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FUTURE PALACE Release Video for New Single ‘Dreamstate’

Posted by metalshockfinland on June 22, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: FUTURE PALACE. Leave a comment
Photo Credit: HelloBipo

German post-hardcore trio Future Palace have released a video for their new single ‘Dreamstate’. The track is taken from the band’s upcoming album Distortion, due for release on 6th September via Arising Empire.

Future Palace collaborated with Pavel Trebukhin once again for the ‘Dreamstate’ music video, returning to Riga, Latvia. 

Stream ‘Dreamstate’ on DSPs here: https://arisingempire.com/dreamstate

Sometimes the world is so overwhelming that the thought of another reality seems like a salvation. In their new single ‘Dreamstate’ Future Palace describes the escape into a dream world with an unmatched musical vigour.

Dense synthwave arpeggios put the epic instrumentals into fluid hovering states, and the energetic drums sound like a racing heartbeat, while vocalist Maria Lessing lets all emotions run free in a monumental hook. With the crashing breakdown in the finale, in which the constructed illusion finally collapses like a nightmare, it becomes clear that this escape offers no real way out. In their new song, Future Palace emphasise, both sonically and lyrically, a desire for escapism that arises from deep pain.

That ‘Dreamstate‘ has become such a massive sonic demonstration of power is not at all evident from the song’s genesis. “At first, I actually intended to write a piano ballad,” says guitarist Manuel Kohlert. “But the song quickly became much harder.”

“It’s now one of my favourite songs on our new album,” adds Lessing.

The organic development process of the song, in which quiet sounds were ultimately overtaken by massive anger, can perhaps even be read symbolically – after all, the vocalist was also thinking about her career as a musician, which sometimes seems just as overwhelming. “Very often I lack the strength to see it all through,” she continues. “I think many people can empathise with this feeling of being overwhelmed in our performance-oriented society.” 

Future Palace‘s music has always explored internal struggles, and Distortion is the brutal climax of this approach. The album title, derived from the psychological term cognitive distortion, reflects a world where changing perceptions trap individuals in recurring pitfalls. Distortion addresses various mental illnesses and personal struggles, from ADHD to depression to narcissism. The band’s third album is a powerful force of emotions, cycles, and cries of desperation, overwhelming listeners with its intensity.

The band’s creativity shines as they tackle demanding topics with fresh perspectives. On Distortion, they build on their previous work by incorporating new elements, like orchestral interjections in ‘The Echoes of Disparity’, which combines brutal screams and chant-like passages to convey psychological struggle. ‘Panic Paralysis’ features a massive vocal motif with an arabesque touch, while ‘They Take What They Want’ dives into emotional depths, blending raw metalcore with gentle vocal passages and massive choirs.

Despite the album’s emotional intensity, Distortion was created amid excessive demands. Produced by Julian Breucker and Christoph Wieczorek, known for their work with Annisokay, Beyond the Black, and Smash Into Pieces, the recording process was grueling. Singer Maria Lessing recorded the album with a root infection and after wisdom tooth surgery, adding stress but enhancing the songs’ authenticity. Guitarist Manuel Kohlert notes that the album reflects the band’s experience as a heavy touring band, capturing the feelings of being on the road and contemplating their existence.

Despite its challenges, Distortion carries a piece of hope. ‘Decarabia’ tells a bittersweet story about a depressed couple, while ‘The Echoes of Disparity’, featuring Charlie Rolfe of As Everything Unfolds, is militantly rebellious, addressing abuse of power and the oppression of women. Lessing emphasizes the importance of female support to convey the song’s message loudly.

The album features the most powerful metalcore breakdowns meeting trembling darkwave beats, anthemic emocore refrains à la Bad Omens contrasted with sacred choirs, and the coldness of industrial clashing with the powerful emotionality of Sleep Token, making Distortion an album like a manifesto.

