The world’s most prominent bass-driven instrumental rock act, Australia’s The Omnific, return with their second album, The Law Of Augmenting Returns, an audacious and magnificent triumph - to be released on 7th June 2024 via Wild Thing Records. 

The trio have just released their brand new face-melting track 'Matrices':

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/uxHWMafgLkM
Pre-Order/Pre-Save here: ffm.to/lawofaugmentingreturns

To the contrary, ‘Matrices’ is simplistic in its ideas than the usual thoroughfare of The Omnific, with the majority of the song based off one theme. Influenced by pop and hip hop, the track has many singalong sections, while still incorporating the complexity and technicality that The Omnific are renowned for. The Omnific’s art guru Josh Saunders lends his guitar abilities to the track, but using a Bass VI, sticking true to the fact that The Omnific’s musical realm is yet to feature a guitar. 

Toby Peterson-Stewart (Bass) comments, “‘Matrices’ weaves modern cascades of thumping and slap, while embracing a futuristic soundscape. This is one of the harder songs to play for all of us respectively, it’s a great example of a song that makes us all better musicians from playing it. Also, many djent.”

The band linked up with long time associate Miki Simankevicius (Director Of Photography - Polaris, Thy Art Is Murder) to direct the stunning music video. The band’s original wild concept consisted of the group being an MP3 file on a USB stick, with Simankevicius taking things one step further - “We took the whole concept literally by leveraging new Unreal Engine 5 technology. This allowed us to physically have the band performing on a circuit board, and resulted in a completely unique and fun viewing experience.”

The Omnific will be trailblazing their way through Europe & the UK, heading on their first ever summer festival run, alongside their most extensive array of headline shows in Europe to date. They’ll be making highly anticipated debut appearances at festivals; RADAR (UK), Vagos (PT), Brutal Assault (CZ), Arctangent (UK), and Fekete Zaj (HU). Led by their two other-worldly intertwining bassists, Matt Fack & Toby Peterson-Stewart, and backed by flamboyant drummer Jerome Lematua, The Bass Boys will be bringing a full tank of charisma, showmanship, and unbelievable technical performances from down under. 

Tour Dates:
28-Jul - United Kingdom - Manchester - Radar Festival
30-Jul - Germany - Oberhausen - Druckluft 
01-Aug - Spain - Barcelona - Razzmatazz 3
02-Aug - Spain - Madrid - Wurlitzer 
03-Aug - Portugal - Vagos - Vagos Metal Fest
04-Aug - Spain - Portugalete - Groove
06-Aug - Italy - Milan - Slaughter Club
08-Aug - Slovakia - Bratislava - Pink Whale
09-Aug - Czech Republic - Josefov - Brutal Assault Festival
10-Aug - Poland - Warsaw - Chmury
12-Aug - Germany - Hamburg - Hafenklang
14-Aug - Netherlands - Nijmegen - Merleyn 
16-Aug - United Kingdom - Bristol - Arctangent Festival
18-Aug - Hungary - Gyöngyös - Fekete Zaj Festival

Tickets On Sale Now - theomnific.com

The Omnific are a breathtaking progressive instrumental trio, hailing from Melbourne, Australia. 
 

Following the release of three groundbreaking EPs - Sonorous (2016), Kismet (2017), The Minds Eye (2019) - the band attracted interest, and fans from all corners of the globe. Their 2021 debut album Escapades achieved international critical acclaim - landing #3 on the Australian AIR Independent Album Charts, and cementing their status as torchbearers of the next generation of progressive rock and metal. Clay Gober of Polyphia featured on the single ‘Antecedent’, exceeding a combined 1 million plays on YouTube & Spotify. In 2023, the group went from strength to strength; supporting Polyphia in Australia, and Ne Obliviscaris in Europe and North America, capping off with a landmark 46-date world tour in support of single ‘Phat Mackerel’ - including festivals Euroblast (DE), Reeperbahn (DE), and Bigsound (AU). The group kickstarted 2024 with Mongolia’s The HU in Australia, profiling their outrageous musical versatility - which dives through prog, metal, djent, funk, synth-driven soundscapes, and more. The Omnific have also toured with renowned artists such as Between The Buried And Me, Intervals, Galactic Empire, Twelve Foot Ninja, and Cog. 

The Law Of Augmenting Returns explores the notion that the more effort you invest in your artistry, the greater the rewards you reap. This powerful trinity of bass and drums pushed their creative boundaries to unprecedented heights; a tremendous body of work transpired, traversing the intense, the emotionally charged, and the humorous, appealing to a wide range of musical palates. 

Bassist Matt Fack explains, “The Law Of Augmenting Returns is the culmination of the experience and knowledge learnt and embodied in the 8 years of our existence as a band. With our creative mindset to incorporate new ideas adhered to the core principle of bass, this album paints the story of the band’s past, present, and beyond.”

