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Ever since it was announced that metal icons Judas Priest would be unleashing their 17th studio album overall, 'Redeemer of Souls' (on July 8, 2014), their legion of fans have been wondering if the band would be launching a supporting tour. And the answer is a resounding YES - Priest will be touring the US in the fall, with dates running throughout October and for most of November. Steel Panther will be "special guests" for all the dates.
Already, 'Redeemer of Souls' is creating a deafening pre-release buzz, largely due to overwhelmingly positive reviews:
"The word 'epic' is thrown around too often in the world of music, but Judas Priest's new album 'Redeemer of Souls' is, in fact, truly epic. From Rob Halford's powerful vocals to Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner's monster riffs and soaring guitar solos, 'Redeemer of Souls' takes listeners on a fantastical metal journey from beginning to end." --Loudwire
"Galloping riffs, dueling solos and Rob Halford's battle shrieks make it classic Priest at its metal core." --Rolling Stone Magazine [review of "Redeemer of Souls" single]
"The gods of metal return with all cylinders firing on 'Redeemer of Souls,' a juggernaut of an album that features raw, unleashed power as only the mighty Priest can deliver. Valhalla, they are
coming — and coming HARD." --Mike Mettler, Sound & Vision Magazine
Comprised of Rob Halford (vocals), Glenn Tipton (guitar), Richie Faulkner (guitar), Ian Hill (bass), and Scott Travis (drums), Judas Priest is responsible for some of heavy metal's all-time classic songs ("Living After Midnight," "Breaking the Law," "You've Got Another Thing Coming," etc.) and albums ('British Steel,' 'Screaming for Vengeance,' 'Painkiller,' etc.).
And come the fall, the mighty Priest will be ferociously rocking the US once more - with more dates to follow shortly.
"REDEEMER OF SOULS TOUR 2014" DATES:
Oct-01 Rochester, NY Main Street Armory
Oct-03 Hammond, IN The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
Oct-04 Louisville, KY Louder Than Life Fest at Champions
Oct-09 Brooklyn, NY Barclays
Oct-10 Atlantic City, NJ Harrah's
Oct-11 Mashantucket, CT MGM Grand Theater at Foxwood's
Oct-14 Lowell, MA Tsongas Center at UMass
Oct-15 Allentown, PA PPL Center
Oct-17 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center
Oct-19 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
Oct-24 Baltimore, MD Pier Six Pavilion
Oct-28 Duluth, GA The Arena at Gwinnett Center
Oct-30 Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live Arena
Nov-06 Allen, TX Allen Event Center
Nov-07 Austin FunFunFun Fest
Nov-10 Los Angeles, CA Nokia
Nov-12 Phoenix, AZ Jobing Arena
Nov-13 Highland, CA San Manuel Casino
Nov-14 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl
Nov-16 San Jose, CA City National Civic
Nov-18 Salt Lake City, UT Maverik Center
News about a special fan presale for tickets, merchandise bundles and more will be announced soon. Visit http://tickets.judaspriest.com/ and sign up now for further information!
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT:
www..judaspriest.com
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Metal blog about all things new, releases, announcements and events.
SevenKingdoms
Friday, June 27, 2014
JUDAS PRIEST ANNOUNCE CONFIRMED DATES SUPPORTING NEW RECORD RELEASE
Thursday, June 26, 2014
THE RASKINS OPEN FOR MÖTLEY CRÜE’S FINAL TOUR WITH VERY SPECIAL GUEST ALICE COOPER
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The Raskins, as it has been announced have been invited to open for Mötley Crüe on their upcoming Final Tour, which is already sold out in many markets and also features very special guest Alice Cooper.
In anticipation of such a huge tour and career crossroads, The Raskins (which is comprised of Logan and Roger Raskin) have brought in respected producer Brett Hestla to re-mix 4 tracks from their self-titled debut album (released May 13th via MIRAL Records distributed by BDG/RED Distribution, LLC - a division of SONY Music Entertainment). Hestla first came to prominence as the touring bassist in CREED from 1999-2004. After Creed disbanded, he joined with Clint Lowery from Sevendust and Corey Lowery from Stuck Mojo to form DARK NEW DAY.
While Motley Crüe's Final Tour will see one of rock's most iconic groups gracefully bow out from the touring circuit, it will introduce one of the most promising rocks acts to a whole new audience from coast to coast. Get ready to rock with The Raskins!
