DARK FUNERAL Announce North American Tour Supporting GWAR

Posted by metalshockfinland on June 18, 2024
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Swedish black metal icons DARK FUNERAL will be embarking on a U.S. tour later this year as direct support for GWAR! The trek will kick off on October 17 in Las Vegas, NV and will dominate the states until the final stop on November 20 in Nashville, TN. The full itinerary can be found below.

Radio and local pre-sales will start on Thursday, June 20 at 10:00 A.M. local time while the general on sale will launch Friday, June 21 at 10:00 A.M. local.

The Swedish black metal stalwarts are now celebrating three decades of blasphemy with a re-worked version of their debut album! ‘Dark Funeral (30th Anniversary Edition)’ is due on August 9 via Century Media Records and has been remixed by David Castillo and re-mastered once again by Thomas “Plec” Johansson. To celebrate the release and to give fans a taste of the new sonics, the band has recently shared the first re-recorded single, “Open the Gates,” along with a visualizer! The clip, which was created by 12 Inch Media, can be found HERE.

Find rare material from the band’s ominous beginnings in 1994 — an ultimate rendition and must-have for devoted disciples of darkness! Pre-Order this exclusive collector’s edition HERE

Dark Funeral Live U.S. Dates
The Stoned Age Tour w/ Gwar

10/17: Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
10/18: Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
10/19: Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
10/20: San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
10/22: Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
10/23: Garden City, ID @ Revolution Concert House
10/24: Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
10/26: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
10/27: Denver, CO @ Summit
10/29: Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
10/30: Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theatre
10/31: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
11/01: Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre
11/02: Albany, NY @ Empire Live
11/03: Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally’s
11/05: Boston, MA @ The Paradise Rock Club
11/06: Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
11/13: Orlando, FL @ The Beacham
11/15: Dallas, TX @ The Studio at the Factory
11/16: San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center
11/17: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
11/19: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Heaven)
11/20: Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl Nashville

Dark Funeral (30th Anniversary Edition) Tracklist:

  1. Open The Gates [WATCH]
  2. Shadows Over Transylvania
  3. My Dark Desires
  4. In The Sign Of The Horns
  5. Open The Gates (Re-Recording 2024)
  6. Shadows Over Transylvania (Re-Recording 2024)
  7. My Dark Desires (Re-Recording 2024)
  8. In The Sign Of The Horns (Re-Recording 2024)

Dark Funeral line-up (1994):
Lord Ahriman – Guitars
Blackmoon – Guitars
Draugen – Drums
Themgoroth – Bass & Vocals

Dark Funeral line-up (2024):
Lord Ahriman – Guitars
Heljarmadr – Vocals
Chaq Mol – Guitars
Jalomaah – Drums
Adra-Melek – Bass

Music & Lyrics by Blackmoon & Lord Ahriman
1994 Recordings & Mixes by Dan Swanö, Mastered by Thomas “Plec” Johansson
2024 Recordings & Mixes by David Castillo, Mastered by Thomas “Plec” Johansson
Video Production by 12 Inch Media
Artwork: Blackmoon & Lord Ahriman

More info: Official Website – Instagram – TikTok – Facebook – X – YouTube – Spotify – Apple Music

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT Announce New Live Album “50th Anniversary Live – Second Night”, Out August 9th

Posted by metalshockfinland on June 18, 2024
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Following the triumphant success of their 50th Anniversary celebration, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT is gearing up for the release of the eagerly anticipated ’50th Anniversary Live – Second Night.’ This electrifying performance, which includes the band’s second album ‘Tyranny and Mutation’ performed back-to-back, is set to hit the shelves on August 9, 2024 and promises to be a spectacular follow-up to the band’s historic three-night stint at Sony Hall in NYC. The band kicks off the album’s release with “7 Screaming Diz-Busters (Live)” accompanied by a performance video. Watch below.

In September 2022, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT enthralled fans with a unique trilogy of sold-out shows, each dedicated to one of their first three albums. Founding member Albert Bouchard made a special appearance on all three nights, adding a nostalgic touch to the historic milestone.

For nearly three hours each night, the band delivered a spellbinding set, weaving through the entirety of their classic initial trilogy of albums and treating fans to a mix of favorites, deep cuts, and classic hits. The atmosphere was electric, and Frontiers Music captured the magic, set to release each night as a special individual package.

