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• MARKO HIETALA Unveils Video For New Single 'Rebel Of The North'

  Jan 8, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Marko Hietala, the iconic vocalist and bassist, makes a triumphant return with his powerful new single 'Rebel of the North'. This high-energy classic rock anthem is a perfect showcase of Marko's talent for crafting timeless, hard-hitting music. The single serves as another taste of his highly anticipated upcoming album, Roses from the Deep, which is set to release on February 7, 2025, and is eagerly awaited by fans worldwide.

  Accompanying the release is a unique and visually striking music video. Filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of a picturesque Spanish village, the video captures the band’s electrifying performance, seamlessly blended with the song’s bold and inspiring lyrics. The stunning contrast between the rugged rock sound and the tranquil Mediterranean setting makes this release a feast for the senses.

  Marko Hietala comments: "This one is a rocker. The main riff will put you into the Nordics with a slam. And the story is about reimagining, reinventing, and then gathering yourself into a better new being. We should never take ourselves for granted. It leads to becoming jaded and boring. Your inner kid wants to learn and apply anything and everything. Just don’t get in the way of yourself."
  
  Watch the video here: 
  https://youtu.be/gA5HLCY8VKw
  
  Listen to 'Rebel of the North': 
  https://markohietala.bfan.link/rebel-of-the-north
  
  Pre-order Roses From The Deep: 
  https://markohietala.bfan.link/roses-from-the-deep

  Follow Marko Hietala on social media:
  https://www.facebook.com/markohietalaofficial
  tps://www.instagram.com/marko_hietala_official
  
  Line-Up:
  Marko Hietala | Bass, Vocals
  Tuomas Wäinölä | Guitar
  Vili Ollila / Bob Engstrand | Keyboards
  Anssi Nykänen | Drums

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• PARADISE LOST ANNOUNCE 2025 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

  Jan 8, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  UK gothic metal legends PARADISE LOST will return to North America for the first time in years in support of their latest masterpiece, Obsidian, available from Nuclear Blast Records. The Devil Embraced North American Tour will take place in May 2025 and feature openers GiGAN and TROUBLE. 
  
  Tickets go on sale Friday, January 10th at 10:00AM Local Time at https://paradiselost.co.uk/.
  
  Commenting on the tour, founding vocalist Nick Holmes says: 
  
  "We never get to play America as much as we would like to so it's always great to get the opportunity to return. We are all really looking forward to playing these shows, and hope to see you all there."
  
  PARADISE LOST Tour Dates:
  May 16 - Milwaukee, WI - Milwaukee Metal Fest
  May 17 - Columbus, OH - The King of Clubs
  May 18 - Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace
  May 20 - Montreal, QC - Fairmount Theatre
  May 21 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
  May 22 - New York, NY - Le Poisson rouge
  May 24 - Baltimore, MD - Maryland Death Fest

   

  Formed in Halifax, West Yorkshire, in 1988, PARADISE LOST were unlikely candidates for metal glory when they slithered from the shadows and infiltrated the UK underground. But not content with spawning an entire subgenre with early death/doom masterpiece Gothic nor with conquering the metal mainstream with the balls-out power of 1995’s Draconian Times, they have subsequently traversed multiple genre boundaries with skill and grace, evolving through the pitch-black alt-rock mastery of ‘90s classics One Second and Host to the muscular but ornate grandeur of 2009’s Faith Divides Us – Death Unites Us and Tragic Idol (2012), with the nonchalant finesse of grand masters. The band’s last two albums – The Plague Within (2015) and Medusa (2017) – saw a much celebrated return to brutal, old school thinking, via two crushing monoliths to slow-motion death and spiritual defeat. Consistently hailed as one of metal’s most charismatic live bands, PARADISE LOST arrive in this new decade as veterans, legends and revered figureheads for several generations of gloomy metalheads. In keeping with their unerring refusal to deliver the expected, 2020 brings one of the band’s most diverse and devastating creations to date. Their last album Obsidian was released in spring 2020, hitting international charts with great success.

  
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  More info on PARADISE LOST:
  http://www.paradiselost.co.uk/
  https://www.facebook.com/paradiselostofficial/
  https://www.instagram.com/officialparadiselost/
  www.nuclearblast.de/paradiselost
  https://twitter.com/officialpl
  https://www.youtube.com/user/paradiselostuk

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• Melodic Metal Powerhouse THE FERRYMEN Unveil New Single "Mother Unholy" + Music Video

  Jan 8, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Melodic metal powerhouse THE FERRYMEN (Magnus Karlsson, Ronnie Romero, and Mike Terrana) are pleased to share “Mother Unholy”, the next single from their upcoming new studio album, 'Iron Will', set for release on January 24, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. 

