Clocking 150.000 attendees from more than 100 countries for their ground-breaking online concert “An Evening With Nightwish In A Virtual World”, the Finnish Symphonic Metal band NIGHTWISH broke records and, once again, re-wrote metal history during the most challenging time for music all over the world.
Sharing a testimonial from that memorable night, NIGHTWISH recorded their performance of “Nemo” and teamed up with Amazon to gift their fans a breath-taking video as an Amazon Original.
Tuomas Holopainen stated earlier about the livestream: “‘The Islander’s Arms were a figment of our imagination. That was the key thing that made us decide we wanted to do this – that we’re actually going to be able to play inside this fantastical tavern, and almost play to each other rather than to the cameras. That’s why we called it “An Evening With Nightwish In A Virtual World” – we invited people to come and watch us play, instead of us playing to the world.”
“An Evening With Nightwish In A Virtual World” was a full-length live experience that reached magical dimensions set in virtual reality – The Islanders Arms tavern. The technical production was led by Zoan, whose Burst Live platform also powered Finnish rap superstars JVG’s May 1st virtual reality show that attracted more than a million viewers.
“Nemo” comes from the band’s fifth studio album “Once” (2004) that made NIGHTWISH legends of modern Symphonic Metal. As a tribute to the manifesto that they gifted the world 18 years ago, the band will re-release “Once” as a remastered version with bonus tracks in different formats on August 6th. Pre-order your copy of “Once” (Remastered) here: http://nblast.de/Nightwish-Once
“Once” was not only a unique milestone for the band, it also sealed the long-term relationship between Nuclear Blast Records and NIGHTWISH – a bond that remains unbroken. It climbed up to #1 in the album charts in Germany, Finland, Norway and Greece, achieving triple platinum status in Finland with more than 90.000 CDs sold, triple gold status in Germany with more than 300.000 sold CDs and gold status in Switzerland, Austria and Norway.
August 20th 2021 will see the release of “Dead Reckoning”, the highly anticipated debut studio album by Helsinki-based heavy metal outfit OCEANHOARSE. Featuring 13 tracks, loaded with crushing riffs, vocal harmonies and high voltage arrangements, “Dead Reckoning” shows a band willing to explore things in their very own style, instead of sticking to any kind of average formular.
After the previously- released singles “One With The Gun” and “Reaching Skywards”, today OCEANHOARSE have released a brand new lyric video for the track “The Damage”. If you’re a fan of Machine Head, Megadeth and other riff-oriented metal masters but still got a secret crush for Alice in Chains or Avenged Sevenfold -type melodic choruses, you don’t want to miss this!
‘”The Damage’ is a heavy metal anthem that begins with a moody guitar intro followed by haunting vocals. Then, the song takes a sudden U-turn and drags you in the middle of a metal mayhem filled with some lightning fast drumming! The Alice in Chains style wailing vocal harmonies and the song’s epic closure with harmonized guitars ultimately leads us to the punchline: ‘The damage is done.” the band comments.
“Dead Reckoning”, the group’s first studio album (OCEANHOARSE released a live album “The Damage is Done – LIVE!” last year, recorded on their first European tour) will be released on August 20th through Noble Demon and is available for pre-save and pre-order HERE
Tracklist:
Headfirst
Locks
Betrayed by Light
One With The Gun
Reaching Skywards
Fields of Severed Dreams
Submersed
The Intruder
Fight For Tomorrow
From Hell to Oblivion
REW
Dead Reckoning
The Damage
Upcoming Oceanhoarse shows: 27.10.2021 Telakka, Helsinki (w/ Bloodred Hourglass, MyGrain, Balance Breach) 26.12.2021 Hoarsefest 2021, On the Rocks, Helsinki (w/ Shereign, Thy Row)
THE GEORGIA THUNDERBOLTS follow breakthrough year with debut full-length album, ‘Can We Get A Witness’, out October 15th via Mascot Label Group.
Ushering in a new generation of classic southern rock steeped in soul and the blues, The Georgia Thunderbolts have already been called “timeless” by American Songwriter, “your new favorite southern rock band” by Classic Rock, and proof that “southern rock continues to thrive in the 21st century” by Rolling Stone. Now, fresh off a performance at Paste and in the wake of a hometown feature in Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Georgia Thunderbolts are set to release their debut full-length album, ‘Can We Get A Witness,’ out October 15th via Mascot Label Group. A vinyl edition of the album, with bonus track “Better Run From The Beast,” will be out November 26th.
“We’re going for that timeless and classic sound with a modern twist and newer attitude,” exclaims TJ Lyle, the lead vocalist for the group that also features Riley Couzzourt [guitar], Logan Tolbert [guitar], Zach Everett [bass, harmony vocals, keys], and Bristol Perry [drums]. “We all grew up on rock music,” Riley adds. “If I could think of three words to describe us, they would be ‘Hardworking, Determined, and Humble’.” Bristol grins, “If I could think of three words, they would be ‘Rock And Roll’.”
Listen to the single Be Good To Yourself here:
Whether it be on the banks of the Mississippi River or deep in the heart of the English countryside, rock ‘n’ roll lives, breathes, and burns on the outskirts. Hailing from Rome, GA at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, The Georgia Thunderbolts’ debut album features their scorching signature style steeped in soulful southern swagger, blistering blues, and raw rock. With a wide swath of inspirations, ranging from southern gospel and Hank Williams to Merle Haggard, Neil Young, Little Feat, Ozzy Osbourne, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band cut their teeth performing with everyone from The Kentucky Headhunters to Blackberry Smoke. Shortly after, they hit the iconic Barrick Recording Studio in Glasgow, KY to record with producer Richard Young.
The resulting album comprises thirteen undeniable anthems steeped in anthemic riffs, wild harmonica, and pulse-pounding drums. From the bluesy blend of “So You Wanna Change The World,” to “the first song we ever wrote,” the dynamic “Looking For An Old Friend,” The Georgia Thunderbolts rustle up a new era of rock ‘n’ roll, informed by their history in Rome, a town with a deep agricultural history. So when they sing, “Spirit of A Workin’ Man,” you better believe they mean it. “It’s got a deep lesson to it. You can’t knock down the little man,” TJ says. The album title, “Can We Get A Witness,” represents “overcoming the obstacles in life,” TJ adds. “Everybody has their ups and downs, but it’s how you persevere and prosper through adversity that shows your true colors. The song ‘Can I Get A Witness’ is a statement that goes out to anyone who has the desire and faith in themselves and others to be successful.”
There’s a message to what we’re doing,” Bristol says “It’s okay to be yourself. If you’re going through hard times, the music will always be there. We’d love to remind everyone of that.” “Rock and roll is something that comes naturally for us,” Riley, Zach and Logan conclude. “We love it and are in it for the long haul. We feel like we can bring it back.”
Dublin’s GREYFACE have released their stunning, emotive new single ‘Dead Men (Don’t Walk In Circles)‘, out now.
After the release of last month’s single, ‘Underground Star’, GREYFACE are once again pushing the boundaries of their genre-bending sound, with their new single/video, ‘Dead Men (Don’t Walk in Circles)’.
‘Dead Men (Don’t Walk in Circles’)’ sees GREYFACE present a wonderfully sombre ballad-like opus, that blossoms into a gargantuan aural monolith, loaded with their, now, trademark anthemic, dark-pop approach to song writing.
Speaking of the new single, ‘Dead Men (Don’t Walk in Circles) the band comments: “’Dead Men…’ is our third single and features ‘Tadhg’ on piano accompaniment. It serves as a defining rock-opera moment within our upcoming EP, backed full-force by distorted guitars, and expressive rhythms and riffs. The track swells providing orchestral backing to match intimate piano-lines, and whispered vocals, which gradually develop the song into a power-ballad.”
Following the fantastic reception of their most recent single, ‘Underground Star’ (June 4th), GREYFACE have been featured on independent radio around Europe, The United Kingdom and the USA, as well as receiving a video premiere and write-up from Ireland’s own ‘Hot Press’. They also featured on Ireland’s National Broadcast on “RTE 2FM” radio station. Lyrically the song serves as a looking glass into the band’s conceptual character of the ‘Underground Star’, whose story shines light upon human nature and it’s many grimacing vices.
More info on GREYFACE: The band’s philosophy is loosely based on the universal Freudian/Jungian ideas of the inner shadow. Each member of the group names and paints this inner idea most people choose to ignore, or reject for its undesirability. The group refer to their shadow as their “GREYFACE”, taking these ideas to the stage in a theatrical and explosive way. Each member brings a certain element to the bands collective image and sound. Here’s a profile of each member: “We like to see each character personally as a ‘true-self’, and feel that shows mostly in the bands physical appearance.”
Éalu (Drums) – Makeup Inspired by Celtic roots, and usually dressed in a black kilt and coat. Most commonly seen with ‘blind eyes’ making reference to ‘blinding revelations’ that occur when looking deeper into ones psychology. Éalu translates to, ‘Escape’, as Gaeilge.
Icarus (Guitar) – Makeup inspired by designs and ancient symbolism. Seen in black and leather or high-fashion streetwear. The name Icarus derives from the Greek fable, and reflects on a deep lack of control mixed with a desire to escape from the burdening chains of reality by any means.
Evra (Bass) – Makeup usually wet and running black. Evra paints their entire body creating a stark contrast to their dress, which is usually seen in pink or blue. The name Evra originates from a fascination with reptiles, and the physical loudness of their appearance relates to inward frustrations and the extreme, chaotic means of releasing them.
Shaye (Vocals) – Makeup inspired by MTV and Glam, seen in gold, black and red. His name originates from a Californian art project by Eric Fournier known as, ‘Shaye Saint John’. The name relates to the inability to define or understand oneself in the face of vanity and self-obsession. His eyes are usually red, reflecting an obsession with goals and plastic desires.
Through high-energy performance, the band performs a stylised mix of music branching from hip-hop, to rock/metal, to electronica which was a refreshing experience for their German debut at Wacken Open Air; in 2019. After their 2019 debut single, ‘Yin’ (listen here) was played on radio stations nationwide, the group received positive press Irish music and politics magazine, Hot Press, interviewing frontman Shaye in the “Hot For 2020 Issue,” and describing them as, “A force to be reckoned with”, after witnessing them live.
Following the fantastic reception of their most recent single, ‘Underground Star’ (see video here), GREYFACE have been featured on independent radio around Europe, The United Kingdom and the USA, as well as receiving a video premiere and write-up once again from Ireland’s own, ‘Hot Press’ Magazine. They also featured on Ireland’s National Broadcast on “RTE 2FM” radio station. Lyrically the song serves as a looking glass into the band’s conceptual character of the ‘Underground Star’, whose story shines light upon human nature and it’s many grimacing vices.
Of the second single ‘Underground Star’ (released June 2021), the band commented: “The Underground Star is an eclectic mix of insecurity and braggadocio. Inspired lyrically by the anthems and dramatic niches of Glam metal, and sonically by more groove focused Industrial riffing and rhythm based playing. Conceptually the character is built from fake confidence. The average front-person of a nothing band, with the spirit and mind-set of an influential arena God. Although more vulgar and extreme in lyrical content and sound to the other tracks, It finalises the underlying narrative in the EP, connecting the lines of the songs that came previously with a crowd pleasing chant and an abrasive character.”
On the overall sound of ‘GREYFACE’ they stated: “The true essence of the group is to experiment and flirt with different musical ideas as one consistent unit.”
Modern day has left genre behind, and GREYFACE are no exception. Inspired to naturally bend styles in the same vein as artists like Linkin Park, Billie Eilish, or The Prodigy. Each song differs sonically ranging from the use of hardcore rave synths, to orchestral filled piano ballads, to metal breakdowns and emotionally fuelled indie-rock bangers. The group’s conceptuality, sound and essence, however, stays consistent throughout, remaining recognisable as GREYFACE.”
Today, the wait is finally over – the new POWERWOLF record, Call Of The Wild, is out! Call Of The Wild, the follow-up to their 2018 #1-charting and gold-award winning studio album Sacrament Of Sin, manifests the band’s inimitable success story and proves once again that they sit unchallenged on the throne of the genre.
Along with the new album they also dropped a new lyric video: peppered with gripping riffs, POWERWOLF once again showcase their musical variety. “Blood For Blood (Faoladh)” is another anthemic, powerful song, which will not only inspire fans, but also excite live audiences.
Watch the new video for “Blood For Blood (Faoladh)” HERE:
Once again created in cooperation with the honorable producer duo of Jens Bogren and Joost van den Broek, the masterpiece is opening a new chapter in the band’s history. The eighth studio album serves both old and newly recruited POWERWOLF devotees with well-known and loved classic trademarks, and equally surprise and delight them at every stage of this wild 11-track ride with stylistic developments on an unprecedented scale!
Matthew Greywolf on Call Of The Wild: “With Call Of The Wild, we are opening a new, exciting chapter in the history of POWERWOLF. The album sounds unmistakably like POWERWOLF and is so much more at the same time: Besides new territory like the Celtic instrumentation in “Blood for Blood (Faoladh)” or the ballad-like “Alive or Undead”, we have raised all our trademarks to a new level. Until now, we never sounded so powerful and wild – in the truest sense of the word. We are more than happy to be able to share this beast of an album with you all!”
First Formats are Already SOLD OUT – Grab Your Copy HERE!
POWERWOLF Live 2021: 2021 marks not only the return of the wolves, but also the return of the heavy metal community to the legendary fields of Wacken. What could be a better setting to celebrate the first holy metal mass under the sign of Call Of The Wild than a headline show at the Bullhead City Festival in Wacken!
POWERWOLF Headline Show 18.09.21 DE – Wacken / Bullhead City
On their upcoming tour, fans can not only expect brand new heavy metal anthems to be played and chanted along by thousands, but also the biggest and most epic production POWERWOLF has brought to the stage thus far, once again cementing their status as one of the most intense live bands.
Wolfsnächte 2021 01.10.21 DE – Stuttgart / Schleyerhalle 02.10.21 CH – Zurich / Samsung Hall 04.10.21 ES – Barcelona / Razzmatazz 05.10.21 ES – Madrid / Riviera 07.10.21 FR – Paris / Zenith 08.10.21 UK – London / Roundhouse 09.10.21 BE – Antwerp / Lotto Arena 10.10.21 NL – Amsterdam / Afas Live 12.10.21 IT – Milan / Alcatraz 13.10.21 DE – Frankfurt / Jahrhunderthalle 15.10.21 DE – Munich / Zenith 16.10.21 DE – Oberhausen / König Pilsener Arena 17.10.21 CZ – Prague / Tipsport Arena 18.10.21 PL – Katowice – MCK 20.10.21 HU – Budapest / Arena 21.10.21 AT – Vienna / Gasometer 22.10.21 DE – Berlin / UFO im Velodrom 23.10.21 DE – Saarbrucken / Saarlandhalle
Today, July 16th, London based metallers JASON PAYNE & THE BLACK LEATHER RIDERS release their 6-track debut EP ‘The Abyss‘. To celebrate the EP, the band has unleashed a video for their latest single ‘The Purge‘.
Watch ‘The Purge’ video here:
Jason on ‘The Purge’: “Very proud and excited to release our new video “The Purge”. It’s a song that talks about feeling stuck in your own prison and then you fight your own demons and you set yourself free from the pain. It was inspired by a personal chapter in my life and with the ideology of cleansing yourself from the sins and mistakes you did in the past. It’s about forgiving yourself and move on. A powerful, upbeat, riff-driven, sing-along new single in support of my new EP, with a music video shot in the legendary Camden Town venue ‘The Underworld’ to accompany.”
Jason Payne on the debut EP “The Abyss”: “The Dark is a song that sums up the theme of this EP, “The Abyss”. It’s about death, obscurity and the “nothing”. It talks of things like trying to reach to the void, feeling confused and betrayed, and about a person that’s losing his essence. Without a consciousness, and with no purpose in our lives, we’re just a bunch of roamers taking a road to the abyss, and that leads us to the dark and lashes us to insignificant beings floating in “the nothing”. When I was writing this EP, I got affected by the outside world. It’s a dark period that we’re living. I caught the essence and the feelings that this time put me through and made a whole EP about existentialism and nihilism. This period made me question who am I, what’s my purpose, what have I done with my life and what if this all ends now? Would it matter? Do we matter? Does life matters? Of course, it does! In my opinion, there’s no point of doing anything or living if this doesn’t matter. However, when I wrote this EP, I don’t give you the bright side of the story. That’s for the fans to find out. My whole point with this work is to make people question their lives and feel these emotions. This record means so much to me, since it’s about everything I felt and still feel. I’m a person who never stops asking questions. I always want to know more. Specially, when it comes to existentialism, I’m always in internal conflict, since I question everything. This is my message, this is my music and it’s about how I feel, and hopefully, people will relate to it.”
Jason on ‘The Abyss’ EP and coverart: “Writing this EP was a sensational experience for me. Lyrics are very personal and me and the guys put our hearts and soul in making this. It’s the most powerful, boldest and heaviest work we’ve ever done so far. I believe this sets new standards for our future works and I couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved by creating such a unique work of art. We named it the Abyss due to the dark period of time we’ve been going through, due to the pandemic. However, by diving into an abyss, for us, it doesn’t necessarily mean to hit the ground and die, but to be reborn. If we learn something from life is that every time we have to face a hard path, we have to find a way of overcoming those obstacles. These tracks are full of rage, insanity and introspective moods. Fall into the glooms of darkness with us. Launch date: 16th July 2021.”
May 20th, the band performed live their earlier single ‘The Dark’ at Under The Bridge (Chelsea Football Stadium). The band has posted the official live video on their YouTube channel, in case you missed it, watch it here: https://youtu.be/MFeUOF3uCTE
With a history boasting over half a million streams, 50 live shows and a modest lifetime of musical creation with past acts, London based metal artist Jason Payne took 2020 to embark on a new journey; JASON PAYNE & THE BLACK LEATHER RIDERS. A culmination and reincarnation of his strongest creations, featuring debut single ‘Waking The Damned’, plus ‘The Dark’, ’The Purge’, and numerous other high energy tracks making up the arsenal that is The Abyss, the debut EP out now. Think Slash, Alter Bridge, Metallica, and many other legendary influences. Think big riffs, impactful grit-laden vocals, and an energy just screaming to be invited to the live stage.
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 ) 