Perpetua are a burgeoning metallic force from Scotland that have cultivated a dynamic and unique sound that will quickly catch the attention of the metal community. Their much-anticipated new, full-length album, Resurgence, will be released 22nd March, and it all kicks off with the crushing, new single, ‘The Hell It Brings’ – out now.
Its video can be seen below and showcases the band’s distinctive songwriting prowess, as well as their live performance intensity. Prepare for a ferocious blast of modern metal excellence!
Perpetua state: “This is a song about bad choices, depression and how far our minds can fall into despair as a result. Much like the overall lyrical content on the album, it’s very deep and dark. This track is in a lower tuning, featuring some of the grooviest and heaviest guitars on the album, making it a stand out single for us. Visually, we thought to lean into the despair. Showing how the mind can be twisted by opting to view it through augmented lenses and prisms. The pace of the video carrying forth the idea that life can be hard to keep up with.
“This album is the culmination of all our efforts to create something special. It’s a fresh take on classic metal formulas with a modern twist. We felt that the aggressiveness and depth of the songs really stood out how we imagined. The layered choruses, the fast technical guitars, and the ferocious groove all blended together perfectly. We strived for a more technical and melodic approach in contrast to our previous work. The song structures are now more in-depth and progressively changing. Like the lyrical content, we feel the instrumental aspect of the song itself is very dark and moving.
“We were heavily focused on creating a combination of blistering fast riffs, death metal vocals and soaring chorus hooks. We wanted to write an album as technical and aggressively heavy as we could, and we feel that we reached that. We spent a lot of time digging into song structures, rearranging and making sure we were content with the final outcome of every song. We knew how important our first full-length album is and for that reason it had to be perfect. We hope you enjoy it and thanks for your support.”
1 Resurgence (Intro) 2 Resolve 3 The Hell It Brings 4 Tethered 5 Overcome 6 Human 7 Trapped Mind 8 This Is Retribution 9 Forsaken 10 Alone In The Static
Forming in 2013, Perpetua released their debut EP Resistance in 2016, and second EP To Suffer in 2018, supported by two successful headline UK tours. Supporting as wide a variety of artists as Skindred, Crossfaith, Hacktivist, Perpetua also won Best Metal Act at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards.
Metal. Synthwave. Haunting. The X-Files. Young Medicine‘s upcoming album Coldblooded runs an epic gauntlet of genres. The album goes on pre-order today from FiXT.
The album kicks off with with a track inspired by the X-Files series, “UFO Party” before pivoting to a light hearted yet epic “I’m Going To Hit Rock Bottom, You Guys Want Anything?” Delivering everything from ghost stories, in the The Haunting Of Bly Manor, inspired title track “Cold Blooded” to revenge with a stunning performance from Evan Kappelman on Saxophone on the unique track “Hold On To Anything” a sonic journey through haunting narratives, self-reflection, and powerful musical landscapes. Coldblooded is the album that was promised, the icing on a Synthwave Metal laden cake.
Featuring a blazing array of synthesizers, drums, and heavy guitars, wrapped seamlessly around thought-provoking lyrics and showcasing the band’s “Warped-Tour-meets-Synthwave” sound Coldblooded is an electrifying addition to the bands repertoire. Including everything from hard-hitting djent rhythms, retro synth tones, combining heavy ’80s synths with a mix of Post-Hardcore and modern Metal, Young Medicine takes fans on a sonic journey through haunting narratives, self-reflection, and powerful musical landscapes. Young Medicine is just getting started. Stay tuned.
Releasing with the pre-order is “Everything is Perfect” a fierce and energetic Hard Rock addition to an already genre defying album. In their own words, Young Medicine explains, “What does it mean to BE human? With AI and the potential melding of AI with humans, we figured we would dig back into the same ‘Not Human” territory we’ve treaded in the past, but from a different angle… This song a straight-up scream into the void for help and affirmation, pleading for someone to tell you what is real and that everything is okay (perfect). Stylistically, it is everything Young Medicine is known for: big Synthwave production, anime-style choruses, and Metalcore rhythms, but kicked up a notch from what we usually do.”
