The presale for the ninth AVANTASIA studio album A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society has begun, and their magical journey continues with the dramatic power ballad ‘Misplaced Among The Angels’ – featuring Floor Jansen.
AVANTASIA mastermind Tobias Sammet comments: “There are still some special voices and artists left that I wanted to work with; one of them being Nightwish singer and frontwoman, Floor Jansen. ‘Misplaced Among The Angels’ was already finished when I asked Floor to contribute to the song. She said she could imagine singing it, although she wasn’t 100% sure in the beginning if the lower range passages would suit her rather higher range singing style. But without further ado, she gave it a shot and she delivered unbelievably. I personally think that ‘Misplaced Among The Angels’, complete with Floor’s strong voice, is one of the best ballads of my entire career“.
The pre-order for AVANTASIA’s ninth studio album A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society has launched here: https://avantasia.bfan.link/APEWTMS.ema
A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society consists of eleven magical songs and features numerous prestigious guest stars. It’s an adventure that’s sure to captivate. The album was produced by Tobias Sammet alongside AVANTASIA guitar player Sascha Paeth. The fantastic cover artwork was done by Swedish illustrator Alexander Jansson.
Tour dates: 19.08. Moravsky Krumlov, Czech Rep. – Rock Castle 26.08. Coburg, Germany – Schloßplatz 03.09. Gelsenkirchen, Germany – Amphitheater
Following the release of their highly successful and critically acclaimed album Hate Über Alles, metal titans KREATOR are proud to share a new live video of their 1989 classic ‘Betrayer’, which was recorded at Bloodstock Festival 2021 and features none other than Dani Filth (Cradle Of Filth) on guest vocals. The song is featured on the limited 2LP Live At Bloodstock 2021, a monumental live recording of KREATOR’s breathtaking headline performance at one of the UKs most renowned metal festivals, which is being released today! The vinyl run is limited to 2.000 units world-wide, split into 4 colors. Be quick and grab one of the last few remaining copies before they’re gone for good!
FESTIVALS 19th Aug – France – MOTOCULTOR FESTIVAL 20th Aug – Netherlands – DYNAMO METAL FEST 23rd Sep – Mexico – MEXICO METAL FEST
State Of Unrest Tour 2022 KREATOR | LAMB OF GOD with guests: Thy Art is Murder & Gatecreeper 18th Nov – Denmark – COPENHAGEN, Forum Black Box 19th Nov – Sweden – STOCKHOLM, Fryshuset Arenan 21st Nov – Finland – OULU, Teatria 22nd Nov – Finland – HELSINKI, Ice Hall Black Box 24th Nov – Poland – WARSAW, Stodola 26th Nov – Germany – MUNICH, Zenith 27th Nov – Germany – BERLIN, Columbiahalle 29th Nov – Netherlands – TILBURG, 013 30th Nov – Belgium – BRUSSELS, AB 02nd Dec – Germany – LUDWIGSBURG, MHP Arena 03rd Dec – Germany – ESSEN, Grugahalle 04th Dec – Germany – SAARBRÜCKEN, Saarlandhalle 06th Dec – Spain – MADRID, Riviera 07th Dec – Spain – BARCELONA, Razzmatazz 09th Dec – Germany – WIESBADEN, Schlachthof 10th Dec – Germany – HAMBURG, Edel Optics Arena 11th Dec – Germany – LEIPZIG, Haus Auensee 13th Dec – UK – LONDON, O2 Academy Brixton 14th Dec – UK – GLASGOW, O2 Academy 15th Dec – UK – BIRMINGHAM, O2 Academy 16th Dec – UK – BRISTOL, O2 Academy 18th Dec – UK – MANCHESTER, Academy 20th Dec – France – PARIS, L’Olympia 21st Dec – Switzerland – ZURICH, Samsung Hall
Today sees the release of Days Of The Lost, the highly-anticipated debut album from Gothenburg’s newest supergroup, THE HALO EFFECT.
Alongside the release of their debut album, the band have also revealed a new video, that was filmed on a Gothenburg rooftop, for standout track ‘In Broken Trust’.
Mikael Stanne comments: “The song is about betrayal. Either to oneself or onto others. The clinical and unaffected truth might be hard to achieve but the further we stray from it the harder everything gets. This turned out to be a huge song and landing on this structure and feel took a few tries but I love how it came out and having this come out as the album drops feels incredible. Enjoy!”
The band recently released a special Gothenburg treasure map, allowing fans to experience the city through their eyes: “Welcome to our Gothenburg! Come join us on our interactive Gothenburg Death Metal tour on which we will show you the city like you never experienced it before:https://thehaloeffectmap.com/
We will take you to places that were important to our band`s musical journey and also influenced the birth of the Gothenburg Death Metal genre. Roam with us! Participate in our treasure hunt for a chance to win one out of five merch bundles and a digital meet and greet with the band members! Simply DM us the codeword “Gothenburg” on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thehaloeffectse) and answer the questions correctly. Hint: You can find the answers by roaming the map and watching closely!”
Catch the band live: AMON AMARTH, MACHINE HEAD /w THE HALO EFFECT 08.09. UK Nottingham – Arena 09.09. UK Cardiff – Arena 10.09. UK London – Wembley Arena 12.09. UK Manchester – Arena 13.09. IE Dublin – 3 Arena 16.09. CH Zurich – Hallenstadion 17.09. AT Vienna – Stadthalle 18.09. PL Krakow – Tauron Arena 20.09. EST Tallinn – Saku Arena 21.09. FIN Helsinki – Ice Hall 23.09. N Oslo – Spektrum 24.09. S Stockholm – Hovet 26.09. DK Copenhagen – Forum Black Box 27.09. DE Hamburg – Barclays Arena 28.09. DE Frankfurt – Festhalle 30.09. DE Oberhausen – König Pilsener Arena 01.10. DE Berlin – Velodrom 02.10. NL Amsterdam – Afas Live 04.10. IT Milano – Lorenzini District 06.10. ES Barcelona – Sant Jordi 07.10. ES Madrid – Vistalegre 08.10. ES La Coruna – Coliseum 09.10. P Lisbon – Campo Pequeno 12.10. FR Paris – Zenith 14.10. DE Munich – Olympiahalle 15.10. DE Leipzig – Arena 16.10. CZ Prague – Tipsport Arena 18.10. HU Budapest – Barba Negra 20.10. LUX Esch zur Alzette – Rockhal 21.10. BE Brussels – Forest National 22.10. DE Stuttgart – Schleyerhalle
A-Z, the new band formed by Fates Warning icons Ray Alder and Mark Zonder, have released their self-titled debut album today via Metal Blade Records. Additionally, fans can check out the new music video for “Stranded” below.
“This is Ray’s favorite song on the record. I love the dynamics and the powerful ending. Can’t wait to play it live,” says Mark Zonder of the track “Stranded”
In early 2020, famed former drummer for Fates Warning and Warlord, Mark Zonder, began working on new material with the vision of beginning a new, full-time band that would offer something different from his current catalog. The mission was to deliver straightforward, no-frills hard rock that speaks to a broader audience. The end result, which sees Zonder reunite with Fates Warning lead vocalist Ray Alder, along with bassist Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai, Warlord), guitarist Joop Wolters, and keyboardist Vivien Lalu, is A-Z!
‘A-Z‘ tracklist: 01. Trial by Fire 02. The Far Side of the Horizon 03. The Machine Gunner 04. Rise Again 05. Window Panes 06. Run Away 07. Stranded 08. At the Waters Edge 09. Borrowed Time 10. Sometimes 11. The Silence Broken (Bonus Track)
About A-Z: When Mark Zonder, famed former Fates Warning and Warlord drummer, started working on material in early 2020 he had a very clear vision for the band he wanted to put together. “I was thinking beer commercials, car commercials, and Cobra Kai. I wanted to have a very accessible band that would appeal to the masses and would lead to the ability to tour larger venues and build a second and third record off the success of the first. I did not want to hear things like, ‘I don’t hear a single, it is too proggy, I just don’t get it, let me listen to it a few more times’. I knew from myself and the others that I would recruit, it would have some sophisticated music parts but the big hook was the main priority.” The result was A-Z, and while Zonder is adamant it is not a supergroup that is doing a ‘one and done’ record it has a stellar lineup, reuniting him with Fates Warning vocalist Ray Alder, Warlord/Steve Vai/Ring of Fire bassist Philip Bynoe, guitarist Joop Wolters and keyboardist Vivien Lalu, the combination of these players stirring up a very specific kind of magic that could not be replicated.
Things came together smoothly from the start, Zonder sending drum patterns and grooves to first recruit Lalu, and he would write songs using guitar sounds so between the two of them they had basic song structures pretty quickly. Zonder knew Bynoe would jump on board as they have a long history and mutual respect and Lalu had worked with Wolters for years, recruiting him for the band. Both Wolters and Lalu brought in great musical ideas that were turned into songs. The goal was always the same: shorter songs and getting right to the chorus, no twelve-minute songs, and everyone found it easy working to this remit. With everything else coming together nicely, finding the right singer was the hardest aspect of the whole process.
“I had sent out a basic song to over 20 different singers, some popular named singers and some unknown, but completely struck out,” says Zonder. “Then I just decided to call Ray as I was not sure what he was up to. I figured it could not hurt to get in touch. I do remember speaking with him back in the day and him talking about how he loved this kind of music. I sent him a track or two and he just killed it.” Adds Alder, “I found this a chance to do something completely different than what I am used to, being in a prog metal band for 30 years. I find the blend of the 80s, 90s and a touch of 70s style of music very cool, and it is great to work with Mark after all of these years.” Thrilled to have him on board, Zonder did not have a list of demands. “My only words to him were ‘do whatever you want.’ I was not going to tell him what to do. Same for all of the others guys. Yes, there has to be some editing and making decisions, but when it came to the music I just wanted everyone to do what they do best.” The results are undeniable, from the high octane stomper “The Machine Gunner”, to the gorgeous sway of “Rise Again” or the towering “Stranded”, every track an anthem that sounds like only the biggest venues could contain them.
The band’s name came courtesy of Alder – A-Z = Alder thru Zonder – and it fit straight away. “What I liked is that it did not limit what someone would think of the band. If we named the band Scary Serpent it would give a certain direction and I did not want people to prejudge the band and record,” Zonder says. Likewise, self-titling the record made sense. “I did not want to give a direction idea to the audience. If we named the album Far Side of the Horizon, people would probably think ‘prog band’. But if you named it The Machine Gunner, it would give a totally different direction for thought.” For artwork, wanting to again get the best possible contributor, they turned to the famed Hugh Syme (Rush, Fates Warning), who delivered the vivid image of a zebra eating an apple, encompassing the band name in a sly way. “Again, hire the best people you can find and just let them do what they do. The artwork is absolutely fantastic and really fits the whole concept. He is truly the best. Just a great guy to work with.“
Watch the video for the first single, “The Machine Gunner”, here: youtu.be/it5fJwCB4-E – and the video for the second single, “Trial by Fire”, here: youtu.be/eS9oyAr7dLc
A-Z lineup: Ray Alder – Lead and Backing Vocals Philip Bynoe – Bass Guitar Vivien Lalu – Keyboards Joop Wolters – Guitars Mark Zonder – Drums
Swedish melodic metal force DYNAZTY is currently gearing up for the release of their upcoming magnum opus. The band’s new album, entitled Final Advent, will drop on August 26, 2022 through Hamburg-based powerhouse AFM Records!
As previously-released, first album singles already proved, the Final Advent will mark the band’s most cohesive, imaginative, complex and at the same time most homogeneous album to date in their over 10-year career. Only a few days left until Final Advent arrives, Dynazty has just shared another epic single!
“Surprise! We are thrilled to give you one last taste of Final Advent – The White!” Vocalist Nils Molin comments. “Two weeks before our full album drops, The White, a third and final puzzle piece of a trilogy of songs concludes the journey we started with the release of The Grey back in 2018. All inclusive with some of our crazier musicianship and performances, The White sums up Dynazty when we let loose and enjoy the moment playing together.”
Ever since their formation in 2008, Dynazty’s career may read like a fairytale, but is the result of a hard-working band. Countless shows all over Europe with acts alike Sabaton, Battle Beast or Pain to name just a few, an incredibly successful back catalogue of seven chart-breaking albums, millions of streams on digital platforms prove, Dynazty not only captures the Zeitgeist of modern melodic metal, but with their eighth studio album, Final Advent, the band will even double-down all expectations and success!
Final Advent was produced by the band themselves and primarily recorded in Love Magnusson`s studio in Stockholm, drums were recorded in Denmark at the Hansen Studios (owned by sound icon Jacob Hansen, who also mixed and mastered the album). The cover artwork was designed by Brazilian artist Gustavo Sazes, who has also worked for British Lion (feat. Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris), Kamelot, Firewind, Iced Earth and Nils Molin’s second band, Amaranthe.
VORAATH, from North and South Carolina USA, features members from ex-Nile (Brad Parris), Xael (Joshua Ward), Rapheumets Well, Implosive Disgorgence, and Sweet Blood. They are an otherworldly and experimental death metal band that brings together emotional yet brutal music and science fantasy appealing to both metal enthusiasts as well as those who appreciate the lore of the music. They have their next and third stand-alone single out entitled “Amon The Judge”, which follows their two previous introductory tracks “The Barren” and “Siren Head” and today they present their next sci-fi lore “Amon the Judge” with their new music video for it, which can be seen and heard via its premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.
Drummer and the video’s director Joshua Ward explains the track in further detail:
“We have been crafting depth to the lore of our music. Every song we write has two meanings. We have the personal meaning and then molded into the lore. We developed this planet in which 80% of the population disappears after the arrival of three extraterrestrial beings which people revere as gods. The story focuses on a group of hunters that are contracted by EOS corporation to retrieve certain artifacts. We are 100 years into the future so a lot has changed and corporations have taken over. While preparing for the next mission, the hunters of Harrow’s Gorge entrusted Edgar, a village elder, to keep the village safe by keeping the retrieved relic hidden. Betraying his oath, Edgar informed the militant Ostromek Corp of the relics’ location for status and financial gain. The soldiers of Ostromek Corp ravaged the village, murdering and plundering its resources. The song “Amon the Judge” follows the hunters’ return, their trauma of loss, the brutal reprisal upon the remaining soldiers, and the final judgment of Edgar. This song explored the mental complexity of trauma and under what circumstances do good people commit vicious acts.”
Voraath began as a vessel for the quintet to continue touring and writing. They wanted to explore even further integrating science fantasy, soundscapes, and metal. They hope that the first three tracks tantalize audiences and leave them anticipating their debut album, which is currently in the works.
Looking to hit the stage, they promise an onslaught of theatrics, bringing the story of the music to life. Atmospheric and driving, the medley of blast beats, chugging bass, and heavily distorted solos will be both intense and immersive. Voraath is recommended for fans of Septicflesh, Cattle Decapitation, and Fleshgod Apocalypse.
An otherworldly and experimental metal act based out of the Carolinas, Voraath unifies epic soundscapes with bone-crushing brutal riffs. In September of 2021, Voraath began as an experimental project with Brad Parris (ex-Nile), and Joshua Nassaru Ward (drummer/composer from projects such as Xael and Rapheumets Well), Tylor Kohl, Paul McBride, and Daniel Presnell. The word Voraath itself refers to an act of vengeance as well as the deity of wrath.
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Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 