Poison Dagger - "Looking for a Fate" (album stream)

Οι Poison Dagger μας έρχονται από την Γαλικία και συγκεκριμένα από την Λα Κορούνια ή Α Κορούνια (Γαλικιανά: A Coruña, Ισπανικά: La Coruña). Heavy metal μπάντα η οποία (αυτο)κατηγοριοποιείται ως NWOTHM (New Wave Of Traditional Heavy Metal) και μας παρουσιάζεται κάπως έτσι:

«Ladies and gentlemen! In times of both musical and social uncertainty, four ‘80s heavy metal nostalgics decide to start a band. Circumstances change with the times and species evolve to a greater or lesser extent to adapt. Welcome to the 20’s of the 21 st century! We are Poison Dagger!»

Το "ποδαρικό" τους στον heavy metal στίβο το πραγματοποίησαν στα μέσα του περασμένου Ιούλη με το αυτοχρηματοδοτούμενο -τεσσάρων τραγουδιών- ep υπό τον τίτλο "Looking for a Fate"...

Band: Poison Dagger
Country of origin: Spain
Location: A Coruña, Galicia
Genre: Heavy Metal

Album: "Looking for a Fate"
Type: EP
Release date: July 15th, 2020
Label: Independent
Format: CD

Track listing:
1. Open My Eyes 03:56
2. Fight and Rise 04:03
3. Looking for a Fate 06:20
4. Insubordination 04:45

Band members:
Iago Pena - Bass
Brais Rose - Drums
Nadal Barro - Guitars
Jack Steel - Guitars, Vocals (lead)

Miscellaneous staff: César Valladares - Artwork

ΥΓ. Οι αριθμοί στις παρενθέσεις (βλ. tracklist) αφορούν το χρονικό σημείο που αρχίζει το εκάστοτε τραγούδι στον You Tube player...

Read more »

Kiko Loureiro - "Overflow" (Playthrough)

Κυκλοφόρησε τον περασμένο Ιούλιο ο πέμπτος προσωπικός δίσκος του Kiko Loureiro υπό τον τίτλο "Open Source". Ο πρώην κιθαρίστας των Angra και νυν των Megadeth έβγαλε προσωπικό album μετά από οκτώ χρόνια. Μαζί του τα μέλη των Angra Felipe Andreoli (μπάσο) - Bruno Valverde (τύμπανα), ενώ σε ένα τραγούδι ("Imminent Threat") απολαμβάνουμε στις (lead) κιθάρες τον (πρώην κιθαρίστα των Megadeth μεταξύ άλλων) Marty Friedman...

Band: Kiko Loureiro
Country of origin: Brazil
Location: São Paulo, São Paulo
Formed in: 2004
Genre: Shred Metal
Lyrical themes: Instrumental
Years active: 2004-present

Video: "Overflow"
Written by: Kiko Loureiro
Film shooting: Henna Välkky, Samuel Häkkinen
Edit / Color Grading: Felipe Fernandes

Album: "Open Source"
Type: Full length
Release date: July 10th, 2020
Label: Victor
Format: CD, Digital

Track listing:
01. Overflow 05:35 (00:01)
02. Edm (E-Dependent Mind) 04:25 (05:35)
03. Imminent Threat 05:16 (10:02)
04. Liquid Times 04:49 (15:17)
05. Sertão 06:14 (20:06)
06. Vital Signs 04:32 (26:20)
07. Dreamlike 03:49 (30:53)
08. Black Ice 04:47 (34:43)
09. In Motion 04:09 (39:30)
10. Running with the Bulls 04:48 (43:39)
11. Du Monde 04:28 (48:27)

Band members:
Kiko Loureiro - Guitars, Keyboards

Guest/Session:
Maria Ilmoniemi - Keyboards, Hammond
Felipe Andreoli - Bass
Bruno Valverde - Drums
Marty Friedman - Guitars (lead) (track 3)
Mateus Asato - Guitars (lead) (track 4)

Miscellaneous staff:
Adam "Nolly" Getgood - Mixing
Ermin Hamidovic - Mastering
Kiko Loureiro - Producer
Gustavo Sazes - Artwork
Adair Daufembach - Recording (drums, guitars), Producer (pre-production)
Felipe Andreoli - Recording (bass)
Augustus Cryns - Producer (pre-production)

Read more »

RivetSkull - "It's Not Enough" (lyric video)

What you say, I don’t hear
Heard it too many times over again
Don’t know when,
You’ll believe
What your saying doesn't make any sense
Blue eyes, red skies,
Something over my head

I can’t stop thinking
It’s not enough
I won’t stop saying
Starting all over again

Run away, live in fear
Only fools will stay around for the show
Don’t know why you can’t see
It’s the strangest show you’ll never know
True lies, neck ties
It’s all come to an end

I can’t stop thinking
It’s not enough
I won’t stop saying
It started all over again

In your dreams you’ll find who you are
Listen, from afar, as you fall you’re free

I can’t stop thinking it’s not enough
I won’t stop saying
It started all over again

Οι RivetSkull μας έρχονται από το Σιάτλ. Δημιουργήθηκαν προ εξαετίας, αλλά μουσικά δείχνουν να ανήκουν στα τέλη 70ς - αρχές 80ς. «If you are looking for the next new sub-sub-genre of heavy metal you won’t find it here» λέει η μπάντα, η οποία μας παρουσιάζεται κάπως έτσι:

«RivetSkull is an echo from the birth of heavy metal. A reflection of a magical moment in time when heavy metal first appeared in the 70’s and 80’s. Evolution of the genre? Not happening here. This is the Jurassic Park of heavy metal, the regrowth of that same DNA that created the beasts of metal that first roamed this planet.

