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HELLOWEEN Celebrate “Live At Budokan” Release with ‘Forever And One (Neverland)’ Performance Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 15, 2024

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: HELLOWEEN. Leave a comment

HELLOWEEN‘s highly anticipated live album “Live At Budokan” has officially been released via RPM. This historic achievement cements their legacy as the first German band to record a live album at Japan‘s iconic Budokan arena. Fans can now re-live this landmark performance in various formats, including a 2CD set, a 3LP limited “deluxe edition” (trifold first pressing), Blu-ray, DVD, and digital versions. Order/listen here: https://helloween.rpm.link/liveatbudokanPR

Presented as an intimate duet by vocalists Andi Deris and Michael Kiske, ‘Forever And One (Neverland)’ not only marks the release of “Live At Budokan,” but also serves as a fitting conclusion to the era of HELLOWEEN‘s self-titled No. 1 album. The song tells a poignant tale of unfulfilled love and has become an essential part of the band’s setlist, creating a unique bond between musicians and fans like no other track in their repertoire. Its emotional intensity reaches new heights in live performances, where HELLOWEEN‘s rendition of ‘Forever And One (Neverland)’ promises to give everyone an unparalleled case of goosebumps.

“A beautiful ballad from the pen of Andi. When we sit at the front of the catwalk and I see the emotions on the faces of the audience, I get goosebumps every time. That alone makes it very emotional to sing this song over and over again,” revels Michael.

There couldn’t be a more fitting theme for the current happenings in the pumpkin world than “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery,” taken from HELLOWEEN‘s iconic recent hit single ‘Best Time.’ The final curtain in support of “Helloween” may have fallen in Tokyo in 2023, but glimpses of the future are already emerging as 2025 approaches. While the band’s yet-untitled new album is taking shape day by day, fans can already look forward to autumn of next year. HELLOWEEN will return triumphantly to the stages of 19 cities to celebrate their 40th anniversary with European audiences, followed by additional tour legs in Asia, North & South America in 2026. Stay tuned and secure your tickets now – dates and info can be found below!

More from “Live At Budokan”:
‘Best Time (live)’ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT1ITfb76-0
‘Eagle Fly Free (live)’ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwQVCIWocB4
‘Save Us (live)’ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K05mkUhN-4Q

This release celebrates the grand finale of HELLOWEEN‘s epic world tour from 2022 to 2023. Spanning over 30 countries on three continents, the tour was nothing short of a triumph, drawing massive crowds and showcasing the band’s undying appeal, the sold-out concert in Tokyo is the crowning glory of the cycle. Known for their explosive stage presence and high-voltage performances, HELLOWEEN‘s shows are fueled by the unique chemistry among the band members. Triple lead-guitar attacks from Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, and Sascha Gerstner alternate with goosebump-inducing duets from vocalists Michael Kiske and Andi Deris, occasionally supported by Kai Hansen, the band’s original singer and third voice. He also takes the spectators on a journey back in time with a medley from the band’s early days, returning to the origins of their sound – HELLOWEEN, the godfathers of melodic speed metal.

Choosing the Nippon Budokan for this live recording was no coincidence. A venue rich in musical history, it has hosted countless legendary concerts and is an accolade for every music group that has played there. HELLOWEEN are the first German band ever to record a live album in the Nippon Budokan, and for the members it was a dream come true.

Lead vocalist Michael Kiske described the show as “surreal, with the electrifying fan energy creating a magical atmosphere.” Bassist Markus Grosskopf spoke of the venue’s profound personal and historical significance, expressing how humbling and inspiring it was to perform in a place that shaped their own musical journeys.

The live recording’s technical brilliance is another highlight. With 29 cameras capturing every nuance, the production team ensured that each moment of the concert is preserved in stunning detail. This attention to detail means the Blu-ray and DVD versions offer an immersive viewing experience, making fans feel like they are right there in the front row.

The setlist of this live album is a treasure trove of surprises, contains the entire 2-hour+ show and offers a fresh experience compared to previous releases like “United Alive” [2019]. This thoughtful song selection honors both the die-hard fans craving something new and the band’s rich musical legacy, showcasing their evolution and expansive repertoire.

This live album is more than just a concert recording; it’s a celebration of HELLOWEEN‘s enduring impact on the metal scene. It promises to bring the magic of an unforgettable performance straight into fans’ homes, offering a piece of music history that embodies the spirit and energy of a legendary band at their peak.

