News

• NIGHTWISH - Release 'Making of Yesterwynde' Documentary

  Dec 21, 2024 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  During the past months building up to the worldwide release of NIGHTWISH’s newest opus Yesterwynde on September 20th, the group shared various episodes revealing further insights into the creation of this magnificent album, which closes off the trilogy started with Endless Forms Most Beautiful in 2015. From early demo playback sessions in hotel rooms all across the world during the Human. :||: Nature. world tour to the remote rehearsal sessions in a cabin in Röskö, from Floor Jansen delivering stunning vocal performances at her home studio to the orchestral recordings at Abbey Road Studios, London - this 45-minutes documentary directed by Ville Lipiäinen details the long way of transforming the ideas, stories and songs of Tuomas Holopainen into the opulent masterpiece that is Yesterwynde. Watch 'Making of Yesterwynde' here:  https://youtu.be/GOojKRqiInI

  Multi instrumentalist Troy Donockley comments: "Yesterwynde is full of secrets, but, if the stars are aligned, you may find some answers within..."

  Line-Up: Floor Jansen | Vocals Tuomas Holopainen | Keys Emppu Vuorinen | Guitars Jukka Koskinen | Basses Troy Donockley | Uilleann Pipes, Low Whistles, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Bouzouki, Bodhrán, Aerophone, Vocals Kai Hahto | Drums & Percussion

  More info: www.nightwish.com   www.facebook.com/nightwish www.nuclearblast.de/nightwish   www.instagram.com/nightwish/  www.twitter.com/NightwishBand

   

  Read more

• The Great Old Ones Roar "Under the Sign of Koth"

  Dec 19, 2024 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  THE GREAT OLD ONES have always been known to craft intriguing narrative-based concept albums based on the works of revered 20th century horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. While not a new concept in the metal scene - The Great Old Ones does it ever so differently, never losing the thread throughout their decade-long discography.
  
  On Kadath, the Great Old Ones dip even deeper into Lovecraft's storied Dreamlands. New single "Under the Sign of Koth" sheds light on the next chapter of Randolph Carter's journey into darkness. "Climbing the huge stone steps, seeing yellowish-red eyes, I’m running under, under the sign of Koth" vocalist Benjamin Guerry wails as the band tears through the very fabric that dreams are made of.
  
  Watch the visualizer for "Under the Sign of Koth" on the  Season of Mist YouTube channel
  
  https://youtu.be/2jHGG13R53o.
  
  Kadath is out January 24th, 2025 on Season of Mist.
  
  Pre-save & Pre-order 
  
  https://orcd.co/tgookadath 

   

  THE GREAT OLD ONES have been crafting sonic landscapes that echo with the cries of ancient, cosmic deities and the whispers of forgotten realms. Their discography masterfully showcasing the sheer power of atmosphere and narrative, and has guided listeners through the darkest corners of Lovecraft's mythos, earning them a devoted following among both metal aficionados and acolytes of the macabre. With their unique blend of harrowing intensity and sombre beauty, they have captured the essence of the otherworldly, marrying it with the raw, blackened heart of metal.

   

  Kadath marks a bold departure from the oceanic depths of the Cthulhu mythos, venturing instead into the Dreamlands. It is here that we follow the protagonist, Randolph Carter, as he seeks the fabled city that haunts his visions. The album resonates with his longing and determination, embodying the treacherous path he treads amidst the capricious gods and monstrous entities that dwell within this twilight realm. Through seven tracks, THE GREAT OLD ONES tortuously narrate Carter’s odyssey, transcending the boundaries of music to evoke a world where fantasy intertwines with terror.

   

  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 Wood
  
  
  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

  Read more

• WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces BC and Ontario 2025 Battle Rounds - One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  Dec 19, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces BC and Ontario 2025 Battle Rounds  - One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  

  One Band To Rule Them All! After another record-breaking year of submissions from independent bands across the country, Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce this year's British Columbia and Ontario 2025 battles, which could see one unsigned band crowned champion and perform at one of the world's most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

  The 2025 British Columbia and Ontario battles will be held in the following cities and dates with more to be announced for Canada. The national final will be held in Vancouver, BC on May 31st, 2025 at The Rickshaw Theatre.

  2025 Canadian Wacken Battles:​
  ​
  ​British Columbia Dates:​
  March 1 - Vancouver Round 1 @ The Cobalt
  March 2 - BC Interior Round @ Jackknife Brewing
  March 22 - Vancouver Round 2 @ The Cobalt
  March TBC - Vancouver Island Round @ Lucky Bar
  May 3 - BC Final @ The Cobalt
  May 31 - National Final @ The Rickshaw, Vancouver
  ​
  ​Ontario Dates:​
  January 10 - London Round @ Rum Runners
  Atria (guest headliner), Death Club, Dead Days, 4HateU8
  FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/1944970149316798/
  Ticket link: https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/whacken-metal-battle-2025-rum-runners-tickets/14091163
  ​
  January 24 - Hamilton Round @ Main Stage Rehearsal
  The Good Depression, Killotine, Zero Tolerance, Devilz By Definition, Zero End
  Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-jan-24-hamilton
  ​
  January 25 - Toronto Round 1 @ Hard Luck
  Pillars of Autumn, Ischemic, Purveyor of Chaos, Unkle Skurvey
  Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-jan-25-toronto
  ​
  February 1 - Toronto Round 2@ Hard Luck
  Seagrave, Nepenthe, Panic Response, The Animal Warfare Act
  Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-feb-1-toronto

