Metallica - 'Enter Sandman' (Daytona Beach 2021)

Say your prayers, little one
Don't forget, my son
To include everyone
I tuck you in, warm within
Keep you free from sin
'Til the Sandman he comes

Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight

Exit light
Enter night
Take my hand
We're off to never never-land

Something's wrong, shut the light
Heavy thoughts tonight
And they aren't of Snow White
Dreams of war, dreams of liars
Dreams of dragons' fire
And of things that will bite, yeah

Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight

Exit light, Enter night, Take my hand
We're off to never never-land

Now, I lay me down to sleep (Now, I lay me down to sleep)
Pray the Lord my soul to keep (Pray the Lord my soul to keep)
And if I die before I wake (If I die before I wake)
Pray the Lord my soul to take (Pray the Lord my soul to take)
Hush, little baby, don't say a word
And never mind that noise you heard
It's just the beast under your bed
In your closet, in your head

Exit light, Enter night, Grain of sand
Exit light, Enter night, Take my hand
We're off to never never-land

We're off to never never-land
Take my hand
We're off to never never-land
Take my hand
We're off to never never-land

Το γνωρίσαμε μέσα από τον ομώνυμο δίσκο των Metallica (ή αλλιώς "Black Album") που κυκλοφόρησε τον Αύγουστο του 1991 (το εναρκτήριο τραγούδι). Λίγες ημέρες πριν (29 Ιουλίου 1991) είχε κυκλοφορήσει και αυτόνομα ως single. Τους στίχους έγραψε ο James Hetfield κι αναφέρονται στους παιδικούς εφιάλτες.

Ο λόγος για το πλέον αναγνωρίσιμο κομμάτι τους (κι από τα πλέον αναγνωρίσιμα στην ιστορία του heavy metal) "Enter Sandman". Στην παρούσα ανάρτηση θα ασχοληθούμε με την "ζωντανή" απόδοση του τραγουδιού από τους Metallica στο μουσικό φεστιβάλ "Welcome to Rockville" προ ημερών (14 Νοεμβρίου 2021)...

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Legioned Marcher - "Praise Thunder" (audio)

Crosses of fire,the wizard speaks his shame
On these holy places,he will play his game
Blackened by the magic,by a shielded christ
Feel the power glowing,hes blackened by the night.

Pre chorus:
See the light,feel an evil death feel pain
Try to hide,feel the evil change

Chorus:
Praise thunder,feel the power glowing
Praise thunder,only light that's showing

He looks into the future,his destiny foretold
He calls upon the power,the way that hes been shown
Thundering his magic,the sky turns to black
The hands that brought his power,have carried out his wrath

Pre chorus
Chorus

His power has been denied,with power no longer strong
He calls upon his power,his destiny prolonged
Standing on the holy ground,he makes his final stand
He becomes the greatest wizard,with an evil wave of his hand

Pre chorus
Chorus (twice)

Οι όροι "χαμένο διαμάντι" ή "κρυφός θησαυρός" ή "θαμμένο μυστικό" και οι παρόμοιοι (για περιπτώσεις συγκροτημάτων ή δίσκων που πέρασαν απαρατήρητοι στην εποχή τους) χρησιμοποιούνται τόσο συχνά (και τόσο υπερβολικά) που έχουν μάλλον χάσει την (αρχική) σημασία τους. Νομίζω όμως ότι η περίπτωση των Legioned Marcher υπάγεται στις προαναφερθείσες κατηγορίες.

Αμερικάνικο heavy / power metal συγκρότημα από την Οκλαχόμα, το οποίο δραστηριοποιήθηκε την διετία 1986-87. Η συλλογή "Praise Thunder" θα κυκλοφορήσει την παραμονή των Χριστουγέννων και περιλαμβάνει τα δύο τραγούδια του "Demo 1987" και τέσσερα "ζωντανά" εκτελεσμένα τραγούδια από την παρθενική συναυλία της Αμερικάνικης μπάντας στις 12 Σεπτεμβρίου 1986 στο Diamond Ballroom...

Δελτίο τύπου: «Arkeyn Steel Records presents Legioned Marcher from Oklahoma, USA. Well you were never expecting an official release by this particular band, right? Well sometimes even the impossible becomes possible!

The band was formed in 1986 and split a few months later, on 1987: "We were a band less than a year...", bassist Rev. Jones recalls. During this very short period LEGIONED MARCHER have managed to record two of the most remarkable songs in the entire US Metal realm: "Praise Thunder" and "Under Fire".

Both those hymns were recorded and mixed in just 35 minutes on a local studio. The band did not have the cash to make an official demo release, so they just duplicated their two songs on tapes that were spread hand in hand around Oklahoma City.

We are in the mid -to late- 80s, when the actual core of a very important part of the US Metal underground, is born by such newcomers as Legioned Marcher, in rehearsal spaces, recording studios and smaller or bigger venues. Many of those bands would move forward to record and release albums that today are regarded as classics.

Legioned Marcher unfortunately did not make it, leaving behind just two recorded pieces of Metal history, their two demo songs. It took us many years to collect every single piece of audio and visual material that would justify an official release of the band's legacy.

Their two studio demo recordings have been remastered from the best possible source, shaping the main part of this release. We also managed to discover the band's entire debut live show at The Diamond Ballroom, Oklahoma City, OK (September, 12th, 1986).

Two officially unreleased songs are featured on this particular live recording. The complete show (four songs in total) has been also remastered -by Kostas Scandalis at Infinity, Studio (Thessaloniki, Greece)- and added as bonus.

The original artwork that has been designed for the band by Larry Sutterfield is used for this release. Kostas Athanasoglou has restored the entire original drawing, practically saving the original band logo. Every single band photo that could be tracked down is used on the booklet and the lyrics of the two masterpieces are officially presented for the very first time.

