SOILWORK’s Björn ‘Speed’ Strid Unites With THOR On New Single “Niflhel (Realm Of The Dead)”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 1, 2021
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As a founding member of Swedish metal warriors Soilwork, Björn “Speed” Strid has been a leading figure in the metal world since 1995. Metal deity, THOR, on the other hand, has existed for all eternity, has no beginning nor end, is worshipped by legions of classic metal fans around the world and is about to release a brand-new studio album, his 39th such release, this one entitled Alliance, on July 16! Today, these two mighty giants have united their voices on the epic second single from Alliance, a searing song of sonic devastation, “Niflhel (Realm Of The Dead)” whose lyrics are filled with references to Norse mythology and the after-life. Trading verses as well as harmonizing with each other on the choruses, these two warriors let the vocal sparks fly as a propulsive track of crunchy distorted guitars and pounding drums does its best to contain the metal fury unleashed therein.

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/thor_bjorn_strid

Alliance also includes special guest appearances from W.A.S.P.’s Chris Holmes, Raven vocalist John Gallagher, Danko Jones, Anthrax’s Neil Turbin, Ross “The Boss” Friedman and many more. It features stunning artwork from Timo Wuerz and will be available July 16 on both digital as well as on CD in a digipak and limited-edition silver vinyl in a gatefold jacket! Watch for Thor to launch several shows and festivities in this year as he celebrates this his 39th studio album and an astounding 50 years of metal mayhem as well as co-starring in a feature-length action movie “Pact Of Vengeance,” which will feature music from the new album!

Pre-order the CD & Vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=thor+alliance&post_type=product
Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/thor_alliance_album

Track List:

  1. We Need Musclerock feat. John Gallagher (Raven)
  2. Niflhel (Realm Of The Dead) feat. Björn Strid (Soilwork)
  3. The Ultimate Alliance feat. Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.), Ross “The Boss” Friedman (Manowar), Nina Osegueda (A Sound Of Thunder) & Fang VonWrathenstein (Lords Of The Trident)
  4. Ode To Odin feat. Dan Cleary (Striker)
  5. We Will Fight Forever feat. Neil Turbin (Anthrax)
  6. Because We Are Strong
  7. Rock Around The World feat. Danko Jones
  8. Queen Of The Spiders feat. Frank Soda (The Imps)
  9. Power Hungry
  10. Bounty Hunter feat. Frank Meyer (The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs) & Dennis Post (Warrior Soul)
  11. Battlements feat. Trevor William Church (Haunt)
  12. Thor vs. The Juggernaut (War Of The Gods) feat. Sean Peck (Death Dealer)
  13. Generation Now feat. Joey Killingsworth (Joecephus & The George Jonestown Massacre)
  14. After The Laughter feat. Martin Gummesson (Thundermaker)
  15. Good Stuff feat. Al Harlow (Prism)
  16. Congregate feat. Joey Roads & Sheldon Byer (Roadrash)
  17. We Will Fight Forever (Reprise)

Sublevel Records Announce EXODUS “Pleasures of the Frets: The Guitar Anthology Volume 2” Guitar Book

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 1, 2021
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Sublevel Records will release ‘Pleasures of the Frets: The Guitar Anthology Volume 2’, featuring guitar tab and notation for 12 killer songs from the EXODUS catalog. All songs were transcribed note for note from the original recordings by Heathen/Exodus live guitarist Kragen Lum and Ernie Ball’s Match the Master award winner Evan Bradley. Learn how to play the songs exactly as the band plays them with these 100% accurate transcriptions! Presented in 2 guitar format so you can learn to play every riff and solo just as Gary Holt, Rick Hunolt and Lee Altus played them on the albums. Includes a foreword by Exodus guitar legend Rick Hunolt! 256 pages.

The Deluxe Print Edition of the book also includes an exclusive Exodus Pleasures of the Frets guitar pick and two-sided bookmark set plus a Digital Copy of the book in PDF format. The Deluxe Print Edition is only available through SubLevel Records! Print Edition and eBook also available. Physical books shipping on August 6th. Digital Copy and eBook available now!

Songs Included:
And Then There Were None
Brain Dead
Deathamphetamine
Deranged
Funeral Hymn
Good Day To Die
Impact Is Imminent
Impaler
The Last Act Of Defiance
Only Death Decides
Piranha
Salt The Wound

Pre-order now and download your Digital Copy or eBook immediately, here!

Swedish MAD INVASION Release `Devil´s Calling´ Music Video, Feat. Special Guest Mikkey Dee

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 1, 2021
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Swedish MAD INVASION combines vintage 70’s hard rock influences with a modern approach and soundscape. The vast experience of the band members as musicians, songwriters and performing artists −includes numerous album releases and tours over the years.

In September MAD INVASION release their long awaited debut album entitled ’Edge Of The World’, an album that offers a wide range of heavy songs with bone crushing guitars, airy keyboards, and a dynamic rhythm section – adding the final touches to the very distinct MAD INVASION sound. The three frst videos also feature special guest Mikkey Dee from Motörhead and Scorpions. Join the MAD INVASION journey and rediscover the golden age of rock – in a new suit of armour.

About the song and video

The writing process typically starts with Björn laying down some basic guitar tracks in our studio, to try out a new song idea. Next Pete will get introduced to the song and some ideas for lyrics and arrangements. Once he has a feel for the song he will write the lyrics and the vocals are then recorded. This part of the process is a bit different since Pete likes to record his vocals just to the guitars and a click track – without any backgrounds or effects in his listening. After the vocals, Hal comes into the picture and the recorded tracks are transferred to the computer where the actual music production project is officially born. Hal then adds keyboards, sounds and effects, as well as working with the rhythm section and overall arrangement of the song. At this point the final bass guitar and background vocals are recorded. Throughout recording and production process, the song is continuously iterated within the band for input and ideas until all feel satisfied with the result.

The band had an idea about filming this video in a castle and the local Trolleholm Castle seemed like a good choice since the environment there fitted well with the band´s concept of vintage rock and the song´s theme of demons and angels. As in several of the band´s other videos, both the evil and good angel appear to illustrate the constant battle between the two forces. The fortune teller is also part of the story, warning the band about bad things to come and that these can come at any time. For the intro of the video, the band wanted a reporter to be part of the story, desperately trying to interview the band – but without success. The video features special guest Mikkey Dee in superb form, adding to the visual expression of the song.

Pre-order / Pre-save here: https://linktr.ee/madinvasion

A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS Return with ‘Say You Love Me’, Lead Single From New Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 1, 2021
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Following up on their 2018 their “Ascension” album, A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS return with ‘Say You Love Me’, the lead single from their new album, the second installment of their Orchestral Hits opus. ‘String Theory’ includes 11 new recordings of some of their classic hits and fan favorites.

The ‘Say You Love Me’ single comes with a eight different versions, remixes and a music video. The track is full to the brim of soaring strings, uplifting grooves and widescreen scope. Mikes positive message in the vocals knitting the new recording together with aplomb. Remixes are both of the 80s style “extended” variety and also newly reproduced versions, with Soda Pimps offering a electronic diversion on the track.

A Flock Of Seagulls may well be known for their bizarrely teased haircuts as much as their hit single “I Ran”. A Flock Of Seagulls were one of prime movers in the 80’s new wave era. Growing out of the synth-heavy and ruthlessly stylish new romantic movement. Hairdresser Mike Score (lead vocals, keyboards) formed A Flock Of Seagulls with his brother Ali (drums) and fellow hairdresser Frank Maudsley (bass) in 1980, adding guitarist Paul Reynolds several months later.. “Telecommunication” became an underground hit in Euro-disco and new wave clubs. The band signed a major-label contract with Jive by the end of the year, and their eponymous debut album appeared in the spring of 1982. “I Ran (So Far Away)” was released as the first single from the album, and MTV quickly picked up on its icily attractive video, which featured long shots of Mike Score and his distinctive, cascading hair. The single climbed into the American Top Ten, taking the album along with it. In the UK, “I Ran” didn’t make the Top 40, but “Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)” reached number ten later that year; in America, that single became a Top 40 hit in 1983, after “Space Age Love Song” peaked at number 30. “Wishing” was taken from the group’s second album “Listen” in 1983. The band released 1984’s “The Story of A Young Heart” which fielded the hit “The More You Live, The More You Love”.

A Flock Of Seagulls are famous for their music but also famous for their references in popular culture from TV (Ross’s Haircut in Friends), Computer Games (“I Ran” was the standout track on Grand Theft Auto Radio), Film (The band and haircut are referenced in Pulp Fiction, X-Men and The Wedding Singer) . This cemented the bands reputation and brought the band to a whole new legion of fans.

In 2003, the original line-up of Mike, Ali, Frank and Paul reunited for a one-off performance on the VH1 series Bands Reunited. In September 2004, they reformed again and did a brief tour in the United States. From 2004 to 2021 Mike was as busy as ever touring the band around the world. In 2018 the band appeared on record together for their “Ascension” album. The original members all appear on record together for ‘String Theory’.

Link Tree & Pre-save link: https://ffm.to/stringtheory

TRAGEDY Release Cover of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 1, 2021
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[photo credit: Michael Blase]

Get the party started with the hottest metal tribute to The Bee Gees and beyond! New York based cover song reinventors TRAGEDY sweat glitter with their heavy metal induced interpretation of all time disco, soft-rock and pop favorites on their remastered “best-of” album, Disco Balls to the Wall (out July 30 via Napalm Records), and fuel the party feeling even more with the new single “Sweet Caroline”!

Dive into TRAGEDY’s mind-blowing interpretation of the Neil Diamond anthem, including heavy riffs and organ, and follow the band deep into the woods of their music video. But beware, you might get lost, as you’ll never imagine what happened there…

Watch the story of when TRAGEDY met “Sweet Caroline”HERE:

[Shot in the woods and at the Church of Satan, in Kenvil NJ – Directed by Peter Kohl – Director of Photography: Eric Giovan]

Did TRAGEDY get turned into vampires? And what does Neil Diamond have to do with this?

TRAGEDY says:
“This is the true story of when we went into the woods to shoot a music video, then things turned all Blair Witch and True Blood on us. An unlikely scenario, for sure. But no more unlikely than a metal tribute to the Bee Gees doing a King Neil Diamond song! The chilling tale of when “sweet” Caroline and her creatures set their sights on a group of innocent, handsome, muscular musicians, luring them to their untimely undeaths.”

Pre-Order Disco Balls to the Wall NOW

It doesn’t matter if you love or hate disco or metal – you will unabashedly love TRAGEDY and their bombastic, crazy mix of disco, metal, glitter and revelry! The band’s first offering with Napalm Records will include TRAGEDY’s unique twist on hits such as Abba’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” and “Dancing Queen”, Toto’s “Africa”, Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” and Adele’s intense super-hymn ”Skyfall”, just to name a few. These fearsome brothers drop the perfect selection of all-time favorite disco, soft-rock and pop favorites – completely reimagining them as glorious, red-hot heavy metal treatments.

Get your body shaking when TRAGEDY start to rock out with The Bee Gee’s “How Deep Is Your Love”, “Stayin’ Alive” and “Tragedy”, and headbang to the tunes of Slayer’s heavy riffing thrash thunder “Raining Blood” combined with “It’s Raining Men” from American duo The Weather Girls in a way absolutely never heard before. Disco Balls to the Wall is finally topped by a smashing live version of Donna Summer’s fabulous “Hot Stuff”, featuring Alex Skolnick of Testament on lead guitar.

TRAGEDY adds:
“Disco Balls to the Wall is the biggest, sexiest collection of hits we’ve ever released. It’s as if the Bee Gees turned into werewolves, ate some teens, then bred with the local dog population; thus creating the world’s most beastly recordings of disco and soft-rock songs ever made. Sharing this album with your friends and lovers will make you 500% more desirable.”

Back in 2015, TRAGEDY broke the internet with the viral video for their energetic take on the Grease soundtrack classic, “You’re the One That I Want”.

Re-Watch the video for “You’re the One That I Want”HERE

TRAGEDY’s past releases have charted on the NACC Heavy Top 10, the band was awarded a 2019 Album of the Year nod by the Necrosexual via Metal Injection, and were described as “one of the hottest bands on the internet” by Loudwire. Due to their energizing and captivating live performance, TRAGEDY have already turned venues all around the globe into a hefty disco metal night and are absolutely ready to spread their glittered wings even further with their upcoming, dominating album of “best-of” favorites, Disco Balls to the Wall. This hilarious party won’t stop as long as there’s a repeat button to push heavily!

Disco Balls to the Wall Track listing:
1. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)
2. You’re The One That I Want
3. Evil / Baker Street
4. Stayin’ Alive
5. Sweet Caroline
6. Raining Blood / It’s Raining Men
7. How Deep Is Your Love
8. Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In
9. Africa
10. Total Eclipse Of The Heart
11. Tragedy
12. Dancing Queen
13. Skyfall
14. Hot Stuff

OBSIDIOUS Share Making of “Iconic” Music Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 1, 2021
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Modern progressive metal band OBSIDIOUS is now releasing a behind the scenes look at the making of their latest music video for the song “Iconic.” The track is taken from the band’s upcoming debut album, which will be released via the label in early 2022. The video is available for watching via the official Season of Mist YouTube channel HERE!

OBSIDIOUS bassist Linus Klausenitzer comments: “The ‘Iconic’ music video reflects the different musical aspects and the intensity of the song perfectly. It was quite a challenge to shoot it with a singer that we still haven’t met because of corona restrictions. But in the end we were able to create a concept without making any unsatisfying compromises.”

The original song and video can be found HERE.