Legendary New York hardcore heavyweights MADBALL have parted ways with their long-time guitarist, Brian “Mitts” Daniels, read the band’s statement below:
“Below is a statement from our brother Mitts. We would like to add: It was a very hard and heartbreaking decision, for all involved. I want to thank Mitts for all his years of service – for his loyalty, passion and stellar guitar playing. He shared the stage with us for 16 years, which is longer than any other guitarist. We shared some very special moments together in those years, both on and off stage. We had many good times, sad times, bad and funny moments. As is the case with Family. He will go into our own personal “hall of fame” of class acts that have been part of the MB family – wish you nothing but the best… Love ya Mitty!
As for MB’s future plans – We will be updating you from the studio, the writing process is in full swing. Europe- we will see you in November! Much Respect… MB..HC lives”
Stated Brian “Mitts” Daniels”:
It is with very heavy emotion that I would like to announce that my time with Madball has come to and end. Over the past 16+ years with this band, I’ve been lucky enough to fulfill almost every dream that a musician could ever have. I’ve gotten to travel the globe, made 4 LP’s, 3 EP’s, shared stages with heroes of my childhood. The friendships I’ve made with all of you, from here and around the world, are priceless. Most importantly, I would like to thank my bandmates, Freddy, Hoya, Mike, as well as past members Matt, Rigg, Ben, Mackie, Raj. It’s truly been an honor to share the stage with you all.
With regards to reasons why, I ask that you respect our privacy. The only thing anyone needs to know is that we all still remain on great terms. I have always, and will forever consider these guys my brothers, and I wish them all the best going forward from here. I have no doubt that they will continue to crush it for many years to come. Look out for “For The Cause” in 2018!!
As for my future, I am by NO means retiring, or hanging up my guitar. I’ve been playing music since I was 10 years old, and I have no intentions on stopping. As well as playing, I will continue to produce bands, something that I’m very passionate about. For every bit of sadness I have from closing the Madball chapter of my life, I am also very excited and looking forward to new ventures and opportunities in music. See you all soon!!“
TESTAMENT‘s STEVE DI GIORGIO graces the cover of Poland’s printed TopBass magazine, on its 9th issue (September). The issue is also featured with an interview with Steve, now available also online, read it here (in Polish).
If you missed it and want the printed copy, get in touch with http://topbass.pl
Just recently Loudwire nominated STEVE DI GIORGIO on the #16 position on ‘Top 66 Metal Basists of All Time’! Read the whole article at this location.
As previously announced, STEVE DI GIORGIO signed the worldwide Artist Deal with ALPHA OMEGA Management, inaugurating the new ALPHA OMEGA Management Branch, dedicated to the needs and interests (Booking, media, communication, promotion) of session musicians and solo artists. Watch Steve’s video announcement here:
Please Note, STEVE DI GIORGIO is available for studio sessions. For further information, please contact via email: alexalphaomega@gmail.com – robertoalphaomega@gmail.com.
STEVE DI GIORGIO doesn’t need any longer introductions, as he is widely renowned as a pioneer on the fretless bass in heavy metal music, being the bassist of TESTAMENT, DEATH and SADUS, among others. Within his genre, STEVE DI GIORGIO is respected for his playing skills, versatility and incredible technique. He has more than 40 studio album recordings and over 20 years of touring the world.
Watch Steve Di Giorgio LowDown: Bass Playthrough | Terra Odium – Crawling:
Khram, is the Russian word for temple – and the upcoming title of ARKONA‘s hotly anticipated, eighth studio album, set to be released on January 19th 2018 via Napalm Records!
A Khram is a temple shrouded in natural mysticism slumbering behind nocturnal treetops, yet open to everyone. The sincerity and depth that binds all five band members together resonates in the sumptuously dark cover artwork and leading lady Masha`s lyrics that are written in her own blood (which is also part of the artwork)! ARKONA may have used sound samples in their early days, but nowadays cellos, brass parts, wind instruments and throat singing are recorded live meticulously and flow naturally into the band’s harsh metal tunes.
Now Russia’s leading pagan metal band has unveiled the stunning album artwork for Khram!
The track list will read as follows:
1. Mantra (Intro)
2. Shtorm
3. Tseluya zhizn’
4. Rebionok bez imeni
5. Khram
6. V pogonie za beloj ten’yu
7. V ladonyah bogov
8. Volchitsa
9. Mantra (Outro)
King-sized songs effortlessly shift from blackened pagan metal masterpieces to epic tracks with crystal-clear melodies and piano infusions. Mark your calendars for January 19th 2018, as ARKONA’s Khram is an exuberant and demanding affair that defies genre boundaries with untamable spirit!
