DRAGONFORCE Release Exclusive New Song “A Draco Tale”

 

Power metal band DRAGONFORCE has partnered with the popular mobile game Brawl Stars to introduce a new character, Draco, with an exciting song and music video titled “A Draco Tale.” Draco, the game's first guitar-wielding Legendary Brawler, embodies a love for heavy metal, extreme sports, and Dungeons & Dragons, making DRAGONFORCE's high-energy track a fitting tribute.

The collaboration was inspired by Supercell's (Brawl Stars' developer) admiration for DRAGONFORCE. Herman Li, DRAGONFORCE co-founder and avid gamer, expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting his enjoyment of Brawl Stars. The music video, available on Brawl Stars' YouTube channel, features the band and animations of Draco. Supercell's community manager, Drew Haycock, highlighted his long-time fandom of DRAGONFORCE and praised the collaborative process.

VONAVIBE – New Single + Video for the Self-Titled "Vonavibe"

 

The band Vonavibe takes a look back at their journey so far, sharing with us moments from their personal studio to the biggest gigs they've played, directed by Peggy Psarrou.

"Given the significance of the track, we wanted to do something special and showcase exactly what Vonavibe is. That's why we opened our archive and selected some of the most beautiful shots we've taken since the band's inception, both professional and amateur, from cameras, mobile phones, everything... The result is a collage of the band over the last 7 years. We chose shots from rehearsals, soundchecks, concerts, and even personal moments with the crew and friends," says Dyon.

"How we started with small steps, playing in front of 20 people, to eventually supporting bands like Monster Magnet and Gus G both in Greece and abroad. The video is, for me, a reminder to get back on your feet no matter what life throws at you. After Dyon's accident, the band's future was extremely uncertain and it took us almost 4 years to get back on stage," adds George Andrian.

"The video is essentially an animated portrait of the band and the meaning behind its name... Every fright that may lie, never lost is Vonavibe. Vonavibe, a feeling of hope," John Tass adds.

The production and mixing were done by Dyon at Red Toy Studio, while the mastering was handled by Giannis Christodoulatos at SweetSpot Mastering Studios.

REVIEW: MOONSPELL, The Butterfly Effect (1999)

 

MOONSPELL, The Butterfly Effect (1999)

Century Media Records

Η μεταμόρφωση της κάμπιας σε γοτθική πεταλούδα.

Οι Πορτογάλοι φίλοι μας αφού ξεκίνησαν απ'τα σκοτεινά παρακλάδια του Black Metal απ' το Wolfheart και μετά πέρασαν απ'το Irreligious και μετά  στο Sin Pecado κάνοντας εκεί ορατή τη Gothic Metal πλευρά της συνθετικής τους δεινότητας , το 1999 φτάνουν σε αυτό το ασύλληπτο άλμπουμ τόσο για τη δική τους δισκογραφία όσο και για τη γενικότερη ευρωπαϊκή Metal σκηνή. Τα φωνητικά είναι ανάμεικτα, τόσο throath / growl όσο και straight gothic,  μερικές φορές μέσα στο ίδιο κομμάτι. Υπάρχουν κι μερικές  νότες απ' τη παραδοσιακή πορτογαλική μουσική χωρίς βέβαια να γίνονται άμεσα ακουστές. Στα δώδεκα κομμάτια του τα εννέα ίσως είναι αξεπέραστα. Υλικό σαν το Soulsick, Buterfly Fx, Can't Be, Lustmord, Selfabuse, I Am Athe Eternal Spectator, Solitary Vice, Adaptables, Angelizer είναι η πεμπτουσία του δίσκου κι ίσως και όλης της καριέρας τους, που από αυτό και πέρα θα προσπαθεί να μιξάρει το συγκεκριμένο με το προηγούμενο τους έργο Sin Pecado, εσαεί. Αυτό ίσως να μην τους βγαίνει παρακάτω γιατί απλά η εποχή αυτή ήταν ανεπανάληπτη.

