Deathgrind band K.Y.M.I. from Finland releases their debut album on September 27th via Inverse Records. The band’s brutal lyrics are about everyday life during the busy adult years and the mid-life crisis. The songs are a result of emotional outbursts packed into a form of brutal deathgrind.
The second single, HEMICRANIA, is about what a massive headache attack would sound like musically. Migraines and other recurring attacks such as these are not only painful but also emotionally draining, often ending in the way the song describes.
Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal etc): https://push.fm/fl/kymi-hemicrania – Composition & lyrics: Kalle Ylönen
K.Y.M.I. is a one-man project by Kalle Ylönen, that will in the future also produce Viking jewelry and other artistic craftwork under the name K.Y.M.I.paja (smithery). Tuukka Ojansivu, a strong supporter of the project, is responsible for arranging the songs and recording the instruments for the upcoming album LIHA. The vocal recording, mixing and mastering of the album was done by Pasi Löfgren at Inka Studios.
A lifelong connection to the Gods and Goddesses and culture of the ancient world, annual visits to the temples and sacred places of Greece and Italy, and the longing for dramatic storytelling full of blood, sweat, and tears that have dried in the sands of time – this all came together for former NYHC-guitarist Gabby Abularach (CRO-MAGS, VOODOOCULT) with an awakening to tune his handmade flamenco guitar like an ancient Greek Lyra, and very soon he began writing the first melodies that would later become DEA VELATA’s songs. Inspired by ancient Greek and Roman music, the romantic period of classical music, Flamenco, Spanish classical music and symphonic metal, DEA VELATA began with writing purely acoustic music, but evolved into adding classical orchestral instruments as well as symphonic and folk metal. In early 2017, Gabby had only just begun delving into and studying the harmonics, mathematics, tunings, modes and aesthetics of ancient Greek and Roman music. In combination with Angela Hicks’ beguiling soprano voice, this makes for a pairing in a class by itself, nestling the listeners into the golden fleece of mythologic musicality that is DEA VELATA.
Based on the 1st Book of the Iliad by Homer, DEA VELATA’s second single PHEBEVS FVROR (Phebean Wrath), which is included on the upcoming album, tells the rescue story of the Trojan girl Chryseis from the abduction of the Greek King Agamemnon. Her father Chryses, the Trojan High Priest of Apollo, was insulted by Agamemnon when he had come to ransom her, so he prays to Apollo for help. Apollo, enraged at the offense to his priest and abduction of his daughter, punishes the Greeks, and assists Chryses in the rescue of his daughter Chryseis, resulting in nine days of massacres. In Greek mythology, Apollo is a versatile deity, not only the god of music, light, and poetry but also the one who punishes and destroys. This duality is theatrically and metaphorically expressed in the new music video for PHEBEVS FVROR. There, Angela brings the performing arts of ancient Rome and Greece to life – not only does she sing but also act in the video, slipping into the visual form of roles she sings about. We see dark warehouses, brawling gangsters, and fencing duels in contrast with Angela Hicks’ graceful performance as the pure, angelic figure, representing the natural fragile female beauty, which men fight over and because of which ancient empires have perished in the past. A lover of all things ancient and medieval, Angela embodies the spirit of this mythological and musical journey perfectly.
The band’s eponymous first album DEA VELATA will be released on October 16th, 2024. With eleven tracks, the brilliant ensemble intends to bring the sounds, consciousness and spirit of the ancient world back to life today. DEA VELATA’s sound is truly offering something unique, something new, something that heals the soul, exalts the spirit and which connects people to the beauty and magic of the classical world of antiquity. Italian poet Stefano Losi writes the lyrics, in the form of contemporary poetry in Imperial Latin, which are then being carefully carried on symphonic metal wings. “The lyrics and poetry provide a personal perspective on the existential unquietness inherent in the human condition, and all its concrete manifestations, from the deepest desperation to the purest love. They draw an imaginary connection with the lyrics of the Poetae Novi of the Ist Century, reemerging in my own poetry filtered by a clear contemporary sensitivity, redesigning the eternity of life, the timeless value of emotion”, says the talented lyricist.
DEA VELATA Album Tracklist 1. OBITVS 2. PHEBEVS FVROR 3. IMBER ARIDVS 4. VVLTVS 5. HIATVS 6. AMO 7. DAEMON (metal version) 8. EVANESCENS VESTALIS (acoustic/orchestral) 9. KORE (acoustic) 10. IMBER (acoustic) 11. DAEMON (acoustic remix)
The full album DEA VELATA will be released October 16th, 2024. On eleven tracks, it will feature contemporary poetry in Imperial Latin – all woven in a fabric of ancient Greek and Roman music with neo-classical coloring and threads of symphonic metal.
