Friday, March 31, 2017

Death Toll Rises with New SARCASM Stream

  

Legendary Swedish Death Metallers SARCASM have partnered with Decibel for the premiere of new song "Silent Waves Summoned Your Inner Being." Take the plunge at:

SARCASM have returned with Within the Sphere of Ethereal Minds. The album will be released April 28 on Dark Descent Records. Pre-order it at this location.

A lyric video for new song "In The Grip of Awakening Times" is available at here.

Following the unearthing of their first proper full-length, Burial Dimensions (originally recorded in 1994 and officially released in 2016), the new long player is in a sense the payoff of a long, bumpy history that included demos, compilations, and an EP (Scattered Ashes in 2000). Indeed, it is the full realization of SARCASM's blackened Swedish Death Metal sound, yet with an identity all its own.

While the music of all eight tracks was written by guitarist Peter Laitinen, he somehow did find that perfect balance in between that very specific sense of melody that could only be summarized as 'typically Swedish' (fans of the early No Fashion records catalogue will know exactly what we mean here), raging speed and brutality. With one foot firmly planted in the mid-90's and another in the present, SARCASM is no nostalgia trip, but a genuine return to form to that specific mix of black and death-metal, before saccharine riffing and cheesy clean vocals took over and ruined it all. Moving from the melancholic leads of "Embodiment of Source," they answer with the blast-o-thon that is "Scars of a Land Forgotten" or the epic-to-kill-all-epic that is the eight-minute-plus "A Black Veil for Earth."

"It may have taken them a long time but it was worth the wait. Hail Sarcasm!"
- Olivier Badin (Terrorizer / New Noise)
Track List:

1. Bloodsoaked Sunrise
2. From the Crimson Fog They Emerged
3. Embodiment of Source
4. Scars of a Land Forgotten
5. In the Grip of Awakening Times
6. Silent Waves Summoned Your Inner Being
7. A Black Veil for Earth
8. The Drowning Light at the Edge of the Dawn


BIO

What a journey it has been.  Ok, technically speaking, this isn't their first proper full-length - 'Burial Dimensions' is.  Although 'Burial Dimensions' was recorded in 1994, it remained unheard in the vaults until seventeen years later and was finally released as a stand-alone album in 2016.  Despite an initial short run, Sarcasm produced no less than six demos and went through some drastic stylistic changes in the process, starting with a quite basic gore n' guts death-metal sound only to end up with some epic and melodic mix of black and death-metal.  All of this over the course of only four years... So there was an unfinished-business vibe in the air.  No one thought it would take the band over two decades to make it a reality.

After a first, short-lived reunion in 1997, a newly redesigned line-up of the band finally got together in 2015 with Heval, Oscar Karlsson (Defleshed, Gates of Ishtar etc.) on drums who had previously played in the band in between 1993 and 1994, former axeman Henrik Forslund now on bass, Fredrik Wallenberg and newcomer Peter Laitinen on guitars.  But as they were getting ready to work on some new music for their forthcoming sophomore album, tragedy struck with the unexpected death of Oscar, whose hard-hitting yet extremely precise style had become a massive part of the band's identity.  After few weeks of disarray, the band vowed to carry on, enlisting the veteran Matte Modin (also from Defleshed, Dark Funeral, Firespawn and so on) who actually was part for a while of Embalmed, Wallenberg pre-Sarcasm band.

Eventually, both Wallenberg and Forslund had to bow out right before the recording, to be replaced respectively by Anders Eriksson, who had previously been part of the band during the 'Burial Dimensions' era, and Jonas Söder.  Amazingly enough this doesn't prevent 'Within the Sphere of Ethereal Minds' to be a defiant triumph. Actually, it feels as if all those setbacks and personal struggles only strengthened their will to recapture 'Burial Dimensions' blazing stand and run with it even further. 

Heval Bozarslan - Vocals
Peter Laitinen - Guitars
Anders Eriksson - Guitars
Jonas Söder - Bass
Matte Modin - Drums

Science of Sleep: Official Video for "Condemned to Burn" Released

 
 
German Bruisers SCIENCE OF SLEEP have released the official video for "Condemned to Burn," a track from last year's Hellmouth album (Bastardized Recordings). Check out the video at this location.

