The Danish hard rock quartet BLACK OAK COUNTY released their third album yesterday October 25th via Mighty Music, taking them to new musical horizons, with a wide mix of thundering breakdowns, catchier choruses than ever before, a massive wall of pounding guitar riffs, and a heartfelt piano ballad.
“III” is co-written and produced with Danish metal heavyweight Nicklas Sonne (Defecto, Aries Descendant, Danish Eurovision preliminaries), which proved to be a fruitful creative relationship between the two parties.
“We came to Nicklas and worked on [the singles] “Save Your Breath” and “Fire Inside” together back in 2023, and we absolutely loved the process”, the band says. “It was amazing for us to have someone as competent as Nicklas giving us feedback on our songs, their structures, compositions and riffs – just to have someone impartial to work with, who wanted nothing but the best for the songs was awesome. We knew right away that we wanted to do a full album together, and hadn’t left the studio before we started working on songs for “III” together”.
The album marks a return-to-form for the band, reuniting with guitarist/singer Niels Beier on 2022’s singles “Back For Blood” and “It’s On You”, produced by former grammy nominee Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Asinhell) and co-written with Soren Andersen (Glenn Hughes, Mike Tramp). Now with both Beier and singer/bassist René Kristensen doing vocal duties in the band, new musical doors have opened for the Esbjerg-based rockers.
“We realized we had two great singers and hadn’t utilized it before”, Kristensen confirms. “We took advantage of that on “Back For Blood”, but have worked out the songs for the album with this in mind. There’s a lot of back-and-forth between us on this album, swapping verses and choruses, doing harmonies for each other’s parts, etc., and we sound better than ever on this album!”.
Black Oak County have dug deep into their pile of musical ideas, in order to come up with a wider range of songs than ever, incorporating brand new ideas with older material from the early days of their career. “III” is an energetic record, with the band’s well-known mixture of high-intensity low-tuned riffs paying homage to their metal and hard rock heroes, mixed with modern mixing techniques, synthesizers and a fresh take on the band’s familiar sound.
“III” is out now on LP (black and green vinyl versions available, each limited to 200 copies), digipack CD and digital via Mighty Music.
Trick or treat? ENEMY INSIDE couldn’t wait for next week’s Halloween festivities, so they’ve gone ahead and dropped their spooky new single, ‘Fuck That Party.’ Kicking off with nostalgic, old-school gaming sounds, this hard-hitting track first seems like a high-energy party anthem. It’s once again mixed and mastered by Christoph Wieczorek of ANNISOKAY (Sawdust Recordings). But don’t be fooled by its upbeat vibe – the lyrics dive into more fragile emotions beneath the surface. To make things even more exciting, ENEMY INSIDE have teamed up with none other than Zak Tell, frontman of CLAWFINGER, adding an extra layer of hype to their early Halloween bash with ‘Fuck That Party.’
ENEMY INSIDE state: “‘Fuck That Party’ featuring Zak Tell from CLAWFINGER brings nu and modern metal together. The Halloween themed party song comes with a fun video but a deep meaning. It’s about growing old and looking back nostalgically at the times gone by. It’s a reminder that life is short, so enjoy every moment of your life no matter what others think and fill it with things that make you happy!”
The video was produced by the group’s loyal companion Jonas Sommer. It’s based on a concept and story written by creative frontwoman Nastassja Giulia, and takes fans to the band’s own chamber of horrors.
ENEMY INSIDE are set to make a highly anticipated return to the stage in February 2025. Fans can expect a powerful live experience, featuring a fresh burst of energy and their signature anthemic sound. The band will be performing across multiple countries, including Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, the Netherlands, and Finland. Don’t miss your chance to witness their electrifying performance – tickets are available now: http://enemy-inside.com/#tourdates
ENEMY INSIDE live:
European Tour 2025 Special Guests: Letters Sent Home Presented by Seaside Entertainment 20.02.2025 DK Copenhagen – Rust 21.02.2025 DE Hamburg – headCRASH 22.02.2025 DE Berlin – Privatclub 23.02.2025 DE Hanover – Béi Chéz Heinz 27.02.2025 DE Bochum – Rockpalast 28.02.2025 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal 01.03.2025 DE Munich – Backstage (Club) 06.03.2025 DE Cologne – Helios 37 07.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Studio) 08.03.2025 CH Aarburg – Musigburg 13.03.2025 DE Leipzig – Hellraiser 14.03.2025 CZ Prague – Storm Club 15.03.2025 PL Kraków – Klub Zaścianek 16.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Klub Hydrozagadka 21.03.2025 NL Utrecht – De Helling 22.03.2025 NL Maastricht – Muziekgieterij 28.03.2025 FI Tampere – Olympia-kortteli * 29.03.2025 FI Helsinki – On the Rocks * * w/o LSH
ENEMY INSIDE have quickly distinguished themselves in the metal scene with their powerful thematic content centered around combating the ‘inner enemy.’ Their energetic, melodic, and emotionally charged music has earned them a loyal fan base. With over 9 million Spotify streams and 3 million YouTube views, their albums “Phoenix” [2018] and “Seven” [2021] have solidified their status in the music industry. ENEMY INSIDE graced major stages on festivals like Wacken Open Air, Full Metal Cruise, Dynamo Metal Fest, Nummirock, M’era Luna, Rockharz Open Air and many more and have toured extensively across Europe.
