UK’s Draconian Reign deliver symphonic, blackened deathcore that is dynamic and unrelenting, which is showcased on their blistering new EP, Tragedy Eternal, released today via Seek & Strike. They have also released their crushing new single / video, 'Before The Gates'.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/gHmrRBlN_6g

Stream the EP here: https://linktr.ee/draconianreign

Catch Draconian Reign on tour with fellow UK extreme metal titans, Existentialist, this month (dates below). 
 

Draconian Reign comment:"“We think 'Before The Gates' covers all the bases of our sound going forward. It tells the story of two lovers separated by death. The video came together really well and was filmed by the great Loki Films. We also had a great model in Amy Marluca, who spent a few hours in a coffin. Sonically, this song contains more orchestral passages and a guitar solo - two things that weren't a huge part of 'Infernal Requiem.' 

Speaking of their EP: "We definitely spent more time planning each song as a journey for the listener. There are more orchestral passages, but we are very much a riff-driven band. We take influence from bands such as Dimmu Borgir and The Black Dahlia Murder, but run through the lens of gothic fantasy and all things macabre. If you dig extreme metal, you’re in for a treat here. Enjoy and we’ll be seeing you on tour across the UK later this year!” 

Watch the video to previous single 'Infernal Requiem' here: https://youtu.be/H3cWQacHJ0U

Draconian Reign are a symphonic blackened deathcore band from the cold heart of the United Kingdom. Combining punishing breakdowns and harsh vocals with the razor sharp riffage of melodic death metal and theatrics of symphonic black metal, the band's debut EP Necromantic established Draconian Reign as an important new band in the UK deathcore scene. The group appeared at Bloodstock 2022 off the back of their debut EP, and are now looking ahead to the release of their new EP Tragedy Eternal.

The band will be on tour across the UK with Existentialist in May:

May 04: London New Cross Inn
May 05: Nottingham Percy Picklebackers
May 06: Rotherham The Bridge Inn
May 07: Norwich B2, Brickmakers

Draconian Reign are:

James Hibberd- Vocals 
James Mackellar-Still- Guitars 
Cal Cruse-Morrell - Guitars 
Andy Crawford- Bass 
Kelsey James- Drums 

For more:
https://www.facebook.com/draconianreign
https://www.instagram.com/draconianreign

Photo Credit: Somnuri

New York sludge metal trio Somnuri have announced their third full-length, Desiderium, will be released on 21st July via MNRK Heavy. 

Somnurihave also released a video for their new single 'What A Way To Go'. 


Check out the video for 'What A Way To Go' here: https://youtu.be/0GKqHQ2UQeA 

Pre-orderDesideriumhere: https://somnuri.ffm.to/desiderium_

Drummer Phil SanGiacomo commented on the track: "'What A Way To Go’ is an anti-authoritarian kick in the teeth. With all of the corruption in the world, it's hard not to feel like you're being buried alive sometimes, the song came about while trying to vent that frustration. It's straight to the point and urgent, with less twists and turns than some of our other material. "

Adds vocalist/guitarist Justin Sherrell: “Susan Hunt, who directed the video, captured the imagery perfectly along with a sense of being hounded and surveilled. This is the first single from our new album, Desiderium, and we couldn't be more excited to set the tone with it and let people know what kind of energy they can expect this time. The album is the pinnacle of our sound thus far and we can't wait to unleash it.”

Somnuri do not keep their feet planted in surface reality. The band’s flavour of heavy metal stomps from genre to genre with the fervour and confidence of a band ready to cross thresholds of all that’s perceivable and possible. Composed of lead guitarist and singer Justin Sherrell, drummer Phil SanGiancomo, and bassist Mike G, they’ve earned attention from publications including Revolver Magazine, Brooklyn Vegan, Metal Sucks, Metal Hammer, and others and their latest effort is a true testament to the band’s insatiable work ethic cementing them as one of heavy metal’s most exciting emerging acts.

