Bulletpoints: 🔘 Second album of the soulful Iranian top artists 🔘 Sophisticated progressiveness, emphatically varied 🔘 Uniquely melodic, atmospheric, with strong identity
Action: ANOUSHBARD Base: Tehran • Iran Genre: Extreme Ethno Progressive Metal Title: Abandoned Treasure FFO: Orphaned Land, Melechesh, Opeth 📁 Genres: Progressive Metal, Death Metal, Atmospheric Metal, Folklore Format: Album Label: Independent Distro: / Release: April 01, 2023
The band says about „The Righteous Ardaviraf“: „The song describes what our ancestors thought and believed about life after death. It happened many centuries ago: In the book ‚Arda Viraf‘ the story of the upright and meaning-seeking Wirāz is written down. Wirāz was a fervent, deeply devoted priest of the ancient Zoroastrian religion, who was chosen to go on an afterlife journey – to find out what really happens to a person and his soul after death. This was celebrated in a very special ritual intimately, with appropriate, solemn clothing. Thereby the holy book of the religious cult was read, the ‚Arda Viraf‘. The traveler was given three goblets of wine, which, by means of a special addition, caused him to fall into a death-like sleep for seven days. When he woke up, he could tell his experienced story. We strongly recommend our followers and fans to read more about this truly famous story, especially in its country of origin, Persia, which is set several centuries before Dante Alighieri’s kindred ‚Divine Comedy‘.“
Deepest spirituality: The – rebellious – appeal of the forbidden has always represented an additional attractive element for true passionate and fervent idealists to live out their inclinations. This is also the case with ANOUSHBARD. The band risks so much to be able to fully devote themselves to their music.
And the correspondingly profound and lovingly polished, consistently convincing to brilliant result is ultimately also the fascinating mirror of the artistic ideal of these absolute conviction offenders.
With their second album „Abandoned Treasure“ these highly estimable thoroughbred musicians have completed a fabulous, completely timeless work, which reveals itself to be as hard-hitting as it is stylistically uncompromising – and which can intoxicate the senses with sophisticated high-quality sounds!
FLASHBACK: Founded in 2017 by Sherwin Baradaran and Siavash Motallebi, the first album „Mithra“ was released in 2020. The debut album consists of 6 tracks, all of highly unique identity. Already on it, the participants had found their very own, fascinating and completely distinctive style.
Most of the extremely varied and diversely dynamic compositions thematize Iranian culture and often mystical stories passed down from it. Subsequently, ANOUSHBARD worked on another album, titled „Abandoned Treasure“ and featuring 8 tracks. As on the previous album, those involved mastered to focus on Persian literature and stories.
During all the years of existence, ANOUSHBARD had many difficulties in finding suitable co-musicians such as drummers or bassists. In 2021, Arman Tirmahi officially joined the formation as a bassist. He helped the group with the second album.
Nima Seylani, an accomplished Oud player, also joined the line-up. Many in the Western industrialized nations will find it hard to imagine: but the biggest obstacle in ANOUSHBARD’s path are the government regulations for Metal music there. Unfortunately, Metal is completely banned in Iran, so it’s not possible at all to perform in public or release an album.
Singer and guitarist Sherwin says: „We named the band ANOUSHBARD, which was a political prison in the Sasanian Empire (224 – 651 AD) and which means a place where you forget your identity and disappear forever. As a band, we call ourselves that because we are very interested in the history of our country and in our Persian roots.“
Action: KATE NORD Base: Casperia • Italy Genre: Symphonic Fantasy Metal Title: Compass To Your Heart’s Desire FFO: Nightwish, Epica, Enya Format: Album Label: Independent Release: Dec. 16, 2022
Kate says about the song: „This is a dark and epic story about facing difficult times and the struggle to keep going nonetheless. ‚Embracing the cold‘ is not about giving up or bending to your circumstances, but is rather a metaphor for radical acceptance of your situation and trying to make the most out of what you have. Embrace the cold, to find your way back to the sunlight!“
KATE NORD is a classically trained Finnish singer/songwriter who creates high quality SYMPHONIC FANTASY METAL in central Italy.
With her versatile, impressively clear as well as amazingly soprano strong exceptional voice, this fabulous golden throat can easily compete with the best and most famous of the entire guild.
[ Pic: Marco Savi • SPF Produzioni ]
LINE-UP: Kate Nord • Vocals, Keys, Orchestration Francesco Mattei • Guitars Andrea Arcangeli • Bass Omar Campitelli • Drums
„Compass To Your Heart’s Desire“ is KATE NORD’s debut album as a solo artist, with a special guest solo by Timo Tolkki, popular by Finnish Power Metallers Stratovarius.
[ Artwork: Nicolas Spreutels ]
TRACKS: 01. Recitative To The Moon 01:47 02. All Alone 03:28 03. The North Wind And The Troll 03:50 04. Embrace The Cold 02:59 05. Wither And Rust (feat. Timo Tolkki) 05:04 06. Dream Of Daylight 05:37 0. Breathe In The Night 03:43 08. Dance Of The Fairies 02:58 09. Aeternam Vale 04:24
„Compass To Your Heart’s Desire“ is inspired by Scandinavian folk tales about trolls and fairies and the illustrations to these tales, such as the works of John Bauer, as well as fantasy novels as well as the works of the world famous fantasy grandmaster J. R. R. Tolkien.
„Compass To Your Heart’s Desire“ is embedded in wonderfully powerful Heavy/Power Metal sounds with slamming drums and furious distortion guitars, often bursting with fully melodic, catchy outbursts.
[ Pic: Marco Savi • SPF Produzioni ]
FLASHBACK: Her first release as a solo singer was a cover of Howard Blake’s „Walking In The Air“ in 2017.
Kate’s musical resume includes formal studies in classical singing in both Finland and Italy. She began her music studies in Porvoo, Finland with pianist Diana Bärlund, who also taught former Lordi keyboardist Awa (Leena Peisa).
Kate already appeared as a lyricist of the Italian Progressive Power Metal ensemble Noveria since the band’s formation in 2013. She was also featured as a guest vocalist on Noveria’s album „Forsaken“, released 2016 via Scarlet Records.
MEDIA FEEDBACK:
98 / 100 ➤ „… a stunning album … a must for any fan of (female fronted) Symphonic Metal … fantastically beautifully composed and arranged … goosebumps … beauty and purity … phenomenal voice … incomparable … if you think Tarja Turunen is the best female singer, then Kate Nord comes right after!“ (Musika)
95 / 100 ➤ „… very melodic, harmonic structures … a good album full of first-line classic elements … KATE NORD’s beautiful voice is unique with a clean, white and soft register! Excellent soprano!“ (Darkzen Dragon)
9 / 10 ➤ „With a good sound … style influenced by Nightwish, Xandria, Amberian Dawn, including her soprano skills … intense songs … very emotional and melancholic … brilliant vocal performance … very outstanding … an exquisite album … recommended from start to finish …“ (Locos Por El Power Metal)
9 / 10 ➤ „… an exhibition of classical vocals … outstanding … has a unique ability to transport emotions … very well produced … KATE NORD sets a very high bar in terms of individual performance … very promising … Symphonic Metal fans can be very excited about ‚Compass To Your Heart’s Desire‘ …“ (Metal Temple)
80 / 100 ➤ „… reminds me of a good Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation … so good for those who prefer something more melodic, clear and beautiful rather than something heavy and aggressive … Timo Tolkki is a guest musician … I can recommend it to those who like opera and classical music, and it is also suitable for those who listen to pop music, as a few songs are quite catchy …“ (MariMetal)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… will not fail to appeal to fans of formations such as Epica and Nightwish, but also to those who are not generally accustomed to sounds of this kind, resulting in an effective product that is worth giving a chance.“ (Heavy Metal Webzine)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… turned out quite pompous … immediately the intro shows their skills in all facets … the voice is clearly focused … very harmoniously kept … everything sounds like from one cast … who likes Nightwish, Within Temptation, Epica or the soundtrack to ‚The Lord Of The Rings‘ (keyword: Enya), should definitely listen in here!“ (Crossfire)
7 / 10 ➤ „… brings back memories of glorious Nightwish times with Tarja as the front woman … musical treat …“ (Metal DE)
7 / 10 ➤ „… varied vocals that give you goosebumps especially in the middle registers … fantastic melodies … KATE NORD’s songwriting talent is beyond question on this album … from brisk to gloomy, bombastic to dreamy and classical to Metal, the artist glides through the stylistic elements with her songs and skillfully combines them into a coherent, entertaining album … fans of female fronted Metal and Symphonic Metal may heartily enjoy!“ (Der Hörspiegel)
➤ „… practices her soprano voice with bravura … opera-inspired … stunning classical content … imagine Nightwish mixed with Rhapsody Of Fire with female vocals taking classical singing to the extreme … this is it.“ (Metal Addicts)
➤ „This album is awesome, Symphonic Metal with touches of Progressive and Power Metal, masterfully executed, with great arrangements and beautiful vocals … excellent work …“ (Metal Pedia)
➤ „Tremendous listening experience … even if I don’t like to draw comparisons, in the case of KATE NORD some with Tarja are obvious, after all they both have the same home … so if you like to be enveloped by symphonic sounds and enchanted by a beautiful voice, this is the right address!“ (Metalmamas Neuigkeiten)
➤ „… a promising debut and an artist to keep an eye on if female-fronted Symphonic Metal is your thing.“ (Sea Of Tranquility)
➤ „… this is tightly packed … good production … soul piercing through every line and riff … KATE NORD’s singing voice is clear in every word, in every syllable, and she is the clearest of all … her high voice is no different from a graceful fairy goddess … great … her throat is the best … as for the symphonic part, it is both elegant and beautiful, changing depending on the song … everything can make happy … truly heavenly …“ (Noisewriter)
RAVENLIGHT comments on „Reflections“: „We chose ‚Reflections‘ as the first single for ‚Immemorial‘ as it was one of the early songs that set the tone for the rest of the album, it showcases a mix of emotional vocals and lyrics alongside heavy riffing and strong hooks, the contrast of light vs dark, heaviness vs beauty and hope vs fear runs throughout the whole release, and so it seemed like the perfect song and video to welcome the audience into that theme.“
RAVENLIGHT comments on „Spirit Of Life“: „A unique track on the album – while most the songs represent darker themes, we decided to keep ‚Spirit Of Life‘ as the light in the darkness. The song was written to be infectiously fun and just a good time for the audience and listeners, so we made the video a little bit weirder than usual too!“
[ Pic: TWKOM Media ]
LINE-UP Rebecca Feeney • Vocals John Connor • Guitars, Keyboards Dean Kane • Bass Michał Bugajski • Drums
RAVENLIGHT returns, stronger than ever with their long awaited second album, „Immemorial“!
