Not only have CALIBAN released their new single, I Was A Happy Kid Once, they are also happy to announce a new member. “We are excited to announce that Iain Duncan has joined CALIBAN as our new bassist and clean vocalist. Iain’s incredible talent and fresh energy mark a thrilling new chapter for the band” , says the band. “With Iain on board, we are diving into new material set for release over the next months. We are particularly excited to share our single, ‘I Was A Happy Kid Once’. This track embodies the new direction we’re taking and showcases the dynamic contributions Iain brings to our sound. Thank you for your continued support. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for an incredible year ahead!”
Iain Duncan (bass and vocals) adds: “I am thrilled to announce that I have joined CALIBAN as their new bassist and clean vocalist. This opportunity marks an exciting new chapter in my musical journey, and I am eager to contribute to the band’s evolving sound. We are currently working on new material slated for release in 2024 and 2025. The creative process has been incredibly inspiring, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear the fresh energy and direction we are taking. It’s crazy to believe that I am in the band I listened to when I was a teenager and I cannot wait for all the crazy moments that await us. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm as I embark on this exciting adventure with CALIBAN. Stay tuned for updates on our new music and upcoming releases!”
Swedish powerhouse Heavy Metal group DREAM EVIL have now launched the newest, third single “Fight In The Night” off their upcoming seventh studio album effort, aptly entitled Metal Gods, to be released via longtime label Century Media Records worldwide on July 26th, 2024.
Make sure to check out “Fight In the Night” in a video-clip directed by Patric Ullaeus, below.
DREAM EVIL commented about “Fight In The Night” as follows: “We had a blast writing “Fight In The Night” all together in the studio as well as coming up with the lyrics together while the riff ideas came flying from here and there. Making the video for this song with Patric Ullaeus was a non-stop laughing experience. Check it out!”.
Once again featuring recording/mixing duties by DREAM EVIL guitarist Fredrik Nordström at his legendary Studio Fredman (In Flames, At The Gates, HammerFall, Arch Enemy, Bring Me The Horizon, etc.), Metal Gods features cover artwork by Seth Siro Anton (Paradise Lost, Exodus, Rotting Christ, etc.) and includes 10 new songs of pure steel, introducing their newest line-up addition in drummer Sören Fardvik and also featuring guest lead guitar appearances by Jonathan Thorpenberg (The Unguided), Tommy Johansson (ex Sabaton) and Chris Amott (ex Arch Enemy / Dark Tranquillity).
Metal Gods will be made available as Standard Jewelcase CD, 180gr. LP (Either as black vinyl or as transparent sun yellow vinyl, limited to 300x copies) or as Digital Album with the following tracklisting:
DREAM EVIL – Metal Gods (41:26) 1. Metal Gods (03:30) 2. Chosen Force (05:07) 3. The Tyrant Dies At Dawn (03:54) 4. Lightning Strikes (04:22) 5. Fight In The Night (03:47) 6. Masters Of Arms (03:34) 7. Born In Hell (03:51) 8. Insane (04:28) 9. Night Stalker (04:37) 10. Y.A.N.A. (04:09)
And here is a list of upcoming DREAM EVIL live appearances, including a recently announced tour of Australia for October/November together with Japanese group Bridear:
DREAM EVIL – Live 2024: 30.08. Eskilstuna (Sweden) – A Heavy Metal Summer Rock Shock 04.09. Atlanta (USA) – ProgPower USA XXIII 18.10. Gävle (Sweden) – Centralteatern 19.10. Sundsvall (Sweden) – Centralen 20.10. Stockholm (Sweden) – Biblioteket Live 25.10. Göteborg (Sweden) – Galej 26.10. Malmö (Sweden) – Plan B 31.10. Brisbane (Australia) – Soapbox Beer 01.11. Canberra (Australia) – The Baso 02.11. Sydney (Australia) – Marrickville Bowlo 04.11. Melbourne (Australia) – The Leadbeater 10.11. Perth (Australia) – Rosemount Hotel More shows will be announced soon…
DREAM EVIL line-up: Sören Fardvik – Lead Drums Fredrik Nordström – Lead Rhythm Guitars Niklas Isfeldt – Lead Vocals Peter Stålfors – Lead Bass Markus Fristedt – Lead Lead Guitar
Savage Lands are still buzzing after their performance on the main stage at Hellfest. Today, the musician-run 501(c) 3 non-profit is thrilled to announce that the festival is donating one million Euro to support their ongoing reforestation efforts in Costa Rica and Europe!