Recorded at Gojira’s Silver Cord Studios, mixed by Justin Mantooth at Westend Studios, and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege Mastering, on Desiderium, the band weaves seamlessly through a variety of tempos and sounds, giving some well-trodden genres new roads to travel. Songs like 'Paramnesia' swing in like a sludgy wrecking ball, calling to mind the likes of Eyehategod and Crowbar in their heaviest moments. Instead of going for all-out mosh parts, the band pulls back, allowing Sherrell to get a few clean vocals in before charging back up on full assault. Sherrell’s voice is insanely versatile, both able to deliver soul-filled clean vocals and some grim screams. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the band’s instrumentals, weaving a ladder between sludge, grunge, psych-rock and more. All of this leads to something like Alice In Chains if they got way into acid and wanted to go full-tilt heavy.

Front to back, the abundant ideas and soundscapes turn Somnuri's Desiderium into a prism of sound. Every song is an amalgamation of what makes rock kinetic, bridging a gap between acts like Helmet, Karp, Handsome, and Quicksand with the sonic journeys of Isis or Jesu. It’s this thirst for exploration that makes Somnuri who they are: they’re an ascendant band, not constrained by any label or descriptor.

Somnuri are:
Justin Sherrell| Vocals / Guitar
Phil SanGiacomo | Drums
Mike G | Bass

For more information:

http://www.somnuri.com
http://www.facebook.com/Somnuri
http://www.instagram.com/somnuri
http://www.twitter.com/somnuriband 
http://www.mnrkheavy.com
http://www.facebook.com/MNRKHeavy
http://www.instagram.com/MNRK_heavy 
http://www.twitter.com/MNRKHeavy

Desiderium tracklisting:

1. Death Is The Beginning
2. Paramnesia
3. Pale Eyes
4. What A Way To Go
5. Hollow Visions
6. Flesh & Blood
7. Desiderium
8. Remnants
9. The Way Out

Photo Credit: Derek Bremner

Electrifying UK rock trio Blue Stragglers have unveiled their storming new single 'Running It Dry', out now via Hassle Records.

Watch the video for 'Running It Dry' here: https://youtu.be/DKryizzkBTU

Stream here: https://hasslerecords.ffm.to/running-it-dry

Vocalist/guitarist Lee Martin comments: "Any binge drinker worth their salt will go through a spate of madness where one, some, or all of the following occur at different points of one’s chosen substance exploration:

"1: A glorious run of luck occurs which you immediately associate with caning it, so as a result - do it more.

"2: The company you keep becomes a lot more strange. Old friends look at you a bit different, but it’s THEM in the wrong not YOU! An old friend briefly lived with a speed freak who she caught re-concreting his warehouse floor in Finsbury in the middle of the night - a good example this phase.

"3.The inevitable crash where phases 1 and 2 repeat until you finally admit that you are in some way wasting the formative years of your life.

"This song is a diary entry from when I had less of a handle on such activities, a perfect storm of chaos."

'Running It Dry' is taken from the band's hugely impressive forthcoming debut album, Cautionary Tales of Excess, out later this year.

Blue Stragglers, consisting of Lee Martin (vocals/guitar), Ali Waite (bass) and Andy Head (drums/backing vocals) have done things on their own terms since their earliest days. From the get-go, the industrious group were keen to find a HQ. So, when their local pub The Dunn Horse closed, the band managed to strip the place before it was converted into apartments, and they transported the entire pub interior into Lee’s house. From this eccentric setting, the band have regularly curated and hosted gigs at the house, newly named as The Denne Horse. 
 
Coming from Horsham, England, Blue Stragglers are here to turn your head and leave their mark. The threesome appear to run on a mixture of adrenaline and telepathy, combined with an unbridled gift for creating supremely captivating fuzzed-up bangers.

In addition to a plethora of talent, the power trio also have an undeniably strong work ethic and have relentlessly gigged throughout the country, racking up prominent supports with Wolfmother, Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society, Kid Kapichi, We Are The Ocean, and Phoxjaw, as well as a breath-taking appearance at 2022’s Download Festival. Last year, the three-piece also delivered their self-titled debut EP to high praise from BBC Introducing, Kerrang! Radio, Planet Rock and Gigslutz among others. Encouraged by the success of the release, Blue Stragglers were snapped up by esteemed independent label, Hassle Records (Brutus, Casey, Ithaca). 
 
