Prepare for OU‘s (pronunciation: “O”) epic sophomore album, 蘇醒 II: Frailty, co-produced, mixed, and featuring Devin Townsend’s magic!
Their newest offering “淨化 Purge” urges you to embrace the infinite possibilities, resonating in every corner. Surrender to the hypnotic visuals feat. mastermind Devin Townsend.
OU comments on the new single: “淨化 Purge is the second track off our second album, 蘇醒 II: Frailty, the song was written as a kind of brutal meditation, for added power we asked Devin if he would be willing to sing his first song in Chinese along with Lynn, thankfully he was down, and the result is quite astonishing.”
Devin Townsend comments: “As I age, I find myself growing easily bored with new music, which is disappointing as a music fan. Despite being very busy, mutual circumstances aligned myself and the band ‘OU’. I appreciate this connection, as their music is exceptionally well executed and interesting to me. I am pleased to have been involved with something refreshing like this.”
Hailing from the vibrant musical scene of Beijing, China, OU emerged onto the global stage with their debut album one in 2022, leaving listeners awestruck and craving more. With an unparalleled fusion of metal, electronica, ambient textures, and captivating melodies, OU defies convention, offering a sonic journey unlike any other, that invites listeners into their world.
Fast forward to 2023, and OU found themselves in esteemed company, collaborating with none other than the visionary Devin Townsend to craft their highly anticipated sophomore effort, 蘇醒II: Frailty, slated for release on April 26th, 2024. This upcoming album promises to push boundaries even further, introducing prog fans to a realm of sound that challenges the very definition of genre itself. OU invites you to join them on this exhilarating sound odyssey, where familiarity meets innovation, and every note resonates with unprecedented intensity.
OU Lineup: Lynn Wu – Vocals Anthony Vanacore – Drums Jing Zhang – Guitars Chris Cui – Bass
The wait is over! March 29th, Irish Vikings REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS unleashed their epic new saga “Helgafjell (Holy Mountain)” via Wormholedeath Records, available now on all digital platforms at https://orcd.co/helgafjell!
“Helgafjell,” The Sacred Peak, isn’t just an album; it’s a tribute, a myth, a journey through time and legend. Every track in this album is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, drawing inspiration from the depths of Norse Mythology, with an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy and mythological authenticity. “Helgafjell” is a soul-stirring tribute to Ren’s Father, Micka, who passed away in September 2022. It delves into themes of Life, Death, and the Norse Mythology Afterlife. The track “Holy Mountain” is a powerful homage to Ren’s Dad, a true warrior with a lion’s heart, now residing in the glorious Norse Afterlife, ‘The Holy Mountain’ – a place of eternal bliss for the righteous.
Every aspect of the album, from its evocative artwork by the talented Terence McCann of Blackdog Graphic Design to the captivating photography of Kathleen Curran, has been woven together with precision and passion. Ren Marabou himself has masterfully orchestrated the recording, mixing, and mastering of all tracks at Skåld Studios, ensuring that each note resonates with the spirit of the Norse legends.
The album ‘Helgafjell’ features an epic tracklist that reads like a saga:
The Journeys of Rig
Ran’s Hall
The Price of Glory
Curse Striker
Gramr the Bloodstained Beast
In the Hall of Gimle
Live and die by the sword (Einherjar)
The Duel of flint and steel
Idunn the Ever Young
Holy Mountain (Helgafjell)
Just recently, the band released the electrifying lyric video for the album epic anthem ‘Holy Mountain (Helgafjell)’, a masterful fusion of metal might and mythic tales now storming the gates of YouTube! In case you missed it, watch here:
Embark on an Epic Journey This Summer & Fall with Ireland’s Finest Pagan Metal Titans: REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS’ ‘Helgafjell (Holy Mountain)’ Tour! Celebrating Their Newest Saga, the Album “Helgafjell”, released March 29th via Wormholedeath Records – Witness the Legend Live!
The band stated: “Heathen Tribe, we are excited to announce our Irish tour to promote our upcoming album ‘Helgafjell (Holy Mountain)’. We will be joined on the tour with our Brothers in String Cut Puppets and Expedition. We are also delighted to have our good friends joining us at certain shows, @The Spudguns, Shock Sorrow, Rac’s Roll and Stanton’s Grave with more tba 🛡️⚔️ We can’t wait to hit the road and hang out with all our Heathen Tribe Brothers and Sisters, Skål 🪧⚡️”
June 8th – Sally Longs Galway June 14th – Pharmacia Limerick – in association with A.L.M Promotions July 13th – McHughs Venue, Drogheda September 14th – Fred Zeppelins, Cork October 12th – Smiddy’s/The Stables Venue, Mullingar November – tbc December 7th – Sandinos Bar/Club, Derry for Yuleblót Celebration.
Tickets, event pages and show details coming soon 🤘🏻🔥
Hailing from the mystical landscapes of Co.Donegal, Ireland, REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS are more than a band; they are a force of nature, blending the power of Viking Metal/Norse Pagan Rock with high-energy performances and anthemic melodies. With endorsements from Cassidy Guitars, Skull Strings, Iron Age Guitar Accessories, and Blackstar, and serving as Ambassadors for Ulster Mead Co., these warriors are unstoppable. Managed by the astute minds at Split Screen Management, the band has already made waves with their album ‘Tales Of Rune’ under United Music Mafia. And after touring across Scandinavia with the likes of VADER and HATE in September 2022, they are now ready to conquer new realms with Wormholedeath. 2023 was just the beginning of their saga, as they recorded ‘Helgafjell’ and stormed stages across Ireland, sharing their powerful music and stories. And 2024? It’s going to be legendary, with RMATB embarking on a tour across the UK and Europe to celebrate the release of their new album. Keep your eyes on their social media for the upcoming dates!
REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS are:
Ren Marabou (Vocals and Guitar)
Terence McCann (Drums)
Michael Casserly (Bass)
If you’re a fan of mythology, electrifying Norse tales, and rock-metal powerhouses, then Marabou and The Berserkers are your ultimate musical calling! Dive into the world of Ren Marabou and The Berserkers – where every chord strikes like thunder, and each lyric tells a tale as old as the gods themselves. Get ready to be part of a thrilling, mythological adventure with a modern metal twist. This isn’t just music; it’s a legendary experience! Join the journey, feel the power, and let the saga of ‘Helgafjell’ resonate with your warrior spirit. The stage is set, the legends await – are you ready to join the ranks of the Berserkers?
Progressive metalcore outfit RELIQA have announced the details of their new album, Secrets Of The Future, which is set to be released on the 31th May via Nuclear Blast Records for all territories outside of Australia, where it will be released via Greyscale Records. Alongside the announcement, the band have revealed the video for their brand new single ‘Killstar (The Cold World)’.
Vocalist Monique Pym comments: “We’re so pleased with the feedback we received for Terminal, especially because it fuelled our excitement in knowing that Killstar was coming next. It really flips the switch – we’ve gone from an airy, introspective debut track to this spiteful, sharp-tongued groove that has some more worldly and politically-driven themes behind it. We think these two sides of us are the perfect taste test for Secrets of the Future, not because the whole album sounds like this, but because it shows we’re not afraid to take risks. Can’t wait for you to hear it in May!”
Following a triumphant series of performances in South America with several SOLD OUT gigs where Marko Hietala joined Tarja as a special guest, the dynamic duo is set to captivate European audiences with their enthralling collaboration.
The European tour, which kicks off in September in Germany, promises to be an unforgettable experience as these two familiar voices reunite on stage once again.
Tarja recently released her first greatest hits album Best of Tarja – Living the Dream. The live show will feature a selection of songs from her career, also found on the Best Of, including fan favourites and her own personal picks.
Adding to the excitement, Marko and Tarja recently collaborated on the duet single ´Left On Mars, which received widespread acclaim and further cemented their status as musical icons.
Marko will perform his own songs with his band before joining Tarja on stage for a night that promises to be nothing short of memorable.
Expectations are high as the duo continues to delight fans with both old and new songs, building on the success of their South American tour.
Tarja and Marko Hietala: Living the Dream TOGETHER Tour 2024 08.09. DE Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt 09.09. DE Bremen – Aladin Music Hall 10.09. DE Saarbrücken – Garage 12.09. DE Leipzig – Hellraiser 13.09. DE Hamburg – Grünspan 14.09. DE Herford – Kulturwerk 16.09. NL Groningen – De Oosterpoor 17.09. NL Utrecht – Tivoli Vredenburg (Ronda) 18.09. DE Bochum – Matrix 20.09. DE Ulm – Roxy 21.09. DE Obertraubling – Eventhall Airport 23.09. DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 24.09. DE München – Backstage 25.09. CH Pratteln – Z7
Prepare to be hammered by a sonic force of modern metal. Hailing from Switzerland and formed in 2022, KORRUPTED explodes onto the scene with their new single and video, “Choices,” out today on all digital platforms worldwide.
Mixed and mastered by Raphael Crivelli, “Choices” is a sonic assault that expertly blends infectious melodies with bone-crushing breakdowns. Korrupted always manages to find a way to place some catchy melodies before drowning them in a massive, violent ambiance.
The song’s concept centers on urging people to take responsibility for their actions and accept the outcomes. It highlights how many individuals tend to avoid facing the consequences of their choices. The song challenges this mindset, encouraging listeners to confront their decisions, even if it’s uncomfortable.
The band teamed up with graphic talent Seam (@sarrowarseam) to craft the video for the single.
MESSER, the dynamic rock band known for their evocative melodies and powerful anthems, released their self-titled Deluxe Dolby Edition Album along with bonus tracks that is available on all major music platforms today, March 29, 2024.
The band recently launched their latest single titled “Throw it Away” along with the music video, also in Dolby Atmos, offering fans a visually compelling accompaniment that enhances the song’s emotional resonance. The music video was filmed, edited and directed by Maddox Messer.
Prelude Throw It Away Everything Beautiful Fight Of My Life Still Better Off Lay Down Your Heart Make This Life Simple Man Save Myself One More Time Whiskey Simple Man (Acoustic) Lay Down Your Heart (Acoustic) One More Time (Acoustic) Hope In This World Unbreakable (Unfvckwitable)
WATCH MESSER “Throw it Away” Official Video:
In addition, MESSER will be touring alongside Through Fire and Keith Wallen this spring on the ‘Spring Breakout Tour.’ The tour kicks off on April 25th in Bloomington, IL at Castle Theatre.
MESSER’S ability to encapsulate raw emotion within their music has resonated with audiences, making their releases highly anticipated events. The band’s commitment to authenticity and relatable storytelling continues to solidify their place within the rock music landscape.
MESSER Headline Dates: 4/19 Katy, Tx – Home Run Dugout with Hinder
MESSER on tour With Through Fire, Keith Wallen SPRING BREAKOUT TOUR 4/25 Bloomington, IL – Castle Theatre 4/26 lowa City, A – Wildwoods 4/27 Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theater 4/28 Oconomowoc, WI – Rally Point 4/30 Joliet, IL – The Forge 5/01 Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s 5/02 Pittsburgh, PA – Crafthouse 5/03Columbus, OH – The King of Clubs 5/04Battle Creek, MI – The Music Factory *No Keith Wallen
Messer is: Dereak Messer, Lead Vocals Bobby Tillotson, Guitar/Vocals Kenn Youngar, Drums/Vocals Maddox Messer, Bass/ Vocals
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
