 The 31. Wacken Open Air is in the books. At the world’s biggest metal festival, 83.400 fans witnessed spectacular shows by Judas Priest, Slipknot and Powerwolf. In total, more than 200 bands rocked nine stages, Sweden’s Amon Amarth even played an unannounced secret concert right underneath the famous Wacken skull. The joy of finally being able to experience live music and a multi-faceted open air event with like-minded people from all over the world could be felt everywhere. Festival promoters Holger Hübner and Thomas Jensen commented: "The Wacken Open Air is back – finally! We missed the festival as much as the fans did. Now we’re very much looking forward to next year’s edition, which will offer four full days of live concerts for the first time. Tickets go on sale this Sunday evening.“ At a press conference held during the afternoon, police, fire department and emergency medical services as well as the local regulatory authority looked back on an exceptionally peaceful and trouble-free event. The number of occurrences in their respective fields all stayed below of those from 2019. For example, the number of times the fire brigade had to jump into action only was in the lower double digits, the number of cases for the police dropped by 60 percent. Bands confirmed for 2023, four days of live music for the first time. A first glimpse of next year’s billing was announced on the main stages during the night. W:O:A 2023 will take place Aug 2-5, making it the first time the festival officially boasts four days of live music. Headlining the event will be the mighty Iron Maiden: There is not a single metalhead that doesn’t know them. And it’s hard to think of a band that has defined classic heavy metal as much as they have. So consequently, there might very well be no band that is a better fit for the "holy ground of metal“. So in 2023, Iron Maiden will return to headline at the Wacken Open Air for the fourth time! So get ready for impressive production, a passionate performance, amazing music and of course Eddie! It has been seven long years since those iconic words have been heard: "Scream for me, Wacken!“ Also announced have been Megadeth from the USA, who are considered worldwide as originators of Thrash Metal and being part of the "Big 4“ of the genre. Also playing will be Irish-American folk-punks Dropkick Murphys and Jinjer from the Ukraine, one of the hottest bands in modern metal today. Two Steps From Hell, a duo from Los Angeles, have amassed millions of followers with their brand of „Epic Music“, used in thousands of movies, trailers, series, spots and games, turning them into the biggest in their field. At the W:O:A, their first festival ever and only festival in Europe in 2023, they will perform a special and unique Wacken set. Fans can look forward to doom pioneers Pentagram and their „50th Anniversary Show“, while death metallers Deicide will celebrate their genre shaping sophomore album "Legion“ with a special show as well. More announcements are: Wardruna (atmospheric Nordic folk), Beartooth (hardcore), Ensiferum (Viking metal), Nervosa (thrash), and Burning Witches (heavy metal). More bands to be follow. In 2023, there will be once again a theme running through the whole festival: vikings and their culture. This will manifest itself in the overall appearance of the W:O:A as well performances and additional content all over the festival site. Pre-sale has begun, Tickets for Wacken Open Air 2023 are now on sale at metaltix.com. Fast-Tickets are sold with an exclusive special shirt, but are limited to 10.000 units. As soon as they are gone, Hard-Tickets go on sale. Pre-sale details can be found at metaltix.com and, starting Sunday, at wacken.com. Metalheads that move fast could even get their hands on a real Harley Davidson motorcycle! Everybody purchasing a W:O:A ticket within the first 24 hours of the pre-sale starting is automatically entered eligible to win the this totally unique bike which has been customized with a high-class W:O:A paint job. See you in Wacken. Rain or shine. www.wacken.com
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 Photo by Mike Dann Voyager will once again land their Australian feet on European soil during the 'Witness Tour Europe 2022', supporting the mighty VOLA. The tour will be kicking off in Munich (DE) at Feierwerk on the 9th of September 2022 and will be traveling through 12 different countries, delivering 21 energetic shows before the final show, which will end at Euroblast Fest in Cologne - (DE). Together with VOLA and Four Stroke Baron they will spread all of their best throughout Europe. Welcome back Voyager! Voyager comment: “Europe, it has been a while indeed and what better way to mark our return to your shores (and to escape from ours) than with some other synth-tastic bands. We join VOLA and Four Stroke Baron across UK/Europe and we cannot wait to see your beautiful faces.” VOYAGER is using Patreon. Check out their Patreon page HERE. A full list of confirmed shows can be found below. 
