WITCHKISS Announce Crushing Remix Album And Share New Video ‘Spirits Of The Dirt’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 18, 2021
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Even the darkest times of a world’s lockdown won’t stop bands and artists around the globe to stay restless, creative, and inventive. And so does Hudson Valley, NY trio WITCHKISS, who has just announced the release of a crushing, electronic version of their highly acclaimed, 2018- debut album!

With countless tours under their belts, including support shows for the UK’s mighty Conan and appearances at such festivals like Maryland Doom Fest, Indianapolis Doomed & Stoned, New England Stoner and Doom Fest or Descendants of Crom, WITCHKISS have quickly become an important part of a growing movement in the world of crushingly loud and punishing music. The metal scene is buzzing about these rising heavyweights just as much as the bands admirers in publications like Decibel, Metal Injection or The Obelisk, to name just a few. Building on the interplay between eerie female vocals and crushing growls, the groove driven WITCHKISS can’t help but to fascinate. Their articulate, elegant and ridiculously fucking heavy tunes are build around raw emotion, sonic poetry and a sense of longing for something greater, there is a haunting majesty to the band’s work. Fusing the sounds of bands like Subrosa, Yob and Neurosis create dark sounds of the soul, and soon WITCHKISS will unleash a fresh take on this melancholic music.

As they are gearing up to release six enthralling electronic versions of the songs on their debut album, The Austere Curtains Of Our Eyes, retitled, It’s Curtains For Us All! The album will come out via Argonauta Records digitally on April 2nd, 2021. This re-imagining of their titanic debut comes in partnership with an anonymous producer known only as “Bleakest.” It’s a fresh look into the deep layers of the bands sound. But give ear, as WITCHKISS has just unleashed a music video for the song Spirits Of The Dirt (Bleakest Mix)! Join the band on this punishing aural assault, like you have never heard them before – and check out the clip right here:

“With a whole lot of time on your hands you might find yourself thinking about what an electronic reimagining of your first album would sound like…. “ WITCHKISS reveals. “And this past year we had a whole shitload of time on our hands, so we got together with an anonymous producer known only as “Bleakest” and we made it happen. For your listening pleasures we present you with six EDM (Electro Doom Music) inspired versions of the songs on “The Austere Curtains Of Our Eyes” now aptly titled for these Bleakest of times “It’s Curtains For Us All” It will be available on our Bandcamp and through Argonauta Records digitally on all major platforms on April 2nd, 2021. We hope you enjoy the other side of our musical minds…. And don’t worry we will be back with some METAL soon enough. But for now, pump up the volume and dance around your living room in your socks and underwear to our new old shit. Hail Satan.”

Album Tracklist:

  1. A Crippling Wind (Bleakest Mix)
  2. Blind Faith (Bleakest Mix)
  3. Death Knell (Bleakest Mix)
  4. Spirits Of The Dirt (Bleakest Mix)
  5. Seer (Bleakest Mix)
  6. A Harrowing Solace (Bleakest Mix)

It’s Curtains For Us All will be out as digital formats on April 2nd through Argonauta Records, the pre-sale is now up at THIS LOCATION!

Final Release ‘Identity’ From Back Catalogue Of Prog Rockers AIRBAG Announced

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 18, 2021
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Karisma Records will release the final album from the back catalogue of Prog Rockers AIRBAG on the 11th June, and this completes the quartet of re-releases from the band that has been hailed as one of the most important to emerge from the Norwegian prog scene over the past decades, and one that has succeeded in garnering a world-wide fan base.

As with the previous AIRBAG re-releases, 2009’s “The Greatest Show on Earth”, 2011’s “All Rights Removed” and 2016’s “Disconnected”, “Identity” has been totally remastered by  Jacob Holm-Lupo (WHITE WILLOW, THE OPIUM CARTEL).

“Identity” was AIRBAG’s first full-length album, which gave fans a taste of what the future would look like for a band with a unique sound  that draws elements from classic and progressive rock, chill and jazz, and drawing their  influences from artist from a wide range of genres –  from Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree to Talk Talk, Radiohead and Marillion (Steve Hogarth era).

Comprising eight songs, and showcasing AIRBAG’s classic progressive rock sound, blended with scenic soundscapes, epic guitars and soulful vocals, the re-release will be available in a special Limited Edition Deluxe version, complete with a 12 page booklet and a die-cut sleeve, as well as in Limited Digisleeve and regular jewel case CD formats

This is what the band had to say about it:

“Identity” has a very special place in our hearts and many of the songs are still staples in our live performances. It’s the album that started it all and it seems to mean so much to so many of our fans around the world. We’re proud to release this deluxe version and present the music and artwork the way we always envisioned it. 

AIRBAG’s lineup on “Identity” is comprised of Asle Tostrup on vocals,  Bjørn Riis on  guitars & vocals, Jørgen Hagen on  keyboards, Anders Hovdan on  bass and Joachim Slikker on drums.

