Plague 9's EP Mr Ass is out now! The Australian traditional heavy metal newcomers from Adelaide have just released their debut EP. Mr Ass is a good mix of thrash and more traditional style heavy metal riffs. Drawing influence from bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, Iron Maiden and also Jeff Loomis, Marco Sfogli and Andy James... there is sure to be something for every headbanging metal junkie.

"Each track is riddled with savage & catchy riffs and filled out with blazing solos." Hysteria Mag

The EP's artwork was created by Dusan Markovic who has worked with bands like Dragony, Mystic Prophecy, Dragonheart..

Formed by rhythm guitarist/singer Devon Smith and bassist John Hopf in 2017, Plague 9 recorded their first song Stuck in Hell for the release on the Metal United Down Under Vol 1 compilation. Since then lead guitarist David Hone has jumped on board bringing his very unique playing style and blistering speed taking the songs into a new dimension.

Plague 9 are:

John Hopf - Bass guitar
David Hone - Lead guitar
Devon Smith - Rhythm guitar/vocals
Kon Tsacos - Drums

MR ASS is available on their Bandcamp page.

Four years after releasing their monolithic "Cloak of Ash" on Relapse Records, Brisbane’s Hope Drone return with a new meditation on personal and existential despair in the form of "Void Lustre".  Crafted with patience and restraint the album sees the band travel further down the textured and dynamic pathways forged by their previous work as they dance from austere atmospheres to crashing walls of sound through frenetic blasts and thunderous dirges. Blending the likes of black metal, sludge and post-rock with influences even further afield the band creates a rich sound that is as beautiful as it is devastating.

     "Void Lustre had to be dragged into existence through loss, depression and doubt", the band comments. "Songs were crafted, reformed and discarded. Ultimately however this record is a continuation of our search for catharsis, comfort and hope found in walls of sound made only for ourselves and those like us."

Engineered and produced together with the band by long-time collaborator Christopher Brownbill (Underground Audio) and released by the capable MOMENT OF COLLAPSE RECORDS (Heaven in Her Arms, Suffocate for Fuck Sake, Hope Drone self-titled) the album is built on relationships forged over the years. Joining the production fold is mastering engineer Mell Dettmer (Earth, SunnO))), Wolves in the Throne Room) who, with her deft hand and experience, brought forth a master of dynamic and clarity. 

Coming August 30th on 2xLP, CD and Digital via Moment Of Collapse Records, watch out for many more news plus album tunes to follow in the days ahead!

Hope Drone is:

Chris Rowden (Guitar, Vocals)
Karl Hartwig (Guitar, Noise)
Aaron Pickersgill (Bass)
Francis Keil (Drums)

www.facebook.com/HopeDrone
www.hopedrone.bandcamp.com
www.momentofcollapse.com
www.facebook.com/momentofcollapse

Thy Art Is Murder have delivered another master lesson in brutality via their new single / video 'Death Squad Anthem'. A champion for the youth who are fed up with the current political system, 'Death Squad Anthem' is the second cut lifted from their earth-scorching fifth record, Human Target, set for release on July 26 via Nuclear Blast (ROW) and Human Warfare (AU/NZ). Watch here: https://youtu.be/uw_qPfgTxuI

Guitarist Andy Marsh comments:-

     "'Death Squad Anthem' is a blazing examination of the current state of politics riddled with hyperactive virtue signalling, extremism and disenfranchisement. The despondency of 'Death Squad Anthem' is brought to life with stark socio-political traumatic scenes of warfare, genocide, police states, brutality famine and riots interspersed with those at the helm of the atrocities."

Pre-order 'Human Target' in various digital and physical formats from www.thyartismurder.net

Watch the official video for ‘Human Target’: https://youtube.com/watch?v=pMl3exzgGto 

Human Target was produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Will Putney at Graphic Nature Audio in Belleville, NJ. The artwork was once again painted by Eliran Kantor (Hatebreed, Testament, Iced Earth, Sodom).

THY ART IS MURDER is:

C.J. McMahon | Vocals
Sean Delander | Rhythm Guitar
Kevin Butler | Bass Guitar
Jesse Beahler | Drums
Andy Marsh | Lead Guitar

thyartismurder.net
facebook.com/thyartismurder
nuclearblast.de/thyartismurder

Ahoy there, all ye crusty crusaders of the seven seas! ‘Tis a fortuitous day indeed for the infamous privateers and pirate metal outfit Lagerstein, who have announced details of their upcoming third studio album!

Hailing from Brisbane, Captain Gregnarr and his fearsome band of buccaneers have gained the envious reputation of being Australia’s premier pirate metal outfit, with multiple sold-out shows across their home country and several successful stints in Europe. Having secured a place on this year’s Sabaton Open Air and Wacken Open Air, the Lagerstein crew set sail once more with their upcoming studio offering ‘25/7’, promising a glittering treasure trove of twelve jaunty, colourful and undeniably boozy sea shanties. Serenading their love of rum, drunken parrots and drinking from shoes, ‘25/7’ will be a coveted keepsake for any self-disrespecting, yellow-toothed swashbuckler! 

Having hit the studio earlier this year to record in Sweden with world renowned producer Fredrik Nordström (Bring Me The Horizon, Arch Enemy, In Flames, Soilwork), Lagerstein’s upcoming album will be sliding into port on 23rd August 2019 via Kegstand Records. ‘25/7’ boasts traditionally seaworthy instrumentation scored with modern, distorted guitar work and coarse vocal outbursts that continues the seven-piece act’s legacy as one of the greatest "party bands" of modern metal.

On the album’s title, the band offer a simple, effective and inspiring explanation:-

     "What could be better than partying for 24 hours? Sailing west and stealing an extra hour of daylight so we can party 25/7!"

Lagerstein took to social media to confirm that the artwork of ‘25/7’ has been dug up from the deep ahead of the album’s summer release date. The "party pirates" are also currently engaged on their huge "Endless Rum" Tour, which takes the band across Europe, UK and Australia, with plans to continue partying their way across the globe to share the fun and joy of the pirate’s life with landlubbers and sailors the world over!

Banding together in Queensland, Australia, Lagerstein dreamed of being a pirate metal band on a never-ending voyage to rock stages, create catchy music and have the best time, all the time. In the 9 years since, the seven-piece act have become an emerging hit, equally well-known for their unmistakable brand of catchy party tunes and a hugely entertaining live show of legendary proportions.

Violinist Mother Junkst says:-

     "Originally we simply wanted to play in a band where we’d have beer bongs on stage. Something fun, silly but with awesomely catchy songs. With time this became something much more. We didn’t choose the pirates life, but it turns out we are perfect for it!"

Pre-orders for ‘25/7’ and more details on the album will be available soon.

Tickets for Lagerstein’s ‘Endless Rum’ tour can be purchased directly from the band’s website.

Finnish Folk Metal Superstars Korpiklaani don't seem to need any rest! After playing an extensive European tour with Turisas and Trollfest in support of their latest studio album 'Kulkija' ('Wanderer'), the band is about to kick off an 8-show Australian & New Zealand run (w/ Troldhaugen) tomorrow. But before the sextet continues their current touring cycle with a North American co-headline tour with their label mates in Eluveitie in September/October, Korpiklaani will perform a string of European festival gigs. In anticipation of these upcoming summer dates - starting at Metalfest Open Air, Pilsen (CZ) on June 2nd - the band has unleashed a brand new lyric video for the Czech version of their all-time favourite 'Beer Beer', which can also be found on the tour edition of 'Kulkija'. Check out 'Bír Bír' [ft. Fleret] over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4drIAMzV7qg

Fleret comments:-

      "The cooperation with Korpiklaani on the Czech version of their hit song 'Beer Beer (Bír Bír)' convinced us that even folk metal superstars like them can be nice guys with stellar manners. Not only did they prove this during the rehearsal at the Masters Of Rock Café in Zlín but also on the Masters Of Rock 2018 festival stage where we played with them after only one rehearsal of their song 'Vodka', our song 'Vizovice' and then - we believe we can say - our common song 'Beer Beer (Bír Bír)' with the Czech lyrics of our lyricist Jan Mrlík. That was a remarkable and exciting experience for us and hopefully for Korpiklaani as well. Korpiklaani, thanks to all of you!"

The track will be available digitally from Friday, May 24!

KORPIKLAANI live:

'The Wayfarers Australia & New Zealand Tour 2019' w/ TROLDHAUGEN

18.05. NZ Wellington - Valhalla *SOLD OUT*
19.05. NZ Auckland - Whammy Bar
21.05. AUS Brisbane - The Triffid
22.05. AUS Sydney - Manning Bar
23.05. AUS Canberra - The Basement
24.05. AUS Melbourne - Max Watt's
25.05. AUS Adelaide - Enigma Bar
26.05. AUS Perth - Amplifier

02.06. CZ Pilsen - Metalfest Open Air
21. - 23.06.  LT Varniai - Kilkim Žaibu
05.07. F Colombier-Saugnieu - Plane ‘R Fest
06.07. D Ballenstedt - Rockharz Open Air
12.07. UA Kiev - Atlas Weekend
26.07. SLO Tolmin - MetalDays
01. - 04.08. RO Rasnov - Rockstadt Extreme Fest
02. - 03.08. FIN Tampere - SaariHelvetti
17.08. F St. Nolff - Motocultor Festival

'Wanderers Towards Rebirth - Kulkija Ad Ategnatos' w/ ELUVEITIE, GONE IN APRIL

19.09. USA Tampa, FL - The Orpheum
20.09. USA Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
21.09. USA New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
22.09. USA Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall
23.09. USA Austin, TX - Come and Take It Live
24.09. USA Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill
26.09. USA Mesa, AZ - Club Red

27.09. USA Los Angeles, CA - Regent Theater
28.09. USA Oakland, CA - Metro Operahouse
29.09. USA Portland, OR - The Bossanova Ballroom
30.09. CDN Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre
01.10. USA Seattle, WA - El Corazon
03.10. USA Denver, CO - Summit
04.10. USA Lincoln, NE - The Royal Grove

05.10. USA Minneapolis, MN - The Cabooze
06.10. USA Chicago, IL - Concord Music Hall
07.10. CDN Toronto, ON - The Opera House
08.10. CDN Ottawa, ON - Brass Monkey
09.10. CDN Montréal, QC - Théâtre Corona
10.10. CDN Québec, QC - Impérial Bell
11.10. USA Worcester, MA - Palladium

12.10. USA Reading, PA - Reverb
13.10. USA Baltimore, MD - Soundstage
14.10. USA New York, NY - PlayStation Theater

Are you a traveller or a wanderer? Be part of Korpiklaani's journey around the world! Use the hashtag  #KorpiklaaniWayfarers on Twitter and Instagram, and your photos will appear here:
http://nblast.de/KorpiklaaniWayfarers

www.korpiklaani.com
www.facebook.com/korpiklaani
www.nuclearblast.de/korpiklaani

Alien Weaponry have released the music video for their new single, "Ahi Kā", which premiered last week over at Billboard. The song represents the first new material from the New Zealand based metal trio since releasing their 2018 debut album, Tū. Fans can check out the music video for "Ahi Kā" via the link below. The track is also featured on Adult Swim's new, streaming-only compilation record Metal Swim 2.

Alien Weaponry's singer-guitarist Lewis de Jong talks about "Ahi Ka" (Which, like many of the band's songs, is sung in New Zealand's indigenous language of Te Reo Māori):-

     "Ahi Kā was inspired by the Auckland city council's decision to burn down what was considered to be the unsightly indigenous Maori village of Okahu Bay in advance of Queen Elizabeth II's 1953 visit. The eviction sparked a 40-year battle for the native Ngati Whatua to reclaim their land, including protests and battles with the police. Amid worldwide criticism, a small portion of the original land was ultimately returned with an apology and some compensation."

Watch "Ahi Ka" HERE

"Ahi Kā" is available for streaming and purchase through Spotify and iTunes (respectively) over HERE!

Fans and music critics alike have applauded the band's approach to unifying Te Reo Māori (the native language of New Zealand) with thrash metal sensibilities; ultimately creating a sound that is driven by emotionally and politically charged conflict while boasting youthful, warrior-like resilience.

Both Lewis and Henry are of Ngati Pikiāo and Ngati Raukawa (Māori tribal) descent, and began their schooling at a kura kaupapa Māori (full immersion Māori language school) where singing waiata (songs) and performing haka were a daily routine. Also ingrained in their early education were stories of New Zealand history told to them by their father, who would also introduce them to the music of Metallica, Rage Against the Machine, Anthrax, Ministry, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many others.

Alien Weaponry was formed in 2010 by brothers Lewis (vocals & guitar) and Henry de Jong (drums), who were 8 and 10 years old at the time. The two would later move to the small town of Waipu in 2012, and went on to meet Ethan Trembath (bass) there in 2013. The de Jong brothers came up with the name Alien Weaponry after watching the film District 9.

Alien Weaponry have also been nominated for "Best International Breakthrough Band" at the 2019 Heavy Music Awards (UK). The event takes place on August 22nd at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London. Fan voting is now open at https://vote.heavymusicawards.com/  until June 27th.

ALIEN WEAPONRY On Tour:

North American Headlining Tour

11.05.2019 US - Rockingham, NC / Epicenter*
12.05.2019 US - Washington, DC / DC9
13.05.2019 US - Boston, MA / Middle East
15.05.2019 US - New York, NY / Saint Vitus
16.05.2019 CA - Montreal, QC / L'Esco
17.05.2019 CA - Toronto, ON / Velvet Underground
19.05.2019 US - Chicago, IL / Chicago Open Air*

22.05.2019 US - Minneapolis, MN / 7th St Entry
24.05.2019 US - Pryor, OK / Rocklahoma*
26.05.2019 US - Denver, CO / Bluebird Theater
28.05.2019 US - San Francisco, CA / Bottom of the Hill
29.05.2019 US - Los Angeles, CA / The Roxy
 

TOUR DATES EU

07.06.2019 DE - Berlin / Musik & Frieden
08.06.2019 DE - Frankfurt / Batschkapp
10.06.2019 UK - Cardiff / Fuel Rock Club
11.06.2019 UK - Bristol / The Exchange
12.06.2019 UK - Dublin / Vodoo Lounge
13.06.2019 UK - Glasgow / Audio Glasgow
15.06.2019 UK - Donington / DE74 2RP Castle Donington

16.06.2019 UK - London / The Underground Camden
18.06.2019 LX - Belval / Rockhal 
19.06.2019 DE - Köln / Luxor
20.06.2019 DE - Hamburg / Uebel & Gefährlich
21.06.2019 DK - Kobenhavn / Copenhell Festival 2019
23.03.2019 FR - Clisson / Hellfest Open Air 2019
25.06.2019 DE - Saarbrücken / Garage

26.06.2019 DE - Hannover / Capitol
28.06.2019 FI - Helsinki / Tuska Festival 2019
03.07.2019 FR - Paris / Les Etoiles 61 rue du Chateau d´Eu
04.07.2019 FR - Toulouse / Rue Louis Bonin
06.07.2019 ES - Galicia / Resurrection Fest 2019
07.07.2019 PT - Lisbon / RCA Club
09.07.2019 ES - Sevilla / Sala Even

10.07.2019 ES - Madrid / Nasca Music Live
12.07.2019 ES - Barcelona / Sala Boveda
15.07.2019 IT - Milan / Circolo Magnolia
16.07.2019 IT - Padova / Parco Della Musica
20.07.2019 NL - Eindhoven / Dynamo Metalfest 2019
22.07.2019 SL - Tolmin / MetalDays Festival 2019
24.07.2019 HU - Budapest / Dürer Kert

27.07.2019 PL - Warsaw / klub Stodola Batorego
03.08.2019 DE - Stuttgart / Hanns-Matin-Schleyer-halle
06.08.2019 DE - München / Backstage Werk
07.08.2019 DE - Dresden / Alter Schlachthof
08.08.2019 CZ - Josefov / Brutal Assault 2019
10.08.2019 NL - Leewarden / Into The Grave Festival 2019
11.08.2019 BE - Kortrijk / Alcatraz 2019
16.08.2019 AT - Graz / Metal On The Hill Festival 2019
 
Official Website: www.alienweaponry.com    
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlienWeaponry
Instagram: www.instagram.com/alienweaponry
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alienweaponry

Against this backdrop of postmodern dystopia, chaos, and confusion arrives 'Human Target', the earth-scorching fifth album from extreme metal titans Thy Art Is Murder.

In anticipation of the album release on July 26th via Nuclear Blast (Rest of World) / Human Warfare (Australia, New Zealand), the band has unveiled a music video for the title track, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMl3exzgGto 

Comments Thy Art Is Murder guitarist Andy Marsh:-

     "'Human Target' was the last song written for the album as I felt we lacked an opening track to set the mood and provide the impact for what was to come. Human organ harvesting had been brought to my attention as a serious matter that wasn’t receiving much coverage (or not enough for me to hear about it) and I thought the issue required more scrutiny and awareness. To distil the metaphors of proletariat subjugation down to the visceral injustice of taking away the engines of life, seemed to be a powerful atmosphere to open the record."

'Human Target' was produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Will Putney at Graphic Nature Audio in Belleville, NJ. The artwork was once again painted by Eliran Kantor (Hatebreed, Testament, Iced Earth, Sodom).

Pre-order 'Human Target' in various digital and physical formats from www.thyartismurder.net

Thy Art Is Murder is:

C.J. McMahon | Vocals
Sean Delander | Rhythm Guitar
Kevin Butler | Bass Guitar
Jesse Beahler | Drums
Andy Marsh | Lead Guitar
 
www.thyartismurder.net
www.facebook.com/thyartismurder
www.nuclearblast.de/thyartismurder

Progressive metal masters Ne Obliviscaris will soon be embarking on their previously announced tour dates in Australia with label mates Beyond Creation. In conjunction with the upcoming trek, the band has shared pro-shot live video footage from their concert in Montreal from October 10, 2018. The clip, which was recorded and edited by Dr. Light Productions, can be viewed here!

Vocalist/violinist Tim Charles comments:-

     "Our live show is to us is such a vital part of what we do. That chance to really feel the connection between you and the audience through the music is something so special. It's what we live for. When performing in Montreal last October we had the chance to film the show and are pleased to release this live video of two songs - 'Libera Pt 1/Urn Pt 2.' We are excited to get back on the road playing here in Australia in a couple weeks time alongside some amazing bands for what is going to be our biggest ever headline shows anywhere in the world, before heading back to Europe for a festival tour in June as well. We hope you enjoy the video and that we see you at a live show sometime soon!"

Additionally, Ne Obliviscaris have been nominated for an Indie Music Award in the Metal/Hardcore song category for the track "Intra Venus." Fans can vote for the song here!

www.facebook.com/NeObliviscarisBand

Everlasting Spew Records is honored to welcome Melbourne based Brutal Death Metal band  Revulsed into the roster!

Expect a new album from the aussies released by the end of the year as the guys are currently in the writing/production process to shape their most brutal, monstrous and tighter recording ever.

     "We are working hard on new material for the followup album to Infernal Atrocity. We feel the music we have so far is a lot more savage than the previous outing. We guarantee the new songs will stay with you, as we love writing memorable music filled with hooky riffs, never compromising on brutality. The slaughter is coming. Also, we are super proud to be working with Everlasting Spew Records on this new release!" (Jayson Sherlock)

Combined to this, together with the band, we wanted to offer the fans the highly requested vinyl edition for their critically acclaimed debut "Infernal Atrocity" released back in 2015. Graced by an astonishing cover art by Pär Olofsson and featuring Konstantin Lühring (Despondency/ex Defeated Sanity) on vocals, "Infernal Atrocity" will be released this spring in a mouth watering gatefold sleeve and a limited colored version. 

Pre-orders will be open soon! Stay tuned!

​www.everlastingspew.com - facebook.com/everlastingspew

Australian death metal mavericks Vile Apparition premiere the new track "Repulsive Desire" at heavily trafficked web-portal NoCleanSinging.com. The track hails from the band's striking debut album,  Depravity Ordained, set for international release on January 21st via Memento Mori for the CD version (the vinyl and cassette versions will follow later on Blood Harvest). Hear Vile Apparition's "Repulsive Desire" in its entirety exclusively HERE.

Oozing out of Melbourne, Vile Apparition is a new project of Oliver Ballantyne (drums) and Jamie Colic (guitar, bass, vocals), both ex-members of the mighty Sewercide that left shortly after the recording of that band's debut album, Immortalized in Suffering, in order to pursue other endeavors.  Vile Apparition's self-released debut four-song demo, Atrocious Captivity, was picked up for a cassette release in early 2018 on Transylvanian Tapes, just in time for the band to fill their live lineup for their first run of shows starting January 2018.

Alas, Atrocious Captivity was but a brief taste of the nastiness to come, now in the form of Vile Apparition's full-length debut, Depravity Ordained. No lies in that title: this is fetid 'n' filthy death metal that puts a premium on the bludgeon! Old-school as it comes, of course, Vile Apparition's no-frills approach hearkens to the likes of Morpheus Descends, Ripping Corpse, and Deteriorot as well as the early works of Suffocation, Deeds of Flesh, and Cryptopsy. An astounding exhibition of ridiculous, malignant heaviness that'll drill a hole in your skull and blow your brain cells to smithereens, the album will also include the preceding demo as bonus tracks.

With suitably classic cover art courtesy of Chaostouched and mastering by Dan Lowndes at Resonance Sound Studio, Vile Apparition bring you blunt-force trauma with Depravity Ordained! Get blunted again with the new track "Repulsive Desire" exclusively HERE, courtesy of NoCleanSinging.com. Also get blunted with the previously revealed "Malevolent Aphantasia" HERE, courtesy of Decibel, and the album's title track HERE at Memento Mori's official YouTube channel. 

www.facebook.com/vileapparition
www.vileapparition.bandcamp.com

www.memento-mori.es
www.facebook.com/memento.mori.label​