Rockshots Records is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of “Karn of Burnings,” the fifth studio album from the extraordinary druid metal band, UNSHINE.
Set to make its global debut in March 2024, UNSHINE‘s forthcoming album, “Karn of Burnings,” assures an enthralling voyage delving into the realms of pre-modern human existence and posthuman metaphors, characterized by their signature blend of melodic Nordic folk elements and the ethereal vocals of Susanna Vesilahti.
With eight tracks, each representing a living entity from different eras, the album spans 45 minutes of melodic storytelling. UNSHINE believes that fans will be pleasantly surprised by the album’s offerings, promising a unique and unpredictable listening experience.
Today marks the release of the first single, “Hjul,” and its accompanying video from “Karn of Burnings.”
“Hjul” is not just a song but an entire album in a metaphorical sense. A ritualistic composition in both its musical and lyrical tautology, “Hjul” mirrors the cyclical nature of seasons and mythical themes. Like the changing seasons in the cycle of the year, the musical and mythical themes and names recur again and again, creating a mesmerizing experience for the listener.” comments guitarist Harri Hautala.
Fans and enthusiasts worldwide are encouraged to experience the ritualistic journey of “Hjul” and stay tuned for the full release of “Karn of Burnings” on March 22, 2024, from Rockshots Records.
The past few years have been a strange trip for just about everyone, but Stoned Jesus have had trouble staying still. The Ukrainian trio planned on recording their highly-anticipated fifth album in 2020. Of course, the pandemic forced them to change course. And while they did manage to release Father Light back in March, the war with Russia prevented them from giving their new album the tour that it deserves.
“…a career album”, writes The Obelisk, who ranked Father Light among the Top 10 albums of 2023. “…a mature, crafted and thoughtful collection…accounts for the narrative of how Stoned Jesus became the band they are, and in that retelling, inevitably changes and evolves that same definition”.
These doomy stoners are happy to announce that they’re touring Southern Europe in 2024. This tour will celebrate 15 years of Stoned Jesus, who’ve grown into a big, blistering guiding light for heavy, progressive rock. Joining the festivities are Mars Red Sky, the French psych-rockers whose new album also landed toward the top of The Obelisk‘s list.
“Fifteen years of Stoned Jesus, can you believe it??” says the band. “We’re excited to be back on tour to celebrate this overwhelming date with quite a number of shows in 2024 – and we’ll have the-greatest-hits set list ready, too! It’s amazing to have our good friends, Mars Red Sky, on board as well. We toured with them before and we’re absolutely looking forward to do it again. See you on the road!”
STONED JESUS – XV ANNIVERSARY TOUR Southern Europe April 16: Strasbourg FR @ La Laiterie [TICKETS] April 17: Karlsruhe DE @ Alte Hackerei [TICKETS] April 18: Paris FR @ Le Trabendo [TICKETS] April 19: Bordeaux FR @ Le Royal [TICKETS] April 20: Hondarribia ES @ Psylocibenea* [TICKETS] April 21: Porto PT @ Hard Club* [TICKETS] April 22: Lisbon PT @ Lisboa ao Vivo* [TICKETS] April 23: Madrid ES @ Nazca* [TICKETS] April 24: Barcelona ES @ Razzmatazz 3* [TICKETS] April 25: Touluse FR @ Le Rex* [TICKETS] April 26: Toulon FR @ Omega Live* April 27: Lyon FR @ Le Transbordeur [TICKETS]
Tracklist 1. Father Light (03:35) 2. Season of the Witch (11:34) 3. Thought and Prayers (06:22) WATCH HERE 4. Porcelain (08:09) WATCH HERE 5. CON (04:10) WATCH HERE 6. Get What You Deserve (09:08) WATCH HERE Total runtime: 43:00
Ukrainian prog-stoner trio STONED JESUS held their first rehearsal since the Russian invasion in the middle of July 2022. It was a moment the band dubbed as “surreal” and justifiably so — the regular ritual of band practice was made impossible by the war. The members of Stoned Jesus — Igor Sydorenko (vocals/guitar), Sergii Sliusar (bass) and Dmytro Zinchenko (drums) — captured the moment for their social media channels. A broad smile of defiance and satisfaction can be seen on their faces. Regardless of the senseless havoc and destruction reaped upon their homeland, Stoned Jesus would play on. It was the resumption of a music career temporarily thwarted but not defeated by evil.
Since 2009, Stoned Jesus has served as one of Ukraine’s leading forces in heavy rock. Sydorenko, a veteran of the Ukrainian music scene, formed the band after stumbling upon some heavy and angry riffs that would become the song “Occult.” He fed off his Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin influences and was soon turned onto Electric Wizard and Sleep, two bands who mastered the art of bold, lurching heaviness, thus creating a sonic template to abide by.
The band was initially dubbed “Stoned Jesus from the Outer Space” but shortened to the much crisper Stoned Jesus. The name was trimmed down out of necessity — Sydorenko wanted to legitimize the band immediately. “I realized that this may cause some problems,” he told the Psychedelic Baby webzine in 2010. “Some people wouldn’t take our music seriously, then. I don’t mind jokes and having fun, but music is always the most serious thing for me.”
