France’s STONE HORNS unleashed their third studio album “Chimaira”, this past January on Rockshots Records. Featuring seven groove-laden hell-bent tracks, the full-length tells the story of an odyssey of being rejected by all and thirsting for revenge. It explores life’s thirst for recognition, whatever its form. Through its various acts, the story continues in different states, colors, and landscapes. A raw, merciless finality that leaves little room for breath in this torment of violence. We’re all chasing a chimera, but isn’t it the chimera that’s chasing us? That’s the question this album tries to answer, combining freshness and warmth, violence and peace, waves, and digressions.
With their headbanging groove, this third studio offering “Chimaira” is a culmination of all the band’s experiments to date. This is the band’s most accomplished album to date, both in terms of composition and production. The band’s long-time fans will be satisfied, but they also hope to bring in new fans with this record, with a slightly more modern production. Each track has its own universe on this full length, but it’s also part of a whole, because like their previous albums, “Chimaira” is a concept album.
“There’s something for every metal taste and color. The aim of this album is for fans of every sub-genre of metal to be able to say to themselves at some point when listening to it: “I really like that beat”. “Chimaira” is a bit like the child of “The Beast Inside” (2018) and “Rise of Apophis” (2021)”. says the band.
Today, the band is sharing their latest music video for “Grasping the Embers of Exile”, the longest track on the album and in the entire Stone Horns’ catalog. It is a brutal, hypnotic opening adventure that sets the tone for what’s to come. Probably the most melodic and progressive track on the record, it’s an ambitious composition reminiscent of some Machine Head pieces, punctuated by a magnificent solo.
Recommended listening for fans of Machine Head, Devildriver, Slipknot, Lamb of God, and Jinjer, Stone Horns’ third full-length is available from Rockshots Records on CD at https://bit.ly/ChimairaCD and digitally at https://lnk.to/stonehorns.
Track Listing: 1. Grasping the Embers of Exile – 7:51 2. No Mercy – 3:58 3. Terra Genesis – 3:31 4. Age of Chimairas – 4:10 5. Chrysalis – 4:52 6. In the Clutches of the Abyss – 5:29 7. Echoes of a Fallen Empire – 5:24 Album Length: 35:18
Album Credits: Music: David Viard, Antoine Roszak, Mathis Lakermance, Damien Servais Lyrics: David Viard Guitars: Mathis Lakermance, Damien Servais, Antoine Roszak Bass: Antoine Roszak, David Viard Drums : Maël Taguelmint Vocals: David Viard Production, Antoine Roszak, David Viard Mix and Mastering, Antoine Roszak Covers & Arts : David Viard, helped by IA Cover « Age of Chimairas » : Mrdrfckr Art and David Viard
‘Down in Flames’ is the new single from FORLORN HOPE and is based on the real life story of Flight Lieutenant James Brindley Nicolson during the Battle of Britain in World War II. Accompanied by a visually striking lyric video, the song features on the group’s upcoming EP, ‘Valour – Part I’, released on August 30th 2024.
The ‘Valour – Part I’ EP is the first part of ‘Valour’, the second full-length album from Forlorn Hope. ‘Valour’ tells the stories of fifteen Victoria Cross winning actions from Crimea to the Second World War; stories of sacrifice, determination and derring do on land, sea and in the air. It is a saga in equal parts thrilling, horrific and heart-breaking that explores not just the exploits of these extraordinary men, but the myriad and diverse conflicts in which they fought.
‘Down in Flames’ is a blazing, full-throttle anthem that tells the story of Flight Lieutenant James Brindley Nicolson’s actions during the Battle of Britain, which earned him the only Victoria Cross awarded to Fighter Command during the Second World War. On 16 August 1940, at the height of the Battle of Britain, James Brindley Nicolson became the only Fighter Command pilot to earn the Victoria Cross in the Second World War; refusing to abandon his burning Hawker Hurricane until he had shot down the Messerschmitt below him.
