Η επική "στροφή" στον ήχο των Bathory με τον δίσκο "Blood Fire Death" (Οκτώβριος 1988) απέκτησε μεγαλύτερη στόχευση με τον (εκπληκτικό) διάδοχό του. Το album "Hammerheart" κυκλοφόρησε την άνοιξη του 1990 επαναπροσδιορίζοντας την "μεταλλική" επική τέχνη. Υπό την έννοια ότι την φέρνει σε άμεση αισθητική επαφή με το Ευρωπαϊκό συλλογικό ασυνείδητο. Αν δεν υπήρχε το epic metal θα το είχαν ανακαλύψει οι Bathory. Τι ατμόσφαιρα! Και τι εξώφυλλο επίσης (The "Funeral of a Viking" - Frank Bernard Dicksee)...
Band: Bathory Country of origin: Sweden Location: Stockholm Status: Split-up Formed in: 1983 Genre: Black/Viking Metal, Thrash Metal, Epic Metal Lyrical themes: Satanism, Evil (early); Norse mythology, Tales, Society, Death (later) Years active: 1983-2004
Album: "Hammerheart" Type: Full length Release date: April 16th, 1990 Label: Noise Records Format: CD, 12" vinyl (33⅓ RPM), Cassette
Track listing:
1. Shores in Flames (00:01)
2. Valhalla (11:11)
3. Baptised in Fire and Ice (20:46)
4. Father to Son (28:46)
5. Song to Hail Up High (35:15)
6. Home of Once Brave (37:50)
7. One Rode to Asa Bay (44:31)
8. The Winds of Mayhem (Outro) (53:41)
Finding your way
On a frozen path where the air is thin
The angel of balance
Keeps you alive
A flower unfolds
A heartbeat brings new meaning to the universe
The angel of balance
Keeps you strong
Discovering what has been all along
Spinning through life
Lost in the spiral of time
Turning the stone
Circles of darkness and light
Remember hereafter
You made it to the top
Just to find out
You're only halfway there
All along missing the point of the journey
The will of the soul
Like a peak so high
You look inside to rise
Searching out a dream
Climbing, reaching further
And the voices of the angels bring you closer
Spinning through life
Lost in the spiral of time
Turning the stone
Circles of darkness and light
Remember hereafter
Spinning through life
Lost in the spiral of time
Turning the stone
Circles of darkness and light
Spinning through
We balance the heart and the mind
Turning the stone
Embracing the truth that we find
Remember hereafter
The end of a chapter
Awaken the master
Awaken the master
"A View from the Top of the World" τιτλοφορείται το νέο δισκογραφικό πόνημα των Dream Theater και κυκλοφόρησε προ ημερών. Πρόκειται για τον 15ο "ολοκληρωμένο" στουντιακό δίσκο των Αμερικανών progsters, με το ομότιτλο τραγούδι να υπερβαίνει τα είκοσι λεπτά σε διάρκεια. Στην παρούσα ανάρτηση θα δούμε (και θα ακούσουμε) το βίντεο του μουσικού κομματιού "Awaken The Master"...
Δελτίο τύπου: «Dream Theater - comprised of James LaBrie, John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess, John Myung and Mike Mangini - was in the middle of a sold-out world tour in support of their last release Distance Over Time and the 20th anniversary of Scenes From A Memory when a Global Pandemic brought the world to a stop.
The musicians found themselves at home with LaBrie in Canada and the rest of the group in the States. As fate would have it, they’d just finished construction on DTHQ (Dream Theater Headquarters) - a combination live recording studio, rehearsal space, control room, equipment storage, and creative hive.
With LaBrie in Canada, he initially wrote with the band via ZOOM on a monitor in DTHQ. In March 2021, he flew down to New York, quarantined, and recorded his vocals face-to-face with Petrucci. The album ultimately threaded together lean and uncompromising hooks with tried-and-true technical proficiency.
“We just love to play our instruments,” observes Petrucci. “That never goes away. I love to be creative, write, and exercise that part of my mind. We’ve been able to do this for a long time, and we don’t take it for granted. Whenever we get together, we know we can’t disappoint ourselves or our fans, so we manage to try even harder.”
“We approach every album like it’s our first,” adds LaBrie. “It’s been such a great ride, but we’re not going to stop.”»
Band: Dream Theater Country of origin: United States Location: Long Island, New York Formed in: 1988 Genre: Progressive Metal Years active: 1985-1988 (as Majesty), 1988-present
Video: "Awaken The Masterr" Video created by: Wayne Joyner Album: "A View from the Top of the World" Type: Full length Release date: October 22nd, 2021 Label: InsideOut Music Format: CD, 2CD + blu-ray, 2 12" vinyls + CD, 2 12" vinyls + 2CD + blu-ray
Track listing:
1. The Alien 09:32
2. Answering the Call 07:35
3. Invisible Monster 06:31
4. Sleeping Giant 10:05
5. Transcending Time 06:25
6. Awaken the Master 09:47
7. A View from the Top of the World 20:24
Band members:
John Myung - Bass
John Petrucci - Guitars, Vocals (additional)
James LaBrie - Vocals
Jordan Rudess - Keyboards
Mike Mangini - Drums
Miscellaneous staff:
John Petrucci - Producer
James "Jimmy T" Meslin - Recording
Andy Sneap - Mixing, Mastering
Hugh Syme - Artwork
Bodyguerra: Γερμανικό hard rock συγκρότημα, το οποίο σχηματίσθηκε πριν από ένδεκα έτη από τον κιθαρίστα Guido Stoecker. Υπάρχει μία ενδιαφέρουσα ιστορία σχετικά με το όνομα (Bodyguerra) και η μπάντα μας εξηγεί πως (και γιατί) το επέλεξε:
«The band took their name from a Spanish mare, a Baroque horse from Majorca, which was called “Body.” Someone misspelled her name “Bodeguerra” and wrote it down in the stable’s register as “Body-Guerra.” Guido read it and liked it. Hence, in 2010, he called his newly found band Bodyguerra.»
