King Diamond will embark on a major European tour in the summer of 2025, with Myrkur (additonal vocals), Paradise Lost,Angel Witch, and Unto Others joining as special guests. In addition to numerous concert dates, the band will perform at some of the largest festivals across Europe.
The tour kicks off on June 4th at the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden, and concludes with a spectacular show at the Helsinki Metal Fest on August 8th.
Following on from the release of their first singles “Treading Water”, “All Changed”, “First Light”, “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams”, “Hearts and Minds” and “Revolution”, The Nomadic has released two new singles.“The Absolution”and “Marie Antoinette” from their sophomore albumNew Horizons out now all all major platforms!
Singer Songwriter Rob Gaylard relocated home to Sydney Australia in February 2022 after 5 years as a regular feature of the New York City indie rock scene and recorded New Horizons with Dan Frizza in Sydney at Forbes Studios.
“The Absolution is a song about love, loss, forgiveness and recovery.. It is for sure a nod to The Boss himself, aka Bruce Springsteen, and is heavily influenced by my time in Afghanistan, and in particular the mental health issues caused by America’s troop surge in 2009. It was and is a time of great personal loss, and for many Afghan and US families. It is also heavily inspired by the case of Beau Bergdahl who was held captive from 2009-2014,” says Rob Gaylard.
About the new release “Marie Antoinette”, Rob adds, “It’s incredibly exciting to be releasing Marie Antoinette today! It feels like the culmination of a long journey, from the initial conception of the songs to the development and creation of the final product in the studio, mixing and mastering! Combine that with the emotional experience of going through some rough times and coming out the other side to see some New Horizons – overall It’s been a bit of a marathon!”
The Nomadic is the best of Aussie rock talent, with Miles Thomas (Lior, Ronan Keating, Montaigne) on drums, Oliver Thorpe (The Whitlams, Matt Corby, Meg Mac) on guitar, and Brendan Clark (Meg Mac, Montaigne, Jack River) on bass. Dan Frizza as producer lends the kind of magic touch that has seen him enrich the work of the likes of Tones & I, King Princess, and Gurrumul.
Australian guitarist and singer/songwriter Robert Gaylard brings a unique perspective and vision when it comes to creating music. His inspiration and passion for starting The Nomadic began early on as a child after traveling to many countries like Myanmar (formerly Burma), Singapore and the Solomon Islands. His “nomadic” lifestyle continued on into his adulthood when he began to work for the United Nations in various countries such as: Kenya, Somalia, the Sudan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Israel and Palestine. His travels eventually brought him to New York in September of 2012 and motivated him to pursue his songwriting by establishing an indie rock band.
Influenced by artists like Oasis, Radiohead, The Verve, Bruce Springsteen, Phosphorescent, The War on Drugs, Arizona and The 1975, The Nomadic produces a sound genre like no other as alternative rock meets blues with hints of Americana and pop.
Having been originally influenced by numerous cultures and ways of life, The Nomadic promotes and advocates for issues of social action and innovation, human rights, support for minorities, as well as doing the next right thing, including the idea that it is never too late, including for people to follow their dreams and passions.
The Nomadic is: Rob Gaylard/Singer songwriter Dan Frizza/ producer/ keyboards Miles Thomas/ Drums Oli Thorpe/ lead guitar Brendan Clark/ Bass
“This track is one of the songs from the new album that best encapsulates the band’s evolution and journey from its inception to the present day. The lyrics focus on the spirit animal used by the Samnites, in this case represented by the Wolf, which guided them in their quest for new lands. The song represents a fusion of history and mythology. Here, the Wolf is portrayed as a kind of demon leading the Samnite armies to victory under the will and strength of Mamerte (Mars), the god of war, one of the deities worshipped by the Samnites. All the victims claimed by its fangs, followed by the army, serve as an offering to the gods, who in return grant them renewed strength. At the end of the battle, the statue of the goddess Kerres, the deity of birth, rises high, satisfied with the blood sacrifice. She bestows upon the people the gift of life, fertility, abundant harvests, and good omens under the protection of the gods”.
“Samnite Black Metal” delves into the dark and ancestral rites of the Samnites, an ancient warrior people of southern Italy. Each track plunges into a sonic abyss of primal fury, evoking the mysticism and brutality of their rituals tied to the forces of nature.
Its dark and powerful soundscapes embody the courage and rage of a people who fought to their last breath, invoking arcane deities and practicing ancient rites of war and sacrifice.
This is a sonic experience that fuses the brutal ferocity of death metal with the occult atmosphere of black metal. It dissolves the line between life and death, resurrecting the Samnites as lords of a lost world steeped in magic and darkness.
The album’s concept immerses the listener in archaic and forgotten mythologies, exploring themes of ancient mysticism, darkness, and a profound connection with the spirits of nature and malevolent forces. It draws on the Samnites’ war rituals and sacrificial practices performed before battle to secure the favor of the gods. The atmosphere is intense and suffocating, with dark and sinister tones conjuring visions of shadowy forests, crumbling temples, and ancient rites.
