ILLEGAL MIND set the stage ablaze with their fiery metal cover of Käärijä’s Eurovision sensation, “Cha Cha Cha,” now brilliantly interpreted in Hebrew. This captivating debut marks a significant milestone for the band, showcasing their raw talent and dedication to pushing boundaries in the world of music.
Recorded entirely by the multi-talented vocalist and guitarist Maxx Dee, Illegal Mind’s version of “Cha Cha Cha” seamlessly fuses the infectious energy of the original with the unrelenting power of metal. The exceptional vocal delivery and skillful guitar work add a whole new dimension to the song, leaving listeners spellbound from start to finish. Each element meticulously crafted to perfection, this remarkable performance is a testament to the band’s unwavering commitment to their art.
To complement the powerful music, “Illegal Mind” also released an enthralling music video for “Cha Cha Cha,” available on their official YouTube channel. The visually stunning video perfectly captures the essence of the song, adding an extra layer of intensity to the band’s electrifying performance.
“We were drawn to the energy and emotion of Käärijä’s ‘Cha Cha Cha,’ and we knew we had to make it our own in a way that truly reflects our style,” said Illegal Mind’s lead vocalist and guitarist. “Recording the entire cover as a solo effort was a challenge, but it allowed us to showcase our individual talents and artistic vision. We’re thrilled to share this unique metal interpretation with the world.”
With its captivating fusion of genres and relentless intensity, Illegal Mind’s cover of “Cha Cha Cha” is set to make waves in the metal community and beyond. This remarkable performance is sure to captivate music lovers seeking a fresh and invigorating sonic experience. Fans of Käärijä will be delighted to discover a whole new dimension to the song they already love.
Illegal Mind’s debut metal cover of “Cha Cha Cha” is available on major streaming platforms and digital music stores.
Illegal Mind is an explosive metal band that began shaping their unique sound in one of Tel Aviv’s studios in February 2018. Comprised of talented musicians, the band embarked on a journey to craft their powerful EP album, “Forbidden Content,” which earned them a dedicated fanbase. Drawing inspiration from dystopian and mythological themes, their vocalist’s evocative lyrics create a compelling narrative about the direction of humanity. As they prepare to release their upcoming EP, “From The Ashes,” the band promises to deliver a heavier sound and captivating performances, marking an exciting new chapter in their musical journey.
Belgian death metal crushers CARNATION are proudly presenting their new track ‘Replicant’! The new offering comes in the form of an official music video, which can be viewed via the official Season of Mist YouTube channel HERE.
‘Replicant’ is taken from the band’s newest album “Cursed Mortality”, which will be spread across the globe on the 3rd of November 2023 via Season of Mist. The album can be pre-saved HERE and pre-orders are now available HERE!
Frontman Simon Duson comments on the track:“What would you do if you came to realize that you were programmed to live for only four years? Would you accept the outcome, or try to figure out a way to extend your lifespan? Replicant is a song about dealing with the finiteness of our existence. The song was inspired by Roy Batty, a character from the movie Blade Runner. His tale perfectly embodies the message we want to portray with this track. Musically, it’s quite diverse and different compared to most of the music we have created until now. We hope this will be a welcome surprise for new and old fans alike.”
The surreal cover art for “Cursed Mortality” was created by the late, great Mariusz Lewandowski, whose dark and surreal vision perfectly captures the feel of this album. Lord of the Logos’ Christophe Szpajdel created a brand new logo and symbol to reflect this new era of CARNATION.