Το ντεμπούτο των Bodyguerra ("Freddy... nothing as it seems") κυκλοφόρησε το 2013. Ο διάδοχός του φέρει τον τίτλο "Fire & Soul" και "βγήκε" προ ημερών...
Δελτίο τύπου: «As a modern rock band, Bodyguerra embodies heavy and punchy guitar driven rock that is characterized by Guido Stoecker‘s virtuoso guitar playing.
Complemented by Christian Antwerpen´s heavy drumming and Bassist Daniel “Danij” Perl’s driving bass playing, the band provides the foundation for Ela Sturm’s vocals. With its four octave range, her voice sounds equally impressive in the lows as in the highs.
Bodyguerra published their debut album, “Freddy... nothing as it seems“, in 2013 via Dust on the Tracks Records (MIG) / Sony. Soon other projects followed, among them the compilation album “For the Ocean – a Tribute to Sea Shephard” (Bellaphone).
In 2018, Bodyguerra impressed the crowds as special guests for Graham Bonnet (former Rainbow / MSG vocalist) and his band on a tour through Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands. In spring 2020 the confirmed tour with David Reece Band (Accept, Bonfire) got cancelled due to Corona.
In late 2019, Guido and Ela started writing new songs. The result is the band’s new album “Fire & Soul” featuring eleven brandnew rocking-bluesy tracks plus one special bonus track; recorded at Empire Studios, mixed, mastered, and co-produced by Rolf Munkes (Crematory).
Bodyguerra will impress you with powerful rock as well as melodic songs with catchy hooks like “Stay Free” and “Steelheart”, while the title track “Fire & Soul” proves that the band is not afraid to include soul influences as well. »
Band: Bodyguerra Country of origin: Germany Formed in: 2010 Genre: Hard Rock Years active: 2010-present
Album: "Fire & Soul" Type: Full length Release date: October 15th, 2021 Label: Fastball-Music
Band members:
Guido Stoecker - Guitar
Ela Sturm - Vocals
Danij Perl - Bass
Christian Antwerpen - Drums
As I stand at the crossroad,
I see the sun sinking low...
With my cross of indecision,
I can't tell which way to go...
Now I have seen the seven wonders
And I have sailed the seven seas,
I've walked and talked with angels,
And danced all night with gypsy queens...
All in all it's been a rocky road,
Twists and turns along the way...
But, I still pray for tomorrow,
All my hopes, my dreams
Don't fade away... Don't fade away...
I have painted many portraits,
Memories of love and pain,
Though cut down by life's deceptions
I found the strength to start again...
All in all it's been a rocky road,
Twists and turns along the way...
But, I still pray for tomorrow,
All my hopes, my dreams
Don't fade away... Don't fade away.
Heaven help a man
Trying to make up his mind,
With the darkness closing in,
I feel I'm running out of time...
Shine a light for me,
Help me find the way to go,
And take me where I've never been before...
And so I stand at the crossroad,
Watching the sun sinking low...
With my cross of indecision,
Trying to find the way to go...
All in all it's been a rocky road,
Twists and turns along the way,
But, I still pray for tomorrow
All my hopes, my dreams
Don't fade away...
Τον Μάρτιο του 1997 οι Whitesnake επέστρεφαν δισκογραφικά μετά από οκτώ χρόνια. Ο διάδοχος του album "Slip of the Tongue" (1989) και ένατος συνολικά "ολοκληρωμένος" δίσκος της μπάντας του David Coverdale έφερε τον τίτλο "Restless Heart".
Σε λίγες ημέρες θα κυκλοφορήσει η "Super Deluxe Edition" του album, η οποία θα περιλαμβάνει «the 1997 album newly revisited, remixed and remastered, plus unreleased demos and studio recordings, music videos and a making of the album feature with new interviews by David Coverdale.»
Δελτίο τύπου: «In the wake of Whitesnake’s massive global success, the band’s founder and lead singer, David Coverdale, set out to record his third solo album in 1995. However, the plan was derailed when pressure from his record label forced him to change course and release Restless Heart under the David Coverdale & Whitesnake moniker.
Despite the changes, the 1997 album was a Top 40 hit in the U.K. Surprisingly, the record was never released in the U.S. That will change this fall when Rhino introduces several versions of Restless Heart, including a four-disc boxed set.
RESTLESS HEART: SUPER DELUXE EDITION will be available on October 29. The 4CD/DVD collection features newly remastered and remixed versions of the original album, along with unreleased demos and studio outtakes. The DVD includes music videos and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the album with new interviews from David Coverdale.
The set comes with a hardbound book filled with rare and unseen photos from the era. Three additional versions of Restless Heart will be available the same day. First is a two-CD Deluxe Edition that includes the new remix plus the original album, newly remastered.
Next is a double-LP Deluxe Edition pressed on 180-gram silver vinyl that features the newly remixed album. And finally, there is a single-disc version which again features the newly remixed album . In addition, all of the music will be available digitally through streaming services.
RESTLESS HEART: SUPER DELUXE EDITION opens with a newly remixed version of the album that’s closer to the sound Coverdale initially intended for his new solo release. It’s followed by a newly remastered version of Restless Heart, including the singles “Too Many Tears” and “Don’t Fade Away,” plus three bonus tracks from the album’s original Japanese release.
Featured musicians include Adrian Vandenberg, Denny Carmassi, Guy Pratt and in addition, guitarist Joel Hoekstra and keyboardist Derek Sherinian who bring their exceptional talents to the party. The following two discs reveal how Restless Heart evolved, starting with early pre-production versions of every album track to later takes of those songs.
The DVD features several music videos (“Too Many Tears” and “Restless Heart) plus the Making of the Album featurette. There is also a video EP featuring the three relevant songs from the 1997 live acoustic album, Starkers In Tokyo, originally only available in Japan.»