Met by high critical acclaim, the musical ensemble performed an exclusive 5 song acoustic set at Circulo de Bellas Artes in Spain on June 25th, where they premiered the OBITVS video. During a live performance by DEA VELATA you can expect a wide range of sound, from intimate classical, acoustic duets with Gabby and Angela, to full symphonic metal. The talented artists delve into genuine ancient music and bring it into life in a modern world – a combination, which sets them apart from other bands, and makes their live events an upscale experience, no less impressive or cathartic than a classical theater performance in ancient Rome. A live recording of the impressive performance has just been published, in a compilation with interviews, serving as a short documentary about the event, offering interesting insights and taking you along on their musical journey.
Enjoy DEA VELATA’s acoustic live performance at Ciculo de Bellas Artes HERE:
After the release of two singles, with another video single release and an album release pending, DEA VELATA will play an acoustic event at the United Nations in NYC on November 7th, 2024, and they plan on doing three other shows around that date in the NYC area. So stay tuned for more to come!
About DEA VELATA
The longing for the ancient narrative power and the fascination it is capable of arousing in us is resurfacing among critics and fans alike. And in the form of DEA VELATA, it has now reached music – at several different levels. First of all, with the very own instrumental hero’s journey of New York guitarist Gabby Abularach, who, as a trained classical and jazz guitarist with metal genes, refined the studio recordings and world tours of NYHC legends CRO-MAGS and later continued the same as a founding member of VOODOOCULT. In addition to these energetic wrecking balls, Gabby also brought his six-string magic to legendary recordings by the likes of CARLOS SANTANA, EVERLAST, KORN and JOHN SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION. His secret love, however, lies in the art of antiquity: Gabby, who over the years has increasingly specialized in filigree-sporty flamenco playing, often imagined what the musical underscoring of recited stories might have felt like in ancient times.
The explorative guitarist was in the middle of an ongoing phase of researching ancient Greek and Roman music when, in the summer of 2017, he met Stefano Losi, an Italian poet and visual artist also based in New York, who had just published a poetic work in Imperial Latin. Together, they began composing and pouring the many eureka moments of their musical and now also poetic journeys into material for an album unlike any other. The British soprano Angela Hicks, who is also drawn to ancient music, joined the duo as the angelic voice of the work DEA VELATA, and not just in a figurative sense. Despite her young age, Angela can look back on an eventful career: She made her operatic debut at the Teatro alla Scala di Milano under the direction of Thomas Guthrie and has subsequently appeared at London’s Wigmore Hall, the Palace of Versailles, the Vienna Konzerthaus, the Berliner Philharmonie and the Berlin State Opera, among others. She also made a guest appearance on the big screen alongside Emma Stone, Rachael Weisz and Oscar winner Olivia Coleman in the 2018 movie “The Favourite”.
The luscious guitar, which sometimes finely chisels an uplifting flamenco into the steps of a stage of epic breadth, sometimes strives towards the warm elegance of a harp and sometimes unfolds into the full weight of symphonic metal, is combined with an always respectfully discreet metal drumming (performed by Mike Podber) and a voice that resembles God’s rays on a Tuscan painting. And together they create a soundtrack that, behind closed eyes, lets Odysseus’ ship sail from a gentle lull into a mystical storm.
Finnish one-man black metal band Malasorte is set to unleash the debut album Apex Sovereignty on October 11th 2024 via Inverse Records. The second single ‘Constellation of the Wolf’ is out now on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/malasorte-wolf
Music & Lyrics by Jal’zoroth
Cover art by JTR
The man behind Malasorte, Jal’zoroth comments the single: “Behold the Constellation of the Wolf, where shadows dance fervently and the void echoes with the howls of celestial beasts. In this astral kingdom, madness reigns supreme, and the stars, like hungry eyes, witness the violent ballet of creation and destruction.”
01. The Rift Is Now Open 02. Cerebral Pandemonium 03. Across The Frozen Tundra 04. Into The Killing Fields 05. Behind Closed Doors 06. Constellation Of The Wolf 07. Inscribed In Blood, Bound By Will 08. Slaying The Messengers 09. The Devil’s Pact At Roanoke 10. Apex Sovereignty 11. Crowned In Astral Majesty
In the frostbitten heart of Helsinki, Finland, Jal’zoroth forged “Malasorte” from the fires of black metal in 2024. A one-man wrecking crew, Malasorte unleashes a sonic onslaught that’s as savage as it is spellbinding. With relentless riffs, thunderous drums, and vocals dripping with venom, Malasorte commands the darkness with unbridled ferocity. Emerging from the shadows, Malasorte is a force to be reckoned with, transmutating adversity into waveform, turning curses into catharsis.
