TUOMAS ROUNAKARI Co-Composes Original Score for ‘Dualism’ Multicultural Dance Performance, Video Clip Available

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 25, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

Photo: Co-composers Tuomas Rounakari and Hans-Ole Amossen – Performance photo by Antero Hein

Famed Finnish violinist, composer, and ethnomusicologist TUOMAS ROUNAKARI teamed up with Greenland’s Hans-Ole Amossen to co-compose the captivating score for the multicultural dance showcase, ‘Dualism’. Footage from its successful opening nights on September 20th and 21st in Sandnes, Norway, can be viewed online.

Experience ‘Dualism’ through this video: https://fb.watch/nb21JAH_P3/

Expressing his enthusiasm, Tuomas remarked, “Collaborating with electronic musician Hans-Ole Amossen from Greenland on ‘Dualism’ was a seamless melding of diverse worlds.”

Upcoming ‘Dualism’ performances:

Dansehallerne, CPH, November 9th & 10th
Katuaq, Nuuk, Greenland, November 20th & 21st

‘Dualism’, conceived by Alexander Montgomery-Andersen and Madeleine Fairminer, offers an intimate glimpse into a multicultural individual’s daily existence. It delves deep, transitioning from conscious to subconscious realms.

For more details, visit: https://dansehallerne.dk/en/public-program/performance/12912/

Moreover, in a recent chat with Metal-Heads.de, Tuomas insightfully observed, “Religions are about believing that something is true. And not experiencing it to know that it is true. No one must convince me that the birch tree I see is alive. I don’t have to believe it, I can see it.That kind of understanding that I have a relationship with that birch tree doesn’t need faith.”

Dive deeper into the conversation here: https://metal-heads.de/behind-the-scenes/shamanviolin-interview-mit-tuomas-rounakari.

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TUOMAS ROUNAKARI released his acclaimed solo album “Bear Awakener” on April 14th 2022!

Buy “Bear Awakener” album at

Awakening the Bear is a symbol of succumbing to the greater forces of existence. Awakening a new energy while being more connected to the ancient. And first and foremost – opening to a dialogue with mythical entities and re-creating harmonious and long lasting relationships with our surroundings, including human and non-human beings, seen and unseen worlds.

The songs in this album are formed by Khanty, Mansi, Carelian and Finnish ancestors. They carry a resonance of those before us who were better equipped to collaborate with nature in a sustainable and self-sufficient way. Such songs have always been Tuomas’ best teachers.

“This is music that gods are listening to” said Pekko Käppi after having listened through the freshly finished mastered tracks.

The album coverart was created by Karolina Pärnänen.

“Bear Awakener” was recorded, mixed and mastered at the Verde Studio with the gear-wizard Mika Rintala. None of his modular synthesizers were used. All of the equipment used in recording was built by Mika – microphones, pre-amps, EQ and even the mixing console and electrostatic monitors.

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TUOMAS ROUNAKARI is an internationally acclaimed violinist, composer and ethnomusicologist from Finland. He is a one-man-band blending violin, vocals and stomping with ankle-bells. In his performance he enters various trance-states. In this album he will also be playing a traditional Khanty instrument called Ning-juh.

Tuomas is inspired by different forms of dialogue; man and nature, the seen and the unseen world, ancient and future. His first solo album Shamanviolin was a result of ethnomusicological studies of the earliest 20th century wax-cylinder recordings from Siberia. These studies have also led to many collaborations with indigenous artists. He is one of the few artists who have actually returned their art to native communities for evaluation and development.

Tuomas Rounakari solo performance has been selected to: World Cultures Festival in Hong Kong (2019), Arctic Arts Summit (2019), Nordiskt Ljus Festival in Sweden (2022), Festspillene Helgeland in Norway (2021), Nuuk Nordik Festival in Greenland, Kaustinen Folk Music Festival in Finland (2018, 2013, 2012), Helsingin Juhlaviikot and many others. He has also played the solo performance in several theaters such as Finnish National Theater in Helsinki, Merlin Szinhas Teater in Budapest, AlfredVeDvore in Prague, Ashurst Hall in Flagstaff USA among others.

