 Freeze The Fall Unleash Heaviest Cut Yet “Oubliette” Out Now Ahead of The Red Garden EP Due June 18 Stream “Oubliette” Here “Oubliette” the latest single from Kelowna power trio FREEZE THE FALL, now streaming, is a tightly crafted cut blending aggressive riffs, soaring melodies and intense lyrical themes. The track marks a significant step forward for the metallers showcasing their ability to write songs that are both blistering and emotionally resonant. “Oubliette” has a certain je ne sai quoi with its use of secret French language messages encoded throughout the song. This hard-hitting progressive piece, sends audiences into a twisted Parisian silent film of a bygone era with its accompanying visualizer. The single comes off the group’s EP, The Red Garden, out everywhere June 18th via 604 Records. Reminiscent of acts like ARCHITECTS, SPIRITBOX, and early BRING ME THE HORIZON, the EP is produced, mixed and mastered by Jordan Chase and engineered by Colton Douglas at Oo-de-lally Recordings in British Columbia, Canada. Stream “Oubliette” HERE: https://ffm.to/oubliette Watch the visualizer HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWFtzS_SjQ0 “Oubliette” is a reflection of longing for a simpler time, a past version of oneself, or of one’s innocence. “Don’t we all wish to immortalize a younger version of ourselves in some way?” explains the band. The song’s powerful, bursting chorus provides clarity that directly contrasts the heavier chaotic verse, making the track instantly replayable and anthemic. It explores themes of isolation, inner conflict and emotional release, mirroring the song’s title reference. “Oubliette” refers to, “a dungeon of forgetting”. The raw and melodic vocals performed by frontwoman Quinn Mitzel paired with the haunting harmonies between backing vocalist and bassist Aria Becker, enhances the tension between despair and resilience. This duality speaks to the band’s deeper message about acknowledging pain, yet refusing to stay buried in it. The tight musicianship and precise transitions reflect a group that’s not only technically skilled but also emotionally in tune with their message. “Oubliette”, added to CBC Music’s Canadian Metal, follows The Red Garden’s first three singles, “Aurora”, “Hypothermia”, and “VHS” which represent an intense, raw, and emotional shift. The Red Garden is an evolution both in sound and storytelling. Leaning into themes of nostalgia, emotional distance, the EP is marked by its cold, isolating atmosphere and heavy, almost post-metal textures. It combines elements of melding introspective and poetic lyricism with soaring, anthemic instrumentation. Adding to a sense of grandeur and emotional release. With still so many secrets and hidden truths to be revealed, The Red Garden feels like a defining moment for FREEZE THE FALL, showcasing their ability to craft deeply moving, high-impact music. It is a promising collection of songs that expands on their signature sound. Despite only releasing their debut EP Thrones, last summer FREEZE THE FALL has built an incredibly passionate and dedicated fanbase, dubbed The Cold Front across Patreon, Discord and YouTube, which includes over 500 YouTube Reactions. Within the past month, FREEZE THE FALL received thousands of fan votes to have the group play Laketown Ranch which will see the trio share the stage with mega acts like NICKELBACK, THE GLORIOUS SONS and SAM ROBERTS BAND to name a few. In addition to this, “Hypothermia” was added to Revolver Magazine’s “6 Best New Songs”, adding to their already impressive accolades. Given the trio’s quick-rising success. it’s clear that they’ve got talent and stage-presence in spades. FREEZE THE FALL Tour Dates: Tickets & Info: https://freezethefallband.com/upcoming-shows May 17 – Spring Fever @ The Biltmore – Vancouver, BC June 14 – NXNE @ Handlebar – Toronto, ON June 27 – EP Release Party @ The Fox Cabaret – Vancouver, BC August TBD – Laketown Ranch – Lake Cowichan, BC More on FREEZE THE FALL: Welcome to The Cold Front. You say “loud” FREEZE THE FALL says, “How loud?”. These hard rockers are not playing when it comes to their music or their artistry. With an acumen for storytelling their fans are already theorizing what comes next. The band consists of Quinn Mitzel on guitar and lead vocals, Aria Becker on bass and backup vocals, and Jonah Goncalves on drums. They write original music based on angsty guitar riffs, wildly technical bass lines, and powerful drum fills. All tied together with soulful melodies. “We write songs about life, all of it, and we hope you love listening,”. Follow Freeze the Fall Online: Website: https://freezethefallband.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freeze.the.fall.band/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freeze_the_fall_band/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freeze_the_fall_band YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@freeze_the_fall_band/ Follow 604 Records Online: Website: https://www.604records.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/604records Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/604recordsinc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/604records  Copyright © 2025 C Squared Music, All rights reserved. |
new album
Rockers Teaser Sweet Release New Album
TEASER SWEET – “Night Stalker” HRR 1010
Order Link: https://www.hrrecords.de/TEASER-SWEET
SINGLES/ VIDEOS:
“Deep in the Woods” (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) watch HERE
TRACKLISTING:
01 Intro
02 Night Stalker
03 Deep in the Woods
04 Living in Sin
05 Blue Sky
06 Eat You Alive
07 Turn Me on
08 Killer Machine
09 Cold is the Fire
INFO:
Consisting of vocalist Therese Damberg, her brother Marcus Damberg on guitar, Hampus Steenberg on bass and Kent Svensson behind the drums, Teaser Sweet have already made some waves in the Swedish metal scene.
They originally started out in 2013, when Marcus Damberg asked his sister and former bass player Christoffer Cardell “shouldn’t we start a band?” The initial line-up was completed by Kalle Krantz on drums. Before writing their own material, they used to be playing Kiss cover songs. After recording a demo, they took to the stage and eventually releasing three albums and an EP: »Hit And Run« (2015), »In The Night« (EP, 2017), »Hypnotized« (2018) and »Monster« (2020).
For the new album »Night Stalker« the band has now inked a deal with High Roller Records. Therese Damberg’s powerful yet melodic vocals at times sound like a cross between Acid’s Kate, Leather Leone and Johanna of Lucifer. However, she herself sees it in a different light: “If I must name a female singer, it is Doro Pesch that I love to listen to. Otherwise, it’s male singers that catch my attention, such as Rob Halford with his great feeling and attitude in his vocals.”
When asked about the big number of high-class female-fronted or all-female hard rock and metal bands in Sweden – from Crucified Barbara and Slingblade to Thundermother and The Gems –, the singer searches for an explanation: “Hard to say what the reason is for that. My guess is that Swedish women probably have an ear for hard rock and a confidence to follow their own path. ABBA laid the foundation for female singers from Sweden, and it is natural that hard rock bands have female singers just as there are bands with only men.”
Apart from being influenced by the music of Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Dio and even latter-day Europe, a song like “Deep In The Woods”, with its galloping bass work, owes a lot to Iron Maiden. Therese laughs: “You have a really good ear, that’s correct!” Elsewhere, numbers such as “Cold Is The Fire” and “Turn Me On” are also full of great hooks, making »Night Stalker« the band’s best album so far.
MATTHIAS MADER.
Night Stalker is a throwback for the ages, mirroring the melodic power anthems of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Pat Benatar. This is such a great time for an album like this. I enjoyed this album a lot. I think it has great tone, specifically in the guitars. Marcus is a great guitarist. I just discovered this band and they’re fantastic musicians. I felt that the vocals could be stronger compared to the rest of the musicianship. The vocals are at times too much like Lita Ford’s 80s sound, which I do not care for. The bass could be louder too for more of a dynamic range. Overall,Night Stalker has some great high points and rawness that is definitely worth checking out.
LINE-UP:
Therese Damberg – vocals
Marcus Damberg – lead guitar
Hampus Steenberg – bass & background vocals
Kent Svensson – drums
ON-LINE:
https://www.facebook.com/teasersweetband
https://www.instagram.com/teaser_sweet
https://www.hrrecords.de/TEASER-SWEET
TEMPERANCE Unveils Epic Live Album: From Hermitage To Europe
 |
| TEMPERANCE Delivers Symphonic Passion on New Live Album, From Hermitage To Europe, out March 14, 2025 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order NOW Watch the Energetic Live Video for “Daruma” HERE Extended European Tour Starts in March |
[photo credit: Artur Tarczewski]
| I am so insanely excited about this release! Temperance is one of my all time favorite bands. Italian masters of modern melodic metal TEMPERANCE have spellbound their symphonic magic into a thrilling live album, From Hermitage To Europe, out March 14, 2025 via Napalm Records! Captured during the band’s latest extended tour supporting their album Hermitage – Daruma’s Eyes Pt. 2 (2023), the new live recording brings the magical village of Hermitage and fan favorites to life! Now featured for the first time in live recording form, this story was first explored on the aforementioned full-length studio album, which has since also been released in its orchestral version, featuring many renowned guests such as Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie) and Laura Fella (Faun). Known for their vocal harmonies, the first single, “Daruma”, is a gift to symphonic lovers, where melodic guitar passages collide with a galloping drum beat. TEMPERANCE’s Michele Guaitoli takes us into their magical world, while his vocal comrade-in-arms Kristin Starkey heats up the tension with her dark timbre. This live recording serves as the perfect prelude to their highly anticipated 2025 European tour, with melodic death metal giants Ignea and symphonic powerhouse Induction. Marco Pastorino on “Daruma”: “It’s been years since our only live release, and the time has come to publish material with our current lineup. For the first time, you’ll be able to listen to some of our most renowned tracks in their live versions – such as “Of Jupiter And Moons,” “Diamanti,” and “The Last Hope In A World Of Hopes,” while also including some of the most beloved songs from our latest album, Hermitage, after spending a year on the road supporting it. For this reason, we have chosen to release ‘Daruma’ as the first single, marking the first track released with our Kristin Starkey. We will celebrate the release of From Hermitage To Europe alongside our European headlining tour!” |
