Devin Townsend, in conjunction with InsideOutMusic, last year relaunched the Devin Townsend Podcast, with a brand-new direction. For the past couple of months, he has been interviewing some of his musical peers about their creative process, talking to the likes of Steve Vai & Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders). Today sees the launch of the fourth episode, and his guest this week is Joe Satriani.
“For this months interview, I talked with guitarist Joe Satriani. Not only a commercially successful artist, but also a very effective teacher. His methodology seems deceptively simple yet clearly effective. He’s been a solid person and very down to earth throughout all our interactions and I appreciate his process. Please enjoy =) – Dev”
Renowned for their mastery of prog-power, Lords of Black are set to captivate audiences once again with their sixth studio album, “Mechanics Of Predacity,” slated for a global release by Frontiers Music on March 15th, 2024. This monumental release marks a pinnacle in the band’s evolution, seamlessly fusing power, epic grandeur, and intense musicality with a profound narrative woven through evocative lyricism. Tony Hernando’s exceptional musical composition, Ronnie Romero’s emotive vocals, and the formidable rhythm section of bassist Dani Criado and drummer Jo Nunez converge in this release, a testament to the band’s artistic prowess.
Dive into the World of Prog-Power with new single and video “For What Is Owed To Us”
Prepare for an unparalleled auditory journey as “Mechanics Of Predacity” sets to release worldwide on March 15th, 2024.
Tony Hernando shares insights into the album, describing the opening track as a “cool, fast, full-on metal song.” The lyrics delve into themes of retribution, standing for truth, and resisting the onslaught of lies and intimidation. In a world tainted by power-hungry individuals, the song carries a message of hope anchored in the resilience of one true and honest soul.
“Mechanics Of Predacity” embarks on a profound exploration of humanity’s primal instinct—PREDACITY. From the earliest days of humble animal and tribal existence to the complex dynamics of modern society, the album meticulously navigates the relentless nature of human predation.
The narrative unfolds as a contemplation of how individuals, tribes, nations, and entities engage in an unending cycle of predation. It fearlessly addresses the harsh reality that greed, power, and malevolence have consistently fueled conflicts throughout history.
Yet, amidst the shadows, a counterforce emerges—a struggle waged by love, kindness, and humanity. This eternal conflict between oppressors and the oppressed, predators and victims, is encapsulated in the poignant observation that “the weak ones seem to be just the meat for the strong ones to eat”. “Mechanics Of Predacity” transcends being a mere album; it stands as a lyrical and musical expedition into the very essence of human existence. Here, the tension between predator and prey serves as both a lament and a call for redemption.
Lords of Black’s line-up features:
Ronnie Romero: Vocals
Tony Hernando: Guitars
Dani Criado: Bass
Jo Nunez: Drums
“Mechanics Of Predacity” Tracklisting:
For What is Owed to Us (4:16)
Let the Nightmare Come (5:11)
I Want the Darkness to Stop (5:58)
Let It Burn (4:34)
Can We Be Heroes Again (5:44)
Crown Of Thorns (6:51)
Obsessions of the Mind (5:06)
Build the Silence (5:16)
A World That’s Departed (11:08) I. About to Reset II. Absentia III. A Final Sense Of Truth
Born Out Of Time (5:40)
The album is produced by Tony Hernando, with mixing and mastering by Roland Grapow.
Alice Cooper announces the first time ever vinyl edition of his breathtaking live album ‘Theatre Of Death – Live At Hammersmith 2009‘ through earMUSIC.
This album not only highlights musical uniqueness, but also showcases the theatrical quality that makes Alice Cooper a pioneer in the field of rock spectacle. The recording takes you straight to the heart of the 2009 show, with a track list that feels like a best-of of his greatest successes. ‘Theatre Of Death‘ showcases hits such as ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy‘, ‘School’s Out‘ and ‘Poison‘, among many others.
The limited vinyl first edition is pressed on two red 180g LPs and includes a DVD with the complete concert film. As an additional highlight, the package includes a numbered concert ticket replica that takes listeners back to Alice Cooper’s fascinating world of horror.
Preorder ‘Theatre Of Death – Live At Hammersmith 2009‘ HERE
In the crucible of the apocalyptic atmosphere that envelops our world, Doomcrusher was forged. Born out of the deepest desire to be the harbinger of change, the band emerged with a resolute mission: to defy the impending doom that looms on the horizon.
The band comment: “We’re more than proud to present you our first single ‘Breakout’! The everyday life, duties, and worries weigh us down. We deserve to live in freedom and bliss. We shouldn‘t wait any longer. It’s time to break out now!”
Founded by Andy Posdziech (Any Given Day), Jean Bormann (Rage), Marv Kinkel and Rob Lee, Doomcrusher‘ssound is a powerful fusion of stomping mid-tempo industrial riffs, seamlessly intertwined with uncompromising gutturals resolving into uplifting hooks.
