This summer, on July 7, 2023, Swedish power metal force BLOODBOUND will release their hotly-anticipated, new studio offering Tales From The North! The band’s tenth album will be coming out as a 2-CD digipak including a live CD, a strictly limited box set as well as coloured vinyl LPs; the pre-sale has just recently started via AFM Records here!
When it comes to defending the core values of timeless power metal and combining them with fresh stylistic variations and exciting stories, BLOODBOUND have always been fighting at the forefront. The six-piece has proven their versatility and inventiveness countless times. Following their much acclaimed, 2021-album, Creatures Of The Dark Realm, Tales From The North will unquestionable continue to enthrall the metal community! As lead guitarist Tomas Olsson recently revealed:
“’Tales From The North’ is very much a concept album about the viking era. About the lives of our ancestors up here in the dark, cold and unfriendly environments of the north. Different legends and myths intertwine during the course of the songs, leading up to the epic battle of 1066, which marks the end of the viking era.”
After first album singles, “Odin’s Prayer” and “The Raven’s Cry”, today, BLOODBOUND are premiering a music video for the album closing track “1066”! Fredrik Bergh adds: “1066 is one of the more epic tracks on the album. One of my favorite songs from “Tales from the North”!
Tales From The North was produced by BLOODBOUND, and was mixed and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren (Amorphis, Overkill, Sabaton) at the Swedish ‘Black Lounge Studios’. The cover artwork was created by Péter Sallai (Hammerfall, Powerwolf & many more).
Olsson continues: “The songs are more fast-paced and closer to some of our earlier stuff like ’Moria’ and ’Nosferatu’, but have more complex arrangements. Compared to the predecessor ‚Creatures Of The Dark Realm‘ there are heavier guitars and some deeper sounding keyboards. We have also incorporated some traditional nordic folk music instruments to fit the concept of the album. It`s still pure power metal but we’re trying to take it to the next level.”
BLOODBOUND live: 04.05.2023 (NOR) KOPERVIK Karmoygeddon Festival 05.- 08.07.2023 (GER) BALLENSTEDT RockHarz Festival 05.- 16.07.2023 (CZE) VIZOVICE Masters of Rock Festival
BLOODBOUND is: Tomas Olsson – lead guitar Fredrik Bergh – keyboards Patrik Selleby – vocals Henrik Olsson – rhythm guitar Anders Broman – bass Daniel Hansfeldt – drums
Following their recent signing with Drakkar Entertainment / Soulfood Music, Amsterdam-based modern metal band, THE LAST ELEMENT, has shared a brand new song taken of their forthcoming, hotly-anticipated album! More album details should follow in the weeks ahead.
After the four-piece just shared a first single earlier this year, “Waves” (feat. Jett Rebel), today, the band is premiering the song “Control”, featuring rap infused rock and metal act DROPOUT KINGS!
Says THE LAST ELEMENT vocalist Jasper about the new single:
“Control is a heavy and dark song about an abusive relationship, when we wrote the second verse we just knew we wanted someone to really deliver that feeling with the perfect rap vocals… thus Dropout Kings came to mind, we’re fans of what they do and their amazing sound so we decided to reach out.
Quickly they picked it up and we’re excited to work on the song and thus Control was created!”
Since their formation, THE LAST ELEMENT has reached +3 Million streams on Spotify alone and +10 million across platforms, fully DIY and this only proves they are getting the recognition and support from their listeners. With these numbers increasing daily and previous releases added to editorial playlists such as “New Blood” “New Core” “New Metal Tracks”, THE LAST ELEMENT is definitely levelling with established names in the genre on the way to determine their goal in life to share their music and lyrics with a global audience.
THE LAST ELEMENT started in 2018. Immediately they found common ground, both Jan (bass) and Jasper dealt with hardship in the past, each song they wrote was a way to lift a burden. Jan most notably dealt with the suicide of his life partner, and Jasper came from a history of child abuse and the fallout that created. They bonded over the troubles they lived but more importantly who it made them and what it made the band, they became stronger, the damage, the scars of their past gave the fuel to their music and helped them write what is closest to their hearts. THE LAST ELEMENT is the bond between them, and all the people who are scared to get hurt or that have to deal with misfortune, “we all heal when we are together, together we are stronger. Thus our music became the translation of those feelings, the dark, the heavy, the rage but also the light, the love and hope. The band says.
“With our songs, music, videos and stories we want to keep that as a theme that, no matter how dark the cloud, there’s always a silver lining of hope and resilience. (this is also portrayed in our artwork and band pictures, we combine black with a color of choice).”
THE LAST ELEMENT is: Jasper Roelofsen – Vocals Noah Grim – Guitar Jan Bijlsma – Bass Mark Cappon – Drums
Founded in 2020 in Kuopio, Finland and combining melodic death, heavy and folk metal, SWANSONG are bringing their very own blend and something new to the metal scene. Powerful melodies with hard-hitting riffs revive the 80s and 90s and at the same time the oldschool elements get a fresh & modern twist with female death growls and screams! Signed to Noble Demon, the band is currently preparing for the release of their highly anticipated debut album, which is set to see the light of day in the Fall of 2023. Featuring experienced musicians from such bands as Verjnuarmu, Tornado, Carnal Demise and Sadistic Forest, Swansong‘s upcoming debut is a release you definitely don’t want to miss!
With the music video for the new single “Awakening”, the four-piece today offers a first insight into their soon to be released album. So give ear and step into the Swansong world of empowering stories with midnight warriors and strong maidensl!
Swansong on “Awakening”:
“Get ready for a journey through the dark woods: Inspired by Nordic/Finnish Mythology, Awakening is the first single from Swansong’s upcoming debut album. A track with haunted screams, aggressive guitars and powerful melodies.“
Valo is the third and final pre-album single from the forthcoming new VORNA album Aamunkoi, and now available on all digital platforms.
The band about Valo:
“When Arttu (Järvisalo, Lead Guitar) brought the first instrumental demo of this song to the table, and I started to work on the lyrics and vocal arrangements, my initial thoughts were that this sounds like a love song. And that’s not really my expertise. The end result is something that fits into the aforementioned category as well, but it can also be interpreted from a more universal perspective.
We may not have the power to take anyone’s pain away or save them, but what we can do, is to try and make each other’s journeys more bearable. That’s what “Valo” (The Light) is all about.”
The music of VORNA from Tampere is as melancholic as sublimely gloomy. No wonder that the group has already toured or played shows with Insomnium, Wintersun, Kalmah, Thyrfing and Whispered. The sextet from Finland, active since 2008, enters with a majestic metal sound that also features symphonic and folk accents.
The band’s fourth album stands out for its self-evident, breathing musicality. The lyrics are presented again in the Finnish native language of the musicians and support the mythical character of the tracks. The album title could hardly be more aptly chosen. “Aamunkoi” can be translated as “Aurora”. In literature, this means “The Dawn”. In the far north, where VORNA come from, this is also the name for the phenomenon of the polar lights. In both interpretations darkness and grace play a role. Astonishment and fear are also to be associated. Not everything can be grasped and cleary understood. Much remains in the indefinite and in the intermediate tones. This closes the circle to the melancholic metal of the six Finns and their nature-loving understanding of art.
In comparison with the debut “Ajastaika” (2013), the second album from 2015, “Ei valo minua seuraa”, and the debut on LIFEFORCE RECORDS, “Sateet palata saavat” (2019), VORNA surpass themselves on “Aamunkoi”. All songs sound immensely multifaceted, accentuated and above all atmospheric.
The gloomy emotionality and fine melody lines of the band’s fourth album pull in their spell. The contrasting play between forward attacks and fragile atmosphere, which reaches deep, has lasting effects and impresses.
VORNA about Aamunkoi:
“Life is finite, unpredictable, and unfair. The album’s main theme is survival in the uncertain world where the lucky ones who get to witness a new day have a chance to strive for a better future – when they still can.
Music-wise Aamunkoi is Vorna’s most melodic work to date and we have once again broadened our musical horizon towards new territories on every instrument. “
VORNA live: 06.05.23 FI – Tampere @ Yo-talo 12.05.23 FI – Helsinki @ Kuudes Linja 20./22.07.23 FI – Laukaa @ John Smith Rock Festival 04./05.08.23 FI – Tampere @ SaariHelvetti 10./12.08.23 FI – Kotka @ Dark River Festival
Following the success of their acclaimed 2022 sophomore effortRUMBLE OF THUNDER, groundbreaking Mongolian rock group THE HU—who use traditional Mongolian instrumentation, throat singing and perform entirely in their native language—
have announced a deluxe version of the album will be released June 30 via Better Noise Music. RUMBLE OF THUNDER: DELUXE ALBUM will further highlight the band’s “stadium-sized metal riffs and thunderous vocal melodies” (Revolver Magazine) with seven new tracks: four acoustic renditions and three newly recorded singles featuring guest appearances and English-translated vocals from some of rock’s top musicians including William DuVall of Alice In Chains, Serj Tankian (System of A Down), DL of Bad Wolves and international solo artist LP (Laura Pergolizzi). Pre-orders for the album across all digital platforms as well as physically on CD and vinyl are available now at https://thehu.ffm.to/rumblethunderdeluxe.
THE HU have yesterday (March 31) unveiled the deluxe album’s second single, the volcanic anthem “Black Thunder(feat.Serj Tankianand DL of Bad Wolves).” Following the release of the eco-conscious single “This Is Mongol (feat. William Duvall of Alice In Chains),” in February, “Black Thunder(feat.Serj Tankianand DL of Bad Wolves)” includes a refreshed look at the culturally shaped track with a new perspective and English-translated vocals. Its original “visually stunning” (Louder Sound) music video was filmed in THE HU’s home country of Mongolia, logging 3 million views to date. The video of the Serj Tankian and DL featured track directed by Michael Lombardi (The Retailiators, Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach)–is also out today. View it streaming below or directly HERE.
“‘Black Thunder’—the latest single from our sophomore album, ‘Rumble of Thunder’—
is the composition we worked on the longest, and because of that, we recorded many different variations of the song,” shares THE HU band leader GALA. “The lyrics and the video have several different meanings on the surface as well as on a deeper level. Therefore, every version of ‘Black Thunder’ carries a certain unique idea. Our producer and our band members were amazed by the additions that were made by DL and Serj and their unique singing styles, which added to our beloved song. DL’s powerful vocals, topped by the Serj’s signature voice and one-of-a-kind Armenian-American style, is shedding different light to The HU’s music. We hope our fans enjoy this featured version and feel the soul of the song through their ears.”
TANKIAN shares his experience working with THE HU, stating: “I had discovered the Hu’s music from a YouTube video that a friend sent me and was instantly struck by their powerful and delightful merging of Mongolian folk and metal. A few years back I had scored a film called Furious where we also used the legendary Tuva singing and heavy guitars. So, when they reached out to collaborate, I was intrigued. I appreciate the pride with which they represent their culture through music. It led me down a historical rabbit hole of Mongolians and Armenia. Genghis Khan conquered Armenia along with the rest of Europe, but the Mongols also later teamed up with Armenia to fight the Turkish hordes. Happy I had the chance to collaborate with the Hu and learn all of this in the process.”
Says DL:“Working on this version of The HU’s ‘Black Thunder’ was so much fun and so different from what I normally get to do. Their vision, their voices…they’re special. This is more than music, it’s a movement, it’s culture, and I’m honored that I was presented with the opportunity to be part of it.”
A force to be reckoned with, THE HU’s music has received over 329 million combined streams across digital platforms, 290 million video views, two Top 5 Mainstream Rock charting radio singles, sold-out worldwide headlining tours and appearances at the biggest music festivals across the globe (Download, Coachella, Lollapalooza). The band were the first-ever rock/metal band to be awarded UNESCO’s “Artist For Peace” designation in 2022 and also were the first group and 12th overall recipients of the highest state award in Mongolia, the Order of Genghis Khan, which was granted to the band by the President of Mongolia, Kh. Battulga in 2020. They have further added to these accreditations by becoming the first-ever Mongolian band to perform in the metaverse following their virtual concert, “Rumble of Thunder V1.1,” which took place on March 30th.
