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Graveshadow – Nocturnal Resurrection

Graveshadow
Nocturnal Resurrection
Released 15th November 2015
Symphonic Metal with Death Metal elements
Released via Mausoleum Records

‘Nocturnal Resurrection’ is the debut album from the American symphonic metal band Graveshadow. The band was originally formed in 2012 by rhythm guitarist William Walker. This album has been mixed and mastered by Emil “Nightmare” Nodtveit (Deathstars) and it features Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear, Blackwelder) as a guest vocalist on one of the tracks.

Symphonic metal is a genre that I don’t tend to listen to a lot these days. There was a time when I really liked it; the good old days back when Nightwish was at the high-point of their career. Since then there has been the occasional discovery of a hidden gem such as Angtoria’s debut album and Tarja Turunen’s solo work, but generally speaking I no longer find the genre as exciting or memorable as I used to. Let’s see if Graveshadow can change my mind…

After the harmonious keyboard intro, the guitars enter the frame and singer Heather’s powerful vocals ensure that you will not be forgetting Namesake any time soon. Unlike many other female metal vocalists, she doesn’t stick to just one style but prefers to show off an impressive vocal range with both the operatic (read Nightwish, After Forever -style) and death metal growls on offer. Yes, that’s right – death metal growling… the type that Angela Gossow used to do with Arch Enemy. This second style adds a touch of aggression to the beautifully composed symphonic melodies and the catchy guitar tunes.

Speaking of catchy, that’s probably the best way to describe Lycan Lust. This track is less about the keyboards and the emphasis shifts towards the thunderous pace of the thrash metal style, guitar riffs and drums and of course the compelling vocals of Miss Heather Michele. Don’t let the gentle, sweet melodies fool you, for beneath this innocent-looking mask lies a demon that bites. If you want to hear the more tamed, gentle side of Graveshadow then Winter’s Come to Call and Fading are the tracks for you. The Doctor Who -inspired track Blink starts off as another fantasy themed, symphonic metal song but then develops more of the aggressive feel due to the predominance of the guitars and the harsh vocals.

Overall, this album is bound to attract a lot of attention. That’s not to say that every symphonic or gothic metal fan will like it. It’s not for everyone and if you’re looking for something akin to Within Temptation or current Nightwish, then I’d advise you to steer clear of this. If however, you’re like me – bored with the current state of symphonic metal scene and you’re looking for something experimental and unique then you should give Graveshadow a try.

4/5

Iza Raittila

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Arch Enemy w/ support – Porto, Portugal

Posted in Gig, Live with tags Arch Enemy, drone, european tour 2015, Hard Club, Porto, Prime Artists, Unearth, War Eternal on 24th May 2015 by Pieni

Drone, Unearth, Arch Enemy
Hard Club, Porto (PT)
22nd May 2015
Promoted by Prime Artists

Last time Arch Enemy played in Portugal, Angela Gossow and Nick Cordle were still in the band. So more than a concert by a great band promoting their latest album, this was also a welcome party to the amazing Alissa White-Gluz and the legendary Jeff Loomis. Oh, and double birthday party, since it was the b-day of Daniel Erlandsson and someone in their crew who I didn’t get the name of (sorry!).

German post-thrashers Drone were the first ones on stage, bringing to life the expression “warm-up act”. The venue was far from full yet, but the response they got from the crowd made it sound like the almost sold out gig it later turned out to be. Singer/guitarist Mutz asked for a big mosh pit in “Welcome to the Pit”, as if to illustrate its title. Even being one of the early songs, when usually people are still “getting in the mood”, the crowd circled viciously.

During the following song (“Format C”, I think), both Mutz’s mic and guitar went mute. But the rest of the band didn’t hesitate in continuing, as well as the crowd, who started screaming loud heys to compensate the la ck of vocals. Bassist Fabian and guitarist Marcelo couldn’t stop smiling, and neither could I, happy to see how a technical problem was so easily turned around. But I guess metalheads know how to show their support when a band is delivering a great show. “Theopractical”, from their 2007 debut “Head-On Collision”, closed their half-hour set with a golden key. (5/5)

https://www.facebook.com/DroneMetal

A big part of the crowd had high expectations regarding Unearth and those expectations were totally met. And the Massachusetts metalcore band also seemed very pleased with the Portuguese – I couldn’t see Trevor Phipps’ face when he said how amazing both Porto and Lisbon (in the previous night) were, as the lights were extremely dim (alternated with blinding strobes) during their show, but one could sense the honesty in his words.

Officially promoting their latest “Watchers of Rule”, they didn’t focus entirely on it, performing a quite diverse setlist. But whether it was an oldie or a new song, they all fueled the crowd’s fire. In the last song, “The Great Dividers”, Trevor himself crowdsurfed over the thrilled audience. (5/5)

https://www.facebook.com/unearthofficial

Despite all the craziness shown during both supporting acts, there was still a lot more in store for the headliners – the security guys had their hands even fuller now. I know the opinions divided when “War Eternal” came out, not just regarding the change in vocals but also the non-change in songwriting, but I doubt anyone can point a finger when it comes to live shows. At least this one in Porto was flawless. Well, okay, Alissa could have picked up the band’s flag in front of the audience during “We Will Rise”, in a victorious pose, mimicking the video, but let’s not be picky.

Of course Alissa isn’t Angela. Why should she be? She has a totally defined identity that actually suits Arch Enemy – it would be senseless to lose that and become a shallow rip-off of her predecessor. Listening to old songs such “Ravenous” with this new energy was surprisingly refreshing. Angela had a dominant posture and a powerful growl, and Alissa has a vibrant attitude and a vocal pitch somewhat higher – it’s not better or worse, just different. And it works damn well live.

She also made us scream along the choruses all the time, and incited to mosh circles, and, of course, asked to sing “happy birthday” to Daniel. And this time, it wasn’t just Michael Amott who shone in “Snow Bound” – Jeff Loomis delighted all the guitar-freaks in the house. And always in those uniforms of theirs, despite the sauna-heat felt in the venue.