Distortion Tracklist

1. Uncontrolled
2. Malphas
3. Panic Paralysis
4. The Echoes of Disparity feat. Charle Rolfe from As Everything Unfolds
5. Dreamstate
6. Decarabia
7. in Too Deep
8. Rays of Light
9. A Fool on a Devil’s Reins
10. They Take What They Want
11. Amethyst

Tour dates:
Oct 17:. DE Nuremberg, Hirsch
Oct 19: HU Budapest, Analog Music Hall
Oct 22: CZ Rague, Rock Cafe
Oct 23: PL Warsaw, Hydrozagadka
Oct 24: PL Gdansk, Drizzly Grizzly
Oct 26: FI Helsinki, On the Rocks
Oct 28: SE Stockholm, Kollektivet Livet
Oct 29: DK Copenhagen, Pumpehuset
Oct 30: NO Oslo, John Dee
Oct 31: SE Gothenburg, Musikens Hus
Nov 01: DE Hamburg, Gruenspan
Nov 02: DE Bremen, Schlachthof
Nov 28:. DE Hanover, Musikzentrum
Nov 29: DE Frankfurt, Batschkapp
Nov 30: DE Cologne, Kantine
Dec 02: FR Paris, Supersonic Records
Dec 04: UK London, The Garage
Dec 05: UK Manchester, Rebellion
Dec 06: BE Antwerp, Trix
Dec 07: NL Amsterdam, Melkweg
Dec 09: DE Stuttgart, club Cann
Dec 10: CH Bern, Stellwerk
Dec 12: CH Zurich, dynamo
Dec 13: DE Munich, Backstage Werk
Dec 15: DE Berlin, Huxleys

Festivals 2024

Jun 21-23: DE, Full Force Festival
Jun 23: BE, Graspop Metal Meeting
Jun 26-29: ES, Resurrection Fest
Jul 31-Aug 03: DE, Wacken Open Air
Aug 14-17: DE, Summer Breeze Open Air
Aug 15-17: DE, Reload Festival
Aug 15-18: FR, Motocultor Festival

Future Palace are:
Maria | Vocals
Manuel | Guitar
Johannes | Drums

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/futurepalace
https://www.instagram.com/futurepalaceofficial
https://tiktok.com/@futurepalace
https://twitter.com/futurepalacede
https://www.future-palace.de

WE KILL COWBOYS Drop Explosive New Single ‘Fuck You’

Posted by metalshockfinland on June 22, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: WE KILL COWBOYS. Leave a comment

Cape Town’s Rock ‘n Roll Mavericks Unleash Anthemic Track and Announce Powerful New Line-Up.

We Kill Cowboys, the 4-piece rock ‘n roll powerhouse from Cape Town, have just released their incendiary new single “Fuck You” via Mongrel Records. Emerging from the creative genius of renowned tattoo artist and singer-songwriter Alex Muller, the band’s electrifying sound is an intoxicating blend of psychedelic rock, punk rock, grunge, and stoner blues.
 
Fronted by the mesmerizing and raw vocals of Alex Muller, We Kill Cowboys boldly tackle anti-establishment themes with their thought-provoking lyricism, inviting listeners into a world of gritty, sultry narratives. Muller’s delivery adds an irresistible edge to the sonic experience, supported by the thunderous beats of longtime drummer Andrew Middelkoop, the powerful riffs of new guitarist Mornay Carstens, and the return of original bassist Miggs Auer.
 
Commenting on the new single, Alex Muller states, “Not much needs to be said about it. It’s that singular moment when the light goes on and it all becomes clear. You’re done with bullshitting yourself, you’re done with being bullshitted. Life, relationships, politicians… that moment you decide to let it go and face the truth. There’s always hope and sometimes our own mind can be the biggest cage… let it go.”

Stream and buy the single at https://orcd.co/fck-you

Regarding the revamped line-up, Muller adds, “Jono and Danie left for personal reasons, all the best to them. We’re super stoked to have long-time friend and Cowboys OG Miggs back on the bass and it’s been amazing to welcome our good mate Mornay on lead guitar. The band sounds heavier, and we can’t wait to start writing and we’re even more amped to get back on stage!”
 
Unapologetically driven by a desire to shake the core of the music scene, We Kill Cowboys is a force to be reckoned with. Their live performances are a relentless surge of energy, an immersive journey that cranks the amplifiers to the max, leaving audiences’ ears ringing and minds reeling. Prepare to have your senses ignited as We Kill Cowboys deliver a musical experience that both blows ear holes and expands horizons.

More information at https://www.facebook.com/wekillcowboys

JOE BONAMASSA Celebrates Monumental Release of “Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra” with Live Video ‘Prisoner’

Posted by metalshockfinland on June 22, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Joe Bonamassa. Leave a comment
photo by Jenise Jensen

Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa announces the release of his latest live album and film, Live at the Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra, out TODAY via his own J&R Adventures label. This stunning collection captures Bonamassa’s monumental performance at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, where he was joined by a 40-piece orchestra to deliver an unforgettable musical experience.