THE HU will continue to bring forth their stimulating live show to fans across the world throughout 2023 with their summer “Rumble of Thunder 2023” European tour which includes appearances at Glastonbury Festival (UK), Hellfest (FR) and a return to Download Festival (UK) plus more. The group will also return to the U.S for festival appearances in the fall at Louder Than Life (9/21-24) in Louisville, KY and Aftershock Festival (10/5-8) in Sacramento, CA. Full dates and ticket information can be found at https://www.thehuofficial.com/tour-1.
THE HU TOUR DATES 6/7 Nickelsdorf, AT – Nova Rock 6/8 Interlaken, CH -Greenfield Festival 6/10 Southampton, UK – Southampton Guildhall 6/11 Donington, UK – Download Festival 6/13 Liverpool, UK – O2 Academy Liverpool 6/14 Bristol, UK – O2 Academy Bristol 6/16 Landgraaf, NL – Pinkpop 2023 6/17 Clisson, FR – Hellfest 6/20 Lille, FR – L’Aeronef 6/21 Norwich, UK – University of East Anglia 6/22 Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy Glasgow 6/23 Newcastle, UK – NX Newcastle 6/24 Somerset, UK – Glastonbury Festival 6/27 Frankfurt, DE – Batschkapp 6/28 Strasbourg, FR – La Laiterie Artefact 6/30 Werchter, BE – Rock Werchter 2023 7/2 Heslinki, FI – Festival Helsinki 7/4 Hamburg, DE – Grosse Freiheit 26 7/5 Luxembourg, LU – Rockhal 7/6 Aix-les-bains, FR – Musilack 2023 7/8 Madrid, ES – Mad Cool Festival 2023 7/10 Marseille, FR – Espace Julien 7/12 Munich, DE – Backstage Werk 7/13 Dresden, DE – Alter Schlachtohf 7/15 Wroclaw, PL – Center Concert A2 7/16 Vizovice, CZ – Masters of Rock 7/17 Budapest, HU – Budapest Park 7/20 Bontida, RO – Electric Castle Festival 7/22 Nordfjordeid, NO – Malakoff Festival 9/23 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life Festival 10/6 Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival
On the third single from the upcoming studio album “River Of Diamonds” (Metalville Records – release 21.04.), LIV KRISTINE presents an extraordinary duet partner in her sister Carmen Elise Espenæs (Savn, Midnattsol). “Love Me High” is one of the faster of the twelve songs on “River Of Diamonds” and fascinates with a catchy hook that has all the ingredients for a real earworm. A song full of strong authenticity and unbound creativity.
The song will be available as a digital single now, and the video for “Love Me High” can already be viewed below.
She started off in her enchanting style and angelic singing-manner with five albums composed by Theatre of Tragedy (1993-2003), her own releases „Deus ex Machina“ (1998), „Enter my Religion“ (2006), „Skintight (2010), „Libertine (2012) and „Vervain (2014), next to five Leaves’ Eyes albums (2004-2015), which gained the bands worldwide attention and recognition.
In 1993 Liv Kristine embarked on a unique and courageous musical path, exploring, redefining, making way, until she became one of the most recognizable voices within the worldwide female voice metal movement.
Her autodidactic way into music and career reflects her strong individuality and courage to create with a free artistic heart, inviting her audience to experience musical and tonal aesthetics on a highly individual and elevating level.
She rose to world-wide fame already in the early nineties with her Norwegian band THEATRE OF TRAGEDY, moreover, as a solo artist, then in the new millennium with LEAVES’ EYES and various projects. For more than 25 years, she’s been and still is a fine inspiration for artists and bands worldwide within her authentic brand of Goth, Metal and Rock, being nominated for the Grammy Award (2005). Her musical achievements are numerous, e.g. a GRAMMY AWARD nomination for the song “Nymphetamine” in cooperation with Cradle of Filth, 500.000 records sold with THEATRE OF TRAGEDY, touring more than 50 countries, including repetitive hits in the official charts with her solo releases and her follow-up band LEAVES’ EYES, as well as European club, DJ, dance, rock and alternative charts. She also lent her voice to title tracks for popular TV series like “Tatort” and “Schimanski”. LIV KRISTINE has released more than 15 full-length albums with her bands since 1995.
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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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