Italian modern gothic metal band AEVUM has released two powerful singles, offering a sneak peek into their upcoming album Kaleidoscope, set for release in 2025. These tracks, “The Inquisition” and “Nightshade“, showcase the band’s signature blend of gothic and symphonic metal, providing a taste of what’s to come.
The upcoming album Kaleidoscope is set to officially drop on January 17, 2025, via DarkTunes Music Group. Before the album’s release, a new single, “Be A Lady (feat. Octo Crura)”, will be released on September 13, 2024.
The singles and the album were produced at Aurora Recording Studio, with video production by Violex Video.
Keep an eye out for more music from AEVUM as they continue to reveal tracks from Kaleidoscope leading up to its release in 2025.
Tracklist: 01 D20 02 BE A LADY 03 NIGHTSHADE 04 DARK TUNES 05 FOG OF FEAR 06 THE INQUISITION 07 ASCHES TO ASCHES 08 D20 (instrumental) 09 FOG OF FEAR (instrumental)
Mayhem XXXX at Hellsinki Metal Festival 2024 by AJ Johansson
True Norwegian black metal stalwarts MAYHEM are set to commemorate their 40th anniversary with a series of exclusive performances in six cities across North America this November! The unique production will decimate theaters in Montreal, QC, Toronto, ON, Queens, NY, Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA and Denver, CO from November 12-23. The full itinerary can be found below!
Local pre-sales will start on Thursday, August 29 @ 1:00 PM EDT/10:00 AM PDT with the general on sale launching on Friday, August 30 @ 10:00 A.M. local time. Tickets will be made available HERE.
Mayhem’s 40th anniversary show promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans, featuring a setlist that spans their illustrious career, from their groundbreaking debut album, ‘Deathcrush,’ to present day. This concert will celebrate the band’s legacy over four decades of musical evolution and boundary-pushing performances.
This electrifying live performance showcases a retrospective of Mayhem’s 40-year career as pioneers of black metal and will include rare footage and iconic photos.
Formed in 1984 in Norway, Mayhem has been at the forefront of the black metal scene, known for their controversial history, groundbreaking music, and unparalleled live performances. Over the years, they have cemented their status as one of the most influential bands in extreme metal, continually pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Now, as Mayhem reflects on their 40 year legacy, they celebrate their triumphs over tribulations and tragedy with a-never-before-seen performance, featuring their biggest production yet and other special surprises! When this seminal year concludes, Mayhem will lay this special production to rest, so this is the only time fans will have to experience this celebratory and rare era of the godfathers of black metal.
Mayhem XXXX North American Dates:
11/12: Montreal, QC @ Olympia 11/15: Toronto, ON @ The Concert Hall 11/17: Queens, NY @ Knockdown Center 11/18: Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theater 11/21: Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern 11/23: Denver, CO @ Ogden Theater
Preeminent black metallers Mayhem ready their newest live strike with ‘Daemonic Rites’ for Century Media. The 16-track effort captures the frightful efficiency and utter lethality of the Norwegians as they close the chapter on their exalted sixth album, Daemon (2019). Throughout Daemonic Rites, Mayhem impressively nail newer tracks like “Falsified and Hated,” “Malum,” “Bad Blood,” and “Voces Ab Alta” to the proverbial cross, while offering pure fucking mastery of classics like “Freezing Moon,” “Buried by Time and Dust,” “Deathcrush,” and “Carnage.” The devilish quintet also add mid-career haunts like “To Daimonion,” “Symbols of Bloodswords,” and “My Death,” making Daemonic Rites a genuine career-spanning offering.
“We wanted to document how great the band and set sounds like after almost 40 years of playing live,” says founding member Necrobutcher. “As a treat to our fans, we decided to release this live recording.”
“We released the live version of De Mysteriis [aka De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas Alive] a few years ago,” Ghul adds. “That was received very well. We have been playing together for so long now with this lineup that we feel we have reached a point where we are a seriously well-oiled machine. It seemed like a natural step to try to capture this moment in the band’s history, with the same setlist we have been using for a while.”
Mayhem have nearly 1,000 shows to their name. Since their formation Langhus, Norway in 1984, the band—now comprised of Necrobutcher (bass), Hellhammer (drums), Attila Csihar (vocals), Teloch (guitars), and Ghul (guitars)—have brought their brand of bellicose, preternatural black metal to over 60 countries. From the United States and Germany to Australia and Brazil, Mayhem have stunned, bewildered, and turned rabid a global legion, dedicated as much to the band’s infamous legacy as they are staunchly in support of Daemon. Much of that respect and devotion started in the early ‘90s, but persisted to the present day on the strength of official live albums Live in Leipzig (1993), Mediolanum Capta Est (1999), Live in Marseille 2000 (2001) and De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas Alive (2016). Mayhem continue their on-stage assault with Daemonic Rites.
“I knew from day one back in 1984 that this band was going to be outstanding—one of the best bands ever!” Necrobutcher says. “I guess that’s a big reason why we still are here after 39 years—and counting.”
“Well, for the first time in a long time, we felt again like a unit, musically,” continues Hellhammer. “That’s something we haven’t felt in a long time, and that shows in the live recording.”
Daemonic Rites wasn’t pre-planned. Rather, they had sound engineer/producer Tore Stjerna (of Necromorbus Studio fame) record everything—just for posterity, in fact—during the group’s Northern Ritual MMXXII and Thalassic Ritual tours of 2022 and early 2023. Mayhem and Stjerna pilfered the gems, resulting in gigs from London (“Life Eternal,” “Malum”), Manchester (“My Death,” “Silvester Anfang”), and Gothenburg (“Pure Fucking Armageddon,” “To Daimonion”) coming out on top. The penultimate Mayhem live album wouldn’t be complete without “Freezing Moon” and “Pagan Fears”—both from Csihar’s hometown of Budapest, Hungary—as well as newer tracks “Falsified and Hated” and “Bad Blood” from Sydney and Melbourne, respectively. Daemonic Rites showcases the two-time Norwegian Grammy (aka Spellemannprisen) winners at the pinnacle of their live potential.
“We play the songs that feel the best live,” Hellhammer says. “We have in the past tried out a lot of different songs from former eras, but when you play live for an audience, the songs must have IT. If they don’t, even if they are good songs, they won’t fit in a live setting.”
Adds Teloch: “We have a vast catalog by now with so many different types of songs. It’s interesting to make them all work together in a full concert.”
Daemonic Rites comes off the heels of Mayhem’s incredible Beyond the Gates 2022 performance, where they uncaged cult classic De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas not far from where it was originally recorded by Eirik ‘Pytten’ Hundvin (Enslaved, Emperor, Immortal) in Grieghallen during 1992/1993. The live album, however, was mixed and mastered over in neighboring Sweden. Stjerna, who also assisted with Daemon, took the phantasmagoric collection of tracks to his lair at Necromorbus Studio, where his sole job was to preserve Mayhem’s raw, unbridled energy and ghastly electricity. From “Falsified and Hated” and “My Death” to “Buried by Time and Dust” and “Carnage,” they’ve never had the quality of a live album quite like Daemonic Rites. If the past is always alive, this is a live album on par with Venom’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Emperor’s Emperial Live Ceremony, and Gorgoroth’s Black Mass Krakow 2004.
“It fits with where we are now, or more precisely, where we were at the time of the recording,” says Hellhammer.
“[The live recordings] capture the spirit and energy,” furthers Ghul, “of where we are as a band right now.”
Indeed, Mayhem have been and continue to operate at a level not yet witnessed. While atavists will always relish the Deathcrush or Live in Leipzig lineups, Hellhammer’s drum performance against the twin terrors of Teloch and Ghul is the purest black magic on Daemonic Rites. Similarly, Csihar’s hair-raising caterwauling and spectral snarls atop Necrobutcher’s seventh-hell low end is witching-hour great! To support Daemonic Rites, Mayhem have videos for Daemon-era masterpiece “Malum” and late-‘80s Killjoy dedication “Chainsaw Gutsfuck” lined up. Daemonic Rites is the perfect guillotine while the group craft new songs and conspire with others on what the group’s 40th Anniversary next year might entail. Mayhem are likely in their final form, and they’ve never been deadlier.
Christian progressive heavy metal melodic band EXODUS RISING has officially inked a record deal with Wormholedeath Records for their forthcoming album, “The Book Of Life,” slated for release on October 18th, 2024.
“We are thrilled to announce that EXODUS RISING has signed with WormholeDeath Records,” exclaimed the band in a statement.” This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey, and we are ecstatic to see that people can put differences aside and embrace the brutality in music that our Lord in Heaven has given us through scripture. As a band, we are driven by a purpose to share our message, one brutal song after another, and this collaboration with WormholeDeath Records will amplify our mission. Together, we will continue to deliver powerful, spiritually infused Progressive Metal that resonates deeply with our audience.”
