Don’t Break The Oath, the second studio album by Danish heavy metal icons, MERCYFUL FATE, will see a special vinyl repress on Metal Blade Records on November 1st. Initially issued in 1984 through Roadrunner Records, the Metal Blade edition celebrates the ground-breaking record’s 40th anniversary!
Comments Metal Blade founder and CEO, Brian Slagel, “We’re here to celebrate the anniversary of one of the most legendary albums of all-time: MERCYFUL FATE’s Don’t Break The Oath. At Metal Blade, we’re extremely honored and happy to be repressing the album on vinyl and the band will be celebrating the anniversary by releasing a whole bunch of really cool merch. So, check it out, go get the repressing, and enjoy and celebrate the 40th anniversary of Don’t Break the Oath!“
Adds Nuclear Blast Records head of A&R and former VP of A&R at Roadrunner Records, Monte Conner, “How do you follow up Melissa, one of the greatest metal debuts of all time? An album that features a song called ‘Satan’s Fall,’ that contains enough riffs for any other metal band to have written an entire album from. You follow it up by doing it again a mere year later with Don’t Break The Oath, featuring even better production, and songs that are even more fleshed out and have more meat on the bone. Tracks like ‘Gypsy,’ ‘The Oath,’ and ‘Come To The Sabbath’ are metal classics for the ages, but honestly I could add the other six songs on the album to that list. Every track is an undeniable classic for the ages. They just don’t make albums like this anymore! Having later worked at Roadrunner Records, the label that released this album in 1984, I am thrilled to see it reaching a whole new generation of metalheads 40 years later, and what better label to do the honors than the mighty Metal Blade.”
The 40th anniversary edition of MERCYFUL FATE‘s Don’t Break The Oath will see release on special Ruby Red vinyl.
Don’t Break The Oath Track Listing: Side A: 1. A Dangerous Meeting 2. Nightmare 3. Desecration Of Souls 4. Night Of The Unborn Side B: 1. The Oath 2. Gypsy 3. Welcome Princess Of Hell 4. To One Far Away 5. Come To The Sabbath
MERCYFUL FATE: King Diamond – vocals, keyboard, harpsichord Hank Shermann – guitars Michael Denner – guitars Timi Hansen – bass Kim Ruzz – drums
Legendary musician Marko Hietala is back with a mesmerizing new single, ‘Frankenstein’s Wife,’ a tragic love song that blends dark humor with haunting melodies. Released today, this rock hymn is a journey into the gothic world of a mad scientist’s desperate attempt to reanimate the love of his life.
With its Tim Burton-like gothic qualities, ‘Frankenstein’s Wife’ is both eerie and enchanting. The song showcases Marko’s signature storytelling, combining a great guitar riff and haunting keyboards that build into a chorus you can’t help but sing along to.
Marko Hietala comments: “I like to write my romance mixed with insanity and splatter. What it tells about me is anyone’s guess, but it sure is a classic combo for legends. Hope you like the song too!”
Producer and guitarist Tuomas Wäinölä adds:“Production-wise ”Frank” includes some personal favorite moments catching the vibe of the great Alice Cooper albums “Trash” and “Hey Stoopid”. I love that theatrical arena rock sound with broad tempos, big guitar riffs and synths and some gang backing vocals.”
The music video, premiering alongside the single, brings this darkly romantic tale to life in a visually stunning way, adding layers of depth to an already unforgettable song.
In September, Marko Hietala will join TARJA on European tour and fans will have the chance to see those two iconic voices reunited on stage once again. Both acts will play their own sets and will also join together for some songs. Don´t miss out on that!
MARKO HIETALA & TARJA: 08.09. DE Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt 09.09. DE Bremen – Aladin Music Hall 10.09. DE Saarbrücken – Garage 12.09. DE Leipzig – Hellraiser 13.09. DE Hamburg – Grünspan 14.09. DE Herford – Kulturwerk 16.09. NL Groningen – De Oosterpoor 17.09. NL Utrecht – Tivoli Vredenburg (Ronda) 18.09. DE Bochum – Matrix 20.09. DE Ulm – Roxy 21.09. DE Obertraubling – Eventhall Airport 23.09. DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 24.09. DE München – Backstage 25.09. CH Pratteln – Z7
Metallica have released a brand-new music video for “(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth.” It’s an impressive tribute to their bassist Cliff Burton, who passed away in 1986. In the video, you can see previously unreleased photos of Cliff, taken between 1985 and 1986 in Detroit and Chicago. The photos were taken by photographer Russ Marino, who had originally used some of these shots for magazines.
The video is also a reminder of just how incredibly good Cliff Burton’s bass solo in “(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth” is. Anyone who’s heard it knows that Cliff’s unique style forever changed the metal world. The video was edited by Clark Eddy, who has worked on many Metallica projects, and it captures some of the most intense moments and impressive portraits of Cliff. You can watch the video right here and relive the memories.
