Always thought-provoking and eager to explore new avenues QUEENSRŸCHE are releasing a fully AI generated video for the song “Tormentum”, taken from their latest album, “Digital Noise Alliance”. The video was directed by Above The Void (https://www.abovethevoid.com/) and you can watch it below.
The band about the song and concept of the video: “Driving straight into the horrors of crimes against humanity and the rules of the Geneva Convention, this storyline depicts two characters: one as the vulnerable victim in pain, and the other as the captor trying to extract information. The chorus leads with the powerful chant, “Lights Again”, expressing the person finally opening their eyes staring at the interrogation lights above during the dead intervals of torture. The eyes return to being closed tightly as the sessions begin again. The tale ends up highlighting this never-ending cycle of power, control, and greed.”
With a career that not only spans, but has charted the course of multiple genres, QUEENSRŸCHE remains a force in their own right. “Digital Noise Alliance”, QUEENSRŸCHE’s 16th studio album continues their ever-evolving legacy.
Once again teaming up with producer Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed), “Digital Noise Alliance” not only refracts QUEENSRŸCHE’s past accomplishments but also pushes into the band’s future. It is the band effortlessly moving from strength to strength: immediate and thought-provoking. Quintessentially QUEENSRŸCHE.
Viking metal icons SKÁLMÖLD have revealed their epically catchy second single, “Verðandi”, together with an official music video. With their first record in five years, the Icelandic six-piece will unveil their highly anticipated sixth studio album, Ýdalir, on August 18, 2023 via Napalm Records.
Dominated by a chant-like rhythm, “Verðandi“ represents an unforgettable track, with catchy guitar and oboe-driven details. While the first half of the track is driven by the heaviest of folk and death metal elements, strong vibrations of growls subside with the sound of the ocean and fragile organ melodies.
Fans can look forward to the band’s brand new material and energetic live shows this summer – including their return to huge European metal festivals like Wacken and Summer Breeze!
Björgvin Sigurðsson on “Verðandi”: “The second song we present to you from our upcoming album is ‘Verðandi’. Parts of the story of Ullur presented on the album are told through the eyes of the Norns – Urður, Verðandi and Skuld. Past, present and future. The Norns live at the foot of Yggdrasill where they spin the threads of fate of all men. The three Norns all get their own song on the album and here we enter the realm of the present with Verðandi.
In two ways this song has a really classic feel to it. Firstly it is heavily inspired by the more classic styles of Metal and has a very old-school vibe. Secondly it can be seen as a classic SKÁLMÖLD song, driven forward by a really catchy and folk inspired melody, yet still heavy and epic.”
Björgvin adds: “This is one of my favorite songs on the album and I am super happy with how it turned out. It is also really fun to play and we realized when shooting the video and playing along to the track that this is one of the songs from the new album that will most definitely become a constant in our live shows. But before you press play, I must tell you that the main melody is insanely catchy and will probably haunt you in your sleep for days. Consider yourself warned. Cheers!”
Starting off with soothing opener “Ýr“, gentle acoustic guitar and organs are the calm before the storm. Catapulted to a dwelling owned by the god Ullur, the unsettled “Ýdalir“ builds with its hypnotizing guitar rhythms and galloping drum sounds, building a solid ground for ominous and dark growls. Based on Norse mythology, the sister “Skuld” makes up a trio of Norns, responsible for deciding the fate of people. Remarkable clean tenor vocals guide through the mystic mood, breaking up the heavy horizon with a fast-paced guitar solo and underlined by eerie bass lines. Closing the album, the stunning ten-minute track “Ullur” invites the listener into a colorful journey of melodic folk metal. Accompanied by roaring fire, the lyrics conform to some of the Old Norse poetic forms and create a magnificent interaction of oboe and keyboard elements, while the catchy guitar riff rises dramatically with the more eerie-like harmonies, providing a cinematic, epic ending. With Ýdalir, SKÁLMÖLD showcases a blend of both ancient and modernized cultural heritage, and connects precious sagas with thrilling black metal elements while folk metal melodies give them an enigmatic touch.
Festival Shows: 04.08.23 DE – Wacken Open Air 17.08.23 CZ – Moravsky Krumlov / Rock Castle 18.08.23 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze 22.-24.09.23 NO – Oslo / DE – Hamburg / Full Metal Cruise
Iceland Shows: 15.09.23 IS – Reykjavík / Háskólabíó 16.09.23 IS – Akureyri / Hof
Ýdalir European Tour 2023: w/ Metsatöll & Atavistia
13.10.23 DK – Copenhagen / Lille Vega 14.10.23 DE – Hamburg / Headcrash 15.10.23 DE – Trier / Mergener Hof 16.10.23 DE – Cologne / Gebäude 9 17.10.23 FR – Paris / Backstage O’Sullivan 18.10.23 CH – Monthey / Pont Rouge 19.10.23 CH – Solothurn / Kofmehl Raumbar 20.10.23 FR – Sélestat / Rock Your Brain Festival 21.10.23 DE – Mannheim / MS Connexion 22.10.23 DE – Munich / Backstage 23.10.23 AT – Vienna / Szene 24.10.23 AT – Graz / Explosiv 25.10.23 HU – Budapest / Analog Music Hall 26.10.23 SK – Kosice / Collosseum 27.10.23 PL – Bielsko-Biala / Rude Boy 28.10.23 PL – Lublin / Studio
SKÁLMÖLD are: Baldur Ragnarsson – Guitar, vocals Björgvin Sigurðsson – Lead Vocals, guitar Gunnar Ben – Keyboard, vocals, oboe Jón Geir Jóhannsson – Drums, vocals Snæbjörn Ragnarsson – Bass, vocals Þráinn Árni Baldvinsson – Lead guitar, vocals
Swiss modern metal upstarts ILLUMISHADE have signed a worldwide contract with Napalm Records! The premier Austrian rock and metal label is more than proud to welcome the five-piece to its ever growing roster. Along with the signing, the band, fronted by vocalist Fabienne Erni and guitarist Jonas Wolf (both of Eluveitie), unveils their brand-new standalone single, entitled “ENEMY”. With the enchanting new track, ILLUMISHADE delivers pure magic with a fresh dose of prog influences, transporting the listener into the band’s mystical world. The track goes in line with a visually palpable music video and marks the beginning of a new chapter for ILLUMISHADE.
In 2020, ILLUMISHADE released their debut album, ECLYPTIC: Wake of Shadows, receiving top acclaim by critics and fans alike. Their music videos have gathered hundreds of thousands of views so far and fans were blown away by their matchless stage appearance as a special guest for Delain and Xandria on their recent tour.
Stay tuned for more exciting news coming soon!
ILLUMISHADE comments: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce that ILLUMISHADE has signed with Napalm Records! This marks an exciting new chapter in our musical journey that we believe will open numerous doors and unlock new paths.
We want to take this moment to express our gratitude to each and every one of our fans for your support over the years. Your belief in us has been the driving force behind our growth. As we embark on this new journey with Napalm Records, we promise to channel our energies and dedication into delivering nothing but the best!
We are immensely excited to start this new phase alongside Napalm Records, and we cannot wait to see where this road takes us.
Thank you again for being a part of this journey with us. Here’s to a future filled with music, creativity, and a shared love for the arts.
With immense gratitude and excitement, ILLUMISHADE”
Napalm Records adds: “We are extremely happy to welcome onboard one of the most promising bands in the melodic metal scene of today! ILLUMISHADE amaze with their strong live performances, their personality and their unique sound – capable of blending together elements of djent, symphonic, progressive and more. They are definitely one of a kind, and we couldn’t be happier to start this journey together.”
Check out below the Official Music Video for “ENEMY”.
ILLUMISHADE live: 29.07.23 IT – Cavernago / Malpaga Folk & Metal Festival More tba
ILLUMISHADE are: Fabienne Erni – Voice, Piano Jonas Wolf – Guitars Mirjam Skal – Orchestration / Synths Yannick Urbanczik – Bass Marc Friedrich – Drums
Long Island sludge metal trio RESTLESS SPIRIT have released the video single ‘Marrow’ as the first outtake from their forthcoming third album “Afterimage”. The new full-length is scheduled for release on October 6, 2023 via Magnetic Eye Records. The album pre-sale is now available at THIS LOCATION!
RESTLESS SPIRIT comment: “The opening track ‘Marrow’ truly comes from the heart and sets the theme for the entire album”, guitarist and singer Paul Aloisio writes. “This song is about watching someone that you love at the end of their life. It’s about the bargaining, the pleading, the denial… all those stages of grief. Although the song deals with desperation, it is also an acknowledgement of a bitter truth. We think everyone can relate to this song, because while maybe you haven’t had to experience these feelings yet, reality is, eventually you will. I’ve never had the courage to be so open through my music before, and I won’t lie and say that it wasn’t terrifying to do so. Yet our hope is that it can resonate with anyone struggling through an experience like this.”
Tracklist
Marrow
Shadow Command
Of Spirit and Form
All Furies
Brutalized
The Fatalist
Hell’s Grasp
From the Dust Returned
In the case of RESTLESS SPIRIT, the band name says it all, and in more than just one way. Their third album, “Afterimage”, embodies the East Coast trio’s aim of never wanting to sound exactly like before. Long Island deep-fried guitars meet pounding rhythms and emotionally raw vocals. Where the predecessor “Blood of the Old Gods” (2021) sometimes ushered the listener into twisted complexity, “Afterimage” delivers short, sharp shocks that hit straight home.
Lyrically, “Afterimage” is also born out of a restless spirit. Driven by tragedy and personal loss, singer and guitarist Paul Aloisio has put his heart and soul into the album. Confronted with a choice to deal with his pain in a healthy way or go down a destructive path, the singer and guitarist opted for the former but months later found his words to be prophetic for doing the latter. Deciding that artistry requires honesty, Alosio wanted to share his experience as a message to others in similar situations that they’re not alone in their despair. “Afterimage” might well be read as a cautionary tale.
Embarking on their musical journey very early in life, the band’s core of Aloisio and bassist Marc Morello met the summer before Kindergarten and grew up discovering music side by side. Channelling influences like BLACK SABBATH, TYPE O NEGATIVE, and THE SWORD and incorporating aggressive modern metal, unabashed stoner-doom pummelling, energetic changes, and stirring, earnest vocals, their band was finally christened RESTLESS SPIRIT in 2019. Their debut full-length “Lord of the New Depression” (2019) fit equally well into the stoner, doom, and sludge molds, while on “Blood of the Old Gods”, the three-piece developed a more varied, melodic approach with added complexity.
Discontent at being sometimes labelled ‘progressive’, RESTLESS SPIRIT, true contrarians that they are, avoided overly-long songs and excessive ornamentation on “Afterimage”, intentionally eliminating anything that might distract from the new album’s direct, crushing immediacy.
On the live front, the Long Island band has undertaken several tours in support of “Blood of the Old Gods” and shared stages with the likes of CROWBAR, THE OBSESSED and CANNIBAL CORPSE. They will return to the road in winter 2023/24 to present “Afterimage”.
With “Afterimage”, RESTLESS SPIRIT deliver a massive punch to the gut that actually feels damn great once the initial pain subsides.
Line-up Paul Aloisio – guitar, vocals Jon Gusman – drums Marc Morello – bass
Guest musicians Scott “Wino” Weinrich – guitars on ‘The Fatalist’ Mike Hill – vocals on ‘Shadow Command’
RESTLESS SPIRIT Live 25 AUG 2023 Masapequa, NY (US) VFW Hall 30 AUG 2023 Brooklyn, NY (US) St Vitus 01 SEP 2023 Montague, MA (US) RPM Fest 19 SEP 2023 Memphis, TN (US) Hi-Tone Cafe 21 SEP 2023 Austin TX (US) RippleFest Texas 25 SEP 2023 Mesa, AZ (US) Nile Underground 26 SEP 2023 Los Angeles, CA (US) Knuckleheads 27 SEP 2023 Sacramento, CA (US) Cafe Colonial 28 SEP 2023 Springfield, OR (US) The Spot, 29 SEP 2023 Portland, OR (US) Highwatermark 30 SEP 2023 Seattle, WA (US) Funhouse, 01 OCT 2023 Bellingham, WA (US) The Shakedown 29 OCT 2023 Amityville, NY (US) Amityville Music Hall
Guest musicians Scott “Wino” Weinrich – guitars on ‘The Fatalist’ Mike Hill – vocals on ‘Shadow Command’
Attention BODY COUNT fans, your heavy metal heroes have something special for you! The Grammy-winning group has just dropped an instrumental version of their bone-shaking track, “Carnivore.”
Experience the song in a new light, where the raw power and intricacies of their signature sound are laid bare. This instrumental onslaught is out now, ready to conquer your playlists. Available on all major streaming platforms.
Nathan James is on fire with his last release “The Hanged Man” doing over 600K Spotify streams in the first month. While also having the song being added in the full SXM Octane radio rotation.
“My next song ‘TOXIC WORLD’ takes a deep dive into the modern art/music world calling out the ‘Fast Food Music’ that we currently see a lot of “artists” making,” says Nathan James.
Nathan James will be heading out on tour with Shaggy 2 Dope of Insane Clown Posse this summer. The tour will kick off on July 19th in Sauget, IL at Pop’s and conclude on August 12th in Fort Wayne, IN.
Nathan James is an independent artist who is a “Photographer Rockstar.” Nathan stands for the popular outcast with a goal to turn all life experiences good or bad into “MORE ART” through music and photography.
Hailing from the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado, Nathan James has always been pushing out his creative energy for the world to see. Building a foundation as one of the most desired entertainment photographer behind some of the industry’s most iconic shots (Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Machine Gun Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Post Malone & many more.
Since his burst onto the music scene in early 2020, Nathan James has already developed into a full-blown rockstar, manifesting his creative influences into a unique musical identity. It would be an understatement to say that Nathan hit the ground running. Despite the compromising circumstances of COVID-19, Nathan James has released multiple singles and amassed millions of streams across all platforms.
Nathan James has no intention of stopping his production of “MORE ART”. Whether it’s photography, music, or any other form of art, Nathan James is a unique presence that cannot go unnoticed. In a world full of creativity and expression, Nathan James urges people everywhere to create “MORE ART”, and he’s not afraid to lead by example.
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 ) 