“Fields of Desolation” finished the set, but the show was only over after the trendy selfie, with the band holding a Portugal flag that a fan offered them. Sweet! (5/5)

https://www.facebook.com/archenemyofficial

Text & photos by Renata “Pieni” Lino

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Sanctuary European tour kicking off today with Nick Cordle on the guitar

Posted in News with tags Arch Enemy, European tour, nick cordle, Overkill, reunion, sanctuary, the year the sun died on 3rd March 2015 by Pieni

After their reunion last year, with the release of “The Year The Sun Died”, Sanctuary are now about to embark on an European tour, where they’ll perform a classy mix of old and new stuff. The tour starts tonight with a headlining show in London, and from tomorrow on, the band will ride as Overkill support. Sanctuary will resume their role as headliners for the two last gigs, in Greece. Check all dates here:

03.03.2015 (GB) LONDON / Underworld (headline show) *
04.03.2015 (D) BRAUNSCHWEIG / Meiers Music Hall**
05.03.2015 (D) LEIPZIG / Hell Raiser**
06.03.2015 (D) MEMMINGEN / Kaminwerk**
07.03.2015 (A) WÖRGL / Komma VZ**
08.03.2015 (A) VIENNA / Szene**
09.03.2015 (SRB) BEOGRAD / Dom Omladine**
10.03.2015 (SLO) LJUBLJANA / Kino Sisak**
11.03.2015 (HR) ZAGREB / Tvornica**
13.03.2015 (HU) BUDAPEST / Club 202**
14.03.2015 (PL) KATOWICE / Mega Club**
15.03.2015 (PL) GDANSK / B90**
17.03.2015 (NL) ZWOLLE / Hedon**
18.03.2015 (F) METZ / Les Trinitaires**
20.03.2015 (GR) THESSALONIKI / Eightball Club
21.03.2015 (GR) ATHENS / Gagarin205
22.05.2015 – 24.05.2015 (DE) GELSENKIRCHEN
* supported by Metasoma and Monument
**supporting Overkill

With the departure of Brad Hull, Sanctuary found in Nick Cordle the perfect live replacement: “We are excited to welcome Nick Cordle from Arch Enemy and Arsis to the Sanctuary team. Nick is an amazing musician and we believe he will bring a fresh energy to the line-up. You can see Nick Cordle with Sanctuary this March touring Europe on the Killfest tour”, says guitarist Lenny Rutledge.

Cordle himself adds: “It’ll be a great pleasure to join Sanctuary on tour in Europe! I’ve admired the band for a long time and ‘The Year The Sun Died’ is a breath of fresh air. It’s a welcome challenge to work up these songs and I’m excited to get moving!”

SANCTUARY online:
www.EnterTheSanctuary.com
www.facebook.com/sanctuaryfans
www.twitter.com/sanctuarymetal

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Kreator announce string of UK dates with Arch Enemy

Posted in News with tags Arch Enemy, Endless Pain, Extreme Aggression, Germany, Kreator, Mille Petrozza, Phantom Antichrist, Pleasure to Kill on 15th April 2014 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Teutonic thrash overlords Kreator have announced a string of UK dates in December, as part of their huge European tour, with Swedish melodic death metal unit Arch Enemy.

When Kreator released Endless Pain in 1985, they single-handedly established Germany as a thrash nation and continued to sustain and influence the subgenre via their own Violent Revolution. In 2012, Kreator released their latest studio album – the killer Phantom Antichrist which brought the band superb chart entries and sold-out venues all over the planet. This triumphant march was recently immortalized in the highly acclaimed live DVD/Blu-Ray Dying Alive. Footage from the DVD can be viewed below.

Frontman and icon Mille Petrozza comments:

A lot of our European fans voiced their discontent over the fact that the band hardly does European club tours – apart from our festival shows. In 2013 we were mainly busy playing for our fans overseas. We want to change this now. In time for the reissues of Endless Pain, Pleasure To Kill and Extreme Aggression in all kinds of formats – finally on vinyl again too – we`ll end the Phantom Antichrist tour cycle in Europe with a massive string of shows. This will be your last chance to see Kreator live in clubs for quite a while, because we’ll be busy working on a new album in 2015 and only play carefully selected shows. Right now we`re working on a new multimedia stage show and we’ll also have a bunch of surprises in the setlist. Our friends of Arch Enemy are part of the trek to present their new album War Eternal, and so will Vader and our old companions Sodom. This tour will be KILLER!!

Kreator’s UK tour dates are as follow:

16.12.2014 UK – Leamington, Assembly Rooms
17.12.2014 UK – Bristol, Academy
18.12.2014 UK – London, The Forum
19.12.2014 UK – Manchester, Academy
20.12.2014 IR – Dublin, Academy
21.12.2014 UK – Glasgow, QMU
22.12.2014 UK – Newcastle, Academy

Kreator online:

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

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Arch Enemy unveil artwork and tracklist for War Eternal

Posted in News with tags Angela Gossow, Arch Enemy, Century Media, Chioreanu Costin, Michael Amott, War Eternal on 29th March 2014 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Following the recent replacement of Angela Gossow with Alissa White-Gluz (ex-The Agonist), Arch Enemy has become a hot topic on the metal scene. The band will be releasing their ninth studio album, War Eternal, via Century Media in June later this year. The band have now officially unveiled the artwork, as seen above, for the album. The artwork for War Eternal was created by Costin Chioreanu, who previously worked with Michael Amott on Spiritual Beggars’ re-issue of their self-titled debut. Chief song-writer, guitarist and band leader Michael Amott comments:

I was looking for a hand-drawn feel with a unique atmosphere, something that would complement the music that we’ve been working so hard on these last couple of years. In the end my choice fell upon Romanian artist Chioreanu Costin, who’s work I’ve admired for some time. Costin really grasped my vision for the artwork and layout, he’s delivered some of the coolest artwork elements we’ve ever had with Arch Enemy!

