Who is My Merry Machine? My Merry Machine – when even the most courageous visions become reality! And My Merry Machine make sure only My Merry Machine take hold of the reins of their wheel – or better machine – of fortune! Founded with a clear vision of their music and their origins and at the same time equipped with super strong visual images and imaginations combined with the enthralling storytelling metaphoric language of their song lyrics, My Merry Machine invite us on “Total War” to their fascinating world, their very own dream factory, fueled by total dedication and unstoppable creativity! Get ready for a deep-dive with no escape-plan! Get ready for My Merry Machine!
Tracklist: 01 – Dealing with Satan 02 – Illuminati 03 – Total War 04 – Hello Darkness 05 – Fallen Demon 06 – Extreme 07 – Rise Up 08 – Nervermore 09 – Temple of Doom
At the beginning of 2018, drummer Tim, guitarist Markus and singer Kirsten, then still with bassist Georg, threw their instruments and visions together and created a new musical happiness machine – MY MERRY MACHINE. Formed, matured and grown together in many years of musical journey with their former band BLOODFLOWERZ, studio recordings, 3 albums and extensive live experiences at home and abroad, it was high time to create something new. With their first self-released debut album ‘Ignition’, the musicians broke new ground. In the spirit of “reduce to the max”, reduced to Kirsten on vocals, Markus on guitar and bass and Tim on drums, My Merry Machine now return with expanded musical visions and a return to their musical origins: Metal! The engine is still driven by a passion for hard guitar riffs, driving drum beats, growls and catchy songs full of energy and melody. With the EL PUERTO RECORDS label, the band found a home at the end of 2023 that suits them perfectly. There, the band uses the opportunity to realize their music and ideas without compromise. Passion for music is the top priority. With energetic songs and creative art & video content, the new album will be ready in early summer 2024.
Line-up: Kirsten Zahn-Massing – Gesang Markus Visser – Gitarre, Bass Tim Schwarz – Schlagzeug
German black metal outfit NAXEN is currently preparing for the release of their highly anticipated sophomore full-length album, titled “Descending Into A Deeper Darkness”. Scheduled to drop on May 3 through Vendetta Records, the band has just unveiled their first single, “To Writhe In The Womb Of Night”. Accompanied by a lyric video, the track sets the tone for what promises to be a haunting and immersive musical journey. Watch the video and listen to the track here:
The band’s singer and guitarist LNcomments on “To Writhe In The Womb Of Night“… “It takes elements of the opening song on this album and develops them further. The song is a walk on the tightrope of violent anger and existential despair which represents the sound and aesthetics of NAXEN to restructure the common approach to Depressive Black Metal. On a more personal note, this song sees me reminiscing on the effects of dealing with burn-out and long-lasting depression. This means overtly repeating the same unfriendly thought processes and growing more desperate in personal suffering coming to the same conclusion over and over again, while grasping for the tranquility only to be found in the silence of the night. Rejoice, in the absence of light and hope!“
Since their inception in 2018, NAXEN has become one of the most promising and prolific bands in the contemporary underground black metal scene. Following the acclaimed previous releases “Towards the Tomb Of Times” (2020) and “The Perilous Path Of Pain” (2021, EP), on “Descending Into A Deeper Darkness” NAXEN further develops their violent and unrelenting approach to depressive black metal.
The band’s upcoming record is not a concept album in the common sense, but for each of the four songs, LN (songwriter, guitarist, and lyricist of NAXEN) has developed and conceptualised separate ideas. Every song takes up elements of each other and thus presenting an intricate and interwoven work of concepts. These embody the beliefs that all hope is lost, dread encapsulates existence, life is the trauma of birth and, finally, the irrefutable futility of all flesh. The album dives headfirst into these concepts imbued with triumphant darkness and the inescapability of sadness and pain.
In sonic terms, NAXEN is a blend of traditional black metal with contemporary influences that result in their own interpretation of depressive black metal. The above mentioned songs are auditory renditions of pain, existential dread and despair through atmospheric structures, melancholic melodies, elaborated drums and bleak lyricism.
“Descending Into A Deeper Darkness” showcases NAXEN‘s evolution as songwriters as well as highlighting their growth and maturity as a band. With this upcoming release, NAXEN solidifies their position as one of the most exciting and innovative acts in the underground black metal scene, promising a captivating and immersive journey into the depths of darkness.
The album has been produced and mixed by Fabian Schulz at SunsetterStudio and was mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege. “Descending Into A Deeper Darkness” will be coming out on May 3 on Vendetta Records.
Tracklist:
Our Souls Shall Fall Forever
To Writhe In The Womb Of Night
A Shadow In The Fire – Pt. III (A Life Led By Loss)
Brace yourself for a chilling journey through an album that tells the harrowing story of demonic possession and mind control.
Tales of Woe, the album from Dutch black metal band CODEX MORTIS, tells about an evil spirit that tortures a man through demonic possession and mind control. With horrific visions of its previous victims, the evil spirit tries to turn the man into a murderer. The man escapes its hold by taking his own life, as a desperate attempt to end the circle of terror…
CODEX MORTIS has unveiled part of this chilling narrative with the album’s first single, “Capricious Disembodied Villain.” Watch the lyric video below.
