DREADMASK Release New Single & Video ‘Jester’s Grin’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 21, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Dreadmask invites you into a twisted realm with their new single, “Jester’s Grin”—a melodic death metal journey where hidden truths lie beyond the painted smile. Feel the tension between haunting riffs and raw, guttural intensity as this track digs deep into the pain and power of a performer’s facade.

This song dives deep into the mask we wear to hide our true emotions—a fake smile that conceals the pain beneath. Like a jester performing to please, we bury our struggles while playing the role others expect. The puppets in the song symbolize the false identities we craft to fit in, but the real battle is the internal conflict between those masks and who we truly are. It’s a haunting reminder of the cost of pretending, and the toll it takes on our authentic selves.

Stream “Jester’s Grin” here.

In early 2023, a spark ignited the flames of Dreadmask, a melodic death metal band based in Eindhoven, with members originating from Greece, Hungary, and The Netherlands. Fuelled by their shared passion for meaningful heavy music, Dreadmask wasted no time in making their mark on the scene. After each member had taken a break from previous bands, John Kourentas, Elger van Delft and Antonis Mougiakakos initiated the band’s first incarnation. The group was settled when Zoltán Herczog came aboard in the summer of 2023. Dreadmask, derived from the fusion of ‘dread’ and ‘mask,’ embodies the essence of fear and concealment.

While ‘dread’ signifies the haunting grip of anxiety, ‘mask’ alludes to the veils we arise to shield our vulnerabilities. On the journey of playing the game of societal norms, we encounter our ‘Prime Dread’—our deepest fears.

Each member of Dreadmask brings their unique musical influences to the forefront, encompassing Swedish death metal riffs, growling vocals, soaring melodies, progressive metal nuances, and black metal-inspired melancholy.

Stream Thy Prime Dread EP: orcd.co/thyprimedread

Meet Dreadmask:
Zoltan Herczog (Rhythm Guitar, Backing vocals)
John Kourentas (Lead Guitar, Keys)
Antonios Mougiakakos (Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar)
Elger Van Delft (Drums)

Dive into the Dreadmask universe: 

dreadmask.bandcamp.com/album/thy-prime-dread
linktr.ee/dreadmaskband
www.youtube.com/@Dreadmask
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557336575289
www.instagram.com/dreadmaskband

BOSPARANS FALL Release “Live at Aaargh Festival 2024” CD + Live Video ‘Alrik Immerda’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 21, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Southern German RPG melodic death metallers BOSPARANS FALL, who caused a stir last year with their debut album “Götterspiel: Dunkle Zeiten”, have recorded their show at this year’s Aaargh Festival.

The result is the live album “Live at Aaargh Festival 2024”, which was released yesterday, December 20th on all download and streaming platforms, as well as on CD from the band and MDD.

To mark the release, a live video clip of the song “Alrik Immerda” from the album is now available on YouTube. Check it out!

Tracklist Live Album:
1. Intro
2. Rondra
3. Dunkle Zeiten
4. Bosparans Zinnen
5. Schwarzmagier Xardas
6. Firun
7. Praios
8. Ifirns Heim
9. Interlude
10. Kampf um Norbeneck
11. Alrik Immerda
13. Goldene Blüten auf blauem Grund

orders
▶ MDD: http://mdd-records.de/bosparansfall 
▶ BANDCAMP: https://bosparansfall.bandcamp.com/
▶ AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3ohjMMh

More info
https://www.facebook.com/Bosparans.Fall
https://www.instagram.com/bosparans.fall/
https://bosparansfall.bandcamp.com/

THE HARBINGER Release Second Single + Music Video ‘Sleepless’ from Forthcoming EP

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 21, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Mari Salmenhaara

Finnish melodic death/doom metal band THE HARBINGER released the second single ‘Sleepless’ taken from their upcoming ‘Gates of Hell’ EP which is set to be released later on 2025 via Inverse Records. 

Th band comments: 
”As the veil between dreams and reality are tangled, you descend into a nightmare prison where demons of your own making force you to question your sanity. Once the gates have been opened they can never truly be closed, and you will be forever bound to horrors of imagination bleeding through to the waking world.”

LISTEN to ‘Sleepless’ on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/the-harbinger-sleepless

  • Composers: Aku Rundberg, Arto Kujala, Markus Nuija, Pasi Perätalo, Sami Karhu
  • Lyricist: Pasi Perätalo
  • ISRC: FI3FC2481301
  • Single cover by Aku Rundberg
  • Recorded and mixed by Arto Kujala
  • Mastered by Saku Moilanen, Deep Noise Studios

WATCH music video of the first single Hollow: https://youtu.be/1VvGF_7o7B0 

Gates of Hell Track list:

  1. Sleepless
  2. Fading Lines
  3. Bleak Salvation
  4. Hollow
  5. Glass Walls

EP cover by Aku Rundberg
Recorded and mixed by Arto Kujala
Mastered by Saku Moilanen, Deep Noise Studios

From the cracks of concrete hell, Kouvola, Finland, rises a new band with beautiful yearning doom metal melodies and crushing death metal riffs. 

The band was formed in the cold winter of 2016. After some line up changes and finding their sound, the band released their first EP ”Shadows Dance” in three singles between 2020-2021. ”Dead Ends” EP was released in 2023 and it felt like the band had sharpened their sound and style. 

A New EP “Gates of Hell” is set to be released later in 2025 via Inverse Records.

Line-up:
Aku Rundberg – Drums
Arto Kujala – Guitar & backing vocals
Lauri Korhonen – Bass & backing vocals
Pasi Perätalo – Vocals
Sami Karhu – Guitar

https://www.facebook.com/theharbingermetal
https://www.instagram.com/theharbingermetal
https://theharbingermetal.bandcamp.com

SKY LIGHTHOUSE Release Powerful New Single + Video ‘Melodic’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 21, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Orlando-based heavy metal band Sky Lighthouse has released their latest single, “Melodic”, a raw and introspective exploration of the inner struggle between light and darkness. The single is accompanied by a visually stunning music video that brings the song’s themes to life, solidifying the band’s reputation for crafting music that resonates deeply with fans.

Listen to Melodic on Spotify

“’Melodic’ dives beneath the surface to explore the realm where light and darkness collide,” shares Luis Osorio, Sky Lighthouse’s vocalist and producer. “The song was inspired by the struggles and inner demons we face every day and the strength it takes to embrace every part of ourselves. It’s about realizing that darkness isn’t just something to fear—it’s an essential part of who we are.”

What makes “Melodic” truly unique is its raw honesty, as it encourages listeners to confront their fears and embrace their true selves. The music video, directed and produced by Luis Osorio, intensifies the song’s central theme through contrasting visuals and a striking color palette of reds, blues, and blacks. Filmed across indoor and outdoor locations, the video juxtaposes confined, dimly lit spaces symbolizing the mind’s labyrinth with open, dramatically lit settings representing the collision of light and dark.

Sky Lighthouse, formed in 2019, is driven by a mission to create music with real meaning. Founded by Luis Osorio, the band combines the raw intensity of heavy metal with profound lyrical storytelling. Their sound draws inspiration from legendary bands such as Linkin Park, Architects, Wage War, Bad Omens, and All That Remains, blending hard-hitting riffs with emotive and thought-provoking lyrics.

The band’s name encapsulates their philosophy: “Sky” represents a divine presence, while “Lighthouse” symbolizes guidance through life’s challenges. This guiding ethos drives their music, which serves as a beacon of hope for fans navigating their own struggles.

Over the years, Sky Lighthouse has independently produced seven singles and their accompanying music videos, showcasing their DIY ethic and creative control. Osorio’s personal experiences and the struggles he’s witnessed in others fuel his songwriting, creating music that offers solace, strength, and camaraderie to listeners.

With “Melodic,” Sky Lighthouse delivers a heavy metal anthem that is as thought-provoking as it is powerful. The band invites fans to join them on a journey of self-discovery and resilience, proving once again that their music is not just entertainment—it’s a beacon of hope.

“Melodic” is now available on all major streaming platforms, and the music video can be viewed on Sky Lighthouse’s official YouTube channel.

About Sky Lighthouse
Hailing from Orlando, Florida, Sky Lighthouse is a heavy metal band with a mission to create music that matters. Combining intense soundscapes with profound lyrical messages, the band is a beacon of hope and resilience for fans worldwide. Influenced by bands like Architects, Wage War, Bad Omens, Linkin Park, and All That Remains, Sky Lighthouse delivers a unique fusion of crushing riffs, emotive melodies, and heartfelt storytelling. 

Follow Sky Lighthouse:
Instagram: @sky.lighthouse
Facebook: Sky Lighthouse
YouTube: Sky Lighthouse
Website: http://www.skylighthouseband.com

NEKOMATA Stream New Single ‘De Priapi Dilemma’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 21, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Italian Power Core innovators NEKOMATA unleash their next single “De Priapi Dilemma” from their forthcoming sophomore album “EUPHORIA” out on January 24th, 2025 from Rockshots Records.

Diving into darker, more intricate territory, “De Priapi Dilemma” blends Power Metal, Metalcore, and Death Metal into a relentless and cinematic masterpiece. It’s a complex arrangement that the band enjoys performing live. The band explains the track:

“De Priapi Dilemma takes a critical look at the “real man” concept, exposing the hypocrisy of self-proclaimed saviors who are merely trying to sell a product. These so-called gurus exploit the insecurities of men searching for an identity that promises happiness, profiting from their vulnerabilities. This manipulation distorts what it means to be a man in today’s world, creating exaggerated and often harmful stereotypes. Despite the ongoing pressure to conform to these distorted views, the song encourages embracing one’s true self and rejecting the notion that who you are isn’t enough.”

Stream on Spotify – https://lnk.to/Ry76yU

After making a powerful impact with their debut album “…And Then, The Abusement Park Left Town” (2022) and its standout singles “Call to Arms” and “Algorithmically Imperfect,” Nekomata is pushing their sonic boundaries even further with their second full length “EUPHORIA”.

Like its predecessor, “EUPHORIA” is not a concept album in the strictest sense, yet the thread that ties each track together makes it feel like one. “EUPHORIA” is a journey that explores the idea of happiness and its pursuit through various scenarios, often ending in futility or driven by social pressures pushing us to achieve something in our lives before being consumed by emptiness. The album is undoubtedly darker and more cynical towards its listeners, often addressing them directly to awaken their conscience and uncover what lies behind this obsessive pursuit. This tone is reflected in the overall mood, atmosphere, and intensity of the instrumentals, creating a more powerful and cathartic experience.

Guitarist Andrea Cappellari adds:

“On a composition and musicality level, Euphoria is stronger in every aspect than its predecessor. Each of the songs gives the possibility to explore different “colors of music“, from a mood point of view, but also because on our debut we experimented with some solutions and came up with our sound idea: Euphoria is the same formula brought to next level. Our mantra… musically speaking, is that music should be written technically complex but MUST be easy to listen to.”

Recommended for fans of Architects, Veil of Maya, and Periphery, “EUPHORIA” will be available on all platforms on January 24, 2025, from Rockshots Records.

CD pre-order – https://rockshots.eu/products/nekomata-euphoria

Previous Singles:
Music Video – “In My Flesh” – https://youtu.be/KQcwB8WeHoM​
Music Video – “Zero” – https://youtu.be/-y6vG​-eq71Y

Track Listing:​
1. Py
2. Shattered
3. Automata
4. In My Flesh
5. Feedback
6. Zero
7. De Priapi Dilemma
8. Road To Ruin
9. Super Omnia
10. Ataraxia – Still Abused

Nekomata is:
Andrea Olivieri: Vocals
Andrea Cappellari: Guitars and programming
Filippo Zavattari: Bass guitar and backing vocals
Alberto Mezzanotte: Drums

For more info:

​https://www.rockshots.eu​
​https://www.theprojectneko.com/​
​https://www.facebook.com/theprojectneko/​
​https://www.instagram.com/theprojectneko/

SAMANTHA FISH Announces May/June 2025 UK Tour

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 21, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Photo by Phil Honley

Following her October 2024 UK tour, celebrated blues rock guitarist Samantha Fish returns to the UK in May and June 2025 for 4 exclusive UK concerts that will take at Cheese & Grain, Frome (May 28), Arts Club, Liverpool (May 30), The Brook, Southampton (May 31), and O2 Academy2 Oxford (June 1).

Tickets for Frome, Liverpool, & Oxford are available from www.alttickets.com/samantha-fish-tickets. Tickets for Southampton are available from www.the-brook.com/tm-event/samantha-fish.

“I’m ecstatic to return to the UK for another round of concerts,” says Samantha. The recent tour in October was a blast and we can’t wait to play guitar for my growing UK fanbase.”

Samantha was Grammy-nominated for “Contemporary Blues Album of the Year” for her collaboration with Jesse Dayton on Death Wish Blues. Total Guitar Magazine voted Samantha as one of the “Top 100 Greatest Blues Guitarists” of all-time. Earlier this year, she joined Slash on his S.E.R.P.E.N.T. US Tour.

Samantha will play a selection of songs from her back catalogue of albums including Wild Heart, Chills & Fever, Belle of the West, Faster, Kill or Be Kind, and Death Wish Blues.

After launching her recording career in 2009, Samantha established herself as a rising star in the contemporary blues world. The charismatic singer-guitarist-songwriter has earned a reputation as a guitar hero and a powerful live performer, while releasing a series of acclaimed albums that have shown her restless creative spirit consistently pushing her in new, exciting, and often unexpected musical directions.

The New York Times called Fish, “An impressive blues guitarist who sings with sweet power,” and “One of the genre’s most promising young talents.” Her hometown paper, the Kansas City Star wrote: “Samantha Fish has kicked down the door of the patriarchal blues club and displays more imagination and creativity than some blues veterans exhibit over the course of their careers.”

Samantha believes her musical future is an open road. “I’m never going be a traditional blues artist, because that’s not who I am,” she says. “But it’s all the Blues for me. When Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf came out, what they were doing didn’t sound like anything that had been done in Blues before. You’ve got to keep that kind of fire and spirit. I’m never going to do Muddy Waters better than Muddy Waters, so I try to be who I am, and in doing that, I find my best voice.”

DHP Family, and The Brook, in association with The Main Thing presents:

SAMANTHA FISH MAY/JUNE 2025 UK TOUR

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM

Cheese & Grain, Frome
Wednesday 28 May 2025
Market Yard, Justice Lane, Frome, BA11 1BE
http://www.cheeseandgrain.com

Arts Club, Liverpool
Friday 30 May 2025
90 Seel Street, Liverpool, L1 4BH
http://www.arts-club-liverpool.com

The Brook, Southampton
Saturday 31 May 2025
Tickets: TheBrook.com
466 Portswood Rd, Southampton, SO17 3SD
https://the-brook.com

O2 Academy 2, Oxford
Sunday 1 June 2025
190 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1UE
http://www.academymusicgroup.com/o2academyoxford

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