Seven Kingdoms talk about dangers on the road

Sometimes it may seem like touring is just fun all the time. In reality it is dangerous for musicians to travel that much. Just think of situations you all have been experiencing in day-to-day transportation.

Seven Kingdoms have recently travelled the road a lot, Photo credit Camden Cruz.

While this year has been a successful one for power metallers Seven Kingdoms with completing a North American tour and the release of a EP on the new label Reigning Phoenix Music they still put the mark on the dangers mentioned above.

The band comments the cover they did of a Mr. Misters song: "Kyrie translates to “Lord have Mercy” which when driving all around the world at all hours of the day and night, amongst responsible and non responsible people, we put our lives on the line every second we are on the road. I often refer to highways as “The river of idiots” which can be anyone at any given moment."

It's a wonderful slower track with high pitched vocals. The balance is set in a proper way and it feels like a piece of music written in thought without finally losing the faith.

Seven Kingdoms are going to hit the road again in February in Europe as support of Unleash The Archers.  

12.02 - Substage - Karlsruhe, DE
13.02 - Colos-Saal - Aschaffenburg, DE
14.02 - Live Music Hall - Cologne, DE
15.02 - De Kreun - Kortrijk, BE
16.02 - The Underworld - London, GB
17.02 - La Machine - Paris, FR
19.02 - Dynamo - Zurich, CH
20.02 - Legend Club - Milan, IT
21.02 - Backstage - Munich, DE
22.02 - Masters Of Rock Cafe - Zlin, CZ
23.02 - Barba Negra - Budapest, HU
25.02 - Szene - Vienna, AT
26.02 - Kwadrat - Cracow, PL
27.02 - Hellraiser - Leipzig, DE
28.02 - Rockhal - Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU
01.03 - Kronensaal - Hamburg, DE
02.03 - Patronaat - Haarlem, NL

Royal Hunt announce first tour dates for 2023

Royal Hunt are a great progressive power metal band. They came around to me the first time with the "Land of Broken Hearts" album and the title track of that particular record immediately got stuck in my mind. The "Fear" release came next and with "Cold City Lights" it proved to have another catchy hit song on it as well.

Royal Hunt are said to be Denmarks best kept secret.

These days the band cotinues to share uplifiting melodic gems withs us. Just check out the video below and you'll quickly get a idea of the band's sound. 

Like so many other bands they couldn't tour in recent years. 

During that downtime the band released two studio albums (Dystopia Part 1 & 2), a concept offering based on Ray Bradbury´s "Fahrenheit 451" and now plans to enhance their live set with some of their new material.

The great news is that these songs will see a live performance already soon.

Confirmed dates for 2023 so far:

Aug 25: Linköping Hell Year Rock Club, SE

Aug 26: Copenhagen Amager Bio, DK

Aug 27: Hamburg Logo Club, DE

Aug 30: Budapest Analog Music Hall, HU

Sep 01: Campulung Posada Festival, RO

More Dates TBA!

Keep a eye on the band's social sites to stay up to date about further dates.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/royalhunt

Twitter https://twitter.com/royalhuntband

CD Review: Tad Morose - March Of The Obsequious (Power Metal, 2022)

Reviewing a album of the swedish power metal icon Tad Morose has been a dream I always had. So you can easily imagine how I felt when the "March Of The Obsequious" album hit my inbox. I've been more than excited when the download started. Have I been disappointed or am I glad about the new songs?

A look upon the present line-up of Tad Morose.

To make it short. Tad Morose deliver quality music. They've always sticked to the formula to release music worth listening to.

This also goes for the new album. It heavily hits the same route that the predecessors of the "new" era that the Revenant LP started have set up.

The music is comprised of pure metal riffing. The drums and bass guitars heavily follow on the trails of the compositions. I think it's a no-brainer up to this point for many metal heads.

Inside view on each track

The title track and "Witches Dance" benefit of the vocals and go in straight without doubts. It's just with track number three that things become a bit harder. The high pitched vocals climb to the max on this tune. That's of high quality but sometimes I would like to see them set a bit lower because it can be a bit too much of it all at times.

