The highly acclaimed guitar player from bands Conception and ARK is launching his solo instrumental works with the majestic piece ”Snowflake”,available on all streaming platforms since March 15th.
Tore Østby lets you follow the tiny, shivering snowflake, caught in the winter wind, thrown around in a raging storm to finally land and be the final force to cause an avalanche. Dramatic turns where the music follows the little snowflake, delivering everything from big brush strokes to serene guitar melodies, a piece that will leave no one untouched.
The release is following a sneak release of the acoustic work ”Premonition”, inspired by nordic traditional music.
At the same time he is rehearsing with Conception for upcoming shows in Spain and Latin America, Østby is following a long time plan of releasing instrumental music. He is known for mixing genres and finding inspiration in different cultures.
On the subject of solo composing Østby says: ”- I have always felt an urge to explore this road, and often the music takes me by surprise. It is in no way in competition with what I do with Conception, in fact it’s more the opposite; creativity feeds creativity, and I am still curious!”
He continues: -” I will play different instruments but will mostly base the compositions around guitars. There will be calm guitars, brutal guitars, soaring guitars, orchestral guitars, Spanish guitars and more.”
THE BLACK HOUNDS have released a new video ‘All Kingdoms Fall’, taken from homonymous album. Watch the video below.
Hailing from Wolverhampton, The Black Hounds aim to serve up a slice of black country heavy metal to fans across the UK and beyond. Taking influences from a multitude of bands such as Five Finger Death Punch, Killswitch Engage, Tool, Machine head and Iron Maiden, The Black Hounds have developed a sound and style that cannot be easily categorised.
Think songs layered with riff upon riff, hook after hook and a groove laden rhythm section stomping its way through each track. The first track to ever be written by The Black Hounds was Clarity and from the start the groove that gives The Black hounds their edge became apparent. It is a theme that has occurred time and time again throughout subsequent tracks.
The 1st March 2024 saw The Black Hounds release their brand new album “All Kingdoms Fall” across all platforms!
With “Tattoo” Lee Aaron releases the first single taken from her forthcoming new studio album “Tatttoo Me” (Metalville Records – street date April 26).
Lee says about “Tattoo”: I’ve always thought songs are like tattoos. Tattoos are permanent on the skin but songs are permanent on the soul. When I heard this tune (by the 77s) about a decade ago, I knew I wanted to record it one day. It had a gritty, Stonesy, glam-rock vibe and I loved the sentiment: Tattoo me on YOU. Over the years, I’ve had many fans get tattoos of my signature and that’s about the highest compliment they could ever give me besides loving the music too.”
“Songs are like tattoos” – the famous first line of Joni Mitchell’s Blue – is a sentiment that has always resonated deeply for Canadian rocker Lee Aaron.
18 Albums into her career, Aaron has written, recorded and produced music achieving gold and multi-platinum sales. Recognized as one of Canada’s top rock vocalists she’s also made forays into jazz, blues, and even opera, receiving numerous awards and accolades and most recently, a 2023 induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame.
“The one thing I’d never done was a full covers album,” says Aaron. “It seemed like a really cool and super fun project to tackle at this point…”
Taking a nostalgic journey, Tattoo Me pays homage to musical trailblazers who helped shape her own artistic path. As a reflection of her eclectic taste, yet in keeping with a profound respect for the greats, these 11 dynamic tracksare a unique tapestry of influences that transcend era and genre.
“It started out as a heartfelt nod to artists we’d been influenced by in our youth, but the truth is, we didn’t stop being influenced or being fans at 18, so the list kept evolving. It covers a few decades and a few unconventional choices, but it was incredibly rewarding to make!” she states.
Each track is a labor of love, infused with Aaron and her band’s signature rock ’n’ roll swagger, yet in keeping with a sense of reverence for the originals.
The album was produced by Aaron in her Vancouver studio and mixed by multi-media genius Frank Gryner (Rob Zombie, L7, Def Leppard, Larkin Poe, Ian Hunter and more).
“One of the positive things that came out of the pandemic was that we all upgraded our home studios and got very good at engineering and recording ourselves. No one was under the pressure of a studio clock, so the performances are as genuine as they’re gonna get.”
