Modern metal quintet The Oklahoma Kid have released a video for their brand new single ‘Ignoranz’ ft. Consvmer, out now via Arising Empire. Known for their very own blend of genres, the avant-garde five-piece never fall shy of pushing the boundaries and breaking old conventions.
‘Ignoranz’ tackles themes of societal disillusionment and the dangers of willful ignorance, delivering a compelling message through a relentless sonic onslaught. Consvmer‘s fierce contribution enhances the track’s intensity, seamlessly blending with The Oklahoma Kid‘s dynamic sound.
The Oklahoma Kid deliver breathtaking modern metal that bridges the gap between technical intricacy and energising rhythms. Since forming in 2012 the band – consisting of David J. Burtscher, Fred Stölzel, Robert Elfenbein, Tomm Brümmer and Andreas Reinhard – have consistently pushed boundaries and have established their foundation in the German metal scene.
After their successful debut album Solarray (2019) and struck by the global pandemic, The Oklahoma Kid set their focus on writing new music with one simple goal in mind, to better themselves and give every fan something to crave for – their 2022 album Tangerine Tragic.
Tangerine Tragicis built on the strengths of their debut Solarray. It plays with new ideas and concepts, comes gentle as a breeze and strikes hard as a wrecking ball. The album was recorded and produced by Jan Kerscher (Ghost City Recordings) and mixed and mastered by Lance Prenc (Alpha Wolf, Polaris, Dealer), which gives the production its full-blown punch.
The Oklahoma Kid toured the country with renowned acts such as Stick To Your Guns, Carnifex, EvergreenTerrace and Hatebreed, electrifying crowds with their passionate, relentless performance.
The Oklahoma Kid are no longer an insider tip and a force to be reckoned with. Whether you experience them live at a festival or on record in your living room, The Oklahoma Kid will change your perception of what metal is capable of.
The Oklahoma Kid are: Tomm Brümmer | Vocals Fred Stölzel | Guitar Andreas Reinhard | Guitar Robert Elfenbein | Bass David J. Burtscher | Drums
Experimental/psychedelic black-progsters HAIL SPIRIT NOIR are streaming their new opus “Fossil Gardens”, released today, June 28th via Agonia Records.
The Greek’s adventurous album can be listened to in full, here:
“Fossil Gardens” is an intense and soul-elevating experience; a musical journey to the unmistakable world of HAIL SPIRIT NOIR, and its most extreme effort to date. The band’s signature sound, defined by otherworldly melodies, vintage synths and compositional experimentation, is once again present, yet shifting towards black metal instrumentation and chaotic soundscapes, reaching next-level psychedelia.
Long time partner Dimitris Douvras (Rotting Christ, Nightstalker) and Magnus Lindberg, member of Cult of Luna and world renowned mastering engineer, handled the production duties, crafting a warm and solid sound that perfectly reverberates the band’s abstract vision. The visual side of the album was portrayed by George Baramatis (cover artwork) and Dimitris Katsenos (additional art and layout).
Taking up where “Eden in Reverse” left off, the album, thematically, focuses on the philosophical and scientific struggle to unravel the secrets of the universe and reach new states of consciousness that defy the limits of space and time.
Haris (synths) had this to say about “Fossil Gardens”: “This time we went more extreme than ever before, we used lots of blasts, screams and minimal black metal textures. Even so, I believe this is a positive album, since it revolves around the charm of our cosmos and the transcendence of space and time. Having this on mind, we went for a solid yet abstract sound production, meaning that we wanted the listener to perceive the music as a whole, not as the sum of individual parts and instruments. Some may find it different than our previous album, but if you watch closely, you’ll notice the extreme similarities.”
The group was established late 2010 as a trio and issued their debut album “Pneuma” two years later. Its warm reception strengthened the band’s experimental approach and enhanced its quirky take on music, all of which inevitably led to the release of “Oi Magoi” in 2014; a psychedelic prog-black metal opus of trippy melodies and satyric aura. Followed by “Mayhem In Blue” in 2016, the band’s signature sound was solidified, and at the same time expanded into more aggressive territories, without abandoning the group’s trademark psychedelic-infused melodies. Since 2018, the trio has been joined full-time by its live members, changing the band into a sextet. Their last album, 2020’s “Eden In Reverse”, was lauded as the next step in their ongoing evolution, with an 80s twist. In 2021, HAIL SPIRIT NOIR celebrated their 10th anniversary with a one-off, disco-driven soundtrack, “Mannequins”, which daringly plunged into synthwave & sci-fi pop aesthetics, having strayed away from the band’s typical release path.
