KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD to Release Electrifying “Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 2” on September 20th, Drops Lead Single + Video ‘I Got A Woman’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 3, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Photo credit: Mark Seliger

Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated global superstar Kenny Wayne Shepherd is set to release the highly anticipated ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 2,’ the follow-up to his acclaimed album ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 1.’ Slated for a September 20th release via Mascot/Provogue Records, this album continues to solidify Shepherd’s status as a powerhouse in modern rock. Leading the charge is the vibrant single “I Got A Woman” available now.

You can pre-order the album HERE.

‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 2’ expands the musical journey that began with ‘Volume 1’ last November. “When I started writing these songs, two distinct identities emerged,” Shepherd explains. “Both albums share the same spirit, but the songs, sounds, and grooves are unique. We decided to stagger the releases to match how people consume music today – essentially creating a double album. Our creative momentum was strong, so we kept it rolling.”
 
The album bursts to life with “I Got A Woman,” featuring Shepherd’s powerful riff complemented by a dynamic horn section. “To me, it’s the answer song to Woman Like You, the first track on ‘The Traveler,’” Shepherd notes. “On this record, he’s got her, and she’s everything he hoped for.”

The tracks on ‘Volume 2’ were born during the writing sessions at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. “The whole reason we went down to Muscle Shoals was to soak up the vibe that’s been left in that room for so many decades,” Shepherd reflects.

Tracking took place at the Band House Studios in Los Angeles just days before the studio was demolished. “It was a really cool intimate old-school studio with analogue everything, but they tore it down straight after we made these records,” says Shepherd.

Forced to hold back new material for the first time in his storied career, Shepherd admits that keeping these latest songs under wraps has been torture. “They’re sounding great in rehearsals and we’ve been dying to get out there and play them,” he says. Now at last, the standard-bearer for 21st-century rock ‘n’ roll is ready to put the cherry atop the Dirt On My Diamonds project with ‘Volume 2.’

“These are two unique albums that stand on their own,” Shepherd considers, “but together, I think they make for such a compelling package. We’ve had tremendous success in my career so far, and I’m so surprised and grateful for that. But even now, I still feel like there’s always more to explore musically. I just want to keep pushing the limits.”

Dirt On My Diamonds Vol 2. – tracklist:

  1. I Got A Woman
  2. The Middle
  3. My Guitar Is Crying
  4. Long Way Down
  5. Never Made It To Memphis
  6. Watch You Go
  7. Pressure
  8. She Loves My Automobile

Shepherd’s upcoming tour plans are extensive. Starting in July, he will hit major cities across the country including St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Baton Rouge, while his September plans include his return to the Experience Hendrix Tour which will take him to a wide range of venues from coast to coast, including Seattle, Spokane, and Santa Rosa, among others, allowing fans to experience his electrifying performance live. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.kennywayneshepherd.net.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd – Tour Dates
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.kennywayneshepherd.net/

Friday, July 12th – Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino – Lake Charles, LA
Saturday, July 13th – Raising Cane’s River Center – Baton Rouge, LA
Thursday, July 25th – Harley Davidson Museum – Milwaukee, WI
Friday, July 26th – Paramount Theatre – Cedar Rapids, IA
Saturday, July 27th – Brown County Music Center – Nashville, IN
Friday, August 2nd – Paramount Center for the Arts – Bristol, TN
Saturday, August 3rd – Metropolitan Theatre – Morgantown, WV
Sunday, August 4th – Beacon Theatre – Hopewell, VA
Tuesday, August 6th – Tarrytown Music Hall – Tarrytown, NY
Wednesday, August 7th – Scottish Rite Auditorium – Collingswood, NJ
Thursday, August 8th – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom – Hampton Beach, NH
Friday, August 9th – Foxwoods Resort Casino – Ledyard, CT
Saturday, August 10th – Backroad Blues Festival – Lewiston, NY
Thursday, September 12th – Arcada Theatre – St Charles, IL
Friday, September 13th – GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Grand Rapids, MI
Saturday, September 14th – The Factory – Chesterfield, MO
Thursday, September 19th – Experience Hendrix – Seattle, WA
Friday, September 20th – Experience Hendrix – Spokane, WA
Saturday, September 21st – Experience Hendrix – Forest Grove, OR
Sunday, September 22nd – Experience Hendrix – Reno, NV
Wednesday, September 25th – Experience Hendrix – Santa Rosa, CA
Thursday, September 26th – Experience Hendrix – Saratoga, CA
Friday, September 27th – Experience Hendrix – Las Vegas, NV
Saturday, September 28th – Experience Hendrix – Highland, CA
Sunday, September 29th – Experience Hendrix – Tucson, AZ
Tuesday, October 1st – Experience Hendrix – Anaheim, CA
Thursday, October 3rd – Experience Hendrix – San Diego, CA
Friday, October 4th – Experience Hendrix – Mesa, AZ
Saturday, October 5th – Experience Hendrix – Albuquerque, NM
Sunday, October 6th – Experience Hendrix – Colorado Springs, CO
Wednesday, October 9th – Experience Hendrix – San Antonio, TX
Thursday, October 10th – Experience Hendrix – Houston, TX
Friday, October 11th – Experience Hendrix – Fort Worth, TX
Saturday, October 12th – Experience Hendrix – Tulsa, OK
Sunday, October 13th – Experience Hendrix – Shreveport, LA
Tuesday, October 15th – Experience Hendrix – Nashville, TN
Wednesday, October 16th – Experience Hendrix – Evans, GA
Thursday, October 17th – Experience Hendrix – Clearwater, FL
Friday, October 18th – Experience Hendrix – Pompano Beach, FL
Saturday, October 19th – Experience Hendrix – St. Augustine, FL

