Photo by Rik Walton on the seafront in Whitley Bay, outside the club where the Tygers had a residency at the start of their career
TYGERS OF PAN TANG will be celebrating a return to their roots in the North of England town Whitley Bay on 9th November 2024. The home of the original four Tygers and their centre of operations when John Sykes and Jon Deverill were band members, they last played there in 1979. They had a residence at their local club Mingles where they honed the tunes that would make up the bulk of their first album “Wild Cat”.
“I have lived in the area for most of my life and being invited to play there again at the prestigious Whitley Bay Playhouse has long been a dream of mine“, Robb Weir commented. “I think that the current band will really enjoy visiting where it all started. It promises to be one helluva night”.
The show is being promoted by the local town council to celebrate over 45 years in existence for the Tygers. Support will come from Shannon Pearl, a North East neo-folk band that was specially chosen by the Tygers.
The Tygers most recent album “Live Blood”, released on Mighty Music, features songs from across their career including songs that were first played at Mingles.
Today sees the release of “La Facciata”, the new single by MON AME, available on all streaming platforms through the record label Volcano Records. This song addresses the theme of the masks we all wear to show a side of ourselves, posing the question of what happens when these masks fall off.
MON AME, whose name means “my soul” in French, bring intimate emotions, feelings, and experiences into their songs. Their music, which they like to call “Rock Literature”, is characterized by dark British sounds, where noise and melody intertwine, supported by the powerful rhythm of the drums.
The duo, consisting of Fabio D’Elia (guitar and vocals) and Francesco Albanese (drums), consider themselves Rock Poets, eager to share their emotional abyss with the audience.
“La Facciata” is available today on all online streaming platforms. The single cover was created by Fabio D’Elia, and the track is accompanied by a visual video.
“Everyone would agree that “the people in power” lie, and manipulate for their own benefit and hidden agendas. So why do people still trust what they say about anything?” asks The Browning, in his latest mind blowing deathcore masterpiece, “Deceiver.”
The newly minted single arrives, accompanied with a an adrenaline-fueled official music video. Blending the explosive energy of metalcore with the dark, mechanical undertones of industrial and the raw emotion of deathcore “Deceiver” engulfs fans in a high octane sonic storm. The track delves into the depths of heavy metal music and the human condition creating a soundscape that is both brutal and invigorating. “Deceiver” is not just a song; it’s an anthem for the disillusioned, a call to break free from deceit and manipulation, rendered in the most powerful medium possible – loud, unapologetic, and utterly compelling music. One of the most compelling features of “Deceiver” is its spoken word part, inspired by the iconic delivery found in Rammstein’s “Du Hast”. This element adds a raw, narrative intensity to the track that complements the thunderous and intricate instrumentation.
With the release of the album “Wheels Within Wheels” from Pop Proggers MEER on the horizon, Karisma Records have today released not only the details of the album, but also a single and video of the track “Golden Circle” which will give fans a taste of what to expect from the band’s much anticipated third full-length album.
With its infectious hooks, “Golden Circle” showcases MEER’s unique blend of musical prowess and emotional depth, along their ability to captivate audiences. The combination of soft, serenade-like tones and an undeniable heaviness, and with quite possibly the band’s most catchy chorus to date, this is a rock anthem in the making.
Exploring the depths of longing and desire, “Golden Circle’s” lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist grappling with inner turmoil, seeking solace in fleeting moments of euphoria. and can be downloaded or streamed from a number of services at: https://orcd.co/goldencircle
Whilst the video, by Birk Rønningsbakken Groven, with its moody lighting by Kåre Nordseth, can be seen below.
Formed in Hamar, Norway, in 2008, by the charismatic sibling duo of Johanne and Knut Kippersund, MEER’s lineup has grown to eight members, each of whom has brought with them their own musical styles and interests, complementing and influencing each other so that the band’s music has become fascinatingly eclectic.
So, with Johanne Kippersund on vocals, Knut Kippersund on vocals, Eivind Strømstad on guitar, Åsa Ree on violin, Ingvild Nordstoga Eide on viola, Ole Gjøstøl on keyboards, Morten Strypet on bass and Mats Lillehaug on drums, “Wheels Within Wheels” promises to be a masterclass in the blending of symphonic prog and intelligent pop, filled with exceptional musicianship, intricate vocal harmonies, and grandiose melodies.
