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

Welsh progressive metal band Malum Sky release a their new video for the title track from their upcoming mini-album Diatribe set for release worldwide via Sliptrick Records on January 15th, 2019. The lyrical themes on the mini-album deal with communication on all levels but the title track  'Diatribe' perceives this stream of information from an individual’s perspective, trying to make sense of it all.

Watch the video here:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsuQq0o1ShI

Malum Sky – Diatribe [Official Video]
Taken from the album: Diatribe | 2019
Directed by: Ben Honebone
Assistant Direction by: Melanie Ezra
Filmed Edited & Produced by: Stone Letter Media

To add to the good news, Diatribe goes on pre-order today and you can book your copy in both directly from Shop Sliptrick, iTunes and other major stores.

Diatribe | Released January 15th, 2019 on Sliptrick Records

Diatribe is currently on pre-order at Shop Sliptrick. Grab your copy …here

Malum Sky are:

Ben Honebone – Vocals
Michael Jensen Després – Guitar
Jon Evans – Guitar
Athanasios ‘Saki’ Patsiouras – Bass
Joe Wilkes – Drums

Official Website | Facebook | Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | On Sliptrick

Tor Marrock unveil their new video for the track 'The Belonging'. The dark, occult imagery is perfectly suited to one of the standout tracks from the album The Concept Of Self, which is due out on Black Vulture Records on December 13th.

Word of the album's imminent release has been spreading through the metal underground like wildfire and this new unnerving clip will only serve to heighten the anticipation surrounding it.

Watch 'The Belonging' at Kronos Mortus Metal Zine NOW

     "In the deep velvet shadows between the flames figures twist and entwine, dancing on the edge of perception, frightening but deeply alluring. There’s a soft, sensual voice inviting you to step through the flames into the enticing wickedness beyond. Words of promise and ritual spiral through the night air, carried on silver threads of sound, music that speaks to something deep, primal and all but forgotten. The music offers a connection to truths you once knew, it promises passion beyond reason and an unveiling of secrets. Knowledge and lust, power and revelation, transcendence through pleasure... Enter the shadow realm and become part of The Belonging..."

Watch 'The Belonging' at Kronos Mortus Metal Zine NOW

Visit Tor Marrock on Facebook

The UK-based blackened death metal group Hecate Enthroned will release “Embrace Of The Godless Aeon,” their first album in five years (and their debut for new label M-Theory Audio), on January 25, 2019. The album – which features cover artwork by Nestor Avalos (Bloodbath, Rotting Christ, The Black Dahlia Murder), as seen above – can be pre-ordered now on CD and red splatter vinyl at this location (www.m-theoryaudio.com/store). A limited-edition deluxe box set that includes exclusive purple vinyl and cassette editions of the album, a signed photo card and other collectibles is also available.
 
A new song from the album, “Temples That Breathe,” will premiere on streaming and digital download platforms on December 7. A brief teaser clip can be seen here: https://youtu.be/VGB5hTZwcas
 
One of the UK underground's longest-running and most respected acts, Hecate Enthroned has been praised by the likes of Terrorizer for their “mixture of death metal aggression with black metal atmosphere.” “Embrace Of The Godless Aeon” – their first recording with vocalist Joe Stamps, who joined the band in 2015 – sees the group continue to deftly mix black with death, modern with classic and extreme with symphonic. The album, which features guest vocals on three songs by Sarah Jezebel Deva (Cradle of Filth, Therion, Mortiis), was co-produced by Dan Abela (Voices, The Antichrist Imperium).

Says bassist Dylan Hughes:-

     “This album with its epic sweeping orchestration and heavy aggression represents a new chapter for us cementing the chemistry of the current line-up and our partnership with M-Theory. A welcome return from Sarah Jezebel Deva hints to the grandiose flavour of earlier releases, but this time, it's tempered with a guitar and drum sound forged from solid steel and then edged by a razor-sharp production from Dan Abela. The summoning of unholy flame and terror that is the cover art is an oil painting commissioned from in-demand satanic artist Nestor Avalos and begins your visceral journey through cold bleak landscapes, crushing tormented seas and searing shards of heavy metal.”
 
Originally co-founded in Wales by guitarist Nigel Dennen in the mid-1990s, Hecate Enthroned is dedicated to delivering their own brand of evil metal with little regard to politics or the trends of popular demand. The group's 1997 debut, the Andy Sneap-produced “The Slaughter Of Innocence, A Requiem For The Mighty” (Blackend Records), was a seminal release in the then-burgeoning orchestral black metal movement. Since then, several full-lengths and EPs and numerous live performances have firmly established the band as one of extreme metal's most important voices, a sentiment that “Embrace Of The Godless Aeon” firmly reinforces.
 
