Album Review: Screaming Sunset - Anime Di Vetro (Guitar Rock, 2023)

It's a rare occassion that music comes in that reflects upon feelings you're currently going through. Moments you go through intensive up's and down's. 

Hopefully the sun goes up for you as you listen to the new Screaming Sunset album.

The first track "Pieno Fiume" did exactly that for me. A rough guitar powered introduction reflects upon the troubles we all go through these times before softer notes find the way into the music clearing the stage for more feelings like being alone, feeling hurt. The complex drum pattern adds a good part to the movement of the music.

The second offer "L'Infedele" continues the path but has a strong focus on a constant theme that's been kept as a frame. From that intial point variations are called up throughout the whole duration.

The "Claustrofobia" is a silk package of melodic driven guitar rock but holds a lot of atmosphere. With time passing the intensivity and speed grows changing the mood of the track noteably.

How the other three tracks sound like? Make sure to check out for yourselves. The whole release is available as streaming media on a service of your choice. Just click on to Distrokid for a overview on links where to listen.

My personal favorite is the title track "Anime Di Vetro" that shows so much intensity combined with a change of speed that let's it feel like being on a ride that goes faster with each round. A great piece of music expressing the already mentioned change of emotions that I'm going through these days. 

Or check out one track directly here.

Finally you can keep in touch with the band through Facebook as well as the popular Twitter platform.

Tytus create a pressure-filled intensity on Roaming in despair

I've been following this band for some time now but it wasn't until now that the music got me. It feels like the last piece of something has been missing before. What has changed so much?

The cover illustrates the message of the new single very well.

I think this time around Tytus wrote a short song with cool intro and a powerfilled atmosphere that throws out the music with much pressure and compression yet the very melodic refrain sticks into my mind for a long time. Plus there is a message in it that maybe more people can relate to in these times.

A band spokesperson commented: "We're thrilled to release this brand-new lyric video for the title track of our latest EP, 'Roaming In Despair.' This video is inspired by and dedicated to every individual who has been forced to wander hopelessly through lands, seas, and lives. We invite everyone to come aboard and experience this journey, if you dare!"

"Roaming In Despair" is an exploration of human strength and resilience in the face of adversity.  Just follow the band on Bandcamp or their own homepage for more information and upcoming updates.

Single Review: Not Another Prayer - Against the Wall (2022, Progressive Nu Metal)

Beware! This track comes kicking straight through your door. In fact I've hardly heard any band coming out of the speakers so clear and with full of energy.

The roughness at the beginning may feel a bit hard to take first but it fits to the lyrics, since I think we shall feel smashed to the wall first.

The band comments on the lyrics: "The lyrics talk about how we feel "against the wall" because of the restrictions, distorsions and discriminations of society, but we also invite the listener (and also ourselves) to wake up, because everything is falling apart and we need to stop it!"

A fine picture of the band Not Another Prayer.

But it's not just a rush of violent riffs all the way. The clou comes in after half of the duration is gone. The new offering changes it's side into a beautifull melancholic number letting us fly through a dreaming like atmosphere. A lot of work has been put in here you can easily hear with vocal effects and layers added to the wall of sound.

Finally the newest release pumps up some drive again but much less hard than in the beginning. It's more mid-tempo and feels great as a outro.

You can also listen to this song on Spotify.

Make sure to connect to the italian band. Where to will they go next ? How is the next release going to sound like ? I'm looking forward to see and hear.

Facebook 

Instagram

Single Review: Not Another Prayer - Vicious Circle (Progressive Nu Metal, 2022)

This band just started it's journey and the very first release already put's a spotlight on them.

Hour one has just begun at the Not Another Prayer camp.

What makes this release stand out? It's the fact that it builds up and rises throughout the long duration of over six minutes. In the beginning things are basic and more like you would expect of a Nu Metal band. 

But as the time passes by new and more new elements fly in and add themselves to the sound of the Italian formation. These elements include a lot out of the progressive direction of music. They fit in well and are left off whenever the deeper Nu Metal style comes back. 

