VISIONATICA have released another single from the upcoming album “Harrowing Insight”.
Singer Tamara Amedov had already announced in a major interview that, despite all the new influences on the upcoming album, the band had “remained true to one thing”: having a song with an oriental flavor as a kind of trademark of the band. This song is the new single “Scheherazade”, a song from 1001 nights, well rather from 1001 sleepless nights!
“The song invites you to dance and tells the story of the Persian princess Scheherazade, who was the only woman who managed to stop the murderous sultan from killing her too,” says Tamara, outlining the story. The accompanying video also shows off her dancing talents.
Since 2016, the quartet around the enchanting frontwoman Tamara Amedov has been casting musical visions in steel. Melody meets heaviness, orchestra meets driving rhythm and the whole thing is always spiced up with a touch of oriental charm, a hint of sex appeal and rounded off with skillful playfulness.
If you like female fronted symphonic metal, you will love Visionatica. The virtues of well-known role models are skillfully and extremely independently packaged in a fresh guise that inspires and captivates.
Visionatica live: March 29, 2025 Rockhütte Eisenhüttenstadt April 4, 2025 Symphonic Metal Night (B-Hof) Würzburg April 25, 2025 Harrowing Insight Album Release (MUZ Club) Nürnberg
Line-up: Tamara Amedov: Vocals Manuel Buhl: Guitar Gerhard Spanner: Drums Tim Zahn: Bass
Gothic doom rockers October Noir have officially released their highly anticipated music video for “Tourniquet”. The track, featured on their latest album, Letters to Existence, takes listeners on an immersive journey into the depths of pain, love, death, and spirituality.
The “Tourniquet” video presents a visually stunning and metaphorically rich interpretation of the song’s lyrical themes. Playing on the references to the four elements—earth, wind, water, and fire—the storyline follows a spirit systematically stripping these elements, represented in the beauty of the female form, and ultimately bringing them to their demise. This destructive process serves as a means to achieve a greater end—the downfall of humanity itself.
“The visual nudity isn’t nudity at all because the woman isn’t a woman,” Tom Noir states, referencing the AI-generated artistic vision behind the video. For the first time, October Noir has ventured into AI videography, utilizing this groundbreaking technology to capture the essence of the elements in ways that traditional production methods would have required extensive resources to achieve. A key factor in the video’s creation was Florida’s historic and record-breaking snowfall, which provided the band with an unprecedented natural backdrop that further amplifies the chilling essence of the song.
Despite having other video concepts on the table, the band embraced the frigid conditions to craft what they consider an iconic moment in their musical journey. “We had to strike the iron while it was ice-cold,” Noir adds, emphasizing the unique opportunity that nature provided them.
About October Noir:
Formed in 2017 by frontman Tom Noir, October Noir has been at the forefront of Goth, Doom, Rock, and Metal. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists including Type O Negative, The Cure, 80s Hair Metal, Lycia, Danzig, My Dying Bride, and The Sisters of Mercy, the band has created a thunderous, dark resonance that deeply connects with fans. Joined by Doug Lane (Guitars) and Tyler Fleming (Keyboards), October Noir embarked on their journey in September 2018, sharing their signature melancholic yet powerful sound with audiences worldwide.
Letters to Existence is the latest offering from the band, packed with lyrical depth and hidden Easter eggs. Tracks such as “A Halo Hung From Horns” feature samples from Dante’s Inferno, while “For Honor” has been described by band members as their most transparently 80s-sounding track. “It’s our Def Leppard song,” says Tyler Fleming, nodding to its heavy metal influences. Meanwhile, Doug Lane describes the album’s finale, “Winter,” as a “gut-wrenching and torturously emotional slog in the best possible way.”
With Letters to Existence, October Noir continues to cement their place in the goth rock scene, delivering soul-stirring compositions that leave fans wanting more.
Finnish Dark metal band Monolicht, from the barren lands of the North, have released their highly anticipated single Colossus. The song is a dive into the band’s world, where northern mysticism and stories of the wilderness come to life.
Drawing heavily on Nordic myths and legends, Monolicht’s music creates a soundscape that transports the listener through dark forests and frozen rivers. Colossus musically takes the listener into an environment of massive, collapsing structures where power and vulnerability meet.
“The band’s music is a journey to the northern wilderness. Musically, there is a lot of natural melancholy, sadness and coldness,” says the band’s guitarist Mikko Kupiainen. “Production-wise, we wanted to keep the sound alive, so we played the song practically live without any clips or edits, and the sound engineer Tom Brooke made sure that the band’s own sound came through strongly.”
Monolicht is known for their intense live performances and their ability to create profound and emotional soundscapes. With this new release, the band once again showcases their ability to combine heavy melodies and lush vocals with mythical stories.
The sprawling story of Calva Louise, the band that found each other from opposite corners of the world – whose combined influences and experiences created a myriad of captivating threads entwined into their existence. Metal, punk, electronica and art rock weave through grandiose narratives and cinematic storytelling with a mind-blowing visual delivery – Welcome to the Calva Louise Universe and the release of their new studio album, Edge of the Abyss, which is co-produced by Pendulum’s Gareth McGrillen and will be released on 11 July via Mascot Records. They have revealed the video for their new single, Aimless, to celebrate the announcement.
Aimless is a reflective catharsis of human communication. Sometimes, it feels like we communicate in monologues where it feels impossible for someone to understand our point of view while simultaneously asking oneself: Do we act the same way towards others? “The song deals with the fragility of our beliefs but at the same time with the importance of knowing our true essence and standing up for it,” Jess Allanic says.
They are currently on tour with Bloodywood. Check out the remaining dates HERE.
You can trace the Calva Louise project—the ‘origin’ story, if you will— back to ten-year-old Jess Allanic, drawing in her home in Guarenas, on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela. There, the genesis of the idea for her story about a hidden world intertwined with our world, began.
‘The Edge of the Abyss’ sees characters travelling between different dimensions, with people who mysteriously resemble doubles of each of us, like shadows that seem to stalk us but who, in reality, seek to communicate. Who are these beings? What do they want from us? How can we reach them?
The incredible cinematic sci-fi videos for the album singles show different times and worlds where some characters have encounters with their ‘doubles’. W.T.F is the prequel of the previous singles: La Corriente and Under The Skin – all VFX and directed by Jess.
Track Listing
1. Tunnel Vision 2. W.T.F 3. Aimless 4. Lo Que Vale 5. Impeccable 6. Barely A Response 7. The Abyss 8. El Umbral 9. La Corriente 10. Hate In Me 11. Under The Skin
Growing up during Venezuela’s most disastrous economic and social crisis, the alternative scene was disappearing. She dreamt of living in the UK. Just before her 16th birthday, she made the courageous decision to move more than 7,500km from Caracas to Rouen in France – because it was close to the UK. She was to live in a convent, where she would be told off by nuns for playing guitar along to System of a Down in her bedroom.
Next door was a 1600s “Hogwarts” like school, where she met Alizon Taho. “I was focused on being in a band, and that’s exactly when Jess arrived in my class”, Alizon says.
They would travel to the UK to play shows with limited English and without knowing anyone. They took every experience presented to them – and the consequences that came with them. They took on jobs, stayed in garages, on sofas, and with “friends of friends”. Robbed, scammed and taken advantage of, they stayed in £10 motels that were sometimes surrounded by rats. They would often have to move at very short notice. “I had one suitcase and my guitar,” Jess says.
“Our album is called Edge of the Abyss because that’s how we live. One misstep and everything could fall apart,” Jess says. “I emigrated twice, so I’ve already had a culture shock twice. This hurts a little less because this is where I want to be. I have nowhere to go back to” she says.
Drummer Ben Parker – who grew up in New Zealand and moved to the UK aged 14 – completed the line-up. They immediately built a captivating relationship. All three had moved to the UK from overseas and found each other.
They built an impressive DIY spirit and formidable reputation on the UK live circuit through performances at Download, 2000Trees, a headline performance on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading and Leeds festival, as well as tours with Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Razorlight, Boston Manor, and Bloodywood. The US saw a co-headline tour with Vukovi and festival slots at Welcome to Rockville, So What?, Sonic Temple, Riot Fest, SXSW, and Shiprocked.
2023’s independently released mixtape, Over The Threshold saw Jess’ creativity truly explode. It also caught the attention of Pendulum’s Gareth McGrillen who went on to co-produce Edge of the Abyss.
They’ve picked up support from BBC Radio 1’s Rock Show, Introducing Rock, Future Alternative, and Future Artists, Kerrang! Radio, Primordial, Metal Hammer, Rock Sound, Kerrang! magazine and Revolver, who delved into their multiple-worlds-spanning story.
The 10-year-old girl in Guarenas, drawing the first paintings of her sci-fi story, was linked by destiny with the young French child who was dreaming of forming a band and then, years later, had the chance to meet the New Zealander in London, who had picked up the sticks also aged 10, with the plan to be a great musician – they finally have found their way and their home together. Calva Louise, the British multicultural band, started with a vision that they passionately continue to grow, creating a fresh and unique experience with each release.
“Our willpower never dies, that’s the thing. It’s been hard learning every day, but look at the friendship we have. We say that it’s like the path of the warrior”. Jess exclaims.
Calva Louise are Jess Allanic (Vocals/Guitar/Keyboard), Alizon Taho (Bass/Backing Vocals) and Ben Parker (Drums/Backing Vocals).
Cosmic Fire Records is proud to announce the signing of legendary US prog metal band TRANSCENDENCE, who are back after 22 years with their brand new single, entitled “Take Control”. Watch the official video for “Take Control” below.
Vocalist Brian comments on the new single:
“‘Take Control’ was the first song we recorded after joining Transcendence. Already being a big fan of their previously released materials, I had a really good idea of what they wanted vocally, even though Greg (original vocalist) and I sound nothing alike. Kirk and I spent about 3 hours with Bart at Fort Worth Sound hammering out the details“.
Brian adds about the collaboration with Cosmic Fire Records:
“Transcendence is thrilled to partner with Cosmic Fire Records! Finally, a label that understands the needs of a band while also working together towards a common goal. Their approach is very different and refreshing. Not only are they musicians, web designers, and artists themselves, but they also have a fine-tuned understanding of the markets they serve“.
Cosmic Fire Records A&R manager says:
“We are honored to have Transcendence on our roster! We have been fans of the band since their debut was released back in the day! This great prog metal band has been inactive for many years, but now they are back with some amazing new material. Prepare to be mesmerized by their incredible new songs“!
TRANSCENDENCE was formed in the late ‘90s in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area by Kirk Wood (Bass), Jeff Ford (Guitar), Greg Drew (Vocals), John Von Rosenberg (Drums), and John Howser (Keyboards).
“The Meridian Project” was released in 2001 and quickly sprang to #1 on MP3.com for both the album and the song “Alpha Omega”. John Von Roseneberg left the group immediately after “The Meridian Project” release and was very capably replaced by Derrek Edwards.
During that time they also released a three track EP titled “3 Stones” (2003).
TRANSCENDENCE spent the next 14 years opening for the likes of Dream Theater, Geoff Tate, and countless other national acts in their home town.
After the band started working on their new studio work, vocalist Greg Drew left the band. The remaining members looked for a replacement for Greg until they asked Travis Wills (Crimson Glory), but due to his other commitments they could not work together. After that they asked singer Brian Dixon (Resonance Theory, X Opus) to take over the vocal duties. Ironically, Brian was already big fan of the band and knew their prior material. It was a perfect fit!
More details about the upcoming new studio album, track listing, cover artwork and pre-orders will be revealed in the coming weeks.
TRANSCENDENCE are: Brian Dixon – Vocals, vocal harmonies Jeff Ford – Guitars Kirk Wood – Bass, vocal harmonies John Howser – Keys, piano Derrek Edwards – Drums
The crossover groove metal band HOLE IN THE FRAME is ready to shake souls with their brand-new single 3 A.M., released under Volcano Records. 3 A.M. is a sonic journey that captures the restlessness and tension of those sleepless nights when the mind is besieged by thoughts. With a powerful and sharp sound that blends groove metal and nu metal, the track delves into inner torment and the determination of those who choose to fight for their dreams.
“Now I can see again my face, feeling the power in my veins”, with these words, Hole In The Frame transform anguish into pure energy, turning it into a battle against insecurities and a pursuit of personal fulfillment.
Drawing inspiration from iconic bands such as Korn, Slipknot, and Pantera, Hole In The Frame create a striking sonic impact, mixing sharp riffs, pounding rhythms, and a voice loaded with raw intensity. The official video, available on YouTube, was filmed during the recording sessions of the track in the studio, capturing the energy and adrenaline of a band with an untamable live presence. The release also marks a new chapter for the band, with the addition of the talented drummer Gemma Sofia Salvatori to their lineup.
Watch the video and listen to 3 A.M. here:
Also check out the earlier released singles + videos:
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
