Beware of the mighty Sea! Swedish sea marauders YE
BANISHED PRIVATEERS will release their highly anticipated sixth album, ´Til the
Sea Shall Give up Her Dead, on April 11, 2025, via Napalm Records. Following a
monumental performance at Wacken Open Air 2023 and a blockbuster tour in 2024,
the band invites fans on a thrilling journey through the lives of 18th-century
sailors. Their new album blends poignant ballads and raucous anthems, exploring
themes of camaraderie, loss, and fleeting joy at sea.
The first single, “Chained Below,” addresses the
horrors of the transatlantic slave trade, aiming to highlight the suffering
endured by enslaved individuals. As they embark on a tour this autumn with
pagan folk band Faun, YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS promise immersive storytelling and
powerful performances. The album serves as a haunting voyage through the
precarious lives of sailors, celebrating their resilience amidst tragedy and
the fragility of life on the open seas. Prepare for a musical odyssey that
brings the spirit of the ocean to life!
Austrian rock quartet VULVARINE is set to unleash
their new album, “Fast Lane”, on March 28, 2025, via Napalm Records. Known for
their explosive mix of hard rock, punk, and heavy metal, VULVARINE has made
waves in the rock scene since their debut album, “Unleashed”, in 2020. Their
first single, "Fool," explores societal pressures and authenticity,
accompanied by a striking music video. Kicking off a European tour on February
7, they’ll support Thundermother alongside label mates Cobra Spell. Describing
their sound as “vulvarock,” the group is ready to dive into this high-energy
new chapter of their career.
There's a fresh and intriguing addition to the metal
scene: TRIA PRIMA. This Ukrainian band brings a mystical twist to death metal
with their unique style, which they call alchemical death metal. Let's explore
their story and their music.
The Band's Origins and Line-up:
TRIA PRIMA was born in September 2024 in Zhitomir,
Ukraine. The band is made up of experienced musicians with deep roots in the
Ukrainian metal scene:
- Ruslan Hrytsiuta on vocals and guitars, who also
writes the lyrics. He's known from his work with Mankind Wrath.
- Jury Sinitsky on drums, who has an impressive
history with bands like Drudkh, Blood of Kingu, Lucifugum, Лютомисл, Violent Omen, All Dies, Definition Sane, and Mankind
Wrath.
- Serhii D. D. Bondar on bass and backing vocals, also
responsible for songwriting and the band's overall concept. He's been part of
Bestial Invasion, Cosmic Jaguar, Lord Erektus, and previously Violent Omen and
Crucifix.
They introduced themselves to the world in 2024 with
their single “Solar Sulfur,” which is also featured on their latest EP.
Alchemical Inspirations:
The band's name and themes are deeply rooted in
alchemy. In alchemical philosophy, the "Tria Prima" or "Three
Primes" are fundamental substances believed to be the building blocks of
all matter:
1. Sulfur: Represents the soul, combustibility, and
volatility. It's associated with the mind and spirit.
2. Mercury: Symbolizes the spirit, fluidity, and
changeability. Mercury bridges the higher and lower realms, embodying
transformation and adaptability.
3. Salt: Denotes the body, solidity, and stability.
Salt is linked to the material and physical aspects of life.
These elements are central to alchemical
transformation and the pursuit of the philosopher's stone, a concept that
infuses TRIA PRIMA's music with depth and mysticism.
Three Primes of Alchemy” EP Review:
The debut EP, “Three Primes of Alchemy”, features four
tracks:
1. Solar Sulfur
2. Philosopher's Mercury
3. Witchcraft Salt
4. Deathhammer - A cover of ASPHYX's iconic song.
The band's core sound is rooted in melodic death
metal, with bursts of modern thrash metal. The lyrics, inspired by alchemy, add
a layer of mysticism to their music.
What makes TRIA PRIMA stand out is their blend of symphonic
metal elements and the occasional operatic female vocals by Anira. This
combination adds a unique and captivating dimension to their sound.
Additionally, E. Maestro's guitar solos are both skillful and melodic,
providing intricate details that enrich the songs.
The result is an EP that offers an otherworldly
experience filled with mysticism and grandeur. The only band that comes to mind
for comparison is the Greek band SEPTICFLESH.