The video was filmed at the band's album release show and features extreme live action with some backstage hilarity. 

Hellmouth was released November 25 on Bastardized Recordings. 

The new album combines elements of death metal, deathcore and not-so-subtle black and dark influences.The music features the band's trademark rapid-fire brutality and is full of blast-beats and heavy breakdowns. Lyrically and conceptually, the album address a variety of topics, reaching from the Hell mythology, fascism and the darkest parts of the human nature.
 
Hellmouth was recorded with Simon Hawemann (Sludge Studios, War From A Harlots Mouth) in Berlin and mixed by Christian Schwarz (Schwarzmusik). The mastering was done by Andy Marsh (Thy Art is Murder). The artwork is a collaboration of Robert Borbas (Grindesign) and "Sin Eater".

"It is the heaviest album of the year."
 - WeLoveMetal.com

"Demolition from Lower Saxony."
- Metal Hammer (Germany)

 "If you are looking for something that will downright tear your fucking head off and gut you like a fish, then these guys are the band for you."
 - Cadaver Garden

"A gloriously brutal and dark album."
 - Roppongi Rocks

"Hellmouth succeeds in its direct distinction. There are no gimmicks, no transgressions; it is loyal to itself, and flat out rocks."
 - New Noise Magazine
"The whole album shows just how deathcore with hints of black metal should be delivered. Another immense release."
  - Invicta Magazine

 "If  you are a fan of deathcore, then you should check out this album. "
 - Variety of Death Zine  
 
 
 
 
Facebook.com/SOSMetal

Thursday, March 30, 2017

EXCOMMUNION to release Thronosis May 12

 

As the world crumbles beneath our feet, a slumbering beast awakens to feast on the weak. That beast is Excommunion. The band will break a years-long silence with the upcoming release of Thronosis.  

Fifteen years after their sonic blitzkrieg that was their debut album "Superion," Colorado born Excommunion triumphantly return with Thronosis. Christbutcher and Kyle Spanswick once again form the backbone for this relentless return.  

The band comments:

"In death we are born again, to rise once more with new form, beneath the Shadow of the Logos. Old doctrines are cast into the abyss and old flesh flensed and given to the flames of pyres. Let only the old name remain as our epithet. Let all else burn and fall from this new and glorious form within the paradoxical light of a greater heresy. In death, Excommunion arises once more..."

The album was recorded, mixed and mastered at Flatline Audio by Dave Otero and Excommunion. Cover art by Lauri Laaksonen (Desolate Shrine).

Track listing:
1. Twilight of Eschaton
2. Nemesis
3. World Crucifier
4. Blessed is the Epoch of Darkness and Strife
 
Dark Descent Records will release Thronosis on May 12.

Christbutcher - Vocals
Kyle Spanswick - Guitars, Bass, Lyrics
Gordon Koch - Drums

The 4th Annual JOURNEYS ALTERNATIVE PRESS MUSIC AWARDS, FUELED BY MONSTER ENERGY Announce 2017 Venue + VIP & Early Bird Ticket Details

Early Bird & VIP Tickets On Sale Now:
 
July 17, 2017 | Cleveland, Ohio | Quicken Loans Arena


 
"The GRAMMYs of Alternative Music" - TIME Magazine
 
CLEVELAND, OH - The Journeys Alternative Press Music Awards, Fueled by Monster Energy Drink are thrilled to finally announce that on July 17, 2017, the main event will return to Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena-home court of Lebron James and 2016 NBA Champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers! The massive facilities at Quicken Loans Arena are the perfect location to host this year's show, which will transform into a refreshed, produced-for-television atmosphere to fully immerse fans in the action.
 
Alternative Press CEO Mike Shea states, "It's so amazing to bring the AP Music Awards back to the legendary Q Arena here in Cleveland. It's a world-famous sports and entertainment venue and for us to hold the fourth annual APMAs here is still such a humbling experience.
 
