SevenKingdoms

Saturday, January 31, 2015

TRAUMA To Release "Rapture And Wrath" On Feb 27th Via PURE STEEL


The American Power Metal-band TRAUMA should be known to quite a few Heavy Metal-enthusiasts out there through their contribution to the “Metal Massacre”-sampler and the release of their 1984 debut album “Scratch And Scream”. By the way, the late, great Cliff Burton played bass on their first demo recording... Now, after three decades, the old boys from California have decided to give it another go! TRAUMA has returned to deliver more face-melting Heavy Metal unto the hungry masses! Ladies and gentlemen, Pure Steel are proud to present you “Rapture And Wrath”, their first album in thirty years! It’s all there: The powerful and charismatic high-pitched vocals of Donny Hillier, which can be described as a cross between Geoff Tate and Bruce Dickinson, the hard rockin’ guitars and many exciting melodic passages. This album has everything you need, satisfaction guaranteed! On „Rapture And Wrath“, groove, anthemic melodies and catchy hooklines go hand in hand. Combine that with a clean, crisp production and you got yourself a hell of a good time. Welcome back, gents! „Rapture And Wrath“ has lived up to our expectations! TRAUMA has returned!


TRACKLIST:
1. Heart Of Stone
2. When I Die
3. The Long Way Home
4. Pain
5. The Walking Dead
6. Kingdome Come
7. Egypt
8. Under The Lights
9. Don't Tread On Me
10. Too Late
Total Playing Time: 52:24 min

LINE-UP:
Donny Hillier - vocals
Kurt Fry - guitars
Steve Robello - bass
Kris Gustofson - drums

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Zephaniah guests on this weeks Focus on Metal


Episode 218 - The Return of Zephaniah

Once again this week we feature a band we think you should know about. This time it's Zephaniah, a metal band that's returned after being out of action for several years. I was able to sit down with guitarist Justin Zych and find out the whole story as well as the scoop on their upcoming release "Reforged". Richie and I also manage to get in a bit of a rant, I mean discussion as well.



Track of the week is also from a band that has returned after a long hiatus. Messiah's Kiss has just released "Get Your Bulls Out" on Massacre Records this week. The last time we heard from these guys was 2007 and this new one is well worth your metal dollars.

Hook up with Zephaniah at: https://www.facebook.com/zephaniahmetal
You can find out about Messiah's Kiss at: http://www.messiahskiss.com/ or hit them up at https://www.facebook.com/MessiahsKiss
Be sure to check out all the great metal releases from Massacre at: http://www.massacre-records.de/


Grab it now from the Focus on Metal SiteThe Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

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

FURYON Announce UK 'Lost Salvation' Tour Dates, Endorsement Deal


UK rockers FURYON have confirmed dates for a UK headlining tour in March 2015, in support of their second album release ‘Lost Salvation‘, due out on February 23, 2015 via Dream Records in UK/EuropeUS/CANADA/JAPAN release dates to follow.



The dates are as follows:
March 20 – The Square, Harlow, UK
March 22 – The Concorde 2, Brighton, UK
March 24 – The Audio, Glasgow, UK
March 29 – The Barfly, London, UK
March 30 – Bannerman’s Live, Edinburgh, UK
more dates t.b.a.

FURYON recently have struck up a collaboration/endorsement deal with EU/US based clothing company Rock-n-Roll Gangstar. With the hot rock/metal look of Rock-n-Roll Gangstar, the band looking forward to performing in this new wardrobe.



What’s to be expected is more explosive guitar riffs and solos in well-crafted song form. Expressive vocal delivery and melodies to scream along to. A possibly darker sound still with progressive elements and a grungy edge.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

EDGE OF PARADISE signed a worldwide deal with PURE ROCK RECORDS/PURE STEEL RECORDS



The Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Band EDGE OF PARADISE from Ventura (USA), which releasedone Single in 2011and an EP in 2013, have signed a worldwide deal with PURE ROCK RECORDS, a sublabel of PURE STEEL RECORDS.

Band statment:
We are very excited to be partnered with Pure Steel Records and are looking forward to expanding and touring in as many territories as possible! We can't wait to bring our new CD 'Immortal Waltz' to the people and having Pure Steel on our side, we're moving full speed ahead!

LINE-UP:
Margarita Monet - vocals
Dave Bates (Ex-Bleed, Ex-30 Round Clip) - guitars
John Chominsky (Ex-Final Gravity, Ex-Synn) - drums
Nick Ericson - bass

HEAVY METAL GREATS RUTHLESS RETURN WITH NEW ALBUM AND SHOWS


The 1980's was an extremely busy and fertile time for heavy metal, as quite a few sub-genres first rose to prominence during this time, including thrash metal, hair metal, and power metal. And one of the unsung heroes/trailblazers for the latter style is Ruthless. Hailing from Los Angeles and responsible for two classics of the metal underground (the 1984 EP 'Metal Without Mercy' and 1986's full-length 'Discipline of Steel'), Ruthless is reloaded with a powerful new line-up, and a brand new full-length, 'They Rise,' which will be released on Friday, January 30th.

Comprised of members Sammy D (vocals), Kenny McGee (guitars/vocals), Dave Watson (guitars), Jack Black (bass/vocals), and Jason Van Slyke (drums), Ruthless' reunion was not a pre-planned proposition, according to McGee. "This just kinda happened. Me and Sam were just thinking of doing some recordings...not even thinking Ruthless would ever happen again. But, after our new drummer, Jason, came down, the first practice, we went, 'Wow!!!' We fit together perfectly!"

