 Almost a year after their first full-length album "Valley Of The Kings", the Swiss old school metallers Crashtime have released their new single / video 'Black Tied Deceiver'. As usual, Crashtime offer full concentrated metal power in the style of the 80s/90s, but with influences of today's metal. The song tells the story of Black Tied Deceivers, who are responsible for arms trade, human trafficking, and other illegal activities. The band made huge efforts into this record and the modern power loaded lyric video reflects both, the violence that underlies the Black Tied Deceivers, and the bad feelings of the victims - mirroring the events. These kinds of stories are characteristic for Crashtime, because they often touch on current or social topics, but always with wide scope for personal interpretations. Crashtime has established a reputation for their old-school metal in the Swiss metal scene. People are relegated back to the 80s/90s, but with powerful sound and a modern touch. So the many old school metal fans are able to hear something new again. Line-up:
The line-up of Crashtime didn’t get together by chance, because three out of the five band members knew each other since teenage years. The foundation for the current line-up was laid between 1985 and 1987. Through the years it became a consistent old-school metal band, who was successfully performing live during the last 14 years. Based on this long-termed friendship, the band is a well-rehearsed team. Endless classic Metal power, that's the elixir, which fans and friends are longing for. Old and new songs invite the audience to sing along and join in. So every gig becomes a big party and leaves satisfied spectators at home. Crashtime are already looking forward to the COVID-free time and to be back on stage soon! Crashtime 2022.
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 Swedish symphonic progressive metallers Hexed to release their new album "Pagans Rising" on September 30 via ViciSolum Productions! Hexed are back with their second album “Pagans Rising”. Along with the powerful lead vocals of Tina Gunnarsson, this theme album definitely has great songwriting mixed with strong choruses and male growl. It´s a perfect blend of spellbinding guitar melodies, chugging riffs dark symphonic orchestrations and progressive elements. It has been written with inspiration and history of Sweden’s witch-hunting hysteria in the late 17th century. Behind the unique sound of this masterpiece is the talented mixing/mastering engineer Ronnie Björnström. (Sorcerer, Aeon etc.) This release is a much heavier and darker version of Hexed. Second single "Resurrection" will be released on August 12! Pre-order album: https://smarturl.it/VSP180 https://vicisolumrecords.com/album/pagans-rising
Hexed is a Swedish symphonic and progressive metal band fronted by the amazing lead vocalist Tina Gunnarsson. It contains thick driving rhythms, melodic orchestrations with dark layers, powerful female vocals and male growl. The band was formed late 2015 by vocalist Tina and guitarist Stellan Gunnarsson, they already had a history in the metal scene and were experienced songwriters. Since both of them had the source of inspiration from bands such as Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory and Kamelot, their aim was to create music and to focus on strong vocals combined with melodic guitars and progressive elements. Drummer Teddy Möller and Bass player Daniel Håkansson were early chosen to take place and Hexed released the debut single “Dreams” in 2016. In 2017 the first EP ”Exhaling Life” came out, which ended up signing a worldwide deal with ViciSolum Productions. The debut album “Netherworld” was released in 2018 and received great response from both press, media and fans. It has resulted in tours and gigs at several clubs and festivals all around Europe and the band have shared stages with many bands such as Leprous, Omnium Gatherum and Harakiri for the Sky among others. Hexed have gained a strong reputation for being a fantastic live act and for always delivering a great live performance. After a couple of changes in the line-up Hexed recruited a second guitarist David Nyman and the drummer Patrick Wahlberg. During the years, the music has grown into a unique sound for Hexed. “The world will soon be divided in two parts, those who already are Hexed and those who are about to be". LINE-UP:
 Promo picture by Martin Lauri Estonia’s most pioneering modern metal band brings a breath of fresh air to this summer heat with their latest release Ego Death. Known for pushing themselves beyond their comfort zone, Horror Dance Squad has proven time and again that they can conquer new territory with ease. And the opening seconds of Ego Death fulfil the promise their fans have come to love and expect from the band: a juicy and unapologetic blend of pop, punk, and metalcore cowritten with Sander Sadam and wrapped up in a massive mix by Cody Stewart.