“This is a historical move by Hellfest and a great signal to the music industry”, says musician-turned-activist Sylvain Demercastel, who founded Savage Lands with Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren. “Such an extraordinarily generous donation from a renowned festival is just another example of the many ways that the metal community supports each other”.
Hellfest’s donation is just one part of a five-year partnership. Savage Lands will continue to host a booth on the festival grounds. This year, Bill Hudson (I Am Morbid), members of Dimmu Borgir and other metalheads stopped by their booth to learn more about the green zones, nature sanctuaries and other biodiversity preservation projects that they are building in Costa Rica. The non-profit has protected 60,000 square feet of rain forest using 100% of the royalties from their music.
“As a non-profit, we depend on the support of our listeners, other organizations and fellow artists”, Sylvain says.
SAVAGE LANDS at 10 Booth with I Am Morbid and Dimmu Borgir (photo by Kevin Merriaux)
Many of their famous friends showed up to support Savage Lands at Hellfest. Sylvain was backed by familiar faces in Florian Pons (Loco Muerte) and Poun and Etienne Treton (Black Bomb A). Andreas Kisser (Sepultura) and Daniel de Jongh (Textures) joined for their entire set, which kicked off with “The Last Howl”, a fitting tribute to the endangered howler monkey. Chloe Trujillio hopped on for the blackened groove of “Black Rock Heart”, followed by Silje Wergeland (The Gathering) who sang along to the band’s new melancholic single “No Remedy”.
Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy) and Sakis Tolis (Rotting Christ) pledged their support via video. So did Maria Franz from Heilung, who are also partnering with Savage Lands. The Nordic collective are donating $1 for every ticket sold on their US tour to support the non-profit’s reforestation efforts.
As if that wasn’t enough starpower, for their grand finale, Savage Lands brought out Jesper Liveröd (Nasum) Alejandro Montoya (Cultura tres) Billy Graziadei (Biohazard) and Shane Embury (Napalm Death) for a bloody, screaming rendition of “Roots”.
“I’ve known Andreas for such a long time,” says Shane Embury. “It was great sharing the stage with him and all of these wonderful musicians. Meeting and becoming friends with Sylvain and the rest of his band was a beautiful experience.
“Making true creative connections like this is so important” Shane continues. “That’s a big part of what draws me to Savage Lands. We are connected with every living thing on this planet and their organization is helping to preserve nature’s treasures. I’m happy to be a part of such a truly important cause”.
Some of the artists who performed with Savage Lands at Hellfest have already committed to working on their upcoming album, which will be released by Season of Mist. In the meantime, Sylvain and Dirk are still looking for more festivals and other prominent members of the metal community to join the army of trees.
“Our goals are attainable” Sylvain says. “By converting the land that we purchase into nature sanctuaries, Savage Lands will help set a precedent for environmental activism. But we must act quickly. Ecosystems are still under attack. If we don’t, then there won’t be any wildlife left to save”.
SAVAGE LANDS On Stage with Shane Embury (photo by David Gallard)
Just listening to their music helps support Savage Lands. 100% of their song royalties fund the non-profit’s preservation efforts in Costa Rica.
Tracks 1. “The Last Howl” (5:48) [WATCH] 2. “Black Rock Heart” (4:54) [WATCH] 3. “No Remedy” (4:24) [WATCH]
Artists occasionally support causes through donations to organizations. With SAVAGE LANDS, Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren teamed up with his guitar-wielding friend Sylvain Demercastel to create their own US 501(c)3 non-profit.
Savage Lands raises money for reforestation and the creation of sanctuaries free of human destruction in Costa Rica. Using their own royalties, donations and other fundraising efforts, the organization builds nature sanctuaries, establishes green zones and other land preservation projects. They partner with other non-profits, scientists and forest engineers, as well as Decibel Magazine and Season of Mist.
Photo by Gornoss
“If you want to make a difference, take action! Our greatest hope with Savage Lands is that it will inspire you to join us, and if you can, to start your own initiative to help preserve animals, forests, and our planet”, says Dirk.