Band: Whitesnake Country of origin: England Location: Middlesbrough, Cleveland Formed in: 1978 Genre: Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Years active: 1978-1990, 1994, 1997, 2002-present
DISC 1 (RESTLESS HEART: 2021 REMIX)
➜ Restless Heart
➜ You’re So Fine
➜ Can’t Go On
➜ Crying
➜ Take Me Back Again
➜ Anything You Want
➜ Too Many Tears
➜ All In The Name Of Love
➜ Your Precious Love
➜ Can’t Stop Now
➜ Woman Trouble Blues
➜ Stay With Me
➜ Oi (Theme For An Imaginary Drum Solo)
➜ Don’t Fade Away
➜ Can’t Go On (Unzipped)
DISC 2 (RESTLESS HEART: 2021 REMASTER)
➜ Don’t Fade Away
➜ All In The Name Of Love
➜ Restless Heart
➜ Too Many Tears
➜ Crying
➜ Stay With Me
➜ Can’t Go On
➜ You’re So Fine
➜ Your Precious Love
➜ Take Me Back Again
➜ Woman Trouble Blues
➜ Anything You Want
➜ Can’t Stop Now
➜ Too Many Tears ’95 (Live & Drunk in the Studio featuring The Horny B’stards)
DISC 3 (DANCING ON THE TITANIC)
Early Arrangements & Getting Drum Tracks in the Studio
➜ Restless Heart
➜ You’re So Fine
➜ Can’t Go On
➜ Crying
➜ Take Me Back Again
➜ Anything You Want
➜ Too Many Tears
➜ All In The Name Of Love
➜ Your Precious Love (Soul Version)
➜ You Precious Love
➜ Can’t Stop Now (Instrumental Version)
➜ Woman Trouble Blues
➜ Stay With Me
➜ Oi (Instrumental)
➜ Don’t Fade Away
➜ Snakes Down South (Unreleased Demo)
DISC 4 (RESTLESS HEART: EVOLUTIONS)
➜ Restless Heart
➜ You’re So Fine
➜ Can’t Go On
➜ Crying
➜ Take Me Back Again
➜ Anything You Want (Red Light Green Light)
➜ Too Many Tears
➜ All In The Name Of Love
➜ Your Precious Love
➜ Can’t Stop Now
➜ Woman Trouble Blues
➜ Stay With Me
➜ Oi (Instrumental)
➜ Don’t Fade Away
DISC 5 (RESTLESS HEART: DVD-VIDEO)
➜ All In The Name Of Love | Fan Video
➜ Anything You Want | Fan Video
➜ You’re So Fine | Music Video
➜ Restless Heart | Fan Video
➜ Too Many Tears | Music Video
➜ Don’t Fade Away | Music Video
➜ Can’t Go On | Acoustic Slideshow
➜ Restless Heart | Lyric Video
STARKERS TRILOGY: Too Many Tears, Can’t Go On, Don’t Fade Away
Δισκογραφική επιστροφή μετά από μία τριετία για τους Apostle of Solitude. Ο διάδοχος του album "From Gold to Ash" και πέμπτος συνολικά "ολοκληρωμένος" δίσκος των Αμερικανών doomsters φέρει τον τίτλο "Until The Darkness Goes" κι αναμένεται τον επόμενο μήνα σε cd και ψηφιακή μορφή. Το βινύλιο έχει προγραμματισθεί για τις αρχές του νέου έτους...
Δελτίο τύπου: «Indianapolis doom titans Apostle of Solitude will release their fifth studio album, “Until The Darkness Goes”, this November via Cruz Del Sur Music.
Apostle of Solitude - featuring vocalist / guitarist Chuck Brown, guitarist/vocalist Steve Janiak, bassist Mike Naish and drummer Corey Webb - initially planned to record the album in late 2020, but health and safety concerns over the global pandemic pushed the start date to May 17 of this year.
Once again, the band hunkered down in Russian Recording in Bloomington, Indiana, with long-time producer / engineer Mike Bridavsky at the helm. According to Naish, the goal heading into the creation of “Until The Darkness Goes” was to write shorter, more compact songs, with an onus on their quality and emotional impact on the listener.
“This album is short even by our standards,” he says. “The emotion of the lyrics coupled with slower tempos suggest a sudden and painful personal loss, a mood that evolved over the album’s creation. It is probably more about refining what we do best as a band - and individuals - to convey an idea as opposed to continuing a theme. In short, it’s a more polished version of everything we all loved about our previous records.”
The pandemic directly impacted Apostle of Solitude - one of its members lost both parents, casting a pall over its creation. The band took advantage of shifting recording dates to refine the album, resulting in what is unquestionably their darkest and most heartfelt LP to date.
“The pandemic was ever-present as the songwriting process evolved,” says Naish.
“Thus, more of our personal experiences became infused in our playing and songwriting, specifically around vocal harmonies. To play music together was cathartic for us, but it was also challenging to stay safe during a pandemic. We were fortunate to have support from our label, Cruz Del Sur, to record when we felt comfortable. So, that’s what we did.”
Apostle of Solitude recently resumed live activity, including two opening slots on the abbreviated THE OBSESSED and THE SKULL American tour. While the band enjoyed hitting the stage once again, they couldn’t help but worry things could come to a halt at any time.
“There always seemed to be some impending sense of doom (pun intended?) that nothing has any sense of permanence,” finishes Naish.
“We are generously supported when we tour, and, for that, we are grateful. We owe it to ourselves and each other to pull our weight to bring this pandemic to an end. We want to tour in support of this release when conditions are favorable for both performers and fans. Unfortunately, we cannot predict when that will be. Working musicians are struggling right now to make ends meet, and we feel uncomfortable putting anyone at risk in these trying times. We’ll see you all as soon as we can do it safely.”
Cover artwork - original oil on canvas by WÆIK.»
