VICTORIA K Announce Sophomore Album “Kore”, Out October 2022

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 29, 2022
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Australia’s VICTORIA K return in 2022 for the release of the sophomore album “Kore” this coming October via Rockshots Records to follow the 2020 debut album “Essentia“.

Offering up progressive symphonic sound, “Kore“ was specifically written to provide a full orchestral experience that drives people through a sonic journey of growth and grandeur.

A concept record, “Kore” explores modern-day issues through the Homeric Hymn to Demeter (the story of Persephone). Victoria K conceptualized the idea for the album with her producer Lee Bradshaw and then spent many months researching and analyzing the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, even meeting with experts of the Homeric Hymns from Greece. The story was then broken up into its different parts where Victoria Knight wrote the lyrics and developed the melodies for each section of the tale, exploring the myth from a modern perspective.

The tracks were written specifically to encapsulate the various sections of the Homeric Hymn to Demeter and tell the story chronologically through each song and the music grows in intensity throughout the record capturing the emotional state of Persephone and other characters as the story progresses.

The various instruments were then written by Victoria around the lyrics and further enhanced and developed through the production process. Lee Bradshaw then finalized the songs by writing orchestral scores for each song, which were recorded live in Europe, before the final mixing and mastering.

Recommended for fans of Lacuna Coil, Rammstein, Within Temptation, Spirit Box, and Delain, singles and videos from Victoria K‘s forthcoming “Kore” will be shared in the coming months in lead up to its release on October 14, 2022. The first single will be “Persephone”, which is now available for pre-save at the following link: https://bfan.link/persephone

About:
Melbourne’s Symphonic Metal singer/songwriter Victoria Knight (under the pseudonym Victoria K) on the 5th of May, 2019, released her brand new single “Lacuna” distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Warner Music Group (Australia), which was the first offering from her debut album Essentia.

As a result of being invited to support the Swiss Folk Metal giants Eluveitie Victoria K formed the current band who have adopted the name Victoria K. On the 18th of May, 2019, Victoria K played the main support for Eluveitie at their Melbourne show, and produced a performance that had the crowd chanting for an encore.

Victoria K signed to Rockshots Records (Italy) in early 2020 and released their debut album ‘Essentia’ on the 24th of April, 2020. Essentia has received global media attention and the band has been featured in Legacy Magazine (Germany) and Heavy Magazine (Australia) amongst many others.

Essentia debuted at #17 on the Australian iTunes Rock & Metal Charts with the four Music Videos (Lacuna, Forsaken, The Haunting and Matrix) receiving over 230,000 YouTube views.

Victoria K’s ‘Essentia’ won Album of the Year in the Femmetal Awards 2020 and was a finalist in the Best Band and Best Music Video categories and Victoria Knight was a finalist in the Best Operatic Vocals category.

Victoria was also nominated as ‘Best Vocalist’ in the Metalgoddesses.com awards named amongst the best vocalists of the genre including Floor Jansen, Elize Ryde, Fabienne Erni and Charlotte Wessels. Victoria K was also nominated in the metalgoddesses.com awards for Song of the Year (Matrix) and Album of the Year (Essentia).

Anders Sandvall of Metal-rules.com identified Essentia as “one of the strongest debut albums this year” placing the album at #2 on his Best Albums of 2020 and also cited Victoria K as the ‘Best New Band.’

Due to the global pandemic Victoria K was unable to tour so in June, 2020 they played a worldwide Live Stream Show from the studio via Rockshots Twitch Channel and have since released a DVD of the event.

In November 2021, Victoria K commenced their 9 show Australian Tour with shows in Melbourne, Wollongong, Newcastle, Sydney (sold out), Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Whyalla (sold out) and Broken Hill. Due to Covid the tour was run over three legs with the second in March 2022 and the third leg in April, 2022.

BEASTWOOD Release Single ‘Heavy American Dirt’ + Announce New EP

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 29, 2022
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

“Music that should be played during every Patrick Swayze bar-fight ever” just might be the most accurate description one could ever come up with to describe a band like BEASTWOOD.

BEASTWOOD have just dropped their new single and video ‘Heavy American Dirt’ on all digital platforms via Iron Head Records.

Stream/buy ‘Heavy American Dirt’ HERE

BEASTWOOD comes in strong on ‘Heavy American Dirt’ with sludgy driving guitars, complimented by groove laden drum parts throughout. Fuelled by gritty, powerful vocals BEASTWOOD deliver a track that rolls heavily through the territory occupied by Down, Clutch and Corrosion Of Conformity and they produce a sound that roams between stoner metal and southern rock with just enough to sludge to top off the heaviness.

BEASTWOOD have also announced that their new EP No Way Home will be released digitally July 15.

No Way Home is a musical comeback that showcases the versatile song writing talents of BEASTWOOD across three tracks. It also displays the world of heaviness the collective uniquely creates using driving guitar tones and stylistic themes/ideas that are different for each track. No Way Home is disgustingly heavy and abrasive in nature but remains communicative and easy to digest to the listener. Be prepared for a wild and satisfying journey.

Pre-order/add/save No Way Home HERE

PEARL JAM Release “Gigaton (Tour Edition)” on July 8th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 29, 2022
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(photo credit: Danny Clinch)

PEARL JAM will release the Gigaton (Tour Edition) on Friday July 8th. It features 11 live songs recorded during the band’s triumphant return to the road in 2021 alongside the group’s critically acclaimed chart-topping eleventh full-length, Gigaton, originally released in 2020. It will be available on all DSPs now and as in limited-edition LP/CD combo only in Independent Record Stores across the country—HERE. Members of the Pearl Jam Ten Club may order it as a standalone CD, beginning July 8 HERE.

Pearl Jam roared back on the stage last year and performed music from Gigaton for the first time during a string of unforgettable shows. Now, the (Tour Edition) consists of energetic and emotionally charged renditions of new favorites, including “Dance Of The Clairvoyants,” “Superblood Wolfmoon,” “Retrograde,” and more. Upon arrival, Gigaton bowed at #1 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart and the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200.
 
Check out the full tracklisting below.

It arrives on the heels of the recent special Record Store Day Release of the platinum 1998 live classic, Live On Two Legs. It emerged as the #1 indie retail piece for Record Store Day, bowing at #33 on the Billboard Top 200 and earning #1 on the Top Vinyl Albums Chart, #1 on the Top Hard Rock Music Albums Chart, and #2 on the Top Rock Albums Chart.
 
Record Store Day Co-Founder Michael Kurtz commented, “It’s not a stretch to say that there would be no Record Store Day without the support of Pearl Jam. They were one of the earliest of supporters and continue to be just great to mom-and-pop stores throughout the world. It’s fantastic to see “Live On Two Legs” be the biggest Record Store Day seller last week. We tip our hat to Pearl Jam and all of their fans.”

After successfully completing the first sold out leg of The Gigaton Tour this Spring, they pick back up this fall in North America following Summer dates in Europe during June and July. See pearljam.com for full tour routing and any updates.

Original Album LP

  1. Who Ever Said
  2. Superblood Wolfmoon
  3. Dance Of The Clairvoyants
  4. Quick Escape
  5. Alright
  6. Seven O’Clock
  7. Never Destination
  8. Take The Long Way
  9. Buckle Up
  10. Comes Then Goes
  11. Retrograde
  12. River Cross

Gigaton-Live CD

  1. Superblood Wolfmoon (Live)
  2. Dance Of The Clairvoyants (Live)
  3. Quick Escape (Live)
  4. Seven O’Clock (Live)
  5. Alright  (Live)
  6. Never Destination (Live)
  7. Take The Long Way (Live)
  8. Buckle Up (Live)
  9. Comes Then Goes (Live)
  10. Retrograde (Live)
  11. River Cross (Live)

Pearl Jam’s full 2022 North American Tour dates are as follows:

DATECITYVENUETYPE
May 3San Diego, CAViejas ArenaPostponed Date
May 6Los Angeles, CAThe ForumPostponed Date
May 7Los Angeles, CAThe ForumPostponed Date
May 9Glendale, AZGila River ArenaPostponed Date
May 12Oakland, CAOakland ArenaPostponed Date
May 13Oakland, CAOakland ArenaPostponed Date
May 16Fresno, CASave Mart ArenaNew Date
May 18Sacramento, CAGolden 1 CenterNew Date
May 20Las Vegas, NVMGM Grand Garden ArenaNew Date
September 1Quebec City, QCVideotron CentrePostponed Date
September 3Ottawa, ONCanadian Tire CentrePostponed Date
September 6Hamilton, ONFirstOntario CentrePostponed Date
September 8Toronto, ONScotiabank ArenaPostponed Date
September 11New York, NYMadison Square GardenPostponed Date
September 14Camden, NJWaterfront Music PavilionNew Date
September 16Nashville, TNBridgestone ArenaPostponed Date
September 18St. Louis, MOEnterprise CenterPostponed Date
September 20Oklahoma City, OKPaycom CenterPostponed Date
September 22Denver, COBall ArenaPostponed Date

CELTIC HILLS’ New Video ‘Villacher Kirchtag’ Tells a Photo Story of 30 Years of Drinking at Beer Festival in Villach, Austria

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 29, 2022
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment
Photo-edit by Pino Magliani

Italian legendary Speed/thrash metallers CELTIC HILLS have revealed a new video ‘Villacher Kirchtag’, telling a photo story of 30 years of drinking at Beer Festival in Villach, Austria!

Band’s frontman Jonathan Vanderbilt shared:
“I think it is time to reward those who purchased our latest album Hukdufolk by revealing that there is an mp3 ghost track inside the CD. A small preview of what you can find on the next disc!
Also, I personally edited a video on the song Villacher Kirktag using my personal photos taken over the years at the party in Austria. As I have always told, I do not live as a rock star, but I live by my ideals and I am the same both on stage and in life! I do not use stage clothes and normal life clothes, I try to be myself always! In the video you see me as you see me on the street …which is the same as how you see me on stage! The watchword is : Prosit”

CELTIC HILLS – fresh from the release of their highly anticipated album “Huldufólk” out April 1st, via Elevate Records – have announced that the band’s frontman Jonathan Vanderbilt is already working on new songs for their next studio album.

Jonathan Vanderbilt shared
“I have started writing the songs for the new record, I have already decided on the title and then the musical and lyrical direction. The lineup will also be new. The reviews of Huldufolk were positive and I thank everyone who liked it, but the next record will not be the stylistic copy and as is my habit I will try to evolve again. To date, I have not yet written the record I like.”

More information TBA, stay tuned!

CELTIC HILLS’ latest effort “Huldufolk” collects and relaunches the excellent reviews obtained from the previous work. “Huldufolk” is a record with a lot of melody but characterized by the speed that distinguishes Celtic Hills. The album was produced by Michele Guaitoli, singer of Temperance and Vision of Atlantis in the studios of the Groove Factory in Udine and for the realization of the cover again the talented Sheila Franco.

“Huldufólk” is available on all digital platforms at https://li.sten.to/huldufolk!
Stream the album on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ktkccsliYa_VzPUz33lwl6Icexr7huqJk

Watch the recently videos from “Huldufolk”:
‘Metal Message’ – https://youtu.be/mj-mBopJwnI
‘Living out of the egg’ – https://youtu.be/j5NO2ym-Yq4
‘After the Earthquake’ – https://youtu.be/5duEIoowp9A

Also check out earlier videos from CELTIC HILLS’ album “Mystai Keltoy”, released on May 15th 2021 via Elevate Records. Order the album here: http://smarturl.it/zr31wj

Watch/stream the videos from earlier albums:
‘The 7 Headed Dragon of Osoppo’ (Official Video) – https://youtu.be/Qn4cQykiyZg
‘Eden’ (Official Video), Feat. Germana Noage – https://youtu.be/5rWiTOzKdHI
‘Alliteratio’ (Official Audio) – https://youtu.be/jAG7A4G2t-E
‘The Blood Is Not Water’ (Official Video) – https://youtu.be/5SwaiwcMuho
‘The Tomorrow Of Our Sons’ (Official Video) – https://youtu.be/J6el2hinrqE
Guardian Of 7 Stars (Official Video) – https://youtu.be/odGPBPbEK6M
Blood Flows Down (Official Video) – https://youtu.be/9uDHXPp03PE
A Happy Abdicant King (Official Video) – https://youtu.be/kLaB9QfVAdU
Forum Julii (Official Lyric Video) – https://youtu.be/fMFSBhtx24U
Time (Official Video) – https://youtu.be/o-DCnVNYsbw
Warpriest (Official Video) – https://youtu.be/6kFIovUDn_c

CELTIC HILLS were born in 2010, in 2020 they sign a recording contract with Elevate Records with which they released the album “Blood over Intents” and the EP “Schrage Musik” both in 2020. In 2021 another album is out “Mystai Keltoy” produced and recorded by Michele Guaitoli singer of Temperance, Vision of Atlantis and Era. The style played is difficult to place in a single vein of metal, as there are many influences ranging from death to power, with sound elements that can also recall a certain type of 90’s thrash. The singing is quite varied, and for some listeners it may seem unusual in a metal band. power, speed and good melodic lines distinguish the band from others. Between 2010 and 2020 they released “Horns helmet fighters” and for the Slovak Music Globalliance they came out on international compilations on volumes 2,3,4. CELTIC HILLS’ new album “Huldufólk” was released on April 1st, 2022 via Elevate Records.

DISCOGRAPHY:
2010 • Horns Helmet Fighters • Demo
2020 • Blood Over Intents • Full-length
2020 • Schräge Music • EP
2021 • Mystai Keltoy • Full-length
2022 • Huldufólk • Full-length

More information at
BAND: https://www.facebook.com/CELTIC.HILLS.Official | https://www.n1m.com/celtichills/
MANAGEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement | http://www.splitscreenproduction.com
LABEL: https://www.elevate2records.com

CHARLOTTE WESSELS Announces New Album “Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II”, Out October 7th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 29, 2022
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo credit: Sandra Ludewig]

Ruling stages worldwide and delivering her inimitable voice and stunning charisma into the hearts of her devotees, former DELAIN vocalist/composer CHARLOTTE WESSELS continues her successful solo journey by unveiling the new album, Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II, out October 7, 2022, via Napalm Records. After embarking on this adventurous ride with her enchanting compilation record, Tales From Six Feet Under (2021), the upcoming endeavor marks the next proof of Wessels’ multifaceted nature and wide artistic range that is deeply supported by fans and critics alike.

Together with the album announcement, CHARLOTTE WESSELS has released the first single and official video from the new full-length, entitled “Against All Odds”. The gentle ballad comes along with an atmospheric music video and grants a first look at her new piece of art. The song presents Wessels’ softer, poetic side within intimate surroundings, featuring calm vocals and an acoustic guitar strummed delicately by Timo Somers (also ex-DELAIN).

The video for “Against All Odds” was recorded on an empty stage at TivoliVredenburg, capturing the calm before the storm as CHARLOTTE WESSELS will bringTales From Six Feet Under I and II to the stage for the first time on October 23 at this special location.

CHARLOTTE WESSELS on “Against All Odds”:
“‘Against All Odds’ might seem like an odd choice for a first glimpse of this record – isn’t it the rule to start off with something upbeat and heavy? That rule is broken here – but it embodies the introspection and anticipation of starting over again. While the lyrics can be interpreted for many different scenarios – it was especially meaningful to record a video for the song on the empty stage of TivoliVredenburg, the setting of both the last gig I performed pre-Covid, and the first ever show with my new material coming up October 23. I am dying to get back out there.”

As on the previous album, instruments and vocals were performed/programmed and produced by Wessels herself in her very own Six Feet Under Studio. On the exciting new offering, her styles range from melancholic alt-pop to synth-infused rock and connect atmospheric elements with harder sounds, crossing genre boundaries with ease.

CHARLOTTE WESSELS states:
“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.”

Pre-Order Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II NOW!

Starting with captivating synth-flavored track “Venus Rising”, CHARLOTTE WESSELS’ lures the listener into her multifaceted world of sound to be spellbound within the blink of an eye. Following “Human To Ruin” mesmerizes with a sweet melody that breaks into a propelling metal track, where calmer parts alter with powerful break outs. Wessels releases her power on other commanding tracks like “The Phantom Touch” and “Good Dog”, while on “The Final Roadtrip”, she presents the full range of her vocal prowess atop carefully balanced electronic beats and indie soundscapes. “Toxic” comes with an obscure, captivating whispering sound that turns into a strong sonic wall, as the album then fades out with the honest atmospheric gems “I Forget” featuring a cello performance by Elianne Anemaat, and “Utopia”.

This eclectic wealth of songs proves Wessels’ exceptional ability to express the most sincere 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.

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

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! With this eclectic wealth of songs, she debuts a song in her native language with Dutch rocker “Afkicken”. For this occasion, CHARLOTTE WESSELS recently presented a breathtaking full production, cinematic music video. Re-watch this breathtaking work of art HERE!

Tales From Six Feet Under – Live in Concert

CHARLOTTE WESSELS will bring her work to the stage on October 23 at TivoliVredenburg – Ronda, in Utrecht, NL, for her first and only live show so far: Tales From Six Feet Under – Live in Concert. Get tickets HERE.

SYLVAINE to Support ZEAL & ARDOR on North American Tour

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 29, 2022
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment
Photo by Andy Julia

Norwegian multi-instrumentalist SYLVAINE will be directly supporting ZEAL & ARDOR on their upcoming fall headlining tour! The trek kicks off on September 11 in Brooklyn, NY and concludes in Berkeley, CA on October 7. Ticket pre-sales have started and will go on sale to the public on Thursday, June 30 @ 10:00 A.M. EDT. The full itinerary and ticket links can be found below!

SYLVAINE is supporting the release of her brand new fourth studio album, ‘Nova,’ which is out NOW! Stream/download/order HERE.

SYLVAINE North American Tour (w/ AMORPHIS, UADA, + HOAXED):
09/11: Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw [TICKETS]
09/12: Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts [TICKETS]
09/13: Cambridge, MA @ The Middle East [TICKETS]
09/15: Montreal, QC @ Le Studio TD [TICKETS]
09/16: Toronto, ON @ The Opera House [TICKETS]
09/18: Detroit, MI @ El Club [TICKETS]
09/19: Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge [TICKETS]
09/20: Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club [TICKETS]
09/23: Calgary, AB @ Dickens [TICKETS]
09/24: Edmonton, AB @ The Starlite Room [TICKETS]
09/26: Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre [TICKETS]
09/27: Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
09/28: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre [TICKETS]
10/01: Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theatre [TICKETS]
10/03: Phoenix, AZ @ The Crescent Ballroom [TICKETS]
10/04: San Diego, CA @ Brick by Brick [TICKETS]
10/05: Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex [TICKETS]
10/07: Berkeley, CA @ Cornerstone [TICKETS]