Australian doom entity MEKIGAH have announced the release of their new album “To Hold Onto A Heartless Heart“, due out August 15th 2024 via Aesthetic Death.
The track “Collapsing Under” is now streaming at THIS LOCATION.
The fifth MEKIGAH full length album is a purposely designed ugly, drawn out, raw, awkward journey. There’s no attempt or desire to either embrace the slow slow doom, to aggressively technically impress or to build upon previous motifs. Everything is caught between worlds, as MEKIGAH itself is caught between worlds. Nothing is where it belongs as things are uncomfortably forced together through the sheer necessity of only gaining satisfaction via sonic self sabotage and harm, creating audial-mazes to which then have to delicately navigated through.
“I trade in uncertainty and superstition and cant. I invent dark visions of impossible situations that can never be resolved” – Ralph Steadman
Heavily driven by basslines along with industrial, sparse, neanderthal drums. Guitars are featured heavily, but infrequently as riffs, more as screeching, wailing, floating walls of high frequency pain that are meshed with discordant piano lines – all this amidst the brief, but demented, freestyle vocal stabs and incoherent mournful chants.
Neither the gothic metal, nor the noise doom of previous releases, yet having slight nods to both in fleeting moments. “To Hold Onto A Heartless Heart” can feel immensely detached & cold but somehow personal & emotional too. This is MEKIGAH evolving, following his own heart and creative vision.
More challenging than catchy or entertaining in any shape or form. Layers of sound to discover and uncover in detail on repeated listens. At other times there feels to be claustrophobic walls of noise that are impassable, impossible to make sense of but for the hope and glimpses of reason that are seen through the minimalist riffs and beats – simplistic, repetitive and drilled into your skull over and over again.
“What it’s all about”….. is far more dictated by however any individual interprets the music, or how it makes them feel. With any lyrical content, words & voice serving far more as an instrument or sound than expressing a storyline or emotion. Words on this album are minimal yet the confusion & loss that inspired them were huge.
Once again featuring long time collaborator guitarist Richard Ziltch and this time joined by Tasmanian underground metal legends Leigh Ritson (Disseminate, Thrall, Ruins) & Alex Pope (Ruins, Evil Dead) along with local experimental noise-mates Sova Locus, Primal Regression Therapy, Sydney Punk/Noise stalwart Con BCTW (Blurters, Milat, Impact Statement) and local arborist Sammy. Mastered by Greg Chandler and once again Aesthetic Death is honoured to be working together with MEKIGAH to release this on digi CD.
Tracklist: 01. Collapsing Under 02. Broken Rhythm Pressure 03. Away Drifting From 04. An infinitesimal Difference 05. It Hisses So 06. Eyes Glazed Over
When it comes to Japanese death metal, there is no shrewder sensei than Defiled. Since they started their training in the world’s most vulgar of art forms back in the early ’90s, the band have toured everywhere from their native Tokyo to Milwaukee Metal Fest with the likes of Mayhem, Incantation, Morbid Angel and Cannibal Corpse.
Now, after 30 years of destroying the opposition at the highest level, these self-proclaimed samurai of death metal are back with their eighth album. Horror Beyond Horror is the kind of good ol’ fashioned ass-kicking that only a true master can deliver.
After they first took to the stage in 1995, Defiled needed nearly a decade before finally erupting with wrath on their debut album. But ever since the band’s lineup solidified around original member Yusuke Sumita, they haven’t stopped to look back and admire their war path. Horror Beyond Horror comes hot on the heels of the album they released just last year, which Metal Injection listed as one of the can’t-miss releases of 2023.
Anyone who took The Highest Level at face value will be pleasantly surprised to hear that Defiled have only added another grimy coat of blood to their blade. “To See Behind the Wall” is the final boss on Horror Beyond Horror, but the album’s first single wastes no time charging into the fray behind a barrage of old-school death metal. Whether they’re slicing, dicing or leaping into a furiously fast solo, the riffs take no prisoners.
“The path to your elimination”, Shinichiro Hamada cries, digging in amidst a flurry of blast beats, before unleashing an ungodly war cry.
“What is behind the wall?”, Defiled ask on their new single. “The truth that has been hidden? Our sanity as human beings? Are we, who are inside the wall, now in a world of deceit and madness?”
