U.D.O.New album »Touchdown« out worldwide

Out Now Via Atomic Fire Records

»Touchdown « Today, iconic German heavy metallers U.D.O. strike back with their new 13-track studio album, which was lauded by hard 'n' heavy press worldwide and thereby cements the fact that they're not only midfielders but definitely one of the main forerunners of the scene. But that's not all: »Touchdown« also marks the musical reunion of singer Udo Dirkschneider and bassist Peter Baltes (ex-ACCEPT) who joined the U.D.O. ranks a few months ago, and to celebrate those happenings, the group have launched a lyric video for new song 'Fight For The Right,' which can be found on their new offering. It's an anti-war track that continues U.D.O.'s tradition of delivering heavy old-school riffing, this time garnished with a grand, classical music dominated guitar solo. Watch the visualisation by Ingo Spörl (Hard Media; https://hard-media.com/) over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djP4REKX6dM

ICYMI: U.D.O. (also performing as DIRKSCHNEIDER) recently announced the first bigger batch of live dates for their forthcoming »Touchdown World Tour 2023/24« which will make them perform in Germany, Switzerland, Czechia as well as other countries in early 2024. Their current itinerary can be found below!

Order »Touchdown« in the physical format of your choice (see below!), stream it on your favourite DSP or get it digitally now, here: http://udo.afr.link/touchdownPR

Released via Atomic Fire Records, the album was crafted with producer and mixing engineer Martin "Mattes" Pfeiffer at Redhead Studio (Wilhelmshaven, Germany) and mastered by Stefan Kaufmann at ROXX Studio (Solingen, Germany). The record includes a guest appearance by violinist Stefan Pintev on the closing track, and bass tracks were recorded by new member Baltes. Artwork was provided by Martin Häusler who was also responsible for shooting band photos in support of the new album campaign.

»Touchdown« is available in the following formats:

- jewelcase-CD

>- digipak-CD [EU; incl. bonus DVD »Dirkschneider - Live at Wacken 2022,« track listing below]

- limited box set [available at Atomic Fire Records (yellow-green splatter vinyl; SOLD OUT), Nuclear Blast (purple black dust vinyl) & EMP (red-clear black dust vinyl)]

>- 2LP in gatefold: black, silver, clear/blue-white splatter (US excl.), clear-blue marbled (AFR excl.), yellow-green splatter (AFR excl.), purple black dust (Nuclear Blast excl.), red-clear black dust (EMP excl.) & clear-black vinyl (Sweden Rock Magazine excl.)

- digital »Touchdown« - Track Listing:

01. Isolation Man

02. The Flood

03. The Double Dealer's Club

04. Fight For The Right

05. Forever Free

06. Punchline

07. Sad Man's Show

08. The Betrayer

09. Heroes Of Freedom

10. Better Start To Run

11. The Battle Understood

12. Living Hell

13. Touchdown

»Dirkschneider - Live at Wacken 2022« (Bonus DVD; digipak-CD only!):

01. Starlight

02. Living For Tonite

03. Midnight Mover

04. Breaker

05. London Leatherboys

06. Princess Of The Dawn

07. Restless And Wild

08. Son Of A Bitch

09. Screaming For A Love-Bite

10. Up To The Limit

11. Metal Heart

12. Fast As A Shark

13. Balls To The Wall

--- --- --- --- ---

U.D.O. / DIRKSCHNEIDER live:

25.08.2023 DE Haddeby - Baltic Open Air [TICKETS]

16.09.2023 DE Tuttlingen - Beast of Rocks @ Stadthalle [TICKETS]

07.10.2023 DE Würzburg - Keep It True Rising III @ Posthalle* [TICKETS]

22.10.2023 AT Linz - Wildstyle & Tattoo @ Tabakfabrik [TICKETS]

29.10.2023 AT Salzburg - Wildstyle & Tattoo @ Messezentrum [TICKETS]

»Touchdown« - World Tour 2023/24 - Europe

Presented by ITM, DMAX, Break Out, Radio Bob!, musix, Metal Hammer & Rock It!

23.02.2024 DE Regensburg-Obertraubling - Eventhall Airport [TICKETS]

24.02.2024 DE Berlin - Huxleys Neue Welt [TICKETS]

25.02.2024 DE Magdeburg - Factory [TICKETS]

28.02.2024 DE Hamburg - Markthalle [TICKETS]

29.02.2024 DE Oberhausen - Turbinenhalle 2 [TICKETS]

01.03.2024 DE Markneukirchen - Musikhalle [TICKETS]

02.03.2024 DE Leipzig - Hellraiser [TICKETS]

03.03.2024 DE Munich - Backstage [TICKETS]

06.03.2024 DE Mannheim - Capitol [TICKETS]

07.03.2024 DE Stuttgart - Im Wizemann [TICKETS]

08.03.2024 DE Memmingen - Kaminwerk [TICKETS]

09.03.2024 DE Nuremberg - Löwensaal [TICKETS]

10.03.2024 CH Pratteln - Konzertfabrik Z7 [TICKETS - COMING SOON!]

14.03.2024 DE Wilhelmshaven - Pumpwerk [TICKETS]

16.03.2024 DE Marsberg - Metal Diver Festival [TICKETS]

20.03.2024 CZ Prague - Roxy [TICKETS]

22.03.2024 CZ Brno - Sono Centrum [TICKETS]

23.03.2024 CZ Ostrava - Garage Club [TICKETS]

10./11.05.2024 DE Braunschweig - Rock in Rautheim* [TICKETS]

03. - 06.07.2024 DE Ballenstedt - Rockharz Open Air* [TICKETS]

*as DIRKSCHNEIDER

Info & Tickets: https://udo-online.de/tourdates.html

--- --- --- --- ---

U.D.O. / DIRKSCHNEIDER are:

Udo Dirkschneider | vocals

Andrey Smirnov | guitar

Sven Dirkschneider | drums

Fabian Dee Dammers | guitar

Peter Baltes | bass

---

U.D.O. / DIRKSCHNEIDER online:

www.udo-online.com

www.facebook.com/udoonline

www.facebook.com/dirkschneiderofficial

www.facebook.com/udodirkschneiderofficial

www.instagram.com/u.d.o.official

www.twitter.com/udoonline

www.youtube.com/udotubetv

Helsinki’s longest serving gothic rock vampires THE 69 EYES are proud to announce that they will embark on a European tour in March 2023.

Besides some classics fans can expect as bloody appetizer some songs taken from their long-awaited new album, which will be released next spring via Atomic Fire Records.

<“Time to drag our vampire tour bus around European live crypts! Our brand new album on its way, we will make sure that all of you GOTTA ROCK!”, comments Jyrki 69.

Starting in Frankfurt (Germany) on March 7th, the tour will bring THE 69 EYES to 17 cities in 6 countries. Support acts will be announced at a later point.

GOTTA ROCK EUROPEAN TOUR 2023

Presented by Sonic Seducer, metal.de & Musix

07.03.23 D-Frankfurt am Main / Das Bett

08.03.23  D-Augsburg / Spectrum

09.03.23  IT-Milano / Live Club

10.03.23  CH-Pratteln / Z-7

11.03.23  D-Karlsruhe / Substage

13.03.23  D-Nürnberg Hirsch

14.03.23  AT-Wien / Szene

15.03.23  HU-Budapest / Barba Negra

17.03.23  D-Stuttgart / Im Wizemann

18.03.23  D-Leipzig / Hellraiser

19.03.23  CZ-Praha / Rock Café

21.03.23  D-Bochum / Zeche

22.03.23  D-Köln / Essigfabrik

23.03.23  D-Trier / Mergener Hof

24.03.23  D-München / Backstage Halle

26.03.23  D-Berlin / Columbia Theater

27.03.23  D-Hamburg / Markthalle

Tickets will go on sale this Friday at noon am.

THE 69 EYES are:

Jyrki 69 | lead vocals

Bazie | lead guitar & backing vocals

Timo-Timo | guitar

Archzie | bass & backing vocals

Jussi 69 | drums

THE 69 EYES online:

www.69eyes.com

www.instagram.com/the69eyesofficial

TAILGUNNER CRASHDIVE

Fireflash records

9 December 2022

Since launching in January of 2022, TAILGUNNER have taken the world of underground Heavy Metal by the scruff of the neck, and grasp with an iron first. A blitzkrieg singles, the debut EP ‘Crashdive’ and two UK headline tours with multiple sold out dates all within their first six months of existence, proves the demand for true Heavy Metal is alive and well!