Finally the whole package shows it's full power and starts a instrumental sonic rampage towards the end of the track. It leaves behind a listener that starts a second round to see how the song turns out this time...

...similar thoughts but the focus is more on the vocals which change and morph. The keyboards are a surprise at the last third of the release. 

You can listen to the track on Spotify or directly here in the YouTube player.

I'll keep a eye on Not Another Prayer on Facebook or Instagram. Let's see how the mission continues...

Manach Seherath take us back to first rehearsals with free EP

I love demos! They sound much rougher and direct than polished studio recordings. It's also for me as if I can feel the joy and power a band can have when performing their songs at the rehearsal space.
 
Gladly italian Symphonic Metallers Manach Seherath have decided to let us be the fly on the wall at their rehearsal room.  But they give us even something more special. It's a free EP that holds the recordings of the first rehearsals the band did at all. 

Sneak into the rehearsal room of Manach Seherath, cover (c) by Manach Seherath

 

So if you listen closely now you can re-feel the evolution of tracks like Arti Manthano, Timeless and All in All. Make sure not to miss out this possibility and pick up your free download from the band's homepage.
 

The first post on the Facebook page of the band holds a fast access to all the free downloads the band has on offer. You can also download the first demo of the band as well as the latest full length studio album that came out in 2018.

So if you decide to take the full path of listening you can follow all the steps some of the tracks took over the years.
 
Make sure to follow the band on Facebook or the videoportal YouTube so you won't miss out how the story (hopefully) moves on. 

Another option is using the Manach Seherath app. All the instructions on how to get it are located on the band's homepage.

EP Review: Silver Nightmares - The Wandering Angel EP (Prog AOR, 2019)

A wonderful EP that invites to dream away of your everday troubles but also shows the inner fights we all have to struggle with.

The cover already let's you think of another world.

'

The strongest part of this italian release is it's fairytale like concept. It's already the packaging that tell's you that something different awaits inside. Maybe it's the old tree that reveals truth and it may guide us through the minutes of listening.
 
The Silver Nightmares EP shares a wealth of instrumentation with the listener, even a flute like on "Dick Dastardly" or the trumpet on "David The King" have been put inside. 

It's not a common thing to have two vocalists but it works fine here.
They come around to me as if they both stand each for one side. Maybe it's the light and the dark with both fighting against each other. 

It's a rough experience so be prepared that listening this piece of music is challenging at times. Overall it's deeply rooted in the AOR music style with many high notes flying around. My favorite is the title track for it's heavyness and song number four "David The King" with the groove and wide sound inside.  
 
A epic balladesque feeling comes in at "Dame Nature" and marks a point of reloading of energy. Warmly welcomed.
Overall you can listen to this many times, there are always new things to discover.  

The only thing that I've found being negative is the mid-quality of the sound. It would have been nice to have more clarity.

Please support the band with a purchase so they continue to create more fine tunes for all of us. Physical copies are available at Bandcamp as well as the download both at a very fair price (7 Dollar CD, 3 Euro DL).

David Ellefson donates income of new single to Italian COVID victims

It's drastic to see what a virus can do with the world we're living in. Everything seem's to be upside down.

The world of music is afflicted by this in many ways. No shows anymore and many record retailers having to close their shops. But there's also hope out there that this event will let us get closer together as humans.

Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is going to throw out a brand new single called "Simple Truth" on all digital outlets on 4/17, with a direct BANDCAMP release on 4/10, via Ellefson's COMBAT RECORDS,  with all profits from downloads and streams donated to the CROCE ROSSA ITALIANA, the Italian Red Cross, who are at the frontlines of the war on Covid-19, coordinating the nation's pandemic response with Italy’s Ministry of Health.

David Ellefson donates all proceeds of the new single to the Italian Red Cross. Photo Credit: Melody Myers.

This is also the first sign that a follow up album to the 2019 release "Sleeping Giants" has been worked on in the recent time with the line-up of vocalist Thom Hazaert, with Italian guitarist and drummer Andy Martongelli and Paolo Caridi. 

