Sodom’s cult 1992 album Tapping The Vein covered a wide range of lyrical topics amongst its eleven songs and opening track ‘Body Parts’ deals with the horrors of the organ trade. The lyric writing duties on the album were, for the first time shared out between all three members; Tom Angelripper, Andy Brings and Chris Witchhunter. It was Chris along with a friend of his called Bertrum, who contributed the lyrics to ‘Body Parts’. It was also one of the songs where producer, Harris Johns suggested Tom lowered his voice, which worked perfectly with the bands standard tuning, while still retaining a menacing character.
The new expanded editions of Sodom’s, Tapping The Vein feature the original album remastered, it also features a complete remixed version done by Andy Brings with some additional alternative takes of three album tracks, plus three live concerts: Tokyo 1992, Düsseldorf 1992 and Cologne 1992 (Chris Witchhunter´s last show with Sodom) in the super deluxe edition.
Sodom’s deluxe, expanded reissue of Tapping The Vein is available in these formats.
Deluxe triple LP red & black swirl vinyl and double CD deluxe 24 page bookpack.
Rockshots Records is excited to announce that RISEN CROW has officially released their debut single and music video for “Risen Crow”, the first track from their highly anticipated album “Requiem For A Damned Love” due out February 2025. The single is now available on all major streaming platforms, accompanied by an evocative video that captures the dark, melodic essence of the band’s unique sound. Formed in 2020 in Rome, Risen Crow stands out in the Italian metal scene with their distinct fusion of power metal and gothic elements. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands such as Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation, Kamelot, and Lacuna Coil, Risen Crow’s music blends powerful riffs, haunting melodies, and atmospheric soundscapes, creating an emotional journey for listeners. The single “Risen Crow” embodies the band’s artistic vision, showcasing their signature mix of powerful metal energy and dark, gothic atmospheres. The upcoming album, “Requiem For A Damned Love” delves into themes of obsession, damned love, and sacrifice, taking listeners through an intense narrative filled with emotion and depth. The track “Risen Crow” sets the tone for the album, offering a glimpse into the band’s compelling storytelling and dynamic musical approach.
Risen Crow invites fans to experience their dark, melodic journey and immerse themselves in their debut single’s evocative atmosphere. With a strong lineup and a unique blend of influences, the band is ready to make their mark on the international metal scene. Watch the official “Risen Crow” music video on YouTube and stream the single on all major platforms. Follow Risen Crow on social media for updates on the upcoming album release and future live performances.
Risen Crow’s debut album, “Requiem For A Damned Love”, will be released on February 28, 2025. Fans can now listen to the first single from the album and pre-order their copy at the following link: https://lnk.to/iWnIfA
Track Listing: 1. Never surrender 2. Black Widow 3. Funeral Jack 4. Risen Crow 5. Revelation 6. Dark In my life 7. Believe in me 8. Black Rose
Stu Marshall‘s Empires Of Eden have released their fifth studio album, entitled “Guardians Of Time”, out now on Massacre Records!To order your album copy (CDs are currently delayed), visit:https://lnk.to/guardiansoftime
Empires Of Eden is celebrated for its blend of intricate musicianship, thunderous riffs, and soaring vocals, earning the project a dedicated global fanbase. It has a unique collaborative nature making each album a fresh and diverse listening experience, with each artist bringing their own signature style to the fold. The upcoming release promises even more electrifying collaborations, and continues Stu Marshall‘s legacy of delivering high-octane metal with both precision and passion!
“Guardians Of Time” brings together a rare coalition of some of the genre’s most formidable musicians such as Jonas Heidgert (Dragonland), Tony Webster (Archetype), John Gallagher (Raven), Louie Gorgievski (Night Legion), David Readman (Pink Cream 69) or Tony Truglio (ex-Liege Lord) to name just a few. This isn’t just the next typical collaboration; it’s a bold, creative venture that challenges the conventions of metal.
In support of the record release, Empires Of Eden premiered a new video clip for the latest single “When Will It End”, featuring high class guests, vocalist Darren Smith (Jake E. Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel), Mike LePond of Symphony X on bass and Clay T. (Arkenstone) on drums!
“This song is about the pain we all feel when the relationship goes south, and we are heartbroken,” Empires Of Eden mastermind Stu Marshall reveals. “The song was written about 20 years ago and embodies the 80’s AOR vibes and that was what we were trying to bring out in the track. The song ends with the writer taking the power back after a failed relationship and a cheating spouse.”
Stu Marshall, a renowned Australian guitarist and producer, is best known for his explosive guitar work, blending technical prowess with melodic sensibility. Rising to prominence with the power metal band Dungeon and more recently US power supergroup Death Dealer, Marshall’s career has spanned decades, marking him as one of Australia’s most respected metal musicians.
