AETERNUS Release New Song ‘Wresting Worm’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 5, 2023
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Photo credit: Henning Berg

Norwegian dark metal veterans AETERNUS unveil new song “Wresting Worm” from their upcoming album “Philosopher”, due out November 17th on Agonia Records. 

AETERNUS was formed by Ares in 1993 in Bergen, Norway, and pioneered the genre known as Dark Metal; combining Black Metal and Death Metal with elements of classical and folk music. The band creates its trademark sound by layering superlative guitar playing and haunting, melodic interludes. Its current line-up comprises guitarist/vocalist Ares, guitarist Gorm, bassist Eld and drummer Phobos (amongst whom are present and former members of Gorgoroth, Immortal (live) and Gaahls Wyrd).

“Philosopher” was recorded, produced & mixed by the band & Herbrand Larsen at Conclave & Earshot Studios (Immortal, Enslaved) and mastered by Lawrence Mackrory at Rorysound Studio (Bloodbath, Vomitory). The cover artwork, illustrations and layout was crafted by Mar.A. (Cultes Des Ghoules, Deus Mortem). 

Tracklisting:
1. Existentialist Hunter 
2. World Bleak Nepotism 
3. The Intentionality of Unmitigated Evil
4. Void of Venom 
5. Wresting Worm 
6. The Luciferian Architect 
7. Carving the Pristine Anomie 

Tour dates:
w/Gorgoroth, Impalement, Aran Angmar
🇳🇱 30.11.23 | Drachten – Iduna
🇩🇪 01.12.23 | Trier – Mergener Hof
🇧🇪 02.12.23 | Ghent – Chinastraat
🇳🇱 03.12.23 | Uden – De Pul
🇬🇧 04.12.23 | Birmingham – The Asylum
🇬🇧 05.12.23 | Manchester – Rebellion
🇬🇧 06.12.23 | Glasgow – Slay
🇬🇧 07.12.23 | London – Underworld
🇳🇱 08.12.23 | Amersfoort – Fluor
🇩🇪 09.12.23 | Dortmund – Junkyard
🇩🇪 10.12.23 | Leipzig – Hellraiser

Line-up:
Ares – guitar & vocal
Gorm – guitar
Eld – bass
Phobos – drums

Pre-orders: https://aeternus-philosopher.com/

Follow AETERNUS:
Website: https://aeternus-philosopher.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aeternusofficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aeternusofficial/

WICKED Unleash ‘Lost In The Dark’ Single/Video from Forthcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 5, 2023
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One of today’s most theatrical rockers, WICKED, have announced the release of their newest album, ‘Sunburn,’ to be released in March of 2024. And the band (singer/guitarist Chad Michael, guitarist Scotty V, bassist Danny, and drummer Gunnar) is especially pleased with their latest effort, as they explained in the statement: 

“The new album ‘Sunburn’ is a deliberate e-brake in our music and state of the band. After years of doing 80 mph in a 30 with no hands on the wheel, we decided there was so much more to what we had to share musically. Produced by 10-time Grammy winner Ignacio Molino, released through The Orchard and accompanied by 5 singles / videos, the album bares an authentic reflection on the highs and lows of being in a relentlessly hard-working rock band with all the euphoria and pain along the way. We looked inside for inspiration and made an album for us and not anyone else. Don’t miss the blend of inspirations from Third Eye Blind to Thin Lizzy and everything in between, the personified characters from each single like the ‘Gorgeous’ robot girl, and the cinematic destination music videos. Before you know it, you’ll be ‘living like a Sunburn!’”

The striking video for one of the album’s highlights, “Lost in the Dark,” was directed and filmed by Longwood Media Group in Salem, MA, and features Salem’s premier Occult Shop “Hermetic Arts” and owner / ceremonial magician David Newman. The clip also stars actress Kelly Monteiro, and depicts a story of love and passion found and lost in one of the most magical cities. 

The single can be purchased or streamed via https://lnk.to/lostinthedarkpresave

The song itself is the first single off the upcoming sophomore album, ‘Sunburn.’ The song kicks off the band’s new release pulling from influences like Boston, Thin Lizzy, Toto, and Third Eye Blind. A melodic hard rock song about “the good girl gone bad” who’s shrouded in the dark arts and that type of “I can fix you” relationship.  A song that should be cranked up to 11 as you roll up to that tailgate, windows down, smoke billowing, on that I’m looking for trouble kinda night. Fuel injected with passion, urgency, and power like any good cocktail mix of cannon-like drums, harmonizing guitars, lustful lyrics, and fiery vocals.

“When magic and romance meet in a hard rock power pop tune” – Chad Michael 
 
“The lyrics paint just the right picture of that girl who is trouble, but you just can’t get enough of” – Danny  
 
“Some chick inspired a sexy, passionate song, which inspired an even sexier video, and that inspires me” – Scotty V
 
“I can’t believe it’s actually happening!” – Gunnar  

More information at https://linktr.ee/wickedrocknroll

Venezuela’s STRATUZ Become the First Extreme Metal Band to Win Pepsi Music Awards

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 5, 2023
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The eleventh edition of the Pepsi Music Awards took place on Tuesday, October 31st, where the Atmospheric Death Doom band STRATUZ won the awards for Best Rock Artist and Best Rock Album with their latest album “Osculum Pacis”.

Stratuz is the first extreme metal band to be nominated for the Pepsi Music Awards, creating a historical precedent in Venezuela and now becomes the first extreme metal band to be awarded in these two categories.

The band Stratuz was born to make history. In their 40 years, they have pioneered numerous events and broken many milestones within the Venezuelan rock scene.

In addition, the band formed by Franklin Berroterán (lead vocals), Gerónimo Egea (guitar), Diego Cabrujas (drums), and Leonardo Rangel (bass), is celebrating their second consecutive year in the Top 50 of The Jacqui Raven Show, on US radio station 99WNRR, as well as their signing with Wormholedeath, a record label whose products are distributed worldwide by Aural Music Group, which has a publishing division managed by Warner/Chappel Music Holland BV (Warner Music Group); its distribution and digital marketing is handled by the US corporation The Orchard INC (Sony Music Ent.).

“We are very happy and honored to receive these two awards from the Pepsi Music Awards for Best Rock Artist and Best Rock Album. We want to thank all the members of the Pepsi Music Awards Academy, for valuing and recognizing our work and allowing us to demonstrate that the Metal genre has much to contribute to our society, likewise, we want to thank all our fans who made this dream materialize through their vote. The sum of each of their votes allowed the formation of each of these awards and this proves that we have the ability to build and materialize our dreams if we wish”, said Franklin Berroterán.

STRATUZ emerged onto the metal scene in 1984 and quickly solidified their position as Venezuela’s most revered metal band. Their debut album, “In Nomine…” released in 1995, catapulted them to recognition and acclaim. Following a triumphant European tour in 1999, they signed with LSP-Company and released “Spirit Seduction,” which marked a new chapter in their musical journey. After a hiatus, the band reunited in 2019, pouring their passion into the creation of “Osculum Pacis,” which was unleashed upon the world in 2022. The album garnered international praise, securing the top spot on the Jacquin Ravens Top 50 Metal chart and earning accolades as the best work of 2022 by esteemed journalist Roberto Palmitesta and Metal Pedia.

The album Osculum Pacis, mixed and mastered by Arturo Banús, is the fourth full-length album by Stratuz, which includes 11 original songs that delve into different trends such as gothic rock, death metal, doom metal, and even some elements of symphonic rock. In March of this year, it was performed live, with a choir and a string ensemble at the Centro Cultural BOD, the first time that an extreme metal band offered a concert in this venue.

Stratuz is:
Franklin Berroterán – Voices and Keyboards
Gerónimo Egea – Guitars
Leonardo Rangel – Bass
Diego Cabrujas – Drums

Website: www.stratuz.info
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stratuzofficial
Twitter: twitter.com/stratuzofficial
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/stratuzofficial
Instagram: www.instagram.com/stratuz_official

KILLINGTON PIT Release Second Single ‘Kill The King’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 5, 2023
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L to R – Chuck Garric, Terry LeRoi, Troy McLawhorn, Will Hunt – Photo Credit: PR Brown / Josh Nesmith

Following the release of their hugely successful debut single – a cover of Accept’s “Balls To The Wall” in August 2023 – KILLINGTON PIT return with a remake of the Rainbow classic “Kill The King.”

