New Amoriello tape feat. classic metal with many well known guests

It's the tape that started it all for me. That's why you can see a cassette tape with the Metal Underdogs logo as a banner picture of the support page for the Underdogs on Facebook.

That's why I'm looking forward to the upcoming Amoriello release. This time it seems to be focussed on the high pitched days of Metal as the vocals in the first preview track are dominated of that style.

Be sure to act fast before the dark get's you. Artwork by Juan M. Bello

But also the selection of musicians that contributed to the release talks of a closer look upon certain people to contribute their signature sounds to the release because they all are well experienced in that field.

Carlos Zema All Vocals  (Immortal Guardian, ex-Outworld)
Emilio Martinez  Bass (Yngwie Malmsteen touring)
Ken Stravopoulos  Drums  (ex-Cacophony)
Anthony Stahl  All Keyboards  (Mike LePond's Silent Assassins touring)
James Amelio Pulli   Bass (Impellitteri)
BJ Zampa    Drums (Dokken, House of Lords)
Ronni LeTekro  Guitar Solo  (TNT)
Glen Drover Guitar Solo (ex-Megadeth, ex-King Diamond)
Alex Masi  Guitar Solo  (ex-Metal Blade Records artist)
Toby Knapp  Guitar Solo  (ex-Shrapnel Records artist)

Just relax, sit back and enjoy the title track right here, right now.

The full tape will have five songs that have been created by the studio project. The tracklist reads:

1) Dear Dark     2) This Burning Evil   3) Thirty Four Strings of Fury
4) Magic Wand (Abracadabra)    5) Milan's Lament

Amoriello Dear Dark EP will be released by Ice Fall Records on Cassette this Friday, March 13th 2020 in a edition of only 50 tapes. See the Ice Fall webshop for details and the possibility to place your order.

100 remastered vinyl copies of Corners Of Sanctuary's Galloping Hordes available

Some opportunity's only come once your way in life... This experience from real life may also count for the vinyl album offer of Old School metal revivalists Corners Of Sanctuary.

This is how the originally intended cover artwork looks like

Currently 100 copies are up for pre-order as a crowdfunding campaign the band set up on Qrates.com. If you decide to pick up a copy for 17.98 Dollar plus shipping and handling you'll be rewarded with remastered sound, optimised for vinyl by Bill Metoyer. A bonus track plus a alternative cover round out the package.

It is available until 30th June 2019. You can stream the whole record on the Qrates page if you're not sure about the album yet. Or stream the title track right here.

In other news the band is working on a new album plus further singles and will continue to play shows in the upcoming months. This band is for sure all about taking chances.

April 26 - Threatpoint Benefit - Wilkes-Barres, PA
April 29 - McStew’s - Levittown, PA
(supporting Blaze Bayley formerly of Iron Maiden)
May 4 - TBA
May 17-18 - Finger Lakes Metal Fest 2019 - Clyde, NY
June 6 – Cherry Street Station - Wallingford, CT
June 7 – Trish Stock – Oswego, NY
June 8 – 33 Golden Street – New London, CT
June 28 - TBA
June 29 - Basement Transmissions - Erie, PA
July 27 - Vinyl Closet Records Metal Fest - Norristown, PA
August 30 - Border Bar - Wilkes-barres, PA
September 11 - Skinny’s – North Hollywood, CA
September 12 - TBA
September 13 - Whiskey – West Hollywood, CA (supporting The Iron Maidens)
September 14 - Malone’s House of Metal – Santa Ana, CA

Black JuJu Inc. offer new album on green vinyl

There are still wonders happening in this digital age... The coldwave metal band Black JuJu Inc. is currently taking pre-orders for a limited run of their album "Crosses and Crossroads" on green vinyl!

This fits perfectly to the optic of the album cover. The vinyl on demand service Diggers Factory gives the band the chance to release this edition. You can order here. Only if 100 pre-orders are reached the vinyl can be produced, otherwise you will be re-funded. There's a time frame ending in 29 days for the chance of placing your pre-order.