In support of their upcoming album, ARKONA will be heavily touring in early 2018. Make sure to catch them live and on the following dates:
01.02.2018 – SI – Winter Days of Metal Festival
02.02.2018 – HR – Zagreb / Boogaloo
03.02.2018 – RS – Novi Sad / SKC Fabrika
04.02.2018 – RO – Cluj Napoca / Form Space
08.02.2018 – GR – Athens / Kytarro Live
09.02.2018 – GR – Thesalonniki / Eightball
10.02.2018 – BG – Sofia / Mixtape 5
11.02.2018 – RO – Bucharest / Fabrica
28.04.2018 – SE – Stockholm Slaughter
with KORPIKLAANI, HEIDEVOLK & TROLLFEST:
15.02.2018 – BE – Antwerpen / Trix
16.02.2018 – DE – Hamburg / Markthalle
17.02.2018 – DE – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle 2
18.02.2018 – NL – Amsterdam / Melkweg
20.02.2018 – FR – Paris / Elysée Montmartre
21.02.2018 – FR – Nantes / Stereolux
22.02.2018 – FR – Toulouse / Le Bikini
23.02.2018 – ES – Madrid / Sala BUT
24.02.2018 – ES – Barcelona / Salamandra 1
25.02.2018 – FR – Lyon / Transbordeur
27.02.2018 – DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal
28.02.2018 – DE – Berlin / Columbia Theater
01.03.2018 – CZ – Prague / Meet Factory
02.03.2018 – DE – München / Backstage
03.03.2018 – DE – Stuttgart / LKA
04.03.2018 – CH – Pratteln / Z7
05.03.2018 – IT – Milano / Magazzini Generali
07.03.2018 – AT – Graz / Orpheum
08.03.2018 – AT – Vienna / SIMM City
09.03.2018 – DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser
10.03.2018 – DE – Geiselwind / Musichall
11.03.2018 – DE – Hannover / Capitol
Century Media Records and SAMAEL invite you to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Swiss metal masters’ 1992 opus “Blood Ritual”, which will be released as impressive vinyl edition on December 1st, 2017.
It features the LP’s original cover artwork re-created from a brand-new scan of the original painting by Axel Hermann (Asphyx, Grave, Unleashed) and reveals its more blueish character, which was already lost on the first pressing. The artwork has not been polished digitally to show it exactly the way it looks twenty-five years after being painted.
Furthermore, “Blood Ritual” has been mastered for vinyl and CD by Patrick W. Engel / Temple Of Disharmony (Tiamat, Iced Earth, Moonspell), comes in a Gatefold sleeve and includes a 60x60cm sized cover art poster as additional extra. Apart from regular black vinyl, the following limited coloured editions are available for pre-ordering now!
– Gatefold white LP+CD & Poster // 100 copies (Century Media webstore exclusive) – Gatefold silver LP+CD & Poster // 200 copies
Get these here: http://bit.ly/samaelCMD – Gatefold light blue LP+CD & Poster // 200 copies (Nuclear Blast exclusive)
Pre-order here: http://bit.ly/samaelNB
Enjoy this gloomy masterpiece in its ultimate version!
ALPHA OMEGA Management is thrilled to announce that two of its roster bands, NOX VORAGO and DESECRATE, are confirmed for Klausenburg Metal Gathering, taking place on November 17th in Romania! Get more information on the festival, here.
(As previously announced, NOX VORAGO, will play also METAL GATES festival Romania a day before, on November 16th.)
Formed in 2006, Gothenburg’s atmospheric Death/Black act NOX VORAGO‘s goal has always been, and always will be to create something inspired by the entire width of the metal scene, thus incorporating the elements they like into their music and creating a well-written chaos without confines. NOX VORAGO released their new full-length album “Al Chem” on February 26th, 2017. Order your copy here: http://noxvorago.com/product/pre-order-al-chem-cd! Check out the short promo-video showcasing the band image (The video is directed and produced by Max Ljungberg):
Formed in 1995, DESECRATE immediately became protagonist in the Italian underground scene. The band’s sound has remained faithful to the European matrix death metal of the 90’s aggressive and scratching sonority, with several arrangement innovations which together with the constant use of the piano, create a very personal sound. Recently the band has toured in Italy, having one of the highlights the final show with Dark Tranquillity. DESECRATE‘s latest effort “Orpheus” came out in January 2015, followed by a promotional tour in Italy. Watch the band’s new video “Nevermore”, directed by Ildo Brizi. The song is part of the horror movie soundtrack STRIDOR, directed by Ildo Brizi and it’s featuring in the lastest DESECRATE full length, “Orpheus”. Watch it here:
On Friday, October 13th, Italian Alternative Rockers HOT SUNDAY BLOOD released their stunning new album “New Omega”, via Mervilton Records! Now the band has revealed the track-by-track of the album, read below.
• Salvation (Omega into flesh)
The first part of “Salvation” suite is based on Arabic riffs and the pairing of clean and growl vocals. The song has solid heavy rock structure with melodic elements and talks about Jesus Christ’s rage during his own crucifixion.
