Photo: Nuit Photography – Coverart by Lucas Ruggieri
Atmospheric black metal project WOODS OF DESOLATION will be releasing its new full-length, ‘The Falling Tide,’ this Friday, December 9, via Season of Mist, making its debut to the label! The record can now be heard in its entirety ahead of Friday’s release via Black Metal Promotion! Listen at THIS LOCATION.
WOODS OF DESOLATION comments, “It is finally time to release the new album in full, as the journey that was ‘The Falling Tide’ finds completion to begin anew.”
‘The Falling Tide’ is now available for pre-order HERE. Pre-save on your favorite streaming service HERE.
Tracklisting: 01. Far From Here (07:02) [WATCH] 02. Beneath a Sea of Stars (07:23) 03. Illumination (05:01) [LISTEN] 04. The Falling Tide (06:32) [LISTEN] 05. The Passing… (03:45) 06. Anew (06:39) Total Duration (36:22)
Lineup: D. – Guitars, Bass, Vocals Vlad – Drums, Keyboards
Recording Studio: Cold Ways Studios (Australia) & ViTeR Music (Ukraine) Producer & Sound Engineer: D. & ViTeR Music Mixing + Mastering: ViTeR Music
DOCKER’S GUILD unleash the last wave of singles and videos. These five lyrics videos are all part of the “Into the Dahr Cages” suite, which closes the album. This is where the saga takes a very dark and sinister turn. “The King in Purple” is episode 2.14 and features the speech by mad religious leader Cardinal Berengar Yersinia.
MUSICIANS: Douglas R. Docker (soundscape, keyboards, Gregorian vocals, spoken voice), Anna Petracca and Serena Moine (Gregorian vocals)
DRAMATIS PERSONAE: Douglas R. Docker (Cardinal Berengar Yersinia), Valentina Procopio (Lucy Higgs), Monic Re (Cassilda), Anna Petracca (Camilla).
After six years of silence, XANDRIA are finally back on February 3, 2023, introducing their new lineup with the brand new studio album, The Wonders Still Awaiting! Today, the pioneers of German symphonic metal release the album’s title track, alongside a captivating official video. The new single combines the impressive vocal range of new singer Ambre Vourvahis and a real choir and orchestra with grandiose, bombastic orchestrations by Lukas Knöbl – known for his work with Hollywood greats like Roland Emmerich. On the new single, the band around mastermind and songwriter Marco Heubaum focus on their strengths and deliver a song perfect for the pre-holiday season.
XANDRIA on the new single: “As one more foretaste of our upcoming album The Wonders Still Awaiting (out February 3rd, 2023) we proudly present you the title song of it. We think that together with the songs you´ve heard so far, it gives you a hint of what to expect, and that it will be musically about a lot of powerful and magical atmosphere. But every song on this album will be its own little universe to explore, its own story and altogether it will be quite a journey of wonders and surprises… “
The Wonders Still Awaiting marks the first record presenting new vocalist Ambre Vourvahis, Robert Klawonn (guitars), Tim Schwarz (bass) and Dimitrios Gatsios (drums). Presenting 13 songs in total, XANDRIA‘s sound emerges harder, darker and more epic than ever before, but holds an intimate setting and range of emotions at the same time. Rich in different styles and genres, the massive album resembles that of a blockbuster movie score at each and every turn – sending its listener on an exciting journey to experience a world of sound never heard before in the universe of XANDRIA. This is further brought to life by a 40-piece classical choir, authentic Celtic instruments performed by renowned musicians, and delicate violin and cello contributions from SUBWAY TO SALLY‘s Ally Storch. The new record is topped by the Bulgarian National Radio Children’s Choir, which marks the first collaboration of this kind in the band’s history, while none other than Lukas Knöbl is responsible for the orchestrations – known for working with Hollywood greats like Roland Emmerich, for example. Each song’s colossal soundscapes and cinematic nature create a story that rapidly unfolds in the listener’s imagination.
XANDRIA on The Wonders Still Awaiting: ”The Wonders Still Awaiting is very diverse and includes many different influences. We had a lot of things – little musical dreams – in our minds and hearts that we wanted to realize, and along with what you already heard in the first two new songs this is just one of them. There will be quite some more surprises coming…”
The impressive vocal wealth of Ambre Vourvahis – ranging from rock grit, operatic highs and even death metal growls – opens the unit’s sound to a wider palette of colors. Songs like the opening epic “Two Worlds”, “The Wonders Still Awaiting” and “Ghosts” manifest the thematic mood of the album while constructing incredible soundscapes of pure symphonic metal. “Two Worlds” also sets the record’s lyrical concept, dealing with questions of what kind of world we are living in; one in which people deal sensibly with each other and treat it respectfully, or a dystopia dominated by autocrats and controlling technology? “Paradise” showcases some of the album’s strongest hooks, captivating with great metallic pop melodies. The veil of various influences is lifted once more in “Illusion Is Their Name”, dashing all deception with heavy power metal vibes. Tracks like “Your Stories I’ll Remember” and “Scars” show the intimate side of XANDRIA on one hand, while combining rhythmic heaviness on the other. The latter is reminiscent of a James Bond theme, dressed in a heavy musical soundscape. The epic nine minute album closer “Astéria”, featuring Greek lyrics written by Ambre Vourvahis, lands as the album’s exclamation point, proving with a grand finish that the five-piece has fearlessly started a revolution in the symphonic metal genre – commencing an impressive new era of XANDRIA with The Wonders Still Awaiting.