A look on the pre-order website for the green vinyl edition of "Crosses and Crossroads"

The vinyl will be numbered. Compared to the tracklist of the album, there is a song that changes on the vinyl. The song "Don’t Fear" will be in the tracklist of the vinyl and will replace the song "Rude Awakening". So you'll get a song that's not to be heard on the standard edition of the record if you decide to pick this rare item up!

If you've not heard the band before here's a track to check out. It has a cool riff and rhythm with it also the atmosphere remains tight with the ongoing guitarwork. The vocals give it a roasty note rounding out the package perfectly. It's for fans of Alice in Chains & Prong.


You can listen to more songs of the album on the vinyl pre-order campaign page.
Also check out the Facebook page of the band.

Ravage to return with fresh EP and touring Europe July 2018

Sometimes things take a long time to come along but when they do they can be good and massive.

Such a thought came to my mind listening to a brand new track from Ravage. It's the first new music the band put's out in 9 years and it's a full blast of Speed Metal. Never thought that many band's would care about this genre too much these days so it hit me up even more massively.

The additional nice surprise is that the band will come to Europe in a few days. They will have their brand new EP "The Derelict City" in their pockets, a limited edition will be available as hardcopy silver disc so there's one more reason to go out and see them live. Here are the exact dates with LICH KING and SEAX.

July 3 - Rostock, Germany - Peter-Weiss-Haus
July 5 - Deinze, Belgium - Elpee
July 6 - London, England - The Dev
July 7 - Manchester, England - Aatma
July 8 - Tilburg, Netherlands - Little Devil
July 9 - Hasselt, Belgium - De Witte Non
July 11 - Paris, France - Le Klub
July 12 - Nantes, France - La Ferrailleur
July 13 - St. Etienne, France - Thunderbird Lodge
July 14 - Olten, Switzerland - Coq D'or
July 15 - Milan, Italy - The One
July 16 - Vienna, Austria - Arena Beisl
July 18 - Budapest, Hungary - Blue Hell
July 20 - Berlin, Germany - Tommyhaus
July 21 - Krakaw, Poland - Warzstat
July 22 - Warsaw, Poland - Poglos
July 23 - Wroclaw, Poland - Liverpool
July 25 - Zielona Gora, Poland- Wyspa
July 26 - Brande- Hornerkirchen, Germany - Headbangers Open Air

The new five song offering "The Derelict City" features four never-before-heard original tracks as well as a cover of a song from the band My Pet Demon.

Speaking of how the rest of the EP will sound like Singer Al Ravage has revealed the following:

"There are more or less traditional NWOBHM-type songs like "The Derelict City", Overkill and Kreator influenced thrashier material like "New Age Survivor" and this first single "Till Heaven Cries" which is a typical speed metal romp with a lot of guitar work I really like."

Ravage The Derelict City EP cover, (c) by Ravage, used with kind permission

"The Derelict City" will be released independently through the band's own label SWWR Recordings and will be distributed by CD Baby.

It will be limited to just 300 collectible eco-digipak CD copies worldwide and will be available for streaming and digital download. Make sure to have a look on their homepage on how to get your copy if you cannot make it to one of their shows.

Realms Of Odoric share preview track on upcoming music & artbook collaboration

It has been a great experience for me to leave musical boundaries behind. Ever since I opened up my mind about other musical styles I found out that there's such a huge and wonderfull world outside of metal to explore. I can only encourage everyone out there to listen to things not-metal every here and there. It will expand your joy for music.

The new release of Realms Of Odoric draws near. It can be described as sort of musical journey to a land far away. It's not metal but music that is kept in a darker orchestral style. Musician and composer Arkadius Antonik (SuidAkra) as well as artist and illustrator Kris Verwimp (Marduk, Manegarm, Thyrfing) have added a further chapter of the fantasy epic with the unique combination of music and illustration.

