Swedish thrash/death metal rising force UNFAIR FATE is thrilled to present the visualizer video for the track, “Sealed in Darkness.” The song is a standout piece from the album, “Into the Abyss,” which is now available worldwide through Wormholedeath.
“Sealed in Darkness” encapsulates the intense and raw energy that Unfair Fate is known for, taking listeners on a sonic journey through the depths of darkness and despair. The track delves into the profound sense of being lost and trapped in a dark and abstract reality, where the inner urges and longing for release are palpable. It serves as an honest portrayal of surrendering to the darkness while simultaneously expressing a plea for the grip of fear to be released, ultimately yearning for an end to the suffering.
The band’s latest album features a variety of fast and aggressive tracks, as well as slower, heavier ones. The lyrics touch on themes of substance addiction, nuclear war, and letting loose the darkness within oneself. Fans of Thrash and Death Metal are sure to find something to love on Into the Abyss.
After reigning in the metal scene for almost 15 years, Viking metal giants SKÁLMÖLD will unveil their highly anticipated sixth studio album, Ýdalir, on August 18, 2023 via Napalm Records. First single “Ratatoskur” is out now, together with an accompanying lyric video. With their first record in five years, the Icelandic six-piece are bound to exceed all expectations – inspired by several Icelandic sagas and Norse mythology, such as the poem Grímnismál.
Carried by a breathtaking guitar solo, strident growls alternate with clean vocals, delivering the message of “Ratatoskur”. The Icelanders celebrated their 10-year anniversary in 2020 with an explosive live album, recorded during three sold-out nights at the Gamla Bíó in Reykjavík, and fans can’t wait for the band’s brand new material and energetic live shows at festival stages this summer – including their return to huge European metal festivals like Wacken and Summer Breeze!
Björgvin on “Ratatoskur”: “We proudly present to you all our sixth studio album, Ýdalir. It has been 5 years since we released our latest album and it is about time we give our fans some new music. By the end of 2019 we had already decided to give the band a little break, give ourselves time to reflect and recharge the batteries after busy and eventful first ten years of SKÁLMÖLD. And then Covid happened. So the break might have been a little longer than intended. But I can honestly say that we are back stronger than ever, full of energy and hunger to make new music and present it to our fans. And Ýdalir is proof of that. The six of us can easily say that it might be our strongest release to date, full of energy, catchy melodies and heathen epicness.
The first single we give to you, ‘Ratatoskur’, is all that. Driven forward by a catchy and folky melody. But still heavy and epic. All you would expect from a song devoted to the squirrel who runs up and down Yggdrasill, bringing messages from the eagle atop the world tree to the serpent Níðhöggur who dwells beneath one of the roots of Yggdrasill, right?
Ýdalir is an album we are super excited to present to you all and hope you like it as much as we do. It is about time we give you some new music. So enjoy! Skál!”
Starting off with soothing opener “Ýr“, gentle acoustic guitar and organs are the calm before the storm. Catapulted to a dwelling owned by the god Ullur, the unsettled “Ýdalir“ builds with its hypnotizing guitar rhythms and galloping drum sounds, building a solid ground for ominous and dark growls. Followed by chant-like song “Verðandi“, SKALMÖLD present an unforgettable track, with catchy guitar and oboe-driven details! While the first half of the track is dominated by the heaviest of folk and death metal elements, strong vibrations of growls subside with the sound of the ocean and fragile organ melodies. Based on Norse mythology, the sister “Skuld” makes up a trio of Norns, responsible for deciding the fate of people. Remarkable clean tenor vocals guide through the mystic mood, breaking up the heavy horizon with a fast-paced guitar solo and underlined by eerie bass lines. Closing the album, the stunning ten-minute track “Ullur” invites the listener into a colorful journey of melodic folk metal. Accompanied by roaring fire, the lyrics conform to some of the Old Norse poetic forms and create a magnificent interaction of oboe and keyboard elements, while the catchy guitar riff rises dramatically with the more eerie-like harmonies, providing a cinematic, epic ending. With Ýdalir, SKÁLMÖLD showcases a blend of both ancient and modernized cultural heritage, and connects precious sagas with thrilling black metal elements while folk metal melodies give them an enigmatic touch.