Reflecting the musical direction of Ego Death, the lyrics speak about self-surrender and transformation. Singer Karl Mesipuu explains, “With this song we are exploring our inner selves and the way we interact with the world around us. We want to reflect on how we are living our lives and how to act with others to make ourselves better.” Singer Ian Karell adds, “As I get older and take on new responsibilities in life, I recognise the importance of ensuring my actions are not rooted in selfishness. The ego is essentially selfish, so by killing the ego, or at least giving it a backseat, you are able to confidently pursue a more altruistic life.” Horror Dance Squad is one of Estonia’s most talked about metal bands. Blasting stages throughout the Baltics and abroad since 2014, they are not afraid to stir up divisive opinions through their style and influence. Horror Dance Squad’s mission is to deliver a fresh blend of metalcore, punk, and pop with a vibrant and explosive live performance. Theirs is a mission with a message. Far from the typical doom and gloom expected from the genre, Horror Dance Squad aims to spread awareness of today’s most pressing social and existential questions with an infectious positivity. Horror Dance Squad has had the enormous pleasure of sharing the stage with international heavy hitters such as Siamese, Comeback Kid, Dead By April, Adept, Electric Callboy, We Butter The Bread With Butter, Deez Nuts, August Burns Red and One Morning Left. They also represented Estonia at the 2016 Wacken Open Air Metal Battle. Line-up:
 Urban Primate is a modern and intense metal band with the ability and eagerness to implement a variety of elements from hard rock, 90's grunge rock, and heavy metal to deliver a solid and holistic metal experience. They have signed a licensing deal with Wormholedeath for the reissue of their album Desolation, which will be re-released on July 29th, 2022. The band speaking about the collaboration with Wormholedeath stated: "We are very excited to sign with Wormholedeath and a family of very talented bands. This is a group of very skilled and passionate people who loves music and share the same values as us. After many great conversations with the owner Carlo Belotti, we truly believe that Wormholedeath is the right place to develop our music and to form a great partnership for the future. Wormholedeath will release and distribute our album “Desolation” and we are really looking forward to collaborating with WHD"
Urban Primate was first formed in 2010 and consisted at that time of five dedicated members, who wrote and released the band's first album “Urban Primate” in 2010. The album was the band's first touch into the Danish Hardrock scene and made the way for a variety of gigs in Denmark. This first album was heavily inspired by bands such as Filter, Alice in chains, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo fighter, etc. The vocals and melodies always had a huge role in Urban Primates' production and on this first full album, Benjamin Larsen drew references to vocalists like Richard Patrick, Layne Staley, and Chester Bennington. Urban Primate played several venues in Denmark from 2010 to 2012. Over the years the band changed members a few times with only Benjamin, Christian, and Jakob as ongoing members of the group. In 2011 the band once again went to the studio to record an EP with five tracks. The EP changed the band's focus from a softer hard-rock band to a more crunchy metal sound. The EP was more aggressive, the vocals harder, and the beats faster and more hard-hitting. In 2012 the band split up and Urban Primate was finally shut down. Yet, in the summer of 2020, the band members felt it was time to revive Urban Primate. In the middle of the worldwide covid-19 pandemic, the band started rehearsals and shortly after released their first single, “My Terror Calling” – a song heavily inspired by 2000’s nu-metal and grunge, after eight years of silence. The band released their 2nd full-length album DESOLATION I 2021. Yet again the band's focus had changed and the style was now even more inspired by the late 90’ies grunge combined with a more modern metal sound. The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Nicklas Sonne, Sonne studios, giving the band a deeper and more modern sound to their music. In march 2022 Urban Primate joined forces with the Italian label WORMHOLEDEATH. A strong and dedicated partnership focused on introducing Urban Primates music worldwide. Urban Primate is at the moment working on new songs for an upcoming album. Line up:
 Hungarian symphonic metallers Meteora announce new album “...Of Shades and Colours” to be released in September! The band released a statement about the album:- “We proudly announce our third studio album "...Of Shades and Colours", being released early September this year! Featuring 13 tracks in total, including three orchestral intro songs, this album is our most ambitious record so far. Showcasing all the colours of the band we invite our listeners to a journey through power, gothic and death metal all wrapped in heavy orchestration. We expanded on the three vocal setup that we started on "Tragedy oO Delusion", with Noémi being the heart and soul of the music, accompanied by the beastly growls of Máté, and powerful vocals of Atilla. As always the music incorporates grand choirs, delivered this time by KVVKamarakórus, led by the phenomenal Viktor Magyaróvári, and with whom you may be familiar from our re-released version of "Our Paradise". We had the pleasure to have Chris Harms from Lord Of The Lost as a guest vocalist for the song "Danse Macabre", and our old friend Ádám Kurucz playing the guitar solos on the album. As always the cover artwork was made by our long time graphic designer, István Lajcsák.”
 Promo picture by Patrik Nuorteva Finnish progressive metal act Somehow Jo release their 2nd single with a new visualizer video ‘Fata Morgana’ - from the upcoming 3rd album. The upcoming album carries the name ‘Scales And Details’ and is out 16th September via Inverse Records. Watch the music video for “Fata Morgana” here: https://youtu.be/M5Ma6oQQbcg With their new approach on progressive metal music Somehow Jo bring out their rule-bending song writing and catchy grooves with eclectic brutality. Interesting rhythms combined with a clean and harsh vocals brings out all the emotion of this talented newcomer. Dozens of medias across the globe have compared and praised Somehow Jo’s experimental sound with their ancestors; System Of A to Down, Mastodon and Alter Bridge. The upcoming "Scales And Details" album deals with e.g. depression, not getting forward in life, failing, and overcoming these. The album is intertwined with experimental effects and soundscape between and in the songs. "scales And Details" - album pre-sales has started and can be pre-ordered here: https://www.inverse.fi/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=992 Line-up:
 photo credit: Tim Tronckoe Dutch symphonic metal superstars Within Temptation’s newest single ‘Don’t Pray For Me’ is now out. An anthem for pursuing one’s own destiny, the band state: “We live in a world where cultures and beliefs are melting together, while at the same time acts of intolerance and injustice dominate the world. Both societal issues and a rapid increase in sub-beliefs have resulted in fear, fragmentation and disconnect”. Vocalist Sharon den Adel continues: “‘Don’t Pray For Me’ strives against forcing beliefs and fears onto others and bears witness to being acceptive of everyone’s own journey. It is an anthem about coming to terms with the fact that beliefs can be fluid, multiple or frankly: different. The song is about allowing people to pursue their own destiny.” Listen to the brand-new single ‘Don’t Pray For Me’ now across all major streaming platforms. Smart link: https://wt.lnk.to/dpfm ‘Don’t Pray For Me’ is the fourth single of Within Temptation’s independent releases. The band has been busy in the studio writing and recording brand new songs for their forthcoming album, which they expect to release next year. French slamming deathcore mob Kanine to release 'Karnage' July 8th on Lacerated Enemy Records2/7/2022  French slamming deathcore horde Kanine will release debut album "Karnage", July 8th on Lacerated Enemy Records. Official videos for the first two singles, "Gangrene" and "Snakepit," are available below.
Kanine brings a perfect blend of brutality, power and groove, and are sure to turn heads with Karnage! Kanine was formed in early 2020 by four friends with the same passion for heavy music and bassdrop, creating their brand of brutal slamming deathcore in the vein of Within Destruction, Extermination Dismemberment, Acrania, and the like. Expect nothing but pure heaviness!
In the band's own words: "Karnage is real! This is the first time we have the idea of producing something we want to show to the people. It’s a result of several months of composing all together with the desire to speak about humanity's condition and society who make almost every worst choice possible. But, we also see the force we have together, right in the COVID and quarantine period, we stayed focused on our project ,and we wrote an album we can be proud of." Pre-orders: Album Credits:
Line-up:
 After the release of the first single See Me Fall with Veronica Driven on vocals, Break Me Down present Lose Your Mind, a new track with a fast-paced rhythm, big guitars, and captivating vocals. The numbers of the song See Me Fall are, for an independent band, noteworthy: over 68K plays on Spotify and more than 45K views on YouTube without counting the constant growth of new followers on each social media platform. Veronica, frontwoman of the band, says:- “We all grew up with a happy ending: the prince who saves the princess from the evil witch or the evil queen. Many beautiful fairy tales have been written and many wonderful cartoons and films have been shot. But those stories are not true! We know very well that real life is not a fairy tale and there is rarely a happy ending. In a nutshell: in reality, the bad guys win. The whole process of writing our new songs started from this perspective. We wanted to give a voice to the villains of fairy tales and tell their stories, and their feelings. It is not true that we are only good or only bad. It depends on the situations we live in and which we are forced to face. Because in real life, when we are wronged, each of us can become bad and feel the desire to do evil, to take revenge. In these songs, our bad side wins ”. Tommy, bassist of the group, regarding the concept: "When we got together to write the lyrics and think about the contents of the songs, we asked ourselves: how many times in real life have we faced situations like this where everyone does their own interests regardless of the damage that can it provoke to others? It is precisely this question that influenced the writing of this song. Fairy tales do not totally deviate from real life but take inspiration from it. We did the reverse process, giving a "real" conclusion to what we want to end well in the fantasy", Fabio, the drummer, adds:" in fact, the Queen's heart is filled with hatred and resentment, sensations that we have all experienced at least once. However, hers are poured out against Alice who, not fully understanding her, unleashes loneliness and abandonment in her, and as happens to a normal person, Iracebeth reacts but in her case, being a sovereign, gives vent to all her folly". Iracebeth is a capricious, sadistic, angry, self-centered, and insane queen. However, she wears a red veil that covers almost her entire body, to hide from the judgment of others. During her childhood, she was teased by other children for her clumsy and funny appearance, and although her features have changed over the years, she still prefers to cover her body and face. She demonstrates her madness with magnetic, sinuous, and deadly movements; during the dance she condemns her victims by entering their minds, possessing them, and marking them with her favourite colour: blood red. It does not tolerate anything that is white and represents purity. Alice represents everything she hates, candor, innocence, purity, and beauty. He does not accept his presence in his kingdom and with a lethal waltz, Alice falls victim to Iracebeth. Break Me Down is an Alternative Metal band founded in Milan in 2017. Their songs' energy and beauty release a powerful emotion that explodes during their live performances. Among many shows all over their country, there are some important opening acts for international artists like Crazy Town, Joe Stump's Tower of Babel, Vinnie Moore, and Lacuna Coil. They released their first EP Resilience in January 2018, which contains three unedited songs written and produced by the band, then recorded and mixed by Matteo Magni at Magnitude Studio. In October 2019 Break Me Down released his first LP The Pond which contains eleven unedited songs written and produced by the band. In March 2020 there is an important line-up change: the new singer is Veronica Driven, a super talented old friend with a great desire to work and emerge. After a period of forced interruption from lives due to Covid, the group returned on stage in July 2021 with a SOLD OUT night at the Legend Club in Milan which inaugurated the new concert season. In April 2022 the band released See Me Fall, the first single with Veronica Driven at the mic, which marked a change of style for BMD, their music became harder but without giving up the melodic character that distinguishes them. In a few weeks, the song became the band's most listened to ever on Spotify. The innovative official video on YouTube offers an interactive ending: it allows the viewer to choose the ending of the story. The current line-up features Veronica Driven on vocals, Laerte Ungaro on guitar, Tommy Manza on bass, and Fabio Benedan on drums. Break Me Down are very active on social media, by following them you will always be updated on all the news concerning them. FACEBOOK ⇔ INSTAGRAM ⇔ TWITTER ⇔ SPOTIFY ⇔ YOUTUBE ⇔ TIK TOK Israeli symphonic metallers StormbounD announce new album “December” for August 5th release2/7/2022  Israeli symphonic metallers StormbounD are set to release their new album “December” on August 5th 2022, and ahead of this have recently a video for new single ‘Flying High’. When asked about the theme behind the song, they stated:- "'Flying High' is an optimistic love song, where the protagonist is trying to help a loved one overcome her suffering caused by a mental illness." The band was formed in 2018 in Tel-Aviv by bassist Pavel Kleiman and guitarist and vocalist Ofer Friedman. Next to join were Ofer's wife Shani Friedman on guitar, Yuval Partush on drums, Rotem Sadia on the keyboard, and Yael Horwitz as lead singer. All members of the band are well-established professional musicians. The outfit were predominantly influenced by symphonic metal, but an attentive listener will be able to pick up elements from power, prog and death metal, and a bit of rock. They are recommended listening for fans of Nightwish, Evanescence, and Epica. Shortly after its formation the group began writing and performing and made a unique mark in the local heavy music scene. During the last year, the band took part in all major metal events and festivals in Israel. Channelling the vibes of bands such as Delain and Amaranthe with powerful, clean vocals from frontwoman Yael Horwitz, alongside the harsher lyrics sang by vocalist / guitarist Ofer Friedman who is backed up by a formidable, symphonic sound driven by bassist Pavel Kleiman, keyboardist Rotem Sadia, drummer Yuval Partush and guitarist Shani Friedman.
They are amped to be releasing their debut album this summer, and so far have already released two singles, the first being “Altar of Innocence”, but now are drawing attention to the latest, “Desert’s Roar” complete with a music video. They share their thoughts on this release: “The lyrics on the album tell some interesting stories, some more personal and some global, convey some harsh messages and themes, and deliver a wide array of emotions. We did our best to bring all of that into a cohesive musical surrounding within the realm of metal. “Desert’s Roar” is a cry for freedom from an inner struggle taking place inside the mind of a person feeling controlled and overpowered.” The entirety of the album “December” is a journey that goes from gloomy and despondent to kickass, high, and victorious. StormbounD weaves an immersive and entertaining tale that will take the listeners into desperate depths before catapulting them into the open sky. |
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September 2023
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