Also watch
-Tuomas’ performance video, a throwback to Tokyo 2017, from the materials of ‘Live in Japan’ documentary by Kimmo Kuusniemi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g718diJlW1s
-‘Farewell of Kamas People’ – https://youtu.be/oV16Qipd0MQ
-‘Langetus’ – https://youtu.be/HVsU7PTqqHY

More information at
TUOMAS ROUNAKARI: http://www.rounakari.com | http://www.facebook.com/shamanviolin |https://rounakari.bandcamp.com | https://rounakari.com/videos
MANAGEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement | http://www.splitscreenproduction.com

OCTOBER NOIR Unleash New Album “Letters to Existence”, Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 25, 2023
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Started in 2017 by Tom Noir, OCTOBER NOIR transcends the genres of goth, doom, metal, and rock altogether, to create a truly one-of-a-kind sound. Formed in Pensacola, Florida, October Noir features drummer Tyler Fleming, keyboardist Doug Lane, guitarist Trey Ozinga, and of course, lead vocals and bassist, Tom Noir.

With three full length albums out to date and nine singles, October Noir harnesses a unique sound that combines elements of synthy eighties rock with a more modern, metal twist. Comparable to bands like Echo and the Bunnymen, October Noir utilizes nostalgic influence from anthemic, melodic rock, and 80s Hair Metal, while putting their own dark and doomy twist on it all. With inspirations all the way from The Cure to Type O Negative and My Dying Bride, October Noir harnesses a thundering, deeply nuanced sound that can only be understood through listening.

“FOREVER HAUNT” off the album “Letters Top Existence”

“The unbinding of two souls that must happen. Of all lament and despair. Learning how to let go yet knowing they have stained a place in your soul for eternity.” Featuring Nadia Kodes of Russia this song was written as a duet to give light to the man and woman’s personification of agony.

Their new album, “Letters to Existence” will be released on September 22nd. The track list includes a wide range of songs that explore themes of loss, pain, love, death, and a deep connection to spirituality. The group dove into the making of this album, to explain its intrinsic link to nature, and its flow through the seasons of nature, and of life. Starting with the standout track “Spring”, drummer Tyler Fleming describes, “It lives up to the feel of Spring. It starts pretty mellow and then slams into its own. Here comes the album.”

Simultaneously inspiring, uplifting, and yet full of doom, “Letters to Existence” sounds like you are transported back to the 80s in a deeply spiritual way. This album takes you on a journey all the way from its most dark, thundering moments, to lighter, perhaps even pop-y moments. There is a really special, nostalgic quality to October Noir’s music. Especially in the song “Endless Lonely” – metallic riffs take and its “quintessential Tom Noir ballad” take us through a sense of yearning, and feature those powerhouse, raspy vocals we all know well from doom and goth rock. Only four songs later, the group takes on an upbeat, melodic sound that is reminiscent of The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love” in fan favorite “Clench” midway through the album.

“Letters to Existence” also features a link to many easter eggs with samples from readings of Dante’s Inferno in “A Halo Hung From Horns,” as well as nods to many other legends throughout history. “For Honor” has been described by band members as “the most transparently 80s sounding track off the album.” Tyler describes it as the bands’ “Def Leppard song” for its heavy metal influence. And at the same time, in the words of keyboardist Doug Lane, it’s “gut-wrenching and torturously emotional slog in the best possible way.”

It all comes to a perfect end with the final track “Winter” – a deeply emotional ending that plays off colorful and melodic tones before arriving at the bleakness of winter and the album’s end that leaves us wanting more.

The album spans all types of emotional discovery, from betrayal and infidelity, loss, and eventual healing, “Letters to Existence” takes listeners on a journey through the seasons of life, and in turn, of the human experience.

For more information on October Noir please visit:
Official Website: octobernoir.org

SLIPKNOT’s Corey Taylor Becomes Orange Amps Ambassador

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 25, 2023
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Corey Taylor with his Rockerverb 100 MKIII and PPC412 Cabinet

Orange Amplification is delighted to announce that Corey Taylor, has become one of the company’s Ambassadors. A talented multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer, Taylor is considered one of the greatest front men in Heavy Metal today.

Taylor has just released his much anticipated second solo album, CMF2, a follow up to his debut solo album, CMFT. His latest album really raises the game, it has plenty of the nu-metal / blues his fans love, plus something softer in the love songs to his wife. It is an enthralling insight into this charismatic performer, also known as the front man of Grammy Award winning Slipknot and on hiatus Stone Sour.

Taylor kicks off his latest solo tour in the USA before travelling to the UK, Europe and Australia; his Orange Rockerverb 100 MKIII and PPC412 Cabinet will be accompanying him. The Rockerverb MKIII amp is a real workhorse and master of all trades. It offers a clean channel with versatile lower and mid tones whilst the dirty channel provides classic British Crunch through to the heaviest modern metal and everything in between. The PPC412 cabinet, built for life on the road, has a near legendary status amongst guitarists for its superb tone and robust build.

