REVIEW: VAN DIEMEN - Sarcophilus Laniarius

 

VAN DIEMEN - Sarcophilus Laniarius

Independent

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Patrick Schmidt, the one man band releases his second full-length German based melodic death metal based that has some pretty sick metal!  The tempos are slow on all 7 tracks, but they are filled with emotion!  They remind me a lot of Dissection, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, et al.  But there is a sort of echo and aura to the band.  It's wholly dark but the riffs are the highlight to me!  The vocals have some kick to them shouting like Jon from Dissection (RIP).  That's what they remind me of totally. This guy (Patrick) is totally dedicated to his genre of metal.  And he has some unique riffs.  I liked this whole album.  Only 7 songs but 44 minutes in length.

ΜYSTIC PROPHECY will release their 12th studio album "Hellriot" on May 19th, 2023 via ROAR! Rock of Angels Records!

 

At least with their celebrated last masterpiece "Metal Division" and chart successes in several countries (including #20 in the official Top 100 German album charts), MYSTIC PROPHECY belong to the spearhead of international Heavy Metal. They are one of the most successful acts of the genre on digital platforms and with several hundred thousand followers on Spotify. At their live shows they prove again and again that they understand Heavy Metal as a passionate ultimate fight. And with their new album "Hellriot" they pick up where they left off with "Metal Divison": Powerful concise hooks with shout-along factor, hard-hitting and monstrous sound paired with technically brilliant riffs, all refined by a powerful modern production that is second to none and makes the band so popular and unique. In short: With “Hellriot”, MYSTIC PROPHECY deliver brilliantly and make every Heavy Metal heart beating merciless faster!

"Hellriot" will be released on May 19, 2023 as jewel case CD, limited mediabook CD, various vinyl colors and picture discs and digital streaming / download format. Also released as a limited to 666 copies collector’s hardcover boxset that includes: the limited mediabook CD, velvet bag, all in one flatware/multitool, raincoat, and signed autograph!

Pre-order the album here: https://bit.ly/mystic_prophecy_hellriot

TRACK LIST:

01. Hellriot

02. Unholy Hell

03. Demons Of The Night

04. Metal Attack

05. Paranoia

06. Revenge And Fire

07. Rising With The Storm

08. Road To Babylon

09. Azrael

10. Cross The Line

11. World On Fire

FORTRESS UNDER SIEGE – “ATLANTIS” live στο Winter Masters Of Rock

 

Λίγο πριν κυκλοφορήσουν το νέο τους album, διάδοχο του πολύ επιτυχημένου Atlantis (2020), οι Αθηναίοι power/progsters Fortress Under Siege, συμμετείχαν στις 3 Δεκεμβρίου του 2022 στην 17η έκδοση του Winter Masters Of Rock που έλαβε χώρα στο Ζλιν της Τσεχίας, μαζί με άλλες πολύ σημαντικές μπάντες της σκηνής, όπως οι Serious Black, Guano Apes και φυσικά Hammerfall! 

 

Από την εμφάνιση τους αυτή κυκλοφόρησαν ένα live video για το κομμάτι Atlantis. Όπως προ είπαμε, το νέο album των Fortress Under Siege έχει ήδη ολοκληρωθεί με την ηχογράφηση να γίνεται στα Devasoundz Studios με παραγωγό τον Fotis Benardo και αναμένεται να κυκλοφορήσει το επόμενο διάστημα από την ROAR Rock Of Angels Records με την οποία και έχουν υπογράψει συμβόλαιο για την κυκλοφορία των επόμενων άλμπουμ τους.

EMETROPIA: New EP ’An Acoustic Endeavor’ will be released on March 24th, 2023

 

’An Acoustic Endeavor’ features four acoustic versions of the most beloved songs from their debut album Equinox, explained by keyboardist Liam:

“We saw this as a chance to push our musical and production skills to the limit by recording symphonic metal songs in musical styles we had never played before! It became something of an acoustic endeavor for all of us; scary yet intriguing.”