CONFIRMED DATES OF MOTLEY CRUE/ALICE COOPER/THE RASKINS TOUR:
07/02/14 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
07/04/14 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest
07/05/14 Noblesville, IN Klipsch Music Center
07/06/14 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
07/08/14 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
07/09/14 Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
07/11/14 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
07/12/14 Wichita, KS Intrust Bank Arena
07/13/14 Tulsa, OK Bok Center
07/15/14 Cedar Park, TX Cedar Park Center
07/16/14 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion
07/18/14 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater
07/19/14 Phoenix, AZ Ak-Chin Pavilion
07/21/14 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl
07/22/14 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
07/23/14 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
07/25/14 Reno, NV Reno Events Center
07/26/14 Ridgefield, WA Sleep Country Amphitheater
07/27/14 Auburn, WA White River Amphitheatre
07/29/14 Wheatland, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
07/30/14 Chula Vista, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
08/01/14 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
08/02/14 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
08/03/14 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
08/05/14 Sturgis, SD Sturgis Buffalo Chip
08/06/14 Sioux City, IA Tyson Events Center
08/08/14 Tinley Park, IL First Midway Bank Amphitheatre
08/09/14 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
08/12/14 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center
08/13/14 Burgettston, PA First Niagara Pavilion
08/15/14 Pelham, AL Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
08/16/14 Alpharetta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
08/17/14 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
08/19/14 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
08/20/14 Virginia Beach, VA Farm Bureau Live
08/22/14 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
08/23/14 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
08/24/14 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center
08/26/14 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
08/27/14 Allentown, PA The Great Allentown Fair
08/29/14 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
08/30/14 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
08/31/14 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
10/10/14 Oklahoma City, OK Chesapeake Arena
10/11/14 The Woodlands, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
10/12/14 Bossier City, LA CenturyLink Center
10/14/14 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center
10/15/14 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
10/19/14 Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial Arena
10/21/14 Greenville, SC Bon Secours Wellness Arena
10/22/14 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Complex
10/24/14 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Event Center
10/25/14 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Event Center
10/26/14 Montville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
10/28/14 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
10/29/14 Syracuse, NY The Oncenter Complex
11/05/14 Biloxi, MS Mississippi Coast Coliseum
11/06/14 Southaven, MS Landers Center
11/08/14 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena
11/09/14 Moline, IL iWireless Center
11/11/14 Green Bay, WI Resch Center
11/12/14 Madison, WI Alliant Energy Center
11/13/14 Omaha, NE CenturyLink Center
11/15/14 St Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
11/16/14 Fargo, ND FargoDome
11/22/14 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena
The Raskins On iTunes
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VARGA CONTINUE THEIR PROG-METAL TOUR DE FORCE WITH, 'RETURN OF THE METAL'
Hamilton, Ontario-based progressive metal band, VARGA, on Tuesday, July 22nd will release their their 4th full-length studio recording follow up to last Octobers, Enter The Metal with the sequel, Return Of The Metal, via the band's own Vargantuan Music label. Digital downloads and CD’s are available through iTunes and Amazon.com as well as the bands own vargahq.com web site where several formats of hi-resolution downloads can be purchased as well as CD’s and CD packages.
Comprised of members Joe Varga (bass & vocals), Adam Alex (guitar), Sean Williamson (guitar), and Dan Fila (drums), the veteran band (originally formed in 1989) has built a large and loyal following of heavy metal fans, particular in their home country, on the strength of such popular releases as 1994's 'Prototype (Zoo records),' which spawned the hits "Freeze Don't Move" and "Greed" earning the band a thumbs up on the then popular Beavis and Butthead MTV program. After over a decade apart, Varga reunited in 2011, and issued their awesome reunion effort, 'Enter the Metal' (their first new studio album in 17 years).
The album was produced by long time friend and producer/engineer, Julius “Juice” Butty (Alexisonfire, Protest the Hero), and recorded at both Six Nations’ Jukasa Studio, and Butty’s own Silo Studios.
As heard throughout 'Enter The Metal and Return Of The Metal,' the long delay between releases has not dulled Varga's penchant for penning inspired and challenging heavy metal in the slightest.
Tracks:
1) Three Section Staff (8:18)
2 Afterlife Comes (5:54)
3) Disfigured Gargoyle (5:36)
4) Evil Drifter (6:34)
5) Money Talks (7:10)
6) Far East Super Slaughter (6:27)
VARGA is:
Adam Alex – Guitar
Dan Fila – Drums
Joe Varga – Bass & Vocals
Sean Williamson – Guitar
Discography:
Multiple Wargasms – 1991 (Independent)
Prototype – 1994 (Zoo/BMG)
Oxygen – 1996 (Zoo/BMG)
Enter The Metal – 2013 (Vargantuan Music)
Return Of The Metal – 2014 (Vargantuan Music)
Amazon.com Link - http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Varga+retun+of+the+metal
Links:
LORD VOLTURE 'Will To Power' Album Details Revealed
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SHARDS OF HUMANITY: "Fractured Frequencies" Coming Sept. 16 via Unspeakable Axe Records
Memphis-based SHARDS OF HUMANITY will release their debut full-length album, Fractured Frequencies, on September 16 through Unspeakable Axe Records.
Both their band name and album title bring to mind shattered glass and razor-sharp edges. That is perfect imagery for SHARDS OF HUMANITY. They play raw-yet-technically adept death/thrash, influenced by mid-period Death, Sadus, Massacra, Pestilence and other scorching bands with a foot in two related spheres of metal. Yet their sound is unmistakably their own as well, not overly beholden to any one influence or era. Having started as just a two piece, with a drummer and guitarist-slash-vocalist, they were blazing their own trail from the very outset. Now, even with a third member added to beef up their guitar assault, SHARDS OF HUMANITY is still more likely to slash through the crowd than to submerge into it.