It is also clear that “Wheels Within Wheels”, whose title symbolises the hidden complexities beneath the surface, represents a significant evolution for MEER, featuring, as it does, tracks that reach soaring heights interspersed with moments of intimate reflection.
Reuniting with producer Lars Gärtner Fremmerlid, MEER recorded “Wheels Within Wheels” at Ocean Sound Recordings in 2023. With artwork by Helena Haglund and Simen Sandbæk Skari, track listing on “Wheels Within Wheels” is as follows:
01. Chains of Changes 02. Behave 03. Take Me to the River 04. Come to Light 05. Golden Circle 06. Today Tonight Tomorrow 07. World of Wonder 09. Mother 10. Something in the Water 11. This is the End
With a running time of just over an hour, MEER’s most ambitious, dynamic and immersive work to date will be released on the 23 August 2024 in CD, Digital and Ltd Edition Double LP in Neon Magenta / Grimace Purple Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order from:
German epic metal band AEON GODS has signed a multi-album deal with Scarlet Records.
Risen from the ashes – there really isn’t a better way to start the story of the Aeon Gods. After the long-standing symphonic metal band Aeternitas dissolved, their masterminds Anja and Alex Hunzinger immediately conjured up a new concept and found a different musical home built around a cinematic epic sound flavoured by elements of power and symphonic metal. Aeternitas are dead, long live Aeon Gods!
Lyrically and aesthetically-wise, Anja and Alex delved passionately into the realm of ancient mythologies, bringing the legends of its gods into the modern world through an unique and intriguing storytelling complexity.
«For countless aeons, the ancient gods ruled the world and all living beings.
But, in the course of time, the glory of the gods began to fade in the twilight of history and their powers disappeared almost beyond recognition. The strongest amongst the gods assembled all their last remaining forces and created a new generation of glorious messengers to recover the hearts of men and regain their former powers. And so, the messengers spread the ancient tales in the modern world about the AEON GODS.»
In May 2023, the band released the first single “The Beginning” (produced by Alex Hunzinger and mixed and mastered at Greenman Studios by Sebastian ʹSeebʹ Levermann), quickly followed by “Ereshkigal”. In early 2024 Aeon Gods completed the recordings of their debut album, now expected to be released in the fall by Scarlet Records.
«We are honored to proclaim that we have forged a mighty alliance with Scarlet Records, who will aid us in spreading the ancient tales of the Aeon Gods. May the gods grace this partnership with resplendent triumph and eternal glory!» -Aeon Gods
Aeon Gods: Alex ʹSol’Ra-tuʹ Hunzinger – voice of the Gods (vocals) Anja ʹSu’en-Chelʹ Hunzinger – harmony of the Gods (keyboards) Nino ʹEn-Atumʹ Helfrich – steel of the Gods (guitar) Robert ʹAbzu’Keanʹ Helfrich – power of the Gods (guitar) Elias ʹIš’Taruʹ Knorr – thunder of the Gods (drums)
ELEPHANT TREE are having a party and they’re inviting everyone to hitch a ride and join in! September 2024 marks ten years since Magnetic Eye‘s release of the beloved British stoner doom quartet’s first album “Theia” (2014), and in observance of that milestone, the label is proud to showcase three releases celebrating one of the label’s landmark bands:
“Theia” (Anniversary Edition) and “Habits” (2020) are presented as reissues without additional audio content, but in new physical formats. The former comes packaged with updated artwork and significantly expanded background content (see below for more details).
The third release entitled “Handful of Ten” is a new full-length containing brand-new tracks, demos, and b-sides, and includes two of the first new ELEPHANT TREE tracks in numerous years, recorded specifically for this compilation. All three albums have been scheduled for release on September 6, 2024. Pre-orders are available via http://lnk.spkr.media/elephant-tree-ten
As a first delicious taste from “Handful of Ten”, the Londoners release the video single ‘Try’.
