KICK THE GIANT Release Highly Anticipated Debut Album “Presence”, Out Today

Posted by metalshockfinland on July 5, 2024
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Photography by Frida Lönnroos

Finnish progressive rock/metal band Kick The Giant release their long-awaited debut album ‘Presence’, today, July 5th 2024 via Inverse Records. 

LISTEN to Presence on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/ktg-presence 

What would it sound like, if you´d take the cheesy part of the 80´s, stir it in prog soup, served on plate of rock music? After a while of pondering, the answer is pretty clear: this is the kind of music you would love to hear, but would not admit it. On this note it is easy to tell that after one EP and three singles, that’s what Kick The Giant’s music is all about . The bands music style is a blend of progressive rock, 80´s pop/rock and metal. Even if the groups music style has evolved and modified over the years, you still hear that same old sound what makes Kick The Giant sound like Kick The Giant.

The bands biggest influences are Toto and Dream Theater among others.

WATCH Stop Signs music video: https://youtu.be/PPy4JoY58j0
WATCH Out of Time music video: https://youtu.be/WoUG1QW-fGY

Track list:

  1. Presence
  2. Statement
  3. Out Of Time
  4. Overture
  5. Damned Or Divine
  6. Stop Signs
  7. Distant Memories
  8. Mountain Of Nothing

Mixed by Santtu Lehtiniemi
Mastered by Svante Forsbäck
Album cover by Olli Hyvärinen

It was the summer of 2013 when Oskar Ketola and Tony Hentilä got together with an idea to form a band. Tony and Oskar had already played together in several bands and therefore the core idea for the band materialised easily. Oskars’ and Tonys’ mutual friend, Riku Rahm, joined the band soon after as their first drummer. The band performed as a trio for a while with a session bass player Kai Ketola. 
 

Several lineup changes later bass player Lauri Aho and drummer Emilio Jones joined the band and fulfilled the final lineup.

In 2014 Kick The Giant released their first single and music video “Skip!?!” which was followed by “No Boundaries” – EP in 2015. The music video for “Space Adventure Pt. 1 Pineapple” got some media attention back when the band was featured in a finnish music magazine “Soundi”. In the article Teppo Vapaus writes that the bands music is progressive, light-hearted and fun with some serious chops behind it.

The EP was followed by 2016 single and music video “Freedom” and in 2017 single “Sonja” which are the best known songs of the band..

For the past few years Kick The Giant has been working on their debut album “Presence” which is now released under Inverse Records. 

Line-up:
Tony Hentilä – Guitar & Vocals
Oskar Ketola – Keyboards & Vocals
Lauri Aho – Bass & Backing Vocals
Emilio Jones – Drums, Percussions & Backing Vocals

https://www.facebook.com/kickthegiantofficial
https://www.instagram.com/kickthegiantofficial
https://kickthegiant.bandcamp.com

Instrumental Rock Trio PANIC IN MARCH Release New Single ‘Paranoia Tip’ with Music Video

Posted by metalshockfinland on July 5, 2024
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Volcano Records & Promotion is thrilled to announce the release of the new single by the Italian instrumental rock trio, PANIC IN MARCH, entitled “Paranoia Tip”.

Produced by Alessandro Liccardo (Hangarvain), this track offers a unique musical experience with violent and dissonant sequences that evolve into heavier openings. The choruses, with complex meters and abrupt tempo changes, transport the listener into a parallel dimension, challenging current musical clichés.

Also available on YouTube is the music video for “Paranoia Tip”, a direct and essential visual that immerses us even deeper into the band’s expressive universe, highlighting their instrumental power and artistic vision.

Panic In March’s music, a fusion of stoner and progressive metal, is characterized by powerful riffs and metric variations. The band self-released two EPs, “Spotted Life” (2020) and “Abandoned” (2023), before joining Volcano Records’ roster in 2024 for a series of singles that are gaining excellent traction on Spotify.

Listen to Paranoia Tip on your favorite digital platform https://music.imusician.pro/a/_wUqmbYf/

Watch the new video of Paranoia Tip below.

Also check out the previously released singles:
‘Hallucinations’ – https://youtu.be/F295284g_X0
‘Elidia’ – https://music.imusician.pro/a/Plv6sTa9

Further info at
Label: http://www.volcanopromotion.com
Band: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063454276536

RISE TO FALL Return to Japan with VÄLDEMAR + BLOODHUNTER

Posted by metalshockfinland on July 4, 2024
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Hellfire Agency is thrilled to announce that Rise to Fall will be returning to Japan for the third time, headlining for the second time. This time, the band is excited to share the stage with their brothers and fellow metal warriors, Vhäldemar, and welcome Bloodhunter on their first-ever trip to Japan.

Tour Dates:

  • October 7th: Osaka – Shinsaibashi Pangea
  • October 8th: Nagoya – Fushimi Lion Theater
  • October 9th: Tokyo – Hatsudai Doors

Prepare yourselves for an epic battle of metal as we join forces to bring you an unforgettable experience. The energy will be high, the riffs will be heavy, and the atmosphere electric.

