Photo Credit: Tom Couture

One of the most prestigious and legendary bands in the modern symphonic metal genre, unstoppable icons KAMELOT, will bring their glorious Awaken the World Tour 2024 to Europe this October. The multinational icons founded and led by mastermind and guitarist Thomas Youngblood just announced new dates in 17 cities across 11 countries.

KAMELOT are ready to enchant and stun fans once again with their internationally top-charting melodic metal pinnacles, accompanied by powerful and unique special guests like rising modern symphonic metallers Ad Infinitum and power metal heroes Frozen Crown - both Napalm Records labelmates. As bonus support, enchanting symphonic metal rose Blackbriar will also grace the stage.

This massive, enchanting symphonic metal tour promises legendary moments to remember, chock full of musical diversity and hard-hitting melodies. The tour will begin on 12th October 2024 in Utrecht (NL) and will cross all over Europe and the UK, coming to an end on 3rd November 2024 in Manchester (UK). Tickets are on sale to the general public now and can be ordered HERE. Don’t miss out on KAMELOT’s legendary world tour and get a ticket now before it’s too late.
 
Thomas Youngblood on the upcoming tour:
“KamNation get ready for our return to Europe and first taste for the UK of the Awaken The World Tour!! We are incredibly excited about this package, all of the support bands have been on my wish list for a while now. I am sure we will have amazing memories for the fans and all the band members after this landmark tour in Europe and the UK!”
 
Melissa Bonny of Ad Infinitum adds:
“We are excited to join Kamelot on this exciting European tour and even more so with the participation of our friends and tour mates from Blackbriar. Completed by Frozen Crown, this package promesses an epic experience for all the fans of symphonic and melodic metal who will join the party!”
 
Frozen Crown state:
“We are delighted to announce we're joining Kamelot on their European tour 2024. This is a super exciting news for us, not only because of the privilege to open for one of the bands that influenced our music and lyrics. But also cause we get to share the stage with Ad Infinitum and Blackbriar as well, making this our first "full Napalm" tour after joining our new label. We can't wait to be part of this!
See you guys on the road in October!”
 
René of Blackbriar comments:
“We've got exciting news to share with you! We'll join Kamelot's Awaken The World tour this year as a special guest alongside Ad Infinitum and Frozen Crown! This tour will take us to many new and familiar countries, and to say that we're looking forward to this feels like an understatement. Kamelot is a band we've been looking up to for so long, and we feel honored to join them on their tour. We've never had the pleasure of meeting them before, just as we never met Frozen Crown, and we can't wait to do so! We did have the pleasure of being tour buddies with Ad Infinitum last year, and we're looking forward to continuing these unforgettable times! We can't wait for these new adventures, see you on the road!”

Dates:

12.10.2024 NL – Utrecht
13.10.2024 DE – Munich
15.10.2024 DE – Berlin
17.10.2024 SK – Bratislava
18.10.2024 CZ – Zlin
19.10.2024 SI – Ljubljana
20.10.2024 IT – Milan
22.10.2024 ES – Bilbao
23.10.2024 ES – Madrid
25.10.2024 FR – Lyon
26.10.2024 CH – Pratteln
27.10.2024 DE – Oberhausen
29.10.2024 DE – Hamburg
30.10.2024 BE – Antwerpen
01.11.2024 UK – Wolverhamption
02.11.2024 UK – London
03.11.2024 UK – Manchester

KAMELOT's latest album, The Awakening, debuted at #9 on the official German album charts, and connected with fans and critics alike - touted by many as the best late-era KAMELOT release to date. The album enters the band's legacy as their most massive and diverse offering yet - mixing symphonic, gothic, melodic, progressive and power metal styles while yielding some of the heaviest tracks in the band's history. Having reigned supreme with the release of internationally top-charting melodic metal pinnacles such as The Fourth Legacy (1999), The Black Halo (2005), Silverthorn (2012), Haven (2015, #24 German album charts), and most recently 2018’s acclaimed The Shadow Theory (#13 German album charts), KAMELOT’s intense brand of ultramodern gothic and symphonic theatricality is amplified further and with more emotionality than ever on The Awakening.