“This was really a cathartic exercise in playing something a little different, written with an initial cast-away attitude after a few pints on a sweltering summer’s day“, guitarist and singer Jack Townley writes on behalf of the band. “We don’t play faster songs often, let alone get space to add them to records. The subject matter is about someone conforming to try be a model citizen, not wanting to step out of line in fear of the repercussions. He tries his hardest to not express his alternate views while others around him conform and in the end it all boils over, leaving him feeling ‘forever lost’.“
Tracklist: 1. Attack of the Altaica (2013 Demo) 2. Visions (The Planet of Doom) 3. Try 4. Bird (2017 Demo) 5. Faceless (2017 Hurin Version) 6. Sunday
The seed for ELEPHANT TREE was planted in a rehearsal space somewhere in the smelly back alleys of England’s sleepless capital of London in 2013. There, the first notes of what would become ‘Attack of the Altaica’ sprang from the bass of Jack Townley and Sam Hart’s drums. Thus, it is fitting that this earliest demo became the opening track of the band’s new rarities collection “Handful of Ten”.
Soon the duo became a trio with the addition of bassist and vocalist Peter Holland, who had already established himself in the London scene with TRIPPY WICKED & THE COSMIC CHILDREN OF THE KNIGHT, allowing Townley to pick up the guitar again. With the addition of Canadian sitar player Riley MacIntyre, who also stepped in as a third singer, the band’s classic first line-up was completed.
From there, things fell into place quickly. The infectious blend of warm, syrupy fuzz and soaring vocal harmonies on the demo ‘Attack of the Altaica’ captured the ears of Magnetic Eye Records. Soon a contract was signed and the debut full-length “Theia” was released in September 2014. ELEPHANT TREE had a lightning start and the debut album achieved an excellent reception by critics and fans alike. Now reissued as “Theia” (Anniversary Edition), the music of this milestone release is untouched, but the artwork has been given a refreshing inversion, and a wealth of rare photos, liner notes and lyrics have been added to provide a thorough look at the band’s first decade since the original release.
These hardworking Englishmen did not rest on their laurels, and in 2015 followed up with the self-titled sophomore full-length “Elephant Tree”. While “Theia” had opened the European continent for touring, their second album carried ELEPHANT TREE across the Atlantic to perform at the tastemaker Psycho Las Vegas.
In the meantime, John Slattery, who initially was added to give support as second guitarist and synth player for the band’s live shows, joined ELEPHANT TREE as a permanent member. About the same time, Riley MacIntyre decided to draw back from the band to focus on production. ELEPHANT TREE also decided to try a label closer to home, a choice which ultimately did not work out as the new label ran into trouble and left the band’s third and latest album “Habits” (2020) without the ongoing support it deserved.
During the turmoil of the global pandemic years, ELEPHANT TREE were affected and set back like everyone else. Jack Townley suffered a serious accident in early 2023, and the time needed for his recovery delayed the band again. Yet despite all of this, they put plans into motion for a return both to the stages and studio. Taking matters into their own hands, the band initiated a plan to self-release some of their material – with a little help from old friends. At long last, ELEPHANT TREE are reissuing the acclaimed “Habits” via Magnetic Eye to make it widely available once more and satisfy the continued demand.
Looking back at ten most exciting years, ELEPHANT TREE enthusiastically present ‘Handful of Ten’ containing great tunes pulled from their archive alongside the brash and blistering new tracks, ready to delight longtime followers and win over new friends to their unique brand of melodic doom: all thriller, no filler!
Current line-up: Jack Townley – guitar, vocals, synths Peter Holland – bass, vocals John Slattery – guitar, synths, vocals Sam Hart – percussion
Guest musician Ryan Gledhill – vocals on ‘Visions’
Guest musician Emma Näslund (GAUPA) – vocals on ‘Death Perception’
Mastering of all tracks by Karl Daniel Lidén Artwork & layout by Ieva Misiukonytė
Available formats “Handful of Ten”
“Handful of Ten” is available as digisleeve CD, as a solid white vinyl LP, and as a marbled black & violet vinyl LP.
Available format “Theia” “Theia” (Anniversary Edition) is available as 36-page hardcover CD-Artbook, and as a gatefold LP on marbled clear, white & transparent green vinyl.
Available formats “Habits”
“Habits” is available asdigisleeve CD, and as a marbled orange & white vinyl LP.
Live: 13 SEP 2024 Sheffield (UK) The Corporation 14 SEP 2024 Southampton (UK) Abyssal Festival 15 SEP 2024 Bristol (UK) The Exchange 29 SEP 2024 Manchester (UK) Riffolution Festival 19 DEC 2024 London (UK) The Black Heart 20 DEC 2024 London (UK) The Black Heart
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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