Employing a dazzling mix of glam rock, hard rock, and progressive rock, Angel‘s outrageous, white-satin-heavy image and equally over-the-top stage shows, making them one of the more colorful arena rock bands of the mid ’70s and early ’80s. Discovered by KISS bass player, Gene Simmons, the group issued their eponymous debut album in 1975, which hewed closer to prog rock than the glam pop that would be on future endeavors like On Earth as It Is in Heaven (1977) and Sinful (1979). The group released a total of five studio albums and one live album before going their separate ways in 1981. The band officially re-formed in 2019 with original members, Punky Meadows and Frank DiMino, and released their comeback studio effort, Risen, later that October and followed up with Once Upon A Time in 2023.
The group’s self-titled 1975 debut was recorded for Casablanca Records with a line-up comprising Frank DiMino (vocals), Punky Meadows (guitar), Gregg Giuffria (keyboards), Mickie Jones (bass), and Barry Brandt (drums). A heavy slab of heavy pomp rock with lengthy songs featuring the longtime stage favorite “Tower”
Now to celebrate the 50th Anniversary this classic has been remastered and is being released on both a 6-panel CD digipak and on 180G vinyl in two amazing Limited- Edition Colors with liner notes by journalist Dave Reynolds. There are only 300 of the White-Blue Splatter and 700 of the Black-Blue Swirl available with a limited number of bundles signed by the 4 surviving original members, Frank DiMino, Punky Meadows, Gregg Giuffria, and Barry Brandt.
Tower Long Time Rock & Rollers Broken Dreams Mariner Sunday Morning On & On Angel (Theme)
The current line-up of Angel starts its 50th Anniversary Tour in March and it will continue throughout the year. Watch out for more dates as they are announced.
March 13th – Angel City Music Hall, Manchester, NH March 14th – The Vault Music Hall, New Bedford, MA March 15th – The Strand Theater, Hudson Falls, NY March 19th – The Sellersville Theater, Sellersville, PA March 22nd – The Wildey Theater, Edwarsdsville, IL April 19th – The Token Lounge, West Midland, MI April 22nd – The Winchester, Lakewood, OH April 26th – The Arcada Theater, St. Charles, IL June 7th – The Whisky, Hollywood, CA June 8th – Fulton 55, Fresno, CA June 9th – Vamp’d, Las Vegas, NV
Elevate Records is thrilled to announce a new addition to its roster: CHRONOSYNTHESIS! The band has just completed recording their debut album, a project that combines the power of melodic power metal with a captivating concept.
The album, set for release in May 2025, will be preceded by a series of singles, with the first one dropping on February 28th, accompanied by a music video that will offer a first taste of their sound. It will be a thematic album inspired by classic fairy tales, both European and beyond, reinterpreted through modern and powerful soundscapes. A musical journey that celebrates the magic of stories and melodies that have accompanied us since childhood.
Line Up: Moreno Sangermano (Vocals) Roberto Di Lazzaro (Guitars) Paolo Biscardi (Bass) Fabio Mancinelli (Drums) Matteo Riccia (Keyboards)
Chronosynthesis is about to make their entrance into the music world with an ambitious and personality-rich project. Stay tuned to discover more about them and get ready for the debut of their first single on February 28th!
RADIANT MOON was formed in 2021 when veteran musicians/songwriters Brian Facklam (keyboards, vocals) and Dave Shahin (guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals) joined forces with Jimmy Grillo (drums) and Nick Lieto (vocals). They came from very different musical backgrounds which helped to create a unique chemistry in the band. Dave Shahin has been in multiple original rock and prog bands as well as being Tommy Tedesco’s (Wrecking Crew Guitarist) East Coast bassist in the 90’s, and has performed with Steve Gadd. Jimmy Grillo is also a veteran of multiple original bands and has toured as Carl Palmer’s drum tech. Nick Lieto was a singer, keyboardist, and songwriter for Frogg Cafe who besides releasing original albums also performed at the famed Zappanale festival in Germany. Brian Facklam has not only been a major part of multiple bands but holds a master’s degree in music and music theory.
