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  • MAD PARISH Unveils Epic Progressive / NWOBHM Concept Album “The Dust Of Forever” + Comic Book

     

    The wait is over as Montreal, Canada's heavy metal visionaries Mad Parish release their highly anticipated concept album “The Dust Of Forever". Available now on all major platforms as of Jan 31st, this ambitious project marks a new pinnacle in the band's decade-long journey. “The Dust Of Forever” is not just an album; it's a multi-faceted experience that pushes the boundaries of heavy metal storytelling. Spanning 21 tracks, the album weaves an original narrative following Joe, an immortal protagonist caught in a universe-threatening cataclysm. The band shares how the album came to be:

    “The album has interesting origins. A song from our first album was inspired by a comic book. After Bob joined the band, he mused about what would happen if this priest from the comic discovered that he was immortal, and the song “The Dust Of Forever” was written. Once we started writing some more songs we discussed what kind of album to make next. That is when we came upon the idea of expanding this world we were writing about, and making a concept album.”

    Going full-on, epic prog metal was a big challenge for Mad Parish and they set out to write a story that they would tell through the songs, and decided to create a companion comic book to accompany the album. Creatively, this is the most adventurous thing they’ve done to date.

    From the opening “Prologue” to the climactic “Hail To The Hunter”, listeners are taken on an immersive journey through a richly imagined world. The album showcases Mad Parish's evolution, blending their NWOBHM-inspired roots with progressive rock structures, 70's rock swagger, 80's new wave textures, and even hints of classical and jazz. This eclectic mix results in a sound that's uniquely Mad Parish – heavy, melodic, and deeply atmospheric. It is recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Rush, and Rainbow.

    “The Dust Of Forever" is available on January 31, 2025, digitally plus CD and Vinyl along with a limited edition Comic Book "The Experience Hunter Chronicles" via their Bandcamp at ​https://madparish1.bandcamp.com/album/the-dust-of-forever

    Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4jBAs9v

    Comic Book Credits:
    Story - Josh McConnell
    Artwork - Niall Skinner
    Editing - Rahl Stafford
    Design - Maximus Rex

    Track Listing:
    1. Prophecy - 1:30
    2. Defecther - 4:32
    3. Possess The Child - 4:45
    4. Outerest In Irisius - 1:34
    5. Ouen Formation - 6:35
    6. Hunted - 1:51
    7. Astra T.R.A.Z (Tower Reformatory Asteroid Zone) - 4:42
    8. Transmission #1 Dream On - 1:40
    9. Resistius - 6:44
    10. Aeternal - 1:44
    11. An Age To Quell - 4:05
    12. Transmission #2 - Will Of God - 2:04
    13. Loched - 3:24
    14. Cathedron Wakes - 5:37
    15. Book of Rites - 1:06
    16. Bishop's Tomb - 3:32
    17. Transmission #3 - Baz Raa Luum - 1:46
    18. The Experience Hunter - 5:04
    19. Trajectory: Tantus - 2:02
    20. The Dust Of Forever - 5:11
    21. Hail To The Hunter - 1:01
    Album Length: 1:10:40

    More Info: Madparishmetal.com | Facebook.com/madparishmetal | Instagram.com/madparishmetal

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  • EPICA Announce New Album "Aspiral" + Share Video For New Single "Cross The Divide"

    Symphonic metal titans EPICA are excited to announce that their ninth studio album Aspiral, out on April 11. 

    The album title is derived from the eponymous bronze sculpture made by Polish sculptor and painter Stanisław Szukalski back in 1965 and stands for renewal and inspiration — key words that define Epica in 2025. In Szukalski's work, every detail is a piece of art on its own and there's always more to the story than you initially think. The band saw this as the perfect analogy for the creation of this ninth album: Each song stands on its own with a distinctive vibe and meaning, while together they enforce each other into a monumental effort. 

