After five years, Philadelphia based hard rock outfit RAT ROD and frontman Mike Smith have gone their separate ways.
Smith departed the band to take care of his ailing mother and for health reasons, the singer announced on his Facebook page. In that post, Smith said, “The start of this New Year brings the announcement that, after a lot of thought, I have decided to leave My band, Rat Rod. I had to do this for my own reasons, as well as to have more time to take care of my sick mom. I’m not going into detail, but I want to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH, FROM MY HEART, for all the support and love over the past 5 years. I wish the guys good luck.”
Speaking for the band, lead guitarist Mark McCarty says, “We respect Mike’s decision to leave the band and truly wish the best for him and his family. As for Rat Rod, we intend to continue on in whatever band configuration makes most sense, but preferably with a replacement vocalist.”
RATROD’s newest release, Four on the Floor, has received high praise from both fans and critics alike across the globe with KNAC saying, “… the band has both the piss and the vinegar that lets them make Four On The Floor one hell of an underrated rock and roll gem that you are going to want to listen to…a lot!” and RAMZine in Britain announcing that the album ” … shows the band going from strength to strength, growing in popularity …” while CGCM Rock radio proclaims, “Straight to the point, no frills, no bullshit 4/4 hard rock is what Rat Rod does best. And they do it better than just about everyone else.”
The band is currently speaking to prospective vocalists and interested parties are encouraged to send a demo, photo and short biography via eMail to ratrodrocks@ratrodrocks.com with the subject line: “SINGER.”
Italian modern glam rockers NASTYVILLE will release their new single “Red,Black or…Green?” on February 13th on all the world’s best music stores, on Wanikiya Record’s showcase in Japan and on the label’s showcase on Crashsound Distribution.
A band full of energy, charisma and so much pure rock that you’ll want to grab a nice way and hit the road! Follow the band on all their socials and don’t forget to buckle up for Feb. 13, because Nastyville is coming…..
Nastyville band was born in 2012 from an idea of Danny Boy (drummer) and Dave (guitarist) with the desire to give a new face to the rock genre. The first album Viva hell-A (released back in 2015) features old-fashioned guitar riffs and the flavour of the best street/glam rock, with Lex on vocals, Kruska on bass and Manuel on guitar.
After the Lex and Kruska quitting, the band continue its journey with Mark Lee on vocals (actual current lead singer) and Fabian Anderchen on bass releasing, back in 2017, its second album Glam Caramel: distributed and produced by Volcano Records, the album is characterized by a more metal sound, which gave the band the opportunity to open to the Italian tours of Skid Row, Crashdiet, Enuff’z’Nuff, Adam Bomb, John Corabi, Simon Wright and many others.
The last album Songs of Threesome released back in 2022, distributed and produced by Delta Records, still sees a band lineup change with Dega on guitar and Paul (ex Thee S.T.P.) on bass. In 2023, founding member Danny Boy quit the band to make room for Chris Tabeat on drums. After the release of the brand new single called Red Black…Or Green? the band is currently working non-stop on new musical material in attempt to bring you some new and unique sound.
Paraline (alternative rock) are back with a new music video and single entitled “Icarus“. This is the second music video and single from their upcoming EP album Sound Weapon which is scheduled to be released on March 1, 2024 via Eclipse Records. The music video was directed by Leo Andersen.
