Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

CHARLOTTE WESSELS Releases New Single + Official Video ‘Venus Rising’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 6, 2022

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Charlotte Wessels. Leave a comment

Today, Dutch composer, producer, vocalist and gifted songwriter CHARLOTTE WESSELS presents her new and fourth single, “Venus Rising”, from her stunning upcoming full-length, Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II, out tomorrow via Napalm Records! Skillfully pushing genre boundaries, WESSELS has put her heart and soul into this new offering, making her spirit tangible with every note and transforming this album into a flawless immersion of rock, pop, metal and beyond – all produced, performed and programmed in her own Six Feet Under studio.

Channeling her inner goddess, “Venus Rising” pulls audiences into the unique sonic Olympus of her musical sophistication. The captivating synth-flavored track combines rich musical styles – showcasing her unique approach and manifesting her own divinity with this song once more – honest, refined and truly limitless. “Venus Rising” is impressively underlined with an astonishing official music video.

CHARLOTTE WESSELS on “Venus Rising”:
“Venus Rising was inspired by Botticelli’s painting The Birth Of Venus. Even though she was modeled after the ideals of her time, I take comfort from the fact that she never had to cover up or uncover, be louder or more soft spoken, grow bigger or smaller, but just rises from the waves and comes into power unaffected by expectations, regulations and injustices that reign in the real world. We recorded the video for the song last week, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the brave women of Iran, and how they’re fighting for their most basic human rights at this very moment. It is heartbreaking and in my mind the song is dedicated to them. #MahsaAmini”

CHARLOTTE WESSELS will bring her work to the stage on October 23 at Tivoli Vredenburg – Ronda, in Utrecht, NL, for her first and only live show so far: Tales From Six Feet Under – Live in Concert. She recently announced her live band, which includes several former DELAIN members and consists of Timo Somers, Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije, Joey Marin de Boer and Sophia Vernikov. Tickets available HERE.

This eclectic wealth of songs proves WESSELS’ exceptional ability to express the sincerest feelings and emotions within her art and her distinct intuition for the combination of seemingly different genres. Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II is an enchanting portent of CHARLOTTE WESSELS’ further multifaceted endeavors.

CHARLOTTE WESSELS adds:
“Since May 2020, I’ve been writing and recording a new song every month down in my basement “Six Feet Under Studio”, fueled by – and released to – my tight-knit Patreon community. This album wouldn’t be there without them. I’m excited to team up with Napalm Records again to release a new collection of these tracks with a wider audience.

With Tales From Six Feet Under, I released my favorite tracks of the first year of this endeavor onto the world in 2021, and Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II is its counterpart, with my favorite tracks from the second year. There are definitely differences between the two, with the second leaning more towards the heavier side, but they do belong together.
Together they represent a time of introspection and solitary songwriting in the basement. A time that has taught me a lot and has been very meaningful to me, but also a time that, as I started this project in the middle of Covid quarantine, has already – thankfully – started changing. Not because I won’t be writing and recording Six Feet Under anymore, but because as the world is opening up again, I too will come out of the basement and out of my shell again with live concerts, and collaborations are on the horizon.”

Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II track listing:
1. Venus Rising
2. Human To Ruin
3. The Phantom Touch
4. Against All Odds
5. A Million Lives
6. The Final Roadtrip
7. Good Dog
8. Toxic
9. I Forget
10. Utopia

The bewitching Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II will be available as 1LP Vinyl GOLD, 1LP Vinyl RECYCLED BLACK, 1LP Vinyl RECYCLED COLOR (Patreon exclusive) as well as on all digital platforms. Moreover, fans will get a combined 2CD Digisleeve that also includes WESSELS’s exciting first solo offering Tales From Six Feet Under Vol I, which will be released on CD for the first time now!

AD INFINITUM Announce New Album “Chapter III – Downfall” + Reveal First Single ‘Upside Down’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 6, 2022

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Ad Infinitum. Leave a comment

In 2023, rising modern symphonic metal outfit AD INFINITUM re-enter the scene with their electrifying third studio album, Chapter III – Downfall, out March 31 via Napalm Records. The unit’s signature sound – consisting of heavy, modern riffs paired with haunting vocal melodies of incredibly talented Melissa Bonny – has positioned them for unstoppable ascension in the metal world. Following the massive stir caused by songs like “Marching on Versailles” and “Unstoppable” – which have each garnered over 2.7 million and 2.3 million video views, respectively, to date – this next offering provides another wave of proof of the breakout success they have earned since the release of their debut album in 2020.

