Swedish death metal band DEMONICAL returns with a surprise new EP “Into Victory”, featuring one new, original track and a cover of Ramones‘ song. The EP is due tomorrow, March 31st, on Agonia Records in CD and digital. Its title track received a lyric video, which is premiering now, watch below.
The new material marks a line-up change, with the band debuting a new singer. “With the release of ‘Into Victory’, we hereby welcome Charlie Fryksell as our new vocalist,” comments DEMONICAL. “Like an unstoppable force, we will push on towards new greater goals and this EP is another step on that path. So ladies and gentlemen, join us in death!”
“Into Victory” followed the footsteps of “Mass Destroyer” (2022) to Glashuset and Sellnoise Studios, where it was recorded & produced by DEMONICAL, Jonas Arnberg and Johan Hjelm. Mixing and mastering was done by Ronnie Bjornstrom at BLP Studios (Meshuggah, Blood Red Throne). The cover artwork was painted by Belial Necroarts.
Tracklisting: 1. Into Victory 2. Somebody Put Something In My Drink (Ramones cover)
Upcoming shows: 07.04 23 SE Stockholm – Fredagsmangel 14.04 23 SE Falun – Club Slammer 21.07.23 DE Baden-Wurttemberg – Boarstream Open Air 22.07.23 DE Weil Am Rhein – Baden in Blut Festival 25.07.23 SL Tolmin – Tolminator Festival 11.08.23 CZ Jaromer – Brutal Assault 10.09.23 BR Sao Paolo – Setembro Negro Festival 05.10.23 AM Yerevan – Iron Force Metal Festival 04.11.23 DE Oberhausen – End of Days Festival
Line-up: Charlie Fryksell – vocals Eki Kumpulainen – lead guitars Johan Haglund – rhythm guitars Martin Schulman – bass Ronnie Bergerstahl – drums
Nine years since the first installment of ‘The Singularity Trilogy’, virtuosic progressive metallers SCAR SYMMETRY, who recently re-signed to Nuclear Blast Records, have announced The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph) which will be released on 9th June. To coincide with the announcement, the band have also released the video for the albums first single ‘Scorched Quadrant’.
In the wake of the announcement, band mastermind Per Nilsson comments “It brings us the utmost pleasure and pride to announce the long-awaited and much-teased ‘Phase II’ to the world along with its first single! It’s been a long time coming but I’m glad that we went the extra mile to make everything as perfect as we felt it needed to be.  The world is a different place in 2023 than it was in 2014 when ‘Neohumanity’ was released… We see the rise of AI before our very eyes and while we all look in awe at the wonders it can create it is easy to think of some very disturbing scenarios. In our new album, we once again explore these themes of neohumanity, artificial intelligence and the technological singularity from a dystopian point of view.  The AI-enhanced neohumans are waging war upon the unmodified majority of mankind who don’t stand a chance against their technologically superior oppressors, until one day, a glimmer of salvation appears in the night sky. Almost impossible to first take in; as an utterly alien mirage, seemingly out of nowhere mysterious, giant spacecrafts silently emerge from the heavens. Travelers both intergalactic and interdimensional, these ultraterrestrial beings who have been watching mankind for millennia seem to have decided to not sit idle while the technocalyptic cybergeddon is ravaging our planet.  We recently renewed our vows with Nuclear Blast and we’re very thrilled about moving on to this next phase (ahem) of our career with them by our side!  The ‘Phase II’ touring cycle starts today and fittingly, we begin with a tour supporting my former employers Meshuggah! We hope to see you all on the road soon, but until then, here’s Scorched Quadrant!”
The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph)Tracklisting:
1. Chrononautilus 2. Scorched Quadrant 3. Overworld 4. Altergeist 5. Reichsfall 6. Digiphrenia Dawn 7. Hyperborean Plains 8. Gridworm 9. A Voyage With Tailed Meteors 10. Soulscanner 11. Xenotaph
Today also sees SCAR SYMMETRY kick off a run of Swedish tour dates supporting MESHUGGAH, alongside THE HALO EFFECT and ORBIT CULTURE. The band also have a number of additional dates lined up for 2023, including several festival performances. All dates can be found below.