The cover of the album "Second Age" from Realms Of Odoric, (c) by Realms Of Odoric, used with kind permission

The album "Second age" will be available in several formats. One of them will include a 80-page book in A4 format which features awsome illustrations of Kris Verwimp. It tells the story of the second age of Odoric in epic paintings - it's like having a artbook to accompany the musical experience with a optical component. With "The Last Embrace" you can check out one track in advance for yourselves along with the performance of the orchestra.

The song was recorded and produced in Budapest on 25th October together with the Budapest Film Orchestra. For the first time in the history of the project an album with guest musicians from around the world and two orchestras was implemented.

The album "Second Age" contains 18 compositions with a playing time of 44 minutes and will be released this week.
The album is not available in the regular stores, but only in the MDD shop in different editions. Make sure to follow this project further via Facebook.

Hail Sagan take a stand against bullying and abuse

Bullying is a crime and not a normal way of treating others! It is a shame that this society doesn't seem to care about this important subject and most of all it is hard for victims to defend themselves or to protect against such attacks. That's the way I look at things and I'm glad there seem to be more people in the world of music who think that this topic needs to be expressed and talked about.

Female fronted Los Angeles hard Rock band Hail Sagan has taken a stand and brings this important matter up to the front in their video for the song "Dark Cloud". 

In a statement the band has clarified what can be seen in the video. Amery says "It's been a great experience being able to broach the subject of bullying and abuse with the lyrics of this song. We took it one step further and created a video with director Matthew Crum and DP Kenny Keeler that visually enhanced the sensitive subject matter.  

We chose to mask the members of the band in an effort to show the world that anyone can be a part of this, you never know who will be under there, maybe even a fan or someone who needs music to save them." 


At the moment you still have the chance to order the first EP that includes the song "Dark Cloud" directly from the band via Pledgemusic. If you order, you'll receive one of the limited edition copies on CD along with a signed print and a download of the songs. There's a second option which offers a signed copy of the record as well.

Make sure to follow the band via Facebook ,Twitter or Instagram so you won't miss out on all the further band activities.

CD Review: Slitherum - Godbox Suicide (2016)

A great gothic metal album with slightly industrial elements showing that compact riffing and straight rhythm can offer a fine mixture without sounding monotone. The harsh vocals add a good potion to the music that you don't want to miss anymore once heard.

Short Introduction

Slitherum formed in 2015 in the city of Athens, the trio comprised of Nick Marinos on vocals, Giannis Kalamatas on guitars, bass and synths, and Antonis Kanaras on drums. They instantly began to work on the first material that has been released under the title "Godbox Suicide" in the beginning of 2016.

The cover of Slitherums first album "Godbox suicide", (c) by Slitherum, used with kind permission

Summary

What's so great about this band is that they've taken this sort of direct and sharp guitar riffing back to the surface of today. I miss this a lot in the music scene of today. Combined with the straight rhythms the music comes together in a form of constant expression that's so intense through's it's constanty. Yet it always evolves a little bit with every step it takes on further. Just keep a ear on the little elements and how they add and change. It's intensive enjoyment for all the metal enthusiats out there that love to go in deep and fully concentrate on the message of the music.

The vocals are sharp and harsh but never sound to rough or not suiting to the material. Moreover I found out that they are a good way to widen the band's unique music. My favorite is "Vulnus" which plays around with the riffing and it's up and downs. It's a good first pick if you want to quickly check in to the band's sound.

While the first five tracks are more straight forward numbers the last two offerings show that the band is also able to create softer songs as well. "Child" surprises with a much more slowed rhythm mixed up with soft toned guitars and touching vocals. The music unfolds slowly as the track builds up with each moment passing until the end releases some pressure and closes finally back with the more silent way the track began.

"Cure" closes out the record in a more industrial way with it's constant, cold beat. Anyway this little piece of music adds to the atmosphere with it's unusual riff towards the song middle and the repeating song theme.