“a bright future for the instrumental outfit” - Metal Hammer (UK)
“a veritable masterclass in the art of the bass player” - Prog Magazine (UK)
“The Omnific never cease to entice, excite and amaze” - The Music (AU)

FollowThe Omnific:
Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp |YouTube|Twitter|Spotify
 
FollowWild Thing Records:
Web | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | YouTube

01.    The Omnific ≈ Bass (Ft. Tim Waurick and Luke Taylor of Heartline)
02.    The Law Of Augmenting Returns (Ft. Charles Berthoud and Kai den Hertog)
03.    Matrices
04.    Base Camp
05.    Will-O’-The-Wisp
06.    Phat Mackerel
07.    Butterfingers
08.    Double Malt Ditty (Feat. Rohan Sharma)

Photo Credit: Kate Demina

Progressive dark folk artist Marjana Semkina has unveiled 'Pygmalion', the second single taken from her new solo LP, Sirin (out 31st May 2024), along with a dark music video. Available for pre-order via Kickstarter, the highly anticipated Sirin album impressively hit its fundraiser goal within 24 hours of launch.

Produced by Cinebuds, watch the lyric video for 'Pygmalion' here: https://youtu.be/-g3KYRQZ8Pc

Pre-order Sirin here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/marjanasemkina/sirin?ref=49nm49

Marjana comments on the single: "Pygmalion is somewhat of a modern and much darker take on the Greek legend of a man that makes a statue and falls in love with it. In the song, a lot more damage is done - the protagonist murders women and creates a perfect wife for himself. The song is a metaphor for relationships that leave you in pieces and all alone, trying to repair the damage done by someone who tricked you into thinking that they cared about you. The video plays around a similar theme but as a dedication to my ex, it has a much more gratifying ending."

Known for her work as the vocalist of prog duo Iamthemorning, self-exiled Russian Marjana has forged a successful solo career with two critically acclaimed solo releases: her 2020 debut solo album Sleepwalking, and 2021 follow-up EP Disillusioned. Like its predecessors, Sirin is a journey of dark stories and fairy tales, told with Marjana’s uniquely captivating voice, on a foundation of detailed musical arrangements. However there is a prevailing darkness and grief, inspired by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with the first single about by the protests.

On the album Sirin, she continues: "Sirin is a mythical creature from ancient Slavic mythology, half-bird half-woman, she's a harbinger of bad luck and death, and it's believed that if you meet Sirin a big catastrophe will happen - except in case with the events surrounding this album it's already happened. Sirin cries and mourns for humankind, and nothing can be more appropriate in this day and age. Sirin is one of very few creatures that can travel between worlds - a world of gods of light, a world of dark deities (in some versions an alternative to the underworld) and a world of mortals. This felt appropriate because the album is quite diverse in sound and some might think parts of it sound happy, but the subject matter is almost always quite morbid, which creates a contrast that I enjoy.

"I was never very political and I always tried to keep my art within the realms of lore, literature and imagination. But when events like the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine happen, it is impossible - and I'd even say, unforgivable - to stay silent and do nothing. Thankfully being based in the UK I feel rather safe speaking out against the current regime and I do have a platform that I can use to try and show the world that Russians disagree with the actions of the Russian government, and there are so many of us that only wish for this to be over. I'm just trying to show it in the most artistic way I can muster."

Now permanently based in the UK, Marjana has been an active campaigner against the Russian occupation in Ukraine and has raised thousands of pounds via her activities to support the victims of war. She will continue her work, including selling a number of a limited run of handwritten lyrics from Sirin, with the money going to Ukrainian charities. Acts punishable by 15 years imprisonment should she return home.
 
Marjana is joined by an array of world class musicians (detailed below), which includes two very special guest vocal performances from Jim Grey (Caligula’s Horse) and Mick Moss (Antimatter).
 
Marjana has previously collaborated with many incredible artists, including The Flower Kings, Jordan Rudess, Blackbriar, as well as Anna Murphy with their Maer project. Combined with her work in Iamthemorning, her experiences have enabled her to become one of the most unique and exciting solo artists in the progressive world today. 
 