Band: Apostle of Solitude Country of origin: United States Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Formed in: 2004 Genre: Doom Metal Years active: 2004-present
Lyric video: "When The Darkness Comes" Album: "Until The Darkness Goes" Type: Full length Release date: November 12th, 2021 Label: Cruz Del Sur Music Format: CD, Digital
Track listing:
1. When The Darkness Comes
2. The Union
3. Apathy In Isolation
4. Deeper Than The Oceans
5. Beautifully Dark
6. Relive The Day
Band members:
Corey Webb - Drums
Chuck Brown - Guitars, Vocals
Steve Janiak - Guitars, Vocals
Mike Naish - Bass
Πριν από δεκατρία έτη ο Julian Izard σχημάτισε τους Existance. Γαλλικό heavy metal συγκρότημα, το οποίο συνεχίζει μέχρι τις ημέρες μας έχοντας κυκλοφορήσει τρεις ολοκληρωμένους δίσκους, με τον τέταρτο να είναι προ των πυλών. Φέρει τον τίτλο "Wolf Attack" κι αναμένεται σε λίγες ημέρες (στην Ιαπωνία κυκλοφορεί ήδη)...
Existance: «Wolf Attack" tells the continuation of the story we started in "Son of Wolf". The time has passed and we have grown. Despite the loss of our mentor the message is to keep moving forward and growing by following our own path.»
Band: Existance Country of origin: France Location: Clermont, Hauts-de-France Formed in: 2008 Genre: Heavy Metal Years active: 2008-present
Lyric video: "Wolf Attack" Album: "Wolf Attack" Type: Full length Release date: October 29th, 2021 Label: Black Viper Records Format: CD
Track listing:
01. Highgate Vampire
02. Deathbringer
03. Power Of The Gods
04. Rock’n Roll
05. Jenny’s Dreams
06. Sniper Alley
07. Preacher Of Insanity
08. You Gotta Rock It
09. Wolf Attack
10. Tears Of Fire
11. Gwendoline
Band members:
Julian Izard - Vocals, Guitars
Antoine Poiret - Guitars
Julien Robilliard - Bass
Géry Carbonnelle - Drums
Miscellaneous staff:
François Merle - Recording, Mixing, Producer
Jacob Hansen - Mastering
Mario López - Artwork
Ονομάζονται Supernova Plasmajets, μας έρχονται από την Γερμανία κι αγαπούν (πολύ) τα 80ς. Hard rock μπάντα, η οποία μας συστήνεται ως «a new generation of 80s Hard Rock» και χαρακτηρίζει την μουσική της κάπως έτσι: «modern female fronted metal with the spirit of the long-missed 80s stadium rock».
Οι Supernova Plasmajets έχουν κυκλοφορήσει ένα ep ("Reign in Plasma") το 2014 και τον ομώνυμο "ολοκληρωμένο" δίσκο το 2017. Το δεύτερο full length album των Γερμανών φέρει τον τίτλο "Now Or Never" και "βγήκε" προ ημερών...
Δελτίο τύπου: «80s series such as, "Stranger Things" are breaking records on Netflix, fashion labels throw "80s retro models" on the market every month and Mötley Crüe are returning to a US stadium tour after the apocalypse with Poison and Def Leppard.
It smells, tastes and almost feels like it was 1984 again. The Supernova PlasmaJets have come to take you by the hand and travel back to the future with you. That means modern female fronted metal with the spirit of the long-missed 80s stadium rock.
Since 2013 and releasing two records, they are on the road as ambassadors of the 80s and have come to present the music of this great time as gnarly rockers to a new generation.
Whether at big festivals like Summer Breeze Open Air, Rock The Ring, Metal Hammer Paradise, Baltic Open Air, Rock Of Ages, the European tour with Kissin 'Dynamite, The New Roses, or rockin out on tour with Eskimo Callboy, JBO, and Sinner...
The Mannheim Supernova PlasmaJets were born to inspire an audience and take them into an 80s parallel universe! On October 22nd, 2021 the eagerly awaited new album "Now Or Never" will be released, followed by a big tour with John Diva & The Rockets Of Love, across the German republic!»
Band: Supernova Plasmajets Video: "Lonely Hearts In The Night"
DOP, Producer, Director: Tobias Marhoffer
Director, Post-Production (Editing, VFX, Sound): Markus Mantei
Album: "Now Or Never" Type: Full length Release date: October 22nd, 2021 Label: Pride & Joy Music
Band members:
Jennifer Crush - vocals
Manni McFly - guitars, keyboards
Alexis Rose - drums
Randy Stardust - guitars, backing vocals
Cliff Bourbon - bass
Το μακρινό 1983 ο (πρώην τραγουδιστής των Rainbow και Michael Schenker Group) Graham Bonnet δημιούργησε στο Los Angeles τους Alcatrazz, οι οποίοι συνεχίζουν (με... μεγάλα διαλείμματα) μέχρι τις ημέρες μας. Η πιο πρόσφατη επανένωσή τους έγινε το 2019 με δισκογραφικό αποτέλεσμα το πολύ καλό περσινό "Born Innocent".
Τον περασμένο Δεκέμβρη ο δημιουργός της μπάντας (Graham Bonnet) έμεινε εκτός Alcatrazz (με αποτέλεσμα να σχηματίσει τους Graham Bonnet’s Alcatrazz με τον Jeff Loomis στην κιθάρα) με τα υπόλοιπα μέλη να τον αντικαθιστούν με τον Doogie White (βλ. Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker Group, Tank, Cornerstone κλπ). Το αποτέλεσμα της συνεργασίας (δίσκος) κυκλοφορεί ήδη...
Δελτίο τύπου: «Alcatrazz's V, the new album featuring original members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea, along with new vocalist Doogie White, drummer Mark Benquechea, and guitarist Joe Stump is OUT NOW!