The group have worked on the album remotely recording tracks in Italy, London, Phoenix, and Wisconsin during quarantine.

Says Ellefson, “We actually wrote the song in Milan during a tour rehearsal, and a lot of it was recorded there. We’ve gone back and forth with Andy in Italy, from the Platinum Underground in Phoenix, and with our mixer and co-engineer Alessio Garavello in London. While we’re all staying positive and just keeping busy, it’s heartbreaking to see what’s going on over there with the death toll climbing every day."
He adds, "We played several shows in Italy on our European 'MORE LIVE WITH DETH' tour last year, and I was just there with Megadeth back in February. It’s absolutely devastating to see what the country is going through right now.  The people, and it's culture, have been so welcoming to me over the years, that i’m honored to do anything I can to give something back to them during this time of need"

Thom Hazaert explains the special meaning of the new track: "Lyrically, the song is really about not giving up, and not taking any shit. Tuning out the noise and going after your dreams no matter what, and not letting anyone tell you can’t do something.”

More information can be found in the meantime at:

combatrecs.com
davidellefson.com

Donate to the Italian Red Cross here: https://www.cri.it/home

Preview: Last Frontier - Aether (Atmospheric Power Metal, 2020)

I'm missing keyboards in the sound of many metal bands of today. One of the few bands that still works with this instrument to raise some atmosphere in their sound at Italy's "Last Frontier".

After longer last the band has wrapped the third longplayer "Aether (Equivalent Exchange)". A preview player for the albm has been installed on the website of Revalve Records. That's how I got the chance to hear something of the new songs in advance.

The cover already shows that something different is about to be released by Last Frontier.

Track Analysis
It reveals that the agressive elements the band worked on so hard in the past have been kept in the sound. Besides that there's also a lot of room in the songs for the mentioned keyboards. "Fields Of Thetis" and most of all "Flames of Moloch" speak like from the bottom of my heart that it's great to have such elements in the sound.

Other tracks like "Shahar" have a slightly majestic feeling with it and also add the keys to power up the music. "The Wilow" shows that the band can put a lot of pressure into the sound to go a rougher direction if needed. Track number seven feels like a mixture of majestic, power and atmospheric elements.

Preview-Summary
It looks like a album with much detailed work on feelings has been created. It comes with a modern heavy sound yet it holds the tradition up as well. If everythings goes fine the new album will be out on January 24th, 2020 via Revalve Records.

Tracklist  "Aether (Equivalent Exchange)"

1. Toward the Last Frontier
2. Cults of Cargo
3. Fields of Thetis
4. Flames of Moloch
5. Wings of Stone
6. The Willow
7. The River
8. The Brier
9. Shahar

Follow the band through their Facebook page for all the next steps towards the album release.

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.

Final Coil to document journey and recordings for upcoming second album

Sometimes it's crazy what happens in your life. This morning I held the "Persistence Of Memory" CD of Final Coil in my hands. The constantly evolving sound of the alternative / dark grunge band as well as the special artwork keep me coming back to this record again and again. The following exciting news piece reached me as well today. Sometimes it feels as if things should be this way...

In just seven days the band will be heading out to Italy, more specifically to Real Sound Studio in Langhirano, where they will begin recording their second full length album. We've (Imperative PR) heard the rough demos for the new tracks and can assure you that this album is going to be nothing short of spectacular. 

The band Final Coil, Photo credit Ester Segarra

The band will be documenting the whole recording process - including the journey to Real Sound - and will be keeping you all updated with regular video posts from the studio and the road. Front man Phil sent us these few words about the upcoming adventure...

"We're incredibly excited to announce that, next week, the band will be relocating to Real Sound Studio in Italy to continue the creative partnership we began with Persistence of Memory. Watch this space for regular updates, video clips and more from the studio and join us as we begin this next chapter of our journey together as Final Coil."

So stay tuned and follow Final Coil every step of the way as album number two is brought to life!  

CD Review: Animae Silentes - Suffocated (Gothic Rock, 2017)

Fine gothic rock tracks that are playing with the heavyness of the music on the one side and laying it down softer on the vocal side.

The cover of Animae Silentes debut record "Suffocated", (c) by Animae Silentes, used with kind permission

Summary
The start is dark and strange with a classic intro. The first full song "Burning in silence" kicks in straight and I love the way it does. It lifts the mood and gives room to for the ears to find into the band's sound. The next track "Purgatorium" pushed me straight in. It's such a riff hacker it gave me no chance to stop listening to this silver disc anymore.

It's a album full of straight rocking gothic numbers. It's this mixture of the silk voice dancing on the rough riffs and the more melodic parts giving it a slightly mysterious touch. The band gives the listener a explosive experience with the dry heavvness of the album's sound. Happily it never feels cold or mechanical because of the warmth of the voice and it's melodic variations in them.

"Eville" track number four manages to show a uptempo number that fit's to the band's sound but you won't expect on such a album. "Nothing else to remind" stands out of the pack having a creeping slowness in it. It stays in my mind. A sign that the band has the power to make a lasting impression to the listener.

The only negative point to me was the end of the album. The last two track feel a bit lengthy to me at times but maybe it's only my attention being limited at this point.

CD-Packing and Booklet
The packing is great. It's kept all in black with the bird being the point of attention. He's boldly sitting there at the front cover, missing in the insert of the jewel case and flying majestically a the backside of the record. A cool optical gimmick in my eyes. The booklet features the lyrics and fine band member pictures at various locations. You'll get a feeling of the people behind the music this way.

Purchase-Link, Conatct and Preview-Stream
Pick up the record of the webshop of Sliptrick Records. The band has a webpresence
at Instagram and Facebook so you can contact them easily for show offers etc.

CD Review: Manach Seherath - Timeless Tales (Symphonic Heavy Metal, 2018)

A ancient book long lost has been found again...Symphonic Heavy Metaller's Manach Seherath have put out one hell of a epic debut album. 2018 kicks off heavy!

Having heard their demo back in the day it gave me great feelings because it reminded me of a style in metal music long lost. The use of keyboards was outstanding.

The cover of Manach Seherath's debut album Timeless Tales drawn by Roberto Toderico, (c) by Manach Seherath, used with kind permission

Story Telling
This time around the band has taken all of their strengths and exanded them to the very maximum. The biggest one is the ability to give the listener a narrative experience - you know the way a good story is told. But they underlay the fine lyrics with even more power letting their instruments speak out properly and heavily skilled.

What can be found inside?
The album turned out to be a surprise to me. I didn't expect such a fast album when it comes to tempo. Just listen to the opener "The Cursed Collector" and you know what I'm writing about. The vocals have evolved a lot since the days of the demo. There's much more volume and variations in them and they sound more dry and professional this time. Plus they reach much higher parts. Think of the classic vocalists of the 80s and you know what I'm speaking about.

As for the music: there are many diverse sides to be heard on the record. Also the overall style is constant and can be heard as trademark on all of the tracks they vary and every tale has a own vibe and character with it.

There are always changes coming in and I didn't had the feeling that the album became too one-sided instead there were surprises around every corner. I think that's one of the hardest parts for band's like Manach Seherath - to keep the listener entertained. But the band kept a close eye upon this and "Timeless Tales" has many changes in it that will keep you at the stereo. So many details that have been put inside of tracks such as "Restless" or "Chasing The Beast" that will reward re-listeners with many fine moments. The guitar solos for instance are furious. Many times they give a new ignition to a different section of the song.

The timing is challenging on this silver disc. There are fast parts to be heard many times but you can also find slower parts that come creeping through your boxes. "Asleep" is the song that stands out as proof of this for me. I love band's that use this formula but they are rare. This song package holds this special something I'm after. It's hard to believe how the band managed to get all of this together. It's such a big bag of fun to listen. All the up and down's "Sword in the mist" has gives the feeling of experiencing a adventure of depth and intensity yourselves. Close your eyes and you'll feel.

The tracks of the demo have been included at the end of the record but have been outworked and fully professionallised for the album. They sound bolder, straighter and darker this time. Happily the songs have not been changed otherwise too much.

Booklet with a extra
The lyrics have been visualised on the outside of the release and the design of the booklet. I feel that this could be a unique mark this offering could point on the map of releases. There are illustrations to be found that point towards the meaning of each track on the page of the corresponding lyrics . It is one more reason beside all the great music to pick up this album. It's a full feature experience well worth all your money and time.

Purchase-Link and Preview-Track
Make sure to keep a eye on the Manach Seherath Facebook page. That's where you'll be notified where to buy the record but I'll also update this post as soon as the release details come in. Below I can give you a listen to one full track of the album.

You can already purchase this track as a digital single with more songs and bonus material in high quality format at the Bandcamp page of the symphonic Heavy Metal band.

Voyager to tour Europe and UK September/October 2017

Some say that the beginning of a new week doesn't hold any good but this news blew me away. A mail reached my inbox saying that some of Australia's finest prog metal bands is going to hit some European and UK venues already at the end of this month.

Having followed the band Voyager since the days of the "V" album and being more than overwhelmed by the brand new "Ghost Mile" output this is news that needs to be shared all the way.

Voyager will open up for the French band Uneven Structure that also offers progressive metal music to the attenders. Make sure to come around for a event with bands that surely deserve your time and money.

Uneven Structure and Voyager tour dates

Sep 29: Cologne Euroblast Festival, Germany
Oct 06: Baarlo Progpower Europe, Netherlands (Voyager only)
Oct 09: London Underworld, UK
Oct 10: Birmingham The Flapper, UK
Oct 11: Dublin Voodoo Lounge, Ireland
Oct 12: Glasgow Audio, UK
Oct 13: Manchester Satan’s Hollow, UK
Oct 14: Guildford The Boiler Room, UK
Oct 15: Leiden Gebr De Nobel, Netherlands (Uneven Structure only)
Oct 16: Muenster Sputnik Cafe, Germany
Oct 17: Berlin Maze, Germany
Oct 18: Wroclaw Carpe Diem, Poland
Oct 19: Prague Underdogs, Czech Republic
Oct 20: Vienna Chelsea, Austria
Oct 23: Munich Backstage, Germany
Oct 26: Milan Legend Club, Italy
Oct 27: Zug I45, Switzerland
Oct 29: Barcelona Apolo 2, Spain
Oct 30: Madrid Caracol, Spain

Purchase tickets at  http://www.seetickets.com/ or via the venues' official websites for Europe.

Update 23.09.2017: Additional info about Uneven Structure - the band is going to play the newest album 'La Partition' in full EVERY night, as well as a few classics. Listen to the track "Incube" on YouTube.

Here are direct links that will let you quickly picking up tickets.

Buy Tickets for UK Shows

Buy Tickets for European Show

The tourflyer for the Uneven Structure /Voyager tourpackage fall 2017, (c) by Uneven Structure / Voyager, used with kind permission

If you've not heard something of the new Voyager record here is the title track their current album as a quick check out tune.

Oldschool thrash package with Onslaught, Artillery & Exarsis in Europe Fall 2017

This package promises to bring in thrash like in the old days with a massive billing featuring bands that will make the club burn! Plus you can pick up the brand new Exarsis record up to four weeks ahead of the official street date. Check all the details below.

The Greek Thrashers of Exarsis will release their new album, "New War Order", on October 20th. On the occasion of the release, the band will accompany Onslaught and Artillery on their Thrash 'Till Death European Tour 2017 from 23.09 to 13.10, on which the album is already available in advance!

"New War Order" was recorded again at the D Studios in Athens and mixed and mastered by Mike Karpathiou. The album contains 10 songs with a playing time of almost 40 minutes. A "must have" for every thrash metal maniac!

Thrash 'Till Death tourdates Fall 2017 for Europe

// tourdates //
23.09 Helvete Club – Oberhausen, Germany
24.09 Hedon Club – Zwolle, Netherlands
25.09 De Verlichte Geest – Roeselare, Belgium
26.09 Roxy Concerts – Flensburg, Germany
27.09 Garage Deluxe – Munich, Germany
28.09 Moonlight Music Hall – Diest, Belgium
30.09 Kiehool Burgum – Burgum, Netherlands
02.10 Schwarzer Adler – Tannheim-Egelsee, Germany
03.10 Escape Metalcorner – Vienna, Austria
04.10 7er Club – Mannheim, Germany
05.10 Musigburg – Aarburg, Switzerland
06.10 Dagda Live Club – Pavia, Italy
07.10 Revolver Music Hall – Venice, Italy
08.10 Borderline – Pisa, Italy
09.10 Utopia Sala – Zaragoza, Spain
11.10 SMAC de La Gespe – Tarbes, France
12.10 Sala Upload – Barcelona , Spain
13.10 Urban Concept – Vitoria, Spain

Tethra to play and stream live show on empty venue

I dislike to complain. It's useless to me in life. But facing the fact that it's hard to make people attend a live show these days needs to be talked in my eyes. I know from self experience that we are all cut short of money.

But only attending performances through a livestream? I stream a lot here on the page through embeding stuff.  But it's all just to give everyone a quick check in to music.

At least one show at a time should be able to many people. So this experiment of Italy's melancholic doom/death metallers Tethra found my attention. This should help us all to get the focus on the topic.

The band says in their own words: "In recent years, many small and medium-sized clubs dedicated to metal music have closed or changed their genre because of the low attendance at the concerts.

It's a global phenomenon that, if it does not have a clear turnabout, will oblige all industry employees to make drastic decisions.

We would like to raise awareness among all fans of the genre, assuming a catastrophic scenario for the next future: what will happen when the last live club closes its doors? Will emerging bands play no more or will they totally rely on aseptic live streaming from rehearsal studio and improvised venues?

For this reason, Thursday 8th June at 22pm (CET time), we'll play a full set Live Streaming show in a real live venue open just for us, furthermore, to give everyone the opportunity to participate in this event, we'll keep the video online for 24 hours.

You can follow the event through our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/TethraHell

The flyer for the Tethra show at a empty venue, (c) by Tethra, used with kind permission

This is our particular contribution to the cause, hoping to be able to induce a reflection before this catastrophic scenario becomes a reality, because that night we will create a paradox that more than one band has had to endure in its career: playing in an empty room ... will you be with us?"

If you don't know the band yet here's their current lyric video:

Northern Lines demonstrate own idea of instrumental prog music

Some bands work out instrumental tracks that can impress you with it's simple structure yet the track never becomes boring also it has a long duration.

Northern Lines, who are located in Italy have created such a piece of music and currently are handing it out on a pay what you want basis on their Bandcamp page. The fine thing is that it's surely progressive rock/metal but that it's listenable on such a direct and easy basis. I think that's what not many band's have to offer and make this band worth checking out.

The track is taken of the upcoming album "The Fearmonger" which will be released this month. Make sure to keep a eye on the band via Facebook or Twitter so you won't miss out about the release details. As for the first you can already have a look upon the cover which give's a short glimpse upon the concept story of the record which will talk about death/dying.

The cover of Northern Lines album cover for "The Fearmonger", (c) by Northern Lines, used with kind permission

Onydia shares a glimpse of hope with upcoming single

I like it when the lyrics that come with the music transport something. This part of the song can be a message, a thought, a opionion, a statement or anything else you can imagine. I've often found myselves checking the lyrics out and many times they did hold something worth reading and thinking about. So I can only motivate everyone to do the same thing and have a closer look on what the song wants to tell you.

This track of the band Onydia also has this special idea behind it of transporting something to the listener.
The Main theme of the track is the rebirth of hope when everything seems to be over as the band points out in their own words:

"Life is a complicated path which often makes us feel lonely and abandoned.

In these moments, confidence in ourselves and in our abilities make us feel alive, restoring our energy and letting us create pure art. Creation is a supernatural entity which discloses itself.

The artist cannot help but lends his soul and his voice to this entity, which is stronger and bigger than him. "Dyaphany " is an explosion of creative strength which spreads energy and positivity. "

You can feel that these words come from the heart. Here is a little glimpse on how the single will sound like. If you like progressive metal with the deepth and intensity of the female voice - this is for you. Check out the snippet on the website of the band's record company Revalve Records.
The full single is going to see the light of day on Friday 09.12.2016.

Onydia is the new project born from the hands of the ex Elarmir musicians, Eleonora Buono (Ex Elarmir), Daniele Amador (Ex Elarmir, Ade), Luca Zamberti (Ex Elarmir), After sharing the stage with bands like Arch Enemy, Epica, Sirenia and Amorphis the band continued their way with a new chapter in form of a single and album. 

The Onydia name was created from two greek words, oneiro(dream) and diafanìs (transparent),”the display of a surreal dream in the real world, a mystical dream, our emoctions when creating art”
The band signed a record deal with Revalve Records for the release of the new single in autumn 2016 and the debut album that will be released in the first months of 2017. The album will feature some special guests.

Make use of Facebook to stay in touch with the band for all the further updates.

The Kreoles preview new abum with a outstanding vocal performance

The Kreoles preview the upcoming new abum with the release of a song that is a combination of a straight forward rock / metal track that incorporates a outstanding complex vocal performance

The Kreoles mix up powerful riffs with much rhythm drive and tempo all along with unusual vocal performance structures and much variations. I've seldomely heard something going in so directly while also being so complex in the musical depths. It takes some moments to come to he full picture but it pay's off in the end. Give it a chance and you'll know what I mean.

I'm glad to be given the chance to share one track of the new record in advance here on my blog.



One year after the release of their debut ‘Touch The Sun’ (Valery Records, 2014), The Kreoles recently went back into the recording studio to give shape to what will be their second effort called "Psycho". It will be released via Sliptrick Records on September 20th 2016.

The idea behind The Kreoles took form throughout 2011: the purpose is giving life to a new musical path, in order to cause an almost-new style. The word Kreoles means new creation indeed.

The Kreoles is a musical project created and founded by Ivan McSimon who has already had some experience in the field of music in his previous works. McSimon’s olden collaboration included high-famed artists as Timo Kotipelto (Stratovarius), Andre Matos (Viper, Angra, Shamaan), Doro Pesch and Blaze Bayley (Wolfsbane, Iron Maiden).

The band The Kreoles, (c) by The Kreoles, used with kind permission

The outstanding voice that can be heard in this combo is named Valentina Merlo. Futhermore McSimon is backed up by Marco Francesco D’Elia on bass and Davide Piccolo on drums: these two guys bring the perfect rhythm section to all McSimon’s pieces.

Make sure to keep in touch with them via Facebook or check their homepage from time to time.

Metal Up Your Axe Vol. 2 with unreleased songs up for free download

Since ONLINE METAL PROMO and THE AUTOPSY REPORT radio show (UK) have partnered to offer "Metal Up Your Axe, Vol. 2" and shared the link with me I'm glad to be able to give you guys out there a brand new free download compilation.

This big package features not less but 41 tracks of really kicking bands which will give you a great time if you dare to pick up all of the tracks.

The cover of the Metal Up Your Axe Vol.2 sampler, (c) by Online Metal Promo/The Autopsy Report radio show, used with kind permission

If that wouldn't be already reason enough to be more than happy this sampler includes three tracks which weren't released anywhere else before. I won't spoiler your enjoyment. Just have a look at the tracklisting PDF file which you can find in the Dropbox folder. It features extensive information on all the tracks and gives you quick access to all the things you might want to know about the songs. 

So without any further talking pick up your free package of metal happiness from this location.

If you ask yourselves now if it's worth the download - here's one of the tracks. It's the official video for the song "No mercy" of the band Flames Of Fury which is included on the sampler. I hope this will convince you to pick up the song pack.

Here's some more background info for you to check out:

 "Metal Up Your Axe, Vol. 2" is a free digital download music compilation featuring a mix of 41 past, current and unreleased original songs from established and up and coming rock & metal bands from the United States, Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain and Bulgaria.

Bands featured on the compilation include:
1. Alsatia
2. Angerhead
3. Azrael’s Bane
4. Blasted To Static
5. Broken Teeth
6. Canedy
7. Chris Violence
8. Corners of Sanctuary
9. Diamond Lane
10. Dire Peril
11. Dreadnaught
12. Empires of Eden
13. Enceladus
14. Eternal Voyager
15. Flames of Fury
16. HailMary
17. Helion Prime
18. Ignitor
19. Jessikill
20. Knightmare
21. Lords of the Trident
22. Love & War
23. Malice
24. Maxxxwell Carlisle
25. Outlaws & Moonshine
26. Phallax
27. Rabid Assassin
28. RebelHot
29. Seventh Calling
30. Shallow Ground
31. Sorizon
32. St. James
33. Stop Stop
34. Strikeforce
35. The Rods
36. TwentyDarkSeven
37. Unbound
38. Vanlade
39. Viron
40. Zar
41. Zephaniah

Check out The Autopsy Report radio show official website for more details about their show and also have a look at the Online Metal Promo webpage to get more information about this promotion agency.

CD Review: June 1974 - Atlantide (2014)

I've seldomely ever heard that someone managed to change between various styles in such a cool way. But this instrumental one man project of Federico Romano really gives me hope that breaking barriers between various genres isn't that hard to get by. Read now what I've found out while listening to the "Atlantide" EP.

Short Introduction

June 1974 is the musical project created in late 2009 by Federico Romano,an underground writer of poems and short stories.His kind of music is indefinable because every song embraces different styles from dance to rock to classic/ hip hop  music. So June 1974 is 360 music degree only for open mind listeners.Till now June 1974, has published more than 250 songs(singles+ep+albums) available on all digital stores worldwide thanks to Visionaire Records (his record label) .

Atlantide is the title of this EP published in November 2014 that cointains two songs in rock electro classic post shoegaze style mastered in Iceland by Birgir Jon Birgisson at his Sundlaugin studios ( Sigur Ros / Alcest / Mum ) available on all digital stores worldwide by Visionaire Records. Meanwhile June 1974 has published other singles in 2015 and now is working hard on the new album that will be avalaible in middle of 2016.

Cover artwork by Soey Milk (c) by June 1974, used with kind permission

Summary

The EP is a cool surprise item if you're looking for a gift to someone you know that is completly open to all sorts of music or just yourselves if you like to listen to all possible styles of music. This said it's sure that this release contains a good potion or Rock music with slightly heavier parts in it as well as soft parts of the more ambient direction.

But it's far more than that. You'll listen to pop elements as well as have your ear on some nice electronic elffects in it. Some sounds give a ghostly feeling while others sound very experimental and it's hard to say how that effect might have come together. Sounds like the composer tries out effect stuff and various set-up's while creating his music. Some melodies will stay in your mind for some time due to it's strangeness or typical melody.

EP Overview

The record starts with the slower and soundwise softer "Follia". It starts out slow but just wait a little and the track moves on and starts to evolve through it's duration. You may not think that it will be very different throughout the whole track but just relax and enjoy. Have you ever listened to something similar like this? I love people who create such soundscapes for all of us.

The second number "Atlantide" is of the more abrassive way of music. It comes with more distortion. You'll easily point it out as a rocking track. It has less of it's haunting moments but takes it's energy more of the heavier riffs that are built in. The rhythm patterns are also chosen in a much heavier way. Nevertheless it has also a outworked song structure which let's us discover various moods throughout the musical journey so it's not just a Rock song all the while.

Player & Purchase-Link

The EP consists of two tracks. That seems not to be much but please keep in mind that those tracks come along with a duration of 24 minutes alltogether. The download costs 2 Euro for the whole EP on Bandcamp but looking at the whole diversity and big musical bandwith it covers should be a good pick for fans of various genres. Enjoy the stream to find out if the EP meets your taste of music.

 

Contact Data

If you enjoyed the music make sure to see the other releases of June 1974 on Bandcamp and make sure to keep a eye on the Facebook page of Visionaire Records for all the upcoming info on this project.