Australian punk icons, THE HARD-ONS, are back with a new single, impending album – and European tour.
Golden Robot Records will release The Hard-Ons’ new album, ‘Ripper 23’, worldwide outside of Australia on 2 June. The single, “Apartment For Two”, was released 5 May. The Hard-Ons are Ray Ahn, Peter Black, Murray Ruse and new kid, You Am I vocalist and songwriter, Tim Rogers.
The new single, “Apartment For Two”, is a frenetic pop-punk blast; three delicious minutes of squealing guitars, pounding drums, pulverising bass, and sitting atop – like a semi-detached ring-pull – is Rogers’ intense ‘tude-laden vocals. A perfect slab of what constitutes The Hard-Ons, circa 2023. The song was co-written by Rogers and Black.
The video for “Apartment For Two” was produced and directed by Jonathan J. Sequeira at Living Eyes, and manages to pull off the unique feat of providing homage to both an obscure fictional US teenage musical group, Mulligan Stew, and the UK’s pioneering electronic musician and renowned face transplanter, Aphex Twin.
The album, ‘Ripper 23’, is The Hard-Ons through and through. Their 14th studio album, ‘Ripper 23’ is their second with Tim Rogers out front, but their first with Rogers as a fully integrated member, contributing to songwriting and arrangements. The difference is palpable, and the album will be an absolute treat to the ears of fans old, new and indifferent. The striking cover art and album title are inspired adaptations of the crass and outrageously sexist 1970s chart compilations unique to the Australian music marketplace (no, really, check them out!). But in the hands of The Hard-Ons, it’s really just a bit cheeky.
The band is embarking on a whistlestop May European tour, taking in Belgium, France, Spain, Italy and Germany – its first road haul since pre-pandemic times, and a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fans around the globe who have been waiting to get their hands on new Hard-Ons for some time…
“Apartment For Two” is out digitally on 5 May. ‘Ripper 23’ will be released on 2 June on varied coloured vinyl formats, black vinyl, CD and cassette. Oh, and something about digital whatever. All on Golden Robot Records.
Mexican metallers AGORA have announced the release of their upcoming album Empire, set to release via Crusader Records / Golden Robot Records, on June 9.
‘Empire‘ contains two unique tracks co-written by the great, multi-award winning, and well-known American keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Sons of Apollo, Black Country Communion, Dream Theatre, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper). This 2023 Agora has chosen to release its most important record to date, “Empire,” in English.
The lyrics address issues that the band has never addressed before, such as virtual reality, co-dependent relationships, zombies, and an homage to species that are on the verge of extinction.
Agora has four albums, a live DVD, and performances at renowned national and international festivals like Viva Latino, Rock al Parque, Hell & Heaven and Fronterizo Fest to their credit as a culmination of a decade of diligent efforts.
After performing with groups like KISS, Judas Priest, Guns & Roses, Megadeath, Mötley Crüe, Deep Purple, and Iron Maiden, they have amassed a strong fan following that remains loyal online and at their shows. No text can describe what these artists can achieve live. With this new production, Agora is determined to rule the stage as its new empire.
