ACCEPT‘s new album ‘Too Mean To Die’ will be out soon on January 15th, 2021. In the meantime, the band has a special holiday surprise for their fans.
From today, December 1st, until December 24th, you will find snippets of all unreleased tracks from the new album, as well as many other surprises, on the ACCEPT Christmas calendar at: http://accepttoomeantodie.com/
So make sure to check the calendar daily!
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought loss and suffering to millions of ordinary people world-wide, the majority of whom have had to face the fact that their lives have been completely changed, and that for many, life will never be the same again. Stuck inside their homes, denied the ability to see their loved ones, unable to perform the usual daily tasks, and living in fear, many have found themselves wondering what is happening, and when will it ever end.
AIRBAG co-founder, songwriter and lead guitarist BJØRN RIIS is no different from anyone else, but he has turned this universal despair into something beautiful, creating “Desolate Place” a song that expresses what so many are feeling, not just lyrically, but also through its haunting melody.
Here he explains how it all came about:
I can see the road from my house and the bus that drives by no longer stops like it used to. I had the guitar and this short piece that sounded like it could turn into something. “Desolate Place” pretty much wrote itself inspired by the strange and unfamiliar times we live in. It’s like a bad dream or a road movie where you drive to the next place or town in search of something better but it’s the same wherever you go.
Together with long-time collaborator Vegard Kleftåas Sleipnes, we created this dark and almost claustrophobic atmosphere that tells a story in itself. I’ve never done a stand-alone track like this before but it felt like the right time and it’s rewarding to feel inspired in times like these.
With music and lyrics by Bjørn Riis, who also produced the track, and with mixing by Vegard Kleftåas Sleipnes, and mastered by Henning Bortne, Oslo Mastering, “Desolate Place” features Bjørn on vocals, guitars, bass, keys and programming and Vegard on keys and programming.
Photography and design for “Desolate Place” is by Bjørn, and the single will be released on Karisma Records on the 10th of December.
A much-respected guitarist within the musical community, BJØRN ‘s interest in music started while still a teenager, when guitar-led bands were at the forefront and spearheaded the rise of the Progressive Rock movement. It was this movement, together with Electronica and Movie Scores, that influenced the young guitarist, leading him to develop a style filled with soaring leads and gorgeous textures. Bjørn has recently renewed his contract with Karisma Records, and begun work on his fourth full-length album which will be released during 2021.
BJØRN ‘s interest in, and knowledge of, the guitar, and all things related, have resulted in his very successful YouTube channel, where you can find guitar tutorials and equipment related matters The channel, called “gilmourish RIIS” can be seen here.
Armenian Pagan Black Metallers ILDARUNI have revealed the details of their forthcoming studio album titled “Beyond Unseen Gateways”. The album is set to be released on March 19th 2021 via Black Lion Records.
Ildaruni comment: “We would like to present our debut, full-length opus consisting of eight arcane chants, illumined by the unworldly torch of Shivini. Each composition unearths a mesmeric path to the past and provenance, reveals the grace of perpetual wisdom, disseminated by sanctimonious hierophants across the hallowed lands. The fiery gaze of the Urartian Winged God awakens the dormant origins of apothanatismos (Immortality).
“Beyond Unseen Gateways” is a hymn to the blazing light, which sank into shadowy shrines, to the wild darkness which covered the debris of Ardini, to the bygone flame which enlightens the sanctum of Haldi. Delivering the blend of ancient folk melodies and traditional black metal, filled with scorching aggression and chaotic transitions, the album introduces an authentic sound and a spiritual journey of mysteries untold. Each song is an indivisible part of a grand ode which explores the height of the Urartian domain and the esoteric knowledge of pagan mysticism.
May the gates of genesis reopen and herald forth an epoch of exaltation anew”.
Tracklist:
1. Haldinini Baushini, Imsheini Tariani
2. Treading the Path of Cryptic Wisdom
3. Perpetual Vigil
4. Boundless Numen: Gardens of Ardini
5. Towards Subterranean Realms
6. Exalted Birth
7. Arakha
8. Whence Ravenstone Beckons
Michael Schenker will release his new MSG album, “Immortal”, on January 29th, 2021 via Nuclear Blast. The album title is a perfect statement describing Michael Schenker’s legacy and to celebrate his 50th anniversary as a musician.
Today, the band announce new live shows for Europe and the UK for October and November 2021.
Michael Schenker states: “A new show with my great new MSG line-up, celebrating my 50th anniversary of recording and also the new album – “Immortal”. I´m excited. Can´t wait to play it live to all rock’n’roll fans out there. Don´t miss the shows – we’re well overdue to be live and together again.”
