Photo Credit: Jack Armstrong

UK extreme metallers Abduction will release their highly anticipated new album, Existentialismus, on 21st February, 2025, via Candlelight. 

Following their explosive 2022 album, Black Blood, which showcased the band's fiercely expansive sound, Abduction are now poised to push their musical boundaries even further. With many bands currently paying homage to black metal’s glory years and just as many attempting to connect unrelated workings to that legacy, Abduction’s music manages to be both recognisably authentic and imbued with its own spirit. And never has this been truer than in the new album, Existentialismus.

Abduction have also just released their new single, 'A Legacy of Sores', which you can hear via this link: https://abduction.lnk.to/ALOS!

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/6MF2fJiCXZk 

Pre-order / listen to Existentialismus here: https://abduction.lnk.to/Existentialismus

“The most obvious expansion is in the voice,” considers vocalist and founder A|V. “I felt that vocally, I had more freedom to express the lyrics and messages with fewer genre leashes. Given the themes of pain, frustration, and fear involved, it made sense to convey that in its most natural state rather than performing to certain expectations. The vocals and lyrics are important to me, so I let them breathe and counterpoint the bands playing.” 

Having become one of the UK’s most visible black metal acts on the live circuit, bringing their ritualistic and immersive performances to audiences at club shows and festivals as Damnation, Bloodstock, Incineration, Fortress, Doomsday, Mass Destruction, Samhain, Reaperfest and Eradication, Existentialismus has been recorded, for the first time, as a full band. 

“It’s inspired by the juxtaposition of this horrible post-truth era with its contradictions and the simple, metaphorical truths that began in ancient religions of the crumbling past. Somewhere between a biblical gospel and a Nietzschean nightmare. As a father, there’s a particular terror in seeing all that our grandfathers built, physically and morally, being torn apart and reduced to a commodity and wondering what kind of world my son will inherit.”
 
“I am by no means a philosopher – I desperately lack the patience,” A|V admits. “But my observations of the modern Western humane race have become particularly bleak, and this informs my lyrical writing process. Art as a reaction to life and experience. This is laid out in the first track, ‘A Legacy of Sores’, which posits that most of us here, in the current year, have become an alarming pairing of being both too sensitive and yet without any core beliefs to stand on. (‘Wet skin now paper thin, reveals a core of dust’) I think this is a mixture of a post-religious society and the acceleration of technology to the point at which its claws are deeply in us. Have you tried to live without a smartphone recently?”

Existentialismus was recorded and produced by Ian Boult at Stuck On A Name Studios in Nottingham, while the final touches of post-production and mastering were handled by Tore Stjerna (Watain, Mayhem, Deströyer 666) at Necromorbus Studios in Sweden. The striking and immersive cover art is the work of Julia Soboleva.

Abduction are poised to bring bleakness and truth to audiences across the UK on their headline tour with Andracca. The dates are as follows: 

27 Oct: Ivory Blacks, Glasgow
28 Oct: Trillions, Newcastle
29 Oct: Zanzibar, Liverpool
30 Oct: Dust, Brighton
31 Oct: The Old Salutation Inn, Nottingham
2 Nov: Underground, Plymouth

Find out more:
Facebook || Instagram || Bandcamp || Spotify || Candlelight

Existentialismus track list

1. A Legacy of Sores
2. Pyramidia Liberi
3. Truth is as Sharp a Sword as Vengeance 
4. Blau ist die Farbe der Ewigkeit
5. Razors of Occam 
6. Vomiting at Baalbek

Today Finnish industrial metal titans TURMION KÄTILÖT release their brand new album Reset via Nuclear Blast Records. 

In celebration of the news, TURMION KÄTILÖT have unveiled their focus track 'Sinä 2.0'. The single, both sinister and euphoric, demonstrates perfectly what the band have to offer. 'Sinä 2.0' was created by Janne Tolsa (composition) and Saku (lyrics) with a feature from Petja’s daughter, Netta.

The band have also announced an extensive European tour for January 2025, where they will be taking their industrial party metal to the masses.

Composer Janne Tolsa comments about 'Sinä 2.0': "The song came together in a traditional way of browsing through a library of a million synth sounds. The music in the verses is done with a bit of a rap vibe, while the chorus builds up with a touch of dance music. Petja made great vocal arrangements for the A-parts in the style of evergreen schlager hits, which contrast nicely with Petja’s daughter Netta's wonderfully delicate singing."

MC Raaka Pee comments about Reset: "I would say that Reset is like a bastard son or daughter of previous records - with tasty new spices added to the whole thing. It has everything you could ever want from us and more. One of the special twist of this album is the vocal parts: the fierce screams are counterbalanced by a huge melodiousness - often at the same time."

Watch the video for 'Sinä 2.0' here: https://youtu.be/olUFq6desG4
Stream/Order Reset here: https://turmionkatilot.bfan.link/reset

About TURMION KÄTILÖT:

TURMION KÄTILÖT, the Finnish-singing industrial and electronic metal band hailing from the barren wastelands of Savo, are rapidly becoming a new favourite among open-minded metal fans in the mid-2020s. The odds of their rise to prominence are nothing short of great. Known for their ecstatic and theatrical concerts, TURMION KÄTILÖT invites you to dive into their twisted world of "disco metal." The current line-up features singers MC Raaka Pee and Shag-U, guitarist Bobby Undertaker, bassist Master Bates, keyboardist RunQ, and drummer DQ. Since the early 2000s, this vivid sextet has been delivering a unique blend of electrifying heavy music, characterised by its peculiar, perverted, and catchy style. Their journey includes numerous sold-out concerts, gold and platinum records, and Emma nominations (Finland's equivalent to the Grammys).
 
TURMION KÄTILÖT's depraved disco ball has also shone beyond Finland. Many fans remember their legendary European tour with PAIN in 2011. In the 2020s, their fame continued to grow, highlighted by their selection as the opening band for NIGHTWISH's sold-out European arena tour in 2022. Now, TURMION KÄTILÖT are ready to unveil their latest creation: Reset. Founding member and main songwriter MC Raaka Pee explains, "Reset is simply the perfect name for our new studio album. For us, Reset is more about taking advantage of everything we've learned over two decades and then adding new nuances to our metallic disco vortex." With twenty years and ten studio albums behind them, TURMION KÄTILÖT continue to push their boundaries. "We have relentlessly raised our own bar with every record," says the band. "Reset is our best album to date, and we simply couldn't be more satisfied."
 
Reset features all the hallmarks of TURMION KÄTILÖT: twisted synths, underfoot grooves, pounding beats, and cryptic lyrics, all with a stronger musical vision than ever before. The album is described as a "bastard child" of their previous records, with new spices added. The vocal parts, a mix of fierce screams and melodiousness, add a special twist.
 
"We have gained more courage to explore drastic musical and lyrical angles," the band state. "Sometimes the lyrics and the musical mood seem to come from completely different worlds, but that's exactly what makes the whole thing fascinating. That's what TURMION KÄTILÖT is all about!"

Key tracks from the album include the singles 'Yksi jumalista', 'Pulssi', and 'Sinä 2.0', though the band emphasises that the entire album is a varied entity. "If we had to decide now which new songs to perform at future shows, we would play the whole new album!"
 
The production of Reset benefits from the powerful sound engineered by keyboardist and producer RunQ in his brand-new studio. The album's sound palette ranges from completely organic to entirely electronic, creating a hugely powerful combination. Reset also offers an interesting opportunity to compare old and new TURMION KÄTILÖT with the song 'Schlachter,' a new German version of their classic 'Teurastaja.' Originally released on their debut album, this updated version features new arrangements and lyrics. While the band remains committed to singing in Finnish, they remain open to future possibilities. "In the future, we can sing in English, German, Swedish, or we may invent our own language. Let's see." MC Raaka Pee concludes with a confident smile, "Trust us, we know what we are doing. For this band, it took twenty years, but we finally know what we are doing. Now we are just going to enjoy the ride. So, if someone is interested in a wild ride on the twisted side, please reset and jump in!"

For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/turmionkatilot
https://www.instagram.com/turmion_katilot_official
https://x.com/turmion_katilot
https://turmionkatilot.com

Reset tracklisting:

1. Yksi Jumalista
2. Päästä Irti
3. Pulssi
4. Sinä 2.0
5. Musta Piste
6. Trauma
7. Otava
8. Se Mitä Et Näe
9. Kerran Kuollut
10. Puuttuva Naula
11. Schlachter
12. Reset 7 (not to be continued)

Photo Credit: Dominique D’ Costa

Upholding an uncompromising vision with clear intention, Great American Ghost know exactly what they want to say about their community, the greater world around them, and humanity as a species.

Today the band announce Tragedy Of The Commons, their fourth full-length offering and SharpTone Records debut, set for release 31st January 2025.

Great American Ghost have also unveiled the new single 'Lost In The Outline', which you can hear via this link: https://bfan.link/lost-in-the-outline

Watch the stunning video here: https://youtu.be/7-4gAejA5ww

Pre-order Tragedy Of The Commons here: https://bfan.link/tragedy-of-the-commons

On the Will Putney produced record, Great American Ghost transmit their message without filter delivered through a combination of basement-born hardcore spirit, staggering metallic precision, polemic lyrical provocations, and unexpectedly arresting melodies.

Set on examining our basest instincts as a society, vocalist Ethan Harrison expands: “We are a political band, and we always have been. We integrate ‘extreme views’ into what we do, which is ‘extreme music’. Rather than write another generally political album, we tried to play into broader themes of hopelessness. Normal people are losing control on a constant basis. Tragedy Of The Commons is a statement about exploitation. If two people share finite resources, one person will eventually exploit those resources and hurt the other person. Citizens don’t have enough money to eat and live in this country, but our government is spending billions on funding other armies around the world that are being used to kill other poor people. Tragedy Of The Commons boils down to this fundamental exploitation of the less fortunate.”

Great American Ghost set the stage for the arrival of Tragedy Of The Commons with singles 'Hymn of Decay' and 'Forsaken', and now share 'Lost In The Outline.' Not for the faint of heart, this song clocks in at over 4 pummelling minutes with an arrangement that commands attention the entire time. Harrison’s vocals spiral into a hellish cacophony of anguished screams with moments of melodic clarity, equal parts complex and cathartic. The official video for “Lost In The Outline” is visually stunning, set against a sci-fi backdrop addressing the feeling of being trapped.

