Extreme Power Metal Pioneers DRAGONFORCE Announce New Album “Warp Speed Warriors”, Out March 15th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 19, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[Photo Credit: Travis Shinn]

Grammy-nominated extreme power metal pioneers DRAGONFORCE will release their massive new album, Warp Speed Warriors, on March 15, 2024! The legendary band of guitar virtuosos and founding members Herman Li and Sam Totman, singer Marc Hudson, bassist Alicia Vigil and drummer Gee Anzalone are set to release their most ambitious and innovative full-length so far. On Warp Speed Warriors, DRAGONFORCE explore a wider range of varying musical styles than ever before, evolving their sound throughout the exciting musical journey while still staying true to their roots. Today, the band has already served up a taste of what’s to come with their new single, “Power of the Triforce”, inspired by the Zelda game universe!

Herman Li on “Power of the Triforce”:
“We’re thrilled to unveil our latest track, a powerful homage inspired by one of our favorite video-game franchises, Zelda!  We’re eager for metal enthusiasts of all tastes to discover something special within its depths. Brace yourselves, as we’re gearing up to unleash this sonic adventure live during our upcoming tours!”

Herman Li on Warp Speed Warriors:
“After four years of creative incubation, we are beyond excited to release what we believe to be our most ambitious and grandiose record yet. This album showcases multiple facets of our artistic abilities, and we invite metal aficionados from every corner of the genre to discover something captivating within its layers. We can’t wait to share this chapter of our musical journey with you, it’s going to be EPIC!”
 
Breathtaking opening track “Astro Warrior Anthem” lives up to DRAGONFORCE’s reputation as the world’s fastest band, captivating the listener from the very beginning and stunning with guitar solos delivered at an extreme speed. Following Zelda inspired track “Power of the Triforce” keeps the volume high before DRAGONFORCE temporarily slows it down for the ballad ”Kingdom of Steel”. Rapid drum patterns and thrilling guitars carry the catchy “Burning Heart”, while chanting “Space Marine Corp” features a strong and uplifting chorus. Electronic influences on grandiose power metal anthem “The Killer Queen” hypnotize, as singer Marc Hudson’s vocals reach for the skies. On “Doomsday Party”, 80s rock influences meet captivating retro video game soundscapes and epic guitar solos in true DRAGONFORCE manner. The last original track on Warp Speed Warriors, “Pixel Prison”, is followed by DRAGONFORCE’s unexpected yet brilliant cover of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)” as a bonus track that wraps up the epic adventure.

Warp Speed Warriors was produced, mixed and mastered by Damien Rainaud at Mix Unlimited in Los Angeles, California with Sam Totman and Herman Li. This album is a matchless, innovative listening experience that continues the band’s legacy with songs that will, without a shadow of a doubt, become instant classics in and beyond the DRAGONFORCE canon.

Pre-Order Your Copy of Warp Speed Warriors NOW

Warp Speed Warriors Tracklist:
1          Astro Warrior Anthem
2          Power of the Triforce
3          Kingdom of Steel
4          Burning Heart
5          Space Marine Corp
6          Doomsday Party
7          Prelude to Darkness
8          The Killer Queen
9          Pixel Prison

DRAGONFORCE Live:
 
DRAGONFORCE just announced that guitarist, singer and content creator Billy Wilkins will join them on their entire fast-selling North American headline tour that kicks off this week. Wilkins already joined the band on stage after they saw his cover of platinum single “Through the Fire and Flames” going viral on TikTok. Featuring a brand-new setlist and stage production, as well as special guests AMARANTHE, NANOWAR OF STEEL and EDGE OF PARADISE, the tour will captivate and amaze fans everywhere. Grab your tickets, make sure to pre-order your copy of Warp Speed Warriors and check out the new music video for “Power of the Triforce” now!

