AXEMASTER Retrun With "Overture To Madness" March 6th via Pure Steel Records

The name AXEMASTER still might be familiar to many genre-lovers. In 1987 (“Blessing In The Skies”, Azra Records!) and 1990 (“Death Before Dishonor”), the Power Metal group from Ohio have released two very underrated, cult albums. After 25 years, the guys are back with “Overture To Madness”; released through Pure Steel Records. Old trademarks, known from the band for decades, also will be presented. Nevertheless, the band has arrived in the brave new world, but they still deliver their old passion without any compromises. On all twelve tracks partly aggressive, classical Metal is joining forces with a modern, bright, but also authentic production. Some Thrash influences and the rough, deeper vocals of the new, talented front man Geoff McGraw also fit perfect to the whole concept. AXEMASTER are lords of the American underground; and “Overture To Madness” shows it up perfectly!

1 Entering Madness  

2 Sanity's Requiem 

3 Forsaken 

4 Dream or Nightmare 

5 Thirty Pieces of Silver  

6 Crimson Haze  

7 Peeling Skin  

8 Sinister  

9 Statute of Liberty  

10 Ashes  

11 Chylde  

12 Dark Souls  

13 Epic  

Total Playing Time: 56:49

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

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

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

SHADOWBANE "Facing The Fallout" - to be released Jan 16th on PURE STEEL Records

Their Demo EP from the beginning of this decade already made some experts on German underground heavy metal prick their ears. The specialized press recently called them „promising Newcomer“ and now finally the Hamburgians release their long awaited debut. Musically SHADOWBANE’s „Post Apocalyptic Power Metal“ is positioned between melodic US power metal and raw teutonic steel with dystopic lyrics. Definitely outgrown the demo sound, the mostly fast songs profit from a contemporary production – without leaving any doubt in the musical rootage within the power metal of the 80s and 90s. Besides the powerful yet melodic vocals the sound is dominated by two notable and equally shaping guitarists with a lot of thrashy riffs and harmonic melodies. With their debut SHADOWBANE clearly stake their claim: The power metal newcomers from the Hanseatic city are inevitable to any Underground maniac in 2015.

TRACKLIST: 1. Red Alert 2. Beyond The Winds Of War 3. Traitor 4. Under Bleeding Skies 5. After The Fallout 6. Dystopia 7. Tear Down The Wall 8. Badlands Law 9. Last Division 10. Source Of Grief

Just posted FoM episode 209 featuring Chris Tsangarides

Episode 209 - Tsangarides Pt 1

This week is part one of a two parter featuring longtime hard rock and metal producer Chris Tsangarides. The guy has been involved in the industry since 1975 and has had a huge part in forging the sound of modern metal and classic metal.

That being said you know that this guy has some great stories to share, and share he does right here on Focus on Metal.

Track of the week "The Irish Brigade" is from Pure Legends artist Wolfen from their latest release "Evilution". Get more info at: http://www.wolfen-metal.de/

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

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

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

Just posted - John Gallagher from RAVEN guests on this weeks Focus on Metal.

Episode 208 - Raven Nation

We celebrate week two of metal month by having a chat with the one and only John Gallagher of Newcastle metal pioneers Raven. The band is currently on tour in the states while concurrently running a Kickstarter campaign for their new album "ExtermiNation". We were lucky enough to snag a rare on the road interview with John as they were heading from Vancouver to their gig in Seattle. Enjoy the words of metal wisdom from John and be sure to head to up to Kickstarter and support these metal legends.

