Self-titled album out 28th January 2022 via Unique Leader

'Birth of the Butcher' video streaming now

The Last Ten Seconds Of Life return with new single 'Birth of the Butcher', taken from their upcoming self-titled album, out 28th January 2022 via their new label Unique Leader.

Watch the video to 'Birth of the Butcher' here: https://youtu.be/iECjd4JvjAk

Pre-order the album here: https://orcd.co/tltsol

On the new track, the band state: "'Birth of the Butcher' is the next instalment in the series of the ‘Butcher’ character from our 2015 album Soulless Hymns. It is a prequel of brutality. A continued commentary on the human condition, the states of consciousness are predetermined and suffering is beyond repair.”

TLTSOL now return to the fold in 2022 with a career defining self-titled album. Straddling the nu metal, rock, death metal and downtempo genres in equal measure, TLTSOL have created a magnum opus of a record that will appeal equally to fans of Korn and Slipknot as much as it will to fans of Alice in Chains or Pantera.

The band comment on the album: "The pinnacle of malevolence, crushing riffs, and unbound lyricism that listeners have come to love and identify with us. Unique Leader is the perfect home to release this monster and we are more than excited to work with the brand to deliver this album to the masses.”

A Pennsylvania-bred deathcore band with a relentless, ferocious attack – and a name taken from a Smiths song – TLTSOL emerged in 2010 and have since become a major name on the underground rock scene with their emotionally intense and physically punishing sound.

TLTSOL online:
Facebook || Instagram || Twitter

Unique Leader Records online:
Website || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || YouTube

Track listing:

1. Invictus unto Fire
2. Zapffe isn’t invited to the Party (feat. Jamie Hanks)
3. The Sabbath
4. Birth of the Butcher
5. Altar of Poison
6. Guillotine Queen (Redux)
7. Hate What You Love
8. Vampire (a Blood Ballad)
9. Glory be 2 Misery
10. Wasted (interlude)
11. Sickness in Seattle
12. Suicide Watch
13. A Lesson on Self Preservation
14. Procession

Credit: Acacia Evans

Everything Except Desire EP released 11th February via Equal Vision/Rude

'Face In A Frame' streaming now

Sometimes those steps sideways are the most impactful. Former Yellowcard vocalist William Ryan Key has today announced his new solo EP Everything Except Desire, due for release 11th February 2022 via Equal Vision/Rude. Propelling him further into uncharted musical territory with a more experimental sound, this EP marks a new beginning for the multi-instrumentalist.

In celebration of the news, William Ryan Key has released his new single, 'Face In A Frame'. Stream here: https://wrk.lnk.to/faceinaframe

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/273gVsdC8EM

Pre-order/pre-save the EP here: https://wrk.lnk.to/desire

“Ever since I started making my own music, I think I’ve been searching for what became Everything Except Desire,” says Key about the new EP. Textured with multi-layered soundscapes that incorporate pastoral washes of piano, strings and synths, the music from Everything Except Desire evokes emotions through complex song structures that shows Key’s passion for experimentation.

A sonic exploration of emotions and the journey to find inner peace, the five track EP delves into difficult topics and struggles for Key. The first single 'Face In A Frame' dives deep into the emotions of loss and confusion amidst an ethereal wash of percolating keys. “’Face in a Frame’ started with one simple piano loop and ended up opening the door to one of the most creatively inspiring sessions of my career,” he explains. “I tried to stay lyrically honest, while building a track that takes the listener on a journey of self-discovery.” 

Having forged his music career in seminal alt-rock band Yellowcard with eight albums, Key began his solo career, releasing two critically-hailed EPs Thirteen and Virtue in 2018. Substream Magazine chimed, "William has created something special with Thirteen. Nothing here remotely reminds the senses of Yellowcard, instead we are treated to something fresh and sincere," while indie tome Altwire praised Virtue, saying it "establishes Key's foothold as an exceptionally honest songwriter with a far greater sense of self-confidence, completely without hesitancy to put out into the world what most would prefer remain hidden away."

Everything Except Desire was conceived and produced by Key on a month-to-month basis through Patreon at the start of Summer 2020. After receiving heavy praise from his fans, Key enlisted the help from friends Ryan Mendez, Erich Talaba and Mike Kalajian for mixing and mastering and set the release plan in motion. With a new label and forging down a new path, Key is ready for what lies ahead in 2022.  “I took a risk and created something completely unlike anything I’ve released in the past,” he beams. “This record felt like a big step for me both as a writer and a producer."  

Website: https://www.williamryankey.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/williamryankey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/williamryankey
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/williamryankey

Credit: Juan Carlos Caceres

Pike vs The Automaton released 18th February via MNRK Heavy
'Alien Slut Mum' streaming now

From rewriting the hard rock rulebook with his Grammy award-winning trio High on Fire, to reverse engineering doom metal with his genre-defining trio Sleep, Matt Pike has channelled his natural talents and chiselled a steely path straight to the heart of modern-day metal’s molten core.

On 18th February, Pike will release his debut solo LP, Pike vs The Automaton, via MNRK Heavy.

Pre-orders are live at PikeVstheAutomaton.com

Pike has also released the first single from the album. Watch the video for 'Alien Slut Mum' here: https://youtu.be/rzs9uILM_as

Born out of the challenges brought on by a worldwide pandemic, birthed under hellish red-orange skies bred from rampaging west coast wildfires, and built amidst the yearlong political riots and rallies in Portland, OR, Pike’s solo debut, Pike vs The Automaton, is both a musical and emotional release.

The record was written by Pike with drummer Jon Reid, features contributions from a slew of family and friends, and was recorded with longtime conspirator Billy Anderson, the producer who brought the best out of Pike previously on touchstone titles such as Surrounded by Thieves and Sleep’s Holy Mountain.

“I was just going bonkers during the pandemic. It was like really, truly miserable. And then all the riots here in Portland and all the political sh*t. I was trapped in my garage, which was the only place I could go and jam and do anything,” confesses Pike. “I was trapped in there ‘cause I couldn’t go jam with High on Fire, I couldn’t do this, I couldn’t do that, no one could fly. I was going crazy. My friend Jon Reid, who was the original drummer for Lord Dying, had moved to Portland and was babysitting my dog, Crom, and he was drumming for my wife’s band, so he had his drums already set up at my place. I finally said, “Dude, do you want to come over and just start jamming? So, I just started this thing with my friend Jon. I was like, “Dude, f*ck it. Let’s start a side band and we’ll just demo this and act like we’re starting it as teenagers, you know?”

Pike vs The Automaton is advanced by the bizarrely titled track 'Alien Slut Mum'. When asked for comment on the clip, Pike cryptically replies, "Four friends enter the woods, for a getaway, little did they know they would never return! Dogmen, Sasquach, Reptilians, or alien slut mum?!?! Where have they gone??"

"Necessity is the mother of invention" is a well-known proverb that has proven itself true time and time again. When the need for something becomes imperative, you are forced to find ways of getting or achieving it. In this true story, the need for Pike was to create and play music with others at a time when that lifelong love was seemingly out of reach. Guest musicians on Pike vs The Automaton include Alyssa Maucere-Pike (Lord Dying / Grigax), Chad "Chief" Hartgrave, Brent Hinds (Mastodon), Steve McPeeks (West End Motel), Josh Greene (El Cerdo), Todd Burdette (Tragedy), and High on Fire's Jeff Matz, who lays down Turkish electric saz on the album's towering closing track 'Leaving the Wars of Woe'.

"The album title, Pike vs The Automaton, wasn’t an ego thing for me. Billy and Jon said, “Dude, you should use your name in this. This is your solo project.” I said, “I don’t want to do that”. The Automaton, in Greek mythology, is the big robot that’s the guardian of the Gods, basically. It’s a soulless, big machine named Talos. The big machine that’s working against mankind at this moment. In ‘Jason and the Argonauts’, Jason and the Argonauts have to battle this big machine guy that protects the island. Basically, what the album title is saying, metaphorically, is ‘Pike against the World.’”

“I made a psychedelic rock record that Sleep and High on Fire fans would like,” Pike continues when asked for a CliffsNotes description of Pike vs The Automaton. “And maybe if you’re not a Sleep or High on Fire fan, you might like it too. I definitely think it’s interesting; it has D-Beat punk, two-step. It’s got everything and it still works together, it doesn’t sound odd. It’s just an off-the-wall psychedelic rock record.”

About Matt Pike:

Matt Pike is an American musician known for his work as guitarist, vocalist and frontman for Grammy Award-winning metal band High on Fire, and guitarist and founding member of the influential doom metal trio Sleep. Universally recognised as one of the most potent acts in music today, Pike's 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 its formation in 1998, forging a style and sound that is at once critically celebrated, extremely influential, and utterly unique. Follow Matt Pike on Instagram @MattPike1972.

Track listing:

1.) Abusive
2.) Throat Cobra
3.) Trapped In A Midcave
4.) Epoxia
5.) Land
6.) Alien Slut Mum
7.) Apollyon
8.) Acid Test Zone
9.) Latin American Geological Formation
10.) Leaving The Wars Of Woe

Beyond Extinction - The Fatal Flaws of Humankind EP
Breathing new life into the term ‘death’ metal.

Iron Maiden - Senjutsu
Old Gods never die, Senjutsu proves just that. Also my dad just got this Eddie tattooed on him, and it's mega making me crave my Iron Maiden tattoo.

The Pretty Reckless - Death by Rock N’ Roll
“On my tombstone when I go, just put ‘Death By Rock N’ Roll’. Love it. Stealing it for my own tombstone.

Insurgent - Sentient
There’s a reason this EP is called Sentient, because that’s the aura this band give off with their command through their music.

A Pale Horse Named Death - Infernum In Terra
Close your eyes and be transported to an apocalyptic wasteland, embers still flickering across the sky and ash clinging to the fibres of your clothing.

Bo Burnham - Inside (The Songs) Soundtrack
I CAN’T GET THESE SONGS OUT OF MY HEAD, PLEASE MAKE IT STOP.

Bullet for my Valentine - Bullet for my Valentine
Sometimes all you need is to scream into a pillow and curse every tiny little negative thing, and as Bullet for my Valentine finally repent , their self-titled record is the soundtrack to do just that to.

Florence Black - Weight of the World
Heavy and thick production values weigh this record down with such force it gives the gravity on Jupiter a run for it’s money.

Tremonti - Marching in Time
Bringing the bulk of the heaviness to his main band Alter Bridge, Tremonti’s solo records are a playground of solos, chugging riffs, and squealing harmonics.

Lilith Czar - Created From Filth and Dust
Rebirth is underrated, and Lilith Czar channels every feminine struggle into the lyric “if it’s a man’s world, then I want to be King.”

Photo Credit: Benjamin Pohle

'Coma Blue' streaming now via Arising Empire

"German Metalcore heroes claw their way to top-dog status" - Metal Hammer

German metalcore powerhouse Annisokay, led by vocalist and producer Chris Wieczorek (Sawdust Recording), have announced the rerelease of hit album Aurora (Special Edition) due for a 2022 release. Along with the special edition record, the band also release remastered single 'Coma Blue' via Arising Empire.

Watch the visualiser for 'Coma Blue 2022' here: https://annisokay.lnk.to/comablue2022 [Awaiting new link]

Preorder, stream and download Aurora (Special Edition) here: https://annisokay.lnk.to/specialedition

Aurora (Special Edition) will be available in CD formats and limited coloured vinyl options, holding three absolute classics remastered with 'Coma Blue', 'Good Stories' and their Japanese bonus track 'Parallel Universe' that has never been released worldwide, together with a full live set that now includes fresh line up with new frontman Rudi Schwarzer.

Annisokay reinvented themselves on their fifth studio album Aurora, which was released earlier this year via Arising Empire and entered at #18 in the official German album charts. The album was the first to feature the band's new frontman and heavy vocalist Rudi Schwarzer - a long-time friend of the band - who stepped into the role in late 2019. Once again guitarist/clean vocalist Christoph Wieczorek oversaw production duties on the album, which is full of heavy riffs, driving percussion, melodic, goosebump-inducing cleans and aggressive shouts. The quartet is completed by drummer Nico Vaeen and bassist Norbert Rose.

