Tobias Sammet’s AVANTASIA Announce 10th Studio Album “Here Be Dragons”, Out February 28th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 28, 2024
Posted in: News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment
[Photo credit: Kevin Nixon]

Leading rock and metal force AVANTASIA is set to unleash their bombastic 10th studio album and Napalm Records debut, Here Be Dragons, on February 28, 2025! Featuring absolute AVANTASIA essentials such as spellbinding choirs and theatrical symphonic metal elements, multitalented mastermind and frontman Tobias Sammet also surprises fans old and new with plenty of intriguing fresh soundscapes. Here Be Dragons gives the celebrated AVANTASIA sound that has been carefully crafted over a quarter of a century an exciting and powerful spin. The new album is the most consistent and concise piece of art that the band has ever crafted. 

The band’s impressive success story has seen nine previous studio albums (including the 2019 offering Moonglow that charted at #1 in Germany), gold awards, hundreds of millions of streams as well as headline shows at all important metal festivals and worldwide sold-out arena tours with tens of thousands of devoted fans. AVANTASIA is not showing any signs of slowing down – soon after the release of Here Be Dragons, the band will head out on an extensive arena tour across Europe, promising to deliver fans an immersive experience with their biggest and most epic production ever.

Tobias Sammet comments:
“This new album carries the most adventurous and bold spirit my music has had in decades. And it’s rather reckless, fearless, powerful, and uplifting and not introverted at all. While my previous albums allowed me to get a lot off my chest, this time I dove headfirst into the creative flood, crafting ten discrete, musical pictures, that miraculously merged into what I believe is the tightest chapter in AVANTASIA’s history. I did everything exactly how I wanted it, approaching the album with unrelenting determination and a carefree attitude, that was reminiscent of my early days way before the Metal Opera thing, when I felt unstoppable and let instinct just write songs. Right now I’m bursting with energy and can’t wait to unleash Here Be Dragons and then kick off the big tour with our new stage. We’ll present the new material alongside our classics and some rarities in the most spectacular stage show AVANTASIA has ever delivered. An early Merry Christmas, everyone!”

Pre-Order Your Copy Of Here Be Dragons NOW

[Artwork by Rodney Matthews]

In grand AVANTASIA tradition, the new full-length is rich in vivid storytelling and cinematic atmospheres, not to mention the highest level of musicianship. Opening track “Creepshow” is without a doubt one of the catchiest songs in their career. The energizing future hit truly welcomes the listener into the new era of AVANTASIA and will be an integral part of the band’s spectacular live shows. In contrast, the incredible title track “Here Be Dragons” is a classic AVANTASIA song, and at almost nine minutes, is by far the longest on the album. The cinematic dark soundscapes of “The Witch” captivate and support the song’s storyline perfectly. Emotional, multifaceted vocal performances mesmerize on “Avalon”, while the heavy metal number “Against The Wind” serves as further proof of the versatility of AVANTASIA’s sound. Remaining well-balanced and cohesive, Here Be Dragons is undeniably AVANTASIA’s most powerful album so far.
 
The 10-track offering was written and composed in its entirety by Tobias Sammet himself, produced and recorded by Tobias Sammet together with Sascha Paeth, mixed by Sascha Paeth and mastered by Michael Rodenberg. The stunning cover art was once again created by acclaimed British fantasy artist Rodney Matthews. Here Be Dragons marks another masterpiece in the AVANTASIA catalog, leaving both fans and critics speechless and proving the band’s standing as a main force in the world of rock and metal!
 
Here Be Dragons is now available for pre-order in several exciting physical editions, with bonus albums included in select limited formats, like a 3CD hardcover artbook with 96 pages, over 160 pictures, drawings of Rodney Matthews and extensive stories to accompany the music and pictures.  Make sure to secure yours and stay tuned for the first single that will be released very soon!

Here Be Dragons Tracklisting:
1    Creepshow    
2    Here Be Dragons
3    The Moorland At Twilight
4    The Witch
5    Phantasmagoria
6    Bring On The Night
7    Unleash The Kraken    
8    Avalon
9    Against The Wind
10  Everybody’s Here Until The End

Catch AVANTASIA live on tour!
 