| A symphonic adventure of power, passion and melodies: TEMPERANCE Live! Rousing guitar riffs, epic orchestrations and powerful vocal duets are a welcome gift for symphonic metal lovers, now captured for the afterworld. While “The Last Hope in a World of Hopes” combines gripping melodies and choral vocals, their stunning live performance can also be witnessed in “Darkness Is Just a Drawing” – fans will experience one of the band’s most magical compositions, shining with masterful vocal harmonies. The palpable energy on fan-favorites like “Diamanti” and “Of Jupiter And Moons“ showcase the band’s extraordinary musical atmosphere. Michele Guaitoli about the album: “The last years have been a rollercoaster of emotions. TEMPERANCE have grown on every level and have been traveling the world, having the honor of performing in Europe, the UK, the US and South America. Those who follow us are well aware that from “Of Jupiter and Moons” to “Hermitage”, we’ve faced a relevant line-up change. We felt it was fundamental to let our listeners understand who TEMPERANCE is nowadays, as the arrival of Kristin during the EU tour as special guests for Tarja had a strong impact on the sound of the band, thanks to her unique (and outstanding) voice. From Hermitage To Europe gives justice to what you are going to witness live in March during our headline run, and most importantly, sets in stone the essence of this new cycle of TEMPERANCE, which we want to be a cycle of rebirth.” |
| Get your copy of From Hermitage To Europe NOW: |
| From Hermitage To Europe tracklisting: 1. Intro (live) 2. Daruma (live) 3. The Last Hope in a World of Hopes (live) 4. No Return (live) 5. A Hero Reborn (live) 6. Welcome To Hermitage (live) 7. Glorious (live) 8. Start Another Round (live) 9. Darkness Is Just A Drawing (live) 10. Into The Void (live) 11. Diamanti (live) 12. Of Jupiter And Moons (live) 13. Pure Life Unfolds (live) |
| TEMPERANCE Live 2025: From Hermitage To Europe Tour w/ Ignea and Induction 06.03.24 PL – Warsaw / VooDoo 07.03.24 PL – Poznan / Pod Minoga 08.03.24 PL – Skarżysko-Kamienna / Semafor 09.03.24 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra 10.03.24 DE – Munich / Backstage 11.03.24 AT – Vienna / Szene 12.03.24 IT – Bologna / Alchemica 13.03.24 CH – Lenzburg / Met Bar 14.03.24 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos Saal 15.03.24 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser 16.03.24 DE – Berlin / Orwo 17.03.24 DE – Hamburg / Logo 18.03.24 NL – Tilburg / 013 19.03.24 DE – Hanover / Musikzentrum 20.03.24 DE – Bochum / Matrix 21.03.24 BE – Kortrijk / DVG 22.03.24 NL – Drachten / Iduna TEMPERANCE are: Kristin Starkey – Vocals Michele Guaitoli – Vocals Marco Pastorino – Guitars & Vocals Luca Negro – Bass Guitar Marco Sacchetto – Drums TEMPERANCE online: Website Napalm Records |
Promotional material from Napalm Records direct
Canadian Power Metal Band Unleash The Archers to Release New Album Phantoma
Out May 10, 2024 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order HERE
First Single “Green & Glass” + Stunning Music Video Revealed
Watch HERE
2024 International Tour Dates Announced
[photo credit: Shimon Karmel] Canada’s most exciting metal band, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of their transfixing sixth studio release, the AI inspired concept album Phantoma, out May 10, 2024 via Napalm Records. The new album follows the band’s breakout 2020 album, Abyss, which won the JUNO Award for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year after debuting at #1 on the US Current Hard Music and Top New Artist charts.
Frontwoman and lyricist Brittney Slayes conjured Phantoma’s concept in 2021; before the swarm of pressing commentary surrounding AI began to reach an all-time high. Led by the album’s protagonist Phantoma, a Phase 4 / Network Tier 0 unit – model A, the story recounts the trials of AI gaining sentience on a dystopian, near-future planet earth. With the band’s one-of-a-kind blend of power metal, traditional heavy metal, modern prog and pop sensibilities, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS spin a web of sharp musicality, high sci-fi concept and important social commentary about discovering the brutal truths behind the manufactured sheen of social media posturing.
