There a handful of rock bands that can pull off a costume persona. GHOST, KISS, GLORYHAMMER, ALICE COOPER come to mind. Few can combine both musical excellence and the theatrics. Often times one or the other falls short or drifts into a comic vein. ARMAGELION is one o the rare acts that can successfully do both. Combine a larger than life persona with an incredibly passionate and melodic sound. That is what you have here.
ARMAGELION is the new face of theatrical shock metal or even Heavy Metal Theater. The goal here is to create worlds on stage. To view music and the visual medium as a driving force of creation. With this band this union works majestically. The music is a hard hitting synergy of melody and power.
The true genius lies in the live show. Here our characters come to life. The show is a must see. Catch this band live and you will be hooked. Get the cd and spread the word. ARMAGELION is risen and he will take over the metal world.
We spoke with VANTE vocalist, Brian Troch and guitarist, Scott McClellan about the band, and the album. Call it hard rock or heavy metal this band transcends traditional roles and delivers and uncompromising testament to a collective lifetime of rock and roll experiences. VANTE is pure passion and power. Creating a viable rock band in todays world is a challenge and a mountain few have the skills to climb. VANTE ascends the wall easily.
Listening to the tracks you are amazed at the skill but transported to their world. Tracks like "Why Is It So Cold", and "Under My Skin" are a testament to the creativity of the band. There are no filler tracks here. Each one is a full on monument to production values and careful, caring, construction. Get this album now! Check out our podcast for the complete live interview.
10/10 Wolf Howls!!!
VANTE are on Dark Star Records and the album is available worldwide
01. Why Is It So Cold
02. It's My Life
03. Watch The Sunrise
04. Paint It Red
05. The Craving
06. Going With The Flow
07. I Stand
08. Animal
09. Under My Skin
10. Waiting For Reverence
11. Scary Was The Man
12. Thunder and Rain
13. The Road To Shangri-La
14. Never The Slave
We often overlook the fact that every band started somewhere. In their collective journeys these bands sometimes lose their luster and their hunger. INCURSION is not that band.
Inspiring words from guitarist maxx Havok released a passion that is undying for true heavy metal. Incursion is a modern
answer to the age-old question as to who will keep the metal flame
aloft. The answer is INCURSION
Sonic mastery of both sound and symbolism abounds in this epic heavy metal offering to the Gods. Here is the future. Here is the band you have been looking for. Make no doubt there are other bands who have had a longer history. But this band, this band, INCURSION is destined to liberate the areas that have not been freed from today's boring music. They will spearhead the charge into the darkening future and bring a flame of light to illuminate all who would listen. Will you stand with them? I know we will!!
10/10 Wolf howls
Incursion NWOTHM from Nashville, TN The band consists of vocalist Steve Samson, guitarists Maxx Havick and Michael Lashinsky, drummer Dan Douchette, and bassist Robbie Crede.
For some bands the art of creation is a sacrifice and struggle to achieve the "perfect" sound. For ANUBIS it is just another day. The sound is classic heavy metal infused with modern recording mastery.
These guys are the real deal. The perfect blend of tight unwavering rhythm and solid almost ethereal vocals. The lyrics are in a class all their own. Such precision and beauty interwoven with a thunderous approach. This is the music to crank while driving at high speeds. Rare is the band that can combine all the finer aspects of heavy music into one throbbing continuum of molten metal. ANUBIS is the future of American Heavy Metal. "Eternal Youth, Eternal light" is your road map to how a band should record, write and sound. This band has it all. Powerful and precision guided American Metal at its finest and fiercest. This band is a force to be reckoned with. All bands take note: this is what you should be doing.
Quite often when you hear new music it seems to lack that bite or the sting of a well-honed sword. This is not the case with the metal creation of Michael J Miller! Hands down an incredibly crafted construct of energy, passion, and fiery ambition.
Every track is a delight for the senses. Winner of the 2022 outstanding legacy award, a Hollywood California Akademia production. This outstanding guitarist has cemented himself in the rock and metal scene as a fantastic guitarist with melody and soul. Of course, there are blazing solos, but everything is done with a complete vision for the sound.
Songs like "Since you have been gone.", and "Voodoo Doll" capture the listener and never let you go. Overall, this album is one that you must get. You will be cranking these head banging tunes for hours to come. Play it loud
10/10 Wolf Howls
Our podcast has the audio version available.
