Category: Press Releases

Nordic Metal Cruise will roll on the waves of the Baltic Sea in February 2025 Featuring Anaal Nathrak, Månegarm, Wormwood, Skiltron and Stereo Terror DJ

The eighth Nordic Metal Cruise will be organized as metal start of 2025 on the 8th-9th February on M/S Viking Grace’s journey from Turku to Stockholm and back. Anaal Nathrak, Månegarm, Wormwood, Skiltron and the cruise’s official house DJ duo Stereo Terror will be on board.

The main performer of the evening is the English Anaal Nathrakh, who smoothly combines black metal, grindcore and death metal in his production. The band, which calls itself “necro metal”, released its latest album “Endarkenment” in 2020.

On the other hand, Månegarm is responsible for the comfort of the fans of folk and viking metal on the upcoming cruise. The band, which took its name from the wolf figure in Norwegian mythology, will also celebrate its 30th anniversary next year – after all, the band’s predecessor, Antikristi, was founded in 1995. The album “Ynglingaättens öde”, released the following year, was characterized as the band’s return to “the world’s best pagan metal bands”.

Similarly, the Swedish Wormwood has been operating for ten years now with diverse metal, drawing inspiration from Scandinavian history and themes related to the collapse of society, for example. The band’s album “The Star” was released earlier this year. The band’s wide spectrum of musical influences takes listeners from black and extreme metal through folk to garage rock – without forgetting the importance of melancholic Scandinavian melodies.

Originally founded in Buenos Aires and later rooted in Finland, Skiltron brings a touch of Celtic spices to the waves of the Baltic Sea. Founded in 2004 by Emilio Souto, the band toured hard in Argentina in its early years, where Skiltron has been seen on the same stages with, for example, In Extremo and Korpiklaani, and soon the road also led to Europe’s biggest metal festivals. The band, rooted in Espoo, will do a British tour before the Nordic Metal Cruise at the end of the year.

Stereo Terror, which was part of the first Nordic Metal Cruise, returns due to high demand to entertain the crowd. Stereo Terror acts as the official house DJ duo of the cruise, entertaining the crowd on several occasions – not forgetting the closing party on the main stage of the first night!

Tickets for the cruise are now on sale:
http://www.nordicmetalcruise.fi and http://www.vikingline.fi/nmc

Polish Cairo-Based Guitarist/Songwriter ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ Premieres New Special Album “Living Machine” on YouTube

Pioneers, Artificial Intelligence, and Late ’80s Rock Sounds – A New Chapter for CITOVITZ AND THE FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY

OnSeptember 5th, YouTube hosted the online premiere of the latest album from Citovitz And The Fireflies Of February (CTFF). This project features two talented musicians: Andrzej Citowicz, a guitarist and composer originally from Wałbrzych, Poland, now residing in Cairo, who has collaborated with guitarists from the legendary American band Warrant; and Patryk Szymański, a bassist and guitarist from Działdowo, Poland, known for his work with the band Transtime.

“Living Machine” – the title of CTFF’s newest release – comprises 10 tracks. The album blends ’80s rock vibes with modern sounds. What sets this release apart is the inclusion of vocal parts, a departure from the band’s previous instrumental albums. Through a collaboration with TuneCore, the musicians leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. AI not only generated vocal parts for the provided lyrics and tracks but was also applied to existing vocal recordings, giving them a completely new dimension.

“Although we’re traditionalists who love collaborating with other people, we’d be remiss not to accept an offer from a giant like TuneCore,” notes project leader Andrzej Citowicz. “We were selected for a project training AI capabilities in singing, vocal harmonies, etc. Out of hundreds, if not thousands, of participants, we made it to the final 60, allowing us to create 10 unique tracks with AI assistance.”

Patryk Szymański adds, “It’s been nearly fifteen years of playing together without meeting in person. Around 2011-2012, we were pioneers in amateur remote recording, which even international music magazines noted. Today, we’re using AI resources in our musical adventure to feel like the rock stars we’ve always wanted to be, right from our own bedrooms,” he says with a smile.

