Celebrating the three-year milestone since his last full-length album, Argentinian solo artist PLAGUESTORM is thrilled to unveil the re-release of “Purifying Fire” today through Noble Demon. The reissue comes with a bonus track – an instrumental orchestrated version of the album’s title track, previously exclusive to physical copies.
PLAGUESTORM mastermind Sebastián Pastor comments: “Originally, this instrumental version was released as a bonus track on the digipack version of the album ‘Purifying Fire’ (2021). To celebrate the album’s 3 years of existence, Plaguestorm is releasing this track today, making it available digitally for all fans around the world!“
Founded by Sebastián Pastor in early 2014, PLAGUESTORM delivers a wide range of furious and raging Melodic Death Metal. Sweeping melodies, heavy, dark and melancholic arrangements, mixing the old and new Scandinavian sound of Death Metal, as if it were based on a Swedish manufacturing standard. Featuring 9 tracks full of anger and rage, desolation and sadness, “Purifying Fire” was praised by fans and critics alike.
As on his previous releases, Sebastián Pastor was in charge of composing and writing all the lyrics and music (as well as recording the acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drum prog, and keyboards / synthesizers / strings), while the vocals do come from Mikael Sehlin, known to many as the vocalist of Amaranthe. For the guitar solos PLAGUESTORM got the support of Diego Martinez, as well as Pablo Roman, while the orchestral arrangement for the song “Purifying Fire” was made by Sebastián Nuñez Szymanski.
PLAGUESTORM is: Sebastián Pastor Guitars/Bass/Drum Programming Music/Lyrics/Mix/Mastering
FEED THE WOLVES, the electrifying hard rock quintet hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, has officially launched onto the music scene with their debut single, “Breakaway” that was released through TLG / Virgin Music Group.
FEED THE WOLVES was formed in 2022 by Wally Wood, Joey Rodriguez, Jarrett Conant, Kyle Cogburn, and Chad Corder. The band recorded an EP in 2023 titled Vessel that is comprised of 5 absolute rock hits! Wally Wood and Joey Rodriguez are former members of the band Allele which had hits such as “Closer to Habit” that reached Top 10 at Active Rock Radio, as well as songs that made their rounds on video games Smack Down vs. Raw, TV spots such as Stephen King’s Nightmares and Dreamscapes, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, Netflix hit show Kobra Kai, Showtime’s Nurse Jackie and more.
Chad Corer and Kyle Cogburn are former members of the Orlando, Florida based band Shut Up and Dance, as well as the band Broadway (Uprising Records).
FEED THE WOLVES will be releasing singles throughout 2024 through TLG / Virgin Music Group.
TEMIC prove that there really is strength in numbers. Eric Gillette (Neal Morse) and Diego Tejeida (Devin Townsend, ex-Haken) had already toured the world together with Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress. But after they joined forces with Maraton’s Fredrik Klemp and Simen Sandnes from SHINING, they formed a new supergroup. The Prog Report was so impressed by TEMIC’s debut, that they dubbed Terror Management Theory one of the best albums of last year.
Now, TEMIC are extending their collaborative streak to a whole ‘nother level. Today, prog-metal’s new sensation are hitting the dance floor with a special remix by none other than DJ ZARDONIC.
Terror Management Theory is out now on Season of Mist.
“Once More” kicks out a djenty riff that’s in the running for the most headbanging moment on Terror Management Theory, but the skittering drum pattern points to the song’s initial inspiration. After all, it was originally called “Pendulum” in honor of the celebrated Australian Drum & Bass group. “Diego and I are both avid D&B fans”, says Simen. “When we got to talking about how fantastic it would be to remix songs from the album, I knew exactly who to approach for this track”.
While known for his menacing black-and-white mask, Zardonic is recognized by even the most extreme corners of the underground. The EDM behemoth has put his hard-hitting, fleet-footed spin on Gorgoroth, Fear Factory, Bullet for My Valentine and Simen’s other band SHINING. “I admire Zardonic’s style immensely” Simen says. “No matter what it sounds like, you can always tell when you’re listening to one of his songs”.
The connection between these two international players doesn’t stop there, either. Not only does Zardonic play the same brand of keyboard as Diego. He’s a fellow metalhead who’s followed all four members of TEMIC throughout their careers.
“It was an honor and an absolute blast to work with this dream lineup of a band!” says Zardonic. “I have so much respect for their musicianship and am thankful for the opportunity to bring their sound into the Drum & Bass scene. I hope all the ravers will dance their socks off to this remix. I’m already raving to do this again!”
