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

 www.facebook.com/cardinalsfolly

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.

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

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

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

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: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-judas-priests-thunderous-new-dragonaut-premiere-20140613#ixzz34XDw7xOd  And you can pre-order the deluxe album version via these links: http://smarturl.it/redeemerofsouls-albm - iTunes    http://smarturl.it/redeemerofsouls-amzn - Amazon 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: www.judaspriest.com www.facebook.com/OfficialJudasPriest

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

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   

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:

http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=717

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

www.darkestera.net

www.facebook.com/darkestera

www.twitter.com/darkestera

www.youtube.com/darkesteraofficial

www.cruzdelsurmusic.com

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.

www.famousunderground.tv
www.facebook.com/famousunderground

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

www.facebook.com/Algebrathrash

www.unspeakableaxerecords.com

FAST RISING ROCKERS SILVERTUNG LAUNCH KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

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