“Nafanua”, the new single from SHEPHERDS REIGN‘s upcoming album ‘Ala Mai’, is a story about the titular character, Samoa’s Goddess of War, the daughter of the God of the Underworld (Pulotu), who was born of a blood clot and buried in the ground, before rising to defeat all warriors who stood against her. Fighting to protect her family, she was feared by all. The track’s pulverising rhythms, heavy chugging riffs and snaking lead guitar all serve to underpin lead vocalist, Filiva’a’s trademark enormous, guttural roar, while the soaring, melodic chorus belies the story’s immense sense of foreboding. Despite the song consisting heavily of local lore, its broader messages sink in deep.
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.
Embrace the sonic prowess of Shepherds Reign‘s “Nafanua” which is now available as a single release on Golden Robot Records, with their full album, ‘Ala Mai‘ set to unleash on August 25th. 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.
In the world of hard and heavy sounds and impressive theatrical live stage shows, GOTHMINISTER have earned themselves a reputation of being “one of the most iconic gothic/industrial metal acts”. Not only has their power-laden sound with its remarkable atmospheric density inspired their audiences since 1999, its eloquent fantasy stories have also transported them to uncharted territories.
Now, the band fronted by mastermind Bjørn Alexander Brem has announced its latest coup: ‘Pandemonium II: The Battle Of The Underworlds’! The new album release by the Norwegians is set to be unleashed in 2024 via AFM Records, taking up where its 2022 predecessor ‘Pandemonium’ left off: The much-acclaimed album conquered the charts as number one, and was voted as the ‘Album Of The Year 2022’ at the Dark Music Awards, while its single ‘This Is Your Darkness‘ also made it to number one on the German Alternative Charts. GOTHMINISTER´s music videos for ‘Pandemonium’ and ‘Demons’ won stunning 19 film awards worldwide.
To ease your wait for their new album, GOTHMINISTER have just released a video clip for first album single ‘I Am The Devil’ (now available on all digital services at THIS LOCATION!)! Says Brem:
“Do you remember the King’s fall in Pademonium?
The King wanted to be killed by his own so the new King could carry on the tradition. But was he betrayed? What did really happen?
Well, now the King is back! There will be several upcoming music videos explaining what really happened – this is the first one, so hold on tight, sit back, and enjoy the tale…”
“The new material is faster and catchier than that of the predecessor album, but at the same time it sounds even more complex and modern, with more sophisticated vocal melodies and challenging breaks,” Brem continues, adding, “at the same time the driving beats for the dancefloor and the concept of ultra-low-sounding, tough guitar riffs are still present and link both recordings.”
All new GOTHMINISTER songs were composed and written by Bjørn Alexander Brem, who also produced the new release. The mix is courtesy of Henning Verlage (Unheilig, Eisbrecher) and Norwegian sound engineer Morten Lund, who has worked with Morten Harket (A-ha), among others, was in charge of the album mastering.
Watch out for many more album details and single/video releases to follow in the months ahead, and make sure to catch the one and only GOTHMINISTER live at the following dates this year:
Thrash/Death-Metal powerhouse SLAVE STEEL is thrilled to announce the release of their single and music video, “Wake Up The Atom.” The track serves as a powerful introduction to their upcoming album, ‘In Fieri,’ slated for release on September 15th, 2023 through Wormholedeath.
“Wake Up The Atom” delivers a thought-provoking message about the transient nature of life and the destructive impact of human actions on our planet. With relentless energy and powerful sound, Slave Steel urges listeners to awaken and recognize the consequences of their behavior, emphasizing the need for responsible progress and a more sustainable approach to existence. The idea that nuclear power is bad is costing us, and it’s time to let go of it. Instead of stealing the stored Sun, we found underground, we should now make our own.
‘In Fieri’ showcases the band’s commitment to their craft, with an intensified level of aggression and an uncompromising sound that will captivate fans and newcomers alike.
