GANDALF’S FIST Celebrate 10th Anniversary of “A Forest of Fey” with Free Album Download

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 20, 2024
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UK progressive rock band Gandalf’s Fist is celebrating the 10th anniversary of their critically acclaimed album, A Forest of Fey, by offering fans the opportunity to download the album for free via their official Bandcamp page until the end of October.

Released in 2014, A Forest of Fey quickly became a fan-favoruite, securing its place as the 3rd Best Prog Rock Album of the Year, as recognized by Classic Rock Magazine in 2014. Known for its fairytale-esque storytelling, and  a mix of traditional folk mixed with NWOBHM riffs, the album features guest performances from some of progressive rock’s standout names, including Troy Donockley (Nightwish), John Mitchell (Frost*/Arena), Dave Oberlé (Gryphon), Clive Nolan (Pendragon/Arena), and Matt Stevens (The Fierce and the Dead).

To mark this special occasion, Gandalf’s Fist is offering fans the chance to download A Forest of Fey in lossless CD quality for free on Bandcamp. Fans can also choose to “name their price” as a way of supporting the band directly.

Dean Marsh, Guitarist, stated

“We can’t believe it’s been 10 years already; there’s so many of these songs that have become a mainstay of our preciously rare live performances that it really stands testament to how much we love this record and we’re thrilled to be able to offer it for free for a limited time for any potential fans that have yet to hear it.”

The band is also celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Chris Ewen (bass) and Stefan Hepe (drums) as full-time members of Gandalf’s Fist, as A Forest of Fey was their first full album with the band. Additionally, fans can commemorate the album’s milestone with the Forest of Fey/Circus in the Clearing T-Shirt, available in a variety of sizes and colours through the band’s webstore.

About Gandalf’s Fist:
Gandalf’s Fist are a fully self-funded independent Progressive Rock band from the UK, known for their conceptual albums and captivating storytelling. Since their formation in 2005, they have built a loyal fanbase with their unique fusion of prog rock, space rock, and folk influences. With numerous acclaimed albums and eccentric live performances.

More information at www.gandalfsfist.com

First MC5 Album in 53 Years “Heavy Lifting” Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 20, 2024
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MC5 have released their new album ‘Heavy Lifting’ through earMUSIC.

“It’s not everyday that a band releases a new record after 53 years, which makes MC5’s posthumous Heavy Lifting even more anticipated.” – Grammy.com

Led by founding member Wayne Kramer and recorded with iconic producer Bob Ezrin (Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, Kiss), ‘Heavy Lifting’ features original MC5 drummer Dennis ‘Machine Gun’ Thompson on two tracks along with special guests including Slash, Tom Morello, William DuVall (Alice in Chains), Vernon Reid (Living Colour), Don Was, and Tim McIlrath (Rise Against), in addition to members of Kramer’s MC5 touring band, Vicki Randle (Aretha Franklin), Stevie Salas (Parliament Funkadelic, Rod Stewart), Abe Laboriel Jr. (Paul McCartney), Winston Watson Jr. (Bob Dylan), Joe Berry (M83), and Oakland-based singer Brad Brooks.

Prolific for five decades, Kramer was the last remaining active member of MC5, writing 12 of the album’s 13 songs in collaborations with Tom Morello, Tim McIlrath, Bob Ezrin, Jill Sobule, and Brad Brooks. Kramer passed away suddenly in February, followed by the death of drummer Dennis ‘Machine Gun’ Thompson in May. This is Thompson’s final studio recording, playing on the tracks ‘Can’t Be Found’ and ‘Blind Eye.’

CREEM Magazine co-founder Jaan Uhelszki recorded the final interview with Kramer, remembering the incendiary innovators of punk and protest rock, who inspired The Clash, Ramones, Rage Against The Machine, The White Stripes, Slash and countless others, where he explained the ethos behind the continuation of the MC5:

“I think the MC5 lives on because of the purity of the spirit,” Kramer explained to Uhelszki two weeks before he passed away in February 2024. “The MC5 was about…principles of self-determination, of freedom of expression, of freedom of religion, of equality, of justice – those are principles we felt were worth fighting for. Sure, we wanted to be a popular rock band, but we did things by principles. I think that’s something that transcends a rock and roll band. We were charged with constantly disrupting everything we came into contact with. This was part of the tactics of the day, of carrying the message.”