   

  The release of the single is accompanied by a music video, available to view below.

   

  About the track, vocalist Ronnie Romero says:

   

  “The most epic song of the album! Just loved how Magnus is capable to create such an atmosphere for a song. Loved to sing in this epic and yet heavy tune!! I believe THE FERRYMEN fans are going to love this one!!”

   

  Guitarist Magnus Karlsson adds:

   

  “I love to write and produce epic stuff and this song is a really good example of that! The great lyrics are written by Jane Gillard and are about a nun who was pure of heart, but her heart was turned black by the hypocrisy of the people in the order around her, and ultimately, she became evil. Where there is light there, must also be dark”.

   

  Watch the Music Video for “Mother Unholy” HERE

   

  Guitarist Magnus Karlsson expresses his excitement for the release:   “It’s pure fire creating metal with legends like Ronnie and Mike! These tracks hit hard with unrelenting power, but there’s this raw, emotional edge woven into the heaviness that I can’t get enough of. Heavy, honest, and straight from the soul—that’s the vibe we’re bringing”.   “As usual, I just loved singing over Magnus/The Ferrymen songs!! As a singer, there is nothing better to work on melodies and lyrics that inspire your performance, but also in real life day by day, and that’s something I strongly believe the fans of the band like the most of this project.    Can’t wait for everybody to listen to what, once again, is a strong melodic yet heavy album that I am very proud of”, adds vocalist Ronnie Romero.

  Pre-Order 'Iron Will' HERE   The Ferrymen, the powerhouse trio formed by Swedish guitarist, songwriter, and producer Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear, Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall), dynamic vocalist Ronnie Romero (Lords of Black, Sunstorm, Rainbow), and thunderous drummer Mike Terrana (Rage, Axel Rudi Pell), have solidified their place among European melodic metal fans with three acclaimed albums. Now, they're gearing up for their fourth: 'Iron Will'.   On 'Iron Will,' the band once again blends classic heavy metal with modernized songwriting, delivering an intense and refreshed sound. This album is a pure adrenaline rush for melodic heavy metal fans, packed with epic structures and soaring melodies.   The music is quintessential Ferrymen: heavy, melodic, and masterfully crafted. Karlsson’s signature songwriting shines through with intricate, robust arrangements, complemented by Romero’s commanding vocals and Terrana’s explosive drumming.   The album starts with “Choke Hold,” transitioning from an emotional intro into a massive melodic metal anthem. Tracks like “Mother Unholy,” “Adrenaline,” and the closer, “You’re the Joker,” highlight the trio’s unmatched synergy and musicianship.   With stunning cover art by Stan W. Decker, 'Iron Will' promises to be a defining moment for THE FERRYMEN and a must-hear for metal fans in 2025! THE FERRYMEN are: Ronnie Romero - Vocals Mike Terrana - Drums Magnus Karlsson - Guitars

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• Heavy Metallers RIVETSKULL Bring Dio's Legendary Music to Life with New Tour!

  Jan 8, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  RIVETSKULL, the heavy metal powerhouse known for their electrifying live performances, are hitting the road to honor the legacy of the legendary Ronnie James Dio. Forged in the fires of a shared passion for Dio’s iconic music, RIVETSKULL is embarking on a special series of shows to celebrate the voice and spirit that has inspired countless fans around the globe.

   

  “We owe so much to Ronnie for the decades of powerful, unforgettable music he’s given us—and we know we’re not alone in feeling that way,” the band shares.

   

  The tour combines RIVETSKULL’s own hard-hitting metal with a celebration of Dio’s timeless catalog. Fans can look forward to a 45-minute set of RIVETSKULL’s original music, showcasing their unique sound and energy, followed by a 1-1/2 hour set of Dio’s greatest hits, spanning his legendary work with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio.

   

  “In the streaming era, it’s harder than ever for bands to stand out and connect with true heavy metal fans. Instead of following the same formula, we decided to embrace what makes RIVETSKULL unique by returning to our roots,” the band explains.

   

  “Before forming RIVETSKULL, we toured internationally as a Ronnie James Dio tribute band—not as imitators, but as musicians paying homage to a sound that’s part of our DNA. Dio’s music shaped who we are, and our performances have always been about channeling the power, emotion, and authenticity of his legacy—not just mimicking his look or stage show.

   

  Rather than jumping on tours with mismatched lineups, we’re creating a concert experience that’s built for fans of traditional heavy metal. It’s a night where our original music shares the stage with a celebration of one of the genre’s greatest icons. This is our way to honor the roots of metal while forging our own path.”

