SMILE EMPTY SOUL Release New Single + Lyric Video ‘Violence’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 27, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Alt-rock veterans Smile Empty Soul have unveiled the fifth single, “Violence” from their upcoming EP, Swan Song, which is scheduled for release digitally on  2/28/25 and on vinyl/CD 4/11/25 through TLG|ZOID distributed by Virgin Music Group. The band’s previous four singles have been met with an overwhelmingly positive response, building excitement for the upcoming release.

“‘Violence’ is a song about the many toxic relationships that occur in our society. They seem to be everywhere, be it in the home, the streets, or even the relationship between the people and the government. It’s inescapable,” says Sean Danielsen.

The song was written and produced by Sean Danielsen, engineered by Brian Scheffer, mixed and mastered by Eddie Wohl.

Stream “Violence” at https://ffm.to/smileemptysoul-violence

SMILE EMPTY SOUL is a hard rock band that originated in Los Angeles, CA in the late 1990’s and has stayed true to their brand of “no bullshit”, “real as it gets” hard rock to this day. The band signed a major label record deal in 2003 to release their self-titled debut album in May of that year. They realized huge success at alternative radio, rock radio, and the music video channels that have since fallen by the wayside or turned into reality show networks.

After 3 very successful singles/videos and a gold record from the debut release, the band ran into trouble with their record company (which was in the midst of turmoil at the top levels) and found themselves working extra hard in the trenches, and signed to indie labels or no label at all from then on.

This would become SMILE EMPTY SOUL’s destiny, as they have gone on to release many more albums and EP’s on various labels, as well as their own company “smile empty music inc”. The band released their 9th full length record Black Pilled on October 12th of 2021 completely on their own.

“Smile” has become known for its constant touring and never wavering honest sound/lyrics. They’ve never changed for anybody, and turned down many opportunities to “sell out” because it’s not who they are.

With a new album, and just as much drive as they had starting out 20 years ago, this band looks to continue to build on the legacy they’ve created as one of the hardest working, and most underrated bands in rock and roll.

The band has recently partnered with TLG|ZOID distributed by Virgin Music Group to release new music. Denny Sanders (The Label Group) and Sean Danielsen previously partnered on the successful release of Consciousness. Released in 2009 the record has become second only to the band’s debut release in popularity.

For More Information Please Visit: Official Website – Facebook – Instagram – YouTube

Dark Folk Artist KATI RÁN to Release ‘LYS’ 2025 Anniversary Edition

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 26, 2025
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In April 2025, dark Nordic pagan folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Kati Rán celebrates the ten-year anniversary of her debut album LYS (meaning “light” in Norwegian) with a brand-new physical release, available through Svart Records.

In 2015, LYS was recorded, produced, and released by Kati Rán and producer Christopher Juul (Heilung) at the renowned LAVA Studios in Denmark. Together, they shaped, recorded, and performed all the tracks, bringing Kati Rán’s inner world, voice, and historical instrumentation to life. LYS contains ten original tracks performed in Norwegian, English, German, and Old Norse, including the hit song ‘Suurin,’ featuring Kai Uwe Faust and Maria Franz of the Danish act Heilung.

Svart Records is re-releasing LYS in its very first vinyl format for listeners and collectors of the Nordic & dark folk music genre, along with a digipack CD format. All editions include updated artwork, a booklet with original lyrics and English translations, and the bonus track ‘Vinda Acoustic.’

Pre-orders are now available HERE 

Track-list
1. Flamme
2. Sol
3. Ran
4. Terveh
5. Harpa Toner
6. Nymånen
7. Vinda
8. Fylgja
9. Suurin
10. Lys

For Fans Of: Heilung, Wardruna, Ianai, Gaahls WYRD, Nytt Land

As a testament to her passion for music and her determination to stay true to her vision, Kati Rán originally released LYS in 2015 as a solo artist after her folk band L.E.A.F dissolved over artistic differences. During this transition to a solo career, Christopher Juul provided his immersive audio production expertise, which continues to shape the Nordic folk genre today through various projects and bands. The magic of their collaboration is evident in the LYS album, as well as in Kati Rán’s singles ‘Blodbylgje’ and ‘Unnr Mindbeach,’ which were featured on her latest album, SÁLA, in 2024. Since its original release, LYS has sold out all physical editions, garnered over 10 million streams across music platforms, and is widely considered a genre-defining record in Nordic Dark Folk.