English Text:

The Transformation of the Caterpillar into a Gothic Butterfly

Our Portuguese friends, having started from the dark offshoots of Black Metal with "Wolfheart," then moved through "Irreligious" and onto "Sin Pecado," making their Gothic Metal side evident, reached this incredible album in 1999. This album stands out not only in their discography but also in the broader European Metal scene.

The vocals are mixed, featuring both throat/growl and straight gothic styles, sometimes within the same track. There are also hints of traditional Portuguese music, though not immediately obvious. Of the twelve tracks, nine are perhaps unparalleled.

Songs like "Soulsick," "Butterfly Fx," "Can't Be," "Lustmord," "Selfabuse," "I Am the Eternal Spectator," "Solitary Vice," "Adaptables," and "Angelizer" encapsulate the essence of the album and perhaps their entire career. From this point on, they would attempt to blend this album with their previous work, "Sin Pecado," forever. This blending might not succeed in the future simply because this era was unparalleled.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

SILVERTONGUEDEVIL release Death Eaters video clip

 

American Thrash Metal band Silvertonguedevil has released their new single "Death Eaters," featuring Texacutioner DeLaMuerte of SERPENT PRIEST. This track is part of their upcoming EP "Conquest of the Inferno." The single was recorded at Reeltime Audio Studios and mixed/mastered by Eric Delegard. Formed in 2005 in Dallas, Texas, Silvertonguedevil has released three full-length albums and two EPs under their label "All Devils Music." The band members are Craig Meinhart (vocals), John Tapia (guitars), Brandon Chandler (bass), and Josh Leicht (drums). Their first single from the EP, "Royalty," features a guest solo by Mike Wilson of CHEMICAUST.

Chiral - In The Company Of Wolves (Official Single)

 

Born in early 2023, multi-instrumentalist and producer Gary Duncan joined forces with singer/multi-instrumentalist Adam Brewer, creating the RATM-inspired anthem "Digital Whispers," a haunting ode to the existential dread of AI's influence on humanity.

With further releases such as "Digital Whispers" and "Kubrick Odyssey" exclusively on YouTube in early 2024, a dark pilgrimage to Germany in May, and acclaim echoing from the most remote corners of the globe, Chiral's chaos knows no bounds.

Chiral is not just a band; it is a carnival of sonic madness where darkness beckons. Come join the dark parade with their new single "In The Company Of Wolves."

SACRA release debut album

 

Spanish Melodic Death/Black Metal band SACRA has released their debut album, "Oblivion." The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Gerardo Lumbreras in his home studio. Sacra was formed in 2020 in Nájera, Spain, when Alberto Sodupe Puras (guitars) and Raúl Ceballos (drums) began exploring Black-Death Metal. After some line-up changes, Rafa joined as the vocalist, providing stability, and was soon followed by bassist Javipa.

REVIEW: WOLFCRY, Nightbreed (2003)

 

WOLFCRY, Nightbreed (2003)

Black Lotus Records

Παλιό καλό σαν το όμορφο κρασί.

Η μπάντα αυτή που εδώ τη βρίσκω στο δεύτερο άλμπουμ της, ανήκει στο δεύτερο κύμα της ελληνικής "επιστροφής στις ρίζες" της Heavy Metal σκηνής που έχουμε δεί ότι ξέσπασε από το 1997-98  φτάνοντας σε αποκορύφωση  περίπου δέκα χρόνια μετά. Οι τέσσερις μουσικοί Κώστας Χατζηγεωργίου φωνή, Σπύρος Τριανταφύλλου μπάσο, Σίμος Καγγελάρης κιθάρες και πλήκτρα, Ανδρέας Κουρτίδης ντραμς σε οκτώ κομμάτια κλασικού, αλά 90's ακόμη , οπότε αρκετά μοντέρνου όμως Heavy και Power MetaΙ με πολύ καθαρή και δυνατή παραγωγή και οι τίτλοι των κομματιών του CD είναι Metamorphosis, Vanguard, Screamin' Whispers, Endless Circle, The Dying of Innocence, As Darkness..., Saint/Sinner, The Fable of Angor, είναι το ιδανικό περιεχόμενο ικανό να τραβήξει τη προσοχή σας, οπότε ειλικρινά αν το βρείτε κάπου αρπάξτε την ευκαιρία να το ακούσετε με κλειστά τα μάτια κι ορθάνοιχτα  αφτιά.