Formed in 1983, Alcatrazz became famous for its blend of melodic and progressive rock and for introducing guitar heroes Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. Emerging in 1983 with No Parole from Rock 'n’ Roll, which featured the hit ‘Island in the Sun’, the band continued building popularity in 1985 with their sophomore effort, Disturbing the Peace, which contained the hit, ‘God Blessed Video’.
The band issued one more studio LP, 1986’s Dangerous Games, before ceasing operations the following year. The band regrouped and released highly acclaimed Born Innocent in 2020, their first studio album containing all-new material since 1986.
Both vintage and timeless, V treads the Alcatrazz textured-territories of old but with renewed vigor and verve. Whether it be the choral-echoes sitting inside the storming tempest which is ‘Nightwatch,’ the staunch, speedy melodic metal of ‘Turn Of The Wheel’ or the thick, bluesy chug of ‘House Of Lies,’ there is little doubt that this Alcatrazz is going full-tilt with not one ounce of a shackle holding them back. “The new album brings us full circle from our original roots to a modern much heavier version of all things Alcatrazz in 2021,” confirms Shea. “I feel great and I’m looking forward to the release of our new album with its heavy rocking metal sounds.”
Produced by Giles Lavery and Jimmy Waldo, and mixed by Andy Haller (Elton John, Joe Cocker and System of a Down), V also includes guest appearances from Saxon’s Nigel Glockler (drums on ‘Guardian Angel’ and ‘Blackheart’), Tank’s Cliff Evans (bass on ‘Grace of God’) and Donnie Van Stavern of Riot (bass on ‘Guardian Angel’, ‘Nightwatch’ and ‘Target’), underscoring how perennially popular Alcatrazz’s music remains with their peers.
And just in case you’re wondering what V stands for? Alcatrazz’s fifth studio album of course… but it also stands just as resolutely for Victory; the victory that sees Alcatrazz 2021 stronger than ever despite all the odds.»
Band: Alcatrazz Country of origin: United States Location: Los Angeles, California Formed in: 1983 Genre: Heavy Metal/Shred Years active: 1983-1987, 2007-2014, 2019-present
Audio: "Blackheart" Album: "V" Type: Full length Release date: October 15th, 2021
Supernatural force, human condition
Sinister source, barbaric permission
Contamination, sorrow, hatred corrupts
Nefarious circle, infamy perversion
Dominate the weak, wicked excursion
Brutalize with villainous, immortal hate
I want your life grieved and stained
You will play my game of pain
Begging and pleading at my brutal hatred plot
Growing my evil as your roots begin to rot
This feeling is no fantasy, disdain as clear as day
This evil knows no rest until you’ve finally lost your way
Hatred
Wicked
Murder
Born in vain
Sorrow
Anguish
Delight
Bring the pain
Indecency exposure, vicious behaviour
Morally corrupt, malicious dark saviour
Diabolical catastrophe, life baneful for you and me
Ungodly acts, total abomination
Enormity of chaos feeding the nations
Venomous atrocities, now fear reigns
I want your life grieved and stained
You will play my game of pain
Begging and pleading at my brutal hatred plot
Growing my evil as your roots begin to rot
This feeling is no fantasy, disdain as clear as day
This evil knows no rest until you’ve finally lost your way
Hatred
Wicked
Murder
Born in vain
Sorrow
Anguish
Delight
Bring the pain
Hatred
Wicked
Murder
Born in vain
Sorrow
Anguish
Delight
Bring the pain
Infrared: Καναδέζικο thrash metal συγκρότημα που δραστηριοποιήθηκε την περίοδο που μεσουρανούσαν οι (αποκαλούμενοι ως) Big 4 (Megadeth, Slayer, Metallica, Anthrax). Δραστηριοποιήθηκε στο δεύτερο μισό της δεκαετίας του ογδόντα με απολογισμό μόλις ένα demo ["R.I.P. (Recognition in Power)" 1988]. Προ επταετίας επανήλθε δριμύτερο. Ένα ep και τρεις "ολοκληρωμένοι" δίσκοι ο απολογισμός της επιστροφής τους. Το πλέον πρόσφατο διασκογραφικό πόνημα των Infrared φέρει τον τίτλο "From the Black Swamp" και κυκλοφόρησε στο ξεκίνημα του φθινοπώρου...
Βιογραφικό: «If Infrared sound like classic thrash metal, that’s because they are! And rightfully so since they were making music as teenagers in the mid to late 80s back when the Big 4 (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax) were just becoming famous.
They literally lived and breathed that scene as it was happening and garnered national attention in Canada through their song and video for Thoughts Caught (in Between). Then... life happened and members took different paths and the music, that was hot in the underground metal scene and loved by demo tape traders near and far, went dormant for 27 years!
In 2014 Infrared reunited with 3 of the original 4 members (Kirk, Armin, and Alain), and since original bassist Shawn Thompson had moved to Miami, they recruited Mike Forbes. They worked hard to release their first full length album, No Peace, featuring songs written all those years ago.
2018 saw Infrared release their sophomore album, Saviours, featuring 8 new songs coming in at just over 50 minutes of music! That was followed up by their 2019 EP, Back to the Warehouse featuring the last of their 80's written songs and released as a bridge to their next full length album.
Now, in 2021, Infrared release their most mature album yet, From the Black Swamp. The album features 12 songs for one hour of hard hitting and emotionally charged songs steeped in the themes of betrayal and malicious sabotage in all walks of life, from societal to interpersonal.
With several high profile concerts under their belts including opening for Anvil, Sacrifice, Razor, Venom Inc., Dirkschneider, Flotsam and Jetsam, DBC, E-Force, and Atrophy, Infrared raises their horns and looks forward to getting out there to meet and befriend metal lovers everywhere!»