SCAR SYMMETRY 2023 Live Dates 31.03.23 SE – LUND, Sparbanken SkĂĽne Arena* 01.04.23 SE – ĂREBRO, Conventum* 07.04.23 SE – UMEĂ , Nolia-hallen* 08.04.23 SE – STOCKHOLM, Annexet* 21.04.23 SE – LINKĂPING, Saab Arena* 22.04.23 SE – PARTILLE, Partille Arena* 06.05.23 NO – KOPERVIK, Karmøygeddon Metal Festival 10.06.23 NL – LEEUWARDEN, Into The Grave 22.07.23 FI – LAUKAA, John Smith Open Air 28.-29.07.23 DE – HEIMBURG, HMN Festival 03.-05.08.23 SE – REJMYRE, SkogsrĂśjet 12.08.23 FIN – HELSINKI, Hellsinki Metal Festival 21.09.23 DE – HAMBURG, Logo 23.09.23 DE – HANNOVER, Bei Chez Heinz 24.09.23 DE – LEIPZIG, Hellraiser 25.09.23 DE – Hirsch, NUREMBERG 26.09.23 DE – MUNICH, Backstage 07.10.23 DK – KĂGE, Køge Metal Festival
Formed in Sweden in 2004, SCAR SYMMETRY were a unique proposition from the start. Although clearly owing a debt to the pioneering melodic death metal bands of the â90s, guitarist Per Nilsson and his comrades were walking their own evolutionary path. As showcased on 2005 debut Symmetric In Design, the band were driven by fervently progressive and proudly melodic instincts, infusing their often brutal riffs and arrangements with wild, futuristic atmospherics, and sublime, emotional melodies that always hit their targets with ruthless precision.
As SCAR SYMMETRY moved forward, their music continued to evolve in tandem. They joined forces with Nuclear Blast Records for 2006âs breakthrough opus Pitch Black Progress (2006), and have since amassed an extraordinary catalogue of forward-thinking but irrevocably crushing modern metal. From the glossy, hyper-melodic barrage of Holographic Universe (2008), to the immaculate thunder of The Unseen Empire (2011) and the astonishing, cosmic odyssey that is The Singularity (Phase I – Neohumanity) (2014). the Swedes have blown minds and enhanced their reputation with every artistic step.
SCAR SYMMETRY is Roberth Karlsson – Vocals Lars Palmqvist – Vocals Per Nilsson – Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards Benjamin Ellis – Guitars Henrik Olsson – Drums
Modern symphonic metal band AD INFINITUM is back to make a stand with their eagerly anticipated third record, Chapter lll â Downfall, out today via Napalm Records! Along with the album release, the four-piece presents the stunning album opener, âEternal Rainsâ, as their fifth single off of the new offering. The song is represented by an impressively powerful music video that showcases AD INFINITUM as the energetic entity that they are celebrated as by their devotees.  Shimmering âEternal Rainsâ proves the modern symphonic metal four-piece to be on top of their game, whirling the genre with their inimitable sound, topped by a breathtaking vocal performance by matchless rising star Melissa Bonny. This exciting ride showcases the massive talent of this uprising outfit, fanning the flames of a bright future!