After the band's split Rev. Jones continued his musical career participating in many other bands (Forte, Black Symphony, Steelheart, Michael Schenker Group etc), while vocalist Bill Dollins sang into "Division", the second album by the fellow metal citizens Forte.

Through this official release Arkeyn Steel Records does justice to one of the most talented US Metal bands out there. Their recordings speak for themselves and now you will have the chance to put them beside the classics on the shelf with the US Metal masterpieces. Thunder and fire are rising! Beware the Marcher! For fans of Early Queensrÿche (Queen Of The Reich era), Syrus, Vicious Rumors, Forte, Steel Prophet & Oliver Magnum!»

Band: Legioned Marcher
Country of origin: United States
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Status: Split-up
Formed in: 1986
Genre: Heavy/Power Metal
Years active: 1986-1987

Audio: "Praise Thunder"
Album: "Praise Thunder"
Type: Compilation
Release date: December 24th, 2021
Label: Arkeyn Steel Records
Format: CD
Limitation: 500 copies

Track listing:
1. Praise Thunder
2. Under Fire
3. Praise Thunder (live)
4. Under Fire (live)
5. Coming of the Storm (live)
6. InstruMetal (live)

➢ 1-2 Unreleased Demo 1987
➢ 3-6 Live Sep. 12th 1986

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Frozen Crown - 'The Water Dancer' (video)

Sit around the fire my old friend
A story I will tell
Just be sure to listen till the end
It's a song you won't forget

Met a girl travelling to north
She had fire in her eyes
Jaded and walking all alone
With a dagger on her side

You should rest, and drink some water, dear
Where are you going?
As the war is raging in my realm
And now I am ready
To go and fight to show what I've become

I have learnt the water dance
I've become a faceless man
Deeper than the sword cuts fear
As I know revenge is near

Frozen Crown: Ιταλικό power metal συγκρότημα με γυναικεία φωνητικά (κατά βάση) και "βόρειες" επιρροές (Sonata Arctica, Nightwish, Wintersun, Dark Tranquillity, Arch Enemy κατά δήλωση της μπάντας). Το 2018 κυκλοφόρησαν το ντεμπούτο τους υπό τον τίτλο "The Fallen King" και το 2019 τον δεύτερο δίσκο τους ("Crowned in Frost"). Ο τρίτος φέρει τον τίτλο "Winterbane" και "βγήκε" τον περασμένο Απρίλη...

Band: Frozen Crown
Country of origin: Italy
Location: Milan, Lombardy
Formed in: 2017
Genre: Power Metal
Years active: 2017-present

Video: "The Water Dancer"
Direction, filming: Luca Morselli
Direction, editing: Federico Mondelli
Music, lyrics by: Federico Mondelli
Recorded, mixed, mastered by: Andrea Fusini

Album: "Winterbane"
Type: Full length
Release date: April 23rd, 2021
Label: Scarlet Records
Format: CD, Vinyl, Digital

Track listing:
01. Embrace the Night
02. Towards the Sun
03. Far Beyond
04. The Lone Stranger
05. Crown Eternal
06. The Water Dancer
07. Angels in Disguise
08. Night Crawler (Judas Priest cover)
09. Tales of the Forest
10. Blood on the Snow

Band members:
Giada "Jade" Etro - Vocals
Fabiola "Sheena" Bellomo - Lead Guitar
Federico Mondelli - Vocals, Guitar
Francesco Zof - Bass
Niso Tomasini - Drums

Guest/Session: Federica Lanna - Vocals (additional) (track 7)
Miscellaneous staff: Federico Mondelli - Artwork

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Thoughtcrime - 'Not Anymore' (lyric video)

What would happen if society
Gave up this stupid American dream?
We've fallen prey to a madman's scheme
Brainwashed out of sobriety

The rich stay rich, and the poor stay poor
Nothing's changed, what are you waiting for?
The only way we'll get what we're owed
Is when that fucking WHITE HOUSE EXPLODES!

All of our liberties
Fueled by constant war
We thrived on trickery
But not anymore!
We tried to be polite
Just to be ignored
We didn't want to fight
But not anymore!

It's us or them, now make your choice
It's time for violence to become your voice
This house of cards is about to fall
It's gonna be the end of us all

Not anymore!

All of our liberties
Fueled by constant war
We thrived on trickery
But not anymore!
We tried to be polite
Just to be ignored
We didn't want to fight
But not anymore!

All of our liberties
Fueled by constant war
We thrived on trickery
But not anymore!
We tried to be polite
Just to be ignored
We didn't want to fight
But not anymore!

Not anymore!
Not anymore!
Not anymore!
Not any, not anymore!

Νέα μπάντα οι Thoughtcrime. Σχηματίσθηκαν μόλις πέρυσι στο Ντένβερ. Το ντεμπούτο τους είναι ep πέντε τραγουδιών με τίτλο το όνομα του συγκροτήματος. Κυκλοφόρησε το περασμένο καλοκαίρι αυτοχρηματοδοτούμενο, ενώ σε λίγες ημέρες θα "βγει" και μέσω δισκογραφικής εταιρείας (Wormholedeath)...

Δελτίο τύπου: «Thoughtcrime is a metal band from Denver, Colorado. They have signed with Wormholedeath a licensing deal for the reissue of their debut self-titled EP "Thoughtcrime", which is due for re-release on December the 17th, 2021. The EP showcases an original sound and uncompromising lyricism in an era of corporate-backed artists and creative bankruptcy. Thoughtcrime seeks to end corruption and government, while inspiring action and unity.»