Bob Ezrin, when talking about ‘Heavy Lifting’, said “What I really heard in the songs was a spirit of rebellion, challenging social norms, and staring down American values. I told Wayne, ‘It sounds like an MC5 record to me!’”

Access ‘Heavy Lifting’  HERE.

Uhelszki has also just released a definitive new book with former Guitar World Editor-In-Chief Brad Tolinski, and based on work by the late Ben Edmonds: MC5: An Oral Biography of Rock’s Most Revolutionary Band. Featuring original interviews with the band and their inner circle – John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Iggy and the Stooges, Bill Graham, Jefferson Airplane – it tells the story of MC5’s music and beyond, amplifying marginalized voices and racial equality in spite of being threatened and tossed into jail. These monumental moments this month are a resounding affirmation that the spirit of these Detroit punk pioneers endures.

In addition to the standard 13-track album, a 2CD / 2LP version will be released with a bonus disc including previously unreleased live recordings from the MC50 tour in 2018 celebrating the 50th anniversary of MC5’s revered 1969 debut album, ‘Kick Out the Jams’, and featuring classic anthems like’Kick Out the Jams’ and ‘Ramblin’ Rose.’ Alongside Kramer, the MC50 recordings feature Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil, Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty, Faith No More’s bassist Billy Gould, and frontman Marcus Durant (Zen Guerrilla) with a special guest appearance by Mark Arm (Mudhoney).

CHRYSALÏD Celebrate New Album “Breaking The Chains” Release with Lyric Video for Title Track

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 20, 2024
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Rockshots Records is excited to unleash “Breaking The Chains”, the brand-new album from Northern England powerhouse Chrysalïd.

For the album’s release day, the band has unleashed a lyric video for the title track that features guest appearances by Zak Stevens (TSO, Savatage), Fabricio Rocha (Hell Bound), and Kayo John (Dark Avenger). This anthem is all about fighting for your dreams and standing tall through adversity. With epic vocals, crushing riffs, and a message of resilience, it’s a must-listen for metalheads everywhere.

Founded in 1999 by the talented Emmanuel Thorsen, Chrysalïd‘s music is a passionate blend inspired by NWOHBM, power metal, and thrash metal. If you love a “straight to the point” attitude, that’s exactly what you’ll get from Chrysalïd. Their sound perfectly captures the energy, passion, joy, and chill of their metal roots.
​
The new album “Breaking The Chains” features special guests like Tim “Ripper” Owens, Zak Stevens, Fabio Lione, and Henning Basse. This album is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a powerful message to the world about never giving up, always fighting for your dreams, and standing tall no matter how many times you fall.
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For fans of Savatage, Helloween, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Angra, “Breaking The Chains”, out as of October 18th, is a must-listen. Let the music of Chrysalïd ignite your spirit and fuel your passion for metal.

CD order – https://bit.ly/ChrysalïdBreakingTheChainsCD – Spotify here.

Video – “Eternal Flame” ft. Tim “Ripper” Owens – https://youtu.be/9iqLGYxHPWw

Track Listing:​
1-Overture ft. Zak Stevens, Fabrichio Rocha
2-Eternal Flame ft. Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens
3-Far Beyond The Sun ft. Henning Basse
4-Into The Night ft. Lisa Skinner, Andre Tulipano, Fabio Alessandrini, Cristiano Lopes
5-The King ft. Craig Carns, Simon Robertshaw, Jase Tyler
6-Breaking The Chains ft. Zak Stevens, Fabrichio Rocha , Kayo John
7-Blackstar ft. Nick Kariotis, Jase Tyler
8-War Of Illusions ft. Fabio Lione, German Madonado, Emirhan Yler, Jase Tyler
9-Another Day ft. Jase Tyler
10-My Way Home ft. Fabio Lione, Fabrichio Rocha
11-Under The Thumb ft. Eugene Simone, Jase Tyler
12-The End Of Chapter II ft. Zak Stevens, Ariel Perchuk
13-Sleepless Nights (Bonus Track) (King Diamond cover) ft.Paul Skinner, Guilherme Peixoto

SPECIAL GUESTS CREDITS:​
VOICES:
ZAK STEVENS – OVERTURE/BREAKING THE CHAINS/THE END OF CHAPTER II
TIM RIPPER OWENS – ETERNAL FLAME
FABIO LIONE – MY WAY HOME/WAR OF ILLUSIONS
HENNING BASSE – FAR BEYOND THE SUN
CRAIG CAIRNS – THE KING
LISA SKINNER – ANOTHER DAY
ANDRE TULIPANO – ANOTHER DAY
​
DRUMS:
FABIO ALESSANDRINI – INTO THE NIGHT
KAYO JOHN – BREAKING THE CHAINS
PAUL SKINNER – SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
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GUITARS:
FABRICIO ROCHA – OVERTURE/BREAKING THE CHAINS/MY WAY HOME
EUGENE SIMONE – UNDER THE THUMB (SOLO GUITARS)
CRISTIANO LOPES – INTO THE NIGHT (SOLO GUITARS)
NICK KARIOTIS – BLACKSTAR (INTRO SOLO, RHYTHM GUITARS AND FINAL SOLO)
GERMAN MALDONADO – WAR OF ILLUSIONS (RHYTHM AND LEAD GUITARS)
EMIRHAN YELER – WAR OF ILLUSIONS (CHORUSES GUITAR SOLOS)
​
BASS:
SIMON ROBERTSHAW – THE KING
GUILHERME PEIXOTO – SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
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KEYBOARDS:
JASE TYLER – BLACKSTAR/ANOTHER DAY/WAR OF ILLUSIONS/THE KING
ARIEL PERCHUK – THE END OF CHAPTER II
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TAMBORINE:
JASE TYLER – UNDER THE THUMB

Chrysalïd Line Up:​
Emannuel Thorsen: Vocals
Fabricio Rocha: Lead Guitars
Ben Hurst: Rhythm Guitars
Jase Tyler: Keyboards
Wolf Deiuliis: Bass Guitars
Mark Harrison: Drums

More info: www.Rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/chrysalidheavymetal | https://instagram.com/chrysalidband

HELL WINTER Release Debut Album “Painting in Black”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 20, 2024
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HELL WINTER is a new Italian black metal project, created in early 2024 by Federico Romano (June 1974 band). “Painting in Black” album is his first album and contains 4 songs of pure norwegian black metal.

The album is avalaible in 3 formats:

  • Cd by SneeuwStorm Produkties
  • Tape by Depressive Illusions Records
  • Digital by Visionaire Records

Stream and buy the album at https://hellwinter.bandcamp.com/album/painting-in-black

CRUCIFIED BARBARA to Reunite on Stage for First Time in Ten Years

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 20, 2024
Posted in: News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo: Damon Zurawski

Nearly twenty years have passed since CRUCIFIED BARBARA released their debut album, and to celebrate the anniversary of the hard rock jewel In Distortion We Trust, Crucified Barbara will reunite on stage for the first time in ten years. The band’s reunion will debut at Sweden Rock Festival, taking place June 4-7, 2025.

From the release of their debut album In Distortion We Trust (2005) up until their split in 2016, Crucified Barbara became known as one of Sweden’s hardest-working hard rock bands, with countless touring miles across the globe. Whether playing in gritty rock clubs on four continents, under the spotlight of Melodifestivalen, or on numerous festival stages, they consistently showed how hard rock should be done.
Crucified Barbara is a band that has always walked its own path. A group unafraid of exploring both dark metal and heartfelt ballads, blending the soft and the heavy to create their own unique hard rock brew. Now, they’re back to once again deliver that brew live, in a celebration showcasing the best from their four albums: In Distortion We Trust (2005), ‘Til Death Do Us Party (2009), The Midnight Chase (2012), and In The Red (2014).

