The entire universe darkens as UK occult metal band CRIMSON VEIL conjure their debut album “HEX”, released yesterday, September 20th, through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) (vinyl edition to be released on January 10, 2025).Highly anticipated by the press and music aficionados, the release conjures a brooding visual aesthetic and a musical style that defies conventional metal boundaries, engulfing the senses completely.
The title and opening track ‘Hex’ draws listeners straight into their maelstrom of sounds with its swirling synth/bass intro, kicking off a five and a half minute ride through an emotional world of captivating drum patterns, celestial and brutal vocals, topped by bittersweet, seducing leads. In celebration of the “HEX” release, the official title track music video, which is another prove of CRIMSON VEIL‘s sophisticated approach to art, has been launched on YouTube simultaneously.
The band predict, “‘Hex’ is a complex song of many parts, growing from a gentle eerie mystery into a terrifying climax with no way out. The listener is at first intrigued by the beauty but then unable to turn away as the music reaches its violent conclusion.”
Canadian blues, soul, and rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Marcus Trummer is pleased to announce his new single “Hard Time,” released Friday 20th September. The single is available on all streaming platforms HERE.
“Hard Time” is the third single taken from Trummer’s highly anticipated studio album From The Start. The album, released by Gypsy Soul Records on Friday 15th November 2024, is available to pre-order on vinyl and CD HERE.
“Hard Time is about the fact that love is ultimately what matters and is what we need to be aimed at spreading,” says Trummer.
“Our world is truly a crazy and chaotic place, with what feels like endless division, conflict, and tragedy. With all the pain and suffering out there, I believe love is the only answer. It can be easy to forget when you’re caught up in the daily grind of it all, but it truly is everything and I try to keep that in mind.”
Produced and mixed by The Commoners’ guitarist Ross Hayes Citrullo and Renan Yildizdogan (Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Bywater Call, The Commoners), From the Start features Silas Trummer (drums) and Stacey Shopsowitz (bass).
The album also features contributions from two members of the Commoners, who made a significant impact in the UK and Europe this year: Miles Evans-Branagh (keys and piano), and Adam Cannon (drums). Additionally, the album features two-time Juno nominee, Canadian soul sensationSamantha Martin & Delta Sugar’shorn section, with Tom Moffett (trumpet) and Andrew Moljgun (saxophone). The soulful background vocals are provided by Gypsy Soul recording artist Nicky Lawrence.
From The Start is Marcus Trummer’s debut record. A young blood with an old soul, Trummer marries modern sensibilities with tradition in his distinctive style that encompasses blues, soul, and rock. Dubbed “a precocious guitarist whose vocals possess a wise-beyond-his-years weariness,” by the Calgary Herald, the Calgary-born artist is already earning critical acclaim and recognition.
In September 2019, Trummer was the recipient of the “Prophets of Music Emerging Artist Award” at Calgary’s YYC Music Awards. In 2022, he won “Blues Recording of the Year” at Calgary’s YYC Music Awards.
In 2022, Trummer received a nomination for “New Artist of the Year” at the Maple Blues Awardsin Toronto. The following year, he travelled to Colorado to perform as a finalist in the 2023 Telluride Blues Challenge, which he would go on to win.
Trummer’s music draws inspiration from the timeless sounds of the 60s and 70s. With his warm and emotive vocals, Trummer pays respect to classic soul singers like Bill Withers and Al Green.
His expressive guitar work channels the impassioned approach of players like B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix. Packed with raw emotion and honesty, Trummer’s songwriting is not to be overlooked. His thoughtful lyrics examine universal subjects of love and coming of age, unpacking experiences that resonate with all listeners.
