KAMELOT Reveal Cinematic Second Single ‘Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem)’, Feat. Grammy Nominated Cellist Tina Guo

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 14, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
photo credit: Nat Enemede

After much anticipation, modern heavy symphonic titans KAMELOT announced the upcoming release of their most introspective, uplifting, vital release to date – their first full-length in five years, The Awakening, out March 17, 2023 via Napalm Records. The Awakening enters the KAMELOT legacy as their most massive and diverse offering yet – mixing symphonic, gothic, melodic, progressive and power metal styles while yielding some of the heaviest tracks in the band’s history.

Following the release of the album’s widely-lauded debut single, “One More Flag in the Ground” – which fans can already hear on rock radio stations across the United States – today, the band have released their operatic second single, “Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem)”, featuring Grammy nominated, soundtrack-featured cellist Tina Guo. Presented with a new lyric video, the track is an exciting thematic continuation of a story born on 2007’s Ghost Opera album, celebrating the healing impact music has on the human heart and mind.

KAMELOT vocalist Tommy Karevik offers:
“The music of KAMELOT has always carried the message of hope, light and a feeling of resolution. This story is a prime example of that. ‘Opus of the Night’ honors the traditional dark and melodic sound of the band while bringing some new and exciting elements to the table.” 

Having reigned supreme with the release of internationally top-charting melodic metal pinnacles such as The Fourth Legacy (1999), The Black Halo (2005), Silverthorn (2012), Haven (2015, #1 US Hard Rock Albums), and most recently 2018’s acclaimed The Shadow Theory (#2 US Hard Music Albums), KAMELOT’s intense brand of ultramodern gothic and symphonic theatricality is amplified further and with more emotionality than ever on The Awakening.

The Awakening embraces enlivening themes that every listener can relate to. Inspiring, engaging lyrics of determination, strength, overcoming personal battles and growth are abound on The Awakening, provoked by extreme societal shifts and the overwhelming realization that we have such a brief time to be true to ourselves and live life to its fullest.

Showcasing the incomparable, stage-seasoned vocal acrobatics of Tommy Karevik and increasingly airtight, renowned technical teamwork of guitarist Thomas Youngblood, drummer Alex Landenburg, keyboardist Oliver Palotai and bassist Sean Tibbetts, KAMELOT’s score-like 13th studio album is accented by guest contributions from the likes of Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum) and renowned instrumentalists like violinist Florian Janoske and aforementioned cellist Tina Guo. 

KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood says:
“With The Awakening, we have one of our most diverse albums in years. We’ve fused elements from progressive, power and gothic metal to symphonic and melodic metal on this one. Working with incredible guest artists from around the music industry and having producer Sascha Paeth and Jacob Hansen mixing gave us another step up on overall sound. This album offers everything to KAMELOT fans and also reaches beyond borders to new metal and hard rock legions.” 

Pre-Order The Awakening HERE

Tracks honoring KAMELOT trademarks like cinematic “The Great Divide” and darkly hopeful eternal farewell to a loved one, “Eventide”, prove that while The Awakening stays true to the aural foundations fans have embraced for decades, equally-addictive outputs like “One More Flag in the Ground” – a radio-ready anthem about overcoming seemingly unbeatable illness and the mental challenges we all face, featuring additional vocal layers from JUNO Award winning musician and producer Brian Howes – showcase a band devoid of sonic stagnancy. Profound compositions are plentiful, like stage-ready, operatic “Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem)”, which features a hair-raising dual solo from guitarist Thomas Youngblood and guest cellist Tina Guo, as well as epic, synth-laden “New Babylon”, elevated by the dynamic vocal attack of frontman Tommy Karevik and Ad Infinitum’s Melissa Bonny. Further balancing darkness with light, grooving, heartfelt “NightSky” and ode to conquering one’s adversities “My Pantheon (Forevermore)” boast some of the album’s heaviest moments and most complex guitar solos, while pensive hymns such as Celtic-infused “Midsummer’s Eve” and ebbing-and-flowing hymn of cherished memories “Willow” provide necessary balance to an album fittingly primed for spectacular performances to come.

The Awakening features crystal clear modern production helmed by the band and longtime producer Sascha Paeth, plus mixing and mastering by Jacob Hansen of Hansen Studios.