Showcasing the incomparable, stage-seasoned vocal acrobatics of Tommy Karevik and increasingly airtight, renowned technical teamwork of guitarist Thomas Youngblood, drummer Alex Landenburg, keyboardist Oliver Palotai and bassist Sean Tibbetts, KAMELOT’s score-like 13th studio album is accented by guest contributions from the likes of Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum) and renowned instrumentalists like violinist Florian Janoske and cellist Tina Guo. The Awakening features crystal clear modern production helmed by the band and longtime producer Sascha Paeth, plus mixing and mastering by Jacob Hansen of Hansen Studios.

10/10 "Masterpiece!"
- Metal-Temple
 
“The Awakening is KAMELOT's best album in almost 20 years...”
- The Prog Mind (US), 9/10
 
"The Awakening is KAMELOT performing at the top of their game."
- New Noise Magazine (US)
 
"The Awakening is probably the hottest candidate for the (melodic) metal album of the year."
- Rock It! (DE) – 10/10

KAMELOT are:
Tommy Karevik - Vocals
Thomas Youngblood - Guitars
Oliver Palotai - Keyboards
Sean Tibbetts - Bass
Alex Landenburg - Drums

KAMELOT online:
WEBSITE || FACEBOOK || INSTAGRAM || NAPALM RECORDS

Photo Credit: Andy Ford

“In its opulent entirety, Ihsahn represents a proud and confident raising of the stakes for one of metal’s greatest visionaries.” - 9/10 Metal Hammer

“An exercise in creativity, loose boundaries, and incredible talent." - 4K Kerrang! 

“A success on its own terms.”-  Prog Magazine 

“Eclectic prog metal." - 4/5 Record Collector

“One of the finest metal releases you'll hear this year." - Total Guitar

Today sees the official unveiling of Ihsahn, the highly-anticipated eponymous full-length studio offering from the Norwegian progressive metal visionary, via Candlelight Records. 

Order and listen to Ihsahn here: https://ihsahn.lnk.to/IHSAHN 

Speaking about the album release, Ihsahn shared: "From the first core ideas around making a dual layered conceptual album, this project has expanded into far more sonic and visual areas than I could possibly have hoped for. Much thanks to the support and contributions of my talented friends and collaborators. I’m excited to finally share this in its entirety and hope listeners will find the result as engaging as I felt making it.” 

Daring to push the realms of creative expressionism even further with his eighth studio offering, Ihsahn's latest release comprises of two melodically interlinked versions of the same album: one prog metal, one fully symphonic, both creating a cinematically-influenced masterpiece. 

Leading up to today, Ihsahn has previously released the critically acclaimed singles,  'Pilgrimage To Oblivion', 'Twice Born' and 'The Distance Betwewen Us', a trilogy following a conceptual storyline, filmed by Shaun Hodson at Loki Films.

Whilst his musical journey has been frequently revelatory, the masterful control of rhythm and movement displayed throughout Ihsahn shows his work as a songwriter and composer at its most focused and self assured. A gargantuan endeavour and one that Ihsahn professes to be one of the most complex projects he has ever undertaken, is a labyrinthine rabbit-hole of his own design; the scale of ambition immediately apparent. Wholly self-produced and scored over the course of three years, the metal version has been mixed by Jens Bogren, the orchestral version mixed by Joel Dollié and both versions were mastered by Tony Lindgren. Ihsahn freely admits that the process pushed him to his limits. It began, simply, with a piano.

Comments Ihsahn, “On average, I´ve been releasing a full-length album every second year since I was 16. And, you know, that has given me some opportunity to explore different options, so for my eighth full-length solo record, I thought, ‘okay, how can I do what I do best, but also raise the bar tenfold? At the heart of what I do is black metal, extreme distorted guitars and screaming, but since the earliest Emperor recordings you’ll hear the keyboard parts influenced by classic soundtracks by the likes of Jerry Goldsmith, John Williams, Bernard Herrmann, John Carpenter and so on. So, I approached the writing with the intent to present the material in its full-blown metal expression, but also to arrange the orchestral parts in such a way that they would work independently. Somehow an attempt to write a soundtrack within the structures of the full production, allowing me to explore different, and sometimes contrasting, variations of essentially the same music. In the end I wrote all the music as a piano short-score and arranged it for a typical band ensemble and orchestra, accordingly, making sure everything interlocked.”

It’s that compositional core that allowed Ihsahn to build the two records from the ground up – a Herculean feat for the self-professed, self-taught musician, but it is perhaps that very absence of formal training that allowed him to throw out the rulebook and simply follow his instincts, and the time afforded by the pandemic created the natural gap required to so heavily invest himself in the project. That self-induced pressure came from a desire to keep his loyal fanbase and himself interested, which is not only the defining feature of his latest record, but it’s also the central characteristic of his entire solo career. 

Joining Ihsahn on this album are Tobias Ørnes Andersen and Tobias Solbakk on drums and percussion, with Ihsahn's son Angell Solberg Tveitan adding additional percussion and violins by Chris Baum. Artwork for the album was created by Ritxi Ostariz with all promotional photography by Andy Ford. 

Not satisfied to only create a dual record, there is also a conceptual story which underpins both sides of Ihsahn – a pair of separate but interwoven Wagnerian narratives revolving around the traditional hero’s journey, and while Ihsahn is reticent to tell all, he is confident that meaning will soon emerge for listeners willing to show equal commitment.  

"Art taps into the metaphysical and the archetypes of our existence - it lets us experience loss, death, love - it prepares us for all of those things in some way. That’s the value, that’s the perspective I wish to create from.” - Ihsahn 

Catch Ihsahn live in the UK on the following dates:

03.03.24 London, Celestial Darkness Festival 
16.08.24 Bristol, Arctangent Festival 

IHSAHN online:

Ihsahn Official Website || Facebook | Instagram || Twitter | Candlelight

About Ihsahn

Since 1991 Ihsahn has defied expectations and pushed boundaries. More than any other artist to emerge from the fertile black metal scene of the early ‘90s, Ihsahn has firmly established himself as an unpredictable maverick. As the founding frontman of Emperor he is universally lauded as one of extreme music’s most important and influential voices, and he stands as the figurehead for what was arguably black metal’s creative apex. What is even more important to note is that as a solo artist Ihsahn has all but outgrown the confines of that achievement, and over the course of seven records he has forged a sterling reputation for innovation and unabashed originality that’s as genre-bending as it is gleefully indifferent to the weight of expectation. Starting with the release of 2006’s critically acclaimed The Adversary he has never made the same record twice, and it is that resistance to a templated approach that has become the cornerstone of his gloriously creative second act. 

Ihsahn Tracklisting

1: Cervus Venator 
2: The Promethean Spark
3: Pilgrimage To Oblivion
4: Twice Born
5: A Taste Of The Ambrosia
6: Anima Extraneae
7: Blood Trails To Love 
8: Hubris And Blue Devils
9: The Distance Between Us
10: At The Heart Of All Things Broken 
11: Sonata Profana 

Ihsahn Orchestral Tracklisting

1: Cervus Venator Orchestral 
2: The Promethean Spark Orchestral
3: Pilgrimage To Oblivion Orchestral
4: Twice Born Orchestral
5: A Taste Of The Ambrosia Orchestral
6: Anima Extraneae Orchestral
7: Blood Trails To Love Orchestral
8: Hubris And Blue Devils Orchestral
9: The Distance Between Us Orchestral
10: At The Heart Of All Things Broken Orchestral
11: Sonata Profana Orchestral

Finland’s My Favourite Nemesis return with blistering new track 'We Annihilate', taken from their upcoming new EP We Annihilate I, the first in a two-part EP series, to be released on 26th April via Seek and Strike.

Watch the video for 'We Annihilate' here: https://youtu.be/DRZcTI68qpI

We Annihilate I EP is a sonic barrage of captivating hooks, melodies and fast-paced, hard-hitting songs. The 'We Annihilate' single is a great taste of what to expect from the upcoming EP; expect a barrage of captivating hooks, melodies and fast-paced, hard-hitting songs. 

My Favourite Nemesis state: "Following the release of our second album, Eidolon, we had some demo tracks already on the works. Writing this time around was more straightforward and everyone in the band was more involved in the whole process. 

"We didn't deliberately go for any major changes in our sound, but this EP could be described as a natural evolution of the band. Every track delivers aggression and emotion more in your face than previously. Overall, the EP sounds more rough and less polished than our older releases. This was the first time Sanna (vocals) was involved in the writing of the vocals and lyrics from the beginning. With that in mind, we wanted to focus more on writing clean vocal lines and melodies. 

