Majestic Mountain Records is psyched to announce the official release of DRAKEN, the self-titled debut album from Norway’s most exciting prog rock power trio.
Formed in Oslo in 2018 by Spidergawd/Orango bassist Hallvard Gaardløs and close friend Andre Drage, Draken is a rock band with an appetite for reinvention. Recently becoming a fully-fledged power triumvirate with the addition of jazz/progressive virtuoso, Even Hermansen (Bushman’s Revenge) on guitar, the trio dig on the Metals and Hard Rocks of old, and in doing so channel the inspiration they unearth into something truly unique.
“With our first single ‘Way Down Low’…” explains singer Hallvard Gaardløs, “…it was one of the last tracks to be written for our album and the inspiration for the song came after I went to the movies to see Us by Jordan Peele. I thought it was pretty fucking scary and when I went home, I couldn’t really sleep so I stayed up and wrote that song. The characters and overall theme of the lyrics tie together with the album, so this could well be a title track of some sort.”
Recorded with producer Vegard Liverød at Røffsound Studios the album will be officially released worldwide on 26th March on Majestic Mountain Records. Pre-order HERE
This Spring, Transcending Records will issue first time ever vinyl editions of Escapexstacy and Lust Stained Despair full-lengths from now-defunct Finnish gothic metal unit, POISONBLACK.
Led by singer and guitarist Ville Laihiala of Sentenced, POISONBLACK was a musical outlet for songs that were not suitable for Laihiala’s primary band. Charon singer Juha-Pekka Leppäluoto was hired to sing on the band’s debut album Escapexstacy, after which Laihiala took over vocals. From then on, POISONBLACK‘s sound began to shift towards more traditional heavy metal/hard rock territory. Following Sentenced’s disbanding in 2005, POISONBLACK became Laihiala’s main band. They released six albums between 2003-2013 before going on an indefinite hiatus in August of 2015.
Escapexstacy was initially released in 2003 via Century Media. The record reaped critical acclaim with CMJ New Music Monthly writing, “Escapexstacy boasts gorgeous and progressive Euro-rock, which never gets too heavy…” Maximum Metal crowned it a, “cold-weather inspired, wintery album that’s dark and depressing with nowhere to go,” adding, “Sometimes records like these are divine healing power to depressed souls already longing for a sea to drown in. If you are searching for a musical companion to share your occasional dark days, then POISONBLACK is a valid candidate.” The song “Exciter” was featured in an episode of Viva la Bam, entitled “Where’s Vito?”, during a scene where Vito Margera destroys Bam Margera’s beloved Hummer via being pushed into a quarry.
Transcending’s pressing of Escapexstacy is limited to 1000 copies, with 500 already sold out. Remaining color variants available are transparent red and red with black splatter. Find preorders at THIS LOCATION.
Lust Stained Despair is POISONBLACK‘s second album. Provisionally titled “The Music For The Junkies” by Laihiala, the album was initially released in 2006 via Century Media after a three-year hiatus due to the search for a new singer following the departure of Juha-Pekka Leppäluoto. Lust Stained Despair reached number two on the Finnish albums chart upon its first week of release. In an eloquent review of the record, Brave Words wrote, “POISONBLACK isn’t afraid to get both gothic and proggy, somewhat akin to the passions housed within Katatonia and classic mid-years Amorphis. Ville’s pained roar is there, and when the band rock out – such as on opener ‘Nothing Else Remains’, ‘Never Enough’ or the hugely moving ‘Rush’ – Sentenced is both gloriously recalled and then just as quickly, forgotten, ash giving rise to this flaming phoenix… Ville’s voice brings this band a classy, proud vibe that reminds of both Amon Amarth and Korpiklaani, even Paradise Lost when they were about to be the new Metallica back in the golden age of moors-mad goth… they’re all bands on a mission, and POISONBLACK‘s got one too, to be both weighty and universal, their doom accessible, their melodies on their sleeves, their speeds thudding and weighed down by the obligation of artists making art…”
Transcending’s pressing of Lust Stained Despair is limited to 500 copies and comes in three color variants: standard black, marble, and splatter. Find preorders at THIS LOCATION.
“Lockdowns are bad for mental health,” says Molly Karloff’s guitarist and lead singer, SimonGee. “We’ve decided to raise money to help those people who are suffering most. Mental health is a serious issue and that’s why the band are showing their support by donating all proceeds from the new singleOxfordshire Mind.”
“We’re thrilled to hear that the rock band Molly Karloff has chosen to support Oxfordshire Mind by donating the proceeds of their new single,” says Kathryn Pickup, Community Fundraiser at Oxfordshire Mind.
“The pandemic is changing our lives and placing huge amounts of stress on our mental health. The self-isolation and social distancing measures in place, as well as fears about the virus itself, are adding to the pressures of the current situation.”
“Covid-19 has dramatically highlighted the need for services like ours. Our fundraising has been reduced significantly due to cancelled events and activities over the past few months. We are incredibly grateful for supporters like the rock band Molly Karloff.”
