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 new single of the legendary heavy metallers HELL RIDERS, “101813800” will be released on February 26, 2024, and with it, a new path, a new journey for the band from Ticino will also begin! The band, is currently in the studio, working hard on the next album to be released soon. In the meantime, get your motorcycles ready, start your engines and get ready for a rush of pure Heavy Metal adrenaline that their brand new single will give you!
The Hell Riders were born by Riccardo Marcassa (guitarist) and Davide Girardi (vocals) in January 2018 in Porlezza, Como province. On the first of December the Hell Riders sign a contract with Volcano Records and enter the studio to record the first album on December 17, 2018.
The recordings end on May 24, 2019 with a new drummer, Angelo Cislaghi, while in September of the same year, a new member arrives, young Enea Maina on second guitar. On November 1, 2019, the band’s debut album titled “First Race” was released with Angelo Cislaghi on drums, Caty van Alchemy on bass, Riccardo Marcassa on guitar and Davide Girardi on vocals.
Despite the worldwide pandemic, the infernal bikers’ race does not stop between concerts, writing the second record and in April 9, 2021 they sign with Mr.Jack’s Wanikiya Records / Promotions.
In August 2022 Dave, who remained the only member of the band, picks up new members with whom he will finish touring First Race and writing the second record: Bobo on drums, Ryo on bass, and Francesco Arioli on lead guitar.
Italian blackened doom/noise band LACOLPA have shared the new single “Larva I”. The single is a stream of consciousness type of experiment brought to light by sessions of cathartic improvisations. Stream the track at THIS LOCATION.
After the debut album “Mea Maxima Culpa” from 2017, and “Post Tenebras Lux” from 2020, both of which were released to critical acclaim and ended up being featured in many album of the year charts by the likes of Cvlt Nation and The Wire Magazine amongst many others, LACOLPA are back with a new single.
This release constitutes the second chapter of a trilogy of digital releases leading up to LACOLPA‘s much anticipated third album scheduled for 2024.
The monstrously heavy and sludgier parts that are one of LACOLPA’s trademarks here give way to something even more eerie and painful, creating soundscapes of improvisational noise and ambient drone that still manage to retain all the monolithically dark and ominous atmospheres typical of the band since its inception in 2015.
LACOLPA is a blackened doom/noise band from Alessandria (Italy) that experiments different stratifications of sonic nightmares.
Active since 2015, they have released 2 demos and 2 full length albums.
Both “Mea Maxima Culpa” (2017) and “Post Tenebras Lux” (2020) were released to critical acclaim and ended up being featured in many album of the year charts by the likes of Cvlt Nation and The Wire Magazine amongst many others.
Their sound is monolithically dark and ominous, a distinctive trademark merging doom and noise that has become heavier and sludgier with every release, all the while experimenting with some of the most painful soundscapes of improvisational noise and drone metal.
Thematically, their lyrics outlines LACOLPA’s philosophy of pain, deeply rooted in the human condition of eternal suffering. Agony is the only hope for transcendence, and yet here faith is worth nothing, because crosses are invisible and only pain is real.
Accepting defeat, embracing pain, becoming a martyr won’t lead to any illumination – but to the realisation that our existence is only an error, a mistake, a sin performed by God himself in the act of projecting an image of his real self upon us.
Line-up: Andrea Moio: bass Cecco Testa: synth, noise, samples Davide Boeri: drums Davide Destro: guitars, Synth/Effects/Moog Mario Olivieri: vocals
VLTIMAS recently unveiled their upcoming album ‘EPIC’ with the release of the first single Miserere. To be released on the 15th of March, 2024 – VLTIMAS are ready to ascend to truly epic heights.
Now, VLTIMAS are ready to take to the stages across Europe, flexing their metal might to fans on seven unique dates in March of 2024.