Recording musicians:
Grigoriy Losenkov - piano, bass guitar, synths, drum programming
Vlad Avy - electric guitar, synths, drum programming
Keli Guðjónsson (Agent Fresco) - drums 
Charlie Cawood (Mediæval Bæbes, Knifeworld) - acoustic guitar, bouzouki, glockenspiel, hammered dulcimer, luiqin, guzheng
Liam McLaughlin (Sithu aye, iamthemorning) - electric guitar
Margarita Chernyshevskaya - 1st Violin 
Petr Chepelev  - 2nd Violin 
Julia Uliashcenkova - Viola 
Julia Romashko - Cello 
 

Marjana Semkina online:
https://www.patreon.com/marjanasemkina
https://marjanasemkina.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/marjanasemkina
https://twitter.com/marjanasemkina

Sirin track list:

01 We Are The Ocean
02 Lost But At Peace   
03 Anything But Sleep (feat. Jim Grey)           
04 Pygmalion  
05 Angel Street           
06 Gone           
07 Death And The Maiden (feat. Mick Moss)  
08 The Storm  
09 Swan Song  
10 This Silence This Dreaming

Photo Credit: Shimon Karmel

Canada’s most exciting metal band, power metal powerhouse Unleash The Archers, recently announced the upcoming release of their game-changing sixth studio album, Phantoma, out 10th May (Napalm Records).

Following the album's first two singles 'Green & Glass' and 'Ghosts In The Mist', today the Vancouver based five-piece reveal their soaring third single 'Seeking Vengeance', alongside a new video.

Beginning with a fast paced guitar lead and modernised power metal attacks, the song entrances with a powerful chorus and intricate dual solo.

Check out the track now, alongside the video: https://youtu.be/73UDuifWPvg

Pre-order Phantoma here: https://lnk.to/UTA-Phantoma/napalmrecords

On the new concept album, listeners join protagonist Phantoma, a Phase 4 / Network Tier 0 unit -model A, on an inspiring yet harrowing journey as she discovers the brutal truths behind the manufactured sheen of social media posturing on a dystopian, near-future planet Earth. With the band’s one-of-a-kind blend of power metal, traditional heavy metal, modern prog and pop sensibilities, Phantoma spins a web of sharp musicality, high sci-fi concept and important social commentary.

Vocalist Brittney Slayes on 'Seeking Vengeance': "This is the moment in the story when Phantoma comes to terms with what she must do and who she must become in order to do it. We worked really hard to make sure the music reflects the energy of the moment, and I think the video does a great job of portraying the inner struggle as well. This was filmed and edited by the boys at RuneGate Studio and they focused on using lighting and different lenses to create a dynamic visual experience.

"The song is the darkest moment of the album, but it is juxtaposed with an uplifting chorus melody that was actually inspired by classic Disney 'hero anthems'. This one was a unanimous single choice for us and we can't wait to play it live for you all at our upcoming shows! Hope you enjoy."

Phantoma follows the band's 2020 breakout album, Abyss, which won the JUNO Award for
Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year after debuting at #1 on the US Current Hard Music and Top New Artist charts, and was dubbed by Bandcamp as “a mandatory listen” upon release.

Intertwining reality with imagination, Unleash The Archers were inspired to utilise elements of AI during the creation of Phantoma, in keeping with its future-facing theme. Frontwoman and lyricist Brittney Slayes conjured the album's concept in 2021; before the swarm of pressing commentary surrounding AI began to reach an all-time high. With the band’s one-of-a-kind blend of power metal, traditional heavy metal, modern prog and pop sensibilities, Unleash The Archers spin a web of sharp musicality, high sci-fi concept and important social commentary about discovering the brutal truths behind the manufactured sheen of social media posturing.

The band weaved electronic and synthwave elements throughout the album’s 10 colossal anthems, which - in line with its theme - prove much darker and heavier in comparison to the bright positivity of Abyss. Album opener 'Human Era' sets the tone with imagery of a bleak, windswept futurescape that crescendoes headlong into the breakneck pace of power metal bastion 'Ph4/NT0mA' - a masterwork of duelling guitar solos and vocal acrobatics. Trad-metal influenced 'Buried In Code' lights the way with pummelling rhythms before the album’s path turns dark on heavy metal hardened 'The Collective', with Brittney Slayes’ warm tones inviting the listener to ‘join or stand aside’! Hair-raising first single 'Green & Glass' unveils the truth before the upbeat 80s-flavoured 'Gods In Decay' and the extraordinary balladic anthem 'Give It Up Or Give It All' showcase the varied songwriting prowess of Unleash The Archers’ modern era. A trifecta of concept closers begins with the moody 'Ghosts In The Mist', leading into the soaring yet menacing 'Seeking Vengeance' before closing with the bittersweet tale of 'Blood Empress'.

Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, and with lead guitarist Andrew Kingsley at the helm as both principal songwriter and producer, Phantoma is an exciting advancement in Unleash The Archers’ songwriting and storytelling mastery, and a giant leap forward in their towering musical trajectory.