MJM DiscographyMJM-Ascencion-2003MJM–Valley of the Kings-2009MJM-Instrumental-2018MJM-IV-2020
SAXON, is about to release their 23rd studio album. Surviving a 44-year career in music, the band has produced one of their best albums to date. Such power and precision in the songwriting is evident all over this disc. CARPE DIEM begins with the instant hit, CARPE DIEM and transitions into the classic SAXON sound of AGE OF STEAM. This is classic metal on steroids. Guitar work by Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt is lightning fast and just as deadly. Fans of guitar should check out BLACK IS THE NIGHT. Biff's vocals have never sounded better. His prowess as front man for the world's greatest NWOBHM bands is none more evident than on REMEMBER THE FALLEN.
This album will stand the test of time as one of their best ones and we look forward to see what they can do for 2022 and beyond! This will be remembered for all time as one of defining records of 2022 and beyond. ALl hail the mighty, unstoppable juggernaut that is SAXON
10/10 wolf howls
Carpe Diem Track Listing:
Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)
Age of Steam
The Pilmgrimage
Dambusters
Remember the Fallen
Super Nova
Lady In Gray
All for One
Black is the Night
Living On the Limit
SAXON
BIFF BYFORD – Vocals
PAUL QUINN – Guitar
NIGEL GLOCKLER – Drums
DOUG SCARRATT – Guitar
NIBBS CARTER – Bass
Produced by Andy Sneap and Biff Byford
Album mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap
Guitars recorded by Andy Sneap at Backstage Recording Studios, Derbyshire (UK); Vocals recorded by Seb Byford at Big Silver Barn, York (UK); Drums recorded by Jacky Lehmann (Audiosound) at Velbyproductions, Grünenplan (Germany).
All lyrics by Biff Byford. Backing vocals by Seb Byford
Follow Saxon on:
www.facebook.com/SaxonOfficial/
www.instagram.com/saxon.official
www.twitter.com/SaxonOfficial
www.youtube.com/PlanetSaxon
www.saxon747.com
Flotsam and Jetsam are about to unleash a monster of an album on AFM Records, June 4th. This is classic metal meets the modern production soundscape. Just a hell of a ride as you listen to this powerful release. "Blood In the water" is one of their best songs they have ever recorded. Pure power and aggression. Vocalist Eric Knutson unleashes hell with his charge the walls aggressive yet melodic style.
Overall the songs rise through the standard flotsam gambit however there is something new here. There is an almost ethereal atmosphere that surrounds each song. The music is completely off the charts and it envelopes you in a haze of a heavy metal high. You will be singing along with every song. Nothing, not one song will disappoint and that ,in today's one good song releases ,is a breath of fresh air.The band has never sounded more passionate about what they are creating. Anyone who calls themselves a fan of metal must get this album and play it loud.
10/10 wolf howls cry of the wolf magazine
official press release and bio on Flotsam:
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM have seen many of their peers that started at the same time, including Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Venom have their day in the sun. Considered in metal circles as “legendary,” the mighty FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, over their long career, has seemed somewhat plagued by label snafu’s, changes in trends, or other unfortunate events. On album number fourteen, and without a doubt making the best music of their career, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM finally smells blood in the water this time around.
Says singer ERIC “AK” KNUTSON, “We’ve seen our fan base increasing, and we’ve seen the response to the last two albums getting louder and louder. We have some of the most committed and crazy fans in the world. We charted higher on our last album than at any point in our career. Maybe our career path will run similar to Motorhead’s, who although was always considered iconic, didn’t really break through in a big way until later in their career. We feel our time is now . . .” says AK. “We’re like that dog that’s been kicked . . . we’re ready to break the door down and take what’s ours.”
Judging by their new album, “BLOOD IN THE WATER,” AK is spot on. With twelve tracks that literally shred the listener’s ears and pummels FLOTSAM AND JETSAM’s message into the hearts of the most diehard metal fans, the album must be heard to be believed. The lead-off and title track, “Blood in the Water,” let’s you know right off that these guys aren’t messing around as the song comes screaming out of the speakers with a frenzied rhythm section and guitars blazing on ten. Then the passionate vocal delivery of AK takes the stage delivering, “They want your soul, seduce you with their lies, selling death, the end of the sublime . . . sinking down into the blackout below, there’s blood in the water!”
