In 2021, the seeds were sown for what was to become a new odyssey in the realm of Norwegian black metal, marking the inception of YR, a fresh and fierce consortium emerging from the cold darkness of Oslo. The journey reached a crescendo in 2023 when Nekrosis and Doedsskaldr teamed and began work with the upcoming first EP “Maanelyst” – crafted with fervor by the combined genius of Nekrosis and Doedsskaldr, the music and lyrics echo the inner turmoil of human duality, from the frenetic pace of blast-beats to the deliberate rhythms of black’n’roll.
The duo is joined by Levik on bass and Niklas on drums, whose mastery completes the live experience. YR takes to the stage in warpaint, embodying the raw, unfiltered essence of black metal artistry, and setting the scene alight with their electrifying presence.
“Maanelyst” EP was mixed and mastered by Hugo Alvarstein (God Dethroned, Nocturnal Breed, Chrome Division). Cover artwork was done by Necrolust Productions (Kampfar, Whoredom Rife, Black Altar).
Hellstain Productions will release June 21, 2024 debut EP titled “Maanelyst” digitally and as digipak CD! Pre-order is available at official label webstore.
Listen to the song “Doed og Begravet” at Black Metal Promotion
British four-piece rock band Collateral are pleased to announce that their sophomore album Should’ve Known Better is riding high in the Official UK Charts with five chart positions including –
#2 Rock & Metal Albums #29 Vinyl Albums #24 Physical Albums #25 Album Sales #10 Independent Albums #4 Independent Album Breakers
Today, the band’s “Just One Of Those Days” single won Classic Rock’s Tracks of the Week.
The single is being hotly tipped as feel-good rock and roll summer anthem of 2024.
“Just One Of Those Days” is available with the new album on all streaming platforms HERE.
The official music video is available to watch on YouTube HERE.
Should’ve Known Better is produced by Dan Weller (Those Damn Crows, Kris Barras).
“I’d love nothing more than to be on an open road, top down, sun on skin and the wind in my hair whilst blaring this out,” says Collateral’s frontman, Angelo Tristan. “It was always intended to be the soundtrack of any route 66 trip. “What I really hope is for people to find happiness in this, I’m just trying to make what may seem like a bad day, turning out to be a good one. It’s perfect if you’re having Just One Of Those Days.”
Since the band released their eponymous debut album (Top 5 UK Rock Album Chart) at the start of 2020 Collateral have spent no time standing still. COVID came only weeks after the debut album was released and forced the band to cancel their highly successful tour with Phil X (Bon Jovi) halfway through. This made the band hungry to keep the momentum. With innovative ways to produce top quality live streams, the band became special guests supporting the likes of Skid Row, H.E.A.T and Reckless Love.
On October 21, 2022, Collateral independently released a re-mixed and re-mastered version of their debut album re-titled as Re-Wired which featured Jeff Scott Soto, Phil X, Kee Marcello, Rudy Sarzo, Danny Vaughn, and Joel Hoekstra. The re-release saw the band in the Official UK Rock Charts at #12.
After the gruelling back-to-back tours with Skid Row, H.E.A.T and Reckless Love, the band ignited a spark and strengthened their already loyal fanbase leading them to win the opening slot at 2023s Stonedead Festival, leading the band to perform their biggest show.
Collateral have created a state-of-the-art rock album that will immerse listeners in their rock music universe, enabling fans to feel the blood, sweat and glory that went into the recording of every song.
“We felt that our debut album was lacking the production,” reflects Collateral’s frontman, Angelo Tristan. “For the sophomore album, I wanted to make sure that this time we left no room for error and so got one of the hottest producers in the music industry, Dan Weller, to help lift these songs into a new dimension. With Dan’s pioneering studio expertise, this album has massive production quality that enables you to get lost in each character-filled track. Dan really brought out the emotions we were trying to portray and has achieved it with his own unique style.”
“We wanted this album to express where we were in our own lives since the release of our first. So much has happened since then, I mean the world shut down for what felt like a lifetime! And it was obvious that people were going to need some sort of optimism. I hope ‘Glass Sky’ is one of those songs that gives people the belief to find themselves again.”
“Whereas, the feel-good ‘Just One Of Those Days’ is trying to find the good side of a bad day. Me being me, couldn’t help but to write a big power ballad, ‘The Long Road’, that I wrote from a very hard and deep place, in hope that it could maybe bring some peace and comfort to people who need it. I think there’s all aspects of life running though this album and what it means to us will remain in our hearts forever.”
“Should’ve Known Better” is an album that goes beyond specific music genres,” says Angelo. “It’s almost like a soundtrack to a beating heart. It’s an album that will remain timeless in years to come.”
