SULPHUR AND MERCURY – Feat. Members of Misery Index, Hour Of Penance + Spiritual Front – Sign to Time To Kill Records

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 22, 2024
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Traditional metal stalwarts SULPHUR AND MERCURY have signed to Time To Kill Records for the release of their debut EP “Alchemia Prophetica”.

SULPHUR AND MERCURY was born from a love of classic heavy metal and doom. The band is embodied by Jason Netherton (Misery Index, Asphalt Graves, ex Dying Fetus) on vocals, Francesco Conte (Spiritual Front, Nero Omega, ex Klimt 1918) on guitar, Marco Mastrobuono (Hour Of Penance, Inno, Buffalo Grillz) on bass and Dario Casabona (Griefbringer, ex Schizo, Sinoath) on drums.

Watch for the first single, more details on the EP release and more news on other upcoming SULPHUR AND MERCURY activities to be posted shortly.

As time-travellers from 1987… SULPHUR AND MERCURY have arrived.

Born in the Cerverteri Necropolis under the blood moon of the Italian summer solstice, SULPHUR AND MERCURY forge haunted dirges of occultic heavy metal from the fires of its glorious past. Elements of Frostian apocalyptic doom are summoned and collide with the melodic instincts of the NWOBHM, manifesting caustic anthems to the arcane arts.

The group came together in 2021, when guitarist Francesco Conte and vocalist Jason Netherton bonded over their shared affinity for the darker incantations of 1980s heavy metal, along the lines of Mercyful Fate, Celtic Frost, Satan and Sabbat (UK). The pair were later joined by drummer Dario Casabona and bassist Marco Mastrobuono, after which they commenced to songwriting and then recording in 2022. Like soothsayers channelling the spirit of ‘87 (a year pivotal for both Conte and Netherton in their metal edification), the band explicitly invoke the ghosts of metal’s past, in order to hammer it into a distinctly modern vision.

The outcome is the 6 track EP “Alchemia Prophetica”. Featuring 4 original songs and a cover of Satan‘s demo-era anthem “Heads Will Roll”, the EP stands as an ode to the glory of heavy metal’s yesteryear in the form of haunting anthems to the unknown and otherworldly.

Line-up

Jason Netherton – Vocals
Francesco Conte – Guitars
Marco Mastrobuono – Bass
Dario Casabona – Drums

https://sulphurandmercury.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/sulphurandmercury
https://www.instagram.com/sulphurandmercury1987/

NUCLEAR BLAST Launches Collaboration with The Sandbox for Unique Virtual World Experience

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 22, 2024
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The new year starts with a blast for all metalheads, tech nerds and everyone yearning to dive headfirst into 2024 with a virtual adventure: today, Nuclear Blast Records is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with The Sandbox.

Both die-hards and newcomers are invited to embark on a journey into a virtual world dedicated to metal culture and gaming: Blast Valley. This land hosted within The Sandbox is the ultimate realm for metalheads, including a giant scene at the heart of a volcano, a vinyl factory, secret crypts and (of course) a bar.

Players from all around the world are invited to unite and participate in the most important quest of their lives: to revive the power of metal within Blast Valley.

Guided by the keeper of the land and guardian of the metal spirit, “The Reaper”, the main quest, once accepted, is to explore every corner of the land to complete a series of tasks to bring the metal energy back.

Following its launch today, Blast Valley will evolve through time and welcome in new events such as virtual gigs, avatar collection launch and release parties.

You can access the experience here.

Nuclear Blast states:
“Blast Valley is a place where unforgettable experiences are crafted and where bonds with newfound friends are forged. Join us as we celebrate the power of metal and revel in the camaraderie it fosters. Prepare for some upcoming surprises with partners from the scene.”

About Nuclear Blast
For 35 years and counting, Nuclear Blast Records has been synonymous with the worldwide advancement of heavy music. Founded in Donzdorf, Germany in 1987, Nuclear Blast is part of Believe, one of the world’s leading digital music companies. Nuclear Blast boasts a roster of over 150 bands. Their offices in Los Angeles, London, Hamburg, and Paris have helped build the label’s trusted global reputation with numerous album chart entries, high-profile tours, and continual signings of new and heritage acts. The label has additional representatives in Australia, Brazil and Sweden, amongst others.