This goes very much for the next number, too. A solid midtempo song but the vocals leave a feeling of overload behind.

Happily the next one "Dying" offers more variations, some even a bit unusual for the Swedish band.

"Escape" returns to the fine tradition of compact riffage mixed up with power pushing drums - a combination that leaves room for evolution of the track through it's duration. Such songs go in quickly. 

The cover art has become darker than on all the previous releases.

"A Trail Of Sins" comes with nice melody blocks and solid riffing. I think those melodies should point a bit to the old Tad Morose Records, those days where the band still used keyboards. I love those songs and it's cool to see the band pays sort of hommage to those days when they started releasing music (yet at a more progressive level).

This calls for more and the band heeds to this with "A Quilt Of Shame". A good midtempo creeper with a lot of changes in the vocals. Sometimes these composition feels like a journey in my mind.

"The Legion" unvels itself as a midtempo and very loud vocal oriented song. The mix sets a spot on the vocals that aim for high peaks. Once again I think less could have been more here. High vocal performance is great but please not that often.

The album closer shows few softer notes coming in at the start and changing into rougher territory shortly afterwards.

This scheme carries on through the whole song. A good idea to finish the record in a more unusual way.

Is it worth it?

The whole album is mixed to a loud volume so make sure to chose the volume control carefully.

Most songs are great but I'd like to hear the band mixing the next album a different way with less loud high vocals. It could make the music more variable this way.

Besides that don't hesitate to give "March Of The Obsequious" a try because it's still a well outworked album with some fine surprises for those who are longtime fans of the band.

You can listen to the full record on a digital service of your choice. This overview offers links to Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music as well as to Spotify and Apple Music.

The webshop of GMR Music holds the chance to order physical copies on Vinyl, undead Compact Disc and even a Digipack with signed card and pin. 

CD Review: Emissary: The Wretched Masquerade (Power Metal, 2022)

This band combines it's very strengths to bring on something like I've not heard in a longer time.

The cover already gives you food for thought about it's meaning.

The instruments of the US band feel like hey hold a talk to each other. It's all centered around the crunching riffs and the other musicians add, follow but sometimes also contrast to this. But it's far more than this. 

It all stems of a power and passion for music that cannot be heard on every Compact Disc. Just take "In Solitude". It goes far deeper than the usual release. It fires a bunch of feelings towards the listener with it's rawness and power of riffs on the one hand while the other spreads emotions through the vocals and the ever changing drums. 

It's great to hear the songs aren't set in long duration. They follow a compact route keeping the pressure and pureness intact. The album lives of it's ideas. Emissary often have a own way to write the material and that's what keeps me on the stereo. 

The stuctures on songs like "Ruler Of Defiance" follow a unusual pattern and are filled with little snippets (means melodies of the guitar) and textures (raw riffs) not to be heard otherwise. It feels like the band created something on their very own.

The sound is loud and clear. I recommend not to hear the songs on a high level. You'll be able to enjoy all the efforts the band put in more with less volume. This record lives of it's contrasts of heavy music and the fine melodic vocals and melodies on the guitar.

"The Wretched Masquerade" is a all killer no filler release so it's well worth the purchase.

Grab a copy on CD or cassette directly out of the bands hands and have a teaser with the player below.   

The band kindly still let's you download a second disc with old band demo's if you buy a CD copy.

Vinyl copies should be available at a later date.

Niviane are on the lookout for a new bassist

I know it's often hard to find people to join your band. Many bands remain inactive because they don't find proper band mates.

Now the time has come for power metallers Niviane to part ways with bassist Rick Stallkamp. They are currently holding auditions for a replacement bass player.

Niviane seeks a new bass guitar player.

Here are some facts about the band:

To date, the band has released 2 full length Studio albums and completed multiple tours.

With a new album being tracked and future videos / tours in the planning stages, Niviane is holding auditions for the vacated bassist position.

Applicants should be professional, proficient at their instrument, creative and a team player with proper gear and transportation.

Please have a valid passport or be able to secure one. 

Niviane rehearses once a week in Sacramento, California.