SHARDS OF HUMANITY self-released an EP in 2012. Now they will follow that up with their debut full-length, Fractured Frequencies, consisting of seven songs of exhilarating, annihilating, philosophically bent thrash and death metal. Unspeakable Axe Records is proud to deliver this gem from the underground. It will be in stores everywhere on September 16, 2014.
Check out the title track from Fractured Frequencies at this location.
Fractured Frequencies
Astral Agony
Aphoticism
Shards of Humanity
Internal Rot
Species Ensnared
Suspension
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Joel McIver on this weeks Focus on Metal
Episode 188 - McIver Alive IV
Making his fourth appearance on FoM it's author Joel McIver. Joel recently worked on an autobiography of Brazilian metal legend Max Cavalera "My Bloody Roots from Sepultura to Soulfly and beyond". So of course we will be digging into that and as usual we will also have a great discussion about other metal topics.
Our track of the week is from Pure Underground artist CHAINREACTION from their first full length release "A Game Between Good And Evil". Learn more about the band at: https://www.facebook.com/chainreactionmetal
Grab it now from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, The Cast Iron Ring or on iTunes
And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
CREATION'S END (USA) have signed a worldwide deal with PURE PROG RECORDS, a sublabel of PURE STEEL RECORDS!
CREATION'S END (USA) have signed a worldwide deal with PURE PROG RECORDS, a sublabel of PURE STEEL RECORDS!
Bandstatment:
Creation's End are happy to announce that we have signed with Pure Steel Records for the release of our next album, "Metaphysical". We are excited to be working with a label that understands and strongly supports metal. Stay tuned for more information regarding release dates, formats, and other goodies in the near future.
More news coming soon.
LINE-UP:
Mike DiMeo (Midas Fate, Tenpoint, The Lizards, ex-Ilium, ex-Masterplan, ex-Riot, ex-Gate Three) - vocals Rudy Albert (ex-Zandelle) - guitars, keyboards Joe Black (ex-Chris Caffery, ex-Zandelle) - bass Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie, ex-Mullmuzzler, ex-Magni Animi Viri, ex-Nathan Frost) - guitars Dario Rodriguez - drums |
Shadow Kingdom Records to Reissue "The Awakening" from 80s U.S. Metallers Powerlord August 19
Shadow Kingdom Records have uncovered another gem from the U.S. 80's metal era. This time it's a remastered reissue of The Awakening from U.S. Speed/Thrash Metal group POWERLORD, which will be released on August 19.
POWERLORD was one of those bands that popped up out of nowhere and completely fell off into obscurity. Out of all of the rare 80s US Metal diamonds, POWERLORD is arguably the very best at what they do. Their sound falls somewhere between SAVAGE GRACE and SLAYER and features professionally delivered, well written songs of the Speed/Thrash Metal variety. The Shadow Kingdom folks re-mastered the tracks directly from the original master tapes, but since a lot of the band's memories were lost when High Vaultage Records (an obscure German label) tried to re-issue the album, there is not much in the way of bonus, band photos, or memorabilia that could be included. Intact however is the most important thing: the music! And it sounds amazing! The Awakening represents what 80's Metal was all about. The potential to be a much bigger band was there. Alas, it wasn't to be and POWERLORD was lost in the wave of thrash that spawned the likes of METALLICA. One spin of The Awakening and you too will ponder what could have been.
Stream The Awakening in its entirety at:
More information on this and other Shadow Kingdom Records releases at this location.
1. Masters of Death
2. Malice
3. Silent Terror
4. The Invasion of the Lords
5. Merciless Titans
6. (The Awakening) Powerlord
Monday, June 23, 2014
STEEL PROPHET Premieres "The Tree of Knowledge" Video at Apochs.net
Progressive/power metal mavens STEEL PROPHET and Cruz Del Sur Music have joined forces with Apoch's Metal Review for the exclusive world premiere of the official music video for "The Tree of Knowledge."
"The Tree of Knowledge" comes off the group's upcoming full-length Omniscient, their eighth since forming back in the mid-eighties, and just a taste of what the band has in store for their fans this time around. STEEL PROPHET return to their Progressive Power Metal roots in full force this time with a conceptual album based around an original Science Fiction story by founding member Steve Kachinsky Blakmoor with ties to reality.
Omniscient will be released in North American on July 8 as a limited edition 36-page digibook, regular compact disc, limited gate-fold double LP and digital download. For release information, pre-orders and all else in the world of Cruz Del Sur Music, visit www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/store.
"It is good to see this great band re-emerge a decade from their last release and deliver such a killer return. I'm sure they will pick up some new fans and please the old ones with this powerful disc!" - [9/10] Metal-Temple.com
HALLOWEEN "Don't Metal With Evil" - vinyl edition - release date set for July 25th
The Re-Release of HALLOWEEN "Don’t Metal With Evil" on vinyl is 25th July 2014; as usual in noble Gatefold cover and is limited to only 500 pieces (100 splatter black/orange and 400 black).
The first album of the „Horror-Show“ from Detroit was already unleashed to the fans in 1984 and is today a classic of traditional US-Metal without any doubt. Additionally the band around vocalist Brian Thomas is known for their remarkable shows, which they could prove in Germany and Europe on Swordbrothers Festival 2009, Headbangers Open Air 2007 and their 2012 Terrortory tour.
TRACKLIST:
Side A 1. Busted 2. Scared to Death 3. Justice for All 4. Trick or Treat 5. The Wicked Witch 6. Don’t Metal with Evil Side B 1. What a Nice Place 2. Haunted 3. She’s a Teazer 4. Tales from the Crypt 5. Fight the Beast Total Playing Time: 35:50 min
LINE-UP:
George Neal - Bass Brian Thomas - Vocals Rob Brug - Drums Don Guerrier - Guitars T.J Richardson - Guitars |
Thursday, June 19, 2014
SKINNER, MAXXXWELL CARLISLE, LORDS OF THE TRIDENT, DIAMOND LANE and others featured on new free download compilation
ONLINE METAL PROMO and THE METAL MADMAN radio show (USA) have combined forces to release "The Root of All Madness", a free download compilation featuring a mix of 27 current, deep cuts and unreleased songs from up and coming as well as established hard rock and heavy metal artists from around the world.
1. STU “THE HAMMER” MARSHALL
2. DEATH DEALER
3. TREN LOCO
4. SKINNER
5. WITCHCROSS
6. STATION
7. ZEPHANIAH
8. DIAMOND LANE
9. METRALLA
10. CAGE
11. MINDMAZE
12. MAXXXWELL CARLISLE
13. LORDS OF THE TRIDENT
14. IGNITOR
15. ARCHETYPE
16. PATAN
17. HESSLER
18. HELLSCREAM
19. LADY BEAST
20. MALIGNO
21. RENACER
22. RAVENSTHORN
23. DIRE PERIL
24. SERPENTOR
25. ENCELADUS
26. SINISTER REALM
27. TALES OF PAIN
Download the free songs, compilation artwork and track listing at the following location:
BORN OF FIRE signed a worldwide deal with PURE STEEL RECORDS
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BORN OF FIRE (USA) have signed a worldwide deal with PURE STEEL RECORDS! The new album is expected to be released in the fall of 2014. More news coming soon.
LINE-UP:
Gordon Tittsworth (ex-All Too Human & Dread The Forsaken, Images of Eden) - vocals Victor Morell (ex-Psychic Pawn) - guitars, keyboards Bobby Chavez (ex-Psychic Pawn, DemiAura) - guitars, bass Steve Dorssom (ex-Psychic Pawn, RIPSAW) - drums, percussion Michael Wolff (ex-Onyx Rook, ex-Ingraved & ex-Sloth Frenzy) - bass guitar |
CARDINALS FOLLY: "Our Cult Continues!" out August 19 on Shadow Kingdom Records
Shadow Kingdom Records will release Our Cult Continues!, the sophomore album from Doom Merchants CARDINALS FOLLY on August 19.
Even more memorable than the well-received debut Such Power is Dangerous!, the new album is a step up in every way, not the least of which occurs in the songwriting department. You may even detect bits of the sound of albums like WARNING's Watching from a Distance and 40 WATT SUN's The Inside Room creeping in from time to time. If you're into collecting underground Doom Metal, check this band out. Fans of CATHEDRAL, REVEREND BIZARRE, and WITCHFINDER GENERAL must absolutely hear this album.
Stream selections from Our Cult Continues! at: shadowkingdomrecords.bandcamp.com/album/our-cult-continues
1. Chant of Shadows
2. Morbid Glory
3. The Black Baroness
4. Our Cult Continues!
5. Sighisoaran
6. Walvater Unveiled
7. The Lover's Crypt
8. Fallout Ritualist
Ordering and release information for this and other Shadow Kingdom Records releases can be found at this location.
Metal Shredder Xander Demos Begins Recording On Much-Anticipated "Solo" Follow-Up To "Guitarcadia"
Metal guitar virtuoso, Xander Demos, best known for his work with James Rivera's Sabbath Judas Sabbath and his own debut collection of guitar gymnastic "Master-shreds," Guitarcadia, has begun recording his much-anticipated "solo" follow-up release to that album. Like Guitarcadia, the newly titled, Runways and Waterways (formerly referred to as The Runway Obsession) will be a collection of 10 tracks, including two vocal tracks and two cover songs. A late 2014 release is expected.
