EINHERJER To Release New Album ‘North Star’ On February 26th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2020
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[Photo Credit: Jørgen Freim]

Viking Metal pioneers EINHERJER will release their eighth studio album, North Star, on February 26, proving their status as the pioneers of blending Nordic Black Metal and Folk Metal genres to pure Norse Heavy Metal once again. On North Star, the band around singer / guitarist / bassist Frode Glesnes and drummer / keyboarder Gerhard Storesund adds more modern, mass-appealing facets while staying true to their roots.

The album marks the band’s return to Napalm Records after 25 years, and the release of their legendary Dragons Of The North album (1996), which will be re-released as a re-mastered version on February 26 as well. The Norwegian metal outfit remains musically true to themselves and reinforces their exceptional position.
 
Stomping drums and gloomy guitar chords paired with ice-cold vocals guide the way to the first single taken off North Star – “Stars” draws the listener into the icy, dark world of EINHERJER!

EINHERJER on “Stars”:
“’Stars’ have many meanings. The night sky is vast and can be overwhelming. Throughout history man has turned to the stars to find answers to all kinds of questions. “Stars” takes you on a musical journey in classic EINHERJER style. A timeless journey. Without borders. Limited only by your own imagination. And as usual, no bullshit! Just proper Norse Heavy Metal!”

Watch the official video for “Stars“ HERE:

North Star was recorded in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic at the in-house Studio Borealis, owned by founding member and mastermind Frode Glesnes. The raw production ties in seamlessly with its predecessor Norrøne Spor and makes North Star probably the most powerful EINHERJER album to date! North Star is EINHERJER‘s musical mission towards something bigger – the search for guidance by the North Star in a constantly changing world that is searching for stability. 
 
EINHERJER on North Star:
”North Star is our 8th full length album, and follows in the (Norse) tracks of Norrøne Spor. The North Star is a symbol with numerous meanings. It can be guidance, or it can be a personal mission. Something to reach for. It’s the Anchor of the Northern Sky. We need something steady in this rapidly shifting world we live in. The North Star album is us reaching for something greater. Developing ourselves through a musical journey in classic Einherjer style – no bullshit, just proper Norse Heavy Metal!”

Pre-Order your copy of North Star NOW!

Tracklist North Star:
1. The Blood And The Iron
2. Stars
3. West Coast Groove
4. Ascension
5. Higher Fire
6. Echoes In Blood
7. Listen To The Graves
8. Chasing The Serpent

EINHERJER to Re-Release their groundbreaking debut album Dragons Of The North in the year of its 25th anniversary in a re-mastered version.
The seminal work of pioneering Viking Metal masters EINHERJER has stood the test of time and has a legacy that continues to this day. The 1996 classic album Dragons Of The North has paved the genres path for years to come and will now be re-released after its initial release on Napalm Records 25 Years ago!

Pre-Order Dragons Of The North HERE

Tracklist Dragons Of The North:
1. Dragons of the North
2. Dreamstorm
3. Forever Empire
4. Conquerer
5. Fimbul Winter
6. Storms of the Elder
7. Slaget ved Hafrsfjord
8. Ballad of the Swords

LÜT Release New Single “Bangkok Nonstop”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2020
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo-by-Hans Marius Mikkelsen and Ørjan Nyborg Myrland

Norwegian punks LÜT release new single titled “Bangkok Nonstop”! Listen to the single here. LÜT will release their sophomore album titled “Mersmak” (Eng. Taste For More) on February 12th! Pre-order the album here: https://orcd.co/mersmaklut

LÜT’s debut album received praise by Metallica’s very own Lars Ulrich, a nomination for “New Band of the Year” by Norwegian Grammys, and the Norwegian Radio Award Show “P3 Gull. With their live performances full of explosive energy, showing that they won’t take any prisoners, LÜT have rocked the stages of major European festivals like Summer Breeze Open Air, Reeperbahn, Øya, and Tons Of Rock.

Their music is uplifting, high on energy, mosh- and dance friendly and in-your-face. Imagine the indie-pop fun of Paramore gone wild. The experimental alt-rock sound of Foals gone pop. Both mashed up with these mesmerizing post-punk vibes of Editors and the shrieking vocals of Kvelertak, accompanied by the fellow Norwegian’s incredibly raw punk rock energy. All these aspects culminate in the sound that LÜT.  With  «Mersmak»,LÜT delivers the very best of modern alternative rock, born out of passion and infinite energy!

