The digital manifestation of the fourth full-length album by Finnish Doom Metal monolith ASTRAL SLEEP is released in its entirety today, August 11th!
The album is called “We are Already Living in the End of Times” and the sound and atmosphere on this beast is exactly as the title suggests. It is an album full of oppressive soundscape but contrasted and joined together with beautiful and lush instrumentations and vocal harmonies, giving hopeful acceptance to the impending doom.
Earlier this year, the album was released as Vinyl and CD, and within the physical release lies a mystery to be solved. A mystery which will grant the solver the solutions on how not to destroy ourselves and even if we do, how to rid oneself from the fear of death.
“Status of the soul” is the final revealed song from the album. It is one of the most important ones and a clear indication of where Astral Sleep is musically as a band in 2023. It can be described as a Black metal-esque Doom metal song, without having much characteristics of either of those styles, being something completely on its own. Lyrically it is an ode to music, playing, listening and experiencing it and celebration of the FACT that music can connect human beings to their souls.
This somber track starts off simple and forward-going, through the first ever guitar solo performed by the vocalist Markus, into one of the most aggressive parts on the whole album and ending in a simple choir and guitar melody before falling apart.
The album is available digitally, and on vinyl and CD, and can be purchased from Bandcamp, or Saarni Records webstore:
The Dead Daisies Guitarist Doug Aldrich recently spoke to Jimmy Kay of Canada’s The Metal Voice about the band’s upcoming greatest Hits album and North American tour. Plus he talks about how an unreleased Dio track that he has possession of, will potentially see the light of day in 2024 through Wendy Dio.
Aldrich told The Metal Voice,” Prior to ‘Electra’ (Released in 2012), he Ronnie James Dio) had another song. I had that track, and I put a solo on it. It didn’t have a title, Years went on. And then I ended up doing a renovation at my house and I took those hard drives and I put them in storage (with that track on one of the drives). So at the moment, there’s talk that Wendy wants to put out some stuff, some unreleased stuff next year, in ’24, with Ronnie, including a remake of the track that he sent me, which I’m still in the process of finding it. And Wendy texted me last week and said, ‘Any luck?’ And I said, ‘I’ll get it, Wendy.’ I just have dozens of hard drives I need to go through to find it. And once I do, I’ll give her the track and I’ll either record it with her and them or somebody else will. But it was haunting, because it was Ronnie playing bass and playing rhythm guitar with a drum machine and singing, and the vocal was just, it was haunting, man; really crazy.”
Doug Aldrich played with Dio from 2002-2006.
The Dead Daisies upcoming “Best Of” Album release will include two previously unreleased tracks from the last recording session. It will be available on double CD & Vinyl on August 18th.
Welcome to SYLVATICA’s new chapter. “Titivillus”, the first song to be known from the Danes upcoming new album, is a heavy composition that blends orchestral backing with prominent brass stabs, creating a folkish and trollish atmosphere. It narrates the story of a rebellious monk who defies societal norms, attributing his actions to the presence of the enigmatic demon, Titivillus.
With a heavy sound and a powerful breakdown, the song immerses listeners in a medieval ambiance, transporting them to a turbulent era. “Titivillus” captures the essence of defiance and delivers an intense musical experience that merges folk elements with the aggression of metal.
SYLVATICA have teamed up with Metal Shock Finland to premiere ‘Titivillus’ lyric video for Finland, enjoy it below.
Motivated by a desire to explore their own artistic style and venture into new territories, Sylvatica embarked on the creation of their third album, titled “Cadaver Synod”. This album delves into the dark tales of the Middle Ages, incorporating elements such as the haunting sounds of church organs, theremin, and Gregorian chants. The result is a set of gloomy and atmospheric compositions, enriched by the addition of Hammond organs and synthesizers, evoking a nostalgic 70s vibe with occasional doom influences. The production on this album is intentionally rawer compared to their previous works, emphasizing the organic and atmospheric aspects while embracing a more playful approach. Despite these changes, the band’s distinctive classic sound remains present, revitalized with a fresh and exciting twist.