About The Sandbox:
The Sandbox, a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, is one of the decentralized virtual worlds that has been fueling the recent growth of virtual real estate demand, having partnered with major brands including Warner Music Group, Ubisoft, The Rabbids, Cut the Rope, Tony Hawk, Gucci Vault, The Walking Dead, Invincible, Snoop Dogg, Adidas, Deadmau5, Steve Aoki, SM Entertainment, The Smurfs, Care Bears, and Atari. Building on the existing The Sandbox IP that has more than 40 million global installs on mobile, The Sandbox metaverse offers players and creators a decentralized and intuitive platform to create immersive 3D worlds and game experiences and to safely store, trade, and monetize their creations. For more information, please visit www.sandbox.game and follow the regular updates on Twitter, Medium, and Discord

THE DEVILS Unleash Lyric Video for ‘Killer’s Kiss’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 22, 2024
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Rock’n’Roll Power duo THE DEVILS will release their fourth album “Let The World Burn Down” on February 9th via Go Down Records. Hailing from Naples, Italy, Gianni Blacula and Erika Switchblade, the driving forces behind THE DEVILS, have crafted a unique and chaotic sound that embodies the essence of rock’n’roll. Their music is raw, primal, and oozes with sex, sin, and unadulterated energy. Following the release of their first two singles, “Divine Is The Illusion” and “Til Life Do Us Part,” the band is now offering fans another glimpse of what’s to come with a captivating lyric video for their latest single, “Killer’s Kiss”. Watch the video here:

Stream the single HERE

THE DEVILS comments:
“All feelings of a kiss milk their absolute from the misery of the glands. Dignity lies in the disenchanted affection that survives a moment of drooling. A duel of salivas in the desert of a frustrated life can lead to hope, but with hope comes love, and with love comes hate. Hope is the worst of evils, prolongs torment, and is the most basic shape of delirium. But the only true form of hope we have is resignation. Sooner or later any desire must encounter its tiredness: its truth. But unlike pleasures, pains do not lead to satiety.”

Reflecting on the creation of the band’s new album “Let The World Burn Down”, THE DEVILS shared their journey: “After releasing our third album in 2021, during the lockdown, we thought we would never play again. But all that anguish and disillusionment gave us the energy to go back to writing new songs, thanks to our desire to discover new musical horizons and many inspirational blues and soul listenings in recent years. Let The World Burn Down is dedicated to all the Brothers and Sisters who have had enough of Humanity.“

Collaborating once again with the talented California musician Alain Johannes, THE DEVILS have curated a tracklist that showcases their versatility and pays homage to their musical influences. The album features notable covers such as ‘Big City Lights’ by Cleo Randle (1966) and ‘Teddy Boy Boogie’ by Crazy Cavan ‘n’ The Rhythm Rockers (1975), which has been reimagined as ‘Teddy Girl Boogie.’

“Let The World Burn Down” will be coming out on February 9 via Go Down Records and is available for pre-order at THIS LOCATION

Tracklist:

  1. Divine Is the Illusion
  2. Killer’s Kiss
  3. Mr Hot Stuff
  4. Big City Lights
  5. Til Life Do Us Part
  6. Roar II
  7. Shake ‘em
  8. Teddy Girl Boogie
  9. The Last Rebel
  10. Horror and Desire

THE DEVILS are:

Erika Switchblade | vocals, drums
Gianni Blacula | vocals, guitars

ADDITIONAL MUSICIAN
Alain Johannes: guitar solo on ‘Horror and Desire’

For more info visit:

https://www.facebook.com/thedevilsduo/ 
https://www.instagram.com/thedevils_insta/ 
https://thedevilsduo.bandcamp.com 
SPOTIFY 

https://www.godownrecords.com 
https://www.facebook.com/GoDownRecords/ 
https://www.instagram.com/godownrecords/ 

BORKNAGAR Release New Single ‘Nordic Anthem’, New Album “Fall” Out February 23rd

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 22, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/borknagarofficial

Embark on a transcendent musical odyssey with the latest offering from BORKNAGAR, the captivating single “Nordic Anthem”, from their upcoming album “Fall” set to release worldwide on February 23rd.

Released with an invigorating call to embrace the untamed Nordic spirit, this track is more than just a composition—it’s a sonic manifesto that resounds with profound themes of individuality, strength, and liberation. 

As the echoing notes of “Nordic Anthem” reverberate, Borknagar delivers a powerful message of defiance, rejecting societal doctrines and standing tall against gods and authorities. The music becomes a conduit for a rebellion of the spirit, urging listeners to find solace and empowerment within their inner cores.  

In the tapestry of “Nordic Anthem,” Borknagar weaves together a melodic and atmospheric soundscape, transporting the listener into a realm where the rugged beauty of Nordic landscapes meets the rebellious spirit of the human soul. The track not only showcases the band’s musical prowess but also serves as a testament to their ability to infuse deep philosophical concepts into their art.  

Pre-order “Fall” and listen to “Nordic Anthem”, at this location.

UPON STONE’s Debut Album “Dead Mother Moon” Strikes with Ferocious Melodic Metal Mayhem

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 22, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Rebecca Lader

UPON STONE mark their entrance into the metal realm with the release of their debut album, “Dead Mother Moon”. 

Crafted under the skilled hands of producer and mixer Taylor Young at The Pit (known for his work with Twitching Tongues and Nails), the nine-track album delivers a relentless onslaught of Melodic Death Metal.

The thematic core of “Dead Mother Moon” explores concepts of isolation, loss, the quest for meaning, and a return to strength. These themes are intricately woven into a tapestry of emotions and ideas, enriched with elements of mysticism and the occult.  

