BLACK ORCHID EMPIREhave had quite the year. The prog-metal band released their first album for Season of Mist back in the spring to critical acclaim. With ‘Tempus Veritas’, Distorted Sound declared that BOE “set the new standard for prog rock”.
After blowing away audiences at Radar, Tech-Fest and other summer festivals with equal parts melodic power and ferocious beauty, BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE just took a much-deserved victory lap on their UK fall tour. But they’ve already got plans to keep rolling well into next year.
Today, the British rockers are announcing their first tour of 2024. They’ll be playing shows all across the UK next March.
March UK Tour 2024 2 March – Bristol @ Crofters Rights 3 March – Swansea @ The Bunkhouse 4 March – Stoke @ The Underground 5 March – Warrington @ Friars Court 6 March – Sheffield @ Corporation 7 March – Birmingham @ Subside 8 March – Derby @ The Hairy Dog 9 March – Bournemouth @ Bear Cave 10 March – London @ New Cross Inn
“We’re blown away by the continuing positive response to Tempus Veritas”, says vocalist and guitarist Paul Visser. “We can’t wait to get back out on the road in the UK – we’re hitting some places we haven’t been to for a long while, as well as some new venues in towns that already feel like home. See you at a show!”
Well-known Italian guitar player Gabriele Bellini has unveiled the official video for the new single “Resilient Moment feat. Edoardo Peruzzi”, taken from his album “Motus” which was relased in May via Quarock Records!
“After a moment of deep reflection, acceptance, awareness and resistance, you can recharge and regenerate with a great explosion of strength, courage, truth and love in a new dimension”. This is all that the song wants to musically and contextually express and convey. Interpreted at its best by the skillful, yet singular voice of Edoardo Peruzzi.
Gabriele Bellini comments: “I wanted to stage a subject apparently unable to express positive feelings, due to a long period of loneliness, pain and frustration. Then a symbolic entity – represented by a wise man – appears, teaching and transmitting feelings such as strength of spirit, passion, love to the guy. This entity is nothing more than the representation of the guy’s desire to find an anchor to cling to, the sage is merely his mental projection. In the finale, the figure of the sage disappears into the darkness, leaving the boy seemingly alone, but the words he wrote in the notebook will always keep the entity’s presence alive in his life.“
Even the search for a certain type of sound to give the entire album is the result of a multitude of sounds and colours, some from the past and revitalised on this occasion, in a new harmonic and melodic context, driven by the basic elements (guitar-bass-drums). Everything is performed with the purest and rawest naturalness, while keeping alive that dynamic, expressive and communicative essence that characterises the entire work. “Motus” takes this concept to the next level, offering a very wide variety of sound from classical music to alternative metal. A very intense work, featuring vocalists from completely different backgrounds, ranging from rap to metal.
Deep reflections, the constant search for new forms of expression, communication, responsiveness and action, the inexhaustible belief/love for beauty, today even more felt as a unique and unmissable opportunity for salvation/rebirth: “Knowing how to listen is the perpetual motion that makes the world go round“. Gabriele Bellini maintains his own original identity, combining his impeccable technique with a profound inspiration from his soul, experimenting through sounds, new limits and musical boundaries. “Motus” was written and produced by Gabriele Bellini, alongside with Giacomo “Jac” Salani who recorded, edited, mixed and mastered it at La Fucina Studio, FLorence. The artwork was created by Lorenzo Meoni (Imago Media).
Following the recent announcement of the special reissue of their classic album “Waltzing Mephisto” (originally released via Black Lotus Records in 2003), today HORTUS ANIMAE share a new track from the record in the shape of a live rendition of “The Bless of Eternal Bleeding“, which is included in the reissue’s bonus CD. Stream it HERE.
This brand new “20th Anniversary” edition, due out on October 31st 2023 via Symbol of Domination / BlackHeavens Music, will be available in 2-CD format, containing several bonus tracks, including a cover version of “You’re Dead” from American singer-songwriter NormaTanega, now famous for being the theme of the TV series “What We Do in the Shadows”. The song premiered at NoClean Singing. Stream it HERE.
