Always on the move, forest hunters TROLD are now ready to release the first single from their upcoming debut album. “Sensommerbålet” is the song and it’s a love story about a beauty that captivates both a troll and a man.
“Both of them want her, but who will get her?”, the band maliciously asks. The story takes place on a late summer night in the woods around the glow of a bonfire and lets Trold’s folkish metal meet heavy rock featuring guest appearances by René Pedersen (from the mighty Mercenary) on vocals.
TROLD have teamed up with Metal Shock Finland to premiere “Sensommerbålet” for Finnish territory, enjoy it here:
Trold plays folk metal with a mischievous smile, which is guaranteed to kick off the party from inside the large, dark Danish forests. The storytelling and melodies are in focus when playing with different instruments and heavy guitar rhythms to create the perfect atmosphere. The stories grow, hiss, and are sung, while the listeners/audience are taken on a host of adventures.
Trold has its roots well planted in the Nordic soil where inspiration is found from a wealth of fairy tales and mythologies. Giants, Gods, the animals of the forest, and the marvelous world of the sea are just some of the places Trold takes the listeners.
When the trolls are on stage, you can be sure that the party will start and the good mood will be kicked off.
Trold debut album is due in 2023.
Lineup: Astór Palsson (Dawn of Demise) – vocals Jesper Myrup (Kurgan) – guitar Christian Christiansen (Sylvatica) – guitar Allan Madsen (Prevail) – bass Peter Rafaelsen – keys
Today, the blues-roots guitarist CHRIS DUARTE announces ‘Ain’t Giving Up,” his 15th studio album, out April 14th via Provogue Records. Featuring a wide range of outlaw blues, Americana, roots, and even alt-country influences, ‘Ain’t Giving Up’ finds the Austin, Texas guitarist teaming up for the first time in 22 years with producer-guitarist Dennis Herring, also known for his work with artists like Buddy Guy, Modest Mouse, Elvis Costello, and the Hives. But the resulting album isn’t a calculated return to roots affair. Recorded live on the studio floor with vintage gear and minimal overdubs, it’s a raw and revved-up showcase for the virtuoso’s jaw-dropping chops; his mastery of the elusive Texas shuffle; and his deep love and commitment to the blues.
Duarte is celebrating the announcement with the release of the album’s opening track, the super-charged Allman Brother-style riffy blues-rocker, “Nobody But You.” Watch the official music video here.
Duarte dropped his sophomore album, ‘Texas Sugar Strat Magik,’ in 1994, and it sold an excess of 100,000 units. Duarte went on to win the highly coveted “Best New Talent” in Guitar Player’s Reader’s Poll, and he finished fourth in the magazine’s “Best Blues Guitarist” category, behind legends Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy and B.B. King. He would go on to issue a string of critically-acclaimed blues, blues-rock albums, and experimental fusion-tinged albums.
‘Ain’t Giving Up’ siphons from the same spirit as ‘Texas Sugar,’ but the new album is definitely its own monster. The album was tracked live as a trio with ‘Texas Sugar’ drummer Brannen Temple, but it also features a rhythm machine with some raw, looped beat patterns Duarte plays over, much like the same funky groove stylings as on J.J. Cale’s iconic 1971 album ‘Naturally.’ “This album explores a wider spectrum of musicality,” shares Duarte. “I love Muddy Water and Howlin’ Wolf, but also feel like it’s part of me to introduce some unexpected influences. For this album, I didn’t feel scared to explore beyond hard-driving blues. I view this as expanding on the format that I love.”
“I planted my flag with ‘Strat Magik,’ and on this album, I am pushing the music forward,” Duarte continues. “I’ve explored lots of different facets of my playing, but this album says, ‘I’m here, and I’m not giving up on blues or my career.’ And I’m not playing it safe, either—the solos were all tracked live.”
Duarte has been known for his physical and athletic playing style—he often plays so hard his fingers bleed while he’s onstage (there are photos to prove this legend). Because of this fiery dedication, many fans and critics have playfully referred to his music as “punk blues” or “rockin’ blues.” “My style is super aggressive and physical,” Duarte affirms. “These days I’m a bit older, but I still put as much heart into my playing as I ever did—I still love playing.”
The guitarist, singer, and songwriter came up as a force to be reckoned with in the 1990s Austin, Texas roots and blues scene. He rose to prominence in the wake of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s passing, and was noted for his muscular playing style; his jazz and rock n’ roll-infused blues solos; and his command of the Texas blues tradition. Since those early days, Duarte has carved his own niche through a series of beloved blues-flavored albums, and a calendar of more than 150 dates a year which includes performances billed as Chris Duarte and as The Chris Duarte Group. In both of these contexts, Duarte has headlined major festivals and clubs throughout the US, Canada, Japan, and Europe.
