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VON HERTZEN BROTHERS Kick Off EU Tour Dates

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 5, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: VON HERTZEN BROTHERS. Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Ville Juurikkala

Finland’s celebrated Von Hertzen Brothers are about to kick off their previously announced UK/European run this weekend. A full list of confirmed shows can be found below.

Von Hertzen Brothers live dates:
08.03.2025    Stourport (UK) Fusion Festival
09.03.2025    Bristol (UK) The Fleece
11.03.2025    Paris (FR) Backstage by the Mill
12.03.2025    Neunkirchen (DE) Stummsche Reithalle
13.03.2025    Russelheim (DE) Das Rind
14.03.2025    Helmond (NL) Cacaofabriiek
15.03.2025    Zoetermeer (NL) Boerderij

Tickets are still available here: https://www.vonhertzenbrothers.com/live-shows/

Von Hertzen Brothers will be playing in support of their ninth studio album In Murmuration, which was released on October 25, 2024.  

Guitarist/vocalist Mikko comments on the release: “The shapes and the overall tone of the musical content on this album could be a bit surprising to some of our newer followers, but not to those who have been listening to us from the beginning. Musically speaking, we have proudly carried the cloaks of ‘prog-wizards’ for the last two albums, but what has not been so widely discussed lately is our ability to write good pop choruses and great catchy rock anthems with good vibes. We felt like it was now time to bring forth that side of us once again.

“The lyrical themes still deal with the everyday struggles of being humans in this f*cked up world, it’s a source that keeps on giving, but we wanted to step out of the forest and into the sunlight to mingle, discuss and celebrate. We live in an age of constant change where everyone is trying to find a secure footing in life, sometimes full of joy and sometimes filled with utter disappointment. Amid all that, the trick is to stay alert and lean to one another. Like starlings in murmuration. After the pandemic, and now as the world has once again opened, we have somehow felt lighter in our everyday lives. We acknowledge the contradiction of course, since the world with its horrors hasn’t changed much… It would have been easy to drown in those doomsday moods, but writing these songs we felt the need to tackle these problems from a more forgiving and positive standpoint.”

Order In Murmuration here: https://linktr.ee/VonHertzenBrothers

Tracklist:

1. The Relapse
2. A Good Life  
3. Starlings
4. Ascension Day
5. Beneath the Silver Stars
6. Tightrope Walker
7. The Change
8. Separation
9. Snowstorm
10. Wait for Me

In true Von Hertzen Brothers style, In Murmuration creatively juxtaposes the band’s previous release. Whilst their imaginative, multi-genre hard rock and harmonies remain, the band’s artistic pendulum has swung more towards an air of optimism and renewal. The result is a work filled with big choruses, stadium rock anthems, art-rock with 90s vibes and catchy power-pop.

Whilst the themes within the album may not be as deliberately opinionated as on previous releases Red Alert in the Blue Forest and War is Over, there is a naturally occurring sense of constant change throughout. Precise and intriguing observations on the global political landscape, the tricky human relationships of this age, resilience and personal growth all provide lyrical subject matter. The first half of the album embodies a transformation of mood, bringing forth some positivity and love, and the second half journeys through challenging relationships, a literal call for change, separation, loss, longing and a final resolution.

From the anthemic opener to the reflective closer, In Murmuration ebbs and flows much like the starlings after which it is named.

The instrumentation on this album has also evolved. The three brothers Mikko, Kie and Jonne, with drummer Sami Kuoppamäki, are joined by multi-instrumentalist Markus Pajakkala, who performed with the brothers on their acoustic tour in 2023. Notable for his saxophone solo on 2022’s ‘Peace Patrol’, Markus brings a new dynamic to the album. Guests on the album include a gospel ensemble and the Budapest Art Orchestra.

Now in their 23rd year, Von Hertzen Brothers have consistently delivered music on their own terms and In Murmuration is no exception. This is their third self-produced album, the others being the award-winning Approach (2006) and War is Over (2017).

