Prepare to be entranced by the mesmerizing interplay of captivating rhythms and soaring melodic arrangements!
THRONE OF THORNS rises as a blazing new force in the (prog)power metal scene, featuring experienced Belgian musicians. With a fusion of power and precision, the band masterfully creates harmonious melodies and dynamic vocals, all atop a relentless foundation of catchy guitar riffs, resulting in an auditory journey. In terms of content, their upcoming full-length debut album deals with the pressing issues of global injustice, delving into the seductive grip of capitalism and self-indulgence that threatens to unleash humanities (and the World’s) demise.
Guitar player Thomas Jethro Verleye (ex-GUILTY AS CHARGED, studio guitarist REJECT THE SICKNESS) is the band’s driving force and composer. The lead vocals are performed by Josey Hindrix, known from the legendary Belgian metal pioneers OSTROGOTH. The line-up is completed by musicians with diverse musical backgrounds, ranging from jazz-fusion to death metal: Guy Vercruysse (backing vocals and production/mixing | REJECT THE SICKNESS), Wim Rotthier (keys | ex-MORDACITY, ex-CRUSADER, BROKEN VOICE, VAAG) and Baruch Van Bellegem (drums | SATYRUS, EXOGENESIST). The mastering of the album was done by the internationally renowned Danish producer Jacob Hansen.
Today we proudly announce the signing of a multi-album deal with Throne of Thorns and welcome the band to the ROAR! Rock of Angels roster.
Throne of Thorns: Thomas Jethro Verleye – Lead/rhythm guitars, bass guitar, Songwriter & lyricist, Orchestral production Josey Hindrix – Lead & backing vocals Guy Vercruysse – Backing vocals, Mixing / Production Wim Rotthier – Keyboards / Piano Baruch Van Bellegem – Drums, Orchestral co-production
“Purified by Vengeance” by DÅÅTH features both Mark Holcomb of Periphery and composer and sound designer Mick Gordon and was mixed by Jens Bogren, with Andrew Wade as vocal producer, and John Douglass handling engineering duties.
Eyal Levi comments, “‘Purified By Vengeance’ is the first song we wrote for Dååth’s return and it has everything I would want from one of our songs. Devastating riffs, eerie synths, epic orchestration, brutal and catchy vocals, ethereal cleans, and an incredible solo.
Cover art by artist Adrian Baxter
And on that note, shout-out to Mick Gordon and Mark Holcomb for their contributions. When Mick told me the song made him think of grave robbing I knew he was picking up what we were putting down. He added what we didn’t know was missing. Layers of incredible percussion, sound design, orchestra, and theremin. Yes theremin. You’ve gotta love an evil theremin. Furthermore, the way Mick’s elements blend with Jesse Zuretti’s is perfect.
As far as Holcomb goes, I literally laughed out loud when I first heard his solo. It’s wild and classy, virtuosic and tasteful, unpredictable yet familiar. To be honest, it’s my favorite Mark Holcomb solo. You can tell him I said that.
Also, the verse riff is the moment I knew Krimh had to be in the band. I was beating my head into a wall. Everything I was writing just wasn’t good enough. I re-wrote the verse maybe 16 times. We had an intro, a pre chorus, a chorus and no verse. I asked Krimh to help me write it and the way we collaborated was instant chemistry. It was so seamless and easy and what we ended up with is quintessential Dååth: heavy af, catchy af, dark af. Clearly we had to make more music together.
I hope you all enjoy this one!“
Krimh, the band’s drummer, added how the new, original track is “a real banger with its groove, chug riffs and catchy chorus. Mick Gordon and Mark Holcomb really elevated it with their creative sound design and melodic guitar solo. I’m very proud of how this turned out!” Jesse Zuretti (orchestration, synth, guitar) also noted how “tracking guitars & composing orchestrations was fun, but Mick Gordon’s sound design and layers really serrated ‘Purified’. I’m personally deeply honored to have worked in tandem on this track.
I’d also like to point out that when I first heard Mark Holcomb’s solo it put a literal smile on my face – what an assassin.”
Check out Dååth‘s other current singles below and keep eyes out for more covers and originals to be released over the coming months.
The Philosopher (Death Cover ft. Dan Sugarman and Rafael Trujillo) HERE No Rest No End (original single) HERE
About the band: Dååth is an American progressive death metal band based in Atlanta, Georgia. The band began their journey in 1999 and stayed busy for just over a decade before taking a hiatus in 2011. In that time, Dååth released 4 studio albums (Futility – self-released 2004, The Hinderers – Roadrunner Records 2007, The Concealers – Century Media 2009, Dååth – Century Media 2010) and toured throughout the world with band’s like Dark Funeral, Naglfar, Zyklon, Dragonforce, Goatwhore, Chimaira, Throwdown, Dying Fetus, and Devildriver making a lasting impression with the metal community and its many subgenres. Dååth also landed a coveted spot on Ozzfest playing before tens of thousands of fans in outdoor amphitheaters across the US in addition to the infamous and long-running metal tour, Summer Slaughter.