Band: Thoughtcrime
Country of origin: United States
Location: Denver, Colorado
Formed in: 2020
Genre: Heavy Metal
Lyrical themes: Exposing corruption, Anti-government, Dystopia
Years active: 2020-present

Lyric video: "Not Anymore"
Lyric video made by: Stereo 27 Productions
Lyrics and arrangement written by: Miguel Ruiz

Album: "Thoughtcrime"
Type: EP
Release date: June 30th, 2021
Label: Independent
Release date: December 17th, 2021
Label: Wormholedeath

Track listing:
1. Not Anymore 04:55
2. Pestilence 06:06
3. Alone 05:34
4. Fear of Nothing 04:03
5. Long Live the King 07:58

Band members:
Andrew Cope - Bass, Vocals
Jeff Govert - Drums
Miguel Ruiz - Guitar, Vocals
Isaac Clark - Guitar

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December 2021

Μας... κουνά μαντήλι και το 2021. Ετοιμάζεται να μας αποχαιρετήσει. Μπήκε ο Δεκέμβριος, άρχισε η αντίστροφη μέτρηση. Ας δούμε τι μας επιφυλάσσει δισκογραφικά ο τελευταίος, 12ος, μήνας. Κυκλοφορίες δίσκων από το ευρύτερο hard / heavy μουσικό φάσμα, οι οποίες αναμένεται να κυκλοφορήσουν τον δωδέκατο μήνα (Δεκέμβριος) του έτους. Για οτιδήποτε πιθανά παραλείψαμε (και θα είναι αρκετά) μπορείτε να μας συμπληρώσετε μέσω της φόρμας σχολίων που ακολουθεί την ανάρτηση...

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Band: Grey Wolf
Album: "Cimmerian Hordes"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 1st, 2021

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Band: Psychoprism
Album: "R.I.S.E."
Type: Full length
Release date: December 3rd, 2021

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Band: Green Carnation
Album: "Acoustic Verses"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 3rd, 2021

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Band: Manimal
Album: "Armageddon"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 3rd, 2021

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Band: Coronatus
Album: "Atmosphere"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 3rd, 2021

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Band: Malacoda
Album: "The Year Walk"
Type: EP
Release date: December 3d, 2021

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Band: False Memories
Album: "Echoes Of A Reflection"
Type: EP
Release date: December 3rd, 2021

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Band: Devil Cross
Album: "This Mortal Coil"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 7th, 2021

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Band: Mercury X
Album: "Imprisoned"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 10th, 2021

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Band: Thirty Fates
Album: "Circus Black"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 10th, 2021

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Band: Wolf
Album: "Mal Camino"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 10th, 2021

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Band: Pyramid
Album: "Validity"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 10th, 2021

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Band: Iron Fate
Album: "Crimson Messiah"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 17th, 2021

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Band: Kreator
Album: "Endorama"
Type: Full length (Reissue)
Release date: December 17th, 2021

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Band: Thoughtcrime
Album: "Thoughtcrime"
Type: EP
Release date: December 17th, 2021

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Band: Memory Garden
Album: "1349"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 17th, 2021

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Band: Blind Wisdom
Album: "Long Before The Last Dragons"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 17th, 2021

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Band: Legioned Marcher
Album: "Praise Thunder"
Type: Compilation
Release date: December 24th, 2021

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Band: Feuerschwanz
Album: "Memento Mori"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 31st, 2021

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Infidel Rising - 'Hunting High and Low' (Stratovarius cover)

I feel the wind in my hair,
and it's whispering, telling me things,
of the storm that is gathering near
Full of power I'm spreading my wings.

Now I'm leaving my worries behind.
Feel the freedom of body and mind
I have started my journey
I'm drifting away with the wind I go...

I am Hunting High and Low.
Diving from the sky above looking for more and more.
Once again I´m Hunting High and Low.
Sometimes I may win sometimes I´ll lose
It´s just a game that I play.

After the storm there´s a calm.
Through the clouds shines a ray of the sun.
I am carried from all of my harm
There is no-one that I can't outrun.

Now I´m leaving my worries behind
Feel the freedom of body and mind
I have started my journey
I'm drifting away with the wind I go...

I am Hunting High and Low
Diving from the sky above looking for more and more.
Once again I´m Hunting High and Low.
Sometimes I may win sometimes I´ll lose
It´s just a game that I play.

Πριν από εννέα έτη ο τραγουδιστής Travis Wills δημιούργησε τους Infidel Rising. Αμερικάνο power/prog metal συγκρότημα, το οποίο μας παρουσιάζεται κάπως έτσι: «Infidel Rising is a high energy blend of progressive and power metal taking over Dallas, TX».

Το φθινόπωρο του 2015 κυκλοφόρησαν το (αυτοχρηματοδοτούμενο) ντεμπούτο τους υπό τον τίτλο "The Torn Wings of Illusion" (την επόμενη χρονιά "βγήκε" και μέσω της Alone Records). Πλέον η μπάντα ανήκει στο δυναμικό της Pure Steel Records κι ετοιμάζεται για το δεύτερο full length album.

Φέτος οι Infidel Rising κυκλοφόρησαν ένα ep σε μόλις εκατό (100) αντίτυπα. Φέρει τον τίτλο "Chronicles of Inspiration Vol.I" και περιλαμβάνει (μεταξύ άλλων) και διασκευές σε τραγούδια των Stratovarius, Kamelot, Solitude Aeturnus, Pantera.

Στην παρούσα ανάρτηση θα ακούσουμε την προσέγγισή τους στο τραγούδι των Stratovarius "Hunting High and Low" (από τον δίσκο "Infinite" που κυκλοφόρησε τον Φεβρουάριο του 2000, ενώ δύο μήνες αργότερα "βγήκε" και αυτόνομα, ως single)...

Δελτίο τύπου: «Infidel Rising is an active progressive / power metal band made up of Travis Wills (ex-TYR, ex-MILLENIAL REIGN), Wayne Stokely (ex-MILLENNIAL REIGN, ex-PRETTY BOY FLOYD), Rafael J Quintana Rivera (PARALLEL DIMENSION, ex-AURA AZUL), Chris Herring (ex-POWER OF OMENS) and eclectic classically-trained musician Aaron Walton.