"I threw out some guitar riffs and Sammy started singing, and we knew we had something. In 8 months we were ready to record. It came together naturally. The great thing about now is the line-up! All 5 of us are good friends and can actually hang out together. In the old line-up, we always had a member or two that was a problem. It is so awesome to be firing on all five cylinders."

And McGee is a firm believer in the new material (which was produced and engineered by Bill "Slayer, W.A.S.P., Armored Saint" Metoyer) - "I think this new album compares to the 'Metal Without Mercy' album. The opening song, 'Defender,' just kicks your ass!  Second song, 'Laceration,' is very melodic/slow picking in the intro, and then kicks into a killer double harmony riff. Third song, 'They Rise,' is another favorite - heavy bass riff and guitars. It lifts you up and drops you down. Also, 'Time Waits' is a slower song with very emotional singing - Sammy tears it up on the vocals."

With European festival appearances lined up for the summer and headline shows being arranged for Southern California, Ruthless is set to pick up exactly where they left off, warns McGee. "The one thing fans can expect is a high energy show that will crush some heads!”



TRACKLIST:
1.  Defender
2.  Laceration
3.  Traitor
4.  They Rise
5.  Hang Man
6.  Time Waits
7.  Out Of The Ashes
8.   Frustration
9.   Systematic Terror
10. Gates Of Hell
11. Metal Without Mercy
12. Bury The Axe
13. The Fever
14. Mass Killer
Total Playing Time: 60:38 min


For additional information please visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ruthless/325675394551

To purchase the new release, please visit

LEGENDARY GUITARIST MICHAEL SCHENKER ANNOUNCES SPRING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR


Few rock guitarists have as impressive a resume as Michael Schenker does - as he has supplied his six-string talents to such world-renowned acts as the Scorpions, UFO, and the Michael Schenker Group over the years. And it is now confirmed that Schenker will be touring North America come the spring, in support of his killer new disc, 'Spirit on a Mission,' released March 24, 2015.



Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock line-up proves to be one of the strongest that the German guitarist has ever played with, as it features the former Scorpions "Rock You Like A Hurricane" rhythm section of Francis Buchholz (bass) and Herman Rarebell (drums), as well as Doogie White (vocals, formerly of Rainbow), and Wayne Findlay (guitar/keyboards, and longtime Michael Schenker Group member).

The tour kicks off on March 25th at the Rockbar Theater in San Jose, CA (the day after the release of 'Spirit on a Mission'), and wraps up on May 2nd at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA (with special guest Don Dokken on the bill). In between, the tour will go coast to coast, including a performance at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC on April 15th. 

“Promotion is definitely the next step,” says Schenker of hitting the road in support of 'Spirit on a Mission.' "Wherever we are needed around the world, we will be there to promote 'Spirit On A Mission.' I want to make Temple of Rock its own entity. Right now it is still using the Michael Schenker platform but eventually I want it to stand on its own feet as Temple of Rock." To get a taste of the new line-up, view the video for the tune "Vigilante Man" here: youtube.com/watch?v=21EaEwU4szU

Undoubtedly, this set of North American dates are the first step towards establishing Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock as a global force.



Temple Of Rock — Spirit On A Mission — World Tour  
Featuring:
Michael Schenker (guitar)
Doogie White (vocals)
Herman Rarebell (drums)
Francis Buchholz (bass)
Wayne Findlay (7 string guitar/keyboards)

MAR 25 2015 @ Rockbar Theater in San Jose, CA
MAR 27 2015 @ Tonic in Portland, OR           
MAR 28 2015 @ Studio Seven in Seattle, WA           
APR 01 2015 @ Boardwalk in Orangevale, CA
APR 02 2015 @ Yoshi's in Oakland, CA           
APR 03 2015 @ Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, CA           
APR 04 2015 @ M-15 Concert Hall in Corona, CA
APR 07 2015 @ Vamp'd in Las Vegas, NV           
APR 08 2015 @ Livewire Concert Hall in Scottsdale, AZ           
APR 10 2015 @ Trees in Dallas, TX           
APR 11 2015 @ 210 Kapones Live in San Antonio, TX           
APR 12 2015 @ 18th Street in San Leon, TX           
APR 15 2015 @ Gramercy Theatre in New York, NY           
APR 16 2015 @ Eclipse in Binghamton, NY
APR 17 2015 @ Newton Theatre in Newton, NJ
APR 18 2015 @ The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ           
APR 20 2015 @ Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, PA           
APR 22 2015 @ Rockpile West in Toronto, Ontario Canada
APR 23 2015 @ Concord Music Hall in Chicago, IL  (Enuff Z Nuff guests on this performance)
APR 24 2015 @ Harpos Concert Hall in Detroit, MI           
APR 25 2015 @ Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL  (Enuff Z Nuff guests on this performance)        
APR 26 2015 @ Freaksters in Pontiac, IL           
APR 28 2015 @ Buffalo Rose in Golden, CO           
APR 30 2015 @ Ramona Mainstage in Ramona, CA           
MAY 01 2015 @ Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA           
MAY 02 2015 @ Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA (Special Guest Don Dokken)

Gundriver opening act for entire tour.


FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:  www.michaelschenkerhimself.com

MEET & GREET PACKAGES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT:

Friday, January 23, 2015

Deep In Hate Announce New Lineup and Mini-Tour with The Black Dahlia Murder

For the second time in their career, DEEP IN HATE will tour with THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER. Two dates are planned in July, just after DEEP IN HATE bring their dark and oppressive Modern Death Metal to HellFest.


Along with some other dates yet to be announced, these gigs will mark the live premiere of the band's new bassist, Maxime Hacquard, who recently joined as a permanent replacement for ex-bassist Kapute.



