Swedish riff lords GRAND MAGUS are set to release their new studio album “Sword Songs” on May 13th via Nuclear Blast.
Today, the band is releasing the very first single from the album, ‘Varangian’. The track is streaming on YouTube:
The band will be performing at this year’s edition of Download Festival. GRAND MAGUS will be on the Zippo Encore Stage (2nd Stage) on Sunday 12th of June.
Heavy metal titans METAL CHURCH are set to release their new album “XI” on March 25th, via Nuclear Blast Records.
Today, the band have released the lyric video for the brand new track ‘Reset’, check it out below:
“XI” was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and co-produced by Chris “The Wizard” Collier and is available for pre-order in various exclusive bundles here.
From the first guitar riff of album opener ‘Reset’ through the driving outro of album closer ‘Suffer Fools,’ it is clear METAL CHURCH are back and better than ever. ‘Needle and Suture’ and ‘Soul Eating Machine’ showcase the songwriting that made the early Mike Howe albums “The Human Factor,” “Blessing In Disguise” and “Hanging In The Balance” such fan favorites. Musical opuses ‘Signal Path’ and ‘Sky Falls In’ clock in at over 7-minutes each and put the musicianship that METAL CHURCH was known for on full display in 2016.
The track listing for “XI” is:
01. Reset
02. Killing Your Time
03. No Tomorrow
04. Signal Path
05. Sky Falls In
06. Needle & Suture
07. Shadow
08. Blow Your Mind
09. Soul Eating Machine
10. It Waits
11. Suffer Fools
12. Fan The Fire (Exclusive Bonus Track)
METAL CHURCH
will be showcasing songs from this killer release live during May with a string of European club shows, as well as the Rock Hard Festival. Support for the club shows will come from Antwerp, Belgium-based metallers BLIKSEM and Dutch old-school thrashers DISTILLATOR. See all dates below:
w/ BLIKSEM, DISTILLATOR
06.05. D Hamburg – Klubsen
07.05. D Hannover – Musikzentrum
08.05. D Saarbrücken – Garage
10.05. UK London – Underworld
12.05. CH Pratteln – Z7
13.05. D Regensburg – Airport Obertraubling
14.05. D Gelsenkirchen – Rock Hard Festival*
15.05. D Berlin – Columbia Theather
*METAL CHURCH only
More METAL CHURCH dates:
19.02. USA Aberdeen, WA – The D&R Theatre
20.02. USA Fife, WA – Louie G’s
22. – 26.02. USA Miami, FL – Monsters Of Rock Cruise
14. – 16.07. D Balingen – Bang Your Head!!! Festival
16.07. NL Eindhoven – Dynamo Metal Fest
05.08. FIN Pori – Porispere Festival
06.08. D Wacken – Wacken Open Air
13.08. B Kortrijk – Alcatraz Metal Fest
Northern Germany’s infernal extreme metal duo MANTAR have released the second song off the band’s second album, “Ode To The Flame”, titled ‘Schwanenstein’:
The song is now available for download via NB digital here and iTunes here.
Check out the first single, ‘Era Borealis’:
“Ode To The Flame” will be out on April 15th via Nuclear Blast.
The album will be available as Digi-CD, vinyl (black, gold – the latter is only available from the Nuclear Blast Mailorder), and digital download. Pre-order here.
“Ode To The Flame” Tour 2016
15.04.2016 DE – Kiel, Schaubude
20.04.2016 DE -Dortmund, FZW Club
21.04.2016 DE -Wiesbaden, Schlachthof
22.04.2016 DE -Braunschweig, B58
05.05.2016 DK – Copenhagen, Beta
07.05.2016 DE -Flensburg, Volksbad
14.05.2016 FR – Paris, Doomed Gatherings @ Glazart
03.06.2016 RO – Bucharest, Metalhead Meeting
05.06.2016 CZ – Plzen, Metalfest Czech Republic
18.06.2016 FR – Clisson, Hellfest
01.07.2016 FI – Helsinki, Tuska
16.07.2016 SE – Gävle, Gefle Metal Festival
Festivals 2016
14.04.2016 DE -Leipzig, Doom over Leipzig
23.04.2016 DE -Hagen, Stockrock
28.04.2016 DE -Berlin, Desertfest
30.04.2016 UK – London, Desertfest
13.05.2016 DE -Gießen, Post Valley
27.05.2016 DE -Siegen, Freak Valley Festival
28.05.2016 DE -Visbek, Visbek Rockt
17.-20.08.2016 DE – Dinkelsbühl, Summer Breeze
Commented the band: “The title »Ode To The Flame« is chosen in tradition of the debut record, »Death By Burning« to maintain the cleansing power of fire as the key theme. Fire is able to reset anything and will erase this planet one day from any plague that’s been around. Furthermore it’s obviously an ode to passion and iron will. »Ode To The Flame« isn’t dramatic, it’s drastic. By all means.”