Rising synthwave rockers Young Medicine pull the best from diverse genres to build a carefully constructed music identity that defies simple categorization. Thumping double-bass beats and crunchy guitar riffs hammer out hard-hitting rhythms while chorus lines partner with sparkling retro synth tones for a stunning mix of audio ideas. If synthwave and metal got together and started a boy band, the result might sound something like Young Medicine, who have put themselves on the map as pioneers for a new era by bringing rockstar swagger to the retrowave movement.
Last Friday, February 23rd, Dublin Ireland – Having gripped the attention of the underground Irish scene early last year, there is no question that galactic progressive unit, Nebularis have come a long way in a very short period of time.
Nebularis’ full-length LP, ‘Exodus – Shattered Earth Saga – Part I’ comes in tandem with LP’s final single, ‘Critias‘.
Having previously released ‘Subnautica‘, ‘Cataclysm‘, ‘Holocene‘ and most recently, ‘Voyager‘ to rave reviews, the band were also hand-selected for Ireland’s National Broadcasting platform, RTE 2XM for a new project titled ‘Sessions From Oblivion‘, as well as reaching the final in Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses Ireland, and invited to perform at the bi-annual Siege of Limerick day festival this past October.
‘Exodus – Shattered Earth Sage – Part I‘ is a immersive body of work that sees the band as architects of a musical concept that highlights tragedy, hope and strength, not to mention a plethora of soaring melodies and technical progressive metal riffing from guitarist, Mó Sheerin.
Speaking of the new album, the band explains; “A cracked ball held together by its own mass, its luminescent blood seeping through cracks that span entire continents and boiling oceans: this is the last view the remnants of humanity have of Earth as they flee in horror and anger. But this event marks only the beginning of their saga, as they come to terms with the reality of what they have done, and perhaps, will do in the years and centuries to come. The overriding question in their minds is twofold; will they find a new home amongst the stars, and if so, will they repeat the same mistakes that led to their world’s obliteration?”
Shedding some light on the albums concept, guitarist Mó Sheerin adds: “I always sought out for the album to have an illustrious display of Science Fiction and general dork lore. Hythams’ (Vocals) lyrics really brought the concept to fruition, and we’re so proud of his work. His words truly painted the imagery behind the story of humanity on a relentless quest to find a new and less hostile life beyond the stars.”
Speaking of the new single, vocalist Hytham Martin says: “A long time has passed since the remnants of humanity have colonised Elysium. After dozens of decades of struggle and compromise, the countries, continents and unions have come to an uneasy truce, with the help of the Elysium-born generations who have chosen to both acknowledge the mistakes of the past, and honor humanity’s losses. Nevertheless, none of this could have been achieved without the intervention of their god Asterion, also known as ‘The Voyager’, who guided humanity for over a millennium across the black void of space in an effort to save them from themselves. Yet, there are those in the shadows and corners of Elysium who have secret heretical knowledge, and plan to expose the origins of this false God!”
The new single follows previous isolated tracks ‘Cataclysm’, ‘Subnautica’, ‘Holocene’, and ‘Voyager‘, which all contribute to the blossoming story that unfolds throughout the album.
Nebularis is; Hytham – Vocals and Lyrics Damian – Drums/Percussion Mo Sheerin – Synths/Pianos/Orchestral arrangements and compositions/Guitars Terry McHugh – Bass Alexandria Lawless – Recorded cello Oleksandr Minaiev- Recorded violin
Critically acclaimed Derbyshire rock n’ rollers These Wicked Rivers released their new single ‘Don’t Pray For Me’ on 23rd Feb, taken from their new album ‘Force of Nature’, out on 1st March on Fat Earth Records.