“I could only describe the making of this video in three words… cold, unbelievably cold. For me personally, it was the hardest project we’ve ever done, but I’m damn happy with the result!” says bass guitarist Alex Shustoff. “When we were preparing the script for the video, I couldn’t imagine that the filming process would be as challenging as the story of Icarus and his father. On the day before, it snowed so much that it was impossible to drive to the location, even in an off-road vehicle specially prepared for the harsh winter! We essentially had to create a mile-long road with our own hands. As if that weren’t enough, nature rewarded us with strong winds and extremely low temperatures. We managed to survive, but it was a real test of our physical abilities and our characters!” Lead vocalist Leo Andersen adds, “The story of Icarus is very interesting in itself. It is a multifaceted story about a dream, about the struggle for oneself, one’s destiny and one’s future, and about the sacrifices one has to make for it. We saw ourselves in this myth and that’s how the song was born. You may see yourself in this story too, in which case we can only sympathize with you and hope that Icarus will support you and let you know that you are not the only one fighting for what you think is right. Despite the seriousness of its subject matter and its heavy sound – it’s a very tender and even heartwarming song, and we really wanted the video to support that feeling and we believe we accomplished this!”
Cover Art by Paraline
The new EP titled Sound Weapon by alternative rock band Paraline is a battle cry straight from the soul. Packed into a military box featured on the album cover, this “weapon” thematically explores the glory and tragedy of mirrored duality through its music: parallel lines symmetrically perfect yet never connecting, like the brothers in the band. Musically, the groove is the key to the cages of the lockup, and it is scheduled for release on March 1, 2024. The regal guitars open the war-chest, and the vocals are a smooth and lustrous searchlight chasing fear to the shadows and demons back into their snake pits. Plainly, the band takes rock music to a new level. The lyrics, interpreted literally, explore the chains and shackles of society, friends gone wrong, politics and relationships, and denials leading to emptiness. Moreso, however, this album is an epic example of what is most coveted in any art form. Sound Weapon is a sketchbook for the listener’s past and a launching pad for unrequited, bold imagination. Whether you see heaven, cold hell, the dazzling skin of the sun, or a sinister mist underneath a low moon, this record paints pictures that celebrate your journey and make your mystery rich and immortal. Now it is your turn to find out – what is in the box.
TEMIC arrived on the scene fully formed. The Prog Report nominated their debut album for best song, video and album of 2023. Of course, the runaway success of Terror Management Theory wasn’t too terribly surprising. After all, these guys joined forces after playing with Devin Townsend, Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress.
Even when paired down, this band is still a super group. Watch Fredrik Klemp and Eric Gillette flex their tender muscles on this live acoustic version of “Falling Away”.
This video was directed and produced by TEMIC’s drummer Simen Sandnes. It was recorded live at Stora Teatern in Gothenburg, Sweden. The theater is just a floor up from the studio where Sandnes recorded the drums on Terror Management Theory.
Terror Management Theory is riddled with power-prog anthems, though none soar higher than “Falling Away”. The studio recording jumps out of your speakers with booming drum fills and chugging riffs. But while dialed down to little more than brittle, acoustic plucking, this live acoustic version is no less powerful. “I will give in to the eternal night”, Klemp sings, as if preparing to float off and join the great gig in the sky. The way his falsetto lightly shatters against Gillette’s gentle harmonies, it’s like the two are orbiting one another, the way only true superstars can.
“‘Falling Away’ is one of our favorite tracks from our debut album” says TEMIC, “not only due to the musical elements present on the album version but because of its lyrics and vocal melodies. That is why Eric and Fredrik decided to grace us with this heartfelt, stripped-down acoustic version that focuses the spotlight on these core elements. Enjoy!”
Track list: 1. TMT (2:02) 2. Through the Sands of Time (7:00) [WATCH VIDEO] 3. Falling Away (4:58) [WATCH VIDEO] 4. Count Your Losses (6:13) [WATCH VIDEO] 5. Skeletons (7:00) 6. Acts of Violence (5:52) [WATCH VIDEO] 7. Friendly Fire (5:57) 8. Paradigm (6:33) 9. Once More (5:45) 10. Mothallah (7:27) [WATCH VIDEO] Total: 58:54
TEMIC broke into the world of prog music with a bang last year. Terror Management Theory topped the charts in the Netherlands and reached #15 on iTunes Worldwide Metal chart.
