Category Archives: Cutting Edge Culture Updates

Amon Amarth Unleashes Epic “Saxons and Vikings” Battle in New Music Video, Announces Massive 2024 North American Tour

Featuring Members Of English Heavy Metal Band Saxon

The anticipated return of Amon Amarth to North America in 2024 has been announced for their most extensive headline tour yet. The tour, featuring special guests Cannibal Corpse, alongside Obituary and Frozen Soul, is set to kick off on April 21st and conclude on May 25th. The highlight includes a historic show at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver. The metal extravaganza promises to be a must-see heavy metal event of the year. Tickets are available on the official website amonamarth.com.

Amon Amarth has released a new music video for the song “Saxons and Vikings,” a track from their current album, The Great Heathen Army. The video features Biff Byford, Paul Quinn, and Doug Scarratt of the British heavy metal band Saxon, engaging in epic fight scenes with Amon Amarth’s Vikings. The video promises an exciting clash, and fans can watch to find out the fate of these Saxons and Vikings.

Lead vocalist Johan Hegg expressed his excitement about working with Saxon, stating, “Recording this song with the legends from Saxon was amazing. It was such an honor to have them on this track, and to shoot a video with them was so much fun. I think the video came out great, really epic. It captures the essence of the song perfectly, and the fight scenes are awesome!” Biff Byford of Saxon added, “Doing the ‘Saxons and Vikings’ video was good fun; the fight scenes were epic, and the song is cool.”

In other news, Amon Amarth is set to headline the BLOODSTOCK festival in Catton Park, Derbyshire, in August 2024, alongside Opeth and Architects. The festival is expected to be the unmissable heavy metal event of the year.


Tour Dates:

  • 4/21/2024 Revel Entertainment Center – Albuquerque, NM
  • 4/22/2024 Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Denver, CO
  • 4/24/2024 The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4/26/2024 Alaska Airlines’ Theater Of The Clouds – Portland, OR
  • 4/27/2024 PNE Forum – Vancouver, BC
  • 4/29/2024 Edmonton Convention Center – Edmonton, AB
  • 4/30/2024 Grey Eagle Event Center – Calgary, AB
  • 5/03/2024 Steelhouse – Omaha, NE
  • 5/04/2024 The Sylvee – Madison, WI
  • 5/05/2024 GLC Live At 20 Monroe – Grand Rapids, MI
  • 5/07/2024 Rose Music Center At The Heights – Huber Heights, OH
  • 5/09/2024 The Wellmont – Montclair, NJ
  • 5/10/2024 Toyota Oakdale Theater – Wallingford, CT
  • 5/11/2024 Videotron Centre – Quebec City, QC
  • 5/13/2024 The Fillmore Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA
  • 5/14/2024 The Fillmore Silver Spring – Silver Spring, MD
  • 5/16/2024 ExploreAsheville.com Arena – Asheville, NC
  • 5/17/2024 House Of Blues – Myrtle Beach, SC
  • 5/18/2024 Yuengling Center – Tampa, FL
  • 5/20/2024 Bayou Music Center – Houston, TX
  • 5/21/2024 Boeing Center At Tech Port – San Antonio, TX
  • 5/23/2024 Arizona Financial Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
  • 5/24/2024 Pearl Concert Theater At Palms Casino Resort – Las Vegas, NV
  • 5/25/2024 Honda Center – Anaheim, CA

Amon Amarth:

Metal Blade Records:


[Photo by Tomas Gidén]

DIMMU BORGIR Unveils Cover Album “Inspiratio Profanus”

Experience the sonic journey as DIMMU BORGIR drops their much-anticipated cover album, “Inspiratio Profanus,” available now. This release compiles eight cover songs, a homage to some of DIMMU BORGIR’s favorite tracks that have left an indelible mark on their musical journey.

Silenoz, commenting on “Inspiratio Profanus,” shares the band’s excitement: “We’re pleased to announce the Inspiratio Profanus release! We thought it was about time to finally compile the cover songs we’ve done over the years and give these renditions an updated mastering, all in one package, highlighting some of our many influences!”

Tracklist:

  1. Black Metal (Venom)
  2. Satan My Master (Bathory)
  3. Dead Men Don’t Rape (G.G.F.H.)
  4. Nocturnal Fear (Celtic Frost)
  5. Burn In Hell (Twisted Sister)
  6. Perfect Strangers (Deep Purple)
  7. Metal Heart (Accept)
  8. Nocturnal Fear (Celtically Processed) (Celtic Frost)

About DIMMU BORGIR:
DIMMU BORGIR, born in the heart of the Norwegian black metal scene in 1993, celebrates its 30th anniversary. Known for pushing the boundaries of the genre, they blend a traditional raven black sound with symphonic orchestration. With albums like “Enthrone Darkness Triumphant,” “Spiritual Black Dimensions,” and “Death Cult Armageddon,” DIMMU BORGIR has become an influential force, touring globally and leaving an indelible mark on the black metal landscape.

After the success of “Abrahadabra” and “Eonian,” DIMMU BORGIR now reflects on their 30-year legacy with “Inspiratio Profanus,” a collection of cover songs that pays tribute to the influential artists who shaped their distinctive sound. Experience the electric renditions of classics like ‘Black Metal’ (VENOM) and ‘Perfect Strangers’ (DEEP PURPLE) that define the evolution of DIMMU BORGIR’s musical odyssey.

Listen Now:
Inspiratio Profanus on Bandcamp

Brittany Bindrim Unveils Debut Single ‘Obelisk’ and Dreamy Music Video, Paves the Way for Upcoming Album ‘Velella Velella

Today marks a significant milestone for electronic pop vocalist Brittany Bindrim as she unveils her debut single, “Obelisk,” along with an accompanying dreamy music video directed by Simona Noreik. Renowned for her captivating melodies and commanding vocal prowess as a member of the band I:Scintilla, Brittany embarks on a new solo journey, exploring fresh sonic landscapes on her upcoming album ‘Velella Velella.’ This album promises hard-hitting, edgy tracks adorned with punishing beats and harsh synthesizers, showcasing a different facet of her artistic expression. As the first taste of what’s to come, “Obelisk” sets the stage for the release of the complete album by Metropolis Records in the upcoming year.

For those eager to dive into Brittany Bindrim’s solo venture, the album ‘Velella Velella’ offers a glimpse into a musical realm where her creativity knows no bounds. The tracklist, featuring a series of hard-hitting compositions, reflects Brittany’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating a distinctive sound that resonates with fans of electronic pop. The release of “Obelisk” is just the beginning, with more singles slated for the coming months, building anticipation and paving the way for the full unveiling of ‘Velella Velella’ in the new year.

To experience the sonic journey laid out by Brittany Bindrim, “Obelisk” and subsequent releases can be found on various platforms, including Bandcamp for those who appreciate the immersive qualities of a full album. The official music video for “Obelisk” provides a visual complement to the music, offering viewers a captivating interpretation of the song’s essence. As the anticipation builds, Brittany Bindrim invites listeners to join her on this exciting solo endeavor, promising a musical adventure that transcends expectations.

For those who appreciate a full album experience, ‘Velella Velella’ by Brittany Bindrim is available on Bandcamp, providing a platform for fans to immerse themselves in the complete sonic tapestry crafted by this talented artist. The debut single “Obelisk” and its accompanying music video offer a taste of what’s to come, setting the stage for a series of releases that will culminate in the unveiling of the full album by Metropolis Records in the upcoming year.

Streaming Link: https://ingrv.es/obelisk-t4g-j

BLACK NAIL CABARET Unveils Hypnotic Video for ‘Autogenic,’ the First Single from Upcoming Album ‘Chrysanthemum

Hungarian electro-pop duo BLACK NAIL CABARET has unveiled the mesmerizing video for “Autogenic,” the lead single from their upcoming album ‘Chrysanthemum,’ set to be released by Dependent Records of Germany.

-Black Nail Cabaret – Autogenic [Official Music Video]:



Emèse Árvai-Illes, the vocalist of Black Nail Cabaret, shared insights into the song and video, emphasizing the connection between the mind and body. According to her, delving into self-awareness and being present is a form of self-hypnosis, a theme echoed in the captivating visuals. The video takes viewers on a dreamlike journey, tapping into the imagery of the 90s, paying homage to its cult classics, movies, and music videos that have profoundly influenced the duo.

The forthcoming album ‘Chrysanthemum,’ Black Nail Cabaret’s sixth full-length, is scheduled to be unleashed on March 1st, 2024. With a rich electro-pop sound, the album promises to be a significant addition to the duo’s discography.



