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.
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.
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.
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.
Iconic heavy metal band ARMORED SAINT will embark on a North American tour with Queensrÿche in Spring 2024. The tour starts on March 27, 2024, in Anaheim, California, and concludes on May 21, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. It features several headlining shows by ARMORED SAINT.
ARMORED SAINT’s vocalist John Bush expressed his excitement about the tour, stating, “Playing shows with Eddie [Jackson], Michael [Wilton], Todd [La Torre], Casey [Grillo], and Mike [Stone] is always inspiring and a lot of fun. The tour hits lots of cities we haven’t played in a while, including dates in Canada!”
Additionally, ARMORED SAINT will be writing new music and is set to re-record the majority of their classic back catalog, with releases throughout 2024 on COP International.
**Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday, November 10th at 10:00am local time, with VIP upgrades available. See all confirmed tour dates below.
ARMORED SAINT will also appear at this year’s edition of Life After Death Horror Fest in Mexico City, Mexico, on December 3, 2023, followed by a special show with KK’s Priest in Bogota, Columbia, on December 5, 2023. The band will participate in the Monsters Of Rock Cruise, which departs from Miami, Florida, on March 2, 2024, sailing for five days with stops in Jamaica and the Bahamas.
ARMORED SAINT:
12/03/2023 Life After Death Horror Fest – Mexico City, MX
12/05/2023 Royal Center – Bogota, CO w/ KK’s Priest
3/02/2024 Monsters Of Rock Cruise – Miami, FL
ARMORED SAINT’s North American Tour with Queensrÿche:
3/27/2024 House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA
3/28/2024 Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA
3/29/2024 Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA **
3/31/2024 Neptune Theater – Seattle, WA
4/02/2024 Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO
4/03/2024 Gothic Theater – Englewood, CO
4/05/2024 Barnato – Omaha, NE **
4/06/2024 Delmar Hall – St Louis, MO
4/07/2024 Paramount – Cedar Rapids, IA
4/09/2024 Coronado Performing Arts Center – Rockford, IL
4/10/2024 Peoria Civic Center – Peoria, IL
4/11/2024 The King Of Clubs – Columbus, OH **
4/12/2024 The Vogue – Indianapolis, IN
4/13/2024 State Theater – Kalamazoo, MI
4/14/2024 Majestic – Detroit, MI
4/16/2024 Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
4/17/2024 House Of Blues – Cleveland, OH
4/19/2024 Phoenix Theater – Toronto, ON
4/20/2024 Theater Beanfield – Montreal, QC
4/21/2024 Elements – Kitchener, ON
4/23/2024 Tally Ho Theater – Leesburg, VA **
4/24/2024 The Roxian – Pittsburgh, PA
4/26/2024 Empire Live – Albany, NY
4/27/2024 Palladium – Worcester, MA
4/28/2024 Toad’s – New Haven, CT
4/30/2024 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ
5/01/2024 Keswick Theater – Glenside, PA
5/02/2024 Montage Music Hall – Rochester, NY **
5/03/2024 The Paramount – Huntington, NY
5/04/2024 Lovedrafts – Mechanicsburg, PA **
5/05/2024 The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC
5/07/2024 Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
5/09/2024 Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL
5/10/2024 The Plaza Live – Orlando, FL
5/11/2024 Culture Room – Ft Lauderdale, FL
5/12/2024 The Ranch – Ft Myers, FL
5/15/2024 Scout Bar – Houston, TX **
5/16/2024 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX ** w/ Dangerous Toys
5/21/2024 Count’s Vamp’d – Las Vegas, NV ** ** ARMORED SAINT headlining show
ARMORED SAINT’s most recent studio album, “Punching The Sky,” was released in 2020 and received critical acclaim. The album charted on various Billboard charts, making it one of their most successful releases.
For more updates and information, visit ARMORED SAINT’s official website and social media profiles.
The Cassandra Complex has officially unveiled the initial phase of their World Tour 2024, proudly presented by COP International and the International Booking Department.
The renowned post-punk ensemble, The Cassandra Complex, will mark their remarkable 40-year journey with an extensive world tour that spans across Europe and the United States. The first segment of this thrilling tour will encompass 11 captivating shows in March 2024, taking place in the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Northern Germany:
March 14, 2024: Todmorden, The Golden Lion
March 16, 2024: Gateshead, The Black Bull
March 17, 2024: London, The Lower Third
March 21, 2024: Lodelinsart, La Ruche Verriere
March 22, 2024: Amsterdam, Q-Factory
March 23, 2024: Witten, Dark Skies Festival
March 24, 2024: Heerlen, Nieuwe Nor
March 25, 2024: Hannover, LUX
March 26, 2024: Krefeld, Kufa
March 29, 2024: Hamburg, Logo
March 30, 2024: Copenhagen, Lygten
This captivating tour will showcase the original founding members of the band: Rodney Orpheus (vocals, synths, drum machines), Paul Dillon (keyboards), and Andy Booth (guitar), alongside special guest appearances. The band is also planning to re-record the majority of their timeless catalog, set to be released throughout 2024 under COP International, with corresponding shows that will span their impressive 40-year career.
Notably, The Cassandra Complex will be joined by their fellow COP International labelmates, Vaselyne, on selected dates (Amsterdam, Heerlen, Hannover, Krefeld, Hamburg).
In a groundbreaking announcement that’s set to electrify the metal scene, the Bay Area’s legendary MACHINE HEAD has unveiled the initial leg of its ‘Slaughter The Martøur Nørth America 2024′ tour. Breaking free from their “An Evening With…” format for the first time in a decade, MACHINE HEAD is set to embark on this tour with direct support from Los Angeles’ cyber-metal masters FEAR FACTORY, Sweden’s ORBIT CULTURE, and Louisville, KY’s GATES TO HELL, promising a start to your 2024 that’s as heavy as it gets!
The ‘Slaughter The Martøur Nørth America 2024’ kicks off with a “hometown” show in San Francisco on January 19th, 2024, marking MACHINE HEAD’s first San Francisco performance since 2020. The tour will then make its way north, including shows in the Pacific Northwest and an impressive eight-date run across Canada. Other tour stops include Chicago, Orlando, and Houston, before concluding in Los Angeles on February 24th at The Bellwether.
MACHINE HEAD released their explosive 10th studio album, “ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN,” in Autumn 2022. The band also unveiled the music video for the track ‘NØ GØDS NØ MASTERS,’ directed by Mike Sloat.
Robb Flynn, founder of MACHINE HEAD, excitedly declared, “Head Cases! This will be the greatest metal tour on earth! So stoked to be getting back on the road in America/Canada with 4 masters of soul-crushing heaviness and an absolutely earth-shattering bill. Fear Factory has long been our brothers-in-arms, pioneers, and innovators of a sound that had yet to exist. Orbit Culture are the fast-rising Swedish modern metal maniacs bringing their unique spin to the world, and Gates To Hell absolutely blew my mind at Milwaukee Metalfest with their sheer savage brutality. North America, we’re ready to crush skulls, crush beers, and crush everything in our path!”
Dino Cazares of FEAR FACTORY commented, “We are honored to be touring with the mighty Machine Head. We came up in the metal scene together, and both bands have left their mark on modern metal. Plus, Robb has been a good friend of mine for close to 30 years. We are excited for the metal fans to see this amazing package, and we can’t wait to get out there. Let’s go!”
ORBIT CULTURE added, “It is such an honor for us to be going on tour with Machine Head and Fear Factory across North America. We look forward to bringing our brand of metal to you all. Beware of the antlers North America!”
GATES TO HELL chimed in, “Machine Head was one of the bands that inspired Gates to Hell to form. They’re a personal favorite of several of us. Out of all the tours we’ve had the opportunity to be a part of over the past year, this is definitely the one we’ve been most excited for. Very excited to share the stage with Machine Head, Fear Factory, and Orbit Culture.”
With this lineup, the tour promises to be an unforgettable experience for metalheads throughout North America. Prepare for an onslaught of sonic intensity as these four bands unite, creating what will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about metal tours in recent years!
Exclusive Machine Head pre-sale starts today, using the code “MARTOUR” for tickets and VIP packages. You can purchase them here: [Machine Head Tickets](link to tickets).
Pre-sale begins on Wednesday, using the code “MFNH2024.”
Spotify pre-sale begins on Wednesday as well, with the code “MH4LIFE.”
All general admission tickets go on sale this Friday, October 20th, at 10:00 A.M. local time.
Here are the confirmed tour dates for MACHINE HEAD’s ‘Slaughter The Martøur Nørth America 2024’ tour with direct support from FEAR FACTORY, along with ORBIT CULTURE and GATES TO HELL:
01.19.2024 US San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
01.21.2024 US Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
01.22.2024 US Seattle, WA – Showbox
01.23.2024 CA Vancouver, BC – Commodore
01.25.2024 CA Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall
01.26.2024 CA Calgary, AB – Grey Eagle Casino
01.27.2024 CA Saskatoon, SK – Coors Event Centre
01.28.2024 CA Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cumming Theatre
01.30.2024 US Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theatre
01.31.2024 US Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall
02.01.2024 US Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre
02.02.2024 US Northfield, OH – MGM Northfield Park
02.03.2024 US Detroit, MI – St. Andrews
02.05.2024 CA Toronto, ON – The Opera House
02.06.2024 CA Montreal, QC – M’Telus
02.07.2024 CA Quebec City, QC – Theatre Capitole
02.08.2024 US Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
02.09.2024 US Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center
02.10.2024 US New York, NY – Palladium Times Square
02.12.2024 US Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
02.14.2024 US Atlanta, GA – Masquerade (Heaven)
02.15.2024 US Orlando, FL – House Of Blues
02.17.2024 US Austin, TX – Emo’s
02.18.2024 US San Antonio, TX – Aztec
02.19.2024 US Houston, TX – House Of Blues
02.21.2024 US Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre
02.22.2024 US Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
02.23.2024 US Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater
02.24.2024 US Los Angeles, CA – The Bellwether
You can purchase tickets and VIP packages at [Machine Head VIP](link to VIP).
In the heart of Sheffield, a city known for its industrial past, Resistanz Festival emerged in 2011, carving a unique space in the music scene. This electronic music extravaganza was the brainchild of a passionate music enthusiast, driven by a deep love for genres like industrial, EBM, futurepop, synthpop, and power noise.
Resistanz Festival’s origins were humble but filled with ambition. It was born from the collaboration between the festival’s visionary and the renowned live music venue, Corporation. This visionary had been a fixture in Sheffield’s music scene for years, hosting club nights, live shows, and DJ sets since 2004. The festival was the natural progression, a dream come true, an opportunity to share a profound love for music with kindred spirits on a grander scale.
