SevenKingdoms

Thursday, October 31, 2013

SPLIT HEAVEN "The Devil's Bandit" - Cover, Tracklist, release date: November 22nd 2013


The release date of the SPLIT HEAVEN album "The Devil's Bandit" is November 22nd, 2013. The preorder phase will start on November 8th, 2013 in the Pure Steel webshop.

SPLIT HEAVEN, the Mexican Heavy/Speed maniacs are no longer unknown in Europe: The predecessor “Street law” was released by Pure Steel in 2011 and in the same year the band entered the stage of the Swordbrothers festival and got a lot of positive response.
Suitable to the 10th year band anniversary – the third studio album "The Devil's Bandit" is ready to be released. The basic ingredients for the authentic old school metal have not changed, but the production is much more sophisticated now: The sound is so powerful as never before, the tight drumming with its conducive used double bass parts fits perfectly to the songs and the guitar work is much more filigree. In addition, influences of European Heavy / Power Metal can be heard on the new output and even the vocalist change didn’t harm quintet. With Gian Carlo Farjat the band got a very talented front man, which is highly influenced by the "Metal God" himself.
"The Devil's Bandit" is an exciting package for any visitor of festivals like the Keep It True or Headbangers Open Air!

TRACKLIST:
1. The Arrival Of The Gunslinger (Intro)
2. Danger Zone
3. False Martyr
4. March Of The Dead
5. The Devil’s Bandit
6. Waiting For The Angel Of Death
7. Runaway
8. Diamond Gaze
9. Sinner
10. Right To Rule
Total Playing Time: 41:41 min


LINE-UP:
Gian Carlo Farjat - Vocals 
Carlo "Taii" Hernández - Bass 
Pedro Zelbohr - Guitar 
Armand "Hank" Ramos - Guitar 
Tommy Roitman - Drums

SALEM ONCE AGAIN SIGNED WITH PURE ROCK RECORDS/PURE STEEL RECORDS


The NWOBHM Band SALEM has signed for their new album "Forgotten Dreams" a record contract with PURE ROCK RECORDS, a sub label of PURE STEEL RECORDS!  More news coming soon.

LINE-UP:
Simon Saxby - Vocals
Paul Macnamara - Guitars
Mark Allison - Guitars
Adrian Jenkinson - Bass
Paul Mendham – Drums

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Focus on Metal 151 with Matt Sinner and Michael Voss is now available


Episode 151 - German Masters

We are doubling up on the metal again this week with a pair of German metal masters, Michael Voss and Matt Sinner. Matt joins us hot the heels of the new Sinner release "Touch of Sin 2" and Michael has just released Wolfpakk's second one "Cry Wolf".

As usual get it on iTunes, The Cast Iron Ring and of course at the Focus on Metal site

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

A Sound of Thunder Announces New Album, Smashes Crowd-Funding Goal in Four Days


Fans of American metal act A SOUND OF THUNDER have exceeded the crowd-funding goal for the band's new album in less than five days.  The band announced details of its new album "The Lesser Key of Solomon" via the 30-day campaign on Friday, October 25, launching the project at 12:03pm EST with a $10,000 fund-raising goal.  The goal was passed less than five days later at 9:26pm EST on Tuesday, October 29. 

A SOUND OF THUNDER began recording its fourth album "The Lesser Key of Solomon" in July at Assembly Line Studios.  Kevin '131' Gutierrez (Raven, While Heaven Wept, Deceased) is once again handling production duties for the band.  With the success of the crowd-funding campaign, the 10 track album is scheduled to be completed in late 2013 for a summer 2014 release. 

In addition to recording costs, the crowd-funding campaign will also fund the production of extensive album artwork and a large-format book to accompany the album.  The book will be 12" x 12" and will feature original paintings by artist Dušan Marković for each of the 10 songs, lyrics, photos, comments from the band members, and more.  The book will be available in both paperback and deluxe hardcover slipcase editions.  Both versions of the book, as well as the album and an array of additional items can be pre-ordered via the crowd-funding campaign.  The campaign runs until November 25th on the popular crowd-funding site Kickstarter and can be found here.

A SOUND OF THUNDER is embarking on an east coast US tour in November to promote its latest album "Time's Arrow".   

"Time's Arrow" was released on June 4, 2013 via the band's own labelMad Neptune Records.  The album was recorded at Assembly Line Studios and produced by Kevin '131' Gutierrez.

For more information, visit:
Website: http://www.asoundofthunderband.com
Facbook: http://www.facebook.com/asoundofthunder
Twitter: @asotband
Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/asoundofthunder/a-sound-of-thunder-the-lesser-key-of-solomon

Monday, October 28, 2013

BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING Announce Release Date For "THE CRAZIES," Album Artwork, Details


BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING, the newly launched electro-metal studio project from producer Dietrich Thrall (MARAZENE), will release the bands debut single, "THE CRAZIES," on November 5, 2013. 

Two years in the making, "THE CRAZIES" (The Zombie Song) marks the first new material released by DieTrich since MARAZENE's 2011's critically hailed cover of MOTLEY CRUE's "LIVE WIRE." and subsequent final single "WELCOME TO YOUR HOLIDAY." 

