BEAST IN BLACK, the Helsinki, Finland-based metal group led by former BATTLE BEAST guitarist Anton Kabanen, released its third album, "Dark Connection", last Friday (October 29). The official music video for the LP's third single, "Hardcore", can be seen below.
"Enter cyberpunk. Flying cars, sprawling metropolis, valleys of neon lights, emotionless killers, gynoids, femmes fatales, shadowy characters, lethal lust, forbidden passion, love larger than life, space travel, melodic and atmospheric heavy metal with an insanely catchy twist... All this and much more is what "Dark Connection" holds within.
The captivating album artwork was once again done by Roman Ismailov.
Line-up:
Yannis Papadopoulos | vocals
Anton Kabanen | guitars
Kasperi Heikkinen | guitars
Mate Molnar | bass
Atte Palokangas | drums
Today's tune "Hardcore" is taken from the new album "Dark Connection", enjoy!
The German power metal band HELLOWEEN has now dropped their latest single "Skyfall", written by Kai Hansen. A tune that is a storming more than a 7-minute ride into the HELLOWEEN universe (and beyond!) The epic track describes an alien landing on earth and a dramatic chase while Michael Kiske, Andi Deris, and Kai Hansen duel each other in a breathtaking manner and create a vocal broadband adventure. Produced by Martin Häusler, it is the most elaborate video clip in the history of the band.
The single "Skyfall", see it below is taken from the upcoming self-titled album "Helloween“which will be released June 18th, 2021.
This is the start of a new time calculation:
Forget HELLOWEEN – Here comes HELLOWEEN
The sensation was perfect – Helloween, who has sold more than 10 million records worldwide, being one of the most respected German metal bands since 1984, announced their PUMPKINS UNITED WORLD TOUR in 2016. The media was raving about the TOUR OF THE YEAR, playing 69 shows in 32 countries all over the world. More than one million fans on three continents were ecstatic because it was not only a reunion of the original band, it was the summit of seven ultimate HELLOWEEN heroes: Andi Deris, Michael Kiske, Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, Markus Grosskopf, Sascha Gerstner & Dani Löble. Or to put it simply: it was a dream come true for fans around the world, the band received five times more spectators and all of them had only one wish:
The very first release of the new era is justified to so to do – worthy the occasion: not only a simple album, curated and treasured with love and affection, different formats will be available – especially for all collectors and super fans: Premium CD as a digipak and 12“Gatefold vinyl in various styles like shape-LP and picture disc – black or in combinations orange/transparent, orange/black, green/black marbled, orange/black splatter and red/black splatter (also available digitally).
"Skyfall" will be released in two versions: A-side with the 7-minute single edit and the B-side explodes with a 12-minute alternative version of the album track with a new mix and a different singer allocation. Available only on this very single. The second edition will offer „Indestructible“ as their B-side, another precursor from the album and limited availability with a premium package format.
The base of the upcoming milestone album was already erected in the studio: using the original Ingo Schwichtenberg drum kit, the recording was done with the same modulators at the Hamburg HOME studios where back then »Master of The Rings«, »Time of the Oath« and »Better than Raw« were recorded. Back to the roots and completely analog is the UNITED impact - another great work by well-known producer Charlie Bauerfeind and Co-producer Dennis Ward before the album traveled to New York and got the final mastering polish in the Valhalla Studios of Ronald Prent (IRON MAIDEN, DEPECHE MODE, RAMMSTEIN).
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS is a Canadian female fronted power metal band from Victoria,
BC, currently signed with Napalm Records. The band plays a fusion of traditional
heavy metal with power metal and melodic death metal.
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS was formed in late 2007 by vocalist Brittney Hayes (a.k.a.
Brittney Slayes) and drummer Scott Buchanan with former member Brayden
Dyczkowski on guitar, whom Scott had played with previously in an independent
death metal project.
