Electro Prog Sensation VOYAGER will transmit to the universe a special edition online show direct from Perth, Western Australia this September. Following the success of their debut online show that served fans during the first lockdown, Voyager have now expanded their horizons and announced a unique once in a lifetime performance that spans the band’s extensive career.
‘A Voyage Through Time’ sees Perth’s premiere Progressive Metal outfit Voyager present a one of a kind visual and aural performance that outlines the progression of their musical career. An online live experience with full production, a journey across two decades and seven albums with a fan-voted set list, seeks to explore a new and enhanced approach to the band’s live show serving to grab the attention of both their Australian and international fan base, and as a tribute to the songs that have stayed with fans over time.
The show will air on Sunday, September 5, a date which celebrates the Voyager 1 Spacecraft that was launched by NASA. This is a Voyage that won’t be forgotten. Save the date.
More details and set list to be announced in due course.
Frontman Danny Estrin comments “Voyager will return to the world stage in full force this September for a cosmic show that spans the entirety of our career. Inspired by a fan curated set list, and songs that we haven’t performed in years, we’re plotting an insane live production that displays the progression of our music over the course of two decades and seven albums. We’re here to deliver a show that is truly A Voyage Through Time. Expect Voyager live like you have never seen us before.”
VOYAGER’s 2019 release ‘Colours in the Sun’ can be downloaded and streamed HERE.
Swedish melodic death metal pioneers AT THE GATES released yesterday their newest studio album “The Nightmare Of Being” worldwide via Century Media Records.
To enhance the album’s street date, check out the title-track “The Nightmare Of Being” in a video-clip directed by Patric Ullaeus / www.rEvolver.se (Arch Enemy, In Flames, Dimmu Borgir, etc.) here:
AT THE GATES vocalist Tomas Lindberg Redant commented as follows: “One of the key tracks on the album, this one is really dark and haunting, with some classic old school AT THE GATES harmonies thrown in. I guess some of you have already read up on the concept of the album, this one is the introduction to said concept, introducing the main idea that mankind’s consciousness is the ghost of our nightmares, the plague that drives us to our own extinction. I am really happy that Patric Ullaeus got the chance to, once again, interpret the dark themes of our music with his video. He really gave this a special feeling, which I think goes really well with the theme of the abyss of the human soul. Today you can also, finally, listen to the whole album! Dive in! It is, as said before, the most rich, cinematic, textured, layered, progressive and dynamic album we have ever written. Thanks for listening!”
Also check out the previously released videos/singles off “The Nightmare Of Being” here:
In other news, AT THE GATES are launching a free full album stream premiere event to celebrate the release of “The Nightmare Of Being” today, Saturday, July 3rd at 8 PM CEST (2 PM EDT) on YouTube. AT THE GATES vocalist Tomas Lindberg Redant will be part of the chat for this exclusive album premiere, so feel free to join here:
While main parts for “The Nightmare Of Being” were recorded in Sweden at several different studios – Drums at Studio Gröndal with Jens Bogren, guitars and bass with Andy La Rocque at Sonic Train Studio and vocals at Welfare Sounds with Per Stålberg -, the album was mixed and mastered at Fascination Street Studios (Amon Amarth, Opeth, Kreator, etc.) by Jens Bogren, who has previously worked with AT THE GATES on their “At War With Reality” comeback album from 2014. The album’s visual concept was developed by artist Eva Nahon.
The tracklisting of “The Nightmare Of Being” (45:44 min.) is as follows:
Spectre of Extinction (4:49)
The Paradox (4:43)
The Nightmare of Being (3:49)
Garden of Cyrus (4:25)
Touched by the White Hands of Death (4:07)
The Fall into Time (6:45)
Cult of Salvation (4:24)
The Abstract Enthroned (4:26)
Cosmic Pessimism (4:31)
Eternal Winter of Reason (3:38)
The tracklisting for the live bonus (35:39 min.) is as follows:
Red (King Crimson cover, Live at Roadburn) (03:22)
The Scar (Live at Roadburn) (03:08)
Koyaanisqatsi (Philip Glass cover, Live at Roadburn) (03:37)
The Burning Darkness (Live at Roadburn) (02:29)
Daggers of Black Haze (Live in Stockholm) (04:48)
Death and the Labyrinth (Live in San Francisco) (03:37)
A Stare Bound in Stone (Live in in San Francisco) (04:09)
AT THE GATES have announced a string of shows in their home territory of Sweden for December to promote “The Nightmare Of Being”. Here are all currently confirmed dates, also including a few first festival appearances:
AT THE GATES – Live 2021 / 2022:
13.08.2021 Kortrijk (Belgium) – Alcatraz Festival 02.10.2021 Larvik (Norway) – Spetakkel Festivalen 02.12.2021 Uppsala (Sweden) – Katalin 03.12.2021 Norrköping (Sweden) – Dynamo 04.12.2021 Karlstad (Sweden) – Nöjesfabriken 07.12.2021 Göteborg (Sweden) – Trägårn 09.12.2021 Stockholm (Sweden) – Slaktkyrkan 10.12.2021 Huskvarna (Sweden) – Folkets Park 11.12.2021 Gävle (Sweden) – Gefle Metal Winter fest 05.02.2022 Fredericia (Denmark) – Metal Magic Winter Festival 17.06.2022 Clisson (France) – Hellfest 23.06.2022 Nummijärvi (Finland) – Nummirock Festival 15.07.2022 Gävle (Sweden) – Gefle Metal Festival
While ‘Mystai Keltoy‘ continues to have great reviews around the world, today Italian legendary Speed/thrash metallers CELTIC HILLS release their new official video ‘The 7 Headed Dragon of Osoppo‘, taken from the band’s new album ‘Mystai Keltoy’, released on May 15th 2021 via Elevate Records.