The fit might’ve been obvious to both parties, but Zardonic does sneak a nice surprise into “Once More”. The song starts off at a quiet build, only to explode into a full-blown rager. “I wonder if I have a reason to reach for the stars” Klemp belts propelled by surging synths and a hard-charging beat that’s bound to get everyone’s blood (and fists!) pumping in the mosh pit.
Download the song stems from Terror Management Theory and remix TEMIC’s power-prog anthems into your own club thumpers.Download stems: https://temic.bandcamp.com/album/tmt-stems
Cover artwork: Hicham Hamzi
Track list: 1. TMT (2:02) 2. Through the Sands of Time (7:00) [WATCH] 3. Falling Away (4:58) [WATCH] 4. Count Your Losses (6:13) [WATCH] 5. Skeletons (7:00) 6. Acts of Violence (5:52) 7. Friendly Fire (5:57) 8. Paradigm (6:33) 9. Once More (5:45) 10. Mothallah (7:27)[WATCH] Total: 58:54
Diego Tejeida and Eric Gillette’s vision for TEMIC wasn’t exactly simple: synthesize their love for high-energy electronica and flashy riffs into a killer prog-metal hybrid. But after recruiting former soccer prodigy-turned-Zildjian-endorsed drummer Simen Sandnes (SHINING, Arkentype) to go along with the high-powered falsetto of Fredrik Klemp (Maraton), together, the supergroup managed to connect all those puzzle pieces on their very first album.
TEMIC came together from across the globe, but they also share a wide variety of influences.
Check out their curated Spotify playlist, which features everyone from GoGo Penguin and Car Bomb to Infected Mushroom, Ólafur Arnalds and the Blade Runner soundtrack.
Introducing TEMIC—prog’s newest, most ambitious, and most adrenaline-fueled act. TEMIC melds the creative minds of keyboardist and sound designer Diego Tejeida (Devin Townsend, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress, ex-Haken), guitarist Eric Gillette (The Neal Morse Band, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress), drummer Simen Sandnes (SHINING, Arkentype), and vocalist Fredrik Klemp (Maraton, 22).
The origins of TEMIC date back to 2017, when Tejeida and Gillette toured the world as band members of Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress. From the very first chords they exchanged, their musical chemistry both on and off stage was undeniable, leading them to discuss the prospect of starting a new band together. Unfortunately, conflicting tour and recording commitments forced them to turn their attention elsewhere for years—that is, until the world came to a standstill in 2020, and Tejeida called Gillette to ask a fateful question: “Remember how we said we should make music together? Well, how about now?”
Thus, the first demos for what would later become TEMIC’s 2023 debut album, Terror Management Theory, began to emerge. Within a few weeks after that initial phone call, the musical vision of TEMIC had become clear: Let’s create progressive music that is heavily influenced by high-energy electronic music, but arranged and orchestrated for a 5-piece modern prog rock/metal band—where, at last, the pulse can be the focus, and the vocal melody can be king.
Eager to join forces with the very best bandmates, Tejeida and Gillette first summoned the rhythmic power of their friend and drummer Sandnes. With characteristic enthusiasm, Sandnes seized the opportunity, prepared to contribute his percussive prowess as the heartbeat of TEMIC. When it came time to find the singer that would carry TEMIC’s melodies to new heights, Sandnes recommended vocal powerhouse Klemp, whose emotive delivery and unmatched intensity left no doubt that he was destined to be the voice of TEMIC. Finally, to round out the rhythm section of Terror Management Theory, dynamic bassist Jacob Umansky (Intervals) was invited on board as a guest player, gracing the album with an unrivaled groove and a signature low-end sound.
Together, this mammoth lineup is TEMIC, a high-energy, electronic-inspired, modern melodic prog metal band for the next generation.
Line-up: Fredrik Bergersen (Maraton, 22) – Vocals Eric Gillette (The Neal Morse Band, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress) – Guitars and Backing Vocals Simen Sandnes (Shining, Arkentype) – Drums and Percussion Diego Tejeida (Devin Townsend, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress, ex-Haken) – Keyboards and Sound Design
Recording Studio: Drums and vocals recorded at Top Floor Studios (Gothenburg, Sweden) Producer: Produced by TEMIC. Drums and vocals engineered by Jakob Herrmann Gothenburg, Sweden) Mix/Mastering: Mixed and mastered by Rich Mouser at The Mouse House (Los Angeles, USA)
Guest musicians: Jacob Umansky (USA) – Bass guitar on the whole album Mosaic Gospel Choir (Norway) – Mothallah Garden State Threshold Choir (USA) – Mothallah
Swedish Metal sensation Tribulation is now unveiling a brand new single, “Saturn Coming Down” along with a haunting music video! The single reveals a new side of the band while staying true to their dark sound and compelling melodies. The clip was created by Brendan McGowan with assistance from Damón Zurawski and can be found at THIS LOCATION.