Tickets at https://evp.jp/project/spa24/

**Rise to Fall**, known for their powerful blend of melodic death metal, are eager to reconnect with their Japanese fans and deliver a performance that will resonate for years to come. Having headlined in Japan before, the band is excited to bring their dynamic stage presence and new material to their dedicated fans.

**Vhäldemar**, our brothers in metal, will add their signature heavy metal sound to the tour. Their electrifying performances and loyal fanbase make them the perfect allies for this journey.

**Bloodhunter** will be making their debut in Japan, bringing their ferocious energy and relentless metal sound to Japanese soil for the first time. Their presence will surely add an intense and fresh dynamic to the lineup.

Don’t miss out on this monumental event. Join us in Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo for a series of concerts that will shake the foundations of Japanese metal. Stay tuned to our social media channels for more details and ticket information. We can’t wait to see you all there!

REQUIEM’S EMBRACE Release “Nightmares And Fairytales” Debut EP, Out Tomorrow

Posted by metalshockfinland on July 4, 2024
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Eleonora Damiano & Alex Mele • 2024 – 📸 Requiem’s Embrace

Italian symphonic power metallers REQUIEM’S EMBRACE release their surprise EP “Nightmares And Fairytales” tomorrow, July 5th, via Sleaszy Rider Records.

Magic presents just two choices: fear it or embrace its secrets …
Guitarist Alex Mele (Kaledon) and vocalist Eleonora Damiano (ex Epinikion) have joint forces to create the Symphonic Power Metal act, REQUIEM‘S EMBRACE.

This talented line-up also includes bassist Silvia Pistolesi (Hellucination), guitarist Francesco Ciancio (Kaledon), keyboardist Fabio Bernardi (River Of Change), and drummer Manuele Di Ascenzo (Imperial Age).

Having recently inked a deal with Sleaszy Rider Records, the new band is set to unleash their debut EP on July 5, 2024.

TRACKS:
📺 01. Lady Foxglove 04:31
📺 02. Scarlet Meadows 03:56
03. Nightmares 04:13

total: 12:40 min.

LINE-UP:
Eleonora Damiano • Vocals
Alex Mele • Guitars
Francesco Ciancio • Guitars
Silvia Pistolesi • Bass
Fabio Bernardi • Keyboards
Manuele Di Ascenzo • Drums

OCTOPLOID Release Lyric Video ‘A Dusk Of Vex’ Feat. Jón Aldará, Debut Album Out Tomorrow

Posted by metalshockfinland on July 4, 2024
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Photo credit: Päivi Leino

OCTOPLOID, the band founded by bass player Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine (AMORPHIS, BARREN EARTH, MANNHAI), have arrived to guide fans around the world into their very own musical universe titled “Beyond The Aeons.” Being released through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), the group have shared an additional video in support of their debut album.

Check out the record’s closing track, ‘A Dusk Of Vesk [feat. Jón Aldará]’ below.

“A crushing mid tempo death metal riff, an arena chorus, a twisted foundation and a 70s AOR outro migrate here, proving that making a coherent song out of those diverse ingredients is not only possible, but ‘A Dusk Of Vex’ is a living proof of that,” explains band leader Laine.

Order “Beyond The Aeons” in your preferred physical format (CD-digipak or eco-friendly/recycled “dusk of vex” marbled vinyl), stream it on your favourite digital service provider (DSP), or purchase it digitally now, here: https://octoploid.rpm.link/beyondtheaeonsPR.

The album release will also be supported by OCTOPLOID‘s very first live performance which is set to take place at On the Rocks in Helsinki, Finland next month, on August 2. Don’t miss the chance to witness their stage debut and get your tickets from Tiketti!

“Beyond The Aeons” – Track Listing:

  1. The Dawns In Nothingness [feat. Mikko Kotamäki] *
  2. Coast Of The Drowned Sailors [feat. Tomi Koivusaari & Janitor Muurinen] *
  3. Human Amoral [feat. Tomi Joutsen] *
  4. Shattered Wings [feat. Petri Eskelinen] #/%
  5. Beyond The Aeons #/%
  6. The Hallowed Flame [feat. Mikko Kotamäki] *
  7. Concealed Serenity [feat. Mikko Kotamäki] %
  8. A Dusk Of Vex [feat. Jón Aldará | physical: long version; digital: edit] ^/%
    Bonus Track (physical only):
  9. Monotony [feat. Petri Eskelinen] %

*Kim Rantala (keyboards)
#Samu Leminen (additional lead guitars)
^Ile Laaksomaa (additional lead guitar)
%Kasper Mårtenson (keyboards)

More from “Beyond The Aeons”:

OCTOPLOID live:

02.08.2024 FI Helsinki – On the Rocks [TICKETS]

Don’t forget to subscribe to Reigning Phoenix Music on YouTube to stay updated and listen to ‘A Dusk Of Vex [feat. Jón Aldará; Edit]’ along with other new tracks in the “RPM New Releases” playlist on Spotify. Subscribe here: https://rpm.link/spotifynewreleasesPR.

