Iris gives a look insight through her voice

From time to time I'd like to point readers of this blog to other musical styles. There's so much good music out there that isn't metal.

Iris comes from Italy. She's a singer songwriter and has released a full album on Bandcamp. In recent times  we were able to follow her activities on YouTube where she uploads covers of songs that she feels related to. The latest videos featured tunes in italian language something that made me even more curious since I've not heard too many of those songs before.

Iris while working on a new cover, (c) by Iris, used with kind permission

Her biggest strength in my ears is the possibility to express her inner feelings with the voice. Iris can let go of her emotions and boundaries and share it through music. Her expressive face speaks out so clearly to me how she feels.

It's one more time in my lifetime that I feel understood by music. It often feels as if it talks about what I want to say, too. Maybe this is one of the many reasons why music has the status it has for me. I hope it will stay forever. Come and have a taste in the player below.

Curious how the story goes on? Follow Iris via Facebook or better subscribe to her YouTube channel directly.

Chania Rock Festival - your metal vacation 2019

The outdoor season slowly comes closer. Many Open Air Festivals offer what we love most - having a good time outside and enjoy music while having some fine food and drinks with it.

This paticular festival called Chania Rock could be some secret place not too many know of yet.

The logo of the Chania Rock Festival, (c) by Chania Rock Festival, used with kind permission

Having seen a round up of a previous edition on YouTube I was flashed and thought: you need to go there. The ancient fortress close to a harbour is by far the most thrilling and relaxing surrounding I've seen a festival taking place in. Just check it out for yourselves and read a closer description of the event.


Chania Rock Festival  takes place in the beautiful island of Crete, in Chania, on the 5 the and 6 of July 2019. The festival exists since 2002 and many great metal bands have  played so far, such as Blind Guardian (GER), Sabaton (SWE), Kreator (GER), Paradise  Lost (UK), D-A-D (DEN), Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons (UK), W.A.S.P. (USA) and  many more.

This year’s billing, includes some more great bands. Demons & Wizards, the  brainchild of Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) and Jon Schaffer (Iced Earth), Tarja, Rotting Christ, Uli Jon Roth and Carthagods plus more acts to be announced. All these, will take place in the most picturesque landmark of the city of Chania, an  ancient fortress by the old harbor, San Salvatore.
Weekend ticket costs only 55 euros. Payment is possible with Paypal and Visa Card.
https://www.chaniarockfestival.gr/en/tickets

It also aounds like a good possibility to arrange your summer holidays in one of the most beautiful islands of the Mediterranean and combine it with two days full of heavy metal music.

More details can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/ChaniaRockFestival/ and
https://www.chaniarockfestival.gr

Voyager set a Brightstar at Australia

Some bands are giving me exactly what I need. Voyager, a progressive band mixing up metal with pop-like elements has brought a brand new (video) single to life.

The cover already gives a idea that something special is about to come your way...

It demonstrates once more the band's ability to express softer, melodic elements that touch the soul and give room for dreams and atmosphere. On the contrary there are always rougher corners showing up making clear how much of the agression, raw power and heavyness also lives in the soul of the band. Along with bright pictures of nature and technique it's a overwhelming feeling that floats through me listening to "Brightstar".

If you're living in Australia don't miss out the chance to see Voyager live these days. They hit the road with the excellent Twelve Foot Ninja, a crossover act that also didn't leave my mind once I heard them.

Here are the dates:

Friday 8th March - ANU, Canberra

Saturday 9th March - Download Festival Sydney

Monday 11th March - Download Festival Melbourne

Friday 15th March - Miami Tavern, Gold Coast

Saturday 16th March - The Valley Drive in, Brisbane

Saturday 23rd March - The Gov, Adelaide

TICKETS - http://twelvefootninja.com/shows

The single is up for purchase from Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon Music and more.

Check the band's Facebook for updates and more info.

Mega Colossus European Tour starts tomorrow

Some news come in late. This one reached me saying that traditional heavy metal masters MEGA COLOSSUS will embark on a European tour starting already tomorrow. The tour will see the band playing shows in Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Greece.

A look up the Mega Colossus "V" EP cover, (c) by Mega Colossus

The band will release their latest EP "V" independently in North America on March 2. So you'll surely be able to pick up a copy of this one at their shows. One more reason to go.

Mega Colossus 2019 European tour dates:

March 2 - Hell Over Hammaburg festival, Hamburg, Germany
March 3 - MTS Records, Oldenburg, Germany
March 6 - Arena Beisl, Vienna, Austria
March 7 - MC Pakerna, Maribor, Slovenia
March 8 - Legends Lounge, Olching, Bayern, Germany
March 10 - P8, Karlsruhe, Germany
March 12 - Szenario, Marburg, Germany
March 14 - Up the Hammers pre-show, Athens, Greece

For updates on these dates and closer info check out the band's Facebook page.

Here's a little snippet so you can quickly check out their music. The band can be described as a mixture of Iron Maiden with Thin Lizzy.