UK prog-metal outfit Exist Immortal are back with their blistering new single 'Play Pretend'. The track embodies the band’s true essence and showcases their continuous evolution. 'Play Pretend' is the first in a series of six stand-alone singles due to drop across the year.

Watch the music video here: https://youtu.be/2wvmyj53Rmc
Stream 'Play Pretend' here: https://linktr.ee/existimmortal

Meyrick de la Fuente (vocals) states: “The main idea going into writing this specific track was to create the juxtaposition between something really heavy and dark sounding to something really pretty sounding and catchy. There was definitely a lot more space to create freely and without boundaries in this new set of material and that definitely shines through in the songs. The lyrics are about overcoming internal and external constraints and the journey towards self-realization. They underscore the importance of pushing through life's challenges and the role of belief and imagination in transcending our everyday realities.

"The plan for 2024 is to drop a whole bunch of huge singles, all with really cool videos and keep everyone suitably plied with riffs all year long. Our time in Japan supporting the legendary Cynic last month was literally a dream come true. We had the greatest time playing some of the best shows we have ever had the opportunity to be a part of! It truly is an incredible country and we barely even scratched the surface. We really want to smash some new markets too, as our recent tours of Mexico and Japan this past year have definitely have us poised to go international in a big way. 

"In these new songs I think it’s fair to say that we have finally really found our feet as a creative unit. We have been writing music that we love and have been motivated solely by how excited we get about the tracks, this is the music that naturally occurs for us and it just flows so easily. I don’t think we’ve ever had so much fun making songs together and we are so hyped to finally get to share them.”

Hailing from the Southeast of England, Exist Immortal combine metalcore and technical metal with pop influences and have spent the last few years touring across the world developing their sound, growing their fanbase and leaving a lasting impact on audiences that witness the powerful live show.

The band have played festivals such as Metaldays (SLOV), Euroblast (GER), Maximum Rock (ROM), Complexity Fest (NL) and have toured with high profile acts such as Sikth, Textures, Landmvrks and Cynic. EXIM have also headlined the main stage at UK Tech Fest (2022), and in 2023 completed sold out tours in Mexico and most recently Japan, ending what has been a whirlwind year of highlights, cementing the band as one of the hottest acts in the progressive metal/metalcore scene.

Following on from their self-titled album (November 2022 via Seek & Strike) which received universal acclaim from the music press and fans alike, and projecting the band to new levels, EXIM are excited to present their latest offering 'Play Pretend' to the world, beginning a new era for the band. 

Exist Immortal are:
Meyrick de la Fuente - vocals
Kurt Valencia - guitars
Mikee Gee - guitars
David Billote - bass
Charlie Bines - drums

Exist Immortal online:
https://ex-im.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/existimmortal
https://twitter.com/ExistImmortal
https://www.instagram.com/existimmortal

Belgian post-metal, hardcore, post-shoegaze quartet Divided are delighted to announce their stunning debut Light Will Shine, to be released 29th March via feted post-everything label Dunk!records.

Elements of Chat Pile, Slint, and countrymen Stake is but a glimpse into this expansive, wide-ranging album. Honest and brutal, referential and experimental, experiential and immediate, Light Will Shine is a excellent new addition to the modern heavy canon.

Listen for example to lead single and opener ‘Cinder’, a rollicking, grooving, Converge-esque behemoth, which even tends into abrasive post-punk at times. 

'Cinder' is streaming everywhere now, accessible via this link: https://linktr.ee/DividedCinder

Pre-orders for Light Will Shine available soon.

The band comment: "When recording ‘Cinder’, Gilles [Demolder, Wiegedood, Oathbreaker] (who produced the album) suggested to go crazy with the vocal performance. So we did, and it flipped the whole track upside down. In fact, we did something similar for every track. Really glad that we’ve been pushed to our limits by each other and Gilles while making this record. It was such a connecting, enriching, but most of all fun experience. Couldn’t be happier with the result and we’re all very excited for you to hear this."
 
From 'Cinder' through to the tortuously sparse closer, ‘Sleepers’, Divided demonstrate a highly impressive range of emotion, and breadth of musical maturity.
 
In a sense, Light Will Shine is a circular album, detailing vocalist/drummer Pepijn’s battles with anxiety. ‘Cinder’ details his burnout, and running away from responsibility, whereas ‘Sleepers’ is his attempt at finding peace, embracing his fears and anxieties, accepting them as part of his life.
 
Although still a new outfit, Divided are making names for themselves on the Belgian circuit. Previous support slots with Stake, Brutus, Wiegedood and Psychonaut have well spotlighted the band, alongside signing with Dunk!records, and an appearance at the showcase festival, Left Of The Dial. The band will shortly be supporting heavyweights LLNN before performing at May 2024’s Dunk!festival alongside Jo Quail, Wang Wen, sleepmakeswaves, and many more post-rock luminaries.

Divided are:
 
Pepijn Vandaele: Vocals and Drums
Jelle Rouquart: Guitars
Torre Maertens: Guitars
Staf Walschap: Bass

Divided online:
https://www.facebook.com/dividedbelgium
https://www.instagram.com/divided_be
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0uRSsdrzKsjyXDZ4vBXa8z?si=L1Ga5YneRN2JbU68PIePOA
https://dunkrecords.com/collections/divided

TRACKLISTING:
1: Cinder
2: Days Undone (So Long)
3: Kattestraat
4: The Vicious Loop
5: Remaining in Limbo
6: The City Slowly Undresses             
7: The Warped Loop
8: Sleepers
 
(48:12)

The monolithically heavy UK quartet Sugar Horse have released a split 7'' with equally monolithically heavy labelmates LLNN.

Watch the visualiser for Sugar Horse's 'Sleep Paralysis Demon' here: https://youtu.be/Zl3GPMymz4A
Stream and purchase the 7'' here: https://orcd.co/llnn-sugarhorse

Sugar Horse will be touring with LLNN across UK and Europe, dates as follows:

Feb 03: UK, London Boston Music Room
Feb 04: FR, Paris Glazart
Feb 05: CH, Lucerne Sedel
Feb 06: AT, Vienna Chelsea
Feb 07: PL, Krakow Kamienna12
Feb 08: PL, Warsaw Hydrozagadka
Feb 09: PL, Wroclaw Lacznik
Feb 10: CZ, Prague Kasarna Karlin
Feb 11: DE, Berlin Urban Spree

The band comment: "It is an unprecedented honour to be able to release a little split single with the good folks in LLNN. I saw them for the first time at ArcTanGent 2023, headlining the same stage we headlined the night before and was completely blown away by just how terrifying the whole set was. It was oppressive, it was demonic, it was enormous.

"Coming up with a track that could keep up with their intensity was a challenge. A real head scratcher. We came to the realisation that it was have to be pure dissonance. Just semi-tones and pain....and so 'Sleep Paralysis Demon' was born. A song about living with the contradiction & confusion of the internet age, and the timely death of one Henry Kissinger."

Sugar Horse's new music follows the release of the Bristolians' mighty new EP Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico (3rd November, Fat Dracula Records/distributed by Metal Blade Records in US). 

Order and stream Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico here: https://li.sten.to/Consequences

An epic achievement, Truth... is, in signature Sugar Horse style, one single long song: a meditation and exploration of everything the note A has to offer.

Telling the story of Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico, the band state: "It’s frequently been difficult for us, as a band, to limit ourselves to “normal” pop song lengths and structures….as evidenced in pretty much all of our releases to date. From time to time we feel the need to loose the ropes that bind us and let our Long & Tedious flag fly freely. Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico is the result of said untethering.

"We’ve always found the idea of exploring a single note over long stretches of time interesting and this song is that idea taken to an extreme logical conclusion. It’s an exploration of the note A in all its possible variations."

Sugar Horse have recently toured with post-rock luminaries 65daysofstatic across Europe, as well as dates with Pianos Become The Teeth, Liturgy, Chat Pile and an appearance at ArcTanGent festival.

A lot of people take the name Sugar Horse to be a drug reference - perhaps fitting for a band that sound like the last moments of a three-day binge. Darting wildly between dark/light, pain/bliss, sacred/profane, Sugar Horse are unpredictable and unrestrained.

Formed in what is now considered to be the utopian dreamscape of 2015, the band grew slowly at first. Far from fully formed, but steadily gaining limbs, heads and vital organs. Finally, 2019’s DRUJ followed swiftly by 2020’s DRUGS saw them hit on a relentless stride of eclectic releases that simultaneously confused and entranced audiences.

2021 saw the band encamp in a former Lutheran church to record their debut album, The Live Long After, releasing it via Brighton’s own Small Pond Records. Publications such as The Quietus describing the record as “shift[ing] dispositions fluidly, taking elements of extreme aggression alongside floaty Post-Metal” and Echoes & Dust calling it “a monumental achievement”. The album took every disparate element that Sugar Horse previously employed and amplified them, while juxtaposing each next to each other, with genuinely unpredictable and exciting consequences.

2022 saw no relent from the band’s fast paced release schedule, as they put out an anthemic shoegaze single in 'Pictures Of Dogs Having Sex', followed swiftly by their collaborative Waterloo Teeth EP. A release that paired Sugar Horse’s terrifying eclecticism with guest appearances from twelve other artists in just four short(ish) songs. Each artist coming from a different area of the modern British music scene, whether that be world conquering post-punk bass lines from IDLES’ Adam Devonshire, heavy titans Conjurer and Pupil Slicer’s throat crippling wails, or a shredding guitar solo from Biffy Clyro/Oceansize axe wielder Mike Vennart. The EP packs in an album’s worth of genre mutilating twists and turns into just 25 minutes of music.

Sugar Horse are:

Ashley Tubb (Vocals/Guitar)
Jake Healy (Baritone Guitar, Keyboards)
Chris Howarth (Bass)
Martin Savage (Drums)

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/sugarhorseruinedmybirthday
https://www.instagram.com/sugarhorse.are.awful
https://twitter.com/sugarhorse666

Grungy rockers Marisa And The Moths have unveiled the video for their new single 'Who Are You Waiting For?', from their highly-anticipated second album, What Doesn't Kill You, due for release 3rd May.

Stream here: https://music.marisaandthemoths.com/waywf

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/NVn76auH9yU

Pre-order the album here: https://marisaandthemoths.com/pre-order

Drawing inspiration from bands like Alter Bridge and Evanescence, Marisa And The Moths have created a sound that is both familiar and innovative. With hard-hitting instrumentals, soaring vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics, this track has you hanging on every word.

The lyrics of the song explore the aftermath of a toxic relationship, delving into themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and resilience. Lead vocalist Marisa delivers a passionate and emotive performance, making 'Who Are You Waiting For?' a relatable and cathartic experience for listeners.

Speaking about the track, Marisa says, "This song is about taking back your own power and realising that the love you once believed you had with someone is no longer there, and truthfully, maybe it never was. It's about rediscovering your own worth off the back of an abusive relationship, embracing your strengths, and realising YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH, even when that seems hard to believe in the situation you're in.

"I hope this song makes people feel stronger and inspires them to move away from toxic, energy-sucking people in their lives!"

'Who Are You Waiting For?' is just a taste of what fans can expect from Marisa And The Moths' forthcoming second album. The album promises a collection of dynamic and diverse tracks that showcase the band's growth and musical evolution.

Known for their electrifying live performances, Marisa And The Moths have built a loyal and dedicated fanbase. Their ability to connect with audiences through their music and energetic stage presence has earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting rock bands on the alt-scene today.

Marisa And The Moths will be touring the album at a series of headline dates, as follows:

May 02: Reading Sub 89
May 03: Cardiff The Globe
May 04: Southampton The Loft
May 10: Manchester Star and Garter
May 11: Nottingham Rock City Beta
May 12: London Underworld
Jun 07: Leeds Brudenell Social Club
Jun 08: Newcastle Grove

Tickets from: https://www.seetickets.com/tour/marisa-and-the-moths

Marisa And The Moths (pronounced Muh-rees-ah) are one of the hottest unsigned rock acts in the UK right now. Their debut self-titled LP hit #66 in the Official Downloads Chart and has amassed hundreds of thousands of streams globally - as well as rave reviews from Kerrang!, Classic Rock, BBC Radio 2 Rock Show, and many more.

Marisa And The Moths are a group who bring to mind the best hard rock and grunge bands of the 90s, all while adding their own modern twist. Turning heads with their alternative rock sound and powerhouse vocals, frontwoman Marisa's raw and honest lyrics make for a unique and compelling listen. The band's 2023 run of singles have offered an intimate look at her grief in overcoming an abusive relationship, and an honest insight into her battle with anxiety, depression, whilst dealing with a relapsing eating disorder, amongst other things. Listeners can expect both hope and despair as they navigate through each track.

The band kicked off 2023 with their Damned If I Do EP, featuring singles 'Wither Away', 'Pedestal', and 'If You Knew', giving listeners a taste of what's to come with their forthcoming second album. 

With previous headline tours under their belt, support slots for artists like Kris Barras Band, Von Hertzen Brothers, Those Damn Crows and As December Falls as well as appearances at festivals like 2000 Trees, Planet Rockstock and Primordial Radio's General Mayhem, Marisa And The Moths have proven themselves to be a top-tier live act.

In support of new single releases scheduled from October 2023, Marisa And The Moths will be supporting Elvana on their UK tour for 17 shows across 2023-24, playing venues ranging 500-3000 capacity.