Called a "bloody good album" by TheLairOfFilth.com, DEEP IN HATE's Chronicles of Oblivion is out now and available in digital and limited-edition digisleeve CD formats.  


Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Corners of Sanctuary guest on this weeks Focus on Metal


Episode 217 - Corners of Sanctuary

This week we bring you some traditional heavy metal direct from Philadelphia with Corners of Sanctuary. We managed to get bassist James Pera and vocalist Frankie Cross on the line. These guys have been around as COS for a few years now and have been putting out material on a pretty regular basis. We are talking straight ahead metal done old school. We think you are gonna like these guys. Check them out online at http://cornersofsanctuary.com/ or at https://www.facebook.com/CornersofSanctuary




Track of the week is from the debut release by Serious Black entitled "As Daylight Breaks". This one was just released this week on AFM Records. They can be found on the web at: http://www.serious-black.com/

Grab it now from the Focus on Metal SiteThe Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

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

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

BORN OF FIRE to release "Dead Winter Sun" - limited vinyl edition - February 13th 2015


The release date of the BORN OF FIRE album "Dead Winter Sun" on vinyl is February 13th 2015. The limited vinyl edition consists 200 pieces with printed insert on black vinyl. The preorder phase will start on January 30th 2015 in the Pure Steel webshop.

Originally founded in 1998, US Metal band BORN OF FIRE first made their mark with their self-titled demo, released a year after their forming. They quickly became known for their signature style that fused elements of Metal greats with a sophisticated sound all their own, and went on to release "Transformation" in 2000, followed by a 3 track EP in 2001 that saw major recognition in international metal charts. The band took a hiatus for 10 years, only to come back strong following a reforming and rebirth in 2012 when they released their "Anthology" album, supported by big-budget music video for their popular track "In The End". The now-veterans of metal, along with Pure Steel Records have announced the release of their latest and greatest: "Dead Winter Sun", BORN OF FIRE's second full-studio album. After the CD release in November follows the album "Dead Winter Sun" in a limited edition of 200 copies on vinyl.

"Dead Winter Sun" showcases the Arizona-based quintet's wholly unique style of power metal in 10 powerful tracks. BORN OF FIRE's musical spectrum reaches from progressive influenced parts like (newer) Fates Warning and Rainbow-styled keyboard-parts to hymnic guitar leads and thundering double bass parts. The dominating, soaring vocals of newcomer Gordon Tittsworth come full of substance and emotion, and the range that "Dead Winter Sun" showcases waxes and wanes between driving, murderous intensity and ominous calm, fitting perfectly into BORN OF FIRE's brand of truly atmospheric metal that you can lose yourself in.

BORN OF FIRE has returned with sophisticated, exquisite Metal, stronger than ever before.

Fans of Iron Maiden, Iced Earth, Fates Warning, Crimson Glory, and similar styled metal will find familiar, nostalgic elements interlaced with BORN OF FIRE's refreshingly unique and modern sound.


TRACKLIST:
Side A
1. Dead Winter Sun
2. When Hope Dies
3. Last Goodbye
4. Cast the Last Stone
Side B
1. Speed of Dark
2. Spiritual Warfare
3. Hollow Soul
4. Echoes of the Lost
5. In A Cold World
6. Tears
Total Playing Time: 42:35 min

Monday, January 19, 2015

VISIGOTH Debut Song on Decibel Magazine's "Deciblog"

The Revenant King Available January 27th on Metal Blade Records



Salt Lake City Utah's VISIGOTH will release their debut album The Revenant King January 27th via Metal Blade Records. Today the band presents the third offering from the upcoming release. Decibel Magazine's "Deciblog" is hosting an exclusive stream of the ten minute epic track "From the Arcane Mists of Prophecy" HERE.

VISIGOTH plays heavy metal that hearkens back to the golden age of ironclad riffwork and powerful vocals. They pay tribute to the titans of steel that left their mark on the history of the genre, and their earth-shaking sound echoes with a deep reverence for their roots. VISIGOTH goes above and beyond mere imitation, making their own musical mark on the genre they lovingly embrace. In VISIGOTH's realm, there are no frills, no gimmicks; there is only heavy metal.

The band's brand of heavy metal fit perfectly within the ranks of Metal Blade Records, who brought the band on board to release their debut full-length album. After signing with the label, VISIGOTH recorded The Revenant King. The collection of heavy metal tracks was engineered, mixed, and produced by Andy Patterson at Boar's Next Studio in Salt Lake City. Alan Douches at West Westside handled mastering to offer a final product that truly represents the finest in true metal.

On The Revenant King Jake Rogers's powerful vocals lead the charge, and when combined with the twin guitar attack of Leeland Campana, Jamieson Palmer, and the rhythm section of bassist Matt Brotherton and drummer Mikey Tee, form an immensely potent traditional heavy metal attack that fans of the genre would be unwise to ignore!

Visit metalblade.com/visigoth to pre-order your copy of the album and check out the song "Dungeon Master". You can also order the CD HERE and a special bundle package including a t-shirt HERE.

The album's title track is streaming HERE.