    The album, featuring stunning cover artwork by Hedi Xandt (Rammstein, Ghost, Parkway Drive), is now available for pre-order in the below mentioned formats. The special editions even include the BluRay and audio recordings of the full monumental "Symphonic Synergy" performance in Amsterdam that the band recorded in 2024, with an orchestra and choir.

    Recorded once again at Sandlane Studios and expertly mixed and produced by Joost van den Broek, Aspiral boasts 11 new tracks.

    If you want to get another appetizer of the new tracks, you can check out the band's music video for the up-tempo anthem "Cross The Divide," directed by Kunststoff here.

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  • Novelists Release "All For Nothing" + Announce New Album "CODA"

    French metal band NOVELISTS boldly stand their ground as one of the metal scene's most vibrant and diverse bands with their new single "All For Nothing," which coincides with the announcement of their upcoming album "CODA." The album is set to release on May 9, 2025 through the new record label, ACKOR Music, created by members of LANDMVRKS and NOVELISTS.

    Watch here.

    Pre-save the album here.

    When asked about the single, Novelists say, "'All For Nothing' is the second single from our upcoming album CODA. The song showcases a different style and emotional range compared to our first single releases, 'Coda' and 'K.O.' This shift was a deliberate choice to avoid sticking to a formula, with each single telling a unique story. With the release of this new track, we also announce that their fifth studio album, CODA, will be released on May 16th, 2025, via ACKOR Music."

    ABOUT NOVELISTS:
    Novelists are a female-fronted French metal band that has taken the global metalcore scene by storm with their unique blend of progressive and melodic elements. 

    With a sound that defies boundaries, Novelists has carved out a distinct identity on the global metalcore stage, blending technical mastery with atmospheric depth and emotional resonance. Originally from Paris, the band has become known for genre-bending tracks like "Okapi" and "Prisoner," which fuse progressive metal, post-rock, and ambient influences into a style that's as intense as it is introspective.

    Their exceptional musicianship is a defining characteristic, with intricate guitar work and progressive structures, particularly in Pierre Danel's and Florestan Durand's precise, virtuosic guitar solos. 

    Their focus on technical detail and thoughtful song construction adds layers to their music that few bands in the genre achieve.

    The band’s recent addition — Camille Contreras as lead vocalist has brought fresh energy and innovation to their sound, propelling Novelists in exciting new directions while staying true to their core identity. Currently on a world tour, including stops in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America supporting bands like NORTHLANE, PERIPHERY, TESSERACT, ERRA, and set to reach more audiences worldwide over the next seven months, Novelists are proving their commitment to connecting with fans across continents.

    Known for intense and immersive live performances, Novelists deliver high-energy shows that showcase their technical prowess and emotional depth, creating a must-see experience. Their commitment to forward-thinking sound production further enhances their recordings and live shows, utilising modern audio techniques to craft an enveloping, multi-dimensional sonic landscape.

    With a new album on the horizon and a lineup brimming with passion and innovation, Novelists continue to evolve, promising their fans a future filled with boundary-breaking sounds and authentic connections.

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  • Thornhill Unleash New Era ‘BODIES’ + Drop Explosive Single ‘Silver Swarm’ + Announce First-Ever US Headline Tour!"

    Australia’s genre-defying heavyweights Thornhill are back with their most ambitious chapter yet. The band has announced their third studio album, ‘BODIES,’ set for release on April 4th, 2025, via UNFD. Following the success of their recent single “nerv,” Thornhill continue to break boundaries with the release of their blistering new track “Silver Swarm,” accompanied by an intense music video. The band has also unveiled details of their first-ever North American headline tour, kicking off in Los Angeles on April 11th, 2025. 