The band’s statement:
It’s been a while, to say the least! Our last gig was almost ten years ago. The break has been much needed for all of us, but… our love for our music, for each other, and for our audience has never faded during these years, and we’re incredibly excited to play together again. We’ve already had some magical moments in the rehearsal room and are amazed at how our music still lives within us, longing to be played. We can’t wait to perform it live for you all again!

Love!
/Ida, Klara, Mia, Nicki

SWIM THE CURRENT Release New Single ‘Stay’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 20, 2024
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The dynamic rock band Swim the Current is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, “Stay”, via TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. The powerful new track, co-produced by George Pond and David Caplinger, is now available for fans worldwide.

Bringing together an all-star lineup of rock talents, including vocalist Marcos Leal (formerly of Ill Niño), bassist George Pond (Disciples of Verity), guitarist Greg Antine, drummer Chris Moore (George Lynch, Ultraphonix, Rock of Ages), and lead guitarist Joe Gareri, “Stay” takes the band’s sound to new heights.

Vocalist Marcos Leal, shares his excitement:
“I’m freakin excited to bring you Swim The Current’s latest track off our upcoming album, ‘STAY.’ It will be our first step into the Country Rock Music Scene, and I couldn’t be happier taking this next step in my career with TLG ZOID/Virgin Music Group in our corner!”

“When I wrote ‘Stay’ with George and Sahaj Ticotin, we were talking about the crazy punch-drunk love we have all experienced throughout our lives. Sometimes the love you have for that person of your dreams will make you do some crazy things. Sometimes no choice is your choice, and the weight of moving on is too much to carry. In the end, letting go was the choice you should have made, but instead, you stayed.”

“Stay”perfectly merges the band’s rock and country influences creating a sound that resonates deeply with their fans.

STREAM “Stay” at https://ffm.to/stc-stay

Having played in numerous bands throughout the years, Guitarist Greg Antine came to a point in his career where he wanted to branch out and write songs that had more depth and were inspired by his personal life experiences. Having worked with Bassist George Pond for several years in previous projects including, Disciples Of Verity, Greg expressed his concept for Swim The Current to George in hopes of collaborating with him on this new music venture. The two began to flesh out ideas in George’s home studio and realized quickly that they were on to something special, but still needed something more to see their ideas through to complete their concepts. Greg was introduced to Joe Gareri, Guitar/Keyboards, by George during the Disciples Of Verity debut album recording sessions which Joe is also featured on as a guest artist. The three of them immediately hit it off and worked extremely well together. Greg and George realized that Joe’s cinematic writing style would be a perfect match for their concepts and Joe was then brought in as a full time member. After two songs were completed and demo’d in George’s studio utilizing programmed drums, it was suggested by their friend Allyson Song River Jaynes, that they reach out to her friend, drummer Chris Moore of Ultraphonix, Rock Of Ages, to see if he would be interested in working with the project. Upon hearing the strength of songwriting and musicianship of the band, Chris was all in and signed on as the fourth full time member of STC and now the band, from an instrument’s perspective, was complete.

The final missing piece for STC was a lead vocalist who could capture the sound they envisioned for their music. After working in the studio with a few different vocalists, George ultimately reached out to his friend Marcos Leal, of legendary international touring band Ill Nino. Marcos loved the music of STC as well as having the freedom and creativity of writing lyrics for the project. After recording their first song together with Marcos, “We Are Not The Same”, everyone new that this lineup was something special and Swim The Current was now complete! The release of “We Are Not The Same” took off instantly, and amassed thousands of streams, YouTube views and followers through a total organic DIY social media campaign.

Swim The Current’s sound is influenced and reminiscent of many of their favorite artists including, Deftones, Faith No More, Sevendust, POD, and Stabbing Westward. They continue to write new music and look forward to sharing their future releases with the world!

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