• Salvation (Tears of absolution)
The suite’s second part is the heaviest track of the album. Musically speaking is an old-school metal song totally singed in growl vocals, except for its melodic refrain. It’s about Christ’s invective against his Father’s decision.
• Salvation (Observed)
The second part of “Tears of absolution” can be considered as the third part of the suite. It’s a dark song with a funeral mood; the meeting point between Katatonia and Bowie. A flow of Christ’s thoughts during his carnal death. God is the observer of this departure.
• Die Free
A classic hard rock song with clean vocals and numerous instrumental parts. The track talks about liberation through death.
• Rich n’ fallen
A hard rock song with Mastodon’s inspiration. Easy listening, heavy with southern/stoner influences. Lyrics recount deals between hopeless men and evil.
• Troublemaker
A sort of false ballad focused on easy listening vocals and an alternative fresh flavor. Slightly resemble an unusual match between The Calling and Silverchair. The story of a guy who apologizes for his dissolute life.
• Still broken
Grunge oriented song with a sweet/dark mood. Alice in chains meet Type O Negative in a very peculiar way. This track’s about our generation: always in search of nothing, and struggling with love and solitude issues.
• Souleater
First single chosen to symbolize New Omega. Outright hard rock song, with clean vocals and gothic elements. H.I.M. sweetness blended with Paradise Lost blackness.
A walk through an ancient cemetery and the presences that inhabit it.
• Salvation (Waiting to be saved)
Last song of the album and also fourth part of the suite. Tribal textures in 80’s dark atmosphere. Jesus Christ leaves his mortal remains, waiting to be saved.
Celebrating the album release the band unleashed the first single “Souleater”. Stream it here:
“Hot Sunday Blood’s New Omega cover was conceived by the whole group. The Omega symbol, formed by two bodies, is the main theme of the album. Omega is a mystic symbol that stands for Jesus Christ and also a representation of an end, as for conclusion of a spiritual or carnal path. In this case it means the corporal death in order to reach a spiritual elevation; a strong will to leave mortal remains to be free to reach a higher dimension. The four-parts suite Salvation talks about it. Jesus Christ, considered as a human being, is the protagonist. He’s been left alone in his own corporal essence to be reeducated by his Father; all this happens through suffering and pain that all humans have to feel in their own life. The aseptic background of the picture represents the spiritual mood and the two half-naked bodies symbolize carnality.”
“New Omega” album concept follows a spirituality research through carnal suffering that brings to the idea to compose a four-parts suite (Salvation) about Jesus Christ. Not from a religious point of view, but mostly related to a concept of the human pain of a man forsaken and sacrificed by his own father’s will.
“New Omega” Track list
1 Salvation (omega into flesh)
2 Salvation (tears of absolution)
3 Salvation (observed)
4 Die free
5 Rich n’ fallen
6 Troublemaker
7 Still broken
8 Souleater
9 Salvation (waiting to be saved)
“New Omega”, recorded and mixed at Gramarossa Studio Recording, has been conceived in 2016 and will be released on October 13th, 2017. This second album, like the previous one, is under American label Mervilton Records, and reveals a growth and maturation on HSB’s sound. The grunge oriented influences of the first album evolved in a heavy rock, prog rock and new wave cocktail. The groundwork remain alternative rock but with a strong flavor from ’70s to 2000 music.
HOT SUNDAY BLOOD is an Italian band, formed in Turin in 2013. The sounds are inspired by alternative rock music, with heavy rock influences. Each band member affects the sound in an unique way, coming from different backgrounds, such as metal, stoner, grunge, black metal, prog and new wave. The band loves to define itself as “plug and play” regarding the live aspect. Lyrics are all in English; solid guitar riffs and open melodies characterize the tracks, which obtain the right depth through Andrea Amerini’s voice. For fan of Mastodon, Queens Of the Stone Age, Alice in Chains and Smashing Pumpkins.
The first LP “Someone Left Behind” has been produced, recorded and mixed at Gramarossa Studio Recording, in Turin, by Manuele Miceli http://www.gramarossastudio.com (February – July 2014) and mastered by Eric Brohyll, of MonsterLab Studio http://www.monsterlabaudio.com (Sweden). SLB is an album with sounds close to 90’s grunge music and lternative rock, with few tracks much closer to metal. The album was released in March 2015, under American label Mervilton Records. Available on most popular digital stores, and streaming websites.
Recording line-up for “Someone left behind” (2015) and “New Omega” (2017):
Andrea Amerini (vocals)
Marco Piozzi (guitar)
Andrea Libero (guitar e backing vocals)
Manuele Miceli (drums)
Annalisa Bove (bass)
Current HOT SUNDAY BLOOD lineup:
Andrea Amerini (vocals)
Marco Piozzi (guitar)
Andrea Libero (guitar e backing vocals)
Carlo Borra (drums)
Paolo Iulita (bass)
