Latest Articles

• BEYOND THE GATES 2025 Reveals Full Lineup; OPETH, CANDLEMASS, PARADISE LOST + More Added

  Dec 14, 2024 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  BEYOND THE GATES 2025 FESTIVAL PASSES + TICKETS

  Beyond the Gates Festival 2025 is now unveiling the final lineup for next summer, which is the festival's most varied lineup to date as 18 of the bands have never performed at BTG before! The festival now welcomes Opeth, Paradise Lost, Candlemass, Taake, Tribulation, Lucifer, Hexvessel, Misþyrming, Attic, Helheim and Gehenna to the already-stacked lineup.   In addition to Taake doing a special 20 year set of 'Doedskvad,' this will be Gehenna's first show ever with the original line-up! They will be performing a set based on their newly re-released first three albums - 'The First Spell,' 'Seen Through the Veils of Darkness (The Second Spell),' and 'Malice.'   The four-day extravaganza will once again take place in Bergen (NO) from July 30 - August 2, across several venues, including USF and the iconic Grieghallen, where many of Norway's seminal black metal artists recorded their legacy records.   Festival booker Torgrim Øyre comments:   "So this is it, the full line-up for Beyond the Gates 2025 - Chapter XIII. What is more natural than announcing our thirteenth chapter on Friday the 13th?   "What can we say - we are immensely proud of what is without a doubt our most varied line-up to date. 18 of the announced bands have never played the festival before, which we think is a statement of good health for a niche festival operating for 13 years.    "The 2025 line-up boasts a wide selection of curated sets, including a first ever live appearance of the original Gehenna line-up. The reformed band will perform a set based on their newly re-released three first albums. These are jewels in the Norwegian Black Metal canon and their brilliance can not be overstated. Pure class.   "King Diamond will play his first solo concert in Bergen ever, and his first show in Norway in 19 years.    "Opeth has just released their barnstormer 'The Last Will and Testament' to great acclaim. The album sees the band return to some of their metal roots, while still keeping their timeless prog elements firmly in place. What an album and what a treat it will be to see the Swedish master in the legendary Grieghallen.   "Abbath Doom Occulta will close the festival by bringing his incredibly awesome ‘Return to the Raven Realms’ tour to Grieghallen, featuring songs from his period in Immortal exclusively. Mind you, the production is a sight to behold."

  In addition, Beyond the Gates has launched a December campaign in which fans can enter to win a chance at a free hotel packages and other prizes! To enter the draw, buy your festival pass before December 31, 2024!

  “As a festival, Beyond the Gates is immediately lovable. Bergen is intrinsically part of that embrace… Sure, Norway’s expensive, but seeing the best bands out there, taking in a Tolkienesque fjord or two, pilgrimaging to Fantoft church, hitting up Gaahl’s art gallery (Galleri Fjalar) nestled in the quaint houses at Bryggen while Freyr gleefully and continually pisses rain on you from the heavens? All worth its weight in hordes of kroner.” - Decibel Magazine, December 2022 issue

  Since the inception of the Beyond the Gates festival, fans have been coming to Bergen to see performances of their favorite Norwegian artists in their home environment. As most visitors know, nature and local culture has always been a poignant source of inspiration for the bands emerging from the Bergen scene. Yet again, Beyond the Gates will give all of the traveling fans the opportunity to get an unique insight into all aspects of the Norwegian Metal scene and the local culture in general. In that regard, we’re putting together a series of events before and during the festival so that all of you can discover what inspired – and still does - the Norwegian metal scene.   More special events will be announced, including exclusive listening parties, music and culture panels, in-depth live interviews, and a wealth of of events and activities that will give you a Beyond the Gates Experience that will last for a lifetime. Stay tuned for more...

  Links: Official Beyond the Gates Website Facebook Instagram Tickets

   

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• STORACE 'Live And Let Live' Album Reissue - Special Edition with Bonus Live Album Out NOW via Frontiers Music Srl

  Dec 14, 2024 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Swiss rock legend Marc Storace’s own band, STORACE, announce the release of the album reissue of their first record 'Live And Let Live', in a special edition including a bonus live album, out now via Frontiers Music Srl. 

   

  The focus track, “Midnite Maniac” and the accompanying visualizer, are also available now.

   

  Marc Storace describes the new single, by saying:

   

  “'Midnite Maniac' is a popular Krokus song from the 80’s that Krokus never play! It came off 'The Blitz' album. Back in the 80’s, MTV had the video on full rotation! It talks about a female serial killer.”

   

  Talking about the album release, Storace comments:

   

  “Krokus had stopped to exist because of Covid and no one really knew what the outcome of the pandemic would be, so not wasting time I started working on a solo album! 'Live And Let Live' is rich in melodic vocals, colourful riffs, great guitar solos, many hooks and a solid driving rhythm section!!”

