Search Results: metal

• WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Announces National Winner - CASCADE EFFECT - One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  Jun 25, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

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  One band to conquer them all! Down to the final five bands from across the country, the national final for Wacken Metal Battle USA was held this past Saturday, June 22nd in San Diego, CA at the Brick by Brick with regional winners Cascade Effect (San Diego), WarTroll (NorCal), Versipul (PNW), Prime Prophecy (East Coast), and Father Wolf (Texas).

  Judged by an industry panel that included Rod Kukla (Silver Lining Music), Craig Goldy (Dio), Derek Engemann (Scour, Phil Anselmo and the Illegals, ex-Cattle Decapitation), and Patrick Stone (Adler's Appetite, Budderside), the band that reigned the stage and proved themselves worthy of gracing the holy land of metal at Wacken Open Air in Germany is crowned 2024 champion, San Diego's Cascade Effect.

  As this year's crowned USA champion, Cascade Effect will now move on to perform as the only independent American band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air (July 31st – August 3rd), one of the world's most prestigious and largest metal festivals (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).​

  Cascade Effect joins the list of previous WMBU national winners, San Diego’s Fadrait (2023 - San Diego) Mythraeum (2022 - San Diego), Monarch (2019 - San Diego), Voices of Ruin (2018 - Anaheim) and Corpse Hoarder (2017 - Philadelphia).

  2024 battles were hosted in the following cities: New York, NY, Clifton, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, Bay Area, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Orange County, CA, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, Austin, TX, Dallas, TX, El Paso, TX, Houston, TX, San Antonio, TX.

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  For the last 5 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023), Wacken Metal Battle USA has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2024 will be the 33rd edition of the festival and will be held from July 31st – August 3rd. The 2024 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Scorpions, Amon Amarth, Blind Guardian, In Extremo, Pain, Beast In Black, and many more. Details here.

  Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 other countries’ champions, and represent the USA in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade and give independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

  How it works:​
  ​Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2024 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

  Rules for participation: https://metalbattleusa.com/rules/​

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​
  ​MetalBattleUSA.com​
  ​Facebook.com/metalbattleusa​
  ​Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA​
  ​Instagram.com/metalbattleusa

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• Fantasy Metal WARLOCK A.D. - New Video "The Golden Showers of Prestønia" Off Sophomore Album “Book II: The Valley of Vâgené” Out Sept 2024

  Jun 22, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  The time has come! ???????????????????????????? ????.????.‘s sophomore album “Book II: The Valley of Vâgené” is set to be released on September 27th, 2024 from Rockshots Records.

  Over two years in the making, this entry into the WarlocK A.D. saga is bigger, thicker, and more powerful than anything they have brought you before! The album is 12 tracks of interwoven musical storytelling implementing the use of motifs, themes, and callbacks. From the sweeping orchestral movements of “The Golden Showers of Prestønia” to the frantic folk metal flavorings of “Rothgar Warsong”, the album combines the sound and styles of various iterations of orchestra-led melodic metal - culminating in what feels like a fully-fledged D&D style epic told through the medium of a Heavy Metal Musical. Recommended for fans of Nanowar of Steel, Angus McSix, and Beast in Black, the quest to The Valley of Vâgené continues with the single “The Golden Showers of Prestønia”.

  "The title is a clear double entendre, the single is a cautionary tale detailing the events that follow Whiteacre's failure to heed the advice of the wise wizard Horatus - do not touch the water! One of the more traditional power metal style tracks on the album, the intensity of the track ebbs and flows as the danger of the forbidden waters becomes more and more apparent - leading to a frantic race against time for Ahriman Cullblade to save the endangered Nomad. This track was actually heavily inspired by the track “Burn” by Deep Purple - which also details the story of a dangerous female presence - something which can be heard especially in the song’s post-solo section. The track also evokes a traditional symphonic metal feel through the use of the duet vocals between Whiteacre and Uriña the Siren (as performed by Dani Bentham of Wailing Banshee)." adds the band.