This year we're shaking things up a bit with the show for those who attend in person, as it'll be a true produced-for-television experience. It'll be like attending a taping of Colbert or Kimmel and the audience will be an active part of the award show's production. These are the sorts of events that you would typically only get if you live in Los Angeles or New York City and we're bringing this experience for music fans right here to Cleveland. The APMAs were already a once-in-a-lifetime event because of the unique performances and the handing out of our annual awards, but now we're ramping up the night's excitement even more by making it more of a live television experience."
 
In addition to bringing the biggest names in alternative music all together for one special night, the APMAs also bring them to the birthplace of rock 'n' roll -  Cleveland, Ohio.
 
"The Alternative Press Music Awards help us showcase Cleveland's world-class music scene, our rock 'n' roll heritage as well as so many other facets of our city - from culinary options to outdoor activities to culture and nightlife," adds David Gilbert, president and CEO of Destination Cleveland"We're proud to support this growing event as it returns to Cleveland and The Q."
 
The 2017 Journeys Alternative Press Music Awards, Fueled by Monster Energy Drink will be hosted by alternative culture superstar Andy Biersack (Andy Black, Black Veil Brides) and promise even more of what fans have come to expect from the show - huge stars and incredible performances presented on a scale worthy of the most exciting genres in music.
 
The wait is over! Early bird and VIP tickets are on sale now at www.altpress.com/apmas, and regular tickets will go on sale very soon. Early bird tickets allow fans to grab tickets at the lowest possible price - save money and get yours now! In addition, VIP tickets are available - including Monster VIP Table, Ultimate VIP and Premium Seating packages - offering the best seat in the house! The Monster VIP Table, which positions fans right in the action, includes up-front-and-personal floor table seating for two, premier hotel accommodations, red carpet VIP viewing, admission to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, exclusive goodies and more. With the Ultimate VIP package fans will have a special place on the red carpet, get to attend a VIP signing before the show, receive two tickets to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and more. The Premium Seating package guarantees fans a seat close to the action, plus a discounted ticket to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Visit the link above to get yours before they are gone - last year's Monster VIP tickets sold out in less than three hours!
 
Details regarding the 2017 APMAs tickets, nominees, honorees, attending/performing artists, red carpet appearances, surrounding events and more will be announced soon via www.altpress.com/apmas.
 
Last year's APMAs trended worldwide on Twitter and Facebook for over 72 hours - before, during and after live streaming on Amazon Music's official Twitch channel, reaching a staggering 500,000-plus viewers. The APMAs were the most viewed stream on Twitch the day of show, in addition to being the No. 3 most viewed music stream in the platform's history. Social media reaction and fan response spread fast and furious across the internet following the red carpet and awards ceremony, reaching 25 million people across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. In addition, over 240,000 Twitter users tweeted the #APMAs hashtag during the show.
 
Each APMAs show has featured some of the greatest artists in modern music, ranging from today's biggest rock stars such as Fall Out Boy, Hayley Williams of Paramore, Panic! At The Disco, Twenty One Pilots, Machine Gun Kelly, Papa Roach, Black Veil Brides and Weezer, to musical legends such as Aerosmith's Joe Perry, SlashJoan Jett & The Blackhearts, Billy Corganof the Smashing Pumpkins and Ice-T. Countless renowned artists such as Rob Zombie, Mark Hoppus of Blink-182All Time LowMarilyn Manson, Run of RUN DMC and beyond have appeared at the APMAs, with spectacular performances from artists including (but not limited to) New Found Glory, YellowcardA Day To RememberLaura Jane Grace of Against Me! and more. Additionally, the APMAs are recognized for presenting collaborative cover performances unlike music fans have ever seen before, combining the legendary talents of Joan Jett and SlashAsking Alexandria and KornHalestorm and Slipknot/Stone Sour vocalist Corey Taylor, Rob Halford and BABYMETAL and many more.
 
If you missed out on the fun last year, check out the 2016 ultimate highlight reel here.
 
Keep your eyes on www.altpress.com/apmas over the coming weeks for new announcements and information on the 2017 Alternative Press Music Awards!
 