Accompanying this release is the album’s latest music video, “Prisoner,” which he also covered on 2011’s Dust Bowl album. “Prisoner” was famously recorded by Barbara Streisand back in 1978 for the cinematic film “Eyes Of Laura Mars.” This slow-burn ballad is a poignant showcase of Joe’s emotional depth and technical brilliance. Listen to the full live performance recorded with a 40-piece orchestra on all major platforms NOW.

Live at the Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra has garnered widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. “Playing the Hollywood Bowl was another milestone for Joe Bonamassa’s illustrious career, and he did it in style,” praises Classic Rock Magazine.

The album has been hailed as “another example of the high standard of performance that comes as a guarantee with every new Bonamassa live release,” by Blues In Britain, and described as “one of the best modern-day live albums of all time” by Blues Matters, who further celebrated the project by calling it “a spine-tingling, curtain-raiser for what was to be an unforgettable evening.” Record Collector Magazine awarded the album 5 stars, stating, “The setting is impressive. The performance is flawless. What more do you need?”

Powerplay Magazine echoes these sentiments with a perfect 10/10 rating, declaring, “Hollywood Bowl may be his finest achievement,” and adding, “At this point in his career, Joe can seemingly do no wrong.” Fireworks Magazine adds, “This is one of the best, if not the best things Bonamassa has ever done.” The meticulous orchestration and flawless execution have made this album a career-defining release. All Music lauds, “Bonamassa has captured lightning in a bottle with Live at the Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra,” and notes, “It is a truly spectacular listen.”

Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra showcases Bonamassa’s virtuosic blend of blues and rock but also elevates fan-favourite tracks with grandiose orchestral arrangements by some of Hollywood’s finest – David Campbell, Trevor Rabin, and Jeff Bova. “Very few gigs represent my journey in music more than the Hollywood Bowl. I moved to Los Angeles in 2003 in search of opportunity and cheaper rent than New York City. My first gig at The Mint was attended by 5 of my friends and that’s all. We have played The Greek Theatre many times since, but the Bowl has always been a dream. The orchestra and the sheer scale of the event and venue is something I will never forget. I am so grateful that we filmed this special event in my life,” reminisces Bonamassa.

Following his standout performance supporting The Rolling Stones at Lumen Field, Bonamassa is gearing up for his eagerly awaited tour this summer. Beginning July 17th in Selbyville, DE, Joe will be playing a set of three shows back to back, including the Great South Bay Music Fest in East Patchogue, NY and the Maine Savings Amphitheatre in Bangor, ME. The eagerly awaited “Blues Deluxe Tour”  starts in Albuquerque, NM on August 2nd through the end of the month culminating in an unforgettable two-night performance in Hampton Beach, NH, on August 30th and 31st. This tour celebrates Bonamassa’s seminal albums Blues Deluxe and its chart-topping successor, Blues Deluxe Vol. 2, which earned him his 27th #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart, besting his own record for most #1s ever on the chart.

These 20 special performances will showcase an electrifying mix of Bonamassa’s classics and deep tracks live for the first time, alongside a band of world-class musicians. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.jbonamassa.com.

SUMMER TOUR
June 22 – Sao Paulo, BR – Best of Blues & Rock Fest – Ibirapuera Parque
June 24 – Curita, BR – Best of Blues & Rock Fest – Live Curitiba

U.S. SUMMER 2024 – BLUES DELUXE TOUR
July 17 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion *
July 18 – Patchogue, NY – Great South Bay Music Festival*
July 19 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater*
August 2 – Albuquerque, NM – Sandia Resort & Casino
August 4 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
August 6 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater
August 8 – Topeka, KS – Topeka Performing Arts Center
August 9 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
August 10 – Jackson, MS – Thalia Mara Hall
August 12 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall
August 14 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
August 16 – Evansville, IN – Old National Events Plaza
August 17 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
August 18 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
August 20 – Kettering, OH – Fraze Pavilion
August 21 – Hershey, PA – Hershey Theatre
August 23 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
August 24 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
August 25 – Rochester, NY – West Herr Auditorium Theatre
August 27 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre
August 29 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent
August 30 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
August 31 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
September 15 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues & Brew Festival *

