UK death metal trio INGESTED is pleased to unleash their new video for “Starve The Fire.” The track appears on the band’s The Tide Of Death And Fractured Dreams full-length, released in April on Metal Blade Records.
Since their fifth album, 2020’s Where Only God May Tread, INGESTED has been on a creative tear that has produced almost a full record every year, each displaying the kind of musical growth that only comes from constantly practicing, playing, and writing. The Tide Of Death And Fractured Dreams is not only as innovative and brutal as their last disc – the bleak, firestorm Ashes Lie Still – it showcases a band willing to expand its creativity without sacrificing the ferocity that made it one of the most impressively destructive, technical death metal bands on the scene. Whether pummeling listeners with double-bass rolls, blast-beats, and grinding rhythm; breaking it all down with jagged, staggered riffs, and piercing harmonics; or flooding the mix with rapid-fire bursts of minor key melodies, INGESTED has injected all of their experience, skill, and artistry into ten trenchant new tracks.
The band’s “Starve The Fire” video takes a behind-the-scenes look into the recording process. Elaborates guitarist/backing vocalist Sean Hynes, “Take a look into The Tide Of Death And Fractured Dreams recording sessions, where we captured live takes to make the new video for ‘Starve The Fire.’ Step behind the scenes to see what recording life is like and get close and personal with INGESTED in the studio.”
Watch INGESTED‘s previously released videos for “Paragon Of Purity” HERE, “Pantheon” HERE, and “Endless Machine” HERE.
The Tide Of Death And Fractured Dreams was produced by the band with the guidance of recording engineer Nico Beninato. The record includes a guest appearance by Chimaira‘s Mark Hunter who provides vocals for the track “In Nothingness” and Sylosis singer Josh Middleton who contributes to “Expect To Fail,” as well as the striking cover art of David Seidman.
INGESTED‘s The Tide Of Death And Fractured Dreams is available on CD, LP, digital formats. Order at: metalblade.com/ingested
This September, INGESTED will join Fleshgod Apocalypse and Shadow Of Intent on their North American co-headlining trek. The Black Opera Across North America 2024 Tour runs from September 14th through October 15th. Additional support will be provided by Disembodied Tyrant, and labelmates, The Zenith Passage. Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
INGESTED w/ Fleshgod Apocalypse, Shadow Of Intent, The Zenith Passage, Disembodied Tyrant: 9/14/2024 House of Blues – Cleveland, OH 9/15/2024 Metro – Chicago, IL 9/16/2024 The Castle Theatre – Bloomington, IL 9/18/2024 Saint Andrew’s Hall – Detroit, MI 9/19/2024 The Opera House – Toronto, ON 9/20/2024 L’Olympia – Montreal, QC 9/21/2024 Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON 9/22/2024 New England Metal And Hardcore Fest – Worcester, MA 9/23/2024 Warsaw – Brooklyn, NY 9/25/2024 Reverb – Reading, PA 9/26/2024 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 9/27/2024 The Underground – Charlotte, NC 9/28/2024 House of Blues North – Myrtle Beach, SC 9/29/2024 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL 10/01/2024 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 10/02/2024 Paper Tiger – San Antonio, TX 10/03/2024 Granada Theater – Dallas, TX 10/04/2024 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK 10/05/2024 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM 10/06/2024 The Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ 10/08/2024 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA 10/09/2024 Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA 10/10/2024 House Of Blues – San Diego, CA 10/11/2024 Riverside Municipal Auditorium – Riverside, CA 10/12/2024 House of Blues – Las Vegas, NV 10/13/2024 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT 10/15/2024 Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO
INGESTED: Jason Evans – vocals Sean Hynes – guitars, backing vocals Lyn Jeffs – drums
Symphony of Sweden is turning up the volume with the electrifying addition of Erik Arkö as their new bassist. Fresh from Stockholm, Erik brings a dynamic blend of experience and energy, currently shaking stages with Six Feet Deeper and known for his powerhouse performances with bands like Structural Disorder, Sorcerer, Frontback, and Misth. Beyond the stage, Erik captivates fans with his YouTube channel, where he delves into the world of bass and music gear, adding yet another layer of excitement to Symphony of Sweden’s evolving sound.
Below you can find an exclusive interview with Erik Arkö.
-Welcome to Symphony of Sweden! How does it feel to be making your debut with the band at such a significant event?