Purchase-Link

You can pick up a hardcopy of "Godbox Suicide" by getting in touch with the band through their Facebook page. The record has been released in a limited number of copies. You can choose between a vinyl version in a special package that is limited to only 8 copies or get your hand on one of the 100 CD's that have been manufactured of this great first release of Slitherum.

Player

Check out the band's sound through the Youtube player below. I've picked the track "Vulnus" which is one of my favorites of Godbox suicide. More tracks can be heard on the bands Youtube channel.


Contact-Data

The band can be reached through their Facebook page and also has a account on Youtube.

SpiteFuel prove that they will "Never Surrender" with first single

After Strangelet called it quits only roughly a month ago I was sceptic if the new formation called SpiteFuel would be able to carry on the torch that has been ignited with the "First Bite" album. You know when such great releases come along it's always hard to go on after that. That album blew me away like a storm so it was a high mark the new band would have to take.

But they made it! They once again charmed me enough with these mega refrain so I couldn't get off listening to the track. It's after all for sure a bit heavier than the previous material was but it still feels authentic.

You can feel that the main spirit that has been the core of Strangelet has been faithfully taken care of and is alive and well in this new song as well. The new heavyness tightens the material for sure but it never feels as if the old glance has left. It moreover shines in new colors. But enough of me speaking - have a taste for yourselves in the player below.


The new track "Never Surrender" will be available soon on iTunes, Spotify and the like for purchase. I'll update the article with proper links as soon as I receive them.

Right now there's also a limited physical edition available as a special promo CD. If you purchase any item of the band in the webshop of MDD Records (T-Shirts, Hood Zippers and patches and more are available) or at the shows of the band at the merch booth you'll receive one disc with the song on it for free with your purchase (this goes of course only as long as stocks will last).

The limited edition of the first SpiteFuel single "Never Surrender", (c) by MDD Records, used with kind permission

The band will play the following shows in Germany in 2016:
10. September - Birthday Massacre with The New Black, Wilanzheim
22. October - The Ranch Festival, Hechingen
05. November - Bonfire Support, ROFA Bad Friedrichshall
30. Dezember - Red River Party with Wild Rider, Heilbronn

Shows in 2017
11. März 2017 - Rock im Wildpark, Bad Mergentheim

A full length album is scheduled for release in spring 2017 via MDD Records.

Don't forget to like SpiteFuel on Facebook so you won't miss out on further updates in the meantime.

New Ignitor EP only available on Ragnarokkr Festival May 6th

A lot of you people out there surely know how it's like to take hold of something special that has only been available at a certain place and at a certain time. These collectors items (often CDs, T-Shirts or posters) will later remind you a long time of a special event and hopefully a good time you had in your life. It will be moreover valueable at moments when things will not shine so brightly...

One of these rare items will be released by Ignitor, the Austin, Texas based classic heavy metal band featuring vocalist Jason McMaster. This time a new limited edition EP will be available at the 2016 Ragnarokkr festival to be held in Chicago, Illinois on May 6-7, 2016.

The cover of the upcoming Ragnarokkr festival EP, (c) by Ignitor, used with kind permission

Vocalist Jason McMaster has checked in with the following comment:

"Ignitor cannot wait to introduce the new line up and play with legendary true metal bands. We are excited about the new material and are giving a peek into our current recordings with a special edition ep exclusive to the festival attendees."

EP Track Listing:
1. Haunted
2. Throw Them From The Cliff
3. No Sanctuary
4. Hung, Drawn & Quartered (Raven cover)

Check out the latest video for the song "No Sanctuary".


As for me the band positively reminds me of good old Judas Priest times and that's a good sign.

