NERVOSA Reveal New Line-Up + New Single & Video for ‘Endless Ambition’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 28, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
(Michaela Naydenova, Helena Kotina, Prika Amaral and Hel Pyre)

Full-speed death-thrash metal engine NERVOSA are setting the metal world ablaze with their brand new song, entitled “Endless Ambition”, out today! The steamrolling track is accompanied by an inexorably energetic music video and marks a new chapter and milestone in the band’s history, as it shows NERVOSA with a revitalized new line-up.
 
Along with this blistering new offering, the marvelous force has finally lifted the veil on who will take over vocal duties on future releases. From now on, guitarist and founding member Prika Amaral will be the voice of NERVOSA. “Endless Ambition” acts as a first harbinger for everything that is about to come and shows the incredibly powerful attitude and talent of Amaral ruling in this new position. NERVOSA brings another novelty with the addition of the immensely talented and well experienced Michaela Naydenova on drums, Hel Pyre on bass and Helena Kotina on guitars.

Prika Amaral says about becoming vocalist:
“It was a huge challenge for me. It wasn’t something I planned or expected, but after a second change of vocalist, I didn’t want to go through these changes again, so I decided to face what a lot of people have said since the beginning of NERVOSA – that I should be vocalist. But, as I always heard from some people that I didn’t have a technique, that the way I sang hurt my throat, I got carried away by that. Now, after studying vocal techniques for the last few months, I discovered that yes, I’ve always had the technique and feel comfortable facing this new journey, which I am enjoying a lot”.

Watch below the official music video for “Endless Ambition”, featuring Prika Amaral’s vocal debut.

With their latest record, Perpetual Chaos (2.8M plays on Spotify), femme thrash metal band NERVOSA not only secured their first charting positions at #18 on the German album charts, #6 on the US Hard Music Albums and #9 on the US Top New Artist Albums charts, but also played some of Europe’s biggest festivals such as Summerbreeze and Wacken Open Air. The new standalone single “Endless Ambition” graces their 35k monthly listeners and 77k followers on Spotify alone with an exciting glimpse of what’s about to come in 2023. Stay tuned for more exciting news coming soon!

“Endless Ambition” is now available on all streaming services worldwide!

Catch NERVOSA live in 2023

05.04.23 SE – Linkoping / Platens
06.04.23 NO – Inferno Metal Fest
07.04.23 SE –  Borlänge / Broken Dreams
08.04.23 SE – Sundsvall / Club Deströyer
11.04.23 FI – Tampere / Yo-Talo
12.04.23 FI – Helsinki / On The Rocks

20.05.23 BE – Ostend / Huginns Awakening Fest
22.05.23 UK – London / The Underworld
23.05.23 UK – Bradford / Nightrain
24.05.23 UK – Sheffield / Corporation
25.05.23 UK – Wolverhampton / KKs Steel Mill
26.05.23 UK – Manchester / Satans Hollow
27.05.23 UK – Northampton / Manorfest

NERVOSA is:
Prika Amaral – Vocals and guitars
Helena Kotina – Guitars
Hel Pyre – Bass
Michaela Naydenova – Drums

Polynesian SHEPHERDS REIGN Release New Video for Single ‘UA MASA’A’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 28, 2023
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Hailing from South Auckland New Zealand, and Polynesian by birth and blood, Filiva’a James (vocals/keytar), Gideon Voon (guitar), Oliver Leupolu (guitar/production), Shaymen Rameka (drums) and Joseph Oti-George (bass) are not playing games. SHEPHERDS REIGN is life, Shepherds Reign is survival, Shepherds Reign is mental and physical health and Shepherds Reign is their calling. Their voice is their mighty, fearsome music.
 
Shepherds Reign’s screen-shattering videos have become a thing of independent heavy metal/hard rock legend, with the video for previous single, “Le Manu”, having amassed over 2 million YouTube views.

Shepherds Reign are famous in Australasia for their primal performance, one which evokes many aspects of their cultural heritage and fierce Polynesian pride. Coupled with their enormous intimidating physical presence, there’s guttural tribal roars, gargantuan biker-rough riffs, twisting dual melodies, virulent virtuosity and crushing, bombastic rhythms, which gives Shepherds Reign their propulsive, dynamic metal sound. There is a special passion and power in every note struck, every word sung.

Pre-order/add/save ‘Ua Masa’a’ HERE 

UA MASA’A (trans: It Has Spilt)
The lead single from Shepherds Reign’s forthcoming album is a tale with heartache and familial tragedy at its core. The song shares the story of Filiva’a’s sister who was murdered by her spouse and his family. Laden with anger, Filiva’a voices the thoughts his sister would have felt prior to her death. “Ua masa’a le ipu vai” is translated to “The cup has spilt”, a symbolic look at the love once shared, lost like water in a broken cup.

AUSTRALIA
National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline Australia 131 114

NEW ZEALAND
Shine Domestic Violence Helpline 0508 744 633
 Are You OK NZ 0800 456 450

More information at
https://twitter.com/shepherdsreign
https://www.instagram.com/shepherdsreign/
https://www.facebook.com/shepherdsreign/
https://shepherdsreign.com

Mexican AGORA Release New Single ‘In The Name Of Destruction’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 28, 2023
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Mexican metallers AGORA have today released their riff-fuelled new single ‘In the Name of Destruction’ via Crusader Records/Golden Robot Records. It’s the second single off their upcoming album Empire and can be streamed on all major platforms now. 

‘In the Name of Destruction’ depicts a horrific, dystopian world in which zombies are spreading across the land, threatening to annihilate humanity. It’s a powerful musical statement that takes a new but classic approach to dramatic heavy metal compositions. The keyboards are a significant highlight, expertly played by musical titan Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper), whose characteristic sound can be heard throughout the song. 

The track is sure to get fans’ blood pumping with its heavy guitar riffs and powerful vocals, while the drumming keeps the pace hard and relentless. The track was made to perform live and will keep audiences begging for more! 

Stream/buy here: https://orcd.co/agora-inthenameofdestruction

Agora has four albums, a live DVD, and performances at renowned national and international festivals like Viva Latino, Rock al Parque, Hell & Heaven and Fronterizo Fest to their credit as a culmination of a decade of diligent efforts.
 
After performing with groups like KISS, Judas Priest, Guns & Roses, Megadeath, Mötley Crüe, Deep Purple, and Iron Maiden, they have amassed a strong fan following that remains loyal online and at their shows. No text can describe what these artists can achieve live. With this new production, Agora is determined to rule the stage as its new empire.

More information at
https://www.instagram.com/agoraoficial/
https://www.facebook.com/agorametal
SPOTIFY

DEATHSTARS Present Lyric Video for New Single ‘Angel Of Fortune And Crime’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 28, 2023
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Photo credit: Linus Bokehsius

The tension rises! The world´s biggest and undeniably best outfit sitting somewhere between the realms of industrial and rock/metal – DEATHSTARS – have released an atmospheric, fierce new track in the lead up to their eagerly awaited new album Everything Destroys You, which will be released on May 5th via Nuclear Blast.

Following two extremely successful singles – ´This Is´and ´Midnight Party´– the band presents us with an amazing lyric video for the dark anthem ´Angel Of Fortune And Crime´.

Frontman Whiplasher Bernadotte comments on the song: “For me this song has pretty clear and present Deathstars-DNA, but with some new bloodlines in it… I mean it’s a pretty straight forward groovy jet black tune, but with a certain vocal melody in the latter part to break the pattern completely. Almost like a piece of darkness with some hope to it, but without the hope of course, haha.”

Pre-order / listen here:https://deathstars.bfan.link/angeloffortuneandcrime-3985.ema

LINE-UP
Whiplasher Bernadotte – Vocals
Nightmare Industries – Guitars and Keys
Cat Casino – Guitars
Skinny Disco – Bass

BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE Share Video for New Song ‘The Raven’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 28, 2023
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Photo credit: Omar Ahmed

Progressive rock trio BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE is now sharing a brand new single, “The Raven,” along with a music video! The song is taken from the band’s forthcoming full-length, ‘Tempus Veritas,’ due on April 14, 2023! The video was created by Alina Gordienco and can be found at THIS LOCATION.

Speaking about the single, vocalist/guitarist Paul Visser says: “‘The Raven’ is a song inspired by our love of Viking folklore and mythology.  After the Danish Vikings began raiding England in the 9th century, many sought long-term settlement – they were farmers who saw an abundance of rich, fertile land in the hands of the Saxons. ‘The Raven’ is written from the point of view of such a settler who, after many years in a foreign land, is struggling with the feeling of losing touch with the old gods of his former home.  The insane video created by our friend and visual collaborator Alina Gordienco is a brilliant modern-day take on the idea of losing your identity and fighting your inner demons.”

Pre-orders are now available HERE. The album can be pre-saved on various digital platforms HERE.

Track-list:

1. Tempus Veritas (1:24)
2. Hydrogen (3:57)
3. The Raven (3:41) [WATCH]
4. Last Ronin (4:27)
5. Scarlet Haze (3:42)
6. Deny The Sun (3:15) [WATCH]
7. Glory To The King (3:37) [LISTEN]
8. Summit (3:07)
9. Weakness (2:49)
10. Vesuvius (3:44)
11. Latimer (3:43)
Total: 37:26

Cover artwork: Black Orchid Empire & Ines Hernandez

BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE create huge, memorable rock music that combines heavy-hitting savagery with intense melodic beauty. Their technical, fearlessly complex grooves and gigantic sing-along choruses have already earned them a widespread fanbase.
 
A ferociously tight live band, BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE have toured Europe and the UK extensively, supporting Skunk Anansie, HED p.e, INME and Black Map as well as festival slots at Download, Standon Calling and Planet Rockstock. Black Orchid Empire have sealed the bands reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
 
Having released their debut album ‘Archetype’ (2016) to universal acclaim, BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE signed with German label Long Branch Records to release the follow up albums ‘Yugen’ (2018) and ‘Semaphore’ (2020). Both albums received stellar reviews and over 3,000,000+ combined streams.
 
“Tempus Veritas” is a collection of stories that seeks to find compelling imaginary narratives hidden away in what we all think of as history.  Behind every milestone or major event in humanity’s long, complex past lies a treasure trove of possibilities for invention – how did Pope Urban VIII feel when confronted by his friend Galileo about the true nature of the sun?  What really happened during an almost triumphant but ultimately doomed Everest attempt? What was it like to be a Norse settler amongst the Saxons; did the omens of the ancient gods begin to disappear?
 
In approaching “Tempus Veritas”, BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE sought collectively to push themselves both musically and thematically. Their pursuit of heaviness, melody, emotional power and rhythmic complexity has pushed them to create something they‘re immensely proud of. “Semaphore” was an album of Sci-Fi, this is an album of Hi-Fi. Tempus Veritas.                 

Recording studio:
The Recording Studio London
 
Producer / sound engineer:
Produced by Black Orchid Empire
Paul Visser (engineer)
Dobromir Vasilev (assistant engineer)
 
Mixing studio and engineer:
The Recording Studio London
Paul Visser (mix engineer)
 
Mastering studio and engineer:
Systematic Productions
Ermin Hamidovic (mastering engineer)

Line-up:
Paul Visser: Vocals | Guitar
Dave Ferguson: Bass | Vocals
Billy Freedom: Drums

TUOMAS ROUNAKARI Launches New Twisted Folk Duo PARKU, Video from Debut Concert Available

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 28, 2023
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Photos by @skempa65

PARKU is a new folk duo of TUOMAS ROUNAKARI and the accordeon Wizard ANTTI PAALANEN, of two Finnish men who did not find chanterelles in the forest…

PARKU’s debut concert was held on February 10th 2023 at Kulttuurikorjaamo in Kokkola, Finland and boy did the folks laugh!?! Video is edited from the clips that concert goes shared from the event.

Watch the video below.

Videos with the permission of kind concert goers: Anne Ohls, Esa and Paula Rauman and the host Robban Haggnäs!

More to come, stay tuned!

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On April 14th 2022, TUOMAS ROUNAKARI released his solo album “Bear Awakener”, available at https://rounakari.bandcamp.com!

Awakening the Bear is a symbol of succumbing to the greater forces of existence. Awakening a new energy while being more connected to the ancient. And first and foremost – opening to a dialogue with mythical entities and re-creating harmonious and long lasting relationships with our surroundings, including human and non-human beings, seen and unseen worlds.

The songs in this album are formed by Khanty, Mansi, Carelian and Finnish ancestors. They carry a resonance of those before us who were better equipped to collaborate with nature in a sustainable and self-sufficient way. Such songs have always been Tuomas’ best teachers.

“This is music that gods are listening to” said Pekko Käppi after having listened through the freshly finished mastered tracks.

The album coverart was created by Karolina Pärnänen.

“Bear Awakener” tracklisting:

  1. First Morning
  2. In the Land of the Bear
  3. Man with a Bear’s Snout
  4. Second Morning
  5. Song of a Small Goose
  6. Origin of the Bear
  7. Third Morning
  8. Bear Clan Girl
  9. Man-observing-the-world
  10. Roopeska’s Bear Hunt
  11. Last Morning – Departure
    Running Time: 42,10 min.

“Bear Awakener” was recorded, mixed and mastered at the Verde Studio with the gear-wizard Mika Rintala. None of his modular synthesizers were used. All of the equipment used in recording was built by Mika – microphones, pre-amps, EQ and even the mixing console and electrostatic monitors.

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TUOMAS ROUNAKARI is an internationally acclaimed violinist, composer and ethnomusicologist from Finland. He is a one-man-band blending violin, vocals and stomping with ankle-bells. In his performance he enters various trance-states. In this album he will also be playing a traditional Khanty instrument called Ning-juh.

Tuomas is inspired by different forms of dialogue; man and nature, the seen and the unseen world, ancient and future. His first solo album Shamanviolin was a result of ethnomusicological studies of the earliest 20th century wax-cylinder recordings from Siberia. These studies have also led to many collaborations with indigenous artists. He is one of the few artists who have actually returned their art to native communities for evaluation and development.

Tuomas Rounakari solo performance has been selected to: World Cultures Festival in Hong Kong (2019), Arctic Arts Summit (2019), Nordiskt Ljus Festival in Sweden (2022), Festspillene Helgeland in Norway (2021), Nuuk Nordik Festival in Greenland, Kaustinen Folk Music Festival in Finland (2018, 2013, 2012), Helsingin Juhlaviikot and many others. He has also played the solo performance in several theaters such as Finnish National Theater in Helsinki, Merlin Szinhas Teater in Budapest, AlfredVeDvore in Prague, Ashurst Hall in Flagstaff USA among others.

Also watch
-Tuomas’ performance video, a throwback to Tokyo 2017, from the materials of ‘Live in Japan’ documentary by Kimmo Kuusniemi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g718diJlW1s
-‘Farewell of Kamas People’ – https://youtu.be/oV16Qipd0MQ
-‘Langetus’ – https://youtu.be/HVsU7PTqqHY

More information at
TUOMAS ROUNAKARI: http://www.rounakari.com | http://www.facebook.com/shamanviolin |https://rounakari.bandcamp.com | https://rounakari.com/videos
MANAGEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement | http://www.splitscreenproduction.com