IRON MAIDEN in 2022 – Photo Credit: John McMurtrie
Nicko McBrain was the rhythmic backbone of Iron Maiden for more than four decades, shaping the band’s iconic sound. Now, he has announced his departure—a decision that was clearly not made lightly. The concert on Saturday, December 7, in São Paulo marked his final performance with Iron Maiden.
McBrain shared an emotional statement explaining his decision:
“After much consideration, it is with both sorrow and joy, I announce my decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle. Today, Saturday, December 7th, Sao Paulo will be my final gig with Iron Maiden. I wish the band much success moving forward.”
Iron Maiden has already announced on their website that Simon Dawson will take over on drums for next year’s live shows. Many fans may recognize him from the “British Lion” project with Steve Harris.
THROATCUT.’s music delves deep into an odyssey of confronting external adversaries and internal demons, resonating with themes of defiance, vulnerability, and redemption in an ambivalent world of freedom and dependence.
Their fearless storytelling and immersive soundscapes create a cathartic experience, allowing listeners to explore the darker, often hidden corners of the human emotion.
Following the explosive release of ‘Más Rápido’, vianova return with a vibrant and groove-infused new track. Step into the high-stakes world of their latest single ‘Wheel of Fortune’!
Dropping as their second release on Arising Empire, ‘Wheel of Fortune’ is an electrifying genre-fusion that blends upbeat funk grooves, modern metal riffs, and melancholic, synth-driven soundscapes. This track redefines expectations with a dynamic gospel choir, adding a powerful, soulful twist. Lyrically inspired by casino and gambling themes, vianova draw striking parallels between life’s decisions and the thrill of a wager. Accompanied by a vibrant, surreal music video where the band performs in a bizarre game show setting, ‘Wheel of Fortune’ is a bold statement that marks another chapter in vianova’s immersive audiovisual worldbuilding.
German metalcore powerhouse Our Mirage have unleashed their latest single ‘Fractured’, a track that promises to resonate with fans through its intense blend of raw emotion and crushing instrumentals.
Accompanied by a visually striking music video, ‘Fractured’ is poised to become a new anthem for fans navigating the complexities of modern life.
Power metal defenders of the faith Twins Crew has signed for Scarlet Records – which released their sophomore record “The Northern Crusade” in 2013 – and will release the new album “Chapter IV” on February 21st.
“Chapter IV” is nothing less than a pure heavy metal album – an alive and kickin’ one, indeed! Twins Crew are back with their sane dose of melodic power metal characterized by powerful guitar riffs and soaring vocals, and a record written in the age of pandemic, inflation, global warming and war.
In times like these it’s very important to stand up and choose your side: the Swedish band believes in keeping it real and simple when it comes to music, while also showcasing evolution and resilience – you can feel it both in the dynamic high-energy performances & thoughtful lyrics.
With unwavering dedication to their crafts and fans, Twins Crew continues to be a formidable force in the present power metal scene.
Mixed and mastered by Fredrik Nordström at Studio Fredman (In Flames, Hammerfall, Dream Evil), “Chapter IV” will be released in the following formats: digipack CD, digital.
artwork by Blekkmark Design Studio
“Chapter IV” tracklist:
Choose Your God
Never Stop Believing
Living In A Dream
Warrior Of North
Fire
Without You
Order 69
Fighting For The World
Twins Crew: Andreas Larsson – vocals Dennis Janglöv – guitar David Janglöv – guitar Fredik Hammar – bass Fredrik Nörgaard Graff – drums
Italian doom band DI’AUL will release their new album, “EvAAvE,” on February 7, 2025 via Minotauro Records. The opus redefines the boundaries of Italian doom and sludge with a raw, powerful, and authentic sound.
After releasing their latest “EP II,” last summer, the band delivers a unique sonic experience. Recorded entirely live and using only analog equipment, “EvAAvE” was crafted at Vacuum Studio in Bologna with Enrico Baraldi. Captureing the visceral energy of a live performance, the album translates it into an intimate and overwhelming listening experience. Mastered by Esben Willems (Monolord, Slower), “EvAAvE” blends the heavy soul of doom and sludge with a production that highlights every detail, from the lowest frequencies to hypnotic reverbs.
Di’Aul reaches a new artistic maturity, merging a doom/sludge sound foundation with lyrics of rare depth. The album is a journey that delves into the shadows of the human condition, guiding the listener through powerful sonic and lyrical landscapes. “EvAAvE” stands out for its rich and layered poetic vision, rooted in symbolism, existentialism, and the darkness of the human condition. The lyrics range from dreamlike imagery to visceral reflections, alternating introspection and social critique.
Nature plays a fundamental role, with evocative descriptions and symbols (as in Geosmina and Petricore), evoking a deep and spiritual connection with the natural world. The influences of poets like Sylvia Plath and Amelia Rosselli can be felt in the construction of intimate and painful images, often associated with contrasting emotions such as loneliness and hope (Duende, Mad Dalena).
Biblical and mythological references (Succubi et Incubi, EvAAvE) add a level of complexity, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and duality.
The lyrics employ a language that alternates between rawness and lyricism. Short, fragmented phrases intertwine with richly detailed sensory imagery (“Breathing with the other’s lungs,” “Sweat and blood in the air, no despair to bear”), creating a visceral and immersive atmosphere. Many lyrics play on opposites (life/death, light/darkness, guilt/innocence), reflecting inner and universal conflicts. This is particularly evident in tracks like Tar Wings and EvAAvE.
Track listing:
Duende
Tar Wings
Mad Dalena
Petricore
Succubi et Incubi
F.O.M.O.
Geosmina
EvAAvE
Di’Aul’s journey began in 2010, characterized from the start by multifaceted musical influences and a penchant for slow, heavy sounds, with a strong focus on atmospheres and lyrics. The band released their first EP, GV 12.31, in 2010, followed by the albums And Then Came The Monsters (2013), Garden of Exile (2015, This Is Core Records), Nobody’s Heaven (2018, Argonauta Records), and the split EP with Mos Generator (2020, Argonauta Records). With Abracamacabra (2022, MooDDoom Records), Di’Aul further consolidated their sound. On June 7, 2024, they released their latest work, the EP II, marking a new creative phase. Di’Aul has performed on numerous stages across Italy and Europe, sharing the stage with bands such as Crowbar, Messa, Goblin, Jex Thoth, The Ossuary, Geoff Tate, Nibiru, Ahab, and many others, cementing their position as a commanding presence in the doom/sludge scene.
DI’AUL are MoMo – Vocals Lele – Guitars Rex – Drums Jeremy – Bass
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