Brittney Slayes – vocals
Andrew Kingsley – guitars, vocals, synthesizer, production
Grant Truesdell – guitars, vocals
Scott Buchanan – drums
Today's pick is from the fifth studio album "Abyss", released on 21 August 2020
via Napalm Records. It is a concept album that continues the story introduced in
their previous studio effort, "Apex". It is their first album released after the
departure of bassist Nikko Whitworth and, since he's yet to be officially
replaced, it also marks their first album recorded as a quartet.
The band originally planned to release "Apex" and "Abyss" as a double album, but
they were running out of time and decided to release "Apex" alone in 2017.
During the first half of 2019, they disconnected from everything related to
"Apex" and searched for new influences. By the other half, they wrote the rest
of the songs, which would eventually form "Abyss", and the album was recorded in
January 2020 in Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark. In an interview, vocalist
Brittney Slayes expressed relief that they were able to do the recordings before
the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
Today's tune "Soulbound" taken from the fifth studio album "Abyss", enjoy!
Swedish melodic metal band DYNAZTY is soon ready to release the seventh full-length studio album "The Dark Delight" on April 3rd via AFM Records. The first single ”Presence Of Mind” was released on January 30th and on February 28th it's was time for the second melodic power rock single "Heartless Madness", see and hear it below.
Formed in Stockholm, Sweden in 2008, DYNAZTY has since released 6 albums in a mere 10-year window.
Straying from their early days of ’80s influenced Hardrock, the band has developed and refined their sound into something that merges the modern metal scene with the past, crafting something wholly unique.
Today the band is comprised of highly respected and sought after musicians, active on the metal scene in more than one way. Bassist Jonathan Olsson can also be seen in both LINDEMANN and PAIN, guitarist Love Magnusson and drummer Georg Härnsten Egg frequently tours with rock legends such as DEE SNIDER and JOE LYNN TURNER. Guitarist Mikael Lavér has been featured with both LINDEMANN and JOE LYNN TURNER, while singer Nils Molin can be heard and seen around the globe with the ever-rising star of fellow Swedish band AMARANTHE.
Singer Nils Molin says about the album:
”We pulled out all the stops, pulled no punches and held nothing back on this one.
"The Dark Delight" is the complete vision of what this band has always wanted to be”.
Spearheaded by the first single/music video ”Presence Of Mind”, DYNAZTY enters the new decade with a bang.
”Presence Of Mind” showcases the raw nature of our band and is just the kind of groovy and melodic onslaught of a song we always wanted to release as a first single.
The track "From Sound To Silence" features guest vocals from AMARANTHEs Henrik “GG6” Englund. The album was produced by the band and mixed by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark.
Cover artwork was created by Brazilian digital artist Gustavo Sazes.
A few exclusive limited vinyl editions will be released, just check out this beauty.
The band consists of:
Nils Molin (vox),
Love Magnusson (guitar),
George Egg (drums),
Mikael Lavér (guitar),
Jonathan Olsson (bass)
Today's tune "Heartless Madness" is taken from the upcoming album "The Dark Delight". The tune is opening up with a neat keyboard loop, until it all thunders in a pompous and heavy melodic and majestic way, makes one think of power metal bands like HAMMERFALL and NIGHTWISH, especially in the catchy chorus. Directed by Tage Rönnqvist, the clip can be viewed below.
Upcoming Tourdates:
01.04.2020 DE München, Backstage
02.04.2020 DE Berlin, Nuke Club
03.04.2020 DE Weinheim, Cafe Central
04.04.2020 DE Essen, Turock
05.04.2020 NL Haarlem, Patronaat
07.04.2020 NL Enschede, Metropool
08.04.2020 BE Diest, Moonlight Music Hall
09.04.2020 DE Rüsselsheim, Das Rind
10.04.2020 CH Luzern, Schuur
11.04.2020 AT Wörgl, Komma
13.05.2020 FI Tampere, Olympia
14.05.2020 FI Helsinki, On The Rocks
15.05.2020 FI Joensuu, Kerubi
16.05.2020 FI Kuopio, Henry's Pub
Musically, RIOT V has bestowed on us a small history lesson in their brand new studio album “Armor Of Light” tracing right back to their roots, and for fans of the legendary “Thundersteel” album from 1988 - their mouths will already be watering at the prospect! For the new record, the band has brought everything to the table that has distinguished RIOT since the very beginning, venerating their 1988 classic’s 30th anniversary on the highest level. Enthusiasts can expect aggressive songs but perfectly formed in the enthralling melodies.
