Dawnbreed Records (Europe) and Gurgling Gore (North America) are proud to reissue the latest split EP between SEEP and STENCH COLLECTOR on 7″ vinyl format.
The EP was originally released in tape format in early 2023. This brand new vinyl edition is now available in a limited pressing of 300 blue / 200 black.
The STENCH COLLECTOR track is the final recorded output from the duo. Sadly, the band’s guitarist/vocalist Mark Pechack passed away unexpectedly last year before he could see this split come into fruition. As Mark would have wanted, it is released now in his honor.
SEEP / STENCH COLLECTOR collaborations are just one piece of what keeps the wide machine that is the underground of metal churning at all times without exception. Some groups manage to come together to form great behemoths of works together while others put on small performances that many might dismiss for no particular reason. In every given sense, what both SEEP and STENCH COLLECTOR have brought forth for this excursion does not deserve the latter tragedy.
Contributing one piece each, both of these forces show a clear understanding inside and out of their particular veins of death metal to a vicious degree so much so that STENCH COLLECTOR‘s voracious death metal mixes with SEEP‘s focused but savage death-doom incredibly well, each piece sinking their meaty and jagged hooks into the flesh of the listener right from the get-go.
A union of undeath in a form undeniable, this is a split that is immensely brief but nonetheless wildly effective! There are many visions of what a conjoined front of death purveyors can deliver when working in tandem with SEEP and STENCH COLLECTOR putting forth an offering that reminds us how it’s done in a maddening display.
Swedish death/doom metal veterans OCTOBER TIDE unveil the first single “Tapestry of Our End” from their forthcoming seventh studio album “The Cancer Pledge”, out October 6th on Agonia Records. The song, available now on all streaming platforms, has been given an animated lyric video. Watch it here:
Recent output has seen OCTOBER TIDE tone down on the doom particle, and throw the listener in a colder embrace of a melodic death metal rainstorm. This trend remains consistent on “The Cancer Pledge”, and overlaps with the direction spearheaded by guitarist Fredrik Norrman (ex-Katatonia, ex-Trees Of Eternity, Thenighttimeproject), keen on rejuvenating OCTOBER TIDE with a touch of the past. “It’s a direct continuation of the previous album,” states Norrman. “Less doom and more death metal, yet melodic and with more layers. I’ve searched for inspiration in records I listened to in the 80’s and 90’s when I grew up. But it still sounds like October Tide.”
The sound of OCTOBER TIDE, aside from being doom intertwined melodeath, is fronted by emotionally compelling guitarwork, known to subside into melancholic and introspective tones. Even though the band has shapeshifted over the years – starting off as a duo of Katatonia fame musicians, FredrikNorrman and Jonas Renske, back in 1994 – it has retained and evolved its trademark formula. The present-day line-up, intact since 2016, features said guitarist & founder Fredrik Norrman, second guitarist & Fredrik‘s brother Mattias Norrman (ex-Katatonia), vocalist Alexander Högbom (ex-Demonical), bassist Johan Jönsegård (Letters From The Colony) and drummer Jonas Sköld (Letters From The Colony / Thenighttimeproject).
“The Cancer Pledge” was recorded and produced in 2023 by OCTOBER TIDE and Karl Daniel Lidén (Bloodbath, Katatonia). The latter mixed and master the album, whose cover artwork was designed by Albin Högbom.
Tracklisting: 1. Peaceful, Quiet, Safe 2. Tapestry of our End 3. Unprecedented Aggression 4. Blodfattig 5. The Cancer Pledge 6. I know why I´m cold 7. Season of Arson 8. Breathe the Water
OCTOBER TIDE will hit the road on the day of album release, commencing the first part of the album-promoting tour in Germany, through Belgium, France, Czech Republic and Poland.
OCTOBER TIDE – “Cancer Pledge Europa tour – part I” 06.10 DE Berlin – ORWO Haus 07.10 DE Bitterfeld – Festung 08.10 BE Antwerp – Kavka 09.10 FR Paris – Le Klub 10.10 DE Essen – Don’t Panic 11.10 DE Hamburg – Logo 12.10 DE Osnabrück – Bastard Club 13.10 CZ Suchdol nad Lužnicí – House of Culture 14.10 PL Jarocin – Black Waves Festival
Line-up: Alexander Högbom – vocals Fredrik Norrman – guitars Jonas Sköld – drums Johan Jönsegård – bass Mattias Norrman – guitars
Hailing from the vibrant region of South Auckland, New Zealand, SHEPHERDS REIGN embodies the essence of their Polynesian heritage through their music. Led by the dynamic Filiva’a James on vocals and keytar, the band consists of Gideon Voon on guitar, Oliver Leupolu on guitar and production, Shaymen Rameka on drums, and Joseph Oti-George on bass. They are not just a band; they are a collective of individuals who pour their hearts and souls into each and every song they create.
