DARK THE SUNS to Release Fifth Studio Album “Raven And The Nightsky”, Reveal ‘Swans of the Frozen Waters’ Single + Music Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 20, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Dark The Suns

Finnish melodic metal band DARK THE SUNS is set to release their fifth studio album Raven And The Nightsky on September 29th 2023 via Inverse Records.  The last single taken from the upcoming album is called Swans of the Frozen Waters. 

LISTEN Swans of the Frozen Waters on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/dts-swans – Single cover art painted by Inka Ojala.

Comments from the band: 

Mikko: 
“Inka has written this beautiful and melanholic song. The song also includes some new elements with Jani’s athmospheric clean vocals””

Jani: 
“To me “Swans of the Frozen Waters” has the most intriguing combination of rhytm and wistfully beautiful melody. Carefully implemented music video emphasizes the emotional athmosphere of the song even more. Definitely one of my favourite songs!” 

PRE-SAVE Raven And The Nightsky album: https://music.imusician.pro/a/76_nbOmk 

Track list:

  1. Adamantine
  2. Phoenix
  3. Kun Aallot Kallioihin Murtuu
  4. Aurora
  5. Raven feat Paavo Laapotti
  6. Shadows Upon the Broken Hearts
  7. Swans of the Frozen Waters
  8. The Sea of Sorrow
  9. Under the Northern Lights
  10. In Mist of the Night

All tracks composed and lyrics by Mikko & Inka Ojala.

Line-up:
Mikko Ojala: vocals, guitars, drums
Inka Ojala: bass, keyboards
Jani Moilanen: guitar, clean vocals

More info at:
https://www.facebook.com/darkthesunsofficial
https://darkthesuns.bandcamp.com 
https://spoti.fi/2Jmh5kW
https://www.instagram.com/darkthesunsofficial

Australian ACCIDENTAL PRESIDENT Sign With Wormholedeath & Drop ‘Bittersweet’ Single & Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 20, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Prepare to be captivated by the superb sound of ACCIDENTAL PRESIDENT, the Aussie alt-rock sensation with a theatrical flair. We are thrilled to announce that the band has recently inked a deal with Wormholedeath for their highly anticipated album, “Was It Meant To Be This Way?”, scheduled for release on October 6th, 2023.

Formed in 2015, Accidental President (AP) has risen above lineup changes and life’s challenges during their early development, demonstrating their resilience and unwavering dedication to their craft. Their debut album in 2020 showcased a socially aware blend of Alt/Hard rock infused with influences from Goth & Metal, leading to widespread recognition with heavy rotation on independent radio and glowing reviews from critics. Earning accolades for their dynamic live performances, including impressive support slots for Reckless Love & Crosson in Sydney, Accidental President has garnered praise from fans and critics alike.

Throughout the Covid pandemic, the band harnessed their creativity, exploring diverse cover songs on TikTok and YouTube, which ultimately served as the catalyst for their upcoming album, ‘Was It Meant To Be This Way?’. This new opus aims to establish an authentic connection with rock enthusiasts worldwide, resonating through its powerful musicality, striking aesthetics, and thought-provoking socially conscious lyrics. Their early promotional single ‘After the Sun’ soared to Number 2 on Australia’s AMRAP Metro Charts and maintained its position in the Top 10 for three consecutive weeks.

Accidental President’s lineup comprises the exceptional talents of Dahlia Neville on Main Vocals, Dave Ben Lee on Guitars/Vox, and Jimmy James on Drums. Together, they bring a harmonious blend of energy and raw passion to the stage.

“Was It Meant To Be This Way?” is a gripping 12-track Alternative/Hard Rock masterpiece that delves into the complexities of the modern world and psyche. The album artfully balances ear-catching ‘4-minute’ blasters, tailor-made for radio and social media consumption, with harder-edged and more progressive tracks, crafting a cohesive and compelling experience for the discerning Rock/Metal Album listening community.