  Edmonton, AB - TBA
  Calgary, AB - TBA
  Ottawa, ON - TBA
  Montreal, QC - TBA
  Quebec City, QC - TBA

  The 2025 WMBC champion will receive the following:​
  - A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
  - Full professional backline provided.
  - $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
  - VIP camping at the festival.

  The 2024 WMBC national final was held in Edmonton, AB at The Starlite Room on May 25th and witnessed regional winners Arrow In The Quiver (Vancouver, BC), Infrastrvctvre (Calgary, AB), Age of Ashes (Edmonton, AB), Beguiler (Toronto, ON) and Red Raven Chaos (Montreal, QC) along with special guest headliners NECHT (Calgary, AB - 2023 National Finalist).

  The night was MC'd by Gord Alexander (Tessitura, Tides of Kharon) and judged by an industry panel that included JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada, Boonsdale Records, Skull Fist, Thunderor - Toronto, ON), Luc Lainé (CFLX 95,5 FM - Alerte Metallique - Sherbrooke, QC), Dan Cleary (Striker), Kim Aebly (The Invisible Orange, Vancouver, BC), Dana Zuk (Dana Zuk Photography - Edmonton, AB), Jon Asher (Asher Media Relations - Montreal, QC), Nancy Barnes (Big Nate Productions - Calgary, AB), Celestia Scarlett (Owner/Artist Manager - The Celestial Agency- Calgary, AB) and Steve DC (Strigampire - 2023 National WMBC Winner - Trois-Rivières, QC).

  After each band presented their furious rallying battle performance, the only one that stood out from the rest was crowned 2024 champion Toronto's Beguiler who moved on to perform as the only independent Canadian band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air 2024 (July 31st – August 3rd).

  Live Full Video of 2024 WMBC National Final in Edmonton, AB - https://www.youtube.com/live/dCYiImMkzq4​

  List of previous WMBC national winners Beguiler (Toronto, ON - 2024), Strigampire (Trois-Rivières, QC - 2023), The Slyde (Toronto, ON - 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON - 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON - 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON - 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC - 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON - 2013).

  Info:

  Since 2013, with a pause year in 2017 and 2020 due to COVID-19, Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2025 will be the 34th edition of the festival and will be held from July 30th – August 2nd. The 2025 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Papa Roach, Gojira, Apocalyptica, Saxon, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Ministry, and many more. Details here.

  About:

  Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

  How it works:
  ​Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2025 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All battle rounds are judged by respected local music industry representatives.

  Rules for participation: https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/​

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​​
  ​Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official​
  ​Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan​
  ​Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official​

  - 30 -

  Media Partners:​
  Bravewords.com
  Metal-Rules.com
  Absolute Underground Magazine
  BrokenNeckRadio.com
  V13.net
  MetalDevastationRadio
  Rich Embury (internationally syndicated DJ)
  GhostCultMag.com
  Rocknroam.ca
  Vox & Hops Podcast
  The Metal Voice

  Promoter Partners:​
  Boonsdale Records
  Dungeonworks Productions
  The Invisible Orange
  Big Nate Productions
  ConcertWorks
  Asher Media Relations

  Read more

• ABOLISHMENT OF FLESH Unleashes Savage Lyric Video for “Words Defy Truth” Off EP “Resurrecting Misanthropy”

  Dec 18, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Texas, USA’s metal powerhouse Abolishment of Flesh has just released the intense lyric video for “Words Defy Truth” taken from their latest EP “Resurrecting Misanthropy”, which was released in 2023. The video, now streaming online, offers fans a visceral visual accompaniment to the band's uncompromising sonic assault that blurs the lines between black, thrash, and death metal. Fund and multi-instrumentalist Ramon Cazares comments on the track:

  “‘Words Defy Truth’ was written almost 10 years ago. I’m a big melody and somewhat tech fan, so this has been both challenging and fun to write and perform. This song is about some of the stuff that I saw and experienced when I was involved in church. It seemed like the deeper I got involved, the darker things got. It wasn’t necessarily nefarious but the manipulation, control, fear, and empty hope and promises were enough for me to walk away from religion.”

  The track runs four minutes of pure, unadulterated metal aggression, which demonstrates why Abolishment of Flesh continues to push the boundaries of extreme music. With themes rooted in war, violence, disease, corruption, and the systematic collapse of human civilization, Abolishment of Flesh delivers an anti-human message about death and destruction.

  Watch “Words Defy Truth” via its premiere on TheCirclePit.

