News

• HARPAZO Shares Dynamic Lyric Video "Ichor" For Futuristic Rock Opera Album “The Crucible”

  Jun 28, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of "The Crucible", the debut album from HARPAZO, the super-group formed by guitarist Marc Centanni and producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery, Ayreon). This progressive metal rock opera is a thrilling journey through a dystopian future, merging elements of progressive and power metal with symphonic and Celtic influences.

  HARPAZO's unique sound is driven by its all-star lineup featuring legendary musicians from the progressive and Christian metal scenes. Alongside Marc Centanni and Gary Wehrkamp, the album includes performances by: DC Cooper (Royal Hunt), Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord), Les Carlsen (Bloodgood), Rey Parra (Deny the Fallen, Sacred Warrior), Christian Liljegren (Narnia), Michael Drive Lee (Barren Cross, Worldview), Niklas Kahl (Lord of the Lost, Flaming Row), Lee Lemperle (Outside the Wall), Bruno Sa (Operation Mindcrime), Enzo Donnarumma (Enzo and the Glory Ensemble), and Jennifer Eckhart (Jennifer K Eckhart & Stained Glass Road).

  With intricate compositions and thought-provoking lyrics, "The Crucible" invites listeners into a complex world of intrigue and suspense. The album promises a deeply immersive experience that rewards close listening, revealing subtle details and atmospheric layers with each spin.

  “What we have here is a big juicy concept album for fans of prog to sink their teeth in deep. An album like this could only be captured in the elements of prog-rock / prog-metal world where there are no limits. Who better to orchestrate this madness than prog-metal legends Gary Wehrkamp of Shadow Gallery, DC Cooper of Royal Hunt, and Mark Zonder of Fates Warning? Gary, Mark, DC, and I have gathered some of the most passionate and finest musicians we've worked with to help create what we hope will be a rock opera masterpiece. Each one of the musicians has seamlessly weaved their style into the music and poured their soul into their performances. I am very proud of this album and I truly believe we've got something you can't afford to miss out on!” says Marc Centanni.

  For the album's release day, the band is sharing their latest lyric video for the single “Ichor” featuring DC Cooper (Royal Hunt) on vocals.

  "'Ichor' stands out to us as one of the best examples of Harpazo's dynamic music and storytelling. Boasting soaring operatic vocals, DC Cooper (Royal Hunt) shares mic duties with Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery), while prog-rock legend drummer Mark Zonder (Warlord/Fates Warning) lays down his signature inspiring and creative beats. The song incorporates dramatic dystopian symphonic orchestration and merges it with potent melodic guitars. The chorus features a large and expansive vocal melody that we believe will immediately capture your attention and stay stuck in your head for days. The narrative of "Ichor" commences with a gripping intro of our anti-hero protagonist, Michael Lightborne, being turned into a cybernetically augmented assassin for Solomon Industries. His job is to influence politicians, eliminate world leaders, and help Jude Solomon establish his new world order using the life-changing serum known as “Ichor”. This mood-setting track on “The Crucible” is the first song on our album and we know you’ll be hooked and want to hear more from our metal opera. We are so excited for you to hear it!" adds Marc Centanni.

   

  the album "The Crucible" is now available as of June 28th, 2024 for digital streaming/download worldwide!

  ​https://lnk.to/DQbZKb3s​

  CD - Europe - https://bit.ly/HarpazoCD​
  CD - North America (Available July 5th) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3FK468B/

  For more info:​
  ​Rockshots.eu | https://harpazomusic.com | https://www.facebook.com/Harpazomusic | https://www.instagram.com/harpazo_music

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• Proggers SHUMAUN Unveils Their Fourth Album “Opposing Mirrors” Featuring An All-Star Lineup of Drummers - Thomas Lang (Peter Gabriel, Paul Gilbert), Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats), Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation)

  Jun 28, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  (L to R) – Tyler Kim: Guitar, Farhad Hossain: Vocals, Guitar, Keys, Jose Mora: Bass

  Progressive rock band Shumaun, from Virginia, USA is thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated introspective fourth album “Opposing Mirrors”. This new album is chock full of the band's signature blend of melodic, progressive, and accessible rock driven by Farhad Hossain. Featuring a stellar lineup of drummers, including Thomas Lang, Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation), and Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats), the album is set to be a landmark release in Shumaun's career. Hossain comments on the album:

  “The album is intended to be listened to sequentially, although there are standout singles dispersed throughout. There’s a natural flow between the songs, and the lyrics contribute to a conceptual feel. In essence, the album is kind of conceptual, and the title, “Opposing Mirrors” encapsulates this theme perfectly. Whether it’s reflecting on a loved one, an adversary, or individuals grappling to connect, the album delves into the challenges of understanding “the other” by means of self-reflection and awareness and viewing them as a mirror for oneself, fostering compassion and empathy in the process.”

