1349 are touring Eastern Canada and the U.S. this May. Not only are the legendary Norwegian black metal band making their first-ever appearance at Maryland Deathfest; they’re also playing Dark Lord Day.
3 Floyd’s Brewing are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their metal and beer fest with the release of the Dark Lord Imperial Stout. Paired with this ultra-limited demonic Russian-style brew is one hell of a festival lineup. Taking the stage with 1349 are Spiritworld, Fugitive, their label mate Abbath and headliners High on Fire.
Joining 1349 on their upcoming North American tour are Canadian occultists Spectral Wound, Richmond’s Antichrist Siege Machine and Oregon’s Spirit Possession.
1349 recently completed a snarling new album that will be released later this year. The band may debut some new tracks on this tour, alongside songs from The Infernal Pathway and other touchstones from their 20-year discography.
1349 2024 North American Tour Dates May 18 Munster, IN @ Dark Lord Day Festival [TICKETS] May 20 Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace [TICKETS] May 21 Montreal, QC @ Le Studio TD [TICKETS] May 22 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East / Downstairs [TICKETS] May 23 Brooklyn, NY @ The Meadows [TICKETS] May 24 Baltimore, MD @ Maryland Deathfest* [TICKETS] May 25 Greensboro, NC @ Hangar 1819 [TICKETS] May 26 Atlanta, GA @ Boggs Social & Supply** [TICKETS] May 28 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop [TICKETS] May 29 Cincinnati, OH @ Legends Bar & Venue [TICKETS] May 30 Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme [TICKETS] * 1349 and Spectral Wound only ** no Spirit Possession
Crafting a sonic universe that defies traditional conventions, SYK transcends mere genre labels, forging a path that is distinctly their own. The Italian collective, known for its intricate compositions and relentless innovation, stands at the frontier of the extreme metal scene, challenging perceptions and pushing the limits of musical expression.
eartHFlesh, the eponymous first single from syk’s upcoming album, emerges as a relentless force, a tumultuous journey through realms of existential despair and raw, unbridled power. It’s a manifesto of scorn, rooted deeply within the Earth, a scathing critique of a world mired in deception and decay. The track serves as a colossal monument, embodying the spirit of revolt and the inexorable decay of the natural and spiritual world.
Drawing inspiration from the desolate reality of our existence, eartHFlesh mirrors the decline of society, the environment, and the very fabric of what it means to be human. It’s not just music; it’s a wake-up call, a stark reminder of the consequences of our collective apathy. “Scorn, rooted above and fallen on Earth,” Stefano echoes, a chilling prophecy of our own making.
“eartHFlesh is about all of us and how decadence permeates our world, often manifested through brutal violence.” Says Stefano. “We’re in a time of transition where evil is mostly manifested through power. The same power that promoting ignorance degraded our planet killing the importance of being an individual instead of a passive citizen.“
The accompanying video, a visual masterpiece that complements the single’s haunting melodies and crushing intensity, can be seen here:
It’s a glimpse into the heart of darkness, an invitation to confront the truths we’ve long ignored.
“Things will never change as long as we’ll not feel the urgency of our responsibility as humans of what we’re creating around us.“
Tracklist 1. I Am The Beast (6:02) 2. Where I Am Going There Is No Light (5:54) 3. I’ll Haunt You In Your Dreams (6:08) 4. eartHFlesh (5:42) 5. The Sermon (5:06) 6. The Cross (3:50) 7. For To Themselves I Left Them (4:20) 8. The Passing (8:14) Total runtime: 45:17
SYK is a metal band that came into existence in 2013 when Stefano Ferrian and Federico De Bernardi di Valserra decided to embark on a new musical venture following the disbandment of their previous project, .psychofagist. They were soon joined by the immensely talented vocalist Dalila Kayros, whose vocal skills left a deep impression on the band during live performances.
In May 2014, syk released their debut album titled Atoma through L’Inphantile Collective. The album caught the attention of Philip H Anselmo from Housecore Records, who not only expressed his appreciation for the band’s work but also offered them a deal for their second album. This second album, titled I-Optikon, was released on December 2, 2016, and was produced by Philip H Anselmo himself. The album was notable for its technical compositions that offered a unique and unparalleled listening experience, as Metal Trenches aptly described it.
