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A-Z Return with Sophomore Album “A2Z²”, First Single + Video ‘Nothing Is Over’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 16, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: A-Z. Leave a comment
Photo credit: Stephanie Cabral

Hard rock band A-Z returns with their sophomore album ‘A2Z²‘ out on June 6th, 2025 via Metal Blade Records. Spearheaded by legendary drummer Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord) and along with former Fates Warning bandmate Ray Alder on vocals, ‘A2Z²‘ builds on the groundwork laid on the acclaimed 2022 self-titled debut album.

The title “Nothing is Over” – the first single from A2Z² – serves as a de facto statement announcing the quintet’s 10-song sophomore effort and musical M.O. It’s the initial track Mark Zonder and guitarist Nick Van Dyk (Redemption) wrote when they began working on A2Z² with vocalist Ray Alder. Music trends may be ever-changing, but classic rock ‘n’ roll is indeed never over, and A-Z remains committed to heavy music that’s sophisticated but hooky and accessible.

Helping achieve those aural goals are bassist Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai/Ring of Fire/Warlord), Italian guitarist Simone Mularoni (A2Z² mixing/mastering, DGM) and keyboard player James Waldo (Alcatrazz/New England). “Nothing is Over” is heavier and deeper than what the band explored on their debut LP, with a bit more prog playing, but still featuring a big chorus hook and plush vocals. Alder’s lyrics were inspired by H.P. Lovecraft‘s short story The Outsider.

The band known as A-Z began when Zonder started working on material in early 2020 with a clear vision for the band he wanted to put together: “I was thinking beer commercials, car commercials and Cobra Kai. I wanted a very accessible band that would appeal to the masses,” he says. The band’s name – standing for Alder thru Zonder – was an easy choice that would never pigeonhole the lineup’s sound. “What I liked is that it did not limit what someone would think of the band,” says Zonder. “If we named the band Scary Serpent it would give a certain direction and didn’t want people to prejudge us.”

The band members are legendarily prolific, which allows for an amazing dynamic where, as Zonder explains, “when you find the right guys, you just let them do whatever they want. Everybody’s a seasoned pro and all the different ingredients come together, make it what it is. That live and recording experience allows A-Z to instinctively know how not to step on each other musically.“

“We’re all about the songs, the band, not what each of us does in it. It’s simple,” they all agree. “It’s about the music as a whole,” says Zonder, “I guarantee you everybody’s into something completely different musically, and that’s where the magic to me comes from, taking different influences and everybody doing what they do to create A-Z. We’re not 20-year-old kids. We’re at the point where if you’re gonna go, just go big. And that’s what we’ve done on A2Z².“

A2Z² Tracklist:
01. Fire Away (4:37)
02. Running in Place (4:58)
03. Nothing Is Over (4:18)
04. A Wordless Prison (6:04)
05. Reaching Out (4:16)
06. The Remedy (5:06)
07. I Am Numb (4:03)
08. This Chaotic Symphony (5:10)
09. Learning to Fly (4:38)
10. Now I Walk Away (5:39)

Pre-order A2Z² now at: metalblade.com/a-z

A-Z lineup:
Ray Alder – Lead and Backing Vocals
Philip Bynoe – Bass Guitar
Nick Van Dyk – Guitars
Simone Mularoni – Lead Guitars
Jimmy Waldo – Keyboards
Mark Zonder – Drums

A-Z online:
http://www.a-zband.com
https://www.facebook.com/AthruZBand
https://twitter.com/AthruZBand
https://www.instagram.com/athruzband

BOKASSA Announce Tour with CLUTCH for This Winter

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 16, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: BOKASSA, clutch. Leave a comment

Norwegian punks Bokassa, the fiery power trio who were handpicked by Lars Ulrich to tour with Metallica and Ghost in 2019, and are currently tearing it up across the UK, are set to hit the road this winter with US stoner rock legends Clutch!