The stories featured on the upcoming EP and covered by the ‘Valour’ project overall, are incredibly moving stories. Stories that immediately captured the attention and passion of dedicated band researcher, vocalist and lyricist Chris Simpson, and the band sought to tell them as faithfully as possible, in their own unique way, so as to give these incredible tales of bravery the full attention they deserve. From lesser known actions to some of the most iconic actions in the history of the award, Forlorn Hope wanted to bring these tales into the public consciousness. From tragic sacrifice, selfless bravery and bold derring-do, on land, at sea and in the air; the scope of the ‘Valour’ project covers more than a century of conflict spanning the globe and brings the lesser known stories to light, whilst approaching already well known tales with a fresh angle.
‘Valour – Part I’ was recorded and produced at Whitewood Studios in Liverpool, by engineer Daniel Woodward, and was mixed and mastered by producer and guitarist (Sellsword) James Stephenson. The album artwork was created by the band’s long time collaborator, artist Mitchell Nolte. The band’s new logo was designed by graphic designer, Mark Sutcliffe. ‘Down In Flames’ lyric video was produced by Very Metal Art.
‘Valour – Part I’ is released on August 30th 2024.
GABRIELS, the iconic Italian keyboardist, author of several albums and countless collaborations, joins the Elevate roster and will release his new album – Fist of the Seven Stars Act 4 “Five Forces” – in July, both in digital format and CD.
As we’re accustomed to, the album will be a collective work featuring the participation of many musicians, and we can now reveal the lineup.
CHARACTERS of “FIST OF THE SEVEN STARS, ACT 4 FIVE FORCES”
VOCALS KEN: WILD STEEL YUZA: ROBERTO TIRANTI RYUGA: GANDOLFO FERRO RYAKU: FABIO CARMOTTI TOKY: STEFANO SBRIGNADELLO WEINN: MAYO MARIAN PETRANIN RAOUL: ANTONIO PECERE FUDO: DAVE DELL’ORTO SHUREN: ANDREA MARCHISIO
DRUMS BRANTLEY ROGERS
GUITARS FRANK CARUSO: FIGHT BETWEEN BROTHERS DAVIDE PERRUZZA: DEATHSTAR IN THE SKY, Solo in YOU CAN CRY FABIEL PEREZ: THE LONE WOLF, WHY LEO GATTI, ADRIAN HANSEN: FIVE FORCES PATRICK FISICHELLA: FREE LIKE CLOUDS, MOUNTAIN FORCE, SILENT SURVIVOR GLAUBER OLIVEIRA: LIVE FOR YOU ANTONELLO GILIBERTO: THE TIME IS HERE, TOKY MUST DIE TRISTAN HARDERS: YOU CAN CRY, TEARS OF FIRE
BASS DINO FIORENZA: DEATHSTAR IN THE SKY, FIGHT BETWEEN BROTHERS ADRIAN HANSEN: LIVE FOR YOU, FIVE FORCES, MOUNTAIN FORCE, THE LONE WOLF MALETOTH: Toky must die, Silent Survivor, Why, Tears of Fire, Free like clouds, You can cry BETO VAZQUEZ: The time is here
“A Chill That You Can’t Taint” is the new single from Depressive Black/Doom Metal overlords FORGOTTEN TOMB, released in anticipation of the band’s upcoming studio album “Nightfloating”, due out July 12th on Agonia Records. The song made its debut on streaming platforms and is accompanied by a lyric video, below.
In the words of frontman Ferdinando “H.M.” Marchisio: “It was difficult to pick a second single from the album since we really love every song on it, but «A Chill That You Can’t Taint» is one of our favourites; my lyrics on it are some of the most personal on the record and the song has got that urban malaise which is typical of our best material. It’s a rather elaborate song, with many twists and turns and a lot of the band’s trademark melodies.”
“Nightfloating” comes after four years from the critically acclaimed “Nihilistic Estrangement” and it’s an accurate picture of where the band stands these days, artistically; reinterpreting its Depressive Black Metal roots – a genre the band helped to define in the early 2000s with its classic first three records – in the light of its 25 years’ experience, FORGOTTEN TOMB reinvigorates itself with a record that blends past and present, exploring darker territories and different shades of gray. From atmospheric cuts such as the anthemic title-track and the blistering “This Sickness Withered My Heart”, to intricate yet harrowing songs such as “A Chill That You Can’t Taint” and “Unsafe Spaces”, the band tops it off with the surprising dungeon-synth detour of “Drifting” and the 10-minutes epic “A Despicable Gift”, crafting an uncompromising yet refreshing album and setting itself apart once again from all bands that followed in its footsteps. From the first note to the last, “Nightfloating” sounds unmistakably like FORGOTTEN TOMB.