Shepherds Reign are famous in the Southern hemisphere for their primal performance, one which evokes many aspects of their cultural heritage and fierce Polynesian pride. Coupled with their enormous intimidating physical presence, there’s tribal roars, gargantuan riffs, twisting dual melodies, virulent virtuosity and crushing, bombastic rhythms, which all give Shepherds Reign their propulsive, dynamic metal sound. There is a special passion and power in every note struck, and in every word sung.
AIGA (FAMILY) This song is based on a traditional Samoan song (heard in the intro). It’s about someone who has learned so much that he/she think they don’t need the love of their family anymore. Wants a taste of the world and ventures out falling into the many of our worldly temptations. Later figures out that the only happiness they will find lies within their roots. Their family. Our version is more of a lecture to them. To return home to their families where they will find true happiness.
LE MANU (THE BEAST) A war chant about one of Samoa’s most dominant warriors to ever live. Manu Samoa. We then extended this war chant to be about us. Instead of heading out on our journey to war, we ask our ancestors and families for guidance on our journey to becoming one of the most dominant metal bands in the world.
NAFANUA A story about Nafanua, Samoa’s Goddess of War. Nafanua, the daughter of Saveasi’uleo, the God of the underworld (Pulotu) was born of a blood clot and buried in the ground. This ancient deity rose from the underworld and defeated all warriors who stood against her to protect her family who suffered at the hands of a foolish King. She was feared by all.
THE WORLD BLEEDS This song is about the suffering of our world today. The many sins that are being committed and the corrupt lifestyles around the world. This is our message to the world to wake up and realize these hard times and we must change for the better.
COLD SUMMERS NIGHT A ballad that paints a picture about the realism of depression. A subject that we have gone through personally. The song explains how one loses faith and the pure will to live like they used to but instead crumbles and watches time go by in misery. Although, it does change in the very last line. Showing the world that there is hope and you can overcome your problems.
ALA MAI (AWAKEN) A call to our forefathers for strength and guidance not as Samoans but Polynesia entirely as we travel around to different countries making our mark. The many obstacles that will stand before us but we believe with the help of our ancestors our stories will be heard. Peace will be brought onto the world. Especially with how time has changed and the many difficulties we face all over the globe.
FINALLY A love song. A song about losing hope that you would ever find your one true love but then finally find someone that makes you happy. Makes you feel like your patience was worth it. A person who has just come into your life and completely changed your perspective on reality.
UA MASA’A (IT HAS SPILT) This song is about our lead singers sister who was murdered by her spouse and his family. The song is filled with anger and voices what Filivaa feels his sister would have felt just before her death. ‘Ua masa’a le ipu vai’ is translated to ‘The cup has spilt’. A symbolic look at the love once shared, lost like water in a broken cup.
NEVER FORGOTTEN A soft and very emotional song made as homage for the son of our guitarist Oliver, who unfortunately passed away. Sung in Samoan, English and Tongan as representation of his cultures. Tom will never be forgotten.
ATALI’I (SON) We wrote this song to show our love for our children. Especially when they aren’t around. This song was made in hopes that they will understand that no matter where we are in the world or where they’ll end up in the future, we will always love and cherish them wholeheartedly.
SAMOA MO SAMOA (SAMOA FOR SAMOA) A story about tragedy and triumph. Death and victory. Fear and bravery. The biggest countries in the world that tried to rule over our little Pacific Nation, but we did not back down. We did not give in. We fought, we killed and we kept our lands. Many of our men, women and children died protecting our land. You will all be remembered. Samoa for Samoa.
Shepherds Reign is family, Shepherds Reign is connection, Shepherds Reign is life, and Shepherds Reign is their calling. Their power and passion is unequivocal, their voice mighty. Prepare to be captivated by their unique blend of passion, energy, and Polynesian heritage, as they continue to redefine what it means to be a metal band from the lands of Aotearoa.
KAIRA, a 5-piece progressive doom metal group from Helsinki, Finland, released their new EP “Viimeinen Valo” on August 25, 2023. The EP features 4 tracks of atmospheric, genre-bending metal including their recently released single “Vanki.”