Arch Enemy’s upcoming album, War Eternal, was recorded in various studios during winter 2013/2014 and produced by the band themselves with Jens Bogren (Opeth, Paradise Lost, Kreator) mixing and mastering the album at Fascination Street Studio. For a preview of War Eternal, be sure to check out the official video for the album’s title track down below, created by Patric Ullaeus.

The tracklisting for war Eternal is as follows:

1. Tempore Nihil Sanat (Prelude in F minor)
2. Never Forgive, Never Forget
3. War Eternal
4. As The Pages Burn
5. No More Regrets
6. You Will Know My Name
7. Graveyard Of Dreams
8. Stolen Life
9. Time Is Black
10. On And On
11. Avalanche
12. Down To Nothing
13. Not Long For This World

Arch Enemy will start their War Eternal world tour in May with an extensive run through Europe. A US tour is planned for fall 2014. Tour dates are as follow:

23.05.2014 Turbohalle, Bucharest, Romania
24.05.2014 Metal Summer Festival, Istanbul, Turkey
25.05.2014 Mixtape 5, Sofia, Bulgaria
27.05.2014 Majestic Music Club, Bratislava, Slovakia
29.05.2014 Rock and Roll Arena, Romagnano Sesia (Novara), Italy
30.05.2014 New Age Club, Roncade, Italy
02.06.2014 L’Etage, Rennes, France
03.06.2014 Le 106, Rouen, France
04.06.2014 La Laiterie, Strasbourg, France
05.06.2014 Rosenhof, Osnabruck, Germany
07.06.2014 Sweden Rock Festival, Solvesborg, Sweden
09.06.2014 Studio USF, Bergen, Norway
10.06.2014 John Dee, Oslo, Norway
11.06.2014 Copenhell, Copenhagen, Denmark
13.06.2014 Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg, Germany
14.06.2014 Conrad Sohm, Dornbirn, Austria
15.06.2014 Nova Rock – Nickelsdorf, Austria
27.06.2014 Rock am Hartsfeldsee, Dischingen, Germany
09.07.2014 RockMaraton, Pecs, Hungary
11.07.2014 Rock Harz Open Air, Ballenstedt, Germany
12.07.2014 Masters Of Rock, Vizovice, Czech Republic
13.07.2014 Seven Festival, Wegorzewo, Poland
19.07.2014 Dong Open Air, Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany
02.08.2014 Wacken Open Air, Wacken, Germany
07.08.2014 Getaway Rock, G�vle, Sweden
08.08.2014 Leyendas Del Rock, Alicante, Spain
09.08.2014 Alcatraz Metal Festival, Kortrijk, Belgium
14.08.2014 Summer Breeze, Dinkelsbuhl, Germany
17.08.2014 Alt-Fest, Kettering, UK
22.09.2014 Re:Republic, Minsk, Belarus
23.09.2014 Yunost’, Kiev, Ukraine
25.09.2014 Arena Hall, Krasnodar, Russia
27.09.2014 Glav Club, Moscow, Russia
28.09.2014 Zal Ozhidaniya, Saint Petersburg, Russia
30.09.2014 Otdykh Club, Novosibirsk, Russia
01.10.2014 Angar Club, Omsk, Russia
03.10.2014 Tele Club, Yekaterinburg, Russia

Arch Enemy online:

http://archenemy.net
http://facebook.com/archenemyofficial
http://youtube.com/user/archenemyofficial
http://twitter.com/archenemymetal

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The Agonist launch lyric video for Disconnect Me

Posted in News with tags Agonist, Alissa White-Gluz, Arch Enemy, Century Media, Disconnect Me, The Agonist, Vicky Psarakis, Von Wong on 27th March 2014 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Canadian death metallers The Agonist have released their first band photo with new vocalist Vicky Psarakis, who has replaced Alissa White-Gluz, who departed from the band to focus on her new duties as the vocalist for Swedish death metal band Arch Enemy. The band tapped acclaimed photographer Von Wong to bring their new single Disconnect Me to life. The Agonist guitarist Danny Marino says:

After working with Von Wong on our Prisoners photo shoot we knew he was the only one that could realise our vision for Disconnect Me. It was an 18 hour shoot but at the end of the day it was more than we could have hoped for.

With a new album in the works, The Agonist have launched the official lyric video for their latest single Disconnect Me. The video can be viewed below.

The agonist online:

http://facebook.com/theagonistofficial
http://youtube.com/theagonistofficial
http://myspace.com/theagonist
http://twitter.com/theagonist

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Arch Enemy present title track for upcoming album

Posted in News with tags Agonist, Angela Gossow, Arch Enemy, Century Media Records, Dong Open Air, Saint Petersburg, Sweden Rock Festival, Wacken Open Air, War Eternal on 20th March 2014 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Swedish death metallers Arch Enemy announced earlier this week the withdrawal of Angela Gossow from the band’s line-up as well as her replacement, Alissa White-Gluz, formerly of The Agonist. Gossow will now be involved in the management side of things with Arch Enemy. As such, it is now time to lift the veil and see what unholy blasphemous music Arch Enemy have in store with their new vocalist. The title track for the band’s upcoming album, War Eternal, can be heard down below.