Check out the ExtermiNation campaign at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1085707767/extermination?ref=nav_search

Check out all the tour dates and Raven news at: http://ravenlunatics.com/

Track of the week is "Queen of The Galaxy" which is the title track from the latest release from Dire Peril. Get more info at: https://www.facebook.com/direperil

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

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

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

German Thrashers First Aid to release "Nursed" via Pure Steel/Iron Shield Records

First Aid was founded in 1999 by five guys who spent their time paying tribute to Thrash Metal. Because of various influences this band from Berlin is going the way of melodic and uncompromising aggressive music, which nevertheless depends on the old Thrash Metal feeling. After some line-up changes, finally a fixed lineup was found and the first record “Prisoner Of Hell” was recorded 2003. After a lot of gigs in Germany, the guys knew that the chemistry was right. As a result more faster, melodic and aggressive songs were written by the band. Finally the second record “Infection” was recorded 2007. New musicians and inspirations made this line-up to a real fuckin' metal inferno. Since november 2010 the split 10"vinyl "Boozing Maniacs" (with Explorer) was available in two different versions. The limited 'Die-hard' Edition with patches and green coloured vinyl was quickly Sold-Out! After 6 years of rehearsals and many FIRST AID concerts (opening Act for Metal Church), the new full length album "Nursed" is ready. 10 powerful titles, pure energy, packed in timeless technical Speed 'n Thrash Metal. Include a great tribute to Chuck Norris (Missing In Action)! Beware, the Nurse will hurt you!

TRACKLIST:

1. Horror Of War

2. Chained To Die

3. Lifetime Torment

4. Fill The Void

5. Hit By Shit

6. Suicide Moshpit

7. Dead Again

8. Grimace Of Lies

9. Missing In Action

10. Rise Of The Dead

Releasedate: November 21st 2014
Label: Iron Shield Records

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

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

BORN OF FIRE signed a worldwide deal with PURE STEEL RECORDS

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

OMEN announce new Lead vocalist

Pure Steel Records Artist, OMEN from the USA are excited to announce that the PHANTOM X member Kevin Goocher will be taking over for Matt Story as singer. LINE-UP: Kevin Goocher - vocals Kenny Powell - guitars Andy Haas - bass Steve Wittig - drums

Limited Edition Release of DEATH DEALER's "War Master" Coming Soon

If you find musicians -and former members- from bands like Manowar (Rhino, Ross The Boss) , Cage (Sean Peck) , Empires Of Eden (Stu Marshall), Lizzy Borden and Halford (Mike Davis) together, nothing can go wrong.

DEATH DEALER was formed a few years ago and is an U.S. Metal - All Star band that already released their debut album „War Master“ in June 2013 as a CD by Steel Cartel Records. Now we release a limited vinyl version of 500 pieces with a gatefold sleeve. The vinyl will come intwo versions 100 pieces of black and blue splatter and 400 pieces of black. So grab em' while they last. Beyond the coolness of vinyl, now's your chance to see the artwork by Mark Sasso in a 12x12 format. Release is expected in April.

Flawless Power/Heavy Metal in the most classic style, with Sean's strongly High-Pitched-Screams which rules through the complete album. Sublime lead guitar by Maestro Ross "The Boss" Friedman tightes double bass drumming of Mr. Rhino transport every Headbanger of the planet into an endless thrill. Hymns like the speedy band hymn full of power and aggression, driven by double bass title track or the stamping monster "Hammer Down" are only one part of the absolute highlights which this album has to offer. 

DEATH DEALER doesn’t have to hide behind the big names of the individual members because it has everything to offer for the followers of traditional Metal culture.

For all people who roll out every time the prayer rug to music monuments like "Painkiller", will have something to look forward to through “War Master”.

The Death Dealer site

DEATH DEALER sign a vinyl contract with PURE STEEL RECORDS

The US Power Metal Band DEATH DEALER signed a vinyl contract for their current album "War Master" with PURE STEEL RECORDS!  The limited vinyl edition consists 500 pieces (100 colored and 400 black). The Release date is 25th April 2014. More news coming soon. Death Dealer consists of: Sean Peck - vocals (Cage) Stu Marshall - guitars (Empires of Eden, Paindivision, Ronny Munroe, Saint Lucifer, Stu Marshall, ex-Dungeon) Mike Davis - bass (Halford, ex-B.O.W.A., Dramarama, ex-Lizzy Borden, ex-Ozzy Osbourne, ex-Angel Rot, ex-Dogma, ex-Terriff) Ross The Boss - guitars (Ross the Boss, ex-Brain Surgeons, ex-Manitoba's Wild Kingdom, Manitoba, The Dictators, ex-Manowar, ex-Shakin' Street) Rhino - drums (Angels Of Babylon, Forgotten Realm, Holy Force, Jack Starr's Burning Starr, ex-Manowar) Sean Peck will be featured on an upcoming episode of Focus on Metal.