Tracklisting is as follows:

1) Prelude
2) No Escape
3) Safe Like You
4) Steal My Soul
5) Feeling Less
6) Colours
7) How I Wanna Be
8) Sounds That I Hear

In addition to “Identity”, Karisma Records will also be releasing a different version of  “The Greatest Show on Earth”, which was originally re-released in 2020 as a Limited Edition, and which sold out virtually immediately. This was AIRBAG’s third full-length, and the first to be released directly onto  vinyl,  and the new 2021 version will be available as a double LP in Blue Vinyl. 
 
On “The Greatest Show on Earth”, AIRBAG’s lineup of  Bjørn Riis on guitars, Asle Tostrup on vocals Henrik Fossum on drums Jørgen Grüner-Hagen on keyboards and Anders Fossum Hovdan on bass,  along with engineer and co-producer Vegard Sleipnes, raised AIRBAG’s music  to the next level. 
 
It is an album that sees AIRBAG continue their journey through atmospheric soundscapes and dealing in serious topics by creating cinematic pictures  and drawing the listener’s emotions into the band’s world.  The distinctive AIRBAG sound is still there, but this time the album is a bit rougher,  with some heavier parts.

Tracklisting is as follows:
 
1. Surveillance (part 1)                  
2. Redemption                                 
3. Silence Grows                                              
4. Call Me Back                                 
5. The Greatest Show on Earth 
6. Surveillance (part 2-3)

Both “Identity” and “The Greatest Show on Earth” are now available to pre-order from:
 
Webshop Vinyl: https://www.karismarecords.no/product/vinyl/
Webshop CD:  https://www.karismarecords.no/product/cd/
Bandcamp: https://airbagsound.bandcamp.com
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/ 
 
Formed in the mid 2000’s AIRBAG today is made up of Asle Tostrup on vocals,  Bjørn Riis on guitars, and  Henrik Bergan Fossum on drums, a trio that is adept at blending diverse musical styles and sounds with a strong narrative listening experience, as witnessed by their latest critically acclaimed album “A Day at the Beach” which, since its release in June 2020, has already been pressed 13,000 times.

A video of AIRBAG performing in Quebec in 2019 can be seen at https://youtu.be/3fFoN-JJr-U   

TESTAMENT Bassist STEVE DI GIORGIO Featured On SCREAMACHINE’s Third Digital Single “Wisdom of the Ages”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 18, 2021
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TESTAMENT fretless guru STEVE DI GIORGIO is featured on SCREAMACHINE‘s third digital single “Wisdom of the Ages“, set to be released concurrently with the band’s upcoming self-titled debut album, on April 9th via Frontiers Records. Furthermore, the single features Herbie Langhans (Sonic Haven, Firewind) on vocals.

The band stated:
“More than a legend, Mr. Di Giorgio is considered a titan of the modern bass guitar. His discography needs no introduction: should we mention his contribution to bands like Testament, Death, Iced Earth, Sadus, Spirits Of Fire and so on? We are sure that you all already know this gentleman very well, and we hope that you’ll be pleased to hear his unmistakable tone on one of ScreaMachine’s darkest songs: “Wisdom of the Ages”.”

More information at https://www.facebook.com/screamachineofficial

Please Note, STEVE DI GIORGIO is available for studio sessions as well as session bassist for tours. For further information, please contact tarja@splitscreenproduction.com.

The fretless guru, STEVE DI GIORGIO doesn’t need any longer introductions, as he is widely renowned as a pioneer on the fretless bass in heavy metal music, being the bassist of TESTAMENT, DEATH and SADUS, among others. Within his genre, STEVE DI GIORGIO is respected for his playing skills, versatility and incredible technique. He has more than 40 studio album recordings and over 20 years of touring the world.

Watch Steve Di Giorgio LowDown: Bass Playthrough | Terra Odium – Crawling:

More information at:
STEVE DI GIORGIO: http://www.stevedigiorgio.com | http://www.testamentlegions.com
MANAGEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement | http://www.splitscreen-management.com

DOBERMANN To Release New Album “Shaken to the core” On June 11th, First Single Out March 26th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 18, 2021
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Rock trio DOBERMANN have announced the release date of their much anticipated new record, called ‘Shaken to the core’.

After spending pretty much every single day since their last 2017 release on the road, the trio is back with a brand new album, assembled by renowned producer Alessandro Del Vecchio.

‘Shaken to the core’ is set to arrive on June 11th, heralded by the lead single ‘Staring at the black road’ out on March 26th.

The new album is set to push the boundaries of DOBERMANN’s classic rock format, introducing fresh elements combined with the band’s trademark rough vocals, explosive guitar solos, and thunderous drums.

The cover artwork for the album is by prominent Swedish illustrator Christian Wallin. The album will be released on Wild Mondays Music/Horus Music UK.

“SHAKEN TO THE CORE” TRACKLIST:

01 Shaken to the core
02 Staring at the black road
03 Stiff upper lip
04 Dropping like flies
05 Over the top
06 Talk to the dust
07 Rolling with the times
08 Summer Devil
09 Rock steady
10 Run for shade
11 Last man standing

MEMORIAM Release Second Bunch Of Track-By-Track Videos

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 18, 2021
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photo © Timm Sonnenschein

Onwards into battle, one more time… In the two years since MEMORIAM released Requiem For Mankindthe band has not been resting on their laurels. Their fourth studio album To The End is ready to be launched on March 26 via Reaper Entertainment.

This week, the band released the second bunch of track-by-track videos to presents the new tracks to their fans and to give more background info about the recordings and the lyrics of the songs. You can check it out on YouTube now:

#4: Failure To Comply: https://youtu.be/M77sugAXMbo
#5: Each Step (One Closer To The Grave): https://youtu.be/DUEsc_V0xaw
#6 To The End: https://youtu.be/7Eio6igGlyY

Already released:
Track-by-Track #1 Onwards Into Battle: https://youtu.be/4LKPxvVKJnw
Track-by-Track #2 This War Is Won: https://youtu.be/p_wlyAlTI5A
Track-by-Track #3 No Effect: https://youtu.be/B_75tl6fuQw

ICYM:
“Failure to Comply”: https://youtu.be/9qpxQ4QPwxE
“Onwards Into Battle” : https://youtu.be/goDKHYj-UFY
Album Trailer #1: https://youtu.be/lfjU9vr8P0E
Album Trailer #2: https://youtu.be/aQ4liX6mrio
Album Trailer #3: https://youtu.be/ZEsT8kv5yZo

You can pre-order “To The End” here: www.reapermusic.de/memoriam-end

Marking the beginning of a second trilogy of albums, To The End serves as something of a prologue to the first three  MEMORIAM albums. Working backwards and narrating the life story of the leader whose demise was depicted in the first trilogy, the lyrics on the album may play out in a fictional realm, but they incorporate inspiration from real life. A central theme of war is coloured with political fulminations and everyday experiences that combine to create a cohesive and enthralling chronicle.

The four-piece returned to producer, Russ Russell, for the recording of To The End. For the first time, the band demoed the songs and entered the studio with a new level of preparedness. Coupled with their close relationship with Russell, this created an environment that allowed for greater experimentation, as demonstrated by the diverse array of textures and sounds present on the nine tracks on the album. 

From the earliest days of the band, they had their eye on the art Dan Seagrave (Benediction, Dismember, Hypocrisy, Suffocation etc) as an accompaniment to their music. Having created the artwork for the first three MEMORIAM albums, he has also created the cover for To The End.

DESPERATION BLVD Release Music Video ‘North East Boulevard’ Feat. David Reece, Thomas Silver

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 18, 2021
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📸 Francesco Di Bon

DESPERATION BLVD is a new project from Italy, born from an idea of two experienced musicians, guitarist Alex ‘Crown’ Corona and drummer Elvis ‘Hell’ Ortolan. The trio is completed by bassist Matteo ‘Matt’ Martinelli.

Clear echoes of other well-known cult bands such as Faster Pussycat, Bulletboys, L.A. Guns, Pretty Boy Floyd, Bang Tango, Vain, Babylon A.D., Tuff and Dangerous Toys round off the lively, uplifting sound.

Watch below the official music video for the song “North-East Boulevard”, feat. by David Reece and Thomas Silver.

The band’s current debut is a self-titled six-song EP consisting of five enormously crisply orchestrated and cool vocalized original songs as well as the Duran Duran classic “Hold Back The Rain” – a vibrant and enormously casual cover version that immediately defines the strong personality and unique SLEAZE’N’ROLL style of DESPERATION BLVD.

Artwork by Simone ‘Zimon’ Sut for N.B.S. • Imagination & Design.

TRACKS:
01 November Pain 03.04
02 Queen Of Heartache 03.11
03 Henhouse Tales 03.04
04 North-East Boulevard 03.09 🎥
05 Hold Back The Rain 04.13
06 Sorry (I Don’t Want You) 03.53
total: 19.55 min.

LINE-UP:
Crown • Guitars
Matt • Bass
Hell • Drums

Guest musicians:
David Reece (Accept, Bangalore Choir) • Vocals in ‘North-East Boulevard’
Thomas Silver (Hardcore Superstar) • Guitar solo in ‘North-East Boulevard’
Fabio D’Amore (Serenity) • Vocals in ‘Hold Back The Rain’
Herma (Sick ‘n’ Beautiful) • Vocals in ‘Queen Of Heartache’
Alessia Scolletti (Temperance) • Vocals in ‘Sorry (I Don’t Want You)’
Claudio Coassin (Raintime/Fake Idols) • Vocals in ‘Henhouse Tales’
Mattia Martin (Bad As) • Vocals in ‘November Pain’

This deliciously snappy release is enriched by various guest musicians. Among others, former Accept singer David Reece is featured in “North-East Boulevard”, and Thomas Silver from Hardcore Superstar contributed a wonderfully fluid guitar solo for the number.

Serenity vocalist Fabio D’Amore, on the other hand, shows in “Hold Back The Rain” that he has a remarkably wide range of skills, while the no less vocally strong, changeable Alessia Scolletti from Temperance in “Sorry (I Don’t Want You)” partly goes completely out of herself.

Recorded and co-produced by Michele Guaitoli, known from the bands Visions Of Atlantis, Overtures and Temperance at The Groove Factory Studio, “Desperation BLVD” has been released officially on December 6, 2020.