As the band comments the single: “The idea of Bangkok NonStop emerged when visualising chaos, big crowds, lights and screens. Very similar to the life in megacities around the world today. The song questions how and why we share tremendous amounts of personal data and information like it’s no big deal. We are no exception, but as we state in the song: “Have had enough, like everyone else, we all do the same without face to face interactions.” What happened to human contact? – (We nailed the content of this song a bit too good when writing it a year ago). We would love to stay positive and say it’s going to get better with the years, but we honestly do not think this is the case. “On the same network, in the same town, log on to your life and start over”.

GAEREA Announce ‘Limbo’ On Cassette And Release Live Performance

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2020
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Catarina Rocha

Cathartic black metal outfit GAEREA are now releasing a brand new live performance video for the tracks ‘Null’ and ‘Glare’, which are taken from the band’s recently released album ‘Limbo’. Watch the video via the official Season of Mist YouTube channel HERE.

The video is a celebration to the cassette version of ‘Limbo’, which is now available for pre-order HERE.

GAEREA comment: “2020 was not by all means the year we were expecting to. From all the touring schedule being moved or even canceled to all the mental stress involved with releasing a new album during lockdown. Still, this was our best year to date, having reached new heights with such a prolific and soul breaking record as Limbo. Selling out all physical items within hours, receiving your messages from all over the world on how this record transcended into something else within your inner thoughts and helped you through the hardest of times is by far way more important than any tour we could ever do. With that being said, take this video as one of our last moves with Limbo. We locked ourselves down at the massive Arda Recorders Studio in our home city to deliver you the most organic feel Limbo could ever have. We surrounded ourselves with the right people, the right studio and the right production. Listen to Null and Glare like you probably have never experienced them before and most probably never will again. Let this Rotten world decide that for ourselves. Together with this live performance we are also releasing LIMBO for the first time on Cassette format. Pre-orders are up NOW and as always, we are down to the last ones. Thank you for understanding this record. Thank you for letting yourself drown with with as much as I personally did. We are all Gaerea. “Let your ripped out chest rot in the sky.“

GAEREA recently announced they will hit the road throughout Europe with HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY and SCHAMMASCH in January/February 2022. A full list of confirmed dates can be found below. The band will be playing in support of their recently release album ‘Limbo’, wich can be heared in full HERE.

GAEREA 
+Harakiri For The Sky +Schammasch
27 Jan 22 Warsaw (PL) Hydrozagadka
28 Jan 22 Prague (CZ) Nova Chmelnice
29 Jan 22 Erfurt (DE) From Hell
30 Jan 22 Dresden (DE) Chemiefabrik
31 Jan 22 Kassel (DE) Goldgrube
01 Feb 22 Mörlenbach (DE) Live Music Hall
02 Feb 22 Essen (DE) Turock
03 Feb 22 Kortrijk (BE) De Kreun
04 Feb 22 Arnhem  (NL) Willemeen
05 Feb 22 Leiden (NL) Gebr de Nobel
06 Feb 22 Trier (DE) Mergener Hof
07 Feb 22 Paris (FR) Backstage
08 Feb 22 Toulouse (FR) Le Rex
09 Feb 22 Barcelona (ES) Sala Boveda
10 Feb 22 Martigny (CH) Les Caves Du Manoir
11 Feb 22 Wetzikon (CH) Hall of Fame
12 Feb 22 Regensburg (DE) Airport Eventhalle Obertraubling
13 Feb 22 Salzburg (AT) Rockhouse

GAEREA
03 Mar 21 Helsinki (FI) On the Rocks
04 Mar 21 Tallinn (EE) Sveta Baar
05 Mar 21 St. Petersburg (RU) Zoccolo 2.0
06 Mar 21 Moscow (RU) Rock House
29 Apr 21 Barroselas (PT) SWR Barroselas Metalfest (Exact date TBA)
23 Jul 21 Zarnovica (SK) Gothoom open air fest (Exact date TBA)
31 Jul 21 Steenwijk (NL) Stonehenge Festival
18 Aug 21 Borre (NO) Midgardsblot (Exact date TBA)

The cover artwork for ‘Limbo’ was created by the talented Eliran Kantor.