North American Tour 2023
w/ Amaranthe, NanowaR of Steel + Edge of Paradise
20.10.23 US – Mesa, AZ / Nile Theater*
21.10.23 US – Albuquerque, NM / Revel*
23.10.23 US – Austin, TX / Empire Garage
24.10.23 US – Dallas, TX / The Granada
25.10.23 US – Houston, TX / House of Blues
27.10.23 US – Orlando, FL / House of Blues
28.10.23 US – Ft Lauderdale, FL / Culture Room
30.10.23 US – Atlanta, GA / Masquerade – Heaven
31.10.23 US – Charlotte, NC / The Underground
01.11.23 US – Baltimore, MD / Baltimore Soundstage
03.11.23 US – New York, NY / Palladium Time Square
04.11.23 US – Worcester, MA / The Palladium
05.11.23 CA – Montreal, QC / MTelus
06.11.23 CA – Toronto, ON / Danforth Music Hall
08.11.23 US – Cleveland, OH / Agora Theater
09.11.23 US – Detroit, MI / The Majestic
10.11.23 US – Chicago, IL / House of Blues
11.11.23 US – Minneapolis, MN / First Avenue
12.11.23 US – Lawrence, KS / Granada Theater
14.11.23 US – Denver, CO / Summit Music Hall
15.11.23 US – Salt Lake City, UT / The Depot
16.11.23 US – Boise, ID / Knitting Factory
18.11.23 US – Berkeley, CA / UC Theater
19.11.23 US – Los Angeles, CA / The Wiltern
* no NanowaR of Steel

Europe Tour 2024
Co-headline w/ Amaranthe, + Infected Rain
21.02.24 DE – Hamburg / Große Freiheit 36
22.02.24 DE – Berlin / Huxleys Neue Welt
23.02.24 DE – Leipzig / Haus Auensee
24.02.24 DE – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle
25.02.24 NL – Tilburg / 013 Poppodium
27.02.24 DK –Copenhagen / Amager Bio
28.02.24 NO – Oslo / Sentrum Scene
29.02.24 SE – Gothenburg / Trädgår’n
03.03.24 LV – Riga / Melna Piektdiena
04.03.24 PL – Warsaw / Progresja
06.03.24 CZ – Brno / Sono Centrum
07.03.24 AT – Vienna / Gasometer
08.03.24 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra Red Stage
09.03.24 DE – Munich / TonHalle
10.03.24 IT – Milan / Live Club
12.03.24 ES – Madrid / Sala La Riviera
13.03.24 ES – Barcelona / Sala Apolo I
15.03.24 DE – Wiesbaden / Schlachthof
16.03.24 CH – Zurich / Komplex 457
17.03.24 BE – Brussels / AB Box
19.03.24 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn
20.03.24 FR – Paris / Bataclan
22.03.24 UK – Bristol / O2 Academy
23.03.24 UK – Manchester / Manchester Academy
24.03.24 UK – London / The Roundhouse

Formed in 1999, DRAGONFORCE has captivated audiences worldwide with their highly successful records and iconic singles, including the platinum-selling hit “Through the Fire and Flames” – the ultimate challenge for gamers on the legendary “Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock”.  Renowned for their epic compositions that expand the boundaries of heavy metal, on their highly anticipated new full-length, DRAGONFORCE explore a wider range of varying musical styles than ever before, evolving their sound throughout the exciting musical journey.

DRAGONFORCE is:
Herman Li – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Sam Totman – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Marc Hudson – Vocals
Alicia Vigil – Bass, Backing Vocals
Gee Anzalone – Drums, Backing Vocals

DRAGONFORCE online:
WEBSITE
YOUTUBE
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
TIKTOK
FACEBOOK

Herman Li online:
WEBSITE
TWITCH
TIKTOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
DISCORD
YOUTUBE
FACEBOOK

ALLEGAEON Announce Permanent Return of Ezra Haynes, Release New Track ‘Inhumation’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 19, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Tony Gomez

A lot has happened with ALLEGAEON since the 2022 release of Damnum, a record called a “triumph” of maximalist modern metal and “technically dazzling yet always in thrall to the uplifting power of melody.” First, the Colorado-based band–who formed in 2008–welcomed back original singer Ezra Haynes as permanent vocalist in November, 2022. Then, after resigning with Metal Blade Records, the quintet wrote and recorded two blistering brand-new songs-“Inhumation” and “Iridescent” –with longtime producer Dave Otero, one of which is available to fans today.

Watch / Listen to Inhumation HERE!

Cover art: Travis Smith

“Both of the songs are really aggressive, far more than anything I’ve done with the boys,” says Haynes. “Since my departure in 2015, Allegaeon had grown so much musically as well as introduced a more “personal” style of lyrics to the fold. This was a very VERY cool change to me.”