Ever since their inception in 2013 and the release of their first album in 2014 the band has been recognised as one of the hardest working in the German extreme metal underground. Melding the most sinister elements of styles like black metal, doom and punk, representing unfiltered pure primal rage, MANTAR have proven to be one of a kind. Their extremely intense live shows have been seen all over the world and have blown away unaware audiences with their unconditionally tight and brutal performances. MANTAR is a pure evil elemental force captured by only two uber passionate artists that strife for ultimate raw sonic power.
More on MANTAR:
‘White Nights’ music video: https://youtu.be/KlWTj72Tmto
‘March Of The Crows’ music video: https://youtu.be/C7ag0TpWfzc
‘Cult Witness’ live video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar8apBQSDA4
MANTAR is:
Hanno – vocals, guitars
Erinc – drums, vocals
www.mantarband.com | www.facebook.com/mantarband | www.nuclearblast.de/mantar
ALMANAC, the new symphonic metal band formed by Victor Smolski (ex-RAGE), will release their debut record “Tsar” on March 18th through Nuclear Blast.
In celebration of the new album, the band released the title track as a digital single today. Order the single here.
The band is also premiering the lyric video of ‘Tsar’ today. Check it out here:
If you missed the album trailers, watch them here:
#1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOsVSNLoDvc
#2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5dgDkf-GvA
#3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGCXrWnoUDQ
#4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF8wVSkCPOs
ALMANAC have also created three interesting studio episodes, telling you more about the making of “Tsar” – watch them here:
Studio Episode #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOJME_1_YAE
Studio Episode #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNXlSDj5HT0
Studio Episode #3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLTjh1NOtek
The cover artwork was created by famous Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák (WISDOM, ANNIHILATOR, TYR, DESTRUCTION, ELVENKING,…).
The tracklist of “Tsar” racks up as follows:
01. Tsar
02. Self Blinded Eyes
03. Darkness
04. Hands Are Tied
05. Children Of The Future
06. No More Shadows
07. Nevermore
08. Reign Of Madness
09. Flames Of Fate
Bonus DVD – Chapter Overview:
01. Self-Blinded Eyes
02. Tsar (Lyric video)
03. Making-of “Tsar”
Extras
04. The Making Of ‘Self-Blinded Eyes’
05. Winter Masters Of Rock
06. Instruments & Techniques
07. Band interview
08. Outtakes
09. Studio Bits
10. B-Roll
11. Unity Music School
12. Credits
Mastermind Smolski commented on it:
“»Tsar« is the absolute best of and the highlight of my musical career. I had never had so much fun while producing a CD. Incredible teamwork – and one hundred per cent merciless. Push the pedal to the metal!”
After 15 years and 10 CDs as guitarist, producer and composer for the German heavy metal institution RAGE, Victor Smolski now continues his musical career with his new group ALMANAC; a new musical concept combining heavy metal with classical music, songs written especially for a band and orchestra plus several male and female singers sharing the lead vocal job. The Belarus-born guitarist Smolski is joined in this new group by former LMO band members Jeanette Marchewka (vocals) and the symphony orchestra Orquestra Barcelona Filharmonia. New in the line up are bass player Armin Alic, drummer Michael Kolar and keyboardist Enric Garcia. Two high-class singers David Readman (PINK CREAM 69) and Andy B. Franck (BRAINSTORM) complete the extremely prominent line up. For all the members of ALMANAC, »Tsar« is a new, exciting, and very interesting chapter. Traditional metal in conjunction with classical music, world music and elements of Russian folklore with a modern sound all make ALMANAC a compelling and absolute listening experience.
