Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

US Space Rockers DUST MICE Sign with Epictronic Records

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 9, 2023

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: DUST MICE. Leave a comment

Epictronic is thrilled to announce the collaboration with the US Space Rockers, DUST MICE, as they embark on a cosmic journey with their explosive new album, “Room Within A Room.”

Room Within A Room finds Dust Mice at the crossroads between the vacuum of space and the eternal fire of the soul. The album has a more focused sound, with the same space-rock and garage roots, but there is a darker edge, a looming sense of dread in the spaced-out jams.

Singles Room Within a Room and Dr. Beer take a cosmic journey through the fractal constructions our minds create that distort and control us. Archimedes Death Ray and Bergen/Giza/Tangier explore cycles of history and destruction with layers of distortion and repetition.

Definitive recordings of original demos Space Magick and Ultrawave round out the album along with a cover of Hawkwind’s classic Uncle Sam’s on Mars. RIPX is a tour de force from drummer Zane Graham, with the rest of the band pushing their sounds to the edge, improvised in a room within a room.

Dust Mice started in a cramped practice space in the Pacific Northwest with the intent to create a sound and vision of psych-tinged space rock. In the following years, they released 2 EPs (Dust Mice, Moon Fetus), and their first full-length album (Earth III).

1. Room Within a room
2. Dr Beer
3. Ultrawave
4. Uncle Sam’s on Mars (cover)
5. Bergen Giza Tangiers
6. Archimedes Death Ray
7. Space Magick
8. RIPX

Room Within A Room is their 2nd album; recorded over the course of 2022 as they put the shards of pandemic-shattered lives back together. Although Dust Mice has developed their own distinct sound, they always return to their influence from the true Masters of the Universe, and at Hawkfest ’22 Dust Mice had the honor of sharing the stage with Hawkwind.

Tragically, original drummer Zane Graham left this realm on his own cosmic journey at the end of 2022. The songs on Room Within A Room are his final recordings with Dust Mice; a summation of his time in the band and a lasting legacy of his contributions.

Dust Mice are currently writing material for their next album and continue to perform live, regularly in the Seattle area.

The single Dr. Beer takes a cosmic journey through the fractal constructions our minds create that distort and control us. Check the video here:

Connect with Dust Mice:

dustmice.bandcamp.com
www.instagram.com/dust_mice
www.facebook.com/dustmice
www.youtube.com/@dustmice9699
tinyurl.com/SpotifyDustMice

PROGENY OF SUN Release Debut Album + ‘Dweller’ Music Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 9, 2023

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: PROGENY OF SUN. Leave a comment

Finnish blackened death metal band PROGENY OF SUN released their anticipated debut album ‘Throne of Desolation’ via Inverse Records. To celebrate the album release, the band also released a new music video Dweller which can be seen below.

Guitarist Joni talks about the song Dweller:

“This song originates from the early days of the band, composed nearly 4 years ago. The song has been abandoned on multiple occasions, dug up again, attempted to be refined, abandoned once more, but ultimately resurrected for the album in its original form. Upon hearing the result, we were surprised by the unique atmosphere the song brings, which is one of the darkest on the album. Dweller is a somewhat strange and raw song, but at the same time, it is also melancholic and beautiful.”

The band talks about the process of making the album:

“Do you guys always intend to make only EPs and singles?” asked a devoted fan from the handsome drummer. This question deeply irritated Juha, and the first seeds for the album were sown.

The idea of the album had been brewing in drummer Juha’s mind since ancient times. At the age of seven, he faced a tough life choice: should he get a cap gun or drums?

Years later, Juha chose the right path and began practicing drumming without a backing track. The time was ripe for recording the album! Despite the pressure, the recordings went well, but tension and frustration erupted in a gentle confrontation with the composer-guitarist. “Come play your drums yourself!” shouted Juha to Joni from behind his drum kit.

This time, Joni knew he was significantly involved in the album, as his compositions made up 52 % of the record. The only problem was that Joni couldn’t remember how any of the songs went. For his fine work, Joni was rewarded 4/5 rating from his outstanding work and a parrot badge. You get those badges in Finland for good deeds, like brownie points.

Then it was the maestro’s turn to practice magic in the shadows. Jaakko played his parts to the tape with perfect confidence and without mistakes. As a result, Jaakko also received 4/5 rating and a parrot badge for his performance. Fortunately, both guitarists had tuned their instruments at home before the recordings, so they got through the sessions without any problems.

Next up were the bass recordings:

“One day is probably enough. It’s half an hour, and then I’ll drive home,” said the bass virtuoso Tuomo confidently. The recordings, stretching into the wee hours of the night, humbled Tuomo, and he admitted, “None of these basses went normally.”

Finally, the most anticipated moment arrived. King Niko descended into the basement to sing. Even the regional aerobics competition roaring upstairs didn’t prevent Niko from performing his vocal parts with honor. After hard work, Niko was rewarded with a Tupla salary. In Finland we have this candy bar called Tupla which means double, so basically Niko got double salary. However, all vocal parts were eventually redone, but the experience was the most important.