***This Month in Alternative Press Magazine:
Alternative Press just announced the ultimate Panic! At The Disco fan issue, and it hits stores next week, but you can pick up a copy right now at altpress.com/newissue. The issue includes an exclusive interview with Brendon Urie and details everything from his thoughts on his first AP cover 11 years ago to his nightly routine of selling out arenas, how he ended up doing Fall Out Boy's drunk history, his time as a Vine superstar and the future of P!ATD. In case all this isn't enough, it's also filled with extra posters!
 
 
About Alternative Press:
For over 32 years, Alternative Press continues to be on the forefront of discovering new artists, breaking news and reporting on the latest trends in music and youth culture. Since its early days as a pasted-up fanzine in the mid-'80s, Alternative Press is one of the largest music magazines in the world. AP provides in-depth interviews and exclusive photos, making it an essential collectors piece for a passionate fan base, as well as digitally through various mobile and tablet formats. AP has expanded its digital reach via an enhanced mobile app andAltpress.com, one of the world's fastest-growing websites. The site has become a necessary destination for up-to-the-minute breaking news, coverage from our national APtv correspondents, exclusive multimedia premieres and much more. Additionally, the brand has been successfully extended through live events, beginning with the launch of the AP Tour and the company's inaugural AP Music Award Show, which trended No. 1 worldwide on Twitter and Facebook. Independently owned and operated, AP continues to reach millions of fans, offering them insight to the hottest artists and cultural trends first.
 
About Journeys:
Journeys is a leader in the teen specialty retail scene, with more than 840 stores in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. Journeys uses fashion savvy and merchandising science to keep in step with the fast-paced footwear and accessories market for 13- to 22-year-old guys and girls. Journeys offers a wide variety of trendy, relevant brands that cater to teens who seek the hottest, new styles. The Journeys store is more than a retail environment; it's an extension of the teen lifestyle. From the plasma TVs playing exclusive content and the latest music videos, to the visual merchandising strategy and promotions, to the employees whose image and style reflect the customers' lifestyle and attitude. In addition, Journeys reaches its customers through www.journeys.com & www.journeys.cacatalog, national advertising, strategic cross-promotions, social media and grass-roots events like national concert tours and the Vans Warped Tour. Journeys is, in every way, an attitude you can wear!

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

SABATON Distinguished with Gold and Platinum Awards!

"The Last Tour", with support from LEAVES' EYES and BATTLE BEAST, begins April 20
Tickets and VIP Packs Available via WWW.SABATON.NET
 
Order SABATON's The Last Stand via Nuclear Blast!
 
 
 
Swedish war machine, SABATON, is currently touring the world in support of their latest studio record titled The Last Stand (August 19, 2016 via Nuclear Blast) and also holding #1 (The Last Stand), #7 (Carolus Rex; on the top for 248 (!) weeks in a row now), #9 (Heroes), and #17 (The Art Of War) in the Swedish Top 20 rock charts. After hitting the charts worldwide with The Last Stand last year (#6 World; #1 in Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany among others), the band was recently honored with new plaques for their impressive album sales: The Last Stand achieved Gold in the band's homeland Sweden and in Poland. Their previous studio album, Heroes, was even platinum-certified in Sweden! On March 4, the band had already been honored with golden plaques for The Last Stand's sales in the Czech Republic at Tipsport Arena, Prague.
 
Bassist Pär Sundström commented: "This is proof of two things - first, that we are still able to make music that fans want to listen to, and second, that we have fantastic fans who really care. Sure, the current tour is called "The Last Tour", but as long as it is going like this we'll be going strong for a long time."
 
Order The Last Stand now: http://nblast.de/SabatonLastStandNB
Get The Last Stand digitally: http://nblast.de/SabatonDownloads
 
SABATON will kick off their North American "The Last Tour" headlining trek in just under one month! The band is touring in support of their highly-acclaimed eighth album, The Last StandSABATON will be joined by symphonic metal group Leaves' Eyes and heavy power metal onslaught/labelmates Battle Beast.
 