Unleash The Archers are:
Brittney Slayes - Vocals
Scott Buchanan - Drums
Grant Truesdell - Guitar, Vocals
Andrew Kingsley - Guitar, Vocals
Nick Miller - Bass

Unleash The Archers online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS

Phantoma track listing:
1. Human Era
2. Ph4/NT0mA
3. Buried In Code
4. The Collective
5. Green & Glass
6. Gods In Decay
7. Give It Up Or Give It All
8. Ghosts In The Mist
9. Seeking Vengeance
10. Blood Empress

Photo Credit: Jason Nocito

CANDY have unveiled their latest single, 'Love Like Snow,' showcasing a shift towards a more melodic and soft sound, accentuated by electronic and trance-like production elements. The track features vocals from MIRSY, the side project of Marisa Shriar from Fleshwater, and mmph, the moniker of Los Angeles producer Sae Heum Han, who mixed and co-produced the song. In addition to the single release, the band have shared a cinematic and eerily camp music video directed by CANDY’s Michael Quick. 'Love Like Snow' peels back another layer of what can be found on the band's new album, It’s Inside You, due 7th June through Relapse Records. 

Watch the video for 'Love Like Snow' here: https://youtu.be/RTN1PXS0Zp0

Pre-save / pre-order It's Inside You here: https://orcd.co/candy-itsinsideyou

Forthcoming album, It's Inside You, heralds a new era for the fusion of hardcore, metal, and electronic music, pushing boundaries and redefining the possibilities of these genres. The album features the highly acclaimed single 'eXistenZ,' which draws inspiration from the 1999 David Cronenberg film. Stereogum described the track as "brief but packed with as much chaos as possible." Throughout the album CANDY showcase their signature blend of metal-warping and digitally-coated hardcore across 12 tracks. Produced by Michael Quick and Ben Greenberg of Uniform, and mixed by Kurt Ballou at God City Studios (known for his work with NAILS, High on Fire, The Armed), It's Inside You promises to deliver a powerful and dynamic listening experience.

Serving as a powerful manifesto of unity and inner resilience, the new album navigates the intricate depths of the human psyche with both darkness and light. While themes of nihilism and contemporary struggles persist, It's Inside You showcases a newfound sense of vulnerability and tenderness. Through its dynamic soundscapes, the band cultivate an invigorating and empowering ambiance, emphasising the importance of self-discovery and interpersonal connections. During the album's creation, CANDY collaborated with a diverse range of artists such as Aaron Melnick (Integrity), Justice Tripp (Angel Du$t, Trapped Under Ice), David Gagliardi (Trash Talk), MIRSY (Marisa Shriar from Fleshwater), and mmph (Sae Heum Han), each contributing to enrich and redefine the band's distinctive energy.

It's Inside You follows CANDY's sophomore album Heaven Is Here, which arrived in 2022 and was described by The FADER as “hardcore that sounds like a nuclear meltdown” and includes the tracks 'Human Condition Above Human Opinion,' 'Transcend To Wet' and 'World of Shit.' In 2018, CANDY released their debut album Good To Feel, which includes the standout tracks 'Good To Feel' and 'Lust For Destruction.' In 2019, the band released the standalone singles 'Super-Stare' and 'Win Free Love' and acted as the distinct bridge between Good To Feel and Heaven Is Here.

Additionally, CANDY will be performing two nights with The Dillinger Escape Plan at New York City’s Brooklyn Paramount on 21st June and 23rd June. Both shows are now sold out.

CANDY are:
Zak Quiram - Vocals / Lyricist
Michael Quick - Lead Guitar
Steve DiGenio - Drums
Drew Stark - Bass Guitar

For more information:
Instagram \\ Twitter/X \\ Facebook 

Track listing:

1. eXistenZ
2. Short-Circuit (feat. Aaron Melnick)
3. You Will Never Get Me (feat. Justice Tripp)
4. It's Inside You (feat. David Gagliardi)
5. Love Like Snow (feat. MIRSY & mmph)
6. Dehumanize Me
7. Faith 91
8. Terror Management
9. Dreams Less Sweet
10. Silent Collapse
11. Dancing to the Infinite Beat
12. Hypercore

Photo by Robert Eikelpoth / Editing by Blake Armstrong

Heavy metal pirates of Visions Of Atlantis are returning to Europe with their biggest journey ever: ARMADA. Brace yourself and be prepared for a cinematic live experience that will leave you breathless, in support of the upcoming record Pirates II - Armada, out 5th July via Napalm Records.

Raising the bar to where the Jolly Roger flies high,Visions Of Atlantisare unfurling their sails across 33 shores throughout Europe, inviting all to join them for a journey like no other.

Recently announced, modern metal rising starsILLUMISHADEfrom Switzerland will be featured as special guests, and the crew is expanding even more with the addition ofSERAINA TELLI, now on board as support act. Adventurers and sailors, the call to adventure awaits.

Secure your tickets atwww.visionsofatlantis.atand prepare to set sail on this epic quest.