If you want to dive deeper into Cliff Burton’s life and legacy, be sure to check out the “Metallica Black Box” on their website. There, you’ll find the exhibit “Orion: A Tribute to Cliff Burton”, which features not only photos but also videos and exclusive interviews. It’s a great way to connect with Cliff and his music on a deeper level.
Polish extreme metal giants, the mighty BEHEMOTH, have announced the release of their monumental anniversary concert XXX Years Ov Blasphemy which originally streamed online in 2021. The career-spanning show, held at and filmed on three different locations, has a total running time of 90 minutes, divided into three different acts. This very special set features fan favourites as well as a few selected deep cuts that BEHEMOTH had rarely played live before.
For this event BEHEMOTH went all-in and took the concept of streaming shows during the pandemic to a whole new level, with a full production, incredibly detailed stage set-ups, breathtaking photography and a high-end sound recording.
Way too good to only be seen or heard once, XXX Years Ov Blasphemy will now be officially released on October 25th, as 3CD + BluRay, 3LP and Digital Album.
As an appetizer, you can now watch the live video for the song ‘Cursed Angel Of Doom‘ which originally appeared on BEHEMOTH‘s first demo, Endless Damnation,back in 1992.
NERGAL commented: “This project encompasses the Behemoth mantra – Connecting the ancients with the modern era by building a bridge through each decade. Join us in this celebration of black metal and unholy worship, as we continue to outlive Jesus Christ himself! We are delighted to put the spotlight on ‘Cursed Angel of Doom’, the track that started it all. It signifies the beginning of an incredibly inspiring artistic journey that changed our lives forever. Legions – we hope you enjoy”
BEHEMOTH – XXX Years Ov Blasphemy Tracklist ACT 1 1 Chant of the Eastern Lands 2 Lasy Pomorza 3 Summoning (Of the Ancient Ones) 4 Blackvisions of the Almighty 5 Cursed Angel of Doom 6 Pure Evil and Hate ACT 2 1 The Thousand Plagues I Witness 2 Decade Ov Therion 3 Christians to the Lions 4 44 (The Youth Manifesto) 5 Heru Ra Ha: Let There Be Might 6 Chant for Ezkaton 2000 ACT 3 1 Demigod 2 At The Left Hand Ov God 3 Alas, Lord Is Upon Me 4 Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer 5 Rom 5:8 6 O Father O Satan O Sun!
Progressive death metal duo ENTHEOS, who recently wrapped up a successful month-long tour supporting As I Lay Dying, has unveiled their video for “A Thousand Days.” The fiery new hymn comes by way of the band’s forthcoming EP, An End To Everything, slated to drop on October 25th through Metal Blade Records.
Comments vocalist Chaney Crabb, “Lyrically, ‘A Thousand Days’ is a song about feeling as if you’re on the edge of life and death. In writing ‘A Thousand Days,’ we wanted to focus on a more ‘mellow’ death metal vibe and simultaneously incorporate some elements of grunge and pitched screaming in the chorus.“
Watch below ENTHEOS‘ “A Thousand Days” video, directed by My Good Eye Visuals.
Watch the band’s previously released video for “An End To Everything” HERE, “Life In Slow Motion” HERE, and “All For Nothing” video HERE.
Merging elements culled from numerous genres including death metal, groove, grunge, electronica, slam, gothic rock, jazz, and prog and pushing progressive death metal in ever more imaginative directions, ENTHEOS continues to expand their sound with each new release.
“An End To Everything’s title and lyrics are significant on a personal level and depict an era in my life that ended with the death of a close friend because of addiction,” notes Crabb. “This person had thrived in life against many odds, but ultimately succumbed as a result of their own poor decisions. An End To Everything’ is about the nature of the darkness of life and the human experience.” ENTHEOS‘ An End To Everything EP was mixed and mastered by Mark Lewis (The Black Dahlia Murder, Fallujah, Whitechapel) and features artwork by Zac Shiffer (Nine Inch Nails, Behemoth, Soundgarden).
An End To Everything Track Listing: 01. An End to Everything 02. All for Nothing 03. Life in Slow Motion 04. A Thousand Days 05. Return to Me 06. Absolute Zero (Live in Nashville) * 07. In Purgatory (Live in Nashville) * 08. I Am the Void (Live in Nashville) * * Vinyl Only Track
Melodic synth-metal masters DELAIN are set to break new ground with their upcoming EP, Dance with the Devil, set to be released on November 8, 2024 via Napalm Records! Following the success of their latest full-length opus, Dark Waters (2023) – which debuted at #9 on both the US Hard Music Albums chart and the Official German Album Charts – this EP promises to showcase the best of DELAIN’s discography while striding ahead into a future that promises to explore new, more synth-driven soundscapes than ever before.
