Norwegian progressive rock group AVKRVST are pleased to announce their debut album titled ‘The Approbation’, set to be released on the 16th June, 2023, via Inside Out Music.
The band are also pleased to share the new video for the album’s first single “The Pale Moon” which you can see here
“The Pale Moon” is also available on all digital platforms here
The band had this to say about the video: “The video for «The Pale Moon» is portraying a lonesome soul and his daily chores on a cabin far away from civilization – on his journey towards the end of life. All faith and hope is gone and the character is starting to lose his mind. Is he alone? Is there someone else present? Or is it just his mind playing games?
Finnish-Estonian metallers KILLHALL are set to release their debut album ‘Skullsplitter‘ on June 2nd 2023 via Inverse Records. The second single and music video Delirium Tremens is released today and it’s available here: https://push.fm/fl/killhall-delirium-tremens
The band comments:
“We’ve all been there. But maybe not that deep in it. In this song and video the main character take’s a trip made so many times before – delirium tremens. This is a story of toxines taking over one man’s life and making everything seem different. Maybe even better than it is in reality?”
Album cover art by Black Bela Art & Tattoo Reet Velström Mixed & Mastered: Mikko Herranen Vocal recording: Mikko Herranen Instrument recording: Killhall
Killhall happened because of the need to evolve. Coming to rehearse together from over 666 kilometers and from two neighbouring countries you’d be right to ask: “Why the fuck? Don’t you have anyone else to play with at your hometown?” The true answer to it is that all Killhall members have 15+ years of gigs, rehearsals, comings and goings behind their back and at one point you just want to find the right guy next to you. Shortly to blast some badass heavy metal, see the people jump up and down to your music and to make a statement what metal should be in our ears and eyes and is in our northern hearts.
LINE-UP: Tuomas Laukkanen (guitars) Stefan Laine (bass) Juuso Laukkanen (drums) Madis “Mad” Velström (lyrics, vocals)
BATTLE BORN have premiered their new single and music video, Dragon Heart, via Distorted Sound. Dragon Heart is the Southampton, UK power metal group’s second single to be taken from their forthcoming debut album, Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel, which is due for release via Prosthetic Records on May 12. Dragon Heart’s video was produced by Quenvy Malavé, bringing the band’s Skyrim-inspired fantasy world to life as animated illustrations.
Speaking on the video premiere, Will Kerr (guitar and keyboards) comments: “We can’t wait for everyone to hear Dragon Heart, the latest single from our upcoming debut album. A song that’s already become a fan favourite and staple of our live set, Dragon Heart is at its core an emotive tale of forbidden love – and how love always conquers all. We’re looking forward to hearing you all singing your hearts out to the chorus when we hit the road in May!”
Since their 2019 inception and 2020 self-titled debut EP, BATTLE BORN has garnered a dedicated following in the burgeoning UK power metal scene and beyond for their approach to both storytelling and songcraft, as well as their undying reverence for traditional heavy metal. Previously released singles in the form of Bring the Metal Back and album track Fire Storm showcased BATTLE BORN as a step ahead of genre traditionalists, with wide eyed theatricality and grandiose flair being put at the forefront of their sound.
The group efforts of Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel’s meticulous creative process was vital to bringing their world of swords and sorcery to life, with production and engineering credits including Kurt Fagan at The Ranch Production House and mixing and mastering by Orden Ogan’s Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann at Greenman Studios.
BATTLE BORN’s affinity for European power metal is evident across the 11 tracks on offer, just take one listen to their foray into balladry on The Endless Grey or late album mini-epic Ride North for Winterhold’s majesty, with an emphasis on lavish orchestration throughout. Where others might slip into imitation or retro nostalgia, BATTLE BORN deftly pay their respects to a long running genre whilst injecting a youthful verve in the process.
Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel is visually captured in eye watering fashion by graphic designer Stan-W Decker (Blue Öyster Cult, Powerwolf, Dragonforce), perfectly echoing the wars waged in the band’s bold and daring world. BATTLE BORN’s Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel is not only an invitation to join forces with the quartet on their perilous mission, it also finally answers the question, “What would Skyrim’s greatest band sound like?”.
Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel tracklist: 1. Wind Caller 2. Dragon Heart 3. Blood and Fire 4. Power Force 5. When Empires Die 6. The Endless Grey 7. Fire Storm 8. Down Your Drinks and Raise Your Swords 9. Meridia 10. Ride North for Winterhold 11. Sky Guard You
BATTLE BORN is: Jack Reynolds – vocals Will Kerr – guitars, keyboards Tom O’Dell – guitars, vocals Charles Lamacraft-Perrett – drums, vocals
Upcoming BATTLE BORN tour dates:
Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel UK tour 17 May – The Six Six – Cambridge, UK 18 May – The Underground – Bradford, UK 19 May – Ivory Blacks – Glasgow, UK 20 May – Legends – Edinburgh, UK 21 May – The Fulford Arms – York, UK 22 May – Network – Sheffield, UK 24 May – Satan’s Hollow – Manchester, UK 25 May – The Underground – Stoke, UK 26 May – The Flapper – Birmingham, UK 27 May – The Hairy Dog – Derby, UK 28 May – Manorfest – Towcester, UK 29 May – Duffy’s Bar – Leicester, UK 31 May – The Gryphon – Bristol, UK 1 June – Fuel – Cardiff, UK 2 June – The Joiners – Southampton, UK 3 June – The Dome – London, UK
For hard-hitting modern day metal, SAVAGE EXISTENCE are tough to beat. And the buzz surrounding the band will only continue to grow in the coming months – starting with the release of a brand new video for the single ‘Leap of Faith,’ and then followed by the anticipated release of their self-titled sophomore effort, which will be supported by a Euro tour with Ross the Boss.
The ‘Leap of Faith’ video and single can be viewed/listened to below.
Formed in Costa Rica by Daniel Cleland (guitars) and Jesse Radford (drums), both entrepreneurs from Canada, and singer and songwriter Anton Darusso, they are joined by Daniel Ramos (bass) and Andreas Castro (guitars). In 2021, they released their debut album, ‘Animals.’
“The song ‘Leap of Faith,’ composed by Anton, is about fighting the forces of darkness in your mind, and taking a leap of faith on your future,” explains the band. “Going “all-in” if you will, and letting the fear of the unknown guide you on the straight and narrow path. ‘Leap of Faith’ is one of our most anticipated singles that we’ve been sitting on for a year, and are absolutely thrilled to get into the hands of the public. Enjoy!”
The band is also looking to hit the road with former Manowar guitarist Ross the Boss this spring. “Yes, the band will be performing ‘Leap of Faith’ along with ‘Steady Blows to the Head,’ and the focus track of the new self-titled album, ‘Standing in Flames,’ which will be released April 28 with the album itself. We will also be performing the most popular songs from the ‘Animals’ album, and if time permits, one additional track from the new self-titled album.”
“Savage Existence revisits old school groove metal with elements of American metal, death metal, and southern rock, with lyrics that speak about real life issues and relevant concerns of the modern day.”
And with the arrival of their new single/video, upcoming tour and album, rock fans worldwide will soon discover the metallic might of Savage Existence.
Savage Existence Tour Dates for ROSS THE BOSS (on ‘Kings of Metal 35th Anniversary’ tour) in Europe:
April
28 DE – Remchingen, No Playback Festival 29 BE – Vorselaar, De Dreef 30 DE – Lingen, Alter Schlachthof
May
02 DE – Hannover, Musikzentrum 03 DE – Magdeburg, Factory 04 DE – Kassel, Goldgrube 05 DE – Andernach, Andernacher Metal Days 06 DE – Gladbeck, Gladbeck Metal Bash Open Air 07 NL – Drachten, Iduna 09 NL – Rotterdam, Baroeg 10 DE – Oldenburg, Amadeus 11 DK – Odense, Kansas City 12 DE – Hademarschen, Hademarscher Hof 13 DE – Hamburg Neu-Wulmstorf, Metal Bash
Brazilian progressive/experimental entity UMBILICHAOS will unleash the new album “Mourning Carnivals From Now On” on May 19th 2023 via Time To Kill Records.