If interested, please contact the band through their official website https://www.niviane.com or band email at: nivianemetal@gmail.com. You can also reach out directly to any of the members via one of our many social media platforms.

Listen to one track to get a idea of the band's sound.

So what is Rick Stallkamp now up to ? He is about to form a new band and also seeking proper musicians for a new Atmospheric Black Metal project in the vein of bands such as: Unreqvited, Akhlys, Elffor, Mare Cognitum & Esoctrilihum

If interested in this new project please contact Rick Stallkamp via the email below:

BlackMetalDimension@icloud.com

How is it to open up as power metallers for Soulfly ?

Well Niviane are a power metal combo. The sound they produce is a fest to all the die hards of the genre out there. Besides all the known trademarks the sound is enriched with heavier riffs than the usual and a voice calling out to the dedicated listener that throws a closer ear on all the details.

Live pictures of the power metal band Niviane.

Niviane send over a report that shares some of the past touring memories the band was able to collect on the U.S. tour.

Guitarist Gary Tarplee comments:

"On August 18, 2021, we departed Sacramento’s Rehearse America to embark on a 15 date onslaught of the Mid-West and East Coast with the legendary Soulfly. We are pretty well-known here in Northern California, but going out on tour with Soulfly into states that we’ve never been to, we were the “unknowns”.

We kicked off the tour in Albuquerque, New Mexico and delivered our brand of metal to a venue filled with people to see Soulfly. People were curious as to who was this band “Niviane” that’s out on tour with Soulfly.

We would take the stage, look into the crowd and most times see the look on peoples faces like “who are these guys“ and “what do they have to deliver“?

Night after night within a couple of minutes of the opening song, The Ruthless Divine, the crowds facial expression would change, we could see people getting into the music, raising their fists in the air and chanting along when prompted.

By the middle of our set, the crowds were pumped and into us. Night after night, we were just getting tighter and tighter. Playing to sold out venues in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Wichita, Kansas. Playing in Fort Wayne, Indiana to 1200 people on a Thursday night, sharing the stage with the Butcher Babies at a festival in West Virginia and playing in New York City at the Gramercy Theater were all incredible experiences.

We are incredibly fortunate and grateful to have been able to take our brand of metal across the United States, meet new friends, make new fans and create memories that will last a lifetime!"

Check out the band's sound for yourselves and you'll quickly get a idea that being the opener surely is not a easy job on such a package. The website of the band holds more detailed info on the band.

CD Review: Inner Siege - Fury Of Ages (Power Metal,2021)

Had a good time on most of the album also some tracks shine brighter than others.  

Colored vinyl and a printed jacket should please collectors.

The grand opening "Calling For Violence" surprised me quite well. Giving a midtempo punch it let's you come in slowly to the bands sound. The refrain calls for some scream along in live situations and it woke my interest to hear more of the "Fury Of Ages" album.

Happily "Reborn" track number two continues the good start. In contrast to the opener it changes more often throughout it's duration. The song keeps a constant riffing as a base but adds slight moments of excitement in. High screams and well placed guitar intermezzos shine.

"Firewind" speeds it all up. I'm glad to hear the cranking up doesn't ruin the sound. It's kept straight foward and the joy-factor intact. Keep the volume adjustment low, this feels great on moderate level.

Some guitar wizardy is shown on the short intermezzo "Virtuos Iniquity" before "Echoes Into Eternity" let's a high scream out. Being a good riff shooter this let's us headbang further and mixes some midtempo stop-overs into it's passages - something I love to hear.

"World Of Darkness" is a solid track but didn't resonate so well than the previous songs. Same goes for "Power.Metal.Glory" also sure it has a great refrain with it.

I love to hear the band from the United States keeps the sound on a more clear tone most of the time also on some moments I'd like to have less high tones in the sound. "Iron Lotus" is a negative example for that. I got on my nerves with the many solo sections on it.  

On "Stronghold" parallels to the great band Hammerfall come to my mind. It has a more narrative way of speaking to the audience and the refrain rushes into my heart quickly. Some high screams are placed well. 

