December 2021


Chilean Doom/Death Metal band  Weight Of Emptiness released their new video clip "Chucao". The song is based on a legend associated with a little bird of the same name, which inhabits the forests of southern Chile. It is associated with a Mapuche legend, which indicates that if a walker goes into a forest and hears the Chucao trill from the right, he will have a quiet journey, but if the trill is from the left side, it will be better to return. 

The video clip was recorded mainly in southern Chile, and was directed and edited by Lucho Villegas. Joaquín Cacciuttolo was in charge of photography and post color. The actor who appears is Mario Montecinos, who also wrote the lyrics of the song, and reflects part of his own history with some nuances to extol the search for freedom and how madness underlies the loneliness of the deepest part of the Valdivian rainforest. .

Check out the video at the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaxGEG6rqxE

Weight Of Emptiness was formed in 2015 in Santiago, Chile and they have released two full-length albums. At present the band is formed by Alejandro Ruiz in vocals, Juan Acevedo and Alejandro Bravo in guitars, Mauricio Basso in drums and Mario Urra in bass.


Russian Industrial Metal band Efpix released their new album "No More Remorse". The new release was recorded at the band home studio, beside the drums that were recorded at "Zaris Studio".Produced and mixed by Alexander Kondrashov. Mastered by Dan Swanö at "Unisound" in Sweden.


TRACKLISTING:

1. From Stars to the Ground

2. Pop

3. Overcome

4. Erasing the Stars

5. The End of My Life

6. Watch

7. Escaping the World

8. Mankind Anthem

9. Scorched

10. I Do

11. No More Remorse

12. Ever


Check out the album at the following:


https://efpix.bandcamp.com/album/no-more-remorse


https://open.spotify.com/album/4tsH8wAAbOGu8q5hZOK8gB


German thrash metal veterans DESTRUCTION celebrate their 40th anniversary by setting the world ablaze with a new, hard-hitting grenade in the form of their new album, Diabolical, out April 8, 2022 via Napalm Records!

DESTRUCTION singer/bassist SCHMIER about the video: "I love the title track of the new record, it represents the album, pure old school and in your face Thrash Metal! We wanted a video that shows our trademarks, so the MAD BUTCHER had to be there! It is only his second appearance in a DESTRUCTION video ever but his most remarkable one so far for sure!"

Watch the new music video for “Diabolical” HERE.


Being from Mexico, this two person project known as SAGREVEHT have just released their debut album titled "Thanatology", an album whose word currently is getting around. But not only has this band released said album, they have taken the time to discuss the holidays with us below!


1. What are you doing for the holidays?

Not much, I just got surgery, but I'm writing music and recording a little.

2. This Halloween season I did what?

I actually had the first rehearsals with a full band to play our very first gig in November.

3. Did you dress up this year?

No, I'm not that much in to the costume thing, besides here in México we celebrate Day of the Dead!

4. What is your favorite Halloween candy or treat?

Candy I guess? I've never had anything in Halloween since we don't do that holiday that much haha

5. What are you thankful for?

To be alive and well, for my music, and everything I was able to do this year even with some issues

6. Do you have a favorite dish for Thanksgiving or do you enjoy everything?

We do not celebrate thanks giving so I I would not know, but that pumpkin pie I see in movies looks great!

7. Who's the one out of the band, that eats the most, when it comes to the holiday season?

Probably Aldo th drummer, he needs to keep strong to play that double pedal!

8. Do you or have you gone shopping on Black Friday, if so what did you find and buy? Or have you gone out to see the sights of the crowds?

I bought a new mic since my old Super 55 stopped working! So I got a KSM8 

9. When it comes to the holiday season, does the band all get together, or does everyone do their own thing?

We like being together, but sometimes could be a little difficult but we keep in touch in group chats.

10. What is your favorite Christmas song to sing and why?

Carol of the Bells sounds oddly dark and scary and I love that contrast 

11. One thing you really want for Christmas is what?

A PRS custom 24 with piezo 10 top Fire Red Burst guitar

12. Do you still believe in Santa Claus? Enough so, that you would pay him a visit at the mall or other local events?

We don´t do that here

13. What type of Christmas tree do you prefer white or green or your own version?

Green I guess

14. Are you a late or early Christmas shopper?

Very early before the all the delivery delays start happening

15. One thing you have to do on New Year's Eve?

Stay awake at least until 3:00 A.M.

16. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

Do more music and play in as many places as I can!


Russian symphonic black/folk metal band DEMON SHINEGAMI have just released their new album "Returning to Nihil", which was in development for quite sometime, it is a one man band project that has taken the time to step away from this album's promotion to discuss the holiday season!


1. What are you doing for the holidays?

Well, I always try to become a better person than I was yesterday - whether it's holidays or not. Only by living up to this simple rule I’ve managed to become a full-fledged musician with my own discography starting from scratch.

2. This Halloween season I did what?

This autumn I’ve managed to release a new album and to develop a concept for the next one already. I was so focused on that I have totally missed out all the holidays actually. 😆

3. Did you dress up this year?

As a Zen follower, who has refused and rejected my own personality, I think the best idea for Halloween is to become myself once again for a day or two to reminisce about my past gains and losses in order to never forget the lessons I've learned. So I guess it's dressing up like my old self.

