LIONHEART Release Single + Official Video ‘Angels With Dirty Faces’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 17, 2022
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“Angels With Dirty Faces”, LIONHEART‘s second single from the global release of “Second Nature” (Metalville Records – January 21st), is a giant nod to the classic James Cagney / Humphery Bogart movie of the same name from 1938. The song defines the high point of Lionheart’s newly-founded writing collaboration with singer Lee Small and set the standard for all their subsequent work. With a memorable, singalong chorus showcasing Lionheart’s famed 3 part vocal harmonies along with Lionheart’s classic twin guitar harmonies from Steve Mann and Dennis Stratton, the song is powered by the inimitable combination of Rocky Newton’s driving bass line together with Clive Edward’s rock solid groove on the kit. Angels With Dirty Faces is a particularly fine example of modern classic rock at its best.

In 2017 the album Second Nature hailed Lionheart’s triumphant return to the melodic rock music scene with a collection of powerful and memorable songs featuring the distinctive harmony vocals and harmony lead guitars for which Lionheart were so renowned.

The first Lionheart album to feature the extraordinary talent of Lee Small on lead vocal, Second Nature was released in Japan (on King Records) and Europe. Unfortunately in 2020 the European deal lapsed and the album disappeared from the market outside of Japan.

Now Metalville Records have stepped up to the plate and are releasing a repackaged version of the Second Nature album and, for the first time, globally.

To mark this special event the album has been re-mastered to sound punchier than ever, and now also includes 2 bonus tracks.

The release will also include the remarkable ‘Circle Of Bands’ chart by Tristan Greatrex which has been brought up to date and which was up to now only available in the Japanese release.

TRACK LISTING
Prelude
Give me the Light
Don’t Pay the Ferryman
Angels with Dirty Faces
30 Years
On Our Way
Second Nature
Prisoner
Every Boy in Town
Time is Watching
Heartbeat Radio
Lionheart
Mary Did You Know (bonus track)
Paperback Writer (bonus track)
Reprise

LINE UP
Lee Small (lead vocals) – formerly lead vocalist with Shy and Phenomena
Dennis Stratton (lead guitar/backing vocals) – formerly guitarist with Iron Maiden
Steve Mann (lead guitar/backing vocals) – currently guitarist and keyboardist with Michael Schenker
Rocky Newton (bass guitar/backing vocals) – formerly bass player and backing vocalist with McAuley Schenker Group
Clive Edwards (drums, percussion) – formerly drummer with UFO, Wild Horses, and Uli Roth

SOILWORK Announce Rasmus Ehrnborn as Full Time Bass Player

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 17, 2022
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Today, Swedish melodic death metal legends SOILWORK officially kick off the new year with an exciting news to share with all their fans: The band welcomes bass virtuoso Rasmus Ehrnborn to their ranks as full member of SOILWORK. 

The band states:
“We are pleased to finally welcome Rasmus Ehrnborn to the Soilwork family and announce him as our official bass player and full time member of the band. Rasmus has been onstage with us ever since the 2019 Verkligheten campaign and recorded our EP A Whisp Of The Atlantic as well as our upcoming album that is due this year. Rasmus is a world class musician and has truly become an important member of the band, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this new constellation”.

Rasmus Ehrnborn himself adds:
“For me, joining SOILWORK as a full time member is a bit of a dream come true as I’ve been a big fan of the band for many years. Their musicianship and songwriting is out of this world, and after touring and recording with the guys these past few years I’ve come to consider them all dear friends. I’m humbled and proud to be a part of the next chapter of SOILWORK”.

Currently, the band is finalizing their new studio album – stay tuned for big news to come this year and make sure to follow SOILWORK to not miss a single bit! To catch a very first glimpse on how SOILWORK will sound in 2022, head over to Metal Hammer Germany presenting a short look behind the scenes HERE!

With more than twentyfive years of experience, countless shows and eleven studio albums under their belt, it’s safe to say that SOILWORK is one of the godfathers of Swedish Melodic Death Metal. Their last album “Verkligheten” was highly lauded by press and fans all over the world and made it to #10 in German album charts.

THE RASMUS Release New Single And Eurovision Entry Bid ‘Jezebel’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 17, 2022
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(photo credit: Venla Shalin)

Last week, multi-platinum selling Finnish rock band THE RASMUS revealed they will compete in
Finland’s annual Eurovision selection contest, Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (The New Music Competition). The response from the media and the band’s fanbase following Wednesday’s announcement has been enormous, with The Rasmus peaking at #11 in the UK as a trending topic on Twitter and making headlines both internationally and in their native Finland, where the band were featured in all major media outlets, including TV and the country’s biggest newspaper.

Today, the band have released their infectious new single and Eurovision entry bid ‘Jezebel’ via Playground Music, one of seven songs competing in the UMK. Stream the track here and watch the lyric video here.

The track was co-written and produced by Desmond Child, who collaborated with The Rasmus on their seventh studio album ‘Black Roses’. Child is responsible for formulating some of rock’s biggest hits, with co-writer and production credits on iconic songs by KISS, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and Alice Cooper, to name a few.

Singer Lauri Ylönen comments: “It was awesome to work with Desmond again. He really knows how to put a hit song together. Jezebel is about a girl who takes what she wants, without asking. A free spirit.”

Speaking about the collaboration, Desmond Child says: “Lauri gives me a call and says ‘Hey, I need to write the biggest, greatest song in the entire world, ever. Will you do it [with me]?’ and I said ‘Yeah but I am in Folegandros (Greece)’ and he says, ‘I’ll be right there’.
Jezebel is an homage, a tribute, to the strong women of today, who own their bodies, who are in charge of their sensuality, their sexuality, and who are determined to be an equal.”

The UMK winner and Finland’s next Eurovision Song Contest participant will be chosen at the UMK22 event in Turku Logomo on February 26, 2022. The final will be shown live on Yle TV1, Yle Areena and Yle’s radio channels from 9 pm to 11 pm EET. The winner will be chosen by TV viewers and the International UMK Jury. Those outside of Finland can watch the show at https://areena.yle.fi/tv

The band also announced the departure of founding guitarist Pauli Rantasalmi and introduced their new guitarist, Emilia ‘Emppu’ Suhonen. The UMK performance will be the band’s first with their new lineup.

More details about The Rasmus’ upcoming new album will be revealed soon, until then you can revisit the previously released singles:
“Venomous Moon” (feat. Apocalyptica): https://youtu.be/71fGZWoncZQ
“Bones”: https://youtu.be/dMfRJofGyIs

Armed with a new arsenal of songs and a revitalised lineup, The Rasmus will embark on a World Tour in the fall of 2022.

October 2022
10    Germany    Hamburg / Markthalle
11    Germany    Berlin / Metropol
12    Poland    Warsaw / Proxima
13    Poland    Krakow / Kwadrat
14    Germany    Leipzig / Taubchental
15    Czech Rep.    Prague / Forum Karlin
17    Hungary    Budapest / BNMC
18    Austria    Vienna / Ottakringer Brauerei
19    Germany    Munich / Neue Theaterfabrik
21    Italy    Milan / Fabrique
22    Switzerland    Bern / Bierhubeli
23    France    Paris / La Maroquinerie
24    Luxembourg    Esch-Sur-Alzette / Rockhal
25    Germany    Wiesbaden / Schlachthof (Halfhouse)
27    Germany    Cologne / LMH
28    Holland    Haarlem / Patronaat
30    England    Nottingham / Rock City
31    England    Manchester / O2 Ritz

November 2022
01    Scotland    Glasgow / Garage
02    England    Bristol / O2 Academy
03    England    London / O2 Forum Kentish Town
05    Ukraine    Kiev / Mc Hall
06    Ukraine    Lviv / Malevich Club
07    Ukraine    Odessa / Musical Comedy Theatre
08    Ukraine    Dnipro / Shynnic House Of Culture
09    Ukraine    Kharkiv / Mekhanika    
11    Russia    Moscow / Stadium
12    Russia    St Petersburg / A2

SVEN GALI Drop Cover of TRIUMPH’s Classic ‘Spellbound’, Unveil New Album Details

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 17, 2022
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SVEN GALI, Canada’s harbingers of Melodic Hard Rock, debut a mesmerizing new single, “Spellbound,” a masterful take on the Triumph classic; Release details on brand new album slated for May release.

Sven Gali have been hard at work during the chaotic times that the Covid-19 Pandemic has rained upon us. The band has taken this time to write and record the follow-up to 2020’s epic, comeback, EP “3” and are kicking it off with their rendition of the iconic, Triumph classic, “Spellbound.”

Dan Fila, Sven Gali’s Drummer: “We were made aware that a Triumph tribute record was coming out, and all of us being Triumph fans, decided to submit “Spellbound.” It was Dave who chose the song – it was his favorite Triumph song.”
“The cool part about the video is that we shot it in Studio One at Metalworks where the original song was recorded.  Having Gil at the console was super cool.  The beautiful lady sitting next to Gil is his wife Sunny – the song was written about her.”  
“Like many things Sven Gali, it was not planned out. We invited Gil and Sunny out to hear the song, and they loved it.  Next thing we know they spent the afternoon with us and played a huge part in the video.   It was a very special day for all of us – things just happened organically.”

The new record titled “Bombs and Battlescars,” is slated to be released in late May and will include the single “Spellbound.”  The digital track for “Spellbound” will be available on all digital platforms on February 4th.

Fila Offers album details:“We are working with Andy Curran on a few of the tracks and that has been a great experience.  Andy knows how to keep morale high, the mood light and get crushing performances.  We have also teamed up with Juno award winning engineer Vic Florentia to track – again;  just a huge talent.  All of the songs on the record will be mixed by Brian Robbins in NYC.  Brian plays a large role in getting the Sven Gali sound.  These tracks will be recorded at Metal Works in Studio One where Triumph recorded their classic albums.”

SVEN GALI built a name fast with their live shows; drawing growing crowds on the Canadian and US circuit while building their songwriting chops and a wild reputation. David Bendeth signed the band to BMG Music Canada in 1991 and produced the self-titled debut, released in 1992.

The debut album includes the hit “Under The Influence,” which was Much Music Best Metal Video award of 1993 and the emotional ballad “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” a song that hit no. 6 as Can Con song of 1993. Following their profound release the band was nominated for Hard Rock Album of the Year and Most Promising Band at the Juno’s. The debut album, SVEN GALI went gold in Canada that same year.

Following extensive touring worldwide, being a major event on stages with legends (April Wine / Foreigner / Pearl Jam / Def Leppard), SVEN GALI didn’t stop there and they continued their journey with the release of their sophomore album, “In Wire”, in 1995.

Twenty-five years after their debut album went Gold in Canada, SVEN GALI came back rockin’ in 2018, with a modernized edged rock covered in Metal with “Kill The Lies” and a year later with “You Won’t Break Me.”

Sven Gali dropped the EP “3” in June of 2020, a re-introduction of sorts that welcomed a renewed vigor and an edgy, modern vibe to the music while maintaining the classic Sven Gali vibe. The EP was received with rave reviews and the single “Now” won best hard rock song at the Banger Music Awards. The fanbase was quickly juiced and ready for the next wave of Sven Gali tunes. The New album “Bombs And Battlescars” will bring a heavier, yet more melodic approach that harkens back to the debut, but still hints at the modern influences and style. It promises to be exactly what the fans have been waiting for and more. 

In 2022, Sven Gali is also celebrating The 30th Anniversary of the band’s debut album on August 8th with Sony planning a special reissue of the classic album with promotion including on Record Store Day. Stay tuned for more details on the release.

LORD’s “Blood Red Skies” Hits Number 1 in Australian Music Charts

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 17, 2022
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The Australian Independent Record Label Association “AIR” has announced that Australian metal band LORD‘s 2022 EP release entitled “Blood Red Skies” has debuted at number 1 on the Australian Independent Album chart. The release has also reached number 2 on the Australian Independent Label Album chart, just behind Australian pop royalty, Kylie Minogue.

“Blood Red Skies”, highlighted by LORD’s cover of the Judas Priest classic, is available via Bandcamp with a limited edition CD release and exclusive merchandise still available. Limited tracks are available on Spotify and Apple Music.

AIR is a non profit, non government association dedicated to supporting the growth and development of Australia’s independent recording sector. Established in 1996, AIR represents Australian owned record labels and independent artists based in Australia.

The full EP, exclusive to Bandcamp, is highlighted by the Judas Priest cover of the same name and also includes the IRON MAIDEN cover of Stratego which was previously a YouTube only release in September of 2021. Additional track Wilder Than the Wind (Dicks Out Mix) being a bonus track from the 2019 studio album Fallen Idols is featured and rounding out the release is a half hour podcast chat between band members Andy and LT. 

Previous band statement:

Australian metal band LORD have kicked off 2022 with a bang, releasing their “Blood Red Skies” EP, featuring a cover of the JUDAS PRIEST classic of the same name, as well as a recent cover of IRON MAIDEN‘s “Stratego“

Commented bass player Andy Dowling: “2021 was a big year for cover songs with the release of Undercovers Vol.1 and while we did originally vow to not do any more cover songs for the foreseeable future, here we are! This was a bit of a last minute release and some fun to celebrate what was a big year for LORD. We also think its a great way also kick off 2022 with a quick little tribute to two of the metal kings in Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. We hope this will keep our friends entertained while we continue to work on new LORD music for later this year.”

The full EP, exclusive to Bandcamp, comes with the IRON MAIDEN cover of Stratego which was previously a YouTube only release, Wilder Than the Wind (Dicks Out Mix) being a bonus track from the 2019 studio album Fallen Idols, as well as a half hour podcast chat between Andy and LT, talking about the release, 2021 in review and plans for new music.

You can listen to Blood Red Skies and Stratego on Spotify and Apple Music. The full EP with limited edition CD and exclusive merchandise can be found on the bands Bandcamp store.

Blood Red Skies can be originally found on the Judas Priest 1988 release Ram it Down. Stratego can be originally found on the Iron Maiden 2021 release Senjutsu.

LORD is essentially a continuation of DUNGEON, one of Australia’s longest-running heavy metal bands, with over a dozen releases so far. LORD’s 2021 release “Undercovers Vol.1” debuted at #7 on the Australian ARIA charts and #1 on the Australian Independent Records chart. This eclipsed the band’s 2019 full length album “Fallen Idols” that debuted at #20 and #2 respectfully.

To learn more about LORD, visit the main website, follow on social media and pick up all music and merch from the official Bandcamp store.

Chilean OCULTUM Stream “Residue” LP in Its Entirety

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 17, 2022
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Chilean stoner/ doom act OCULTUM kick off the vinyl release of their blistering “Residue” LP and stream it in its entirety via Decibel Magazine. 

The album can be heard here.

Ocultum adds:
“To put it simply, I think RESIDUE is the slab in the grave of hippie doom in South America. Somehow we realized that we sounded different from what everyone was doing, there were precedents of heaviness in the area, but it was always the same: Either very monotonously heavy or very psychedelic stoned. In addition, in terms of sound and recording, Residue came to demonstrate that a sound similar to that grown in Europe or the USA is possible in South America, with the same means as any studio.

RESIDUE has stood the test of time, being released on Tape and Vinyl (on sale and fresh out of the oven) by Interstellar Smoke Records from Poland, on Tape here in Chile by Manifectation Productions, and some time ago on CD by Black Bow England Records, owned by Conan’s Jon Davis. All this speaks of an album that, while not being extremely well known, has become an underground gem for those looking for difficult to digest sounds and far from the marketing lights.

We are the heaviest sludge band in South America, and any who have a problem with that, must see us playing live, we take your sound of flowers and psychedelic rainbows, we immerse them in the mud of the raw reality that lives in our streets, in the alleys of junkies crawling for another fix. RESIDUE is a first-rate chronicle on all of this, and here is our heavy weight.

Thank you DECIBEL MAGAZINE, I have always been a fan of your magazine and we hope to talk with you more extensively in a next opportunity, DOOM ON !!”

RESIDUE was performed, recorded and abused by:
Ricardo Robles – Drums
Pablo Kataldo – Bass
Sebastián Bruna – Guitars and vocals
Recording, mixing and mastering by Juan Pablo Canoles at Plexstudios.
Cover artwork by Exequiel Bruna (www.facebook.com/carbuncloolcnubrac)
Band Photo by Sepulcésar Maureira.
Layout by Sebastian Bruna.
Ocultum Logo by Anastasia Karelia.