Northern Irish metallers, Lock Horns have been busy working on the follow-up to 2018’s ‘Molon Labe’ opus, and are finally ready to reveal details of their fierce new studio LP, ‘Red Room, which was released yesterday, May 31st, via The Distortion Project and Code 7 Distribution.
As the expression goes; “Good things take time, but great things take longer”… This is very much the case with Belfast Progressive Metal four-piece, Lock Horns, who have emerged from the depths of an intensive creative period with an album that stretches the bands creative horizon to new levels of intensity and unbridled passion.
Recorded in late 2022, ‘Red Room‘ went through a process of evolution, from as far back as late 2019/early 2020, before the global pandemic forced the world into somewhat of a dystopian nightmare. By the time the world opened up again, Lock Horns found themselves in possession of material that was now three years old, and not a reflection of who they had become in a post Covid world.
The introduction of an 8-string guitar had drastically changed the bands creative potential, and a decision was made to wipe their creative slate clean, and embrace the rich vein to which they had stumbled upon. It was at this point, when ‘Red Room‘ was born.
Speaking of the new album, guitarist Junior Afrifa says; “Boundaries were pushed on this album, sonically and physically from a playing perspective. I truly believe this a seven-track album that is most definitely, ‘all killer and no filler’, as well as being full of unique songs that take an unexpected turn at every corner.” He continues; “From seven-minute chaotic riffs, to three minutes of polyrhythmic nightmares, this album is the brainchild of all four of us, and we’re all immensely proud of what we’ve created. Trust me when I say, it’ll be well worth the wait.”
Speaking of the album cover artwork he says: “The album’s overall theme is ‘Control’ and the struggle it brings. The control over someone else, yourself or the entire population and or the complete opposite which is no control thus anarchy.”
With a scheduled release date of May 31st (via The Distortion Project label and Code 7 Distribution), ‘Red Room’ features seven earth-shattering cuts of premium Progressive Metal, loaded with exceptional musicianship and punishing brutality.
‘Red Room’ track-listing: The Origin of Evil Impulses Rust Skin and Bones Lab Rat Impression of a Dream The Golden Mean Expressions of Madness
Narrating the tale of a relentless stalker the new Beyond Unbroken song “Monster” draws inspiration from the TV show YOU. Blending menacing guitar riffs with hauntingly powerful vocals, “Monster” features a compelling mix of sharp, aggressive melodies and eerie industrial soundscapes. This potent sonic blend not only captures the essence of a hunter on the prowl but pushes a thrilling soundscape. Inducing a spine-chilling sensation, making one question their solitude in moments they thought they were alone the song encapsulates the eerie essence of covert surveillance. Striving for a departure from their usual style, Beyond Unbroken aimed to craft a track that ignites movement and captivates audiences.
The evolution of “Monster” involved experimenting with multiple versions, each exploring different genres and moods. Through a meticulous fusion of preferred elements, the final composition emerged, delivering the remarkable auditory experience it embodies today. “Monster” is a track different from what you are normally used to hearing from most typical songs out there,” explains Beyond Unbroken. “I can guarantee that every listener that loves to explore and discover new music will pick up on something extraordinary in this track right away.”
In a world of boundaries Beyond Unbroken refuses to be defined by one genre. Founded by former Escape The Fate members, brothers Monte and Michael Money, the band habitually crosses the lines, mixing genres the way an artist mixes paint with results that often defy expectation. They released their first single “Under Your Skin” in 2015 and debuted their first independent EP Don’t Wake The Dead in 2017 with producer Matt Good of From First To Last. The EP was well received with the animated video “Overdose” earning millions of views upon release. Their first debut album, Running Out of Time, followed in 2020 with singles earning millions of streams and premiering on Alt Press.
On April 29, 2020, the band covered Lil Peep and Twenty One Pilots mashup, “Falling Down + Heathens” and it remains the band’s most streamed track to this day. In 2021 the band released a one-off single “With Or Without Me” on the FiXT Radium Compilation which eventually led to the band signing with the label in 2023.
Iconic thrashers FLOTSAM AND JETSAM have revealed a new track as well as more details alongside the cover artwork of their upcoming, new studio album “I Am The Weapon”! Slated for a September 13, 2024-releasevia AFM Records, the pre-sale for the band’s 15th full-length has just started at: https://flotsamandjetsam.bfan.link/i-am-the-weapon
Following the previously-released, first single and title track, today, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM are not only sharing a video clip for the brand new album appetizer “Primal” (now premiering below!), but also a repress of the band’s 2016-album, “Flotsam And Jetsam”, issued as a strictly limited, Gatefold Clear 2-Vinyl, is now available here: https://shop.afm-records.de/de/flotsam-and-jetsam/
About their new single “Primal”, the band writes: “We’re very excited to once again unleash Flotzilla onto the metal community! This time, he’ll take the form of our newest single, “Primal.” With “Primal,” we tried to capture the “punch in the face” energy that Flotsam and Jetsam is known for, and blend it with a melody that sticks in your head for days… we hope our fans will embrace it, as we are very pleased with how this song and the new record has turned out, and we look forward to seeing you all very soon!”
It’s been almost 40 years since FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, formed in Phoenix, Arizona released their landmark debut, “Doomsday for the Deceiver,” the only album to ever receive a 6K rating from the influential British magazine Kerrang! Bassist Jason Newsted would jump ship to Metallica while the band released the unstoppable “No Place for Disgrace” in 1988. “Cuatro” (1992), “Drift” (1995), “High” (1997), and “My God” (2001) all still rank extremely high in heavy metal circles. But it was the first part of this unofficial trilogy in 2016’s self-titled “Flotsam and Jetsam” that a certain rejuvenation and reset was clearly felt.
Fast-forward five years to a planet that was forced to its knees. While spending most of the pandemic times in a holding pattern like the rest of the world, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM made the best of a struggling situation and just let those creative juices and angst flow. What emerged was the much-acclaimed “Blood in the Water”, released in 2021 via AFM Records. Aside busy touring schedules (find all current & upcoming live dates at https://www.flotstildeath.com/tour), this September will see mighty FLOTSAM AND JETSAM return with their thunderous, new studio album “I Am The Weapon”! Make sure to pre-order your copy now via:https://flotsamandjetsam.bfan.link/i-am-the-weapon
High-flying Kentucky rock’n’roll band Mojo Thunder release their sophomore album The Infinite Hope on the Friday 16 August. The first single “Holy Ghost” debuts today.
Stream the song HERE. Watch the official “Holy Ghost” music video HERE.
Sign up to Mojo Thunder’s mailing list HERE to receive news of the album pre-order.
Written by guitarist Bryson Willoughby, the scorching barnburner tells the tale of a preacher who uses his power and position in his community to sow discord and create chaos.
Of “Holy Ghost”, Willoughby says, “Small town preachers are a community staple. This one inflates his sense of being by claiming a moral authority made permissible by a relationship with God. Scared of change and losing privilege, he makes an enemy out of progress, which manifests itself in a murder for hire.”
Produced by Duane Lundy (Ringo Starr, Justin Wells, Sturgill Simpson) at the Lexington Recording Co., The Infinite Hope sees Mojo Thunder crafting their most diverse soundscapes, not only leaning into the nostalgic rock foundation of their 2021 debut album, Hymns from The Electric Church, but their more modern influences like Kings of Leon, My Morning Jacket and Radiohead as well.
“We all shared the desire to do things as a unit, to perform, to mine for as many dynamics and emotion in their performances, but still putting the priority on the songs,” says Lundy about the recording process. “The lyrics are thoughtful and meaningful, something that I feel like is often slighted in current rock material, but my main takeaway was the quality of people they are. Their invitation meant a great deal to me, and I feel like I have four new family members.”
Additionally, Willoughby shares, “We’re finding our footing musically where we don’t have to rely on old tropes so much. With this record we wanted to showcase all of our influences instead of relegating ourselves into one particular place.”
On the album’s 10 tracks the band, comprised of BrysonWilloughby (guitar), Sean Sullivan (vocals), Zac Shoopman (drums), and Andrew Brockman (bass), explores everything from the dark side of activism (“Holy Ghost”) and civil rights (“Memphis”) to the healing power of a live concert experience (“Greetings from Western Art”) and the feeling of not being enough (“Step by Step”).
A definitive journey of growth, the project sees the band as their most authentic selves yet as they push themselves — and their listeners — to be the best versions of themselves.
“Despite all the lows and bad experiences, people are tenacious, and we press ourselves to reach our highest ideals,” says Willoughby. “Despite what has happened, is happening or will happen, there’s always some reason to keep pushing — like an infinite hope — to get you through.”
In support of the record the band will perform a select run of Kentucky concerts leading up to its release prior to embarking on a month-long European tour that includes stops in Germany, France, Spain and more. Full details can be found at mojothunder.com.
In addition to the band’s core line-up, The Infinite Hope also features contributions from SethMurphy (cello on “The Sun Still Rises” and “Grace”), Lee Carroll (organ on “Memphis” and “Greetings From Western Art”), and DuaneLundy (synthesizers and keyboards).
Founded as an edgy, hard rock band in 2018, Mojo Thunder have built up a rabid fanbase in the time since with its enthralling live shows and down-to-earth humility. During that time the band has become one of the most entertaining new acts to emerge from Kentucky — a state otherwise known for its bluegrass and country music — opening for the likes of All Them Witches, Justin Wells and Tyler Childers.
The Infinite Hope – Track Listing
The Sun Still Rises (4:28) Coming Back to You (4:46) Step by Step (3:25) Let it Fall (4:00) Holy Ghost (3:09) Memphis (5:04) Caroline (4:45) Gettin’ On a Binge (4:17) Grace (4:44) Greetings from Western Art (7:37)
Produced by Duane Lundy with Mojo Thunder Mixed by Duane Lundy Album art by Chancit Jeffords
Mojo Thunder – 2024 European Tour
Sept. 20 – Dortmund, DE – Blue Notez e.V. Sept. 21 – Besançon, FR – Bar de l’U Sept. 22 – Chambéry, FR – Brin de Zinc Sept. 25 – Barcelona, ESP – Razz 3 Sept. 26 – Castelló De La Plana, ESP – Because Sept. 27 – Girona, ESP – Mirorock Festival Sept. 28 – Orihuela, ESP – Sala La Gramola Sept. 29 – Jurez De La Frontera, ESP – La guarida del Angel Oct. 1 – Ourense, ESP – Café Auriense Oct. 2 – León, ESP – Babylon Oct. 3 – La Coruña, ESP – Mardi Gras Oct. 4 – Avilés, ESP – La Factoria Cultural Oct. 6 – Vitoria-Gasteiz, ESP – Urban Rock Concept Oct. 10 – Heilbronn, DE – WaldHaus eV Heilbronn Oct. 11 – Kufstein, AUT – Kufa Oct. 12 – Singwitz, DE – Kesselhaus Oct. 13 – Burglengenfeld, DE – VAZ Oct. 15 – Bratislava, SVK – Muzeum Obchodu Oct. 18 – Altlandsberg, DE – Buchholz Saloon Oct. 19 – Joldelund, DE – Gerd’s Juke Joint Oct. 22 – Bremen, DE – Meisenfrei Oct. 23 – Hamburg, DE – Cowboy und Indianers Oct. 24 – Hamburg, DE – Club Am Donnerstag Oct. 25 – Krefeld, DE – Kulturrampe Oct. 27 – Weert, NL – De Bosuil
Mojo Thunder – Biography
Mojo Thunder is an American rock band from Kentucky featuring Bryson Willoughby (lead guitar) Sean Sullivan (vocals, guitar), Andrew Brockman (bass), and Zac Shoopman (drums).
The boys are seated under the shade of a family tree that bears its fruit on the branches of Kings of Leon, and the Black Crowes; deeply rooted in an unwavering respect for Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin.
