Finnish artist Tommi Tauru released a single named ‘Go’. This track features Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, etc.). A lyrics video is also done for the track by Mika Pitkänen who has also written the lyrics for this track.
Tommi Tauru comments:
“A calm atmosphere here. The song is originally from the early 90s, and sung an octave higher. In the 2010s, I returned to the song with Mika Pitkänen, resulting in new lyrics and a new version, sung lower, accompanied by acoustic guitar and ukulele. In the fall of 2023, I came up with the idea of hiring Derek Sherinian to play keyboards for the song, as there was clearly room for them. Without any instructions, Derek played five tracks of different sounds, suitably coloring the rather simple foundation. I added a bass and one synth track at the end of the song. Then it was time for the mixing, which I did by myself. This is how ‘Go’ got a new life.”
Composed by Tommi Tauru Lyrics by Mika Pitkänen Artwork by Tommi Tauru and Mika Pitkänen
Tommi Tauru’s BIOGRAPHY: The first memory of music was Abba’s Eurovision win in 1974, watched on black-and-white TV at the age of 4. In 1980, Tommi Tauru from Turenki made his first songs at the age of 10 in a summer house, with an acoustic guitar and singing. Tommi got an electric guitar and drums at the age of 12, and the first cover bands were also born, performing 50s rock.
A couple of years after that, it was the turn of 80s hard rock, they played in their parents’ downstairs and recorded everything, they have funny memories of that. In 1987 came the turn of own heavy songs and the new composition Rabbith. In 1989, a demo was recorded, Tommi made the songs and played guitar in them. Then, in the army, a room mate introduced Tommi to punk, and a short-lived punk band was born, with their own songs in Finnish.
After that, a prog band called Garden came to the same training place, in which Tommi got to sing, two demos in 1993 and 1994. All the while, Tommi also made his own demos by himself, which are difficult to classify in any one genre. But the biggest influence was then relatively unknown Rauli Eskolin, and especially his early ballads.
Still through the same training place, a jam band called Bassari was born in 1996, instrumental improvisation, where Tommi and Esa Koski alternated on bass and guitar. Everything was recorded, and the jams accumulated over 20 sessions in total.
In 2002, Tommi practiced in a recording studio, mixing the three-song EP of his new band Uganda. Tommi made songs and played bass and sang, progressive pop rock. Then a band called Lally Gag was born from the ruins of Uganda, which also made a three-song EP in 2005, partly in the same style as Uganda, but with new Tommi’s songs, and the bass had changed to a guitar. There would have been an album of songs, but there are only practice recordings of them, when this band also stopped working.
The next band was Gingerbread, where Tommi played guitar, resulting in a two-song demo in 2008, indie rock. Then it was the turn of the cover bands again, but nothing more to say about them.
The Glymer/Flux project with Mika Pitkänen produced ten raw songs, of which the song called ‘Go’ was later made into a finished version. In the years 2013-2015, there was a band from Hämeenlinna called Rower, where Tommi played bass and sang background vocals. It has been quieter since then, but a new jam band in 2016-2018, and another cover band in 2021. In 2023, Tommi bought a newer computer for music use, with which he finished ‘Go’ with the help of Derek Sherinian.
Ponte Del Diavolo bridge the gap between two nefarious corners of the underworld. On their debut album, these death dealers weld doom and black metal into a towering new wave of art that’s as cruel and mesmerizing as Italy’s infamous Devil’s Bridge.
Fire Blades from the Tomb comes out Friday, February 16th. But you can listen to the entire album today on Season of Mist’s YouTube channel.
Ponte Del Diavolo are blessed with a taste for the dark arts. The hammering drum fills and sludgy riffs could send the blackest of hearts to the grave, but “Covenant” adds gloomy clarinet and an ominous foghorn of theremin to their dance with the devil.
Having two bassists blesses Ponte Del Diavolo with an earthshaking foundation. But Fire Blades from the Tomb plumsthe romantic decadence that throbs underground their home city of Turin. The video for “Demone” starts off as a sexy crime drama, only to slowly unravel into occult bloodlust.
“Everything is nothing”, chants Erba Del Diavolo, luring you behind “Nocturnal Veil”. Her croon is so seductive that you might mistake her for Siousxie Soux. That is, until she bears her fangs with a bloodcurdling shriek.
“Fire Blades From The Tomb is finally out!” says Ponte Del Diavolo. “We are happy to announce our first work for Season of Mist and it is an immense honor for us.
“In a relatively short time, we tried to unify two opposite musical worlds – the most violent black metal and the solemnity of the deepest doom – via a huge stream of consciousness.
“The fruit of this union has led to a result we did not expect, but we are sure will touch the chords of many of you who will listen to it.”
