Formed in January 2014 in Santo Andre / SP (Brazil), BLACKNING are known for their energetic and powerful blend of furious thrash metal. Mixing hardcore, heavy and death metal in their music, BLACKNING have created their very own identity, ranging from heavy choruses to fast and catchy riffs. Today the quartet has released a new music video for the track “Lies That Blind”, a song that deals with the Internet blasting out Fake News day after day. “Fake news that tries to make people stand by politic’s sides and their bullshit. We give a big “FUCK YOU” to that kind of politricks!” says the band.
The video is a collaboration with the group “CAV” (CENTRO AUDIOVISUAL), an organization supported by the local municipality.
So far in its history, BLACKNING has released two studio albums and an EP in Brazil and Europe, and has completed multiple successful national tours. With their first release, “Order of Chaos”, the band conquered 34th place in the best album releases of 2014, which included rock and metal bands from all over the continent and was organized by the webzine Headbangers Latino America.
Liverpool rock act HONEY MOTEL have released their new single ‘Cartoons’ on all digital platforms via Bread and Butter Records.
‘Cartoons’ talks about the machine of life. That psychological cog that we all become a part of at some point in our lives. A cog that chews us up and spits us out. A cog that’s always turning and turning, day by day, week by week, month by month. ‘Cartoons’ resembles the effort to avoid that machine – to keep ahold of the youth, the fearlessness, the curiosity, the innocence that some lose as they grow older, but all seem to harness in their younger years.
To “keep yourself alive” is to embody that youthful spirit until your time is up, until the curtain draws and the book is closed. To “keep yourself alive” is to not die before death has come, to not fade into the everlasting white noise of existence. To “keep yourself alive” is to dance your way out of this place…whilst smiling of course.
“Cartoons to me is about freeing yourself from the bullshit of life. To stop worrying about things that don’t matter and to just do what makes you happy”– Sam Meredith
The “uncut gems” of Liverpool, Honey Motel.
Matt, Sam, Paul and Jack hit the ground running in 2020, ploughing passion, pace and power into a whole new take on an indie genre. Their debut release ‘Weekends’, then ‘Madeline’ was followed with ‘Morning Affairs’ all hitting the playlists of some of the UK’S top radio stations and shows.
Hailing from a city that has musical history running through its veins isn’t a burden for Honey Motel, it is embraced and embodied in the band’s DNA.
As one of the ones-to-watch in 2021, the four-piece dabble in upbeat indie-pop bangers that are creative, intricate and booming with potential. With their pumped-up energy and fast-paced tunes, it’s seen the band become one of the most promising quartets in the United Kingdom for a long time.
The wait is almost over – NILE mastermind and multi-instrumentalist KARL SANDERS will finally unleash the impending third chapter of his haunting Eastern-ambient Saurian solo project, Saurian Apocalypse, this Friday, July 22, 2022 via Napalm Records.
After revealing the album’s cinematic first and second singles, “The Sun Has Set on the Age of Man” and “Skull Fuck Ritual (Skull Breach Edition)”, KARL SANDERS provides a final twisted taste of Saurian Apocalypse with the release of its entrancing third single, “The Evil Inherent in us All”. The track emerges as an energetic jam with exotic instrumentation, modernized acoustic grooves and urgent tribal vocals. This standout departure from the Saurian blueprint yet again features a thematic axe contribution by guitar virtuoso Rusty Cooley, who also appeared on the album’s first single, as well as percussion by original Nile drummer Pete Hammoura.
Witness the track for the first time today alongside a transfixing animated music video.
KARL SANDERS says about “The Evil Inherent in us All”: “I am really happy with how this song turned out. ‘The Evil Inherent in us All’ was a lot of fun to write and record. The song was inspired by an infamous night in Cairo when Egyptian Metal Artist, Impresario, and underground legend Nader Sadek took Derek Roddy, Mahmud Gecekesu and me to a performance of authentic North African Exorcism Music. The unbelievable, highly advanced and intuitive ensemble musicianship we witnessed that night was unforgettable and really opened my eyes and ears to an entire wealth of new music. In keeping with that profoundly moving communal spirit of subtle yet intense shared musical frenzy among the performers, The Evil Inherent has two close friends of mine contributing some serious musical voodoo to the track. Original Nile drummer and lifelong friend Pete Hammoura conjures all manner of wickedly grooving percussion, and our metal brother Rusty Cooley lays down some truly unique acoustic guitar exorcisms.”
Saurian Apocalypse arrives 13 years after the release of its predecessor, 2009’s Saurian Exorcisms, and nearly 20 after 2004’s equally lauded Saurian Meditation. The musical and lyrical themes on the album detail the vexing fictional journey of Dr. Eduardo Lucciani, one of very few survivors of mankind’s self-destruction, who descends into madness after discovering the violent horrors occurring at the hands of the Saurian Masters.