The festival’s niche focus on alternative electronic music was a response to the craving for diversity within the music festival landscape. In a world dominated by rock and metal festivals, Resistanz Festival offered something different. It was a celebration of electronic beats, a fusion of styles that spanned the spectrum from industrial grit to synthpop melodies.
Year after year, the festival took over the Corporation venue in Sheffield during the Easter weekend. This choice of location wasn’t arbitrary; it was a deliberate move to craft a unique atmosphere. The venue’s layout was ideal, with a main stage area, bars, an outdoor courtyard for food vendors, and a spacious warehouse for merch stalls. It transformed into one big after-party room as the night unfolded. A smaller second stage hosted fresh talent and DJs, while an upstairs area held untapped potential for future expansion.
But 2020 disrupted the festival’s rhythm. The pandemic struck, forcing a tough decision to reschedule. A year’s worth of meticulous planning and preparation hung in the balance. Resistanz Festival, like many events, faced uncertainty and disappointment. The resilience to reschedule for 2021 was met with another setback. The festival’s future hung in the balance as motivation waned.
However, the unwavering support of the festivalgoers, the passionate community that had grown around Resistanz, rekindled the flame. The decision to push forward to 2022 was a daunting challenge, requiring intense effort in a fraction of the usual time. Yet, against the odds, the festival returned, demonstrating the power of music to overcome adversity.
The lineup curation was a meticulous process. Balancing well-known acts with emerging talent was key. The festival aimed to offer an eclectic experience, drawing attendees with a blend of familiar favorites and new discoveries. Each year, the list of potential acts was refined and narrowed down to achieve this delicate equilibrium.
Resistanz Festival continued to evolve. A second room was introduced, featuring artists from genres like Chiptune, EDM, and Drum and Bass. This expansion opened doors to fresh experiences and brought diversity to the event, enriching the attendees’ musical journey.
Memories from past editions were abundant, but a few performances stood out. Acts like Celldweller, Alice In Videoland, Ultraviolence, Icon Of Coil, Savant, and Godflesh left indelible marks, embodying the festival’s commitment to excellence.
As Resistanz Festival looks to 2024, attendees can anticipate an array of musical diversity. Kanga, Zardonic, and Amelia Arsenic are just a glimpse of the talent gracing the stage. The festival’s legacy lies in its ability to connect artists with new fans, fostering growth and opportunity within the music industry.
Staying true to its roots while embracing change has been the festival’s guiding principle. Resistanz Festival is a testament to the enduring power of music to unite, inspire, and evolve. With each passing year, it forges its path, a beacon for electronic music lovers, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of challenges.
To Deep Dive into the Resistanz Festival universe:
EPICA, the renowned symphonic metal band, is treating fans to an exhilarating live experience with their upcoming digital EP, “Live at The AFAS Live,” set for release on October 6th. Today, the band offers a glimpse of this live magic with the release of ‘Beyond The Matrix,’ a track that never fails to get the crowd bouncing during their shows.
Coen Janssen, the band’s keyboardist and pianist, enthusiastically remarks, “This is our ‘ultimate’ live track! We haven’t found an audience yet that didn’t bounce with us during the chorus. Can you imagine how awesome it looked to see the whole AFAS jump simultaneously?! A great view to end the show full of adrenaline!!”
For the full experience of this electrifying live performance, head over to YouTube to watch the complete video. You can also stream the song by visiting this link:
And for those who can’t wait to immerse themselves in EPICA’s live performances, the band’s latest BluRay release from 2021, “Omega Alive,” is now exclusively available for streaming on Thunderflix, a heavy metal streaming platform. You can find it here.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness EPICA’s incredible live shows.
Vinyl enthusiasts are also in for a treat, as on October 13th, EPICA will re-issue their fifth album, “Requiem For The Indifferent,” on transparent red double vinyl. This album, originally released in 2012, includes timeless tracks like ‘Storm The Sorrow’ and has been out of print for over 8 years. Vinyl collectors can secure their copy by following this link.
EPICA continues to delight their fans with incredible live performances, making their music more accessible than ever with digital releases and re-issued vinyl classics. Stay tuned for more updates from this symphonic metal powerhouse.
EPICA fans, mark your calendars! On October 13th, EPICA will re-issue their highly acclaimed fifth album, “Requiem For The Indifferent,” on transparent red double vinyl. This release is a treat for vinyl enthusiasts and collectors alike, as the album has been out of print for over 8 years.
Originally released in 2012, “Requiem For The Indifferent” features fan-favorite tracks like ‘Storm The Sorrow’ and showcases EPICA’s signature symphonic metal sound. Now, fans can once again own this exceptional album on vinyl and experience its epic melodies and powerful compositions in all their analog glory.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to add this vinyl gem to your collection. Stay tuned for more details on where to pre-order and secure your copy of “Requiem For The Indifferent.”
Arizona death metallers JOB FOR A COWBOY return after a near decade long hiatus with their brand new single and accompanying video for [“The Agony Seeping Storm”](insert video link). The track comes by way of the band’s first new full-length in a decade, set for release in 2024 via Metal Blade Records!
JOB FOR A COWBOY released their Sun Eater full-length in 2014. The record received an overwhelmingly positive response, with [Decibel Magazine](insert Decibel Magazine website link) confessing, “Fuck it, I can admit when I’m wrong… while I was busy pointedly not paying attention to them, these deathcore progenitors actually became a pretty damn good band.” In a 4.5/5 review, [Alternative Press](insert Alternative Press website link) championed, “a full-on progressive death metal band… the songs have progressive sweep and epic power, at times recalling Opeth’s heavier work,” adding, “Sun Eater is one of 2014′s best metal albums, period,” while [Metal Injection](insert Metal Injection website link) hailed an album, “that will be a solid brick in the foundation of the death metal genre with no gimmicks or trends to back it up.”
Ten years later, the band returns with their most volatile work to date. The as-yet-untitled full-length is at once musically multifaceted, unabashedly brutal, and compellingly conceptual. First single, [“The Agony Seeping Storm”](insert video link), is a mathematically mind-blowing hybrid of bludgeoning death metal specializing in unconventional riffing that echoes the resemblance of legendary experimentalists like Cynic, Atheist, and Gorguts. A newly refreshed and reinspired lineup – vocalist Jonny Davy, guitarists Tony Sannicandro and Al Glassman, bassist Nick Schendzielos, and drummer (since 2020) Navene Koperweis – seamlessly pick up the mantle where Sun Eater left off.
Issues Davy, “‘The Agony Seeping Storm’ gives a slice of our upcoming concept record. Regarding the video, the band collaborated extensively with director K. Hunter Lumar (Digital Mile), while our bassist, Nick Schendzielos, co-directed. The concept was inspired by a close friend who embarked on a relentless quest for profound enlightenment through the incessant abuse of hallucinogenic drugs. However, as they delved deeper into their religious-like experimentation they began exhibiting symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. They came to believe that they could access an alternate, esoteric reality through hallucinogenic intoxication, where they encountered gnostic and biblical figures and imagery. These songs reflect their thoughts, ideas, and experiences.”
Further info on JOB FOR A COWBOY’s new full-length will be revealed in the coming weeks. Stay alert!
JOB FOR A COWBOY’s official comeback show will take place at this year’s edition of Blue Ridge Rock Fest with additional live dates to be announced soon.
JOB FOR A COWBOY Live: 9/08/2023 Blue Ridge Rock Fest – Alton, VA
JOB FOR A COWBOY hails from Glendale, Arizona. Formed in 2003, the band’s debut album, Genesis, was released in 2007, peaking at #54 on the US Billboard 200 and selling 13,000 copies in its first week of release. The second album, 2009’s Ruination, sold 10,600 copies in the United States in its first week to debut at position #42 on the Billboard 200 chart! The band has been described by [The New York Times](insert The New York Times website link) as “an Arizona band with a guttural, brute-force sound descended (indirectly) from hardcore punk,” and a, “straightforwardly brutal act,” by [Rolling Stone Magazine](insert Rolling Stone Magazine website link). The band has appeared on numerous music festivals both stateside and abroad, including Sounds Of The Underground, Download Festival, Mayhem Festival, Summer Slaughter, Graspop Metal Meeting, and Wacken Open Air, among others.
Photo by Tom Couture
JOB FOR A COWBOY: Jonny Davy – vocals Al Glassman – guitar Nick Schendzielos – bass Tony Sannicandro – guitar
New York’s trailblazing death metal pioneers, SUFFOCATION, are set to join forces this fall with the legendary death metal outfit INCANTATION for the monumental ‘Ancient Unholy Rising Tour 2023’. Spanning 26 intense dates, this epic journey commences on November 7th in Baltimore and will traverse North America, gracing iconic cities like Montreal, Seattle, and Houston before culminating in Greensboro on December 4th. The tour promises to be an unmissable event for metal aficionados, featuring two of the most revered names in the genre, with support acts SKELETAL REMAINS and STABBING.
SUFFOCATION is bursting with enthusiasm, exclaiming, “We’re excited to hit the road alongside our brothers in Death Metal, INCANTATION, and support acts SKELETAL REMAINS and STABBING. The USA and Canada won’t know what hit ’em! By the way — If there was ever a tour you do not want to miss, THIS is the one because we’ve got a lot of surprises in place for fans, so look for some HUGE announcements coming soon; you guys have waited long enough.”
The ‘Ancient Unholy Rising Tour 2023’ holds particular significance for SUFFOCATION, as it will serve as their North American album release tour. Expect exciting details about a new album announcement in the very near future.