Sylvatica has been creating captivating melodies and delivering breathtaking solos since 2009 when the band was formed by a group of childhood friends who were enamored with the folk-metal movement of the late 2000s. The band made their debut with the folk-infused EPs “Sagn & Sagaer” and “Mosemanden,” followed closely by the melodic death metal-inspired album “Evil Seeds.” During this period, they embarked on tours with renowned Danish folk-metal bands.
Having gained extensive experience from numerous concerts and studio sessions, the band released their refined album “Ashes and Snow” in 2021, receiving accolades from both Danish and international music publications. This album showcased exceptional Finnish-inspired melodic death metal, marking a significant milestone in Sylvatica’s career. Until now, when “Cadaver Synod” comes like a hurricane into Sylvatica’s discography.
“Cadaver Synod” will be released on LP (black vinyl, limited to 300) and digital formats via Mighty Music on October 20th, 2023.
Lineup: Jarden Schlesinger – vocals, guitar Thomas Haxen – bass Jacques Harm Brandt Hauge – drums Christian Christiansen – guitar
MANTAR have released their new digital single and music video for ‘Valhalla Hammering’.
Hanno Klänhardt comments: “Valhalla Hammering is one of those songs that we instantly fell in love with but never made it on the album last year. It’s one of those songs that you do not write to create an “instant classic” but much rather in order to entertain yourself as a songwriter. It’s about 7 minutes long but we really liked the concept of having the most catchy, on point songs all on the last Album so it never really found its place.
I actually already knew it most likely would not end up on the album when I was writing it. In fact I wrote it with the plan already in my mind to release it quite some time AFTER we would release Pain Is Forever And This Is The End in order to present something completely different as a next move. It’s always good to cause confusion.
The first two minutes are kinda a homage to our VERY early days when Doom as a genre was more important to us. You can hear that for instance on the last song of our first album. It’s a song called March Of The Crowes. People often said that slow SUPER heavy suited us well but we were also always very song orientated, so with Valhalla Hammering we accomplished the best of both worlds. Slow, heavy groove and a catchy, almost trippy hook. Also We have a freakin’ flute solo around 5 minutes in. This very well might be considered the highlight of our songwriting career.
The video for the song is just as trippy as the song itself. Based on a documentary by Amsterdam based artist Willehad Eilers aka Wayne Horse. Creating the footage was way beyond a regular video shoot and to be quite frank some of it better not be explained any further. Even if we wanted to, we can’t. Enjoy the ride.“
Founded in 2012, Mantar stands among the leading forces in extreme metal within the last ten years. Loved by fans and press alike, the band took the world by storm with their truly unique sound, leading them to the Top 10 in the official German album charts with 2018’s The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze and sold out shows throughout Europe.
Mantar‘s current full-length album, Pain Is Forever And This Is The End, was released via Metal Blade Records on July 15, 2022 and hit charts in the US and Europe including #2 Official German Album Charts, #43 Top 100 Swiss Album Charts, #60 Current Hard Music (Billboard USA), and #69 Top 75 Austria.
Earning critical accolades both stateside and abroad, Decibel Magazine hails a, “burning Molotov cocktail of black metal, sludgy hardcore, and classic metal hooks,” adding, “their latest studio album may be their best yet.” Rock Hard writes, “Pain Is Forever… skillfully keeps the balance between brute destructive fury and dense atmosphere in widescreen format with real underground hit potential,” while Metal Injection champions the band’s, “thicker grooves, anthemic refrains, head nodding rhythms and a greater exploitation of the fist-in-the-air-ology school of songwriting.”
The band has upcoming appearances at Party.San, Desertfest and more! See full list of tour dates below.
Mantar live 2023: Europe 08/11 Schlotheim, DE Party.San Festival
PAIN IS FOREVER AND THIS IS THE END TOUR South America 09/02 Bogota, COL Herbívoro w/ Assassin 09/03 Pereira, COL Rock Plaza w/ Assassin 09/06 Montevideo, URU Live Era w/ Assassin 09/07 Asuncion, PARA PRF w/ Assassin 09/09 Santiago, CHIL Teatro Cariola w/ Assassin 09/10 São Paulo, BRZL Setembro Negro Festival
North America 09/13 Morelia Michoacan, MX Cactus Bar 09/14 Mexico City, MX Sala Sangriento 09/16 New York, NY Desertfest
Europe 09/29 Frankfurt, DE Zoom Club w/ Slope 09/30 Leipzig, DE UT Connewitz w/ Slope 10/01 Pratteln, CH Up In Smoke 10/07 München, DE Keep It Low 10/08 Nürnberg, DE Z-Bau w/ Slope 10/13 Dortmund, DE Junkyard w/ Slope 10/14 *Secret Show* 10/21 Antwerp, BE Desertfest 10/22 Oignies, FR Tyrant Fest
Mantar is: Hanno Klänhardt – guitars, vocals Erinc Sakarya – drums
MEGAHERZ, one of the most influential industrial metal bands from Germany, enter the last round before releasing their upcoming full-length album, In Teufels Namen (out tomorrow, August 11, 2023, via Napalm Records) by unveiling its impressive title track. The release of their tenth studio album will be celebrated with a highlight show taking place on Saturday at the notable M’era Luna Festival.
With millions of views on YouTube and a #7 peak charting position garnered by their previous album, Komet (2018, Official German Album Charts), the industrial metal legends continue their legacy with the epic song “In Teufels Namen” (EN: “In the Devil’s Name”). The new album’s title track, “In Teufels Namen”, is nothing but direct – detailing their critique on the church as an institution. The single comes with a lyric video, accompanied by gripping visuals. Watch the video below, and make sure to catch MEGAHERZ on their European co-headline tour with Combichrist this fall!
MEGAHERZ on “In Teufels Namen”: “’In Teufels Namen’, it embodies everything this album stands for. A fat guitar riff, hard, cynical lyrics about the decay of our values and the double standards with which we justify each of our mistakes, and a brutal, epic chorus that resonates like an infernal echo of our downfall. We’re looking forward to presenting the first songs from our new album to a wide audience at M’era Luna. We’re already incredibly excited about your reactions and can’t wait for the joint tour with Combichrist to finally begin.”
Three decades into their career, MEGAHERZ have undoubtedly become one of the most important bands of Neue Deutsche Härte, which they proved with their critically acclaimed 2018 full-length, Komet – storming charts and peaking at #7 in Germany. With their newest offering, In Teufels Namen, MEGAHERZ raise their voice again and direct their gaze to where it hurts – criticizing conspiracy theories, religion and society as a whole, but also facing inner struggles and pain. On “Der König Der Dummen” (EN: “The King Of The Fools”), one of the heaviest songs on the record, the quintet doesn’t mince words once again, commenting on conspiracy theorists in their tinfoil hats, while “Alles Arschlöcher” (EN: “All Assholes”) shows off synth-melodies, electronic influences and strong lyrics – criticizing the worst of society in trademark MEGAHERZ style. The hypnotizing track “Amnesie” (EN: “Amnesia”) is heavily built on electronic-inspired beats and melodies, while chanting anthem of the free spirited, “Freigeist”, features catchy synths and a sing-along chorus. On tracks like “Rabenherz” (EN: “Raven Heart”) the band show an emotional facet. “Menschenhasser” is a powerful, fast Neue Deutsche Härte track that eases into the breather “Ich Hasse (Epilog)” (EN: “I Hate (Epilogue)”), featuring emotional keys, before the empowering “Auf dem Weg zur Sonne” (EN: “On My Way To The Sun”) showcases their vulnerable side before closing the album. Overall, In Teufels Namen is an energetic ride providing the listener with pure industrial metal at its best!
MEGAHERZ on their new album: “We are happy to finally release our new album, In Teufels Namen, and it hits with full force! In Teufels Namen is an album steeped in dark themes and strong emotions. We went deep into the abyss of human nature and the result is songs that powerfully and uncompromisingly unleash an energy that will sweep you away.”
Don’t miss MEGAHERZ on their European co-headliner tour with Combichrist this fall!
20.09.23 DE – Frankfurt / Batschkapp 21.09.23 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch 22.09.23 AT – Wien / Szene 23.09.23 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser 24.09.23 CZ – Prague / Futurum 25.09.23 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra 27.09.23 PL – Krakow / Kwadrat 28.09.23 DE – Berlin / Hole44 29.09.23 DE – Hamburg / Markthalle 30.09.23 DE – Osnabrück / Rosenhof 01.10.23 DE – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle 2 02.10.23 NL – Hertogenbosch / Willem Twee Poppodium 04.10.23 UK – Birmingham / Club Academy 05.10.23 UK – London / Garage 06.10.23 FR – Wasquehal / The Black Lab 07.10.23 FR – Nantes / Ferraileur 08.10.23 FR – Toulouse / Le Rex 10.10.23 ES – Barcelona / Salamandra 11.10.23 ES – Madrid / Mon 12.10.23 FR – Lyon / Ninkasi 13.10.23 CH – Zurich / Komplex 457 14.10.23 DE – Munich / Tonhalle
Having got their black summer underway with the slithering gothic sleaze of their recent single ‘Cry To Heaven’ and a triumphant surprise headline set at Download Festival, CREEPER today unveil the new single ‘Teenage Sacrifice’. It’s the second song to preview their vampiric new album ‘Sanguivore’ which will be released on October, Friday the 13th and represents the follow-up to their Top 5 album ‘Sex, Death & The Infinite Void’.
Echoing the crunching stadium-scale ‘80s metal of Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest, ‘Teenage Sacrifice’ commences with a spiralling riff from Ian Miles which wraps itself like barbed wire around William Von Ghould’s anthemic hook.
William Von Ghould says, “The song introduces Mercy, the protagonist of the ‘Sanguivore’ narrative. She’s deceptively innocent yet savagely violent, and her ability to make people fall under her spell is just one indication that Mercy is not all that she seems.”
‘Teenage Sacrifice’ is also a song in which a typically intricate CREEPER narrative is given a whiplash of devilishly dark humour courtesy of Von Ghould’s opening lyrics: “All my friends are digging graves and I’m giving them the shovels / I’m burning churches to the ground and making love in the rubble.” As with the rest of the ‘Sanguivore’ album, ‘Teenage Sacrifice’ is the product of CREEPER’s creative union with producer Tom Dalgety (Ghost, Royal Blood, The Cult).
The accompanying music video, directed by Billy Howard Price and Jacek Zmarz, is both an unsettling and terrifying glance into Mercy’s world. She may just have been around a little longer than her teenage looks might suggest… It’s a visual which, like the band’s music, darts between eras with some of the sinister surreal touches of an A24 folk-horror and a little Hammer Horror-style flamboyance.
Taking a darker turn from ‘Sex, Death & The Infinite Void’, ‘Sanguivore’ is a thrillingly theatrical new story that the band’s ever-growing army of devotees will devour themselves within. Riffing upon fearsome throwback vampire flicks such as ‘Near Dark’, ‘The Lost Boys’ and ‘Interview With The Vampire’, its narrative focuses upon Mercy and her relationship with Spook, an older man who falls under her control but doesn’t quite lose sight of their previous humanity. Somehow the music is wilder than the narrative, taking in sonic touchstones including Jim Steinman, Sisters of Mercy, Billy Idol, Nick Cave, pagan-folk, late ‘70s punk and gloomy industrial synth textures. It’s all larger-than-life, darker-than-death, and the best album CREEPER have ever recorded.
‘Sanguivore’ is available to pre-order HERE. While all test pressings quickly sold out, four vinyl editions are available each of which is packaged with a signed art print.
CREEPER’s most recent UK headline show came at London’s Roundhouse, where William Von Ghould stepped out to thank the sold-out audience when a mysterious figure leapt from the shadows and decapitated him in front of 3300 people. They will follow the release of ‘Sanguivore’ by embarking upon the following ‘Sacred Blasphemy’ tour dates.
NOVEMBER 5th – Bristol, O2 Academy 6th – Glasgow, Clyde Room 8th – Nottingham, Rock City 9th – Manchester, Academy 10th – London, 02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
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Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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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
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 