Swedish death metal masters DEMONICAL will embrak on a string of fesival shows this summer, July 21st through August 26th. The “Victorious Summer Tour” includes a stop at Brutal Assault Open Air in Czech Republic.
The tour follows the surprise EP “Into Victory”, which introduced Charlie Fryksell as band’s new full-time vocalist, through two songs present on the release – the distinctive title track and a metalized Ramones‘s cover.
Tour dates: “Victorious Summer tour 2023” 21.07 DE Baden-Wurttemberg – Boarstream Open Air 22.07 DE Weil Am Rhein – Baden in Blut Festival 23.07 DE München – Free & Easy Festival 25.07 SL Tolmin – Tolminator Festival 11.08 CZ Jaromer – Brutal Assault 13.08 CZ Prague – Modra Vopice 26.08 SE Malmö – Malmö Massacre
DEMONICAL was spawned in 2006 by then-former Centinex members Martin Schulman (bass), Ronnie Bergerståhl (drums) and Johan Jansson (ex-guitars & ex-vocals), with a mission to return to the roots of death metal and deliver a sheer dose of melodic darkness and brutality, through a fierce, HM2-beaten path. Their last full-length release, “Mass Destroyer”, was delivered to the masses in 2022, and crowns a discography of seven studio albums and three EP’s.
Line-up: Charlie Fryksell – vocals Eki Kumpulainen – lead guitars Johan Haglund – rhythm guitars Martin Schulman – bass Ronnie Bergerstahl – drums
Brazilian death metal band CRYPTA have revealed another furious new single, entitled “Trial of Traitors”! After smashing in with the relentless “Lord of Ruins”, the first single to debut from the outfit’s sophomore album, Shades of Sorrow (out August 4, 2023 via Napalm Records), “Trial of Traitors” serves as the second harbinger off of the new record, breaking in with merciless, impressive guitar work and inciting an uncontrollable storm of pure rage that screams for more! Furthermore, its creative and devilishly brutal official music video supports the track perfectly.
In 2021, CRYPTA stormed to the top with their acclaimed debut full-length, Echoes of the Soul, landing at #55 on the Official German Album Charts and debuting at #15 on both the US Hard Music Albums and Top New Artist Albums Charts. Now, both fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate the release of the band’s new offering, teased by the bone-shaking “Trial of Traitors” today.
CRYPTA on “Trial of Traitors”: “We decided to have ‘Trial of Traitors’ as one of the singles because, although it’s the fastest, most aggressive song on album, it still has a lot of our already characteristic melodic work here and there, so we thought this blend of these two extremes would be a good sneak-peak into what people can expect overall from the album!”
Formed in 2019 by former NERVOSA members Luana Dametto (drums) and Fernanda Lira (vocals), and now featuring guitarists Tainá Bergamaschi and Jessica di Falchi, CRYPTA once again stay true to the unique sound introduced on their first full-length, blending classic and modern death metal with significant extreme and black metal elements on Shades of Sorrow.
Fernanda Lira (bass, vocals) on Shades of Sorrow: “Shades of Sorrow is a semi-concept album which describes a journey through the depths of our psyche when facing tough battles. It’s a trip to the many shades of pain we sometimes have to face while enduring our lives’ challenges. The songs are the perfect gloomy, dark, emotional soundtrack for this journey.”
As a raging monster on its own, Shades of Sorrow begins with the instrumental piano intro track “The Aftermath”, creating an ominous atmosphere before “Dark Clouds” kicks straight off with feral growls to drop jaws, showcasing the full extent of the band’s striking interplay from the very first second. “Poisonous Apathy” features electrifying guitar sounds and prominent hard-hitting bass, creeping into the listener’s brain. Ruthless “The Outsider” unleashes a massive drum attack and another ferocity of coals, before it fades into a softer outro that melts seamlessly into the intro of “Stronghold”, one of the slower and more melodic tracks on the album. Outstanding death metal drumming on “The Other Side of Anger” sets the scene for threatening vocals, evoking an uncontrollable storm, followed by the dark and deep instrumental piano interlude “The Limbo”. Following the eerie, haunting “Lullaby for the Forsaken” comes “Agents of Chaos”, showcasing the undeniable talent of the band with its many changes. Relentless death metal tracks “Lift the Blindfold” and “Lord of Ruins” offer the last dose of true CRYPTA sound, leaving the listener breathless before the beautiful instrumental outro “The Closure” wraps the album up.
It is clear that the talented women of CRYPTA have created another impressive masterpiece with Shades of Sorrow, presenting the very best of their technical ability and songwriting skills on this 13-track onslaught. Shades of Sorrow was recorded at Family Mob Studio, mixed by Daniel Bergstrand at 33 Stockholm, Sweden and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studio.
Shades of Sorrow tracklisting: 1 The Aftermath 2 Dark Clouds 3 Poisonous Apathy 4 The Outsider 5 Stronghold 6 The Other Side of Anger 7 The Limbo 8 Trial of Traitors 9 Lullaby for the Forsaken 10 Agents of Chaos 11 Lift the Blindfold 12 Lord of Ruins 13 The Closure
CRYPTA live 2023 – ECHOES OVER EUROPE PART 2 14.07.23 DE – Berlin / Cassiopeia 15.07.23 AT – Loeben / Area 53 Open Air 16.07.23 AT – Salzburg / Rockhouse 19.07.23 ES – Vitoria / Urban Rock Concept 20.07.23 ES – Valladolid / Porta Caeli Club 21.07.23 ES – Cangas Do Morrazo / Kanekas Metal Fest 22.07.23 PT – Almada / Club Cine Incrivel 23.07.23 ES – Madrid / Revilive 24.07.23 ES – Lleida / Cafe del Teatre 28.07.23 SI – Tolmin / Tolminator Metal Fest 30.07.23 IT – Padova / Padova / Metal Fest
CRYPTA is: Fernanda Lira – Bass, Vocals Jéssica di Falchi – Guitar Tainá Bergamaschi – Guitar Luana Dametto – Drums
Danish death metal act PLAGUEMACE have inked a worldwide record deal with premier Austrian rock and metal label Napalm Records! The neck-bending old school death metal band was formed in 2019 in the heart of Denmark by vocalist Andreas Truelsen and guitarist Simon Truelsen. Soon, the two brothers were joined by Anton Holm Smidstrup on second guitar and vocals, Ruben Brandt on bass and Matias Zacho on drums. The quintet released their six-track EP, Primal Priest, in November 2020.
PLAGUEMACE’s thrashy death’n’roll is spiced up with bombastic melodies, brutal breakdowns and infectious grooves, reminiscent of bands such as Grave, High on Fire, Entombed and Obituary. The outfit’s ferocious energy and dirty riffs are unleashed on stage in a vicious vortex of guitar shreds, headbanging and pure lunacy. As the pandemic loosened its tight grip on the world, the band began performing live, and within that first year, they played 25 concerts in total. The performances included support slots for bands such as Baest, Katla and Crocell, and appearances at festivals such as Metal Magic and Tornvang Open Air.
Stay tuned for news on PLAGUEMACE’s debut album!
PLAGUEMACE on the signing: “We are super stoked to sign with Napalm Records. They wholeheartedly understand the vision for our debut album and we are beyond excited to share it with everyone. We have an amazing gut feeling about this partnership and we are certain that we have found the perfect label for us.”
Sebastian Muench, Senior A&R, adds: “The energy of Danish band Plaguemace is completely unique to me. The innovative approach of the band seems to revolutionize death metal and is just a lot of fun. We are very happy to welcome Plaguemace to the Napalm family.”
PLAGUEMACE is: Andreas Truelsen – Vocals Simon Truelsen – Guitar Anton Holm Smidstrup – Guitar, Vocals Ruben Brandt – Bass Matias Zacho – Drums
Danish thrash metal icons ARTILLERY are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a North American headlining tour! The journey, which begins on September 29th in Minneapolis, Minnesota and closes on October 14th in Brooklyn, New York, includes a performance at the Blades Of Steel Festival in Madison, Wisconsin. Support will be provided by Vapor and Potential Threat.
Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
ARTILLERY w/ Vapor, Potential Threat: 9/29/2023 The Underground Café – Minneapolis, MN 9/30/2023 Blades Of Steel Festival @ The Crucible – Madison, WI 10/01/2023 Legend’s – Cincinnati, OH 10/02/2023 No Class – Cleveland, OH 10/03/2023 The King of Clubs – Columbus, OH 10/04/2023 The Sanctuary – Detroit, MI 10/05/2023 Hard Luck – Toronto, ON 10/06/2023 Dominion Tavern – Ottawa, ON 10/07/2023 Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC 10/08/2023 Rock Café Le Stage – Trois Rivieres, QC 10/09/2023 L’Anti Bar and Spectacles – Quebec City, QC 10/10/2023 Sherman Showcase – Stroudsburg, PA 10/11/2023 Funhouse at Mr. Smalls – Millvale, PA 10/12/2023 Another Round – Richmond, VA 10/13/2023 Alchemy – Providence, RI 10/14/2023 Saint Vitus Bar – New York, NY
In the mid-1980s, Denmark’s ARTILLERY established themselves as being at the cutting edge of the thrash movement. Four decades later, they continue to destroy. The band’s most recent studio offering – the aptly titled, X — was released in 2021 via Metal Blade Records. X was tracked in Medley Studio in Copenhagen, Denmark with producer Søren Andersen, who the band have worked with on every record since 2009’s When Death Comes. Wrote Blabbermouth upon its release, “Nearly 40 years after their story began, this band is still a unique and exhilarating proposition.” Distorted Sound noted, “This is crisp and accessible, there are no unintelligible vocals and they know how to write a beefed-up metal song. This should please the pit and the guys at the back who prefer to sing along in equal measure. If you like the faster side of metal you owe it to yourself to check this out.” Added Ghost Cult, “Bursting with razor-sharp riffs, frantic shredding, and more hooks than a fisherman’s tackle box, X is another outstanding example of classic Danish thrash.” Preview and purchase X at: metalblade.com/artillery
It’s getting hot out there: Swedish modern metal heroes AMARANTHE deliver the soundtrack for a fiery festival summer with the release of their new single ‘Damnation Flame’ today! With its symphonic touch and uplifting chorus, the band once again showcases their outstanding songwriting skills while maintaining their image as Sweden’s most exciting metal export.
Mastermind Olof states about the new song: “‘Damnation Flame’ breaks new ground for us in many ways, and in all the best ways possible. This is the very first AMARANTHE song to feature symphonic elements, something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, and the darkened vampiric theme melds together perfectly with our take on modern melodic metal! AMARANTHE has always been about being boundless and constantly reinventing ourselves, and by now you know to expect the unexpected. This is 100% pure passion poured into music, as you will no doubt experience yourself from the very first second – enjoy ‘Damnation Flame’, with the promise of much more to come SOON!”
‘Damnation Flame’ doesn’t only mark the start of some hot live shows this summer but also introduces AMARANTHE‘s new vocalist Mikael Sehlin to their internationally growing fanbase. Olof continues: “After a practically global search, and several amazing guest growlers to help us out on shows and tours we finally found just the right person for the job, in our very own Swedish capital of Stockholm! Mikael Sehlin has EVERYTHING it takes to join the AMARANTHE line up, and his versatility and musicality completes and underscores our vision for our new album and the general future for AMARANTHE perfectly. From the deepest guttural grunts to soaring screams Mikael is growling perfection incarnate, so please give a roaring welcome to the new star upon the AMARANTHE firmament!”
Mikael Sehlin himself adds: Hello everyone, Mike here! I am very thrilled to tell you I will fill the slot as the new Amaranthe growler and I can’t wait to meet you guys out there! I hope you like the upcoming tracks to which I’ve had the honor recording growls to. Take care and see you soon!”
The newest member of the AMARANTHE family can be seen in the music video for ‘Damnation Flame’, the band’s newest cinematic masterpiece. Hold your breath and follow the creatures of the night to their vampiric cave to witness the initiation of their latest victim…uhm… member. Watch the video for ‘Damnation Flame’ here:
AMARANTHE LIVE 2023 July 01 ES Viveiro – Ressurection Fest August 04 DE Wacken – Wacken Open Air August 05 FI Lieto – Smuggler Rok August 10 ES Villena – Leyendas Del Rock August 17.-19 CZ Moravský Krumloch – Rock Castle September 20. – 24 DE Berlin – Full Metal Cruise December 01 FI Jyväskyla – John Smith Rock Frozen December 02 FI Joensuu, Unholy Winter Fest
AMARANTHE is: Elize Ryd | vocals Mikael Sehlin I growls Olof Mörck | guitars, keyboards Johan Andreassen | bass Morten Løwe Sørensen | drums Nils Molin | vocals
Rockshots Records announces their signing of Italy’s RAINING NAILSft. members of Eternal Silence, Fallen Arise, Oracle Sun, and Sound Storm for the release of the debut album “Human Deeds” in 2023.
Catchy, aggressive, heavy, and powerful, but also melodic, the band’s first full-length will feature 10 tracks of power and symphonic-influenced heavy metal. It was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by bassist Massimiliano Flak at Evolution Recording Studios in Turin (Italy) www.evolutionstudios.it, with album artwork and booklet designed by Caio Caldas at www.cadiesart.com based on a concept from Raining Nails.
“I think and hope that this album will be received with curiosity by future listeners, we are musicians from different bands and we each put our own ideas and origins into this project, making it an interesting recipe. We feel that all the songs on this album are singles but having to choose a couple of singles, we decided on Anthem and Queen Of Thorns will be released prior to the record’s official release date. I think not only fans of classic heavy metal will really like them.” adds vocalist Marika Vanni.
“Human Deeds” was composed over a couple of months and conceptually talks about the bad situations of the world, but also keeps a light of hope for the future.
“You can clearly see what I mean looking through the artwork of the album.” says Flak.
Fans of bands such as Battle Beast, Powerwolf and Kamelot are recommended to keep an ear open for when Raining Nails unleash their first single “Anthem” on July 7th, which can be pre-saved at the following link – https://bfan.link/rn-anthem.
Raining Nails is: Marika Vanni: Vocals Giacomo Paradiso: Electric and Acoustic Guitars Massimiliano Flak: Bass Mattia Rubino: 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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 