“We have a range of services available, from our Information Line where people can call or email to get support and advice for themselves or others, to peer support groups which bring together people who have a shared experience with mental health in a safe and welcoming space, and crisis support services like our Oxford and Banbury Safe Havens. We have adapted our services to ensure that anyone who needs us can still get support.”
“At Oxfordshire Mind, we firmly believe that everyone who experiences mental health difficulties should have somewhere to turn to for advice and support. By supporting us in this way, Molly Karloff are helping to ensure that we can continue to make that happen.”
To coincide with the new single, Molly Karloff have inked a recording deal with Off Yer Rocka Records who will release the band’s next two studio albums.
Since the release of their ‘Supernaturalation’ EP in 2020, Molly Karloff have cemented their place in the rock music scene with rave reviews and dedicated social engagement.
Having already worked with Romesh Dodangoda (Bullet for My Valentine, Funeral For A Friend, Bring Me The Horizon), on the remix of their previous single ‘Do It Again’, the band invited him back to remix ‘She Said’. A music video directed by Charlie Smith of Mind Art Visual, will coincide with the new single.
Molly Karloff is Simon Gee (vocals, guitar), Dan Podbery (bass) and Jowie Adkins (drums).
Powerplay Mag described ‘She Said’ as, “Straight to the naughty centre, ballsy rock.” 9/10.
Hard Rock Hell Magazine described Molly Karloff’s music as “An assault on your brain sort of music, smashing its way into your head and staying there in a fabulous way. I bloody love it!”
“I originally wrote the opening riff without the wah, which was added by mistake one day in rehearsal,” recalls Simon. “It sounded cool, so we kept it that way. Everything else evolved from there. The chorus is infectious. You can’t get it out of your head.”
Watch the trailer for the official music video for “She Said” here.
Known for their ability to stretch their sound in a variety of different directions, Norwegian Rockers DOBBELTGJENGER recently announced that their latest album “SMOOTH FAILING” was set for release on Karisma Records on the 9th April. Welcome news indeed for fans who had been waiting three years for new material from a band whose avowed intention is to bring back not just the Groove, but also the Fun, in Rock Music.
And today, with the release of single “BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS”, Karisma Records offers us another glimpse into what to expect from DOBBELTGJENGER’s third full-length album. The image created in the mind’s eye by the title of the song itself is very apt for the subject matter, as the band explains:
Building skyscrapers together with other people and within ourselves takes courage. Meeting and getting close to people is very scary, but incredible and beautiful. The height of the potential fall of a skyscraper and the majestic and impressive nature of them, makes them a perfect metaphor for new and intense relationships.
“BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS”, can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of services at this location.
“BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS” is a totally different animal from the previously released single “JOHANNA”, and stands as a clear testament to the different sound that DOBBELTGJENGER’s lineup of Vegard Wikne (OCEAN OF LOTION) vocals, guitars, bass and synths; Sondre Veland (MAJOR PARKINSON & OSSICLES) drums, percussion, grunts and guitar solo on Johanna; Knut-Martin Langeland Rasmussen on guitars; Bastian Veland on guitar, synth, percussion etc., and Jone Kuven on bass, with Jonas Flemsæter Hamre (session saxophone), are able to bring to the band’s music.
With “SMOOTH FAILING” DOBBELTGJENGER have come up with an album that is full of catchy songs and funky rhythms, or, as the band says:
An explosive, dark and neon saturated party album, where naive, riff based “the Strokes-esque” themes are met with vigorous grooves and cheeky falsettos. The album is about the gritty “BOOM!”s, manic “FUN!”s, gut wrenching “OH FUCK!”s and terrifying “I LOVE Y…”s of life.
Of course, “SMOOTH FAILING” is not just about fun, manic or otherwise, and comes with a darker side, as the band recently revealed:
This album has been brewing on different computers for over three years. The record was written in a quite tumultuous, manic and self-destructive period of primus motor Vegard Wiknes’ life. SMOOTH FAILING revolves around the delight and self-deception of doing all the wrong things in your life. It´s a dark party album, made for bad decisions!
With artwork by Klende, track listing for “SMOOTH FAILING” is as follows:
ELEPHANTS IN THE ROOM
COME ON OVER
JOHANNA
DIVE IN
BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS
LIVING IN OVERDRIVE
ELECTRICAL SEASONS
LA DEE DA
DO THE WRONG THINGS
“SMOOTH FAILING” will be available in Digital, CD, and Vinyl formats and can now be pre-ordered from the following:
The band comments on the track: “Shine is a melancholic andante/mid-tempo rocker with a “grungy” feel, introduced by piano and vocals, before a riveting guitar riff sets on; then, a subtle, atmospheric verse makes way for a truly powerful and dramatic chorus; the song ends with a final climax that brings the listener back to the initial melodies in circular fashion. The track is literally packed with hooks and melodies that greatly enrich the musical fabric, sustaining Ricky’s wholehearted singing. In spite of its somber tone, the song is about finding the courage to accept our flaws and unlock all the beautiful things we keep inside ourselves, to overcome our fears, our sense of inadequateness or incompleteness, and the cages sometimes relationships bind us to, which can smother our will and diminish our self-esteem. It’s an exhortation to take the initiative, bear the suffering and then find out how an ugly duckling can become a swan, even through pain and waiver.”