Together they’ve recorded their debut album Now’s The Time and it is already garnering impressive reviews, such as these.
“In many ways this feels like a Seventies prog album which has been influenced by the likes of Yes in terms of the symphonic style, yet there is no doubt that Rush have also had a very important part to play…This is yet another new prog band to keep an eye on, and I look forward to their next album with great interest – one for progheads to discover.” Kev Rowland – Progressor.net and ProgArchives.com
“For those of you who are wondering if truly progressive music is a thing of the past, wonder no more! Radiant Moon is a breathtaking musical journey, very much in the vein of the best of 1970s Prog, but infused with a modern edge and energy that truly moves the very concept of Progressive Rock forward. Radiant Moon is an absolute must hear!” Scott Parker – author, and host/creator of the official Zappa Family Trust ZappaCast Podcast
Now’s The Time has ten tracks in total and features exceptional musicianship and songwriting in the vein of Yes and Nektar which stands out on tracks like “Keep The Faith” and “Waking Dream”. Order your copy of Now’s The Time here: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/radiant-moon
Tracklist:
Waking Dream Castaway We Are One Keep The Faith One Life Now’s The Time Leave Yourself Alone Nirvana Take My Hand Never Again
Justin Warfield, lyricist and frontman of Goth Rock luminaries She Wants Revenge drops his first proper solo release since co-founding the legacy Dark Alternative band in 2004.
Yes, he’s released various side projects and one-offs over the years (and who can forget his guest appearance with Bomb The Bass way back when? Or the dancefloors he packed with “Live From The Opium Den”?).
But WARFIELD, he says, “is the only recording and touring project I’ve helmed outside of SWR.”
A first-listen hook-filled high-octane party anthem, “All The Fun (Kiss, Kiss, Kiss)” is the frenetic first single from Deathrock Devotionals Vol I, the upcoming EP out on Black Heathers/Cleopatra Records. The song blends the descriptive storytelling Warfield is known for along with future goth energy, and a touch of throwback to the classic 80s Deathrock born of his hometown Los Angeles.
The accompanying video, too, is riotously exuberant, smash cut imagery slicing through a characteristically energetic live performance, within and around which the song’s subtitle is enacted by couple after couple – and why not, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner?
The release will also be accompanied by a robust social media and digital marketing campaign.
This will include:
Servicing to College, Specialty, Commercial and non-Comm radio (specifically fans and early-adopters of his past work).
A DJ “ take-over” with Flood FM/Live 105 DJ Aaron Axelsen.
Multiple podcast appearances.
Visualizers and short form teasers.
A micro-influencer TikToK campaign built around a “challenge” from the video, and multiple ads running on Meta and YouTube.
Servicing Twitch and online DJs in the Goth and Dark Music community.
Outreach to Goth and Deathrock influencers in the Drag, Makeup, Black/Afro-Goth, and Fashion communities.
Justin will also be available for interviews and podcast appearances.
On the live front, WARFIELD will play their first ever live show at an EP release party in Echo Park, Los Angeles on March 29th, as well as launching a full European/UK tour in June, and North American tours in the Summer and Fall.
Additionally, Justin will be fronting She Wants Revenge at Los Angeles’ famed Cruel World Festival on May 17th, and Forever Now, the sister festival in Milton Keynes, UK.
While they’re known for putting a twist on traditional heavy metal, NITE strives to be a light when the world is constricted by darkness. Upon hearing the high-flying first single off their upcoming third album, heshers from across the underground raised their spike-gloved fists over the triumphant return of the blackened Bay Area torchbearers.
“Precision execution, dynamic songwriting and an obvious reverence for the greats all comprise equal parts of NITE’s classic approach to contemporary heft”, Knotfest wrote in praise of “Crow (Fear the Night”.
Today, NITE are unsheathing the second single off Cult of the Serpent Sun. The title track opens the album with the band snaking into the heat of battle with fresh venom.
