Hailing from Caracas, renowned death/doom atmospheric metal band STRATUZ has inked a licensing deal with Wormholedeath for the release of their album, “Osculum Pacis,” in CD format.
“Osculum Pacis” is a testament to the dark and brooding essence of metal, masterfully crafted with dynamics, taste, and elegance while preserving a sense of ominous and harsh atmospheres. It is an adventurous odyssey, free from fillers, and ensures an immersive experience that will firmly establish STRATUZ among the ranks of renowned metal acts. “Osculum Pacis” exemplifies the quintessential sound of atmospheric doom/dark/death metal!
Tracklist
Intro
Morning Star
Father Amorth (E)
Holy Grail
Caelibatus
In the Name of God
Back to the Sun
Sodomized
Dawn
Left
Condemned
STRATUZ, formed in 1984, swiftly gained recognition as a pioneering force in extreme metal with the release of their debut album “In Nomine…” in 1995, following their first demo in 1993. Their relentless pursuit of excellence led them to become Venezuela’s most revered metal band, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s vibrant music scene. After returning from a successful European tour in 1999, STRATUZ completed the recording of their album “The Last Angel.” The same year, they signed with the prestigious Belgian label LSP-Company, embarking on a new chapter with the release of “Spirit Seduction.”
In 2006, STRATUZ decided to part ways, but their unwavering passion for music reignited in 2019, driving them to reunite and commence work on their latest opus, “Osculum Pacis,” which was unleashed upon the world in 2022.
Embracing international acclaim, STRATUZ recently secured the number one position on the Jacquin Ravens Top 50 Metal chart on US radio station 99WNRR with their mesmerizing album “Osculum Pacis.” Renowned Venezuelan broadcaster and journalist Roberto Palmitesta, from the esteemed radio program Escena Rock, further crowned “Osculum Pacis” as the finest work of 2022, alongside Metal Pedia, a Mexican news media outlet, who acclaimed it as the album of the year.
The line-up of STRATUZ consists of Franklin Berroterán on voices and keyboards, Gerónimo Egea on guitars, Leonardo Rangel on bass, and Diego Cabrujas on drums. Together, they channel their collective musical prowess to forge a sound that captivates and enchants.
Stay connected with STRATUZ through their official channels for the latest updates and exclusive content:
For a glimpse into the band’s signature sound, immerse yourself in the captivating music video for “BACK TO THE SUN” on YouTube:
“BACK TO THE SUN” delves into a personal journey of profound transformation, exploring themes of growth, love, and the quest for belonging. It encapsulates the eternal cycle of life, resonating with its listeners on a deep and meaningful level.
Photographer credit: Rob Brens (Black Cow Productions)
Australian death metal trio WEREWOLVES have today shared a new single and music video, titled Destroyer of Worlds. Destroyer of Worlds is the third track to be taken from WEREWOLVES’ forthcoming fourth album, My Enemies Look and Sound Like Me, which is set for release via Prosthetic Records on August 11. Coinciding with a certain upcoming Hollywood blockbuster release, the three-piece’s latest single is a direct quotation from J. Robert Oppenheimer – “father of the atomic bomb” – with regards to nuclear destruction and abuse of power.
Speaking on the single and music video, bassist/vocalist Sam (also of The Antichrist Imperium, The Berzerker) comments: “We were inspired not only by Sadistik Exekution’s quote, which went something like “We are become death fukk you” but also by Oppenheimer completing that statement with “…destroyer of worlds”.
“This is one of our slower songs with a video to melt minds and a message that clearly portrays that danger lies not just in our weapons, but in the leaders whose hands we choose to put them in. You’re all looking for someone to follow and don’t seem to give a fuck how shit that person is. You all revolt me. Buy our shit”
My Enemies Look And Sound Like Me is the mature effort of a band approaching the midpoint of both their career and their lives, fine-tuning audio violence and desperate to leave nothing on the table before the hormones fade and dementia kicks in. Opener Under The Ground is an apoplectic death metal middle finger to the genre and all involved within it. Title track My Enemies Look And Sound Like Me demonstrates that the band have absolutely no intention of slowing down at all, while Destroyer Of Worlds is a slow creepfest that makes a lie of the previous sentence. Elsewhere, songs like Brace For Impact and Neanderhell demonstrate that WEREWOLVES are only getting more rabid with age – the BPM is appropriately crazed WEREWOLVES fare.
