Goditha - The Rock Opera ( Light and Darkness)

Yiannis Papanikolaou (Father Alvin)
Iliana Tsakiraki (Daeva)

(Daeva is waiting for Father Alvin to leave the church.
Like husband and wife they argue who is right and who is wrong.
But at the end of the night they share the same bed.)

Daeva: Your innocence failed, you're so weak you disgust me.
Where is your God? Can He stand in my way?

Father Alvin: Satan be gone , we're an army of angels
Flaming our swords, we have power to save
~ Their souls ~

~ Light and darkness now collide.
Everyone can choose a side.
Sin and Virtue fight our war.
They defend what we stand for. ~

Daeva: I'm feeding on hatred.
Father Alvin: I'm preaching on love.
Daeva: Revenge, guilt and madness.
Father Alvin: Wisdom and hope.
Daeva: For envy and greed.
Father Alvin: For compassion and faith.
~ Their souls are prizes for us to take ~

Daeva: Spit out your words you are nothing before me.
Who can resist what I offer them all?

Father Alvin: Try all you may , you're a fool to believe that
Hell is enough to defeat the might of love.

~Light and darkness now collide.
Everyone can choose a side.
Sin and Virtue fight our war.
They defend what we stand for.

Daeva: I'm feeding on hatred.
Father Alvin: I'm preaching on love.
Daeva: Revenge, guilt and madness.
Father Alvin: Wisdom and hope.
Daeva: For envy and greed.
Father Alvin: For compassion and faith.
~ Their souls are prizes for us to take ~

Daeva: Light and darkness now collide
Father Alvin: Everyone can choose a side
~ Sin and Virtue fight our war
They defend what we stand for ~

Daeva: I'm feeding on hatred.
Father Alvin: I'm preaching on love.
Daeva: Revenge, guilt and madness.
Father Alvin: Wisdom and hope.
Daeva: For envy and greed.
Father Alvin: For compassion and faith.
~ Their souls are prizes for us to take ~

Daeva: Forgiveness and anger
Father Alvin: Benevolent goals
Daeva: Restraint and compulsion
Father Alvin: Freedom and sloth
Daeva: Eternal the battle our roles have been played

~ Their souls are prizes for us to take... ~

"Goditha": metal / rock όπερα. Συνεργασία της Ελίνας Εγγλέζου με τον Μπάμπη Κατσιώνη και την συμμετοχή 16 τραγουδιστών! Πρόκειται για ένα μεσαιωνικό (μουσικό) παραμύθι, το οποίο κυκλοφορεί ήδη από τις 21 Σεπτεμβρίου...

Δελτίο τύπου (GR): «Η ροκ όπερα Goditha είναι ένα μιούζικαλ που συνδυάζει τη δύναμη της μέταλ μουσικής με τους τρυφερούς ήχους των φλάουτων, κλαρινέτων, βιολιών και άλλων ορχηστρικών οργάνων.

Η συνθέτρια - τραγουδοποιός Ελίνα Εγγλέζου και ο κορυφαίος συνθέτης - ενορχηστρωτής - παραγωγός Μπόμπ Κατσιώνης ένωσαν τη φαντασία τους και δημιούργησαν ένα έργο άκρως μελωδικό και ταυτόχρονα γεμάτο ένταση και ενέργεια, τυλιγμένο με μία ατμόσφαιρα που παρασύρει τον ακροατή σε μία δίνη αντιφατικών συναισθημάτων μέσα από τραγούδια που θα του μείνουν αξέχαστα.

