News

• Italian Power Core Innovators NEKOMATA's Launch New Album "EUPHORIA", New App (for IOS)+ New Video "Road To Ruin"

  Jan 25, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  NEWS RELEASE

  Montreal, QC - January 24, 2024

  Out Now! Italian Power Core Innovators NEKOMATA's Launch New Album "EUPHORIA", New App (for IOS)+ New Video "Road To Ruin"

  January 24th, 2025, marks a significant milestone for Nekomata as they release their highly anticipated second album, "Euphoria". Following the success of the singles "Zero", "De Priapi Dilemma" and "In My Flesh", the band delivers a record that solidifies their place as innovators in the modern metal scene.

  "Euphoria" is an explosive blend of Power Metal, Metalcore, and Death Metal infused with cinematic atmospheres, relentless energy, and thought-provoking themes. Fans of Architects, Veil of Maya, Periphery, and Monuments will find plenty to love in this groundbreaking release.

  To celebrate the album's release, Nekomata is thrilled to unveil the music video for "Road to Ruin", featuring exclusive footage captured during their triumphant tour in Japan in November 2024. The video is a testament to the band’s electrifying live performances and their growing connection with audiences worldwide.

  ​

  "Euphoria" explores the universal yet complex pursuit of happiness, delving into the emotional highs and lows that come with chasing fulfillment in a chaotic world. The album highlights the band's unique "Power Core" sound, combining raw aggression, intricate melodies, and a polished modern edge. It stands as their most ambitious and refined work to date.

  Adding to today’s excitement, Nekomata is proud to launch its new app, which is currently available for iOS. The app serves as a one-stop destination for fans, offering exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and much more. It’s the perfect way for fans to stay connected and support the band on their journey.

  Download the Nekomata app (for iOS) - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nekomata/id6740162516​

  The lineup of Filippo Zavattari (bass, backing vocals), Andrea Cappellari (guitar, programming), Andrea Olivieri (vocals), and Alberto Mezzanotte (drums) continues to push boundaries, blending technical sophistication with raw emotional intensity.

  With "Euphoria", Nekomata invites listeners and fans to immerse themselves in their evolving sound and dynamic storytelling.

  “EUPHORIA” is available on all platforms as of January 24, 2025, from Rockshots Records.

  CD and Digital - https://lnk.to/rI802d

  ​Previous Videos:

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Py
  2. Shattered
  3. Automata
  4. In My Flesh
  5. Feedback
  6. Zero
  7. De Priapi Dilemma
  8. Road To Ruin
  9. Super Omnia
  10. Ataraxia - Still Abused
  ​
  ​Nekomata is:
  Andrea Olivieri: Vocals
  Andrea Cappellari: Guitars and programming
  Filippo Zavattari: Bass guitar and backing vocals
  Alberto Mezzanotte: Drums

  ​For more info:

  ​https://www.rockshots.eu​
  ​https://www.theprojectneko.com/​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/theprojectneko/​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/theprojectneko/

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• DESTRUCTION Release Second Single "A.N.G.S.T." + Official Music Video Out Now

  Jan 24, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  German Thrash-Teutons DESTRUCTION strike again with their second single, "A.N.G.S.T." As one of the biggest names in thrash metal with a 40+ year career, they unleash raw paranoia, shredding guitar solos, and Schmier's intense vocals while criticizing evil forces who prey on the weaknesses of others. Tackling fear, the song urges fans to confront their inner demons and break free from mental chains.
  
  Taken from their 16th studio album, Birth Of Malice, out March 7, 2025 via Napalm Records, "A.N.G.S.T." proves fear is no match for thrash! The single is accompanied by an incredible music video that honors the horror genre and its iconic special FX – images taken from your deepest nightmares creeping in your head to stay.

  Fans all over the world worship DESTRUCTION alongside fellow German thrash icons Sodom and Kreator, celebrating their influence on generations of bands worldwide. On Birth Of Malice, scene-legend and original member Schmier once again combines his dual vocal/bass attack with crashing riffs from battle axe masters Martin Furia and Damir Eskić, while Randy Black blasts pummeling drums to new heights. As witnessed on their previous thrash-fest Diabolical (2022), DESTRUCTION return with their uniquely raw and brutal sound, delivering merciless songs with a touch more variety and groove this time. All twelve songs from the butchers hit with a direct, clean sound – resulting in addictive metal anthems for a new generation of thrashers! 

  DESTRUCTION on "A.N.G.S.T.":

  "Our very first German song title is one of two very different tracks on this new album. I wanted to write a groovin' live track with staccato riffs, evil bloodcurdling vocals and dark atmosphere."

  Watch the Official Music Video for "A.N.G.S.T." HERE.

  Pre-Order Your Copy Of Birth Of Malice NOW!

  German thrash metal legends strike again – get ready for DESTRUCTION's 16th face-smashing attack!

  The band's newest onslaught is opened by the brutal "Destruction," with a luring intro transforming into a true thrashing hymn with razor sharp guitars honoring the band's 40+ year legacy, where mastermind Schmier reflects on the old days. Like the title Birth Of Malice suggests, lyrically, Schmier delves deep in human errors ” like selfish behavior on "Greed" and "Evil Never Sleeps." A clear statement is made with carnage on "Scumbag Human Race," exploring the mistakes mankind makes and pushing authorities in its memorable chorus "I will count your days!." The same rebellious attitude can be witnessed on the banging "No Kings – No Masters." DESTRUCTION also shifts to futuristic topics on the album, like the unconscious influence of technology and new forms of war on "Cyber Warfare." To close this brutal tour de force on a positive note, the thrashing legends celebrate their strong allyship with metal colleagues Accept by presenting their own version of classic neck breaker "Fast As A Shark." 

  All of these heavy topics are combined in the brutal cover artwork, designed by talented Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák, known for his works for bands like Accept, Kreator and Blind Guardian. Birth Of Malice was recorded at Switzerland’s Little Creek Studio by V.O.Pulver, and guitarist Martin Furia mixed and mastered the masterpiece at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany. DESTRUCTION mark themselves once again as a tight metal-machine, switching between ruthless thrash and pounding melodic moments, proving they are more than ready to slaughter again on this new album, and at their upcoming shows all over the world!

  DESTRUCTION IS:
  Schmier — Bass, Vocals
  Martin Furia — Guitars
  Randy Black — Drums
  Damir Eskić — Guitars

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• Streaming Now! Marko Bojkovic's New Album "Powercore" Speaks of Empowerment And Positive Accomplishments

  Jan 23, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  

  Inspired by his youthful years of playing Sonic Adventure on his Sega Dreamcast and being wondered but its luring soundtrack, Marko Bojkovic has been exploring instrumental guitar sounds for many years and is preparing to release his eighth studio album "Powercore" on January 24th, 2025 on Forerunner Recordings. With nothing but positive messaging in mind, Bojkovic encourages listeners during its seven tracks that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to and believe in themselves. In addition to the guitar work, Bojkovic played all the bass lines on "Powercore" along with recruiting guest vocals from Chris Thomas (growling vocals, clean vocals) and Gabe Vermund (clean vocals).

  "This album is me finally channeling my personality in my music! Powercore is meant to be accessible to metal fans and non-metal fans alike. It's a positive listening experience that motivates the listener to go out and accomplish a task and not want to give up. Also a bit of self-reflection such as wanting a better life but having to deal with a lot of bullshit or if a best friend was a real one. A lot of metal songs seem to be about sadness and negativity, and while those songs are very cool and heartfelt, metal songs can be positive and inspire the listener to go out and achieve a set goal!" adds Marko Bojkovic.

  Packing the most punch with perfectly combined progressive metal, power metal, metalcore, and djent along with influences from jazz fusion to classical music, Bojkovic's new album "Powercore" is named after his own dubbed genre of metal called Progressive PowerCore. Musically, the album's guitar solos are among the best he's ever written. As a small content creator on YouTube and Patreon, Bojkovic has become known on the internet for his economy-picking prowess, which he showcases to excellent use on the songs featured in this full-length.

  Before the album officially drops, Bojkovic has teamed up with Ghost Cult Magazine for its full stream premiere, which can be heard HERE.

  Recommended for fans of Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, Periphery, Dream Theater, and Firewind, Marko Bojkovic's new album "Powercore" is available for pre-save at the following link - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/markobojkovic/powercore​

  Fans interested in Bojkovic's Patreon Page to get exclusive content about his guitar playing and techniques, please subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/MarkoBojkovic​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Anesthesia (No Easy Way Out) - 3:58
  2. From Within - 5:29
  3. Sacrifice For Sanity - 3:50
  4. What We Accomplished ft. Chris Thomas - 3:17
  5. Find Your Flame ft. Johnny Ray (The Mourning) - 4:00
  6. Thrown - 5:41
  7. To Reminisce - 4:54
  Album Length: 31:11

  More info: Facebook.com/markobojkovicmusic | Instagram.com/markobojkovicshredsguitar

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• The Great Old Ones Premiere 'Kadath'

  Jan 23, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  It's been six long years since The Great Old Ones released their last cosmic chapter of Lovecraftian lore. Finally, the French band has returned with another batch of dark tales, though now with a new twist. On Kadath, the post-black scribes climb out of Cthulhu only to descend into the dark heart of the Dreamlands. 
  
  "Great stuff for metalheads who like their fiction the same way they like their metal - dark, heavy, and highly disturbing" Metal Trenches wrote in their 9/10 review of Kadath.
  
  Kadath comes out tomorrow, Friday, January 24, but you can hear all seven transcendant songs today by listening to the full album stream on the Season of Mist YouTube channel. 
  
  Listen to Kadath. 
  
  https://youtu.be/_WIlAaIikqc
  
  Pre-save & Pre-order 
  
  https://orcd.co/tgookadath
  
  On Kadath, The Great Old Ones draws the listener deeper into the dream-haunted world of Lovecraft's strapping young hero. Always one to keep his head in the clouds, Randolph Carter embarks on a mind quest through the treacherous Dreamlands. But as the divine gods of old would have it, his nocturnal journey springs to life with otherworldly perils that push him to the brink of insanity.
  
  The two-part epic "Me, The Dreamer" opens the album like an accursed bout with insomnia, tossing and turning amidst raging riffs. Just as Carter glimpses the stoned visage of the Gods on Mount Ngranek, "In the Mouth of Madness" sucks him into the grip of the nightgaunts with unflinching blast beats.  
  
  "Climbing the huge stone steps, seeing yellowish-red eyes, I’m running under, under the sign of Koth" vocalist Benjamin Guerry wails on "Under the Sigh of Koth" as the band tear through the very fabric that dreams are made of.

  Recorded under the vigilant eye of Francis Caste at Studio Sainte-Marthe, Paris, Kadath's production is nothing short of sorcerous. Each note and whispers are imbued with the power to transport the listener, offering an escape into an epic, immersive universe. Benjamin Guerry’s haunting vocals and guitars, alongside the mesmerizing contributions of Aurélien Edouard and Alexandre Rouleau on guitars, the deep resonance of Gregory Vouillat's bass, and the relentless assault of Julian Deana's drums, forge an album of unmatched emotional depth and technical prowess.

   

  Thus, behold the latest chapter in their eldritch saga, Kadath - their unyielding quest to explore the outer margins of reality and imagination. An invitation to journey beyond the familiar, into a world of cosmic dread and awe-inspiring beauty, where the ancient gods still roam and dreams bleed into reality.

  
  Line-up:
  Benjamin Guerry - Guitars, Vocals
  Aurélien Edouard - Guitars
  Hugo Bernart - Guitars
  Gregory Vouillat - Bass
  Julian Deana - Drums
  
  Recording Studio:
  Recorded at Studio Sainte-Marthe, Paris, France
  
  Production Credits:
  Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Francis Caste at Studio Sainte-Marthe, Paris, France
  
  Biography:
  The Great Old Ones, with additions by Sébastien Gamez
  
  Cover Art:
  Jakub Rebelka
  
  Photographer:
  Daphnea Doto & Solweig 

  Pre-order & Pre-save: https://orcd.co/tgookadath

  
  Follow The Great Old Ones:
  Website: https://www.thegreatoldonesband.com/
  Bandcamp: https://thegreatoldones.bandcamp.com/
  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thegreatoldones
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreatoldonesofficial/
  YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/thegreatoldonesband
  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1U6VZQrgQ4CNXbS6FpP0QC
  Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/4377965
  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/the-great-old-ones/596465875 
  TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/5475055

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• Killswitch Engage Drop "I Believe" Video

  Jan 23, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Three-time Grammy-nominated hard rock heavyweights and platinum-selling band Killswitch Engage — Jesse Leach, vocals; Adam Dutkiewicz, guitar; Joel Stroetzel, guitar; Mike D'Antonio, bass; and Justin Foley, drums — are gearing up for the release of their new album THIS CONSEQUENCE out February 21 via Metal Blade. Pre-order it here.
  
  Today, they have shared the video for the new single "I Believe." Watch it here.
  
  "'I Believe' is about undying hope," shares Leach. "During difficult times perspective is everything. Knowing deep down that 'this too shall pass' has been a beacon of light for me. I do believe there is meaning behind suffering. If we are able to push through difficult times and come out the other side, there is a renewed sense of purpose."
  
  He continues, "I know there are much more commonalities between all of us as humans than there are differences. The good far outweighs the bad. This is my message to anyone who's listening — things will get better! However, you have to believe that they will!. There is power in faith, there is power in manifestation and prayer! Keep the faith and push forward with the confidence of better days ahead. Do not let this world pull you down into despair. Tomorrow is a new day and a new possibility for change!"

  Their upcoming winter headline tour features support from Kublai Khan TX, Fit For a King and Frozen Soul, and kicks off on March 5 in Nashville and runs through April 12 in Portland, Maine. The band has also announced dates for May, which will feature support from Shadows Fall, Fit for a King, and Boundaries. Tickets and VIP packages are available here.

  ABOUT KILLSWITCH ENGAGE:

  Killswitch Engage first shook the structure of heavy music upon climbing out of snowy industrialized Western Massachusetts in 2000. A musical outlier, the band pioneered a union of thrashed-out European guitar pyrotechnics, East Coast hardcore spirit, on-stage hijinks, and enlightened lyricism that set the pace for what the turn-of-the-century deemed heavy. 2002's Alive Or Just Breathing became avowed as a definitive album, being named among "The Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of the Decade" by Decibel and celebrated by everyone from Metal Hammer to Revolver. Not only did they bust open the floodgates for dozens to follow, but they also garnered three GRAMMY® Award nominations in the category of "Best Metal Performance" in 2005, 2014, and 2019, respectively, a gold certification for The End of Heartache [2004], and a platinum certification for As Daylight Dies [2006]. The group landed three consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 with Killswitch Engage [2009], Disarm The Descent [2013], and their career high best bow at #6 with Incarnate [2016]. The latter two releases, along with 2019's Atonement, would also both capture #1 on the Top Rock Albums and Top Hard Rock Albums charts. The band's total streams are nearing 3 billion to date, while they've remained consummate road warriors who've sold out countless headline tours and have shared stages with everyone from Iron Maiden to Slipknot to Slayer to My Chemical Romance to Mastodon to Parkway Drive, which is a testament to their ability to cross genres and appeal to all fans of hard rock. KsE have remained a featured attraction at every major North American and European festival through the years. The band is celebrating an astonishing, 25-year career as one of the most vital and genre-defining bands of the '00s and continues its incredible legacy.

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