What you will find is heavy, melodic and riff laden music with clear and strong vocals. There is a strong groove with prominent bass lines and tight fitting guitar riffs. The singing will take you back to a day when skill, melody, power and style mattered. All of this brought to you by a dedicated and hard working band of brothers.»

Μετά από μία σειρά από singles (πέρυσι και πρόπερσι) κυκλοφόρησε φέτος το ντεμπούτο τους. Φέρει τον τίτλο "Trail of Souls" και "βγήκε" αυτοχρηματοδοτούμενο τον περασμένο Φεβρουάριο...

Band: RivetSkull
Country of origin: United States
Location: Seattle, Washington
Formed in: 2014
Genre: Heavy Metal/Hard Rock
Years active: 2014-present

Lyric video: "It's Not Enough"
Album: "Trail of Souls"
Type: Full length
Release date: February 12th, 2020
Label: Independent
Format: CD, Digital

Track listing:
1. Forever 05:18
2. Another Way to Heaven 07:34
3. Trail of Souls 04:04
4. Gates of Babylon (Rainbow cover) 06:51
5. It's Not Enough 04:15
6. Mystified 03:50
7. Narcissus 04:59
8. Crash and Burn 02:57

Band members:
Chad McMurray - Vocals, Keyboards
Mark Xavier Plog - Guitar
Michael Robson - Drums
Mark Hopkins - Bass

Miscellaneous staff:
Chad McMurray - Mixing
Matt Hyde - Mastering
Brom - Cover art

Read more »

Leaves' Eyes - "Chain Of The Golden Horn" (video)

Running to the galeids
Of the Væringjar
Tonight we will escape from Miklagard

Rowing fast
Rowing strong
Into Sjåvidarsund

We are leaving the great city
We served - we were fighting for
For years

Taken out of the prison
By the lady of distinction
In this night we're rowing hard
Sail thence to
The Black Sea

Drawn across the sound
To keep all enemies out
We glide on the dark sea tounge
Down the chain of the Golden Horn

Drawn across the sound
To keep all enemies out
We glide on the dark sea tounge
Down the chain of the Golden Horn

Run up to the line
Made of iron strong
Our galleys sliding off the edge of knife

Rowing fast
Rowing strong
Out of Sjavidarsund

We are leaving the great city
We lived - we were dying for
For years

One ship burst in two
Only one ship made it through
In this night we're rowing out
Sail thence to
The Black Sea

Drawn across the sound
To keep all enemies out
We glide on the dark sea tounge
Down the chain of the Golden Horn

Drawn across the sound
To keep all enemies out
We glide on the dark sea tounge
Down the chain of the Golden Horn
Chain of the Golden Horn
Glowing gold decks king's hand
Got plenty in this land
Great emperor in the strife
He was made stone-blind

Norse king's mark won't adorn
His mark gives cause to mourn
Great emperor in the strife
He was made stone-blind

For all his life
Drawn across the sound
To keep all enemies out
We glide on the dark sea tounge
Down the chain of the Golden Horn

Drawn across the sound
To keep all enemies out
We glide on the dark sea tounge
Down the chain of the Golden Horn
Chain of the Golden Horn

Ο τελευταίος Βίκινγκ. The Last Viking. Αυτός είναι ο τίτλος του νέου δισκογραφικού πονήματος των Leaves' Eyes που θα κυκλοφορήσει τον επόμενο μήνα. Το στιχουργικό περιεχόμενου του album σύμφωνα με την μπάντα:

«England in the year 1066. The decisive battle near Stamford Bridge. Warriors fighting death, the grounds soaked in blood. Norway’s king Harald III, called Hardrada ("the hard ruler") lies dying. His whole life flashes before his eyes: cruel wars, fights over power, journeys to exotic worlds guiding to powerful women, emperors and kings falling into ruin. The last Viking King is dead - the Vikings’ age is over. Long live the Vikings.»

Το έδαφος προετοίμασε το single (και το αντίστοιχο βίντεο) του τραγουδιού "Dark Love Empress". Σειρά για παρουσίαση παίρνει το βίντεο του μουσικού κομματιού "Chain Of The Golden Horn"...

Δελτίο τύπου: «Dear Fans & Friends, we have fantastic news for you! On 23rd of October our new album "The Last Viking" will come out via AFM Records! Monumental. Epic. Powerful. - Leaves' Eyes bring the Viking Sagas to their bombastic finale.