Infidel Rising is a brotherhood of 5 veteran musicians passionate in making original music in the genre and infusing more prog / power metal into the Dallas metal scene. Infidel Rising have become a well-known voice in the Dallas power metal scene for their energetic stage presence, epic orchestration and emotionally-driven lyrics original music.

Their unique sound combines heavy metal drum and bass riffs with powerhouse vocals and symphonic instrumentation. Fans and reviewers have compared their sound to Fates Warning, Myrath, Queensryche, Symphony X and Dream Theater. In addition to actively playing live shows around Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, they are also writing oringinal music for their new album.»

Band: Infidel Rising
Country of origin: United States
Location: Dallas, Texas
Formed in: 2012
Genre: Power/Progressive Metal
Years active: 2012-present

Band members:
➜ Travis Wills (ex-Millennial Reign, Tyr, Thought Chamber) - Vocals
➜ Aaron Walton - Keyboards
➜ Wayne Stokely (TYR, Millennial Reign, Lillian Axe) - Drums
➜ Rafael J. Quintana Rivera (Parallel Dimension, ex-Aura Azul) - Guitars, Backing Vocals
➜ Chris Herring (ex-Dreamstate, ex-Power of Omens, Primal Concrete Cowboys, Mindgallery) - Bass, Backing Vocals

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Smith/Kotzen - The Making Of 'Better Days'

Ο Adrian Smith δεν νομίζω ότι χρειάζεται πως ιδιαίτερες συστάσεις. Εκ των κιθαριστών των Iron Maiden από τις πρώτες ημέρες τους μέχρι και σήμερα (με εξαίρεση την δεκαετία του ενενήντα).

Από την άλλη και ο Richie Kotzen έχει μία μακρά πορεία στον "χώρο" με συμμετοχές σε μπάντες όπως οι Mr. Big, οι Poison, οι The Winery Dogs κλπ. Οι δυο τους ένωσαν πέρυσι τις δυνάμεις τους στο συγκρότημα - project που φέρει ως όνομα τα επώνυμά τους (Smith / Kotzen). Και κάπως έτσι κυκλοφόρησε το (ομώνυμο) ντεμπούτο τους τον περασμένο Μάρτιο.

Το νέο τους δισκογραφικό πόνημα (και δεύτερο μέσα στο 2021) είναι ep τεσσάρων τραγουδιών. Φέρει τον τίτλο "Better Days" και "βγήκε" προ ημερών...

Δελτίο τύπου: «The Better Days EP reflects the ongoing strength of the dynamic writing & recording partnership between these two world-class musicians, following their eponymous debut album released in March 2021 to media and fan acclaim, charting in the Top 20 in markets such as UK, Germany, US and Canada; a tremendous accomplishment for an inaugural collaboration project.

Better Days continues this trajectory with its huge hooks and driving riffs, coupled with the pair’s now-traditional vocal trade-offs building to crescendo with its soaring, unforgettable chorus. The final two songs on the EP were recorded at Windermere on Turks & Caicos Islands in March 2020.

"Better Days" and "Got A Hold On Me" followed at The House recording studio in Los Angeles in April 2021 when Smith / Kotzen were finally able to reconvene after lockdown and to shoot an accompanying video for the title track.

As with the Smith/Kotzen album, the EP was produced by Richie and Adrian, and mixed by Kevin Shirley. Richie comments “When Adrian came over to LA earlier this year, we got together and started throwing ideas around and we very quickly came up with the new songs.

‘Better Days’ almost seemed to write itself. It’s got a nice groove to it. Adrian came in with the riff and we came up with a melody for the chorus together, pretty much working to the same formula we used when writing the S/K album, bouncing ideas off each other.”

Adrian adds “’Better Days is a song I’m really excited about. I think its slightly different to the songs on the Smith/Kotzen album - it’s kind of heavy but melodic. I’d played Richie the riff and I was looking for a reaction, and I got one!

Kind of like the old grey whistle test scenario - there was a spark and we started building the song from there. I’d have an idea, then Richie would have an idea and we’d go back and forth, like building blocks.”»

Band: Smith / Kotzen
Formed in: 2020
Genre: Hard Rock, Blues Rock
Years active: 2020-present

Video: "Better Days" (making of)
Album: "Better Days"
Type: EP
Release date: November 26th, 2021
Format: Vinyl

Track listing:
1. Better Days
2. Got A Hold On Me
3. Hate And Love
4. Rise Again

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Iron Fate - 'Mirage' (lyric video)

Δισκογραφική επιστροφή μετά ένδεκα έτη για τους Iron Fate. Ο διάδοχος του album "Cast in Iron" (Ιούλιος 2010) και δεύτερος συνολικά δίσκος των Γερμανών metallers φέρει τον τίτλο "Crimson Messiah" κι έχει προγραμματισθεί να κυκλοφορήσει στα μέσα του επόμενου μήνα. Σε ένα τραγούδι μάλιστα ("Crossing Shores") θα ακούσουμε και την φωνή (όχι απλά φωνή, αλλά φωνάρα) του Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin. Στην παρούσα ανάρτηση όμως θα εστιάσουμε στο μουσικό κομμάτι "Mirage" παρακολουθώντας το σχετικό lyric video...

Band: Iron Fate
Country of origin: Germany
Location: Goslar, Lower Saxony
Formed in: 2005
Genre: Power Metal
Lyrical themes: Metal, Dysthopias, Personal Struggles, Demons, War
Years active: 2004-2005 (as Crypteria), 2005-present

Lyric video: "Mirage"
Video produced by: Gabby Vessoni
Album: "Crimson Messiah"
Type: Full length
Release date: December 17th, 2021
Label: Massacre Records
Format: CD

Track listing:
01. Crimson Messiah
02. Malleus Maleficarum
03. We Rule The Night
04. Crossing Shores
05. Mirage
06. Strangers (In My Mind)
07. Hellish Queen
08. Guardians Of Steel
09. Saviors Of The Holy Lie
10. Lost Forever

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Sinister King - 'All Is Vanity' (audio)

You won’t find the answer
No matter how hard you try
There is no hidden truth
And now these nations cry
Now these nations cry

Places that once were sacred
Have now been occupied
By killers and by traitors
With God on their side

With God on their side
With God on their side

I’ve been everywhere
I’ve seen everything
All is vanity
A striving after wind
Never satisfied
Though we try and try
All is vanity
A striving after wind
After wind
After wind
All is Vanity
All is Vanity

The marks that you have made
Will all be washed away
These flowers soon will fade
You can’t stop this decay
You’re still half awake now
You’re still in disguise
Praying for a break now
For the sun to arise

For the sun to arise
For the sun to arise

I’ve been everywhere
I’ve seen everything
All is vanity
A striving after wind
There will be nothing new
Days of darkness won’t be few
All is vanity
A striving after wind
After wind
After wind
All is vanity
All is vanity

There will be nothing new
Days of darkness won’t be few
All is vanity
A striving after wind
After wind

After wind
All is vanity
All is vanity
Vanity
Vanity
Vanity
Vanity

Οι Sinister King είναι ένα μελωδικό heavy metal συγκρότημα με έδρα το Μπέργκεν της Νορβηγίας. Προ ημερών κυκλοφόρησε το ντεμπούτο τους. Πρόκειται για ep, το οποίο φέρει τον τίτλο "All Is Vanity".

Δελτίο τύπου: «Sinister King is a melodic heavy metal band based in Bergen, Norway. Their typical song consists of energetic guitar riffs, evocative synth melodies, a memorable chorus and a guitar solo.

It is also well-produced, as the band prides itself on the sound quality of the songs. Some of the music is slightly progressive, and a lot of it is quite groovy. The lyrics are dark and melancholic courtesy of singer and lyrics writer Rune Skjønberg.

The band has been semi-active for quite a while, but the release of ‘Death of All Joy’ in November 2019 marked a new start for the band. Ole Henrik Vik joined the band as synth player around the same time.

Him and guitarist Jostein Uthaug started working actively in Jostein’s home studio to record new synth ideas on the songs of the debut EP ‘All is Vanity‘, as the other instruments were already recorded.

The first of those songs, ‘A Cure for Insomnia‘, was finally released on the 30th of September 2021. The second song, ‘Still Here’, followed up on November the 5th, and ‘Sanctuary Rage‘ and ‘All is Vanity‘ were released on the 26th of November with the EP.»

Band: Sinister King
Audio: "All Is Vanity"
Album: "All Is Vanity"
Type: EP
Release date: November 26th, 2021

Written and produced by: Uthaug / Skjønberg and Sinister King
Recorded at: Demningen Studio, Fjell, Norway
Recorded at: Stølheim Studios, Fedje, Norway
Mixed and mastered by: Jacob Hansen
Mixed and mastered at: Hansen Studios, Ribe, Denmark

Band members:
Rune Skjønberg - vocals
Jostein Uthaug - guitars, vocals
Yngve Knudsen - bass
Frode Andreassen - drums
Ole Henrik Vik - synth

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Big City - 'Irreversible' (audio)

Οι Big City μας έρχονται από την Νορβηγία. Μπάντα hard rock / μελωδικού metal, η οποία αποτελείται από μέλη - μουσικούς που έχουν καταγράψει "χιλιόμετρα".

Ο Daniel Olaisen (ή Død) έχει θητεύσει σε Scariot, Blood Red Throne, Valdaudr, Zerozonic, Trioxin, Cobolt 60 κλπ, ο Frank Ørland σε Scariot, Haunted Hollow, Harm κλπ, ο Frank Nordeng Røe (Withem, Maraton, session drummer για τους Circus Maximus και τους Leprous).

Οι Big City έχουν κυκλοφορήσει τρεις "ολοκληρωμένους" δίσκους: "Wintersleep" (2013), "Big City Life" (2018) και το album "Testify X" που "βγήκε" το περασμένο καλοκαίρι. Είναι ο τρίτος δίσκος του Daniel Olaisen μέσα στο 2021, καθώς συμμετέχει επίσης και στο album "Imperial Congregation" των Blood Red Throne όπως και στο ντεμπούτο των Valdaudr "Drapsdalen"...

Δελτίο τύπου: «'Irreversible' is a new single from Norway's Big City. The track is from the recording sessions for their most recent studio album, "Testify X", which is out now.

Fans of bands such as Firewind, Queensryche, Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall, Europe, Fair Warning and the like should look forward to being introduced to this exciting band. Big City was originally put together by guitarist and songwriter Daniel Olaisen.

His plan was to use a vast amount of song ideas and 80's metal influenced guitar riffs that he had stockpiled over the years for a batch of songs with the right players. Frank Ørland, who also played with Daniel in Scariot (prog / thrash / heavy band featuring Communic and Spiral Architect members), was an obvious choice to bring to Big City as the second guitarist.

Frank Nordeng Røe (Withem, Maraton, session drummer for Circus Maximus and Leprous) was brought in on drums after being discovered by Daniel via some internet research. The band was then completed with Jan Le Brandt on vocals and Geir Inge Olsen, who was brought in as a session bass player.

The band's debut album, "Wintersleep", was initially released in 2014 and later on re-released by the Greek label Rock of Angels in 2018 as part of a deluxe edition of their second album, Big City Life.

Big City played their very first live shows the same month of the international release, including Norway Rock Festival and Rock the Boat with Miguel Pereira (Withem) joining the band as their new permanent bass player.

