On the heels of achieving his highest-charting solo single to date, “Higher Power,” which is currently blazing up the Mediabase Active Rock chart at #10, Grammy winning songwriter, platinum solo artist, and voice of Creed, SCOTT STAPP, has released his highly anticipated fourth studio album of the same name, Higher Power, today via Napalm Records.
Today, Stapp also revealed his first-ever duet – the gripping acoustic ballad “If These Walls Could Talk,” featuring rock queen Dorothy (Roc Nation). Stunning in its authenticity about falling from grace and the long journey back to the top, the acoustic ballad showcases two Grammy-worthy vocal performances. The track has already earned early praise with Billboard calling it “a powerful meditation,” Blabbermouth dubbing it “a showstopper,” RIFF Magazine applauding the “two powerhouse vocalists,” while Midlands Rocks (UK) refers to the track as “an ethereal ballad.”
Accompanying the track’s release is an equally impassioned official music video, directed by Nick Peterson (Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach, Evanescence, Dorothy).
Dorothy states: “It was the highest honor for me to collaborate with Scott Stapp on such a beautiful, raw, emotional song. I’ve been a fan of his all my life and I hope this song positively impacts the world.”
Scott states: “Recording this album was cathartic for me while going through the kinds of life challenges we all experience. Dorothy arrives at the album’s turning point – that moment when you acknowledge how far you’ve come while recommitting to moving forward. Her performance is such a soulful contribution to the song that I’m grateful I didn’t do this one alone.”
Higher Power travels through a personal metamorphosis forged by loss, frustration, betrayal and near defeat, easily shifting from hard rock, to the kind of anthems that have made Stapp an icon, to provocatively thoughtful ballads. Kerrang (UK) notes that Stapp’s Top Ten title track boasts “a sheen of electronics pulsing through its dark, driving riffs, and there’s the kind of hook most artists of this ilk would gladly pay for.”
Throughout Higher Power’s ten tracks, Stapp is “primed for a big decade, sounding just as powerful as he did at half his age with a sense of newfound heaviness resting beneath his iconic voice” (Loudwire). With bold sonic swagger and his trademark lyricism, Stapp also shares the spotlight with other stand-out performances, including blistering yet delicate performances by guitar god Yiannis Papadopoulos and a co-writing appearance by multi-Grammy winning songwriter and musician Steve McEwan.
Higher Power was produced by Marti Frederiksen and Scott Stevens and follows Stapp’s 2019 The Space Between the Shadows, which debuted at #3 on the US Current Rock Albums chart, the US Current Hard Music Albums chart, and the UK Official Rock & Metal Chart.
Higher Power track listing: 1. Higher Power 2. Deadman’s Trigger 3. When Love Is Not Enough 4. What I Deserve (feat. Yiannis Papadopoulos) 5. If These Walls Could Talk (feat. Dorothy) 6. Black Butterfly 7. Quicksand (feat. Yiannis Papadopoulos) 8. You’re Not Alone 9. Dancing in the Rain (feat. Yiannis Papadopoulos) 10. Weight of the World
Remaining Higher Power Tour US Dates: 3/15/24 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel 3/18/24 – Nashville, IN @ Brown County Music Center 3/19/24 – Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom 3/21/24 – Omaha, NE @ Steelhouse Omaha 3/22/24 – Clear Lake, IA @ Surf Ballroom
About SCOTT STAPP: One of the most iconic voices in rock, SCOTT STAPP first emerged as the high-energy, post-grunge frontman of Creed. With anthems like “Higher,” “My Own Prison,” “My Sacrifice,” “One Last Breath” and “With Arms Wide Open,” the band sold over 55 million albums, including a Diamond certification. Throughout the early 2000’s, Creed broke airplay records, sold out arenas, earned countless Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards, and a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. As a solo artist, Stapp has released the Platinum-certified The Great Divide (2005), Proof of Life (2013) which featured his first solo #1, “Slow Suicide,” and 2019’s The Space Between The Shadows. In April 2024, Stapp will reunite with his Creed bandmates for the first time in a decade.