Now, prog’s new supergroup is rolling that breakout momentum under the bright lights of the Midwinter Prog Festival. Don’t miss the chance to see them next Saturday, when they’ll perform songs off their debut album for the very first time!
“Musically, it falls somewhere between Leprous, Sleep Token, Haken, Dream Theater & Pain of Salvation…amazing stuff, insane playing, check it out if you haven’t already!”
Their vision for TEMIC wasn’t exactly simple: synthesize their love for high-energy electronica and flashy riffs into a killer prog-metal hybrid. But after recruiting former soccer prodigy-turned-Zildjian-endorsed drummer Simen Sandnes (SHINING, Arkentype) to go along with the high-powered falsetto of Fredrik Klemp (Maraton), together, the supergroup managed to connect all those puzzle pieces on their very first album.
Terror Management Theory is perfect for busting out the air guitar. But now fans can also hit all the album’s high notes by downloading the song stems on Bandcamp. With these stems, budding musicians can learn the guitar, bass, drum and keyboard parts for all 10 songs. They can also be used by producers to remix prog anthems like “Count Your Losses” into thumping club bangers or a stripped-down yet soaring ballad.
Introducing TEMIC—prog’s newest, most ambitious, and most adrenaline-fueled act. TEMIC melds the creative minds of keyboardist and sound designer Diego Tejeida (Devin Townsend, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress, ex-Haken), guitarist Eric Gillette (The Neal Morse Band, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress), drummer Simen Sandnes (SHINING, Arkentype), and vocalist Fredrik Klemp (Maraton, 22).
The origins of TEMIC date back to 2017, when Tejeida and Gillette toured the world as band members of Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress. From the very first chords they exchanged, their musical chemistry both on and off stage was undeniable, leading them to discuss the prospect of starting a new band together. Unfortunately, conflicting tour and recording commitments forced them to turn their attention elsewhere for years—that is, until the world came to a standstill in 2020, and Tejeida called Gillette to ask a fateful question: “Remember how we said we should make music together? Well, how about now?”
Thus, the first demos for what would later become TEMIC’s 2023 debut album, Terror Management Theory, began to emerge. Within a few weeks after that initial phone call, the musical vision of TEMIC had become clear: Let’s create progressive music that is heavily influenced by high-energy electronic music, but arranged and orchestrated for a 5-piece modern prog rock/metal band—where, at last, the pulse can be the focus, and the vocal melody can be king.
Eager to join forces with the very best bandmates, Tejeida and Gillette first summoned the rhythmic power of their friend and drummer Sandnes. With characteristic enthusiasm, Sandnes seized the opportunity, prepared to contribute his percussive prowess as the heartbeat of TEMIC. When it came time to find the singer that would carry TEMIC’s melodies to new heights, Sandnes recommended vocal powerhouse Klemp, whose emotive delivery and unmatched intensity left no doubt that he was destined to be the voice of TEMIC. Finally, to round out the rhythm section of Terror Management Theory, dynamic bassist Jacob Umansky (Intervals) was invited on board as a guest player, gracing the album with an unrivaled groove and a signature low-end sound.
Together, this mammoth lineup is TEMIC, a high-energy, electronic-inspired, modern melodic prog metal band for the next generation.
Line-up: Fredrik Klemp (Maraton, 22) – Vocals Eric Gillette (The Neal Morse Band, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress) – Guitars and Backing Vocals Simen Sandnes (Shining, Arkentype) – Drums and Percussion Diego Tejeida (Devin Townsend, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress, ex-Haken) – Keyboards and Sound Design
Recording Studio: Drums and vocals recorded at Top Floor Studios (Gothenburg, Sweden) Producer: Produced by TEMIC. Drums and vocals engineered by Jakob Herrmann Gothenburg, Sweden) Mix/Mastering: Mixed and mastered by Rich Mouser at The Mouse House (Los Angeles, USA)
Guest musicians: Jacob Umansky (USA) – Bass guitar on the whole album Mosaic Gospel Choir (Norway) – Mothallah Garden State Threshold Choir (USA) – Mothallah
Following the announcement of their first US shows in over 10 years, LORD OF THE LOST now announce a highly anticipated full North American tour for fall 2024! The German dark rock unit just hit #2 on the Official German Album Charts with their recent full covers album Weapons Of Mass Seduction, and now they are set to play a total of 11 shows across the US and Canada, starting in Baltimore, MD on September 13 and finishing in San Francisco, CA on September 28.