Chris “The Wizard” Collier (METAL CHURCH, FLOTSAM & JETSAM, SLIPKNOT and KORN etc.) produced RIOT V’s new album. Thus, not only the songs but also the entire sonic characteristics of the record have a very unique touch to them. Mariusz Gandzel (CRYSTAL VIPER) fabricated the stylistically flawless artwork.
Don Van Stavern - bass guitar
Mike Flyntz - guitars
Todd Michael Hall - vocals
Frank Gilchriest - drums
Nick Lee - guitars
Today's tune "Victory" is taken from “Armor Of Light”, enjoy!
(Nostalgia) is up for today, taken from the annual hard rock evening.
This was a pretty tricky category, hey Nostalgia, could be actually anything good from the history bank of your own life cycle. So I needed to think through this for a while, it took some time to set it. After a spin thru the record collection I found "Renegade" with THIN LIZZY witch struck me that this was actually the first record I bought with the band, I think it was around 84' or 85 when I found it in a sales bin at the Domus up in northern Sweden. Somehow the cover hooked me, the red flag and the band name THIN LIZZY with the album title "Renegade", cool cover and when I played the album I got in love with the band totally. "Renegade" is perhaps their most underrated and misunderstood album. Just listen to my choice of tune "Angel Of Death" and you will understand.
This category had a pretty mixed up line up as you can see below what the other had picked for this.
Today's tune "I'm Alive" by German power metal band HELLOWEEN, is taken from the second studio album "The Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I", released in 1987.
"Reaching into Infinity" is the seventh studio album by British power metal band DRAGONFORCE, released on 19 May 2017. It is the first studio album to feature drummer Gee Anzalone and the second by the band to be produced by Jens Bogren.
A music video for "Ashes of the Dawn" while a music video for "Midnight Madness" was released on 20 September 2017. Long-time keyboardist Vadim Pruzhanov was not featured in either of these videos, nor in any of the shows that the band had performed in by the time of the album's recording. In a video published on his official YouTube channel, he explained that he wanted to have more time for his daughter and that due to contractual obligations, he had to choose between performing in all or none of the shows; as a result, he was also absent from the album's promotional tour.
The album was mostly written by bassist Frédéric Leclercq and guitarist Sam Totman, with one song being written by Pruzhanov and most of the lyrics being handled by vocalist Marc Hudson.
Leclercq stated he is more into traditional heavy metal, thrash metal, death metal, black metal and progressive metal than he is into power metal, which is why the album sounds different from DRAGONFORCEs previous efforts. When asked about Leclercq's songwriting work and the possible influence of his extreme metal side project Sinsaenum, guitarist Herman Li replied: "We try to make use of everyone's skills, which is something we didn’t do much at the beginning of the band. I don't think Sinsaenum made too much of a difference, because there are still so many ideas we haven't been able to put into DRAGONFORCE yet, and if you introduce too many new ideas you lose focus”. The band at first wanted to have a guest for the harsh vocals, but they eventually had Hudson give it a try and they were happy with the result.
Li describes the album as their "most diverse" one and also as "escapist", saying people are supposed to listen to it to temporarily get away from the craziness of the World. Indeed, the album title was conceived to be a reference to how the band wish their music to take people from anywhere to any time.
This is the band's longest standard edition studio album at 60 minutes and 46 seconds, thus beating Ultra Beatdown by over two minutes. The album also features the song "The Edge of the World", which is DRAGONFORCEs longest song to date at 11 minutes and 3 seconds. When asked about the inspiration for writing that song, Totman explained they had the idea from the title track of IRON MAIDENs Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. "Silence" was written after a friend of Leclercq who committed suicide.