The full dates for the tour are:

November 24th – Copenhagen, Denmark – Store Vega
November 26th – Helsinki, Finland – House Of Culture
November 28th – Stockholm, Sweden – B-K
November 29th – Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller
November 30th – Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller
December 2nd – Hamburg, Germany – Grosse Freiheit 36
December 3rd – Berlin, Germany – Festsaal Kreuzberg
December 5th – Budapest, Hungary – Barba Negra
December 6th – Zagreb, Croatia – Culture Factory
December 7th – Munich, Germany – Backstage Werk
December 8th – Wiesbaden, Germany – Schlachthof
December 10th – Cologne, Germany – Live Music Hall
December 11th – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Paradiso
December 12th – Brussels, Belgium – Ancienne Belgique
December 13th – Paris, France – Elysee Montmartre
December 15th – Bristol, UK – Beacon
December 17th – Birmingham, UK – O2 Academy
December 18th – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy
December 19th – Manchester, UK – Academy
December 20th – London, UK – Roundhouse

Hot off the heels of their 2024 album, “All Out Of Dreams”, the band are set to tour the UK this April! The tour, which includes self-described “Feral blues-punk outfit” Mother Vulture, is set to see the band spread the same fire and fury that won over the San Francisco legends and their legions of fans, at some of the UK’s best venues!

The remaining dates for the “All Out Of Dreams” UK Tour are:
April 17th – Sheffield, Corporation
April 18th – Nottingham, Old Angel
April 19th – London, Downstairs at the Dome

Get your tickets at https://www.bokassaband.com/tour

“Count on Bokassa to keep serving up absolute bangers” Kerrang’s Sam Law wrote in his review of Bokassa’s latest full-length album “All Out of Dreams”, which hit the shelves in February 2024. And that’s exactly what they’ve done. The record saw the band further expand their self-patented brand of stoner punk into a hook-laden “Molotov Rocktail” of punk, hardcore, metal, and rock, or as Knotfest put it “This album is a testament to the band’s knack for creating anthems that are both rebellious and catchy.”

Released through Norway’s Indie Recordings (Satyricon, Cult of Luna, Wardruna), the album was recorded, mixed and mastered by legendary producer Tue Madsen in Antfarm Studio in Denmark, with guests like Lou Koller from NY hardcore legends Sick Of It All, and Aaron Beam from stoner rockers Red Fang. The record was hailed by critics around the world, with glowing reviews in Metal Hammer UK, Sweden Rock Magazine, Norway’s Dagsavisen, Powerplay Magazine and Germany’s Rock Hard.

Not one to be bothered by trends, Bokassa aim to please themselves more than anything. Still, the Trondheim natives have managed to play some of the world’s biggest festivals and toured all over Europe and Norway, supported Judas Priest, Mastodon, Zebrahead, Baroness and of course Metallica. In 2019 they were handpicked from complete obscurity by Lars Ulrich to support Metallica alongside Ghost on their summer stadium tour across Europe, UK and Russia. The legendary drummer hailed them as “his favourite new band” and described them as “Insanely fucking cool” after hearing their first album “Divide & Conquer”.

Their ferocious debut was hailed by critics across the world and made it on to several “Best Of” lists in 2017. Metal Hammer UK called the album one of the best debuts of 2017 and included it in their Top 100 albums of the same year. Their sophomore album “Crimson Riders” followed in 2019, and “Molotov Rocktail”, through Napalm Records, two years after. In 2020 the band released an EP from their BBC Radio 1 live session at the legendary Maida Vale studio in London, and were nominated for a Spellemannprisen award, also considered a “Norwegian Grammy”, as “Breakthrough Of The Year”.

In 2021, Bokassa was awarded the prestigious “Bendiksenprisen” from their fellow Norwegian musicians, for their excellent live performances, with the jury stating that “It is on stage that the music really comes into its own. The winner has a stage presence that not only asks for the audience’s attention but outright demands it!” In other words, you don’t wanna miss these guys live!

Never ones to rest on their laurels, in 2022, they played across Europe and the UK as part of a (co)-headline tour, at festivals such as Paaspop, Download Festival, Tons of Rock, Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Rockfest, and Full Metal Holiday. In 2023 they went on to appear at the Rockwave festival in Greece, the Full Metal Cruise and the Open Flair Festival in Weltturbojugendtage Germany alongside a full European run with Therapy?! While 2024 saw them play Wacken Open Air, Resurrection, and Greenfield Festival. In 2025, the band are set to grace stages at Mystic Festival in Poland, Finland’s Tuska Festival, and Germany’s Rockharz Festival.