Today’s album announcement kicks off with the release of its first single, “Green & Glass” – an unforgettable opus traversing the album’s dystopian concept with dynamic verses and prog-laden guitar work. Its innovative accompanying music video features Phantoma discovering new and harrowing realities, and was created using AI while still supporting traditional artists by having character models trained exclusively on a body of work licensed from artist Bo Bradshaw.
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS says about “Green & Glass”:
“We struggled for a while to decide which song would lead the way for this record, and in the end chose ‘Green & Glass’ because it is the song that inspired the cover artwork, but also because it doesn’t give too much away about the concept behind the album. We wanted nothing more than to be able to create a fully cinematic retelling of the story through our music videos, and were so stoked when the boys at RuneGate Studio expressed an interest in learning how to use Stable Diffusion to make our dreams come true! They trained the model on the work of Bo Bradshaw, which gives it a beautifully unique animation style; we got to bring his magnificent t-shirt artwork to life!
“Watch the remarkable official video for “Green & Glass” HERE:
Following 2020’s triumph Abyss, which was dubbed by Bandcamp as “a mandatory listen”, and named by Loudwire as one of the best rock and metal albums of the year, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS ascend with Phantoma. Defying controversy and bringing their imagination to life, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS utilized AI during the writing, filming, and production process on Phantoma, and weaved electronic and synthwave elements throughout the album’s 10 colossal anthems, which – in line with its theme – prove much darker and heavier in comparison to the bright positivity of Abyss.
Album opener “Human Era” sets the tone with imagery of a bleak, windswept futuristic world that crescendos headlong into the breakneck pace of power metal bastion “Ph4/NT0mA” – a masterwork of dueling guitar solos and vocal acrobatics. Trad-metal influenced “Buried In Code” lights the way with pummeling rhythms before the album’s path turns dark on heavy metal hardened “The Collective”, with Brittney Slayes’ warm tones inviting the listener to ‘join or stand aside’! Hair-raising first single “Green & Glass” unveils the truth before the upbeat 80s flavored “Gods In Decay” and the extraordinary balladic anthem “Give It Up Or Give It All” showcase the varied song writing prowess of UNLEASH THE ARCHERS’ modern era. A trifecta of concept closers begins with the moody “Ghosts In The Mist”, leading into the soaring yet menacing “Seeking Vengeance” before closing with the bittersweet tale of “Blood Empress”.
Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, and with lead guitarist Andrew Kingsley at the helm as both principal songwriter and producer, Phantoma is an exciting advancement in UNLEASH THE ARCHERS’ songwriting and storytelling mastery, and a giant leap forward in their towering musical trajectory.
Pre-Order Phantoma HERE:
Phantoma track listing:
1. Human Era
2. Ph4/NT0mA
3. Buried In Code
4. The Collective
5. Green & Glass
6. Gods In Decay
7. Give It Up Or Give It All
8. Ghosts In The Mist
9. Seeking Vengeance
10. Blood Empress
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS on tour:
Legions of Metal Festival:
5/03 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies
Australia and New Zealand Headliners:
6/05 – Canberra, AU @ Basement
6/06 – Sydney, AU @ Manning
6/07 – Melbourne, AU @ Croxton
6/08 – Brisbane, AU @ The Zoo
6/09 – Adelaide, AU @ Lion Arts
6/13 – Auckland, NZ @ Galatos
6/14 – Wellington, NZ @ Valhalla
European Festivals:
7/05 – Ballenstedt, DE @ Rock Harz
7/06 – Knislinge, SE @ Time To Rock
7/12 – Visovice, CZ @ Masters Of Rock
7/19 – Laukaa, FI @ John Smith Fest
7/21 – Baile Figa, RO @ Celtic Transylvania
8/02 – Wacken, DE @ Wacken Open Air
8/09 – Villena, ES @ Leyendas Del Rock
8/10 – Walton-On-Trent, UK @ Bloodstock
Supporting POWERWOLF in North America:
8/29 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Hollywood Palladium
8/31 – Denver, CO @ The Ogden Theatre
9/03 – Chicago, IL @ The Riviera Theatre
9/04 – Cleveland, OH @ The Agora Theatre
9/05 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
9/07 – Tampa, FL @ Jannus Landing
9/08 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
9/09 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
9/12 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
9/13 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
9/14 – New York City, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount
9/15 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS is:
Brittney Slayes – Vocals
Scott Buchanan – Drums
Grant Truesdell – Guitar, Vocals
Andrew Kingsley – Guitar, Vocals
Nick Miller – Bass
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
X
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS
Heavy Metal Band Black Absinthe Drop New Single
(Promo by Copyright © 2024 C Squared Music, All rights reserved.)
Black Absinthe, the acclaimed heavy metal band known for their raw energy and immersive storytelling, announces the release of their gripping new single, “Jean Lanfray”. This latest offering comes ahead of their highly anticipated album, “On Earth Or In Hell”, set to be released on March 27th. I am looking forward to this album immensely. It sounds fresh, but has an excellent throwback sound that I am digging lately.
“Jean Lanfray” delves into the dark and turbulent history of Absinthe, the infamous spirit. The band was inspired by the chilling story of Jean Lanfray, a man who, in 1905, committed a heinous crime under the influence of alcohol, including Absinthe. This event sparked a moral panic that contributed significantly to the temperance movement and the eventual banning of Absinthe in many European countries.
Black Absinthe uses this narrative to explore themes of denial and the devastating effects of alcohol addiction. “When exploring concepts and stories relating to Absinthe, we came across the story of Jean Lanfray; who, after a day of excessive drinking, murdered his wife and children. Despite consuming a variety of liquors, it was his consumption of Absinthe that scandalized the public. The murders and subsequent trial kicked off a temperance movement that would see the sale and production of Absinthe banned in most European countries,” the band reflects. “The band uses the story to depict the denial ever present in an alcoholic mind. ‘Jean Lanfray’ works to depict a narrator pathetically denying the reality he has caused and showing the depraved actions a man can take when gripped with alcohol addiction.”
About BLACK ABSINTHE:
Formed in the underground dungeons and dives of Toronto’s metal scene, BLACK ABSINTHE is a Canadian contemporary heavy metal band. Since 2011, BLACK ABSINTHE has performed, recorded, and reached new fans all over Canada. Presenting a mix of thrashing mosh pits and riff heavy anthems, their growing presence in the diverse heavy music scene, unifies classic metal grandeur, speed-demon rhythm sections, soaring solos, with modern technicality. Over the course of three EP’s and one LP, Early Signs of Denial (2016), BLACK ABSINTHE has continued to grow and experiment on its NWOBHM influences while maintaining the intensity of the contemporary heavy metal genre. The band draw influences from the likes of GOJIRA, MASTODON, SLAYER, and MOTÖRHEAD, to name a few.
In 2019, founders Jack Cerre and Kyle Scarlett proudly welcomed Fernando Villalobos (Ex-SLUDGEHAMMER) into the fold. BLACK ABSINTHE continues to carve their own path with performances across Canada and have brought new material to fans in Montreal, Newfoundland, and Toronto. Most recently opening for TOWER, FIREBREATHER, and WITCHROT.
In 2020, the band began laying the groundwork for their latest album On Earth or In Hell. In 2021 the band began pre-production demos with JC Sandoval (THE CROOKED, WE THE CROOKED). As producer, he oversaw the entire project, also engineering vocals and bass. In February 2022, the band engaged Juno-nominated producer Tyler Williams of Monolithic Productions (LINDSAY SCHOOLCRAFT, LUTHARO, SLUDGEHAMMER) to co-produce, engineer drums and guitar, and mix the album. The album is slated for release on March 27th, 2024.
Watch the video for the first single “On Earth or In Hell” here: https://youtu.be/dF2FQ4hBu3Q?si=YZ8PXNWRq5vuB3NO
BLACK ABSINTHE is:
Jack Cerre (Vocals/Guitar)
Kyle Scarlett (Bass)
Fernando Villalobos (Drums)
Single Credits:
Performed/Written by: BLACK ABSINTHE
Lyrics by: Austin Henderson
Produced by: J.C. Sandoval
Co-Produced by: Tyler Williams
Mixed by: Tyler Williams (Monolithic Productions)
Mastered by: Lasse Lammert (LSD Studios)
Photography: Michael Jari Davidson
Album Art by: Darrin Crosgrove
Links:
Website: https://www.blackabsinthe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackabsintheband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackabsintheto/
Bandcamp: https://blackabsinthe.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://bit.ly/3PCBzaC
Track List:
1. Dead Queen
2. Nobody Knows
3. Jean Lanfray
4. Call of the Void
5. On Earth or In Hell
6. The Hard Way
7. Essentially Fucked
8. Twisted Past
#NewMusicFriday 11/10/13!
Back with new music Friday on the blog! Here are my top ten picks of the day/week you might’ve missed. It’s short and sweet, which is rare for me as I can be quite the windbag on here.
What are you listening to today?
Favorite album and singles post of the year coming soon! Stay tuned and don’t forget to sign up for updates below this post.
Lord of The Lost Announces New Covers Album
| [Photo Credit: Jan Season] |
The very first covers album by Germany’s #1 charting LORD OF THE LOST – honoring favorites by Michael Jackson, Judas Priest, Billy Idol & more!