In 2008, Marshall embarked on his solo project, Empires Of Eden, creating a platform to collaborate with some of the biggest names in metal. The project brought together an array of world-class vocalists, allowing Marshall to blend symphonic, power, and traditional heavy metal elements into epic soundscapes. Since its inception, Empires Of Eden has released five critically acclaimed albums, showcasing collaborations with metal legends such as Udo Dirkschneider (U.D.O., ex-Accept), Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Zak Stevens (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Rob Rock (Impellitteri), Mike Vescera (Yngwie Malmsteen, Loudness), and Jeff Martin (Racer X). Each release delivers a mix of Marshall’s complex guitar compositions and the iconic vocal styles of his guest artists.
Crossing genres of power metal, AOR and thrash elements, the new album shows a deep creative input from a wide range of metal talent. “Guardians Of Time” is a statement of intent from some of the most respected names in metal. It’s not about nostalgia; it’s about innovation and the future of metal as a creative force. It’s a testament to Marshall’s enduring creativity and ability to unite the metal community through shared artistry.
Produced by Stu Marshall, who has worked closely with each vocalist to ensure that their contribution is both individual and integral to the whole, this album represents a new model of collaboration in heavy music!
Scandinavia’s premier roots-rock renegades Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado return with their brand new album of high-energy swamp rock, smouldering ballads and cinematic blues-rock on ‘House of Sticks’, which will be released on 31 January via Provogue / Mascot Label Group. To celebrate they have revealed the video for new song “Inner Light,” which you can watch HERE.
They have revealed their new single, “Inner Light,” a soulful funk-laden earworm that fuses Sly and the Family Stone’s swagger with Risager’s distinctive smoky vocals. “This song,” he says, “was pretty clear to me when writing about it. It’s about getting older. The light has changed a little bit. It happens to everybody. The whole thing is not as bright as it once was when you get older.”
Though reflective, the song also leads into the optimism of life as he croons, “I know I’m stronger than the darkness, I’m going to hold on till summer comes around, and I remember every soul that we lost along the way,” to a bright brass section, bringing the light into view. “I’m also a big funk fan. I always create a funk song when I write the songs for the album. It’s usually a floor filler, too. We see ourselves as a blues rock band, but funk is a part of the blues family,” he smiles.
The award-winning Danes have already released the pulsating groove of “Long Time Ago,” which sees Risager’s soulful vocals swoon around the swampy, raw energy that has become synonymous with The Black Tornado’s sound. When “Already Gone” dropped in June, it was the band’s first new music since the release of their 2022 album, ‘Navigation Blues’. Its galloping rhythms strides through groove-infused blues rock, buoyed by searing solos and wrapped around a forlorn love story – “This is what I would call the most classic Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado song on the album.”
The band have spent nine to ten months a year on the road over the last two decades traversing Europe, covering almost every inch, over twenty countries, sweeping through the islands and mainland of their home country Denmark and through the rocky terrains and bright lights of Sweden, Finland and Norway countryside and cities. They’ve graced stages in the valleys and mountain regions in Switzerland and have circumnavigated Germany, France, The Netherlands as well as hurtling through Croatia, Greece, the UK and Spain. They’ve played aboard cruise ships, packed all eight members into smokey jazz bars to large theatres and captivated the biggest festival stages. Their euphoric blend of Blues’ n Roll has taken them as far as the US, Canada and India on their quest to enchant crowds into the Black Tornado congregation with their electrifying live performances.
From moving feet on the dancefloor to moving minds within the lyrics, telling people is not what they’re here for. It’s about bringing them along for the experience. “I don’t like to analyse my lyrics too much. I find it kind of devalues the song if it’s explained too much,” says the smooth voiced and softly spoken Risager.
When the Octet takes to the stage, it’s a visual feast. The traditional set up of vocals, guitar, bass and drums is joined by a piano, woodwind, brass, strings and multiple backing vocalists. His laid-back stage presence and delivery are complemented by the band of friends of twenty years around him. “I don’t see myself as a very good entertainer. The band gets people to clap and do funny moves, and of course, they also have their solos. So we have so many strings to play on, and that’s also one of the secrets of how we’ve been together for so long. I’m not standing with the whole responsibility to entertain the audience. Our saxophone player, Hans Nybo, is a natural. As soon as he steps on stage, he just draws people’s attention.”
Their ninth studio album, ‘House of Sticks’ was recorded between April and June 2024 between Medley Studios and MillFactory NuVenue Studios in Copenhagen. It was produced once again by Risager and bass player Søren Bøjgaard, with additional production by guitarist Joachim Svensmark.
They’ve won four Danish Music Awards (with seven nominations), the “Best Band” in the European Blues Awards and won the prestigious German Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik Jahrespreis – German Record Critics’ Awards. Blazing a trail worldwide, they’ve captivated crowds with their dynamic stage presence and a sound that fuses soul Chicago blues, boogie, and rock ‘n’ roll with a voice where Ray Charles, Van Morrison, and Billy Gibbons meet in the middle. They’ve opened for Bonnie Raitt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band even picked up a fan in Elwood Blues himself – Dan Aykroyd! – who hailed their “Hot rhythm and blues.”
Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado are showing no signs of slowing down. With every tour and every release, the Octet are bringing that delicious blend of swaggering boogie and irresistible blues to captivate even more people to come along for the ride.
rack Listing
1. House of Sticks 2. Already Gone 3. Light of Your Love 4. Long Time Ago 5. Said I Was Hurt 6. Inner Light 7. We’ll Get By 8. Out of the Rain 9. Climbed A Mountain 10. Fine Summer Night
2024-2025 Tour Dates
𝟐𝟎𝟐4: Nov 28 Bielefelder Jazzclub, Bielefeld Nov 29 Hamonie Bonn Nov 30 Scala, Ludwigsburg Dec 6 New Outbaix, Übach-Palenberg Dec 7 Bluesnote/Hypothalamus, Rheine Dec 13 Plantagehuset, Thisted (Duo) Dec 14 Elses Gab, Fanø (Duo)
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: Jan 24 Blå Kaktus, Norrköping Jan 25 Motala Jazz & Bluesklubb Jan 31 Amager Bio (releaseconcert), Copenhagen Feb 1 Posten, Odense Feb 3 Godset, Kolding Feb 4 Jazz i Halmstad, Halmstad Feb 6 Pavillonen, Grenaa Feb 7 Sønderborghus, Sønderborg Feb 8 Kappelborg, Skagen Feb 20 Jönköpings Jazzklubb, Jönköping Feb 21 Fasching, Stockholm Feb 22 Fasching, Stockholm Feb 27 Skanderborg Kulturhus, Skanderborg Feb 28 Stubhuset, Støvring Mar 1 Paletten, Viborg Mar 6 Kulturkraftwerk, Goslar Mar 7 Musiktheater Rex, Bensheim Mar 8 Malzhaus, Plauen Mar 13 Musiktheater Piano, Dortmund Mar 14 Kantine, Köln Mar 15 Music Hall Worpswede, Worpswede Mar 16 Tico Tico, Aalten Mar 17 Aalt Stadhaus, Differdange, Luxembourg Mar 18 Jazz en Nord, Marcq en Baroeul Mar 19 New Morning (French releaseconcert), Paris Mar 20 TBA, TBA Mar 21 Nuit du Blues, Abbeville Mar 22 Festival Jazz à Toute Heure, Bonnelles Mar 28 Pustervik, Göteborg Mar 29 Katalin , Uppsala Apr 4 Svartöns Blues, Luleå Apr 5 Umeablues, Umeå Apr 11 Cafe Slotsbio, Hillerød Apr 12 Slagthuset (Saluhallen), Malmö Apr 25 Stars, Vordingborg May 2 Kesselhaus, Berlin May 9 Rotationen, Holbæk Jun 26 Hirsch, Nürnberg Jun 27 Stadt Geldern Straßenparty 2025, Geldern
The Metal Voice recently interviewed Body Count‘s guitarist, producer Ernie C about the bands new album ‘Merciless’ and he also spoke about his time producing Black Sabbath ‘Forbidden’ album (1995).
When asked about producing Black Sabbath’s ‘Forbidden’ and today’s new remix of the album “Yeah it’s pretty good actually. (Remix) I like it. I like it. BTW I’m on that (cover) my picture is coming out of the grave there with the hat. I’m right there with a hat turned backwards. So the band (Black Sabbath) didn’t bring me in (to produce) Miles Copeland brought me in to do the record. So I went over there when I was between 20- 30 years old or something. I was like I’m going to bring Black Sabbath’s sound up to date, they’re gonna sound like Nirvana. Cozy Powell was the drummer and he came in with four drum sets and he played on each one for an hour. So he did this whole thing and I mixed the drums the way it was going to sound and he came in and he had a stopwatch. He was timing himself with a stopwatch. He said like Ernie I’m off right there. I’m like really? That’s some interesting stuff I had never seen before, I’m from South Central so we didn’t have stopwatches. (Laughs). So anyway we go through the whole thing and he listens to his drums and he hands me a tape and says. (You know I had his drums dried up a little bit and it wasn’t the big massive sound that he had.) He (Cozy) says tomorrow make my drum sound like this, like okay I gotta figure this out now. (laughs) They wanted to change but they didn’t want to change, they wanted to stay far from the course. So I wanted to change it a little more.”
