SERPENTS is a band playing modern/post-metalcore with a touch of electronic music, formed in 2023 in Szczecin (PL), consisting of five members. The band is distinguished by its professional approach to music, creating a unique sound in which aggressive guitars harmonize with pulsating electronic elements.
Polish band already released new song, third from upcoming debut record.
Band commentary about new song: “We present to you “Hourglass”. This song was created relatively quickly, its structure is simple but catchy. The arrangement is dominated by synthesizers, but there are also live instruments. Lyrically, the song is about not coping with your own bad habits, being stuck in stagnation and lack of motivation for positive changes. The music video is the work of Rock-It.tv, i.e. Michał Matys and Anna Pomierczyk-Wiechnik, and uses an image generated using artificial intelligence.“
Band comments first song: “Tangled is a dynamic post-metalcore song by Serpents that deals with inner chaos and the fight against one’s demons. The song is full of energy, strong guitar riffs and ubiquitous electronics.“
SONGS CREDITS Mix & master by Waldemar Jędruszak at NailbombAudio (Konstelacje, The Sixpounder, Scylla)
Vocal recorded by:
in song “Tangled” by Filip Mieszkalski at Go Mental Media (Mentally Blind, Sour Blood)
in song “Hourglass” and “Self-Made Suffering” by Wiktor Pieńkosz at Seeker Studio (Netherless, Eloraline)
Finland’s multi-Platinum cello-rockers APOCALYPTICA have issued the following:
Hello everyone,
today is a very exciting day! We didn’t want to end this year without releasing new music to all of you. More than happy to share our new single “What We’re Up Against” feat. amazing Elize Ryd of Amaranthe today!
We wanted to make a song with Elize since we toured together in the beginning of 2020. This song felt perfect for this collaboration, and Elize is giving an amazing performance! The song is about being true to your values and the importance of being aware of formulating opinions and taking action in today’s world.
Finnish folk metal superstars KORPIKLAANI have announced the name and release date of their upcoming new studio album, Rankarumpu, which is due to be released on April 5th, 2024.
In addition, KORPIKLAANI have revealed their massive touring plans for 2024, starting with an extensive UK tour with Alestorm and Heidevolk in February and March, two album release shows in Mexico on April 5th and 6th, followed by a North Amercan tour with Visions Of Atlantis & Illumishade (feat. members of Eluveitie) in April and May, a good number of big European Summer festivals and a European tour towards the end of the year. Scroll down for all confirmed dates.
KORPIKLAANI‘s twelfth studio album, Rankarumpu, is once again full of tasty folk metal and its different flavors, but it also offers new spices. Perhaps the ancient gods of joyful music have decided to bless their own sons with some new miraculous extracts?
“Whenever I start writing something new, the material always finds its own path without any forcing – that stuff just comes from somewhere deep inside me, completely naturally“, states Jonne Järvelä.
“Anyway, when I started to come up with the material for Rankarumpu, I set myself a goal. A couple of previous records, especially Kulkija (2018), were a bit slower as a whole, so this time I wanted to benefit from a bit faster tempos – a bit like the old Korpiklaani.“
This is exactly what Rankarumpu is all about. Of course, KORPIKLAANI sometimes slows down and gets seriously emotional, but for the most part Rankarumpu – as a whole, probably the band’s catchiest album to date – rushes forward at a faster pace.
One of the most wonderful features of Rankarumpu is related to the folk instruments. Although KORPIKLAANI has done one or maybe even a couple of unforgettable things in the realm of folk metal, this time new permanent member Olli Vänskä’s violin and Sami Perttula’s accordion may surprise even die-hard fans.
Rankarumpu, like the two previous records, was executed with recording / mixing engineer and producer Janne Saksa. It seems that the collaboration between the band and Saksa has reached a whole new level with Rankarumpu.