Exactly one year after the release of their game changing #1 charting album, Blood & Glitter (Official German Album Charts), LORD OF THE LOST are coming back with their first ever covers album, Weapons Of Mass Seduction. The new album is a collection of songs that have inspired the band to bend genres. This double album wraps up the busiest and most successful year in the band’s history so far. In addition to storming the charts with their latest studio album, being invited by the legendary Iron Maiden as special guest on their European tour (again!), numerous sold-out headline shows, and opening gigs for Powerwolf and Amon Amarth, the band represented Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest Finals in Liverpool in May of this year. LORD OF THE LOST made it clear once again that they do not limit themselves when it comes to genre norms and influences. They’re wacky and weird and don’t follow any rules when it comes to music.
Today, the band unveils the opening track of their upcoming offering, an electrifying cover of Billy Idol’s “Shock To The System”! The song arrives with a perfectly fitting music video, underlining its attitude the best possible way. It’s a great cover and I was honestly impressed with the vocals as Billy Idol is an incredible singer. I didn’t expect to like it as I haven’t like their latest releases… but this cover is really well done. I wish the guitars were more pronounced and heavier, but it’s a polished 80’s sound that fits with the original.
Chris Harms on “Shock To The System”:
“I remember exactly when I heard this song for the first time. I was 13 years old, it was summer and I was sitting in the back of the Opel Manta convertible in which I drove to the open-air pool with my older sister and her boyfriend. Rarely has the energy of a single song gripped me so much. We’d like to give a little bit of that energy back with our tribute to Billy Idol and this song through our cover and accompanying video.”
While the album is entirely covers, Weapons Of Mass Seduction confirms LORD OF THE LOST’s creative ability to make even unexpected songs their own, and further confirms their status. The covers album comes in various different formats – some of them containing a second CD with 11 covers that are already released or have been played live. The deluxe boxset includes a third CD with 10 acoustic tracks, exclusively available in this format.
Weapons Of Mass Seduction Tracklist:
CD 1
- Shock To The System (Billy Idol Cover)
- Unstoppable (Sia Cover)
- Smalltown Boy (Bronski Beat Cover)
- Turbo Lover (Judas Priest Cover)
- Hymn (Ultravox Cover)
- Give In To Me (Michael Jackson Cover)
- River (Bishop Briggs Cover)
- Somewhere Only We Know (Keane Cover)
- (I Just) Died In Your Arms (feat. Anica Russo) (Cutting Crew Cover)
- High (Zella Day Cover)
- House On A Hill (The Pretty Reckless Cover)
CD 2
- The Look (feat. Blümchen) (Roxette Cover)
- Ordinary Town (Celebrate The Nun Cover)
- Cha Cha Cha (Käärijä Cover)
- Judas (Lady Gaga Cover)
- Children Of The Damned (Iron Maiden Cover)
- Wig In A Box (Hedwig and the Angry Inch Cover)
- Bad Romance (Lady Gaga Cover)
- The Most Radical Thing To Do (The Ark Cover)
- This Is The Life (Amy MacDonald Cover)
- It’s A Sin (Pet Shop Boys Cover)
- Ordinary World (Duran Duran Cover)
CD 3 – Ltd Deluxe Edition only
- Starman (David Bowie Cover)
- Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon (Neil Diamond Cover)
- The Days Of Pearly Spencer (David McWilliams Cover)
- Hey You (Pink Floyd Cover)
- I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night (The Electric Prunes Cover)
- Where Do You Go To My Lovely (Peter Sarstedt Cover)
- Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season) (The Byrds Cover)
- In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus) (Zager & Evans Cover)
- All I Have To Do Is Dream (The Everly Brothers Cover)
- Perfect Day (Lou Reed Cover)
Weapons Of Mass Seduction will be available in the following formats:
- 3 CD Boxset, incl 2 CD 6 pages Digisleeve (Ltd Deluxe Edition) and CD 3 incl 10 acoustic songs, exclusively available in the Deluxe Box + pink Sweatband with black logo, sharped patch and sticker – Napalm Records Mailorder and LORDSHOP exclusive – strictly limited to 1000 copies worldwide
- 2 LP RECYCLED COLOR Vinyl – Die Hard Edition incl Slipmat, record butler and 12 inch booklet – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide
- 2 LP RECYCLED COLOR Vinyl incl 12 inch booklet – LORDSHOP exclusive – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide
- 2LP Gatefold RECYCLED BLACK Vinyl
- 2 CD 6 pages Digisleeve (Ltd Deluxe Edition), 12p booklet
- 1 CD 6 pages Digisleeve, 12p booklet
- Cassette (PINK w/ Black print) – Napalm Records Mailorder and LORDSHOP exclusive – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide
- Digital Album
Weapons Of Mass Seduction features a wide range of songs from different eras and genres performed in true LORD OF THE LOST style, all surprisingly fitting for the band and hence forming a cohesive collection of covers. Classic heavy metal track “Turbo Lover”, originally by Judas Priest, meets modern pop hits in songs such as Sia’s “Unstoppable”, Bishop Briggs’ “River” and Zella Day’s “High”. Ultravox’ “Hymn”, followed by Michael Jackson’s legendary “Give In To Me” and Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know”, expand the multifaceted selection even further. With added rougher elements such as heavier vocals, Bronski Beat’s captivating 80s electro pop hit “Smalltown Boy” gets a dark makeover in the hands of LORD OF THE LOST. The unit’s cover of another legendary 80s song, “(I Just) Died In Your Arms“, features a guest appearance from rising singer-songwriter Anica Russo, who also took part in Germany’s ESC 2023 preliminary round Unser Lied für Liverpool (EN: Our Song for Liverpool). An emotional version of The Pretty Reckless’ “House On A Hill” closes Weapons Of Mass Seduction impactful.