In support of their new album, the band will be touring Europe as special guest with ORDEN OGAN and MANIMAL from the release date onwards. Find all dates below!
“The Book Of Ogan” Tour 2016
w/ ORDEN OGAN, MANIMAL
18.03. D Bochum – Matrix
19.03. D Bremen – Tivoli
20.03. D Berlin – K17
21.03. D Mannheim – Alte Seilerei
22.03. D Nürnberg – Hirsch
23.03. D Ludwigsburg – Rockfabrik
24.03. D München – Backstage
25.03. H Budapest – Club 202
26.03. A Vienna – Viper Room
27.03. A Salzburg – Rockhouse
28.03. D Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal
29.03. A Nassfeld – Full Metal Mountain
30.03. CH Pratteln – Z7
31.03. I Brescia – Circus Colony
01.04. D Memmingen – Kaminwerk
02.04. D Andernach – JUZ
03.04. NL Arnhem – Willemeen
Festivals:
14.05.16 CH Pratteln – Masters of Symphonic Metal
03.06.16 CZ Plzen – Metalfest Open Air
17.08.16 D Dinkelsbühl Flugplatz – Summer Breeze
ALMANAC are:
Andy B. Franck – vocals
David Readman – vocals
Jeannette Marchewka – vocals
Victor Smolski – guitars
Armin Alić – bass, fretless bass
Michael Kolar – drums
Enric Garcia – keyboards, piano
feat. Orquestra Barcelona Filharmonia
More info:
http://www.almanac.band
www.victorsmolski.de
www.facebook.com/almanacvs.band
www.facebook.com/officialvictorsmolski
www.youtube.com/c/almanacofficial
www.nuclearblast.de/almanac
Swedish heavy metal heroes SABATON‘s brand-new live 2Blu-ray+CD/2DVD+CD package entitled “Heroes On Tour”, is out now. It contains two entire, breathtaking shows, one filmed at Wacken 2015 and the other at Sabaton Open Air in their hometown of Falun in the same year. Bonus features include two switchable viewing angles, live and studio.
Order “Heroes On Tour” in various formats here.
Watch the preview clips here:
‘Resist And Bite’ [Wacken] Official Live Video:
‘Carolus Rex’ [Falun] Official Live Video:
‘Swedish Pagans’ [Wacken] Official Live Video:
“Heroes On Tour” – Tracklists:
DVD/Blu-ray1 – Live @ Wacken Open Air 2015
01. Final Countdown
02. The March To War
03. Ghost Division
04. To Hell And Back
05. Carolus Rex
06. No Bullets Fly
07. Resist And Bite
08. Far From The Fame
09. Panzerkampf
10. Gott Mit Uns
11. The Art Of War
12. Soldier Of 3 Armies
13. Swedish Pagans
14. Screaming Eagles
15. Night Witches
16. Primo Victoria
17. Metal Crüe
Bonus Material
– Noch ein Bier
– SABATON With Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague
01. The Art Of War
02. The Final Solution
DVD/Blu-ray2 – Live @ Sabaton Open Air 2015
01. Final Countdown
02. The March To War
03. Ghost Division
04. To Hell And Back
05. Carolus Rex
06. Panzer Battalion
07. Wolfpack
08. Attero Dominatus
09. 7734
10. Union
11. The Art Of War
12. Saboteurs
13. Coat Of Arms
14. En Livstid I Krig
15. Resist And Bite
16. Swedish Pagans
17. Night Witches
18. Primo Victoria
19. Metal Crüe
CD – Live @ Wacken Open Air 2015
01. The March To War
02. Ghost Division
03. To Hell And Back
04. Carolus Rex
05. No Bullets Fly
06. Resist And Bite
07. Far From The Fame
08. Panzerkampf
09. Gott Mit Uns
10. The Art Of War
11. Soldier Of 3 Armies
12. Swedish Pagans
13. Screaming Eagles
14. Night Witches
15. Primo Victoria
16. Metal Crüe
Don’t miss the Swedish war machine on tour!
