Since the release of their latest studio output Pieces (released in November 2023 via Drakkar Entertainment HERE!) a lot has happened in the camp of German metalcore act ESCAPE FROM WONDERLAND. With two new band members, Joshua on drums and bassist Kim, the band followed up their album release with an extensive festival tour. To mark the debut of their new-addition, recent live performances were captured on camera – for a final music video from the Pieces album cycle: The cover version of pop hit “Blinding Lights”, originally performed by The Weeknd, has been given a metalcore makeover for the hot summer days of this years festival season! Nobody can resist a good hook, so better check out the new ESCAPE FROM WONDERLAND video clip, now premiering below!
Says Lars (guitar/clean vocals):
“The two guys are bringing a whole new energy and influences to the band, that are really refreshing! We all have the feeling that with the new line-up, we are also starting a new era with Escape From Wonderland. The more I am pleased, that we were able to welcome them in a music video with the conclusion of our “Pieces” cycle and can now look into future in a completely new formation.”
Buzzing Los Angeles band The Scarlet Opera serve up a seismic and stunning new cover of the 1987 Belinda Carlisle classic “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” out now via Republic Records—listen HERE.
The group heightened anticipation for its arrival by sharing a series of popular teaser posts on social media. Their rabid fanbase instantly went wild over the snippets, leading to millions of views and thousands of pre-saves. “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” initially shined as a live favorite in The Scarlet Opera’s set. BelindaCarlisle caught wind of their rendition and immediately lent her stamp of approval. Moreover, original producer and co-writer Rick Nowels [Lana Del Rey, Stevie Nicks, Madonna] joined forces with the band and got behind the board for their vibrant and vital version. Now, The Scarlet Opera deliver an homage to the magic of “Heaven Is A Place On Earth,” while they also infused it with their own spunk, sass, and spirit.
On the song, The Scarlet Opera shares, “We thrive on sweeping epic gestures of romance, and truly no other decade was quite as melodramatic as the 80’s, so of course our first ever studio cover release would be exactly this. Besides, Belinda gave her blessing and Rick produced it so, duh.”
It lands in the wake of their recent Mirror, Mirror EPout now—listen HERE. In addition to gathering millions of streams, it earned critical acclaim. UNCLEAR MAGAZINE proclaimed, “The Scarlet Opera is here to change the way we listen to music, and their latestMirror, Mirror EP does just that.” The project boasted the fiery lead single “Catch Me If You Can.”Popdust dubbed it a “captivating, high energy track that kicks off their new era with a bang,” and The Honey Pop proclaimed, “It’s your dose of rock-and-roll combined with a mixture of badass lyricism, an intoxicating chorus, and a whole lot of infectious melodies.”
Not to mention, they recently wrapped their headliningCatch Me If You Can Tour. Speaking to their standout live performance, RIFF Magazine applauded, “A little bit Queen and a little bit Journey, the band had a cinematic sound with the flair of a Broadway show.” Pit Crew Media noted, “Between their iconic look, over-the-top stage-presence, and quality sound, The Scarlet Opera put on an incredible performance that left fans wanting more,” while The Concert Chronicles praised their live show as “a performance that was nothing short of electrifying.”
Last year, the band released their empowering single “That Kind Of Woman” and beloved debut ComedyEP, which features breakout songs “The Place To Be,” “Big City Thing,” “Alive,” and “Riot.” Amassing millions of streams to date, Comedy landed acclaim courtesy of Rolling Stone, Flaunt, LADYGUNN, Jezebel, Just Jared, Queerty, and more, with HITS Daily Double proclaiming, “The Scarlet Opera blends classic arena pomp rock, neon-bright ’80s pop and more than a dash of Broadway-style virtuosity into an infectious, gender-blending cocktail that its burgeoning fan base finds utterly intoxicating.” Not to mention, the band received a nomination for “Breakthrough Music Artist” at the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards.
Allow The Scarlet Opera to take you to “Heaven” now.