Stepping away from their more traditional blues rock style, ‘Don’t Pray For Me’ is a huge track, and the most anticipated moment in any live set among fans – a modern-day anthem driven by haunting vocals and searing guitars, which, at over 5 minutes long, makes for one of the more epic and emotional tracks on the forthcoming album.
Multi-instrumentalist Rich Wilson explains how ‘Don’t Pray For Me’ came about: “‘Don’t Pray for Me’ has been with the band from the very beginning, gifted by myself to John long before I joined the band and, legend has it, finalised within the band’s very first rehearsal. It has acted as both a showpiece and finale at every gig the band have ever played. The words can often be heard being sung back by the audience over the sound of the band playing, and connect us all in a very special way night after night. The song itself is one of reflection, acknowledging that there is good and bad in everyone but carrying a positive message of acceptance and mindfulness. We now invite you to join the family and connect with it in your own personal way.”
Established in 2014, These Wicked Rivers are Derby’s entry to the new wave of rock and roll that is sweeping across the United Kingdom. Drawing influence from the well of rock legends and blues greats, the band have made a huge impact since their inception with their unique brand of blues-infused modern rock steadily picking up plaudits for their gutsy live performances across the UK.
Regarding their upcoming shows, guitarist Arran Day is similarly excited about getting backon the road for the UK headline dates in May, which the band have dubbed the ‘Peace, Love & Lampshades Tour’: “‘The ‘Force of Nature’ tour was such a massive success for us in terms of getting out and playing for new faces in new places, so we really wanted to hit the road as soon as possible and do it all over again. Fresh from the release of our second album ‘Force of Nature’ we’ll be bringing our signature stage show up and down the country, decorating each room as if it were 1974 and your nan’s just put the kettle on. In times of greed, turmoil and darkness let yourselves escape by joining us for a celebration of peace, love and of course… lampshades.”
Support for all May shows (except Cardiff) will be Scottish rockers She Burns Red. Tickets for the ‘Peace, Love & Lampshades Tour’ are on sale now at THIS LOCATION.
Celebrating the release of the album on March 1st, the band have announced a series of in-store signings and intimate acoustic shows to celebrate the album release, commencing 1st March at Rough Trade in Nottingham, then heading to hmv Derby, hmv Lancaster, hmv Birmingham and hmv Norwich. They will also be paying a visit to the Dandy Gent Barbers and the Mercia Distillery for special events and invite everyone to attend as many as they can.
Collectively These Wicked Rivers are aiming for the top. Described by Classic Rock Magazine as “The sound of what might’ve happened if Clutch got a bit stoned with Audioslave and Zakk Wylde – and then jammed late into the night”, the band blend subtle blues touches with a hard rock edge, adding soulful vocals to create a sound that is as dramatic as it is exhilarating.
THESE WICKED RIVERS FULL TOUR DATES 2024 Mar 01 Rough Trade Nottingham Mar 02 hmv Derby Mar 03 hmv Lancaster Mar 04 Dandy Gent Irongate, Derby Mar 05 hmv Birmingham (Bullring) Mar 06 hmv Norwich Mar 07 Mercia Spirits, Bishton Hall Mar 09 Wolverhampton Uglyfest KK’s Steel Mill Mar 16 Matlock Bath The Grand Pavilion (‘Force of Nature’ Album Celebration Show) Mar 23 Peddlers Market, Chesterfield
These Wicked Rivers ‘Peace, Love & Lampshades’ w/ She Burns Red 2024 Headline UK Tour Dates: May 17 Bridgwater Cobblestones May 18 Stoke Sugar Mill May 19 Manchester Night & Day May 24 Cardiff Club Ifor Bach* She Burns Red not appearing May 25 Bournemouth Bear Cave May 26 Call Of The Wild Festival May 31 Leicester 02 Academy June 01 Edinburgh Bannermans June 02 Leeds Brudenell Social
June 20 London Dingwalls (supporting The Answer)
Pre-order new album ‘Force of Nature’ (out 1st March 2024) HERE
Almost exactly two years after the Russian invasion – Ukrainian rock / alternative metal band CrossChains release their first full-length album “Deathgrip”. Available as Jewel Case CD via Drakkar Entertainment, the band’s impressive debut is out now at https://crosschains.bfan.link/deathgrip
With “Deathgrip”, CrossChains try to cope with all the horror and pain that got imposed on the Ukrainian people. Featuring guest appearances of such as former ASKING ALEXANDRIA frontman Denis Stoff, the Kyiv-based band’s music is a mezmerizing blend of massive guitar sound and the gentle, almost vulnerable spirit of frontman Eugene’s vocal melody.
