A reminder for headbangers around the Globe that Public Sales for Round 11 of 70000TONS OF METAL, The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise are now live.
Always innovating the dynamics of floating festivals – most notably with their Pool Deck Stage: The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage structure to sail the Open Seas – the festival organizers have partnered with Greentripper for a new climate initiative. Guests attending the festival will have the opportunity to offset their Carbon footprint by purchasing an optional Carbon Offset when booking.
Greentripper is an initiative of CO2logic, a reliable organization with more than 12 years of experience in climate consulting and the development of climate projects. They work with climate projects that meet the most stringent international standards such as the Gold Standard and VCS.
The projects are examined annually to ensure that their impact on climate change is truly effective. Carbon credits are issued in this certified system per tonne of CO2 actually reduced. These credits are placed in a register and withdrawn once they are sold, to ensure that they are sold only once.
The eleventh voyage of 70000TONS OF METAL will take place January 30 – February 3, 2023 and sail from Miami, Florida to Bimini, Bahamas and back on board the Freedom of the Seas.
Ticket prices start at USD 966.00 plus taxes and fees per person.
Bands announced to date include ABYSMAL DAWN, AMORPHIS, CYNIC, DECREPIT BIRTH, DESTRUCTION, EVERGREY, FALLUJAH, FEUERSCHWANZ, FRACTAL UNIVERSE, INSOMNIUM, JUNGLE ROT, KAMELOT, KORPIKLAANI, KREATOR, MǺNEGARM, MELECHESH, NIGHTMARE, NIGHTWISH, NOVEMBRE, OBSCURA, OCEANS OF SLUMBER, ROTTING CHRIST, SIRENIA, ULI JON ROTH, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, and WARBRINGER.
One of U2‘s most popular songs, “With or Without You”, gets a Celtic reinterpretation by Aline Happ. The singer, songwriter and producer is well known for her work as the front woman of the Symphonic Alternative Metal band Lyria.
Inspired by Celtic and Folk music, Aline Happ brought a new interpretation for the Irish band’s classic, with synths, orchestral instruments, ethereal vocals and Celtic percussion.
“With or Without You”, by U2, was released in 1987 and is from the album “The Joshua Tree”. The song debuted at number 64 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and critics praised the song upon its release. It is about the duality that Bono Vox felt when working with music and doing world tours, but also wanting to be at home enjoying the time with his family.
Aline Happ’s first solo album crowdfunding campaign was a success! Happ is recording her first solo album with originals and Celtic/Folk versions of Rock and Metal songs. The artist reached more than 200% of the goal and soon she will announce the next steps about the album and the perks selected on her campaign.
The videos posted on Aline Happ’s channel are sponsored by her fans on Patreon. Known worldwide, Lyria is a Symphonic Alternative Metal band founded in 2012 by Aline Happ. Since then, the group has released two albums via crowdfunding support, Catharsis (2014) and Immersion (2018). Besides the presencial concerts, the band also plays online concerts for all over the world.
Today November 30, GRAYSHAPES – Ukrainian metalcore band released a new single and music video ‘Bonebreaker’. This track is featuring guest vocals from Ukrainian hardcore band TRUE TOUGH. Music for the song was written before russian invasion on 24.02, but lyrics already after what is reflected in the subject.
“The war inspired the creation of the heaviest track in the band’s history. As there was a very strong desire to unleash all those emotions that had accumulated during the months of a full-scale invasion. We decided to do it in the best way possible – to write the track as it is,” says Denys, vocalist of Grayshapes
The name of the song was born after the Faine Misto charity festival in Lviv, when one of the band’s friends broke his leg during Grayshapes performance.
“This song is about Ukrainian people and their resistance to Russian aggression. We are very inspired by the courage of the Ukrainians in their struggle against russian invaders. There is no longer any doubt about our victory, which is highlighted in the last lines of the song” – Roman, guitarist of Grayshapes
Bonebreaker is currently the heaviest Grayshapes track, so the idea to invite the vocalist of the Kyiv hardcore band True Tough for a guest vocals came naturally.
“Working with Grayshapes was an interesting experience, because it’s always cool to do something together with friends from the scene. Due to the rather different directions of music ofTrue Tough and Grayshapes, it was unusual for me to hear my vocals on such a track, and I was a little worried about the recording, but everything turned out in a really great way” – Roman, vocalist of True Tough.
Together with the single, a music video was also released, on which Igor Zhebko (igormoshtys) worked.Lizard Audio studio (The Hardkiss, Detach, Space Of Variations) worked on the recording and mixing.
Grayshapes is a metalcore band from Kyiv (Ukraine) founded in 2019. The band has the album “Lost at Sea” (2021) and the EP “Safe Place” (2020), several music videos and many concerts in Ukraine. Performed on the same stage with such bands as Ignea, O.Torvald, To Kill Achilles.
Artist, fashion designer and musician Chloe Trujillo is a multi-faceted wonder and she has been teaming up with Mark Dalbeth (Rav Medic) from the rock act BELLUSIRA. The duo released their debut EP HEAVY PEACEearlier this year via Golden Robot Records and have now released a music video for ‘STONE COLD SOBER,’ the 5th track on their EP.
The music video is set in a mystic ice land that puts the viewer in a hypnotic state, entirely enthralled by what is in front of them. Professional ice skaters glide across the screen effortlessly, transporting you into the world Chloe Trujillo and Rav Medic have created.
‘STONE COLD SOBER‘ is a dark, haunting track to end the HEAVY PEACE EP. The EP itself is an honest body of work that takes on various complex emotions and life lessons. This track is stripped back musically and allows space for Chloe‘s though-provoking vocals and message.
ABOUT CHLOE TRUJILLO ⚡️RAV MEDIC
Born in Paris France, ChloeTrujillo has immersed herself in the art/music world from a young age. Her music is infused with anything from rap, metal, gypsy & blues. She first got her Visa through performing in NYC cabarets & musical theatre. From there, she was invited to LA by Gail Zappa to record the Frank Zappa cover ‘The Torture Never Stops.’ Chloe is also wife of Robert Trujillo from Metallica/Suicidal Tendencies.
Mark Dalbeth (Rav Medic), who is originally from New Zealand, made the move to Australia and started rock outfit Bellusira, who went on to release two notable albums and move to America briefly under management from Will Hunt (Evanescence). The band toured the USA a few times and had Koichi Fukuda from Static-X take over guitar duties. Once that project came to an end, Mark decided to stay in America and continue his musical pursuit. Both parties met in early 2021 when asked to be a part of the Global Green Charity Event held at the Troubadour in LA.
After connecting online and having a mutual respect for each other’s music, Trujillo and Dalbeth suggested the idea of doing a collaboration. The track ‘Lightning Strikes Twice’ was the outstanding result. The feedback from the single was strong and they both enjoyed working together so much, that they decided to continue to work together under the banner Chloe Trujillo & Rav Medic.
Storming the German charts with their previous #1 album, MementoMori, the hottest German folk rock band FEUERSCHWANZ return – inviting fans on the most exciting journey through time. Presenting the greatest (and worst) earworms in the history of music, the spectacular covers album, Todsünden, will be released December 30, 2022 – exactly one year after the release of Memento Mori – via Napalm Records. The album includes two completely new songs, as well as the cover bonus tracks from their last two studio albums.
The album’s newest single, the band’s adaptation of ABBA’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)”, takes you straight back to the arcades of 40 years ago! This track’s existence in itself is a result of a bet made within the band. They agreed that if their latest studio album, Memento Mori, entered the German charts above the Swedish legends, they would cover this song. Lo and behold, the results were overwhelmingly positive, yielding this new ABBA cover!
Premiering alongside an official music video, the characteristic elements of FEUERSCHWANZ meld together with the legacy of Swedish pop heroes ABBA!
