Photo Credit: Travis Shinn

Extreme power metal unit DragonForce have released a new version of their single 'Doomsday Party' as a duet with Elize Ryd of Amaranthe. This version will be included as a bonus track on some editions of DragonForce’s highly anticipated upcoming album Warp Speed Warriors, out 15th March 2024 via Napalm Records.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/2GckErLDn4M

Pre-order Warp Speed Wariors here: https://lnk.to/DragonForce-WarpSpeedWarriors/napalmrecords

Led by guitarists Sam Totman and Herman Li - the latter also known for his successful Twitch channel - the Grammy-nominated band has gained millions of YouTube views on their music videos and boasts nearly 2M monthly listeners on Spotify. On 'Doomsday Party', 80s rock influences meet captivating retro video game soundscapes and epic guitar solos in true DragonForce manner, and the original version of the track has already reached over half a million Spotify streams. Elize Ryd’s stunning vocal performance gives the song a new edge. 

DragonForce recently finished their massively successful North American headline tour, which featured a brand-new setlist and stage production, as well as special guests Amaranthe, Nanowar Of Steel and Edge Of Paradise on several sold out dates. Now, DragonForce are preparing for their epic European co-headline tour with Amaranthe and special guests Infected Rain. Kicking off in February 2024 in Hamburg, the tour is selling out fast with shows already sold-out months in advance.

Herman Li on 'Doomsday Party' (feat. Elize Ryd): “I’ve been a big fan of Amaranthe since their DEMO release. After our mini collab on my Twitch livestream to produce the track ‘Cyber Sausage Fest’, we were thrilled when Elize was able to create this special duet version of the song with DragonForce. I just love listening to her incredible singing, and Elize’s power dynamic performance on 'Doomsday Party' is pure eargasm. I am sure both DragonForce and Amaranthe fans will adore this version of the song too. I'm eagerly anticipating sharing the stage together on our upcoming European co-headline tour!”

Elize Ryd on the collaboration: “One of the most crazy and fun collaborations since the 'Cyber Sausage Fest' song. What a banger 'Doomsday Party' is! This song makes every cell in my body hyped, that’s what I love about DragonForce’s music. I was extremely happy when I received the request to join in on this track. The vocal recording took place in Stockholm with Jona Tee from H.E.A.T. Finally, I wanna say that it is a huge honor for me to officially take part in DragonForce’s history. Thank you so much for having me. It was incredibly fun to tour with you in the USA and Canada. Can’t wait to see you again on tour in the UK and Europe!”

On Warp Speed Warriors, Herman Li continues: “After four years of creative incubation, we are beyond excited to release what we believe to be our most ambitious and grandiose record yet. This album showcases multiple facets of our artistic abilities, and we invite metal aficionados from every corner of the genre to discover something captivating within its layers. We can't wait to share this chapter of our musical journey with you, it's going to be EPIC!” 

Breathtaking opening track 'Astro Warrior Anthem' lives up to DragonForce’s reputation as the world's fastest band, captivating the listener from the very beginning and stunning with guitar solos delivered at an extreme speed. Following Zelda inspired track 'Power of the Triforce' keeps the volume high before DragonForce temporarily slows it down for the ballad 'Kingdom of Steel'. Rapid drum patterns and thrilling guitars carry the catchy 'Burning Heart', while chanting 'Space Marine Corp' features a strong and uplifting chorus. Electronic influences on grandiose power metal anthem 'The Killer Queen' hypnotise, as singer Marc Hudson’s vocals reach for the skies. On 'Doomsday Party', 80s rock influences meet captivating retro video game soundscapes and epic guitar solos in true DragonForce manner. The last original track on Warp Speed Warriors, 'Pixel Prison', is followed by DragonForce’s unexpected yet brilliant cover of Taylor Swift’s 'Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)' as a bonus track that wraps up the epic adventure. 

Warp Speed Warriors was produced, mixed and mastered by Damien Rainaud at Mix Unlimited in Los Angeles, California with Sam Totman and Herman Li. This album is a matchless, innovative listening experience that continues the band's legacy with songs that will, without a shadow of a doubt, become instant classics in and beyond the DragonForce canon.

DragonForce's fast-selling North American tour, which begins this week, will feature a fresh setlist and entirely new stage production. The band are joined by special guests Amaranthe, with additional support from Napalm Records labelmates NanowaR of Steel, as well as Edge of Paradise. 