In 2019, the band started working on a new album and brought in a new singer, Jørgen Bergersen from Rock the Night (Europe cover band) and the new demos caught the interest of Frontiers who moved swiftly to sign the band.

"The new album will introduce our new singer. He's done an incredible job and there's more punch and heaviness in his voice. The songs are still varied, from super chill ballad to heavy and light-progressive tunes. Melodies are still in focus and there's plenty of that, as expected. It's simply the best Big City album so far!" says Daniel Olaisen.»

Band: Big City
Audio: "Irreversible"
Album: "Testify X"
Type: Full length
Release date: July 16th, 2021
Label: Frontiers Music Srl

Track listing:
01. The Rush
02. Dark Rider
03. Testify
04. I Will Fall
05. Running Away
06. Conception
07. Winds Of The Road
08. Heart's Like A Lion
09. Graveyard Love
10. How Dark Does It Get

Band members:
Daniel Olaisen - Rhythm, lead and acoustic guitars
Frank Ørland - Lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars
Frank Nordeng Røe - Drums and percussion
Jørgen Bergersen - Vocals
Miguel Pereira - Bass guitar

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Corners of Sanctuary - 'Into the Night (I Still Remember)'

Πολυάσχολοι δισκογραφικά μέσα στο 2021 οι Corners of Sanctuary. Τον Μάρτιο κυκλοφόρησαν το ep "Blood And Steel (Volume One)", τον Αύγουστο το δεύτερο μέρος ["Blood And Steel (Volume Two)"], προ ημερών τόσο τον δίσκο "Rockin' the Holiday: A Merry Metal Xmas VIII", όσο και το album "Blood and Steel: Fight Till the End".

Το τελευταίο είναι ουσιαστικά τα δύο EPs συγκεντρωμένα συν κάποια άλλα τραγούδια. Οι Corners of Sanctuary μας έρχονται από την Φιλαδέλφεια (όχι την Νέα), δημιουργήθηκαν πριν από δέκα χρόνια και χαρακτηρίζουν την μουσική τους ως New Wave of Traditional American Heavy Metal (NWoTAHM).

Δελτίο τύπου: «Corners of Sanctuary Unleash A Full Metal Assault with Latest Album Fight Till the End. Philadelphia's traditional Heavy Metal titans, Corners of Sanctuary (COS) have come full circle with their 2021 musical Blood and Steel series, commemorating the band's 10 year anniversary, with the release of "Blood and Steel: Fight Till the End," on RFL Records (US).

This time around, RFL Records is giving Blood and Steel the royal treatment, rolling out a full blown CD and pre order vinyl release along with digital download options. The third installment combines Volumes One and Two plus additional tracks completing the year long journey.

"Having the opportunity to release a series of musical projects, like this, is like working on a movie trilogy," say COS founder and guitarist Mick Michaels. "RFL has been super supportive with the whole project and we are extremely grateful... 2021 is a milestone for the band and the Blood and Steel series is the response to that milestone."

Already for 2022, a second best of compilation and a possible live CD are in the works along with the band’s next full length album "Vengeance of the Fallen." Plus a few surprises have been promised. “We’re working on a few things that wouldn’t be considered normal COS stuff,” added Michaels.

“If 2020 taught us anything, it’s why not go for broke... cause you never know what tomorrow will bring.”»

Band: Corners of Sanctuary
Country of origin: United States
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Formed in: 2011
Genre: Heavy Metal
Years active: 2011-present

Video: "Into the Night (I Still Remember)"
Album: "Blood and Steel: Fight Till the End"
Type: Full length
Release date: November 26th, 2021
Label: Rfl Records (CD), Independent (Digital)

Track listing:
01. Fight (Brave Is the Heart) 03:09
02. Calling a New Day 02:27
03. In the Heat of tThe Fight 03:56
04. We All Shall Fall 02:56
05. A Fitting End 01:32
06. Casualties of War 03:40
07. Earth Fighter 05:40
08. Into the Night (I Still Remember) 03:01
09. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie 03:42
10. The One to Blame 09:32

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Social Scream - 'Unblood' (audio)

Νέος δίσκος χωρίς (ουσιαστικά) νέο υλικό για τους Social Scream. Το νέο πόνημα των Σπαρτιατών metallers φέρει τον τίτλο "From Ashes to Hope" και κυκλοφορεί ήδη από τις αρχές του έτους. Περιλαμβάνει τραγούδια από demos και τους πρώτους δύο δίσκους των Social Scream επανεκτελεσμένα...

Bio (GR): «Οι Social Scream είναι ένα Heavy Metal σχήμα από την Σπάρτη που δραστηριοποιείται στην μουσική σκηνή από το 2008. Η μπάντα στα πρώτα της βήματα λειτούργησε ως cover band δίνοντας αρκετά live εντός και εκτός Σπάρτης, η ανάγκη όμως για δημιουργία προσωπικού υλικού και το όραμα του κιθαρίστα / τραγουδιστή / συνθέτη Βλάση Διαμαντάκου, κίνησε τις διαδικασίες για την υλοποίηση και κυκλοφορία του αυτοχρηματοδοτούμενου ντεμπούτου με τίτλο "Epiclesis" τον Ιούνιο του 2014.

Η κυκλοφορία του "Epiclesis" συνοδεύτηκε από ένα release party και δύο headline εμφανίσεις σε Αθήνα και Σπάρτη, αλλά και την έναρξη συνεργασίας με την δισκογραφική εταιρεία New Dream Records η οποία ανέλαβε την ψηφιακή διανομή του Epiclesis όπως και την κυκλοφορία του 2ου δίσκου της μπάντας με τίτλο "Initiation to the Myths" τον Ιούνιο του 2018.