The album continues to dominate from there, with “Burn The Sky,” the first single from the album, searing it’s way into your brain, followed by “Brace For Impact,” which by the way is a good description of what you’ll need to do when you listen to this album. There are so many stand-out tracks it’s impossible to give a full run down, but suffice it to say there is no filler here, just all killer. “Cry For The Dead” is a heart-wrenching track that speaks to the loss of loved ones, and harkens back to the classic FLOTSAM sound from “Doomsday For The Deceiver.” “The Walls” is a vibrant power metal song that will have you singing the hook for days, and the album ends appropriately with a burner called “Seven Seconds ‘Til The End of the World,” a more progressive track that includes some firsts for FLOTSAM, including an orchestral breakdown.
Guitarist MICHAEL GILBERT says, “Following up ‘The End of Chaos’ (Flotsam’s last album) was no easy task. We weren’t really sure what we had left in the tank, as we put so much work, sweat, and blood into that album. As it turns out, we had plenty left to say. With everything that’s happened in the world, the friends we lost this last year, and not being able to perform or tour… you hear all of that in our music. It’s angry, it’s aggressive, and our emotions pour out all over this album.”
Perhaps at long last, the injustice that has been part of Flotsam’s existence will finally be washed away. Everyone knows about the band, and the awesome assembly of what is for all intents and purposes an “All Star” lineup. Fronted by one of the most gifted metal singers in music history, (and this really isn’t even open to argument), AK keeps bringing the magic every album and tour, and oddly seems to be getting better and better as time goes on. He’s backed by the incredibly talented, exceptionally brilliant guitar duo of STEVE CONLEY and MICHAEL GILBERT, the powerful, precise and lightning fast engine of drummer KEN K MARY, (whose Hall of Fame resume includes over five million albums sold with artists such as Alice Cooper, House of Lords, and Accept), and the “fresh blood” and extraordinary technical skills and prowess of bassist BILL BODILY.
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM have come a long way from the kids that stepped onto the world stage with their first album, 1986’s “Doomsday For The Deceiver,” which received the first (and only) 6K rating in Kerrang! Magazine’s history. But the one thing that has never been in question since that day is their dedication to their fans, their incredible talent, and relentless pursuit to produce their best music ever.FLOTSAM AND JETSAM smells blood in the water. . .
Chloe Trujillo is a Musician, Artist, Mother, Free Creative Spirit, and The wife of Metallica's bassist, Robert Trujillo. With an impressive resume of artwork, drawings, clothing and guitar designs, you would assume Chloe would have an air about her. But she does not. Despite being surrounded by rock and roll's iconic royalty she remains humble and simply dedicated to her craft. You can feel her love for the world of art as she speaks. Truly she is extraordinarily gifted and selfless as she pours out her creative ideals onto the world.
Music is clearly another avenue to let her creativity flow. Her plan is to release a new single every month Until October when the record will be released. What a great way to introduce new listeners. Of course the fact that her husband plays in a little known band called METALLICA and offered to play on her new tracks, does not hurt either. But she told us it was no big deal asking him. They are husband and wife of course. I had the unique pleasure of chatting with Chloe about her art, inspirations, and the upcoming new album.
Tell us the writing process
Yeah it is sort of a channeling. Kind of done at the same time. When I paint I will have lyrics or melody ideas that will come at the same time. As I paint, that is my process. If I sit down to write or grab a guitar, I have images that I would paint later on.
With covid, how did you approach your writing
well when it first hit it was really interesting. no one knew what was going on. We were locked down.
I was writing a song every day. But then I stopped because I had two hundred songs. Forced me to become more creative in new ways. I learned the new creative tools like creating artwork on the computer I just learned. So I am definitely more independent. I have crossed that thresh hold of fear. so that was good.
What is your message to aspiring artists and musicians
Its not easy. so many times I was like oh man it would be easier to get a regular job. you wont sell a painting every day. its tough. but you continue. for me the days I don't create i have a knot on my stomach. I need to create. never stop. Even in New York I had several jobs while I sang or performed or was drawing. you have to have that flame, that passion, to keep going. be strong and no matter what do it anyways.
What is next for your artistry
well I have an art show opening. I have a virtual live show in April. That is new for me. I have a single coming out every month until October. when the album is released. The music I am releasing now was written three years ago. it is a positive message. most of my songs are. I lived in New York during 9/11 and I have experienced many things. I lived a few of these large events. you question everything. like humanity, society.