“As a human, you’re often just a rat on a wheel,” guitarist Grayson Stewart observes. “You’re moving forward in your perspective, but you’re never actually accomplishing anything. ‘Lost In The Outline’ gets into the lies you’re told when you’re young. You come to this realization that you have no agency over what happens to you or what you do. You’re a cog in the machine.”

Great American Ghost are:

Ethan Harrison - vocals
Grayson Stewart - guitar
Anthony Laur - bass
Niko Gasparrini - guitar

For more information: 
https://www.instagram.com/greatamericanghost
https://x.com/GAGBOSTON
https://www.facebook.com/GreatAmericanGhost

Tragedy Of The Commons Tracklist:

1. Kerosene
2. Echoes of War
3. Lost In The Outline
4. Forsaken
5. Ghost In Flesh
6. Writhe
7. Genocide
8. Hymn of Decay
9. Chapel Paralysis
10. Reality//Relapse
11. God Is A Loaded Gun

Genre defying sisters ALT BLK ERA are turning heads and expanding their reach. In celebration of their highly anticipated debut album, Rave Immortal, the band are hitting the road with special live performances at record stores nationwide during release week. Don’t miss your chance to experience their sound up close. 

Dates: 
Jan 24: Bristol, Rough Trade
Jan 25: Nottingham, Saltbox
Jan 27: Liverpool, Rough Trade
Jan 28: Oxford, Truck
Jan 29: Brighton, Resident
Jan 30: Kingston, Pryzm 

Limited tickets are available for each performance —don’t miss your chance. Secure your spot now at linktr.ee/altblkera.instore

The band recently dropped their electrifying new single, 'Come On Outside,' the third release from forthcoming debut album, Rave Immortal. Mark your calendars for 24th January, when it hits shelves via Earache Records—this is one you won’t want to miss.

Watch the video for 'Come On Outside' here : https://youtu.be/UwhBbTHhxjI

Pre-order Rave Immortal here: earache.com/altblkera

This emotive rock song is about the care, love and support that Nyrobi received from her younger sister Chaya, which gave her the strength to battle through the emotional and chronic physical pain that she felt.

Nyrobi comments: "We want 'Come On Outside' to be a source of comfort and strength for anyone who feels hurt, lost or alone.  We want our listeners to feel that they have a sister in us, who is offering them the exact same warmth, love and gentle encouragement that I got from Chaya, when I was at my most vulnerable."

Within just a year ALT BLK ERA have established themselves as one of the most unique and exciting new alternative acts today, winning over audiences at major festivals including Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds, and opening for artists such as Tom Morello, Lord Of The Lost and many more. Their highly acclaimed debut EP Freak Show accelerated their meteoric rise, earning them nominations in both the 2024 MOBO and Heavy Music Awards. The album announcement comes after their triumphant set at Download Festival, where Metal Hammer magazine described them as one the bands that defined this year’s event.

As two alternative people who understand living life outside of the edge of social norms, ALT BLK ERA have created a wonderful safe space and a community for alts and their allies. This ethos has earned them a loyal and diverse following, who see no barriers and boundaries musically and socially. 

This safe space has allowed the girls to open up even more on Rave Immortal, which among its themes around diversity and inclusion, centres around Nyrobi coming to terms with a disabling illness, and the support she received from Chaya. From pain and struggle to newfound strength and unconditional love, this is a story that will resonate with anyone who has faced barriers, and is an inspiration overcome them and to be yourself no matter what.

On Rave Immortal, Nyrobi comments: "You might not notice on a first listen that this album is about my hidden disability that is a result of chronic illness that took hold during my teens and left me bed-ridden for years. I take the listener through the shadows and share the pain of abandonment I felt, and the solace that I found in my younger sister's unwavering support.

"This part of the album is so painful for me and at the same time it feels beautiful because it shows my sister by my side, every step of the way; through each emotion and every story. I wouldn’t have been brave enough to share this part of me without Chaya and the track 'Come On Outside' is a beautiful reflection of her.

"But we don’t stop there! The album then captures the defiant energy that grew within us, as I became more able. The songs show us crashing through the imposed barriers and boldly claiming spaces that we were once excluded from. As the songs transition into a dreamscape, they delve into the exploration of relationships; the clash of personalities when fitting into a new friendship group and the dangerous mind of an infatuated person who is scarred by illness and years of isolation.

The rebellion then builds as we begin to host wild celebrations, fiercely defending our joy after so many years of imposed restriction. The final tracks turn the tide, transforming our pursuit of freedom into an exhilarating hunt, where those who once stifled our spirit are drawn into our eternal dance of liberation, freeing them from all worldly constraints."

Chaya continues: "This album starts as a deeply personal story of the physical and emotional pain that my sister went through when she first became ill. I was about twelve at that time. It was during the pandemic so it was a time of worry and isolation for me also but as Nyrobi slowly became more able to communicate, we spent every minute that she was awake together. I would sit in her room and contribute to her creations whilst she wrote song after song after song. From my more introverted perspective, the calmer songs reflect my nature, so 'Straight To Heart', 'Come On Outside' and 'Run Rabbit'. However,  I’ll ride-or-die for my big sis, so when it’s time to be defiant or to be rebellious, or when it’s time to scream, I’m right there too. This is what the album is about for me - our bond, that also respects who we are as individuals."
 
ALT BLK ERA are:
Nyrobi - vocals
Chaya - vocals

ALT BLK ERA online:
Instagram || TikTok

Rave Immortal tracklist: 

01. Straight To Heart
02. Come On Outside
03. Crashing Parties
04. My Drummer’s Girlfriend
05. Hunt You Down
06. Upstairs Neighbours
07. Come Fight Me For It
08. Run Rabbit
09. Catch Me If You Can
10. Rave Immortal 

Photo Credit: Lina Glasir

Modern progressive leaders JINJER have announced their powerful, long-awaited fifth studio album, Duél, set to be released on 7th February, 2025 via Napalm Records. Technical grooves and heavy progressive passages, brutally clear vocals and skillful growls by matchless vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk have garnered the Ukrainian outfit millions of cross-platform streams and views worldwide, as well as revered renown with fans and critics alike. JINJER have traversed glorious paths of tireless touring and extremely successful album releases, including their most recent chart-topping studio album, 2021’s Wallflowers. Duél showcases the band at the very top of their game and marks yet another matchless milestone in the world of modern metal. 

After releasing their breathtaking single and video 'Someone's Daughter', followed by the heavy-hitting single 'Rogue' earlier this year, JINJER now unleash another untamed beast with their new track 'Kafka'. Dominated by Tatiana’s remarkably clear vocals, 'Kafka' is a heavy and slow tamper, digging deep under one's skin just to break right through with venomous growls in the end.

Watch the video for 'Kafka' here: https://youtu.be/tRbpT5dGOmQ

Pre-order Duél here: https://lnk.to/Jinjer-Duel

Tatiana Shmayluk on 'Kafka': “Being an artist is sometimes beautiful but most of the time it’s brutal… as our art is dissected word for word and ripped apart note by note, we‘re expected to be on point all-the-time … and when we aren’t, we are scandalised. A true artist is vulnerable but the crowd is most often plagued with vultures who pick at every single move you make. It’s a slippery slope when music means the world to us but how quickly praise turns into prosecution… We are all Kings and Queens for a day but most of the time it feels like a Kafka novel for a lifetime. It‘s exciting but surreal and absurd at the same time …”

While JINJER’s previous album, Wallflowers, was slightly more alluring and contained noticeably more clean vocals, Duél now takes on a much more aggressive tone. This is proven by songs like 'Rogue', 'Green Serpent' and 'Dark Bile', with their brutal and hefty breakdowns. Fans of super-talented vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk’s clear vocals also get their moments, as tracks such as the opener 'Tantrum' show the potential of the frontwoman’s outstanding vocal prowess. Duél presents itself way more cruelly – and JINJER are more vicious than ever before. 'Fast Draw' is a wild death metal beast with grooving drums from Vlad Ulasevich, Roman Ibramkhalilov’s one-of-a-kind riffs and Eugene Abdukhanov’s trademark bass wizardry – showing what this band does best: brilliant state-of the-art modern metal.
 
On Duél, JINJER continue their long-lasting collaboration with accomplished producer Max Morton, who co-produced, mixed and mastered the album. This new masterwork lives up to JINJER’s reputation as metal visionaries, once more showing that the band refuses to follow any set rules in their genre, but choose their own path of creativity.
 
Eugene Abdukhanov, JINJER bassist on the new album: “First of all, it‘s hard to believe that we’re about to release our fifth full length album! After all the releases we’ve made, finally having Duél in our hands and ready to be shared with the world, makes us very proud that our band still hasn’t run out of creativity and inspiration. The fact that we still challenge ourselves to release the best music we have ever made with each new release, is what keeps JINJER moving forward.

"This upcoming album was the longest songwriting process we’ve ever had and it took almost two years to complete. We worked very hard with every free minute we weren’t on tour, recording demos over and over again and always searching for the perfect sound for guitars, bass and drums. It was also the first time that Tatiana did vocal pre-productions, so it’s safe to say that none of our releases were so well thought out and calculated as this one. It pulverises the boundaries of the modern progressive metal genre but still remains sophisticated, exciting and extreme all at the same time. We took up the challenge to expand our musical horizons even wider than before in order to cement Duél to be the next step in JINJER‘s musical growth and hopefully the evolution of metal music in general.”

Over the past 15 years, JINJER have attained remarkable milestones, touring globally and captivating millions at prestigious festivals like Wacken Open Air and Download UK. They’ve headlined sold-out shows across Europe and North America, and have thrilled audiences in destinations like Dubai, Philippines, Türkiye, Japan and South Africa. As they continue their journey this year, JINJER is set to make a major impact on the music scene. Having previously shared stages with the likes of Arch Enemy and Cradle Of Filth, they are ready to kick off as support on Sepultura’s farewell tour in Europe, and conclude their tour with a headline run through Latin America.