INTER ALIA released new album

 

Australian Progressive/Thrash Metal band Inter Alia released their new album «Existential». The release was recorded, mixed and mastered by Scott JT Ransom at Dark Matter Studio.

INTER ALIA was formed in 2017 at Tasmania, Australia by multi instrumentalist Scott JT Ransom as a one-man project. During this time the band released 13 full length albums and 9 EP's.

THE UNSLAIN releases new single

 

The promising Dutch metal band THE UNSLAIN is back! With their brand new single “Into The Unknown”, the four-piece showcases their ability to combine the finest of the classic 80’ Heavy Metal with nowadays Modern Metal creating a crushing new sound they’d like to call Modern Old-School Metal.

Heavy Rock duo WOLFPACT releases new single

 

Heavy Rock duo from Belgium & Germany WOLFPACT unveil their second single “When Angels Die”, a doomy, mysterious song with deep yet bright guitars, pounding drums/bass guitar and sinister keyboards. All of this fits perfectly with classic hard rock vocals in the likes of Dio and David Coverdale!

The Belgian/German duo Gio Smet (GIOTOPIA, HORRORWISH) and Jürgen Wulfes (THOMSEN, CHOLANE, ex-MOON’DOC) started talking about an new project mid-2021, after Jürgen made a great contribution on Gio Smet’s latest Giotopia album. For this new band/project, they agreed to compose heavy rock music with a modern touch, combined with classic hard rock type of vocals. The result is a deep, low end sound with bright and powerful vocals.

WOLFPACT comments:"We think we really captured the doomy, mysterious vibe of this song. And Jürgen did an excellent job with the lyrics. It's like listening to a storytale of old. You get the sense that this tale really happened a long time ago. I believe this is what Wolfpact is all about, capturing the mood and meaning. They are one, the music and lyrics. This was the first tune Gio composed for Wolfpact and listening back to it now in complete form, we really are overjoyed with the result!"

ENGRAVED released new single

 

Australian Metalcore band ENGRAVED released their new single «Wake Up». The single was recorded by Van Leucia and mixed/mastered by Dean Hadjichristou.

ENGRAVED was formed in 2020 at Sydney, Australia by Julio Criscolo (vocals), Daniel Varvarian (guitar), Andy Duschek (guitar), Phil Capewell (bass) and Jake Griffiths (drums). Cementing their foothold on the Australian metal circuit as a band on the come up, the band have received support from audiences and industry alike following the release of their debut EP "Unleashed" in 2022.

New single of the Belgian metal band NOORD is out now

 

‘Fractured’ is the opening track of the upcoming album. With songs 'What Am I Breathing For' and 'Lilith', the first part of the story has come to the end! That's right! The album will contain three "chapters”. Each of them has it's own unique character and story which is the purpose to portray the whole album. With a melodic driven vibe and straight forward, headbanging verses, it is the perfect way to lose your mind and go crazy.

NOORD is a 3-piece metal band from Antwerp, Belgium. They saw the first light of day in 2017. Even in the earlier stages it was clear that this band would not sound like any other band. The roots lies in the metalworld but there are a lot of roads to walk on without losing the roots itself. They combine different elements and styles to form their own. In easy words; NOORD brings something different to the table in the world of heavy music.

HELL'S GUARDIAN: Poppy return !

 

The band says about: "Katy Perry is considered a leading figure in pop music of the 2000s and achieved worldwide success with the single 'Hot n Cold' 2008. As a fan, we chose to readapt this track for its catchy and direct nature, which fits well with the Metal sound. The cover was created for fun while writing the new album, as you can see from the self-ironic video. It is an interesting project but separate from the band, which remains faithful to its epic and symphonic sound."

