After one month of voting, nearly 6,000 votes cast and countless sharing across all social media platforms by us and nominees alike, the time has come to announce the winners of the GMA Awards 2019.

But before that happens, there will be a change to how the nominees are cast. For 10 months of the year we will be running a series of rounds from which the 10 finalists will be recognised for the annual event.

The system will work as thus: nominees elected in the month of January are voted for in February... February nominees voted in March, etc and finishes with nominees in October being voted for in November - the finalists will then be voted for across the month of December and into early January 2021; finishing 8th January 2021.

Now that's put out into the open, we can finally reveal the winners of the GMA Awards 2019.

Global Metal Ambassador 2019

1. Gojira (France) - (28.1%)
   
2. Freddy Lim (Taiwan) - (21.4%)
3. Jake Shuker & Monzer Darwish (Syria) - (9.7%)
4. Sahil Makhija (India) - (8%)
5. Slaves To Sirens (The Lebanon) - (6.9%)
6. Underside (Nepal) - (6.4%)
7. Rock Arka'n (Togo) - (4.9%)
8. Roy Dipankar (India -'Extreme Nation' director) - (4.6%)
9. Overthrust (Botswana) - (4.1%)
10. Zarraza (Kazakhstan) - (3.5%)
11. World Metal Congress (International) - (2.2%)*
    

  * Later withdrawn by request of nominee.

New Zealand's Maori Metal Sensation Alien Weaponry release a strictly limited 7 Inch Vinyl, including the two brand new songs “Ahi Kā” And “Blinded”. The three teenagers are celebrated worldwide as one of the hottest newcomer metal bands. After releasing the debut album Tū in 2018, Alien Weaponry toured Europe, North America, Australia and their home country of New Zealand extensively. They played the biggest festivals around the world and supported the legendary Ministry in the US. In 2019 they’ll go one step further by playing headline tours in the US and Europe and supporting Slayer on their last show in Germany ever.

Alien Weaponry on the two new songs:

• Ahi Ka

     “In 1952, in preparation for a Royal visit by Her Majesty the Queen, the Auckland City Council, in a misguided attempt to beautify the city, evicted the local Ngāti Whātua people from their village at Ōkahu Bay and burned it to the ground.”

• Blinded
  

     “Relationships are difficult to understand at the best of times but when you are 16 and on tour all over the world these things are bound to get confusing and hard to reconcile. Blinded is about a very personal trip down this rabbit hole”

     "We have had a very busy touring schedule ever since the release of Tū and we are stoked we managed to record two new tracks in the short break we had back home in New Zealand. We can’t wait to play the new songs live!“

The new 7 Inch is the first new material since the debut album and is strictly limited to 400 pieces.
Pre-Order Ahi Kā/Blinded NOW!

About "Ahi Ka":

     "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," Alien Weaponry's singer-guitarist Lewis de Jong says of the track. Which, like many of the band's songs, is sung in New Zealand's indigenous language of Te Reo Māori. "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."

Official Website: www.alienweaponry.com    
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlienWeaponry
Instagram: www.instagram.com/alienweaponry
Twitter: twitter.com/AlienWeaponry  

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

Forged in 2008, New Zealand’s Heresiarch is one of the most dominant forces of the current black / death metal underworld. The Wellington based malicious quartet has most recently crossed the threshold of an unprecedented level by bringing forth their debut LP, Death Ordinance. However, it will be inappropriate to glorify them solely based on the excellence of that album. Krucyator Productions offer the compilation CD Incursions —collecting all the materials that Heresiarch spawned prior to their 2017’s full length. All the tracks were newly mastered for this compilation album by Luke Finlay at Primal Mastering Studio to have an overall coherent sounding.
 
Presented in sequential order, the compilation starts with the numbers from 2011’s ruinous demo, Obsecrating the Global Holocaust. Having two originals and one Bathory tribute (Equimanthorn), this demo helped Heresiarch to create a strong buzz in the underground. The following six tracks are taken from the celebrated EP Hammer of Intransigencethe, originally came out a few months after the demo. The final three tracks are borrowed from their 2014’s manifestation, Wælwulf.

Incursions is the representation of Heresiarch’s relentless savagery. Available on CD via Krucyator Productions from April 22nd. .

Order CD:

• Shopify: https://krucyator.com/collections/frontpage/products/heresiarch-incursions
  
• Bandcamp: https://krucyator.bandcamp.com/album/incursions 

http://krucyatorproductions.com
http://krucyator.com
https://www.facebook.com/krucyatorproductions
https://www.facebook.com/heresiarchcult

Auckland's Crooked Royals just dropped their second single "Dissentients" featuring Veil of Maya's Lukas Magyar from their upcoming EP 'Rumination', due out Friday April 19.