At the heart of “Was It Meant To Be This Way?” lies a profound theme that ponders the course of the last two centuries. The exponential growth in knowledge, technology, and wealth has undoubtedly led to progress in health, living standards, and the collective understanding of our responsibility to respect the world we inhabit and our fellow human beings. Yet, paradoxically, this period has also witnessed a surge in death, destruction, oppression, and persecution as the relentless pursuit of profit continues to dominate. The album’s central question challenges us all: “Was it meant to be this way?” – By Accidental President

  1. Was it meant to be this way?
  2. Ready Kid? (Explicit)
  3. Bang Bang (Cover Version)
  4. Bitter Sweet (Explicit)
  5. Super Hero
  6. What U Wanna
  7. Dollar Signs
  8. After the Sun
  9. Paranoia
  10. Unity
  11. Save Her
  12. More to Life

In anticipation of the album release, Accidental President is proud to unveil their emotionally charged first single and music video, “Bittersweet.”

“Bittersweet” is a brooding, uptempo portrayal of the turbulent journey through the Anger stage of grief. The song captures the intense reflection and realization of the gravity of an unfair and dehumanizing situation, evoking the power of reclaiming strength and taking ownership of one’s mind, body, and soul. It stands as an anthem of resilience, channeling pain into a healthy, transformative force. Having been blinded by lies, the protagonist of “Bittersweet” bravely confronts the uncomfortable truth.

Buy and stream the single at https://orcd.co/bittersweetsingle

“Was It Meant To Be This Way?” positions Accidental President as an unstoppable force: be prepared to experience the band’s atmospheric gothic and intricate metal vibes!

Stay up-to-date with Accidental President on their official website and social media channels:

Website: www.accidentalpresident.net
Linktree: linktr.ee/Accidentalpresident
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AccidentalPresident
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/accidentalpresident

KK’s PRIEST Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens Talks about New Album & Ripper Priest Songs & Being a Tribute Band?

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 20, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment
[photo credit: Mind Art Visual]

Canada’s The Metal Voice recently interviewed KK’s Priest singer Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens about the band’s upcoming album ‘ The Sinner Rides Again‘ which will be released on Sept 29, 2023 via Napalm Records.

When asked about the feedback from fans in regards to the first few live shows with KK’s Priest
“It’s been unbelievable. I think if anyone has read the reviews or seen anything on it, it’s been incredible. I read someone’s review saying they were shocked at how good it was. I think what they are shocked at is that we have a pretty big production, pyro and the screens. It’s a great show and it’s a costly show. We have been on fire and we have been having a lot of fun.”

When asked about challenges of singing the current set list
“The classic Priest songs have always been easier to sing than my own (Judas Priest Era) so it’s kind of funny. Even KK’s Priest songs are much more difficult songs in the set list to sing than the classic Priest songs. In the past five years I have said in interviews I wasn’t singing as great but the past year, I’ve gotten it back, full on all of a sudden, it’s been pretty good.”

When asked about including more Ripper era songs in the KK’s priest setlist
“We wanted to do that right out of the gate but the problem was, we were doing festivals and not our own shows. So you have to make a set list that is kind of adaptable to everybody. I think eventually when we start touring and doing our own shows what is going to happen, I hope. We add one or two more of my era (Judas Priest songs). ‘One on One’ and or ‘Burn in Hell’ has to be in our set list. It would be nice to also do ‘Cathedral Spires’ because that is the one (song) that fans are asking the most. But I think we are obviously going to be adding more KK’s Priest songs. We have 6 songs now in KK’s Priest (set list) and we will be releasing two new videos soon. So we will be adding two more in and probably add another one from the first record and another one from the new record. There is no doubt people want to hear (Ripper Judas Priest Era songs), Judas Priest ignores them (songs) and acts like I was never in the band. Which is fine because it makes my solo touring and KK’s Priest all that more exciting for people because at least they can go hear them (Ripper era Songs). “