EXITUS: Liebyrinth

 

Czech thrash metal combo Exitus was founded in 1989. The band published 2 demos - Absolute Destruction (1990) and Exitus (1991). In 1991 the band was disbanded because of millitary duty. The founders were Vladan Prazak (guitars / vocals), Vita Ferencak (guitars) and Michal Honek (drums). 30 years later the guys decided to reactivate Exitus together with Richard Urbanec and two new members.

In April 2019, Exitus released EP "Undead" which showed some great songwriting and loads of killer riffs. The band then spent some more time in the rehearsal room further developing its sound. After several line up changes the time had finally come to record the first full length effort. The debut album called "Liebyrinth" was released on 1st February 2023, and it is a giant sonic leap forward for the band. Distinctive melodies, killer riffs, tempo changes and powerful vocals are true trademarks of the album. The overall production is also more sophisticated compared to the first EP making "Liebyrinth" a great effort for all fans of true thrash metal with old school death touches!

LINE UP

Petr Kupka - vocals

Vladan Prazak - guitars

Vita Ferencak - guitars

Marek Lipovy - bass

Ales Damek - drums

 

REVIEW: THE HALO EFFECT - Days of the Lost

 

THE HALO EFFECT - Days of the Lost

Nuclear Blast Records

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I immensely liked this especially since the members and ex-members of my favorite bands are in this.  The likes of Dark Tranquillity, Gardenian and In Flames shined on here.  They really kicked ass in this melodic death metal onslaught but mild, not brutal.  I wouldn't call these members here as "has beens" they are top notch musicians.  With those bands and the variety in the music (distorted/clean) guitars it's not for really extreme metal it's more of mild as previously stated.  They really put together some great melodies with utmost emotion to the likes of that at least.  I liked all the songs I thought that they were well thought out songs.

SUPERSONIC DRAGON WAGON released new single

 

American Stoner Metal band SUPERSONIC DRAGON WAGON released their new single «Ship of Fools». The release was recorded, mixed and mastered at the "Space Base Audio Laboratory" in San Diego by David Russell.

SUPERSONIC DRAGON WAGON was formed in 2012 at San Diego, California by Dave Russell (vocals/guitars), Sean Knierim (bass), and Roy Belarmino (drums). The band released 5 full-length albums, and these days is working on the next one that will be released in 2023.

REVIEW: SOULFLY - Totem

 

SOULFLY - Totem

Nuclear Blast Records

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My first release from Soulfly was 'Savages' which I found to be interesting.  This release seemed bland the first few listens to.  Then it kind of grew on me.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect here and well this one is a little bit more experimental and cut-throat.  I've been a fan of Max Cavalera since the early Sepultura days in the band.  He took quite a different approach then those days here is experimental Max.  I like it though, the not knowing what to expect here sort of idea.  The brutality, the temperance, the enlightenment.  It's 40 minutes of in your face metal with  vocal effects and odd time signatures.

OSHIAN released new EP

 

American Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band OSHIAN released their new EP «Losing Grip». The release was recorded, mixed and mastered by Hayden Calhoun at "Darkside Audio Studios" in Mechanicsburg, Pa.

OSHIAN was formed in 2012 at Campbelltown, Pennsylvania by Justin Adam (Guitar), Andrew Myles (Guitar), Alyssa Martin (Bass) and Zach Seiger (Drums). In July of 2018 the band released a full length "Argument Of Fools" along with 2 music videos.

WRETCHED HALLUCINATION released new single

 

American Stoner Metal band WRETCHED HALLUCINATION released their new single for the song «Cryptic Ceremony». The single was recorded, mixed and mastered at “Noslomusic Studio” by Jerred Roach.

WRETCHED HALLUCINATION was formed in 2019 at Oklahoma, US by guitarist Jerred Roach and drummer Joseph Roach. The duo delivers heavy, smoke indulged riff wizardry as well as cryptic weed-themed grooves.

NEUROTIC MACHINERY: A Loathsome Aberration

 

On July 15, 2022 the sixth album by the Czech tech-death metal band NEUROTIC MACHINERY was published! Entitled "A Loathsome Aberration", the album came out through Bizarre Leprous Production and is clearly one of the heaviest by the band.