The Wonders Still Awaiting Track Listing: 1. Two Worlds 2. Reborn 3. You Will Never Be Our God (feat. Ralf Scheepers) 4. The Wonders Still Awaiting 5. Ghosts 6. Your Stories I’ll Remember 7. My Curse Is My Redemption 8. Illusion Is Their Name 9. Paradise 10. Mirror Of Time 11. Scars 12. The Maiden And The Child 13. Astèria
XANDRIA live 2023: The Wonders Still Awaiting Tour 2023 presented by: EMP, Metal.de, Musix, Rock It!, Sonic Seducer 02.02.23 DE – Essen / Turock 03.02.23 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser 04.02.23 DE – München / Backstage
XANDRIA are: Ambre Vourvahis – Vocals Marco Heubaum – Guitar Robert Klawonn – Guitar Tim Schwarz – Bass Dimitrios Gatsios – Drums
From the depths of southwestern Germany’s Black Forest, IMPERIUM DEKADENZ gathered their strengths from the dark to create their remarkable atmospheric black metal sounds. Into Sorrow Evermore, the new album from this sinister unit, will be unleashed on January 20, 2023 via Napalm Records! Keeping up with the sorrowful reality of existence, the duo addresses themes of depression, death and desperation. With eight new tracks, IMPERIUM DEKADENZ stick to their haunting roots and conquer the upper echelons of the black metal world.
Like the current dreary season, the band captures gloomy feelings in the second single, “November Monument”. Along with an official music video, it is the picture-perfect illustration for their relentlessly honest words. Steady drums and emotionally charged guitar lines merge with omniscient whispers and angry growls. Since breaking the scene with their critically acclaimed debut, …und die Welt ward kalt und leer in 2006, the band has developed their own ambient sound with a strong emphasis on melodic structuring and raw tunes that are influenced by the second wave of Norwegian black metal without losing its unique trademarks.
IMPERIUM DEKADENZ on “November Monument”: “November is a monument to death and darkness and yet it also represents the beginning of a new cycle. Travel with us into the dark wings of melancholy and through this season, full of reflection and relinquishment.”
On their new album, IMPERIUMDEKADENZ continue their unique journey with dark, ambient sounds, luring the listener into suffocating spheres of black metal. Opener and title track “Into Sorrow Evermore” starts off with classic tremolo-picked black metal guitars and hard-hitting drums, building a gloomy atmosphere with the thrilling sound of vocalist Horaz spurring the album’s immersion. “Truth under Stars” lures with pummeling blast beats accompanied by tragic guitar melodies as deep growls complement them to envelop the signature grim mood of the band. “Aurora” showcases melancholic pianos, accompanied by trudging drums as icy guitars swoon with a distorted but lush melody, building up to a serene guitar solo that cries its sorrows to the sky. The influence of various metal genres can be witnessed in songs like “Elysian Fields” and “Awakened beyond Dreams”, while in between, “Forest in Gale” ensures characteristic style devices in mid-tempo speed, inducing a shift before delivering drama and dynamics. IMPERIUM DEKADENZ closes the album with “Memories … a Raging River”, rightly encompassing all vicious vibes of the album into one final song. The album’s flow mimics life itself, beginning with high energy that slowly fades into melancholy as it lives on.
IMPERIUM DEKADENZ state: “In the dark and cold season, in a world that threatens to sink into its rising shadows, our new album ‘Into Sorrow Evermore’ rises from the fog of uncertainty. Melancholic, powerful, poignant, a reflection of the isolation and upheaval of recent years, but also a shadowy dream of what may come. Once again, we are happy to share our world and fill hearts. Into the darkness we strive, guided by our dreams, driven by the relentless time!”
Bay Area thrash metal band TRAUMA have announced a US tour with prog metal vets Queensrÿche early next year – running from March 3rd through April 16th.
Also on the bill will be guitar shredder Marty Friedman, with Spotify presale and local presale beginning on Wednesday, December 7th at 10am local time (and running until Thursday, December 8th at 10pm local time).
Public sale will begin on Friday, December 9 at 10am local time.
“Everyone in Trauma is thankful for the opportunity to be touring all across the US with Queensrÿche on their ‘Digital Alliance’ tour,” says the band in a statement. “Trauma is very excited to be a part of this tour.”
CONFIMRED TOUR DATES OPENING FOR QUEENSRYCHE AND MARTY FRIEDMAN
3/3/2023
Orlando
FL
The Plaza Live
3/4/2023
Fort Lauderdale
FL
Culture Room
3/5/2023
Jacksonville
FL
Florida Theatre
3/7/2023
Destin
FL
Club LA
3/9/2023
San Antonio
TX
The Vibes Event Center Showroom
3/10/2023
Houston
TX
Scout Bar
3/11/2023
Dallas
TX
House Of Blues – Dallas
3/12/2023
Midland
TX
La Hacienda Event Center
3/14/2023
Tempe
AZ
Marquee Theatre
3/16/2023
Sacramento
CA
Ace of Spades
3/19/2023
Anaheim
CA
House Of Blues – Anaheim
3/21/2023
Portland
OR
Crystal Ballroom
3/22/2023
Seattle
WA
The Neptune Theatre
3/24/2023
Englewood
CO
Gothic Theatre
3/25/2023
Kansas City
MO
The Truman
3/26/2023
St. Louis
MO
Delmar Hall
3/28/2023
Milwaukee
WI
The Rave
3/29/2023
Fort Wayne
IN
The Clyde Theatre
3/31/2023
Chicago
IL
Concord Music Hall
4/1/2023
Grand Rapids
MI
The Intersection
4/2/2023
Detroit
MI
St. Andrew’s Hall
4/4/2023
Columbus
OH
Newport Music Hall
4/5/2023
McKees Rocks
PA
Roxian Theater
4/7/2023
Worcester
MA
The Palladium
4/8/2023
Huntington
NY
The Paramount – Huntington, NY
4/10/2023
New York
NY
Irving Plaza
4/11/2023
Baltimore
MD
Baltimore Sound Stage
4/12/2023
Charlotte
NC
The Underground – Charlotte
4/14/2023
Nashville
TN
Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville
4/15/2023
Atlanta
GA
Heaven at The Masquerade
4/16/2023
St. Petersburg
FL
Jannus Live
Trauma’s latest album ‘Awakening,’ was issued this past September via Massacre Records, and can be ordered or listened to via this link: https://lnk.to/Trauma-awakening
And the metal community has offered praise for ‘Awakening,’ including Markus’ Heavy Music Blog saying, “‘Awakening’ convinces with power and enthusiasm,” Metal Temple adding, “The thrash they play is pure, the voice clean and the production sound,” and the This Day In Metal site stating, “It’s clear to see from their grand return after a 30 year silence that they are still very much so a driving force within the thrash metal scene and “Awakening” is the gateway to the thrashy glory they have always deserved.”
“Trauma is very pleased with the current reaction from fans, journalists and many others in the music business with the current release of our 4th studio album, ‘Awakening’,” says the band. “The release has received many stellar reviews, and write ups from around the world. We are hopeful to gain some new fans along the journey and look forward to possibly touring in Europe, and many other places soon.”
Originally formed in 1981 in San Francisco, Trauma was one of the first heavy metal bands – along with Exodus, Metallica, and Testament – to trailblaze the style now known as “thrash.” And the thrash metal band’s original bassist was none other than the late/legendary Cliff Burton (who would later join Metallica). 1984 saw the release of the group’s debut album, ‘Scratch and Scream,’ before the band parted in 1985. But in 2013, Trauma reunited, and have been back in business ever since.
The group’s current line-up consists of singer Brian Allen (who replaced original vocalist Donny Hillier, who sadly passed away in 2020), Steve Robello (guitar), Joe Fraulob (guitar), Michael Spencer (bass), and Kris Gustofson (drums). – and soon, will be rocking the metal masses on their US tour with Queensrÿche and Marty Friedman.
TRACKLISTING FOR ‘AWAKENING’
1. Walk Away2. Death of the Angels 3. Meat 4. River Red 5. Burn 6. Falling down 7. Voodoo 8. End of everything 9. Blind 10. Death Machine
It’s December again and the most wonderful time of the year has just started! This also means it’s the time for the annual SCARLET AURA’s Metal Christmas Single!
Finishing 2022 on a highlight note after unforgetful “Rock United by Scarlet Aura” concept concert in October that brought Queen of Metal herself, Doro Pesch, and one of the most recognizable male voices on the metal scene, Ralf Scheepers, to Bucharest as special guests, this holiday season Scarlet Aura presents a new metal version of a timeless classic “Feliz Navidad”.
The new video is out today, on December 6th to rejoice the St. Nicolas Day and the single will be released digitally on December 9th 2022 via Universal Music Romania and Silver City Records.
The band comments: “The first single that we released this year, way back in February, was “Ya Svoboden / I Am Free”, which was our call for peace and unity. That is why we have chosen “Feliz Navidad” as our Christmas and the last single of this year. We wanted to bring holiday cheer, unity and joyfulness to our families, to our friends and our fans and their families. As they say, “From home to home, to one place and another the Christmas spirit brings us closer to each other”. ”
Aura and Mihai Danciulescu add: “Besides the band appearing in the video, we also have our team and … even our cats. All four of them! And we also have a very special guest on vocals that we are both immensely proud to have on this record. Who is the special guest, you ask? Watch and listen our single to find out! (both laugh)”.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas with Scarlet Aura and listen to the song on the link below:
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 ) 