Cover Art by Laura Nardelli
Track-list 1. Demone (5:00) [WATCH] 2. Covenant (6:56) [WATCH] 3. Red As The Sex Of She Who Lives In Death (6:20) 4. La Razza (8:03) 5. Nocturnal Veil (5:17) [WATCH] 6. Zero (5:26) 7. The Weeping Song (5:33) Total: 42:35
To celebrate the arrival of Fire Blades from the Tomb, Ponte Del Diavolo are going on a tour of their home country. Starting next week, these doomy demons will play 11 shows across Italy on what’s setting out to be only the first leg of touring behind their new album. This run of dates includes appearances at Molto Male Fest and Frantic Fest, where they’ll perform alongside the likes of Bongzilla and Marduk.
Along the way, the band will also make a special stop in Switzerland.
Fire Blades From the Tomb Tour 2024 (Part I) February 24 – Genoa, IT @ La Claque w/ Malombra March 1 – Turin, IT @ Ziggy Club w/ Shores of Null March 2 – Mantua, IT @ The Academy w/ Shores of Null, Die Sünde April 12 – Milan, IT @ Circolo Bellezza w/ Sacri Suoni April 13 – Liestal, CH @ A-Way w/ Black Oath April 26 – Rome, IT @ Traffic w/ Otus April 27 – Modena, IT @ NotteTempio May 5 – Pinerolo, IT @ Church of Crow Fest w/ Shape of despair, Dawn of winter May 17 – Vicenza, IT @ CSA Arcadia w/ October Tide May 18 – Bergamo, IT @ Molto Male Fest w/ Bongzilla, Raw Power, Hate e Merda June 1 – Erba, IT @ Centrale Rock Pub w/ Voland August 16 – Francavilla al Mare, IT @ Frantic Fest w/ Marduk, Darvaza, Undertakers
Guest Musicians on the album Andrea l’Abbate – Synth on ‘Covenant’. Lucynine – Theremin on ‘Covenant’. Vittorio Sabelli – Clarinet on ‘Covenant’, ‘Red as the sex of She who lives in death’ & ‘Nocturnal veil’. Davide Straccione – Vocals on ‘The weeping song’.
The future has much in store for Heilung. The Nordic collective collaborated with Ninja Theory on the soundtrack to Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, which is set to come out this May.
Maria Franz, Christopher Juul, Kai Uwe Faust and the other members of their ritual collective will then head home to Europe, where they will return to Roskilde Festival and perform at several other European festivals, in addition to making their first-ever appearance at Download Festival.
Before they say goodbye to the U.S. for the foreseeable future, Heilung is returning to Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado on April 23rd. Because Heilung sold out this performance at the world-renowned, 10,000 capacity venue in less than 36 hours, today, they are proud to announce four additional rituals for their fans in the U.S. Experience amplified history when Heilung perform in Massachusetts, Connecticut, D.C. and Wisconsin.
Their new labelmate and award-winning Faroese singer-songwriter Eivør will serve as their special guest at both Red Rocks and the Dar Constitution Hall Tickets go on sale to the public this Friday, February 16 at 10 a.m. local time.
Heilung 2024 U.S. Farvel For Nu Vinland Tour April 13 – Worcester, MA @ The Hanover Theatre [TICKETS] April 15 – Hartford, CT @ The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts [TICKETS] April 17 – Washington, D.C. @ DAR Constitution Hall w/ special guest Eivør [TICKETS] April 20 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Riverside Theater [TICKETS] April 23 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheater w/ special guest Eivør [SOLD OUT]
“Farvel for Nu Vinland” is Old Norse for “Farewell for Now”.
For every ticket that’s sold during this tour, Heilung will donate $1 to the reforestation efforts that their label mates Savage Lands are leading in Costa Rica.
Even though Heilung’s upcoming performance at Red Rocks is already sold out, soon, fans everywhere can watch the collective’s live ritual at this world-renowned venue whenever they want.Their last performance at Red Rocks in 2021 will be released on Blu-ray and other formats on Blu-ray as part of Heilung’s ongoing LIFA series.
Watch their performance of “Anoana”:
Since its inception in 2015, the enigmatic ritual collective Heilung has been paving melodic paths to the past with their unique and mystifying sound. Evading all conventional genre tags and the confines of any specific labels, the group aptly self-describes their sound as “amplified history,” emphasizing their ability to connect modern society with the rudiments of humanity’s beginnings through music.
Heilung once again journeys back in time with its latest chapter, ‘Drif;’ however, unlike previous offerings that centered around prehistoric northern Europe, their third album explores other great rudimentary civilizations outside of Europe.
“All the songs on ‘Drif’ have their own stories,” adds Heilung throat singer and one of the band’s three composers, Kai Uwe Faust. Each has its place and sense of belonging, with inspiration not only from Northern Europe, but from the ancient great civilizations,” explains the band. “We took the ancient surrounding advanced civilizations in account, because our ancestral Nordic civilizations did not just pop up, exist and disappear in isolation. Already in the Bronze Age, we found silk on German land that was imported already from the far, far East 3000 years ago. From the Viking age, we found beads that were brought there from present-day Syria high up in the Northern mountains.
“Centrally important concepts, still in extensive use today, like the number Zero and all the mathematical universes deriving from it, the use of iron and the general concept of settling all originate from traditional high civilizations outside the north and still fundamentally changing our ancestor’s world.
“With singing these primordial songs we want to give tribute to these cultures, reconnect to the beginnings and remember that we all, from East to West, from past to present, are connected through the exchange of ideas and inspiring each other.”
Meaning “gathering,” ‘Drif’ serves as more than merely a gateway that bridges history with modern day society, but is also a statement of the strength in unity and togetherness, which will come as no surprise to those who have experienced Heilung’s live ritual, in which every ceremony starts with a reminder that “we are all brothers.” “‘Drif’ means ‘gathering,’’ explains Heilung. “A throng of people, a horde, a crowd, a pack. In symbiosis with the album title, ‘Drif’ consists of a flock, a collection, a gathering, a collage of songs, that much like little flames were seeking towards each other, to join, to bond, to create, and be greater together.”
While Heilung features authentic and archaic instrumentation that ranges from rattles and ritual bells to human bones and throat singing, their captivating brand of music is far from primitive. Producer and founding member Christopher Juul implements subtle electronic elements that elevates the musical atmosphere and provides a more in-depth and layered soundscape.
“This album has very clearly dictated its own path. Our attempts to tame it were repeatedly fruitless, and once we came to this realization, the creative flow surged forward with immense force. So much so that sometimes it felt like the songs wrote themselves,” the band adds.
Heilung’s success has been unprecedented, achieving milestones in its few short years of existence that many do not see in a lifetime. The collective already had rapidly been growing a buzz upon the self-release of their first full-length, ‘Ofnir,’ in 2015, but their dizzying upward trajectory really took off from the moment they set foot on the stage at Castlefest in 2017 for the now-legendary debut of their live ritual. Luckily for those who were not fortunate enough to bare witness to this magical event, the full ceremony was captured on film, having since been viewed by tens of millions of fans across the globe.
As Heilung trekked across Europe and brought their mystifying experience to new audiences, talk of this new band and their stunning ceremony made way to Season of Mist label owner Michael Berberian, who quickly offered the band a record contract after seeing their undeniable musical impact for himself.
By 2019, Heilung launched their second full-length record, ‘Futha,’ which contrasted the masculine and battle-heavy themes of their debut with a feminine counterpart that celebrated fertility and female energy. Upon the first week of the record’s release, it graced the Billboard charts with coveted numbers, debuting at #3 on the Heatseekers Charts and #4 on the Billboard World Music Chart, placing on a total of seven Billboard charts while meeting critical-acclaim from the press on a global scale.
Having already made its way around Europe, Heilung announced its first ever North American tour for the start of 2020, which sold out entirely within 72 hours of ticket on-sale. The band later returned to the United States and performed their live ritual for a sold out audience of 10,000 people at the historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO (USA), further solidifying their early legacy status.
By this time, the band’s music started to appear in places outside the confines of music venues, videos, and vinyl. From hit television series like ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Vikings’ to video game giants like ‘Conqueror’s Blade VII: “Wolves of Ragnarök’ and ‘Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II’ to the blockbuster Robert Eggers film ‘The Northman,’ Heilung’s music has risen far above the underground and has transcended into a greater world. Even a global pandemic couldn’t slow down Heilung’s success; it only strengthened them and gave them the gift of time to complete work on album number three, ‘Drif.’
According to Greek philosopher Pythagoras, three is a divine number, signifying harmony, wisdom, and understanding. He also believed it to be the number of time – past, present, future; birth, life, death; beginning, middle, end. Purposefully or not, ‘Drif’ embodies this philosophy, putting forth a divine work of art that ties together the beginning of civilization with the modern world today. Make no mistake, Heilung still does not represent any modern political or religious ideology, but rather delivers a humbling reminder of where we came from. “Remember, we are all brothers. All people, beasts, tree and stone and wind, we all descend from the one great being that was always there, before people lived and named it, before the first seed sprouted.”
Heilung’s core composers Kai Uwe Faust Christopher Juul Maria Franz
Prepare your senses for a seismic shockwave! Finnish thrash legends, BLOODRIDE, are currently entrenched in the crucible of creation, meticulously molding what is destined to be the next monumental chapter in thrash metal history. Their passion ignites the studio as they channel their raw energy and unrivaled skill into their fifth album, promising an unparalleled auditory assault that will redefine the boundaries of thrash metal.
Studio Confessions from the Heart of the Metal Storm: “The anvil of thrash has been struck; our fifth odyssey begins. January witnessed the birth of thunderous drums, bone-rattling bass, and the slicing edge of rhythm guitars within the hallowed halls of our main dungeon. The saga continues with an onslaught of guitars and the war cries of vocals. Amidst this creative tempest, an unexpected twist – the call of the stage beckons! A brief pause in our conquest was planned, but the gods of metal had other designs. Thus, we march forth, ready to deliver our thrash rituals, sweat-soaked and noise-laden, to the faithful.”
Catch the Thrash Titans Live – Unleash the Fury at These Venues:
2.5.24: Depo, Riga, LV – The onslaught begins!
3.5.24: Barbar, Tallinn, EST – Witness the fervor!
4.5.24: Fontaine Palace, Liepaja, LV – The tempest rages on!
7.6.24: Playhouse Bar, Helsinki, FI – Homeground havoc!
8.6.24: Bar Nirvana, Turku, FI – The final assault!
Brace yourselves for a relentless barrage of thrash metal mastery as BLOODRIDE tears through these cities, leaving a trail of euphoric destruction in their wake. This is not just a series of concerts; it’s a declaration of the indomitable spirit of thrash metal, embodied by the legendary BLOODRIDE. Join the thrash renaissance, where the legacy is loud, the riffs are relentless, and the legends come alive!
About BLOODRIDE: Formed in 2000, BLOODRIDE has been a force to be reckoned with in the Finnish thrash metal scene. Their journey began with the EP “Bloodridden Disease” in 2004, leading to their debut full-length album “Crowned In Hell” in 2011. Their latest and fourth album, “Idiocracy,” was unleashed in September 2021 through Great Dane Records. BLOODRIDE’s sonic assault combines old-school thrash metal with dark death metal elements and the raw edge of hardcore, delivering a headbanging, neck-breaking experience. Over the years, they’ve shared stages with legendary acts like Exhumed, Exodus, Nunslaughter, Toxic Holocaust, and Whiplash, consistently delivering an electrifying live performance that’s nothing short of a perfect storm.
BLOODRIDE Lineup:
Jykä Leskinen: Vocals
Esa Pennala: Bass
Simo Partanen: Guitar
Teemu Vähäkangas: Guitar
Petteri Lammassaari: Drums
Discography:
“Idiocracy” – Album, Release Date: 2021-09-17, Label: Great Dane Records
“Planet Alcatraz” – Album, Release Date: 2016-11-25, Label: Inverse Records
“Bloodmachine” – Album, Release Date: 2014-03-14, Label: Violent Journey Records
“Crowned in Hell” – Album, Release Date: 2011-04-16, Label: Violent Journey Records
“Supreme Predator” – Single, Release Date: 2010-04
PERPETUA are a burgeoning metallic force from Scotland that have cultivated a dynamic and unique sound, set to catch the attention of the metal community.
The band release their new album Resurgence on 22nd March via Seek And Strike. Finely tuned modern death metal, Resurgence is not far off a comparison to the Scottish child of Gojira and Sylosis, with elements of Conjurer and compatriots Bleed From Within.
Watch the band’s explosive track ‘Overcome’ here:
Forming in 2013, Perpetua released their debut EP Resistance in 2016, and second EP To Suffer in 2018, supported by two successful headline UK tours. Supporting as wide a variety of artists as Skindred, Crossfaith, Hacktivist, Perpetua also won Best Metal Act at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards.
FFO: Bleed From Within, Sylosis, Conjurer
TRACKLISTING: 1 Resurgence (Intro) 2 Resolve 3 The Hell It Brings 4 Tethered 5 Overcome 6 Human 7 Trapped Mind 8 This Is Retribution 9 Forsaken 10 Alone In The Static
Fear of Water is a one-man-band created by Dave Perry out of Austin, Texas. Born clinically deaf, the consumption & creation of music has been a critical aspect of his recovery and a central focus of Dave’s life.
The newest release by Fear of Water “Systemic” is a musically complex and driving collaboration between Perry and artistic savant Aaron Nordstrom of Gemini Syndrome. Perry actually had Nordstrom specifically in mind when writing this song and was thrilled to have him as a collaborator. The catchy hooks and driving beat of “Systemic” tell the story of the political corruption & false piety that is damaging the United States and the desire of most people to evolve past that in the best interest of mankind.
Fear of Water most recently released a single “Codependent Parasites” with Elias Soriano of Nonpoint that has been very well received by radio, streaming and social media alike. Perry has future collaborations with Heidi Shepherd of Butcher Babies and Clint Lowery of Sevendust ready to go with several other exciting creative partnerships in the works.
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 ) 