14.03.25 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle
15.03.25 BE – Brussels / AB Box
16.03.25 FR – Paris / Olympia
18.03.25 LU – Esch-sur-Alzette / Rockhal
20.03.25 DE – Berlin / Columbiahalle
21.03.25 DE – Bamberg / Brose Arena
22.03.25 DE – Bochum / RuhrCongress
24.03.25 UK – London / The Roundhouse
26.03.25 NL – Tilburg / O13
28.03.25 DE – Stuttgart / Schleyerhalle
29.03.25 CZ – Prague / Forum Karlin
01.04.25 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra
02.04.25 AT – Vienna / Gasometer
04.04.25 DE – Munich / Zenith
05.04.25 DE – Frankfurt am Main / Jahrhunderthalle
06.04.25 DE – Cologne / Palladium
08.04.25 IT – Milan / Alcatraz
09.04.25 CH – Zurich / The Hall
11.04.25 ES – Barcelona / Razzmatazz
12.04.25 ES – Madrid / Vistalegre
23.04.25 FI – Helsinki / Black Box
25.04.25 NO – Oslo / Sentrum Scene
26.04.25 SE – Stockholm / Arenan Fryshuset

AVANTASIA online: NAPALM RECORDS – WEBSITE – FACEBOOK – INSTAGRAM – TIKTOK

DISTANT Release Video for ‘Acolytes Of Damnation (Feat. Alex Erian of Despised Icon)’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 27, 2024
Posted in: News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Stephanie Zapolska @stephaniezapolska

Dutch/Slovakian downtempo/deathcore band DISTANT have released “Acolytes Of Damnation” featuring the unique vocals of Alex Erian of the genre defining Despised Icon. The track is taken from “Tsukuyomi: The Origin”, which was released on November 22nd. This reimagined track from DISTANT’s debut EP, “Tsukuyomi”, showcases the band’s evolution, blending their raw origins with their current, refined sonic assault. The video was directed by Pavel Trebukhin who already brought you the visuals for “The Undying”, check out “Acolytes Of Damnation” below.

The band comments: “’Acolytes of Damnation’ stands as a cornerstone of ‘Tsukuyomi: Origins’, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into our most ambitious work to date.”

In honor of their 10-year anniversary as a band DISTANT are presenting “Tsukuyomi: The Origin”, an expanded and reimagined version of their debut EP, “Tsukuyomi.” The release features seven brand new tracks alongside six revamped versions of songs, weaving a comprehensive tale that predates Tyrannt’s conquest through the universe. “Tsukuyomi: The Origin” not only delves into DISTANT’s origins but also explores the lore behind their lyrics. It isn’t a standard remaster or simple rerecording, but the band overhauled the original songs to reflect their current sound and vision, ensuring the tracks get the attention they deserve. Expect new features (Matthew K Heafy, Alex Erian of Despised Icon, David Simonich of Signs Of The Swarm and Travis Worland of Enterprise Earth) and a seamless blend of fresh and re-recorded tracks.

Order the album at https://distantband.lnk.to/TsukuyomiTheOriginAlbum

DISTANT just wrapped up a North American tour with Fit For An Autopsy, Bodysnatcher, Sylosis and Judiciary. They will kick off the new year with Enterprise Earth, The Last Ten Seconds Of Life and Harbinger.

DISTANT & Enterprise Earth

The Origin Of Madness Tour 2025
With Special Guests:
The Last Ten Seconds Of Life, Harbinger

