Finnish old school Thrash/Death metal band Jewel Throne is set to release their debut album ‘Blood Vultures’ on October 18th 2024 via Inverse Records. The second single ‘The Graveyard of Dreams’ is released today and it’s available here: https://push.fm/fl/jewel-throne-graveyard
Music by Mika Sallanen & Jari Yrjänäinen
Lyrics by Jesse Huovinen
Single cover by MS
The band comments single: “‘ ’The Graveyard of Dreams’ is one of the two oldest songs on ‘Blood Vultures’. The original version can be found on the last EP (‘Silence Shrouds the Ruins’) by the original Jewel Throne lineup from 2019. It is a personal story about deepening depression. A story about how the total futility of everything crushes a human being under its own weight. Black emptiness of being pushes you deeper into the abyss. Slowly one just stops caring about anything. Eventually one has to accept one’s own fate… and disappear.”
Jewel Throne was formed as a trio in May 2019 by bassist-vocalist Mika Sallanen, the other members being guitarist Jari Yrjänäinen and drummer Jouni Kurikka. All were already very experienced with lots of bands, demos and a few albums already in their CV’s since all had begun their adventures in music already back in the late 80´s/early 90´s. The first lineup released three EP´s in quick succession. These simple thrash metal releases should now be considered as mere rough sketches of what was to come later.
It was time to add two more musicians – guitarist Toni Koskinen and vocalist Jesse Huovinen, and Jewel Throne mark II was born. Musically the band improved a lot with this change. This lineup released a bunch of singles and an EP ‘Obscure Relics’, which was also released as a tape by Fetusvomit Records. After this it was decided that it was time for the original guitar player to leave the band.
Now as a four-piece, Jewel Throne mark III moved on. They released two singles and an EP ‘Illiterati’ – a release vastly superior to anything they had achieved so far. So now it was the time to decide what to do next. The band had lots of songs ready, so it was decided to jump head first into the unknown and record their debut album. The recording sessions started in Easter 2023. The band entered the studio with 20 songs out of which 17 songs ended up being recorded.
All in all, the recordings took a bit longer than expected due to various issues, but in early spring 2024 the band had a finished product in their hands. ‘Blood Vultures’ was born – an album of 12 highly energetic and angry thrash/death metal songs. It was time to search for a record label, and in June 2024 the band signed with Inverse Records.
VOMITVSANCTVS was formed in the spring of 2023 in Ełk (PL) as a trio. The debut album is a reflection of contempt for the clergy, all varieties of religion and politics. There is also the issue of omnipresent manipulation, depression and psychosis, which everyone observes every day.
“We come from the Masurian abyss bringing you the Good News – the Unholy Trinity is coming, and with us despair, pain and conflagration. We are a festering secretion of contempt, we are VomitvsanctvS!”
The music for the debut album was recorded by the band themselves, while the whole was mixed and mastered by the band’s guitarist – Preacher. The band’s logo was made by Franciszek “Trommeslager” Skalski, while the album cover was created by the band’s musician – Reverend. The lyrical theme of the album is responsible by vocalist Ravenerd Pest and Marcin “Kira” Petruk – vocalist of the Lublin band Nihili and Oskar Adasiewicz. The band’s photos and the booklet photos were taken by Jarosław Popławski and Bang Your Head Live Photography.
The debut album “Secretion of Contempt” will be released digitally and as CD on September 27, 2024 in collaboration with the Polish label Via Nocturna (pre-order).
Finnish melodic death metal band Crowen is set to release their new EP ‘Where The Darkness Falls’ later this autumn via Inverse Records. The First single ‘Dark Forever’ is released today and a stunning music video is available below.
Dark Forever tells the story of an afterlife where darkness, beauty and a sense of anguish are present. The song also addresses the question of whether it is possible to come out of the darkness.
”The darkness served as my inspiration for this song. The afterlife is an intriguing topic, and I drew my ideas from it into the lyrics. Eventually, the lyrics of this song became the theme of the entire EP,” says Crowen’s frontman Esa Uusimaa.
Dark Forever is punchy, fast-paced and melodic death metal with folk influences. After the intro, the song transitions quickly from one part to the next, which leaves no time to catch a breath except for the last calm part at the end. The melody guitars by Mikko Merilinna, known from the band Khroma, add a melancholy tone to the song, possibly even creating a slightly sinister atmosphere near the end. Tuomas Saukkonen, known from the bands Wolfheart and Before the Dawn, plays the bass in the song and the entire EP.
The concept of two worlds continues in the music video for the song, directed by Lana Gonch. Lead actress Mira Cibulka and Jussi Aspivaara‘s leather masks contribute to the mysterious atmosphere of the video.
Crowen is a melodic death metal band founded in Espoo, Finland in 2019, led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Esa Uusimaa. In addition to guitars, Uusimaa played keyboards on the EP and built the samples for the album. He also recorded and mixed the album.
Line-up: Esa Uusimaa – Vocals, Guitars, Samples Mira Cibulka – Vocals, Keyboards
Pioneers, Artificial Intelligence, and Late ’80s Rock Sounds – A New Chapter for CITOVITZ AND THE FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY
Today, September 5th, YouTube is hosting the online premiere of the latest album from Citovitz And The Fireflies Of February (CTFF). This project features two talented musicians: Andrzej Citowicz, a guitarist and composer originally from Wałbrzych, Poland, now residing in Cairo, who has collaborated with guitarists from the legendary American band Warrant; and Patryk Szymański, a bassist and guitarist from Działdowo, Poland, known for his work with the band Transtime.
“Living Machine” – the title of CTFF’s newest release – comprises 10 tracks. The album blends ’80s rock vibes with modern sounds. What sets this release apart is the inclusion of vocal parts, a departure from the band’s previous instrumental albums. Through a collaboration with TuneCore, the musicians leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. AI not only generated vocal parts for the provided lyrics and tracks but was also applied to existing vocal recordings, giving them a completely new dimension.
“Although we’re traditionalists who love collaborating with other people, we’d be remiss not to accept an offer from a giant like TuneCore,” notes project leader Andrzej Citowicz. “We were selected for a project training AI capabilities in singing, vocal harmonies, etc. Out of hundreds, if not thousands, of participants, we made it to the final 60, allowing us to create 10 unique tracks with AI assistance.”
Patryk Szymański adds, “It’s been nearly fifteen years of playing together without meeting in person. Around 2011-2012, we were pioneers in amateur remote recording, which even international music magazines noted. Today, we’re using AI resources in our musical adventure to feel like the rock stars we’ve always wanted to be, right from our own bedrooms,” he says with a smile.
It’s worth noting that while AI played a crucial role in shaping the vocals, it didn’t entirely replace the human voice. “AI served as a tool to help us achieve the sound we dreamed of. You might even hear fragments of our own vocals in some tracks, further shaped by artificial intelligence. It’s an experiment that allowed us to push the boundaries of music and create something truly unique,” Andrzej Citowicz explains.
“Living Machine” – An Album That Will Surprise
“Living Machine” is set to surprise listeners. The combination of traditional rock sounds with modern technologies, unique AI-created vocals, and emotional lyrics creates an exceptional whole. It’s an album that lingers in memory long after listening, leaving the audience with a sense of fulfillment.
Singles Promoting the Album
The album is promoted by singles including “Life Means Nothing At All” and “Beautiful Broken Souls,” which are already winning over listeners. These energetic tracks serve as perfect ambassadors for “Living Machine” and herald an extraordinary musical journey.
Listen and See for Yourself!
The premiere of “Living Machine” is online today, September 5th on YouTube. Don’t miss this exceptional musical feast!
Earlier this Summer, Citowicz released “Bloody Mamacita”, taken from the upcoming album “Unwelcomed and Unbreakable” set to released later this year. “Bloody Mamacita” is more than just a song; it’s a heartfelt dedication to his 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.
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” Music Credits: Andrzej Citowicz: Guitars, Music, and Everything in Between Patryk Szymanski: Bass Vocals: Voice of a Neurodivergent
++++++
On May 6th 2024, Andrzej Citowicz released his deeply personal gift, “Carpe Diem: The Best Of” album, of Citowicz’s creative musical odyssey.
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 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”.
Spanish progressive metal outfit Âscent unveils their gripping new lyric video, “Nightmare in a Spanish Garden.” The track, premiering today on YouTube, is taken from their album, Gamma, out via Wormholedeath.
Dive into the chilling world of “Nightmare in a Spanish Garden,” where every corner hides a haunting secret. This gripping tale of sleep paralysis doesn’t just paint a picture—it pulls you into its dark depths, enveloping you in fear, confusion, and utter helplessness. Brace yourself for a journey where screams are silenced, shadows dance with menace, and the line between dream and nightmare fades into oblivion.
The visually stunning lyric video for “Nightmare in a Spanish Garden” was crafted by Volume Agency, bringing the eerie, dream-like atmosphere of the song to life.
Explore the nightmare, embrace the music, and let Âscent guide you through the shadows.
Formed in Madrid in 2014, Âscent started by covering songs and quickly transitioned to crafting their distinctive sound. Their journey includes standout moments like debuting at Totofest in 2016 and dropping their first album, Deep Schyzo Cycle, in 2017. They’ve since showcased their versatility with tracks like “Stereo Thoughts” in 2019 and their progressive metal take on “Eleanor Rigby” in 2020. Their upcoming album Gamma promises to deliver diverse themes and innovative musical arrangements.
This past Saturday at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go in Los Angeles, CA, heavy metal kings KK’S PRIEST – featuring Judas Priest alum and GRAMMY Award winning/nominated musicians K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals) – and Teutonic metal originators ACCEPT kicked off the most iconic metal tour of the season. The tour is stopping in a slew of major cities in the USA and Canada before coming to an end in San Francisco, CA on October 7, so get your tickets now before they’re gone!
Today, in celebration of the tour’s kickoff, KK’S PRIEST has revealed a brand new music video for their latest album’s title track, “The Sinner Rides Again”. Featuring mythical, dark fantasy imagery, astonishing, soaring vocals by Tim “Ripper” Owens and high flying guitar solos from K.K. Downing and A.J. Mills – who together are redefining the seminal metal guitar duo for a new generation – the video enters the band’s catalog as one of their most epic to date!
Catch KK’S PRIEST & ACCEPT on tour NOW! Full Metal Assault Tour 2024 – Remaining Dates: September 5 – East Moline, IL – The Rust Belt September 6 – Green Bay, WI – Epic Events Center September 7 – Des Plaines, IL – Des Plaines Theater September 8 – Detroit, MI – District 142 September 10 – Toronto, ON – QET September 11 – Montreal, QC – Rialto Theatre September 13 – New York, NY – The Palladium September 14 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall September 15 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur Theatre September 16 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse September 18 – Lititz, PA – Mickey’s Black Box September 20 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater September 21 – Providence, RI – The Strand Ballroom September 22 – Leesburg, VA – Tally Ho Theater September 24 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl September 26 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore September 27 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall September 28 – Fort Worth, TX – Tannahill’s September 29 – Austin, TX – Paramount Theatre October 1 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theatre October 2 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre October 4 – Riverside, CA – Fox Performing Arts Center October 5 – San Diego, CA – The Magnolia October 6 – Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades October 7 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom October 10 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live Midtown – KK’s PRIEST ONLY, hosted by Eddie Trunk
Mexico Metal Fest: October 12 – Monterrey, Mexico – Mexico Metal Fest (w/ King Diamond)
In 2023, KK’S PRIEST unveiled their blistering sophomore offering, The Sinner Rides Again, to rave reviews! Blabbermouth dubbed it “an absolutely ripping metal record”, while Paste stated, “…with all respect to Rob Halford and co., nothing they’ve produced in recent years feels as dynamic and as heavy as the material that their former guitarist has been forging with his project KK’S PRIEST.” The album debuted at #1 on the US Hard Music Albums chart, #3 on the Top New Artist Albums chart and #6 on the Current Rock Albums chart. The Sinner Rides Again also landed at #6 on the end of year NACC Heavy radio chart, while resulting as one of the top spun albums of the year at Metal Contraband.
With The Sinner Rides Again, KK’S PRIEST double down on the ripping melodic force of their debut, Sermons Of The Sinner– which Metal Hammer UK dubbed “hugely enjoyable” and Metal Injection cited as boasting “catchy hooks and plenty of guitar wizardry”. The Sinner Rides Again wields nine tracks of pure hellfire, produced and written by Downing and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen. The celebrated new album is a call for the classics while speeding full force into the future, delivered by some of heavy metal’s most essential performers.
KK’S PRIEST is: Tim “Ripper” Owens – Vocals K.K. Downing – Guitar A.J. Mills – Guitar Tony Newton – Bass Sean Elg – Drums
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 