About OCTOPLOID

OCTOPLOID, the solo project of Olli-Pekka Laine (bassist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist, known for his work with AMORPHIS, BARREN EARTH, and MANNHAI), was established in 2022. This venture has culminated in “Beyond The Aeons,” the act’s debut album set for release on July 5, 2024, through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). OCTOPLOID‘s music merges elements of 90s death/black metal, 70s prog rock, and 90s psychedelic rock, carving a distinct niche in the music landscape. The sound of OCTOPLOID has aptly been described as “classic death prog.”

The band’s line-up is built around Laine and features four talented musicians. Mikko Pietinen, a versatile drummer with experience ranging from stoner rock with MANNHAI to Finnish mainstream pop rock (including bands like KASMIR), and Peter Salonen, a lead/rhythm guitarist known for his work with THE KINKY THING — a band that performs covers of Finnish psych rock legends KINGSTON WALL — is relatively new to the scene. The group is completed by keyboardist Kim Rantala (GIANT ROBOT, formerly of AMORPHIS) and vocalist Mikko Kotamäki (SWALLOW THE SUN etc.; live).

OCTOPLOID is:
Mikko Kotamäki | vocals (live)
Peter Salonen | guitars
Kim Rantala | keyboards
Olli-Pekka Laine | bass, keyboards, backing vocals
Mikko Pietinen | drums, percussion

More on OCTOPLOID: Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | RPM

ECLIPSE Announce New Studio Album “Megalomanium II”, Reveal New Single + Video ‘The Spark’

Posted by metalshockfinland on July 4, 2024
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Swedish rockers ECLIPSE are thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated new studio album “Megalomanium II” on September 20th, 2024, via Frontiers Music Srl. The new single and accompanying video, “The Spark”, are also out today.

Pre-order “Megalomanium II”: https://ffm.to/eclipsemegalomaniumii

The band shared their excitement for the new single, with lead singer Erik Mårtensson commenting: “Our new single The Spark hits the ground running with a riff that’s got more stickiness than a Hubba Bubba bubble popped over a 90’s goatee. Don’t let the gum reference fool you, this song contains one of our heaviest verses so far, but it ends up in an Eclipse signature style chorus that will come in handy at the festivals we’re playing this summer.”

“We’ve been toying around with this idea for probably the last three records now and I’m really happy we gave it time to develop it” added guitarist Magnus Henriksson. “Musically, it’s like a weird mix of heavy Eclipse and almost EDM like melodies. I have no idea how we ended up here, all I know is that taking this one to the stage should be awesome!”

Eclipse, the heavy rock powerhouse out of Stockholm, are renowned for their signature sound of massive hooks and stellar musicianship, quickly becoming one of Sweden’s largest heavy rock bands with well over 100 million streams on streaming services. 

Following on from the release of “Megalomanium” last September and, most recently, of the exclusive 7’’ vinyl “Apocalypse Blues” and the single “Falling To My Knees”, the band’s trajectory to craft memorable anthems is bound to stay intact. 

Erik commented on the upcoming release: “If you thought the title of our previous record was proof of us suffering from delusions of grandeur, then you’re absolutely right. The only way we could top it was to make another one. Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you, Megalomanium II.”

 “This band is on a continuous journey trying to find new avenues to explore. Having said that, Megalomanium II is probably closer to what people mostly associate Eclipse with. It’s filled to the brim with large choruses, beautiful melodies and some amazing guitar playing. I’m totally unbiased, by the way” Magnus continued.

Eclipse have been making increasingly larger waves on the European and American rock scene over the last years. With tours ranging from South America to Australia and Japan, these guys are a force to be reckoned with which festival goers of Wacken, Alcatraz, Summer Breeze to name but a few will be very aware of by now. 

At its core Eclipse is a heavy rock band with an appeal that transcends genres. In addition to their numerous headline tours, Eclipse has also opened for a wide range of bands over the years including Aerosmith, My Chemical Romance and Def Leppard to name a few. With their unique sound, Eclipse are one of Sweden’s most influential heavy rock bands.

After a sold out headline tour across Europe at the end of 2023, the band continues to fill their busy live schedule in 2024. Following a successful run in Japan and South America, Eclipse are currently touring across Europe and will be headed to central Europe and the US after the summer, with additional dates to be added as the year moves on. For a full list of tour dates visit HERE.

“Megalomanium II” Tracklist:

  1. Apocalypse Blues
  2. The Spark
  3. Falling To My Knees
  4. All I Want
  5. Still My Hero
  6. Dive Into You
  7. Until The War Is Over
  8. Divide & Conquer
  9. Pieces
  10. To Say Goodbye
  11. One In A Million

Line Up:
Erik Mårtensson – Vocals
Magnus Henriksson – Guitars
Philip Crusner – Drums
Victor Crusner – Bass

Follow Eclipse: Website – Facebook – Instagram – X