For More Info Visit:

EXXPLORER to release "Symphonies Of Steel" exclusivel on vinyl Feb 20 on Pure Steel


Two years have passed since the re-packaging of EXXPLORER’s second album “A Recipe For Power”. Now, in order to celebrate the reunion of the original line-up, we have decided to give you something special. Ladies and gentlemen, you are in for a treat! Pure Steel is happy to announce, that a re-release of EXXPLORER’s legendary 1984 debut album, “Symphonies Of Steel”, is in the making! Exclusively vinyl, this re-release will be limited to only 300 units. So if you’re a fan of melodic and powerful US Metal, get up your ass right now and buy it! Anthems such as “Run For Tomorrow”, “Exxplorer”, the heart-breaking semi-ballad “World War III” and the monolithic, twelve minute-epic “Objection Overruled” are as relevant today as they were over thirty years ago. The clean and unique vocals of Lenny Rizzo and the amazing guitar wizardry of Ed LaVolpe and Kevin Kennedy have graced “Symphonies Of Steel” with a power, that simply cannot be described. Words are not sufficient. Also, as a small bonus, the album will be released with the original 1984 cover artwork, which should make many avid collectors very happy. There’s no doubt about it, EXXPLORER are a legend, and this is our way to give homage to this legend. Go out and buy it!


TRACKLIST:
Side A
1. City Streets
2. Prelusion
3. Run for Tomorrow
4. Exxplorer
5. World War III
6. Going to Hell
Side B
1. Objection Overruled: a) Guilty as Charged
2. b) Phantasmagoria
3. Metal Detectors
4. X-Termination
Total Playing Time: 44:49 min

BOLT THROWER 'THE EARACHE PEEL SESSIONS' LIMITED EDITION VINYL OUT NOW

A brand new, vinyl-only edition of the classic BOLT THROWER 'Peel Sessions' recorded for legendary Radio One DJ John Peel is out now.

Recorded between 1988 and 1990, the vinyl features 12 tracks which chart the development of the band from early punk-influenced recordings through to the more death metal approach of the final session, including raw versions of classics such as "War Master" and "Drowned in Torment".

From the very earliest days of Earache Records, BBC National Radio's John Peel was a huge supporter of the Earache label and its extreme grindcore bands.  Peel first offered BOLT THROWER a session in 1988, and invited them back at the end of 1988 and again in 1990 to the hallowed Maida Vale studios to lay down some classic recordings.

BOLT THROWER - THE EARACHE PEEL SESSIONS is available now on vinyl LP in black as well as the following limited edition colours:
100 - Forgotten Existence (SOLD OUT)
200 - Eternal War (red with white & black splatter)
300 - Drowned in Torment (purple with blue splatter)


Get BOLT THROWER - THE EARACHE PEEL SESSIONS now on limited edition coloured vinyl in Europe at http://webstore.earache.com/bolt-thrower or in North America at http://uswebstore.earache.com/bolt-thrower

Track listing:
SIDE A
(Recorded 03/01/1988, broadcast 13/01/1988)
01. Forgotten Existence
02. Attack in the Aftermath
03. Psychological Warfare
04. In Battle There Is No Law
(Recorded 06/11/1988, broadcast 16/11/1988)
05. Drowned in Torment
06. Eternal War
07. Realm of Chaos
08. Domination
SIDE B
(Recorded 22/07/1990, broadcast 04/09/1990)
09. Destructive Infinity
10. War Master
11. After Life
12. Lost Souls Domain

Get more BOLT THROWER news and info:

Thursday, January 15, 2015

MOTOR SISTER to Release "Ride" on March 10th on Metal Blade Records

Featuring: Jim Wilson, Scott Ian, Pearl Aday, Joey Vera and John Tempesta

First Single Streaming - Pre-Orders Available Now

Special Brooklyn, NY Show on February 12th



MOTOR SISTER is comprised of a veritable super group; a team of musicians whose collective musical pedigrees speak for themselves. Mother Superior founder, guitarist, and vocalist Jim Wilson fronts the band, with Anthrax's Scott Ian on guitar, Pearl Aday on backing vocals, Joey Vera on bass, and John Tempesta on drums. The group was originally assembled to jam for Scott Ian's fiftieth birthday party. Thanks to Scott's wife Pearl Aday, who has been working on her solo career with Mother Superior front man Jim Wilson for years, all it took was a quick phone call and the stage was literally set for Scott's dream gig. "I wanted to cherry-pick a set list of my favorite Mother Superior songs and get these guys together and have the concert at my house," Ian says of the event that eventually led to an album.

Enthralled at the idea of making a record of his favorite Mother Superior songs, Ian emailed producer Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Steel Panther) and asked if he thought it was possible to recapture the same spontaneous energy MOTOR SISTER generated at their makeshift gig, and if an album could be recorded quickly. "He said, 'Yeah, we can make the record in two days and we can make it sound really good.' So that's what we did," Ian says. "A week and a half later, we made the record in LA over a two day period. We recorded the whole thing live in the studio and the set-up was at my house."

"[Mother Superior] frontman Jim [Wilson] was totally into the idea. Pearl was a huge Mother Superior fan from way back and was in. I asked my good friends Joey Vera (Fates Warning/Armored Saint) and John Tempesta (White Zombie, The Cult) to be a part of it because I knew they were both big fans as well and with no hesitation they said, 'We're in.'"

Wilson, too, was stoked by the opportunity to dust off some songs he hadn't played since his LA rock trio broke up in the early 2000's after releasing eight albums and playing as Henry Rollins' backing band. "I definitely didn't need any arm-twisting," he says. "I was totally flattered and thought it was a great idea. I figured it would be fun and it was a great opportunity for a new chapter to be established in order to move forward."

The recordings from those two days are what became to be known as MOTOR SISTER's Ride. Today, the first single from those sessions, "This Song Reminds Me of You," is available for to stream, along with a featurette video on the formation of the band and the process behind the record, at metalblade.com/motorsister.