As the first glimpse into this musical venture, “Autogenic” not only showcases their sonic evolution but also serves as a visual tribute to the nostalgia and influence of the 90s. Black Nail Cabaret invites listeners to immerse themselves in a hypnotic experience that intertwines the past and present, creating a unique blend of sounds and visuals.

As the duo prepares to launch ‘Chrysanthemum,’ fans can explore the evocative realms of “Autogenic” through its official music video, available for viewing on various platforms, providing a glimpse into the artistic direction and thematic richness that Black Nail Cabaret has in store for their audience.

Watch the official music video for “Autogenic” here: [Link to the video]

EXHORDER Announces Explosive Spring 2024 US Tour with VIO-LENCE, DECEASED, and MORTAL WOUND

NOLA thrash and groove pioneers EXHORDER have unveiled their spring 2024 US tour schedule alongside Bay Area thrash legends VIO-LENCE, Virginian extreme metallers DECEASED, and LA death metal outfit MORTAL WOUND. The intense journey commences on April 5th in Cambridge, MA, reaching its zenith on April 13th in Chicago, IL. This upcoming tour follows the band’s recent winter venture with VIO-LENCE in South America.

EXHORDER shared their excitement about the impending tour, stating, “To share a bill with Vio-Lence on two separate tours this coming year is something that we are looking forward to immensely. We will join Deceased and Mortal Wound in the process of getting the evening started! Get off your couches and come support live music—if we can make it, so can you!”

Tickets for the tour are available now through the provided links.

EXHORDER Tour Dates:

  • April 5 – Cambridge, MA – Middle East Tickets
  • April 6 – Brooklyn, NY – Monarch Tickets
  • April 7 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts Tickets
  • April 8 – Baltimore, MD – The Ottobar Tickets
  • April 10 – Cleveland, OH – The Winchester Tickets
  • April 11 – Cincinnati, OH – Legends Tickets
  • April 12 – Detroit, MI – Sanctuary Tickets
  • April 13 – Chicago, IL – Reggies Tickets

Photo Credit: Erik Hernandez

About EXHORDER:
Formed in 1986, EXHORDER’s journey has been thrilling yet tumultuous. After a twenty-seven-year hiatus following their final Roadrunner Records release in 1992, EXHORDER re-entered the scene with an album considered by many as a contender for the “Best Comeback Album” category. The band dropped Mourn the Southern Skies in October 2019 through Nuclear Blast Records. Despite lineup changes and the challenges of the 2020-2021 pandemic, EXHORDER has fought back to prepare another album for their iconic discography, set to be unveiled next year.

Follow EXHORDER:

ARMORED SAINT Announces Summer 2024 European Tour

Iconic heavy metal powerhouse, ARMORED SAINT, is set to make a triumphant return to European stages in the summer of 2024. The band will embark on a full run of club shows and handpicked festivals, with more dates to be confirmed soon.

Expressing his excitement, ARMORED SAINT vocalist John Bush shares, “What up Euro Saint heads, Long time no talk. Well, that’s about to end. After not performing on European soil since 2019, we’re proud to announce that we will be returning to Europe in the summer of 2024.”

The tour will feature a mix of festival performances, including Wacken, Alcatraz, Rock of Ages, Brutal Assault, and Rockstadt Extreme in Romania—a first for the band. Headline shows are also planned in Germany, Poland, The Netherlands, and a series of five dates in Britain.

Bush adds, “We love Europe and have been frustrated that it has taken so long to come back but, we WILL make up for lost time! Thanks for your patience! Looking forward to playing Punching the Sky songs as well as all the classics and maybe a few deep tracks. See ya soon. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!”

Full Tour Dates:

  • 27/07/24 DE – Brande-Hörnerkirchen Headbangers Open Air
  • 28/07/24 DE – Rottenburg-Seebronn Rock of Ages Festival
  • 30/07/24 DE – Berlin – Hole 44 / + support
  • 31/07/24 PL – Goleniów – Rampa Kultura / + support
  • 01/08/24 DE – Wacken – Wacken Open Air
  • 04/08/24 RO – Rasnov – Rockstadt Extreme Fest
  • 07/08/24 CZ – Josefov – Brutal Assault Festival
  • 09/08/24 NL – Amsterdam – Melkweg / + support
  • 10/08/24 DE – Essen – Turock / + support
  • 11/08/24 BE – Kortrijk – Alcatraz Festival
  • 13/08/24 UK – Nottingham – Rescue Rooms / + support
  • 14/08/24 UK – Manchester – Rebellion / + support
  • 16/08/24 UK – Wolverhampton – KK’s Steelmill / + support
  • 17/08/24 UK – London – The Dome / + support
  • 18/08/24 UK – Milton Keynes – Craufurd Arms / + support

ARMORED SAINT’s latest studio album, Punching The Sky, released in 2020, received critical acclaim and chart success worldwide. Stay tuned for an electrifying experience as the band brings their signature sound and classics to European fans.