Watch below the Performance Video for “7 Screaming Diz Busters (Live)”

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT’s legacy spans over five decades, captivating fans with intelligent hard rock loaded with classic songs. Hailing from Long Island, NY, the band is renowned in the hard rock and heavy metal scene for their pioneering work, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success.

Cited as a major influence by acts like Metallica, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT boasts a timeless catalog, including iconic tracks like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla,” and “Burnin’ for You.” The creative vision of the original core duo, Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeserand Eric Bloom, is complemented by Richie Castellano, Danny Miranda, and Jules Radino, forming a powerhouse lineup.

As the band embraces its status as a ‘classic rock’ phenomenon, they continue to create vibrant work, offering a refreshing alternative to mainstream trends. With a relentless touring schedule and the critically acclaimed album ‘THE SYMBOL REMAINS’ released in 2020, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT remains an enduring force, ready to ignite the stage once again with the upcoming release of ’50th Anniversary Live – Second Night’ on Frontiers Music Srl.

Pre-Order ’50th Anniversary Live – Second Night’: https://ffm.to/boc50thsecondnight

’50th Anniversary Live – Second Night’ Track List

Album 1

  1. The Red & The Black
  2. O.D.’D On Life Itself
  3. Hot Rails To Hell
  4. 7 Screaming Diz-Busters
  5. Baby Ice Dog
  6. Wings Wetted Down
  7. Teen Archer
  8. Mistress Of The Salmon Salt (Quicklime Girl)

Album 2

  1. Box In My Head
  2. Burnin’ For You
  3. Lips In The Hills
  4. Perfect Water
  5. Tenderloin
  6. The Revenge Of Vera Gemini
  7. E.T.I (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)
  8. That Was Me
  9. Godzilla
  10. (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
  11. Unknown Tongue
  12. Tattoo Vampire
  13. Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll

This release follows ‘Ghost Stories’ – a captivating collection of reimagined and completed songs from 1978 to 2016. These musical treasures, long considered the ‘lost gems’ by BLUE ÖYSTER CULT enthusiasts, were originally recorded between 1978 and 1983, except for one track from 2016, “If I Fell.” Some of the material is from workshopping albums, some from performance rehearsals, and all were recorded once in the hopes that someday they’d see the light of day.

George Geranios, the band’s original audio engineer and an integral part of the band’s golden years produced the tracks along with BÖC and all were originally recorded on reel-to-reel analog tape. He transferred them to digital audio which is when modern AI and magical musical talents meet and the collection of vintage multi-track recordings was de-mixed, re-mixed, and produced by Steve Schenck and Richie Castellano to become ‘Ghost Stories.’ 

Richie Castellano completed work in the studio for the album along with remaining original members Eric Bloom and Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser and both Albert Bouchard and Rick Downey appear on drums with additional overdubs recorded by Joe Bouchard. All these original lineup members appearing on ‘Ghost Stories,’ create a musical journey that traverses decades and promises easter eggs for days.

‘Ghost Stories’ celebrates the recording legacy of one of rock’s most iconic fixtures from the past 50 years. Order ‘Ghost Stories’: https://orcd.co/bocghoststories

FOLLOW BLUE ÖYSTER CULT: Facebook – X – YouTube

JACK STARR & GILES LAVERY Join Forces on “Out Of The Darkness Part II” Album

Posted by metalshockfinland on June 18, 2024
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Legendary U.S. Metal guitarist Jack Starr joins forces with Warlord vocalist Giles Lavery to unleash the sequel to Jack’s legendary 1984 album “Out Of The Darkness” 

“Out Of The Darkness II” is currently being mixed in Germany by Thomas Mergler, for an early 2025 release.

Adds Jack:

40 years ago I recorded an album entitled “Out of the Darkness” …this album was very well received by critics and fans and since then has been reissued many times all over the world.
Now in 2024 I am pleased to announce “Out Of The Darkness Part II” continuing the legacy of that album with the great vocals of Giles Lavery

Giles Lavery adds:

Jack is a legend, plain and simple, this is tough guy New York Metal… and put simply, Jack and i are in the tough guy business, we’re cleaning up this town with rock n roll.