“The greatest revelation British Metal has had in a decade and a half.”, states METAL RULES and praises their unique cocktail of power, speed, aggression and huge choruses. If you wanna know what to expect, simply imagine pure fucking armageddon!

“We describe ourselves as ‘Laser Guided Riffs N’ Hooks that Kill!’ We’re fast, loud, catchy as hell and we’ll take your face off.'' 

After completing an extensive UK headline tour in summer of this year, the band are staking their claim to the future of the genre and have all eyes to the skies, ready to launch like a warhead. No holds barred, in your face Heavy Metal with no apologies!

The history goes back a few more years, when bassist and leading force Thomas Hewson left his last band in the summer of 2018, with the aim of “putting together the band I’ve had in my head since I was a kid: The ultimate Heavy Metal band, with no compromises.“ It took him almost two more years to find the best musicians to fullfill his expectation. Flyers were put in guitar shops and metal bars, social media posts were carried out. “Then I found Craig as the singer of MIDNIGHT PROPHECY and the first time I heard his voice was a cover of ‘22 Acacia Avenue’. As soon as the song kicked in, I knew he had to sing for Tailgunner! I travelled across England to go see them - that’s when he realised I was serious“, remembers Hewson. “A year later, ahead of a UK tour Prophecy had booked, Craig asked myself and Zach to fill in. This was when I met - and crucially played with - Sam. We knew as a rhythm section very fast that we had a shared ‘sixth sense.’ I was unwilling to share two members with another band, but the day Midnight Prophecy broke up, I spent four hours on the phone with Sam, and by the end he was our drummer!“

That moment, TAILGUNNER was born.

“There was never a conscious decision to play ‘old school’ to us, that’s the way it’s supposed to sound“, adds the bass player and main songwriter, who always had a burning ambition and total undying love for Heavy Metal. “From the moment I heard AC/DC as a child, I’ve never looked back. Seeing Iron Maiden live at 12 years old was all the confirmation I needed that this was to be my life’s path. I want people to feel empowered when they hear our music, that’s what great Heavy Metal does for me. Music should make you feel like you can take on the world!“

“I would call Tailgunner a Heavy Metal band. There is quite a bit of speed metal, and old school power Metal in there too“, says Hewson and names his mains inspiratons with HELLOWEEN, IRON MAIDEN, MEGADETH, KING DIAMOND and JUDAS PRIEST. You can feel their love for the 80s in every moment, like the middle-part of their epic ‘Crashdive‘. “This was inspired by King Diamonds ‘Abigail’ album, it’s a huge influence musically, the technicality of the riffs with Mikkey Dee driving everything, they’re probably the best group of musicians ever assembled to play Heavy Metal!” Lyrically, the track is written about the German cult movie ‘Das Boot.’ “Patrick is our history buff, and he wrote the main riff, then sent me a copy of the movie, suggesting I write about it. As I like to say, he gave me a riff, a subject, and I was away!“

“Craig is the greatest new vocalist in Heavy Metal“, certifies the band leader about his vocalist, who recently also joined forces in INDUCTION, the German based Prog Power Metal band, lead by Tim Hansen, son of HELLOWEEN and GAMMA RAY guitar legend Kai Hansen.

Recording the debut album, TAILGUNNER moved themselves and all the equipment into an old Victorian chapel from the 1800’s, in the dead of winter in early 2021, surrounded by a graveyard. “We recorded mostly in the middle of the night, upon the altar, using only candles for lighting.“

The five tracks of the ‘Crashdive’ EP as well as the additional tracks for the debut album were mixed and mastered by Olof Wikström of ENFORCER, another perfect match for TAILGUNNER. “I first met Olof at an Enforcer show back in 2019“, remembers Hewson and adds: “I knew he worked as an engineer, both on Enforcer, and other records. I chatted to him about working on something, even though I didn’t yet have a band! It was really important to me to work with Olof on the debut album. He’s a bit like the godfather of this scene that has emerged over the last 10-15 years, and is extremely knowledgeable in Heavy Metal. Also, the sound of Enforcer records, particularly ‘From Beyond’ and ‘Live by Fire – 2’ is metal mastery!“

To sum it up, TAILGUNNER stand for pure Heavy Metal made for eternity!

MCD „Crashdive“ Tracklist

01. Shadows Of War

02. Guns For Hire

03. White Death

<04. Revolution Scream

05. Crashdive

Mixed & Mastered by Olof Wikstrand (Enforcer)              

Line-up:

Craig Cairns - Vocals

Zach Salvini - Guitars

Thomas Hewson - Bass  

Sam Caldwell - Drums    

Links:

https://www.tailgunnerhq.com

https://www.facebook.com/tailgunnerhq

https://www.instagram.com/tailgunnerhq/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeTii4Epd2sNlw0AI7lIWZw/featured

EPICA - "Sirens - Of Blood And Water  (feat. Charlotte Wessels & Myrkur") [4:17]

Taken from the mini-album »The Alchemy Project«Music by Charlotte Wessels, Myrkur, Simone Simons, Rob Van der Loo, ELyrics by Charlotte Wessels, Simone Simons

release music video for 'Sirens - Of Blood And Water' feat. Charlotte Wessels & Myrkur

"The Alchemy Project" is out

Symphonic metal titans EPICA finally unleash "The Alchemy Project", a unique collaboration featuring 13 bands and musicians who co-wrote and performed the 7 new tracks with them.

For this special occasion, EPICA present another true gem from the release, in form of a music video for a hauntingly dark track with a majestic chorus: 'Sirens - Of Blood And Water' was co-written and performed with melodic metal queen Charlotte Wessels and folk/black metal pioneer Myrkur, and together with Simone Simons, these 3 leading ladies of heavy music form the most spectacular trinity of this winter.

"Charlotte and I go back many years, but we never really worked on music together. Since she started releasing her solo songs, I became an admirer of her work and reached out to her to create a song for 'The Alchemy Project'." Simone Simons remembers. "That collaboration resulted in the beautiful haunting song, 'Sirens - Of Blood And Water'. We both have a fascination for mermaids, the fairytale from H.C. Andersen and wanted to write a song from the perspective of the sisters of the little mermaid. I loved how our creative minds flowed into the song and having Myrkur, who happens to be Danish just like the author of the story, add her unique voice to the song was the perfect match that we needed to complete the story."

"The Alchemy Project" is now available as digipak CD, LP or digitally, via this link: 

https://afr.link/EpicaAlche A have just concluded their North America Tour and will visit Latin America next week. You can also still get tickets for the European Tour with APOCALYPTICA in early 2023 at www.epica.nl/tour

— ΩMEGA LATIN AMERICAN TOUR –

19.11.22 | Audio | São Paulo, BR

20.11.22 | Ópera de Arame | Curitiba, BR

22.11.22 | Teatro Flores | Buenos Aires, AR *SOLD OUT*

24.11.22 | Teatro Caupolicán | Santiago, CL

26.11.22 | El Teleférico | Quito, EC

27.11.22 | Centro de Convenciones Barranco | Lima, PE 

29.11.22 | Museo De Arte Marte - San Salvador, El Salvador

02.12.22 | Hell and Heaven Festival | Toluca, Mexico

04.12.22 | Rock Al Parque| | Bogota, CL

— EPIC APOCALYPSE TOUR 2023 –

with APOCALYPTICA + WHEEL

18.01.23 | Compensa Concert Hall | Vilnius, LTU

19.01.23 | Arena Riga | Riga, LVA

20.01.23 | Saku Arena | Tallinn, EST

23.01.23 | Sentrum Scene | Oslo, NO

24.01.23 | Berns | Stockholm, SE

25.01.23 | Amager Bio | Copenhagen, DK

27.01.23 | AFAS | Amsterdam, NL

28.01.23 | Georg Elser Halle | Hamburg, DE

29.01.23 | AB | Brussels, BE

30.01.23 | O2 Academy | Bristol, UK

01.02.23 | Rock City | Nottingham, UK

02.02.23 | O2 Academy | Glasgow, UK

03.02.23 | Academy | Manchester, UK

04.02.23 | Roundhouse | London, UK

06.02.23 | Atelier | Luxemburg, LU

07.02.23 | Zenith | Paris, FR

08.02.23 | Le Bikini | Toulouse, FR

10.02.23 | Razzmatazz 1 | Barcelona, ES

11.02.23 | Gamma | Murcia, ES

12.02.23 | La Riviera | Madrid, ES

14.02.23 | Coliseum | Lisbon, PT

12.03.23 | Capitol | Hanover, DE

13.03.23 | Carlswerk Victoria | Cologne, DE

14.03.23 | Schlachthof | Wiesbaden, DE

15.03.23 | MHP Arena | Ludwigsburg, DE

17.03.23 | Komplex 457 | Zurich, CH

18.03.23 | Metropole | Lausanne, CH

19.03.23 | Fabrique | Milan, IT

20.03.23 | Tonhalle | Munich, DE

22.03.23 | Barba Negra | Budapest, HU

23.03.23 | Gasometer | Vienna, AT

24.03.23 | Hala Vodova | Brno, CZ

25.03.23 | Progresja | Warsaw, PL

27.03.23 | B90 | Gdansk, PL

28.03.23 | Columbiahalle | Berlin, DE

29.03.23 | Haus Auensee | Leipzig, DE

EPICA online:

www.epica.nl

www.youtube.com/epica

www.facebook.com/epica

www.instagram.com/epicaofficial

www.twitter.com/epica

www.tiktok.com/@epicaofficial

STEAMHAMMER / SPV - NEW CD RELEASE*

BLACKRAIN "Untamed"