Cover Art by Wes Benscoter
More praise for Defiled
“The one-two punch of tight musicianship and an inclination to pummel into submission without the need for flashy antics makes for a dazzling experience” – Ghost Cult
“Encapsulates both the oldschool familiarity and the modern aesthetics of death metal” – Metal Trenches
Tracklist1. Smoke and Mirrors (2:35) 2. Horror Beyond Horror (4:01) 3. Syndicate (3:59) 4. The Alchemy (2:47) 5. Demagogue (2:13) 6. The Terminal Phase (2:18) 7. Trojan Horse (2:35) 8. Spectrum of Fear (2:30) 9. The Crook and Flail (3:08) 10. Replicator Dynamics (2:42) 11. Equinox (3:04) 12. The Chains (3:16) 13. Psychopomp (3:14) 14. To See Behind The Wall (2:45) [WATCH]
From the depths of Tokyo’s darkest alleys, Defiled have emerged once again, claws sharpened, eyes bloodshot, ready to unleash a fresh dose of unadulterated savagery with their latest full-length studio album, Horror Beyond Horror. Marrying the grotesque with technical prowess, these samurais of sickness are poised to carve another notch into the archives of death metal’s sordid history.
Since crawling from the primordial soup of the underground scene in the early ’90s, Defiled have forged a path littered with broken souls. Their journey of destruction first sank its teeth into the international jugular with Erupted Wrath, mixed by the masterful Jim Morris in Tampa, Florida. This brutal assault opened gates to a global bloodletting, from leveling stages in South Korea to crushing skulls at the Milwaukee Metalfest, and not even the November to Dismember fest could foresee the carnage they’d bring.
Commandeering the technical tightrope between anarchy and precision, Defiled evolved, much like an aberrant spawn isolated on the Galapagos, grotesque yet ultimately superior. Their subsequent onslaughts — Ugliness Revealed, Divination, and the sheer violence of In Crisis — built a monument to atrocity that ascends to new heights with Horror Beyond Horror.
Taking no prisoners in their three-decades-long campaign of terror, Defiled have become the indestructible behemoth of Asia’s death metal scene, powered by the relentless engine of their oldschool roots and the twisted wreckage of technical thrash and progressive rock innovation.
But enough with the history lesson, you came here for the carnage, didn’t you? Horror Beyond Horror is a 14-track massacre, riddled with riffs sharp enough to slit your throat and a rhythmic onslaught that’ll pulverize your pathetic bones. Each track, from the visceral “Smoke and Mirrors” to the haunting “To See Behind the Wall”, is a calculated strike, precision-engineered to leave no survivors. Let’s not forget the eponymous “Horror Beyond Horror”, a track that cements Defiled’s legacy as harbingers of the apocalypse.
With a sound as raw as exposed nerve endings and as unrefined as a mass grave, Defiled stands defiantly apart from the polished poseurs and shameless sellouts. They don’t peddle in cheap gimmickry or nostalgia; they deal in the currency of pure, unfiltered destruction. As they look out upon the charred landscape of the genre they’ve helped to define, Defiled is not content to rest on their laurels. Horror Beyond Horror sees them, once again, ascending to the blood-soaked throne of death metal sovereignty.
Production Credits Sound Engineers – Shinichiro Hamada & Keisuke Hamada Produced by Yusuke Sumita Mixed & Mastered by Kenji Kikuchi at Studio Nest, Chiba, Japan
Swedish powerhouse Heavy Metal group DREAM EVIL have now launched the second single “Chosen Force” off their upcoming seventh studio album effort, programatically entitled Metal Gods, to be released via longtime label Century Media Records worldwide on July 26th, 2024.
You can now check out “Chosen Force” in a video-clip directed by Patric Ullaeus below.
DREAM EVIL tuned in with the following comment about “Chosen Force”: “The fourth song in the “tetralogy” of songs in the same manner. First it was “The Chosen Ones”, then “Chosen Twice”, after that “The Unchosen One” and now as the fourth song it’s time for the “Chosen Force”. Truly Epic Metal!”
Check out the album’s first single and opening track “Metal Gods” now, also in a powerful video-clip directed by Patric Ullaeus here: https://youtu.be/bQhp1mmraKQ
DREAM EVIL have checked in with the following comment about their new album Metal Gods: “DREAM EVIL are finally back! It has been seven years since we released our latest album SIX, so we are stoked to return with a vengeance now! The wait should not be in vain for anybody, as we are extremely happy with the outcome of all tracks on Metal Gods. It’s a loud and clear statement for DREAM EVIL and a respectful nod to our influences as well as to the traditional melodic Heavy Metal movement in general. We hope you will enjoy it as much as we do!?”
And then DREAM EVIL added the following about the “Metal Gods” title-track and its video: “It’s all about our Heavy Metal heroes in the past and present, a tribute to the Metal Gods who created and perfected the genre Heavy Metal. It’s always a blast to work with Patric Ullaeus and to watch the magic he creates…Play LOUD and enjoy!”