Established in 2018, Mojo Thunder hit the road and quickly gained attention of live music fans with an electrifying show praised for its high energy, heavy grooves, improvised jams, and a familiar, yet new sound. Early studio efforts include two singles, and an EP titled Loose Lips that was originally released June 9, 2019.
The debut album Hymns from the Electric Church was released on May 24, 2021. Ken McIntyre of Classic Rock Magazine described it as, “a stunner; a sun-dappled potpourri of everything good and true about American rock’n’roll, from crunching hard rock to soulful blues, from breezy cosmic Americana to head-bopping summertime arena-rock anthems.” It received a 9/10 review.
March 7, 2023, saw the surprise release of, Alive, with Friends showcasing the explementary qualities of the band’s live performance, featuring guest appearances and extended versions of songs spanning from the first single through Hymns from the Electric Church. Recorded over two nights in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, fans were invited to be a part of the band’s hometown audience. Supplemental videos from each performance, including material not featured on the album, were released on the band’s YouTube channel.
The sophomore album, The Infinite Hope will be released August 16, 2024. Fans of rock music will be pleased to see a return to some familiar sounds while also ambitiously reaching for new heights. The southern American working-class ethos is put on full display with the newest release which makes it evidently clear that this is a band that will continue to grow and evolve.
Genre: Modern Rock, Alternative Rock, Southern Rock.
Today, symphonic melodic metal overlords Rhapsody Of Fire are celebrating the release of their much-awaited and critically acclaimed, new studio epos ‘Challenge The Wind’ via AFM Records. A lyric video for their final single,the album closing track “Masterd by the Dark”, is now streaming below; to order your album copy, visit: https://rhapsodyoffire.bfan.link/challenge-the-wind
For more than thirty years, Rhapsody Of Fire have been able to rely on one thing: there’s nothing half-hearted about this band. The Italian masters of their craft can look back at an impressive catalogue of 14 studio albums, three EPs and two live recordings to date, all marked by lots of heart and soul, passion and a virtually inexhaustible wealth of ideas. Since 1993, mastermind and founder Alex Staropoli has been hailed as the creator of the film score metal genre and his band as one of the most charismatic acts worldwide. In addition, Staropoli has enlisted a highly creative first-rate guitarist in Roby De Micheli, who joined the fold in 2011, contributing lots of gritty metal riffs and virtuoso solos to contrast the band’s symphonic orchestral style.
‘Challenge The Wind’ marks Rhapsody Of Fire‘s most fast-paced rager to date, as the composer and keybordist Staropoli recently revealed: “Compared to all previous Rhapsody Of Fire releases, the current album consists exclusively of up-tempo numbers, not a single ballad in sight. None of our other records have featured as much pure, unadulterated metal as ‘Challenge The Wind’!”
In support of their new album, the band is gearing up for a busy touring schedule in 2024, with many more shows to follow soon. Find all upcoming Rhapsody Of Fire dates listed below and stay up-to-date at: https://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/tour
‘Challenge The Wind’ was produced by Alex Staropoli and mixed by Seeb Levermann (Orden Ogan), who is responsible for the homogeneous sound of the ten songs’ elaborate arrangements. One can be sure: Rhapsody Of Fire’s fast-paced adventure is set to continue with undiminished intensity! Order your copy of ‘Challenge The Wind’HERE!
Challenge The Wind’ tracklist:
Challenge the Wind
Whispers of Doom
The Bloody Pariah
Vanquished by Shadows
Kreel’s Magic Staff
Diamond Claws
Black Wizard
A Brave New Hope
Holy Downfall
Mastered by the Dark
Rhapsody Of Fire Live: 29.06.2024 (FR) CLISSON, Hellfest 13.07.2024 (BG) MOGILOVO, Midalidare Rock in the Wine Valley 2024 19.07.2024 (FI) PERUNKA, John Smith Rock Festival 07.11.2024 (SE) MALMOE, Plan B 08.11.2024 (SE) GOTHENBURG, Surr Arena 09.11.2024 (SE) STOCKHOLM, Fryshuset Klubben 10.11.2024 (SE) GAVLE, Centralteatern
Rhapsody Of Fire is: Giacomo Voli (vocals) Alex Staropoli (keyboards) Roby De Micheli (guitars) Alessandro Sala (bass) Paolo Marchesich (drums)
“Ride The Flatline” is the latest single from Cleveland death metal outfit, 200 STAB WOUNDS. The punishing new track comes off the band’s Manual Manic Procedures full-length, set for release on June 28th through Metal Blade Records.