A special 2CD edition of the new covers album provides a cross-cut of covers previously released or already covered live over the course of LORD OF THE LOST’s career. Among them are the Roxette cover “The Look” feat. Blümchen – already known from Blood & Glitter – “Children Of The Damned”, a homage to Iron Maiden, with whom LORD OF THE LOST experienced intense times during the last two years, and the cover of the Finnish ESC song “Cha Cha Cha” by Käärijä – sung by Chris Harms completely in Finnish.
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Serenity Nemesis AD Review 2023
Releases November 3rd via Napalm Records
Austrian Symphonic Metal band Serenity have been an underrated cornerstone of their genre for nearly two decades. They’ve crafted beautiful melodies, catchy battle tunes, bombastic rhythmic sections, and historical Metal and reached new heights with previous album “The Last Knight” which hit #25 on German album charts. I have loved every release since, but the expectations for this album are extremely high with the addition of Marco Pastorino of Temperance, Fallen Sanctuary, and his solo work, it seems like this guy is everywhere right now. Pastorino is known for elevating music to its maximum potential and Serenity working with him and Ancient Bards’ orchestral composer, Daniele Mazza, this album can’t be anything but incredible.
Nemesis AD is a history lesson once again, this time heavily focusing on Albrecht Durer, the great German Painter and Theologian. This topic seems to bring the most passion out of this band, as Nemesis AD is emotionally and musically profound throughout each track. Don’t let the soft choirs and chamber orchestration on opener “Memoriae Alberti Dureri” fool you, this album is huge in sound and heavy as ever. “The Fall of Man” features ex-Kamelot Tenor extraordinaire, Roy Khan, and the harmonies with the piercing voice of Georg Neuhauser is sure to send chills up your spine. A lot of songs stand out as well with “Ritter, Tod, and Teufel” based on the Durer painting, “Sun of Justice” which is fast and heart-pounding as well as catchy, and “The End of Babylon” which is a lyrical and chorus triumph. Overall, the album has a lot of gems and the usual Serenity feel and it’s a very good record, but one track stands out far above the rest for me. “Reflections (of AD)” is a masterpiece, maybe the greatest song the band has ever produced. This song is a grand, orchestral, and airy tribute to Durer and his legacy. This song is one of the most beautiful compositions I have ever heard, lyrically, emotionally, orchestral, and vocally. The ability to emote from Neuhauser and Pastorino is a diamond in today’s music. The grand level of emotions and yet so much space in the music does not appear in most modern music. This space occurs in the symphonic sound and the breakdown part that works so well with the video. This is a track that may stay with me the rest of my life and certainly the rest of the year.
Nemesis AD is a more melodious and symphonic album than past albums, but it has heavy guitars from Pastorino and Hermsdoerfer and excellent solos. It definitely strays from the path of being formulaic or too Pop sounding. It may not be their best overall album, but it will cater to the older Serenity fans as well as original Kamelot fans. If you’re not a fan of recent Kamelot offerings, Serenity could be a classic stand in. All the songs have a Khan era feel, especially “Nemesis”, which has some Eastern influence that adds a completely different feel and breaks up the soaring-Symphonic sound from being repetitive. The whole album is worth a listen all the way through and a couple of the tracks will stick in your head.
Rating 7/10 Overall, a good Symphonic Metal Album but lacked some power and awe factor that previous albums had. Reflections (of AD) is one of my tracks of the year, however, and is a modern classic of the genre.
