NOLA thrash and groove trailblazers EXHORDER will release their much anticipated 4th full-length record, Defectum Omnium, on March 8th with Nuclear Blast Records. Today, the band has revealed the record’s 2nd single, ‘Forever and Beyond Despair’; a ripping and gripping pit thrasher with massive riffs and blistering solos. You know, what EXHORDER are known for!
Commenting on the new song, vocalist/guitarist Kyle Thomas says: “Our second single ‘Forever and Beyond Despair’ embraces many of the punk rock ingredients that we grew up on. Exhorder got its start on the punk rock scene of New Orleans, so it only made sense to dig back into this part of our roots. With aggressive angst and sarcastic themes, this song is absolutely a middle finger to the hypocrisies of the establishment.”
EXHORDER’s latest and greatest features 12 crushing tracks and ominous cover artwork by Travis Smith (Katatonia, Opeth), the album follows the band’s critically revered 2019 release Mourn The Southern Skies. The new single follows the band’s recent release of their metal anthem “Year of the Goat.”
British death-doom legends, My Dying Bride, are proud to announce their 15th studio album, A Mortal Binding, set to be released on 19th April via Nuclear Blast Records. Today’s news is accompanied by the release of tempestuous, heart-wrenching new single ‘Thornwyck Hymn’. The track comes with a stunning video directed by Daniel Gray, depicting a maritime story of unfolding desire and tragedy.
My Dying Bride’s Aaron Stainthorpe commented, “Set upon the rugged coast of Yorkshire, Thornwyck village has spent an eternity being haunted by the chill waters that wash it’s shore – and the hidden folk who dwell in the salty depths. Woe betide anyone who fares into the briny sea, or even steels to close to it’s edge for they may never set foot back on mother earth”
A Mortal Binding, the much-anticipated follow-up to The Ghost of Orion (2020) finds the Yorkshire-based quintet delighting in anxiety, loss, and toil to resplendent effect. From the raw distress of ‘Her Dominion‘ and twisted horror of ‘Thornwyck Hymn’ to the funerary violins of the 11-minute monolith ‘The Apocalyptist’ and the classic-feeling ‘The 2nd of Three Bells’, A Mortal Binding is pinnacle My Dying Bride. If Songs of Darkness, Words of Light (2004) elevated the band to new heights and A Map of All Our Failures (2012) expanded upon the group’s mid-tens grandeur, then A Mortal Binding stages My Dying Bride’s next exultant phase of elegiac misery.
A Mortal Binding tracklisting: 01. Her Dominion 02. Thornwyck Hymn 03. The 2nd of Three Bells 04. Unthroned Creed 05. The Apocalyptist 06. A Starving Heart 07. Crushed Embers
My Dying Bride hired The Ghost of Orion studio wizard Mark Mynett to produce, mix, and master A Mortal Binding. The group holed up at Mynett’s Mynetaur Productions (Paradise Lost, Rotting Christ) in Manchester, UK, where they tracked the album consecutively from July to September 2023.
For over three decades, My Dying Bride from West Yorkshire have been the voice of the hopeless and broken, combining haunting sounds with crushing misery and melancholy. With their signature sound they’ve shaped the doom metal scene like barely any other act and integrated both soft violin melodies and violent death metal growls into their music, whilst always staying strictly loyal to themselves. And since the early Nineties, the band’s masterminds and founding members Andrew Craighan and Aaron Stainthorpe forged beautiful grief into studio albums with songs of epic length. As My Dying Bride edge past their 33rd year, they’re aging gracefully, remaining as vital and heart-wrenching as ever. The flower withers once more on My Dying Bride’s upcoming new record A Mortal Binding, due out on 19th April 2024.
OCEANS are back with their first new music of 2024! The German nu-metal band proudly presents their latest single ‘Slaves To The Feed’, which provides another strong message towards the importance of mental health and raising awareness on this topic. The new song sees OCEANS collaborate with Australian keyboardist MISSTIQ as well as Josh Collard from EARTH CALLER.