SABATON live:
w/ ALESTORM, BLOODBOUND
04.03. UK Belfast – Limelight 1
06.03. IRL Dublin – Vicar Street
07.03. UK Cardiff – Tramshed
08.03. UK Bristol – o2 Academy
10.03. UK London – The Forum *SOLD OUT*
11.03. NL Tilburg – 013 *SOLD OUT*
12.03. LUX Esch-Sur-Alzette – Rockhal *SOLD OUT*
30.03. A Nassfeld – Full Metal Mountain
27.05. D Dortmund – Rock Im Revier
29.05. D Munich – Rockavaria
03.06. CH Luzern – Sonisphere/Allmend rockt
11.06. S Sölvesborg – Sweden Rock Festival
12.06. F Paris – Download Festival
29.06. FIN Hämeenlinna – Kantola Event Park
30.06. E Bilbao – Bilbao Arena Miribilla (w/ SCORPIONS)
02.07. E Córdoba – Plaza De Toros (w/ SCORPIONS)
03.07. E Madrid – Barclaycard Center (w/ SCORPIONS)
06.07. SK Zilina – Zilina Airport (w/ IRON MAIDEN)
08.07. FIN Kuusisaari – Jalometalli
24.07. I Rome – Sonisphere Italy (w/ IRON MAIDEN)
03.08. DK Skandeborg – Smukfest
07.08. CDN Montréal – Heavy Montréal
18.08. D Dinkelsbühl – Summer Breeze
19.08. D Hamburg – Elb-Riot
20.08. S Falun – Sabaton Open Air
28.08. PL Straszecin – Czad Festival
29.08. PL Wroclaw – Rock For Freedom
Grab your tickets for Rockavaria, Rock im Revier and Summer Breeze at the Nuclear Blast Online Shop: http://www.nuclearblast.de/de/shop/artikel/gruppen/79910.1.tickets.html?article_group_sort_type_handle=rank&custom_keywords=sabaton
More info:
www.sabaton.net
www.facebook.com/sabaton
www.nuclearblast.de/sabaton
UK-based hardcore punk legends DISCHARGE announced their signing with Nuclear Blast last year. After the release of the “New World Order” EP, the time has now come to unleash their new studio album and label debut, on an unsuspecting world.
Entitled “End Of Days”, the new album will be released on April 29th.
The band have released a lyric video of the brand new song ‘Hatebomb’ via YouTube.
The band commented:
“No thought provoking lyrics on this song, just 2 minutes and 8 seconds of anger, play it loud“.
Check out the lyric video here:
‘Hatebomb’ will be available as digital single on March 11th, 2016.
Check also the official video clip of the song “New World Order”:
Pre-order “End Of Days” now here.
The tracklists are as follows:
CD
01. New World Order
02. Raped And Pillaged
03. End Of Days
04. The Broken Law
05. False Flag Entertainment
06. Meet Your Maker
07. Hatebomb
08. It Can’t Happen Here
09. Infected
10. Killing Yourself To Live
11. Looking At Pictures Of Genocide
12. Hung Drawn And Quartered
13. Population Control
14. The Terror Alert
15. Accessories By Molotov (Part 2)
LP
Side A
01. New World Order
02. Raped And Pillaged
03. End Of Days
04. The Broken Law
05. False Flag Entertainment
06. Meet Your Maker
07. Hatebomb
08. It Can’t Happen Here
Side B
01. Infected
02. Killing Yourself To Live
03. Looking At Pictures Of Genocide
04. Hung Drawn And Quartered
05. Population Control
06. The Terror Alert
07. Accessories By Molotov (Part 2)
DISCHARGE live:
18.03. UK London – T-Chances
26.03. B Aalst – Oilsjt Omploft Fest
02.04. FIN Helsinki – Nosturi
15.04. UK Liverpool – The Magnet
16.04. UK Birmingham – Rainbow
14.05. F Montpellier – Secret Place
28.05. USA Baltimore – Maryland Deathfest
18.06. F Clisson – Hellfest
25.06. UK Preston – The New Continental
16.07. UK Leeds – The Brudenell Social Club
23.07. UK Coventry – The Arches
04.08. UK Blackpool – Rebellion Festival
10.09. UK Cardiff – The Moon
17.09. UK Watford – TBA
01.10. D Herford – The Kids Are United Festival @ X
More info:
http://www.facebook.com/dischargeofficial
http://www.nuclearblast.de/discharge
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 