Tracklist: 1.Herald of Demise (04:03) feat. Andy LaRocque) 2.Maruta (04:07) [WATCH HERE] 3.Metropolis (03:24) 4.Replicant (03:49) [WATCH HERE] 5.Dutroux (03:48) 6.Submerged in Deafening Silence (04:26) 7.Cycle of Suffering (04:05) 8.Cursed Mortality (07:30) [WATCH HERE]
CARNATION live: 26-08-2023 Rock am Wehr – Jena (DE) 23-09-2023 STP Metal Weekend – St. Pölten (AT) 03-11-2023 Cultuurcentrum Zwaneberg – Heist-op-den-Berg (BE) 11-11-2023 Hell’s Balls Belgium – Kortrijk (BE) 24-11-2023 Merry Axe-Mess XIV – Mühltal (DE) 16-12-2023 Death Row – Izegem (BE) 27-07-2024 Stonehenge Festival – Steenwijk (NL)
For the last decade, CARNATION has been at the forefront of reviving old school death metal. There’s something to be said about the artfulness of taking something so primitive and walking that fine line between keeping its classic authenticity without sounding tired or dated. CARNATION has always teetered this line, injecting a fresh and contemporary approach without losing the genre’s time-honored traditions. However, the band’s third endeavor sees CARNATION erasing those boundaries entirely and abandoning any and all conventions as they traverse into daring new territory. ‘Cursed Mortality’ pulls the Belgian death dealers deeper into experimental new waters, taking risks as the band steps out of the shadows of its predecessors and comes into its own identity. ‘Cursed Mortality’s’ statement is clear: This is no longer simply a revival; this is CARNATION’s rebirth.
“We still play death metal and we still identify as such” explains frontman Simon Duson. “But we know that this is also our second decade performing it. And while it is very important for us to stay true to the old-school style, we know we had to open things up a bit and reach out to those who might be interested in extreme metal, but aren’t that much into the old aspect of it. It also feels fresher to us because we’ve decided to change our visual approach, with a new logo, a new look on stage and so on. In a way, it really feels like the beginning of a new chapter for CARNATION.”
Album number three is much more than just a new chapter, but rather feels like a sequel to an already storied career, punctuated by press accolades, an impressive history of live performances, and a lauded discography consisting of several EPs, splits, and two critically acclaimed full-length albums.
With the debut of its first EP in 2015, CARNATION quickly garnered the attention of fans, media, and most notably of all, record label Season of Mist, who quickly noticed the band’s potential and picked them up without hesitation. Upon forming this union, the band dropped its first full-length, ‘Chapel of Abhorrance,’ in 2018. Angry Metal Guy astutely noted that the Belgians’ debut album was “one of the best death metal debuts of the year, and CARNATION have earned their place as one of the most promising new bands in the genre” while Distorted Sound Magazine echoed these remarks, calling ‘Chapel of Abborhance’ “one of most brutalizing, well executed and, above all, fun, death metal releases of 2018” in its 9/10 review of the album.
CARNATION’s momentum only seemed to pick up from there. The band kept busy on the road, performing a variety of tours with their death metal brethren in Deserted Fear, Schirenc Plays, Pungent Stench, and Pestilence, while headlining stages in Japan and Brazil. Upon conquering the live circuit and laying waste to audiences across three different continents, the band unleashed its 2020 opus, ‘Where Death Lies,’ which broke them out from the underground with the kind of seismic force that most bands can only dream of. If the critics liked ‘Chapel of Abhorrance,’ ‘Where Death Lies’ was the moment they fell in love, enamored by Carnation’s relentless brutality and crushing precision.
While touring had been halted that year, CARNATION never stagnated nor waivered. The band’s tenacity paid off with their sophomore effort being named among one of the best records of the year by The Pit, Chicago Music Guide, Pandemonium Metal, and many more, while the single “Iron Discipline” was singled out by Loudwire as one of the best songs of 2020. Legacy outlet Kerrang! also took notice, ranking the band among the “50 Greatest Death Metal Bands Right Now,” cracking the top 20 picks.
While the Belgian slayers still stay true to their roots, they step outside of their comfort zone with more groove, melody, and progression, showcasing their versatility as musicians and clearly defining their own unique sound. ‘Cursed Mortality’ sounds darker, with passages of melancholic melodies that compliment the heaviness.
Most bands might feel anxious about making such dramatic changes, especially to incorporate clean vocals within such extreme music, CARNATION embraces the unknown and does not fall victim to fear or monotony. “As artists, it’s something natural,” explains Verstrepen about why the band has shifted direction. “Doing the same thing over and over again doesn’t inspire us. We love to create and we love to explore new paths. We knew some people wouldn’t like clean vocals in death metal, but we don’t want to think of that too much. We stand 100% behind our music and we really like what we did here. Some people will drop out, but there will definitely be others joining! As Lemmy would say, ‘You win some, you lose some.’”