It’s worth noting that while AI played a crucial role in shaping the vocals, it didn’t entirely replace the human voice. “AI served as a tool to help us achieve the sound we dreamed of. You might even hear fragments of our own vocals in some tracks, further shaped by artificial intelligence. It’s an experiment that allowed us to push the boundaries of music and create something truly unique,” Andrzej Citowicz explains.

“Living Machine” – An Album That Will Surprise

“Living Machine” is set to surprise listeners. The combination of traditional rock sounds with modern technologies, unique AI-created vocals, and emotional lyrics creates an exceptional whole. It’s an album that lingers in memory long after listening, leaving the audience with a sense of fulfillment.

Singles Promoting the Album

The album is promoted by singles including “Life Means Nothing At All” and “Beautiful Broken Souls,” which are already winning over listeners. These energetic tracks serve as perfect ambassadors for “Living Machine” and herald an extraordinary musical journey.

Listen and See for Yourself!

The link to the full version of the album, which will be available on YouTube on September 5th, is provided below:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7KjuV2lXI3gnyzX92Oaw6_XMMvg3SnD2&si=1I_jpRaUWgkTqwjO

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Earlier this Summer, Citowicz released “Bloody Mamacita”, taken from the upcoming album “Unwelcomed and Unbreakable” set to released later this year. “Bloody Mamacita” is more than just a song; it’s a heartfelt dedication to his wife and a powerful anthem for adults on the autism spectrum. The track explores the often-overlooked struggles and triumphs of neurodivergent individuals navigating adulthood.

Citowicz adds, “Every song on this album is a piece of my story, and the stories of countless others who navigate this world a bit differently. It’s about being unwelcomed by society’s norms but remaining unbreakable in spirit.”

Watch “Bloody Mamacita” lyric video: https://youtu.be/j4Ts9XXTQuo?si=4bPYUvd32W0HondB

“Bloody Mamacita” Music Credits:
Andrzej Citowicz: Guitars, Music, and Everything in Between
Patryk Szymanski: Bass
Vocals: Voice of a Neurodivergent

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On May 6th 2024, Andrzej Citowicz released his deeply personal gift, “Carpe Diem: The Best Of” album, of Citowicz’s creative musical odyssey.

Beyond the realm of music, “Carpe Diem: The Best Of” is a profound reflection of Andrzej Citowicz himself. Every note and melody resonate with the triumphs, challenges, and quiet moments of contemplation that have shaped him as an artist. It’s an intimate glimpse into the depths of his being.

In case you missed, stream “Carpe Diem: The Best Of” at https://youtu.be/T52FnyGxYtk?si=znvhvOa-TQ8SUkqD – feat. heart-piercing guitar riffs and a pulsating rhythm section skillfully crafted by bassist Patryk Szymański.

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As an autistic guitarist, Citowicz has leveraged his unique perspective to craft a distinctive sound that resonates with listeners from all walks of life. His music serves as a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing him to convey complex emotions and thoughts in a way that transcends verbal communication. By sharing his experiences and creative process, Citowicz aims to inspire and empower others on the autism spectrum, while also promoting greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in the music industry.

Andrzej Citowicz’s music career has been marked by a unique blend of hard rock, blues, and cinematic elements, which has garnered him a loyal following across the globe. His critically acclaimed trilogy of instrumental albums has been praised for its emotional depth, technical virtuosity, and innovative storytelling. Citowicz’s music has been described as “a cinematic soundscape that transports listeners to a world of raw emotion”.