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Redemption- I Am The Storm Review
Album comes out March 17 via AFM Records
Very few front men in the Prog genre are as highly regarded Tom Englund of Evergrey, Redemption, and a hundred other projects. He is a chemist of blending heavy guitar tone with emotional melodies. Redemption is one of the most popular Prog acts of the last two decades, but has not managed to become stale. Englund and guitarist Nick Van Dyk don’t focus on being diverse or reinventing themselves, and yet the music doesn’t become repetitive like some Prog bands tend to have a formula. It’s crazy Progressive Metal, harrowing from the classic Prog bands like Genesis. Me being the least fan of Genesis, I have never listened to Redemption before. I love Prog, but I am extremely picky with the genre (and all music to be honest). So 2023 album, I Am The Storm, is my introduction into the massive world of Redemption. My expectations for this album were nonexistent as I expected utter musical chaos like Genesis, Dream Theater, and Symphony X. As much as this album is typical musical masturbation, it is also filled with the melodic genius of England and keyboardist Vikram Shankar.
“I Am the Storm” is a bombastic, passionate, technically astounding album that is not to be digested with one listen. This is an emotionally and musically complex album that demands your attention. Van Dyk and Englund command the airwaves with every note either punching you in the face or soaring through your gut. It combines Iron Maiden, Genesis, Power, Prog, and Thrash all blending seamlessly throughout each track. Songs like the title track and “Seven Minutes From Sunset” hammer down with heavy Prog Metal guitars and rhythmic sections, breaking down into virtuoso guitar and keyboard solos. “Resilience” screams Petrucci amd Portnoy chemistry into “shreddy” soloing and a catchy vocal line. Englund might not have an enormous range, but his utter power into a tone heavy vocal can become so addictive. The highlight of the album, for me, is not the crazy guitar solos or loud technical prowess, it is the ballad of the album. “The Emotional Depiction of Light” is a hugely complex emotional track that is a must listen track of 2023. There is something so immensely haunting and grabbing about this track with the piano intro and soft vocals, building into an absolutely wailing track. To build up a song such as this takes immense restraint and musical ambition. It is pure emotional expression, and that is what I like to hear in Prog Metal.
Overall, this album is absolutely another Prog masterpiece that Redemption probably always puts out. It has everything a 10/10 Prog Metal record should have. “I Am The Storm” is musical mastery and emotive complexity perfectly. Does it show ingenuity or invention? No, in most ways it is what Dream Theater has been doing for almost four decades as well as dozens of other Prog Metal bands. Musically, while the technicality is vastly impressive, the musical masturbation is a huge turn off for me. Musical Masturbation is a term my brilliant older brother came up with to describe bands like Dream Theater where every break from vocals is a solo. It’s where subtlety and airiness die in music, allowing no time for the listener to digest and feel something other than an onslaught of notes. If this is not your thing either, Redemption is not for you. If you can’t get enough of virtuoso abilities and crazy musical changes, this album is going to absolutely blow you away.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Composition: 7
Mixing: 6
Lyrics: 4
Technicality: 10
New Album by Demons Down Review
Newly signed to Frontiers Records, Hard Rock band Demons Down is bringing back old 1980’s hooks and Arena sized reverb with brand new album “I Stand” (out March 10th). Frontiers Records strives to bring back the catchiness and epic sounds of 1980s Hard Rock and Metal one band at a time. Demons Down is a sign that this wide stereo sound is here to stay forever. Fronted by Chilean born multi faceted vocalist, James Robledo, the band has planted into its roots with Iron Maiden, Queensryche, and Quiet Riot. He has the vibrato of Bruce, the heavy and aggressiveness of Kevin Dubrow, and the clean soars of Jeff Scott Soto. The band has its influences coming from former Quiet Riot bassist, Chuck Wright, who was partially responsible for Bang Your Head in the 1980s. This band maybe new, but their chemistry is ancient history.
“I Stand” sounds like its right of the 1980s and early 1990s with uncompromising heavy metal themes made to pump you up. It is simplistic yet massive in sound. The solos, vocals, bass guitar, and ringing rhythms fill up the space without playing musical masturbation. As far as Debut Albums go, Demons Down has made an enormous statement of who they are and what they plan to accomplish with their music. Songs like I Stand, Disappear, and Follow Me come in hot and hard with Arena sound that is making its way back to popularity. This album is very Melodic, which is not what I expected. I would’ve liked some more crunch in the guitars and some bigger drum fills to break up that nostalgia and stay modern. If you’re looking for grit or chuggy guitars, this album is not for you. But, if you want straight up Hard Rock to sing along to, these guys really deliver. I am interested to see what their live performances bring and what they do with follow up albums.
Rating 6 out of 10
Composition: 8
Mixing: 9
Lyrics: 7
Technicality: 4
Metal Valkyrie 