‘EMPIRE’ Track By Track:
Empire is the title of the first single of the most important prog metal band from Mexico. A song which empowers the community sense of going forward. It’s both epic and powerful, the vocal melody embraces perfectly the outstanding guitar riffs and thunderous drums with well established pounding bass and almost hymn like keyboards. In The Name Of Destruction is a song that speaks about a catastrophic futuristic world in which zombies are spreading throughout the world and bringing the humankind to extinction, a strong musical statement with modern and classic approach to heavy metal bold arrangements a big highlight are the keyboards masterfully played by Derek Sherinian (dream theater, billy idol, yngwie malmsteen fame.) who’s signature sound is found all over the song. Infinity is the third single of the Mexican prog metal band Agora where we can find a deep perspective of someone who has lost his faith and desperately wants to recover it. Sonically is a wide variety of steady early 90s American metal feel with fantastic keyboard work that’s reminiscent of early 70s prog rock combined with hooky melodic vocal lines and well crafted heaviness. I’m Just Venom a song which exudes groove and power without losing melody in the vocal department, tons of feel in the guitar solos that are somewhat reminiscent of 70s rock combined with a 90s kind of loose but tight when needed riffs. A lyric that describes toxic relationships and the times that one surrenders to them. Honor In Dying great example of heavy riffs with Alice In Chains type vocal lines catchy chorus, wah infested solo that brings you to Manuel’s finest hour filled with triplets and octaves, drum licks everywhere, a powerful mid tempo song. When Honor Ends it’s a prog meets thrash track in which virtuosity does not hold back any second, it’s a fast one and it’s challenging musically and lyrically as it describes the feeing of treason and betrayal riff after riff from the beginning til the end. Inmortal Dream a ballad that captures the feel, incredible vocal range and nuance of eduardo contreras, in which he tells the story of an impossible dream. As far as the music goes it reminds the agora fan base that they can go in this direction without losing any edge. Great musicianship on this one. Virtual Reality it’s an epic song a nearly 10 minute song that never lets down, it’s progressive in a never boring way. Great riffs and extraordinary drumming specially in the middle part which flirts with the djent genere for a minute, then goes into a massive prog segment with melodic vocals and outstanding bass. Colossus a theme written to pay tribute to the last white rhinoceros alive. Musically it has a lot of dynamics, a powerful tune which explodes with an epic sing a long chorus accompanied by non- other than derek sherinian (ex dream theater, billy idol yngwie malmsteen) throughout the song playing an amazing solo with his trademark sound and a great Hammond ala Jon Lord.
FEUERSCHWANZ have unleashed their second new single, entitled “Berzerkermode“, together with an official music video! Germany’s hottest band today is set to release their upcoming studio album, Fegefeuer, on July 7, 2023 via Napalm Records. Just like on the #1-charting 2021 album Memento Mori, on their highly anticipated new full-length, the band distances themselves from their past in comedic medieval folk by delivering an earnest metal record. The catchy Viking party anthem “Berzerkermode“ calls for the listener to join the celebration and “party like a Viking”. The entertaining official music video is full of action, and one can spot features from influencer scottywartooth, also known as TikTok Jesus, and bodybuilders – including Miss Universe!
FEUERSCHWANZ on the epic new music video: “Pump like a viking – Feuerschwanz are in berzerker mode! Our latest work is about martial masculinity, steeled wannabe-vikings and Valkyrs on steroids. To celebrate the ultimate Berzerker party, probably the most famous dweeb in the history of the world becomes a protein-laden bodybuilder in the Viking gym!Don’t try this at home. Berzerker mode ON!“
Formed in 2004, the band has gradually shifted from their roots in comedic medieval folk into a much more serious direction. With the switch to Napalm Records ahead of the release of Das Elfte Gebot (2020), FEUERSCHWANZ set their sights entirely on metal – soon becoming one of the most relevant German bands in the genre today. The band’s enormously successful previous album of original music, Memento Mori (2021), even stormed the official German charts, peaking at #1. On Fegefeuer, FEUERSCHWANZ spice up their medieval inspired folk metal with true heavy metal influences!
Fegefeuer kicks off with outstanding opening track “SGFRD Dragonslayer”. Lyrical references to the legendary Siegfried Dragonslayer combine with heavy riffing and Nordic mythology. Successor “Bastard von Asgard” features beautiful vocals by Eluveitie’s Fabienne Erni. The first three tracks, as well as heavy “Highlander”, are best proof of the band’s evolution from comedy rock to metal. Other tracks like the intense title track “Fegefeuer”, Lord of the Rings battlechant “Uruk-Hai” and “Die Horde” will be long-time fan favorites.
Fegefeuer stays lyrically true to trademark topics, exploring long forgotten legends and heroic battles, and shows off the band’s extraordinary musical skills. The album will be available in various formats, with some containing the live bonus album Live in Wacken 2022, which includes a recording of their co-headline show from the holy fields. With their new release, FEUERSCHWANZ clearly confirm their outstanding position at the top of the German metal scene!