Ride will be released March 10th in North America on Metal Blade Records. Pre-orders for the album are available now at http://www.metalblade.com/motorsister.

In support of the project MOTOR SISTER have scheduled a special show on February 12th in Brooklyn, NY at Saint Vitus. Tickets for the show can be purchased HERE.

Ride Track Listing:
1. A Hole
2. This Song Reminds Me of You
3. Beg Borrow Steal
4. Fool Around
5. Get That Girl
6. Head Hanging Low
7. Fork in the Road
8. Little Motor Sister
9. Pretty in the Morning
10. Whore
11. Doghouse
12. Devil Wind

Follow Motor Sister online:

Follow the band members online:

Colombian metal maniacs Revenge to release "Harder Than Steel"




TRACKLIST CD:
1. Headbangers Brigade
2. Harder Than Steel
3. Witching Possesion
4. Back For Vengeance
5. Gravestone
6. Torment And Sacrifice
7. At The Gates Of Hell
8. Flying to Hell
9. Motorider
10. Chains and Leather (Running Wild Cover)
Total Playing Time: 44:32 min

TRACKLIST LP:
Seite A
1. Headbangers Brigade
2. Harder Than Steel
3. Witching Possesion
4. Back For Vengeance
5. Gravestone
6. Metal & Wild (live 2014)
Seite B
1. Torment And Sacrifice
2. At The Gates Of Hell
3. Flying to Hell
4. Motorider
5. Chains and Leather (Running Wild Cover)
Total Playing Time: 49:10 min

REVENGE was formed in 2002 in Medellin City (Colombia) with the only idea of make Speed Metal 80's style. In 2003 REVENGE spread the first demo "Infernal Angels" in few copies. After acceptance of Metal maniacs in Colombia REVENGE in 2004 make the first album called " Metal Warriors". During one year REVENGE play in more cities of Colombia and finally in 2006 release the second album "Rage and Revenge" on label Wicked Kreations. More and more REVENGE growing in the scene and contacts with labels in the world too. In 2008 REVENGE make the mini album " Bang your Head" an album with new tracks, live songs under pressing of Rata Mutante Records who would become the official Label of Revenge. In 2010 Floga Records Release REVENGE's album "Death Sentence" as LP and Iron Bonehead Record are releasing a 7"Si "Whipping Death", the german vinyl version of "Bang your Head". In 2010 too REVENGE make a DVD called "Revenge is very good eaten cold" which focuses on the "Death Sentence" album. 2010 - 2011 others metal labels in South America spear 7 titles of REVENGE in tape version like "Metal warriors", "Infernal angels", "Rage and Revenge", "Death sentence" and "Revenge". In 2011 REVENGE release the 4. full album in 10 years of Speed Metal called "Metal is addiction and obsession". This album was released as CD, tape, colored & black vinyl by Floga Records in Greece and Kill Again Records in Brazil. In 2012 Iron Shield Records make a special Edition of album “Rage and Revenge” with bonus live titles. In 2013 after the band release the album “Vendetta” (as CD , LP and Tape) Revenge play 5 times out of Colombia in coutries like Argentina, Paraguay, Peru and Ecuador, the band recorded the last EP called “ Soldiers Under Satans Command “. Finally in the end of 2014 REVENGE recorded the new album “ Harder Than Steel “ a killer Speed metal album with 10 tracks with “Chains and leather”, a cover version of german Metal legend Running Wild. "Harder Than Steel" Album will be a killer reissue exclusive by Iron Shield Records in 2015 and will be out as CD and LP! This way REVENGE collect in your discography 6 albums, 2 Eps, 2 demos, 5 promo single cd, 2 DVD and more reissue by important labels in the worldwide Underground Metal Scene.

DARKYRA BLACK 'Fool' Cover Artwork, Track Listing Revealed

Australian female symphonic metal singer DARKYRA BLACK reveals album artwork and track listing for the upcoming album ‘FOOL’, to be released April 2015.



The new album feature Achillea musicians: Garry King, Fab Jablonksi & Betovani Dinelli and was produced by George Boussounis (Online Recording Masters, Athens). Special Guests include Tony Dolan (M-Pire Of Evil) bass on “Truth Or Dare” and a few other surprises.



Track listing:
01. Behind Closed Doors
02. Who are they to Judge You
03. Truth or Dare
04. Of Fools and Gold
05. Where Will I Be
06. Bleed
07. The Wish Never Fades
08. Desperation
09. Flawless
10. It Takes All Kinds of Fools
11. Fountain of Frozen Dreams


DARKYRA BLACK‘s unique vocal is far from predictable as she has a way of blending together all the different colors of her voice taking you on an emotional roller coaster unlike any other female artist.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Legendary guitarist Michael Schenker releases a new studio album featuring former Scorpions and Rainbow members


Award-winning, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker releases a new studio album entitled “Spirit On A Mission” Released by in-akustik, the album of all-new material features Schenker’s Temple of Rock band - ex-Scorpions Herman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass), ex-Rainbow’s Doogie White (vocals) and Wayne Findlay (guitar, keyboards).



The new album features twelve 12 classic rock guitar-driven songs that highlight Schenker’s distinctive and dynamic guitar playing, valiantly underpinned by the ferocious rhythm section of Rarebell and Buchholz, the same rhythm section that originally performed together on the Scorpions’ 1979 album Lovedrive.  

Michael remembers how he came up with the name of the new album - “A while ago I was asked how I wanted to be remembered, and I said ‘as a spirit on a mission, spreading the joy of music from a place of pure self expression.’”