TRIBULATION guitarist Adam Zaars comments, “‘Saturn Coming Down’ is a song that creeps up on you and that hopefully gets thoroughly under your skin. It’s a taste of the new musical areas we’ve charted that has taken us to places we’ve never ventured into before. It’s an ode to a very old titan who constantly seems to be lurking behind our backs
“As many of you will know we have always strived to push our own musical boundaries and to let the music change and grow with us, and vice versa, and to carve out our own niche in metal in general and in our own musical landscape in particular. ‘Saturn Coming Down’ is the next stage in that ongoing process. It’s a song about Saturn and our various interpretations and imaginings of him throughout the millennia. Helping us with visualizing this we had the pleasure of working with Brendan McGowan who really outdid himself with this video. We also had help from our friend Damón Zurawski who shot us here in Sweden. We couldn’t be happier with the result! Death is the way of the world!”
In addition, TRIBULATION is pleased to announce that they will be supporting legendary progressive metal pioneers Opeth on their upcoming North America tour, which will kick off on October 11 in Milwaukee, WI and conclude on Halloween night in San Francisco, CA. this October 2024 with their last show on Halloween in San Francisco. The full itinerary can be found below while the tickets can be found HERE.
TRIBULATION North American Tour Dates (Supporting OPETH): 10/11: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave / Eagles Club 10/12: Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theater & Ballroom 10/14: Toronto, ON @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre 10/15: Montréal, QC @ L’Olympia 10/16: Worcester, MA @ Palladium 10/18: Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre 10/19: Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE 10/20: Washington, DC @ Warner Theatre 10/22: Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle 10/23: New Orleans, LA @ Fillmore New Orleans 10/24: Austin, TX @ Emo’s Austin 10/25: Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre 10/27: Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom 10/29: Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren 10/30: Los Angeles, CA @ YouTube Theater 10/31: San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
Tribulation is known for their unique blend of gothic and death metal. Formed in 2005, the band consists of Johannes Andersson (Vocals/Bass), Adam Zaars (Guitar), Joseph Tholl (Guitar) and Oscar Leander (Drums). They have released several captivating albums during their career and are renowned for their theatrical live performances. “Saturn Coming Down” marks the first release of the band after their 2023 EP “Hamartia”, which has achieved critical acclaim after Tribulation’s award-winning last studio album “Where the Gloom Becomes Sound” in 2021.
Lineup: Johannes Andersson (Vocals/Bass) Adam Zaars (Guitar) Joseph Tholl (Guitar) Oscar Leander (Drums)
Jeff Kollman is best known for his heavy, melodic electric guitar playing, fusing elements of Jazz harmony and creating his own brand of Rock with his long running prog fusion trio, Cosmosquad, and as member Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats. You can also catch him live with famed producer Alan Parsons (Pink Floyd, Beatles) with The Alan Parsons Live Project and in the studio or on stage with the likes of Japanese legend Eikichi Yazawa, Asia F.J.P., Steel Pulse, Chris Isaak, Jason Mraz, Lou Gramm (Foreigner), and producing rock legends Phil Mogg (UFO), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), and Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow).
Jeff released his latest album 2023 A.D on May 17th which features a guest appearance by Red Hot Chili Peppers and fellow Bombastic Meatbats drummer Chad Smith on the first single “Tongs & Thongs”. Now the Double LP vinyl drop with 3 extra tracks showcasing more of Kollman’s amazing guitar playing, but don’t take our word for it.
“Insanely cool tone -chops and originality! Love the tracks and diversity…and man you keep getting better and better!! Your touch and feel is one of a kind. The compositions and playing by all is world class! A must have for all musicians to see how it’s done!” – Steve Lukather
This expanded Double LP includes 3 bonus tracks which Kollman elaborates on, “‘1979′ was written just a few weeks before the manufacturing of vinyl. The tune starts out with a classical style guitar solo on a Spanish made Ramirez 1A guitar from 1979. This is the year I started playing guitar which makes it fitting for a song title. I sent it over to pianist Guy Allison who started building the song around the solo intro. This song is truly a collaboration between us. ‘Friends’ is an intimate acoustic piece with a bass accompaniment. I love to show the softer acoustic side of my writing. The melody interestingly has a minor 2nd harmony to the melody note. It creates a subtle tension to the melancholy vibe. ‘A Tribute For Tommy’ is a truly inspired solo acoustic guitar piece. They say music is the healer. This song is dedicated to my older brother and only sibling Tommy who tragically passed away in 2012. Tommy taught me so much about how to play with soul, meaning and attitude. I owe him EVERYTHING!”