For more information:

Dark Electro Maestros MILDREDA Unleash ‘Blue-Devilled’: A Triumph of Sound and Vision

On December 1st, 2023, the highly anticipated album ‘Blue-Devilled’ by MILDREDA was unleashed via Dependent Records. This marked a significant moment for fans eagerly awaiting the fusion of dark dance and hard electro that defines MILDREDA’s unique musical style. The release garnered immediate attention, securing the prestigious #1 ranking in the soundcheck review section of Sonic Seducer, a leading German magazine.

In conjunction with the album, MILDREDA delighted their audience with a visually captivating black-and-white video for “Devil’s Gaze.” Jan Dewulf, the band’s leader and mastermind, shared insights into the creative process, stating, “My aim was to craft a club track while staying true to the dark electro sound that defines us.” This commitment to artistic integrity has been a hallmark of MILDREDA’s approach.

Hailing from Belgium, MILDREDA made a notable debut with the album “I Was Never There” in 2021, establishing themselves as a force in the electro music scene. The release of ‘Blue-Devilled’ solidifies their position and showcases the evolution and refinement of their sound. The album is not only available on all major streaming platforms but also as a limited 60-page artbook CD edition, complete with a bonus CD, courtesy of Dependent Records in Germany.

The album’s success reflects not only the band’s musical prowess but also their ability to connect with a diverse audience. MILDREDA’s commitment to delivering a rich and authentic dark electro experience is evident in every track, making ‘Blue-Devilled’ a standout addition to their discography. As the year draws to a close, the album serves as a testament to MILDREDA’s continued innovation and contribution to the electro music landscape.

“The Halo Trees Join Forces with COP International, Unveiling Deep Dark Indie Rock Soundscape”

The Halo Trees “Dark Clouds Over London” (Official Video)

The renowned US indie label COP International (Stabbing Westward, The Cassandra Complex, Beasto Blanco etc.) recently signed the Berlin band The Halo Trees.
The group around singer/guitarist Sascha Blach describes their music as Deep Dark Indie Rock, which includes elements of Post-Punk, Indie Rock and Post-Rock.

The dark Rock sound is characterized by complex arrangements in which the violin also has a fixed place, as well as the frontman’s deep melancholic vocals. In the past, The Halo Trees have been repeatedly compared to bands like The National, Lambchop and Mark Lanegan. After the outfit recently released a few singles on their own such as “Mr. Abundance” or “The Beginning Of Something Beautiful”, the next record “Where The Deep Ends” will be released in spring 2024 worldwide via COP International. The band promises an introspective headphone album with a warm, organic sound that contains lots of little details. The record release will be preceded by the first single and music video still this year.

Christian Petke, label boss of COP International, says about the signing: “I am genuinely thrilled to join forces with The Halo Trees. Their music exudes an introverted, deep, and intensely quiet post-punk vibe that resonated with me on a profound level. Sascha Blach, a truly prolific songwriter, has crafted something extraordinary, and I’m eagerly anticipating the moment we can unveil their incredible new music to the world.”

Sascha Blach from The Halo Trees is pleased: “I know COP International still from the first incarnation of the label and have therefore been following Christian’s work from afar for a long time. I think it’s great that he has revitalized the label and is now expanding musically. In our conversations he proved to be a great idealist and a very likeable person. I see it as a good sign that our first Zoom call lasted over 2.5 hours. So I’m looking forward to what I hope will be a long-term collaboration and I hope we as a band can take the next step.”
 


Deep Dive into the universe of Halo Trees:
Halo Trees Official Website

Bandcamp
wintersolitude.de

Youtube
Facebook

“SOILWORK Unearths Festive Surprise with Digital Release of Swedish Gem ‘Kvicksilver’ and Announces European Tour for Autumn 2024”

It’s starting to feel a lot like fuck this:
While many of us are dusting off old photos and sentimental items, Swedish melodic death metal virtuosos SOILWORK have unearthed a different kind of trip down memory lane.
Today, the band digitally releases ‘Kvicksilver’, a Swedish version of ‘Mercury Shadow’, originally released in 2002 on SOILWORK’s fourth album, Natural Born Chaos.

SOILWORK states: “Here’s an old gem from the vaults! ‘Kvicksilver’ means ‘mercury’ in Swedish, and somehow we decided to make a Swedish version of one of our songs during the recording of the Natural Born Chaos album, back in 2002. We think it turned out pretty damn cool and definitely deserves to be shared with the world at this point. Enjoy ‘Mercury Shadow’ – all sung in Scanian dialect, we give you ‘Kvicksilver’!”

SOILWORK has just announced new European tour dates with IN FLAMES and ARCH ENEMY for autumn 2024. Under the banner of the Rising From The North Tour, the band will tour thirteen countries, starting in the United Kingdom on October 3rd.

Find the tour dates here:

OFFICIAL TOUR DATES:

  • 03.10. UK Glasgow – O2 Academy
  • 04.10. UK Manchester – Manchester Academy
  • 05.10. UK Birmingham – O2 Academy
  • 06.10. UK London – Eventim Apollo Hammersmith
  • 08.10. FR Paris – Olympia
  • 09.10. LU Esch-sur-Alzette – Rockhal
  • 11.10. DE Hamburg – Sporthalle
  • 12.10. DE Düsseldorf – Mitsubishi Electric Hall
  • 13.10. NL Den Bosch – Mainstage
  • 15.10. CH Zurich – The Hall
  • 16.10. IT Milan – Alcatraz
  • 18.10 DE Stuttgart – Schleyer-Halle
  • 19.10. DE Frankfurt – Jahrhunderthalle
  • 20.10. DE Munich – Zenith
  • 22.10. AT Vienna – Gasometer
  • 23.10. HU Budapest – Barba Negra
  • 25.10. CZ Prague – Sportovni Hala Fortuna
  • 26.10. DE Dresden – Messe
  • 27.10. DE Berlin – Columbiahalle
  • 29.10. NO Oslo – Spektrum
  • 31.10. SE Malmö – Malmö Arena
  • 01.11. SE Gothenburg – Scandinavium
  • 02.11. SE Stockholm – Hovet
  • 03.11. SE Sundsvall – Nordichallen
  • 05.11. FI Helsinki – Ice Hall


SOILWORK’s high-class creative consistency, which they have maintained throughout their career, is the virtue that probably best defines them. Founded at the end of 1995, SOILWORK released their debut album Steelbath Suicide in 1998, garnering a great early response. By 2001, SOILWORK had joined Nuclear Blast, and by 2003 they already had five records under their belt.

Continuing their tradition of high-quality musical output, 2022 saw their twelfth studio album ‘Övergivenheten’, which represents the band in their growth and their current phase of life – marked by a time that probably no one on this planet will forget so quickly.

SOILWORK is:

  • Björn “Speed” Strid – vocals
  • Simon Johansson – guitars
  • Sven Karlsson – keyboards
  • Sylvain Coudret – guitars
  • Bastian Thusgaard – drums
  • Rasmus Ehrnborn – bass

Deep Dive into the universe of SOILWORK

new release from @spankthenun !! “Moris Blak. Mechanical Vein. Blak Emoji. Dream Black. SPVNKTHENVN BLVCK TRAX All New Versions. UNRELEASED TRACKS. Limited Time Release. Goes away on 12.31.23 forever – get em in your collection now. All the the BLAK releases from the new SPANKTHENUN album The Bunker Tapes VOL III… Includes 5 new remixes and remasters and one bonus track.” https://ift.tt/dou1ZxA

My Happy Place. My Den Of Zen. It’s a beast to control, but when it’s cooperative, so close to perfection, it’s a lovely work of art. This media machine has been built on my blood sweat and tears, and relentless energy of the past 5 years. I’ve built this with my bare hands, almost by myself, and NO ONE can or will ever take it away. Whether you like me or not, that’s up to you. Get in line or get left behind, I’m here to stay, will never back down or go away. I am grateful for everyone and everything that is and has happened in my life, in case this fades away. No ill intent nothing bad to say, my only competition just be better than yesterday. this is my lifes work. my divine purpose, Where all the energy in my head and heart, comes to life, with the intention of empowering you, as I empower myself, and changing the world in good ways.