New lyric video by Belgian horror metal project HORRORWISH

 

Belgian horror metal project HORRORWISH just released a remix/remaster of the song “Deadly Sinners” in lyric video form! The song originally featured on the debut album ‘No Place To Hide’, that was released in April 2020.

The artwork for this release was done by the very talented Linda Roosens from “Linda Roosens Art”. Linda captured the feelings and sinister vibes from the song brilliantly! It is notable that she truly is an upcoming talent.

AGE OF RAGE released new EP

 

Russian Modern Metal band AGE OF RAGE released their new EP dedicated to the band's 15-th birthday «Sons Of Anarchy». The new release was recorded, mixed and mastered by Nikita Lebedev at his home studio.

AGE OF RAGE was formed in 2013 in Moscow, Russia by Anton Gruzinsky. At the beginning, the band's work could be attributed to Heavy Metal, but over time and after numerous experiments, the band's sound became closer to Alternative/Modern Metal styles. Over the years of its existence, many concerts have been played, including solo ones, participation in rock festivals, and a number of victories in rock musicians' competitions. At the moment Age of Rage's discography consists of 8 full-length albums and several singles and EPs.

BESATT released new album

 

Norwegian Avant-garde Black Metal band BESATT released their new album «Hjemkomst». The release was recorded at "Squirrel Road Studios", and mixed/mastered by Leif Erik Westergren at "The Stash House".

BESATT was formed in 2021 at Grimstad, Norway by Arvid «Holtergeist» and Erik «Body Snatcher» West. The duo used to work as video clerk sidekicks feeding slasher and horror movies to the locals.

ORIGIN OF INFINITY: After the Slumber

 

"After the Slumber" is the second full-length album by ORIGIN OF INFINITY, Czech modern death-deathcore-djent band. Out now via Dead Maggoty Productions!

Recorded in Hellsound Studio with Honza Kapak (ex-Avenger, Bohemyst) with three guests - vocalists Tomas "Hospi" Hospodka (Wictims), Jiri Krs (Cutterred Flesh, Pandemia) and Honza Kapak himself on the bass guitar!

MARKED AS AN ENEMY releases their debut album 'Meanwhile'!

 

MARKED AS AN ENEMY, one of the leading brands of Czech metalcore, is finally releasing a long-awaited debut album. Building on 2 EP's, Crossroads (2018) and the well-received, if slightly stifled by the covid pandemic, sophmore EP Fire Find Me (2020), MARKED AS AN ENEMY is finally coming with a full-length record called "Meanwhile".

For the third time, the production was handled by Damian Kucera (Sound Rapids, Skywalker), accompanying the band on a journey into new areas and experiments.

REVIEW: ARCH ENEMY - Deceivers

 

ARCH ENEMY - Deceivers

Century Media Records

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This is definitely a solid more consistently good release than their predecessor 'Will To Power'.  It has good rhythms and melodies that they seemed to go back to but never as good as the first 3 Arch Enemy albums in their established discography.  I don't think it's ever going to be what it once was but at least they're making new albums.  Alissa has better vocals than Angela to me but Johan fit in the first 3 releases.  They had hallmark rhythms in the early days that 'Deceivers' seemed to touch upon.  And with Jeff Loomis on lead guitar fits where Nick I don't think did and Christopher yes in the early days.

Melodic metal band ATTRACTIVE CHAOS releases its second single and video “As You Are”

 

 “As You Are” is the song everyone should listen to in the morning before starting the day. The music is progressive, catchy then bombastic. The message is clear: You are unique, you are great and you should live your life the way you want! It’s a true energy booster!

The fourth studio album by ORKRIST out now!

 

ORKRIST were established in 2000 and rose to fame in the succesive years of 2002-2004 mainly due to many concerts they have played in Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria. ORKRIST have become one of the most popular groups in Slovakia and supported Nightwish, Ancient, Behemoth or Eluveitie to name a few. Despite their live activity and promising studio albums "Reginae Mysterium" and "Grond", the band split up due to family and job reasons in 2004.

AHTOH SKALD released new album

 

Russian Folk Metal/Neoclassical musician AHTOH SKALD released his new album «Enigma of Time». The release was recorded, mixed and mastered by Theodor Borovski.

AHTOH SKALD was formed in 2019 as a solo project of the Russian musician Anton Gruzinsky, whose multifaceted work knows no genre boundaries and finds its expression in directions from Modern/Groove Metal to Hard Rock music. The reason this project was created is because Anton wanted a place where he can release his Instrumental, Folk-Ambient and Dark-Ambient compositions to the world.

Power and Glory - 2023 - Live Werewolves! - Full Concert DVD

 

POWER AND GLORY release their Full Concert on DVD "Live Werewolves" from the "Road Werewolves" Mini-tour Live performance!

Recorded during 9 and 16 of December of 2022 at Gier Music Club, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Video by Gustavo Warren of Black.Ink.Lovers Team and Audio by Hernan Ariel Chaves of Power Records.

Miltos Marathon new music video

 

Here you can watch the official video-clip for the song "Just a little thing” taken from the album: Miltos Marathon "dip"

ANTIGOD ARE BACK! ENTERING A NEW ERA WITH A NEW ALBUM MESSTERY!

 

After calm comes the storm. Such could be said about the new full-length Messtery of the Czech outfit Antigod, which shall be released January 30. After a short break, the band returns in a new line-up with the vocalist Martin Turek, with a new energy and with 13 blasts that thrash and destroy with the intensity the fans are used to from the previous albums. This thrash/death metal warmachine simply cannot be stopped!

HEADHUNT released debut EP

 

American Death Metal band HEADHUNT released their debut self titled EP. The release was recorded at "Luna Recording Studios" and was produced by George Nardo.

HEADHUNT was formed in 2021 in Tucson, Arizona as a 3-piece Death Metal band by Jake Rydberg (vocal/guitar), Alex Leibman (bass) and Logan Williams (drums). Only in high school, their powerful and unique sound has put them on the map in the Arizona Metal scene as they’ve taken part in the revival of old school death and thrash metal. Their headbanging grooves are influenced by bands like Death, Entombed, Carcass, and Morbid Angel.

THE SILENT RAGE: Υπογράφουν με την Scarlet Records

 

Ο δεύτερος δίσκος των THE SILENT RAGE θα ονομάζεται “Nuances Of Life” και αναμένεται να κυκλοφορορήσει την άνοιξη μέσω της ανεξάρτητης Ιταλικής δισκογραφικής εταιρείας (με έδρα το Μιλάνο), Scarlet Records.

Αυτή την στιγμή η Scarlet Records έχει στο roster της μπάντες όπως οι Eldritch, οι Hatesphere, οι Band Of Spice, οι Vision Divine, οι Sede Vacante και πολλοί άλλοι ενώ στο παρελθόν, συγκροτήματα όπως οι Labÿrinth, οι Temperance, οι Heimdall, οι Scar Of The Sun και οι Manticora έχουν κυκλοφορήσει τους δίσκους τους μέσω αυτής.

A RISING CHAPTER released debut EP

German Deathcore band A RISING CHAPTER released their debut EP «I N A N I M A T E». The release was recorded and mixed at their A|R|C Home Studios by Alex Neuberger.

A RISING CHAPTER was formed in 2022 at Mühldorf am Inn, Bavaria by Jakob Wlasiuk (vocals), Andreas Pape (bass) and Alex Neuberger (guitars, drums, fx). The aim was to stand out among the flood of brutal metal bands and to create a special mix of Brutal Deathcore with catchy and partly harmonious melodies. All members of the band have been long known in the regional and partly national metal scene and can boast some live and studio experience as they are among others from bands like Eternal Torture.