Foghat’s faithful fanbase has been buzzing ever since the announcement of the release of the band’s superb 1999 live performance, called Slow Ride – Live In Concert. This incredible live performance is being released today as a CD/DVD set but what many fans have been clamoring for is to see this killer show pressed on vinyl. Well, the gods of classic rock have obliged as Cleopatra Records is proud to announce a gorgeous double LP Orange Marble vinyl package of Slow Ride – Live In Concert in a classy gatefold jacket with informative liner notes and several vintage images that celebrate this band’s epic career. One listen and you’ll agree, Foghat’s fulsome mix of bluesy soulful rock sounds even better with the full dynamic range of well-pressed vinyl.
Longtime Foghat bassist Tony Stevens shares his thoughts on the release of Slow Ride – Live In Concert, saying “This concert album shows the band at its best with Brian Bassett taking over from Rod Price, who left Foghat the year before. For me though, the gold star has to go to Lonesome Dave Peverett. After going through 6 months of chemotherapy, after having a kidney removed, he came back, 50 pounds lighter in his gold suit and Rocked The House! I enjoyed our ‘playing off’ with each other. Loads of smiles and laughter. This video is a tribute to Dave. A rock and roll hero of the 100th degree.” Sadly, Peverett would pass away less than a year after the recording of this concert at the age of 56. But this performance is keeping his memory and the Foghat legacy alive for future generations to discover!
After three successful singles, the Swiss-Serbian symphonic metallers EVOLUCIJA are releasing their long-awaited second album: “The World is full of Wrath”, produced by metal master Marko “Wolfy” Vuckovic, is certainly one of the most extraordinary masterpieces of female-fronted rock. Linus Corneliusson and Jens Bogren were responsible for mixing and mastering at the renowned Swedish Fascination Street Studios. The expressive work of sound will be released on CD and vinyl in keeping with its value – both in the most elaborate packaging. “We have given everything we have for this album – passion and creativity, power and emotion,” says frontwoman Ilana, “we hope that this comes across to the fans.”
The album promises a symphonic heavy metal experience with ten tracks that offer a cornucopia of strong riffs, sweeping melodies embedded in powerful symphonic backing tracks. Evolucija create a sound that seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary modernity. It’s no wonder that the European metal press is already buzzing, as evidenced by features and placements in Musix, Rock it, Break Out, Slam (A) Metalized (DK) and Spark (CZ).
Their previous album “Hunt” was already awarded “Best Album of the Year” in 2018, and the band itself received the “Royal Oscar” in 2023 for Best Metal Band in Serbia.
In Eastern Europe, the five-piece are among the biggest bands and have shared stages with the biggest names in the metal scene such as Paradise Lost, Doro Pesch, Children Of Bodom, Tyr and Pestilence. With their new album, Evolucija are now ready to make the leap to the top!
Following up on M-Theory Audio’s 2022 reissue of the 1990 album ‘Harsh Realities’ from Pacific Northwest thrashers, BITTER END, we’re pleased to present this collection of the Seattle thrashers demo recordings on limited-edition (300 copies) colored vinyl, released on April 5th.
‘Have a Nice Death!’ collects the band’s classic 1988 ‘Meet Your Maker’ 4-song demo plus their early ‘90s recordings (6 songs) that were the beginnings of their unrealized 2nd full length album. Available on Hazardous Sludge colored vinyl the album will be in stores or available via mail-order at www.m-theoryaudio.com/store or Bandcamp www.bitterendseattle.bandcamp.com
“Many thanks from the BITTER END crew to M-Theory Audio for reissuing ‘Have A Nice Death!’ and ‘Harsh Realities,’ and also to our longtime who can now get a fresh copy to replace that old worn-out one,” states singer/guitarist Matt Fox. “We are all honored to have your continued interest and support!”
M-Theory Audio head honcho Marco Barbieri was a big fan of BITTER END’s demo after the band mailed him a copy of the cassette for review in his fanzine in 1988. Still citing it as one of his Top 10 favorite demos of all-time, Marco is honored to bring more attention to these unheralded recordings.
