POLAR Release New Single + Video ‘We Won’t Sleep’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Pete Ray

UK post-hardcore stalwarts Polar are back to electrify the music scene with their latest single, ‘We Won’t Sleep’. This powerful anthem of resistance, infused with intense lyrics and pulsating rhythms, is a relentless call to action. The track opens with a bold challenge to the status quo, intensifying into a declaration of unstoppable energy and change. Accompanied by a dynamic music video that captures the essence of rebellion, the song and its visuals stimulate the senses, portraying the urgency and chaos of revolution.

Stream: https://arisingempire.com/wewontsleep

In 2023, amidst significant lineup changes that led to the departure of several original members, founding vocalist Adam Woodford took the reins. Determined to turn adversity into opportunity, Woodford revitalised Polar by bringing on new members Stefan Whiting (bass), Bruno Consani (guitar), Simon Richardson (guitar), and Max Flohr (drums). This fresh lineup has injected new energy and perspective into the band, further amplifying the defiant and transformative message of ‘We Won’t Sleep’!Since their formation in 2009, Polar have carved out a distinctive niche with their intense, chaotic sound and electrifying live performances. Over the past 15 years, they have built a solid reputation, establishing themselves as a powerful presence in the music scene.

This rejuvenated lineup has not only taken centre stage at Resurrection Festival but has also completed tours across Europe and the UK. Together, they have produced Polar‘s 6th studio album with Jack Murphy at Crystal Sound Studios, exploring the theme of change’s destructive power. This album is considered by the band as their most impactful work to date. With renewed positivity and unyielding determination, Polar has reached new heights of strength and shows no signs of stopping.

Polar are:
Adam Woodford | vocals
Bruno Consani | guitar
Simon Richardson | guitar
Stefan Whiting | bass
Bradley Hanson | drums

For more information:

https://www.instagram.com/polaruk
https://www.facebook.com/polaruk
https://www.tiktok.com/@polaruk
https://twitter.com/polaruk
https://www.polaruk.co

VICTORY Announce New Album “Circle Of Life”, Reveal First Video Single ‘Count On Me’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo: Guido Thomasi]

VICTORY have revealed details about their brand new studio album, entitled ‘Circle Of Life’ for a release on September 13, 2024 via AFM Records! A making-of video for the band’s first single, the party anthem “Count On Me”, is now premiering below. The album pre-sale for ‘Circle Of Life’ has just started at: https://victory.bfan.link/circle-of-life

About the first song release, “the police would advise to better fasten your seatbelt when listening in the car…“ Guitarist Herman Frank is convinced. Listen to “Count On Me”, now available on all digital streaming providers at https://victory.bfan.link/count-on-me

Naturally, the excellent reputation of a successful hard rock act such as VICTORY is based – among other things – on the superb achievements of their long-standing career. The early days of the Hanover-based group date back to the 1980s and include immortal album classics and successful tours around the globe. However, none of this would account for much or would indeed be classed as anything but nostalgia if their present accomplishments weren’t on a par with the band’s impressive past.

Their forthcoming, fourteenth studio album ‘Circle Of Life’ sees the five-piece surrounding founder and guitarist Herman Frank not only effortlessly build on earlier feats, but also sounds stronger than ever. Frank describes the release with its first-rate production as “even more grown-up and mature than its predecessor, we’ve taken the new songs to a whole new level in every respect.” He knows what this optimised performance is due to: “The group operates as a tight unit, based on the experience of the many live shows we’ve played together. ‘Circle Of Life’ brings together what has grown together and belongs together.”

All of the ten new tracks were recorded by Herman Frank together with vocalist Gianni Pontillo, rhythm guitarist Mike Pesin, bassist Malte Frederik Burkert and drummer Michael Stein at Hanover’s famous Horus Sound Studios, featuring a mix courtesy of sound engineer Arne Neurand.

The album title and matching cover artwork, into which graphic designer Oleg (Voodoo) Shcherbakov has incorporated a philosophical “maths problem” by German artist Rune Mields, also deserve an explanation: They’re about the cycle of life mentioned in the moniker and what people leave behind at the end of their earthly existence. As far as Herman Frank is concerned, it’s pretty obvious that ‘Circle Of Life’ will be VICTORY’s powerful statement for posterity which their fans will continue to enjoy. He says: “For us, this recording is also the perfect ticket for even more and even more passionate Victory concerts.” Rest assured that there will be plenty of those in autumn 2024 and early 2025, find all upcoming dates listed below, with many more to follow!