ABOUT THE SCARLET OPERA: Fusing the grandeur of the theatre with the raw energy of rock and roll, The Scarlet Opera – a five piece band hailing from Los Angeles – offers an escape into the throes of love, lust, glamour, and passion. Formed as ‘Perta’ in 2016 and reborn in 2022, The Scarlet Opera is led by lyricist and frontman Luka Bazulka, whose authentic narrative and vocal prowess are matched only by the musical talents of band members Colin Kenrick [keyboard], Daniel Zuker [bass], Justin Siegal [drums], and Chance Taylor [guitar]. The band’s origins are tied to one fateful night when Colin, upon witnessing Luka perform an inspiring solo vocal set, enlisted longtime friends and seasoned musicians Daniel, Chance, and Justin to provide a new dimension to what was already brimming with potential. Word of packed venues and a captivating live show soon drew the attention of SB Projects and Republic Records, who turned to hit songwriter and producer David Stewart [BTS, Jonas Brothers] to collaborate, inspire, and further ignite an already growing fire. During 2023, the group took flight with their debut ComedyEP uplifted to soaring heights by breakout singles “Alive” and “Riot.” In its wake, they made their late-night television debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden and launched a successful tour earmarked by one sold out gig after another, with Jezebel hailing their live show as “a spectacle of Queen-inspired proportions.” Along the way, they incited further critical praise from Rolling Stone, Flaunt, HITS Daily Double, Popdust, LADYGUNN, and The Honey Pop, who applauded them as “one of our favorite bands.” After receiving a nomination for “Breakthrough Music Artist” at the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards and headlining a tour across the country this past spring, The Scarlet Opera now level up again with the dramatic and dynamic Mirror, Mirror EP, including the singles “Catch Me If You Can” and “Someone’s Gotta Love ‘Em.”
The time has come, the clock strikes twelve and another era in the wonderful and literally fantastic history of NIGHTWISH has begun: Today, the Finnish Symphonic metal veterans release their new album Yesterwynde, a stunning journey through memory and monumental music. Known for heavy, orchestral, melodic and folk trademarks, the band’s tenth studio album is a dark chest of wonders that, once opened, pulls the listener into a magical world beyond time.
Tuomas Holopainen about the new album: “Yesterwynde is finally here and ready to open its cabinet of stories, timelessness & hope for you dear listener. We are infinitely grateful that we get to share this ocean and all of its islands with you all.”
For this release, NIGHTWISH also offers fans the chance to listen to Yesterwynde on Roblox! Roblox is an onlineimmersive platform boasting close to 80M daily active users globally. Nuclear Blast has partnered with four experiences RoBeats (music & rhythm), and RPGs Deepwoken, Dungeon Quest & World Zero, where users will be able to play the game while listening to the album from September 20th to September 22nd . Find out more here: https://nblast.de/nightwish-roblox
Together with the release, NIGHTWISH have dropped a music video for their song ‘Lanternlight’, an intense, quiet, reflective ballad touching themes of loss and mortality.
Tuomas on the video: “Lanternlight” was the first song written for the album and the natural finale of the Yesterwynde journey. A love song, reaching for the timeless; a music to immortalize the memories of those dearest to us.”
About NIGHTWISH Working with NUCLEAR BLAST since the release of their highly lauded 2004 album Once, NIGHTWISH have gained international fame and success selling more than ten million records and receiving more than 60 gold and platinum awards, having released six No #1 albums and thirteen No #1 singles. In October 2018, NIGHTWISH was inducted into the Tähtikatu – Walk of Fame Finland, becoming the honorary gallery’s eleventh member. 2020 saw the release of the band’s last studio record, Human. :II: Nature. that crowned the band’s discography with another No #1 success in Finland and Germany as well several other impressive chart entries worldwide.
Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated blues-rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd has just unveiled his latest album, Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 2, out now via Mascot/Provogue Records. This release marks the culmination of a creative journey that began with last year’s Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1, delivering a double-album experience that pushes the boundaries of modern blues-rock while staying true to its roots.
Highlighting the new album is the infectious single “Never Made It To Memphis” is a driving, soul-infused track that comes with a captivating lyric video. It tells a lighthearted tale of a man on a whirlwind pursuit of love across the States, full of twists and unexpected detours. Shepherd explains, “It’s a pursuit situation that never works out. Every turn the guy takes, nothing pans out exactly the way he thinks it’s going to. But in the end, he winds up with the girl, so everything is OK, regardless of all the wrong turns in the journey.”
Blending his blues-rock roots with an uptempo groove, Shepherd crafts a narrative that resonates with humor and soul. The song captures the spirit of classic rock ‘n’ roll, where every misstep leads to a new adventure. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of the journey, describing a “hellbent mission” with the protagonist as a “black sheep child raised on rock and roll.” Despite never quite reaching his intended destinations—whether it’s Memphis, Detroit, or Austin—he ultimately finds what he’s been chasing: “I never made it to Memphis, but girl, I made it to you.”
Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 2 serves as a continuation of the sonic exploration Shepherd embarked upon with Vol. 1, featuring songs written and crafted at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. This album is filled with standout tracks like the brooding “Long Way Down” and the introspective “My Guitar Is Crying,” showcasing the diverse moods and textures that define Shepherd’s sound.