Two demos ensued before Stoned Jesus’ debut LP, 2010’s First Communion. Recorded in two hours, First Communion was a promising offering that dove headlong into the world of heavy stoner rock, with three songs going over the ten-minute mark for hypnotic effect. The album eventually saw a proper reissue in 2020, introducing it to a new group of fans. Seven Thunders Roar followed in 2012 and included “I’m the Mountain,” a 16-minute epic jam that has since become a live staple. The album also introduced a bevy of acoustic guitar and softer vocal approaches from Sydorenko.
The Harvest came next in 2015, deftly transitioning Stoned Jesus from sludge into new terrain, including alternative and progressive rock. This is a credit to Sydorenko’s evolving songwriting style and desire to never allow Stoned Jesus to repeat itself. “It works brilliantly for the likes of Motörhead or AC/DC, but we’re not that legendary yet,” he told Outlaws of the Sun webzine in 2015. “So, let’s experiment, shall we? Let’s play with the genres, the sound, the song structures, the melodies, the timings — yes, my favorite trick!”
Pilgrim came next in 2018, which until now, has been the band’s career-defining moment. Stoned Jesus’ original plans were to record its follow-up in 2020. That, of course, was sidelined by the pandemic. The band then entered Spivaki Records in Kharkiv in July 2021 to record nine songs at 75 minutes. Two-thirds of the material was mixed and mastered before the invasion, leaving the final run-time of six songs at 43 minutes.
The result is Father Light, the band’s first for Season of Mist. The album catches Stoned Jesus in full bloom. The foundational elements of Stoned Jesus’ sound remain (fuzzed-out rock, driving bass lines and maximum groove) and are once again augmented by the combination of Sydorenko’s gentle clean vocals and hook-laden chorus choices, along with an array of ornamental guitar melodies. And, in true Stoned Jesus fashion, the journey is often the reward: The cuts on Father Light expand and shift — all the while, the band’s trademark heaviness serves as the guide.
Stoned Jesus subsequently resumed live activity in July 2022 with European festival dates and runs with countrymen (and labelmates) Somali Yacht Club and then VOVK. The shows provided the band the opportunity to air two of the songs that would end up on Father Light: “Con” and “Porcelain.” Moreover, the dates were an outlet for the band to connect with waiting audiences who supported their music and cause of raising money to help those impacted by the war.
The idea that music is the ultimate escape has never rung truer in light of what happened to Ukraine in 2022. The prospect of brighter days lies ahead, making the Father Light album title even more appropriate.
Bio: David E. Gehlke
Line-up: Lead-Vocals and Guitar: Igor Sydorenko Bass and backing vocals: Sergii Sliusar Drums and backing vocals: Dmytro Zinchenko
THRONE OF THORNS have released their first single and music video ‘Underwold’, taken from the upcoming debut album “Converging Parallel Worlds”, set to be released on February 16th via ROAR! Rock Of Angels Records.
“As the first single of the album, this song is based on personal experiences, highlighting the difficult struggle faced by many due to the contemporary lack of empathy within an increasingly individualistic society. It focuses on the impact of bullying and the conflicting emotions experienced by victims.”Throne Of Thorns comments.
THRONE OF THORNS crafts a unique sonic journey by seamlessly blending melodic, heavy, power, and progressive metal, appealing to a diverse audience… for fans of Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Fates Warning, Avantasia, Stratovarius, and Helloween. Their full-length debut album ‘Converging Parallel Worlds’ is a musical rollercoaster, dealing with the pressing issues of global injustice, delving into the seductive grip of capitalism, power abuse and self-indulgence. The album’s title serves as a metaphor for the dwindling time left to alter our destructive course, preventing Earth and humanity from succumbing to the ravages of relentless prosperity. With soaring melodies and memorable choruses, THRONE OF THORNS creates music that lingers in the mind, revealing new layers with each listen.
The mastering of the album was entrusted to JacobHansen, an internationally acclaimed Danish producer known for his unwavering commitment to sonic perfection.
“Converging Parallel Worlds” will be released on February 16, 2024 as Digipack CD and digital streaming / download format.
• Produced and engineered by Guy Vercruysse • Mixed by Guy Vercruysse • Mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios • Cover art and design by Harley Velasquez
TRACK LIST: 1. Rise 2. Storm Maker 3. Atomic Retribution 4. Black Diamond 5. Converging Parallel Worlds 6. Underworld 7. Throne of Thorns 8. Fire and Ice
Throne of Thorns are: Thomas Jethro Verleye – Lead & rhythm guitars, bass, orchestral arrangements Josey Hindrix – Lead & backing vocals Wim Rotthier – Keyboards & piano Guy Vercruysse – Backing vocals Baruch Van Bellegem – Drums
Jimmy Kay and Alan Dixon from The Metal Voice recently interviewed Saxon singer Biff Byford. Byford talked about the bands up and coming album “Hell, Fire And Damnation” as well as the bands touring plans.
Hell, Fire And Damnation will be released on January 19, 2024 via Silver Lining Music.
When asked to give a headline summarizing the new upcoming albums “This album is a monster ! “
When asked to describe the musical direction of the new album ‘Hell, Fire And Damnation’ “We just wanted to write the perfect rock song that’s the goal you know to write the perfect metal song and the perfect album. So that’s always our goal. So we’re always trying to write better songs and get better sounds. I think this album’s probably the best sounding Saxon album ever high-fi wise. We’re just getting closer to perfection every album.”
When asked about the lyrical inspirations on the new album “Just thinking of stories that are interesting really that pop into my crazy head. Just things that interest me and obviously interest millions of other people as well. History is interesting and it’s forever and it’s forever renewing itself.”
When asked about one of the tracks THERE’S SOMETHING IN ROSWELL and if he enjoys a good conspiracy theory “I like a good conspiracy theory, they’re great because it gets you thinking and uh you look at all the facts and uh should to make up your own mind. I’d like to think that there was something in Roswell, I’m more of a believer than a disbeliever but I’m not totally sold on it. In America they interviewed a lot of people on this and they did a survey and I think 95% of people thought there was something in Roswell, so that’s where the song comes from. I mean Roswell’s Ground Zero isn’t it for UFO’s, it um all sort of started in Roswell.”
When asked if guitarist Paul Quinn participated on the new album “Paul plays a couple of songs on the album and play solos on a few songs. We were making the album so fast and so inspired by making the album. We did it on the road in Europe on our Festival tour and Paul (Quinn) wasn’t with us because he stopped touring. So Brian (Tatler) stood up in his place and uh you know he supplied a couple of great Rifts actually, so we’re very lucky.”
When asked about Paul Quinn’s Health status “Paul’s health is it okay, he got a bit of rheumatism in his fingers when he plays a lot and he wanted to rest. I think he wanted a quiet life. Bein in a touring Rock Band is not really a quiet life.”
When asked about if Saxon uses live tricks when performing When we play live we don’t use click tracks or anything. Everything you get is live. We might have a few noises on Nibb’s (Carter) base pedals you know like sirens and Jet plans and things but just little effects but most what you get and what you hear is live.”
Finnish Melodic Thrash/Death Metal band MIDJUNGARDS have released their second single and music video for ‘Chosen By The Gods‘. The song is taken from their second album ‘When Empires Fall‘, which will be out on January 26th, 2024 via Dark Trails Records. The YouTube video can be viewed here:
1. Intro 2. The Last March 3. Chosen By The Gods 4. Stronger Than Hate and Love 5. When Empires Fall 6. Age Is A Number 7. In Dragon’s Blood 8. The Ring 9. Father And Son 10. Written In The Heart
Produced by MIDJUNGARDS. Recorded and mixed by Leevi Kohonen at Finnvox Studios. Mastering by Mika Jussila and Finnvox Studios.
MIDJUNGARDS is:
Toni Cano – vocals, bass and guitars Murilo Messer – lead guitar Timmo Salakka – drums
MIDJUNGARDS was formed in 2006. Toni Cano developed the concept of the band over the years, close to the amazing history of the historical goths. Toni learned the historical goth language and get very deep into their long history to get all the inspiration needed.
With the help of the ex-drummer of “Parking Fox” Paco Muñoz. Toni recorded the debut album ‘From Scandza‘ at Finnvox studios, with the release on March 2023.
The debut album was well received by fans and press. MIDJUNGARDS toured after the release in Finland and Estonia, in Spain and played at the great festival “Rock Imperium” in Cartagena.
MIDJUNGARDS second album ‘When Empires Fall‘ offers a blend of melodic Thrash Death Metal with lyrics inspired in the classic and medieval world or the historical goths.
The unique two-drummers instrumental post-metal band THE LUMBERJACK FEEDBACK signs to Argonauta Records to release their new album in 2024.
Established in 2008, the band comprises talented members from diverse musical backgrounds.
Their music is all instrumental, with no singer, characterized by heavy, powerful riffs and dark, two drummers, hypnotic atmospheres, creating a unique sonic universe.
The genesis of the band traces back to a shared passion for metal and a desire to create immersive, captivating music. Over the years, The Lumberjack Feedback has honed its musical identity, blending diverse influences ranging from sludge to doom and post-rock.
The result is a complex, entrancing fusion capable of transporting the listener to emotional soundscapes.
Their debut album, “Hand of Glory,” released in 2013, immediately captivated heavy music enthusiasts with its bold marriage of penetrating rhythms and bewitching atmospheres.
Subsequently, the band continued to refine their style with albums like “Blackened Visions” in 2016 where you can find Alex Colin Toquaine from the legendary band Agressor, and “Mere Mortals” as a hurricane of power in 2019, expanding their artistic footprint.
Through their music, The Lumberjack Feedback transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries, resonating with audiences worldwide. The band continues to make its mark in the music landscape, delivering energetic and mind-blowing live performances that leave no one indifferent. The future looks promising for this band that has already won the hearts of metal aficionados.
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