More information:  Website | Facebook | Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

WRATHEON Sign Worldwide Deal with EMG

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 3, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Extreme Management Group (EMG), home to bands like Suffocation, Atheist, Misery Index, and more, has announced their partnership with Chicago Black Metal band WRATHEON.

In the late summer of 2020 whispers of the name Wratheon began to circulate in the dark backstreets of Chicago, rumours of a new black-hearted metallic force gathered in the shadows. In those early days Wratheon the band was Wratheon the man, a single artist driven by the desire to unleash a pure and potent sonic attack, rooted in the traditions of extreme metal history but burning with a new, cold flame that could incinerate all that stood in his path. In March 2021 the first Wratheon EP was released, the glorious explosion of venom and adrenaline that is Black Thrash Mass. An independent release, Black Thrash Mass still spread around the globe, carrying its message of rebellion and defiance – an uplifting and life-giving elixir to the metal hordes and a sword to the throat of the bloated deceivers in their palaces of hypocrisy and vanity. Fans and critics throughout the metal underground welcomed Black Thrash Mass with open arms and open hearts…

“This urgent, bloody affair is one which leaves other Blackened Thrash outfits trampled into the dust, a new Demonic King has arisen…” – METAL NOISE

“…an angry, rampaging blackened thrash protest against deceit and oppression…” – AVE NOCTUM

“…an all out thrash metal attack with blackened vibe and double bass destroying everything in its path…” – KRAYKULLA WEBZINE

It was not just the fans and critics who took note of Wratheon’s incendiary debut release – record labels were also paying attention to this new blaze in the Chicago sky. It was Seek And Strike Records, a label co-owned by George Vallee and Randy Ray, previously part of the Century Media Records team, who struck first, adding Wratheon to their roster of established international artists. Speaking about this new alliance Wratheon himself commented, “I’ll always prefer the route of an indie label and owning my own music. Growing up and always seeing Century Media on records I was listening to, and realizing Seek and Strike is coming in with all that experience is like a dream come true, best of both worlds. I get to have that amazing talent that drove all those bands and the freedom of an indie label.”

With the assistance of session drummer Theodor Borovski (Second To Sun, Vintergata etc) Wratheon began work on his first release for his new label and in October of 2023 Becoming Nil was unleashed upon an expectant world. Wratheon’s first full length release was a remarkable album; resolute in purpose and unflinching in intensity, yet rich in texture and possessed of surprising depths. Becoming Nil was a huge step forward in Wratheon’s evolution as a musician and he explained the tireless effort that had gone into its creation…

“I would write, re-write, check to make sure nothing sounds quite like a certain riff, etc. It would easily take up to a solid month of reworking songs to make sure it was the best version I can give, and something really unique.” Every moment of those long days and nights of painstaking work was justified when Becoming Nil was released and the ecstatic reviews poured in once again…

“Some serious depth and nuance going on here with tightly executed, well written material.” – METAL TEMPLE

“…an extremely sharp and focused album that possesses a lot of potential…” – DISTORTED SOUND MAGAZINE

“…one of the best Blackened Metal albums you will hear this year…” – ROCK ‘N’ LOAD

Two excellent videos were filmed to help promote Becoming Nil, for the tracks ‘The Horde’ and ‘We’re All Fallen’, both of which amassed thousands of views and helped usher new friends and followers into the Wratheon legion. Following the success of Becoming Nil Wratheon finally expanded into a full band – ready to take on live performances and touring, wherever and whenever the opportunity might arise. Wratheon himself has now been joined by bassist Lillian Wong, guitarist Natalee Algozino and drummer Tulio Savatierra and this line-up are ready to tear the world apart!

Now in 2024, Wratheon have signed with Extreme Management Group – another alliance which will further their remorseless, relentless ascent to the peak of the metal pyramid.

WRATHEON Online:
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/WratheonOfficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2gHr1QhqdYhG5xikeSjHXm
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/wratheon/1526904792

SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80 Announce Groundbreaking Collaboration: LENNY KRAVITZ to Executive Produce Upcoming Album, Out October 4th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 3, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment
Photo credit: Raphaël Frydman

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Grammy-winning rock icon Lenny Kravitz will executive produce the highly anticipated new album from Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, working alongside legendary producer and engineer Sodi Marciszewer, renowned for his work with the Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. The new album is expected to drop worldwide on October 4th on independent Milan label Record Kicks distributed by Secretly distribution. The Afrobeat virtuoso has uploaded on his Youtube channel a video of himself, Lenny Kravitz and Sodi Marciszewer at Question de Son studio in Paris working on the album, watch it HERE.

Seun Kuti, the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, has been a powerful force in the Afrobeat scene, continuing his father’s legacy while forging his own path. This new album promises to be a milestone in the genre.

Lenny Kravitz, known for his eclectic musical style and multi-instrumental talent, brings a fresh perspective to the project. His involvement is expected to introduce new elements to the Afrobeat sound, while staying true to its roots.

Sodi Marciszewer, who played a pivotal role in shaping Fela Kuti’s iconic sound, adds a layer of authenticity and continuity to the project. His deep understanding of Afrobeat’s intricate rhythms and textures ensures that the new album will resonate with longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Seun Kuti expresses deep gratitude towards Lenny Kravitz for his unwavering support and guidance throughout the project, describing Kravitz’s involvement as a demonstration of brotherly love and respect. He highlights Kravitz’s professionalism and unmatched dedication as the executive producer.

Seun Kuti has spent most of his life preserving and extending his father’s political and musical legacy as the leader of his father’s former band Egypt 80. As a developing saxophonist and percussionist, he entered the formal ranks of the band before he was 12. In 1997 when Fela passed, in fulfilment of his father’s wishes, Seun assumed the mantle as head of Egypt 80 and he has run it ever since.

During his career, Seun Kuti released 4 albums with Egypt 80: ‘Many Things’ (2008), ‘From Africa with Fury: Rise for Knitting Factory Records’ (2011), coproduced by Brian Eno and John Reynolds, ‘A Long Way Beginning’ (2014) and the Grammy nominated ‘Black Times’ (2018) that included a feature from Carlos Santana. They also released numerous EPs. Seun has played for enthusiastically receptive audiences globally and collaborated with many great artists. In 2022, he joined forces with Roots frontman and MC extraordinaire Black Thought in the EP ‘African Dreams’. In 2023, Seun collaborated on Janelle Monae’s ‘The Age of Pleasure’ (Grammy nominee for Album Of The Year) with the two singles ‘Float’ and ‘Knows Better’, teamed up with Talib Kweli and MadLib for their album ‘Liberation 2’ on the song ‘Nat Turner’ featuring Cassper Nyovest and released a new version of the single ‘Bad Man Lighter’ with Black Thought, featuring Vic Mensa.

As a musician and pan-African activist, Seun has been involved in a number of campaigns in recent years, including #EndSARS – a social movement against police brutality in Nigeria. Significantly, he’s revived the Movement of the People (M.O.P.), the political party his father set up in 1979, which was quashed by the military government not long after Fela’s failed presidential bid.

Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 embark on a 17-city North American Tour beginning June 8. Tickets for the tour are available for purchase through https://linktr.ee/seunkutitour

For more tour information and to purchase tickets, visit website

Follow Seun Kuti’s music here.