ALBUM TRACK LISTING
1. Holding Out For You (3:38) 2. Let You Down (3:30) 3. Hard Time (3:44) 4. Waiting For Change (4:28) 5. The Only Thing (4:24) 6. From The Start (4:53) 7. Break My Fall (5:07) 8. Not The Same (4:31) 9. Ready To Go (5:01) 10. Let The Devil Win (4:11)
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Marcus Trummer – Guitars and Vocals Silas Trummer – Drums Stacey Shopsowitz – Bass Miles Evans-Branagh – Organ and Piano Nicky Lawrence – Background Vocals Tom Moffett – Trumpet Andrew Moljgun – Saxophone
All songs written by Marcus Trummer Produced and mixed by Renan Yildizdogan and Ross Hayes Citrullo Recorded at RHC Music, Toronto, Canada Horn arrangements by Andrew Moljgun Mastered by Connor Salmoral
Album Photography by Heather Saitz Album Design by Natasha Macdonald
MARCUS TRUMMER – ALBUM TRACK BY TRACK 1. Holding Out For You This is a song about “the one that got away,” so to speak. It’s a reflection on a past relationship that didn’t work out, and that sliver of hope that someday circumstances might change, and it would work out.
2. Let You Down Simply put, this song articulates an assurance of commitment to a relationship. Although written from the perspective of a romantic relationship, I hope listeners can also interpret the lyrics as a statement of my dedication to them. I take the relationships in my life seriously, and that includes the relationships with the people who support my music.
3. Hard Time This one is about the fact that love is ultimately what matters and is what we need to be aimed at spreading. Our world is truly a crazy and chaotic place, with what feels like endless division, conflict, and tragedy. With all the pain and suffering out there, I believe love is the only answer. It can be easy to forget when you’re caught up in the daily grind of it all, but it truly is everything and I try to keep that in mind.
4. Waiting For Change I wrote this song after feeling powerless to change things going on in society and in politics that I felt weren’t right. It’s a message of empowerment that serves as a reminder to me and others that you don’t have to be complacent with the direction culture is going in. Life is too short to waste time being afraid to stand up for what we believe in.
5. The Only Thing I lean on my classic blues influences more for this song than any other on the record. It’s a slow blues and is a nod to one of my biggest blues heroes B.B. King.
6. From The Start This song is about looking back as a relationship is failing and realizing how it clearly wasn’t meant to be from the start. They say hindsight is 20/20 and that can be so true, especially in a romantic context where your feelings in the beginning can taint your perspective of reality.
7. Break My Fall This is a song about struggling with loneliness while taking a unique path in life. Being an up-and-coming musician can feel isolating at times, it’s a lot of work and a lot of being misunderstood. I think it’s the combination of being busy, traveling a lot, and not having a conventional experience that’s relatable to others that causes this. I wouldn’t trade my life for anyone else’s, but it does come with some challenges.
8. Not The Same This song speaks to the process of growth and how it can be hard to shed your past identity as you evolve. This is especially the case when others don’t recognize your change immediately and still view you as your past self. Sometimes you need to make it clear that you are not the same.
9. Ready To Go This is about falling out of love with the place I grew up in after watching it become something I no longer liked. It was born out of some dark times I experienced personally where I was going through a lot of changes, and I had become disenchanted with my community. At the time, I was pretty hopeless and lost. It felt like the world as I knew it would never be the same.
10. Let The Devil Win This song is somewhat of a response to the previous one. It’s a call to action to anyone who feels things are headed in the wrong direction. Ultimately, being overcome by sadness with what’s going on is not the answer. The only way forward is to find it in you to fight for what is right and strive to be a force for good in the world, despite the resistance you may encounter.
BMG, in partnership with Rhino Entertainment, announces the release of ‘Out Of The Cellar’ 40th Anniversary, celebrating RATT’s massively successful first studio album with Limited Edition versions which include an UNRELEASED TRACK recorded during the 1983 Out of the Cellar sessions.
Formed in Los Angeles, RATT was featured as an unsigned act on Uncle Joe Benson’s Local Licks Drive Time Show on KLOS-FM. This was their first time on radio and led to their signing to Atlantic Records.
Featuring the classic line up of Stephen Pearcy (vocals), Warren DeMartini (guitars), Robbin Crosby (guitars), Juan Croucier (bass/vocals), and Bobby Blotzer (drums), RATT exploded on to the national scene in 1984 with the release of ‘Out Of The Cellar.’
Featuring an undeniable hook and legendary music video, the lead single “Round And Round” hit #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, while ‘Out Of The Cellar’ reached #7 on the Billboard Top 200 and was certified triple platinum. Two more charting singles followed with “Back For More” and “Wanted Man”.