Also check out Andrzej’s earlier singles:
“Hive of Weirdness” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5TwSm_hNo
“Butterfly Effect” – https://youtu.be/jryGasne7Mg?si=BWLN4_tx7r03NgoD
“Turn To Stone” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2NT7O9Zr2M
“Anemoia” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THtiL7q90bY
“Modern Blues Riot” special demo – https://youtu.be/AEZtTuPr6bI
Special Cairo Mix ‘Midnight Thunderstorms’ – https://youtu.be/FEK8fsbHd4I
‘A Wound That’s Always Bleeding’ – https://youtu.be/clScq09DywE
‘Savagely Hungry For Love’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEgRrcmgLDY
‘Electric Heartbeat Symphony’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6IWdx0vOQQ
‘Marvelous Misadventures Of Myself’ – https://youtu.be/jsgLvfF5Wd8
‘The Long Train Journey’ – https://youtu.be/zbEgbMBGbGw
‘Never Ending Storms’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip04u1xuf4s

Connect with Andrzej Citowicz:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndrzejCitowicz
Instagram: https://instagram.com/citovitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citovitz/

THE WRING Latest Single “The Nail” Is A New Blend Of Aggression And Prog Metal Off New Album “Nemesis” Out Sept 2024

Sudbury, Canada’s The Wring continues to build anticipation for their upcoming album “Nemesis” with the release of their new single “The Nail”. This track is a hard-hitting showcase of the band’s ability to blend heavy rock with progressive influences, delivering a sound that is both aggressive and intricate. “The Nail” features a compelling mix of rhythmic complexity and melodic intensity, as guitarist Don Dewulf comments:

“When there is no baseball or hockey on TV, I will flip to the MUCH LOUD video channel where they play anything that has a guitar in it (rare these days, as I do not count what Taylor Swift does as ‘playing guitar’). I stumbled on a song by The Offspring called Behind Your Walls of Pain. For some reason, that song stuck with me. Once I broke it down, it was the i-vi—iv progression that I found interesting. This is uncommon without the V chord. I twisted it up for the chorus and added a bunch of different parts to make the song. Lyrically, there is no disguising my disdain for the unprecedented lack of decency, honesty, and respect in the world right now.”

“The Nail” delves into themes of perseverance and struggle, a recurring motif in the band’s work. The track’s driving rhythm, punctuated by Dewulf’s razor-sharp guitar work and Abbott’s thunderous drumming, provides the perfect backdrop for Hache’s evocative vocals and bass lines. The song’s structure, which oscillates between intense heaviness and intricate melodic passages, keeps listeners on the edge, reflecting the tension and release inherent in the song’s message.

Watch and listen to the music video for “The Nail” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

“Nemesis” will be released on September 27, 2024, via Wormholedeath, with distribution by Aural/Orchard, it is recommended for fans of Dream Theatre, Opeth, and Porcupine Tree.

Album pre-save at https://orcd.co/nemesispre-save​

Previous Single – “The Sword” – Music Video – https://youtu.be/LLkIs2V6BWQ​

Track Listing:​
1. Badlands – 5:13
2. The Nail – 5:29
3. Blur – 4:17
4. The Sword – 5:37
5. Before I Disappear – 4:39
6. Welshrats – 5:18
7. Dark Passenger – 5:20
8. Nemesis – 4:47
Total 40:40

More info: www.thewring.ca | https://www.facebook.com/thewringband | https://www.instagram.com/wringband​

Italian guitarist RICCARDO D’ATTIS Releases New Single ‘Timeless Dimension’.

Volcano Records & Promotion is thrilled to announce the release of Riccardo D’Attis‘ new single, titled Timeless Dimension. Available from September 4, 2024, on all digital platforms, this instrumental track represents a sonic journey blending rock and metal with a modern sound, inspired by the words of legendary guitarist Steve Vai: “Passion eliminates time. Passion takes you to a timeless dimension of now”. Timeless Dimension is a tribute to musical passion that transcends time, inviting the listener to explore new horizons through captivating melodies and high-level guitar techniques. With a duration of 6 minutes and 6 seconds, the track captures Riccardo D’Attis’ essence as a guitarist and composer, showcasing his ability to blend classical influences with a contemporary touch.

Born in Bordighera in 1993, Riccardo D’Attis began his musical journey at the age of 17. After a period as a self-taught musician, he studied at the National Conservatory of Nice, where he deepened his musical knowledge. He currently works as an electric guitar teacher and collaborates with various bands, ranging from pop to jazz and from funk to symphonic metal.

Listen to ‘Timeless Dimension’ on Spotify or your favorite streaming platform AT https://music.imusician.pro/a/ZLX84TY9/

Timeless Dimensions

Listen also to the first single ‘Engine Fault’ at https://music.imusician.pro/a/dnXPpVAq/

Further info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.facebook.com/riccardo.dattis

 

Rock Warrior Thor returns with a trip down memory lane.

Los Angeles, CA: Continuing the 50th anniversary celebrations ignited by his most recent album, the much-applauded Ride of the Iron Horse, Canadian hard rocker Thor returns with a phenomenal new video, the aptly titled “No Time for Games”.
Accompanying one of Thor’s most emotion-laden power ballads, the video is built around a veritable scrapbook of vintage Thor footage and photos: robots, costumes, helmets, dancers, packed venues, plus, of course, the shows of strength with which the one-time Mr Canada and Mr USA bodybuilder so astonished his audiences – bending iron bars with his teeth, exploding hot water bottles with his lungs, and his very own Mjölnir.
“As a child, I dreamt of becoming a hero….a cowboy, a gladiator, a superhuman,” recalls Thor, “and music gave me the opportunity to become these characters on stage and through song…
“’No Time For Games’ is a reflection of the past…yet an inspiration for the future. It’s a scrapbook of the battles won and lost and won again, of tributes to fellow band mates who were true road warriors at my side and the loves of my life.
“There were ups and downs….it was never a game, I was always a serious rock n roller,  but pondering it all, the true love that stands the test of time are the fans who were always there for my concerts and  music. I thank you all.
“The adventure continues….”
Here’s the video – you don’t want to miss it! : https://youtu.be/glCCsYQP51s
And if you didn’t catch the album… 

Red Eleven Delves into the Dreamscape with New Single and Video, “Path”.

Finnish progressive alternative metal band Red Eleven, known for their heavy and atmospheric soundscapes, is releasing their latest single, “Path,” accompanied by a visually captivating music video. This release invites listeners and viewers into a surreal world where dreams and reality blur.

The Single: “Path”

“Path” is a doom-tempo track that delves into the unsettling concept of dreams within dreams. With haunting melodies and powerful lyrics, it paints a vivid picture of a world where the line between reality and nightmare is unclear. Red Eleven’s signature sound blends heavy guitar riffs with ethereal synths and evocative vocals, creating an immersive experience.

Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/red11-path

The Video: “Path”

The accompanying video, directed by Arto Kettunen, enhances the song’s dreamlike quality. Kettunen commented:

“I wanted the video to have a floating, dreamlike feeling. We experimented with AI, but ultimately decided to go with a natural approach – Finnish craftsmanship from start to finish! We focused on the basics – light and shadow. Spöde’s expertise as a lighting designer was invaluable once again!”

The video, much like the song, plays with contrasts between light and dark, reality and illusion, creating a visual experience that draws the viewer deeper into the world Red Eleven has created.

Watch the music video: https://youtu.be/7LLmV2mCDOU
https://www.facebook.com/redelevenband
https://www.instagram.com/_red_eleven_/

https://www.redeleven.info/

Finnish death metal youngsters Pestilent Scars release the first single ‘In Search Of Reason’ from their forthcoming debut album.

Pestilent Scars is a five-piece melodic death metal band from Oulu. All members are between 18 and 19 years old. The band’s central themes focus on melodic songwriting, pure emotion, tight gigs and overall the old school way of getting around.

The band is about to release their debut album Meadows of Misfortune on January 17th 2025 via Inverse Records. The first single ‘In Search of Reason’ is released today and it’s available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/pestilent-scars-search

“Mostly my writing comes straight from the heart. When I write music it has to come naturally. Melodies are very important to me and that’s why we have lot of melodic riffs in our songs. It tells you a story, it’s not basic death metal. I feel like I can show much more about myself with melodies. It’s something that I do. I don’t think a lot about which bands have inspired me, but i have to say that gothenburg’s melodic death metal scene from 90’s has inspired me a lot. But our music still has that Finnish melancholy. Both Finnish and Swedish melodic death metal is very important to me.”
– Guitarist/Songwriter, Elias Vierimaa

BIOGRAPHY:
Pestilent Scars was born in the winter of 2022/2023. The band has had the same line-up for almost its entire existence. Pestilent Scars released their first single “Deceitful Phoenix” in the summer of 2023. The single was a relative success. Deceitful Phoenix” was followed by “All On My Own” in the autumn of the same year.

