Julien-K adds veteran touring powerhouse drummer Galen Waling as an official band member. Waling is known for his work in Lords Of Acid, PIG, and Left Spine Down.
Singer Ryan Shuck explained, “We work with so many creatives in our Julien-K extended family, we had always thought of the band as much bigger than just Amir, Fu, and I. It’s normal for us to work with different players, writers, producers in the course of doing what we do – and that won’t change. But as the band has become such a regular touring entity, Galen just fit so solidly into our live world that we started asking him to join us in the studio as well. It just seemed natural to make him an official band member”.
The band begins an extensive 2025 tour schedule with the Colder Than Hell Tour featuring Vampires Everywhere & Priest, then joins Powerman 5000 though April, as well as, performing at the famous Rainbow Anniversary Festival on the Sunset Strip on April 13th. More tour dates TBA for Fall 2025.
The bands latest dark techno-dystopian single “Static Whispers” from their upcoming album DRK|MODE drops Friday, Dec 13th to coincide with the bands last show of the year at Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood CA. Supporting Julien-K will be Grey Daze from Phoenix AZ.
Burning Creation is a band founded in early 2022 in Żywiec (PL) by the Klimonda brothers after the suspension of the Haures band. The band’s lyrics touch on the subject of Vikings. Their music can be classified as melodic death metal, with strong vibe of Amon Amarth. In 2023, the band presented its debut release, the EP “Never Dead-Nation“, and after a year of waiting, it will show its debut album entitled “Sea Of Dead Bodies“.
The new album is an aggressive, raw, death metal sound, interwoven with melodic accents straight from the frosty North. However, it is not only the sound and graphic design that evoke Scandinavia here. The main role here is played by the lyrics, referring to, among others, to mythological events, such as the winter of Fimbul (“Fimbulvinter“), the death of Baldur (“Tears Of Mourners“) or the last battle of the warriors from Valhalla (“The Einherjers’ Return“), about mythological, Scandinavian folklore (“Eaten By Hulder“), historical events, such as the siege of Paris (“Time Of Broken Shields“), as well as the original concept of Vikings returning from beyond the grave to take final revenge for the sins of this world. In almost every case, they are marked by cruelty, stained with the blood of the enemies of the warriors from the north, and also filled with the darkest of human emotions, as well as striking ugliness, imperfection. However, there is no shortage of glory for the fallen comrades, fighting for one’s own, rising from one’s knees and remembering one’s values and who one really is. Most likely, this direction will be continued on the band’s next releases. Perhaps the scales will tip towards uncompromising death metal rather than one full of melody – towards even more bloodshed, but only the future will tell.
Klimonda brothers comments upcoming record: “Sea Of Dead Bodies consist of 9 brand new songs that take us to the world of Vikings and Norse Gods. This time, the corpses of warriors from the North have sailed on boats from across the ocean to continue the conquest begun on the “Never Dead-Nation” EP. In addition, the album will feature a bonus track in the form of a cover of Amon Amarth’s “Burning Creation”, a song that gave rise not only to the band’s name, but also to the band’s musical style and fascination with the North.“
Music for upcoming release was recorded, mixed and mastered by Marek Stefaniak. Cover artwork was done by Damian Bydliński. Debut album titled “Sea of Dead Bodies” is released today, on November 29, 2024 on digital format and CD by Polish label Via Nocturna (CD order).
Listen to “Sea of Dead Bodies” at Death Metal Promotion:
Tracklist:
01. The Calling (Intro) 02. Eaten by Hulder 03. Sea of Dead Bodies 04. Ulfhednar 05. The Einherjers’ Return 06. Snakebite 07. Under the Fading Sun 08. Tears of Mourner 09. As the Ocean Takes Us Down 10. Burning Creation (Amon Amarth cover)
Line-up:
Piotr Czopek – bass Jarosław Klimonda – drums Marek Klimonda – guitars (lead) Maciej Konior – vocals, guitars (rhythm)
Fantasy Metal titans GLORYHAMMER end 2024 by unleashing surprise single, „He Has Returned“! Expanding on the story of the fan-favourite character of the Robot Prince of Auchtertool, the song sees the band revisit a familiar theme whilst treading new sonic ground, seamlessly combining pounding heavy metal, uplifting electro-synths, and devastating dual guitars with the masterful songwriting and singalong choruses the band has made their trademark for the past decade.
