Finnish black metal band Noitasapatti is set to release their new studio album ‘Sankarin matka’ on November 29th 2024 via Inverse Records. The First single ‘Paluu liekkeihin’ is released today and it’s available HERE: https://push.fm/fl/noitasapatti-paluu
Music by Janne Kekki, Konsta Mikkonen, Aliisa Mäki, Kalle Jönsson
Lyrics by Jussi Tuulensuu
Single cover by Mika Huumonen
The band comments:
“Paluu liekkeihin is the first single from the album “Sankarin matka”. It is a good example of the band’s versatile songwriting that moves between atmospheres, and the track has found its place as the final song at our shows. “Paluu liekkeihin” consists of aggressive parts mixed together with more melodic and atmospheric ones, therefore it is a great piece for introducing the band to a broader audience. The lyrics paint an oppressive picture of a world in ruins, slowly ceasing to exist.”
1. Tulikipuna 2. Tuhatkasvoinen 3. Sankarin matka 4. Paluu liekkeihin 5. Käskyläisen sanat 6. Henkien polulla 7. Matka halki myrskyjen 8. Tähtivaeltaja
Album cover by Mika Huumonen
BIOGRAPHY: NOITASAPATTI was born in spring 2017 in Pori, Finland by Erakko (vocals), Liekkiö (guitars, keyboards), Mielivalta (guitars) and Rampa (bass). Soon after that, Rienaaja joined us as a drummer and the first line-up was complete. After a couple of months of intensive rehearsing and composing, we recorded our first demo, “Vaellamme kuin Taivaankappaleet” on december 2017 and released it on CDr-format spring 2018. First live-show took place in our hometown also in the same spring. After that, Rampa left the band and Erakko began to play bass. Next year we recorded a second demo, “Aarnivalkean ajamana” and played some gigs. In 2020, we made a split-album with another Finnish band HOLLOW CORPSE. After some line-up changes, Häviö came to the band at the end of 2020 and a few months later, Kadonnut also joined the band to play keyboards. In summer 2021, we finally recorded our first full-length album “Kuolemattomille maille”. After a few successful live-shows it was time to record our second full-length album, “Sankarin matka” (A hero’s journey) in summer 2023. Album is now recorded, mixed, and mastered, and we are more satisfied with the result than ever before!
Our music can be described as 1990’s black metal with lots of melodies and even “burzumic” atmosperes. Also, you can hear influences from early British death/doom, epic viking metal and even some old school progressive music. Vocals are quite original “howling” and also heavily Burzum-influenced screams. Lyrics are written in Finnish.
In a groundbreaking event, Finnish Metal icons SWALLOW THE SUN featuring the Avant-Garde BALLET FINLAND are set to present their collaborative performance, “Plague of Butterflies”, during 70000TONS OF METAL in 2025. This unique performance will make its World Premiere outside of Finland in January 2025, on board The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, with two separate presentations of the work occurring whilst on board. Following each of the two performances of “Plague of Butterflies”, SWALLOW THE SUN will play two different regular sets as well.
“Plague of Butterflies” is a story about loneliness in a world damaged by a plague, and its performance is an innovative, and hypnotic fusion of SWALLOW THE SUN’s evocative Melodic Death/Doom Metal sound with BALLET FINLAND’s contemporary dance. Originally composed in 2008, the piece was intended to be choreographed as a ballet production, and is now 16 years later, finally ready to be brought to the stage after numerous unfortunate setbacks.
Juha Raivio from SWALLOW THE SUN adds: “When I wrote the music for “Plague of Butterflies”, I didn’t know that the story of isolation and loss would come true both in personal life, but also later collectively, as the pandemic closed the world from around us. Now we seem to have come full circle as the piece has been brought to life in a form it was always meant to. Thank you BALLET FINLAND.”
The performance will unfold aboard the cruise ship, creating a singular and immersive experience for attendees, blending live music and dynamic choreography in a setting that has never before hosted such a collaboration – a Heavy Metal Cruise.
After three completely sold-out shows in Helsinki, there has been a high demand for additional performances. As such, the performance of “Plague of Butterflies” in the unusual setting of 70000TONS OF METAL 2025 in the Caribbean sea promises to be a historic and landmark event, merging the energy of Metal with the artistry of ballet in an unprecedented way.