Speaking about the two-part project, Shepherd notes, “These are two unique albums that stand on their own, but together, they make for such a compelling package. We had creative momentum on our side, so we just wanted to keep it rolling.”
The tracklist of Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 2 roars to life with the purposeful stomp of “I Got A Woman” and continues through a captivating blend of rock, blues, and soul, culminating in tracks like “Pressure” and the vibrant cover of ZZ Top’s “She Loves My Automobile.”
Dirt On My Diamonds Vol 2. 1. I Got A Woman 2. The Middle 3. My Guitar Is Crying 4. Long Way Down 5. Never Made It To Memphis 6. Watch You Go 7. Pressure 8. She Loves My Automobile
Kenny Wayne Shepherd continues his journey across the country with a packed tour schedule, including his participation in the Experience Hendrix Tour. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.kennywayneshepherd.net.
Sunday, September 22nd – Experience Hendrix – Reno, NV Wednesday, September 25th – Experience Hendrix – Santa Rosa, CA Thursday, September 26th – Experience Hendrix – Saratoga, CA Friday, September 27th – Experience Hendrix – Las Vegas, NV Saturday, September 28th – Experience Hendrix – Highland, CA Sunday, September 29th – Experience Hendrix – Tucson, AZ Tuesday, October 1st – Experience Hendrix – Anaheim, CA Thursday, October 3rd – Experience Hendrix – San Diego, CA Friday, October 4th – Experience Hendrix – Mesa, AZ Saturday, October 5th – Experience Hendrix – Albuquerque, NM Sunday, October 6th – Experience Hendrix – Colorado Springs, CO Wednesday, October 9th – Experience Hendrix – San Antonio, TX Thursday, October 10th – Experience Hendrix – Houston, TX Friday, October 11th – Experience Hendrix – Fort Worth, TX Saturday, October 12th – Experience Hendrix – Tulsa, OK Sunday, October 13th – Experience Hendrix – Shreveport, LA Tuesday, October 15th – Experience Hendrix – Nashville, TN Wednesday, October 16th – Experience Hendrix – Evans, GA Thursday, October 17th – Experience Hendrix – Clearwater, FL Friday, October 18th – Experience Hendrix – Pompano Beach, FL Saturday, October 19th – Experience Hendrix – St. Augustine, FL
German metalcore quartet Avralize, fronted by vocalist Severin Sailer, along with guitarist Philipp Tenberken, drummer Bastian Gölz, and bassist Valentin Noack, are back with their first new single following the success of their debut album FREAKS. The band, known for their fusion of artistic elegance, heavy deathcore elements, and futuristic soundscapes, have already amassed over 2.5 million streams on Spotify for FREAKS, cementing their status as rising stars in the metal scene.
The new single, titled ‘upside down’, is a powerful continuation of Avralize’s signature style, blending destructive breakdowns with captivating guitar riffs and infectious choruses. The track expands on the otherworldly journey the band initiated with FREAKS, using futuristic sounds and intense grooves that are impossible to resist.
FREAKS, recorded, mixed, and mastered by renowned producer Manuel Renner (Our Promise, Senna, and Consvmer), brought Avralize‘s unique sound to the forefront of the heavy music scene. Now, with ‘upside down’, Avralize promise to elevate their artistry even further, turning the world of deathcore on its head once again.
“Freaks is a record that’s sure to make people sit up and listen” – Distorted Sound
“they have shown an impressive amount of talent with this debut.” – GBHBL
“Freaks is an impressive debut that proves the talent of all band members.” – FUZE
Having shared the stage with scene heavyweights like Ghostkid, Novelists, Paleface and Of Virtue, the group quickly established a reputation for their energetic live show that turns their crowds into a giant party on a regular basis. Despite their relatively short time as a band since their formation, Avralize have already performed at established festivals like Southside, Hurricane and RockXplosion.