The band also takes a retrospective look at their history and evolution with two bonus tracks, new versions of „The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee“ (hearkening all the way back to their first 2010 demo) and „Hootsforce“, the breakout hit from 2019’s Legends From Beyond The Galactic Terrorvortex. With a fresh production from the dream team of George Lever (Loathe, Sleep Token) and Jacob Hansen (Amaranthe, Powerwolf, Volbeat), these two classics take on a new lease of life.
„He Has Returned“ is GLORYHAMMER like you’ve never heard them before. With a calendar of shows across the globe, and a new record in the works, the stage is set for GLORYHAMMER to dominate the modern power metal scene yet again!
GLORYHAMMER is: Sozos Michael – Vocals Paul Templing – Guitars James Cartwright – Bass Michael Barber – Keyboards Ben Turk – Drums Christopher Bowes – Narration
Horrific Honorifics Number Two (2), an unapologetic declaration of reverence, sees CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX laying bare the influences that have long seared their spirits with incandescent defiance. Within Horrific Honorifics Number Two (2), the band transforms seminal tracks such as Fugazi’s Blueprint and Laura Branigan’s Self Control into haunting renditions that challenge the listener to peer into these classics through a new, unflinching lens. The intricate layers woven by founder Justin Greaves and Belinda Kordic’s haunting melodies envelop each note with authenticity and raw power.
Joined by old companions and new kindred souls, the album is a canvas of rich soundscapes echoing the tumultuous symphony of human tales. Each reinterpretation swells with the unmistakable CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX essence, striking a perfect balance between honoring the legacy of its predecessors and carving its own path of revolution.
Listen to the full new Horrific Honorifics Number Two (2) on the Season of Mist YouTube channel:
Their double album, The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature and Horrific Honorifics Number Two (2), commemorates two decades of relentless introspection and unyielding rebellion.
The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature An album which exhumes and resurrects their buried treasures, reworking and re-recording iconic tracks that have weathered the storms of time. These anthems – imbued with the rawness of old friends and new allies – surge with renewed vigor, challenging the very essence of complacency. Anthem such as We Forgotten Who We Are or the lead single Goodnight, Europe, completely re-imagined.
Horrific Honorifics Number Two (2) An albums which serves as a dark homage to the musical titans who ignited their spirit, with visceral covers that explode into life. With tracks like the searing rendition of New Model Army’s Vengeance and the haunting introspection of Laura Branigan’s Self Control, this album is a collection of CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX‘s masterful rendition of classic songs which have inspired them over the years.
Tracklist: 1. We Forgotten Who We Are (11:17) 2. You Put The Devil In Me (6:18) 3. 444 (7:23) [LISTEN] 4. Goodnight, Europe (Pt2) (8:37) [WATCH] 5. (-) (4:39) 6. Song For The Unloved (14:22) 7. Whissendine (6:58) 8. Blizzard Of Horned Cats (4:43) Total runtime: 1:04:21
Tracklist: 1. Vengeance (4:16) 2. Self Control (5:23) [LISTEN] 3. Blueprint (4:03) [LISTEN] 4. And That’s Sad (6:52) 5. Hammer Song (4:52) 6. When A Blind Man Cries (3:22) 7. My Pal (3:51) 8. Goin’ Against Your Mind (8:53) Total runtime: 41:36
The thread that binds CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX’s bold and towering discography — a dozen studio albums, a half-dozen mini-albums, a handful of compilations and swaths of bootlegs — could not be more apropos circa 2022. Since its 2004 creation by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Justin Greaves, CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX has served as the voice for the voiceless, whether it be animals, the unequal and the different. Greaves and longstanding vocalist and lyricist Belinda Kordic have often proffered that these beings cannot fend for themselves. Henceforth, CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX’s mission has been to shed light on the human condition and the inequalities that befall humankind and its creatures. Their battle marches on with their latest studio album, Banefyre.
Banefyre follows 2020’s Ellengæst — an effort that found CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX employ a series of notable guest vocalists alongside Kordic, prompting Metal Hammer to describe it as their “most cohesive and emotionally devastating record.” Kordic is now paired with Swedish vocalist Joel Segerstedt, who made his CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX debut last year via the “Painful Reminder/Dead is Dead” single. Piano, synth and trumpet player Helen Stanley and additional guitarist Andy Taylor complete the lineup. Greaves says Stanley and Taylor “fit so well creatively,” which has made CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX feel like a band when making plans and decisions.
Also central to this is Segerstedt. According to Kordic, the vocalist and lyricist lives a mere five minutes from her in Sweden and has quickly integrated himself into the band. “What I like about Joel is that he’s a good person,” she says. “There’s no fakeness with him; he has cajones. He’s not a bitch-talker, either. I can’t handle people who don’t have a backbone, but Joel is real and can speak his mind.”