Tracklist Fegefeuer: 1. SGFRD Dragonslayer 2. Bastard von Asgard 3. Berzerkermode 4. Knochenkarussell 5. Fegefeuer 6. Die Horde 7. Uruk-Hai 8. Highlander 9. Morrigan 10. Eis & Feuer 11. Valkyren
Various limited versions come with the bonus CD, Live in Wacken 2022, recorded during the band’s co-headline set at Wacken Open Air 2022. Other versions include the instrumental version of all 11 album tracks:
Live in Wacken 2022 Tracklist: 1. Intro (Das Elfte Gebot) (Live in Wacken 2022) 2. Memento Mori (Live in Wacken 2022) 3. Untot im Drachenboot (Live in Wacken 2022) 4. Metfest (Live in Wacken 2022) 5. Ultima Nocte (Live in Wacken 2022) 6. Schubsetanz (Live in Wacken 2022) 7. Methämmer (Live in Wacken 2022) 8. Dragostea Din Tei (Live in Wacken 2022) 9. Rohirrim (Live in Wacken 2022) 10. Das Elfte Gebot (Live in Wacken 2022) 11. Warriors Of The World United (Live in Wacken 2022 / feat. Melissa Bonny) 12. Die Hörner Hoch (Live in Wacken 2022) 13. Extro (Live in Wacken 2022)
Experience FEUERSCHWANZ live:
Memento Mori Tour 2023 w/ Warkings, The Dark Side Of The Moon 11.05.23 DE – Bremen / Aladin 12.05.23 DE – Hanover / Capitol 13.05.23 DE – Cologne / Carlswerk Victoria 14.05.23 DE – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle
Festivals 2023 23.06.23 DE – Abenberg / Feuertanzfestival 01.07.23 DE – Munich / Tollwood 02.07.23 DE – Hude / Burning Pants Festival 06.07.23 DE – Ballenstedt / Rock Harz Festival 07.07.23 DE – Vöhringen (Iller) / 875 Jahre Vöhringen 11.07.23 DE – Plassenburg / Plassenburg Open Air 13.07.23 AT – Leoben / Area 53 Festival 14.07.23 CZ – Zlin / Masters Of Rock 22.07.23 DE – Bückeburg / MPS 10.08.23 ES – Villena / Leyendas Del Rock 19.08.23 DE – Weil Am Rhein / MPS 26.08.23 DE – Wuppertal / Feuertal Festival 02.09.23 DE – Luhmühlen / MPS
Fegefeuer Tour 2024 w/ Orden Ogan, Angus McSix 11.04.24 DE – Hamburg / Große Freiheit 36 12.04.24 DE – Berlin / Huxleys 13.04.24 DE – Dresden / Alter Schlachthof 18.04.24 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage 19.04.24 DE – Erfurt / Club Central 26.04.24 DE – Hanover / Capitol 27.04.24 DE – Osnabrück / Hyde Park 01.05.24 DE – Nuremberg / Löwensaal 02.05.24 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn 03.05.24 DE – Wiesbaden / Schlachthof 04.05.24 DE – Cologne / Palladium 06.12.24 AT – Vienna / Arena
KINGS NEVER DIE have released the new single and video “This One’s For You”. The song is taken from the forthcoming new studio album “All The Rats” (Metalville Records – street date 26.05.)
Funky grooves merge with NY hardcore. The anthemic sing-along chorus makes “This One’s For You” a future genre classic. With this third single from the upcoming studio album “All The Rats”, the band around the two scene legends Dan Nastasi (Dog Eat Dpg / Mucky Pup) and Danny Schuler (Biohazard) has hit the next big thing and will raise the reputation of KINGS NEVER DIE to the next level of popularity.
Hailing from New York, New Jersey & Pennsylvania, North Eastern U.S.A. KINGS NEVER DIE walk the line between positive, uplifting messages and dead serious subject matter. A musical and lyrical mix of Hardcore, Punk, Metal with chat or sing along vocals. In the band’s words, “We love making music together and this is what gets spit out”. Comprised of members, Dylan Gadino (vocals) Dan Nastasi (guitar/add vocals) Danny Schuler (drums) Larry Nieroda (guitar) & Evan Ivkovich (bass).
Some may recognize Dan Nastasi from his past work as original “Dog Eat Dog” (ABK era) and before that “Mucky Pup”. Danny Schuler obviously as drummer in “Biohazard” and Evan “ONE” Ivkovich and bass player in “Wisdom in Chains”. Although fans of those bands are sure to not be disappointed, KINGS NEVER DIE want to completely stand on their own regardless of their resume of bands. Nastasi add’s, “This is all about what we are doing now, although we love and respect the people and bands we have played with, past and present, people should only judge Kings Never Die on this new album and The Now. Of course, we hope people who enjoy what we’ve done individually in the past dig it, but make no mistakes, there are no shortcuts or riding on past successes. We have cultivated this band from the ground up, we’re putting the work and love what we are doing and what we created here.”