Feuerschwanz states: “‘The world definitely needs another ABBA cover!’ That must have gone through Hodi’s head when he made a highly dubious bet on New Year’s Eve 2021/22. If Memento Mori beats Voyage by ABBA in the German album charts, we will create a cover version! Hodi, as a self-confessed non-fan of the Swedish band, then had to admit two things to himself: Firstly, Memento Mori reached number 1, so he has to make the bet true. Secondly, the ABBA songs are not bad at all – quite the opposite! So listen to the folk metal version of ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’ – I wonder if there was mead involved? Certainly. Does the world really NEED ANOTHER ABBA cover? Probably not. Mea culpa. Mea maxima culpa.“
Genre exploration and loads of fun aside, amidst it all, FEUERSCHWANZ clearly showcase their musical skills and development on Todsünden, convincing with ultra-elaborate sound. In particular, vocalists Hauptmann and Hodi flex their deft skillset, from skyscraper 80s-style falsettos to deep growling and even rapping (as evident on their cover of Deichkind’s “Limit”). So jump on board this thrilling musical ride and witness FEUERSCHWANZ conquering a kaleidoscope of musical styles with ease!
Proving their versatility with every single song on this album, FEUERSCHWANZ overcome linguistic, musical and genre-specific limitations and unite the tavern in a sonic feast. Effortlessly combining different genres, the medieval folk rock geniuses reinterpret everything from pop to punk rock to metal hits without ever losing their own characteristic sound. From beloved evergreens like “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” to chart toppers like their latest release “Blinding Lights”, everyone will find their favorite. With humble support from musicians like Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum), SaltatioMortis, and Angus McSix, Todsünden is a musical spectacle beyond compare.
This exciting ride starts off with a cover of Swedish pop legends ABBA. FEUERSCHWANZ give their world-famous song “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” a folk rock vibe with a gloomy but still uplifting atmosphere bursting into heavy riffing and drumming. Another pop-tinged rock song of legend is covered with Europe‘s “The Final Countdown”, but the album also features current highlights like “Blinding Lights“, Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire” and “Ding” by Seed featuring Ad Infinitum’s Melissa Bonny. Punk rock tracks like “The Bad Touch” by the glorious Bloodhound Gang or tracks by German bands like “Hier kommt Alex” by Die Toten Hosen or “Der Graf” by Die Ärzte – a track that FEUERSCHWANZ honor with their very own trademark by telling ancient tales in their own fabulous way. Similar treatment is given to “Engel” by German legends Rammstein, as FEUERSCHWANZ pick up the story and dress it in their own folkloristic gloomy sound, while in its new version, former European summer hit “Dragoesta Din Tei” throws the listener directly into a wild Viking party, releasing medieval power that will have them out of their seat in no time. In honor of the metal scene, FEUERSCHWANZ present their very own version of Amon Amarth’s “Twilight of the Thunder God” but give it a new spin by turning it into a medieval hymn with 80s rock vibes. Other famous tracks include covers of Ghost’s “Square Hammer”, a turn at Powerwolf‘s “Amen and Attack” pumped with chanting violins, Sabaton’s “Gott Mit Uns”, and the all-time classic “Warriors of the World” by the one and only Manowar, which they present together with honorable guests Angus McSix, Saltatio Mortis and Melissa Bonny.
Todsünden Tracklist:
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (ABBA Cover)
Twilight of the Thunder God (Amon Amarth Cover)
The Bad Touch (Bloodhound Gang Cover)
Limit (Deichkind Cover)
Der Graf (Die Ärzte Cover)
Hier kommt Alex (Die Toten Hosen Cover)
I See Fire (Ed Sheeran Cover)
Square Hammer (Ghost Cover)
Warriors of the World United (Manowar Cover)
Dragostea Din Tei (O-Zone Cover)
Amen & Attack (Powerwolf Cover)
Engel (Rammstein Cover)
Gott Mit Uns (Sabaton Cover)
Ding (Seeed Cover)
Blinding Lights (The Weeknd Cover)
The Final Countdown (Europe Cover)
Experience FEUERSCHWANZ live on the Memento Mori headline tour 2022: Memento Mori Tour 2023 w/ Warkings 12.04.23 AT – Linz / Posthof 13.04.23 AT – Vienna / Szene 14.04.23 AT – Graz / Dom am Berg 15.04.23 DE – Munich / Backstage 20.04.23 DE – Frankfurt / Batschkapp 21.04.23 DE – Saarbrucken / Garage 22.04.23 DE – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann 27.04.23 DE – Hamburg / Markthalle Zusatztermin 28.04.23 DE – Hamburg / Markthalle sold out 29.04.23 DE – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle 30.04.23 DE – Nuremberg / Löwensaal 05.05.23 DE – Leipzig / Felsenkeller 06.05.23 DE – Berlin / Huxleys 11.05.23 DE – Bremen / Aladin 12.05.23 DE – Hanover / Capitol 13.05.23 DE – Cologne / Carlswerk Victoria
Ever watch a shark play drums? Now is your chance! Perth’s premier electro prog sensation VOYAGER is all about breaking boundaries and making the unthinkable happen, and as such, they’ve just launched a drum play-through of their latest single, “Submarine,” featuring A. Shark! The bouncy and uplifting track takes you through a progressive pop metal journey that has been complimented for it’s Devin Townsend-esque vibe. Deep down in the depths of Atlantizz we find a rehearsal space with A. Shark busting out the groove on the drums and this play-through of “Submarine” is the result. The clip can be found at THIS LOCATION.
We managed to grab VOYAGER drummer Ash Doodkorte for a quote on how he felt to be relieved of drumming duties and replaced by A. Shark! Doodkorte says:
“‘Submarine’ is a beast of a song to play on the drums – packed to the gills with chaotic fills and bombastic beats that leave me wrecked by the end. It was such a relief to hand over drumming duties to A. Shark for this one and leave it in his very capable fins. He really sunk his teeth into this track, and I think you’ll agree that this frenzied performance is a joy to behold. We’re going to need a bigger kit.”
VOYAGER released “Submarine” ahead of their very successful UK/EU tour with VOLA. Voyager’s new music video takes a dive into the depths of Atlantizz where the band is searching for a new bass player. VOYAGER break out their fun and spirited side in this music video in conjunction with a song that welcomes the next wave of what VOYAGER has to offer. The original video can be found HERE while the single can be streamed or downloaded HERE.
In February of 2022, VOYAGER won the hearts of ‘Eurovision – Australia Decides!’ viewers, winning the fan vote by a landslide and coming in second place by a mere three points via the official jury vote for their song “Dreamer!” The band is readying for a redemption round and are currently in the studio working on a new single to throw their hat in the ring again for Eurovision 2023! Stay tuned…!
Photo by Mike Dann
VOYAGER has recently released 2021’s ‘A Voyage Through Time’ virtual performance on Blu-ray and LP on via Season of Mist! The performance was originally recorded on August 10, 2021 at Magnet House in Perth (AU) and aired on September 5, 2021 in celebration of the anniversary of the Voyager 1 Spacecraft that was launched by NASA.
‘A Voyage Through Time’ presents a one-of-a-kind visual and aural performance that outlines the progression of VOYAGER‘s musical career. The virtual live experience with full production is a journey across two decades and seven albums with a fan-voted set list, exploring a new and enhanced approach to the band’s live show.
‘A Voyage Through Time’ can be ordered HERE while you can stream or download it HERE.
‘A Voyage Through Time’ Tracklisting: 01. To the Morning Light 02. The Eleventh Meridian 03. Sober 04. White Shadow [WATCH] 05. Devil in Me 06. I am the Revolution 07. Iron Dream 08. The Meaning of I 09. Hyperventilating [WATCH] 10. Summer Always Comes Again 11. Seasons of Age 12. To the Riverside 13. Ghost Mile 14. The Fragile Serene 15. Brightstar 16. Runaway [WATCH]
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 ) 