   

  About RIVETSKULL: In the misty streets of Seattle in 2009, four musicians united under the banner of metal legend Ronnie James Dio. Mark Plog, Chad McMurray, Michael Robson, and later Mark Hopkinsforged a fiery tribute that evolved into RIVETSKULL – not just disciples, but creators of their own heavy metal legacy.   RIVETSKULL stormed the Pacific Northwest, igniting audiences worldwide. Their debut album 'Trail of Souls: Samsara' (2023) marked a bold arrival, and with their sophomore release, 'Absence of Time', the band cemented its place in the metal scene.    Recently, Mark Hopkins chose to step back from the band to stay home with his family, and Johnny Massey has stepped in on bass.   Fusing raw power with diverse influences, RIVETSKULL crafts heavy, emotionally charged music that explores conflict, resilience, and unity. Their performances, known for intensity and passion, captivate fans across the globe.   RIVETSKULL stands as a beacon of unfiltered heavy metal. This special tour bridges their original music with Dio’s timeless brilliance – a night of unforgettable metal magic.   Celebrate the legacy of Ronnie James Dio and witness RIVETSKULL live on stage.

  RivetSkull are:  Mark Plog - guitar Chad McMurray - vocals Michael Robson - drums Johnny Massey - bass

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• Out Now! Brian Kingsland (NILE, Imperishable, Enthean) Releases Classical / Spanish Guitar Album "Translation"

  Jan 8, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  ​Known for his role in extreme metal bands such as NILE, Imperishable, and Enthean, composer /guitarist and vocalist Brian Kingsland is sharing his other passion in music, with his debut classical / Spanish guitar album entitled "Translation" due out on January 8, 2025.

  Kingsland's musical taste has always been wide from his pursuit of extreme metal to learning blues licks, and jazz theory, to impossible techniques. Classical guitar is another evolution in his musical journey. Beginning private classical studies in the early 2000s, Kingsland performed live many times, but never recorded any of the material. After many years of making heavy metal records, he felt it was time to reinvest in his classical pursuits. Performing compositions from some of his favorite composers Francisco Tarrega, Agustín Barrios Mangoré, Antonio Lauro, Andrés Segovia, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and Isaac Albéniz, the 11-track tribute can be best described as a beautiful and poetic of musical interpretation of some of the world's greatest classical guitarists.

  "I have always been attracted to Spanish and South American classical guitar music. I find it rhythmically diverse and harmonically rich. It has unique challenges that deviate from the traditional classical guitar. I think guitar and music fans alike will enjoy hearing another side of my musical expression," adds Kingsland.

  With classical music, particularly solo performances, it is up to the performer to interpret their vision of the song. Although he or she may not be the author, they're the vessel for the music to be expressed. Thus, Kingsland believes it is a collaboration, and with "Translation" he wants listeners to join him on a journey through Spain and South America to appreciate the genius of these composers, and be enveloped in these wonderful masterpieces.

  "Translation" is available on digital platforms:

  YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_liSk-KJEIiEgD3OYfP7_HkBtODWkvcEyo

  ​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3W6AFYg​

  Bandcamp - https://briankingsland.bandcamp.com/album/translation​

  Apple Music - https://apple.co/4fOan40​

  Track Listing:
  ​1. Capricho Arabe - Francisco Tárrega - (5:26)
  2. Choro de saudade - Agustín Barrios Mangoré - (5:52)
  3. Vals Op. 8, No.3 - Agustín Barrios Mangoré - (4:32)
  4. Julia Florida - Agustín Barrios Mangoré - (3:58)
  5. Mazurka Apasionada - Agustín Barrios Mangoré - (6:18)
  6. Maria Carolina - Antonio Lauro - (3:18)
  7. Vals Venezolano No.3 - Antonio Lauro - (2:33)
  8. Estudio sin Luz - Andrés Segovia - (3:00)
  9. Prelude 1 - Heitor Villa-Lobos - (4:21)
  10. Etude 1 - Heitor Villa-Lobos - (2:36)
  11. Zambra Granadina - Isaac Albéniz - (4:50)
  Album Length: 47:00
  ​
  ​Album Credits:​
  -All songs performed by Brian Kingsland
  -All songs written by Francisco Tarrega, Agustín Barrios Mangoré, Antonio Lauro, Andrés Segovia, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Isaac Albéniz
  -Produced by Brian Kingsland
  -Mixed by Steve Wilson

  -Photo by Casey Coscarelli

  -Album artwork by Dan Vadim Von
  -Brian Kingsland - Guitarist

  More info: https://www.instagram.com/briankingsland​

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