Black Lion Records will release Tales of Woe on June 28. Pre-order/pre-save the album at snd.click/Codexmortis
In Tales of Woe, a harrowing history filled with injustice, agony, violence, and death unfolds as a tortured soul, the antagonist of the story, finds itself in an undying state, compelled to inflict suffering and death upon others trying to undo its own misery. It describes the troubles of its latest victim, the protagonist, as he is possessed and haunted by horrid visions.
Tracklist:
Forsaken
Capricious Disembodied Villain
Chosen
Trenched in Blood
Fire Screams and Death
It Dies with Me
CODEX MORTIS is a Dutch Black Death Metal band with explosive and hypnotic skull-crushing music that will haunt you into the afterlife.
Incorporating the influences of the 90s, CODEX MORTIS crafts a sonic landscape characterized by ferocious speed and an abyssal depth, with each arrangement a relentless devouring sound.
CODEX MORTIS is: Vocals by Dirk Willems Lyrics by Jos Schilder Drums by Michiel van der Plicht Guitars by Arjan van Dune Bass by Mathieu Westerveld
Did you ever wonder what broomsticks are really made for? Here we go: BRUME solve this riddle in their new video clip for the sludgy melancholic, doom-dripping track ‘How Rude‘, which is taken from their forthcoming new full-length “Marten” as the next single.
The Bay Area goth-doom quartet’s third album is chalked up for release on May 3, 2024 via Magnetic Eye Records, the album pre-sale is available athttp://lnk.spkr.media/brume-marten
“On the same day we were quarantined because of Covid, the California Wildfires turned the sky dark amber and made the air practically unbreathable”,vocalist and bass player Susie McMullan relates. “I looked at the sky and said, ‘come on Mother Earth, give us a break’ and she said, ‘Fuck you, I gave you everything and you ruined it! So I’m taking it all back’. In honor of Mother Earth, whom I’ve lovingly named Druscilla, I wrote a poem in her voice with that sentiment, which Jamie adapted into ‘How Rude’.”
BRUME (pronounced ‘Broom’) are living proof that California is not all sunshine and easy living. The San Francisco-based quartet organically blends doom metal, goth, and indie rock into a sometimes monolithic, sometimes delicate blend of heaviness that resides firmly on the darker side.
After a decade of sultry sounds and hair-raising crescendos, BRUME push sonic experimentation and delightful genre-bending even further on their third full-length “Marten”. The expansion into a four-piece with the addition of Jackie Perez Gratz on cello and vocals has opened a cosmos of new possibilities that the Californians determinedly explore. Weaving soaring melodies over melancholic doom pop generates songs that are equally intimate and haunting yet also massive and crushing.
BRUME originally formed as a trio in 2014 when guitarist Jamie McCathie from Bristol, England began making music with bass player and vocalist Susie McMullan from Baton Rouge, Louisiana after discovering a shared passion for both trip-hop and sludge. The addition of Jordan Perkins-Lewis on drums completed the line-up with his rich and experimental style of drumming, and set the stage for the band’s recordings.
The trio quickly gained momentum with their doom metal albums “Rooster” (2017) and “Rabbits” (2019), the former being named ‘Album of the Year’ by The Ripple Effect and the latter earning the top spot on Wonderbox Metal’s ‘Best of 2019’ list. BRUME also left their mark onstage, appearing at Desertfest London in 2017 and Desertfest New York and SXSW in 2019, along with many more shows on both sides of the Atlantic.
On third album “Marten”, BRUME perfectly balance the melancholic power of the cello with forceful vocals and dueling guitar conversations. The complex mood swings that seamlessly move from sensuous and restrained to soaring and explosive found a perfect producer in Sonny DiPerri (EMMA RUTH RUNDLE, LORD HURON, PORTUGAL THE MAN). With the right engineer behind the board, the San Franciscans adopted a songwriting approach that emphasised poetry and lyrics rather than starting with a riff. This way of working uncovered a more vulnerable side of the band.
With “Marten”, BRUME take a bold step toward their musical future by challenging first themselves and now listeners to move from comfortable spaces toward more challenging, less familiar destinations.
Gothic Rockers LESBIAN BED DEATH present the spectacular “The Mummy’s Tomb” music video, plunging audiences into a realm of darkness and intrigue.
“The Mummy’s Tomb” stands as a haunting masterpiece, drawing from the critically acclaimed album “Midnight Lust,” out via Wormholedeath.