Album cover was according to Li, the portal in the middle of the cover is a wormhole. It symbolizes the timeless energy of DragonForce's music, since a considerable amount of energy would be required to open one wormhole, if it is ever possible. Also, it symbolizes how people from anywhere in the world can reach different times through it, strengthening the album's escapist vibe. The dragon in the cover represents the band's spirit.
Much of DRAGONFORCEs idiosyncratic style comes from the high-speed dual guitar sounds of Herman Li and Sam Totman. By playing at a high tempo within the upper registers of their instruments, their sound becomes similar to the "bleepy" arpeggios and quick pitch-bends normally associated with chiptunes, usually heard in the third generation of video game music. The band often pays homage to this influence in their music videos. Although the band has frequently referred to their style as power metal, Li commented on descriptions of the band's style in an interview with Guitar World: "'Nintendo metal', 'extreme power metal', ’BON JOVI on speed', 'JOURNEY meets SLAYER', ... people are always coming up with weird labels for us." The band has sometimes been labeled as a speed metal band.
Today’s tune "Ashes of the Dawn” was released on 15 May 2017 and it’s taken from the seventh studio album "Reaching Into Infinity"
The German progressive power metal band ORDEN OGAN have release a new single "Come With Me To The Other Side" taken from the upcoming fifth studio album "Gunmen" - out 7/7/2017.
"Come With Me To The Other Side" featuring Liv Kristine on vocals. Liv is from Stavanger, Norway), is a singer/songwriter who has performed and composed songs mostly for various subgenres of heavy metal music. She started her career in the music industry as a vocalist for the gothic metal band THEATRE OF TRAGEDY and is the former lead vocalist for the symphonic metal band LEAVES' EYES. She is known for her work in close association with her then-husband and leader of the German band ATROCITY, Alexander Krull.
ORDEN OGAN is a German power metal band with progressive and folk metal elements. The band was formed in 1996 by Sebastian Grütling (drums) and Sebastian Levermann (lead vocals and guitar).
They are also the organizers of the German metal festival WinterNachtsTraum, which has featured such bands as RAGE, SINISTER, AXXIS, ENSIFERUM, VAN CANTO and AGATHODAIMON.
Today's tune "Come With Me To The Other Side (feat. Liv Kristine)" is taken from the new studio record "Gunmen" - out 7/7/2017.
Upcoming "Gunmen" Tour Dates 2017 (special guests RHAPSODY OF FIRE)
13.10.17 DE Bochum Matrix
14.10.17 DE Herford X
15.10.17 FR Paris Le Petit Bain
16.10.17 DE Langen Neue Stadthalle
17.10.17 NL Nijmegen Doornroosje
18.10.17 DE Bremen Tivoli
19.10.17 DK Copenhagen Beta
20.10.17 DE Leipzig Hellraiser
21.10.17 Cz Prag Nova Chmelnice
22.10.17 DE Munich Backstage
23.10.17 AT Graz Explosiv
24.10.17 IT Treviso New Age
25.10.17 IT Bologna Zona Roveri
27.10.17 ES Barcelona Salamandra
28.10.17 ES Madrid But
29.10.17 ES Bilbao Stage Live
31.10.17 BE Vosselaar Biebob
01.11.17 DE Siegburg Kubana
02.11.17 DE Ludwigsburg Rockfabrik
03.11.17 CH Pratteln Z 7
04.11.17 DE Geiselwind Music Hall
05.11.17 IT Voghera Dadga Club
07.11.17 UK London O2 Islington
The Danish progressive power metal band PYRAMAZE have released a new Video "The Tides That Won't Change" where we find a guest vocalist Kristen Foss, from their latest album "Contingent", was released on April 28, 2017 through Inner Wound Recordings.
Originally formed by guitarist Michael Kammeyer in 2002, PYRAMAZE came out of the gate with the solid and classic Lance King fronted releases of Melancholy Beast (2004) and Legend of the Bone Carver (2006). The band parted ways with Lance in 2006 and Matt Barlow (ICED EARTH, ASHES OF ARIES) joined as the new frontman in 2007, albeit only to see the release of Immortal (2008). With Matt headed back to ICED EARTH and Kammeyer deciding to retire from the band as well, the remaining members were left at a crossroads (bassist Niels Qvist also decided to part ways at this time).
Jonah, Toke and Morten rallied together and decided that the legacy of PYRAMAZE must go on. They asked longtime producer and good friend of the band, Jacob Hansen, to join as the new guitarist and he graciously accepted. A suitable vocalist for the band was also needed, queuing singer Terje Haroy to join in 2013.
This new incarnation of the group resulted in 2015's "Disciples of the Sun", which was met with great critical acclaim and reinvigorated both the band and the fans of PYRAMAZE. Terje, Jacob, Jonah, Morten and Toke began working on the followup to Disciples of the Sun in late 2015, entitled Contingent. An epic post-apocalyptic conceptual piece influenced by current events, the human spirit to overcome adversity and struggle, and the brotherhood there in. Pretty hot off the heels of their legendary performance at Prog Power USA 2016, "Contingent" is the manifestation of PYRAMAZE firing on all cylinders.
"Contingent" artwork is made by Felipe Machado Franco (BLIND GUARDIAN, RHAPSODY OF FIRE, ICED EARTH).
Today's tune "The Tides That Won't Change", taken from the new album "Contingent". Guest vocals on "The Tides That Won't Chance" by Kristen Foss
. Video created by Chance White.
The Argentina’s first and foremost Heavy/Power Metal band HELKER, have release their new album “Firesoul” on May 5th 2017.
Formed 1998 in Buenos Aires, Argentina by guitar player Mariano Ríos and bassist Christian Abarca, the current HELKER line-up features guitar player Leo Aristu, drummer Hernán Coronel and one of the today’s finest metal singers - Diego Valdez.
HELKER is widely considered as the leading South American heavy metal band to emerge from Argentina. Since their start HELKER released three highly respected albums in their native language, “Legado Secreto” in 2001, “Resistir” in 2008 and “A.D.N.” in 2010; these albums helped a lot to build up a loyal fan-base not only by Argentina’s metal fans.
Since their beginning, HELKER was one of the most active live bands in South America and toured with PRIMAL FEAR, HAMMERFALL, STRATOVARIUS, GAMMA RAY, SHAMAN, SINNER, MASTERPLAN and many more across Argentina and its neighboring countries.
When HELKER played with PRIMAL FEAR in Buenos Aires, PRIMAL FEAR mastermind Mat Sinner was so amazed by the band, that he produced their first album in English language „Somewhere In The Circle“, which was released 2013 via AFM Records.
"Firesoul“ was also released in a Spanish version “Alma De Fuego” (which will be available digital only).
The album was mixed and mastered by Achim Köhler (AMON AMARTH, SODOM, PRIMAL FEAR, BRAINSTORM) at Indiscreet Audio.
Produced by Mat Sinner.
Line Up:
Diego Valdez - Vocals
Mariano Ríos - Guitar
Leo Aristu - Guitar
Christian Abarca - Bass
Hernán Coronel - Drums
Today's tune "Empty Room" is taken from the brand new album "Firesoul", released May 05th, 2017.
Ghostlights is the seventh full-length album by Tobias Sammet's rock opera project AVANTASIA. It was released on 29 January 2016. The opening track, today's tune and first single "Mystery of a Blood Red Rose" is a candidate for the German representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016, along with nine other songs.
The song was between the three songs competing in the final of "Unser
Lied für Stockholm". In the final round, "Mystery of a Blood Red Rose"
received 21.6% of the public vote, finishing in third place. The song "Ghost", performed by Jamie-Lee, was chosen as the German representative in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.
The Digibook Edition of the album includes a bonus track and a bonus CD entitled AVANTASIA Live, which features songs recorded during AVANTASIAs 2014 performance at Wacken Open Air and 2013 performance at Masters of Rock.
