Finnish progressive rock masters Von Hertzen Brothers have announced the release of their magical live performance at Tavastia, Finland, recorded earlier this year. Performing songs across their extensive catalogue, Live at Tavastia will be released as a live album on 16th February, and the concert will also be available to watch as an on-demand stream.

To celebrate the announcement, the band have unveiled a wonderful taster of what to expect from Live at Tavastia with a single and video for the live version of 'You Don't Know My Name'.

Watch the video for 'You Don't Know My Name' here: https://youtu.be/-oJLYmyvGmw

Pre-order / pre-save Live at Tavastia here: https://ffm.to/liveattavastia.OPR

Pre-order merch bundles here: https://www.vonhertzenbrothers.com/

Vocalist / guitarist Mikko von Hertzen commented: "There are a couple of things that we hear a lot on our tours around the world. One of them is, “I really like your studio albums, but now I’ve seen you play live, I get your band on a whole different level.”  We have been talking about releasing a live recording for as long as I can remember, and towards the end of our post-pandemic tour we decided to record and shoot a gig at our home venue here in Helsinki. There’s no such thing as a ‘regular VHB gig’, since for us, every night is always different and special. The night at Tavastia in February 2023 was an electrifying one and we hope that you get transported into that magical world through this recording. Play it loud!"

Live at Tavastia will be released as a limited edition (1000) gatefold double vinyl LP, limited edition (1000) gatefold double CD, and on all streaming platforms.

Blu-ray and T-shirt bundles will be available exclusively through the band’s website.

Live at Tavastia is the first release since Von Hertzen Brothers' highly acclaimed 2022 album Red Alert in the Blue Forest, which Prog magazine described as "A masterpiece". Von Hertzen Brothers have consistently achieved top 5 albums including three number 1s in their homeland with Love Remains the Same (2008), Stars Aligned (2011), Nine Lives (2013), New Day Rising (2015), War Is Over (2017) and Red Alert In The Blue Forest (2022).

Their ability to mould complex arrangements into vivid musical landscapes led to an Emma Award (the Finnish equivalent of a Grammy) and a Progressive Music ‘Anthem of the Year’ Award in the UK as well as nominations and plaudits along the way.

This success has made them one of the most important rock acts to have emerged from Finland in recent times. A stunning live force, the band have performed in 22 countries.

The three brothers are joined by one of Finland’s finest drummers, Sami Kuoppamäki, known for the acclaimed Finnish cult band Kingston Wall, and for performing in metal giants Apocalyptica and Stratovarius. Visionary keyboard player, Robert Engstrand, best known for his work with Turisas and the Swedish progressive band The Flower Kings completes the Von Hertzen Brothers line-up.

Next year Von Hertzen Brothers will enter the studio to record their ninth studio album, more news soon.

Von Hertzen Brothers are:
Mikko von Hertzen - vocals, guitars
Kie von Hertzen -  guitars, vocals
Jonne von Hertzen - bass, keyboards, vocals
Sami Kuoppamäki - drums
Robert Engstrand - keyboards, vocals

Von Hertzen Brothers online:  
http://www.vonhertzenbrothers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/vonhertzenbrothersofficial
https://www.instagram.com/vonhertzenbrothers/
https://www.youtube.com/vonhertzenrbothers
https://twitter.com/vonhertzenbros

Tracklist:

01 - Day of Reckoning
02 - Blue Forest
03 - The Promise
04 - Frozen Butterflies
05 - Jerusalem
06 - Peace Patrol
07 - Trouble
08 - You Don't Know My Name
09 - Flowers and Rust
10 - New Day Rising
11 - All of a Sudden, You're Gone
12 - Long Lost Sailor
13 - Sunday Child

Photo Credit: Jana Boese

German metal quintet Half Me have released new single 'Concrete Ceiling', the first new music since their highly acclaimed debut album SOMA, out earlier this year via Arising Empire.

Check out the video for 'Concrete Ceiling' here: https://youtu.be/m9RALf7d0pE

Stream/purchase here:  https://arisingempire.com/concreteceiling

Half Me made a striking entry into the heavy music world with their highly acclaimed debut album SOMA, blending metal, hardcore, and experimental styles. Their distinct sound, marked by powerful riffs and reflective lyrics, garnered immediate acclaim and a loyal following. Now they are back and more heated than ever.

New single 'Concrete Ceiling' targets inequality on a worldwide scale. No moralising, no bullsh*t, no holding back. It paves the way for a new directive, visceral and raw in words and sound.

Formed in Hamburg in 2018, Half Me - guitarists Chris and Julius, vocalist Chris, drummer Max and bassist Tobias - are one of the latest additions to the Arising Empire roster. Musically, Half Me blend a modern rendition of metal and hardcore with highlights of 90s nu-metal. Pounding riffs and breakdowns are accompanied by brutal, yet sometimes elegant, vocals that all balance together to formulate the band’s own distinctive sound. 

In the space of just two years, Half Me have made an impact in the music scene by self-producing their music and videos, displaying their intensive and energetic demeanour. Debuting with four singles initially, it was their their single 'Exitwound' (featuring Jack Bergin of Void of Vision) that gave the group a breakthrough and landed the band in the spotlight of Knotfest’s Countdown to Oblivion.

Riding the high of their recent success, Half Me’s highly anticipated debut album SOMA was met with huge critical acclaim. 2024 promises to be a big year or this firey quintet.

Half Me are:

Christopher Zühlke | vocals
Christopher Hesse | guitar
Julius Jansen | guitar
Tobias Max Sajons | bass
Maximilian Eisersdorff | drums

Half Me online:
Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || TikTok

Photo Credit: Deadape Films

Defocus have released a video for their new single 'crooked mind', out now via Arising Empire. The track follows the band's previous new singles 'let the bond be my grave' and 'biased', their first new material since their highly acclaimed debut album In The Eye Of Death We Are All The Same. 

Watch the video for 'crooked mind' here: https://youtu.be/OE73up0F3_w

Stream / purchase here: https://arisingempire.com/crookedmind

'crooked mind' is immediately impactful on the mind, as it unfolds its heaviness, guided by the chaos within the lyrics. On the single, the band comment: "When plagued by a crooked mind, people often feel as though they are not alone in their thoughts. Voices, speaking in unfamiliar ways, manipulate and distort their internal perception of self, creating a sense of disconnection and confusion."

Founded by Simon Müller, Jeffrey Uhlmann, Jonas Mahler and Marcel “Bambam” Heberling, the German quartet launched in 2019, instantly proving their worth in the scene with their energetic live shows and their hard-hitting debut album In The Eye Of Death We Are All The Same.  

Stream/purchase In The Eye Of Death We Are All The Same here: https://defocus.lnk.to/intheeyeofdeath

Defocus are:

Simon Müller | Vocals
Jeffrey Uhlmann | Guitar
Marcel "Bambam" Heberling | Bass
Jonas Mahler | Drums

Defocus online:
https://www.instagram.com/defocus.band
https://www.facebook.com/defocus
http://defocusband.com

Rising noise-pop trio Superlove have released a video for their brand new single 'NRG', out now via Rude Records. The single is the first taste of new music since their second album follow:noise (June 2023, Rude Records), and follows the band's first tour outside of the UK, supporting Hot Milk in Europe. 

Check out the official video for 'NRG' here: https://youtu.be/V8bpFVv-_34

Stream 'NRG' here: https://music.ruderecords.com/nrg 

The band comment on the new single: 

"This is a funny one really as we’d just released a second album and we were still very much in the writing phase, so just decided to carry on writing. 'NRG' was the first song we put together out of all the writing we did post-album. We wanted to carry on with the same sound we honed in on for album two for sure, as we felt like we all understood the process in writing and recording within that style. You could say it was all really natural for us and almost second nature to fire out songs within that genre and style, as we’d surrounded ourselves with it so much over the last year.

“We also wanted to end this year on a bang with a new single release, following up on making our debut touring outside of the UK. 'NRG' definitely was on the right track to fit within that narrative. The song itself follows up lyrical themes of our follow:noise album. Such as being in your mid 20’s in a modern world filled with pressures of what direction to take your life in, as well as being so overwhelmed that you feel like you have no energy to pursue what you actually want to achieve. Writing about these subjects always helps lift the weight off a bit for me, almost removing them from my brain and storing them in the song to help clear my head. I say that without the fear of sounding too cheesy there!" 

Discussing the music video, they add:

"The music video is always a strange topic for us three, as we don’t categorise ourselves into being a visually pleasing or aesthetically led band at all. So with music videos we always want to make something where we don’t stray too far from our personalities, try and make it as true as possible. For this video that was no different, we love performance videos so wanted to incorporate that and also want it to look visibly British in terms of background etc, as inspiration from some of our favourite bands. Combine that with a quite simple video to accompany the vision of Luke, who directed the video, and there we have it. It was a laugh to shoot it and to spend the day together is always a bonus."

Superlove are a young and exciting new noise-pop band from Bristol. Their infectious pop hooks, brain-melting riffs, strong harmonies and off-kilter songwriting have earned them incredible reviews and a fast and loyal fanbase since they formed in 2018.

Inspired by scene icons Turnstile, who effortlessly rock up onstage in jeans and a t-shirt each night, letting the music speak for itself, it’s an era that comes with no gimmicks. Growing up with the carefree humour of bands like blink-182, Superlove are looking to bring a simple, fun-first spirit back to rock music.

Superlove have been selling out hometown shows and toured up and down the UK and EU supporting the likes of Hot Milk, Dream State, Stand Atlantic, ROAM and Vukovi, and played many festivals including The Great Escape, Handmade, Burn It Down and Neverworld, on the strength of just their first few singles.

The trio's captivating sound has seen support from BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders, Daniel P. Carter, Alyx Holcombe and Nels Hylton, Kerrang! Radio's Alex Baker, Rock Sound and more, as well as strong playlist support from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Deezer. 

Now armed with their new single 'NRG', Superlove show no signs of slowing and are ready to continue their rise.

Superlove are:
Jacob Rice | vocals/bass
Jonathan Worgan | guitar
Tom Hennessey | drums

For more information: 
https://www.facebook.com/superlovebanduk/
https://twitter.com/superlovemusic/
https://instagram.com/superloveuk/

Pioneering outfit Issues have broken their nearly four-year silence to share a farewell statement to their fans and announce a string of three final USA shows in January 2024. The run will include shows in Anaheim, Chicago, and the band’s hometown Atlanta, and will mark their first shows since 2019.

Purchase tickets from here: issues.ffm.to/farewell

Official statement from the band: "Issues has been a central figure in our lives since 2012. We’ve played countless shows, toured almost every continent, met thousands of people, and made so many friends in our peers and travel companions. The importance of this band to our lives cannot be overstated. So many of you were right there with us. 

"2020 hit us as hard as it could possibly hit a band. Tours canceled after we paid the deposits, new album cycle cut short, and the last any of you guys heard from us was when we fired our singer. All of these were incredibly traumatic experiences, not only for us, but also the fans to whom our music means the most. Life changed for the three of us after 2020 in significant ways that made making Issues our full time job impossible, but it doesn’t feel right to end our story in tragedy. We feel very strongly that the legacy we want to leave be a positive one. 

"These shows are the final chapter in a long history of pushing the limits of composition, musicianship, and culture in every way we could. We want them to contextualize our body of work over the controversy and member changes and gossip and bullsh*t and to stand as a monument to the three real muff*ckas still standing, the music we’re so proud of, and the fans still with us. If this band has ever meant anything to you we want you to be proud of being a part of this too. Proud of the gigs you’ve seen, the tattoos you got, the friends you made. So we’re putting this sh*t to bed in true Issues fashion. Very, very loudly."

Final shows:
Jan 19: Anaheim, CA, House Of Blues
Jan 20: Chicago, IL, House Of Blues
Jan 27: Atlanta, GA, The Masquerade

Adored by fans across the globe, Issues have spent the past decade-plus breathing much-needed life into a scene that had gone stale in the wake of emo’s second wave. According to Kerrang!, Issues are one of the 22 Artists Shaping the Future of Rock, alongside Foo Fighters, Twenty One Pilots, and Fall Out Boy. Artist of the Year, Best Vocalist, Best Live Band (AltPress), and Best New Talent (Revolver) winners and nominees, the celebrated Atlanta quartet never failed to deliver on the swelling momentous hype throughout their tenure. Soulful R&B hooks, neo nü-metal bounce, prog-rock smarts, and active rock are swirled together in passionate ceremony, bridging the gap between the theatrical shimmer of The 1975 and the heavy syncopation of Meshuggah with energetic ease. Hints of classic funk, jazz fusion, and modern pop swagger weave between pulsating rhythmic punch and guitar driven riff rock, without a moment of incoherence. Issues have mastered the art of the mashup, a genre unto themselves. Roughly three years before the release of their final album Beautiful Oblivion, Headspace was the Number 1 Alternative Album in North America, following the success of the band’s self-titled debut, which cracked the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 in February 2014.

Fans can expect more surprises from the band and special guest announcements leading up to their final shows. For more information on Issues, be sure to follow them at the links below.
Instagram
TikTok
Spotify
Twitter
Facebook

Photo Credit: Frank Dursthoff

Building on their legacy, Any Given Day are set to transcend boundaries with their upcoming album Limitless due for release on 26th January via Arising Empire.

True to its name, Limitless explores themes of boundless potential and unbridled creativity. The album promises to be a groundbreaking addition to their discography, featuring tracks that push the limits of metalcore with innovative sounds and profound lyrical depth. Fans can expect a collection of songs that not only resonate with the band's signature energy but also venture into new, uncharted territories of musical exploration. Limitless is poised to redefine the genre, offering a limitless experience of musical prowess and emotional depth.

To celebrate the announcement, Any Given Day have released the title-track, watch the video here: https://youtu.be/F1wEN142m6E

Pre-order Limitless here: https://arisingempire.com/limitless

The band comment on the album: "Our new album Limitless is infused with a new vibe of positivity and energy that we've honestly never felt before. – like we shook things up but still stayed true to ourselves.  This album really represents a leap into uncharted waters, ditching the formulaic for a sound that is fresh and unbound. It reflects the boundless spirit and heart we've put into every melody and lyric. Limitless is the perfect word for this new adventure – it's what you'll feel in every track and every line we've poured our hearts into for this album. We can't wait for you to hear it."

On the single, they continue: “'Limitless' isn't just the title-track of our new album! This song is like our anthem of self-belief and never giving up. You should always believe in yourself, never let negativity stop you and have the guts to shape your own destiny with determination and courage. It's all about overcoming obstacles, grabbing opportunities, and showing that you've got unlimited potential. This song is basically a celebration of the human spirit kicking butt!”

Limitless is available on CD, limited coloured vinyls and a special fan box, together with unique merch options.

Formed in 2012, Any Given Day ignited interest with their 2014 debut My Longest Way Home (Official German Album Charts: #28). They continued to prove they were more than just an internet phenomenon with 2016’s Everlasting (Official German Album Charts: #14). The band went on to share stages of every size with the likes of Caliban, Bury Tomorrow, Trivium, and Suicide Silence, receiving euphoric reactions and rapidly growing their fanbase. 

On their 2019 full-length Overpower (Official German Album Charts: #19), Any Given Day perfected their unique blend of unruly brutality, compelling melodies and unbelievable catchiness. Surrounded by the great musicianship of his fellow band mates, one-of-a-kind vocalist Dennis Diehl handles both growls and clean vocals, putting many others to shame with his distinct, epic vocal lines. The album is packed with pummelling, in-your-face modern metal and epic arcs of suspense, all wrapped up in an uplifting message.

Any Given Day are:
Dennis Diehl | Vocals
Andy Posdziech | Guitar
Dennis Ter Schmitten | Guitar
Michael Golinski | Bass
Leon Stiller | Drums

For more information: 
http://www.instagram.com/anygivenday
https://www.tiktok.com/@anygivendayofficial
http://www.facebook.com/anyxgivenxday
https://twitter.com/anyxgivenxday
https://anygivenday.eu

Limitless tracklisting:
01. Get That Done
02. Unbreakable
03. Limitless
04. Come Whatever May
05. Apocalypse
06. Shockwave
07. Best Time
08. My Way
09. H.A.T.E. ft. Annisokay
10. Broken Guardian
11. Shadow Walker

Photo Credit: Fabrice Gagos

Genre-defying sister duo ALT BLK ERA have revealed a lyric video for 'Oggy', taken from their debut EP Freak Show. 

Check out the lyric video for 'Oggy' here: https://youtu.be/qJ5UmkUvHvk

Stream 'Oggy' here: https://www.altblkera.com/oggy

Stream Freak Show here: https://earache.lnk.to/FreakShow

Nyrobi comments:

"There are so many people we know who feel silenced or ostracised for being who they are. We wanted to miss that nonsense and show up loud and proud. There's no better way to do it than with an Oggy chant!"

The lyric video concludes what has been an impressive 2023 for the band, who have made debut appearances at Bearded Theory, Dot To Dot Festival, Glastonbury (Shangri-La Truth Stage), Boomtown and Reading & Leeds Festival, played shows with Lord Of The Lost (O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire), Witch Fever and ZAND, and performed at Spotify's misfits 2.0 Anti-Prom. 

ALT BLK ERA have also been announced for next year's Download Festival.

ALT BLK ERA are so much more than two sisters making music: they are two alternative people who understand what it feels like to live life outside of the edge of social norms. The girls want to build safe spaces and a community for alts and their allies, which is reflected in the diversity of their following.

The alternative scene has given ALT BLK ERA the space to express themselves - allowing them to bring elements from all of their musical loves and influences, where they can push and merge musical boundaries.
 
Each song on Freak Show demands a different level of understanding from the listener. The EP addresses fears, hopes and the remembrance of souls lost to the pressures of social conformity. It’s also a defiant celebration of the here and now, urging us to accept and embrace the young alternatives who are yet to rise.
 
ALT BLK ERA are:
Nyrobi - vocals
Chaya - vocals

ALT BLK ERA online:
Instagram || TikTok

Freak Show tracklist: 

1. I’m Normally Like This
2. Misfits : SOLAR
3. Freak Show
4. Oggy
5. Misfits : LUNAR

Photo Credit: Jonathan Vahid

New England extreme metal powerhouse, Escuela Grind, have announced their new EP DDEEAATTHHMMEETTAALL, to be released 12th January 2024 via MNRK Heavy.

Recorded with Will Killingsworth, mixed by the GRAMMY-winning Kurt Ballou (High on Fire), and mastered by Nick Townsend (Cheap Trick, Dr. Dre), the EP houses four new songs including the lead single, 'Ball and Chain' (streaming now), and 'Meat Magnet', featuring a guest appearance by Napalm Death vocalist Barney Greenway.

Pre-order and/or pre-save DDEEAATHHMMEETTAALL now here: https://escuelagrind.ffm.to/ddmm

The video for 'Ball and Chain' was directed by Michael Jari Davidson (Alice in Chains) and recorded at a recent festival performance in Mexico City. Watch here: https://youtu.be/GT7h3_w35zc 

"'DEEAATHHMMEETTAALL is the third installment of our EP series where we dive into the genres that most influence this band," offers Escuela Grind vocalist Katerina Economou. "Finishing this trilogy has been years in the works. We are so excited to release these songs as they are perhaps the best reflection of our live performance. The stage has honed these hectic songs to perfection. Originally we were going to have three songs on this EP, but we wanted to create another track that had a huge build-up. This eventually developed into this brutal song, 'Ball and Chain', that marks the point in our live shows where we have a wall of death every night. Lyrically, it references death metal tropes of murder and revenge, but with a decidedly feminine angle."

Escuela Grind's DDEEAATHHMMEETTAALL EP is the crown jewel in a themed trilogy of releases, including the duo of 2020 EPs PPOOWWEERRVVIIOOLLEENNCCEE and GGRRIINNDDCCOORREE, which saw the band espousing its unique takes on the respective underground music sub-genres. DDEEAATHHMMEETTAALL delivers the first new Escuela Grind music since the release of last year's celebrated full-length LP, Memory Theater, hailed by The New York Times as ''an opus of extremity", "witheringly intense yet righteously life-affirming" by SPIN, "the heaviest Escuela Grind have ever sounded" by Decibel, both "a masterclass in punishing, invigorating grindcore" and "a fascinatingly intellectual take on the genre" by Revolver, and "a multifaceted album that goes beyond 'fast and faster' simplicity" by Metal Hammer.

Fresh off U.S. spotlight tour dates with Baroness, Escuela Grind are currently in the midst of a European tour with extreme metal legends, Napalm Death, who have taken the young U.S. band under their proverbial wing in 2023. Inarguably one of the hungriest young groups in music today, Escuela Grind has engaged in a seemingly unending live gauntlet since the September 2022 release of Memory Theater, relentlessly trekking the globe to bring its eye-opening energy and sound to welcoming music fans the world over.

2024 Escuela Grind tour dates are expected to be announced soon.

For more information on Escuela Grind:
Facebook || Website || Twitter || Instagram || MNRK Heavy

Escuela Grind DDEEAATTHHMMEETTAALL tracklisting:

  1.) Ball and Chain (Watch VIDEO)
  2.) Punishment Ritual
  3.) Abyssal Plane
  4.) Meat Magnet (w/ Napalm Death's Barney Greenway)

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.

Faithful truth seekers Dogma have celebrated the release of their self-titled debut album today via MNRK Heavy, with a new video for album track 'Made Her Mine'. The video sees frontwoman Lilith seduce a young nun; enveloping her in passion. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/jtOir5BJKlE

Order the album here: https://ffm.to/dogmaalbum

Frontwoman Lilith says, "On our debut album, we unveil a raw and unapologetic narrative, shedding light on the struggle against imposed faith, unfair censorship, and the liberation from illogical beliefs. It's a journey through lost innocence and a rebellion against archaic constraints. 'Made Her Mine,' depicted in our music video, is a bold statement, capturing the defiance against societal norms. It's about breaking free, embracing our truth, and challenging the restrictions imposed upon us." 

Lilith further elaborated, "Additionally, the uncensored version of the album artwork stands as a daring reflection of the omnipresence of lust within humanity, irrespective of any condition. It serves as a bold visual testament, unmasking the truth that lust is an inherent part of our nature, free from any imposed limitations such as fake morality and illogical beliefs."

Dogma beckon us to embrace rebellion and unleash our carnal desires. They cast aside the chains of modesty, conjuring a tempest of sensuality that demands unwavering attention and passionate participation.

Previously, Dogma has released the singles & videos for 'Carnal Liberation', 'Forbidden Zone', and 'My First Peak'.  Be prepared, for this revelation serves as a harbinger of the impending unveiling of Dogma's debut album. As they forge their sonic arsenal in the crucible of creative passion, they challenge conventions and summon the faithful to join their unyielding crusade.
 
Indulge in the auditory and visual splendour offered by the sisterhood, unraveling the enigma that is Dogma.

Dogma are:
Lilith – vocals
Lamia – guitar
Nixe – bass
Abrahel – drums

Dogma online:  
http://www.officialdogma.com
http://www.facebook.com/theofficialdogma
http://www.instagram.com/officialdogma
http://www.twitter.com/dogmatheband

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. 

Tracklisting:

1. Forbidden Zone
2. Feel The Zeal
3. My First Peak
4. Made Her Mine
5. Carnal Liberation
6. Free Yourself
7. Bare to the Bones
8. Make Us Proud
9. Pleasure From Pain
10. Father I Have Sinned
11. The Dark Messiah