German rock ‘n’ roll/hard rock trio NITROGODS celebrates the release of their new studio album, entitled “Valley Of The Gods”, that is out now on Massacre Records! It’s available as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP (3 colors: black / red / clear), Ltd. Box Set and Digital formats; the Box Set contains the CD Digipak, a Patch, Bottle Opener and a Shot Glass. Order your favorite album edition now at https://lnk.to/valleyofthegods
In celebration of today’s record release, NITROGODS have just unleashed a new music video for the track “Left Lane To Memphis”. A song, that according to the band is “about a trip to Memphis where you inhale both the spirit of the King and Rock ‘n’ Roll!”
“Valley Of The Gods” marks NITROGODS‘ fifth studio album, and they are damn proud of it!
As the band stated earlier, working together has never been more intense than on this album, and resulted in some of the best songs the guys have ever written.
The albumwas produced by NITROGODS and Alex Scotti, and was mixed and mastered by Alex Scotti at ManCave Studio. The cover artwork was designed by singer / bassist Claus “Oimel” Larcher, with a layout by Roland Heckmann and Oimel.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the result and the fantastic mix by Alex Scotti,” the band comments. “We hope that you will enjoy it as much as we do! It totally kicks ass!”
“Valley Of The Gods” features the typical NITROGODS trademarks: Dirty rock ‘n’ roll with balls; no plastic, no bullshit – everything straight in your face! Get ready for great songs that are rough and catchy without sounding slick. They’ve even taken it one step further, and put all their heart and a shot of blues into it. But no worries, it still has NITROGODS written all over it, they made no compromises!
Album Tracklist:
Left Lane To Memphis
Shinbone Kicker
Valley Of The Gods
Last Beer Blues
Broke And Ugly
Rotten Sucker
Kings Of Nothing
Mental Hickup
Prime Time Terror
8 Arms
Gimme Beer
Like A Worm
Ridin’ Out
Breaking Balls
NITROGODS Live: 26.10.2024 DE Reichenbach/Fils – Die halle 30.10.2024 DE Hamburg – Markthalle 22.11.2024 DE Memmingen – Kaminwerk 23.11.2024 DE Cham – L.A. Cham 05.12.2024 DE Berlin – Kesselhaus 07.12.2024 DE Essen – Weststadthalle
NITROGODS are: Claus “Oimel” Larcher – Vocals/Bass Henny Wolter – Guitars/Vocals Klaus Sperling – Drums
Ever since they set the world ablaze, GAEREA have raised the anticipation for their fourth album to an almost unbearable degree. From now on, the Portuguese masked sensations are no longer strictly a black metal band. Instead, they are emerging from the underground and clawing to the top of extreme metal.
“As someone who’s already heard Coma in full, you’re getting a glimpse at one of the best metal records of 2024”, wroteMetal Injection
Now, Coma has finally surfaced. Gaerea’s new album is out since yesterday, October 25, 2024 on Season of Mist. Hear all ten beautiful and bloodied songs today by listening to thefull album playlist on Season of Mist’s YouTube channel, which features several all-new visualizers.
As is often the case with black metal, Gaerea arrived shrouded in mystery. But while their identities remained hidden, the band emerged from pandemic limbo with a vision that was guided not by myths or pagan beliefs but a purging of raw emotion. Fear and loathing still pulse through their icy veins. However, with Coma, Gaerea have altered their stylistic makeup.