Available as:

➜ 2-CD Digipak (incl. Instrumental Bonus-CD)

➜ 2-CD Digipak “Collector’s Edition” (incl. Instrumental Bonus-CD, alternate cover artwork & handsigned autographcard)

➜ Ltd. Gtf. Vinyl (pinewood green, hazy orange - ltd. to 533 units each)

➜ Ltd. Hardcover Artbook (exclusive cover, 30x30cm, 60 pages, incl. album, "Viking Spirit" DVD featuring the original film documentary about the growing Viking re-enactment scene of which Fronter Alex and the band is part of since many years, Studio Making Of, Official Videoclips, Soundtrack Bonus-CD & handsigned autograph card - limited to 1066 units).»

Band: Leaves' Eyes
Country of origin: Germany
Formed in: 2003
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Lyrical themes: Nature, Love, History, Vikings, Norse mythology
Years active: 2003-present

Video: "Chain Of The Golden Horn"
Music: Thorsten Bauer, Alexander Krull
Lyrics: Alexander Krull
Directed by: Grupa 13
Produced by: Grupa 13

Album: "The Last Viking"
Type: Full length
Release date: October 23rd, 2020
Label: AFM Records
Format: CD, 2CD

Track listing:
01. Death of a King
02. Chain of the Golden Horn
03. Dark Love Empress
04. Serpents and Dragon
05. Black Butterfly
06. War of Kings
07. For Victory
08. Two Kings One Realm
09. Flames in the Sky
10. Serkland
11. Varangians
12. Night of the Ravens
13. The Last Viking
14. Break Into the Sky of Aeon

Band members:
Elina Siirala - Vocals
Alexander Krull - Vocals
Thorsten Bauer - Guitars
Micki Richter - Guitars
Joris Nijenhuis - Drums

Guest/Session:
Clémentine Delauney - Vocals (female) (track 5)

Miscellaneous staff:
Stefan Heilemann - Artwork
Alexander Krull - Producer

Read more »

Attick Demons - "Hills Of Sadness" (lyric video)

Attick Demons: heavy metal μπάντα από την Πορτογαλία. Δημιουργήθηκε στα μέσα της δεκαετίας του ενενήντα, αναφέρει ως επιρροές μπάντες όπως οι Iron Maiden, Manowar, Helloween και μας παρουσιάζονται κάπως έτσι:

«Attick Demons are a portuguese heavy metal band that will take you to the old days of New Wave of British Heavy Metal with a little twist of today's heavy metal sound. They came with the power force of demons... hungry to conquer, willing to succeed. With an high pitched powerful singer, galloping drums and classic blazing guitar solos, you have to listen to believe!»

Έχουν κυκλοφορήσει δύο "ολοκληρωμένους" δίσκους (συν δύο demos, ένα ep κι ένα single). Ο τρίτος είναι προ των πυλών. Φέρει τον τίτλο "Daytime Stories... Nightmare Tales" κι αναμένεται σε λίγες ημέρες...

Δελτίο τύπου: «Attick Demons - "Hills Of Sadness" (2020) - Official Music Video. Taken from the album "Daytime Stories... Nightmare Tales", out on September 25, 2020. With “Daytime Stories... Nightmare Tales”, the band wanted to experiment with other musical territories, with a more contemporary sound, using heavier tunes but focusing on their main roots: the NWOBHM. Never forgetting the foundations, that gave them so much, and is in fact, the identity of Attick Demons. "Daytime Stories... Nightmare Tales" will be released through ROAR! Rock of Angels Records, physically and digitally worldwide on September 25, 2020.»

Band: Attick Demons
Country of origin: Portugal
Location: Almada, Setúbal
Formed in: 1996
Genre: Heavy/Power Metal
Lyrical themes: Legends, Mysticism, Mythology, Darkness, History, Fantasy
Current label: Rock of Angels Records
Years active: 1996-present

Lyric video: "Hills Of Sadness"
Video created by: Jim Evgenidis
Album: "Daytime Stories... Nightmare Tales"
Type: Full length
Release date: September 25th, 2020
Label: Rock of Angels Records
Format: CD

Track listing:
1. The Contract 05:09
2. Make Your Choice 05:05
3. Renegade 06:52
4. The Revenge of the Sailor King 04:02
5. Hills of Sadness 06:31
6. Headbanger 05:39
7. Devil’s Crossroad 05:15
8. O Condestavel 06:56
9. Running 04:16

Band members:
Joăo Clemente - Bass
Ricardo Oliveira - Drums
Nuno Martins - Guitars, Keyboards
Artur Almeida - Vocals
Dario Antunes - Guitars

Read more »

Nero or the Fall of Rome - "Cold Bones" (live video)

From the age of Noah
And the greatest flood
We have been sent to march towards
The land of Nod
Only once you answered the call
And now you only drag cold bones

We have crossed the river
Without staring back
At the grace we were leaving
To follow the wolf pack
So, you are doomed to roam
And you know to whom you own

Cold bones, they gather
At the East of Eden
Where the dawn lingers
And broken souls lie together
Sharp tongues we’ve fed
With hate and plagues
And so, few words were
Left upon your wretched

Cold bones
With devotion we’ve bent
To idols, altars and dark thrones
Cold bones

Old bones, they wander
At the edge of desert
Where the sun points to the horizon
But there’s no haven
Warm veins, faint hearts
We have oppressed
With the last stone
That the hand of Cain had cast

“As when one plows and breaks up the soil
So our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave."
Psalm 141:7

Προ διετίας σχηματίσθηκαν στην Ιταλία οι Nero or the Fall of Rome. Μπάντα επικού metal με doom και black στοιχεία, η οποία δηλώνει ως επιρροές συγκροτήματα όπως οι Bathory, Celtic Frost, Cirith Ungol, Hellhammer, Primordial, Satyricon, Darkthrone και μας παρουσιάζεται κάπως έτσι: 

«Nero or the Fall of Rome is an epic metal project with doom / black influences and total old school attitude, featuring members of Riul Doamnei». 

Όλα τα μέλη της μπάντας παίζουν (ή έπαιζαν) ταυτόχρονα και στους symphonic black metallers Riul Doamnei. Στα τέλη του περασμένου Απρίλη κυκλοφόρησε το ντεμπούτο των Nero or the Fall of Rome υπό τον τίτλο "Beneath the Swaying Fronds of Elysian Fields"... 

Band: Nero or the Fall of Rome
Country of origin: Italy
Location: Verona, Veneto
Formed in: 2018
Genre: Epic Black/Doom Metal
Lyrical themes: Rome, History
Years active: 2018-present

Video: "Cold Bones"
Album: "Beneath the Swaying Fronds of Elysian Fields"
Type: Full length
Release date: April 27th, 2020
Label: Naturmacht Productions
Format: CD, 2 10" vinyls, Digital

Band members:
Fabrizio T. - Bass
Luca L. - Drums
Elia M. - Guitars (rhythm, lead, & acoustic), Songwriting
Federico "V" - Guitars (rhythm), Vocals, Songwriting, Lyrics

Guest/Session:
Alessandro Antonello - Talharpa, Shamanic drum

Miscellaneous staff:
Giorgio Maraia - Producer, Mixing, Mastering
Robert Brockmann - Cover art, Graphic Design
Fabio Zecchin - Logo

Read more »

Sinsid - "Enter the Gates" (album stream)

Δημιουργήθηκαν προ οκταετίας στην Νορβηγία από τον Terje Singh Sidhu ως μπάντα διασκευών, αλλά σύντομα άρχισαν να γράφουν το δικό τους υλικό. Ο λόγος για τους Sinsid, οι οποίοι εμπνέονται κυρίως από τις μπάντες της δεκαετίας του ογδόντα και χαρακτηρίζουν την μουσική τους ως «Old School Heavy Metal from Norway». Έχουν κυκλοφορήσει δύο "ολοκληρωμένους": το album "Mission from Hell" (2018) και το "Enter the Gates" προ ημερών, στο οποίο θα εστιάσουμε στην σημερινή ανάρτηση... 

Δελτίο τύπου: «Norway’s old school metal outfit Sinsid returns with second album “Enter the Gates”, out on September 18. Originally formed in 2012, Sinsid’s influences include anything from the blues and rock to metal and Viking or thrash but the very core of the band is, unmistakably, traditional heavy metal.

The band’s debut came out in 2018 and “Mission From Hell” triumphantly introduced Sinsid to the metal world and quickly gained the band a massive new following, with reviews referring to the album as “good old, honest, working class metal” and “couldn’t be more metal if it was hammered over an anvil!”

The band now continues its... mission, as it prepares to unleash its next offering which is yet another fine release of pure old school heavy metal! All the elements that one can expect are there; from the catchy choruses and fist-raising anthemic tunes to the raw hellish vocals and of course that nostalgic 80s vibe throughout!» 

Band: Sinsid
Country of origin: Norway
Location: Haugesund, Rogaland
Formed in: 2012
Genre: Heavy Metal
Years active: 2012-present

Album: "Enter the Gates"
Type: Full length
Release date: September 18th, 2020
Label: Pitch Black Records
Format: CD, 12" vinyl, Digital

Band members:
Grzegorz Urbański - Bass
Robin Wick - Drums
Sten Roger Knutsen - Guitars (lead)
Even Håvold - Guitars (rhythm)
Terje Singh Sidhu - Vocals

Miscellaneous staff:
Andy Pilkington - Cover art

Read more »

Red Moon Architect - "Dethrone The Darkness" (audio)

Silence descends upon me
It suffocates me with it’s nothingness
Inner desolation comes
And in this moment we are one

Forsake your false gods
Fill the inner void
Dethrone the darkness
Before you sink too deep

Possess your zest for life
Have faith of a child
Reform your true self
And live another life

Life so shallow and meaningless
Is eating me from the core
I hear it calling me
Guiding me down to my grave
Dethrone the darkness...

