UK alternative metallers NEONFLY have announced a string of tour dates supporting Escape The Fate as special guest on the band’s upcoming shows across Germany. Tickets are on sale at THIS LOCATION and the dates are as follows:
In addition, to increase the anticipation for the sweaty and intense club shows, NEONFLY have released a brand new live music video for the track “Last of our Kind”. The footage for the video was filmed a year ago, during the band’s latest tour through Mexico and provides the perfect appetizer for what you can expect at the upcoming shows!
Guitarist & composer Frederick Thunder on the video:
“The video was shot exactly a year ago whilst the band was on tour in Mexico. It was our first tour there, and being Mexican myself, it was an incredible experience to be able to go back to Mexico and perform there live with Neonfly for the first time, after so many years. It was one of the most exciting tours we’ve ever done. We played a few headline shows and a few shows supporting Epica. The fans were absolutely wild and what was incredible was having the chance to perform to very large crowds that had never heard of us before, and seeing how they fell in love with the band as we played our set and were going absolutely wild by the end of the show. In Mexico City we were standing by the merch desk after the show, and there were so many people that wanted to take a pic that the venue security eventually had to come and get us out of there! Not that we wanted to go anywhere, but the security were getting very stressed out! Haha“
He continues:
“The whole video was shot and edited by my good friend Daniel Zanco, who did a fantastic job, and really captured the excitement and good vibes of those shows. And now that we’re about to hit the road again, this time in Germany, another one of our favourite countries where we have toured so much over the past 10 years, we thought it would be great to release this video with scenes from the road to get everyone pumped up about our upcoming shows supporting the awesome Escape The Fate, which I think will be a great match for us musically, especially with our latest album. We can’t wait to meet them and to make a lot of new friends on the road!“
“Last of our Kind” is taken from the band’s latest album “The Future, Tonight” (2021, Noble Demon) and is a hard-hitting song with modern riffs and a contemporary feel, which is also reflected in the lyrics. Vocalist Willy Norton comments: “It’s a song about chaos and how chaos is bringing us politically and the democracies to our knees. And how frightening that can be and how that might lead to a terminal decline in the way we live, hence the last of our kind, there’s no one left. And the last of our kind of the people who believe in reason, the people who believe in ideas, the people who believe in equality, the people who believe in us holding the line between stupidity, not fun stupidity, but just stupid stupidity, and using our heads to keep the world going.”
NEONFLY live: 05.06.23 Berlin – Kesselhaus* 06.06.23 Bochum – Matrix* 08.06.23 Hamburg – Knust* 11.06.23 Hannover – MusikZentrum* 12.06.23 Frankfurt – Nachtleben* 14.06.23 Köln – Kantine* 23.06.23 Wildfire Festival, Scotland 19.08.23 Weyfest, England 22.10.23 Derby Alt Fest, England *supporting Escape The Fate
NEONFLY are: Willy Norton – Vocals Frederick Thunder – Guitars Paul Miller – Bass Declan Brown – Drums
One of the hottest newcomers in alternative metal, UK trio VEXED, unleash their second single off of their anticipated sophomore full-length, Negative Energy, out on June 23 via Napalm Records! The disturbingly heavy new track is entitled “X my ❤ (Hope to die)”, and comes with a haunting official music video.
Fierce “X my ❤ (Hope to die)” deals with the eternal question of what happens after death, and the idea that it should be okay to never get this answer. Vocalist Megan Targett’s vicious growls kick right in after the lurking intro, and together with heavy drum patterns and electronic-sounding guitars, her multifaceted vocals create a captivating, restless soundscape.
VEXED’s crushing first single “Anti-Fetish” has already received great attention! The track was recently aired on BBC’s Radio 1 Rock Show, and is currently in rotation on SiriusXM Liquid Metal while commanding at #6 on their weekly countdown show, The Devil’s Dozen. Upon release, it was lauded by the likes of Revolver (Best New Songs), Loudwire (Weekly Wire), Knotfest and many more, and was also added to various official Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal and Deezer playlists.
VEXED on “X my ❤ (Hope to die)”: “’X my ❤ (hope to die)’ was the catalyst for Negative Energy. After months of writers block and feeling like giving up, this song opened the floodgates for inspiration and creativity. Inspired by the victims of religious extremists, cults or abuse of power, this song is about how one person shouldn’t be able to dictate other people’s lives based on their own personal opinions.”
Negative Energy achieves pinnacle musicianship and gripping, profound and brave lyricism. Instead of opting for forced positivity like many of their contemporaries, the Hertfordshire three-piece channel every ounce of their Negative Energy into these 13 tracks – recharging themselves for an uphill battle.
The band states: “We are so proud to present to you our second album. Since our first release, we have each endured traumatic experiences, surrounded by death, betrayal, pain and grief. In order to find any strength, we first had to accept that we weren’t okay, then take our trauma and face it head on, sharing our vulnerability, fears and weaknesses. Instead of forcing ourselves to try and be positive we put all our negative energy into the album in order to begin our own repair and to overcome.”
Pre-order the devastatingly heavy Negative EnergyNOW
Haunting intro track “PTSD” sets a stage of dread for the carnage to come. “We don’t talk about it” – featuring pitch-shifted verses emulating a disguised voice – explores childhood trauma and survivor’s guilt. “Panic attack” centers on mental health issues, representing terror and frustration through heavy riffs and grooving vocals. Furious “Lay down your flowers” (feat. Alpha Wolf vocalist Lochie Keogh) showcases extreme vocals and bombarding drums, while disturbingly groovy following track “There’s no place like home” draws inspiration from ‘The Wizard of Oz’. The unbelievably heavy “Extremist” gets straight to the point, kicking off with fast and demanding vocal rhythms, while “Default”, on the other hand, displays multifaceted lead singer-to-watch Megan Targett’s high-soaring clean vocals juxtaposed against her menacing deep growls. This is equally evident on standout, dynamic “Trauma Euphoria”, also featuring some of the most impressive guitar work on the album. The album’s most emotional offering, “It’s Not The End”, serves as a magnificent dedication to a loved one passing away while manifesting their legacy, before sliding into instrumental interlude “DMT” – cradled by lo-fi beats with hints of 808, delivered in fresh VEXED style. Intense album finale “Nepotism” wraps up Negative Energy with a knot of rage before slowly fading out into darkness. Negative Energy proves itself as a stunning, devastating musical conduit – ventilating the band’s pain-stricken burdens and breathing life into their fresh approach, delivered with a vengeance.
Negative Energy Tracklisting: 1. PTSD 2. Anti-Fetish 3. We don’t talk about it 4. X my ❤ (Hope to die) 5. Panic attack 6. Lay down your flowers 7. There’s no place like home 8. Extremist 9. Default 10. Trauma Euphoria 11. It’s not the end 12. DMT 13. Nepotism
VEXED is: Megan Targett – Vocals Jay Bacon – Guitar Willem Mason-Geraghty – Drums
Following their latest, critically acclaimed studio album, Tomorrow Will Be Without Us, (released in November 2022 via Napalm Records), Belgian rock act BLACK MIRRORS has premiered a new music video for the song “Tears to Share”.
The band comments: “Our latest single, “Tears to Share,” has just been released! This song has always held a special place in our hearts, and based on your incredible response during our live performances, it seems that you love it just as much as we do.”
Guitarist Pete adds: “I absolutely love every aspect of that tune. The vintage soul song vibe, the guitar full of reverb, and I also have to admit, it features my all-time favorite guitar solo that I’ve ever recorded. On top of that, what about Marcella’s vocal performance? It’s simply flawless. From her soulful and gentle delivery during the verses to the raw and commanding bridge, she absolutely nailed it. She gave it her all and created something truly remarkable.”