Tickets for this colossal event go on sale this Friday, September 1st at 9 AM Eastern. Secure your tickets at: Ticket Purchase Link
The confirmed dates for SUFFOCATION’s ‘Ancient Unholy Uprising’ Tour 2023, featuring co-headliners INCANTATION, as well as SKELETAL REMAINS and STABBING, are as follows:
11.07.2023: U.S. Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
11.08.2023: U.S. Reading, PA – Reverb
11.09.2023: U.S. Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw
11.10.2023: U.S. Providence, RI – Alchemy
11.11.2023: CA Trois-Rivières, QC – Amphithéâtre Cogeco
11.12.2023: CA Montreal, QC – Studio TO
11.13.2023: CA Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
11.14.2023: U.S. Detroit, MI – The Sanctuary
11.15.2023: U.S. Chicago, IL – Reggies
11.16.2023: U.S. Madison, WI – The Annex
11.17.2023: U.S. Lawrence, KS – The Granada
11.18.2023: U.S. Denver, CO – HQ
11.20.2023: U.S. Richland, WA – Ray’s Golden Lion
11.21.2023: U.S. Seattle, WA – El Corazon
11.22.2023: U.S. Portland, OR – Bossanova Ballroom
11.24.2023: U.S. San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge
11.25.2023: U.S. San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
11.26.2023: U.S. Los Angeles, CA – 1720
11.27.2023: U.S. Phoenix, AZ – Rebel Lounge
11.28.2023: U.S. Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
11.29.2023: U.S. Oklahoma City, OK – 89th Street Collective
11.30.2023: U.S. Dallas, TX – Granada Theater
12.01.2023: U.S. Houston, TX – Scout Bar
12.02.2023: U.S. San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger
12.03.2023: U.S. New Orleans, LA – Southport Music Hall
12.04.2023: U.S. Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819
SUFFOCATION Line-up:
Terrence Hobbs | Guitar
Derrek Boyer | Bass
Eric Morotti | Drums
Charlie Errigo | Guitar
Ricky Myers | Vocals
Stay updated with SUFFOCATION’s journey and musical endeavors:
Prepare for a musical explosion as CATALYST, the Belgian metal band from Waasland, launches their dynamic single “FIRE IN THE ENGINE ROOM,” a teaser for their forthcoming album release show on September 9th at Kavka Antwerp.
Crafted as a powerful and critical reflection on society, “FIRE IN THE ENGINE ROOM” showcases a heavier and more intense sound than CATALYST’s usual repertoire. This track, part of their upcoming album ‘THE AGE OF ROCKETEERS,’ marks a significant step in the band’s musical evolution.
The single opens serenely, only to swiftly catapult listeners into a whirlwind of intense riffs and potent vocals by frontman Jeroen. The song’s dynamic nature intertwines speedy guitar passages with serene interludes. An unexpected funky medley halfway through adds an exciting twist, leading to an epic conclusion.
To celebrate the single’s release, CATALYST presents a thrilling music video created by guitarist Aäron. Compiled from live footage of their pre-release show in the ghost town of Doel in March 2023, the video mirrors the song’s energetic essence. Watch the video on YouTube, while the single is available on all streaming platforms.
Album Artwork: Designed by Lien Van Ranst, the artwork reflects the impact of space exploration on our generation and symbolizes social evolution.
Don’t miss the explosive album release show of ‘THE AGE OF ROCKETEERS’ on September 9th at Kavka Antwerp/Belgium!
Hailing from Belgium, CATALYST (2018) fuses elements of metal to address today’s societal fears and failures. With members spread across Waasland (BE), Hulst (NL), Sint-Niklaas (BE), and Lennik (BE), the band’s sound is fueled by political, economic, and ecological concerns. Following the end of the Heavy Metal project Gitaron, Philip Pedraza and Aäron Onghena decided to continue their musical journey. Joined by Benjamin Onghena and Jannes Lemaitre (ex-Titan, Patroness), they formed CATALYST. Later, vocalist Jeroen Van Ranst (Monomad) completed the lineup.
CATALYST released their first three songs in 2018, followed by “Sustainable Dignity” and “Fear Well” in 2019. Drummer Jannes Lemaitre left, replaced by Sam Bogaert (ex-Dead end Path, ex-Oceans Burning). In 2021, the band released “Rights of Passage,” paving the way for a full-length album reflecting on post-pandemic society and rocketeers’ reign.
Navigating the grim reality of being coerced into taking another’s life is an unimaginable ordeal. This somber backdrop sets the tone for the forthcoming 4-track EP titled “Coercion” by Retrograth.
The debut single “Redoubt” is a poignant reflection on the life of a distant relative, Per Persson, who fell in the Battle of Poltava in 1709 during Ukraine’s tumultuous past. Three tracks on the EP pay homage to relatives who served in various wars, while the final one breathes new life into a traditional medieval melody that narrates tales of armed men.
The initial composition, “Redoubt (Poltava),” was crafted in the signature 6/8 time signature, a foundation that sparked experimental diversions into rhythms like 10/8 and 3/4. This musical journey also embraces samples tied to the military ambiance.
As autumn descends, the journey of the World Oscillation tour will continue with shows across Sweden and the United States. The tour commenced in Belgium on May 13 and is set to captivate audiences on both continents.
Stay tuned for the release of the “Coercion” EP in mid-October, featuring the tracks:
Redoubt (Poltava)
Thin Wires (Svir)
Rapture (Peenemünde)
The Armed Man (Trad.)
Single Release:
“Redoubt (Poltava)” – September 15
Upcoming Gigs in Sweden:
September 16: Gamla enskede bryggeri, Johanneshov, Sweden
September 30: Masikhallen, Grängesberg, Sweden
October 21: Kvarteret, Örebro, Sweden
October 28: Snövit, Stockholm, Sweden
November 3: Melody Box, Hägersten, Sweden (Support to Ghost Dance)
As the festival season nears its end, the international powerhouse, BEAST IN BLACK, is gearing up for their upcoming series of live performances. This tour will traverse the United States and Canada, encompassing a total of 31 exhilarating shows.
The band has treated their fans to a mesmerizing music video for the track ‘To The Last Drop Of Blood’, extracted from their latest album, Dark Connection. In this rendition, the German nu-metal outfit puts their distinctive spin on the iconic SYSTEM OF A DOWN classic. The video captures the undeniable synergy and raw talent of each band member, promising an unforgettable concert experience. From riveting solos to breathtaking vocal deliveries, this live video showcases BEAST IN BLACK at the zenith of their musical excellence.
Directed by Damien Dausch from Psyrus Studio, the video was filmed during the band’s European tour, spanning from November 30 to December 5, 2022.
Timo Rotten, the band’s member, comments on the track: “As we hit bigger and bigger stages in front of tens of thousands of fans, the power of the Beast continues to break loose! We also want to show this madness to those people who have never had the chance to see us live. For that, we chose a powerful song from our latest album, Dark Connection, and we asked Damien Dausch to film it on some shows of the tour. Now, we can proudly present you the music video for ‘To The Last Drop Of Blood’! We hope it brings the big arena feeling into your home.”
Join BEAST IN BLACK live on their forthcoming tour across the USA and Canada, where they will be joined by special guest DANCE WITH THE DEAD.
North American Tour Dates:
07.09 USA Atlanta, GA – ProgPower USA 08.09. USA Richmond, VA – The Canal Club 09.09. USA Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage 10.09. USA Millvale, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre 11.09. USA New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre 12.09. USA Harrisburg, PA – Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center 13.09. USA Cambridge, MA – The Middle East 15.09. USA Quebec City, QC – Imperial Bell 16.09. CAN Montreal, QC – Club Soda 17.09. CAN Toronto, ON – The Axis Club Theatre 20.09. CAN Winnipeg, MB – The Park Theatre 21.09. CAN Saskatoon, SK – Louis’ 22.09. CAN Calgary, AB – Dickens 23.09. CAN Edmonton, AB – The Starlite Room 25.09. CAN Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre 26.09. USA Seattle, WA – Substation Seattle 27.09. USA Portland, OR – Star Theater 29.09. USA Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post 30.09. USA Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory 01.10. USA Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater 03.10. USA Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall 04.10. USA Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre 06.10. USA Dallas, TX – Granada Theater 07.10. USA San Antonio, TX – The Rock Box 08.10. USA Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall 09.10. USA Baton Rouge, LLA – Chelsea’s Live 10.10. USA Birmingham, AL – Saturn 11.10. USA Nashville, TN – Exit/In 13.10. USA West Palm Beach, FL – Respectable Street 14.10. USA Tampa, FL – The Orpheum 15.10. USA Winter Park, FL – The Conduit
BEAST IN BLACK also has an exciting European tour lined up for 2024, titled “GLORY AND THE BEAST – DOUBLE HEADLINE TOUR 2024,” in collaboration with GLORYHAMMER.
The tour will feature special guest BROTHERS OF METAL and will take them through several cities across Europe.
10.01.24: SE Stockholm, Arenan Fryshuset 11.01.24: NO Oslo, Sentrum Scene 12.01.24: DK Roskilde, Epic Fest 13.01.24: DE Hamburg, Edel Optics Arena 14.01.24: NL Tilburg, 013 Poppodium 16.01.24: CH Zurich, Volkshaus 17.01.24: IT Milan, Alcatraz 19.01.24: DE Munich, TonHalle 20.01.24: HU Budapest, Barba Negra Red Stage 21.01.24: CZ Zlin, Sports Hall Datart 23.01.24: AT Vienna, Gasometer 24.01.24: PL Krakow, Studio 26.01.24: DE Leipzig, Haus Auensee 27.01.24: DE Oberhausen, Turbinenhalle 28.01.24: DE Wiesbaden, Schlachthof 30.01.24: FR Paris, Olympia 01.02.24: BE Brussels, Ancienne Belgique 02.02.04: DE Geiselwind, Eventhalle 03.02.04: DE Stuttgart, Wagenhallen 04.02.04: DE Saarbrücken, Garage 06.02.04: UK London, O2 Forum Kentish Town
For decades, the name Lizzy Borden has been synonymous with top-tier heavy metal music. Now, Lizzy Borden returns with his first original music since the widely praised album My Midnight Things from 2018, presenting the digital single “Death of Me” – out now!
This new single was meticulously crafted, engineered, produced, mixed, and mastered by none other than Kane Churko (known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, Papa Roach, Five Finger Death Punch, In This Moment).
Reflecting on the new track, Lizzy Borden commented: “Death of Me was a fantastic experiment! Kane Churko was Dr. Frankenstein, and I was the monster roaring in the vocal booth as he injected bolts of electricity over and over, seeking the ideal vocal performance. Collaborating with individuals who can push me beyond my comfort zone has been a constant pursuit. As a result, I’ve never recorded two albums that sound the same. Every song I write represents an opportunity to explore new territory. In my initial conversation with Kane about working together, he remarked that he didn’t know how to do what I do, just as I hadn’t spent much time in his world. He asked, ‘Are you sure you want to give this a shot?’ I saw it as a challenge!”
Lizzy continued, “Our first two hours in the studio were spent in conversation. Kane was trying to grasp the kind of song I wanted to create with him. After producing numerous albums and performing worldwide throughout the decades, the word that resonated was perseverance. While our approaches to music may seem worlds apart, navigating life’s challenges one obstacle at a time is a universal theme… and that’s the essence of the song I aimed to compose. ‘Death of Me’ embodies the spirit of never surrendering, of refusing to let anyone drag you down. It celebrates the realization that this journey won’t be easy, yet we’re committed to overcoming it. You can cut me until I bleed, but you won’t be my demise.”
Regarding the music video, Lizzy added: “Working with Robert Graves was reminiscent of my collaboration with a young Zack Snyder (known for his work on Superman, Batman vs Superman, Justice League) on the ‘Love Is a Crime’ video from the Master of Disguise album. Their directing styles align closely, and filming felt like we were crafting a movie rather than a music video. Robert listened to the song and after a brief phone conversation, he devised this storyline. Filming this gothic horror tale was an absolute delight. A boy stalks a girl, she ensnares him like a spider capturing a fly, and too late, the boy realizes he was the victim all along; a story as old as time itself. I hope the audience has as much fun watching this video as we did creating it. See you on the other side.”
Experience, Listen, and Purchase “Death of Me” Here: metalblade.com/lizzyborden
Lizzy Borden has lined up these live dates for 2023/2024:
December 03, 2023 – Mexico City, MX @ Life After Death Horror Fest
February 23, 2024 – Hollywood, CA @ The Whisky a Go Go
Mexican death grind band BRUJERIA unveils the world of cartels and ritualistic murder with a brutal power akin to the impact of NWA on pop culture in Compton. Their fifth full-length album, Esto Es Brujeria, is set to be unleashed on September 15th via Nuclear Blast Records. ‘Bruja Encabronada’ serves as the second single from the upcoming album, accompanied by a music video featuring live footage captured by Roel Verscheure (GRIMM Gent) and Emerik Siimessalmi.
Esto Es Brujeria was recorded across various studios worldwide, including Dog Run Studio in Riverside, CA; Total Annihilation Studios in East Los Angeles, CA; Robanna’s in Birmingham, UK; and Audiocustom in Santiago, Chile. The album’s production was helmed by the band, with engineering being a collaborative effort between Eddie Casillas, Eddie Rivas, and Miguel Seco. Seba Puente handled the mixing and mastering, also contributing to the engineering team. The album’s artwork was designed by Gary Ronaldson. The ferocious album cover features the return of the metal mascot Coco Loco.
Esto Es Brujeria will be available digitally and in the following formats:
CD Jewelcase
Orange Cassette (Limited to 550)
2LP
Orange with Red & Black Splatter (Limited to 3,000)
Orange and Red Split Vinyl (EU Limited to 500)
On November 2nd, BRUJERIA will embark on their ‘Esto Es Tour 2023‘ starting in Yuma, Arizona. The tour will comprise 29 dates, including stops in Dallas, Boston, and Seattle, concluding in Pomona on December 10th. Joining them on this tour are PIÑATA PROTEST and NO/MÁS.
BRUJERIA’s Juan Brujo comments, “Al fin Esto Es… Brujeria!”
Tickets for the tour are available for purchase at: Get tour tickets
Confirmed dates for BRUJERIA’s ‘Esto Es tour 2023’ with PIÑATA PROTEST and NO/MÁS include:
11.02. U.S. – Yuma, AZ – Red Moon Ale House
11.03. U.S. – Tucson, AZ – The Rock
11.04. U.S. – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
11.06. U.S. – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater
11.07. U.S. – Lubbock, TX – Jakes Sports Cafe
11.08. U.S. – Oklahoma City, OK – 89th Street Collective
11.09. U.S. – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
11.10. U.S. – Houston, TX – Houston Vert Ramp
11.11. U.S. – Brownsville, TX – Outdoors at The Kraken Lounge
11.14. U.S. – Orlando, FL – Conduit
11.15. U.S. – Atlanta, GA – The Loft at Center Stage
11.16. U.S. – Asheville, NC – Asheville Music Hall
11.17. U.S. – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27
11.18. U.S. – Mechanicsburg, PA – Lovedrafts
11.19. U.S. – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
11.21. U.S. – Brooklyn, NY – Saint Vitus
11.22. U.S. – Pittsburgh, PA – Preserving Underground
11.24. U.S. – Cleveland Heights, OH – Grog Shop
11.25. U.S. – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s
11.28. U.S. – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
11.29. U.S. – Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall
12.01. U.S. – Seattle, WA – Substation
12.02. U.S. – Portland, OR – Bossanova Ballroom
12.05. U.S. – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
12.06. U.S. – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
12.07. U.S. – San Jose, CA – The Ritz
12.08. U.S. – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
12.09. U.S. – Las Vegas, NV – The Usual Place
12.10. U.S. – Pomona, CA – The Glass House Concert Hall
Step into the realm of mind-bending melodies and technical prowess as OBSCURA presents their highly anticipated live album, A Celebration I – Live in North America, which will be released on October 27th via Nuclear Blast Records. Witness the sheer brilliance of this German metal band as they take the stage by storm, leaving audiences spellbound with their awe-inspiring performance. A Celebration I – Live in North America takes you on a mesmerizing journey through their iconic discography, featuring fan-favorites from albums like Cosmogenesis, Omnivium, Akroasis, Diluvium and the chart-breaking A Valediction. Experience the sheer energy and raw intensity of their stage presence, captured flawlessly in this one-of-a-kind live recording. Not only does this live album showcase OBSCURA’s unparalleled musical mastery, but it also offers a glimpse into their latest studio release, A Valediction. Immerse yourself in the sonic landscapes of their most recent opus, as they explore new depths and push the boundaries of metal. Mixed & Mastered by award-winning producer and engineer Fredrik Nordström, in Gothenburg, Sweden, where mastermind Steffen Kummerer collaborated with him for one week on the live material. The recordings were all made in the USA, Canada, and Mexico between 2022 and 2023 as part of the ‘A Valediction World Tour’. Today, we get a taste with a stunning live video for the track ´The Anticosmic Overload´from the album Cosmogenesis, filmed by Vincent Grundke, who has been accompanying the band as a videographer and photographer since 2021.
Steffen Kummerer comments: “A Celebration I – Live in North America covers a selection of concerts we performed in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico between 2022 and 2023 as part of the ‘A Valediction World Tour’. Within 20 years, we are looking towards the first live album of Obscura, spiked with songs of our last five releases. It was a pleasure working through every recorded show to pick the best song, the loudest possible audience and a stellar performance by a band that’s on fire. As a first impression, we choose ‘The Anticosmic Overload’ performed in the United States of America, since this was the first song ever we performed in North America back in 2009.”
Tracklist
Forsaken
Emergent Evolution
Ode To The Sun
The Anticosmic Overload
Septuagint
A Valediction
Ocean Gateways
Akroasis
Orbital Elements II
Incarnated
Catch OBSCURA live, as they will embark on an extensive Latin America tour, followed by another extensive run through UK with label buddies DECAPITATED.
Latin America tour 28.10. ARG Buenos Aires – Uniclub 29.10. BR Sao Paulo – Carioca Club 31.10. CHL Santiago – Teatro Cariola 02.11. PER Lima – Teatro Cantaro 04.11. COL Bogota – Ace Of Spades 05.11. HND Tegucigalpa – Radio house Casa Campo 07.11. GTM Guatemala City – Rock ´ol Vuh 08.11. SLV San Salvador – Café Catedral 09.11. CRI San José – Pepper´s 11.11. MX Monterrey – Mexico Metal Fest
With Decapitated & Inferi 29.11. UK Bristol – The Fleece 30.11. UK Milton Keynes – MK 11 01.12. UK Bournemouth – The Old Fire Station 02.12. UK Torquay – The Foundry 03.12. UK Merthyr Tydfil – Redhouse Cymru 04.12. UK Liverpool – O2 Academy 2 06.12. IRE Limerick – Dolan´s Warehouse 07.12. UK Dublin – Opium 08.12. UK Belfast – Limelight 2 09.12. UK Glasgow – Slay 10.12. UK Newcastle – The Grove 11.12. UK Leeds – The Key Club 12.12. UK Norwich – The Waterfront 13.12. UK Southend-on-Sea – Chinneys 14.12. UK London – 229 15.12. UK Manchester – Club Academy 16.12. UK Birmingham – Asylum
Harm’s Way Unveils New Single/Video “Devour” and Announces North American Fall Tour
Hardcore pioneers Harm’s Way have just released their intense new single “Devour,” which delves into the impact of toxic relationships. The band explains, “‘Devour’ is an expression of self-reflection following the realization that everything that was once there to give has been spent. Led down a path of deception and manipulation, one’s sense of self has been lost along the way. ‘Devour’ is the process of waking up to your isolation, with actions and purpose that are somehow no longer your own. It’s a crossroads that can lead you either the rest of the way down, or back to where whatever’s lost may be found again.”
Harm’s Way’s influence in the hardcore scene has spanned nearly two decades, molding heavy music’s direction with impactful songs that have contributed to reshaping the genre. Always evolving, they’ve continuously incorporated new and creative influences, crafting some of the most finely executed tracks in the hardcore punk and metal scene.
Their upcoming album, Common Suffering, stands as their most musically diverse venture yet. Overflowing with memorable riffs, breakdowns, and exceptional songwriting, the album serves as a reflection of the tumultuous experiences of the past three years – embodying chaos, misanthropy, paranoia, disorder, confusion, and anxiety. Themes explored include personal mental health struggles, relationships, political upheaval, corruption, and political power.
Despite their reputation for unrelenting intensity, Common Suffering surprises with moments of intricate songwriting that showcase light and shade. The album demonstrates their mastery of dynamics, intensifying an already powerful record. Harm’s Way has reached their apex, displaying the ambitious sound of a band unafraid to venture into new territories.
Recorded at Studio 4 in Pennsylvania with producer Will Yip (Turnstile, Code Orange), the album’s production aimed to enhance the band’s processes, experiment during production, and achieve the best from each track. The result is a culmination of band members pushing their creative limits, resulting in unprecedented material.
Common Suffering will be released on September 29 via Metal Blade Records, available on all digital streaming platforms, vinyl, and CD formats.
Harm’s Way has also announced a North American tour starting October 18, spanning through various locations, including Texas and both coasts. The tour will feature support from Fleshwater, Ingrown, and Jivebomb. Tickets will be available starting August 18.
Industrial metal pioneers FEAR FACTORY have solidified their status over the years, as one of the metal genre’s most important bands.
The machine will rise this Fall! This journey will commence with a one-off date on September 17th at the Metal Injection Festival @ House Of Blues where they will perform a very special Demanufacture and Obsolete set.