The foundations are now set, and Blue Stragglers continue to make their mark with 'Running It Dry'.

Blue Stragglers continue the build with their captivating new single, 'Running It Dry'. The raucous track showcases the band's already-trademark fuzz groove - an explosively infectious statement. The start of something new. A sea change. A tidal event. 2023 will be filled with touring, releases, and the launch of the band’s debut album. Blue Stragglers have been waiting for you.

Blue Stragglers are:

Lee Martin - vocals/guitar
Ali Waite - bass
Andy Head - drums

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/bluestragglersuk
https://www.instagram.com/bluestragglers
https://twitter.com/bluestragglers1

Photo Credit: Ki Price

Rock/metal trio MUDSHARK have released a lyric video for their brand new single 'NONCHALANCE', a glimpse into their upcoming debut EP ZLV. The track came to life as a one-playthrough jam, resulting in the very first song that MUDSHARK wrote together. 

Check out the lyric video for 'NONCHALANCE' here: https://youtu.be/iGHi-4OO2bc

Carrying the spirit of rock 'n' roll, MUDSHARK combines grooving guitar riffs with soaring, soulful vocal melodies.

Singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, Hagen Brüggemann and A. STR▲NGR have been making and producing music since they were kids.

STR▲NGR started professional vocal training at the age of seven, playing guitar from age nine and raised funds for the Tsunami crisis as London's youngest busker that same year. STR▲NGR started playing in bands at age 10. As a professional performer, he made multiple West End theatre appearances from the age of 12.

Hagen started professional guitar training at the age of four, playing in many different projects from age seven. Four years later he also started professional drum, vocal and piano training. Hagen is a certified audio engineer, educated by Music Academy Germany and producing music since the age of 13. From the ages of 11 to 13 he made multiple national television appearances playing guitar and presenting for children's TV shows - up to 12 million viewers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Hagen is also the youngest artist to have ever played Wacken Open Air, the biggest metal festival in the world. It was during this time Hagen started writing songs for what would become MUDSHARK.

STR▲NGR and Hagen’s former band, I Talk To Strangers, released a self-titled EP in 2016. The debut song 'Welcome To Life', taken from the same EP, was featured in the Netflix documentary The Legend of 420 (directed by Peter Spirer and starring Henry Rollins, Mellisa Etheridge, Jason Mraz, Tommy Chong and many more). The band promoted their EP with headline shows at multiple London venues, including The Garage. Due to logistical issues the band split up and the duo reconvened a while later to form the group MUDSHARK. The name arose during their experience of Download Festival 2019, nicknamed “Drownload” or infamously “Brownload”. Mud up to your ankles, mud in your tent, the only thing that could have made it worse was if a shark swam up from the deep and pulled you below the surface. The name further stands as a metaphor for MUDSHARK's musical mission: cutting through the noise of the music industry. MUDSHARK’s mission is to deliver fresh and catchy heavy music to a current mainstream audience and younger generation, hitting the sweet spot between rock and metal.

MUDSHARK started as a remote project at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, using the global lockdown to write two EPs and one full-length album. Currently there are three MUDSHARKs ruling the oceans: A. STR▲NGR (vocals), Hagen Brüggemann (guitar) and Sebastian Richards (bass). MUDSHARK are collaborating with various drummers, including Jack Wrench (Arcane Roots, Jamie Lenman, Salem) for studio drums and Jerry Sadowski (ATAN and many more) for live drums.

MUDSHARK have recently finished their debut EP ZLV, working with Neil Kennedy (Creeper, Boston Manor) as recording and mixing engineer and Gene 'Machine' Freeman (Lamb of God, Clutch, Every Time I Die) as mastering engineer.