Ship’s Log:
23rd April 2024

Dropping anchor, shore after shore, we’re constantly recruiting more brave sailors. While in a port, somewhere, a friendly face was found and happily welcomed aboard for our biggest journey ever: ARMADA. Indeed, we had already sailed over the British seas with this mighty bard from the land of Switzerland. We’re extremely happy to haveSERAINA TELLIaboard, making it a perfect match with the compatriots,ILLUMISHADE. The winds are blowing strongly into our sails, the sun is shining, and the currents are in our favor. To the fight, to the battle. ARMADA!

UK dates:

04.10.24 -London / The Dome (VENUE UPGRADE)
05.10.24 -Manchester / Rebellion
07.10.24 -Bristol / Exchange

Pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/VOA-PiratesII-Armada/napalmrecords

Pirates Visions Of Atlantis are about to take listeners on their heaviest symphonic adventure yet with their new studio album, entitled Pirates II - Armada, set for release on 5th July 5 2024 via Napalm Records. The successor to their high-charting previous release, Pirates (2022), is set as high as the waves cresting the Jolly Roger - taking everything that has been achieved to date to another level. With the second chapter of the pirates’ saga, Visions Of Atlantis prove that they are more than ready to claim the crown of symphonic metal.    

Emotions, depth, richness of sound. Not only a record, but a true hurricane of feelings is what Visions Of Atlantis delivers with the new album Pirates II - Armada,. On a journey in which listeners face their own battles and cannot resist joining the 'Armada', Visions Of Atlantis will have listeners facing the 'Monsters' inside them, with catchy melodies destined to endlessly stick in their mind. The uplifting 'Tonight I’m Alive' surprises and captivates with the rhythms of a pirate party on the eve of combat, with the electrifying rumble of a hurricane - a unique, uncharted showcase of talent from Visions Of Atlantis. The burning flames of 'Hellfire' enchant the listener before the sweetness of delicate melodies accompany them 'Underwater'. The cinematic adventure of seven-minute-plus masterpiece 'The Dead of the Sea' conjures the salty scent of the sea, making the listener feel - in every melodic twist and theatrical orchestral hit - the cannons firing and the battle raging. Listeners will shed a tear while mourning under the melody of 'Ashes to the Sea'.

Pirates II - Armada, will be available in the following formats:
Deluxe Boxset - incl. 1-CD Digisleeve, framed Backdrop, Pendant, BONUS 7" Vinyl incl. exclusive songs: Side A: 'One Last Hope', Side B: 'Underwater' (Acoustic Version) - (Napalm Mail Order Only, Limited to 500)
2-CD Earbook ( CD1: PIRATES II – ARMADA / CD2: PIRATES II – ARMADA - Orchestral Version) (Napalm Mail Order Only, Limited to 500)
2-LP Gatefold Marbled FIRE (including exclusive Vinyl Bonus Track: 'Stormy Waters') + 7" VINYL 'Armada' incl. Side A: 'Armada', Side B: 'Armada' (Orchestral Version) OCEAN BLUE (Napalm Mail Order Only, Limited to 300)
2-LP Marbled MOONLIGHT OCEAN (including exclusive Vinyl Bonus Track: 'Stormy Waters')
2-LP Gatefold BLACK (including exclusive Vinyl Bonus Track: 'Stormy Waters')
Music Cassette (Napalm Mail Order Only)
1-CD Digisleeve
Digital Album

Full tour dates:
06.07.24 - Aschaffenburg / Colos Saal
19.09.24 - Vienna / Szene
20.09.24 - Budapest / Barba Negra
21.09.24 - Zlin / Masters of Rock Cafe (NEW DATE!)
22.09.24 - Prague / Meet Factory (NEW DATE!)
24.09.24 - Warsaw / Proxima (VENUE UPGRADE)
25.09.24 - Berlin / Frannz
26.09.24 - Hamburg / Markthalle
27.09.24 - Leipzig / Hellraiser
28.09.24 - Essen / Turock
29.09.24 - Frankfurt / Das Bett
01.10.24 - Haarlem / Patronaat
02.10.24 - Tilburg / O13 03.10.24 - Kortrijk / DVG Club
04.10.24 - London / The Dome (VENUE UPGRADE)
05.10.24 - Manchester / Rebellion
07.10.24 - Bristol / Exchange
09.10.24 - Lyon / La Rayonne
10.10.24 - Toulouse/ Metronum
11.10.24 - Barcelona / Sala Boveda
12.10.24 - Madrid / Sala Revi Live
13.10.24 - Lisbon / RCA Club
14.10.24 - Vitoria / Urban Rock Concept
15.10.24 - Paris / Petit Bain
16.10.24 - Munich / Backstage Halle
17.10.24 - Pratteln / Z7
18.10.24 - Wil / Gare de Lion
19.10.24 - Milan / Legend Club
21.10.24 - Nürnberg / Hirsch
22.10.24 - Cham / L.A.
23.10.24 - Stuttgart / Im Wizemann
24.10.24 - Wörgl / Komma
25.10.24 - Treviso / New Age
26.10.24 - Graz / PPC