More information: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify

WORMED Crush the Cosmos on New Single ‘Protogod’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 3, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Prepare yourself earthlings; a monumental wave of technical death metal is hitting the cosmos today. Wormed are releasing the next transmission off their highly anticipated fourth album Omegon. “Protogod” packs so much galactic force that it could break the space-time continuum. 

Omegon comes out July 5 on Season of Mist. Pre-order & Pre-save: https://orcd.co/wormedomegon

On Omegon, Wormed writhe deeper into their nesting ground of brutal, brain-crushing sci-fi. Their new album continues the intergalactic legend of shadowy hacker Krighsu as he battles against civilizations from across all dimensions in search of the mysterious Omegon, a cosmic substance that defies the grasp of mere mortals. 

“Protogod” comes screaming across the cosmos, beckoning anyone who’s adventurous enough to have their mind blown. Eerie, dissonant riffs crush through an asteroid field of blast beats. With his bottomless death growl, Phelgeton summons enough dark force to swallow all the stars from the sky.  

Cover art by Phlegeton – “Phlegeton Art Studio”

Tracklist
1. Automaton Virtulague (4:13) [WATCH]
2. Pareidolia Robotica (4:56)
3. Protogod (4:48) [LISTEN]
4. Pleoverse Omninertia (3:44)
5. Malignant Nexus (1:58)
6. Virtual Teratogenesis (4:28)
7. Aetheric Transdimensionalization (4:53)
8. Gravitational Servo Matrix (4:25)
9. Omegon (7:31)
Total runtime: 41:00

Space – the final frontier. Yet, when WORMED reach out into the void, the results sound far more like a dark space opera inhabited by bizarre aliens, genetically and technically evolved meta-humans struggling for power and survival in galactic empires. Now, the nano-technological war has been unleashed in the void to defeat the last sower of human life, Krighsu!

Odd-time signatures, avalanches of breaks and complex rhythmical as well as melodic patterns will excite every aficionado of extreme technicality, while growls down-tuned strings and double-bass assaults will more than satisfy extreme metal connoisseurs. While being outstandingly skilled musicians WORMED are avoiding any self-indulgent show of prowess for its own sake. Instead, the five-piece from Madrid clearly lays its emphasis on creating atmospheric songs, which develop and grow along the underlying story.

Originating from Spain’s capital Madrid in 1998, WORMED immediately made an impact in the death metal scene with the release of their ‘Floating Cadaver in the Monochrome’ MCD (1999). Following a promo CD under the title ‘Voxel Mitosis’ (2001), the first studio album ‘Planisphaerium’ received high acclaim by critics and fans alike in 2003. In the wake of their debut full-length, the Spanish received invitations to international festival shows and touring around the globe. WORMED performed in Japan alongside GORATORY and VOMIT REMNANTS and afterwards hit Europe with MALIGNANCY and DESPONDENCY.

A creative hiatus, partly due to line-up changes and filled with re-issues of their previous released as well as the single ‘Quasineutrality’ (2010) finally ended, when their sophomore album ‘Exodromos’ came out in 2013. On their third full-length ‘Krighsu’ (2016), the fast-rising Spanish Sci-Fi tech death prodigies are telling a dystopian cosmic story with lyrics and music joined into an overarching concept. Its intense brutality, dissonant dynamic riffing, and tremendous heaviness combined with an amazing futuristic concept, which introduced the character Krighsu – last human in the cosmos, harvested top reviews and saw WORMED headlining in the US and co-headlining in Europe.

In the summer of 2019, WORMED brought their ultra-technical cosmic sonic onslaught to new heights on their 4-track EP ‘Metaportal’, released through Season of Mist. Praised as a monstrously satisfying addition to their catalogue, the EP bridged the gap between their previously released 2016 ‘Krighsu’ and their newest project. Atmospheric yet faithful to the skull-crushing mindboggling textures they’ve given fans over the years, ‘Metaportal’ allowed WORMED to come to terms with the loss of Guillermo Calero in 2018 and move forward.

On ‘Omegon’, WORMED’s upcoming 2024 release, they continue the story of Krigshu, a timeline hacker entangled in manipulation by cosmic forces. As viciously as the aggression they bring on their technically impressive instruments, Krigshu battles his way to unlock the mysteries of Omegon, a mysterious cosmic substance holding ultimate power. With 9 tracks of ultimate interstellar chaos, a story unfolds and WORMED prove yet again that they reign supreme on the technical death metal genre.