Mixing and mastering was handled, as always, by Joe Haley (Psycroptic), and the artwork is a remarkable simulacrum of modern social media discourse by long time collaborator Mitchell Nolte, and depicts two frenzied opposing groups of people massacring each other and themselves in a screaming horrified rage.
My Enemies Look and Sound Like Me tracklist: 1. Under the Ground 2. My Enemies Look and Sound Like Me 3. Bring To Me The Kill 4. Brace For Impact 5. Destroyer of Worlds 6. Neanderhell 7. I Hate Therefore I Am 8. I Knew Nothing Then and I Know Less Now 9. Do Not Hold Me Back
Upcoming WEREWOLVES tour dates: 21 July – The Bendigo Hotel – Melbourne, Australia w/ Exhumed
Tech Trek Australia w/ Archspire and Ingested 11 October – The Zoo – Brisbane, Australia 12 October – The Basement – Canberra, Australia 13 October – Factory Theater – Sydney, Australia 14 October – The Corner – Melbourne, Australia 15 October – Lions Arts Factory – Adelaide, Australia
On July 21, ANDY MARTONGELLI, guitarist of Arthemis and Ellefson-Soto, will release his brand new solo album “Ultradead”, following his succesful debut album “Spiral Motion”. “Ultradead” will be available digitally through major online stores, plus available on CD, high quality download, and very limited special merchandising that you will soon get directly from Andy’s Official Web site www.andreamartongelli.com , or at the merch table on Andy’s upcoming tour dates!
The 10-track album continues Andy’s on-going evolution with hook-laden melodies, fiery solos, heavy guitar riffs with no compromise. This is built atop a formidable rhythmic foundation laid down by the amazing Paolo Caridi (Ellefson) on drums, Andy himself on Bass guitar on most of the songs except for some very powerful guests as the great David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth, Kings of Thrash, Dieth) playing on “Save Us” and the amazing Giorgio JT Terenziani (Arthemis) playing on the title-track “Ultradead” together with extraordinary Alby Pizy Patuzzo on drums. Andy plays all the keyboards & synth arrangements / orchestrations, electronic loops on the album except for “Colossus” and “Hands of Fury” featuring the talented Enrico Kyoto Marchiotto on keyboards.
“Not only they are awesome talented Musicians that I’m honored to call true friends. They understand my vision of Music and the chemistry between us is so strong and real, that you can feel it, touch it on these songs!” says Andy.
“With ‘Ultradead’ I really focused on melody, power, composition and layering in order to ‘say’ something meaningful with my Guitar and let her do the talking. I literally want to ‘tell a timeless story’ to who listens to my Music, so once again, I pushed myself as much as I could and I can tell I’m very proud of how this album flows and sonically screams at the same time…” says Martongelli. “Music has always been very important in my life so the message is always clear, punchy and meaningful. I’m grateful I can play Guitar every day and spread good loud energy. That’s always the main goal!
“ ‘Ultradead’ relates to myself but at the same time, to many people in this world; you sleep few hours every night, you have a strong dream, life is great and sometimes can be very tough but you do your best, you feel like a zombie…but you keep the flame alive, you find the strenght and the magic to let this dream be real…and suddenly you become a true ULTRAdead, because, no matter what…you want it! I wanna thank all my friends, my fellow musicians and crew, fans, endorsements, and the music community for the amazing support and inspiration.
“Ultradead” was mixed and mastered by London-based producer and engineer Alessio Garavello at “Rogue Studios” – Wembley UK.
“Alessio did a fantastic work on this album. The friendship is strong and we’ve outdone themselves again…til the next time.”
As with any true artist, Andy remains driven by the desire to discover new ways to express himself through the music. “I’ve been releasing music for many years, and I always feel re-energized when we talk about a new album, a new song. It’s always a new challenging adventure and I always make sure I give 100% for me and for the fans who trust my Music through the years! I have so much more to say as a musician, and I hope you’ll join me for the Ultradead ride.”
TRACKLIST:
1 – ARMY OF DARKNESS 2 – COLOSSUS 3 – ULTRADEAD 4 – MY LAST TEARS 5 – BATTLE ON THE ICE 6 – SAVE US 7 – FACEMELT 8 – VERTIGO 9 – HANDS OF FURY 10 – EMBERS
Produced by: Andy Martongelli Mixed, Mastered and engineered by: Alessio Garavello at Rogue Recording Studios, Wembley – UK All songs written and arranged by Andrea Martongelli Andy Martongelli: Lead, Rhythm, Acoustic Guitars, Piano, Keyboards, Bass, Electronic loops. Paolo Caridi: Drums
Additional Musicians: David Ellefson – Bass on “Save Us” Giorgio JT Terenziani – Bass on “Ultradead” Alby PIZY Patuzzo – drums on “Ultradead” Enrico Marchiotto: Keyboards on Colossus, Hands of Fury Paolo Caridi drums recorded by Roberto Priori @ Pri Studio – Bologna, Italy
Additional Engineering: John Aquilino at The Platinum Underground – David Ellefson bass on “Save Us” Logo, artworks and merchandising design by Fabrizio Durigon Album artwork by Rob Marconi Photos by Annalisa Russo
Neil Turbin reporting for Canada’s The Metal Voice in Los Angeles at Book Soup (July13 2023) filmed the fan Q and A/ book signing of Metal Blade RecordsBrian Slagel who launched his new book ‘Swing of the Blade’.
Also at the Q and A was Armored Saint’s John Bush, Betsy Bitch and host Don Jamieson.
Swing of the Blade follows Brian Slagel’s critically acclaimed 2017 book, For the Sake of Heaviness, which delivered a compelling inside look at how a metal-obsessed California teen built Metal Blade Records into the preeminent international home of heavy music. Rabid readers demanded more anecdotes, more bands, and more of Slagel’s musical wisdom. With Swing of the Blade, he delivers. Featuring a foreword by Slayer’s Kerry King, the new book is part memoir, part music-business primer, and all metal – delving deep into scenes and bands that fans worldwide obsess about. Slagel serves up more of his favorite memories about iconic musicians and events, and delves into even greater detail about his long and ongoing relationships with Metallica, Armored Saint, King Diamond and other heavyweights. Swing of the Blade is told in Slagel’s humble but authoritative voice. His view for the last 40 years–from the studio, side-stage and boardroom–offers an unprecedented look into the music, business, and passion that has made both Slagel and Metal Blade champions of discovering and nurturing the best heavy music on the planet. (Bmg Books)
Mexican death grind band BRUJERIA put the world of cartels and ritualistic murder on wax with a brutal power equivalent to when Compton arrived in pop culture via NWA. On September 15th, the band will unleash their fifth full-length album Esto Es Brujeria onto the world via Nuclear Blast Records.
Today, the band releases the first single from the album entitled, ‘Mochado’. Check out the video visualizer for the first taste of the album.
BRUJERIA’s Juan Brujo comments, “Para que sientan y sepan el poder Mexicano con raíces antiguas hasta las redes sociales modernas, que se transmite con canciones brutales y rabiosas! ESTO ES BRUJERIA.”
English translation: “Feel and know the Mexican power with ancient roots all the way to the modern world of social media, filled with brutal and rabid songs! ESTO ES BRUJERIA”
Esto Es Brujería – Tracklisting: 01. Esto Es Brujeria 02. El Patrón Del Reventón 03. Estado Profundo 04. Bruja Encabronada 05. G-A-K 06. Tu Vida Loca 07. Mexorcista 08. Bestia De La Muerte 09. Políticamente Correctos 10. Mochado 11. Perdido En El Espacio 12. Odio Que Amo 13. Testamento 3.0 14. Covid-666 15. Lord Nazi Ruso 16. Cocaína
Esto Es Brujeria was recorded worldwide at the following studios: Dog Run Studio in Riverside, CA; Total Annihilation Studios in East Los Angeles, CA; Robanna’s in Birmingham, UK; and Audiocustom in Santiago, Chile. Production of the record was handled by the band while engineering was a joint effort between Eddie Casillas, Eddie Rivas, and Miguel Seco. The mixing and mastering of the album was completed by Seba Puente who was also a part of the engineering team. The album artwork was created by Gary Ronaldson. Esto Es Brujeria saw the return of their metal mascot Coco Loco who is emblazoned on the ferocious cover.
14.07. SE Gavle – Gefle Metal Fest 16.07. FI Helsinki – On The Rocks 17.07. EE Tallinn – Sveta 18.07. LV Riga – Melna Piektdiena 19.07. LT Kaunas – Lemmy Club 20.07. PL Warsaw – Hydrogazadka 21.07. SK Kosice – Colosseum 22.07. HU Budapest – Dürer Kert 23.07. AT Vienna – Viper Room 24.07. RS Novi Sad – SKCNS Fabrika 25.07. SI Tolmin – Tolminator Fest 27.07. IT Turin – Ziggy Club 28.07. IT Cagliari – La Cueva 29.07. IT Padova – Curtarock Festival 30.07. HR Pula – Kotac Club
On his upcoming album ‘Blues Deluxe Vol. 2,’ superstar JOE BONAMASSA is returning to his roots and taking stock of how far he and the genre have come, giving new life to the classic tracks that have that brought him to the Blues. Today, Bonamassa is sharing the latest taste of the album; a rambunctious rendition of “Well, I Done Got Over It,” originally released by Guitar Slim in 1953. ‘Blues Deluxe Vol. 2’ comes twenty years since the release of Bonamassa’s best-selling album ‘Blues Deluxe,’ which celebrated what the US government had declared “the year of the blues.”
Out October 6th via J&R Adventures, the album features two new originals and eight new covers spanning some of the most important names in the blues – from Bobby “Blue” Bland and Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac to Albert King. Also available for pre-order is the Platinum Edition Box Set (limited to 500 units worldwide) which includes the CD and Vinyl versions for both Vol. 2 and Blues Deluxe Remastered along with exclusive items.
“My father introduced me to Guitar Slim a long time ago, back when I was a kid. There was a compilation album called ‘Best of Guitar Slim’ and it was him on the cover and he was cradling one of these Gold Top Les Pauls and I was a fan ever since. He has such a velvety smooth voice, and he had such a way of delivering a song. We did a very British take on this Guitar Slim song, it’s like the Blues Breakers meets Guitar Slim meets Joe Bonamassa, Josh Smith and company,” Bonamassa reflects.
“If you had told me 20 years ago my career would last long enough to see the 20th anniversary of this little record called ‘Blues Deluxe,’ I’m sure I would have laughed,” Bonamassa explains. “Blues Deluxe was my last shot after being dropped by two major record labels and my booking agent. It was then that my manager, Roy Weisman, had his first ‘all in’ moment. We would go back into the studio and record. A record that would hopefully define the direction of whatever future career I might have.”
“Part of my approach to these new recordings was that I wanted to see if I had matured musically over the years, and if I had gotten better as a player,” Bonamassa says. “I’m happy to say that I am a much better singer than I was 20 years ago – though I still don’t really consider myself to be a legit ‘singer,’ I can now carry a tune a little better than I could back then.”
The release of “Well, I Done Got Over It” follows the album’s previous single “Twenty-Four Hour Blues,” a blistering reinterpretation of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s classic track, featured on one of Bonamassa’s favorite albums of all time, Dreamer. The new version features one of Bonamassa’s best-ever vocals and guitar solos.
“The outro guitar solo is incredible,” Smith comments. “It happened live on the floor and has some deep lines you’ve probably never heard Joe play before. The band is absolutely smoking, and Calvin Turner did an incredible String and Horn arrangement. Super proud of this one.”
Featuring Reese Wynans (keys), Calvin Turner (bass), Lamar Carter (drums), Kirk Fletcher (guitar), and Josh Smith (guitar), additional highlights from Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 include “I Want To Shout About It,” originally performed by Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, “It’s Hard But It’s Fair” by Bobby Parker, and “Is It Safe To Go Home,” a new track written for Joe by Josh Smith.
“I knew I wanted to push him really hard vocally,” Smith adds. “I’d heard him sing things just messing around or when we’d be producing for other artists that I’d never heard him do on record. So the songs were both chosen and written with that in mind. If you listen to the vocals on “Twenty-Four Hour Blues” and “Is It Safe To Go Home,” you’ll hear Joe really going for it.”
Having just earned a remarkable 26th #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart for his sprawling and extensive live concert film and album Tales Of Time, Bonamassa’s upcoming 2023 summer run will include a performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO, on August 6th – his first appearance at the venue since the recording of Tales Of Time – as well as his debut appearance at Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday, August 9th. The exclusive, one-night-only concert experience alongside an orchestra will be recorded for his next live concert film. Then, the hardest working bluesman in show business will begin his U.S. Fall Tour on October 23rd at The Cannon Center in Memphis, TN, before crisscrossing the country and capping the year at the guitar-shaped Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL on December 2nd. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
Cited by Guitar World as “arguably the world’s biggest blues guitarist,” Bonamassa is known for taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory throughout his wide-ranging career. His last recent full-length Time Clocks marked his most raw, rocking studio album yet, with American Songwriter sharing, “Bonamassa pushes into fresh territory while staying within a blues-based framework,” and “there is more than enough proof in this sprawling set that Bonamassa doesn’t intend to rest on his laurels or take his star status in the blues-rock genre for granted.”
Hailed as “a near spiritual experience” by Classic Rock Magazine and featuring songs from his latest #1 studio album, Time Clocks, Bonamassa’s latest live concert release Tales Of Time, captures a stratospheric performance by the blues-rock titan at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which found his virtuoso guitar style and unique technique and flair elevating the evening to an almost heavenly high. The project was produced by long-time collaborator and producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Journey).
“This live show represents our most progressive and largest production to date, focusing on my most ambitious studio album to date,” commented Bonamassa. “My band was a force of nature on this show, and it truly was a special night.” For more information on Tales Of Time, click HERE.
Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 by Joe Bonamassa
1. Twenty-Four Hour Blues (originally performed by Bobby “Blue” Bland) 2. It’s Hard But It’s Fair (originally performed by Bobby Parker) 3. Well, I Done Got Over It (originally performed by Guitar Slim) 4. I Want to Shout About It (originally performed by Ronnie Earle & The Broadcasters) 5. Win-O (originally performed by Pee Wee Crayton) 6. Hope You Realize It (Goodbye Again) *original song written by Joe Bonamassa & Tom Hambridge 7. Lazy Poker Blues (originally performed by Fleetwood Mac) 8. You Sure Drive a Hard Bargain (originally performed by Albert King) 9. The Truth Hurts Feat Kirk Fletcher and Josh Smith (originally performed by Kenny Neal) 10. Is It Safe To Go Home *original song written by Josh Smith
Blues Deluxe Remastered by Joe Bonamassa
1. You Upset Me Baby 2. Burning Hell 3. Blues Deluxe 4. Man Of Many Words 5. Woke Up Dreaming 6. I Don’t Live Any Where 7. Wild About You Baby 8. Long Distance Blues 9. Pack It Up 10. Left Overs 11. Walking Blues 12. Mumbling Word
Summer 2023 U.S. Tour August 2 – Vina Robles Amphitheatre – Paso Robles, CA August 4 – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV August 5 – Eccles Theater – Salt Lake City, UT August 6 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO August 9 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA^ August 12 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY** August 13 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – Bethel, NY**
**Keeping the Blues Alive presents: Joe Bonamassa & Friends: Styx and Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles ^Joe Bonamassa with Orchestra
Fall 2023 U.S. Tour October 23 – Memphis, TN – The Cannon Center October 25 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium October 27 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre October 28 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre At Sugar Land October 29 – Austin, TX – ACL Live November 1 – Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center November 3 – Little Rock, AR – Robinson Performance Hall November 4 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre November 5 – Oklahoma City, OK – Civic Center Music Hall November 8 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater November 10 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre November 11 – St. Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox November 12 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Paramount Theatre November 14 – Rochester, MN – Mayo Civic Center November 15 – Rockford, IL – Coronado Performing Arts Center November 17 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre November 18 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre November 19 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre November 21 – Reading, PA – The Santander Performing Arts Center November 22 – Providence, RI – Providence Performance Arts Center November 24 – Springfield, MA – Symphony Hall November 25 – Baltimore, MD – The Lyric November 28 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre November 30 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall December 1 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena December 2 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
ABOUT JOE BONAMASSA
Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performing musicians of today. As a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and 13x Blues Music Award Nominee (4 wins), he achieved his 26th No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with Tales Of Time, a sprawling and expansive live concert film and album, shot at the breathtaking Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado in August 2022. Only in his mid-40s, Bonamassa has become a living legend with an astounding multi-genre catalog. He has released more than 40 albums, including studio and live recordings, as well as collaborative albums with his adventurous side projects: Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party.
A prolific writer who is always on the hunt to expand his eclectic musical horizons, Bonamassa has a limitless work ethic whether it’s in a studio, on the road, or working with other artists to spur new music. In recent years, he has produced an immense number of albums including Joanne Shaw Taylor, Marc Broussard, Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall and others for his independent label KTBA Records, and has also recently launched Journeyman LLC, a full-service artist management, record label, concert promotion, and marketing company that builds awareness for independent artists worldwide. Recent producing highlights include ‘Crown’ by the blues legend Eric Gales, which was nominated for “Best Contemporary Blues Album” at the 2023 GRAMMY Awards.
Bonamassa has been featured in several publications from Esquire, WSJ, and Parade to Rolling Stone and American Songwriter, as well as on the covers of Guitar World, Guitar Player, Vintage Guitar, Guitarist, and Classic Rock Magazine. His non-profit Keeping The Blues Alive provides funds and resources to schools and artists in need and has positively impacted more than 91k students to date while raising over 2 million in donations.
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