30.01.25 (DE) Oberhausen – Kulttempel
31.01.25 (NL) Tilburg – Poppodium 013
01.02.25 (NL) Leeuwarden – Neushoorn
02.02.25 (DE) Hamburg – Logo
03.02.25 (SE) Gothenburg – Kulterlagret
04.02.25 (NO) Oslo – Parkteatret
07.02.25 (FIN) Tampere – Olympia
08.02.25 (FIN) Helsinki – Korjaamo
10.02.25 (DK) Copenhagen – Beta
11.02.25 (DE) Berlin – Cassiopeia
12.02.25 (DE) Dresden – Blauer Salon
13.02.25 (PL) Warsaw – Hydrozagadka
14.02.25 (CZ) Prague – Rock Cafe
15.02.25 (DE) Munich – Feierwerk
16.02.25 (AT) Vienna – Viper Room
17.02.25 (HUN) Budapest – Analog Music Hall
19.02.25 (IT) Venice – Revolver Club
20.02.25 (FR) Lyon – Rock N Eat
21.02.25 (CH) Aarau – KiFF
22.02.25 (DE) Karlsruhe – Die Stadtmitte
23.02.25 (FR) Paris – Glazart
24.02.25 (UK) Southampton – The Joiners
25.02.25 (UK) London – The Underworld
26.02.25 (UK) Bristol – The Fleece
27.02.25 (UK) Manchester – Rebellion
28.02.25 (UK) Glasgow – Cathouse
01.03.25 (UK) Birmingham – Asylum
02.03.25 (BE) Antwerp – Trix Club

The band has already released four singles and videos from “Tsukuyomi: The Origin”
“Loveless Suffering”: https://youtu.be/fDKU5rt1YZU
“The Undying”: https://youtu.be/_8mRmkERONI
“Fleshweaver”: https://youtu.be/f40HIhWehOw
“Torturous Symphony (feat. Matthew K. Heafy)”: https://youtu.be/qn9pbXwyoq0?feature=shared

DISTANT has become one of the prominent faces of European Deathcore. Melding together brutal death metal, slam, noise and beatdown with a hyper-dissonant orchestra of impending doom, they’ve come eons since their origins as metalcore obsessed friends in Rotterdam and Bratislava.

DISTANT online:
https://distantofficial.com/
https://www.instagram.com/distantofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/DistantOfficial
https://twitter.com/distantnl

ARCH ENEMY Announce “Blood Dynasty” in October 2025 with Stellar Line-Up

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 27, 2024
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment
Photo source: https://www.archenemy.net

Less than two months after wrapping up their successful tour with In Flames, Arch Enemy is already announcing their next major concert series. The journey begins in October 2025, marking a special occasion: the Swedish band will be promoting their upcoming album Blood Dynasty, which you can pre-order here.

A line-up of the highest caliber

This tour offers everything that discerning metal fans could hope for. Alongside Arch Enemy, who have been trailblazers in Melodic Death Metal for years, three other bands are set to join the stage, each a highlight in their own right:

  • Amorphis: The Finnish band captivates with an extraordinary mix of progressive and melodic death metal. Their atmospheric compositions have been enthralling fans for decades.
  • Eluveitie: Pioneers of folk metal, they blend traditional sounds with powerful metal, earning a loyal fan base worldwide.
  • Gatecreeper: The rising death metal newcomers from the USA bring high-energy performances and a fresh sound that perfectly complements the line-up.

Tour kicks off in Germany

The tour begins on October 10, 2025, at the Schleyerhalle in Stuttgart, followed by stops across Europe. Tickets can be pre-ordered via the bands oficial website.

Here are the tour dates:

  • 10.10. Schleyerhalle, Stuttgart, DE
  • 11.10. Jahrhunderthalle, Frankfurt am Main, DE
  • 12.10. Zenith, Munich, DE
  • 14.10. Barba Negra, Budapest, HU
  • 15.10. Gasometer, Vienna, AT
  • 17.10. Columbiahalle, Berlin, DE
  • 18.10. Sportovni Hala Fortuna, Prague, CZ
  • 19.10. PreZero Arena Gliwice, Gliwice, PL
  • 21.10. The Hall, Zurich, CH
  • 22.10. Alcatraz, Milan, IT
  • 23.10. Radiant Bellevue, Lyon, FR
  • 25.10. Vistalegre, Madrid, ES
  • 27.10. Zenith, Paris, FR
  • 28.10. AFAS Live, Amsterdam, NL
  • 30.10. Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, UK
  • 31.10. O2 Apollo, Manchester, UK
  • 01.11. Eventim Apollo, London, UK
  • 03.11. Rockhal, Esch-sur-Alzette, LU
  • 04.11. Ancienne Belgique, Brussels, BE
  • 05.11. Haus Auensee, Leipzig, DE
  • 07.11. Partille Arena, Gothenburg, SE
  • 08.11. Annexet, Stockholm, SE
  • 10.11. Ice Hall, Helsinki, FI
  • 12.11. Sentrum Scene, Oslo, NO
  • 13.11. Poolen, Copenhagen, DK
  • 14.11. Swiss Life Hall, Hannover, DE
  • 15.11. Mitsubishi Electric Hall, Düsseldorf, DE