Pure Steel to release Nightmare, the latest from Satanika

SATANIKA was founded by Cristian & Gilberto in Rome/ Italy in 2009. From the beginning the band was ready to play 'straight-in-your-face' Thrash Metal with a strong 80's feeling. Direct, without compromise and oldschool! First full Release was SATANIKATTACK with the help of Desasters drummer Tomentor. This album was also released in 2011 at Iron Shield Records as Gatefold LP with 4 bonustracks. After this Satanika released a 'special longtime EP' with 5 new tracks and 10 recordings from sold out EP's.

The second album INFECTION came out in 2012 as Digipack CD & Gatefold LP (+poster). The band is playin' since beginning of 2013 with Diego (dr) & Antonio (bass). In 2013 the band was playin' a short tour in Italy and on some festivals, also in Germany! It was only time to release a 7"Single with 3 new titles for Empire Records from Belgium.

Now is the new album NIGHTMARE finished, with an fantastic artwork from Mark Riddick! The album is heavy, extrem and fast forward, but also with new elements. The CD comes out as Digipack with 16-sided booklet. LP Release is by Doomentia Rec. Also this time with many 'special guests from Desaster, RAM, Ex-Venom, Protector &  Delirium Tremens!

Be forwarned, this is a Merciless Thrash Metal Attack! Not for the wimps!

TRACKLIST:
1. Electro-Shock
2. Mask Of Satan
3. The Black Queen
4. Blood Orgy Of The She-Devils
5. The Executioner
6. Steel Aggressor
7. Deathwitch Possession
8. Sacrifice The Bitch
9. Carnal Violence
10. Devil's Reject
TOTAL RUNNING TIME 38:49

Pure Steel Release PRIMEVAL REALM "Primordial Light"

Pure Steel is proud to present a new band, PRIMEVAL REALM from the USA who have now recorded their debut album called “Primordial Light”. Until now we only had very few Doom bands in our back catalogue, but this quartet, formed in 2009, plays this genre with a passion and devotion which is contagious.

In 39 minutes’ playing time, the album features seven songs, some of which are overlong. They are full of homage to bands like TROUBLE, CANDLEMASS, SAINT VITUS/THE OBSESSED and SOLITUDE AETURNUS. But the band never copies the originals, they present fresh ideas of their own. The songs are not always in slow-motion but also offer some brisker passages. Epic, melancholic parts alternate with groovy riff-monsters in the best Iommi-tradition; the sentimental, melodic vocals of mastermind Joe Potash show authenticity and power, keyboards/Hammond organs are only used as intensification for the gloomy and menacing aura. The track “Heavy is the Mind” shows even classic Heavy-influences and the final track “Primordial Light…Departure” surprises with light flute-sounds. The sound is fat, powerful and heavy on the basses, but this is of course a point of honour.

Excellent, sometimes epic Doom Metal from utter conviction: PRIMEVAL REALM are truly a candidate for coming HAMMER OF DOOM-gigs!

TRACKLIST:

1. A Primeval Realm

2. Black Flames & Shadows

3. Electric Knowledge

4. Galaxy Lifter

5. Heavy Is This Mind

6. Night Of The Wolfmoon

7. Primordial Light... Departure

PRIMEVAL REALM signed a worldwide deal with PURE STEEL RECORDS!

