Following the critically acclaimed 2020- debut album, The Funeral Pyre, Sweden based solo-project KVAEN is gearing up for the release of its sophomore album, entitled The Great Below, which will be coming out on March 25 via Black Lion Records.
Founded and led by Jacob Björnfot, this time accompanied by drummer Tommi Tuhkala while Fredrik Andersson (ex Amon Amarth) serves as the live drummer for the band, KVAEN has taken everything to the max and created a successor even more grand than its debut. Featuring eight brand new songs packed with the band’s unique blend of Black Thrash, Pagan and Speed Metal, The Great Below picks up where its predecessor left off, with going even further in every aspect.
In support of the new album, KVAEN just shared a brand new video clip for the record’s title track, with a special guest appearance by none other than Jeff Loomisof mighty Arch Enemy.
Jacob Björnfot comments:“The Great Below is a violent mix of teutonic thrash, melodic black metal and chaotic speed metal and was one of the first songs I wrote for the album. I had the chorus written in my head, the melody was so catchy and when I sang the guitar line it all made perfect sense. The solo performed by Jeff Loomis gave the song a new life! Thank you, Jeff!“
Tracklist:
Cauldron Of Plagues
The Great Below
In Silence
Damnations Jaw
Sulphur Fire
Ensamvarg
Your Mighty Has Fallen
The Fire Within Him Burns
Building on The Funeral Pyre but taking everything to new levels, the upcoming album dosen’t stop surpassing there: KVAEN‘s forthcoming full-length features some high class, special guests on both solos and vocal duets such as Mike Wead, Jeff Loomis, Sebastian Ramstedt, Angus Norder, Nephente Fridell as well as a guest appearance by Finnish folk metal vocalist Vreth of Finntroll for the album closing track The Fire Within Him Burns.
The Great Below was mixed and mastered by Owe Inborr and is available for pre-order at THIS LOCATION
Almost two years after the successful and critically debut EP, Voices, that took the underground scene by storm with its relentless blend of high-adrenaline Death Metal and groovy mid-tempo elements, Belgium’s Deathrashers SCHIZOPHRENIA are gearing up for the release of the band’s highly anticipated debut album. Set for release on February 17th and with nine brand new tracks spanning over 43 minutes, “Recollections Of The Insane” picks up where its predecessor left off, with going even further in every aspect.
Coming in the wake of the release of the album’s first single “Cranial Disintegration” (listen HERE), the four-piece now unleashed the second track “Sea Of Sorrow”, which is “a track that is a little bit of everything” as guitarist Romeo Promos Promopoulos states.”It grabs you by the throat and keeps squeezing every bit of air out. Taking you thru a journey about the darkest place a person can lose itself in. In the writing process we wanted to accomplish a merciless track that’s perfectly balanced with melodies and crazy tempo changes to really accentuate the feeling and emotion of it all. This is definitely one of my personal favourites from the album“.
Guitarist Marty Van Kerckhoven continues:”Raging at 230 beats per minute, Sea Of Sorrow is definitely one of the fastest, most brutal songs on the record. A long, complex composition process that merged elements of death metal, thrash metal and even incorporated oriental scales yielded a unique, heavy and progressive song. Rapid riffs paired with the slower, rhythmic middle section resulted in a composition that tells a story which provides a dismal, enigmatic atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed pushing our boundaries and challenging our compositional creativity along with creating compelling melodies for the lead sections.“
“Recollections Of The Insane” was produced by Francesco Paoli of Fleshgod Apocalypse and mixed/mastered at Y-PRODUCTION by Yarne Heylen and is available for pre-order at THIS LOCATION
January 14, 2022 will see Czech psy-core metal masters DYMYTRY release their sixth and first international studio album, Revolt, on German powerhouse label AFM Records! After well over one thousand concerts in their home country, five successful records to date and a platinum award for their latest release Revolter, Dymytry has opted for a step that is unusual in two respects: Revolt, originally recorded exclusively in Czech, will be the first Dymytry album to also be released in English language, as well as introducing their new, additional singer Alen „A.L.“ Ljubic.!
“Four years ago we came up with the idea of expanding our musical operating radius beyond the Czech Republic. We probably wanted to get out of our comfort zone and try something new and different. After translating a few of our tracks into English, we started to look at the option of playing some shows abroad,” bassist Artur “R2R” Mikhaylov revealed earlier. After a joint single with German act Hämatom in September 2018, both bands went on tour together in October 2018; these were Dymytry‘s first shows outside their home country. Mikhaylov: “The tour proved to us that our music also works for an international audience, and in English.” So the band decided to take this remarkable step, and the band’s first international output, Revolt, will be released on January 14, 2022 through AFM Records. “We want to show to the world that there is great music in the Czech Republic, too,” Mikhaylov explains. “We feel that our first English album is a very strong record, we really put everything into it.“
After the previously released, first single ‘Chernobyl 2.0’, today Dymytry presents a brand new video clip for the blistering album title track Revolt! Says vocalist Alen: “We are stoked to present the opener and also title track of our upcoming international record “Revolt“, a heavy mosher, filled with catchy hooklines and a positive vibe that will get you pumped for even more of our songs, an invitation to become part of our ever growing Dymytry Family! Invoke the Hellions!”
All of the twelve, new album tracks on Revolt practically burst with a high-voltage energy, strong melodies and powerful rhythms driven by mercilessly modern metal. There’s every sign of a storm brewing when Dymytry, featuring its three main songwriters Mikhaylov, Jiri “Dymo” Urban and Jan “Gorgy” Görgel (both guitar) as well as with exciting guest appearances by Joakim Lindbäck Eriksson of Brothers Of Metal and ex- Rage guitarist Victor Smolski, will present its successful Revolt album to an international audience for the first time. Dymytry will continue to work with vocalist Protheus in the Czech Republic and with Alen on the international market, especially since the band think highly of both frontmen. Says Mikhaylov: “We’re really happy with how Alen has recorded the vocals on the ‘Revolt’ album. He has a fantastic and versatile voice, a broad range and really good energy, a combination which has infused our material with a new dimension and lots of power. Also he’s very passionate about the band, so we’re grateful to have him on board. Protheus is also an awesome front man with a charismatic voice, plus he’s got a huge talent for writing lyrics with a lot of depth and hidden meaning. In addition, he’s a dab hand at leading the audience.”
Revoltwas produced by Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner & Hans Koch at the Kohlekeller / Babylon Studios, and will be available as CD Digipak and exclusive Boxset on January 14, 2022 via AFM Records. You can pre-order your copy now at THIS LOCATION!
Tracklisting:
Revolt
Stronger
300 (Feat. Joakim Lindbäck Eriksson – Brothers Of Metal)
Never Gonna Die
Rise And Shine
Awaking The Monster
Until The World Knows Why
Touchdown
Tick Tock
Hope
Somebody’s Watching Me (Feat. Victor Smolski / ex-Rage, Almanac)
Moldovan progressive modern metal unit INFECTED RAIN have been turning heads in the metal world this fall with the next chapter of their metamorphosis – their otherworldly fifth album, Ecdysis, out January 7, 2022 via Napalm Records.
Following the success of massive new singles/videos “Postmortem Pt. 1” and “Fighter” , today, INFECTED RAIN turn up the heat once more with electrifying third single “The Realm Of Chaos” featuring guest vocals from Heidi Shepherd of Butcher Babies! The recent tour-mates provide a decimating dual vocal attack as the track pummels and bends with raging riffs and urging drums.
Frontwoman Lena Scissorhands says about “The Realm Of Chaos”:
“‘The Realm Of Chaos’ was inspired by the massive depression we all lived in 2020, dedicated to the lost nation and confused society we live in. Together with my friend Heidi from Butcher Babies, we implore everyone to stop running and start seeing the tragic reality we all live in.”
Guest vocalist Heidi Shepherd adds:
“INFECTED RAIN have quickly become one of my favorite bands with some of my favorite people. It’s an honor to scream alongside Lena and the boys in their latest single. Everything IR touches turns to gold; this song and video are no exception. Over the past two years, this has been the feature that has been requested more times that I can count. Can’t wait to give the fans what they want in ‘The Realm of Chaos’!”
Watch the official music video for “The Realm Of Chaos”HERE:
INFECTED RAIN have become one of the most exciting new acts in the heavy music world, with charismatic, multi-talented frontwoman Lena Scissorhands emerging as one of the fastest-rising leading ladies of the genre. Now, the band arises from the dark depths once again – freshly off their very first tour of the USA with Butcher Babies and Stitched Up Heart. Produced once again by Valentin Voluta, Ecdysis successfully demonstrates ultramodern brutality without sacrificing emotion and melody – showcasing a new layer of INFECTED RAIN that longtime followers and new fans alike will embrace.
Frontwoman Lena Scissorhands adds about Ecdysis: “While the whole world was in a deep depression, Ecdysis was slowly but surely maturing. The time in isolation away from all our plans and goals, away from loved ones and the stage, brought out something so new and different in us. A new chapter starts with this album, a chapter of raw emotions and complete commitment.”
Tracks like “Fighter” bring out the ruthlessness of the band in full force with hardcore levels of aggression, inciting a tornado of rhythms and provoking lyricism beckoning the listener to stay focused in the here-and-now and fight! Featuring tough-as-nails Butcher Babies vocalist Heidi Shepherd, sonically slaughtering single “The Realm Of Chaos” pummels and bends as it decimates with a mosh-attack unlike any other on Ecdysis. Noteworthy standouts like “Longing” and “These Walls” ransack with instant angst while showcasing some of the most varying guitar work on Ecdysis – fluxing between churning grooves, towering leads, technical effects and ominous chords – while selections such as “Everlasting Lethargy”, “November” and “Never The Same” boast some of Lena Scissorhands’ most eclectic vocal performances amid ripping pit-worthy metalcore and dazzling electronic passages. Examples of stunning, dynamic songwriting manifest with honest offerings like the impressive “Goodbye”, haunting “Showers” and threatening album closer “Postmortem Pt. 2” (shortly advanced by sneaking electro-interlude “Nine, Ten”). The finisher encapsulates the album’s ethereal, immense quality while connecting back to its start like a sonic ouroboros.
Violinist, composer, ethnomusicologist TUOMAS ROUNAKARI has revealed more on his inspirations and research behind the upcoming “Bear Awakener” album.
Two new videos have been published in Rounakari’s YouTube Channel. The first episode tells about the first explorers in Siberia from the 17th century onwards and what made the Finnish explorers different from others. The second episode gives an example of archive studies and what makes the archived materials inspiring. In the middle of it all we learn about bear related myths and ceremonies of the indigenous Khanty and Mansi people as well as the pre-christian Finns.
Before Christmass there will be a chance to hear an actual wax cylinder recording from 1905. An example of an original Bear Awakening song. The channel naturally has his original music as well and more music will be uploaded in near future.
Just recently TUOMAS ROUNAKARI launched the “Bear Awakener” crowdfunding campaign, which reached its goal in less than 12 hours! Also check out a crowdfunding video, telling more details about “Bear Awakener” and its meaning, the video can be seen at https://igg.me/at/bearawakener.
Planned release date of “Bear Awakener” is on March 13th 2022! According to an ancient Finnish bear calendar this date marked the end of winter hibernation and awakening of the bears. The crowdfunding runs until January 2th, 2022, here: https://igg.me/at/bearawakener
What is “Bear Awakener”? The name Bear Awakener comes from specific songs sung in order to awaken the bear. This album dives deep into the bear myths and is designed to re-awaken or cherish anyones connection with this mythical entity.
The myth of a bear’s origin is identical among the Finns and the indigenous Khanty and Mansi people. Both cultures run ceremonial Bear feasts that last several days. Many songs, dances and plays are performed in honor of the bear. Tuomas Rounakari has studied the bear feast songs of all of these cultures. There are thousands of verses containing bear related myths in the vast archives of Finland and the tradition is now returning among the Khanty and Mansi.
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.
Have a look at the 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. The place has unfortunately decayed without much needed preservation. 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.
CARR JAM -21 is back with their second single from there self-titled debut EP and this track features legendary singer Jesper Binzer (D-A-D) on lead vocals and Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper) on guitar together with members from Bonafide, Velvet Insane and Electric Boys.
The track is a cover of the KISS classic ”Love Her All I Can”.
”Great to be allowed to get right into an ultimate 70’s number – both classic and naive at the same time. Exactly where glam rock starts to get cool!! – thank you and enjoy!” – Jesper Binzer
Jesper Binzer
Carr Jam – 21 is a project to celebrate the legacy of the late Eric Carr (KISS 1980-1991). Eric tragically passed away 30 years ago, and we wanted to do something special.
Together with some of the most well-known and KISS inspired musicians, we have recorded 2 songs written by Eric Carr + 2 KISS songs.
The people behind the project are: Dregen (The Hellacopters, Backyard Babies), Gustav Kronfelt (video producer), Jolle Atlagic (Electric Boys, The Quill), Jesper Lindgren (Velvet Insane), Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper/Slash’s Snakepit) Åge Sten Nielsen (WigWam), Philip Shouse (Accept, Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons), Jesper Binzer (D-A-D) and Martin Ekelund (Bonafide).
Second single ’Love Her All I Can’ is out now and the EP will be released 7/1, 2022.
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 