The 2021 re-recording of “Below Zero” by Finnish crossover pioneers Waltari is premiering today and features none other than the band´s countrymate Marko Hietala – a rock legend in his own right, known from symphonic metal masters Nighwish and hard rock stalwarts Tarot. With their friendship going back as far as 1991, “Marko himself chose the song” according to Waltari mastermind Kärtsy Hatakka. “He had a vision about how the new version should sound, and we then – in a very good common spirit – wanted to definitely fulfill his wishes as best as we could. I think this turned out more than okay!” ´Below Zero´ (originally the title track of the band´s 2009 studio album) is going to be featured in Waltari´s 30th anniversary album “3rd Decade – Anniversary Edition” (Metalville Records – released date 26.11.).
Photo credit Marko Hietala: Andrea Becker / Waltari’s photographer: Jani Mahkonen
You can watch the official documentary video below.
Marko Hietala comments:
“Kärtsy, the mainman of Waltari, asked me about a year ago if I’d be interested in guesting on their tribute album project. Their funky metallic crossover was one of the very first to break the international barrier from Finland, and they helped to pave the way for a lot of us. ”Below Zero” was chosen as the song to work on and the new chorus sounds way massive! I agreed to do it with the guys of course. We met already in a prehistoric sweaty haze of a finnish rock club in the early nineties. We’re dinosaurian brothers and you need a piece of the sky to kill us off!”
Kärtsy Hatakka comments:
“Marko and I are very old friends, far from the last century. With Roope Latvala, who was our common guitarist friend (Children Of Bodom, Waltari, Stone), they had a band together called Sinergy. This was before Marko joined Nightwish. At that band’s gigs we were hanging around together, and in fact I remember meeting Marko already in 1991 in Kuopio, Finland, when Waltari was playing there for the first time. After the departure from Nightwish we were happy to get him onboard to interpret our “Below Zero” song from 2009. Marko himself chose the song and had a preliminary vision about it, how he wanted it to be sounded.and we then, in a very good common spirit, wanted definitely to fulfill his productional vision as we ever could.”
“3rd Decade – Anniversary Edition” and is available in all digital platforms now, to be found here.
The Metal Voice East Coast journalist Kenny Kessel caught up with former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and filmmaker Drew Fortier at the Chiller Theatre convention at the Hilton Parsippany, NJ on Oct 30, 2021.
When asked if The Lucid will be a touring band “Drew (Fortier) calls me one day and says I’m going to change the header on your Facebook Page and he puts the ‘L’ logo. He did and apparently it made international news, people seem to be interested so thank you for that. From there we started throwing some songs out just to test the waters cause we planned on releasing (an Album) in October 2021, from there people seemed to really like it. Phones are ringing to our agents, so he is actually booking some shows for us with shows overseas as well. So there are definitely some live performances.”
What is next for The Lucid “It’s funny we actually have a drop box full of new ideas” David Ellefson “Album number two is in the works” Drew Fortier
When asked about the movie ‘Dwellers’ produced by Ellefson and directed by Fortier “Drew calls me up and says hey do you want to get involved with this and I said sure you know me and my motto always is say yes, I’m in, why not? ” Ellefson
“I shot it for zero dollars, over five non consecutive days in 2019. I put it together out of love and it’s a super fun thing, it is like C.H.U.D. (1984 Movie) and Blair Witch.” Drew Fortier
When asked if it bothered Ellefson that Megadeth removed his bass tracks on their upcoming Megadeth studio album “They did what they did, I don’t think they had to do that, I asked them not to. But they did what they did.”
When asked if he got the call again would he go back to Megadeth “I don’t have any ill will, him (Mustaine) or them (Megadeth). “
“The Lucid” was produced by Heller and mixed/mastered by Lasse Lammert.
Track listing:
01. Maggot Wind 02. Deaths Of Despair 03. Spoiler Head 04. Hair 05. Maskronaut 06. Damned 07. Breech Boy 08. Pigs And Sons 09. Parade Of Spit
The Lucid is- vocals: Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge) guitar: Drew Fortier bass: David Ellefson drums: Mike Heller (Raven, Fear Factory, Malignancy)
Dwellers is an American found footage horror film written by, directed by, and starring Drew Fortier. The plot of the film follows a documentary crew who eventually go missing while uncovering the truths behind the disappearances within a homeless community. The film stars Drew Fortier, James L. Edwards, and Douglas Esper as themselves.
Platinum-selling, chart-topping rock band BAD WOLVES release their highly-anticipated third album DEAR MONSTERS via Better Noise Music, marking the band’s first full-length release with new singer DL. The project was preceded by the release of first single “Lifeline,” last month, which earned rave reviews for the frontman’s powerful vocals. Loudwire wrote, “DL’s vocals help to bring a soaring and uplifting quality to the track.” The song was met with immediate support from radio and sits currently in the top 10 on U.S. active rock radio. Boasting an impressive 1.5B streams globally, the band continues to grow, reaching over 5M streams across platforms for the first single since its release last month. DEAR MONSTERS is now available for streaming or download here.
To celebrate the release, the band dropped a new music video for album track “If Tomorrow Never Comes.” The song is a reflective statement about whether or not someone needs to make a change in their life, showcasing the band’s poignant lyricism. Other tracks that boast the creative and artistic songwriting and musical heights of the band in its current chapter include, “Springfield Summer,” which explores the need to transition from one part of your life to the next and grapples with the uncertainty that brings, and “In The Middle,” a personal piece of music about the mother and father of band guitarist Doc Coyle. Both of Coyle’s parents passed away within the past year, and the song is about wanting another moment you can’t have, and expressing the endless love that will never be forgotten. See full track listing below.
John Boecklin, co-founding member of Bad Wolves and the band’s drummer, said the following of the new album: “Dear Monsters is an album conceived through a tumultuous 2 year ride. A ride that now represents victory and perseverance as we celebrate its release! Get your hands on this record and dive into our new singer DL, there is a lot to take in and can’t wait for you to hear all of his performances on this one.”
Excited to connect with fans, Bad Wolves are preparing to bring the new album to life on the road next year. They will join Papa Roach and Hollywood Undead for a slate of North America dates. More information on those dates, venues and tickets will be announced soon. They are also set to join Tremonti on their European tour starting in January, hitting major markets including London, Berlin, Milan Glasgow, and more.
In June, the band members John Boecklin [drums], Doc Coyle [lead guitar, backing vocals], Chris Cain [rhythm guitar], and Kyle Konkiel [bass, backing vocals] officially welcomed DL as the new lead singer of BAD WOLVES, saying, “DL is one of the most talented and hard-working people we have ever had the pleasure to know. He is a team player, a creative force, and overall a great human being who fits perfectly with our BW family. It feels incredible to be surrounded with such positive energy and the music we’ve made is certainly reflective of this new-found optimism and collaborative spirit. This new album shows a more cohesive and unique reflection of the band. There is a lot to prove and expectations are high with a new singer coming in. And we nailed it. We are sure you will agree that this is our best album yet.”
DL has carved out an impressive career for himself over the last 15+ years, most notably as a founding member and lead guitarist of metalcore band The Acacia Strain, in which he was a member from 2001 to 2013. A talented songwriter and producer, he’s also worked on projects with All That Remains, Legion, For the Fallen Dreams, and collaborated with Bad Wolves on their 2019 studio album N.A.T.I.O.N., for which he was credited and where the creative relationship with the band started.
Keeping with the theme of the album and its title – about confronting one’s own demons – the band is partnering with U.K. organization the Anti-Bullying Alliance to shed light on the fight against bullying and advocating for mental health awareness. Next month the organization will celebrate their Anti-Bullying Week, with the theme of One Kind Word. Martha Evans, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: “We’re delighted to work with Bad Wolves to shine a spotlight on the impact bullying can have on young people’s lives. We want to spread the message that if you are being bullied or struggling with the consequences of seeing bullying as a child, you are not alone and you can find the support you need.” Fans who watch the music video for “Lifeline” on YouTube will be given the option to participate in the campaign with a link to donate or get involved in other ways. Evans continued: “We’re pleased to be able to work with a band that so many young people look up to, and whose music sends the message loud-and-clear that you don’t have to put up with bullying and you should speak out if it’s happening to you or someone you know.” More information for the Alliance and Anti-Bullying Week can be found below or at: https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week/anti-bullying-week-2021-one-kind-word
Australia’s number one heavy outlaw sleaze rock band, SNAKE BITE WHISKY, release the third single and video off their critically acclaimed second album, Black Candy which was released globally by Sliptrick Records (Europe) on the March 30th, 2021. Creep Show is a celebration of the outcasts of society, the weird and wonderful, strange and sexy. The song sonically twists from outlaw country style vocals on the verses to sleaze metal in the pre-chorus and chorus. The video itself is full of striking black and white visuals and outlandish, dark, sexy characters cavorting to the lounge band from hell. Evocative imagery pulls from classic horror tropes to portray the over the top insanity of the Creep Show and is the sleaze rock anthem for Halloween.
The band state, “We wanted to do something different than our other video’s in style and tone and make it creepy and sexy. The song is about being different and subcultures that exist outside of the mainstream which is where we and a lot of our fans exist so this is for them”.
The video was shot by Josh Hickie and directed by Kyel Golly of the No.One Network who has directed the bands previous video’s for Down In The Dirt, Last Man Standing, Hammered and Choke. Original band member, Nick Dysart returns on guitar for the video with the departure of Laggy from the band prior to the video being shot. The clip was filmed on location in Brisbane, Australia and features performances by Australian models Kannibal Kat, Heaven Arici, Jade Nightshade, K Belle and Harley.
Snake Bite Whisky – Black Candy Black Candy is the thunderous second album from Australian heavy rock band, Snake Bite Whisky. The album was recorded at Lush Studio’s in Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia which has also seen artists such as Jason Bonham, Jimmy Barnes, Jeff Martin and The Red Paintings to name a few. Produced and mixed by Bernie Wedrat, Black Candy features ten tracks of uncompromising heavy sleaze rock with elements of punk, outlaw country and heavy metal. Read more …here
BREED OF AGGRESSION have released the video for their first single “Unmasked”. The video which premiered on BraveWords is now available worldwide on YouTube, watch below.
Their first album, ‘This Is My War’, delivers eight intense tracks produced by Destrophy frontman and guitarist, Ari Mihalopoulos, that boldly announce the arrival of this dynamic duo. ‘This Is My War’ will be released worldwide on Dark Star Records on November 5th, pre-orders are underway now.
Pre-order BREED OF AGGRESSION: https://smarturl.it/Breedofaggression
Scott McClellan talking about the single “Unmasked”, “When Unmasked was written, I had the idea of Painkiller by Judas Priest in my head, I felt I wanted that type of energy in the song, powerful lead solos, killer vocals, Susie brought the fire that song needed & nailed it perfectly, I personally do not like to speak on myself, I’ll let the listeners be the judge of the solo work on the song, to give you an idea of where my mind was at during the writing process was, pretty much bringing the power of a good metal song with an extreme vibe, enjoy my friends.”
Hailing from the Midwest, BREED OF AGGRESSION is a new heavy metal project founded by Scott McClellan and Susie Hoffman Beahm.
An accomplished guitarist and songwriter, Scott McClellan’s solo album Brutal Intentions was released on Dark Star Records in 2019. He is the featured guitarist on ex-Black Sabbath frontman Tony Martin’s forthcoming solo album Thorns, set for 2022 release on Dark Star Records. In addition to Pantera tribute bands Domination and Cemeterygatez: America’s Number One Pantera Tribute Band, Scott has played in The Brain Chiggers and Brotherhood of Spine. McClellan is also an in-demand session guitarist and songwriter.
Susie Hoffman Beahm has been a staple in the music industry for over twenty years, teaming with top manufacturers on instruments that support children’s discovery in the classroom and beyond. An advocate of school music programs and women’s growth in the music industry, Susie frequently volunteers her time toward related causes. She has done session work on a variety of musical projects and is a member of the indie band Natural Oil and Heathen Soul.
This is My War Track List:
Dance With the Devil
Unmasked
This is My War
I am the Enemy
Cicada
Driver of the Nail
We are the Strong
Aftershock
Breed of Aggression is: Scott McClellan – Guitar, Bass, Drums Susie Hoffman Beahm – Vocals
Songwriters: All tracks by Scott McClellan and Susie Hoffman Beahm ASCAP
Produced by Scott McClellan and Susie Hoffman Beahm Mixed and Engineered by Aristotle @ Inner Light Recording Studio Recorded at Dreamography Studio and Inner Light Recording Studio Total Run Time for album 37.28
The Georgian singer/songwriter and rock poet NASH ALBERT was, among others, the frontman of the successful Soviet alternative/indie band Blast (Blast Unit Moscow), the British NME described Blast as “the godfathers of the Russian alternative scene”. In 2013 Killing Joke’s Martin “Youth” Glover produced the most successful Blast album “Krisis Of Genre”. A year later Nash, who still has a flat in Moscow, worked in London with Ian McNabb of The Icicle Works and Ciaron David Bell on his solo album “Rude Beggar”.
However, Nash started his musical career with the band Salamandra in Moscow. In 1991, together with Salamandra, all good friends from the college, Nash went to America for touring and to build up a career. Atlantic Records’ boss Ahmet Ertegun supported him to record his first single. Texas-based English guitarist Alan Shacklock produced the tracks. By then, Shacklock had already achieved anexcellent reputation as a member of the band Babe Ruth and most notably as a producer for the Steve Gibbons Band, Bonnie Tyler, The Alarm and Jeff Beck. In 1994 Salamandra split. While the band went back to Europe, Nash Albert stayed in the US for a few more years.
It wasn’t until 2019 that Salamandra and Nash came full circle again. The old bandmates started composing and arranging song material for a new Nash Albert solo album somewhere deep in the Gregorian mountains. Nash’s co-writer Ric Berie also joined the team, as did recording engineer Ilya Mazaev, who then brought British production legend Tim Palmer (who has also produced Robert Plant, Tears For Fears, Bowie’s Tin Machine, Texas and Tarja Turunen, among others) on board. This is how “Yet” was born. Bob Ludwig then refined the sound of the album with his mastering. “Yet” will be released worldwide on the 28th of January, 2022.
Single “Autumn Rain”: “Autumn Rain” is the first single release from the new album “Yet” by Georgian singer & songwriter and rock poet Nash Albert. Nash was, among others, frontman of the successful Soviet alternative/indie band Blast (Blast Unit Moscow). The British NME described Blast as “the godfathers of the Russian alternative scene”. In 2013 Killing Joke’s Martin “Youth” Glover produced the most successful Blast album “Krisis Of Genre”. A year later Nash, who still has a flat in Moscow, worked in London with Ian McNabb of The Icicle Works and Ciaron David Bell on his solo album “Rude Beggar”.
Tim Palmer produced Nash’s new album “Yet”. The English producer legend has worked together with U2, Robert Plant, Tears For Fears, Bowie’s Tin Machine, Texas and Tarja Turunen as well.
“Yet” was mastered by Bob Ludwig, the first single release “Autumn Rain” is a slightly dreamy, melodic song that perfectly reflects the melancholy of this special season.
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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 ) 