POPIÓR is a band founded in 2022 on the initiative of former members musicians of the KAT&Roman Kostrzewski – Jacek Hiro and Jacek Nowak. They invited vocalist Chris Hofler and bassist, Grzegorz Feliks.
“Popiór is an angel who sat down on earth and begins to take advantage of human beings excitement and pleasure. Finally, he realizes that with each such pleasure, he deserves it feather” – Roman Kostrzewski.
The songs were originally prepared for next KAT&Roman Kostrzewski studio album, but unfortunately Roman Kostrzewski (one of the most influential Artist on the Polish Metal Scene) died 10 February 2022. Songs were fully accepted by charismatic vocalist and blessed to continue this musician pathway as new Band.
Music was recorded by Grzegorz Środa at Lateral Sound and Piotr Mańkowski from Coverius Studio (Turbo, Wolf Spider) is responsible for final mix & mastering. Band photo & videos were done by duo Marcin Halerz & Joanna Widomska while cover artwork & layout design by Piotr Szafraniec (Sceptic, Lost Soul, Trauma, Vader).
Debut album titled “Pomarlisko” will be released digitally, on CD, gatefold LP (regular black & limited galaxy green transparent), limited collectors bundle and with additional merchandise via Polish label SZATANIEC. Release date is scheduled on October 12, 2023. Pre-order here.
Tracklist:
1. Międzyświat 2. Zabierz Mnie Do Piekła 3. Marne Wycie Hien 4. Cień Starych, Cmentarnych Drzew 5. Astralne Wrota Gwiazd 6. Czarny Bal 7. Pomarlisko 8. Requiem
Sicilian guitar virtuoso Matteo Manusco today reveals his latest single “Silk Road,” – available on all digital platforms. The song is taken from his debut album, ‘The Journey,’ which was released in July via The Players Club/Mascot Label Group. You can watch the video for “The Journey,” HERE.
Talking about the song, Mancuso says, “I’m so happy to share the third official video of my album. This song is called “Silkroad,” and it’s dedicated to my hometown Palermo and his Arab-Norman roots. Hope you enjoy.”
He has also announced his first UK show. He will play the O2 Academy Islington, London on Wednesday 27th September. Tickets are available HERE. “This will be my first time playing in UK” he says. “I’m really excited pumped for this show and I’m sure we will have a lot of fun! Hope to see you there.”
He has previously revealed the videos for “Samba Party,” which channels the excitement and jubilation of a Rio de Janeiro during carnival – but the song itself is anything but samba, which was the follow up to the album’s lead single “Drop D.”
The YouTube sensation has already caught the attention of ground-breaking players from, Dweezil Zappa to Joe Bonamassa, Steve Vai to Al Di Meola and Tosin Abasi. His debut album of nine original songs was recorded at Fico d’India Studios Casteldaccia, Sicily, by his father, Vincenzo Mancuso – a gifted player who also played on the record and co-wrote two songs, “Polifemo” and “Blues For John.” The album also features Stefano India (Bass) and Giuseppe Bruno (Drums), with additional musicians Riccardo Oliva (Bass), Gianluca Pellerito (drums) and Giuseppe Vasapolli (Piano/Organ).
He has recently performed with Tommy Emmanuel in Palermo, he’s shared the stage with Al Di Meola on classical guitar at the closing night of the Eddie Lang Jazz Festival and played at the Lugano Jazz Festival in Switzerland as a guest with prog-rockers PFM and an incredible performance at the New Ross Guitar Festival in Ireland.
2023 is now where ‘The Journey’ really begins. From the age of 12, when he took his first steps onto a stage in Sicily, has all led to this moment – the precocious talent which led to the youngster becoming a YouTube sensation, to the acclaim from some of the finest guitarists of their time, to the stages graced across Europe and the ones he has shared with icons, to this moment – his debut album release of nine deftly beautiful guitar instrumentals.
“I just want people to hear it,” he enthuses. “Music has always been my favourite form of communication, and the thing I love about instrumental music is that there isn’t a language barrier. I’m sure that people that don’t usually listen to instrumental music can find something interesting from this album.”
Track list Silkroad Polifemo Falcon Flight Open Fields DropD Blues For John Time To Leave Samba Party The Journey
“For more than 20 years, I’ve told everyone that BraveWords rocks,” says The CMS Network creator Chris Akin. “We’re proud to be associated with BraveWords Radio! Install the app, tune in and rock hard on your way to and from work this week!!”
“We are so excited to be added to the CMS app with all these established stations! Now BraveWords Radio is completely mobile, download it today.” Brian Basher, BraveWords Radio Program Director.
TEMPERANCE, the Italian maestros of modern melodic/symphonic metal, have revealed a brand-new lyric video for their second single, “No Return”, cut from their exciting concept album, Hermitage – Daruma’s Eyes Pt. 2, out October 20, 2023 via Napalm Records!
Immediately catching on with an energetic upbeat, “No Return” gleams with the band’s top-notch sing-along refrain and operatic fragments. Underlined by the captivating rhythm of the orchestration and drums, the song comes along with a magical lyric video that visualizes a new chapter of the story.
Introducing the band’s new lineup with further festival appearances this autumn, TEMPERANCE is looking forward to joining SERENITY’s Nemesis AD European tour in spring 2024.
Singer and guitarist Marco Pastorino on “No Return”: “After the opening track of the album, ‘Daruma’, we decided to give you something from the middle of the story. You will discover some details about Viktor’s journey, the main character of Hermitage plus one of the best vocal performances of Kristin Starkey.”
Expanding the lineup with the professional opera/metal singer and vocal coach Kristin Starkey, the essence of charismatic singer Michele Guaitoli (Visions of Atlantis) and mastermind singer/guitarist Marco Pastorino (Serenity) reaches a higher level. Guest musicians like Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon), Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie, Illumishade), Laura Fella (Faun) and Alessandro Conti (Twilight Force) complement the exciting journey. Diving into the stunning story of the album, fans can also order the limited Hermitage book, written by Marco Pastorino.
Catapulted into another era by finding the Japanese doll, Daruma, protagonist Viktor wakes up in a magical village called Hermitage, exploring its secrets track by track. Getting into a fight between the siblings Anningan and Irin, only Viktor’s destiny is the key to their conflict. Galloping guitar passages open “Daruma” together with the album narrator and multitalent Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) while the dark timbre of singer Kristin Starkey introduces the villain Anningan. “Welcome To Hermitage” presents the magical world of Hermitage with fairytale-like flutes, twinkling chime elements, and the vocal arrangements of singers Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie, Illumishade) and Laura Fella (Faun). “Join Me” ranges from marvelous vocal harmonies to grand compositions while the spellbinding “Darkness is just a Drawing” and uplifting “Full Of Memories” gather the atmosphere of Hermitage – Daruma’s Eyes Pt. 2 once again. “Cliff” closes the album with rising melodies, epic orchestration arrangements, and inimitable vocal spotlights. The concept album was produced by TEMPERANCE guitarist and singer Marco Pastorino and mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni (Luca Turilli, Michael Romeo, Twilight Force) at Domination Studio in San Marino. Come explore Viktor’s legacy!
Hermitage – Daruma’s Eyes Pt. 2 Tracklist: 1. Daruma 2. Glorious 3. A Hero Reborn 4. Welcome to Hermitage 5. No Return 6. In Search of Gold 7. Join Me 8. Trust no one but You 9. Darkness is just a Drawing 10. Into the Void 11. Brand new Start 12. Where we Belong 13. Full of Memories 14. Cliff
Experience TEMPERANCE live in 2023/24: 29.09.23 DE – Oberhausen / Killerz Fest 04.11.23 NL – Apeldoorn / Brainstorm Festival
Nemesis AD European Tour w/SERENITY: 08.02.24 DE – Berlin / Columbia Theater 09.02.24 DE – Hamburg / Logo 11.02.24 UK – London / Boston Music Room 13.02.24 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage 15.02.24 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra 16.02.24 CZ – Zlin / Masters of Rock Cafe 18.02.24 DE – Hanover / Musikzentrum 20.02.24 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos Saal 21.02.24 FR – Paris / Backstage by the Mill 22.02.24 NL – Hengelo / Metropool 23.02.24 BE – Diest / Hell 24.02.24 NL – Uden / De Pul
Italian psychedelic/doom trio UFOMAMMUT presents a new EP, Crookhead, confirmed for release on October 31st through their own Supernatural Cat Records, as they prepare to celebrate their 25th anniversary in the new year.
Rising from the ashes of their prior band Judy Corda, UFOMAMMUT formed in the late 1990s by Poia (guitars, effects) and Urlo (bass, vocals, effect, synths), together with Vita (drums). For more than two decades, UFOMAMMUT has combined the heaviness and majesty of dynamic riff worship with a nuanced understanding of psychedelic tradition and history in music, creating a cosmic, futuristic, and technicolor sound destined for absolute immersion.
In 2022, UFOMAMMUT released their latest album, Fenice (“phoenix” in Italian), representing endless rebirth and the ability to start again after everything seems doomed. Released through Neurot Recordings, the album was the first recording with new drummer Levre joining Poia and Urlo, marking a new chapter in the band’s history and unveiling a more intimate, free sound for the group.
While the band is renowned for their psychedelic travels into the far reaches of the cosmos, Fenice showcased a much more introspective listening experience. The album was conceived as a single concept track, divided in six facets of this inward-facing focus. Sonic experimentations abound in the exploration of this central theme; synths and experimental vocal effects are featured more prominently than ever before as the band push themselves ever further into the uncharted territory of their very identity.
In 2023, UFOMAMMUT took part in the Superunknown Redux album for Magnetic Eye Records, paying tribute to Soundgarden with their cover of “Let Me Drown.” The personal interpretation of the song was well-received, and considered by the listeners as one of the standout moments on the compilation.
Now, UFOMAMMUT presents a brand new EP, Crookhead, with three new songs that continue the expansion of the band’s sonic vision. Presenting three new tracks, the EP was recorded at Flat Scenario Studio in Italy by Lorenzo Stecconi with studio tech assistant Luca Grossi in July 2022, and was mixed and mastered at Triple Sun by Lorenzo Stecconi. The artwork, as with all of the band’s releases, was designed and printed in Italy by Malleus Rock Art Lab, the graphic design collective which Poia and Urlo are both founding members of, and will be released on their Supernatural Cat label. The artwork, with its handprinted and numbered silkscreen cover, adds an artistic touch to the EP. Crookhead is a foretaste of the band’s impending tenth album, which will be released when the band celebrates their 25th anniversary in 2024.
Like any good psychedelic trip, the music of UFOMAMMUT has always been inextricably intertwined with visual art. Poia describes longer compositions, “like a painting,” as if to reinforce the relevance and importance of visual art in the band’s music.
UFOMAMMUT’s Crookhead EP will be released on Halloween, October 31st. The EP will released digitally and in a limited edition vinyl version of 500 copies: 200 on Marble Red Vinyl, 200 in Marble Gold Vinyl, and 100 in clear transparent vinyl which will be available only on the band’s fall tour. Preorders are now live at the Supernatural Cat shop HERE.
Crookhead Track Listing:
Crookhead
Supernova
Vibrhate
Watch for audio/visual previews of the record to be issued over the weeks ahead!
UFOMAMMUT has booked a Fall tour across Europe in conjunction with the release of Crookhead, with dates running from October 29th through December 3rd. See the confirmed dates below and expect new tours to be announced into the new year.
UFOMAMMUT Tour Dates: 29.10.2023 Samhain festival – Maastricht (NL) 30.10.2023 Feierwerk – Munich (DE) 04.11.2023 Sonic Rites – Helsinki (FI) 15.11.2023 Mostovna – Nova Gorica (SLO) 16.11.2023 Arena – Wien (AT) 17.11.2023 Turbina – Budapest (HU) 18.11.2023 Stadtwerkstatt – Linz (AT) 19.11.2023 Kamienna – Krakow (PL) 20.11.2023 Hydrozagadka – Warsaw (PL) 21.11.2023 Kabinet Muz – Brno (CZ) 22.11.2023 Club 007 Strahov – Prague (CZ) 23.11.2023 Cassiopeia – Berlin (DE) 24.11.2023 Hafenklang – Hamburg (DE) 25.11.2023 4AD – Diksmuide (BE) 26.11.2023 GeBAude 9 – Koln (DE) 27.11.2023 P8 – Karlsruhe (DE) 29.11.2023 Effenaar – Eindhoven (NL) 30.11.2023 Le Bulle – Lille (FR) 01.12.2023 Petit Bain – Paris (FR) 02.12.2023 La Poudriere – Belfort (FR) 03.12.2023 Old Capitol-Langenthal (CH)
Italian symphonic metallers ELEGY OF MADNESS have released their second single ‘Crawling’, taken from the new album ‘XI’ to be released on October 20th via Scarlet Records.
Modern, occult, epic symphonic metal at its best: ‘XI’ represents a splendid rebirth for Elegy Of Madness, thanks to a redefined sound, a more concise songwriting and the enchanting soprano vocals of new frontwoman Kyrah Aylin.
Conceived in the post-pandemic time, the mood of ‘XI’ tends towards obscure and melancholic atmospheres; the main topic revolves around the symbolic meaning of the number eleven. Each song actually involves some aspects of it, such as spiritual awakening and growth, strength, intuition, new beginning, disorder and chaos, and the sinful nature of man.
A sun ray can always break through the darker clouds: it’s time to rise again from your own ashes.
recorded and produced by Simone Mularoni and Simone Bertozzi; mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio
orchestral arrangements in the song ‘Broken Soul’ by Francesco Ferrini (Fleshgod Apocalypse)
for fans of Rammstein, Arch Enemy, Cradle of Filth, Rotting Christ, Draconian, Eleine
ELEGY OF MADNESS: Kyrah Aylin – vocals Tony Tomasicchio – guitar Marco Monno – guitar Larry Ozen – bass Francesco Caputo – drums
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