Fans can stay connected with Slave Steel by following their social media channels:
Southern California’s ROBERT JON & THE WRECK have released their eagerly anticipated seventh studio album, Ride Into The Light, out today via Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records. Showcasing a refreshed production approach, Ride Into The Light is the impressive outcome of the band’s collaboration with esteemed producers Don Was (John Mayer, Bonnie Raitt), Dave Cobb (Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton), and Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes), along with guitar virtuosos Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith. This eclectic mix enabled the band to attain new heights in their musicianship and songwriting skills, evoking the timeless sound of classic bands such as The Allman Brothers Band, Eagles, and Lynyrd Skynyrd and helping establish a new era in American rock.
STREAM Ride Into The Light Album – Order The Album HERE – Watch the video for the album’s latest single and title track NOW
Ride Into The Light by Robert Jon & The Wreck 1. Pain No More – Produced by Dave Cobb 2. Who Can You Love – Produced by Don Was 3. Come At Me – Produced by Don Was 4. One Of A Kind – Produced by Dave Cobb 5. Bring Me Back Home Again – Produced by Kevin Shirley 6. West Coast Eyes – Produced by Joe Bonamassa & Josh Smith 7. Don’t Look Down – Produced by Joe Bonamassa & Josh Smith 8. Ride Into The Light – Produced by Kevin Shirley
“Robert Jon’s magic lives in his ability to seamlessly connect the hard riffs of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the soul of The Allman Brothers, and the hooks of Tom Petty into new songs that are free of cliches and full of power.” – Rock and Blues Muse
“Robert Jon & The Wreck are not just striking while the fire is still hot; they are the fire. And not only is album ‘Ride Into The Light’ a triumph, it is the sound of a band ultra-confident in the knowledge that they are onto something here.” – Devils Gate Music
“It’s all killer and no filler from the first note to the last.”– Blues In Britain
To celebrate the release, Robert Jon & The Wreck have released an official music video for the album’s title track, “Ride Into The Light.” Born from a powerful lyrical collaboration between lead guitarist Henry James Schneekluth and frontman Robert Jon Burrison, the song’s structure, guitar parts, and melody were already firmly set in Schneekluth’s mind before he introduced it to the band. But what makes the song special is the way it captures the band’s return to touring and working full-time, a journey made all the more meaningful following a particularly challenging and uncertain period. “I had been sitting on the musical idea for a while, and being able to go back to working and touring full time after a really dark and uncertain period inspired the words,” recalls Schneekluth. With “Ride Into The Light,” listeners are treated not just to the sounds of a band back in full swing, but to the triumph of returning to the road and to the studio after a difficult few years.
The release of Ride Into The Light follows a nearly nine-month rollout which saw Robert Jon & The Wreck showcase their wide range with a series of dynamic singles. Kicking off the series was “Pain No More,” which dives deep into themes of emotional pain and heartbreak, while “Who Can You Love” offers a reflective Americana-infused rock ballad, both showcasing the band’s musical and emotional depth. The former, a riff-driven roots rock track, was co-written with Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke and produced by eight-time Grammy Award winner Dave Cobb. Meanwhile, “Who Can You Love” was recorded under the guidance of multi-GRAMMY Award-winning producer Don Was at Hensen Studios in Los Angeles, offering a timeless southern rock ballad that questions what one looks for in a partner.
“Come At Me” was released next and quickly became an instant rock & roll classic, celebrating the fun, upbeat aspect of the band’s music. With Don Was once again at the production helm, the song was an effortless creation during the band’s summer recording sessions. “One Of A Kind” followed as a supercharged rock & roll anthem, remembered by the band as a creative adventure that started with simple riffs and culminated in an awe-inspiring result, thanks to Cobb’s guidance. In contrast, “Bring Me Back Home Again” delivered a blistering southern rock anthem that echoed touching sentiments of love and isolation, meticulously produced by Kevin Shirley at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles.
The sun-soaked Americana ballad “West Coast Eyes” served as a tribute to the LA session musician scene across different decades. Written on tour with Tom Hambridge and produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, it emerged as a delightful sonic experiment featuring renowned session keyboardist, Jeff Babko. Lastly, the uplifting “Don’t Look Down” arrived as an energetic anthem of positivity. Produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, the single carried powerful encouragement to remain focused on the positive, marking an empowering finale to the band’s run of exceptional singles.