Big Wolf Band are pleased to announce the release of “Darker Side of You,” the third single taken from their highly anticipated forthcoming studio album Rebel’s Journey.
The new single is released Friday March 15th is available on all streaming platforms from https://ditto.fm/darker-side-of-you. Watch the official music video on YouTube HERE. The new album, Rebel’s Journey, released Friday April 19th is available to pre-order from www.bigwolfband.com/shop.
The single follows Big Wolf Band’s “UK Blues Band of the Year” nomination at the 2024 UK Blues Awards.
Hailed by music pundits as most highly anticipated album collection of songs of their career, Rebel’s Journey is Big Wolf Band’s second instalment of the Rebel’s trilogy of albums. Joining forces once more with esteemed producer Mark Stuart and studio engineer maestro Sheena Sear at M2 Studios for their third studio album.
“Darker Side Of You is a dark and moody number about when love falls apart,” says Big Wolf Band’s vocalist and guitarist, Jonathan Earp. “It features a catchy guitar hook and some soulful backing vocals provided by Zoe Green. I like to write about a subject matter or a scenario rather than my own life experiences. The song tells the story about one person coming to terms that they are in a bad relationship, and they are trying to hold it all together. Robin Fox adds some nice piano. It’s simplistically beautiful.”
The new album is about the growth of the band and frontman’s Jonathan Earp’s personal journey. Big Wolf Band have built a reputation as being one of the best live bands on the circuit, delivering dynamic shows with an expansive range of self-penned songs that cover all flavours of blues rock that truly makes them unique.Rebel’s Journey reinforces this bands creativity, musicianship, and delivery. Each song having its own identity but still that unmistakable Big Wolf sound. The band’s ability to drift between genres while keeping their own sound is a big selling point amongst followers of the band.
“Rebel’s Journey highlights my own personal battle with my mental and physical health,” says vocalist and guitarist Jonathan Earp. “I have a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS) which affects everything. I had surgery in mid-2019 during our “Be Free” tour to repair damage to my right shoulder, dislocations, and nerve pain. Unfortunately, the operation caused more pain and numbness and for nearly 2 years I struggled to play; some days to even hold a plectrum.”
“Songs like ‘Standing in the Rain’, ‘Black Dog Blues’, and ‘Living on Borrowed Time’ are about the battles I had during those dark days. My condition will always be a challenge but one I live with and continue to prove doubters wrong.”
Continues Jonathan, “the album isn’t all doom and gloom, despite being in the blues genre. ‘Empire and a Prayer’, my first co-written song with Justin Johnson, as well as ‘Got Me Reeling’ and ‘Living on Borrowed Time’. We have had many a joke with my dark writing style, Justin brings the light and love. ‘Rise Together’ is one of the songs on the album I am proud of and is all about the power of love, rising together and that anything is possible.”
Mick, Justin, Robin, and Tim played out of their skin. Mark and Sheena as always bringing it all together. Big Shout out to Zoe Green for adding some amazing backing vocals. We even managed a first in the studio’s history by getting Sheena to add some gang vocals along with my wife on Rise Together.” As the title of the album suggests, it has been one hell of a journey”. “The most challenging song on the album was Standing in the Rain. It’s a big old ballad of a song, lots of moving parts, orchestral parts, stops, starts and even a thunderstorm. Everyone delivered big time on this album.
2024 also sees Big Wolf Band hit a big milestone reaching their 10th year together as a band. From humble beginning as a 3-piece to the big sound they deliver now as a 5-piece. “Rebel’s Journey” is a fitting name for the album and their 10th year together. The band undertake their biggest headline tour to date adding dates in Germany and the Czech Republic.
Rebel’s Journey – Track Listing
1. Empire and a Prayer (3:57) 2. Valley of the Fallen Kings (5:58) 3. Lay it on the Line (3:48) 4. Rise Together (4:06) 5. Six Strings Loaded (4:19) 6. Black Dog Blues (6:07) 7. Standing in the Rain (7:24) 8. Living on Borrowed Time (3:46) 9. Got Me Reeling (4:32) 10. Crazy Love (3:32) 11. Darker Side of You (4:40) 12. Just a Little Bit (5:26) 13. Too Many Times (4:20)
Production Credits
All songs written by Jonathan Earp except Empire and a Prayer, Got Me Reeling and Living on Borrowed Time Written by Jonathan Earp and Justin Johnson. Lead guitar and vocals – Jonathan Earp Bass – Mick Jeynes Drums – Tim Jones Rhythm Guitar and backing vocals – Justin Johnson Piano and Hammond organ – Robin Fox Backing vocals – Zoe Green Addition Vocals on Rise Together – Tracey Earp and Sheena Sear Shaker, Tambourine, and kitchen sink – Mark Stuart Produced by Mark Stuart and Jonathan Earp Mixed by Mark Stuart and Sheena Sear Mastered by Sheena Sear Chief Studio Entertainment – Ralf and Susie (M2 Studio dogs) Recorded and mastered at M2 Studios Album artwork – Daniel Lloyd Single Artwork – Jonathan Earp and Daniel Lloyd
Album Track By Track
Empire and a Prayer – This track is the first collaboration between me and Justin,” says Jonathan. “I had all the music and Justin added the lyrics. The song is all about getting in car and going for a drive to clear your head, certainly helps if it’s a nice car! The title is a nod to a friend Mark who helped us out by driving us to a lot of gigs.”
Valley of the Fallen Kings – “This track has it all and gives a different twist to the story of the crossroads and making a deal with the devil,” says Jonathan. “The production on this has a bit of everything on it, 12 and 6 string acoustic guitars and Mark and Sheena really deliver on putting it all together. It is a big old song and one that is fun to play live.”
Lay it on the Line – “This track has the traditional Big Wolf feel, if that’s a thing” says Jonathan. “A blues drenched number with a variation on the typical blues turn arounds. The track has some lovely dynamics in it, drop down section that builds nicely into a solid blues solo. I really dig into some simplistic but powerful bluesy guitar vibes. My guitar influences seeping through my playing. Robin adding a funky style piano, Zoe with those stunning backing vocals really added to the whole vibe.
Rise Together – As in previous albums, the band isn’t afraid to flex its songwriting muscles and produce an anthem style song in “Rise Together”, this song has southern, country and roots vibes to it with some amazing vocals and harmonies. Jonathan says “This song was the most I have ever been pushed vocally by Mark. Lots of praise to Mark for his input on this track. A very subtle change in the melody and the song came alive. I love the vocal arrangements on this track, Mark and Sheena are such an essential part to the Big Wolf sound. Zoe shines on this track with her harmonies, a massive team effort overall. I wrote this song about my amazing son and my brilliant soon to be daughter -in-law and, how they have grown in their relationship, love has such power. If you stand together anything is possible.”
Six Strings Loaded – A throwback bluesy rock filled adventure. Lyrically this song is about making a deal with the devil to get his soul back. This song has an old school rock feel about it while keeping a blues feel. Zoe’s gospel style backing vocals adds another flavour and Mick Jeynes bass line is killer on this track. Mick adds “Jon had a swampy Andy Fraser type bass line already prepared for this track and so it was a pleasure to try and work on his ideas. Jon gave me free reign to experiment a bit in the bridge and so it was great to throw in the odd minor pentatonic fill in for that part.”
Black Dog Blues – Classic Big Wolf Band vibes all over this track, powerful, dynamic, and moody. Jonathan says, “It’s about battling those dark thoughts, depression creeping in and how sometimes no matter how hard you try it still gets you. From a song point of view this was great song to record, and the backbone of the track is provided by that solid unit of Mick and Tim. Robin adds some stunning Hammond runs on this song as well that really gives it that feel.”
