October 21, 2022 sees Swedish doom rock masters AVATARIUM release their fifth studio album, entitled Death, Where Is Your Sting, on AFM Records.
The chart-breaking band, who was formed in 2012 by Candlemass mastermind Leif Edling, released 2 EPs, four critically acclaimed full-length records and their epic live DVD, An Evening With Avatarium – Live in Stockholm January 2020, to date. The current, high-class line-up is featuring vocalist Jennie-Ann Smith, Marcus Jidell (Evergrey, Soen), Mats Rydström, Andreas Habo Johansson and Daniel Karlsson.
Following previously released, first single “God Is Silent”, AVATARIUM have just premiered their album title track Death, Where Is Your Sting! Vocalist Jennie-Ann reveals:
“The song Death, Where Is Your Sting is like a most personal conversation with death, saying “I survived, I might be in your calendar but I’m not going this time!”
Death, Where Is Your Sting was produced by Marcus Jidell, mixed by Mats Valentin and Jidell, and was mastered by Svante Forsbäck. The album will be available on October 21, 2022 as Digipak, Vinyl and ltd. 2-CD Earbook (incl. 5-track bonus CD). The album pre-sale has just started via AFM Records HERE!
Tracklist:
A Love Like Ours
Stockholm
Death, Where Is Your Sting
Psalm For The Living
God Is Silent
Mother Can You Hear Me Now
Nocturne
Transcendent
Bonus CD (ltd. Earbook)
Boneflower (alternative version, live in the studio)
Great Beyond (alternative version, live in the studio)
Rubicon (alternative version, live in the studio)
Lay Me Down (alternative version, live in the studio)
The Fire I long For (alternative version, live in the studio)
AVATARIUM Live:
20.08.22 (DE) Summer Breeze Open Air 23.10.22 (TUR) Istanbul, Doom Over Istanbul
Swedish godfathers of epic doom metal, CANDLEMASS, have returned to continue their unmatched legacy. With their new album, Sweet Evil Sun, out November 18, 2022 via Napalm Records, they are ready to prove once again that they reign as one of the heaviest metal bands on earth, bringing epic doom to the world of metal.
Alongside the new album’s pre-order kickoff, CANDLEMASS – purveyors of legendary albums like Epicus Doomicus Metallicus and Nightfall – have released a monumental new single and video, “Scandinavian Gods”, kicking things off with a hammer blow. The single and video stomp in with a dark, Nordic metal chant driven by slow and heavy drums, droning guitars and majestic vocals that convey mysterious tales of Scandinavian mythology to the next generation!
CANDLEMASS’ driving force Leif Edling on “Scandinavian Gods”: “’Scandinavian Gods’ is Slayer meets Queen and Judas Priest! It’s about heritage and future and the fact that It is sometimes absolutely necessary to leave or at least doubt your old gods. It’s about the hardship in this, and the irony in the fact that you see yourself being drawn back to them over and over again, into these black circles and the forgetfulness of the past.
Where do we wanna be? What shall we believe in? Do we need them to build a better future?”
After working on this massive piece of art for 18 months in total, with Sweet Evil Sun, CANDLEMASS brings back all the grandness of their early years, exploring themes of ambition and strife, hope and failure. It comes as no surprise that, alongside the band, renowned producer Marcus Jidell captured the band’s massive, smoky guitar tones, powerful drums and larger-than-life vocals, offering a truly unique, high quality sonic experience.
Recorded at NOX studio in Stockholm, Sweden, Sweet Evil Sun impressively showcases that, after almost 40 years in the game, the creativity of these Swedish doom masters sees no bounds. Through the power of wall-shaking riffs, incredible vocal performances and the blood and spirit of classic heavy metal, Sweet Evil Sun shines as a masterpiece of impending legend that truly honors the epic doom metal cult of CANDLEMASS.
