STEVE VAI And MIKE PORTNOY to Induct TWISTED SISTER into the Metal Hall Of Fame

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2022
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Celebrated guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, and legendary drummer Mike Portnoy, will Induct the classic lineup of Rock Icons Twisted Sister into the 2023 Metal Hall of Fame, at the 6th Annual Metal Hall of Fame Charity Gala.

“The most important night in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal,” takes place January 26, 2023, at the Canyon Club, Agoura Hills, C.A. It is presented by ROCAVAKA – The Vaka That Rocks! 

Both Mike Portnoy and Steve Vai will share their stories of how Twisted Sister influenced them in their early days on the music scene.

Twisted Sister’s classic lineup of Dee Snider, Jay Jay French, Eddie Ojeda, Mark Mendoza, and late drummer, A.J Pero, will be Inducted at the ceremony, alongside one of the biggest selling Hard Rock vocalists of all time, Lou Gramm, influential British speed/thrash metal band Raven, and world renowned guitarist Chris Impellitteri,among other Legendary Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Bands. The 6th Annual Metal Hall of Fame Gala will include the World Premier of former Black Sabbath/ Dio drummer Vinny Appice’s new band Scream Taker, featuring vocalist Jim Crean (Vinnie Vincent, Carmine Appice) and bassist Tony Franklin (Jimmy Page, David Gilmour).

Additional performances, autograph signings, and meet & greet opportunities will be announced shortly. As always, the event will include surprise artists appearances and an All Star Jam.

The most recent 2021 and 2002 Metal Hall of Fame Gala’s and events included scheduled and surprise appearances by Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Ross “The Boss” Friedman, Gus G, Onslaught, Frank DiMino, Nigel Glockler, Charlie Benante, Tony Harnell, Voivod, Albert Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult, Host of SiriusXM Radio Ozzy’s Boneyard and Hair Nation Keith Roth, Todd La Torre, Live Nation Executive Joey Vendetta, Bobby Rock, Jeff Scott Soto, and wrestling superstar Chris Jericho, among others.

The 6th Annual Metal Hall of Fame Gala will be hosted by radio/television Icon Eddie Trunk, and co-hosted by entertainment personality Cathy Rankin.

“The Annual 2023 Metal Hall of Fame Gala is going to be an amazing event as always,” says Metal Hall of Fame President/CEO Pat Gesualdo.” It’s a great night for all the Inductees,  special guests, and of course all the fans who join us in this great cause. All of the proceeds from our events goes to helping preserve Hard Rock and Heavy Metal for future generations, and our events also bring free music programs to help special needs children in hospitals and community centers.”

“Twisted Sister is honored to be recognized by the Metal Hall of Fame, and have our names alongside many of our peers,” says Jay Jay French.

*** A special Rocavaka Meet & Greet with DEE SNIDER, Rocavaka’s brand ambassador, will take place after the Induction Ceremony where limited edition Dee Snider numbered Rocavaka bottles will be made available for purchase and signing.  

6TH ANNUAL METAL HALL OF FAME GALA
JANUARY 26, 2023
Canyon Club,
28912 Roadside Dr,
Agoura Hills, CA, 91301

Tickets: 35.00 Advance / 45.00 at the Door
Pre Order Here: http://www.metalhalloffame.org

RED CARPET: 6:15PM
AWARDS GALA: 8:00PM

Proceeds from the Annual Metal Hall of Fame Gala go to the non-profit organization D.A.D. (Drums and Disabilities). D.A.D. brings free music programs and therapy services to help special needs children and wounded veterans in various health facilities and community centers.

About The Metal Hall of Fame

The Metal Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization that enshrines forever, those Iconic musicians, artists, music industry executives who are responsible for making Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music what it is today. Their contribution to the genre is invaluable, and they keep inspiring fans throughout the world, from generation to generation.