Conclusion
While I might not be an expert in the extreme metal
scene, based on my taste and instinct, I believe TRIA PRIMA deserves your
attention. Their introduction to the metal scene with this release is nothing
short of impressive. Give them a listen; you might just find yourself enchanted
by their alchemical soundscapes.
EXTERIOR PALNET was founded in December 2015. After
several months of rehearsals, the framework for their debut album was ready,
which eventually took the form of a single. Their first album, *Dorsia*, was
released in December 2017, showcasing a 32-minute journey from atmospheric
beginnings to more intricate and layered sounds in its latter half.
Following the release, the band began developing their
sound further, culminating in their second album, "Haragma II", which took
seven years to complete. This album explores cosmic and mythological themes,
blending the vastness of space with the weight of ancient tradition. Building
on the foundations of *Dorsia*, *Haragma II* elevates their sound with
discordant hooks, powerful textures, and interwoven song structures
.
With themes ranging from humanity's fragility to the
alien and divine, the album navigates a spectrum of ideas. Tracks like *Behind
the Veil* and *Exoskeletons* delve into haunting and surreal worlds, while the
epic finale, *Heracleidae*, draws on the mythical power of Hercules, merging
cosmic grandeur with the resonance of ancient heroism.
Οι Therion, πάντα είχαν είτε
φανατικούς ακολούθους είτε φανατικούς επικριτές. Έχοντας υπάρξει στη πρώτη
γραμμή του συμφωνικού Metal από
το 1996 με τρανό παράδειγμα το άλμπουμ Theli, έχοντας περάσει από DeathMetal και μελωδικό DeathMetalμπορεί να ειπωθεί ότι προτιμούν την πεπατημένη της μεταλλικής όπερας. OChristoferJohnsson σταθερά στα ηνία του
σχήματος απ'το 1989, βασικός κιθαρίστας, πληκτράς, συνθέτης, μερικές φορές και
τραγουδιστής είναι μια προσωπικότητα στο χώρο με αδιαμφισβήτητη μουσική
βαρύτητα. Εδώ στον 14ο τους δίσκο, παρουσιάζει υλικό ανάλογο σε ποιότητα με
όλους τους προηγούμενους δίσκους τους, ένα σερί που ξεκινάει απ'το Deggial άλμπουμ στα τέλη δεκαετίας
του '90. Σταθερά πάλι μαζί του πέρα από τη συμφωνική χορωδία που πλέον είναι
δεδομένη, αρκετοί μουσική ορχήστρας δωματίου, ο επίσης γνωστός κι αγαπητός SnowyShaw στα φωνητικά, ρόλο που μοιράζεται με
τον ThomasVikström και την LoriLewis. ChristianVidal στη δεύτερη κιθάρα, NallePahlsson, μπάσο και JohanKoleberg κρουστά συμπληρώνουν τη metal μπάντα. Σε λίγο πάνω από μια ώρα ο
μυστικισμός, ένταση, τα πολυφωνικά φωνητικά, το progressive, κλασικό Heavy και PowerMetal, Doom ανακατεμένα με ανατολίτικα μοτίβα σε
κομμάτια σαν τα
Introduction/Sitra Ahra, Kings of Edom, Unguentum
Sabbati, Land of Canaan, 2012: Return of the Feathered Serpent,The Shells Are Open, Din ξεχύνονται απ' τα
ηχεία μας.
English:
They have already gone beyond this.
Therion have always had either fervent followers or
passionate critics. Having been at the forefront of symphonic metal since 1996,
with the outstanding album *Theli* as a prime example, and having transitioned
through death metal and melodic death metal, it can be said that they prefer
the well-trodden path of metal opera. Christofer Johnsson, who has been at the
helm of the band since 1989, serving as the main guitarist, keyboardist,
composer, and occasionally vocalist, is a significant figure in the scene with
undeniable musical gravitas.
Here, on their 14th album, he presents material of a
quality comparable to all their previous albums—a streak that began with the
album *Deggial* in the late '90s. Again, alongside him, in addition to the
now-standard symphonic choir, there are several chamber orchestra musicians,
with the well-known and beloved Snowy Shaw on vocals, a role shared with Thomas
Vikström and Lori Lewis. Christian Vidal on second guitar, Nalle Pahlsson on
bass, and Johan Koleberg on drums complete the metal ensemble.