Michael Schenker
“50th Anniversary – IMMORTAL”
performed by the current MSG/Michael Schenker Group
with special guest DORO
28.10.2021 UK – Leeds, O2 Academy
29.10.2021 UK – Newcastle, O2 City Hall
30.10.2021 UK – Wolverhampton, KK Steel Mill
31.10.2021 UK – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/michael-schenker-tickets/artist/890401
Michael Schenker
“50th Anniversary – IMMORTAL”
performed by the current MSG/Michael Schenker Group
02.11.2021 NL – Zoetermeer, De Boerderij
03.11.2021 CH – Pratteln, Z7
04.11.2021 IT – Turin, Audiodrome
05.11.2021 ES – Barcelona, Razzmatazz 1
06.11.2021 ES – Madrid, La Riviera
Tickets: https://www.dragon-productions.eu/bands/michael-schenker/
Recently, MSG released a lyric video for their first single ‘Drilled To Kill’; a heavy up-tempotrack which is also the opening song on the album. The track features the legendary PRIMAL FEAR singer Ralf Scheepers on vocals, whilst Michael Schenker and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION etc.) engage in an exciting battle of guitar vs. keyboard.
Watch the video for ‘Drilled To Kill’ here: https://youtu.be/bcrU9ZS6CZA
Get the single digitally here: http://nblast.de/MSG-Immortal-DSP
Pre-order the album here: http://nblast.de/MSG-Immortal
The tracklist reads as follows:
01. Drilled To Kill
02. Don´t Die On Me Now
03. Knight Of The Dead
04. After The Rain
05. Devil’s Daughter
06. Sail The Darkness
07. The Queen Of Thorns And Roses
08. Come On Over
09. Sangria Morte
10. In Search Of The Peace Of Mind
ICYMI:
Trailer #1: https://youtu.be/cDQ9VICJZyc
The album was predominantly recorded at the Kidroom Studio in Germany, with Michael‘s long time partner Michael Voss who co-produced the album and also sings on two tracks. The cover artwork of „Immortal“ wascreated by Zsofia Dankova(POWERWOLF etc.).
„Immortal“ will continue the tradition of the previous two MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST records „Resurrection“ and „Revelation“ featuring a big list of friends and guests. The album’s main vocalist will be uprising Chilean born talent Ronnie Romero (RAINBOW etc.), along with Michael Voss (MAD MAX etc.), Ralf Scheepers(PRIMAL FEAR) and Joe Lynn Turner (ex-DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW etc.) singing on two tracks each. Besides Michael Schenker himself, the album was recorded with Steve Mann (keyboards), Barry Sparks (bass, DOKKEN etc.), as well as the three drummersBodo Schopf, Simon Philipps (ex-TOTO) and Brian Tichy (ex-WHITESNAKE). The newest addition to the record is keyboard player Derek Sherinian (ex-DREAM THEATER, ex-KISS etc.), who plays on the album’s opening track, featuring German power machine Ralf Scheepers on vocals.
„Immortal“ will feature ten tracks, including the magnum opus “In Search Of The Peace Of Mind”. „I wrote this song when I was 15 years old, it was my first ever written piece of music which I recorded with SCORPIONS on our first studio album „Lonesome Crow“ in 1970, getting released in 1972. We re-recorded this song for my 50th anniversary as a celebration and it turned out to be an epic; with an extra extension at the end of the song, which turned out absolutely fantastic with Simon Phillips on drums, doing his usual amazing stuff.“ The result is a true highlight and features even more surprises: „Gary Barden sings the first verse, continued by Ronnie Romero – and in the end we have Ronnie, Doogie White and Robin McAuley screaming their heads off, as a tribute to my 50th anniversary. Absolute amazing. Thanks to the guys for doing this!“
The limited first edition of this upcoming MSG album will feature another unique extra: „It will include the MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST – Bang Your Head – Blu-ray, which was recorded during our headline show in Balingen/Germany two years ago: Unfixed, raw, pure and great! There’s a couple of small mistakes, but because the show and recording went so well, I decided to keep it the way it went on the night. It’s live, magic and pure.“
Today, NUCLEAR BLAST and SUMMER BREEZE OPEN AIR announce another round of a beloved tradition, shaking the grounds of Dinkelsbühl year by year: 2021 will see the 10th anniversary of the NUCLEAR BLAST Label Night at SUMMER BREEZE OPEN AIR on Wednesday, August 18th, taken over by TESTAMENT, EXODUS, PARADISE LOST, BENEDICTION and FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE.