4. What is your favorite Halloween candy or treat?

I enjoy mochi a lot. Although it's a Japanese dessert.

5. What are you thankful for?

For all the obstacles and hardships the Universe has put me through to make me stronger and more confident. You know, stones on a sea shore become smooth after being thoroughly polished by waves. I’d say, a strong-willed person develops in a similar way.

6. Do you have a favorite dish for Thanksgiving or do you enjoy everything?

In Buddhism they thank all the living creatures (including plants) which were deprived of their lives so that we can prepare and eat a meal. So it’s not about what you eat, it's more about your feelings while you eat.

7. Who's the one out of the band, that eats the most, when it comes to the holiday season?

Since I'm the only band member, I'm the one that eats both the most and the least. Maybe I should come up with a self-challenge someday - to eat more or less than the last time. :D

8. Do you or have you gone shopping on Black Friday, if so what did you find and buy? Or have you gone out to see the sights of the crowds?

I’m not fond of shopping unless it's something I really need. For example a new pack of guitar strings to replace the rusty-dusty old ones. )

9. When it comes to the holiday season, does the band all get together, or does everyone do their own thing?

It's always important for each of us to get together with oneself. Because if you get to know yourself you’ll eventually be able to understand other people better.

10. What is your favorite Christmas song to sing and why?

It’s a Japanese song called “Xmas? I don't know such a thing!” It's just a sarcastic way to look at being a grown-up who’s all gloomy-doomy ‘cuz they're not able to enjoy holidays like an innocent child anymore.

11. One thing you really want for Christmas is what?

It's the inner peace. Every person is always their own arch-enemy. And stopping all the fighting between emotions, regrets, fears etc. inside ourselves would be the best present... Uh, OK, peace on Earth matters as well. :)

12. Do you still believe in Santa Claus? Enough so, that you would pay him a visit at the mall or other local events?

In the ancient times they used to say that fictional or supernatural beings exist as long as someone believes in their existence. So it doesn't matter if I believe in Santa or not. Since many others do, that means he's there somewhere in some way.

13. What type of Christmas tree do you prefer white or green or your own version?

I’d prefer any except for a natural chopped down tree. Because Buddhism actually considers trees and plants living creatures just as much as animals or humans. And none of the living things deserves to be killed for solely decorative purposes.

14. Are you a late or early Christmas shopper?

Shopping for the sake of shopping itself leads to over-attachment towards material things. It's not like you have to reject them. But I personally prefer to control my needs and urges instead of letting them take control over me. It's essential since my ultimate goal is becoming my own and only master.

15. One thing you have to do on New Year's Eve?

Back when I was a teenager I used to play “Final Fantasy V” every New Year's Eve. And now I usually publish a new video game music cover each year to help other people recall those nostalgic times of their lives as well.

16. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

Yeah, there is one actually. You see, my father was a sportsman and therefore had been training me since my childhood. I used to do all kinds of stuff - from athletics to hatha yoga. I could even do the splits when I was 8. But several years later I had to stop due to some health reasons. And recently I've decided to bring back what was lost - my flexibility. It'll take a huge amount of time and effort though. But since I've spent 15 years on composing my best album and have recently finished it - spending another 10-15 on achieving on more goal doesn't seem like a big deal anymore. )


PMAD is a solo artist, whose namesake presents to be perhaps mad if not pretty mad. As such, a debut single has made itself known, with other working's at hand currently. The man himself goes into talks about his music and other plans.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

pMad is the solo artist title taken by Paul Dillon from Galway, Ireland. But blessed to have fantastic, family & friends like Liam Martin (Zedakube Recordings & Records), Dominik (Protonaut Studio) and Ortega (Elith Mastering Labs). 

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

The name comes from the initials in his full name! Simple as that. Though lots of people have been wondering what it is about……is he pretty mad.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

From beautiful south east Galway, Portumna has a huge history in music of all types. Amazing the talent that has come out of Portumna. On the other hand there was not and is not a huge indie, alt, Goth scene. But like most scenes, they go unseen!! Generally have to travel to get to see that bands you want to see. But the world is such a small place now, I discover fantastic new music every day, fortunate to be able to listen to music all day.

4. How would you describe your style?

It is what it is!! Not too sure as I like such a wide variety of music and I feel it comes out in the sound, vocals and lyrics. It has been described as ‘The child of The Cult and The Mission’ or a modern mix of Matt Johnson (The The) and Cathal Coughlan (Microdisney and The Fatima Mansions). I will happily take those comparisons.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

‘Who Am I’ is my debut single, a mix of goth, darkwave, rock, punk, post-punk with a modern twist. Hopefully it is an impressive piece of production, which brings a fusion of punk, electro-pop and Goth rock with a touch of dark metal, giving listeners a truly exciting listen. 

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

A global pandemic and technology afford me the time to create a full album of songs, a few extended versions and remixes. All the songs bring a different view of the people around us, of the way we view the world and ourselves. The follow singles all bring a different take on ourselves and the world around us. ‘Who Am I’ asks the questions of Good and Evil & If you don’t live you die (inside). We owe it to ourselves to be our best selves and enjoy our lives, but not to the detriment of others.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

Nothing planned, all brand new to this. Covid of course has restricted the couple of opportunities that have come pMad’s way. But quite happy to wait and get the releases out and be confident that there is a big enough audience to play too. Loving it all so far, everyone has been so kind. Long may it last?

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

The future will bring what it brings. The plan is to release ‘Medicine’ the follow up single on 1st February 2022 on cd single with ‘Who Am I’ also on the cd along with all the streaming services. ‘Medicine’ is an introspective look at ourselves and hopefully gets across that ‘Hope is the Medicine’. Then the 3rd single ‘Broken’ and so on until we get to the album release sometime in 2022. Anything can happen between now and then and pMad will face it and enjoy it! 

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

All the usual places

https://pmad.bandcamp.com/

Social Media, etc links all here https://linktr.ee/pMadtheband

http://pmadtheband.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4WpOdDNifs

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Aa4yRuvDQBCj7o0uip3fW?si=BCm-0GeMTfGFgZ9EPlJtMQ

https://music.apple.com/us/album/who-am-i-single/1590118755

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JC923H1

https://www.deezer.com/us/album/265477062

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

“That is different, I want to hear more.” It is all you can do, pMad is what it is, I love it, I love the music myself, I listen to the full album constantly and I sit back and admire, air guitar, air bass, air drum to it. I created what I like to listen to, I hope that there is other people out there that will like it too!!


Groovecore band MOTHFLESH have been around for a few years now, releasing two album's, and a single. Their most recent album is out there, with them promoting it as much as possible, with possibly newer content to follow suite. The band then goes into discussion about this release, and what they have planned for the next year.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members. 

Mothflesh was formed around late 2018. It all started when Imran, was looking for a band to perform with and stumbled upon a 5-year-old ad that listed an opening for a vocalist slot in an online forum. The ad that referenced bands like DevilDriver, Chimaira, Machine Head and other NWOAHM bands that were at the height of their popularity at the time was posted up by Eze who had trouble finding a consistent metal vocalist and at the time completely ruled out any future pursuing bass in a metal outfit in Malaysia. A little taken aback at the inquiry of the ad which included a vocal cover of an Overkill song, Eze and Imran met up and agreed to give forming a band a shot after discovering a kinship for mutual bands. 

Soon after the band formed with a loose line-up of rotating lead guitarists and drummers with past guitarist Giri Ganesan who co-wrote the debut album Nocturnal Armour. The band’s early sound can be best described as groove-influenced thrash metal, think if Slayer’s Disciple had a baby with The Haunted’s Exit Wounds. After extensive regional touring around South-East Asia, which included 30 dates in 4 different countries, the band experienced tumultuous lineup change with drums and guitars until the introduction of Ranveer Maddog Singh which the band met at his album launch for his death metal project. As Ranveer resonated with the groove-oriented music behind Nocturnal Armour and was friends with members of the band, it didn’t take much convincing for Maddog to fill up the missing guitar spots and inject his death metal technical virtuosity in the catalogue. This is evident in the single Skyfather and the band’s latest album Machine Eater. 

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

Initially, the band was called Mothlung, but it didn’t strike the imagination the same way flesh did. Moths were always central to the identity of the band as they were mysterious creatures of the night that were drawn to the moonlight; however, they also represent spiritual regeneration and change which was what we the band set out to achieve with the local scene in Kuala Lumpur. The flesh in Mothflesh is the symbolic vessel of a nightly or nocturnal regeneration. As the band only plays after sundown and are considered by many observers of the local Malaysian scene as innovators of the genre, Mothflesh continues to keep true to its namesake. 

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

The band is based out of Kuala Lumpur, the largest and most populated city in Malaysia. Fragmented is the best way to describe the underground music scene which is split between the punk/hardcore scene and, the metalcore scene and the old school death metal scene. Mothflesh is fortunate enough to be able to play in between the borders of all these musical cliques as musically the band incorporates the stylistic common denominators like breakdowns and death-metal style vocals.

As for local bands to recommend, we’d recommend Omnivious which is an instrumental tech-death band and Patriots, a post-hardcore band within the same style of bands like Issues and Enter Shikari.

4. How would you describe your style?

We call ourselves a Groovecore band. We incorporate Groove Metal rhythms from bands like Fear Factory and Meshuggah and combine them with a zest of melodic death metal riffing in the vein of Carcass and Hardcore stops and breakdowns from bands like Vein and Knocked Loose.  

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

We have released two albums and a single. Nocturnal Armour, our first single is currently only available on bandcamp (https://mothflesh.bandcamp.com/). Skyfather our single released last year in 2020 and our latest album released on December 2021 is available on all streaming platforms. 

Expect something fresh. If you’re tired of how sterile and overproduced metal sounds, as well as simultaneously bored with the stagnation of the genre and are looking to see where bands like DAATH may have gone if they had lingered around any longer, perhaps Machine Eater may be able to scratch that itch.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Not anytime just yet, because we’ve just released our album and are focused on promoting it, but Maddog just purchased an 8 string Abasi Larada 8 string, so we are planning to potentially release some new singles, hopefully in a lower tuning too. 

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

We have a launch planned in January 2022 in Kuala Lumpur and a small local tour around the peninsular of West Malaysia. 

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

We plan on completing the line-up as we’re missing a rhythm guitarist and a permanent drummer, and potentially in 2022, release another EP to show the future of the band that would probably include more death metal influences within the style of Archspire and Veil Of Pnath. 