The album becomes more direct and on-point soundwise when the album comes towards the end. The tenth track "Hero" and the closing riffer "World on fire" are such tracks. The vocals are variable and you feel they have been painfully worked on many times but the result should make all headbangers out there happy.

The album is available as a CD as well as colored vinyl with lyrics-printed jacket. Please check out one song below and consider a purchase to increase touring chances for these guys.

EP Review: Lady Beast - Omens (Power Metal, 2021)

Are musicians always in need of a big budget to get something great done ? The brand new Lady Beast EP has a basic sound but not a big production behind it. 

The cover invites to think about it's meaning.

Nevertheless the band put together great songs. They feel like very different parts flow into each other without cutting edges.

The music also feels outworked more - take the vocals as example. They are more fine tuned this time and often show many different aspects and approach on high singing in a different way compared to similar material of other bands.

In fact I have to listen to these songs multiple times to fully get inside. That surprised me a bit. The good side is that it didn't kick me away at first listen so I kept trying another time and was rewarded with the discovery of the mentioned refined work on their music.

If you're into classic power metal you'll quickly get this started but it will do something with you. Maybe you'll feel the way I did - thinking wow - this is somewhat different than music I've heard before. This goes especially for the songs "Blood For Blood" and "Kill The King".

The guitar solos go deeper. They are highlighted through a significant higher toned sound and stand out of the sound. It's like this on all of the songs of this EP.

Pre-Order the CD (10 bucks) or LP on screen printed black/white splatter vinyl (20 euro) 

http://shop.reapermetalproductions.com/products?utf8=%E2%9C%93&search=omens

Preview the mini album with the opening track right here.

EP Review: Sirius - Wings of Fire (Heavy Metal / Power Metal)

A fine EP that is a good pick to party in it's first half and much more thought out in the second. 

This band serves the power metal straight the way I like it. The opener "Wings of Fire" has a fine stomping bold midtempo rhythm and the riffs and vocals present the track as a solid start into a EP full of metal hymms. The "Shadow in my heart" builds upon a longer riff that winds through the whole track. Along with the drums this serves as a uplifting heavy rocker. The vox come down in strings that add a special note to this tune. 

Next is "The Last Angel" - it's more complex than the previous two. It's riff is changing in tonality throughout the duration. The playing around with guitar effects dominates this one. Surely one for a re-listen. The last track already follows with "The Fury Within". It's once again deeper thought-out. The vocals wear a Judas Priest touch. A cool mixture of the easier first tunes of the EP but worked out wider into it's depth. This needs time to sink in and deserves more attention but I think it's great, too.

 

Make sure to pick a copy from Bandcamp for few bucks and follow the steps toward the first full album on Facebook.

Let's speak with Fierce Deity (Stoner/Power Metal, 2020)

This was a love upon first sight. I just watched the video on YouTube and the warrior at the fire instantly woke my interest. 

To my further pleasure the music and further progress of the lyric video spoke from my heart. It felt like being back in my childhood days listening Iron Maiden for the first time. I simply had to know more about who stands behind Fierce Deity. Happily my questions where listened to so here's what I was able to find out...

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Hey! Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions of the Heavy Metal Underdogs blog.
Fierce Deity / Jonathon Barwick: Really appreciate you having me, Jens!

- Where does the inspiration for the warrior at the campfire on the cover come from?
I call him ‘The Traveller’ (or ‘Trav’ for short) and I got inspiration for the images a few years ago when my life was chaotic. I grieved by reading The Witcher and travelling to Japan. Witchers and Samurai share many philosophies that helped me move forward and find peace - well, that and a little LSD.

- Do you practise meditation for yourself?
I started in July 2017. I found a group of Tibetan Buddhists in my city that allowed the public to join in their meditations. I wrote ‘The Path’ after my first session - I got home, picked up my guitar and all those riffs fell into place.

 
- Do you play retro-games? If so: which systems and games/genres do you prefer?
My first console was a SNES but I spent most of my childhood on a Nintendo 64. I don’t prefer any system and I love all genres. My favourite games always seem to be single player adventures - Zelda, Witcher 3, Fallout 3, the Souls games… Also I’m the best in the world at Mario Kart 64.

- What do the japanese letters underneath the band name stand for?
It translates to “INTENSE GOD”. I visited Japan in 2018 - I was blown away by their culture and I haven’t seen life the same way since. It opened my eyes to the big wide world and the possibilities of life. A year later Fierce Deity was born but without a doubt the idea was conceived in Japan.

- Could you imagine converting the one-man project Fierce Deity into a full band if there was a demand for shows?
I sure can but I have a wild imagination! If the music catches a strong wind I’ll put a show together - and I mean “a show”. I have zero desire to do the local grind. I’d rather do something special a few times than do the same mediocre thing over and over again. I like the idea of Lemmy and Motorhead - he had a bunch of awesome people come through his band creating a different sound from his writing over the years.

Keep in touch with Fierce Deity with a subscription on Facebook.

Livestream-Review: Anvil - L'Anti Bar, Quebec City 04.07.2020

Can a livestream event really fit properly to showcase a band's abilities? Anvil proved that it is possible.

Anvil at the very beginning of the set.

The Canadian legend Anvil is well known for all their classics. Recently the band dropped a new full length called "Legal at last". Like so many other bands they had to cancel the already booked shows. The guys behind the L'Anti Bar invited the band for a livestream performance. People who wanted to attend needed to purchase a virtual ticket in advance but were rewarded very well for their money.

The band opened up with a blast of a instrumental intro. It gave a taste that a well balanced and crystal clear sound has been set up. They were on fire that night.

You could see that Anvil had a lot of fun. They smiled all the way through the set, most of all Lips who once more showed why he is a solid frontman. Bassist Chris Robertson choose to move back and forth to the whole songs while showing grimace every here and there. Very cool!

The band showed that they had a lot of fun performing live.

Other times the band showed some guitar-posing in the form of Accept. Applause was added to the sound as no real audience was allowed to show up but the text responses in the chatbox spoke for themselves. They were some lags in the beginning of the stream. Maybe a control panel to change the quality of the steam could help out to prevent such things the next time.

Lips had his typical humor and short banter with him. He had a great high-toned voice on that night. I liked the band introduction. Everyone was allowed to do a solo starting with bassist Chris Robertson. Robb Reiner was unbelievable on that night. He showed a precise drumming that sharply followed the guitars on every step. His drum solo was one of the most entertaining one's I've heard and seen in a long time. Finally Steve Kudlow gave his well known dildo-guitar performance. It was a lot of fun.

Robb Reiner performed a impressive drum solo and overall performance.

The band played for a good ninty minutes and rounded the set with a blasting cover of "Born to be wild" and the iconic classic "Metal on metal". I can only hope they will do more live shows in the near future. I would choose to see them every time again.

Keep a eye on the band's Facebook page. Let's hope we're lucky enough to see the band performing live in the future again.

Single Review: Lady Beast - The Gift (True Power Metal, 2020)

The single "The Gift" is a appetizer to the upcoming Lady Beast album called "The Vulture's Amulet" (Release Date: April 3rd 2020) . It's kept in a 80s Metal soundshell but hold's some extra's that prevent it from being one of the many releases out there.

The cover already spreads a classic vibe but taking a closer look reveals a lot of details.

The guitars spread a riff that feels a bit unusual. It starts out in the first seconds of the digital release. In those moments a melody can be heard that works as a introduction moment that opens up the listeners ears wide. It's those seconds that made me listen closer to what's to come. It creates a little mystic atmosphere.

Next to go are the vocals which follow a more modern format without a highlighted refrain in it. Instead it feels more like a constant telling of a ongoing plot divided into several sections but with higher pitched parts like in the classic days. All those is packed in another riff that constantly let's a difference shine through. It' s cleverly mixed into the sound so it won't ruin the listening experience but let you continue to enjoy the track further.

Finally the only thing I disliked was the mix of the drums. It would have been great to have that element a bit louder. Don't let that keep you from listening to the new material in the YouTube player below.

Make sure to keep the eye on the band on Facebook or support them on Bandcamp with a follow click.

Video premiere: Angel Vengeance revive the time of great metal hymms

Do you remember the days of singing along to songs of great melody? Those tunes that constantly kept ringing in your head again and again?

Angel Vengeance who greet from Thailand have released a brand new lyric video that holds such a magic when it comes to finding these words and notes.

It's fast but silk at the same time. The vocals and song structures remind of Helloween and Stratovarius classic but with the vocals being less high they are more enjoyable. The solo section features extended guitar solos. Even the bass guitar player shows some finger picking techniques so make sure to tune in.

A great side note is that Piet Silck, who is well known for his band Iron Saviour mixed and mastered this great piece of music. The digital single will be released on 31.01.2020 on Downfall Records.

Keep in touch with Angel Vengeance on Facebook.

Spiritual Sickness is looking for a vocalist (m/f)

Wonders happen. Often in those moments when you expect them the least. It has been like this when this news reached my inbox about this killer power metal band based in New York that already said goodbye some time ago. It looks as if the band has picked up fresh energy and is now hungry for new deeds. But they need a new vocalist to continue their way. That's your chance - pick the microphone and show them you're the one they're looking for.

Here's what it takes:

Spiritual Sickness are poised to land on big stages across the world. With a new record well on its way to completion, the band needs a strong vocal presence to complete the vision.

The aspiring vocalist needs to be dedicated in his or her approach, with a strong voice, good range and a vivid imagination. Someone who is willing to hit the road and crush audiences around the world. A team player who wants to help propel this band towards its Destiny.

Spiritual Sickness has a wealth of musical talent, dedication, a strong work ethic, a love of metal music,and a deep well of experience on stages, in studios, and on the road.

If your musical goals align with ours, put your name on the list and let’s get to
work. You can get in touch with the band through Facebook.

Here's some music to listen to:

Finally this is what happened recently in the band's camp:

A four-piece heavy metal band with many diverse influences, Spiritual Sickness Is looking for a vocalist to complete their lineup. The band is building on the success of two killer releases (their 2011 debut album "Architects of Agony" and the follow-up 2014 EP "Spiritual Sickness") and is getting quite the reputation as an aggressive, hard working, innovative heavy metal outfit.

Spiritual Sickness has been creating opportunities for themselves by impressing national touring headliners, managers, tour managers, and everyone who has worked with them.

The band has toured with Ghost Ship Octavius, Cage and most recently as direct support for The Three Tremors on their first European tour, with Spiritual Sickness touring as Benedictum with the infamous Veronica Freeman at the helm. They have already been invited to do it again in 2019, this time as Spiritual Sickness and have many more other opportunities looming.

Tragul cover Netflix series intro music

What can bands do to waken some interest in their music? Tragul have done something unusual. They picked the introduction music of the series "Dark" that can be seen on the Netflix streaming service and covered it.

A scene from the video along with the coverart for the Track "Goodybe" from Tragul

Musically it's different from the other songs the band already released in their song-by-song release-string of 2018. It's sort of a haunting piano ballad with touching guitar inserts and words that shine through with it's whispering note all across the whole duration.

On top of all of this the song was mixed and mastered by the renowned film score engineer John Rodd who has been working on everything from major studio feature films (Elysium), television (Breaking Bad), video game projects (Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Assassin’s Creed), and for numerous CDs and soundtrack recordings with artists such as Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Madonna and members of The Rolling Stones, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more.

Originally founded by composer Adrian Benegas, TRAGUL features an insanely talented cast of collaborators that includes Spanish singer Zuberoa Aznarez (Diabulus In Musica), American guitarist Steve Conley (Flotsam and Jetsam), Paraguayan guitarist Diego Bogarín, German bassist Oliver Holzwarth (ex Blind Guardian, ex Rhapsody of Fire, ex Tarja) and Dutch drummer Sander Zoer (ex Delain).

You can pick up a copy of the track from CDBABY, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Deezer, and on the major platforms digital right now.