This recording sees the band joined by rock music veterans, guitarist Stef Burns (Alice Cooper/Huey Lewis & The News) and vocalist guitarist Jeff Blando (Slaughter/Lynchmob/Vince Neil). 

Killington Pit was born of the pandemic. The members connected during the lockdown and began recording together. As time progressed friendships grew and a core band formed with Terry LeRoi, Will Hunt, Troy McLawhorn and Chuck Garric. 
 
The bands first single in August 2023 (“Balls To The Wall”) has had over 900k streams on Spotify and 250k views on YouTube.

Terry LeRoi says, “Recording “Kill The King” was an incredible experience! We were fortunate enough to have 2 insanely talented special guests on this recording; Stef Burns and Jeff Blando! It really was a privilege working with everyone on this! I’ve always been a huge fan of the Blackmore/Dio “Rainbow” era and paying tribute to that band and those musicians is a true honor. “Kill The King” is a legendary track and was one of our first choices as we were assembling our collection of songs for the Killington Pit covers album. I had read some past articles where Ronnie explained the song was inspired by the game of chess. That inspired us to create a video that we hope Ronnie would’ve loved and the fans of Rainbow will truly enjoy!”
 
Stef Burns (Alice Cooper / Huey Lewis & The News) says, “Kill The King is killer!! It was super fun blasting out that classic Rainbow track with great players such as Will Hunt, Blando, and my Alice Cooper brother Chuck Garric! Terry sings his butt off! Of course I’m a longtime Blackmore fan so that made it extra fun.”

Jeff Blando (Slaughter/Lynchmob/Vince Neil) says, “What a blast it was rocking out with all these great and talented musicians. My partner in crime, William Hunt on drums, Power Vocals from Terry LeRoi, Wild Man Chuck Garric on bass and I’ve always wanted to jam with the Incredible Stef Burns on guitars. Getting to pay homage to one of my all-time favorite vocalist, Mr. Ronnie James Dio was an incredible fun and rocking experience. I hope everyone digs this track as much as I had fun being a part of it. ROCK ON!!!!”

Will Hunt (Evanescence) says:  “I had a blast tracking this classic Rainbow tune Kill The King with the fellas. It was a great opportunity personally for me to pay homage to the legendary Cozy Powell who was taken from us way too soon. I wanted to copy a lot of what he did because it was so perfect for the song while adding some of my own flavor to it. I think the end result is pretty bombastic.”

Chuck Garric (Alice Cooper) said, “It’s an honor to pay homage to my mentor and my friend!…..To the King “Ronnie James Dio” 
 
LeRoi adds, “Over the coming months we will be releasing our full length covers album with accompanying videos. 2024 will see us playing select shows worldwide and releasing original Killington Pit music. We’re looking forward to sharing this with all of the fans!”

More information at https://killingtonpit.com

MEGAHERA Sign with Wanikiya Record, to Release Latest Album “Condemned to Insanity” Physically

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 5, 2023
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Wanikiya Record/Promotion opens the doors to MEGAHERA!!! Band in the metal scene for several years and with a very unique charisma! Collaboration that will begin with the release in physical format, of their latest work “CONDEMNED TO INSANITY”, released in digital format some time ago. Let the start of an extraordinary adventure that is sure to make people talk a lot! Ready to set off on a wonderful journey through the metal scene by MEGAHERA?

Bio:

Founded in October 2008 by Sardinian singer/guitarist Mario Marras embodied by the insatiable desire to bring back ’80s sound vibe. The name Megahera, in fact, means: MEGA (great) Hera (intended as era) ie the Great Age, the ‘80s.

Megahera born to give hope and support to all those who have seen their dreams crushed during the degenerating advance of the ’90s. Immediately after choosing the band name, Mario started the hunt for the perfect band mates: musicians with the same passion for 80’s Metal & Rock who shared the same ideals.

Megahera started off really well, with a series of dates throughout Sardinia, also known as ”The Infernal Sardinian Tour” and the recording of their first demo Lethal Noise of Violence. Taking inspiration from a variety of 80th bands Megahera managed to create their own blend of NWOBHM and Bay Area Thrash.

Following their first shows and Demo, the band started to gain praises across fans and media alike, being also invited to participate to the ‘ Eventi Metallici Fest 2010 ‘, a competition that has now become a traditional appointment for all metalheads in Sardinia, and saw Megahera win the final session and play alongside Paul Di’Anno (ex-Iron Maiden), who appeared as special guest.

A few months later, Megahera won another contest: the ”Summer Rock Festival”, which allowed them to cross the Italian border, and perform live in London. From that moment on, the band started a series of consecutive live performances, supported and thoroughly appreciated by their fans.

Coinciding with their active touring schedule, Megahera was working hard for the recording of their first album Metal Maniac Attack, which was released in 2011, via My Graveyard Production.

Their debut record, saw the band affirming themselves as “the band who sanctioned the return of the old sound”, against the new currents and the new commercial principles.

Metal Maniac Attack, saw the band’s sound going back to a soundscape that had been lost because of the 90 imbastardmented music.

To promote their debut album the band organised their first Australian tour, ‘Insanity Attack Tour’, in cooperation with Metal Evilution Organizzation (Australia), which saw Megahera performing a series of shows across the globe.

Megahera also found the time to release Leather In London(Ep) during their Australian Tour, via Metal Evilution.

July 2013, the exhibition at the Headbangers Open Air (Brande Hörnerkirschen, Germany), alongside of Praying Mantis,Savage and Metal Church etc.

Few years later: “Condemned to insanity” album. Megahera continue to perform live everywhere.

The band is currently in the recording studio for the realization of the new third album , Stay tuned for more news! MEGAHERA.. THE NEW ERA

CRYPTOSIS Release New Single + Video ‘The Silent Call’, New EP Out December 1st

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 5, 2023
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Photo by Jaqueline Vanek / Editing by Brand.Stichters

Following their acclaimed Bionic Swarm debut album from 2021, Dutch Progressive Death/Thrash Metal outfit CRYPTOSIS continue to push the boundaries of the style with a new digital EP entitled The Silent Call, scheduled for release December 1st, 2023.

The brand-new EP’s title-track “The Silent Call” can be checked out now in a video created by the film Production Company F/53 / https://www.f-53.com here: 

Also you can check out the single digitally here: https://cryptosis.lnk.to/TheSilentCall

Or visit the band’s webshop to pre-order physical copies of the EP: https://cryptosis.net/shop/

Next to the brand-new song that serves as title-track to this release, the EP contains the previously unreleased song “Master of Life” (from the 2021 album sessions) as well as live versions of the album songs “Prospect Of Immortality” and “Transcendence” recorded in Athens, Greece in November 2022 during CRYPTOSIS’ latest European tour.

CRYPTOSIS comment about the new song “The Silent Call” as follows: “”The Silent Call” is a thought-provoking glimpse into a world where the lines between reality and artificial control blur, leaving individuals feeling lost and insignificant in the midst of sprawling, concrete jungles we call cities. A hauntingly introspective track that casts a shadow over our human existence. It’s a sonic journey that invites you to contemplate the complexities of modern life and the eerie silence of the unseen forces shaping our world.”
The Silent Call serves not only as a new sign of life by CRYPTOSIS, but also as first warning shot in anticipation of the band’s new studio album effort which is in the works for next year…so better look out!

CRYPTOSIS – The Silent Call Digital EP (19:32)

  1. The Silent Call (05:00)
  2. Master of Life (04:12)
  3. Prospect Of Immortality (Live in Athens) (06:15)
  4. Transcendence (Live in Athens) (04:05)

CRYPTOSIS – Live:
02.12.2023 Hengelo (The Netherlands) – Metropool / EP Release show
09.12.2023 Eindhoven (The Netherlands) – Eindhoven Metal Meeting

CRYPTOSIS line-up:
Laurens Houvast – vocals / lead guitar
Marco Prij – drums
Frank te Riet – bass / mellotron / backing vocals

CRYPTOSIS online:
http://www.cryptosis.net
http://www.facebook.com/CryptosisNL
https://www.instagram.com/cryptosis_band