Inverse Records releases FM2000‘s eighth full-length album “Happohotelli” in March 22nd 2024.
Third and final single before the album release is now online! You can listen to the track “Wäiski” on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/fm2000-waiski
”Wäiski is the story of a man who is proud of his existence. Until things start to slip in the wrong direction like a snowball effect, creating chaos inside his head.”, FM2000 singer and lyricist Antti Junttila backgrounds.
Composers – Antti Junttila, Eetu Huttunen, Herkko Huttunen, Ville Vehviläinen, Joonas Kolehmainen Lyricist – Antti Junttila
The album features a completely new FM2000 soundtrack. The band’s characteristic heavy-punk-klezmer has been taken to an experimental, electronic soundscape that drawing inspiration from the world of retro gaming.
The lyrics move between everyday malaise and weekend celebrations. The album was produced by Tuomas Kokko (e.g. Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus, Swallow The Sun, Ghost Brigade) and mastered by Svante Forsbäck (e.g. Rammstein, Volbeat, Michael Monroe).
Get ready for an electrifying update from the powerhouse of symphonic metal, FALLEN ARISE, straight out of Athens! 🔥 They’re deep in the creative cauldron, cooking up their latest full-length masterpiece. Here’s the latest from the band:
“Exciting news, metal family! We’re on the brink of finishing our new tracks, crafting an album that promises to shatter your expectations. Expect the unexpected – we’re about to drop some mind-blowing previews! But that’s not all – we’re gearing up to storm Italy next month alongside the phenomenal AEPHANEMER and a lineup of stellar bands. And guess what? We’ve got even more earth-shaking announcements on the way!”
Don’t miss the chance to dive into their previous studio adventures:
As the buzz grows, FALLEN ARISE is set to dazzle as Special Guests on the AEPHANEMER tour across Italy 🇮🇹. Alongside them, the stages will be graced by the likes of Aetheris, Carved, and Path Of Sorrow, making it an unmissable metal fest.
Join FALLEN ARISE as they prepare to captivate audiences with their dynamic performances and share more thrilling news. This tour is not just a series of concerts; it’s a celebration of symphonic metal, a gathering of the community, and a showcase of unparalleled musical artistry.
The band’s excitement is palpable in their latest video invitation, beckoning fans to join them on this monumental tour. Catch the excitement and watch the video, here:
They shared with fans: “Metalheads, the countdown is on! We’re just a heartbeat away from setting foot in Italy for the first time, kicking off the Enigma Tour in Milan, Rome, and Massa Carrara. This is the moment we’ve been dreaming of, and we’re buzzing with excitement to meet our Italian comrades. This tour is set to be a monumental chapter in our journey, and we’re thrilled to forge epic memories with you. Brace yourselves for more electrifying updates 🤘.”
Mark your calendars for these confirmed shows and prepare for an unforgettable experience with FALLEN ARISE and friends!
FALLEN ARISE were formed in 2009, combining a theatrical atmosphere with a progressive approach and a heavy-metal-alike heaviness. So far, FALLEN ARISE have toured across Europe and Russia with established acts including: Nightwish, Fates Warning, Paradise Lost, Destruction, Sepultura, Skindred, Moonspell, Serenity, Leave’s Eyes, Xandria, Katatonia, Pain of Salvation and more.
Get ready to break free from the chains of conformity with Kurt Frohlich’s highly anticipated debut solo single, ‘I Don’t Want It,’ released on February 16 via Golden Robot Records. The lead singer of Riley’s L.A. Guns,Frohlich steps into the spotlight with a powerful anthem that transcends the boundaries of conventional music.
In this electrifying track, Kurt Frohlich fearlessly confronts the political and social establishment, taking a stand against the elite class with an unapologetic declaration: “I don’t want any part of it!” The lyrics delve deep into the pulse of discontent, echoing the rebellious spirit that defined punk rock in the 70s and early 80s, whilst embodying the essence of rebellion against the norm.
With gritty vocals that cut through the air and an edgy sound that refuses to be tamed,‘I Don’t Want It’ promises to be more than just a song – it’s a rallying cry for those who refuse to be silenced.
Just in time for the release of their upcoming live album, Passage – Live, industrial black metal icons SAMAEL strike with a live version of their dynamic anthem, “Rain”, together with an energetic lyric video. Passage – Live was released yesterday, February 16, 2024 via Napalm Records.
With “Rain”, SAMAEL brings their aggressive and brutally blackened soundscapes to a higher level. Underlined by remarkable keyboards and sweeping rawness, the lyric video captures the contagious energy that the band demonstrates throughout the roaring track.