Arch Enemy will unleash their 9^th studio album, War Eternal, worldwide via Century Media Records and Trooper Entertainment in Japan in early June 2014. War Eternal was recorded in various studios during Winter 2013/2014 and produced by the band themselves. Jens Bogren (Opeth, Paradise Lost, Kreator) mixed and mastered the album at Fascination Street Studio. Arch Enemy will start their War Eternal world tour in May with an extensive run through Europe. A US tour is planned for Fall 2014. Tour dates are as follow:

23.05.2014 Turbohalle, Bucharest, Romania
24.05.2014 Metal Summer Festival, Istanbul, Turkey
25.05.2014 Mixtape 5 , Sofia, Bulgaria
27.05.2014 Majestic Music Club, Bratislava, Slovakia
29.05.2014 Rock and Roll Arena, Romagnano Sesia (Novara), Italy
30.05.2014 New Age Club, Roncade, Italy
02.06.2014 L’Etage, Rennes, France
03.06.2014 Le 106, Rouen, France
04.06.2014 La Laiterie, Strasbourg, France
05.06.2014 Rosenhof, Osnabrück, Germany
07.06.2014 Sweden Rock Festival, Sölvesborg, Sweden
09.06.2014 Studio USF, Bergen, Norway
10.06.2014 John Dee, Oslo, Norway
11.06.2014 Copenhell, Copenhagen, Denmark
13.06.2014 Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg, Germany
14.06.2014 Conrad Sohm, Dornbirn, Austria
15.06.2014 Nova Rock – Nickelsdorf, Austria
27.06.2014 Rock am Härtsfeldsee, Dischingen, Germany
09.07.2014 RockMaraton, Pecs, Hungary
11.07.2014 Rock Harz Open Air, Ballenstedt, Germany
12.07.2014 Masters Of Rock, Vizovice, Czech Republic
13.07.2014 Seven Festival, Wegorzewo, Poland
19.07.2014 Dong Open Air, Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany
02.08.2014 Wacken Open Air, Wacken, Germany
07.08.2014 Getaway Rock, Gävle, Sweden
08.08.2014 Leyendas Del Rock, Alicante, Spain
09.08.2014 Alcatraz Metal Festival, Kortrijk, Belgium
14.08.2014 Summer Breeze, Dinkelsbühl, Germany
17.08.2014 Alt-Fest, Kettering, UK
22.09.2014 Re:Republic, Minsk, Belarus
23.09.2014 Yunost’, Kiev, Ukraine
25.09.2014 Arena Hall, Krasnodar, Russia
27.09.2014 Glav Club, Moscow, Russia
28.09.2014 Zal Ozhidaniya, Saint Petersburg, Russia
30.09.2014 Otdykh Club, Novosibirsk, Russia
01.10.2014 Angar Club, Omsk, Russia
03.10.2014 Tele Club, Yekaterinburg, Russia

Arch enemy online:

http://archenemy.net/
http://facebook.com/archenemyofficial
http://youtube.com/user/archenemyofficial
http://twitter.com/archenemymetal

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Arch Enemy announce new vocalist

Posted in News with tags Alissa White-Gluz, Angela Gossow, Arch Enemy, Century Media Records, Trooper Entertainment, Wage Of Sin, Wages of Sin, War Eternal on 17th March 2014 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Early June will see the ninth studio album, War Eternal, released by Swedish death metal warriors Arch Enemy world wide via Century Media and Trooper Entertainment in Japan. With the ninth studio album, the band will be debuting their brand new vocalist Alissa White-Gluz, formerly of The Angonist. Angela Gossow, who joined Arch Enemy in 2000 and made her debut on the now classic Wages Of Sin, will be stepping down as front-woman and focusing on management, while Alissa takes her place. Angela comments:

Dear Arch Enemy fans, this is not easy to tell you… I have decided to step down from being Arch Enemy’s voice of anger. After 13 years of pure fucking metal, 6 studio albums and countless tours through five continents, I feel the need to enter a different phase in my life, be with my family and pursue other interests. I will however remain business manager for Arch Enemy, and I will continue to develop my artist management roster.

I am staying true to my heavy metal roots, just leaving the spotlight so to speak. I am passing the torch to the super talented Alissa White-Gluz, whom I’ve known as a dear friend and a superb vocalist for many years. I always thought she deserved a chance to shine – and now she’s getting it. Just like I got that chance back in 2001.

I want to thank all Arch Enemy fans, our labels Century Media (worldwide) and Trooper Entertainment (Japan), our dedicated road crew, and in particular Michael, Daniel and Sharlee for their love and support throughout all these years. It’s been one hell of a ride! We conquered every situation, made it through thick & thin together in the most exciting and rewarding time of my life. Thank you all for being there with me on stage, in front of the stage, and backstage. You have touched my heart, and I hope I was able to give something back to you. I am grateful for the wonderful memories – I will cherish them forever!

I am looking forward to the next decade of Arch Enemy madness! Right now I am listening through rough mixes of the new studio album and I am blown away! 2014 will see a renewed Arch Enemy at the top of their game. I am proud to be part of this Arch Enemy chapter, albeit in a different way – revving up the engines behind the scenes. I hope to see you in front of the stage; I will join you there this time. Let the killing begin, once again!

In related news, in three days time, the band will unveil their video for the title track of their upcoming album War Eternal.

Arch Enemy online:

http://archenemy.net
http://facebook.com/archenemyofficial
http://youtube.com/user/archenemyofficial
http://twitter.com/archenemymetal

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Arch Enemy release details of new album War Eternal

Posted in News with tags Arch Enemy, Daniel Erlandsson, Jens Bogren, Khaos Legions, Michael Amott, Sweden, Sweden Rock Festival, Wacken Open Air, War Eternal on 6th March 2014 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Swedish melodic death metallers Arch Enemy have begun the mixing of their new album, War Eternal, at their 9^thstudio with Jens Bogren (Opeth, Paradise Lost) in Sweden, following their most successful world tour to-date and three years after the release of their previous album Khaos Legions. Guitarist Michael Amott comments:

We’ve been producing ourselves, as we did on Khaos Legions. We have a clear vision of what we want Arch Enemy to sound like, and we can actually achieve it without the help of outside producers. We also have the advantage of having two talented sound engineers among our ranks in Daniel Erlandsson (drums) and Nick Cordle (guitar).

We’ve been tracking at a few different studios here in Sweden, the drums at Fascination Street Studio and guitars and bass in another room. We just finished vocals in a third studio with engineer Staffan Karlsson (Khaos Legions) and the mix and mastering will done by Jens Bogren at his Fascination Street mixing facility.

Musically, this album is going a few places we haven’t visited before. As our fans have come expect, our albums have all had their own vibe and War Eternal will leave its own mark. Lyrically it’s a much more personal record, and I feel the songs have more dynamics and depth than ever before. The songs are loaded with strong and vicious metal, drenched in tons of melody and emotion. All the trademarks of Arch Enemy are present, just more in your face and turned up to 11.