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Our latest album is available on all major streaming platforms, CD’s are currently on pre-order and you can purchase them through our Bandcamp or contact us directly through Instagram and Facebook. 

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Well, we’re a Malaysian band that hybridized a bunch of extreme sub-genres which is quintessentially Malaysian. The texture of our country’s culture is brewed in a multi-ethnic and multi-racial melting-pot. This is embodied by the band not only in our music but as individuals as well. Every member in the band comes from a unique background to contribute to the identity of Mothflesh. Our first song Dogmacore opens with vocals sung in both English and Bahasa which sets the tone for the rest of the album. Without spoiling too much, we’d like our listeners from abroad to know that there’s some exciting music coming out from the far corners of the world, and we highly encourage the continuous pursuit and discovery of music.


Veteran darkwave ensemble The Birthday Massacre will release their ninth album Fascination on February 18th through Metropolis Records.

The 9-song album was produced by band members Michael Rainbow, M. Falcore, and Brett “Bat” Carruthers and recorded at Desolation Studios, Dire Studios and The Altar Studios all in Toronto. The record was mixed by legendary former Skinny Puppy member Dave “Rave” Ogilvie along with Rainbow, Falcore and Carruthers at Hipposonic Studios in Vancouver.

From the band whose landmark album Walking With Strangers has been called the "Sgt. Peppers of Dark Wave" comes their most intimate and atmospheric offering to date. Fascination is at once The Birthday Massacre's most fully-realized and synth-driven album with a signature blend of haunting vocals, captivating electronica and aggressive guitars. The result is their most accessible collection of songs yet — all the lessons they’ve learned over 20 years as a band amassed in one great record.


The scintillating first single “Dreams Of You” releases to Spotify, Apple Music and all other digital platforms out now! Check it HERE.


 TRACKLISTING:

1. Fascination 

2. Dreams Of You 

3. Cold Lights 

4. Stars And Satellites

5. One More Time 

6. Like Fear, Like Love 

7. Once Again

8. Precious Hearts 

9. The End Of All Stories


The Birthday Massacre will embark on a long-delayed U.S. tour with friends Julien-K in support which kicks off in New York City on February 24th. The band then follows with extensive international touring including treks across South America, The United Kingdom and Continental Europe.


TOUR DATES:

February 24 — New York, NY @ (Le) Poisson Rouge


February 25 — Pittsburgh, PA @ The Crafthouse


February 26 — Hamtramck, MI @ Small’s


February 27 — Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s Rock Club


March 1 — Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Cafe


March 3 — Indianapolis, IN @ Emerson Theatre


March 4 — Kansas City, MO @ BLVD


March 5 — Denver, CO @ The Oriental Theater


March 6 — Salt Lake City, UT @ Soundwell


March 8 — Seattle, WA @ El Corazon


March 9 — Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre


March 11 — San Francisco, CA @ Bottom Of The Hill


March 12 — West Hollywood, CA @ The Whisky a Go Go


March 13 — San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick


March 15 — Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater


March 17 — Dallas, TX @ Amplified Live


March 18 — Austin, TX @ Come And Take It Live


March 19 — Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live


March 22 — West Palm Beach, FL @ Respectables


March 23 — Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum


March 25 — Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel


March 26 — Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Hell)


March 27 — Nashville, TN @ The Basement East


March 29 — Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27


March 30 — Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Sound Stage


March 31 — Cambridge, MA @ The Middle East


April 1 — Parsippany, NJ @ Dark Side Of The Con


April 2 — Mechanicsburg, PA @ Lovedraft’s Brewing


As a killer early Holiday gift for fans of all things dark and heavy, three of the biggest names in modern hard rock have announced that they will be joining forces for a triple co-headline North American tour next Spring. The Trinity Of Terror Tour will feature the unholy triumvirate of Motionless In White, Black Veil Brides and Ice Nine Kills and will be the first time ever that fans get to see all three bands on the same stage each night [full itinerary below].

The coast-to-coast outing, which will see the three bands alternating closing sets each night, is set to kick off on March 17th in Mesa, AZ and make stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, and more, before wrapping up with a performance at Norfolk’s Chartway Arena on April 27th. For tickets and more information, visit www.trinityofterrortour.com


TOUR DATES:

3/17 - Mesa, AZ - Mesa Amphitheater

3/18 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Palladium

3/19 - San Jose, CA - San Joes Civic

3/21 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory

3/22 - Calgary, AB - Grey Eagle Casino

3/23 - Edmonton, AB - Edmonton Convention Center

3/25 - Boise, ID - Revolution Concert House

3/26 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Great Salt Air

3/27 - Grand Junction, CO - Grand Junction Convention Center

3/29 - Wichita, KS - Cotillion Ballroom

3/30 - Oklahoma City, OK - The Criterion

4/01 - Des Moines, IA - Val Air Ballroom

4/02 - Chicago, IL - Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

4/03 - Oshkosh, WI - Oshkosh Arena

4/04 - Fargo, ND - Butler Arena at RRV Fairground

4/06 - Grand Rapids, MI - 20 Monroe

4/07 - Pittsburgh, PA - UPMC Events Center

4/08 - Indianapolis, IN - The Pavilion at Pan Am

4/09 - Pikeville, KY - Appalachian Wireless Arena

4/11 - Buffalo, NY - Buffalo Riverworks

4/13 - Wallingford, CT - The Dome

4/14 - Portland, ME - Cross Insurance Arena

4/15 - Huntington, NY - Paramount Theater

4/16 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore

4/19 - Birmingham, AL - Avondale Brewing Company

4/21 - St. Augustine, FL - Saint Augustine Amphitheatre*

4/22 - Tampa, FL - Amalie Arena*

4/23 - Orlando, FL - Central Florida Fairground*

4/24 - Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues

4/26 - Charlotte, NC - Fillmore

4/27 - Norfolk, VA - Chartway Arena

*Radio Show


A haunting opening gives way to hooky synths, pounding drum fill, and heavy guitars with an ultra catchy chorus in Young Medicine's new single "Cold Blooded."

Loosely based around the Haunting Of Bly Manor, Young Medicine describes the track as "a ghost story told from the ghost's perspective. Waiting from beyond the grave for what you've lost." 

"Cold Blooded" is out now on all platforms from the independent multi-genre label FiXT. Check it HERE.


Mexican Progressive Metal/Folk band Aztlan released their new album "Revolucion". The album was recorded at "Pirámide Estudio" and mixed/mastered by Jesus Bravo at "Bravesound Studio". It is a conceptual album dedicated to the armed movement between the people and the dictatorship, a struggle that took place in Mexico in 1910 called the Mexican revolution.

Check out the album below:

https://aztlanofficial.bandcamp.com/album/revolucion

Aztlan was formed in 2018 at Mexico City by El General (Vocal), Attila (Vocal / Guitar), Muerto (Guitar), Katu (Bass), Diablo (Drums), Jaguar (ancient percussions) and Cuauhtli (ancient percussions). The band released in 2018 their debut album "México inmortal" and in January 2021 their second album "Legion Mexica".



Canadian Death Metal/Grindcore band Ubruxum released their debut album "Mucho Bruxismo". The release was recorded, mixed and mastered at "The Woodshed" in Toronto, Canada between March and September 2021.

Check out the album below:

https://ubruxum.bandcamp.com/

Ubruxum was formed in 2019 in Toronto, Ontario by guitarist Jim Kollins and bassist Daniel Andreas. The band is now looking to further establish a solid foundation in the underground death metal scene, locally as well as internationally. Inspired by the criminally insane, the band is currently working on a new concept EP called 'Bruxumaniacs' that they plan to release in May, 2022.


Sicilian Gothic/Doom Metal band Nebrødi Murder released theirnew single "Ready For Burial Clothes" from the band upcoming album. The song was written in the Sinagra Cemetery, in Sicily. Recording, mix and master were made by Paolo Russo in Castell’Umberto.

Check out the single below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jorwrx2qLzg

Nebrødi Murder (stage name of Michele Sauta) was born as a project that unites different genres of metal, starting from folk up to doom metal.  The first projects date back to 2019 with folk and Symphonic Metal such as ‘Reign of North’ and ‘Devil's Gospel’.  From 2020 the main point of the published pieces also shifts to a sensorial and metaphysical effect.  The tracks feature orchestras and a lot of FX sounds that create a feeling of depth.


THE DARK HORDE take the 80's as their genre of choice, mixing heavy metal and rock to create their own style. Releasing three single's and an album, with newer material in the works with other creations also in the works. The band talks about their music, plans, and much more below.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Hello and thank you for having us! It’s Brewin here to answer your questions, incorporating answers from Hanny and Logan that created The Calling - a heavy metal horror concept album with me.

The Dark Horde is a collective of internationally recognised musicians, vocalists and actors from Melbourne, Australia. Together they have created The Calling, a concept album written and directed by Andrew “Brewin” Drage.

The Calling is a musical narrative experience featuring a supernatural horror story set to an "eighties heavy metal" soundtrack. It is the prequel to my award-winning horror novel The Dark Horde, set in south-eastern Australia in 1989.

I’ve worked on this concept album with various musicians, singers and actors since 2000, spawning many versions over the years, but only now has the final version been released. Hanny Mohamed (lead guitarist for power metal band “Black Majesty”) has been involved in the project since 2006 and is the main composer of the music which he wrote with Logan Jacobs. Main vocals are performed by Danny Cecati (singer for hard rock band “Wicked Smile”, ex-heavy metal bands Pegazus and Eyefear), and demonic vocals are performed by Shaun Farrugia (singer/guitarist for thrash metal band “In Malice’s Wake”). Guest tracks are performed by Chris Kane (lead guitarist for death metal band “Eye of the Enemy”) and James Lowe. Narration is performed by Kevin Powe, and guest acting performances are by Dexter Seamus, Jane Brewin and Andrew Carolane. Aldo “Valgorth” Requena (Hammerblaze) is the Argentine-based artist for the project, and it was mixed by Ricardo Borges and mastered by Jens Bogren (both of Swedish-based Fascination Street Studios).

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

The Dark Horde is both the name of the artistic collective behind the concept album, and the title of the supernatural horror novel that is written by me (published 2012) and follows this album. The Dark Horde in the story of the album and book are evil entities from another dimension, alien to this world and with malignant intent…

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Melbourne is renown for its live music scene, and I certainly know and am friends with many great metal bands here, including bands I’ve been honored to have had the pleasure to work with on this album – Black Majesty, Eye of the Enemy, Wicked Smile and In Malice’s Wake – but there are so many others. The last couple of years has put a dampener on the live scene of course, but Melbourne’s metal spirit will endure!