The band’s sound is further enriched by sophisticated electronic elements, adding depth and complexity to their musical tapestry. The ambition is clear – to redefine modern core music while staying true to the roots of the metal genre. Their music is not merely an auditory experience; it’s a journey through the realms of sound, a deliberate exploration of the boundaries of heavy music.
Doomcrusher stand as a defiant force against the inevitable, a rebellion that crushes the darkness of doom with an unwavering belief in the transformative power of music.
Catch Doomcrusher live with Any Given Day & Of Virtue on the Limitless Tour 2024:
Feb 01: DE Berlin Lido Feb 02: DE Hamburg Gruenspan Feb 03: DE Cologne Kantine Feb 04: NED Arnhem Willemeen Feb 06: BE Antwerp Kavka Feb 07: DE Wiesbaden Schlachthof Feb 08: CH Aarau Kiff Feb 09: DE Stuttgart Im Wizemann Feb 14: AT Vienna Simm City Feb 15: AT Salzburg Rockhouse Feb 16: CZ Prague Storm Feb 17: DE Munich Backstage Feb 18: DE Nuremberg Hirsch Feb 20: DE Münster Sputnikhalle Feb 21: DE Hanover Musikzentrum
Doomcrusher are: Marv Kinkel – Vocals Jean Bormann – Guitar & Vocals Andy Posdziech – Guitar Rob Lee – Bass Silas Fischer – Drums
One of Finland’s hottest new exports, top-class modern metal band CROWNSHIFT, are pleased to finally unleash their first single and music video upon the world!
Having just signed with NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS, ‘If You Dare’ is the first glimpse at CROWNSHIFT’s upcoming debut album, which is set to be released in the first half of 2024.
Irresistible banger ‘If You Dare’ pairs the razor-sharp riffing and vicious breakdowns of contemporary metal with the gorgeous and otherworldly harmonics of Finnish melodic death metal. It’s the perfect song for CROWNSHIFT to mark their territory as a new household name to be mentioned alongside the beloved genre greats from their home country.
Born as the long-time idea of four friends, CROWNSHIFT are a new high standing metal act from Finland. The members, who come from the ranks of Finland’s finest exports such as Nightwish, Children Of Bodom, Wintersun and Finntroll, are thrilled to start a new journey together and spread their authentic sonic print across the globe.
Seamlessly covering a diversity of styles, the quartet has a unique signature to their modern sound. Hypnotizing melodies paired with ripping riffs, from moody mid-tempo songs to fierce prog-death-metal opuses, CROWNSHIFT were born to be master of all trades.
Their forthcoming debut album will undoubtedly be a showcase of relentless ambition that will take you through a wide musical spectrum, with no compromises or boundaries, proving that the band are on a quest to put a striking mark on the map.
Keep your eyes peeled for teasers and further announcements and make sure to follow CROWNSHIFT on their socials to stay up-to-date.
SYLOSIS have released a video for the track ‘Absent’, taken from their most recent album, A Sign Of Things To Come. The introspective cut displays a new side of SYLOSIS, as they showcase their masterful understanding of dynamics through post-industrial atmospherics set against their trademark brand of visceral modern metal.
Josh Middleton comments on ‘Absent’ and it’s accompanying video: “Despite having always included darker and quieter songs in our discography, ‘Absent’ represents uncharted territory for Sylosis, while staying true to our commitment to melody and emotion in our music. The video also breaks away from our usual style, and we’re grateful for director Daniel Grey’s efforts in creating something out of our comfort zone. We’re excited to have invited our new friends, Zetra, to bring a fresh perspective to the track with their reimagined remix. Their dark synth influence really adds a new dimension to the song, which we love!”
In regards to the song’s lyrics, Josh continues: “This is a more personal song and I wanted to push myself to try a different direction lyrically as well as with the music video. The song is about being so wrapped up in your own troubles that you neglect to see or appreciate that other people around you may be hurting or in a far worse place than yourself.”
Alongside the new video, the band have also revealed a remix of the track by shadowy labelmates Zetra. Their reinterpretation of the track drags the industrial elements of the original to the fore, creating a driving and intense portrayal.
Zetra comments: “A candle has been lit. Summoned by the riff, we answered the call to transport ‘Absent’ into our realm. To strip flesh from bone and be born anew. Witness its transformation. Thank you, Sylosis. Always, Zetra.”
SYLOSIS will head out on a run of intimate headline shows this April. The dates are their first UK & Ireland headline dates in eight years. Norwich and Dublin are already sold out, and a majority of the other days have low ticket warnings, so make sure you secure yours now.
SYLOSIS 2024 UK & Ireland Tour 03.04 – Southampton, Engine Rooms 04.04 – Bristol, The Fleece 05.04 – Norwich, The Waterfront Studio *SOLD OUT* 06.04 – Dublin, Whelan’s *SOLD OUT* 07.04 – Belfast, Limelight 2 09.04 – Edinburgh, La Belle Angele 10.04 – Glasgow, Cathouse 11.04 – Leeds, The Key Club 12.04 – Colchester, Arts Centre 13.04 – Cardiff, the Globe 14.04 – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 