“In the depths of my mind / Where the dusk resides“, their new album beings with a heavy and heartfelt sigh. Coma is the first entry in Gaerea’s mantle-worthy discography to feature clean singing, though “The Poet’s Ballet” is neither angel nor demon. Instead, the way the tremolo picking twists away from the light into wailing dissonance sounds like a soul trapped in purgatory.
While produced by Gaerea’s trusted confidant Miguel Tereso, Coma expands their signature sound in seemingly opposing directions. “World Ablaze” funnels their blackened vortex into a clearer song structure that’s centered around an undeniable chorus. Even their most unsettling whispers were haunted by slivers of melody, but the new album digs its claws deeper into softly chiming post-rock. With its somber opening chords, “Suspended” unfolds like a wilted flower. That is, until the riffs come roaring into the fray behind an elevated gothic choir, bringing the band’s level of despair to crushing new heights.
Coma is carefully constructed, but the moments of intense beauty only raise Gaerea’s devestating blows. Like a swaying chandelier, the bridge on “Hope Shatters” hangs perilously in the air before it’s smashed to pieces by a hammering bass groove. “Welcome to the urban abyss“, their vocalist screams in bloody anguish, as if chained to the gates of hell. “Where dreams turn to rust“.
The maze-like existence that Gaerea speak of on Coma is obscured by a depressive haze that feels like it will never end. Often, the lyrics go off in search of a greater sense of self, only to reach another dead end. “In the depths of bleakness / A glimmer of dawn” their vocalist cries out beneath the title track’s unrelenting drum fills.
But Coma finds Gaerea asserting their new identity with even greater confidence. “Unknown” now stands as the band’s most viciously catchy song. The hooks slither and shake to a minor key before worming into your ear canals with sharp melancholic pangs. Once the blast beats suck you into their vortex, the band’s sheer artistic force is blinding, like looking into the eyes of god. “This is who I am, sublime”.
As grand finale “Kingdom of Thorns” reveals in all its devastating glory, the crown of excellence is a heavy one for any extreme metal band to come and bear. “Lone in the spotlight“, their vocalist cries out above the album’s mountain of a climax. But with Coma, Gaerea are boldly laying claiming to the throne.
Tracklist: 1. The Poet’s Ballet (7:39) 2. Hope Shatters (4:05) [WATCH] 3. Suspended (5:02) [WATCH] 4. World Ablaze (3:29) [WATCH] 5. Coma (5:19) 6. Wilted Flower (5:50) 7. Reborn (3:51) 8. Shapeshifter (6:24) 9. Unknown (4:24) [WATCH] 10. Kingdom of Thorns (4:45) Total running time: 50:54
To usher in this new era, Gaerea are touring behind Coma well into 2025.
First, the masked sensations will return to North America this November with Zeal & Ardor and ZETRA. Next year, they’ll embark on their first headlining tour of Europe with 10+ dates across Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
Gaerea North American Tour 2024 with Zeal & Ardorand ZETRA
November 23 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer [TICKETS] November 24 – New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge [TICKETS] November 25 – Allston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall [TICKETS] November 27 – Montreal, QC @ Le Studio TD [TICKETS] November 28 – Toronto, ON @ Opera House [TICKETS] November 29 – Detroit, MI @ The Majestic [TICKETS] November 30 – Millvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre [TICKETS] December 2 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue [TICKETS] December 3 – Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall [TICKETS] December 4 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre [TICKETS] December 6 – Engelwood, CO @ Gothic Theatre [TICKETS] December 7 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge [TICKETS] December 9 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox [TICKETS] December 10 – Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre [TICKETS] December 11 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom [TICKETS] December 13 – Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre [TICKETS] December 14 – Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory [TICKETS] December 15 – Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom [TICKETS] December 17 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk [TICKETS] December 18 – Dallas, TX @ Studio at The Factory [TICKETS]
GaereaEuropean Headlining Tour 2025 16 Apr: Osnabrück, DE @ Bastard Club [TICKETS] 17 Apr: Aalborg, DK @ 1000Fryd [TICKETS] 18 Apr: Oslo, NO @ Inferno Festival [TICKETS] 19 Apr: Stockholm, SE @ Kollektivet Livet [TICKETS] 20 Apr: Copenhagen, DK @ BETA [TICKETS] 22 Apr: Hamburg, DE @ Headcrash [TICKETS] 23 Apr: Leipzig, DE @ UT Connewitz [TICKETS] 24 Apr: Berlin, DE @ Cassiopeia [TICKETS] 25 Apr: Munich, DE @ Kranhalle [TICKETS] 26 Apr: Karlsruhe, DE @ Die Stadmitte [TICKETS] 27 Apr: Frankfurt, DE @ Das Bett [TICKETS]
Behind black shrouds of obscurity and desolation, the performers of GAEREA deliver their odes in cascading maelstroms of aggression and beauty. Emerging from the age of pandemic to whatever awaits humanity next, the dark horde remains on the frontlines of the next generation of extreme metal. With an EP and three albums to their name, Gaerea has rapidly distinguished themselves from the thousands of bands toiling away in the underground. Brewing their cauldron of sound from a recipe of pounding black-metal blast mixed with a touch of harrowed, reflective longing, many devotees of the darkened arts have flocked to their banner. With the emergence of third full-length album Mirage, those numbers certainly grew.
Gaerea met a challenge when releasing their second album during the pandemic, the aptly titled Limbo, to excellent world reception. In the meantime, they found the total suspension of interactive life as it was previously known to be the perfect breeding ground for further creation and making.
Sizzling with ambition from day one, Gaerea may present one unique face to their audience, masked and enshrouded, but the truth is they have not remained changeless.
As their previous album name Mirage suggests, the inability to trust what our senses are telling us could be construed as one of the album’s central themes. Rather than constrict their art to mythological references or anti-religious tropes, Gaerea instead plumb the depths of the human experiences of isolation and suffering.
Just two years since Mirage was released, Gaerea is here, erupting with intensity, casting forth black ashes over the world yet again.
Their latest release, Coma, has finally surfaced, marking a pivotal shift. From this point forward, everything changes. It’s time for Gaerea to bridge the gap between underground metal and the elevated realm they’ve attained. With Coma, Gaerea emerges from the underground scene, ascending towards a permanently lasting position at the head of the table.
An emotional gateway to a dark black metal scene, a guide to salvation, pain, despair and letting go. Moving up, into the blackness that is above. Gaerea is the answer, the only answer.
Within ‘Coma’s’ ten tracks lies an individual narrative, each with its own tale to unveil. Collectively, they blend nuances of aggression, tranquility, solitude, and fervor.
Boasting a superior production that threads the needle between caustic and clarity, Gaerea yet again admit their loyalty to producer Miguel Tereso of Demigod Recordings for the production of Coma. Together they created the birth of ‘Coma’, the new era for metal mankind. Distinguishing themselves ever more so, the Vortex handpicked their artist Nathan Lorenzana with a clear assignment to create their mesmerizing cover artwork. Months of hand drawing the image with a ballpen lead to this masterpiece which dipped his name into ‘Coma’.
The beauty of Gaerea lies in the directness and simplicity found within their florid tapestry of extremity and aggression. Whether it is in the less-polished aural dynamite of Mirage, or in the lustrous textures of Coma, Gaerea is building a mighty edifice of metal. With talons dipped in the inky blood of black metal and scraped across the flesh of human suffering, Gaerea is leading a charge into the future of darkness, and all those who find beauty and power in the dark side of existence would do well to take heed.
Recording Studio: Demigod Studios at Redbox Studios
Production Credits: Produced by Gaerea Recorded by Miguel Tereso at Redbox Studios Mixed and Mastered by Miguel Tereso at Demigod Studios
Hailing from the dalecarlia region of Sweden, death metal heavyweights DISRUPTED have announced the release of the band’s third full-length album, entitled “Stinking Death”, set to drop on January 24 via Trust No One Recordings. In anticipation, the band presents the bone-crushing first single “Coffin Breath”, listen to the track below.