In just over an hour, mysticism, intensity, polyphonic
vocals, progressive elements, classic heavy and power metal, and doom
intertwine with Eastern motifs in tracks such as "Introduction/Sitra
Ahra," "Kings of Edom," "Unguentum Sabbati,"
"Land of Canaan," "2012: Return of the Feathered Serpent,"
and "The Shells Are Open," as they flow from our speakers.
Austrian Melodic Symphonic Death Metal band Crowheart
has released their new album, "Misanthropy & Nature," recorded at
Dave Slut's home studio, mixed by Stefan Kaschel, and mastered by Christoph
Brandes at Iguana Studios. Formed in 2015 by ex-members of Everlasting Dawn,
Crowheart blends elements of melodic, symphonic, death, and black metal. Their
previous works include the double album "The Frailty of Men" (2016),
the EP "Plague King" (2018), and "Sins" (2021). Lyrically exploring
themes like depression and addiction, they're back on stage in 2023 after a
performance hiatus, having previously shared the stage with acts like Graveworm
and Innersphere.
1. How have your influences from bands like Seether,
Shinedown, and Metallica shaped the evolution of your sound from your debut
album “Welcome to the Show” to your latest single “Aggressive Response”?
As all bands grow, so do we. You can clearly hear the
evolution in every band’s sound in every album they make. We simply try to
follow the footsteps of the bands we grew up with and still listen to this day,
so give something better than the previous result. So yes, they have helped us
a lot.
2. Can you walk us through your creative process? How
do you approach songwriting and composing as a band?
Either a riff –guitar or bass it doesn’t matter- drum
pattern or even voice pattern. It really doesn’t matter. Whatever ideas we have
we put the in the blender and we mix. If some don’t fit, we take them out and
we keep them in the cupboard. Sometimes also lyrics came first. You cannot stop
inspiration when it hits you. So we try to follow the voice pattern based on
the lyrics.
3. Working with Bob Katsionis and David Prudent on
multiple projects, how has their guidance influenced your music? Are there
specific moments or pieces of advice that have stuck with you?
The only thing that told to us every time, is rehearsal,
rehearsal, rehearsal. It doesn’t matter how good you think a song is, play it.
It needs to become one with each of us and with the band itself. Fuel for the
engine.
4. Your second album, “Time Is Now”, was released in
2020—a turbulent year globally. How did the global events at that time
influence the themes or mood of the album?
It was really just bad luck. You cannot blame a global
pandemic. It happened, end of story. But it mostly affected us in ways inside
the band. The album did good, many people bought it, but we didn’t have the
option to play it on live performances or even a small Greek tour. Great album,
bad timing. And especially in music, timing is everything.
5. Your participation in the Rockwave Festival in 2023
must have been a high point. Can you share any memorable experiences or lessons
from performing there?
It really was amazing. We always wanted to play in
such a big space and the experience was electrifying. The fact that you were
standing and playing in the same stage that numerous bands and artists from all
over the world had played, is something that you need to live it to understand
it. There are no words to describe something like that.
6. With five members in the band, how do you manage
creative differences? Do you have a specific approach to resolving conflicts?
We vote. As silly as it sounds, since we do not have a
‘’leader’’ we all need to follow the majority. Do we like this, do we like
that, what should we do movingon, wil we play live, when, literally everything.
We of course try to follow every one’s lives and schedules, but specifically
for music, we always vote.
7. How do you balance staying true to your heavy rock
roots while experimenting and pushing boundaries with your sound?
I believe that all bands have a basic template they
follow. The experimentations come as we grow or maybe what we were listening at
the time. If we like those ‘’changes’’, we keep them.
8. How important is fan feedback to your creative
process? Can you share an example of how fan interactions have influenced your
music?
We hear what they have to say for sure. But as to our
creative process, no. We play what comes naturally to us and we play what we
like. We have heard over the years that they wanted to hear that song for
example on a live performance that we haven’t played in a while and we did. But
regarding our songs, either they like it or they don’t. I may come out as
harsh, but that’s the truth.
9. What are some future projects or goals for Ganzi
Gun? Are there any new musical directions or collaborations you're excited
about exploring?