HEAVEN SHALL BURN Release First Song + Video ‘My Revocation of Compliance’ from Upcoming Album “Heimat”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 16, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Heaven Shall Burn. Leave a comment

Photo Credit: Jens Koch — Artwork by Eliran Kantor

HEAVEN SHALL BURN have released “My Revocation of Compliance,” the first song and video from their upcoming album “Heimat,” set to release on June 27, 2025. The album, produced at their own studio, The Dude Ranch , features artwork by Eliran Kantor and mixing by Tue Madsen.

“Heimat,” meaning “home” in German, explores the concept of homeland in a broad and inclusive sense. Guitarist Maik Weichert explains that the album addresses various interpretations of “Heimat,” including spiritual and emotional connections.

The band has previously released two singles, “Keinen Schritt zurück” (feat. Donots) and “Schweineherbst” (feat. Dÿse). The new song, “My Revocation of Compliance,” reflects the band’s stance against political and social complacency.

“Heimat” will be available in multiple formats, including limited edition vinyl and CDs.

Track Listing:
Ad Arma
War Is The Father Of All
My Revocation Of Compliance
Confounder
Empowerment
A Whisper From Above
Imminence
Those Left Behind
Ten Days In May
Numbered Days (feat. Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage)
Dora
A Silent Guard
Inter Arma

Pre-order the album at https://heavenshallburn.lnk.to/Heimat-AlbumEU

Don’t miss their exclusive release shows and festival appearances this summer!

06-08.06.25 (DE) Rock Am Ring – Nuerburg
06-08.06.25 (DE) Rock Im Park – Nuernberg
06-08.06.25 (CZ) Metalfest Pilsen – Pilsen
10.06.25 (SLO) Ljubljana – Media Center
11.06.25 (AT) Kufstein – Festung
13.06.25 (CH) Greenfield – Interlaken
14.06.25 (AT) Nova Rock – Nickelsdorf
21.06.25 (DK) Copenhell – Copenhagen
22.06.25 (BE) Graspop Metal Meeting – Dessel
26.06.25 (NL) Jera On Air – Ysselsteyn
27.06.25 (DE) Impericon Festival – Leipzig
28.06.25 (DE) Vainstream Rockfest – Muenster
03.07.25 (DE) Rockharz Festival – Ballenstedt

Polish Legendary VADER Release Video for First Single ‘Unbending’ from Upcoming “Humanihility” EP

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 16, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Vader. Leave a comment

Polish Death Metal Legends VADER have released a music video for a brand new single called ‘Unbending’, which will be the official anthem of Poland’s renowned Mystic Festival this year. It’s also the closing track of VADER’s upcoming new EP Humanihility, set to be released on May 30th, via Nuclear Blast. Pre-order here: https://vader.bfan.link/humanihility

Five years after the much-lauded 12th studio album Solitude In Madness, VADER return with 3 brand-new tracks once again produced by Scott Atkins at Grindstone Studio, UK. Featuring excellent artwork by Marcelo Vasco (Slayer, Testament, Dark Funeral), this EP marks the first recording as a quintet with guitarist Mauser returning to the group and new drummer Michael alongside vocalist/guitarist Peter, bassist Hal and third guitarist Spider.

Watch the video for ‘Unbending’, created by Robert Gasperowicz:

Humanihility offers scorching new songs that prove to be vicious, thrash-laden anthems perfectly blending old-school thrash with VADER’s unique straight-forward fury and neckbreaking tempos. Each of the songs was created by a different band member, giving them a more personal style.

The only physical edition will be a limited 12” (red vinyl, 700 copies).

VADER formed back in 1983 and besides releasing classics such as The Ultimate Incantation, De Profundis, Litany (which has its 25th anniversary in 2025) and many more, are the longest active extreme metal band to ever emerge from Europe!