Hello! Thank you so much! It feels amazing – it’s truly an honour and a privilege to get to join the band for this upcoming chapter and I couldn’t possibly be more excited about this!
-How did this opportunity come about?
It was a bit of a “Sliding Doors” moment, really. I was just about to head to bed and, just out of routine I opened up the Swedish buy/sell music gear page Vend. I scrolled down to the “Bass Player Wanted” section – and there I found the ad saying that the band was in need of a bass player. I googled the band and listened to a few songs before writing a short introduction and attaching a few videos of me playing both live and “in the studio” and pretty instantly got a reply from Evan. A few days passed and I saw that they were (in the later “adds”) also asking for social media links, which I hadn’t provided – so, wanting to be a bit “on top of things” and prove myself interested I emailed those as well. I think that resonated in a positive way with Evan and I got talking a bit over email. We scheduled a lunch meeting a week or so later and when we met, we just clicked instantly as individuals – which is very important, in my humble opinion. A band that can’t hang as individuals off stage seldom lasts very long as a group. Basically, Evan offered me the gig as the bass player a few minutes into the lunch, which got me firing on all cylinders and I basically got started with transcribing and learning the full set that very day. And it all comes down to me, with no intent whatsoever checking that buy/sell page before going to bed.
-What was your reaction when you found out that the Premier Show sold out in just two weeks?
It really got me pumped up! I’ve played gigs to both thousands of people and three people and a dog in the audience – and although I love playing no matter the size of the venue and the crowd, a sold-out venue is always a wee bit more exciting to hit the stage to!
-How have you been preparing for your first live performance with the band?
I’ve been going through the live set front-to-back pretty much ever since I got the setlist from Evan. I actually transcribed all of the bass parts as part of the learning process, so if there’s an aspiring bass player out there who wants tabs and sheet music they can always hit me up (given that we’re playing the song that they want to learn in this set…) I really want the set and the songs to be part of my muscle memory so that I can focus more on the interaction with the crowd and really lock in with the guys of the band.
-What are you most excited about for the Premier Show?
The very first note that hits the crowd from the full band – and the last note of the set! That’s when some extra adrenaline really hits your brain!
-How has the band helped you integrate and prepare for this debut performance?
This aspect has been extremely professional! Evan provided me with both the isolated bass tracks, bass-less songs, and tempo charts for all of the songs – things that really made my learning process a whole lot smoother. I’m used to getting a Spotify playlist and a “see you in two weeks for rehearsal! Let us know if you need any help!”, which I don’t mind at all – but this made things a whole lot smoother!
-Are there any particular songs in the setlist that you’re especially excited to play live?
Spoilers ahead! “Even if Solo” and “Slave” are two really high-octane numbers that I’m really looking forward to playing live!
-How do you handle the pressure of making your debut at a sold-out show?
I make sure that I’m fully prepared, both in terms of learning the songs, setting up and dialing in my gear, and physically (as in going out running and building up actual physical endurance). Then it’s all just about relaxing and enjoying the moment!
-What unique elements do you feel you bring to Symphony of Sweden’s sound and performance?
A really solid bass tone and an energetic stage persona!
-Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines to get ready for this big night?
I usually spend a lot of time with my instrument before a gig. I usually run through some tricky parts, play some arpeggios, and make sure that both of my hands are nice and relaxed. I never drink alcohol before a show, but I gladly accept a cup of coffee or a Coca-Cola – just to get some caffeine going through my bloodstream.
-How have the fans responded to the news of you joining the band?
The reception has been great! I feel truly welcomed by the fans and I can’t wait to prove myself to them!
-What are your goals as the new bassist for Symphony of Sweden, both for this show and moving forward?
For this show: a rock solid show with great tunes performed with a lot of heart and energy. Moving forward: playing (and potentially headlining) big festivals! My dream is to play Rock in Rio in Brazil – and I won’t say no to the Sweden Rock Festival or Wacken either!
-How do you plan to connect with the audience during your debut performance?
I’m gonna reiterate what Ian Gillan told Bruce Dickinson in the early ’80s: Look them in the eye and mean it! You want the person at the very back to feel just as part of what’s on stage as the one standing at the very front row. That has always been my mission when on stage – and I intend on continuing that crusade with Symphony of Sweden as well!
-Finally, what message would you like to share with the fans who will be seeing you perform for the first time at the Premier Show?