In their time, Dååth managed to create an extensive fanbase worldwide with their unique brand of experimental death metal, which makes it no surprise that the metal community lit up once rumors of the band’s return began to surface online. The metal community only continued to buzz with support as members began making posts teasing new material. The metal world made it clear they were ready for the return of one of the strongest progressive death metal bands of the first part of the 00’s.
Dååth is now back with an updated lineup and stronger than ever, which can be heard in the group’s new single “No Rest No End” that saw digital release by Metal Blade Records on February 22, 2023. The track features guest solos by Rafael Trujillo (Obsidious, ex-Obscura, instagram.com/rafaeltrujillo_official) and Spiro Dussias (instagram.com/spirodussias) and was mixed by Jens Bogren (Sepultura, At The Gates, Kreator, Dimmu Borgir), Mastered by Tony Lindgren (Enslaved, Katatonia, Leprous, Wardruna), with Vocal Production by Andrew Wade (A Day To Remember, Motionless In White, Wage War), and Engineering by John Douglass (Megadeth, Alluvial, The Contortionist).
Dååth followed up the release of “No Rest No End” with a cover of Death‘s “The Philosopher” that features Dan Sugarman of Ice Nine Kills and Rafael Trujillo and was released digitally on April 24, 2023.
“It’s insane to think that it’s been 30 years since I first saw the music video for The Philosopher on Headbanger’s Ball. I loved the song then and I love it now. This is our attempt to honor Chuck’s legacy and massive contribution to extreme metal” comments Eyal Levi.
Jesse Zuretti had this to add, “Chuck and Death paving the way for future extreme metal bands – the best way to pay tribute is to play.“
The band is currently working on material for a new full-length album where fans can expect to hear the next stage in evolution of Dååth’s brand of melodic and progressive death metal.
“Nordlys”, MENTAL CRUELTY‘s newest offering describes the tale of the Nordic afterlife, where ancient deities and restless spirits reign with almighty wrath. Follow the journey of souls rising up to heaven, but beware the phantoms of the afterlife and the omen of bane; the “Nordlys” may be listened to HERE; the awesome music video (produced by Aurora Motion Pictures) can be watched below.
Mental Cruelty comments on the new single: “The song “Nordlys” is about ancient sagas of the northern lights, interpreted differently by Vikings and Norwegian tribes. These tales interpreted the lights in the sky in different ways. We should approach new situations positively, remembering fear often lies in our heads. Musically, it’s not a typical Mental Cruelty song, with an acoustic guitar intro and orchestration setting the mood. The song ends with a guitar riff that will make you want to headbang.”
Armed with new vocalist Lukas Nicolai, Mental Cruelty usher in a new epoch of unlight and grim determination that’s at the heart of their upcoming album, Zwielicht (translated in English as “Twilight”). Once again working with producer and mixer Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, Ov Sulfur, Signs of the Swarm The Browning), they’ve pushed their sound to new blacker intensities forged in emotional riffing, heavy “back to the roots” breakdowns, and epic orchestral arrangements that surpass the already elite standards that have become synonymous with their name.
Mental Cruelty comments on the upcoming album: “Let us embrace a new era of darkness by bringing the “black” into blackened heavy music. Join us on the way down to infernal gates of hell to be rebirthed back to life. The album will contain the most mind-bending variety of different heavy musical influences and sounds. Epic symphonic orchestras accompanied by slam breakdowns; this will have it all. Inspired from metaphors written by nature, death, and inner demons.
We can´t put into words the level of excitement we feel by announcing this album to you. We hope you feel the same way! Thank you for being with us and stay tuned for upcoming news!”
Zwielicht is coming. Mental Cruelty’s reign of darkness is just getting started.
After dropping standalone single “Amongst the Low & Empty” last month, Pittsburgh deathcore unit SIGNS OF THE SWARM is back to reveal their upcoming fifth full-length of the same name: Amongst the Low & Empty will be unleashed on July 28th!
To coincide with this announcement, the band has dropped a new single from the record – “Tower Of Torsos”. Watch the video and pre-order the album, here!
Renowned rock & soul guitarist John Oates (Hall & Oates), Sir Brian May guitar prodigy Arielle (pictured below), and Monkees star Micky Dolenz are the latest musical icons to join legendary rock and roll guitarist James Burton for a special one-night-only concert at the iconic London Palladium on Sunday 4 June; ‘James Burton & Friends UK – For One Night Only’. Tickets are available from LWTheatres.co.uk and Ticketmaster.co.uk.