A new lyric video for the album track “Enter” is also available at THIS LOCATION.
Tracklist:
CD 1 – Waltzing Mephisto
01. Enter (Part 1) 02. Enter (Part 2) 03. A Lifetime Obscurity (Part 1) 04. A Lifetime Obscurity (Part 2) 05. Springtime Deaths 06. Souls of the Cold Wind 07. Welcome the Godless 08. Freezing Moon including Terzo Incontro and Tubular Bells (Mayhem / Il Balletto di Bronzo / Mike Oldfield covers) 09. A Feeble Light of Hope 10. You’re Dead (Part 1) (Norma Tanega cover) [bonus track] 11. You’re Dead (Part 2) (Norma Tanega cover) [bonus track]
CD 2 – Godless Years Live
01. A Dream of Wolves in the Snow (Cradle Of Filth cover) 02. Locusts 03. God and His Disgusting Children 04. Chamber of Endless Nightmares 05. At the End of Doomsday (Parts 2 & 3) 06. Aqualung (Jethro Tull cover) 07. Medley (I – In Adoration of the Weeping Skies / II – Cruciatus Tacitus / III – Souls of the Cold Wind) 08. There’s No Sanctuary 09. Across the Sea of Pain 10. The Bless of Eternal Bleeding 11. Raining Blood (Slayer cover) 12. Aqualung (Jethro Tull cover) [bonus track]
HORTUS ANIMAE is a progressive/gothic extreme metal band formed in 1997 in Rimini (Romagna, Italy). After the release of their self-produced debut “The Melting Idols”, they began an intense live streak with bands such as Lacuna Coil, Konkhra, Ancient, Mortuary Drape and Napalm Death. At this point, they recorded their second album and first official release “Waltzing Mephisto”. Following the recording, the band signed a deal with Greek label Black Lotus Records in October 2002 and subsequently with Sleaszy Rider Records (EMI distribution) for their third chapter, the concept album “The Blow of Furious Winds”, in May 2005. The band has since achieved cult status within the extreme metal underground, partly due to their secretive live appearances, but mainly due to their unique and eclectic blend of styles and cover songs.
Their music draws influences from 70s progressive rock, gothic, classical and ambient. All blended with their original form of death/black metal. HORTUS ANIMAE have always incorporated instruments such as piano, viola, violin, mandolin, synth, and very diverse vocal styles into their music. This was rare and uncommon during those years. In between the two albums, the band appeared with another ‘now cult’ cover song on the Black Lotus Records’ release, “The Lotus Eaters: Tribute to Dead Can Dance”. HORTUS ANIMAE recorded their metalized epic interpretation of “Windfall” and “Summoning of the Muse” featuring a joint effort with gothic singer Liv Kristine (Theatre of Tragedy, Leaves’ Eyes, Cradle of Filth) on lead vocals.
The group disbanded on 18 January 2006, yet, years after their split they released a 10th anniversary commemorative boxset (now sold out) called “Funeral Nation: 10 years of Hortus Animae” through Sleaszy Rider Records. Following increasing requests and popularity in the underground, HORTUS ANIMAE teamed up with Thrash Corner Records (USA) to release their definitive collection in 2012, aptly called “Funeral Nation MMXII”.
On 25 January 2013, the band officially stated that the time was ripe for their comeback, under the guiding light of the renowned producer and sound engineer Simone Mularoni (DGM, empYrios), which was also the band’s session bass player, they produced “Secular Music”, released in 2014 by the British rock label Flicknife Records (Hawkwind, etc.). Simultaneously, a double CD of rare and unreleased material called “Godless Years” was released. New members joined, Adamant on bass and MG Desmadre (Crawling Chaos) on guitars and two years later the band teamed up again with Liv Kristine for the “There’s No Sanctuary” maxi EP, which also contained cover songs from the Norwegian cult black metal scene. To promote this release HORTUS ANIMAE embarked on a tour with the German thrash metal titans Necronomicon, and travelled through East Europe. The final date of this tour gave origin to “Piove Sangue – Live in Banská Bystrica” that was released later in 2018 celebrating 20 years of activity of the band. The same year another commemorative live album was released, “Live at Velvet – April the 14th, 2001”, official bootleg soundboard recording taken during a gig with Lacuna Coil.