A superlative sophomore effort that follows their tour de force debut, 2021’s Slave To The Scalpel, Manual Manic Procedures is a brutal slab of old-school death metal with a contemporary edge. Not for the faint-hearted, the record may well be the album that puts classic gore-themed ferocity back into the metal community’s collective consciousness.
The album’s penultimate track, ‘Ride The Flatline,’ is a [bassist] Ezra Cook-penned song inspired by a chemical spill in the Ohio River after a train derailed. Vocalist/guitarist Steve Buhl further elaborates, “All the crazy chemicals caught fire. The Ohio River goes into Lake Erie, which is where our water supply is. So the song comes from that really. But obviously, we put a little bit of animation into it, with someone getting run over by a train in the process and fucking exploding and shit.”
Watch the band’s previously released video for “Hands Of Eternity” at THIS LOCATION.
Slave To The Scalpel saw 200 STAB WOUNDS insinuate themselves into the minds of extreme metal fans, leading to praise from Pitchfork for their “unpretentious brilliance, pitch-black sense of humor” and an “aesthetic [that’s] built around a chugging, groovy riff that stomps down a path of destruction.” Manual Manic Procedures sees the band upping the ante both musically and lyrically.
The album’s artwork — graphically depicting radical surgery on somebody who may or may not be conscious — is an immediate indicator of what this record is all about. No punches pulled, no holds barred, just blood-soaked death metal.
The songs on Manual Manic Procedures are not safe for work – perhaps unsafe most anywhere. But that’s its dark charm in a world where even heavy music can play it too safely. 200 STAB WOUNDS have crafted Manual Manic Procedures for themselves and like-minded brethren: thrill-seekers, carnage cravers, horror fans, and aficionados of the most extreme metal. Above all, 200 STAB WOUNDS created a future death metal classic.
Manual Manic Procedures was produced and mixed by Andy Nelson and mastered by Brad Boatwright.
200 STAB WOUNDS recently wrapped up a North American tour supporting Dying Fetus along with Full Of Hell, Kruelty, and Psycho-Frame. The band will decimate stages throughout Europe this Fall with Gatecreeper and Enforced. See all confirmed dates below.
200 STAB WOUNDS w/ Gatecreeper, Enforced: 10/30/2024 Whelan’s – Dublin, IE 10/31/2024 The Fleece – Bristol City, GB 11/1/2024 O2 Islington Academy – London, GB 11/2/2024 Damnation Fest – Manchester, GB 11/3/2024 Sepulfest – S-Hertogenbosch, NL 11/4/2024 Schlachthof – Wiesbaden, DE 11/5/2024 Dynamo – Zurich, CH 11/6/2024 Legend Club – Milan, IT 11/7/2024 Arena – Vienna, AT 11/8/2024 Backstage – Munich, DE 11/9/2024 Turock – Essen, DE 11/10/2024 Musikenstrum – Hannover, DE 11/11/2024 Pumpehuset – Copenhagen, DK 11/12/2024 John Dee – Oslo, NO 11/14/2024 Olympia – Tampere, FI 11/15/2024 AAniwalli – Helsinki, FI 11/16/2024 Kantakrouvi – Oulu, FI 11/18/2024 Kollektivet Livet – Stockholm, SE 11/19/2024 Film Studios – Gothenburg, SE 11/20/2024 Knust – Hamburg, DE 11/21/2024 SO36 – Berlin, DE 11/22/2024 UT Connewitz – Leipzig, DE 11/23/2024 IM Wizemann – Stuttgart, DE 11/24/2024 Zappa – Antwerp, BE
200 STAB WOUNDS: Steve Buhl – vocals, guitars Raymond Macdonald – guitars Ezra Cook – bass Owen Pooley – 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
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