Reunited with Herring who produced his best-selling record, Duarte instantly found a lot hadn’t changed with the two men. “There’s more grey hair and creases in our faces,” Duarte says with a chuckle. “But we have that same music connection we had years ago. Dennis’s approach is to capture raw emotion, and, because of this, he records literally everything, even snippets between songs.” Duarte continues: “I brought my guitar with me when we tracked vocals, and he said I didn’t need it—the guitar parts were all done. He used the solos I played on the fly during the basic sessions. They were fun, and off-the-cuff, and the tone and grooves were great. I was really dialed in.”
Ain’t Giving Up is intimate and gritty, but it also boasts pristine fidelity, as if we the listener are in the studio with Duarte and his buddies. It’s a reset for Duarte that shows his resilience and his undiminished love of the blues and American roots. “I am so grateful to be signed to Provogue and to work with Dennis again—it’s been a dream come true,” Duarte enthuses. “I have been so fortunate to play music and do my thing for almost 30 years, and I couldn’t ask for a better life.”
Ain’t Giving Up – Track list Nobody But You Big Fight Bye, Bye, Bye Can Opener Gimme Your Love Come My Way Half As Good As Two Lies Lies Lies Ain’t Giving Up On Us Look What U Made Me Do The Real Low Down Weak Days
In 2023, German genre-fusing visionaries LORD OF THE LOST are jumping from one highlight to the next! The year began with the band’s first-ever #1 debut on the Official German Album Charts with their new album, Blood & Glitter, followed by a nomination for Germany’s Eurovision Song Contest preliminaries. Right now, they are on a completely sold out club tour throughout Germany, and will continue on to support Iron Maiden again on their upcoming European tour. LORD OF THE LOST will also appear at several festivals throughout Europe through the rest of the year.
With no time to rest, the band has just released a third music video from their successful new album for the song “Leaving The Planet Earth”. The video underlines the hefty 80s vibes of the song, showcasing singer Chris Harms in androgynous and extraterrestrial stylings once again.
When conjuring the concept of Blood & Glitter, the band was inspired by the eponymous work of legendary music photographer Mick Rock, known for taking a large majority of the most famous photos of musicians in the 70s glam rock era. LORD OF THE LOST visually immerse themselves in the lifestyle of that era and combine it with the new wave and pop sound of the 80s, building on their own familiar dark metal foundation. The result: a glamorous party with critical and direct messages.
Contrasts run like a thread throughout the album, once again proving different in comparison to their previous work. In addition to Chameleon Studios in Hamburg, Blood & Glitter was produced and recorded at the Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki. The album goes all the way from start to finish – thus completely bypassing ballads. The hard-hitting dancefloor track “Leave Your Hate In The Comments” makes a strong statement by addressing the increasing hate culture in social media. Furthermore, the eighth studio album features a variety of very special guests such as Heaven Shall Burn singer Marcus Bischoff on “The Future Of A Past Life”, Andy LaPlegua of Combichrist on “Reset The Preset” and Subway To Sally‘s Ally Storch on violin for “Save Our Souls”. Wrapping up the record with “One Last Song”, Chris Harms states on the track: “I was wondering what song I would want to sing last before I die and realized that song didn’t exist yet. So here it is. Probably the most important song I’ve ever written.” A bonus track, a remarkable cover of Roxette’s “The Look”, features none other than German 90s popstar Blümchen as a duet partner. The band once again goes its own way and releases, without much advance, an album that defies all clichés, prejudices, genre norms and conventions, and makes strong statements in terms of content! So to say: Blood & Glitter is 100% LORD OF THE LOST.
LORD OF THE LOST live 2023: After a full year of touring, including a support tour for Iron Maiden, a headline tour, an acoustic tour, several festival appearances and the band’s own Lordfest, LORD OF THE LOST were once again invited by the legendary Iron Maiden to be direct support on their European tour in 2023, beyond major festival appearances.
Club & Glitter Tour 2023: 01.02.23 DE – Hamburg / Knust – SOLD OUT! 02.02.23 DE – Dresden / Beatpol – SOLD OUT! 03.02.23 DE – Cologne / Club Volta – SOLD OUT! 04.02.23 DE – Munich / Backstage – SOLD OUT! 05.02.23 DE – Berlin / Lido – SOLD OUT!
03.03.23 DE – Eurovision Song Contest Preliminaries – Live on German National TV
The Future Past Tour 2023 with IRON MAIDEN: 03.06.23 FI – Tampere / Nokia Arena 24.06.23 IE – Dublin / 3Arena 26.06.23 UK – Glasgow / Ovo Hydro 28.06.23 UK – Leeds / First Direct Arena 30.06.23 UK – Manchester / AO Arena 03.07.23 UK – Nottingham / Motorpoint Arena 04.07.23 UK – Birmingham / Utilita Arena 07.07.23 UK – London / The O2 26.07.23 DE – Dortmund / Westfalenhalle 01.08.23 DE – Munich / Olympiahalle
Festivals 2023: 29.-30.04.23 BR – Sao Paulo / Summer Breeze Brazil 07.-10.06.23 PL – Gdansk / Mystic Festival 07.-10.06.23 AT – Nickelsdorf / Nova Rock 15.-18.06.23 FR – Clisson / Hellfest 05.-08.07.23 DE – Ballenstedt / Rockharz 13.-16.07.23 CZ – Zlin / Masters Of Rock 20.-22.07.23 FI – Laukaa / John Smith Rock Festival 29.-30.07.23 DE – Cologne / Amphi Festival 02.-05.08.23 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air 29.-30.09.23 UK – Sheffield / HRH Goth 2 14.10.23 DE – Cologne / Unter Schwarzer Flagge 17.-18.11.23 DE – Leipzig / Gothic Meets Classic
LORDFEST 2023: 09.12.23 DE – Hamburg (not on pre-sale yet)
LORD OF THE LOST are: Chris Harms – Vocals, Guitar Pi Stoffers – Guitar Class Grenayde – Bass Gared Dirge – Piano, Synths, Percussion, Guitar Niklas Kahl – Drums
Saudi Arabia’s one-man prog metal unit DUSK (from the mind of Meshari Sangora) is unveiling the next single “Karma” ft. Moe Steiger from the upcoming full-length entitled “Spectrums”. The album follows two previously unleashed EPs “To Where I Belong” (2021) and “Ascension” (2020) along with multiple stand-alone singles that were used to introduce the project’s music to the world in 2020.
The album’s second single talks about someone in the Saudi metal scene with whom DUSK (Meshari Sangora) crossed paths with and was less kind and more condescending towards others. DUSK goes into further detail about how the song and collaborating with More Steiger.
“I was very grateful for coming across Moe when I was looking for a vocalist with this type of energy for the track, I knew I had to look in a place that is known for being crazy in music, and where to look other than Germany! So I contacted my friend Tom Haberland who happens to be the producer I worked with in “Origin” and now the album. When I mentioned that I’m looking for artists he recommended Moe to me, and before I knew it, Moe has already followed me on my socials and sent a message to let me know that he got the news from Tom, and I swear to god it couldn’t be more perfect. Everything started to fall in place and once we had a talk about the theme for this particular song and went over a few things, Moe started writing the lyrics and the song came out to be one my favorites in the album.”
Listen to “Karma” ft. Moe Steiger” via its music video premiere on TheCirclePit
For “Spectrums”, DUSK recruited various many guests such as Saudi musicians Khalid C (Entropia) and Abdulrahman Elghazali (who was a featured guest on EP ‘To Where I Belong”) along with international artists such as Aron Harris of the New York death metal based band Solemn Vision and the great Jaani Peuhu, previously known as a member of Swallow The Sun and his current band Ianai. The album features 12 tracks and is a multi-lingual expression with various songs sung by its contributors in English, German, Finnish, and Arabic.
DUSK comments on the forthcoming album:
“As a musician and one of the pioneers in the local Saudi Scene, I wanted to bring more creativity to the game and make this project an inspiration standpoint to the new upcoming bands and musicians who look up to me both locally and internationally, so right then and there, I decided to make this album into two different themes, something that will speak to every music lover out there, from the heavy and raw guitar tones to the Synth-ish spacy sounds that ease the listener to a very dynamic and emotional ride.”
Once a college DJ in UAE, that time in his life lead to his rediscovery of all forms of metal and was just the beginning of creating his own music as a self-taught musician and producer. DUSK created the new album to be listened to as Side A and Side B. The first half of the album (Side A) is aggressively sounding, and more guitar-focused and has a build-up of more hostility to each track while the listener moves forward. The second half (Side B) aims for a new sound from DUSK infusing more of the electric/EDM-ish sound where it’s more focused and digitized sounding and widely more appealing to the non-metal listener, all while keeping the same aggression level building up with each track.
“I wanted to bring more to the table and make this album a possible gateway to new audiences and perhaps fans from both sides, the metal heads & the non-metal listeners. I think all people who enjoy music will be interested in it, with all that has been added and all the different genres mixed in. What I’m trying to do with this record is to make everyone experience their own feelings and their own journey, the topics for this project are big and very stretched, some of the topics deal with real issues like betrayal and disposition, Love, Hate, and Hope.” adds DUSK
Recommended for fans of Currents, Born of Osiris, Novelists, and Deftones, along with everything under the vein of progressive metal, metalcore, and djent, “Spectrums” will be released on all digital platforms including vinyl on February 17th, 2023.
The album was fully written & recorded at Dusk’s studio with the mixing and mastering done by Tom Haberland of Crushing Waves Studio. Album artwork created by Giannis Nakos from Remedy Studios.
Track Listing: 1. The World We Used To Know ft. Abzy & Khalid C – 5:42 2. Digging Deeper ft. Alex Hamilton – 4:05 3. Breath In, Breath Out ft. Adnan – 4:20 4. Hatred ft. Alex Hamilton – 3:12 5. Lethal Perspectives ft. Aron Harris – 3:02 6. Agnes Of Rome ft. Abzy – 5:00 7. Burning In My Mind ft. Moe Steiger – 3:31 8. Karma Will Find You ft. Moe Steiger – 4:19 9. Someone To Trust ft. Jon Thomas – 3:38 10. Only You ft. Jaani Peuhu – 5:39 11. Celestials ft. Iman Ahmed & Abudlrahman Elghazali – 4:37 12. Absence Of Full (Album Outro) – 2:18 Album Length: 50:00
About Album Guests: Abzy, Khalid C, Alex Hamilton, Adnan, Aron Harris, Moe Steiger, Jon Thomas, Jaani Peuhu, Iman Ahmed, Abdulrahman Elghazali
1- ABZY is a Self-taught singer-songwriter who started in 2007 Located In Kuwait city. Band (WAZIN), SOLO Project (SARAI)
2 – Khalid C is an electric guitar player located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is one of the founders of the band Entropia along with his new rock solo project Astrofrog.
3 – Adnan Mryhi is a singer and a Twitch streamer located In Dubai, UAE, Adnan also helped and still helping to build the Metal Scene in the UAE since 2006. Solo Project (Unmuted)
4- Alex Hamilton is a Canadian musician who operates Nova Nine Productions and offers session musician services, mixing/ mastering, and recording. His band is Wazmo.
5- Aron Harris also known as AceSirBell is the vocalist for the band Solemn Vision and the band telochvovin666 and the founder of Visionary Booking, a booking company focused on helping out-of-town bands break into NYC, and build lasting connections through different scenes.
6- Jaani Peuhu is a Finnish musician, producer and songwriter. Jaani has worked with artists like Before the Dawn, Swallow The Sun, To/Die/For, Thunderstone, Wiidakko and Anna Eriksson. More info – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaani_Peuhu
7-Iman Ahmed is an Arab/British singer and bass player who is the founder of Unicorn Squad – a global music community for unsigned artists and bands within the rock/ metal/alternative scene.
8-Abdulrahman Elghazali is an electric guitar player located in Riyadh, Suadi Arabia, previously featured on the “To Where I Belong EP” and a guitar player for the local thrash metal band Dune.
9-Moe Steiger is a session vocalist located in Germany. Editing and mixing engineer.
10- Jon Thomas is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and session musician based in Canada.
11. Jonathan Hammond has solo projects Dark Horse and Thrifted Souls.
Deeply influenced by Greek nature and cosmic phenomena, psychedelic stoner rockers VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY take you to new atmospheres with their first live album, Through Space and Time (Alive in Athens 2020), to be released physically for the first time via Napalm Records on March 3, 2023.
VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY have come through with the album’s second single, “Dance of Night”, showcasing the band’s unique blend of psychedelic and stoner rock influences. The track features a mesmerizing live video that transports the listener into a trance-like state, filled with captivating instrumentals and powerful vocals. The engrossing rhythm is the backbone of the song, guiding the listener through a dynamic range of instruments that explores a vast array of musical colors. Heavy guitar riffs, intricate drum patterns, and the wonderful melodies from the vocals and bagpipes create a rich atmosphere that transcends time and space.
VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY gather their strengths from Greek nature and cosmic spirits, letting it flow right into their phenomenal psychedelic stoner rock. Delivering amazing performances, the band ascends forth to create their first live album, Through Space and Time (Alive in Athens 2020). With their short but very mesmerizing discography, the live show is centered around the band’s most recent studio album, Age of Aquarius (2019), as they play the album in sequence and spice it up with songs from their debut album and singles. Starting with the fascinating “Welcome”, “Age of Aquarius” and “Part V” all in sequence, VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY represent their ability as great storytellers underlined by great visuals. The band then jumps straight into their debut album, Riza (2014), playing “Nova”, “Perdikomata” and “Skaros”. Fans are blown away from the dedication of the clarinet, bagpipe, and guitar! Through Space and Time (Alive in Athens 2020) presents the sextet’s attention to detail with great production, amazing musicianship, a bombastic live presence, and the yearning to play more amazing shows in the future. This won’t be the last time VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY will transcend fans into the heavens of Mount Olympus – this is only just the beginning!
Pre-Order your copy of Through Space and Time (Alive in Athens 2020) NOW
Formed in 2007, Epirus-based VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY have delivered an explosive performance to the big stage with their infusion of heavy psychedelic rock and folk instruments! After the band released their promising debut album, Riza (2014), the Greek musicians followed up with the game-changing album, Age of Aquarius (2019) – catapulting them straight to the biggest rock festivals and numerous sold-out shows in the biggest music scenes in Greece. Followed by this year’s tour through Europe, psychedelic stoner rockers VILLAGERS OF IOANNINA CITY proved to their fans once more that they are ready to start this exciting next voyage.
Through Space and Time (Alive in Athens 2020) Tracklist: CD 1:
(l-r): Mark “Kaz” Kasprzyk, Brian Weaver, Julian Tomarin, Mark Goodwin – Credit: David Harris
REDLIGHT KING will reveal the fifth new music video single, “Eye Of A Hurricane,” from their anticipated fourth album IN OUR BLOOD due March 3 via AFM RECORDS. The video for “Eye Of A Hurricane” is out today, following the single’s digital release on January 20th. “Eye Of A Hurricane” was directed and produced by Strati Havartos who also did the same honors for IN OUR BLOOD’s previously released singles: “Cold Killer,” “Heavy Heart” and its title track, “In Our Blood.”
Watch/stream the “Eye Of A Hurricane” music video below:
IN OUR BLOOD was written and produced by frontman Mark “Kaz” Kasprzyk at his studio, The Wheelhouse, in Los Angeles, CA with long-time collaborator and guitarist Julian Tomarin, who also co-wrote a few tracks, and drummer Randy Cooke. The album sees REDLIGHT KING notch soaring new highs with a clutch of revved-up, guitar- powered bangers. What separates IN OUR BLOODfrom so much of mainstream rock today is its unguarded sense of optimism. Challenging, introspective and complex themes run throughout all 11 tracks as a defiant undercurrent of hope.
“I wanted fast, heavy rock songs and I wanted it to seamlessly translate to the live show, with a full rock band–something that was well-recorded but nothing too slick or overproduced,” shares KAZ. “I feel like my music has always been about telling people’s stories and saying what’s really going on from the grass roots perspective, with a bit of hope in the message.”
REDLIGHT KING have developed a worldwide fanbase since their formation in 2009, performing over 1,000 shows with some of the biggest names in rock and being seen at festivals in North America, UK and Europe as well as late-night TV appearances on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Formed in Hamilton, ON by Kaz, REDLIGHT KING made waves in 2011 with the release of their debut album Something For The Pain on Hollywood Records which featured the #3 Billboard Mainstream Rock single “Bullet In My Hand” and a reimagined version of Neil Young’s “Old Man” including a Young-approved sample from his original song. Their second album, Irons In The Fire, followed in 2013 with the single “Born To Rise” that’s heard in the end title credits for the Lionsgate sports drama blockbuster Draft Day. Additional music from the band has been featured in movies and tv shows such as The Avengers, Iron Man 3, The Italian Job, FOX’s ‘Malcolm In The Middle’ and CBS’ ‘Person of Interest’ in addition to being licensed across sports networks including ESPN, Nascar, NFL, CFL, NHL, NBA and MLB. On their third album, 2020’s Moonshine, REDLIGHT KING went back to basics by recording a very analog traditional rock sound with songwriter and producer Jimmy Messer (Foreigner, AWOLNATION) who released it on via his independent label, Parts & Labor Records.
In Our Blood will be out on March 3, 2023 through AFM Records, the pre-sale is available at THIS LOCATION!
In Our Blood Track Listing:
Cold Killer
In Our Blood
King Again
Eye Of A Hurricane
Heavy Heart
Raise The Dead
Paid Off
End Of A Shotgun
Evil Lies
Do You Wanna Live
My Execution
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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 