Due to the great distance with Grom (USA), the band began collaborating with drummer Jotunn (from the band Outer). The outcome of this collaboration gave birth to “Godless Years Live” (bonus CD for the 20th Anniversary edition of “Waltzing Mephisto”) and “You’re Dead Pt. 1 & 2” (bonus tracks for the same release). The band is currently involved in the songwriting process for their next album. “Waltzing Mephisto” 20th Anniversary edition of HORTUS ANIMAE‘s cult debut album, now presented in a double CD, which features bonus tracks and a completely unreleased bonus live disc. The Italian wizards of avantgarde extreme metal waltz again. Album out on October 31, 2023. Happy Halloween!
For three decades, singer Wade Black has triumphed and stayed metal recording and touring internationally in bands such as Crimson Glory, Leatherwolf, Seven Withces, Leash Law and Chalice of Sin. Now, Wade Black is ready to celebrate 25 years of the monster Crimson Glory album ‘Astronomica’ with a new album of original material!
The new album will be produced by the master of metal, Chris Boltendahl (Grave Digger, Chris Boltendahl’s Steelhammer) for release in 2024. Join ASTRONOMICA in March as the band blasts off with their show at the mighty UP THE HAMMERS festival on March 7th, 8th and 9th in Athens, Greece!
Today we proudly announce the signing of a multi-album deal with Wade Black’s ASTRONOMICA and welcome the band to the ROAR! Rock of Angels roster.
Wade Black’s ASTRONOMICA: Wade Black – Vocals Rich Marks – Lead Guitar (War of Thrones, Vivaldi Metal Project, Holmes and Slice) Kyle Sokol – Bass (Nocturnus AD, Apeiron Bound) Ryan Bales – Rhythm Guitar (Avenging Benji) Luca Caracciolo – Drums (Halcyon Way, Materdea, Kee Marcelo)
Death metal outfit CRYPTA have released a new lyric video for the staggering song “Stronghold”, cut from their fresh new album, Shades of Sorrow! Released in August, CRYPTA’s sophomore album has stormed the charts globally (#23 Official German Album Charts, #17 Official Rock & Metal Album Charts UK, #5 Top New Artist Albums & #7 Current Hard Music Albums USA, #4 Hard Music Albums CAN, and many more), and received outstanding reception from fans and critics alike, cementing the band’s standing as one of the rising forces in today’s death metal scene.
Dubbed the “favorite young metal band of the moment” by Ghost mastermind Tobias Forge, this is another bit of proof that the path of these four women leads in only one direction: unstoppably to the top!
Addictive “Stronghold” shines as one of the most detailed and melodic tracks on Shades of Sorrow. Following CRYPTA’s successful recent European tour, the quartet will head out on a longer South American run and a full North American tour in early 2024.
It is clear that the talented women of CRYPTA have created another impressive masterpiece with Shades of Sorrow, presenting the very best of their technical ability and songwriting skills on this 13-track onslaught. Shades of Sorrow was recorded at Family Mob Studio, mixed by Daniel Bergstrand at 33 Stockholm, Sweden and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studio.
Fernanda Lira (bass, vocals) on Shades of Sorrow: “Shades of Sorrow is a semi-concept album which describes a journey through the depths of our psyche when facing tough battles. It’s a trip to the many shades of pain we sometimes have to face while enduring our lives’ challenges. The songs are the perfect gloomy, dark, emotional soundtrack for this journey.”