Release Date: November 25th, 2022

Format: - CD Digi

- 2LP Gatefold, 140g black vinyl, printed inner sleeves

<Tracklisting:

01. Untamed 4:45

02. Kiss The Sky 4:06

03. Dawn Of Hell 3:51

04. All The Darkness 4:11

05. Demon 4:23

06. Summer Jesus 4:36

07. Set The World On Fire 4:27

08. Neon Drift 4:52

09. Blade Of Love 4:49

10. Raise Your Glass 4:46

11. Shut Down 4:43

12. The End 4:15

 Info / Bio:

Sometimes it takes a few years until a band finds that perfect sound they have in mind for their songs. For the new album ‘Untamed’ by the French Sleaze Rock formation BlackRain, that’s exactly the case. Although already established as a band with their six previous releases and also very successful on tour (among others with Europe, Alice Cooper, Scorpions or Steel Panther), the quartet around singer Swan now presents a work that sets new quality standards in every aspect. “We love the powerful sound, the banging drums, this awesome mix of catchy melodies and aggression that permeates ‘Untamed’ from the very beginning,” bassist Matthieu dela Roche enthuses and goes on naming the producer of the new quality work: Hannes Braun, frontman of the German hard rockers Kissin` Dynamite and an important figure in sound engineering. De la Roche: “Hannes told us: ´I love your songs, your show really has excited me, I know exactly how your next record should sound!` Thanks to his help, we found the sound we’ve been looking for since ten years.” ‘Untamed’ will be released on November 25th, 2022 via Steamhammer/SPV. A date you should mark in red in your calendar!

 The connection between the French group and their German producer was practically self-evident: BlackRain accompanied Kissin` Dynamite on their last ;European tour and they were friends for about a decade. “Kissin Dynamite was our support band in 2009 in a big gig in Paris. Now we are supporting them, and we are fine with this because it allowed us to cross Europe and catch a new public,” tells De La Roche. Out of this friendship sprang a fruitful collaboration. Swan, the singer and frontman: “I honestly don`t know how Hannes managed it, but whenever I sent him a new song for review and mix, he found that perfect last piece of the puzzle to refine it.” However, ‘Untamed’ convinces not only with its dynamic, very transparent sound, but also with the exquisite songwriting. “We haven't really changed anything fundamental, though,” Swan marvels over the creative inspiration. “We`ve always written the kind of songs we love ourselves. And since our line up hasn`t changed, we can`t really do anything different. Our goal is to keep getting better and hopefully one day write the perfect song. When one track is finished, we go on working with the mindset that the next one will be even better.”

You can feel this ambition in ‘Untamed’: While the title track (also the first single/first video, release date: July 29th, 2022) could hardly be more characteristic for, ‘Demon’ surprises with an unusual mix of glam metal and sixties influences. Also atypical for the band: ‘Summer Jesus’ with a whammy bar solo. la Roche: “The track reminds me a little of Muse. Maybe we should have offered the song to them, financially it would have certainly been worth it.” BlackRain themselves were taken by surprise by ‘Kiss The Sky’, which gained tremendous substance during the recording process. De La Roche: “At first we weren`t 100 % sure about the number, but once it was mixed, our opinion changed. Now it`s become a real hit. This statement could serve as a quote to summarize the new record on the whole, because with ‘Untamed’ (the cover artwork is done by the Asian graphic artist Yellow Mushi) BlackRain has definitely created a small masterpiece, from which three more songs will be released after the first single: ‘Summer Jesus’ will be released on August 26th, 2022, followed by ‘Neon Drift’ on September 30th (with a guest solo byKissin` Dynamite guitarist Jim Müller), and ‘Kiss The Sky’ on October 28th, 2022. Just one week later BlackRain will be back on stage fall 2022 is peppered with festivals, and spring/summer 2023 is reserved for a big European tour. Fans can already look forward to it!

Line-Up:

Max 2 – lead guitar

Matthieu de la Roche – bass

Frank F - drums

Otra desafortunada y triste noticia recibe hoy el mundo del metal tras el sensible fallecimiento del vocalista de la banda británica GRIM REAPER Steve Grimmett,  quien murió a los 62 años según su hermano Mark quien lamento esta triste noticia a través de sus redes sociales.

Las causas de muerte se desconocen hasta ahora, pero se sabe que el vocalista británico sufría de diabetes por lo que sufrió la amputación de su pierna en Ecuador mientras estaba de gira debido a un virus que contrajo.

«No sé desde dónde empezar, pero solo iré al grano, es con mucha tristeza y con mucha pena en el corazón que les tengo que informar que mi talentoso hermano Steve Grimmett murió hoy. Mi corazón va para Millie, su esposa, mi mamá y mi papá, Russell, Sami y Ethan. Te extrañaré más de lo que las palabras pueden decir. Te amo hermano», escribió Mark.

La banda no ha publicado nada al respecto pero ya hay publicaciones con dedicatorias muy emotivas sobre el cantante.

Su hijo Russ también ha confirmado esta durísima noticia: “No podemos empezar a poner en palabras los sentimientos actuales. Pero como papá era tan conocido, las noticias comienzan a llegar antes de lo que nos hubiera gustado. Desafortunadamente, nuestro padre ha fallecido hoy y deja un gran vacío en el mundo y en nuestros corazones. Estamos completamente desconsolados. Duerme bien papá. Siempre te amamos”.

Steve Grimmett era toda una leyenda del heavy metal británico. Lideró Grim Reaper en los ochenta grabando discos esenciales, como See You In Hell (1983), Fear No Evil (1985) y Rock You To Hell (1987). Desde 2006 encabezaba su propia versión de la banda: Steve Grimmett’s Grim Reaper, con quienes había editado varios lanzamientos. Con Onslaught grabó el disco In Search Of Sanity en 1989.

Grimmett tenía un extenso currículo más allá de Grim Reaper y Onslaught, que también incluía a Grimmstine, Lionsheart, Chateaux, Friction, Heidt, Medusa, Seven Deadly Sins, The Sanity Days, además de su propia carrera en solitario.

En enero de 2017 el vocalista Steve Grimmett sufrió la experiencia más dura de su vida. Mientras estaba de gira en Ecuador tuvieron que amputarle una pierna por encima de la rodilla para combatir una infección. Fueron semanas terribles a miles de kilómetros de su casa y con un futuro muy incierto por delante.

Recordemos que Steve Grimmett tenía una gira pendiente en Latinoamericca,  en Brasil y en el Dragón Rojo Fest de Tijuana, México y con esta triste muerte, esto será imposible.

Cabe señalar que La Pajarraca Radio le hizo una entrevista en vivo en el cual nos conto muchas cosas sobre sus inicios en la música, además de como sufrio la perdida de su pierna en Ecuador. Se le recuerda como una gran persona, siempre sonriendo a pesar de las adversidades, mantuvimos contacto con el y nos saludamos en navidad. Una muy triste noticia para el mundo del metal que continua de luto por tantos que se nos han adelantado.

En paz descanse Steve Grimmett  R.I.P.

“How To Shroud Yourself With Night”

Release Date: August 26th, 2022

Format: - CD (Digipak)

- LP (colour: Cristallo)

Tracklisting:

01. Wall Of Gloom 4:21

02. A Cloak Woven Of Stars 3:38

03. Nebula 3:23

04. In A Lengthening Shadow 3:36

05. The Curtain Of White Silence 5:28

06. Unseen 3:52

07. The Vastness Of Infinity 4:08

08. To Disappear In You 3:53

09. An Invisible Beginning 3:51

10. Shroud Of Night 3:58

Overview:

It’s often the most difficult challenges that force a musician to grow artistically. For Lacrimas Profundere, one of the most innovative and successful German dark metal bands of our time, their latest studio album ‘How To Shroud Yourself With Night’ (scheduled for release on Steamhammer/SPV on 26 August 2022) was primarily about the implicit burden imposed by their 2019 hit record ‘Bleeding The Stars’, whose success had indirectly raised huge expectations: “Album of the Month” in magazines such as Metal Hammer, Orkus and Dead Rhetoric, top 10 positions in other important publications, plus a chart entry and the group’s most successful headlining tour to date. Who wouldn’t be tempted to flirt with a sequel of that success story? “For me, it was about liberating myself from the pressure to succeed and about trying to raise the bar, staying ahead of the game, challenging myself and staying true to ourselves, instead of playing it safe and writing some kind of ‘Bleeding Part II’,” explains guitarist, band founder and main composer Oliver Nikolas Schmid, who once again found invaluable support in his brother and lyricist Christopher Schmid. “The new material sounds fresh, wicked, surprising and more passionate than ever before. It’s also the second chapter with our singer Julian, who has inspired us and played a major part in the creation of the album,” Schmid continues. “We understand what he likes and have broken away from old thought patterns and ways of doing things. Never before have we been such a tight unit, always ready to expand our own sound. That’s precisely why ‘How To Shroud Yourself With Night’ has turned into our most spirited work by far.” An assessment that is immediately confirmed, seeing that we’ve probably never before heard tracks anything like the groove monster ‘Unseen’ or the exceptional ‘The Curtain Of White Silence’ with its unique mixture of dark metal, melodic hardcore and post rock from Lacrimas Profundere. 

By contrast, there are typical goth rock songs such as ‘In A Lengthening Shadow’ and ‘An Invisible Beginning’, whereas the title track ‘Shroud Of Night’ and the album opener ‘Wall Of Gloom’ have evolved into flawless doom numbers that, according to Schmid, allow his love of bands like Paradise Lost to shine through. And, last but not least, let’s not forget the excellent first single ‘A Cloak Woven Of Stars’, which has the band continue the stylistic directives of their 2019 hit ‘Father Of Fate’. The second single ‘Wall Of Gloom’ is set to be out in June 2022, the third single ‘The Curtain Of White Silence’ will following July, and the fourth ‘To Disappear In You' is scheduled to be released on 12 August 2022, two weeks before the album arrives at the physical and digital stores. Schmid: “There’s an elaborately produced video clip to support each single, for which we have once again created ingenious, occasionally disturbing images in collaboration with Michael Winkler from Der Pakt.”

Like ‘Bleeding The Stars’, ‘How To Shroud Yourself With Night’ was produced by Kristian ‘Kohle’ Kohlmannslehner at his Kohlekeller Studios in Seeheim and mastered by Tom Porcell at the Limetree Studios. The atmospheric, deep black cover artwork was designed by Indonesian artist Bahrull Marta and underlines the songs’ dense atmosphere and great depth of focus that supports the actual theme of the album: the desire to simply disappear, to be invisible and not have to deal with yourself and the outside world any more. Schmid: “Each song on this album deals with that theme. It’s about shadows, about darkness and mystical objects which combine the unique power of “nothingness”.” In order to appreciate all the details of the production, you absolutely have to listen to the album on headphones and you’ll discover new hidden details every time you listen to it. “‘How To Shroud Yourself With Night’ sees us throw our oppressive veil of melancholy into the dark night and reveal the beauty that’s inherent in bleak despondency. We accompany the listener into the gloom with doomy riffs and mournful melodic guitar and keyboard passages rich in atmosphere!” Well, there’s not much to add to this precise assessment!

Line-Up:

Julian Larre (Vocals)

Oliver Nikolas Schmid (Guitars)

Ilker Ersin (Bass)

Dominik Scholz (Drums)

La banda vikinga sueca AMON AMARTH postearon en sus redes sociales información sobre su mas reciente producción discográfica:

Vikings, we call upon thee once again! our twelfth studio album, 'The Great Heathen Army' arrives worldwide August 5th via Metal Blade Records, featuring our new single, "Get In The Ring". Click here to watch the music video and pre-order the album now at

¡Vikingos, los invocamos una vez más! nuestro duodécimo álbum de estudio, 'The Great Heathen Army', llega a todo el mundo el 5 de agosto a través de Metal Blade Records, con nuestro nuevo sencillo, "Get In The Ring". Haga clic aquí para ver el video musical y reservar el álbum ahora en

 amonamarth.com #TheGreatHeathenArmy

Listado de temas:

1. Put Your Back into the Oar

2. Get in the Ring

3. The Great Heathen Army

4. Heidrun

5. Oden Owns You All

6. Find a Way or Make One

7. Dawn of Norsemen

8. Saxons and Vikings

9. Skagul Rides with Me

10. The Serpent’s Trail

Por fin regresa Def Leppard banda inglesa con una nueva producción discográfica, muy esperada por los fans. Por ahora han anunciado el lanzamiento de su duodécimo álbum, siete años después del anterior homónimo.

Diamond Star Halos, ese es su título de esta nueva producción que saldrá a la venta el próximo 27 de mayo, dos semanas antes de que arranque en Atlanta el aplazado The Stadium Tour junto a Mötley Crüe, Poison y Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, por cierto un mega concierto muy esperado con estos grandes monstruos del rock. 

La banda grabó su nuevo disco a lo largo de los dos últimos años a distancia, con sus miembros repartidos entre Irlanda, Inglaterra y Estados Unidos durante la pandemia. Este álbum cuenta con colaboraciones de la cantante country Alison Krauss en dos temas y de Mike Garson, pianista de David Bowie, en otros dos, ‘Goodbye For Good This Time’ y ‘Angels (Can’t Help You Now)’.

La banda ha comentado que musicalmente Diamond Star Halos contiene influencias del glam clásico de Bowie, T.Rex y Mott The Hoople, algo que se aprecia claramente en ‘Kick’, el tema que esta ya en sus plataformas como primer adelanto y que puedes escuchar en www.lapajarracaradio.com 

Ready to ignite 2022, Def Leppard return with their twelfth full-length album, Diamond Star Halos, on May 27th, 2022. To herald the arrival of Diamond Star Halos, the band has released “Kick” - a powerful and rip-roaring new rock single from the album. 

The artwork design for Diamond Star Halos follows pedigree with instantly recognizable album covers from their celebrated past, and follows the band’s influence through their eyes today. 

2022 is the year of Def Leppard. 

Stream & Pre-order: https://defleppard.lnk.to/DiamondStarHalos

Diamond Star Halos TRACKLISTING

1. Take What You Want

2. Kick

3. Fire It Up 

4. This Guitar [feat. Alison Krauss]

5. SOS Emergency

6. Liquid Dust

7. U Rok Mi

8. Goodbye For Good This Time

9. All We Need

10. Open Your Eyes

11. Gimme A Kiss

12. Angels (Can’t Help You Now)

13. Lifeless [feat. Alison Krauss]

14. Unbreakable

15. From Here To Eternity

Y esta la portada:

Kick off pre-order for their new studio album “UNIVERSAL”

“Emergency” is the haunting opening track of MSG’s upcoming new studio album “Universal”. The first single comes along with an official music video, produced by Justin Griffiths. “‘Emergency’ is quite a complicated song with different rhythm's but catchy at the same time. It's fun to play and to listen to. Enjoy and Keep On Rocking”, comments Michael Schenker.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/MWRsuIo7wSg

Listen/stream/download “Emergency” here: https://msg.afr.link/emergencyPR

“Universal” will be released on May 27th, 2022, via Atomic Fire Records and is available as Digipak CD (incl. 2 bonus tracks), colored vinyl, Earbook (CD incl. 2 bonus tracks) and digital album, featuring the following tracks:

CD + LP + Digital

01. Emergency

02. Under Attack

03. Calling Baal

04. A King Has Gone

05. The Universe

06. Long Long Road

07. Wrecking Ball

08. Yesterday Is Dead

09. London Calling

10. Sad Is The Song

111. Au Revoir

CD + Earbook bonus tracks:

11. Turn Off The World

12. Fighter

The pre-order has started and is available here: https://msg.afr.link/UniversalPR

There are few rock guitarists on this planet who have had such a lasting influence on so many renowned musicians as Michael Schenker. With his outstandingly fluid style, inexhaustible wealth of ideas and instinctive feel for hooks and melodies, Michael Schenker is a living legend who, despite his longstanding and distinguished history, still impresses with his unflagging energy and drive. The blond stringman from Sarstedt (near Hanover) began his international career in the early 1970s with the Scorpions, achieved worldwide fame after joining British rock group U.F.O. and then seamlessly continued his exceptional global success story under his own name, as well as with acts such as Michael Schenker Group (MSG for short), Temple Of Rock and Michael Schenker Fest. Schenker and his career, which has spanned more than fifty years, are absolute exceptions in the otherwise short-lived music industry.

Now his latest MSG album is about to be unleashed, scheduled for release on Atomic Fire Records on 27 May 2022 under the programmatic moniker of "Universal". His latest offering will feature all the strengths of this exceptional musician: first-rate songs with anthemic melodies, catchy guitar riffs and inspiring solos. As we have come to expect from him, Schenker has once again enlisted a number of prestigious fellow musicians for the recording of his new studio production, among them, as main vocalist, Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Vandenberg), who will also be MSG’s frontman on their upcoming tour, Michael Kiske (Helloween) and Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), keyboard player Steve Mann (Lionheart), drummers Simon Phillips (Toto, The Who), Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Foreigner), Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow) and Bodo Schopf (Eloy), as well as legendary bassists Bob Daisley (Black Sabbath), Barry Sparks (Malmsteen, Dokken) and Barend Courbois (Blind Guardian, Zakk Wylde), with Tony Carey as a very special guest.

>MSG EU TOUR 2022

Michael Schenker * Robin McAuley * Steve Mann * Barend Courbois * Bodo Schopf

27.04.2022 FI - Helsinki, Vanha Yo-talo

29.04.2022 SE - Stockholm, Tyrol

30.04.2022 NO - Oslo, Vulkan Arena

01.05.2022 DK - Kopenhagen, Amager Bio

03.05.2022 NL - Zoetermeer, De Boerderij

04.05.2022 GER - Bochum, Zeche

05.05.2022 CH - Pratteln, Z7

06.05.2022 GER - Speyer, Halle 101

07.05.2022 FR - Cleon, La Traverse

10.05.2022 ES - Madrid, La Riviera

11.05.2022 ES - Barcelona, Razzmatazz 1

12.05.2022 ES - Pamplona, Totem

14.05.2022 IT - Mailand, Phenomenon

15.05.2022 IT - Rom, Largo Venue

MSG US TOUR 2022

Michael Schenker * Ronnie Romero * Steve Mann * Barend Courbois * Bodo Schopf

w/ ERIC MARTIN, IMAGES OF EDEN

09/27/2022     San Juan Capistrano, CA - The Coach House

09/28/2022     Roseville, CA - Goldfield Trading Post

09/29/2022     San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall

10/01/2022     Los Angeles, CA - Saban Theater                    

10/02/2022     Las Vegas, NV - Count's Vamp'd

10/04/2022     Denver, CO - Oriental Theater

10/06/2022     Sauget, IL - Pop's

10/07/2022     Des Plaines, IL - Des Plaines Theater

10/08/2022     St Charles, IL - Arcada Theater

10/09/2022     Milwaukee, WI - Pabst Theater

10/11/2022     Hobart, IN - The Art Theater

10/12/2022     Ft Wayne, IN - Piere's

10/14/2022     Columbus, OH - The King Of Clubs

10/15/2022     Cleveland, OH - Agora Theater

10/16/2022     Detroit, MI - Harpo's

10/17/2022     Pittsburgh, PA - Jergels

10/19/2022     New Bedford, MA - The Vault*

10/20/2022     Plymouth, NH - Flying Monkey

10/21/2022     Beverly, MA - Cabot Theater

10/22/2022     New York, NY  - Sony Hall

10/23/2022     Newton, NJ - Newton Theater

10/25/2022     Glenside, PA - Keswick Theater

10/26/2022     Leesburg, VA - Tally Ho

10/27/2022     Stroudsburg, PA - Sherman Theater

*no support

w/ DAMON JOHNSON & THE GET READY, IMAGES OF EDEN

10/29/2022     Cincinnati, OH - Bogarts

10/30/2022     Nashville, TN - Brooklyn Bowl

w/ WASP, ARMORED SAINT

11/02/2022     Houston TX - White Oak Music Hall

11/03/2022     Corpus Christi TX - Concrete Street Pavillion

11/04/2022     San Antonio, TX - Eaton Arena

11/05/2022     Dallas, TX - Amplified Live

11/06/2022     Tulsa, OK - Tulsa Theater

MSG is:

Michael Schenker | Lead Guitar

Ronnie Romero | Vocals

Bodo Schopf | Drums

Steve Mann | Keyboards/Guitars

Barend Courbois | Bass

MSG online:

www.michaelschenkerhimself.com

https://www.facebook.com/MichaelSchenkerRocks

https://www.instagram.com/michaelschenkerrocks/

https://twitter.com/MWSchenker

https://label.atomicfire-records.com/project/michael-schenker/

Release Date: April 15th, 2022 

Format : - CD Jewel Case - CD Digipak + 1 bonustrack & poster - Limited to 7.000 units world-wide - 2LP, gatefold, 140g half red/half black vinyl, printed inner sleeves 

- Deluxe Boxset incl. limited Digipak CD, 2 LP, gatefold, circular red/black vinyl, framed art print, A1 double sided poster, photo card, sticker - Limited to 1.000 units Europe-wide 

Tracklisting: 

01. Lost XXIII Prequel (Intro) 01:47 

02. Survive 05:02 

03. No Compromise 04:57 

04. Down On The Streets 04:46 

05. Gone With The Wind 08:56

 06. Freight Train 06:08 

07. Follow The Beast 05:02 

08. Fly With Me 05:42 

09. The Rise Of Ankhoor 03:48 

10. Lost XXIII 08:35 Digipak Bonustrack: 

11. Quarantined 1 07:03

 Info: Only genuine thoroughbred musicians with substantial creative talent succeed in staying at the top of their game as long as Axel Rudi Pell has. For more than thirty years, the guitarist and songwriter from Bochum, Germany, has released new albums at regular intervals with his ARP band. Reactions from fans and media alike have been consistently positive while impressive record sales, high chart positions and ever-increasing audience numbers at his concerts and tours say it all.

From 15 April 2022, Pell’s latest studio offering LOST XXIII – his 21st to date – will be available as a digipak, CD, double vinyl album, strictly limited box set and for digital download, as usual on Steamhammer/SPV. To make the wait more bearable for his fans, the first lead single ‘Survive’ (including video clip) will be released on 18 February 2022. LOST XXIII is a very special album in Pell’s longstanding career, extremely varied, consisting of ten deeply melodic hard rock songs (plus intro) in typical ARP style, as well as a number of fast-paced highlights and surprising compositions. Among the focal points is the title track with its chorus featuring Arabic scales – as Pell explains “a longer, epic track that’s pretty characteristic of me”. At the same time, LOST XXIII sees Pell welcome a number of familiar faces, underlining his consistency both on a musical and on a personal level:

As on his previous four studio recordings INTO THE STORM (2014), GAME OF SINS (2016), KNIGHTS CALL (2018) and the highly acclaimed SIGN OF THE TIMES (2021), which made no. 5 of the German charts, plus the covers album DIAMONDS UNLOCKED II (2021) and two live releases, the ARP band mark 2022 continues to consist of singer Johnny Gioeli, bassist Volker Krawczak, keyboardist Ferdy Doernberg and drummer Bobby Rondinelli (ex-Rainbow), a perfectly oiled hard rock machine that never fails to deliver Pell’s compositions outstandingly and at the same time enhance them with each musician’s own trademarks. Even more enduring than his current line-up is Pell’s 33(!)-year collaboration with Steamhammer/SPV (in the 33rd year of his solo career!). A real exception in a profession characterised by discontinuity and short-lived trends. Not least ARP’s countless fans benefit from this reliability: The ten songs (plus intro) on XXIII present the band in top form, with compositions that are among Pell’s strongest to date, be it a typical guitar riff number such as ‘No Compromise’, ‘Gone With The Wind’ which is based on a true story about a dog that waited in vain for a year on a train platform for its deceased master, the fast-paced ‘Follow The Beast’ with its NWOBHM references, or the ballad ‘Fly With Me’, which kicks off with an atmospheric piano part and goes on to create a haunting goosebumps atmosphere. Not forgetting the classy instrumental ‘The Rise Of Ankhoor’ (Pell: “The title is a play on words based on the terms ‘anchor’ and ‘encore’”) and the stylistically as well as lyrically exceptional ‘Down On The Streets’ (scheduled for release as the second lead single on 25 March 2022) and ‘Freight Train’. “Thin Lizzy and AC/DC could have had a finger in this particular pie,” Pell explains, tongue-in-cheek, adding: “Both songs are about life on the streets, about people who are homeless for various reasons and – in the case of ‘Freight Train’ – hop on trains in the manner of American hobos to travel across the country.” Last but not least: LOST XXIII ends with the instrumental bonus track ‘Quarantined 1’, which Pell had already recorded on his own at home in spring 2020 and presented to his fans on YouTube as a kind of “COVID support package”. Bobby Rondinelli has now contributed proper drums for the album version, turning the song into a “real” ARP track.