After spending the majority of 2012 locked away in his personal studio writing, arranging, and programming 40+ songs, DieTrich emerged for several minutes to announce his new project only to dive back into a 15 hour marathon studio session with drummer CHRIS EMERY of AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE. Other announced studio special guests include AARON "MONTY" MONTGOMERY (TRAPT), ANGEL BARTOLOTTA (DOPE, TEAM CYBERGEIST), CHRIS TELKES (NOCTURNE, THE RAZORBLADE DOLLS), and PROVO PROVENZANO (SKINLAB, RIKETS). 

Provo has also been the engineering force behind the project. Said Provo: "BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING is one of the most exciting projects I've worked on lately. DieTrich is insanely precise in the studio and has a great vision for where his songs need to be and the DIY ability and attitude to get it done right. DieTrich has also brought in some amazing studio musicians to help round out a unique and catchy collection of gritty and electronic based tunes. I can't wait to get these songs out for the world to hear!"

BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING are currently editing multiple full production videos for "THE CRAZIES" (The Zombie Song) as well as two other tracks, "REVEILLE" and "JULIET" that the band plans to drop in the coming weeks. Release dates for the songs and the videos are forthcoming. 

BEAUTY IN THE SUFFERING presents: "THE CRAZIES" (The Zombie Song)

"THE CRAZIES" (The Zombie Song) written, programmed, arranged, performed, and produced by DieTrich Thrall (MARAZENE).

Mixed and mastered by Provo Provenzano (RIKETS, SKINLAB) and DieTrich Thrall at Pirated Sounds Studios in Oklahoma City, OK.
Drums: Angel Bartolotta (DOPE, TEAM CYBERGEIST). 
Add'l guitars: Chris Telkes (NOCTURNE, THE RAZORBLADE DOLLS). 
Add'l engineering: Jason Schmidt at Redline Recording Studio in Venice, FL (drums). 
Album artwork: Xàos

More information at www.beautyinthesuffering.com 
@ Twitter:  #BITSuffering 

GRIFTER: New Album Completed; Title & Tracks Revealed


Ass kickin', booty shakin', whiskey rock 'n' rollers GRIFTER have announced their new album is all mixed and mastered, artwork is being completed now and everything will be delivered to Ripple Music for release early in 2014. The album will be called The Return Of The Bearded Brethren and will feature the following tracks.

1. Black Gold
2. She Mountain
3. Paranoiac Blues
4. Princess Leia
5. Bow Down To The Monkey
6. Braggard's Boast
7. It's Not Me It's You
8. Fire Water
9. The Return Of the Bearded Brethren
10. Fairies Wear Boots (Black Sabbath cover)

The Return Of The Bearded Brethren will be released on CD, download and vinyl including a limited run ofBlack & Cream Guinness Splatterwax. GRIFTER will also be working on shows to support the album's release and the band's 10th anniversary. Details to come. 

And finally, GRIFTER will also be running a competition via their Facebook page once they hit 3,000 likes based around the new album so head over, like the page and start growing your beards! www.facebook.com/grifterrock

In the meantime, here's a video of the band playing a cover of the classic Black Sabbath track 'Fairies Wear Boots' earlier this year at Bloodstock Open Air. Check out the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbgK_Q9gR9E

GRIFTER's critically-hailed, self-titled debut is available at ripplemusic.bigcartel.com.

GRIFTER Live Dates:
11/29 - HARD ROCK HELL w/ Black Star Riders, Airbourne, Nazareth, Paul Dianno, Michael Monroe and more.For info, visit www.hardrockhell.com 

Praise for GRIFTER:

"One of the best hard rock albums from top to bottom that I have listened to this year." 

"This is an excellent album, catchy, groove rich and addictive . . . all (of the tracks) are of the same catchy, infectious quality. Get a copy and by the second listen I guarantee you will be singing along." [4/5] -  Metal Talk.net


"Just about the best stoner rock band in England right now. Grifter build every one of their songs around monstrously grooving, simple riffs and smooth southern vocals. Something akin to Clutch jamming with Kim Thayil. Several songs, including opener Good Day For Bad News, Preacher And The Devil and Alabama Hotpocket are simply jammed with big riffs, and even when they go for an acoustic blues track to close with Gone Blues they can't help but groove." - JukeBox:Metal

For all things GRIFTER, visit the following links:

Sunday, October 27, 2013

LVCIFYRE To Release 'Svn Eater' January 21 on Dark Descent Records

London blackened death metallers LVCIFYRE will release their second full-length album, entitled Svn Eater, on January 21 via Dark Descent Records.  

LVCIFYRE signed with Dark Descent last year for the release of Svn Eater on vinyl, CD and digital formats. The album's title track is now streaming at this location


Artwork for Svn Eater - pictured below - comes courtesy of Timo Ketola (tentacula.org).

LVCIFYRE is a flesh of Liberation in Honour of the Ancient...


T.Kaos - guitars/vocals
Menthor - drums and percussion
A. Dictator - guitar
Cultus - bass


Thursday, October 24, 2013

HAMMER FIGHT To Release "Chug of War" November 12; Tour Dates Announced

New Jersey thrash n' roll devils HAMMER FIGHT will release their debut full-length album, Chug of War, on November 12 via Horror Gore Pain Death Productions.  