“Bitter End were one of my favorite up ‘n comers and I thought the ‘Meet Your Maker’ demo was a standout in the underground and showed the group’s promise and potential,” adds Marco. “Bitter End was signed to Metal Blade and released ‘Harsh Realities’ in 1990, and while it’s still an unheralded classic in my opinion, the band had already parted ways with the label by the time I started for Metal Blade a year later. Little did I know until a decade ago that work had actually begun on a second album, and along with ‘Meet Your Maker’ I’m pleased to present these six songs in a collectible vinyl format for longtime fans like me and hopefully a new generation to appreciate.”
The new material was being produced in part by Jack Endino (Nirvana, Bruce Dickinson, Mudhoney, 3 Inches of Blood) and mastered by Chris Hanzsek (Soundgarden, The Melvins, Skin Yard), but no worries BITTER END didn’t change styles due to emerging trends and their proximity to the epicenter of grunge. The reissue is complete with liner notes from guitarist Russ Stefanovich alongside lyrics, credits and thanks insert.
The roots of BITTER END date back to the early 1980’s Southern California upbringing of then-teenage brothers Matt (guitars) and Chris Fox (bass), who began jamming together after being inspired by then-local acts such as Slayer and Armored Saint, and then-burgeoning Bay Area acts of the time such as Metallica and Exodus that would travel south for live performances. The brothers would relocate to suburban Seattle in 1983, and would join forces with drummer Harry Dearinger and later, guitarist Russ Stefanovich, to form the classic lineup of BITTER END with Matt taking on lead vocal duties. The group were mainstays of the late 1980’s pre-grunge Seattle heavy metal scene that also gave rise to fellow Pacific Northwest thrashers of the era such as Forced Entry and Panic.
After the success of their demo tape, “Meet Your Maker,” an underground favorite amongst fanzines, college radio stations and tape traders BITTER END signed with Metal Blade Records and released “Harsh Realities,” their lone full-length record, in 1990. Produced by Randy Burns (Megadeth, Kreator, Death, Nuclear Assault) and featuring cover artwork by Jim Warren (Loudness, Lizzy Borden, Heir Apparent) ‘Harsh Realities’ garnered critical acclaim and a cult following for a thrash metal assault that bludgeoned ears with musical precision that appealed to fans of acts such as Megadeth, Forbidden, and Testament. Receiving strong reviews at the time from Metal Forces and Kerrang!, and the music video for the title track getting airplay on MTV’s “Headbanger’s Ball.” The band cultivated their live presence with prolific shows in their hometown scene alongside future giants such as Soundgarden and Alice In Chains, and toured alongside fellow thrash greats such as Sacred Reich and DRI.
Despite the members of BITTER END calling it a day in 1993 they have continued to pursue further musical endeavors in the years that followed. Matt Fox would go on to play a part of a re-formed lineup of 1980’s thrashers Holy Terror and punk rockers Zero Down. Chris Fox has performed in a number of acts, and most notably handled bass duties on Geoff Tate’s 2002 debut self-titled solo record. Russ Stefanovich has performed in the years since with Seattle heavy metal acts Midnight Idöls and Demon Dogs, while drummer Harry Dearinger has continued to be a consistent presence within the Seattle heavy metal scene.
Dive into the depths of Beyond God’s latest album “The Great Divide” with an exclusive guitar playthrough of the track “Frostbite” by Mariusz!
Released via WormHoleDeath Records in December 2023, this song is a journey through blistering riffs and melodic landscapes that’ll send shivers down your spine.
Tune in to witness the magic as Mariusz takes you behind the scenes, unraveling the intricate layers of “Frostbite” in this special playthrough video. Whether you’re a guitar enthusiast or simply love great music, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!
Beyond God is a female-fronted symphonic metal band from the Netherlands. Their music incorporates elements from heavy metal as well as classical and symphonic music. Heavy guitars, bass, and drums are combined with symphonic strings, brass ensembles, and beautiful vocals to create dark, atmospheric compositions. Beyond God, as you experience it right now has Meryl Foreman on vocals, Mariusz Krawitowski on guitars, Dennis Winkel on bass, and founder Ferry Guns on drums/piano/orchestrations. Beyond God’s new album “The Great Divide” is out via Wormholedeath.
On their upcoming new album, Benighted crawl through a house of horrors. Ekbom doesn’t tread so much as it tramples the line between sanity and madness. After all, the title takes its name from a real-life syndrome that makes people believe their skin is infested with bugs.
Earlier this week, the band released the album’s third single, “Metastasis”, which with its malignant chorus, is bound to break necks.
Today, the French tech-death brutes are announcing that they’ll be slithering across the ocean this fall to treat Canadian metalheads with a heavy dose of Ekbom. They’ll be joined on tour by New Jersey technical death metal malevolents Cognitive.
“Canada!! Finally, after 9 years, we’ll be back”, says vocalist Julien Truchan. “We can’t control our excitement to arrive and show you our new album, Ekbom, live on stage! We’ll have the pleasure to do this Canadian Infestation tour along with our brothers in Cognitive. Let’s make this tour unforgettable together!”
Benighted Canadian Infestation Tour 2024
September 22 – Rouyn Noranda, QC @ QG [TICKETS] September 23 – Montreal, QC @ Piranha Bar [TICKETS] September 24 – Ottawa, ON @ Rainbow Bistro [TICKETS] September 26 – London, ON @ Rum Runners [TICKETS] September 27 – St. Catharines, ON @ Warehouse [TICKETS] September 28 – Windsor, ON @ The Back Stage [TICKETS] September 29 – Toronto, ON @ Sneaky Dee’s [TICKETS] September 30 – Quebec City, QC @ L’Anti [TICKETS]
Benighted are also hitting the road in April for the Hellfest Warm-up Tour.Along with their signature style of brutal death metal, the French band are bringing along the support of Ten56 for these 13 lucky shows. Rise of the North Star, Stinky & KAMIZOL K will also join them on select dates.
Hellfest Warm-Up Tour 2024: April 19: Clermont Ferrand, FR @ La Cooperative de Mai [TICKETS] April 20: Bordeaux, FR @ Rock School Barbey [TICKETS] April 21: Biarritz, FR @ Atabal [TICKETS] April 22: Cahors, FR @ Les Docks [TICKETS] April 23: Montpellier, FR @ Victorie 2 [TICKETS] April 25: Nice, FR @ Stockfish [TICKETS] April 26: Crest, FR @ Bridge to Hell [TICKETS] April 27: Lausanne, CH @ Docks [TICKETS] April 28: Montbeliard, FR @ L’Axone [TICKETS] April 30: Oignies, FR @ La Metaphone [TICKETS] May 2: Paris, FR @ Cité de la Musique [TICKETS] May 3: Cherbourg, FR @ La Breche [TICKETS] May 4: Nantes, FR @ Warehouse [TICKETS]
Cover art: Grindesign (Rob Borbas)
Tracklist 1. Prodrome (1:19) 2. Scars (3:15) [WATCH] 3. Morgue (3:22) 4. Le Vice des Entrailles (3:06) 5. Nothing Left to Fear (2:44) [LISTEN] 6. Ekbom (3:42) 7. Metastasis (3:33) [WATCH] 8. A Reason for Treason (3:18) 9. Fame of the Grotesque (2:20) 10. Scapegoat (2:22) 11. Flesh against Flesh (3:18) 12. Mother Earth, Mother Whore (4:28) Total runtime: 36:48
Dive into the darkest realms of the human psyche as BENIGHTED, the French purveyors of brutal death metal & grindcore, unleash their tenth full-length album Ekbom in April 2024. The madness that has defined their discography continues with this radical soundtrack to the twisted times we inhabit.
Born from French Death and Black metal bands DISHUMANIZED, DARKNESS FIRE, and OSGILIATH, Benighted emerged in 1998 with a mission to explore a more brutal, heavy, and modern form of musical expression. The impact of their first self-produced and self-titled full-length album in 2000 transformed Benighted from a side-project into a main act, quickly amassing a devoted fan base. Subsequent albums like Psychose (2002), Insane Cephalic Production (2004), Identisick (2006), and Icon (2007) further cemented their visceral, skull-breaking sound into extreme death metal history.
After a detour into the realms of Necrobreed in 2017, Benightedcelebrated their 20th anniversary by capturing the live madness with Dogs Always Bite Harder Than Their Master in 2018.
With Obscene Repressed, they once again took sadistic pleasure in pushing the boundaries of brutality, delving into the disturbed mind of little Michael. His relentless battle against demons, fueled by unresolved oedipal issues with his mother, provided a grotesque tableau for Benighted’s sonic butchery. Not content with merely slaughtering everything in their auditory path, Benightedcrafted thematically explorative pieces, each turn in their music revealing new layers of horror and despair.
As the relentless journey continues, Benighted is set to unleash Ekbom in April 2024, an album that draws inspiration from the nightmarish ‘Ekbom syndrome.’ This rare neurological disorder, also known as Delusional Parasitosis, forms the thematic core of the upcoming release. A feeling of having a vile concoction of parasites, worms, and insects crawling under your skin is an apt description of what Benighted have to offer on this newest release. The auditory assault mirrors the repulsive sensations of the syndrome, a visceral and unsettling journey into the abyss of the human mind.
Madness reigns yet again, this time intertwining with the haunting echoes of Ekbom syndrome. Brace yourselves for another mind-shattering chapter in the Benighted saga as they continue to carve their niche in the putrid annals of extreme metal, leaving a trail of sonic disgust in their wake.
Line-up Julien Truchan – Vocals Emmanuel Dalle – Guitars Pierre Arnoux – Bass Kevin Paradis – Drums
Recording studio Kohlekeller Studios, Germany (Powerwolf, Aborted, Crematory)Producer, Sound, Mixing & Mastering engineer Kristian Kohlmannslehner
Guest musicians Oliver Peters (Archspire) on “Nothing Left to Fear” Xavier Chevalier (Blockheads) on “Fame of the Grotesque”
Italian depressive black/doom overlords FORGOTTEN TOMB will hit the road in autumn for a headlining tour of Europe, “Monochromatic Visions Tour”, followed by a short string of dates in eastern Europe and Asia.
Tour dates: Monochromatic Visions Tour Forgotten Tomb + Nocturnal Depression 26.9 – CH – Bern, Secret Show 27.9 – DE – Grosserlach, VFRR 28.9 – DE – Oberhausen, Helvete 29.9 – TBA 30.9 – DE – Cunersdorf, Tanks MC 1.10 – PL – Wroclaw, Liverpool 2.10 – PL – Bielsko Biala, Rudeboys Club 3.10 – CZ – Plzen, Parlament 4.10 – AU – Vienna, Escape Metal Corner 5.10 – TBA 6.10 – SK – Banská Bystrica, Klub 77 — 6.11 – KYRGYZSTAN – Bishkeck, Bar56 7.11 – KAZAKHSTAN – Almaty, Anklav 9.11 – GEORGIA – Tbilisi, Junkyard 10.11 – TURKEY – Istanbul, Dorock HMC
More exciting news from the band will follow soon.
Starting in the beginning of the millennium with bona fide classics such as “Songs to Leave” (2002), “Springtime Depression” (2003) and “Love’s Burial Ground” (2004) – widely considered among the true originators of the so-called “Depressive Black Metal” sub-genre – the band explored increasingly heavier and broader territories with all the albums that followed, from the genre-shattering avant-garde of “Negative Megalomania” (2007) through the pitch-black rocking-vehicle “Under Saturn Retrograde” (2011), then perfecting the band’s own black/doom formula with the harsher tones of “…And Don’t Deliver Us From Evil” (2012) and “Hurt Yourself and The Ones You Love” (2015). In 2017, “We Owe You Nothing” marked the highest point in the band’s constant evolution and once more made it hard to narrow down its sound to some pre-existing labels. Effortlessly blending the eerie, dissonant black metal sound the band is well-known for with muscular sludge/doom riffs and a subtle, nihilistic punk attitude. The band begun a new chapter with its tenth and last album, “Nihilistic Estrangement” (2020), detaching itself from all of the current trends in terms of style and production, aiming for a timeless feel and vintage sound.
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
