Finnish artist PIPER aka Päivi Sihvonen has rekeased her first single from the debut album “What is the heart for?” to be released later this year. Self-consciousness is a story about petrifiezing insecurity. The music on the album is based on classical music blended with blues inspirations and framed in rock sound.
Piper was born out of the desire to surrender to creativity and in her debut album “What is the Heart for?”, Päivi Sihvonen explores the themes of life. Fully written and composed by the artist herself, the songs tell the story of the woman and the piano, and life’s trials and tribulations.
Päivi also performs all songs, making the songs deeply personal and connected to her own experiences and emotions that reflect the hardships of life. Other instruments are performed by the talented Saku Anttila.
In typical expressive style of Piper, all songs originate from and around the piano. Other instruments have been added to bring the songs into rock sound.
Born out of feeling
This record is about the fleeting moments in life and the emotions that reflect those moments. Feelings are channeled into music and tune that ultimately became the titular Piper.
The lyrics and songs are a study of human feelings and emotions. I want those who listen to my music to be inspired and make their own interpretations of it, and be carried away by emtions. I hope this album, and the words in it, offers some consolidation.
Piper does not strive to be what others are, but to bring out their own story and experiences, which they can relate to and understand – through the dark and heavy shadows to the irisdecent colours of the Aurora Borealis. With a steady hand, Piper takes you through calm waters and rocky mountains.
On April 28th, ENFORCED will release their third full-length, War Remains (32 minutes of aggressive, no-frills thrash!). For a first preview of this record, the new single “Ultra-Violence” can be heard now here.
Knox Colby (vocals) comments:
“‘War Remains’ is a scathing perception of the modern crumbling world. Humanity seems imprisoned by its violent and chaotic nature; boiling over and doubling down on its own ignorance. The album contemplates and reflects upon the blight with cyclical themes rotating through the songs. It’s a hammer hitting a raw nerve.“
Pre-order War Remains now HERE: – where the album is available in the following versions: –Standard CD jewel-case –Black vinyl –Blue vinyl available from USA retail (500 copies) & CM Distro Wholesale EU and CMdistro.de (300 copies) –White vinyl available from EMP (150 copies) & Nuclear Blast (150 copies) –Red vinyl available from Enforced (limited to 300 copies) –Digital album.
Swedish Progressive Metalcore outfit ALLT have dropped a new standalone single/video: “Emanate”. Watch the clip [created by Tuomas Kurikka & Patrik Nuorteva (Riivata Visuals)] now here.
Allt comments: “
‘Emanate’ explores the theme of existentialism and the role of computers, algorithms and information in modern-day society. With all the information we could ever wish for readily available at our fingertips, keeping track of the natural world becomes increasingly difficult. When even a slight misstep in the virtual realm can incur the wrath of the hive mind, we are constantly reminded to stay in our lanes, consume and be docile. Stray, and you may face erasure. The video, art and lyrics concept is heavily inspired by modern-day Sci-Fi classics like Blade Runner, Ex Machina & The Matrix.”
Founded in 2020 in Karlskoga, Sweden, Allt blend down-tuned riffs with soaring melodies and orchestral arrangements to create their distinctive dark and emotive sound. The members have a shared love for nature and cinematography, which shines through in the music, and many of their songs and lyrics are directly inspired by literary works or movies. Putting old memories, experiences or scenes into music is one of the band’s main inspirations.
On April 7th, TRIBULATION will unleash their upcoming EP, Hamartia. Last year, the quartet dropped the title track for Hamartia as a standalone release (which can be heard HERE); now, they’re back with another single/video from this record: “Axis Mundi”. Stream this new song now HERE; watch the official video (directed by Johan Bååth in collaboration with Astrid Bergdahl) here: HERE.
Adam Zaars (guitars) comments:
“‘Axis Mundi’ sees Tribulation entering The Machine Age through the lens of dystopian fiction in a journey to the centre of the world, and beyond. Being the first composition by Joseph Tholl (guitars), it offers the listener and the viewer a new set of flavours and hues to the palate, and from the palette that constitutes the egregore that is Tribulation. A new year calls for a fresh start, so please consider making this a part of the soundtrack to yours.”
Pre-order Hamartia now HERE – where the EP is available in the following versions: –Ltd. CD Digipak, –180g black vinyl, –Lilac vinyl available from CM Distro Wholesale EU and CMdistro.de (limited to 500 copies), –Transparent blue vinyl available from Tribulation (limited to 300 copies), –Digital EP
Just recently, GHØSTKID gave fans a new standalone single, ahead of their SOLD-OUT European trek supporting Bad Omens that kicks off this week. Listen to “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE” now here.
GHØSTKID founder Sebastian “Sushi” Biesler comments: “
Being an artist always means to give everything you have and go beyond your limits, to become successful – and the life that you live is controlled by that dream. You’re driven by the motivation to let it become reality, and at a certain point, you have to face a lot of obstacles, temptations; you can easily get lost if you don’t keep yourself focused on passion and identity. Being in the showbusiness is like swimming in a tank full of sharks and surviving…
‘HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE’ describes the state of mind to dedicate your whole life to your dream and your art – you metaphorically kill yourself, for something that starts as an idea in your mind. Work hard, play hard – this is Hollywood suicide.”
2023 is going to be a huge year for VISIONS OF ATLANTIS! As they excited fans with their recent release Pirates, the symphonic metal icons are now doubling down on the special experiences. Along with an extensive tour throughout the USA and Europe last year, the symphonic metal visionaries captured the new era of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS as pirates for the fans at the legendary Wacken Open Air in summer 2022 – now available as their third live release, Pirates Over Wacken, out March 31, 2023 via Napalm Records.
Today, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS have unveiled the first glimpse of the new live release with a clip of Pirates album opener “Pirates will Return”, performed live at Masters Of Rock 2022 and cut from the upcoming Bonus DVD – resulting in a six minute sing-a-long opportunity for listeners to get lost in. While singers Clémentine Delauney and Michele Guaitoli tell the story of brave pirates, hauntingly beautiful melodies and live video will take you back to an unforgettable summer festival day.
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS on Pirates Over Wacken: “There is something purely magical about WACKEN. Maybe it is the collective belief that this is the Holy Ground of Heavy Metal. Maybe it simply is, the Holy Ground of Heavy Metal. Maybe this casts a specific energy around the stages and the fields of this special German town. We didn’t miss to feel this magic, while shouting the name “WACKEN” out loud on stage or while looking around and seeing thousands of people, at peace, loving being there and sharing this together.
It was very special to us again, as if it wasn’t our first time playing WACKEN. We got overcome with emotion several times during the show. There was so much we wanted to say. We felt empowered as a artists and human beings. WACKEN is ones of these grounds where you feel you can change the world. Watching this crowd and talking to them on that very day felt like never before and we will remember it forever.
Nothing lasts forever but memories do. Thank you WACKEN for having made us a part of your legend.”
Free as the seven untamed seas, the symphonic metal outfit unleashed their rebellious side with Pirates and delivered their most confident and honest record so far. During their voyage, they played an extensive tour in the USA supporting Dragonforce, and headlined in Europe, selling out several venues as well as multiple festival shows – making for the perfect time to capture their chart-storming album at Wacken Open Air in summer 2022.
Pirates Over Wacken track listing:
Master the Hurricane
A Life of our Own
Clocks
The Silent Mutiny
In my World
A Journey to Remember
Pirates will Return
Heroes of the Dawn
Clemi’s Speech
Freedom
Melancholy Angel
Legion of the Seas
Featuring songs from Pirates as well as fan favorites like “A Life Of Our Own”, “The Silent Mutiny” and “A Journey to Remember”, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS bewitched the enthusiastic audience with their new set of eleven tracks embracing freedom and self-confidence. The multinational band kicks the performance off with their majestic single from Pirates, “Master The Hurricane”. Through its perfectly balanced mixture of dramatic choirs, heavy orchestration and dedicated vocals, the multi-million streamed hit “Heroes Of The Dawn” and Pirates album opener “Pirates Will Return” provide sing-a-long opportunities for listeners to get lost in. Guiding fans through their powerful discography, the intriguing soundscapes and hauntingly beautiful melodies will take you back to an unforgettable day at Wacken Open Air. VISIONS OF ATLANTIS wrap up the feverishly hot concert with their last hit single, “Melancholy Angel”, and “Legion Of The Seas” – presenting their heaviest side without losing their inimitable feeling for creating dreamlike symphonic melodies. This emotive eleven track experience will have you tasting the heat and dust of the palpable Wacken festival air, and embracing the wilderness that only true Pirates know! Pirates Over Wacken is a perfect taste of what lies ahead for VISIONS OF ATLANTIS with long lasting tours through Europe and the US!
Limited special editions, like the beautifully illustrated 36 page Earbook, contain a very special gift for all fans: a five-track bonus DVD recorded at their enchanting appearance at Masters Of Rock Festival in the Czech Republic, as well as A Pirates Symphony – the orchestral version of their successful studio album Pirates.
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS live:
The band is about to start their Pirates Over North America headline tour which kicks off on February 7 in Los Angeles, CA and will be supported by The Spider Accomplice – the first headline tour ever in North America for VISIONS OF ATLANTIS. But there is no time to rest for the pirates, as they will continue on to the Pirates Over Europe tour on April 4, featuring support from Autumn Bride.
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS are also thrilled to announce a special release party for Pirates Over Wacken. On March 31, the symphonic metal band will present their new album at vinyl pressing plant and event space Austrovinyl Werk2 in Fehring, Austria, where fans can purchase the new vinyl directly from the pressing.
Pirates Over North America tour w/ The Spider Accomplice 07.02.23 US – Los Angeles, CA / 1720 11.02.23 US – Seattle, WA / El Corazon 13.02.23 US – Denver, CO / The Oriental Theater 14.02.23 US – Minneapolis, MN / The Cabooze 15.02.23 US – Chicago, IL / WC Social Club 16.02.23 US – Detroit, MI / The Sanctuary 17.02.23 US – Pittsburgh, PA / Black Forge 19.02.23 US – Rochester, NY / Montage Music Hall 20.02.23 CA – Quebec City, QC / L’Anti Bar & Spectacles 21.02.23 US – Boston, MA / Upstairs 22.02.23 US – Brooklyn, NY / The Meadows 23.02.23 US – Clifton, NJ / Dingbatz 24.02.23 US – Atlantic City, NJ / Anchor Rock Club 25.02.23 US – Chapel Hill, NC / Local 506 26.02.23 US – Spartanburg, SC / Ground Zero 28.02.23 US – Dallas, TX / Amplified Live 01.03.23 US – Austin, TX / Come And Take It Live 03.03.23 US – Phoenix, AZ / The Rebel Lounge 04.03.23 US –Las Vegas, NV / Backstage Bar & Billiards 05.03.23 US – San Diego, CA / Brick By Brick
Pirates Over Europe tour /w Autumn Bride 31.03.23 AT – Austrovinyl Werk2 Fehring (Special Release Party) 04.02.23 DE – Cham / L.A. 05.04.23 IT – Bologna / Alchemica 06.04.23 CH – Monthey / Pont Rouge 07.04.23 FR – Montpellier / Secret Place 08.04.23 FR – Toulouse / L’usine A Musique 10.04.23 PT – Lisbon / RCA Club 11.04.23 ES – Mos-Pontevedra / Sala Rebullon 12.04.23 ES – Madrid / Revi Live 13.04.23 ES – Vitoria / Urban Rock Concept 15.04.23 BE – Gent / JH Asgaard 16.04.23 NL – Amersfoort / Fluor 18.04.23 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos Saal 19.04.23 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage 20.04.23 DE – Essen / Turock 21.04.23 DE – Hanover / Musikzentrum 22.04.23 DE – Nuremberg / Der Cult 23.04.23 AT – Klagenfurt / Volxhaus
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS are: Clémentine Delauney – Vocals Michele Guaitoli – Vocals Dushi Duscha – Guitars Herbert Glos – Bass Thomas Caser – 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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 