LORD OF THE LOST will be warming up their North American fans next week, with a performance at 70000 Tons of Metal, the world’s biggest heavy metal cruise, in Miami, FL. Once back in Europe, the band will head out on their already partially sold-out “15 Years of LORD OF THE LOST” tour in March, followed by a yet another busy festival summer at several big rock and metal festivals. Set your alarms now as tickets for LORD OF THE LOST’s US and Canada tour dates go on sale this Friday, January 26!
LORD OF THE LOST state: “After 10 long years of waiting, we are finally heading back to the United States! It has taken too long – not just for us, but for many, many fans. We are overjoyed that the long wait is finally over, and we are finally returning. A little taste of what’s to come is our participation in the 70000 Tons Of Metal, which starts in Miami. So, at least briefly, we will set foot on US soil. In the fall of 2024, we will finally return for headline shows then!”
A year after the release of their #1 charting album, Blood & Glitter (Official German Album Charts), LORD OF THE LOST returned with covers album, Weapons Of Mass Seduction, released on December 29, 2023 via Napalm Records. The exciting new offering features plenty of genre-crossing tracks and wraps up the busiest year in the band’s history so far.
While the album is entirely composed of covers, Weapons Of Mass Seduction confirms LORD OF THE LOST’s creative ability to make any song their own, and further confirms their innovative status. The covers album comes in various different formats – some containing a second CD with 11 covers that are already released or have been played live. The deluxe boxset includes a third CD with 10 acoustic tracks, exclusively available in this format.
Get your copy of new covers album Weapons Of Mass Seduction NOW
Weapons Of Mass Seduction features a wide range of songs from different eras and genres performed in true LORD OF THE LOST style, all surprisingly fitting for the band and hence forming a cohesive collection of covers. Classic heavy metal track “Turbo Lover”, originally by Judas Priest, meets modern pop hits in songs such as Sia’s “Unstoppable”, Bishop Briggs’ “River” and Zella Day’s “High”. Ultravox’ “Hymn”, followed by Michael Jackson’s legendary “Give In To Me” and Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know”, expand the multifaceted selection even further. With added rougher elements such as heavier vocals, Bronski Beat’s captivating 80s electro pop hit “Smalltown Boy” gets a dark makeover in the hands of LORD OF THE LOST. An emotional version of The Pretty Reckless’ “House On A Hill” closes Weapons Of Mass Seduction impactfully.
A special 2CD edition of the new covers album provides a cross-cut of covers previously released or already covered live over the course of LORD OF THE LOST’s career. Among them are the Roxette cover “The Look” feat. Blümchen – already known from Blood & Glitter – “Children Of The Damned”, a homage to Iron Maiden, with whom LORD OF THE LOST experienced intense times during the last two years, and the cover of the Finnish ESC song “Cha Cha Cha” by Käärijä – sung by Chris Harms completely in Finnish.