As if this wasn’t enough, this year also saw Robert Jon & The Wreck release their first-ever concert film, Live At The Ancienne Belgique, which dropped in April. Recorded during their sold-out show at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium on June 29th, 2022, the live CD/DVD set captures the Wreck amid their longest-ever tour – 67 performances in 75 days across 9 countries. The night was nothing less than spectacular, featuring a setlist that spanned the last decade of their prolific career, from their 2013 debut to their 2022 release. Watch the official live music video for “Oh Miss Carolina” NOW and purchase/stream Live At The Ancienne Belgique HERE.
Prolific songwriters with a wealth of new material who refuse to be constrained by traditional release strategies, the band’s new partnership with Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records affords them the opportunity to work with the world’s top producers and release a steady stream of high-quality singles on an ongoing basis, cutting through the industry chaos and ensuring new music is accessible to fans as intended.
Reigning from Southern California, Robert Jon & The Wreck take the Southern rock sound from the east coast and make it their own. Since their inception in 2011, these native Californians; Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, background vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, background vocals), and Warren Murrel (bass) have been electrifying audiences all over the world with their soaring guitar leads, rich vocal harmonies, and memorable tunes. Recently, keyboardist Jake Abernathie joined the band as an official member as they continue to tour and record in the studio. Simply put, it is difficult to ignore when these talented musicians take the stage.
As part of the band’s efforts to share this new music with fans, Robert Jon & The Wreck will embark on an extensive tour schedule. Over the course of 2023 and next year, they will travel across the United States and Europe. A series of summer jams will take place across the United States starting in August, followed by a massive European tour, which will cross numerous countries as the band takes their southern rock energy across the pond. The tour begins in Germany and travels to the Netherlands, UK, France, Austria, and Switzerland. The band will then embark on a U.S. Fall tour in November, starting as support for the Mavericks for 4 shows and then their own headline tour across the country until the 10th of December. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://robertjonandthewreck.com/
The Main Thing presents in association with DHP Family, Regular Music, The Gig Cartel, and The Brook Presents
NOTTINGHAM, RESCUE ROOMS THURSDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2023
MANCHESTER ACADEMY FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2023
LIVERPOOL O2 ACADEMY 2 SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2023
NEWCASTLE, BOILER SHOP SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2023
GLASGOW, ST LUKE’S TUESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2023
LEEDS WARDROBE WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2023
BRISTOL, THEKLA THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023
CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2023
SOUTHAMPTON, THE BROOK SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2023
FOLKSTONE, THE QUARTERHOUSE SUNDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2023
SUMMER TOUR 2023
8/5-6/23 Mammoth Lakes, CA – Bluesapalooza Festival 8/17/23 Sioux Falls, SD – Levitt At The Falls 8/18/23 Cedarburg, WI – Summer Sounds Festival 8/19/23 Shawano, WI – Shawano Summer Festival
EUROPEAN SUMMER – FALL TOUR 2023
8/25/23 Holzminden, DE – Weserrennaissance-Schloss Bevern 8/26/23 Herselt, BE – Gevarenwinkel Festival 8/27/23 Oberhausen, DE – Zentrum Altenberg 8/29/23 Copenhagen, DK – Beta 8/30/23 Joldelund, DE – Gerd’s Juke Joint 8/31/23 Köln, DE – Die Kantine – Biergarten 9/1/23 Regensburg, DE – Eventhalle Airport 9/2/23 Forst, DE – Manitu 9/3/23 Dortmund, DE – Musiktheater Piano 9/6/23 Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg 9/7/23 Bremen, DE – Meisenfrei 9/8/23 Isernhagen, DE – Blues Garage 9/9/23 Vollmershain, DE – Vollmershain Festival 9/10/23 Raismes, FR – Raismesfest 9/11/23 Verviers, BE – Spirit of 66 9/13/23 Exeter, UK – Phoenix 9/14/23 Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms 9/15/23 Manchester, UK – Academy 2 9/16/23 Liverpool, UK – 02 Academy 9/17/23 Newcastle, UK – Boiler Shop 9/19/23 Glasgow, UK – St Lukes 9/20/23 Leeds, UK – The Wardrobe 9/21/23 Bristol, UK – Thekla 9/22/23 Cambridge, UK – Junction 9/23/23 Southampton, UK – The Brook 9/24/23 Folkestone, UK – Quarterhouse 9/27/23 Le Thor, FR – Le Sonograf 9/28/23 Talcy (Blois), FR – Le Quai’Son 9/29/23 Penmarch, FR – Cap Caval 9/30/23 Herent, BE – GC De Wildeman 10/1/23 Winterbach, DE – Strandbar 51 10/2/23 Salzburg, AT – Rockhouse 10/3/23 Rimsting, DE – Feuerwehr 10/4/23 Frankfurt, DE – Nachtleben 10/5/23 Seon, CH – Konservi Seon 10/6/23 Basel, CH – Atlantis 10/7/23 Torgau, DE – Kulturbastion Torgau 10/8/23 Fulda, DE – Kulturzentrum
US FALL TOUR 2023
11/16/12 Monterey, CA – Golden State Theatre* 11/17/23 El Cajon, CA – The Magnolia* 11/18/23 Scottsdale, AZ – Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts* 11/19/23 Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Resort & Casino*
11/25/23 Boca Raton, FL – Funky Biscuit 11/26/23 Jacksonville, FL – 1904 Music Hall 11/28/23 Charleston, SC – Charleston Pour House 11/30/23 Greenville, SC – The Radio Room 12/1/23 Cornelius, NC – Boatyard 12/2/23 Elkin, NC – The Reeves Theater & Cafe 12/3/23 Richmond, VA – The Tin Pan 12/5/23 Baltimore, MD – The 8×10 12/6/23 Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille 12/7/23 Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom 12/8/23 Westland, MI – The Token Lounge 12/9/23 Aurora, IL – The Venue 12/10/23 Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry
NE OBLIVISCARIS are happy to be home. Three years ago, their lead guitarist and bass player were trapped in another country while recording their new album right as the pandemic shut the world down. No wonder that album ended up with the name ‘Exul’.
Since then, the extreme progressive metal band have been flying high. ‘Exul’ was named one of the best albums of 2023 by Metal Storm. While other bands bring a touch of prog and classical to extreme metal, Pop Matters recognized that “none come close to the astute world-building and intricate yet direct songwriting of Ne Obliviscaris”. Angry Metal Guy praised Tim Charles’ “sobbing”, “lonely” violin, while Metal Injection singled out album closer “Anhedonia” for being “magnificently disturbing”.
This summer, Ne Obliviscaris brought ‘Exul’ to stages all over Europe, including Mystic Festival. Now, they’re celebrating their 20th anniversary by playing big rooms across their native Australia for the first time in four years (!) And they’re bringing The Ocean Collective and Rivers of Nihil to the party!
Get a sneak peak of Ne Obliviscaris’ anthemic, elegant, and headbanging live show by watching them perform the first part of “Libera” in their home city of Melbourne HERE.
This four show tour starts at the beginning of September. Get tickets HERE. But don’t wait; tickets for Sydney are almost sold out!
EXUL Australian Tour Dates 09/06: Brisbane @ The Tivoli [TICKETS] 09/08: Sydney @ Manning Bar [TICKETS] 09/09: Melbourne @ The Forum [TICKETS] 09/10: Adelaide @ The Gov [TICKETS]
‘Exul’ (2023)
Track-list 1. Equus (12:13) [WATCH] 2. Misericorde I – As the Flesh Falls (7:33) [LISTEN] 3. Misericorde II – Anatomy of Quiescence (9:22) 4. Suspyre (10:09) 5. Graal (8:53) [WATCH] 6. Anhedonia (3:43) Total playing time: 51:53
Recording Info: • Exul was produced, mixed & mastered by Mark Lewis, Nashville, USA • Co-produced by Ne Obliviscaris • Drums Performed by Dan Presland & Engineered by Mark Lewis at Addiction Studios, Nashville, USA • Additional Drum Engineering by John Douglass • Bass recorded at Domination Studio, Italy by Simone Bertozzi and Simone Mularoni • Acoustic Guitars recorded at Bud Studios, Merignac, France by Mathieu Pascal • Harsh Vocals recorded at Audio Ninja Studios, Melbourne, Australia by Troy McCosker • Violin and Viola on all tracks and Clean Vocals on tracks 5 & 6 recorded and engineered by Troy McCosker at Pony Music, Melbourne. • Clean Vocals on Tracks 1, 2, 3 & 4 recorded at Studio TC, Melbourne, Australia • Additional Clean vocal engineering by Anthony Iorio • Benjamin & Matt’s rhythm guitars were recorded in their home studios in France and Australia and re-amped by Mark Lewis in Nashville.
Cover artwork: Xen
Recording line-up: Xen- Harsh Vocals Tim Charles – Clean Vocals, Violin, Viola & Keyboards Benjamin Baret- Lead Guitars Matthew Klavins- Guitar Martino Garattoni – Bass Dan Presland- Drums
Current line-up: Xen- Harsh Vocals Tim Charles – Clean Vocals, Violin, Viola & Keyboard Benjamin Baret- Lead & Acoustic Guitar Matthew Klavins- Guitar Martino Garattoni – Bass
Guest musicians: Additional Violin on tracks 1, 2 & 3 performed by Emma Charles Additional vocals on Track 1 performed by Alana K Vocal Cello on Tracks 1 & 4 performed by Dalai Theofilopoulou
Summer is winding down, but CLOAK are still burning hot and fast.
Atlanta’s most scintillating black metal band set the netherworld on fire earlier this year when they released ‘Black Flame Eternal’. The Austin Chroniclecrowned their third album one of the best albums of 2023 leading up to the band’s set at Oblivion Access Festival. Visit your local newsstand and prepare to see these dark lords looming large on the latest cover of New Noise.
Other bands are taking notice, too. Cloak are joining Uada and Ghostbath this fall on a slashing, spine-tingling tour of the US.
Today, Cloak are adding five solo shows that will bookend this tour. They’ll start by riding ahead through Tennessee, Oklahoma and Kansas, before hitching on with Uada and Ghostbath in Colorado. After they’ve slaughtered the stage together, Cloak will carry the black flame into the Southwest for two brutally fiery nights in Arizona and Texas.
Added Solo Dates 08/27: Memphis, TN @ Growlers [TICKETS] 08/28: Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th Street [TICKETS] 08/29: Lawrence, KS @ Bottleneck [TICKETS] 10/02: Tucson, AZ @ The Rock [TICKETS] 10/04: Dallas, TX @ Reno’s [TICKETS]
Dates w/ Uada and Ghost Bath 08/30 Denver, CO @ Roxy Theater [TICKETS] 08/31 Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge [TICKETS] 09/01 Boise, ID @ Shredder [TICKETS] 09/02 Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom [TICKETS] 09/03 Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw [TICKETS] 09/05 Calgary, AB @ Dickens [TICKETS] 09/06 Edmonton, AM @Starlite Room [TICKETS] 09/07 Saskatoon, SK @ Coors Event Center [TICKETS] 09/08 Winnipeg, MB @ The Good Will [TICKETS] 09/09 Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theatre [TICKETS] 09/10 Milwaukee, WI @ X-Ray [TICKETS] 09/11 Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups [TICKETS] 09/12 Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving Underground [TICKETS] 09/13 Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace [TICKETS] 09/14 Ottawa, ON @ Brass Monkey [TICKETS] 09/15 Quebec City, QC @ La Source De La Martiniere [TICKETS] 09/16 Montreal, QC @ Petit Campus [TICKETS] 09/17 Brooklyn, NY @ Meadows [TICKETS] 09/18 Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy [TICKETS] 09/19 Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery [TICKETS] 09/20 Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House [TICKETS] 09/21 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade [TICKETS] 09/22 New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa [TICKETS] 09/23 Houston, TX @ Secret Room [TICKETS] 09/25 Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live [TICKETS] 09/26 El Paso, TX @ Rockhouse [TICKETS] 09/27 Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey [TICKETS] 09/28 Phoenix, AZ @ Pub Rock Live [TICKETS] 09/29 Las Vegas, NV @ Dive Bar [TICKETS] 09/30 San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick [TICKETS] 10/01 North Hollywood, CA @ Knitting Factory [TICKETS]
‘Black Flame Eternal’ is available on vinyl, CD and as a digital download through the Season of Mist store.
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
Album Artwork by Jordan Barlow
Lineup: Scott Taysom – vocals/guitar Max Brigham – guitar Billy C. Robinson – bass Sean Bruneau – 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 ) 