The thunderous fuzz of Godzilla Was Too Drunk to Destroy Tokyo (GWTDTDT) has found a new home with Argonauta Records. This exciting partnership unites one of the most dynamic DIY heavy psych acts with a label known for championing innovative and boundary-pushing sounds.
Founded in 2022 in the quiet Italian village of Calice Ligure (near Genova), GWTDTDT erupted onto the scene with an electrifying mix of heavy psych, stoner rock and acid-infused riffs. The band quickly gained notoriety for their raw energy and bold personality, defined by:
SDL (Sara de Luca): The “Evil Lord” and commanding frontwoman wielding her Drakkar bass with thunderous authority.
Nicola Viola: The octopus drummer and “lost son of the Kali goddess,” blending relentless power with hypnotic rhythms.
Camu (Alessandro Camurati): The Riffsmith and wild guitar builder whose searing riffs are a signature of the band’s sound.
With two hard-hitting albums released in 2023, Atomic Spitfire and Evil Lord, GWTDTDT showcased their dedication to crafting music that’s as explosive as their name. The band’s relentless touring schedule has taken them from Europe to Japan, leaving a trail of heavy riffs and ecstatic fans in their wake.
“Joining Argonauta Records is an incredible milestone for us” says the band. “This partnership is the perfect platform to amplify our sound, vision and chaotic energy to even greater heights.”
GWTDTDT is more than a band—they are a total DIY movement. From songwriting and recording to designing their own album artwork in collaboration with artist Luca Marcenaro, every aspect of their creative journey is handled by the band itself.
Fans of heavy riffs, surreal adventures (hungry raccoons, anyone?) and stoner grooves should prepare for what’s next. With Argonauta Records backing their unique vision, GWTDTDT promises new music, epic visuals and unforgettable live performances.
Stay tuned for upcoming announcements, tour dates and future sounds from Godzilla Was Too Drunk to Destroy Tokyo, to be released via the (un)parallel Argonauta Records label Octopus Rising.
VOLT RITUAL are on their quest for the ultimate riff. The band was formed in Bielsko-Biała, Poland in the middle of year 2020. First rehearsals took place in an abandoned and cold house – anyway, a volt ritual requires only electricity. Since the beginning they have been focused on delivering heavy riffs and high-energy grooves. Main sources of inspiration were, and are to this day, Fu Manchu, Monster Magnet, Black Sabbath and Electric Wizard.
Self-titled debut album got released in June 2022 and from that time the band actively plays live shows with fellow riff mongers. December 2022 brought a new single “Droga 2023”, departure of founding member, drummer Marcin and arrival of Tomek, whose drumming skills take the band’s sound to the new level. With Tomek on board the band recorded an EP “Return to Jupiter” which got released on February 2, 2024 and brought answers to all questions about ancient ruins, cold outer space and high voltage. In the middle of the year Joanna took over the low frequencies department.
Year 2025 brings a new EP titled “Swamp Lake City” and of course more live shows.
Band comments their upcoming release: “These two songs have been with the band since the very beginning, yet they needed some time to get their final form. Armed with classic stoner riffs we wander through the Solar System and face the ultimate gothic horror“
Music for new EP was recorded in 2024 and all were mixed and mastered by Roch Gablankowski. Cover artwork was done by Mateusz Węgrzynkiewicz. Album will be released on February 2, 2025 on digital format (pre-save) and limited CD.
Californian southern blues rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck have added a new date to their Spring 2025 UK Tour. They will now play Northampton Roadmender on Friday May 9.
The announcement follows the release of Robert Jon & The Wreck’s new single “Ashes In TheSnow;” the first single taken from their forthcoming studio album produced by 9-time Grammy winner, Dave Cobb. Stream the single HERE. Watch the video HERE.
Prolific songwriters with a wealth of new material who refuse to be constrained by traditional release strategies, the band’s new partnership with Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records affords them the opportunity to work with the world’s top producers and release a steady stream of high-quality singles on an ongoing basis, cutting through the industry chaos and ensuring new music is accessible to their fans.
Hailing from Southern California, Robert Jon & The Wreck take the Southern rock sound from the East Coast and make it their own. Since their inception in 2011, these native Californians featuring Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, background vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, background vocals), and Warren Murrel (bass) have been electrifying audiences all over the world with their soaring guitar leads, rich vocal harmonies, and memorable tunes. Recently, keyboardist Jake Abernathie joined the band as an official member as they continue to tour and record in the studio. Simply put, it is difficult to ignore when these talented musicians take the stage.
As Robert Jon & The Wreck prepare to embark on this next chapter with their highly anticipated Spring 2025 UK Tour, fans old and new are invited to join in the celebration of change, rebirth, and the relentless spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. Stay tuned for continued updates.