I have another project that is more like a progressive metal band. It will be a small e.p. released of six or seven songs. I am recording with my old band on sunday its called 66 steps. It's a metal, melodic band. last time we played was 2009. We might release a 66 step EP. We will see. Hopefully things open up again.
Her music, like her artwork, inspire positive frequencies in the listener and a message of good will and accelerated heart felt emotions. She takes a certain pride in her work. Schooled in the art world of Paris, France, Chloe draws inspiration from the light instead of the dark. But her passion can, as she says "be positive whether it's a death metal song or an alternative one.
2020 saw the world plunged into isolation. It became a lonely, self analyzing place. But for those of us who are lucky to have the new OZ record, the isolation of our homes allowed them, to become a listening room to one of the best albums released this year so far. OZ pulls no punches with its sonic throwback metal sound to a glorious age gone by. Everything you need on a metal album is here, catchy lyrics, burning solos, drums of doom!
Favorite tracks include, "Kingdom Of War", "Spiders", and "Prison Of Time".
Truly OZ represents a present day metal act with more than a nod to the old school of historic metal. Their approach to songwriting and song architecture is indifferent to the current trends of the age. They fully stand for the metal we all grew up with.
In these catastrophic times, we need bands like OZ to keep that fire of creative metal burning. When you finally emerge from your caves into this brave new world you should, no you must, crank up Forced Commandments.
10 Wolf Howls
Cry Of The Wolf Magazine
Burning witches have created a powerhouse signature metal release with their latest metallic conjuring, "Dance With The Devil".
You can forget any past incantation of this band, this is the future. The newest addition, vocalist, Laura Guldemond, appears to fit this band like a glove. Fronting this incredibly talented band of musicians can't be easy, but she does it in stride. Her precision guided vocals shine through on every track. Her addition to this band will propel them further into the metal iconic stature they are destined to achieve. My only request from an American viewpoint, Please send us a tour!!!!
The fiery valkyrie leads of Sonia and her counterpart on guitar, Romana will leave you breathless. This is pure unbridled passion driven heavy metal of the finest caliber. You get a sense of cohesion on this album that we have not entirely heard before. The tracks reflect this unity. Overall this is an offering to the gods of heavy metal and these witches do not pull any punches. It is a slam you to the ground and lift you up cauldron of mystical music spells. Get this album and turn it up loud!
long live burning witches!
10/10 wolf howls
cry of the wolf magazine
JORN Lonely Nights - RADIO SINGLE Frontiers Music s.r.l.
JORN has proven time and time again what a masterful songwriter and vocalist he is. This second release of favorite cover songs proves once again that he carries the voice of the metal legions well into the future. The first radio single, Bryan Adams' hit song "Lonely Nights" is a soon to be classic heavy rock hit. How JORN manages to pull a song out of pop obscurity and transform it into a metal rock classic. JORN'S voice is clearly full of passion and pure pleasure at crafting this song. Looking forward to hearing the rest of the album. Get this song in regular rotation now!
BURNING WITCHES live@Sweden Rock Festival The Interview Unleashing a juggernaut of power metal, BURNING WITCHES tested the waters of Sweden Rock with their brand new vocalist, Laura Guidemond(ex-SHADOWRISE). Her prowess and vocal style proved to be a tight fit with this iconic metal group. If she was nervous, it certainly did not show at all. She ruled that stage. we had a chance to speak with her and drummer, Lala Frischknecht backstage after the gig.
How did it feel playing at Sweden Rock?
Really awesome. A little nerve wracking but also really exciting to play this festival. We did not expect the response. Very Positive. It was bigger than we thought. Some people obviously knew the songs already so I was super curious to see how they would view me as the new singer. It was an early morning show but it was really nice to get them going.
How do you prepare mentally for a festival like this?
Well for me it is the first time. So it was important to be comfortable with the set. learn the words so I fell I can do it because it was such a short time to be ready. If I feel prepared then I can do anything. Very important to have a good mood as well before playing. It helps.
Anything you do together before you go on stage as a ritual?
We Are joking laughing. It helps with tension.
What is next for Burning Witches?
Writing new songs. we actually have 4-5 ones written. We will record one song just to see the appetite for the band. We will be playing many festivals.
How important is social media?
You have to in the modern world. Social media helps. With it you can reach more people. Fans can hear what the new band is easier, unlike before.It's easier. It is a lot of work but it is fun too.