Rounding out the lineup is Gene Cooper on bass, ex-Manowar drummer Rhino, and on second guitar, newly appointed Warlord shredder Eric Juris.

States Eric: “I’m really excited to be part of such a cool album, working with Jack has been a blast and i can’t wait for fans to listen to his new music“

The band are currently talking with labels.

Also featured on the album are guest appearances by Mark Zonder (A-Z, Warlord, ex-Fates Warning) Drums and Jimmy Waldo (Alcatrazz, New England, Warlord) keyboards, which, in a twist of fate keeps the whole combined U.S. Metal, Fates Warning/Warlord/Burning Starr/Manowar/Alcatrazz theme rolling along nicely.

Connect with Jack Starr
https://www.facebook.com/jackstarrofficialpage
https://www.facebook.com/jack.starr.355

Connect with Giles Lavery:
https://glm-artists.com

ECHOSOUL Release New Single ‘Path Of The Righteous’

Posted by metalshockfinland on June 18, 2024
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Emerging progressive metal band, Echosoul, releases their upcoming single, “Path of the Righteous”, to be followed by their second album, “Time of the Dragon”, out in November. Echosoul’s debut album featured a collaboration of mega artists, including Tim “Ripper” Owens of Judas Priest, Iced Earth, and Samus Paulicelli, and made its way to Album of the Year in Germany and Top 10 throughout Europe – listen to “The End of Darkness” HERE (released in 2020). 

Their new single continues their success with new single “Path of the Righteous”, a slamming metal-infused anthem that oozes of power and courage, and tells a tale of fighting for love in the most honorable way. “Path of the Righteous” is available on all major digital media distributors Apple Music, AmazonMusic, YouTube Music, and Spotify.

Described as progressive metal with a power metal base and hints of death metal and symphonic metal, Echo Soul layers textures from influences ranging from Iron Maiden, Priest, Queensyche, King Diamond, Sanctuary,  Nevermore, Iced Earth, and Dream Theater to Diviner. Echosoul combines elements of classic rock and metal in this release, with a unique modern twist in “Path of the Righteous.” Slamming drums from Tyler Witte give the track a heavy and infectious undertone, while vocals from Rob Lundgren bring dramatic emotion and power. Lyrics like “I am proud to suffer, I will die to defend her, the path of the righteous is all I desire. So here is all I am with all the pain buried deep, my armor covers up my scars” demonstrate Hinton’s ability to convey true raw emotion and pain within his lyrics, as well as tremendous courage. EchoSoul hopes to share that listeners can overcome any painful experience that stands in their way with this track.

“Find me a song written inside of suffering or struggle and you will find a song that will be worth hearing.” -Guy Hinton, creator, songwriter, and guitarist, EchoSoul

“Anything real or lived is part of your journey and is your testimony, sometimes best heard in a song.” -Guy Hinton, creator, songwriter, and guitarist, EchoSoul

EchoSoul is made up of creator, songwriter, and guitarist Guy Hinton (Apparition) and  Rob Lundgren (Reveal, The Mentalist) on lead vocals these two as the main duo, then supporting members Randy Walton on bass (BioGenesis, Letters To The Blind), Tyler Witte (Decade Divide, Masochist,) and Fabio Alessandrini (Annihilator)  sharing space on drums, and guests on the new album: guitarist Andy LaRoque (King Diamond), Giampieri Presilli (Steve Vai Touring musician) and Brady Gladieux (Masochist). Founded in 2019, originally as a collaborative band of both new and well-known artists, Echosoul is ready to hit the ground running with three new singles coming out throughout this summer and fall, and their second album set for November release. 

Lead and rhythm guitarist, Guy Hinton, originally from the band, Apparition, writes all of the music for EchoSoul.  Describing his writing success on “The Metal Forge” Podcast, Hinton says, “Writing was always in my blood. At the age of 16, I wrote riffs before I could play music.” 

Adding on his writing style, Guy shares, “The primary drive for writing songs is inspired through true-life experiences as well as emotion driven ideas.”. Speaking to the struggles and the victories, and the deep layers of humanity.”  EchoSoul’s debut album garnered major success internationally, across Germany and Europe, with special hit guests, and vocalist Rob Lundgren doing a majority of the vocals. 

