EARTHBLOOD‘s first EP titled “Primal Fury” was released on September 22nd 2023 by Inverse Records. The EP features unadulterated and raw energy from the Finnish sludge/thrash metal trio. With this EP you are in for thundering drums, blazing guitars and bass, primitive vocals and pure blind rage. The EP was recorded and mixed at the bands very own rehearsal place by Joel Notkonen.
Earthblood was founded in the spring of 2023 by a trio of friends, fusing classic elements of Stoner rock and Sludge metal with the fast tempos and riffing of genres such as Thrash and Death metal.
The band pursues an all-around thundering sound in their music, humorously describing it themselves as “Frenzied ape thunder metal”
Their objective is to plow through gigs with raw and primal energy so that their thunder might be heard globally.
Earthblood will release their first EP titled “Primal Fury” on September 22nd 2023 and they are well on their way with the recording of their second EP which is to be announced later this year.
Line-Up: Niko Kauhanen: Drums Jere Halonen: Guitar & Vocals Joel Notkonen: Bass & Vocals
Italian progressive metal masters DGM will release their long-awaited new album, “Life” this November 17. The first single and video from the album, “Unravel the Sorrow,” are out today.
“Life” comes as the culmination of 2 years work in which the band’s mainman Simone Mularoni, wrote a wealth of musical material with “Life” being the first view into this period of creativity. The songs show clearly the desire to push the band beyond any previous boundaries and to build more of their own personal identity and approach. Truly, no small feat given the band’s catalog!
The band says, “LIFE is exactly the sum of all the elements that build the DGM’s sound so far. Over the years we’re focusing more and more on the quality of the songs rather than the usual prog-metal technical aspects, putting all our efforts in the arrangements and caring every little detail of each song. We strongly believe that this album is the peak of our songwriting!”
All the trademark elements of DGM’s sound can be found in this new album with sweeping choruses, technical passages, lightning-fast fretwork, big vocals and bombastic transitions, but the care and the dedication to the songwriting emerges in phenomenal songs which carefully encompass everything that goes from the heaviest progressive metal to a more classic hard rock sound. The playing is faultless as usual and the melodies are perfectly woven into the killer guitars, epic keyboards, and pounding drums. The line-up is more gelled and cohesive than ever but a special mention goes, beyond Mularoni’s personal guitar playing, to singer Mark Basile who truly dominates the musical material like a helmsman on a stormy night. Simply outstanding!
Watch out for DGM, they are not only Italy’s finest, but an absolute astounding force to be reckoned with in the international Progressive Metal scene and with “Life” they offer their listeners their most fast and heavy, dense and intense, platter of progressive power metal to date.
DGM are planning a European tour in support of the album’s release. Dates will be announced in due course.
Tracklisting: 1 Unravel The Sorrow 2 To The Core 3 The Calling 4 Second Chance 5 Find Your Way 6 Dominate 7 Eve 8 Journey To Nowhere 9 Leave All Behind 10 Neuromancer
Prepare for a riveting dive into the shadowy realms of music as VIOLET SIN, renowned for their uncanny fusion of melancholy and headbanging rhythms, unleash their latest auditory masterpiece, “A Violent Case of Despair.” This time, they’re amplifying the intensity, speed, and intricacy of their sound, proving that it’s possible to go bigger and bolder while luxuriating in the depths of haunting melodies. With their third single, the band bids farewell to genre constraints and instead embraces an unapologetically unbridled creative process. The stage is set for a plunge into an abyss of emotion – can the world handle the impending deluge of melancholic moshing they’re about to usher in?