Hecate Enthroned's next live performance will take place on December 1 at the Tabernacl Chapel in Llandundo, North Wales, followed by a show in Belgium on December 14th with Altar at De Verlichte Geest in Roeselare. The group plans to tour extensively throughout 2019.
 
www.facebook.com/HecateEnthroned
www.m-theoryaudio.com

Welsh progressive metal band Malum Sky release a their new video for the track Borrower taken from their upcoming mini-album Diatribe due for release worldwide via Sliptrick Records on January 15th, 2019.

Here’s what the band had to say about the track and video:-

     “The song Borrower is about anxiety in social situations and how other people’s moods and attitudes can influence your own. The music video for the song takes the anxiety to the extreme by having vocalist Ben kidnapped and interrogated by the rest of the band. Working with film makers at Unit 15 Productions and Stone Letter Media, narrative and performance elements are combined to create a visual experience that matches the drive and emotion of the music and showcases Malum Sky  performing the song at Swansea venue Creature Sound.”

Watch 'Borrower' here:- www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPKb5kiMyGA&feature=youtu.be

Diatribe | Released January 15th, 2019 on Sliptrick Records

Malum Sky are:

Ben Honebone – Vocals
Michael Jensen Després – Guitar
Jon Evans – Guitar
Athanasios ‘Saki’ Patsiouras – Bass
Joe Wilkes – Drums

Official Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | On Sliptrick

Today we bring you music from the shadow realm, songs from beyond the flames, promises of seduction and enticing wickedness. We bring you The Concept Of Self, the new album from Tor Marrock – practitioners of the dark arts from the Welsh mountains. This latest grimoire of forbidden knowledge will be unveiled by Black Vulture Records on December 13th, set free to work its sinuous way into the hearts and minds of all who hear it.

Tor Marrock first emerged from their mountain stronghold in 2005, bringing with them their first demo, The Death Of Summer, a first glimpse into their world of desire driven witchery. Two albums followed; A Gothic Romance (2007) and Destroy The Soul (2013) – each a step further into the darkness. Now, as the nights draw in and winter looms once more, the flames will be lit again and all will be summoned to The Concept Of Self. As the spins around you, thrill to the whispered promises of guest vocalist Liv Free on ‘(Let’s Make) Love In The Dark’, then feel the fear as you realise that the path home is long forgotten as ‘The Dark In Your Eyes’ draws you ever onward into the black. Finally emerge, bloodied and new born, forever changed, into ‘The Concept Of Self’ – the album’s epic conclusion.

Tor Marrock operate within their own sphere of existence, creating their own world of sensual sorcery, of vampiric visions and gothic dreams. The heat of passion and the cold of night entwine within their serrated riffs and desolate melodies and this is your invitation to join the shadow dance. Cast aside your reason and follow the dark desires of your heart...

For more information on Tor Marrock click here
Visit Tor Marrock on Facebook

Malum Sky are an eclectic and anthemic progressive metal 5 piece group based in Cardiff, Wales UK. Formed in 2014, the band bring together a broad range of influences and hone them into hard hitting and uplifting mini-masterpieces. Virtuoso guitar work and intricate song structures combined with hard hitting rhythmic hooks are topped off by an emotive and intense vocal delivery. The songs are enhanced further by a high energy live show delivered with a passion and precision befitting a band working in the “progressive” genre.

Malum Sky’s self titled debut EP was released to critical acclaim in 2015. After earning their stripes in the grass-roots music scene, the band emerged triumphantly on the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock Open Air Festival in 2017. After receiving more positive reviews for the single Eye Above, the band remained a strong presence on the UK live circuit with shows across England and Wales throughout 2017 & 2018.

With work on the band’s new mini-album Diatribe complete and due to be released worldwide via Sliptrick Records on January 15th 2019, Malum Sky are poised to take their unique brand of progressive metal to the next level. The upcoming music video for the track Borrower, due out in early November, is a perfect example of the passion, quality and craftsmanship that the band have put into this new body of work.