“None of the songs are short. You will hear everything from melodic build-ups you get from an orchestra to complex riffing and double bass gallops of gigantic proportions.” -Guy Hinton, creator, songwriter, and guitarist, EchoSoul

Currently, EchoSoul is continuing to work on new music, and has finished the recording of their new album, and is mastering the last few tracks, in addition to that, they have actually recorded 4 additional songs for a possible 3rd album and a side project. Look for “Paths of the Righteous” on all streaming platforms, and more singles to follow preceding their next album out in September. EchoSoul will also release a lyric video in September for their hit single off of the EP.

About EchoSoul:

EchoSoul is a progressive metal band from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Formed in 2019 by lead and rhythm guitarist Guy Hinton, the band originally started as a collaboration among artists like Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest), Iced Earth, and Samus Paulicelli. Since premiering the first album with close to zero press, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the album still managed to make ‘Album of the Year’ in Germany and Top 10 all through Europe, even without any live touring support. EchoSoul is comprised of Guy Hinton (Apparition) as guitarist and songwriter, backing Vocals, and Rob Lundgren (Reveal, The Mentalist)  on Lead vocals, Randy Walton on bass (BioGenesis, Letters To The Blind), Tyler Witte (Decade Divide, Masochist,) and Fabio Alessandrini (Annihilator) on drums.

For more information on EchoSoul, please visit: Spotify | Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram

Finnish Melodic Death Metal Project MAGNADUR Release New Single ‘Under The Dome’

Posted by metalshockfinland on June 18, 2024
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MAGNADUR, the fierce melodic death metal project hailing from Turku, Finland, has unleashed their latest sonic assault with the debut of “Under The Dome.” Known for their brutal vocals, hard-hitting drums, and heavy guitar riffs, Magnadur continues to push boundaries in the realms of death and dark melodic metal.

Behind the metal journey of Magnadur stands Tomi Perrakoski, renowned for his Metal Madness Weekly podcast, now channeling his passion into creating heavier and more brutal compositions while maintaining a melodic core. Inspired by the TV series “Under the Dome,” Perrakoski pays homage to his family legacy, particularly his grandfather, Harry Bergström, the first Finnish movie music composer, whose influence echoes in every note of the track.

“I made the cover using my imagination,” says Perrakoski. “I am thrilled to unveil this new era of Magnadur with ‘Under The Dome,’ leading up to the release of ‘Dog of Baskerville’ on June 28. These singles pave the way for our best album yet, slated for September 6, titled ‘Unholy Punisher.'”

“Under The Dome” combines experimental and dark noise elements with classic death metal aesthetics, promising a listening experience that is both intense and unforgettable. Fans can expect a relentless onslaught of sound that captures the essence of the TV series while bearing the unmistakable imprint of Magnadur’s evolving musical identity.

HUSQWARNAH Sign to Time To Kill Records for Release of Second Album “Purification Through Sacrifice”

Posted by metalshockfinland on June 18, 2024
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Italian death metallers HUSQWARNAH have signed to Time To Kill Records for the release of their second album, “Purification Through Sacrifice”, scheduled for September.

The band was formed in 2019 from an idea of ​​musicians who at the time were part of acts such as Black Rage, In-sight, Atlas Pain and Sojourner. After a debut show supporting Asphyx and some line-up changes, the band entered the studio to record their debut album “Front: Toward Enemy” in 2020. After its release in 2021, HUSQWARNAH kept themselves busy on the live front, sharing stages with acts such as Mortuary Drape, Baest, Discharge, High On Fire and Voivod. The latter show was recorded and then independently released under the title “Live At Bloom” in 2023.

HUSQWARNAH‘s death metal is as genuine and convincing as it can possibly get, paying homage to certain traditional formulas dating back to the early nineties, with songs that are particularly compact in structure and dynamics, ideal for being performed live and thus reminiscent of bands such as Asphyx, Bolt Thrower and Benediction.

Line-up:
Maurizio Caverzan – Vocals
Lorenzo Corno – Bass/Backing Vocals
JP Lisi – Guitar
Emanuele Biondi – Guitar
Riccardo Rjillo – Drums

https://www.facebook.com/HusqwarnaH
https://instagram.com/husqwarnah
https://x.com/husqwarnah
https://husqwarnah.bandcamp.com/