When asked how did he produce a legend like Tony Iommi? “You don’t, you just let him play. You get like Brian May (Queen) and Jeff Beck popping in the studio and you’re saying to yourself why am I here? (laughs). He (Iommi) was a great guy. He was really nice to me and everything like that but the music didn’t work out the way we wanted it to. But it was a good experience. It made me say to myself okay I’m accepted kind of in rock and roll. He was kind of in a place where they were kind of settled in what they were. So what I had the engineer put on the record and I played all through the record every song, I played guitar all the way through it. Then Tony came in the next day and said who played that last night? I said, I did. He said well I’m going to play my parts on it now, so it got him motivated to play more. So I thought that was kind of cool. Also he and Ozzy didn’t get along (back then). I said you know you should do something with Ozzy cuz you guys are what it is. And after that he played OzzFest. Also at the studio (Producing the album) I got a cease and desist letter from Sharon (Osbourne) Tony (Iommi) said don’t worry about that, she does that to everyone, she’s just trying to scare you. I’m like well she’s doing a damn good job. (Laughs).”
When asked about producing Tony Martin’s vocals “Tony was good but you know the thing that Tony had to live with he had to go against Ozzy and Dio and so he had to step into those shoes. So he had a thing. Tony would say well Dio would sung it like that. I’m like why are you gonna say that?
“When asked about his overall thoughts on Forbidden “It was a good record. If it wasn’t Black Sabbath it would have been a great record but because it was Black Sabbath they had high expectations, it wasn’t the record they expected. When people say it was a bad album whatever… I always say how many Black Sabbath records have you produced? “
1997: Black Sabbath reunited with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler at the Riverport Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, MO. Original drummer Bill Ward was unable to attend due to prior commitments
Forbidden is the eighteenth studio album by Black Sabbath, released on 5 June 1995. This recording saw the reunion of Black Sabbath’s Tyr-era line-up from 1990, with the return of Neil Murray and Cozy Powell. It was the last album to feature Tony Martin on vocals and Geoff Nicholls on keyboards
The opening track, “The Illusion of Power”, features Body Count member Ice-T delivering a spoken word part during the bridge
On 22 March 2024, the box set Anno Domini 1989–1995 was announced, collecting the four albums recorded with Tony Martin released under IRS Records. The box set, which was released on 31 May 2024, contains a full remix of Forbidden by Tony Iommi.
French shoegaze and indie act Alcest is on the road to promote their new album Les Chants De L’Aurore. Accompanied by their labelmates Svalbard and the band Doodseskader, the lineup promises a diverse and exciting musical experience.
Fans can expect an intense live show, showcasing Alcest’s unique blend of dreamy shoegaze, atmospheric black metal, and captivating stage presence. With Svalbard bringing energetic post-hardcore to the mix and Doodseskader combining dark indie sounds with experimental touches, this tour is a must-see for lovers of atmospheric music.
Get a first impression of the tour with these fan videos from their shows in Cologne & Stuttgart:
Setlists of the Tour
The setlists are a perfect mix of classic and new tracks, sure to excite fans of Alcest, Svalbard, and Doodseskader alike.
Doodseskader Setlist:
Pastel Prison
The Sheer Horror Of The Human Condition
It’s Not An Addiction If You Don’t Feel Like Quitting
Plastic Skin/Warm Flesh
FLF
People Have Poisoned My Mind To A Point Where I Can No Longer Function
Svalbard Setlist:
Eternal Spirits
Disparity
Interlude
Open Wound
For the Sake of the Breed
Defiance
To Wilt Beneath the Weight
Faking It
Alcest Setlist:
Komorebi
L’Envol
Améthyste
Protection
Sapphire
Écailles de lune – Part 2 (a fan favorite that always impresses)
Flamme jumelle
Le miroir
Souvenirs d’un autre monde
Oiseaux de proie
Encore:
Autre temps
L’Adieu
Tour Dates, remaining shows:
16.11. DE Milan – Alcatraz 18.11. SO Ljubljana – Kino Siska 19.11. AT Vienne – Simm City 20.11. HU Budapest – Durer Kert 21.11. CZ Prague – Roxy 23.11. DE Berlin – Festsaal 24.11. PL Warsaw – Proxima 25.11. LT Vilnius – Loftas 26.11. EE Tallinn – Paavli Kultuurivabrik 27.11. FI Helsinki – Kultuuraio 29.11. SE Stockholm – Fryshuset 30.11. NO Oslo – Vulkan Arena 01.12. DK Copenhagen – Vega 03.12. DE Hamburg – Gruenspan 04.12. NL Amsterdam- Paradiso 05.12. BE Bruxelles – Ancienne Belgique 06.12. FR Paris – L’Olympia 07.12. LU Esch-sur-Alzette – Den Atelier 08.12. DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 11.12. UK London – Electric Brixton 12.12. UK Manchester – Academy 2 13.12. UK Glasgow – The Garage 14.12. IR Dublin – Academy
Chief Shock Video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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