Humanihility Tracklist

  1. Genocide Designed
  2. Rampage
  3. Unbending (Mystic Festival Anthem 2025)
Artwork by Marcelo Vasco Arts

Just recently VADER announced Summer Festival in 2025:

04 May – Sao Paulo, BR – Bangers Open Air
05 June – Stykkisholmur, ISL – Satan Festival
07 June – Gdansk, POL – Mystic Festival
15 June – Leeuwarden, HOL – Into The Grave Festival
19 June – Zdunska Wola, POL – Alternatywna Zdunska Wola
26 June – Spalene Borici, CZ – Basinfire Fest
28 June – Viveiro/Lugo, SP – Resurrection Fest
03 July – Friesack, DE – Under The Black Sun Fest
04 July – Ballenstedt, DE – Rockharz Festival
11 July – Torgau/Entenfang, DE – In Flammen Festival
12 July – Skepe, POL – Rockokop Festival
09 August – Kotrijk, BE – Alcatraz Festival
15 August – Slnecke Skaly (Zilina), SK – Blasphemy Festival
16 August – Dinkelsbuehl, DE – Summer Breeze Festival
22 August – Spital Am Semmering, A – Kaltenbach Open Art.Fest
29 August – Lyski, POL – Lyski Rock Festival

Currently, VADER are on the “March Of The Unbending – Europe 2025” tour, with guests Rise of Cronos and Skaphos.

Remaining tour dates:

16.04.2025 GER Bremen / Tivoli
17.04.2025 GER Trier / Forum
18.04.2025 HOL Leiden / Nobel
19.04.2025 FR Saint Omer / Brutal Swamp*
20.04.2025 UK Birmingham / The Asylum
22.04.2025 SCO Glasgow / Slay
23.04.2025 IRE Dublin / Opium
24.04.2025 UK Manchester / Club Academy
25.04.2025 UK London / Underworld
26.04.2025 GER Bochum / Ruhrcongress
27.04.2025 GER Erfurt / Club From Hell
*only Vader

++++++

VADER released their 16th studio album “Solitude In Madness” on May 1st 2020 via Nuclear Blast.

Watch:
“Blood Of Kingu” official video: https://youtu.be/MtLx9HhHlsg
“An Act Of Darkness” visualizer video: https://youtu.be/Wu68nA9pCZo
“Shock And Awe” lyric video: https://youtu.be/C1_SREPVPT0
“Into Oblivion” official video: https://youtu.be/jVtC6a_YJV0
“Bones” visualizer video: https://youtu.be/RAsshq_CCQ8

More information at:
http://www.facebook.com/vader | https://www.facebook.com/vaderstore

NIGHTSTEEL Celebrate Self-Titled Album Release with ‘Darkness Reigns’ Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 16, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: NIGHTSTEEL. Leave a comment

The up and coming Greek heavy metal band NIGHTSTEEL released their highly anticipated self-titled debut album, “Nightsteel”, on April 11th, 2025, via Cosmic Fire Records. 

Today they drop an official video for the album’s blasting heavy metal anthem “Darkness Reigns”.

“Darkness Reigns” is a track that encapsulates the album’s heavy & powerful intensity. The lyrics dive deep into the inner struggles, blending raw emotion with a powerful, melodic punch. The video brings that energy to life, making it a real kick in the ass with a new level of intensity for the band. The video features striking visuals of vocalist Travis Wills singing with incredible passion in the studio.

Travis Wills comments:

“‘Darkness Reigns’ is straight up in your face… killer riffs, perfect example of old school in your face metal. I really enjoyed working on this song. Bill plays awesome on this, and the whole band is just in the pocket tight… really honored to be part of this cool project”! 

“This song is about fighting the war inside — and not backing down. That’s what ‘Darkness Reigns’ means to me. I really pushed Travis, Mike, and Jasmin to their limits. But they nailed everything exactly how I envisioned it. Their performances are exactly what I wanted — raw, intense, and full of power”, says Bill Sam.

Jasmin elaborates:

“‘Darkness Reigns’ had probably one of the most challenging solos I’ve ever played – both technically and emotionally. Bill Sam had a clear vision for every note on this album and that really pushed me to do my best. There was already so much emotion in the solos, so my goal was to channel that energy and make it speak. Nightsteel isn’t just a heavy record – it’s inspired, focused and full of heart. I am proud to have been a part of it”.

Mike shares:

“‘Darkness Reigns’ is here! Had a killer time recording drums on this speed anthem. Pure power metal fury from start to finish. Bill’s writing hits like a hammer”!