Ezra had this to say of “Inhumation“:
“We wanted to do a callback to the first album when we signed to Metal Blade, 2010’s Fragments of Form and Function. For the second song on that, ‘The Renewal,’ I built a layered vocal section that I thought was really neat then. I wanted to somehow incorporate something similar, but bigger and evolved, into ‘Inhumation’, considering the song is so damn massive. It’s without a doubt the most aggressive thing I’ve ever written. Also, now that Allegaeon is a group with three gents on vocals, I wanted to take advantage of that as well as showcase Michael’s insane vocal talent.”

The killer new tracks are precursors of what’s to come when the band enters the studio in 2024 to record its seventh album for Metal Blade. The two new stand-alone singles act as a bridge in Allegaeon‘s musical history. “Inhumation” has more of a Damnum vibe, whereas “Iridescent” is more reminiscent of Elements Of The Infinite. Musically, both songs were written with an overwhelming sense of anger; Inhumation in soundscape form, and Iridescent in a pure, frantic guitar-driven form.

Creative freedom is key in both Allegaeon‘s new songs and revitalized lineup. “During my previous career in music I was always mildly satisfied due to death metal just being aggressive in nature,” Haynes reflects. “Having the ability to really spread my wings in the “introspective” sense really garnered Allegaeon my full buy-in.”

Producer Otero has worked with the band for 15 years, and guitarist Greg Burgess explains that “Dave always provides a comfortable working environment, amazing ideas, and a career-spanning understanding of what has made Allegaeon, Allegaeon.“

And there’s another secret weapon: it’s not only Haynes’ stellar vocals on the songs: Guitarist Michael Stancel’s vocal talents make a shining recorded debut on both the chorus and bridge of “Inhumation“.

Among the lineup’s six albums are features from Bjorn Strid of Soilwork (vocals) and Benjamin Ellis of Scar Symmetry. Allegaeon has seen their albums in the Top 10 of Billboard’s US Hard Rock, US Rock, US Indie and US Sales charts, the tracks “1.618” from 2014’s Elements of the Infinite; “Of Beasts and Worms” off Damnum and “Parthenogenesis” earning millions of collective streams from fans the world over.

If Damnum is what happens when “absurdly gifted musicians reach a state of unwavering confidence” as one journalist raved, the band’s next chapter, back with Haynes, and with an unbounded, refreshed creativity, will be unstoppable. “It feels like Allegaeon is becoming the band we were always meant to be,” concludes bassist Brandon Michael. “The chemistry is incredible. Overall, we’re in a very good creative space together.“

Allegaeon is:
Greg Burgess – lead guitar
Michael Stancel – lead guitar
Ezra Haynes – vocals
Jeff Saltzman – drums
Brandon Michael – bass

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/allegaeon/289129596
https://allegaeon.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/Allegaeon
https://www.instagram.com/allegaeonofficial
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5NIvyOvy39ljx9w71rnCS1
https://twitter.com/allegaeon
https://www.youtube.com/allegaeon

SOULS OF DIOTIMA Preparing Surprises for 20-Year Career in 2024?

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 19, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Diotima Records announces the surprise entry of Italian female fronted metallers SOULS OF DIOTIMA at Crehate Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden, with their producer Oscar Nilsson, but no details yet on what they are preparing. Could it be some surprise for their 20-year career in 2024? We’ll see, we’ll just have to wait.

Previous news:

SOULS OF DIOTIMA released their fourth album “Janas” on 29th January 2021 via Diotima Records / Rockshots Records and entirely produced by Oscar Nilsson at Crehate Studios in Mölndal (Sweden). The album was released for the first time on vinyl from 29th July 2022 both on the Rockshots Records website and on the store of the band.

Order the vinyl version of “Janas” at
https://shop.rockshots.eu/it/pre-order/5918-souls-of-diotima-janas-vinyl-.html
https://soulsofdiotima.net/store

Order the album in CD and digitally at https://bfan.link/janas

Watch the videos from “Janas”
‘The Princess of Navarra’ OFFICIAL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/tkMqlWyhMgs
‘The Black Mask’ OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/SrwqSc1V4Ao
‘Janas’ OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/urtEt–8SUs
‘The Dark Lady’ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/lhftMmMh5Xw

Souls of Diotima are:
Claudia Barsi – Lead Vocals
Giorgio Pinna – Drums
Antonio Doro – Bass ~ Scream Vocals
Fabio”The Black Mask” Puddu – Guitar

More information at:
Official website : https://soulsofdiotima.net/
Official Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/soulsofdiotima
Official Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/soulsofdiotimaofficial/
Spotify page: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0kSbvqCS7Tsfpr63apg175

PROUD OUTSIDERS Sign with Epictronic & Present “Anything To Offer?” Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 18, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Spanish rock sensations PROUD OUTSIDERS are thrilled to announce their exciting new partnership with Epictronic. This dynamic collaboration sets the stage for the release of their album, “Anything To Offer?”, slated to hit the airwaves on November 11, 2023.