Indeed, a personal metamorphosis is always a risk, but one that historically has paid off. The first records of bands like Black Sabbath, Carcass, Death, or even Bathory sound nothing like the mid-late era offerings of those very same artists, and yet, those records that strayed off the beaten path are regarded as some of the most seminal albums in the history of metal. Playing it safe sounds easy, but it isn’t always a part of a legend’s origin story. And CARNATION isn’t here to play by the rules; the band is ready to take a leap of faith and redefine an era.
Recording studio: Project Zero Studio
Producer / Mixing engineer: Yarne Heylen
Mastering studio and engineer: Joel Wanasek
Biography: Katy Irizarry
CARNATION Lineup: Simon Duson: Vocals Jonathan Verstrepen: Lead Guitar Bert Vervoort: Rhythm Guitar Yarne Heylen: Bass Guitar Vincent Verstrepen: Drums
French Progressive Technical Death Metal act, ANGEL RISING, is set to ignite the metal scene once again with their highly anticipated album “Afterlife.” Mark your calendars for September 22nd, 2023, as this extraordinary musical journey will be unleashed via Wormholedeath.
“Afterlife” is a concept album that delves into the depths of interdimensional existence. It follows the story of a powerful being that lurks within our universe, recognizing the threat our existence poses. In particular, the album focuses on the human species, altered after the events depicted in Angel Rising’s previous creations, now targeted by this enigmatic entity. The cover artwork vividly portrays our protagonist, Asai, locked in a fierce battle against an undead horde, blissfully unaware of the even greater peril that lies ahead.
Watch the album teaser here:
Angel Rising is a one-man band with guest appearances, that burst onto the scene in 2018 under the name Listenangel, gaining recognition through an impressive guitar-shredding YouTube channel. The debut album, self-titled “Angel Rising,” was released on April 18th, 2018, featuring renowned drummer Kevin Talley. The album received positive acclaim, leading to a deal with French metal label Music-records. “Immortal Volition,” the second album released on February 12th, 2022, showcased a darker and more technical death metal sound, garnering high acclaim upon its CD edition release on September 15th, 2022. With the upcoming release of “Afterlife” under Wormholedeath, Angel Rising solidifies their position as a formidable presence in the metal scene.
The lineup for Angel Rising consists of: Angel Rising: Guitars, Bass, Drums, Vocals Guest Singer: M.Fox (clean vocals on “Worn Out Blood” and “Dominion”)
Austrian crossover legends KONTRUST are finally back after nine long years with their highly awaited new studio album, entitled madworld. The massively energetic full-length will be released on November 3, 2023 via Napalm Records! Today, the chart-storming unit kick the riot right off with the first single and rousing album opener “i physically like you”, presenting new vocalist Julia Ivanova and drummer Joey Sebald for the first time on record.
In 2022, both new members first showcased their eruptive live potential on the main stages of some of the biggest European festivals, such as Graspop Metal Meeting, Hellfest Open Air, Barcelona Rockfest and Resurrection Fest. In addition, vocalist Julia is already known for her frenetically-celebrated performance on the Ukrainian TV edition of X-Factor, and now presents her matchless talent on the new 11-track offering. Check out the entertaining music video for “i physically like you” below for a first taste of what’s to come!
KONTRUST on “i physically like you”: “Riggiding – uncontrollable energy!
The first single taken from the new album madworld embodies the perfect fusion of KONTRUST trademarks and crazy fresh vibes. As the sparks ignite from liking to loving to coming together as one, beware, it goes both ways and might take a wrong turn towards hate and fighting. One thing is for certain though – the tenacity of the physical attraction that creates that tension and all that energy – I physically like you!”
On madworld, KONTRUST sticks to their lively, playful and experimental signature style, ready to entertain old and new audiences alike. Extremely danceable “madhouse” and “rock to outer space” feature heavy riffs and party pop vocals. The latter showcases that, despite the overall positive attitude and party mentality, KONTRUST don’t shy away from focusing on serious themes, like escaping the devastation of earth to possibly aim for a new beginning. That feeling continues with the standout track “the end”, slowing it down halfway through madworld, while still providing massive rhythms and a sing-along chorus. With heavy and catchy “lederhosen overkill” the Austrians tap into their well-known stage attire. Electronic influences on closing track “i can’t control it” absorb the listener before the album fades out.
