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• PROG METAL MANIA (Munich, DE) Announces 2025 Lineup w/ SCAR SYMMETRY, DISILLUSION, XAON, OBSIDIOUS, POEM, F.K.Ü. and More!

  Jan 28, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  PROG METAL MANIA (Munich, DE) Announces 2025 Lineup

  w/ SCAR SYMMETRY, DISILLUSION, XAON, OBSIDIOUS, POEM, F.K.Ü. and More!

  Offering an exciting mix of established greats as well as emerging, young bands, Prog Metal Mania Festival is making its event debut on May 2nd and 3rd in Munich, Germany at the world-famous Backstage, featuring the headliners SCAR SYMMETRY, DISILLUSION along with OBSIDIOUS, XAON, POEM, and more.

  Official Prog Metal Mania Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/4aqkF9p​

  Shaping up to be a must-attend for Progressive Rock and Metal fans from Germany and beyond, the 2025 inaugural lineup sees 13 bands and one special guest hailing from Sweden, Germany, the UK, France, Greece, Italy, and Lebanon. While each one of them brings something special out of the broad Prog, Metal & Mania spectrum, most haven’t played in the Bavarian capital before or rarely visited Southern Germany until now.

  Organizer Katha states: “The idea for Prog Metal Mania came to life through the collaboration of Mostly Metal m/ & The Progspace and the common wish to bring certain bands on one of Munich’s most prestigious stages for heavy music. Even though it's a new festival, the response to the first announcements has been overwhelming, grateful for the warm welcome we got within the scene. We’re really happy to have so many fantastic bands on board, and can’t wait to celebrate their music and the festival’s debut with all those Prog Metal Maniacs from near and far!”

  Day split tickets and weekend passes are available at the following link HERE.

  Friday, May 2nd, 2025 - Doors 13:00, Stage times 13:30 - 23:30​
  Disillusion
  Obsidious
  F.K.Ü.
  Vulkan
  Loch Vostok
  Ihlo
  Jester’s Tears
  ​
  ​Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 – Doors 12:30, Stage times 13:00 - 23:30​
  Scar Symmetry
  Poem
  Xaon
  Turbulence
  Aeons
  Soulsplitter
  John Macaluso

  About The Bands - https://progmetalmania.com/en/Bands/​

  SCAR SYMMETRY – With legendary guitar wizard Per Nilsson as a driving force, the Swedish band perfectly blends mind-blowing riffs with virtuoso soloing, built up on mighty synth layers, complex yet groovy rhythms, and topped by a vigorous dual vocal attack. Fascinating Metal fans all over the world, they will play their first show in Munich after 12 years!

  DISILLUSION - With their special blend of Progressive Death Metal, the German band takes their audience from the top of the world to the end of the sea. By creating dense, multi-layered soundscapes and versatile movements at the forefront of artistic concepts, they already released three rich, fully matured Metal masterpieces.

  OBSIDIOUS – Named after black volcanic glass, the group’s moniker exudes something dark, of fiery origin, and metaphorically offers a nearly limitless platform for expression and advancement. Having caught the Extreme Metal scene by storm with their iconic debut in 2022, the international Tech Death powerhouse is set to blow the roof off at Prog Metal Mania 2025!

  TURBULENCE – The Lebanese masters of musical story-telling even make a robot dream with their marvelous soundscapes and virtuosic playing, inviting their listeners on captivating, emotional journeys.

  JOHN MACALUSO - Born in the US, now living in Italy, the legendary drummer has already played on over 200 albums (ARK, Michael Romeo, Powermad, Yngwie Malmsteen…) and countless tours. He will present a special show for fans of hot rhythms and cool stories with his terrific, versatile playing and some glimpses behind the scenes.

  XAON - The French Symphonic Death Metal band spreads its wings on the hunt for nothing less than epicness. By melting the raw energy of Extreme Metal with the finesse and vehemence of a mighty orchestra, their music is absolutely mind-blowing, yet with an amazing sense for details - Brutal and beautiful at the same time.

  VULKAN – The Swedish band with the eruptive name offers mesmerizing melodies to immerse yourself in, served on a layer of intriguing rhythms with a true sense for incredibly atmospheric soundscapes.

  LOCH VOSTOK – By bringing together raw beauty with complexity and finesse, their music comes along brutal yet with a catchy grooviness, delivering fat choruses, shredalicious solos, and poisonous hooks.

  POEM – There’s a certain beauty in melancholy, and the Greek quartet absolutely brings this to the top with its unique, intense compositions. The outstanding voice and expressive performance of singer George Prokopiou make each song a highly emotional experience.

  F.K.Ü. - Since there’s a huge overlapping between the Horror and the Metal communities, it seems like a great idea to bring these two beasts together, and F.K.Ü. clearly pull out all the stops on this. Heavily inspired by Freddy Krueger & Co, these four Swedish guys will bring Metal and Mania to Munich.

  AEONS – Hailing from the Isle of Man, the Progmetal powerhouse will come to Germany with three albums under their belt, taking their audience from the plains of the American West to ancient Greece, and even to the vast reaches of space with their mighty, musical tales.

  SOULSPLITTER – Following their combined musical vision, the German arts collective melts various stylistic splitters into a soulful, new whole. Over the past years, they delved deeper into a specific aspect of their signature sound where heavy guitars and intricate rhythms meet classical piano in a prominent position.

  IHLO – The band from Scotland blends modern Progressive Metal with electronic and pop influences to create a sound that is huge musically, emotionally crushing, and full of hooks. Their debut recently got a re-issue via Kscope, and with album No2 showing up on the horizon, they also might bring new music to Munich in May.

  JESTER’S TEARS - Even though the name of this Munich-based band might be quickly associated with an album title by Marillion, it is rather the multi-layered symbol for their music, and was actually inspired by Venice and its famous carnival. The five musicians will open Prog Metal Mania with their powerful mix of wonderful playfulness and complex, yet accessible songs.

  More info:

  ​https://progmetalmania.com​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/ProgMetalMania/​

  ​https://www.instagram.com/progmetalmania​

  ​https://linktr.ee/progmetalmania​

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• RONNIE ROMERO Shares Live Version of “Castaway On The Moon” Out Now via Frontiers Music SRL

  Jan 27, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Legendary singer RONNIE ROMERO is thrilled to share his new single and video, a live version of the track “Castaway On The Moon”, recorded live at the Spanish Rock Imperium Festival out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

   

  ROMERO is also gearing up for his upcoming UK and European headlining tour, which starts March 6th in Wolverhampton, UK, and wraps up on March 19th in Weert, NL, with support from Absolva. In support of the tour, RONNIE ROMERO is available for interviews.

   

  RONNIE shares his excitement for the single:

   

  “This was the first song we wrote for the album, and it's definitely one of my favourites and, as far as we experienced, one of the favourites for the audience every time we play the song live! Very energetic and melodic tune, I’m sure you will feel it in the video clip!” 

   

  “Castaway On The Moon” is from RONNIE’s latest solo album 'Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters,' which marks the first time ROMERO has been involved with 100% of the songwriting on an album he sings on.

   

  ROMERO also co-produced the album with Andy C., marking another first for ROMERO. While these "firsts” certainly add to the excitement for the album, the songs truly take center stage. ROMERO's voice is completely at home on this diverse, hard rockin' set which is certain to please any fan of his vocal style and his work with his other bands.

   

   

  Watch the New Live Video for “Castaway On The Moon” HERE

   

  RONNIE ROMERO UK / EU TOUR Dates:

   

  MAR 6 – KK’s Steel Mill – Wolverhampton, UK

  MAR 7 – Nightrain – Bradford, UK

  MAR 8 – Whittles Oldham – Manchester, UK

  MAR 9 – Trillians – Newcastle, UK

  MAR 10 – Bannermans – Edinburgh, UK

  MAR 11 – Eleven – Stoke, UK

  MAR 12 – Underworld – London, UK

  MAR 13 – HRH Fest Spring Break 2 – Great Yarmouth, UK

  MAR 15 – De Pul – Uden, NL

  MAR 16 – Poppodium Boerderij – Zoetermeer, NL

  MAR 17 – Yard Club – Koln, DE

  MAR 18 – Piano – Dortmund, DE

  MAR 19 – De Bosuil – Weert, NL

   

  TICKETS HERE

  Line Up:

  Ronnie Romero - Vocals

  Jose Rubio - Guitars

  Fran Gil Torres - Keyboards

  Andy C. - Drums

  Aurelian Dinca - Bass Guitar/Vocals

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• Of Mice & Men Announce 2025 Headlining Tour

  Jan 27, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Gold-selling hard rockers Of Mice & Men — Aaron Pauley (bass + vocals ), Valentino Arteaga (drums), Alan Ashby (guitar), and Phil Manansala (guitar) — are hitting the road this Spring, with support from Gore. and Until I Wake.
  
  Tickets go on sale on January 29 and will be available here. All dates are below.

  Vocalist Aaron Pauley comments on the upcoming tour, saying, "We're beyond stoked to be announcing these dates with Until I Wake and Gore. We want to thank all of our fans for the years of support and we can't wait to celebrate the last 15 years of music with you all at these shows."
  
  OF MICE & MEN ON TOUR:
  WITH  UNTIL I WAKE + GORE.:
  5/6 — Dallas, TX   — Echo Lounge
  5/7 —  Lawrence, KS  — Granada Theatre
  5/9 — Saint Louis, MO  — Delmar Hall
  5/10 — Columbus, OH  — Sonic Temple Festival
  5/11 — Asheville, NC  — Orange Peel
  5/13 —   Huntsville, AL  — Von Braun Center
  5/14 —   New Orleans, LA  — House of Blues
  5/16 —   Destin, FL  — Club LA
  5/17 —   Daytona Beach, FL  — Welcome To Rockville Festival
  5/19 —   Charleston, SC  — Music Farm
  5/20 —  Atlanta, GA  — Center Stage
  5/21 —   Charlotte, NC  — The Underground
  5/23 — Norfolk, VA  — The Norva
  5/24 —  Pittsburgh, PA  — Mr Smalls Theatre

  Taking all creative matters into their own hands, the Southern California quartet self-produced and engineered all of the songs on Tether, their astonishing eighth album. Pauley mixed and mastered the album, while Arteaga designed and painted the album's artwork. As a legion of devoted listeners worldwide has come to expect, guitarists Phil Manansala and Alan Ashby, Aaron, and Tino poured their hearts and souls into every note, creating another sonic document of their lives. 
   
  “With this one, we weren’t really focused on how it sounded as much as we focused on how it felt," Pauley explains. "And that's a weird thing to do when all you're working with is sound. But that was really the goal. And we walked away from making it, feeling like we've accomplished that."
   
  OM&M take sobering looks at depression, anxiety, loneliness, and existential dread, powering through the darkness, and emphasizing the importance of creativity as a balm for mental health. A commanding tempest of sounds coalesces within Of Mice & Men, blending the uplifting eloquence of modern active rock with the atmospheric dissonance of experimental post-rock. The band first emerged as part of a vanguard of future aggressive rock hitmakers. Over the years, they've distinguished themselves with musicality, creative ambition, and resilient determination. 
    
  Album eight was no less ambitious. Tether is anchored by a reflective meditation on what it means to draw together as friends, family men, artists, and bandmates. What does it mean to be there for the people who depend on us, knowing we can’t fully protect them from the hardships of life? 
   
  The Of Mice & Men core since 2016 – Aaron, Alan, Tino, and Phil – maintain a powerful bond with their audience and each other, no matter the obstacles. Whether a powerful anthem or atmospheric confession, their songs translate in intimate clubs and massive festivals. "It's about creating moments for people," Pauley says. "Music is the soundtrack to people's lives."

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• Italian Power Core Innovators NEKOMATA's Launch New Album "EUPHORIA", New App (for IOS)+ New Video "Road To Ruin"

  Jan 25, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  NEWS RELEASE

  Montreal, QC - January 24, 2024

  Out Now! Italian Power Core Innovators NEKOMATA's Launch New Album "EUPHORIA", New App (for IOS)+ New Video "Road To Ruin"

  January 24th, 2025, marks a significant milestone for Nekomata as they release their highly anticipated second album, "Euphoria". Following the success of the singles "Zero", "De Priapi Dilemma" and "In My Flesh", the band delivers a record that solidifies their place as innovators in the modern metal scene.

  "Euphoria" is an explosive blend of Power Metal, Metalcore, and Death Metal infused with cinematic atmospheres, relentless energy, and thought-provoking themes. Fans of Architects, Veil of Maya, Periphery, and Monuments will find plenty to love in this groundbreaking release.

  To celebrate the album's release, Nekomata is thrilled to unveil the music video for "Road to Ruin", featuring exclusive footage captured during their triumphant tour in Japan in November 2024. The video is a testament to the band’s electrifying live performances and their growing connection with audiences worldwide.

  ​

  "Euphoria" explores the universal yet complex pursuit of happiness, delving into the emotional highs and lows that come with chasing fulfillment in a chaotic world. The album highlights the band's unique "Power Core" sound, combining raw aggression, intricate melodies, and a polished modern edge. It stands as their most ambitious and refined work to date.

  Adding to today’s excitement, Nekomata is proud to launch its new app, which is currently available for iOS. The app serves as a one-stop destination for fans, offering exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and much more. It’s the perfect way for fans to stay connected and support the band on their journey.

  Download the Nekomata app (for iOS) - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nekomata/id6740162516​

  The lineup of Filippo Zavattari (bass, backing vocals), Andrea Cappellari (guitar, programming), Andrea Olivieri (vocals), and Alberto Mezzanotte (drums) continues to push boundaries, blending technical sophistication with raw emotional intensity.

  With "Euphoria", Nekomata invites listeners and fans to immerse themselves in their evolving sound and dynamic storytelling.

  “EUPHORIA” is available on all platforms as of January 24, 2025, from Rockshots Records.

  CD and Digital - https://lnk.to/rI802d

  ​Previous Videos:

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Py
  2. Shattered
  3. Automata
  4. In My Flesh
  5. Feedback
  6. Zero
  7. De Priapi Dilemma
  8. Road To Ruin
  9. Super Omnia
  10. Ataraxia - Still Abused
  ​
  ​Nekomata is:
  Andrea Olivieri: Vocals
  Andrea Cappellari: Guitars and programming
  Filippo Zavattari: Bass guitar and backing vocals
  Alberto Mezzanotte: Drums

  ​For more info:

  ​https://www.rockshots.eu​
  ​https://www.theprojectneko.com/​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/theprojectneko/​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/theprojectneko/

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• DESTRUCTION Release Second Single "A.N.G.S.T." + Official Music Video Out Now

  Jan 24, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  German Thrash-Teutons DESTRUCTION strike again with their second single, "A.N.G.S.T." As one of the biggest names in thrash metal with a 40+ year career, they unleash raw paranoia, shredding guitar solos, and Schmier's intense vocals while criticizing evil forces who prey on the weaknesses of others. Tackling fear, the song urges fans to confront their inner demons and break free from mental chains.
  
  Taken from their 16th studio album, Birth Of Malice, out March 7, 2025 via Napalm Records, "A.N.G.S.T." proves fear is no match for thrash! The single is accompanied by an incredible music video that honors the horror genre and its iconic special FX – images taken from your deepest nightmares creeping in your head to stay.

  Fans all over the world worship DESTRUCTION alongside fellow German thrash icons Sodom and Kreator, celebrating their influence on generations of bands worldwide. On Birth Of Malice, scene-legend and original member Schmier once again combines his dual vocal/bass attack with crashing riffs from battle axe masters Martin Furia and Damir Eskić, while Randy Black blasts pummeling drums to new heights. As witnessed on their previous thrash-fest Diabolical (2022), DESTRUCTION return with their uniquely raw and brutal sound, delivering merciless songs with a touch more variety and groove this time. All twelve songs from the butchers hit with a direct, clean sound – resulting in addictive metal anthems for a new generation of thrashers! 

  DESTRUCTION on "A.N.G.S.T.":

  "Our very first German song title is one of two very different tracks on this new album. I wanted to write a groovin' live track with staccato riffs, evil bloodcurdling vocals and dark atmosphere."

  Watch the Official Music Video for "A.N.G.S.T." HERE.

  Pre-Order Your Copy Of Birth Of Malice NOW!

  German thrash metal legends strike again – get ready for DESTRUCTION's 16th face-smashing attack!

  The band's newest onslaught is opened by the brutal "Destruction," with a luring intro transforming into a true thrashing hymn with razor sharp guitars honoring the band's 40+ year legacy, where mastermind Schmier reflects on the old days. Like the title Birth Of Malice suggests, lyrically, Schmier delves deep in human errors ” like selfish behavior on "Greed" and "Evil Never Sleeps." A clear statement is made with carnage on "Scumbag Human Race," exploring the mistakes mankind makes and pushing authorities in its memorable chorus "I will count your days!." The same rebellious attitude can be witnessed on the banging "No Kings – No Masters." DESTRUCTION also shifts to futuristic topics on the album, like the unconscious influence of technology and new forms of war on "Cyber Warfare." To close this brutal tour de force on a positive note, the thrashing legends celebrate their strong allyship with metal colleagues Accept by presenting their own version of classic neck breaker "Fast As A Shark." 

  All of these heavy topics are combined in the brutal cover artwork, designed by talented Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák, known for his works for bands like Accept, Kreator and Blind Guardian. Birth Of Malice was recorded at Switzerland’s Little Creek Studio by V.O.Pulver, and guitarist Martin Furia mixed and mastered the masterpiece at The Black Mancave in Hannover, Germany. DESTRUCTION mark themselves once again as a tight metal-machine, switching between ruthless thrash and pounding melodic moments, proving they are more than ready to slaughter again on this new album, and at their upcoming shows all over the world!

  DESTRUCTION IS:
  Schmier — Bass, Vocals
  Martin Furia — Guitars
  Randy Black — Drums
  Damir Eskić — Guitars

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