Recorded during a sold-out concert in Krakow on the last day of the European leg of their “Passage 25th Anniversary Tour”, Passage – Live shines as a fully live take on the band’s highly influential and iconic 1996 album. The album gets a makeover and adds a further new touch and elements to the album and sound.
Vorph on “Rain”: “The image of the tree is omnipresent in the lyrics of ‘Rain’, used as a metaphor for the changes that make us grow bigger, deeper, higher and stronger as individuals.”
The songs of Passage – Live remain the same, but captured in the urgency of a live environment, they appear rawer and heavier than they were originally, and the maturation of a quarter-century makes them more immediate. Passage – Live is the first official recording with the band’s current line-up, and as Drop and Ales both were fans of the album before joining the band, they add new vigor and energy to the music
Passage – Live is a testament to an album that left its mark on a generation of metal fans, as SAMAEL moved towards a more industrial sound, distancing themselves from their roots in black metal, and simultaneously breaking the band into a wider international audience. Passage has stood the test of time, remaining as fresh today as it was nearly three decades ago, and with Passage – Live, SAMAEL adds new depth to one of the most important albums in the band’s history.
Vorph says about Passage – Live: “The blend of metal, industrial and electronica that has been our trademark for almost three decades began with Passage. It’s almost ground zero for us, and we’re delighted to offer these songs a fresh approach and bring this album to life for our long-standing audience as well as those who have discovered the band recently.”
Passage – Live tracklisting: 1. Passage 2. Rain 3. Shining Kingdom 4. Angel’s Decay 5. My Saviour 6. Jupiterian Vibe 7. The Ones Who Came Before 8. Liquid Soul Dimension 9. Moonskin 10. Born Under Saturn 11. Chosen Race 12. A Man in Your Head
Finnish horrorcore squad AS I MAY is unveiling the title track “The Last Breath” off their yet-to-be-released third LP that was mixed and mastered by Christoph Wieczorek at Sawdust Recordings. The song is the first fresh music since releasing their 2022 stand-alone single “Traitor” and albums “Karu” (2022) (Uprising Records) and “My Own Creations” (2019) (Rock Shots Records, Spiritual Beast (Japan)), which have garnered the band over a million streams.
Combining modern low riffs with a little taste of deathcore plus synths that bring horror sweeps and atmosphere, As I May’s “horrorcore” sound on “The Last Breath” delivers a catchy sing-along chorus with its chaos.
Vocalist/guitarist Lasse Hiltunen adds:
“We are really excited that we can finally bring this horrorcore sound to fans, this track is about bringing your worst fears to reality and makes you face them and will have you scared for days.”
Big Wolf Band are pleased to announce the release of Living on Borrowed Time the second single taken from their forthcoming studio album Rebel’s Journey.
The highly anticipated new album, Rebel’s Journey, released Friday April 19th and is now available to pre-order from www.bigwolfband.com/shop.
News of the new single follows Big Wolf Band’s nomination for UK Blues Band of the Year at the 2023 UK Blues Awards. Vote for Big Wolf Band at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/KID7IP/
Hailed by music pundits as most highly anticipated album collection of songs of their career, Rebel’s Journey is the 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.
“Living on Borrowed Time” 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.
“This song is about battling depression and how sometimes you feel like you are living on borrowed time,” says Big Wolf Band’s guitarist and lead singer, Jonathan Earp. “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.”
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.
The first single off the album and racing out of the blocks is Empire and a Prayer. This is a high energy, pedal to metal riff-based guitar track. It hits you with flavours of southern rock, Americana and hints of the blues, laced with catchy vocal hooks, driving piano and powerful drums.
The song is about escapism, getting away from it all and in this case taking a drive in your favourite car to forget your daily worries. The track is also a little nod to a friend who has provided help to the band in the past. The backing vocals on this track and on the rest of the album is the wonderful Zoe Green. This song demonstrates the band’s ability to move through the gears with ease and ultimately demonstrates a more rocking sound. This track was co-written by Jonathan Earp and Justin Johnson.
“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
FEBRUARY 23rd February – Blues at the Bay, Stockton on Tees 25th February – Half Moon Putney*
MARCH / APRIL 1st March – Wirral Blues Club, Wirral 2nd March – Borough Blues Club, Wales 12th March – REICHENBACH, DE 13 March – KOLÍN, CZ 14 March – Banská Štiavnica, SK 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
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 ) 