The band played several live shows in 2023 and 2024, which were energetic and showcased the band’s overall idea. At their last gig the band performed their forthcoming album “Meadows Of Misfortune”. The album will be released in early 2025.

Strictly limited CD is now available on

Pestilent Scars – In Search of Reason (single 2024)

Track list:

01. In Search of Reason

Music by Elias Vierimaa & Topi Ilmola
Lyrics by Pasi Matinolli

ISRC: FI3FC2448709

Single cover by Topi Ilmola

Pestilent Scars – Meadows of Misfortune (Album 2025)

Track list:

01. Into The Meadows
02. Internal Torment
03. Golden Maiden
04. Deceitful Phoenix
05. Unreality
06. A Reaching Hand
07. Democide
08. All On My Own
09. In Search Of Reason
10. False Messiah

Album cover by Topi Ilmola

Line-up:
Pasi Matinolli – Vocals
Elias Vierimaa – Guitars
Artturi Kauppi – Drums
Sampo Jylhä – Bass
Topi Ilmola – Guitars

Links: 
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564947165481
https://www.instagram.com/pestilentscars
https://www.tiktok.com/@pestilentscars
https://pestilentscars.bandcamp.com

Finnish melodic death metal band Dimman have released the first single and music video ‘Infinitum’ from their forthcoming second studio album ‘Consciousness’.

The Finnish metal band Dimman is set to release their second studio album ‘Consciousness’ on February 28th 2025 via Inverse Records. The first single ‘Infinitum’ is released today along with music video which can be seen here: https://youtu.be/TAoeZi9MSP8

“The opening single of our upcoming album, ‘Infinitum,’ showcases everything Dimman is about. The track delivers both tight riffs characteristic of nu-metal and the virtuosity of dual guitar solos for the first time in the band’s history. The lyrics deal with the challenges caused by internal struggles, but we wanted to show in the music video that playing metal isn’t always such a serious business.”

–Valtteri Halkola, vocals & guitars

LISTEN to Infinitum single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/dimman-infinitum

BIOGRAPHY:
Dimman is a Finnish metal band whose story began in 2014, with their first official single, ‘Shattered’, released in 2016. Over the years, Dimman has released several singles, two EPs, and their debut album, ‘Songs and Tales of Grievance’, in 2021, gaining worldwide attention.

Dimman is now ready to unleash their second full-length album, ‘Consciousness’, which marks a significant milestone in their career, providing nine tracks of versatile compositions and remarkable musicianship.

Track list:

01. Infinitum

Music & lyrics by Valtteri Halkola

ISRC: FI-3FC-24-86205

Single cover by Elias Halkola

Track list:

1. Remission
2. The First Daylight
3. Cease the Vengeance
4. The Acrimony
5. Infinitum
6. Life Bereaved Him
7. Regretful
8. Amass Them
9. Consciousness

Album cover by Elias Halkola

Line-up:
Valtteri Halkola – Vocals, Guitars

Jaakko Yli-Sorvari – Guitars

Elias Halkola – Bass

Arto Pieksämäki – Drums

Links: 
https://www.facebook.com/Dimman 
https://www.instagram.com/dimmanmetal
https://twitter.com/Dimmanmetal
http://dimmanfinland.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/@dimmanmetal

ALBERTO RIGONI Signs Label Deal with Finnish Eclipse Music for Solo Album “Nemesis Call”.

The talented Italian bassist, composer and producer ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD As, Vivaldi Metal Project, ex-Twinspirits, etc.) has become a part of Finnish Eclipse Music roster and is preparing to release his next album “Nemesis Call”, set to be released on December 13th, 2024.