Standing in the Rain – “This is probably the biggest sounding song we have ever recorded,” says Jonathan. “This track was a mammoth undertaking and at the early stages of song selection nearly didn’t make the cut. I had the guitar line and some other bits but was struggling pulling it all together. After a bit of perseverance, it came together. I am not afraid to say I have my struggles with mental health and this song is about being lost in a deep depression, seeing how much you are loved but feeling totally detached from it. I am super proud of this song and everyone’s contribution on it.”
Living on Borrowed Time – This track has real rocking feel to it but again the Big Wolf Band manages to keep the links to the blues to create their own unique sound, fours to the floor. Powerful lyrics depicting a hidden battle. Jonathan describes “Another song about battling depression and how sometimes you feel like you are living on borrowed time. I have felt in the past that I am looking over my shoulder, what happens if the next episode is the last and the black dog finally gets me. This really does tell that battle I have with those negative thoughts.”
Got Me Reeling – Catchy blues drenched feel to this. Mick and Tim really at the forefront on this song, providing an amazing groove for the rest of the band to bounce off. Catchy vocal melodies, hook lines and solo that build nicely. The third song co-written by Jonathan and Justin.
Crazy Love – Funky up-tempo bluesy groove on this song. High energy, dynamic and catchy. Jonathan adds “This one if from the locker. I think I originally wrote this way back in 2012 but kept it on ice. Sometimes you just wait for the right time to bring a song into existence, Justin was very eager to get this one on the album. This was a lot of fun to record and remember.”
Darker Side of You – This is a dark and moody number about when love falls apart. This song has a catchy guitar hook and some soulful backing vocals provided by Zoe. Again, this has that Big Wolf sound, the production on this is perfectly simplistic. Jonathan adds “I sometimes like to write about a subject matter or a scenario rather than my own life. This song tells the story about one person coming to terms that they are in a bad relationship, trying to hold it all together but it is a toxic relationship. Robin adds some nice piano on this track. Simplistically beautiful”
Just a Little Bit – Groovy number with some nice flavours of the blues, fun, energetic song with some nice backing vocals and a dirty bassline. Jon says “This is an upbeat little number that just grooves along nicely. Telling a story of holding in there and having that one person that makes it all ok.”
Too Many Times – This is song is dynamic, powerful, subtle with a strong message given the times we live in. It is a fitting way to finish the album with some sobering thoughts. Jonathan adds his thoughts “We really have learned nothing, we still crave war, civilization hasn’t evolved yet has it? The powers that be are always seeking out the next war for profit and greed, leaving a world divided by hatred. I hope one day we find a way to live together in peace, after all we are living a tiny planet hurtling through the galaxy.”
MARCH / APRIL 15 March – BUDIŠOV NAD BUDIŠOVKOU, CZ 16 March – ZNOJMO, CZ 17 March – VALAŠSKÉ MEZIŘÍČÍ, CZ 22 March – Leeds Blues Club 23 March – Beastie Fest Leeds 29 March – The Bear, Luton 31 March – Nantwich Jazz and Blues 5 April – Temperance Leamington Spa. 12 April – Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury 14 April – Bromley Blues Club 20 April – Blues at the Barleylands, Billericay 21 April – Hope Tavern, Market Rasen 26 April – Bosworth Blues Festival
MAY / JUNE / JULY 11 May – Macclesfield Beer Festival 24 May – Saltburn Blues Club, Redcar 25 May – Booze and Blues Leicester. 7 June – Lamp Tavern, Dudley 13 June – Red Arrow Music Club, Ramsgate 16 June – Blues Weekend at the Toorak Hotel 23 June – Bluefunk Rhythm and Blues Club, Poynton (double Header with CBO) 5 July – Alfold Rock and Blues Festival, Alfold
AUGUST 9 August – Darlington R&B Club 16 August Warrington Blues Club 17 August – Old Bush Blues Festival 23 August Colne R&B Festival 24 August – Rory Gallagher Festival, Nantwich 25 August – Congleton Jazz and Blues
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 6 September – Nene Valley Festival 15 September – Red Lion, Stevenage 20 September – Joe Joe Jim’s Birmingham 4 October – Backstage at the Green – Kinross 5 October – Calendar Jazz & Blues 12 October – Boat shack, Upton Warren
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 1 November – Colne Delta Blues and Americana Club 23 November – Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton 13 December – Emsworth Music Club
Extreme power metal pioneers DRAGONFORCE are releasing their epic new album, Warp Speed Warriors, today, March 15 via Napalm Records! To celebrate the album release, the band unleashes the official music video for latest single “Burning Heart”! Rapid drum patterns and thrilling guitars carry the catchy new track that arrives with a captivating music video.