Chug of War, which follows the band's 2011 self-titled EP, was recorded by Bobby Torres at The Machine Shop in Belleville, NJ. Artwork for the album came from a collaboration between Hammer Fight bassist/vocalist Drew Murphy and Buz Hasson, tattoo artist and co-creator of the comic book The Living Corpse.

Guitarist Todd Stern comments on Chug of War, "It's something we've all been looking forward to putting out forever. A record that isn't here to compete sonically with the current state of metal affairs. Rather than taking a crack at being the heaviest, the darkest, or the fastest... we aimed for a record that would serve as the catalyst that helps transform your boring day into a good fucking time. Listen loud, rock hard, and have FUN kids. That's what counts most..."

This initial release will be limited to only 500 copies. Pre-orders for the CD and a CD + t-shirt bundle are available from the band's web store at hammerfight.bigcartel.com

Horror Gore Pain Death Productions is also offering pre-orders at this location.

In support of Chug of War, Hammer Fight has announced the 10-date "Chug of Tour Volume 2" tour, which kicks off November 14 in Philadelphia. Dates are as follows:

11/14 - Philadelphia, PA - The M Room 
11/15 - Richmond, VA - The Compound 
11/16 - Chesapeake, VA - Rodger's Sports Pub 
11/17 - Raleigh, NC - Slim's
11/18 - Nashville, TN - TBA
11/19 - Columbus, OH - The Shrunken Head 
11/20 - Chicago, IL - Cobra Lounge 
11/21 - Akron, OH - Annabelle's Lounge 
11/22 - Erie, PA - The Beer Mug 
11/23 - Asbury Park, NJ - The Saint


"Chances are, they'll steal your drink and fuck your girl..."  - StereoKiller.com

"This four piece of tattooed Jersey shore hooligans play a real aggro punk metal influenced highly by MOTORHEAD." - Scumfeast Metal 666

"Only pussies don't like this band." - Some Really Smart Dude 

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Focus on Metal 150 is now available


Episode 150 - Ellefson Speaks

There's a double header of metal goodness this week. We kick it off with our talk with Dave Eleffson about his upcoming biography "My Life With Deth", among other things. Consider this the companion piece to our talk with author Joel McIver. Also up this week is my call with Eike Freese from Dark Age hot on the heels of their latest AFM release "A Matter Of Trust".


And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

As usual get it on iTunes, The Cast Iron Ring and of course at Focus on Metal

Wikimetal has posted a new Metallica interview


Our metal brothers Rafael and Daniel over at Wikimetal have posted part one of an excellent interview they did with Metallica. They did a great job with this vid and it's well worth giving it a spin.




You can view a bigger version over at Focus on Metal

You can get more great Wikimetal content over at the Cast Iron Ring site

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

AEON ZEN releases details of new EP "Self Portrait"

English progressive-metallers AEON ZEN are back with a new EP entitled Self Portrait, which is a collection of re-workings of songs originally found on their debut album and one completely new composition. The EP will be released for a pay-what-you-want download, as well as in a very limited number of CDs on 25th November 2013.

On the new EP, AEON ZEN's creator Rich Hinks said:
"These new recordings display AEON ZEN's continued growth both in terms of songwriting and arranging, but also as a cohesive band unit. They are far from simple re-recordings of some of our older songs, they are completely re-made, and almost like brand new songs!
"Self Portrait is a great way for us to give something back to our fans, and to give our fans a way to support us by donating as much as they want or can for the EP."

Self Portrait limited edition CD (only 100 available!) can be pre-ordered here:


Digital downloads will be available starting on 25th November.


Self Portrait tracklist:
1. Psych!
2. Portrait
3. Rain
4. Demise

Produced, mixed & mastered by Rich Hinks at Zen Chapel Studios.
Artwork by Rich Hinks & Mattias Norén.

SAVAGE MESSIAH RESCHEDULE UK MINI TOUR


SAVAGE MESSIAH have rescheduled dates for their mini UK headlining tour, which was originally scheduled to kick off on October 29th.

The shows have now been moved to February/March, following the release of the band's new album, which is due to hit stores on January 20th, 2014.  SAVAGE MESSIAH will still be heading out on a full European tour with US thrashers HAVOK in November, which includes a number of shows in the UK.

SAVAGE MESSIAH frontman DAVE SILVER comments:

"Our headline shows have been moved back to next year in order to coincide with the release of our new record.  We're sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing us, but due to our extensive schedule leading up to the new year it was decided by all involved that our headline shows would be better situated once the new album is out.  Come out and see us on the Havok tour, and then once the new record is out the headline shows will be all the better as we can't wait to hit you with these new songs!!"