Weapons Of Mass Seduction Tracklist: CD 1
Shock To The System (Billy Idol Cover)
Unstoppable (Sia Cover)
Smalltown Boy (Bronski Beat Cover)
Turbo Lover (Judas Priest Cover)
Hymn (Ultravox Cover)
Give In To Me (Michael Jackson Cover)
River (Bishop Briggs Cover)
Somewhere Only We Know (Keane Cover)
(I Just) Died In Your Arms (feat. Anica Russo) (Cutting Crew Cover)
High (Zella Day Cover)
House On A Hill (The Pretty Reckless Cover)
CD 2
The Look (feat. Blümchen) (Roxette Cover)
Ordinary Town (Celebrate The Nun Cover)
Cha Cha Cha (Käärijä Cover)
Judas (Lady Gaga Cover)
Children Of The Damned (Iron Maiden Cover)
Wig In A Box (Hedwig and the Angry Inch Cover)
Bad Romance (Lady Gaga Cover)
The Most Radical Thing To Do (The Ark Cover)
This Is The Life (Amy MacDonald Cover)
It’s A Sin (Pet Shop Boys Cover)
Ordinary World (Duran Duran Cover)
CD 3 – Ltd Deluxe Edition only
Starman (David Bowie Cover)
Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon (Neil Diamond Cover)
The Days Of Pearly Spencer (David McWilliams Cover)
Hey You (Pink Floyd Cover)
I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night (The Electric Prunes Cover)
Where Do You Go To My Lovely (Peter Sarstedt Cover)
Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season) (The Byrds Cover)
In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus) (Zager & Evans Cover)
All I Have To Do Is Dream (The Everly Brothers Cover)
15 Years Of LORD OF THE LOST Tour: w/ Specials Guests The Raven Age and Support: Bitz Union*, Hell Boulevard**, Empire Giants*** 22.03.24 DE – Nuremberg* 23.03.24 DE – Munich* – SOLD OUT! 24.03.24 IT – Trezzo sull’Adda* 26.03.24 CH – Pratteln* 27.03.24 FR – Grenoble* 29.03.24 ES – Barcelona* 30.03.24 ES – Madrid* 02.04.24 FR – Paris* 03.04.24 LU – Luxembourg* 04.04.24 DE – Frankfurt* 05.04.24 DE – Cologne* – SOLD OUT! 06.04.24 NL – Amsterdam* – SOLD OUT! 17.04.24 CZ – Prague** 18.04.24 HU – Budapest** 19.04.24 AT – Vienna** 20.04.24 DE – Stuttgart** – LOW TICKETS! 23.04.24 NL – Eindhoven*** – NEW DATE! 24.04.24 DE – Berlin*** 25.04.24 PL – Warsaw*** 26.04.24 PL – Krakow*** 27.04.24 DE – Leipzig***
BACK TO EUROVISION: 10.05.24 SE – Malmö Special show one day before the ESC Grand Final
Coming To the U.S. & Canada: 13.09.24 US – Baltimore, MD 14.09.24 US – New York City / Irving Plaza 15.09.24 US – Boston, MA 17.09.24 US – Montreal, QC 18.09.24 US – Toronto, ON 20.09.24 US – Cleveland, OH 22.09.24 US – Minneapolis, MN 24.09.24 US – Denver, CO 26.09.24 US – Phoenix, AZ 27.09.24 US – Los Angeles, CA 28.09.24 US – San Francisco, CA
LORDFEST 2024: 14.12.24 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle
Festivals 2024: 29.01.-02.02.24 US – Miami / 70000tons of Metal 06.06.-08.06.24 PL – Gdańsk / Mystic Festival 09.08.-11.08.24 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz Festival 10.08.-11.08.24 DE – Hildesheim / M’era Luna 14.08.-17.08.24 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze 24.08.24 DE – Wuppertal / Feuertal Festival 07.09.24 DE – Selb / Festival Mediaval – Exclusive Acoustic Set
LORD OF THE LOST are: Chris Harms – Vocals, Guitar Pi Stoffers – Guitar Class Grenayde – Bass Gared Dirge – Piano, Synths, Percussion, Guitar Niklas Kahl – Drums
Sweden’s most promising new rock band, THE GEMS, gear up for the release of their highly anticipated debut album Phoenix, out this Friday, January 26, 2024, by revealing fifth single “Fruits Of My Labor”! The trio consisting of three ex-Thundermother members, Guernica Mancini, Emlee Johansson and Mona “Demona” Lindgren, caught the attention of the music industry even before they had a name, and started playing live internationally when they only had one standalone single out, already receiving significant airplay chart success in Germany.