If you've never witnessed SABATON live, make sure to take a sneak peek at the grandiose, epic onslaught that is the SABATON live experience! Watch here: https://youtu.be/kJoKi_YqTvk
 
"The Last Tour" will kick-off on April 20 at The Trocadero in Philadelphia, PA and visit over 25 cities, with more dates to be added. Tickets and VIP packs are available now via www.sabaton.net.
 
SABATON 2017 North American "The Last Tour" Date w/ Leaves' Eyes & Battle Beast:
4/20 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero
4/21 - New York, NY @ Playstation Theater
4/22 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium - New England Metal & Hardcore Festival
4/23 - Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall
4/25 - Montreal, QC @ Club Soda - SOLD OUT!
4/26 - Quebec City, QC @ Imperial De Quebec
4/27 - Toronto, ON @ Opera House
4/28 - Cleveland, OH @ The Agora Ballroom
4/30 - Louisville, KY @ Diamond Pub Concert Hall
5/1 - Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall
5/2 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Cabooze
5/3 - Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre
5/5 - Edmonton, AB @ Union Hall
5/6 - Calgary, AB @ The Palace
5/7 - Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre
5/8 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon - SOLD OUT!
5/10 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom
5/11 - Anaheim, CA @ City National Grove
5/12 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theater
5/14 - Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre
5/16 - Dallas, TX @ Trees
5/17 - San Antonio, TX @ Alamo Music Hall
5/18 - Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
5/20 - Tampa, FL @ Orpheum
5/21 - Charlotte, NC @ The Underground
5/22 - Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
 
+More TBA
 
 
About SABATON:
Formed in Falun, Sweden in 1999, SABATON thoroughly researches their battle topics to ensure the songs paint accurate and objective portraits of the historical event they're singing about, which are narrated from an omniscient point-of-view or in first-person as a soldier caught in the line of fire.  Like their home country of Sweden, SABATON aims to remain politically neutral in their role as musical war historians. SABATON have reached their unshaken position as heavy metal's AAA-torchbearer after releasing ingenious studio recordings and playing endless amount of unforgettable live shows with massive live production. The Last Stand is another unquestionable and bulletproof evidence of SABATON's top class abilities.
 
Order your copy of The Last Stand here: http://nblast.de/SabatonLastStandNB
 
More on The Last Stand:
'The Lost Battalion' OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO:
'Blood Of Bannockburn' OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO:
'Shiroyama' OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO:
'The Art Of War' OFFICIAL LIVE CLIP:
 
Visit SABATON online at www.sabaton.net or:  


 
About BATTLE BEAST:
Finnish heavy metallers BATTLE BEAST unleashed their 4th studio album, Bringer Of Pain, on February 17 via Nuclear Blast Records. Recorded and produced at JKB Studios by keyboardist Janne Björkroth, Bringer Of Pain was also mixed by him alongside Viktor Gullichsen and Mikko Karmila, while mastering was done by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios. Additionally, Bringer Of Pain is BATTLE BEAST's first album recorded with guitarist Joona Björkroth.
 
Order Bringer Of Pain now: http://nblast.de/BBBringerOfPainNB
Order Bringer Of Pain digitally and receive 'Familiar Hell' and 'King For A Day' instantly or stream the songs: http://nblast.de/BattleBeastDownloads
 
More on Bringer Of Pain:
'King For A Day' OFFICIAL VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lKYdrL-AAw
 
Visit BATTLE BEAST online:
 
 

New LOGIC OF DENIAL album coming in June via Comatose Music


Comatose Music has set a June 9 release date for Aftermath, the new album from Logic of Denial.

This is the third album by these Italian miscreants, further expanding the sonic exploration crafted in their previous 2013 effort Atonement with a more diverse, brutal and complex approach. 

The band's evolution can be heard on the premiere of album track "Devouring Seeds of the Apocalypse." The song is now streaming at https://youtu.be/NAJqLVC7Hks

Conceived as a three chapter concept album about the various stages during the grieving process, Aftermath contains twelve vicious tracks which conceptually probe the resentment consistent with the incessant and infamous vilification of human vulnerability. 

This is fast and technical brutal death metal with guttural vocals and superb production.  Aftermath is a "must have" release for 2017!

Album artwork by the mighty Jon Zig.

Track Listing:
1. Abscission
2. Devouring Seeds of the Apocalypse
3. Gorging on Innocence
4. Miroir
5. Sufferance
6. Assenza (The Sufferance Ouverture)
7. Larvae of Eden
8. The Decaying Drama (Pt. I: Quietus - Pt. II: Antinferno)
9. Defilement
10. Violating the Canvas of Forgotten Purity
11. Immaculate
12. Euphoric Abhorrent Synthesis


 
     


Tuesday, March 28, 2017

VENOM INC to Perform at BLACKEST OF THE BLACK Festival - May 26-27, 2017 in Silverado, CA


Also Featuring Headliner DANZIG and Special Guests MINISTRY, ATREYU, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY and More
 
VENOM INC is:
Jeff "Mantas" Dunn, Anthony "Abaddon" Bray and Tony "Demolition Man" Dolan

Fresh off of the announcement of their signing to Nuclear Blast Records as well as hinting at a new album, VENOM INC are announcing their upcoming performance at the first Blackest Of The Black festival on Saturday, May 27!
 
Coming to Oak Canyon Park in Silverado, CA in Orange County on Memorial Day Weekend, the two-day Blackest Of The Black festival (Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27) will host two music stages featuring performances by headliner and festival presenter Danzig, as well as Ministry, Suicidal Tendencies, Atreyu, Vamps and many more. The festival will be hosted by Full Metal Jackie and will feature camping, along with a number of sinister attractions including Castle Danzig -- a fully immersive walkthrough experience of agony, ecstasy and more, all based on the music and graphic novels of Glenn Danzig.
 
Information on tickets, VIP packages, camping and more can be found at www.BlackestFest.com. Discounted 2-day Early Bird Tickets start at $66.66 plus parking and fees, while supplies last. Early Bird Single-day Friday tickets start at $39.00, and single-day Saturday tickets start at $49.00.
 
VENOM INC vocalist/bassist Tony Dolan says: "It is with great pleasure that we join such an illustrious bill for the Blackest Of The Black festival. The USA is the second home for VENOM INC and to be invited to join Glenn Danzig's brainchild is very special for us and we are honored! Expect a devastating show to do justice to our loyal and true US legions. ALL HAIL: AVE!"
 
In addition to this stateside performance, VENOM INC are set to perform at several festivals in Europe throughout 2017, including stops at Inferno Fest, MetalDays Festival, Heavy Metal Cauldron and others. The band will perform classic Venom sets. See below for all current performance dates:
 
VENOM INC Tour Dates:
4/1 - Glasgow, Scotland @ Lords of The Land festival
4/13 - Oslo, Norway @ Inferno Fest
4/29 - Barroselas, Portgual @ SWR Barroselas
5/27 - Silverado, CA, USA @ Oak Canyon Park - Blackest Of The Black festival
7/24 - Sotocje, Slovenia @ MetalDays Festival
8/5 - Lyon, France @ Sylak Open Air
10/27 - Helsinki, Finland @ Heavy Metal Cauldron
 
About VENOM INC:
In 2015, a chance encounter brought an offer to Tony Dolan (vocals, bass) to reform the line-up of Venom that had recorded the classic Prime Evil album and solid follow-up albums. These classics kept the band very much alive during the onslaught of Grunge and Brit Pop that destroyed all but the most-hardy in the early 90's. Dolan seized the opportunity to continue the Venom legacy that had begun when current bandmates Jeff Dunn (aka Mantas on guitar), along with Tony Bray (Abaddon, drums), formed the original band in 1979 and brought the world extreme metal in the form of the Welcome To Hell and Black Metal albums. Topped off in the beginning by the voice of Clive "Jesus Christ" Archer (and later by Cronos and "The Demolition Man" Tony Dolan), Venom was - and still is - a force of nature. 
 
VENOM INC upholds the true intention of Venom that began in 1979, and vows to rekindle the original spirit that was lost over the years. For every single Legionnaire from Venom's Legions and new fans alike, VENOM INC will continue to grow and perform the classics with heart, soul and true meaning.

VENOM INC online:
 
For more information on Blackest Of The Black, visit: