ARMORED DAWN Round Out New Album “Brand New Way” with Raw and Riveting, Anthemic New Single + Music Video ‘Enough’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 30, 2023
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Brazilian metal powerhouse ARMORED DAWN is back with a vengeance, releasing their latest single and accompanying music video, “Enough.” The band’s relentless commitment to delivering powerful and impactful metal experiences is evident in this final single off of their newly released album, Brand New Way.

“Enough” is a sonic declaration of resilience and strength, a metal anthem that resonates with the band’s signature sound while exploring new dimensions. With thunderous riffs, blistering solos, and commanding vocals, ARMORED DAWN takes listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of the human experience. which is only amplified through the official music video, filmed and directed by Leo Liberti of Libertà Films (ANGRA, MEGADETH).

The music video for “Enough” is a visual feast, complementing the intensity of the track with striking imagery and a narrative that adds depth to the song’s themes. Directed by Leo Liberti of Libertà Films (ANGRA, MEGADETH), the video captures the essence of ARMORED DAWN’s raw and emotive performance, creating a visual experience that enhances the impact of the music.

With an unwavering commitment to delivering epic and anthemic metal, ARMORED DAWN has crafted an album in Brand New Way that seamlessly blends their trademark sound with innovative elements, taking listeners on a sonic journey through intricate melodies, thunderous rhythms, and thought-provoking lyrics. Recorded at Dharma Studios, in São Paulo, Brand New Way was produced by renowned musicians and producers Rodrigo Oliveira and Heros Trench–the latter being the band’s bassist and veteran producer with more than 200 bands and a Latin Grammy on his resume. Mixing was handled by Chris Lord Alge (MUSE, GREEN DAY, NICKLEBACK)–with mastering by Ted Jensen (BRING ME THE HORIZON, EVANESCENCE, METALLICA).

Five of the 10 tracks were previously released, with the acoustic ballad “Stronger Together” unveiled during the pandemic, with subsequent singles “S.O.S.”, “Tides”, “Brand New Way”, and “No Regrets” preparing the ground for the new album, all of which were met with both fan and critical acclamation. Innovating expansively, the band creates songs with different themes from each other, but always addressing feelings that are inescapable experiences of human life, spanning depression, melancholy, optimism, friendship, anger, and more.

Brand New Way showcases the band’s evolution and maturity, featuring a diverse range of tracks that explore new territories while staying true to their metal roots. From the soaring vocals to the face-melting guitar solos and precision drumming, Brand New Way is a testament to ARMORED DAWN’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of their craft.

Brand New Way Track List:
1. Brand New Way
2. S.O.S.
3. Enough
4. No Regrets
5. Too Far
6. Ghosts
7. The Pretender
8. Purify
9.Tides
10. Stronger Together

Stream and buy the new album at https://bfan.link/brand-new-way-1

ARMORED DAWN’s current lineup includes Eduardo Parras (vocals), Tiago de Moura and Timo Kaarkoski (guitars), Heros Trench (bass), Rafael Agostino (keyboards) and Chris Oliveira (drums).

ARMORED DAWN emerged in 2014 and quickly became dominant in the Brazilian metal scene. After all, there were tours and shows alongside great bands like SAXON, MEGADETH, SCORPIONS, WHITESNAKE, EUROPE, HAMMERFALL, RHAPSODY, FATES WARNIND, SABATON and TARJA.

The first two albums, Power of Warrior (2016) and Barbarians in Black (2018), were produced by big names Tommy Hansen (HELLOWEEN, JORN), Bruno Agra (WE ARE HARLOT) and Kato Khandwala (THE PRETTY RECKLESS, PAPA RPACH). The third album, Viking Zombie, was produced, mixed and mastered by Rodrigo Oliveira and Heros Trench.

Presenting a sophisticated and versatile metal, the group collects great works in videos, such as “Sail Away”, which had a cinematic overproduction, as well as “Beware of the Dragon”, exhibited in all cinemas in Brazil during the trailers for the film Aquaman in 2018. In turn, “Ragnarok” and “Animal Uncaged” (recorded at the Rockfest Festival, at Allianz Parque, São Paulo, when they played to around 37 thousand people) have millions of views on YouTube.

Over October 2023, the band performed five times in Argentina, and also played at the Mexican festival Hell & Heaven in the beginning of November.

More information at https://www.facebook.com/ArmoredDawn

WICKED to Unveil Latest Single + Video for Title Track of “Sunburn” at Upcoming Live Stream

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 30, 2023
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Modern-day melodic/theatrical rockers WICKED are back with the latest single/video from their new album – which turns out to be its title track, ‘Sunburn.’ The band (singer/guitarist Chad Michael, guitarist Scotty V, bassist Danny, and drummer Gunnar) are especially proud of the clip, which captures a 38-hour coast-to-coast drive, with its destination being Joshua Tree, CA. Directed and filmed by Longwood Media Group, the clip also stars actresses Chelsea “Cherry Baby” Anzalone and Kayla Balfe, and can be viewed below.

As the band explains, “The second single off the upcoming sophomore album  ‘Sunburn’ gives the vibe of that saying, ‘too much of a good thing,’ and is accompanied by footage from our cross-country escape to California. We drove 38 hours straight in the band van from coast to coast, facing all the surprises old Route 66 had to offer – from storms to vehicle breakdowns and all the new faces we got to meet. From Cali beaches to the Joshua Tree desert, we brought our rock n’ roll party and burnt the candle at both ends. It was a perfect way to live out the metaphorical meaning of ‘Sunburn’ is a song about excess and its repercussions. Don’t miss what happens to the band in our music video after we invite these rock n’ roll ladies to our desert getaway!” 
 
And musically, Wicked describes “Sunburn” as “A punchy, punishing rocker, with sharpened punk edges and lyrical prowess that could have easily been played at an aggressive Michael Monroe show on the Lower East Side, or on MTV in the 90s by a band like Third Eye Blind. In 2023 it’s born with one purpose and that’s to fly the flag of that unapologetic Rock N Roll lifestyle and be your next summer anthem!”

Additionally, Wicked will be taking part in a livestream interactive release show dubbed “The Rock N Roll Circus Show” on December 8, 2023 at 8pm, which will be the kickoff of the series of this rock n’ roll variety show. The live streamed show will focus on the “Sunburn” single, but also featuring performances, behind the scenes footage, live interactions with the band, giveaways, and more, via this link: https://youtube.com/@WICKEDROCKNROLL?si=mVBzRSnoNyqD8NOb

“What else are you going to do in the dead of Winter? Might as well get geared up for next summer with this party anthem” – Gunnar  
 
“Sunburn puts the fun back in rock n’ roll. Top down, swimsuit on or off, it’s always summer somewhere” – Chad Michael  
 
“When you know it’s going to be trouble but that’s exactly the reason you want it so bad.” – Danny 
 
“Here’s another peak into the hottest rock n’ roll album you’ve ever heard. Take a rip and let this single burn!” – Scotty V

https://lnk.to/sunburnpresave
https://linktr.ee/wickedrocknroll

TRICK OR TREAT Release Video for Second Single ‘Aquarius: Diamond Dust’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 30, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Annalisa Russo

Italian power metal merchants TRICK OR TREAT have released a video for ‘Aquarius: Diamond Dust’, second single taken from the live album “A Creepy Night Live” to be released on December 8th via Scarlet Records.

Trick Or Treat celebrate more than twenty years of an established and successful heavy metal career with their first official live record. 

Recorded during the tour in support of the latest studio-album ‘Creepy Symphonies’, ‘A Creepy Night Live’ retraces the stages of the Italian band’s history: from the very first Helloweenish steps up to the current, brilliant and personal interpretation of the “happy metal” plot, passing through the most memorable and fun songs scattered throughout all their works. 

But there’s more… As a special gift to their fans, Trick Or Treat have composed a magnificent Christmas single: ‘When the Lights Fade Out (Santa’s in Trouble)’ – featuring Sabaton & Majestica’s Tommy Johansson – is the perfect tune to spend a nice and entertaining power metal Xmas!

  • mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio
  • featuring the special guests Michele Luppi (Whitesnake) and Chiara Tricarico (Moonlight Haze)
  • including the very special Christmas single/video ‘When the Lights Fade Out (Santa’s in Trouble)’ featuring Tommy Johansson (Sabaton, Majestica)
  • artwork by Alessandro “Alle” Conti (Trick or Treat & Twilight Force singer; former Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody singer)
  • for fans of Helloween, Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Stratovarius, Rhapsody of Fire, Sabaton

TRICK OR TREAT:
Alle Conti – vocals
Guido Benedetti – guitar
Luca Venturelli – guitar
Leone Villani Conti – bass
Luca Setti – drums

ALFAHANNE Reveal Details of Upcoming Album “Vår tid är nu”, Release Single ‘Alfa Omega’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 30, 2023
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Having announced their return to Dark Essence Records after a one-album absence, Swedish Rockers ALFAHANNE are ready to (rock n) roll out their fifth full-length album.  Titled “Vår tid är nu”, their latest release promises to be chock-full of ALFAHANNE’s very own “Alfapocalyptic Rock”, a sound that mixes Black Metal with Classic Rock and Punk and more than a large measure of Rock n Roll.

And, since ALFAHANNE is well known for being able to attract some very big names to appear both on studio albums and on stage, “Vår tid är nu” carries on that fine tradition, with Nattefrost (CARPATHIAN FOREST) and Doedsadmiral (NORDJEVEL) contributing their first ever guest vocals with the band, whilst Spellgoth (HORNA) and  Nattfursth (SORHIN) make a welcome return. 

With ALFAHANNE’s many fans chomping at the bit to see what their irrepressible heroes have got is store for them, Dark Essence Records have today released  a none-too-gentle introduction in the form of a single and video for the track “Alfa Omega” which features Nattefrost himself.

“Alfa Omega” is available to download or stream on a variety of services at this location.

ALFAHANNE had this to say about the single and the album:

Today we’re dropping the first bomb from our upcoming album: “Vår tid är nu” (“Our time is now”) in the form of the single “Alfa Omega”.  This was actually the first song that we wrote for the album, and is the foundation of the rest to come. It’s an up-tempo punk/metal song that includes the classic Alfa guitar melodies and features Nattefrost’s unmistakable vocals.

As to the album itself, “Our time is now” – this is the beginning of the end.

Set for release on February 9th 2024, and exactly ten years since the release of the band’s debut full-length, “Vår tid är nu” is ALFAHANNE’s heaviest album to date.  Filled with the band’s trademark catchy melodies and punk attitude, “Vår tid är nu” has an underlying bleak atmosphere that is reminiscent of both the 80s and the early days of Black Metal. 

With album cover art by Roger Pettersson and photography by Uffe Sandin, tracklisting on “Vår tid är nu” is as follows:

  1. Intro
  2. 9:e cirkeln
  3. Eremiten (Feat. Doedsadmiral)
  4. Elden har vaknat
  5. Alfa omega (Feat. Nattefrost)
  6. Wolfman
  7. När allt faller-Kaiken Kaatuessa (Feat. Spellgoth)
  8. 213
  9. Vår tid är nu (Feat. Nattfursth)
  10. Outro

“Vår tid är nu” will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition Swamp Green Vinyl formats and can be pre-ordered now from:

Bandcamp: https://alfahanne.bandcamp.com/album/v-r-tid-r-nu
Webshop: https://darkessencerecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://darkessence.indiemerch.com/

Since bursting onto the scene in 2010 ALFAHANNE has, as previously mentioned, shared both the studio and the stage with a list of artists that reads like a who’s who of Scandinavian Extreme Metal and includes Hoest (TAAKE),  V’gandr (HELHEIM),  Dolk (KAMPFAR), Erlend Hjelvik (KVELERTAK), Spellgoth (HORNA, TURMION KÄTILÖT), Nattfursth (SORHIN), David Lindh (YVONNE and BRODER DANIEL),  Sanrabb (GEHENNA) and Niklas Kvarforth (SHINING).

Today’s lineup of Pehr Skjoldhammer on guitars and vocals, Fredrik Sööberg on guitars, Jimmy Wiberg on bass,  Niklas Åström on drums, and Stefan Eriksson on keyboards and guitars, display a full-on attitude and an exuberance that is infectious.  Pair this with an easy going, friendly  interaction with the fans (both on and off the stage) and you have a band that is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

ALFAHANNE have already been confirmed to appear at 2024’s Karmoygeddon Festival to be held in Kopervik, Norway, 2-4 May.

More information about ALFAHANNE can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/alfahanneofficial

A video of ALFAHANNE performing the track “Indiehora” from their album “Alfapokalyps”, live at Inferno Festival 2014, and featuring  V’gandr of TAAKE & HELHEIM can be seen below.

Instrumental Alt-Rock Alchemists TRILOBEAT Sign with Epictronic for Reissue of Masterpiece “Extinction Horizon”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 30, 2023
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Instrumental alternative rock phenomenon TRILOBEAT has signed a deal with Epictronic for the reissue of their masterpiece “Extinction Horizon”, due for re-release on January 26, 2024.

Trilobeat is an emerging band based in Slovakia, which crosses borders with its new ambitious album and establishes cooperation with musicians all over the world. They create and perform genre-blending instrumental music supported by emotional visual projection. Their work has attracted music fans of prog-rock, nu-jazz, alternative, and even classical music.

The band’s second album, “Extinction Horizon” was released via the prestigious Slovak label Hevhetia and is being distributed worldwide by Epictronic. It boasts of a collaboration between both local and international talents featuring names such as Adam Holzman, keyboardist (Steven Wilson, Miles Davis, Trifecta), and David Kollar, guitarist (KOMARA, Steven Wilson, Erik Truffaz) in addition to the original line-up. The album is an impressive sound adventure, while their compositions combine variable electronic surfaces, a distinct piano sound, and a rough rock background. The outstanding world-class sound quality of the recording was created in cooperation with the multi-genre Toronto-based producer, Vlad Avy (Iamthemorning, Gleb Kolyadin).

Unlike their debut, in which they looked to the past, with the new album they decided to explore current themes that resonate among society. The album takes its name from the black ash line that signals the demise of civilization during archaeological excavations. Trilobeat offers a concept album that forms a unified musical narrative mapping the theme of the climate crisis and the fate of our civilization.

“When composing, we tried to answer a question that was crucial to us – can instrumental music be a messenger of powerful current scenarios?” explains composer and pianist Jakub Mikula. Based on the reactions so far, the answer seems to be yes. But what is even more important – Trilobeat with its new work has brought an incredibly varied mosaic of feelings from contemporary times, which despite its complexity is listened to with unprecedented pleasure and lightness.

Tracklist:

  1. The Red (feat. David Kollar)
  2. The Blue / To the Top (feat. Vladko Mikláš)
  3. The Green (feat. David Kollar & Michal Cálik)
  4. Lullaby 2042
  5. Look back / The Black (feat. Adam Holzman & Michal Šelep)
  6. Extinction Horizon (feat. David Kollar)
  7. The White (feat. Michal Cálik)

Take a sneak peek at “Extinction Horizon” with this tantalizing teaser:

The original line-up (Jakub Mikula – piano, Katarína Mikulová – flute and vocals, Norbert Neuschl – bass, Marek Sasko – drums) has been expanded on the new album to include guests from both the Slovak and the international scene. The key to the album is the collaboration with guitarist David Kollar, a unique music visionary from Slovakia, author of excellent albums, and collaborations with Steven Wilson, Erik Trufazz, Pat Mastelotto, and Marco Minnemann.

“Compared to the debut album, we experimented more with noises and field recordings, while also exploring a heavier sound. With some of the tracks we felt that David’s tone and unique style of guitar playing would fit perfectly,” explains Jakub, on the idea of approaching him. David ended up enriching three tracks on the album, with an epic solo enclosing the pilot single “The Red”.
“We still can’t quite believe that you’re going to hear a keyboard solo from mastermind Adam Holzman on our new album,” he continues. “This genius has been an integral part of the evolution of the jazz-fusion scene and has played alongside such greats as Miles Davis, Marcus Miller, and Michel Petrucciani. He has been a member of Steven Wilson’s band since 2011 and has recorded several award-winning albums with him.” His solo on Moog synthesizer awaits you in the track “The Black”.

Connect with the band:

www.facebook.com/Trilobeatband
www.instagram.com/trilobeatband
www.youtube.com/@trilobeatband
SpotifyTrilobeat

HELFRÓ Stream Deathly New Album “Tálgröf”, Out Tomorrow

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 30, 2023
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Photo credit: ©Void Revelations

HELFRÓ are coming back in from the cold with Tálgröf. The Icelandic duo’s second album is inspired by the myriad dark manifestations of the human mind. Through intense rhythmic passages, sick drummer Ragnar Sverrisson and axeman Simon Thorolfsson  delve into the most depraved cavities of the human psyche, while melting their native black metal with traditional, fiery death metal and tortured lyrics.   

Tálgröf comes out this tomorrow Friday, December 1. But you can listen to all nine hell-raising tracks on HELFRÓ‘s new album today, thanks to Black Metal Promotion.

“Tálgröf is a high octane, extremely entertaining album”, according to Metal Sucks, “…the future looks very bright for a band that spends a good portion of their year shrouded in complete darkness”.  

Lead single Fláráð Fræði puts a fresh, icy-cold twist on the blackened-death metal  that HELFRÓ carved out on their self-titled debut album, with tremolo riffs that rain down with all the fury of a hailstorm.

“Ildi Óhreins Anda” chugs along a melodic groove, though the song is more sinister than it lets on. The lyrics on Tálgröf  are based on interviews, journals and features on mass murders. “Traðkandi Blómin í eigin Hjartagarði” is about how these killers would poison themselves with mind-altering substances and sleep deprivation in order to commit heinous crimes that go ahead our very nature, all while reveling in the glorious death metal shredding that Ragnar grew up going to see with his uncle.

Cover art: Grindesign

HELFRÓ are still as cold and unforgiving as the winters in their home country. But ‘Tálgröf’ is prime to light a fire beneath Icelandic metal. 

“…a barrage of killer riffs, crushing blast beats and even some melodies here and there”, writes Metal Injection. “…downright mesmerizing drumming by Ragnar Sverrisson, who puts on a freakin’ clinic on this record”.

Here’s what Ragnar has to say about his band’s new album:

“The gate has opened and unspeakable horrors are now loose! Immerse yourself in the darkest thought patterns of murder and death upon which Tálgröf was conceived. Let the majestic furiosity envelope your very being. Thank you all for joining us on this dark journey. Hail the duality of man.”

Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/helfro-talgrof
Pre-save: https://orcd.co/talgrofpresave

Track-list

1. Jarteikn (3:30)
2. Fláráð Fræði (04:01) [WATCH VIDEO]
3. Fangelsaður í Tilvist að Eilífu (03:48)
4. Þögnin Ytra, Kyrrðin Innra (04:43)
5. Guðlegt Réttlæti (05:13)
6. Sindur (02:28)
7. Ildi Óhreins Anda (03:58) [WATCH VIDEO]
8. Traðkandi Blómin í Eigin Hjartagarði (03:21) [WATCH VIDEO]
9. Minning um Morðingja (04:23)
Total: 35:25

Formed amidst the haunting landscapes of Iceland, HELFRÓ is a formidable force in the world of blackened death metal. With their relentless aggression, atmospheric soundscapes, and compelling songwriting, they have carved their own path in the metal scene.

The journey of HELFRÓ began when guitarist and songwriter Ragnar Sverrisson sought to bring his musical visions to life, Drawing inspiration from the bleakness of Icelandic winters, the mysticism of nature, and the chaos of the human experience. HELFRÓ‘s debut album, aptly titled “Helfró“, was released in 2020, marking the band’s official entry into the world of extreme metal. With a relentless barrage of blast beats, crushing riffs, and haunting melodies, the album showcased their ability to seamlessly blend aggression and atmosphere.

Evolving with the advent of the sophomore album, Tálgröf, listeners can expect even more ferocity as HELFRÓ dives deeper into death metal territory while not straying to far from the signature ice-cold climactic tremolo riffing notable of their previous work. Characterized by its ferocity, the new album also carries introspective and thought-provoking themes, reflecting the band members’ willingness to explore the depths of the human experience. HELFRÓ is destined to leave an impact on the realm of extreme music, captivating audiences with their unique brand of Icelandic metal.

Line-up:
Ragnar Sverrisson: Drums, Vocals, Songwriting
Simon Thorolfsson: Guitars, Bass, Vocals, Arrangements
Recording Studio
Dominion Recordings

Sound Engineer – Simon Thorolfsson
Mixing Engineer – Mark Lewis
Mastering Engineer – Mark Lewis

Biography: Ragnar Sverrisson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelfroIce
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helfromusic/
Bandcamp: https://helfroofficial.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3LNnSSzoPPdyJT437coBFn