From the sizzling blues-rock of1960’s Nina Simone’s “The Pusher,” to the rebellious energy of 1972 Alice Cooper’s “Is it My Body,”Aaron growls, purrs, whispers and wails, sounding like she’s having an absolute blast infusing these songs with her own fiery spirit. Her voice is as versatile and powerful as ever.
Standout tracks include a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “What is and What Should Never Be,” Heart’s “Even it Up” and Hole’s “Malibu.” Stellar performances by Aaron’s long-term band: Sean Kelly (guitar), Dave Reimer (bass) and John Cody (drums) effortlessly channel these ’70s and 80’s rock giants and seem to capture the original magic of each of the tunes.
Another gem is Aaron’s take on Elton John’s “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.” Kelly’s gorgeous acoustic guitars create the soundscape, then strings and lush harmonies support her stirring vocal performance. The tribute is passionate and heart-felt. She reflects, “I spent hours and hours laying on my basement floor with headphones listening to “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” on repeat. I desperately wanted someone to save me from my boring life when I was a teenager…music ended up being that for me.”
The album also takes some unexpected turns, with delightful interpretations of songs from a diverse range of artists, including late 90’s Brit-Pop band Elastica, California’s 77’sand the Undertones. Each track echoes the vibe of the era while seamlessly fitting into the lineage of Aaron’s own storied career.
Tattoo Me is a sonic time capsule, bridging the decades. Once again, cementing her status as a rock ’n’ roll chameleon, Aaron blends the old and the new, proving not only that the transcendent power of music never stops, but that she herself isn’t ready to anytime soon.
TRACK LISTING Tattoo Are you Gonna be My Girl Even it Up What is and What Should Never Be Is it My Body Go Your Own Way The Pusher Malibu Someone Saved My Life Tonight Connection Teenage Kicks
LINE UP Lee Aaron – lead vocals Sean Kelly – guitars Dave Reimer – bass John Cody – drums
“CØNTRØL8,” the newest track from The Intemperate Son’s LP, Dark Day’s Night, is now available on all major platforms. The album is set to release on June 20, 2024. This electrifying album will be available on both vinyl and CD formats.
Pre-order begins on Monday March 18th where fans have the exclusive opportunity to secure a limited edition 12″ vinyl LP, offered in various package configurations. Pre-order Dark Day’s NightHERE
For the first time since their inception, The Intemperate Sons collaborated with guest lyricist, Megan Watson, to paint the verbal picture with this powerfully melodic track. “CØNTRØL8” was produced by The Intemperate Sons and Amir Derakh(Rough Cutt, Orgy, Dead by Sunrise, Julien-K) and recorded at The Kitchen Recording Studios in Dallas, TX. “CØNTRØL8” explores our tendencies as humans to control others through efforts to feel better about ourselves. Inadvertently, such behaviors are inherently destructive within and without and create a lonely existence. Maybe we should let go?
Immerse yourself in the gritty sonic landscape of The Intemperate Sons’ second album, Dark Day’s Night. With tracks like the haunting title song, the introspective “Falling Under,” and the reflective “Way Back When,” this album weaves a compelling story of resilience amidst turmoil. “Unrealized” and “CØNTRØL8” delve into the battle for autonomy in a disordered world, while “Game of Keep Away” offers a raw take on the struggle of self-destruction and survival. The album also features a heavier, more intense cover of Nirvana’s “Dumb,” adding a unique layer to this already diverse album. Dark Day’s Night is not just an album; it’s a journey through the shadows, echoing with the sounds of defiance and liberation.
The Intemperate Sons release all their music through the Frame|Work record label at the direction of Amir Derakh and Ryan Shuck (Orgy, Julien-K, Dead by Sunrise, Adema). A brand-new music video for the single will be released on 3/22/24 to the usual platforms. All Intemperate Sons’ tracks are mixed by Amir Derakh in Long Beach, CA. All mastering is done by Mike Marsh Mastering in the U.K.
The Intemperate Sons emerged onto the rock scene in the summer of 2019 in Dallas, TX, to bring their distinct sound to the genre. A deep love for music brought family members Keith Watson (drums), Jake Watson (guitars) and Max Watson (vocals, guitars, keys) together along with close friend Mark Marks, who provides the groove on bass to unite everything together. The band’s sound has been described as a 90’s alternative style that is obsessed with the 70’s.
