TUOMAS ROUNAKARI Unleashes His New Album “Bear Awakener” to Mythical Entities And to the Seen & Unseen Worlds

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 15, 2022
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Yesterday, April 14th, Finnish violinist, composer, ethnomusicologist TUOMAS ROUNAKARI released his new album “Bear Awakener“, available now at https://rounakari.bandcamp.com!

Tuomas shared:
“The snow is melting in the north and the Bears are finally Awakening after a long and dark winter. Today is the release day of the Bear Awakener – album.

“It all began with a generous help of fans via the successful Indiegogo Campaign in last November. Many twists and turns later the album is finally here! Preorders have been sent and the unique Special Edition Gift-Boxes are being sent one by one in the near days.

“Bear Awakener is not available in the major streaming platforms. Digital version at Bandcamp only :-)“

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:

  1. First Morning
  2. In the Land of the Bear
  3. Man with a Bear’s Snout
  4. Second Morning
  5. Song of a Small Goose
  6. Origin of the Bear
  7. Third Morning
  8. Bear Clan Girl
  9. Man-observing-the-world
  10. Roopeska’s Bear Hunt
  11. Last Morning – Departure
    Running Time: 42,10 min.

Enjoy some feelings from Tuomas’ studio days with Verde in January 2022 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC1vrvbg9uE

“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 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.

Enjoy online concert from Kaustinen Folk Music Festival 2020. Shamanviolin at Pauanne is a full-length online concert produced by the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival 2020. The concert was filmed at the magical Pauanne where a community of folk musicians and folk healers used to live in the 1980’s. All buildings are fully hand made with many mythological decorations. This Shamanviolin concert ends with lament melodies in a burnt down sauna. The magic and unique beauty of this place is still strong. A perfect environment for my music.

Watch here and sign up to his newsletter at https://rounakari.com/watch-full-video-for-free/

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
Web store: https://rounakari.bandcamp.com
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCliVnARlDv2Y3ykBo_YFlRA
MANAGEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement | http://www.splitscreenproduction.com

UFOMAMMUT Premiere ‘Pyramind’ Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 15, 2022
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[ Photo by Francesca De Franceschi Manzoni ]

As Italian psychedelic riff lords UFOMAMMUT prepare to release their ninth full-length album, Fenice, through Neurot Recordings in early May, BrooklynVegan is hosting the public unveiling of a new video for the new single, “Pyramind.”

For more than two decades, UFOMAMMUT has combined the heaviness and majesty of dynamic riff worship with a nuanced understanding of psychedelic tradition and history in music, creating a cosmic, futuristic, and technicolor sound destined for absolute immersion. Fenice, “phoenix” in Italian, represents endless rebirth and the ability to start again after everything seems doomed. The album is the first recording with new drummer Levre joining Poia and Urlo, marking a new chapter in the band’s history and unveiling a more intimate, free sound for the group.

The second single from Fenice, “Pyramind” is delivered through a visualizer filmed in a scenic rural setting in Italy. Guitarist Poia reveals, “To choose a single track from Fenice isn’t easy, because the songs are long and linked together, and the flow results are incomplete. But we think that ‘Pyramind’ represents in a very clear way UFOMAMMUT’s two-souls attitude: the heaviness melted down with psychedelia.”

BrooklynVegan writes with the song’s debut, “…it’s heavy and sludgy and really leans into trippy psychedelia, resulting in something that the metalheads and the psych-rock kids can all agree on.”

Watch UFOMAMMUT’s “Pyramind” video first through BrooklynVegan RIGHT HERE.

Fenice will see release May 6th on LP, CD, and digital formats via Neurot Recordings, with a limited LP version of 666 copies on UFOMAMMUT-associated Supernatural Cat. Find preorders at Neurot HERE and Supernatural Cat HERE, and see the prior video for “Psychostasia” and two in-studio videos creating the album HERE.

UFOMAMMUT is confirmed to play special one-off dates over the Spring and Summer months including a Fenice album release show and a wide array of festivals including Dudefest, Dunk!festival, Desertfest, 17 Years Sound Of Liberation Festival, Desert Fox Festival, Hellfest, Frantic Festival, and more. See all confirmed shows and stay updated at the band’s tour page HERE.

While UFOMAMMUT is renowned for their psychedelic travels into the far reaches of the cosmos, Fenice is a much more introspective listening experience. The album was conceived as a single concept track, divided in six facets of this inward-facing focus. Sonic experimentations abound in the exploration of this central theme; synths and experimental vocal effects are featured more prominently than ever before as the band push themselves ever further into the uncharted territory of their very identity.

Each oscillation of this extraordinary album feels inevitable. The members of UFOMAMMUT are, after all, masters of their craft, and when it comes to creating enveloping sonic journeys into the unknown, it’s their uninhibited sense of exploration that breaches new sonic ground. Fenice is the sound of a band whose very essence has been rejuvenated and are welcoming the chance to create music in the way they know best; by unfolding carefully and attentively, by melding those extreme dynamics which render Fenice as a living and breathing creature, and by writing gargantuan riffs that herald their very rebirth.

VESSEL Release New Single ‘Midnight Strike’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 15, 2022
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Israeli metalheads VESSEL announced their arrival on the world stage after signing with Golden Robot Records and releasing their debut EP ‘Behind The Walls’ in July 2021. Driving a sound that sits somewhere between Iron Maiden and Dio, VESSEL shows that quality metal can be found in all corners of the globe.

VESSEL returned in 2022 with a brand-new single, ‘Misguided’ and are following it up with another new track ‘Midnight Strike’ which is available now on all digital platforms. It shows a different side to VESSEL whilst retaining their traditional metal roots.

‘Midnight Strike’ is a powerful and emotional rock ballad about memories, life, and death; and the decisive moment to make a change. Time runs out for all of us and the ticking of the clock marks the beginning and the end. What will you do when the clock hands approach the zero hour? With whom would you like to be when the time comes?

Stream/buy ‘Midnight Strike’ HERE

VESSEL is all about thundering drums, powerful riffs, and a voice you will never forget. 

The band emerged back in early 2018 in Tel-Aviv (Israel), aka the city that never sleeps, to cover their greatest influences of hard rock and heavy metal. Soon after, they committed to playing their own original material. 

Through VESSEL, Bruno V Passy (vocals), Ariel Maman (guitars), Mark Preis (bass) and Mor Harpazi (drums), found themselves in the journey of modernizing the old school heavy metal we all love.  

They believe hard rock and metal took a wrong turn somewhere in history, and they are on their way to straighten the wheel and make their old idols proud. 

VESSEL is made for all fans of hard rock music, being influenced by bands such as Judas Priest, WASP, AC/DC, Dio, BlackSabbath, IronMaiden and all the classics! 

NORDJEVEL Unleash Title Track ‘Gnavhòl’ of Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 15, 2022
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Photo by Jørn Veberg

NORDJEVEL have unleashed the title track ‘Gnavhòl’ of their upcoming album and give us a detrimental taste of what lies ahead. The band also announces their first ever Latin American Tour for October 2022!

“Gnavhòl” is a sinister and captivating track that leads the listeners into the atmospheric darkness of hell. With Norwegian lyrics they truly capture the raw nature of true black metal.

“From the stench of rotting flesh and the howling of twisted minds, we give you “Gnavhòl” – Nordjevel

Listen to the single here: https://orcd.co/gnavhol

CREDITS

Written by: Nordjevel
Lyrics by: Nordjevel
Recorded by: Fredrik Nordström
Produced by: Fredrik Nordström
Studio: Sudio Fredman
Mixed by: Fredrik Nordström
Mastered by: Fredrik Nordström
Artwork director: Doadsadmiral
Artwork: Khaos Diktator Design

LATIN AMERICAN TOUR DATES 2022:
12.10 – Mexico – Monterrey
13.10 – Mexico – Mexico City
14.10 – Guatemala – Guatemala City
15.10 – El Salvador – SAN Salvador
16.10 – Colombia – Bogotá
19.10 – Ecuador – Quito
20.10 – Peru – Lima
21.10 – Chile – Santiago
22.10 – Argentina – Buenos Aires
23.10 – Brazil – São Paulo

Nordjevel entered the international black metal scene in 2015 and spread like a plague, capturing audiences at festivals such as Inferno, Kaltenbach Open Air, Wacken, Hellfest, Bloodstock, Maryland Deathfest and In Flammen Open Air.

The band was founded by Doedsadmiral, and consists of established musicians from bands such as Ragnarok, Myrkskog and Dark Funeral.

Nordjevel`s brutal and true take on black metal impressed.
Their atmospheric and committed sound paired with high technical finesse, unique interplay and raw, unfiltered imagery, has the chills go wild on any black metal fan.

With their self-titled debut album in 2016, they entered the black metal scene like a freezing storm and quickly became a force to be reckoned with.

In 2019, Nordjevel released the follow-up album “Necrogenecis”, and in 2021 they released the EP “Fenriir”. Both releases showing the hugeness Nordjevel is capable of, receiving raving reviews and top scores from press and fans all over the world.

All of Nordjevels releases has made it to numerous “best of the year lists”, and they have quickly proved their position in the international black metal scene. A new full-length album is now on the horizon in 2022.

WISHING WELL Release New Single ‘Dogs Bark But The Caravan Rolls On’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 15, 2022
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Photographer: ​Jussi Koskinen

Old School heavy rock band WISHING WELL from Helsinki, Finland, have released the other side of their double single, titled “Dogs Bark But The Caravan Rolls On”. The hard rocking song rolls on with an irresistible groove from the opening riff until the closing bass outro. The song introduces new vocalist Pepe Tamminen, who’s voice fits like a glove in Wishing Well’s overall sound, made of classic, distorted Marshall-Hammond combination with some extra spice from acoustic guitar and piano. The song was recorded and the video was shot in E-studios, Sipoo, at the end of March together with “Flying Finn” instrumental, the other side of the double single. The sessions were engineered and the video was shot by their trusted man Henrik Sirelä, who has worked on all Wishing Well’s albums.

“We wrote the song seriously tongue in cheek and the idea is to have faith on what you do and for the future. The point is to do your own thing, no matter what’s going on around you or what other people say, no matter how hard it may sometimes be”, says Anssi Korkiakoski, the guitar player and leader of the band. “We are most certainly not the most skillful or fashionable band out there and our timing is 40 years wrong, still we keep going with our heads up in the clouds and feet down on the ground, standing on our toes”, he says.

“Bands come and go but we have our little thing and we hang on to what we’ve got because we love what we do. We don’t swing for the fences but we have our natural standards and each new song is a home run for us. We follow our path though it’s sometimes a rocky ride”, says Arto Teppo, the nestor of the band whose roaring Hammond organ is quintessential part of Wishing Well’s sound. “It’s all about the journey, not the destination”, he says.

Listen to the single:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/37HJCR8
Bandcamp: https://wishingwellfin.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: https://apple.co/3O5hWqi
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uyZfTX
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/305018297

Wishing Well continues to record their fourth album later this spring in order to release the album later on in 2022. Band’s previous albums have been very well received among classic hard rock fans and they have gained a good following in Finland. Band’s albums “Chasing Rainbows” (2016), “Rat Race” (2018) and “Do Or Die” (2022) have all been released through Inverse Records.

The band will announce live dates later through their social media channels.

JUNGLE ROT Stream New Single ‘A Call to Arms’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 15, 2022
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Death metal legends JUNGLE ROT return have streamed their mighty new single, the title-track from their forthcoming record A Call to Arms, to be released 13th May via Unique Leader. 

Stream and pre-order A Call To Arms here: http://orcd.co/acalltoarms

Watch the ‘A Call to Arms’ video here:

For a band who’ve existed now for over 25 years, Jungle Rot are still hitting their prime with their savage new album.

Once again co-produced by Chris Djuricic and the band, ACall to Arms was mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö. It’s the band’s newest record since their acclaimed self-titled 2018 release, praised by Loudwire, Decibel, Revolver, Metal Hammer and a host of celebrated publications. 

Forever looking to push death metal groove with attitude, Jungle Rot are highly regarded globally. Jaded death metal purists looking for fresh kills need to add the band to their must-listen list – not just A Call to Arms but the band’s impressive and extensive back catalogue, including their 2013 reissue of their classic 1995 Skin The Living.

Shots firing overhead, out of breath, thankful to be alive, an exhausted, courageous soldier takes cover in a nearby trench. Overcome with tragedy, the cadet looks down to carefully remove his worn down combat boots to discover his feet numb and blue, knocking him back with an overwhelming smell of decay and gangrene. This phenomenon is known as “jungle rot”. With a little imagination, visualise this horrifyingly grotesque predicament as it would be in heavy metal form – teeming with despair, brutality, darkness and volatility.  The sinister picture you have just painted comes to life in four-piece death metal act Jungle Rot, who has been triumphantly destroying the metal scene since 1994. 
 
Hailing from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Jungle Rot has steadily collected fans by the thousands since their 1995 demo release Skin The Living. Critics, blown away by their chillingly explosive live shows, rewarded the band with stellar reviews and were offered their first record deal with Pulverized Records. Through new representation, the men released their first full-length project, Slaughter The Weak (1998) and were greeted by a tremendous amount of support from both the metal community and critics everywhere. Responding to a flood of new fans, the band rearranged their line-up, adapted their sound, produced new material, and began to dominate the Midwest tour circuit. 

The following decade saw the band sign with Olympic Records in 2001, releasing Dead and Buried, and then in 2009 signing with Napalm Records, and their What Horrors Await LP.

The band have toured relentlessly across the world, including with Deicide, Entombed, Vader, Cattle Decapitation and many more. Inspired and motivated by their fans’ continued support, Jungle Rot went on to release the 2011 Kill on Command and eighth studio album Terror Regime (2013).
Now signed to the mighty Unique Leader, the veterans make no sign of wavering or slowing down with the legendary brand of old-school thrash, death, and crossover crust punk.

Catch the band touring the US this Summer. Support from Internal Bleeding:

June 02: Minneapolis, MN @ The Cabooze
June 03: Lincoln, NE @ 1867 Bar
June 04: Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep
June 06: Boise, ID @ The Shredder
June 07: Seattle, WA @ Club Sur
June 08: Portland, OR @ Bossanova Ballroom
June 09: San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
June 10: Anaheim, CA @ Doll Hut
June 11: San Diego, CA @ Brick by Brick
June 12: Los Angeles, CA @ 1720
June 13: Mesa, AZ @ Nile Underground
June 14: El Paso, TX @ Rockhouse Bar & Grill
June 15: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
June 16: Denver, CO @ HQ
June 17: Kansas City, MO @ BLVD Nights
June 18: Sturtevant, WI @ Route 20