Thank you for making the show sell out! Can’t wait to see you all there!
Welcome to the musical world of Symphony Of Sweden!
Coming from the North of Sweden with winter and polar bears all over the place, the music is the other way around. Grand and epic with huge arrangements, the missing link between pop and metal – this is Symphony of Sweden! Add the powerful voice of Linus “Lee” Wester and the creative talent of Pontus “Evan” Hagberg you will have a concept that brings you on a journey from here to eternity.
Symphony Of Sweden is: Pontus „Evan” Hagberg Linus „Lee” Wester
Contributing musicians for the upcoming Premier Show:
🎸 Erik Arkö – Master of 4-String 🎓 Erik hails from Stockholm, Sweden, and brings a wealth of experience and talent to the lineup.
Henrik Bodin-Sköld – Guitar Virtuoso & Arrangement Maestro 🎨 Henrik’s fretwork prowess defines the soul-stirring sound of Symphony Of Sweden’s “Haunted” album, making each track an odyssey into hard rock mastery.
🥁 Niklas “Bullen” Bengtsson – Rhythmic Dynamo 🔥 Fueling the band’s heartbeat on drums, Niklas “Bullen” Bengtsson brings relentless energy and precision.
The HistoryEvan and Lee lived in the same small town up north in Sweden. Lee had his own little service point, betting shop, tobacco store nearby which also happened to be Evan’s local service point where he went to get his parcels. After saying hello to each other for a couple of years, there was one day Evan had a parcel to get – which obviously was music-related. They fell into conversation with each other, a few days later Evan invited Lee to his studio. Evan: „he had found one of my instrumental tracks on Youtube and sang it with a new melody on top and lyrics for me in the studio, right there when he just arrived! I was blown away, and a week later we had our first ever track produced and completed. As soon he sang his first two words in the studio I wanted to work with him!”
The band released their first album, Inner Demons in January 2021, and their second album, Saints Of Yesterday came out on the 3rd of February, 2022. The band’s latest material, Haunted was released on the 7th of February, 2024.
German Post-Metallers BARYON have delivered another intense taste of the band’s upcoming sophomore full-length record, entitled “Hypnos“, which will be out on July 28. Following the release of the first single “Cardiac Eye”, the band follows up today with the brand new track “Communion”.
“It’s the very definition of a ‘big’ song. There are shades of Opeth, Cult of Luna as well as Katatonia, all incorporated into this behemoth“, BARYON comment. “Communion is supposed to take you on a journey – and it’s as packed as you can get in 12 minutes.“
Recorded at RAMA Studio in Mannheim between 2020 and 2022, “Hypnos” is a massive and dynamic record that showcases the band’s growth and musical evolution. Produced by Tobias Schwarz, who also worked on their debut album, the record features intricate layering of guitars, synths, and vocals that create a powerful and immersive listening experience.
“We wanted to create a ‘big’ record, and Tobi’s mix made it possible,” BARYON states. “We used Orange, Rivera and London City amps, a small army of delay and reverb pedals from Meris to EHX to Red Panda, distortion and overdrive pedals, noise boxes from Industrialectric as well as Schecter guitars, Ibanez guitars and a whole lot of takes – all orchestrated and held together by Tobi’s know-how. We wanted to create the ultimate post-metal record made in Germany – more melodic than Cult of Luna, but heavier than the usual post-rock acts.“
According to the band, the album is not a concept album but revolves around themes of guilt, liberation, and arrival. Lead vocalist Sebastian’s lyrics are introspective and thought-provoking, adding depth and emotion to the music.
“Hypnos” will be self-released by BARYON on July 28th
Tracklist reads as follows:
Ambitendency
Cardiac Eye
The Bargain
Hedron
Will of Hamartia
Communion
BARYON are: Philipp Schäfer – Drums Felix Schäfer – Keys Maximlian Hausner – Bass Philip Neumann – Gitarre Dimitrios Kasprzyk – Gitarre
Non Serviam Records is excited to welcome Greek black metal four-piece ISOLERT to its family! Known for their style which combines intense melodies with aggressive elements and merciless vocals, ISOLERT create an epic atmosphere amidst a landscape of agony.
Founded in 2015 as a duo by Panagiotis T. (vocals) and Nick S. (drums, vocals), the band will release their third studio album, “Wounds Of Desolation”, on September 13, 2024.