  Hossain continues to explain that this album is a little more explorative than their previous one. It retains their signature progressive elements but with a stronger focus on guitars with the layered vocals remaining intact. Mixed and mastered by Brett Caldas-Lima at Tower Studio in France, the album delivers a polished yet dynamic sound that is sure to resonate with fans old and new.

  “Opposing Mirrors” is best experienced as a cohesive journey, with each track contributing to a thematic coherence that invites listeners to delve deeper into its rich tapestry of sound. The lyrics for this album were inspired directly by life events and the prevailing state of the world. It is recommended for fans of Porcupine Tree, Fates Warning, and Dream Theater.

  “Opposing Mirrors” is due out on June 28, 2024, and available for pre-order at https://shumaun.bandcamp.com​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3V9G00C​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. The Perils of Amnesia (8:06)
  2. Balance (6:00)
  3. Opposing Mirrors (4:26)
  4. Anxiety and Daydreams (6:00)
  5. That Which Turns (4:54)
  6. Beyond Reflection (6:28)
  7. Some Memories 4:10)
  8. Porcelain Trees (9:26)
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  Album Band Lineup
  Farhad Hossain — Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
  Jose Mora — Bass
  Tyler Kim — Guitars
  Drums:
  Thomas Lang (Tracks 1, 3, 8)
  Marco Minnemann (Tracks 4, 7)
  Leo Margarit (Tracks 5, 6)
  Farhad Hossain (Track 2)
  ​

  More info: Shumaun.com | Facebook.com/shumaun | Instagram.com/shumaunofficial

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• Newfoundland Duo ARTACH Put A Black Metal Tinge On Industrial w/ New Video "Frozen Factory" Off EP "Sgrios" Out July 2024

  Jun 26, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  From the frost-bitten depths of Newfoundland, Canada, black metal duo ARTACH return this summer to present their experimental side with their latest EP "Sgrios" out this July 2024, which will later be followed by a third full-length this coming Fall (to be released on vinyl via Adirondack Black Mass), and will once again feature their signature sound.

  The upcoming EP "Sgrios" might surprise some listeners as the band took on an experimental direction to incorporate more industrial metal sounds. Bands like Rammstein, Fear Factory, and Pain for example. However, it’s still them and still has all the elements from their previous releases.

  For the "Sgrios" EP, the black metal spin on industrial metal is a mash of styles that the duo hadn’t heard much of and felt was something fresh and original.

  "Not a ton of Black Metal bands will have Rammstein-esque synth guitar sounds, tremolo-picked riffs, and harsh black metal vocals. We talked about doing this “industrial-styled” 4 song EP to keep active and experiment ahead of the release of our 3rd full-length in the fall of 2024. At first, we thought about calling it a different project name, but quickly realized we could and would make it close enough to the Artach style to keep the name. You will hear industrial metal through the Artach blackened-thrash lens." adds Sruthán (Guitar/Bass).

  Lyrically, the topics explored on the "Sgrios" EP cover technology, apocalyptic themes, and some tongue-in-cheek suggestive topics ('Sgrios" translates to English as destroy, ruin, ravage, annihilate, etc.). The "Sgrios" cover artwork has the duo in robot form in a frozen industrial wasteland. It fits with the lyrical topics for the EP perfectly.

  Today, the band shares their lead single off the EP entitled "Frozen Factory", a track about environmental collapse due to greed.