The long process was finally completed, with a total of 12 songs in the can. The album was mixed and mastered by Saku Moilanen at Deep Noise Studios.”

LISTEN Throne of Desolation album on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/pof-throne

Track list:
1. Forged by the Devil
2. Damsel
3. Heartless Dome
4. Caldera
5. False Radiance
6. Dweller
7. Coward
8. Invasion
9. Courier
10. Restoration
11. Human Disposal Site
12. War of the Ages

WATCH Damsel music video: https://youtu.be/B1-Gg3Nb7X0
WATCH False Radiance lyric video: https://youtu.be/jChe-Br_h80
WATCH Courier video: https://youtu.be/5snD3Pb-pm4

Line-up:
Niko Aromaa – Vocals
Jaakko Hautamäki – Guitar
Joni Kiviniemi – Guitar
Tuomo Tolkki – Bass
Juha Peura – Drums

https://www.facebook.com/Progenyofsun
https://www.instagram.com/progenyofsun
https://progenyofsun.bandcamp.com

SHAKRA Premiere New Single ‘Angels Landing’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 9, 2023

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: SHAKRA. Leave a comment

Following their latest, chart-topping album, Invincible (available HERE!), that entered a phenomenal #1 in the Swiss album charts, SHAKRA return with another musical encore! While Christmas time is approaching, the Swiss hard rockers are now premiering a video clip for their new single “Angels Landing“!

“Angels Landing” – a sonic odyssey at the threshold of longing and fulfillment.” The band states.
“This song is a rock anthem for the rediscovery of lost hearts, inviting you to a rendezvous at a mythical place: where only angels dare to land. Are you ready for the landing?”

The new SHAKRA track, “Angels Landing”, is out now on all digital services at THIS LOCATION!

“You are invincible — You can achieve anything, not if you believe in it, but if you know it…and that makes you invincible!” That’s the core message of the band’s latest album offering, Invincible, that was lauded by both rock fans and critics alike. Released in June 2023 via AFM Records, SHAKRA have proved why they are not only invincible but belong to one of the most enthralling, powerful acts the hard and heavy rock scene has to offer!

For More Info Visit:
http://www.facebook.com/ShakraBand
http://www.instagram.com/shakraband
http://www.afm-records.de
https://bfan.link/invincible-7

MASSACRE Sign with Agonia Records, New Album Coming

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 9, 2023

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Massacre. Leave a comment

The Middle East Nightclub (Upstairs), Cambridge, MA 5/3/2023 – Photo credit: Hillarie Jason

American death metal legends MASSACRE (established in 1984) have signed a record deal with Agonia Records for the release of the band’s 5th studio album, which is currently being worked on by frontman/vocalist Kam Lee (ex-Mantas, ex-Death, Bone Gnawer, The Grotesquery), original bassist Mike Borders, returning guitarists Rogga Johansson (Paganizer, Rib Spreader, Megascavanger) & Jonny Pettersson (Wombbath, Heads for The Dead) and new drummer Jon Rudin (Just Before Dawn, Heads for The Dead, Dehumanaut).

MASSACRE mastermind Kam Lee commented: “I have to say it’s pretty cool to be signing with Agonia Records. The same label that bands like Pestilence, Rebaelliun, Demonical, Pathology, plus so many other killer Death and Black Metal bands call home. Looking at their roster you can see this is a label that’s dedicated to keeping to the core of pure underground metal bands and acts. In my opinion this is a refreshing reminder that you can remain true to the spirit of underground metal music and not rely on catering to trends in be relevant. This opinion is one that also resonates in my own philosophy about Massacre, one that keeps me on point at keeping the band focused on remaining true to the style and sound that is pure OSDM (old school death metal), and I personally think that Agonia Records is the perfect choice of a label that shall allow Massacre a place to maintain that status. I look forward to the future together, and I am excited for the fans to be able to look forwards to the upcoming new album to be released by the label.”

Formed in 1984, MASSACRE started out as a heavy/power metal band, but changed its style to death metal with the joining of Allen West and Kam Lee; the latter is often credited for inventing the “death growl” – first heard on the band’s 1986 demo “Aggressive Tyrant” – and is considered an influential pioneer as far as the death metal genre is concerned. The group went through several personnel shifts and disbandments over the years, with its early line-up toggling between MASSACRE, Mantas (early Death) and Death. Their 1991 debut album “From Beyond” was recorded at the famed Morrisound Studio and featured amongst “The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time” by Rock Hard Magazine in 2005.

MASSACRE recorded three more albums to date, including 1996’s “Promise”, 2014’s “Back From Beyond” and – most recently – their 2021’s triumphant return album, aptly named “Resurgence”. They were released on Earache, Century Media and Nuclear Blast records, respectively. The band continued their comeback with the follow-up “Mythos” EP, their self released collection album “Corpus Umbra” (consisting of previously self released single tracks), and the unavoidable digital-only release of live tracks called “Submergence: Live Beyond 2019”.

The present-day line-up features original starting members Kam Lee and Mike Borders, alongside previously mentioned Rogga Johansson, Jonny Pettersson and Jon Rudin; jointly considered by Kam as the recording line-up, who is directly creating and writing new material. The band also features a separate session line-up (for live performances only), which consists of Carlos Gonzalez (Grim Reality) on guitars, Elden Santos (Druid Lord) on drums and, until recently, Tony Blakk (Druid Lord) on bass. “I refuse to be pigeon holed into what some people may perceive a band to be. As long as the members are productive musicians willing to do their part and perform their duties then I am fine with having revolving door line ups.” – Kam has been noted saying.

Kam is once again working together with his writing partners to bring new MASSACRE material to the forefront of the band for an all new album and new releases to come.

Upcoming shows:
Thrashfest 2024 (USA)
Dortmund Deathfest 2024 (Germany)
Rokstadt Extreme Fest 2024 (Romania)
Hellsinki Metal Festival 2024 (Finland)
Alcatraz Open Air 2024 (Belgium)
Pitfest 2024 (The Netherlands)
More TBA

Line-up:
Kam Lee – vocals
Mike Borders – bass
Rogga Johansson – guitars
Jonny Pettersson – guitars
Jon Rudin – drums

Follow MASSACRE:
Facebook: click
Instagram: https://instagram.com/massacre_band_official
Bandcamp: https://massacre3.bandcamp.com
Spotify: click
Apple Music: click

HEAD EAST Return with First New Album “Full Circle” in Over 40 Years, Share Studio Version of Live Favorite ‘Say Yeah!’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 9, 2023

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: HEAD EAST. Leave a comment

Legendary AOR band HEAD EAST is back and better than ever with the highly anticipated release of “Full Circle,” their first studio album in over four decades. Widely recognized for their classic rock anthem “Never Been Any Reason,” Head East has maintained a prominent presence in the music scene through electrifying live performances and outstanding live recordings, cultivating a dedicated fan base that spans generations. But now the band has taken the long awaited step back into the studio for a series of recordings for their new album Full Circle.

Full Circle not only marks Head East’s return to the studio but also serves as a musical retrospective, revisiting iconic moments from their ‘70s albums including their seminal 1975 debut album Flat As A Pancake. These new versions of “Never Been Any Reason” and “If You Knew Me Better” retain the magic of Head East’s early days, enriched by the wisdom and artistry that only time and experience can bring.

But the album is not merely a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s a celebration of the band’s enduring spirit and a testament to their continued creative prowess. In addition to revisiting classic tracks, the album features new original compositions that showcase Head East’s ability to evolve while staying true to their signature sound as well as studio versions of songs they’ve been performing live for years. These fresh additions are bound to captivate both longtime enthusiasts and a new generation of listeners alike. For proof, check out the excellent studio version of “Say Yeah!,” which is released today on all digital music platforms!

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/headeast_sayyeah

Full Circle’s fusion of timeless classics and innovative new material creates a musical odyssey that transcends eras, offering something for everyone and bringing their music full circle in a triumphant return to the studio. The album will be available on both CD and digital on December 29 with the vinyl version available everywhere January 12.

Order the CD/Vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=head+east&post_type=product
Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/headeast_fullcircle

TRACK LIST:

Never Been Any Reason
Since You Been Gone
City Of Gold
Fly By Night Lady
Raise A Little Hell
Treat Me Right
If You Knew Me Better
Say Yeah!
Prisoner
You Can’t Go Home
Jefftown Creek
One Against The Other
Love Me Tonight

THECITYISOURS Release Video for New Single ‘Shame’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 9, 2023

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: THECITYISOURS. Leave a comment

THECITYISOURS have released a video for their striking and poignant new single ‘Shame’, out now via Arising Empire.

Stream ‘Shame’ here: https://arisingempire.com/shame

‘Shame’ resonates deeply with the raw and emotional journey of vocalist Oli Duncanson. Since openly revealing his true identity, the singer has faced a challenging path towards societal acceptance, a struggle that profoundly influences the lyrics of this powerful song.

Personal statement from Oli Duncanson:

“‘Shame’ was written about the feeling of not being able to accept your sexuality; an aspect of yourself that can’t be changed, and how it makes you feel that you don’t belong anywhere. It affects every way in which you navigate through life and won’t leave you until you come to terms and embrace it.“

THECITYISOURS are a four-piece pop metal band from London who have quickly garnered attention and growing support for peers, industry and fans alike, with their high-octane live show and the success of their second album. Coma (2021) smashed into the Top 5 iTunes Metal Charts with several singles appearing in editorial playlists with the likes of Amazon Music, Deezer and Spotify (including two covers on New Core and Metal UK) supporting the band.

THECITYISOURS have become a upcoming staple on UK and EU festival line-ups, with appearances at Camden Rocks, Macmillan Fest, Burn It Down, Holloween, a fly in appearance at High 5 Festival in Sweden, and a headline set in the Doghouse Tent at the revered Download Festival to a 4000+ audience of festival-goers. After a sold-out album release show at The Underworld in London, 2022 saw THECITYISOURS break out into the European scene, with a full-length tour across the mainland. Most recently, the band toured across the UK supporting Heart Of A Coward.