Von Hertzen Brothers are:
Mikko von Hertzen – vocals, guitars
Kie von Hertzen –  guitars, vocals
Jonne von Hertzen – bass, keyboards, vocals
Sami Kuoppamäki – drums
Markus Pajakkala – keyboards, woodwind

Von Hertzen Brothers online:  
http://www.vonhertzenbrothers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/vonhertzenbrothersofficial
https://www.instagram.com/vonhertzenbrothers/
https://www.youtube.com/@VonHertzenBrothers
https://twitter.com/vonhertzenbros
https://www.tiktok.com/@vonhertzenbrothers

REEKMIND Premiere “Mired in the Reek of Grief” LP Ahead of Release

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 5, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: REEKMIND. Leave a comment
Photography by Keegan Thomas

The debut album of Australian death-doom metal band REEKMIND, “Mired in the Reek of Grief”, is set for release this Friday via Night Terrors Records, but you can already experience its crushing weight thanks to an exclusive premiere at Invisible Oranges.

Dive into the suffocating depths of their morbid sound and stream the full album at THIS LOCATION

With their peculiar blend of crushing riffs and emotionally charged atmospheres, REEKMIND takes listeners on a harrowing journey through the depths of human despair. As the band describes, “The Reekmind is a manifestation of insurmountable grief that is represented in a physical form which slowly overtakes one’s mind and causes all affected to spiral into an inescapable well of misery and mental agony.” This ethos is deeply embedded in their music, delivering an experience that is both devastatingly heavy and cathartically profound.

REEKMIND‘s debut album bridges the gap between classic death-doom foundations and atmospheric, almost transcendental elements that flirt with the introspective tones of post-metal and the visceral weight of sludge. The result is a soundscape that is both raw and expansive, embodying the essence of pure sonic catharsis.

The album’s organic production enhances its live-like authenticity, enveloping listeners in a sound that feels immediate, honest, and deeply personal. REEKMIND eschews flashy gimmicks, focusing instead on the power of the riff and constructing cohesive, expansive structures that resonate long after the final note fades.

For fans of: Inverloch, Krypts, Thou

Tracklist: 

I. The Reekmind
II. Slithering Spell
III. Wading in a Body of Death
IV. Cavernous Creeper
V. A Lingering Mephitic Fog

Line-up:

Dane – Vocals & Lyrics
Nicholas – Guitars
Lem – Bass
Brayden – Drums

Additional vocals on “Wading in a Body of Death” by Aaron Osborne.
Additional vocals on “A Lingering Mephitic Fog” by Brendan Sloan.

  • Recorded in August 2024 by Lewis Noke-Edwards at Black Lodge Studios.
  • Mixed by Greg Chandler at Priory Recording Studios (Esoteric, Cruciamentum, Grave Miasma).
  • Mastered by Dan Lowndes at Resonance Sound Studios (Cerebral Rot, Mortiferum, Excarnated Entity).

https://reekmind.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/reekmind/

Polish Guitar Virtuoso ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ Releases “Living Room Rockstar – Part 1” Album – Every Room Can Be a Stage!

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 5, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Andrzej Citowicz, Patryk Szymanski. Leave a comment

ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ, the acclaimed Polish guitarist and songwriter, previously with Down Boys Records, has officially released his highly anticipated album, “Living Room Rockstar – Part 1”, now available on all major streaming platforms.

This milestone release showcases Citowicz’s extraordinary musical evolution, brilliantly merging contemporary rock sensibilities with classic rock’s timeless essence while creating a sonic landscape that is uniquely his own. The ten-track album represents the culmination of Citowicz’s artistic vision, brought to life through his home recording studio.

“‘Living Room Rockstar’ isn’t merely an album title—it’s the embodiment of my life’s philosophy that every room can be a stage when filled with authentic passion,” says Citowicz. “As an adult with autism, I’ve often found traditional spaces overwhelming and exclusionary. My home studio became my sanctuary, my classroom, and ultimately my stage. Creating this album in this intimate environment allowed me to craft each note with a precision and emotional honesty that might have been impossible elsewhere. I wanted to challenge the notion that meaningful art requires institutional validation or expensive equipment—sometimes the most transformative creations emerge from the spaces where we feel most authentic and secure.”

The album features an eclectic mix of hard rock anthems, thoughtful ballads, and innovative sound explorations, all unified by Citowicz’s distinctive guitar work and profound storytelling. The project’s first singles, “Primal Instinct” and “Rules of Chaos,” have already garnered significant attention for their bold sonic approach and meaningful lyrics. The official music video for “Rules of Chaos,” featuring Patryk Szymanski, serves as a powerful visual companion to the album’s release, exploring themes of social justice and human connection through striking imagery that complements the song’s urgent message about power and responsibility.

Citowicz’s longstanding collaboration with bassist Patryk Szymanski continues to be a cornerstone of his musical identity. “Patryk brings a dimension to these songs that completes my musical vision. His bass lines aren’t just supportive—they’re conversational,” Citowicz explains. “After years of working together, we’ve developed an almost telepathic creative understanding. When I hear his bass against my guitar, that’s when the music truly comes alive.”

As an autistic musician, Citowicz brings a profoundly unique perspective to his artistry, transforming what many might perceive as challenges into extraordinary creative advantages. “My neurodivergent perception doesn’t just influence my music—it fundamentally shapes every note, every chord progression, every textural decision,” he reflects. “I experience sound with an intensity and pattern recognition that reveals musical possibilities others might overlook. The hyperfocus that can sometimes make daily interactions challenging becomes my superpower in the studio, allowing me to immerse myself completely in the minute details of production and performance.”
He continues, “This album isn’t just about creating music—it’s about creating a bridge between neurological experiences. When words have failed me in expressing complex emotions throughout my life, these guitar riffs and melodies have spoken with perfect clarity. ‘Living Room Rockstar’ chronicles not just a musical journey, but the profound experience of finding one’s voice and community through art when conventional communication pathways present obstacles.”

Citowicz’s production techniques blend traditional rock instrumentation with innovative technology, creating a sound that honors rock’s heritage while pushing its boundaries. “I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of human emotion and technological possibility,” he states. “This album explores that frontier—raw, authentic performances enhanced by modern production approaches. It’s about finding the perfect balance between heart and innovation.”

“When Hearts Collide,” the album’s emotional centerpiece, exemplifies this approach as a pop rock ballad that resonates with genuine feeling. “With ‘When Hearts Collide,’ I wanted to capture those rare moments when lives intersect in transformative ways,” Citowicz notes. “It’s probably the most vulnerable track on the album—exploring connection when connection doesn’t always come naturally to me.”

The full tracklist for “Living Room Rockstar – Part 1” includes:

1 PATH LESS TAKEN
2 RULES OF CHAOS
3 PRIMAL INSTINCT
4 FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE
5 MAGNETIC TAPE MEMORIES
6 SHADOWS LULLABY
7 UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
8 WORDS, PLAYING ME DEJA VU
9 TOO LATE TO SAY GOODBYE
10 WHEN HEARTS COLLIDE

“Every song on this album represents a different facet of my journey,” Citowicz explains. “From the introspective solitude of ‘Fortress of Solitude’ to the primal energy of ‘Primal Instinct,’ each track invites listeners into a different room of my musical home. Together, they tell the story of finding one’s voice in a world that doesn’t always make space for different ways of being.”

Beyond his musical achievements, Citowicz is also known for his advocacy work, having recently completed his third book, “Beyond The Hive,” which explores the experience of being an adult on the autism spectrum.

“Music and writing are different expressions of the same truth,” Citowicz reflects. “Both allow me to connect with others by sharing my unique perspective. ‘Living Room Rockstar’ and ‘Beyond The Hive’ are companion pieces in many ways—one speaks through sound, the other through words, but both are invitations to understand neurodiversity as a beautiful variation of human experience.”

“Living Room Rockstar – Part 1” is now available on all major streaming platforms.Videos for “Primal Instinct,” “Rules of Chaos,” and “When Hearts Collide” can be found on Citowicz’s YouTube channel.

Links:
“Rules of Chaos” official video:https://youtu.be/Bnr5d7VddMw?si=566uXhrJr1NeAcit
“When Hearts Collide” lyric video: https://youtu.be/8LXEJK1GYiE?si=xuBU6DErlkIgFqcB
“Primal Instinct” lyric video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcwDS8jq6cU

More information:

As an autistic guitarist, Citowicz has leveraged his unique perspective to craft a distinctive sound that resonates with listeners from all walks of life. His music serves as a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing him to convey complex emotions and thoughts in a way that transcends verbal communication. By sharing his experiences and creative process, Citowicz aims to inspire and empower others on the autism spectrum, while also promoting greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in the music industry.