Following the release of their second album, the band welcomed their long-time friend Marcello Cravini as a permanent member, taking on the role of the second guitarist. syk subsequently embarked on extensive tours across Europe in 2017 and 2018 and had the honour of being the official support act for GODFLESH during their Italian/Slovenian run in May 2018. Additionally, they also participated in the prestigious Roadburn Festival in the same year, further cementing their reputation as a promising metal act.
In 2019, Federico made the difficult decision to leave the band due to personal reasons, and shortly after, the global pandemic hit, disrupting the band’s search for a new drummer. However, towards the end of 2020, Mauro Maraldo joined syk as their new drummer, and with their lineup complete, they wasted no time in entering the studio to record their third album. This album, titled Pyramiden, was released on March 11th, 2022, through Housecore Records/Nuclear Blast. The album’s distinct and powerful character earned syk high praise, with MetalheadCommunity recognizing them as one of the most promising metal acts of the time.
Pyramiden received further acclaim when it was included in the ProgSpace Awards 2022 under the category of ‘Album of the Year 2022/Extreme Prog Category’, alongside esteemed acts like Fallujah, Allegaeon, Cult of Luna, and Conjurer. Unfortunately, soon after the album’s release, both Mauro and Dalila had to depart from the band due to personal reasons.
However, syk, known for their sonic evolution, decided to press on. Founding members Stefano and Marcello continued working on their fourth album while actively searching for new members. Alan La Roca joined the band as the bass player, solidifying the lineup, but the search for a drummer remained a challenge. It wasn’t until Federico Leone answered their call that the band found their new drummer. With the lineup in place consisting of Stefano Ferrian as the new frontman, guitarist, and main songwriter, Marcello Cravini on guitars, Alan La Roca on bass, and Federico Leone on drums, syk took on a new form.
In early 2023, syk caught the attention of Season Of Mist, who signed them for the release of their fourth album, eartHFlesh. This album not only marks the band’s latest offering but also signifies their first decade as a band. With a reinvigorated sound and an intensified sonic progression, syk continues to captivate listeners and solidify their place in the metal scene.
Recording Line-up Stefano Ferrian – Guitars, Vocals Marcello Cravini – Guitars, Ambient FX Alan La Roca – Bass Federico Leone – Drums
Guest Musicians Dalila Kayros – Guest Vocals (On ‘I Am The Beast’, ‘I’ll Haunt You In Your Dreams’, For To Themselves I Left Them’ & ‘The Passing’)
Recording Studio Fiery Water Recording Studio (Alessandria, Italy)
Producer, Sound, Mixing & Mastering Engineer Fabrizio GesuatoCover Art Nihil & Leoncio Harmr
Video Production Directed and Edited by Stefano Ferrian. Filmed by Ancellotti Silvano & Vittorio Bottini at MF Old School Production. Performer: StellaDiPlastica. “Black Angel Wing” & “Demon’s Face” artistic installations by Paola Monfrinotti.
DEATH DEALER UNION have released their empowering anthem and video ‘Beyond Heaven’.
“Imagine a life where you are shining bright” is the opening lyric on this opus. The video and track feels like the final journey DDU has in store for us.
This is the last video in a series of four videos from the debut record Initiation. “Beyond Heaven” is a six minute opus about finding the best version of yourself. It is the last song on the record and it is also the guiding theme throughout the whole album. You’ll notice that the opening track “Initiation” is the piano melody on the beginning of “Beyond Heaven”.
CC McKenna says, “The song ‘Beyond Heaven’ is one of my favorites on the record. It was written by myself and two gentlemen named Mark Wenzel, and Keith Wolter along with Lena Scissorhands, and Doug Weiand. The song is really about shedding the darkness that might hold you back or probably better said is that it’s about confronting the darkness within yourself; that you may acknowledge its beauty and move on to the highest version of yourself. All we have to do is collectively believe!… We present to you our final video and single for our first album Initiation.”
In 2019, metal musicians CC McKenna (drums) and Doug Weiand (lead guitars) set forth on a dark musical path – aligning diverse metal influences with otherworldly channelings of alchemy, the occult and all things esoteric. Little did they know, the final ingredient of their impending amalgamation was on the horizon, set to emerge as DEATH DEALER UNION. After meeting acclaimed frontwoman Elena Cataraga (a.k.a. Lena Scissorhands of modern metal frontrunners Infected Rain), a musical pact was instantly formed – propelling the band into the studio with producer Valentin Voluta (also recognized for his work with Infected Rain) to conjure their lauded debut collaborations “Borderlines” and “Beneath The Surface”. The tracks went on to premiere in 2022 with top-notch music video visuals, garnering nearly 1 million views on YouTube alone to date.