Formed in 2020, Kaira consists of experienced musicians, composers and lyricists who sought to create their own unique brand of progressive metal. Their music incorporates doom, death and black metal influences with ambient atmospheres, melodic grooves and mesmerizing breakdowns.
According to singer and spokesperson Jasse Jatala, “Viimeinen Valo’ is the culmination of months of work from 5 musicians with a shared passion for progressive music. We wanted to create something that stands out from the typical doom and metal genres by fusing different styles and pushing creative boundaries.”
The EP was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered in Kaira’s own studios, showcasing their dedication to artistic control and independence as an unsigned band. Kaira plans to play live shows in 2023 to support the new EP.
To keep up with Kaira’s latest updates, follow them on social media through visiting their website at www.kairaband.com.
The late super agent Steve Strange and manager of Tempt until his untimely passing “I have been a fan of this band from the very second I heard them, I loved the fact that they have all the hallmarks of many of the bands that I loved when I was growing up but with a very modern sound and great pop dynamics and sensibilities. I am so excited for the world to hear their forthcoming album as it contains one great song after another. They are a band that can cross over many generations which I think is a unique ability these days.”
Brace yourselves for an electrifying musical revelation as the four-piece powerhouse TEMPT drop their highly anticipated self-titled album, out now via Better Noise Music. With a sonic landscape that merges classic rock with cutting-edge innovation, TEMPT is poised to redefine the rock genre for a new generation.
Produced and mixed by renowned 5X Grammy Award winner, Chris Lord-Alge, whose masterful touch has graced records by luminaries like Harry Styles, Foo Fighters and Muse, the album is a sonic masterpiece. Recorded at Sticky Audio Labs in NYC and mixed at Mix LA, this album is a testament to the band’s dedication and creativity, with each track meticulously crafted to captivate and enthrall listeners.
“Collaborating on this album was a fantastic energizing experience, and the result is a collection of tracks that capture the essence of both tradition and evolution,” says Chris Lord-Alge. “TEMPT is a band poised to redefine the rock genre for a new generation. Their commitment to pushing boundaries and their musical prowess created an environment where creativity knew no bounds. Together, we’ve crafted a sonic journey that bridges generations, delivering a sound that’s both timeless and cutting-edge.”
“What this band are doing is remarkable,” shared the late legendary music journalist Malcolm Dome. “They have reinvented rock music for the modern age without compromising to trends or formulae.”
“’Golden Tongue’ is as simple in its execution as it gets, but it is also as infectious as it gets,” lauds music website Devils Gate Music. “Equally as infectious–and impressive–is the finger-clicking ‘Sneakin’ Around’ which is only a few degrees of separation away from a Harry Styles song. Or if you prefer, a ballsier Harry Styles. Either should be on wall-to-wall rotation on US mainstream radio.”
Photo Credit: Abi Raymaker
TEMPT is composed of Zach Allen on lead vocals, Harrison Marcello on guitar, Nicholas Burrows on drums, and Chris Gooden on bass. Hailing from the vibrant streets of New York City, TEMPT isn’t just another rock band–they’re a defiant force breaking the constraints of the current stale definition of rock music. In a world that said rock was dead, TEMPT‘s sound is a bold leap forward, into the 21st century. Their album brings listeners on a transformative journey that shatters conventions. Featuring 11 captivating tracks, this album is a testament to their mission: to craft a genre-bending experience that resonates deeply with a new generation. With a fusion of Gen X songwriting muscle and Gen Z production finesse, TEMPT‘s music is a life-affirming testament to the ever-evolving spirit of rock.
“Every once in a while a band comes along that cries out `Stadiums,` state K2 Agency Founder and Agent John Jackson and Senior Booking Agent Jim Morewood. “Enter Tempt following in the footsteps of the legendary Led Zeppelin and Def Leppard.”
The album comes complete with the cutting-edge single “Golden Tongue.” This track showcases TEMPT‘s distinctive sound that simultaneously reveres rock’s storied history while catapulting it into a new dimension. With its infectious melodies and dynamic arrangement, “Golden Tongue” is the perfect introduction to TEMPT’s sonic universe. This track follows the release of the singles “Burn Me Down,” “Roses” and “Living Dangerous,” the latter featuring a dynamic collaboration with singer Dorothy.“This album represents our evolution as a band, blending the timeless swagger of rock with a fresh, modern sound,” says Marcello. “We’re breaking new ground and creating something unique. true to our rock roots.”
“I’m very honored that Tempt play ‘We Will Rock You,’ and with so much passion,” commented Queen lead guitarist Sir Brian May on the band’s recent cover of Queen’s quintessential classic “We Will Rock You.” “What a great version of our ancient tune. Tempt I’m all ears.”
In a groundbreaking move, TEMPT‘s “Golden Tongue” music video harnesses the cutting-edge technology used in productions like the Disney+ sensation “The Mandalorian.” The band created a unique, otherworldly environment using Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, giving rise to a futuristic stage where their performance unfolds. Filmed on an XR Stage featuring a colossal 50′ W X 20′ H curved LED wall called a Volume, the video marries innovative visuals with TEMPT‘s magnetic performance, all captured with Sony Venice 2 cameras in stunning 8K quality. Real-time camera tracking sent data back to the Unreal Engine, weaving an immersive visual tapestry that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. Experience the “Golden Tongue” music video streaming below or via YouTube HERE.
“I’ve kept an eye on Tempt for a few years now and it’s been impressive to watch their growth and evolution for such a young band so quickly,” exclaims SiriusXM DJ Eddie Trunk. “Definitely the ones to watch!!”
TEMPT‘s stage presence and music have garnered praise worldwide. They’ve shared arena stages with iconic acts like Iron Maiden, Shinedown, Alter Bridge and Theory Of A Deadman. They’ve even rocked the legendary Madison Square Garden while supporting none other than Bon Jovi. This year, TEMPT is set to conquer North America, with plans to return to Europe in 2024.
“Well…. finally! Some Rock ’N Roll….emphasis on the ’N Roll,” state CEO Danny Wimmer and Executive VP Gary Spivack of Danny Wimmer Presents. “Tempt has that swagger, that groove that we at DWP long for. LET’S GO!”
The Australian progressive pop metal band are currently gearing up for their upcoming European and UK tour. But today, they’re announcing that their new album ‘Fearless in Love’ is being reissued on vinyl.
The original vinyl of “Fearless in Love” doesn’t include “Promise”. That’s because Voyager had yet to debut the Eurovision hit when the first pressing of the album was in production. This new reissued version does include “Promise”, along with other hits like “Prince of Fire” and “Ultraviolet”.
“Fearless in Love” will be reissued on vinyl with “Promise” on 27 October 2023. Pre-order HERE.
Tracklist: 1. The Best Intentions (3:48) 2. Prince of Fire (4:46) [WATCH] 3. Ultraviolet (4:16) [WATCH] 4. Dreamer (3:00) [WATCH] 5. The Lamenting (4:10) 6. Submarine (4:47) [WATCH] 7. Promise (3:04) [WATCH] 8. Twisted (3:54) 9. Daydream (3:09) 10. Listen (4:13) 11. Gren (Fearless in Love) (5:25) Total: 44:32
Cover artwork: Ashley Doodkorte
Voyagerare coming back to Europe and the UK in October! Tickets are on sale HERE.
The band also just announced a huge homecoming party next year with their largest-ever headlining tour of Australia. Tickets are on sale HERE.
2023 EU/UK Dates 01 Oct 23 Cologne (DE) Euroblast Festival 02 Oct 23 Hamburg (DE) Headcrash 03 Oct 23 Berlin (DE) Cassiopeia 05 Oct 23 Warsaw (PL) Voodoo 07 Oct 23 Prague (CZ) Futurum 08 Oct 23 Budapest (HU) Durer Kert 09 Oct 23 Vienna (AT) Szene 10 Oct 23 Munich (DE) Feierwerk 11 Oct 23 Milan (IT) Legend Club 12 Oct 23 Zurich (CH) Komplex Club 14 Oct 23 Lyss (CH) Kufa 15 Oct 23 Paris (FR) Les Etoiles 16 Oct 23 Antwerp (BE) Kavka 17 Oct 23 Tilburg (NL) 013 18 Oct 23 Zoetermeer (NL) Boerderij 20 Oct 23 Manchester (UK) Club Academy 21 Oct 23 London (UK) The Dome
2024 Australia Dates 3 February 24 Perth @ Metro City 4 February 24 Melbourne @ 170 Russell 9 February 24 Brisbane @ Princess Theatre 22 February 24 Canberra @ The Basement 23 February 24 Sydney @ Manning Bar 24 February 24 Adelaide @ Unibar
As much as you can rely on the Earth’s elliptical orbit, you can depend on Voyager to consistently evolve. The band’s interplanetary balance of virtuosic pyrotechnics and sky scraping radio-ready hooks morphs at the speed of sound from one era to the next. In bursts of bright light, luminous keys, neon guitar wizardry, and stratosphere-shaking rhythms, they elevate hard rock to another realm. The group blast off on a signature hybrid of prog, rock, and metal possibly best described as the musical equivalent of Guardians of the Galaxy.