When asked what do you say to people who call KK’s Priest a tribute band
“Well it makes no sense, it’s the stupidest comment. I have to be honest since we have been playing live I hardly ever see these types of comments much anymore because now the proof is in the pudding. We are not talking about the sharpest tools in the shed, the people on the internet. People just get on the internet to say things that make no sense whatsoever or they actually give you career advice. I don’t mind if people don’t like us but when they don’t like us and say a tribute band? K.K. (Downing) is the co-founding member of Judas Priest. I was in Judas Priest. Half the set now is our own songs and soon 3/4 of the set is going to be our own songs. It makes no sense.”

When asked to compare KK’s Priest last album to the new album ‘The Sinner Rides Again’
“I think the songs sound more cohesive. Even with all the musical changes in the songs, it all runs great and sounds better. The first record was exactly what we needed, a little more old school, the sound was more old school, everything about it was a classic sound. This one has a little more punch to it, more aggressiveness, the sound is unbelievably good. You can just tell that now we have moved into something even better. I think this new album is a progression and I just love it.”

“The Sinner Rides Again” track listing:

  1. Sons Of The Sentinel
  2. Strike Of The Viper
  3. Reap The Whirlwind
  4. One More Shot At Glory
  5. Hymn 66
  6. The Sinner Rides Again
  7. Keeper Of The Graves
  8. Pledge Your Souls
  9. Wash Away Your Sins

K.K. Downing-(Guitars)
Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals)
A.J. Mills guitarist (Guitars)
Tony Newton (Bass)
Sean Elg (Drums)

DAVID REECE Releases New Bangalore Choir Video ‘Back To Life’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 19, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

DAVID REECE has unleashed the new Bangalore Choir video for the song ‘Back To Life’, taken from the new album “Center Mass” which was released on Global Rock Records via Cherry Red on July 7th.

David Reece adds:

Greetings BC friends and family! Well as everyone knows we’ve recorded a new Bangalore Choir record which we felt was way overdue.
On Target has been a personal favorite of mine since the inception and I always felt a need to awaken the beast again.
The record Center Mass was recorded in Italy and produced, mixed and mastered by Riccardo Demarosi who also plays bass on the record.
The guitar’s are played by Nicolò Savinelli, Jimi Bell, Martin Kronlund, Mario Percudani and many others.
Nello Savinelli is the one driving the nails on drum’s.
Also a special addition was reaching out to the great Ian Mayo who also contributes on the album.
There’s a special “If The Good Die Young (We’ll Live Forever) Part Two” on the album which the great Brynn Arens masterfully created.
Giles Lavery I must give a shout out to because he’s been the rock that makes it roll with me for many years.
I think we tapped into some of the magic everyone expects from Bangalore Choir and I advise you in advance to Crank it!

Fronted by former Accept and Bonfire vocalist David Reece, Bangalore Choir emerged in 1991 at the tail end of the 1980s melodic metal movement, instantly impressing the rock press with big choruses, melodic guitar playing and songwriting contributions by Jon Bon Jovi, Aldo Nova and Autograph’s Steve Plunkett!

The new album ‘Center Mass’ was released on Global Rock Records via Cherry Red on July 7th, is a direct sequel in style to the classic debut ‘On Target’,and is sure to excite fans of the debut album and of the melodic heavy rock genre in general.

The initial pressing comes with an 8 song live CD recorded in Germany in 2022.

The album can be ordered directly here.

Tracklist:

CD 1

01 Spirit Rider
02 Back To Life
03 I Just Wanna Love You
04 Heat Of The Night
05 Wind At My Back
06 Blame It On Me
07 Back 2 U
08 Downtime With The Devil
09 Without You
10 While Bullets Fly
11 If The Good Die Young Part 2
12 Love Hurts

CD 2

01 Just One Night (Live In Hamburg)
02 Loaded Gun (Live In Hamburg)
03 Slippin’ Away (Live In Hamburg)
04 Victim Of The Night (Live In Hamburg)
05 If The Good Die Young (Live In Hamburg)
06 Freight Train Rollin’ (Live In Hamburg)
07 Angel In Black (Live In Hamburg)
08 All Or Nothing (Live In Hamburg)

More information at https://www.davidreeceofficial.info/home

BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE Announce UK Tour for October

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 19, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo credit: Omar Ahmed

BLACK ORCHID EMPIRE have quite the reputation as a ferocious live band.

Today, the British prog rockers are announcing a fresh run of tour dates. They’ll be playing shows across the UK this October. Get tickets HERE.

“We’re super stoked to be heading back out on the road!” says vocalist and guitarist Paul Visser. “It’s been awesome to see the fantastic response to ‘Tempus Veritas’ and we can’t wait to play some of these songs to people who haven’t experienced them live before. This tour hits a few new places for us – go grab a ticket and we’ll see you at a show!”

October UK Tour Dates

8 October Bradford @ The Underground [TICKETS]
10 October Edinburgh @ Bannermans [TICKETS]
11 October Liverpool @ Kazimer Stockroom [TICKETS]
13 October Bridgwater @ Cobblestones [TICKETS]
14 October Guildford @ The Star Inn [TICKETS]

Black Orchid Empire have blown away audiences across Europe with heavy metallic riffs, crisp but concussive drumming and aching vocal melodies. Festival crowds have screamed along to their powerhouse choruses at Download, Standon Calling and Planet Rockstock. They’ve got a big fan in Skin, who’s brought them on tour with Skunk Anansie.   

The band will be playing songs off ‘Tempus Veritas’. New Noise said “there simply isn’t a note that falls flat” on their new album and called Black Orchid Empire  “the new standard for prog rock.

Go behind the scenes of ‘Tempus Veritas’ and learn how Black Orchid Empire was inspired by Galileo, Vikings and other moments in “hi-fi”.

Watch the video HERE.

Track-list:

1. Tempus Veritas (1:24)
2. Hydrogen (3:57)
3. The Raven (3:41) [WATCH]
4. Last Ronin (4:27)
5. Scarlet Haze (3:42)
6. Deny The Sun (3:15) [WATCH]
7. Glory To The King (3:37) [LISTEN]
8. Summit (3:07)
9. Weakness (2:49)
10. Vesuvius (3:44)
11. Latimer (3:43)
Total: 37:26

Cover artwork: Black Orchid Empire & Ines Hernandez

Recording studio:
The Recording Studio London
 
Producer / sound engineer:
Produced by Black Orchid Empire
Paul Visser (engineer)
Dobromir Vasilev (assistant engineer)
 
Mixing studio and engineer:
The Recording Studio London
Paul Visser (mix engineer)
 
Mastering studio and engineer:
Systematic Productions
Ermin Hamidovic (mastering engineer)

Line-up:
Paul Visser: Vocals, Guitar
Dave Ferguson: Bass, Vocals
Billy Freedom: Drums

More info at:
www.blackorchidempire.com
www.fb.com/blackorchidempire
www.instagram.com/blackorchidempire
www.tiktok.com/@blackorchidempire
www.youtube.com/blackorchidempire
https://spoti.fi/3HqEfEh
https://blackorchidempiresom.bandcamp.com

Limited Edition Deluxe CD + LP Box Sets of DIO’s “The Studio Albums: 1996-2004” to Be Released on September 22nd

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 19, 2023
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

BMG and Niji Entertainment Group Inc. have partnered to issue Limited Edition Deluxe CD & LP box sets of Ronnie James Dio’s final 4 studio albums on September 22nd. Titled The Studio Albums: 1996-2004, the set will include Angry Machines (1996), Magica (2000), Killing the Dragon (2002), and Master of the Moon (2004). The LP Set is housed in a sideloading box with newly created art on five 180g color LP’s (Angry Machines on Halloween Orange w/ Black Marble LP, Killing the Dragon on transparent yellow w/ black marble LP, Master of the Moon on electric blue w/ milky clear marble LP & Magica on transparent blood red & black smoke 2LP plus the rare single “Electra” on a cobalt blue 7”.)

Wendy Dio says, “I am very excited to be working with BMG, a label that still has a passion for rock music. They will be making the complete DIO catalogue available again with some interesting surprises.”

Angry Machines
Originally released in 1996 and featuring the line-up of Ronnie James Dio (Vocals), Tracy G (Guitars), Jeff Pilson (Bass), Vinny Appice (Drums) and Scott Warren (Keyboards).
 
CD & LP Tracklist
1. Institutional Man
2. Don’t Tell The Kids
3. Black
4. Hunter Of The Heart
5. Stay Out Of My Mind
6. Big Sister
7. Double Monday
8. Golden Rules
9. Dying In America
10. This Is Your Life

Magica
Originally released in 2000 and featuring the line-up of Ronnie James Dio (Vocals), Craig Goldy (Guitars), Jimmy Bain (Bass), and Simon Wright (Drums), the 2-LP set includes a bonus 7″ of studio track “Electra.”

CD & LP Tracklist
1. Discovery
2. Magica Theme
3. Lord Of The Last Day
4. Fever Dreams
5. Turn To Stone
6. Feed My Head
7. Eriel
8. Chalis
9. As Long As It's Not About Love
10. Losing My Insanity
11. Otherworld
12. Magica (Reprise)
13. Lord Of the Last Day (Reprise)

Killing The Dragon 
Originally released in 2002 and featuring the line-up of Ronnie James Dio (Vocals), Doug Aldrich (Guitars), Jimmy Bain (Bass), and Simon Wright (Drums).

CD & LP Tracklist
1. Killing The Dragon
2. Along Comes A Spider
3. Scream
4. Better In The Dark
5. Rock and Roll
6. Push
7. Guilty
8. Throw Away Children
9. Before The Fall
10. Cold Feet

Master Of The Moon 
Originally released in 2004, Master of the Moon was the final studio album under the DIO band name and featured the line-up of Ronnie James Dio (Vocals), Craig Goldy (Guitar), Jeff Pilson (Bass), & Simon Wright (Drums).
 
Disc 1 & LP Tracklist
1. One More For The Road
2. Master Of The Moon
3. The End Of The World
4. Shivers
5. The Man Who Would Be King
6. The Eyes
7. Living The Lie
8. I Am
9. Death By Love
10. In Dreams

Pre-order The Studio Albums 1996-2004 at https://dio.bio.to/TSA9604PR

The definitive documentary on legendary metal icon Ronnie James Dio,  “DIO: Dreamers Never Die” will be released on September 29 and is available for preorder on DVD, Blu-ray+4K, and DVD+Blu-ray Deluxe Edition (including Dio: Dreamers Never Die merchandise exclusive to this package).

The film and other exclusive merchandise can be preordered at https://shop.bandwear.com/collections/dio-shop

Dio’s story transcends the standard rock documentary. Beautifully highlighting both his powerful voice and his gentle heart, “DIO: Dreamers Never Die” delves deep into the singer’s incredible rise from ’50s doo-wop crooner to his early rock days in Ritchie Blackmore’s RAINBOW, replacing Ozzy Osbourne in BLACK SABBATH, and finally cementing his rock star status with DIO. The first documentary to be authorized by the artist’s estate, the film incorporates never-before-seen footage and personal photos from Dio’s archives as well as offering intimate scenes with his closest peers, family, and friends, including Wendy Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, Vinny Appice, Lita Ford, Rob Halford, Sebastian Bach, Eddie Trunk and Jack Black, as they bring viewers inside the life of one of rock and roll’s true heroes.