Proud Outsiders embodies the essence of classic hard rock, drawing inspiration from legendary bands of the ’70s and ’80s. With a fusion of blues, hard rock, R&B, and funk, the band’s eclectic mix of styles is a refreshing departure from the norm in the Spanish music scene. Their music is a symphony of groovy tunes and infectious hooks that are bound to captivate audiences far and wide.

Founded in Madrid in 2018 by Sergio (guitars/vocals) and Carlos (bass guitar), Proud Outsiders brings a wealth of experience to their craft, pushing the boundaries of the power trio format to new heights. The band’s unique name stems from the fact that none of its members hails from Madrid, the city where their paths crossed. This global perspective is reflected in their music, which seamlessly weaves together the diverse influences of blues, hard rock, R&B, and funk.

“Anything To Offer?” is the sonic culmination of Proud Outsiders’ musical journey, showcasing their remarkable diversity and creativity. As a fascinating tidbit, lead guitarist Sergio Puertas has a distinct style – he plays left-handed on a right-handed guitar, entirely upside down, without restringing the guitar. A testament to the band’s unconventional approach to music.

Tracklist

  1. Glow & fire
  2. The Calling
  3. Better without you
  4. Anything to offer?
  5. I do
  6. More
  7. Stick to my guns
  8. Torn and hurt
  9. Lost with you
  10. Shake it off

To get a taste of Proud Outsiders’ sonic assault, check out their music video for “Stick To My Guns” here:

Line up
Sergio Puertas| Guitar/Vocals
Carlos Mendez| Bass

Connect with Proud Outsiders:

www.instagram.com/proudoutsiders
proudoutsiders.bandcamp.com
www.youtube.com/@ProudOutsiders
www.facebook.com/ProudOutsiders
tinyurl.com/SpotifyProudOutsiders

LUTHARO Release New Single & Hilarious Music Video ‘Born To Ride’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 18, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Canadian heavy metal sensations LUTHARO are revving up the excitement as they unleash their latest single and music video, “Born To Ride.” Known for their electrifying sound and dynamic performances, LUTHARO is taking their fans on a wild and hilarious ride with their new video, featuring an epic go-kart race between the band members.

We are super excited to announce the release of our killer new single “Born to Ride”!” the band shares.“This song is contagiously catchy and exploding with feel good energy from start to end! It’s more on the cheerful side than our previous releases but still kicks SO much ass!”

Watch the “Born To Ride” music video or stream the track at: https://lutharo.afr.link/borntoridePR

LUTHARO’s “Born To Ride” music video is a rollercoaster of laughs, adrenaline, and pure rock ‘n’ roll energy. Filmed with a lighthearted spirit, the video showcases the band’s incredible chemistry both on and off the stage. Set against the backdrop of a thrilling go-kart race, it’s a heart-pounding, side-splitting adventure that will have fans on the edge of their seats.

But that’s not all! LUTHARO has even more exciting news to share. LUTHARO is gearing up for a series of high-octane performances as they hit the road to support the renowned band UNLEASH THE ARHCERS. Their shows on October 19, 20, 21, and 22 promise to be an electrifying experience for fans of metal music. This tour will allow audiences to witness the raw power of LUTHARO’s music and their unparalleled stage presence.

“Born To Ride” is available on all major streaming platforms, so make sure to turn up the volume and get ready for a wild ride with LUTHARO!

LUTHARO w/ UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, PALADIN:
10/19 Thu – Ottawa, ON – Brass Monkey
10/20 Fri – Toronto, ON – The Phoenix
10/21 Sat – Montreal, QC – Studio TD
10/22 Sun – Quebec City, QC – Imperial Bell

Lutharo Is:
Krista Shipperbottom – Vocals
Victor Bucur – Guitars, backing vocals
Chris Pacey – Bass
Cory Hofing – Drums
Jeff Wilson – Guitar (Live)

Connect with Lutharo HERE or at one of the links below:

Bandcamp: https://lutharoband.bandcamp.com/album/hiraeth
Website: https://www.lutharo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LutharoOfficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lutharo_official/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lutharoband
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/38RQwSDbSq8ztizimX2vYp
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LutharoOfficial
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lutharo_official

Finnish Thrash Legends BLOODRIDE Unleash Studio Update for Their Highly Anticipated New Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 18, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Jaakko Höykinpuro

Finnish thrash icons BLOODRIDE, fresh off their triumphant tour with Swedish metal juggernauts METHANE, are locked in the studio, forging the future of thrash metal. With a blazing determination, the band is crafting a sensational new album that promises to be their most powerful yet.

In a recent statement, the band revealed, “Despite our scattered locations around Finland, we’re channeling our collective energy into eight incredible songs. Lyrically, we’re tackling the raw realities of the world today—themes of war, destruction, hate, and deceit. Musically, expect the relentless thrash you love, with a nostalgic twist of old-school punkish speed metal in some tracks!”

Don’t miss their upcoming live shows:
21.10.23 – Tampere, Maanalainen (w/ Barrel, Crimson Day) – https://www.facebook.com/events/1385259812065190
27.10.23 – Seinäjoki, Bar 15 Basement – https://www.facebook.com/events/568699918682696
17.11.23 – Slovakia, Podrad, ROCK Fabric – https://www.facebook.com/events/1130728750937204
18.11.23 – Poland, Krakow, PUB Pod Ziemią (w/ Treasondom, Slütstation) – https://www.facebook.com/events/699988558131373

Stay tuned for more show announcements!

Photo by Peero Lakanen

Experience the ferocity of BLOODRIDE in their latest music videos:
‘Hate of Hatred’ official video – https://youtu.be/YlXESNQyOh0
‘Cast Out From Idiocracy’ official video – https://youtu.be/ZuV36eaf_YI
Bloodride LIVE @ Speed Metal Party Tampere 13th of August 2022 – https://youtu.be/kuco_cqXXbI
‘Planet Alcatraz’ official video – https://youtu.be/l1sswjoMIJw
Bloodride live @ Helsinki 15th September 2017 – https://youtu.be/qhM_4_I4EBs
‘Horror Has a New Prey’ official video – https://youtu.be/GPzu45P2wRM
‘Battered’ official video – https://youtu.be/ZsqDp0y4x9k

About BLOODRIDE:
Formed in 2000, BLOODRIDE has been a force to be reckoned with in the Finnish thrash metal scene. Their journey began with the EP “Bloodridden Disease” in 2004, leading to their debut full-length album “Crowned In Hell” in 2011. Their latest and fourth album, “Idiocracy,” was unleashed in September 2021 through Great Dane Records. BLOODRIDE’s sonic assault combines old-school thrash metal with dark death metal elements and the raw edge of hardcore, delivering a headbanging, neck-breaking experience. Over the years, they’ve shared stages with legendary acts like Exhumed, Exodus, Nunslaughter, Toxic Holocaust, and Whiplash, consistently delivering an electrifying live performance that’s nothing short of a perfect storm.

BLOODRIDE Lineup:

  • Jykä Leskinen: Vocals
  • Esa Pennala: Bass
  • Simo Partanen: Guitar
  • Teemu Vähäkangas: Guitar
  • Petteri Lammassaari: Drums

Discography:

  • “Idiocracy” – Album, Release Date: 2021-09-17, Label: Great Dane Records
  • “Planet Alcatraz” – Album, Release Date: 2016-11-25, Label: Inverse Records
  • “Bloodmachine” – Album, Release Date: 2014-03-14, Label: Violent Journey Records
  • “Crowned in Hell” – Album, Release Date: 2011-04-16, Label: Violent Journey Records
  • “Supreme Predator” – Single, Release Date: 2010-04
  • “Bloodridden Disease” – EP, Release Date: 2004

More information at
BAND: http://www.bloodride.com | https://www.facebook.com/bloodride | https://www.instagram.com/bloodride666 | https://bloodride.bandcamp.com
MANAGEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement | http://www.splitscreenproduction.com