Without a shadow of a doubt, KONTRUST are one of the most extravagant and exciting acts in the scene, and have enthralled fans and critics alike with an inimitable sense of fusing various genres like reggae, pop and dance with heavy hard rock riffs, spliced with their very own way of representing the roots of their home country. This synthesis of styles has brought them not only notable chart entries for several releases, but also high recognition in the form of the “Austrian Newcomer Award” for their debut album, as well as the “AMADEUS Austrian Music Award” – Austria’s biggest and most important prize for national bands and artists – for their second album, Time To Tango.
Throughout their two decade-spanning career, the Austrian based outfit has gained millions and millions of YouTube views on their exciting music videos, with over 15 million views on the electrifying hits “Hey DJ!” and “Bomba” alone. With their new album, madworld, KONTRUST prove their standing as an unpredictable force in the scene – always hungry, wild and full of surprises, and ready to exceed everything they have achieved so far!
KONTRUST add: “In a world already spinning out of control, we’ve cranked up the madness to 11 on madworld. This audacious venture marks a milestone for us, as we proudly present our first entirely self-produced album. It’s a sonic storm like no other, where vibrant sounds clash and blend in a symphony of controlled chaos – embrace the sensory overload and prepare to be swept away by a unique excess of KONTRUST that will leave you thirsting for more.”
madworld tracklisting: 1 i physically like you 2 madhouse 3 rock to outer space 4 black soul 5 criminal 6 the end 7 pulling 8 lederhosen overkill 9 masterpiece of a monster 10 u.f.i.u. 11 i can’t control it
KONTRUST is: Julia Ivanova – Vocals Stefan Lichtenberger – Vocals Michael Wolff – Guitar / Programmings Gregor Kutschera – Bass Johannes Sebald – Drums Manuel Haglmüller – Percussions / Programmings
Iconic Swedish metal band SHINING have unleashed the second new single, “Avsändare Okänd”, off of their upcoming self-titled Napalm Records debut, Shining, out on September 15, 2023! Formed in 1996 and known as one of the most controversial and musically brilliant bands in the black metal scene and beyond, SHINING present their eleventh offering that proves even darker than ever before.
According to the band themselves, Shining “will be a downward journey in stereo that will drown the world in a mesmerizing, inescapable darkness”. The sinister, lurking second single “Avsändare Okänd” is one of the most vicious and brutal songs in the band’s history. The unsettling accompanying lyric video adds to the disturbing atmosphere of the track.
Niklas Kvarforth on “Avsändare Okänd”: “Our second single, “Avsändare Okänd”, could best be described as what “Halmstad” or “Varg Utan Flock” could have sounded if recorded with the current lineup. It’s the opening track of our new album and classic SHINING at its absolute darkest.
The physical version also includes a DANZIG cover on the B-side, which will not be released digitally.”
Kvarforth adds: “Ingo Spörl has managed to do what I never thought was possible, creating a lyric video for SHINING without any direct involvement from any member of the band. His visualization of “Avsändare Okänd” is chillingly similar to how I myself would have done it if I had Ingo’s skills. Enjoy the haunting second single from our forthcoming eleventh album!”
The unit centered around mastermind Niklas Kvarforth roots their main musical influences in black metal, but does not fit into a single genre alone. SHINING incomparably combines influences from various far-reaching genres such as classical music, jazz and progressive rock, conjuring grim moods, aching wounds and deep emptiness. Themes such as self-destruction, suicide and violence play an important role in the band’s music. Over the course of ten studio albums, including masterpieces such as the acclaimed V. Halmstad and Redefining Darkness, SHINING has garnered a large and loyal following who adore the musical genius and eccentric nature of Niklas Kvarforth.
Niklas Kvarforth on the new album: “This is our self-titled, eleventh studio album, and it is drenched in an instantly recognizable sound which has been perfected over the last three decades, and that, today, has become the trademark of the band.”
Following the album opener “Avsändare Okänd”, “Snart Är Dem Alla Borta” starts with a hauntingly mellow intro before progressing into aggression. The first single and homage to Death, “Allt För Döden”, is a well-designed nightmare cut from the pitch-black horrors of Shining, and according to the band, is drenched in an instantly recognizable sound that has been perfected over the last three decades, and that has become their trademark today. Fourth track “Fidelis Ad Mortem” showcases progressive rock influences that are present on several tracks featured on Shining. Instrumental piano piece “Åttahundratjugo” calms the atmosphere down, before closing track “Den Permanenta Sömnen Kallar” shakes the listener by instantly kicking off in black metal style from its first seconds.