Of course there are. New songs and ideas always
popping out so that’s not stopping. We have discussed sometimes for
collaborations yes, but at the moment, we do not have something on the table.
10. Can each band member share a personal story or
experience that has had a significant impact on their musical journey?
Tzery (Drums): Playing on the Rockwave Festival. The
honor and happiness of me and my band sharing the stage with so many other
bands and artists before us, still amazes me.
Thanassis (Lead Guitars): Performing at Rockwave Festival
2023 was a highlightdream moment, but I’ll never forget the raw energy of Rock
on Beach Festival in 2015—it pushed me to evolve as a guitarist and work harder
with the band!
Dionisis (Rhythm Guitars): Rockwave Festival was an
unforgettable milestone, but the journey of creating and releasing our second
album, Time Is Now, was a personal and artistic challenge that shaped me.
Manolis (Bass Guitars): Rockwave Festival was a dream
come true!Also 2015 live show at Kyttaro Club remains special—it was the first
time I truly felt our music connect with an audience.
Nick (Lead Vocals): From our first rehearsal to the
Rockwave Festival stage, it’s been an incredible journey, and now with our
latest single Aggressive Response, I feel we’re reaching new heights.
11. Thanks for your time. The epilogue to this
interview belongs to you…
Thank you very much! We hope to see you all on one of
our shows for a beer!
Το
ζωντανό διπλό άλμπουμ και βεβαίως στη έκδοση αυτή με το DVDνα περιέχει όλη τη συναυλία στη Βαρσοβία
τότε, είναι πραγματικά μια πολύ καλή περίπτωση του τί έπαιζαν τότε οι Σουηδοί
(πολυεθνικό σχήμα είναι με τόσα μέλη, αλλά με έδρα τη Στοκχόλμη) κατά την
τουρνέ του Gothic Kabala άλμπουμ. Σαν οπτικοακουστικό υλικό θα δούμε το DVD
(αφού στα CD περιέχονται και τα 130 λεπτά σε ηχογράφηση) με τα καλύτερα
κομμάτια απ' την συμφωνική τους εποχή (μη περιμένετε υλικό από το το Lepaca
Klifoth και πριν,τουλάχιστον όχι σε
αυτό) αλλά και μευλικό απ' το Secret of
the Runes τα Ginungagap και Schwarzalbenheimπαρότι μετά εκείνο το άλμπουμ είχαν βγάλει το πρώτο τους ζωντανά
ηχογραφημένο άλμπουμ. Τα Sun
of the Sun, To Mega Therion, Birth of Venus Illegitima, Son of the Staves of
Time, Deggial, Nightside of Eden, Lemuria είναιεκτελεσμέναάρτια. Στο Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah η
χορεύτρια που εμφανίζεται με ανατολίτικη περιβολή και χορεύει σε ανάλογο στυλ
ενώ οι δύο σοπράνο και οι οι δύο τραγουδιστές του συγκροτήματος είναι πίσω,
δεξιά κι αριστερά απ' τον ντράμερ, είναι πραγματικά απόκοσμη εμπειρία κλείσιμο
της καταπληκτικής αυτής συναυλίας με τη δική τους εκδοχή στο Thor (The
Powerhead) των Manowar είναι όλα τα λεφτά για φινάλε.
English:
Experience of Audiovisual Representation.
The live double album, and of course in this edition
with the DVD containing the entire concert in Warsaw at that time, is truly a
great example of what the Swedish band (a multinational group with so many
members but based in Stockholm) was playing during the tour for the *Gothic
Kabbalah* album. As audiovisual material, we will see the DVD (since the CDs
include the 130 minutes of recording) featuring the best tracks from their
symphonic era (don’t expect material from *Lepaca Klifoth* and before, at least
not in this one), as well as songs from *Secret of the Runes* like
"Ginungagap" and "Schwarzalbenheim," even though they
released their first live recorded album after that one.
Tracks such as "Sun of the Sun," "To
Mega Therion," "Birth of Venus Illegitima," "Son of the
Staves of Time," "Deggial," "Nightside of Eden," and
"Lemuria" are executed flawlessly. In "Rise of Sodom and
Gomorrah," a dancer appears in an oriental costume, performing in a
corresponding style, while the two sopranos and the band's vocalists are
positioned behind, to the right and left of the drummer. It is truly an
otherworldly experience. Closing this amazing concert with their version of
"Thor (The Powerhead)" by Manowar is worth every penny as a finale.
