Doom Act CAVERN DEEP have released a cover of Frank Zappa‘s legendary song “Muffin Man” which premiered via Doomed & Stonedhere.
Cavern Deep adds – “This is an homage to the great Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart’s masterpiece “The Muffin Man”. We came up with the idea of doing this cover late at night whilst inspecting some beverages, and it still felt like a good idea the day after, so we recorded it. The tone is not as serious as in our S/T debut album, which is the point. We aim to show that Cavern Deep will aim to be more than just a cave dwelling doom act.”
The track has also been released on the bands YouTube channel here:
Two Years after the successful and critically debut album, The Funeral Pyre, that took the underground scene by storm with its unique mix of elements of Black Thrash, Pagan and Speed Metal, today Sweden based solo- project KVAEN, founded by Jacob Björnfot, has announced its upcoming, sophomore album. The Great Below will be released as LP, CD, Tape and Digital formats on March 25, 2022 through Black Lion Records.
KVAEN quickly established itself in within the heavy music underground community and had the audience in a firm grip. Yet the first record continues to hold a special place for many, with the new album perfectly entitled The Great Below. KVAEN has taken everything to the max and created a successor even more grand than its debut, the blades are sharpened and the sound is bigger and brutally heavier than ever. Today, KVAEN has shared a first album sneak peak, check out the brand new teaser here:
Building on The Funeral Pyre but taking everything to new levels with its 8 blistering album tracks, this time accompanied by drummer Tommi Tuhkala while Fredrik Andersson (ex Amon Amarth) serves as the live drummer for the band, the 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 Weed, Jeff Loomis, Sebastian (Battle ), Angus Norder, Nephente, 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 the pre-sale just started at THIS LOCATION!
After destroying the metal world with their recent cracking singles ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Your God’ and ‘Ashes and Fire’, LAST TEMPTATION are set to launch another aural assault with their new single ‘Stronger Than Fate’, an absolute traditional metal scorcher and will be in the running for the best pure metal song of 2021.
‘Stronger Than Fate’ is a fast paced, Ozzy Osbourne-style track with a chanting chorus and shredding guitars. The track describes people who feel they can do anything, be stronger than anyone and seem to forget that they can’t beat death.These people do or say stupid things and believe nothing can reach them until their day comes to face the music.
LAST TEMPTATION are setting the Metal world on fire with their traditional metal onslaught and are definitely set for bigger things. This is metal how it should be, super musicianship, soaring vocals and anthemic tunes.
The first important step has been mastered effortlessly; now Last Temptation are going the whole hog. Following their successful album debut and enthusiastic reviews in countless music rags, shows with bands such as Dream Theater, plus festivals such as Hellfest, the band surrounding guitarist Peter Scheithauer (Killing Machine, Belladonna, Temple of Brutality) and vocalist Butcho Vukovic (Watcha) is all set to embark on the second stage of its career in summer 2021. Last Temptation have signed a new record deal with Crusader Records/Golden Robot Records and are ready to present several new singles between June 2021 and January 2022, followed by their brand-new album Fuel for my Soul in February 2022.
“You can feel that we’ve made a major step forward, both as a live band and as songwriters, all thanks to the shows we’ve played so far.”– Peter Scheithauer
Talking of the new line-up: In bassist Julien Rimaire (Los Dissidentes Del Sucio Motel) and drummer Vince Brisach (Mitch Ryder), along with Scheithauer and Vukovic, the band have a whole new rhythm section supporting them on Fuel for my Soul. While Last Temptation’s self-titled debut still boasted a number of international guests, such as Bob Daisley, Vinny Appice, Stet Howland, James Lomenzo, Don Airey and Rudy Sarzo, the band now consists exclusively of European musicians. “This step was necessary to make Last Temptation more flexible when it comes to the organizational side,” explains Scheithauer. “The new line-up makes it so much easier to rehearse spontaneously, play gigs at short notice and prepare album productions.”
No doubt about it: Last Temptation have grown into an even tighter unit, musically as well as logistically, and are positively bursting with enthusiasm. The songwriting team consisting of Scheithauer and Vukovic, together coming up with 16 tracks for Fuel for my Soul, eleven of which have made it onto the album. They range from uptempo numbers such as ‘Stronger Than Fate’ and ‘Free Strong And Loud’ to the Black Sabbath-esque ‘Going Crazy’ and the ballad ‘In The Mirror’. The choice of subjects covered by songwriter Vukovic on the new offering is similarly interesting. “‘I Don’t Wanna Be Your God’, for example, has God addressing mankind to explain that he no longer feels responsible for them due to the alarming way they have been treating each other. He says, ‘Sorry, but I’m giving up’!