The band will play more shows in the upcoming time here are the dates:

May 6 - Reggie's Rock Club - Ragnarokkr Fest 2016 - Chicago, Illinois
(Tygers of Pan Tang, Jag Panzer, Jack Starr's Burning Starr, Leather Leone and others)

May 21 - South Austin Brewery (Austin. Texas)

May 31 - Grizzly Hall (Austin, Texas)

For the latest Ignitor band news and show dates, visit their official website or connect with them through Facebook.

Full package of shred with first single from Ol Drake

Today I've got something special for all of you guitar freaks out there that love the shred style and find some of the well known guitarists in the thrash sector amongst their all-time favorite list.

Former Evile lead guitarist Ol Drake has released the first single from his upcoming debut solo album, 'Old Rake'. The track features guest appearances from Gary Holt (Exodus/Slayer), James Murphy (Death/Testament/Obituary) and Josh Middleton (Sylosis) and is - somewhat suitably - called "Guitarists Playing Guitars"!

I love that title because when drummers are playing drums what do guitarists do? Playing guitars of course and that's what the guys really do on this track. While the basics of the track are kept straight forward and with a typical riff it's the solo guitar sections that give this track something special. Some of them are really outstanding and leave you behind asking how the heck that might have been done.

You can check out the track below or listen to it on Spotify. Go and check out Ol Drake on this years edition of the Bloodstock Open Air which takes place from August 6th - 9th at Catton Park in Derbyshire, UK. The current timetable lists his performance for Sunday, August 9th on the Sophie stage.


Ol Drake's debut solo album, 'Old Rake' features instrumental guitar encompassing a myriad of styles, including flat-out shredding, classical, progressive, melodic and acoustic.  The album is due to be released on June 22nd in Europe and June 23rd in the USA.

The album is available to pre-order now on CD and limited edition signed CD, and for anyone brave enough to want to try playing the songs for themselves, there's also a deluxe 242-page tab book featuring full tablature for both guitar and bass, transcribed by Ol himself!
Pre-order the 'Old Rake' CD, signed CD and official tab book now in Europe at http://webstore.earache.com/ol-drake or in the USA at http://uswebstore.earache.com/ol-drake

The album is also available to pre-order now on iTunes, including an exclusive bonus track as well as an instant download of "Guitarists Playing Guitars", at http://bit.ly/oldrake-itunes

We'll leave you with a sneak peek of the official tab book (https://youtu.be/EFAm2-6mJkA), and for those of you crazy brave enough, here's the "Guitarists Playing Guitars" tab for you to try! http://bit.ly/1D5ofws

A sunset, a sunrise for the brand new The Dry Mouths EP

The Dry Mouths, one of the most active bands in Andalusia have released a superb new video for the song "Tour P-2". Set at the beautifull location of a sunset the band kicks out the new track with enormous power. I think not many bands out there are able to bring their raw and dirty power the way the band does on this song and video. In addition the bands performance shows a expression that really let's you feel the power the band has shown in the past years. The band did four albums in four years, videos and performances and an infinite number of concerts. Fans of a good mixture for hard rocking, handmade direct music with softer vocals that perfectly fit to the tone should stop by and check in here.



This video single gives a fresh look into the all-new release of the band entitled "Two Months", which has been released on the 15th of January 2015 on vinyl on the Clifford Records label. You can order the record directly through the Bandcamp page of the band. 

For 10 Euro plus shipping and handling you'll get five new songs on a beautifull 10 inch vinyl single plus a CD with the songs on it so you can store this rarity in a safe place. A immediate digital download is included as well to skip the waiting time until the arrival of the package. This edition is strictly limited to 250 pieces. 

The whole stuff comes packed into a unique cover which you can see below. It expresses in my eyes the very own way the band goes as a sound mixture between the rock of the 90's, stoner and experimentation. The cover gives it overall a more authentic feeling which gives you the feeling of holding something different in your hands. It's the memoy that it gives that you will remember afterwards. It is not one of the many records but this one, exactly this one piece of music that keeps in your mind for a long time.

(c) by The Dry Mouths, used with kind permission