"When it comes to writing lyrics, we wanted to write about subjects we all find important to talk about, such as war, greed, and mental issues. Both Janne’s (vocals) and Sanna’s writing styles complement each other and come together nicely. What stands out the most on this release, is that the songs really feel like a punch in the gut, yet still have very melodic parts that you can sing along with. Also, the mix sounds massive, but maintains a clarity that allows the listener to hear all the details and dynamics. If you haven’t heard of us before, this EP is the perfect starting point, as we feel this is the strongest material yet. Every track delivers creative rhythmic and melodic groove and is sure to keep anyone hooked and come back for more. 

“This new track, 'We Annihilate', is about creating something new and finding a new path and to do so, you must destroy the old. It also touches on what the future holds, and that’s a core theme for the whole EP and that’s why we chose it as the lead single. This track came together very quickly both in composing and writing lyrics. After the first demo was done, everything just fell into place, and it turned out to be a very crushing and catchy song. We wanted the video to look and feel as dark and intimate as the song itself, and we’re very happy how it turned out. We didn’t want any big set pieces or crazy special effects, just the band playing and letting the music speak for itself."

My Favourite Nemesis have also been announced to play Uprising Festival UK on 25th May, alongside Katatonia, Brugeria, Discharge and more.

Since 2017, My Favourite Nemesis have gained a lot of attention across the Finnish modern metal scene with their catchy guitar riffs and wide variation of instrumental and vocal arrangements. The band’s explosive live performances have successfully convinced audiences in Finland and abroad - notably through two sold out shows with Swedish metal band Dead By April in Finland, and a German tour with Suffocation. My Favourite Nemesis are now ready to bring their unique brand of heavy metal excellence to a world-wide audience.

My Favourite Nemesis are:

Janne Piela- Vocals
Sanna Solanterä- Vocals
Joel Aav- Lead guitar
Janne Suominen- Rhythm guitar
Valtteri Estola- Drums

For more:
https://www.instagram.com/myfavouritenemesis
https://www.facebook.com/MFNofficial

We Annihilate I track list:

01 - We Annihilate
02 - Paradox You Seek            
03 - Corporeal Husk  
04 - Chimera
05 - Blind

Photo Credit: Jonathan Vahid

USA extreme metal powerhouse, Escuela Grind, have announced UK and EU tour dates with Finnish grindcore legends Rotten Sound. 

Escuela Grind comment: "EUROPE! We're coming back for 18 days to crush a bunch of shows with our homies in Rotten Sound, plus a few SICK festivals like Incineration, Music Match, 0161 Festival and Vort 'N Vis Festival!

"We're stoked to bring the Nike and New Balance shod feet of Escuela Grind back to Europe to grind posers into jelly and go crazy with friends old and new. These shows are going to be chaotic, violent and very, very gay. Plus we'll have new music out and we'll be playing even more songs from our NEW ALBUM!

"So come on out to these shows, grind your face off, two step, stage dive, meet your new bestie, make an archnemesis, get spin kicked in the face by a 17 year old drinking Radler, buy some merch. (Please buy some merch).

"It's gonna rule! See you there!"

UK dates as follows:

May 10: London, Incineration Festival, Black Heart
May 11: Manchester, 0161 Festival
May 12: Plymouth, The Junction
May 13: Newcastle, The Head of Steam
May 14: Nottingham, Ye Old Salutation Inn
May 15: Glasgow, Audio
May 16: Birmingham, The Devil's Dog

Tickets from: https://www.escuela-grind.com/shows

The news follows Escuela Grind's huge new EP, DDEEAATTHHMMEETTAALL, released January 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 cut, 'Ball and Chain'.

Order DDEEAATHHMMEETTAALL here: https://escuelagrind.ffm.to/ddmm

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

"DDEEAATHHMMEETTAALL is the third installment of our EP series where we dive into the genres that most influence this band," offers 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 buildup. 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."  

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

Escuela Grind are:
Katerina Economou (vocals)
Jesse Fuentes (drums)
Kris Morash (guitar)
Tom Sifuentes (bass)

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.

Photo Credit: Travis Shinn

DragonForce have released an official video for their excellent Taylor Swift cover, 'Wildest Dreams (DragonForce’s Version)'. The cover is included as a bonus track on select editions of their anxiously-anticipated album, Warp Speed Warriors, out on 15th March via Napalm Records. The Grammy-nominated unit have transformed the pop superstar’s huge hit into a lightning-fast power metal anthem, featuring incredible guitar solos and sky-high vocals. DragonForce’s version first caused a wave of buzz in the press and on social media after the band performed it live on their most recent North American tour.

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

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

Founded in 1999 by virtuoso guitarists Herman Li (also known for his Twitch channel with 270k followers) and Sam Totman, the new masterpiece Warp Speed Warriors sees DragonForce experimenting with more different genres than ever before, while staying true to their power metal roots. DragonForce will kick off their European co-headline tour with Amaranthe in Hamburg next week, with label mates Infected Rain supporting as special guests - make sure to grab your tickets now and get a taste of what’s to come from the band's explosive new video.

UK tour dates:

Mar 22: UK Bristol, Academy [SOLD OUT]
Mar 23: UK Manchester, Academy [SOLD OUT]
Mar 24: UK London, Roundhouse [LOW TICKETS]

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.

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 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: Luke Tatlock

Acclaimed young alt-pop/prog trio Exploring Birdsong have revealed their incredible new single 'The Collapse', out now via Long Branch Records.

Watch the video to 'The Collapse' here: https://youtu.be/Pfxwg_s4O9U

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

The band comment: “Although in a very different style, 'The Collapse' was originally written way back in 2017 during our time at university. Used as part of our songwriting course, we submitted it almost as a throwaway song, and as a result, didn’t resurface again until mid 2023. When we went back and re-listened, time had given us fresh ears, and allowed us to rework and really bring out the potential in what is now a song we’re super proud of. The song used to be centred around just piano and a solo vocal. For it to have blossomed into something so wildly differing in texture is really, really cool for us.

"It fits nicely into what feels like a transitional period for us as a band. Whilst we work on material for our debut full-length, we also want to give time and attention to songs that we’ve either reworked or written in past, that otherwise wouldn’t have a home because they don’t quite fit the mould of the direction we’re heading in. 'The Collapse' is one of those songs - it’s nice to give it it’s own piece of the limelight.”

Exploring Birdsong will be headlining London's Downstairs at the Dome (formerly Boston Music Room) on 16th February. Support comes from Blanket. Get your tickets: https://linktr.ee/exploringbirdsong

Exploring Birdsong's new single follows the band's stunning Deftones cover of 'Diamond Eyes', and the band's second EP Dancing in the Face of Danger (March 2023, Long Branch Records), released to rave reviews worldwide. The band wanted to draw a line in the sand following Dancing in the Face of Danger to mark the start of a new chapter as a band, and, through coincidence, eventually ended up working with a new production team (Tom Peters - engineering and mixing & Grant Berry - mastering) which has helped bookend the Dancing in the Face of Danger period. They comment: "We wanted to experiment sonically before heading into full-length album territory, which is why we think it feels different to anything we’ve released previously."

The young group recently joined Katatonia as special guest for their shows in Ireland - the first live performances since their European debut at Euroblast Festival (Cologne, DE), mainstage set at RADAR Festival, and inaugural headline tour across the UK in September 2021, including London, Manchester and Birmingham, and following successful support tours with the likes of Sleep Token and Thank You Scientist.

Rarely are new groups as exciting, talented or unique as Exploring Birdsong. Straddling pop, progressive rock and uncategorisable genre-blending beauty, the band are unplaceable for the most part, but bring to mind elements of Kate Bush, Sleep Token, Everything Everything and Agent Fresco.

Rarely too do you hear voices as captivating as frontwoman Lynsey Ward’s. Powerful, controlled, and spine-chillingly tender, Lynsey’s vocals help mark Exploring Birdsong as a prospect to watch, from the release of their acclaimed debut The Thing With Feathers (2019, Long Branch Records) to 2023's EP Dancing in the Face of Danger.

Exploring Birdsong are:
Lynsey Ward - vocals, piano
Jonny Knight - bass, synthesisers
Matt Harrison - drums, percussion

Exploring Birdsong online:
https://www.instagram.com/exploringbirdsong
https://www.facebook.com/ExploringBirdsong
https://www.exploringbirdsong.com
https://twitter.com/exbirdsong

Croydon’s self-appointed DIY “dirtbag boyband”, Bears in Trees, have released their gritty and urgent new single 'Hot Chocolate'. The track is the second taste of their upcoming album How to Build an Ocean: Instructions, due for release on 26th April via I Sure Hope It Does. 

Check out the video for 'Hot Chocolate' here: https://youtu.be/vjLgXE0i3nY

Stream 'Hot Chocolate' here: https://orcd.co/bearsintreeshotchocolate

Pre-order/pre-save How to Build and Ocean: Instructions here: https://orcd.co/howtobuildanocean-instructions

A detour from the optimistic sound they’ve become synonymous with, yet still ferociously sincere, ‘Hot Chocolate’ packs a punch and is built on a foundation of angst and a newfound awakening. Littered with infusions of indie, pop-rock and folk-punk akin to the likes of one of their key influences, The Front Bottoms, the aggressive but enthusiastic song vents about letting go of the expectation that not every moment of life needs to be a significant, picture-perfect memory.

“Up to a certain point in my life, every party/night out/conversation felt like The Most Important Thing That Had Ever Happened and Will Ever Happen, Ever,” explains guitarist Nick Peters. “This song is about letting go of that feeling, and realising that somethings are literally just fine how they are.”

Check out previous single 'Things That Look Like Mistakes' here: https://youtu.be/9lB3KCARMVY

Bears in Trees recently announced a UK/European co-headline tour with New Jersey indie rockers The Happy Fits. 

UK dates are as follows:

Apr 23: Birmingham XOYO 
Apr 24: Newcastle Riverside 
Apr 26: Glasgow Garage 
Apr 27: Manchester Club Academy 
Apr 28: Leeds Stylus 
Apr 29: Bristol The Fleece
May 01: London KOKO

Tickets are on sale here: https://bearsintrees.com/pages/live

The upcoming album, How to Build an Ocean: Instructions, is a project doused in personal conflict, but simultaneously a love letter to the normal and how beauty can be found in just being. Charged with references to literature, philosophy and film, as well as first hand experiences, the band explore thoughts of what it means to find purpose when everything feels purposeless, all whilst ultimately instructing themselves to find “small joys in the face of cosmic indifference.” Produced by George Perks (Enter Shikari, The Doves, You Me At Six), How to Build an Ocean: Instructions marks an exciting new development for Bears in Trees, being the first album they’ve recorded with the help of consultants outside of the band themselves, having previously relied on drummer George’s expertise, who outside of the band, works as an engineer at Subfrantic Studios. 

Tenderness, triumph, and a totally unashamed feeling of enjoying the ride whilst they're on it, How to Build an Ocean: Instructions is their definitive statement. Though no matter how far this record takes them, the most important thing is that they are together and doing what they love. Because when all is said and done, that's the connection that will last a lifetime. "We started the band because we loved hanging out with our friends and wanted to make stupid music together," Iain concludes. "That's always been the reason, and it hasn't changed. All we want to do is make what we do as honest and authentic as possible. That's what it means to be in the Bears in Trees business."

The record started to take its early form as far back as November 2022, when the band were still reeling from the release of their 2021 full-length and everybody else smiled back. That explains why it feels like the most mature and marinated version of Bears in Trees. There was honesty in the songwriting selection process; there’s a different depth than in past offerings. It embraces that Bears in Trees isn't the same as it was at the beginning of their journey, that pressure, debate and dispute are necessary to move forward. 

The artwork is a testimonial to the band’s hometown of Croydon, marking places they've existed across their adolescence and into adulthood, such as Lloyd Park, a location reminiscent of turning 18 and being obsessed with Monster Energy, to Floor 13, an abandoned floor in a car park where they used to hang out as kids. "For us, Croydon is all about the history you feel when you're going to work or to the studio every day, and you're getting the same bus you got to school," guitarist Nick ponders. "You're seeing all of these places from your past. We are surrounded by our memories no matter what." They had returned to the town after an extended period on the road, including a support slot in the UK with You Me At Six and a trek across the US. Though appreciative of how their borough had shaped them, it was difficult not to feel like they had taken a step backwards. Watching friends move whilst remaining in the same location they did as teenagers proved challenging to adapt to. From that feeling, came inspiration for the record.

Connoisseurs of the digital age, the band built their reputation themselves from scratch, foregoing the traditional media routes and climbing the social media ropes. They obtained millions of likes on TikTok and engaged with their fanbase proactively on Discord and Patreon, before ever dipping their toes in the music industry support pool. This impressive knowledge of navigating internet culture, paired with their vivacious, comedic charm, and easy listening and bright bops have earned them a passionate and loyal following of  ‘sandboxes’ (the allocated fanbase name), saw them sell out London’s Electric Ballroom and play alongside artists such as Pale Waves, NOAHFINNCE, Waterparks, The Maine and Lovejoy, as well as scoring festival slots at Slam Dunk, 2000trees, Community and many more.

Bears in Trees are:

Callum Litchfield – vocals, ukulele, piano (he/him)
Iain Gillespie – vocals, bass guitar (they/them)
Nick Peters – guitar (he/him)
George Berry – drums (he/him)

For more information:
https://bearsintrees.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@bearsintrees
https://www.facebook.com/bearsintrees
https://twitter.com/bearsintrees
https://www.instagram.com/bearsintrees
https://www.youtube.com/c/BearsinTrees
https://discord.com/invite/thesandbox
https://bearsintreesofficial.bandcamp.com

How to Build an Ocean: Instructions tracklist: 

1. Your Favourite Coat
2. Things That Look Like Mistakes
3. Injured Crow
4. I Don’t See Anything I Don’t Like About You
5. All You Get Is Confetti
6. Tai Chi With My Dad
7. I Wanna Feel Calm
8. Henry Says
9. Hot Chocolate
10. Nothing Cures Melancholy Like Looking at Maps
11. We Don’t Speak Anymore
12 I Don’t Wanna Be Angry

Photo Credit: Jesse Kojima

Tokyo riff lords Sable Hills have shared a brand new single of the band's highly anticipated third album Odyssey, due for release this April via Arising Empire. 'No Turning Back', featuring Trevor Phipps of Unearth, is now streaming via the links below.

Stream 'No Turning Back' here: https://arisingempire.com/noturningback
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/c2bytrqKVYI

Known for their dynamic blend of intense riffs and melodic harmonies, Sable Hills continue to redefine the boundaries of metalcore, captivating fans across the globe. Odyssey promises to be a groundbreaking addition to their discography, showcasing their unique style and musical prowess. Fans are eagerly counting down the days to the full album release, anticipating a collection of tracks that will further cement Sable Hills' status as titans of their genre.

Guitarist Rict comments: "The new song 'No Turning Back' is full of energy. You can mosh, stagedive, circlepit, singalong, whatever you want to do in metal/hardcore live. The song is fast and short, within 3 minutes. And we feature one of the metalcore legends as well as our goodfriend Trevor Phipps of Unearth on the song. We toured with Unearth in Japan and Taiwan. And making the friendship, this happened. So honored to feature him at this time, and so excited to see how people react to the song."

Sable Hills have captivated audiences with their electrifying headline tours, notably Chaos J.P. 2023, which featured the likes of Like Moths To Flames and Knosis, led by Ryo Kinoshita, former vocalist of Crystal Lake. This tour marked an important return to Japan for these acts after a long hiatus.

The band's ascent to prominence was ignited by their debut album EMBERS (2019), which received widespread acclaim and positioned them at the pinnacle of Japan's metal scene, allowing them to share the stage with renowned Japanese bands such as coldrain, Crystal Lake, and international heavyweights Fit For A King and After The Burial. Appearing at major festivals Bloodaxe Festival at Club Citta Kawasaki and True North Festival at Shin-Kiba Studio Coast further enhanced their reputation.

The release of their second album DUALITY marked another high point in their career. The album's release tour, extending from Japan to Europe, included performances at Wacken Open Air in Germany and Brutal Assault in the Czech Republic. At Wacken 2022, Sable Hills achieved an historic victory, winning the METAL BATTLE 2022, a first for a Japanese band.

In 2023, the band kept on striving forward, selling out their show at Spotify O-WEST and performing at major festivals including coldrain's BLARE FEST, KNOTFEST and at Wacken Open Air for the second consecutive year. Their very own FRONTLINE FESTIVAL at Kawasaki Club Citta was a resounding success, attracting close to 1000 attendees.

