DEVIN TOWNSEND recently announced the 3rd release in his Devolution series – ‘Empath Live In America’, will be launched on the 4th August. The Devolution series so far has comprised some unique live performances, and this one is no different. ‘Empath Live In America’ is a document of the tour that was cut short in early 2020 due to the onset of the pandemic.
You can hear below the band run through the Casualties Of Cool track ‘Forgive Me’.
The line-up for this album saw Devin joined by Mike Keneally, Nathan Navarro, Diego Tejeida, Morgan Ågren & Ché Aimee Dorval. ‘Devolution #3 – Empath Live In America’ will be available as a limited CD digipak, Gatefold 180g 2LP & as digital album. Pre-order here: https://devin-townsend.lnk.to/DevolutionSeries3-Empath-LiveInAmerica
On August 11, 2023, Boston-based progressive rock fusionists THE MYSTICAL HOT CHOCOLATE ENDEAVORS will release their much-awaited, sophomore studio album, entitled A Clock Without A Craftsman, via Massacre Records.
With A Clock Without A Craftsman, the band unleashes a hefty 98-minutes-long double concept album, bringing together various sounds and styles for a truly unique listening experience. From the heaviest of heavy, to the most atmospheric of ambience, everyone will find something to enjoy on this musical journey. The album was written as a self/world analysis during the uncertain times that were the 2020 lockdown. Societal uproar, mental health degradation, substance abuse, what extreme isolation does to a person. After the band shared two first singles, “Sorry” and “Eye To Eye”, today, THE MYSTICAL HOT CHOCOLATE ENDEAVORS present a music video for the track “How Much Longer?”!
Says vocalist and guitarist, Craig Schmuhl: ““How Much Longer?” is a song written amidst the chaos of 2020. During this time I was at a low point in life where nothing seemed to make sense. A future in live music seemed incomprehensible. I’d developed some nasty drinking habits that were creating issues for myself and the people around me. I was going through some of the worst physical pain in my life between Scoliosis and Scheuerann’s Kyphosis and on top of all of that, society seemed to be holding on by a thread. It was hard to speculate if we would ever be returning to any sense of “normal”. “How Much Longer?” was a question I seemed to be asking myself a lot.”
THE MYSTICAL HOT CHOCOLATE ENDEAVORS started off in 2015 as a passion project by Hate Storm Annihilation founder Craig Schmuhl, who had been interested in pursuing musical endeavors outside the sonic boundaries of the Death Metal genre. The band delivers a unique live musical experience that offers incredible dynamic range to a wide array of sonic territories. Everything from 70’s Progressive Rock, 90’s Alternative Rock/Shoegaze, 80’s New Wave, 2000’s Post-Rock, and even moments of Modern “Extreme Metal”. In February of 2022, THE MYSTICAL HOT CHOCOLATE ENDEAVORS signed with Massacre Records and released their much-acclaimed “MU-TH-UR EP”.
A Clock Without A Craftsman, will be out as a Double CD on August 11, 2023, the pre-sale is available at THIS LOCATION!
A Clock Without A Craftsman track listing:
CD 1
The Clock
Come Hell Or High Water
Present, But Not Here
It All Has To Mean Something
I’ll Never Be
Outta Sight Outta Mind
Eye To Eye
CD 2
How Much Longer?
Sorry
The Deceiver
AOTTFDTSR
In His Image
A Clock Without A Craftsman
THE MYSTICAL HOT CHOCOLATE ENDEAVORS are: Craig Harley Schmuhl – Vocals, Guitar Trevor Martin – Guitar, Keyboard Tyler Novak – Bass William M. Candelario – Drums
For more than two decades, THY CATAFALQUE was a studio-only project. That changed in 2021, when Tamás Kátai and a rotating cast of heavy hitters performed at the Fekete Zaj Festival, which was captured on the live album Mezolit.
Now, Thy Catafalque have solidified as a live act (though they still surprise audiences with a special guest here and there). Back in May, they played Budapest Park in Kátai’s native Hungary. The setlist included the elegant, cinematic cello of old favorites like “Kő koppan”, the heady “Töltés”, off the soon-to-be reissued ‘Geometria’, as well as “Néma vermek”, the punishing, synth-swirled closer off the band’s new album ‘Alföld’.
Watch the band play six songs off their Budapest Park setlist HERE.
‘Alföld’ is out now on Season of Mist. Stream the album HERE. Order it HERE.
Thy Catafalque’s next show is on August 16 at this year’s Feke Zaj Festival.
Track-list: 1. A csend hegyei (4:10) [WATCH] 2. Testen túl (3:56) [LISTEN] 3. A földdel egyenlő (5:25) 4. Alföld (9:24) 5. Folyondár (4:06) 6. Csillagot görgető (5:25) 7. A felkelő hold országa (5:23) 8. Szíriusz (1:28) 9. Néma vermek (4:13) [WATCH] Total: 43:30
Cover artwork: Photography by Orsolya Karancz – Lay-out by Tamás Kátai
Mixed by: Tamás Kátai in Budapest, Hungary Mastered by: Imperial Mastering, Austin, Texas, U.S.A., Colin Davis
Recording line-up: Tamás Kátai – guitar, bass, keyboards, programs, vocals Martina Veronika Horváth (The Answer Lies In The Black Void, Mansur) – vocals Lambert Lédeczy (Ahriman, Mörbid Carnage) – vocals Bálint Bokodi – vocals Gábor Veres (Watch My Dying) – vocals Gábor Dudás (Reason) – vocals Breno Machado – lead guitar Daniele Belli – acoustic guitar, double bass Dario Cei – flute Chris Lyons – violin, viola Ido Romano – ney Samuel Chacon – fretless bass Austris Apenis – French horn
Guest musicians: Martina Veronika Horváth – Track 4 Lambert Lédeczy – Track 1, 4, 6 Bálint Bokodi – Track 2, 3 Gábor Veres – Track7, 9 Gábor Dudás – Track 6 Breno Machado – Track 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 Daniele Belli – Track 5 Dario Cei – Track 5 Ido Romano – Track 6 Samuel Chacon – Track 3 Austris Apenis – Track 4, 7
Always thought-provoking and eager to explore new avenues QUEENSRŸCHE are releasing a fully AI generated video for the song “Tormentum”, taken from their latest album, “Digital Noise Alliance”. The video was directed by Above The Void (https://www.abovethevoid.com/) and you can watch it below.
The band about the song and concept of the video: “Driving straight into the horrors of crimes against humanity and the rules of the Geneva Convention, this storyline depicts two characters: one as the vulnerable victim in pain, and the other as the captor trying to extract information. The chorus leads with the powerful chant, “Lights Again”, expressing the person finally opening their eyes staring at the interrogation lights above during the dead intervals of torture. The eyes return to being closed tightly as the sessions begin again. The tale ends up highlighting this never-ending cycle of power, control, and greed.”
With a career that not only spans, but has charted the course of multiple genres, QUEENSRŸCHE remains a force in their own right. “Digital Noise Alliance”, QUEENSRŸCHE’s 16th studio album continues their ever-evolving legacy.
Once again teaming up with producer Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed), “Digital Noise Alliance” not only refracts QUEENSRŸCHE’s past accomplishments but also pushes into the band’s future. It is the band effortlessly moving from strength to strength: immediate and thought-provoking. Quintessentially QUEENSRŸCHE.
Viking metal icons SKÁLMÖLD have revealed their epically catchy second single, “Verðandi”, together with an official music video. With their first record in five years, the Icelandic six-piece will unveil their highly anticipated sixth studio album, Ýdalir, on August 18, 2023 via Napalm Records.
Dominated by a chant-like rhythm, “Verðandi“ represents an unforgettable track, with catchy guitar and oboe-driven details. While the first half of the track is driven by the heaviest of folk and death metal elements, strong vibrations of growls subside with the sound of the ocean and fragile organ melodies.
Fans can look forward to the band’s brand new material and energetic live shows this summer – including their return to huge European metal festivals like Wacken and Summer Breeze!
Björgvin Sigurðsson on “Verðandi”: “The second song we present to you from our upcoming album is ‘Verðandi’. Parts of the story of Ullur presented on the album are told through the eyes of the Norns – Urður, Verðandi and Skuld. Past, present and future. The Norns live at the foot of Yggdrasill where they spin the threads of fate of all men. The three Norns all get their own song on the album and here we enter the realm of the present with Verðandi.
In two ways this song has a really classic feel to it. Firstly it is heavily inspired by the more classic styles of Metal and has a very old-school vibe. Secondly it can be seen as a classic SKÁLMÖLD song, driven forward by a really catchy and folk inspired melody, yet still heavy and epic.”
Björgvin adds: “This is one of my favorite songs on the album and I am super happy with how it turned out. It is also really fun to play and we realized when shooting the video and playing along to the track that this is one of the songs from the new album that will most definitely become a constant in our live shows. But before you press play, I must tell you that the main melody is insanely catchy and will probably haunt you in your sleep for days. Consider yourself warned. Cheers!”
Starting off with soothing opener “Ýr“, gentle acoustic guitar and organs are the calm before the storm. Catapulted to a dwelling owned by the god Ullur, the unsettled “Ýdalir“ builds with its hypnotizing guitar rhythms and galloping drum sounds, building a solid ground for ominous and dark growls. Based on Norse mythology, the sister “Skuld” makes up a trio of Norns, responsible for deciding the fate of people. Remarkable clean tenor vocals guide through the mystic mood, breaking up the heavy horizon with a fast-paced guitar solo and underlined by eerie bass lines. Closing the album, the stunning ten-minute track “Ullur” invites the listener into a colorful journey of melodic folk metal. Accompanied by roaring fire, the lyrics conform to some of the Old Norse poetic forms and create a magnificent interaction of oboe and keyboard elements, while the catchy guitar riff rises dramatically with the more eerie-like harmonies, providing a cinematic, epic ending. With Ýdalir, SKÁLMÖLD showcases a blend of both ancient and modernized cultural heritage, and connects precious sagas with thrilling black metal elements while folk metal melodies give them an enigmatic touch.
Festival Shows: 04.08.23 DE – Wacken Open Air 17.08.23 CZ – Moravsky Krumlov / Rock Castle 18.08.23 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze 22.-24.09.23 NO – Oslo / DE – Hamburg / Full Metal Cruise
Iceland Shows: 15.09.23 IS – Reykjavík / Háskólabíó 16.09.23 IS – Akureyri / Hof
Ýdalir European Tour 2023: w/ Metsatöll & Atavistia
13.10.23 DK – Copenhagen / Lille Vega 14.10.23 DE – Hamburg / Headcrash 15.10.23 DE – Trier / Mergener Hof 16.10.23 DE – Cologne / Gebäude 9 17.10.23 FR – Paris / Backstage O’Sullivan 18.10.23 CH – Monthey / Pont Rouge 19.10.23 CH – Solothurn / Kofmehl Raumbar 20.10.23 FR – Sélestat / Rock Your Brain Festival 21.10.23 DE – Mannheim / MS Connexion 22.10.23 DE – Munich / Backstage 23.10.23 AT – Vienna / Szene 24.10.23 AT – Graz / Explosiv 25.10.23 HU – Budapest / Analog Music Hall 26.10.23 SK – Kosice / Collosseum 27.10.23 PL – Bielsko-Biala / Rude Boy 28.10.23 PL – Lublin / Studio
SKÁLMÖLD are: Baldur Ragnarsson – Guitar, vocals Björgvin Sigurðsson – Lead Vocals, guitar Gunnar Ben – Keyboard, vocals, oboe Jón Geir Jóhannsson – Drums, vocals Snæbjörn Ragnarsson – Bass, vocals Þráinn Árni Baldvinsson – Lead guitar, vocals
Swiss modern metal upstarts ILLUMISHADE have signed a worldwide contract with Napalm Records! The premier Austrian rock and metal label is more than proud to welcome the five-piece to its ever growing roster. Along with the signing, the band, fronted by vocalist Fabienne Erni and guitarist Jonas Wolf (both of Eluveitie), unveils their brand-new standalone single, entitled “ENEMY”. With the enchanting new track, ILLUMISHADE delivers pure magic with a fresh dose of prog influences, transporting the listener into the band’s mystical world. The track goes in line with a visually palpable music video and marks the beginning of a new chapter for ILLUMISHADE.
In 2020, ILLUMISHADE released their debut album, ECLYPTIC: Wake of Shadows, receiving top acclaim by critics and fans alike. Their music videos have gathered hundreds of thousands of views so far and fans were blown away by their matchless stage appearance as a special guest for Delain and Xandria on their recent tour.
Stay tuned for more exciting news coming soon!
ILLUMISHADE comments: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce that ILLUMISHADE has signed with Napalm Records! This marks an exciting new chapter in our musical journey that we believe will open numerous doors and unlock new paths.
We want to take this moment to express our gratitude to each and every one of our fans for your support over the years. Your belief in us has been the driving force behind our growth. As we embark on this new journey with Napalm Records, we promise to channel our energies and dedication into delivering nothing but the best!
We are immensely excited to start this new phase alongside Napalm Records, and we cannot wait to see where this road takes us.
Thank you again for being a part of this journey with us. Here’s to a future filled with music, creativity, and a shared love for the arts.
With immense gratitude and excitement, ILLUMISHADE”
Napalm Records adds: “We are extremely happy to welcome onboard one of the most promising bands in the melodic metal scene of today! ILLUMISHADE amaze with their strong live performances, their personality and their unique sound – capable of blending together elements of djent, symphonic, progressive and more. They are definitely one of a kind, and we couldn’t be happier to start this journey together.”
Check out below the Official Music Video for “ENEMY”.
ILLUMISHADE live: 29.07.23 IT – Cavernago / Malpaga Folk & Metal Festival More tba
ILLUMISHADE are: Fabienne Erni – Voice, Piano Jonas Wolf – Guitars Mirjam Skal – Orchestration / Synths Yannick Urbanczik – Bass Marc Friedrich – Drums
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 ) 