Xander issued this statement a couple of days ago: "It's June 9th and this is the official announcement: My second solo record is underway as of today. The follow-up to my Guitarcadia album is called Runways and Waterways and it will follow a similar pattern to my first CD. One of the first tracks is getting it's rhythm tracks done right now... sooo, I'm marking this day as "Day 1"... I guarantee it won't take as long as Guitarcadia did, but it will feature some really cool songs and great guests. In the words of the Joker... "and here we................go!"
Meanwhile, Xander and his band, XDB are in the midst of recording their first "band" project, Dancing Through Daggers. The band is opening for metal legends, Stryper on June 12th, in Pittsburgh. XDB will be performing at Skull Fest and Rock N' Skull, where they will also be backing Shawn Pelata (Line of Fire) and John Elefante (Kansas.) Xander is also
continuing his busy press blitz.
Xander Demos is a rock and metal guitarist, based in Pittsburgh, PA. He has performed and recorded with James Rivera (Helstar, Malice,) Sabbath Judas Sabbath, Liberty N’ Justice, Ged Rylands’ Rage Of Angels, Modern Superstar, and others. His debut album, Guitarcadia was mixed by CJ Snare of Firehouse. The title track from the upcoming XDB release, Dancing Through Daggers was mixed by JK Northrup of King Kobra fame. Xander will appear in the upcoming movie release, Hair I Go Again. For more information, visit http://www.xanderdemos.com.
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Wednesday, June 18, 2014
SAVAGE MESSIAH ANNOUNCE UK/EUROPEAN HEADLINING TOUR
London metallers SAVAGE MESSIAH have announced dates for a European and UK headlining tour later this year.
The band will be playing a number of shows around Europe at the end of September and into October, before kicking off a full UK trek in November in support of their new album, THE FATEFUL DARK, which is out now worldwide.
SAVAGE MESSIAH frontman DAVE SILVER comments:
"We're pleased to announce that we'll be out on the road again this Sept/Oct and November once the festival season is over. This is the biggest headline tour for us so far so we'll be pulling out all the stops! Expect lots of visuals, lights, popes and of course METAL!!! We're even thinking of chucking a new song in the set (!!) as we've been busy crafting the follow-up to 'The Fateful Dark' for a few months now. Get your tickets early, and we'll see you at the front for a UK heavy metal extravaganza!!!"
Don't miss SAVAGE MESSIAH live on tour at the following shows:
Sep. 26 - Hillegom, Netherlands - OJC Solution
Sep. 27 - Dijon, France - Rising Fest
Oct. 04 - Brescia, Italy - Circolo Colony
Oct. 06 - Barcelona, Spain - Rocksound
Oct. 07 - Madrid, Spain - Wurlitzer Ballroom
Oct. 08 - San Sebastian, Spain - Le Bukowski
Sep. 27 - Dijon, France - Rising Fest
Oct. 04 - Brescia, Italy - Circolo Colony
Oct. 06 - Barcelona, Spain - Rocksound
Oct. 07 - Madrid, Spain - Wurlitzer Ballroom
Oct. 08 - San Sebastian, Spain - Le Bukowski
Oct. 25 - Oxford, UK - The Cellars
Nov. 11 - London, UK - The Garage
Nov. 15 - Sheerness, UK - The Ivy
Nov. 18 - Southampton, UK - The Joiners
Nov. 19 - Bristol, UK - Exchange
Nov. 20 - Winchester, UK - The Railway
Nov. 21 - Cambridge, UK - Portland Arms
Nov. 22 - Birmingham, UK - Institute
Nov. 11 - London, UK - The Garage
Nov. 15 - Sheerness, UK - The Ivy
Nov. 18 - Southampton, UK - The Joiners
Nov. 19 - Bristol, UK - Exchange
Nov. 20 - Winchester, UK - The Railway
Nov. 21 - Cambridge, UK - Portland Arms
Nov. 22 - Birmingham, UK - Institute
View the tour flyer at http://bit.ly/1l0HD9X
Get SAVAGE MESSIAH's new album, THE FATEFUL DARK, on CD and vinyl in Europe at http://webstore.earache.com/savage-messiah
The album is also available now on iTunes, including three bonus tracks, at http://bit.ly/fatefuldarkitunes
Watch SAVAGE MESSIAH's latest music video for the track "Hellblazer", featuring famed London contortionist PIXIE LE KNOT (Game of Thrones Season 3, The Devil Inside), at http://youtu.be/qMLgbl7yU98
Get more SAVAGE MESSIAH news and info:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/SavageMessiahMetal
Twitter - http://twitter.com/savagemessiah
Twitter - http://twitter.com/savagemessiah
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
JUDAS PRIEST OFFER ANOTHER SNEAK PEEK INTO REDEEMER OF SOULS ALBUM AND ANNOUNCE ROCKLINE AND TOWN HALL APPEARANCES
The tracks that Judas Priest has been offering the public as a prelude to the official July 8, 2014 release date of their 17th album overall, 'Redeemer of Souls,' are stirring up quite a buzz within the heavy metal community. On June 17th, eager fans will be able to sample another winning metallic rocker from the legendary band, when "Dragonaut" is made available for purchase via iTunes and other digital retailers.
In the mean time, you can listen to "Dragonaut" via the Rolling Stone site, which has premiered the track:
And you can pre-order the deluxe album version via these links:
Also, the band has confirmed that the night before the release of 'Redeemer of Souls,' Glenn Tipton, Rob Halford, and Richie Faulkner will appear on the Rockline radio program. Joining host Bob Coburn on Monday July 7, 2014 at 8:30 PT / 11:30 ET, fans are encouraged to speak with Judas Priest at 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). For a station near you and for information regarding how to log onto the Internet for the broadcast go to www.RocklineRadio.com The show will be streamed for free on the Rockline website beginning the evening after the day of broadcast.
And on the day of the album's release, Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner will appear on Sirius XM's 'Town Hall' program. Fans are being asked to submit questions that winners will be able to ask the band in person: https://www.siriusxm.com/judaspriest
Comprised of Rob Halford (vocals), Glenn Tipton (guitar), Richie Faulkner (guitar), Ian Hill (bass), and Scott Travis (drums), Judas Priest is responsible for some of heavy metal's all-time classic songs ("Living After Midnight," "Breaking the Law," "You've Got Another Thing Coming," etc.) and albums ('British Steel,' 'Screaming for Vengeance,' 'Painkiller,' etc.
The countdown to the release of Priest's latest studio triumph has officially begun, and "Dragonaut" provides further proof that 'Redeemer of Souls' will be a prime slice of Judas Priest metal.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT:
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Review - Ronny Munroe "Electric Wake" (Ratpak)
"Time is like a storm. It hits you when you least expect it. Time's like a thorn. It sticks you in the heart". These are the lines that kick off Ronny Munroe's latest solo offering "Electric Wake". For all those bitter words about time, Ronny's voice is clearly unfazed by it. HIs vocals and his lyrics are are sharp as ever.
This is Ronny's third solo release with Ratpak and is scheduled to be released on June 24th. The preorder link is provided at the bottom of this post,
When I last spoke to Ronny after the release of his last solo disc it was clear that he was excited about his next batch of music and listening to this I can see why. If you are a fan of classic American metal this may be the best release this year for your metal dollar. Let me just add that Ronny's label Ratpak are pros at making your metal dollar go even further so I encourage you to take a look at some of their package deals for this release. You could even get a personal thank you call from Ronny. That's fucking metal!!!
Ok back to the music. Ronny is always known to have a guest or three on his albums and this one is no exception. George Lynch anyone? Yes I know George pops up everywhere and yet we never get tired of hearing him so I guess there's a damn good reason to have him on your album aside from the fact that he can play his ass off. This time George pops up in "Ghosts". Its a great driving track with all the hallmarks of Lynch and a snarling vocal from Ronny. Does it get any better?
Check out the vid at http://youtu.be/RpZev8UrM1Y to get a taste.
Another track with guests is "The Others". With lyrics like allegiance to metal and music to die for Ronny is channelling Dio on this one and the effect is pure metal. So this one is already top notch but Ronny adds on Pamela Moore for some vocal trade offs and he's not done yet he also has a screaming solo from Tesla's Dave Rude. Nicely done Ronny. This one is also available for preview at: http://youtu.be/XKdr1YCicEo
So besides the guests I probably should mention the core players on the disc. Paul Kleff and Sean Baker on guitars. Sean's an insane player well worth checking out. On bass is David Donigan from the Sean Baker Orchestra and Tony Rossi on the drum throne. Ronny has assembled a great bunch of players that clearly know how classic American metal should sound. Of course producers have a part in that as well and this time Bruce Bouillet is manning the board. I'm actually surprised that Bruce was able to resist laying down some guitar on this too.
So hows the rest of the disc? Freaking awesome, thank you. I was thinking that the title track was going to be a doomy Sabbath knock off but I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. When it started with the amp hum and feedback I was thinking my gut was right but it quickly gets down to business. It has a cool Warning era Ryche feel to it.
Another great one on here is "Turn to Stone". It has some nice time changes that always keep you engaged in the song. That seems to be a key element in a lot of Ronny's stuff. He likes to mix up tempos and layer slow vocals over fast riffs and vice versa. It's cool stuff and not a lot of people out there do it. I could methodically go through every song but I don't need to. The whole thing is great. If you are on the fence head to the YouTube links and listen to the three song previews that are up there.
There's also a preview trailer at http://youtu.be/xHMKQIK-vP8
There's also a preview trailer at http://youtu.be/xHMKQIK-vP8
So after spending a few days with this one do I like it? Absolutely. Will I buy it? I already preordered it the day it was announced. Should you buy it? Hell yeah!!
I give this one and 8.5 out of 10. This needed a bit more bass presence and I wish Ronny used his upper range a bit more. However the songs, the riffs and the lyrics are all great.
Top track: "The Others"
Preorder link: www.RatPakRecords.com/RonnyMunroe
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Review - Arch Enemy "War Eternal" (Century Media)
With "War Eternal" Arch Enemy have once again proved why they are the undisputed rulers of their genre of metal. It's a tribute to the musical talent of this band that in a scene that can quickly be jammed up with hundreds of sound alike bands that Michael Amott and company continue to have a sound and a dynamic that is so completely and instantly identifiable as their own. There were many fans who had their doubts that this release would stand up to the legacy of the last few Arch Enemy releases because of the decision by longtime vocalist Angela Gossow to be part of the behind the scenes team rather than the voice of the band, Into this void came Alissa White-Gluz from The Agonist. As a long time follower of Alissa I knew that she was an excellent choice to replace such an iconic vocalist and Alissa has made it clear on War Eternal that she can more than deliver. The release of the album has seemed to go a long way towards silencing the skeptics.
Tempore Nihil Sanat (prelude in F minor)
Never Forgive, Never Forget
War Eternal
As The Pages Burn
No More Regrets
You Will Know My Name
Graveyard of Dreams
Stolen Life
Time is Black
On and On
Avalanche
Down To Nothing
Not Long For This World
Century Media offered the release in several formats and for the true Arch Enemy fan it's the only way to get this release. I myself got the limited edition digipak format. Yes, here at Focus on Metal we do get digital copies from the label but to truly review a release you need to get the physical media. The digipak is a great package to get. You get the 13 regular tracks plus a bonus track Shadow On The Wall, You also get a 24 page booklet with all the lyrics, photos, and artwork. Also inside is a sticker and in true metal fashion, a patch.
The word on this one is symphonic. In the past they have had elements like this but never in such an obvious form. The disc kicks of with Tempore Nihil Sanat (prelude in F minor) an all instrumental bit of classical music which ably announces some of the upcoming intentions. Don't get the wrong idea, this is an Arch Enemy release and once Never Forgive, Never Forget kicks in you damn well know it. However the longtime Arch Enemy follower will notice a certain TSO type leaning in some of the latter songs but it's been done in a somber and cohesive fashion which gives an even greater sense of the ominous subject matter. Michael Amott and Nick Cordle give impressive guitar performances throughout the entire disc. And all the elements of classic Arch Enemy guitar is present. Daniel Erlandsson is at the top of his game on drums and Sharlee D'Angelo is once again superb at holding down the low end on bass.
This one has the potential to become one of my favorite Arch Enemy releases. I'm not sure if it will topple Anthems of Rebellion but it's right up there. Just the fact that the triple punch of tracks 2 through 4 should be enough to convince a non-believer.
Top track: As The Pages Burn
On a scale of 1 through 10 I gave this one a 9 and I give Alissa a solid 10 for fearlessly stepping into some huge shoes and proving the naysayers and blog trolls that she is more than up for the task.
DARKEST ERA Release New Video; "Severance" Streaming in Full
Celtic metal band DARKEST ERA have released a new video for the track 'Beyond the Grey Veil' on the same day that the band's new album, Severance receives its European release via Cruz Del Sur. The video can be seen HERE.
Speaking about the new video, Guitarist Ade Mulgrew said:
"'Beyond the Grey Veil' is the thematic centerpiece of the album. All roads lead to that song in some ways and it's pretty representative of the kind of atmosphere we wanted to conjure up on Severance. Even Costin Chioreanu based the album artwork on it. The video was directed by Angus Mitchell, an extremely talented guy who was instantly on the same page as us in terms of the aesthetic we wanted to achieve."
Already receiving positive reviews worldwide, Severance is streaming in its entirety at: http://cruzdelsurmusic.bandcamp.com/album/severance-2
To purchase Severance on CD, visit the link below:
Vinyl treatment for Severance is expected in July of this year. For updates, stay tuned to www.cruzdelsurmusic.com.
Since their formation in 2005, DARKEST ERA have progressed their special and original 'Celtic Heavy Metal' formula, with epic compositions influenced by the darker side of Irish folklore as well as the classic, double twin-guitar dueling of bands like Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden. The new album shows more of this perfectly balanced formula with a more reflective spirit than in the past, but maintaining the untouched energetic vibe that has been the main characteristic of the band to date. The album was recorded at Data Recording Studios in Ballyheigue, Ireland and produced by Chris Fielding and Darkest Era. The artwork was created by Costin Chioreanu.
"Darkest Era is the most unique and adventurous metal band come out of Ireland since Primordial." - Dead Rhetoric
"Severance is a blood pumping, fist raising epic triumph. An excellent sophomore outing."
- Terrible Certainty 'Zine
"Severance is the sound of a remarkable band wholly at peace with itself" - Last Rites
"This is Celtic metal redefined, the next wave of the Irish scene." - New Noise (5/5)
"The core is melodic Maiden-esque metal - harmonized guitars and clean-sung choruses full of bluster and power - but Darkest Era incorporate anything and everything, from black metal tremolo riffs to folkish doom, all bent to the will of classic songwriting." - Stereogum
Friday, June 13, 2014
FAMOUS UNDERGROUND Release Official Video For "Bullet Train"
Canadian hard rockers FAMOUS UNDERGROUND, the band featuring former SLIK TOXIK vocalist Nick Walsh, have released a new video for the song “Bullet Train“, taken from their international debut release.