*Not part of the Blues Deluxe Tour

U.S. FALL TOUR
October 28 – Santa Barbara, CA – The Granada Theatre
October 30 – Rancho Mirage, CA – The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
November 1 – Tucson, AZ – The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
November 2 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
November 3 – Long Beach, CA – Terrace Theater
November 5 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Civic Theatre
November 7 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic
November 8 – Sacramento, CA – SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
November 9 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre
November 12 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium
November 13 – Boise, ID – Morrison Center
November 16 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater
November 17 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Civic Center
November 19 – Park City, KS – Hartman Arena
November 20 – Springfield, MO – Juanita K. Hammons Hall
November 22 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
November 23 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
November 26 – Springfield, IL – UIS Performing Arts Center
November 27 – Appleton, WI – Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
November 29 – Davenport, IA – Adler Theatre
November 30 – Des Moines, IA – Des Moines Civic Center

ABOUT JOE BONAMASSA
Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performing musicians of today. As a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and 15x Blues Music Award Nominee (4-time winner), he achieved his 27th No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with his most recent studio album, Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. Only in his mid-40s, Bonamassa has become a living legend with an astounding multi-genre catalogue. He has released more than 40 albums, including studio and live recordings, as well as collaborative albums with his adventurous side projects: Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party.

A prolific writer who is always on the hunt to expand his eclectic musical horizons, Bonamassa has a limitless work ethic whether it’s in a studio, on the road, or working with other artists to spur new music. In recent years, he has produced an immense number of albums including Joanne Shaw Taylor, Marc Broussard, Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall and others for his independent label KTBA Records, and has also recently launched Journeyman LLC, a full-service artist management, record label, concert promotion, and marketing company that builds awareness for independent artists worldwide.

Bonamassa has been featured in several publications from Esquire, WSJ, and Parade to Rolling Stone and American Songwriter, as well as on the covers of Guitar World, Guitar Player, Vintage Guitar, Guitarist, and Classic Rock Magazine. His non-profit Keeping The Blues Alive provides funds and resources to schools and artists in need and has positively impacted more than 100,000 students to date while raising over $2 million in donation.

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

Welsh THE ROGUES Release New EP “1963, Live at Rockfield Studios”, Out Today

Posted by metalshockfinland on June 21, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: THE ROGUES. Leave a comment

After releasing 3 much-anticipated singles in 2023, THE ROGUES are back with their debut EP ‘1963, Live at Rockfield Studios’, out today, June 21st.
 
In October 2023 the 5 lads from Newport spent 2 days at the world famous Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, recording a number of live tracks with Nick Brine, who’s recorded with Oasis, The Stone Roses, Bruce Springsteen to name a few.
 
4 of these huge sounding tracks will make up their debut EP, which is being released exclusively on CD. If you’ve been to a Rogues gig in recent times, you’ll know these tracks are always a staple of their live performances.
 
You can order the EP now for just £4.99 on Banquet Records or by searching The Rogues on social media and using the link in their bio.

The release ties in with their biggest headline gig to date, at Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach, on Friday the 28th of June. Tickets are still available online via ticketweb or on The Rogues social media pages. https://linktr.ee/theroguesofficial

https://www.facebook.com/therogues21/
https://www.instagram.com/therogues__
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAjpdPdWSCJJirnWYZUFlvg
https://x.com/therogues__

BROTHERS OF METAL Reveal First Song ‘Heavy Metal Viking’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by metalshockfinland on June 21, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: BROTHERS OF METAL. Leave a comment
[photo: George Grigoriadis]

November 1, 2024 will see BROTHERS OF METAL return with their brand new album entitled ‘Fimbulvinter’! The band’s third studio offering will be available through AFM Records, the pre-sale has just started at: https://shop.afm-records.de/brothers-of-metal/. A first single is now streaming below!

The Swedish collective recorded 13 new album tracks, that feature the typical mythological Nordic focus of BROTHERS OF METAL, in addition, there are songs such as today’s premiere of ‘Heavy Metal Viking’, which are rather unusual for BoM. Says vocalist Mats Nilsson: “‘Heavy Metal Viking’ has a sort of 80s southern hard rock feel, which is far from what you’d expect us to be doing.”