4. How would you describe your style?

Given that the story told in the album, and the related book, are both set in 1989, we wanted the music to reflect the heavy metal sounds of that time. And so Hanny and Logan created music reminiscent of late eighties Judas Priest in particular, but also Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper among others, interlaced with horror-movie soundscapes in the vein of composers such as John Carpenter and Giorgio Moroder.

Conceptually the biggest influences on the album are Jeff Wayne (in terms of the execution of the concept album), and the creative works of writers such as H.P.Lovecraft, Clive Barker and H.G.Wells.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

We have released three digital singles and the digital album this year (album released Oct 29), with physical CD copies and merch to follow shortly.

What awaits the listener is a heavy metal horror odyssey, a compelling story of supernatural horror with narration, actors, sound-effects, sung sections and music, performed by an assembly of experts in their craft. If you’re familiar with Jeff Wayne’s musical version of War of the Worlds from the late seventies, then think of this album as executed like that, only heavy metal and based on a supernatural horror novel instead.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

All of the musicians involved in this project certainly do. Myself I’m a writer primarily, but yes I’m always working on new creations too.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

Given this project is a studio project, with some sixteen total members (at last count), this isn’t something that is easy for us to manage, especially when you consider the number of bands and creatives involved. But there has been discussion on this and some ideas we’d love to do one day, so we’ll see…

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

As a “band”, it’s hard to say. At the moment we’re focused on growing awareness for this project because we believe that it’s deserves to be heard (and critics so far have been unanimous in agreement on this).

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

All of the details, including listen/download/buy links, YouTube links, artwork and reviews can be found here:

https://thebrewin.com/works/the-calling

And the Facebook page where news is more frequently posted is here:

https://www.facebook.com/TheDarkHorde/

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Set aside 50 minutes where you can be comfortable and immerse yourself in the journey. The full headphones experience is one way to do it, but I’ve also put together a lyric video playlist of the entire album which you can watch on YouTube here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqBA2W0pJD9Q50Vh1jTRwO9xIIZ6ZoHL7

Hope you enjoy and thanks for your time!


Hard rockin heavy metal band SKARLETT ROXX have a couple of single's out and about, with all more content underway as it were. The band has also been playing live as much as possible, wanting to do some touring of course. The band talks of their recent works and future plans below.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band. 

Members of the band have been playing together for a few years trying to put the permanent pieces together.  Jaxx, a former drummer and Kaiden were practicing together weekly and had started working on some originals when they invited Deuce to join the band after they invited Deuce to jam with them a couple of times.  At which point, the song writing moved forward tremendously.  However, once the band seemed complete , the original drummer decided he didn't want to be as serious and dedicated as Jaxx, Kaiden, and Deuce. The band had just secured a barn in the middle of nowhere, built a stage, ignored the bats buzzy around their heads and dedicated themselves to creating new music.  Soon after, Ash joined the band to complete the lineup that has been the Skarlett Roxx lineup since the summer of 2020.  Ash allowed Jaxx, Kaiden, and Deuce to blindfold him and take him to the barn for a tryout where the band's equipment was kept. 

The members had actually run in the same circles, new of each other, or had encounters with one another over the years, but didn't become a band until 2020.  The current lineup with Deuce and Ash joining Kaiden and Jaxx is really the only time there were four committed members of the band. Live performances and song writing took off with Jaxx, Kaiden, Deuce, and Ash. 

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name? 

Jaxx and Kaiden had been kicking around band names for quite some time as well as trying to design a logo.  Kaiden is a fan of both Roxx Gang and Scarlett Red.  Kaiden put them together and offered up Skarlett Roxx as an idea.  He jokingly laughs that he messed up the spelling to get Skarlett Roxx.  At one point they had kicked around changing the name, but they had already developed a bit of a following on social media as Skarlett Roxx so the band stuck with the name.  

3. Where’s the band based out of and what is your music scene like there?

We are based out of Eastern Iowa.  The Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area. It's a tough scene.  There are venues that support new bands with original music in Easten Iowa and the Des Moines area, like Wildwood and Wooly's as well as some others, but it's a tough scene to get started in without getting locked into four hour shows doing cover tunes that you would rather not play.  Are there any local bands you could recommend? We have been fortunate enough to play with young local bands like The Rumours and Youth Gone Wild who are extremely dedicated.  There are also popular acts that are heavier like Non Grata, Eugene Levy, Dark Agenda and Monroe that draw a good following.  Veteran acts that need a break like Skin Kandy are closer to our genre.  A very popular and talented pop act out of the Quad-Cites is Been There Done That.

4. How would you describe your style? 

We are a hard rock/metal band.  Some say we have a punk sound too.  If we have to pick one then we tend to say Sleaze Rock.  All of the band members are influenced by different bands from the early to late 80's.  However, Jaxx and Deuce are also heavily influenced by the 70's bands like KISS and Alice Cooper.  Kaiden loves bands like Santa Cruz, but also likes newer modern heavy bands.  Ash is very similar to Kaiden in that respect.  While he's a huge Dokken fan from the 80's, he loves newer modern heavy bands as well as a lot of pop punk.  When you see our live shows we think you hear all of those influences.  

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works? 