To coincide with the release of ‘Slaves To The Feed’, OCEANS are unleashing a second new single! ‘Breed Consume Die’ sees the Germans once again prove their musical versatility as they let their heavier side come to the fore. Josh Collard from EARTH CALLER also features on this song, that serves as a social wake-up call.
As if the release of two new singles wasn’t enough, OCEANS have also delivered a brand new music video for their single ‘Slaves To The Feed’, which you can watch here:
Timo Rotten comments: “Social media makes us sick. It makes me sick, I’m fucking addicted to my smartphone. Even though it has made my life miserable to a certain extent, I still keep scrolling. And why is that? Because people tell me it’s part of the business. We as a band are both part of the solution and part of the problem.”
Just in time for the release of the two new singles, OCEANS are going on tour. As support for OUR MIRAGE, the nu-metallers will be playing several shows across Germany in February and March. In addition, OCEANS will play two more shows in April as special guests for ANCHORS AND HEARTS.
See all tour dates below: 15.02. DE Hannover – Lux 16.02. DE Bremen – Tower Musikclub 17.02. DE Köln – Helios 37 23.02. DE Saarbrücken – Garage 24.02. CH Baden – Werkk Kulturlokal 01.03. DE Münster – Cafe Sputnik 02.03. DE Hamburg – Logo 07.03. DE Göttingen – Exil 08.03. DE Berlin – Cassiopeia Club 09.03. DE Essen – Don’t Panic Club 18.04. DE Nürnberg – Z Bau 19.04. DE München – Backstage Club
In an exhilarating revelation, the musical genius Alberto Rigoni has announced his latest masterpiece, “Unexpected Lullabies”, set to hit the airwaves on June 4th, 2024. This album isn’t just any release; it’s a bold exploration of sound, merging the soothing essence of lullabies with the raw energy of rock-metal to create a musical hybrid that’s absolutely groundbreaking. Rigoni’s latest venture is a heartfelt ode to the circle of life, dedicated to newborns everywhere, symbolizing hope and the beautiful continuity of life with the poignant message: “There are no just tragedies in this world, life is going on!”
A Stellar Lineup of Musical Legends
What makes ‘Unexpected Lullabies’ even more exciting is the assembly of musical titans. The album features the legendary bassist Michael Manring, the keyboard wizardry of Alessandro Bertoni (of the Graham Bonnet Band) and Vitalij Kuprij (known for Artension and Trans-Siberian Orchestra), and many more yet-to-be-revealed guest artists.
Alberto Rigoni: A Maestro of the Bass
Alberto Rigoni, born in 1981, is celebrated not just as an Italian bass virtuoso but as a composer, producer, and business lawyer with an international flair. His musical journey spans solo projects and collaborations with bands like BAD As, The Italians, and Natural Born Machines. Rigoni’s work on the Vivaldi Metal Project, his tenure with the progressive rock band TwinSpirits, and his role as the bassist for Kim Bingham, showcases his versatile genius. Having released 12 solo albums from 2008 to 2023, Rigoni’s music features collaborations with icons like Jeff Scott Soto, Jordan Rudess, and many others, establishing him as a force in the progressive rock metal and fusion genres.
Crafting the Album
The album’s breathtaking design and artwork come courtesy of Mark Barrett at Elmtree Creative (https://www.elmtreecreative.co.uk), promising a visual treat that complements the auditory wonder of the album. A notable highlight is Rigoni’s use of a bass once owned by Randy Coven, adding a layer of profound personal and musical significance to the project.
Mark Your Calendars!
‘Unexpected Lullabies’ is slated for release on June 4th, 2024, under Sliptrick Records. The anticipation is already mounting, and fans can ensure they’re part of this musical revolution by pre-ordering their copy at Shop Sliptrick Records. Don’t miss your chance to experience this unparalleled blend of sweetness and might, woven together by Alberto Rigoni and his ensemble of musical greats.
Alberto Rigoni is ready to redefine music with ‘Unexpected Lullabies.’ Are you?
Iconic Bay Area thrash metal pioneers TESTAMENT have officially unveiled their highly anticipated European summer festival tour, ‘The Legacy & The New World Order.’ This tour promises to be an explosive celebration of the band’s enduring legacy and their influential presence in the thrash metal scene.
Kicking off on July 15, 2024, in Malmö, Sweden, TESTAMENT will embark on a thrilling journey across Europe, delivering their signature sonic onslaught at renowned festivals and venues.
Chuck Billy, the formidable frontman of TESTAMENT, expressed his excitement about the upcoming tour, stating, “We’re thrilled to bring ‘The Legacy & The New World Order’ set to Europe. It’s always special to connect with our fans across the globe, and this tour will be no exception. Get ready for a relentless onslaught of thrash metal mayhem!”
Guitarist Eric Peterson added, “The European metal scene has been a crucial part of our journey, and we can’t wait to share the stage with some incredible bands and create unforgettable memories with our fans.”
Don’t miss the chance to witness TESTAMENT’s sonic assault and experience the power of thrash metal at its finest. Brace yourselves for a summer filled with blistering riffs, intense energy, and a celebration of metal’s enduring legacy. Scroll down for all confirmed dates.
15.07. SE – Malmö, Slagthuset /w Behemoth 16.07. SE – Uppsala, Parksnäckan /w Behemoth 18.07. FI – Laukaa, John Smith Rock Festival 19.07. ET – Tallinn, Noblessner Foundry /w Behemoth 21.07. PL – Warsaw, Progresja Summer Stage /w Behemoth, Gaerea 23.07. SK – Kosice, Hádzanárska hala /w Behemoth, Gaerea 24.07. SK – Tolmin, Tolminator Festival 25.07. RS – Novi Sad, SKCNS Fabrika 27.07. BG – Sofia, Arena Sofia /w Behemoth, Pestilence 28.07. GR – Athens, Release Athens /w Behemoth, Pestilence 31.07. RO – Rasnov, Rockstadt Extreme Fest 02.08. DE – Roitzschjora, Full Rewind Festival 03.08. DE – Wacken, Wacken Open Air 05.08. DE – Karlsruhe, Substage /w Havok, Spiritworld 06.08. AT – Feldkirch, Poolbar /w Sylosis, Havok 07.08. DE – Ulm, Roxy /w Havok, Dust Bolt 08.08. CZ – Brutal Assault Festival 10.08. BE – Kortrijk, Alcatraz Festival 11.08. FR – Cercoux, Festival 666
KREATOR + ANTHRAX 2024 TOUR w/ very special guests Testament 21.11. UK – Manchester, O2 Apollo 22.11. UK – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall 23.11. UK – London, Eventim Apollo 25.11. IE – Dublin, 3 Arena 27.11. UK – Glasgow, OVO Hydro 29.11. FR – Paris, Zenith 30.11. DE – Düsseldorf, Mitsubishi Electric Halle 01.12. DE – Munich, Zenith 03.12. LU – Esch-sur-Alzette, Rockhal 04.12. CH – Zurich, Halle 622 06.12. IT – Milan, Alcatraz 07.12. DE – Stuttgart, Schleyerhalle 08.12. DE – Berlin, Uber Eats Music Hall 10.12. HU – Budapest, Barba Negra 11.12. PL – Katowice, Spodek 13.12. DE – Frankfurt, Jahrhunderthalle 14.12. DE – Hamburg, Edel Optics Arena 15.12. NL – Den Bosch, Mainstage
Formed in 1983 in the heart of the Bay Area thrash metal scene, TESTAMENT has become one of the genre’s most influential and enduring bands. With a career spanning several decades, the band has consistently delivered powerful and dynamic thrash metal, earning them a dedicated global fanbase. TESTAMENT’s lineup includes Chuck Billy (vocals), Eric Peterson (guitar), Alex Skolnick (guitar), Steve Di Giorgio (bass), and Chris Dovas (drums).
The tree set ablaze at the end of my days Awaiting my deserved death yell Long forgotten, no one whispers my name In the mountains and forests, I’ll dwell
Norway’s trailblazing cosmic voyagers, Enslaved, released their latest avant-garde creation Heimdal, one year ago. To celebrate the studio album’s first year of existence, the band recently announced the Heimdal (Deluxe) digital album, due out on March 1st 2024.
Heimdal (Deluxe) will include the studio album in full, as well as alternative versions of two album tracks ‘Forest Dweller’ and ‘Congelia’, both with sublime performances from renowned cellist Jo Quail, bonus track ‘Gangandi’, plus the entirety of ‘The Otherworldly Big Band Experience’ – Enslaved’s stunning 2022 streaming event featuring fellow psychedelic Norwegian prog band Shaman Elephant.
Today, Enslaved have released the alternative version of their track ‘Forest Dweller’, featuring internationally acclaimed composer and virtuoso cellist Jo Quail, alongside a beautiful visualizer video created by Costin Chioreanu.
Guitarist Ivar Bjørnson commented, “It is an absolute honour to have Jo Quail on these special versions of ‘Forest Dweller’ and ‘Congelia’. We are all big fans of her unique work and style; I have personally had the pleasure of working with her for some time through By Norse Music (the label co-founded with Einar Selvik and our manager Simon Füllemann). When we had the chance to invite guest artists for the release show in Bergen of ‘Heimdal’ back in March 2023, Jo Quail was a given. She blew our (and the audience’s) collective minds with her powerful interpretation and performance on ‘Forest Dweller’ and ‘Congelia’ – to the degree that it simply could not be the end of the story. She has a take on her art that is one of a kind – impossible to categorise, haunting, emotive and atmospheric; we feel that this version of us joining forces underlines the artistic and musical kinship we feel being present between our two camps. So here we are; for the world to hear! Be sure to check out Jo’s releases while you are at it!!!”
Jo Quail added, “I’ve long been a fan of Enslaved, and I have huge admiration for the way their masterful compositions broaden and deepen with each release. When the band invited me to collaborate I had to re-read the email several times! I was honoured and humbled by this invitation from a band so greatly revered by so many of us all over the world, and I was tremendously excited by the chance to explore our sonic worlds together. Enslaved are the same people on and off stage, which is not always a given, and it’s something that, in my opinion, translates in their music and performance – the connection with their audience in concert draws us in deeply and it’s nothing short of inspiring. It was an absolute honour to be invited by Enslaved to perform Forest Dweller and Congelia with them in March 2023. I approached these two quite diverse tracks with immense respect, as both were already fully developed and everything sat perfectly and exactly where it needed to be, so any contribution from me needed to underpin or enhance the existing story arc rather than divert from it. Enslaved are musically very generous; they were wholly supportive of my suggestions for cello parts, and the result was a collaboration that I shall treasure for all time. I’m thrilled that this now has life beyond that one very special concert, and I hope you enjoy the result!”
Enslaved will be touring the UK and Europe in March 2024. The 16-date run will take the band across 10 different countries, with support coming from British post-hardcore quartet Svalbard and US metallers Wayfarer.
ENSLAVED – UK + EUROPEAN TOUR 2024 w/ Svalbard + Wayfarer 06/03 – UK London, Islington Assembly Hall 07/03 – UK Leeds, Brudenell Social Club 08/03 – UK Manchester, Club Academy 09/03 – UK Glasgow, Slay 10/03 – IE Dublin, Opium 12/03 – NL Helmond, Cacaofabriek 13/03 – FR Paris, La Machine 14/03 – CH Geneva, PTR/l’Usine 15/03 – FR Montpellier, Victoire 2 16/03 – IT Milan, Legend 18/03 – CZ Prague, Futurum 19/03 – AT Vienna, Szene 21/03 – DE Cologne, Club Volta 22/03 – DE Leipzig, Taubchenthal 23/03 – DE Berlin, Hole44 24/03 – PL Warsaw, Proxima
Enslaved have also been announced for some festivals in 2024:
18/05-19/05 BE Thronefest *Vikingligr Veldi set 31/07-03/08 NO Beyond The Gates, Bergen 11/08 UK Bloodstock Festival, Derby 14/08-17/08 DE Summer Breeze, Dinkelsbühl 16/11-17/11 MX Mexico Metal Fest, Mexico City
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