Category: Press Releases

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)

The Graveyard of Dreams is the second single taken from the upcoming debut album Blood Vultures by Finnish old school thrash metal band Jewel Throne!

Finnish old school Thrash/Death metal band Jewel Throne is set to release their debut album ‘Blood Vultures’ on October 18th 2024 via Inverse Records. The second single ‘The Graveyard of Dreams’ is released today and it’s available here: https://push.fm/fl/jewel-throne-graveyard

The band comments single:
“‘ ’The Graveyard of Dreams’ is one of the two oldest songs on ‘Blood Vultures’. The original version can be found on the last EP (‘Silence Shrouds the Ruins’) by the original Jewel Throne lineup from 2019. It is a personal story about deepening depression. A story about how the total futility of everything crushes a human being under its own weight. Black emptiness of being pushes you deeper into the abyss. Slowly one just stops caring about anything. Eventually one has to accept one’s own fate… and disappear.“

LISTEN to the first single Blood Vultures: https://push.fm/fl/jewel-throne-blood

BIOGRAPHY:
Jewel Throne was formed as a trio in May 2019 by bassist-vocalist Mika Sallanen, the other members being guitarist Jari Yrjänäinen and drummer Jouni Kurikka. All were already very experienced with lots of bands, demos and a few albums already in their CV’s since all had begun their adventures in music already back in the late 80´s/early 90´s. The first lineup released three EP´s in quick succession. These simple thrash metal releases should now be considered as mere rough sketches of what was to come later.

It was time to add two more musicians – guitarist Toni Koskinen and vocalist Jesse Huovinen, and Jewel Throne mark II was born. Musically the band improved a lot with this change. This lineup released a bunch of singles and an EP ‘Obscure Relics’, which was also released as a tape by Fetusvomit Records. After this it was decided that it was time for the original guitar player to leave the band.

Now as a four-piece, Jewel Throne mark III moved on. They released two singles and an EP ‘Illiterati’ – a release vastly superior to anything they had achieved so far. So now it was the time to decide what to do next. The band had lots of songs ready, so it was decided to jump head first into the unknown and record their debut album. The recording sessions started in Easter 2023. The band entered the studio with 20 songs out of which 17 songs ended up being recorded.
All in all, the recordings took a bit longer than expected due to various issues, but in early spring 2024 the band had a finished product in their hands. ‘Blood Vultures’ was born – an album of 12 highly energetic and angry thrash/death metal songs. It was time to search for a record label, and in June 2024 the band signed with Inverse Records.

Strictly limited CD is now available on pre-order

Track list:

01. The Graveyard of Dreams

Music by Mika Sallanen & Jari Yrjänäinen
Lyrics by Jesse Huovinen

ISRC: FI3FC2449204

Single cover by MS

Track list:

1. Blood Vultures
2. Cosmic Titan Engines
3. Psychotoxic Assault
4. The Graveyard of Dreams
5. Megaton Headshot
6. Instant Apocalypse
7. The Extinction Level Express
8. Hate Overdrive
9. Mental Self-Mutilation
10. Hammer Down the Last Nail
11. Suffer The Fools
12. The Overlord

Album cover by Observingdeath

Line-up:
Jesse Huovinen – vocals
Toni Koskinen – guitars
Mika Sallanen – bass/vocals
Jouni Kurikka – drums

Links:
https://linktr.ee/jewelthronefinland

Finnish Crowen is set to release Where The Darkness Falls EP – The first single and music video Dark Forever out now!

Finnish melodic death metal band Crowen is set to release their new EP ‘Where The Darkness Falls’ later this autumn via Inverse Records. The First single ‘Dark Forever’ is released today and a stunning music video is available here: https://youtu.be/fHGAPLay3PE
Dark Forever tells the story of an afterlife where darkness, beauty and a sense of anguish are present. The song also addresses the question of whether it is possible to come out of the darkness.

”The darkness served as my inspiration for this song. The afterlife is an intriguing topic, and I drew my ideas from it into the lyrics. Eventually, the lyrics of this song became the theme of the entire EP,” says Crowen’s frontman Esa Uusimaa.

Dark Forever is punchy, fast-paced and melodic death metal with folk influences. After the intro, the song transitions quickly from one part to the next, which leaves no time to catch a breath except for the last calm part at the end. The melody guitars by Mikko Merilinna, known from the band Khroma, add a melancholy tone to the song, possibly even creating a slightly sinister atmosphere near the end. Tuomas Saukkonen, known from the bands Wolfheart and Before the Dawn, plays the bass in the song and the entire EP.

The concept of two worlds continues in the music video for the song, directed by Lana Gonch. Lead actress Mira Cibulka and Jussi Aspivaara‘s leather masks contribute to the mysterious atmosphere of the video.

LISTEN to Dark Forever on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/crowen-dark-forever
BIOGRAPHY:
Crowen is a melodic death metal band founded in Espoo, Finland in 2019, led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Esa Uusimaa. In addition to guitars, Uusimaa played keyboards on the EP and built the samples for the album. He also recorded and mixed the album.

Track list:

01. Dark Forever

Music and lyrics by Esa Uusimaa.

ISRC: FI3FC2586303

Single cover by Winter Notes Production

Mastered by Ville Hautaluoma

Line-up:
Esa Uusimaa – Vocals, Guitars, Samples
Mira Cibulka – Vocals, Keyboards

Links:
http://crowenofficial.net
https://www.facebook.com/CrowenOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/crowenofficial
https://crowen.bandcamp.com

Fantasy Metal WARLOCK A.D. – “Ancient Dragon of Storms Flüffir Mighty Guardian of Valley (Techno Wyrmhole)” Lyric Video Out Now! Off Sophomore Album “Book II: The Valley of Vâgené” Out Sept 2024

Set to unleash their sophomore album “Book II: The Valley of Vâgené” on September 27th, 2024 from Rockshots Records, UK fantasy power metal WarlocK A.D. continue their quest to The Valley of Vâgené with the lyric video for their third single “Ancient Dragon of Storms Flüffir Mighty Guardian of Valley (Techno Wyrmhole)”.

“Enter the Caverns of Nave at your peril…for you risk awakening the Ancient Dragon of Storms Flüffir – Mighty Guardian of The Valley of Vâgené!” adds the band.

Inspired by the more synth-laden works of Angus McSix, Beast in Black and Gloryhammer, listen to the single at the following links:

VIDEO – https://youtu.be/UmEEXIR0hXg​

DIGITAL – https://lnk.to/AmkIw7​

Over two years in the making, this entry into the WarlocK A.D. saga is bigger, thicker, and more powerful than anything they have brought you before! The album is 12 tracks of interwoven musical storytelling implementing the use of motifs, themes, and callbacks. From the sweeping orchestral movements of “The Golden Showers of Prestønia” to the frantic folk metal flavorings of “Rothgar Warsong”, the album combines the sound and styles of various iterations of orchestra-led melodic metal – culminating in what feels like a fully-fledged D&D style epic told through the medium of a Heavy Metal Musical. Recommended for fans of Nanowar of Steel, Angus McSix, and Beast in Black.

“Set directly after the events of “Book I: The Reserrection”, the album begins with Whiteacre The Mighty Warlock stranded in A Strange New World – powerless and alone. With the help of the Elven Prince Quinn Eilianther, Horatus the Mushroom Wizard and Ahriman Cullblade the Shadow assassin, Whiteacre the Nomad begins the long quest to The Valley of Vâgené – said to be the home of a gateway to the vast infinite multiverse. Danger awaits the brave heroes however, for Brittanni is ruled by the tyrannical Dwarf Emperor Thorumm III who seeks The Valley for his own nefarious purposes. The prophesized coming of a stranger to the land of Brittanni has awakened the gateway – and the race to the multiverse has begun… The land of Brittanni holds many secrets, and not everything is as it seems… The quest to The Valley of Vâgené begins NOW!” adds the band.

Album pre-order – https://bit.ly/WarlocKAD​

Previous Singles:

“Rothgar Warsong” – https://youtu.be/PbPWiSOCnbE​

“The Golden Showers of Prestønia” – https://youtu.be/0aFOuV_81sM​

Track Listing:​
1. A Strange New World (That is not My Own)
2. The Valley of Vâgené
3. Nanum Imperium
4. The Golden Showers of Prestønia
5. By the Path of the Exiled
6. Rothgar Warsong
7. As One, We Stand!
8. Ancient Dragon of Storms Flüffir Mighty Guardian of Valley (Techno Wyrmhole)
9. The Sacred Spears of Brittanni
10. Stormbreather
11. The Sword of Cühm
12. The Rising Flames of the Eternal Golden Empire Rise

Band Members:
Cal Whittaker (As Whiteacre the Nomad) – Lead Vocals, Orchestral Composition/Programming
Michael Farmer (As Quinn Eilianther the Elven Prince) – Vocals, Bass Guitars
John Smith (As Horatus the Mushroom Wizard) – Backing Harsh Vocals, Guitars
Dan Cole (As Ahriman Cullblade the Shadow Assassin) – Programming, Guitars
Emperor Thorumm III – Phantom Drums
​
Additional Artists/voice cast:
Klara Wiliams – Æliána the Eternal (narrator)
Scot Evans – Rothgar Warsong AND Björnulfr the Beast-Slayer (voice)
Dani Bentham – Uriña the Siren (Voice and Singing)
Jade Marris – The Heavy Metal Battle Wench (Voice and singing)
Anna Rose – The Goddess Vâgené (Voice)
​
Credits:
Artwork by Ryvene James Dela Cruz
Band Photography/Videography by Hannah Price
Production by Cal Whittaker

More info: www.Rockshots.eu | https://www.theworldofwarlockad.co.uk​

Italian Progressive Post-Rockers STRANIA Announce New Single ‘Metempsychosis’, Debut Album Coming!

Italian progressive post-rockers STRANIA are set to release their new single ‘Metempsychosis’ on September 13th, featuring Mattia Braghero as guest vocalist. The single is taken from the band’s upcoming debut album “Acceptance”, out later this Fall via Diotima Records.

Currently, the production of the first album, “Acceptance” has been completed, independently produced at Giacomo Salani’s “La Fucina” recording studio in Empoli (FI). The album consists of five songs, composed between 2021 and 2023, recorded in collaboration with four different singers external to the project.

Further news on STRANIA’s activities will be revealed in the coming weeks!

And in the meantime, let’s know the band:

STRANIA is an Italian progressive post-rock band, formed in the province of Florence by Andrea Borgioli, Mattia Nicolini and Giacomo Bracci in the summer of 2019. The band reached its current four-piece lineup in late summer 2022.

The members of the band have a very heterogeneous musical culture, but the meeting point between them is highlighted in the post-rock genre, which leaves a lot of expressive and compositional freedom to the group. In fact, all the songs are composed in a collective creative process in the rehearsal room, which can sometimes even last whole day sessions, taking care of the smallest detail.

Band Photo by Lec Patoku

Current lineup:
– Andrea Borgioli, guitar;
– Mattia Nicolini, guitar;
– Giacomo Bracci, drums;
– Jacopo D’Arpino, bass.

More information:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strania_band/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/straniaband/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@strania_ita
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-it/artist/5nfukIkGrYImYQ3hTtcsNl
Website: www.straniaband.com