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  Digital - https://lnk.to/OdJwLm​

  Album pre-order - https://bit.ly/WarlocKAD​

   

  More info: www.Rockshots.eu | https://www.theworldofwarlockad.co.uk

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• ANCIENT ENTITIES Unleashes Debut Tech Death Album “Echoes of Annihilation” On WormHoleDeath Records

  Jun 21, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  L-R - Live Lineup - Luke Veranth - Bass, Bernardo Mendia - Drums, Brian Gulliford - Vocals, Alex Rausa - Guitar, Jake Falk - Guitar

  ​Ancient Entities, coming from Milwaukee, USA, are pleased to announce the release of their debut album “Echoes Of Annihilation” on WormHolDeath Records. The nine-track album is a mythical sonic odyssey with each song offering a unique glimpse into the past. From the burning of Rome in “Empire In Ashes” to the creation of the human race in “Creatures Of the Sand”, Ancient Entities masterfully capture the essence of ancient history through sound. They comment on the recording process:

  “The album took 6 months to produce, mix, and master. The legendary Wjotec Wieslawski from Hertz Recording made sure we got our best work on track and did not compromise when it came to making a perfect album. We recorded here in the States at multiple studios and Hertz mixed and mastered the album. We wanted to work with Wjotec ‘cause he produced some of our favorite bands growing up such as Behemoth, Decapitated, and Hate. In our opinion, he helped create a masterpiece of an album and we hope everyone else thinks so too.”

  The album artwork was made by Burns who handles most of the artwork for the band. It combines different pyramids that are cinematic, but still very obvious that this is a death metal; album. Listeners who dig into the album will find there is a refreshing mix of styles of death metal - modern, old school, and some sounds in between genres. Over the last two years of playing and testing out local markets, Ancient Entities is confident that their massive sound will be well received by all fans of metal old and new. They are recommended listening for fans of Blood Red Throne, Nile, and Aeon.

  As of June 21, 2024, "Echoes of Annihilation" is available at the following links:

  Digital - https://orcd.co/echoesofan​

  ​https://anciententities.bandcamp.com​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Cenote Sagrado (1:21)
  2. Empire In Ashes (4:19)
  3. Creatures From The Sand (3:42)
  4. Blood Upon Stone (3:16)
  5. Ritual Autopsy (4:43)
  6. Hidden (3:53)
  7. Pierced by Obsidian (4:08)
  8. Wall of War (4:28)
  9. Damnatio Ad Flammas (3:24)
  Album Length: 32:18

  Album Recording Lineup:
  Alex Rausa - Guitar
  Bernardo Mendia - Drums
  Cole Daniels - Bass
  Brian Gulliford - Vocals
  Jake Falk - Guitar
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  Live Band Lineup:
  Alex Rausa - Guitar
  Bernardo Mendia - Drums
  Luke Veranth - Bass
  Brian Gulliford - Vocals
  Jake Falk - Guitar

  More info: https://linktr.ee/Anciententities

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• Get Lost In The Melody With DREAM HEAVY's “Song In The Dark” Off Upcoming EP + BC Festival Dates

  Jun 18, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Coming from the frozen North is Canada’s Dream Heavy, a melodic and enchanting world folk metal group that weaves together ethereal vocals, rich harmonies, intricate guitar and violin melodies, and a diverse rhythm section that keeps audiences enraptured from start to finish. As the band is hitting the road for music festivals across British Columbia this summer (listed below), they are announcing their latest single “Song In The Dark”, which comes off their yet-to-be-titled upcoming EP. “Song in the Dark” is a melodic/progressive metal journey with a primitive tribal feel. The song is the story of our species’ evolution from our earliest awareness of the self and our awe at the universe around us to the brilliant, violent, destructive, and arrogant beings we have become. The band comments on the track:

  “Song in the Dark is the newest tune on the EP. This song was truly a band effort with both David and Liam contributing ideas to the arrangement of riffs and melodies. Our Producer/Engineer Jane Aurora at Arrival Sounds was also hugely instrumental in influencing the overall “tone” and feel of the song. With the addition of Mary Ancheta’s phenomenal synthesized strings soundscapes and wicked licks, the song truly came to life!”

  Dream Heavy comes from the ashes of beloved bands like Mamaguroove and Samson's Delilah and credits their unique sound to a plethora of influences from metal, Latin, Celtic, and other world music traditions. Their music, characterized by its intensity and thought-provoking lyrics, has captivated audiences across Canada and beyond, earning them a place on campus radio Top 10 lists.

  Reflecting on the band's long journey, they share that Dream Heavy's sound has evolved from each member’s collective passion for sound, movement, and justice. With this new EP, they aim to create a sonic and lyrical soundscape that demands to be heard in its entirety—a journey of self-discovery and contemplation. “Song In The Dark” is recommended for fans of boundary-pushing music in the veins of Porcupine Tree, Kalandra, and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

  Listen to “Song In The Dark” at the following links:

  Spotify - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dreamheavy/song-in-the-dark