[ Artwork: John Connor ]
TRACKS 01. Masque Of Red Death (04:27) 02. Reflections (04:22) 03. The Painters Dream (04:33) 04. Spirit Of Life (03:58) 05. Paper Ships (03:37) 06. Rain (03:46) 07. Spiral (04:22) 08. Left Behind (05:57) 09. The Maze (04:13) 10. Springtime Lament (08:40)
total: 47:58 min.
Channelling their live energy into this new release, „Immemorial“ features 10 tracks of hard hitting Power Metal showcasing a range of styles and themes, from the reflective „Spiral“, to the grandiose „Springtime Lament“, this album highlights the band’s evolution and determination from the past few years.
FLASHBACK: Formed in 2018, RAVENLIGHT play an energetic brand of progressive tinged SYMPHONIC POWER METAL which have gained them a reputation as one of the most exciting and unique bands to emerge from the Irish Metal scene in recent years.
Starting with their 2018 EP release „End Of The World“, RAVENLIGHT quickly made their mark on the local scene and further afield with a number of shows across Ireland, including an invite to support Progressive Metal legends Evergrey in Dublin in March 2019.
At the start of 2020, RAVENLIGHT went back to the studio and recorded their debut album, „Project Genesis“, which was released in June 2020 across Europe and Japan via Novus Records, gaining positive reviews and press across the continent.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic, live shows to promote the album were postponed indefinitely, however instead of resting on their laurels, RAVENLIGHT returned once again to the studio to record their 2021 covers EP, „Intermission“ alongside a series of music videos shot over various lockdowns.
With restrictions easing, RAVENLIGHT made their long awaited return to the stage, with a delayed album launch show, a mere 21 months after the release of the album, an appearance at the Siege Of Limerick festival and shows supporting Firewind, Cruachan and Stormzone across Ireland.
DISCOGRAPHY 2018 • End Of The World • EP 2020 • Project Genesis • Full-length 2021 • Intermission • EP 2023 • Immemorial • Full-length
RAVENLIGHT are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email !
9 / 10 ➤ „… an impressive album and it delivers everything, modern Symphonic Metal can offer: powerful guitar riffing, well composed orchestral arrangements, catchiness, epic melodies, ballads as well as dynamic and fresh songs … excellent vocalist who keeps the sound perfectly together and stamps her vocal authority on every track … set the bar very high for all other releases in 2023 … a must have …“ (Metal Temple)
85 / 100 ➤ „I was already thrilled with the first album. It’s no different now. Maybe just a little bit better … all in all very good …“ (Musika BE)
8,5 / 10 ➤ „The band stays true to their style, where emotive, melancholic and to some extent dramatic melodies lead a parade of tunes that invite moments of tranquillity … a good album mainly for Symphonic Metal lovers.“ (Locos Por El Power Metal)
3,5 / 5 ➤ „There are immeasurable reasons why this album impresses. Firstly, there is the lead singer who surely would’ve been a big name back in the day. Lastly, everything else. The album does not require extra immiscibility, it is already blended to perfection. The pounding drum, the beautifully played piano, and riffs; they strike a perfect balance between heavy and melodic. There is a sense of immenseness about the music, despite how straightforward it is. There is a great deal of passion behind it, and I believe that comes through immaculately.“ (Sputnik Music)
80 / 100 ➤ „… beautifully done Symphonic Metal songs with fresh and hard-hitting Power Metal … variety of styles … at all times musically … reflexive, melodic … Rebecca’s beautiful voice stands out a lot, it gives a unique softness to each track …“ (Darkzen Dragon)
8 / 10 ➤ „… has a very appealing orchestration … to enjoy, with eyes closed … beautiful vocals … RAVENLIGHT please keep it up, since today you have at least one more regular listener!“ (Obliveon)
8 / 10 ➤ „… I’m very impressed! Symphonic Power Metal is not my thing generally, but what this band are doing is unique to the Irish scene and offers something completely different. It also helps that they’re extremely good at what they do!“ (Burning Metal Irl)
8 / 10 ➤ „Symphonic class and not bombastic noise is what we expected, and they bring it with more than a little of their beautiful Irish charm layered in as well …“ (Powerplay)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… some potential … good balance between the metallic and orchestral side … catchy melodic arcs … I really like its oldschool interpretation of Symphonic Power Metal and provides a nice counterbalance to the many identical sounding bands that populate the genre these days …“ (Powermetal DE)
72 / 100 ➤ „… arrangements are kept simple and, to some extent raw, providing an ideal backdrop for Rebecca Feeney’s mesmerizing performance. She excels both in technique and emotional expression, displaying impressive control and a remarkable low register that adds weight and gravitas to her singing. The transitions between operatic and powerful rock vocals are seamless and a major strength of the album.“ (Metal Archives)
70 / 100 ➤ „Although ‚Immemorial‘ addresses itself primarily to the users of Symphonic Power and related subgenres, I believe it can easily have its say outside this narrow market as well thanks to a down-to-earth, immediate and catchy making, which shrugs off the all too cloying excesses of certain colleagues and distances itself from certain disposable music. Well done.“ (TrueMetal IT)
7 / 10 ➤ „… somewhere in the intersection of Nightwish, Edenbridge, Crystal Gates and The Dark Element … Rebecca Feeney puts the stamp on the tracks with her expressive voice … should be a welcome addition to the collection of fans of this style of playing …“ (Hellfire Magazin)
7 / 10 ➤ „… not simply looking back … the band also push forward by integrating interesting influences … a strong album that will appeal to a diverse range of listeners … fans of early Nightwish and traditional European Symphonic Power Metal will enjoy it, especially if they’re seeking something less pop-oriented … ‚Immemorial‘ is more than just retrogressive Symphonic Metal and may resonate with Metalheads who enjoy Occult Rock and even female-fronted Progressive Rock.“ (Metal Observer)
3,5 / 5 ➤ „… vocal approach inspired by Nightwish’s Tarja … contains some interesting influences of traditional Irish music …“ (All Around Metal)
10 / 15 ➤ „… with fine prog elements. Vocally, Mrs. Feeney moves in the higher, opera-like areas on … RAVENLIGHT know how to please in this genre, which is overflowing especially in recent years. Especially the now and then interspersed progressive elements, the piano passages and the wise decision not to inflate the songs too pompously, let you listen again and again …“ (My Revelations)
➤ „This optimally functioning, catchy melodic mix can make ‚Immemorial‘ a small, fine treasure for all those who would like to experience it as dreamy and enchanting as possible.“ (Sonic Seducer)
➤ „… true, signature Symphonic Metal style … like a good stew, it evolves on low heat … let its flavors meld and blend into each other … Rebecca’s vocals are once again superb and at times rise to the sublime, to a level that definitely and defiantly rivals some of the bigger and indeed biggest names working in the genre … excellent …“ (Über Röck)
➤ „Balm for the ears! … RAVENLIGHT definitely can’t escape a comparison with Nightwish, but that’s not necessarily a bad attribute … RAVENLIGHT, however, don’t reach so strongly into the symphonic box and so ‚Immemorial‘ could please all those who like clear female voices and like to lose themselves in pleasant tones …“ (Metalmamas Neuigkeiten)
➤ „… a remarkable Symphonic Metal work … with front lady Rebecca Feeney, the Northern Irish band has a singer with an excellent voice in its ranks, which should not only appeal to fans of classically trained voices, but also to fans of more Rock-oriented vocals …“ (Female Fronted Power)
➤ „… durch ihren variablen Gesang erlebt man Emotionen, die für solche Songs sehr wichtig sind … eine talentierte Band, die ihre Instrumente perfekt beherrscht … musikalisch sind sie wirklich sehr gut …“ (Nightshade)