The artwork for Sweet Evil Sun was illustrated by the skilled hand of Erik Rovanperä, the architect behind CANDLEMASS’ visual style since Psalms for the Dead (2012)
Leif Edling on the new album: “Sweet Evil Sun is about hope, striving, adoration and failure. It’s about all the personal battles that you have, but also the never-ending decay of humanity.
The record took over a year to make and there’s not a bad track on it! We had a fantastic time recording it and are really looking forward to the release. It’s Doom, It’s Metal! It is the essence of CANDLEMASS put into one album!”
Opening track “Wizard Of The Vortex” instantly casts a spell with a riff so powerful, the listener is immediately ensnared. Title track “Sweet Evil Sun” kicks in with warning guitar feedback before sludging a heavy-as-hell riff as Johan Langquist deftly warbles through melancholic, beckoning passages and a hooky chorus. His imposing vocals fit each riff and tone perfectly, emerging as an instrument in itself. Jennie-Ann Smith (Avatarium) lends her beautiful voice to the theatrical, grim “When Death Sighs”, creating a shimmering, intermingled chorus duet eventually backed by rising organs and a marching rhythm. The haunting atmosphere is highlighted by an amazing guitar solo that reads like a story as it bends and descends, marking the sign of death on the listener’s door.
Sweet Evil Sun Tracklist: 1. Wizard Of The Vortex 2. Sweet Evil Sun 3. Angel Battle 4. Black Butterfly 5. When Death Sighs 6. Scandinavian Gods 7. Devil Voodoo 8. Crucified 9. Goddess 10. A Cup Of Coffin (Outro)
Experience CANDLEMASS live in 2022: 19.08.22 DK – Næstved / Næstved Metalfest 20.08.22 NL – Eindhoven / Ijssportcentrum 22.10.22 SE – Sundsvall / Nordfest 30.10.22 BE – Gent / Desertfest Ghent 19.11.22 DE – Würzburg, Hammer of Doom
P.O.D. present the official lyric video for ‘Tell Me Why’, in four versions with English, Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian sub-titles, via Via Mascot Records/ Mascot Label Group. Watch below.
Re-mixed and Re-mastered ‘When Angels & Serpents Dance’ is coming out on October 14 with three bonus tracks not on original master.
As history repeats itself, the significance of certain statements strengthens over time. Back in 2008, P.O.D. first presented their seventh full-length LP, When Angels & Serpents Dance, upon an unsuspecting world. It immediately reacted with audiences, bowing at #9 on the Billboard Top 200 as their fourth consecutive Top 10 debut on the respective chart. However, its themes, observations, and messages only resonate louder in 2022. The multi-GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum genre-busting San Diego band reupped, remixed, and remastered the original thirteen songs, adding another three tracks from the vault to complete the vision.
Now, the quartet—Sonny Sandoval [vocals], Marcos Curiel [guitar], Traa Daniels [bass], and Wuv Bernardo [drums]—re-release When Angels & Serpents Dance at just the right moment via Mascot Records.
“It was a new chapter,” observes Sonny. “A lot of personal things happened during the record, so it ended up being lyrically heavier and darker. I see P.O.D. albums as chapters from beginning to end. From our previous releases to the next album, we’ll put out in 2023, each one is a timeline of where we’re at, what we’re going through, and who we are.”
“In terms of the music, we were flirting with a lot of different elements at the time,” recalls Marcos. “Now, I’m stoked it’s actually going to be available again. It’s a record I think people need to hear. What Sonny is singing about seems like it’s more relevant today—maybe even more so than it was back then.”
The record not only proved important for a myriad of creative reasons, but also for a big personal reason as well. After a three-year hiatus from P.O.D., Marcos returned to the fold. He rejoined the guys for a special New Year’s Eve performance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel LIVE! before kicking off 2007 with a renewed sense of collective purpose together. “It was special, because Marcos had come back,” Sonny goes on. “When he rejoined, we were free to be us. We really enjoyed making the record as this united brotherhood again.”