The majestic cover artwork has been hand-drawn by Greek artist Satta La Main Verte, perfectly complementing the mood of the record and its lyrical themes, that follow the band’s caustic tradition while touching on various subjects, from more introspective meditations to all-out misanthropic aggression.
“We are proud of this new record, it’s been a lot of work and the fact that it’s gonna be released during the band’s 25th anniversary makes it even more special,” FORGOTTEN TOMB comments. “It doesn’t get more Forgotten Tomb than this record, it sounds like you would expect, but at the same time it’s got a fresh approach to the subject matter. There are a lot of details to be discovered throughout the tracks and we can’t wait for our fans to listen to it.”
The album was recorded at Elfo Studio in Italy between August 2023 and January 2024, and produced by Daniele Mandelli and FORGOTTEN TOMB. Daniele Mandelli, Ferdinando Marchisio and Alessandro Comerio mixed the album. Davide Tavecchia mastered it at Twilight Studio in February 2024.
Tracklisting: 1. Nightfloating 2. A Chill That You Can’t Taint 3. This Sickness Withered My Heart 4. Unsafe Spaces 5. Drifting 6. A Despicable Gift
Upcoming shows: 9.08 – IT – Codroipo (UD), Summer Music Festival — Monochromatic Visions Tour Forgotten Tomb + Nocturnal Depression 26.09 – CH – Bern, Secret Show 27.09 – DE – Grosserlach, VFRR 28.09 – DE – Oberhausen, Helvete 29.09 – DE – Erfurt, Club From Hell 30.09 – DE – Cunersdorf, Tanks MC 01.10 – PL – Wroclaw, Liverpool 02.10 – PL – Bielsko Biala, Rudeboys Club 03.10 – CZ – Plzen, Parlament 04.10 – AU – Vienna, Escape Metal Corner 05.10 – TBA 06.10 – SK – Banská Bystrica, Klub 77 — 20.10 – IT – Roma, Death Over Rome Fest — 06.11 – KYRGYZSTAN – Bishkeck, Bar56 07.11 – KAZAKHSTAN – Almaty, Anklav 09.11 – GEORGIA – Tbilisi, Junkyard 10.11 – TURKEY – Istanbul, Dorock HMC
No band has tested the boundaries of extreme music more than Cryptopsy.
After an ungentle exhumation from the Canadian underground during the early ’90s, Cryptopsy quickly rose to recognition amongst metalheads all across the globe. Most bands would consider themselves lucky to make one classic album. Cryptopsy have made three, including None So Vile, which is widely considered one of the best death metal albums of all time.
Cryptopsy’s raw and blistering technical prowess set a precedent for extreme music. After all, their eldest statesmen did write the book on this style of drumming. But the band have continued to evolve throughout their storied career. Their 30-year discography defies any one categorization, incorporating everything from jazz fusion to mathy avant-garde rhythms and melodic experimentation before returning to their more brutal form.
Just last year, Cryptopsy won a JUNO Award for their most recent album, As Gomorrah Burns. This year, the band earned another prestigious honor: joining the celebration of death metal’s most iconic band. While they continue to tour North America alongside Death to All, recently, Cryptopsy made a stop at Maryland Death Fest for a special 30th anniversary set of their debut album, Blasphemy Made Flesh.
Now that they’ve signed with Season of Mist, Cryptopsy are focused on keeping their momentum rolling. They’re hitting the road this fall on a second tour of North America, this time with Carnifex. New music is also on the way, along with definitive reissues from their classic catalogue.
“We are thrilled to announce that Cryptopsy has joined forced with Season of Mist!” the band says. “Season of Mist’s dedication to artistic integrity and their track record of supporting diverse and innovative music make them the perfect partner for Cryptopsy. With their backing, we look forward to reaching new heights creatively, connecting with more fans and continuing to push the boundaries of extreme music. We are excited for the journey ahead and the opportunities this opens up for what’s already an exciting new chapter of our band”.