Track-list
1. To Ain (11:15) (HERE)
2. Null (6:01) (HERE)
3. Glare (7:16)
4. Conspiranoia (9:15) (HERE)
5. Urge (4:50)
6. Mare (13:11)
Total playing time: 51:48

BRIAN WHEAT Tells His Side Of The Story In New Book ‘Son of a Milkman: My Crazy Life with Tesla’, Live Signing Event Tomorrow December 9th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2020
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Tesla bassist Brian Wheat lifts the lid on living the rock ’n’ roll life while struggling with anxiety, depression, and other issues seldom discussed by musicians in his new book, ‘Son of a Milkman: My Crazy Life with Tesla’, which will be released on December 15, 2020 via Post Hill Press (and co-penned by Chris Epting).

Pre-order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/y4y7swnp

And before its official release, there will be a live signing event tomorrow, December 9th, with additional info here.

Far from your typical rock star, as bassist for the multi-platinum band, Tesla, Brian has enjoyed the spoils of success and lived the sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll lifestyle to the hilt. But it came at a cost, one that took years to repair.

In this deeply honest and utterly revealing memoir, Wheat sheds light on the many challenges he faces, including bulimia, weight issues, and the crippling anxiety and depression caused by his conditions. Just like the songs his legendary band made, this is no-nonsense, blue-collar storytelling at its best. 

While revealing the vulnerable human behind the bass guitar, this autobiography also offers tremendous stories of life on the road, and collaborations and encounters with legendary figures like his pals in Def Leppard, David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, and Paul McCartney. 

Brian is best known as the bass guitarist of the platinum-selling band, Tesla, which he cofounded in 1982. Tesla became one of the biggest bands of the late 1980s–1990s. Brian owns a recording studio by the name of J Street Recorders in Sacramento, California. Papa Roach, Tesla, Pat Travers, Deftones, Kodiak Jack, Flashfires, and many others have recorded there. 

Chris Epting is an award-winning journalist and the author of many books, including ‘Adrenalized’ (co-written with Def Leppard’s Phil Collen) and ‘Change of Seasons’ (co-written with John Oates). 

Featuring a foreword by Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott and an afterword by renowned rock photographer Ross Halfin, ‘Son of a Milkman’ will entertain, surprise, and inspire longtime fans of this enduring band.

HELLOWEEN Kick Off Pre-Order For New Single ‘Skyfall’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2020
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

The sensation was perfect – HELLOWEEN, who has sold more than 10 million records worldwide, being one of the most respected German metal bands since 1984, announced their PUMPKINS UNITED WORLD TOUR in 2016.  The media was raving about the TOUR OF THE YEAR, playing 69 shows in 32 countries all over the world. More than one million fans on three continents were ecstatic because it was not only a reunion of the original band, it was the summit of seven ultimate HELLOWEEN heroes: Andi Deris, Michael Kiske, Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, Markus Grosskopf, Sascha Gerstner & Dani Löble. Or to put it simple: it was a dream come true for fans around the world. The band received five times more spectators and all of them had only one wish: »Please stay together!«

Following the excitement, one of the biggest magazines in this genre, »BURRN!« (Japan), honored the band with unbelievable four cover stories, followed by the thunderstorm of the century within the social media universe, a celebrated PUMPKINS UNITED single and the quenchless hunger for more – much more! And yes, the musicians tasted blood and it was clear: there is no way back – the future of HELLOWEEN will be written in unity.  It marked the beginning of a new era and the re-birth of a metal legend with exceptional artists. Their first new album will be released in summer 2021. Flatten the runway with a loud drumbeat: on April 2nd, 2021 the spectacular single SKYFALL will be released!

The band has kicked off the pre-order of their upcoming single “Skyfall”, that will be available on CD, digitally and in two different vinyl versions.

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.

Pre-order the singles here in the format of your choice: http://nblast.de/Helloween-Skyfall

The epic 12 minute track Skyfall, written by Kai Hansen, has the long yearned ‚Keeper-Vibe’, but isn’t musically telling the whole story of the album – this has a musical arch being loved by fans of every era: from unforgettable times to glorious newer adventures all the way to the upcoming first album of the HELLOWEEN new age. Skyfall tells about an alien landing on earth and a dramatic chase, while Hansen, Kiske and Deris duel with each other in a breathtaking manner and create a broadband adventure – including a lyric sheet with colored blocks identifying the singers as well as a video that is formidable. Produced by Martin Häusler, it will be the most elaborate clip in the history of the band, the story to be shown with 3-D animation and having a cinematic look – in these times almost a dinosaur in implementation!

The very first release of the new era proves to be worthy of the occasion: Just like a full album release, different formats, curated and treasured with love and affection will be available – especially for all collectors and super fans:  Premium CD as digipak and 12“ Gatefold vinyl in various styles like shape-LP and picture disc – black or in combinations orange/transparent, orange/black, green/black marbled, orange/black splatter and red/black splatter.

The base of the upcoming milestone album was already erected in the studio: using the original Ingo Schwichtenberg drum kit, 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. Back to the roots and completely analog is the UNITED impact – another great work by long time producer Charlie Bauerfeind and co-producer Dennis Ward before the album traveled to New York and got the final mix in the Valhalla Studios of Ronald Prent (IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD, RAMMSTEIN).

With the brand new material an album has been created that is set apart from the digital mainstream, showing that the essence of the band was never more solid.

SKYFALL is the beginning of something big – here comes HELLOWEEN!

WHITE VOID Sign With Nuclear Blast Records, Debut Album Out March 12th 2021

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 8, 2020
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Eclectic Norwegian hard rock band WHITE VOID have signed a world wide deal with NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS. Their debut album, “Anti“, is set to be released on March 12, 2021. 

WHITE VOID is the new brain child of Lars Are Nedland (BORKNAGAR, SOLEFALD) who comments as follows: 

“Life is absurd, which means that sometimes strange coincidences occur. Like the fact that the paths of WHITE VOID and NUCLEAR BLAST crossed at the perfect time within the strange year that is 2020. I’m stoked to be working with the world’s biggest and most renowned hard rock and metal label on getting WHITE VOID into the ears and minds of music lovers all around the globe, and I’m confident that this will be a prolific endeavor for everyone involved. We have some pretty special tricks up our sleeves when it comes to this whole enterprise, so step over the event horizon and get drawn into the Void. You’re in for a ride!”

Jens Prueter, Head Of A&R for NUCLEAR BLAST EUROPE, adds: “Lars Nedland has always surprised me ever since he formed SOLEFALD and joined BORKNAGAR a few years later. A free musical mind with a great sense of songwriting. And I was even more surprised when I heard the first WHITE VOID mixes. Haven’t expected a modern version of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT with a twist of NEW MODEL ARMY – combined with Albert Camus’ philosophy of absurdism. In case that sounds a bit too heavy, we could also joke about Douglas Adams’ “Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe, and Everything”: it’s 42. Very happy to join Lars and his bandmates on their journey through the void. A void that is perfectly filled with some of the best songs I have heard this year”

Here’s a teaser for WHITE VOID’s upcoming debut album, “Anti”:

WHITE VOID is absence of direction and sense in life. It’s a description of the fundamental disharmony between the individual’s search for meaning and the meaninglessness of the universe.Eclectic hard rockers WHITE VOID are a curious bunch. Forged in the space between the occult rock of the seventies, the no-excuses-hard rock of the eighties and the British New Wave movement, they balance on the event horizon that separates old from new. Aggression from melody. Dream from drive.

Add to that the fact that the bandmembers of WHITE VOID have their backgrounds in Norwegian black metal, chiptune electronica, pop music and blues, and you’ll see why “Anti” is an album that’s hard to pin down. It’s darkly melodic, it’s driven, and it’s infused with earworms, hooks and licks. Boasting a shameless attitude, though, it comes forth as deeply true to the core of our shared hard rock heritage.

In the center of WHITE VOID stands Lars Are Nedland, long time member of BORKNAGAR and SOLEFALD. Leading a team of musicians including Tobias Solbakk of IHSAHN fame, electronica staple Vegard Kummen and blues rock virtuoso Eivind Marum, he navigates the waters of hard rock riffs, new wave harmonies and blues rock solos with determination and elegance.

Still, “Anti” probably doesn’t sound like you think. It’s an album riddled with contrasts and references, musically as well as philosophically. The concept is based on Albert Camus’ Absurdism and deals with how you cope with an existence that is in its core absurd. Musically it draws on the past while forging towards the future. And the result? Well, enter the Void to find out!