Visions Of Atlantis are:
Clémentine Delauney - Vocals
Michele Guaitoli - Vocals
Dushi Duscha - Guitars
Herbert Glos - Bass
Thomas Caser - Drums

Visions Of Atlantis online:
NAPALM RECORDS
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER

Pirates II - Armada track list:

1. To Those Who Choose to Fight
2. The Land of the Free
3. Monsters
4. Tonight I’m Alive
5. Armada
6. The Dead of the Sea
7. Ashes to the Sea
8. Hellfire
9. Collide
10. Magic of the Night
11. Underwater
12. Where the Sky and Ocean Blend

Photo Credit: Sam Singer

KK's Priest - featuring Judas Priest alum and GRAMMY Award winning/nominated musicians K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals) - are set to launch their very first European headline tour. Joining them will be special guests including Burning Witches, Xandria, DIETH and Tailgunner. Additionally, the band will perform live at major European festivals, including the legendary Wacken Open Air, for the first time.

This tour follows their highly praised studio album, The Sinner Rides Again (Napalm Records), promising to bring that same energy to the stage, offering fans an unforgettable experience of heavy metal at its finest.

K.K. Downing states: “Hello Metalheads! We are really pumped up and raring to go back to Europe this summer when we play some of our favorite cities and countries. Also, the festival season is upon us and we can't wait to play Wacken, Rock Hard, Fezen, Stonedead and other great festivals. And if you don't see your city now, don't worry as we will soon announce more European shows for later in the year. The band and I are ready to go and we will bring you the KK's Priest metal thunder. Don't miss it!"

Dates:

11.05.24 BE – Bomal-sur-Ourthe / Durbuy Rock Festival
12.05.24 NL – Utrecht / Tivoli
14.05.24 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn
15.05.24 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colossaal
16.05.24 DE – Hamburg / Grünspan
18.05.24 DE – Gelsenkirchen / Rock Hard Festival
19.05.24 DE – Munich / Backstage
15.06.24 ES – Zamora / Z! Live Festival 
05.07.24 ES – Barcelona / Barcelona Rock Fest
07.07.24 ES – Bilbao / Santana 27
10.07.24 CH – Pratteln / Z7
12.07.24 AT – Leoben / Area 53 Festival 
13.07.24 PL – Wroclaw / A2
14.07.24 CZ – Vizovice / Masters Of Rock Festival
01.08.24 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air
03.08.24 HU – Szekesfehervar / Fezen Festival
04.08.24 RO – Rasnov / Rockstadt Extreme Fest
16.08.24 FR – Carhaix / Motocultor
18.08.24 UK – Cardiff / Tramshed
20.08.24 UK – Belfast / Limelight
21.08.24 IE – Dublin / Academy 
23.08.24 UK – Newcastle / NX
24.08.24 UK – Nottinghamshire / Stonedead Festival

This past September, KK's Priest unveiled their blistering sophomore offering, The Sinner Rides Again, to rave reviews. Blabbermouth dubbed it "an absolutely ripping metal record", while Paste stated, "…with all respect to Rob Halford and co., nothing they’ve produced in recent years feels as dynamic and as heavy as the material that their former guitarist has been forging with his project KK's Priest."

The album debuted at #1 on the US Hard Music Albums chart, #3 on the Top New Artist Albums chart and #6 on the Current Rock Albums chart, as well as reaching several high chart entries in Europe. 

KK's Priest are:
Tim "Ripper" Owens - Vocals
K.K. Downing - Guitar
A.J. Mills - Guitar
Tony Newton - Bass
Sean Elg - Drums
 
KK's Priest are:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS

The Sinner Rides Again track listing:
1. Sons Of The Sentinel
2. Strike Of The Viper
3. Reap The Whirlwind
4. One More Shot At Glory
5. Hymn 66
6. The Sinner Rides Again
7. Keeper Of The Graves
8. Pledge Your Souls
9. Wash Away Your Sins

Photo Credit: Joseph Bone

New York City's resident misfits Couch Slut have finally unveiled their new album You Could Do It Tonight today 19th April via Brutal Panda Records.

Today, the band has revealed a music video for the album's third single 'Wilkinson's Sword.'  Couch Slut vocalist Megan Osztrosits comments, “Established in England in 1772, Wilkinson Sword has a long history and is recognized for its high-quality shaving equipment. Over the years, the company has introduced innovative designs and technologies, including the first stainless steel razor blade."