English Text:

Old and good, like fine wine.

This band, which I find here on their second album, belongs to the second wave of the Greek "return to the roots" of the Heavy Metal scene that we have seen emerge since 1997-98, reaching its peak about ten years later. The four musicians—Kostas Chatzigeorgiou on vocals, Spyros Triantafyllou on bass, Simos Kaggelaris on guitars and keyboards, and Andreas Kourtides on drums—play eight tracks of classic, yet modern 90's style Heavy and Power Metal with a very clear and strong production. The track titles of the CD are Metamorphosis, Vanguard, Screamin' Whispers, Endless Circle, The Dying of Innocence, As Darkness..., Saint/Sinner, and The Fable of Angor. This is the ideal content capable of capturing your attention, so if you find it somewhere, grab the opportunity to listen to it with your eyes closed and your ears wide open.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

FORBIDDEN MYTH – new album “Zantea Chronicles: The Nightmare Awakens”

 

A humble tanner. A petrified forest. An immortal guardian. A forgotten threat.

FORBIDDEN MYTH presents the sequel to "Zantea Chronicles: The Dream Dominator." A thematic epic prog rock album that advances the story and mythology of the world of Zantea.

Nine vocalists take on roles in a story that unfolds through 12 songs, with a total duration of 70 minutes. The music is characterized by the absence of electric guitar/bass*, in an album that "moves" from rock (classic, art, pomp, prog, epic, hard) and reaches up to metal, taking you "sonically" back to the seventies!

The album is available exclusively through Hydraulis Records' page on Bandcamp (in digital form with a digital booklet and in 300 limited edition jewel case CDs) and as a lyric movie on YouTube!

Ravn release new video

 

French Pagan/Stoner Metal band Ravn has released a new video clip for their song "Vinland." The video was recorded, mixed, and mastered by the band at Lumparfait Studios and directed by Collectif l'Imparfait. Ravn, formed in 2020 in Alençon, France by Natas (Guitars), Zyng (Bass, Vocals), and John (Drums), released their debut EP "At the Beginning" in 2022 and began touring across France. Their latest EP, "They Came with Force," was released in February 2024.

HOLYCIDE new killer animated video as 3rd single

 

Spanish thrash metal band HOLYCIDE has released an animated video for their third advance single from the upcoming album "Towards Idiocracy," set to drop on June 6th, coinciding with the International Day of Slayer. The album will be available through Xtreem Music on CD, 12" LP, cassette, and digital formats. Vocalist Dave Rotten explains that the song's lyrics address the prevalence of fake news in today's society. He criticizes how people often embrace falsehoods that align with their beliefs, turning lies and hoaxes into perceived truths, echoing Göbbels' infamous dictum: "a lie repeated a thousand times becomes a truth."

AGAINST EVIL "Give 'Em Hell " (Official Music Video)

 

The band says about the new title track:

"'Give 'Em Hell' is a pretty straightforward meat & potatoes kinda Heavy Metal song, packed with rapid-fire riffs, explosive bass & drums, high octane vocals, and a blistering solo. It was an instant no-brainer to release this track as the first single as it perfectly represents the overall vibe and sonic intensity of the entire album. It's got the band firing on all cylinders and is guaranteed to get your fists pumping and turn adrenaline levels up to eleven!"

MEDEN AGAN – New Official Video “Rejection”

 

MEDEN AGAN are excited to announce the release of the second video clip for the song "Rejection"!

"Rejection" is featured on their new album “My name is Katherine," which was released on May 3, 2024, by Sleazy Rider Records.

REVIEW: MORBID ANGEL, Covenant (1993)

 

MORBID ANGEL, Covenant (1993)

Earache Records

Ο θρόνος τους ανήκει.

Οι τρεις μουσικοί David Vincent, Trey Azagthoth, Pete Snadoval φτάνουν αισίως στο τρίτο τους έργο, ίσως το γνωστότερο άλμπουμ του συγκροτήματος αυτού. Η παραγωγή εδώ αποδίδεται στον Flemming Rasmussen  που στο παρελθόν έχει γράψει ιστορία με τις δουλειές του στους Rainbow αρχικά, τους Metallica στα Master of Puppets και ...And Justice For All. Ο δίσκος αυτός έχει μοσχοπουλήσει και δέκα χρόνια μετα τη κυκλοφορία του θα πιάσει το όριο του πλατινένιου, ένα κατόρθωμα για σχήμα που ανήκει στο ακραίο είδος που αποκαλούμε Death Metal. Δέκα κομμάτια με τα επτά να είναι must στο playlist των φίλων του ακραίου ήχου. Rapture, World of Shit (The Promised Land), Vengeance is Mine, Lions Den, Blood on My Hands, Angel of Disease, Sworn to the Black και το τελικό God of Emptiness το κατατάσσουν στα πέντε μεγαλύτερα άλμπουμ του είδους για μένα παρέα με Death Leprosy, Obituary Cause of Death, Entombed Left Hand Path και At The Gates Slaughter of the Soul, με η σειρά να μη παίζει κανένα ρόλο!

English Text:

The throne belongs to them.

The three musicians—David Vincent, Trey Azagthoth, and Pete Sandoval—have successfully reached their third album, which is perhaps the most well-known of their band. The production is handled by Flemming Rasmussen, who previously made history with his work on Rainbow's albums and Metallica's Master of Puppets and ...And Justice For All. This album has sold exceptionally well, and ten years after its release, it achieved platinum status, a remarkable feat for a band in the extreme genre known as Death Metal.

The album features ten tracks, with seven being essential in any extreme music enthusiast's playlist: Rapture, World of Shit (The Promised Land), Vengeance is Mine, Lion's Den, Blood on My Hands, Angel of Disease, Sworn to the Black, and the final track, God of Emptiness. These songs place the album among the top five greatest of the genre for me, alongside Death's Leprosy, Obituary's Cause of Death, Entombed's Left Hand Path, and At The Gates' Slaughter of the Soul, with the order being of no particular importance.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

NEW lyric video from GHOST WARFARE

 

Ghost Warfare is an innovative musical and artistic project created by Georgi Latev and Dimitar Naydev in 2007. The main goal of the project is to explore and convey the band's research into the realm of inner study and the spiritual essence of humanity through their music and lyrics.

CAPTAIN HAWK – GHOSTS OF THE SEA : The new single and official video “Diamonds, Emeralds & Rubies” has been released.

 

The third video from the metal opera *Captain Hawk - Ghosts of the Sea* has been released. In this video, you can watch the pirates and main characters of our story discover the treasure. Secret caves filled with unimaginable riches await them, and they swim in gold!

POWERWOLF Tells the Story of the "Werewolf of Bedburg" in "1589"

 

POWERWOLF has released the first single, "1589," from their upcoming album *Wake Up The Wicked*, set to launch on July 26, 2024, via Napalm Records. The song narrates the story of Peter Stump, the "Werewolf of Bedburg," who was executed in 1589 after confessing to multiple murders under torture. The music video, filmed in England's dark woods, is the band's most elaborate production, featuring numerous actors, crew members, and impressive special effects, providing a cinematic preview of the new album.

HELLISH TORMENT release new album

 

American Black Metal band HELLISH TORMENT has released their new self-titled album, which was recorded, mixed, and mastered by CJ Gardineer at Red Wolf Michigan Studios. Formed in 2016 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the band consists of Tom "The Soulbutcher" Gillis (vocals/guitars), Patrick "Dragginballs" McCarty (guitars), and Mike "Evil" Oehmen (drums). They debuted with the demo "Unholy Isolation" in 2020 and have since been performing live in Michigan.

CRYSTAL VIPER release new music video, new album out in June on Listenable Records

 

Marta Gabriel, band leader of CRYSTAL VIPER, describes their new single "The Silver Key" as one of the most epic tracks on their latest album, drawing inspiration from metal legends like Ronnie James Dio, Tony Martin-era BLACK SABBATH, and MANOWAR. The song’s video features studio footage and clips from their performances at the Full Metal Cruise festival. The album's lyrics are inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, continuing themes from their 2021 release "The Cult." Although initially titled “The Cult II,” "The Silver Key" stands out with its unique identity, being heavier, faster, darker, yet more melodic and epic than previous works. The band has shifted fully to pure Heavy Metal, paying homage to classic acts like IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST while incorporating elements from various metal subgenres. Produced and mastered by Bart Gabriel and recorded by Rafal Kossakowski, the album features cover art by Guatemalan artist Mario Lopez. Despite the "female-fronted" label, CRYSTAL VIPER remains true to their serious, traditional Metal roots.

Wade Black’s Astronomica release their new video for the song “Protectors of the Realm”!

 

The track is taken from the band’s new album "The Awakening" that is released on March 8, 2024 as Digipack CD, Curacao Transparent Vinyl limited to 300 copies worldwide and digital streaming/download format.

NORTHERN KRIG release debut album

 

Norwegian Black Metal band NORTHERN KRIG has released their debut album, "Concept Of A Suicidal Journey," on Rat Covenant Records. The album was recorded and mixed at Icelandic Fire Records by Erik Lund and mastered at Totenklang Studios. Northern Krig was formed in Oslo, Norway, in 2021 by former members of Skyrsdag: Morfran (vocals), Erik Lund (guitars), Mikkel Stein (bass), and Jonar Gunnarson (drums). Their debut demo EP, "Myrk Blóðfórn," was released in 2022.

ELVELLON Unleashes New Single “The Aftermath Of Life”

 

German symphonic metal band ELVELLON has announced their new single, "The Aftermath Of Life," from their upcoming album *Ascending in Synergy*, set for release on May 17, 2024. Accompanied by an official music video, this single promises an immersive auditory experience. ELVELLON, praised as “heroes of tomorrow” by Metal Hammer Germany, previously garnered acclaim with their 2018 album *Until Dawn*. Their track "Born From Hope" achieved over 1.3 million views and 2.5 million streams. Since their formation in 2010, ELVELLON has performed at notable festivals such as RockHarz Festival, M’era Luna, and Rock Fest Barcelona. "The Aftermath Of Life" blends heavy guitar riffs, dark keyboard sounds, and catchy choruses, exploring themes of aging and making peace with life's inevitable decay. Pre-orders for the album are now available.

REVIEW: ROTTING CHRIST, The Heretics (2019)

 

ROTTING CHRIST, The Heretics (2019)

Season of Mist

Αιρετικός δίσκος.

Η ναυαρχίδα στο στολίσκο της ελληνικής σκηνής, ειδικότερα της Extreme Metal πλευράς, στο τελευταίο κατά κυκλοφορία άλμπουμ μέχρι στιγμής (έρχεται το επόμενο φέτος,  σε μερικές βδομάδες!) βρίσκει το συγκρότημα να συνεχίζει στο πιο mainstream metal μονοπάτι που έχει χαράξει τη τελευταία δεκαετία. Όχι το συγκεκριμένο άλμπουμ δεν διεκδικεί δάφνες της πάλαι ποτέ Mediterranean Black Metal ομάδας στην οποία ξεκίνησε η ιστορία τους το '89. Μιλάμε για μοντέρνο Metal με σκοτεινό υπόβαθρο αλλά σίγουρα πολύ πιο εύπεπτο και κλασικότροπο κιθαριστικά  περιεχόμενο περισσότερο ακόμη κι απ' τη δεύτερη εποχή τους μετά το 2001! Το μόνο που θυμίζει το μαύρο παρελθόν του σχήματος του Σάκη Τόλη (κιθάρα κι φωνή) είναι το αρχικό λογότυπο της μπάντας που έκανε διακοπή στη χρήση του μόνο τρία χρόνια (τα πιο "Gorh" άλμπουμ τους A Dead Poem 1997 , Sleep of the Angels 1999 και Khronos 2000 δεν το φέρουν στο εξώφυλλο) και που θυμίζει το ακραίο παρελθόν τους απομένει. Μας χαλάει αυτό; Αν ναι κρίμα. Αν όχι εδώ έχουμε έναν δίσκο που που ακόμη μία φορά μας δείχνει τί μπορεί να κάνει αυτό το γκρουπ βετεράνων της χώρας μας. In the Name of God , Ветры злые (άνεμοι του κακού στα ρωσικά!), Heaven and Hell and Fire, Hallowed Be  Thy Name (όχι δεν είναι διασκευή στους Maiden), Dies Irae, Πιστεύω (για όσους λένε ότι δεν έχουμε στοιχεία απ' τη γλώσσα μας στιχουργικά), Fire God And Fear, The Voice of the Universe, The New Messiah The Raven είναι οι τίτλοι των κομματιών.

English Text:

Heretical disc.

The flagship of the Greek scene's fleet, particularly the Extreme Metal side, in its latest album release so far (the next one is coming next year, in a few weeks!) finds the band continuing on the more mainstream metal path they have carved over the last decade. No, this specific album does not claim the laurels of the once Mediterranean Black Metal group in which their history began in '89. We are talking about modern Metal with a dark background but certainly much more digestible and classically-influenced guitar content, even more so than their second era after 2001! The only thing that reminds us of the black past of Sakis Tolis' (guitar and vocals) band is the original logo of the band, which was only discontinued for three years (their more "Goth" albums A Dead Poem 1997, Sleep of the Angels 1999, and Khronos 2000 do not feature it on the cover) and which recalls their extreme past. Does this bother us? If yes, that's a shame. If not, here we have a record that once again shows us what this group of veterans from our country can do. "In the Name of God," "Ветры злые" (Winds of Evil in Russian!), "Heaven and Hell and Fire," "Hallowed Be Thy Name" (no, it's not a Maiden cover), "Dies Irae," "Πιστεύω" (for those who say we don't have elements of our language in the lyrics), "Fire God and Fear," "The Voice of the Universe," "The New Messiah," "The Raven" are the track titles.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

REVIEW: RISING FAITH – The Arrival

 

RISING FAITH – The Arrival

Limb Music

Homepage

What I love about the power metal sound is its ability to seamlessly integrate various musical elements from other rock and metal genres without ever losing its intrinsic sense of melody. This unique quality allows power metal to offer a rich variety of listening experiences and evoke a wide range of emotions. Personally, it is the genre I hold dearest, alongside classic heavy metal.

One band that particularly exemplifies these qualities is the Swedish group RISING FAITH. Formed in 1998, they had a brief but impactful career, releasing a demo titled "Demo 99," an EP called "Imagination" in 2000, and their debut album "The Arrival" in 2003.

It's this debut album, "The Arrival," that I want to highlight. From the moment I first heard it several years ago, it has consistently left me with the same uplifting impressions. Despite their Swedish origins, RISING FAITH is not the typical melodic power metal band we often associate with that country (not that there's anything wrong with that). From the opening notes of the album, it's clear that their music is a distinctive blend, featuring strong thrash and speed metal elements reminiscent of early METALLICA and ANNIHILATOR. The track "Rage," for example, includes passages that strongly evoke these Canadian thrash legends.

Moreover, RISING FAITH doesn't shy away from classic metal influences. The track "Imaginations" showcases this perfectly, with influences from ACCEPT that are unmistakably clear, and its melodic hooks are irresistibly catchy. This album beautifully enriches the European power metal sound with thrash and heavy metal in a harmonious, creative, and imaginative manner. If HELSTAR and SAVAGE GRACE were Europeans, they might sound something like this. Additionally, the album reminds me of early works by MANTICORA.

Overall, "The Arrival" is a work characterized by its distinctive personality and inspiration. Crafted with passion, dedication, and a deep love for the genre it represents, it’s a true gem. It's genuinely a shame that RISING FAITH didn't continue their journey, as their music had so much to offer.

Νικόλαος Παραστατίδης