“I like how Joel has come in and spoke for himself,” adds Greaves. “He’s in the band for the right reasons. I see him the same way as Belinda — she took an interest in the whole artistic thing behind CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX, like the vocals, lyrics, artwork and aesthetic. It’s the same with Joel. He has taken an interest in all of those things. In the past, we had people who didn’t contribute artistically and only cared about what they got out of the band. But Joel is really proactive and takes the initiative.”
Greaves assembled 13 songs (including “No Regrets,” a bonus track for his new project with Kordic, Johnny the Boy) imbued with the depth and introspection that will reinforce CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX’s standing as a band that defies genre. The album was tracked at Chapel Studios in South Thoresby, Lincolnshire, with vocals cut at Monolith Studio and Kapsylen Studio in Stockholm, Sweden. Kurt Ballou handled mixing in GodCity Studios in Salem, Massachusetts — a pivotal move in determining the album’s overall sound.
“I love the album so much because it was a different approach with the production,” says Greaves. “For my part, it was a little bit of a reaction. I didn’t want to do the same warm, safe CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX album. I’m aware that when we did [2012’s] I, Vigilante, everyone wanted I, Vigilante again. As it so often happens with this band, people complain about the next one, then grow into it. Ellengæst is like I, Vigilante. It’s a shorter album. It hit the mark and was done really well, but everyone will expect another Ellengæst. I feared that, but I care enough not to make another Ellengæst. It’s the right thing to do. That’s why we got Kurt to mix it — we wanted that analog, raw power. Even though the album has mellow moments, those are edgy as well. We just didn’t want to do the same album twice. We’re never going to be a band that people can rely on.”
Greaves’ summation of his band notwithstanding, his distinctive guitar playing and enduring knack for immersive songwriting is the propellent behind the haunting, chant-laden “Ghostland,” pensive “The Reckoning” and forlorn “Everything is Beautiful but Us,” the band’s spot-on analysis of the retreat of humankind indoors during the pandemic that revealed nature’s priceless beauty. The album is also stocked with no less than four ten-minute-plus cuts (“Rose of Jericho,” “Down the Rabbit Hole,” “I’m Okay, Just Not Alright” and “The Scene is a False Prophet”) that are intermixed with drama and melancholy.
It all ties into Banefyre’s central theme of the persecution of people who are deemed “different” by society. The album title is a play on the song “Bonefire” that Kordic named and wrote lyrics for. In classic CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX fashion, Greaves turned it into the Olde English translation to represent the bonfires that engulfed witches and politicians through the 15th and 18th centuries, hence, the name Banefyre.
The album begins with “Incantation for the Different,” which was written and orated by Chicago-based witch, artist, author and occultist Shane Bugbee, who, according to Greaves, “brought us some positive, dark energy.” Banefyre then delves into the Salem Witch Trials (“Wyches and Basterdz”), fox hunting in Great Britain (“The Reckoning”), politicians of an unscrupulous and dishonest kind (“Bonefire”) and the New York City Blackout of 1977 (“Blackout77”).
Greaves says Banefyre’s topics may have a decidedly negative and pessimistic tone, but a glimmer of hope and joy remains. “There’s always the random bits, but overall, Banefyre is about the people who have suffered because they are different. The album covers inequality and oppression, like ‘Incantation for the Different,’ which is about overcoming when you’re put down because you’re not like everyone else.”
In true CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX fashion, the Lucy Marshall-created Banefyre cover leaves plenty to the imagination, depicting four animals seated at a table — interacting and dressed like human beings. “It’s sort of like Planet of the Apes showing what animals could do to humans,” says Greaves. “The cover was specially commissioned and is unique to the album. It’s incorporating all the classic CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX elements with the love for animals and twisting the narrative around.”
CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX’s reputation was built on the back of their studio albums and live shows. The pandemic prevented the band from supporting Ellengæst, but it did provide them additional time to bring in new members to their live configuration.
“We’ve done one show since 2019,” says Greaves. “We are going to do something in Europe this year. Hopefully, we can get back on track. We’re also going to do something in the States — that’s not just talk, we’re actually going to do it. It’s well overdue. The live band is fucking amazing. We have the five of us and now we have Jordi [Farré] on drums, Paco [Fleischfresser] on synth and a really good friend of mine, Matt Crawford on bass.
“We did the Leipzig show and even though the rehearsals were better than the show itself, that lineup, our live band, is so good. Because we haven’t been under pressure to put a live band together since 2019 and spent so long talking to people, we’ve got a better band from those results. Out of disaster, we’ve got quite a good, positive thing.”
The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature & Horrific Honorifics Number Two(2) are a double album celebrating the 20 year existence of CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX.
Original Credits: All tracks on Horrific Honorifics Number Two(2) are covers of various artists.
Vengeance Originally recorded by New Model Army, Written by: Sullivan/Morrow
Self Control Originally recorded by Laura Branigan, Written by: Giancarlo Bigazzi, Raffaele Riefoli, Steve Piccolo
Blueprint Originally recorded by Fugazi, Written by: Canty, Lilly, MacKaye, Picciotto
And That’s Sad Originally recorded by NoMeansNo, Written by: NoMeansNo
Hammer Song Originally recorded by Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Written by Alex Harvey
When A Blind Man Cries Originally recorded by Deep Purple, Written by: Gillan, Glover, Blackmore, Lord, Paice
My Pal Originally recorded by God, Written by: God, Joel Silbersher)
Goin’ Against Your Mind Originally recorded by Built To Spill, Written by: Doug Martsch, Jim Roth, Brett Nelson, Scott Plouf
Self Control Belinda Kordic – Vocals Justin Greaves – Drums, Guitars Andy Taylor – Baritone Guitar Helen Stanley – Synth Wesley J. Wasley – Bass
Blueprint Ryan Patterson – Vocals Justin Greaves – Drums, Guitars Helen Stanley – Piano Wesley J. Wasley – Bass
And That’s Sad Justin Greaves – Drums, Guitars, Vocals Wesley Wasley – Bass, Vocals
Hammer Song Belinda Kordic – Vocals Justin Greaves – Drums, Guitars Andy Taylor – Guitar, Acoustic guitar Helen Stanley – Synth, Hammond Wesley J. Wasley – Bass
When A Blind Man Cries Belinda Kordic – Vocals Justin Greaves, Drums, Guitars Andy Taylor – Guitars Helen Stanley – Piano Kostas Panagiotou – Hammond Wesley J. Wasley – Bass
My Pal Belinda Kordic – Vocals Justin Greaves – Drums, Guitars, Backing Vocals Wesley J. Wasley – Bass
Goin’ Against Your Mind Justin Storms – Vocals Justin Greaves – Drums, Guitars Andy Taylor – Guitar Wesley J. Wasley – Bass
Recorded in 2023 at: Chapel Studios, Lincolnshire Engineered by Pieter Rietkerk
Additional Vocal Sessions at: Kapsylen Studio, Stockholm Engineered by Jörgen Jugglo Wall. House Of Foto, Louisville, KY Engineered by Ryan Patterson
Additional Production Credits: Mixed by Pieter Rietkerk Mastered by Magnus Lindberg Produced by Justin Greaves
The festive season is just around the corner, and 2024 has been nothing short of a celebratory year for ALL FOR METAL. This year marked the release of their second hit album, “Gods Of Metal (Year Of The Dragon),” on August 23 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), along with numerous shows across Europe. Before taking their final bow of the year in late December, the band are thrilled to present a Christmas-themed music video to bring extra holiday cheer to the metal community. A must-watch for every Christmas Eve party – guaranteed to rock your holidays!
Guitarist Jasmin “Jassy” Pabst jubilates: “We’re celebrating the end of the year and Christmas time with all of you by unveiling our final music video of 2024: Santa Tetzel is coming to town! But did everyone behave well to even deserve this special present?”
“Merry Christmas everyone! I hope that Santa Tetzel won’t deliver you coal this year!” grins ‘vocal elf’ Antonio Calanna.
Those who’ve been good can now enjoy ‘All For Metal Is Coming To Town’ and join the band’s music video feast here:
As mentioned, ALL FOR METAL didn’t only visit one but many towns all over the continent this year. A definite highlight was their performance at “Adunata – Feudalesimo e Libertà” near Milan, Italy in May, and to hype up metalheads worldwide for their forthcoming performances — including an 8-date German tour alongside ORDEN OGAN and ANGUS McSIX as well as appearances at renown festivals such as Metalfest Open Air (CZ), Bloodstock Open Air (UK), and Motocultor Festival (FR) among others — the band have recently launched their full Adunata performance on YouTube.
Vocalist Tetzel states: “Our very first festival gig in Italy has been captured for eternity in the form of this video! It was a magical experience that we simply had to share with you! It’s the same procedure as usual: It’s ALL FOR METAL – and METAL FOR ALL!”
Jassy adds: “Such a special event with an even more special atmosphere! It’s been to pleasure to record one of our concerts for the very first time there. Kudos to everyone involved! But what’s even more important: We’re bringing ALL FOR METAL to the living rooms of all those who couldn’t witness our live energy so far. It’s not a life-sized but a full experience for all of you.”
“It took us five months to prepare this show, because we wanted to deliver ALL FOR METAL directly to the homes of our fans – and now you can find out what to expect when you come to one of our shows! See you on the road!” raves Calanna.
ALL FOR METAL‘s upcoming gatherings can be found below; don’t hesitate to get your tickets!
ALL FOR METAL live:
14.12.2024 DE Neumünster – Walhalla 28.12.2024 DE Ellwangen-Röhlingen – Dynamite Night *NEW* 29.12.2024 DE Runkel – No Sleep After X-mas Festival
“The Tour Of Fear” w/ ORDEN OGAN, ANGUX MCSIX Presented by Metal Hammer, musix, metal.de, powermetal.de, RPM & Decibel Touring 31.01.2025 DE Munich – Backstage (Werk) 01.02.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Halle) 07.02.2025 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 08.02.2025 DE Herford – KulturWerk 14.02.2025 DE Geiselwind – MusicHall 15.02.2025 DE Leipzig – Hellraiser 21.02.2025 DE Hamburg – Markthalle 22.02.2025 DE Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle
01.04.2025 AT Mayrhofen – Full Metal Mayrhofen *NEW* 06. – 08.06.2025 CZ Pilsen – Metalfest Open Air 04./05.07.2025 DE Irslingen – Wolfweez OpenAir Festival *NEW* 07.08.2025 UK Walton-on-Trent – Bloodstock Open Air 14. – 17.08.2024 FR Carhaix – Motocultor Festival *NEW*
If there’s one band who knows how to throw a rager, it’s Richmond thrash kings, MUNICIPAL WASTE! The band is now inviting fans to kickoff their previously announced 25th anniversary ‘Spring Kickback’ weekend with a raucous pre-party! The ‘Waste Kickoff’ show will take place on April 10, 2025 @ Cobra Cabana in Richmond, VA and features performances by Asshole Parade, Morbikon, Stepmother, Suppression, and Shooting Pain.
Municipal Waste frontman Tony Foresta comments, “Stoked to announce the pre-party at our pal Herbie’s bar, Cobra Cabana, on Thursday night. Asshole Parade was one of the first bands we ever toured with and it’s great to see them still ripping it up. This line up is surely going to be a memorable one. More crazy shit to be announced soon. Plan to stay in Richmond all weekend. Plan for a brutal hangover as well. Cheers!”
‘Weekend Kickback – Day 1 [TICKETS] April 11, 2024 @ The Broadberry Annihilation Time The Spits Bat Public Acid Special Guest TBA
‘Weekend Kickback – Day 2 [TICKETS] April 12, 2024 @ The National Municipal Waste Toxic Holocaust Midnight Excel Enforced
In addition to the weekend celebration, Municipal Waste will hit the road in support of Kerry King along with Alien Weaponry this upcoming January and February. Tickets are available HERE.
1/15 The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco, CA 1/17 Spokane Live Casino, Spokane, WA 1/18 Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA 1/19 Roseland Theater, Portland, OR 1/20 Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC 1/22 The Palace Theatre, Calgary, AB 1/23 Midway Music Hall, Edmonton, AB 1/25 Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, MB 1/26 The Fillmore, Minneapolis, MN 1/28 The Rave, Milwaukee, WI 1/30 The Majestic Theater, Detroit, MI 1/31 House of Blues, Cleveland, OH 2/1 Danforth Music Hall, Toronto, ON CANADA 2/2 L’Olympia, Montreal, QC CANADA 2/4 Royale, Boston, MA 2/5 Theatre of the Living Arts, Philadelphia, PA 2/7 Irving Plaza, New York, NY 2/8 Baltimore Soundstage, Baltimore, MD 2/10 Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta, GA 2/11 Jannus Live, St. Petersburg, FL 2/13 House of Blues, Houston, TX 2/14 Emo’s, Austin, TX 2/15 The Studio at the Factory, Dallas, TX 2/17 Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO 2/18 Sunshine Theater, Albuquerque, NM 2/19 The Nile Theater, Phoenix, AZ 2/21 House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV 2/22 The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )