July | 2013 | Valkyrian Music

Archive for July, 2013

Five Finger Death Punch – The Wrong Side Of Heaven… vol.1

Posted in Review with tags 5FDP, Eleven Seven Music, FFDP, Five Finger Death Punch, Ivan Moody, Knuckleheads, Las Vegas, Prospect Park on 31st July 2013 by Pieni

Five Finger Death Punch
“The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell, Vol. 1”
Metal
Released on 30^th July 2013
Via Prospect Park (U.S.A.) and Eleven Seven Records (rest of the world)

As annoying as it is to read so many words in just one title, I can assure you that the quality of its contents is directly proportional to its size: HUGE!

Nothing much has changed from “American Capitalist” and that’s the beauty of it: Five Finger Death Punch created ten brand new songs using the same characteristics as before but without sounding repetitive.

“Lift Me Up” counts with those familiar cranking guitar riffs that one recognizes as 5FDP’s and the guest vocal appearance by the one and only Rob Halford is just the icing on an already yummy cake.

Jeremy Spencer has always had a thing for double bass drumming, but in “Watch You Bleed” he shows just how catchy that can be.

Both “You” and “Burn MF” are quite antagonistic, the former having Ivan Moody in use of his harsher tone with the speed and belligerent force of a machine gun. Their counterweight comes in “Wrong Side Of Heaven” and “M.I.N.E. (End This Way)”, the power-ballads that 5FDP are also famous for.

“Diary Of A Deadman” is almost an instrumental track, full of liquid guitars and heavy beats, the few lyrics in it spoken – as in a diary – proving that if Moody wasn’t such a brilliant musician, he had a promising future in radio hosting, given the depth of his voice.

The other three original songs come in pairs, as they all have guest singers in them and the band decided you should also know how those songs sounded like without the guests. So Max Cavalera (Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy) half-sings, half-speaks in his native language Portuguese in “I.M.Sin”; Maria Brink from In This Moment is featured in both versions of “Anywhere But Here”, although in the first one she only does background vocals/sounds, and in the second she sings a proper duet with Moody – and don’t think this means we’re talking about a ballad; and finally “Dot Your Eyes” has the help of Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed, Kingdom Of Sorrow) “coring up” the tone a bit.

In the previous paragraph I didn’t use the word “original” by chance: “The Wrong Side Of Heaven…” also includes a cover song, and it’s important to say so as 5FDP did it in such a way that it actually sounds as their own: a metal version of a hip hop hit by L.L. Cool J, “Mama Said Knock You Out”. And to maintain a certain level of its true nature, the band invited Tech N9ne to rap away part of the lyrics.

I don’t know how volume 2 will be like, even though I strongly suspect it will be in the same mold as this, but the combining fierceness, melody and groove in this “The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell Volume 1” has already put the “Vegas Knuckleheads” in my annual best-of list of releases.

5 / 5

By Renata “Pieni” Lino

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Sabaton reveal formats for Swedish Empire Live and cover artwork

Posted in News with tags Gothenburg, Oberhausen, Poland, Sabaton, Sweden, Swedish Empire on 31st July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Sabaton – the stars of Sweden’s heavy metal scene – have recently revealed not only the cover art for their upcoming DVD/Blu-Ray live release Swedish Empire Live but also the list of formats it will be released as plus tracklisting.

Swedish Empire Live – which is the band’s first ever DVD/Blu-Ray release – features their stunning performance at the renowned Woodstock Festival in Poland last year where over half a million had gathered to watch Sabaton. Besides that overwhelming main feature, Swedish Empire Live will also feature footage of Sabaton performances in London, Gothenburg and Oberhausen on their extensive Swedish Empire Tour.

Swedish Empire Live will be released on September 23rd, 2013 and will be available as:

^{2Blu-Ray Digi

2DVD Digi

CD Digi

2LP (limited black vinyl in gatefold + poster)

Earbook

(2Blu-Ray + 2DVD + CD + exclusive bonus CD, 48 pages Earbook)}

Sabaton online:

http://www.sabaton.net
http://www.facebook.com/sabaton
http://www.twitter.com/sabaton
http://www.youtube.com/sabaton

Sabaton announce release date and title for first ever DVD?Blu_Ray release (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Nightwish set to capture upcoming Wacken performance for DVD release

Posted in News with tags After Forever, Finland, Floor Jansen, Imaginaerum World Tour, Nightwish, Tuomas Holopainen, Wacken Open Air, Wild Card on 31st July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Nightwish recently reached triple platinum status in Finland for their album Imaginaerum which is regarded as the band’s pinnacle masterpiece. They have also reached gold status with the album in several other European countries. The band also released their highly successful fantasy motion picture, Imaginaerum by Nightwish and have toured all around the globe in support of both these releases. The Finnish metal legends are now approaching what is to be the end of their album cycle with the last three shows in support of Imaginaerum closing in soon. So, to celebrate the grand finale of Imaginaerum, Nightwish will be recording their ENTIRE show at this year’s Wacken Open Air – The world’s biggest metal festival – for a Blu-Ray/DVD release. The band’s mastermind and keyboardist, Tuomas comments:

The time has come soon to wrap up the magical & memorable one-and-a-half year Imaginaerum World Tour 2012-2013! We still have three shows left, one of them being at the legendary Wacken Open Air Metal Festival on the 3rd of August. This show will be something extra special, since it will be released later this year on DvD/Blu-ray, together with a massive Imaginaerum World Tour 2012-2013 documentary. Our darling flying Dutchwoman, Floor Jansen (ReVamp/ex-After Forever), has been nothing but incredible during her time in Nightwish on this tour, so this is a perfect opportunity to immortalize the current vibe of the band on film!

More info soon to be revealed! Also, be sure to check out Floor‘s other project, ReVamp, with new record Wild Card set for release on 26^th August 2013.

Nightwish online:

http://www.nightwish.com
http://www.facebook.com/nightwish

ReVamp reveal tracklist for upcoming album; Wild Card and new trailer (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Common Gods reveal artwork for new EP; Helveien to be released 4th August

Posted in News with tags BandCamp, Common Gods, Extended play, Facebook, Glasgow, iTunes, Metal, Norderobring, North of the Wall, Scotland, Scottish metal, Sunday on 31st July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Glaswegian metal monsters Common Gods have revealed the artwork for their upcoming four-track EP Helveien which will be released this Sunday (4^th August 2013) for free through BandCamp. The four track EP was recorded and produced at Devil’s Own Studio in Glasgow and the artwork was produce by Norderobring drummer and North of the Wall Festival organiser Alasdair Dunn. The release of Helveien coincides nicely with the band’s next gig at Pivo in Glasgow on Sunday.

Common Gods online:

http://www.facebook.com/CommonGods/
http://soundcloud.com/commongods

Seneron – Order Restored EP (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Vattnet Viskar release “Making Of” video

Posted in News with tags Black Metal, Century Media, Century Media Records, Debut album, Doom metal, Extended play, Metal, New England, New Hampshire, Sky Swallower, United States, Universal Noise Storage, Vattnet Viskar on 31st July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Vattnet Viskar recently complied a “Making Of” video for their recent time in the studio, where they have been recording their upcoming debut album Sky Swallower.

Sky Swallower was recorded at Universal Noise Storage under the watchful eye of producer Brett Boland, and features eight songs worth of masterfully executed atmospheric black metal, filtered through the members’ own hardcore pasts and imbued with doom metal’s heart-rending heaviness. Sky Swallower is due out 9^th September in Europe on Century Media Records. The video can be viewed below.

Vattnet Viskar online:

http://www.facebook.com/vattnetviskar
http://www.twitter.com/vattnetviskar
http://vattnetviskar.bandcamp.com/

VATTNET VISKAR Premiere In Studio Video (bravewords.com)
Vattnet Viskar premier Fog of Apathy from upcoming album Sky Swallower (valkyrianmusic.com)
Vattnet Viskar unveil details for upcoming debut album Sky Swallower (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Warbringer reveal title and release dates for new album

Posted in News on 31st July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

For the past few months, LA thrash regiment Warbringer have been locked away in The Omen Room studio with producer Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Sepultura, Symphony X) to complete their next album IV: Empires Collapse. The album is said to push the abilities of each member to augment the complex arrangements and simple hooks as well as being a collective work between both the members of Warbringer and the producers that are involved with the making of the album. Drummer Carlos Cruz commented on the process of recording:

Musically, all five of us brought something for the rest of the group to work off of and we were all a part of chiselling away at the ideas.Having five band members with eclectic tastes in music from Crust Punk to Progressive music and everything in between brought about new musical directions for the material.

Warbringer have been documenting the recording process via social networking and capturing everything on film. Check out the first 3 episodes at these locations: Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3

Warbringer’s IV: Empires Collapse will be released 14^thOctober 2013 in Europe and 15^th October 2013 in North America via Century Media Records.

Warbringer online:

www.warbringermusic.com
www.facebook.com/Warbringermusic
www.twitter.com/warbringerband
www.youtube.com/WarbringerOfficial

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Broken Hope reveal artwork for long awaited album Omen of Disease

Posted in News with tags Broken Hope, Century Media Records, Frank Frazetta, Lazarus A.D, Repulsive Conception, Todd Schorr, Wes Benscoter, Zion Illinois on 31st July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Death metal quintet Broken Hope recently unveiled the artwork for their upcoming and long awaited album Omen of Disease. The cover painting was created by world-renowned horror-artist, Wes Benscoter (Slayer, Hypocrisy, Autopsy, Kreator, etc). Broken Hope’s guitarist Jeremy Wagner commented:

Wes Benscoter is one of my favorite artists, EVER. In my opinion, he’s right up there with Frank Frazetta, Michael Whelan, and Todd Schorr. Ever since Benscoter did our Repulsive Conception and Loathing album covers, I’ve wanted to work with him again. I was beyond thrilled when Benscoter agreed to take on the Omen Of Disease project…and he nailed it! He’s captured the vile essence, putrid vibe, and apocalyptic, disease-laden horror of Omen Of Disease. Thank you for creating another masterpiece, Wes Benscoter.

Omen Of Disease was recorded between two studios: drums were exclusively recorded at Belle City Sound in Racine, WI with engineer Chris Wisco (Lazarus A.D., Jungle Rot, Origin, Gorgasm), and the remaining bulk of the album was completed at Mercenary Digital Studios in Zion, IL with engineer Scott Creekmore (Broken Hope, Dirge Within, Lividity).

Omen Of Disease will be released on 30^th September via Century Media Records.

Broken Hope online:

www.brokenhope.com
www.facebook.com/brokenhopeofficial

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Eyes Set To Kill premier lyric video for Lost And Forgotten

Posted in News with tags Alexia, Century Media Records, Eyes Set to Kill, Lost And Forgotten, Mask on 30th July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Eyes Set To Kill, whom are led by the lovely sisters Alexia and Anissa Rodriguez, will be uncovering their identity on 23^rd September with the release of Masks – their fifth full length album – via Century Media. The concept behind the album is the idea that at some point or another, everybody wears a mask and that facades don’t just hide imperfections or insecurities either. It allows its wearer to assume a different face. Sometimes, that’s a dangerous proposition. Other times, it’s the only way to find oneself.

ESTK have release the lyric video for Lost And Forgotten which is the first song to be released from the album. The lyric video can be viewed below.

Eyes Set To Kill online:

https://www.facebook.com/eyessettokill
https://twitter.com/eyessettokill

Butcher Babies release lyric video for I Smell A Massacre; New album out 22nd July (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Incassum confirmed for Bloodstock and announce winter 2013 dates

Posted in News with tags Birmingham, Bloodstock, Bloodstock Open Air, Bromsgrove, Great Yarmouth, Incassum, Manchester, Rotherham on 29th July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Manchester’s top melodic metal act Incassum have been confirmed for this year’s Bloodstock where they’ll play the Jagermeister Acoustic Stage at 6:40pm on Saturday 10^th August. Incassum have also announced their first dates for the winter of 2013 including a special Hallowe’en show in their hometown of Manchester with Evil Scarecrow.

As well as Bloodstock and the Winter shows, the band also has a small number of other summer festival appearances. The schedule so far is as follows, with plenty more dates to be added….

August

3rd : Rotherham, Khaos Festival
10th : Derby, Bloodstock Open Air
23rd : Bromsgrove, Beermageddon

October

5th : Great Yarmouth, The Oakwood (w/Babylon Fire)
18th : Birmingham, Asylum 2 (w/Triaxis)
30th : Manchester, Grand Central (w/Evil Scarecrow and Bloodyard)

November

3rd : Lancaster, Yorkshire House (w/Bloodyard)

Incassum online:

http://www.incassum.com
http://www.facebook.com/Incassum

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Absolva confirmed for Bloodstock and reveal artwork for new release

Posted in News with tags Absolva, August, Belgium, Bloodstock, Bloodstock Open Air, Fury UK, Murder of Sophie Lancaster, Rock on 29th July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

British metallers Absolva have just been confirmed for this year’s Bloodstock Open Air, making it their second Bloodstock appearance two years running. The band originally appeared on the Jagermeister Acoustic Stage at last year’s Bloodstock, shortly after their formation and a successful string of Irish and Scottish tour dates as special guests to Iced Earth.

This year, Absolva will be playing the Sophie Lancaster Stage on Friday 9^th August before they dash to Belgium on Saturday 10^th August for Summerrock. The band have also revealed the artwork for their upcoming Beyond Live CD and DVD release.

Absolva were born in May 2012, in the wake of Fury UK bassist Luke Appleton joining Iced Earth, and from inception the new band earned a reputation as an inspiring live act. Following the 2012 Bloodstock and Iced Earth shows, the band released debut album Flames Of Justice in November to critical acclaim and set about a rigorous touring schedule with a 16 date European Tour towards the end of the year, followed by a further 33 date European Tour early in 2013. The later tour included 8 shows as special guests on the Michael Schenker Temple of Rock and Lovedrive Reunion Tour. Absolva‘s impact on the British and European scene has therefore been immediate.

Absolva online:

http://www.absolva.com
http://www.facebook.com/absolva

Ravenage release lyric video plus announced for Bloodstock 2013 (valkyrianmusic.com)

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XIII announce new EP titled Deeds of the Saints: Chapters I–V

Posted in News with tags Deeds of the Saints, Extended play, Kingston upon Hull, North of Nowhere, Thrash metal, Twitter, XIII, XIII (band) on 29th July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Hull’s premier thrash trio XIII have announced details for their new EP Deeds of the Saints: Chapters I – V. The band will be going into the studio 10^th August to record the new EP.

The EP will be the first part of a two EP set, the first being released in November 2013 and the second in the first half of 2014 with both EPs combined forming one whole Deeds of the Saints package.

Track-listing for D.O.T.S: Chapters I – V EP:

1. We Are Everywhere
2. Narcotics
3. Acta Sanctorum
4. Deliverance
5. Nothing Is True… Everything Is Permitted

XIII online:

www.musicbyxiii.com
www.facebook.com/xiiirocks
www.twitter.com/musicbyxiii

Seneron – Order Restored EP (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Hard rock band Silent Jack present HARD ROXX

Posted in News with tags Birmingham, Clubs and Venues, Hard Roxx, Metal, Nightclub, Silent Jack on 26th July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Hard rockers Silent Jack are set to host a series of monthly gigs at Eddie’s Rock Club in Birmingham. Each Hard Roxx will feature not only the best in local talent, but the national talent as well – be it tribute acts or up and coming bands. The opening night of this monthly event is August 16th at 7pm, and is a local showcase. The evening includes performances from Pretentious Class, The Remedy, and event hosts, Silent Jack. It also acts as a
launch party for Silent Jack’s next single, Love Factory, which goes on sale that day!

Confirmed as the headlining act for September is the mighty Guns Or Roses, one of the leading GNR tributes in the UK. In addition to the show, each event is being broadcast live by XRP Radio, who have behind the scenes access to the night to provide interviews and competitions! Tickets for Hard Roxx also include FREE entry to the Twisted club night after party!

Hard Roxx Events 2013:

^{August 16th – Silent Jack, The Remedy, Pretentious Class

September 20th – Guns Or Roses, Silent Jack, Artist TBC

October 18th – Artists TBC

November 15th – Artists TBC

December 20th – Christmas EP Launch party; Silent Jack, Artists TBC}

Silent Jack online:

http://www.Silent-Jack.com
http://www.facebook.com/silentjackband

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Tom Ussher – Open

Posted in Review with tags Acoustic music, Hard rock, London, Metal, Open (album), Piano, Solo album, The CockRockets, Tom Ussher, Tyrian on 25th July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Tom Ussher
Open
Released 1st August
Metal
Self-Released

Tom Ussher is probably best known for his work as drummer for London punk band The CockRockets and as frontman for metal band Tyrian. Straying from those two projects, Tom recently completed work for his solo album Open which is set to be released next month.

The Call opens up the album with a gentle, emotive acoustic melody which walks alongside an equally emotive vocal passage. The use of piano and electric guitar that shortly follows adds a new level of emotion – one full of anger and sorrow, beautifully dancing in a stream of soulfully written lyrics and music. Tom magically combines screams and clean vocals together, entwining them throughout the song. Shatter drives the album down a nu-metal route, blending a hypnotic guitar passage with a more chaotic piano section. Tom’s powerful vocals become an embodiment of aggression tearing through the track.

Struggle brings back the use of the acoustic guitar that underlays the eagle-like soaring of Tom’s vocals, sewing them together creating a fabric of emotion. Stay Awake continues the level of emotion, only this time projecting it through a sorrowful piano medley. The vocals – and lyrics – contrast greatly in their sound, becoming something more angst fuelled and gentle at the same time. Feel ranged from the soft and mellow levels of Tom’s sound to the heavier side of the spectrum, stirring in the majestic sound of pianos with acoustic guitars and the heavier electric ones as well, allowing for the drums to carry the bulk of the song with finesse.

Live has to be one of the livelier tracks on the album, despite being a mostly acoustic piece with a drizzling of staunch vocals on top. The subtle hinting of electric guitar in the background add a beautiful touch of passionate ardor. The gentle whispers of piano during Take It All Away prove to be the soulful backbone of the track, supporting Tom’s easing voice. Sometimes is an interesting, containing a full monologue performed by Tom, speaking of a number of dark thoughts and what not. The piano medleys in Angel are much more intricate than the previous tracks, weaving an entrancing pattern of music with guitars and vocals, whereas the final track All the Best brings the emotion down onto a more melancholy feeling whilst incorporating certain elements of the previous tracks.

Straying from the music he plays in both The CockRockets and Tyrian, Tom has truly painted an image with his music and lyrics, while avoiding falling into the “acoustic act” category. The album has a little something for everyone, from fans of metal to lovers of acoustic music.

4/5

Nico Davidson

Tom Ussher online:

http://twitter.com/TheOnlyUssher

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Exumer part ways with guitarist

Posted in Misc., News with tags Exumer on 25th July 2013 by izaforestspirit

The German thrash metal band Exumer have announced that their guitarist H.K. has left the band. H.K. played his last show at the Bang Your Festival in Germany on July 13. The band states that his departure has been an amicable one and that it was solely due to personal reasons.

Vocalist Mem V. Stein comments: “We were sad to let H.K. go after touring with him for the past three years and recording our comeback album in 2011. However, the thrashing must go on and we already have found a session guitarists who will accompany us to South and North America for our upcoming tour dates there. We will try our best to fulfill all our touring obligations and find a permanent 2nd guitarist as soon as possible to ensure a band chemistry that will take Exumer to the next level.”

Exumer’s latest album, Fire & Damnation is available worldwide on Metal Blade Records now.

http://www.facebook.com/exumerofficial
http://www.exumer.de
http://twitter.com/exumerofficial

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Kreator release live track from upcoming DVD/Blu-Ray release Dying Alive

Posted in News with tags DVD, Essen, Kreator, Lichtburg, Mille Petrozza, Nuclear Blast, Oberhausen, Phantom Antichrist on 25th July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Teutonic thrash titans Kreator have recently posted a video track from their upcoming live DVD/Blu-Ray release Dying Alive which is due for release via Nuclear Blast on 2^nd September. The track, entitled United In Hate, which featured fan submitted photos, can be viewed below.

The band have also announced an exclusive theatrical premiere for the the DVD at the renowned theater Lichtburg in the band’s hometown Essen, Germany. The premiere will take place on 29^th August 2013 starting at 8pm CET. Main man Mille Petrozza will be attending the premiere and will be taking part in a Q&A afterwards. Tickets can be purchased at this location.

The DVD/Blu Ray features the band’s sold out homecoming show in Oberhausen, Germany on 22^nd December 2012 after an extensive 45 days spent touring Europe in support of their latest album Phantom Antichrist. The show was filmed by 24 cameras as well as filming some killer shots from onstage and from in the pit – it’s a release that certainly should not to be missed by both new and old Kreator fans alike.

The DVD and Blu-Ray boast the full show, a behind the scenes documentary as well as exclusive extras – the approximate total running time: 115 minutes.

Kreator online:

http://kreator-terrorzone.de/
http://www.facebook.com/KreatorOfficial

Kreator reveal cover artwork for upcoming ‘Dying Alive’ DVD (valkyrianmusic.com)
Sabaton announce release date and title for first ever DVD?Blu_Ray release (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Six new additions announced for Damnation Festival

Posted in News with tags Crippled Black Phoenix, damnation festival, Katatonia, Leeds, Leeds University Union, Mourning Beloveth, Niklas Kvarforth, Viva Emptiness on 25th July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Swedish doom lords Katatonia and Norwegian black-metal masters God Seed are the latest international acts to be added to Damnation Festival.

German progressive collective The Ocean, French post-metal standard bearers Year Of No Light, Norwegian avant-garde jazz quartet Shining (not to be confused with Niklas Kvarforth’s Shining) and Irish doom titans Mourning Beloveth will also bolster the stunning bill which will be unleashed on Leeds University Union on Saturday 2^nd November.

The six additions compliment an extreme and eclectic line-up which already boast Carcass, Cult of Luna, Crippled Black Phoenix, Vallenfyre, Negura Bunget, SSS, Moss and Voices with at least nine more bands to be announced. Gorgoroth re-incarnation God Seed will play Damnation Festival as an exclusive UK show. Katatonia will play 2003’s classic Viva Emptiness in its entirety. Anders Nystrom, said:

Since it looks like November will bring us Damnation, we’re absolutely certain there’ll be some Swedish export of atmospheric dark metal coming your way with it!

We couldn’t be more psyched to celebrate our Viva Emptiness album anniversary at a festival we never got to play before. So Leeds, join us and be damned!

Brendan from Mourning Beloveth said:

We are delighted to be asked to play a small part in the metal institution that is Damnation Fest. Our recent visits to the shores of the U.K. have unfortunately been limited to stages in the capital. We would like to thank Damnation Fest for giving us the opportunity to at last rectify this grave and indefensible injustice. You guys bring the ale, and we’ll bring the Doom.

Damnation Festival could also become a four-stage event this year, reducing clashes and allowing the return of the much-missed Deathfest stage… with fans’ backing. Organiser Gavin McInally explained:

A change to licensing laws at Leeds University Union has opened up the possibility for us to use the fantastic Riley Smith Hall as a venue which fans can enjoy a pint in, but it comes with a catch.

The festival’s capacity would be pushed above the 4,000 mark and although ticket sales are better right now than at the same point 12 months ago, the venue management, somewhat understandably, don’t want to hand over their entire building, including terracing and bars to Damnation unless there’s a guarantee the numbers will justify it.

This is not a sales pitch, if you don’t believe the confirmed line-up so far doesn’t merit your £34 then don’t buy a ticket BUT if you are fully intending to be at Damnation Festival this year then booking your ticket now will help us land that fourth stage.

And if we do, Carcass and Cult of Luna will not clash for a single minute, the Terrorizer Stage will be reminiscent of our Deathfest event with death and grind from morning until night, a fourth stage will worship doom all day long and we’ll book DJs to perform in the terrace area which has been missing at Damnation since 2008.

Tickets for Damnation Festival 2013 are on sale now, priced £34, available from:Leeds Tickets , the official Damnation Festival website at or the official Damnation Facebook.

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Crimson Blue – Innocence

Posted in Review with tags crimson blue, experimental, Moscow, nu art, Nu Metal, progressive on 25th July 2013 by Pieni

Crimson Blue
“Innocence”
Experimental Nu Metal
Self-released on 8th December 2011

“Experimental Nu Metal” was the closest to a conventional genre that I’ve come up with. Using the band’s own words, they play “Nu Art Metal” and that basically means that they pick the nu metal basis and entwine it with progressive lines, resulting in odd experiences – hence my choice of calling it “experimental”.

The first track, “Iceland”, is a bit deceiving regarding the energy that’s about to come throughout the rest of the album. Despite being a good song, each instrument leaving its mark, the rhythm is quite melancholic, a ballad of sorts. And so, at the same time, it shows you how out of the ordinary these Russians are – how often does a metal album start with a ballad? Starts and ends, as the final title-track also unfolds at a soft melodic pace.

“L.M.A.”, which stands for “losing my angel”, gives you a clearer picture of what Crimson Blue are about, with a sharp dissonance toning up those modern riffs. Singer Dani Hellstrom’s voice goes a little higher, but fortunately doesn’t reach the soprano peak that puts her in that category. In fact, she only brushes the border of that tone for brief seconds, during the title-track. But given the strength and steadiness of her trained voice, you cannot doubt that she is in the soprano rank. And those keys you listen to are also in her charge, through the means of a keytar.

“Clouds” is quite an indie tune, while “Flax” and “H.U. Lab Experiment I – The 6th Sense” get my vote for best prog tracks in this album. And “Haesitaio” deserves kudos for its fierceness.

“Innocence” is probably a little too avant-garde for the majority of the listeners, but it’s definitely a treat to those who appreciate this kind of musical journeys.

4,5 / 5

by Renata “Pieni” Lino

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Close Your Eyes announce headlining European tour plus title of upcoming album and new frontman

Posted in News with tags Alkaline Trio, Close Your Eyes (band), Cologne, Germany, Sam Robinson, Silverstein on 24th July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Close Your Eyes will return with their latest album Line In The Sand, as well as a headlining tour and a new frontman in the form of Sam Robinson. Of the addition, guitarist Brett Callaway comments:

We are very excited to finally be able to share with everyone that Sam Robinson is the vocalist of Close Your Eyes. I’m already blown away by the new material that we have been working on – his voice is a very strong addition to the CYE family. He is an incredible vocalist and a great guy that shares our vision and purpose. We cannot wait for everyone to hear the new songs and to be back on tour again. Come hang out and say what’s up to Sam!

Currently in the studio with Cameron Webb (Silverstein, Alkaline Trio), fans can expect Line In The Sand to hit stores in October later this year. Catch Close Your Eyes live as they embark on a headlining European tour, beginning 4^th September in Cologne, Germany. A full list of tour dates can be found at this location.

Close Your Eyes online:

http://www.victoryrecords.com/closeyoureyes
https://www.facebook.com/cyeband

Former Seduce The Heaven vocalist confirmed to front Apparition on upcoming UK shows next month (valkyrianmusic.com)
Counterparts release third studio album (valkyrianmusic.com)
Dark Tranquility announce tour dates for European Construct tour (valkyrianmusic.com)
REVIEW: NYA – “Driving The Nails” (metaldivas.wordpress.com)

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Former Seduce The Heaven vocalist confirmed to front Apparition on upcoming UK shows next month

Posted in News with tags Apparition, August, Birmingham, Field Of Dreams, Singing, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent on 23rd July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Former Seduce The Heaven vocalist Elina Laivera has been confirmed to replace Sakara, who recently left Apparition to continue with her solo project, on the band’s upcoming UK shows next month. The dates are as follow:

23rd August – The Asylum, Birmingham (Pre-SCARFest show with Azylya)
24th August – SCARFest, Stoke-On-Trent
25th August – The Bird In Hand, Stafford

Commenting on the upcoming shows, Elina said:

It is great joy to announce that I will be fronting the UK band, Apparition for their upcoming shows next month! This is going to be my first time in the UK so I am extremely happy and cannot wait to hit the stage in August and meet my UK friends! BE THERE! \m/

Elina provided vocals for Seduce The Heaven’s debut album Field Of Dreams which is out now.

Apparition online:

https://www.facebook.com/apparitionband

Azylya confirmed for pre-Scarfest show with Apparition (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Counterparts release third studio album

Posted in News with tags August Burns Red, BLESSTHEFALL, Canada, Counterparts, Studio album on 23rd July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Counterparts have recently release their third studio album titled The Difference Between Hell And Home. After rounding out their US tour with Hundrenth, Counterparts will be heading to Canada for an album release tour, with a European tour alongside August Burns Red and BLESSTHEFALL following shortly after. A full list of tour dates can be found at this location.