Fresh after being signed to From The Vaults, epic doom metallers ALTAR OF OBLIVION announce the release of the EP “Burning Memories”. The five tracks were recorded in 2016 just after the completion of the band’s third full-length. Now, seven years later, the EP is finally ready to see the light of day. On it, the band conjures up classic timeless epic doom metal, whilst at the same time exploring untrodden ground under the gloomy auspices of this Nordic collective.
“Epic doom is not a subgenre that many bands even attempt, let alone excel at, still less expand upon, so this Aalborg five-piece deserve mad props for bringing new life to this profound outsider sound. With the frosty melancholy of Candlemass, the mystical drama of Solitude Aeturnus and the barbarian brawn of Solstice, AOO mix in new levels of emotional vulnerability via the Robert Smith-ish vocals of Mik Mentor, and never get lost in sluggish gloom, maintaining trad metal fundamentals with a strong, clear vocal line, a sturdy gallop and a spine-tingling melody” Chris Chandler (Metal Hammer UK)
“Burning Memories” will be released on MLP (180gr black vinyl, limited to 300) and digital formats via From The Vaults on June 16th, 2023. Pre-orders are available here.
The origins of Altar of Oblivion can be traced back to 2003, when Martin Sparvath (guitars/vocals) and Allan Larsen (drums) formed a duo called Summoning Sickness. Around three years later, this doubtful project morphed into Altar of Oblivion and the entity went from playing simple black/speed/ heavy-metal to epic doom metal. To complete the lineup, two new members in the shape of former opera-singer Mik Mentor and bassist/caffeine-addict Christian Nørgaard were recruited, and the band has, so far, several demos, EPs, a live album, and three full-lengths under its belt. Now, a new chapter opens up for Altar Of Oblivion, while the band closes the door on a brilliant past before looking forward to a new album in 2024.
Lineup: Mik Mentor – vocals Martin Meyer Sparvath – guitars & guitar-synth Jeppe Campradt – guitars C. Nørgaard – bass Danny Woe – drums Jannick Nielsen – keyboards
Exploring a new style like never before – symphonic metal icons SIRENIA revolutionize their melodic darkness on the brand new studio album, 1977, set to be released on May 26, 2023 via Napalm Records. Transporting the listener to a retro auditory arcade harking back to when groovy synthwave melodies dominated the world of music, the international band merges late 70’s and 80’s pop rock stylings with synthwave elements and their remarkable, hard-hitting symphonic melodies – shaking the listener to the core.
Showing off their multifaceted nature at its best, the first single cut from 1977 comes as an absolute time machine in form of the record’s bonus track, “Twist in my Sobriety”. The cover of the million-times-over streamed track by German born British singer Tanita Tikaram matches the surprisingly deep voice that presents vocalist Emmanuelle Zoldan in a very new range, while the eerie mid-tempo appears in a brand new light of modern synth beats and characteristic synth-oboe. Transporting their fans right into smokey, neon lit nightclubs, the eclectic mix of 1977 opens up exciting new facets of symphonic, electronic and groove elements in SIRENIA’s music.
Bandleader, multi-instrumentalist, composer and songwriter Morten Veland states: “’Twist in my Sobriety’ is the first single from our upcoming album entitled 1977. This is the bonus track of our 11th album, and it is a cover version of Tanita Tikaram‘s original from 1988. I have loved this song since it was released, and it has a very melancholic vibe to it, so it felt like an interesting project to make a SIRENIA version of it. I hope that you will enjoy it while we wait for the upcoming album release.”
Join SIRENIA and watch the performance video for “Twist in my Sobriety”, below.
Captured within the magic of 80’s sonics, the four-piece opens up their enchanting new offering with the mesmerizing opener “Deadlight”. The world of soulful violin and fragile piano lines builds up an energetic atmosphere, underlined by the wistful tunes of the multi-talented mezzo soprano voice of French singer Emmanuelle Zoldan. The track is followed by the fast-paced “Wintry Heart”, which gives a bittersweet taste of early 90’s vibes and roaring guitars, while “Nomadic” represents SIRENIA’s characteristic dark and heavy side as shredding guitar riffs alternate with playful interludes while relentless drums and symphonic electronic elements go hand in hand with one another. “A Thousand Scars” marks a totally new fusion for SIRENIA, as heavy symphonic tunes dressed as remarkable rock riffs and poppy rhythms dance together with the feathery light vocals of Emmanuelle. With the eerie and epic tunes of “Fading to the Deepest Black”, the song is reminiscent of their last album, Riddles, Ruins & Revelations (2021). Kicking off with vertiginous blast beats and a mesmerizing performance by Emmanuelle Zoldan, a warm vocal interlude by Morten Veland supports the song’s stunning atmosphere before it leads into an impressive guitar solo. Following their operatic symphonic highs, the heavy side of SIRENIA is not forgotten and appears especially towards the end of their 11th record.
Once again, Norwegian mastermind, bandleader, multi-instrumentalist, composer and songwriter Morten Veland produced the 11th record, while HK at Vamacara Studio, France, took care of the mixing. It’s proof that, after more than twenty years of existence, SIRENIA still ranks at the very top of the genre.
1977 Tracklist: 1. Deadlight 2. Wintry Heart 3. Nomadic 4. The Setting Darkness 5. A Thousand Scars 6. Fading to the Deepest Black 7. Oceans Away 8. Dopamine 9. Delirium 10.Timeless Desolation 11.Twist in my Sobriety (Bonus track)
SIRENIA is: Morten Veland – Vocals, guitars, bass, synth, programming Nils Courbaron – Solo Guitar Emmanuelle Zoldan – Vocals Michael Brush – Drums
Hotly anticipated Power/Progressive Metal band IMMORTAL GUARDIAN continue building the anticipation for their next opus, sporadically issuing new material as it completes as we head towards a late summer release of the band’s next full album. Today, the group unveils “Roots Run Deep” along with a corresponding music video. To heighten the experience the group has enlisted the services of famed vocalist Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear, ex-Gamma Ray) who guests alongside IMMORTAL GUARDIAN singer Carlos Zema.
Recording independently and remotely the quartet is assembling the follow-up to 2021’s successful ‘Psychosomatic’ track-by-track and sharing the material as it completes, along with visually captivating music videos, that again the self-contained group produces themselves. Check out “Roots Run Deep” on all streaming/download services (Spotify), or watch the clip below.
“This Super Metal style song brings together the powerful vocals of Mr. Scheepers with Immortal Guardian’s signature sound to create an epic and inspiring anthem,” explains Carlos. “’Roots Run Deep’ takes us on a journey back to a time when we were all united before our differences and conflicts divided us. It reminds us that we all share a common history and that as a society we must learn to survive the separations and unite to conquer. With a message of hope, unity, and perseverance, ‘Roots Run Deep’ encourages us to make the world a better place. So let us embrace our shared history and let this song inspire us to make a positive change in the world. Thank you for watching this powerful and inspiring video.”
“’Roots Run Deep’ is about the levels of today’s division. Black and white, religion vs religion, left vs right, rich and poor, war and peace, etc.,” further explains guitarist/keyboardist Gabriel Guardian. “The world is so divided right now and what we want more than ever is unity. This song is about putting our differences aside and remembering that we are all humans just trying to survive. We all just want a happy life, and that would be more likely to happen if we all just agreed to disagree and respect each other and celebrate the things that make us all so different and unique.”
Heavy topics are not unfamiliar to Immortal Guardian whose previous album focused on the Covid pandemic, likely the first full album to be thematically linked to the disease and its effect on the globe and its people. In the past year, Immortal Guardian has revealed four other brand new songs including “Perfect Person,” “Ozona,” “Echoes” and “Southern Rain” forming a basis for their next conceptual piece, ‘Unite and Conquer.’ The band will continue to share new material as the creative process proceeds to build up to a new full-length album planned for late summer 2023. Watch for pre-orders soon for CDs and limited-color vinyl variants. More info will be released by Immortal Guardian and M-Theory Audio in the weeks and months to follow.
IMMORTAL GUARDIAN is: Gabriel Guardian – guitars/keyboards Carlos Zema – vocals Justin Piedimonte – drums Joshua Lopez – bass
Boston’s GOZU – Marc Gaffney (vocals and guitar); Joseph Grotto (bass); Doug Sherman (lead guitar); and Seth Botos (drums) – return riffing and screaming with their fifth full-length Remedy.
Today, the band has shared the video for “Tom Cruise Control.” Watch it below.
“‘Tom Cruise Control’ will take you riding into the danger zone,” the band shares. “It will take you right into the danger zone! Turn ‘n Burn.“
The record was engineered, mixed, and mastered by Dean Baltulonis (Death Ray Vision, The Hope Conspiracy) at Wild Arctic studios in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The album will be available via Digital/Streaming, CD, and vinyl. The U.S. vinyl variant will be Blue/White Melt, while the European vinyl variant will be Red/Black Melt.
About the album Gozu says, “A wise man said, ‘To rock is human, to roll is divine. Gozu’s Remedy should be cranked at full volume, all the time.“
REMEDY TRACK LISTING: 01. Tom Cruise Control 02. CLDZ 03. Rambo 2 04. Joe Don Baker 05. Pillow Talk 06. The Magnificent Muraco 07. Ben Gazzara Loves No One 08. Ash 09. The Handler
Gozu will also hit the road this May.
“On May 19, Gozu hit the road with some serious BGVs. Get ready to stop, drop, and open up shop! See you all at a club near you. Woooo.“
All dates are below.
GOZU ON TOUR: 05/19 – Brooklyn, NY – Saint Vitus 05/20 – Philadelphia, PA – Kung Fu Necktie 05/21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Green Beacon Gallery 05/23 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle * 05/24 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups * 05/25 – Newport, KY – Southgate House/Revival Room * 05/26 – Chicago, IL – Reggies / Music Joint * 05/27 – Lincoln, NE – Cosmic Eye Brewery 05/28 – Denver, CO -The Crypt 05/30 – Houston, TX – Black Magic Social Club 05/31 – Austin, TX – The Lost Well 06/01 – Arlington, TX – Division 06/02 – New Orleans, LA – Gasa Gasa 06/03 – Nashville, TN – Springwater * 06/04 – Atlanta, GA – Boggs Social … Supply * 06/05 – West Columbia, SC – New Brookland Tavern * 06/07 – Raleigh, NC – The Pour House * *With Ancient Days
ABOUT GOZU: This is Gozu‘s world, we’re just living in it. Given that it has been five years since the Boston quartet dropped the monstrous Equilibrium, returning with Remedy is one hell of a way to make sure that everyone – whether previously familiar with them or otherwise – realizes that they are perhaps the most badass of American rock bands, for they have taken everything to the next level.
“There is a certain maturity mixed with a childlike enthusiasm to play music, and we all are better players now than on Equilibrium,” says vocalist/guitarist Marc Gaffney. “We have all really tried to look at what we enjoy but more what we do not enjoy. Playing music is a gift and when it becomes A Nightmare on Elm St Part 37.3, you are done.” The result is nine tracks of their signature combination of fuzzy, ’70s-inspired riffs, rich, catchy, grunge-esque vocal melodies and a touch of old school trippy psychedelia written and played with the utmost passion and enthusiasm, eclipsing everything else in their catalogue. “The band wanted a very heavy groove-oriented album with singalong choruses. We also wanted sonically to hit you in the chest, like a three-combination, left-right-left, like Micky Ward. Harmonies and melodies were something we really looked at and wanted to shine, and thick guitar tones, driving bass and drums were under the microscope.“
One element that gave the band a kick in the pants going into Remedy was drummer Seth Botos joining Gaffney, guitarist Doug Sherman and bassist Joe Grotto. “Seth brings such an impeccable work ethic and freshness to the band that it was infectious. He is the breath of delicious fresh air the three old men needed. He reminds us of a young Kevin Bacon/Wayne Rooney.” Auditioning drummers ate up some of the time elapsed between records but like for so many bands the biggest obstacle was COVID, which slowed down the whole process.
Recording with honorary fifth member of Gozu, producer/engineer Dean Baltulonis (Death Ray Vision, The Hope Conspiracy) at Wild Arctic studios in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, sessions were unlike any that the band had previously experienced. Botos laid his drums down in just a day-and-a-half, taking all suggestions his bandmates had and putting his signature spin on them, echoing the fact that they were all invested in the process more than ever before.
The band obviously hopes to tour the record after so long off the road, and they would love the opportunity to share the stage with bands they admire. When asked what other unfulfilled goals they have at this juncture, Gaffney answers without hesitation: “To always improve, write better, play better, enjoy everything that we are offered and take advantage of it. I feel we are always setting goals for ourselves so we are not stagnant or believe we can’t do more. The goal should always be to have fun, kill it and let the music set people free. The minute we stop setting goals and challenges for ourselves is the minute we have failed.“
Avant-garde project THY CATAFALQUE will be releasing its latest opus ‘Alföld,’ via Season of Mist on June 16, 2023. In celebration, THY CATAFALQUE is now releasing the very first track “Néma vermek,” along with a dark and thought-provoking music video. The video can be found at THIS LOCATION.
Mastermind Tamás Kátaicomments: “Alföld is the most straight forward and classic extreme metal album the project ever recorded. This time I just wanted to do metal without any innovation or progression, focusing on songs and riffs rather than experimenting and breaking new grounds. Had to let the old ideas out, so I did it with enjoyment. ‘Alföld’ means ‘The Great Plains,’ a massive flat part of South-East Hungary where I was born and raised and we shot the video for ‘Néma vermek’ in the middle of the barren lands, in Makó-Bogárzó.”
Pre-orders for ‘Alföld’ are now available HERE, while the album can be pre-saved HERE
Track-list: 1. A csend hegyei (4:10) 2. Testen túl (3:56) 3. A földdel egyenlő (5:25) 4. Alföld (9:24) 5. Folyondár (4:06) 6. Csillagot görgető (5:25) 7. A felkelő hold országa (5:23) 8. Szíriusz (1:28) 9. Néma vermek (4:13) [WATCH] Total: 43:30
Cover artwork: Photography by Orsolya Karancz – Lay-out by Tamás Kátai
Mixed by: Tamás Kátai in Budapest, Hungary Mastered by: Imperial Mastering, Austin, Texas, U.S.A., Colin Davis
Recording line-up: Tamás Kátai – guitar, bass, keyboards, programs, vocals Martina Veronika Horváth (The Answer Lies In The Black Void, Mansur) – vocals Lambert Lédeczy (Ahriman, Mörbid Carnage) – vocals Bálint Bokodi – vocals Gábor Veres (Watch My Dying) – vocals Gábor Dudás (Reason) – vocals Breno Machado – lead guitar Daniele Belli – acoustic guitar, double bass Dario Cei – flute Chris Lyons – violin, viola Ido Romano – ney Samuel Chacon – fretless bass Austris Apenis – French horn
Guest musicians: Martina Veronika Horváth – Track 4 Lambert Lédeczy – Track 1, 4, 6 Bálint Bokodi – Track 2, 3 Gábor Veres – Track7, 9 Gábor Dudás – Track 6 Breno Machado – Track 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 Daniele Belli – Track 5 Dario Cei – Track 5 Ido Romano – Track 6 Samuel Chacon – Track 3 Austris Apenis – Track 4, 7
THY CATAFALQUE is a metamorphic entity that’s constantly evolving, showcasing musical ingenuity that’s as limitless as it is daring. Meaning “The Great Plains,” ‘Alföld’ is grounded in the Avant Garde project’s heavy beginnings. While the record takes a cue from THY CATAFALQUE’s early days, mastermind Tamás Kátai’s modern progressive instincts shine through, elevating the record beyond the realm of metal as-you-know-it and once again creating a cutting-edge sound that’s far ahead of its time.
“‘Alföld’ is the most straight forward and classic extreme metal album the project ever recorded,” says mastermind Tamás Kátai. “This time I just wanted to do metal without any innovation or progression, focusing on songs and riffs rather than experimenting and breaking new grounds. Had to let the old ideas out, so I did it with enjoyment. Alföld means The Great Plains, a massive flat part of South-East Hungary where I was born and raised and we shot the video for Néma vermek in the middle of the barren lands, in Makó-Bogárzó.”
Originally, THY CATAFALQUE emerged as a black metal band founded by singer/keyboard player Tamás Kátai with the aid of guitarist/bassist János Juhász. Following their joined debut ‘Sublunary Tragedies’ (1999), the Hungarians evolved into quite different directions, but steadily gaining more followers in the process through the following albums, ‘Microcosmos’ (2001) and the self-released ‘Tűnő idő tárlat’ (2004).
On their fourth full-length, ‘Róka hasa Rádió’ (2009), THY CATAFALQUE invited Ágnes Tóth from neo-folk outfit THE MOON AND THE NIGHTSPIRIT and Attila Bakos to add their haunting vocals. With fifth album ‘Rengeteg’ (2011), Tamás Kátai finally went solo with the help of guest musicians that again included Ágnes Tóth an Attila Bakos. Dubbing his eclectic musical amalgamation avant-garde metal, the Hungarian explored new sonic possibilities with ‘Sgùrr’ (2015). The sixth full-length turned out to be slightly more complex than its successor, ‘Meta’ (2016), which returned to a more direct approach without losing the steadily growing sonic diversity. In 2018, THY CATAFALQUE continued this path with the release of ‘Geometria’. THY CATAFALQUE delivered another spectacular musical mosaic with their ninth full-length entitled ‘Naiv’, inspired by the “Naïve Art” movement.
In 2021, THY CATAFALQUE return with ‘Vadak’. Meaning “Wildlings” in Hungarian, the album title is a deliberate clue to the exotic and feral essence of ‘Vadak.’ Like seedlings scattered throughout the forest by the mere forces of nature, THY CATAFALQUE’s imaginative sound grows with an organic sense of whimsy, cultivated within the vast influences of our megacosm. Thematically, ‘Vadak’ is a foreboding lesson in mortality. Emphasizing the fragility that is shared by man and beast alike, the record explores our Freudian life instincts, in which we inherently fear and run from the ultimate goal of existence: death.
Now, the visionary is looking to the past as it journeys onward and upward with its latest opus, which is just as familiar as it is forward-thinking, certain to mesmerize a vast swath of metal enthusiasts across all genres.
Edinburgh multi-national Electro-rock group RÈNOVATIONS have announced details of their upcoming sophomore album, ‘Blank’, which is set for release 10th June.
To celebrate the news, the band have premiered a new music video for album track ‘Euphoria’.
Watch the official video here:
Rénovations are an electro-rock trio based in Edinburgh, consisting of mainland European members: Charlotte Pulcino (Vocals and Bass) Ioana Pavel (Guitars) and Gian Sudar (Drums and Synths). The trio formed in October 2019 and started writing during the first lockdown of 2020. Inspired by the effects of Brexit, the pandemic, self-isolation, the media and social distancing, they have recorded six singles, one EP, a debut album, and their second album, titled ‘Blank’, (funded by Help Musicians UK) will be released 10th June.
Recorded at Chamber Studios with engineer Graeme Young, ‘Blank’ was self-produced by Rénovations. “The new album is a social, cultural and political commentary, with each song covering a different topic”, the band explain. “Each one of us wrote lyrics on the album, and the specific topics are drawn from personal experience as old as 15 years ago, through to present day.”
‘Blank’ showcases a young band that’s maturing with each music release and is rich, alluring and perfect for listeners looking for something different from the norm. Sonically leaning into pop smarts with vibrant musical landscapes that sweep across classic electronic tones and powerhouse, earworm melodics: Rénovations lyrical social commentary captures a moment in time many listeners will resonate with.
From bullying and taunting, fighting against the clock, COVID testing rooms, cultural 24/7 online habits, and escaping confinement in distressing times; the songs on ‘Blank’ explores the grey that is often hidden between the black and white. Reading between the lines… and then some, this an album for modern times in an age of digital overload. ‘Blank’ is an impressive wall of sound by Rénovations, who are surely destined for big things.
‘Blank’ is released 10th June 2023.
Album Tracklist:
Precious Stone
Bed Is In The Bathroom
Rinse And Wring
Yell
Time Is A Common Problem
Scars
Larguée
Forest
Grind Mentality
Repetitions
Euphoria
Sphere
The back story of Rénovations began with the French singer and bass player: After Charlotte returned from a trip to Thailand in July 2019, she was offered a gig opportunity, but she needed to gather a group of likeminded passionate musicians. She reached out to Italian-born drummer Gian in order to discuss the revival of an old band project. After a few minutes at Edinburgh’s Brass Monkey pub, she convinced him – with the help of beverages – to reunite. A few phone calls and messages later, the line-up was completed with Romanian guitarist Ioana and the band began building their alternative sound, based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Rénovations are: Charlotte Pulcino – Bass, Vocals Ioana Pavel – Electric Guitar Gian Paolo Sudar – Drums, Synths, Backing Vocals
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