The Scream of Perseverance Tour 2024 featuring Cryptopsy and Death to All
May 18 – Milwaukee, WI @ Milwaukee Metal Fest May 19 – Milwaukee, WI @ Milwaukee Metal Fest May 21 – Columbus, OH @ The King Of Clubs May 22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre Of Living Arts May 23 – New York City, NY @ Gramercy Theatre May 24 – New York City, NY @ Gramercy Theatre May 25 – Boston, MA @ The Middle East May 26 – Boston, MA @ The Middle East May 28 – Montreal, QC @ Le National May 29 – Montreal, QC @ Le National May 30 – Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre May 31 – Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre June 1 – London, ON @ London Music Hall June 2 – Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick June 3 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies* June 4 – St. Paul, MN @ Amsterdam Bar & Hall June 5 – St. Paul, MN @ Amsterdam Bar & Hall June 6 – Iowa City, IA @ Wildwood* June 7 – Lawrence, KS @ The Granada June 8 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater June 9 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater June 10 – Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater* June 11 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall June 12 – Spokane, WA @ The Big Dipper* June 13 – Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre [TICKETS] June 14 – Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre [TICKETS] June 15 – Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile [TICKETS] June 16 – Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile [TICKETS] June 17 – Richland, WA @ Ray’s Golden Lion [TICKETS]* June 18 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre [TICKETS] June 19 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre [TICKETS] June 21 – Berkeley, CA @ Cornerston [TICKETS] June 22 – Berkeley, CA @ Cornerstone [TICKETS] June 23 – Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst [TICKETS] June 24 – Fresno, CA @ Full Circle Brewery District [TICKETS]* June 25 – San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick [TICKETS] June 26 – San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick [TICKETS] June 27 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent Theater [TICKETS] June 28 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent Theater [TICKETS] June 29 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Nile Theater [TICKETS] June 30 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad [TICKETS]* July 2 – Oklahoma, OK @ 89th Street Collective [TICKETS]* July 3 – St. Louis, MO @ Red Flag [TICKETS]* *Cryptopsy only
Necromanteum Part II North American Tour 2024 featuringCryptoposy, Carnifex,Mental Cruelty, Organectomy and Heavy / Hitter
October 4 – Pomona, CA @ The Glass House Concert Hall [TICKETS] October 5 – Palmdale, CA @ Transplants Brewery [TICKETS] October 6 – Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post [TICKETS]* October 8 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre [TICKETS]* October 9 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon [TICKETS] October 10 – Vancouver, BC @ Hollywood Theatre [TICKETS] * October 12 – Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Ballroom [TICKETS] October 13 – Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room [TICKETS] October 14 – Saskatoon, SK @ Louis’ [TICKETS] October 16 – Winnipeg, MB @ The Park Theatre [TICKETS] October 17 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater [TICKETS]* October 18 – Bloomington, IL @ Castle Theatre [TICKETS] October 19 – Sauget, IL @ Pop’s [TICKETS]* October 20 – Indianapolis, IN @ Hi-Fi Annex [TICKETS] October 22 – Toronto, ON @ Opera House [TICKETS] October 23 – Nepean, ON @ Brass Monkey [TICKETS] October 24 – Montreal, QC @ Beanfield Theatre [TICKETS] October 25 – Quebec City, QC @ La Source de la Martinière [TICKETS] October 26 – Ablany, NY @ Empire Live [TICKETS] October 27 – Stroudsburg, PA @ Sherman Theater [TICKETS] October 28 – Cleveland, OH @ The Asylum at Masonic Temple [TICKETS] October 30 – Springfield, MO @ Regency Live [TICKETS] October 31 – Wichita, KS @ Temple Live Wichita [TICKETS] November 1 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep [TICKETS] November 2 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex [TICKETS]* November 3 – Reno, NV @ Virginia Street Brewhouse [TICKETS] *no Cryptopsy
Lineup Flo Mounier – Drums Matt McGachy – Vocals Christian Donaldson – Guitar Oli Pinard – Bass
When Cryptopsy emerged from Montreal, Quebec in 1993, their groundbreaking blend of technical prowess and brutal intensity left an indelible mark on extreme metal.