Watch the video for 'Wilkinson's Sword' here: https://youtu.be/V9cpTbgXqNM

Order You Could Do It Tonight and stream the single here: https://orcd.co/couchslut

Couch Slut are making their Europe debut at the famed Roadburn Festival tomorrow, 20th April. They will be performing You Could Do It Tonight in full at 1:50 at The Terminal

You Could Do It Tonight was recorded amidst the filth of NYC with Uniform's Ben Greenberg and mastered by Matt Colton at Metropolis Studios in London, and Couch Slut subverts the paradigm and ups the ante in every imaginable way across nine vignettes of perverse, true-to-life storytelling layered over the band's singular, dragged-through-the-mud songcraft. This is a depraved style of noise rock that will scare the living sh*t out of you. 

Couch Slut have played a veritable strain of drug-fuelled, incendiary, hardcore noise rock since 2013. Led by Megan Osztrosits' infernal roar and subversive, vitriolic lyrics, the quintet return with their fourth full-length opus You Could Do It Tonight (19th April, Brutal Panda Records).

Recorded amidst the filth of NYC with Uniform's Ben Greenberg (Drab Majesty, Portrayal of Guilt, Metz), and mastered by Matt Colton at Metropolis Studios in London (Blur, Nick Cave, Thom Yorke), Couch Slut subvert the paradigm and up the ante in every imaginable way across nine vignettes of perverse, true-to-life storytelling layered over the band's singular, dragged-through-the-mud songcraft. This is a depraved style of noise rock that will scare the living sh*t out of you. Guest appearances from members of fellow NYC compatriots Imperial Triumphant and Pyrrhon scatter across the album, adding layers of cacophony. 

With ten full years of pain and suffering under their proverbial belt, along with three prior full-length albums My Life As A Woman (2014), Contempt (2017), and Take A Chance On Rock ‘n’ Roll (2020), Couch Slut sound more urgent, threatening, nasty and despondent than ever, and You Could Do It Tonight is the perfect soundtrack for 2024.

Couch Slut will make their European debut at Roadburn Fest on 19th April performing You Could Do It Tonight in full. Additionally, the band have announced a special headlining set at Caterwaul Fest’s Afterparty in Minneapolis in May.

Couch Slut are:
Dylan DiLella – guitar
Kevin Hall – bass, shehnai, granular synthesizer
Amy Mills – guitar, flute, trumpet 
Theo Nobel – drums and percussion, synthesizer, bells
Megan Osztrosits – vocals

For more on Couch Slut:

FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP | INSTAGRAM

Tracklisting:

1. Couch Slut Lewis
2. Ode To Jimbo
3.Wilkinson’s Sword
4.The Donkey
5. Presidential Welcome
6. Energy Crystals For Healing
7. Downhill Racer
8. Laughing and Crying
9. The Weaversville Home For Boys

Photo Credit: James Rexroad

Iconic U.S. rock band High on Fire release their new album Cometh the Storm, today via MNRK Heavy. The GRAMMY Award-winning group, celebrating its 25th anniversary, recorded Cometh the Storm at GodCity Studio in Salem, Massachusetts with producer Kurt Ballou. The 11-song effort (the band's ninth studio album) marks the release of the first new High on Fire music since 2018's Electric Messiah and the first to feature drummer Coady Willis (Melvins, Big Business, Murder City Devils), alongside bassist Jeff Matz, and guitarist/vocalist Matt Pike.

Listen to the full album here: https://highonfire.ffm.to/comeththestorm

High on Fire will kick off U.S. headlining tour dates in support of Cometh the Storm on 4th May, then head to the EU/UK. Dates:
Jun 04: CZ Brno Kabinet MUZ
Jun 10: DE Hamburg Bahnhof Pauli
Jun 11: DE Cologne Gebäude 9
Jun 12: NL Nijmegen Doornroosje
Jun 14: UK London Islington Assembly Hall
Jun 15: UK Manchester Rebellion
Jun 16: UK Glasgow Slay
Jun 17: UK Leeds Brudenell Social Club
Jun 18: UK Bristol Thekla
Jun 20: FR Wasquehal The Black Lab
Jun 25: FR Toulouse Le Metronum
Jun 26: ES Bilbao Kafe Antzokia
Jul 02: DE Aschaffenburg Colos Saal
Jul 03: CH Dudingen Bad Bonn
Jul 04: IT Torino Ziggy
Jul 06: AT Vienna Arena

The GRAMMY Award-winning group, celebrating their 25th anniversary, recorded Cometh the Storm at GodCity Studio in Salem, Massachusetts with producer Kurt Ballou. The 11-song effort - the band's ninth studio album - marks the release of the first new High on Fire music since 2018's Electric Messiah and the first to feature drummer Coady Willis (Big Business, Murder City Devils), alongside bassist Jeff Matz, and guitarist/vocalist Matt Pike.
 
It has been more than five years since the band’s revered Electric Messiah earned High on Fire ‘Best Metal Performance’ at the 2018 GRAMMY Awards, placing the unit among the ranks of groups such as Black Sabbath, Motörhead, and Metallica as winners of the prestigious award. “Being nominated for a Grammy was pretty mind blowing, but winning one was truly surreal,” says bassist Jeff Matz. “A Grammy win was certainly not something we were aiming for, but it’s quite an honor to be recognized in that way, and we are grateful. In terms of how it’s affected us, it has definitely opened some new doors—we’ve gained some new fans and wider recognition, but it hasn’t changed how we approach our craft. We’ve always tried to create uncompromising music that feels good to us, and is in line with what we would want to listen to.”
 
In the half decade since the band’s Grammy nod, the world has seismically shifted and is a different place. The same can be said for High on Fire. The band’s musical archetype has been modded, morphed, and evolved; its blast radius widened. Bassist Jeff Matz joined Mutoid Man and traveled abroad to study and learn the techniques of Middle Eastern folk music and the plucked string instrument, the bağlama (or saz), Matt Pike formed a solo band, released an LP, and toured the U.S., and world-renowned percussionist, Coady Willis, he of Melvins, Big Business, and Murder City Devils united with Pike and Matz to breathe new life into the group a quarter century into their captivating career.
 
The lead track on High on Fire’s new album, Cometh the Storm, is the invigorating 'Burning Down', a vigorous barrage which exemplifies the prowess the unification of the three professional musicians owns. 

Universally recognised as one of the most potent acts in music today, High on Fire creates dynamic metal that merges primal fury and aggression, hesher bombast and hall of fame heaviness. Described as "a supersonic exercise in conquest by volume," High on Fire has rewritten the hard rock rule book since their formation in 1998, forging a style and sound that is both critically celebrated and unique. The group features vocalist and cult guitar hero Matt Pike (also a founding member of the famed underground band SLEEP) singular bassist Jeff Matz, and powerhouse drummer Coady Willis. 

High on Fire are:
Matt Pike: guitar, vocals
Jeff Matz: bass, guitar, bağlama, mellotron, percussion
Coady Willis: drums, percussion, vocals

High on Fire online:
https://www.facebook.com/highonfire
https://twitter.com/HighonFireBand
https://www.instagram.com/highonfireband
https://mnrkheavy.com

Track-list: 
1. Lambsbread (5:45)
2. Burning Down (6:13)
3. Trismegistus (5:36)
4. Cometh The Storm (6:12)
5. Karanlık Yol (3:46)
6. Sol’s Golden Curse (4:52)
7. The Beating (2:29)
8. Tough Guy (3:44)
9. Lightning Beard (3:33)
10. Hunting Shadows (5:40)
11. Darker Fleece (9:59)

About MNRK Music Group

MNRK Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in the world, with recording, music publishing, and management divisions operating in every major music market. MNRK is committed to discovering and guiding top music creators and artists and works with some of the greatest musical talent including The Lumineers and Pitbull, the music publishing catalog of Chuck Berry, plus premier music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang. The company’s music department services Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning producers. Its catalog across divisions consists of 54,000 music tracks, including multiple GRAMMY winners and platinum-selling hits.To learn more visit mnrk.com.

Photo Credit: Moritz Hartmann

German modern metal quintet Doomcrusher, the newest addition to the Arising Empire roster, have released their second crushing single 'Reflect'.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/8dkfxN7X0uE
Stream the song here: https://arisingempire.com/reflect

In the crucible of the apocalyptic atmosphere that envelops our world, Doomcrusher were forged. Born out of the deepest desire to be the harbinger of change, the band emerged with a resolute mission: to defy the impending doom that looms on the horizon.

Founded by Andy Posdziech (Any Given Day), Jean Bormann (Rage), Marv Kinkel and Rob Lee, Doomcrusher's sound is a powerful fusion of stomping mid-tempo industrial riffs, seamlessly intertwined with uncompromising gutturals resolving into uplifting hooks.

The band's sound is further enriched by sophisticated electronic elements, adding depth and complexity to their musical tapestry. The ambition is clear - to redefine modern core music while staying true to the roots of the metal genre. Their music is not merely an auditory experience, it's a journey through the realms of sound; a deliberate exploration of the boundaries of heavy music.

Doomcrusher stand as a defiant force against the inevitable, a rebellion that crushes the darkness of doom with an unwavering belief in the transformative power of music.

Doomcrusher are:
Marv Kinkel - Vocals
Jean Bormann - Guitar & Vocals
Andy Posdziech - Guitar
Rob Lee - Bass
Silas Fischer - Drums

Doomcrusheronline:
www.instagram.com/doomcrusher.official
www.tiktok.com/@doomcrusher.official
www.facebook.com/doomcrusher.official
www.twitter.com/doomcrusherband