‘Circle Of Life’ Tracklist:
01.Tonight We Rock

  1. American Girl
  2. Count On Me
  3. Surrender My Heart
  4. Unbelievable World
  5. Moonlit Sky
  6. Falling
  7. Money
  8. Reason To Love
  9. Virtual Sin

VICTORY Live:
26.09.2024 – GER – Dortmund, Musiktheater Piano
27.09.2024 – GER – Bensheim, Musiktheater Rex
28.09.2024 – GER – Trier, Mergener Hof
29.09.2024 – GER – Munich, Backstage
02.10.2024 – GER – Gera, Comma
03.10.2024 – GER – Regensburg, Eventhall Airport
04.10.2024 – CH – Biberist, P9
06.10.2024 – GER – Nuremberg, Hirsch
16.01.2025 – GER – Siegburg, Kubana Live Club*
17.01.2025 – GER – Munich, Backstage*
18.01.2025 – GER – Glauchau, Alte Spinnerei*
23.01.2025 – GER – Stuttgart, Im Wizemann*
24.01.2025 – GER – Hamburg, Markthalle*
25.01.2025 – GER – Andernach, JUZ Live Club*
26.01.2025 – CH – Pratteln, Z7 Konzertfabrik*
30.01.2025 – GER – Nuremberg, Hirsch*
31.01.2025 – GER – Aschaffenburg, Colos-Saal*
01.02.2025 – GER – Memmingen, Kaminwerk*
02.02.2025 – GER – Mannheim, 7erClub*
06.02.2025 – GER – Berlin, Hole 44*
07.02.2025 – GER – Neuruppin, Kulturzentrum*
08.02.2025 – GER – Essen, Turock*
(* w/ Grave Digger)

VICTORY is:
Gianni Pontillo (Vocals)
Herman Frank (Guitar)
Mike Pesin (Guitar)
Malte Frederik Burkert (Bass)
Michael Stein (Drums)

For More Info Visit:
https://www.victory-band.com
https://www.facebook.com/victorybandofficial
https://www.instagram.com/victorybandofficially
https://victory.bfan.link/circle-of-life

EXISTENT Release New Video Single ‘Wir Bleiben Wach’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo: Jan Season]

Following their latest, chart-breaking album “STILLER HELD” (engl. Silent Hero), released in the summer of 2023 via Drakkar Entertainment, Hamburg, Germany-based rock act EXISTENT has shared a brand new music video for their latest, crushing single “Wir Bleiben Wach” (We Stay Awake)!

Fusioning the sound of punk, core, metal and rock with critically examined lyrics such as against war cruelty in Ukraine, their support for environmental organizations such as Sea Shepherd or a large middle finger against right-wing pressures, ever since their forrmation in 2016 EXISTENT have quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting rock acts in the German music scene. “STILLER HELD” stormed the album charts at a phenomenal position 37, and seen the band playing numerous shows and frenetically acclaimed festivals with acts such as Montreal, Lordi, Lord Of The Lost and many more.

About their new single release, “Wir Bleiben Wach”, EXISTENT singer Marcel reveals:

“Between the end of September and mid-April 2024, we were actually on tour non-stop on the weekends. During this time we were able to experience more support than ever before in the band’s existence. Of course, we also thought about how we could best and most honestly thank all the lovely people out there and well… We quickly agreed that music says more than 1,000 words. That’s why we would like to present our new track “We Stay Awake” today, which was written during the creation process of the album STILLER HELD and we saved it for a very special moment. As fate would have it, the text written “back then” couldn’t be more appropriate on days like these. The song describes all the positive feelings, the party mood and the long nights we had on the last two tours with such as J.B.O. and what we have been able to experience over the past few months.”

“Wir Bleiben Wach” is out now on all digital providers via https://linktr.ee/existent.band

EXISTENT Live:
w/ LUMBEMATZ
12.10.24 | HAMBURG | LOGO
02.11.24 | BERLIN | ORWOHAUS
08.11.24 | OBERHAUSEN | HELVETE
09.11.24 | LEIPZIG | HELLRAISER

20.12.24 | SAARBRÜCKEN | STUDIO 30* (Sold Out)

Hardtickets: https://shop.existent-band.de/collections/tickets
Eventim: https://www.eventim.de/artist/existent/

EXISTENT is:
Marcel Dummer – Main Vocals
Julian Jung – Lead Guitar
Fabian Kaposty – Rhythm Guitar
Jonas Mensing – Bass
Silvano Vincenti – Drums

For More Info Visit:
https://existent-band.de
https://www.instagram.com/existent.band
https://www.tiktok.com/@existent.band
https://www.facebook.com/band.existent
https://shop.existent-band.de

KILLSORROW Release Lyric Video for New Single ‘Prototype’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 20, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

KILLSORROW was formed in 2008 in Krakow by guitarist Michał Sokół. The band’s roster changed multiple times before finally stabilizing in 2015. Each member of the band is an experienced musician who has played hundreds of concerts and supported world-class bands such as Vader, Decapitated, Electric Light Orchestra, Focus, Paradise Lost, Hate, Hunter, Kat, Acid Drinkers, TSA.

Polish post-apocalyptic metal band KILLSORROW recorded music for highly anticipated third full-length album, entitled “Wasteland Chronicles” at Heinrich House Studio (Azarath, Behemoth, Masachist) and Studio Centrum. All was mixed and mastered by Fredrik Nordström at Fredman Studio (In Flames, Arch Enemy, Sabaton, Dimmu Borgir, Septicflesh) in Goteborg. Cover artwork was done by duo Zbigniew Józefczyk and Michał “Xaay” Loranc (Evangelist, Kamelot, Konkhra).

On the new album the band presents a new musical face, they play mixture melody and aggressive of Trivium and In Flames with catchy Iron Maiden riffs and progression of Evergrey and Kamelot.

November 3, 2023 band released full album on physical format as CD which could be ordered at their official website http://killsorrow.com/. Meanwhile time they published videos to the songs (Home Sweet Home, Parasite Symphony, Straight To Hell) as part of the triptych and lyric video to the song “Eyes“.

A few days ago, the band published lyric video for the single “Prototype“. The band is slowly getting its listeners used to regularly releasing songs, especially since the entire album has not yet appeared on streaming platforms.

– We have chosen this form of promotion because we want each song from the new album to be treated individually, just as it was treated during its preparation. The album is comprehensive, but there is a large gap between the songs. We don’t want to be pigeonholed, so you can expect a lot of musical surprises in the upcoming singles. We created various images for the entire album, we want our music to reach as many people as possible. – said Michał Sokół, leader of the band.

Earlier, the Cracovian band released music videos to the songs:

Tracklist:

  1. Keep Out!
  2. Lost in The Dark
  3. Parasite Symphony
  4. Prototype
  5. Eyes
  6. Shelter
  7. Straight to Hell
  8. Finest Day to Die
  9. Play with Me
  10. Endless Fry
  11. Wasteland
  12. Home Sweet Home

More information at Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube

BEWITCHER Unleash Electrifying New Single ‘Starfire Maelstrom’, Announce New Album “Spell Shock”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 19, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Raymond Ahner

All the best tunes belong to the Devil, and Portland’s bastard sons BEWITCHER have returned to take back rock n’ roll in Baphomet’s name. The speed demons are now unleashing the electrifying new single, “Starfire Maelstrom,” which is the first invocation from the haunted trio’s upcoming album, ‘Spell Shock,’ due September 27 on on Century Media Records. The track is the hardened and bloodthirsty sound of BEWITCHER – noise, filth, fury n’ all – and can be found along with a lyric video, which was created by Scott Taysom, at THIS LOCATION.

“It’s full of apocalyptic, speed demon vibes, and imagery taken from the worst of current events that only get more apocalyptic as time goes by,” says BEWITCHER frontman Mateo von Bewitcher of the album’s lead missive. “It’s the feeling you get from ‘Fight Fire with Fire’ on [Metallica’s] ‘Ride the Lightning.’ It’s immediate how it feeds into themes of human destruction and war, but also has cosmic elements. It’s a classic album opener.”

Joining Von Bewitcher, bassist A. Magus, and drummer A. Hunter in the studio this time was none other longtime BEWITCHER fan Lars Frederiksen. Most of the world knows Frederiksen as a force in his own right, playing in the likes of Bay Area punk heroes Rancid, as well as his own Old Firm Casuals. While to some, it may have been an unlikely pairing with Frederiksen taking the producer’s seat, for everyone in the studio the connection was immediate.

Says Frederiksen on Spell Shock: “It’s the best record I’ve ever produced for one of the best bands in the world.”

Stream the single at https://bewitcher.lnk.to/StarfireMaelstrom-SingleEdit

Bewitcher’s latest lightening strike comes just in time for the band’s appearance at Milwaukee Metal Festival, in which they will be laying waste to The Rave/Eagle’s Ballroom tonight, May 17! Bewitcher is currently on the road with fellow Portland-based occultists UADA and Century Media labelmates Upon Stone for “The Shadows Return” tour, which will continue to decimate the states until the final stop on May 28 in Sacramento, CA. The full itinerary can be found below! More dates including a Fall North American tour, and BEWITCHER’s return to Europe as they continue to extol their “Black Magick Metal” gospel will be announced soon.

For a taste of Bewitcher’s blistering live set, the band recently shared the vicious performance video for the song, “Our Lady of Speed!” Directed and edited by Nate Souza, the clip was shot in front of a SOULED OUT hometown crowd and can be found at THIS LOCATION.

THE SHADOWS RETURN TOUR w/ UADA, remaining shows:

05/20: Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary (w/ Stabbing)
05/22: Nashville, TN @ Vinyl Lounge
05/23: Dallas, TX @ RBC
05/24: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
05/25: Phoenix, AZ @ Pub Rock
05/27: Las Vegas, NV @ Usual Place
05/28: Sacramento, CA @ Goldfield Midtown

BEWITCHER EU Date:
11/8-9/24 (SE) Umea – House of Metal Festival

Since their formation in 2013, Bewitcher has seen their signature “Black Magick Metal” sound go from humble beginnings to new heights of creativity and wild anthemic fervor. A small collection of long out-of-print demo tapes kicked off what has proven to be an enduring line of ripping studio albums, singles and EPs. They have earned a reputation as one of the hardest working touring acts around, bringing their volcanic, high energy live shows to every corner of North America and parts abroad.

Line-Up:
Mateo von Bewitcher – vox + guitars
A. Hunter – drums + percussion
A. Magus – bass guitar + backing vox

Follow: Official Website – Facebook – Instagram – Stream // Order // Download

WALFANG Release New Single + Video ‘No Season’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 19, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Camille Mortier

Do you ever wonder what life has in store for us? This is a question reflected through the subject matter of ‘No Season’ – the brand new single from Belgian noise collective Walfang. 

Stream ‘No Season’ here: https://ampl.ink/WFNoSeason

‘No Season’ is an anthem for the modern day overthinker – a reminder to ask ourselves why we waste our time focusing on the negativity in our lives instead of finding joy in the present. 

The main character of the clip, “Klak,” is a striking figure symbolising an inner monologue. Dancing and acting ridiculously, without inhibition, is an embodiment of this persona. As the clip progresses, the realisation of his actions emerges, leading to contemplation. Reflecting on everything you’ve ever done, all the actions you’ve taken that didn’t quite go as planned, and all of the consequences and stress that brings. That personification is who you then encounter. The choice is yours – you can continue to contemplate and remain unhappy, or embrace your actions and move forward.

The seasons are dying out, and so are we.

We do nothing but dwell on doom, knowing that our future generations will eventually perish, a fact that fills us with dread. But what does that accomplish?

Purifying, subdued, and strangely beautiful in equal measure. The themes, ingrained in the DNA of ‘No Season’, and the eccentric video, allude to the complex state of modern society, the fear of premature extinction, and the hope of someday living in harmony.

The way the song came about is the most organic of the whole album. The guitar riff, drawing influences from Tuareg and Milian music, is catchy and danceable. It sets the perfect tone for what the new Walfang album has in store. A coincidence that guitarist b stumbled upon, kicking off the idea for the track.

Each member of the band has contributed to the vibe of the record, which can clearly be heard. From the jazz-inspired drum lines to the harmonised vocals of ‘Odiel’ and ‘Burny’, to the Pink Floyd-esque break in the middle of ‘No Season’. This song in particular is simultaneously an outlier and yet the perfect summary of the album. Eclectic and sincere.

Describing the music video for ‘No Season’ as different is an understatement – the unconventional video for the song was intentionally created by the band. Knowing they exist in a part of the music spectrum where black clothes and monochrome pictures are the norm and expectation; they aim to strive in the opposite direction. They wear pink shirts and guitars at performances, and don’t hide their love for each other and their banter. In that regard, they chose to mess with the expectations that exist.

The music video was made by the band using a green screen, a good friend who offered to dance, and another who filmed it. This, combined with 100 hours of computer work, YouTube tutorials, and frustration – resulted in a unique, atypical and unconventional four minutes and nine seconds. Something that goes against the expectations of the alternative guitar scene. 

Album releaseshow: 20/11/2024 – De Casino, Sint-Niklaas – w/ Ronker. 

Walfang are:
Odiel Oosterlinck – guitar, vocals
Burny Roose – bass, vocals
Taco Bals – guitar
Charlie Buyse – drums

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/WALFANGBAND
https://www.instagram.com/walfang_be
https://www.youtube.com/@BarleyRecords
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5sq7265cobmLVY0wfpgUVn