Line-up
Phlegeton – Vocals
Migueloud – Guitars
D-Kazar – Guitars
Guillemoth – Bass
V-Kazar – Drums

Recording Studio
BlackStorm Studios (Karrantza, Basque Country)

Production Credits
Ekaitz Garmendia – Producer & Sound Engineer
Mixed & Mastered by Colin Marston at Menegroth, The Thousand Caves (Queens, NY, USA)
Editing by Simon Da Silva at The Empty Hall (Madrid, ES)

Official Website: http://www.wormed.net/
Bandcamp: https://wormed.bandcamp.com/
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/324196
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wormed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wormedband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wormedband
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/WormedTV
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/artist/wormed/id341334269
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1YXwL0RvyKn9swZ6CsVDwk
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/artists/B002XOX5EY/wormed

DARK ARIES PROJECT Enters Wanikiya Record Roster with New Album “Ilinx Dream”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 3, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/darkariesofficial

DARK ARIES PROJECT – the renowned solo music project known for its experimental metal style with horror elements – is excited to announce the release of its new album, “Ilinx Dream.” This groundbreaking work is now available on all major streaming platforms.

A Sonic Journey into the Abyss:
“Ilinx Dream” represents a musical odyssey that explores the boundaries of the human mind and the chaos of emotions. Through a skillful mix of sharp guitar riffs, eerie atmospheres and bold production, Dark Aries Project takes listeners on a compelling journey that combines the power of metal with emotional intensity and elements of horror.
With ‘Ilinx Dream,’ the artist wanted to create something that was both powerful and frightening, a true sensory experience that would challenge perceptions and push the boundaries of metal music. This album is the culmination of years of experimentation and dedication, and the artist himself is extremely proud of the result.”

Availability: “Ilinx Dream” is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and all major streaming platforms.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/darkariesofficial

GRYMHEART Release Video ‘Army From The Graves’, Vinyl Version of “Hellish Hunt” Out June 21st

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 3, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
photo by Krisztina Máté

GRYMHEART have released a video for “Army From The Graves”, fifth single taken from the debut album “Hellish Hunt” released in September 2023 by Scarlet Records. Watch the video below.

“Hellish Hunt” will be released on a limited vinyl version too (300 transparent turquoise copies) on the 21st of June.

  • Engineered, produced and mastered by Gábor Kovács;
  • recorded and mixed at Blacksmith Studio;
  • majestically illustrated by Gyula Havancsák (Accept, Stratovarius, Burning Witches);
  • FFO: Children Of Bodom, Ensiferum, Equilibrium, Wintersun, Powerwolf, Amon Amarth;
video by Ygor

Grymheart is a new heavy metal band founded in 2022 by Gabriel Blacksmith (Gábor Kovács), former leader and main songwriter of the acclaimed Hungarian power metal band Wisdom.

Grymheart combines the energy of power metal, the harmonies of folk metal, the epicness of symphonic metal and the screaming vocals of death metal.

The most important elements of their sound are the catchy melodies: every track contains memorable parts which get stuck in your head; the songs are mostly fast and uplifting with lots of double kick drums, but there are some slow parts with a darker mood too.

The overall concept and image of Grymheart come from iconic monsters & demons hunter characters like The Witcher, Solomon Kane, Van Helsing etc.; each song tells about mystical creatures such as ghosts, Succubus, the living dead, Ignis Fatuus, or harpies. The hunt is open!

artwork by Gyula Havancsák

“Hellish Hunt” tracklist:

  1. The Twilight Is Coming
  2. Hellbent Horde
  3. Ignis Fatuus
  4. To Die By The Succubus
  5. My Hellish Hunt
  6. Army From The Graves
  7. Everlost
  8. Fenrir’s Sons
  9. Facing The Kraken
  10. Harpies Of Devil
  11. Monsters Among Us

Grymheart live 2024:
26-30.06 Lowland Festival – Hódmezővásárhely (HU)
28-29.12 No Sleep After X-mas Festival – Runkel (DE)

Grymheart:
Gabriel Blacksmith – guitar, vocals
Dargor Rivgahr – guitar
V’arhel – bass
Sorin Nalaar – drums