Scottish vocalist Doogie White, who co-wrote the album with Schenker, soars across every song, and stamps his personality with every note and phrase, while Wayne Findlay adds a new level to Schenker’s classic sound with his Dean 7-string guitar and keyboard arrangements.

Spirit On A Mission is a rapturous, explosive collection of brand new songs steeped in shades of dark and light. Musically and lyrically, the new album shows a re-energised guitarist at the top of his game, surrounded by some of the best musicians in rock.
The new album was recorded at Kidroom Studios, Muenster, Germany; the same studio where 2013’s Bridge The Gap album was recorded. The album was produced by Michael Voss and Michael Schenker, and engineered by Voss.

“After the Bridge The Gap Japan Tour in March 2014, I started to put new material together for what was to become the Spirit On A Mission album,” says Schenker. I went to the recording studio in June 2014 to put down the song arrangements and we finished recording in November.”

During the recording of the new album, the original recordings and guitars were stolen from the recording studio. Did this impact on the recording process of the new album?

“Yes we got robbed (some guitars and some music) and got very upset about it,” recalls Schenker. “Fortunately it was just performances and not compositions. We caught up and performed the music better than before. It forced us to work extra hard and longer but it made it stronger.”

For Schenker, the songwriting and recording process for Spirit On A Mission was very different from the 2012’s Bridge The Gap album.

Says Schenker - “I already knew ahead of time that I wanted to take Spirit On A Mission to the next level by adding more 7-string guitar on some songs to get more of the low heavy sound, and on other songs to keep it very fast and energetic with melodic vocals and a couple of mid tempo’s with more of my writing like in my UFO days.”

“Doogie did an amazing job with his melodies and singing,” adds Schenker. “Even though we had our instruments, music and equipment stolen from the recording studio, we had to re-record a lot of his vocals again, but when we did it the second time around, it got even better.”

“I asked Wayne to come up with a few cool guitar riffs on his 7 string. I added my parts to it and the outcome was very unique. Again, with the addition of Doogie’s vocals, we entered a whole new place that was an extreme pleasurable experience.”

The writing process and overall concept for Spirit On A Mission proved to be a fulfilling experience for Schenker and his band.   

Says Schenker - “I always write in the same way but this time, especially driven by a precise concept.” The picture was album balance for me and combine many years of emotions in one. I wanted lots of double bass drum to keep the fast songs rolling like a train with lots of energy covered with interesting elements, a couple of my UFO days-type of mid tempos and the 7 string low sound to get a very wide range of sounds and emotions.”

Michael’s Temple of Rock shared ideas and collaborated in a bigger way on the new album.

“All songs were co-written by Doogie and myself, “recalls Schenker. “Wayne co-wrote five songs. I originally wanted to write the album as a group effort, but I had this concept that needed to be focused on differently. However, Herman and Francis did very well by adding there amazing Rock You Like A Hurricane rhythm section parts that gave it all it needed.

The new album also sees guitarist and keyboard player, Wayne Findlay, takes on a bigger role.

“Wayne has been with me (MSG) since 1999,” says Schenker. “In 2004, I met Dean Guitars and they built me a 7 string. I played it for a while but thought it was too much of a sidetrack from what I was doing.”

“I always liked that low sound and asked Wayne to look into developing it on the 7 string. A couple of years ago we started to use a bit of Wayne’s 7 string guitar on Bridge The Gap as a slow introduction. Wayne looks like a Neptune (Ocean God) and he loves the ocean. I saw this as an opportunity to have Dean build him a Trident Guitar in order to make his character complete. I wrote a little piece about Wayne called Neptune Rising on the Bridge The Gap album and now on Spirit On A Mission Wayne was ready to co-write five songs, and has now become an essential part of Temple Of Rock.”

“Coincidentally,” says Schenker, “former Scorpions members Herman Rarebell and Francis Buchholz and myself were out of the loop of rock’n’roll around the same time, but for different reasons. When we recorded 2013’s Bridge The Gap album, we had not played together since the Scorpions’ Lovedrive album (1979). Sprit On A Mission is the second Temple of Rock album to feature the former Scorpions rhythm section.

Former Rainbow singer Doogie White is described by Schenker as an ‘extremely creative individual with a fantastic range and a voice that never stops.’  “How many people do you know that can sing nine shows in a row, without a day off and still have a voice with a range like his?”, says Schenker.  “He’s a real trooper.”

What are Schenker’s favourite songs from Spirit On A Mission, and why?

Says Michael – “I love Live and Let Live because it has everything. I love Vigilante Man because it’s heavy and melodic with a great tempo and sound. Something Of The Night turned out to be a fantastic outcome especially with that spooky Howler sound I developed awhile ago. Saviour Machine is an epic. Rock City, Bullet Proof, Restless Heart - I love the fast melodic stuff, and the other 7 string songs with a touch of ’70s rock.”

What are Schenker’s overall plans to promote the new album?  Does he plan on touring the album by relentless touring and playing summer festivals?

“Promotion is definitely the next step,” says Schenker. "Wherever we are needed around the world, we will be there to promote “Spirit On A Mission". I want to make Temple Of Rock its own entity. Right now it is still using the Michael Schenker platform but eventually I want it to stand on its own feet as ‘Temple Of Rock’.