‘Heavy Metal Viking’ is now available on all streaming providers at https://brothersofmetal.bfan.link/heavy-metal-viking

BROTHERS OF METAL are a spectacular phenomenon on the international metal scene, their catchy yet powerful songs and martial outfits, including archaic weaponry, paying homage to both heavy metal and the Norse gods. Their first two album releases ‘Prophecy Of Ragnarök’ (2017) and ‘Emblas Saga’ (2020) have earned the Swedish band an outstanding reputation, and now BROTHERS OF METAL are ready to take the next step: Their forthcoming studio album ‘Fimbulvinter’ showcases all of the eight-piece’s strengths, but also includes some significant new elements. “The core sound is still there, but we’ve also evolved as songwriters, so the songs have more depth and width than before,” Nilsson points out. “Our songs follow the same themes as before even though we’ve ventured into new territories and explored new stories, as it were. We always aim to have one song that fits everyone on each album, with the result that our hymns tend to sound like a lot of different genres of metal. That’s how we like it. We’re Brothers of Metal, we can play whatever we want to!”

Most of the songs for the record were penned by guitarist Dawid Grahn and singer Ylva Eriksson. The other band members were also involved in the songwriting process, namely Mats Nilsson and Joakim Lindbäck Eriksson (both vocals), guitarist Pähr Nilsson, bassist Emil Wärmedal, drummer Johan Johansson and some additions from new live guitarist Christian Larsson. ‘Fimbulvinter’ was recorded at the Massiv Musik’s Studio in Mockfjärd, Sweden and, like its predecessors, produced by Erik Berglund. Artist Sallai Péter contributed the cover design again, emphasising the tracks’ Nordic flair visually. Speaking of which, if you can’t wait to see BROTHERS OF METAL live on stage, you will have the opportunity to do so from November 1, 2024, when the band embarks on an extensive European headline tour through nine countries, alongside selected festival appearances this summer (find all tour dates below)! 

Finally, one question remains to be answered: What exactly is a ‘fimbulvinter’? Mats Nilsson explains: “Fimbulvinter is ‘the great winter’ in Norse mythology. A winter that is colder and darker than all other winters and lasts for three years. It’s one of the first significant indications that Ragnarök is coming.”

Pre-Order ‘Fimbulvinter’ HERE!

BROTHERS OF METAL Live:
21.06.24 – NL, Graspop Metal Meeting
30.06.24 – FIN, Tuska
03.07.24 – GER, Rockharz
17.08.24 – GER, Summerbreeze
01.11.24 – PL, Krakow, Kamienna 12
02.11.24 – CZ, Prague, Club Storm
03.11.24 – HUN, Budapest, Barba Negra
04.11.24 – A, Vienna, Szene
06.11.24 – GER, Munich, Backstage
07.11.24 – GER, Frankfurt, Batschkapp
08.11.24 – GER, Leipzig, Hellraiser
09.11.24 – GER, Berlin, Hole 44
11.11.24 – GER, Hamburg, Markthalle
12.11.24 – GER, Bochum, Zeche
13.11.24 – GER, Cologne, Live Music Hall
14.11.24 – GER, Stuttgart, Im Wizemann
15.11.24 – CH, Solothurn, Kofmehl
17.11.24 – F, Paris, La Maroquinerie
18.11.24 – F, Lille, Le Black lab
20.11.24 – UK, London, 02 Academy Islington
21.11.24 – NL, Tilburg, 013

BROTHERS OF METAL Line-Up:
Ylva Eriksson (vocals)
Joakim Lindbäck Eriksson (vocals)
Mats Nilsson (vocals)
Dawid Grahn (guitar)
Pähr Nilsson (guitar)
Emil Wärmedal (bass)
Johan Johansson (drums)
Christian Larsson (live/guitar)

For More Info Visit:
https://www.facebook.com/brothersofmetalofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/brothersofmetalofficial/
https://www.afm-records.de/

ROTTING CHRIST Release New Single ‘Primal Resurrectoin’

Posted by metalshockfinland on June 21, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Rotting Christ. Leave a comment
Photo by © Chantik Photography

Brothers and sisters of the sacred metal conclave, the time has come once more to unite under the blackened banner of ROTTING CHRIST. With hearts ablaze and spirits untamed, Sakis Tollis and his brother Themis proudly present the towering, gothic anthem “Primal Resurrection” off the newly released deluxe edition of Pro Xtristou.

Order HERE the deluxe edition of Pro Xristou and get “Primal Resurrection” plus an additional bonus track!