➤ „… guitars play an important role in RAVENLIGHT’s music. They are strong, with great overtones, with flashy lines, and, most of all, prominent … RAVENLIGHT give Rebecca all the chances to bright very shiny and she does … great …“ (Metal Addicts)
➤ „… full of freshness, but with a certain nostalgic touch … a good album, strongly reminiscent of Nightwish in their first phase, combining this concept with a more progressive development … from beginning to end we can enjoy different subgenres in it … enjoy them!“ (Nada Hay Bajo El Sol)
➤ „… RAVENLIGHT have grown a lot … will definitely surprise you … it’s really different and a big step forward …“ (D Metal Galaxy)
Action: DRAGONHAMMER https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_DRAGONHAMMER_en.php Base: Rome • Italy Genre: Melodic Power Metal Title: Second Life FFO: Stratovarius, Freedom Call, Rhapsody Of Fire Format: Album Label: My Kingdom Music Distro: Plastichead Release: Nov. 04, 2022
⚡DRAGONHAMMER are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email !
Bulletpoints: • Their long awaited return with the 5ᵗʰ studio album • Epic, precisely & catchy Melodic Power Metal • Powerful & determined – renewed songwriting & sound
DRAGONHAMMER are one of the pillars of the Italian MELODIC POWER METAL scene, a band that marks the history of this music from 20 years.
[ Artwork: Luca Martinotti/SoloMacello ]
TRACKS 01. Prelude To Conquest 01:29 02. Kingdom Of The Ghosts 04:53 03. Diamond Of Peace 04:49 04. Into The Warrior’s Mind 06:55 05. Shattering Hope 05:40 06. Fallen Brother 04:39 07. Sickness Divine 04:43 08. The Rising 04:35 09. Silver Feathers 06:04 10. Second Life 06:35 11. Ending Legacy 05:10
total: 55:32 min.
With the new album „Second Life“DRAGONHAMMER open a new chapter giving a turn to their music, that is now more powerful, more epic and technically as sublime as it was in the past.
It is the evolution of the band’s way of creating music, renewed in sound and formation. Among the new characteristics of this work, the addition of new vocal elements, more symphonic keyboards and more powerful guitars stand out.
„Second Life“ stands for an album that opens up new visions for the future and wants to be the starting point of this new identity. So definitely you’ll get an explosive mix of Power and Epic Metal with great Symphonic parts!
„Second Life“ sees the official studio debuts of Mattia Fagiolo on vocals, Marco Berrettoni on drums, and Alessandro Mancini on guitar.
„Second Life“ is the first album without Max Aguzzi, one of the two historic founders of the band in 1999, who was also crucial for the artistic side of the band. Therefore, this album also represents a new way of making music for the band, which has found a way to regroup and continue on its path.
„Second Life“ is an album that incorporates all the stylistic characteristics of DRAGONHAMMER but evolves them with a fresher sound and a more advanced songwriting. It is a Power Metal album that, compared to the past, has a strong symphonic character and new vocal styles. The production was entrusted to the Kick Recording Studio in Rome (Italy).
About the lyrics, „Second Life“ tells a timeless story, where the thoughts and feelings of the men of yesterday flow to the present day. A story that, song by song, tells the evolution of a character from the past, delivering to the listener a set of experiences and considerations. The key message is the one of the band’s literally „Second Life“: a moment in which they are granted a second chance and become aware of what is really important!
MEDIA FEEDBACK:
90 / 100 ➤ „… fantastic backdrop of orchestral magic … a gargantuan album of Power Metal to its core … symphonic power is what really makes ‘Second Life’ come to life … have all the hallmarks of fellow Italians Rhapsody, but also Blind Guardian and Twilight Force with their rapid-fire guitars, rhythmically thumping drums driving forward like caterpillar treads on a tank and a superb vocal performance from Mattia Fagiolo making this release really something special … this is classic European Power Metal done to a professionally high standard and any fan of the genre should invest in a copy …“ (Metal Digest)
9 / 10 ➤ „… DRAGONHAMMER decided to go big for this album … the orchestration is exquisite, the rhythms are excellent and the guitar work is incredible … vocally, they hit all the hallmarks of Power Metal … powerful leads, big backing vocals and huge choirs to give a massive backdrop for the soaring musical themes. This is an album you can picture in your mind, complete with soundtrack, score, and action scenes …“ (Metal Temple)
4 / 5 ➤ „… returned a bit more to their fantasy inspired style … epic atmosphere … a classic kind of Euro Power Metal … a bit more orchestration and symphonic elements this time … we get to hear the sounds of strings, lutes and flutes adding a bit of a medieval flair … songs surge along with a nice sense of velocity, many of them double-kick driven … lots of great solos, the one on ‘Sickness Divine’ being a favourite for me … it would be a shame for fans of the style to overlook this band … ‘Second Life’, being a strong album maybe give them just that, the second chance they need to break through …“ (Metal-Rules COM)
8,9 / 10 ➤ „… in the 1990s, this record would probably have won the favour of many … ‚Second Life‘ is not just a record for nostalgics, but a mature, well-constructed and equally well-played work that will surely provide moments of joy for lovers …“ (Heavy Metal Webzine IT)
17 / 20 ➤ „… filled with fantastic epic atmospheres and an accomplished phantasmagoria ‚Second Life‘ will only meet the approval of the public … I just hope that this work meets a wider audience. In any case all the trumps have been shot to succeed in this enterprise …“ (Kaosguards)
8,5 / 10 ➤ „… action-packed Power Metal … ‚Second Life‘ is just fun and didn’t bore me even on the umpteenth ‚repeat‘, you always discover new nuances … I really like Mattia Fagiolos‘ voice … drummer Marco Berrettoni totally inspires me … a round thing and in this compilation hopefully really a second life for the band …“ (Powermetal DE)
8,5 / 10 ➤ „… especially worth mentioning is the powerful-precise drumming of drummer Marco Berrettoni … know their craft … combine dynamic hardness factor with opulent, suspenseful captivating mood level – exactly what it comes down to in Classic Melodic Power Metal … recommendable … for the followers of Majestica, Stratovarius, Freedom Call and Rhapsody Of Fire …“ (FFM-Rock)
81 / 100 ➤ „… adorable …“ (Hatena Blog)
8 / 10 ➤ „… great keyboards merge with vigorous riffs and excellent solos … 55 minutes of a good experience …“ (Riff Of Metal)
8 / 10 ➤ „… another great work to their already lush discography … does not afford a single weak song and convinces with individual highlights, such as the incredibly great ‚Kingdom Of The Ghosts‘, which should bring tears of joy to the eyes of every genre fan.“ (Soundmagnet)
8 / 10 ➤ „… nicely balanced, energetic and despite the rather classic Power Metal quite fresh … if you want to remember classic Power Metal, DRAGONHAMMER and its ‚Second Life‘ is a great way to go. People who adore the genre and don’t like novelty might also find it to their liking. The tempo and melody changes are a bonus of the album.“ (Hellmagazine)