ANCIENT SETTLERS have released a lyric video for “Coven Garden”, originally the second single taken from the new album “Oblivion’s Legacy” released in May 17th by Scarlet Records. STREAM IT HERE
“Coven Garden” paints a vivid picture of souls ensnared in the carnival’s grip through an evocative imagery. The chorus serves as a chilling refrain, describing the grotesque dance of freaks and phantoms beneath a crimson tent, where wickedness lurks in the shadows. The gang shout adds to the atmosphere of torment and cyclical suffering, reflecting the recurring nature of the carnival’s malevolent influence.
video by Metal Index
The album was
Produced, mixed and mastered by Fredrick Nordstrom at Studio Fredman;
illustrated by Jon Toussas (Suicidal Angels, Nightrage, W.E.B.);
FFO: Arch Enemy, Jinjer, Soilwork, Darkane, Shadows Fall, The Agonist, Light This City
Ancient Settlers quickly gained a fierce reputation in the melodic death metal European scene thanks to a relentless live activity, and are now eager to raise the bar with their second studio album.
Guided by the demoniac vocals of frontwoman Argen Death, the Venezuelan/Spanish band masters the melodeath subject with absolute confidence through storming heavy riffs, thick grooves and catchy hooks (just like the Swedish godfathers taught us all).
“Oblivion’s Legacy” is a conceptual work that delves into the profound depths of human existence, exploring the legacy we leave behind as individuals and as a species. The lyrics contemplate the impact of our actions, the struggles we face, and the ultimate fate that awaits us all.
artwork by Jon Toussas
Set against a backdrop of cosmic wonder and existential introspection, each song serves as a chapter in the unfolding narrative of humanity’s journey through time and space.
Ancient Settlers 2024 tour dates: 26.07 Barcelona (ES) – Sala Bóveda 27.07 Lisbon (PT) – RCA Summer Party Fest 06.09 The Hague (NL) – Musicon 07.09 Bree (BE) – Metal Babes & Queens Festival 08.09 Paris (FR) – Le Klub 28.09 Burgos (ES) – Quintanapalla Rock Festival 19.10 Villabona (ES) – Hellbonak Metal Fest 07.12 Bordeaux (FR) – Salem Bar
Ancient Settlers: Argen Death – vocals Carlos Chiesa-Estomba – guitar Agustín Martinez – guitar Miguel Herrera – bass Hermán Riera – drums
HARPYIE release “Schildmaid”, the new single from the upcoming studio album “Voodoo” which will be released on 25th October on Metalville Records.
With “Schildmaid”, Harpyie release their “ode to women”. With motifs from the emancipated Viking world, the “woman in Valhalla” becomes a symbol of feminism and poses the question of the degradation of men to the elevation of women. Embedded in power metal and medieval rock elements, Harpyie deliver a powerful response to one of the omnipresent challenges facing our world today – in keeping with the spirit of their new album “Voodoo”.
Harpyie – the continuously up-and-coming folk metal band from East Westphalia has played its way into the hearts of the German metal community with its authenticity and consistently individual approach. Whether at the Wacken Open Air or the Summerbreeze, the five rebels from Bad Oeynhausen have thrilled the young and genre-breaking target group as well as the traditional metal fans. With their last album, they also made it into the top ranks of the German album charts with a fabulous 34th place – and proved it: Folk metal from Germany is just as suitable for the mainstream. With their new album “Voodoo” they are continuing on this path.
Harpyie invite you to a life-affirming and rebellious ritual of the shadows of our time.
Respected former recording artist for Down Boys Records, Polish Cairo-Based Guitarist/Songwriter ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ, is set to ignite the music scene with his latest musical endeavor. The highly anticipated first single “Bloody Mamacita”, from his forthcoming album “Unwelcomed and Unbreakable”, is poised to immerse audiences in a relentless pop-rock soundscape, featuring big vocals and touches of Desmond Child, Bon Jovi, and Def Leppard. The album will be released under the moniker of CITOVITZ AND THE FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY.
“Bloody Mamacita” is more than just a song; it’s a heartfelt dedication to Citowicz’s wife and a powerful anthem for adults on the autism spectrum. The track explores the often-overlooked struggles and triumphs of neurodivergent individuals navigating adulthood.
Adding intrigue to the project is a mysterious vocalist whose identity will be revealed later this year. Citowicz hints, “The voice you hear is that of someone on the autism spectrum. Their powerful performance brings an authentic, raw emotion to the music that perfectly captures the essence of our experiences.”
Citowicz adds, “This song is for everyone who’s ever felt alone in their struggles with autism as an adult. It’s a reminder that whether it’s your wife, brother, sister, father, or mother standing by your side, you’re never truly alone in this journey.”
The single showcases Citowicz’s signature guitar work and emotive songwriting, blending rock energy with pop sensibilities. Adding depth to the track is the fantastic bass work of Patryk Szymanski, who Citowicz praises for his intuitive understanding of the music: “Patryk’s bass lines complement my songs in a way no other musician has. His contribution elevates the entire project.”
“Creating ‘Bloody Mamacita’ was like finally finding the right words to express a lifetime of experiences,” Citowicz explains. “It’s about the daily battles we face, the misunderstandings, but also the incredible strength we discover within ourselves and through our loved ones.”
“Unwelcomed and Unbreakable,” set to release later this year, promises to be a groundbreaking album that sheds light on the adult autism experience through the universal language of music. Citowicz adds, “Every song on this album is a piece of my story, and the stories of countless others who navigate this world a bit differently. It’s about being unwelcomed by society’s norms but remaining unbreakable in spirit.”
“Bloody Mamacita” is released exclusively on YouTube today, July 15, 2024. The lyric video premiere offers viewers a visually compelling journey through the song’s powerful narrative.
Watch “Bloody Mamacita” lyric video:
“Bloody Mamacita” Music Credits: Andrzej Citowicz: Guitars, Music, and Everything in Between Patryk Szymanski: Bass Vocals: Voice of a Neurodivergent
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On May 6th 2024, Andrzej Citowicz released his deeply personal gift, “Carpe Diem: The Best Of” album, of Citowicz’s creative musical odyssey.
“Carpe Diem: The Best Of” isn’t just a collection of 17 songs; it’s a three-year artistic voyage condensed into a single, powerful experience. Each carefully selected track represents a pivotal moment, drawn from Citowicz’s critically acclaimed trilogy of instrumental albums: “Misery Loves Company,” “Never Ending Storms,” and “Hive of Weirdness.” Previously scattered gems now find their perfect place within this cohesive whole, taking listeners on an immersive sonic adventure like no other.
Beyond the realm of music, “Carpe Diem: The Best Of” is a profound reflection of Andrzej Citowicz himself. Every note and melody resonate with the triumphs, challenges, and quiet moments of contemplation that have shaped him as an artist. It’s an intimate glimpse into the depths of his being.
In case you missed, stream “Carpe Diem: The Best Of” at https://youtu.be/T52FnyGxYtk?si=znvhvOa-TQ8SUkqD – feat. heart-piercing guitar riffs and a pulsating rhythm section skillfully crafted by bassist Patryk Szymański.
As a neurodivergent artist openly sharing his experiences with autism, Citowicz emphasizes the profound connection he has forged with his instrument. He explains, “Over the past three years, my guitar has been my closest friend. Through it, I’ve expressed emotions and experiences deeply intertwined with my journey on the autism spectrum. ‘Carpe Diem: The Best Of’ stands as a testament to the power of music to transcend language and connect with us on a deeper level, regardless of how we experience the world.”
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As an autistic guitarist, Citowicz has leveraged his unique perspective to craft a distinctive sound that resonates with listeners from all walks of life. His music serves as a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing him to convey complex emotions and thoughts in a way that transcends verbal communication. By sharing his experiences and creative process, Citowicz aims to inspire and empower others on the autism spectrum, while also promoting greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in the music industry.
Andrzej Citowicz’s music career has been marked by a unique blend of hard rock, blues, and cinematic elements, which has garnered him a loyal following across the globe. His critically acclaimed trilogy of instrumental albums has been praised for its emotional depth, technical virtuosity, and innovative storytelling. Citowicz’s music has been described as “a cinematic soundscape that transports listeners to a world of raw emotion”.
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 ) 