21.02. UK London – O2 Forum Kentish Town 22.02. UK Norwich – LCR UEA 23.02. UK Nottingham – Rock City 24.02. UK Bournemouth – O2 Academy 25.02. UK Bristol – O2 Academy 27.02. UK Belfast – Limelight 28.02. UK Dublin – Academy 29.02. UK Cardiff – SU 01.03. UK Birmingham – O2 Academy 02.03. UK Oxford – O2 Academy 03.03. UK Glasgow – O2 Academy 05.03. UK Manchester – O2 Victoria Warehouse 06.03. UK Liverpool – O2 Academy 07.03. UK Leeds – O2 Academy 08.03. UK Newcastle – NX 09.03. UK London – O2 Forum Kentish Town
RANKARUMPU ALBUM RELEASE SHOWS IN MEXICO 2024
05.04. MX Mexico City – Foro28 * Album Release Show 06.04. MX Monterrey – Cafe Ignua
RANKARUMPU NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2024 w/ Visions Of Atlantis & Illumishade
08.04. US Reading – Reverb 09.04. US New York City – Gramercy Theatre 10.04. US Boston – Brighton Music Hall 11.04. CA Montreal – La Tulipe 12.04. CA Ottawa – Brass Monkey 13.04. CA Toronto – Phoenix Concert Theatre 14.04. US Pontiac – The Crofoot 15.04. US Milwaukee – Turner Hall 17.04. US Minneapolis – Skyway Theatre 18.04. CA Winnipeg – Park Theatre 19.04. CA Regina – The Exchange 20.04. CA Edmonton – Starlite Room 21.04. CA Calgary – Dickens 23.04. CA Vancouver – Rickshaw Theatre 24.04. US Seattle – El Corazon 25.04. US Portland – BossaNova Ballroom 26.04. US San Francisco – DNA Lounge 27.04. US Los Angeles – 1720 28.04. US San Diego – Brick By Brick 29.04. US Phoenix – The Nile 01.05. US Denver – Gothic Theatre 02.05. US Lincoln – The Bourbon Theater 03.05. US Joliet – The Forge 04.05. US Pittsburgh – Mr Smalls Theatre 05.05. US Baltimore – Baltimore Soundstage
27.-30.06. FR Clisson Hellfest 28.07.-03.08. SI Velenje MetalDays 09.-11.08. FR Cercoux Festival 666 09.-11.08. UK Walton on Trent Bloodstock Open Air 09.-11.08. BE Kortrijk Alcatraz Festival 14.-17.08. DE Dinkelsbühl Summer Breeze 15.-17.08. CZ Zámek Moravský Krumlov Rock Castle 24.08. PT Pindelo dos Milagres Milagre Metaleiro Open Air
EUROPEAN WINTER TOUR 2024 w/ In Extremo & Rauhbein
15.11. DE Saarbrücken – Garage 16.11. CH Pratteln – Z7 22.11. DE Rostock – Moya 23.11. DE Dortmund – Phantastischer Lichter Weihnachtsmarkt 29.11. DE Berlin – Columbiahalle 30.11. DE Bremen – Pier 2 06.12. DE Nürnberg – KIA Metropol Arena 07.12. AT Wien – Gasometer 12.12. DE Bielefeld – Lokschuppen 13.12. DE Hannover – Swiss Life Hall 14.12. DE Dresden – Alter Schlachthof 20.12. DE Leipzig – Haus Auensee 21.12. DE Stuttgart – Porsche Arena 27.12. DE München – Zenith 28.12. DE Wiesbaden – Schlachthof 29.12. DE Erfurt – Messehalle 30.12. DE Köln – Palladium
The newest opus from Swedish symphonic metal legends THERION has been released today via Napalm Records! With Leviathan III, mastermind Christofer Johnsson finalizes the Leviathan trilogy, continuing the band’s 30 year-plus string of success after its predecessor Leviathan peaked at #11 on the German Album Charts.
Along with their new studio album, THERION delivers another astonishing single. “Nummo” is a speedy track delivering splendid hard guitar explosions and the finest classic vocals and choirs. Check out the track and its accompanying lyric video below!
Christofer Johnsson on “Nummo”: “’Nummo’ is a song about the amphibious fish-like entities in the Dogon religion. We already touched the Dogon religion with the Sirius B title track in 2004, but as it wasn’t much lyrics in that song, it felt the time was right for a revisist and a proper lyric.
In the video clip we try to give an introduction to Dogon ceremonies. We couldn’t afford to pay Nummo in person to appear in the video clip, so we had to make an animation for that.”
The album sets off with the powerful “Ninkigal”, catapulting the listener directly into the dramatic universe of THERION with skillfully crafted compositions and operatic female vocals by Lori Lewis, alternating with grim growling and pleasing melodies. This then bursts into a heavy track with gloomy parts, building up to a fascinating score-like symphony. THERION once more draw charm from the courage to mix styles ranging from gothic parts to melodic death metal and neo-classical elements to power metal in a complex and versatile way, thus challenging their listeners as witnessed on “Twilight of the Gods”. The songs are quickly engaging and skillfully employ catchy melodies, as witnessed on uplifting tracks like “An Unsung Lament” and “Baccanale”. Advancing melodies are combined with rock elements, captivating lyrics and choir parts, while lively “Maleficium” is structured around a duet between Thomas Vikström and Lori Lewis. Stomping “Ayahuasca” is a true musical journey featuring a male choir and psychedelic elements, while speedy “Nummo” offers splendid hard guitar explosions and the finest classic vocals and choirs.
Overall, the compositions lean towards the magnificent and theatrical, offering a high variety of musical styles while deftly blurring the boundaries of metal and classical music. With their newest opus, Leviathan III, mastermind Christofer Johnsson proves his incredible talent once more, and that THERION have perfected their very own combination of versatile styles – resulting in the creation of a symphonic league of their own.
Leviathan III tracklisting: 1. Ninkigal 2. Ruler Of Tamag 3. An Unsung Lament 4. Maleficium 5. Ayahuasca 6. Baccanale 7. Midsommarblot 8. What Was Lost Shall Be Lost No More 9. Duende 10. Nummo 11. Twilight Of The Gods
Catch Therion Live on Tour 2024!
Orchestral Show 20.01.24 MX – Mexico City / Arena CDMX
Turkish Tour 2024 27.01.24 TR – Istanbul / Zorlu PSM Turkcell Sahnesi 28.01.24 TR – Eskisehir / Milyon Performance Hall 29.01.24 TR – Ankara / Milyon Perfomance Hall 30.01.24 TR – Izmir / SoldOut Performance Hall
Leviathan Tour 2024 16.02.24 PL – Lublin / Studio 17.02.24 PL – Krakow / Kwadrat 18.02.24 PL – Poznan / Tama 20.02.24 DE – Berlin / ORWO haus 21.02.24 NL – Tilburg / 013 22.02.24 BE – Brugge / Het Entrepot 23.03.24 NL – Enschede / Metropool 24.02.24 DE – Oberhausen / Resonanzwerk 25.02.24 FR – Paris / La Mashine Du Moulin Rouge 28.02.24 ES – Barcelona / Salamandra 29.02.24 ES – Pamplona / Totem 01.03.24 PT – Porto / Hard Club 02.03.24 PT – Lisbon / Lisboa Ao Vivo 03.03.24 ES – Madrid / Mon 06.03.24 CH – Luzern / Schuur 07.03.24 DE – München / Backstage 08.03.24 IT – Milan / Slaughter Club 09.03.24 IT – San Dona Di Piave / Revolver 10.03.24 CR – Zagreb / Tvornica Kulture 12.03.24 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra 13.03.24 CZ – Ostrava / Barrak 14.03.24 SK – Bratislava / Majestic 15.03.24 CZ – Prague / Meetfactory 16.03.24 PL – Warsaw / Progresja 17.03.24 PL – Wroclaw / A2
THERION are: Christofer Johnsson – guitars and keyboards Sami Karppinen – drums Nalle “Grizzly” Påhlsson – bass Thomas Vikström – lead vocals Christian Vidal – guitar Lori Lewis – vocals
“Nel Silenzio” is the new and first classical music EP by Guitar Hero ALESSANDRO DE FUSCO. The artist has always dreamed of creating a classical guitar album, inspired by his love of nature and the moments of solitude he experiences in the mountains. Today, finally, we can announce it! An album that will surely astound you, given and heard the artist’s previous works, which went down hard as a rock! But then again, haven’t we said it many times, that metal and derivatives, come from classical techniques, arpeggios, etc.? Well, here is proof that from one of the most extraordinary and young Heavy Metal guitarists we have in Italy , a classical project of such spectacle can be born!
The record is available on all worldwide music stores and on Wanikiya Record’s showcase shop in Japan! Ladies and Gentlemen…. “Nel Silenzio”
More about Alessandro
Alessandro De Fusco is a guitarist and composer from Campania, currently a guitar teacher at the “Lizard Accademie Musicali di Roma.” He studied classical guitar at the “Nicola Sala di Benevento” conservatory. Parallel to the classical path he also deepened the study of electric guitar at the Lizard Academy in Rome. Alexander Layer Project: In 2018 he composed his first solo album “Fenrir,” The concept behind this work is to use the lead guitar as the “narrative voice” of the songs, each of which is inspired by a myth from Norse mythology. In 2019 he began collaborating with the label Elevate Records, with which he released the second album “Huginn Muninn” in which Marco Sfogli (James Labrie, PFM and Icefisch) and David Folchitto (ex.Fleshgod Apocalypse) are featured as Special Guest. In 2020 he composes the single “Ymir” after joining as an artist with the “Solar Guitars” brand. In 2021 he releases “Complete Guitar Transcriptions. An anthology of transcriptions that stems from the idea of collecting all his works from the past years. In 2021 he composes the third album “Sounds From The Labs.” A collection of demos and small tracks of a few minutes, composed in his studio, during the Lockdown period. Since 2021 he has been collaborating as an Artist with “Chicken Picks – Guitar Picks.” Alessandro De Fusco: From 2022 to 2023 he decided to take a break to revolutionize his music and search for a new self.
In 2023 he split his stage name “Alexander Layer” (making it a progressive metal project), separating it from his real name, under which he formalized his first EP Album of classical music: “Nel Silenzio.” Following the release of the first album, he had the opportunity to bring his music live by performing at various events throughout the country. Opening acts: – Reb Beach (Whitesnake, Winger) – 2019. – Mario Guarini – 2020. – Richard Meiz and Diego Cavallotti (Lacuna Coil) – 2021 – Vinnie Moore (UFO, Alice Cooper, Vicious Rumors) – 2022.
In a thrilling announcement for rock and metal fans, the legendary bands VOÏVOD and PRONG are delighted to confirm their much-anticipated co-headline tour, set to take place in 2024. This tour marks a reunion of sorts for the two bands, who have long admired each other’s work and have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to hit the road together once again.
The decision to embark on this tour was an easy one for both bands, united by their fresh and acclaimed new records. VOÏVOD, the Canadian heavy metal connoisseurs, recently released their latest album, Morgoth Tales, under the banners of Century Media, The Orchard, and Sony Music. This record is a testament to their enduring impact in the metal scene, showcasing their evolution and prowess.
Furthermore, Voïvod’s 2022 release, Synchro Anarchy, has garnered significant acclaim, winning the 2023 Juno Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Album in Canada. This recognition is a clear indicator of Voïvod’s undiminished skill and relevance in the genre.
The upcoming tour promises to be an exhilarating experience, as both VOÏVOD and PRONG are known for their dynamic and powerful live performances. Fans can expect a blend of new hits and classic favorites, delivered with the raw energy and passion that both bands are renowned for.
VOÏVOD and PRONG Full Dates: Wed 2/28/24 – Columbus, OH – King of Clubs Thu 2/29/24 – Milwaukie, WI – The Rave Fri 3/1/24 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater Sat 3/2/24 – Kansas City, MO – recordBar Sun 3/3/24 – Denver, CO – Oriental Theater Mon 3/4/24 – South Salt Lake, UT – The Commonwealth Room Wed 3/6/24 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom Thu 3/7/24 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon Fri 3/8/24 – Eugene, OR – John Henry’s Sat 3/9/24 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre Sun 3/10/24 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre Tue 3/12/24 – San Diego, CA – Brick by Brick Wed 3/13/24 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren Fri 3/15/24 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater Sat 3/16/24 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom Sun 3/17/24 – St. Louis, MO – The Golden Record Wed 3/20/24 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall Thu 3/21/24 – Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s Entertainment Center Fri 3/22/24 – Knoxville, TN – The Concourse Sun 3/24/24 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater
Other previously announced, upcoming VOÏVOD live dates are as follows:
VOÏVOD – Live 2023/2024: Sat 12/16/23 – Laval, QC – Place Bell + Meshuggah & In Flames Fri 2/23/24 – Joliette, QC – Centre Culturel Desjardins Sat 2/24/24 – Saint-Hyacinthe, QC – Centre Des Arts Juliette-Lassonde
Stressing the band’s untamed and contagious live-energy, you can now also check out a newly released VOÏVOD live-video of their classic track “Rise” (which also appeared on the band’s 40th anniversary release “Morgöth Tales”) from the band’s appearance at this year’s Wacken Open Air festival in Germany: https://youtu.be/ue5vkaoIqFU
“Morgöth Tales” succeeded VOÏVOD’s 15th (!) much acclaimed studio album “Synchro Anarchy”, which entered sales charts upon release in early 2022 as follows: Germany # 7 (!), Switzerland # 64, Austria # 67, The Netherlands # 88, Belgium # 129, UK (Rock & Metal) # 7, Canada (Hard Music) # 2, USA Current Hard Music # 8, USA Top New Artist # 11, USA Heatseekers # 56 and USA Current Album # 67.
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 ) 