For more information:
https://mudshark.net
https://www.facebook.com/mudsharkofficial
https://www.instagram.com/mudsharkofficial

Photo Credit: Michelle Klein

German post-hardcore outfit VENUES have released a video for their new single 'Haunted House', out now via Arising Empire. The track follows recent singles 'Cravings' and 'Reflections', as well as the band's critically acclaimed sophomore album Solace.

Check out the video for 'Haunted House' here: https://youtu.be/FzJ7h_xMQDU

Stream/purchase 'Haunted House' here: https://arisingempire.com/hauntedhouse

Co-vocalist Lela comments: "If you know the feeling of being trapped in a situation that doesn't bring good prospects, but still have the urge to get out of it, you can empathise very well with the story behind 'Haunted House'. For me it is a challenge to myself to recognise bad positions and leave them behind as quickly as possible."

Co-vocalist Robin adds: "The shooting with Marius Milinski was, as always, a lot of fun. However, we used real metal chains for the video and they hurt quite a bit. Every one of us had bruises after the shooting."

VENUES will play a series of festivals over the summer, including Wacken Open Air. Full dates and further information here: https://www.bandsintown.com/de/a/4328123-venues

VENUES went into the studio with producer Christoph Wieczorek (Annisokay) to record their latest album Solace (2021, Arising Empire), who coated their massive sound with a metallic alloy of remarkable precision.
 
“We wanted to be more metal,” Robin comments. “There were some pop sensibilities of Aspire we wanted to replace with rather the opposite.”
 
Melody and punch-drunk heaviness, metal and alternative rock, zeitgeist and authenticity, barbed choruses and unleashed creativity: with their soaring sophomore release, VENUES fulfiled every single promise they gave on Solace.
 
“2020 showed all of us how much the band is helping us keep our sanity,” guitarist Robin muses. “Almost the whole band went through minor or medium crises since the release of our debut. Relationships went sour, things were ended and begun. In times like these, our second album was the light at the end of the tunnel. Something we all could look forward to. Our music held our heads above water.”
 
It was a big leap, going from Aspire to Solace, and a logical one, too. Ten songs, ten exorcisms of negative energy, ten lifesavers.

Purchase Solace in various formats here: https://Venues.lnk.to/solace

VENUES are:
Lela | clean vocals
Robin | shouts
Constantin | guitar
Valentin | guitar
Dennis | drums

For more information: 
https://www.facebook.com/VENUESofficial
https://www.instagram.com/venuesofficial
https://twitter.com/venuesofficial
https://venues.bigcartel.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@venuesofficial

Australian synth-prog rock outfit Voyager are back with their long-awaited eighth studio album, Fearless In Love, scheduled for release on 14th July via Season of Mist.  

In celebration, the band have also released their new single from the album, the magnificent 'Prince of Fire'.

Pre-order: https://orcd.co/fearlessinlove

Watch the video for 'Prince of Fire' here: https://youtu.be/VHtxaIUntjs

"Fearless In Love was written and recorded between 2020 and 2022. The writing process was very different to how we’ve done things in the past," explains vocalist and frontman Danny Estrin. "As a result, the album is more cohesive and exciting with a cinematic feel, hailing back to gritty films of the 80’s and 90’s showcasing all the layers that make up Voyager. This album takes you on a ride through a dark city and leaves you on a more pensive, reflective note by the end."
 
Perhaps one of the heaviest tracks in Voyager's history, new single 'Prince of Fire' follows the album’s protagonist, desperately trying harder to be better but continuing to go back to his old ways. The accompanying video features showstopping visuals including pyrotechnics and LEDs, which highlight the massive production and experimentation that went into creating the song. 

The video is a fitting recognition of Voyager's scope and scale, as next week the band have the distinct honour of representing Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool. As long-term fans of the competition, the band has attempted to be in the competition since Australia announced its participation in 2015, but it was not until their multi-million streamed single 'Promise' that it finally became their time to shine.

Voyager - comprised of Daniel “Danny” Estrin (vocals/keyboards), Simone Dow (guitars), Scott Kay (guitars), Alex Canion (bass) and Ashley Doodkorte (drums) - have been creating music together for over a decade. Fearless In Love pairs sweeping vocals with emotive lyrics, inspired by the grit and glam of 80's and 90's film. Overlaid heavy guitar riffs and crashing percussion create a triumphant sonic journey that push the boundaries of what fans have come to expect from Voyager.  

Follow Voyager on social media: @voyagerau (Twitter, TikTok, Instagram) and Facebook: www.facebook.com/voyageraustralia

For more information on Voyager, follow this link

1.   The Best Intentions
2.   Prince Of Fire
3.   Ultraviolet
4.   Dreamer
5.   The Lamenting
6.   Submarine
7.   Promise
8.   Twisted
9.   Daydream
10. Listen
11. Gren (Fearless In Love)

Photo Credit: Chantik Photography

Dark singer-songwriter act The Devil's Trade is proud to announce new album Vidékek vannak idebenn, which will be released on 14th July 2023 via Season of Mist. In celebration, The Devil's Trade have also released the first new single 'Flashing Through the Lack of Light', along with a stunning music video. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/opNooIfBJts

Stream the single here: https://orcd.co/tdtfttlol

The Devil's Trade commented on the album and track: "Vidékek vannak idebenn (There’s Landscapes Within) arrived in my life at a time and space where the more than decade-long period leading up to this phase in life ended, but the following one, the homecoming was albeit visible, but hasn’t yet started. This paralyzed state of floating wasn’t enough for me to make a record, I had to switch from the well-functioning, unconscious creation to a different way and to different depths.

"'Flashing Trough The Lack Of Light' is one of the most peaceful songs I have ever written. In this period of my life, I finally see a way out from the city far from people back to the mountains and the river where I spent the most beautiful and influential times of my childhood. This exodus is the manifestation of what I have been focusing on mentally and psychically for the last few years. This song is about finding my inner peace."

The Devil's Trade has also revealed new dates in September and October 2023, supporting the legendary Alcest. Dates:

Sep 29 FR Metz La Bam 
Sep 30 BE Bruges Cactus Club
Oct 01 DE Hamburg Knust
Oct 03 DK Copenhagen Lille Vega
Oct 04 NO Oslo Parkteatret
Oct 05 SE Stockholm Fryshuset Klubben
Oct 07 DE Dresden Stromwerk
Oct 08 PL Poznan 2Progi
Oct 09 PL Wroclaw Stary Klasztor
Oct 10 DE Hannover Musikzentrum
Oct 11 DE Frankfurt Zoom
Oct 13 NL Nijmegen Soulcrusher
Oct 14 FR Lille L'aeronef
Oct 15 UK Manchester Academy 2
Oct 16 UK Bristol SWX
Oct 17 UK Brighton Concorde 2
Oct 19 FR Vauréal Le Forum
Oct 20 FR St. Nazaire Le Vip
Oct 21 FR Rouen Le 106
Oct 22 FR Savigny-le-temple L'empreinte

liminal
/ˈlɪmɪnl/
adjective
TECHNICAL

1. occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold.

"I was in the liminal space between past and present"
 
It is of no surprise liminal space is a key element in the next phase of The Devil’s Trade’s fourth album, Vidékek vannak idebenn (a title that loosely translates to There Are Landscapes Within) as Dávid Makó, the man behind the moniker has indeed arrived to a threshold in his career, where the phase starting with his self-released debut Those Miles We Walked Alone ended after his latest album The Call of the Iron Peak. The concept of liminal space itself is a not necessarily pleasant state of mind where you left behind your old life, but new doors haven’t exactly opened just yet. 

As Makó states "The process my first three records pieced together ended, that was no path for me to take anymore, but to take a step forward I had to make decisions I wasn’t inspired enough to make." – and from this frustrated, sort of paralyzed state of floating, a new incarnation of The Devil’s Trade was born and so was Vidékek vannak idebenn along with it.