Follow the band on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3bUzFMP

See more: https://linktr.ee/marisaandthemothsband

Purchase Marisa And The Moths' first LP here: https://www.marisaandthemoths.com/

Marisa And The Moths are:

Marisa Rodriguez / Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Songwriter
Liam James Barnes / Bass, BVs
Alex Ribchester / Drums
Alessio D'Elia / Lead Guitar

What Doesn't Kill You tracklisting: 

1: Cursed
2: Get It Off My Chest
3: Borderline
4: Wither Away 
5: Gaslight
6: State of Mind (Interlude)    
7: Who Are You Waiting For?
8: Pedestal
9: Straight-Laced
10: Fake It Till You Make It
11: SAD
12: Serotonin
13: Just Like Me
14: Sense Of Self (Interlude)
15: Devil You Know
16: Lungs

Finnish progressive rock masters Von Hertzen Brothers have recently announced the release of their magical live performance at Tavastia, Finland, recorded in 2023. Performing songs across their extensive catelogue, 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.

Today, the band have unveiled a second taster of what to expect from Live at Tavastia with a single and video for the live version of 'Sunday Child'.

Watch the video for 'Sunday Child' here: https://youtu.be/1XbHvHhABmg

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

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

'Sunday Child' was originally released on the band’s 2015 album New Day Rising and has since become a live show favourite. During the band’s live performances, the anthemic sing-along sparks a special connection which is palpable in the accompanying live video that transports viewers into the heart of a Von Hertzen Brothers live show experience.

Vocalist / guitarist Mikko von Hertzen comments: "Songs like 'Sunday Child' have become the heartbeat of our live shows. The reactions and excitement of the audience when we play this track is great fun to witness from the stage and, thus, we always really enjoy playing this song. We're thrilled to bring it to the forefront as a single and share a fresh live video that encapsulates the essence of the song and its magic."

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

Track list:

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

Hamburg heavy hitters Half Me are back and more heated than ever with new single 'Quitter Talk', following on from the exhilarating 'Concrete Ceiling', which dropped late last year. 

Watch the music video here: https://youtu.be/-LJiuALcHBg

Stream the single here: https://arisingempire.com/quittertalk

Losing a battle, fighting a war. On this new single, Half Me deal with inner turmoil manifesting in addiction - loud and without compromise.

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 just a few 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.

Catch the band live with Resolve on the following dates:
 
May 03: DE Cologne Gebäude 9 
May 04: UK London The Underworld
May 05: UK Birmingham The Devil's Dog
May 06: UK Glasgow Classic Grand Lounge
May 07: UK Leeds The Key Club
May 08: UK Manchester Rebellion
May 09: UK Bristol The Exchange
May 10: UK Southampton The Joiners
May 11: NL Drachten Iduna
May 12: DE Hamburg Banhof Pauli
May 14: DE Berlin Hole44
May 15: DE Dresden Blauer Salon
May 16: AT Vienna Viper Room
May 17: CZ Prague Rock Cafe
May 18: DE Munich Feierwerk
May 19: IT Milan Legend Club
May 20: CH Monthey Pont Rouge
May 21: DE Nuremberg Hirsch
May 22: DE Frankfurt Das Bett
May 23: DE Vechta Gulfhaus
May 24 DE Stuttgart Im Wizemann
May 25: NL Utrecht De Heiling
May 26: DE Trier Mergener Hof

Tickets available here: https://resolveofficial.co/pages/tour

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: Travis Shinn

Grammy-nominated extreme power metal frontrunners DragonForce have unveiled their new single, 'Astro Warrior Anthem', together with an official music video. The breathtaking opening track from the epic new album, Warp Speed Warriors, out on 15th March 2024 via Napalm Records, 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. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/iPToXB8HcSs

Pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/DragonForce-WarpSpeedWarriors

DragonForce, led by guitar virtuosos Sam Totman and Herman Li, have an average of 10 million YouTube views per month and nearly 1.9M monthly Spotify listeners. Recently, the band was featured on the best-selling, award-winning VR game Beat Saber’s Original Soundtrack 6 with their exclusive track 'Power of the Saber Blade', the fastest song ever included in Beat Saber. Following their immensely successful North American tour last autumn with Amaranthe, NanowaR of Steel and Edge of Paradise, DragonForce will begin their European co-headline tour with Amaranthe and special guests Infected Rain next month. 

Herman Li on 'Astro Warrior Anthem': “Astro Warrior Anthem captures all the elements of DragonForce’s music, fused with an explosive music video. I am sure our fans will love it!”

Herman Li on Warp Speed Warriors: “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!” 

Following the opening track 'Astro Warrior Anthem', the 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.

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 as a bonus track on some formats.
 
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.

UK tour dates:

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

Warp Speed Warriors will be available in the following formats:      
●    2CD Deluxe Box incl. Bonus Jewel Case CD with 5 bonus tracks, wristband (embroided), poster flag (100x70cm), gaming coin keyring/pendant (with leathercord), packed in a gym bag (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive) – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide
●    1LP Gatefold TURQUOISE marbled Vinyl incl. slipmat, record butler (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive) – strictly limited to 200 copies worldwide    
●    1LP Gatefold PURPLE Vinyl (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive) – strictly limited to 400 copies worldwide
●    1LP Gatefold ORANGE Vinyl (Retail UK exclusive) – strictly limited to 300 copies    
●    1LP Gatefold BLACK Vinyl    
●    1CD Digisleeve incl. 1 Bonus Track        
●    Digital Album incl. 3 Bonus Tracks

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 tracklist:

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

Beloved Canadian post-hardcore trailblazers Rarity have returned with their first new music in three years. Today, the revered four-piece have released two new songs, 'Keep It To Yourself' and 'OKAY', taken from their eagerly-awaited, yet-to-be-revealed third album - due for release later this year via New Damage Records.

Check out the video for 'Keep It To Yourself' here: https://youtu.be/uhR0r1axElk

Stream 'Keep It To Yourself' and 'OKAY' here: https://raritystream.com/ndrd208

Rarity vocalist Loeden Learn comments on 'Keep It To Yourself':  

"'Keep It To Yourself' is a song about the daily mental struggle that keeps us locked in, unable to even leave our room. It captures the challenge of mustering the energy to simply socialize with friends and family, even when you're otherwise comfortable with them and see them most days. It depicts the difficulty of accomplishing the simplest tasks, such as picking up the phone when someone texts or calls, cleaning up after yourself, and even taking care of basic human needs like eating or personal hygiene. Times get tough, and your mind isn’t always your friend. It illustrates how a house can feel like a prison when your mind also feels like one."

Originally uniting in 2014, the members of Rarity started touring straight out of high school and quickly amassed an avid following. In 2015, the Hamilton, ON-based outfit dropped their debut EP, Alive in Your Eyes, featuring the breakout single 'Anne Hathaway' and showcasing a mature blend of buoyant pop-punk and intricate post-hardcore that belied their relative youth.
 
A critically-acclaimed full-length, I Couldn’t Be Weaker, came the next year and, with fan-favourites like 'Stranger' and 'Exhale', proved the band’s quick rise to prominence was well-earned. Rarity saw their stock soar to impressive heights with high-profile tours and festival slots and, for a while, it seemed that they were unstoppable.
 
But then, in 2017, the band watched as their foundation started to weather and crumble. They faced a cesspool of legal struggles, illnesses, strained relationships, and the departure of two founding members. That left drummer Evan Woods, singer Loeden Learn, and guitarist Adam Clarke with some difficult decisions.
 
It would’ve been easy to throw in the towel – and they almost did – but self-doubt, strain, and conflict soon spurred unbridled creativity and Rarity, augmented by the addition of bassist Cole Gardner in 2018, realised there was plenty to fight for.
 
The band emerged in 2019 with their critically praised comeback record The Longest Lonesome, which was still rooted in accessible, hook-laden melodies, but with a sharper edge and more potent distillation of their various influences – from metal and hardcore to pop-punk, alternative, and much in between.
 
Now, Rarity look forward to starting their next chapter in 2024, re-energised and with a new found wealth of creativity, as they continue to carve their own niche in the pop-punk/post-hardcore scene. 

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

Photo Credit: Moritz Hartmann

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

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/6UfAx6v-Dhw
Stream the song here: https://doomcrusher.lnk.to/breakout

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

The band comment: "We’re more than proud to present you our first single ‘Breakout’! The everyday life, duties, and worries weigh us down. We deserve to live in freedom and bliss. We shouldn‘t wait any longer. It's time to break out now!"

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

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

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

Catch Doomcrusher live with Any Given Day & Of Virtue on the Limitless Tour 2024:

Feb 01: DE Berlin Lido
Feb 02: DE Hamburg Gruenspan
Feb 03: DE Cologne Kantine
Feb 04: NED Arnhem Willemeen
Feb 06: BE Antwerp Kavka
Feb 07: DE Wiesbaden Schlachthof
Feb 08: CH Aarau Kiff
Feb 09: DE Stuttgart Im Wizemann
Feb 14: AT Vienna Simm City
Feb 15: AT Salzburg Rockhouse
Feb 16: CZ Prague Storm
Feb 17: DE Munich Backstage
Feb 18: DE Nuremberg Hirsch
Feb 20: DE Münster Sputnikhalle
Feb 21: DE Hanover Musikzentrum

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

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