Juha Raivio’s exclusive video message on the upcoming stunning performance by SWALLOW THE SUN and BALLET FINLAND onboard 70000TONS OF METAL is now on YouTube:
70000TONS OF METAL 2025 will take place January 30 – February 3, and sail from Miami, Florida to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and back on board the Independence of the Seas. 60 bands, each band performing TWICE – once on the way to Ocho Rios and once on the way back to Miami – so SWALLOW THE SUN featuring BALLET FINLAND can be enjoyed twice!
Bands announced to date include: ARCTURUS BENIGHTED (2 special sets playing the “Carnivore Sublime” album and a “Best Of” set) BEYOND CREATION CANDLEMASS (celebrating “40 Years Of Doom”) CROWNSHIFT DECAPITATED (2 special sets playing the “Nihility” and “Cancer Culture” albums) DELAIN EMPEROR (2 special sets: “In the Nightside Eclipse” and “Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk”) FINNTROLL (2 special sets: one “Dark Set” focused on the darker repertoire and one “Light Set” focused on the “party” side) FLOTSAM & JETSAM (2 special sets: “Doomsday for the Deceiver” and “No Place for Disgrace”) HAMMERFALL IN EXTREMO (2 special “Best Of” Sets as part of their 30th Anniversary Celebration) KALMAH (2 special sets playing the “They Will Return” and “Swampsong” albums) MAJESTICA MORK ONSLAUGHT (2 special sets playing “Power From Hell” album celebrating its 40th anniversary and the “The Force” album) SAMAEL (2 special sets playing the “Ceremony of Opposites” and “Passage” albums) SEPTICFLESH SEPULTURA (Official FAREWELL AT SEA SHOWS) SONATA ARCTICA STRATOVARIUS (2 special sets playing the “Visions” album and a “Best Of” set) SUBWAY TO SALLY (2 special sets playing the “Nord Nord Ost” album celebrating its 20th anniversary and an exclusive “Party Best Of” set) SWALLOW THE SUN feat. BALLET FINLAND (2 special sets performing “Plague of Butterflies” with BALLET FINLAND, followed by 2 different regular sets) TANKARD THE KOVENANT (2 special sets playing the “Nexus Polaris” album and a “Best Of” set) THE ZENITH PASSAGE TROUBLE (2 special sets playing “The Skull” album celebrating its 40th anniversary and a “Best Of” set) TWILIGHT FORCE (2 special sets playing the “Dawn of the Dragonstar” album and a “Best Of” set) UNLEASH THE ARCHERS
31 more bands will be announced.
1 cruise ship, 60 Metal bands, 4 days, only 3000 tickets. With no VIP areas it truly is li everyone has a backstage pass, making it an incredibly popular event with fans joining from over 70+ countries every year (the organizers proudly call themselves the “United Nations of Heavy Metal at Sea”). Limited tickets remain for the 70000TONS OF METAL 2025 cruise, featuring a lineup of top Metal bands and exclusive performances!
SWALLOW THE SUN, formed in 2000 in Jyväskylä, Finland, is a pioneering force in the Melodic Death/Doom Metal genre. Known for their unique blend of melancholic melodies and crushing heaviness, the band has become a cornerstone of the Finnish Metal scene. Their music is characterized by its atmospheric depth, blending Melodic Doom/Metal’s slow, melancholic riffs with Death Metal’s intense aggression and intricate arrangements. Over the years, SWALLOW THE SUN has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “The Morning Never Came”, “When a Shadow Is Forced into the Light”, and “Moonflowers”, which have solidified their reputation for crafting emotionally potent and sonically expansive music
The band’s live performances are renowned for their immersive and emotive qualities, often featuring elaborate visuals and a powerful stage presence. SWALLOW THE SUN has toured extensively across Europe, North America, and beyond, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in Metal and earning a devoted international following. Their collaboration with BALLET FINLAND for “Plague of Butterflies” represents a new artistic direction, pushing the boundaries of their music into the realm of interdisciplinary performance art.
About BALLET FINLAND
BALLET FINLAND is a contemporary ballet company renowned for its innovative and boundary-defying approach to dance. Established as a leading force in the Finnish dance scene, the company is celebrated for its ability to integrate traditional ballet techniques with modern sensibilities, creating performances that are both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.
Under the visionary leadership of artistic director Helena Hiltunen, BALLET FINLAND has garnered acclaim for its experimental and eclectic repertoire. The company’s work often incorporates elements from various artistic disciplines, including theater, multimedia, and visual arts, to create immersive and multidimensional performances. This interdisciplinary approach allows BALLET FINLAND to explore complex themes and emotions, pushing the boundaries of conventional ballet and engaging audiences in new and exciting ways.