NUCLEAR BLAST states:
“2020 would have been Nuclear Blast Records’ 10th Anniversary of the Summer Breeze label night. Unfortunately, we all know what happened: the darkest year in the history of rock festivals. But we are more than happy that there is finally light at the end of the tunnel and want to thank all fans for staying patient. The rescheduled Anniversary Night will be celebrated with Testament, Paradise Lost and Benediction, who are dying to present to you their latest albums that came out during the ill-fated Corona year, as well as Thrash titans Exodus and the Italian Death Metal innovators Fleshgod Apocalypse, who will both be presenting new songs as well. It’s going to be special!
We want to thank the entire Summer Breeze team for their years of friendship and cannot wait to celebrate the return of the festival experience with all of you.
And thanks again to all metal fans around the world for supporting the scene! We are bonded by blood!”
SUMMER BREEZE Festival adds:
“The Nuclear Blast Label Night at the SUMMER BREEZE is by now well established.The Donzdorf-based label sends a bunch of illustrious names, to spice up the beginning of the festival on the T-Stage. The following Nuclear Blast bangers will hit the stage on festival Wednesday: TESTAMENT, PARADISE LOST, EXODUS, BENEDICTION and FLESHGOD APOCALPYSE.”
Day passes are not sold for the Wednesday’s event, the NUCLEAR BLAST label night can be attended with a regular festival ticket. You can purchase tickets for the SUMMER BREEZE OPEN AIR 2021 here:
https://www.sbtix.de/home
Two of Europe’s most revered metal bands are set to combine forces to bring their European Siege 2021 tour to the old continent in Autumn 2021. Sweden’s ARCH ENEMY and Poland’s BEHEMOTH are joining together for these special dates, bringing their longtime friends and metal legends CARCASS in the special guest slot. Opening the evening’s thunderous proceedings will be hotly-tipped gothic metal newcomers, UNTO OTHERS (formerly known as Idle Hands).
Arch Enemy’s founder and guitarist, Michael Amott informs us, ”As we’ve been going through these troubled and challenging times lately, I think we all need something to look forward to. A reason to believe, right? Well….this is it!! The European Siege tour, featuring Arch Enemy, Behemoth, Carcass and Unto Others is undoubtedly the ultimate Metal tour of 2021 – see you there!”
Arch Enemy are continuing to work on their 11th studio album, the follow up to 2017’s “Will To Power” and these shows will be their first dates since their slot as special guests on Amon Amarth’s Beserker touring spectacle in 2019.
You can order a copy of Arch Enemy’s most recent releases below:
”Will To Power” http://willtopower.centurymedia.com/
“Covered In Blood” https://archenemy.lnk.to/CoveredInBloodID
Behemoth’s frontman and creative visionary Nergal mirrors Amott’s sentiment, “After more than a year’s break from live music, we can think of no better homecoming to our beloved Legions than delivering to you a performance of new music and an event for the ages: The European Siege – a crushing combination of Carcass, Arch Enemy and Behemoth. We also proudly present the uniquely brilliant, Unto Others who will warmly welcome you to this night of metal magic!”
ARCH ENEMY, BEHEMOTH + special guest, CARCASS + UNTO OTHERS
TOURDATES:
2021-09-28 IE – Dublin, Olympia Theatre
2021-09-30 UK – Glasgow, O2 Academy Glasgow
2021-10-01 UK – Manchester, O2 Academy Manchester
2021-10-02 UK – Birmingham, O2 Academy Birmingham
2021-10-03 UK – London, O2 Academy Brixton
2021-10-05 FR – Paris, Le Zénith
2021-10-06 FR – Toulouse, Le Bikini
2021-10-08 PT – Lisbon, Sala Tejo
2021-10-09 ES – Madrid, Palacio Vistalegre
2021-10-10 ES – Barcelona, Palau Sant Jordi
2021-10-12 FR – Lyon, Le Radiant
2021-10-13 IT – Milano, Alcatraz
2021-10-15 DE – Berlin, Columbiahalle
2021-10-16 CZ – Prague, Tipsport Arena
2021-10-17 PL – Katowice, MCK
2021-10-19 HU – Budapest, Barba Negra
2021-10-20 AT – Vienna, Gasometer
2021-10-22 DE – Ludwigsburg, MHP Arena
2021-10-23 NL – Den Bosch, Mainstage Brabanthallen
2021-10-24 BE – Brussels, Forest National
2021-10-26 CH – Zurich, Samsung Hall
2021-10-27 DE – Frankfurt, Jahrhunderthalle
2021-10-29 DE – Munich, Zenith
2021-10-30 DE – Düsseldorf, Mitsubishi Electric Halle
2021-10-31 DE – Hamburg, edel-optics.de Arena
2021-11-01 SE – Gothenburg, Partille Arena
2021-11-03 FI – Helsinki, Ice Hall
2021-11-05 SE – Stockholm, Annexet
2021-11-06 DK – Copenhagen, Forum
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 