  "We chose this one as it serves as a bridge between what you’ve come to know Artach for and the other songs on the EP. It was the last song written for this EP. When we were doing the others, which had more synth-sounding guitars etc, we thought we needed something heavier so taking inspiration from some bands like Fear Factory, etc we crafted an Artach take on that side of industrial metal." says Sruthán (Guitar/Bass)

  ​

  Due out on July 6th, 2024, "Sgrios" is available for pre-order at https://artach.bandcamp.com​

  Track Listing​
  1. Frozen Factory - 3:00
  2. The Black Hole - 3:32
  3. Super-Cybernetic - 3:18
  4. Atomic Cabaret - 3:04
  EP Length: 12:55
  ​
  ​Artach are:
  Fíochmhar: Drums/Vocals
  Sruthán: Guitar/Bass

  For more info:​
  ​Facebook.com/ArtachBlackMetal​
  ​Instagram.com/ArtachBlackMetal

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• WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Announces National Winner - CASCADE EFFECT - One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  Jun 25, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

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  One band to conquer them all! Down to the final five bands from across the country, the national final for Wacken Metal Battle USA was held this past Saturday, June 22nd in San Diego, CA at the Brick by Brick with regional winners Cascade Effect (San Diego), WarTroll (NorCal), Versipul (PNW), Prime Prophecy (East Coast), and Father Wolf (Texas).

  Judged by an industry panel that included Rod Kukla (Silver Lining Music), Craig Goldy (Dio), Derek Engemann (Scour, Phil Anselmo and the Illegals, ex-Cattle Decapitation), and Patrick Stone (Adler's Appetite, Budderside), the band that reigned the stage and proved themselves worthy of gracing the holy land of metal at Wacken Open Air in Germany is crowned 2024 champion, San Diego's Cascade Effect.

  As this year's crowned USA champion, Cascade Effect will now move on to perform as the only independent American band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air (July 31st – August 3rd), one of the world's most prestigious and largest metal festivals (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).​

  Cascade Effect joins the list of previous WMBU national winners, San Diego’s Fadrait (2023 - San Diego) Mythraeum (2022 - San Diego), Monarch (2019 - San Diego), Voices of Ruin (2018 - Anaheim) and Corpse Hoarder (2017 - Philadelphia).

  2024 battles were hosted in the following cities: New York, NY, Clifton, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, Bay Area, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Orange County, CA, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, Austin, TX, Dallas, TX, El Paso, TX, Houston, TX, San Antonio, TX.

  ​

  For the last 5 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023), Wacken Metal Battle USA 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 2024 will be the 33rd edition of the festival and will be held from July 31st – August 3rd. The 2024 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Scorpions, Amon Amarth, Blind Guardian, In Extremo, Pain, Beast In Black, and many more. Details here.

  Wacken Metal Battle USA 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 the USA 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 and give 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 American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2024 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

  Rules for participation: https://metalbattleusa.com/rules/​

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​
  ​MetalBattleUSA.com​
  ​Facebook.com/metalbattleusa​
  ​Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA​
  ​Instagram.com/metalbattleusa

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• ZEALED’s New Single “Divination” Is An Adrenaline Rush Of Black Metal And Deathcore

  Jun 24, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Ritalo, USA’s independent music project Zealed is thrilled to announce the release of their potent third single “Divination”. Known for their unique blend of symphonic black metal and melodic deathcore, Zealed's latest track promises an intense, fast, and brutally melodic experience that will draw in listeners. The band shares what people can expect:
  ​
  ​“Musically it offers a thrilling experience with rapid tempo shifts, an abundance of riffs, and slow, but intricate breakdowns. Lyrically: Same with lyrics, it’s like someone slammed a bunch of energy drinks and destroyed what was left of a brutal song, in a good way!”

  “Divination” was the second collaboration between instrumentalist Christopher Marron and vocalist Chris White on a track. They wanted to switch things up from their last single, yet maintain the same cohesive sound. This single is a key release leading up to Zealed’s forthcoming EP “Eschaton”. The EP will feature all of the band’s previous releases, meticulously remixed and remastered to ensure a consistent and powerful sound throughout. This collection will bring the Eschaton era story of Zealed to a close, setting the stage for the band to explore new musical directions in the future.

  Zealed was founded in late 2019 by Marron as an instrumental side project aimed at exploring audio and recording production. The initial instrumental release garnered positive feedback, prompting Marron to elevate the project by incorporating a vocalist. This led to the inclusion of White, who brought his expertise in lyrics and vocals, thus transforming Zealed into the powerhouse duo it is today. Zealed is recommended for fans of Bleeding Through, Lorna Shore, and Chelsea Grin.

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  Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/3u59jvmz​

  Bandcamp - https://zealed.bandcamp.com​

  More info: https://www.facebook.com/zealedmusic | https://instagram.com/zealedmusic | https://www.twitter.com/zealedmusic | https://www.tiktok.com/@zealedmusic

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