After piling up millions of streams, earning acclaim from the likes of The Guardian, and wowing the globe on the Eurovision Song Contest, the Perth, Australia quintet—Danny Estrin [vocals], Simone Dow [guitar], Scott Kay [guitar], Alex Canion [bass], and Ashley Doodkorte [drums]—take flight like never before on their forthcoming eighth full-length LP, Fearless In Love [Season of Mist].
“It’s progressive in the sense we’re always trying to reinvent and refresh ourselves as musicians,” notes Danny. “I want to develop musically from where we left off. We made sure Fearless In Love was melodic with some sugary hooks, but we also stayed true to our sound and delivered a few more guitar solos. It could appeal to fans of complex music as well as anybody who might want a straight-up banger. It’s a melting pot of the genres that define us distilled into the unique Voyager sound.”
This cohort of dynamic talents and personalities initially crash-landed stateside for a now-renowned performance at the 2011 ProgPower USA Festival in Atlanta, GA. Since then, they’ve unleashed a string of fan favourite albums—V [2014], Ghost Mile [2017], and Colours in the Sun [2019]—in addition to sharing stages with the likes Deftones, Leprous, Devin Townsend, Opeth, and Poppy to name a few. Australia notably handpicked Voyager as its entrant into the global Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with “Promise.” The Guardian hailed the buzzing single as “a pop number that bends the genre with trademark riffs, climactic guitars and keytar solos,” and it crashed the Top 3 of the Australian Independent Label Singles Chart. They even appeared on TODAY Australia to wave the metal flag by teaching daytime TV hosts black metal growls, as plugged by Metal Injection!
Throughout 2022, they crafted what would become Fearless In Love with engineer, mixer, and coproducer Matt Templeman. This time around, the musicians recorded live, unlocking a new energy altogether.
“Normally, we write and record our parts individually, but the whole band decided to go old school and do everything together this time,” he goes on. “This line-up has been together for twelve years, and we gel so well. It’s cool because we can play off each other like a live show with funky bass, groovy guitars, and creative drum patterns. It translates to the album.” On the single “Prince of Fire,” glimmering keys give way to a hard-hitting guitar riff as Danny’s slick vocals seesaw atop a punchy bass line.
“It’s actually one of the heaviest songs we’ve done, yet it’s got this super eighties mentality,” the front man reveals. “Lyrically, it’s about being perceived as the bad guy, even though you’re trying to do your best. You have good intentions, but sometimes you end up being the ‘Prince of Fire on night patrol’. Musically, it sways side-to-side, and then you’re crushed—which is a common theme for us.”
Then, there’s “The Lamenting.” Seventies-style sonics dissolve in a haze of riffs offset by swooning vocals and synths. Distortion drowns out the light in its final moments.
“You’re lamenting past loves and trying to let go and not wallow in those memories,” Danny elaborates. “There’s a bitter end that almost leaves you in the dark without pulling you out. It’s one of the most melancholic and sad songs on the album.”
Meanwhile, “Ultraviolet” layers a hypnotic refrain above chugging guitar as growls pierce the groove before a hummable solo.
“It’s about coping with the speed of modern society,” he states. “I like a fast-paced world, but it can be too much. You almost want to bury your head under your pillow and scream, ‘Slow down’. The expectations we have on each other as humans are just nuts. Sometimes, you need to become ultraviolet, duck under, and go, ‘No more for me, thanks’.”
The finale “Gren (Fearless In Love)” concludes the album with a climactic crescendo pushed even higher by resounding melodies and nimble instrumentation.
“When you’re in love, you have boundless energy and feelings for a person, which makes you almost invincible,” he elaborates. “There’s a huge vulnerability, because you’re not invincible at all. You’re totally susceptible to extreme hurt and letdown. There’s something beautiful about letting yourself go and fully experiencing being fearless though.”
In the end, a similar creative boundlessness drives Voyager.
“When you listen to Fearless In Love, I’d love for you to say, ‘I’ve never heard anything like this before’,” he leaves off. “Secondly, I hope you’re uplifted, intrigued, and emotional. We try take you on a journey through struggle, positivity, negativity, and a society that doesn’t always make sense. Maybe, listening to the record will make you feel better about dealing with this crazy modern world we’re living in.”
Line-up Danny Estrin – Vocals, Keytar Simone Dow – Guitars Alex Canion – Bass Scott Kay – Guitars Ash Doodkorte – Drums
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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 