Band: Infrared Country of origin: Canada Location: Nepean, Ontario Formed in: 1985 Genre: Thrash Metal Lyrical themes: Death, Destruction Years active: 1985-1990, 2014-present
Lyric video: "Evil Ascent" Video Produced by: David Bagarić Video Edited by: David Bagarić Album: "From the Black Swamp" Type: Full length Release date: September 1st, 2021 Label: Independent Format: Digital
Band members:
Kirk Gidley Guitars
Armin Kamal Guitars, Vocals
Mike Forbes Bass
Al Groulx Drums
Miscellaneous staff:
Armin Kamal Producer, Mastering, Mixing
Nate MacDonald Artwork
Mindless sheep in disguise
Create the world In their own eyes
All the propaganda and lies
We’ll be lost forever
It’s a world full of fools
Where they make all the rules
It’s a question of time
Will you surrender
Don’t dwell too deep in your mind
You’ll never know what you will find
To see the truth behind the lies
You’ll be lost forever
It’s a world full of fools
Where they make all the rules
It’s a question of time
Will you surrender
Υπάρχουν (ή υπήρξαν) καμιά δεκαριά heavy metal συγκροτήματα με τ' όνομα Fortress. Αυτοί που μας απασχολούν, στην σημερινή ανάρτηση, μας έρχονται από την Καλιφόρνια, δημιουργήθηκαν προ πενταετίας κι αρέσκονται στο κλασικό heavy metal. Δηλώνουν επηρεασμένοι από καλλιτέχνες / συγκροτήματα όπως οι Yngwie Malmsteen, Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond.
Προ τριετίας κυκλοφόρησαν το (εξαιρετικό) ομώνυμο ντεμπούτο τους (ep τεσσάρων τραγουδιών). Ακολούθησε την επόμενη χρονιά (2019) το split μαζί με τους Haunt. Πλέον η Αμερικάνικη μπάντα είναι πανέτοιμη για την κυκλοφορία του πρώτου full length album της, το οποίο φέρει τον τίτλο "Don't Spare the Wicked" κι αναμένεται στα τέλη του επόμενου μήνα...
Band: Fortress Country of origin: United States Location: Whittier, California Formed in: 2016 Genre: Heavy Metal Years active: 2016-present
Audio: "Lost Forever" Album: "Don't Spare the Wicked" Type: Full length Release date: November 26th, 2021 Label: High Roller Records Format: CD, Vinyl, Digital
Track listing:
1. Lost Forever
2. Devil's Wheel
3. Anguish
4. Red Light Runner
5. Find Yourself
6. Children of the Night
7. The Passage (instrumental)
8. Don't Spare the Wicked
Band members:
Fili Bibiano - Guitars, Keyboards
Chris Nunez - Vocals
Robert Duran - Drums
Damian Rejon - Bass
Δισκογραφική επιστροφή μετά από δώδεκα χρόνια για τους Count Raven. Ο έκτος "ολοκληρωμένος" δίσκος των Σουηδών doomesters τιτλοφορείται "The Sixth Storm" κι έχει αναμένεται να κυκλοφορήσει σε λίγες ημέρες...
Δελτίο τύπου: «Twelve years might seem like an unusually long time to hibernate. Then again, Sweden's doom legends Count Raven is one of those rare few bands with absolutely nothing left to prove.
In their early beginnings, Count Raven released not one or two but three bonafide doom classics in as many years. Really, either of "Storm Warning" (1990), "Destruction of the Void" (1992) or "High on Infinity" (1993) is as fine an example as you can find of that crushing, Sabbathian traditional doom - which at the time was spearheaded by the Swedes, alongside the bands of the Maryland doom scene.
Count Raven also solidified their status with one of the most spectacular comeback albums in doom, 2009's "Mammons War". With such a track record, it had better be worth it if the raven is to spread its wings and grace gray autumn skies again, right?
Despite some personnel changes around guitarist/singer Dan Fondelius, the new outing "The Sixth Storm" bears all the trademarks of a band that knows exactly what it is and where it comes from. Had Count Raven not been a band so typically not prone to cliches, "Well worth the wait" would have been an apt album title.
The Vinyl version (Double-LP, Gatefold) of THE SIXTH STORM is set for the earlier parts of 2022. By then we (I HATE) will also re-release the former CR-album (MAMMONS WAR) on Double-LP, Gatefold, as well. Vinyl release dates to be announced when possible.»
Band: Count Raven Country of origin: Sweden Location: Stockholm Formed in: 1989 Genre: Doom Metal Lyrical themes: Religion, Social / Political unrest, Conspiracies, Journeys, Love Years active: 1987-1989 (as Stormwarning), 1989-1998, 2003-present
Audio: "The Ending" Album: "The Sixth Storm" Type: Full length Release date: October 29th, 2021 Label: I Hate Records Format: CD, Cassette, Digital
Track listing:
1. Blood Pope 08:58
2. The Curse 07:45
3. The Nephilims 10:28
4. Heaven's Door 04:25
5. The Ending 07:27
6. The Giver and The Taker 06:50
7. Baltic Storm 09:27
8. Oden 11:49
9. Goodbye 06:23
Band members:
Dan "Fodde" Fondelius - Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals
Jens Bock - Drums
Samuel Cornelsen - Bass
Epic Symphonic Rock ονομάζεται το μουσικό project του συνθέτη και κιθαρίστα Micky Tejada, το οποίο αρέσκεται σε κλασικιστικές - συμφωνικές προσεγγίσεις rock / hard / heavy (κι όχι μόνο) τραγουδιών. Στο βίντεο που παρουσιάζουμε στην σημερινή ανάρτηση μπορείτε να παρακολουθήσετε ένα medley των πασίγνωστων τραγουδιών των Deep Purple "Smoke On The Water", "Burn", "Highway Star".
Δελτίο τύπου: «Created by the composer and guitarist Micky Tejada the show gathers together the symphonic orchestra, the choir, and the rock band to bring new versions of the classics songs from metal and rock that we learn to love and appreciate through the year. Both styles are now classic, Symphonic and Electric Guitars. All the symphonic versions were written by Micky Tejada.»