Red Moon Architect: Φινλανδικό doom / death metal συγκρότημα με γυναικεία φωνητικά και ανδρικά (brutal). Δημιουργήθηκαν πριν εννέα χρόνια κι έχουν κυκλοφορήσει τέσσερις "ολοκληρωμένους" δίσκους (συν ένα ep και δύο singles). Ο πέμπτος είναι προ των πυλών. Φέρει τον τίτλο "Emptiness Weighs The Most" κι αναμένεται στα τέλη Οκτωβρίου...

Δελτίο τύπου: «Apocalyptic yet beautiful Doom soundscapes and songs full of melancholic darkness: October 23rd will see the release of "Emptiness Weighs The Most", the brand new upcoming full length record by Melodic Doomsters Red Moon Architect. Creating a world full of deep emotion and atmosphere, today the band from Kouvola, Finland, is premiering their brand new music video for the track "Chained".

With already four records released to date, that have been able to reach music fans all over the world beyond genre boundaries, Red Moon Architect are known to create a unique sound of their own. Pure sweeping, yet crushing and highly atmospheric Melancholic Doom arrangements consolidate with strong melodies, dark growls and beautiful female vocals, crawling directly under your skin.

"Emptiness Weighs The Most" will be coming out on October 23rd and on the official landing - page you can already NOW give permission to have a release saved to your library or added to your playlist as soon as it is out. So no need to embark your calender anymore!»

Red Moon Architect (about the song): «One of our personal favourites from the album as the atmosphere is just hauntingly beautiful. Don’t let the darkness overpower you.»

Band: Red Moon Architect
Country of origin: Finland
Location: Kouvola, Kymenlaakso
Formed in: 2011
Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Lyrical themes: Memories, Despair, Death
Years active: 2011-present

Audio: "Dethrone The Darkness"
Album: "Emptiness Weighs The Most"
Type: Full length
Release date: October 23rd, 2020
Label: Noble Demon

Track listing:
01. Hidden
02. Chained
03. Rise
04. Dethrone The Darkness
05. One Shines Brighter
06. Muse
07. Into The Light
08. Reform
09. My Beloved

Band members:
Saku Moilanen - Drums, Keyboards
Ville Rutanen - Vocals
Pyry Hanski - Guitars
Taneli Jämsä - Guitars
Anni Viljanen - Vocals
Jukka Jauhiainen - Bass

Read more »

Draconian - "Moon Over Sabaoth" (lyric video)

Oh Fathers and kinsmen
Yield in glorious bow,
for its springtime on Saturn
See the Archons gather
around the celestial crown
for the god of Saturn
Towards the liquid light
Like a swarm of lice
We stand tall,
for no more shall our souls
rattle the chains of Saklas
and the moon over Sabaoth
Where you are laid to rest,
a skeleton that was blessed
We found only Death
Oh gracious Mother
You're trapped here with us
in the darkness of Saturn
Hear the Archons whisper
in the shadows of fear
for the god of Saturn
Down comes the serpent rain
Of a god insane
We stand tall,
for no more shall our souls
rattle the chains of Saklas,
and the moon over Sabaoth
Where you are laid to rest -
a skeleton that was blessed
We found only Death
Let fires plummet
at the soundless dawn,
I am here to defend you
from the cold
(of) the Saturnian glow
Oh brothers sisters
Be brave and rise above
The moon over Sabaoth
We stand tall,
for no more shall our souls
rattle the chains of Saklas,
and the moon over Sabaoth
Where you are laid to rest -
a skeleton that was blessed
We found only Death

Δισκογραφική επιστροφή για τους Draconian μετά από μία πενταετία. Ο διάδοχος του album "Sovran" (2015) και έβδομος συνολικά "ολοκληρωμένος" δίσκος των Σουηδών metallers φέρει τον τίτλο "Under a Godless Veil" κι αναμένεται να κυκλοφορήσει στα τέλη του επόμενου μήνα μήνα...

Δελτίο τύπου: «Almost five years after the release of their latest long-player Sovran, Draconian announce the release of their new epos, Under a Godless Veil, out October 30, 2020 via Napalm Records. The upcoming full-length delivers a captivating mélange of dreary doom and contrasting vocals and is the second offering featuring stunning singer Heike Langhans.

The first notes of the opener will immediately draw the listener into a void of interweaving beauty, coalescing with paralyzing depression that leaves nothing but the desire of total immersion in the whole record. Under a Godless Veil carries the legacy of gothic doom metal à la My Dying Bride into a new decade of the genre.»

Draconian : «To Draconian, Under a Godless Veil is by far the most diverse album we have created. Inspired by some of the music closest to Johan’s heart; everything from traditional Doom to scaled-down, Gothic rock-inspired pieces and more.

Some will perhaps describe the songs as more refined and meditative. Some ambient elements have been added to the mix without overshadowing the traditional characteristics that are Draconian.

Resonating with the compositions, Anders’s lyrical direction is ambiguous and a progression of the first two-three albums, yet more subtle while embracing the Gnostic philosophy more directly. One could say Under a Godless Veil is an act of contemplation; About living and dying and remembering who we are in a strange, abrasive world far from home.»

Johan Ericson: «Moon Over Sabaoth is a perspective song that crawls in towards its end destination. Monotone doom riffing accompanied by some heavy drums. Together with Anders’ harsh, desperate vocals leading up to an almost anthemic chorus. We stand tall...»

Band: Draconian
Country of origin: Sweden
Location: Säffle, Värmland
Formed in: 1994
Genre: Gothic/Doom/Death Metal
Years active: 1994 (as Kerberos), 1994-present

Lyric video: "Lustrous Heart"
Video created by: Filip Fougstedt
Picture credits: Rowan Corkill, Alexandre Novose
Music by: Johan Ericson
Lyrics by: Anders Jacobsson

Album: "Under a Godless Veil"
Type: Full length
Release date: October 30th, 2020
Label: Napalm Records
Format: CD, 2 12" vinyls, Digital

Track listing:
01. Sorrow of Sophia 07:28
02. The Sacrificial Flame 07:30
03. Lustrous Heart 04:47
04. Sleepwalkers 06:44
05. Moon over Sabaoth 05:53
06. Burial Fields 04:34
07. The Sethian 06:51
08. Claw Marks on the Throne 05:42
09. Night Visitor 03:48
10. Ascend into Darkness 08:54

Band members:
Anders Jacobsson - Vocals
Heike Langhans - Vocals
Johan Ericsson - Guitar
Daniel Arvidsson - Guitar
Jerry Torstensson - Drums

Guest/Session: Daniel Änghede - Bass
Miscellaneous staff: Natalia Drepina - Photography

Read more »

Alcatrazz's Joe Stump - "London 1666" (Guitar Solo Playthrough)

Το 1983 ο (πρώην τραγουδιστής των Rainbow) Graham Bonnet σχημάτισε στο Los Angeles τους Alcatrazz. Την ίδια χρονιά κυκλοφόρησε το ντεμπούτο τους, "No Parole from Rock 'n' Roll", με τον Yngwie J. Malmsteen στις κιθάρες! Η μπάντα διαλύθηκε το 1987, επανήλθε το 2007 και έβαλε για δεύτερη φορά τίτλους τέλους προ τετραετίας.

Η νέα επιστροφή των Alcatrazz σηματοδοτήθηκε πέρυσι και "επικυρώθηκε" φέτος με νέο δίσκο. Τιτλοφορείται "Born Innocent" και πρόκειται για τον πρώτο στουντιακό album της μπάντας του Graham Bonnet μετά το 1986 και τον δίσκο "Dangerous Games". Το "Born Innocent" κυκλοφόρησε στα τέλη Ιουλίου. Στην κιθάρα βρίσκουμε τον Joe Stump, ο οποίος στο βίντεο της παρούσας ανάρτησης μας δείχνει πως παίζεται το σόλο του τραγουδιού "London 1666".

Δελτίο τύπου: «The hard-hitting, melodic heavy metal band Alcatrazz will once again throw down a studio gauntlet on July 31st with Born Innocent, their first studio venture since 1986’s Dangerous Games.

Alongside the unique vocal prowess and range of star frontman and founding member Graham Bonnet, Born Innocent also features fellow founding members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea. And from the classic album art, featuring the mighty rock itself, Born Innocent is a journey into the sort of heavy, melodic and supremely articulated hard rock that is a cornerstone of the likes of Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group, territory Alcatrazz successfully strode in the ‘80s before going on hiatus.

Debuting on Born Innocent is the latest of the illustrious Alcatrazz guitarists to bring their extreme six-string talents to the band, with Boston-based Berklee College of Music Assistant Professor of Guitar, and one-man metal impresario Joe Stump perhaps proving the finest of a list which includes the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai.

“The name Alcatrazz is a brand name,” announces star frontman and founding member Graham Bonnet. “People know what Alcatrazz delivers, and on this album you have the original ideas of Alcatrazz but played in a modern way with new inspiration.”

Mixed and mastered by Andy Haller, Born Innocent also sees former stars from Bonnet's long career making guest appearances, from Chris Impellitteri, who wrote the music and played all guitars on the arpeggio-powered ‘Born Innocent’ with Bonnet’s vocals soaring to old-school heights, and Bob Kulick who wrote and laid down guitar for ‘I Am The King’.

Virtuoso Japanese guitar maestro Nozomu Wakai -a new invitee to the party- similarly wrote and played guitars on the double-kick steel-plated Irish warrior ode ‘Finn McCool’, while Steve Vai wrote ‘Dirty Like The City’.

Meanwhile, ‘Something That I Am Missing’ and ‘Warth Lane’ were written by -and feature the guitar work of- Italian six-string hero Dario Mollo, with Riot bassist Don Van Stavern playing bass on the title track, ‘Polar Bear’, ‘Finn McCool’, ‘London 1666’, ‘Dirty Like The City’ and ‘Paper Flags’.

Add D. Kendall Jones’ writing and guitar work on ‘We Still Remember’ and even a quick solo by another new invitee to the Alcatrazz mega-sound, Annihilator’s Jeff Waters on ‘Paper Flags’ (the second one to be precise), and it’s clear that studio Alcatrazz 2020 is one giant piece of rock for sure.»

Band: Alcatrazz
Country of origin: United States
Location: Los Angeles, California
Formed in: 1983
Genre: Heavy Metal/Shred
Lyrical themes: Life, Fantasy, Society, Politics
Years active: 1983-1987, 2007-2014, 2019-present
Video: Jimmy Waldo on "Born Innocent" featured guests

Audio: "London 1666"
Album: "Born Innocent"
Type: Full length
Release date: July 31st, 2020
Label: Silver Lining Music
Format: CD, Digital

Track listing:
01. Born Innocent
02. Polar Bear
03. Finn McCool
04. We Still Remember
05. London 1666
06. Dirty Like the City
07. I Am the King
08. Something That I Am Missing
09. Paper Flags
10. The Wound Is Open
11. Body Beautiful
12. Warth Lane
13. For Tony

Band members:
Graham Bonnet - Vocals (1983-1987, 2007-2014, 2019-present)
Joe Stump - Guitars (2019-present)
Jimmy Waldo - Keyboards (1983-1987, 2019-present)
Gary Shea - Bass (1983-1987, 2020-present)
Mark Benquechea - Drums (2019-present)

Miscellaneous staff:
Jimmy Waldo - Producer
Giles Lavery - Producer
Andy Haller - Mixing, Mastering, Editing

Read more »

Heathen - "Sun In My Hand" (video)

Δισκογραφική επιστροφή μετά από μία δεκαετία για τους Heathen. Ο διάδοχος του album "The Evolution of Chaos" (Ιανουάριος 2010) και τέταρτος συνολικά "ολοκληρωμένος" δίσκος των Αμερικανών metallers τιτλοφορείται "Empire of the Blind" και κυκλοφόρησε προ ημερών. Από την "παλαιά φρουρά" έχουν απομείνει ο κιθαρίστας Lee Altus και ο τραγουδιστής David R. White...

Δελτίο τύπου: «Official music video for "Sun In My Hand" from Heathen's fourth album, Empire Of The Blind, out now on Nuclear Blast. We are very pleased to announce Empire of the Blind! It's been another 10 years but we are finally back with a new Heathen album.

Fine wine takes time! Everyone in the band worked their asses off on this record. Zeuss absolutely nailed it and more than realized our vision for the sound. Travis Smith perfectly captured the bleak atmosphere that we imagined for the artwork. It was a year in the making and we couldn't be more proud of the outcome.»

Band: Heathen
Country of origin: United States
Location: Sonora, San Francisco (Bay Area), California
Formed in: 1984
Genre: Technical Speed/Thrash Metal
Lyrical themes: Society, Politics, Religion, Death
Years active: 1984-1993, 2001-present

Album: "Empire of the Blind"
Type: Full length
Release date: September 18th, 2020
Label: Nuclear Blast
Format: CD,2 12" vinyls, Cassette, Digital

Track listing:
01. The Rotting Sphere 01:44
02. The Blight 04:38
03. Empire of the Blind 05:51
04. Dead and Gone 03:56
05. Sun in My Hand 04:54
06. Blood to Be Let 03:36
07. In Black 04:38
08. Shrine of Apathy 04:58
09. Devour 03:34
10. A Fine Red Mist 05:15
11. The Gods Divide 03:35
12. Monument to Ruin 00:37

Band members:
Lee Altus - Guitars
David R. White - Vocals
Kragen Lum - Guitars
Jason Mirza - Bass
Jim DeMaria - Drums

Guest/Session:
Gary Holt - Guitars
Rick Hunolt - Guitars
Doug Piercy - Guitars

Miscellaneous staff:
Travis Smith - Artwork
Zeuss - Producer, Engineering, Mixing, Mastering
Kragen Lum - Recording (Additional)

Read more »

Dirkschneider & the Old Gang - "Where The Angels Fly" (video)

On the horizon
Where the sea meets night
I see the face of a warrior

We hear them crying
In the fading light
A shadow falls on a foreigner

They long for the distance
They reach for the sky
At the end of a rainbow
Risin' up high

Where the angels fly
Where the angels fly

They fall in silence
With a saddening sound
And all that's left's a memorial

The skies still wonder
Neither lost nor found
Remaining humble and glorious
They long for the distance...

Where the angels fly
Flying high
Where the angels fly
At the end of a rainbow - risin' up high

They roam the heavens
On wings of gold
A shining light full of harmony

With no surrender
Not a lie untold
Forever now and eternally

They long for the distance...
Where the angels fly...

Τρία πρώην μέλη των Accept, ο Udo Dirkschneider, ο Peter Baltes και ο Peter Baltes, ενώσανε τις δυνάμεις τους. Η μπάντα ονομάσθηκε Dirkschneider & the Old Gang και το (πρώτο;) δισκογραφικό αποτέλεσμα της συνεργασίας είναι το single (και το βίντεο) του τραγουδιού "Where The Angels Fly", για το οποίο ο Peter Baltes είχε πει τον περασμένο Μάιο: 

«About a month ago Stefan and I where asked to write a song for Germany's Musikkorps to say Thank You to the frontline workers all around the world who have been risking their lives day in and day out during the Corona crisis. These are certainly challenging times and we are all affected one way or another. Let's salute all those who ran into the fire saving lives. They are the true angels.» 

UDO: «Three of the former Accept mates are reunited again! After having released our new record WE ARE ONE successfully, we are proud to present a very special video: “Where the Angels fly“. It also contains another aspect oft he "We Are One" philosophy: for the first time for ages, Udo Dirkschneider and Peter Baltes are singing togehter again on one song! Next to them, also Stefan Kaufmann is involved in the song and in the songwriting.» 

Peter Baltes: «Here is the new Video for the song "Where the Angels fly". It was really a lot of fun working with my old bandmates again. Stefan & I wrote the song to say Thank You to all the front line workers around the globe fighting this deadly Virus. My wife and I had Covid for several weeks. We are all clear now. So I am back working in the studio. I wish for all of you to stay healthy.» 

Band members:
Udo Dirkschneider - Vocals
Peter Baltes - Bass, Vocals
Stefan Kaufmann - Guitars, Vocals
Sven Dirkschneider - Drums
Manuela Markewitz – Vocals

Read more »

Judas Priest - "Battle Hymn / One Shot at Glory" (audio)

Let me hear the battle cry
Calling on the wind
Let me see the banners fly
Before the storm begins

Let me feel the spirits soar
Destroy the enemy
Striking at the evil core
For all the world to see

This day will last forever
Deep in the hearts of men
Courage and victory
Remember, remember

One shot at glory
In the crossfire overhead
Fate stands before me
Words have all been said

One shot at glory
Driving hard and seeing red
Destiny calls me
One night of fire, one shot at glory

Fighting on with dignity
In life and death we deal
The power and the majesty
Amidst the blood and steel

I still hear the battle cry
The call goes on and on
I still see the banners fly
The battle's always won

This day will last forever
Deep in the hearts of men
Courage and victory
Remember, remember

One shot at glory
In the crossfire overhead
Fate stands before me
Words have all been said

One shot at glory
Driving hard and seeing red
Destiny calls me
One night of fire, one shot at glory

This day will last forever
Deep in the hearts of men
Courage and victory
Remember, remember

One shot at glory
In the crossfire overhead
Fate stands before me
Words have all been said

One shot at glory
Driving hard and seeing red
Destiny calls me
One night of fire, one shot at glory

One shot at glory
I used to hear the battle cry
I used to see the banners fly

Το 1989 ο Scott Travis αντικατέστησε τον Dave Holland κι έγινε ο έβδομος και τελευταίος (μέχρι σήμερα) drummer των Judas Priest. Το ντεμπούτο του με την Βρετανική μπάντα ήταν εντυπωσιακό. "Painkiller" και οι Priest παρουσιάζουν, στο μεταίχμιο δύο δεκαετιών, τον καλύτερό τους δίσκο (μαζί με το "Sad Wings of Destiny").

Ορμητικό, καταιγιστικό, κ@υλωμένο heavy metal σαν να μην υπάρχει αύριο. Κι όπως εξελίχθηκαν τα πράγματα όντως δεν "υπήρχε αύριο" καθώς ο Halford αποχώρησε μετά την κυκλοφορία του δίσκου και η μπάντα κινήθηκε σε διαφορετικά μονοπάτια στην συνέχεια με τον Tim "Ripper" Owens (μέχρι την επανασύνδεση του 2003).

Το "Painkiller" περιλαμβάνει τα πάντα στον μέγιστο βαθμό. Power metal κεραυνούς όπως το ομότιτλο τραγούδι, έπη όπως το "One Shot at Glory", αλλά και ύμνους κλασικού heavy metal. Rhythm section που ισοπεδώνει τα πάντα στο διάβα του, κιθάρες που "ξερνούν" φωτιά και ατσάλι.

Αν κάποιος σας ρωτήσει τι είναι το heavy metal δώστε του να ακούσει το "Painkiller" και δεν χρειάζονται περαιτέρω εξηγήσεις - αναλύσεις. Από τους δίσκους που ορίζουν το ιδίωμα...

Band: Judas Priest
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Location: Birmingham, England
Formed in: 1970
Genre: Heavy Metal
Lyrical themes: Dark Fantasy, History, Allegory, Independence, Rock/Metal, Sci-fi
Years active: 1969-1970 (as Freight), 1970-present

Audio: "Battle Hymn / One Shot at Glory"
Album: "Painkiller"
Type: Full length
Release date: September 3rd, 1990
Label: Columbia Records
Format: 12" vinyl, CD, Cassette

Band members:
Rob Halford - Vocals
Glenn Tipton - Guitars
K.K. Downing - Guitars
Ian Hill - Bass
Scott Travis - Drums

Guest/Session:
Don Airey - Keyboards

Read more »