AVANTASIA is a German symphonic power metal supergroup project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist of the band Edguy. It has been characterised as a rock opera, as it features various vocalists and musicians and it consists of concept albums. The name is a portmanteau of the words "avalon" and "fantasia" ("fantasy") and describes "a world beyond human imagination" (a quotation from the booklet).
Today's tune "Mystery of a Blood Red Rose" is taken from the seventh full-length album "Ghostlights", enjoy!
Ive been sorta off to delivering some grooovy music lately.
Sorry!!!
Ah well, now im here and wanted to share some of latest love....
I was in my bed the other night, couldnt sleep and i talked with some friends on the net.
One guy said, listen to music, that will get you to sleep.
and one after the other gave me options of good music.
But nothing gave me IT.
Then a guy said...well listen to this...its a Tunisian band.
I did...AND WOOOOOW, i nearly fell outa my bed!!!!!
LOVED it.. it was a mix of Zeppelin and powermetal...
and hard rock and..... YUMMY! loved it.
This band called MYRATH
Some info... It all started in early 2001,
when guitarist Malek Ben Arbia (who was just 13 years old at the time)
and two of his childhood friends, Fahmi Chakroun (drums) and Oualid
Issaoui (guitar) living in the same neighbourhood in Ez-Zahra (suburbs
of Tunis-Tunisia) formed a cover band which they named Xtazy. The
lineup was shortly after completed by Zaher Ben Hamoudia (Bass) and
Tarek Idouani (vocals) In March 24th 2006 the band opened
for ROBERT PLANT and ADAGIO in a concert held in Carthage roman amphitheater
and attended by about 7OOO Metal/Rock fans. That day they met Adagios
keyboard player Kevin Codfert who later became the band producer and
sound engineer.
They will soon give out a new album, OH YES I already bought it :D
The guys need some help, They gonna do a totally wild video so preorders are taken as we speek. Look at this site to know more about it!
Here are the tour dates:
12.02. UK Wolverhampton - Robin 2
13.02. UK Manchester - Club Academy
15.02. UK Sheffield - Corporation
16.02. UK Glasgow - Garage
18.02. UK Bristol - Bierkeller
19.02. UK London - Islington Assembly Hall
20.02. B Vosselaar - Biebob
21.02. NL Zoetermeer - Boerderij
23.02. F Paris - TBC
25.02. E Barcelona - Apolo
26.02. E Bilbao - Stage Live
27.02. E Madrid - Arena
28.02. P Lisbon - Paradise Garage
01.03. F Bordeaux - Barbey
03.03. I Milan - Alcatraz
04.03. F Lyon - CCO Villeurbanne
05.03. CH Pratteln - Z7
06.03. D Ludwigsburg - Rockfabrik
08.03. D Aschaffenburg - Colos Saal
10.03. D Munich - Feierwerk/Hansa
11.03. CZ Zlin - Masters Of Rock Café
12.03. D Erfurt - HSD
13.03. D Berlin - Bi Nuu
15.03. PL Warsaw - Progresja
17.03. D Hamburg - Knust
18.03. DK Copenhagen - Pumpehuset
19.03. D Bochum - Matrix
20.03. NL Tilburg - 013
"The End Is Near", the new video from German power metallers PRIMAL FEAR. The song is taken from the band's new studio album, "Rulebreaker", which will be released on January 29, 2016. The album will be made available in CD, deluxe CD/DVD and — in collaboration with Soulfood Music in Germany — on vinyl and a special super-limited vinyl edition featuring an eagle head on the vinyl.
PRIMAL FEAR recently parted ways with Brazilian drummer Aquiles Priester (HANGAR, ANGRA) and replaced him with Francesco Jovino (U.D.O.). In addition, founding PRIMAL FEAR guitarist Tom Naumann — who has been touring with the group for the past couple of years years — has now officially rejoined the band as a full member.