The new album, as mentioned above, will be titled War Eternal. Michael explains:

A lot of times life is a struggle, a war against what I like to call ‘mental chains’ in society that try to prevent you from living life the way you want, that try to stop you from making your dreams come true. I have always resented that and I always will. The title sums up our collective attitude a band as well; stages will be destroyed, eardrums will bleed. There will be no choice. This, ladies and gentlemen, is War Eternal…

Arch Enemy will debut new material on a short eastern European tour before the album is released in early June 2014; this trek will then be followed by an extensive run of European summer festivals, including Sweden Rock, Wacken and many more. A full headlining tour in North America, Europe, and the UK will take place in fall/winter 2014. Arch Enemy will once again tour nearly every corner of this world to spread the sound of War Eternal! European tour dates are as follow:

23.05.2014 – TURBOHALLE – Bucharest, Romania
24.05.2014 – Metal Summer Festival – Istanbul, Turkey
25.05.2014 – Mixtape 5 – Sofia, Bulgaria
27.05.2014 – Majestic Music Club – Bratislava, Slovakia
07.06.2014 – Sweden Rock Festival – Sölvesborg, Sweden
14.06.2014 – Copenhell – Copenhagen, Denmark
15.06.2014 – Nova Rock – Nickelsdorf, Austria
27.06.2014 – Rock am Härtsfeldsee – Dischingen, Germany
11.07.2014 – Rock Harz Open Air – Ballenstedt, Germany
12.07.2014 – Masters Of Rock – Vizovice, Czech Republic
13.07.2014 – Seven Festival – Wegorzewo, Poland
19.07.2014 – Dong Open Air – Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany
01.08.2014 – Wacken Open Air – Wacken, Germany
07.08.2014 – Getaway Rock – Gävle, Sweden
08.08.2014 – Leyendas Del Rock – Alicante, Spain
09.08.2014 – Alcatraz Metal Festival – Kortrijk, Belgium
14.08.2014 – Summer Breeze – Dinkelsbühl, Germany
17.08.2014 – Alt-Fest – Kettering, UK
23.09.2014 – Yunost’ – Kiev, Ukraine
25.09.2014 – Arena Hall – Krasnodar, Russia
27.09.2014 – Glav Club – Moscow, Russia
28.09.2014 – Zal Ozhidaniya – Saint Petersburg, Russia
30.09.2014 – TBA – Novosibirsk, Russia
01.10.2014 – TBA – Omsk, Russia
03.10.2014 – Tele Club – Yekaterinburg, Russia

Arch Enemy online:

http://www.archenemy.net
http://www.facebook.com/archenemyofficial
http://www.youtube.com/user/archenemyofficial
http://twitter.com/archenemymetal
http://myspace.com/archenemy

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Grand Magus enter studio to record new album

Posted in News with tags Arch Enemy, Camden Underworld, Grand Magus, Halmstad, Magus, Record producer, Spiritual Beggars, Wolverhampton on 16th September 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Swedish riff lords Grand Magus have recently entered the studio to begin recording for their follow-up to last year’s crushign album The Hunt. With demoing and pre-production complete, the recording process can begin. Once again, the band have picked as their producer Nico Elgstrand, who produced the last album; The Hunt. The band are also joined by the engineering force that is Staffan Karlsson, at Studio Sweetpot in Halmstad, who has worked with Arch Enemy and mixed the most recent record for Spiritual Beggars. Drummer Ludwig “Ludde” Witt comments:

The time has come! Warriors! Things have been quiet around here recently, you know us well enough to know that we haven’t been sitting around idly though… We have finished writing our new album and we enter the studio!!! Monday the 2 of September marks the start of our new journey. The result will be something to behold. That is a promise. You want something heavy? You’ll get it. This will be our strongest album to date.

The band also added:

The Magus have been busy bees with an elaborate pre-production phase, meaning that we have demoed all the tracks and it certainly pays off now. The recordings proper started off this Monday and we already have some killer basic tracks brewing. We are working simultaneously on several tracks to ensure flow and proper impact. It feels like it’s going to be something extremely powerful this time… The drums are killer and with the perfect touch we’ve learned to expect from Ludwig, there will be a wall of ferocious guitars and grinding bass guitar that will shake the bowels. Among other things we worked today on Holmgång which has a lot of riffing going on and we think the guitar sound is the best we’ve ever had on a recording. Pure power!

In related news, Grand Magus will be returning to the UK in March 2014. Dates are as follow:

March 12th – Manchester, Sound Control

March 13th – Dublin, The Pint

March 14th – Hammerfest

March 15th – Wolverhampton, Slade Rooms

March 16th – London, Camden Underworld

Grand Magus online:

http://grandmagus.com
http://facebook.com/grandmagusofficial

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Powerwolf confirmed for 2014 edition of Rockharz Festival

Posted in News with tags Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Children of Bodom, Germany, Power Metal, Powerwolf, Wacken Open Air on 6th August 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

The wolves of metal Powerwolf have been confirmed for Rockharz Festival 2014 in Germany. The five piece band are also the first power metal band to be confirmed for the event next year. Other bands on the bill so far are Children of Bodom and Arch Enemy. More details about the festival and tickets can be found at this location.

Powerwolf online:

http://www.powerwolf.net
http://www.facebook.com/powerwolfmetal
http://www.youtube.com/powerwolfmetal

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Firewind new live album Apotheosis – Live 2012 out now!

Posted in News with tags Arch Enemy, Beyond Twilight, Dream Evil, Firewind, Greece, Gus G, Live Premonition, Ozzy Osbourne on 27th June 2013 by Contra Mundi

The Greek power metal gods Firewind, who house pioneering guitar extraordinaire Gus G when he’s not off with the legendary Ozzy Osbourne and playing his songs, have released a new live album to celebrate their 10^th anniversary. The live album, entitled Apotheosis – Live 2012 features iconic tracks from throughout Firewind’s extensive musical career and was recorded during their Few Against Many tour at shows in Greece and other countries in Europe. Clocking in at 69 minutes and featuring anthems from throughout their career, it breathes new fire into the band and shows a different side to them than their previous live release from 2008: Live Premonition.

Apotheosis – Live 2012 also features the final performances of Firewind’s vocalist Apollo Papathanasi, who has since left the band. His replacement, Kelly Sundown Carpenter (Adagio, Beyond Twilight) will be taking to the stage as a session front man for all of the band’s upcoming 2013 shows.

Firewind have again rekindled their long standing relationship with artist Gustavo Sazes who’s art has graced releases from the likes of Arch Enemy and Dream Evil, for the cover artwork of Apotheosis – Live 2012. It incorporates live photography of the band by Hans-W. Rock and is awesome to behold.

The Track listing for Apotheosis – Live 2012 is as follows:

Firewind – Apotheosis – Live 2012 (69:07)

^{1. Head Up High (4:21)

2. Wall Of Sound (4:04)

3. Allegiance (4:35)

4. Few Against Many (5:00)

5. The Departure (0:41)

6. Heading For The Dawn (4:04)

7. Losing My Mind (6:15)

8. World On Fire (4:45)

9. Guitar Solo 2012 (2:17)

10. SKG (5:26)

11. Between Heaven And Hell (5:13)

12. Piano Solo (0:53)

13. Edge Of A Dream (4:24)

14. Mercenary Man (3:47)

15. Glorious (3:41)

16. Maniac (4:32

17. Falling To Pieces (5:02)}

The Digital Download version of the release additionally includes the following 2 live-bonustracks:

^{18. Cold As Ice (4:18)

19. Tyranny (4:05)}

Firewind online:

http://www.firewind.gr
http://www.facebook.com/firewindofficial
http://www.myspace.com/firewind
http://twitter.com/firewindmusic
http://www.youtube.com/firetv

Firewind stream first song from Apotheosis – Live 2012 (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Amon Amarth release final segment of mini-doctumentary: Forging Mjölnir

Posted in News with tags Amon Amarth, Andy Sneap, Arch Enemy, Candlemass, Cradle Of Filth, Luke Daley, Messiah Marcolin, Metal Blade Records on 11th June 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

The final segment of Amon Amarth’s Forging Mjölnir mini documentary premiered today! The intimate three-part account comes in celebration of their forthcoming new studio offering, Deceiver of the Gods, set for worldwide release later this month. Directed by Luke Daley, the striking black and white film offers candid commentary with each member on a host of subjects.

Watch the concluding clip where the Amon Amarth collective discuss the struggles of tour life, recording and their hopes for the future via their microsite at this location.

Having blasted onto the Swedish melodic death metal scene with 1998’s Once Sent from the Golden Hall, every Amon Amarth album has arrived bursting at the seams with power, melody and immersive storytelling centred around the richness of Norse mythology. Deceiver of the Gods captures the quintet at the peak of their powers.

Their ninth epic was recorded at Backstage Studios in Derbyshire, UK and produced, mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap, a man whose résumé includes seminal albums from the likes of Cathedral, Arch Enemy, and Cradle Of Filth. Vocalist Johan Hegg explains:

We wanted more of a live feeling to the recording and we felt that Andy’s style of producing could definitely help us with that. At the same time, knowing the records he worked on previously we felt he could probably help develop our sound so it became a little bit more angry and dangerous, without that polished sheen of our recent records.

Guitarist Olavi Mikkonen concurs, and credits Sneap with playing a pivotal role in just how aggressive the finished product is. Olavi comments:

It’s rougher, and like a punch in the face, which is what we wanted it to be. Though adding more thrash elements into a few of the songs helps the whole album sound more hostile, it’s ultimately the production that makes them sound more aggressive. On the last few records it didn’t matter how aggressive the riffs we wrote were, whenever we went into the studio at the end they just didn’t sound as intense.

In tracking the record at Sneap’s UK studio, as much as possible the band recorded long takes rather than clinically piecing things together, determined to give the album as much life as they could. Vocalist Johan continues:

Fredrik [Andersson] recorded all the drums live, with the guys playing guitars and bass along with him to get the groove of it, and that makes for the energy that you don’t get when everyone records separately, and I think that really comes across. I think that was a very good way to record for us, it gave everyone a better feel of each song, and it was a good time being in the studio and laying it all down.

Deceiver of the Gods boasts another exceptional Tom Thiel-created cover depicting a mythical battle between the Norse figures Loki and Thor. As an added bonus, Messiah Marcolin (Candlemass) makes an appearance as guest vocalist on eighth track, Hel.

For special Deceiver of the Gods pre-order packages as well as a stream of the title track, go to this location. Additionally, you can still check out Shape Shifter currently streaming via Stereogum HERE.

Deceiver of the Gods will be released in North America via Metal Blade Records 25^th June, in Europe 21^st/24^th June and Japan on June 26^th.

Following a run of European festival dates already underway, Amon Amarth will be opening the main stage of this year’s edition of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Fest set to commence June 29 in San Bernardino.

Amon Amarth online:

http://www.amonamarth.com
http://www.facebook.com/OfficialAmonAmarth
http://twitter.com/amonamarthband
http://deceiver.amonamarth.com

Second part of Amon Amarth’s three-part mini-documentary, Forging Mjölnir, now online (valkyrianmusic.com)
Amon Amarth release trailer for threee-part documentary; Forgining Mjölnir (valkyrianmusic.com)
Amon Amarth post first part of mini-documentary: Forging Mjölnir (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Amon Amarth release trailer for threee-part documentary; Forgining Mjölnir

Posted in News with tags Amon Amarth, Andy Sneap, Arch Enemy, Derbyshire, Killswitch Engage, Messiah Marcolin, Metal Blade Records, Surtur Rising on 21st May 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Yesterday, Swedish Vikings of Death Metal, Amon Amarth revealed a trailer for their forthcoming mini documentary which can be viewed at this location. Fittingly titled Forging Mjölnir, the short film will appear as a three-part series with each official segment slated to premiere via the band’s microsite at this location.

The Forging Mjölnir documentary comes in anticipation of Amon Amarth‘s ninth studio offering, Deceiver of the Gods. Recorded at Backstage Studios in Derbyshire, UK, and produced, mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap (Opeth, Megadeth, Exodus, Arch Enemy, Killswitch Engage), the follow-up to the band’s critically acclaimed 2011 Surtur Rising full-length delivers ten fiery battle hymns made of buzzsaw riffs and epic harmonies all driven by vocalist Johan Hegg‘s commanding Viking roar and absorbing accounts of Norse campaigns and treachery. Deceiver of the Gods comes adorned with another outstanding Tom Thiel-created cover portraying a mythical battle between the Norse figures Loki and Thor. As an added bonus, Messiah Marcolin (Candlemass) makes an appearance as guest vocalist on eighth track, Hel.

View the black and white Forging Mjölnir trailer where the band discusses their earliest musical influences, as well as a stream of opening title track and first single, Deceiver of the Gods and special preorder info at this location.

Deceiver of the Gods will be released in the UK via Metal Blade Records June 24th.

Following a run of European festival dates next month, Amon Amarth will be opening the mainstage of this year’s edition of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Fest set to commence June 29 in San Bernardino.

Amon Amarth online:

http://www.amonamarth.com
http://www.facebook.com/OfficialAmonAmarth
http://twitter.com/amonamarthband

Amon Amarth release details about ninth studio album (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Arch Enemy promise to immortalise Mexico City

Posted in News with tags Arch Enemy, DVD, Mexico, Mexico City, Sound recording and reproduction, Vatican City, Wages of Sin on 4th December 2012 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Arch Enemy are preparing for two shows in Mexico City tonight and Thursday (6th December), the latter of which will see them perform the Wages of Sin album in its entirety. The band issued the following statement:

“Sold out Mexico City show to be filmed for upcoming live DVD with a pro-filming team and audio recording! We just confirmed the video crew for today. Bring your banners, flags and every inch of passion for metal (and Arch Enemy of course) you got to this show. We will immortalize you, Mexico City!”

Arch Enemy add second Mexico City date; To play Wages of Sin in its entirety (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Band of the Month [March 2012]: Incassum

Posted in Band Of The Month with tags Arch Enemy, Hull, Incassum, Kingston upon Hull, Lamp, Manchester, Ringside on 2nd March 2012 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

This month’s Band of the Month come in the form of Manchester-based melodic metallers Incassum. The band blend a vicious combination of melodic vocals, snarling growls and screams with a hint of face tearing riffs. I was lucky enough to have seen Incassum back in November when they were touring with Spires.

Incassum are certainly one of the few bands that bring their all to both the studio and the stage.

The band will also be playing at Valkyrian Festival, in aid of Autism Plus later this year at The Lamp in Hull.

In the mean time, here’s a video of Incassum performing at The Ringside in Hull.

Spires + Incassum + Support @ The Ringside, Hull [Live Review] (valkyrianmusic.com)
Incassum – In Vain [2008] (valkyrianmusic.com)
Band Of The Month [February, 2012]: Dakesis (valkyrianmusic.com)
Band Of The Month [January, 2012]: Wolfthorn (valkyrianmusic.com)
Bulletproof w/Fable @ Hollywood and Vine, Hull (valkyrianmusic.com)
Band Of The Month [December, 2011]: Collisions (valkyrianmusic.com)
Interview: The Colour Line [Feb 2012] (valkyrianmusic.com)
Interview: Endre Moe [2012] (valkyrianmusic.com)

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NOWEN – Essence of Fear

Posted in Review with tags Arch Enemy, Death growl, Death Metal, Morbid Angel on 9th February 2012 by izaforestspirit

Band: NOWEN
Album: Essence of Fear
Release date: January 2012
Genre: Death/ Thrash Metal
Label: Violent Journey Records

‘Essence of Fear’ is the second full length album from the Finnish death metal band, NOWEN.

The opening track ‘Intro II’ is pretty much what you would expect to hear from a thrashy death metal band. The overall speed of the music and the guitar riffs bear a strong resemblance to Arch Enemy and this influence is present throughout the album. The next track ‘The Egotist’ continues where previous one left off and thanks to its fast, catchy guitar riffs, drums and growling vocals this is definitely one for those who enjoy the mosh-pit.

Other tracks sound like the band’s homage to old school death metal bands such as Morbid Angel. For example the intro to ‘Crown of Fallacy’ features the signature death metal drum sound. The next track, ‘Path of Destruction’ however is leaning towards a thrashier/melodic death metal sound with its standout guitar solos. ‘Sacrifice for Nothing’ is the album’s epic ballad with its melodic guitar riffs mixed in with the Arch Enemy -style growls.

The guitar in the intro to ‘Deadly Force’ reminds me of ‘Pro Patria Finlandia’ –era Impaled Nazarene. That is of course until the vocals kick in marking a return to the Arch Enemy style melodic death metal. ‘The Honor’ in turn features some progressive elements which are one of the album’s weaknesses as the guitar squeals wreck an otherwise solid piece.

Overall this release shows a lot of promise but I think NOWEN still have some way to go before they establish their place in the metal scene.