"BRIDGE THE GAP" - TRACK LISTING

1. LIVE AND LET LIVE
2.COMMUNION*
3. VIGILANTE MAN
4.ROCK CITY
5.SAVIOUR MACHINE*
6.SOMETHING OF THE NIGHT
7.ALL OUR YESTERDAYS
8.BULLETPROOF*
9.LET THE DEVIL SCREAM*
10.GOOD TIMES
11.RESTLESS HEART
12.WICKED*

Bonus Track on Deluxe Edition + Vinyl Edition:
Searching For Freedom (Instrumental)

All songs produced by Michael Schenker and Michael Voss
Engineer: Michal Voss

All songs are written by:
Music - Michael Schenker
Lyrics - Doogie White
Except* Music and Lyrics by
Michael Schenker, Doogie White, Wayne Findlay


FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:


Monday, January 12, 2015

FERIUM Added to OTEP's European Tour in March


Israeli metal outfit FERIUM will be supporting OTEP on its European headlining tour in March with THE AGONIST. See below for tour dates.


FERIUM released its debut album, Reflections on CD and digital formats via Transcend Music early in 2014 and is currently working on its next album. Reflections was met with praise by critics and fans worldwide and received Album of  the Week honors from RevolverMag.com. Select tracks from Reflections are streaming at http://www.feriumband.com/

Purchase Reflections at:

Formed in 2006, FERIUM were initially inspired by Pantera and Lamb Of God but over time influence from the likes of Textures, Gojira, Death and more found its way into their sound. 2009 saw their first EP The New Law which gained the band international recognition, enabling them to play large local events such as Summer Carnage and
Hallelujah, but also shows outside of their homeland, including Wacken 2009. 2013 saw the band return to tour Europe/UK supporting The Agonist and Threat Signal. Featuring cover art by Eliran Kanto Hatebreed, Sodom, Atheist), Reflections is the culmination of four years of hard work, pain, passion, anger and hatred and the results are not for the faint-hearted.

DIRE PERIL Announces “Through Time and Space” EP


DIRE PERIL unveils artwork, guest musicians and release date for “Through Time and Space” EP.

In 2012, California Sci-Fi Power Metallers DIRE PERIL announced plans to release 3 special EP’s each consisting of 3 original tracks and one cover song. The first of the 3, “Astronomical Minds” was released independently in 2012. The CD was very well received by fans and media critics alike. The popularity of the album gained the band global media exposure and in 2014 the group signed with Dead Inside Records. Dire Peril released their 2nd EP “Queen of the Galaxy” through the label on September 26th 2014 and is ready to unleash the much anticipated 3rd EP titled “Through Time and Space”.

“Through Time and Space” will be released on March 24th, 2015 through Dead Inside Records. Vocals for the album were tracked by Norman Skinner (Imagika, Skinner, Hellscream) at Savage Screams Studios in Fremont, CA. The remainder of the album was recorded at Alien Productions in Carmichael, CA and mixed\mastered by JK Northrup (XYZ, Liberty n’ Justice).

Special guest musicians include guitarist Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) making an appearance on the track “Evolution’s Failed Design” and vocalist John Yelland (Disforia, Judicator) sharing vocal duties with Norman Skinner on the Epic 20 minute title track “Through Time and Space”.

“Through Time and Space” track listing:
1. Evolution’s Failed Design
2. What Mysteries Await
3. Through Time And Space
4. Transformers (Lion Cover)

Cover artwork for the album was created by Horror\Fantasy artist Sean “Zombie” Walusko and can be seen below:



Never slowing down Dire Peril is hard at work finalizing the last tracks for their 1st full-length effort titled “Final Scenes for Forgotten Worlds”. The band plans to enter the studio to begin recording in March. On August 25th, 2014 the lyric video for “Space Invaders” from the album “Queen of The Galaxy” was released and can be seen via the link below:

AMON AMARTH European tour to kick off this week in Lille, France

Swedish heavy metal icons AMON AMARTH will be returning to Europe already thist week for a month long tour in regional UK, regional France and Spain/Portugal. Tickets are on sale now at http://amonamarth.com/tour/


Amon Amarth comments: "UK, Portugal, Spain and France…get ready this January for a Viking invasion! We'll be making an extensive UK expedition where we'll be pillaging smaller clubs in virtually every nook and cranny of the country. We're also making a more in depth raid of France, Spain and Portugal. Finally! As support on this mission we're bringing our friends in Huntress and up-and-comers Savage Messiah. Don't miss this awesome night of metal and we will take no prisoners!"

AMON AMARTH
+ Huntress
+ Savage Messiah
15/01/15 FR - Lille - Le Splendid
16/01/15 UK - Brighton - Concorde 2
17/01/15 UK - Plymouth - The Hub
18/01/15 UK - Bristol - Thelka
19/01/15 UK - Nottingham - Rescue Rooms
21/01/15 UK - Norwich - Waterfront
22/01/15 UK - Colchester - Arts Center
23/01/15 UK - Oxford - Academy2
24/01/15 UK - Stoke - Sugarmill
25/01/15 UK - Manchester - Academy2
27/01/15 UK - Glasgow - Classic Grand
28/01/15 UK - Leeds - Stylus
29/01/15 UK - Newcastle - Uni
30/01/15 UK - Lemmington - Assembly
31/01/15 UK - Southampton - 1865
02/02/15 FR - Rouen - Le 106
03/02/15 FR - Reims - Le Cartonnerie
04/02/15 FR - Nancy - L´Autre Canal
05/02/15 FR - Nimes - La Paloma
06/02/15 ES - Bilbao - Santana 27
07/02/15 ES - Barcelona - Razzmatazz1
08/02/15 ES - Madrid - La Riviera
10/02/15 PT - Lisboa - Paradise Garage
11/02/15 PT - Porto - Hard Club
12/02/15 ES - Santiago - Captol
14/02/15 FR - Clermont-Ferrand - Le Cooperative De Mai
15/02/15 FR - Strasbourg - Laiterie

AMON AMARTH launched their new music video last autumn, the title track to their 2013 album, "Deceiver of the Gods." The video features clips from the upcoming film, Northmen - A Viking Saga, which stars Tom Hopper, Ryan Kwanten, Ken Duken, and features Johan Hegg as Valli. It's no surprise, given the level of talent and eye-catching visuals of the film that this is the most remarkable AMON AMARTH video to date. Watch the video now at THIS location!

For more information about Northmen - A Viking Saga, visit northmen-themovie.com and facebook.com/NorthmenMovie.


Friday, January 9, 2015

Swedish rowdy metallers GEHENNAH sign to Metal Blade Records!

"Metal Police" out February, 6th!



Swedish long-haired gangsters Gehennah have dunked their fountain pens into their custom made kegs, a blended mixture of blood, booze and pus, and signed a contract with Metal Blade Records. Gehennah comments on the signing:"Gehennah are very proud to sign with such a legendary label as Metal Blade Records who has released so many of our old favorite albums through the years. We are looking forward to this collaboration and to irritate more people than ever!"

To start off this unholy collaboration, Metal Blade will release an extended version of GEHENNAH's "Metal Police" EP, exclusively on vinyl, February, 6h. Check out the title track and the pre-order options at www.metalblade.com/gehennah.

In the words of thy masters: "We are very happy to re-release "Metal Police" in a new heavily beefed up version as a full-length on Metal Blade Records. We feel that this will give even more metalheads a chance to get a taste of the new Gehennah while waiting for our up-coming new full-length album. We took the chance to add two songs from the "Metal Police"-session and six recently re-recorded old ones that has stayed with us in our live-set, making it a total of 12 jawbreaking songs of criminal black thrash 'n' roll mayhem."

"Metal Police" track listing:
01. Metal Police
02. Four Knuckle Facelift
03. Crime Career
04. Fuck 'Em All
05. Carve off Your Face (And Shove It up Your Ass)
06. Black Jack Loser
07. Decibel Rebel
08. 666 Drunks & Rock n' Roll
09. Bitch with a Bulletbelt
10. Hellstorm
11. Six-Pack Queen
12. Piss off, I'm Drinking

Started in 1992, GEHENNAH, hailing from Forshaga and Karlstad, Sweden, first stunk up the scene with their debut album "Hardrocker" released in 1995. In a time when atmospheric black metal and melodic death metal ruled the metal underground, Gehennah's filthy street thrash stuck out like a sore thumb. The band gained a loyal following among elite metal fans and in the years to come the albums "King of the Sidewalk" and "Decibel Rebel" were released along with touring with among other bands Impaled Nazarene and Disfear. The first years of the new millennium were mostly spent on playing chaotic gigs and committing random acts of stupidity, and also releasing the anniversary EP "10 Years of Fucked Up Behavior" in 2003 (11 years after the band was formed).

GEHENNAH are currently at work with their 4th full-length studio album to be recorded and released in 2015.

GEHENNAH is:
Mr. Violence - Vocals
Rob Stringburner - Guitar
Hellcop - Drums
Charley Knuckleduster - Bass

GEHENNAH live shows:
06/02/15 IT - Rome - Close Club
07/02/15 IT - Florence - Viper Theatre
08/02/15 IT - Brescia - Circolo Colony
13/03/15 SE - Karlstad - Nojesfabriken
28-30/05/15 SE - Alvesta - Muskelrock Festival


Xander Demos And Bandmates Receive Six Iron City Rocks Music Awards Nominations


Xander Demos and his Xander Demos Band (XDB) bandmates have received a total of six nominations in the 2014 Iron City Rocks Pittsburgh Music Awards. XDB has received nominations in the following band categories: Best Rock Band and Best Progressive Band.  In individual categories, Xander received a nomination for Best Guitarist, for which he won the award, last year. This is Xander’s fourth nomination as Best Guitarist. Xander’s XDB bandmates received nominations in the following individual categories: Best Bassist, Dan Bozym; Best Keyboards, Jeff Morris; and  Best Drummer, Jeff Anzelone. All of Xander's bandmates won their individual categories' awards last year.  Xander was also named to the Iron City Rocks "Hall Of Fame" last year.

Nominations for the Iron City Rocks Pittsburgh Music Awards opened at the beginning of December, and closed at the end of the month. The final ballot is comprised of the top 5 acts receiving the most nominations in each category. Voting for the winners is now open until January 23, 2015. Votes may be cast at http://www.ironcityrocks.com/2014-iron-city-rocks-pittsburgh-music-awards-and-hall-of-fame-finalists/. Only one vote per valid email address will be counted.

Xander Demos is a renowned metal guitarist and winner of the 2013 Iron City Rocks Best Guitarist Award.  Xander has recorded and performed with James Rivera’s Sabbath Judas Sabbath, Ged Rylands’ Rage of Angels, Liberty ‘N’ Justice, Modern Superstar, James Rivera’s solo band, and others. He has also performed at NAMM Metal Jam with some of the biggest names in metal. He will perform again at the 2015 NAMM Metal Jam, this month.  Xander will also appear in the upcoming metal movie, Hair I Go Again. Xander and XDB are currently appearing on the Guitar Wizards Vol. III and IV compilation album, alongside members of KISS, Whitesnake, Dio, Poison and more.  XDB–Xander with Jeff Anzelone, (drums) Mario Brescia, (vocals) H. Dan Bozym, (bass) and Jeff Morris (keys, vocals)–has performed at Skull Fest, Wolf Fest, and Rock Harvest II, and other notable metal events.  For more information, http://www.xanderdemos.com.