The Book of Life: A Progressive Metal Journey Through Scripture
“The Book of Life” by EXODUS RISING is a Christian Progressive Heavy Metal album that spans the entire biblical narrative, from Genesis to Revelation. This concept album humanizes ancient stories, presenting them in digestible bites. Drawing inspiration from classical composers like Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart, and blending them with the progressive metal influences of Symphony X, Dream Theater, and Queen to name a few. With that inspiration, EXODUS RISING creates a unique sound. Our music is a melting pot of classical essence and modern metal, embodying the spirit of metal, while being envoys of light, and ministers of heavenly brutality.
1. Overture Of Creation 2. Paradise Lost- (Genesis) 3. The World We Knew – (Genesis) 4. Dreamer – (The Book Of Joseph) 5. The Prince Of Egypt – (Exodus) 6. Dirty Bad Haircut – (Samson) 7. David Vs Goliath – (Samuel) 8. The Wager – (The Book Of Job) 9. Blazing Love- (Solomon) 10. The Lion’s Den (The Book Of Daniel) 11. Levites Jam Session 12. The Birth Of Christ – (Luke) 13. The Temptation – (Matthew) 14. Death And Resurrection – (Matthew) 15. The Fallen – (Genesis) 16. Armageddon – (Revelation)
A Band on a Divine Mission
In the intricate tapestry of progressive heavy metal, a transcendent force has emerged—a force meticulously crafted over years of unwavering dedication and guided by a divine calling. This force is none other than Exodus Rising, a band that seamlessly weaves musical prowess with spiritual narrative, taking listeners on a breathtaking journey from Genesis to Revelation. The genesis of Exodus Rising was sparked by a divine prompting that compelled NY Charlie and his brother, KC Bonet, to embark on a creative odyssey in the heart of New York City. NY Charlie, a proficient studio engineer and bass player, and KC Bonet, a phenomenal heavy metal guitarist, laid the foundation for the band. Joining them was Chris Zapa, a virtuoso keyboardist and symphonic composer, forming the core trio that would breathe life into their envisioned concept album. Their pursuit of musical excellence led them to Otoniel Vargas, a remarkable drummer whose association with the acclaimed artist Prince Royce spoke volumes of his skill. Together, they crafted ten tracks that laid the groundwork for a monumental project. However, Otoniel eventually departed to continue his journey with Royce. After much prayer, the band was blessed with another exceptional drummer, William “Speedy” Gonzalez. Speedy rode hard with Exodus Rising for a year, lending his talents and flowing with the Holy Spirit to help complete the album. Yet, as life often teaches, all good things must come to an end. Speedy eventually left the band when his obligations called him to continue playing around the world for Redimi2, as it was God’s plan. Despite the unforeseen challenges and the departure of their initial drummers, Exodus Rising pressed on. In their quest for a vocalist, they encountered several impressive singers. However, it was through earnest prayer that they discovered J Slate—a vocalist with a three-octave range, unwavering dedication, and a shared devotion to the divine. With J Slate’s arrival, the ensemble found its voice —a celestial instrument capable of conveying the intricate emotions embedded in their narrative. His talents in vocals, business, and artistry brought the band into a renaissance, propelling them like a rocket to the stars. As the band sought a drummer to match the exceptional skill of their previous collaborators, reminiscent of the caliber of Mike Portnoy, they continued their search for the missing piece of the puzzle. Through faith, they were blessed with an extraordinary drummer, Luka Stone. A well-seasoned musician, Luka auditioned for Exodus Rising and stood out among many applicants with his impressive dedication and pinpoint accuracy, never missing a beat. Ultimately, Luka blessed the band with a sense of unity and devotion to their cause, while powerfully conveying the word of God and demonstrating once again that His power is absolute.
An Epic Odyssey Awaits
The anticipation built as Exodus Rising prepared to unveil a concept album that transcends the boundaries of musical genres, weaving together elements of progressive metal with a profound narrative drawn from the sacred pages of the Bible. In a pivotal year before the onset of the pandemic, Exodus Rising set the stage for an epic odyssey, blending the ethereal and the visceral, the divine and the mortal. With a lineup of musicians driven by a shared vision, they stand poised to redefine the boundaries of progressive metal, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the spiritual journey that is Exodus Rising.
Get a taste of Exodus Rising’s musical journey with their video for “Paradise Lost”:
Exodus Rising and Wormholedeath Records invite you to embark on a musical odyssey that transcends time and genre, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the divine and the monumental.
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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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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 