VAK continue to challenge and intrigue with their fourth, and most lengthy single so far.
With Bodies, VAK drags you on a journey into the deepest and most obscure corners of the human dissociative mind, where reality meet dreams. To a place where your habits are patterns paved for you and not by you.
If we act by impulse and routine, where is the free will? Do we react to nature, or are we merely subject to it?
Melodic – yet devastatingly heavy, and fueled by riffs, powerful drums and an enchanting and electrifying energy, Bodies make up a truly a theatrical and vibrant soundscape and truly fullfill VAK´s role as a modern and progressive sludge band.
It is a 7-minute-long song that seem to pass in 3. Join in on the day-dream that drag you through these long summer nights.
VAK states: “The song ‘Bodies’ is about how the city is a platform for managing and controlling the population, as the masses of bodies. In this view, city planning is about transporting human flesh and livestock smoothly. But what kind of blockage or blood clot would be needed? And what would it sound like? Maybe like the end riff of this song.”
ABOUT Well-produced, doom-groovy, stoner/sludge Swedish metal band VAK were highly praised for their previous album “Loud Wind” (2019).
UK Magazine Zero Tolerance wrote that it was “one of 2019’s contenders for best stoner metal album! […] It’s one thing to pack an album full of crushing riffs, memorable hooks, and passionate performances, but VAK truly evoke a unified togetherness that beams throughout”, while Metal Temple (UK) gave it a 9/10, stating that “VAK is its own unique breed, one that has hints of the past but is focused solely on the future.” Praised for their ability to incorporate more than just one style and genre in their music, drawing inspiration from a great variety of bands and artists, VAK’s upcoming album is something to look forward to!
BAND MEMBERS Tobias Alpadie – Guitars Anders Bartonek – Drums Patrik Engström – Guitars Jesper Skarin – Bass, Vocals Robin Skarin – Keyboards
Netherlands based atmospheric black metal band AN AUTUMN FOR CRIPPLED CHILDREN have today shared a new single, I see you… but never clearly. I see you… but never clearly is the second track to be taken from the band’s forthcoming tenth studio album, Closure, which is due for release via Prosthetic Records on August 4.
Speaking on the single release, MCHL (guitars, vocals, keys) comments: “I see you… but never clearly is about inter-human connections not working properly and the consequences of the disconnection that can occur with interpersonal relationships.
“It’s about the distorted perception of another person and also about the distorted projections and expressions that can come with that. This distortion can be caused by trauma, fear, shyness, it’s about things that could have been but were doomed to fail from the very start.”
In the fifteen years since their 2008 inception AN AUTUMN FOR CRIPPLED CHILDREN have become a staple act in both black metal and shoegaze circles, delivering hauntingly evocative missives of introspective, yearning and sorrow alike. On Closure, the Dutch band continues to push the sonic template of their disparate influences to its limits, resulting in a sound that nurtures their ethereal sensibilities as much as their wall of sound approach to the genre’s more extreme inclinations.
Recorded by the band between September 2021 and May 2022 in the Netherlands, Closure’s production spotlights the trio’s complex melodies with an accomplished sheen without compromising on the staple lo-fi elements of AN AUTUMN FOR CRIPPLED CHILDREN’s foundational intensity.
On their latest full-length, AN AUTUMN FOR CRIPPLED CHILDREN’s well trodden themes of loss, love, and self-actualisation continue to be expanded on in depth with an all too human ache permeating throughout. Well over a decade into their existence, primary songwriter MCHL’s vessel for melancholia and catharsis remains as poignant and vital to the modern atmospheric black metal canon as ever.
Closure tracklist: 1. Missed 2. I see you… but never clearly 3. Where pain begins 4. This feels like dying 5. As the void 6. Closure 7. For tomorrow 8. Unable to feel you 9. Culpable 10. Here comes sorrow
Rising metalcore act STORM has unleashed his latest musical offering, “House of Cards,” a powerful and genre-defying track that showcases the 14-year-old Norwegian artist’s exceptional talent and unique musical vision.
With influences ranging from modern nu metal, pop, hip hop to metalcore, STORM has crafted a captivating sound characterized by brutal riffs, roaring vocals, and an infusion of rap, screaming vocals and electronic elements.
“House of Cards” is a gripping track that explores the pressure that can often leave one feeling trapped and vulnerable. The song’s infectious melodies, heavy instrumentation, and STORM’s mind-blowing vocals create an immersive experience that resonates deeply with listeners.
STORM states: “This song is about feeling that everything is fragile. Every action you take can potentially have a devastating outcome. The pressure makes you feel trapped.”
To bring “House of Cards” to life, STORM collaborated with talented producer and songwriter Erlend Torheim, and the result is a captivating fusion of their creative energies. The single showcases STORM’s ability to infuse catchy hooks and hard-hitting elements seamlessly.
“I met Erlend for the first time in my studio. Turned out we liked the same bands, and when he showed me some of his own material, I liked him even more! With House of cards, I couldn’t get the song out of my mind, and we decided to continue working on it together. This is the first time I’ve worked on someone else’s material, and I really enjoyed working with Erlend.” – STORM says about the collaboration.
STORM’s remarkable talent has already taken him to renowned stages, including a performance at the Summer Breeze festival in Germany, and he is set to rock the stage at Norway’s biggest festival, Tons of Rock, in 2023. STORM’s electrifying live performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
STORM’s overarching vision is to defy genre limitations and create a new wave of music that resonates with a generation rather than fans of a spesific genrè. His music embodies the spirit of innovation and artistic exploration, pushing boundaries and captivating listeners from all walks of life.
With Tons of Rock 2023 on the horizon, STORM is also working on his debut album, poised to unleash a sonic journey that will solidify his position as a groundbreaking force in the music industry.
About STORM: Underneath the stage name STORM is Leo Davadi Sundli, a prodigious 14-year-old artist that has already achieved remarkable success. Beginning his musical journey in 2019 with the band Snøstorm, Leo swiftly gained recognition from prominent Norwegian media outlets such as VG, NRK, Musikknyheter, and Adresseavisa. Their energetic performance at the Rotvoll Festival in 2019 garnered high praise from Musikknyheter (NO), who described their music as ” as catchy as it is heavy,” resonating with metalcore enthusiasts.
In 2020, Leo embarked on a new artistic endeavor, forming the band project STORM. Shortly thereafter, his exceptional talent caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to a record deal with the prestigious Indie Recordings in 2021 and securing a booking deal with the renowned All Things Live. STORM’s meteoric rise in the music scene demonstrates Leo’s unwavering dedication and remarkable ability to create compelling music that transcends boundaries.
In 2022, STORM made an entrance onto the music scene with the release of his debut EP, “Invincible.” At the young age of 13, STORM showcased remarkable talent and musical maturity, delivering a collection of captivating tracks that transcended genres. This debut release served as a testament to STORM’s immense potential and set the stage for a promising career ahead.
“Now the Norwegian metalscene has its own prodigy in the 13-year-old STORM.” – Gaffa (NO)
“Invincible is a fantastic debut. STORM clearly knows what direction he wants to go in. The sound is clear, and the songs are extremely well-produced.” – Distored Sound Magazine (UK)
“Indie Recordings have truly found a diamond in the rough with this act, and I look forward to seeing where his career takes him.” – Metal Epedemic (US)
BALROGATH presents: Calamity a ripping new song to go along with their debut music video. Calamity tells the tale of the band’s behind the scenes life, showcasing a deep love of role playing games and all related entertainment. The band plays a challenging game and meets their untimely doom in a total party killing DM paradise of a final battle masterminded by the magical Joel Peterson. Watching this video is sure to warm the hearts of any adventurer or tabletop gaming fans alike.
The video recently premiered via Ghost Cult Magazine and The feature can be found here.
You can also check out the video on the bands YouTube channel here:
Balrogath formed in 2017 and quickly gained a following in Southern Alberta with their powerful stage presence and intricate composition. Burning the gap between death and power metal, the group takes influence from all corners of the genre, and alchemically blends those components into a sound wholly their own. With years of shows under their belt, Balrogath has only just begun their quest.
The group has been playing relentlessly since 2018 covering many venues and festivals throughout Alberta, and has shared the stage with some of Alberta’s biggest heavy indie bands, such as Mares of Thrace, No More Moments, and Black Pestilence. Balrogath’s live show is one to be remembered.
After the overwhelmingly positive reception of their debut album “Arcane Sacrifice” in 2022 Balrogath has dug deep to bring a more modern sound to their classic composition with the 2023 EP “We Bring Calamity.” The upcoming single “Calamity” is sure to impress, showing off their familiar dark melody with a striking new video to accompany.
Balrogath is: Chris Saunders/ Warchanter – Guitar, Vocals Gray Panchuck/ Bladesinger – Vocals Jesse McCrank/Rhythm Warden – Drums T.J. Riggins/Loremaster – Bass
Los Angeles-based progressive death metal goliaths THE ZENITH PASSAGE today unleash their latest single, “Divinertia II.” The punishing new hymn comes by way of the band’s Datalysium full-length, set for release on July 21st through Metal Blade Records.
Featuring an overhauled lineup that sees original guitarist/keyboardist/backing vocalist Justin McKinney joined by guitarist Christopher Beattie (Dreamer), vocalist Derek Rydquist (ex-The Faceless, John Frum), and bassist Brandon Giffin (ex-The Faceless, Cynic), Datalysium finds THE ZENITH PASSAGE further pushing disparate influences to the forefront of their sound. Relentless from start to finish, the record is a flawless marriage of technical head-fuckery, atmosphere, melody, and shifting dynamics, constantly demanding the listener’s undivided attention. From opener “The Axiom Of Error” with its stop-start attack to the agitated, richly textured and unstoppable “Synaptic Depravation,” or the dramatic, lush and epic closing title track, THE ZENITH PASSAGE is relentlessly creative and insistently push their sound in interesting, engrossing directions.
Watch THE ZENITH PASSAGE’s “Divinertia II” performance video HERE
When asked to describe the record, the band do so vividly, “Imagine if Necrophagist and Meshuggah were married, and Cynic and Extol got married, then years later they went to a swingers party to spice up their relationships, which then became a regular thing. From this, they all had a kid together, no one knows who the biological father is, but that’s cool because they’re co-parenting. That kid then grows up, idolizing David Lynch, Ridley Scott and film noir. He then goes to film school for a couple of years, but drops out because he’d rather play synth music, but ends up broke and homeless. Then Datalysium would be that kid.“
Offers the band of “Divinertia II,” “Lyrically, this song is about the panic that ultimately causes what we can consider a Big Bang within the context of Datalysium. In Part I, we explore a universal totality that exists in a closed loop. At some point it gets wise to the idea of ‘more.’ In ‘Divinertia II,’ this idea manifests ‘more’ into existence, unexpectedly splitting into the known and unknown realities that we exist in today, all borne of confusion and fear.
“Musically, we explore and expand on a motif and counterpoint theme, which evolves into various tempos and momentum. A majority of this song is just one riff played at various speeds using a familiar rhythmic motif throughout. The evolving tempos are all derivatives of triplet, as a nod to the number of the universe, 333.“
Watch the band’s previously released video for first single, “Lexicontagion,” at THIS LOCATION.
Datalysium was recorded between McKinney’s home studio and Rydquist’s apartment, with some vocals tracked at Flatline Audio with Dave Otero (Cattle Decapitation, Wake), who also mixed the album. McKinney handled the tracking, while they brought in Ryan Williams (The Black Dahlia Murder, John Frum) to produce some of the bass and vocals.
Datalysium will be released on standard LP, limited-edition LP, CD, and digital formats. For preorders, go to: metalblade.com/thezenithpassage
THE ZENITH PASSAGE will support Fallujah and Enterprise Earth on a short run of live dates this Summer. The Death Empyrean Tour runs from July 9th in Las Vegas, Nevada through July 20th in Mesa, Arizona.
On July 21st, the band will play a special record release show at Knucklehead in Hollywood, California. Entry is FREE with album purchase. Support will be provided by Civerous and Kron. See all confirmed dates below.
THE ZENITH PASSAGE w/ Fallujah, Enterprise Earth: 7/09/2023 Backstage Bar – Las Vegas, NV 7/10/2023 Full Circle Brewing CO – Fresno, CA 7/11/2023 Goldfield – Roseville, CA 7/12/2023 Bossanova – Portland, OR 7/13/2023 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 7/14/2023 Armstrong Metal Fest – Armstrong, BC 7/15/2023 The Big Dipper – Spokane, WA 7/17/2023 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT 7/18/2023 HQ – Denver, CO 7/19/2023 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM 7/20/2023 Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ End Tour: 7/21/2023 Knucklehead – Hollywood, CA * Record release show w/ Civerous, Kron
THE ZENITH PASSAGE: Justin McKinney – guitars Christopher Beattie – guitars Brandon Giffin – bass Derek Rydquist – vocals
Photographer credit: Rob Brens (Black Cow Productions)
WEREWOLVES have shared the title track from their upcoming album, My Enemies Look and Sound Like Me, with an accompanying lyric video. The Australian death metal trio’s latest single is the second song to be taken from their fourth full-length, which is due out via Prosthetic Records on August 11. WEREWOLVES have also recently announced that they’ll be taking part in the Tech Trek Australia tour in support of Archspire, alongside Ingested – full dates and info below.
Speaking on the new single, bassist/vocalist Sam (also of The Antichrist Imperium, The Berzerker) comments: “As far as we’re concerned, death metal is for one thing and one thing only: a barrage of horrific screaming blastbeats conveyed with maximum violence. My Enemies Look And Sound Like Me – the track, the album – is the pinnacle expression of that. Fuck leads. Fuck melody. Fuck you.”
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
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
