CHRIS BOLTENDAHL’S STEELHAMMER have released their new lyric video for Midnight Oil cover ‘Beds are Burning’, taken from the band’s upcoming album “Reborn In Flames” that will be released on July 28, 2023 as Digipack CD, black vinyl, limited sun yellow vinyl, limited splatter vinyl, limited picture disc, digital streaming / download and as a limited to 500 copies collector’s black steel box with logo printing on the lid that includes: digipack CD, a metal necklace with waxy cord strap, a woven logo patch and photocard signed by all band members! Pre-order here: https://bit.ly/steelhammer_reborn_in_flames
Chris comments on the song: “The song “Beds are burning” by Midnight Oil is more relevant today than ever before. Mankind is digging its own grave. Climate change can hardly be stopped. It is such a great song with a current time criticism … this song should wake up and lead us again and again in mind: there is only this world … after that nothing more comes!”
Digital single of “Beds are Burning” is now available across all digital and streaming platforms! Pre-save the album, here: https://bfan.link/reborn-in-flames
Female-fronted modern metal sensations CONSPIRACY OF BLACKNESS have inked a deal with Wormholedeath for the reissue of their critically acclaimed album “Pain Therapy.” The highly anticipated re-release is scheduled for September 22nd, 2023, and promises to captivate metal enthusiasts with its powerful and aggressive sound.
“We are absolutely thrilled and honored to announce our signing with Wormholedeath Records/Warner! Joining this incredible family of professionals fills us with immense pride. From the very beginning, starting with Max Enix (A&R at WHD) and then with owner Carlo Bellotti, we have felt appreciated and right at home. Their genuine interest in our work has been evident throughout. Carlo Bellotti, the owner, stands out for his competence and professionalism. He is a kind and helpful individual, as is his entire staff, always ready to provide valuable suggestions. We firmly believe that Wormholedeath is a crucial stepping stone for our artistic growth, and we genuinely feel that we are in the perfect place at the perfect time. With the support of Wormholedeath, we will be releasing our highly anticipated second album, “Pain Therapy,” and we cannot wait to share it with all of you. Stay tuned for more updates!”
“Pain Therapy” is an introspective journey born from profound disappointment and a fierce desire to denounce the afflictions of the human soul and the world at large. Each song serves as a firsthand account or witnesses to a story, collectively shedding light on pressing issues. From the pains of loneliness and the anxieties of judgment to the frustrations of injustice and lack of understanding, the album weaves a dense tapestry of emotions that connect its tracks. Through honest depiction, we aim to awaken society to its indifference toward the most vulnerable, stirring souls and raising awareness of the countless challenges individuals face as they search for solace. Departing from its Heavy Metal and NWOBHM influences, “Pain Therapy” embraces a darker and more powerful sound characteristic of Nu Metal/Alternative Metal. It reflects our innermost thoughts with contrasting yet impactful emotions, a result of our personal growth and diverse musical inspirations, ranging from Korn, Lacuna Coil, In This Moment, and Evanescence to the likes of Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Tears For Fears. The album serves as a conceptually rich experience, offering a soundtrack to our lives. Like a meticulously crafted book, every aspect has been painstakingly developed, including lyrics, artwork, and music, resulting in a microcosm of profound and discordant feelings. Each track tells its own unique story, with fallen and lost protagonists extending a supporting hand, reminding us all that we are not alone. These characters, flawed and broken, piece themselves together gradually, offering a glimpse of hope amidst the turmoil.
Tracklist:
Oblivion
Collapsed
Welcome Death
The Bride Of Ash 5. Bones
Afterlife
The Moth
Rise
Last Man Standing
Con Il Nastro Rosa (Lucio Battisti Cover – Bonus Track)
Hailing from Italy, Conspiracy of Blackness has been making waves in the metal scene since its formation in 2008. The band’s signature sound is rooted in heavy metal, showcasing an unwavering intensity that sets them apart.Drawing inspiration from the influential sounds of the 90s and 2000s, they seamlessly incorporate elements of nu-metal and alternative music into their compositions, resulting in a truly unique and atmospheric sonic experience.
The band’s musical journey began with their initial two EPs, “DARK WARRIOR” and “RISE AGAIN,” released in 2011. These early works established their foundation in heavy metal and set the stage for their subsequent evolution. Conspiracy of Blackness quickly gained recognition through their live performances and collaborations with other artists, such as the single “BLACK WIDOW” featured in the esteemed metal compilation “KILL CITY n ° 39.”
In 2016, the band released the single “ANTHELION,” which served as a prelude to their highly acclaimed debut album, “CONSPIRACY OF BLACKNESS AND RELATIVE AFTERMATH,” produced under the prestigious SG Records label. The record not only garnered an exceptional local response but also caught the attention of Rock Hard Italy magazine, leading to an interview feature in issue number 34. Building on their studio and live experiences, Conspiracy of Blackness felt the need to further explore and define their unique sound identity. After a period of introspection, the band returned to the scene in 2018 with a refreshed lineup and a renewed determination to delve into the modern metal genre. Embracing the influences of Nu-metal and Alternative music from the 90s and 2000s, they began crafting their latest album. With intricate dark and new wave soundscapes, the band’s new release promises to push boundaries and captivate listeners with its innovation.
Conspiracy of Blackness comprisesAntonio Bortone on guitar, Grazia Riccardo on vocals, Andrea Caliri on bass, and Francesco Salerno on drums. Together, they bring a diverse range of talents and a shared passion for creating powerful and immersive music that resonates with metal enthusiasts worldwide.
Fans can stay connected with Conspiracy of Blackness and receive updates on their music, shows, and latest news through their official website & social pages:
MARC HUDSON (DragonForce) reveals his second solo single, entitled “The Siren”, together with an official music video! Napalm Records will release MARC HUDSON’s innovative first solo full-length, Starbound Stories, on August 25, 2023. Starbound Stories is an uplifting journey through MARC HUDSON’s universe of power metal, anime influences, Japanese music and video game soundtracks.
Energetic “The Siren” is led by a tingling, uplifting melody and ballad-like vocals. The anime-influences that have heavily inspired Starbound Stories are clearly present in the soundscapes of this track, and the story-like lyrics enchant the listener. The accompanying official music video takes the magical atmosphere of the song to the next level.
MARC HUDSON on “The Siren”: “With soaring melodies, an electronic pulse and a chorus bursting to life with J-pop sensibilities, ‘The Siren’ serves as a love letter to the nightlife of Japan, lighting up the sky with endless colours and possibilities.”
“Starbound Stories is a soaring rocket ride of sparkling anime-inspired power metal and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!” – MARC HUDSON
Instrumental album opener “As The Twilight Met The Sea” acts as an introduction to the soundscapes of the album and features samurai metal master Ryoji Shinomoto (RYUJIN, previously known as Gyze) on traditional Japanese instruments. Shinomoto also lends his vocals on the following track, “Freedom Heart”, which also features a solo by guitar virtuoso Syu (Galneryus). Explosive power metal anthem “Dracula X” features a guitar solo by Jacky Vincent (ex-Falling in Reverse, ex-Cry Venom) and guest vocals by Adrienne Cowan (Seven Spires). Beautifully emotional successor “Stars” features classically trained violinist Mia Asano on electric violin. “Astralive” lures with an undeniably catchy chorus whilst also featuring fast drum patterns, spellbinding guitarwork and keys, and skillful power metal vocals that reach for the skies. “Swansong” starts off with a beautiful keyboard intro that could be pulled from a movie soundtrack. Sentimental vocals approach before the song progresses into a full-blown power metal ballad, with high screams and plenty of effects that further enhance the magical atmosphere while backing up the guitars and drums. Steve Terreberry, known on YouTube as Stevie T. (3.32M subscribers), performs a guitar solo on “Call Of The Martyrs” and is joined by prog guitarist Galen Stapley (Azure). Stapley also provides a solo on the following title track, “Starbound Stories”. “One More Sight Of The Sun With You” is sung in Japanese, staying true to the main themes of the album and closing the entire offering on an uplifting note.
MARC HUDSON’s debut solo album is an outstanding musical adventure balanced between power metal, video game soundtracks, Japanese music and even pop influences, showcasing virtuosity throughout all of its grand instrumentation.
Starbound Stories Tracklist:1 As the Twilight met the Sea (feat. Gyze) 2 Freedom Heart (feat. Gyze, Syu) 3 Dracula X! (feat. Jacky Vincent, Adrienne Cowan) 4 Stars (feat. Mia Asano) 5 The Siren 6 Astralive 7 Swansong 8 Call of the Martyrs (feat. Galen Stapley, Stevie T.) 9 Starbound Stories (feat. Galen Stapley) 10 One more sight of the sun with You
Line Up: Marc Hudson – Vocals, Guitar, Backing vocals Shaz D – Keyboards Frédéric Leclercq – Guitars, Bass Rich Smith – Drums
Austin, Texas-based melodic death metal unit HINAYANA are gearing up to announce some exciting future plans very soon, but in the meantime, have treated fans with a brand new music video for the colossal track “Pitch Black Noise”, cut from their crushing Death Of The Cosmic EP, released in 2020 via Napalm Records. The video was filmed by fellow melodic death metal musician Tuomas Saukkonen, frontman of labelmates Wolfheart.
The track’s melancholic atmosphere blends with hair-raising melodies and earth-shaking vocals, acting as a perfect bridge between the recent EP and what is to come next from HINAYANA!
Vocalist/guitarist Casey Hurd states about the track and video: “’Pitch Black Noise’ is one of the first songs I ever wrote for HINAYANA, but still holds so many of the key elements of the band’s sound even today. It has remained one of our favorites to play live over the years. Filmed in Leipzig, Germany by Tuomas Saukkonen of Wolfheart, we’re thrilled to give our 2020 EP one last hoorah with this new music video.”
HINAYANA started out as a one-man band spearheaded by frontman Casey Hurd, and subsequently released the crushing full-length, Order Divine, in 2018. Otherworldly and haunting while maintaining a massive heaviness peppered with undeniable groove, 2020’s Death Of The Cosmic EP was primarily self-produced by the band with mixing/drum recording from Kevin Butler and mastering by Swallow The Sun’s Juho Raiha.
View more videos for Death Of The Cosmic EP tracks “Cold Conception”, featuring trailblazing late Tengger Cavalry frontman and multi-instrumentalist Nature Ganganbaigal on Morin Khuur, and “In Sacred Delusion”, featuring Toni Toivonen of Hanging Garden now via the Napalm Records YouTube channel!
Take a sizzling road-trip with Swedish psychedelic doom masters DOMKRAFT and their new video single ‘Whispers’ taken from their highly-anticipated fourth album “Sonic Moons”, which is chalked-up for release on September 8, 2023 via Magnetic Eye Records. The album pre-sale is available via: http://lnk.spkr.media/sonic-moons
DOMKRAFT comment: “The new single ‘Whispers’ is not quite as subtle as the title suggests, but it’s not all upper case riff-o-rama during those nine minutes either”, vocalist and bass player Martin Wegeland elaborates. “We wanted a touch of weightlessness while keeping the pounding grooves to create a creeping sense of forward motion. To me, the mid-section solo is the centerpiece of the track and really showcases the wide range of Martin [Widholm]’s influences as a guitarist. The harmonies, together with the different energies and densities of the song, make it fairly representative of what the album is about: confined energy and release.”
Tracklist
Whispers
Stellar Winds
Magnetism
Slowburner
Downpour
Black Moon Rising
The Big Chill
On their fourth album, “Sonic Moons”, Sweden’s DOMKRAFT set forth on a voyage into the inner cosmos, riding their fuzz-driven, psychedelic riff-doom through the galactic psyche and into alternate metaphysical realities, all in search of escape, respite, and release.
DOMKRAFT generally stay true to their musical course on the new effort, but the Nordic trio has audibly matured and sharpened their writing as well. The trademark towering doom anthems remain, but with an ever so slight shift toward heavy rock through small tweaks and nuances.
That the Swedes returned to Welfare Sounds Studio on the outskirts of Gothenburg to work once more with studio heads Kalle Lilja and Per Stålberg has probably contributed as much to DOMKRAFT keeping their unique sonic identity as letting Karl Daniel Lidén (GREENLEAF, KATATONIA, LOWRIDER) again apply his mixing wizardry on “Sonic Moons”.
DOMKRAFT formed when singer and bassist Martin Wegeland, guitarist Martin Widholm, and drummer Anders Dahlgren bonded over a mutual love of bands such as SPACEMEN 3, MONSTER MAGNET, SLEEP, and HAWKWIND. Drawing from the heaviest of their combined influences, they crafted a sound that blends towering dirges, mind-bending psychedelia, and hypnotic minimalism, as embodied by DOMKRAFT’s monolithic 2016 debut album “The End of Electricity,” crushing 2018 follow-up “Flood”, and their acclaimed and massively amplified third full-length “Seeds” (2021).
DOMKRAFT have long established a reputation as a major live force and have performed at prestigious festivals such as the Desertfests (BE and DE), Psycho Las Vegas (US), Blow Up (FI), Sonic Whip (NL), Hostsabbat (NO) and many others.
With “Sonic Moons”, DOMKRAFT blast through the escape hatch to the emotionally charged inner spaces of the mind, soaring through fantastic new solar systems toward unexplored musical planets. Now is the perfect time to embark on the intergalactic journey with them!
Line-up Martin Wegeland – vocals, bass Martin Widholm – guitars Anders Dahlgren – drums
Southern California metal outfit LEATHERWOLF have announced the release of their latest video and single, ‘Thunder (MMXXII)’, in support of the forthcoming ‘Kill The Hunted’ vinyl edition. A powerful remake of their 1989 ‘Street Ready’ classic, ‘Thunder (MMXXII)’ will be available on all major digital platforms, including the group’s Bandcamp leatherwolfmetal.bandcamp.com/track/thunder-mmxxii, on July 25, with the vinyl set for an August 18 release, just ahead of the band’s August 23 headline show at the Whisky A Go-Go in West Hollywood CA.
“‘Thunder’ has always been a strong fan favorite and a song that’s been a mainstay in our setlist over the years”, says drummer/founding member, Dean Roberts. “Once we started putting together the ‘Kill The Hunted’ album, we knew we’d likely need an extra track or two for different editions. That’s when the idea arose to re-record a few of the old songs, including ‘Thunder’, with the new band. You know, as much as I like the original versions, I was always curious what they would sound like with today’s sonic possibilities. And I think the result speaks for itself – the new ‘Thunder’ is sounding so much more metal! Keith (Adamiak) is killing it on vocals and giving it that extra edge, Rob (Math) is on fire, and Joel (Hoekstra) put down an amazing guest solo which Luke (Man) will be playing live. So far, ‘Thunder (MMXXII)’ has only been available as a bonus track on the Japanese ‘Kill The Hunted’ CD so we’re excited to be able to present the track to a wider audience through vinyl and digital.”
LEATHERWOLF recently shot a video for ‘Thunder (XXMMII)’ at a West Los Angeles facility, helmed by award winning Spanish director Eric Boadella of Nlight Productions whose credits include L.A.Guns, Black Swan, and Revolution Saints.
Pre-orders for ‘Kill The Hunted’, which will be issued as a colored vinyl double LP housed in a gatefold sleeve, with artwork by Marc Sasso (Dio, Halford, Rob Rock), can be placed through the official LEATHERWOLF Big Cartel store at https://leatherwolf.bigcartel.com/
Band Members:
Keith Adamiak – vocals Rob Math – guitars Luke Man – guitars Wayne Findlay – guitar & keys Dean Roberts – drums Brice Snyder – bass (live) Barry Sparks – bass (studio)
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 ) 