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  Show Dates:​
  July 5-6 - Midsummers Music Festival - Smithers, BC
  July 12-13 - Arts on the Fly Festival - Horsefly, BC
  July 18 - Billy Barker Days - Quesnel, BC
  July 19-20 - Discovery Coast Music Festival - Bella Coola, BC
  July 26 -28 - Kispiox Valley Music Festival - Kispiox Valley, BC
  August 16-18 - Robson Valley Music Festival - Dunster, BC
  November 1-2 - Woodstove Music Festival - Cumberland, BC

  More info: Dreamheavy.ca | Facebook.com/dreamheavyproject | Instagram.com/dreamheavyproject

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• Out Now! VORAATH Journey Into Extreme Storytelling And Craft A Metal Multiverse In “Vol 1: The Hymn of the Hunters” + Tour Dates w/ Gorgatron, Casket Robbery

  Jun 17, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Voraath - L-R - Tylor Kohl - Guitar, Paul McBride - Bass, Joshua Ward - Drums, Keys, Vocals, Studio Guitars, Chelsea Marrow - Vocals, Daniel Presnell - Guitar

  Prepare for a sonic descent into the unknown as USA’s Voraath unleashes their debut album “Vol 1: The Hymn of the Hunters” - a heavy and immersive experience through extreme music and sci-fi themes. In this release, they infused their enthusiasm for 80’s action sci-fi with their passion for brutal yet epic metal with hints of their own culture which includes haunting folk elements. They explain further:

  “We think this album will be something unique, a whirlwind of emotions and an auditory odyssey. We capsulated real events in our lives and laced them through our complex musical universe. We want the fans to feel the music, and ride along with us on this musical journey through our dystopian planet. Their story will take an unforeseen turn as they encounter interdimensional horrors and bestow the moniker of god hunters.”

  Voraath is proud of the level of detail that this album represents; from the duality of brutal yet melancholic soundscapes to the intricate lore which expands from the Appalachian mountains to the furthest regions of the cosmos. Being sci-fi enthusiasts they wanted to tell a grand story with cosmic entities warring and interdimensional worlds while paying homage to their culture in the Appalachian Mountains.

  Voraath's lore, created from scratch, presents a seemingly simple dystopian survival story that unveils cosmic implications as one delves deeper. The band's commitment to their narrative is evident in their songwriting process, with each member contributing their unique specialties to shape the final product. Get ready to embark on a metal journey like no other.

  This is an odyssey of hardship, betrayal, and survival that leads us to discoveries with cosmic implications. It is recommended for fans of Septic Flesh, Gojira, and Fleshgod Apocalypse.

  In additional news, VORAATH will be supporting Gorgatron and Casket Robbery on the "Mechanical Necrosis Tour" this coming June and July (dates listed below) along with a performance at this year's Michigan Metal Fest on August 24th in Battle Creek alongside Mushroomhead, (hed) PE, Gideon and lots more.

  “Vol 1: The Hymn of the Hunters” is available at the following links:

  Digital - https://hypeddit.com/voraath/volume1hymnofthehunters​

  CD - https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/pre-sale-voraath-vol-i-hymn-of-the-hunter-available-june-17-2024​​

  (Voraath Album and Tour Promo Video - https://youtu.be/Etg7fxpXrI8)

  Tour Dates w/ Gorgatron, Casket Robbery, Voraath​
  June 19 - Fargo, ND - The Aquarium
  June 21 - Missoula, MT - The Dark Horse
  June 22 - Richland, WA - Ray’s Golden Lion
  June 23 - Seatle, WA - The Funhouse
  June 24 - Portland, OR - Twilight Cafe and Bar
  June 26 - San Francisco, CA - DNA Lounge
  June 27 - Hollywood, CA - Knucklehead
  June 28 - San Diego, CA - Brick by Brick
  June 29 - San Louis Obispo, CA - Humdinger Brewing
  June 30 - Tempe, AZ - Metal Head’s Clubhouse
  July 1 - El Paso, TX - Rock House
  July 2 - Thornton, CO - Trailside Saloon
  July 3 - Albuquerque, NM - Rensden
  July 5 - Austin, TX - Come and Take it Live
  July 6 - Corpus Christi, TX - Boozerz Rock Bar
  July 7 - Houston, TX - The Compound
  July 8 - New Orleans, LA - The Goat
  July 9 - Nashville, TN - The End
  July 10 - Springfield, MO - The Odyssey
  July 11 - Lincoln, NB - Cosmic Eye
  July 12 - Kansas City, MO - Farewell
  July 13 - Sioux Falls, SD - Bigs

  ** SLAMDAKOTA W/ MAUL & DETERIORATION

  August 24 - Battle Creek, MI - Michigan Metal Fest - Leila Arboretum - info

  More info: Exsrmusic.com | Voraath.com

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