Out of the Cellar became a huge success, and after the album was released, the band went on a world tour, selling out stadiums and arenas worldwide and sharing a stage with acts such as Ozzy Osborne, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, Twisted Sister and more.
This Limited Edition of Out Of The Cellar is being released in red and black splatter vinyl with a lenticular cover and an additional neon orange 7” with the unreleased track ‘Reach for the Sky’, as well as a Limited Edition CD format with lenticular cover and unreleased track.
Out Of The Cellar Tracklisting: 1. Wanted Man (Cristofanilli/Crosby/Pearcy) 2. You’re In Trouble (DeMartini/Pearcy/Crosby) 3. Round And Round (DeMartini/Pearcy/Crosby) 4. In Your Direction (Pearcy) 5. She Wants Money (Croucier) 6. Lack Of Communication (Croucier/Pearcy) 7. Back For More (Pearcy/Crosby) 8. The Morning After (DeMartini/Pearcy/Crosby) 9. I’m Insane (Crosby) 10. Scene Of The Crime (Crosby/Croucier) 11. BONUS TRACK: Reach for the Sky (Crosby/Pearcy/Torien)
Also available are brand new Limited Edition color vinyl versions of the albums Reach for the Sky, Invasion Of Your Privacy, Detonator and Dancing Undercover.
Hellenic melodic metal heroes INNERWISH unveil their exciting new single featuring BLIND GUARDIAN front-man Hansi Kürsch. Entitled ‘Sea Of Lies’ is the first taste from the band’s upcoming album “Ash Of Eternal Flame,” which is set to hit stores worldwide on November 8, 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).
“It wasn’t the ‘Hansi song’ in the beginning but there actually was no way around! And how couldn’t it become that since Hansi Kürsch blessed it with his voice! We love 6/8-time songs, they come totally naturally out of us and this one might be our best one to date! Lyric-wise, it’s about one of our times’ biggest problems: immigration. The story’s told from the perspective of a child, leaving home and warmth for an unknown destination and a probably dark future. The obstacles, the images, the thoughts – they’re all shown through the child’s eyes and mind. Sometimes people overlook this situation perhaps believing that it doesn’t affect them or it’s far from their future. But is it after all? Who’s next in line? Children are the future. They all deserve the world. Nothing less!” state the group.
Drummer Franki Samoilis adds, “I’ve been a HUGE BLIND GUARDIAN fan since my teenage years, and so is our singer George. Having Hansi Kürsch lend his voice to one of our songs was a childhood dream come true. Thanks to my best friend, Sakis Fragos from Rock Hard Greece, we were able to make it happen. When Hansi sent us his recordings, it was a surreal moment – I was moved to tears. That voice, that presence…we are beyond honoured to have him on our album.”
“Ash Of Eternal Flame” can be pre-ordered physically [ltd. CD-digipak or ltd. coloured vinyl], pre-saved on your favourite digital service provider (DSP), or pre-orderd digitally to receive ‘Sea Of Lies [feat. Hansi Kürsch]‘ instantly, here: https://innerwish.rpm.link/aoefPR
The album “Ash Of Eternal Flame” features two distinct cover designs by Giannis Nakos of Remedy Art Design (known for his work with AMARANTHE, KAMELOT, ARION, and more). The blue version is used for both the CD and digital formats, while the red version is reserved for the vinyl edition. The album includes twelve tracks (including a bonus cover version for physical formats), recorded at LoNe and Devasoundz Studios in Athens, Greece under the guidance of producer Fotis Benardo. Mixing and mastering were handled by award-winning engineer Henrik Udd, who has worked with acts like HAMMERFALL, POWERWOLF, and SEPTICFLESH.
With a diverse range of lyrical themes — spanning social and global issues, personal struggles, mythology, and even fantasy — INNERWISH are poised to shine brighter than ever with “Ash Of Eternal Flame.” Musically, the album cements their legacy as a formidable force in the melodic metal scene.