Herman Li on Burning Heart: “Burning Heart is another DragonForce song we are extremely proud of. It’s another epic anthem with our signature sound with 10 guitar solos!. It’s been 5 years since we’ve released a new album. We are super excited for the fans to hear Warp Speed Warriors!”
Following the Grammy-nominated band’s highly successful previous records and singles, such as the platinum-selling hit “Through the Fire and Flames” (over 240M Spotify streams and 140M views on YouTube), Warp Speed Warriors continues DRAGONFORCE’s legacy with songs that will become instant classics – “Power of the Triforce” has already passed 1.7M YouTube views. Check out the music video for “Burning Heart” below – first album formats are already selling out, so make sure to secure your copy before it’s too late!
Herman Li on Warp Speed Warriors: “After four years of creative incubation, we are beyond excited to release what we believe to be our most ambitious and grandiose record yet. This album showcases multiple facets of our artistic abilities, and we invite metal aficionados from every corner of the genre to discover something captivating within its layers. We can’t wait to share this chapter of our musical journey with you, it’s going to be EPIC!”
Following the opening track “Astro Warrior Anthem”, the Zelda inspired track “Power of the Triforce” keeps the volume high before DRAGONFORCE temporarily slows it down for the ballad ”Kingdom of Steel”. Rapid drum patterns and thrilling guitars carry the catchy “Burning Heart”, while chanting “Space Marine Corp” features a strong and uplifting chorus. Electronic influences on grandiose power metal anthem “The Killer Queen” hypnotize, as singer Marc Hudson’s vocals reach for the skies. The last original track onWarp Speed Warriors, “Pixel Prison”, is followed by DRAGONFORCE’s unexpected yet brilliant cover of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)” as a bonus track that wraps up the epic adventure as a bonus track on some formats.
Warp Speed Warriors was produced, mixed and mastered by Damien Rainaud at Mix Unlimited in Los Angeles, California with Sam Totman and Herman Li. This album is a matchless, innovative listening experience that continues the band’s legacy with songs that will, without a shadow of a doubt, become instant classics in and beyond the DRAGONFORCE canon.
Secure Your Copy of Warp Speed WarriorsNOW – First Formats are sold out already!
Warp Speed Warriors Tracklist: 1 Astro Warrior Anthem 2 Power of the Triforce 3 Kingdom of Steel 4 Burning Heart 5 Space Marine Corp 6 Doomsday Party 7 Prelude to Darkness 8 The Killer Queen 9 Pixel Prison 10 Wildest Dreams (DragonForce’s Version) – bonus track on select formats
DRAGONFORCE Live:
Europe Tour 2024 Co-headline w/ Amaranthe, + Infected Rain 15.03.24 DE – Wiesbaden / Schlachthof – SOLD OUT! 16.03.24 CH – Zurich / Komplex 457 – SOLD OUT! 17.03.24 BE – Brussels / AB Box – SOLD OUT! 19.03.24 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn – SOLD OUT! 20.03.24 FR – Paris / Bataclan – SOLD OUT! 22.03.24 UK – Bristol / O2 Academy – SOLD OUT! 23.03.24 UK – Manchester / Manchester Academy – SOLD OUT! 24.03.24 UK – London / The Roundhouse – SOLD OUT!