Shades of Sorrow tracklisting: 1 The Aftermath 2 Dark Clouds 3 Poisonous Apathy 4 The Outsider 5 Stronghold 6 The Other Side of Anger 7 The Limbo 8 Trial of Traitors 9 Lullaby for the Forsaken 10 Agents of Chaos 11 Lift the Blindfold 12 Lord of Ruins 13 The Closure
CRYPTA Live 2023/24
Shades Of Sorrow Tour 2023 03.11.2023 BR – Rio de Janeiro / Circo Voador 04.11.2023 BR – Piracicaba / Clube dos Empregados 05.11.2023 BR – Santo André / Santo Rock Bar 07.11.2023 MX – México City / Hdx Circus Bar 09.11.2023 MX – Monterrey / pre fest MMF 11.11.2023 MX – Monterrey / Mexico Metal Fest 2023 12.11.2023 MX – Tijuana / Black Box 17.11.2023 BR – Aracaju / Complexo Cultural Gonzagão 18.11.2023 BR – João Pessoa / Brasil Extremo Fest 2 19.11.2023 BR – Natal / Festival DoSol 09.12.2023 BR – São Paulo / Matanza Ritual Fest 13.12.2023 UY – Montevideo / Plaza Mateo 14.12.2023 AR – Neuquen / Mood Live 15.12.2023 AR – Buenos Aires / Uniclub 16.12.2023 CL – Santiago / tba
Shades Of Sorrow Over North America Tour 2024 27.01.2024 PR – San Juan / La Respuesta 29.1.-2.2.24 US – 70000 Tons Of Metal 03.02.2024 US – Orlando, FL / Conduit 04.02.2024 US – Tampa, FL / Orpheum 06.02.2024 US – Jacksonville, NC / Hooligans 07.02.2024 US – Greensboro, NC / Hangar 1819 08.02.2024 US – Louisville, KY / Headliners Music Hall 09.02.2024 US – Covington, KY / Madison Live 10.02.2024 US – Spartanburg, SC / Ground Zero 11.02.2024 US – Atlanta, GA / Boggs Social & Supply 12.02.2024 US – Nashville, TN / Drkmttr 15.02.2024 US – Houston, TX / Rise Rooftop 17.02.2024 US – Austin, TX / Come and Take It Live 19.02.2024 US – El Paso, TX / RockHouse Bar & Grill 21.02.2024 US – Phoenix/Mesa, AZ / The Underground 23.02.2024 US – San Diego, CA / Brick By Brick 24.02.2024 US – Los Angeles, CA / Whisky a Go Go 25.02.2024 US – Las Vegas, NV / Backstage Bar & Billiards 27.02.2024 US – Sacramento, CA / The Starlet Room 01.03.2024 US – Portland, OR / Dante’s 02.03.2024 US – Seattle, WA / El Corazon
08.08.2024 UK – Catton Park, Derbyshire / Bloodstock Open Air 2024
CRYPTA is: Fernanda Lira – Bass, Vocals Jéssica di Falchi – Guitar Tainá Bergamaschi – Guitar Luana Dametto – Drums
With more than two decades of professional experience in the music industry, JASON CHARLES MILLER, a versatile musician, singer-songwriter, producer, and voice actor, is once again in the spotlight with his stunning cover of IRON MAIDEN’s timeless classic, “Wasted Years.” This remarkable transformation infuses the legendary anthem with an acoustic charm and a touch of country twang, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved rock hit.
“Wasted Years” is more than just a cover; it’s a testament to JASON CHARLES MILLER’s artistic prowess. The song’s acoustic reimagining showcases Miller’s exceptional vocal talent and his unique musical sensibilities. By adding a dash of authentic country flavor while staying true to the song’s rock roots, Miller crafts a captivating and emotionally charged rendition that pays homage to the original while carving out its own niche. “‘Wasted Years’ is one of the most profound songs ever written about life on the road as a musician. The lyrics have always touched me deeply, and I wanted to put my own spin on the loneliness one feels when listening to them. We shot the entire video in one shot, which takes an incredible amount of planning. Luckily director Andrew Fogel and our amazing steady cam operator, Allen Chen are experts in their craft! We put a few easter eggs on the walls, too. See if you can spot them!” – JASON CHARLES MILLER
MILLER’s cover of “Wasted Years” is a must-listen for fans of both IRON MAIDEN and his own remarkable career. It’s a showcase of his ability to blend genres effortlessly and deliver a fresh perspective on a classic. The track also boasts an exceptional ensemble of musicians, including Paul Cartwright, whose masterful violin and viola skills, along with his string arrangement, bring an exquisite layer of depth to the song, while Cameron Stone, renowned for his iconic cello solo in the Game of Thrones theme song, contributes his unparalleled talent on the cello. The music video, directed seamlessly in a single take by Andrew Fogel, promises a visually captivating experience that complements the song’s profound emotional depth. Additionally, the single artwork offers his personal reinterpretation of IRON MAIDEN’s iconic “Wasted Years” artwork, adding a unique and personal touch to this exceptional release.