The video can also be viewed at: http://youtu.be/72sXrmIXYfk
FAMOUS UNDERGROUND recently announced a show for Toronto, ON on June 27th at Rockpile East. Walsh has checked in with the following update:
“Come One, Come All! This truly is an entrance to summer bash. Even if you are planning on going away for the long weekend, spend your Friday night with FAMOUS UNDERGROUND, some friends and rock! We will be performing some new songs that we are in the middle of recording and mixing for our next CD. Hope to see you all there. Horns up!”
Go to the event page here for complete details.
FAMOUS UNDERGROUND’s self-titled studio release produced by Nick Walsh and mixed by Darius Szczepaniak (The Black Crowes, Sacrifice) at Rouge Valley Studio in Toronto. The new recording takes Walsh’s writing to a more defined state where the lyrics delve more into the complexities of the real world.
Unspeakable Axe Records to Release ALGEBRA's "Feed the Ego" Sept. 16
Unspeakable Axe Records has announced the September 16 release of Feed the Ego, from Swiss thrashers ALGEBRA.
ALGEBRA is superficially an unusual moniker for a thrash band, calling to mind mathematical precision and maybe pencil-snapping frustration rather than the blitzkrieg attack of Slayer, et al. But as one absorbs Swiss thrash machine ALGEBRA's music, the name makes increasingly more sense. Both the math and the anger are here - the former in the unreasonably tight playing, complex riffs and spiraling lead work; and the latter in the lyrics, which tackle all manner of modern-day frustrations.
Take for example the opening track "Survival Nowadays." Over a pummeling riff assault reminiscent of Sepultura, Testament, Coroner and more, the gruff vocalist barks about what life in 2014 has done to humankind. And it's not a pretty picture. We are soft, we are lazy, we are complacent. The song is criticism honed to a knife's edge. It would be hard to swallow if it didn't sound so damn good.
The aforementioned "Survival Nowadays" can be heard at this location.
ALGEBRA's debut album was self-released in 2012 and reissued by Stormspell Records afterward. Now they will follow that up with their sophomore effort. Feed The Ego satiates thrash-hungry listeners with nine aggressively complicated calculations, all mixed and mastered by Andy Classen. Unspeakable Axe Records will release this album on September 16, 2014.
Survival Nowadays
Prisoner Outdoors
Necessary Evil
My Shelf
Profound Guilt
Feed me More
Ego System
The Fort Broke
Monotask
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
FAST RISING ROCKERS SILVERTUNG LAUNCH KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN
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One of the most promising hard rocking acts on the scene, Silvertung, has recently unleashed their latest release, 'Devil's in the Details,' which is garnering glowing reviews - such as All Access Magazine raving "Silvertung promises to be one of the hottest new rock bands to arrive on the rock music scene. Highly recommended." And now the band - which is comprised of Speed (lead vocals,) Skoot (bass), Danno (drums) & ZZ (lead guitar) - is calling on fans to lend a hand with costs for touring, promotion, and a new video, via the Kickstarter site. The campaign kicked off Monday, June 9th and you can learn more here and to make a pledge https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/677294844/breaking-a-band-creating-a-new-nation-let-s-rock-t
And the band does not take the fact that they are going the Kickstarter route lightly. "Using a Kickstarter campaign wasn't an easy decision," says bass player Skoot. "We've always been honest with our fans," adds lead vocalist, Speed. "We were hoping NOT to run a campaign like Kickstarter, but we realize we needed help. We reinvest all the money earned from performing shows, selling merch and doing side jobs because we're determined to break out!" Skoot joins in by saying, "The loyalty, dedication and support of our growing fan base is humbling, and appreciated more than we can put into words. We promise to use this money wisely, and do our very best to make you proud." 'Devil's in the Details' was produced by Steven Wright (who has worked with everyone from Slipknot to Avril Lavigne), which has spawned the single "Coming Alive" (which has garnered over 100 radio spins a week), as well as such standout tracks as "Justify" and "Déjà Vu." Additionally, the quartet has shared the stage with countless national acts, including Godsmack, Disturbed, Shinedown, Slipknot, Staind, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Filter, Drowning Pool, and P.O.D., among countless others. Speed adds, "All money that comes through this campaign will be used to kick-start (No pun intended) this ever growing machine. We'd like to shoot a video for our next single, tour more in support of our new release and get more radio air play to reach the masses!" Silvertung drummer, Danno reflects, "Music is something that never leaves me, it never lies and has always been there for me. Our Kickstarter program will allow our fans to be apart of it and share in our accomplishments." Lead guitarist ZZ sums it all up by saying, "Our fans make all of this possible. We wouldn't be where we are without them."
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
www.silvertung.com www.facebook.com/Silvertungband |
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