LYS impresses not only with its sound but also through its collaborations with various artists and bands. These include Oliver S. Tyr of the German pagan folk act Faun, Kai Uwe Faust’s signature throat vocalizations on ‘Suurin,’ a duet with Maria Franz (Heilung, Euzen) on ‘Vinda,’ soothing harmonizing vocals by drummer Kristian Uhre (Euzen) on ‘Sol,’ and instrumental contributions from Kati Rán’s former bandmates in L.E.A.F. The album also features Rán’s first duet recordings with HEILUNG’s Kai Uwe Faust on the opening track ‘Flamme.’

LYS was originally crowdfunded by listeners and supporters of Kati Rán’s dark pagan folk band L.E.A.F and her solo musical journey. Several international artists contributed campaign support videos, helping to make her first album an international success.

The 2025 anniversary edition of LYS offers an exclusive vinyl print with a bonus track, alongside other formats available through Kati Rán’s label, Svart Records. This release is a must-have for music collectors and listeners worldwide. The LYS 2025 Anniversary Album will be released on 18th April 2025.

Album concept and development by Kati Rán
Music by Kati Rán and Christopher Juul
Song Arrangements by Christopher Juul
Composition by Kati Rán and Christopher Juul

Performed by: 
Lead vocals, Nyckelharpa, Skin-drum, Kraviklyra and Hammered dulcimer by Kati Rán
All other instruments performed by Christopher Juul (Heilung)

More info:
www.kati-ran.com
www.ranarvegr.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/ran.musician
www.instagram.com/kati_ran
www.tiktok.com/@kati_ran
www.youtube.com/@KatiRan
www.svartrecords.com

DION Releases New Single ‘New York Minute’ And New Book “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Philosopher”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 26, 2025
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Legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dion DiMucci has released his new single, “New York Minute,” now available on all streaming platforms. To celebrate his new book Dion: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Philosopher, the song arrives as a nostalgic ode to Dion’s lifelong love affair with New York City and his wife, Susan, to whom he has been married for over 60 years.

Stream Dion’s “New York Minute”

“New York Minute” encapsulates Dion’s signature sound and is yet another testament to Dion’s ability to craft songs that resonate across generations, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest songwriters in rock and roll history.

“The song ‘New York Minute’ expresses my love for my city, New York, and my wife, Susan,” Dion shares. “When I first saw Susan, I could not think of anything else. I went to school but didn’t hear one word the teacher said. All I could think about was her! Where is she now? What is she doing? I wanna look at her. I wanna talk to her. I wanna get close to her any way I can. My mind was on a loop. Yeah, take a listen to the song. I think my mind was broken. I dropped my subway token, though not a word was spoken when I saw her smile.”

The new music follows hot on the heels of Dion’s recently released, highly anticipated book, Dion: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Philosopher. Co-written with recovery and performance coach Adam Jablin, the book offers an intimate glimpse into Dion’s remarkable six-decade journey through rock and roll history.

With contributions from luminaries like Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Bishop Robert Barron, and Stevie Van Zandt, the book is an inspiring reflection on his rise to fame, battles with addiction, enduring marriage, and friendships with legends like Hank Williams and Bob Dylan. In addition to the beautiful hard cover, an incredible companion Audiobook is also available exclusively on Audible which includes 30 songs, 3 Rock & Roll Hall induction speeches, interviews between Dion and Adam and more.

Featuring over 200 vibrant photos, the hard cover book is both a celebration of Dion’s life and a chronicle of the evolution of rock and roll. In his role as a mentor and storyteller, Dion shares wisdom, humour, and insight, making Dion: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Philosopher a must-read for fans of music history and anyone seeking inspiration.

Dion’s new single and book follow the success of his latest studio album, Girl Friends, which was released by Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping The Blues Alive Records and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart. The album featured collaborations with powerhouse women musicians like Susan Tedeschi, Shemekia Copeland, and Joanne Shaw Taylor. In Girl Friends, Dion explored the “feminine genius” that has profoundly shaped his life and music, creating a deeply personal and innovative record that captivated critics and fans alike. Dion’s partnership with Joe Bonamassa’s label has allowed him to continue to release inspiring new music to his long-time fans, as Dion continues to be prolific to this day.

From chart-topping hits in the 1950s and a Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction to Grammy nominations and groundbreaking collaborations in recent years, Dion continues to innovate and inspire. With “New York Minute,” he offers fans a fresh, heartfelt anthem to create a backdrop for Dion: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Philosopher, as fans dive into the life lived with passion and purpose. Listen to “New York Minute” now on all streaming platforms and find Dion: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Philosopher wherever books are sold. For more information, visit diondimucci.com.

About Dion DiMucci:
As one of the original innovators of rock and roll, Dion remains one of the most creative and relevant artists of his generation. From iconic hits like “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer” to his modern collaborations with legends like Bruce Springsteen and Paul Simon, Dion has spent more than six decades shaping music history. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and continues to inspire new audiences with his music, books, and live performances.

More information at www.diondimucci.com

THE PIT Presents ‘Once Upon a Time in Norway’ Documentary

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 26, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

“We’ve never classified ourselves as a Black Metal band. In the beginning, we called it brutal music or Brutal Metal. We couldn’t classify it. We wanted to create something new. Faster, harder and heavier. More aggressive than anything we’d heard in the genre”

As new addition to its list of programs, THE PIT VOD platform presents ‘Once Upon a Time in Norway’ ;an explosive documentary diving into the dark origins of Norwegian black metal, uncovering the chaos, church burnings, and the shocking murder that shook a nation.

 The full documentary is available right now on the platform with a 7-days FREE trial.

…Synopsis…

Once upon a time in Norway, Black Metal was born. From its origins in a closed, underground milieu, Norwegian Black Metal quickly became a worldwide cult phenomenon. It has developed around myths, in particular linked to the band that defined the genre: Mayhem.

Formed in 1984 by guitarist Øystein Aarseth (Euronymous), bassist Jørn Stubberud (Necrobutcher), and drummer Kjetil Manheim, Mayhem is a band synonymous with the birth of Norwegian black metal. 

The group gained infamy with later members such as vocalist Per Yngve ‘Pelle’ Ohlin (Dead) and bassist Varg Vikernes (Count Grishnackh). At the heart of this underground movement was Euronymous’s Oslo-based record store, Helvete, which became a hub for the scene that evolved into a controversial and extremist cult.

This gripping documentary delves into the turbulent early 1990s, a period marked by church burnings, suicides, and murders that shocked Norway. It all leads to the climactic and infamous murder of Euronymous by Varg Vikernes, an event that captured global attention.

CASTLE Announce ‘Evil Remains’ US Tour Dates

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 26, 2025
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Canadian heavy doom outfit Castle have just announced new North American tour dates in support of their recent album Evil Remains, which was released in September 2024 via Hammerheart Records. A full list of confirmed shows can be found below. 

Castle ‘Evil Remains’ tour North America
04/04 Calgary, AB – Electric Highway Fest
16/04 Sacramento, CA – Cafe Colonial
17/04 Los Angeles, CA – Knucklehead
18/04 San Francisco, CA – Kilowatt
19/04 Mt Shasta, CA – Vet’s Club
20/04 Portland, OR – High Water Mark
21/04 Seattle, WA – El Corazon
30/04 Toronto, ON – The Garrison
01/05 Detroit, MI – Smalls
02/05 Chicago, IL – Legions Of Metal Fest
03/05 Madison, WI – Gamma Ray Bar
04/05 Pittsburgh, PA – Poetry Lounge
05/05 Brooklyn, NY – The Woodshop
06/05 Boston, MA – Middle East Club
07/05 Montreal, PQ – Piranha Bar
08/05 London, ON – Palasad

Caste Europe 2025
5/29 – Muskelrock Fest @ Tyrolen, SE
6/07 – Battle Cry Fest @ Turock, Essen DE

Over the years, Castle have maintained a rigorous touring schedule, performing nearly 700 shows between 2012 and 2019. They have shared stages with acts like The Sword, Conan, Intronaut, and Pentagram, and have appeared at prominent festivals such as Roadburn Festival and Desertfest. 

Evil Remains is a hook-laden heavy metal thrill-ride into Nosferatu nights.

Back after a six year break with the black magic fully recharged, Castle have delivered a juggernaut of riffery in a hook-laden mix of doom and psychedelictinged classic metal. Adding to the atmosphere of majestic doom, Elizabeth Blackwell’s haunted, full-blooded vocals are electric witch hymns of death and madness; ‘Hear my warning, heed my call’ indeed.

Recorded at Raincity Recorders in Vancouver B.C. by producer Jesse Gander (Anciients, 3 Inches Of Blood, Brutus) Evil Remains sonically balances the warm and fuzzy with the bombastic power of an alternate universe stadium rock band. Bassist/vocalist Elizabeth Blackwell and guitarist/vocalist Mat Davis bring their unique female and male vocal attack and scorching, serpentine riffs to dizzying new heights. Rounded out by drummer Mike Cotton’s thunderous precision, Evil Remains delivers a metallic knock out punch from the first to the last note of its eight pummeling tracks.

Written over a five year period – beginning in Castle’s then home town of Joshua Tree, California after a year-long tour for their previous album, Deal  Thy Fate – the songwriting culminated this past year with pre-production sessions taking place in the band’s new twin home bases of San Francisco and Vancouver. Since storming out of San Francisco with their 2011 debut, In Witch Order, Castle have toured relentlessly, playing close to 700 shows on three continents. The live ritual resumes this year across North American and European dates.

Track-list:
1. Queen of Death
2. Nosferatu Nights
3. Deja Voodoo
4. Evil Remains
5. Black Spell
6. 100 Eyes
7. She
8. Cold Grave

Line up:
Liz Blackwell – Bass, vocals
Mat Davis – Guitar, vocals
Mike Cotton – Drums

WOLVESPIRIT’s Album “Bullshit” Slightly Delayed, New Video Single ‘Titanium’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 26, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo: Caroline Wimmer

Uh, excuse me? That sounds very suspiciously like an absolute bullshit report! That’s right: it would be nice – but it’s total bullshit. And why? Because Bullshit is not only the name, but also the concept of the new WolveSpirit album, which is available as of Feb 7th as CD, Black Vinyl, Splatter Vinyl and of course also digitally. The longplayer Bullshit is the most ambitious project in the band’s history to date, which can already look back on joint tours with Uriah Heep and Spiritual Beggars, among others, and the successor to Change The World, which reached number 30 in the German album charts in 2022.

If you want to know the whole bullshit story of the Classic/Hard Rockers about the new single in full bloom, you can find it HERE. But now to the real facts:

The Bullshit album focuses our attention in various facets on a central theme: we have created a world full of illusions. Millions of people take refuge in digital parallel realities every day and pretend to be someone other than they really are. We are not only lying to others, but often also to ourselves, because the truth is often more painful for us than living in a self-made illusory world. The question therefore arises more and more often: What is ‘the truth’? And how much of it do we even want?

The new single Titanium is the lighthouse within the songs on the new album. It is a symbol of strength and impregnability. It is the self-imposed protective armor when you have to somehow manage to stay upright in the midst of all the surrounding madness.

The ‘bullshit’ spread by WolveSpirit themselves is intended to be so obvious that we can sharpen our focus for less obvious bullshit and keep our bullshit detectors switched to reception. You could also say that WolveSpirit bullshit is genuine organic bullshit produced exclusively by happy bulls.

Link list to all versions of the new album: https://wolfhart.store/

“I am Titanium – I will be unbreakable”

The Würzburg band describes the genesis of the new single Titanium: “Titanium was the first song written for this album. At its core, the track revolves around a powerful, driving guitar riff that dominates the verses. The song is about battles, blood and the fierce hand-to-hand combat in which enemies are struck down with unbridled fury. Our inner image of this is a battlefield in a fantasy world like the one Robert E. Howard created in his stories. An indomitable warrior, a character like Conan. He is Titanium!”

WolveSpirit are:
Deborah “Debbie” Craft (Vocals) | Richard “Rio” Wolfhart (Guitar) | Sylvana “Silly” Lenzschau (Bass) | Oliver Wolfhart (Organ) | Martin Monroe (Drums)

Visit WolveSpirit online:
https://linktr.ee/wolvespiritband
https://wolvespirit.com
https://www.instagram.com/wolvespiritband/
https://www.facebook.com/WolveSpiritBand/
https://www.youtube.com/wolvespiritband
https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/7pF7l17Rn1yMHFdAinC94H