The new album contains 10 nonstop tracks. A mix of memorable hardcore/punk riffs and you have a sure to be classic album “All The Rats”.
TRACK LISTING “All The Rats” Stay True Stand For It All This One’s For You Were We Friends At All? Make Them Anymore All The Rats Never In My Eyes We Need The Truth The Juice Side By Side
Irish Viking Metal/Norse Pagan Rockers REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS have updated their Summer Tour Dates in Ireland, adding new shows! See the details below.
The band shared: “..Heathen Tribe, here are some upcoming Irish summer shows 🤘🏻🪧⚡️ See you in the shield wall 🛡️🛡️🛡️⚔️⚔️⚔️”
May 14th @Toales Dundalk
May 20th @Fibber Magees – Burning Metal Ireland – Dublin
June 10th @Demolition Fest – Derry
June 23rd in Donegal – TBC
July 29th @Union Bar – Belfast
August 6th @Sligo Whiplash
September 3rd @The Railway Bar – Cookstown
More shows TBA, so stay tuned!
Just recently REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS unleashed their new single ‘The Journey’s of Rig’, taken from the band’s upcoming album, coming out in Summer 2023!
The band on the single: “‘The Journey’s of Rig’ is the first single to be taken from the upcoming Ren Marabou and the Berserkers album which will be released in summer 2023. The track is about the Norse God Heimdall and his journey’s on Midgard under his guise Rigs the wanderer. This Viking Metal, Pagan Rock track is out now through United Music Mafia 🛡⚔️🔥”
REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS released their special “Odin (Songs for the All Father)” Compilation on November 16th 2022 through United Music Mafia. It’s available now on all major platforms including Spotify, iTunes, United Music Streaming. 🛡⚔️
Hailing from the Emerald Isle and based in the hills of Co.Donegal these Irish Viking Metal/Norse Pagan Rockers, REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS, deliver their own take on this powerful genre with a high energy stage show and anthemic, contemporary stylings. Endorsed by Cassidy Guitars, Skull Strings, Fishsticks drum sticks and Iron Age Guitar Accessories. Signed to United Music Mafia and Managed by Split Screen Management. The band’s new album ‘Tales Of Rune’ was released on July 1st, 2022. In September REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS joined 2022 “Final Declaration: Northern Tour 2022” with Polish titans VADER and HATE all across Scandinavia! The band released their special “Odin (Songs for the All Father)” Compilation, on November 16th 2022 through United Music Mafia.
Veteran harbingers of technical death metal CRYPTOPSY have officially signed with Nuclear Blast Records! The world’s heaviest label welcomes one of Canada’s most ferocious bands with plans to release their first album in over a decade later this year.
Commenting on the the signing, vocalist Matt McGachy states: “We are truly excited to have joined Nuclear Blast’s roster. Many of the bands we love and a bunch of our friends have released killer albums via Nuclear Blast. Back in 2012, we became an independent band. Now in 2023, we have decided to team up with one of the most influential metal labels. We are eager to be showcased alongside the world’s best metal acts and can’t wait to unveil the next era of Cryptopsy as a Nuclear Blast artist.”
Details of the CRYPTOPSY’s long-awaited 8th album and return to the forefront of death metal will be revealed in the coming months. Follow the band for additional updates.
Originally hailing from Montreal, CRYPTOPSY officially formed in 1992 and has since been anchored by long-time drummer extraordinaire Flo Mounier. Over the last 3 decades the band has become a revered and influential pinion in North America’s underground metal scene. Groundbreaking albums like Blashphemy Made Flesh (1994), None So Vile (1996) and Once Was Not (2005), helped define the genre of technical death metal, while the band’s intense, earthshaking live shows garnered them a rapid following around the world. Now signed with Nuclear Blast, the band begins the next chapter of their legendary career, ready once again the break necks and pierce the eardrums of metal fans everywhere.
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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
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