From the fierce opening title track to the savage “Onyx Through the Heart” and the growling melodies of “Dusk Sang Fairest,” the album not only pays homage to the early 90s Scandinavian underground sound but revitalizes it for a new era. The band accompanies the release with a visually compelling video for “Dusk Sang Fairest,” adding a layer of enigma to the already powerful track.

 The band’s journey culminates in a free record release show on February 9th at Knucklehead in Los Angeles, featuring support from Skinfather, Section H8, Darkness Everywhere, and Greenwitch.  

The roots of Upon Stone trace back to the teenage years of its members—vocalist and bassist Xavier Wahlberg, drummer Wyatt Bentley, and guitarist Ronny Marks—when they began playing together in various Valley-based outfits. Joined by guitarist Gage Goss, the band fully took form in 2021 with the EP “Where Wild Sorrows Grow,” released on Creator Destructor.

The subsequent years saw Upon Stone relentlessly gigging, carving their niche between Los Angeles’ hardcore and metal scenes, sharing stages with acts like Bewitcher, Creeping Death, and Vomit Forth. It was during this period that the band began crafting the material that would evolve into “Dead Mother Moon.”  

Throughout the album’s eight original compositions (and one Misfits cover), Upon Stone’s passion for early Melodic Death Metal is palpable. From the album cover artwork by renowned German artist Andreas Marschall (known for his work with Dimmu Borgir and In Flames), “Dead Mother Moon” not only celebrates the sound that influenced global metal scenes but also infuses it with a sense of immediacy and vitality.  

Drummer Wyatt Bentley expresses the band’s aspirations, stating,
“Without sounding arrogant, it feels like a rebirth of a sound that changed how we all looked at music. We hope that it’s a gateway for people to go back and discover albums like ‘The Jester Race’ and ‘Storm of the Light’s Bane.’ I want it to matter to a new generation in the same way those records did for us.”

ORDER THE ALBUM HERE.

LOST IN GREY Reveal Artwork & Tracklist of Upcoming Album “Odyssey into the Grey”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 22, 2024
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LOST IN GREY, the theatrical metal pioneers and one of the most promising and inspiring acts coming from the Finnish metal scene release the cover and the tracklist of their new album “Odyssey into the Grey”. The beautiful and dark cover was created by Miika Haavisto and Mikko Virtanen.

Miika Haavisto himself describes the cover as follows:
“My intention has been to create a visual journey also in the album cover art works. On the first album we are introduced with the nameless cloaked creature portraited in one way or another also on the other albums. On the 2nd album it takes the form of the mountains of the waste land, and on the 3rd, it’ is positioned in the sea, under the surface.The starting point for creating the cover art for this 4th album was the thought of the entourage travelling with a horse carriage guided by this creature through the gloomy landscapes of the Grey Realms. In the background we can spot the mountains also visible in “The Waste Land” album cover art.”

The 8 songs on the album are as well thought out and detailed as the cover, taking the listener on a journey – a musical experience!

Pre-sales for the album, which will be released on April 5, 2024, are already underway:
Album: lostingrey.epr.rocks
Digital: save-it.cc/epr/the-entourage

Tracklist:
01 – The Entourage
02 – The Bottomless Pit
03 – Time
04 – Two Wolves
05 – A New Dawn
06 – Vem Kan Segla Förutan Vind
07 – Hailuoto
08 – Odyssey into the Grey

The Finnish theatrical metal band LOST IN GREY was founded in 2013 by composer, vocalist and keyboardist Harri Koskela, and lyricist and vocalist Anne Lill Rajala. What originally was planned to be simply a short-term project, soon grew into a full band. Inspired by a large variety of musical genres, literature, philosophy, and the world itself, Lost in Grey creates multifaceted music and brings elements of drama to their songs as well as live performances.

Followed by the previous album releases, THE GREY REALMS (2017), THE WASTE LAND (2019), and UNDER THE SURFACE (2021), which all claimed great responses from audiences and media, Lost in Grey’s upcoming 4th album takes another giant leap towards even greater musical adventures. The vocalists Emily Leone, Anne Lill Rajala and Harri Koskela play the main characters within the overarching story of all the albums, bringing a very own touch to it through their diverse voice talents.

In recent years these theatrical metal pioneers have proven to be one of the most promising and inspiring acts coming from the Finnish metal scene, electrifying their audiences through their versatile musical storytelling and tremendous sound. Now Lost in Grey invites you to dive with them on new adventures where the music and stories dance hand in hand, and everything is possible…

Line-up:
Harri Koskela – Keyboards, vocals and composer
Anne Lill Rajala – Vocals and lyrics
Emily Leone – Vocals and violin
Aapo Lindberg – Bass
Miika Haavisto – Guitar
Jarno Suodenjoki – Guitar
Teppo Ristola – Drums

More Info:
Website: www.lostingrey.fi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lostingrey
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lostingreyofficial
Spotify: spoti.fi/2ZFsTdv
YouTube: bit.ly/3Etq7aj