DragonForce have also announced a co-headline UK/EU tour with Amaranthe, with Infected Rain in support. UK dates are:

Mar 22: UK  Bristol, Academy
Mar 23: UK  Manchester, Academy 
Mar 24: UK  London, Roundhouse

DragonForce are:
Herman Li – Guitar, Backing Vocals 
Sam Totman – Guitar, Backing Vocals 
Marc Hudson – Vocals 
Alicia Vigil – Bass, Backing Vocals 
Gee Anzalone – Drums, Backing Vocals

DragonForce online:
WEBSITE
YOUTUBE
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
TIKTOK
FACEBOOK
 
Herman Li online:
WEBSITE
TWITCH
TIKTOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
DISCORD
YOUTUBE
FACEBOOK

Warp Speed Warriors track list:

1    Astro Warrior Anthem
2    Power of the Triforce
3    Kingdom of Steel
4    Burning Heart
5    Space Marine Corp
6    Doomsday Party
7    Prelude to Darkness
8    The Killer Queen
9    Pixel Prison

Photo Credit: Sonke Danneman

Boundary pushing quartet Unprocessed have released their new single / video ‘Die On The Cross of the Martyr’ featuring Polyphia guitarists Tim Henson and Scotty LePage. The track is taken from their upcoming third album ...and everything in between, out today. 

Watch the video for 'Die on the Cross of the Martyr' here: https://youtu.be/HFtyYd-IFaM 

Stream ...and everything in between here: https://ffm.to/andeverythinginbetween

Purchase ...and everything in between here: www.unprocessed.band

The band comment: “Our song Die On The Cross of the Martyr showcases a darker and sinister side of Unprocessed, complete with guest guitar parts by Polyphia’s Tim Henson and Scottie LePage. This track is the ultimate guitar nerd’s wet dream and showcases another unexplored side of our music complete with soaring chorus that we’re itching to play live.”

As two bands at the forefront of pushing musical boundaries and virtuosity, Unprocessed and Polyphia have a long history of collaborating and touring together. This collaboration is the perfect celebration for the release of Unprocessed's new album, ...and everything in between,  their most innovative work yet.

 ...and everything in between, is a bold and complex record pushing the boundaries of technical musicianship, song construction, sonic production and more. Inspired by the emotions conjured from life experiences, Unprocessed have channelled their raw visceral power through their musical talent to create this special record. Never before could one have considered a band being likened to artists as extreme as The Dillinger Escape Plan, Polyphia and Bring Be The Horizon, yet Unprocessed have done it. 

On ... and everything in between, the band are: “Taking all influences and combining them into an ultimate evolution of everything Unprocessed has ever been, while still adding a new flavour and style to the mix. Epic riffs with intricate licks and mind-bending rhythms, brutal breakdowns, epic guitar solos and big and catchy choruses.

“...and everything in between can quite literally be described as everything in between the extremes of life. Dealing with anger, sorrow, nostalgia, love and fear the album reflects on the different shades of a personality that everyone is made out of (e.g. there is evil in everyone). “

Be ready for a whole host of surprises on ...and everything in between, including a special guest appearance from recent tour mates Tim Henson and Scott LePage of Polyphia.

The masters of merging guitar-driven and virtuosic flavours of pop, rock and metal - Manuel Gardner Fernandes, David Levy (bass, synths), Christoph Schultz (guitar) and Leon Pfeifer (drums) are back with their most adventurous record yet.

Having toured the world numerous times, sharing stages with the likes of Polyphia, Spiritbox and many more, Unprocessed have established themselves as one of the most exciting live acts today. This album will take Unprocessed on their first consecutive cycle of headline tours through Europe and the USA. Unprocessed have also been announced as support to TesseracT on their upcoming EU & UK Tour in Jan/Feb 2024 with Callous Daoboys opening.

EU/UK dates with TesseracT & Callous Daoboys:

Jan 18th: Rockhal, Esch-sur-Alzette, LUX
Jan 19th: CCO la Rayonne, Villeurbanne, FRA
Jan 20th: Apolo, Barcelona, ESP
Jan 21st: Mon Live, Madrid, ESP
Jan 23rd: Bataclan, Paris, FRA
Jan 25th: Artefact la Laiterie, Strasbourg, FRA
Jan 26th: Trix, Antwerp, BEL
Jan 27th: Im Wizemann, Stuttgart, GER
Jan 28th: Alcatraz, Milan, ITA
Jan 30th: Komplex 457, Zurich, CHE
Feb 01st: Palác Akropolis, Prague, CZE
Feb 02nd: Backstage Halle, Munich, GER
Feb 03rd: Simm City, Vienna, AUT
Feb 04th: Barba Negra, Budapest, HUN
Feb 06th: Columbia Theater, Berlin, GER
Feb 07th: Progresja, Warsaw, POL
Feb 09th: Tampereen Tavara-asema, Tampere, FIN
Feb 10th: Tavastia, Helsinki, FIN
Feb 12th: Fryshuset Klubben, Stockholm, SWE
Feb 13th: Vulkan Arena, Oslo, NOR
Feb 15th: Amager Bio, Copenhagen, DEN
Feb 16th: Grünspan, Hamburg, GER
Feb 17th: Carlswerk Victoria, Cologne, GER
Feb 18th: TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht, NLD
Feb 20th: Rock City, Nottingham, UK
Feb 21st: Institute, Birmingham, UK
Feb 22nd: Academy, Bristol, UK
Feb 23rd: Forum, London, UK
Feb 24th: Ritz, Manchester, UK
Feb 25th: SWG3, Glasgow, UK
Feb 27th: Academy, Dublin, IRL

Unprocessed are:
Manuel Gardner Fernandes - Vocals, Guitars
Christoph Schultz - Guitars
David John Levy - Bass & Keys
Leon Pfeifer - Drums

Unprocessed online:
www.unprocessed.band
www.facebook.com/unprocessedofficial
www.Instagram.com/unprocessedband 

...and everything in between tracklisting:

I Hell (4:48)
II Lore (3:50)
III Thrash (3:36)
VI Blackbone (4:32)
V Die on the Cross of the Martyr (featuring Tim Henson and Scott LePage of Polyphia) (4:30)
VI Glass (3:46)
VII Abysm (5:39)
VII I Wish I Wasn’t (3:05) 
IX Purgatory (4:51)

Following their electrifying cover of Billy Idol’s 'Shock To The System', Lord Of The Lost have unveiled a brand-new official video for their cover of Roxette’s 'The Look'- already known from the band’s most successful album to date, Blood & Glitter (2022, #1 German album charts).  Now the song is re-released on the 2CD special edition - as well as digitally - on the first cover album in the band's history, Weapons Of Mass Seduction which is set to be released on 29th December 2023 via Napalm Records. The energising cover version and video features none other than German pop singer Blümchen as a duet partner, who has landed numerous top hits and sold millions of records since beginning her career as a teenage star in the 90s. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/un-w-djgeSw

Weapons Of Mass Seduction features plenty of genre-crossing tracks and wraps up the busiest and most successful year in the band’s history so far. In addition to storming the charts with their latest studio album, being invited by the legendary Iron Maiden as special guest on their European tour (again), numerous sold-out headline shows, and opening gigs for Powerwolf and Amon Amarth, the band represented Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest finals in Liverpool in May of this year. Lord Of The Lost made it clear once again that they do not limit themselves when it comes to genre norms and influences. 

Vocalist Chris Harms on 'The Look': “Covering this song has been on my bucket list since I was a teenager. But it wasn't possible until now, because I didn't want just any singer at my side as a duet partner, but someone to whom Roxette means as much as it did to me from the very beginning. And I found this person in Jasmin, Blümchen. Moreover, without Per Gessle's songwriting, I wouldn't be the composer I am today. Our cover of 'The Look' is my chance to thank him for that.”

Blümchen (aka Jasmin Wagner) adds: "The Look' is our declaration of love to Roxette. Marie Fredriksson has left a huge gap. It's very nice to be able to honour her in this way and thank her for everything she gave us during her lifetime."

Pre-order Weapons of Mass Seduction here: https://woms.lordofthelost.de

Weapons Of Mass Seduction features a wide range of songs from different eras and genres performed in true Lord Of The Lost style, all surprisingly fitting for the band and hence forming a cohesive collection of covers. Classic heavy metal track 'Turbo Lover', originally by Judas Priest, meets modern pop hits in songs such as Sia’s 'Unstoppable', Bishop Briggs’ 'River' and Zella Day’s 'High'. Ultravox’ 'Hymn', followed by Michael Jackson’s legendary 'Give In To Me' and Keane’s 'Somewhere Only We Know', expand the multifaceted selection even further. With added rougher elements such as heavier vocals, Bronski Beat’s captivating 80s electro pop hit 'Smalltown Boy' gets a dark makeover in the hands of Lord Of The Lost. The unit’s cover of another legendary 80s song, '(I Just) Died In Your Arms', features a guest appearance from rising singer-songwriter Anica Russo, who also took part in Germany’s ESC 2023 preliminary round Unser Lied für Liverpool (EN: Our Song for Liverpool). An emotional version of The Pretty Reckless’ 'House On A Hill' closes Weapons Of Mass Seduction impactfully. 

A special 2 CD edition of the new covers album provides a cross-cut of covers previously released or already covered live over the course of Lord Of The Lost’s career. Among them are the Roxette cover 'The Look' feat. Blümchen – already known from Blood & Glitter – 'Children Of The Damned', a homage to Iron Maiden, with whom Lord Of The Lost experienced intense times during the last two years, and the cover of the Finnish ESC song 'Cha Cha Cha' by Käärijä - sung by Chris Harms completely in Finnish.

Lord of The Lost state:         
"During the production of our last album, Blood & Glitter, while recording our Roxette cover 'The Look' in Finland, it had already become clear that we had opened Pandora's box. The energy and fun of covering the songs of beloved and respected colleagues and idols was something we were determined to continue. So even before the release of Blood & Glitter we started working on this 'covers album' project, which for us is the perfect dessert to Blood & Glitter, before we embark on the adventure of reinventing ourselves again for a new studio album."

Weapons Of Mass Seduction will be available in the following formats:    
●    3 CD Boxset, incl 2 CD 6 pages Digisleeve (Ltd Deluxe Edition) and CD 3 incl 10 acoustic songs, exclusively available in the Deluxe Box + pink Sweatband with black logo, sharped patch and sticker - Napalm Records Mailorder and LORDSHOP exclusive – strictly limited to 1000 copies worldwide
●    2 LP RECYCLED COLOR Vinyl - Die Hard Edition incl Slipmat, record butler and 12 inch booklet – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide
●    2 LP RECYCLED COLOR Vinyl incl 12 inch booklet - LORDSHOP exclusive – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide
●    2LP Gatefold RECYCLED BLACK Vinyl
●    2 CD 6 pages Digisleeve (Ltd Deluxe Edition), 12p booklet
●    1 CD 6 pages Digisleeve, 12p booklet
●    Cassette (PINK w/ Black print) - Napalm Records Mailorder and LORDSHOP exclusive – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide
●    Digital Album

Lord Of The Lost are:
Chris Harms – Vocals, Guitar
Pi Stoffers – Guitar
Class Grenayde – Bass
Gared Dirge – Piano, Synths, Percussion, Guitar
Niklas Kahl – Drums

For more information:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Tiktok 
Napalm Records 

Weapons Of Mass Seduction tracklist: 

CD 1
1.    Shock To The System (Billy Idol Cover)
2.    Unstoppable (Sia Cover)
3.    Smalltown Boy (Bronski Beat Cover)
4.    Turbo Lover (Judas Priest Cover)
5.    Hymn (Ultravox Cover)
6.    Give In To Me (Michael Jackson Cover)
7.    River (Bishop Briggs Cover)
8.    Somewhere Only We Know (Keane Cover)
9.    (I Just) Died In Your Arms (feat. Anica Russo) (Cutting Crew Cover)
10.    High (Zella Day Cover)
11.    House On A Hill (The Pretty Reckless Cover)

CD 2
1.    The Look (feat. Blümchen) (Roxette Cover)
2.    Ordinary Town (Celebrate The Nun Cover)
3.    Cha Cha Cha (Käärijä Cover)
4.    Judas (Lady Gaga Cover)
5.    Children Of The Damned (Iron Maiden Cover)
6.    Wig In A Box (Hedwig and the Angry Inch Cover)
7.    Bad Romance (Lady Gaga Cover)
8.    The Most Radical Thing To Do (The Ark Cover)
9.    This Is The Life (Amy MacDonald Cover)
10.    It's A Sin (Pet Shop Boys Cover)
11.    Ordinary World (Duran Duran Cover)

CD 3 - Ltd Deluxe Edition only
1.    Starman (David Bowie Cover)
2.    Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon (Neil Diamond Cover)
3.    The Days Of Pearly Spencer (David McWilliams Cover)
4.    Hey You (Pink Floyd Cover)
5.    I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night (The Electric Prunes Cover)
6.    Where Do You Go To My Lovely (Peter Sarstedt Cover)
7.    Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season) (The Byrds Cover)
8.    In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus) (Zager & Evans Cover)
9.    All I Have To Do Is Dream (The Everly Brothers Cover)
10.    Perfect Day (Lou Reed Cover)

Photo Credit: Martyna Bannister

Welsh post-hardcore legends Casey have unveiled new single 'Bite Through My Tongue', taken from their third album, How to Disappear, to be released 12th January via Hassle Records.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/0lGhikY-U9c

Pre-order How to Disappear and stream the single here: https://casey.ffm.to/how-to-disappear

Vocalist Tom Weaver comments: "There are a handful of songs on How To Disappear that stem from the breakdown of my most recent relationship. This is the first on the record to touch on that, and it deals broadly with the extreme apathy and self-destructiveness that arises during a depressive episode; and how that impacts those closest to you.

"Often, when experiencing an episode of depression, my first reaction is generally to dissociate and distance myself from the world. That’s far easier to do when living alone; but when cohabiting (and particularly while isolating during the pandemic), it meant my partner would be subject to this level of apathy that felt impermeable to physical nor emotional pain. A type of numbness that would completely detach me from the reality of my life.

"This song is definitely an embellishment of those experiences; and doesn’t discuss the situation from a single perspective. It floats between the apathetic and the empath."

'Bite Through My Tongue' follows the band's previous single and album title track, which has seen huge radio support from Jack Saunders (Future Artists), Nels Hylton (Future Alternative) Daniel P Carter (Rock Show) Alyx Holcombe (Introducing Rock) on BBC Radio 1, and many more.

Casey will be taking the album on a host of UK, European, Australian and North American tour dates in 2024:

North America tour w/ Holding Absence:

Jan 16 WA Seattle Neumos
Jan 17 OR Portland Hawthorne Theatre
Jan 19 CA Roseville Goldfield Trading Post
Jan 20 CA Los Angeles The Echoplex
Jan 21 CA Anaheim Chain Reaction
Jan 23 AZ Mesa The Nile
Jan 24 NM Albuquerque Launchpad
Jan 26 CO Denver Marquis Theatre
Jan 27 KS Lawrence The Granada
Jan 28 TX Dallas Southside Music Hall
Jan 30 TX San Antonio Rock Box
Jan 31 TX Houston Rise Rooftop
Feb 02 FL Tampa The Orpheum
Feb 03 GA Atlanta The Masquerade
Feb 04 TN Nashville Basement East
Feb 06 OH Cleveland Mahall's
Feb 07 IL Chicago Bottom Lounge
Feb 09 MI Detroit The Shelter
Feb 10 ON Toronto Velvet Underground
Feb 11 QC Montreal Le Studio TD
Feb 13 MD Baltimore Soundstage
Feb 14 NY New York Gramercy Theatre
Feb 16 PA Philadelphia Foundry @ The Fillmore
Feb 17 MA Worcester Palladium

UK and EU headline tour:

Mar 26 UK London Islington Academy
Mar 28 DE Hamburg Sporthalle *
Mar 30 DE Leipzig Messe *
Mar 31 DE Oberhausen Turbinenhalle * 
Apr 02 NL Utrecht TivoliVredenburg
Apr 03 BE Antwerp Trix
Apr 05 CH Zürich X-Tra *
Apr 06 DE München Zenith *
Apr 07 AT Wien Arena *
Apr 09 FR Paris Petit Bain
Apr 11 UK Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Apr 12 UK Bristol SWX
Apr 13 UK Manchester Academy 2
Apr 14 UK Glasgow Garage

Australia w/ Dayseeker

July 7 AUS Perth Magnet House,
July 9 AUS Adelaide Lion Arts Factory
July 11 Brisbane Tivoli
July 12 Sydney Liberty Hall
July 13 Melbourne Forum

* Impericon Festival

Stream Casey's previous single 'Puncture Wounds to Heaven' here: https://casey.ffm.to/puncture-wounds-to-heaven

The news follows a joyous return for the quintet in 2023, including seven huge shows in the UK and Germany, and the limited release of their 7'' Atone/Great Grief (Hassle Records). 

Casey, at its core, was grounded in the notion that music is a labour of love. Without expectation of success, without desire to attain stardom, just a shared yearning to create music - and when this no longer rang true Casey stayed true to themselves, and stepped away.

In late 2018, when Casey announced they were bringing the band to a close, it felt like a premature demise. Their first two LPs - 2016 Love Is Not Enough and 2018’s Where I Go When I Am Sleeping – had firmly established the Welsh five-piece as one of the most exciting bands in Britain’s alternative scene.

Now, years later, the band have returned - bigger and better than ever before. Casey don't just replicate the feelings that inspire them - they embody them. 

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/Caseytheband
https://www.instagram.com/caseytheband
https://twitter.com/bandcalledcasey

Casey are:

Tom Weaver
Liam Torrance
Toby Evans
Adam Smith
Max Nicolai

Swiss metalcore act Vicious Rain have released their third single 'Crown Of Thorns' along with a stunning video via Arising Empire.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/h5JCTq_sSAQ

Stream here: https://arisingempire.com/viciousrain

Fronted by vocalist David Häusermann, guitarist and vocalist Mauro Gugerli, guitarist Tristan Meier, bassist Loris De Notaristefano and drummer Michael Teufelberger, the band‘s dedication to their craft and the sheer passion they exude leaves no doubt that their future is bright. 

'Crown Of Thorns' promises to be a compelling addition to the Vicious Rain's growing catalog, showcasing the band‘s emotional depth and raw power. Following the path paved by their second single 'Blackout', the Swiss quintet showcase their unwavering commitment to expressing raw emotions, pouring their heart and soul into every note.

"'Crown Of Thorns' echoes the notion that evading one's challenges can lead to greater troubles, ultimately exacerbating the situation. Yet, it also sparks an awakening to face the uncertainties, initiating a path towards healing and self-exploration.” says guitarist and vocalist Mauro Gugerli.
 
"'Crown Of Thorns' is an introspective anthem. It channels the raw frustration of grappling with personal stagnation and the difficulty of changing for the better. It‘s a poignant reflection on the challenge of holding onto memories of better times while recognising that toxic patterns can affect one‘s own mental well-being.“ - David Häusermann (vocals)

Check out the video for previous single 'Blackout' here: https://youtu.be/3GCZToKgbQ0

Formed in late 2022, Vicious Rain are an alternative metalcore band hailing from Baden, Switzerland. The group combine intertwined singing/screaming vocals with anthemic singalongs, screaming melodic leads and crushing breakdowns, as they embrace everything from the heavy side of the genre all the way to the more intimate melodies. The band‘s spirit is marked by their shared belief in the importance of solidarity, and the role of the individual accomplishment of a common vision. Lyrically, the Swiss quintet wholeheartedly express their stance on personal matters, while highlighting their belief that self-reflection is the key to growth. 
 

The future looks promising for the quintet.

Vicious Rain are:

David Häusermann | Vocals
Mauro Gugerli | Guitar & Vocals
Tristan Meier | Guitar
Loris De Notaristefano | Bass
Michael Teufelberger | Drums

Vicious Rain online:
https://www.instagram.com/viciousrainband
https://www.tiktok.com/@viciousrainband
https://www.facebook.com/viciousrainband
https://twitter.com/viciousrainband
https://viciousrain.com

Photo Credit: Sebastian Smith

Grammy winning, platinum-certified artist and the voice of Creed, Scott Stapp has released 'Black Butterfly', the third single from upcoming solo album Higher Power, due for release on 15th March 2024 via Napalm Records.

Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/_fvYWC3kDfY

Pre-order Higher Power here: https://lnk.to/SCOTTSTAPP-HigherPower/napalmrecords

Transcending defeat to emerge reborn, 'Black Butterfly' is a grooving stunner with undeniable swagger that chronicles transformative growth. Over the track’s unshakable chorus, charging riffs and soaring leads, Stapp flaunts hauntingly beautiful vocals in a motivational plea to push through the process of personal metamorphosis. 

Scott Stapp commented: “Growth is a challenging process. I often write aspirational lyrics about getting to that ‘next level’ – knowing what you’re capable of and rejecting the idea that you’re defined by your mistakes. Overcoming difficulty can lead to increased self-awareness and, in time, wisdom that can lead to helping others going through similar situations.”

Thus far, Stapp has revealed his current radio single and hard-hitting title track, 'Higher Power,' as well as mid-tempo anthem 'What I Deserve,' which features the blistering yet delicate guitar work of Yiannis Papadopoulos. When 'Higher Power' debuted in August, Loudwire predicted that Stapp is “primed for a big decade, sounding just as powerful as he did at half his age with a sense of newfound heaviness resting beneath his iconic voice.” In early October, the release of 'What I Deserve' arrived as Guitar World touted its “blistering Whammy’d runs and some furious alternate-picked chromatic flourishes that herald the arrival of Stapp’s heaviest solo material yet.” 

Traversing themes of loss, frustration, betrayal and near defeat, Stapp’s fourth solo album will feature stand-out performances by hard rock queen Dorothy on a deeply raw duet, while Papadopoulos’ guitar leads and solos are such invaluable contributions that he is credited as a featured artist on three tracks. There is also a co-writing appearance by multi-Grammy Award winning songwriter and musician Steve McEwan on Higher Power, which was produced by Marti Frederiksen and Scott Stevens.  

Higher Power follows 2019’s The Space Between the Shadows, which debuted at #3 on the US Current Rock Albums chart, the US Current Hard Music Albums chart, and the UK Official Rock and Metal Chart, among countless other top chart positions. 

Stapp explains: “Higher Power was born out of never ending consequences with triggered, yet naïve defiance. It's the realities and realizations of being human in this experiment we call life - holding onto hope in the dark waiting for the light.”          

Scott Stapp online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
NAPALM RECORDS

Higher Power will be available in the following formats:

- Digital Album 
- CD Digisleeve
- Solid Viola Gatefold Vinyl LP             
- Black/Red Splatter Gatefold LP - Die Hard Edition w/ Slipmat & Record Butler (Napalm Mail Order Only, Limited to 300)

[Black/Red Splatter Gatefold LP - Die Hard Edition w/ Slipmat & Record Butler
(Napalm Mail Order Only, Limited to 300)]

About Scott Stapp:

One of the most iconic voices in rock, Scott Stapp first emerged as the high-energy, post-grunge frontman of Creed. With anthems like 'Higher,' 'My Own Prison,' 'My Sacrifice,' and 'With Arms Wide Open,' the band sold over 50 million albums, including a Diamond certification. Throughout the early 2000s, Creed broke airplay records, sold out arenas, earned countless Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards, and a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. As a solo artist, Stapp has released the Platinum-certified The Great Divide (2005), Proof of Life (2013) which featured his first solo #1, “Slow Suicide,” and 2019’s The Space Between The Shadows. In April 2024, Stapp will reunite with his Creed bandmates for the first time in a decade.

Higher Power tracklist:

1. Higher Power           
2. Deadman's Trigger    
3. When Love Is Not Enough    
4. What I Deserve (feat. Yiannis Papadopoulos)
5. If These Walls Could Talk (feat. Dorothy)
6. Black Butterfly         
7. Quicksand (feat. Yiannis Papadopoulos)
8. You’re Not Alone     
9. Dancing in the Rain (feat. Yiannis Papadopoulos)
10. Weight of the World

Rising rock trio Florence Black have postponed the release of upcoming second album BED OF NAILS, due to an exciting opportunity. Originally scheduled for release this Friday, BED OF NAILS will now be released on 2nd February 2024. 

The band comment: "Due to some exciting developments behind the scenes, we've decided to postpone the release date to 2nd February 2024. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but we assure you that the wait will be worth it. The delay will allow us to fully realise our vision for this album. In the meantime, stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks of the new music! Your continued support means the world to us."

BED OF NAILS is now scheduled to drop at the start of Florence Black's headline tour, the dates of which are unchanged.

More news to follow very soon about the band's extremely exciting next chapter.

Check out recent single 'WARNING SIGN' here: https://youtu.be/rkSTuHq_Qt4

Florence Black have performed at some of Europe’s biggest festivals this summer, including Hellfest, Resurrection and Sweden Rock Festival. The band will conclude 2023 with an appearance at Planet Rockstock. 

The trio will also embark on a UK headline tour in support of BED OF NAILS, set to take place in February 2024.

Full live dates:

Nov 30: Trecco Bay Planet Rockstock

Feb 01: Glasgow Classic Grand 
Feb 02: Newcastle University 
Feb 03: Manchester Academy 3
Feb 05: Nottingham Rescue Rooms 
Feb 06: Wolverhampton KK's Steel Mill 
Feb 08: Bournemouth The Old Fire Station
Feb 09: London The Dome 
Feb 10: Cardiff Tramshed 

Tickets are on sale here: https://www.florenceblack.uk

Florence Black [Planet Rock, Best New Band 2022] are award-winning guitarist Tristan Thomas (lead singer/guitar), Jordan Evans (bass/backing vocals) and Perry Davies (drums/backing vocals) from Merthyr Tydfil, in the rock/metal goldmine of the South Wales valleys.

Back in 2021, the band's standalone single 'BIRD ON A CHAIN' reached number 1 in the iTunes Rock chart. Their anticipated and critically acclaimed debut album WEIGHT OF THE WORLD followed in September, peaking at number 6 in the Official UK Rock & Metal Album Chart, Official UK Physical Album Sales Chart (#25), Official UK Independent Breakers Chart (#3) and Official UK Album Downloads Chart (#33). Singles from the album achieved their own successes: 'CAN YOU FEEL IT?' and fan-favourite 'SUN AND MOON' both became ‘Track of the Week’ in Classic Rock Magazine and both placed highly in the iTunes download chart on release. 'SUN AND MOON' was also added to Planet Rock Radio’s A-list and was highly praised by Kerrang! Magazine.

Florence Black kicked off 2022 with tours alongside Kris Barras Band and Ugly Kid Joe, followed by a tour as special guests on Steel Panther's Res:Erections tour. In a year peppered with festival appearances across Europe and the UK, they embarked on their biggest performances yet, with two sold-out stadium shows to 90,000 fans in Frankfurt, opening for German giants Bohse Onkelz. Florence Black were immediately invited back out to join Bohse Onkelz on their completely sold-out arena run of Germany in August and September. The band rounded off their busiest, most successful live year to date with their own largely sold-out WEIGHT OF THE WORLD headline run in October.

For more information:
https://www.florenceblack.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/florenceblackUK/
https://twitter.com/florenceblackUK/
https://www.instagram.com/florenceblackuk/

BED OF NAILS tracklisting: 

1. START AGAIN
2. DON’T HOLD ME DOWN
3. BED OF NAILS
4. TAXMAN
5. LOOK UP
6. WARNING SIGN
7. BEAUTIFUL LOVER
8. THE WAY HOME
9. SOLID 9
10. ROCKIN’ RING
11. THE FOREST
12. BACK TO THE END  

Photo Credit: Kieran Dhanjal

UK noise-punk outfit Muscle Vest have shared a lyric video for their single 'Don't Dream', to celebrate the release of their new LP THREEEPS, a compilation of the band's work to date, out today via Prank Monkey Records. 

Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/akf8UcAvNm4

Stream THREEEPS: https://tr.ee/dRgKbIGk28

Muscle Vest comment: "THREEEPS is our first full-length release, compiling our first three EPs and two singles. It documents the first four years of the band's life and it's blossoming into a burly, sleeveless, noise machine.

"Our first release on vinyl, this compilation showcases the band's development from budding feedback merchants to a self-contained noise-punk powerhouse in one convenient package for the modern person terribly busy trying to navigate life on a dying planet."

Formed in late 2018, London noise-punks Muscle Vest carve songs out of chaos. Crawling out from the filth is hard hitting, heavy music about the strain of living through a time where everything seems to get worse every year for everyone. They have released three EPs: Human Resources, Live Laugh Loathe and Hot Hot Hate, as well as a split single with Struggles With Syntax titled 'God Doesn’t Love You'. 

Muscle Vest are known for their blistering, unpredictable live show. This has been honed from years of playing in London, around Southern UK, and from various jaunts around the country (such as the Hot Hot Hate tour which saw them play 10 dates between Bristol and Edinburgh). In August 2023 the band made their international debut in front of a packed house at Supersonic in Paris.

Debut vinyl release Threeeps, a compilation of the band's work to date, is released today.

Muscle Vest online:

Instagram | Facebook | Website

Threeeps tracklist:

Side A:
1. The Commuter
2. Scab
3. That'll Do, Pig
4. Pinch Me
5. Creepy Crawlie
6. Stray
7. A Slow Death
8. Blissbucket

Side B:
1. The Slaughtered Lamb
2. Don't Dream
3. Solitary Life
4. Fun Imaginative Murders
5. God Doesn't Love You
6. Glue Trap

Photo Credit: Andrew Basso

One of Australia’s most talked about breakthrough heavy acts, Melbourne quintet Future Static today release their highly anticipated debut album Liminality, via Wild Thing Records. To celebrate the release, they have unveiled single / video 'Plated Gold', featuring Sean Harmanis of Make Them Suffer.

Watch the video to 'Plated Gold' here: https://youtu.be/1SfS1sMSgB0

Stream / purchase Liminality here: https://ffm.to/futurestaticliminality

Liminality is an innate fusion of metalcore, progressive metal, alternative rock, and pop sensibilities, epitomised by infectious hooks against their explosive sound. The album was produced, mixed, and mastered by Christopher Vernon (Windwaker, The Beautiful Monument). The artwork was helmed by guitarist Jack Smith, with Liminality portraying the space between materialising and deteriorating in serene nothingness.

Singer Amariah Cook talks about the inspiration behind Liminality: "We're so proud to finally release our first full-length album, which we've been tirelessly working on and teasing to crowds for the past two years. Writing in lockdown allowed us to explore new ideas, technologies, and techniques in our own time and creature comforts. Whenever one of us would send through a new demo or piece to the aural puzzle, it felt like a gift in a time of persistent solitude. We emerged with a cohesive, yet diverse body of work, trickled with each member's unique musical voice and writing style. Everything about this album came from the heart and soul of the band. The best way to describe it? It is the physical representation of friendship, teamwork, and our unconditional love for music.”

The band have continuously released dazzling accompanying visuals for the album with longtime collaborator Colin Jeffs (Make Them Suffer, Alpha Wolf) of Ten of Swords Media filming music videos for 'Venenosa', 'Roach Queen', 'The Hourglass’, and 'Chemical Lobotomy'. The art video for 'Plated Gold’, out now and featuring guest vocals from Sean Harmanis of Make Them Suffer, was directed by Nevenko Sarunic of Heartline and Deadend Visuals, a relationship that bloomed while on tour in Australia in 2022, and also led to Heartline singer Luke Taylor featuring on ‘Illiad'.

Liminality is exemplified by its profound singles; the emotionally charged, hard hitting anthem ‘Roach Queen’, the effervescent ‘Plated Gold’, and acclaimed earlier singles ‘Waves and ‘Venenosa’. ‘Liminality’ also highlights the group’s breathtaking lead vocal tandem, with bassist Kira Neil showcasing her vocal talents and magical chemistry alongside the electrifying Melbourne born, Barcelona raised front-woman Amariah Cook; underlined on the progressive labyrinth ‘The Hourglass’ and alt-pop-core sensation ‘Chemical Lobotomy’. 

On the first week of Liminality, Future Static join German superstars Electric Callboy on their completely sold out Australian tour. The group recently concluded their first international jaunt across Europe and the UK, including dates with The Omnific, plus appearances at legendary German festivals Reeperbahn and Euroblast. Future international dates are on the horizon, including the recently announced RADAR Festival in the UK.

At home, the band have embarked on a two-year-long gauntlet of in-demand domestic touring, including supporting acts such as prog-metal powerhouse Jinjer and Eurovision alumni Voyager, plus being hand-chosen as special guests for shows with Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows, RedHook, Caligula's Horse, Windwaker, Bloom, and Circles. They've also performed at major festivals Knight & Day, UNIFY Forever, UNIFY - Off The Record, Alpha Wolf's CVLTFEST, and BIGSOUND.

Following taking the Australian live circuit by storm and their first international touring adventures, the release of Liminality marks the next step in the band’s hugely promising career.

Follow Future Static:

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Spotify
 
Follow Wild Thing Records:
Web | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | YouTube

Liminality tracklisting:

01.    Chemical Lobotomy
02.    Venenosa
03.    Roach Queen
04.    Icarus
05.    …And The Walls That Were Built
06.    Waves
07.    Iliad [Featuring Luke Taylor of Heartline]
08.    Will I?
09.    The Hourglass
10.    Halfway Across The World
11.    Plated Gold [Featuring Sean Harmanis of Make Them Suffer]
12.    The Embers