PRIMAL FEAR formed in 1997 by Ralf Scheepers (vocals, ex-GAMMA RAY) and Mat Sinner (bass and vocals, SINNER). Sinner and Scheepers formed the band after Scheepers was not hired as Rob Halford's replacement in JUDAS PRIEST.
Current members:
Ralf Scheepers – lead vocals
Mat Sinner – bass guitar, vocals
Tom Naumann – guitars, live guitars
Alex Beyrodt – guitars (2009–present), live guitars
Magnus Karlsson – guitars (2008–present)
Francesco Jovino – drums – (2015–present)
Today's tune "The End is Near" is taken from the upcoming album "Rulebreaker", enjoy!
The steam-roller known as AMARANTHE continues to roll on relentlessly. The band have release a digital-only compilation of B-sides on October 30. "Breaking Point - B-Sides 2011-2015" featuring eight tracks.
AMARANTHE guitarist Olof Mörck said. "We've always tried to keep the quality high, as something extra for our fans, but until now a lot of these tracks have been hard-to-find rarities, and quite spread out.
"We are now very excited to release a collection of some of the best b-sides and bonuses: 'Breaking Point: B-sides 2011-2015'. It focuses on some of the best acoustic renditions of fan favorites as well as a couple of originals from the early days! Enjoy this rare and different side of AMARANTHE!"
Along with this release the band also made a new Video for the song "True" and with that we have today's tune. It's taken from the 2014 album "Massive Addictive" and which is acoustically rendered on the B-sides release. Both tunes are added to be listen to on our Spotify link below.
AMARANTHE are also returning to the U.S. on an headline tour with BUTCHER BABIES, see dates below.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
NOV 04.15 New York City, NY, USA Marlin Room
NOV 05.15 Stafford Springs, CT Palace Theater
NOV 06.15 Manchester, NH Jewel Nightclub
NOV 07.15 Montreal, QC Theatre Fairmount
NOV 08.15 Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert Theatre
NOV 10.15 Pittsburgh, PA Altar Bar
NOV 11.15 Cleveland, OH The Odeon
NOV 11.15 San Diego, CA Brick By Brick
NOV 13.15 Flint, MI Machine Shop
NOV 14.15 Green Bay, WI, USA
The Sandlot Entertainment Complex
NOV 15.15 Arlington Heights, IL, USA HOME Bar
NOV 17.15 Sauget, IL, USA Pop's Concert Venue
NOV 18.15 Little Rock, AR, USA Juanita's
NOV 19.15 Houston, TX Scout Bar
NOV 20.15 McAllen, TX, USA Cine El Rey
NOV 21.15 Dallas, TX Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill
NOV 24.15 Santa Ana, CA, USA The Yost Theatre
NOV 25.15 Scottsdale, AZ Pub Rock
NOV 27.15 Sacramento, CA, USA, Ace of Spades
NOV 28.15 Reno, NV, USA Knitting Factory
NOV 29.15 San Jose, CA Rockbar Theater
The German power metallers HELLOWEEN recently released their 15th studio album "My God-Given Right", which was released on May 29 via Nuclear Blast. The album was recorded between October 2014 and February 2015 at the band's MiSueno Studio on the isle of Tenerife with producer Charlie Bauerfeind (GOTTHARD, HAMMERFALL).
HELLOWEEN is a German power metal band founded in 1984 in Hamburg, Northern Germany. The band is a pioneering force in the power metal genre and their second and third studio albums, Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I and Part II, are considered masterpieces of the genre. Twelve musicians have been a part of the band's line-up in its history, which has consisted of singer Andi Deris, guitarists Michael Weikath and Sascha Gerstner, bass guitarist Markus Grosskopf, and drummer Daniel Löble since 2005.
The cover art depicts a "pumpkin army" around a The Day After Tomorrow-like, buried-in-the-snow Statue of Liberty. It was once again created by Martin Häusler and it's also available as a 3D lenticular print, visible without 3D glasses. Deris remarked that the cover differs from previous covers because it features little color variation. According to Häusler, they "tried to build a world of ideas, keeping the 'classic Helloween' elements, like the pumpkins on the one hand and a complete new look on the other. A first inspiration came from the album title, My God-Given Right', and some of the song titles, like "Swing Of A Fallen World", "Lost In America", "Battle's Won", etc. During my research, I stumbled upon the blockbuster Day After Tomorrow and the idea of just leaving the world to the 'pumpkins' was born." Deris later explained that the cover reflected Häusler interpretation of the album title, as he understood the name as a reference to a rebellion or something like that. However, the real inspiration for the title (which is also the title of a song) came from words from his father:
Todays tune is the title track, taken from the band's 15th studio album, "My God-Given Right",
According to singer Andi Deris, the band insists on a simple motto: "Back to the roots — but with new songs". He continues: "More than ever, our fans want to sing and rock out along with us. This simply works best with the use of distinctive choruses and '80s hooklines."
SERIOUS BLACK, the new band featuring Roland Grapow (MASTERPLAN, ex-HELLOWEEN), Thomen Stauch (ex-BLIND GUARDIAN), Mario Lochert (ex-VISIONS OF ATLANTIS), Dominik Sebastian (EDENBRIDGE), Jan Vacik (ex-DREAMSCAPE) and vocalist Urban Breed (ex-TAD MOROSE), their début album, "As Daylight Breaks", was released on January 20, 2015 via AFM Records.
6 members, 6 friends - all with huge experience and knowledge from many years in the business and being part of the most successful melodic metal bands! SERIOUS BLACK is different to many of the so-called "all star" bands, because in fact, they are a real band. A band that crafted their incredible debut album "As Daylight Breaks" together, with every member involved into songwriting and recordings. "As Daylight Breaks" is a real teamwork effort, a melodic metal jewel displaying conviction, amazing musicianship and outstanding songwriting.
It all happened on a sunny 23rd of August in Spain, when Roland Grapow and Mario Lochert had a conversation backstage over a cool beverage, talking music business – you know, what musicians usually do.
For quite a while, Mario had had the idea of bringing together 6 musical masterminds to form a band floating around his head.
After a few initial concerns about igniting various conflicts when getting together in that configuration, eventually Mario was able to convince Roland of his intentions.
Back in Munich, Mario immediately contacted his friend of many years, Thomen Stauch, telling him about his idea. Thomen was sold and joined the bunch right away. After that, Jan Vacik and Dominik Sebastian were quick to agree to a collaboration, too. With that, a new band was born, consisting of five highly motivated musicians!
Initially, it turned out to be quite a task to bring these full-time musical workaholics together in one studio at the same time. However, against all odds, they got together on short notice in January 2014.
Needless to say, when they arrived at the “Dreamsound Studios” Munich, none of the blokes had any idea yet where exactly their musical venture would take them.
After a long night, accompanied with numerous anecdotes from the world of music and a solid amount of beers (which, of course, were just “meant to keep the vocal cords smooth”), the band started the songwriting phase!
Everyone was on the same wavelength, as if they had been working together in this configuration for decades.
The fact that they were able to collectively write songs, without any pressures and in an awesome environment, gave wings to these 5 maniacal musicians and got their juices flowing to create something outstanding.
Everyone was literally bubbling with ideas and as soon as 7 days later, they had written eight roughly structured songs, building a foundation for a powerful and melodic Power Metal record!
Yet what good can awesome songs do without a voice to carry them? After a few considerations as to a fitting singer for the band, the newly formed group contacted the US-based Swedish expat “Urban Breed” (ex-TAD MOROSE, ex- BLOODBOUND, TRAIL OF MURDER). After exchanging just a few emails and samples, the answer was loud and clear: “Ok, I’m in, if you really want it! After a short wait, he submitted his first song ideas which fit in with the existing songs seamlessly.
Todays tune "Older & Wiser" is taken from the debut album "As Daylight Breaks".
Listen to "Myrath - Merciless Times" on Spotify 