16 / 20 ➤ „… the new member Mattia Fagiolo delivers a performance that will please those who prefer singers who are not only in the high notes … guitar lovers will find many typically neo-classical solos … I was pleasantly surprised and believe that any Power Metal lover will be more than thrilled …“ (French Metal)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… a successful rebirth … melodies are by no means presented too briefly … quite racy in places … pull out all the stops …“ (Crossfire)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… finally again a work full of fast, European Power Metal and then also from one of the mother countries of this genre, Italy … naturally I like the speedy Power Metal stompers like `Kingdom Of The Ghosts‘ or `Into The Warrior’s Mind‘ best, but DRAGONHAMMER also know how to integrate now and then skillfully epic and symphonic elements into their sound … well-dosed synths, great vocals … choirs and a pinch of pathos … majestic-hymnal … best, coherent and entertaining Power Metal entertainment …“ (Obliveon)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… preference for high-speed anthems with plenty of double bass … lightning fingers … broad-based choruses … the whole thing does not seem as overloaded as with Rhapsody, because the synth debauchery is kept within limits and fits comfortably into the overall structure … epic … everything is performed very catchy and ear-pleasing, but without crossing the border to sugar shock … DRAGONHAMMER have found their own band style for themselves in certain ways …“ (Hellfire)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… Power Metal, arrangements full of ideas, orchestrations, pathos and a lot of passion … yes, perhaps the ’second life‘ of DRAGONHAMMER starts here and I must admit in the best way …“ (TuttoRock)
7 / 10 ➤ „… approaches the sounds typical of Rhapsody – and in general of the great tradition of Symphonic Metal of the 90s – without, of course, forgetting the ballads … a journey, yes, into the clichés of the genre, but realised with all care and attention, also thanks to the excellent work of Marco ‚Cinghio‘ Mastrobuono in the studio, who has brought this ‚Second Life‘ straight to the point … true resurrection of a band … a good album … written with care and passion …“ (MetalItalia)
7 / 10 ➤ „… da wird mächtig Dampf gemacht … die Jungs sind spielerisch sehr begabt … der Sänger ist in einigen Bereichen mit seiner Stimme unterwegs, die so manch anderem verwehrt bleiben. Auch dem Schlagzeuger muss man allerbeste Qualität attestieren. Von Anfang bis Ende zeigt er keine Müdigkeit, fällt durch ein beständig gutes Drumming positiv auf. Einmal beim Lob austeilen, möchte ich auch nicht die Leistung an den Gitarren vergessen … für Vinyl spricht das exzellente Cover-Artwork, das dann erst richtig zur Geltung kommen würde … für Power Metal-Freunde empfehlenswert.“ (Bleeding4Metal)
3,5 / 5 – great ➤ „… deserve to be more well known. They can write on the same level as big name bands – even better in some cases. Lots of bands peeter out and resort to Eurovision Metal, but such is not the case here. DRAGONHAMMER know exactly who they are and how to present themselves professionally within their cheesy, yet effective motifs … if you come across this album don’t skip it … it’s at the very least a great one-time listen, though it deserves another listen to let the songs sink in …“ (Sputnik Music)
3,5 / 5 ➤ „… the catchiness has definitely improved, then there is the focus on melodies, thanks to clever guitar and keyboard solos and many epic choruses … the drums are very crisp … the new singer Mattia Fagiolo is much better suited to Power Metal than his predecessor … this ‚Second life‘ constitutes a sort of rebirth of DRAGONHAMMER; now all that remains is to continue on this road and improve even more, since the qualities and talent are not lacking!“ (All Around Metal)
➤ „… more powerful, more epic and more symphonic than ever …“ (Metal Utopia)
➤ „… Giulio Cattivera‘s keyboard orchestrations are always on point, and never cheesy, whilst the engine room – piston-legged drummer Marco Berrettoni and bass-playing pal Gae Amodio – play their part unobtrusively but with deathless precision … cinematic … if your’e a fan of this kind of music then there’s very little here that you won’t enjoy …“ (Sentinel Daily)
➤ „… an album that opens new horizons for the future of the band and wants to be the basis of this new identity that the band wants to adopt. So you will definitely get to listen to an explosive mix of Power and Epic Metal with great symphonic parts …“ (LifeSteps GR)
➤ „… there is no lack of energy here … fast and melodic riffs, clean and high vocals, catchy and epic themes, etc. … fans of the style will be well entertained …“ (HellHeaven)
➤ „… more epic, more symphonic, and more… well, everything … delivers 11 bangers crammed to the rafters with all the speed, gallantry and majesty anyone would very much hope to get barraged with when faced with an album cover that features bearded dudes throwing down against an immense black dragon … pretty much a win from most every angle, but new vocalist Mattia Fagiolo is the definitely the not-so-secret weapon delivering the death blow that vaults things over the edge … if you like the idea of kicking your day into full gear with a more raw form of Rhapsody, you will definitely find a very willing and well-armed companion with this record …“ (Last Rites)
➤ „… another brilliant and beautifully crafted dose of Power Metal as only boot-shaped land can achieve (well, maybe they don’t use the symphonic pageantry that since Skylark and Rhapsody gets used to it there, but they develop their art very well, let no one doubt it) … recommendable …“ (The Dark Melody)
➤ „… a beautiful Power Prog Metal album, where all the human emotions were not lacking …“ (Tempi Duri)
➤ „… an epic journey that will make you sing along from beginning to end … with a great melodic structure, brutal riffs, a dynamic and versatile base … impressive vocals …“ (Metal Pedia)
➤ „… vocals are good … very tasteful … the orchestration and the arrangements on this album are absolutely killer and worth a listen alone … songwriting is really top-notch … the years of practice and maturity really shine through … quite long at 54 minutes, but it never feels like it drags or stumbles and the runtime goes by very quickly … DRAGONHAMMER have really put together a good album and if you’re someone who appreciates Power Metal, then I highly recommend you give this one a listen …“ (BloodFireJeff)
➤ „… everything fans would expect from a Power Metal band … it’s strong, it’s emotional, it’s full of details … bottomline, it’s perfect …“ (Metal Addicts)
DISCOGRAPHY 2001 • The Blood Of The Dragon • Full-length 2004 • Time for Expiation • Full-length 2013 • The X Experiment • Full-length 2017 • Obscurity • Full-length 2022 • Second Life • Full-length
Action: PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT Base: Paris • France Genre: Symphonic Power Metal Title: Ferrum Fero Ferro Feror FFO: Powerwolf, Rhapsody, Cradle Of Filth Format: Album Label: Renaissance Release: Jan. 23, 2023
Bulletpoints: • Gorgeous theatric debut album of the French hopefuls • Operatic, most epic & exquisit sung Metal symphonies • Highly original, classically inspired, beguilingly beautiful
PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT comments on „The Scarlet Dance“: „The ‚Scarlet Dance‘ is the first epic battle of the album. Phoebus found Selene in the Darkest woods and they’re going to fight the Beast with a strategy they came with. For this song, we went with the typical Power Metal riffs and verses, made a long orchestral bridge with some folk surprises after it and a chorus inspired by operatic melodies to make it a long, rich and truly epic song!“
💀 𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 ᴳᴸᴼᴮᴬᴸ • 𝐸𝓈𝓉. 2001 proudly presents: When history meets fantasy, when Metal passion meets deepest love for great Classical music, the result is operatic SYMPHONIC POWER METAL at it’s best!
Successfully funded with a Ulule Crowdfunding, „Ferrum Fero Ferro Feror“ was made with the 11.400 Euros collected there, thanks to the fans! It is then signed and will be released on Renaissance Records US.
[ Artwork: Mohamed Aouamri ]
TRACKS 01. Ante Lux 02:19 02. The Beast Within 05:03 03. The Iron Queen 04:43 04. The Scarlet Dance 06:46 05. Semen Pessimorum 02:39 06. Darkness Will Prevail 03:56 07. Children Of The Night 03:52 08. The Queen Of The Black Sun 08:11 09. Para Bellum 03:22 10. Massacres De Septembre 05:43 11. Ferrum Fero Ferro Feror 04:46 12. The Sword Of Justice 05:56
total: 57:30 min.
Each track of this truly fantastic debut album is a chapter of Phoebus’ story, the knight alchemist: from the forgotten dimension of the „Darkest Woods“, going through the gates of Hell, to the crucible of Terror in Paris, you will follow Phoebus and his friends the Knights of Heliopolis, in an epic quest to defeat The Beast and his desire for eternal war.
To put all the events in a dramaturgic vision, this collection of songs is a blend of several musical moods, combining heavy ballads, Metal tracks with majestic orchestrations and instrumental parts. Lyrics are for the most part in English and a bit of French, all performed with the beguiling lyrical bass voice of Axel, in clean and screamed vocals.
And what a solemn stroke of luck master Axel is for the music of the band: All too seldom has such a noble sublime voice been carved out of such an inconceivably gigantic vocal talent with such immeasurable dedication and downright unearthly diligence!
So you can enjoy classical Symphonic Metal, Melodic Death Metal, musical, medieval pieces and even passages in the style of great masters like Bach, Mozart or even Rachmaninov!
Witness the legendary fight of Phoebus and his friends against the Beast and the vampire knights! To guide you in this quest, the master drawer Mohamed Aouamri (Sylve, Mortepierre) illustrated each chapters and gave life to this world of Fantasy and History.
„Ferrum Fero Ferro Feror“, Phoebus‘ first adventure with his companions, the Knights of Heliopolis, is waiting for you! Go on an epic and original musical adventure, mixing Symphonic Metal, Heroic-Fantasy and History, written by Axel de Montalembert, composed by Adrien Djouadou and performed by the one and only PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT!
FLASHBACK: PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT was born in the mind of Axel de Montalembert. Passionate of music, heroic-fantasy, esoterism and history, he created the story of Phoebus and his companions, the Knights Of Heliopolis, melting together heroic-fantasy and history.
To translate his great tale into music, he needed a composer that could write for a Metal band and a full orchestra to give to the story the epic breath it needed. That’s how he met Adrien Djouadou, a classically trained opera singer active on established stages and together, they created the whole concept of PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT.
Axel would write the lyrics and naturally, sing them and Adrien would compose the whole music, play the guitar and do the backing vocals. But PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT needed musicians, so they found a great team to play with them on this journey: Noémie Allet on the bass and vocals, Adrien Guingal on the guitar and Guillaume Remih on the drums. Each member of the band would represent a character in the story of Phoebus and his companions.
Naturally, PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT became a Symphonic Metal band with a whole conceptual and visual universe. They value quality in music, production and work invested by involved parties. PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT finds its roots in bands like Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation, Powerwolf, Rhapsody Of Fire, Cradle Of Filth …
DISCOGRAPHY 2022 • The Last Guardian • EP 2023 • Ferrum Fero Ferro Feror • Full-length
PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email ! 📢
IMPERIAL AGE is one of the most successful international bands of Russian origin, which today has a multinational lineup and is based in Antalya, Turkey.
After turning down several record deals, they work independently and maintain a close relationship with their large worldwide fan base.
„New World“ is the third album by IMPERIAL AGE – following „The Legacy Of Atlantis“ (2018) and „Turn The Sun Off!“ (2012). The new album „New World“ is released via their own London-based label Atlantean Records ltd.
[ Pic: Imperial Age ]
LINE-UP: Alexander ‚Aor‘ Osipov • Vocals Jane Odintsova • Vocals Anna ‚Kiara‘ Moiseeva • Vocals Kublai Kapsalis • Guitar Dmitry Belf • Bass Manuele Di Ascenzo • Drums
IMPERIAL AGE, one of the most successful Metal bands of Russian origin is back against all odds!
Four years after the massive success of „Legacy Of Atlantis“, which sold thousands of copies, reached millions of streams and YouTube views and helped the formation to international fame, the multinational Symphonic/Power Metal sextet is back with its new opus magnum – „New World“.
[ Album 2022 • Artwork: Jan ‚Örkki‘ Yrlund • Darkgrove ]
TRACKS: 01. Windborn 03:40 02. Legend Of The Free 04:17 03. The Way Is the Aim 04:01 04. Shackles Of Gold 04:02 05. The Wheel 04:14 06. To the Edge Of The Known 03:40 07. Distant Shores 04:44 08. Call Of The Towers 18:12
total: 46:50 min.
This new album proved to be magical in every way: During the crowdfunding campaign, which raised 188 % of the original amount needed, the musicians were hit by a tornado, unprecedented in the area, which chopped down a third of the forest where they were camping and writing songs, and completely destroyed their camp – though the musicians were hugely lucky that they themselves and all their equipment miraculously remained unscathed.
The choir’s preparations were so intense that the choir’s director and conductor, Taras Yasenkov, had to be taken by ambulance to a psychiatric hospital in the middle of the recording sessions, where he suffered a nervous breakdown – he has since fully recovered.
When the album was almost finished, the whole band laid down with Covid, and as if that wasn’t enough – a month later Russia attacked Ukraine and sent all plans to hell – forcing IMPERIAL AGE’s masterminds Alexander ‚Aor‘ Osipov and Jane Odintsova to leave the country in a hurry after the band released an anti-war manifesto – interrupting the whole process of album production and release …
[ Pic: Imperial Age ]
The lyrics of the third long player turned out to be frighteningly prophetic: They deal with the quest for freedom and independence, the horrors of war, leaving home with no hope of return, and traveling through rough seas to distant shores – all the lyrics were written many months before all these topics became a grim everyday reality for the band.
As with most great things that involve a huge amount of super compressed energy, every step of the production of this album was achieved through a great effort by all involved: composing the songs over many hours without food or sleep, long nights in the studio until sunrise, recording live orchestral instruments and choirs, countless rehearsals, hours and days of painting artwork, and many, many other things …
… but the musical end result sounds and ultimately feels the other way around: upbeat, uplifting and powerful. It seemed as if IMPERIAL AGE were at the end, especially when Max Talion (drums) and Paul Maryashin (guitar) left the band.
[ Pic: Imperial Age ]
But against all odds, the band regrouped, resettled and survived – even reaching new heights: not only did they record what was missing, hire new musicians (Manuele di Ascenzo from Italy on drums and Kublai Kapsalis from Turkey on guitar), move their entire web store to Italy, release three singles and two music videos, land a headlining European tour for September 2022 – but they also donated a portion of the proceeds to needy Ukrainian families, despite being immigrants themselves. All this – because of and with great support from their immense worldwide army of ultra-loyal fans, who continue to support IMPERIAL AGE with thousands of album purchases, millions of streams and hundreds of donations.
The result – albeit 3 months late – bristles with IMPERIAL AGE’s trademark powerful, uplifting, visionary Metal with orchestra, choir and 3 lead singers – and yet the band has recorded their happiest, heaviest and most adventurous album yet!
[ Pic: Imperial Age ]
Every single song on this album is a hit, and there are simply no ‚B-sides‘ or weak tracks. „Legend Of The Free“ is one of the fastest and most upbeat Power/Folk Metal hits in the group’s latest collection, with strong lyrics about the pursuit of freedom, while the philosophical „The Way Is The Aim“ is a dance song about finding your own way, with Jane Odintsova switching from operatic to rock vocals.
The murderous, lyrically somber anti-war anthem „The Wheel“ is a must for all future live sets with its fast beat, catchy chorus and Aor’s high-pitched vocals, while „Shackles Of Gold“ immediately conjures up the image of pirates of the Caribbean wreaking havoc on Tortuga in the name of freedom.
Now you might think that 8 tracks are not much – but not in this case. The crown jewel of this album is the epic, dark, immensely powerful and colossal Metal symphony „Call Of The Towers“, which despite its whopping 18+ minute playing time manages to hold the listener’s attention by constantly shifting from an explosive Hollywood-style wall of sound, that pushes every instrument and vocalist to their limits, to acoustic tavern ballads, Bachian organ solos, and even 3 minutes of pure Sympho Black Metal with atonal chords, and a deeply somber atmosphere where male, female, and choral vocals constantly alternate.
All songs are sung by the three lead singers Aor, Jane Odintsova and Anna Kiara – plus a full academic choir as well as live orchestral instruments. „New World“ overwhelms the listener with polished and precise songwriting, highest musical level, enormous variety of vocals and instruments – all this paired with the heaviest Metal sound IMPERIAL AGE have delivered so far – and the new work proves once again why IMPERIAL AGE are so successful, although so many circumstances speak against them and they don’t even have a record company behind them!
•
DISCOGRAPHY: 2012 • Turn The Sun Off! • Full-length 2014 • Warrior Race • EP 2018 • The Legacy Of Atlantis • Full-length 2022 • New World • Full-length 2022 • Live New World (Live) • Full-length
MEDIA FEEDBACK:
10 / 10 ➤ „… sound like no other band – their music encompassing Power, Symphonic, and Folk Metal elements – overall, a stunning and extremely pleasurable listening experience, IMPERIAL AGE have delivered a gorgeous symphony of superb Symphonic Metal.“ (Metal Gods TV)
5 / 5 – legendary ➤ „A Symphonic Metal album as if from one cast … impressive in every respect … overwhelms with sophisticated and precise songwriting, an enormous vocal variety and instrumental bombast … metal and classical music form an impressive symbiosis here … every song shows thoughtful arrangements and convinces with its individual melodicism.“ (Deep Ground)
4,5 / 5 ➤ „… decidedly enjoyable thanks to the enviable combination of the three voices, two female and one male, which deftly range between parts set toward the lyrical and others sung normally … their Symphonic Metal is magniloquent, theatrical and epic, a sort of cross between the atmospheres of Therion and the brilliance of Rhapsody … very high level, in every respect … certainly stands as a candidate to be remembered as one of the best Symphonic Metal releases of the year …“ (All Around Metal)
4,5 / 5 ➤ „… one anthem follows the other … with a nice dynamic and very neat choirs … a cinematic flight of fancy that could almost be called Hollywood Metal … Christofer Johnsson of Therion was not wrong, IMPERIAL AGE has a very great potential, and this third album proves it with flying colours … offering us Symphonic Metal at the highest level, which stands out strongly from the standards of the genre!“ (Rock Meeting)
90 / 100 ➤ „There is no other band out there quite like IMPERIAL AGE … an epic, massive yet also beautiful fusion of Heavy Metal and bombastic Wagnerian classical music with catchy melodies that just instantly stick in your head, chugging riffs that will send you into a headbanging frenzy and a combination of male, female, Rock, operatic, choral and folky vocals will leave you breathless and in awe of the talent on display in this insanely excellent musical landscape of colossal proportions.“ (Darkzen Dragon)
9 / 10 ➤ „… a pressing, powerful, intense, theatrical album: there is the power of the most exhilarating Power Metal, there is the deepest and most creative Therion, there is the most polished and exhilarating power synth Metal, there is an unparalleled theatricality…. something that very few bands, maybe none, dare to offer nowadays … indistinguishable overwhelming musical energy!“ (Metalhead IT)
8,9 / 10 ➤ „… heavily influenced by Therion ’s tremendous symphonic pomposity … I’m sure the good ‚Rock ’n‘ Rolf‘ Kasparek would be proud of these guys … a victory … proof that every effort is rewarded …“ (The Dark Melody)
16 / 20 ➤ „… the symphonic side is used here in a much more theatrical way than as a simple accompaniment … it’s easy to understand why IMPERIAL AGE caught the attention of Christofer Johnsson as there are so many similarities between them and Therion, both in the vocal performances, typical of opera, and in the tragic and dramatic side of the music … I was pleasantly surprised … could allow the band to rise to the first rank of Symphonic Metal bands …“ (French Metal)
8 / 10 ➤ „… melodic-bombastic Symphonic Metal … accurately performed … especially the three voices of the band are convincing: Alexander Osipov (tenor) as well as Jane ‚Corn‘ Odintsova (mezzo-soprano) and Anna ‚KiaRa‘ Moiseeva (soprano). The interplay of the vocal section is quite impressive.“ (Metal DE)
8 / 10 ➤ „… offers everything the Symphonic Metal heart desires and in addition extremely strong compositions and arrangements … varied … intense atmosphere … lots of dynamics … bombastic orchestrations … without failures …“ (Obliveon)
8 / 10 ➤ „… much better than the two previous albums in terms of musical composition and production output. For those of you who like Power/Heavy Metal symphony music, IMPERIAL AGE offers all of that. By adding an orchestra, a majestic and elegant choir, with three tenors, mezzo-soprano and soprano, the band has a richer variety of music but still has a strong character and taste …“ (Metal Opera)
8 / 10 ➤ „… stylistically more close to Therion, where symphonic embellishments, operatic vocal parts and a solemn atmosphere count … this is a big plus … IMPERIAL AGE have their own style and idea, and this is very much appreciated … played with flair and epic atmosphere … there is no lack of hits and interesting melodies … in the Symphonic Metal category this is one of the most important albums of 2022 …“ (Power Metal Warrior)
8 / 10 ➤ „… a convincing and enjoyable album in a genre that is less and less represented in Power Metal …“ (Power Metal France)
78 / 100 ➤ „… listens nicely and shows a more mature band … the fans will no doubt be pleased with this new record … the fast-paced tracks provide an energetic experience …“ (Metalfan NL)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… the new album is definitely worth listening to … the band has clearly found its place in the genre … those who like this kind of music will definitely find what they are looking for here … strong performance from a great band …“ (Rock Garage)
Recommendation! ➤ „… quite a bit offered for fans of Symphonic Metal … varied … a few surprises … a lot of heart and soul … really big with orchestra … a lot of Metal … especially the fat choirs give the music something epic … partly reminiscent of typical Female Gothic/Symphonic Metal bands like Nightwish, Delain, etc., but also of early Therion works …“ (Amboss)
➤ „… heavy (Metal) operatic sound … a standout force … operatic Wagnerian bombast … theatrical accolades … with an ear for cinematic drama … intelligent vocal melodies … over the top choruses … powerful … a solid portion of thrive and strut … intense appealing melodies … impressive vibe of uniqueness and extravagance … those taking time, will embrace this extraordinary band … IMPERIAL AGE indeed has no equal!“ (Headbangers Lifestyle)
➤ „… great job … sounds really good … crisp … epic … phenomenal … very melodic … certainly stand out with this signature sound … really great … each song has his own identity … awesome symphonic brave sounding Metal … grand … bombastic …“ (Power Metal Ranger)
➤ „… like a Metal opera … if you’re a Symphonic Metal fan, you’ll definitely, definitely going to love this album …“ (Metal Shop Steve)
➤ „… holy shit … leaves me with an awe … I need more … I need all of it … absolutely amazing …“ (Play again?)
➤ „… offers everything you expected and hoped for from Imperial Age … epic, bombastic, polyphonic, super harmonizing parts … solo parts, which put the individual voices in a classy way and really cool duets …“ (Dark-Art)
➤ „… for Symphonic Metal fans this album is a real recommendation, because here you can find everything that makes this genre … catchy music, melodious vocals and a lot of epic background create a comfortable feeling while listening …“ (Metalmamas Neuigkeiten)
➤ „… bright and clear … truly gives an high intensity … so many great scales … music and vocals from singer Alexander ‚Aor‘ Osipov is huge … like the sound of an adventure in a place never seen before … all sectors shoot through the roof … if you are already intrigued by the imaginative journey of Symphonic Metal, add IMPERIAL AGE and I am sure you will fall in love …“ (Noisewriter)
➤ „Celtic and folk are definitely two of the directions IMPERIAL AGE explore, with ‚The Way Is The Aim‘ highlighting both – the vocals big enough to fill an opera house, with the audience stunned by their immense power … the band have so much presence, their style echoing a Metal symphony with an all encompassing sound that hooks you at every twist and turn.“ (Frenzy Fire)
➤ „… their melodies stand out more than those of the demanding Therion … the symphonic arrangement is still strong and feels even more luxurious than on the previous work …“ (Piro Piro Metal)
➤ „… IMPERIAL AGE detracts in no way from their predecessors Nightwish or Epica … great display (they must be impressive in concert), several and varied voices, metallers, epic, lyrical, assists, choirs …. and an orchestration typical of a great band … instrumentally they sound very good, well constructed songs and melodies in many cases that make you sing and enjoy with them … none of the vocals will leave you indifferent … fast, dynamic sounds full of emotion … it’s your turn to enjoy them!“ (Nada Hay Bajo El Sol)
➤ „… very melodic but never dull … in structure reminded me of Therion: a solid metal base on top of which layers of orchestrations, vocal lines and choruses are laid down … depending on the moments they go from epic to dramatic, often achieving a soundtrack mood … the melodies stick with you from the first listen … just where ‚Leviathan‘ had failed: it is an album with a definite direction, with convincing and energetic pieces, without dips from beginning to end …“ (The Murder Inn)
➤ „… epic … reaches the level of mastery we expect from Imperial Age … we have to acknowledge the hard work they had to do to release this album and how well they did it … the band has proven once again why they are one of the best of their style … a highly recommended work for any lover of the genre, and that, after everything they have been through in the last few years, is a triumph …“ (Track To Hell)
Base: Castrop-Rauxel • Germany Genre: Melodic Heavy Metal Title: Life And Death FFO: Wizard, Rebellion, early Majesty
Format: Album Label: Independent Release: Nov. 11, 2022
Bulletpoints:
Refreshing debut album of a true idealist
Straightforward, 100 % honest & all around spirited
Timeless-classic Heavy Metal of the old school
BIWO is available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email !
[ Pic: Pedyfotografie Fotoschmiede ]
LINE-UP: Sven Biwo • Vocals & Guitar Finley • Guitar Justus • Bass Hanno • Drums
It is clear to hear that here is a musically thoroughly inspired genre fan ambitious at the start, who makes his real music for just such real fans – uncomplicated Heavy Metal brotherhood is there so very heavy!
The enormously varied and sustainably catchy songs breathe the unique, unused 80s spirit with delicious fervor and in such depth that you simply cannot escape the charm of BIWO if you feel sincerely connected to the early Heavy Metal from that time. Yes, we mean the very special time when the blessed and equally obscure GAMA Records released unforgettable records by top artists like Stormwitch, Veto and Tyran‘ Pace – and the scene cult around it grows with every year.
Self-promoting and giga-virtuoso orgies of perfection are therefore not at all what BIWO is about, rather the eternally attractive underground is indulged in.
Mastermind Sven Biwo explains „Live Now“: „There are enough assholes in the world – people who want to pull you down. We invite you to forget all that shit for a moment. Live now – and do what you feel like doing! Because tomorrow might be too late. Don’t waste your time with negative stuff – grab a beer, raise your fist and shout it out loud!“
And although bandleader Sven sees himself more as a soloing mainman with guest musicians, the result sounds damn organic, homogeneous and completely free of wear and tear. All songs on „Life And Death“ were composed and recorded by Sven Biwo single-handedly. The mix and mastering were also done by master Biwo at Cubi Studios Bochum. The pleasantly idiosyncratic artwork is deliberately not an obligatory Photoshop bombardment – it comes from the brushes of Gudrun Müller.
[ Artwork: Gudrun Müller ]
TRACKS: 01. Live Now 04:20 02. Fountain Of Youth 04:04 03. Win This Fight 03:22 04. Mother Earth 08:36 05. Poor Boy 04:43 06. I 04:54 07. Alone In The Dark 04:11 08. Judgment Of The Gods 06:45
total: 40:44 min.
The idea for the band was born in January 2020 when Sven (guitar and vocals) and Justus (bass) met at a benefit concert. With Hanno (drums), whom Justus knew from his school days, a man for the kettles was then also found.
Shortly before the first rehearsal the pandemic came and with it the break for the formation. However, Sven took advantage of the creative break and began to transform the ideas into songs and to realize a finished album. The final touches were put on „Life And Death“ in the summer of 2022, when the first real rehearsals began and the tracks were given a new shine in the rehearsal room. (Markus Eck)
PREMORTAL BREATH are available for interviews via Phone, Skype, Zoom & email
Bulletpoints: • New, crisp EP from the guys from Baden-Wuerttemberg • Massive material, powerful & fully emotional • Beefy banging production, kettles mighty through
PREMORTAL BREATH comments on the track „Of Angels And Wolves“: „Having had a quite challenging, yet wonderful childhood, our singer Tommy packed these lyrics with quite emotional memories. He wanted to achieve both. Appreciate everything his mom and his brother did for him during these difficult times as well as he just wanted to tell his father to go to hell. The band supported this project with purest dedication as the result speaks for itself.“
The band comments on „But I’m Not Afraid“: „The lyrics are purely fictional, but point directly to something you may know. So let’s take our minds on a journey and imagine that there are evil forces that have taken away precious people in your life – your wife and your children. You would promise, wouldn’t you? You would pursue these villains to death, even if it meant that you too would face your end. However, there will be no end until you get your revenge. In another time, another universe, or another life. Much like the movie ‚The Crow‘ that we mentioned and you may be familiar with.“
PREMORTAL BREATH is modern HEAVY METAL with a variety of influences combined into a melodic but hard whole.
Captivating guitar melodies, rousing choruses, spot-on drumming, grooving basslines and much, much more. All of these are just puzzle pieces in the bigger picture that is PREMORTAL BREATH. The multi-layered lyrics deal with topics like terrorism, psychological problems and the abysses of our society.
[ Pic: Premortal Breath ]
LINE-UP: Thomas ‚Tommy‘ Greulich • Vocals Sebastian ‚Seb‘ Herbold • Guitars Tobias ‚Tobbe‘ Eymer • Guitars Mathias ‚Matze‘ Ruppold • Bass Andreas ‚Andy‘ Reichard • Drums
PREMORTAL BREATH was founded in 2010 by Thomas ‚Tommy‘ Greulich (vocals) and Thomas ‚Potti‘ Pettrich (drums). A first line-up was completed by Armin Rosen (guitar) and Tobias ‚Tobbe‘ Eymer (bass). Shortly after, two first songs were recorded at Beat House Studio.
After some changes in the line-up, the next stable line-up was completed by Dominik ‚Domme‘ Eymer (bass) and Sebastian ‚Seb‘ Herbold (guitar). In the meantime Tobias had switched to guitar, while singer and drummer remained the same. In 2014 the band recorded the first album „They“ in this line-up.
The line-up remained constant until 2016 when founding member and drummer Potti announced his departure to have more time for his family. Some time passed until Andreas ‚Andy‘ Reichard joined as a permanent member after having acted as a live drummer in the meantime.
[ Artwork: Very Metal Art ]
TRACKS: 01. Circle 04:18 02. Of Angels And Wolves 04:44 03. But I’m Not Afraid (feat. Stu Block) 03:37 04. Wordless 04:27 05. Hourglass 04:23 06. Fuck My Brain 05:23 07. Spartan (Bonus Track) 03:24
total: 30:25 min.
Full of energy and creativity, the formation recorded the second work „Monsters“ in spring 2018. 2021 brought with it the departure of longtime bassist Domme as well as the arrival of Matthias ‚Matze‘ Ruppel, who is now responsible for the low frequencies.
The pandemic had caused many plans to be put on hold, so PREMORTAL BREATH were euphoric to revisit Empire Studios in 2022 to record the new release „Of Angels And Wolves“.
DISCOGRAPHY: 2014 • They • Full-length 2018 • Monsters • EP 2022 • Of Angels And Wolves • EP
8 / 10 ➤ „… very well produced, with a balanced sound, containing 10 nervous Melodic Death Metal tracks … with constant vocal battles, a rhythm section that works clockwise, and heavy guitar solos … without a doubt the best album that EUFOBIA has released thus far …“ (Bloody News)
8 / 10 ➤ „… are fit on their instruments … technically skilled … I hope that EUFOBIA will get a bit more recognition beyond their national borders, because they can easily keep up with today’s big bands! The potential is definitely there.“ (Crossfire)
➤ „… the ten songs sound varied and skillfully manage to combine harmony and chaos, rhythmic and well composed … I was overwhelmed on first listen by this mix of styles and influences woven in from all over … EUFOBIA does not leave us on the surface of uniformity and familiarity …“ (Metal Hangar 18)
➤ „… a really damn good band … frigging good album … mixes flawlessly both great influences that formed the root of Melodic Death Metal … breathtaking with its Thrashesque guitar riffing and bass lines … to listen loud, but very loud …“ (Metal Addicts)
etc.
Bulletpoints: • New & third album of the Bulgarian Death Metallers • Content exciting nuclear war end time concept • Also visually lavishly staged
Mighty and threatening thunders from the Bulgarian capital Sofia … fatal cause: EUFOBIA hail with their important third studio album brute and martial in the ears! This extremely determined disc is clearly created with gallons of the most rebellious heart and with immense compositional joy. And you can clearly hear the massive further development of the THRASH DEATH METAL troupe.
[ Artwork: Val Volegna • 12 DROPS Design ]
TRACKS: 01. Madness 03.54 02. Facing The Firing Squad 03.26 03. Wolf Among The Sheep 03.38 04. Messiah 03.49 05. Those Who Believe 03.12 06. Burning Streets 02.46 07. Use Your Head 03.12 08. Liberation 03.07 09. The Establishment 04.59 10. Animal Farm 04.01
total: 36.08 min.
Fact is: absolute artistic openness prevails here in all conceivable musical matters. Contemporary baptized with the programmatic and socially apt album title „Madness“, these indomitable hell souls reveal the successful striving for artistic identity. Fortunately successful: EUFOBIA show on their ’new‘ a very own face!
Outstanding specialty of the much-cursing death horde in all their new creations: brutally aggressive, technically adept and really fat guitar assaults! Heaps of razor-sharp riff canonades are to be experienced, which not infrequently ignite as quickly as a giant tank filled to the brim with fresh kerosene.
And also with their capably handled lead axe, EUFOBIA conjure wonderfully massive earworm moments out of the boxes again and again. Remarkably fit in instrumental interplay, noticeably skilled in the passes and with gigantic enthusiasm at the start, the flaming world critic quartet stands out from many competitors with its new furious output.
Performing with martial and at all times confidently hewn rhythmic earthquakes, the truly bone-crunching and edgy drum work on this superbly crafted release is by no means left behind either: for the drumsticks of the fierce rhythm kettle-keeper Blago hammer on his cauldrons as fast and nimbly as gigantic, ultra-heavy demolition hammers.
In addition, the sinister Balkan flails fire razor-sharp words in the most authentic and truthful way on their new output with welcome provocations: biting lyrics straight from the dirty and dusty street. Singer and guitar monster Niki doesn’t give a damn about compromises in content and fights on „Madness“ with incredibly effective and uncompromising throat attacks.
With „Madness“EUFOBIA show the worldwide rest of the scene that even nowadays it is still efficiently possible to hammer acutely into the epicenter of the Death Metal profession with a lot of self-confidence and burning fervor. (Markus Eck)
EUFOBIA has produced a new music video for the title song „Madness“, which is the first single of their third album. The video was created by Val Volegna of 12 Drops Design. The lead role is played by the Bulgarian model Maria Georgieva. The story of the video is about a group of survivors in a world, which has been destroyed by a nuclear war, who try to save a girl trapped in a radioactively contaminated area: https://www.youtube.com/embed/6zOHQUoeuT0 [ Madness • Music Video ]
[ EUFOBIA 2022 • Pic: Mariyan Tomov ]
DISCOGRAPHY: 2010 • Insemination • EP 2011 • Cup Of Mud • Full-length 2016 • Liquid Of Creation • Single 2016 • Eufobia • Full-length 2022 • Madness • Full-length
Bulletpoints: • New top single of the superb Heavy Rockers • Outstanding musicianship with all-round class • A song that inevitably goes immediately into the ear
IMPACT announce on „Hometown“: „‚Hometown‘ is the epitome of a blues-inspired, future Hard Rock classic. A killer riff leads into the song, which tells a story about a love affair and a hate relationship. The protagonist longs to leave his dreary and boring hometown to travel the world and its seven seas, but is still deeply rooted in his birthplace. Big 80’s Rock drums, a Mutt Lange vocal production and hard-hitting guitars are the ingredients for an anthem for travellers, assuring them that there will always be a place called ‚home.'“
[ Artwork: Ian Hendrik ]
With the new single „Hometown“ these hungry top artists deliver crisp and fatally catchy HEAVY ROCK at its best!
[ Pic: Impact ]
LINE-UP: Ian Hendrik • Drums, Backing Vocals, Keyboards Morris Ramon • Lead Guitar Joe Hanson • Lead Vocals Danny F. • Rhythm Guitar Dan Ringer • Bass
DISCOGRAPHY: We Want Out • Single • 2020 Faster’N’Higher • Single • 2021 Initial Impact • Full-length • 2021 All In • Single • 2021 Hometown • Single • 20
FLASHBACK: IMPACT is a traditional Heavy Metal line-up formed in early 2020 by drummer Ian Hendrik, Morris Ramon and Danny F. on guitars and bassist Dan Ringer. With thundering drums, in- your-face guitars and screaming vocals they reignite the sound of 80s Heavy Metal. In their own songs influenced by bands from the Monsters Of Rock time like Metallica and Judas Priest they critically review the society, scream for freedom and talk about the cliché trio: Sex, Drugs and Rock’n’Roll.
After their founding in February 2020 the band put out their first single called „We Want Out“ in August of 2020. The song was written by guitarist Danny and Drummer Ian Hendrik who also took in the place of lead singer for that particular release as the band was still looking for a lead singer back then. The according music video gained international success and critically reviews the decisions made by the government regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions the band only managed to play one live show in summer of 2020. Fronting the band at this very show was guest singer Joe Hanson who had been in the local rock scene for quite some years. As the concert with Joe Hanson was just a one-off at this point the band started to actively look for a lead singer.
IMPACT sorted that position with Markus Winkler in September 2020 and started writing songs for their first album. The head role in the process of writing was taken by guitarist Morris Ramon and Drummer and producer Ian Hendrik who knew each other from a previous band project. They equally contributed to writing the music, however Ian Hendrik took the main part in writing lyrics. Danny and Dan Ringer also put their own unique style to the songs which makes up the instrumental section of Impact. Over time it became clear that Markus had a great voice but wasn’t the sort of Heavy Metal Singer the band was looking for.
Although the band was now without a singer they started to record the first studio album in January of 2021 at Savage Sound in Bavaria, Germany. About six weeks into the recording process and most of the basic tracks done the band figured why not ask their good friend Joe Hanson to exclusively sing on the album. As it has always been a dream for Joe Hanson to sometime record an album featuring himself on vocals he quickly decided to take the job.
After all the drums were hammered in, Dan Ringer finished to shake the ground with his thundering bass, Danny nailed all the rhythm guitar parts, Morris Ramon made poetry out of every note in his solos and Joe Hanson had his last scream the album was mixed by Ian Hendrik who happens to be a Music Production student in London. After all the recordings sounded the way the band imagined them, they had a very last listen before sending them off to mastering. In that very listening session Joe Hanson asked the band if the offer to join the band as a full member still existed. From that point on the band had finally sorted their full lineup. The tracks were then sent off to Metropolis Studios in London where they had been mastered by none other than legendary mastering engineer Andy ‚Hippy‘ Baldwin who already put his magic touch on bands like The Who, Oasis and Faith No More.
When the band got back the final masters they were all simply blown away by the sheer power. They started promoting the album which was going to be released on the 9th of July 2021 and was going to be called INITIAL IMPACT. On June 25th, in advance to the album, the band released the single „Faster’n’Higher“ which gave the world of Rock and Metal the first glimpse of what can now be heard on INITIAL IMPACT. The song was immediately featured in a British newcomer radio show by Martin Jones the week after. The according music video quickly gained over 2.000 views in just under three weeks. With the backup of that ongoing success the band finally released their first full studio album on Friday the 9th of July 2021 at 6pm CET. A release party was held at the bands local pub called „Kings Road Pub“ and they were all simply blown away by the amount of people that turned up. IMPACT managed to pay off all the CDs they ordered in one single day. Since the album was released the band kept promoting their debut long player and managed to get over 5.000 streams in just over 10 days, from 1.500 listeners in over 50 countries on Spotify alone.
One week later on Friday, July the 16th the band released their second music video supporting the album for the song „Voices Of The Night“. The song features UK rock veteran Dale Radcliffe from the power formation COP UK (Crimes Of Passion) on lead vocals. He immediately joined the project after Ian Hendrik asked him back in May 2021 as he had met him in a beer garden in Germany a few years back where he mistakenly thought Dale was also a fan attending the concert in town.
However, the band managed to play their headline stage debut on September the 25th, 2021 in front of their hometown crowd and their beloved pub. The concert was planned very spontaneously, so the band was worried about playing in front of cockroaches only, but the concert became to be a full success. Around 550 people showed up for their first show. With the massive support from fans all around the world the band went straight back to writing new material and released their follow-up single „All In“ on December the 17th, 2021.
As due to the government regulations to control the outspread of Covid-19, it was still impossible to play gigs, so once again the band got back to writing. The first result of that work is the song „Hometown“ predominately written by drummer Ian Hendrik, in which he expresses his love- hate relationship with his hometown Dillingen. The song has been released as a single with a music video on Friday the 13th, 2022 at 6pm CET and offers the first chance to taste the power of the upcoming album, which the band is currently working on.
With the regulations easing of as well, IMPACT is back to playing live on a regular basis and played their first show in 2022 at the Phoenix in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany. Parallel to playing gigs every weekend the writing process for the new album is almost completed and recordings are planned to start in May 2022. A name for the album or a release date hasn’t been found yet.
METAL MESSAGE ᴳᴸᴼᴮᴬᴸ • 𝓔𝓼𝓽. 2001 