Track list
Addicted
Shine With Me
Condescending
It Can’t Rain Everyday
Kaliforn-Eye-A (feat. Mike Muir)
I’ll Be Ready (feat. The Marley Girls)
End Of The World
This Ain’t No Ordinary Love Song
God Forbid (feat. Page Hamilton)
Roman Empire
When Angels & Serpents Dance
Tell Me Why
Rise Against
BONUS
Don’t Fake It
Ridin’ With You
Walk On Water
During 2021, P.O.D. plotted a reintroduction of When Angels & Serpents Dance following years unavailable on streaming platforms. The boys reteamed with original producer Jay Baumgardner [Godsmack, Bush, Seether] for remixing. Howie Weinberg re-mastered the album. Fittingly, they reintroduce the record with the opener and first single “Addicted.” A staccato palm-muted riff sets the tempo as the momentum builds towards a provocative question, “Why do I love you when I know you’re wrong?” “We all have friends or family going through something,” says Sonny. “Sometimes, it gets out of control. Once that happens, it ruins your life and takes over. How much of it is your choice, and how much of it is just being caught up? I grew up around addiction, and I saw it ruin people’s lives or kill them.”
On the other end of the spectrum, acoustic guitar resounds through soft strings on “Tell Me Why.” The vocals echo with unbridled emotion as Sonny ponders, “Why must we fight? Why must we kill in the name of what we think is right?”
“We’ve always been the type of band who wants to inspire and encourage our brothers and sisters,” notes Marcos. “The song was relevant to us. We try to create awareness of how to be a light in the world.”
“We never had an acoustic song quite like this,” Sonny goes on. “It stemmed from the idea of war. You have these politicians and the elite making all of these decisions, but the common people are the ones at war with each other. It probably fits better now than even then, because our leaders are still doing things the people don’t want.”
P.O.D. are certainly proof. The group rose out of a tough upbringing in San Diego and reached stratospheric heights. To date, they’ve earned three GRAMMY® Award nominations, moved 10 million-plus records, tallied over 1 billion streams, collaborated with artists as diverse as Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® inductee Carlos Santana and Katy Perry, endured nearly three decades together, and captivated the hearts of countless fans.
When Angels & Serpents Dance stands out as yet another milestone. “This was a painting in time,” Marcos leaves off. “I hope you see all of the different shades, colors, and vibrations. I’m just glad everyone can hear it again.”
“Music has always been our outlet,” Sonny concludes. “We realized, ‘I don’t have to die on my street or sell drugs’. Coming from our neighborhood and upbringing, music saved us. We’ve seen this game change so much. I’ll always stay in this band, because our music continues to speak to all ages. I hope it continues until we decide to lay it down. Until then, there’s a lot more to do.”
Blackened death doom outfit STRIGOI, the brainchild of Greg Mackintosh (PARADISE LOST, VALLENFYRE) and CHRIS CASKET (VALLENFYRE), will be releasing its sophomore full-length, ‘Viscera,’ via Season of Mist on September 30, 2022, making it the band’s debut to the label. The band is now sharing the second new single from the offering, “King Of All Terror,” which can be heard at THIS LOCATION.
STRIGOI comments: “‘King Of All Terror’ highlights some of the more venomous urgency present on VISCERA. From all out blackened grind to sombre doom in less than 3 minutes. Lyrically, it navigates old testament vitriol, and the inherent hypocrisy of celestial hierarchy…. the worst of the worst.”
Pre-save ‘Viscera’ across streaming services HERE and pre-order physical copies HERE.
The cover artwork for ‘Viscera’ was created by Brian Sheehan of Legerdemain Art.
Track-list 1. United in Viscera (6:44) 2. King of All Terror (2:38) [LISTEN] 3. An Ocean of Blood (4:13) 4. Napalm Frost (2:26) 5. Hollow (6:20) [WATCH] 6. A Begotten Son (3:51) 7. Bathed in a Black Sun (4:19) 8. Byzantine Tragedy (5:28) 9. Redeemer (2:38) 10. Iron Lung (7:55) Total: 46:32
Ballarat, Australia’s NICOLAS CAGE FIGHTER have just released a new music video for the track “Static Abyss” off of the debut full-length album The Bones That Grew From Pain.