"Dissentients" is a track about changing ones environment if the current situation isn't working. The song talks about not caving to the pressures of others and that people can't change a person in to something that they're not.

The video clip that accompanies the single is visually beautiful and is set against the stunning natural backdrops of New Zealand. The video shows each member of Crooked Royals playing their respective instruments at separate locations that boast the beauty of their home country in summer. Lukas Magyar features in the clip in a contrasting environment where snow is falling and winter is in full swing.

Check out the video for "Dissentients" here:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnBV5dt_DTw

'Rumination' is Crooked Royals sophomore release since their debut EP 'Intertwine' in 2018 and rumination means to be in deep considered thought. The EP itself is about analysing aspects of day to day life and how it takes a toll on people based on their own experiences. The previously released single of the same name is a song about paranoia, control and the anxiety of how other people perceive you.

In almost two years, Crooked Royals has already made waves in the heavy scene. The band hit the ground running last year when five friends and musicians living in Auckland came together to form the metalcore outfit that is Crooked Royals. In just the first year as an aspiring collective of musicians, the band were signed to Lukas Magyar's (Veil of Maya) management label, New Industry, and later recorded their debut EP, 'Intertwine', with the man himself in the USA.

Crooked Royals ability to craft songs with a combination of heavy and clean vocals mixed in with huge crushing riffs earned them a spot opening for London prog rock monsters Monuments in Auckland earlier this year. The band also frequent the live room at Auckland's premier rock bar, Ding Dong Lounge.

Crooked Royals brand new EP 'Rumination' will be released on Friday 19 April and can be pre-ordered now through iTunes & Apple Music/Spotify/Google Play and all good online stores and streaming outlets. Single "Dissentients" is out now.

www.facebook.com/crookedroyalsNZ

The New Zealand melodic death/doom based duo Lysithea return with their new full-length opus 'Star-Crossed'  and releasing it today via the German sub-label, Naturmacht Productions.

The follow up to 2015's 'Realms', Star-Crossed tells a dark tale of love, loss and mortality. Weaving soaring leads, punishing roars and a dense, unearthly atmosphere, Star-Crossed finds the band at its most pensive and powerful.

Order here.
Date: 22.2.19
Format: CD in Classic Jewelcase w. booklet | CD in lim. A5 DigiPak w. booklet (100 copies)

https://www.facebook.com/lysitheaband/

New Zealand metal band Seas of Conflict have been sitting on this banger of a track for 2 years and now 'Monachopsis' is available to the world!

The single was produced & Mixed by Zorran Mendonsa Productions (Antagonist AD, Set On End, and Skyharbor) at his home studio in Auckland, NZ and mastered by Ermin Hamidovic (Architects, Intervals, and Periphery) of Systematic Productions. After working on the single, towards the release of their EP Vestige, the single became a lyrically collaborative effort from both current and past members of the band.

Kody Naidoo, lead singer for the band, says Seas of Conflict single 'Monachopsis' sees them pushing themselves both musically and lyrically into a new realm:-

     "The title and meaning of the song is inspired by John Koenig’s ‘Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows’" and misunderstanding the construct of what might be the norm, and being discouraged from breaking away to try and create your own path.The line "Surrounded, but always alone" is a hint of the band’s growth, aiming for a more relatable theme and delivery on this single as they continue to work towards a thematic full-length album." 

Check it out here:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcej3AqFxAw

The guys in Seas of Conflict are no strangers to touring. They have supported bands like Antagonist A.D, Make Them Suffer, Counterparts (CAN), Stray From The Path (USA), and  Thy Art is Murder but also have an upcoming NZ tour supporting NZ Heavyweights Alien Weaponry. So whilst many of the shows are local, I have no doubt we will be seeing them on the international circuit very soon!

Seas of Conflict single 'Monachopsis' sees them pushing themselves both musically and lyrically into a new realm. The new single will be in digital stores and streaming outlets from Friday January 18. 

For more information, go to facebook.com/SeasOfConflict. 

Black metal mavericks Barshasketh premiere the new track "Vacillation" at heavily trafficked web-portal NoCleanSinging.com. The track hails from the band's highly anticipated fourth album, Barshasketh, set for international release on January 15th, 2019 via W.T.C. Productions.

Hear Barshasketh's "Vacillation" in its entirety exclusively HERE.

By now pillars of the UK black metal scene, for over a decade now, Barshasketh have been a study in patience and persistence. Barshasketh was formed in 2007 as a solo project by Krigeist with the intention of creating pure black metal, intentionally free of genre cross-pollination: essentially, second-wave black metal re-imagined and reinterpreted through extensive use of layering and counterpoint. After two demos and the debut album Defying the Bonds of Cosmic Thraldom, Krigeist relocated to Scotland, where a full lineup was established. 2013 saw the release of the second album Sitra Achra and two split EPs in quick succession. The band then went on to record a third full-length, Ophidian Henosis, at the infamous Necromorbus Studio in Stockholm. Released during July 2015 by W.T.C. Productions, Ophidian Henosis represented a significant milestone in the history of the band and elevated Barshasketh to a new level of prominence as a respected contemporary black metal act. Following the release of Ophidian Henosis, MK was added to the line-up on drums, and his unique style was first showcased on the well-received Sein/Zeit conceptual split with Outre.

Now, a decade on from its beginnings, Barshasketh unleashes a new self-titled album, which is conceptually centered on Be’er Shachat, from which the band's name derives. This term roughly translates as "Pit of Corruption," a multifaceted esoteric idea concerning the self existing in a cyclical process that goes through phases of destruction, purification, and ultimate adversarial rebirth. Indeed, that conceptual arc poignantly and perfectly illustrates Barshasketh's evolution over the years, and finds its apotheosis within the winding corridors of Barshasketh. During its uniquely vast-yet-compact 54-minute runtime, the quartet are truly firing on all cylinders, exploring new territory with ambitious compositions and showcasing a certain percussive savagery previously unheard on previous recordings, all within the remit of pure, undiluted second-wave black metal. Much like its full-length predecessor, Barshasketh breathes the essence of the ancients whilst exuding a respectably modern aspect; this melding of mysticism and might evokes 1999 as surely as it does 2019. And also like the preceding Ophidian Henosis, Barshasketh's self-titled album was once again recorded at the esteemed Necromorbus Studio with Tore Stjerna, and its production suitably highlights the band's acute balance of aggression and atmosphere.

Not for nothing is Barshasketh's fourth album self-titled: truly, this is the purest distillation of the band's essence to date. A black sun rises at the dawn of 2019, and it bears the name Barshasketh!

Witness the first dark rays of dawn with the new track "Vacillation" exclusively HERE, courtesy of NoCleanSinging.com.

www.facebook.com/barshasketh

www.w-t-c.org
www.facebook.com/W.T.C.Productions

New Zealand-based atmospheric metal ensemble Spook The Horses today debuts the visual accompaniment to "Following Trails." Now playing courtesy of New Noise Magazine, the hymn comes by way of the band's People Used To Live Here full-length released last year via Pelagic Records.
 
Issues the band:-

      "The video is based upon a recollection of a dream, filmed within the house that the record People Used To Live Here was originally written, and is intended as both a literal and metaphorical reflection on ideas relating to the subjective limits of self, perspicacity, and self-determinism."
 
View "Following Trails," courtesy of New Noise, at THIS LOCATION.
 
If you missed it, view SPOOK THE HORSES' interactive video for "Made Shapeless" and stream  
People Used To Live Here in full HERE.
 
People Used To Live Here is out now on CD, LP, and digital formats via Pelagic Records. See all ordering info below.
 
North America: http://bit.ly/sthputlhNA,
Europe: http://bit.ly/sthputlhEU
Australia: http://bit.ly/sthputlhAUS
Digital: http://goo.gl/gHdfnS
 
Imagine if band members could rotate between instrument positions, because each musician had a proficient grasp on each instrument involved? It would supply a degree of freedom and mutual musical understanding, something that most bands could only dream of. Spook The Horses, from Wellington, New Zealand, are such a band.
 
Perhaps it's this multi instrumentalism and virtuosity that explains the vast musical territory that is explored among the band's three albums: while 2011's debut album Brighter was defined by sweet post-rock crescendos, 2015's Rainmaker was a much heavier affair that would appeal to fans of Cult Of Luna or Amenra. The band's forthcoming People Used To Live Here, in quiet stark contrast to the aforementioned, sees the band turn the distortion knobs way down, to a mildly saturated crunch tone, at most.
 
The band's most daring effort to date, People Used To Live Here explores the natural and immediate. Written and conceived in relative isolation over several grim Southern Hemisphere winters, Spook The Horses is defining their own sonic trademark with this album: an atmosphere of quiet desolation, raw and real, desperate and unsettling; the post-apocalyptic soundtrack to abandoned places, where people used to live, at one point in time, long ago.
 
Fans of Bohren & Der Club Of Gore, Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble, Mogwai (Come On Die Young), and Amenra (acoustic), pay heed.
 
http://www.facebook.com/spookthehorses
http://www.pelagic-records.com
http://www.facebook.com/pelagicrecords