LOST XIII was produced by Axel Rudi Pell, mixed by Tommy Geiger, mastered by Ulf Horbelt, and the mysterious cover artwork was once again designed by Thomas Ewerhard (Gotthard, Edguy, Sons Of Apollo, among others). All that remains is to solve the little mystery of the album title. Pell explains: “XXIII is the Roman numeral for 23 and stands for W, the 23rd letter of the alphabet. Which in this case is an abbreviation of ‘world’, so you could also call the album ‘Lost World’, a reference to the currently pretty alarming state of our planet.” He and his exceptional band will answer any remaining questions live on tour in spring and autumn of this year. Line Up: Johnny Gioeli - Lead and Backing Vocals Axel Rudi Pell - Lead, Rhythm and Acoustic Guitars Ferdy Doernberg - Keyboards Volker Krawczak - Bass Bobby Rondinelli – Drums

MESHUGGAH shared the long-awaited music video 'The Abysmal Eye' from their new full-length "Immutable", set for release on April 1st via Atomic Fire! Meshuggah have released a brand-new video for their latest single, "The Abysmal Eye", taken from their upcoming new album "Immutable". Destined to be one of 2022's most hailed and talked-about releases, "Immutable" once again showcases Meshuggah's collective brilliance, including some of the most jaw-dropping ensemble performances they have ever executed. 

The music video that premiered on Meshuggah's YouTube channel may just be their most powerful, perceptive, and dazzling video to date!

Watch MESHUGGAH - ‘The Abysmal Eye’ now here:

https://youtu.be/-EpE8hTCyWM

Meshuggah’s new video gives us a glimpse of a mythic and emotionally charged journey in a brutal uninhabitable desert wasteland in an arthouse blockbuster, starring malevolent forces and brutal powers. Exciting experimental elements, otherworldly scenes, bodies flying through the air, humanoids turning into dust,… Meshuggah leads the viewer deep into the world of “The Abysmal Eye” which takes viewers on a dazzling adventure catching a glimpse of the surreal realm of Meshuggah’s latest song. The video was produced by Digital Thunderdome / IRWIN and directed by Scott Hansen.

Pre-Save / Pre-Order your "Immutable" album edition and exclusive vinyl variants right here as CD, nine limited vinyl colors, cassette, or merchandise here: https://meshuggah.afr.link/immutable

Of course, with the Atomic Fire release dropping the album on April 1st this year, Meshuggah are yet to have the opportunity to take their songs out on the road. Find all confirmed tour dates and tickets here: https://www.meshuggah.net/tour

Legendary. Unique. Immutable. 

Six years on from the band's most recent full-length, "The Violent Sleep Of Reason", 2022 brings a fresh and fearsome revelation from Meshuggah. Shattering even the highest of expectations, the band's ninth album is simply their wildest and most esoteric sonic adventure yet. Recorded at Sweetspot Studios in Halmstad (Sweden), mixed by Rickard Bengtsson & Staffan Karlsson and mastered by multiple Grammy award winner Vlado Meller (Metallica, Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, System Of A Down). Visionary artist Luminokaya once again created the stunning cover artwork.

Stay on top of the Meshuggah updates by signing up for email news, receive information about Meshuggah's upcoming album "Immutable" and tours along with exclusive offers https://immutable.se

"Immutable" Tracklist:

01. Broken Cog

02. The Abysmal Eye

03. Light The Shortening Fuse

04. Phantoms

05. Ligature Marks

06. God He Sees In Mirrors

07. They Move Below

08. Kaleidoscope

09. Black Cathedral

10. I Am That Thirst

11. The Faultless

12. Armies Of The Preposterous

13. Past Tense

MESHUGGAH is:

Jens Kidman | Vocals

Mårten Hagström | Guitars

Dick Lövgren | Bass

Fredrik Thordendal | Guitars

Tomas Haake | Drums

-----

MESHUGGAH online:

www.meshuggah.net

www.facebook.com/meshuggah

www.instagram.com/meshuggah

www.twitter.com/meshuggah

Meat Loaf, legendario cantante de 'Bat Out Of Hell', muere a los 74 años

El cantante y actor estadounidense Meat Loaf, una de las voces más singulares del género rock, ha muerto a los 74 años, según ha confirmado su agente. El músico falleció el 20 de enero al lado de su esposa Deborah  por causas desconocidas. La notificia es confirmada en su cuenta oficial de Facebook en el que se puede leer:

“Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight surrounded by his wife Deborah, daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends.

His amazing career spanned 6 decades that saw him sell over 100 Million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including “Fight Club”, “Focus”, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Wayne’s World.”

“Bat Out of Hell” remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time.

We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man. 

We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time. 

From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!

Nuestros corazones están rotos al anunciar que el incomparable Meat Loaf falleció esta noche rodeado de su esposa Deborah, sus hijas Pearl y Amanda y amigos cercanos.

Su increíble carrera abarcó 6 décadas en las que vendió más de 100 millones de álbumes en todo el mundo y protagonizó más de 65 películas, incluidas "Fight Club", "Focus", "Rocky Horror Picture Show" y "Wayne's World".

“Bat Out of Hell” sigue siendo uno de los 10 álbumes más vendidos de todos los tiempos.

"Sabemos cuánto significó para muchos de ustedes y realmente apreciamos todo el amor y el apoyo a medida que avanzamos en este momento de dolor por la pérdida de un artista tan inspirador y un hombre tan hermoso.

Le agradecemos su comprensión de nuestra necesidad de privacidad en este momento.

De su corazón a vuestras almas… ¡nunca dejéis de rockear!No se compartió la causa de la muerte en la publicación.

El cantante, cuyo verdadero nombre es Marvin Lee Aday, nació en Dallas.

Los dos álbumes más grandes de Meat Loaf, "Bat out of Hell" de 1977 y la continuación de 1993 "Bat out of Hell II: Back into Hell", produjeron numerosos sencillos exitosos, incluidos "Paradise by the Dashboard Light", "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" y "I'll Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)".

Meat Loaf también apareció en varias películas, incluido el clásico de culto "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" y programas de televisión.

últimas 24 horas".

En paz descanse. La Pajarraca Radio se une a la pena que embarga a su familia y amigos.

What makes a song a good song? Craft? Passion? Production? Chemistry? On their soaring, self-titled debut, melodic hard rock supergroup OUT OF THIS WORLD skillfully underlines that it’s a combination of all of these things: A perfect and rare constellation when the stars are aligned correctly. Forged by Kee Marcello of EUROPE fame, vocal thunder Tommy Heart (FAIR WARNING), bassist Ken Sandin (ALIEN) and drummer Darby Todd (DEVIN TOWNSEND, GARY MOORE, THE DARKNESS), »Out Of This World« is a dream come true for everybody out there who is mourning the loss of quality melodic hard rock since forever. No wonder this record has already become a massive hit in Japan.

It’s no coincidence that Marcello’s latest endeavor bears the name of that legendary multi-platinum EUROPE album released back in 1988. “When I told people about my new project, someone suggested I call it something like Kee Marcelo’s EUROPE. But that‘s terrible,” he laughs, “I hated it. Tommy suggested to call it OUT OF THIS WORLD, simple as that. Just as the BLACK SABBATH guys and Dio did with HEAVEN AND HELL.”