“Static Abyss is one of our personal favorites from the album, and it’s an absolute killer live. The lyrics driving this song are about humanity’s impact on the planet, and the necessity for us as individuals to play our part in making a positive change to the world around us. There’s plenty of riffs to get violent to and some super catchy grooves that have us banging our heads hard every time we play it. There’s a little bit of everything in this one that’s certain to get you up off your feet and into the pit. We’re incredibly proud of this music video and thrilled that we’re finally able to share it with everyone.“
About the band: Formed in Ballarat, Victoria in 2011, the band have worked slowly and steadily to build their profile, dropping singles and EPs and sharing stages with the likes of Attila, Thy Art Is Murder,Thick As Blood and Deez Nuts, building a devoted fan base. With their guitarist Justin Ellis and bassist Tom Bardwell hailing from a hardcore background and drummer Matt Davenport having cut his teeth in death metal the blending of styles comes naturally to the band, with the dynamic, wide ranging vocal techniques of frontman Nicholas Moriarty holding the whole thing together. Though they wanted to remain true to the Nicolas Cage Fighter sound they also were not afraid to expand on this and take it in new directions. “The record feels darker than anything we’ve ever done before. We’ve also included more melodic, ambient and experimental parts than we’ve ever implemented on any previous release, and we feel that the record is a natural progression and evolution from the ‘Cast You Out’ EP. It’s heavier, faster, the breakdowns will crush your head in, but there’s also some stuff we haven’t tried before and is at the cutting edge of modern heavy music.“
UGLY KID JOE release the official video for “Long Road”, the third track taken from the band’s upcoming album ‘Rad Wings of Destiny’ which is set to be released on October 21st 2022.
You can watch the video below.
‘Long Road’ is the next single to be taken from Ugly Kid Joe’s forthcoming album and is a sun tinged ear worm. A catchy, upbeat driving track that is set to be a Summer anthem.
“I wrote it as a giant metaphor about procrastinating” comments guitarist Dave Fortman. “The lyrics say it all. ‘Waiting for the Sky to fall’ is sitting around doing nothing to make life better and “the sound of the whistle blow” is the moment you get up and make a change.”
‘Long Road’ is the third single after “That Ain’t Livin’ “ and “Kill The Pain” to be taken from the bands forthcoming new album “Rad Wings of Destiny” which is due for release on October 21st 2022.
TRACK LISTING That Ain’t Livin‘ Not Like The Other Everything’s Changing Kill The Pain Lola Dead Friends Play Up in the City Drinkin’ And Drivin’ Failur Long Road
Ugly Kid Joe are an American rock band formed in Isla Vista California in 1989. They rose to prominence with their debut EP ‘As Ugly As They Wanna Be’ in 1991 which became the first EP to ever go platinum. Their multi platinum debut album “America’s Least Wanted” followed in 1992 which featured hits including ‘Cats In The Cradle’ and ‘Everything About You’.
After splitting up in 1997, the band reformed in 2010 releasing the “Stairway To Hell” EP in 2012 and the album “Uglier Than They Used Ta Be” in 2015.
October 21st 2022 marks the release of the bands first new album in seven years. ‘Rad Wings of Destiny’ will see the band once again teaming up with Producer Mark Dodson – who was behind the desk for Ugly Kid Joe’s multiplatinum debut album release ‘Americas Least Wanted’ in 1992. An album which celebrates it’s 30th Anniversary this year.
The 10 track album includes the singles “That Ain’t Livin’”, “Kill The Pain” and “Long Road”.
It features Whitfield Crane on Vocals, Klaus Eichstadt and Dave Fortman on Guitar, Cordell Crockett on bass and drumming duties shared between Zac Morris and Shannon Larkin.
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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