BALLET FINLAND’s performances are known for their emotional depth and artistic innovation. The company’s repertoire includes a wide range of contemporary works, from abstract pieces to narrative-driven ballets, each showcasing a distinctive blend of movement, music, and visual design. The company is dedicated to fostering new talent and collaborating with both established and emerging choreographers, ensuring a dynamic and evolving artistic vision.
About 70000TONS OF METAL
70000TONS OF METAL is The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise. With ten consecutive sellouts since the inaugural voyage in 2011, this extraordinary and unique floating festival now sails on board some of the largest luxury passenger vessels in the world. Featuring 60 world-class Heavy Metal bands from around the globe performing across four stages, 70000TONS OF METAL is home to The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to sail the Open Seas. Guests can enjoy the Heavy Metal festival experience of a lifetime with all the benefits that a cruise has to offer: complimentary fine dining, bars that never close, 24-hour room service, as well as the ship’s many amenities.
All 60 bands on board play twice – and there’s four concert locations on board: A concert hall, the Royal Theater, stands tall with five levels. The Star Lounge offers a more personal and local club-like ambiance. Discover the arena-like vibes at Studio B, the third indoor stage available. Lastly, yet undoubtedly the most remarkable, is the Pool Deck Stage: The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to Sail the Open Seas. This immense stage is accompanied by bars, pools, and even hot tubs that are integrated into the stage itself, allowing guests to indulge in the unique experience of watching their favorite metal bands while soaking in a hot tub.
This four-day Heavy Metal Music Festival and Caribbean vacation offers 3000 metalheads the amazing opportunity to mingle side-by-side with all of the bands on board. With no VIP areas it truly is like everyone has a backstage pass. Not only do guests have unrestricted festival access to 120+ live performances (all bands play twice), every ticket also includes meet & greets with every band, intimate masterclasses with select musicians and exclusive live & listening premieres. Guests also have full access to the “Jamming in International Waters All Star Jam” – a one-of-a-kind jam session featuring a host of musical virtuosos performing classic metal songs together on stage. Sailors also have the special opportunity to explore a Caribbean dream destination with their favorite band members on an “Artist Escorted Shore Excursion”, another 70000TONS OF METAL exclusive.
For more details about 70000TONS OF METAL 2025, including FAQs, vessel amenities and contact information, please visit 70000tons.com
Michael Schenker releases ‘Only you can Rock with me’ as the first Album Single of his upcoming Album ‘My Years With Ufo’ through earMUSIC.
This new single once again showcases an incredible lineup featuring Joey Tempest (Europe) on vocals, Roger Glover (Deep Purple) on bass, Derek Sherinian on keys, and Brian Tichy on drums. As we approach the album’s release, the anticipation builds for what’s set to be one of 2024’s most exciting rock records!
Schenker’s new album ‘My Years with UFO’ is a tribute to the golden years that saw British hard rock band UFO rise from an underground phenomenon to rock legends.
Produced by Michael Schenker and Michael Voss, the new album marks the 50th anniversary of Schenker’s era with UFO, spanning from 1972 to 1978. The ‘German Wunderkind’ was asked to join UFO at just 17 years old. In the following years, Michael Schenker secured his place as one of rock’s most influential creators by composing UFO’s most beloved tracks, including ‘Doctor Doctor’, ‘Rock Bottom’, ‘Lights Out’, ‘Love to Love’ and many more.
Although Michael Schenker’s era with UFO spanned only six years, his influence as a young songwriter and exceptional guitarist had already left a lasting mark on the world of rock. During these meteoric years, the UFO albums ‘Phenomenon’, ‘Force It’, ‘No Heavy Petting’, ‘Lights Out’, ‘Obsession’, and the seminal live album ‘Strangers in the Night’ were recorded, each contributing significantly to the genre. ‘Strangers in the Night’ particularly stands out as one of the most influential live rock albums of all time and is still regarded as a cornerstone in any rock enthusiast’s collection.
In this celebratory album, Michael Schenker presents 11 of UFO’s greatest hits from this magical era with an impressive lineup of guest stars. Joining Schenker on this journey are Derek Sherinian on keys, Brian Tichy on drums, and Barry Sparks on bass.
The stellar roster of guest artists includes Axl Rose, Slash, Kai Hansen, Roger Glover, Joey Tempest, Biff Byford, Jeff Scott Soto, John Norum, Dee Snider, Joel Hoekstra, Joe Lynn Turner, Carmine Appice, Adrian Vandenberg, Michael Voss, Stephen Pearcy, and Erik Grönwall.
This album is the introduction to an upcoming trilogy, as Michael Schenker has signed an exclusive three-album deal with earMUSIC, with additional albums to follow in 2025 and 2026.
‘My Ears With Ufos’ will be released worldwide on earMUSIC on September 20th, 2024, and is now available for pre-order at https://schenker.lnk.to/MYWU.
September 14, 2024 will mark an important date for all heavy metal fans: Anguish Force, a historic band in the Italian metal scene, will release their new single “Brothers Kills His Brother”. This track, distributed through Wanikiya Records, will anticipate the band’s highly anticipated 10th studio album by about a month.
The single will initially be available on all major digital platforms, offering fans a chance to immerse themselves in Anguish Force’s new sound in advance of the full album. In addition, for collectors and true music lovers, the track will also soon be available in an exclusive physical format: an ultra-limited 7-inch vinyl, which promises to become a true collector’s item.
“Brothers Kills His Brother” follows the success of the previous single ‘Pool of Sins’ and comes across as a hard-hitting track true to the band’s heavy metal roots. The song features driving riffs and an irresistible refrain, hallmarks of Anguish Force’s style, which once again manage to surprise and captivate the audience with their energy and musical power.
Thematically, “Brothers Kills His Brother” addresses the absurdity of the war in Ukraine, but without taking a political stance. The song offers a reflection on the tragic nature of a conflict pitting peoples who share a common geographic and cultural strain against each other, emphasizing the incredibility of such a situation. A strong and topical message, which Anguish Force manage to convey with their typical musical intensity, without ever losing sight of the essence of their genre.
The new single represents a preview of the band’s upcoming 10th album, which promises to be one of the most anticipated works of their career. The release of the single “Brothers Kills His Brother” will therefore be a must-see moment for all fans of the band and lovers of heavy metal in general.
Don’t miss the release of “Brothers Kills His Brother” on September 14, on all major digital platforms and, following that, in the precious 7-inch vinyl format. Anguish Force is ready to come back stronger than ever, with a new chapter in their musical history!
Following the release of their latest album Hopium on August 23rd, the Italian progressive rockers KINGCROW are set to ignite stages across Europe this September with their 2024 dates. A journey not to be missed, the band’s relentless pursuit of musical innovation brings their mesmerizing soundscapes to life, echoing the intricate styles of classic acts such as Steven Wilson and The Pineapple Thief, al while bringing their completely unique twist.
Continuing to cement their legacy, the band delivered a poignant album that fuses profound introspection with the raw vitality of rock. Each track masterfully showcasing their unparalleled craftsmanship, with lyrics that dwell in existential quandaries and melodies that pulse with life.
Catch KINGCROW on one of these 4 unique dates:
23 September: Rome, IT @ Largo w/ Pain of Salvation [TICKETS] 24 September: Bologna, IT @ Locomotiv w/ Pain of Salvation [TICKETS] 25 September: Milan, IT @ Santeria w/ Pain of Salvation [TICKETS] 27 September: Barcelona, ES @ Be Prog! My Friend Chapter VI – La Carpa Poble Espanyol
In celebration of their upcoming dates, KINGCROW releases a full band play through of Glitch from their latest album Hopium. Serving as an invitation into the labyrinthine corridors of their creative minds – Diego Cafolla’s guitar riffs cascade in perfect harmony with the rhythmic pulse of Thundra Cafolla’s drumming, the performance invoking a symphony of both tranquility and turmoil. Glitch embodies the band’s eclectic influences, fusing progressive rock with hints of ambient music, alternative rock, and even at times, some metal influences sprinkled in.
Watch the playthrough for Glitch on the Season of Mist YouTube channel:
Tracklist1. Kintsugi (3:53) [WATCH] 2. Glitch (3:56) [WATCH] 3. Parallel Lines (6:46) 4. New Moon Harvest (3:30) 5. Losing Game (5:28) 6. White Rabbit’s Hole (6:55) 7. Night Drive (5:48) [WATCH] 8. Vicious Circle (4:21) 9. Hopium (8:24) [WATCH] 10. Come Through (Bonus Track)(4:21) Total runtime: 53:27
Cover Art by Devilnax
The first incarnation of the band was originally founded in Rome, Italy, by brothers Diego Cafolla (guitars) and Manuel Thundra Cafolla (drums) under the name of “Earth Shaker”.
Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “Raven” and driven by a will of change, the band’s name was soon altered into KINGCROW and a couple of self-produced demos/albums where recorded under the KINGCROW moniker: Something Unknown(2001), Insider (2004) and Timetropia (2006).
