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• Finland's AITHEER's Debut Album "The Serpent" Pushes Boundaries of Extreme w/ Prog and Cinematic Depth

  Feb 21, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of "The Serpent", the highly anticipated debut full-length album from Aitheer, set to arrive today February 21st, 2025. Following their 2020 EP "Sleeper", the Finnish progressive metal band expands its sonic vision with an album that pushes boundaries, blending extreme metal intensity with intricate progressive arrangements and cinematic depth.

  Formed in 2017 by Niko Löfman (vocals, guitars), Antton Kasslin (drums) and Roope Kytölä (bass), Aitheer has evolved from a jam-based project into one of Finland’s most daring progressive acts. "The Serpent" represents a culmination of years of musical exploration, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Harri Petjakko at Studio UG in Finland between 2020 and 2024. The album’s sound is vast and unpredictable, combining black metal aggression, jazz-infused complexity, classical influences, and ethereal ambient textures into a singular, ever-shifting experience.

  At its core, "The Serpent" is a theatrical and immersive journey, moving through moments of chaos and serenity, heaviness, and melody, all bound by Aitheer’s uncompromising artistic vision. Tracks like "The Dance of Twins" exemplify the band’s ability to weave extreme metal with folk-inspired acoustic passages and jazz-laden saxophone solos, while pieces such as "Law" blend haunting piano arrangements with explosive, math-rock-inspired climaxes. Instrumental interludes like "Prologue", "East" and "Flame" introduce rich atmospheric elements, adding depth and contrast to the album’s progressive structures.

  For fans of Meshuggah, The Ocean, King Crimson, and Vangelis, "The Serpent" offers a challenging yet deeply rewarding listening experience that defies categorization. The band embraces a cinematic approach, creating an album that flows like a soundtrack—each track unfolding with unpredictable twists, rich textures, and emotional depth.

  With its genre-bending sound and fearless composition, "The Serpent" is more than just a debut—it is a statement. Aitheer solidifies its place among the most forward-thinking acts in progressive metal, delivering an album that demands exploration and rewards those willing to embark on its sonic journey.

  "The Serpent" will be available on all streaming platforms and in physical formats from February 21st, 2025 via Rockshots Records.

  Album Order - https://rockshots.eu/products/aitheer-the-serpent-cd​

  Digital (Spotify, Apple Music) - https://lnk.to/zPFXXP

  Single Stream- "The Serpent" - https://youtu.be/VOz76T4xOWA

  YouTube Album Stream - ​https://bit.ly/3EJrua8

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Prologue
  2. The Dance of Twins
  3. East
  4. Law
  5. Clairvoyance
  6. The Serpent
  7. Flame

  Band Lineup:​
  Niko Löfman: Vocals (studio, live), Guitar (studio, live), Bass (studio), Keyboards (studio)
  Lassi Enqvist: Guitar (studio, live), Keyboards (studio)
  Toni Paananen: Drums (studio, live) / Toni Paananen - Drums (studio, live)
  Andrea Ferrantelli: Bass (live)

  Album Artwork Credits:​
  Art of the front cover painted by Iiris Astraya.
  Graphic Design by Jarmo Sainio.
  Photography by Niko Löfman, Lassi Enqvist, Roope Kytölä, Andrea Ferrantelli, and Anssi Kippo.
  Logo by Niko Löfman.

  ​For more info:

  ​https://www.rockshots.eu​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/Aitheer

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• MANY EYES Shares New Music Video for "Speechless," Kicking Off North American Tour Next Week

  Feb 20, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Emerging metallic hardcore outfit MANY EYES is now debuting the official music video for the song, "Speechless," which was filmed on day off during the band's recent North American tour at Mahall's Lanes in Lakewood, OH. The video can be found at THIS LOCATION.

   

  “'Speechless' was the first song I ever demoed for Many Eyes," explains Buckley. "It set a standard for us that we still aspire towards when writing even to this day-make it heavy, make it good, make it cool.”