“Live At Budokan” – Track Listing:

01. Orbit
02. Skyfall
03. Eagle Fly Free
04. Mass Pollution
05. Future World
06. Power
07. Save Us
08. Kai’s Medley [Walls Of Jericho, Metal Invaders, Victim Of Fate, Gorgar, Ride The Sky, Heavy Metal Is The Law]
09. Forever And One (Neverland)
10. Best Time
11. Dr. Stein
12. How Many Tears
13. Perfect Gentleman
14. Keeper Of The Seven Keys
15. Drumokan *on Blu-ray/DVD only!*
16. I Want Out

“40 Years Anniversary Tour” – Europe 2025
Very Special Guests: BEAST IN BLACK
17.10.2025 LU Luxembourg – Rockhal
18.10.2025 NL Tilburg – 013
20.10.2025 UK London – Eventim Apollo
22.10.2025 FR Paris – Zénith (Le Villette)
24.10.2025 CZ Prague – O2 Arena
25.10.2025 SK Zvolen – Tiposbet Arena
26.10.2025 HU Budapest – Papp László Sportaréna
28.10.2025 PL Katowice – Spodek
31.10.2025 DE Bochum – RuhrCongress
01.11.2025 DE Hamburg – Barclays Arena
03.11.2025 NO Oslo – Sentrum Scene
04.11.2025 NO Oslo – Sentrum Scene
06.11.2025 FI Helsinki – Helsingin Jäähalli
08.11.2025 SE Gothenburg – Partille Arena
13.11.2025 PT Lisbon – Campo Pequeno
15.11.2025 ES Madrid – La Cubierta de Leganés
19.11.2025 IT Milan – Forum
20.11.2025 CH Zurich – The Hall
22.11.2025 DE Stuttgart – Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle

Tickets & info: www.helloween.org

HOPE IS A LIE Unleash Self-Titled Debut Album, Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 15, 2024

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: HOPE IS A LIE. Leave a comment

Our world is burning down around us, extreme evil is piercing through our souls, and all our human connections have collapsed.

Hope Is a Lie is slow, unhurried, and extremely dark doom, post-metal, sludge, industrial and a pinch of grunge. While the music sounds like despair, and conveys bleak stories of a future without human relationships, if you lose all hope, you have nothing more to lose.

You might like Hope Is a Lie if you like: Oranssi Pazuzu, Amenra, Absent in Body, Insomnium, We Lost the Sea, Mogwai, Neurosis.

The band’s self titled debut album is released today on December 13th 2024 by Inverse Records and is be supported by three singles: ‘Dance’, ’Suits (feat Amber Shadows)’ and ’End of Days’. All music is written by the band, and is mixed by Markus Alavire and mastered by Owe Inborr.

Listen to the album on music services (Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/hopeisalie

Track list / ISRC-codes:

1. Pure – FI3FC2448901
2. End of Days – FI3FC2448902
3. Suits (feat Amber Shadows) – FI3FC2448903
4. Dance – FI3FC2448904
5. Shadow – FI3FC2448905
6. Into the Flames – FI3FC2448906
7. Rot – FI3FC2448907

Lyrics and music: Markus Alavire and Lasse Girs
Arrangements: Markus Alavire, Lasse Girs and Tuomo Heiti (’Suits’ also Anne Ala-Pöntiö)
Cover art and visuals: Tuomo Heiti
Mixing: Markus Alavire, Saarni Music
Mastering: Owe Inborr, Wolfthrone Studios
Distribution: Inverse Records

Hope Is a Lie is:
Markus Alavire: Vocals, guitars, bass, programming & keyboards
Lasse Girs: Vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards
Tuomo Heiti: Drums.

https://www.facebook.com/hopeisalieband
https://www.instagram.com/hopeisalieband

BATTLECREEK Release Video for ‘Thou Shalt Not Kill’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 15, 2024

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: BATTLECREEK. Leave a comment

After their successful album release in spring and the subsequent, no less successful, European tour with Angelus Apatrida, the German thrashers from BATTLECREEK present us with a video clip at the end of the year.