Andrzej Citowicz’s music career has been marked by a unique blend of hard rock, blues, and cinematic elements, which has garnered him a loyal following across the globe. His critically acclaimed trilogy of instrumental albums has been praised for its emotional depth, technical virtuosity, and innovative storytelling. Citowicz’s music has been described as “a cinematic soundscape that transports listeners to a world of raw emotion”.

Also check out Andrzej’s earlier singles:
‘Fortress Of Solitude’ – https://youtu.be/D0V1EztSz4Q?si=tZxxVG_g80u9dhSc
“When Hearts Collide” – https://youtu.be/8LXEJK1GYiE?si=xuBU6DErlkIgFqcB
“Fear Poems” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAp0Etml-Is
“Bloody Mamacita” – https://youtu.be/j4Ts9XXTQuo?si=4bPYUvd32W0HondB
“Hive of Weirdness” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5TwSm_hNo
“Butterfly Effect” – https://youtu.be/jryGasne7Mg?si=BWLN4_tx7r03NgoD
“Turn To Stone” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2NT7O9Zr2M
“Anemoia” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THtiL7q90bY
“Modern Blues Riot” special demo – https://youtu.be/AEZtTuPr6bI
Special Cairo Mix ‘Midnight Thunderstorms’ – https://youtu.be/FEK8fsbHd4I
‘A Wound That’s Always Bleeding’ – https://youtu.be/clScq09DywE
‘Savagely Hungry For Love’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEgRrcmgLDY
‘Electric Heartbeat Symphony’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6IWdx0vOQQ
‘Marvelous Misadventures Of Myself’ – https://youtu.be/jsgLvfF5Wd8
‘The Long Train Journey’ – https://youtu.be/zbEgbMBGbGw
‘Never Ending Storms’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip04u1xuf4s

Connect with Andrzej Citowicz:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7aIeg5DyI7xwkYLsBgJNWf
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndrzejCitowicz
Instagram: https://instagram.com/citovitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citovitz/

℗© 2025 Citovitz and The Fireflies of February / Andrzej Citowicz

MOONLIGHT HAZE to Release New Album “Beyond” on May 23rd

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: MOONLIGHT HAZE. Leave a comment
photo by Beatrice Demori/Oround Media

Moonlight Haze will release the new record “Beyond” on May 23 through Scarlet Records.

Lead by sensational frontwoman Chiara Tricarico (currently one of the live vocalists of Avantasia and special guest on the “Highlights From The Revenge Of Odysseus” 2022 Manowar EP), Moonlight Haze has joined forces with extraordinary producer Sascha Paeth for their upcoming fourth studio album.

“Beyond” is a perfect mixture of heavy, melodic and super catchy songs recorded in the old fashioned way with little to no edits – Moonlight Haze went ʻorganicʼ this time, with a little help from Sascha Paeth that was able to make some of the classic features of the band emerge and shine even more.

The Italian unit keeps delivering its trademark killer refrains while exploring new musical territory, further experimenting throughout ten tracks highlighted by yet another stellar vocal performance courtesy of Chiara Tricarico.

Moonlight Haze’s fourth record is a journey through time and space, galactic landscapes and earthly elements; a never-ending quest for a deeper reality and a purest inner truth. Soul searching symphonic power metal, if you please.

artwork by Beatrice Demori/Oround Studio

Produced by Moonlight Haze at Bridge Produzioni Audio and Studio & Sascha Paeth at Pathway Studio, and illustrated by the talented Beatrice Demori, “Beyond” will be released in the following formats:

  • digipack CD
  • vinyl LP: 350 transparent blue; 150 transparent (mailorder exclusive)
  • digital

“Beyond” tracklist:

1 Beyond
2 Tame The Storm
3 Crystallized
4 Chase The Light
5 Would You Dare?
6 L’Eco Del Silenzio
7 D.N.A. (Do Not Apologize)
8 Untold
9 Time To Go
10 Awakening
11 A Brand New Sky (⁠CD bonus-track)
12 Alive Again (vinyl bonus-track)

Total running time – 40:05

Moonlight Haze are:

Chiara Tricarico – vocals
Marco Falanga – guitar
Alberto Melinato – guitar
Alessandro Jacobi – bass
Giulio Capone – drums and keyboards

THERION to Release Compilation “Beyond the Darkest Veil of time” on April 18th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Therion. Leave a comment

Hammerheart Records is excited to announce the release of a compilation featuring Therion‘s classic demos Paroxysmal Holocaust and Beyond the Darkest Veils of Inner Wickedness, along with their debut mini LP Time Shall Tell. This collection, which includes fully restored audio, will be available for the first time on April 18th, 2025.