BLACK MIRRORS’ sophomore album is a deep, soulful and vividly textured 90’s inspired rock record with umpteen layers begging to be picked apart with each spin, and lyrically, traverses humankind’s increasing apathy towards the world around them. Are we killing our own planet? No, BLACK MIRRORS doesn’t believe that we as humans have the power to destroy mother earth. However, as the album cover below portrays, it’s clear who will end up burning – all living creatures, us. Tomorrow Will Be Without Us is a clear statement impacting every single one of us living on our planet.
The album’s grunge-infused guitar lines meld in harmony, giving way to memorable riffs, rhythmic gems, big grooves and the addictive, beautifully unchained vocals of Marcella Di Troia. It fluxes from fierce and blustery to often gentle and calming – channeling the flavor of MTV’s glory era of acts like Nirvana, Radiohead, Hole, Alain Johannes, Alice In Chains and beyond – showcasing BLACK MIRRORS’ unforced, versatile and organic talent.
Together with the touch of worldwide-acclaimed producer Alain Johannes (Eagles Of Death Metal, Queens Of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, No Doubt,…), BLACK MIRRORS have reset the bar to unexpected heights, and their latest album left its mark on today’s rock scene worldwide. One can be sure, the music world of tomorrow would be a lonely place without BLACK MIRRORS, and Tomorrow Will Be Without Us locks them at the top!
Following several recent live dates with UK’s finest THE ANSWER, and in support of Tomorrow Will Be Without Us, BLACK MIRRORS has announced a European headline tour for the fall of 2023! Tickets are now available at www.blackmirrors.net – Make sure to catch the band live at the following dates:
Singer, songwriter, guitarist, and Gibson brand ambassador Jared James Nichols announces his next single “Easy Come, Easy Go” with an accompanying live video. It is the second single from his critically acclaimed eponymous third studio album Jared James Nichols, originally released in January 2023.
“Easy Come, Easy Go” is an electrifying, foot stomping, rock and roll animal,” says Jared. “From the first note, this song is unrelenting with fuzzed out guitars and a heavy groove. I have always loved the phrase easy come, easy go meaning not to dwell or live in the past. The message is to take life as it comes and live in the moment.”
Watch the “Easy Come, Easy Go” live performance music video below.
Released earlier in the year by Black Hill Records, Jared James Nichols features every side of the Nashville-based multi-talent and the various genres he grew up listening to, whether it was grunge or blues; all of which has influenced his authentic sound.
Jared James Nichols is available on all digital music platforms, CD, and vinyl HERE.
“I made a record to serve as the menu for the live show,” reflects Jared. “There is an element of excitement and danger. It’s my version of rock ‘n’ roll with a little more humanity. The album is a day in the life with the ups and downs, but it musically rings true to who I am as an artist.”
Jared James Nichols was produced, engineered, and mixed by Eddie Spear (Zach Bryan, Slash, Rival Sons) and recorded live at Blackbird Studios and Sienna Studios. The recording sessions occurred at a pivotal moment for Nichols, who almost never performed again as he was sidelined months earlier with a broken arm. After surgery, which left him with a plate and sixteen screws in his right arm, he pushed himself with diligence and determination to regain use of his arm and his storied guitar proficiency.
The album kicks into high gear with the bluesy wallop of “My Delusion.” Elsewhere on the 12-track collection is the Black Sabbath-inspired “Hallelujah,” where a flurry of drums gives way to a thick and heavy battering ram of a blues riff only to crash into a rickety bass line and atomic shredding. Jared bares his soul on the emotionally charged “Out Of Time,” a heartfelt and tearful tribute to his late father.
Jared first emerged onto the scene in 2015 with his debut Old Glory & The Wild Revival and followed that up with Black Magic in 2018, which yielded the fan favorite “Honey Forgive Me.” More recently, he issued the Shadow Dancer EP (2021) and collaborated earlier this year with both Maggie Rose and Joe Bonamassa for revised versions of his song “Threw Me To The Wolves.” Gibson also welcomed Nichols as an official ambassador, plotting the release of several signature Jared James Nichols guitars.
Nichols has racked up millions of streams and critical acclaim and, in between show-stopping solo shows, has performed alongside icons such as Slash, Billy Gibbons, and Zakk Wylde. Guitar World magazine has attested, “If you’ve never witnessed Jared James Nichols onstage, let us say right now: you’re missing out, big time.”
Jared James Nichols Track Listing
1. My Delusion 2. Easy Come, Easy Go 3. Down The Drain 4. Hard Wired 5. Bad Roots 6. Skin ‘n Bone 7. Long Way to Go 8. Shadow Dancer 9. Good Time Girl 10. Hallelujah 11. Saint or Fool 12. Out Of Time
In 2020, Ensiferum released their critically acclaimed full-length, Thalassic, via Metal Blade Records, an album “that brings pure joy to all of their fans” (Metal Hammer Germany).
Ensiferum have now announced another European tour to conclude the live run on Thalassic. The tour as direct support of Peter Tägtgren’s Pain will kick off October 5th in Cologne and will lead the pack through no less than 16 countries. See below for full dates.
Comments Ensiferum‘s very own Sami Hinkka: “Hi folks! We are super hyped and honored to share stages around Europe with the one and only PAIN! These will be nights filled with fist pumping, singalonging folk metal mayhem and jawbreaking, ass-shaking industrial metal spectacle! Get your tickets in advance for the greatest metal tour of the year!“
Pain + Ensiferum 05.10.2023 Cologne, DE – Essigfabrik 06.10.2023 Drachten, NL – Iduna 07.10.2023 Hengelo, NL – Metropool 08.10.2023 Antwerp, BE – Kavka Zappa 10.10.2023 Glasgow, UK – Ivory Blacks 11.10.2023 Manchester, UK – Rebellion 12.10.2023 Birmingham, UK – The Asylum 13.10.2023 London, UK – O2 Academy Islington 14.10.2023 Amstelveen, NL – P60 15.10.2023 Paris, FR – La Machine du Moulin Rouge 16.10.2023 Nantes, FR – Le Ferrailleur 18.10.2023 Porto, PT – Hard Club 19.10.2023 Lisbon, PT – RCA Club 20.10.2023 Madrid, ES – Changó Club 21.10.2023 Pamplona, ES – Sala TOTEM Aretoa 22.10.2023 Lyon, FR – La Rayonne 24.10.2023 Ljubljana, SI – Cvetličarna 25.10.2023 Trezzo sull’Adda, IT – Live Music Club 26.10.2023 Zagreb, HR – Klub Močvara 27.10.2023 Bucharest, RO – Quantic Club 28.10.2023 Cluj-Napoca, RO – FORM Space 31.10.2023 Sofia, BG – Club Mixtape 5 01.11.2023 Budapest, HU – Dürer Kert 02.11.2023 Krakow, PL – Kamienna12 03.11.2023 Vienna, AT – Szene 04.11.2023 Munich, DE – Backstage 05.11.2023 Zlin, CZ – Masters of Rock Cafe 07.11.2023 Nuremberg, DE – Hirsch 08.11.2023 Frankfurt, DE – Batschkapp 09.11.2023 Leipzig, DE – Hellraiser 10.11.2023 Hamburg, DE – Gruenspan 11.11.2023 Berlin, DE – Columbia Theater 12.11.2023 Stuttgart, DE – Im Wizemann
Ensiferum are a true powerhouse when it comes to folk-inspired melodic death metal, something they hammer home more resolutely than ever with eighth full-length Thalassic. The title translating from ancient Greek as “of or relating to seas“, it’s a suitably huge and wide-ranging collection that incorporates orchestrations and traditional folk instrumentation alongside the roaring guitars, bass, and drums. “I think we managed to take another step ahead musically and we also utilized the best parts of our old sound,” states bassist/vocalist Sami Hinkka. “There are lots of Ensiferum’s trademarks: beautiful folkish melodies, ass-kicking riffs, a nice mix of different vocals and great singalong choruses.” The addition of new keyboard player/lead clean vocalist Pekka Montin also “really raised the new songs to another level“, while Mikko P. Mustonen once again presided over the orchestrations, and violin virtuoso Lassi Logren recorded folk instruments on a few tracks.
Mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren, Thalassic was recorded and produced in Petrax and Sonic Pump studios by Janne Joutsenniemi, who was involved on their albums Victory Songs (2007) and From Afar (2009). “We like to go to a studio when we have all the songs 99.9% ready so the producer’s main job is to kick our asses while we record. Of course Janne Joutsenniemi is a world-class producer, and we asked his opinion if we were doubting any details. It was really a pleasure to work with him again, and I think this was one of the most easy-going studio sessions I have ever been part of. We are extremely happy with the result.“
Blackened heavy metal masters CLOAK have partnered with Black Metal Promotion for the advanced stream of their upcoming full-length, ‘Black Flame Eternal!’ The record is due this Friday, May 26, and can be heard at THIS LOCATION.
Cloak comments, “With more than two years in the making, we’re ready to release the new era of the band into the world with fire and fury! Today we present to you the full stream of our third album “Black Flame Eternal”. Hail to the true supporters, we’ve only just begun…”
Moreover, CLOAK will be hitting the road for a run of live shows in support of the record’s release! The full run of dates can be found below! In addition, the band will be hosting an album listening party this Saturday, May 27, in conjunction with their appearance at Hell in the Harbor festival in Baltimore, MD. The official after party will take place at Angel’s Rock Bar and will be headlined by label-mates TOMBS.
CLOAK recently debuted the blood-soaked music video for their brand new single, “The Holy Dark!” Watch at THIS LOCATION.
CLOAK is following up 2019’s ‘The Burning Dawn,’ which was named one of the Best Albums of the year by Metal Insider (#6), A&P Reacts (#8), Treble Zine (#11), and others.
‘Black Flame Eternal’ is due on May 26, 2023 and can be pre-saved across all streaming services HERE and pre-ordered HERE.
CLOAK Live Dates: 05/25: Raleigh, NC @ Kings [TICKETS] 05/27: Baltimore, MD @ Hell in the Harbor Fest [TICKETS]* 06/10: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl [TICKETS] **HOMETOWN SHOW** 06/14: Mobile, AL @ Alabama Music Box 06/15: New Orleans, LA @ Siberia 06/16: Austin, TX @ Oblivion Access Festival [TICKETS]* 06/17: Houston, TX @ Black Magic 08/05: San Juan, PR @ La Respuesta (JUST ADDED) *festival date
The album artwork was created by Jordan Barlow.
Tracklist: 01: Ethereal Fire (05:37) 02: With Fury and Allegiance (04:46) 03: Shadowlands (05:58) 04: Invictus (06:36) [WATCH] 05: Seven Thunders (05:49) [LISTEN] 06: Eye of the Abyss (05:06) 07: The Holy Dark (06:03) [WATCH] 08: Heavenless (02:57) 09: Black Flame Eternal (06:43) Total Running Time: 00:49:35
Recording Studio: The Green House Mixing: Cameron Webb Mastering: Audiosiege
Album Artwork by Jordan Barlow
“The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.” – Rudyard Kipling
In an era that is designed to beat down and weaken the individual, Black Flame Eternal is an album that represents strength, empowerment, and total opposition. With mounting pressure to engage in modern societal tribalism, Cloak invokes a spiritual rebellion that exists beyond good and evil with album number three.
“All of our albums are created with a spiritual focus, dealing with how we see life, death, and everything in between. I think the earlier records dealt more with the mysteries that surrounded delving deeper into the world of dark spirituality, whereas the new material has taken what we’ve learned and used it to move forward with force,” says Cloak frontman Scott Taysom of the record’s underlying philosophy. “Black Flame Eternal is a statement of spiritual empowerment in every sense. For the first time we want people to grasp on to this sentiment, instead of keeping it completely personal within our world of Cloak. The themes and the sheer power can be felt much more within the songs that this album contains.”
“Our goal is complete spiritual liberation, which is where true power and freedom exists,” he adds. “We’ve reached a point in history where people are forced to pick a side or to join a team, so to speak. Cloak stands in complete opposition to this. We aim to be a giant middle finger in the face of the empty modern world.”
While Cloak might rage against societal conventions, the Atlanta quartet embraces the rebellious and time-tested traditions of heavy metal. Whether it be the conjuring the chaotic spirit of Swedish black metal purveyors Watain and Dissection, summoning the deep, dark and sensual groove of Danzig, or evoking the raw speed and raucous energy of Motörhead, the influence of metal’s founding fathers is deep within Cloak’s DNA. Cloak’s charm, however, does not merely lie within its romanticism of the past, but rather is the way each of these genres has shaped Cloak’s own personal identity. And with Black Flame Eternal, the record sees Cloak continue to strengthen its own unique established sound.
Cloak recognizes the importance of a band’s third record, with Taysom explaining, “These influences will always be important to us, as they are some of the best and most important bands of our time. On the other hand, what is so special about getting to the third record of our career is that inspiration starts to move inwards. We had enough experience and material at this point to really know what we do best and how we can utilize these skills in the best way possible. If you look at some of the most iconic bands, their third albums were massive steps towards greatness. So to us, we feel our third record will be a very important one in our time as a band.”
The Atlantan’s evolution is evident in the fury displayed on Black Flame Eternal, which flawlessly compliments the grandiose melodic atmosphere. “This was a conscious effort. Early on before the album even started, I knew it was going to be a much more aggressive and powerful album. I wanted to take a step away from certain sounds and add a bit of brutality back in. The overall vibe matches who we are much more, so it was only fitting to move towards this sound. It almost feels like we are going back to our roots as people in certain ways,” explains Taysom.
Black Flame Eternal follows up sophomore effort The Burning Dawn, which was released in November 2019, with hell unleashing its fury on the globe just a few short months later. As plans to tour the new album around the world came to a screeching halt, the band did not stagger or falter, and instead used this gift of time to write. When reflecting upon the lost years and its impact, Taysom seemingly embraces the situation with little regrets, “Considering Cloak is a sacred space for us, these exterior things did not have as much of an impact as one might think. But it was impossible to ignore some of what was going on throughout these tumultuous years. It’s bound to affect people’s personal lives and the way the mind works during these interesting times. One thing that it did greatly affect was the fact that we could not promote The Burning Dawn properly after the one U.S. tour we did with 1349. We feel this hurt the record, but there was nothing we could do. We were one of the earliest out of the gate after venues started to open back up, and we’ve been continuing to tour in promotion of that album all the way up until now.”
Cloak utilized every minute of this time to focus on fully realizing its vision for Black Flame Eternal. “The initial stage of the writing process started in January of 2020, and lasted all the way until May 2021. It was the longest spanning album process for us so far, with many long days, nights, and weeks trying to piece the songs together the best we could.” While the record did not come together swiftly or easily, the care and attention put into its creation is evident in its powerful composition.
Making up for lost time, these road warriors have already embarked on several high profile North American tours since the autumn of 2021, commanding audiences in every major city with their chaos magick. Each performance merges the spirit of black metal with the backbone of rock ‘n’ roll as the band consistently delivers a blistering set from start to finish. Taysom describes Cloak’s live approach as “a mixture of ethereal atmosphere and total abrasive chaos. The mixture of these two opposing energies is where Cloak lies; the meeting of high and low. To us, this is where the most interesting moments happen, both emotionally and physically.”
With no borders or boundaries, Cloak is ready to embark on this new chapter as the leader of its own pack. The band bows to no one, forging its own path as one of the governing metal forces of this decade as ‘Black Flame Eternal’ promises to scorch the earth and leave its hallowed mark.
Lineup: Scott Taysom – vocals/guitar Max Brigham – guitar Billy C. Robinson – bass Sean Bruneau – 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 ) 