Mutilation On A Spring Night US Tour 2024 w/ Dethklok, Nekrogoblikon, Babymetal* 07.04.24 US – North Myrtle Beach, SC / House Of Blues 08.04.24 US – Charlotte, NC / The Fillmore Charlotte 09.04.24 US – Silver Spring, MD / The Fillmore Silver Spring 11.04.24 US – Columbus, OH, Kemba Live! 12.04.24 US – Cincinnati, OH / The Andrew J Brady Music Center 14.04.24 US – Indianapolis, IN / Egyptian Room At Old National Centre 15.04.24 US – Waukee, IA / Vibrant Music Hall 16.04.24 US – Kansas City, MO / Uptown Theater 17.04.24 US – Oklahoma City, OK / Criterion 19.04.24 US – Albuquerque, NM / Revel 20.04.24 US – Flagstaff, AZ / Pepsi Amphitheater At Fort Tuthill Park 21.04.24 US – Riverside, CA / Riverside Municipal Auditorium 22.04.24 US – San Diego, CA / The Observatory North Park 24.04.24 US – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic* 28.04.24 US – Spokane, WA / The Podium 30.04.24 US – Billings, MT / Metrapark Arena 01.05.24 US – Idaho Falls, ID / Mountain America Center 02.05.24 US – Garden City, ID / Revolution Concert House 03.05.24 US – Portland, OR / Roseland Theater
Formed in 1999, DRAGONFORCE has captivated audiences worldwide with their highly successful records and iconic singles, including the platinum-selling hit “Through the Fire and Flames” – the ultimate challenge for gamers on the legendary “Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock”. Renowned for their epic compositions that expand the boundaries of heavy metal, on their highly anticipated new full-length, DRAGONFORCE explore a wider range of varying musical styles than ever before, evolving their sound throughout the exciting musical journey.
DRAGONFORCE is: Herman Li – Guitar, Backing Vocals Sam Totman – Guitar, Backing Vocals Marc Hudson – Vocals Alicia Vigil – Bass, Backing Vocals Gee Anzalone – Drums, Backing Vocals
Earlier this year, Norwegian gothic industrial metal act GOTHMINISTER received remarkable international attention with his new single ‘We Come Alive”, that got chosen to compete in the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix (MGP) to represent Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. In the grand final of MGP, GOTHMINISTER achieved a phenomenal fourth place and won the hearts of many new fans.
Now, a brand new single, entitled “One Dark Happy Nation”, continues the story and again shouts out the message: Cherish the art of being different. The song is taken off GOTHMINISTER‘s forthcoming studio offering,Pandemonium II: The Battle Of The Underworlds,slated for a release on May 3, 2024 via AFM Records. Coming out as as limited clear vinyl, CD-Digipak and digital formats, the album pre-sale is available at https://gothminister.bfan.link/pandemonium-ii-the-battle-of-the-underworlds
GOTHMINISTER, Bjørn Alexander Brem, comments:
“It feels great coming back from the Norwegian leg of Eurovision competition where I challenged the whole commercial scene with the Gothminister darkness. And I think they liked it:) After having performed on Norwegian in front of almost 1 million tv viewers preaching the message of darkness – what can be more logical for Gothminister than to continue this mission with this new single called «One Dark Happy Nation».”
In the world of dark and heavy sounds, GOTHMINISTER have earned themselves a reputation of being “one of the most iconic gothic/industrial metal acts”. Not only has their power-laden sound and unique blend of modern gothic industrial metal, danceable EDM parts and a pinch of retro charm inspired their audiences since 1999, its eloquent fantasy stories and impressive theatrical live shows have also transported them to uncharted territories. The band’s sophisticated music videos received more than 30 international film awards to date to date.
All of the new tracks on Pandemonium II: The Battle Of The Underworlds were composed and written by Brem, who also produced the new release. The mix is courtesy of Henning Verlage (Unheilig, Eisbrecher) and Norwegian sound engineer Morten Lund, who has worked with Morten Harket (A-ha), among others, was in charge of the album mastering. “The new material is faster and catchier than that of the predecessor album, but at the same time it sounds even more complex and modern, with more sophisticated vocal melodies and challenging breaks,” Brem recently said, “at the same time the driving beats for the dancefloor and the concept of ultra-low-sounding, tough guitar riffs are still present and link both recordings.”
BATTLE OF THE UNDERWORLDS TOUR 21.04.2024 Parsippany, NJ, Dark Force Fest (USA) 04.05.2024 Parkteatret, Oslo (NOR) 20.05.2024 Wave Gotik Treffen, Leipzig (DE) 28.06.2024 Rock Am Härtsfeldsee, Dischingen (DE) 06.07.2024 Mulheim an der Ruhr, Castle Rock Festival (DE)
Hamburg heavy hitters Half Me release their visceral new track ‘Nothing Left To Lose But The Chains’, following the exhilarating previous singles ‘Quitter Talk’ and ‘Concrete Ceiling’.The new track and video are out now via Arising Empire.
Unnerving heaviness meets a bloodcurdling wail of desparation on this latest entry in Half Me‘s expanding discography.
Formed in Hamburg in 2018, Half Me – guitarists Chris and Julius, vocalist Chris, drummer Max and bassist Tobias –are one of the latest additions to the Arising Empire roster. Musically, Half Me blend a modern rendition of metal and hardcore with highlights of 90s nu-metal. Pounding riffs and breakdowns are accompanied by brutal, yet sometimes elegant, vocals that all balance together to formulate the band’s own distinctive sound.
In just a few years, Half Me have made an impact in the music scene by self-producing their music and videos, displaying their intensive and energetic demeanour. Debuting with four singles initially, it was their their single ‘Exitwound’ (featuring Jack Bergin of Void of Vision) that gave the group a breakthrough and landed the band in the spotlight of Knotfest’s Countdown to Oblivion.
Riding the high of their recent success, Half Me’s highly anticipated debut album SOMA was met with huge critical acclaim. 2024 promises to be a big year for this fiery quintet.
Catch the band live with Resolve on the following dates: May 03: DE Cologne Gebäude 9 May 04: UK London The Underworld May 05: UK Birmingham The Devil’s Dog May 06: UK Glasgow Classic Grand Lounge May 07: UK Leeds The Key Club May 08: UK Manchester Rebellion May 09: UK Bristol The Exchange May 10: UK Southampton The Joiners May 11: NED Drachten Iduna May 12: DE Hamburg Banhof Pauli May 14: DE Berlin Hole44 May 15: DE Dresden Blauer Salon May 16: AT Vienna Viper Room May 17: CZ Prague Rock Cafe May 18: DE Munich Feierwerk May 19: IT Milan Legend Club May 20: CH Monthey Pont Rouge May 21: DE Nuremberg Hirsch May 22: DE Frankfurt Das Bett May 23: DE Vechta Gulfhaus May 24 DE Stuttgart Im Wizemann May 25: NED Utrecht De Heiling May 26: DE Trier Mergener Hof
Legendary Dutch death metallers PESTILENCE preview their upcoming, re-recorded best-of album, “Levels of Perception”, set for release on April 26th via Agonia Records. The album features twelve tracks from across the band’s 38-year career and will be preceded by a three-week long headlining tour of Europe, which starts on April the 3rd. Listen to “Horror Detox”, here:
Patrick Mameli – whose signature vocal, guitar and songwriting skills constitute the hallmark of PESTILENCE – finds “Levels of Perception” to be a testament to the band’s role in death metal’s progression. “I’ve always wanted to do a best-of album, because it would mean that I’ve achieved something in the past; something that still has its value today,” Mameli reflects. “To be able to choose from songs that I composed in the distant past, transporting them into the now, with the line-up of the recordings that consisted of Michiel van der Plicht (drums), Rutger van Noordenburg (guitar) and Joost van der Graaf (bass) – I found this to be of great value and sheer awesomeness.”
Re-recording of the tracks has not only managed to breathe new life into them – half thanks to new line-up, and other half by implementing subtle changes which reflect Mameli‘s matured vision and refined with years of experience aesthetic – but also sets them apart from cheap, unimaginative compilations, by unifying the album’s sound as befits a full-length release. “The album’s title is Levels of Perception. Why? Because this is what has happened with the songs,” Mameli explains. “Performed by different musicians, with their own views, musical abilities and interpretations, shining a new light on them. So here we are with new Levels of Perception.”
The drums for “Levels of Perception” were recorded by Michiel van der Plicht in 2021, during a live stream held in T Paard (The Hague, NL). “These recorded drum tracks were so awesome that we just had to use them, fine-tuning the guitars and bass,” Mameli comments. These and other re-recordings were done with Reaper behind the console at van der Plicht‘s own studio On Duty in Mijdrecht, NL. The latter engineered, mixed and mastered the album. “I’ve started to realize, after recording Exitivm, that when you can engineer, mix and master by yourself, the control over your own product is way bigger, through the honesty and passion for your own compositions; rather than hiring an engineer that has no feel for your music,” PESTILENCE’s frontman wraps up.
Tracklisting: 01. Horror Detox (Re-recording) 02. Mvlti Dimensional (Re-recording) 03. Mobvs Propagationem (Re-recording) 04. Sinister (Re-recording) 05. Dehydrated (Re-recording) 06. Dominatvi Svbmissa (Re-recording) 07. Land of Tears (Re-recording) 08. Necromorph (Re-recording) 09. Deificvs (Re-recording) 10. Twisted Truth (Re-recording) 11. Sempiternvs (Re-recording) 12. Ovt of the Body (Re-recording)
“Levels Of Perception” recordings musicians: Patrick Mameli – vocals and lead guitars Michiel van der Plicht – drums Rutger van Noordenburg – lead guitars Joost van der Graaf – bass
PESTILENCE was established in the Netherlands in 1986 and is considered to be a progressive death metal phenom, labeled on the same genre-defying scale as Death, Cynic and Atheist. The group is led by founder, guitarist and mastermind Patrick Mameli, who’s been the band’s binding factor through two breakups and reunions. Both a reinvention and a confirmation of everything the band has been standing for since 1986, PESTILENCE is more than ever breaking new grounds and exploring the further outposts of extreme metal on “Exitivm” (2021) – the last album, which landed on several Billboard charts; most notably including the top 200 best selling albums. In 2023, the band remastered & reissued its classic catalog, and announced “Portals” to be the title of its next studio album, which is currently in the works. PESTILENCE shows no signs of slowing down, starting 2024 off with a spring tour and a long-sought best-of album, “Levels of Perception” – both of which will roll out this April.
Tour dates: 23.03. NL – Kampen, Ukien 31.03. NL – Nijverdal, Cult Art — Black Death Over Europe 2024 Pestilence + Carnation + Bodyfarm 03.04. DE – Munich, Backstage 04.04. DE – Trier, Mergener Hof 05.04. DE – Berlin, Orwo Haus 06.04. PL – Krakow, Kamienna 12 07.04. CZ – Jaromer, Narodak 08.04. CZ – Ostrava, Barrak 09.04. SK – Kosice, Collosseum 10.04. AT – Vienna, Viper Room 11.04. HU – Budapest, A38 12.04. IT – San Donà di Piave, Revolver 13.04. 1T – Milan, Legend 14.04. FR- Marseille, Jas Rod 15.04. ES – Barcelona, Sala Boveda 16.04. ES – Madrid, Revi Live 17.04. PT – Lisbon, RCA Club 18.04. PT – Porto, Hard Club 19.04. ES – Zaragoza, Sala Lo Intento 20.04. FR – Limoges, C.C.J. Lennon 21.04. BE – Antwerp, Zappa — 25.05. SK – Surany, Songs Of Hate Festival 21.06. DE – Protzen, Protzen Open Air 22.06. BE – Dessel, Graspop 27.07. BG – Sofia, Sofia Metalfest 28.07. GR – Athens, Release Festival 10.08. CZ – Brutal Assault 26.10. NL – Sneek, Bolwerk
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
Ads
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 ) 