   

   

  Watch the Music Video for "Midnite Maniac" HERE

  On the bonus album, Marc Storace notes:   “During the past three intensive years playing throughout Switzerland we recorded many gigs and the live album features the best of the crop, highlighting songs we recorded during hot performances in Zürich’s Hallenstadion as special guests of KISS, and The Scorpions, and whilst sharing the famous 'Rock The Ring Festival' stage with Alice Cooper and his notorious band."   “Included on the setlist are songs from Krokus which we never play, like 'Midnite Maniac' and 'To The Top'; also a beefed up version of 'Telephone Man' from my late seventies London band Eazy Money”, he continues.   'Live And Let Live' is STORACE’s first official solo album. It was recorded during the 2021 lockdown of the Covid pandemic and was produced by Cyrill Camenzind and Massimo Buonanno at Powerplay Studios, near Zürich.   Cyrill, Massi, and Marc composed some of the songs together, and they played on the album which also features the talented musicians Marco Blöchlinger on bass, Christian Roffler on keys, Jean Pierre Von Dach on lead guitar, and Gee K, Micha Dettwyler and Céline Haleson backing vocals.   'Live And Let Live' was officially released in Switzerland on December 18, 2021, during a gig at the legendary Music-Club outside Bern called the “Mühle Hunziken." It was performed by the studio band, all except J.P. Von Dach, who had been replaced by Turi Wicki due to his heavy touring commitments with Joss Stone.

  Order 'Live And Let Live' HERE

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• LANDMVRKS Announce "The Darkest Place I've Ever Been" + Share Two New Tracks "Sulfer" + "Sombre 16"

  Dec 14, 2024 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  French metalcore powerhouse LANDMVRKS have unleashed a powerful one-two punch with the release of their double single "Sulfur" and "Sombre 16," offering fans a glimpse into their upcoming fourth album, The Darkest Place I've Ever Been.
  
  Watch + listen here.
  
  The album, described as their most personal and ambitious work to date, is set to drop on April 25th on Arising Empire, with pre-orders now live here.
  
  Since their formation in 2014, the Marseille-based quintet — led by vocalist Florent Salfati — has earned a reputation for blending crushing heaviness with soaring melodies and deeply emotive lyrics. Building on the momentum of their successful 2024 world touring and their explosive single "Creature," LANDMVRKS are poised to deliver yet another genre-defining release.
  
  With The Darkest Place I've Ever Been, LANDMVRKS aim to push boundaries while staying true to the raw intensity that has captured the hearts of over 680,000 monthly Spotify listeners. As anticipation builds, the double single release sets the stage for what promises to be a monumental chapter in the band's career.
   
  "'SULFUR' + 'SOMBRE 16' are two new tracks that continue the story from 'Creature,' while also introducing the universe of the new album The Darkest Place That I've Ever Been. In these tracks, and this new album we follow a protagonist as he descends deeper and deeper into hell, undergoing both physical and mental transformation," the band states.
  
  Landmvrks will tour North America with Imminence in March. All dates are below.
  
  LANDMVRKS ON TOUR:
  WITH IMMINENCE:
  3/8 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium
  3/9 — Montreal, QC — L'Olympia
  3/10 — Toronto, ON — History
  3/11 — Cleveland, OH — The Agora
  3/12 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore
  3/14 — Chicago, IL — Riviera Theatre
  3/15 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave
  3/16 — Minneapolis, MN — The Fillmore
  3/18 — Denver, CO — The Ogden
  3/19 — Albuquerque, NM — Sunshine Theater
  3/21 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern
  3/22 — San Diego, CA — Observatory North Park
  3/23 — Tempe, AZ — Marquee
  3/25 — San Antonio, TX — The Aztec Theatre
  3/26 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
  3/28 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues
  3/29 — Atlanta, GA — Masquerade
  3/30 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore
  4/1 — Norfolk, VA — The NorVA
  4/3 — McKees Rocks, PA — Roxian Theatre
  4/4 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore
  4/5 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom

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• Edmonton Instrumental Rock Phenom JON HARRIS Debut Album "Parallel Heart"

  Dec 13, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Today marks the worldwide release of Jon Harris' (The Host of The Rock Metal Podcast) highly anticipated debut album, Parallel Heart, out now via Epictronic Records!

  Jon Harris, an instrumental rock guitarist and producer from Edmonton, delivers a unique blend of bluesy hard rock and funky synth-pop in "Parallel Heart". Written, recorded, and produced entirely by Jon in his home studio, the album features his multi-instrumental talents across guitar, bass, drums, and piano. Drawing inspiration from relationships and life’s delicate balance, Parallel Heart takes listeners on an unforgettable musical journey.