JINJER LIVE 2024 / 2025
 
Celebrating Life Through Death – European Farewell Tour 2024 
JINJER as special guest for Sepultura
w/ Obituary & Jesus Piece

30.10.24 FR – Paris / Zenith Paris
31.10.24 DE – Offenbach am Main / Stadthalle
01.11.24 DE – Hamburg / Inselpark Arena – SOLD OUT
02.11.24 DE – Cologne / Palladium – SOLD OUT
03.11.24 NL - S-Hertogenbosch / Sepulfest
05.11.24 BE – Brussels / AB Box – SOLD OUT
06.11.24 LU – Esch-Sur-Alzette / Rockhal
08.11.24 UK – Manchester / Manchester Academy – SOLD OUT
09.11.24 IE – Dublin / Olympia Theatre – SOLD OUT
10.11.24 IE – Belfast / The Telegraph Building – SOLD OUT
11.11.24 UK – Glasgow / Barrowland – SOLD OUT
12.11.24 UK – London / Hammersmith Apollo
14.11.24 CH – Zurich / The Hall
15.11.24 DE – Ludwigsburg / MHP Arena
16.11.24 DE – Munich / Zenith
17.11.24 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra Red Stage
19.11.24 DE – Leipzig / Haus Auensee
20.11.24 AT – Vienna / Gasometer
21.11.24 PL – Katowice / Spodek
22.11.24 DE – Berlin / Columbiahalle – SOLD OUT
23.11.24 CZ – Prague / O2 Universum – SOLD OUT
24.11.24 CZ – Prague / O2 Universum
 
Latin America Tour 2024
+ special guests: HEAVEN SHALL BURN 

30.11.24 BR – Porto Alegre / Opiniao
01.12.24 BR – Curitiba / Tork and Roll
03.12.24 BR – Belo Horizonte / Mister Rock
05.12.24 BR – Brasilia / Toinha
07.12.24 BR – Rio De Janeiro / Circo Voador
08.12.24 BR - Sao Paulo / Terra SP
10.12.24 AR – Buenes Aires / Teatro Flores
12.12.24 CL – Santiago / Teatro Caupolican
14.12.24 CO – Bogota / Calle 13
15.12.24 CR – San Jose / Pepper's Club
18.12.24 MX – Guadalajara / C4 *
19.12.24 MX – San Luis Potosí / Centro de las Artes *
20.12.24 MX – Mexico City / Circo Volador * 
*no Heaven Shall Burn
 
Tourdates 2025:
19.-25.01.25 US – Miami, FL / Shiprocked
12.02.25 JP – Tokyo / ReNY Alpha
13.02.25 JP – Osaka / Meta Valley
14.02.25 JP – Aichi / ReNY Limited
16.02.25 TW – Taipei / Legacy
18.02.25 PH – Manila / SM Sky Dome
21.02.25 AU – Brisbane / Fortitude Music Hall
23.02.25 AU – Sydney / Hordern Pavilion **
25.02.25 AU – Melbourne / Festival Hall **
26.02.25 AU – Adelaide / Hindley St Music Hall **
28.02.25 AU – Perth / Metro Freo **
02.03.25 NZ – Wellington / San Frap
03.03.25 NZ – Auckland / Powerstation
** plus support: KITTIE
 
Festivals 2025
06.-08.06.25 DE – Nuerburg / Rock am Ring
06.-08.06.25 DE – Nuremberg / Rock im Park
25-28.06.25 NO – Oslo / Tons Of Rock
… to be continued …

JINJER are:

Tatiana Shmayluk - Vocals
Roman Ibramkhalilov - Guitars
Eugene Abdukhanov - Bass
Vlad Ulasevich - Drums

JINJER online:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
INSTAGRAM
HOMEPAGE
NAPALM RECORDS

Duél tracklisting:

1. Tantrum
2. Hedonist
3. Rogue
4. Tumbleweed
5. Green Serpent
6. Kafka
7. Dark Bile
8. Fast Draw
9. Someone's Daughter
10. A Tongue So Sly
11. Duél

Duél will be available in the following formats:

●      1LP Gatefold LIQUID BLOOD RED Vinyl incl 29x29cm artprint, certificate of authenticity – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
●      1LP Gatefold CRISTALLO RED SPLATTER Vinyl – strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
●      1LP Gatefold WHITE BLACK MARBLED Vinyl – strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
●      1LP Gatefold SOLID RED Vinyl – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
●      1LP Gatefold SOLID RED BLACK SPLATTER Vinyl – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Jinjer Shop exclusive
●      1LP Gatefold CARTRIDGE GREY Vinyl – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Jinjer Shop exclusive 
●      1LP Gatefold BLACK Vinyl
●      Music Cassette RED (White Print) – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive
●      1CD Jewel Case
●      Digital Album

[1LP Gatefold LIQUID BLOOD RED Vinyl incl 29x29cm artprint, certificate of authenticity – strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive]

Photo Credit: Ville Juurikkala

Finland’s celebrated Von Hertzen Brothers have unveiled 'The Relapse' along with an uplifting music video. This is the third single from their highly anticipated ninth studio album, In Murmuration, due for release this Friday 25th October. 

Watch the video for 'The Relapse' here: https://youtu.be/GNsMb2v8_rI

Stream 'The Relapse' here: https://vonhertzenbrothers.ffm.to/oweyqjr.OPR

Pre-order In Murmuration here: https://linktr.ee/VonHertzenBrothers

Guitarist Kie von Hertzen comments on 'The Relapse': "When we began thinking about the overall approach for this album, we wanted to write songs that were simple in structure (for a change), punchy in performance, and rocky enough to have fun with on stage. 'The Relapse' was the first song to come from that mindset. To us, it’s a mix of AC/DC, Queens of the Stone Age, Phil Collins, and maybe a bit of U2. All of this is of course served to you with familiar von Hertzen-ian seasoning and a bit of Krautrock sprinkled on top.”

Guitarist/vocalist Mikko continues: “I’ve been waiting to get this song out so badly it has hurt. It’s so much fun to dive back into the pool of riff rock and just let it all out. Don’t get me wrong, the proggier VHB is essentially THE driving force behind everything we do, but to have a new banger like this to play live feels fresh and fun. I wanna see those hands up in the air!”

New album In Murmuration follows the profound and epic journey of their acclaimed, pandemic-era masterpiece Red Alert in the Blue Forest (2022).

In Murmuration will be released on Von Hertzen Brothers’ own label, DoingBeingMusic, on limited-edition crystal-clear vinyl gatefold LP, CD and digital. Merch bundles will be available from the band’s website. Pre-orders are available now.

Von Hertzen Brothers will play album launch shows in Finland and the UK at the end of 2024 before returning to the UK, Europe and the US, including Cruise to the Edge in spring 2025.  

Confirmed dates are as follows:
Nov 09: Helsink (FI) Tavastia (album release show)
Nov 16: Tampere (FI) Olympia (album release show)
Nov 28: Troon (UK) Winter Storm Festival 
Nov 29: Buckley (UK) The Tivoli 
Nov 30: Trecco (UK) Bay Planet Rockstock 
Dec 02: London (UK) The Garage 

In true Von Hertzen Brothers style, In Murmuration creatively juxtaposes the band’s previous release. Whilst their imaginative, multi-genre hard rock and harmonies remain, the band’s artistic pendulum has swung more towards an air of optimism and renewal. The result is a work filled with big choruses, stadium rock anthems, art-rock with 90s vibes and catchy power-pop.

Whilst the themes within the album may not be as deliberately opinionated as on previous releases Red Alert in the Blue Forest and War is Over, there is a naturally occurring sense of constant change throughout. Precise and intriguing observations on the global political landscape, the tricky human relationships of this age, resilience and personal growth all provide lyrical subject matter. The first half of the album embodies a transformation of mood, bringing forth some positivity and love, and the second half journeys through challenging relationships, a literal call for change, separation, loss, longing and a final resolution.

Vocalist/guitarist Mikko von Hertzen says: “The shapes and the overall tone of the musical content on this album could be a bit surprising to some of our newer followers, but not to those who have been listening to us from the beginning. Musically speaking, we have proudly carried the cloaks of ‘prog-wizards’ for the last two albums, but what has not been so widely discussed lately is our ability to write good pop choruses and great catchy rock anthems with good vibes. We felt like it was now time to bring forth that side of us once again. The lyrical themes still deal with the everyday struggles of being humans in this f*cked up world, it’s a source that keeps on giving, but we wanted to step out of the forest and into the sunlight to mingle, discuss and celebrate. We live in an age of constant change where everyone is trying to find a secure footing in life, sometimes full of joy and sometimes filled with utter disappointment. Amid all that, the trick is to stay alert and lean to one another. Like starlings in murmuration. After the pandemic, and now as the world has once again opened, we have somehow felt lighter in our everyday lives. We acknowledge the contradiction of course, since the world with its horrors hasn’t changed much… It would have been easy to drown in those doomsday moods, but writing these songs we felt the need to tackle these problems from a more forgiving and positive standpoint.” 

From the anthemic opener to the reflective closer, In Murmuration ebbs and flows much like the starlings after which it is named.

The instrumentation on this album has also evolved. The three brothers Mikko, Kie and Jonne, with drummer Sami Kuoppamäki, are joined by multi-instrumentalist Markus Pajakkala, who performed with the brothers on their acoustic tour in 2023. Notable for his saxophone solo on 2022's 'Peace Patrol', Markus brings a new dynamic to the album. Guests on the album include a gospel ensemble and the Budapest Art Orchestra.

Now in their 23rd year, Von Hertzen Brothers have consistently delivered music on their own terms and In Murmuration is no exception. This is their third self-produced album, the others being the award-winning Approach (2006) and War is Over (2017).

Von Hertzen Brothers are:
Mikko von Hertzen - vocals, guitars
Kie von Hertzen -  guitars, vocals
Jonne von Hertzen - bass, keyboards, vocals
Sami Kuoppamäki - drums
Markus Pajakkala - keyboards, woodwind

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

Tracklist:

1. The Relapse
2. A Good Life  
3. Starlings       
4. Ascension Day          
5. Beneath the Silver Stars
6. Tightrope Walker
7. The Change
8. Separation
9. Snowstorm
10. Wait for Me

Hard rockers Marisa And The Moths release their new video for 'Gaslight', taken from their second album What Doesn't Kill You.

Watch the video here [premiering at 5pm BST]: https://youtu.be/tMiGEqqf4q4

'Gaslight' comes ahead of Marisa And The Moths' UK tour, starting Friday.
[For press passes to review, interview the band, shoot the show, contact matt@holdtight.co]

Dates as follows: 

Leicester, The Musician - Fri 25.10
Huddersfield, The Parish - Sat 26.10
Blackpool, The Waterloo - Sun 27.10
Middlesbrough, The Crypt @ The Town Hall - Wed 30.10
Glasgow, Stereo - Thu 31.10
Hull, The New Aldelphi- Fri 01.11
Portsmouth, Moonshine - Thu 07.11
Birmingham, 02 Institute 3 - Fri 08.11
Brighton, The Arch - Sun 10.11
Guildford, Holryd Arms - Thu 14.11
Bristol, Thekla - Thu 21.11
Reading, Facebar - Fri 22.11
Sheffield, Yellow Arch Studios - Sat 23.11
Swindon, The Victoria - Thu 28.11
Norwich, Waterfront Studio - Sat 30.11
Colchester, Three Wise Monkeys - Sun 01.12

Tickets available from: https://www.marisaandthemoths.com/tour

'Gaslight' is a raw and powerful heavy rock anthem that confronts the shadows of mental abuse and reclaiming one’s self-worth.

Drawing from personal experiences, the song delves into the tumultuous journey of navigating a relationship marked by gaslighting and manipulation.

“My ex distorted my reality for so long that I lost my sense of self. I stopped trusting intuition and felt so disconnected from everything,” says Marisa Rodriguez, lead vocalist. "But this song is about the strength I found, and the mental clarity I regained coming out of that struggle.”

The accompanying music video showcases the song's theme through innovative effects that symbolise the warping of reality often experienced in such relationships, combined with an energetic, fiery performance, that emphasises resilience and empowerment, reflecting Marisa and the band's journey through adversity.

“Whilst there were “warp-like” effects used on the shots, the simplicity of the video was purposeful. I felt like I had to change who I was in the relationship I was in in order to be loved. Now I know that all I ever had to do was to be myself, and just NOT with that person! So no more hiding behind facades. I’m reclaiming my narrative. I hope that anyone else that has dealt with similar traumatic relationships finds power in hearing this song,” Marisa adds.

'Gaslight' captures the raw energy and anger that Marisa channels during their live performances, promising an experience that resonates deeply with anyone who has faced similar struggles. The single is featured on their recently released second album, What Doesn’t Kill You, which charted at No.1 in the Official UK Rock & Metal Charts on its week of release. 

Purchase the album here: https://marisaandthemoths.myshopify.com

Since the release of their self-titled debut in 2019, the band have gone from strength to strength, culminating in their second album What Doesn’t Kill You, released May 2024, reaching No. 1 in the Official UK Rock and Metal Charts.

Their latest album has been described by fans as a deep therapy session you want to sing along with at the top of your lungs. Both albums have received rave reviews from press outlets including Classic Rock, Metal Hammer, and Kerrang!, and radio plays from mainstream shows such as BBC Introducing Rock on Radio 1, BBC Radio 2's Rock Show, Kerrang! Fresh Blood, Planet Rock, Total Rock, and Primordial Radio.

Marisa And The Moths have also recently recorded a live session consisting of songs from both albums at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, which will be released later in 2025.

Marisa also features on Sophie Lloyd's new album, Imposter Syndrome. The album was nominated for best Breakthrough Album at the Heavy Music Awards, 2024. Their collaboration single 'Won't You Come' dropped in November 2023, alongside singles with Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Chris Robertson (Black Stone Cherry), Matt Heafy (Trivium), and Michael Starr (Steel Panther).

With previous headline tours under their belt, support slots for artists like Kris Barras Band, Von Hertzen Brothers, Those Damn Crows, As December Falls, and Elvana, as well as appearances at festivals like 2000trees, Planet Rockstock, and Primordial Radio's General Mayhem, Marisa And The Moths are ready to take the rock world by storm and redefine the genre with their electrifying performances.

Marisa And The Moths will also be performing at Planet Rock Winters End, Call Of The Wild, Wildfire, and Firevolt Festival in 2025.

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Johan Baath

Swedish kings of honest and unadorned heavy metal, GRAND MAGUS, are proud to unleash their 10th studio album, Sunraven, on the world today (Nuclear Blast Records).

In celebration, the trio have released a music video for its powerful title track, 'Sunraven', which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/_LCkYX8foTY

Purchase or listen to Sunraven here: https://grandmagus.bfan.link/sunraven.ema

Sunraven is a concept album dealing with the legendary poem Beowulf, an ancient tale of epic proportions about heroes and monsters, honor and bravery, victory and defeat. In short, themes that have always played an important role in the lyrical concept of GRAND MAGUS.

Sunraven takes the band’s music to a new level of cinematic boldness and heroic abandon, with numerous new anthems that the faithful are destined to embrace with enthusiasm. Still flying the flag for purity of intent in a cynical world, GRAND MAGUS are weather-beaten veterans on the hard road to heavy metal glory. Dragons beware. Judgement is coming.