We have released two singles.  The first was called "Love Machine".  It's an 80's style tribute to the sex in sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll.  "Love Machine" is sung by Deuce Mac. The second single "King of the Dead" has been out for two weeks now. "King of the Dead" is sung by Lizzy Jaxx and is a much heavier tune with killer guitar work by Kaiden.  Expect a punky, kick ass sound when you think of us.

6. Do you have any new music in the works? 

Yes, we don't want to spoil too much, but we have more songs done and recorded. We are super excited about our next single.  We have more originals that our live audiences have got to hear that we haven't recorded quite yet and we are currently writing new material.  The band is real excited about a song we are putting the finishing touches on right now.  We plan on having a complete album or EP done in 2022 and doing a video to support one of the songs.  

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out? 

We are playing as many live shows as possible. We would like to do some touring.  We've opened for Hinder w/Small Town Titans.  We've opened for regional acts like Arch Allies.  We've teamed up with The Rumours for a show.  We're currently scheduled to open for Stephen Pearcy of Ratt this month and our doing back to back nights with Enuff-Z-Nuff and Tora Tora in April. Between those type of gigs we do our own shows to keep getting sharper bug don't want to wind up getting lumped in with the local cover bands. 

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band? 

The band intends to release their debut album and wants to play in bigger cities outside of the area in order to grow their fan base.  The band is dedicated to the music.  While we may be young to some, we see that as an opportunity to keep getting bigger and better.  We have fans outside of Iowa who want to see us.  We're committed to making it happen.  

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff? 

Our first two singles are on all of the streaming services around the world.  We have passed 10,000 streams on Spotify alone.  Check out clips of our live performances on our YouTube channel.  

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

What a breath of fresh air to hear hard rock/metal that isn't tuned down sludgy incoherent screaming by people who look homeless while on stage. A rebirth of hard rock that includes song writing and visual entertainment.  

We recently played a small metal festival that we will leave unnamed because everyone was tremendous to us there and there were good bands that we enjoyed.  It was a two day festival in Iowa.  We closed out the second night.  The owner of the establishment and their employees came running out to see us.  The told us they had two days of bands and our band was a breath of fresh air to hear and see live.  They couldn't wait for us to come back next year.

The thing is with a little bit of support Skarlett Roxx is here to stay.  We will only get better.  Our song writing will only get stronger. People will think, Rock and Roll isn't dead.  I can't wait to hear more from them in the future.  


Rock act GUY SNOWDON AND THE CITIZENS have been around for a while now, releasing content such as a couple of single's, and even a live EP and a debut album as well. A tour is expected sometime next year, with a whole lot more in-store! The band discusses all of this below.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

The band originated from Cleveland Ohio under the guided advice of manager David Spero (Bad Co, Patty Smythe and John Fogerty) who heard some of Guys music and encouraged him to get a band behind him and get the music out there. even though the band is based in Cleveland Ohio the band members are from England and across the USA. 

Guy Snowdon lead singer and bass guitar is originally from Birmingham England    

Zach LeFeber Drums is originally from Botson Massachusetts  

Billy Brock Organ and Keys is from Cleveland Ohio 

Tyler Ray Guitar is originally from Cambridge Springs Pennsylvania 

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

The origin of the band name was simply the idea that guy is the only member who is not a US citizen. 

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Being based in Cleveland which is the home of American rock (also the home of the rock and roll hall of fame. The music scene is incredibly active (covid depending) and very diverse. there are so many bands we would recommend but one to look out for is a band called Orange Animal john their singer has an incredible voice.

4. How would you describe your style?

We would call our style Anglo-American rock but our style really crosses in to many different genres. 

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

We have released two singles a live EP and just recently our debut album 1. what you can expect from our music is an experience. with our first two singles they were just hard hitting in your face rock songs which got us going on our journey. our live ep was done during lock down and that is a great  performance of what you can expect from the band live. the album is commercial, heavy, anthemic, bluesy and so many other ways i cant list them all. we brought in guest musicians from vocalists to violinists to really help us create something we are incredibly proud of. 

6. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

The band is looking at organizing a tour starting next spring around the Midwest.

7. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

The plans for our future is to keep this band growing, we started at the beginning at the start of a world wide pandemic but we have managed to grow, produce music and just get ourselves out there which has been a tough challenge but we have proved that wont and cant stop us.

8. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

You can find our music on all major platforms (Spotify iTunes amazon etc). we do have merch which will be available on  our website very soon http://www.guyandthecitizens.com.

9. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Hold on tight!


Hard rock grunge band DEAD ECHOES have a couple of single's out, with another single out real soon, with even an album coming soon too! The band chats of their music, possibly playing and just releasing more content as time goes on.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

We have each been involved in music in some way, shape, or form for the majority of our lives. Whether it was playing in a band, writing songs, or running a studio… music has always been something we have actively tried to participate in. We are very passionate about it. We grew up listening to older bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Metallica. It was pretty much the same story for each of us. When we started dabbling in music we were listening to and inspired by bands like Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Tool, Godsmack, and Pearl Jam.  

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

The name Dead Echoes comes from the subject matter of the first album, which is all about escaping abusive relationships… whether with someone else or with yourself. Dead Echoes are what is left of yourself in the aftermath of it all… and it’s up to you to pick yourself up and rise up again.  

