FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH to Release Deluxe Edition of “AFTERLIFE” on April 5th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 9, 2024
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Photo Credit: Hristo Shindov

Multi-platinum hard rock powerhouse FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH have announced the digital deluxe edition of AFTERLIFE. Their critically acclaimed ninth studio album will now be released April 5 via Better Noise Music. The deluxe version includes the original 12 tracks recorded with the band’s longtime producer Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne) in addition to four bonus tracks: acoustic versions of the album’s songs “The End,” “Judgement Day,” and “Thanks For Asking” plus a brand new song, “This Is The Way” featuring the legendary late rapper DMX. The official music video for “This Is The Way” (feat. DMX) is directed by none other than highly influential filmmaker Hype Williams, a longtime friend and close collaborator of the late DMX. Hailed by the New York Times in 2024 as “The Nineties Wunderkind,” Hype Williams is known for his seminal work with luminaries like Tupac, Wu-Tang Clan, and Jay-Z amongst others. The video will be released coinciding with the deluxe edition of AFTERLIFE on April 5, 2024.

In other news, Five Finger Death Punch also celebrates three recent platinum certifications for some of their most popular releases: 

  • “Blue On Black” ft. Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Brantley Gilbert, and Brian May (Prospect Park) 2019 (PLATINUM SINGLE)
  • “Blue On Black” (Prospect Park) 2018 (PLATINUM SINGLE) 
  • Got Your Six (Prospect Park) 2015 (PLATINUM ALBUM) 

Five Finger Death Punch will head to Europe this Spring for more stadium dates with Metallica on their M72 World Tour, as well as headline shows with special guest Ice Nine Kills and appearances at select major festivals:

23.05 – London, OVO Arena, UK
26.05 – Munich, Olympiastadion, DE *
28.05 – Zurich, Hallenstadion, CH
29.05 – Milan, Idays Festival, IT **
31.05 – Plzen, Metalfest Open Air Plzen, CZ **
01.06 – Vienna, Racino Rocks, AT *
03.06 – Hannover, ZAG Arena, DE
05.06 – Solvesborg, Sweden Rock Festival, SE **
06.06 – Trondheim, Trondheim Rocks, NO ** ***
09.06 – Helsinki, Olympic Stadium, FI *
11.06 – Tallinn, Unibet Arena, EE
13.06 – Kaunas, Zalgiris Arena, LT
16.06 – Copenhagen, Parken Stadium, DK *
18.06 – Frankfurt, Festhalle, DE
19.06 – Amsterdam, AFAS Live, NL
21.06 – Dessel, Graspop Metal Meeting, BE **
23.06 – Ferropolis, Full Force Festival, DE **
25.06 – Oberhausen, Rudolf Weber-Arena, DE
26.06 – Esch-Sur-Alzette, Rockhal, LU ***
29.06 – Zilina, Topfest, SK ** ***
04.07 – Bucharest, Metalhead Festival – 20 years LIVE, RO
07.07 – Warsaw, PGE Narodowy, PL *
09.07 – Budapest, Barba Negra, HU
14.07 – Madrid, Estadio Civitas Metropolitano, ES *
*With @metallica
**Festival Dates
***Without Ice Nine Kills

More information at Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tik Tok | YouTube | Spotify

PESTILENGTH Stream Upcoming Album “Solar Clorex” Ahead of Release

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 9, 2024
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One and a half weeks before the official release of PESTILENGTH’s third album, “Solar Clorex“, the Basque Country corrosive Death Metal duo presents the full album stream.

Delve into an impeccable sequence of tense, cryptic songs-of-decay where grotesque vocals combust, choke and reignite; barbed riffs – each with a sting in the tail – creep, crawl and shapeshift into electrifying violence; merciless rhythms transition from cavern-dwelling churn to jolting frenzy, skewed grooves to pure brutality:

Composer M. shares insights on “Solar Clorex“:

“It could be considered as the third of a trinity: “Eilatik” was the furthest picture of befouled empires, anomalous creatures, oozing sulfurous fumes, not a welcoming landscape, whereas “Basom Gryphos” introduced one to the biggest entities dwelling in the nether, powerful, from the depths and mixing chemical substances around natural ones, wood, chrome, steel, molten tephra; a dangerous mixture of horrors. The eyes make the mistake of looking at it, and then it’s too late. Finally, the ‘Suhbem Legm’ single introduced another hidden monster that seems silent, but its frequencies resonate even motionless, chaos is its preceding cataclysm: “Solar Clorex“, thus, is the inevitable destruction of everything, just dormant enough to awake at the right time to reset any minuscule particle of life. Sound-wise we worked hard to improve certain thorns in our veins. We worked at El Submarino Records studios and then The Empty Hall Studios mastered it. It was a pretty intense and nonstop week of recording, but thanks to that, the organic and natural sound is top notch!“

Discover all the details about “Solar Clorex” here!

“Solar Clorex” will be released via CD, vinyl and digital formats – alongside merchandising – on February 16th, 2024. Pre-orders are possible via the label’s EU, US (no merch) and Bandcamp shops.

In early 2018 the anonymous duo PESTILENGTH emerged from the Basque Country with a twisted, contemporary-yet-classic style of extremity which they called ‘corrosive Death Metal’.

After a well-received series of demos and singles, in 2020 the band released first full-length, “Eilatik”, described by No Clean Singing webzine as: “…absolutely vicious at all times. It rips and tears in a frenzy, and pounds without mercy or remorse.”

By the end of 2020, the band had received worldwide attention among labels, blogs, and musicians. Additional EP “Apore Flesh” was enthusiastically praised by LEVIATHAN’s Jef Whitehead for reaching “… far beyond the world of copycats of the ‘underground'” in “khaotick shards of thought-provoking metalz of dementia”. A split with Mexican band REVERENCE TO PAROXYSM had followed soon afterwards the same year.

In August 2021, PESTILENGTH’s monstrous sophomore album “Basom Gryphos” was unleashed to widespread critical acclaim. The album contained eight new songs whose cerebral slithering brutality was mirrored in the striking cover art by Namurian Visions.

In 2023 the band inked a deal with Debemur Morti Productions for the release of their upcoming next-level third album.

STEVE HACKETT Launches Third Single ‘Circo Inferno’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 9, 2024
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Photo credit : Tina Korhonen

Legendary rock guitarist Steve Hackett is set to release his new studio album ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’ on Friday, February 16th, 2024, via InsideOut Music. A rite-of-passage concept album with a young character called Travla at the centre of it, ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’s’ 13 tracks have an autobiographical angle for the musician who says about his 30th solo release: “I love this album. It says the things I’ve been wanting to say for a very long time.”

With just a week and a half to go till the albums release, Steve has launched the track ‘Circo Inferno’, and you can now listen to it here:

Steve said of the track: “Circo Inferno is the most frenzied point in this album’s narrative… A plea for rescue within the maelstrom of a Dantesque circus, involving swirling Phrygian runs, insistent sax, full on vocals and blistering guitar…”

The albums opening track ‘People of the Smoke’ was released in December. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_iujNWzPL0
Watch the video for ‘Wherever You Are’ HERE: https://youtu.be/6LwYc8_orY8

The new album is available to pre-order on several different formats, including a Limited CD+Blu-ray mediabook (including 5.1 Surround Sound & 24bit high resolution stereo mixes), Standard CD Jewelcase, Gatefold 180g Vinyl LP & as Digital Album. All feature the stunning cover painting by Denise Marsh.

Pre-order now here: https://stevehackett.lnk.to/TheCircusAndTheNightwhale

‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’ is Steve’s first new music in over two years. Recorded between tours in 2022 and 2023 at Siren studio in the UK – with guest parts beamed in from Sweden, Austria, the US, Azerbaijan and Denmark, the line-up for ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’ includes some familiar faces alongside Steve on electric and acoustic guitars, 12-string, mandolin, harmonica, percussion, bass and vocals. Roger King (keyboards, programming and orchestral arrangements), Rob Townsend (sax), Jonas Reingold (bass), Nad Sylvan (vocals), Craig Blundell (drums) and Amanda Lehmann on vocals. Nick D’Virgilio and Hugo Degenhardt return as guests on the drumstool, engineer extraordinaire Benedict Fenner appears on keyboards and Malik Mansurov is back with the tar. Finally, Steve’s brother John Hackett is present once more on flute.

The full track-listing is as follows:

  1. People Of The Smoke
  2. These Passing Clouds
  3. Taking You Down
  4. Found And Lost
  5. Enter The Ring
  6. Get Me Out!
  7. Ghost Moon and Living Love
  8. Circo Inferno
  9. Breakout
  10. All At Sea
  11. Into The Nightwhale
  12. Wherever You Are
  13. White Dove

Summing up ‘The Circus And The Nightwhale’, Steve says: “It’s a lovely journey that starts dirty, scratchy and smoky and becomes heavenly and divine. How can you resist it?”

Steve Hackett & band will tour the world extensively in 2024, including a brand new UK tour ‘Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights & Solo’, which will see him return to the legendary Royal Albert Hall. He will also return to North America early this year, with European shows booked in for the Summer. For the full list of dates, head to: http://hackettsongs.com/tour.html

STEVE HACKETT Online:
http://www.hackettsongs.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Steve-Hackett/123101228589
http://www.twitter.com/HackettOfficial
http://hackettsongs.com/tour.html

CITOVITZ AND THE FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY Announce Release of “Hive of Weirdness” Album, Final Chapter of Instrumental Trilogy

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 9, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

CITOVITZ AND THE FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY – the innovative musical project led by Polish/Cairo based guitarist and songwriter Andrzej Citowicz – are thrilled to announce the release of their new instrumental album, “Hive of Weirdness”. The album is available on all major streaming platforms starting today, February 9th, 2024.

“Hive of Weirdness” marks the third and final installment in Citowicz’s instrumental trilogy, following the successful releases of “Misery Loves Company” (2022) and “Never Ending Storms” (2023). The album features 10 tracks of diverse and dynamic guitar-driven music, drawing inspiration from renowned artists such as Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Metallica, Volbeat, Joe Satriani, and Steve Vai. Citowicz’s unique blend of genres and influences showcases his creative prowess and versatility as a composer and performer.

The album also features the musical talents of Patryk Szymanski, a fellow Polish musician and longtime collaborator of Citowicz. Szymanski’s bass contributions add depth and richness to the sonic landscape, complementing Citowicz’s guitar work with his own distinctive flair and skill.

While “Hive of Weirdness” represents the culmination of Citowicz’s instrumental journey, it also heralds a new phase in his musical career. Citowicz, a former recording artist for Down Boys Records, plans to revisit the songs from the trilogy and add vocals, collaborating with various singers and incorporating AI technology. His aim is to create a vocal version of the trilogy, offering a fresh perspective on his music and reaching a broader audience.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Citowicz is a prolific writer, having published two books: “Hive of Weirdness” and “The Exit”. The former is a collection of short stories exploring themes of reality, surrealism, and the human heart, while the latter is a prequel that delves into the journey of a neurodivergent young boy grappling with identity and acceptance. Drawing from his own experiences and insights as a neurodivergent adult, Citowicz crafts compelling and relatable characters and narratives.

Check out the latest singles:
“Turn To Stone” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2NT7O9Zr2M
“Anemoia” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THtiL7q90bY
“Modern Blues Riot” special demo – https://youtu.be/AEZtTuPr6bI
Special Cairo Mix ‘Midnight Thunderstorms’ – https://youtu.be/FEK8fsbHd4I
‘A Wound That’s Always Bleeding’ – https://youtu.be/clScq09DywE
‘Savagely Hungry For Love’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEgRrcmgLDY
‘Electric Heartbeat Symphony’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6IWdx0vOQQ
‘Marvelous Misadventures Of Myself’ – https://youtu.be/jsgLvfF5Wd8
‘The Long Train Journey’ – https://youtu.be/zbEgbMBGbGw
‘Never Ending Storms’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip04u1xuf4s

Citovitz and The Fireflies of February are:
Andrzej Citowicz: music, guitars, drums programming, keys /FX
Patryk Szymanski: Bass

About Andrzej Citowicz
Andrzej Citowicz is a Cairo-based Polish guitarist, songwriter, and author, known for his unique blend of genres and influences. Born in 1976, Citowicz started his musical journey at a young age, drawing inspiration from renowned artists such as Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Joe Satriani, and Van Halen. His musical project, Citovitz and The Fireflies of February, is a testament to his creative prowess and versatility as a composer and performer.
Citowicz is also a former recording artist for Down Boys Records, the label owned by Erik Turner and Jerry Dixon from Warrant.

More info about Citowicz music work you can find on his social media.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/citovitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citovitz/
Subscribe to Andrzej Citowicz’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@AndrzejCitowicz

℗© 2024 Citovitz and The Fireflies of February / Andrzej Citowicz

Exclusive Premiere for Finland: BLACK OAK COUNTY “Save Your Breath” Official Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 9, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

BLACK OAK COUNTY release their brand new hard-rocking single and official video, “Save Your Breath”! Don’t hold your breath just yet, because you’ll be singing along in seconds.

Following the band’s latest releases “Back For Blood” and “It’s On You”, Black Oak County are gearing up for a big 2024, set to take them to even more countries across Europe with a newfound energy, and a new take on their aggressive sound. Get ready for even heavier riffs and catchier melody lines than ever before, as Black Oak County dives into new musical territory with new sonic elements, whilst sticking to their classic and hard rock roots.

““Save Your Breath” is a song that breaches the gap between a dying relationship and frustration”, the band says about the song. “We’ve all been there at some point, where there’s simply nothing left to say in a relationship, whether it’s professional or personal. Sometimes, your mind is just made up and the ship has already sailed – we wanted to channel all that emotion into a kickass song, that stays emotional without being too corny; but rocking!”

Join the premiering below.

Black Oak County’s newest explosive hard rock banger has brought the band into new professional territory as well, with the song being co-written, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Danish rock phenomenon Nicklas Sonne, known for his work with his band Defecto and even his participation in the Danish preliminaries for the Eurovision Song Contest.

“We wanted to try something new, and even though we’ve collaborated and worked with insanely talented people like engineer Jacob Hansen and producer Soren Andersen in the past, we wanted to take it a step further to develop ourselves as a band, both in terms of production and songwriting. We absolutely loved working with Nicklas, and we really feel the great chemistry between us really shows in the song!” says the band, who are currently completing their third studio album, set to release later in 2024.  

“Save Your Breath” is out on February 9th on all streaming platforms, and also, on an official video.

Lineup:
Niels Beier – guitar, vocals
René Kristensen – bass, vocals
Jack Svendsen – guitar
Mike Svendsen – drums

Digital single: https://blackcounty.lnk.to/save

Web:
https://www.facebook.com/blackoakcounty
https://www.instagram.com/blackoakcounty/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5W3Q0PiFwL9CCPJ6YDDibK
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/black-oak-county/1137940619
https://tidal.com/browse/artist/8020239

Exclusive Premiere for Finland: EXELERATE “Headfirst Into The Void” Official Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 9, 2024
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Have you ever looked into the mirror and asked: “Am I wasting my life on simple pleasures and pointless diversions?”. If you have, then you know what the new EXELERATE song/video is about.

Having the same kind of power/thrash metal with progressive hints approach as their debut album – but to a whole new level – “Headfirst Into The Void” kicks off the Danes’ promotion round for their upcoming tour and concerts.

“It explores the hedonism and wastefulness that lives in us all”, the band says about the song. “The hunt for momentary happiness and the neglect of moral and spiritual responsibilities, is something we all must come to terms with at some point in our life. So, will you wake up and embrace a meaningful existence or will you just go headfirst into the void?”
 
“Headfirst Into The Void” is out on February 9th on all streaming platforms, and also, on an official video.

Join the premiering below.

Lineup:
Mads Sørensen: guitars
Stefan Jensen: vocals, guitars
Io Klarstrup: bass
Stig Eilsøe-Madsen: drums

Digital single: https://exelera.lnk.to/void

Web:
https://www.facebook.com/exelerateband
https://www.instagram.com/exeleratedk/
https://targetgroup.bandcamp.com/album/exelerate
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0jRw54h5J5HeIkexDiOHZC
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/exelerate/1650072322
https://tidal.com/browse/artist/6279872