     

    Pre-order BODIES HERE

    Stream "Silver Swarm" HERE and watch the official music video HERE

    Tickets for the US headline tour will go on sale at 10am local on Friday, January 31st HERE

     

    Thornhill’s new single “Silver Swarm” dives deep into the emotional depths of the chaotic manipulation and push-and-pull of love, control, and self-doubt experienced in toxic relationships. Speaking on the new track, Thornhill vocalist Jacob Charlton elaborates: 

     

    “‘Silver Swarm’ is a visceral exploration of the emotional labyrinth created by overwhelming feelings and the toxic pull of manipulation. The track vividly captures the experience of being ensnared in an intense, destructive relationship, where one is both irresistibly drawn to and desperately repelled by the manipulator’s influence. The ‘Silver Swarm’ becomes a powerful metaphor for the invasive thoughts and emotions that consume and cloud the protagonist’s sense of self. With its dynamic shifts in tone and intensity, the song mirrors the chaotic push and pull of such a relationship, oscillating between fear, confusion, and moments of clarity. It’s a haunting portrayal of the internal conflict that arises when love, control, and toxicity become entangled, leaving the listener to confront the complexity of being trapped in something both harmful and compelling.” 

    In celebration of the new album, for the first time ever, Thornhill will headline stages across North America in Spring 2025. The ‘BODIES’ North American Headline Tour kicks off on April 11th at The Echo in Los Angeles and features support from AVOID, Ocean Grove, and Banks Arcade. Tickets go on sale at 10am local on Friday, January 31st HERE

     

    Commenting on their first ever US headline run, Thornhill shares: 

     

    “We couldn’t be more excited to announce our very first North American headline tour! It’s something we’ve dreamed about for years, and now it’s finally happening. We’re bringing along some incredible friends—AVOID, Ocean Grove, and Banks Arcade—and trust us, this lineup is going to deliver a high-energy show from start to finish. We’re so gassed to bring the songs of our new album ‘Bodies’ to the stage.”

    Download Tour Art HERE

    THORNHILL ‘BODIES’ 

    North American Headline Tour 

     

    - 04.11 – Los Angeles, CA – Echo 

    - 04.12 – Mesa, AZ – The Underground 

    - 04.15 – San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger 

    - 04.16 – Dallas, TX – RBC 

    - 04.17 – Houston, TX – Secret Group 

    - 04.19 – Tampa, FL – Crowbar 

    - 04.20 – Orlando, FL – Abbey 

    - 04.22 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade (Purgatory) 

    - 04.23 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819 

    - 04.24 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage 

    - 04.25 – Asbury Park, NJ – House of Independents 

    - 04.26 – Brooklyn, NY – Meadows 

    - 04.27 – Worcester, MA – Palladium (Upstairs) 

    - 04.29 – Montreal, QC – Fairmount Theater 

    - 05.01 – Toronto, ON – Velvet Underground 

    - 05.02 – Lakewood, OH – Mahalls 

    - 05.03 – Detroit, MI – The Loving Touch 

    - 05.04 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge 

    - 05.06 – Minneapolis, MN – Amsterdam 

    - 05.07 – Kansas City, MO – RecordBar 

    - 05.09 – Denver, CO – Marquis 

    - 05.10 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban 

    - 05.12 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon 

    - 05.13 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater 

    - 05.15 – Sacramento, CA – Goldfields 

    - 05.16 – Anaheim, CA – Chain Reaction 

    Keep an eye out for more coming from Thornhill soon.

    ABOUT THORNHILL 

     

    Eternal purveyors of artful and engaging heavy creations, Thornhill possess a flair for nuanced rock beyond their influences. Via their ARIA Award-nominated 2022 album Heroine, Thornhill solidified a steadfast reputation as one of the most innovative and immersive heavy acts in the Australian scene, with Heroine debuting at #3 on the ARIA Albums charts, and at #1 on the Australian Albums charts.

     

    Thornhill have amassed a heaving array of accolades over the years, including triple j's Feature Album and additions to countless Best Of The Year listings for their 2019 release The Dark Pool. And in 2023 and 2024, the band gifted some insatiable new material courtesy of standalone singles "Viper Room" and "Obsession", as well as a live album, Live On Tour!, boasting performances captured in the wild across the globe that released in June.

     

    Thornhill kicked off 2024 supporting Silent Planet on extensive North American run, before joining Aussie heavies Polaris on tour in the UK and Europe, appearing at Impericon Festival alongside As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red and While She Sleeps, and touring North America supporting Northlane.