Experience SKÁLMÖLD live 2023: 13.10.23 DK – Copenhagen / Lille Vega 14.10.23 DE – Hamburg / Headcrash 15.10.23 DE – Trier / Mergener Hof 16.10.23 DE – Cologne / Gebäude 9 17.10.23 FR – Paris / Backstage O’Sullivan 18.10.23 CH – Monthey / Pont Rouge 19.10.23 CH – Solothurn / Kofmehl Raumbar 20.10.23 FR – Sélestat / Rock Your Brain Festival 21.10.23 DE – Mannheim / MS Connexion 22.10.23 DE – Munich / Backstage 23.10.23 AT – Vienna / Szene 24.10.23 AT – Graz / Explosiv 25.10.23 HU – Budapest / Analog Music Hall 26.10.23 SK – Kosice / Collosseum 27.10.23 PL – Bielsko-Biala / Rude Boy 28.10.23 PL – Lublin / Studio
SKÁLMÖLD are: Baldur Ragnarsson – Guitar, vocals Björgvin Sigurðsson – Lead Vocals, guitar Gunnar Ben – Keyboard, vocals, oboe Jón Geir Jóhannsson – Drums, vocals Snæbjörn Ragnarsson – Bass, vocals Þráinn Árni Baldvinsson – Lead guitar, vocals
American death metallers MUTUAL HOSTILITY have premiered their new single “Reality Lens” at MetalBite. Stream it HERE.
MUTUAL HOSTILITY will be releasing their new album, “Inhuman Anguish”, on June 28th 2023 via Lethal Scissor Records, making it the band’s debut to the label.
Toilet Ov Hell premiered the first single “Faces in the Walls” at THIS LOCATION.
Following the good feedback received for the “Sacred Propaganda” EP, MUTUAL HOSTILITY waste no time continuing their attack and return with their first full-length. The band have thankfully made no great changes to their juggernaut sound. Dynamic, utterly crushing, immediately memorable, the band’s death metal stick to its guns without de-escalating the branded frenetic motion and interminable aggression.
Drawing inspiration from bands such as Suffocation, Deicide and Gorguts, MUTUAL HOSTILITY create a sound distinctly modern but with an appreciation for the old school death metal legends, all executed with near surgical meticulousness.
Tracklist:
1. Exordium 2. Reality Lens 3. Unknown Echoes 4. Lie In Wait 5. Myth Through Time 6. Faces In The Walls 7. Black Vault 8. Biorhythm 9. Denouement
MUTUAL HOSTILITY is a death metal band formed in January of 2020 in Northeast Ohio, USA. Merging many metal genres into the fold, Adam Rogers (vocals), Dan Gates (guitars & bass) and Eric Frabotta (drums) offer a blend of hostility and intensity. Most of 2020 was spent writing and recording at each others home during the pandemic shutdown. Soon after the band released a lyric video for the song “Pyramid of Hate” which gained some momentum and eventually led up to the EP titled “Sacred Propaganda” being released in November 2020 on the Cult of Parthenope record label. In 2022 nine new tracks were written and recorded for the first full-length album.
Line-up:
Dan Gates – Guitars, Bass Adam Rogers – Vocals Eric Frabotta – drums
Greek veterans of THE MAGUS are proud to unveil the very first track from the previously announced debut album ‘Βυσσοδομώντας’! The new offering will be released via The Circle Music records on October 31st, 2023.
The fierce new track ‘Lux Tenebrarum: The Illuminating Darkness’ is now streaming via the Black Metal Promotion channel HERE.
THE MAGUS have simultaneously kicked off the pre-orders for the album, including the very limited edition boxset (strictly limited to 100 copies), HERE.
THE MAGUS comment: “This is definitely the most organic and complex album I have ever done. After a few listenings the darkness which includes crawls into your skin and then into your soul. From the straight black metal blasts to the ritual parts and from nightmarish harmonies to grandiose theatrics and Luciferian glorification. It will mark you, it will haunt you. You have been warned.”
Hailing back to 1989, Greek black metal outfit Necromantia was founded by the two musicians Baron Blood (bass) and The Magus (vocals, guitars, keyboards). The band’s music was characterized by a mix of black metal and death metal, with elements of Greek folk music and classical music. Over the years, Necromantia had undergone several line-up changes, but the band continued to release albums and tour, becoming one of the most respected and influential black metal bands from Greece!
Following the tragic death of Baron Blood in 2019, The Magus decided to disband Necromantia by releasing their final album “To the Depths We Descend” in 2021. But The Magus’ personal musical and mystical journey did not stop here. The inner black flame, which urges The Magus to create dark and extreme art which is expressed through music and lyrics, never ceased to burn.
In the summer of 2022, The Magus decided to give birth to a new musical project, entitled simply and appropriately; THEMAGUS. Joined by long-time associates, El (Soulskinner, Zaratus, Thou Art Lord, Principality of Hell etc) on guitars and Maelstrom (Necromantia, Yoth Iria, Thou Art Lord, Principality of Hell) on drums in order to complete the formula and start working on material for the upcoming album “Βυσσοδομώντας” (pronounced as: “Vissodomontas”), which will be released on October 31st, 2023!
“Βυσσοδομώντας” is an album that is meticulous down to its last detail. Every note, every riff & chorus, is not by chance where it was placed. Except El (Guitars) & Maelstorm (Drums) who make up THE MAGUS, a host of well-known musicians participated adding their personal touch (King Dude, IDVex (1/2 SOUTHERN NORTH), Hel Pyre (W.E.B.), Iraklis Gialatzides (SWAN CHRISTY), Manos Six (Manos Six and the Muddy Devil) & Christos Antoniou (SEPTICFLESH) who did the arrangements for the live choir. At the same time, five graphic designers tackled the artwork of all formats and captured in an exemplary way on paper the nightmarish thoughts of The Magus. Finally, a special mention is needed for the amazing production, mixing & mastering, done at Pentagram Studio by George Emmanuel.
Line up: The Magus: Bass/Voices El: Guitars Maelstrom: Drums
Recorded and produced: by George Emmanuel at Pentagram studio, Athens Mix & master: George Emmanuel
Fresh off a European and UK tour supporting The Winery Dogs, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and Gibson Guitar brand ambassador Jared James Nichols is pleased to announce his “October 2023 Headline UK Tour” with special guests DeWolff.
Additional support on selected dates comes from British rock bands Doomsday Outlaw and Silveroller, and guitar sensation Toby Lee.
The tour announcement follows the recent release of Jared’s current single “Easy Come, Easy Go” taken from his critically acclaimed eponymous third studio album Jared James Nichols, released in January 2023.
Watch the “Easy Come, Easy Go” live performance music video on YouTube HERE.
Music News.com reviewed the single and said, “Monstrous power and pace, massive guitar work… it’s a beast!” Rock The Joint Magazine was equally impressed by the single and said, “Upbeat and positive, Easy Come, Easy Go has a catchy feel to it. It’s a very radio friendly, commercial track.”
“Easy Come, Easy Go” is an electrifying, foot stomping, rock’n’roll animal,” reflects Jared. “The song is unrelenting with fuzzed out guitars and a heavy groove. I have always loved the phrase easy come, easy go meaning not to dwell or live in the past. The message is to take life as it comes and live in the moment.”
Released earlier in the year by Black Hill Records, Jared’s third studio album Jared James Nichols features every side of the Nashville-based multi-talent and the various genres he grew up listening to, whether it was grunge or blues; all of which has influenced his authentic sound.
“I made a record to serve as the menu for the live show,” reflects Jared. “There is an element of excitement and danger. It’s my version of rock ‘n’ roll with a little more humanity. The album is a day in the life with the ups and downs, but it musically rings true to who I am as an artist.”
Jared James Nichols is available on all digital music platforms, CD, and vinyl HERE.
Produced, engineered, and mixed by Eddie Spear (Zach Bryan, Slash, Rival Sons), the album was recorded live at Blackbird Studios and Sienna Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jared first emerged onto the scene in 2015 with his debut Old Glory & The Wild Revival and followed that up with Black Magic (2018), which yielded the fan favorite “Honey Forgive Me.” In 2021, he released the EP, Shadow Dancer. Earlier this year he collaborated with Maggie Rose and Joe Bonamassa for revised versions of his song “Threw Me To The Wolves.”
Gibson Guitars also welcomed Nichols as an official ambassador, plotting the release of several signature Jared James Nichols guitars. In November 2023, Gibson will release Jared’s official Epiphone Blues Power signature guitar.
Nichols has racked up millions of streams and critical acclaim and, in between show-stopping solo shows, has performed alongside icons such as Slash, Billy Gibbons, and Zakk Wylde.
Guitar World Magazine has attested, “If you’ve never witnessed Jared James Nichols onstage, let us say right now: you’re missing out, big time.”
Manchester-based melodic metal / hard rock band ABSOLVA confirm their headline shows for 2023, in the wake of the recent heart attack of former-Iron Maiden singer Blaze Bayley. The four musicians normally double-up as Blaze’s backing band and had been due to tour again with him this year until he suffered a massive heart attack at the end of April, effectively wiping out their 2023 diary.
Absolva frontman Christopher Appleton explains… “We couldn’t believe our ears when we got the call to say Blaze was in hospital with the heart attack. It was just two days before we were due to begin the European leg of the Blaze Bayley ‘Unstoppable’ tour. The priority was of course Blaze’s health and I’m very happy he’s since undergone successful quadruple bypass surgery, now going through several months in recovery.”
Absolva’s plans for the year were thereby thrown into chaos and they’ve assembled a headline tour from the remnants of the original Blaze shows. Christopher continues… “Absolva and Blaze Bayley operate as independently as possible, and myself, brother Luke, and the team at the family-owned Rocksector Records take care of business, with myself working particularly as booking agent. So, in the extreme circumstances I needed to roll my sleeves up, hitting the phone and email to get booking Absolva headline shows. Not easy as of course many venues were already fully booked well in advance.”
Eventually, plans have come together and a schedule for UK and Europe has been assembled. “It’s not perfect” adds Christopher’s brother Luke (formerly of American metalheads Iced Earth) “but although some areas will have to wait until 2024, we now have a schedule for 2023 which covers a fair section of what we wanted and of course it will be a huge relief to get out there and play.”
Absolva were formed in 2012, from the ashes of Fury UK, have released six studio albums and two live, forging an enviable reputation as one of the hardest working bands around. They are perhaps best known for the impact of their live performances, connecting with the hard rockers who appreciate the melody whilst equally keeping faith with the metalheads. The band has toured extensively, including home territory UK, Europe and South America, whilst also impressing at festivals such as Planet Rockstock, Stonedead, Bloodstock, WinterStorm, Hammerfest and Burrfest in the UK, plus Headbangers Open Air (Germany), Rock The Coast (Spain), Metal Magic (Denmark), Chania Rock (Crete), Dark River Festival (Finland), Blast From The Past (Belgium) and more.
In addition, the lay-off from Blaze Bayley shows will also present the opportunity to work on some new music and we should expect a new single later in the year and writing for a seventh album has also begun.
Live shows… 12/8 UK, Stockport, Firevolt Festival 19/8 UK, London, Cart & Horses 1/9 UK, Sheffield, Corporation 3/9 UK, Swindon, Victoria 8/9 UK, Skipton, Sound Bar 9/9 UK, Glasgow, Ivory Blacks 10/9 UK Newcastle, Trillians 22/9 NL, Geleen, Café De Meister 23/9 DE, Mannheim, 7-er Club 24/9 DE, Konstanz, Backstage Club 26/9 CZ, Prague, Hells Club 28/9 DE, Oldenburg, MTS 29/9 DE, Siegen, Vortex 30/9 DE, Krefeld, Kulturrampe 1/10 BE, Deinze, Café Elpee 4/11 UK, Oxford, Rabidfest 17/11 UK, Stoke, Eleven (opening for Demon) 16/12 UK, Manchester, Academy 3
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 ) 