Right away, Cryptopsy showcased their unparalleled musicianship with their debut album. Blasphemy Made Flesh (1994) set the stage for a career that’s been defined by innovation and boundary-pushing. Their next album solidified the band as pioneers of death metal. None So Vile (1996) earned them critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase across the world.
“Brutal and beautifully chaotic…a must-have for any extreme metal fan’s collection”, wrote Metal Hammer, who named None So Vile one of the best death metal albums ever.
Cryptopsy has continued to evolve throughout their storied career. Their 30-year discography defies any one categorization, ranging from jazz fusion on Whisper Supremacy (1998) and the avant-garde rhythms of Once Was Not (2005) to the melodic experiments of The Unspoken King (2008).
In 2012, Cryptopsy released their self-titled album, which signaled a return to their brutal roots. Three years later, the band embarked on The Book of Suffering, an ambitious two-part EP that Decibelregarded as “an absolute fucking burner”.
Almost 30 years into their career, Cryptopsy won the JUNO Award for Best Metal/Hard Music Album for their latest album As Gomorrah Burns (2023). They followed that up by earning another prestigious honor: joining Death to All on a tour of North America.
Along with their celebrated discography, a relentless work ethic and reputation as blistering live performers has cemented Cryptopsy as one of metal’s most influential and respected bands. But while their legacy is safely established, the band remain committed to expanding the definitions of extreme music. Having now signed with Season of Mist, they’re preparing to release new music, along with definitive reissues from their classic catalogue.
The 30th anniversary of AMORPHIS‘ landmark album, “Tales From The Thousand Lakes,” will be celebrated with a live recording that sets new standards in terms of brilliance and intensity. Set for official unveiling on July 12, 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) on CD+Blu-ray and vinyl, the performance was shot at the iconic Tavastia Club in Helsinki, Finland.
Performing an iconic album in its entirety, front to back in the chronological order, is an extraordinary moment. It captures a time long gone, a point in our lives we will never forget. For who can say they weren’t forever changed after listening to the breathtaking and spiritual beauty that is “Tales From The Thousand Lakes”? With their second album, AMORPHIS erected a monument to Finnish mythology, nature and music, as touching, inspiring and nurturing today as it was back in 1994.
“Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia)” manifests AMORPHIS’ unparalleled dynamism and artistic uniqueness. Rarely has the raw power and emotional depth of a live performance been captured so authentically as on this sonic memento and extraordinary concert film.
In advance of the release, today the band reveal ‘Black Winter Day’ from the forthcoming Blu-ray. Watch it now, here:
“Back in 1994, ‘Black Winter Day’ was a somewhat different song among the other “Tales…” material,” reminisces AMORPHIS bassist Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine. “Being probably the first death metal song with a waltz time signature and a Moog synthesizer, it truly stood out at the time. Three decades later, ‘Black Winter Day’ still resonates with metal audiences around the globe and plays a crucial role in the saga of AMORPHIS!”
Don’t forget to subscribe to Reigning Phoenix Music on YouTube to stay updated and listen to ‘Black Winter Day [Live At Tavastia]’ along with other new tracks in the “RPM New Releases” playlist on Spotify. Subscribe here: https://rpm.link/spotifynewreleasesPR.
Artwork by Jean-Emmanuel “Valnoir” Simoulin
Pre-order “Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia)” in your preferred physical format [CD+Blu-ray-digipak or coloured 2LP in gatefold], pre-save it on your favourite digital service provider (DSP), or pre-order it digitally to instantly receive ‘Black Winter Day (Live At Tavastia)’ and ‘Drowned Maid (Live At Tavastia).’ Order now, here: https://amorphis.rpm.link/taleslivePR.
More from “Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia)”: ‘Drowned Maid (Live At Tavastia)’ OFFICIAL LIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AecdDeSU_I
Stay up to date on AMORPHIS‘ upcoming live dates at amorphis.net/tour.
AMORPHIS are: Tomi Joutsen | vocals Esa Holopainen | guitars Tomi Koivusaari | guitars Olli-Pekka Laine | bass Santeri Kallio | keyboards Jan Rechberger | 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
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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 ) 