American metallers PRIMEVAL REALM have signed a worldwide deal with PURE STEEL RECORDS! The official release date of the new album "Primordial Light" is the 14th of March 2014. More news coming soon. LINE-UP: Joe Potash - vocals, guitars, (keyboards, bass, drums) Reed Thomas - bass and backing vocals Mike White - drums and percussion Brian Leahy - keyboards Get the Primeval Realm app at: http://www.reverbnation.com/PrimevalRealm/app

Pure Steel to release ASKA "Fire Eater" in a limited vinyl edition on January 31st

The release date of the ASKA album "Fire Eater" on vinyl is January 31st, 2014. The limited vinyl edition consists 333 pieces (black/orange splatter) and is coming with gatefold. The preorder phase will start on January 17th, 2014 in our webshop. Not very many US-Metal fans might make a list of their favorite bands of the 80s without ASKA from Texas. The quartet built around front man George Call (ex-OMEN) has played for 23 years and knows how to fascinate the scene. Albums like “Nine Tongues” and “Avenger” (both re-released by Pure Steel) have reached cult status. Their latest studio album was released six years ago, so it’s definitely time for something new! So now we present “Fire Eater”: powerful and with lots of drive and passion, as we know from their former albums. Melodic and straight heavy metal with a typical ASKA sound, George’s distinctive, rough and high power-voice, perfectly placed high-pitched screams, and some classic Maiden-Twin-leads: everything that a metal fan might wish for can be found on this newest release. The anthem-like “Valhalla”, the fast double-bass “Son of a God”, “Eye of the Serpent” (which was on EMERALD’s “Unleashed” album), or the powerful JUDAS PRIEST-cover version “The Ripper”: ASKA always know how to convince their fans! With “Fire Eater”, ASKA show that classic US-metal has not lost its magic! TRACKLIST: Side A 1. Everyone Dies 2. Dead Again 3. Vahalla 4. Son Of A God 5. Angela Side B 6. Harlot Of Eden 7. Red Cell 8. The Ripper 9. Year Of Jubilee 10. The Last Message 11. Eye Of The Serpent

NINTH CIRCLE signed a worldwide deal with PURE ROCK RECORDS/PURE STEEL RECORDS!

NINTH CIRCLE (USA) have signed a worldwide deal with PURE ROCK RECORDS, a sublabel of PURE STEEL RECORDS! More News coming soon. "Ninth Circle is very excited to be on board with Pure Steel Records! We've put quite a bit of effort into our upcoming release from the song writing to the recording and to every last detail.  Pure Steel Records have always shown great support to their artists.  It is wonderful to know that we've signed with a Company who will give us the push we need for this CD and for the future of Ninth Circle .. worldwide!"

STEEL PROPHET to Rerelease "The Goddess Principle" on vinyl via Pure Steel

STEEL PROPHET were founded in 1983 and are something like a legend for US/Power-Metal gourmets. The band built around guitarist Steve Kachinsky Blakmoor and vocalist Rick Mythiasin have now signed a deal with Pure Steel Records. As a prelude to this cooperation we decided to rerelease the legendary debut album “The Goddess Principle” on vinyl (originally released in 1995 by the northern German label Brainstorm Division). This rerelease is a limited edition of 500 numbered copies! High and distinctive killer-screams that remind one sometimes of AGENT STEEL, breathtaking, sophisticated and unique twin-guitar-solos, sometimes epic abundant song-structures: the features of this album read like a paradigm of our label spectrum. Who once has heard tracks like the seven-minute monument “Reign of Christ” (which will open the B-side on our rerelease), gripping anthems like “Souls Without Honor”, “To Grasp Eternity” and “Parthenogenesis”, or the slightly thrashy tracks “The Inner Voiced Silence” and “Fatal Euphoria”, will understand at once why this band is until now in the hearts of all Keep It True/Headbangers Open Air/Swordbrothers-visitors. Sophisticated lead-passages feature alongside catchy and distinctive choruses, speedy parts are as natural as calm and quiet ones. The production was rather unusual at the time, very basic and earthy, which gives this album a very special appeal. To put it in a nutshell: “The Goddess Principle” is a must for everyone!

Release date: January 31st, 2014 Label: Pure Steel Records style: Power Metal catalogue nr.: PSRLP039 TRACKLIST: Seite A 1. Souls Without Honor 2. Devoid of Logic 3. Ruby Dreams 4. Prophecy Upon Us 5. The Inner Voice Silenced 6. To Grasp Eternity Seite B 1. Reign Of Christ 2. Fatal Euphoria 3. Penance of Guilt 4. Parthenogenesis Total Playing Time: 53:57 min