Voyager are:-
 Norwegian progressive metal act Green Carnation will stream their 'Leaves of Yesteryear' release show on May 23rd. Because of the challenging situation with the Coronavirus, promoter Dirty Old Town, Green Carnation , Ticketmaster, Aasgaarden Visuals / Amodei Visual and Radisson Blu Caledonien Hotel have decided to live-stream the concert with a multiple camera production with no audience present. No matter where you are located, you will be able to buy a ticket, get a unique code and stream the entire event. Tickets are now available HERE. The band is working to find a new date for the physical concert and ticket-holders for the original show on May 23rd, will automatically receive a streaming-code for the online event. Green Carnation singer Kjetil Nordhus comments:- "Bands, artists, musicians, promoters and music-lovers are experiencing severe challenges in the times of the Coronavirus. We have decided to attack the situation in a positive way and share our big release party with the people having already bought a ticket but also with fans in the rest of the world. This will be a big happening for everybody involved, and we’re really looking forward to sharing it with everybody!" www.facebook.com/greencarnationnorway https://www.instagram.com/green2carnation/ www.greencarnationmusic.com  Are you a Bloodstock regular? Perhaps you’re thinking of coming for the first time, or you’ve tested the waters before with a day ticket just to see what you think? Bloodstock weekend ticket holders don’t just get three days of heavy metal glory, they get four! While day tickets can be purchased closer to the event for Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday, Bloodstock starts the party on Thursday, exclusively for weekend ticket holders! Get your tent pitched, grab your mates, and head over to the Planet Rock presents...Sophie Lancaster stage for a jam-packed evening of heavy metal fun. Back in December, Bloodstock revealed that Swedish hard rockers The Night Flight Orchestra are set to headline Thursday’s opening night party. The Nuclear Blast-signed band, who feature members of Soilwork and Arch Enemy in their ranks, are promising new songs in 2020, but meanwhile, check out ‘This Time’ from current release, ‘Sometimes The World Ain’t Enough’ here. Bloodstock is thrilled to announce that they’ll be joined on the bill by these four bands… Firstly, the irrepressible goblin kings, NEKROGOBLIKON. Hailing from California, the group released latest album ‘Welcome To Bonkers’ in 2018, featuring the track ‘Dressed As Goblins’ - watch the video for it here. If that’s not enough goblin for you, browse the rest of their Nekrogoblitude, and if you want to dress up especially for their set, who are we to stop you?! Be sure to get your photo snapped by our roving official photographers if you do! Northern Irish death/doom merchants THE CRAWLING are also added to Thursday’s line-up. Citing influences such as Paradise Lost, Marduk, Katatonia, and Bolt Thrower, this stripped back, dark three piece will bring all the heavy. Get familiar via the video for ‘Still No Sun’ here, taken from their album ‘Wolves And The Hideous White’. Derby-based grind squad RAISED BY OWLS are looking forward to adding their brand of extreme metal to Thursday’s headbangin’ shenanigans, promising a no-holds-barred aural assault with a hefty dose of sardonic humour. You only have to check out the video for their Christmas charity single ‘The Santanist’ here (proceeds going to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation), to get a flavour of what’s in store. Also joining the fray, are last year’s Bournemouth Metal 2 The Masses victors ANAKIM, offering up a choice blend of progressive black/death metal to get your weekend started. Check out that live set, including the single ‘Born Of The Serpents Tongue’, filmed at Bloodstock, here. Their album, ‘Monuments To Departed Worlds’, is out now. And that’s just the bands! There’s a host of other entertainment planned too, sure to kick off your weekend in glorious style. Don’t miss out! Already got your weekend ticket? Started planning your travel yet? Don’t forget that BIG GREEN COACH picks up from 33 different locations across the country (with new cities added), very conveniently dropping you, your mates and all your camping gear, right inside the festival grounds. It’s good for your green credentials too! For more info or to book your spot, head over to their site here. For those of you interested in working at BLOODSTOCK as your means to attend, FESTAFF begin their volunteer recruitment drive from February 1. To get all the details on what that entails and to apply, go here. BLOODSTOCK’s very popular ticket deposit scheme is now up and running, allowing you to spread your standard weekend ticket purchase over 5 instalments. You can sign up at any time until February 28th and will make your first payment of £29 + booking fees straight away. After that, payments breakdown as follows: Payment 2 - £29 (debits 27/03/20), Payment 3 - £29 (debits 27/04/20), Payment 4 - £29 (debits 26/05/20), and then your Final Payment - £29 + postage (debits 26/06/20). Please note VIP and child tickets are not eligible for the deposit scheme. Get tickets at the ticket store. Unsure what to expect? Watch a trailer all about BLOODSTOCK here. BLOODSTOCK’s 2020 main stage headliners are DEVIN TOWNSEND (Friday), BEHEMOTH (Saturday), and JUDAS PRIEST (Sunday). The festival also welcomes HATEBREED, PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS, SKINDRED, PARADISE LOST, LIFE OF AGONY, BURY TOMORROW, BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DIAMOND HEAD, JINJER, VIO-LENCE, SACRED REICH, GLORYHAMMER, DARK TRANQUILLITY, BUTCHER BABIES, CATTLE DECAPITATION, BLOODYWOOD, MEMORIAM, RAMAGE INC, GREEN LUNG, BOSSK, CONJURER, ORANGE GOBLIN, THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, SAXON, SYLOSIS, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, NECTOR, WINTERFYLLETH, & EXHUMED so far. Many more bands performing over the weekend are still to be announced! Standard weekend tickets, VIP tickets, child tickets, and car parking tickets for 2020’s event are available now at the ticket store. A limited number of day tickets will go on sale later this year - sign up for a free reminder here. Campervan tickets for 2020 are now sold out. BLOODSTOCK 2020 takes place at Catton Park, Derbyshire from 6th-9th August 2020. For more info, click to www.bloodstock.uk.com.  Italian progressive metal band, Last Union, have announced European - Eastern Europe Tour Dates as support of Delain & Amaranthe, and one show with Soundstorm & Kalidia. Last Union have released their debut album ‘Twelve‘ in December 2018 via ROAR! Rock Of Angels Records, which feat. as guest Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie and Mike LePond (Symphony X) on bass, Uli Kusch (Helloween, Masterplan) on drums. Tour dates as follow: Feb 08 - Sonic Room, Fabriano, Italy w/ SOUNDSTORM + KALIDIA Feb 16 - Известия Hall, Moscow, Russia w/ DELAIN Feb 17 - Зал Ожидания, St. Petersburg, Russia w/ DELAIN Mar 09 - Atlas, Kyiv, Ukraine w/ AMARANTHE Mar 10 - RE:PUBLIC, Minsk, Belarus w/ AMARANTHE  The quiet city of Tolentino in the Marche region of Central Italy not only boasts a rich historical background, it is also the place progressive metal band Last Union calls home. Founded by vocalist Elisa Scarpeccio, guitarist Cristiano Tiberi and keyboardist Claudio Feliziani in 2007, the band — originally known as Blazing Ice — embarked on their journey in the pursuit of sharing their thoughts and feelings about life, and ultimately their art, with the world. With the assistance of professional session bassists and drummers, the trio established themselves on the Italian scene with a string of shows that helped them evolve and refine their craft. LAST UNION live line-up: Elisa Scarpeccio - vocals Cristiano Tiberi - guitars Alessandro Binotti - guitars Matteo Brillarelli - bass Alessandro Vagnoni - drums www.facebook.com/lastunion www.lastunion.it  French metal goliaths Gojira have today announced their return to the UK, for a string of headline shows in June/July 2019. Special guests will be announced at a later date. Tickets go on general sale this Friday at 10am, but are also available via O2's pre-sale now and Live Nation's pre-sale tomorrow at 10am. Pick up tickets at: https://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/gojira-tickets. Dates are as follows: Sat 29th Jun - BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy Sun 30th Jun - LONDON O2 Academy Brixton Mon 1st Jul - MANCHESTER O2 Apollo The band recently shared a video of their entire set at Poland's Pol'And'Rock Festival in August 2018 on their social media. Watch it at: https://youtu.be/ISJtvWhkMFQ. Stay tuned for more GOJIRA news soon.  San Juan stoner/progressive metal act Moths embark on their first mainland United States performances this February with a string of shows on the East Coast. Following the November 2018 release of their debut EP (s/t), the band is looking forward to bringing their music to new audiences. Says bassist Weslie Negrón:- "We're extremely excited to be able to perform in the U.S. Mainland for the first time. Since we got featured as Album of the Day in Bandcamp, we've had people from the areas that we're playing give us great reactions to the EP -- and we can't wait to show people what the Puerto Rican metal scene is all about. There's a lot of talent in the Island, especially regarding metal, so we want to encourage people to keep digging on the bands that we got here."  Tour Dates