Can’t wait to hear the full triumph of Cult of the Serpent Sun? RSVP for NITE’s upcoming listening party and hear the entire album two weeks before it comes out!
NITE Cult of the Serpent Sun Bandcamp Listening Party – RSVP Thursday, February 27 @ 7:30 pm Pacific Time
After venturing to the ancient cosmos on their last album, Cult of the Serpent Sun pits NITE against the shadowy mythology that lays dormant beneath society’s underbelly. To steel themselves for battle against the album’s poisonous perils, NITE wisely triples down on their classic attack. Like a hydra, “Cult of the Serpent Sun” shakes out of your speakers. Van Labrakis unleashes a monstrous riff that slithers with all the leathery glory of ’80s heavy metal gods.
“Fans really responded to older songs like ‘Acheron’ and ‘Genesis”, Labrakis says. “Cult of the Serpent Sun has more songs that are fast and upbeat and help lift people’s spirits”.
Indeed, storming stages from Northwest Terror Fest to Hell’s Heroes VI has only honed NITE’s cutting-edge weaponry. Under his hammering swings, Patrick Crawford’s drums crack like thunder before galloping through the storm. Avinash Mittur digs the heel of his Rickenbacker bass into a deep, dark groove as dueling guitarist Scott Hoffman trades off swashbuckling leads.
“Pour your venom / Preachers of the underground“, Labrakis hisses, his fangs sharpened by road-tested grit.
“Cult of the Serpent Sun explores how historically there has always been a power structure ready to indoctrinate and exploit the hordes of mindless fools who will so quickly worship at the altar of death”, NITE says. “Death eternal!”
Cover artist by Adam Vick
Tracklist 1. Cult of the Serpent Sun (4:56) [LISTEN] 2. Skull (4:31) 3. Crow (Fear The Night) (4:11) [WATCH] 4. The Mystic (4:55) 5. The Last Blade (4:32) 6. Carry On (4:29) 7. Tarmut (5:14) 8. Winds of Sokar (3:52)
When darkness engulfs the world, NITE sets the sky ablaze with white-hot, blackened heavy metal.
Having journeyed to the stars on their last venture, NITE now faces the abyssal and shadowy mythology that has long laid dormant beneath society. Each of the eight epic battles on Cult of the Serpent Sun tests their mettle. But amidst the album’s blackened perils, the band emerges victorious.
“NITE strives to be a light,” says vocalist and guitarist Van Labrakis. “Cult of the Serpent Sun is about how we persevere in times of immense darkness.”
Ever since banding together in 2018, NITE has carried the torch for Bay Area metal. Darkness Silence Mirror Flame debuted their blackened twist on NWOBHM. “…raucous, Marshall-fueled heavy metal that would be the envy of many a British band in the 1980s,” wrote Invisible Oranges. Follow-up Voices of the Kronian Moon upped the ante with more strutting tempos and windblown shredding, much to Stereogum’s delight. “It’s like speeding down a freeway at night in a Corvette with the top down, but everyone is wearing velvet capes.”
On Cult of the Serpent Sun, NITE wisely triples down on their trusty arsenal. Instead of scaling back, their third album adds more heft to the band’s armor. Labrakis and fellow guitarist Scott Hoffman’s molten leads duel with heightened showmanship. Drummer Patrick Crawford pummels and gallops while Avinash Mittur rattles the chest with his Rickenbacker bass. The title track charges with newfound urgency, slithery and venomous in its attack.
The album’s “more is more” philosophy is guided by what NITE have learned from the road. Since their last studio stint, the band have stormed the stage at Northwest Terror Fest, toured with fellow statesmen Persekutor and Haunt and marched across the Southwest on the road to Hell’s Heroes VI. “Fans really responded to older songs like ‘Acheron’ and ‘Genesis’,” Labrakis says. “Cult of the Serpent Sun has more songs that are fast and upbeat and help lift people’s spirits.” Galvanized by a foundation-shaking groove, “Skull” defiantly crushes. “Crow (Fear the Night)” is a rallying cry, calling for fists to rise with power and might.
NITE’s classic weaponry shows no signs of rust on their third album. “The Last Blade” draws first blood amidst an acoustic flurry before thrusting onto the offensive. “The aim here is not to replicate that era but to explore and evolve,” Labrakis told Decibel when asked about the band’s influences. Cult of the Serpent Sun honors the trailblazing spirits of old by honing what separates this band’s particular alchemy from mere imitation brew. “The Mystic” expands their sonic palette, featuring a slow-burning bass line that stretches time and space into a hypnotic portal. With its whirling and enchanted melody, “Tarmut” glimmers like a desert mirage.
“We play a traditional style of heavy metal, but the blackened element takes us in a different direction,” Labrakis says. His road-hardened voice stands resolute in “Carry On,” denouncing the perils of war. “Dream on and find who you are,” he beckons on the album’s triumphant closer “Winds of Sokar.”
On Cult of the Serpent Sun, NITE guards the altar of blackened heavy metal with sharpened blades and axes raised.
Lineup: Van Labrakis: Guitar / Vocals Scott Hoffman: Guitar Avinash Mittur: Bass Patrick Crawford: Drums
Recording studio 210 Studios San Francisco and The Hoagie Container
Production credits Recorded by Van Labrakis Produced by Van Labrakis and Nite Mixed and mastered by Van Labrakis at 210 Studios San Francisco
Vocalist Harry Hess comments on the new single: “It’s been almost 5 years since we’ve released any new music. We are thrilled to announce the release of our brand new single Reliving History. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the road this year. Enjoy!”
Arguably Canada’s finest melodic hard rock band, Harem Scarem were formed in 1987 by guitarist Pete Lesperance and singer Harry Hess, formerly of the heavy metal band Blind Vengeance. The lineup was rounded out by Darren Smith (drums) and Mike Gionet (bass).
They recorded a demo in 1990 and, on the strength of it, they were signed to Warner Music. Their self-titled album was a significant success in Canada and paved the way to the release of the heavier “Mood Swings” album in 1993, often considered the crown jewel of their early releases.
Enjoying a particular success in the land of the Rising Sun, Harem Scarem kept on releasing albums regularly during the 90’s, until they decided to ultimately change their name and music style to Rubber between 1999 and 2001.
In 2002, the band came back to melodic hard rock with the milestone album “Weight Of The World,” which was their first proper release in the European marketplace thanks to their newly signed deal with Frontiers. With the Italian label, Harem Scarem released another five original albums (not counting 2006’s “Human Nature”) until they took a break from recording in 2008 after the release of the album “Hope”.
In December 2012, it was announced that a reunited Harem Scarem would headline the 10th Firefest festival in Nottingham, UK, in October 2013, to perform the “Mood Swings” album in its entirety. The band regrouped and performed at Firefest and moved forward re-recording “Mood Swings II”, a twenty-year anniversary re-recording of their critically acclaimed and fan favorite second album.
The three new songs included on that release showed renewed musical vigor and chemistry. This new energy was confirmed on 2014’s “Thirteen” release, which was a definitive return to the sound that put Harem Scarem on the map over 20 years earlier.
Two more acclaimed albums followed: “United” (2017) and “Change The World” (2020), where the band presented a new lineup featuring Harry Hess (lead vocals, keyboards), Pete Lesperance (guitars, keyboards), long-time drummer Creighton Doane, Mike Vassos on bass, and backing vocals from original sticksman Darren Smith.
With well over a million records sold in 43 countries and 12 top 40 hits around the globe, the new year will see Harem Scarem return and ready to dominate! Check them on tour in Europe in spring!
Line Up: Harry Hess – Lead & Backing Vocals, Keyboards Pete Lesperance – Guitars and Bass Creighton Doane – Drums Darren Smith – Lead and Backing Vocals
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
Click image to watch the video
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