About their new single and music video, “Massive”, that premiered today, the singer reveals:
“”Massive” is a perfect song to describe the whole album and our condition from day 1 to release date. It’s big, loud, terrifying, it’s – massive. The song is a mirror of ourselves, we are unbreakble hero who cherish his dream, and nothing can change that, but also it is a music that perfectly can describe a panic attack, it’s unstable and heavy.
The actual lyrics are about my fight with deep depression and those voices in my head that whispered me terrifying things. If you are fighting right now with your bad mental condition – there’s a spoiler for you – “you’ll win this fight, just keep going’…
The video is full of symbolism and everyone who been thought taught times will clearly read them between the lines. The lighthouse in the middle of the ruined city is a guide for those seeking salvation. One night I had a massive panic attack, and those visions. Those creatures with white melted faces ripped into my head and made a mess, broke me. “Massive” is a literary conversation between me, the other me, my wife, who helped me to recover from this condition and those voices in my head.”
About their album “Deathgrip”, he comments:
“We worked on this album for too long, that’s why I don’t want talk about too much. This album is a sincere love letter for everything that inspired us and made us who we are today.
We are not holding to modern metal trends on this album, we just wrote the songs what we always wanted to record. So just listen to the whole thing for a couple of times and try to feel it. Let it into your heart and let it settle there, you’ll love it. The album is a full story from start to end with direct message to listener almost in every song.”
Born of the pandemic shutdown and mobilized by the world’s societal ills, Plutocracy Planet is an experimental sociopolitical super-collective led by former Alarm Magazine editor and musical vagrant Scott Morrow.
Fusing post-hardcore sensibilities with electronics, polyrhythms, atypical time signatures, and a far-reaching instrumental palette—including strings, saxophone, piano, harp, marimba, acoustic guitar, and more—the ambitious collaborative project utilizes the talents of more than two dozen venerable vocalists and instrumentalists across hardcore, hip hop, emo, avant-garde composition, pop, and more.
Greed, inequality, and the endless influence of money in politics serve as the project’s thematic focal points. But between a broad-minded approach and a coalition of lyrical voices, the collective’s forthcoming debut LP also touches on the cult of personality, fear-mongering media, police brutality, toxic masculinity, religious zealotry, factory farming, the billionaire space race, and the singularity.
Lead single “This Very Severity,” whose music video premiered yesterday at BrooklynVegan and dropped today on DSPs, features emo legend Bob Nanna (Braid, Hey Mercedes, The City on Film) playing a slowly unraveling news anchor, relaying stories of our current fractured reality and an increasingly dystopian future.
“I was overjoyed to be asked to contribute to the record as I usually don’t dabble in this genre or subject matter too much, and now I think I should way more often,” Nanna says. “Being able to collaborate on cool, important projects is something that brings me great joy, so being a part of this record was a tremendous pleasure. Please disregard my lack of dress pants in the video.”
Joining Nanna on “This Very Severity” are a pair of instrumental phenoms, guitarist Jason Schimmel (Red Fiction, Estradasphere, Secret Chiefs 3) and bassist Jonathan Hischke (The Sound of Animals Fighting, Le Butcherettes, Hella, Anywhere).
“It’s unbelievable to me that I get to work with the people on this album,” says Morrow, who wrote the foundation for each song. “I’ve been a fan—in many cases a super fan—of many of them for 20 to 25 years. It’s a mind-blowing honor that they said yes, and I still don’t really know how the hell I convinced them.”
Releasing July 12 on vinyl and digital, Plutocracy Planet’s full-length debut, produced by singer-songwriter Mark Rose of Spitalfield, will feature:
Bob Nanna (Braid, Hey Mercedes, Lifted Bells) Jonah Matranga (Far, Gratitude, onelinedrawing) Matt Pryor (The Get-Up Kids, The New Amsterdams, Radar State) Mike Kinsella (American Football, Owen, Cap’n Jazz) Liam Wilson (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Azusa) Rody Walker (Protest the Hero) Carson Pace (The Callous Daoboys) Emily Jane White Mark Rose (Spitalfield) Swamburger (Solillaquists of Sound) Blueprint (Soul Position, Greenhouse) Jørgen Munkeby (Shining) Carla Kihlstedt (Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Tin Hat Trio, Rabbit Rabbit Radio) Nils Frykdahl (Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Faun Fables, Idiot Flesh) Aaron Spectre (Drumcorps) Bruce Lamont (Yakuza, Masonic Wave) Angela Mullenhour (Sybris, Touched by Ghoul, Pink Frost) Anton Patzner (Emily Jane White, Foxtails Brigade, Judgement Day) Jonathan Hischke (The Sound of Animals Fighting, Le Butcherettes, Hella, Anywhere) Jason Schimmel (Secret Chiefs 3, Estradasphere, Red Fiction) Adam Stacey (Igorrr, Secret Chiefs 3, Estradasphere) Jason Zdora (HeWhoCorrupts) Leyla I. Royale (Chicago Street Strings)
Plutocracy Planet Tracklisting:
1. Prologue 2. This Very Severity (f. Bob Nanna) 3. But You Said (f. onelinedrawing) 4. A Simple Refrain (f. Matt Pryor & Swamburger) 5. Commence Mutation (f. Carson Pace) 6. Slaughterhouse Soliloquy (f. Swamburger & Drumcorps) 7. War? (f. Rody Walker) 8. True Crime (f. Angela Mullenhour) 9. Hours and Hours (Work Harder, Not Smarter) (f. Mark Rose) 10. Dance of the Downtrodden (f. Carla Kihlstedt, Nils Frykdahl & Jørgen Munkeby) 11. Remain Silent (f. Emily Jane White, Blueprint & Bruce Lamont) 12. Epilogue
About Plutocracy Planet: Long an appreciator of stylistic diversity, Scott Morrow spent his years at Alarm Magazine championing fiercely creative and risk-taking independent artists of all stripes. When covid-19 shut down the planet, he found himself, like many others, wondering how to get the most out of “The Big Pause.” Rather than use his free time writing about other musicians, he opted to write music of his own—something he hadn’t done in over a decade. Between having many talented musician friends and connections from years of covering music, Morrow quickly amassed a small army of all-star contributors, patching together a network of like-minded experimentalists who resonated with the project’s theme.
But the shutdown wasn’t all productive for Morrow—far from it. In June of 2021, he was hit in the back by a stray bullet in his hometown of Chicago as he walked to meet a friend. Losing multiple organs during an emergency surgery, Morrow nearly died in the immediate aftermath as well as during the subsequent healing process due to an abscess of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The grueling eight-month recovery was yet another “big pause” in his life, but once he resumed life “as usual,” he was even more resolved to finish his project’s debut full-length album.
“The hell that I went through I wouldn’t wish on anyone,” Morrow says. “But I’m unbelievably lucky and grateful to be here today. I could not have had a better and more wonderful support system, and enduring something like that makes you realize how very loved and fortunate you are. Plus, I couldn’t just go dying after all of these gracious, wonderfully talented folks contributed to this unknown pipe-dream project.”
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