SUBWAY TO SALLY Join Forces with WARKINGS for Ultimate Anthem ‘Stahl auf Stahl’ with Official Music Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 27, 2024
Posted in: News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[credit: Heilemania / Pedro Stoehr]

With their new single “Stahl auf Stahl”, SUBWAY TO SALLY combine their signature sound with the driving power metal of WARKINGS, forging a true masterpiece together. The track seamlessly blends SUBWAY TO SALLY’s heavy riffs with a captivating chorus and vocals that reach new heights, offering a taste of their upcoming studio album, Post Mortem, set to release on December 20, 2024 via Napalm Records.

“Stahl auf Stahl” is an anthem of resistance and strength. With lines like “Hämmern wir, so laut wie es nur geht, die Welt soll von uns hören” (“We hammer as loud as we can, so the world will hear us”), the song ignites a fire of courage that pushes the limits of what’s possible. It’s not only a hymn of bravery but also one of rebirth—like a phoenix rising from the ashes, escaping the darkness, and heralding a new day for us all.

This impressive collaboration between SUBWAY TO SALLY and WARKINGS is reflected in the dual vocals, emphasizing themes of invincibility and an unbreakable sense of unity. But this won’t be the last time the bands join forces—both acts will take the stage together this December on the Eisheilige Nacht-tour.

SUBWAY TO SALLY about the new single:         
“WARKINGS are our co-headliner for this year’s Eisheilige Nacht! Their intense touring activities caught our attention some time ago, and we’re confident they will ignite a true metal firestorm and make the Eisheilige Nacht an unforgettable experience with their show. This collaboration quickly led to the idea of a joint song, which we wrote and, of course, performed together. ‘Stahl auf Stahl’ is a powerful medieval metal banger and an exciting experiment for both WARKINGS and SUBWAY TO SALLY – one that can truly be called a success!”
 
WARKINGS add:
“Joining the legendary Eisheilige Nacht-tour with Subway to Sally is like marching into battle with the mightiest warriors by our side!
And to make it even more epic, we forged ‘Stahl auf Stahl’, an anthem of steel and fire that will echo through the halls of Valhalla—and every stage we conquer together. Bring your helmets, folks—this is gonna be wild!“

Not even two years have passed since the release of their previous record Himmelfahrt in 2023, and initially, the band had secretly planned for it to be their last album. With a symbolic title, the genre-defining force from Potsdam, Germany intended to close their over 30-year career with dignity. But things took a different turn. SUBWAY TO SALLY undeniably struck a chord with the times, and the response to Himmelfahrt was overwhelmingly positive from both fans and critics alike. After a tour with many sold-out shows, it became abundantly clear that their 14th album was not the final chapter. The album’s release unleashed an unstoppable sense of lightness and energy that sparked their creativity to such an extent that SUBWAY TO SALLY are now ready with their brand-new masterpiece, Post Mortem, following the fastest creative process in the band’s history.

The new masterpiece begins with the explosive track “Phönix”, which celebrates the creative rebirth of the folk metal institution. On Post Mortem, SUBWAY TO SALLY neither look back nor into the future, but rather deliver a sharp analysis of the present. Songs like “Wunder”, “Nero”, “Lumpensammler”, and “Die Erde bebt” offer the band’s signature soundscape while exploring socially critical themes without moralizing. This serious side is contrasted by captivating tracks that celebrate life and the simple joy of music. The anthemic title track “Post Mortem”, the rousing “Unter dem Banner”, and the poetic ballad “Herz in der Rinde” unleash an uncanny joy of playing. All songs unite the band’s familiar trademarks of great melodies and profound lyrics but never feel redundant. The haunting “Atlas” melancholically draws on Greek mythology, while the folk metallers showcase a heavier yet melodic side on “Stahl auf Stahl”. For this piece, they enlisted their labelmates Warkings as guest performers, whose power metal adds a unique flavor to the track. With English lyrics in the chorus, SUBWAY TO SALLY return to their roots. With “Kummerkind”, the septet tackles mental struggles that many people cannot escape, once again proving their precise grasp of the zeitgeist.

SUBWAY TO SALLY comment:
“In this world of contradictions and changes, finding a voice seems difficult. But upon closer inspection, one finds parallels in history and art. What do Putin and Nero, Oppenheimer and Prometheus have in common? What rises from the ashes of Rome? Does history truly repeat itself – once as tragedy, the other time as farce?”
SUBWAY TO SALLY skillfully explore this tension between past, future, and present, art and political reality with their music, making it clear with Post Mortem that they are more alive than ever before.  

Get your copy of Post Mortem HERE

Post Mortem track listing:
1. Introitus
2. Phönix
3. Post mortem
4. Wunder
5. Nero
6. Unter dem Banner
7. Herz in der Rinde
8. Lumpensammler
9. Stahl auf Stahl
10. Atlas
11. Kummerkind
12. Eisheilige Nacht
13. Die Erde bebt

Eisheilige Nacht 2024
w/ WARKINGS, Support: The O´Reillys & The Paddyhats + Harpyie
13.12.24 CH – Pratteln / Z7
14.12.24 DE – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann
20.12.24 DE – Dortmund / PLWM
21.12.24 DE – Giessen / Hessenhallen
22.12.24 DE – Dresden / Alter Schlachthof
26.12.24 DE – Braunschweig / MEG
27.12.24 DE – Würzburg / Posthalle
28.12.24 DE – Bielefeld / Lokschuppen
29.12.24 DE – Bremen / Pier 2
30.12.24 DE – Potsdam / Waschhaus

Post Mortem Tour 2025
Special Guests: Serenity, Blackbriar
25.04.25 DE – Osnabrück / Hyde Park
26.04.25 DE – Köln / Essigfabrik
30.04.25 DE – Leipzig / Anker
01.05.25 DE – Nurnberg / Löwensaal
02.05.25 DE – Heidelberg / Halle02
03.05.25 DE – Hannover / Pavillon
09.05.25 DE – Erfurt / Central Club
10.05.25 DE – Munich / Backstage
16.05.25 DE – Hamburg / Docks
17.05.25 DE – Berlin / Huxleys
 
Festivals 2024/2025
29. – 30.11.24 DE – Weissenhäuser Strand / Plage Noir
30.01.25 US – Miami / 70 000 Tons of Metal

SUBWAY TO SALLY are:
Eric Fish – Vocals, Flutes, Bagpipe
Ally Storch – Violin
Bodenski – Hurdy Gurdy, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Simon – Acoustic Guitars, Trumsheit, Vocals
Ingo Hampf – Guitar, Lute
Simon Michael – Drums, Percussion
Sugar Ray – Bass
 
SUBWAY TO SALLY online:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Napalm Records

MIRZAM ANTIDOTUM OV MARAZM Launch Exclusive Pre-Listening of Upcoming Album “… There Is No Emptiness” Ahead of Release

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 27, 2024
Posted in: News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

MIRZAM AOM (full: MIRZAM ANTIDOTUM OV MARAZM) is one of the brightest stars in the constellation of the Great Dog, approximately 493 light years away from the Sun. The band was formed on the initiative of Ikar and Magnetar in 2019 in Białystok (PL). In the first quarter of 2023, the then duo released their debut self-titled EP. In the near future, the constellation was completed by bassist IGTL and drummer Alioth. As 2024 ends, the Białystok quartet attacks with a full-length debut album. 

MIRZAM AOM is a limitless dose of interstellar metal.

Music for debut album release was recorded, mixed and mastered between March and September this year at Dobra 12 Studio (Batushka, Dopelord, Zørormr, Krzta). Drums were recorded by Krzysztof Klingbein (Belphegor, Totenmesse) Album cover artwork was done by IGTL, where layout and booklet by Piotr Wszędyrówny from Ever Straight. Debut album titled “… There Is No Emptiness” will be released on November 29, 2024 on digital format and CD by Polish label Via Nocturna (pre-order here).