Beyond the Darkest Veil of Time can now be pre-ordered in various formats, including various limited edition vinyls, here: https://therion.lnk.to/beyondthedarkestveiloftime

Track-list:

Paroxysmal Holocaust
1. Morbid Reality
2. The Return
3. Bells of Doom
4. Animal Mutation

Beyond the Veil of Inner Wickedness
5. Macabre Declension
6. Megalomania
7. Paroxysmal Holocaust
8. Genocidal Raids

Time Shall Tell (CD only)
9. Time Shall Tell
10. Dark Eternity
11. Asphyxiate With Fear

Both classic Therion demos and their debut mini LP Time Shall Tell are collected for the first time on this killer compilation with all audio fully restored.

Paroxysmal Holocaust is Therion’s first blast of raw and feral aggression. Written on instinct and recorded in a single frantic day, it’s a collision of thrash fury, doomy darkness, and death metal power. No polish, no pretension but pure, reckless energy.

Beyond the Darkest Veils of Inner Wickedness is Therion’s second demo. Longer, more professional and more ambitious. 

The final recordings on the compilation is Time Shall Tell, which captures Therion at their rawest; brutal, dark, and unpredictable. These four tracks are packed with sinister riffs, chaotic tempo shifts, and crushing heaviness. Recorded at Studio Sunlight in ’89, it’s pure, unfiltered death metal; abrasive, complex, and now available on CD for the first time.

Line up:
Christofer Johnsson – Guitar, vocals
Peter Hansson – Guitar
Erik Gustafsson – Bass
Oskar Forss – Drums
Matti Kärki – Vocals on Paroxysmal Holocaust

MISANTHROPIA Unveil ‘Malediction And Laughter’ Lyric Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: MISANTHROPIA. Leave a comment

Dutch blackened death metal architects Misanthropia have released a harrowing new lyric video for their track “Malediction And Laughter.” The track is taken from their critically acclaimed album Envy The Dead, which is out now via Wormholedeath.

Drenched in blood-soaked imagery and sinister storytelling, “Malediction And Laughter” delivers an intense narrative of violence and psychological horror. With its relentless seventeen strikes motif and cinematic execution, the track immerses listeners in a raw, visceral experience. Inspired by the infamous Lizzie Borden case—one of the most notorious unsolved murders in American history—the song fuses historical reality with extreme metal’s macabre imagination, making it a haunting and unforgettable listen.

For those unfamiliar with the legend, Lizzie Borden was accused of hacking her father and stepmother to death with an axe in 1892, yet was controversially acquitted in a sensational trial. The eerie nursery rhyme, “Lizzie Borden took an axe…” still echoes through pop culture today, feeding the fascination with the case’s unsolved mystery.

A dark odyssey into historical horrors, Envy The Dead is a concept album dripping with themes of necromancy, murder, and madness, drawing inspiration from infamous figures like Jack the Ripper. Stripping away their previous symphonic influences, Misanthropia forge a path through progressive Death/Thrash aggression, with sonic nods to Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, Necrophobic, Mayhem, and Death.

The legendary Mike Wead engineered, mixed, and mastered the album (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond), ensuring its crushing impact and eerie atmosphere remain unmatched.

STREAM/BUY ENVY THE DEAD: orcd.co/envythedead

MISANTHROPIA is no stranger to sonic devastation. For over 20 years, they’ve carved a path through the metal scene with their unique blend of Blackened fury and Death Metal aggression. Their longstanding partnership with legendary producer/engineer MIKE WEAD (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond) continues on ‘ENVY THE DEAD’, ensuring a potent and punishing listening experience.

Line up:
Bram Koller-Rythm Guitars and Vocals
Dennis Schoenmaker-Rythm And Lead Guitars
Pepijn Heilbron-Bass
Hugo de Waal-Drums

Stay Connected with MISANTHROPIA:
misanthropia-official.nl/web
www.facebook.com/666misanthropia
www.instagram.com/misanthropiaholland
www.youtube.com/@misanthropiaofficial4167
MisanthropiaSpotify

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