The video of the first single “Burden of a New Dawn” is now streaming HERE.
UMBILICHAOS is a slow and crushing solo act from São Paulo, Brazil, started in 2007 by artist Anna C. Chaos. Composer, poetess, guitarist, singer, sound programmer.
As UMBILICHAOS, she creates a sound experience abolishing conventional structures in favour of a cinematic take, evoking the most diverse thoughts and emotions. Inspiration is taken from Joy Division, Cocteau Twins, Celtic Frost, Amebix, Neurosis, Godflesh, Melvins, Earth and many others.
“Mourning Carnivals From Now On”, is UMBILICHAOS‘ 13th record, marking a path of constant production over the last 15 years. The title alludes to the hegemonic vision of joyful Brazilianness, but which experienced the loss of almost 700.00 lives, during one of the most murderous and disgusting governments in the country’s modern history, glued to a coup d’état that put an end to several social achievements of the last 30 years. In the Brazilian genesis and daily life, there is a history of oppression and violence. Each body is a battlefield crossed by colonialism, christianity and capitalism.
This is the context that informs the creation of this record: sound as a portrait of mental illness, alienation, lack of purpose and the death of the future. For which all that remains is to scream with all horror of the soul, a mourning for what was not. This new cyber-manifesto continues to portray the human conflict with time and the limits of being, the search for identity and belonging, an attempt to reach traces of truth through each chord. They also contain the certainty that the universe follows its course, despite of us. It will always be what it should be, and what it always was. In the existentialist lyrics, mythological and religious images are evoked, to translate the impassive despair in the face of absurdity, and the search for some sacredness beyond dogmas and through the expansion of consciousness.
This record brings some new approach in the compositions. Shorter and more straightforward pieces, without elements like samples and manipulated sounds, for the sake of greater clarity and raw sound pressure. On the other hand, there is even more incidence of strange time signatures and broken rhythms, as if the drum-machine Shiva were a young Dale Crover replicant. While maintaining the bassy and crunchy heaviness of the guitars, there is a deliberate and ostensive use of dissonant chords and intervals, flirting with free-jazz and atonality. Andy Hawkins said metal/hardcore has great intensity with boring chords, and the lesson was learned, as if Tom Warrior, Stig, Greg Ginn and Bernard Sumner played in a chamber Orchestra for Glenn Branca. The delicate parts could have been in a Joni Michell’s record, except for the effects bringing dense, lysergic shadows. All of this, while maintaining UMBILICHAOS‘ characteristic crawling tempo and epic feel. And the most human part of this entity, the vocals, sparse, roared with abandon, that still give way to introverted softness, amidst the labyrinth built in the compositions.
Celebrating the absurd is also confronting it. If the universe and life itself are crumbling to cosmic dust, we might as well enjoy the ride there. And with this new work, I keep my commitment of following the way to absolute silence, but it won’t in quietly.
Tracklist:
1. Resumption Through Impossibilty 2. Burden of a New Dawn 3. Day Within Each Night 4. And Fear Brought Autumn
Line-up: Anna C. Chaos – vocals, guitars, drum-machines, effects, noises.
Danish death metallers ECITON have released a captivating new visualizer video for “The Autocatalytic Process”, the title track of their latest album. The video, created by Thomas Berg, is a stunning and intense visual representation of the band’s sound.
“The Autocatalytic Process” is Eciton’s fourth album, following their previous releases “Oppressed”, “A Scent Of Veracity”, and their 2020 WormHoleDeath release “Suspension Of Disbelief”. Recorded and mixed at The Grid Europe with Jonathan Mazzeo, and mastered by Chris Donaldson of Cryptopsy at the SoundEscapeAgency, the album is a powerful and intense release that showcases the band’s raw power and technical abilities.
The album is a strong death metal release that spans the spectrum from the heaviest and most brutal to the most melodic and technical. It’s an impressive release that solidifies the band’s position as one of the most talented and innovative death metal bands in the world.
Eciton is composed of Jesper von Holck on vocals, Jesper Frost Jensen on drums, Kristian Lund Jespersen and Thomas Berg on guitars, and Gustav Hejlesen Solberg on 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