The Metal Hall of Fame Annual Celebrity Gala has included many historical hard rock and heavy metal moments. For example, our idea to join with Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne to have former Ozzy drummer Lee Kerslake accept his Platinum Record Awards for “Blizzard of Ozz” and “Diary of A Madman,” after 38 years. Having Metallica Induct Megaforce Records  founders Jon and Marsha Zazula. Inducting Judas Priest at Wacken Open Air. Inducting members of  KISS, Iron Maiden, and Triumph among others for our 5 Year Anniversary Bash. Having Don Airey’s surprise Induction for Black Sabbath co-founding member Bill Ward, (especially after not seeing each other since recording Black Sabbath’s 1978 “Never Say Day” album). Inducting Anthrax at Heavy Montreal. Having Kathy and Kelle Rhoads Induct their brother Randy Rhoads. Having Slayer’s Kerri King’s surprise Induction for Brian Slagel and Metal Blade Record’s 35th Anniversary. Having Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Geoff Tate, Chris Poland, and Bjorn Englen perform in the most historic metal performance of all time. Having Paul Stanley Induct Doc McGhee. Having Brian May of  Queen Induct Joe Satriani. These are just some of the Legendary memories that we are honored to have shared with Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans throughout the world.

Portuguese OAK Share New Song + Music Video ‘Disintegrate I’, Reveal New Album Details

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2022
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Photo by Catarina Rocha

Portuguese death doom duo OAK will be releasing its sophomore effort, ‘Disintegrate,’ via Season of Mist on February 10, 2023, making it the band’s debut to the label! The album artwork, tracklisting, and info can be found below!

In conjunction with the forthcoming full-length, OAK is now sharing the first part of the 45-minute long offering, “Disintegrate I,” along with a performance music video! The clip, which was directed by Guilherme Henriques, can be seen at THIS LOCATION.

OAK comments: “Before managing to free himself from the unbearable weight carried on his back for an eternity, this giant knelt down and surrendered his own body to be consumed by the sun.

“Afterwards, there was only the cold that accompanied him on his passage to the immaterial world. This excerpt is about that passage and also aims at a transition from sound to image, so that this moment becomes as visual as it is audible.”

Pre-sales for ‘Disintegrate are now live HERE while the album can be pre-saved on streaming services HERE.

The artwork for ‘Disintegrate’ was created by Belial Necro Arts.

Tracklist:
01. Disintegrate (44:48)
Running time: 44:48

With the birth of their first full-length album ‘Lone’ in 2019, atmospheric death doom duo OAK emerged from Portugal with a slow and steady force, like roots breaking concrete. After four years of slumber, the band has awakened like the old gods, ready to release utter suffering and devastation onto the masses with its sophomore effort, ‘Disintegrate.’ For nearly 45 unforgiving minutes, this mournful maelstrom drags the listener asunder, while tormented growls and agonizing riffs echo deep despair within the atmospheric abyss. 

OAK’s path was forged by two kindred musicians; the mysterious pair recognized that they were an unstoppable force together when it came to creating painful, emotionally driven music. “We always wanted it to be a duo because of how fluid our jams have always been and this freedom we get when writing for OAK is really one thing that drives us,” explains the band.

The writing process took place under the cover of darkness, setting an intimate mood for the record’s creation. The pair worked with a totally clean slate, writing everything organically in their sessions together rather than coming with prepared compositions or ideas. As project took shape and began to come into its own identity, it yielded OAK’s agonizing and ferocious sound.  “We can have clean guitars, clean vocals, distortion, deep grunts, whispers, slow beats, blast beats, ghost notes and all this glues together nicely,” says OAK of the project’s many textures and layers.

Thematically, ‘Disintegrate’ tells the epic tale of a Titanic Giant who seeks to be unburdened from carrying the weight of the world, demonstrating that even the strongest have a threshold for just how much pain and heaviness they can endure.