     

    Most recently, Thornhill joined Fear Factory, Thy Art Is Murder, Hands Like Houses and many more performing at Froth & Fury Fest in Adelaide, with the band also currently on the road headlining a huge run across the UK and Europe.

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  • Streaming Now! Prog Collective LUNAR Unveils Groundbreaking Concept Album “Tempora Mutantur”

     

    Sacramento, USA’s progressive metal pioneers LUNAR are set to release their most ambitious project to date, “Tempora Mutantur” on January 31, 2025. A meticulously crafted concept album that explores the intricate passages of time, personal transformation, and emotional landscapes, the record represents a milestone in the band's continuing musical evolution. They comment on the release:

    “We’re very excited to present our new album “Tempora Mutantur” to the world! This album is more thematic rather than conceptual like the last album. This album deals with something everyone can relate to and no one can escape: the passing of time. As we get older, our perspective changes, we gain some things, and lose others… sometimes the things and ones we love. And we struggle and fight along the way.”

    Lunar hopes that fans will be able to resonate with the album and find some solace in it as it is highly relatable to the theme of time passing. Continued and driven by drummer and primary songwriter Alex Bosson (Helion Prime, Planeswalker) after the passing of co-band founder Ryan Erwin in 2018, the album is the result of a deeply personal and introspective creative process.

    The album's eight tracks weave a complex narrative that explores themes of seasonal change as metaphors for personal growth, mental health, and the passage of time. From the opening track to the three-part title suite that closes the album, Lunar demonstrates its unique ability to transform personal struggles into universal musical statements that resonate with listeners on multiple levels. The album is recommended for fans of Haken, Tool, and Porcupine Tree.

    Listen to the album stream premiere of “Tempora Mutantur” via Decibel Magazine HERE.

    Lunar's fresh lineup features guitarists Carlos Alvarez and Connor McCray (Vis Mystica) along with keyboardist Anthony Stahl plus album guests Wayne Ingram (Wildrun), Joe Gullace (Thank You Scientist), and Sam Vallen (Caligula's Horse).

    A studio project since first conceived in 2014, LUNAR will make its live debut next year at the 2025 Hyperspace Metal Festival in Vancouver, BC, Canada on April 11th. Info here.

    LUNAR's "Tempora Mutantur" will be available from Saibot Reigns Records as of January 31st, 2025.

    Album pre-order - http://lunarbandofficial.bandcamp.com/

    (Album Artwork by Ed Bosson)

    Track Listing:
    1. A Summer To Forget – 6:37
    2. Fall Back Into Old Habits – 11:16 ft. guest guitar solo by Wayne Ingram (Wilderun)
    3. Seasonal Interlude – 4:47
    4. Weakening Winter Touch – 8:46
    5. Spring In My Step – 7:26
    6. Tempora Mutantur: Part I – Passage of Time – 3:12 ft. guest guitar solo by Sam Vallen (Caligula's Horse)
    7. Tempora Mutantur: Part II – Broken Pendulum – 3:47
    8. Tempora Mutantur: Part III – Watch The Weather Change – 4:51
    Album Length: 50:45

    Album Credits:
    Performance and Writing credits - full info HERE.
    Produced by: Alex Bosson
    Mixed by: Carlos Alvarez
    Mastered by: Tony Lindgren

    Album Main Lineup:
    Chandler Mogel – Clean Vocals
    Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals
    Carlos Alvarez – Rhythm Guitar
    Connor McCray – Lead Guitar
    Ryan Price – Bass
    Alex Bosson – Drums
    Anthony Stahl – Keyboards

    Live Lineup:
    Chandler Mogel – Clean Vocals
    Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals
    Jordan Price – Guitars
    Ryan Price – Bass
    Alex Bosson - Drums

    For more info: Facebook.com/lunarbandofficial | Instagram.com/lunarbandofficial | X.com/LunarBandOffcl | Spotify

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