AD INFINITUM on âEternal Rainsâ: âAfter the fire, here comes the rain! Today is the day, our third album Chapter III – Downfall is out. We decided to feature one more song with a music video: âEternal Rainsâ. âEternal Rainsâ is the opening track of this new record and sets the tone with a diverse palette of sounds and energies. Enjoy the new album, happy release day!â
Chapter III â Downfall bewitches with an innovative sound full of soaring melodic splendor juxtaposed against brooding, dark and even gothic heaviness. Exploring concepts of Ancient Egyptian history and mythology, AD INFINITUM melds a perfect balance of storytelling and technically sophisticated songwriting, spreading their wings in both areas of production and lyricism. Charging instrumentals, pounding drums, chunky, grooving riffs, mind-boggling solos and enchanting orchestrations build the band’s unique world of sound as frontwoman-to-watch Melissa Bonnyâs soul-stirring cleans and haunting growls put her incredible vocal range on display – dropping jaws with each line.  Produced by AD INFINITUM and Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Chapter III â Downfall showcases that this up-and-coming quartet can effortlessly turn the genre upside down, gracing it with contemporary vibes without forgoing their signature metal origins, and thrilling all metal fans as they rise to the top!Â
AD INFINITUM add: âFor this album, we explored stories and legends of Ancient Egypt with, as star character and main inspiration, Cleopatra. We added some extra dimension and sounds to our signature AD INFINITUM sound to create an extra dimension, transporting the listener to mystical landscapes of another era. We are beyond excited to unveil this new record!â
Electric âUpside Downâ showcases the addictive formula of AD INFINITUM while defying all rules, combining epic melodies and demonic growls with finesse. âFrom The Ashesâ impresses with reminiscence of artists like Meshuggah, proving that AD INFINITUM never fails to deliver surprises. âUnder The Burning Skiesâ directs its haunting vocals towards the horizon, unfolding into an intense mid-tempo ballad shortly after. As a special treat, AD INFINITUM welcomes Chrigel Glanzmann of Eluveitie, who provides his voice for the atmospheric monologue introduction on âLegendsâ, paving the way for a touch of Middle Eastern-inspired djent flavor.
Tracklist: Â 1. Eternal Rains 2. Upside Down 3. Seth 4. From The Ashes 5 Somewhere Better 6. The Underworld 7. Ravenous 8. Under The Burning Skies 9. Architect Of Paradise 10. The Serpent’s Downfall 11. New Dawn 12. Legends (Featuring Chrigel Glanzmann)
AD INFINITUM are: Melissa Bonny â Vocals Adrian Thessenvitz â Guitars Korbinian Benedict â Bass Niklas MĂźller â Drums
Queens, New York based rock outfit KING FALCON have released their new song âCadillacâ on Mascot Records. Melding indie-rock adventurousness with Classic Rock swagger, King Falconâs ultra-catchy songwriting recalls artists like Black Keys, Cage The Elephant, Tame Impala, The Killers, Royal Blood, and Beck.Â
âCadillacâ was produced by Marshall Altman (Citizen Cope, Matt Nathanson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Mark Broussard) and mixed by 12-time Grammy-nominated mixing engineer and producer Mark Needham (The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Fleetwood Mac, The Airborne Toxic Event). The song is brimming with earworm-worthy guitar riffage, a soaring chorus, soulfully melodic lead vocals, and vibrant indie-rock atmospherics.
In talking about the genesis of âCadillacâ, King Falconâs Michael Rubin says âMy best friend has had this 1957 Cadillac Eldorado parked in his garage for as long as Iâve known him. Every single time that we saw each other, I would   pester him about trying to get it started so we could take it for a joyride. The car hadnât moved in years – but it wasnât in bad shape or anything, it had just atrophied as all mechanical things tend to do when they sit around unused and unlovedâ.  He continues âOne day I decided to take matters into my own hands. I showed up at his house with a couple of tools and a can of starter fluid and before you know it, we were cruisinâ down the boulevard in this unregistered Cadillac with 40 year old tires. Totally unsafe and illegal, but it was the single most fun I have ever had riding in a car. That old Caddy turns WAY more heads than any new Lamborghini or Ferrari!  The second I heard the engine roar to life I knew that this was a special moment that I wanted to write about. The song came together after about 8 days of sitting in front of my computer screen listening to the bass part on loop (much to the chagrin of my neighbors). I felt that the song had to embody the coolness of the moment but also the excitement and danger of driving around in a 5000 pound car with crappy brakes and no license platesâ.  The âCadillacâ video snapshots an actual Ferris Bueller-like joyride with his buddyâs red, rare bird 1957 Eldorado Cadillac. Rubin continues âI got to drive this beauty with no brakes, no plates, and a flat tireâeverybody, including the cops, waved as I cruised this spaceship around the neighborhood. It broke down twice while we were filming, and we had to push that two and a half ton beast uphill on a gravel road. I now have a chronic injury from doing that â as a reminder of an experience I will never forget. We were able to mix in some cool animation to enhance the storyline of the video, we hope everyone enjoys it!â
Michael Rubin is the creative driving force behind King Falcon, but drummer and sometimes recording engineer James Terranova is essential to the bandâs spirit. His fastidious, plan-ahead persona is the perfect counterpoint to Michaelâs freewheeling personality, and the pair have an old-married-couple kind of connection. âI would take a bullet for him, but I may also be that person to shoot him,â Michael jokes. Up until now, King Falcon has been a guitar and drums duo, but the twosome is welcoming drummer Tom Diognardi and moving James to bass.  In 2020, the duo released the funky and infectiously catchy single, âShake! Shake! Shake!â However, the pandemic cleared King Falconâs calendar before it even got a chance to play a show. The guys made the most of the situation by sending the unreleased song, âWhen The Party Is Over,â out to labels. âThat song represented me trying to convince my parents, and myself, that I could get somewhere playing guitar,â Michael says. The song turned out to be aces for the band – they emailed the song to Mascot, and the next day was awarded with a recording contract.   âWhen The Party Is Overâ is an irresistible, moody mid-tempo rocker teeming with ear worm melodies. The song explores lonely New York late-night living with gritty candor, and it comes alive via a darkly alluring video. âWe got chased through the park by a crazed man with a knife while making the songâs video,â Michael remembers.Â
King Falcon has resumed its pre-pandemic plans of playing its first live shows and touring. âIt took two and a half years to get here,â Michael says, pausing thoughtfully. âIf you asked me when I first got my guitar if we would get a label and be where we are today, I would have said, âoh yeah, no problem,â but Iâve learned the reality of it all isnât that simple. It is amazing to be where we are today, but it was definitely a challenging journey.â  The band is set to start a 3 month residency at the famed Bowery Electric in NYC, with tour dates being booked for the summer and plans to release additional music later this year.
King Falcon is: Michael Rubin – Lead Guitar and Vocals James Terranova â Bass Tom Diognardi – Drums
Dark singer-songwriter THE DEVIL’S TRADE has teamed up with industrial noise artist JOHN CXNNOR for the recording of a brand new live album, ‘John Cxnnor X The Devilâs Trade – Live at Roadburn!’ The album was recorded during the artists’ performance at the 2022 edition of Roadburn and will be released on April 21, 2023 via Season of Mist (digital) and Pelagic Records (physical). The new live video for “Three Orphans” can be found at THIS LOCATION.
Pre-orders are now available via Season of Mist HERE and via Pelagic Records HERE.
For over two decades, Roadburn Festival has been a driving force in the international music scene. The organization, led by artistic director Walter Hoejimakers, commissions special pieces and collaborations under the motto of “Redefining Heaviness” in order to stimulate innovation and creativity in the underground music scene. The convergence of Danish electro-industrial duo John Cxnnor with Hungarian doom-folk artist The Devilâs Trade is one prime example of how powerful these collaborations can be, and those who were present at this already legendary show in Tilburg can attest to that.
THE DEVIL’S TRADE latest release ‘The Call of the Iron Peak’ can be streamed to in full HERE.
For his newest track “PROTOCOL: PHANTOM”, Caster enters the world of Cyberpunk on FiXT‘s new Altered compilation series. From start to finish the track is a storm fueled by gritty guitars and heavy rhythms, layered with synthesizers and a haunting bridge that spins away from the heavy sound into the ethereal before diving back into an aggressive inferno.  Polish producer Paul Szeligowski, better known as Caster is one of the fastest up-and-coming artists in electronic music.  Residing in London UK, Paul has quickly captivated the interests of many fans with his haunting sound, blending bass music with the horror genre. In just a short span Caster has accumulated millions of plays across many platforms, even gaining the attention of Excision and Seven Lions, as he continues to release music on their respective labels, Subsidia Records and Ophelia Records as well as other renown labels like, Monstercat, New Dawn, GRVDNCR, and Theracords. Casterâs witchcraft branding and storytelling music have gained him a true cult following. As his fans continue to listen to uncover the mysteries of Caster, his growth as an artist accelerates to becoming one of the most innovative electronic music producers of his generation. Welcome to his journey. Welcome to the coven.
Kimmo Kuusniemiâs 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 Kuusniemiâs 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 âAurora Nuclearisâ, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video