  ​

  “Resurrecting Misanthropy” is out now at at Abolishmentofflesh.bandcamp.com and Spotify to satiate the appetites of metalheads worldwide, it is especially recommended for those with an interest in Kataklysm, Suffocation, and Deicide.

  Track Listing:​
  1. Words Defy Truth (4:00)
  2. Hater of Man (3:23)
  3. Disavowed (4:04)
  ​

  More info: ​​Abolishmentofflesh.com | Facebook.com/abolishmentoffleshofficial | X.com/abolishmenttxdm | Youtube.com/@abolishmentoffleshofficial | Instagram.com/abolishmentoffleshofficial​

  -30-

  "Spiraling and crazed death metal from Amarillo, The Abolishment Of Flesh's debut proves they aren't messing around." - Metal Injection (Inhuman Condition 2018)​
  ​

  --
  ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
  Jon Asher - Music Publicist
  #.514.581.5780
  jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
  Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
  Instagram @AsherMedia
  Tweet @AsherMedia

  Read more

• Take A Cinematic Climb Over "The Mountain" w/ New Video From THE MOURNING (ft. members Witherfall, 3 Headed Snake)

  Dec 18, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Take A Cinematic Climb Over "The Mountain" w/ New Video From THE MOURNING (ft. members Witherfall, 3 Headed Snake)

  New Album "Hush" Out Now!

  Album Guests - Francesco Pinter (Berklee alumnus), Charlie Robbins (Syncatto, Artificial Language), Thomas Griggs (Intervals), Jeff Pogan (ex-Suicidal Tendencies), Trey Xavier (Gear Gods)

  Florida, USA’s progressive metal powerhouse The Mourning has just released their captivating new music video for “The Mountain” a visually stunning exploration of tranquility, spiritual connection, and personal transformation from their latest album “Hush” released earlier this year. The band comments on the conception of the track:

  “The single was written while overlooking the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, capturing the serene experience of escaping the city’s hustle and bustle. This song reflects how such tranquility can bring a closer connection to one's inner divine.”

  The track starts with a soft, beautiful melody that mirrors the peacefulness of the mountains, gradually evolving into a powerful prog metal anthem. This transition symbolizes the awakening of deeper spiritual consciousness. As the song progresses, intricate instrumental layers and complex rhythms emerge. The soaring vocals deliver emotional intensity, with lyrics infused with themes of nature and spirituality. The climax features catchy cadences and commanding guitar riffs, blending technical prowess with melodic sensibility.

  The video was filmed against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains in Blue Ridge, Georgia, and it is a cinematic journey that mirrors the song's profound musical and lyrical landscape. “The Mountain” is recommended for those who enjoy the grandeur of nature and progressive music, especially bands like Porcupine Tree, Polyphia, and Haken.

  Watch and listen to the music video for "The Mountain" via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

  “Hush” was released on June 24, 2024, and is available at Spotify | Themourning.bandcamp.com | Themourningmusic.com/store/ (CD, Digital)

  (Album Artwork by Sam Shearon)

  Track Listing:​
  1. Chaos Machine – 4:57
  2. The Mountain – 5:37
  3. He Cries – 4:22
  4. I Feel The Rain – 5:05
  5. Hush – 5:04
  6. The Wind – 4:40
  7. My Own Way – 4:47
  8. Cries of the Mind – 5:34
  9. My Own Hell – 4:48
  10. Smooth Seas – 7:02
  Album Length - 52:56
  ​
  ​Album Recording Credits:​
  ● All songs performed by: The Mourning
  ● All songs written by: The Mourning
  ● Produced by: Alex Nasla (ASCAP Member) & David Alex
  ● Mixed by: Alex Nasla
  ● Mastered by: Alex Nasla
  ● Album Artwork by: Sam Shearon
  ​
  ​Album Band Line Up:​
  ● Johnny Ray – Vocals, Keyboards
  ● Alex Nasla – Keyboards (ASCAP Member)
  ● Loren Whitaker – Bass
  ● Jason Berlin – Drums
  ● Eliana Blanchard – Backing Vocals
  ● Brandon Delpino – Backing Vocals
  ● Francesco Pinter – Guitar
  ​
  ​Guest Musicians:​
  1. Charlie Robbins (Syncatto, Artificial Language)
  ○ Track: Chaos Machine
  ○ Contribution: Guitar Solo
  2. Trey Xavier (In Virtue)
  ○ Track: Smooth Seas
  ○ Contribution: Guitar Solo
  3. Jeff Pogan (Suicidal Tendencies, Oneironaut)
  ○ Track: Cries of the Mind
  ○ Contribution: Guitar Solo
  ​
  ​Live Band Line Up:​
  ● Johnny Ray – Lead Vocals
  ● Zai Alyenora – Lead Vocals
  ● Jason Berlin – Drums
  ● Alex Nasla (ASCAP Member) – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
  ● Francesco Pinter – Guitar

  For more info: Themourningmusic.com | Facebook.com/themourningmusic | Instagram.com/themourningmusic

  Read more