This album showcases a diverse range of talent, from renowned musicians like drummers Mike Terrana (Rage, Axel Rudi Pell) and Thomas Lang (Steve Hackett), guitarists Marcelo Barbosa(Angra), Luca Princiotta (Hardline, DORO) and Alexandra Zerner (soloist) to rising stars such as 14-year-old drummer Sajan, 11-year-old guitarist Aanika Pai, JayBird Byrne, and many more that will be announced soon.

Alberto Rigoni’s upcoming album is a bold exploration of instrumental metal, progressive and neoclassical genres. With its intricate compositions, still easy-listening, and star-studded guestlist, the album promises to take the listener on an intense sonic journey, blending technical precision with emotional depth. The album is great for fans of Yngwie Malmsteen, Kiko Loureiro (Megadeth), Michael Romeo (Symphony X) and Guthrie Govan (The Aristocrats).

Alberto is an acclaimed Italian bassist and composer who has released 13 solo albums between 2008 and 2024, covering genres from progressive rock to ambient, funk, and experimental music. His collaborations include legends like Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), Göran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) and many many more.

The first single, Paradox, will be released the 27th of September with a full music video. It features the aforementioned legendary drummer Mike Terrana as well as the guitarist Loida Liuzzi.

Confirmed guests, so far:

Drummers:
Mike Terrana (ex Rage, Axell Rudy Pell, etc.)
Thomas Lang (Steve Hackett)
Mark Zonder (ex Fates Warning, A-Z, Warlord)
Sajan (14 years old!)
Shion Nakagawa (FRCTS)
Victoria Acosta (10 years old!)
Wiktoria Bialic

Guitarists:
Alexandra Zerner (soloist)
Alexandra Lioness (Jenner, Sigma Epsilon)
Thomas Polychuck (In Sylva, Virgil Donati, Simon Philipps, Derek Sherinian)
Loida Liuzzi  (solisti)
Keiji by Zero (soloist)
Aanika Pai (11 years old, soloist)
Samet Kiliç

Composition production, bass and keyboards: Alberto Rigoni

As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him in reaching the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, etc.) of this new album and started this fundraising campaign that will end on October 15th 2024. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro (https://www.legadelfilodoro.it), Italian association which helps deafblind children.

You can support Alberto here: www.albertorigoni.net/nemesiscall

You can listen to a full song here: https://soundcloud.com/albertorigoni/shadows

More information at:
ALBERTO RIGONI: http://www.albertorigoni.net | http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com | www.facebook.com/albertorigonimusic | https://www.badas.rocks
MANAGEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement | http://www.splitscreenproduction.com

Southern gothic rock visionaries Sonsombre return with a haunted new album of original macabre material!

 

Los Angeles, CA – Goth sensations Sonsombre have amassed a cult following with four critically acclaimed full-length releases. Now comes Eulogy, their second for the legendary Cleopatra Records, and maybe their most compelling yet.
Themed around the memorialization of the dead, Eulogy is a spellbinding blend of traditional gothic rock theatrics and powerful modern rock touches.  Primary creative force Brandon Pybus describes it as “Dark, sharp, cutting, brooding,… paying homage to our musical roots,” at the same time as it “sets the foundation for continued evolution and growth as a band.”
Eulogy, he continues, “is about endings.  The lost are found and then lost again.  The dead are reborn and die again.  The seasons march ever onward, and yet here we are, amongst it all.  Nothing stays the same.”
And that includes the band. Pybus is not wrong when he describes Eulogy as“an evolution in Sonsombre’s catalog,” and to get everybody in the mood (Halloween is coming up faster than you think!)- a new single, and the latest in a stream of intriguing videos, is already here.
“‘Eulogy II’ is an interesting single for us,” Pybus continues. “It’s not an up tempo dance track to say the least… more of a driving dirge.  Something in the execution made it a stand out track for us, though.  It feels anguished, but speaks to that existential terror we all eventually face.  The dark night of the soul.”
Track List:
1. Eulogy I
2. No Place
3. Eulogy II
4. Away Away
5. I Know Where
6. Long Black Dress
7. A Grave Recollection
8. New Found Darkness
9. Should I Go On (2024 Version)