Το έργο είναι ένα μεσαιωνικό παραμύθι το οποίο διαδραματίζεται σε ένα μικρό χωριό όπου εκτυλίσσεται η ιστορία της Goditha, μίας νεαρής κοπέλας η οποία προδομένη και τυφλωμένη από το μίσος, παραδίνεται στην Daeva, την πριγκίπισσα του Σκότους, για να ζητήσει εκδίκηση. Πλέκει έτσι έναν ιστό πάνω στον οποίο οι άλλοι 15 χαρακτήρες του έργου ακροβατούν διαρκώς ανάμεσα στο καλό και το κακό. Την μουσική στολίζουν με τις συναρπαστικές θεατρικές ερμηνείες τους οι:

➺ Maxi Nil (Jaded Star)
➺ Henning Basse (Firewind, MaYan, Sons of Seasons)
➺ Angel Wolf-Black (Vivaldi Metal Project)
➺ Yiannis Papanikolaou (Diviner, Rock & Roll Children)
➺ Iliana Tsakiraki (Enemy of Reality)
➺ Dionissis Christodoulatos (Sorrowful Angels)
➺ Margarita Papadimitriou (SL Theory, Voice Box)
➺ Anna Tarba
➺ Constantine Alex
➺ Marios Karanastasis (The Silent Wedding)
➺ George Eikosipentakis (Inner Wish)
➺ Christos Kounelis (Disharmony, Art Of Simplicity, Bigus Dickus)
➺ Mora (Dimlight)
➺ Anastasia Papadopoulou (Upon Revival)
➺ Margarita Stamouli

...και την υπέροχη αφήγηση του γνωστού ηθοποιού - τραγουδιστή Stratis Steele (Endomain). Από όσο γνωρίζουμε, η Goditha είναι η πρώτη ροκ όπερα γραμμένη από γυναίκα στην παγκόσμια δισκογραφία.

Το διπλό cd κυκλοφορεί από την Symmetric Records σε φυσική μορφή μέσα σε ένα 8σέλιδο πολυτελές digipak το οποίο θα περιλαμβάνει 48σέλιδο booklet με στίχους και φωτογραφίες από την παράσταση.

➺ Ελίνα Εγγλέζου - Στίχοι, Μουσική, Ενορχήστρωση
➺ Μπάμπης Κατσιώνης - Ενορχήστρωση, Μίξη, Παραγωγή (Firewind, Outloud, Serious Black)
➺ Νάσος Νομικός - Mastering
➺ Άγγελος Παύλος Γκούφας - Βιολιά (In Vein)
➺ Μάριος Χριστόπουλος - Φλάουτο, Σαξόφωνο
➺ Βασίλης Κοιλάκος - Ούτι
➺ Μπάμπης Κατσιώνης - Ακουστικές και ηλεκτρικές Κιθάρες, Μπάσο, Πλήκτρα
➺ Ελίνα Εγγλέζου - Κλασικές και 12χορδες κιθάρες, μπαλαλάικα, οκαρίνα
➺ Κώστας Τσιάκος - Artwork»

Δελτίο τύπου (EN): «The rock opera Goditha is a musical that combines the power of metal music with the tender sounds of flutes, clarinets , violins and other orchestral instruments. Songwriter-composer Elina Englezou and renowned top composer-arranger-producer Bob Katsionis joined their imagination and created an extremely melodic work of music yet at the same time full of tension and energy, covered in an atmosphere that lures the listener into a whirlpool of contradictory emotions through songs that will remain unforgettable.

The musical is a medieval fairy-tale set in a little village where the story takes place. Goditha, a young girl, betrayed and blinded by hatred surrenders herself to Daeva, the Princess of Darkness in order to get revenge. Τhus, she knits a web on which the other 15 characters of the play constantly balance between good and evil. The double cd will be released via Symmetric Records and is available for pre-order at goditha.bandcamp.com in digital as well as in physical form in an 8-page deluxe digipak that includes a 48-page booklet with lyrics and photographs from the performance. Check out our cool bundles!»

