This Halloween, Cleopatra Records is thrilled to announce the signing of the legendary industrial band, MINISTRY, featuring key members Paul Barker and Al Jourgensen, for what is being declared the group’s FINAL studio album! And, as fans prepare to celebrate the spookiest season of the year, what better soundtrack than Ministry’s timeless anthem “Every Day Is Halloween”?
Brian Perera, President of Cleopatra Records, shared his excitement about the reunion:.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Ministry back home to Cleopatra. We’ve always taken great care of their classic Wax Trax! recordings, and now, as we reunite with Paul and Al, we’re ready to continue honoring and expanding their iconic legacy.”
Al says:
“Looking forward to how this new and FINAL Ministry record comes out. Turns out working with Paul is like riding a bike, you never forget how. Buckle up, this is going to be a good one
“It seems that everything has come full circle, with the re-inclusion of Paul for the FINAL record, it’s like wrapping a bow on a 40+ year career.”
And, from Paul:
“After a couple years apart, these new recording sessions started in our tried and true manner: we started going in opposite directions that circled around which inevitably forced us to meet in the middle, much like a particle accelerator!”
Ministry’s return to Cleopatra Records marks a new chapter for the band and their fans, with their highly anticipated last-ever album due in 2025. This release promises to capture the essence of Ministry’s groundbreaking sound while delivering fresh, innovative tracks that will resonate with both longtime followers and new listeners alike.
Stay tuned for more announcements and prepare to embrace the haunting sounds of Ministry this Halloween and beyond!
The relentless storm of Swedish black metal strikes once again. MÖRK GRYNING, undeterred by the passage of time, reveals their latest single Fasornas Tid from their eponymous upcoming album. It’s a declaration of war, a journey through the tumultuous realms of the human soul.
Bracing against the bitter winds of mediocrity, the purveyors of the most nefarious melodies, have once again defied expectations with this latest single. This track heralds a return to their roots, reminiscent of their seminal opus “Tusen år har gått…” yet drenched in the visceral immediacy of the present.
Fasornas Tid is a relentless onslaught of melodic harmonies intertwined with breakneck tempos. With it, MÖRK GRYNING refuse to bow to the whims of mainstream trends. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by the legendary Sverker Widgren at Wing Studios, this release bleeds authenticity from every riff and growled lyric.
The accompanying music video, crafted by the visionary Claudio Marino & produced by Artax Film, plunges you into the heart of darkness. A visual feast that complements the track’s apocalyptic themes, it’s a cinematic portrayal of inner turmoil, the eternal battle between light and darkness, and the insatiable call of self-destruction.
Fasornas Tid is out December 13th on Season of Mist.
Tracklist: 1. Intro (1:13) 2. The Seer (4:03) 3. Tornet (3:59) [LISTEN] 4. Fasornas Tid (3:34) [WATCH] 5. Before The Crows Have Their Feast (4:26) 6. Savage Messiah (4:37) 7. An Ancient Ancestor Of The Autumn Moon (4:11) 8. Black Angel (3:38) 9. Barren Paths (1:52) 10. The Serpent’s Kiss (4:19) 11. Det Svarta (3:19) 12. Age Of Fire (4:48) Total runtime: 44:04
Mörk Gryning was founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 1993 by Goth Gorgon and Draakh Kimera. Two years later they released their debut album “Tusen År Har Gått” (1995), recorded and mixed at Unisound Studios, by legendary producer Dan Swanö and released by No Fashion. The album is one of the milestones of the ‘90s Swedish Black Metal scene.
The group returned to action in November 1996, working at Sunlight Studios together with Tomas Skogsberg and Dismember’s Fred Estby to craft the “Return Fire” album. Over the following years, three more albums were released, for example “Maelstrom Chaos” with new guitarist Avathar, a scene veteran, recorded at the legendary Grieghallen Studios Bergen, Norway.
Ever since the debut album, “Tusen år har gått…”, Mörk Gryning has refused to follow in the footsteps of others and walked their own paths – something which is made very clear on the 2003 release “Pieces of Primal Expressionism”, an experimental and heavy progressive release recorded at Dug Out, produced by Daniel Bergstrand. After a couple of years of touring and festival performances, the band was put on hold.
Returning to the scene again in 2017, the band performed an exclusive live show in Stockholm playing all the songs from the debut album and some other songs from the back catalogue. This ended in releasing the 4-song live record called “Live at Kraken”. During the pandemic the comeback album “Hinsides Vrede” was released to much critical acclaim with many of the songs today being the backbone of their live shows. A new album is scheduled for release in 2024 and the band is more active than ever.