See SAVAGE MESSIAH on tour at the following shows:

SAVAGE MESSIAH
Nov. 16 - Sandnes, Norway - Sandnes Rock Club

SAVAGE MESSIAH w/ HAVOK, ANGELUS APATRIDA
Nov. 23 - Edegem, Belgium - JH Nootuitgang
Nov. 25 - London, UK - Underworld
Nov. 26 - Cardiff, UK - Clwb Ifor Bach
Nov. 27 - Norwich, UK - Epic Studios
Nov. 28 - Glasgow, UK - Cathouse
Nov. 29 - Plymouth, UK - White Rabbit
Nov. 30 - Châlons-en-Champagne, France - Contre Point
Dec. 01 - Nantes, France - Le Ferrailleur
Dec. 02 - Toulouse, France - Le Saint des Seins
Dec. 03 - Bilbao, Spain - Kafe Antzokia
Dec. 04 - Madrid, Spain - Sala Caracol
Dec. 05 - Valencia, Spain - Rock City
Dec. 06 - Barcelona, Spain - Music Hall
Dec. 08 - Munich, Germany - Feierwerk
Dec. 09 - Vienna, Austria - Arena
Dec. 10 - Salzburg, Austria - Rockhouse
Dec. 11 - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Orto Bar
Dec. 12 - Borkovany, Czech Republic - Republica San Bonigo
Dec. 13 - Leipzig, Germany - Conne Island
Dec. 14 - Essen, Germany - Cafe Nova
Dec. 15 - Berlin, Germany - Magnet

SAVAGE MESSIAH
Feb. 25 - London, UK - Borderline
Mar. 05 - York, UK - Fibbers
Mar. 07 - Manchester, UK - Sound Control
Mar. 08 - Wolverhampton, UK - Slade Rooms

View the UK tour flyer at http://earacherecords.com/myspace/sm_uk_2014.jpg

SAVAGE MESSIAH's latest album, PLAGUE OF CONSCIENCE, is available now on CD and limited edition coloured vinyl LP.  Get the album now from the Earache Webstore in Europe at http://webstore.earache.com/savage-messiah or in North America at http://uswebstore.earache.com/savage-messiah

PLAGUE OF CONSCIENCE is also available on iTunes, including an exclusive bonus track, at http://bit.ly/zqbuz3

Watch SAVAGE MESSIAH's music video for the track, "All Seeing I", at http://youtu.be/H65BFopVO_0

Get more SAVAGE MESSIAH news and info at:

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/SavageMessiahMetal
Twitter - http://twitter.com/savagemessiah

Sunday, October 20, 2013

THE MORE I SEE KICK OFF EURO TOUR WITH KOBRA AND THE LOTUS TODAY


UK metallers THE MORE I SEE are due to kick off a European tour with Canadian heavy metal band KOBRA AND THE LOTUS this Sunday, October 20th.

The short trek begins at the Underground in Cologne, Germany, and also includes shows in the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland and France.  THE MORE I SEE will be playing in support of their new album, THE DISAPPEARING HUMANS, which is out now worldwide.

THE MORE I SEE frontman JAMES CLUER comments:

"We are all looking forward to getting out on the road again and playing to new audiences in places like Milan and Zurich and rocking out with everyone to our new album!  It's such a great opportunity to be able to support Kobra and the Lotus as we have a lot of respect for them and can't wait to see them bring it live!!"

See THE MORE I SEE on tour with KOBRA AND THE LOTUS at the following shows:

Oct. 20 - Cologne, Germany - Underground
Oct. 21 - Tilburg, Netherlands - 013
Oct. 22 - Berlin, Germany - White Trash
Oct. 24 - Hamburg, Germany - St. Pauli Rock Cafe
Oct. 26 - Milan, Italy - Milan Factory
Oct. 27 - Zurich, Switzerland - Komplex Club
Oct. 28 - Paris, France - Le Batofar

View the tour flyer at http://earacherecords.com/myspace/tmis_oct13.jpg or at Focus on Metal

THE MORE I SEE's new album, THE DISAPPEARING HUMANS, is available now on CD and limited edition coloured vinyl LP.  Get it now in Europe at http://webstore.earache.com/The-More-I-See or get the album on iTunes with an exclusive bonus track at http://bit.ly/152BqxD

THE DISAPPEARING HUMANS is also available on Spotify, including four exclusive bonus tracks, along with an exclusive track-by-track commentary.  Listen to the album now on Spotify at http://spoti.fi/15ejoiR

Get more TMIS news and info at:

Official website - http://www.themoreisee.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/TheMOREiSEEband
Twitter - http://twitter.com/TheMoreISee

SAPIENCY: North American Digital Release of 'Tomorrow' Coming November 26

German melodic death metal outfit SAPIENCY will see their sophomore effort, Tomorrow, distributed digitally in North America on November 26 via Eclipse Records. The album is currently available to the rest of the world through SAOL/Zebralution.

The highly-anticipated follow up to the band's acclaimed 2010 debut, Fate's End, Tomorrow was released on CD format in March on Saol Music. Tomorrow engages with absolute power and a more organic sound right from the first note, striking the perfect balance of melody and heaviness. With Tomorrow, SAPIENCY has established themselves as the spearhead of German melodic death metal.  