Formed in 2007, Annisokay are at the forefront of German metal with their cutting edge sound, which has earned them huge success at home and has seen them breakthrough internationally. The four-piece have embarked on successful tours throughout Europe, the UK, Japan and the USA, including several headline shows in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, a US run with I Set My Friends On Fire, two sold-out shows in Russia supporting Parkway Drive, and, more recently, the Xmas Bash Tour with Emil Bulls, which marked Schwarzer's first tour with the band.

Annisokay’s first three studio albums were released through Long Branch Records/SPV, all of which charted in the Top 100 Official German Album Charts. In 2018, the band signed to Arising Empire to release their fourth studio album Arms, which reached #26 in the German charts. In January 2021, Annisokay released their most recent album Aurora, which charted at #18 - their highest German chart entry to date.

Annisokay will embark on a European headline tour in 2022, with support from Future Palace and Set Your Sails.

Dates:
January
20.01.22 Nuremberg
21.01.22 Göttingen
22.01.22 Cologne
26.01.22 Prague
27.01.22 Budapest
28.01.22 Vienna
29.01.22 Munich
February
04.02.22 Hamburg
05.02.22 Berlin
06.02.22 Warsaw
09.02.22 Zürich
10.02.22 Wiesbaden
11.02.22 Essen
12.02.22 Osnabrück
17.02.22 Stuttgart
18.02.22 Schweinfurt
19.02.22 Hanover
March
04.03.22 Jena
05.03.22 Cham

Tickets are on sale here: https://tourlink.to/annisokay

Annisokay are:
Rudi Schwarzer | Vocals
Christoph Wieczorek | Vocals / Guitar
Norbert Kayo | Bass
Nico Vaeen | Drums

For more information:
www.annisokay.com
www.facebook.com/annisokay
www.instagram.com/annisokay
www.twitter.com/annisokay

Aurora (Special Edition) tracklisting:

01. Like A Parasite
02. STFU
03. The Tragedy
04. Face The Facts
05. Overload
06. Bonfire Of The Millennials
07. The Cocaines Got Your Tongue
08. Under Your Tattoos
09. The Blame Game
10. I Saw What You Did
11. Standing Still
12. Friend Or Enemy
13. Terminal Velocity

01. Coma Blue (2022)
02. Good Stories (2022)
03. Parallel Universe (2022)
04. Like A Parasite (Live)
05. Bonfire Of The Millennials (Live)
06. Good Stories (Live)
07. Unaware (Live)
08. Under Your Tattoos (Live)
09. Fully Automatic (Live)
10. Sea Of Trees (Live)
11. Face The Facts (Live)
12. Coma Blue (Live)
13. STFU (Live)

Photo Credit: Christoph Eisenmenger

'Nares' lyric video streaming now

December 2021 and the Corona pandemic continues to be the dominant headlines everywhere. "If not now, when?" - thought the German progressive metal three-piece The Hirsch Effekt and present 'Nares' not only a surprising new single, but also their personal commentary on current events.

Watch the 'Nares' lyric video here: https://youtu.be/R0MduZA9Hh0

Listen here: https://orcd.co/thehirscheffekt_nares

The Hirsch Effekt comment: "Besides lockdowns, home office, zoom calls, home schooling, test centres and crude freedom struggle comparisons with Sophie Scholl, the Corona pandemic in Germany has brought forth especially one thing above all else: dozens of ways to wear a mouth-nose protection. As different as the Germans are, so are also the possibilities of pulling the mask over your face the wrong way. This mirrors the curious expression of individuality that is typical of a country in which one is incapable to understand that the freedom of the individual ends where that of the other begins. Racing unvaccinated with 200 kilometres per hour across the autobahn in order to shop your Demeter certified de-wormer in the organic supermarket, while wearing the mask under your nose. It doesn't work any place better than here. Because no matter what science will find out, some professional soccer player, who still expresses personal concerns about it, will always be found as well. And to exactly him The Hirsch Effekt want to sing a song of worship, that he may remain true to himself and have his own opinion."

The Hirsch Effekt online:
https://thehirscheffekt.de
https://www.facebook.com/thehirscheffekt
https://www.instagram.com/thehirscheffekt

'Susi' streaming now

UKKO out now via Long Branch Records

Finnish northcore quintet Atlas unveil new album UKKO and in celebration release latest single 'Susi' via Long Branch Records.

Watch the video for 'Susi' here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAy0E8CEXp4
Stream 'Susi' and order UKKO here: https://smarturl.it/atlas_ukko

On the new single, guitarist Tuomas Kurikka states: "This is our way of honouring those we've loved and lost. Heavy looping rhythms, huge percussions, haunting atmospheres, dark soundscapes, and ominous melodies create an album that celebrates northern spirits. UKKO is a blend of something ancient combined with a cold and harsh perspective of these stray modern days. You could say that the album is a sacrifice to the old Finnish pagan gods."

Atlas are a five-piece modern metalcore band from Tampere, Finland labelling themselves as 'Northcore'. The quintet's sound combines mammoth riffs and gloomy soundscapes, that draw inspiration from the cold of the North. Their releases include 2016 EP Northern Lights, 2018 standalone singles 'Birthright' and 'The Catalyst' and debut full-length Primitive, as well as their 2019 single trilogy.

The quintet explore a new sonic palette on their second album UKKO, drawing inspiration from Finnish folk music and poetry, combined with the dark soundscapes and dynamic songwriting the band have become known for. Lyrically and thematically, UKKO explores themes of death, healing, rebirth and faith, presented in a seamlessly blended mix of English and Finnish. UKKO was mixed and mastered by Buster Odeholm (Vildhjarta, Oceano, Humanity's Last Breath, Born of Osiris), who brought his unique approach and sound to the album.

Atlas have played throughout Europe with the likes of Monuments, Miss May I, VOLA, Kadinja, Adept, Eskimo Callboy, One Morning Left and We Butter The Bread With Butter. Their debut album Primitive climbed the Finnish album charts to number six and came to life on a European tour with Monuments, receiving praise from fans and critics alike.

Atlas are:
Patrik Nuorteva - Vocals
Leevi Luoto - Guitar & Vocals
Kevin Apostol - Bass
Tuomas Kurikka - Guitar & Vocals
Aku Karjalainen - Drums

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/atlasfin
https://twitter.com/ATLASNORTHCORE
https://www.instagram.com/atlasfin

UKKO tracklist:

1. Talvi
2. Synti
3. Taivaanranta
4. Susi
5. Ukko
6. Henki
7. Lehto
8. Veri
9. Joki
10. Uhri
11. Pohjannaula

New album Welcome Home out 21st January 2022 via Spinefarm Records

New York City-based collective VRSTY (pronounced "Varsity") - Joey Varela [vocals], Javy Dorrejo [bass], Chris Cody [drums], and Paul Gregory [guitar] - have released a lyric video for their new single 'Closer'. The track is the fourth single from the band's new album Welcome Home, due for release on 21st January 2022 via Spinefarm Records.

Check out the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/xTV3uE18ahk

'Closer' is yet another banger, with thunderous riffs led by Varela's smooth, R&B-inspired vocal styles and unshakeable melodies. The song explores the notion of wanting to get to know that person you meet and can't get out of your head.

"'Closer' literally came out of nowhere," Varela recalls. "It started as just a fun idea to get our creative juices flowing in the studio and ended up becoming its own thing. It's definitely one of the more different songs on the record. Lyrics-wise, it's also one of the easiest songs to connect to - if you're an adult, that is!"

Pre-order Welcome Home here: https://vrsty.lnk.to/WelcomeHome

Welcome Home is the band's debut full-length for Spinefarm Records and follows last year's breakthrough Cloud City EP, which has accumulated six million streams in less a year and yielded the head-turning singles 'Shameless' and 'Massive'. The latter was the most played on SiriusXM's Octane for two weeks in a row in late 2020. VRSTY have perfected their seamless and fearless cross-pollination of metallic grooves with R&B-influenced, after midnight vocal swagger on their new 14-track offering. VRSTY aren't just offering their own take on a genre; they have authored a fusion style that is entirely their own.

