“Cast a shadow” deals with the existential questions we are all grappling with…
A couple of weeks sharing the song “Shrapnel”, French long-time conceptual metal band (formed in 1999…) Mindlag Project unveils a new single + official music video with “Cast A Shadow” available streaming services.
In other news, the band is currently working on a new full-length album to be released in the upcoming months.
Mindlag Project is a french metal entity created in 1999 around the area of Marseille, as a side-project of the band Scarecrew.
About 3 years later, the band released its debut mini-album called ‘Karybda’ as a first part of a dyptich around the myth of Charybdis & Scylla and completed by ‘Skylla’ in 2024.
Then, Mindlag Project compelled unreleased tracks for this first period of activity to give birth to a maxi called ‘De Charybde en Scylla’ before to ink a deal with Pervade Production to release its first full-length effort.
A self-titled album which saw the light in 2009, and then – after several gigs as openers for bands such as Hed(PE), Gojira, Black Bomb A or eths before to embark for an European tour next to Six Feet Under and Illdisposed and take a break.
The band remained silent till 2015-2016 and then released – through Batcat Records – a second full-length album in 2017 with ‘Clinamen’.
In 2023 the band put the final touches to a brand new album..
FFO : Iron Maiden ; Metallica ; Pantera ; Sepultura
Italian black metal unit STORMCROW will release their third album, “Path to Ascension”, on May 31st 2024 via Time To Kill Records.
The album was recorded and mixed by Carlo Meroni at ADSR Studio in Milan and mastered by Magnus “Devo” Andersson (Marduk) at Endarker Studio in Sweden. The cover artwork is by Arianna “Trollenskog” Carbone.
Today, the band shares a new single from the album: stream “Petit Dru” HERE.
“Petit Dru is the epic peak located in the Mont Blanc massif, which was conquered solo on 22nd August 1955 by Italian alpinist Walter Bonatti. The song tells of this impossible challenge described by him as a ‘crazy idea generated by moral depression’. Bonatti spent six days on a vertical wall facing his demons, he had hallucinations from the effort, at certain moments he even thought of calling it quits, but his enormous willpower allowed him to conquer this peak, the most difficult of his life”.
Tracklist:
01. Astral Deconstruction§ 02. Dark Existence 03. Vulgus Vult Decipi 04. Detached 05. Ascension 06. Vertical Horizon 07. In This Solitude 08. Petit Dru 09. Ancient Forest
The band started out in northen Italy in 1997 and is no secret to genre connoisseurs thanks to a couple of well-received albums and European tours with Dark Funeral, Enthroned, Shining and many more. But now their big moment in the spotlight has come – STORMCROW are ready for the final breakthrough with the new album “Path to Ascension”.
STORMCROW have kept the black flame burning for 20+ years simply out of adoration and their respect for the genre. Undoubtedly they share some of the same DNA of iconic black metal bands that have gone before them, and whilst their technical abilities add a more than impressive flourish, they operate on a ‘don’t overcomplicate for the sake of overcomplicating’ rule. Keeping theatrics to a minimum has yielded a lean, sharp album that embodies the blueprint of old school black metal and embraces both melody and an epic narrative.
American war metal entity PRIMITIVE WARFARE will be unleashing destruction in the U.S. this June as they embark on the “East Coast Assault” tour in support of ARES KINGDOM along with BLACK EUCHARIST. The onslaught will launch its first strike in Atlanta, GA on June 18 and will continue to lay waste to the states until it ceases fire on June 22 in New York City. The full itinerary can be found below.
ICYMI: Stygian Black Hand and Godz ov War Productions have united in these tenuous times to unveil the debut full-length from war metal operatives PRIMITIVE WARFARE, ‘Extinction Protocol.’ The band is now unleashing the first brutalizing assault from the forthcoming onslaught, “Nuclear Regression,” which can be heard at THIS LOCATION.
‘Extinction Protocol’ will be dispatched on May 10, 2024 on vinyl format in limited edition Black Phosphorous and White Phosphorous variants to be released in undisclosed quantities by Stygian Black Hand. The record will also be made available on compact disc format by Godz ov War Productions.
Primitive Warfare previously commented on the offering, “The goal of ‘Extinction Protocol’ is to amplify the universal fear of predation innate to our collective unconscious after millennia of intraspecies aggression and prepare us as the planet which birthed us becomes the Tomb of Man.”
PRIMITIVE WARFARE U.S. Tour Dates (w/ ARES KINGDOM + BLACK EUCHARIST)
06/18: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl [TICKETS] 06/19: Charlotte, NC @ The Rabbit Hole [TICKETS] 06/20: Richmond, VA @ Banditos [TICKETS] 06/21: Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery [TICKETS] 06/22: New York, NY @ TV Eye
‘Extinction Protocol’ Tracklisting:
Pulpit of the Conqueror (Mutually Assured Desecration) (04:07)
Heretic Crusade (04:39) Full running time: (00:31:27)
“Primitive Warfare’s ‘Extinction Protocol’ is a fine example of pure cutting edge sonic mutilation, raw and powerful! It reminds me of the early days of South American black metal with a touch of modern sonic craft. Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you!” – Iggor Cavalera
Lineup: U235 – Desecrator of Fate’s Strings and Sonant Nuclear Discharge Pu239 – Atomic Matter Battery and Operatic Moral Torment
Mixing: Pat Thomas Mastering: Jack Control at Enormous Door Recorded at a bunker in an undisclosed location Layout: wreklose Logo/Evolution: Warhead Art
LORD OF THE LOST’s huge “15 Years of LORD OF THE LOST” European tour just started in Nuremberg on Friday, revealing a secret kept in silence for quite a long time! Moving forward, LORD OF THE LOST will be a six-piece, welcoming long time crew member and friend Benjamin “Benji“ Mundigler as an official band member.
Benji has been part of the band’s live and studio crew for the past six years behind the scenes as guitar tech, backliner, stage manager and monitor mixer. Now, his career at the side of the stage ends by starting a new exciting chapter as additional guitarist and keyboard player, debuting as the band’s official sixth member this past Friday. Benji already performed with LORD OF THE LOST this past December, when he stepped in at Lordfest for bassist Klaas, who had been struck down by a heavy migraine attack. Benji learned every song on the setlist on bass in 1.5 hours!
Lead singer Chris Harms comments on this decision: “There are so many good reasons why it was long overdue for Benji to officially join us, but perhaps the one most important reason is: we all want it! It just feels right for all of us. And we are proud to have such a great talent as Benji in our band. We already made the decision in autumn 2023, and we are excited to finally present ourselves as a sextet. We are confident that the best fans in the world will welcome Benji with enthusiasm and open arms!”
Having previously toured with Iron Maiden, represented Germany at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest finals as well as played a nearly fully sold-out headline tour and several massive festivals, LORD OF THE LOST is currently celebrating 15 years of existence with another fast-selling European tour. In addition, the band has just announced a video edition of their latest studio album, out May 10, 2024. The Blood & Glitter (Video Editon) will be available in A5 Digipak CD + DVD + BluRay format.
Pre-order your copy of Blood & Glitter (Video Edition)NOW
Make sure to get your tickets before it’s too late – some of the shows are already sold out! After a summer of big international festival shows, the band will head for its first full North American tour in fall.
15 Years Of LORD OF THE LOST: 26.03.24 CH – Pratteln 27.03.24 FR – Grenoble 29.03.24 ES – Barcelona 30.03.24 ES – Madrid 02.04.24 FR – Paris 03.04.24 LU – Luxembourg 04.04.24 DE – Frankfurt – LOW TICKETS! 05.04.24 DE – Cologne – SOLD OUT! 06.04.24 NL – Amsterdam – SOLD OUT! 17.04.24 CZ – Prague 18.04.24 HU – Budapest 19.04.24 AT – Vienna 20.04.24 DE – Stuttgart – SOLD OUT! 23.04.24 NL – Eindhoven 24.04.24 DE – Berlin 25.04.24 PL – Warszawa 26.04.24 PL – Kraków 27.04.24 DE – Leipzig
BACK TO EUROVISION: 10.05.24 SE – Malmö Special show one day before the ESC Grand Final
U.S. + CANADA 2024: 13.09.24 US – Baltimore, MD 14.09.24 US – New York, NY 15.09.24 US – Boston, MA 17.09.24 CA – Montreal, QC 18.09.24 CA – Toronto, ON 20.09.24 US – Cleveland, OH 22.09.24 US – Minneapolis, MN 24.09.24 US – Denver, CO 26.09.24 US – Phoenix, AZ 27.09.24 US – Los Angeles, CA 28.09.24 US – San Francisco, CA
FESTIVALS: 06-08.06.24 PL – Gdańsk / Mystic Festival 14-16.06.24 UK – Donington Park / Download Festival 28-30.06.24 FI – Helsinki / Tuska Festival 09-11.08.24 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz Festival 10-11.08.24 DE – Hildesheim / M‘era Luna 14-17.08 24 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze 24.08.24 DE – Wuppertal / Feuertal Festival 06-08.09.24 DE – Selb / Festival Mediaval (Exclusive Acoustic Show) 29-30.11.24 DE – Weissenhäuser Strand / Plage Noire
14.12.24 DE – Hamburg / LORDFEST 2024
LORD OF THE LOST are: Chris Harms – Vocals, Guitar Pi Stoffers – Guitar Class Grenayde – Bass Gared Dirge – Piano, Synths, Percussion, Guitar Niklas Kahl – Drums Benjamin “Benji“ Mundigler – Keyboard, Guitar
Aussie hard rock / stoner rock rising phenomenon Loaded Billy has officially joined forces with Wormholedeath for the digital re-release of their album “Legend,” set to hit the digital airwaves on May 3, 2024.
Loaded Billy is an Adelaide-based classic hard rock – stoner rock band. Their sound owes much to the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) movement and is reminiscent of classic “British Steel” era Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, early Def Leppard, and bands like Budgie. The music is an amalgam of great melodies, awesome vocals, big riff-driving guitars, and a pounding kick-arse rhythm section with songs that explore a variety of topics about people and the world.
Audiences know it’s Loaded Billy as soon as they hear that first riff, high-powered rock that’s alive and well in the 21st century. Described by audiences and fellow musicians as ‘insanely talented’ – ‘stadium rock’ – ‘unique’ – ‘an emotional experience’ Their songs are entrenched in a rich musical background: their stage presence imbues an energy that consumes the audience … its toe tappin’, head banging, riff-driven pleasure.
“Legend,” an 11-track album, transcends the mere compilation of singles, offering a cohesive listening journey reminiscent of classic rock albums from the 70s and 80s. Its semi-conceptual narrative revolves around two individuals from rural backgrounds seeking a better life in the city, only to encounter tragedy and love, their stories intertwined with modern themes of exploitation, youth disenfranchisement, and mental health. Musically, it boasts heavy guitar riffs, melodic solos, thunderous drums, and clear vocals, crafting a timeless experience. With seven tracks surpassing six minutes, the album seamlessly flows, each song contributing to the overarching narrative. A cover of Budgie’s “I Turn to Stone” pays homage to Burke Shelly, receiving acclaim from Budgie’s founding member and drummer. Recorded and mixed at Loudtoys Studio, produced by Willi Gutwein, engineered by Sam Gutwein, and mastered by Rick O’Neil, “Legend” stands as a testament to impeccable production and stellar performances, earning praise from the UK’s Powerplay Rock & Metal magazine.
Devil Holds the Tin
Boys Run Wild
Darkness Falls
Scarlet
Creatures of the Night
Demerol Dream
Diablo 1-2-3
Soul Taker
I turn to Stone
Shotgun Afternoon
Swamp Moon
Check out the video for “Boys Run Wild”:
Meet the Band: Willi Gutwein – Drums, Percussion, Jimi James – Main Vocalist, Acoustic Guitars, Ucan Ashtar – Electric Guitars Gary Standley – Bass Guitars, Backing Vocals Cindy Brown – Second Vocalist
In a collaboration that’s sure to have metal heads raising horns in salute, renowned vocalist Graham Bonnet and guitar maestro Marty Friedman have joined forces to breathe new life into the classic rock anthem “Since You Been Gone.” This iconic single dates back to 1976, but its best-known version was recorded in 1979 by Bonnet during his tenure with Ritchie Blackmore’s megalithic metal band Rainbow for their Down To Earth album. The song was a massive hit in the UK and a moderate one in the US, but it has since become a classic rock radio staple and one of Rainbow’s most recognizable singles, even landing at #82 in VH1’s “Hard Rock Songs Of All Time.”
Now, 45 years later, Bonnet revisits the track that made him one of the most celebrated vocalists in rock history. Indeed, the song’s success is simply inconceivable without Bonnet’s bravado, powerhouse vocal performance. Incredibly, one listen to the new version shows that he hasn’t lost an ounce of that vocal power. And stepping into Blackmore’s mighty boots, guitar shredder Marty Friedman showcases his own undeniable talent, bringing both muscle and finesse to this new recording. Check out the new version of “Since You Been Gone,” which is released today on all music platforms.
Bonnet shares these reflections on the song, “When we first began recording the album ‘Down to Earth,’ we had already created a new sound that was quite different from the Ronnie James Dio era. It was meant to be more radio-friendly, but it also had a more modern sound with lyrical content that dealt with real life. When manager Bruce Payne brought the song ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ to the band, everyone was a bit dismayed. It didn’t sound anything like the other songs on the record and was almost pop-like in comparison. Some of the guys were very vocal about their negative feelings about the song. The original version that was presented to us was very different from the song we ended up recording. We received a version recorded by a South African all-girl band called Clout. We changed the chorus ad-libs to sound harder, more hard rock but even then, Cozy threatened to leave the band if we did the song. When the final product was complete, we were all excited by the outcome. It turned out much better than expected. Roger suggested an intro with multiple voices in the vein of a madrigal and it added an unexpected aspect to the song that was quite favorable. Even though we all were happy with the end result, we were stunned by how the song was received. Everyone seemed to love it and to this day, when we play the song live, there isn’t one single audience member not singing along with us. It has appeared in countless movies and TV shows, the most recent being the 3rd installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy series. Russ Ballard, who penned Since You’ve Been Gone, is an incredible songwriter and to this day, is the only outside writer whose material I will record. In essence, I have to acknowledge that SYBG kickstarted my career in rock and there is no end in sight.”
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