They will join previously announced celebrated musicians: Sir Brian May, Van Morrison, Albert Lee and Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter. Together with further performers also announced including Jason Scheff, Steve Wariner, Tommy Emmanuel, Tommy Sims, Caroline Jones, and Essex County.
Photo by Marvey Mills c/o Marvellous Gig Photography
Instantly known to Elvis Presley fans around the world and one of the most recognised musicians to emerge during North America’s burgeoning rock and roll, rockabilly and country music eras, James Burton’s name has since been attached to such legendary artists as George Harrison, Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, John Denver, Emmylou Harris, and Merle Haggard, and on thousands of recordings. His innovative use of banjo strings on his guitar in the 1950s to bend and stretch notes, coupled with his unique ‘chicken pickin’ playing style revolutionised rock, country and pop guitar and continues to inspire and influence artists across all generations to this day.
Burton holds a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted by longtime fan and friend Keith Richards in 2001, and has also been recognised by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. It should come as little surprise then that Burton’s London appearance on 4 June has drawn the participation of many of his fellow musician and artist admirers from around the world.
This very special and historic show ‘James Burton & Friends UK,’ will take its audience on a unique musical experience across more than six decades of exceptional musical history. In addition to the line-up of names announced so far will be Musical Director Leo Green, along with the Leo Green Orchestra – a fantastic ensemble of topflight musicians and singers, forming the supporting cast for this unique event. The evening will be hosted by Catatonia singer Cerys Matthews.
James Burton said: “We are thrilled to announce another host of phenomenal musicians for our unique event at The London Palladium. Don’t miss out on this evening of incredible musical entertainment that will help our Foundation continue its mission of providing music education to those who need it most. We’re grateful to all of the artists who are generously donating their time and talent to support our cause.”
Proceeds from the show will go to The James Burton Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports music education for those in need through guitar donations and music instructions. Over the years, the Foundation has given thousands of guitars to schools, children’s and veterans’ hospitals, and other organisations. The success of this event will allow the Foundation to expand its music education program, facilities, and partnerships.
James Burton explains: “I’ve always wanted to do my own show, which – in 2005, we actually came up with the idea, invite all my friends that I worked with, and all my guitar player friends and singers as well. I wanted to do something for the kids in music, and I got to thinking I would like to donate guitars to the kids in school – you know, get music back in schools. But the government took it out years ago. I still get letters from teachers and young kids thanking me for this program that we do.”
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Date: 4 June 2023 Time: 7.30pm Venue: The London Palladium Address: 8 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF Ticket Prices: from £61.70 Website: LWTheatres.co.uk
Swedish rockers ECLIPSE have announced the upcoming release of their tenth studio album, MEGALOMANIUM, on September 1, 2023. The first single and video from the album, “The Hardest Part Is Losing You,” are out now.
Eclipse will be performing headlining shows and various festivals throughout the summer and into the fall as well as a European tour starting September 1 in Bochum, Germany.
As singer Erik Mårtensson explains the meaning behind the album title:
“Since the previous record WIRED, we have been fortunate enough to be able to play to a lot of different audiences all over the world. No matter where we are, we always find a way to connect with people through those initial roots of rock ‘n roll music. MEGALOMANIUM is precisely that: it’s Eclipse paying homage to the full scope that is our ever-growing fan base through the elements that have become staples in the band’s catalog, but also daring to venture into new uncharted territories and sounds. MEGALOMANIUM is an album riddled with the full DNA of the band, a fearless dive into the deep end of the pool – or in this case – the lake Siljan surrounding the island in the middle of Sweden where we record all our music.”
Over the last 10 years, the band has been reaching an ever-growing audience with each album release thanks to their stellar songwriting and high energy performances. Their last tours have brought them to stages in Japan, Australia, The U.S. and all over Europe including some of the world’s largest heavy rock festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Graspop and Sweden Rock. At its core, Eclipse is a heavy rock band with massive hooks, and with an appeal that transcends genres. In addition to their numerous headline tours, Eclipse has also opened for a wide range of bands over the years including Aerosmith, My Chemical Romance and Scorpions.
“I love the fact that we have a diverse following these days,” says Mårtensson. “We have strived to evolve both in terms of sound and songwriting with every record and clearly our fans are happy to come join us for the ride. Even better, they have continuously invited a bunch of their friends along the way. We see proof of that every night.”
The proof is also in the numbers. Eclipse has generated well over 100 million streams online and approximately half a million monthly listeners across the major music services, making them one of biggest rock bands to come out of Sweden in recent years.
Tracklisting MEGALOMANIUM: The Hardest Part Is Losing You Got It! Anthem Children of the Night Hearts Collide I Don’t Get It The Broken So Long, Farewell, Goodbye High Road One Step Closer to You Forgiven
Lineup: Erik Mårtensson – Vocals Magnus Henriksson – Guitars Philip Crusner – Drums Victor Crusner – Bass
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
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