3.5/5

Iza Raittila

UKEM Records- DISCIPLES OF EXTREMITY Vol.1 (valkyrianmusic.com)
Gorod – A Perfect Absolution [2012] (valkyrianmusic.com)
Goatwhore – Blood For The Master [2012] (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Gorod – A Perfect Absolution [2012]

Posted in Review with tags Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Death Metal, Gorod, Kiev, Lamb Of God, Megadeth on 26th January 2012 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Band: Gorod
Album: A Perfect Absolution
Release Date: March 2012
Genre: Progressive Death Metal/Jazz
Label: Listenable Records

It’s not every day that you come across a French metal act [unless you actually follow the French metal scene in the same manner that people follow their favourite celebs on twitter], so it was a shock I found Gorod’s upcoming album in my e-mails. The band are described as progressive death metal and jazz on their official Facebook and they’ve been around since ‘97 – Originally formed under the moniker Gorgasm (sounds like the name of a dodgy pornographic snuff film, doesn’t it?). Anyway, Gorod’s newest release A Perfect Absolute, due for release in March, is based on the history of 10^th century Kiev. More specifically, in the year 945 when Igor, King of Kiev was murdered (probably in a brutal manner) while collecting a “tribute” while visiting his Pagan neighbours the Derevlians, who lived in a forest. After the incident, his widow, Olga, avenged him in an extremely harsh manner before converting to Orthodox Christianity. That’s your history lesson for today, readers.

I find the genius combination of subtle birds singing and tragic orchestration to work well as a build up for the main part of “Birds Of Sulphur”. The guitars virtually smash it up with strong back up from the drums and vocals. The melodic licks are quite reminiscent of Lamb of God and to a broader extent, Amon Amarth. The second half of the track sounds more along the lines of Death, only heavier and faster. “Sailing into the Earth” stomps on the ears with its guitar work like a herd of raging elephants, the only different being is that the former is much more pleasing on the ears, especially the brutalising use of drums. The third track “Elements and Spirit” might sound like the name of some sort of Wiccan book of shadows but musically, it’s more on the power metal-meets-Mario sounding side of things with a hint of Children of Bodom mixed in with it as well provided by the keyboards – though this could be a sound caused by the 70s jazz influences. The most shocking thing about this track is the vocals… Don’t worry, they’re still barbaric enough to melt your next door neighbour’s face but as I was saying, the vocals do come as a shock due to the slight use of clean vocals for one line and then a more semi-raw vocal style later on.

The vicious sounding axe-work and thundering rhythm sections of “The Axe of God” are to the ears like flagons of mead are to a Viking: Pure enjoyment. The solo reminds me, for some strange reason, of Megadeth while the slower section seems to have a sense of grandeur mixed with sorrow. “5000 at the Funeral” take the album down the slow lane with a solemn, possibly jazz-like musing of guitars, strings and piano giving the album a unique sound compared to most death metal releases. The percussion seems to be quite industrial and alternative before the wailing of Arch Enemy-sounding riffs hurl themselves into the fray with an epic-yet-harsh narration that gradually evolves into a fierce snarling roar of metallic growls. For the most part, the track seems very drum-orientated which will please any drummers that listen to the album. And for any guitarists reading this, don’t worry, there’s plenty of neck-braking riffs.

The romantically named “Carved In The Wind” brings back the epic, poweresque guitar sections mixed in with the overpowering vocal work and bonecrushing rhythm section. The track is pre-dominantly Lamb of God sounding, especially towards the end which does make the song as tasteless as water. Nearing the end comes “Vangarian Paradise” which really does spice up the album with its mix of metal and funky jazzed up riffs. The snarling roars that are the vocals oddly sound brilliant with the unique sounds on the track. The album coms to its end with “Tribute In Blood” which is a dangerously good mixture of blasphemous vocals and demonic riffs as well a brilliant way to finish the album.

Gorod are certainly masters of their trade when it comes to welding together metal and jazz into an unholy yet enjoyable union of blasphemous, face-melting music and “A Perfect Absolution” is no different. Gorod literally take the good parts of 70s jazz and death metal to create the masterpiece that is this album.

4.8/5

Nico Davidson

UKEM Records- DISCIPLES OF EXTREMITY Vol.1 (valkyrianmusic.com)
Goatwhore – Blood For The Master [2012] (valkyrianmusic.com)
Edenshade – Stendhal Got That Close (valkyrianmusic.com)
Incassum – In Vain [2008] (valkyrianmusic.com)
Spires – Spiral Of Ascension [2010] (valkyrianmusic.com)

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Six Stories Unknown [Band Review]

Posted in Uncategorized with tags Abba, Arch Enemy, Hardcore punk, Pop punk, Punk Rock, Six Stories Unknown, Sweden, Swedish Pop Punk on 2nd August 2011 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Band: Six Stories Unknown
Country: Sweden
Genre: Pop-Punk
Site: http://www.facebook.com/SixStoriesUnknown

Sweden, musically, is known for bands such as Abba and Arch Enemy, though the country is fast becoming home to an ever growing pop-punk scene with bands such as Almost Today and IKE. Apart of this growing scene are Six Stories Unknown, a five-piece pop-punk outfit from Eskilstuna, Sweden. Though the members are young, they have shared the stage with the likes of Tantrum To Blind and Aim For The Sunrise.

“She Said Happily Ever After” begins with a semi-violent riff, which sounds more like a rock-styled riff than a pop-punk medley. The vocals have a strong element of pop-punk. Like some of the guitar sections, the drums are more akin to rock. The guitars bring out some powerful melodic licks in parts of the song as well. “Still Carry On” has a very strong pop-punk sound all the way through it, but not quite as generic sounding as a lot of pop-punk bands. The guitar riffs are well composed and brilliantly played, as are the drums and the bass. The vocals are powerful as well.

”Fly” sounds to be more alternative rock meets punk in terms of its musical composition. The vocals are strongly pop-punk sounding however which does get a little tiring after a while for the casual listener to pop-punk or for someone new to the pop-punk genre, though there are a few short harsh vocal sections which are more akin to hardcore. The breakdown is an unexpected part of the song but it gives it a fresher and crisper sound. “We’ll Take Over The World” has a strange introduction as it’s composed of synths followed by a very soft, melodic guitar riff. The song is more hardcore dominated at the end. The only major issue with the song is that it’s too short.

Six Stories Unknown are certainly an interesting and exciting band to listen to, though their sound is typically pop-punk the hardcore and alt. rock elements are a great addition to their music, helping keep everything fresh. Six Stories Unknown are a band that pop-punk fans should be keeping an ear out for as they could soon become a domineering force in the international pop-punk scene.

Nico Davidson