Amid sharp guitars and relentless drumming, the call of dark gods resonates. The vocals narrate tales of rituals steeped in blood and fire, worshiping hidden deities nestled in the woods and mountains. The brutal soundscapes—driven by distorted guitars and vocals that alternate between guttural growls and piercing screams—mirror the ferocity of war and the mysticism of magical rites.
Raw, aggressive guitar riffs intertwine with atmospheric passages and evocative sounds. The drums echo like relentless war cries, while the vocals seem to emerge from the depths of shadowy forests and the heart of the mountains.
For fans of: Necrophobic, Unleashed, Naglfar
Tracklist:
1 Ver Sacrum 2 Cutilia (Sacred lake) 3 Hirpus 4 Kerres 5 (Rite of) Caereris Mundus 6 Lex Sacrata 7 Mors Vitam Vicit 8 Samnite Black Metal 9 Outro
The Metal Hall of Fame have announced a partial list of Rockstars that will be Inducted in 2025. Sponsored by Sammy Radio, Ellefson Coffee Co.,Troubadour Amplification, with tastings presented by Ghost Tequila and more to announce!
The Annual Metal Hall of Fame Charity Gala, where Industry Executives and fans alike attend “The Most Important Night In Hard Rock And Heavy Metal.” takes place Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at the Grand Theater in Anaheim, CA.
PRE-PARTY 4:00pm- 6:30PM Anaheim House of Blues
CELEBRITY RED CARPET 7:00PM Grand Theater, Anaheim
INDUCTION CEREMONY 8:00PM Grand Theater, Anaheim
2025 INDUCTEES:
Dimebag Darrell (20th Anniversary of Life Celebration/Induction) [With Surprise Guests]
Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy)
Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein (Misfits)
Rikki Rockett (Poison)
KNAC
Burton C. Bell (Fear Factory)
Dangerous Toys
Jeff Young (Megadeth/ Kings of Thrash)
With live performances by Jeff Young, Kill Devil Hill and a special All-Star Jam at the end of the event!
About the Metal Hall of Fame: The Metal Hall of Fame is a non profit organization, dedicated to forever enshrining the iconic musicians and music industry executives responsible for making Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music what it is today. Their contribution to the genre is invaluable, and they continue to inspire fans throughout the world, from generation to generation.
Every January, industry executives and fans attend the Metal Hall of Fame Gala (The most Important Night In Hard Rock and Heavy Metal). All proceeds go to bringing free music programs to help special needs children.
Cleopatra’s marathon Melanie reissue campaign continues apace with the earliest known professional recording of Melanie in concert.
Taped by her husband/producer Peter Schekeryk at the famed Troubadour in Los Angeles, Take Me Home– Live at the Troubadour 1969 features five songs recorded a full four months before Melanie’s epochal Woodstock appearance in August 1969, and captures the young chansonnier as she transfixed audience and watching media alike.
Reviewing the show, journalist Stephen MH Braitman wrote, “Her shining quality is a voice that literally weeps with huskiness. Melanie is an original, and what spouts from [her songs is a curiously compelling style….”
Elsewhere, Melody Maker called her as “a cross between Mother Courage and Judy Garland.”
Melanie, on the other hand, described herself as “A loose cannon.” In 2003, she reflected, “I don’t believe Woodstock changed me in the slightest, but it did alter my record label’s perception of me, and the media’s, and the public’s. And that bled into everything else – promotion, photo sessions, and I guess the songs I was writing, because as an artist you can’t help but write for your audience as much as you do for yourself.
“A lot of my earlier songs, my first two albums especially, I think got lost – there were certain songs I’d written, like ‘Beautiful People,’ that resonated with what the label wanted from me, but there were others, like ‘Deep Down Low’ and ‘Take Me Home With You’ [both included here] that were allowed to fall by the wayside.”
Here, they cannot help but demand attention.
Also included on the album is a rare recording of Melanie on tour in fall 1971, with her monster hit “Brand New Key” yet to commence its rise to #1. The response (or total lack thereof) to its appearance testifies to that.
Recorded at the California State College in California, Pennsylvania, it offers a fascinating glimpse of Melanie actually “on the road.” While other live recordings from this 1970-1971 period focus on the most prestigious venues in her itinerary, be they Carnegie Hall, the Montreux Festival or Glastonbury Fayre, here we hear her at what surely felt like just another venue in another town, as she wove her way around the country.
Yet her commitment to her performance is no less wholehearted than any of those better-known shows.
Finnish hard rock and metal legends LORDI are set to release their highly anticipated 19th studio album, “Limited Deadition,” on March 21, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The album is spearheaded by the electrifying lead single, ‘Syntax Terror,’ a track that thrusts listeners into a game-like world with spacy melodies, thunderous riffs, and irresistibly catchy hooks.
Mr Lordi comments: “The writing of this song started out with its main keyboard riff. I played around with those mono sounds, trying to come up with something with a very 80s action movie opening score feel. ‘Syntax Terror’ actually almost became the album title, but then it was discovered that other people have had the same idea way before I did. On the verses I was thinking of JUDAS PRIEST, on the chorus of MANOWAR and – as icing on the cake – Udo Dirkschneider-type of screams to belch out the title. Don’t ask what the lyrics are about. ‘Syntax Terror’ is a very 80s heavy metal style song, painting abstract pictures with every line!”