Composed by: Jon Pyres, Veli-Matti Kananen, Jimi Myöhänen & Ari Levola
Lyrics by: Jon Pyres
A Journey Through Darkness and Dynamism: From The Night is Dark (And Full of Memories) to A Violent Case of Despair
Gathering momentum in the metal scene, Violet Sin initially captivated attention with their debut single “The Night is Dark (And Full of Memories),” a triumph that resonated on a global scale within the metal music media. Marrying the evocative tones of 80s-inspired vocals, the somber beauty of Scandinavian melancholy, and a compelling dose of modern metalcore, the band’s sonic tapestry stood as an undeniable force. Even as they delved into the realms of romance and melody with “Fading Love,” a release from earlier this year, critics couldn’t help but note a twist of humor, pondering if the sentimentality was almost “too” romantic for these purveyors of darkness. Fast-forward to now, and the band has taken a decisive turn towards the brutal, all while retaining their signature allure. Brace yourself for an exploration where brutality intertwines with brilliance, where the heartbeat of rhythm merges with the frantic pulse of shadow – a realm where Violet Sin thrives, unshackled by convention, a force of captivating creativity and enigmatic expression.
A Creative Cauldron: The Birth and Future of Violet Sin
The tale of Violet Sin finds its roots in the collaboration between masterminds Veli-Matti Kananen (Kalmah) and Jon Pyres (Lycanthro, Threads of Fate). As torchbearers of melancholic metal, the band’s foundation was laid with a vision to weave diverse musical elements into their sonic tapestry. This vision was further enriched by the inclusion of Jimi Myohanen (Se, Josta Ei Puhuta / Kaera / Swansong / Sadistik Forest) and Ari Levola (RASA), each contributing their unique brilliance. Their collective synergy culminated in their pursuit of their first EP, a musical testament to their artistic evolution. Having embarked on this endeavor in late 2022, the band is poised to unveil their masterpiece in 2023 under the banner of Inverse Records. A culmination of their growth, innovation, and relentless passion, the EP promises to be a journey through the depths of their creative souls, a journey that invites listeners to venture forth and join them in their enigmatic world of sound.
Finnish melodic doom metallers KAUNIS KUOLEMATON have shared the next intense taste of their highly-anticipated sophomore full-length record, entitled “Mielenvalta”, which will be out October 13 on Noble Demon. Following the release of the first single “Peilikuva”, the band follows up today with a lyric video for the mesmerizing track “Elävältä Haudattu”. Watch it below.
KAUNIS KUOLEMATON on “Elävältä Haudattu” (Buried Alive):
“Briefly summarized. When the love of your life (whether it’s your friend or your life partner, still the most important person in your life) has to give up the joy that life brings, and there’s nothing you can do about it. The tone of the song and its melodies will lead you through this sad beautiful journey.“
With a fearless approach that defies genre boundaries, KAUNIS KUOLEMATON redefined the very essence of Melodic Doom Metal, seamlessly blending ethereal beauty with unrelenting force. Since their formation in 2012, the band has embarked on a relentless quest to push the limits of their craft, creating a unique and mesmerizing brand of melancholic metal that resonates with fans from all corners of the metal spectrum. Their crushing and recognizable sound has earned them spots sharing stages with renowned acts such as Omnium Gatherum, Wolfheart, Cult of Luna, Vorna, and October Tide. From playing festivals to headlining their own shows across Finland, KAUNIS KUOLEMATON has captivated audiences with their magnetic performances. With three albums, one EP, and several singles under their belt, these Finnish metallers have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene.
With their latest album “Syttyköön Toinen Aurinko,” featuring lyrics entirely in Finnish, KAUNIS KUOLEMATON has already left an indelible mark, garnering praise from fans and critics alike. Now, as they prepare to unleash “Mielenvalta”, the band’s evolution reaches new heights, promising an immersive experience that will leave you breathless.
“Mielenvalta” will be coming out on October 13 via Noble Demon and is available for pre-order at THIS LOCATION
“Mielenvalta” track listing:
Surussa uinuva
Elävältä haudattu
Peilikuva
Mielenvalta
Nyt olet poissa
Maan varjoisan puolen
Aallot
Pahatar
Hukkunut sydän
KAUNIS KUOLEMATON live: 20.10.2023 Helsinki FI – On The Rocks (Album release show)
KAUNIS KUOLEMATON are: Olli Suvanto – Vocals Mikko Heikkilä – Clean vocals, Rhythm guitar Ville Mussalo – Guitars Jarno Uski – Bass Miika Hostikka – Drums
JOHAN KIHLBERG’S IMPERA present “That’s The Way That Life Goes (live)”, the first single and video from the forthcoming live CD/DVD set “Scandinavium Alive” out on October 27th via Metalville Records!