Track listing:
01. Introduction
02. There He Is
03. Save Me
04. Feel My Power
05. The Lucky Ones
06. Inside Him It Will Burn
07. Falling Stars
08. In Hell
09. Fearless
10. God Is Your Father
11. Secrets
12. Think Again
13. Hang Her!
14. Follow Me
15. Escape
16. Light & Darkness
17. Forgive Me
18. When A Full Moon Rises

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HammerFall - "Keep The Flame Burning" (live video)

Standing at the crossroads,
Were the future meets the past
Oh can’t you feel,
There’s magic in the air
We’re noble knights and mighty men,
With the power to assay
Faithful and true,
Let our deeds show you the way
Glorious, we live and we die
Our courage will unite

In our hands we hold the future,
Carry on
In our hearts, eternally,
We Keep The Flame Burning

Hear the sound of roaring thunder
And the sound of raging steel
In the battle of thrust
Our sprits will reveal

Glorious, we’d rather die
With honour than to live with shame

In our hands we hold the future, carry on
In our hearts, eternally, we keep the flame...
Burning deep inside forever, shining on
And in our hearts for all eternity we Keep The Flame Burning

We stay as we are, now the first crusade is won
Let it be written, let it be done

In our hands we hold the future, carry on
In our hearts, eternally, we keep the flame...
Burning deep inside forever, shining on
And in our hearts for all eternity we Keep The Flame Burning

Το δεύτερο live album της καριέρας τους ετοιμάζονται να κυκλοφορήσουν οι HammerFall. Φέρει τον τίτλο "Live! Against the World" κι αναμένεται στα τέλη Οκτωβρίου. Οι ηχογραφήσεις - φιλμογραφήσεις (καθότι θα υπάρχει και οπτικό υλικό) πραγματοποιήθηκαν τον περασμένο Φεβρουάριο στο Λούντβιχσμπουργκ της Γερμανίας...

Δελτίο τύπου: «The Swedish saviors of Heavy Metal are back: the undisputed masters of ground-breaking anthems and unforgettable live shows, Hammerfall, will release their new live epos Live! Against The World via Napalm Records on October 23, 2020.

With an absolutely impressive, grand live production, huge arenas and overwhelming pyro shows, HammerFall took over the world in 2019/2020 with their World Dominion tour. Now, they make their splendor available to every Templar around the globe.

Recorded on February 15th at the MHP Arena in Ludwigsburg, Germany, Live! Against The World contains songs fresh off their latest album Dominion, mixed with a ton of band classics and a hand-picked selection of songs that rarely appear on HammerFall's setlists to fulfill the needs of both new and old fans.»

Joacim Cans: «We Are HammerFall And This Is What We Do! I am so damn proud that we are able to present a full blown, up-to-date, live show in these extremely difficult times. A time when real live shows in front of a ”real” live audience have ceased to exist.

The show at MHP Arena Ludwigsburg was nothing but epic and really captured the strength and power of the band as a live act and shows the joy we are experiencing together on stage every night, no matter where we play.

This is the biggest stage production we ever had and now you can experience this at home anywhere, at any time. HammerFall is and always will be a live band and together with the greatest fans in the world we are an unstoppable force!»

Oscar Dronjak: «The live act that HammerFall is right now blows everything we have done previously out of the water, and I am super happy that we got to document it in this way on the biggest tour we have ever done.

The setlist speaks for itself, every album is represented with at least one song; there’s stuff we have never performed live before, songs we haven’t played in a long time and of course all the classics.

It’s a great testament to where we stand today, and an added bonus is that we finally got to record something major in Germany, in front of the fans who have been with us literally since day one.»

Band: HammerFall
Country of origin: Sweden
Location: Gothenburg, Västra Götaland
Formed in: 1993
Genre: Heavy/Power Metal
Lyrical themes: Medieval battles, Fantasy, Templar Knights
Years active: 1993-present

Video: "Keep The Flame Burning"
Album: "Live! Against the World"
Type: Live album
Release date: October 23rd, 2020
Label: Napalm Records
Format: 2CD + blu-ray, 2CD + blu-ray + 7" vinyl, 3 12" vinyls, Digital

Band members:
Oscar Dronjak - Guitars
Fredrik Larsson - Bass
Joacim Cans - Vocals
Pontus Norgren - Guitars
David Wallin - Drums

Guest/Session: Noora Louhimo - Vocals (track "Second to One")
Miscellaneous staff: Samwise Didier - Cover art

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Dark Quarterer - "Gladiator" (lyric video)

Την δισκογραφική τους επιστροφή μετά από πέντε χρόνια γνωστοποίησαν οι Dark Quarterer. Ο διάδοχος του album "Ithaca" (Απρίλιος 2015) και έβδομος συνολικά δίσκος των Ιταλών metallers φέρει τον τίτλο "Pompei" κι αναμένεται να κυκλοφορήσει στις αρχές Νοεμβρίου.

Ως προς την θεματολογία του album η μπάντα την περιγράφει κάπως έτσι: «a concept album detailing the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Dark Quarterer has crafted an album of high drama and impeccable musicianship with Pompei!»

Δελτίο τύπου: «Italian Metal Veterans Dark Quarterer join Cruz Del Sur Music; new album ‘Pompei’ coming this fall. Cruz Del Sur Music is proud to announce the signing of one of Italy’s longest-running metal bands, Dark Quarterer. The label will release this November, the band’s seventh studio album, “Pompei”, on Compact Disc, Gatefold LP with an amazing artwork provided by Italian Artist Paolo Girardi.

Dark Quarterer and Cruz Del Sur have a previous working relationship - the label released the vinyl versions of the band’s “Symbols” (2018) and “Ithaca” (2015) studio albums. “It was a pretty obvious decision for us to make,” says bassist / vocalist Gianni Nepi. “We’re honored to join a label with so many great bands and look forward to getting ‘Pompei’ in front of an even bigger audience.”

“Pompei” was recorded this January and February at the band’s own W.R.S. Studios in Piombino, Italy. Vocals and keyboards were tracked in May by sound engineer Andrea Ramacciotti, with mastering handled by Alex Marton of First Line Studio in Follonica.

According to Nepi, “Pompei” takes their sound to the next level, expanding on the bold, classic metal-on-prog sound they have been purveying since 1980. “The new album is cruder, perhaps a bit more visceral and intense. It has a dramatic atmosphere that surrounds the entire album - even during the softest of moments.”

Now at the 40-year mark as a band, Dark Quarterer, who also comprise drummer Paolo "Nipa" Ninci, guitarist Francesco Sozzi and keyboardist Francesco Longhi, has faced many obstacles, but the one thing that has kept them together is their friendship, something that has helped the band maintain the same lineup since 2003.

“We have great passion and love for the music we make,” finishes Nepi. “Also, the friendship between the four of us really is the glue that keeps us together. Without it, we’re not sure we would have lasted this long!”»

Band: Dark Quarterer
Country of origin: Italy
Location: Piombino (Livorno), Tuscany
Formed in: 1980
Genre: Epic Progressive Metal
Lyrical themes: Dark, Epic, Esoteric, Myths, Legends and History
Years active: 1974-1980 [as Omega R (Omega Erre)], 1980-present

Lyric video: "Gladiator"
Video by: Gabby Vessoni
Album: "Pompei"
Type: Full length
Release date: November 6th, 2020
Label: Cruz del Sur Music
Format: CD, LP, Digital

Track listing:
1. Vesuvius 09:23
2. Welcome to the Day of Death 06:38
3. Panic 08:39
4. Plinius the Elder 07:58
5. Gladiator 06:24
6. Forever 08:01

Band members:
Gianni Nepi - Bass, Vocals (1980-present)
Paolo "Nipa" Ninci - Drums (1980-present)
Francesco Sozzi - Guitars (1998-present)
Francesco Longhi - Keyboards (2003-present)

Miscellaneous staff:
Paolo Girardi - Artwork
Andrea Ramacciotti - Engineering
Alex Marton - Mastering

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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...

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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