BLUE HOUR GHOSTS’ forthcoming “Due” is the follow up to their 2016 self-titled debut album. Teaming up once again with Giuseppe “Dualized” Bassi (session musician for Fear Factory, Grenouer, Levania, Noveria), BHG’s “Due” is their sophomore effort continuing their blend of progressive, classic, gothic metal, and alternative rock.
Taking a fresh, powerful, and intense melodic assault, “Due” depicts a wide range of soundscapes ranging from full metal aggression to soft, acoustic atmospheres, passing through infectious and catchy hooks and refrains that will enthrall any music addict, along with sophisticated layered arrangements to satisfy the most demanding palates. Throughout the 9 songs, all the ghosts hiding in the blue hour are made alive in the deep and heartfelt narration provided by both music and lyrics, offering a unique and compelling listening experience.
Keyboardist Simome Pedrazzi comments about the new album: “With “Due” we are trying to engage new and established fans with an enjoyable, fresh, and yet sophisticated multi-level listening experience. All the nine songs offer an abundance of hooks that can stick into the ear from the first listen and remain impressed into the listener’s mind, stimulating his/her curiosity. There is no room for boredom, as within each song and throughout all the album, powerful and atmospheric sections alternate with each other in a seamless flow, thus keeping the attention high. The variety of musical colours displayed throughout the album and the extreme care we put into obtaining a lush and polished sound will allow for an extremely pleasant sonic experience.”
Track Listing: 1. Walking Backwards (4:01) 2. On Black Clouds (3:45) 3. Dead in August (5:12) 4. Damn Wrong (4:23) 5. Shine (5:19) 6. Fearless (4:00) 7. Lower the Wires (3:57) 8. Disheartened (4:27) 9. Involved/Bored (3:52)
Produced by Giuseppe “Dualized” Bassi for dysFUNCTION Productions Recorded and Engineered by Giuseppe Bassi Mixed and Mastered by Giuseppe Bassi All music and lyrics written by Blue Hour Ghosts Additional arrangements, keyboards, sound design and programming by Giuseppe Bassi Artwork concept and paintings by Blue Hour Ghosts Band photos by Patrizia Cogliati – Musicphoto Graphic layout by Francesca Dalla Costa – Secondalinea Officine Creative
THUNDERMOTHER have to postpone their German Tour to March 2021. With regards to the regional Corona restrictions this tour will legally happen with reduced capacity, distance, safety & hygiene measures.
During that free time upfront the the tour the band is recording new tracks for the upcoming Deluxe Edition of their recent album “Heat Wave” in Medley Studios in Kopenhagen. The album entered German album charts on sensational #6 last summer and stayed in the Top 100 for weeks. Die release of the “Heat Wave” Deluxe Edition is going to be released in April 2021 and will include several new tracks and exclusive versions.
Despite all current circumstances, the girls do their thing. Even if the situation for musicians, artists and the entire event industry with millions of jobs is massively endangered and after months of stagnancy is becoming more and more existence-threatening, THUNDERMOTHER want to set an example again.
Band founder and lead guitarist Filippa Nässil: “The new postponement really hurts extremely! But, we are not going to hang in there and will go on tour 2 months later than planned. Our fans can be sure that we fight for Rock’n’Roll! As soon as we can we will play live again! We won’t resign and we all in the same boat! Keep it up and believe in it: Rock’n’Roll never dies!”
The new tourdates are here: 27.02. Berlin/ Columbiahalle 28.02. Bremen/ Meisenfrei 04.03. Oberhausen/ Resonanzwerk 05.03. Lindau/ Club Vaudeville 06.03. Obertraubling/ Eventhall Airport 07.03. Nürnberg/ Der Hirsch 09.03. Hamburg/ Indra Club 64 10.03. Hamburg/ Fabrik 11.03. Bielefeld/ Lokschuppen 12.03. Friedrichskoog/ Haus des Kurgastes 13.03. Kolding (DK)/ Godset 15.03. Osnabrück/ Bastard Club 16.03. Frankfurt/ Batschkapp 18.03. Würzburg/ Posthalle 19.03. Kaiserslautern/ Kammgarn 20.03. Saarbrücken/ Garage – ROCK’N’EAT 21.03. Weinheim/ Café Central 23.03. München/ Backstage 24.03. Kufstein (AT)/ Kulturfabrik 25.03. Memmingen/ Kaminwerk 26.03. Selb/ Rockclub Nordbayern 27.03. Selb/ Rockclub Nordbayern 29.03. Köln/ Rock-Pit (Acoustic Show) 30.03. Bonn/ Harmonie
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 ) 