The members of THE GEMS hit #6 on the Official German Album Charts twice with their previous band, and performed at many huge international festivals such as Wacken, Sweden Rock and Alcatraz, as well as provided tour support for the iconic rock band Scorpions. With their debut album Phoenix, THE GEMS rise from the ashes, ready to take over the rock scene. Make sure to place your pre-order, and check out the lyric video to sentimental “Fruits Of My Labor” below!
THE GEMS on “Fruits Of My Labor”: “This song is about overcoming and appreciating the struggles on the way to making your dreams come true. ♥”
Captivating, chanting intro track “Aurora” allows vocalist Guernica Mancini’s distinctive, strong and bluesy vocals shine, and sets the scene before the catchy rock’n’roll anthem “Queens” roars as a celebration of feminine power. Standing up for oneself, fighting back and rising above are some of the main lyrical themes of Phoenix, which “Send Me To The Wolves” is an outstanding example of. The song’s storyline champions overcoming and not giving in to oppressors. Songs like “Domino” and “Kiss It Goodbye” take THE GEMS’ grooviness to the level of legendary classic rock bands, while high-energy songs such as “P.S.Y.C.H.O.”, “Silver Tongue” and “Force Of Nature” add a playful, feel-good touch to the album. With emotional tracks like “Undiscovered Paths” and “Fruits Of My Labor”, THE GEMS bring significant depth and variety to the album, distancing themselves from their history.
Stunning interlude “Maria’s Song”, featuring violinist Maria Jern, fades into the touching ballad “Ease Your Pain” – giving extra space to the exceptional guitar work of Mona “Demona” Lindgren. Following track “Running” shines as a surefire future hit with more impressive guitar work and Emlee Johansson’s hard-hitting drums, before the beautifully stripped-down acoustic version of “Like A Phoenix” – backed with acoustic guitar by producer Johan Randén – wraps up THE GEMS’ debut album. Phoenix was mastered by Plec Johansson (Soilwork, Hank von Hell, Firewind) and its artwork was created by ex-Thundermother member Giorgia Carteri (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra).
It is clear that the seasoned musicians of THE GEMS won’t settle in the shadows of their prior successes. With their fresh, convincing debut offering, THE GEMS take a stand and leave the past behind. Make no mistake – with Phoenix, THE GEMS will conquer the international rock scene in a heartbeat.
THE GEMS on Phoenix: “Phoenix marks the beginning, the rise of THE GEMS. This album takes you on a journey through one of our toughest times. Through this creative process we were able to really dig deep and let go of a lot of emotional baggage, and find true happiness in music again. The new found freedom our band has been given us shines through on this album. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished, and the true Rock n Roll Sisterhood and community we’ve built through these few months of our existence. Phoenix is the perfect album for anyone going through a tough time, having the rug pulled out under you and somehow finding the strength to rebuild. You’ll get the full range of emotions, masterfully produced by our dear friend Johan Randén, who we also wrote some of the songs with.
We hope people will love Phoenix and really enjoy the epic ride this album will take you on.”
Tracklist Phoenix: 1 Aurora – Interlude 2 Queens 3 Send Me To The Wolves 4 Domino 5 Silver Tongue 6 Undiscovered Paths 7 Maria’s Song – Interlude 8 Ease Your Pain 9 Running 10 Renaissance – Interlude 11 Like A Phoenix 12 P.S.Y.C.H.O 13 Kiss it Goodbye 14 Force Of Nature 15 Fruits Of My Labor 16 Like A Phoenix – Acoustic Version
THE GEMS are: Guernica Mancini – Vocals Emlee Johansson – Drums Mona Lindgren – Guitar, Bass
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 ) 