This Double LP has 15 tracks in all and features Shane Gaalaas (MSG, Yngwie Malmsteen) Jimmy Johnson (Allan Holdsworth, James Taylor), Guy Allison (Doobie Brothers), Kevin Chown (Steelheart, Sebastian Bach) and Ed Roth (Robbie Krieger). Bassist Ric Fierabracci (Chick Corea) makes a special appearance on the bonus Vinyl track 1979.
View video for “Tribal Scream”:
2023 A.D. is available on CD and limited-edition vinyl. Get your copy now and get a limited-edition bundle while supplies last: https://bit.ly/JEFF-KOLLMAN
Bundle Includes: • One (1) Jeff Kollman “2023 A.D.” CD or LP • One (1) Jeff Kollman “2023 A.D.” T-Shirt
Tracklist:
2023 A.D. Tribal Scream Tongs & Thongs (Feat. Chad Smith) Layers Lullaby For My Love Battle Of The Bulge Self Reflection Cosmic Dust (Feat. Jimmy Johnson) Dark Lord Day Long Lonely Winter Two Years Ago Today Blue For Miles 1979 (LP ONLY) Friends (LP ONLY) A Tribute For Tommy (LP ONLY)
Finnish melancholic metal act ENDLESS CHAIN has announced the release of the band’s sophomore album, entitled “Agony”, which has been slated for release on August 23. With the track “We Are We”, the band has unleashed the first single today.
The song is accompanied by a brand new music video, which you can watch here:
“‘We Are We’ is a melancholic anthem, the track ranges from a driven & inspirational aggression, to a massive melodic & anthemic chorus“, ENDLESS CHAIN comment. “The song tells a love story with the thought ‘until the last breath we take’. It is generally about loss, its fear and love for another person until the last breath.“
Tracklist:
Intro to Agony
Agony*
Human Race
We Are We
Burn Your Skies Above
Ghost
Until No One Comes
Blind Kings*
Beyond What You Believe**
We Are All Vulnerable* *Guest solo by Sami Yli-Sirniö (Kreator, Waltari) **Guest solo by Panu Wilman
With a magnificently dark and Nordic essence, ENDLESS CHAIN burst into the music scene in 2017, paving their way with a series of impactful single releases blending Finnish melancholy with powerful storytelling. Their debut album, “Forthcoming Past”, served as a solid foundation propelling the band into the realms of Finnish metal greatness. Collaborating with renowned figures in the Finnish metal scene like Mikko Heikkilä (Kaunis Kuolematon, Dawn Of Solace), Ville Hovi (Blackstar Halo), Sami Yli-Sirniö (Kreator), and Samuli Mikkonen (Korpiklaani), the band’s evolution shaped a musical journey rich in depth and emotion.
As 2021 drew to a close, ENDLESS CHAIN returned to the studio, driven by the creative genius of Timo Mölsä, to conceive their second opus. The result, “Agony”, will be released on August 23 2024 and was recorded and mixed by Aleksanteri Kuosa (Before The Dawn, Wolfheart, Waltari) and mastered by Svante Forsbäck (Rammstein, Volbeat, Hypocrisy, Ville Valo). Teaming up with some of the best engineers in the industry, ENDLESS CHAIN is geared up to deliver one of the strongest releases of 2024, in the style of Insomnium, Swallow The Sun and Amorphis.
Thematically encapsulating the delicate balance between dream and reality, escapism, light and shadow, and the intrinsic emotions of loneliness and isolation, “Agony” dives deep into ten soul- stirring compositions. Musically, a darker direction unfolds, merging atmospheric melodies with heavy & aggressive riffs to craft a captivating and unique sound. With a profound focus on the interplay of dark beauty, “Agony” promises to captivate listeners with its depth and intensity.
After exploring various options for releasing the album, the band ultimately decided to take matters into their own hands and self-publish the album. Guiding them through this process is the esteemed Tuomas Saukkonen(Wolfheart, Before the Dawn), whose expertise and support have proven to be invaluable in bringing their vision to life. The cover art for“Agony” was skillfully crafted by Finnish artist Kalle Pyyhtinen, resonating with the album’s essence and vision.
“Agony” is now available for pre-order atTHIS LOCATION
Endless Chain are: Ville Hovi: Vocals Aki Salonen: Vocals Timo Mölsä: Guitar Aleksanteri Kuosa: Guitar, Bass Samuli Mikkonen: Drums
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
Ads
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 ) 