Speaking about the track, the band shares: “‘Coffin Breath’ is a straight-forward death metal song with a catchy feel to it. A simple yet memorable guitar lead was the key ingredient when this song was written in the garage of guitarist Thomas Liljekvist on a dull Tuesday evening. Inspired by the cover art of the ‘Death Breath’ album ‘Stinking up the Night’ and with the genius mind of Joakim Antman (LIK) who came up with the title, the lyrics describe a lunatic with an urge to inhale the stench of death from the recently buried.“
Tracklist:
Choke on The Cross
Coffin Breath
True Death
A Grave Ablaze
Vile Impalement
Necromantic Breeding
Funeral Vomit
Deflesh The Dead
Spew
Graveyard Torment
DISRUPTED continues to showcase their signature HM-2-infused Death Metal style, paying homage to the classic sound of the genre with gut-ripping riffs and skull-crushing heaviness. Founded in 2012 by Mikael Hanni and Thomas Liljekvist, the band quickly gained recognition with their debut EP, “Heavy Death”, in 2014, followed by the acclaimed full-length album “Morbid Death” in 2015. Amidst the challenges brought forth by a global pandemic, DISRUPTED persevered and returned with the critically acclaimed sophomore album “Pure Death” (2020). Now the band strikes again with their highly anticipated third album, “Stinking Death”, on January 24, 2025. With the addition of former KatatoniadrummerDaniel Liljekvist and their unwavering dedication to their craft, DISRUPTED is poised to deliver an album that will undoubtedly captivate fans of the death metal genre.
Since its formation WIZRD has proved itself to be a band that is happy to colour outside any genre-defining lines, pushing boundaries and effortlessly blending the more interesting aspects of genres that range from rock and indie to jazz and prog.
And on their upcoming sophomore full-length album “Elements” WIZRD have dived deeper into uncharted musical waters — experimenting with new styles, fresh melodic directions, and both extended and condensed song structures, all the while introducing Norwegian lyrics.
Whilst “Elements” itself is set for release on the 6th December, Karisma Records have today released a double single taken from the album. The single, which comprises the tracks “National Day” and “Eternity’s Breath”, and with artwork by Maja Markegård, can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at: https://orcd.co/nationalday
WIZRD explained something of the process that went into recording “National Day”:
“National Day” was a song that came together very quickly. Karl came up with the riff, and while we were jamming on it, I came up with the melody line. We wanted to push ourselves a little and see how “little” is needed to make a song. After all, we are prog fans, and happy with lots of different parts, but here we tried to see how we could rather vary a relatively short idea and get a song out of it. It basically went very well, but in the end we couldn’t quite help ourselves, and added the slightly extended solo part. A little three-minute adventure!
By contrast, “Eternity’s Breath” is a totally different beast, not an original, but a cover, and fans of the MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA will immediately recognise the title. Indeed, WIZRD cite the legendary New Yorkers as one of the great inspirations behind their own music:
One of our favourite bands and greatest sources of inspiration is the Mahavishnu Orchestra. We have had a few concert nights in Oslo where we have had one set of our own songs, and one set of Mahavishnu covers. In particular, we have played a lot of the songs from the album “Visions of the Emerald Beyond”, so this time it was only natural for us to include a Mahavishnu song in the recording process. Eternity’s Breath is one of our favourite songs, it’s an insanely fun song to play. Joining the team this time we also got Rohey Taalah and Nadia Warholm Essahli on vocals, and that lifts it to astronomical heights. We hope the result gives you a real kick!
“Elements” itself was recorded at the legendary Athletic Sound studio in Halden, and the ambiance both within the studio, and within the city itself, left an indelible mark on the album, which, though eclectic, could not be anything other than WIZRD, whose distinctive sound is cohesive and unified.
Co-produced, recorded, and mixed by Dag Erik Johansen alongside the band, WIZRD are keen to stress that his contribution was vital to shaping the final sound of “Elements”. Working closely together this formidable team has created an album that feels organic yet unpredictable. With a mix of carefully crafted and spontaneous elements, it is clear that every decision that was taken in the making of the album influenced its outcome. Change one single thing and “Elements” would have been something entirely different.
With album cover art by Steph Hope and layout by Maja Markegård, and featuring additional vocals by Sara Fjeldvær, Rohey Taalah, Rikke Normann & Nadia Warholm Essahli, “Elements” will be released in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Red Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:
WIZRD was formed when Hallvard Gaardløs (SPIDERGAWD, DRAKEN) on bass and lead vocals, Karl Bjorå (MEGALODON COLLECTIVE) on guitar and vocals, Vegard Lien Bjerkan (SOFT FFOG) on keyboards and vocals, and Axel Skalstad (KROKOFANT, SOFT FFOG) on drums attended the Jazz Conservatory in Trondheim. Together, they form a diverse and dynamic unit marked by a fearless creativity.
A video of WIZRD in the studio, rehearsing the track “All Is As It Should Be”, from their 2022 album “Seasons”, by Norwegian film score composer and JAGA JAZZIST drummer Martin Horntveth, can be seen below.
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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
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 