Keep a eye on the band through these sites:

Website: www.tragul.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tragulmusic

YouTube: www.youtube.com/tragulmusic

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tragulmusic

Twitter: www.twitter.com/tragulmusic

Graveshadow open the doorway to heaven

It goes up and down many times in life. I think this is maybe one of the biggest ressources for musicians to create their sounds and texts of. This particular one song talks soundwise for me a lot about that.

It also has it's highs and lows changing all the while. It's cool to hear that it has a controlled and finetuned dose of power with it something not to be found everywhere. Most of all the vocals stand out with it's many faces (good and dark/bad parts all shine in many variations on this track). This must have taken lot's of effort to get it on tape but the result for sure sounds impressive and it invites to listen once more just to make sure to have not missed out a vocal layer through the tracks duration.


"Doorway to heaven" is part of Graveshadow's new album "Ambition's Price" that has been put out on M-Theory Audio in April 2018. This band features Heather Michelle performing the vocals.

The cover for Graveshadow's album "Ambitions Price", painted by Dusan Markovic. (c) by Graveshadow, used with kind permission

Tune in to the band's channel on Facebook for more info like tourdates and so on.

Helion Prime hold open vocalist audition

It's hard to read that the American Sci-Fi power metal band Helion Prime has parted ways with vocalist Kayla Dixon. Having released the excellent "Remnants of Stars" single I had hopes that this would be the end of the search. 

But this situation of a band looking for a new voice is also a chance for others who would like to join a professional band with their talent. The band has set up a online audition to find the proper person behind the microphone. Here's how you can seize your chance:

Location is not important.

All submissions must be a video performance.

The open auditions run until November 5th. (Ignore the deadline from the video)

The way to audition is simple:

1 - Download instrumental versions of "Life Finds a Way" and "Remnants of Stars" at this link.

2 - Record/film yourself performing "Life Finds a Way". Please include all that you can (harmonies, layers, etc). For those who wish write your own lyrics and melodies for "Remnants of Stars". Remnants is optional.

3 - Send video submissions to auditions@helionprimemetal.com and make sure to include your full name and contact information.

Please share this info with anyone and everyone so the band has a chance to find a new vocalist.

There's also a video that is a call to action to all the vocalists out there:

Helion Prime let the stars explode with new single

Here comes more positive power! This brand new single of Helion Prime comes along like a energy boost. Great performance on vocals and maximum power on all instruments. It's unbelievable how much energy the band breathes on this one. The band underwent some changes (new female vocalist) and also signed a record deal with AFM Records in the recent months and these changes seem to have a positive effect on the band and given them motiviation to kick in even harder.

You can purchase the track at http://helionprimemetal.com/new-single-remnants-of-stars/
The song will also be part of the next album, working title "The Terror of Saibot". The band aims to release the new full legth late 2017/early 2018.

Make sure to see the band live on their US West Coast Tour. Here are the dates, check the links to be notified via Facebook when the show draws near and/or invite your friends and pick the tickets on time. For all those missing links check the band's touring subpage. I think those will be added shortly.

June 16th - Modesto, CA - Shadow Lounge
FB: NOT YET AVAILABLE
TIX: NOT YET AVAILABLE

June 18th - Portland, OR - Twilight Cafe & Bar
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/660569050808952
TIX: NOT YET AVAILABLE

June 20th - Seattle, WA - Highline Bar
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/1471267299560710
TIX: http://www.highlineseattle.com/event/1468627

June 22nd - Boise, ID - The Shredder
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/126781781201153
TIX: NOT YET AVAILABLE

June 23rd - Salt Lake City, UT - Beehive Social Club
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/1322632397830968
TIX: NOT YET AVAILABLE

June 24th - Denver, CO - Streets of London Pub
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/817782765056424
TIX: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1470449

June 25th - Kansas City, MO - Riot Room
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/226544857828817
TIX: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1478278

June 27th - Dallas, TX - Renos
FB: NOT YET AVAILABLE
TIX: NOT YET AVAILABLE

June 29th - Phoenix, AZ - Joe's Grotto
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/1259007547545723
TIX: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2934948

June 30th - Glendale, CA - The Complex
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/286866851754237
TIX: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1477591

July 2nd - Sacramento, CA - Starlite Lounge
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/2254318648127679
TIX: https://atlanteancollective.queueapp.com/events/32453

Easter Egg: Spiritual Sickness hand album and EP as last goodbye

Happy Easter everyone! It's time to go and search for the colorful and tasty eggs again.

But wait this article is already one. Sadly it comes with a bitter news to be added to it.

American progressive power metal band Spiritual Sickness have announced the band's immediate break-up. The band played their very last show on March 25, 2017 at Blackthorn 51 in Elmhurst, New York fronted by special guest vocalist Veronica Freemen "The V" (Benedictum).

The Spiritul Sickness logo, (c) by Spiritual Sickness, used with kind permission

Spiritual Sickness founder / guitarist Ed Mischke has checked in with the following comment:

"It is with sadness and regret that I must announce that Spiritual Sickness is being put to ice. The band had a killer run full of heavy and hard hitting metal shows and I was lucky enough to play with some great musicians along the way such as Jeff Kohler, Brian Cahill, Jim Nola, Mark Zapata, Eddie Jucius, Veronica Freeman and Mike Festa. All stellar musicians, great people and excellent friends. Id like to give thanks to the bands we were recently lucky enough to tour with Cage and Ghost Ship Octavius..And a few other people not necessarily in any order.John Rup, Kevin Scondotto, Van Williams, Sean Peck, Rich Brymer, Nicki Camp, Video Uploader, Blackthorn 51, Bill Pollard, Bennett Montalbano, Billy Loney, Lori Eitleman and Wally Huggins. Actually there are probably a few hundred people that I actually need to thank and if Iid forget you please understand. Thanks to all the bands, clubs and internet radio stations. My wife Miljenka and my daughters Nicole Jamie and Taylor for being at every show possible and all the people who have supported us over the years from the bottom of my heart.Thank you. Just a parting note.Whats beginning to rise from the ashes is gonna be bad ass..I am far from done!!"

The band has decided to give away their 2011 debut album "Architects of Agony" and the follow-up 2014 EP "Spiritual Sickness" as free digital downloads for all to have and enjoy.

Make sure to follow the Spiritual Sickness Facebook page so you'll know what the members will do next.

Having heard the songs for the first time myselves it's hard to believe that this band calls it quits. It's great music and having heard the track "Beyond the wall of shame" I'm sure this is a combo with massive potential. It took me by storm.

If your're not shure if this is worth the download check out the song stream below to quickly check the band's abilities.

Night Legion introduce new vocalist Vo Simpson (free download inside)

It's often a pleasure to be able to see how bands evolve over time. Some posts ago we shared the word about the upcoming exciting power metal project Night Legion and were able to give you people out there a first listen plus download of one track of the project.

This time around things have changed in the band so I thought it would be fine to post a update. As for me it's cool to hear the band has a new vocalist. It adds a new way of interpretation to the music and adds a different element to the sound. It's amazing to hear how different it is possible to make something of one and the same track. So without further ado check out the latest developments in the Night Legion camp all along with a new chance to listen and grab one track for free.

NIGHT LEGION, the new high energy Australian power metal band led by guitarist / producer Stu "The Hammer" Marshall (Dungeon / Empires of Eden / Death Dealer / Blasted to Static) has announced the addition of Vo Simpson as their new lead vocalist.

A band picture of the new Night Legion line-up, (c) by Night Legion, used with kind permission

 Stu Marshall has checked in with the following comment:

"During the writing of our upcoming debut album, the band went through some sudden personnel changes. Moving forward, I am very pleased to announce my amazing friend Vo Simpson, as the new lead vocalist for the band. Just think Halford meets old school Tate and you have an idea of where Vo's vocal abilities can be filed under. We have been long time friends and to have vocals that scream like Vo's is a dream to write heavy riffs for. The band is psyched for the new upcoming debut album and we are currently working toward securing a worldwide release via an as yet determined label during 2017."

Check out how Vo Simpson sound like in the short clip below or even better head on to this location to pick up the full track at no cost as a legal download.

Check the band's website or Facebook page to stay up to date about the further recording process.