A clear contrast to the band’s philosophy, especially with regard to their fans. “At our shows, we always pay close attention to what kind of songs go down best with our audience, which is something that Fuel for my Soul definitely benefits from. Our upcoming tours – which will hopefully happen soon – will prove how well the new numbers fit into our live set. I hope we’ll see you when we’re back on tour!” – Peter Scheithauer
Polish death metal legends VADER have announced “United Titans Tour 2022” with MARDUK in UK + Ireland, kicking off on January 6th in London!
The band stated: “VADERMANIAX !!! It’s a huge pleasure to announce “UNITED TITANS TOUR 2022” organized together with Massive Music and our Friends form Marduk! This time we answer the call of UK and Ireland . So we will bring a special set to the Islands \m/ However – more are to come real soon….”
Just recently VADER announced the second part of the “De Profundis” tour, kicking off in December 2021, supported by MONUMENT OF MISANTHROPY and guests.
DE PROFUNDIS XXV ALBUM REEDITION TOUR 2021 – part 2 VADER MONUMENT OF MISANTHROPY & GUESTS 07.12.2021 (POL) Krosno / Iron Klub 08.12.2021 (SK) Kosice / Coloseum 09.12.2021 (ROM) Cluj Napoca / FormSpace 10.12.2021 (ROM) Bucarest / Quantic Club 11.12.2021 (TUR) Istanbul / Tbc 12.12.2021 (BUL) Sofia / Mixtape 5 14.12.2021 (MAC) Skopje / Tbc 15.12.2021 (SER) Belgrad / Dom Omladine 16.12.2021 (CRO) Zagreb / Mocvara 17.12.2021 (SLO) Ljubljana / Orto Bar 18.12.2021 (HUN) Budapest / Analog 19.12.2021 (SK) Bratislava / Randal
VADER released their 16th studio album “Solitude In Madness” on May 1st 2020 via Nuclear Blast.
Cornwall-based roots rock band WILLE & THE BANDITS release their fifth studio album When The World Stood Still on January 28, 2022, on their independent label, Fat Toad Records. The album is now available to pre-order from www.willeandthebandits.com/shop.
The first single Will We Ever is released Friday November 5 and can be streamed from https://ingroov.es/will-we-ever-hk9-a. The Will We Ever music video can be viewed HERE.
This is about an album that documents a time when the world stood still, recorded in a place only accessible on the high tide, on the banks of the river Fowey; one of Britain’s most iconic recording studios that is coming to the end of an influential life. This could be the last album recorded at Sawmills, funded by the fans of a band considered one of the most exciting and successful independent acts in Europe,
It is no exaggeration to state that Sawmills Studio, with the artistry of John Cornfield, has produced some of the most ground-breaking albums of the last 30 years; Stone Roses’ Fools Gold, Oasis’ Definitely Maybe, Supergrass’ In It For The Money, Robert Plant’s The Fate of Nations, Muse’s Showbiz, and now Wille & The Bandits’ When the World Stood Still stands alongside as one of equal mastery.
Wille & The Bandits are a band who do not stop pushing boundaries. They were in the process of carving out a reputation as one of the UKs most original acts when the impacts of the pandemic led to a cease of touring. Wille and the Band got stuck into song-writing and an album was written; A group of powerful anthemic songs, who’s melodies and lyrics resonate with the emotions of a time that none of us expected.
“It had always been a dream for me to record at Sawmills,” says Wille Edwards, the band’s lead singer, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist. “I was devastated at the thought that another piece of music history was being repurposed away from a place of inspiration for the arts.”
“However,” continues Wille, “there was a suggestion of fate when a friend took me night fishing at a secret spot, that just happened to be in the Foy River, looking across to this wonderfully situated building; one that we all know, even if we don’t realise it, from a childhood of reading Wind in the Willows. This set me on a hunt to find out if there was still a chance to record one last album at Sawmills with the man behind all the iconic albums recorded there – Mr John Cornfield. To fund this enterprise, we turned to our unbelievable fans who made the dream happen, and who we are eternally grateful, too”
Wille & The Bandits have so far recorded five studio albums to critical acclaim and are credited with pushing the boundaries of roots rock into a new era of music lovers. They were listed in the top ten must see bands at Glastonbury Festival by BBC Radio One and were personally invited to perform on the German TV show Rockpalast – a musical institution of global import.
They have played festivals across the world, from Broadway to the West End, and Belgrade to Sydney. They were picked to perform at the London Olympics after being voted one of UK’s best live acts.
The first single from the album, Will We Ever, features Wille’s signature slide guitar playing and powerful vocals. It mourns the loss of performing as a band, and asks the question; will the world ever be the same?
The combination of one of the country’s best live bands, best producer and iconic recording studios has produced something very special with the forthcoming release of When The World Stood Still.
LINE-UP
Wille Edwards – Lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, dobro, electric lap steel Harry Mackaill – Backing vocals, bass guitar, synthesizer Matthew Gallagher – Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes, piano, Mellotron, guitar, b. vocals Tom Gilkes – Drums and percussion
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Recorded at Sawmills Studio Engineered and Mixed by John Cornfield Produced by Wille & The Bandits and John Cornfield All songs written by Edwards, Mackaill, Gallagher, Gilkes Mastered by Lewis Hopkin at Star Delta Mastering
ALBUM TRACK LISTING
Caught In The Middle (3.57) I’m Alive (6.22) Without You (8.33) Good Stuff (4.56) In This Together (3.42) Will We Ever (4.25) When The World Stood Still (5.08) Move To Fast (6.05) Broken Words (3.34) Daylight (3.52) Refuge (4.39) Solid Ground (7.55)
ALBUM TRACK BY TRACK
Caught In The Middle This track moves through three distinct genres, mixing hip-hop, folk and rock. Lyrically, it addresses the political turmoil and lack of identity the UK faces as it tries to re-establish itself as a global player. It features an almost Rage Against the Machine guitar riff, washed out with fuzz and octave dirt, mixed with harmonic slide lines which mimic analogue hip hop synth parts. If one song gets close to capturing the band’s genre-straddling sound, this is the one.
I’m Alive The song is from the perspective of someone struggling with depression, who experiences a moment of epiphany which breaks the cycle of depression and who learns what it means to be alive. The song features a huge instrumental section, hinting at more eastern influences, with the use of percussion and exotic scales. The band shows what fantastic singers they all are with a three-way vocal harmony section in the chorus, reminiscent of The Eagles and a more southern rock approach.
Without You Without You is a dark epic ballad which swirls from Stairway to Heaven to Pink Floyd in its musical approach, with a soundscape that wouldn’t be lost on a Tom Waits or Nick Cave record. The lyrics are very much inspired by the loss of a loved one, experienced by too many in this pandemic. Wille’s guitar solo features his signature slide sound soaring like David Gilmore’s, while the band transports the listener into another world. The vocal was done in one take, straight the way through. You can hear the pain and suffering in Wille’s delivery as he screams himself almost hoarse at the end.
Good Stuff A feel-good song with a hypnotic groove and anthemic sing along chorus. The song features Wille on bottleneck slide and grooves almost like an ACDC track with a huge chorus that will get all the WATB fans singing back on the album’s tour. The song asks “What makes you happy? What’s your good stuff?”
In This Together One of the most used phrases of the pandemic; We’re in this together. This track explores how divisive politics and social media fuel a culture of conflict and blame. The song is an up-tempo track which has shades of Tom Petty and a slight tilt towards 90’s Brit Pop.
Will We Ever The band lament over whether they will ever sing on a stage again or return to normal pre-covid time of musical performance. The track almost has a southern rock edge with Wille playing dobro and lap steel as the main guitar, followed by a three-way harmony vocal chorus which has shades of The Allman Brothers.
When The World Stood Still The title track of the album shows s gentler side of the band with Tom on brushes and percussion, Harry on double bass, Matt on Piano and Wille weaving in and out with his beautiful dobro playing. The song showcases Wille’s vocals at the forefront of the song which stands out as one of his best vocal performances to date. Lyrically, the song talks about the beauty experienced by some, of those first few weeks of the lockdown when nature almost took the world back and the common noises of the hustle and bustle lifted to create a stillness and tranquillity.
Move Too Fast Move Too Fast really showcases the musicianship in the band with an almost New York funk-soul vibe running through the song with shades of Little Feat. The guitar solo is clearly inspired by Derek Trucks with the guitar imitating a human voice and the vocals using hip-hop phrasing to create a feel-good atmosphere. The song is about how people need to slow down and reflect on what is important in life and listen to their inner soul rather than external influences.
Broken Words The stuttering chorus imitates the ineloquent and unclear statements released from the podium by our Prime Minister throughout the pandemic. The song has an almost funk edge to it, featuring a percussion break out from Tom Gilkes which uses any kitchen utensils and random objects (such as a bird house), that were at his disposal at the time of recording.
Daylight Daylight is a song about Wille’s second daughter, who’s forceful nature and delightful exuberance bring him such joy (His first daughter had a song on the previous album written about her, so this isn’t favouritism). Don’t expect a soppy track because this one features a huge riff which breaks down into an almost Led Zeppelin type middle eight with thunderous Bonham drums and screaming vocals.
Refuge A refuge is what music is to many people; a life raft which keeps us safe. The song talks about how musicians have been disrespected and disregarded during in the pandemic. At no point has there been consideration that art is a valuable commodity in society. This frustration has been translated into an ethereal, driving melody that shows the influence of Bruce Springsteen and War on Drugs.
Solid Ground A beautiful song which has shades of John Martyn about it. The song focuses on the problems that our children will have with the “code red” warnings for humanity. It is a plea for our children to be able to walk on solid ground. Its features a guitar solo which weeps and howls as if Peter Green has been transported back to planet earth.
WILLE & THE BANDITS MARCH & APRIL 2022 UK TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST TROY REDFERN on all dates *except TICKETS – http://www.willeandthebandits.com
Palladium, Bideford – Friday 4 March 2022 Old Bakery, Truro – Saturday 5 March 2022 Phoenix, Exeter – Sunday 6 March 2022 The Musician, Leicester – Wednesday 9 March 2022 The Flowerpot, Derby – Thursday 10 March 2022 The Bullingdon, Oxford – Friday 11 March 2022 Philharmonic, Liverpool – Saturday 12 March 2022 Continental, Preston – Wednesday 16 March 2022 Bodega, Nottingham – Thursday 17 March 2022 Hug & Pint, Glasgow – Friday 18 March 2022 The Cluny, Newcastle – Saturday 19 March 2022 Elsewhere, Margate – Wednesday 23 March 2022 Junction, Cambridge – Thursday 24 March 2022 The 100 Club, London – Friday 25 March 2022 Thekla, Bristol – Saturday 26 March 2022 Guildhall, Gloucester – Wednesday 30 March 2022 The Greystones, Sheffield – Thursday 31 March 2022 Town Hall, Selby – Friday 1 April 2022 The Tivoli, Buckley – Saturday 2 April 2022 The Star, Guildford – Wednesday 6 April 2022 The Robin, Bilston – Thursday 7 April 2022 Arts Centre, Bridgwater – Friday 8 April 2022 Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon – Saturday 9 April 2022 *Nightrain, Bradford – Thursday 21 April 2022 *The Tivoli, Wimborne – Friday 22 April 2022 *Ropetackle, Brighton – Saturday 23 April 2022
French underground black metal band HELL MILITIA will return with a new album after nearly 10 years of silence. The band’s previous release ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ was released in 2012. The new record will be released via Season of Mist Underground Activists in the first half of 2022.
The band comments: “Hell Militia is back! The new album is a bitter reflection of the years that have passed since the release of Jacob’s Ladder. Always the same, but spiralling out of control into more extreme situations. The new album is the result of bitter days,an even more bitter aftertaste, fanatic unshakable religious faith and urban filth resulting in a toxic cocktail.
Since its founding in the year 1999, the band has been a rising dark star in the underground Black Metal scene. Now their fourth full-length is about to burst unto the world like a black supernova. The French masterfully achieve a unification of old school values such as a harsh and fierce yet accessible songwriting with the new dissonant and ruptured sound which is especially explored in their homeland.
After recruiting like minded spirits HELL MILITIA unveiled themselves first with the split “SPK Kommando” (2001) and a demo named “The Second Coming – Reh” (2003), which won them a record deal. The debut album “Canonisation of the Foul Spirit” (2005) gained the French international attention and critical acclaim. As members of HELL MILITIA were also active in bands such as ARKHON INFAUSTUS, SECRETS OF THE MOON or TEMPLE OF BAAL, their next output appeared after a hiatus of five years.
“Last Station on the Road to Death” (2010) proved to be a success as well as their tours with the likes of ARCHGOAT, BEHEXEN, BLACKLODGE and AOSOTH. This fueled the band’s vision both musically and visually as indicated by the inclusion of a VJ as a permanent member in their line-up. The release of “Jacob’s Ladder” strengthened HELL MILITIA’s position as one of the leading bands in the French Black Metal scene and was followed by several tours in Europe and the US, as well as multiple festival appearances.
After a few years in turmoil and adding some fresh blood into the band, HELL MILITIA is now back with the harsh new album. Taking a much more aggressive stand on this album, the band is now ready to unleash this bitter monument upon the world. The universe of HELL MILITIA smells of urban filth, unshakable religious faith and an extremely bitter after taste.
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 ) 