Australian Symphonic Metallers ANA Announce European Tour with AMARIIA

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 2, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment
(Photo Credit: Electrum Photography)

Australian Symphonic Metal band ANA are kicking off the New Year in style, heading out on their first-ever European Tour! The eight-date European Tour begins on January 10 at S8 Underground Club in Budapest (Hungary) and wraps up on January 18 at Slaughterhouse in Berlin (Germany). This tour marks a major milestone for the band, showcasing their dynamic sound and passion on an international stage. The tour will feature performances in seven cities across Europe, where ANA will bring their signature energy to audiences eager for authentic and captivating live music experiences. See below for dates and more info.

This highly anticipated tour not only highlights ANA’s relentless drive to connect with fans globally but also aims to support important causes. Alongside their powerful performances, ANA’s special guest AMARIIA (Ukraine) will join the tour, bringing awareness to the ongoing fight against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Ukrainian flags and state symbols will be displayed at each venue, and fundraising opportunities will support humanitarian efforts chosen by Amariia.

“I remember being 12 years old and watching a live video of Metallica performing in Moscow,” says guitarist Josh Mak. “To date, that performance is for me one of the greatest live performances ever captured on film. The moment when artist and fans merge into one entity. To traverse the globe and find such a sacred union is nothing short of holy. This month we finally get our chance to make our own memories. Europe thank you for being our first international tour. We are ANA and soon you will be ANA too. Together we shall put our mark on history.”

Tour Dates: Ana tour dates (get tickets here)
January 10: Budapest, HUNGARY @ S8 Underground Club (w/ Amariia)
January 11: Košice, SLOVAKIA @ Colessium (w/ Amariia)
January 13: Warsaw, POLAND @ VooDoo Club (w/ Amariia)
January 14: Kielce, POLAND @ Chicago Club (w/ Amariia)
January 15: Krakow, POLAND @ Garage Pub (w/ Amariia)
January 16: Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC @ Hospoda Brouk (w/ Amariia)
January 17: Berlin, GERMANY @ RESET Club (w/ Amariia)
January 18: Berlin, GERMANY @ Slaughterhouse (w/ Amariia)

Formed in December 2023, ANA has rapidly gained recognition within the Melbourne music scene and around the globe. In under a year, they have released two singles, an EP, and three music videos via Eclipse Records, each of which has gone viral across social media platforms. Known for their magnetic stage presence, ANA’s live shows consistently draw enthusiastic crowds, making this European tour a natural next step in their career.

Ana’s latest EP album is entitled The Art of Letting Go and the record is a portrait of passionate emotions bared to the bone, the skin peeled back on our hearts showing new vibrant colors. The album was produced by Josh Mak & Anna Khristenko, recorded & mixed by Chris Themelco (Eye of the Enemy, Colour & Shade, Naberus) at Monolith Studios, and mastered by Thomas ‘Plec’ Johansson (Groove Armada, Soilwork, Mayhem) at The Panic Room Studio. Vocalist Anna Khristenko offers us an intimate vocal that is mesmerizing, smooth, and ethereal, yet also rocking, sassy, and badass. The arrangements on this record are dynamically intriguing and sonically satisfying. Like a magic carpet ride through mist and shadows, the band creates a sense of suspense and payoff like some mystic noir-setting suddenly becoming a lighted path to an absolutely beautiful music that is addictive, catchy, and hauntingly vivid. The rhythm guitar patterns are crisp and full, the lead solos electrifying, and the keys used inventively as lead, background, and counterpoint in a variety of soundscapes. The bass is all balls and bottom, and the drums alternate between a deep groove, a force on the march, and flares and fireworks in hummingbird sixteenths smooth as late autumn dusk. Altogether, this record makes the chaotic parts of life seem poetic, and it reinforces to us that there is still room for radiance in our souls, in our lives, in the world.

So far, the band has released three music videos from the album for the songs entitled “Ouroboros”, “Moth”, and “Scars”. Watch them all at this location.

The Art of Letting Go is available now on all platforms via https://ffm.to/anaart
 
For more information about Ana and their European Tour, please visit them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, and follow them on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, Tidal, or Deezer.

Ana lineup
Anna Khristenko (Vocals), Josh Mak (Guitar), Hellbassist (Bass), Cleveland Beckford Gonzalez (Drums), Cody Lamb (Keys)

Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest Mourns the Loss of Joshua Nassaru Ward of Voraath

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 2, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
R.I.P. Joshua!

Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest team is heartbroken to share the tragic news of the passing of Joshua Nassaru Ward, drummer of the incredible band Voraath.

Joshua was scheduled to perform at this year’s festival in October, a performance we were eagerly anticipating and had not yet announced.

Joshua, a talented musician and kind-hearted individual, was known for his dedication to his craft and his family. He recently became engaged, and his fiancée was tragically killed alongside him in a devastating accident caused by a drunk driver. Two additional friends also lost their lives in this senseless incident, leaving behind loved ones and children.

Just a few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joshua during a conference call about the band and their role in the festival. What began as a quick business discussion turned into hours of heartfelt conversation about music, family, and life. Joshua’s warmth and passion left a lasting impression on everyone involved, and we were looking forward to seeing his incredible energy on stage this October.

This heartbreaking loss is a painful reminder of the consequences of drunk driving. We urge everyone to never drink and drive. Lives depend on it.

Our deepest condolences go out to Joshua’s family, friends, bandmates, and all who were touched by his music and spirit. We will carry his memory with us as we move forward, and we are committed to honoring his legacy.

Follow the Gofundme to help the family, at this location.

Follow the band:
https://voraath.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Voraath
https://www.instagram.com/voraath/

JULIET’S NOT DEAD to Release New Album “This World Is Ours” on February 7th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 2, 2025
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JULIET’S NOT DEAD are set to release their new album “This World Is Ours” on February 7th via TMR Records/Earache Digital Distribution.

“Without a weak track among the ten on offer, Juliet’s Not Dead have, at a stroke, recorded an album that is both stadium ready and radio friendly all in one package. If there were any justice in the world this band should be mentioned in the same breath as their luminaries. Outstanding.” – Fireworks magazine

Album presale: https://tmrrockrecords.com/collections/juliets-not-dead / https://linktr.ee/julietsnotdead

Heralding from the North East, Juliet’s Not Dead are an adrenaline fuelled, driven band with the sole intention of thrilling their audiences at every show. Having just finished recording the follow up to the highly acclaimed debut album ready for release in February 2025, and if their latest EP ‘Only The Strong Survive’ is anything to go by; attitude filled riffs and a killer modern edge will be abundant. The band have paired with mercury prize & Grammy nominated producer Romesh Dodangoda to set about crafting something special. 

About ‘This world Is Ours’, Stevie states “I love this album, not only do I think it’s the best music we’ve ever written, but it was also the most enjoyable writing and recording process I’ve ever been a part of. Jack & I wrote for most of 2023. We were even recording demos while on tour around Europe. From the get go we knew what we wanted to say with this collection of songs. As a band you come up against so many challenges and we wanted this album to reflect all of the emotions, difficult decisions, and strong bonds we’ve made over the last couple of years. 

Getting the songs ready to record for the final time is always my favourite part of the process but also one of the most tricky. We demo them fully so every layer and part is where it should be and critique and change bits until we are happy with it. However it’s sometimes difficult to know when you’re done. Thankfully we had the right production team behind it. Approaching it with a clear view of what we wanted the final result to be. Romesh (Dodangoda) and the boys at Longwave made our job easy and we literally smiled and laughed our way through it. We hope anyone who hears it will hear the joy behind the music no matter the subject.“

Since the release tour for single ‘Don’t Play Nice’ in April 2022, JND have been crushing live performances with a truly unique visual show built in to a wall of Marshall cabs. After raising over £6k for music charities during the pandemic the boys took crowds by storm on two self-promoted UK headline tours in 2022. 

With single “secrets” getting to #1 in the iTunes rock charts as well as being track of the week on Planet Rock & also had significant air time on BBC, following similar success with previous releases, their stock is rising rapidly. As well as 2 UK support tours and countless festivals, 2023 saw the band tour all over Europe and play in a total of 11 countries, and they can’t wait for what is to come next!

Friday 7th Feb – Independent, Sunderland
Saturday 8th Feb – HMV – Newcastle
Sunday 9th Feb – Waterloo, Blackpool

Get your tickets here.

Juliet’s Not Dead – Band:
Stevie Stoker – Vocals / Guitar
Dan King – Guitar / Vocals
Niall Whittaker – Bass / Vocals
Jack Corbett – Drums / Vocals

https://julietsnotdead.com
https://linktr.ee/julietsnotdead
https://www.facebook.com/JulietsNotDead
https://www.instagram.com/julietsnotdead
https://www.youtube.com/@julietsnotdead
https://x.com/julietsnotdead
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7KpB4tjhhKU7GyTAQxntfu
https://apple.co/3NYE0Eb
https://www.amazon.co.uk/music/player/artists/B0DB9CHJVL/juliet’s-not-dead

Aggro-Metallers CHÜZO Unveil Pummeling Drum Playthrough for ‘The Brutalator’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 1, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit @stutteringuzii (Instagram)

Montreal, Canada aggro-metal contingent CHÜZO is sharing their next drum playthrough in support of their new EP “M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)” unleashed this past October. Earlier this month they unveiled the playthrough video for “Brand New Cell” and they have their second for “The Brutalator” before the year ends.

The track is about a character who comes to each town or village to reclaim social justice for anyone who has been mistreated by greedy and evil parts of humanity. Watch the playthrough by CHÜZO drummer Carlos G. via its premiere on TechnicalMusicReview HERE.

Produced with Kevin Jardine (Slaves On Dope, Uplift Recording Studio), CHÜZO ‘s new EP “M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)” is a three-track record that marks the next chapter and true representation of what CHÜZO‘s sound is meant to be.

“This new EP was to showcase our new lineup with our newest songs that are truly representative of our musical style, a style that we proudly call ‘Aggro-Metal.’ Very aggressive metal songs that have relatable themes that anyone can listen to and understand. This EP is our audio shotgun blast to the world to pay attention to and to mosh intensively during our live sets.” adds guitarist Cristian S.

CHÜZO‘s new lineup features the ensnaring vocals of Taiwanese Brazilian transplant Mischa M joining local first-generation Chilean Canadian and mastermind Cristian S. along with Carlos G from Venezuela and Alex S from Russia who all have found Montreal, Canada to be their home-to-breed their blender of grindcore, Swedish death metal, thrash, and hardcore punk to transform a sub-genre dubbed ‘Aggro Metal’.

The EP’s lyrics are driven by self-reflection and daily struggles. The inspiration for writing comes from life experiences and trying to live past them, especially the traumatic ones. Using all bad energy from bad experiences to create something positive for yourself and the world. This EP speaks of vengeance and the bad side of dedicating your life to achieving your desired revenge despite your own life and sanity. Brutal Social Justice.

For fans of Sepultura (Cavalera Bros era 84-96), At the Gates, Napalm Death, Slipknot, and Fuck the Facts, “M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)” was released on November 15, 2024.

EP Artwork by Draught https://www.instagram.com/draught___

EP Stream links below:

Music Video – “Brand New Cell” – https://youtu.be/CPvB0BhDxbQ

Track Listing:​
1. The Brutalator – 3:39
2. Brand New Cell – 3:12
3. Bruised and Broken – 4:21

More Info: Instagram.com/chuzo.band | Facebook.com/chuzo.band

Brazil’s ANGUISH PROJECT Make Debut with ROY Z-Mixed Single + Music Video ‘What’s Believing?’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 1, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Junior Carelli

Brazil’s ANGUISH PROJECT have released their debut single and music video ‘What’s Believing?’, mixed by ROY Z and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Sepultura, Faith No More, Halford, Armored Saint, Yes) and John Douglass.

Listen on streaming platforms: https://onerpm.link/WhatsBelieving

Anguish Project, Brazilian Heavy Metal band led by bassist, lyricist, and composer Kaô (ex-Venus) and featuring Sergio Faga (vocals, Children Of The Beast), Denis Okuma (guitar), and Fred Barion (drums), makes its debut with the single and video “What’s Believing?”. Produced by Kaô and Tito Falaschi, the song’s sound engineering was handled by Roy Z and Tito Falaschi, with mixing by Roy Z at Mountain View Studio and mastering by Maor Appelbaum (Sepultura, Faith No More, Halford, Armored Saint, Yes, among others) and John Douglass. The track includes guest appearances by guitarist André “Zaza” Hernandes (Capella, ex-Andre Matos and Angra) and keyboardist Nei Medeiros.
 
