Today, VOIVOD guitarist Daniel Mongrain (Chewy) will join The Metal Voice live interview, talking Nothingface & Dimension Hatröss Live Event, new album update and more.
Join the chat today, May 21st at
2pm Pacific 5pm EST 10pm UK
Voivod partnered with Heavy Montreal/Greenland to play Nothingface front-to-back on May 30th AND Dimension Hatross front-to-back on June 27th. Tickets available at https://lepointdevente.com/billets/voivod .
These exclusive streams will be available 48 hours after the initial broadcast, and subscribers will get a merch discount from voivodmerch.com.
While concerts and cheering crowds seem to be a long lost echo from the past these days, melancholic progressive metallers AMORPHIS bring back some of the life and uncomparable energy that many of us have been missing so desperately. Recorded during a special hometown show that took place on December 7th, 2019, little did the Finns know that this would be one of their last concerts before the pandemic outbreak in early 2020. With 15 tracks in total and a running time of over one and a half hours, AMORPHIS take you on a journey through their past, showcasing their best songs from the last 30 years that saw the band turn into one of Finland’s finest metal exports.
Today, AMORPHIS reveal a lyric-video for the live version of their alltime hymn “House Of Sleep”.
“Helsinki Ice Hall, what can I say… the very same venue where we used to see bands like Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Metallica and many many more back in the 80’s when we were kids”,Tomi Koivusaari contemplates when thinking of the show. “I’m sure we all dreamed about playing there someday. In our hometown Helsinki, where it all started with AMORPHIS 30 years ago. So I’d say we had a special feeling at that gig, the last one of the tour in Finland for that year. I guess this recording is a very honest picture of us playing live, nothing is fixed afterwards, except mightily mixed and mastered of course. When I listened to it a while ago, I realized how much I miss playing live. And yet we have no idea when it will be possible next, in this crazy situation with Covid and all… So, stay healthy, take care and shine on you all, see you hopefully soon on tour. We will.”
“Live At Helsinki Ice Hall” is available as 2CD digipak and download/stream. The 2LP version of this show is exclusively available in the “Vinyl Collection 2006 – 2020″ boxset, out now!
01. The Bee 02. Heart Of The Giant 03. Bad Blood 04. The Four Wise Ones 05. Into Hiding 06. Sampo 07. Wrong Direction 08. Daughter Of Hate 09. Against Widows 10. My Kantele 11. The Golden Elk 12. Pyres On The Coast 13. Silver Bride 14. Black Winter Day 15. House Of Sleep
Straight from the streets of Paris, four outstanding musicians made up their minds to leave their fingerprints on Doom Metal, infusing the genre with their unique and rebellious vibes. Today, HANGMAN’S CHAIR reveal their compagnon for this mission – and team up with world-wide leading metal label NUCLEAR BLAST!
The band states:“We’re thrilled about this new collaboration with a respectable and renowned music company such as Nuclear Blast Records. Looking forward for a brighter future, let’s see where it will leads us.”
Jerome Riera, European Head Of Label for Nuclear Blast, adds: “I’m delighted to welcome HANGMAN’S CHAIR to the Nuclear Blast family. With our label stepping up its operation in France I’m really pleased to be working with an act that represents some of the best emerging talent the French metal scene has to offer, bringing them to an international audience. Hangman’s Chair’s forthcoming album is going to be fantastic, and I’m sure their heavy, heart-rending sound will strike a mournful chord with audiences all over the world.”
With the stunning single “Cold & Distant”, the band lays the foundation stone for a more than successful cooperation here. The video for this gem features actrice Béatrice Dalle, one of the most stunning actresses of French cinema. Watch the video here:
The band continues on the song:“The words of Travis Bickle still resonate ‘I realise now how much she’s like the others, cold and distant’. We are Travis as we are Betsy. When the World tries to cure and save you, we choose isolation. Embrace your depression and don’t complain! This first extract gives a 5 minutes snippet of what to expect from the new album. Moreover, Béatrice Dalle, who stars the Cold & Distant video, fits the suit so easily, it’s like it was made for her.”
HANGMAN’S CHAIR, formed in 2005 in Paris, are one of the most unique sounding Doom Rock bands currently active. Through the years, they have found and fine-tuned their own sonic brand, somewhere at the crossroads between Type O Negative, Life Of Agony and Sisters of Mercy, to name a few, mixed with a certain street credibility connected to the group’s roots in hardcore. Each album takes its strength and essence from the band members’s life experiences, which they portrait with unflinching honesty. Whether it is the loss of band members, drug overdoses or the hardships of living in suburban Paris, all those human emotions resonate within each of their songs asthey embrace the darkness and transform it into something beautiful, heavy and melancholic.
HELLOWEEN have released their new, second single “FEAR OF THE FALLEN” along with an amazing lyric video clip. The song is a fast paced, melodic track done the way only Deris can do it. ”I had so much fun not only writing a song for my voice but also for one of the greatest singers out there. I always have an extremely broad smile on my face when I hear Michi singing my melodies“, says Deris and Kiske adds: ”The whole process, including the spirit, was just ideal. If I had the feeling that one of the parts would not be really fitting, I asked Andi if he would sing it and vice versa. There was no competition whatsoever – what counted was what is best for the respective song. I am thankful to be (again) a part of this crazy family. I love them all”.
TRACKLISTING „HELLOWEEN“ 01 – Out For The Glory 02 – Fear Of The Fallen 03 – Best Time 04 – Mass Pollution 05 – Angels 06 – Rise Without Chains 07 – Indestructible 08 – Robot King 09 – Cyanide 10 – Down In The Dumps 11 – Orbit 12 – Skyfall
Bonustracks Mediabook & Vinyl: 01 – Golden Times 02 – Save My Hide
Bonustracks Earbook 01 – Golden Times 02 – Save My Hide 03 – Pumpkins United
»Please stick together!« This was the ardent wish of thousands of fans calling out to Andi Deris, Michael Kiske,Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, Markus Grosskopf, Sascha Gerstner and Dani Löble during the PUMPKINS UNITED WORLD TOUR – and their dream has come true! With the upcoming album, simply titled HELLOWEEN, the band opens a new chapter after 35 years of a glorious career. The future of one of the most influential German metal bands from now on will feature three singers. Originally planned for the live performances only, it was the birth of a unique seven piece metal alliance.
Dani Löble:”This record is the coronation of the PUMPKINS UNITED journey! Still today I am fascinated by the different character traits and facets of the HELLOWEEN history. As an example I’d like to point out the legendary voices of Michi, Andi and Kai. To enjoy them now together on one record, under one flag is the ultimate HELLOWEEN experience”. It is therefore not surprising that the first single SKYFALL, a 12 minute epos written by Kai Hansen, has the long yearned “Keeper-vibe” – even if the long player can by no means be limited to it. SKYFALL implies the musical arch which will be loved by fans of every era. This first album of a new age is taking the fans from unforgettable memories of the fifteen studio records and four live CD’s to new adventures.
Along with massive album tracks such as HELLOWEEN classic and album opener “OUT FOR THE GLORY“, the epic “DOWN IN THE DUMPS”, both written by Weikath, the power metal shouter “MASS POLLUTION“ by Deris and Grosskopf’s scuff proof rocker“INDESTRUCTIBLE“ (which could be an analogy towards the unbreakable career of the band), the album release is flanked by the ‘party-track‘ of the record, “BEST TIME“. Lyrically the song by Sascha Gerstner reminds of the good old days, musically it´s convincing with confident HELLOWEEN style guitar harmonies and a chorus that stays in your long-term memory after hearing it for the first time. With “ANGELS“, a no less powerful song of his comes into view, bursting with joy in playing: “Synergy, energy & creativity! These were the main elements on this record. We used old school recording engineering from the 80’s merged with the current HELLOWEEN-vibe and here we are: more than 35 years of heavy metal experience on one record!“ adds Gerstner. Besides the line-up and the unique interaction of world class front men – this is what makes the album outstanding: it is a precise time travel through all phases of the band’s history, going back to the roots but at the same time at the speed of light towards the future. “HELLOWEEN“ offers a complete metal universe within 12 songs.
The base of this milestone album was already erected in the studio: using the original drum kit of Ingo Schwichtenberg, the recording was done with the same modulators at the Hamburg HOME studios where back then ”Master Of The Rings“, ”The Time Of The Oath“ and ”Better Than Raw“ were recorded. Completely analog and under the eyes of long term producer Charlie Bauerfeind and co-producer Dennis Ward, the UNITED impact travelled to New York and got the final mix in the Valhalla Studios of Ronald Prent (Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Rammstein). ”After 30 years with the different line ups of the band I really thought I was well prepared for another extreme challenge, but I was wrong! My expectations were highly exceeded in every way with this super-sized creativity package”tells us Bauerfeind. Dennis Ward adds: ”HELLOWEEN is an institution with only one goal: making music. Not only for themselves, but for the fans as well. When we started mixing we realized that we had a record that covers the whole spectrum of the band and every one of us gave 110% for it. It was an honor to finally work with Charlie and I am grateful to the band that I became a part of their history!”
Besides all musical competence, it is also the special enthusiasm that defines HELLOWEEN. Michael Weikath characterizes in his own way: ”It is the incomprehensible encounter of seven musicians who are working as friends and even family and created something that no one would have thought it could be possible. It is like awaking from a sleep but still being in an incredible dream“. Returnee Kai Hansen reflects: ”Being in the studio with my old companions after 30 years was very emotional for me. But at the same time it was a completely different experience with the ‘new‘ boys. The collaboration of different songwriters and strong characters made the album very special: a unique mix with reminiscences from all chapters of the band’s history. HELLOWEEN is a big part of my life and I am looking forward to celebrating the songs live for and with our fans“! From another perspective Markus Grosskopf agrees: ”For me, being one of the last “survivors” who played every note from the beginning, it was a fantastic experience and a very emotional process. I think everyone can hear it on this album. I love it“.
When it came to capturing the larger-than-life emotions in the artwork, it quickly became clear that it was only possible as a handmade painting on which the important topics of the band’s history are processed. The work of Berlin based artist Eliran Kantor has achieved this and visually underscores the fact that the band cherishes all parts of their history. “HELLOWEEN“ will be released on June 18th, 2021 as 2CD-Digibook, 1CD-Jewelcase, 2LP-2CD Earbook and as an elaborate Deluxe-Boxset incl. Earbook, a Helloween-wall clock, pins, necklace, patch and an art print of the cover. Available digitally as well as on vinyl with a 2LP Gatefold-version in different colors and picture disc. For all collectors HELLOWEEN offers a limited spectacular 3LP-Hologramm vinyl.
With all this brand new material an album has been created, an album that is set apart from the digital mainstream and showing the essence of the band was never more solid. This is the beginning of something big – here comes HELLOWEEN!
Single 1: Vinyl, CD, digital: ‘Skyfall’ (single edit) + ‘Skyfall’ (exclusive alternative vocals mix). Both are exclusive single versions and will not be on the album. Around 20 minutes playing time.
Single 2: Vinyl only ‘Skyfall’ (single edit) + ‘Indestructible’ (exclusive album track). This is a strictly limited version of the new single with one exclusive album track.
It was already foreseeable: Due to the pandemic, the originally for April/May scheduledHELLOWEEN European tour has to be postponed again. However, this is no reason to hang your head, even more so now: it is getting even more powerful in 2022! We all have to stick together to stand and endure this agonizing live music gap and because extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures, HELLOWEEN invited their friends from HAMMERFALL to join them on their European tour in order to create a tremendous metal-package together. The UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022 called alliance is not only the full HELLOWEEN experience, on top the fans will enjoy fine Swedish steel out of the HAMMERFALL forge. Both bands will have brand-new albums in their luggage and the European fans will be able to listen to the new songs live for the very first time on theUNITED FORCES TOUR 2022. The long–awaited end of the dry spell is in sight – coming with a double dose in March, April and May 2022 as we have to catch up two years ofMETALPARTY to get cured from a lot of withdrawal symptoms!
Andi Deris:“We are ‘hammered’ to have our friends from HAMMERFALL with us on tour! Back in 2002 the band produced their album “Crimson Thunder” in my studio in Tenerife and we had a lot of fun back then.” This mega-package is delivering the appropriate metal-spectacle to enter the stage with full power! Oscar Dronjak can hardly wait: “We are so ridiculously excited about this! Not only do we get to go out on tour again after two looooooooong years of stage draught, but we get to do it with a band that we love and was a great inspiration to us in forming HAMMERFALL in the first place. The UNITED FORCES TOUR will be something truly special, you can count on that! “
For the dry run up front, HELLOWEEN is releasing their fantastic new album and with the unification of their three vocalists Kiske,Deris & Hansen the album reminiscences to all eras of the band’s history. This already is a sensation in itself, but also HAMMERFALL is ready to release a brand-new record before the tour starts. A great forerunner to get warmed up for the double load of live power with the ultimate UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022. And whoever misses the just announced dates was probably never infected by the metal virus …
HELLOWEEN & HAMMERFALL UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022 presented by Metal Hammer, Rockantenne, Piranha, Start, Rocks & Rock It
25-Mar-2022 NOR Oslo – Sentrum Scene 26-Mar-2022 SWE Gothenburg – Partille Arena 28-Mar-2022 FIN Helsinki – Black Box 29-Mar-2022 EST Tallinn – Noblessneri Valukoda 01-Apr-2022 GER Bamberg – Brose Arena 02-Apr-2022 GER Hamburg – Sporthalle 03-Apr-2022 GER Berlin – Verti Music Hall 04-Apr-2022 GER Regensburg – Donau Arena 08-Apr-2022 ES Madrid – Wizink Center 09-Apr-2022 ES Barcelona – St. Jordi Club 11-Apr-2022 IT Milan – Lorenzini District 12-Apr-2022 GER Kempten – bigBOX 13-Apr-2022 CH Zürich – Samsung Hall 15-Apr-2022 LUX Luxemburg – Rockhal 16-Apr-2022 NL Tilbourg – 013 18-Apr-2022 PL Katovice – MCK 20-Apr-2022 BG Sofia – Arena Armeec 22-Apr-2022 AT Vienna – Gasometer 23-Apr-2022 CZ Prag -O2 24-Apr-2022 SK Zvolen – Ice Stadium 26-Apr-2022 HU Budapest – Papp Laszlo Sportarena 29-Apr-2022 GER Bochum – Ruhrcongress 30-Apr-2022 GER Stuttgart – Schleyerhalle 01-May-2022 GER Frankfurt – Jahrhunderthalle 04-May-2022 UK Manchester – Manchester Academy 05-May-2022 UK London – Brixton Academy
19-May-2022 RU St. Petersburg – A2* 21-May-2022 RU Moscow – Adrenaline-Stadium* 23-May-2022 FR Lyon – Transbordeur* 25-May-2022 FR Paris – Olympia* * without HAMMERFALL
Tickets: https://bit.ly/2E1KcHE Helloween tickets that have already been purchased remain valid
All-Stars VIVALDI METAL PROJECT is extremely pleased to unveil the magnificent artwork for their upcoming album “EpiClassica”.
Vivaldi Metal Project’s mastermind, Mistheria stated: Our gratitude to artist Nello Dell’Omo for capturing the vision and spirit of the music so beautifully!We can’t wait until you hold the album in your hands and hear the work of our incredible guests!
The new record features a larger cast of world-class musicians than ever before and, as on the previous album “The Four Seasons”, all songs will include vocalists, band, orchestra and choir, as well as a featured cast of internationally-recognized metal and classical artists, among them such sensations as Mike Portnoy, Rob Rock, Jeff Scott Soto, Mike Terrana, Mark Boals, Roy Z (B. Dickinson), Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Anders Johansson (Manowar), Michele Guaitoli (Visions of Atlantis/Temperance), Rolf Pilve (Stratovarius), Steve Di Giorgio (Testament), Zaher Zorgati (Myrath), Emma Zoldan / Nils Courbaron (Sirenia), Coen Janssen (Epica), Jennifer Batten, Joe Stump (Alcatrazz), Nick Z Marino (Y. Malmsteen), Chris Caffery (Savatage), Mark Cross (ex-Firewind), Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake), Andreas Kisser (Sepultura), Elina Siirala (Leaves’ Eyes), Zoe Marie Federoff / Gerit Lamm (Catalyst Crime), Alessandro Del Vecchio (Jorn, Revolution Saints), Aeva Maurelle (Xandria), Fabio D’Amore (Serenity), Melissa Ferlaak (Plague of Stars), Philip Bynoe (S. Vai), Kelly Simonz, Matt Bissonette (E. John/J. Satriani), Giacomo Voli / Roberto De Micheli (Rhapsody of Fire), Felipe Andreoli (Angra), Marco Sfogli (J. Labrie), Andreas Passmark (Royal Hunt), Marcelo Moreira (Z. Stevens), Bob Katsionis (Firewind), Henrik Klingenberg (Sonata Arctica), Milan Polak, and many more…
Vivaldi Metal Project’s PRE-ORDER page for the new album is officially live and running at https://gogetfunding.com/vmp2 featuring exclusive prize packages that will only be available during this campaign.
Listen below to the latest live album “Live Concert Premieres 2018” on Spotify.
Power metallers TRICK OR TREAT have released a video for the song ‘Dragonborn – Skyrim’, taken from the new album ‘The Unlocked Songs’, which comes out today on Scarlet Records.
Here is a statement from the band: “The treasure chest is finally about to be opened! Be ready to travel to the notes of Dragonborn, which will take you through the snowy lands of Skyrim – our tribute to one of the most epic video games ever, which entertained us all in recent years, with those medieval atmospheres that lead to an explosion of choirs (embellished, among others, by the powerful voice of Ralf Scheepers). ‘The Unlocked Songs’ includes original songs, unreleased covers and ancient gems recovered during the quarantine: a treasure that you can discover and listen to starting from today!”
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
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 