Taken from his eighth studio album,Cards on the Table, this cover highlights the versatility of Miller’s artistry. With a diverse range of tracks, the album is a defining moment in his already illustrious career. JASON CHARLES MILLER’s journey through the world of music has been nothing short of extraordinary. Widely recognized as the frontman and founder of the rock band GODHEAD, MILLER’s musical journey has taken him around the globe, sharing stages with OZZY OSBOURNE, RAMMSTEIN, DISTURBED, LINKIN PARK, and KORN’s Jonathan Davis.
In 2019, Miller’s vocals soared as he contributed to the Billboard chart-topping theme song for Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers, solidifying his status as a versatile industry artist. Beyond music, he hosts the Webby nominated Starter Kit on Geek & Sundry, appears on various streaming platforms, including Dungeons & Dragons, Nerdist, Hyper RPG, The Young Turks, and College Humor, and co-hosts Bardic Inspiration on CNEGames Twitch. He’s also shared comedic moments with legends like Lewis Black and Andy Dick on Comedy Central. Notably, Miller’s talent extends to video games, featuring in titles such as Halo Infinite and Star Trek Online, where his voice brings characters to life, showcasing his multifaceted abilities.
“Wasted Years” is available on all major streaming platforms, allowing fans and newcomers alike to experience Miller’s unique take on this rock classic.
Upcoming Tour Dates: October 21st Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest London, UK October 23rd Eorzean Symphony London, UK December 9th Bar Sinister Los Angeles, CA
w/ FASTER PUSSYCAT Tuesday, Oct 31, 2023 – Chico, CA – Tackle Box Wednesday, Nov 1 2023 – Reno, NV – Virginia Street Thursday, Nov 2, 2023 – Bend, OR – Domino Room Friday, Nov 3, 2023 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon Saturday, Nov 4, 2023 – Zilah, WA – Perham Hall/The Old Warehouse Sunday, Nov 5, 2023 – Pendleton, OR – The Electric Sundown Tuesday, Nov 7, 2023 – Great Falls, MT – Newberry Wednesday, Nov 8, 2023 – Billings, MT – Pub Station Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 – Minot, MD – Original Bar & Nightclub Friday, Nov 10, 2023 – Minneapolis, MN – Studio B/Skyway Theatre Saturday, Nov 11, 2023 – Ringle, WI – The Q&Z Expo Sunday, Nov 12, 2023 – St. Charles, IL – Arcada Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023 – Lakewood, OH – The Winchester Wednesday, Nov 15, 2023 – Covington, KY – Madison Live Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 – Detroit, MI – Token Lounge Friday, Nov 17, 2023 – Joliet, IL – The Forge Saturday, Nov 18, 2023 – St. Louis, MO – Diamond Hall Sunday, Nov 19, 2023 – Wichita, KS – Crown Uptown Monday, Nov 20, 2023 – Tulsa, OK – The Shrine Tuesday, Nov 21, 2023 – The Colony, TX – Lava Cantina Wednesday, Nov 22, 2023 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar Friday, Nov 24, 2023 – Ardmore, OK – TBA Saturday, Nov 25, 2023 – Roswell, NM – The Liberty Inc. Sunday, Nov 26, 2023 – El Paso, TX – Rockhouse Tuesday, Nov 28, 2023 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 