SAPIENCY was recently spotlighted by European Metal Channel in a promotional video that features song snippets from Tomorrow. Check it out HERE

The official music video for album track "Free Within" is now playing at this location

Purchase Tomorrow from iTunes at:


"This is melodic death metal at its best" - LordsOfMetal.nl

"...if you crave non-stop energy and pummeled instruments creating your music, then this album was tailor made for you." - www.metalexpressradio.com

Friday, October 18, 2013

DIAMOND PLATE KICK OFF U.S. TOUR WITH DEATH ANGEL TOMORROW


Chicago's DIAMOND PLATE are due to kick off a US tour supporting Bay Area thrashers DEATH ANGEL tomorrow - Saturday, October 19th - at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood.

The tour runs through until November 10th and also includes support from 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, BATTLECROSS and REVOCATION.  DIAMOND PLATE are playing in support of their new album, PULSE, which is out now worldwide.

See DIAMOND PLATE on tour with DEATH ANGEL at the following shows:

Oct. 19 - Hollywood, CA - Whisky A Go Go
Oct. 20 - Ramona, CA - Ramona Mainstage
Oct. 21 - Flagstaff, AZ - Orpheum Theater
Oct. 23 - Austin, TX - Dirty Dog
Oct. 24 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
Oct. 25 - Dallas, TX - South By So What
Oct. 26 - Oklahoma City, OK - Chameleon Room
Oct. 27 - St. Louis, MO - FuBar
Oct. 29 - New York, NY - Webster Hall (Marlin Room)
Oct. 30 - Springfield, VA - Empire
Oct. 31 - Pittsburgh, PA - Altar Bar
Nov. 01 - Wilmington, DE - Mojo 13
Nov. 02 - Boston, MA - Middle East
Nov. 03 - Montreal, QC - Foufounes Electriques
Nov. 04 - Toronto, ON - Opera House
Nov. 05 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's
Nov. 07 - Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall
Nov. 08 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
Nov. 09 - Tempe, AZ - Rocky Point
Nov. 10 - Santa Ana, CA - Observatory

View the tour flyer at http://earacherecords.com/myspace/dp_deathangeltour.jpg or at Focus on Metal

DIAMOND PLATE's new album, PULSE, was recorded with producer NEIL KERNON (JUDAS PRIEST, NEVERMORE, DEICIDE, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD) at Studio Chicago in the band's home town.  The artwork was created by GUSTAVO SAZES (MORBID ANGEL, ARCH ENEMY, SEPULTURA).

Get PULSE now on CD in the US from CM Distro at http://bit.ly/176xt2F or get the album on iTunes at http://bit.ly/1dPuJ73

Get more DIAMOND PLATE news and info at:

Official site - http://www.diamondplateband.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/diamondplate1
Twitter - http://twitter.com/diamondplate1

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Focus on Metal 149 With Steve "Zetro" Souza is Now Available


This week we sit down with thrash legend Steve "Zetro" Souza for a talk on all things metal including what's up with his latest band Hatriot. Need we say more?

Our featured track this week is from Germany's WolfPakk from their new AFM release Cry Wolf.


And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

As usual get it on iTunes, The Cast Iron Ring and of course at Focus on Metal

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Two New Titles Hit The Streets Today On Nightmare Records



Thunder Tribe - War Chant

Thunder Tribe is a completely fresh and yet familiar sound, combining elements from the last 40 years in rock and metal, one moment you’ll hear something from Black Sabbath, the Beatles and yes even Pink Floyd and in the next Alice in Chains, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Scorpions meander into their extremely soulful, oldschool rock interpretation of Power/Prog Metal.

Thunder Tribe is comprised of five veteran musicians that understand the feeling and power of melodic metal music. The songs on their upcoming CD "War Chant," (Nightmare Records / Sony /Red) resonate with high-range, operatic vocals, dual harmony guitar riffs, and thumping bass and drums. Vocal phenomenon, Michael Duncan, sings with a power and range that has not been heard since the mid 80s! The guitar duo of Ronnie Duncan and Rick Sargent produce magical sounds of harmonies and power chords that hard rock and metal enthusiasts haven’t heard for decades. The intricate and commanding foundation pounded out by Tom Dawson (bass) and Chad Osborne (drums) give off that heavy undercurrent that allows great players to shine, as Michael, Ronnie, and Rick do on this album. Thunder Tribe’s melodic performances on this album lend to their live aura that is based on the "concert experience." If you have long been searching for that “missing metal sound” in current-day, modern music, but you find that nothing quite quenches your thirst for metal, it is essential to check out THUNDER TRIBE...


Six Minute Century - Wasting Time
Six Minute Century is a power rock metal band from Houston, Texas. Formed in the summer of 2004, the band has become one of the top power/prog bands in the area. Lead by guitarist Don LaFon (Krucible,  Mystic Cross, Logan),  the band fuses interesting rhythms with the grooves of more southern style metal and the soaring vocal melodies of Chuck Williams. Which in the end give you something sounding in the vein of Savatage / Dio / Kamelot, with the vocal style of Fates Warning / Dream Theater / TNT.

While all members of S.M.C. are technically proficient, the band does not fit the category of a band trying to impress with how many notes they can play. Rather Six Minute Century prefers to write songs with melody and most of all passion! Which has helped them garner a wider audience than many of today’s prog-metal bands.