With their freshly released new single, “Upside Down“, AD INFINITUM enhance this addictive formula while defying all rules, combining epic melodies and demonic growls with finesse. The song goes in line with an impressively energetic official video setting a new standard in the band’s universe.

AD INFINITUM on “Upside Down“:
“As we hit the road for our European tour with Amaranthe, Beyond The Black and Butcher Babies, we are proud and excited to present “Upside Down”, the first single of our upcoming album Chapter III – Downfall. We are looking forward to seeing many of you all over Europe and playing this new song on stage!“

Game-changing new album, Chapter III – Downfall, bewitches with an innovative sound full of soaring melodic splendor juxtaposed against brooding, dark and even gothic heaviness. Exploring concepts of Ancient Egyptian history and mythology, AD INFINITUM melds a perfect balance of storytelling and technically sophisticated songwriting, spreading their wings in both areas of production and lyricism. Charging instrumentals, pounding drums, chunky, grooving riffs, mind-boggling solos and enchanting orchestrations build the band’s unique world of sound as frontwoman-to-watch Melissa Bonny’s soul-stirring cleans and haunting growls put her incredible vocal range on display – dropping jaws with each line.

Produced by AD INFINITUM and Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Chapter III – Downfall showcases that this up-and-coming quartet can effortlessly turn the genre upside down, gracing it with contemporary vibes without forgoing their signature metal origins, and thrilling all metal fans as they rise to the top!

AD INFINITUM add:
“The word is out, Chapter III – Downfall is on its way! For this album, we explored stories and legends of Ancient Egypt with, as star character and main inspiration, Cleopatra. We added some extra dimension and sounds to our signature AD INFINITUM sound to create an extra dimension, transporting the listener to mystical landscapes of another era. We are beyond excited to start to unveil this new record!“

Pre-Order your copy of Chapter III – Downfall NOW

Opening track “Eternal Rains” immediately catches your breath with a captivating chorus, followed by electric “Upside Down” – defying all rules by combining epic melodies and demonic growls with finesse. “Seth” convinces with a resounding modern sound and eerie ambience that’ll have new fans turning heads, whereas “From The Ashes” impresses with reminiscence of artists like Meshuggah, proving that AD INFINITUM never fails to deliver surprises. “Somewhere Better” creates a perfect symbiosis of vicious vocals and ethereal soundscapes, carrying the listener far away with its wide range of infallible instrumentals. “Under The Burning Skies” directs its haunting vocals towards the horizon, unfolding into an intense mid-tempo ballad shortly after. As a special treat, AD INFINITUM welcomes Chrigel Glanzmann of Eluveitie, who provides his voice for the atmospheric monologue introduction on “Legends”, paving the way for a touch of Middle Eastern-inspired djent flavor.

Tracklist:

Eternal Rains
Upside Down
Seth
From The Ashes
Somewhere Better
The Underworld
Ravenous
Under The Burning Skies
Architect Of Paradise
The Serpent’s Downfall
New Dawn
Legends (Featuring Chrigel Glanzmann)

Experience AD INFINITUM live in 2022:
On Tour with Amaranthe, Beyond the Black & Butcher Babies:

06.10.2022 AT – Vienna, Arena
07.10.2022 DE – Leipzig, Haus Auensee
08.10.2022 DE – Ludwigsburg, MHP Arena
09.10.2022 BE – Antwerp, Trix
11.10.2022 UK – Manchester, O2 Ritz
12.10.2022 UK – London, Forum Kentish Town
14.10.2022 FR – Lyon, Ninkasi Kao
15.10.2022 ES – Barcelona, Salamandra
16.10.2022 ES – Madrid, Mon Live
18.10.2022 FR – Bordeaux, Rock School Barbey
19.10.2022 FR – Paris, Elysée Montmartre
21.10.2022 DE – Berlin, Columbiahalle
22.10.2022 DE – Offenbach, Stadthalle
23.10.2022 CH – Zürich, X-Tra
25.10.2022 IT – Milan, Live Club
26.10.2022 CH – Lausanne, Metropole
28.10.2022 DE – Geiselwind, Event Hall
29.10.2022 CZ – Zlin, MOR Cafe
30.10.2022 HU – Budapest, Barba Negra
31.10.2022 DE – Munich, Zenith
02.11.2022 PL – Warsaw, Progresja
04.11.2022 DE – Oberhausen, Turbinenhalle
05.11.2022 DE – Hamburg, Zeltphilharmonie
06.11.2022 NL – Utrecht, Tivoli Ronda
08.11.2022 DK – Copenhagen, Amager Bio
09.11.2022 NO – Oslo, Sentrum Scene
11.11.2022 SE – Gothenburg, Pustervik
12.11.2022 SE – Stockholm, Klubben Fryshuset