  The album offers an eclectic mix of genres, from the 80s-inspired synth-pop vibes of 97BPM to the hard-hitting rock intensity of 'Togetherness' and 'Wasted Entertainment'. The track 'Mehnoynoy' also features a personal touch, with drum contributions from Jon’s son, Gabriel.

  "Parallel Heart" is a fusion of infectious grooves and powerful riffs—imagine if Prince and Jeff Beck jammed together in the studio. This is Jon Harris' musical vision at its finest, showcasing his passion for instrumental rock with every note.

  Stream "Parallel Heart' now on all digital platforms as of December 13th, 2024 - https://orcd.co/parallelheart​

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. If You Wouldn't
  2. Wasted Entertainment
  3. Entitled
  4. Mustard N Ketchup
  5. Parallel Heart
  6. Mehnoynoy
  7. 97BPM
  8. My Little Lady
  9. Togetherness
  10. Humpty Dumpty

  More Info - https://linktr.ee/jonharrisrocks

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• ABZY's New Album "Hollow Bloom" Tells A Story of Growth w/ Intimate Sounds And Heavy Tunes

  Dec 13, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Out Now! Kuwait's ABZY's New Album "Hollow Bloom" Tells A Story of Growth w/ Intimate Sounds And Heavy Tunes

  Kuwaiti singer-songwriter and metal enthusiast, ABZY (frontman of WAZIN and former vocalist & guitarist of Srai) returns to close out 2024 with his debut full-length album "Hollow Bloom" out now as of December 12, 2024.

  Embracing the energy of METAL, Middle Eastern roots, along with a global music palette and his personal experiences, he has fashioned it all to present a 10-track journey. The record dives into the beauty of contrasts-soft, intimate sounds meet heavy, intense moments, all woven together to tell a story of growth and transformation. Hollow Bloom is for anyone who's felt the pull between light and shadow, the challenge and beauty of change. This project is deeply personal ABZY, and sharing it with the world is his dream.

  "I've always longed to be heard and to share my stories with the world. Through making music, I discovered the perfect outlet—it feels like the most natural path for me, my true calling, and my sole purpose in life. I believe fans will truly enjoy the album because it offers a diverse blend of vibes, ensuring there's something for everyone to connect with. I want listeners to connect with the music and enjoy the journey it takes them on. I also hope to show them that, in today’s world, anyone can create meaningful art—even from the comfort of their own bedroom. Grateful for your support, join me on this musical journey, Much love!" adds ABZY.

  "Hollow Bloom" is a raw, introspective exploration of the human experience, blending metal, rock, and soft tones into a compelling sonic journey. ABZY’s powerful songwriting captures the emotional turmoil of past trauma, the weight of toxic relationships, and the universal search for peace, all wrapped in a perfect balance of aggressive and soothing melodies.

  From the opening track, Mirror, which delves into self-recovery, to the closing song, Broken World, a poignant critique of societal issues, Hollow Bloom never shies away from confronting life’s toughest challenges. Each track feels deeply personal, yet universally relatable. Songs like Snake and Hurricane convey the pain of betrayal and toxic relationships, while Karma and Mistakes reflect self-awareness and growth. Influencer is a sharp critique of the impact of social media, making a powerful statement on the responsibility of modern influencers.

  The album’s emotional depth is balanced by its musical versatility. The heavy riffs and pounding drums create intense moments, while softer, more introspective moments offer respite. This ebb and flow of energy adds an unpredictable yet cohesive dynamic to the album, keeping listeners hooked from start to finish. Hollow Bloom isn’t just an album; it’s an experience.

  "I initially planned to release these songs as singles, but my fans have been asking for an album, so I decided to give them what they wanted. Plus, I already have other songs ready to release next year!" adds ABZY.

  People can expect an amazing time and incredible energy from the live shows. ABZY has plans in 2025 for live performances to leave everyone with a smile on their faces and a spark of inspiration in their hearts.

  Recommended for fans of Linkin Park, 30 Seconds to Mars, Bad Omens, I Prevail, Silent Planet, Sleep Token, and Spiritbox, ABZY's debut album "Hollow Bloom" is available on digital platforms.

  ​Spotify | Apple Music | Anghami​

  Music Videos:

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Mirror ft. Taifi (3:40)
  2. Snake ft. Deadleaf (3:00)
  3. Gone (4:24)
  4. Hurricane (4:10)
  5. Karma (3:40)
  6. Mistakes (3:34)
  7. Twisted Mind ft. Dusk (3:18)
  8. Haven (3:50)
  9. Influencer ft. Lio (4:15)
  10. Broken World ft. Follow the Hunter (6:00)
  Album Length: 38:19
  ​
  ​Album Credits:​
  Album produced/written/mixed/mastered by ABZY
  Album artwork by ABZY

  More info:​
  ​https://abzy.komi.io/​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/iabzyi/​
  ​https://www.tiktok.com/@iabzyi​
  ​https://www.twitch.tv/iabzyi

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