ALBUM TRACK LISTING
1. GLASS SKY (3.53) 2. ORIGINAL CRIMINAL (3.58) 3. JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS (3.19) 4. TEENAGE DREAMS (4.34) 5. ELYSIUM (4.02) 6. ON THE LONG ROAD (4.47) 7. NO PLACE FOR LOVE (3.35) 8. GAME CHANGER (3.54) 9. FINAL STAND (3.49)
PRODUCTION CREDITS PRODUCED BY DAN WELLER RECORDED AT MARSHALL STUDIOS, MILTON KEYNES ENGINERED AND MIXED BY DAN WELLER MASTERED BY RYAN SMITH @ STERLING SOUND
“Fever,” the powerful new single from BASTION ROSE’s “Fade To Blue” EP (Epictronic), is a heavy track that exudes raw energy and an unapologetic attitude. Produced by David Bottrill, it’s riff-oriented and full of aggression, reflecting the band’s commitment to doing things their own way. Filmed and edited by Emelie Flower of Bloomington, Indiana, the accompanying music video captures the essence of the song, showcasing its sonic similarities to Audioslave, Soundgarden, and Black Sabbath, along with a bluesy southern swagger.
“I wrote it at a time when I was just fed up. Fed up with being held back. Fed up with others and fed up with myself. Fed up with being weak and afraid. The song was my way of saying ‘F*** it. I’m going to do this thing how I want to do it and I really do not care what anyone else thinks.'”- Austin Frink
Bastion Rose’s story is nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the resilience and creative fire that fuels their music. In just two years, frontman Austin Frink has transformed from a musician battling the uncertainty of ever regaining his singing voice after a life-altering surgery into the driving force behind Bastion Rose. The band’s name itself embodies the transient nature of existence and the significance of cherishing every moment.Their debut EP, “Fade To Blue,” is a testament to their unwavering spirit and artistic passion.
Produced by the three-time Grammy award-winning maestro, David Bottrill (known for his work with Tool, Rush, Godsmack, Mastodon, Muse, Coheed and Cambria) and mastered by the skilled engineer Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Dream Theater, Meat Loaf, Eric Gales), “Fade To Blue” stands as an unfiltered outpouring of raw emotion and unapologetic rock energy. It artfully blends ethereal soundscapes with powerful guitar riffs, all anchored by Bastion Rose’s unique fusion of soulful vocals, intricate guitar craftsmanship, and a dynamic rhythm section. Their ensemble, featuring John Donlon on drums, Steve Pierce on bass guitar, Barrett Abraham on keyboards, and Austin Mudd on guitar, brings together a symphony of talents that define Bastion Rose’s electrifying sound.
Inspired by a diverse range of musical legends, from timeless classics like Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, and Lynyrd Skynyrd to contemporary giants like Tool and Foo Fighters, Bastion Rose crafts anthems that resonate with rock enthusiasts worldwide.
HELLBUTCHER is pleased to unleash their fiery new video for “Inferno’s Rage.” The track comes by way of the band’s self-titled debut, released last Friday via Metal Blade Records.
As the frontman of legendary Swedish maniacs Nifelheim, Hellbutcher stands among the most elite figures of the black metal underground, and with his eponymous new band, HELLBUTCHER, his frenzied mission continues conjuring sounds of pure blasphemy and absolute musical Armageddon.
Teaming up with old compadres in evil, guitarists Necrophiliac and Iron Beast, bassist Eld, and drummer Devastator (ex-Nifelheim), HELLBUTCHER quickly set about bringing their new vision to life. Recording in various locations around Sweden, such as Devastator’s own Red And Black Hall Drum Studio and Iron Beast’s Chrome Studios, and producing and mastering everything themselves – “No need for an outside producer since we knew exactly how our band should sound” – it is a record that stands proud and unambiguous as a work or pure, metallic mayhem.
From the album’s opener, the crazed “The Sword Of Wrath,” HELLBUTCHER‘s intent is loud and clear: Channeling the spirit of Venom, Bathory, Iron Maiden, Exciter, Motörhead, Mercyful Fate, and the aggressive spirit of true heavy metal. It’s an explosion of diabolic evil, performed relentlessly by true masters of the form.
Notes Hellbutcher on “Inferno’s Rage,” “This one holds a special place because, unlike other songs, I wasn’t part of the music-writing process; I solely penned the lyrics. Guitarist Necrophiliac took charge of crafting this song. I’ve known him since the early ’90s, and his musical style aligns closely with mine. This track stands as proof that he understands the very essence of HELLBUTCHER! ‘Inferno’s Rage’ is an unrelenting onslaught of speed, coupled with touches of heavy metal in certain parts. It also shows the insane drumming of Devastator who is acknowledged as one of the best drummers in the metal scene!“
Watch HELLBUTCHER‘s “Inferno’s Rage” video, comprised of apocalyptic live footage:
Watch the band’s previously released video for”The Sword Of Wrath” HERE.
With an enviable musical pedigree and a killer album to their name, HELLBUTCHER is certain to scorch a mark onto the black metal scene. “I believe this band has the potential to surpass Nifelheim; we’ve accomplished more in a year than I did in the last decade with Nifelheim,” Hellbutcher states. “The key difference lies in the fact that this band shares a common goal. I am now filled with tremendous inspiration, and I plan to create new songs, records, and gigs at a completely different pace than before.“
Insisting in so many words that posers should die, and promising that their live shows “will be a neck-breaking experience,” the underground is about to be hit with an outbreak of evil unlike anything it has seen for a long time. Time to turn the cross upside down: HELLBUTCHER is here, and they mean evil business.
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.
‘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.”
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.
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
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.
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 