"Welcome Home is an incredibly personal album to me," Varela shares. "I know everybody says that, and hey, maybe they're not lying when they do. I sure as hell am not. It was definitely a task, at first, trying to figure out how to phrase or sing something without getting too personal. But somewhere along the way, I threw that idea out the window and decided to say exactly what I felt. You won't find me trying to sound cool or using any fancy wordplay. It's just me in my rawest form, saying exactly what I've felt or experienced over the years, which is what has made me who I am today. I think if anybody ever wants to get to know me, this record will give you everything you need to know. No secrets. Just me."

For more information:
https://www.vrsty.nyc
https://www.facebook.com/vrsty.nyc
https://www.instagram.com/vrsty.nyc
https://twitter.com/vrsty_nyc

Photo Credit: Pavel Trebukhin

'Pale Tongue' out now via Arising Empire

Modern metal quintet The Oklahoma Kid have released a video for their brand new single 'Pale Tongue', out now via Arising Empire. Known for their unique blend of genres, the avant-garde five-piece continue to push boundaries and break old conventions with 'Pale Tongue'.

Check out the video for 'Pale Tongue' here: https://youtu.be/5xKttDVzsco

Stream/purchase 'Pale Tongue' here: https://theoklahomakid.lnk.to/paletongue

'Pale Tongue' takes you on a disturbing trip, with psychedelic visuals and heavy rhythms deeply influenced by early millennial industrial music and Neue Deutsche Härte. The single was recorded and produced by Jan Kerscher (Ghost City Recordings) and mixed/mastered by Lance Prenc (Alpha Wolf, Polaris, Dealer).

Guitarist Andreas Reinhard comments:

“We are always trying to get different influences into our music, that’s why we were looking for a
producer outside our genre, to get some new input. When we first met up with Jan, we know he was a
perfect match to record and produce our new material.”

The Oklahoma Kid teamed up with Pavel Trebukhin (Imminence, Landmvrks, Annisokay) for the music video, which was filmed inside a bunker to create a striking visual experience

Formed in 2012, The Oklahoma Kid have consistently pushed boundaries with their breathtaking modern metal, bridging the gap between technical intricacy and energising rhythms. The band's 2014 debut EP Fortuneteller established their position within the German metal scene with their signature blend of genres.

In 2015 they revealed their sophomore EP Doppelganger, working with renowned producer Aljoscha Sieg (Eskimo Callboy, We Butter The Bread With Butter, Nasty) to deliver their signature bouncing grooves and futuristic synthesisers, complete with catchy hooks and singalongs. The band's unique video for 'Scharlatan', which was directed by Pavel Trebukhin (Alazka, Stick To Your Guns, Annisokay), also won the national PopFish Music Video Award.

2017 saw The Oklahoma Kid enter the studio to work on their debut album Solarray, a release that displayed the band's full sonic scope and capabilities - ranging from huge wall-of-sound arrangements to fragile melodies.

The Oklahoma Kid have electrified crowds with their passionate, relentless performance, touring with Stick To Your Guns, Carnifex, Evergreen Terrace and Hatebreed.

The quintet are no long an insider tip, they are a force to be reckoned with. Whether you experience them live at a festival or on record in your living room, The Oklahoma Kid will change your perception of what metal is capable of.

See The Oklahoma Kid on The Good Fellas Tour 2021:

05.03.22 Berlin, Privatclub
06.03.22 Köln, MTC
17.03.22 Hamburg, headCrash
18.03.22 Rostock, Peter-Weiss-Haus
23.03.22 München, Backstage
24.03.22 Frankfurt, ELFER
25.03.22 Leipzig, Bandhaus

Tickets on sale here: https://www.eventim.de/artist/the-oklahoma-kid/

The Oklahoma Kid are:
Tomm Brümmer | Vocals
Fred Stölzel | Guitar
Andreas Reinhard | Guitar
Robert Elfenbein | Bass
David J. Burtscher | Drums

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/theoklahomakidofficial
https://twitter.com/tok_official
https://www.instagram.com/theoklahomakidband