VANHELGD Signs with Pulverised Records


From the mortified gallows of Mjölby, Sweden, Death Metal fiends VANHELGD, are set to make a return to action with their first offering of new material after a two-year absence.

Relentless and uncompromising, with an obscurely dark vibe, VANHELGD came on to the scene with their debut full-length Cult Of Lazarus in 2008. Three years later. the band unleashed the intensely devastating Church Of Death. After a period of dormancy,  VANHELGD will strike back with a vengeance with the release of a new record that promises to be a Death/Doom supreme beast. 

VANHELGD have recently completed writing material for the upcoming record and are scheduled to enter the studio next month. The band recorded a short video clip of themselves rehearsing a new track off the new album, and can be seen at this location.

"VANHELGD are very pleased to sign a deal with Pulverised for our next, yet untitled, album. The journey continues along the eerie paths we explored on 'Church Of Death,' but the songs seem somewhat darker this time," states VANHELGD frontman and guitarist  Mattias Frisk. "The writing process has been much more focused to our rehearsals this time with everyone involved, trying to make the absolutely best out of every song and not letting anything pass unnoticed. A lot of ideas have been thrown away, leaving us with eight strong tracks drenched in death, destruction and pure malevolence. The recording will start in November 2013 and will be the first with our new bass player Jonas Albrektsson." 


Pulverised Records label manager Roy Yeo also commented on the new signing: "We took notice on VANHELGD when they released 'Church Of Death' and back then, there was already something about VANHELGD that we enjoyed. Perhaps it was a little of the sorrow vibe ala early At The Gates / Paradise Lost that was hidden beneath all that filthy Death Metal that was on 'Church Of Death,' so we immediately agreed on releasing their upcoming album when the band approached us. We believe that for a band such as VENHELGD, their material can only get stronger with each release and further solidify the signature sound that they already possessed."


New Jersey Metallers KALOPSIA Announce New EP Coming Soon

New Jersey death metal stalwarts, KALOPSIA, recently completed recording a brand new EP. Set for launch by winter 2013, the followup to last year’s full-length album, Amongst the Ruins was recorded and mixed by Eliot Geller (LIFE AS A GHOST, MALIGNANCY) and Bobby Torres (HAMMERFIGHT, ABACINATE).

According to Exclaim!, KALOPSIA’s previous effort, Amongst the Ruins was perfect for those looking for “an extra dose of blast-driven, sweaty aggression, stinking and straight from the shore. While much of that will remain true, vocalist/guitarist, Matt Medeiros notes that the band wasn’t afraid to venture into new territory. "Amongst the Ruins was a thrashing attack with a lot of emphasis on velocity. The new EP is a more of a primal, lumbering beast. It's still recognizably KALOPSIA, but it's definitely a different record.”
As for the sound, itself?  “The current mix is so goddamn heavy,” says Medeiros“Execution-wise, we're on point, delivering razor-sharp attacks across the board. I experimented a bit with the vocals, and I'm really happy with some of the rawer sounds, as well as it being a bit more guttural overall”

KALOPSIA’s new EP will be released independently by winter 2013.

KALOPSIA is a death metal band from New Jersey that dishes out old-school speed and fury with a surgical precision demanded by the modern day scene. Counting current and former members of DEHUMANIZED, HAMMERFIGHT and FUNEBRARUM among its ranks, KALOPSIA is known for doing things on their own terms - taking no prisoners and giving opponents no quarter. Simply put, KALOPSIA is "battle-tested death metal."

Monday, October 14, 2013

MORBID ANGEL: 'COVENANT' TO BE REISSUED ON FULL DYNAMIC RANGE VINYL (with a tour to follow).


COVENANT, the classic album from Floridian death metal legends MORBID ANGEL, is due to be reissued in Europe on limited edition Full Dynamic Range vinyl LP to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the album's release.

Originally released in 1993, COVENANT is the band's third album and has been specially remastered from the original tapes in Full Dynamic Range (FDR) audio, allowing the music's nuances to shine through and giving the album a more ferocious, immersive and dynamic sound than ever before.

MORBID ANGEL vocalist/bassist DAVID VINCENT comments:

"Covenant was and still remains a very important release in our career.  We are all excited to revisit this album in celebration of its 20th anniversary, both on stage and on wax.  For purists and vinyl aficionados alike, this new full dynamic master pressing is sure to illuminate the analog sonic fury that we captured in 1993."

The vinyl will be available in the following quantities and colours:

100 - Green (Earache Webstore exclusive) **
200 - Clear (Earache Webstore exclusive) **
200 - Dark Blue with Light Blue Splatter *
300 - Clear with Black Marble *
300 - White with Black Splatter **
400 - Clear with Red Marble **
1400 - Black *

* includes free sticker
** includes free sticker and slipmat

View the COVENANT webstore vinyl versions at http://earacherecords.com/myspace/ma_covenant_fdrvinyl.jpg

The COVENANT Full Dynamic Range vinyl is due to be released on November 4th through the Earache European Webstore, and will also be available in limited quantities directly from the band on their COVENANT 20th anniversary US tour.