Not every band can be 100 percent authentic and true. Not every band has the necessary cojones to summon the spirit of heavy metal. But Grand Magus are not every band. A trio of windswept warriors, driven by belief in the power of this ageless music that so many of us consider a real world lifeline, they return in 2024 with glad tidings of heroism and valour.
 
Over the course of 25 years, the Swedish trio have established themselves as stoic standard bearers for heavy metal in its purest, most triumphant form. From their early years as honorary combatants in the doom scene, Grand Magus have grown in confidence and stature with every passing year. Initially signed to legendary UK imprint Rise Above Records, they released acclaimed albums like 2003’s Monument and 2005’s fiery breakthrough opus Wolf’s Return, and garnered effusive plaudits for live shows that always resounded with the thump of metal’s beating heart.
 
Later signed to Roadrunner and then Nuclear Blast Records, Grand Magus have marched on through the decades with their now trademark sign, a continual benchmark for red-blooded heaviness. Bulging with fresh anthems, albums like Triumph & Power (2014) and Sword Songs (2016) took the band to new heights, as their status as a thunderous, rabble-rousing live band continued to grow. In 2019, ninth studio album Wolf God put the seal on a second decade of active service, and Grand Magus set off on tour as 2020 dawned; only to be confronted with a worldwide Covid shutdown that might have even spelled the end for Stockholm’s finest.

When work finally began on the tenth Grand Magus album, JB made tentative steps towards something bigger and better than past achievements. With a final deadline waiting at the end of 2023, he began to piece together some ideas in January, slowly forming the backbone of what would become the new Grand Magus album, Sunraven. After reconvening with bassist Fox and drummer Ludwig Witt in Halmstad, Sweden, the new songs swiftly came to life.

Not just the tenth Grand Magus full-length, but their first bona fide concept album, Sunraven is a full-bore return to the heavy metal might of Wolf God and Sword Songs, but with an underlying story that adds greater depth to the Swedes’ earthy bombast. Made manifest via a gritty but grandiose production courtesy of the band and co-producer Staffan Karlsson, Sunraven was inspired by the revered Old English epic poem of Beowulf. In true heavy metal style, these nine new songs dive deep into heroic fantasy, but with the same real world resonances that are scorched into the genre’s calloused skin.

Grand Magus are:
Janne "JB" Christoffersson – guitars, lead vocals 
Mats "Fox" Skinner – bass, backing vocals
Ludwig "Ludde" Witt – drums 

Grand Magus online:
https://www.facebook.com/grandmagusofficial
https://www.instagram.com/grandmagusband
https://www.grandmagus.com

TRACKLISTING:
1.     Skybound
2.     The Wheel of Pain
3.     Sunraven
4.     Winter Storms
5.     The Black Lake
6.     Hour of the Wolf
7.     Grendel
8.     To Heorot
9.     The End Belongs to You

Photo Credit: Ki Price

Rock trio MUDSHARK have released a video for their new single 'CLOSE YOUR EYES'. The track is another glimpse into their upcoming EP BEWARE OF THE GERMAN SHEPHERD, due for release on 22nd November.

Check out the video for 'CLOSE YOUR EYES' here: https://youtu.be/9I8_bnowLsY

Stream 'CLOSE YOUR EYES' here: https://linktr.ee/MUDSHARK
.
The band comment: 

"'CLOSE YOUR EYES' is another track thatHagen(guitar) wrote at the age of 14. As always, the song would only come to life years later withSTR▲NGR's (vocals) words and vocal melodies. The riffing is heavily inspired byLamb of God's signature triplet grooves from masterpieces 'Ashes of the Wake' and 'Sacrament', the chorus and chords wouldn't be the same without the first twoLinkin Parkalbums. The lyrics are partly inspired by the events and controversy ofWoodstock '99. As for most of our lyrics though, they draw their main inspiration fromSTR▲NGR's subconscious. What do you think the song is about? Make up your own mind and sing the words to this song at our shows. If you don’t know the words, sing the chorus. If you don’t know the chorus, sing the riff. If you don’t know the riff, listen to the song."

MUDSHARK are a three-piece rock band from London, UK. Formed at Download Festival 2019, MUDSHARK blends filthy, heavy riffs with soaring, soulful melodies. The name is not only reminiscent of their experience of Download, but further stands as a metaphor for MUDSHARK's musical mission.

The band consists of A. STR▲NGR, Hagen Brüggemann and Sebastian Richards. In August 2022, MUDSHARK recorded their debut EP ZLV at The Ranch Production House in Southampton, UK. Engineered and mixed by Neil Kennedy (Boston Manor, Creeper, Press To MECO) and mastered in the USA by Gene "Machine" Freeman (Lamb of God, Clutch, Every Time I Die). ZLV was released worldwide on 23rd June 2023.

MUDSHARK were back in the studio in September and October 2023, to record their second EP BEWARE OF THE GERMAN SHEPHERD, working with Forrester Savell (Karnivool, TesseracT, Earthside) as producer, mixing and mastering engineer. The EP is due for release on 22nd November 2024 with three advance singles, 'SHATTER SOME', 'CLOSE YOUR EYES' and 'BEAUTIFUL'. 

MUDSHARK are:

A. STR▲NGR (vocals)
Hagen Brüggemann (guitar)
Sebastian Richards (bass)

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