   

  "Speechless" is taken from the band's debut full-length, 'The Light Age,' which was released in September 2024 via Perseverance Media Group! The album can be found HERE.

   

  Many Eyes began in the winter of 2022 when Keith Buckley (Ex-Every Time I Die, The Damned Things) connected with brothers Nick (Producer/ Owner of Dexter's Lab Recording) and Charlie Bellmore (Corpsegrinder/ Toxic Holocaust) through their mutual friend, Jamey Jasta, frontman for metal legends Hatebreed. 'The Light Age' was written and recorded over a few weeks in both Buffalo, NY, and Milford, CT, where the members reside. 

   

  Many Eyes is currently working on their second album. 

   

  MANY EYES is about to embark on its third U.S. tour, supporting THE AMITY AFFLICTIONalongside HAIL THE SUN. Recently, they supported the legendary SUM 41 on their final tour, stoner rock stalwarts CLUTCH, and post-hardcore icons, THURSDAY. Their ability to engage an array of audiences shows a prowess in crossing genres. With Alan Hague now on guitar and Sean Vallie on bass, alongside Nick Bellmore’s powerful drumming and Keith Buckley’s commanding vocals, the band remains focused on pushing forward and exploring new creative horizons.

   

  MANY EYES will hit the road next week on February 27 in Phoenix, AZ. The band has now added several headlining shows to the itinerary, which can be found below while tickets will be available HERE.

  GET TICKETS HERE

   

  MANY EYES Tour Dates (Supporting THE AMITY AFFLICTION + HAIL THE SUN w/ SOLENCE): 02/27: Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge** [JUST ADDED] 02/28: San Diego, CA @ Soma 03/01: Fresno, CA @ Tioga Brewery 03/02: Flagstaff, AZ @ Orpheum Theater 03/03: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater 03/05: Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom 03/06: Memphis, TN @ Graceland Live 03/07: New Orleans, LA @ House Of Blues 03/08: Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall 03/09: Birmingham, AL @ Iron City 03/11: Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz 03/12: Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa 03/13: Myrtle Beach, SC @ House Of Blues 03/14: Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel 03/15: Lexington, KY @ Manchester Music Hall 03/17: Omaha, NE @ The Admiral Theater 03/19: Billings, MT @ Pub Station 03/21: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory 03/22: Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory 03/23: Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom 03/25: Reno, NV @ Virginia Street Brewhouse 03/26: Chico, CA @ Senator Theatre 03/28: Las Vegas, NV @ Berlin Bar** [JUST ADDED] 03/30: Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater** [JUST ADDED]

  Live Lineup:

  Vocals - Keith Buckley

  Drums - Nick Bellmore

  Bass - Sean Vallie

  Guitar - Alan Hague

   

  Recording Lineup:

  Vocals/ Lyrics/ Songwriter - Keith Buckley

  Producer/ Songwriter/ Guitar/ Drums/ Bass - Nick Bellmore

  Guitar/ Songwriter/ Bass/ Keys - Charlie Bellmore

   

  Recorded and mixed by Nick Bellmore at Dexters Lab Recording in Milford, CT

  Assistant Engineer William Hayes

  Mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound

  Additional vocals recorded by Anthony Potenza

  All songs written by Keith Buckley, Nick Bellmore and Charlie Bellmore.

   

  Art Direction & Design by Nick Steinhardt & Ryan Sanders for 23in

  Produced by Nick Bellmore

  Executive Producer Jamey Jasta

   

  Orders: https://dthw.sh/thelightage

   

  Links:

  Official Website

  Facebook

  X

  Instagram

  YouTube

  Apple Music

  Spotify

   

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• CROWNSHIFT - Release Hard-Hitting Metal Cover Of Alannah Myles' Smash Hit 'Black Velvet'

  Feb 20, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Following up on their highly acclaimed self-titled debut album from 2024, modern metal supergroup CROWNSHIFT has unleashed a hard-hitting metal cover of Alannah Myles' smash hit 'Black Velvet' from 1989. The original, which is undoubtedly one of the biggest pop hits of the late 80s, has been given an exciting contemporary facelift by the Finns, who effortlessly updated the song with their signature sound and made it their own. The band that's currently one of Finland's hottest new rock music exports has received a lot of praise for their debut album and their superb crossover of modern metal, melodic death metal and progressive metal has instantly excited fans and critics all over the globe.  In just a week from now, CROWNSHIFT will embark on an extensive European tour with heavy metal legend DIRKSCHNEIDER and ALL FOR METAL Scroll down for all confirmed dates. STREAM CROWNSHIFT'S 'BLACK VELVET' COVER: https://crownshift.bfan.link/black-velvet

  PURCHASE / REVISIT CROWNSHIFT'S DEBUT ALBUM:  https://crownshift.bfan.link/cslp

  CROWNSHIFT IS: Tommy Tuovinen: Vocals  Daniel Freyberg: Guitar, Backing Vocals  Jukka Koskinen: Bass  Heikki Saari: Drums

  CROWNSHIFT online: https://linktr.ee/crownshiftofficial  https://www.facebook.com/crownshiftofficial https://www.instagram.com/crownshiftofficial https://www.tiktok.com/@crownshiftofficial  YouTube

   

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• Saudi Prog Metal DUSK Teams Up w/ Kuwait's ABZY For New Single "Sleepwalker"

  Feb 20, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Saudi Arabia’s one-man prog metal unit DUSK (from the mind of Meshari Sangora) has teamed up with Kuwaiti modern metal artist ABZY and drummer Gilbert Hadad to release their unified single "Sleepwalker". Fresh, creative, and powerful, the track is about the struggle one has with their mental health.

  "As I work on my follow-up music to 2023 Spectrums, I think fans will love this first taste of the new album I'm working on, and they will appreciate the beauty of my maturity when it comes to songwriting and what experiences can do to a creative session. I'm trying to touch base on more realistic subjects such as mental health, but I always like to show the other side of the conversation," adds DUSK.

  Once a college DJ in UAE, that time in his life led to his rediscovery of all forms of metal, and it was just the beginning of his creation of music as a self-taught musician and producer. DUSK released its first full length" "Spectrums" to follow two previously released EPs “To Where I Belong” (2021) and “Ascension” (2020) along with multiple stand-alone singles that were used to introduce the project's music to the world in 2020.

  "Spectrums" garnered praise as it was named Album of The Year in 2023 by Metal Pedia and Metal Has No Borders along with reaching listeners in over 90+ countries on Spotify.

  This album further solidified his place in the international metal community, featuring 12 tracks sung in multiple languages, including (English, German, Finnish, and Arabic). Spectrums also included collaborations with both local Saudi artists and international metal musicians, such as Aron Harris from Solemn Vision and Jaani Peuhu, formerly of Swallow the Sun.

  Beyond his music career, DUSK is an influential figure in the Saudi Arabian and broader GCC metal scenes. He has played a crucial role in supporting local artists by offering marketing consultations, providing studio recording services, and helping to manage and promote the “Riyadh Inferno” festival, an important event for the region's growing metal community. As the festival's key liaison, DUSK connects local venues with regional bands, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a destination for metal acts.

  With a deep commitment to his craft and his role in the development of the metal music scene in Saudi Arabia and beyond, DUSK continues to shape the future of heavy music along with the CEO and Founder of Heavy Arabia “GIGI ARABIA”.

  "Sleepwalker" is recommended for fans of Currents, Spiritbox, and Killswitch Engage, along with everything under the vein of progressive metal, metalcore, EDM, and djent.