The project draws inspiration from philosophical and psychological theories. According to Kaô, the name Anguish Project reflects ideas from thinkers such as Schopenhauer and Freud. “Schopenhauer describes life as intrinsically tied to suffering, where brief moments of pleasure are mere intervals amidst unhappiness. Freud explores the conflict between the Id, representing desires, and the Superego, symbolizing repression, with the Ego seeking balance in this constant battle, generating what he calls anguish,” explains Kaô.  
 
The single “What’s Believing?”, with lyrics by Kaô and Andrew Benetatos, reflects this duality, questioning human motivations and the emotional and existential tensions that shape the experience of living.  

Watch the music video, directed and edited by Xtudo Obze:

The album “What’s Believing?”, featuring cover art and design by Gustavo Sazes, includes special guest appearances by Roy Z, Nando Fernandes (Sinistra), Edu Ardanuy (Sinistra, ex-Dr. Sin), André “Zaza” Hernandes, Kiko Shred (Viper), Kadu Averbach (Wizards), Tito Falaschi, Rogerio Delayon, Paulo “Coruja” Oliveira, and Flavio Marchesin. The compositions and musical arrangements for the project’s debut album, planned for release in February 2025, are credited to Kaô, with vocal arrangement contributions by Edu Falaschi and Sergio Faga. Lead vocals are performed by Sergio Faga, while multi-instrumentalist and producer Tito Falaschi recorded drums, bass, and guitars. Keyboards were contributed by Nei Medeiros, with additional input from Fabio Cardia. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anguish.project/

BEATRIX Kick Off 2025 with Aggressive New EP “Deathsent Ceremony”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 1, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Photographer: Serena Solomon

Finnish black thrash metal band BEATRIX has released new EP Deathsent Ceremony.

Listen to the EP on music services (Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Apple Music, Bandcamp etc.): https://push.fm/fl/beatrix-deathsentceremony

Tracklist / ISRC-codes:

  1. Deathsent Ceremony – FI3FC2488901
  2. Hatefed – FI3FC2488902
  3. Torment Of The Soul – FI3FC2488903
  4. Zeraphine – FI3FC2488904

Beatrix is known for their fierce energy and relentless attitude as a live band. Many bands claim to leave no one cold, but Beatrix’s surprising stage show gives the audience a bone-chilling experience. 

Formed in 2019 in Tampere, Finland, the band plays fast and aggressive black thrash metal with influences from the new wave of British heavy metal. The band consists of five praying mantis worshippers: vocalist Markus ‘Suffy’ Leppänen, guitarist Aapo Härkönen, guitarist Alois Weimer, bassist Sakari ‘Röppä’ Juurijoki and drummer Matias Rinnetie.

“The release of this EP has been a rocky road. First we had a falling out with our original drummer right before we were about to head into the studio, after that we had to find a new drummer and teach him the new songs. Once the songs were recorded we had some delays with the artworks. Now after almost two years it’s finally being released. For these reasons we’ve already been playing these songs live. There are 3 new songs and Torment of the Soul from the demo which now has solos and the vocals have been recorded properly since I rushed them on the demo a little bit, but you know it’s raw and the new recordings haven’t forgotten this essence. I hope the process with our upcoming full length album will be a lot smoother without too many delays. Anyway, the Deathsent Ceremony EP is anuldurated Beatrix madness of pure fucking filth! See you at the gigs!” -Suffy

The band’s most notable previous release is a split with legendary Japanese black thrash band Abigail, ‘Sacrificial Black Metal Bitch’ (2022), which is a combination of songs from both bands. Beatrix’s first raw demo release, ‘Claws of the Mantis’ (2021), has also found an underground following worldwide. ‘Maggot Infested Brain’, known from the demo, was released as a single with a new B-side in the fall of 2024. 

Most of Beatrix’s songs are set in their own world, interwoven into a dark fantasy story that gives the band a touch of theatricality amidst all the chaos. Listeners interested in the lore of the band should read the lyrics carefully, as there are secrets to be found between the lines. The core of the story is still a mystery, but you can be sure that it will include praying mantids.

Now that the ‘Deathsent Ceremony’ EP has been released, Beatrix is turning the knobs up to 11 and will be recording their first full-length album in the spring, which is expected to be the band’s best material yet.

https://www.facebook.com/Beatrixblackthrash/
https://www.instagram.com/beatrixblackthrash/
https://beatrixblackthrash.bandcamp.com/