VLTIMAS ‘EPIC’ European Tour2024 23 March: Enschede, NL @ Metropool [TICKETS] 24 March: Drachten, NL @ Iduna [TICKETS] 26 March: Hamburg, DE @ Logo [TICKETS] 27 March: Copenhagen, DK @ Hotel Cecil [TICKETS] 28 March: Fredericia, DK @ Tøjhuset [TICKETS] 29 March: Oslo, NO @ Inferno Fest [TICKETS] 31 March: Athens, GR @ Kyttaro Live
Tracklist 1. Volens Discordant (1:02) 2. EPIC (4:35) 3. Miserere (3:51) [WATCH] 4. Exercitus Irae (4:01) 5. Mephisto Manifesto (05:05) 6. Scorcher (03:21) 7. Invictus (5:30) 8. Nature’s Fangs (3:52) 9. Spoils of War (5:54) Total runtime: 37:16
Extreme metal powerhouse VLTIMAS (pronounced ‘uhl-tuh-mas’) assault metaldom once more with their highly-anticipated sophomore album, EPIC, through Season of Mist. Featuring Norwegian guitarist Rune “Blasphemer” Eriksen (ex-Mayhem, Aura Noir), American vocalist David Vincent (ex-Morbid Angel), and Canadian drummer Flo Mounier (Cryptopsy), the multinational quintet, rounded out by Dutch bassist Ype TVS (ex-Dodecahedron) and Portuguese guitarist João Duarte (Corpus Christii), continue to venture down their path. Moored by strength and integrity, VLTIMAS fortified their signature with wicked invention, as applauded by Decibel Magazine, BangerTV, Louder, and many others, on their debut, Something Wicked Marches In (2019). Singles “Miserere,” “Scorcher,” and “Invictus” showcase a band of musicians at the top of their game, united in their pursuit of oneness. “We wrote every bit of EPIC together at my ranch in Dime Box, Texas,” offers Vincent. “The writing sessions were as organic as they could be. There were times when, at the end of the night, Rune would take his guitar and play something ridiculous. Flo would play something even more ridiculous on top of it. I’d say to the guys, ‘I need to capture this.’ So, the magic [of VLTIMAS] is being in the same room together, discussing, playing, and recording music and everything else we’re doing together. We have unbelievable camaraderie.”
While the members of VLTIMAS are not atavists, their preferred creative methods are time-tested and battle-hardened. Technology has its place, but the group thrive when they’re together, not separated by the world. Eriksen, renowned as a riff innovator, is more effective when he’s got a highly capable sideman like Vincent or Mounier, whose drumming in Cryptopsy and his celebrated instructional Extreme Metal Drumming 101 DVD has proven to be a no-limits player, by his side. Whether it’s the moody, angular attack of “Miserere,” the wicked groove of “Mephisto Manifesto,” or the dark fury of “Nature’s Fangs,” the chemistry and enterprise of VLTIMAS is undeniable.
“The main goal [of VLTIMAS] is to be real,” Eriksen reveals. “To channel the very moment, to let true inspiration out. I don’t believe I ever set myself a goal on what an album should or needs to sound like before I or we write it because that means I have to compromise during the process. For EPIC, we focused on more direct songs, trimming the fat, as opposed to Something Wicked Marches In, which had a progressive and ‘playful’ flair.”
VLTIMAS was a profane concept—a constellation of riffs against a modest frame—when formed by Eriksen in 2015. After departing Mayhem in 2008 and putting his gothic doom outfit Ava Inferi to rest in 2013, the Norwegian’s fingers still itched with infernal fury. VLTIMAS was his vent, and when Mounier and Vincent joined, he finally had the cadre of professionals to make it a reality. Together, they devised complementary schemes and themes rooted in rightness. In a world gone mad, VLTIMAS had a vision. On Something Wicked Marches In, they commanded attention with metaphors about the apocalypse, the ancient goddess Lilith, and truth. Lyrically, EPIC spears into the very nucleus of strength through Vincent’s brio of double entendre and clever wordsmithing. The songs are designed to be heard, read, and interpreted—there are no shortcuts.
“Everything we’re doing and messaging is about strength and honor,” says Vincent. “These are the fundamentals that I incorporate into my life, which I believe in. I want to share with others, hoping they’ll incorporate strength and honor into their lives. I wouldn’t say I like spelling lyrics out. I use a lot of double meanings on purpose because I want to inspire the listener to think. I’m not a short attention span guy, and I don’t appreciate it. EPIC is holistic and meant to be experienced that way.”
EPIC was recorded by producer Jaime Gomez Arellano (Paradise Lost, Grave Miasma) with engineer Jonathan Mazzeo (First Fragment, Sickening) at Arda Recorders in Porto, Portugal. VLTIMAS tracked the album throughout May 2023. Arellano also handled the mix and master. Like everything the band does, the main goal was to be honest. The maxim of no sample replacement or re-amping—EPIC was captured on outboard gear—was adhered to and enjoyed by the team. The result is a sonic expression that sounds like nothing else. From the crushing title track to the epic musicality of closer “Spoils of War,” EPIC is an absolute beast.
“Stress, long walks, too much alcohol, yet very focused once in the recording mode,” Eriksen says of the sessions. “We booked a month, but somehow, that flew by instantly. We worked up until the very end. I even added a few solos at my local Soundscape Studio in Almada, Portugal. Art unfolds, and once you think you are done, there’s always another idea popping up.”