Already generating excitement among fans, the single promises to be a highlight in LORDI‘s monstrous catalog. Pre-orders are available here: https://lordi.rpm.link/limiteddeaditionPR
Known for their theatrical style and unique blend of 80s-inspired rock and heavy metal, LORDI‘s latest creation is a nostalgic celebration of retro 80s toys, infused with a fresh and powerful energy. Building on the success of their 2023 album “Screem Writers Guild,”“Limited Deadition” ventures into heavier riffs and faster tempos, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and invigorating.
Recorded at IluSound Studio and Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, “Limited Deadition” was produced by Mr Lordi, mixed by Ilkka Herkman, and mastered by Pauli Saastamoinen. As always, Mr Lordi took charge of the album’s striking artwork and layout, channeling his passion for 80s memorabilia into every detail. “It’s some kind of sibling album to its predecessor,”Mr Lordi explains. “We’re still walking the path of AOR-inspired music, but this time, with a more metal touch in terms of riffs and tempo. We’ve always written what felt right and natural, and this album is no exception.”
The thematic heart of “Limited Deadition” lies in Mr Lordi‘s lifelong obsession with collecting, inspired by the action figures and toys of his childhood. “The album topic of 80s toys is actually just a loose theme, but it’s been accompanying me since I was little. I’ve always been a collector of various stuff, and I’m even some kind of a hoarder. I can’t even remember which my first own toy was, but my obsession basically started with “Muppet Show” dolls, followed by “Star Wars” and “E.T.” figures, with the latter actually being my favourite movie of all time.”
The album opens with ‘SCG XIX The Hexecutioners,’ setting the stage for an exciting blend of cinematic and melodic heavy rock. Tracks like ‘Legends Are Made Of Clichés’ and ‘Skelephant In The Room’ highlight LORDI‘s knack for creating larger-than-life anthems. Meanwhile, the poignant ballad ‘Collectable’ reflects on the fleeting value of physical objects in a digital world, while the title track, ‘Limited Deadition,’ makes a bold statement celebrating collectors and their passion.
“Limited Deadition” – Track Listing:
01. SCG XIX The Hexecutioners 02. Legends Are Made Of Clichés 03. Syntax Terror 04. Skelephant In The Room 05. SCGTV Saturday Night Main Event 06. Killharmonic Orchestra 07. Collectable 08. SCGTV Monstersquad Action Figures 09. Fangoria 10. Hellizabeth 11. SCGTV The Hexecutioners Seasion 12. Retropolis 13. Frighteousness 14. SCGTV Crazee Ralph Promo 15. Limited Deadition 16. You Might Be Deceased
To support the release, LORDI will embark on a global “Limited Deadition” tour, beginning in Finland and expanding internationally. Fans can expect a monstrous spectacle, complete with new tricks and surprises.
“Limited Deadition” will be available on all major streaming platforms and in physical formats on March 21, 2025. Pre-orders for the album and tour tickets are now live. With the explosive single ‘Syntax Terror’ already setting the tone, fans can prepare for an unforgettable addition to the LORDIverse.
LORDI live:
21.03.2025 FI Tampere – Tavara-asema 22.03.2025 FI Helsinki – Tavastia-klubi 25.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Progresja 26.03.2025 PL Gdansk – B90 28.03.2025 NL Amstelveen – P60 29.03.2025 NL Drachten – Poppoadium Iduna 30.03.2025 NL Sittard – Poppodium Volt 02.04.2025 UK Wolverhampton – Wulfrun Hall 03.04.2025 UK Newcastle – NX 05.04.2025 UK Manchester – Academy 2 06.04.2025 UK Glasgow – Galvanizers SWG3 08.04.2025 UK London – Islington Assembly Hall 09.04.2025 UK Bristol – SWX 11.04.2025 FR Savigny-le-Temple – L’Empreinte 12.04.2025 FR Saint-Lô – Le Normandy 13.04.2025 BE Sint-Niklaas – De Casino 15.04.2025 FR Lyon (Villeurbanne) – La Rayonne 16.04.2025 FR Strasbourg (Ostwald) – Le Point d’Eau 17.04.2025 FR Montbéliard – L’Axone
Founded in 1992 by singer, songwriter and designer Mr Lordi, LORDI are one of the major Finnish rock/heavy metal acts of our time. Originally rooted in Rovaniemi (Northern Lapland, Finland), the band achieved their international breakthrough after winning the Eurovision Song Contest with their hit song ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’ in 2006.
Since then, the unconventional troops have rocked their way into the spotlight of Europe with charm, unforgettable tunes and elaborate monster costumes, and have become an integral part of the line-ups of globally recognized festivals such as Wacken Open Air (DE) and Masters of Rock (CZ) among others.
LORDI are: Mr Lordi | vocals Kone | guitars Hiisi | bass Hella | keyboard Mana | drums
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 