Micky Tejada: «Smoke On The Water, Burn, Highway Star Orchestral Medley - Deep Purple Epic Symphonic Medley by Epic Symphonic Rock. Deep Purple. I know you are a fan of this band, but maybe you feel like the music is lacking something. The orchestral version of Deep Purple will give your favorite songs an entirely new feeling that you have never heard before.
You will enjoy the power of the classic progressive rock band with the epicness of the symphonic orchestra! This medley has it all, from hard-rocking riffs to beautiful melodies and everything in between. It's perfect for listening while driving or working out at home or even just relaxing on your couch after a long day at work. Enjoy these great classics by one of my personal favorites orchestral covers I have ever made!»
Conductor: Javier Fernandez Prada Orchestra: "Orquesta Sinfónica de Chancay" Timpani: Rodrigo Nuñez Melgar Drums: Hans Menacho Bass: Noel Marambio Guitar: Micky Tejada Orchestral Arrangements by: Micky Tejada Produced by: Micky Tejada Recorded at: the "Teatro UPAO" (2018)
Weakness shines
Right off the teeth of your pathetic smile
Nerve is gone
The minute I turn my back the weasel runs
Spineless
That's what you are
Spineless
Seven year itch
Spineless
You're so bizarre
Spineless
Son of a bitch
Overthrow
They'll aim for the apple on your head but shoot too low
Say your prayers
Can't find room on this earth for you anywhere
Spineless
That's what you are
Spineless
Seven year itch
Spineless
You're so bizarre
Spineless
Son of a bitch
Spineless
Spineless
Spineless
Spineless fool
You are no exception to the rule
Heed these words
Stand up now or be the eternal nerd
Spineless
That's what you are
Spineless
Seven year itch
Spineless
You're so bizarre
Spineless
Son of a bitch
Spineless
That's what you are
Spineless
Seven year itch
Spineless
You're so bizarre
Spineless
Son of a bitch
Στο ξεκίνημα της δεκαετίας του ενενήντα ολοκληρώθηκε ο πρώτος (άκρως επιτυχημένος - καλλιτεχνικά τουλάχιστον) κύκλος των Armored Saint. Το 1991 κυκλοφόρησε το τέταρτο album της Αμερικάνικης μπάντας υπό τον τίτλο "Symbol of Salvation".
Ο νέος κύκλος έκανε εννέα χρόνια να "ανοίξει" (βλ. τον δίσκο "Revelation" που "βγήκε" το 2000). Το "Symbol of Salvation" ήταν αφιερωμένο στον (εκ των ιδρυτών της μπάντας) Dave Prichard που απεβίωσε τον Φεβρουάριο του 1990 (από λευχαιμία).
Στον εν λόγω δίσκο συμμετέχει στην σύνθεση εννέα τραγουδιών, ενώ η τελευταία του ηχογράφηση με τους Armored Saint ήταν το σόλο του κομματιού "Tainted Past". Οι Armored Saint τιμούν την τριακοστή επέτειο με την κυκλοφορία του "ζωντανά" ηχογραφημένου / φιλμογραφημένου δίσκου "Symbol of Salvation Live".
Τις λεπτομέρειες μας τις δίνει το δελτίο τύπου της εταιρείας τους:
«There are many ways to celebrate the anniversary of an important release in a band’s career, and for Symbol Of Salvation‘s thirtieth birthday - an album vocalist John Bush refers to as Armored Saint‘s “cornerstone record” - comes Symbol Of Salvation Live.
A combination live album and video of the band playing the album in its entirety at New York’s famed Gramercy Theatre during their 2018 tour, it captures the power, diversity and peerless songwriting contained within it. “I felt like showing ‘Symbol‘ in another light was a great homage to the record itself,” states bassist Joey Vera.
“Also, having all the fans be there and part of that event is a way for us to say ‘Thank you!’ For, without them, we can’t do any of this in the first place.”As an extra bonus, the vinyl and digital versions of the record contain five demo tracks from the Symbol Of Salvation writing sessions with Dave Prichard, which have never been released on that format.
“They’re songs that didn’t make the record, however, there still is a vibe to those tunes, plus Dave’s playing is on them, so that makes them special,” says Bush. These tracks make for welcome additions, helping to further celebrate the record, and the band are just happy and respectful of the fact they have reached this anniversary.
“If you would have told me thirty years ago that we’d be talking about this today, I would have told you that you were crazy,” Vera says.
“All we’ve ever wanted was to make our own music, to take joy and take pride in doing it. The fact that we also have very loyal fans who continue to support what we do is the best icing on this cake. I try to look at our records as objectively as possible, and when I can do that, I’m very proud that this record is a huge part of the band’s legacy, and I am extremely humbled that I’m a part of that.”»
Band: Armored Saint Country of origin: United States Location: Los Angeles, California Formed in: 1982 Genre: Heavy Metal Lyrical themes: Life, Fantasy Years active: 1982-1992, 1999-2003, 2006-present
Video: "Spineless" Album: "Symbol of Salvation Live" Type: Live album Release date: October 22nd, 2021 Label: Metal Blade Records
Track listing:
01. Reign of Fire (Live)
02. Dropping Like Flies (Live)
03. Last Train Home (Live)
04. Tribal Dance (Live)
05. The Truth Always Hurts (Live)
06. Half Drawn Bridge (Live)
07. Another Day (Live)
08. Symbol of Salvation (Live)
09. Hanging Judge (Live)
10. Warzone (Live)
11. Burning Question (Live)
12. Tainted Past (Live)
13. Spineless (Live)
Additional bonus tracks on the digital / vinyl versions:
14. Nothing Between the Ears (1989 4-Track Demo)
15. Get Lost (1989 4-Track Demo)
16. Medieval Nightmares (1989 4-Track Demo)
17. People (1989 4-Track Demo)
18. Pirates (1989 4-Track Demo)
19. Symbol of Salvation (Live) [Radio Edit - available digitally only]
Memoria Avenue: νέο συγκρότημα hard rock / μελωδικού rock από την Νορβηγία. Το ομώνυμο ντεμπούτο του έχει προγραμματισθεί να κυκλοφορήσει στις αρχές του επόμενου μήνα...