Brace yourself as you face the wrath of the mummy and unravel the mysteries buried within the tomb.Watch the video here:
“Consistently catchy and melodic, ‘Midnight Lust’ grips with its energy and evocative atmosphere. Faultless production matched by peak performance standards, it’s entrancing and darkly uplifting. Well worth a spin, showcasing genuine talent and addictive power.” – Rock Queen Reviews
“Midnight Lust” showcases Lesbian Bed Death’s versatility and skill, presenting a powerful storm of sounds.” – blattturbo.de
“Delivering yet another banger album filled with life, Lesbian Bed Death’s reputation stands strong for a reason, and Midnight Lust only enhances it further.” – gbhbl.com
“With a 5.5/6 skull rating, Lesbian Bed Death ascends to the throne of excellence, justified for their outstanding work.” – Skull & Bones
“The fusion of JJ’s vocals and The 69 Eyes style guitar riffs provided by Dan Peach and guest guitarist Steve Lethal make Midnight Lust a captivating listen from start to finish.” – heavymusichq.com
“Midnight Lust” is available on all digital platforms here: orcd.co/midnightlust
Feral wilderness prophets Sunnata, (sanskr. noun emptiness, voidness) have released a new single, ‘Wishbone’, ahead of their fifth full-length album Chasing Shadows whichwill be self-released on 10th May. The single is accompanied by a live session video, by Jan Gajewski, of the band performing at Soulstone Gathering in Poland.
Sunnata commented on the new single: “You’re doomed, adrift through life, and have no control. That’s what it’s all about.
“‘Wishbone’ is the first song written for what later became Chasing Shadows, our new album. Although at the first glimpse it seems to be a simple song, it has a couple of twists hidden in its meanings and technicalities. Let’s start from the fact that in contrary to a popular custom, we think that you won’t have your wish granted and the lyrical theme explores the idea of having very limited control over your life, or insignificance of made choices as the end-result.
“Secondly, when our drummer Robert created this ear-worming groove, he wanted to sneak it in to at least 2 other songs, cause he couldn’t stop playing it. Eventually it also led him to writing the crazy ass middle-eastern drums for another section of the song.
“And last but not least – it’s the first song from Chasing Shadows which we have ever performed live and we decided to drop a video from this performance for the single premiere! The song was quite fresh to us during the recording, but we are proud to reveal yet another piece of the most complex record of ours to date. Preach!”
Check out ‘Wishbone (live session at Soulstone Gathering)’ here:
Hailing from Warsaw, Poland, the four-piece doom metal sorcerers have been forging their own path towards the celestial realms of metal since their debut album Climbing The Colossus in 2014. Their mesmerising second album Zorya in 2016 propelled them further into the spotlight of the European alternative heavy scene, garnering increased momentum. The release of their third album Outlands in 2018 showcased a newfound depth of character, boldly venturing into the realms of progressive doom and exploring melancholic and mind-expanding avenues. Their fourth opus, Burning in Heaven, Melting on Earth in 2021, proved to be their most transcendent work yet, seamlessly blending heaviness, intensity, and tenderness into a harmonious and captivating fusion that captivated fans and critics worldwide, demanding recognition and admiration.
With Chasing Shadows, Sunnata ventures into uncharted territory, pushing the boundaries of their sonic landscape to new heights. This album represents their most intricate and multifaceted work yet, delving into the extremes and nuances of their musical essence. Each track on Chasing Shadows weaves an alluring doomscape, filled with timeless and enthralling narratives. Garnering acclaim from both fans and critics alike, Sunnata has now unlocked a boundless realm of creative freedom, poised to explore limitless possibilities in their musical journey.
Commenting on the album: “The fifth album for a band like ours is no joke. We are extremely proud on one hand, but also exhausted on the other as the creative process pushed us to the current limits. It’s the most complex and longest Sunnata record to date. Filled with nuances, genre blends and confident expansion of the band’s sound spectrum. Anyone familiar with our discography can easily tell that both change and experimentation are part of our nature, but at the same time – the constant need to push ourselves outside of the comfort zone, go beyond – is what stretches one’s limits. Maybe this is why we liked the title so much – we are chasing the uncatchable – shadows, illusions, visions and try to frame them with our musical language.”
Watch previous videos for ‘Chimera’ here and ‘Saviour’s Raft’ here.
Chasing Shadows Tracklisting
1. Chimera 2. Torn 3. At Dusk (Interlude) 4. Wishbone 5. Saviour’s Raft 6. Adrift (Reprise) 7. The Tide 8. Hunger 9. Through the Abyss (Interlude) 10. The Sleeper 11. Like cogs in a wheel, we’re trapped between waves of distorted time
Renowned for their emotive and immersive live shows, Sunnata have graced the stages of numerous international festivals and shared billing with esteemed acts such as Mastodon, Paradise Lost, Entombed AD, Rotting Christ, Sleep, Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats, and The Sword. In celebration of their upcoming album release, Sunnata will embark on a summer tour, captivating audiences on the following dates (see below).
May 10: (PL) Warsaw – Hybrydy – Release Party May 13: (CZ) Brno, Kabinet Muz May 14: (HU) Budapest, Robot May 15: (AT) Salzburg, Rockhouse May 16: (DE) Jena, Klub Kuba May 17: (BE) Liege, La Zone May 18: (UK) London, Desertfest May 20: (FR) Lille, La Bulle Cafe May 21: (BE) Brussels, Le Lac May 22: (NL) Nijmegen, Merelyn May 23: (DE) Dresden, Ostpol May 24: (PL) Poznan, 2Progi May 25: (PL) Cracow, Studio May 31: (DK) Esbjerg, Fuzztival Esbjerg Aug 17: (UK) ArcTanGent
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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 