The Awakening tracklisting:
1. Overture (Intro)
2. The Great Divide
3. Eventide
4. One More Flag in the Ground
5. Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem)
6. Midsummer’s Eve
7. Bloodmoon
8. NightSky
9. The Looking Glass
10. New Babylon
11. Willow
12. My Pantheon (Forevermore)
13. Ephemera (Outro)

KAMELOT will tour the world in support of The Awakening! See below for their upcoming European Awaken The World Tour dates.

KAMELOT Awaken The World Tour Europe – Part 1:
w/ special guests Myrath, Eleine, League of Distortion
Mar 12, 2023 – Pratteln, CH / Z7
Mar 13, 2023 – Lille, FR / Splendid
Mar 14, 2023 – Paris, FR / Elysee Montmartre
Mar 17, 2023 – Cologne, DE / Essigfabrik
Mar 18, 2023 – Den Bosch, NL / Mainstage
Mar 19, 2023 – Brussels, BE / La Madeleine
Mar 21, 2023 – Hamburg, DE / Gruenspan
Mar 22, 2023 – Roskilde, DK / Gimle
Mar 24, 2023 – Oslo, NO / Sentrum Scene
Mar 25, 2023 – Gothenburg, SE / Trädgårn
Mar 26, 2023 – Stockholm, SE / Berns
Mar 29, 2023 – Helsinki, FI / Vanha Ylioppilastalo
Mar 31, 2023 – Tampere, FI / Pakkahuone
Apr 1, 2023 – Oulu, FI / Tapahtumakeskus Tullisali
Apr 3, 2023 – Tallinn, EE / Helitehas
Apr 4, 2023 – Rīga, LV / Melnā Piektdiena
Apr 6, 2023 – Warsaw, PL / Progresja
Apr 7, 2023 – Prague, CZ / Meet Factory
Apr 8, 2023 – Budapest, HU / Barba Negra

Spring/Summer Festivals:
May 4, 2023 – Karmøygeddon Metal Festival, NO – Headlining
Sep 8, 2023 – ProgPower USA XXII, USA – Headlining

HERIOT Release New Single ‘Demure’ + Announce Debut Headline Tour

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 14, 2023
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Photo Credit: Harry Steel

The UK’s most exciting new heavy band, HERIOT, have released their mighty new single ‘Demure’, the first taste of new music since their globally-acclaimed debut EP Profound Morality (April 2022).

To accompany the single, HERIOT have also announced their highly-anticipated, first ever, headline UK tour across six dates in May.

Stream ‘Demure’ here: https://bfan.link/demure

HERIOT will be touring across the following dates: 

May 9: Bournemouth Bear Cave
May 10: London The Black Heart
May 11: Manchester Star & Garter
May 12: Bristol Strange Brew
May 13: Birmingham Dead Wax
May 14: Glasgow Garage Attic

Purchase tickets from: https://linktr.ee/heriotmetal
Tickets available from 10am, Thursday 16th February.

The news of ‘Demure’ follows HERIOT‘s tour with Rolo Tomassi, their first tour in Europe, closing tomorrow, 15th February, at London’s Electric Ballroom. HERIOT will also be supporting Lamb of God at a one-off show in Norwich on 11th March. Tickets: https://www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk/ents/event/23153/

‘Demure’ is the first look at HERIOT‘s next era following their triumphant debut EP, Profound Morality (released April 2022 via Church Road Records). Globally critically-acclaimed, the band immediately performed to packed tents at Download Festival, 2000trees, Bloodstock, ArcTanGent, gathering a legion of fans in the process.

Vocalist/guitarist Debbie Gough comments on ‘Demure’: “‘Demure’ depicts the conflict of remaining integral in a world overwhelmed by scrutiny. It sheds light on the loss of being an individual while attempting the unattainable pursuit of neutrality. This is the first new music released since our debut EP, Profound Morality, and opens a new era for HERIOT which we are very excited to begin!’

HERIOT then went on to tour with Zeal & Ardor and Boston Manor, displaying a range few new bands can emulate. Fully-focused and with a razor-sharp edge, the awe-inspiring double-vocal attack of Jake Packer and Debbie Gough is all-conquering; the titanic support of Erhan Alman (guitar) and Julian Gage (drums) rock-solid. 

HERIOT have deservedly been grabbing attention with all four pairs of hands, weaponising metallic sludge and hardcore, unholy levels of distortion, speed and gut-punching talent. Elements of Nails, Knocked Loose, Code Orange, and Vein.fm combine and collide to exhilarating effect, to create a new sound that is truly groundbreaking, fully worthy of the notice the band are achieving.

In their short recent history HERIOT have caught the attention of Metal Hammer, Rock Sound, Brooklyn Vegan, Kerrang!, Revolver, and Knotfest, among many others, “one of the most promising young bands in modern metalcore”, and “probably the best new metal band in Britain”.

Profound Morality is out now via Church Road Records, available here: https://bfan.link/profound-morality

HERIOTare:

Jake Packer – Vocals/Bass
Debbie Gough – Vocals/Guitar
Erhan Alman – Guitar
Julian Gage – Drums

Italian Legandary Black/Thrashers SCHIZO Release Live Album “Live From Collapse” on CD

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 14, 2023
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Black Tears Label has reached a deal with SCHIZO, legendary black/thrash metal band from Catania, Italy, and Apocalypse Extreme Agency, to release on CD format the live album “Live From Collapse”, released early 2022 on vinyl format. “Live From Collapse” contains the live version of the whole album “Main Frame Collapse”, released by SCHIZO in 1989, and considered as cult album. Many bands mention this italian band as source of inspiration.

This album has been recorded during their live performance at Traffic Club in Roma, on 2020 february 20th, during the “30 Years of Collapse Show”.

The CD version is available now. Get your copy at BLACK TEARS’ Bandcamp page or choice your fave online musicmarket (discogs, ebay, amazon…), at https://blacktearslabel.bandcamp.com/album/schizo-live-from-collapse

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

HELD HOSTAGE Release New Video for ‘You Rock Our Way’ with Special Guest Vocalist Tim Ripper Owens

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 14, 2023
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Held Hostage on the Metal Hall of Fame Red Carpet.

HELD HOSTAGE with special guest vocalist Tim Ripper Owens brings the “HEAT” with their Billboard hit (18 weeks on Billboard charts and counting) song You Rock Our Way. You Rock Our Way is all about doing what you love and not being afraid to bring the rock that is deep down inside all of us. This epic song has changed the course of Held Hostage and opened them up to a whole new world of fans. GET READY to ROCK OUR WAY.

Held Hostage is targeting Memorial Day to release the band’s first live album. Following that, Held Hostage is planning on releasing their next studio record this Fall of 2023. It will be a full-length record 12 songs total. It will be called Held Hostage Rescue Me.

Tom Collier, lead guitarist, on playing at the Metal Hall of Fame, “Playing the Metal Hall of Fame and watching such incredible bands/players such as Twisted Sister, Lou Gramm, Raven, Chris Impelliteri, and Doug Aldrich be inducted after we played live, was such an honor for us. I couldn’t be prouder of the guy’s Scott Gregg, Ian Evans, Dave Carroll and Guest Vocalist Bill Ali for incredible job they did preforming at The Metal Hall Of Fame Gala with Held Hostage. Held Hostage was part of what can only be described as Rock and Roll History.”

The Metal Hall of Fame said this about Held Hostage, “The first performance of the night was the venerable Held Hostage band, who brought a hard-hitting American Traditional Metal set of originals. They stepped into a difficult spot, but proved that they belonged.”

While at the Metal Hall of Fame Held Hostage founder Tom Collier was offered a full endorsement by Viper Guitars.

Held Hostage will be headlining this year’s Spring Fest, April 1 2023, at Collocas Event Center Fair Haven NY.

Last year Held Hostage released their brand new album “Great American Rock” on FireRock Music Group. The album is described as “American rock and roll at the purest form” by Cry Wolf Magazine. Tim “Ripper” Owens and Joe Lynn Turner provide guest vocals on the album. The album can be purchased and streamed at: https://lnk.to/GreatAmericanRock and at the retailers such as Target, Walmart, Barnes & Nobles and your local record stores.

About Held Hostage

Held Hostage has toured as and been direct support act with many great bands including Metal Allegiance, Quiet Riot, Molly Hatchet, The Rods, Uli Jon Roth, Eddie Money, Benny Mardones, Manowar, Ross The Boss Band etc. Held Hostage is currently endorsed by many great products including SIT Strings, Rev Amps, Prestige Guitars, Barefoot Buttons, Clayton Custom Picks, Kick Lidz Drums, ProPlayer Art, Intune Guitar Picks, Guitar Gifts 4u, Big Bends, Best Tronics, Mental Case, Neat Audio, WBGear. The bands unique blend of screaming guitars, thundering kick ass drums, raging bass and uninhibited vocals will stay true to form. Held Hostage is ready and able to take their place in Rock and Roll history.

Held Hostage is:

Tom Collier – lead guitar/lead vocals
Scott Gregg – rhythm guitarist/backup vocals
Jeff Murray – drums
Dave Carrol – bass /backup vocals

More information at
http://www.heldhostageband.com
http://www.facebook.com/heldhostageband
http://www.instagram.com/heldhostageband
http://www.twitter.com/heldhostageband

ABSOLVA Reveal New Music Video ‘Stand Your Ground’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 14, 2023
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Photo Credit: Drew Scott

ABSOLVA’s new music video ‘Stand Your Ground’ is revealed today, featuring a tongue-in-cheek satirical look at the music business, filmed at the fabulous Eleven venue in Stoke-on-Trent. The audio, taken from the band’s ‘Fire In The Sky’ album, was recorded at Rocksector Records HQ in North Manchester and mastered by Ade Emsley, famous for his work with Iron Maiden, amongst others.

The narrative introduces the fictitious character by the name of Timothy Swindler. Frontman Chris Appleton comments “We decided it was about time we take a different approach. Apart from ‘Code Red’ from our debut album ‘Flames of Justice’, our videos have been almost entirely performance based, so we thought why not have a bit of fun with the next one? Gradually the ideas developed into this music business scenario and the Timothy Swindler character emerged. We had an absolute blast shooting the video, our guest actors did a great job, and the guys at Lion Island Media have done us proud.”

Watch the video below.

‘Stand Your Ground’ is from Absolva’s latest album ‘Fire in The Sky’ which is the band’s 6th studio release, celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2022. During that year the band toured extensively in Europe and UK, with a fitting climax in December at Planet Rockstock.

Guest actors in the music video…
Tom Atkinson (from Vice)
Stig Chell (from Quiet The Thief)
Gareth Harding (from Quiet The Thief)
Dean Cowen (from The Event)
Tim Cooper (as Timothy Swindler)

In January Absolva confirmed UK tour dates for March 2023, including their flagship show at Camden Underworld on the 11th. See below for the full UK itinerary, plus European shows. The band plays this tour as special guests of Blaze Bayley (Iron Maiden singer 1994-1999). Tickets are on-sale now and links are available at absolva.com

‘Stand Your Ground’ Tour 2023…
March
3rd UK, Grimsby, Yardbirds Rock Club
4th UK, Glasgow, Ivory Blacks
5th UK, Newcastle, Trillians
9th UK, Crumlin, The Patriot
10th UK, Peterborough, The Met Lounge
11th UK, London, Underworld
12th UK, Cannock, The Station
16th UK, Norwich, Brickmakers
17th UK, Sheffield, Corporation
18th UK, Blackpool, Waterloo
19th UK, Stoke, Eleven
29th Germany, Cham, LA
30th Austria, Vienna, Viper Room
31st Czech Republic, Brno, Melodka
April
1st Czech Republic, Pilsen, Serikovka
2nd Germany, Erfurt, From Hell
20th France, Lille, Black Lab
21st Belgium, Verviers, Spirit of 66
22nd France, Nancy, Chez Paulette
24th France, Lyon, Rock n Eat
26th France, La Rochelle, Crossroad
27th France, Toulouse, L’Usine A Musique
28th France, Marseille, Jas Rod
29th France, Clermont-Ferrand, Chorus

Band members…
Christopher Appleton – lead vocals, lead guitar
Luke Appleton – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Martin Mcnee – drums
Karl Schramm – bass, backing vocals

NE OBLIVISCARIS Share Guitar/Bass Play-Through for ‘Graal’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 14, 2023
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Guitarist Benjamin Baret and bassist Martino Garattoni of progressive metal outfit NE OBLIVISCARIS are now showcasing a brand dual guitar and bass play-through for the song “Graal!” The clip can be found at THIS LOCATION.

“Graal” is taken from the band’s upcoming new album, ‘Exul,’ due March 24, 2023! The band’s stunning video for the song, which was released in January 2023, can be found HERE.

Pre-orders for ‘Exul’ can be found HERE while the album can be pre-saved on streaming services HERE.

NE OBLIVISCARIS also recently announced a European/UK tour, which will take place from May 5-June 3, 2023! For all upcoming live dates and tickets, visit the band’s website HERE.

NE OBLIVISCARIS + BEYOND CREATION (w/ PERSEFONE):
10/05: Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage [TICKETS]
10/06: Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts [TICKETS]
10/07: Richmond, VA @ The Broadberry [TICKETS]
10/08: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade [TICKETS]
10/10: Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum [TICKETS]
10/11: Orlando, FL @ The Haven [TICKETS]
10/13: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live [TICKETS]
10/14: Dallas, TX @ The Echo Lounge [TICKETS]
10/15: San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center [TICKETS]
10/17: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater [TICKETS]
10/18: Phoenix, AZ @ The Nile Theater [TICKETS]
10/20: San Diego, CA @ House Of Blues [TICKETS]
10/21: Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco Theater [TICKETS]
10/22: San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge [TICKETS]
10/24: Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall [TICKETS]
10/25: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory [TICKETS]
10/26: Reno, NV @ Virginia Street Brewhouse [TICKETS]
10/27: Portland, OR @ BossaNova Ballroom [TICKETS]
10/28: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon [TICKETS]
10/29: Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theater [TICKETS]
10/31: Edmonton, AB @ The Starlite Room [TICKETS]
11/01: Calgary, AB @ The Palace Theatre [TICKETS]
11/03: Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre [TICKETS]
11/04: Lincoln, NE @ Royal Grove [TICKETS]
11/05: Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line [TICKETS]
11/07: Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge [TICKETS]
11/08: Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom [TICKETS]
11/09: Toronto, ON @ Opera House [TICKETS]
11/10: Montreal, QC @ Club Soda [TICKETS]
11/11: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall [TICKETS]
11/13: New York, NY @ Gramercy Theater [TICKETS]

The cover artwork for ‘Exul’ was created by Xenoyr.

Track-list
1. Equus (12:13) [WATCH]
2. Misericorde I – As the Flesh Falls (7:33)
3. Misericorde II – Anatomy of Quiescence (9:22)
4. Suspyre (10:09)
5. Graal (8:53) [WATCH]
6. Anhedonia (3:43)
Total playing time: 51:53

Recording Info:
•    Exul was produced, mixed & mastered by Mark Lewis, Nashville, USA
•    Co-produced by Ne Obliviscaris
•    Drums Performed by Dan Presland & Engineered by Mark Lewis at Addiction Studios, Nashville, USA
•    Additional Drum Engineering by John Douglass
•    Bass recorded at Domination Studio, Italy by Simone Bertozzi and Simone Mularoni
•    Acoustic Guitars recorded at Bud Studios, Merignac, France by Mathieu Pascal
•    Harsh Vocals recorded at Audio Ninja Studios, Melbourne, Australia by Troy McCosker
•    Violin and Viola on all tracks and Clean Vocals on tracks 5 & 6 recorded and engineered by Troy McCosker at Pony Music, Melbourne.
•    Clean Vocals on Tracks 1, 2, 3 & 4 recorded at Studio TC, Melbourne, Australia
•    Additional Clean vocal engineering by Anthony Iorio
•    Benjamin & Matt’s rhythm guitars were recorded in their home studios in France and Australia and re-amped by Mark Lewis in Nashville.

Recording line-up:
Xen- Harsh Vocals
Tim Charles – Clean Vocals, Violin, Viola & Keyboards
Benjamin Baret- Lead Guitars
Matthew Klavins- Guitar
Martino Garattoni – Bass
Dan Presland- Drums

Current line-up:
Xen- Harsh Vocals
Tim Charles – Clean Vocals, Violin, Viola & Keyboard
Benjamin Baret- Lead & Acoustic Guitar
Matthew Klavins- Guitar
Martino Garattoni – Bass

Guest musicians:
Additional Violin on tracks 1, 2 & 3 performed by Emma Charles
Additional vocals on Track 1 performed by Alana K Vocal
Cello on Tracks 1 & 4 performed by Dalai Theofilopoulou