Moths is a stoner/progressive metal band from San Juan, Puerto Rico that blends powerful riffs with unexpected and increasingly progressive undertones. The band was founded in 2016 by Weslie Negrón (bass), Jonathan Miranda (lead guitar), and Omar González (rhythm guitar), with the later addition of Damaris Rodríguez (vocals) and Daniel Figueroa (drums). With influences ranging from Porcupine Tree to King Crimson, they have impressed their local metal scene with an uncommon style that's enjoyed by metalheads and non-metal fans alike. With Damaris’ aggressive but melodic vocals, Omar’s catchy riffs, Jonathan’s unorthodox leads, Weslie’s solid bass lines, and Daniel’s extreme drumming, Moths create a perfect balance of heavy and cohesive music that impacts audiences on a whole new level. While the band was affected by Hurricane Maria, which devastated much of Puerto Rico in September 2017, they pushed through trying times to continue their craft. Their debut self-titled EP was released in November 2018 to international accolades, including being featured by bandcamp as an Album of the Day. Watch the video for lead single "Adhara & Ray" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYaYeC1Zgl8
On March 8th, the Faroe Islands' Tyr will release their eighth full-length, "HEL", via Metal Blade Records. Hel is a collection of ruthlessly melodic and irresistibly compelling progressive folk metal that will immediately resonate with any who have followed the band at any point over the two decades of their storied career. To celebrate the new album Tyr are about to hit the road across Europe alongside Dutch Folk Metallers Heidevolk and Hungarian Folk Metallers Dalriada. They'll be joined on stage by Attila Vörös (Nevermore, Satyricion and many more) again as the honorary fourth member of the new line-up. Previously Tyr has been reinforced by Tadeusz Rieckmann (known from Dalriada) on drums. “It's been way too long since we were on a headliner tour in Europe, and we are very excited to get back on the European roads - with our good Dutch friends, Heidevolk, and with Dalriada from Hungary - to play some of our new songs to you, as well as some of our old headbangers.”  A new song also has been launched, Fire and Flame can be listened below. Týr "Fire and Flame" - www.youtube.com/watch?v=52GhQD0fW8s After a successful tour with Korpiklaani and Arkona, Heidevolk is ready to embark on another European quest. As a co-headliner they will take you through ancient battlefields and mead-filled drinking halls in honor of "Vuur Van Verzet" their most varried release to date. Heidevolk - Ontwaakt - www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhCnHJGk4TU To make this nice power / pagan package complete Dalriada will join the party for their first ever mainland Europe tour with the latest album "NYÁRUTÓ" DALRIADA - Búsirató - www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAeR3u9dHIc TOUR DATES: 5-Apr-2019 Baroeg Rotterdam Netherlands 6-Apr-2019 Cafe Cental Weinheim Germany 7-Apr-2019 La Machine Paris France 8-Apr-2019 Le Rex Toulouse France 9-Apr-2019 Sala Salamandra Barcelona Spain 10-Apr-2019 Jas'Rod Marseille France 11-Apr-2019 Les Docks Lausanne Switzerland 12-Apr-2019 Musiczentrum Hannover Germany 13-Apr-2019 Durbuy Rock Bomal Belgium 14-Apr-2019 Z7 Pratteln Switzerland 15-Apr-2019 CCO Lyon France 16-Apr-2019 Le Grillen Colmar France 17-Apr-2019 Turock Essen Germany 18-Apr-2019 East Club Bischofswerda Germany 19-Apr-2019 Tartaros Banska Bystrica Slovakia 20-Apr-2019 Masters Of Rock Cafe Zlin Czech Republic 21-Apr-2019 Barba Negra Budapest Hungary 22-Apr-2019 Viper Room Wien Austria 23-Apr-2019 Backstage - Werk München Germany 24-Apr-2019 Doornrosje Nijmegen Netherlands 25-Apr-2019 Kaiserkeller Hamburg Germany 26-Apr-2019 Hellraiser Leipzig Germany 27-Apr-2019 Ragnarök Festival Lichtenfels Germany www.facebook.com/tyrband www.facebook.com/heidevolkofficial www.facebook.com/Dalriadahu  Go Loud Agency, in collaboration with Darkside Records, is proud to announce that all-star band MaYaN (NL) – featuring members of Epica, Nightwish and Firewind, among others – will play four exclusive shows in the Baltic States, with very special guests Carthagods (TN). The Baltic tour will hit Tallinn (EE), Riga (LV), Liepaja (LV) and Vilnius (LT), marking the band’s first appearance in the Baltic States. TOUR DATES 06.12.2018 | Tallinn (EE) | Rockclub Tapper 07.12.2018 | Riga (LV) | Melna Piektdiena 08.12.2018 | Liepaja (LV) | Fontaine Palace 09.12.2018 | Vilnius (LT) | Narauti  MaYaN was conceived in early 2010 by versatile musician and Epica mastermind Mark Jansenand old friend, ex-After Forever keyboardist Jack Driessen. Their goal was to write an album in the style they’ve always been longing to play. Mark asked guitarist Frank Schiphorst (Symmetry, Christmas Metal Symphony) to join in: the chemistry was undeniable and the project soon evolved into a real band. The initial lineup was thus completed by Epica drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek and guitarist Isaac Delahaye. Boasting vocalists like Henning Basse (currently Firewind), Laura Macrì, Simone Simons (Epica) and Floor Jansen (currently Nightwish), MaYaN‘s debut album Quarterpast – released via Nuclear Blast in 2011 – quickly grabbed the media’s attention, with excellent reviews, in-depth interviews and raving reactions of fans worldwide to boot. After the release of their sophomore album Antagonise in 2014 – the first MaYaN album to enter the official Dutch and Belgian album charts, as well as album of the month in leading Dutch metal magazine Aardschok and album of the week in Revolver Magazine – followed by very successful tours and prestigious festivals through parts of Europe, Central and South America, the band is now ready to promote their current album Dhyana. Aside from a handful of excellent guests, the record also features orchestral arrangements provided by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra (the very same orchestra of Dimmu Borgir’s album Death Cult Armageddon). MaYaN live lineup: – Grunts: Mark Jansen – George Oosthoek – Clean male vocals: Adam Denlinger / Henning Basse (special guest) – Clean female vocals: Laura Macrì – Marcela Bovio – Keyboards: Jack Driessen – Guitars: Frank Schiphorst – Merel Bechtold / Arjan Rijnen (backup) / Jord Otto (backup) – Bass: Roel Käller – Drums: Ariën van Weesenbeek Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube  Carthagods was one of the first metal bands to emerge from Tunisia in the late 90’s. Undoubtedly, they are the pioneers of heavy metal, not to mention the oldest existing Metal band in the country. Their powerful sound, influence, and longevity make them one of the most important bands in the history of the Tunisian Metal scene. Carthagods is expected to release their upcoming EP in the beginning of 2019. The record will feature guitar virtuoso Timo Somers (Delain, Arrow Haze, Vengeance, to name a few), whom has also served the band as live guitarist since 2015. Carthagods has brought their authentic blend of metal worldwide (France, Romania, Malta, Turkey, Belgium, Holland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia) and played a handful of prestigious shows in the band’s homeland Tunisia: the fivepiece has shared the stage with industry giants such as Dark Tranquility, Epica, Judas Priest and Blind Guardian. In early 2018, Carthagods signed a record deal with Darkside Records, followed by the release of their single “The Devil’s Dolls” (watch it here). Carthagods are: M.Khema (Vocals) Timo SOMERS (live Lead Guitars) Tarak (Guitars) Zack (Drums & backing vocals) Timon (Bass) Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube  Australian prog metal masters Ne Obliviscaris have announced a European tour with Ihsahn and Astrosaur. The tour kicks off on October 29 in Sweden and will end on November 11, in Hungary. A full list of tour dates can be found below. Ne Obliviscaris comment: "Ihsahn, from arguably the most well known black metal band in history, Emperor, has given us the opportunity to share his European tour in support his latest solo release, the brilliant, “Ámr”. We’ve all been fans of Ihsahn’s work for many years now and to support such an iconic artist we’ve looked up to is an honour and will certainly be a defining moment in not only our careers, but also our lives. Opening will be instrumental Norwegians, Astrosaur. If you want prog, melody, metal, and history, be there." 'Urn' is streaming in full at the link below. https://youtu.be/_oTbsAHTXrc NE OBLIVISCARIS With IHSAHN and ASTROSAUR 29 Oct 18 Göteborg (SE) Sticky Fingers 30 Oct 18 Copenhagen (DK) Lille Vega 31 Oct 18 Hamburg (DE) Logo 01 Nov 18 Köln (DE) Luxor 03 Nov 18 Leeds (UK) Damnation 04 Nov 18 Eindhoven (NL) Effenaar 05 Nov 18 Paris (FR) La Machine 06 Nov 18 Esch (LU) Kulturfabrik 07 Nov 18 Milan (IT) Santeria Social Club 09 Nov 18 Vienna (AT) Szene 10 Nov 18 Prague (CZ) Palac Akropolis 11 Nov 18 Budapest (HU) A38 NE OBLIVISCARIS will be touring in support of their new release 'Urn'. www.facebook.com/NeObliviscarisBand |
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