Festival Show:
17.12.2022 DE – Schwäbisch Gmünd, Rockin Christmas Festival

EMPIIRES Release New Lyric Video ‘Invincible’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 6, 2022

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: EMPIIRES. Leave a comment

EMPIIRES, the four piece modern rock/metal band based out of Dallas, Texas are back and continue to make a name for themselves winning over audiences with their high energy intense performances. And now the band is happy to announce the release of their new lyric video “Invincible”.

The song “Invincible” is about finding that fire and inner strength to overcome whatever you’re facing. There’s a fire inside us all, you just have to light it. The stunning and futuristic clip paints the background for the positive lyrics about overcoming adversity over a fire track.

With the addition of The Label Group record label and management, Empiires set its sights on national radio releases with positive response with multiple tracks trending on Billboard.

“Invincible” is streaming on Spotify or visit FEATURE.FM to find other streaming platforms.

EMPIIRES
Bishop Booker – Vocals
Darren Wise – Guitar
Matthew Gene – Bass
Kyle Garrison – Drums

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

FACEBOOK

Twitter

INSTAGRAM

WEDNESDAY 13 Embody Horror Punk Spirit with New Single ‘Good Day To Be A Bad Guy’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 6, 2022

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Wednesday 13. Leave a comment

[Photo Credit: Stephen Jensen at F3 Studios]

The undisputed Duke of Spook, WEDNESDAY 13, will finally drop his highly-anticipated new album, Horrifier, this Friday, October 7, 2022 via Napalm Records!

Today, following addictive first single “You’re so Hideous”, and one of his heaviest outputs yet, the lauded “Insides Out”, WEDNESDAY 13 has revealed his latest concoction – surefire future fan-favorite “Good Day To Be A Bad Guy“. The track aces the pure horror punk spirit of Murderdolls as a downright blissful tongue-in-cheek earworm that’ll seep into the listener’s head on repeat.

WEDNESDAY 13 says about “Good Day To Be A Bad Guy“:
“‘Good Day To Be a Bad Guy’ is one of my favorite tracks off the new album. This track definitely has an earlier WEDNESDAY 13 sound to it, with the horror punk hammer in full swing and excessive use of the “F” word.

The video carries on with the horror movie theme with another tribute to one of my favorite films from the 80s, Halloween III: Season Of The Witch.”

Following up on 2019’s acclaimed Necrophaze (#2 US Heatseekers), with Horrifier, the former frontman of renowned horror punk supergroup Murderdolls revitalizes his sound with intensely fun punk energy and metallic attitude! Horrifier weaves an underlying sonic thread reminiscent of WEDNESDAY 13’s roots – a raucous blend of ballistic metal and macabre heavy rock that’ll have new and diehard fans alike ascending from the depths.

WEDNESDAY 13’s ninth full-length album kicks off with eerie introductory track “Severed” before careening into one of the band’s heaviest songs ever recorded, the massive, slow and low “Insides Out”. The aggressive, industrial-edged “Exhume and Devour” and warning sing-a-long single “You’re so Hideous” pick up the pace with danceable 90s sonic vigor. John Carpenter’sHalloween inspired anthem “Return to Haddonfield” convinces with marching gang vocals and a searing metallic guitar solo before the pace picks up again on fast-riffing, mosh-ready title track “Horrifier”. Southern-fried metal tinged “Hell Is Coming” is one of the album’s best displays of stylistic versatility, accented by an impressively commanding vocal performance while pumping out a thrash-worthy breakdown and blues rock solo. “Halfway to the Grave” sees the band echoing 80s flavor accented by memorable leads and imploring lyrics before leading into the charging Christine themed album standout “Christine: Fury in the Night”, featuring pounding drums, an unforgettable hook and a transfixing guitar lead that quite literally drives. Horrifier closes with its most heartfelt track, “The Other Side” – a personal ode WEDNESDAY 13 penned about the sudden loss of his mother, as well as former Murderdolls bandmate Joey Jordison – but that also shines as a vital anthem made further pertinent after recent years of intense worldwide loss and reflection.

Horrifier was produced and recorded by WEDNESDAY 13 with mixing and mastering by Brent Clawson, and features stunning album artwork by Jonny Bush.

WEDNESDAY 13 offers about Horrifier:
“The last three releases have seen the band explore new ground with heavier songs, drums, and vocals. Coming out of the Covid crisis, I promised I would not release a sad, depressing record. I wanted to make a fun, horror themed rock record that would be reminiscent of the first few WEDNESDAY 13 records. The new album is a fun, fast-paced, thriller!”

Pre-Order Horrifier HERE

Horrifier track listing:
1. Severed
2. Insides Out
3. Exhume and Devour
4. You’re so Hideous
5. Good Day to Be a Bad Guy
6. Return to Haddonfield
7. Horrifier
8. Hell Is Coming
9. Halfway to the Grave
10. Christine: Fury in the Night
11. The Other Side

WEDNESDAY 13 is currently touring across North America on his “20 Years Of Fear” tour, featuring a career spanning setlist! The tour is in its final stretch as it makes its way through Canada and the midwest, before heading out to the west coast. See below for all tour dates:

WEDNESDAY 13’s “20 Years Of Fear” Tour, Second Leg:
10/6/2022 – Ottawa, ON – Brass Monkey
10/7/2022 – Toronto, ON – Rockpile
10/8/2022 – Toronto, ON – Rockpile
10/9/2022 – Westland, MI – Token Lounge
10/11/2022 – Cleveland, OH – Masonic Asylum Room
10/12/2022 – Chicago, IL – WC Social Club
10/14/2022 – Des Moines, IA – Lefty’s
10/15/2022 – Lincoln, NE – Royal Grove
10/16/2022 – Wichita, KS – Temple Live Annex
10/17/2022 – Fort Worth, TX – Rail Club
10/18/2022 – San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger
10/20/2022 – Tucson, AZ – The Rock
10/21/2022 – Las Vegas, NV – Count’s Vamp’d
10/22/2022 – Palmdale, CA – Transplant Brewing Co.
10/23/2022 – Anaheim, CA – The Parish @ House Of Blues

TUOMAS ROUNAKARI: “You can now learn about Bear Awakener in Chinese!”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 6, 2022

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Bear Awakener, TUOMAS ROUNAKARI. Leave a comment

Shanghai based reporter Yifan Wu is dedicated on the art of shamanism in her high quality online journal. Just recently, Yifan and Finnish violinist, composer, ethnomusicologist TUOMAS ROUNAKARI had a long talk about the importance of bears and bear ceremonies to the northern peoples and the resonances that uphold the shamanistic experiences. The story includes photos from Tuomas’s first field trip to Siberia in 2002.

Check out the article at THIS LOCATION.

On April 14th 2022, TUOMAS ROUNAKARI released his new album “Bear Awakener”, available now at https://rounakari.bandcamp.com!

Awakening the Bear is a symbol of succumbing to the greater forces of existence. Awakening a new energy while being more connected to the ancient. And first and foremost – opening to a dialogue with mythical entities and re-creating harmonious and long lasting relationships with our surroundings, including human and non-human beings, seen and unseen worlds.

The songs in this album are formed by Khanty, Mansi, Carelian and Finnish ancestors. They carry a resonance of those before us who were better equipped to collaborate with nature in a sustainable and self-sufficient way. Such songs have always been Tuomas’ best teachers.

“This is music that gods are listening to” said Pekko Käppi after having listened through the freshly finished mastered tracks.

The album coverart was created by Karolina Pärnänen.

“Bear Awakener” tracklisting:

First Morning
In the Land of the Bear
Man with a Bear’s Snout
Second Morning
Song of a Small Goose
Origin of the Bear
Third Morning
Bear Clan Girl
Man-observing-the-world
Roopeska’s Bear Hunt
Last Morning – Departure
Running Time: 42,10 min.

“Bear Awakener” was recorded, mixed and mastered at the Verde Studio with the gear-wizard Mika Rintala. None of his modular synthesizers were used. All of the equipment used in recording was built by Mika – microphones, pre-amps, EQ and even the mixing console and electrostatic monitors.

TUOMAS ROUNAKARI (Korpiklaani) is an internationally acclaimed violinist, composer and ethnomusicologist from Finland. He is a one-man-band blending violin, vocals and stomping with ankle-bells. In his performance he enters various trance-states. In this album he will also be playing a traditional Khanty instrument called Ning-juh.

Tuomas is inspired by different forms of dialogue; man and nature, the seen and the unseen world, ancient and future. His first solo album Shamanviolin was a result of ethnomusicological studies of the earliest 20th century wax-cylinder recordings from Siberia. These studies have also led to many collaborations with indigenous artists. He is one of the few artists who have actually returned their art to native communities for evaluation and development.

Tuomas Rounakari solo performance has been selected to: World Cultures Festival in Hong Kong (2019), Arctic Arts Summit (2019), Nordiskt Ljus Festival in Sweden (2022), Festspillene Helgeland in Norway (2021), Nuuk Nordik Festival in Greenland, Kaustinen Folk Music Festival in Finland (2018, 2013, 2012), Helsingin Juhlaviikot and many others. He has also played the solo performance in several theaters such as Finnish National Theater in Helsinki, Merlin Szinhas Teater in Budapest, AlfredVeDvore in Prague, Ashurst Hall in Flagstaff USA among others.

Also watch
-Tuomas’ performance video, a throwback to Tokyo 2017, from the materials of ‘Live in Japan’ documentary by Kimmo Kuusniemi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g718diJlW1s
-‘Farewell of Kamas People’ – https://youtu.be/oV16Qipd0MQ
-‘Langetus’ – https://youtu.be/HVsU7PTqqHY

More information at
TUOMAS ROUNAKARI: http://www.rounakari.com | http://www.facebook.com/shamanviolin |https://rounakari.bandcamp.com | https://rounakari.com/videos
MANAGEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement | http://www.splitscreenproduction.com

AMBERIAN DAWN Announce New Covers Album “Take A Chance – A Metal Tribute to ABBA”, Out December 2nd

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 5, 2022

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Amberian Dawn. Leave a comment

Genre-merging AMBERIAN DAWN emerges again with a brand new offering, bringing world famous songs by the legendary ABBA into the metal world. The covers album Take A Chance – A Metal Tribute to ABBA will be released on December 2, 2022 via Napalm Records. Following their passion, this album pays tribute to one of their biggest inspirations and ushers in the dawn of an entirely new spin on the metal genre.

As a first taste of what can be expected, AMBERIAN DAWN have released the first single from the album, entitled “SOS“, plus a new lyric video. This inarguable evergreen the metal unit has skillfully re-imagined implements their own characteristic sound – showing their full range with trademark ABBA-flavored keys, renowned lyrics and a guitar driven sound to create a unique experience.

Tuomas Seppälä on the new single:
“’SOS’ is a great song. It’s both a happy and sad song at the same time. The original version uses a unique piano sound. I didn’t want to use that kind of piano sound myself, because it wouldn’t have been as good as the original, so instead of that, I used more powerful guitars and other synthesizers in our arrangement. Our version of the song really brings ABBA into the world of metal in the 21st century.”

Continuing their legacy from the previous album, Looking For You (2020), AMBERIAN DAWN have assembled to follow their passion and take a chance at being the dawn of a new era for the metal genre with Take A Chance – A Metal Tribute to ABBA. Introducing ABBA-Metal, the band does not shy away from experimenting with genres while still staying true to their metal origins. Earworms combined with characteristic AMBERIAN DAWN elements truly metallicize the ABBA legacy and transform it into a metal experience like never heard before. With skillfully implemented synthesizers creating vintage sounding keys, guitar riffs and vocalist Capri’s angelic voice, the original lines immerse perfectly with rocking instrumentals. Dashing drums ensure a high-paced experience that expresses the band’s identity without losing the catchy ABBA-reminiscent keyboards, renowned lyrics and nostalgic feeling of the original. Including evergreens like “Mamma Mia” and “Super Trouper”, AMBERIAN DAWN enchants with a variety of tracks. Representing a wide array of ABBA songs from high energy to moving metal ballads like “Like An Angel Walking Through My Room”, the band delivers astounding ABBA-Metal to a broad audience. So Take A Chance on AMBERIAN DAWN’s new album and get lost anew in the glorious new metal world of ABBA.

Tuomas Seppälä on the album:
“This was a ‘must do album’ for me. We had so much fun in 2019 working on our first cover song ever (which was ABBA’s ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’), that it was easy to make a decision to continue with a full ABBA covers album. The songs have been carefully selected, there’s a couple of big hit songs of course, but some of my personal favorites, like ‘The Day Before You Came’, are also included. The recording project was eventually a really big challenge for all of us and needed a lot of work, but we’re all 100% satisfied with the results. This album really sounds like an AMBERIAN DAWN album.”

Pre-order your copy NOW!

Take A Chance – A Metal Tribute to ABBA track listing: