It's Halloween! And what better way to celebrate this event with a studio announcement from the masters of horror themselves; Carach Angren! The band is currently in studio for the recordings of their 6(66)th full length which, will be released via Season of Mist in 2020. Drummer Namtar has kicked off the recording last week at the Tidal Wave Studio in Germany. 

Carach Angren comment:-

     "After many incredible tours meeting our dedicated fans around the globe, we finally return to the studio! Over the past two years a lot of creativity and effort has already flown into preparing our sixth monstrous full length album. For recording drums, bass and guitars we return to familiar grounds, working with the talented Patrick Damiani at his Tidal Wave Studio in Germany while vocals and orchestral arrangements are being prepared in our own crypt. For the mix of the album we welcome a new force, namely Robert Carranza (Marilyn Manson), who's work up until now has impressed us very much. Get ready for another chapter of horror!"

With 'Dance and Laugh amongst the Rotten', Carach Angren are returning to "pure" storytelling with episodes that are centred on a girl playing a little too long with her Ouija board. The Dutch have pushed their unashamedly theatrical style to a new intense height. You do not believe us yet? Press play and unleash these radiant ghosts into your home… 

www.carach-angren.nl
www.facebook.com/carachangren

Dutch death metal squad Dictated are unleashing another brutal track entitled 'Eisoptro' taken from their upcoming album 'Phobos', which will be released on October 25th 2019. 'Phobos' is the follow-up to 2014's 'The Deceived'. With ‘Phobos’, Dictated is leaving behind their known-path of ‘old-school’, and add the purest of misery without the loss of their blast-beat ethics.

Dictated - Eisoptro (Official Stream) - https://smarturl.it/DictatedEisoptro

Dictated comments on 'Eisoptro':-

     "We are proud to present you one last fear, before we unleash 'Phobos' upon the world. 

     'Eisoptro' is also known as the fear of mirrors. The fear is often grounded in superstitions, like breaking a mirror will bring you bad luck, or that looking into a mirror will put you in contact with a supernatural world inside the glass. We directed this fear more into the grounding of the psyche and the aversion of the reflection looking back. 

Mirror mirror on the wall, a silent rumination. Mirror mirror on the wall, a careful contemplation" 
 
The new opus was recorded, mixed and mastered at Double Impact Productions by Pieter Tjeerdsma & WD Glashouwer. Cover artwork came courtesy of Greg ‘AbsuManiac’ Czart. 

York Keijzer - vocals
Sonja Schuringa – guitar & backing vocals
Jessica Otten – guitar
Koen Verstralen – bass
Frank Schilperoort - drums

Bristling with an epically baroque life and energy, Finland’s multi-Platinum cello-rockers Apocalyptica have unveiled their brand new single ‘Ashes Of The Modern World.’ The song is taken from Cell-0,  their upcoming ninth studio album, released on January 10th via Silver Lining Music.
 
The powerful video was directed by the award-winning Finnish photographer/videographer Ville Juurikkala who has worked with a wide variety of prominent artists from Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith to opera singer Andrea Bocelli.
 
The recording of Cell-0 followed a four-year break between albums that gave the band - Eicca Toppinen, Perttu Kivilaakso, Paavo Lötjönen, and Mikko Sirén, all of whom are classically-trained musicians - a fresh perspective and affected the way they approached the new music. The album sees them return to their roots and is the quartet’s first instrumental album in 17 years, finding Apocalyptica challenging themselves to discover new flavours and colours in their respective instruments.
 
“It is tough to express without lyrics, but in Cell-0, we found particles of our universe previously unknown to us,” they explained. “Millions of notes combine to create music just as millions of cells combine to create life, and when you visualize the whole thing, similar patterns appear.”
 
Produced by Apocalyptica, mixed by Andrew Scheps (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lana Del Rey, Metallica and Black Sabbath), and recorded at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki, Cell-0 sees the band soaring into ethereal space on ‘Ashes Of The Modern World,’ while diving head-first into aggressive thrash cello-riffery during ‘En Route To Mayhem.’ 
 
Rather than put strategic attention on aspects like writing singles, the band approached Cell-0 as a fully-formed piece of art, connecting the right details and hues with the energy of being a real cello-metal band.  By pushing themselves to find other places and levels in their music, Apocalyptica opened up to some seemingly unorthodox methods and emotions while travelling through that creative process.
 
“These new songs have so many layers and are so complex, and it’s not always easy to point exactly what they are about,” Toppinen expresses. “But I think that’s also the beauty of instrumental music, that the listener always can feel free to experience the same songs in very, very different ways. It’s also one reason why we don’t want to explain the songs before they’re experienced.”

In support of the release of Cell-0, Apocalyptica will Special Guest with Sabaton on a 15-country, 23-date European arenas tour, including an appearance at Wembley Arena on February 8th 2020. All confirmed dates are below.

JANUARY

17  Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland
18  Schleyerhalle, Stuttgart, Germany
19  Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany
21  Gasometer, Vienna, Austria
22  Arena, Budapest, Hungary
24  Torwar, Warsaw, Poland
25  Max Schmeling Halle, Berlin, Germany
26  O2 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
28  Alcatraz, Milan, Italy
30  Arena Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
31  Festhalle, Frankfurt, Germany
 
FEBRUARY

 1   König Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, Germany
 2   Sportpaleis, Antwerp, Belgium
 4   Sant Jordi, Barcelona, Spain
 5   Vistalegre, Madrid, Spain
 7   Zenith, Paris, France
 8   Wembley Arena, London, UK
 9   Afas Live, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
11  Sporthalle, Hamburg, Germany
12  Forum Black Box, Copenhagen, Denmark
14  Scandinavium, Gothenburg, Sweden
15  Hovet, Stockholm, Sweden
16  Spektrum, Oslo, Norway

Cell-0 will be available in a variety of formats, including CD Mediabook, heavy-weight double vinyl and a variety of digital download options. Pre-order at www.apocalyptica.com.

Dutch death metal squad Dictated are unleashing the third crushing track entitled 'Taphe' taken from their upcoming album 'Phobos', which will be released on October 25th 2019. 'Phobos' is the follow-up to 2014's 'The Deceived'. With ‘Phobos’, Dictated is leaving behind their known-path of ‘old-school’, and add the purest of misery without the loss of their blast-beat ethics.
 
Blast the video (designed by Aimed & Fraimed) here: https://youtu.be/xXYcDcMiBsw

Dictated comments on 'Taphe'':-

     "We have taken you up high and of the edge with 'Hypso' and plunged you into the vast depth of the sea with 'Thalasso'. Now it's time to let the weight of the earth choke us slowly...'Taphe' (phobia) is also known as the fear of being buried alive. In the history of mankind, this fear became reality for about 2% of the burials. Notable persons in history requested their veins cut or their heart taken out because of this. In some cases people were buried with a string attached to an (above ground) bell; saved by the bell....
 
     With 'Hypso', we have shown sheer brutality and 'Thalasso' took us back to our old death metal roots. 'Taphe' shows another dimension of the diversity that is 'Phobos'. We hope you enjoy this track, as much as we do!
 
     the rhyThm of a heartbeat, defining smAll contrasts, tranquillity and Peace, notHing is all, silEnce fills the air."

The new opus was recorded, mixed and mastered at Double Impact Productions by Pieter Tjeerdsma & WD Glashouwer. Cover artwork came courtesy of Greg ‘AbsuManiac’ Czart. 

'Phobos' recording line-up: 

York Keijzer - vocals
Sonja Schuringa – guitar & backing vocals
Jessica Otten – guitar
Koen Verstralen – bass
Frank Schilperoort - drums

https://www.facebook.com/dictatedmusic/

Doom metal band The Crawling have just released a video for their song "Still No Sun". The song is from their album Wolves and the Hideous White which was released last year.

The band commented:-

     "The urge to belong can be overwhelming, and we often sacrifice parts of ourselves to be with others. Still No Sun explores the failing of relations through the eyes of one who knows it should end, despite the desperate urge to remain. The unearthing feelings of loneliness, and haunting images of a life in solitude can be blinding when it comes to logical thought. I often wonder if it is genuinely possible to deceive yourself completely, or is there always a part that knows, and is the relief of separation worth it?"

Watch the video here:   https://youtu.be/c7hKTRNo4uA

In addition the band is also pleased to announce some tour dates for this year.

TOUR DATES

12th Oct - Limerick, Dolans Warehouse
19th Oct - Belfast, The Limelight II

UK Tour w/ Tides of Sulfur

24th Oct - London, The Dev
25th Oct - Rotherham, Gizzardfest III
26th Oct - Swansea, The Bunkhouse

2nd Nov - Cork, An Spailpin Fanach
16th Nov - Dublin, Thomas House

Listen to the band's previous music here: https://thecrawlingband.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thecrawlingband

Dutch death metal crushers Dictated are unleashing the first track entitled 'Hypso' taken from their upcoming album 'Phobos', which will be released on October 25th 2019. The track features guest vocals by Julien Truchan (Benighted). 

'Phobos' is the follow-up to 2014's 'The Deceived'. With ‘Phobos’, Dictated is leaving behind their known-path of ‘old-school’, and add the purest of misery without the loss of their blast-beat ethics.

Blast the new video here: https://youtu.be/I7JRtl2rFlM

Dictated comments on 'Hypso':

     "We invite you to enter the new unnerving death-metal universe of Dictated. We are beyond excited to give you a first glance at 'Phobos', with a brand new track and video. 'Hypso' is the very first of the eleven phobia's represented on the album, and is known as the extreme fear of heights. And even though you may suffer from this pretty common phobia, we designed it to be a bit darker; the mind's uncontrollable urge to take the leap...."

     "The video also functions as an introduction to all fears that are represented on the album with which intensity increases towards the end. You might even hear a familiar voice in the track itself. The mighty Julien Truchan of Benighted offered his guttural blessings for this one. Now sit back, relax and undergo the combination of death-metal adding mankind’s greatest fears!"

Julien Truchan comments on 'Hypso': 

     "I am so honoured and happy to appear as guest vocalist on the new album of my buddies Dictated! These guys are amazing people and very talented musicians! I fucking love this song and really enjoyed recording vocals on it ! Check the result of this fantastic piece of brutality!"

The video was made by Cor Baauw from Local Androids. 

The new opus was recorded, mixed and mastered at Double Impact Productions by Pieter Tjeerdsma & WD Glashouwer. Cover artwork came courtesy of Greg ‘AbsuManiac’ Czart. 

'Phobos' recording line-up: 

York Keijzer - vocals
Sonja Schuringa – guitar & backing vocals
Jessica Otten – guitar
Koen Verstralen – bass
Frank Schilperoort - drums

https://www.facebook.com/dictatedmusic/

August 23rd will see the Dutch alternative metal outfit Nemesea return with their forthcoming studio album, White Flag, on Napalm Records. Combining finest rock licks with modern metal riffs and electronica to stir up a dark and strangely addictive brew – Nemesea have fine-tuned the musical combination to perfection on their fifth album. The riff and groove section behind Sanne Mieloos outstanding vocals, delivers several sure-fire hits up its sleeve and it's impossible to not be enthralled by the all-encompassing balance between driving rock and soothing ballads. White Flag offers intense and soulful alternative rock complete with a subtle breath of goth and loudly demands the attention the band undoubtedly deserves. This album is an addictive gem, that not only belongs in every well-sorted rock record collection, but that reveals its many-splendored colours more and more each time you press play!

Nemesea are now sharing their lyric video for the hard-hitting track 'Fools Gold'! Watch the band's new clip HERE!

Just recently, Nemesea premiered a first single to the track Kids with Guns, listen to it HERE!
White Flag is available to pre-order via the Napalm Records store AT THIS LOCATION!

Nemesea is:

Sanne Mieloo – Vocals
HJ – Guitars/Vocals
Sonny Onderwater – Bass
Steven Bouma – Drums
Mathijs van Til – Keys

www.facebook.com/nemeseaofficial
www.nemesea.com
www.instagram.com/nemeseaofficial
www.napalmrecords.com

Ukraine's most ferocious metal export Jinjer have officially begun work on their highly anticipated third album and follow up to their Napalm Records debut King Of Everything (2016) and their amazing “Micro” EP (2018). Once again teaming up with sound producer Max Morton at Kaska Studio in Kiev, the as of yet untitled album is expected to be released sometime in fall 2019 and promises to be their best and most fierce material to date.
 
     "No rest for the wicked! Together with our long time friend and producer Max Morton, we are pleased to announce that we’ve entered Kaska Studio in Kiev to begin recording our third full album, to be released later this year. Trust us, it’s gonna blow your heads off," says the band.
 
Hot off the heels of the news that numerous North American dates with special guests The Browning being upgraded to bigger venues and some shows near the sell out point, Jinjer have also announced a full blown European Headline Tour in November/December to coincide with the release of their new album.
 
Jinjer seem determined to take over the world one country at a time and by any means necessary:-

     “Europe! We are coming for you! The time has come to show you the fiercest side of Jinjer ever, with a new album, new songs as well as all our older hits and a few surprises in-between. We know a lot of you have been waiting for us to do a proper headline tour with our own production and that time has finally come! Join us this November/December throughout Europe and the United Kingdom and help us celebrate this new era with a bang!”
 
Do not miss your chance to see Jinjer somewhere in Europe or North America this year!

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

After the release of their epic new album in September 2018, symphonic death metal collective MaYaN (featuring current and former members of Epica, After Forever, Delain, Orphanage and Stream of Passion) is still busy travelling the world to spread the word of Dhyana. Having recently finished a tour of Mexico, as well as playing 70,000 Tons Of Metal, the band is now ready to return to Europe for more shows and festivals.

To celebrate hitting the road again, MaYaN have released a new music video for 'The Power Process'. Watch here: youtu.be/K1KeTPpgaBI

Marcela Bovio comments: "We're very excited to share with you our new videoclip 'The Power Process'! We had the pleasure of working again with Arno de Haas, who also directed the videoclip of 'Saints Don't Die'. Can you guess who the story was inspired by? :)"

Feel the power of the international collective MaYaN at the following shows this year:
 
03.05.              CH       Wetzikon - Hall of Fame
04.05.              I           Mantua - Milady Metal Fest
24.05.              NL        Haarlem - Patronaat
25.05.              NL        Arnhem - Luxor Live
28.06.              NL        Dokkum - Dokk’em Open Air
29.06.              NL        Hertme - Openluchttheater
11.07.              CZ        Vizovice - Masters of Rock
16.08.              A         Graz - Metal on the Hill
 
05.09.              USA     Atlanta, GA - ProgPower USA
07.09.              CO       Medellín - TBA
08.09.              CO       Bogotá - Ozzy Bar Rock
 
22.11.              NL        Lelystad - Corneel
23.11.              NL        Ulft - Metal on Metal

Tickets are available at mayanofficial.com/tour/upcoming-shows
Dhyana is available to order here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dhyana-2CD-Card-Slipcase-MaYaN/dp/B07FDTF4J7/nucblas-21

Watch the official video for 'Dhyana' here:  youtu.be/nW6Jkpv5iZA

MaYaN is:

Mark Jansen, George Oosthoek | grunts
Henning Basse, Adam Denlinger | clean male vocals
Laura Macrì, Marcela Bovio | clean female vocals
Jack Driessen | synths, orchestral arrangements
Frank Schiphorst, Merel Bechtold / Arjan Rijnen / Jord Otto | guitars
Roel Käller | bass
Ariën van Weesenbeek | drums