VLTIMAS brought Italian artist Daniele Valeriani (Mayhem, Unanimated) to visualize EPIC. The aesthetic, as illuminated by music and message, was iconic boldness. The three-eagle head crest with three different crowns, accompanied by transfigured symbols of the Passion and the “impossible triangle,” projects effortlessly. In EPIC, the group will dominate. There’s no escape from “Miserere,” “Mephisto Manifesto,” “Scorcher,” and “Invictus.” Together, they thrust, by resolve and inventiveness, VLTIMAS into the uppermost echelons of extreme metal.
“[EPIC is] old meets contemporary, a symbiosis of all the great things we love about extreme metal,” offers Eriksen. “All combined into one album.”
“I want to be as emotional and honest [with VLTIMAS],” Vincent adds. “I want to tell stories; I want to have the themes that appeal to me; I want to have some messaging that someone can take away, in this case, strength. EPIC is strength.”
Lineup David Vincent – Vocals Rune Blasphemer Eriksen – Guitars Flo Mounier – Drums Ype TVS – Bass João Duarte – Guitars
Recording studio – ARDA Recorders Producer – Jamie Gomez Arellano Sound engineer – Jonathan Mazzeo Mixing and mastering engineer – Jaime Gomez Arellano Mixing and mastering studio – Arda Recorders, Orgone Studio Cover art – Daniele Valeriani Additional artwork and layout – Adrien Bousson Biography – Chris Dick
M-Theory Audio in cooperation with thrash metal force WARBRINGER and Century Media Records is releasing cassette copies of the iconic band’s first four albums to retail stores Feb. 9, 2024. Limited to 100 copies these four albums that cemented WARBRINGER’s legacy will each feature bonus tracks and colored shells. Additionally, they can be pre-ordered now direct from the webstore www.m-theoryaudio.com/store.
“Road Warriors! We’re excited to extend our collaboration with M-Theory Audio to bring you the individual release of our first 4 albums during our time with Century Media Records on cassette! Thank you all who supported the ‘Total War’ box-set that also included our two demos and two newest Napalm Records albums; those are collector’s items that will be out-of-print once the last few boxes are sold,” states WARBRINGER drummer Carlos Cruz. “Prepare yourselves as we’ll finally be entering the studio for album 7 Spring 2024!”
These four albums, released between 2008-2013 highlight their years recording for Century Media and one can hear and appreciate the journey begun by teenagers inspired by their influences to an international recording and touring juggernaut trailblazing new paths and inspiring a next generation. Hear the raw ferocity and reckless innocence of classic debut ‘War Without End,’ produced by the esteemed Bill Metoyer (Slayer, D.R.I., Dark Angel), including 3 bonus tracks recorded in the same sessions of older demo re-recordings. Meanwhile, 2009’s ‘Waking Into Nightmares’ showcased a band who’d spent the past year on the road and sandwiched the writing and recording of this stellar beast, that introduced some death metal elements, between tours and witness the tightness and precision come to the fore, especially backed by drummer Nic Ritter (RIP). This one includes the infamous demo song “Road Warrior” re-recorded along with album producer Gary Holt (Exodus/Slayer) ripping a guest guitar solo plus a cover of Swedish Death Metal stalwarts Unleashed. Two years later, came ‘Worlds Torn Asunder’ that featured Carlos Cruz entering the ranks and further progressing their sound with producer Steve Evetts (Symphony X, Sepultura) behind the board, and the reissue tacks on their covers of Motorhead and Bathory. And finally, the experimental ‘IV: Empires Collapse,’ mixed by Brett Eliason (Pearl Jam, Avenged Sevenfold), which is the only album to include Mantic Ritual members Jeff Potts (guitar) and Ben Mottsman (bass) and to include writing contributions from all members that highlighted a more diverse effort, including punk and black metal elements, which while at first was misunderstood has become a standout for many fans. This one includes their rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Communication Breakdown.” There are no plans to individually reissue the demos or Napalm albums on cassette, but the full WARBRINGER catalog on tape is available while a few box sets remain – only available from the webstore.
The noteworthy release proves the true mastery of their craft, and spurred a forward shift of an entire genre – transporting thrash into a brand-new era. Building upon their internationally-acclaimed blistering attack, with ‘Weapons of Tomorrow,’ WARBRINGER showcases a refreshed technical approach and a heightened focus on unique lyrical and vocal style. The record takes the promise of the band’s previous release, ‘Woe to the Vanquished,’ and carries it onward, presenting WARBRINGER at their absolute best. A new album will be released by Napalm Records in 2024.
Formed in late 2004, WARBRINGER has gone on to be one of the most consistent and well-regarded thrash metal bands of the new generation. After releasing two demos, the band broke out with their 2008 debut, ‘War Without End’ – a record illustrating a frantic energy and aggression which had been absent from metal for some time. The band continued to redefine their sound on each of their next four career-defining albums – 2009’s ‘Waking Into Nightmares,’ 2011’s ‘Worlds Torn Asunder,’ 2013’s ‘Warbringer IV: Empires Collapse’ and 2017’s ‘Woe To The Vanquished,’ their first via Napalm Records (Billboard – #8 New Artist Albums, #17 Hard Music Albums, #26 Current Rock and #29 Independent Current Albums). WARBRINGER has bolstered their performance roster by relentlessly touring internationally throughout five continents with iconic artists such as Megadeth, Exodus, Arch Enemy, Testament, Napalm Death, Iced Earth, Nile, Suffocation, Kreator, Soilwork, Overkill, Sepultura, Hatebreed, Nevermore, Dark Tranquillity, Cavelera, Sacred Reich and many more, and found themselves working with industry greats on each new album – creating with producers such as Bill Metoyer (Slayer, D.R.I., Dark Angel), thrash legend Gary Holt (guitarist, Slayer/Exodus), Steve Evetts (Symphony X, DevilDriver, The Dillinger Escape Plan), and Mike Plotnikoff (In Flames, All That Remains, Fear Factory) and cover artwork from legends Dan Seagrave (Morbid Angel, Malevolent Creation, Suffocation) and Andreas Marschall (Blind Guardian, Obituary, Hammerfall). The ever-evolving quintet continues to renovate their potent concept with each passing year, without ever losing focus on the future. Metal Injection said it best, “…the almighty WARBRINGER have proven that they reign eternal… no matter what the circumstances.”
WARBRINGER is: John Kevill – Vocals Adam Carroll – Guitar Carlos Cruz – Drums Chase Becker – Guitar Chase Bryant – Bass
German post-hardcore experience Venues have just released their brand new single ‘Radiate Me’, following their critically acclaimed album Solace(2021) and previous singles ‘Reflections‘, ‘Cravings‘, ‘Haunted House‘ & ‘Oblivion‘.
‘Radiate Me’ is an introspective track exploring the journey of overcoming personal challenges and striving for self-improvement. The song’s powerful lyrics depict a battle with inner demons, using vivid imagery like a ‘pest plant’ to symbolize life’s negative influences. ‘Radiate Me’ stands as an anthem for those struggling with their inner selves, emphasizing the beauty of a life beyond personal turmoil.
Vocalist Robin comments on the track: “The last year was quite tough for me, as my mother was diagnosed with two types of cancer. She immediately took up the fight and underwent chemotherapy, which was extremely hard on her. I drove her to various hospitals time and again, took care of the household, and cared for her as a person. But primarily, I saw her suffer and what the poison of this treatment did to her. The chemotherapy almost killed her. ‘Radiate Me’ is all of that in one song. As it stands now, she is doing well and we all hope that it stays that way. Fuck cancer!“
For their most recent album Venues went into the studio with producer Christoph Wieczorek (Annisokay) to record Solace, who coated their massive sound with a metallic alloy of remarkable precision.
“We wanted to be more metal,” Robin comments.“There were some pop sensibilities of Aspire we wanted to replace with rather the opposite.”
Melody and punch-drunk heaviness, metal and alternative rock, zeitgeist and authenticity, barbed choruses and unleashed creativity: with their soaring sophomore release, Venues fulfill every single promise they gave on Aspire.
“2020 showed all of us how much the band is helping us keep our sanity,” vocalist Robin muses. “Almost the whole band went through minor or medium crises since the release of our debut. Relationships went sour, things were ended and begun. In times like these, our second album was the light at the end of the tunnel. Something we all could look forward to. Our music held our heads above water.”
It’s a big leap, going from Aspire to Solace, and it’s a logical one, too. Ten songs, ten exorcisms of negative energy, ten lifesavers.
Catch Venues live: 10.02.24 Raptor Festival, Königsbrunn DE 20.04.24 Brickmosch Festival, Twistringen DE 04.05.24 Horror Con, Freiburg DE 29.06.24 Moos & Meadow Festival, Feuchtwangen DE 13.07.24 Free For All Festival, Weener DE 19.07.24 Nexo Nerd Expo, Leipzig DE
Venues are: Lela | clean vocals Robin | shouts Valentin | guitar Dennis | drums
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