Sable Hills are:
Takuya Mishima - Vocals
Wataru Yuasa - Guitar & Vocals
Rict Mishima - Guitar
Takuya Ueda - Bass
Keita Kondo - Drums

Sable Hills online:
www.instagram.com/sablehillsjp
www.tiktok.com/@sablehillsjp
www.facebook.com/sablehillsjp
twitter.com/sablehillsjp
www.sablehills.jp

Photo Credit: Stephan Heilemann

Symphonic metal unit Exit Eden, consisting of Clémentine Delauney (Visions of Atlantis), Anna Brunner (League of Distortion) and Marina La Torraca (Phantom Elite), have unveiled a stunning new music video for their shimmering cover version of French iconic pop artist Mylène Farmer’s 'Désenchantée'.

French-born Clémentine Delauney presents the track in her mother tongue – which marks the very first time ever doing so for a whole song. 'Désenchantée' is cut from the band’s second studio album, Femmes Fatales, and, together with the accompanying music video, lures the listener into the mysterious world of Mylène Farmer, showing a whole new exciting facet of Exit Eden.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/jiV917Ng6bo

Purchase the album here: https://lnk.to/EXITEDEN-FemmesFatales/napalmrecords

Clémentine Delauney on the song: “Reflecting upon the journey that shaped the woman I've become, I, Clementine, delved into the influences of my youth – the individuals and artists who ignited my inspiration. Among them, Mylène Farmer, a pop artist whose universe, thoughts, and messages I held in high regard during my teenage years. Her poetry, distinctiveness, and bittersweet perspective on life, with a touch of melancholy, left an indelible mark. I am convinced that her portrayal of despair and loneliness remains relevant to this day.

"In our video rendition of 'Désenchantée,' I aimed to pay homage to this iconic song and the unparalleled artist behind it. Seeking to evoke the essence of the 90s, the era of its inception, I imagined a way to connect it to the contemporary landscape of 2024 - a world where the evolution of our digital lives has heightened the sense of isolation.

"Releasing on Valentine's Day, this tribute is for anyone feeling lonely in our super-connected world.”

In addition to its six cover versions of famous cross-generational super-hits, Femmes Fatales is the trio’s first record featuring original songs, written by Anna Brunner and Hannes Braun (Kissin’ Dynamite), with one exception, 'Dying in my Dreams', co-written by Marina La Torraca. Exit Eden’s new masterpiece follows their debut, Rhapsodies in Black (#15 DE album charts), and millions of video views (12M on their cover of Bonnie Tyler’s 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart' alone). The album, in its entirety, marks an illustration of strength and female empowerment topped with symphonic heaviness. 

When Clémentine Delauney, Anna Brunner, Marina La Torraca and Amanda Somerville came together to form EXIT EDEN, topped by the release of their first album, Rhapsodies in Black, in summer 2017, it became immediately clear that this combination would be both powerful and magical. These four outstanding and independent female vocalists proved that symphonic heaviness can go hand in hand with pop music - dressing well-known classics in a yet unheard soundscape, and evoking more than just a covers album.

Now performing as a trio, EXIT EDEN's new full-length follows the path of its predecessor, as it contains six cover versions of famous cross-generational super-hits, but this time also shines by offering six original compositions. With one exception ('Dying in my Dreams', co-written by Marina La Torraca), the remaining five original songs were brought to life by Anna Brunner and Hannes Braun (Kissin’ Dynamite), who is also responsible for recording, production and mixing, whereas the album was mastered by Jacob Hansen (Delain, Amaranthe, Volbeat, Destruction and many more). 

Femmes Fatales will be available in the following formats:    
1-LP Gatefold MARBLED RED/BLACK – ltd. to 300 copies worldwide
1-LP Gatefold BLACK
1-CD 48pages Earbook – ltd. to 300 copies worldwide
1-CD 6p Digipak
Bundle 1-CDs DGS + Shirt
Digital Album

EXIT EDEN online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
X
NAPALM RECORDS

Femmes Fatales track list:
1    Femme Fatale
2    It's a Sin
3    Run! (feat. Marko Hietala)
4    Separate Ways
5    Buried in the Past
6    Désenchantée
7    Dying in my Dreams
8    Poison
9    Alone
10  Hold Back Your Fear
11  Kayleigh
12  Elysium