In the early months of 2010 the band finished recording their new album “Phlegethon” that was released in June of the same year under the “Scarlet Records” label.
It was considered on an international level as a relevant masterpiece and was classed as one of the elite progressive metal albums of the year. It has been near the top of the “album of the year” charts in some international prog-rock websites. Phlegethon promotion lasted for about two years and a half.
During the same year, the band recorded the new album “In Crescendo” that was released in February 2013 by the American label “Sensory Records.
The band toured along with Pain Of Salvation in North America in April and May, 2013. In 2015 the band released the album “Eidos” and toured Europe as Headliners. Meanwhile KINGCROW signed a management deal with GlassVille Music, house of very well known progressive acts like Pain Of Salvation and Riverside among others.
The band recorded the new album titled “The Persistence”.
The album was released on September 7th via Sensory Records and received great reviews and ended on a lot of “best of 2018” lists on magazines and webzines.
The upcoming album “Hopium” marks another step forward in pushing boundaries remarking the restless progressive attitude of the band in incorporating countless influences into a personal sound.
Describing the band today is quite a difficult task, but one could state that the influence of different kinds of music, from progressive rock , ambient music, alternative rock and metal are all present in the music of KINGCROW.
With each release KINGCROW has taken a step further away from their original roots and is regarded today as one of the most exciting bands that Italy has to offer.
Line-up Diego Marchesi – Vocals Diego Cafolla – Guitars, Keys, Backing Vocals Ivan Nastasi – Guitars, Backing Vocals Riccardo Nifosì – Bass, Backing Vocals Thundra – Drums, Percussions
Recording Studio Sound Under Pressure (Rome, Italy)
Production Credits Produced by Diego Cafolla & Thundra Cafolla Sound Engineer – Diego Cafolla
Mixed by Giampiero Ulacco at Holofram Studios (Francavilla al Mare, Italy)
Mastered by Marco Vannucci at Spitfire Mastering Studio (Italy)
Guest Musicians Vikram Shankar – Piano solo on “Hopium”
Italian dark metal act INNO – featuring current and former members of FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, HOUR OF PENANCE, THE FORESHADOWING, SULPHUR AND MERCURY and NOVEMBRE – has reemerged with a new line-up that includes new singer Tiziana De Amicis.
The band expressed their excitement for their comeback, commenting:
“Friends, It is time for us to let you know what has been going on with INNO.
In the past months we made important and transformative decisions. Elisabetta and Riccardo are no longer part of the band. Our journey continues, as we re-shape our identity with an even deeper connection with our inner-selves.
We are super excited to welcome Tiziana De Amicis in the INNO family. She is an incredibly talented singer and a phenomenal performer. We couldn’t be happier that our paths crossed in such a timely manner.
Together with her, we have been hard at work to finish our second album, feeling more inspired than ever, after having to go back to the drawing board. With Tiziana’s voice on our tracks, we have created something really special that we are truly proud of. The new songs are dark, heavy, intense, deeply emotional and powerful. We can’t wait for you to hear them!
We will enter the studio on the 1st of October, so keep an eye out and stay tuned.
Here are a few words from Tiziana: ‘It’s crazy how paths cross in the most unexpected ways sometimes. I met Marco while recording in his studio for another one of my projects, and we immediately realised we could work very well together. Being the singer of Inno is allowing me to learn a lot, and express myself in such a different way. The members of the band are amazing human beings and the artistic exchange we have is precious. Also, being a huge metalhead, it’s obviously a dream come true! I can’t wait to share our new music with everyone’.
We want to thank all of you who have been patiently waiting for our new music. We are absolutely sure that what’s coming will be worth the wait for you. In the meantime, show some love to Tiziana@mrs_exploder
Make no mistake, we’re coming back stronger than before.
Marco, Cristiano, Giuseppe and Tiziana”
INNO‘s debut album, “The Rain Under”, released in 2020, is still available via Time To Kill Records.
“The Rain Under” was produced by the band and mixed by Marco Mastrobuono and Giuseppe Orlando in Rome. Mastering was handled by renowned Danish producer Jacob Hansen (KATATONIA, VOLBEAT, EPICA).
Line-up:
Marco Mastrobuono – Bass Cristiano Trionfera – Guitar Giuseppe Orlando – Drums Tiziana De Amicis – Vocals
Watch for more details on the new album release, new tour updates, and more news on other upcoming INNO activities to be posted shortly.
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 ) 