“Ash Of Eternal Flame” – Track Listing:
01. Forevermore 02. Sea Of Lies 03. Higher 04. Soul Asunder 05. Primal Scream 06. Ash Of Eternal Flame 07. Cretan Warriors 08. The Hands Of Doom 09. Once Again 10. I Walk Alone 11. Breathe Bonus Track (physical only): 12. Send Me An Angel [BLACKFOOT Cover]
INNERWISH stand for melodic and melancholic heavy metal, played in a powerful and dynamic way. Their story began in Athens in 1995, and in their almost 30 years of existence they didn’t only manage to be one of the most important metal bands from Greece, but also to establish themselves as a much-respected band in the European metal scene.
Heavy new Swiss band Vicious Rain have unveiled their latest single, ‘Hysteria’ ft Half Me, which is taken from their highly anticipated debut album, There Is Beauty In Letting Go out on 11th October via Arising Empire.
Fronted by vocalist David Häusermann, guitarist and vocalist Mauro Gugerli, guitarist Tristan Meier, bassist Loris De Notaristefano and drummer Michael Teufelberger, Vicious Rain continue to carve their mark on the alternative music scene.
Each new single from the band marks a significant step in their ascent within the music industry. ‘Hysteria’, delves into the tumultuous chaos and emotional upheaval of a relationship where two people are passionately in love yet painfully aware of their incompatibility. With its raw energy and heartfelt lyrics, ‘Hysteria’ captures the intensity of confronting difficult truths and the emotional whirlwind that accompanies the decision to part ways. It beautifully illustrates how love, even when it leads to separation, forges an unbreakable connection between those involved, leaving a lasting impact that resonates long after the final note.
Formed in late 2022, Vicious Rain are an alternative metalcore band from Baden, Switzerland. The group combine intertwined singing/screaming vocals with anthemic singalongs, screaming melodic leads and crushing breakdowns, as they embrace everything from the heavy side of the genre all the way to the more intimate melodies. The band‘s spirit is marked by their shared belief in the importance of solidarity, and the role of the individual accomplishment of a common vision. Lyrically, the Swiss quintet wholeheartedly express their stance on personal matters, while highlighting their belief that self-reflection is the key to growth.
Live: 27.-28.09. Mettlerfield Festival 10.10. CH Luzern @ Musikzentrum Sedel /w The Narrator 11.10. CH Baden @Werkk /w The Narrator – Album Release Show Tickets
Vicious Rain are:
David Häusermann | Vocals Mauro Gugerli | Guitar & Vocals Tristan Meier | Guitar Loris De Notaristefano | Bass Michael Teufelberger | Drums
Southampton, UK power metal band BATTLE BORN has today shared a new single, Magic and Steel, with an accompanying music video ahead of their forthcoming UK tour in October in support of Tailgunner – full dates and details below. Magic and Steel is a previously unreleased track recorded during the sessions for their 2023 debut full-length, Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel, with the visual directed by Dean Addison in BATTLE BORN‘s hometown venue Heartbreakers Bar.
Speaking on the single release, BATTLE BORN comments: “Magic and Steel embodies BATTLE BORN‘s devotion to balls-to-the-wall, high octane, speed metal. It’s an apocalyptic ride of pure adrenaline that will make your lungs bleed fire. Ready or not, you’re all gonna die.”
Of the tour, the band adds: “Magic and Steel also drops less than a month before we hit the road for a UK run alongside fellow new blood Tailgunner! With two of heavy metal’s most exciting new acts on one bill, this an unmissable lineup for any metal fan, guaranteed to bring unlimited energy and pure steel.”
Melding the tradition of full-speed traditional 80s metal with high energy European inspired power metal, the UK Skyrim-themed power metal band’s latest single was recorded in 2023 by Kurt Fagan at The Ranch Production House and mixed & mastered by Orden Ogan’s Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann at Greenman Studios.
Upcoming BATTLE BORN tour dates:
w/ Tailgunner15 October – Bannermans – Edinburgh, UK 16 October – KK’s Steel Mill – Wolverhampton, UK 17 October – Rebellion – Manchester, UK 18 October – The Underworld – London, UK 19 October – The Joiners – Southampton, UK
BATTLE BORN is: Jack Reynolds – vocals Will Kerr – guitars, keyboards Tom O’Dell – guitars, vocals Charles Lamacraft-Perrett – drums, vocals Matt Hudson – bass
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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
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! 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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