“Thou Shalt Not Kill” from the album ‘Maze Of The Mind’, released in April, sees itself as a clear anti-war message, which the band wants to emphasize once again in the recently released video clip. The message behind it is unfortunately more relevant than ever these days. The album is still available on all common download and streaming platforms, in well-stocked shops, from the band and in the MDD Shop. Check it out!

album order
MDD: http://mdd-records.de/battlecreek
AMZN: https://amzn.to/3uXeXLI

More info
https://www.facebook.com/BattlecreekThrash
https://www.instagram.com/battlecreek_thrash/
https://battlecreek.bandcamp.com/

THE PIT Presents ‘Playing With The Devil – Becoming Zeal & Ardor’ Documentary

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 15, 2024

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Playing With The Devil, THE PIT. Leave a comment

“What if, back then, the slaves had denied the religion of their oppressors? What if they had become Satanists? That was the basis of a few songs, and I released Devil Is Fine on Bandcamp, without any great expectations.” (Manuel Gagneux)

As new addition to its list of programs, THE PIT VOD platform presents ‘Playing with the Devil : Becoming Zeal & Ardor’, a documentary exploring exploring the rise of Swiss-American musician Manuel Gagneux and his groundbreaking band, Zeal & Ardor. Blending Black Metal with African-American spirituals—a concept born from a response to online racism—the project propelled Gagneux from obscurity to global fame after the release of Devil Is Fine (2016).

Through pivotal moments like their early tours, albums Stranger Fruit (2018) and Zeal & Ardor (2022), and the protest-driven Wake of a Nation EP, the documentary tackles themes of religion, racism, and cultural appropriation. While fans see him as a leader breaking taboos, Gagneux struggles with the weight of their expectations, offering an intimate look at his creative process and personal challenges.

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

DECLINE OF THE I Announce New Album “Wilhelm”, Reveal Music Video for First Single ‘L’ Alliance Des Rats’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 15, 2024

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Decline Of The I. Leave a comment

French philosophic post-black metallers DECLINE OF THE I will emerge with their fifth studio album titled “Wilhelm” on February 14th, 2025 via Agonia Records. The band unveils music video for the album’s first single, “L’ Alliance Des Rats”, featuring guest vocals from T.C. (Regarde les hommes tomber) and Vestal (Merrimack):

DECLINE OF THE I is a combination of multifaceted, post-black metal and exploratory lyrics, that dwell on topics of existential philosophy. Originating from France (Paris, Île-de-France), the band was created by AK, who descends from a rich portfolio of past and on-going acts (including Vorkreist, Merrimack, The Order Of Apollyon, Neo Inferno 262, Malhkebre and Diapsiquir). DECLINE OF THE I is his most personal endeavor yet. The band’s first three albums were inspired by the works of French surgeon and neurologist, Henri Laborit. “Wilhelm” pursues a different approach, based on the output of Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, and marks the second installment of a new trilogy, started by “Johannes” in 2021.

“Wilhelm” builds on the foundation of “Johannes” and adds a more framed dimension; a rigor, a backbone. “Ethics demand an internal code. Loops, repetitions, the relentless nature of a law, all run through its five tracks, spanning over 45 minutes,” comments AK. “It blends abrasive, avant-garde black metal with numerous samples, as well as elements of electro and industrial music. A constrained dive into the angst of ethics.”

The drums for the new album were recorded, mixed and mastered by Francis Caste at Studio Sainte Marthe in 2024. Other instruments were recorded ta the band’s personal studios. T.C. (Regarde Les Hommes Tomber) sang guest vocals on the song “L’Alliance Des Rats”, while Vestal (Merrimack) is the author of spoken words on “L’ Alliance Des Rats” and “The Renouncer”. The artwork was designed by Dehn Sora (Blut Aus Nord, Deathspell Omega). New band photos were shot by William Lacalmontie. The music video for the lead single “L’ Alliance Des Rats” was recorded by Laura-Lee Soleman.

Tracklisting:
1. L’ Alliance Des Rats
2. Entwined Conundrum
3. Diapsalmata
4. Éros N
5. The Renouncer

Pre-orders: https://declineofthei.com

Line-up:
AK – guitars, keyboards, vocals
SI – vocals
AD – bass
SK – drums

Follow Decline Of The I:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/declineofthei
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/declineofthei

Summer Breeze Announces 13 New Bands for 2025

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 14, 2024

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Summer Breeze Open Air. Leave a comment

Summer Breeze Open Air drops another bombshell: 13 new bands have been confirmed for 2025! From epic melodies to relentless riffs, these additions make the lineup even more powerful. The newcomers include:

Wardruna, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter, Sólstafir, Agnostic Front, Borknagar, Coldrain, Suffocation, Harakiri For The Sky, Warmen, Kupfergold, Crystal Lake, Hellripper, and Baest.

These new additions bolster an already impressive lineup featuring metal heavyweights like Machine Head, Blind Guardian, Gojira, Dimmu Borgir and TARJA & Marko Hietala.

So far, 81 out of over 130 bands for this year’s lineup have been announced. You can find the full list of confirmed acts on the official festival poster!