Emphasized by unique instruments like the baglama saz (Turkish lute), Ancient Egyptian Anubis Sistrum, Dumbek (Middle Eastern goblet drum), glissentar and gongs, the album’s score weaves cinematic auras and deep grooves, accented by the tribal percussive stylings of original NILE drummer Pete Hammoura and returning Saurian vocalist Mike Breazeale. A wealth of musical growth and refinement, both in Sanders’ guitar technique and compositional development, is strikingly evident. Eons more than just an album of interludes or ambient scores, Saurian Apocalypse is a shining advancement in the Saurian series, and the most dynamic, detailed KARL SANDERS solo release yet.
Whispering atop the ominous sands of opener “The Sun Has Set on the Age of Man” are resonant flutes and forewarning percussion, and immediately, the album’s impactful production and crystal clarity is apparent. Produced by Sanders with mixing and mastering by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio, the most subtle details of instrumentation shine. “The Disembodied Yet Slither Among Us” peaks between soulful acoustic guitar renderings and droning tones, ushering in “Skull Fuck Ritual (Skull Breach Edition)” as its marching drums make way for Middle Eastern-inspired leads, bridging the journey to 6+ minute desolating trek “Nada Zaag”. Fans will hear an alluring Oud (Middle Eastern lute) solo by Mustafa Stefan Dill and rare acoustic jazz drums by current NILE percussion goliath George Kollias on “An Altered Saurian Theta State”, before the seductive auditory excursion “Nihil Emplexus” and its iridescent strums and ominous chants signal the beginning of the end. Sitar-like sounds immediately ensnare the listener on “Divergence: The Long Awaited Third Primordial Ascension” before hopeful lutes make way for heart wrenching electric shred. Far-Eastern stylings creep in on “Mask of Immutable Self Delusion”, a tranquil moment of atmospheric bliss, before the album closes with the 10 minute epic “No Creature More Deserving of Cataclysmic Annihilation” – featuring the deft skills of jazz guitarist Matthew Kay and the panicked, incensed narration of Jonathan “ADD” Garofoli as Dr. Eduardo Lucciani himself.
Saurian Apocalypse track listing: 1. The Sun Has Set on the Age of Man 2. The Disembodied Yet Slither Among Us 3. The Evil Inherent in us All 4. Skull Fuck Ritual (Skull Breach Edition) 5. Nada Zaag 6. An Altered Saurian Theta State 7. Nihil Emplexus 8. Divergence: The Long Awaited Third Primordial Ascension 9. Mask of Immutable Self Delusion 10. No Creature More Deserving of Cataclysmic Annihilation
In addition to the upcoming release of Saurian Apocalypse, KARL SANDERS and Napalm Records are proud to re-release 2004’s Saurian Meditation and 2009’s Saurian Exorcisms on vinyl for the very first time – out on the same day, July 22, 2022. Saurian Meditation will be available in both 4-Panel CD Digipak and Transparent Orange 2-LP Gatefold Vinyl formats, while Saurian Exorcisms will be available in both 4-Panel CD Digipak and 1-LP White Gatefold Vinyl formats. Act now while copies last!
Pre-Order Saurian Meditation (2004) and Saurian Exorcisms (2009) HERE
New York legendary THE RODS return to live touring for the first time since 2017 with a series of upcoming live dates, The band are also working on a new studio album to be released 2023.
The bands entire catalog was remastered and re-issued in 2022 complete with bonus tracks and extensive liner notes via two labels: Rock Candy and High Roller Records.
Now back as a three piece the band’s line-up is:
David “Rock” Feinstein – Vocals/Guitar Carl Canedy – Drums Freddy Villano – Bass
Drummer Carl Canedy has the following to say about the new line-up, new music and upcoming shows:
The Rods have never been simply a studio band, we made our “bones” by touring extensively…playing live and connecting with our fans is what has always driven the band.
Covid put a bit of a halt on that but we are now back playing live and loving it!
In the interim we didn’t waste any time and wrote our new album which we are now in the process of finalizing the recording…based on the reaction of the audiences we have played for it’s evident that all the energy coming off stage is being returned to us by the fans. We have always been a power trio and the word “power” has never been more evident with The Rods music new or old…
Still kicking it hard and loving it!
Upcoming dates include:
August 6th Sharkey’s, Syracuse, NY September 3rd Rock N Rumble Music Festival, Moose And Goose, Ontario Canada September 17th Blues on the Bridge Binghamton, NY
Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame inductees LILLIAN AXE have been releasing top quality hard rock albums since bursting onto the scene back in 1988 with their acclaimed debut album on MCA Records. 2022 sees the band back in top form, with a recent celebrated anthology release “Psalms For Eternity”, high profile live festival dates Stateside, along with an upcoming UK headlining tour, Lillian Axe are in for one of their biggest years in some time.
The new album “From Womb To Tomb” is sure to please long-time fans and impress many newcomers with its superb songcraft and first-rate musicianship. The band has an ongoing rabid cult fanbase worldwide.
Guitarist and songwriter Steve Blaze adds the following:
“I believe the basic idea behind the creation of “From Womb to Tomb” has been in my head for many years. The time just needed to be right to express it. This album is a different type of concept record, whereas it does not contain a story-based theme. Rather, it is a timeline from the birth of a child to the ascension of the soul, with each song emphasizing a specific time of one’s life and the lessons learned therein. These observations are based on my life and the witnessing of the growth and development of the human condition through my eyes. The wonderful part is that these life experiences seem to exist in each and every one of us, even though the paths and events may greatly differ. This is the most emotional and powerful music I have ever written, and by the reactions of the few people close to me who I have played it for, it will hit a deep and resounding chord with all those who hear it. I ask one thing: listen from the start to finish in solitude, with no distractions, as if you are reading a book or watching a movie. It is not a collection of 16 individual, nonrelated pieces. But instead, it is a complete work of highs and lows, colors and shades, and emotional fluctuations. It will take you through the light of our greatness and the darkness of our failures. The band performed with beautiful power and grace, and I feel it is our best achievement to date.”
“From Womb To Tomb” track-list, released August 19th on Global Rock Records.
Breathe I Am Beyond Neverending Me (Dempsey’s Kick) A The Golden Dragon Piercing The Veil Migrating North No Problem Dance Of The Maggots Fall Of The Human Condition The Great Deception Endless Green Fields Feelings Of Absinthe Finally, Clarity From The Mountaintops Ascension
Lillian Axe are starting their support of the album with a full UK tour in August, their first there since 1993.
There’s no rest for the wicked! After releasing a beautiful orchestral version of their power ballade ‘Crystalline’, Swedish metal heroes AMARANTHE turn up the heat and deliver a spicy variation of ‘Adrenaline’. ‘Adrenalina’ transforms the modern metal anthem into a seductive summer hit featuring new Spanish lyrics and virtuoso acoustic guitar pickings.
AMARANTHE comment on ‘Adrenalina’: “At the very tail end of the “MANIFEST” sessions, we were looking into the traditional bonus tracks and wanted to do something special for these ones. “Adrenaline” already had a slightly latin sounding C-part, and after breaking out the classical guitar and a glass of Rioja, the flamenco vibes were filling the studio. The result is “Adrenalina”, and it might very well be our own favourite bonus track we have done so far! Enjoy!”
03. – 05.08.2022 | SE – Sabaton Open Air, Falun 05. – 06.08.2022 | FI – Himos Metal Festival, Jämsä 12. – 14.08.2022 | BE – Alcatraz Festival, Kortrijk
In October and November of 2022, AMARANTHE will be on tour together with BEYOND THE BLACK. Since the tour had to be postponed, both bands can’t wait to hit the road again and spend unforgettable nights with their fans all around Europe! Furthermore, both BUTCHER BABIES and AD INFINITUM will join the tour as special guests. See the list of dates below:
AMARANTHE & BEYOND THE BLACK EUROPEAN CO-HEADLINE TOUR 2022
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
The tickets remain valid for the new dates above. For refunds, please contact your ticket seller.
AMARANTHE have spent the last decade establishing themselves as a formidable, positive and fervently melodic force for metallic good. From their explosive self-titled debut in 2011 to the more sophisticated, streamlined likes of 2014’sMassive Addictiveand its immaculate follow-up Maximalism (2016), AMARANTHE have masterfully blurred the lines between melodic metal, crushing brutality, cinematic sweep and futuristic sparkle. Led by the endlessly ingenious songwriting of guitarist OlofMörck and powerhouse vocalist Elize Ryd, their rise to prominence has been a joy to behold.Widely acclaimed as a dazzling live act, the Swedes reached a new peak of creativity on 2018’s hugely successfulHelix: an album that pushed the band’s vision to new heights, breadths and depths, while showcasing the brilliance of Elize and her co-vocalists, Henrik Englund Wilhelmsson and recent recruit Nils Molin. Not just a glorious return but a wholesale upgrade for their exuberant sound, Manifest is simply the most daring, dynamic and unforgettable album that AMARANTHE have released to date. The perfect antidote to the nagging anxieties plaguing us all in these troubled times, it’s a Technicolor celebration of metal’s ageless power, blazing with all of life’s colours and chaos, but delivered with utmost artistry and skill.
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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
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! 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 ) 