EIDOLON is one of those bands that metal fans can't
help but respect for their incredible technical skills and unique sound.
Hailing from Canada, these guys knew how to make an impression with their tight
riffs and dynamic music.
Let's start with some fun trivia: Glen Drover and Andy
LaRocque shared the stage in King Diamond and became good friends. Andy even
did some guest lead work for EIDOLON, adding a special touch to their tracks.
On top of that, Glen and his brother Shawn Drover joined the legendary Megadeth
in late 2004, further boosting their metal cred.
The band had its ups and downs. They disbanded in 2007
but made a surprising comeback in 2015 to record a one-off single, "Leave
This World Behind." This reunion was like a sweet gift for their fans who
always appreciated their musicianship.
Musically, EIDOLON straddles the line between power
and thrash metal, creating a sound that's aggressive and powerful yet filled
with melody. Their style is clearly influenced by giants like MERCYFUL
FATE/KING DIAMOND, SLAYER, and ANNIHILATOR. If you're into bands like NEVERMORE
and ICED EARTH, you'll find some familiar vibes in EIDOLON's music, though they
definitely have their own distinct flavor.
Now, let's talk about their album "Apostles Of
Defiance." When it came out, it got mixed reviews. Some listeners found
the songs a bit repetitive, and not everyone was a fan of Pat Mulock's
Ozzy-like voice. While unique, his vocal style wasn't everyone's cup of tea for
a power-thrash band. Many felt that a voice like Mat Barlow or Warrel Dane
would have been a better fit. But, once you give it a couple of listens, Pat's
voice can grow on you, adding a unique character to the band's sound.
Despite the critiques, the album is packed with power/thrash
metal gems. Tracks like "Volcanic Earth," "Twisted
Morality," and "Demoralized" are absolute bangers, showcasing
the band's prowess in creating memorable and heavy riffs. Personally, I found
"Apostles Of Defiance" to be a satisfying release with plenty of
engaging moments that keep you hooked from start to finish.
In conclusion, EIDOLON's journey through the metal
scene is marked by their technical excellence and distinctive sound.
"Apostles Of Defiance" might have divided opinions, but it's a
testament to the band's innovative spirit and musical capabilities. If you
haven't checked it out yet, it's definitely worth a listen to appreciate what
EIDOLON brought to the table.
Όχι
ότι είχε πάει κάπου το συγκρότημα τηςΓερμανίδας "Metal Queen" Doro Pesch, μάλλον ο ήχος του είχε
πάει προς πιο μοντέρνα επιρεασμένα απ' το Nu πεδία δράσης με αμφίβολα
αποτελέσματα στο προηγούμενο CD του 2002το Fight! Ο κανόνας "δε πάει καλά πάμε σε ήχους που είχαμε
νωρίτερα" σε πλήρη εφαρμογή και εδώ. Οπότε η "ψυχή του
πολεμιστή" είναι αυτό το κράμα Heavy & Power Metal με Hard Rock
υπόγευση που για να πούμε του στραβού το δίκιο, το προτιμάμε περισσότερο! Το
εναρκτήριο You're My Family ενσαρκώνει τα πιστεύω της, πάντα αδέσμευτης Doro
που όπως επανηλημενα αναφέρεισε συνεντεύξεις
της, έχει παντρευτεί με το κοινό που την ακολουθεί πιστά. Απ'το υπόλοιπο CD τα Strangers Yesterday,
Haunted Heart, Warrior Soul , Thunderspell, Shine On είναι αυτό που ζητάμε και
εδώ μας το δίνει απλόχερα ευτυχώς.
English:
Album of Return.
Not that the band of the German "Metal
Queen" Doro Pesch had really gone anywhere; rather, their sound had
shifted towards more modern influences drawn from the Nu Metal genre, with
questionable results on their previous 2002 CD, *Fight!* The rule of "if
things are not going well, let's return to our earlier sounds" is in full
effect here. Therefore, "The Soul of the Warrior" is a blend of Heavy
and Power Metal with a Hard Rock undertone that, to be fair, we actually
prefer! The opening track "You're My Family" embodies her beliefs, always
free-spirited Doro who, as she repeatedly states in her interviews, has married
her loyal fanbase. From the rest of the album, tracks like
"Strangers," "Yesterday," "Haunted Heart,"
"Warrior Soul," "Thunderspell," and "Shine On"
deliver exactly what we seek and thankfully provide it generously.
The Italian heavy prog band "Pentesilea
Road" has released their new single titled "Pulse." This track
will be featured on their upcoming second full-length album, set to be released
in 2025.
Chilean Doom Metal/Post-Hardcore band IIII releases
new album "Nueva Desesperanza", a post-doom quartet with hardcore
influences, formed by seasoned musicians from Chile's post-metal, punk, and
free jazz scenes.
Μετά
το αρκούντως πετυχημένο αλλά δύσκολο συνεκτικά Secret of the Runes και το πρώτο
ζωντανά ηχογραφημένο άλμπουμ τους Live in Midgard, οι Therion και βεβαίως το
μεγάλο μυαλό που κινεί το συγκρότημα ο κύριος Christofer Johnsson βάζουν
μπροστά για ένα απ'τα πιο μεγαλεπήβολα επιχειρήματα τους ως τότε τη κυκλοφορία
ενός διπλού άλμπουμ με project name: From Sirius B to Lemuria, με κοινή
θεματική τις αρχαίες μυθολογικές αναφορές για τονπροκατακλυσμιαίο ανθρώπινο πολιτισμό/ους και
σύνδεση με τα γραπτά του Zachariah Sichin για την υποτιθέμενη εξωγήινη προέλευση
των πρώτων πολιτισμών στη Σουμερία.Τελικά η εμπορική λογική της Nuclear Blast Records επέβαλε να κοπεί σε
διπλή κυκλοφορία το project με τον ένα δίσκο αυτό να είναιη μία κυκλοφορία. και την επόμενη μέρα το άλλο
μέρος το CD Lemuria να βγαίνει πανευρωπαϊκά. Ακόμη ψάχνω την αμερικανική ή
αυστραλιανή κυκλοφορία που περιέχει και τα δύο CD σα διπλό άλμπουμ, μα εις
μάτην! Τώραας μην μπούμε στη λογική
αυτή που χαρακτηρίζεται σαν αρπαχτή (Ε, ναι είναι προφανώς!), αυτό το άλμπουμ
περιέχει υλικό που από εδώ και πέρα θα λογίζεται σαν ισάξιο με τα κλασικά τους
πριν με κομμάτια σαν τα The Blood of Kingu , Son Of the Sun, Dark Venus
Persephone, Melek Taus, Call Of Dagon, Sirius B και Voyage of Gurdjieff (The
Fourth Way) που μαζί με τα επίσης αρκετά καλά του αδερφού του Lemuria
εναλλάσσονται στο ζωντανό playlist των Therion ακόμα.
English:
The Dawn of a New Bright Star
After the sufficiently successful yet challenging
cohesive work "Secret of the Runes" and their first live album
"Live in Midgard," Therion, led by the brilliant mind of Christofer
Johnsson, set in motion one of their most ambitious projects up to that point:
the release of a double album titled "From Sirius B to Lemuria." This
album draws on ancient mythological references concerning pre-cataclysmic human
civilizations and connects to the writings of Zecharia Sitchin regarding the
supposed extraterrestrial origins of the first civilizations in Sumer.
Ultimately, the commercial reasoning of Nuclear Blast Records dictated that the
project be split into two separate releases, with one album being released
first, followed by the second part, the CD "Lemuria," released across
Europe the next day. I am still searching for the American or Australian
edition that contains both CDs as a double album, but to no avail! Now, let’s
not delve into the reasoning behind this, which can certainly be seen as a cash
grab (well, yes, that’s obvious!). This album contains material that will
henceforth be considered on par with their classics, featuring tracks such as
"The Blood of Kingu," "Son of the Sun," "Dark Venus
Persephone," "Melek Taus," "Call of Dagon,"
"Sirius B," and "Voyage of Gurdjieff (The Fourth Way)."
These songs, together with several other strong tracks from its counterpart
"Lemuria," continue to be part of Therion's live playlist to this
day.
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