The band will then launch their five-date healing ‘DisrupTour’ with special guests LIONS AT THE GATE which will kick off on October 7th. This will be followed by the band heading out on the ‘October Dawn 2023’ tour with headliners LACUNA COIL and openers LIONS AT THE GATE. The 10-date trek will begin on October 13th in Atlanta and will make stops in Louisville, Oklahoma City, and Houston before concluding in St. Petersburg on October 29th before heading on their European/U.K. tour!
FEAR FACTORY’s Dino Cazares comments, “We are so excited to be touring with our Italian friends in LACUNA COIL & and our Los Angeles brothers in LIONS AT THE GATE. The Machine Will Rise.”
Catch FEAR FACTORY live: 09.17. US Anaheim, CA – Metal Injection Festival @ House Of Blues
Headlining Dates 10.07. U.S. Tucson, AZ – Encore 10.08. U.S. Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theatre 10.09. U.S. EL Paso, TX – The Rockhouse 10.11. U.S. Tulsa, OK – The Shrine 10.12. U.S. Memphis, TN – Growlers
‘October Dawn 2023’ Headliner LACUNA COIL Support: LIONS AT THE GATE 10.13. U.S. Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade 10.14. U.S. Knoxville, TN – The Concourse 10.15. U.S. Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom 10.17. U.S. Suget, IL – Pops 10.18. U.S. Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre 10.19. U.S. Lawrence, KS – Granada Theater 10.20. U.S. Oklahoma City, OK – The Diamond Ballroom 10.21. U.S. Dallas, TX- Granada Theater 10.23. U.S. Houston, TX – House Of Blues 10.24. U.S. San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theater
2023 UK & EUROPEAN TOUR Support: BUTCHER BABIES & IGNEA 27.10. UK Nottingham – Rock City 28.10. UK Wolverhampton – KK’s Steel Mill 29.10. UK Glasgow – Garage 30.10. UK Belfast – Limelight 31.10. IE Dublin – Academy 02.11. UK Manchester – Academy 2 03.11. UK London – Electric Ballroom 04.11. UK Bristol – SWX 06.11. FR Lille – Le Splendid 07.11. FR Paris – L’élysée Montmartre 08.11. FR Clermont Ferrand – La Cooperative 09.11. FR Toulouse – Metronum 10.11. ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 2 11.11. ES Madrid – La Sala 12.11. PT Lisbon – Lav 14.11. FR Bordeaux – Le Rocher Palmer 15.11. FR Grenoble – L’ilyade 16.11. IT Milan – Santeria 17.11. CH Lausanne – Les Docks 18.11. CH Zurich – Dynamo 19.11. IT Treviso – New Age 21.11. AT Graz – PPC 22.11. HU Budapest – Barba Negra 23.11. AT Vienna – Simm City 24.11. DE Munich – Backstage Halle 25.11. DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 26.11. FR Strasbourg – La Laiterie 28.11. DE Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn 29.11. LU Esch-Sur-Alzette – Rockhal 30.11. BE Antwerp – Trix 01.12. NL Amsterdam – Melkweg 02.12. DE Cologne – Live Music Hall 03.12. DE Berlin – Columbia Theater 05.12. CZ Prague – Meet Factory 06.12. PL Warsaw – Proxima 07.12. DE Hamburg – Markthalle 09.12. DK Copenhagen – Pumpehuset 10.12. SE Gothenburg – Valand 11.12. NO Oslo – Vulkan Arena 12.12. SE Stockholm – Fryshuset Klubben 14.12. FI Tampere – Olympia 15.12. EE Tallinn – Helitehas 16.12. FI Helsinki – Tavastia
The dark dream pop duo MAGIC WANDS, based in Los Angeles, has recently unveiled their latest creation – a remix album titled “Switched.” This album acts as a companion to their highly acclaimed record “Switch.” “Switched” features a collection of remixes by artists such as Shadow Mirrors, Stargods, and Lars Deutsch. Released by Metropolis Records, the remix album is now available on all major digital and streaming platforms.
MAGIC WANDS is gearing up for an exciting West Coast summer tour that kicks off on August 17th in Los Angeles at the Moroccan Lounge. The tour will feature captivating performances by Lorelei K and Treasvre on select dates.
Hanno Klänhardt, the band’s member, shares his thoughts: “Valhalla Hammering is one of those songs that immediately resonated with us, even though it didn’t make it onto the album last year. It’s not a track you write to create an ‘instant classic,’ but rather to amuse yourself as a songwriter. Though it’s about 7 minutes long, we aimed to include the catchiest, most impactful songs on the last album, which is why it didn’t find its place.
I was already aware that it probably wouldn’t end up on the album as I was writing it. In fact, I had planned to release it some time AFTER we had released ‘Pain Is Forever And This Is The End,’ in order to present something entirely different as our next move. It’s always good to keep things intriguing.
The first two minutes pay homage to our early days when Doom as a genre held significant importance for us. You can hear similar elements in the last song of our debut album titled ‘March Of The Crowes.’ People often noted that slow, ultra-heavy sound suited us well. With ‘Valhalla Hammering,’ we managed to bring the best of both worlds – a slow, heavy groove and a catchy, almost mesmerizing hook. We even threw in a flute solo around the 5-minute mark. This might just be the peak of our songwriting career.
The music video for the song is as mind-bending as the song itself. Inspired by a documentary from Amsterdam-based artist Willehad Eilers, also known as Wayne Horse, creating the visuals went beyond the usual video shoot. To be frank, some aspects of it are better left unexplained. Even if we tried, we couldn’t fully explain it. Enjoy the enigmatic journey.”
Formed in 2012, Mantar has become a prominent force in the realm of extreme metal over the past decade. Garnering love from fans and critics alike, the band made a significant impact with their distinct sound, leading them to secure a spot in the Top 10 of the official German album charts with their 2018 release, ‘The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze,’ and selling out shows across Europe.
Mantar’s latest full-length album, ‘Pain Is Forever And This Is The End,’ hit the scene through Metal Blade Records on July 15, 2022. The album achieved impressive chart positions in the US and Europe, including reaching #2 on the Official German Album Charts, #43 on the Top 100 Swiss Album Charts, #60 on the Current Hard Music (Billboard USA), and #69 on the Top 75 Austria.
Both stateside and internationally, the album has garnered praise. Decibel Magazine refers to it as a “burning Molotov cocktail of black metal, sludgy hardcore, and classic metal hooks.” Rock Hard notes its ability to balance between “brute destructive fury and dense atmosphere,” and Metal Injection applauds its “thicker grooves, anthemic refrains, head-nodding rhythms, and a greater exploitation of fist-in-the-air-ology school of songwriting.”
Mantar is set to perform at various events including Party.San, Desertfest, and more. Check out their full list of tour dates below.
Mantar Live 2023: Europe 08/11 – Schlotheim, DE – Party.San Festival
Pain Is Forever And This Is The End Tour:
South America
09/02 – Bogota, COL – Herbívoro w/ Assassin
09/03 – Pereira, COL – Rock Plaza w/ Assassin
09/06 – Montevideo, URU – Live Era w/ Assassin
09/07 – Asuncion, PARA – PRF w/ Assassin
09/09 – Santiago, CHIL – Teatro Cariola w/ Assassin
09/10 – São Paulo, BRZL – Setembro Negro Festival
North America
09/13 – Morelia Michoacan, MX – Cactus Bar
09/14 – Mexico City, MX – Sala Sangriento
09/16 – New York, NY – Desertfest
Europe
09/29 – Frankfurt, DE – Zoom Club w/ Slope
09/30 – Leipzig, DE – UT Connewitz w/ Slope
10/01 – Pratteln, CH – Up In Smoke
10/07 – München, DE – Keep It Low
10/08 – Nürnberg, DE – Z-Bau w/ Slope
10/13 – Dortmund, DE – Junkyard w/ Slope
10/14 – Secret Show
10/21 – Antwerp, BE – Desertfest
10/22 – Oignies, FR – Tyrant Fest
Photo by Matthis Van DerMeulen
Mantar is composed of: Hanno Klänhardt – guitars, vocals Erinc Sakarya – drums
SABATON announces the release of their second EP, “Heroes Of The Great War,” as part of the Echoes Of The Great War trilogy. This EP focuses on the inspiring stories of courageous heroes from World War I. The band’s tribute to these individuals and their remarkable feats is reflected in the EP’s never-heard-before track, “The First Soldier.”
Albert Severin Roche, the hero of “The First Soldier,” defied the odds and proved his bravery despite initial doubts. A French army recruit standing only 1.58 meters tall, he became known as The First Soldier of France for his heroism and successful missions in World War I.
SABATON’s Pär Sundstrom emphasizes that the EP honors those who pushed beyond their limits in times of conflict, achieving extraordinary things. This EP is a tribute to their bravery and a way to ensure their stories are not forgotten.
The EP trilogy includes:
“Weapons Of The Modern Age” (Released September 30, 2022)
“Heroes Of The Great War” (Now Available)
“Stories From The Western Front” (Upcoming)
These EPs, coupled with the band’s passion for history and heroism, create a unique collection of World War I narratives and metal music. SABATON’s dedication to history and powerful storytelling shines through each release.
The band also announced rescheduled tour dates for their European leg and an extended tour in Sweden in 2023, showcasing their strong presence in the metal community.
Cannibal Corpse Unleashes “Summoned for Sacrifice” Video / Single
Chaos Horrific Full-Length Nears Release Via Metal Blade Records
Legendary death metallers CANNIBAL CORPSE today unleash their latest single and accompanying video for “Summoned For Sacrifice.” The pulverizing new hymn comes by way of the band’s sixteenth studio album, Chaos Horrific, set for release on September 22nd via Metal Blade Records.
Since their 1988 inception, CANNIBAL CORPSE has remained at the forefront of death metal, shaping and defining the genre. In 2021, they raised the bar again with their Violence Unimagined offering. And in celebration of their thirty-fifth anniversary, this year’s monolithic Chaos Horrific full-length, written shortly after the conclusion of the Violence Unimagined sessions, continues the trajectory.
While the band is notorious for technicality and complex songwriting, that doesn’t define where the writing process takes them. With Chaos Horrific, CANNIBAL CORPSE had no master strategy, approaching each track with an open mind, intent on simply composing the best songs possible. Produced again by guitarist Erik Rutan, who has now produced six of the band’s albums, starting with 2006’s Kill, (Chaos Horrific marks Rutan’s second release as a full-fledged member, since officially joining the band in 2020), the record is, without question, a full-on, CANNIBAL-style death metal outing, straight down to the themes, which include zombie warfare, resetting the human race through mass mutilations, and the violent revenge of victims of human trafficking, and its cover art by longtime collaborator Vince Locke.