The vinyl will be available for pre-order on Friday, October 18th from the Earache Webstore at http://webstore.earache.com/morbid-angel

The Full Dynamic Range edition of COVENANT will also be released in Europe on iTunes on November 4th, and is available to pre-order now at http://bit.ly/GTQc4F

See MORBID ANGEL live on tour in the US at the following shows:

Nov. 07 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
Nov. 08 - Charlotte, NC - Tremont Music Hall
Nov. 09 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage
Nov. 10 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East
Nov. 12 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
Nov. 13 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts
Nov. 15 - Pittsburgh, PA - The Altar Bar
Nov. 16 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
Nov. 17 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
Nov. 18 - Minneapolis, MN - Mill City Nights
Nov. 19 - Sauget, IL - Pops
Nov. 20 - Lawrence, KS - Granada
Nov. 22 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater
Nov. 23 - Salt Lake City, UT - Murray Theater
Nov. 25 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
Nov. 26 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theater
Nov. 27 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
Nov. 29 - Hollywood, CA - The Fonda Theatre
Nov. 30 - Phoenix, AZ - Joe's Grotto
Dec. 01 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theatre
Dec. 02 - El Paso, TX - Tricky Falls
Dec. 03 - Austin, TX - Red 7
Dec. 04 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
Dec. 06 - Orlando, FL - The Beacham
Dec. 07 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room

View the tour flyer at http://earacherecords.com/myspace/ma_covenant_tour.jpg or at Focus on Metal

Get more MORBID ANGEL news and info at:

Official site - http://www.morbidangel.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/officialmorbidangelpage
Twitter - http://twitter.com/MorbidAngel

Updates on Past FoM Guest Timo Tolkki's Second Avalon Release

After the success of Timo Tolkki’s Avalon debut album “The Land of New Hope” which entered the top 100 album charts in 7 European countries (including a glowing Top 10 entry in Tolkki’s home country Finland), Timo Tolkki has started working on a sequel to his first Metal Opera, slated for a 2014 release on Frontiers Records.

Fans can follow the progress of the making of the album, including writing and recording sessions and special cameos from the musicians and singers involved, from the new website www.avalonopera.com

The entire cast of musicians will be revealed one by one in separate video blogs. Fans will be able to interact and take part to different phases of the production through the website and in the social media pages.

The confirmed cast of musicians/singers is once again full of internationally acclaimed artists, with some interesting twists and surprises. It will surely guarantee another masterpiece from one of the forefathers of Symphonic Melodic Power Metal.

The first singer from the cast is Simone Simons of Epica. She is one of the leading ladies in the Female Voices category in the World, however she is not singing the main role on AVALON II, which is a working title for the album. The final name will be revealed later.


To date, Timo Tolkki has sold over 2 million records in his career, has won a Finnish Grammy and has been chosen by the readers of the American Guitar World magazine to TOP 100 as “the Fastest Guitar Player in the World” and “the Most influential Metal Guitar Player in the World”. He has released 20 albums in his career and toured the world for over 3000 shows in 52 countries.

CURSED 13 'Triumf' Out Now on Carnal Records

Fist-to-face Swedish Black Metal from CURSED 13's Triumf has been unleashed by Sweden's Carnal Records.

The meaty 'n muscular  Triumf contains 11 tracks spanning the period 1998 up to 2013. Featuring members of DOMGARD, WAN, and SPAZMOSITY, CURSED 13 is nasty, brutish, and brilliant in its blackened purity. While there are no re-recorded songs from the Tearing the World Asunder split with DOMGARD, several of the tracks on Triumf were originally intended for the never released And Hell... album. Bassist/vocalist and Unit Commander Heljarmadr (DOMGARD) explains the album's malicious content this way,  

"The lyrical themes in Cursed 13 have always been based upon aggression, both the controlled and calculating hate as well as the blind fury. CURSED 13 acknowledges the ancient Scandinavian/European spirituality and mythology as the truth and holds the kin of Loke as the ones closest to heart. I am not an atheist and Black Metal is not just another form of music."


Plans for a gatefold vinyl LP release of Triumf are also in the works. Check out a promo video, featuring album track "När Marorna Kallar" at this location.  

  

Saturday, October 12, 2013

What's Creaking The Speakers This Week



This is excellent hard rock from a band who haven't released anything in eons. PR guy sent it to me and I didn't give it much thought. Surprised the fuck out of me. Pick it up.



Love it love it love it. Super-glued to my cd player. Not everyone's cup of tea though. Just grows all over you over time. That's if you give it time. Hope to catch them when they play in Boston soon.



Wow, this is so one paced it nearly put me to sleep. Where's the variation? Except for the opening track One More For The Road it never gets into second gear. Huge disappointment to me after the mostly excellent Killing The Dragon. Ronnie still sounds great but the thing just plods. The production blows too. That's my opinion then and now with a shitload of time between listens.



I don't just listen to metal you know, well 98% of the time I do. He's well entrenched in my 2%. Love The Police and love his solo stuff. This is his first release of new music in 10 years and it's great. Not a cookie monster vocalist in sight although it does have fellow Geordie and AC/DC crooner Brian Johnson on it. All about ship building in Newcastle when he was growing up. Now if that isn't all about metal I don't know what is.

Richie.