Today, DELAIN introduce the first offering off the upcoming EP by releasing its title track, “Dance with the Devil” together with a visually captivating music video. With very personal lyrics, catchy electronic synths and powerful contrasting growls, the five-piece underlies its melodic signature sound and presents a future fan favorite without a shadow of a doubt!
Martijn Westerholt on the song: “We’re really excited and eager to share this new DELAIN song with the world. It captures the recognisable and signature sound of DELAIN but with a fresh and modern touch”.
Martijn Westerholt adds about the video: “This video was shot the day after we performed at Summer Breeze in Germany. We still had the adrenaline of that show in our system and were stoked to be able to carry that energy into the video. We had a blast! The video contains a dramatized depiction of the struggle between good and evil – the war we all wage both without and, often times, within our own selves”.
As their second release with a revitalized lineup anchored by founding member and band mastermind Martijn Westerholt, Dance with the Devil features a thrilling collection of two brand new tracks, two newly-presented favorites, nine electrifying live performances, and two instrumental bonus tracks, showcasing the best of their catchy, melodic signature sound with extensive electronic synth elements and fresh modern nuances.
The offering debuts with two gripping new tracks, “Dance with the Devil” and “The Reaping”, serving as a whirlwind of emotions articulating feelings of anger and sorrow through catchy electronic synth melodies and modern heaviness. “The Reaping” delves into collective themes, expressing disillusionment with the current path of society toward imminent and inescapable consequences. Following these, the EP presents a brand-new version of “Sleepwalkers Dream”, showcasing Diana Leah’s voice and her breathtaking full vocal capacities. Dance with the Devil continues with nine live performances, featuring massively-streamed hits from both the present and the past. These include “Burning Bridges”, “The Quest and the Curse”, “Moth to a Flame”, and the massive hit “April Rain”, which has been streamed over 10 million times, along with “Queen of Shadow”. In addition, the digipak edition features instrumental versions of “Dance with the Devil” and “The Reaping”, as well as an alternate ending version of “Underland”. DELAIN’s new EP impressively underlines the unit’s high-class standing in the scene and continues their voyage of setting fans’ hearts ablaze!
Martijn Westerholt adds: “We’re thrilled to have brand new material ready to be released! In addition to the new songs, it was fantastic to have captured some magical live moments of our European tour earlier this year as live tracks for the EP. We’re definitely very excited for this release and are really looking forward to bringing the new music to the stage!”
Dance with the Devil Tracklisting: 1. Dance with the Devil 2. The Reaping 3. Sleepwalkers Dream (2024 Version) 4. The Cold (Live) 5. Burning Bridges (Live) 6. The Quest and the Curse (Live) 7. April Rain (Live) 8. Invidia (Live) 9. Queen of Shadow (Live Featuring Paolo Ribaldini) 10.Your Body is a Battleground (Live Featuring Paolo Ribaldini) 11.Moth to a Flame (Live) 12.Control the Storm (Live Featuring Paolo Ribaldini) 13.Dance with the Devil (Instrumental) 14.The Reaping (Instrumental) 15.Underland (Alternate ending version)
Delain Live 2024/25
Dark Waters Over UK/IE 2024 15.11.24 UK – Glasgow / Garage 16.11.24 UK – Wolverhampton / KK’s Steel Mill 18.11.24 IE – Belfast / Limelight 2 19.11.24 IE – Dublin / Academy 21.11.24 UK – Manchester / New Century 22.11.24 UK – Bristol / SWX 23.11.24 UK – London / Electric Ballroom
North America Tour Special Guest: XANDRIA Support: Edge Of Paradise 07.03.25 US – Phoenix, AZ / The Nile 08.03.25 US – Los Angeles, CA / Whisky a Go Go 09.03.25 US – Sacramento, CA / Goldfield Trading Post 10.09.25 US – Portland, OR / The Bossanova Ballroom 11.03.25 US – Seattle, WA / El Corazon 13.03.25 US – Salt Lake City, UT / Metro Music Hall 14.03.25 US – Denver, CO / The Oriental Theater 15.03.25 US – Lawrence, KS / Bottleneck 16.03.25 US – Joliet, IL / The Forge 17.03.25 US – Detroit, MI / The Token Lounge 19.03.25 US – Columbus, OH / The King of Clubs 20.03.25 CA – Toronto, ON / Axis 21.03.25 CA – Montreal, QC / Fairmount Theatre 22.03.25 US – Cambridge, MA / Middle East 23.03.25 US – New York, NY / The Gramercy Theatre 24.03.25 US – Baltimore, MD / Soundstage 26.03.25 US – Atlanta, GA / Masquerade (Hell) 28.03.25 US – Dallas, TX / Granada Theater 29.03.25 US – Austin, TX / Come and Take It Live
DELAIN are: Martijn Westerholt – keyboards Diana Leah – vocals Ronald Landa – guitars and backing vocals Ludovico Cioffi – bass and backing vocals Sander Zoer – drums
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
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 