Of the band’s second single, “Summoned For Sacrifice,” themed around the selection of an individual to be dismembered, drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz elaborates, “One person is randomly selected to die. Thirteen people are randomly selected to kill this person by violently removing pieces of his body until he breathes no more.”
Chaos Horrific will be available on digipak CD, deluxe box set (Dried Blood Marbled vinyl, 24p 12″ booklet, puzzle, pin, poster, and art print – limited to 1500 copies), cassette (limited to 500 copies), digitally, and on vinyl in the multiple variants:
Coinciding with the release of Chaos Horrific, CANNIBAL CORPSE will embark on a month-long North American co-headlining tour with Mayhem. The trek will commence on September 22nd in Nashville, Tennessee and run through October 21st in Louisville, Kentucky. Support will be provided by special guests, Gorguts and Blood Incantation! Tickets are on sale now. See all confirmed dates below.
CANNIBAL CORPSE Tour w/ Mayhem, Gorguts, and Blood Incantation
9/22/2023: Marathon Music Hall – Nashville, TN
9/23/2023: The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC
9/24/2023: The Mill & Mine – Knoxville, TN
9/26/2023: Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA
9/27/2023: Rebel – Toronto, ON
9/28/2023: L’Olympia – Montreal, QC
9/29/2023: The Palladium – Worcester, MA
9/30/2023: Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY
10/02/2023: The Royal Oak – Detroit, MI
10/03/2023: Hard Rock Live – Gary, IN
10/04/2023: The Fillmore – Minneapolis, MN
10/06/2023: Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO
10/07/2023: The Complex Salt – Lake City, UT
10/09/2023: Temple Theatre – Tacoma, WA
10/10/2023: Knitting Factory – Spokane, WA
10/11/2023: Knitting Factory – Boise, ID
10/13/2023: The Warfield – San Francisco, CA
10/14/2023: SOMA – San Diego, CA
10/17/2023: The Aztec Theatre – San Antonio, TX
10/18/2023: The Factory – Dallas, TX
10/20/2023: The Eastern – Atlanta, GA
10/21/2023: Paristown Hall – Louisville, KY
Photo by Alex Morgan
CANNIBAL CORPSE: George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher – vocals Erik Rutan – guitar Rob Barrett – guitar Alex Webster – bass Paul Mazurkiewicz – drums
After completing a highly successful debut American tour earlier this year with August Burns Red and The Devil Wears Prada, Bleed From Within is currently in the midst of a massive summer tour, including headline shows, performances with Heaven Shall Burn, and festival appearances like Brutal Assault (Czech Republic), Summer Breeze (Germany), and Alcatraz (Belgium). This run will be capped by a 13-date tour supporting Trivium across the UK and a visit to the USA for Blue Ridge Rock Fest.
To celebrate this energetic period of live shows, Bleed From Within has released a new single titled ‘The Will To Resist’, taken from their Shrine Deluxe Edition set to release on November 10th, 2023.
Their outstanding latest studio album, Shrine, was released in the summer of 2022, marking the band’s most groundbreaking work to date and firmly establishing Bleed From Within as the most exciting prospect in modern metal.
According to Ali Richardson, “It’s been an amazing year for us since the release of Shrine! As the touring schedule started to fill up, we truly began to appreciate the effect the album was having on our career, so we put this idea in motion of releasing a Deluxe Edition for our fans. The 3 new songs that can be found here were very nearly a part of the initial release. They’re all very different in their composition and many arguments were had while settling on our final tracklisting. ‘The Will To Resist’ takes the lead single here as a band favorite. I’m sure its intensity will resonate with our audience.”
Catch Bleed From Within on their summer tour dates.
Bleed From Within Summer 2023:
Aug 09 – CZ, Jaromer, Brutal Assault Festival
Aug 11 – ES, Villena, Leyendas Del Rock
Aug 13 – DE, Kortrijk, Alcatraz Festival
Aug 14 – DE, Leer, Zollhaus
Aug 15 – DE, Dortmund, Junkyard Outdoor
Aug 16 – DE, Dinkelsbuhl, Summer Breeze
Aug 17 – DE, Tubingen, Sudhaus Open Air
Aug 18 – CH, Vallamand, Rock The Lakes Festival
Aug 19 – FR, Carhaix-Plouquer, Motorcultor Festival
Aug 20 – NL, Eindhoven, Dynamo Metalfest
Aug 23 – UK, Cambridge, Corn Exchange ***
Aug 24 – UK, Norwich, UEA ***
Aug 25 – UK, Nottingham, Rock City ***
Aug 26 – UK, Oxford, O2 Academy ***
Aug 28 – UK, Stoke, Victoria Hall ***
Aug 29 – UK, Liverpool, O2 Academy ***
Aug 30 – UK, Sheffield, O2 Academy ***
Aug 31 – UK, Newcastle, NX ***
Sept 02 – UK, Edinburgh, O2 Academy ***
Sept 03 – UK, Leeds, Stylus ***
Sept 04 – UK, Bristol, O2 Academy ***
Sept 06 – UK, Folkestone, Leas Cliff Hall ***
Sept 07 – UK, Southampton, O2 Guildhall ***
Sep 10 – USA, Virginia, Blue Ridge Rock Fest
*** dates with Trivium && dates with Heaven Shall Burn
More from Shrine: ‘Temple Of Lunacy’ visualizer: YouTube ‘Flesh And Stone’ official music video: YouTube ‘Stand Down’ official music video: YouTube ‘Levitate’ official music video: YouTube ‘I Am Damnation’ official music video: YouTube
Bleed From Within: Scott Kennedy – Vocals Craig Gowans – Guitar Steven Jones – Guitar David Provan – Bass Ali Richardson – Drums
Swedish six-piece AMARANTHE recently electrified the Wacken main stage with a dazzling performance, where they unveiled their upcoming album, “The Catalyst.” Scheduled for release on February 23rd, 2024, via Nuclear Blast Records, “The Catalyst” announcement was met with excitement.
This fall, AMARANTHE embarks on a North American journey as the direct support for GRAMMY-nominated power metal legends, DRAGONFORCE. The 24-date tour commences on October 20th in Mesa, Arizona, and concludes on November 19th in Los Angeles. NANOWAR OF STEEL and EDGE OF PARADISE will open for each show. Tickets go on sale this Friday, August 11.
AMARANTHE’s Olof Mörck says, “We know you guys have been waiting THREE long years since we had to cancel our tour due to the pandemic. But the wait is almost over, and we can very barely contain our excitement for this beast of a tour.”
DRAGONFORCE’s Herman Li states, “We’ve prepared a new setlist with some brand-new songs that we’ll be releasing before the tour begins. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic tour!”
Confirmed dates for AMARANTHE as direct support for DRAGONFORCE on their North American 2023 tour with NANOWAR OF STEEL and EDGE OF PARADISE are:
10.20. U.S. Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater*
10.21. U.S. Albuquerque, NM – Revel*
10.23. U.S. Austin, TX – Empire Garage
10.24. U.S. Dallas, TX – The Granada
10.25. U.S. Houston, TX – House Of Blues
10.27. U.S. Orlando, FL – House Of Blues
10.28. U.S. Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room
10.30. U.S. Atlanta, GA – Masquerade Heaven
10.31. U.S. Charlotte, NC – The Underground
11.01. U.S. Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Sound
11.03. U.S. New York, NY – Palladium Time Square
11.04. U.S. Worcester, MA – The Palladium
11.05. C.A. Montreal, QC – Mtelius
11.06. C.A. Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
11.08. U.S. Cleveland, OH – Agora Theater
11.09. U.S. Detroit, MI – The Majestic
11.10. U.S. Chicago, IL – House Of Blues
11.11. U.S. Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
11.12. U.S. Lawrence, KS – Granada Theater
11.14. U.S. Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
11.15. U.S. Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
11.16. U.S. Boise, ID – Knitting Factory
11.18. U.S. Berkeley, CA – UC Theater
11.19. U.S. Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern (* – No NANOWAR OF STEEL)
WORLDWIDE DATES:
08.10 ES Villena – Leyendas Del Rock
08.17-19. CZ Moravský Krumloch – Rock Castle
09.20 – 24. DE Berlin – Full Metal Cruise
12.01. FI Jyväskyla – John Smith Rock Frozen
12.02. FI Joensuu, Unholy Winter Fest
The upcoming album, “The Catalyst,” is available for pre-order. It represents a conceptual and theatrical masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of AMARANTHE’s sound.
California-based deathgrind pioneers CATTLE DECAPITATION are thrilled to announce their upcoming Terrasitic Infestation North American headlining tour! Set to kick off on November 10th in Santa Ana, California, the tour will traverse over two-dozen cities and conclude on December 16th in the band’s hometown of San Diego, California. The tour will feature support from Immolation, Sanguisugabogg, and Castrator.
“Terrasite” is an album that artfully encapsulates the impending apocalypse humanity faces. It opens with the savage yet hauntingly melodic “Terrasitic Adaptation,” ventures through the relentless “We Eat Our Young,” and concludes with the epic “Just Another Body,” providing a dynamic experience of shifting dynamics and diverse emotional responses.
Travis Ryan, the vocalist of CATTLE DECAPITATION, expresses his excitement: “We’re thrilled to announce our first headlining tour since the Death At Last Tour last year. The Terrasitic Infestation Tour will span the USA, with a few dates in Eastern Canada. We’re honored to bring Immolation, Sanguisugabogg, and Castrator with us! See you all there!”
The local presale starts on Thursday, August 10th, at 10:00am local time. The general on-sale date is Friday, August 11th, at 10:00am local time on the CATTLE DECAPITATION website. VIP Experiences can be found HERE.
CATTLE DECAPITATION is on tour in support of their monumental tenth studio album, “Terrasite,” released in May via Metal Blade Records. CATTLE DECAPITATION, accompanied by Immolation, Sanguisugabogg, and Castrator, will take the stage in numerous cities, showcasing their immense talents:
CATTLE DECAPITATION w/ Immolation, Sanguisugabogg, Castrator: 11/10/2023 The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA 11/11/2023 The Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ 11/12/2023 Rock House Bar & Grill – El Paso, TX 11/14/2023 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK 11/15/2023 Granada Theater – Dallas, TX 11/16/2023 Vibes Event Center – San Antonio, TX 11/18/2023 Chelsea’s Live – Baton Rouge, LA 11/20/2023 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA * No Immolation 11/21/2023 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL 11/22/2023 The Abbey – Orlando, FL 11/24/2023 Hanger 1819 – Greensboro, NC 11/25/2023 Peabody’s Nightclub – Virginia Beach, VA 11/27/2023 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 11/28/2023 Brooklyn Bowl – Philadelphia, PA 11/29/2023 Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA 11/30/2023 Warsaw – Brooklyn, NY 12/01/2023 Beanfield Theatre – Montreal, QC 12/02/2023 Opera House – Toronto, ON 12/04/2023 St Andrews Hall – Detroit, MI 12/05/2023 House Of Blues – Chicago, IL 12/06/2023 Fine Line – Minneapolis, MN 12/08/2023 Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO 12/09/2023 Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT 12/10/2023 The Shredder – Boise, ID 12/11/2023 The Crocodile – Seattle, WA 12/12/2023 Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR 12/14/2023 Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA 12/15/2023 The Belasco – Los Angeles, CA 12/16/2023 Observatory North Park – San Diego, CA
Produced by Dave Otero (Cephalic Carnage, Allegaeon), with artwork by longtime collaborator Wes Benscoter (Vader, Kreator, Bloodbath, Hypocrisy), “Terrasite” includes Dis Pater of Midnight Odyssey on piano and synths.
This tour presents CATTLE DECAPITATION as a testament to their evolution in the extreme metal scene, embodying their unrelenting pursuit of pushing boundaries while maintaining their signature ferocity.
Photo by Nick Van Vidler
CATTLE DECAPITATION: Travis Ryan – vocals Josh Elmore – lead guitar Belisario Dimuzio – rhythm guitar Olivier Pinard – bass David McGraw – drum
Deep Dive into the universe of CATTLE DECAPITATION
Southern Californian melodic death shredders EXMORTUS are gearing up for the release of their 6th studio album, “Necrophony,” available on August 25th via Nuclear Blast Records. As a prelude to the album’s debut, the band has unveiled the dynamic single “Storm Of Strings,” a testament to their signature melodic prowess and fierce execution.
Guitarist/vocalist Conan reflects on the new single, saying, “With ‘Storm Of Strings,’ we pay homage to both the legendary Yanni and the great Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi. This amalgamation of new age and classical influences showcases our evolution as musicians. It’s a true showcase of our metal identity.”
Prepare for the onslaught of melodic death metal by pre-ordering “Necrophony” and get ready to be enthralled by the intricate sounds of “Storm Of Strings” streaming now.
In celebration of the album’s release, EXMORTUS will be hosting an album release party at Grill ‘Em All in Alhambra, California on August 25th.
“Necrophony” Tracklist:
Masquerade
Mask of Red Death
Oathbreaker
Mind of Metal
Storm of Strings
Test of Time
Darkest of Knights
Prophecy
Children of the Night
Beyond the Grave
Overture
Necrophony
Moonchild
EXMORTUS Tour Dates:
Sept 17 – Anaheim, CA – Metal Injection Festival @ House of Blues
Nov 18 – Los Angeles, CA – 1720 (w/Vio-Lence, Bonded By Blood)
Exmortus’ musical journey has been both exhilarating and relentless since their formation in 2002. With each release, including fan-favorite full-lengths, they’ve elevated their sound, leading to their latest opus. Songs like “Mind of Metal” and the captivating “Storm of Strings” showcase their mastery in merging technical prowess with melodic hooks.
This darkened evolution in sound is mirrored in their collaboration with engineer Zack Ohren, whose guidance amplifies the visceral power of “Necrophony.” This album not only exemplifies Exmortus’ skillful musicianship but also their distinctive creative identity. From Viennese sophistication to metal might, this record is a tour de force, and with each track, Exmortus forges a path to be remembered in the annals of extreme metal.
The United Kingdom’s finest purveyors of occult rock, GREEN LUNG, have unveiled details about their highly-anticipated third album, “This Heathen Land,” which is set to be released on November 3rd via Nuclear Blast Records. Accompanying this announcement is the debut of the album’s first single, “Mountain Throne,” a fusion of pyrotechnic guitar work and captivating hooks.
Vocalist Tom Templar shares his thoughts on the new album:
“We couldn’t be more excited to share ‘This Heathen Land’ with the world. This album is the culmination of five years of work as a band; an odyssey into the weird and wonderful world of British folklore that melds together our myriad influences – classic rock, doom, NWOBHM, horror film soundtracks, the BBC Radiophonic Workshop – and fashions something out of them that is utterly our own. ‘Mountain Throne’ was the first song we wrote for the album, and feels like a natural bridge from the old Green Lung to the new. We’ve always been inspired by the story of the Pendle Witches, and such an iconic subject required an epic rallying cry of a song – we hope that we’ve done these folk heroes justice!”
“This Heathen Land” is a true embodiment of the band’s artistic vision, fulfilling their longstanding aspiration to, in the words of vocalist Tom Templar, “create the definitive soundtrack to the folk horror film in our heads.” With this album, GREEN LUNG has forged a distinctive sound and identity while retaining the heaviness and captivating songcraft that endeared their previous albums to the metal underground. From cover art to vinyl inserts and lyrical themes, “This Heathen Land” is an intricately researched and executed heavy metal homage to the folkloric landscape of the UK.
Produced by Wayne Adams at Bear Bites Horse Studios and mixed by Tom Dalgety (Opeth, Clutch, Ghost), “This Heathen Land” marks a significant milestone for the band. GREEN LUNG will be performing a series of live shows throughout the year, including their largest headline tour across the UK. Don’t miss the chance to experience songs from “This Heathen Land” firsthand.
GREEN LUNG 2023 Tour Dates:
25.10 – DE, Bonn – Harmonie
26.10 – DE, Hamburg – Indra
27.10 – DE, Berlin – Badehaus
22.11 – Glasgow, Cathouse*
23.11 – Manchester, Gorilla*
24.11 – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms*
25.11 – Sheffield, Corporation*
26.11 – Bristol, Thekla*
30.11 – Wolverhampton, KK’s Steel Mill^
01.12 – Norwich, Arts Centre^
02.12 – Southampton, Joiners^
03.12 – Brighton, Patterns~
10.12 – London, Scala+
(*Support from Boss Keloid, ^Support from Inhuman Nature, ~Support from Trevors Head, +Support from Wytch Hazel)
Canadian extreme-metal pioneers CRYPTOPSY have unveiled their depraved and merciless new single, “Flayed The Swine,” today! This track is part of the band’s first full-length album in over a decade, titled “As Gomorrah Burns,” scheduled for release on September 8th via Nuclear Blast Records. The latest single, “Flayed The Swine,” is both accessible and face-melting, taking listeners on a dark and demented journey into madness. Accompanying the track is a gruesome and blood-soaked video that is sure to haunt viewers’ nightmares.
Vocalist Matt McGachy comments on the new single:
“‘Flayed the Swine’ is one of the catchiest Cryptopsy songs I have ever written. It is brutal, filled with massive groove sections and extremely vulgar. Lyrically, it concentrates on a mental breakdown, an utter loss of control. We all have dark intentions, but we rarely act upon them. The protagonist by the end of the track most certainly wishes they hadn’t.”
The album “As Gomorrah Burns” underscores the ferocity of fan-favorite releases like “None So Vile” (1996) and the technical precision of “And Then You’ll Beg” (2000) while incorporating a sinister and strikingly dark vibe.
Conceptually, “As Gomorrah Burns” juxtaposes the story of Sodom and Gomorrah from the Bible with the modern-day Internet, exploring its dual nature as both a birthplace of invention and a cesspool of exploitation. Cryptopsy commissioned Italian artist Paolo Girardi to create the cover art, resulting in a stunning visual representation of the album’s themes.
With “As Gomorrah Burns,” Cryptopsy unleashes a new chapter of their death metal legacy, combining brutality and thoughtfulness. This album, featuring tracks like “In Abeyance,” “Flayed the Swine,” and “Lascivious Undivine,” delves into the depths of extremity, piercing mundanity thoroughly and relentlessly.
CRYPTOPSY, formed in 1992, have released eight full-length albums to date. With their first album for Nuclear Blast, “As Gomorrah Burns,” the Montreal-based quartet—featuring founding member/drummer Flo Mounier, guitarist Christian Donaldson, vocalist Matt McGachy, and bassist Olivier “Oli” Pinard—continue to push their signature Northern power as they celebrate over 30 years of extremity.
“We are back,” says McGachy. “Yes, we have had massive cult favorite albums, but we are creating modern and relevant extreme music 30 years later. We’re so proud of As Gomorrah Burns, and we can’t wait for you to hear it!”
On August 11th, Bestial Mouths will unveil their highly anticipated album titled “R.O.T.T. (inmyskin)” through Negative Gain Productions. The band’s sixth studio offering follows their 2020 release “Resurrectedinblack.” Helmed by the unwavering Lynette Cerezo, the driving force and voice behind the project, Bestial Mouths have crafted a genre-defying presence in the realm of extreme metal. Influenced by 80’s thrash and death metal, their sound bears the captivating intensity of Siouxsie’s gothic wail, a relentless force that chafes, chills, and entrances the senses.
Producer Rhys Fulber, a Juno Award-winning figure known for his work with Front Line Assembly and Delerium, has breathed life into “R.O.T.T. (inmyskin),” steering the album’s trajectory into a resonant, entrancing soundscape. A journey spanning from Bestial Mouths’ 2019 release “INSHROUDSS EP,” which marked Lynette Cerezo’s debut as the sole songwriter, to their present sonic voyage, this album resonates with deeply personal lyrics addressing self-stagnation and trauma. A thematic thread that began with “INSHROUDSS EP” is meticulously woven into the fabric of “R.O.T.T. (inmyskin),” a crystalline fusion of pop’s broad palette with raw, polished edges, inviting both introspection and movement.
Cerezo passionately speaks of the album’s essence: “The path to ‘R.O.T.T. (inmyskin)’ has been as tumultuous as the music itself; always afflicted by doubts, it was honestly surprising to me to finally reach the sonic realm where I feel Bestial Mouths resides. Rhys Fulber’s sterling production really opened up the feel of the album. I wanted to express these same traumas, these looped cycles and patterns, yet peel back some of the rot to show an inner strength, unbreakable. A fury polished by repetition, to send desecration amongst pathetic bullies. To dance with your death, and still find humor and joy amongst the ruin.”
Founded in 2009, Bestial Mouths, under the steadfast guidance of Cerezo, has seamlessly melded various genre influences, ranging from goth, industrial, and post-punk to New Wave, noise, and metal. The band’s dynamic live performances are an embodiment of their ethos, integrating live and acoustic instrumentation alongside electronic drums and analog synthesizers. Cerezo’s background in fashion design and gender activism infuses their visual and social aesthetics, rendering their stage presence captivatingly theatrical.
As the album’s release approaches, Bestial Mouths are primed to take their sonic journey on the road, setting the stage ablaze with their magnetic performances.
Their upcoming live performance dates include:
Aug. 26th: New Orleans, LA – NGP Presents Destination – House of Blues
Sep. 2nd: New York, NY – A Murder of Crows Festival – Bowery Ballroom
FALL TOUR 2023:
Oct. 26th: Chicago, IL – Sanctum Fest – Thalia Hall
Oct. 27th: Detroit, MI – TBA
Oct. 28th: Philadelphia, PA – Dracula’s Ball – Underground Arts
Oct. 29th: Washington, DC – The Runaway
Nov. 2nd: Montreal, QC – Casa Del Popolo
Nov. 3rd: Toronto, ON – The Garrison
Nov. 10th: Los Angeles, CA – Substance – The Globe Theater
Bestial Mouths’ resounding impact within the music scene is underscored by their collaborations with acclaimed producers and artists, a history punctuated by performances alongside renowned acts. Their indomitable spirit and profound artistry continue to blaze a trail through the realms of extreme metal and beyond.
In an exciting venture, SPECIES, the Polish technical thrash metal group, is embarking on their inaugural international tour, spanning 9 electrifying shows across Poland, Denmark, and Sweden. The crescendo of this tour will resound at Thunder Fest vol. X in Bytów (PL), promising an unforgettable musical experience.
The journey unfolds in the company of Armagh (PL) and Aquilla (PL), and select performances will feature the collaboration of Armory (SWE), Deception (DK), Frightful (PL), and Grimoire (PL).
SPECIES, hailing from Warsaw, Poland, comprises a trio of technical thrash metal enthusiasts. Formed in October 2018, the band swiftly recorded their debut EP, “The Monument of Envy,” self-releasing it on May 31st, 2019. That very day marked their inaugural live performance in their hometown. Drawing inspiration from legendary thrash acts like CORONER, TOXIK, and XENTRIX, as well as progressive rock icons such as KING CRIMSON, RUSH, and YES, SPECIES began crafting material for their debut LP while captivating audiences in Poland.
In 2021, the band entered Warsaw’s Sunstorm Studio to record their first full-length album, “To Find Deliverance.” This compelling record, an ode to their musical influences, was released on CD on August 26th, 2022, through Awakening Records. And now, thanks to Ossuary Records, a long-awaited LP version is set to hit the shelves this year.
Prepare for an unparalleled electronic music experience as Glass Danse Festival 2023 takes the stage. This event is a shining jewel of the electronic world, boasting luminaries such as Iceland’s trailblazing electronic outfit GusGus and the enchanting Canadian Synthpop/Dark Wave sensation Austra. For two electrifying days, immerse yourself in the epitome of electronic music, offering a sublime fusion of synth, new wave, dance, and techno. No matter your preferred electronic groove, we have it all covered.
And that’s not all! We’re thrilled to announce the participation of Hamburg’s Electro-Pop trio, SONO, and the boundary-pushing Berlin-based experimental Electro artist, CATNAPP!
Notably, Austra’s performance at Glass Danse Festival will be their sole European show this year. Don’t miss this exclusive chance to witness the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Katie Stelmanis live.
So, get ready to put on your most fabulous dancing attire and join us in Berlin this November. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this; the regret of not attending will linger.
Swedish viking metal powerhouse, AMON AMARTH, continues its triumphant reign with the release of a captivating music video for their epic Valhalla anthem “Heidrun,” featured on their chart-topping album “The Great Heathen Army.” Additionally, AMON AMARTH presents an exclusive 4-track digital single of “Heidrun,” which includes a newly remixed version of the single, two exhilarating live bonus tracks, and a unique “goat remix” featuring actual goat vocals. Immerse yourself in the immersive music video for “Heidrun”
Frontman Johan Hegg casts light on the mythological significance of “Heidrun”:
“Heidrun is an interesting mythological character, it’s a goat that stands on the roof of Valhalla eating the leaf of the big tree Lärad. The milk that she gives is the honey/mead that the warriors in Valhalla drink each night. The lyrics themselves are both about Vikings traveling the world but also metaphorically what it is to be a touring musician.”
“Heidrun” Digital Single Track List:
Heidrun (2023 Remix)
Heidrun (Live at Graspop, 2023)
Put Your Back into the Oar (Live at Hellfest, 2023)
Heidrun (Goat Remix)
Continuing their relentless onslaught, AMON AMARTH is currently blazing across the US alongside Ghost in the ‘Re-Imperatour USA 2023’ tour, comprising 25 monumental dates. This powerful tour also includes two extraordinary headline shows in Omaha, NE on August 10th with Creeping Death and 200 Stab Wounds, as well as Riverside, CA on September 9th with Gatecreeper. Arm yourselves for this sonic battle and secure your Tickets Here.
As an exclusive treat, AMON AMARTH has partnered with SET.Live to offer attending Vikings a chance to win a special, limited edition Viking drinking horn at each show. Fans can simply scan the QR codes found near the official tour merch stands in the venues to enter the contest. This opportunity also includes access to future exclusive experiences. SET.Live is available only to those in attendance, so secure your tickets and embrace this unique chance.
Amon Amarth + Ghost 2023 U.S. Tour Dates:
Aug. 04 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Aug. 05 – Airway Heights, WA – BECU Live at Northern Quest
Aug. 07 – West Valley City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
Aug. 08 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Aug. 11 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Aug. 10 – Omaha, NE, The Admiral*
Aug. 12 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Aug. 14 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Aug. 15 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Aug. 16 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center
Aug. 18 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
Aug. 19 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Aug. 20 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Aug. 22 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
Aug. 23 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Aug. 24 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Aug. 25 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Aug. 27 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater
Aug. 29 – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
Aug. 30 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
Aug. 31 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sep. 02 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Sep. 03 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Sep. 05 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Sep. 07 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Sep. 08 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Sep. 09 – Riverside, CA – Riverside Municipal Auditorium** (*Amon Amarth Headline show with Creeping Death and 200 Stab wounds, **Amon Amarth headline show with Gatecreeper)
About Amon Amarth: Originating in Tumba, Sweden, in 1992, Amon Amarth has reigned supreme as Viking heavy metal royalty. The band’s legacy spans over three decades of thunderous, anthemic metal infused with the rich imagery of Viking history and culture. From their groundbreaking debut ‘Once Sent From The Golden Hall’ (1998) onward, Amon Amarth has relentlessly delivered their unique sound, combining various epic elements of metal to create anthems that captivate audiences. Through albums like 2008’s acclaimed ‘Twilight Of The Thunder God’ and 2016’s conceptually intricate ‘Jomsviking,’ the band stands as a steadfast standard-bearer for the unifying spirit of heavy metal, offering a cascade of instant classic tracks.
Photo Credit: Tomas Gidén and Henryk Michaluk / Composite Jake Scheinberg
In 2020, while navigating the global pause, Amon Amarth channeled their creative energy to craft “The Great Heathen Army,” their most monumental and heroic album yet. This release was an embodiment of years of hard work, resulting in an album that resonated with crushing power both lyrically and musically. Amon Amarth’s impact is magnified in their dynamic live performances, with notable achievements including headlining festivals across Europe and joining Slayer’s final US tour in 2019. Through their unwavering dedication to their Viking roots and their relentless pursuit of innovation, Amon Amarth have solidified their position as one of the world’s foremost heavy metal acts.
This afternoon, the holy ground for heavy music, the sacred space for metal heads, saw the beginning of another glorious chapter for one of the brightest modern metal stars to date. Swedish six-piece AMARANTHE announced the release of their upcoming album The Catalyst live on stage after their bedazzling performance on Wacken’s main stage.
“So at last it is official! This has been a long time in the making, and more effort went into this album than any previous AMARANTHE record. You have already gotten a taste of what’s to come on Damnation Flame, but as the most varied and eclectic AMARANTHE album to date, expect the unexpected! We cover a lot of musical ground on ‘The Catalyst,’ but the core of what we are about creatively is completely intact. It will be immediately obvious that you are listening to AMARANTHE, as much as it will be immediately obvious that this is both a leap forward as well as a step up. Can’t wait for all of you to hear what we have been cooking, as well as seeing us perform these pristine new songs on the road SOON!”, guitar player Olof Mörck states about this moment.
The Catalyst will see the light of day on February 23rd, 2024, via Nuclear Blast Records. The album will be available digitally and in different physical formats including CD, Vinyl, and a 2CD Special Edition.
The Catalyst is the most conceptually coherent piece of work in AMARANTHE’s storied history. Dedicated to notions of transformation and revelation, it delves deeper than any previous album, as Olof Mörck explains.
“We’ve done these things before, but we’ve never been as theatrical as we have this time,” Mörck grins. “In fact, we all questioned whether we went too far this time, but I also figured that this band was always this way. Literally, the first seconds of our first video was a big explosion! But yes, The Catalyst is more theatrical than ever. We’ve never really been symphonic or orchestral before, but this time we just thought why not? Because we can! The key to this album is that we let go of the boundaries and decided to do something even more adventurous.”
The Catalyst represents the culmination of 15 years of hard work and the breathless pursuit of a wholly original musical vision. Change is inevitable. Victory is assured.
AMARANTHE LIVE 2023
05.08. FI Lieto – Smuggler Rok
10.08. ES Villena – Leyendas Del Rock
17.-19.08. CZ Moravský Krumloch – Rock Castle
20. – 24.09. DE Berlin – Full Metal Cruise
01.12. FI Jyväskyla – John Smith Rock Frozen
02.12. FI Joensuu, Unholy Winter Fest
Formed in 2008, AMARANTHE walked their own unique path from the start. With a sound that combined the sharpest, cutting edges of melodic metal, electronic rock, and razor-sharp pop, their impact was immediate and undeniable. Kicking off with their self-titled debut in 2011, the Swedes blazed a trail through the European metal scene and beyond, swiftly establishing themselves as a dazzling one-off, not least due to the unprecedented triple vocal attack that paired clean tones with exquisite melodic sensibilities and feral growls. Over the next few years, the sextet steadily grew in stature, releasing a series of praised studio records that jabbed persistently at the boundaries of modern metal.
AMARANTHE is:
Elize Ryd | vocals
Mikael Sehlin I growls
Olof Mörck | guitars, keyboards
Johan Andreassen | bass
Morten Løwe Sørensen | drums
Nils Molin | vocals
Pre-save or pre-order your copy of The Catalyst, here.
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