Catch AVRALIZE live on the following dates: 04/10/2024 – headCRASH – DE-Hamburg 05/10/2024 – BETA – DK-Copenhagen 06/10/2024 – John Dee – NO-Oslo 07/10/2024 – Nalen Klubb – SE-Stockholm 09/10/2024 – Kuudes Linja – FI-Helsinki 10/10/2024 – Paavli Kultuurivabrik – EE-Tallinn 11/10/2024 – Melnā Piektdiena – LV-Riga 13/10/2024 – Hydrozagadka – PL-Warsaw 15/10/2024 – Dürer Kert – HU-Budapest 16/10/2024 – B72 – AT-Vienna 17/10/2024 – Feierwerk (Kranhalle) – DE-Munich 18/10/2024 – Legend Club – IT-Millan 19/10/2024 – Klub Komplex – CH-Zurich 20/10/2024 – La Boule Noire – FR-Paris 22/10/2024 – Exchange – GB-Bristol 23/10/2024 – Devil’s Dog – GB-Birmingham 24/10/2024 – Deaf Institute – GB-Manchester 25/10/2024 – Key Club – GB-Leeds 26/10/2024 – Downstairs At The Dome – GB-London 27/10/2024 – Green Door Store – GB-Brighton 29/10/2024 – Botanique – BE-Brussels 30/10/2024 – Patronaat – NL-Haarlem 31/10/2024 – Cassiopeia – DE-Berlin 01/11/2024 – Das Bett – DE-Frankfurt
GLACIAL TOMB have released their sophomore album, Lightless Expanse, via Prosthetic Records. Accompanying the release, the Denver, CO sludge-corrupted death metal trio has also shared a music video for the title track, directed by Frank Guerra. Lightless Expanse‘s release coincides with GLACIAL TOMB‘s ongoing North American tour dates, with the band set to perform at Piranha Bar in Montreal, QC tonight – full dates and details below.
Speaking on the title-track, GLACIAL TOMB vocalist / guitarist Ben Hutcherson comments: “The Lightless Expanse is in many ways the counterpart to (previous single) Stygian Abattoir. It is sludgy and suffocating, a meditation on the futility of control and the serenity of nonexistence. I am particularly proud of this guitar solo, as it is the emotional apex of the song as well as the melodic capstone of the album itself. The resolution of the song, wherein we return to the opening motif, parallels the journey in the album’s lyrics. As the stars disappear from the skies above us, will we find peace in the inevitable silence of nothingness,in the knowledge that the otherwise- inescapable curse of suffering has ended? Or is that end an illusion as well? Does it ever truly end?”
Invigorated by new bass player David Small’s presence, the group meticulously crafted Lightless Expanse throughout 2021 and 2022. Founding members Ben Hutcherson and Michael Salazar (drums) embraced the new dynamic and fresh musical perspective Small brought to the band, with Hutcherson and Small’s work together in Khemmis no doubt fueling their creative alchemy.
The resulting album is an unflinching examination of the horrors of existence, captured with authenticity and meticulous attention to detail. The songs were produced and engineered by Hutcherson, with drums recorded at The Band Cave in Denver and everything else tracked at his home studio. In an era of hyper-quantized, soulless extreme music that prioritises perfection above all else, the trio rehearsed relentlessly throughout 2022 before they began tracking in Spring 2023. They enlisted the renowned mixing and mastering skills of Arthur Rizk to realise their collective vision for this record.
The narrative arc that runs through the nine blistering tracks juxtaposes everyday suffering with nigh-ineffable cosmic horror; mental illness, grief, social isolation, and a longing for meaning all take the form of celestial beings and deific machinations. Hutcherson’s lyrics are inspired by writers such as Thomas Ligotti, Philipp Mainländer, Peter Wessel Zapffe, and Alan Watts.
These bleak themes are wrapped up in a bruising package of dissonant death metal intensity, shot through with a flourish of black metal grandiosity. Whilst the aforementioned dedication to arranging things ‘just so’ gives a technical and cerebral edge to their sound, the choruses are laden with soaring melodic hooks, satisfying the most riff-hungry amongst us. GLACIAL TOMB refuses to fit neatly within the parameters of any one genre, and their sound is all the richer for it. Lightless Expanse is a multi-layered exploration of heavy metal in all its complex and cathartic glory.
Lightless Expanse Tracklist: 1. Stygian Abattoir 2. Voidwomb 3. Enshrined in Concrete 4. Abyssal Host 5. Sanctuary 6. Seraphic Mutilation 7. Worldsflesh 8. Wound of Existence 9. The Lightless Expanse
Upcoming GLACIAL TOMB live shows: September 20 – Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC September 21 – Palladium – Worcester, MA (New England Metal and Hardcore Fest) September 22 – The Lost Horizon – Syracuse, NY September 23 – Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA September 24 – Magoo’s – Bedford Park , IL September 25 – 1867 Bar – Lincoln, NE
December 7 – Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO (Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest)
GLACIAL TOMB is: Ben Hutcherson – Guitar/Vocals Mike Salazar – Drums David Small – Bass
Chief Shock Video
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
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Ads
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
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 