Diatribe | Released January 15th, 2019 on Sliptrick Records

Malum Sky are:

Ben Honebone – Vocals
Michael Jensen Després – Guitar
Jon Evans – Guitar
Athanasios ‘Saki’ Patsiouras – Bass
Joe Wilkes – Drums

Official Website | Facebook | Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | On Sliptrick

UKEM Records are very pleased to announce the signing of Welsh black metal band Agrona! Formed in 2014, the band has quickly proven themselves to be a leading force in the UK Black Metal scene culminating in the bands 2016 appearance at Bloodstock Open Air after winning the Metal To The Masses competition.

In 2017, Agrona entered Woodcroft Audio Studios to record their Debut full length album which features 50 minutes of blackened metal savagery. Entitled “Realm of The Fallen”, UKEM Records will release this opus both on CD and digital platforms (release date TBC). For a taste of what to expect visit: https://soundcloud.com/ukem-records/agrona-apotheosis

Please welcome the band to the label by heading over to the bands Facebook page and hit the like button: https://www.facebook.com/agronaband/

Fans of Dark Funeral, Emperor, Dimmu Borgir etc should really enjoy their debut full length offering! 
In the coming weeks and months we will be revealing the full track-listing, cover art for “Realm of The Fallen” as well as a brand new music video. This is also another first for the label, Agrona being the first Welsh extreme metal band to join the roster.

https://www.facebook.com/ukemrecords

The 'Releases Of The Year' series are albums chosen by myself as the best release from each country / dependency known to have an official release in the year 2017. These are alphabetized in country order so are easy to navigate. Each award has national flag featured alongside the band name, Release Of The Year' and Facebook link (where provided)

Bloodstock’s annual, hugely popular ‘Metal 2 The Masses’ initiative offers unsigned and DIY bands the chance of being part of the Bloodstock festival experience! For 2018, your band could be playing on the bill alongside the likes of Judas Priest, Gojira, Nightwish and many more amazing bands.  

Plans for 2018 are under way and Bloodstock along with their favourite ale, Hobgoblin Beer, are aiming once again to track down the best breaking metal bands across the UK and give them a platform to show what they can do.

Detailed below are the participating UK regions (there’s more to come in Europe) – so if you’re in a self-signed or unsigned band and want to try out for a slot on the Bloodstock bill, get in touch with the promoter nearest you for details on how to enter and get yourselves involved!!

One winner from each event will win a slot on Bloodstock's ‘New Blood’ stage, with many more additional prizes to be announced. In August 2018, your band or your favourite local act could be one of the lucky bands stepping on stage at Bloodstock!


BELFAST - the_distortion_project@hotmail.com
BIRMINGHAM - hammerpromotions@gmail.com or hammer.anvil@outlook.com
BRISTOL – m2tmbristol@gmail.com
BURNLEY - sancpromotions@gmail.com
CARDIFF - bookingfuel@gmail.com
CARLISLE - servantsofloki@gmail.com
COVENTRY - m2tmcov@gmail.com
DUBLIN - jetrockerireland@gmail.com or mail@overdrive.ie
GLASGOW - ivoryblacksglasgow@googlemail.com
HITCHIN - m2tmhitchin@gmail.com
HULL - lkp2011@live.co.uk
LEICESTER - resinonline@hotmail.co.uk
LONDON - m2tmlondon@yahoo.co.uk
MANCHESTER – bookings@rebellion.club
MERSEYSIDE - Andy@Deathwave.co.uk
MILTON KEYNES - Skye@HOPpromotions.com
NEWCASTLE - kev@rftkpromotions.co.uk
NORTHAMPTON - Skye@HOPpromotions.com
NORWICH - Info@plugstudios.co.uk
NOTTINGHAM - info@ikeproductions.co.uk
OXFORD - twofacepromotions@gmail.com
READING - xlmusicpromotions@gmail.com
SALTASH - andy@livewireyouth.com
SELBY – info@venueselby.co.uk
SHEFFIELD - jake.recordjunkee@gmail.com
SOMERSET - graham@newageevents.org
STOKE - theundergroundstoke@gmail.com
WREXHAM - bookings@goodforaudio.co.uk

For further details on M2TM, check out https://www.facebook.com/groups/m2tmofficial or for bands wishing to submit applications outside the initiative, please email simon@bloodstock.uk.com.
Standard weekend tickets for Bloodstock are currently available at ‘early bird’ prices (just £125 for four days of metal fun) so grab yours now at the ticket store if you want to save £20!  In order to keep up with inflation and extra costs in 2018, standard weekend tickets with camping will increase from last year's £139 to £145 once the ‘early bird’ allocation is gone.  

Bloodstock will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 9th-12th August 2018. 

Get additional information over at www.bloodstock.uk.com.