For over three decades, Rotting Christ have harnessed the whispers of ancient gods, crafting symphonies that resonate with the soul of the true metal spirit. Pro Xristou – which fittingly translates from Greek to “Before Christ” – is a blackened testament, a beacon in the dark that celebrates the enduring legacy of the pagan spirit. It ceremoniously weaves historic levels of atmosphere with the valiant roar and fist-pumping melodies that have made this band the defining pillar of Hellenic black metal. 

While Rotting Christ proudly hail from Greece, Pro Xtrisou has brought their iconic sound all over the world. The album has climbed all the way to #7 on Billboard‘s Hard Music Album chart.

Track-list

1. Pro Xristou (Προ Χριστού) (1:29)
2. The Apostate (5:01) [WATCH]
3. Like Father, Like Son (4:35) [WATCH]
 4. The Sixth Day (3:56)
5. La Lettera Del Diavolo (4:01)
6. The Farewell (6:15)
7. Pix Lax Dax (4:33)
8. Pretty World, Pretty Dies (4:51) [WATCH]
9. Yggdrasil (5:04)
10. Saoirse (6:17) [WATCH]
11. Primal Resurrection (Bonus Track) (5:32) – Deluxe Edition Only [WATCH]
12. All For One (Bonus Track) (3:37) – Deluxe Edition Only
Total runtime: 55:17

Artwork by Thomas Cole – Digital Processing by Adrien Bousson

In the dimly lit catacombs of extreme metal, one name stands as a monolith: ROTTING CHRIST. Sakis Tholis and his brother Themis started this band together back in 1987. In the three decades since, these Greek titans have left their blackened imprint all over the metal world. They’ve released 13 studio albums and played more than 1,300 concerts around the globe.  Underneath all this hard work, Rotting Christ have but one vision – an urge to not only push the boundaries of extreme metal, but to keep reinventing themselves along the way.

Rotting Christ’s evolution has unfolded across several distinct chapters. After starting out closer to the barely controlled chaos of grindcore, they went on to establish the iconic sound of Hellenic black metal. Their albums often embrace refined gothic soundscapes, only to plunge back into the depths of blasphemous fervour. Each chapter marked another, further exploration, and an unwavering commitment to push boundaries.

But the real turning point came in 2007, when Rotting Christ signed a pact with Season of Mist. They unleashed a series of albums for the French label that defied any and all expectations. From the piercing Theogonia and the symphonic grandeur of Aelo to the ritualistic intensity of Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού, the cinematic experiences created by Rotting Christ became a spectacle of bombastic atmospheres, mesmerizing choirs, and neo-classical arrangements. The unexpected is their modus operandi, with the use of various languages (Latin, Arabic, Greek,  English) as well as the extensive use of famous poetry woven into their music, like Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ on The Heretics.

In 2019, Rotting Christ’s epic journey continued with The Apocryphal Spell compilation, which offers fans an intimate glimpse into unreleased and rare material. This allowed them to gather strength, preparing for the release of their next, highly anticipated, 14th full-length studio album: Pro Xristou.

Pro Xristou
 (‘Before Christ’ in Greek), serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, intricately woven through tracks such as ‘The Apostate’ and ‘Ygdrassil’, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.

Line-up
Sakis Tolis – Guitar, Vocals
Themis Tolis – Drums
Kostas “Spades” Heliotis – Bass
Kostis Fouk – Guitar

Guest Musicians
Amdroniki Skoula – Vocals (on ‘La Letra Del Diavolo’)
Nikos Kerkiras – Keyboard
Christina Alexiou – Choir
Maria Tsironi – Choir
Alexandros Loyziotis – Choir
Vasilis Karatzas – Choir

Andrew Liles – Narration (on ‘The Apostate’, ‘Pretty World, Pretty Dies’)
Kim Diaz Holm – Narration (on ‘Ygdrassil’)

Recording Studio
Deva Sounds Studios (Athens, Greece)

Producer
Sakis TolisSound Engineer
Fotis Bernando
Aggelos Karatzas

Mixing
Jens Borgen at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Mastering
Tony Lidgren at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Biography
Sébastien J. Gamez

Official Website: https://www.rotting-christ.com/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rottingchristofficial/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rottingchristofficial/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/athanatoieste
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RottingChristOfficia
Bandcamp: https://rottingchristofficial.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rotting-christ/id28441629
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FhkwcO8Jd7BRWdllBpXBJ

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