The same vibe, the same ear for melody, the same hooks permeate an album that was brought to life with the vigor and passion you wouldn’t exactly expect in a rock star who’s seen it all and done it all in the past forty years. “I’ve always concentrated on music, and my passion for that never changed,” he says. “I’ve never changed style; I’ve never tried to do anything I’m not doing well.”

»Out Of This World« beams with a freewheeling and overflowing sense of fun, musicianship, and togetherness. It’s an effortless flux that’s just not normally found on a debut. “You have to remember that Darby, Ken, and I go way back,” the legendary axe-man notes of his rhythm section. “We did hundreds of gigs together and are as tight as a thumbscrew. Same thing goes for Tommy and I: we clicked instantly when working together for the first time a couple of years ago. We have this almost brotherly connection. We’re literally reading each other’s minds, man. There was no stumbling block, it was all a self-playing piano.”

Same goes for vocalist Tommy Heart who’s been around in this game forever as well. “You meet, you play, and sparks begin to fly,” he describes the chemistry between the members. “We don't even talk that much. We simply let the music speak. We touch our hearts when we play which is something that’s incredibly rare to find. Nobody has to explain himself; everybody is doing just what anybody else would do at that moment.” Heart was instantly hooked when he realized that OUT OF THIS WORLD was more than a one-off thing between bored musicians in lockdown. “I don’t like these temporary projects,” he muses. “This here is the real deal.

“With OUT OF THIS WORLD, though, it never felt like a project,” says Marcello and he admit: “It felt like a band from day one. This is why the album turned out so well. It has a genuine band feel to it.” At their very first rehearsal session in Marcello’s hometown of Gothenburg, they sketched a couple of songs that would later wind up on their debut, namely 'Twilight', 'Lighting Up My Dark' and 'In A Million Years'. “We actually found ourselves right in the middle of our first recording session without even knowing it,” he marvels. “Everything felt so natural and so good that writing the rest of the songs was a walk in the park.“

Graced by additional key wizardry courtesy of DEEP PURPLE’s very own Don Airey and embellished by a Ron Nevison mix (KISS, BAD COMPANY, OZZY OSBOURNE, MEAT LOAF, HEART, CHICAGO, DAMN YANKEES etc.) who reunited with Marcello for the first time since producing EUROPE’s »Out Of This World« a staggering thirty-three years ago, the songs masterfully transport the bygone era of melody driven, anthemic hard rock into the present. From uptempo rocking first single 'Hanging On' via 'In A Million Years', originally written for EUROPE’s »Prisoner In Paradise«, to colossal anthem 'Lighting Up My Dark' and prog-rock playground 'Staring At The Sun', OUT OF THIS WORLD solitarily resurrect a genre we thought was lost forever.

  TRACK LISTING:

01. Twilight

02. Hanging On

03. In A Million Years

04. Lighting Up My Dark

05. Staring At The Sun

06. The Warrior

07. Up To You

08. Ain't Gonna Let You Go

09. Only You Can Teach Me How To Love Again

10. Not Tonight

Bonus Tracks:

11. Twilight (Demo Version)

12. In A Million Years (Demo Version)

13. Lighting Up My Dark (Demo Version)

Bonus live CD/LP:

01. Let The Good Times Rock

02. Burning Heart

03. Save Me

04. Open Your Heart

05. Momentum (Instrumental)

06. Superstitious

07. Ready Or Not

Line-up:

Tommy Heart | lead vocals

Kee Marcello | guitars, keys & backing vocals

Ken Sandin | bass & backing vocals

Darby Todd | drums

">www.outofthisworld.se www.facebook.com/ootwtheband | www.instagram.com/ootwtheband

*STEAMHAMMER / SPV - NEW ALBUM RELEASE*

AXEL RUDI PELL "Diamonds Unlocked II"

Release Date:     July  30th, 2021

Format :             - CD Digi Pak incl. poster

                         - 2 LP, 140g, black vinyl gatefold, printed inner sleeves

Tracklisting: 

01. Der Schwarze Abt (Intro) 2:03

02. There’s Only One Way To Rock - original by Sammy Hagar 4:26

03. Lady Of The Lake - original by Rainbow 5:17

04. She’s A Lady - original by Paul Anka 4:04

05. Black Cat Woman - original by Geordie 4:25

06. Room With A View - original by Tony Carey 4:12

07. Sarah (You Take My Breath Away) - original by Chris Norman 4:51

08. Rock N’ Roll Queen - original by The Subways 3:19

09. Paint It Black - original by The Rolling Stones 6:03

10. I Put A Spell On You - original by Screamin´Jay Hawkins 4:24

11. Eagle - original by Abba 6:53

German hard rock guitar wizard AXEL RUDI PELL has finished recording and mixing his latest album “Diamonds Unlocked II”, set for  release on July 30th 2021 on Steamhammer/SPV. The successor to last year’s top 5 album “Sign Of The Times” is the follow-up to his 2007 cover recording “Diamonds Unlocked”. Pell’s carefully considered decision not to release brand-new material for the first time in almost 15 years is mainly based on the ongoing pandemic and current restrictions on live concerts. The 61-year-old explains that “it makes no sense at all to put out new songs that we will not be able to perform live.” But fans desperately waiting for a new studio album will have to acknowledge that this kind of solution is a pretty good one indeed! PELL had been flirting with the concept of “Diamonds Unlocked II” for two or three years, and he’s also aware of the vast number of cover versions currently floating on the Internet, which he sees as a challenge. Of course it depends on the selection and variety of the material, but first and foremost it is the transformation of each individual track that matters. The result is so outstanding that PELL is justly proud of his latest offering. “Without patting myself on the back too loudly – this is an album worth listening to from start to finish.” Instead of delivering every single note so that it sounds exactly like the original, a cover album should, above all, be fun. And entertain and inspire the listener, an audio algorithm which makes you get out the original versions or the whole back catalogue of the artists presented. In this respect, “Diamonds Unlocked II” is an offer that no self-respecting hard rock fan can refuse. It all starts with the only original composition on the recording, a typical ARP intro entitled “Der Schwarze Abt”. “I like intros which prepare you for the atmosphere of the songs that follow.” Setting the tone is a blistering version of Sammy Hagar’s “There’s Only One Way To Rock” (1982), “a perfect song” where PELL uses Van Halen’s live version during the solo, playing both Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar’s solos but in his own style. His admiration of another guitar hero, namely Ritchie Blackmore, is no secret, so what we get is one of the most underrated tunes from the Ronnie James Dio-fronted Rainbow line-up: “Lady Of The Lake” from the “Long Live Rock’n’Roll” album (1978). “Rainbow never played that song live, for whatever reason. We chose the demo version from the deluxe edition and added some typical ARP bits.” Then ARP goes on to surprise his fans with a great version of Paul Anka’s “She’s A Lady” (best-known in Tom Jones’s version from in the 1970s). The two Americans in the band, singer Johnny Gioeli and drummer Bobby Rondinelli, have become huge fans of the ballad, which has evolved into a straightforward rock number, although they were admittedly a little sceptical in the beginning. And then back to the 1970s again with Geordie’s semi-hit “Black Cat Woman” (1973), brilliantly redone with plenty of new verve and combined with Brian Johnson‘s rerecording from 1989. Tony Carey, one of Rainbow’s former keyboardists (and a friend of Axel’s), had a huge hit in Germany in 1988 with his classic soundtrack ballad “Room With A View”, which PELL has now adopted as if it was one of his own compositions. Same thing with Chris Norman’s hit “Sarah (You Take My Breath Away)”, first out in 1987: PELL has charted new territories, putting in fewer keyboards and more ARP drive. One of the biggest surprises is without a doubt “Rock’N’Roll Queen” by British indie rock band The Subways (2005), a number you wouldn’t expect to find on an ARP record. “I’ve always liked the song and happened to hear it on TV a few weeks back. We reduced the punk attitude a bit and turned it into a heavy rock anthem.” There are plenty of versions of the Rolling Stones classic “Paint It Black”, however none of them refers to Deep Purple’s 1993 live version, as performed during Blackmore’s final tour. “I needed to do this track in ARP style, so the Purple version fits perfectly.” “I Put A Spell On You” (Screamin‘ Jay Hawkins, 1956) is the oldest number on the album, CCR’s version being the best-known adaptation. “It’s influenced me big-time. I added a solo which was inspired by late Free guitarist Paul Kossoff. It’s my favourite solo on this record.” One more highlight comes at the end: a stomping, thundering heavy rock adaption of the ABBA classic “Eagle”, which sees ARP in top form and leaves fans hankering for the next studio album featuring original material, scheduled for a release in spring 2022. We can’t wait!  