  Listen at the following links:

  Digital (Spotify) - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dusk14/sleepwalker

  ​

  For more info:

  ​Officialdusk.com​

  ​Facebook.com/Officialdusk94​

  ​Instagram.com/official__dusk​​

  ​Twitter.com/Official__Dusk​

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• MACHINE HEAD ANNOUNCE MONUMENTAL 11TH ALBUM UNATØNED OUT APRIL 25TH + RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE 'UNBØUND'

  Feb 18, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  For over three decades, the personification of determination, founder/vocalist/guitarist Robb Flynn, has led Bay Area icons MACHINE HEAD on an uncompromising path – one fueled by defiance, reinvention, and a relentless pursuit of evolution. UNATØNED, the band's eleventh album, will be unleashed to the world on April 25 via Nuclear Blast Records. UNATØNED is a testament to momentum, an album honed to its sharpest edge, forged on creative discipline and the hunger to push forward. To mark the announcement, the band reveals the first single, 'UNBØUND'. Watch the energetic music video directed by Mike Sloat. Pre-order & pre-save UNATØNED: https://machinehead.bfan.link/unatoned Stream 'UNBØUND' https://machinehead.bfan.link/unbound

   

  UNATØNED is now available for pre-order in the following formats: CD Jewel LP Tan with Black and Red Swirl Clear Black and Grey Marbled Written in motion – on the road, in hotel rooms, and across continents – it reflects the raw energy of their return to the global festival circuit after an 11-year hiatus. UNATØNED was recorded at Robb's Jam Room, Sharkbite Studios, and Drop Of Sun Recording between July 2023 and December 2024. The album was produced by Robb Flynn as well as Zack Ohren who was also responsible for the engineering. The mixing and mastering was handled by Colin Richardson and Chris Clancy at Audioworks UK and the mastering of the record was handled by Ted Jensen and his assistant Justin Shturtz. The only exception was the track 'LANDSCAPE ØF THØRNS' which was produced by Flynn and Joel Wanasek who was also in charge of mixing the single alongside Zack Ohren. MACHINE HEAD once again tapped Seth Siro Anton to create the album artwEleven albums deep, MACHINE HEAD remains as fierce, relevant, and unstoppable as ever  : 'UNBØUND' Music Video   This Spring, MACHINE HEAD are heading on a massive North American tour alongside labelmates and Swedish melodic death metal icons IN FLAMES, Italian metal titans LACUNA COIL, and American metalcore outfit UNEARTH. The 24-date trek will kick off on April 5th with a “hometown” show for MACHINE HEAD at the legendary Fox Theater then heads South for a stop at Sick New World Festival before heading East and making its way across Canada. Tickets for the tour are available for purchase: https://www.machinehead1.com/pages/tour                                                                   Confirmed dates for MACHINE HEAD's North American Tour 2025 with IN FLAMES, LACUNA COIL, UNEARTH are: 04.05 U.S. Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater 04.07 U.S. Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren 04.09 U.S. San Diego, CA @ Observatory North Park 04.10 U.S. Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern 04.12 U.S. Las Vegas, NV @ Sick New World ** 04.13 U.S. Salt Lake City, UT @ Union 04.15 U.S. Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium 04.17 U.S. San Antonio, TX @ The Aztec 04.18 U.S. Houston, TX @ House Of Blues 04.19 U.S. Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues 04.21 U.S. Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz 04.22 U.S. Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore 04.23 U.S. Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount 04.25 U.S. Reading, PA @ Santander Arena 04.26 U.S. Boston, MA @ House Of Blues 04.27 CAN Montreal, QC @ M'Telus 04.28 CAN Toronto, ON  @ History 04.30 U.S. Cincinnati, OH @ Andrew J. Brady Music Center 05.02 U.S. Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore 05.03 U.S. Chicago, IL @ Radius 05.04 U.S. Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore 05.05 CAN Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings 05.07 CAN Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle Event Center 05.08 CAN Edmonton, AB @ Midway Music Hall 05.10 CAN Kelowna, BC @ Prospera Place **Festival date - MACHINE HEAD & LACUNA COIL only

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