Shining is a hauntingly captivating and skillful album that features a unique metal sound in true SHINING manner, serving the very best of black metal creatively combined with several other influences. The band has sparked a fiery interest with all of their previous offerings, and it is certain that their ruthless upcoming album will exceed all expectations.
Tracklisting: 1. Avsändare Okänd 2. Snart Är Dom Alla Borta 3. Allt För Döden 4. Fidelis Ad Mortem (feat. Andy La Rocque) 5. Åttahundratjugo 6. Den Permanenta Sömnen Kallar
SHINING are: Niklas Kvarforth – Vocals Charles Hedger – Guitar Nicolas Barker – Drums Peter Huss – Guitar Alex Friberg – Bass Tuomas Tahvanainen – Noise and Discomfort
GENUS ORDINIS DEI are back with a new metal music series and full-length concept album entitled The Beginning.
Earlier today the band unveiled their “Changing Star” music video & single via Eclipse Records. “Changing Star” is the first video episode and single from The Beginning which is scheduled to be released on December 8, 2023 via Eclipse Records with distribution via The Orchard. The album was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Tommaso Monticelli at Sonitus Studio in Crema, Italy. The video series was directed by Genus Ordinis Dei, and filmed by Steve Saints.
The Beginning is the fourth studio album from symphonic death metal band Genus Ordinis Dei, which redefines the way we listen to music and process cinematic theater. In simpler terms, the final product is an exceptional twelve-track album and a stunning set of representative videos called “Episodes,” that directly address the way we use our senses. Interspliced in a clever foreshadowing technique, are images of blood pouring over a stone, advancing like the crooked fingers of some skeletal miscreant, and when the Brother character starts singing, we are startled into the recognition that this is not merely some standard high-quality film, but the vibrant offspring we get from a brilliant, well-produced metal album. Symbolically, the parallel is clear. We are watching exquisite savages at the dawn of existence, who are shockingly similar to us in terms of their passion, physicality, and natural tendencies toward glorified violence. More thematically, Genus Ordinis Dei shows us quite clearly that brutality is the lifeblood of society, as we still so ironically fool ourselves with carefully crafted social constructs. The Beginning is not just music. It is an experience. A red dawn. An awakening.
“Changing Star” is the first episode of The Beginning, which introduces a Brother and a Sister character at the dawn of mankind, navigating a beautiful, brutal wilderness scarred with cannibalism and savagery. Visually gorgeous, the wide shots and slow-motion close-ups of the video component are emotionally stunning, while musically, we are provided the beginning of an epic metal symphony featuring a climactic mix of growl and traditional vocals.
“We decided to shoot the video of this song after listening to the beautiful melody of the track’s chorus and the great feeling of travel that the portamento of the piece gives you. We were looking for a song that perfectly represented the first episode of the series and Changing Star was perfect” says lead vocalist and guitarist Nick K. Guitarist & producer Tommy Monticelli continues, “The video was shot in many locations and traveling with the team for all these kilometers was a real adventure. In particular, shooting the cannibalism scene was a mix of emotions and strong sensations. We literally doused the whole mountain with fake blood, still wondering how the local community, once they got there, didn’t start chasing a serial killer. Ha ha ha! Then the experience on the Pordoi Pass at 3000 meters, shooting half-naked scenes in this lunar landscape was like living an absurd dream. Luckily for us we found mild and sunny days, otherwise we would have suffered the pains of hell from the cold. Providence kisses the bold!”
The Beginning series schedule August 4 – ‘Changing Star’ (single) August 8 – ‘Changing Star’ (vid episode 1) September 29 – ‘Genesis’ (single) October 3 – ‘Genesis’ (vid episode 2) November 10 – ‘For A New God’ (single) November 14 – ‘For A New God’ (vid episode 3) December 8 – ‘The Beginning’ (full-length ALBUM) December 12 – ‘The Fortress Without Gates’ (vid episode 4)
Genus Ordinis Dei lineup Nick K (vox & guitars), Tommy Monticelli (guitars & orchestra), Nico Pedrali (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 ) 