Line-up: DRAAKH KIMERA – Lead Vocals, Guitar GOTH GORGON – Bass, Backing vocals, Lead Vocals on “Det Svarta” S-L – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals C-G – Drums AEON – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Recording Studio: Wing Studios, Stockholm, Sweden
Production Credits: Produced by Sverker Widgren & Mörk Gryning Mixed & Mastered at Wing Studios, Stockholm by Sverker Widgren
Guest Musician: C of AVSLUT on “Tornet” & “An Ancient Ancestor Of The Autumn Moon”
Cinematic Black Metal project ERSHETU, founded in 2021 by conceptualist/lyricist Void (DMP) and composer Sacr, unveils a second glimpse into their upcoming album, “Yomi“.
Listen to the album’s third track, ‘Sekiryō‘, on DMP’s YouTube channel, below, and via Bandcamp.
”Sekiryō‘ merges the raw intensity of Black Metal with rich cinematic atmospheres. Opening with haunting ambient textures, the track explodes into fierce guitars, blast beats, and chilling vocals from Vindsval (BLUT AUS NORD, FORHIST). A serene midsection of ethereal soundscapes and melodic guitars offers a brief respite before a powerful, thunderous finale which showcases ERSHETU‘s distinctive fusion of contrasting styles.
Composer Sacr shares his thoughts on the creation and structure of ‘Sekiryō‘:
“‘Sekiryō‘ could have started with a long section played solely on the Koto (from 0:16 to 2:39), but in the end, I preferred to integrate guitars, bass, and drums because I felt it would have made the introduction too long. This opening passage is, for me, interesting because it gradually builds emotional intensity before releasing, like someone resisting death until they finally let go and free their soul. It leads to a sense of peace.
After that, the track maintains a certain slowness with different dark atmospheres, until the shift to a faster rhythm with a very Japanese-inspired melody.
Vindsval really unleashed his creativity on this track. His vocals are incredible! It’s like souls crying out, hoping for redemption. At least, that’s how it feels to me.“
Lead vocalist Vindsval adds:
“I took my time before agreeing to record all of “Yomi”s vocal parts, as Lars had done an incredible job on the first album, and stepping in for him was a particularly daunting task. Ultimately, I decided to approach the project in a radically different manner. I don’t possess his vocal abilities or mastery of singing, and attempting to imitate him would have been an absurd idea destined to fail. Instead, I worked as I do with BLUT AUS NORD, using my voice as an instrument in its own right. I never prioritize vocals in my mixes; rather, I treat them as an integral part of the arrangement that serves the compositions, and the atmosphere created by the music. This is evident in “Yomi” and in this second excerpt, where you can hear a blend of many distinct voices, ensuring that the composer’s intention remains intact.“
“Yomi” will be released on CD, vinyl – including exclusive DMP editions (CD/vinyl) – and digital via Debemur Morti on November 8th. A specifically designed t-shirt will accompany the launch. Pre-orders are available via the label’s EU, US and Bandcamp shop.
ERSHETU was founded in 2021 by conceptualist/lyricist Void and composer Sacr to create cinematic music that blends epic, obscure, and atmospheric Metal with the evocative dramatism of film scores. Each album examines the concept of ‘death’ as interpreted by different civilizations or religions.
The project’s 2023 debut, “Xibalba“, drew inspiration from Mayan folklore and sacred text the Popol Vuh, and featured the unmistakable vocals of Norway’s Lars Are Nedland (BORKNAGAR, SOLEFALD) plus bass/additional guitars by the enigmatic French artist Vindsval (BLUT AUS NORD, FORHIST).
ERSHETU‘s upcoming second work, “Yomi“, explores the death-lore of Japanese Shinto. The album features an expanded role for Vindsval – including lead vocals – and sees the band heading to deeper and darker territory.
Beyond Unbroken have announced their upcoming sophomore album Destruction is now available for pre-order from FiXT. Beyond Unbroken’s latest offering is a bold, genre-defying album that highlights the band’s versatility and creative prowess. The album releases on November 15.
Beyond Unbroken’s latest effort is poised to be their most diverse and ambitious work yet, featuring a dynamic mix of rock, metal, alternative, and pop punk influences and features a contribution from enigmatic rap vocalist Whitney Peyton. The album’s lead-up has been marked by a string of powerful singles, each showcasing the band’s ability to traverse and innovate across multiple genres. Destruction takes inspiration from everything from the TV show YOU, horror movies, life experiences, old-school digital Gameboy lead sounds inspired by video games like Pokémon and Donkey Kong, incorporating real finger snaps, a nod to Michael Jackson’s iconic use of the technique in “Oceans” to Hans Zimmer’s work on Interstellar for “Lost and Broken.”
As Destruction looms on the horizon, Beyond Unbroken continues to explore the human experience through their unique blend of genres. “Oceans” is a unique departure from their typical heavy sound, fusing elements of pop with alternative rock. “The Madness” a brutal hard rock deep dive into the dark recesses of our own mind and the demons we find there. “Lost and Broken” melds the intense energy of metalcore with the raw power of hard rock, infusing cyberpunk with doom metal elements. Switching gears and returning to their pop-punk roots, Beyond Unbroken’s “My Life” is a track brimming with hope and renewal. “Halo” features the rap vocal talents of Whitney Peyton, covering the narrative of a toxic love-hate relationship and featuring rap and trap elements alongside a soulful pop chorus.
As Beyond Unbroken continues to explore the human experience and push the boundaries of metal and rock, Destruction is shaping up to be an album that showcases their extreme versatility in production whether it be a chilled-out single or over top brutality. From brutal metal and rock to alternative and pop, this album promises to be a thrilling ride for fans and newcomers alike. This is Beyond Unbroken at their most intense and versatile yet.
Releasing with the pre-order announcement is their powerful new single “Halo” (feat. Whitney Peyton), a track that fuses alternative rock with rap and trap influences, creating an emotional journey through the highs and lows of toxic love. Featuring guest rapper Whitney Peyton, “Halo” is a deeply personal song that explores betrayal, heartbreak, and the complex emotions surrounding relationships.“With “Halo,” Beyond Unbroken incorporated rap and trap elements while maintaining a strong, soulful pop chorus to enhance the song’s vibe and story. Featuring guest rapper Whitney Peyton, who brought great energy and immediately understood the vision, her lyrical flow further enriched the narrative. Monte Money, my brother, did a tremendous job on the first verse rap flow, laying down a path that perfectly matched the song’s energy and bringing depth to the lyrics. I’m really proud of him and had a lot of fun working on this track together. “Halo” is a fantastic addition to the album, exploring the complexities of a toxic love-hate relationship, from the highs of being with the love of your life to the lows of betrayal and backstabbing, and the painful emotions that follow. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out,” Michael Money explains.
In a world of boundaries Beyond Unbroken refuses to be defined by one genre. Founded by former Escape The Fate members, brothers Monte and Michael Money, the band habitually crosses the lines, mixing genres the way an artist mixes paint with results that often defy expectation. They released their first single “Under Your Skin” in 2015 and debuted their first independent EP Don’t Wake The Dead in 2017 with producer Matt Good of From First To Last. The EP was well received with the animated video “Overdose” earning millions of views upon release. Their first debut album, Running Out of Time, followed in 2020 with singles earning millions of streams and premiering on Alt Press.
On April 29, 2020, the band covered Lil Peep and Twenty One Pilots mashup, “Falling Down + Heathens” and it remains the band’s most streamed track to this day. In 2021 the band released a one-off single “With Or Without Me” on the FiXT Radium Compilation which eventually led to the band signing with the label in 2023.
To celebrate their first European headline tour which started with a sold-out show on October 3 in Leipzig, Germany, Swedish metal band ELEINE unveil the official video for ‘Never Forget.’ The song is taken from their acclaimed fourth studio album “We Shall Remain” (2023).
“After the latest album “We Shall Remain” was released and we have been touring, it became clear to us that we wanted a proper music video for the song ‘Never Forget’ that is a powerhouse itself. We are celebrating 10 years as a band this year, and we have just started our first own headliner tour that is going better than our expectations – so why not celebrate this with an epic music video in the spirit of ELEINE? We hope our fans enjoy it and feel the empowerment we want to bring with this song!” comment frontwoman Madeleine Liljestam and guitarist/vocalist Rikard Ekberg.
ELEINE live:
“We Shall Remain”Tour 2024, remaining shows Special Guests: IGNEA 10.10.2024 UK Birmingham – The Asylum *SELLING FAST* 11.10.2024 UK Glasgow – Ivory Blacks 12.10.2024 UK London – The Dome *LOW TICKETS* 13.10.2024 UK Manchester – Rebellion *SELLING FAST* 15.10.2024 BE Kortrijk – DVG Club 16.10.2024 NL Ede – Astrant *SOLD OUT* 17.10.2024 NL Drachten – Iduna 18.10.2024 CH Münchenstein – Rockfact 19.10.2024 CH Rorschach – Treppenhaus 20.10.2024 CH Monthey – Pont Rouge *SELLING FAST*
Order “We Shall Remain” in your preferred physical format [CD-digipak or coloured vinyl], stream it or get the album digitally now, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpQQZYViuZM
Get ready for a sonic onslaught! Portuguese long-running Symphonic Death Metallers GODIVA are set to bring the thunder with their brand-new UK tour, “Damnation Over UK.” They’re bringing along the fierce and relentless Voodoo as main support, with electrifying opening acts Metasoma, Helestios and Carniwhore. This is the metal tour you do NOT want to miss!
TOUR DATES
15/11 – Southampton – Suburbia
16/11 – Liverpool – Zanzibar
17/11 – Bradford – Nightrain
18/11 – London – Fiddler’s Elbow
19/11 – Birmingham – The Flappers
20/11 – Nottingham – Ye Olde Salutation Inn
21/11 – Derby – The Victoria Inn
22/11 – Manchester – The Peer Hat
23/11 – Corby – The Steel Bar Venue
24/11 – Oxford – The Bullingdon
Expect heavy riffs, brutal energy, and a night of pure metal chaos! Secure your tickets now and join us in raising hell across the UK! \m/
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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