Keith is well acquainted with entertaining massive crowds of concert goers and has played with many successful bands in Dallas, such as Gun Hill, Natural Born Thrillers and Agents of Solace, on top of opening for Lynch Mob, Joe Lynn Turner and Sponge. He is the primary lyricist for the band and has written the music for some of their most successful songs, including “Dust to Dust,” “The Color Within,” and “Unrealized.”
Multi-talented and gifted with the ability to play various instruments, Max is also the lead vocalist of the group. Along with being musically dexterous, he has also collaborated with Keith to write lyrics on the released songs “Going Crazy” and “Way Back When.” In the studio, Max usually surmounts expectations and goes above and beyond to prepare prior to a session with his own vocal harmonies.
Jake is the song architect of the Sons and extremely instrumental in the crafting of the music. His inventive ways of bringing lyrics to life in clever ways are unprecedented and fascinating to see in the studio setting. He is a prolific writer of music as well and is credited with helping create the songs “What’s Done is Done,” “Remission,” “Way Back When” and “Wading in the Gray.” Both Max and he play lead guitar on many of the songs as well. The other members of the band fondly refer to him as the “art director” since he enjoys taking charge in those areas for the group.
Prolific and unifying, Mark is an accomplished bass player and well known in Dallas. He was in the regionally successful band, Haggard, and had opened for Sebastian Bach of Skid Row. His input in song writing has been invaluable to the process of creating captivating melodies.
Despite the pandemic putting a pause on many major events, The Intemperate Sons lived up to their name and let nothing hold them back from making music. Constantly hard at work in the studio, they have collaborated with Amir Derakh (Julien-K, Dead by Sunrise, Orgy, Rough Cutt) and Ryan Shuck (Julien-K, Adema, Dead by Sunrise, Orgy). Both have lent their musical talents to various songs and ultimately have brought the Sons on to their label, Frame|Work. This led the band to also recently join the management roster at The Label Group. Ryan worked with Amir to produce the band’s upcoming track, “Game of Keep Away,” and has had a huge impact on the group. He’s been especially influential on Max’s vocal melodies and delivery. Amir also plays guitar on this latest ballad and has been mixing all of the band’s music as well as performing on multiple songs.
Another notable collaboration has been with Tony Franklin (The Firm, Roy Harper, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Whitesnake), primarily on the first album, The Color Within. He has been a valuable friend of the band and has played bass on some of their best tracks from that album, including “Running Man,” “Dust to Dust” and “The Color Within.”
The Intemperate Sons’ take on alternative rock is a dark and powerful concoction of hard rock mixed with folk and grunge concepts. The band has earned a serious reputation for writing and performing tracks that scratch deep into the backbone of the human experience. There is no shortage of darkness in their writing style, which has a retro vibe with many guitar-driven tracks stacked on top of a groovy rhythm section. The heavier style fits perfectly with the two and three-part vocal harmonies that are a huge part of their overall sound. It has been said that musicians that are related form unique sounds and communicate at a frequency only they can understand. This frequency has become engrained in their songwriting, arrangements, guitar melodies and vocal harmonies. The band has been compared to Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots and even R.E.M.
The Intemperate Sons Show Dates: Sun April 7 @ Haltom Theater in Haltom City, TX Sat May 12 @ The Mystical Market 2024 in Mckinney, TX Fri June 12 @ Adair’s Saloon in Dallas, TX Sat Aug 3 @ Hanovers Draught Haus in Pflugerville, TX Sat Aug 17 @ Six Springs Tavern in Richardson, TX
The Intemperate Sons are: Max Watson (vocals, backing vocals, guitars, keys, bass) Jake Watson (guitars, bass and backing vocals) Keith Watson (drums, backing vocals) Mark Marks (bass)
ULCERATE, the New Zealand trio who Decibel Magazine hailed as “one of the most forward-thinking Death Metal bands around,” return with their highly-anticipated new album, “Cutting the Throat of God“, via Debemur Morti Productions on June 14th.
A first offering from the seven-song album, ‘The Dawn is Hollow‘, is now available, accompanied by a video from visionary artist Dehn Sora (AMENRA, BLUT AUS NORD, THROANE):
‘The Dawn is Hollow‘ envelops its audience in a realm of stark, overwhelming ambiance. Demonstrating a next-level use of melody and a finesse for dynamic shifts, ULCERATE skillfully oscillates between ferocious, rapid-fire segments and serene, enigmatically somber passages. These contrasts not only exhibit the band’s exceptional technical skill, but also their innate ability to craft unpredictable and singular compositions that resonate emotionally.
“Cutting the Throat of God” was recorded in the fall of 2023, under the watchful eye of drummer Jamie Saint Merat, who also oversaw production and provided artist direction for the collection. Renowned mastering engineer Magnus Lindberg (known for his work with CULT OF LUNA, RUSSIAN CIRCLES and TRIBULATION) put the finishing touches on the release. “Cutting the Throat of God” explores a cohesive lyrical theme centered around the rupture of morality, the delicate boundary between depravity and extremity, and the irreversible descent into darkness.
Tracklist:
01. To Flow Through Ashen Hearts 02. The Dawn is Hollow 03. Further Opening the Wounds 04. Transfiguration In and Out of Worlds 05. To See Death Just Once 06. Undying as an Apparition 07. Cutting the Throat of God
Scheduled for release on June 14th, “Cutting the Throat of God” will be available on CD, vinyl, and digital. Accompanying the launch are specially designed t-shirts (men/women) and hoodies. Pre-orders are possible via the label’s EU, US (no women shirts) and Bandcamp shops.
Originating from Auckland, New Zealand, the unorthodox Death Metal ensemble ULCERATE was conceived in 2000 by guitarist Michael Hoggard and drummer Jamie Saint Merat. Their initial intention was to craft dark, oppressive Death Metal – a vision that subsequently evolved into an innovative, nuanced approach embracing atmospheric and mood-rich elements. This progression was significantly influenced by the addition of bassist/vocalist Paul Kelland, pushing the band’s will for constant development even further.
ULCERATE‘s artistry is characterized by a whirlwind of scything art-metal guitars, thunderous, intricate drumming, and guttural vocal roars which create an overwhelming sense of impending doom. This signature sound was perfectly executed on their first three groundbreaking and highly dissonant albums: “Of Fracture And Failure” (2007), “Everything Is Fire” (2009), and “The Destroyers Of All” (2011), each of which have become milestones.
Recognition from fans/critics and extensive touring brought about a partnership with the esteemed label Relapse Records. The resulting two albums “Vermis” (2013) and “Shrines Of Paralysis” (2016) found the band heading to deeper and darker climes, proving ULCERATE to be at the vanguard of modern Death Metal.
In 2020 ULCERATE joined pioneering French Extreme Metal label Debemur Morti Productions due to a shared artistic vision. The same year marked the release of the band’s sixth album, “Stare Into Death And Be Still,” a groundbreaking exploration of melody, harmony, and power. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and limited touring opportunities due to travel restrictions, “Stare Into Death And Be Still” garnered widespread acclaim, noted for its unique mixture of emotive melodicism and crushing darkness.
In 2022 and 2023, ULCERATE were finally able to triumphantly tour Europe, Australasia and the United States, showcasing their unparalleled technical skill and creative vigor as they presented the compositions of “Stare Into Death And Be Still” on stage.
The year 2024 will herald the arrival of “Cutting the Throat of God“, a mind-bending seventh album from these unparalleled Death Metal titans.
London Metalheads WAR GRAVE are excited to share their brand new Single ‘Witch’, featuring Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens.
The world’s first taste of the War Grave EP comes in the seductive form of single ‘Witch’, a tale of magic, manipulation and a soul in peril that features an incredible guest vocal performance from the one and only Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens – renowned for his amazing work with Judas Priest, Iced Earth, K.K.’s Priest, The Three Tremorsand many, many more. One listen to ‘Witch’ and metalheads will be hungry to uncover the rest of the War Grave EPs array of treasures when released on April 26th.
About War Grave
War Grave take the soaring vocals, thunderous rhythm section, dramatic narratives and spiralling solos of classic metal, inject the precision riffing and headbanging intent of thrash and the vivacious energy of power metal to create an irresistible musical force. After releasing two successful singles last year – ‘System’ and ‘Discovering My Truth’ – the band are now ready to unveil their first, self-titled EP.
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 ) 