A perfect hard rock song in the best Swedish tradition wich combines grandiose hooks, a powerful voice and world-class solos. With the live version of “That’s The Way That Life Goes”, recorded in Gothenburg in 2022, “Johan Kihlberg’s Impera” present all their musical strengths and make the hearts of fans of real, handmade classic hard rock leap higher.
Ever since he heard “Kiss Alive” for the first time in 1975, Johan Kihlberg has been a huge fan of the US American cult band, and everything he did professionally later on has always revolved around Kiss somehow.
For example, he worked for Polygram Records in the 80s and 90s and got to know the guys from Kiss during that time. At that time he was also asked to lead their fan club.
Later, Johan Kihlberg toured with Vinnie Vincent and had some guest appearances with Bruce Kulick, who also played on the Impera debut “Legacy Of Life” in 2012.
In 2017, Johan Kihlberg published the book “Kiss Klassified”, in which he talks about his life with Kiss.
After the announcement that Kiss would be coming to Europe for some shows in 2020, it was all too understandable that Johan Kihlberg immediately tried to get his band Impera to support him at a show in Sweden. And indeed, just one week later, they were confirmed as special guests at the Kiss show in Gothenburg.
But then Corona came and the concerts were put on hold.
On 22.06.2022 the time had finally come and Johan Kilhberg’s Impera entered the stage of the sold-out Scandinavium Arena in Gothenburg.
The line-up of this unique show consisted of Lars Chriss from Lion`s Share on lead guitar, Mats Vassfjord, who has been with Impera since the beginning, on bass, Magnus Ulfstedt (ex Eclipse) on drums, Jonny Lindkvist (Nocturnal Rites) as singer and Johan Kihlberg as second guitarist.
The gig was a milestone in Johan Kihlberg’s music career and also for the rest of the band, as all musicians who were on stage together that night are big Kiss fans.
The setlist consisted mainly of songs from the latest Impera album “Spirit Of Alchemy” plus a few tracks from “Age of Discovery”.
The show was filmed in full length and is, besides the audio version of the concert, part of the now released CD/DVD set “Scandinavium Alive”.
The CD also features a very special, previously unreleased bonus track. In the autumn of 2022, Johan Kihlberg was asked by the producers of the feature film “Black Hills” (an action film that will be released this fall) whether he could write the film music and whether Johan Kihlberg’s IMPERA could also contribute the title song “Fighter”, which will now be available for the first time on “Scandinavium Alive”.
TRACK LISTING
01 – Nothing Will Last 02 – Lost Your Life to Rock ´N´ Roll 03 – That´s The Way That Life Goes 04 – When Souls Collide 05 – All About You 06 – Fear 07 – In Heaven 08 – Fighter*
One of the most-aired hard rock bands on MTV during the late ’80s and early ’90s was WINGER, a band who had it all – expert chops, chart success, arena tours, etc. And now for the first time ever, the band’s best-selling albums will be compiled together in the new box set, Chapter One: Atlantic Years 1988-1993 – which will be released on November 17, 2023 via Atlantic/BMG, and will be available as both vinyl and CD versions.
Included will be the band’s self-titled debut from 1988 (which spawned the hits “Madalaine,” “Seventeen,” and “Headed or a Heartbreak”), In the Heart of the Young from 1990 (which gave us “I Can’t Get Enuff,” “Miles Away,” and “Easy Come Easy Go”), and Pull from 1993 (which contained “Down Incognito”).
And long-time fans of the band – whose classic line-up was comprised of singer/bassist Kip Winger, guitarists Reb Beach and Paul Taylor, and drummer Rod Morgenstein – will probably be most intrigued by the inclusion of the fourth disc, Demo Anthology, which includes original demo versions of Winger’s biggest hits. Additionally, the set will be newly remastered by Ted Jensen – with the remaster process overseen by Kip Winger.
“I’m very proud of this box set. It captures an unforgettable era for the band and these are the only remasters I officially endorse.” – Kip Winger
Still rocking to this day – the band issued their seventh studio effort overall in 2023, the appropriately titled Seven. Kip Winger is also a respected and successful symphonic composer, having issued recordings under the name C.F. Kip Winger, while Reb Beach has been a member of Whitesnake since 2002, and Rod Morgenstein has served as a professor at Berklee College of Music (in addition to playing in a variety of other more jazz-fusion-based projects).
To obtain all of Winger’s definitive LP’s in one fell swoop, Chapter One: Atlantic Years 1988-1993 covers all the bases – and then some!
• US – PLATINUM / CANADA – GOLD / JAPAN – GOLD • #21 US Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart / #96 Canadian Albums Chart • “Madelaine” (#27 US Rock) / “Seventeen” (#19 US Hot 100 / #19 US Rock)/ “Headed For A Heartbreak” (#19 US Hot 100 / #8 US Rock) / “Hungry” (#85 US Hot 100 / #34 US Rock)
Tracklist: 1. Madalaine 2. Hungry 3. Seventeen 4. Without The Night 5. Purple Haze 6. State Of Emergency 7. Time To Surrender 8. Poison Angel 9. Hangin’ On 10. Headed For A Heartbreak
Personnel: Kip Winger – Bass/Vocals Reb Beach – Guitar/Vocals Paul Taylor – Keyboards/Vocals Rod Morgenstein – Drums
Producer: Beau Hill
Winger II: In The Heart Of The Young (1990)
• US – PLATINUM • #15 US Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart • “Can’t Get Enuff” (#42 US Hot 100 / #6 US Rock) / “Miles Away” (#12 US Hot 100 / #14 US Rock / #56 UK Singles Chart) / ”Easy Come Easy Go” (#41 US Hot 100 / #20 US Rock)
Tracklist: 1. Can’t Get Enuff 2. Loosen Up 3. Miles Away 4. Easy Come Easy Go 5. Rainbow In The Rose 6. In The Day We’ll Never See 7. Under One Condition 8. Little Dirty Blonde 9. Baptized By Fire 10. You Are The Saint, I Am The Sinner 11. In The Heart Of The Young
Personnel: Kip Winger – Bass/Vocals Reb Beach – Guitar/Vocals Paul Taylor – Keyboards/Guitar/Vocals Rod Morgenstein – Drums
Producer: Beau Hill
Pull (1993)
• #83 US Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart • “Down Incognito” (#15 US Rock)
Tracklist: 1. Blind Revolution Mad 2. Down Incognito 3. Spell I’m Under 4. In My Veins 5. Junkyard Dog (Tears On Stone) 6. The Lucky One 7. In For The Kill 8. No Man’s Land 9. Like A Ritual 10. Who’s The One
Tracklist: 1. Madalaine 2. Hungry 3. Seventeen 4. Headed for a Heartbreak 5. Can’t Get Enuff 6. Easy Come Easy Go 7. Miles Away 8. Blind Revolution Mad 9. Down Incognito 10. Who’s the One
WINGER ON TOUR:
Oct 7th – Rock The Locks Music Festival – Unatilla, OR Oct 13th – Rocktober 2023 At The Old Gray – Monterey, TN Oct 14th – District 142 – Wyandotte, MI Nov 11th – Newton Performing Artist Center – Newton, NC Nov 18th – Buffalo Rose – Golden, CO Dec 16th – Smart Financial Centre – Sugar Land, TX Dec 17th – The Factory In Deep Ellum – Dallas, TX Jan 17th – Rockisland Fest 2024 – Key West Amphitheater – Key West, FL
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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
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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 