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)
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 More shows will be announced soon…
DREAM EVIL line-up: (From left to right in the photo above by Patric Ullaeus) Sören Fardvik – Lead Drums Fredrik Nordström – Lead Rhythm Guitars Niklas Isfeldt – Lead Vocals Peter Stålfors – Lead Bass Markus Fristedt – Lead Lead Guitar
Not many people start new bands in their 80s, but legendary guitarist, producer, and songwriter Steve Cropper isn’t slowing down any time soon. The triple-threat musician, recently nominated for his first solo GRAMMY for the debut album from his tight and tuneful rock n’ soul quintet, STEVE CROPPER & THE MIDNIGHT HOUR, has announced details of his highly anticipated new album, ‘Friendlytown,’ due out August 23rd via Mascot Label Group/Provogue.
Always pushing ahead and never repeating himself, Cropper has brought in the talents of Billy F Gibbons from ZZ Top to play on the record. The album also features guest appearances from Queen guitarist extraordinaire Brian May and country-rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Tim Montana, who has balanced a successful solo career with high-profile collaborations with Gibbons and Kid Rock.
“If your booty is not shaking in the first two bars of this album you’re already dead in a chair,” laughs Cropper. “I feel so good about this batch of songs. They’re packed with radio hooks, and we have Billy Gibbons, Brian May, and Tim Montana playing on the album—it’s like guitar heaven.”
In conjunction with the album announcement, Cropper has released the album’s first single, “Too Much Stress feat. Brian May,” giving fans a tantalizing taste of the new music. This groovy mid-tempo number features gospel-style backing vocals and a trifecta of the baddest rock guitar players. Brian May sings the duet vocal together with Roger C. Reale and the backing vocals while May and Gibbons trade back-to-back solos. The Queen’s axeman’s trademark snarling tone and lyrical licks perfectly complement Gibbons’ searing blues-based style, with Cropper holding it all down with some signature slinky rhythm guitar work. “It was heaven playing with those two,” Cropper recalls.
Standout tracks on ‘Friendlytown’ include the muscular, blues rock title track, anchored by one of Cropper’s signature loping riffs, adorned with low-down Texas blues style guitar leads from Gibbons, and featuring Reale’s throaty growl. Another highlight is “You Can’t Refuse,” the ultra-catchy, Bo Diddley-styled romp featuring slithery blues licks from Tim Montana. “He attended a party I had some time back, and it turns out he was a big fan of my work. When he played on the album, he said ‘just make sure you spell my name right!’” Cropper recalls laughing.
Cropper produced ‘Friendlytown’ with producer, bassist, multi-instrumentalist, and longtime friend Jon Tiven (Wilson Pickett, Don Covay, and Frank Black). Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour is rounded out by lead vocalist Roger C. Reale, Nashville first-call drummer and percussionist Nioshi Jackson, and, of course, the Reverend Billy Gibbons. Producer, artist developer, and studio co-owner Eddie Gore (Aaron Goodvin, Keb Mo, Jonathan Singleton) engineered the album and contributed organ.
Cropper has won two GRAMMY Awards from his seven nominations. He’s been ranked the number two greatest guitarist of all-time—behind Jimi Hendrix—by England’s Mojo Magazine, and number 36 in Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” Cropper’s name is synonymous with the world-famous soul label Stax Records, and he is featured in HBO’s new documentary, ‘Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.’
While at Stax, Cropper co-wrote hits, played guitar behind, and produced such legends as Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd, Wilson Pickett, Bill Withers, Sam & Dave, Albert King, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, and Johnnie Taylor. Post-Stax, Cropper produced and/or played on sessions for Jeff Beck, Jose Feliciano, Yvonne Elliman, John Prine, Tower Of Power, John Cougar, Paul Simon, Ringo Starr, Buddy Guy, Johnny Lang, Elton John, and Steppenwolf, among many, many others.
Reflecting back on his journey, the iconic musician says: “When I think about my legacy, I want it to be said that I was a nice guy,” Cropper says. The perfect sentiment from the man bringing us ‘Friendlytown.’
Tracklisting:
1. Friendlytown 2. Too Much Stress (ft. Brian May) 3. Hurry Up Sundown 4. Let’s Get Started 5. Talkin’ Bout Politics 6. I’ll Take Tomorrow 7. Lay It On Down 8. You Can’t Refuse (ft. Tim Montana) 9. Rain On My Parade 10. There’s Always A Catch 11. In God We Trust 12. Reality Check 13. I’ll Leave You In Peace
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 ) 