Στα τέλη του 2018 το συγκρότημα βρίσκεται με ανανεωμένη σύνθεση και πλέον λειτουργώντας ως τετραμελές σχήμα επανασυστήνεται με αρκετές ζωντανές εμφανίσεις εντός Ελλάδας την διετία 2018-2019, ενώ παράλληλα ολοκληρώνει τις ηχογραφήσεις του επόμενου δίσκου του.

Τον Αύγουστο του 2019 κυκλοφορεί το digital single “Truth Divider” προπομπός του επερχόμενου δίσκου με τίτλο "Organic Mindset", o οποίος κυκλοφόρησε στις 10 Μαρτίου 2020 από την Heart Of Steel Records. Το album έχρισε ευρείας αποδοχής κερδίζοντας θετικές κριτικές και σχόλια από τον τύπο και τους ακροατές, συστήνοντας την μπάντα σε ένα μεγαλύτερο ακροατήριο.

Την ίδια χρονιά μετά τις δυσάρεστες για την μουσική βιομηχανία επιπτώσεις της πανδημίας το συγκρότημα επικεντρώνεται στην επανηχογράφηση παλαιότερου υλικού και μένει σε επαφή με το Metal ακροατήριο δημιουργώντας και δημοσιεύοντας playthrough videos και live streams.

Στις 15 Ιανουαρίου 2021 κυκλοφόρησε αρχικά σε ψηφιακή μορφή και σε φυσική μορφή στις 1 Απριλίου 2021 από την Γαλλική Soman Records η διπλή συλλογή με τίτλο “From Ashes To Hope” που αποτελείται από επανηχογραφήσεις demos και κομματιών των δύο πρώτων δίσκων της μπάντας.

Οι ηχογραφήσεις έγιναν στα Think recording και Dimons studios με παραγωγό τον Δημήτρη Σάκκα, ενώ το artwork φιλοτεχνήθηκε από τον Γιάννη Στεργίου (dtopgraphics).»

Bio (EN): «Social Scream is a Heavy Metal band from Sparta/Greece formed in 2008. The band at the beginning performed as cover band many live shows inside and outside its hometown.

After a while the need for personal expression drove Vlasis Diamantakos (guitarist / vocalist / songwriter) to lead the band by composing and self-releasing the debut album "Epiclesis" at June 2014. The release of "Epiclesis" was followed by a release party and 2 headline shows at Athens and Sparta, but also marked the partnership with New Dream Records who digitally distributed Epiclesis and also released band's 2nd album “Initiation To The Myths” at June 2018.

Later that year Social Scream with fresh lineup decided to move forward as a 4-piece band and for 2 years did many live shows inside Greece and also finished with the recordings of the upcoming album. At August 2019 the band released the digital single “Truth Divider” from the upcoming album “Organic Mindset” which was released on March 10th 2020 by Heart Of Steel Records.

The album gaining great feedback from both press and fans and introduced Social Scream to a larger audience. During that year, the global pandemic cancelled all band's live activity, as a result band was focused on studio work and tried to be in touch with metal community via playthrough videos and live streams.

On January 15th of 2021, a double cd collection entitled “From Ashes To Hope” WAS released in digital format and on 1st April will be out in psychical cd by Soman Records, containing re-recorded versions of old demos and tracks of the first two band's albums. The recordings took place at Think Recording Studios and Dimons Studios. The album was produced by Dimitris Sakkas and the artwork was created by Giannis Stergiou and dtopgraphics.»

Band: Social Scream
Country of origin: Greece
Location: Sparti, Peloponnese
Formed in: 2008
Genre: Heavy Metal
Lyrical themes: Human issues, Life, Society
Years active: 2008-present

Audio: "Unblood"
Album: "From Ashes to Hope"
Type: Full length

Release date: January 15th, 2021
Label: Soman Records
Format: Digital

Release date: April 1st, 2021
Label: Soman Records
Format: 2CD

Band members:
Vlasis Diamantakos - Guitars, Vocals
Alexandros Oikonomou - Bass
Kimonas Alexandros - Guitars (lead)

Guest/Session: Dimitris Sakkas - Drums
Miscellaneous staff: Dimitris Sakkas - Producer

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New Horizon (Erik Grönwall + Jona Tee) - 'We Unite' (audio)

Δύο μέλη του Σουηδικού hard rock συγκροτήματος H.E.A.T. (ο τραγουδιστής Erik Grönwall και ο Jona Tee) σχημάτισαν power metal σχήμα υπό το όνομα New Horizon. Το ντεμπούτο τους αναμένεται να κυκλοφορήσει το νέο έτος, με την ακρόαση του τραγουδιού "We Unite" να προετοιμάζει το έδαφος...

Δελτίο τύπου: «Vocalist Erik Grönwall and songwriter / producer / multi-instrumentalist Jona Tee, former bandmates in H.E.A.T., have announced that they are continuing their musical partnership by unleashing New Horizon, their new power metal brainchild.

Their debut single, 'We Unite' is out now. Debut album coming in 2022. Guest musicians / contributors who will appear on the debut album include Robban Bäck (Mustasch), Sam Totman (DragonForce), Love Magnusson (Dynazty), Dave Dalone (H.E.A.T), Niko Vuorela (Temple Balls) and Laucha Figueroa.

The seeds of New Horizon were planted in Jona’s youth given that he grew up listening to (and still loves) Iron Maiden, Helloween, Hammerfall, Manowar, Edguy, and the like. Heavy metal is in his blood and New Horizon is something that is flowing through his veins and extremely close to his heart.

He always dreamed of releasing his own power metal anthems one day. When asked about the sound of New Horizon, Jona Tee describes it as "a mix between classic power and heavy metal, with a touch of the 21st century.” “It felt so natural to continue working together. We have toured together pretty much all over the world and released music together for a decade. Jona is truly like my brother, by blood, and New Horizon will be the catalyst for us to release great metal together and just have fun,” says Grönwall.»

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Knights of the Realm - "Knights of the Realm" (album stream)

Νέο συγκρότημα οι Knights Of The Realm. Heavy metal μπάντα εκ Σουηδίας, η οποία μας παρουσιάζεται κάπως έτσι:

«Knights of the Realm is a Swedish heavy metal band, and their aim is to spread their music to as many metal heads as possible, all the while having a blast doing it. They are getting ready to go on a crusade, and to take their true place on the metal throne as Knights Of The Realm.»

Προ ημερών κυκλοφόρησε και το (ομώνυμο) ντεμπούτο τους...

Δελτίο τύπου: «Every once in a while, a band emerges ready to take on the world... Sweden’s own Knights Of The Realm bring the thunder and deliver the goods (pun intended).From the first note of the intro, to the last on the outro, they deliver their own lovingly crafted blend of classic 80’s metal.

Knights Of The Real is many years of heavy metal experience combined into a pure vicious heavy metal machine. Larry ”The Hammer” Shield (Lars Sköld) has toured the globe and recorded with legendary band Tiamat for as long as he can remember, and is without a shadow of a doubt the band’s backbone.

Megalomagnus (Magnus Henriksson) has been making history with his band Eclipse since the end of the 90’s and is a bonafide guitar hero, who’s both capable of some heavy duty riffage as well as delivering gorgeous melodies. Mean Machine (Marcus Von Boisman) has been working in the shadows of metal for many years, and played with Swedish bands Windupdeads and Stormen.

And as far as the Mean Machine goes, well, the name says it all! He delivers the soaring rock vocals we all love, with attitude and feeling. The love for classic heavy metal is the driving force behind this band. The aim from the beginning was to write heavy metal hits that should, or could, have been on the albums they grew up listening to.

When the songwriting process began, it was like opening Pandora’s box. The overall feeling was that those songs were calling out to be written and to be played, and the band’s collective ideas, dreams and experiences merged into something new, something that can hopefully lure a new generation of rockers into that metal club we all love.

Knights of the Realm is a Swedish heavy metal band, and their aim is to spread their music to as many metal heads as possible, all the while having a blast doing it. They are getting ready to go on a crusade, and to take their true place on the metal throne as Knights Of The Realm.»

Band: Knights of the Realm
Country of origin: Sweden
Location: Stockholm
Genre: Heavy Metal

Album: "Knights of the Realm"
Type: Full length
Release date: November 12th, 2021
Label: Playground Music Scandinavia
Format: CD, 12" vinyl, Digital

Track listing:
01. An August Play (instrumental) 02:06
02. Into the Void 04:32
03. Heavy Metal 02:59
04. Fields of Fire 05:21
05. Chains of Metal 04:24
06. Blood on Steel 03:08
07. When Metal Meets the Beast 04:05
08. Steel my Heart 03:56
09. Standing at the Gates of Hell 04:07
10. Metal Attack 03:34

Band members:
Lars Sköld - Drums
Magnus Henriksson - Guitars
Marcus von Boisman - Vocals

Miscellaneous staff: Matt Korr - Mixing, Mastering

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Ad Infinitum - "Inferno" (video)

Οι Ad Infinitum μας έρχονται από την Ελβετία. Δημιουργήθηκαν προ τριετίας και μας συστήνονται ως «European modern symphonic metal band». Άκρως ενεργοί δισκογραφικά καθώς έχουν κυκλοφορήσει ήδη τρία full length albums, με το τρίτο και πλέον πρόσφατο να φέρει τον τίτλο "Chapter II: Legacy"...

Δελτίο τύπου: «Ad Infinitum is a European modern symphonic metal band created in 2018 by Melissa Bonny. Drummer Niklas Müller, guitarist Adrian Thessenvitz and bassist Korbinian Benedict complete this heavy and mesmerizing quartet. While dropping their debut back in 2020 in the middle of a pandemic, Ad Infinitum nevertheless managed to attract considerable attention and to start their unstoppable ascent in the metal scene. The band combines heavy and modern riffs, epic and enchanting orchestrations, haunting vocal melodies and demonic growls with finesse and like no one else. A signature sound that is defined and established even clearer with their second album Chapter II - Legacy.»

Ad Infinitum: «One month since the release of “Chapter II - Legacy” and the positive feedbacks received went straight to our heart. We decided to keep the party going a little longer with one more video featuring one of the band’s favorite tracks on this second album. Inferno!»

Band: Ad Infinitum
Country of origin: Switzerland
Location: Montreux, Vaud
Formed in: 2018
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Lyrical themes: History, Revolution, Romance
Years active: 2018-present

Video: "Inferno"
Video production: Vincent De Fallois
Director of photography: Vincent De Fallois
Starring: Jacob Watson
Camera assistants: Lydia Ramos, Florian Reuner
Production assistants: Rasmus Hargens, Sofia Tahri

Album: "Chapter II: Legacy"
Type: Full length
Release date: October 29th, 2021
Label: Nuclear Blast
Format: CD, 12" vinyl, Digital

Track listing:
01. Reinvented 03:22
02. Unstoppable 04:13
03. Inferno 03:56
04. Your Enemy 03:51
05. Afterlife 03:35
06. Breathe 03:08
07. Animals 03:43
08. Into the Night 03:04
09. Son of Wallachia 03:59
10. My Justice, Your Pain 04:10
11. Haunted 03:36
12. Lullaby 03:56
13. Unstoppable (instrumental) 04:13
14. Inferno (instrumental) 03:56
15. Son of Wallachia (Orchestral version) 04:00

Band members:
Korbinian Benedict - Bass
Melissa Bonny - Vocals
Niklas Müller - Drums
Adrian Thessenvitz - Guitars

Guest/Session: Nils Molin - Vocals #6
Miscellaneous staff: Nat Enemede - Artwork

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