubs of meat and mugs of mead, but also liked a princess or two. Although they were some lazy bastards, they still traveled the vast kingdom to play their trollish music for the good folks. And finally, after countless raids, their tales of adventure, misadventure and other fairy tales have now become their debut record “Der Var Engang…”.
TROLD play folk metal with a mischievous smile, which is guaranteed to kick off the party from inside the large, dark Danish forests. The storytelling and melodies are in focus when playing with different instruments and heavy guitar rhythms to create the perfect atmosphere. The stories grow, hiss, and are sung, while the listeners/audience are taken on a host of adventures.
Trold have their roots well planted in the Nordic soil where inspiration is found in a wealth of fairy tales and mythologies. Giants, Gods, the animals of the forest, and the marvelous world of the sea are just some of the places Trold takes the listeners to.
When the trolls are on stage, you can be sure that the party will start and the good mood will be kicked off.
“Der Var Engang…” will be released on LP (gatefold black vinyl, limited to 300), digipack CD and digital formats via Mighty Music on May 26th, 2023. Pre-orders are available here.
Lineup: Astór Palsson (Dawn of Demise) – vocals Jesper Myrup (Kurgan) – guitar Christian Christiansen (Sylvatica) – guitar Allan Madsen (Prevail) – bass Peter Rafaelsen – keys
Dutch Blackened Death Metallers ONHEIL bring their A game with their furious new album “In Black Ashes”. Due for release June 9th, via Black Lion Records.
Fully utilizing the possibilities offered by having a three-guitarist band, every riff is an example of a creative melodic build, with hi-energy thrash/black undertones. The band delivers a well-performed and written album that strives and succeeds at being both hard-hitting, heavy, and aggressive yet melodic and enchanting.
Partly recorded during the pandemic, the album features mostly new members along with founding member Amok. The band decided against releasing the album too close after the pandemic, spending the time to bring the album to its full potential. Lyrics and vocals were improved and solos – something that the band had not incorporated into their writing before – were added, adding a whole new dimension to the band’s sound.
“In Black Ashes” also takes the next step in sound quality with the great mix and mastering work by legendary producer Dan Swanö (Dissection, Opeth, Dark Funeral, Bloodbath, Marduk, Insomnium).
Dan Swanö has this to say about the album: “Very Awesome Record! It is a unique blend of classic Black/Thrash/Speed and even some New Wave of British Heavy metal in there and tastefully topped off with some vibes of that Blackened Death metal that I did so much of in the mid-’90s. Highly Recommended!!”
The album features amazing artwork created by artist Lordigan Pedro Seno, who worked before bands and artists like Amon Amarth, Kreator, Decapitated, and Matt Heafy (Trivium).
Any person that enjoys dual guitars, melodic harmonies, and fast-paced, blackened, and in-your-face metal should not miss out on this album.
Finnish atmospheric progressive metal band ALASE released a new single and music video Fate’s Intervention. The track is taken from their upcoming second studio album ‘A Matter of Time’ which is released on April 14th 2023 via Finnish Inverse Records.
” “Fate’s Intervention” single represents the rougher and darker side of the upcoming A Matter of Time album. We chose it as the second single, because we wanted to showcase also the heavier side of the album. Markus Hirvonen performed the vocals on the song which starts with heavy modern style riffing and screaming vocals. After the intro we move to a calmer, but ominous section. The song has lots of twists and turns, but the choruses are more straightforward and have a glimpse of hope. Alase is a fairly guitar-driven band, but we rarely have solos. However, for “Fate’s Intervention” me and Mikko both wanted to play solos. In a way, it was a shame to bury the good rhythmic riffs hidden under the solos, but we are sure that the sharp-eared listeners will pick them up there.”
Lyricist Ninni comments the lyrics and music video:
“While writing the “Fate’s Intervention” lyrics, I could hear in my head that screaming vocals would be well suited for this song. In the text, I did not hold back at all, I just let it come out without censoring myself. Lyrics and music video reflect a person’s struggle with health problems. The screenplay of the music video had been waiting for a suitable moment in my desk drawer for quite a long time. Aarni Visuals created the music video skilfully and in his own personal style. The video supports the spirit of the song perfectly.”
Following hot on the heels of their stomping I’M SORRY BLUES single, PALACE OF THE KING keep dropping new material and this time it’s a magically dark, heavy blues/psych influenced track called DEAD END BLUES.
Having toured the world multiple times as headliner and with Airbourne, Rose Tattoo, The Angels, Baby Animals, Tea party, The Screaming Jets, Endless Boogie, Nick Oliveri and many more, the band are really getting down and dirty in the studio and building a huge inspired repertoire to draw from for future tours.
DEAD END BLUES is produced by the bands front man, Tim Henwood who also sings up a storm and the track also features some incredible harmonica shredding from Leigh Maden and a fantastic spacey keyboard solo from the always inspiring Seany Johnston. Of course Cameron McGlinchey on the drums and Anthony Licciardi round out the track with a killer powerhouse performance as always.
The film clip to this track is also worth checking out and created by the talented people at Escape Animation.
Get your ears around ‘Dead End Blues’ by Palace Of The King and prepare yourself for the full album later in 2023.
Five-piece midwest rockers Fight The Fade are back with a driving new rock industrial single “Scratching” (feat. Daedric). The track racks up the intensity from the start featuring a combative vocal performance from both Zene Smith of Fight The Fade and Krystin Hope of Daedric, overlaid with thunderous rhythms and harsh guitar riffs. “Scratching” (feat. Daedric) is an aggressive soundscape from start to finish, and is the first single from their next album dropping in late 2023 from FiXT.
Watch the “Scratching” (feat. Daedric) Visualizer HERE.
Known for pulling together influences from rock, metal, and electronic music, Fight the Fade has forged an unmistakable sonic identity that wraps heartfelt lyrical themes within a robust production style and delivers them with nuanced and diverse writing approaches. The band’s work ethic and innovative blend of genres led them to an album deal with independent electronic rock label FiXT in late 2020, with Fight the Fade releasing singles throughout 2021, leading to a full-length album APOPHYSITIS released in July 2022.
Daedric is an audacious creative venture from Dallas/Fort Worth-based vocalist and artist, Kristyn Hope. Daedric draws inspiration from an eclectic array of sources including David Bowie, Anthony Green of Circa Survive, Sia, and the popular open-world role-playing game series Elder Scrolls, from which the Daedric name is derived. As Daedric, Kristyn works closely with producers Geoff Rockwell and Clay Schroeder to develop a mix of throwback synths blended with contemporary rock and metal, forging a powerful sound that is uniquely her own.
VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY has a unique musical style blending psychedelic stoner rock and Greek folk instrumentals, showcased perfectly in their latest single “Age of Aquarius“. The track brings in more hypnotic instrumentals and transcendental atmospheres, transporting you to uncharted territories, leaving you gazing into the endless stars. The accompanying live video is nothing short of spellbinding, taking you on a journey to the heights of Mount Olympus.
VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY‘s performance of “Age of Aquarius” in Athens is truly captivating, leaving audiences amazed and yearning for more. Join the band as they navigate the Greek heavens through psychedelic stoner rock, taking you on a journey that is both mystical and exhilarating.
Experience the psychedelic live performance of VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY‘s song “Age of Aquarius” and many more on their first live album, Through Space and Time (Alive in Athens 2020), released today, March 3, 2023, via Napalm Records.
VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY gather their strengths from Greek nature and cosmic spirits, letting it flow right into their phenomenal psychedelic stoner rock. Delivering amazing performances, the band ascends forth to create their first live album, Through Space and Time (Alive in Athens 2020). With their short but very mesmerizing discography, the live show is centered around the band’s most recent studio album, Age of Aquarius (2019), as they play the album in sequence and spice it up with songs from their debut album and singles. Starting with the fascinating “Welcome”, “Age of Aquarius” and “Part V” all in sequence, VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY represent their ability as great storytellers underlined by great visuals. The band then jumps straight into their debut album, Riza (2014), playing “Nova”, “Perdikomata” and “Skaros”. Fans are blown away from the dedication of the clarinet, bagpipe, and guitar! Through Space and Time (Alive in Athens 2020) presents the sextet’s attention to detail with great production, amazing musicianship, a bombastic live presence, and the yearning to play more amazing shows in the future. This won’t be the last time VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY will transcend fans into the heavens of Mount Olympus – this is only just the beginning!
Order your copy of Through Space and Time (Alive in Athens 2020) NOW
Through Space and Time (Alive in Athens 2020) Tracklist: CD 1:
Welcome (live)
Age of Aquarius (live)
Part V (live)
Nova (live)
Perdikomata (live)
Skaros (live)
Dance of Night (live)
Zvara (live)
CD 2:
Arrival (live)
Father Sun (live)
Millennium Blues (live)
Ti Kako (live)
Audience I (live)
Cosmic Soul (live)
For the Innocent (live)
Audience II (live)
Karakolia (live)
Formed in 2007, Epirus-based VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY have delivered an explosive performance to the big stage with their infusion of heavy psychedelic rock and folk instruments! After the band released their promising debut album, Riza (2014), the Greek musicians followed up with the game-changing album, Age of Aquarius (2019) – catapulting them straight to the biggest rock festivals and numerous sold-out shows in the biggest music scenes in Greece. Followed by this year’s tour through Europe, psychedelic stoner rockers VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY proved to their fans once more that they are ready to start this exciting next voyage.
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