To find out more, please go to www.orangeamps.com/.

FREYA Share New Video for ‘Fight As One’ Ft. Freddy Cricien from MADBALL

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 25, 2023
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Today, hardcore heavy hitters FREYA have released their new album Fight As One via Upstate Records. To celebrate the release, they have revealed a new music video for the title track which features hardcore legend Freddy Cricien of MADBALL.

As the band approaches its 20th anniversary of their first release, As the Last Light Drains (Victory Records, 2003), FREYA have returned to their roots with pulverizing force. 

Freya comments: “From our perspective things are undeniably and unusually chaotic in recent times. “Fight as One” is an acknowledgment of that reality. Lyrically the song is about how hard times strengthen the true friendships. Freddy Madball put the jewel in the crown on this track for us with a block of hard-hitting lyrics and one of the most powerful voices in all of hardcore.”

FREYA are joined by three legendary hardcore front-men on their newest album; Freddy Cricien (MADBALL) delivers a crushing performance on the title track, Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) seethes on “Sense of Doom” and Scott Vogel (TERROR) drops the hammer on “Thousand Yard Stare”. 

Fight As One Credits:
Lyrics: Karl Buechner
Composition: Karl Buechner, Erick Edwards, Thom Turner, Ian Edwards, Ethan D Henry
Produced and Mixed By: Ethan D Henry
Mastered by: Jocko (Moresound)
Photo By: Jim Wertman

More information at:
https://www.upstaterecordsny.com/freya
instagram.com/freyaband/
https://www.facebook.com/freyahardcore

LYDIA CAN’T BREATHE Release Official Music Video for ‘Killerz’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 25, 2023
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LYDIA CAN’T BREATHE’s electrifying track “Killerz” boasts a top-notch production by the dynamic duo of Andrew Wade and Andy Karpovck, who expertly crafted the sound at The Audio Compound in sunny Orlando, Florida. These two gifted producers have left their mark on the music scene, having previously collaborated with renowned acts such as Motionless in White, Attila, and A Day To Remember. Their collective expertise and creative synergy brought “Killerz” to life!

The new video “Killerz “ by Lydia Can’t Breathe shows a quick glimpse about the grim consequences of unpaid debts in the underworld, where power and respect are won by ruthless violence. “The visuals we got in this video are unreal! We shot it at an airport and got actual skydiving footage! The song tells a dark and heavy tale of a mercenary. The protagonist is consumed by his lust for power and respect, which he derives from his terrifying profession. The chorus is a chilling plea for mercy, suggesting the perspective of the hitman’s victims. The song speaks to the desperation, fear and regret that can come from making dangerous choices, and the brutal reality of a life ruled by power and violence. It gives a raw and visceral insight into both psyche of the violent enforcer and the fear of those facing imminent death,” says the band’s frontman Kyle Bolduc.

Stream/Download “Killerz” HERE

For More Information Please visit: Official Website – Spotify – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube – LCB Merch Store

OBSCURA Unleash Live Video for ‘Emergent Evolution’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 24, 2023
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photo: Vincent Grundke

OBSCURA recently announced their highly anticipated live album, A Celebration I – Live in North America, which will be released on October 27 th via Nuclear Blast Records.

Today, the band presents a stunning live video for the track ‘Emergent Evolution’, captured during their electrifying Mexico tour. This video promises to deliver a sensory experience like no other, showcasing the band’s unmatched talent and captivating stage presence.

Listen to the song on all platforms: https://obscura.bfan.link/eesg

Pre-order the album here: https://obscura.bfan.link/acilina

Steffen Kummerer comments:
“‘Emergent Evolution’ quickly became the most popular track of our 2018 record Diluvium. The song has been part of our live shows ever since, and combined with a loud and wild audience as in Mexico back in 2022, it‘s just pure joy to perform live on stage.”

A Celebration I – Live in North America takes you on a mesmerizing journey through their iconic discography, featuring fan-favorites from albums like Cosmogenesis, Omnivium, Akroasis, Diluvium and the chart-breaking A Valediction.

The album has been mixed & mastered at Studio Fredman by award-winning producer Fredrik Nordström (Arch Enemy, In Flames, At The Gates), in Gothenburg, Sweden, in collaboration with Obscura’s architect Steffen Kummerer. Vincent Grundke, who has been working alongside the band as a videographer and photographer since 2021, provided the visual accompaniments for the record.