Now, DEATH DEALER UNION return with two new members – Hunter Havok (rhythm and lead guitars) and Jonny Heinz (bass) – in tow to unleash their very first sacrificial offering to the masses. Their debut, Initiation, released September 22, 2023 via Napalm Records, brings forth the huge sound and exciting visuals fans experienced with the band’s previous offerings, plus an entire new trove of musical and lyrical elements. While no track is the replicant of another, they all weave a common thread of compelling essence that will have listeners clamoring to heed the word of DEATH DEALER UNION. Initiation kicks off with its instrumental title track, droning deeply into electronic flourishes and spine-tingling organs. The track flows into first album single “The Vow of Silence” – a fast-paced burner featuring aggressive verses and a catchy chorus that fully showcases the album’s immense production, once again helmed by Valentin Voluta. “ILL FATED” juxtaposes 80s-influenced clean guitars and sinister metallic riffs as Elena Cataraga displays her dynamic trademark vocal delivery and introspective wordplay, while later, “The Integument” – which features a sizzling music video accented by heavy metal dance troupe Cherry Bombs – turns the pace all the way up with traditional power metal flavor before transforming into a ghostly, hypnotizing soundscape. Tracks such as “Ekphrasis” and “Mythos” – the latter boasting one of the album’s most heart-stopping guitar solos – are rife with chunky 90s heavy metal and even nu-metal-inspired riffage. “The Big Blue”, “Back To Me”, “The Downfall” and “Anew” dance with metal styles ranging from symphonic power to progressive, showcasing the band’s diverse macrocosm of musical skill, before potent, heavy ballad “Love Me When I’m Ugly” provides heartfelt lyrics and melodies. Initiation ends with “Beyond Heaven”, an opus of expansive harmonies and eerie embellishments, closing the album with its most theatrical cut. Not only does Initiation offer fans the chance to witness Elena Cataraga’s alter ego on raw display, it introduces the band as an intriguing force to be reckoned with. Find your own power within DEATH DEALER UNION – your Initiation is only the beginning!
Get Initiation here: https://lnk.to/DeathDealerUnion-Initiation
DEATH DEALER UNION is: Lena Scissorhands – Vocals Doug Weiand – Guitars (Lead guitar) Hunter Havokk – Guitars (Rhythm guitar) Jonny Heinz – Bass CC McKenna – Drums
“On Stranger Tides,” the new video clip taken from the album “Space Pirate” by Italian guitarist Matteo Brigo, is now online. The track, with a strong melodic and orchestral impact, mixes guitar technique, epic tints, acoustic breaks and unpredictable musical plot-twists. The video clip is a guitar playthrough, created by Matteo Brigo himself.
Poland’s pioneering and leading Progressive Rock band RIVERSIDE have announced a UK/Ireland tour in support of their latest studio album “ID.Entity”, released last year via InsideOutMusic. The dates will will feature Klone as special guests with a special “unplugged” set. Tickets: https://riversideband.pl/en/gigs
Most recently, RIVERSIDE have launched their “Making of ‘ID.Entity'” documentary, directed by Marcin Zawadziński. The documentary was screened a year ago at RIVERSIDE’s promotional meetings in Helios cinemas in Poland for the release of their latest studio album “’ID.Entity’ and now everyone will finally be able to watch it online, everywhere.
Norwegian Rock outfit LEPROUS continue to promote their latest studio album “Aphelion”, which is currently available in a special ‘Tour Edition’ re-launch via InsideOutMusic.
The tour kicked off yesterday, on February 28th in Bremen, Germany and will go up to March 16thin Hamar, Norway, featuring the groups The Hirsch Effekt (Only Germany & Austria), Nordic Giants (Only UK and Ireland) as well as Fight The Fight (All dates!) in the support slots.
In order to further promote the “Aphelion” release with the upcoming tour, LEPROUS drummer Baard Kolstad has now also launched a special drum playthrough for the “Aphelion” song “Silhouette”, which you can see HERE
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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 ) 