Today, few days before official release together with Black Metal Promotion we invite you to exclusive pre-listening of MIRZAM ANTIDOTUM OV MARAZM upcoming debut album.

Tracklist:

01. Kill Him
02. Czas
03. Procjon
04. Mirzam
05. Tajemnia
06. Spika
07. Tyś Boginią
08. Magnetar
09. Ekwinokcjum
10. Szok Końcowy

Line-up:

Magnetar – guitar, vocal
Ikar – guitar
IGTL – bass   
Alioth – drums

More information: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify

SHADOW OF THE TALISMAN Sign with Eclipse Records, New Single & Video ‘The Outlaw’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 27, 2024
Posted in: News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Elijah Coulter

Eclipse Records is thrilled to announce the signing of Shadow of the Talisman to an exclusive worldwide deal. Based in Flint, Michigan (USA), the Alternative Metal band strive to unite all facets of the metal scene through complex musical passages, heart-wrenching lyrics, and a community where every metalhead can find something perfect for themselves. The band are preparing to release their debut studio album As Above, So Below via Eclipse Records on February 21, 2025. The album was produced, recorded and mixed by the band alongside Mark Stewart at Raydon Studio. To kick things into high gear, the band just dropped a new single and lyric video for the single “The Outlaw” which was directed by Kyle Williams. 

“To have the honor of our band being signed with Eclipse Records is something special” says guitarist Owen Summerland, “I can speak for all of us guys when I say this opportunity is one we could only ever dream of. We worked hard and put forth all our endeavors to craft an album, and seeing where Eclipse will take us on the rest of that journey is exciting.” Vocalist Mike Smith adds “If you would have told me two years ago when I joined this band that we would have a debut album released, we’d be headlining shows, and we were signing to a record label, I simply wouldn’t believe it. It’s been very exciting and rewarding to watch our band, and us, grow as quickly as it has. Now that we’ve signed to Eclipse Records, the possibilities are going to be endless! I know this is going to be a very fruitful venture and I cannot wait to see where we end up!”

The band’s debut studio album As Above, So Below, is a bold concept album introducing us to The Dark One, who chooses to recruit and resurrect a broken man to transform him into a killing machine soon known as The Outlaw. This tragic devil’s plaything loses his reality like a dollar bill in a hurricane and goes straight to a fiery hell where a deal is made and the remains of his soul, shattered. The album is a gorgeous tornado of genres and mediums swirled into one of the greatest horror stories ever told through funky, break-oriented alternative metal featuring powerful vocals and intricate, raucous instrumentals. Lyrically, the global theme here is “we reap what we sow,” yet musically, the soul of this band is defined by “dynamics,” never linear, always striking and astonishing. Focus tracks include “The Outlaw,” a riff-oriented thrill ride filled with savage syncopation and an epic climax, as well as “What Is Real?,” featuring a heartrending traditional vocal and ultimately satisfying breaks and full-stops. The climax of the album is an experience in itself, constructed of four parts culminating with “So Below,” as hard-driving a metal song as one would find with an ending better than Seven or Us. As Above, So Below is a masterpiece in terms of its content, concept, and musical execution. It is a glorious smorgasbord, made for everyone with a taste for the flavor of rock, brazen and bold, inclusive and eclectic, drawing all of us into the fold. As Above, So Below is scheduled to be released via Eclipse Records on February 21, 2025.

Pre-Save or Pre-Order As Above, So Below at this location.

For more information about Shadow of the Talisman and their “The Outlaw” lyric video, please visit them on their official website, and connect with the band on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, and follow them on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, YouTube Music, Tidal, and Deezer now!

As Above, So Below track listing
01. Arise
02. What Is Real?
03. Fiery Descent
04. Dead with the Devil
05. The Outlaw
06. Cursed
07. As Above
08. So Below

Shadow of the Talisman’s lineup
Mike Smith (Vocals), Zack Harrison (Guitar), Owen Summerland (Guitar), Elijah Kinney (Bass), Kyle Williams (Drums)