Δελτίο τύπου: «Memoria Avenue is a new Melodic Rock/AOR band from Norway showcasing an artistic union between guitarist Tor Talle and the awesome new singer Jan Le’ Brandt.
The band's self-titled debut album will be released on November 5, 2021 via Frontiers Music Srl. Memoria Avenue is yet another absolutely stunning newcomer to the AOR scene brought to you by Frontiers Music Srl.
Comprised of guitarist Tor Talle, vocalist Jan Le' Brandt, keyboardist Dag Selboskar, bassist Svenn Huneide, and drummer Bjørn Olav Lauvdal, Memoria Avenue create have a sound and style that will particularly appeal to fans of stylish, '80s oriented melodic rock bands (think Journey and newer bands like Perfect Plan and Work of Art) with a hint of that breezy, feel good sound of yesteryear.
Listening to these songs will transport you to the feeling of driving by the sea with the windows rolled down without a care in the world. Certainly not a bad feeling in this day and age... Tor is a skilled and well known musician, best known for the Northern Light project and the band Skyscraper.
He has also worked, either writing songs and/or performing with, on records from melodic rock giants such as Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep Purple), Fergie Frederiksen (ex-TOTO), Rob Moratti (ex-SAGA), Steve Overland (FM), and the late Tony Mills (TNT, Shy).
Jan Le’ Brandt, a relative newcomer to the melodic rock scene, has a voice that is sometimes hoarse and rough, but can also move into a more delicate and sensitive style. Jan masters the whole spectrum to the fullest, with his soulful presence both on stage and in the studio.
He has already previously released some material as a solo artist, appeared with the cover band Svigermord, and formerly sang for Big City (also signed to Frontiers recently), but Memoria Avenue is his chance to truly shine.
Keyboard player Dag Selboskar (who also plays in ZELBO, another new signing to Frontiers), has been touring since 1980 with several bands including Da Vinci, Evenrude, Street Legal, and Trine Rein. He started his own band, ZELBO a couple of years ago with Ken Hensley and Wonderworld guitarist Ken Ingwersen.
Bassist Svenn Huneide started touring in his early teens and has released several albums with Norwegian AOR band Stoneflower. He has released solo albums spanning from pop to rock to country and played bass with Norwegian AOR legends Da Vinci.
Bjørn Olav Lauvdal is one of the most experienced heavy rock drummers in Norway and is known as a heavy hitter. He started playing drums at an early age and toured the club circuit in Norway early in his career. He has toured, recorded, and released albums with Street Legal, The Wheel, and Da Vinci.
He has also recorded album tracks on releases by Carnivora and Ken’s Dojo, among others. Live, he has also played with Evenrude, Ozzmosis, Dee Snider, etc. Melodic Rock and AOR fans will have much to enjoy with the self-titled debut from these talented Norwegians!»
Band: Memoria Avenue Country of origin: Norway Genre: Hard rock / Melodic rock Video: "Stranded" Video produced by: Svenn Huneide
Album: "Memoria Avenue" Release date: November 5th, 2021 Label: Frontiers Music Srl Format: CD, Digital
Track listing:
01. Stuck
02. Stranded
03. Can't Blame It On The Rain
04. The Air That I Breath
05. Waiting Forever
06. Nathalia
07. Sometimes
08. Run With Me
09. If You Fall
10. Someday
11. High As A Kite
12. Picket Fence
Band members:
Jan Le’Brandt - Lead vocals and Backing Vocals
Tor Talle - Guitars, Keyboard and Bass
Dag Selboskar - Keyboards
Svenn Huneide - Bass
Bjørn Olav Lauvdal - Drums
Additional musicians:
Mick Devine - Backing and Harmony Vocals
Mats Ericsson - Drums (on Stuck)
Bengt Risåsen - Bass (on Sometimes)
Marianne Hagen - Female voice (on If You Fall)
Δισκογραφική επιστροφή μετά από οκτώ χρόνια για τους Sandstone. Οι Βορειοϊρλανδοί metallers θα κυκλοφορήσουν τον προσεχή Νοέμβρη τον πέμπτο "ολοκληρωμένο" δίσκο τους υπό τον τίτλο "Epsilon Sky". Στην σημερινή ανάρτηση θα παρακολουθήσουμε βίντεο με τα παρασκήνια των ηχογραφήσεων και της δημιουργίας του δίσκου...
Δελτίο τύπου: «Sandstone are pleased to present their second single from the upcoming album "Epsilon Sky", to be released on November 5th, 2021. This mid-tempo rocker is called "Cuts To You" and features heartfelt and melodic vocals and lead guitar throughout.
Singer Sean describes it like this: "Cuts To You is the story of a man walking against the tide, trying to find peace and harmony in his life, even willing to go against his own moral code to achieve it. A dilemma of the soul." The video was shot by the band at Killeagh Donegal, and Campsie Derry, and features Sean on vocals, Stevie on guitar and Eamonn on drums.»
Band: Sandstone Country of origin: United Kingdom Location: Londonderry, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland Formed in: 2003 Genre: Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Years active: 2003-present
Video: Behind The Scenes Album: "Epsilon Sky" Type: Full length Release date: November 5th, 2021 Label: Limb Music
Track listing:
1. I Know Why
2. Cuts To You
3. Worn Soul
4. Fractured Time
5. Made Up
6. Dies Irae
7. Silhouettes Drown
8. Critical
Band members:
Sean McBay - vocals
Stevie McLaughlin - guitars, vocals
Dee Kivlehan - guitars
Tom Alford - bass
Eamonn McNaught - drums
.png "English"){kind=small}
