SEPTICFLESH, the iconic Greek symphonic death metal act, is set to make their triumphant return to North America with the highly anticipated Modern Primitive in North America 2025 tour. This epic 19-date trek kicks off on February 10th in Houston, TX and wraps up on March 2nd in New York City. Joining them on this monumental journey are none other than extreme metal powerhouses VLTIMAS and EX DEO.
SEPTICFLESH shared their excitement, stating: “Finally, the time has come for our return to North America on a headlining run with our metal brothers VLTIMAS and Ex Deo as support! To make things even greater, fans will have the exclusive chance to purchase our upcoming EP, Amphibians, on this tour—before its worldwide release in March 2025! Do not hesitate to grab your tickets now! See you soon for the Septicflesh communion!”
SEPTICFLESH, formed in the early ’90s, has been at the forefront of the metal scene for over three decades. Renowned for their groundbreaking blend of symphonic orchestrations, crushing guitar riffs, and evocative lyrics, the band’s live performances are an unmissable experience. Their latest release, HARDWAREZ, showcases the continued evolution of their sound, earning critical acclaim and solidifying their legacy as pioneers of symphonic death metal.
Current Lineup:
Seth Siro Anton – Vocals, Bass
Christos Antoniou – Guitar, Orchestra
Sotiris Anunnaki V – Clean Vocals, Guitar, 12-String Guitar
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.
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 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.
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.
Metal Blade Records Museum, located in Las Vegas, NV, is ready to welcome fans once again. Brian Slagel is opening up the museum doors on Saturday, August 19, and it will be accessible every Saturday from thereon.
On the opening day, Saturday, August 19, Lizzy Borden himself will be present to take a stroll through the museum.
The operating hours are from 12 pm to 5 pm PT, and tickets are available [here](link to tickets).
Ticket holders will receive the museum address after purchase.
About Metal Blade Records: Founded on Brian Slagel’s relentless drive to discover great bands and share their music with as many people as possible, Metal Blade has been bringing waves of powerful, innovative, and genre-defining music to the metal masses since 1982. The label boasts a diverse and stunning catalog, has weathered challenges faced by independent labels, and celebrated its successful four-decade existence in an era of declining record sales.
Metal Blade Records launched legendary bands like Metallica, Slayer, Armored Saint, Fates Warning, GWAR, Cannibal Corpse, Amon Amarth, Whitechapel, The Black Dahlia Murder, Cattle Decapitation, and many more, shaping the culture of hard rock, metal, and extreme music for over forty years. Brian Slagel, once a record store clerk, reserved a spot for a young Lars Ulrich on his Metal Massacre compilation series, and Metal Blade has since grown from humble beginnings in Los Angeles into an international powerhouse, selling millions of albums while fiercely maintaining its independence. In 2017, Slayer’s Kerry King inducted the label into the Hall of Heavy Metal History.
Slagel’s book “For the Sake of Heaviness: The History of Metal Blade Records” was released the same year.
Deep Dive into the universe of Metal Blade Records:
Canadian kings of technical death metal, CRYPTOPSY, have made a resounding announcement that has sent shockwaves through the metal community. After over a decade of anticipation, they are set to release their highly awaited full-length album, titled “As Gomorrah Burns,” on September 8th, courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records. The groundbreaking quartet is back with a vengeance, showcasing their renewed vigor and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of extreme music.
“As Gomorrah Burns” promises to be one of CRYPTOPSY’s most tumultuous and ambitious albums yet, continuing their tradition of sonic exploration and complex songwriting. Vocalist Matt McGachy expressed his excitement about the upcoming release, describing it as a meticulous endeavor that perfectly blends the old-school CRYPTOPSY sound with modern twists. The album features infectious grooves and a breath of fresh air, allowing the riffs to shine in ways that haven’t been seen in their recent releases. McGachy is thrilled about this new era for CRYPTOPSY, and fans can expect a captivating musical journey that stays true to the band’s roots while embracing their evolution.
To give fans a taste of what’s to come, CRYPTOPSY has unleashed the first single, “In Abeyance,” along with an accompanying music video directed by Chris Kells (The Agonist, Beneath The Massacre). McGachy describes the single as a conceptually intense exploration of feeling isolated in a new environment, searching for a sense of belonging while mourning a previous life. Musically, “In Abeyance” is a forceful slap in the face, appearing deceptively straightforward but revealing layers of intricate complexity upon closer inspection.
Fans can pre-order “As Gomorrah Burns” now and stream “In Abeyance” to get a taste of the fury that awaits them. The album promises to be a relentless onslaught of extreme metal, featuring tracks like “Lascivious Undivine,” “Flayed The Swine,” and “Praise The Filth.” The anticipation surrounding the release is at an all-time high, with listeners eagerly awaiting the album’s arrival.
Looking back at CRYPTOPSY’s storied career, it’s evident that they have continually pushed the boundaries of death metal. Formed in 1992, the band quickly became known for their uncompromising attack and unparalleled musicality. Their debut album, “Blasphemy Made Flesh,” shocked the metal world, and subsequent releases like “None So Vile” and “Once Was Not” solidified their status as apex predators in the genre. They have embarked on high-profile tours, performing over 1,000 shows across 47 countries.
“As Gomorrah Burns” not only serves as a follow-up to their previous EPs, “The Book of Suffering – Tome I” and “The Book of Suffering – Tome II,” but also represents a new era for the band. Crafted over two years during the pandemic, the album is the result of painstaking dedication and an arduous songwriting process. The initial sessions took place in a cabin in the haunting forests of Quebec, providing an eerie backdrop for the creation of this beastly album. Guitarist and producer Christian Donaldson, together with his bandmates Matt McGachy, Flo Mounier, and Olivier “Oli” Pinard, channeled their collective energies to create eight slabs of unadulterated barbarity. The production of the album was helmed by Donaldson, ensuring that CRYPTOPSY’s vision was executed flawlessly.
As Gomorrah Burns” Tracklisting
Lascivious Undivine
In Abeyance
Godless Deceiver
Ill Ender
Flayed The Swine
The Righteous Lost
Obeisant
Praise The Filth
Conceptually, “As Gomorrah Burns” delves into the collision of the Biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah with the modern-day Internet. McGachy’s vision was to explore how the internet serves as both a birthplace of invention and a cesspool of exploitation. The album touches upon real-life incidents of online stalking, cults, misinformation, isolation, and intimidation, amplifying their impact through devious ornamentation. The striking cover art, created by Italian artist Paolo Girardi, perfectly complements the album’s old-world lyrical themes, creating a visual representation of the darkness that lies within.
“As Gomorrah Burns” is an aggressive and thought-provoking masterpiece that pierces through the mundane and relentlessly delivers uncompromising death metal. The album captures the essence of what our world needs—a ferocious and unyielding musical force that only CRYPTOPSY can provide. McGachy emphatically declares that CRYPTOPSY is not merely a legacy band but a modern and relevant force in extreme music. With “As Gomorrah Burns,” CRYPTOPSY invites listeners to embark on a thrilling journey that is as relevant today as it was 30 years ago.
In addition to the upcoming album, CRYPTOPSY has tantalized fans with news of an impending fall headlining “Carnival Of Death” tour across North America. The tour dates will be announced soon, and it is sure to be a monumental event for fans of extreme music. Cryptopsy’s live performances are renowned for their energy and intensity, leaving audiences breathless and craving more. This tour will undoubtedly be an unmissable experience for metal enthusiasts.
Deep Dive into the universe of CRYPTOPSY on their official Facebook and Instagram pages
Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the return of these death metal juggernauts as they reclaim their throne of domination with “As Gomorrah Burns.”
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