However, the story doesn’t end here as this is only the first chapter of the Giant’s tale. “We are continuing our jam sessions and writing more and more. We will grow further with each release in the attempt of making our sound almost visible/cinematic. We need to tell the story of this giant’s burden and liberation through our music and lyrics. We feel like there is much more to be told.“

Lineup:
Guilherme Henriques – Vocals/Guitars
Pedro Soares – Drums

Recording line-up
Guilherme Henriques – Vocals/Guitars
Pedro Soares – Drums
Lucas Ferrand – Bass

Recording studio: Stone Sound Studio
Producer/Mixing engineer: Ricardo Oliveira
Mastering studio and engineer: Stone Sound Stydio by Ricardo Oliveira

CLOAK Announce U.S. Tour Supporting IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT, Reveal New Album Update

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2022
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Photo by Acacia Levin

Atlanta black metal outfit CLOAK will be embarking on an early 2023 tour throughout the East Coast in support of IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT! The trek will kick off on January 31 in Clifton, NJ and will conclude on February 10 in Chesapeake, VA. The full routing can be found below!

In addition, CLOAK is pleased to reveal that their highly-anticipated third full-length is on track for a late spring/early summer release. Fans who attend the upcoming shows will get a sneak preview of what’s to come as the band will be performing brand new music that is not yet released!

CLOAK is following up 2019’s ‘The Burning Dawn,’ which was named one of the Best Albums of the year by Metal Insider (#6), A&P Reacts (#8), Treble Zine (#11), and others.

The album can be streamed, downloaded, and ordered HERE.

CLOAK (w/ IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT + COUCH SLUT):
01/31: Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz [TICKETS]
02/01: Pittsburgh, PA @ Black Forge [TICKETS]
02/02: Cincinnati, OH @ Legends [TICKETS]
02/03: Nashville, TN @ The End 
02/04: Atlanta, GA @ Boggs Social [TICKETS]
02/05: Mobile, AL @ Alabama Music Box 
02/06: Orlando, FL @ Haven [TICKETS]
02/07: Miami, FL @ Gramps [TICKETS]
02/09: W. Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern [TICKETS]
02/10: Chesapeake, VA @ Riffhouse [TICKETS]

Unyielding darkness and brutality emerge from the deep south of the United States.  Atlanta, GA based quartet CLOAK blend the sounds of black metal, rock ‘n’ roll, and homegrown Southern sludge to create their own unique and menacing sound.
 
Their debut full-length, ‘To Venomous Depths,’ (2017) was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Decibel Magazine placed it at #20 among their “Top 40 Albums of 2017,” solidifying the band’s place among the heavy metal elite. Now, CLOAK is back with ‘The Burning Dawn,’ a riff-heavy and groove-laden follow-up that proves the band are still rife with fresh ideas.
 
Conceptually, the record comes from a place below the surface where the sleepless and sinister dwell, and is absorbed by the darkest of dreams and the most primal desires. Musically, this exploration takes the gothic nuances of its predecessor while abandoning any hesitation in exchange for a more aggressive and vehement spirit.

While rippers like “On Poisoned Ground” and “Into the Storm” deliver a fury of soulful aggression, songs like “Lifeless Silence” and “The Fire, The Faith, The Void” offer a darker, gothic essence, ultimately displaying CLOAK’s multi-faceted and dynamic musical diversity. So, raise your fists and set fire to the world; this is ‘The Burning Dawn.’

Line-up 
Scott Taysom – Vocals & Guitar  
Max Brigham – Guitar  
Sean Bruneau – Drums  
Billy Robinson – Bass 

CANTERVICE Drop New Single ‘Blackout’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2022
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CANTERVICE pick up the dystopian-themed story where “Doomsday” left off with the fierce new Alt-Metal single “Blackout“, out now via FiXT.

Fusing alt-metal, nu-metal, and metalcore into a highly addictive anthem for a rising generation, “Blackout” takes up the storyline from the citizens’ point of view. With its provocative lyrics, heavy guitars, synths, and strong rhythms, alongside a vocal performance that oscillates between passionate and brutal the track is an ardent reminder that we shouldn’t blindly believe everything we see. 
 
“‘Blackout’ is a critical reminder to society that we are the key stakeholders, but only through unity and self-awareness can we deploy that power against those wanting to oppress us,” explains CANTERVICE. “The highest figures of authority have secured their holdings by keeping the social fabric of society torn. We must adapt and become immune to the force-fed dichotomy coming through our screens to lift the veil that has blinded us from the truth. Failure to do so will lead to our demise as we continue to be a resource for financial and political gain.”

Purchase/Stream: https://link.fixtmusic.com/InTheDark

CANTERVICE is an American concept-based electronic rock project, its core concepts centered around a future dystopian world, plagued by a government that has assumed control over all technology and information. “We simply want to inspire curiosity in those who are open to questioning their reality.”
  
Formed in January of 2021, CANTERVICE was destined to be the solo/side project of Robert Matlock with only one release, “Void.” However, “Void” quickly crossed 100,000 streams across all platforms and there was a growing fanbase demanding new music. 
  
By summer 2021 Matlock had completely shifted gears and started doing a lot of development and experimentation for CANTERVICE. Realizing he had no desire to go into such an ambitious project alone, he reached out to long time friend Tim Walker, who joined in on drums. They released a new single “The Machine” in December of 2021 and shortly there after recruited Kris Smith on guitar, and Eric Knighton who would round out the group on bass. CANTERVICE signed to independent multi-genre label FiXT in early 2022.

BEFORE THE DAWN Sign Worldwide Contract with Napalm Records, New Album Coming in 2023

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2022
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Photo: Teppo Ristola

Napalm Records proudly announces the signing of Finnish melodic death metal band BEFORE THE DAWN! Formed in 1999, chart-cracking BEFORE THE DAWN reigned as one of the most successful Finnish metal bands of the early 2000’s, and since their burial in 2013, hundreds of thousands of new fans have discovered their music on streaming platforms, entirely without promotion or labels involved. Did the music find the people, or the people find the music – one can’t be sure, but after being inactive for almost a decade, BEFORE THE DAWN now returns stronger than ever!
   
BEFORE THE DAWN are currently back in the studio and ready to take to stages with a brand new lineup. The band originated as Finnish Metal Award winning Tuomas Saukkonen’s (Wolfheart) solo project, but throughout the years, there have been several lineup changes. With the new exciting lineup, the band introduces its biggest changes so far. Previous guitarist and vocalist Saukkonen has moved behind the drums, and talented Voice Of Finland 2022 finalist Paavo Laapotti has taken on all vocalist duties. The Finns have fully transformed into their new power and are ready to reconquer the scene!

Sebastian Münch, A&R, Napalm Records states:
“Tuomas Saukkonen and I have been working together with Wolfheart for a couple years now and from time to time we talked about bringing BEFORE THE DAWN back.
Last year, when the band released the single ‘The Final Storm’, I was absolutely amazed by how good the new song turned out. Now being part of releasing a new full length studio album, and it being the first one in over a decade, is a great honor!”
 
Tuomas Saukkonen comments on the signing:
“One cornerstone of the BEFORE THE DAWN comeback plan and fundamental criteria was that we needed to find strong enough partners, in addition to our long time Fin label Stay Heavy Records, that will raise the band to a whole new level after a decade of slumber. We could not be happier about the newly signed contract with the mighty Napalm Records and we are absolutely ecstatic for the fact that the new BEFORE THE DAWN album will be in the best possible hands when it sees the light of the day worldwide in 2023.”

BEFORE THE DAWN are:
Vocals: Paavo Laapotti
Guitar: Juho Räihä
Bass: Pyry Hanski
Drums: Tuomas Saukkonen

RUSSKAJA Announce New Album “Turbo Polka Party”, Out February 3rd

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2022
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[photo credit: Markus Haas]

Stand up, couch potatoes – it’s time to get moving! High voltage party polka virtuosos RUSSKAJA provide the most danceable heavy album of early 2023 with Turbo Polka Party, out February 3 via Napalm Records!

Hailing from Austria but wearing their Ukrainian and Russian heritages on their sleeves, RUSSKAJA present their hardest-hitting studio album to date, once again mixing elements of metal, punk, ska and polka to create an addictive mixture you can’t help but move to.

Today, the band has released the new album’s first single, “No Borders”, alongside an animated official music video. Although they are one of the most entertaining bands in rock, RUSSKAJA have never strayed away from clear political statements. The band, known for utilizing Soviet imagery as a nod to their cultural background, sends a clear sign against war – calling for peace and humanity on Turbo Polka Party. This message is particularly emphasized on “No Borders” – reflective of the cries for peace RUSSKAJA stated in the wake of the Ukrainian/Russian tensions flaring earlier this year:

“No borders, no wars
We‘re equal, all the same
No nations, no fighting
Just stop this game”

Guitarist/songwriter/producer Engel Mayr about “No Borders”:
“Besides the incredibly important message of the song, we’re also really happy we did another video with the great Juppi Juppsen again, who has done some of our greatest visuals like “Energia” & “El Pueblo Unido” in the past!”

The band also produced a special “No Borders” shirt – 100 % of proceeds earned from the sale will be donated to the charity organization “Volkshilfe“ and will benefit Ukrainian refugees.  The shirt is available together with the Special Edition autograph card “No Borders“ signed from all band members and can be bought on the RUSSKAJAs website.

RUSSKAJA undoubtedly master the tightrope act between clear message and entertainment. With “Russki Style”, they show themselves on well-tread paths, while “Shapka” hits a multi-faceted color scheme of polka, ska and classic 90s nu metal. But a party can’t happen without friends. Micha Rhein from In Extremo finds a place on the wistful “Olga von der Wolga”, while Skindred singer Benji Webbe supports the rousing reggae metal single “Vozdukh” and Hamburg dance act Le Fly convinces with exotic groove on the German-Spanish song “Senales”. Even the Wham hit “Last Christmas” is not safe from RUSSKAJA.

Pre-Order your copy of Turbo Polka Party HERE

Turbo Polka Party tracklist:
1.           No Borders
2.           Russki Style
3.           Shapka
4.           Olga von der Wolga (feat. Micha Rhein – In Extremo)
5.           Paschli
6.           New Life
7.           Vozdukh (feat. Benji Webbe – Skindred)
8.           Senales (feat. Le Fly)
9.           Last Christmas
10.         Baila
11.         Turbopolka

Touring relentlessly while still rocking stages on TV as the house bandon the prestigious “Willkommen Österreich” – RUSSKAJA’s Turbo Ska Punk is unstoppable and develops with each new album! It’s time to shake a leg and toast to an unforgettable time together with RUSSKAJA.

RUSSKAJA live:

w/ In Extremo
21.12.22 DE – Wiesbaden / Schlachthof
22.12.22 DE – Cologne / Palladium

Turbo Polka Party Tour 2023
w/ Paddy & The Rats, Bloodsucking Zombies from outer Space
23.02.23 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch
24.02.23 DE – Munich / Backstage
25.02.23 CH – Pratteln / Z7 Konzertfabrik
26.02.23 AT – Dornbirn / Conrad Sohm
28.02.23 DE – Leipzig / Werk 2, Halle D
01.03.23 DE – Jena / F-Haus
02.03.23 DE – Hanover / Musikzentrum
03.03.23 DE – Cologne / Kantine
04.03.23 DE – Hamburg / Grünspan
05.03.23 DE – Berlin / Columbia Theater
08.03.23 AT – Linz / Posthof
09.03.23 DE – Bochum / Zeche
10.03.23 DE – Frankfurt am Main / Batschkapp
11.03.23 DE – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann
23.03.23 AT – Salzburg / Rockhouse
24.03.23 AT – Graz / PPC
25.03.23 AT – Vienna / Arena
30.03.23 UK – London / Omeara
01.04.23 UK – Manchester / Deaf Institute
02.04.23 UK – Glasgow / Stereo
03.04.23 IE – Dublin / The Grand Social
04.04.23 UK – Bristol / Lost Horizon
06.04.23 FR – Villeurbanne / CCO
07.04.23 FR – Fontenay-le-Compte / Festival On N’a Plus 20 ans
08.04.23 FR – Paris / Petit Bain
09.04.23 NL – Haarlem / Patronaat

RUSSKAJA are:
Georgij Makazaria – Vocals
Engel Mayr – Guitars, Vocals
Hg Gutternigg – Potete, Tuba
Mario Stübler – Drums
Nico Loro Ravenni – Sax
Dimitrij Miller – Bass
Lea-Sophie Fischer – Violin