Reveal tour dates and announce

"Acoustic Adventures - Volume One"

for October 2021

Finnish melodic metal titans SONATA ARCTICA are a band with a unique sound, driven by different emotions and a touch of melancholy. Today, the band announces the release of their first acoustic album, perfectly entitled "Acoustic Adventures - Volume One", to be released in October 2021 through Nuclear Blast Tonträger Produktions- und Vertriebs GmbH. 

"This acoustic form of SONATA ARCTICA has been slowly brewing for years", comments vocalist Tony Kakko and explains: "The first manifestation of it, besides the few acoustic versions of songs released throughout the years, was the "Acoustic Adventures Tour" in 2019, which proved to be a great success, sparking an idea to get these songs also recorded and out on an album. Or two albums, at least for starters. Our songs have always been based on beautiful melodies, which makes it very easy to transform and rearrange them perfectly into the acoustic form as well. I should mention that many of the songs work so well dressed in acoustic garments."

"Acoustic Adventures - Volume One" will be the first part, followed by a second acoustic record, to be released in 2022. "I hope you love these albums as much as we do. There are many, many songs we had to leave out of these ”Volume One” and ”Volume Two” albums, so nothing would please me more than adding few more volumes in the future", smiles Tony Kakko and adds: "Looking forward to seeing you on tour again as soon as possible!"

And this tour is hopfully going to happen in autumn, entitled the "Acoustic Adventures MMXXI" tour.  It’s been a while since SONATA ARCTICA toured Europe, the last time being in 2019. To promote their "Acoustic Adventures - Volume One" release, the band will embark on a journey through 17 European countries! Support will be provided by Swedish hopefuls ELEINE, who will also be presenting an acoustic set. Keyboardist Henrik “Henkka” Klingenberg comments: "Since our Talviyö World Tour is more or less over, it's time to look ahead for the next challenge and since we've had so much fun with the acoustic stuff we decided to make an album as well, and of course we will hit the road immediately after that to celebrate the release of it. As of now we have managed to set up an extensive European Tour and we're really looking forward to getting out there an play some music for all of you."

SONATA ARCTICA                

Acoustic Adventures 2021                              

Special Guests: ELEINE

presented by Metal Hammer (Ger), Rock It (Ger), Musix (Ger), Rock Hard (F), Power (ES), Rocksverige (S) and Scream (NO)                        

21.10.2021 SE - Uppsala, Katalin

22.10.2021 SE - Östersund, Gamla Teatern

23.10.2021 NO - Trondheim, Byscenen

24.10.2021 NO - Oslo, Parkteatret

26.10.2021 SE - Gothenburg, Valand (Ordensalen)

27.10.2021 DE - Hamburg, Fabrik

28.10.2021 NL - Tilburg, 013

29.10.2021 DE - Bochum, Matrix

30.10.2021 NL - Utrecht, Pandora

01.11.2021 UK - London, Islington Assembly Hall

03.11.2021 FR - Paris/Vaureal, Le Forum

04.11.2021 FR - Lyon, CCO

05.11.2021 ES - Barcelona, Salamandra

06.11.2021 ES - Bilbao, Santana 27

07.11.2021 ES - Madrid, Mon

09.11.2021 ES - Sevilla, Custom

10.11.2021 ES - Murcia, Garaje

11.11.2021 ES - Pamplona, Totem

12.11.2021 FR - Toulouse, Le Metronom

13.11.2021 FR - Nantes, Le Ferrailleur

14.11.2021 BE - Sint-Niklaas, De Casino

16.11.2021 DE - Nürnberg, Hirsch

17.11.2021 CH - Pratteln, Z7

18.11.2021 IT - Milan, Live Club

19.11.2021 SLO - Ljubljana, Orto Bar

21.11.2021 BG - Sofia, Music Jam

22.11.2021 RO - Bukarest, Quantic Club

23.11.2021 RO - Cluj-Napoca, FORM Space

25.11.2021 AT - Wien, Szene

26.11.2021 HU - Budapest, Akvarium

27.11.2021 CZ - Zlin, Winter Masters of Rock

28.11.2021 PL - Warsaw, Proxima

29.11.2021 DE - Berlin, Columbia Theater

01.12.2021 DE - München, Technikum

02.12.2021 DE - Köln, Essigfabrik

03.12.2021 DE - Passau, Zauberberg

04.12.2021 DE - Speyer, Halle 101

Ticket pre-sale links under: https://www.dragon-productions.eu/bands/sonata-arctica/

SONATA ARCTICA online: 

http://sonataarctica.info

http://www.facebook.com/sonataarctica

https://www.instagram.com/sonataarcticaofficial

http://www.youtube.com/sonataarctica

Este lunes 04 de enero amanecimos con otra triste noticia para el mundo del metal pues lamentablemente Alexi Laiho, vocalista de Children of Bodom murió a los 41 años.

El 2021 continua con las tristes y lamentables perdidas humanas en el mundo de la música y hablando específicamente del metal. Pues lamentablemente Alexi Laiho, conocido por ser el vocalista, guitarrista y miembro fundador de la banda finlandesa Children of Bodom, murió a los 41 años de edad hace unos cuantos días. 

Hasta el momento no se sabe la causa exacta de su fallecimiento, pero diversas fuentes mencionan que fue por complicaciones de distintos problemas de salud que venía arrastrando , probablemente problemas cardiacos y que murió en su casa de Helsinki, Finlandia. De acuerdo con Billboard, a través de un comunicado de prensa la disquera Napalm Records informó sobre su fallecimiento y publicó un emotivo mensaje para recordarlo. 

“Estamos absolutamente devastados y con el corazón roto por la repentina pérdida de nuestro querido amigo y miembro de la banda”, dijo el sello discográfico. Por otro lado, Children of Bodom también honró a quien fue su líder y vocalista por mucho tiempo: “Perdimos un hermano, el mundo perdió a un fenomenal compositor y a uno de los más grandes guitarristas de todos los tiempos. Los recuerdos y la música de Alexi vivirán para siempre. Nuestros pensamientos están con su familia durante este difícil momento.”

One of the most renowned guitarists in the world, Alexi Laiho, has passed away. The musician, most notably known as the…

Publicado por Children Of Bodom en Lunes, 4 de enero de 2021

¿Quién fue Alexi Laiho?

Alexi Laiho nació el 8 de abril de 1979 en Espoo, Finlandia. Desde muy joven le gustó el rock y lo influenciaron bandas y artistas como Dire Straits, Steve Vai, Poison, Mötley Crüe y W.A.S.P; pero tras varios años estudiando instrumentos clásicos, en 1993 formó junto a su amigo de la infancia, el baterista Jaska Raatikainen, la banda de metal que lo catapultaría a la fama a nivel mundial, Children of Bodom. 

Tras tomar su nombre de uno de los casos más infames de la historia de aquel país, el asesinato en 1960 de dos adolescentes en el lago Bodom y que nunca se resolvió, A lo largo de más de veinte años, Alexi lanzó 10 álbumes de estudio con la banda. Pero sobresalieron del resto de grupos del género por su mezcla característica de death, thrash y metal melódico, que a menudo incorporaba toques sinfónicos y neoclásicos en sus canciones.

También tuvo otros proyectos

Después de tanto tiempo con Children of Bodom, la banda anunció en 2019 que se separarían, no sin antes dar una gira de despedida y de lanzar su ese mismo año último álbum, Hexed. Desde entonces, Alexi Laiho continuó en el mundo de la música, pues creó junto al guitarrista Daniel Freyberg, el grupo Bodom After Midnight, con quienes grabó tres canciones y un vídeo, que se publicarán de manera póstuma y en honor de su vocalista.

Aunque muchos reconocen a Alexi por ser miembro fundador de Children of Bodom, también tuvo otros proyectos interesantes como el grupo de punk rock Kylähullut y bandas como Sinergy, Inearthed e Impaled Nazarene. Además de su trabajo musical lanzó su primer libro de 2019, una autobiografía y que ningún fan de la guitarra puede dejar pasar. Sin duda y como podrán darse cuenta, se nos fue una leyenda del metal finlandés. 

La Pajarraca Radio se une a la perdida de este gran vocalista en el que pudimos conocer en un concierto en la ciudad de Guadalajara, Mexico en el teatro Diana hace algunos años. 

En paz descance.