Friday, October 11, 2013

DEATH DEALER featured on the cover of Mexico's HEAVY RIFF magazine

DEATH DEALER, the international heavy metal super group featuring former and current members of MANOWAR, HALFORD, LIZZY BORDEN, CAGE, EMPIRES OF EDEN and DUNGEON are featured on the October 2013 cover of Mexico's HEAVY RIFF magazine. 

Included in issue #11 of the magazine are interviews with DEATH DEALER, KILMARA, GLORYFUL, DRAGONFLY, SPHINX; a special heavy docs feature on HEAVY METAL BRITANNIA and a look back at the original issue of the THEOCRACYdebut cd 10 years ago.  

The latest issue of the magazine hit the streets on October 1, 2013. View Online Download    
In addition, a special 4th Anniversary HEAVY RIFF magazine issue featuring 10 of the best interviews from the years 2009 to 2013 is also available. View Online Download 


For more information visit the official  HEAVY RIFF and DEATH DEALER Facebook pages. 


Pure Steel to release HOLY CROSS "Place Your Bets" on Oct 25th


The flood of great releases from Pure Steel continues with Place Your Bets, the new one from Holy Cross.

Coming from the land of good cheese and wine HOLY CROSS finally present their second album "Place your bets" 4 years after their debut album "Under the Flag". The band is breaking new ground, because their traditional power metal has been extended with many elements of classic Thrash Metal. The fine and catchy melodies have been preserved, of course, but were embedded in much harder song structures, which gives the album an enhanced variability. According to the new sound vocalist Mickael Champon has adapted his charismatic voice and is now much more aggressive. This makes "Place Your Bets" sounding amazingly new and fresh provides a lot of fun to the listener.


TRACKLIST:
1. Bad Day (In The Best Of Worlds)
2. Place Your Bets
3. Last Chance
4. Break Your Chains
5. Realm Of Madness
6. From Past To Dust
7. Inner Jail
8. Unleash The Cross
9. Higher & Higher
Total Playing Time: 43:30 min

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Focus on Metal 148 with Joel McIver is now available


One of our favorite guests is back again this week, metal author extraordinaire Joel McIver. Joel just finished up writing Dave Ellefson's bio "My Life With Deth". It's a great read and we hope that this show will encourage you to get yourself a copy. Of course we can't resist hitting some other current metal topics with Joel as well as getting some sneak previews of upcoming books.

Our featured track this week is from Germany's Stainless Steel from their new release Metal Machine on Pure Underground Records

Grab the episode on iTunes, The Cast Iron Ring and of course at the Focus on Metal site


And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

MASTER: European Tour with ONSLAUGHT and MPIRE OF EVIL Starts Tonight

Death metal pioneers MASTER will kick off the SLAUGHTERFEST European Tour 2013 with ONSLAUGHT and MPIRE OF EVIL tonight at the Blyth and Tyne in Northlumberland, UK. The tour will see MASTER trekking across the European countryside for more than three weeks in support of their latest release, The Witchhunt.  


MASTER's  landmark 12th album, The Witchhunt,  was released September 27 on German death metal label FDA Rekotz. The album features 11 brand new tracks of classic and catchy death metal played with the intensity and attitude that MASTER fans have come to rely upon over the years. The album's thick, massive production demonstrates the band's superb musicianship and songwriting skills. This is an album that sees MASTER at the top of their 20+ year career.  

Founder/bassist/vocalist Paul Speckmann recently gave an in-depth interview to CanadianAssault.com about the band's history, new album and much more. Check it out at www.canadianassault.com/masterinterview.htm.  

The Witchhunt is available worldwide and can be ordered directly from the label at www.fda-rekotz.com.   
   
MASTER w/ ONSLAUGHT and MPIRE OF EVIL live dates:


October 9 @ Blyth and Tyne, Northumberland, UK
October 10 @ Institute (The Temple), Birmingham UK
October 11 @ Bierkeller, Bristol, UK
October 12 @ The Garage, London, UK
October 13 @ Ieper, JOC Ieper, Belgium
October 14 @ Hirsch, Nürnberg, Germany
October 15 @ Steinbruchtheater, Darmstadt, Germany
October 16 @ Rockfabrig, Ludwigsburg, Germany
October 17 @ Bastard Club, Osnabrück, Germany
October 18 @ Nova Chmelnice, Prag, Czech Republic
October 19 @ Messehalle, Straubing, Germany
October 20 @ Dynamo, Eindhoven, Holland
October 21 @ Vortex Club, Siegen, Germany
October 22 @ Matrix, Bochum, Germany
October 23 @ Stengade, Copenhagen, Denmark
October 24 @ John Dee, Oslo, Norway
October 25 @ Kick, Kristiansand, Norway
October 26 @ Sandes Kulturhus, Sandes/Stavenger, Norway
October 27 @ TBA
October 28 @ Day Off
October 29 @ Klubbi, Tampere, Finland
October 30 @ Melna Piektdiena, Riga, Latvia
October 31 @ NEW YORK, Vilnius, Lithuania
November 1 @ Day Off
November 2 @ Progresja, Warsaw, Poland
November 3 @ Kwadrat, Cracow, Poland