Watch the video ‘The 7 Headed Dragon of Osoppo’, here:
Jonathan, the band’s frontman stated: “The video is a mix between a ‘making of’ and a real live video and which was also a fun for the band during its making, as you can see. The song is inspired by the legend of the Dragon of Osoppo, a terrible seven-headed dragon that afflicted the local population and made their life impossible until a hermit managed to free them from this terrible slavery by killing the dragon.”
Everything “Mystai Keltoy” (which is an enigmatic name that alludes to the Eleusian Mysteries) is inspired by themes ranging from ancient alien civilizations, European pyramids, legends and historical facts of Friuli, as you can already guess from the album cover. The disc was recorded and produced at the Groove Factory in Udine by Michele Guaitoli, a prominent name for being the lead singer of Temperance, Vision of Atlantis, Era.
“Mystai Keltoy” Tracklist: The Light Blood is not water The tommorrow of our sons The 7 heads dragon of Osoppo Landing of the Gods Already lost Falling stars Battle of Frigidum Eden (sung by Germana Noage) Temple of love Alliteratio (sung in Italian)
The formation of the power trio is Simone Cescutti on drums, Jacopo Novello on bass and Jonathan Vanderbilt on vocals and guitars. The cover is hand painted by Sheila Franco, the same girl who painted Blood Over Intents, and represents the myth of the ancient visitors. Jonathan Vanderbilt played and recorded the album with Panico Custom instruments, the Italian sponsor of custom lutherie of Luca Panico di Ravenna, a guitar specially created with the specifications requested by the Canadian guitarist.
CELTIC HILLS were born in 2010, in 2020 they sign a recording contract with Elevate Records with which they release the album “Blood over Intents” and the EP “Schrage Musik” both in 2020. In 2021 another album is out “Mystai Keltoy” produced and recorded by Michele Guaitoli singer of Temperance, Vision of Atlantis and Era. The style played is difficult to place in a single vein of metal, as there are many influences ranging from death to power, with sound elements that can also recall a certain type of 90’s thrash. The singing is quite varied, and for some listeners it may seem unusual in a metal band. power, speed and good melodic lines distinguish the band from others. Between 2010 and 2020 they released “Horns helmet fighters” and for the Slovak Music Globalliance they came out on international compilations on volumes 2,3,4.
Celtic Hills are Lord of the voice: Jonathan Vanderbilt Lord of the bass: Jacopo Novello Lord of the drums:Simone Cescutti
Split Screen Management has a huge pleasure to announce the signing of the Los Angeles based metalcore rockers STEREO TRAGEDY! Furthermore the band unveils that their self-titled debut album will come out end of summer/early fall 2021, feat. Bjorn “Speed” Strid on vocals. In addition, ST’s first single will be unleashed soon.
Watch the band’s announcement promo video here:
The band on signing: “Stereo Tragedy is pleased to announce its signing with Split-Screen Management & Productions! With an extensive background in management, promotions, booking, and film production, Split Screen seemed to be a “one-stop-shop” that could truly handle the introduction of the band, as well as steer us in the right direction as we begin this exciting journey!
“They were confident, responded in a timely fashion, and were very kind and professional. They’ve made modifications for their bands due to the pandemic and I could see they were “forward-thinking” so it made it a pretty easy decision to do business with them.” says Jacob, guitarist of the band.
“Now managed by Split-Screen, fans can expect a release of the debut album (out end of summer/early fall 2021) and should be looking for Stereo Tragedy to be in a city near you in Spring of 2022!”
Split Screen adds: “We’re excited to work with ST. These hard-working guys have great potential to conquer the stages wherever they play. The fans can expect big things to come. Stay tuned!”
Stereo Tragedy was birthed 4 July 2019 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after Jacob Bibee (guitarist, former Sever Your Ties) had a conversation reminiscing of the olden days in the metal scene with James “jimbo” Thomas. Following that conversation, another conversation was had with Amanda, Jacob’s wife, and it was evident that it was time for Jacob to make his reemergence into the music world after a 15 year hiatus.
After 6 months later, after many sleepless nights in the studio and intense composition trying to hone the correct sound for the band, the pandemic hit and the music industry essentially shut down. Jacob being solution oriented, decided to find a way that this whole world meltdown could be beneficial, and that’s when it happened.
Jacob noticed the infamous Bjorn “Speed” Strid post on social media that his bands (Soilwork, Donna Cannone, The Night Flight Orchestra) would no longer be touring for the foreseeable future. Jacob knew that Bjorn had often done guest appearances for bands, but Jacob decided to push the idea of Bjorn actually doing the entire album. After hearing a few songs, Bjorn agreed to do the album as a guest appearance, not as a permanent member, as he is completely busy and in step with his many great projects.
As the project began to unfold, it was time to bring in trusted and respected members into the fold. Jacob then contacted none other than Matt Cohen (bassist, NEW LANGUAGE) and Ryan Severino (drummer, former Scars Of Tomorrow). This was a very easy decision to contact these two as Jacob and Ryan played in a band in South Orange County, CA in the early 2000s, and Matt Cohen’s old bands used to share the stage with Jacob and Ryans bands back then as well.
With the agreement of Matt and Ryan to come on board, and a complete shutdown in Jacobs business ventures due in part to Covid-19, Jacob packed his bags and headed back to his great state of California to be closer to Matt and Ryan in Southern California.
The self-titled debut album was completed in Spring of 2021 and was mixed and mastered by none other than Thomas “Plec” Johansson of The Panic Room in Sweden. The album is set to release late summer 2021.
Once the album has been released, the band will then fill and announce the members of the two remaining roles: vocalist and guitarist.
GENTLE SAVAGE released their debut album “Midnight Waylay“, on June 17th via Bandcamp. Today the band has unleashed their new dark and heavy single ‘Personal Hades‘, available on all the major streaming platforms.
Lead vocalist Tornado on ‘Personal Hades’: ‘PERSONAL HADES is on the dark and heavy side of Gentle Savage’s repertoire. We feel as natural with old school rock tunes like LOVIN’ AIN’T EASY as we do with these heavier more modern and even slightly proggressive tunes. Midnight Waylay album is a rollercoaster with it’s mood changes. PERSONAL HADES really kicks in with force making way to what’s happening later on the album. Welcome to the Lands of Hades’.
Earlier he revealed: “If the King of Hades starts to play electric guitar riffing and torturing souls, it might sound something like this… Personal Hades is a story about mental and spiritual suffering. No help at sight, the narrator walks through the lands of Hades and cries for a rescue. Hades is used as a metaphor for the mindscape that exists inside a persons head when he/she is facing deep desperation at it’s worst.”
Tornado on “Midnight Waylay” album: “Midnight Waylay depicts a ‘taking it easy in the daytime, turning into a beast at night’ kind of lifestyle. Just like a hunter strikes from the shadows, ruthless and silent, these songs can without warning rock your world. As a concept the album Midnight Waylay is best appreciated when served whole, but each song has its own character and works well independently. Find your own adventure, let yourself loose!”
Kimmo Kuusniemi, Godfather of Finnish heavy metal, on Gentle Savage’s debut album “Midnight Waylay”: “Listening to Gentle Savage reminds me of Deep Purple! That’s not bad at all!”
Tornado stated on the album coverart: “TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY Isn’t it strange that when you get something really big done you are at the same time relieved and a bit confused?! That’s how it feels like right now. Our debut album is ready for release, coming out on June 17th via our Bandcamp page, and now we are proud to reveal the MIDNIGHT WAYLAY album cover to the world. The cover art was created by our friend, graphic art wizard Vin Valentino. Vin and vocalist Tornado created the Midnight Waylay world based on Tornado’s visions of a Rock Band descending down to earth using a ‘stairway to heaven’. That’s Tornado’s way of showing his gratitude to the old great ones who showed the Rock’n Roll way for latter generations to roll. “
“It is all about the songs. And their internal message. That’s the basic philosophy behind Gentle Savage.”
GENTLE SAVAGE are: Tornado Bearstone, songwriter, vocals and guitar Jay B, drums and backing vocals Vance Bead, bass and backing vocals Tim O`Shore, guitar and backing vocals Theo van Boom, keyboards and backing vocals
’Treat yourself and let our magic in. We’ll take care of the rest’.
Band promo photo by Timo Soasepp Artcovers by Vin Valentino
Just recently, virtuosic extreme metallers, OBSCURA announced that their sixth studio album “A Valediction” will see the light of day on November 19th and that they are ready to hit the road with their upcoming European tour in autumn. Today it is time for the first single and video from their new masterpiece, called “Solaris”
Founder & mastermind Steffen Kummerer comments on the track as follows: “Solaris” turned out to become one of the band’s shortest and utmost direct compositions featuring all trademarks, lots of attitude and melodic approach. Flattering guitar work, pushing drums and swinging bass lines combined with a relentless vocal performance and ultrasonic leads became easily a highlight of “A Valediction”.
The video has been directed by Mirko Witzki and you can watch it here:
“A Valediction” will be available in various formats and is now finally up for pre-order and pre-save via this link: https://bfan.link/Obscura
Mixed and mastered by award-winning producer Fredrik Nordström, “A Valediction” is due to be released on November 19th and the band will head out for their European tour right away.
Chief Shock Video
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
Ads
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
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 