ROBERT JON & THE WRECK ADD NORTHAMPTON ROADMENDER DATE TO UK SPRING 2025 TOUR
QUARTERHOUSE, FOLKSTONE THURSDAY 1 MAY 2025Tickets: gigantic.comO2 ACADEMY 2, BIRMINGHAM TUESDAY 6 MAY 2025Tickets: alttickets.com
GUILDHALL, GLOUCESTER WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2025Tickets: thegigcartel.comTHE LIVE ROOMS, CHESTER THURSDAY 8 MAY 2025Tickets: thegigcartel.comROADMENDER, NORTHAMPTON (NEW DATE ADDED)
Robert Jon & The Wreck – 2025 U.S. Tour Dates January 26-31 – Miami, FL – The Rock Boat XXIV January 31 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center February 1 – Bonita Springs, FL – Arts Bonita February 2 – Orlando, FL – Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater February 4 – Birmingham, AL – Woodlawn Theatre February 5 – Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar February 6 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre February 7 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre February 8 – Elkin, NC – The Reeves Theater & Cafe February 11 – Stuart, FL – The Lyric Theatre February 13-17 – Miami, FL – Rock Legends Cruise XII March 21-26 – Miami, FL – Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea X
April 24 – New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Jazz Festival
Robert Jon & The Wreck – 2025 E.U. Spring Tour Dates April 15 – Hengelo, NL – Metropool April 16 – Verviers, BE – Spirit of 66 April 17 – Lössnitz, DE – Zur Linde April 18 – Seewen, CH – Gaswerk Eventbar April 19 – Lyss, CH – Kufa April 20 – Nürnberg, DE – Hirsch April 26 – Edinburgh, UK – Liquid Room April 27 – Holmfirth, UK – Picturedrome April 29 – Hull, UK – Welly Club April 30 – Norwich, UK – Epic Studios May 1 – Folkstone, UK – The Quarterhouse May 2 – Venlo, NL – Grenswerk May 3 – Groningen, NL – Groningen Rhythm & Blues Nights Festival May 6 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Academy 2 May 7 – Gloucester, UK – Guildhall May 8 – Chester, UK – The Live Rooms May 10 – Portsmouth, UK – Guildhall
About Robert Jon & The Wreck Reigning from southern California, Robert Jon & The Wreck has been taking the southern rock sound established on the east coast and bringing it to the West Coast. Since their inception in 2011, these five native Californian’s; Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, background vocals), Henry Schneekluth (lead guitar, background vocals), Warren Murrel (bass), and Jake Abernathie (keyboards), have been electrifying audiences globally with their soaring guitar leads, infectious grooves and rich vocal harmonies. With yearly European tours now becoming an integral part of their touring regiment, Robert Jon & The Wreck found their flow being on the road most of the year, returning to California and prolifically pumping out new material. Their sixth studio album, the critically acclaimed Shine a Light on Me Brother, was released in 2021. On September 30, 2022, The Wreck released Wreckage Vol. 2, a collection of exclusive in-studio and live concert performances recorded from 2020 – 2022 on Joe Bonamassa’s KTBA Records. On August 4, 2023, the band released the album Ride into The Light via Journeyman Records to critical acclaim. On June 28, 2024, the band released their current album Red Moon Rising featuring the singles Ballad of A “Broken Hearted Man,” “Stone Cold Killer,” and the title track “Red Moon Rising.”
Promo picture by Viljami Kamppinen, edited by Kasperi Kinnunen
Finnish metal band that rocks, Miss Vain, is set to release their second EP ‘Sempiternal Drive’ on April 11th 2025 via Inverse Records. The second single ‘Now or Neverland’ is released today and it’s available on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/miss-vain-now
The band comments: “Now or Neverland is a snappy rock-/metal song with a grooving twist! It’s lyrics tell the story of a middle-aged man who is a little confused in his life… Everything is fine, better than fine! But it still often feels like the world is falling on your neck and your head is exploding under the pressure of demands! He begins to yearn for the carefree years of his youth even though he knows, that life is now and life is brilliant, as long as you don’t take it too seriously!”
Composed & lyrics by Miss Vain EP cover: Minttu Haveri
Miss Vain is a five-piece rock band from Tampere, Finland, that drifts in the maelstrom of metal. Their music is a horn-driven energy and catchy melodies with a feathery delicacy.
Miss Vain was formed in 2019 as a two-man studio project. After two lighter pop /rock – songs, we lowered our tune and in the summer of 2021 Miss Vain grew into a real band… Finally.
Miss Vain’s debut – EP Crocus Biflorus, which was fairly noticed, was released in fall 2023 on Inverse Records.
Our mission is to deliver joyful moments with new awesome songs and live shows to all who are willing to be entertained by Miss Vain’s rumbling tunes.
Tampa, Florida-based Midnight Vice have revealed new details about their self-titled debut EP, finally and for the first time ever physically available on CD and Vinyl via the band’s new label partner ROAR! “Midnight Vice” will be out in Europe on March 28th and in North America on April 4th; the pre-sale has just started at: https://midnightvice.rpm.link/midnighteppr
Midnight Vice, founded in 2020, is a NWOTHM (New Wave Of Traditional Heavy Metal) band hailing from the depths of Tampa’s Underground metal scene. With a sound that pays homage to the legends of the 1980’s metal era, they combine crushing riffs, soaring vocals, and blazing guitar solos to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh. They are characterized by denim and leather, with a “take no prisoners” attitude. The group is heavily influenced by bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Savatage, Megadeth, Motörhead and many more. Midnight Vice brings a sense of tradition to their music, all while infusing modern energy that is sure to ignite the flame within diehard metal heads.
Grown up in Tampa, the band was surrounded by the spirit of a lot of legends. “For the band as a whole, Crimson Glory and Savatage are by far the most influential local legends. We’re also very big Death fans”, confirms singer Tyler Gray. To Savatage, the band even pays tribute with a cover version of their Speed Metal classic “White Witch”, from the almighty “Hall Of The Mountain King” album! “With us being a heavy metal band from Florida, it felt right to pay our homage to a band that put Florida on the map in regards of American heavy metal”, says the singer and adds that Midnight Vice guitar player Sam Bean grew up in Tarpon Springs, the hometown of Savatage.
Within the past few years, a new and young scene developed, discovering and sharing their love for traditional 80s Metal. While the first wave came with bands like Skull Fist, Enforcer, Ram, Cauldron and White Wizzard, a second wave just kicked-off with Midnight Vice possibly becoming one of the bands on top of it. “It is absolutely a new scene. It is incredible to see all of these new bands coming out. It’s honestly gotten to the point that it’s hard to keep up with all the bands popping up these days,“ Tyler adds. “I remember the heydays of Enforcer and Skull Fist being followed by bands such as Haunt, Riot City, and Sabïre. Since then, I feel like it’s just been an overload of new bands. It’s really cool to see, and we’re happy to be part of such a flourishing movement.”
In 2023, Midnight Vice released their first EP digitally, which will be out physically in late March / early April 2025 on their new label ROAR, the home of Grave Digger, Crematory, Saber to name just a few. “We love all of our songs, and we are very confident in the material that we’ve put out so far. For the most part, the EP turned out exactly how we expected it to”, sums the vocalist up, who has Heavy Metal in his blood and running through his veins. “Heavy metal is an undying force that inspires and empowers. It’s a power cage that no true fan will ever escape. Midnight Vice embodies that, and we stay true to the spirit of what our predecessor’s created.”
“Midnight Vice” track listing: 1 – Strike In The Night 2 – Spellcaster 3 – Excalibur 4 – Baptized By Fire 5 – Mysteria 6 – Deliverance Of Steel 7 – White Witch
MIDNIGHT VICE is: Tyler Gray – Vocals Sam Bean – Guitar, backing vocals Dennis O’sullivan – Drums Lakota Stafford – Bass
CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD is back with their new AOR masterpiece “Chasing Danger”! The new album features a ten-song energetic joyride of melodic rock with that special Swedish touch. This is the perfect blend of sounds like their contemporaries/friends The Night Flight Orchestra and H.E.A.T.
In late 2023 the band found themselves at a crossroad. Their lead singer Martin Holsner decided to quit the band to spend more time with his family. The Captain had been through a number of personnel changes over the years and the thought of just quitting certainly existed. However, it seemed fate would intervene. Singer Fredrik Vahlgren caught the attention of bass player/founding member Robert Majd. When hearing his voice, Robert knew that if Fredrik were to join the band, then they had to continue and they had a chance to top their earlier albums. Fredrik joined the guys who were 100% focused on making the best Captain Black Beard album to date.
2024 became the first time in the band’s 15-year history without a live show. No distractions were going to get in the way. The Captain spent most of the year perfecting what would become “Chasing Danger” in Wing Studios in Stockholm, under the careful supervision of producer Sverker Widgren with Robert Majd & guitarist Daniel Krakowski co-producing. This album also features over-the-top drumming from Vinnie Stromberg and additional awesomeness contributed by Oscar Bromwall (guitar) & John Lönnmyr (keyboard), the lead single “When It’s Over” (co-written by Wildness’ Erik Modin), a modern AOR statement in “A.I.Lover”, their trademark Disco-AOR is evident in the track “Shine”, a piano-driven ballad called “Piece Of Paradise (co-written with The Night Flight Orchestra’s John Lönnmyr) and the epic ending to the album “In Your Arms”.
“We’ve never been prouder of an album. To come back once again after a bunch of set backs and doing it this strong feels great!” says Robert Majd. Guitarist Daniel Krakowski concurs: “This is without doubt our best album”.
“Chasing Danger” will be released on LP (transparent blue vinyl, limited to 300 copies), CD and digital on April 4th, 2025 via Mighty Music. Pre-orders are available here.
The first single from the album, “When It’s Over”, is out now and available to stream via this link. Check also the official video below.
“Chasing Danger” tracklist:
1. Dreams 2. When It’s Over 3. Chasing Rainbows 4. Shine 5. AI Lover 6. Can’t You See 7. Read Your Mind 8. Piece Of Paradise 9. Where Do We Go 10. In Your Arms
Lineup: Robert Majd – bass Fredrik Vahlgren – vocals Daniel Krakowski – guitar Vinnie Strömberg – drums
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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