While still true to his solo artist roots, delivering gut-wrenching melodies of darkness and beauty on his own, Makó needed an expansion to his universe. With the addition of long-time friend and former bandmate Gáspár Binder on drums and a live keyboard player, he finally took the much needed step forward and ‘Vidékek vannak idebenn’ portrays the next sonic phase of The Devil’s Trade.

A soundtrack to the next phase of his life. A soundtrack to souls stuck in liminal space, hungry to adapt to new realities and to grow further, outside the boundaries which so often shackle them.

The cover artwork for Vidékek vannak idebenn, which is created by Bálint Benkő (Volume Of Voids)

For more information:

www.facebook.com/TheDevilsTrade
www.thedevilstrade.bandcamp.com
www.youtube.com/user/mdgytdt
www.instagram.com/thedevilstrade

Tracklisting:

1. Felkelék én (3:17)
2. Flashing Through the Lack of Light (6:28) [WATCH]
3. Vidékek vannak idebenn (8:19)
4. Clear Like the Wind (5:36)
5. Liminal (6:42)
6. Fordulj kedves lovam (6:27)
7. All Kings Must Fall (3:30)
8. Új hajnal már nem jő (4:44)
Total: 45:03

Photo Credit: Mikael Hultén

Swedish rock trio The Gems have signed a worldwide contract with Napalm Records. The new band featuring three ex-Thundermother members - vocalist Guernica Mancini, drummer Emlee Johansson and guitarist/bassist Mona Lindgren - will unveil details of their debut single, 'Like a Phoenix', very soon.

The Gems are currently working hard on finishing their debut album, but will also make time to play their second show ever at Downtown Riot festival in their hometown of Stockholm, Sweden this Saturday, 6th May 2023. With their previous band, the musicians performed at many major European festivals like Wacken Open Air and Sweden Rock Festival, played a streaming show from Olympiastadion in Berlin, and even toured with rock legends Scorpions in North America - so there is no doubt that their performance will be a full-on rock’n’roll experience. Make sure to stay tuned for more news on their upcoming album.

The Gems on signing to Napalm Records: ”We are so happy and excited to be a part of the Napalm Records family. We feel very confident that Napalm is the perfect label for us to spread our music, and that we will make a great team together and conquer the world!”

Napalm Records CEO Thomas Caser commented: “With The Gems the name says it all! The musicians are already well-known to every rock fan and we are convinced that we have discovered a new star in the rock scene. We are already looking forward to the first anthems from the Swedes!”
 
The Gems are:
Guernica Mancini – Vocals 
Emlee Johansson – Drums 
Mona Lindgren – Guitar, Bass

The Gems online:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK

Photo Credit: Lance Williams and Weston Allen

Experimental artist Dorian Electra (they/them) has released their new single 'Freak Mode'. The track is an exhilarating culmination of elements from all previous Dorian Electra eras, blending sounds from pop to metal, jazz, and classical, elevating them all in a distinct Dorian Electra perspective.

Check out the video for 'Freak Mode' here: https://youtu.be/3f-pu4ieoXE

Stream/purchase 'Freak Mode' here: https://dorianelectra.komi.io

The ultimate pop culture agitator, Dorian Electra pushes the boundaries of the status quo while presenting a dynamic lens into trends across music, fashion, art, politics, media, and the internet.

To date, they’ve achieved more than 100 million streams across DSPs as a completely independent artist. They also have a social reach of over one million, across a highly engaged fanbase. 

Throughout their career, they have collaborated with boundary-breaking pop artists including Lady Gaga, Charlie XCX, 100 gecs, Rebecca Black, Pussy Riot, and Village People. Dorian Electra has also featured in a plethora of publications, including Paper Mag, The New York Times, Vogue, Billboard, Fader, Dazed, and Pitchfork.

Stay tuned for more from this hugely exciting artist. 

For more information: 
https://www.facebook.com/DORIANELECTRA
https://twitter.com/DORIANELECTRA
https://www.instagram.com/dorianelectra
https://www.tiktok.com/@dorianelectraofficial