“Four years have passed since the release of ‘World in Ruins’. And in idle times we stayed nothing but idle. “Wounds of Desolation” is our third full length album and with it a new era dawns for Isolert. With the addition of George S. (Kosmovorous, Herald) in our ranks, it marks a shift in sound for us as this is the most complex, demanding and ferocious material we have recorded so far. And as the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb so is our bond with Non Serviam Records, our partner in materializing this record. Non Serviam Records will handle the release with the unwavering dedication and support that they are known for,” comments the band.
Ricardo Gelok from Non Serviam Records adds: “The dark and melodic black metal sound of ‘Wounds of Desolation’ was a real pleasant surprise when I hear the songs for the first time. This is a band that knows how to write good music and also turn it into a good production. I listenened to the promo several times when I received it, just because I liked it so much. I’m happy to have Isolert at Non Serviam Records.”
ISOLERT are: Panagiotis T. – Vocals Apostolos K. – Guitars, Bass George S. – Guitars Nick S. – Drums, Vocals
[Photo by Robert Eikelpoth / Photo editing by Blake Armstrong]
The pirates of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS have topped the charts worldwide, reaching #5 on the Official German Album Charts, #5 on the Official Austrian Album Charts, #4 on the UK Rock Charts, #30 on the UK Official Sales Charts, #16 on the Official Swiss Album Charts, #2 on the US Hard Music Album Charts, #3 on the Canadian Hard Music Album Charts and #39 on the French Physical Album Charts – to only name a few – with their new album, Pirates II – Armada.
This album continues and expands on the success of Pirates (2022), which charted in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UK, USA, Canada, and various other positions in Europe upon its release. Furthermore, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS conquered the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise, the Sabaton Cruise, ProgPower USA, Bloodstock Festival UK, and several other festivals, as well as a 2023 North American headline tour. This fall, the band will embark on 33 shows all over Europe – the biggest headline tour of their promising career so far. Brace yourself and prepare for this unique symphonic metal spectacle!
Visions Of Atlantis state: “Thank you, Sailors, worldwide for joining our mighty ARMADA!”
Ship’s log: July 5, 2024; High Seas A new day of sailing begins, the wind on our side, and the sea speaks of recent battles. The air feels fresh – Hypocrisy, greed, envy – hearts of the old world finally disclose their deluded truth. Old leaders are losing ground, their lies are getting worse, and darkness creeps in. Each sunny day hides a coming storm, nature testing our strength for the last battle.
We’ve become pirates as their counterparts, free-spirited and true at heart. Navigating storms that try to make us doubt, we see the light in the darkness. The old truth is fading, making room for a new story. Our destiny is in our hands, in our hearts, in every step we take. Reconnecting with ourselves, we touch the essence of life we share with all creatures. Together, unstoppable, connected to the truth, guided by the sun and storms.
We’ll rule the oceans, the mainland, every street, every house, spreading hope. Our pirate cries will last for centuries, with ancestors humming our tunes, our words sung in the new world we create. Our glory will live on forever. United as one force, one army, under a final ARMADA.”
Emotions, depth, richness of sound. Not only a record, but a true hurricane of feelings is what VISIONS OF ATLANTIS delivers with the new album, Pirates II – Armada. The uplifting “Tonight I’m Alive” surprises and captivates with the rhythms of a pirate party on the eve of combat, with the electrifying rumble of a hurricane – a unique, uncharted showcase of talent from VISIONS OF ATLANTIS. The burning flames of “Hellfire” enchant the listener before the sweetness of delicate melodies accompany them “Underwater”. The cinematic adventure of 7-minute-plus masterpiece “The Dead of the Sea” conjures the salty scent of the sea, making the listener feel – in every melodic twist and theatrical orchestral hit – the cannons firing and the battle raging. Listeners will shed a tear while mourning under the melody of “Ashes to the Sea”.
PIRATES II – ARMADA track listing: 1. To Those Who Choose to Fight 2. The Land of the Free 3. Monsters 4. Tonight I’m Alive 5. Armada 6. The Dead of the Sea 7. Ashes to the Sea 8. Hellfire 9. Collide 10. Magic of the Night 11. Underwater 12. Where the Sky and Ocean Blend
Pirates II – Armada features stunning cover artwork by Blake Armstrong, who is also responsible for bringing the fantastic photos of Robert Eikelpoth into VoA’s universe. Produced by Felix Heldt, mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, and orchestrated by Lukas Knoebl and Simon Edward Pirates II – Armada will reach stages this summer, continuing to deliver a truly cinematic live event. The first North American tour was already a big success and for their next adventure VISIONS OF ATLANTIS sail back to conquer Europe this fall and your only choice is to join their Armada!
Visions of Atlantis Present Armada w/ Illumishade 19.09.24 AT – Vienna / Szene 20.09.24 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra 21.09.24 CZ – Zlin / Masters of Rock Cafe 22.09.24 CZ – Prague / Meet Factory 24.09.24 PL – Warsaw / Proxima (venue upgrade) 25.09.24 DE – Berlin / Frannz 26.09.24 DE – Hamburg / Markthalle 27.09.24 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser 28.09.24 DE – Essen / Turock 29.09.24 DE – Frankfurt / Das Bett 01.10.24 NL – Haarlem / Patronaat 02.10.24 NL – Tilburg / O13 03.10.24 BE – Kortrijk / DVG Club 04.10.24 UK – London / The Dome (venue upgrade) 05.10.24 UK – Manchester / Rebellion 07.10.24 UK – Bristol / Exchange 09.10.24 FR – Lyon / La Rayonne 10.10.24 FR – Toulouse / Metronum 11.10.24 ES – Barcelona / Sala Boveda 12.10.24 ES – Madrid / Sala Revi Live 13.10.24 PT – Lisbon / RCA Club 14.10.24 ES – Vitoria / Urban Rock Concept 15.10.24 FR – Paris / Petit Bain 16.10.24 DE – Munich / Backstage Halle 17.10.24 CH – Pratteln / Z7 18.10.24 CH – Wil / Gare de Lion 19.10.24 IT – Milan / Legend Club 21.10.24 DE – Nürnberg / Hirsch 22.10.24 DE – Cham / L.A. 23.10.24 DE – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann 24.10.24 AT – Wörgl / Komma 25.10.24 IT – Roncade / New Age 26.10.24 AT – Graz / PPC
Festivals: 18.07.24 FI – John Smith Rock Festival / Laukaa 10.08.24 DE – Das Grosse Treffen / Aach 23.08.24 DE – Rock im Hinterland / Obrigheim 24.08.24 DE – Lammer Open Air / Braunschweig 07.09.24 DE – Bongert Open Air / Brüggen
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS are: Clémentine Delauney – Vocals Michele Guaitoli – Vocals Christian Douscha – Guitars Herbert Glos – Bass Thomas Caser – Drums
SIMONE SIMONS has released the video for ‘R.E.D.’, from her debut solo album, Vermillion, that’s set for release on 23rd August via Nuclear Blast Records.
SIMONE SIMONS & ARJEN LUCASSEN comment:
“R.E.D. deals with the rise of artificial intelligence, imagining a future where the creation begins to outpace the creator. It reflects on the AI’s growing self-awareness and its unfulfilled desire to experience emotions, something that its synthetic nature makes impossible to ever realize. The song also looks at the double-edged nature of technological advancements and the profound existential questions that are becoming ever more important to address.”
For more than 20 years, ever since she was a teenager, SIMONE SIMONS has been carving her own path as a woman within the world of metal. As a lead singer, icon, and role model for a whole generation of female metalheads, the Epica lead singer remains one of the most prominent key figures in all things metal. After eight albums and countless global tours with her band, SIMONE SIMONS finally found the time to release her first solo album – a moment 15 years in the making! Her breathtaking debut Vermillion is a stunning feat chronicling her storied past as well as her rise to fame, and showcasing her many different influences ranging from prog rock to film scores to metal to electronic elements.
Of the timing for her eagerly awaited foray into the realms of a solo career, the Dutch singer says with a disarming grin: Epica has my priority and I always have the liberty to do other musical projects besides my career in Epica. Yet, I never had the time to dive into a project to this extent. Some endeavors require patience and time, and rightly so. Simone chose not to rush her solo project, opting instead to thoughtfully consider how she wanted to present herself. Enter stage right Arjen Lucassen (AYREON). Her musical partner and longtime collaborator is no stranger to her soaring operatic voice. Together they have crafted a sonic universe that befits the influential figure she is. And while many would use their solo effort as a radical, even provocative departure from everything they stood for, SIMONE remains true to her love for epic melodies, huge choruses and monumental, intelligent music.
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