Hailing from Athens, Greece, this rising force in the heavy metal scene is set to make waves with their explosive sound and unrelenting energy, marking a bold entry into the global metal landscape.

Released via Cosmic Fire Records, “Nightsteel” is an 11-track powerhouse that blends classic heavy & power metal influences with a modern edge, showcasing the band’s signature style — thunderous riffs, soaring vocals, and an unapologetic devotion to the genre.

NIGHTSTEEL’s debut album is a must-listen for fans of classic heavy/power metal and acts such as Judas Priest, Savatage, Helloween, Queensryche, Iron Maiden, Riot, Accept, Bonfire, Crimson Glory, and Manowar.

“Nightsteel” is available on digipak CD, a limited black vinyl edition (only 300 copies), and digital.

Order & download “Nightsteel” HERE

About NIGHTSTEEL: 

Nightsteel is a brand-new Greek metal band that embodies the spirit of classic 80s metal, reviving the magic of the genre in a very special way. Their music will take you back to the old glory days of the 80’s when heavy metal music was on top of the game!

It all started back in 2022 with an idea that songwriter & bassist Bill Sam had and that is how Nightsteel was born. While working on some old demo songs along with new ones, he asked his friend and drummer Mike Foudotos to join the band and take the project to the next level.

After working with some local vocalists, Bill decided to go a step further and work with some of the most notable and up-and-coming vocalists in the metal scene. He first contacted Travis Wills (Crimson Glory, Infidel Rising), who was blown away by the songs and agreed to sing on the album. Unfortunately, due to Travis’ busy recording and touring schedule, he wasn’t able to finish all of the songs, so Bill also enlisted Craig Cairns (Tailgunner, ex Induction), Rob Lundgren (Reveal, Mystery Moon), and Mauro Elias to sing on the remaining songs. In addition, the virtuoso guitar player Igor Paspalj (Guitarist of the Year 2020 by Guitar World and Guitar Player magazines), agreed to play solos on two songs. The line-up was completed with Jasmin M. on guitars and keys.

NIGHTSTEEL are:
Bill Sam – Bass, songwriting, backing vocals
Travis Wills – Vocals, backing vocals
Igor Paspalj – Lead guitars
Jasmin M. – Guitars, keys
Craig Cairns – Vocals, backing vocals
Rob Lundgren – Vocals, backing vocals
Mauro Elias – Vocals, backing vocals
Mike Foudotos – Drums

For more info visit:
https://linktr.ee/Nightsteel
htts://www.facebook.com/nightsteelband
https://nightsteel-gr.bandcamp.com/

GRAVEYARD Team Up with GOAT Release Collaborative Single ‘Ship Of Fools’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 16, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Goat, Graveyard. Leave a comment

Swedish rock veterans GRAVEYARD have teamed up with their long time friends GOAT to release a double A-side collaborative 7” for record store day. While the first track ‘Light As A Feather‘ had its digital premiere earlier this month, today sees the digital release of its counter part, ‘Ship Of Fools‘.

Both bands blend their sounds into a twin toke of sweat and singe. Born out of a history of house jams at GOAT HQ, the single unwinds GRAVEYARD‘s more meticulous nature. ‘Ship of Fools‘ unleashes a tsunami of sound, guitars barreling down on the listener with ill intent. The wave crests and quenches, though, leaning into the soul-soaked direction of GRAVEYARD‘s latest album, 6. Head to head the bands dig towards a stadium sound that’s still slicked with the swagger of the ‘70s, but rolled in more of GRAVEYARD‘s grandeur than GOAT’s eclectic grit.

The flip side lights up the speakers, less dense than anything either band has hooked into for some time. The jammy approach that inspired the session pays off throughout ‘Light as a Feather‘, soaking up prime-period Stones if they’d aimed for the heart of the sun with Father Yod in the driver’s seat. Sloughing off the shackles of verse/chorus/verse structure, the song picks up mid-ecstatic peak, the listener already in thrall to the groove, simmering in the sway-along harmonies before an acid-butter burner of a solo sends the whole thing rippling out into the cosmos.

STREAM ‘SHIP OF FOOLS’: https://graveyard.bfan.link/ship-of-fools

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