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

The group was formed in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. The music scene that we are familiar with is the rock / metal scene. Most bands are doing prog metal. While we enjoy listening to that style we wanted to do something that was closer to our musical roots. Unfortunately, there haven’t been a lot of local bands doing much of anything due to the pandemic. 

4. How would you describe your style?

The best way to describe it would be a modern take on hard rock and grunge. There are a few elements from other genres as well that we have used to craft our sound. There is definitely a lot of metal and hip hop influence in the design of the rhythm sections of each track as well. 

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

Right now we have four singles out and about to release a fifth within the next couple weeks. We also have a full length album that is going to drop in a month or so. The announcement for that is coming soon. The album is our first and will have 15 tracks on it. It’s called “Twin Flames” and from start to finish tells a story about a relationship gone wrong. It explores a lot of darker and very real topics such as abuse and suicide, but it was written from a very real and very personal experience. 

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Aside from this new album coming out, we are already fleshing out songs from the next album. Really good stuff. A bit different from what the current material. Maybe more “evolved” and a bit heavier. 

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

It’s been difficult to really get anything together as far as playing live shows due to the pandemic and how it has affected our area, but it is something we have been discussing for a while. So we will see what happens.  

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

We plan to continue to write new music and tell new stories. This is what we love to do and we don’t have any plans to slow down. 

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Our music is available to listen to on all major streaming platforms. Our merch is available for purchase on iconicthreadscc.com. 

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time

I would say maybe the raw emotion that was put into the writing. I think that is the strongest part of our music, is that it is written from real life experiences that we have had to deal with. 


Alternative rock band CRASHKID has been around for sometime, releasing an EP and a handful of single's with more expected soon enough. The band talks about their music, getting to play shows again and more.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Members: TJ Green (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Andrew Dunn (Lead Guitar), Matthew Simpson (Bass), and Harry Bang (Drums)

We formed in 2018 as three-piece before the current four-piece line-up formed in the summer of 2019.

Me (TJ) and Harry met in high school, which is when we formed the band, making us the only two original members.

Matthew joined the band in Dec 2019 in order to replace the previous bassist, he followed the band prior to joining and attended an audition where he played songs we had at the time and displayed keenness and enthusiasm in this musicianship.

Andrew joined briefly before our first performance as the new line-up, Andrew attended one of the initial CRASHKID! gigs and we’re friends for a long while before he joined. I asked if he could join the band as he showed a genuine drive to create and perform and we shared a similar music taste.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?


‘CRASHKID!’ was a band name I made when I was 16. I like the band name ‘The Clash’ (from which I got ‘CRASH’) and the name of a Green Day song called ‘X-Kid’ (from which I got ‘Kid’). I have always liked the idea of band names that you couldn't associate with anything but the band, like certain brand names. It is almost like an entity of its own.

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We are based in Central Scotland with the most significant music scene being the Glasgow Music Scene. The music scene in Glasgow has a mixture of many different genres/styles with their own unique aesthetics. However, the most prominent genres/styles would be Punk/Indie Rock. Also, there are a number of popular androgynous bands that push the boundaries of gender expression, due to Scotland being known for supporting inclusive and the LGBTQ+ community.

Key bands that I would suggest would include:

Walt Disco

Stoned Immaculate

Lucia and the Best Boys

Dead Pony

Spyres

4. How would you describe your style?

We would say that we are an Alternative Rock band that takes influence from a variety of different genres/styles, including Indie Rock, Blues, Funk, Soul, Grunge, R&B, and Post-Punk.

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

As a three-piece, we had released an EP, ‘Lovebites’, and a single ‘Pre-Show Jitters’. As the current line-up, we have released three singles, ‘Lipstick’, ‘Icon’ and most recently on Nov 19th, ‘Make it Your Own'.

You can expect us to continually be playing with new ideas and experimenting with different styles/approaches whilst maintaining our identity. Expect gritty, expressive, and androgynous style vocals; tongue-in-cheek style lyrics that explore introspections and observations; fiercely infectious guitar riffs; a groove-driven powerhouse rhythmic section.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

We have just released our new single, ‘Make It Your Own’ on Nov 19th, and have another single recorded which will be released in the coming months.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

We will be playing our second sold-out gig of the first 6 months back on Nov 26th at Sneaky Petes in Edinburgh, supporting the Capollos and we will be playing the Garage in Glasgow on Dec 16th, tickets are currently available for purchase via our Linktree in our bio.

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

We have a few more releases ahead that we would look forward to releasing in the coming months and we are continually seeking new gig opportunities. We are planning to hopefully find the opportunity to perform in England within the next year, which is looking more likely as things progress.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

You can listen to us on all major music platforms and you can buy our music on iTunes. We are currently working on merch, so keep your eyes peeled!

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

I would like listeners to take away the impression that we are creating music that passionate, full of energy and that there are four people behind it all who are making music that they are truly proud of.


BRETT SCHIEBER is a solo artists as well as an artist with a band, having released an array of content thus far. He himself goes into discussion about what he has done and where it plans to go from here on out.


1. Please tell us about the history of your music journey.

I’ve been obsessed with music all of my life. All of my first memories are attached to music - playing my Mom’s “Strawberry Fields/Penny Lane” & “We Can Work It Out/Day Tripper” 45’s, staring at the yellow and orange sticker swirl around…playing my little plastic guitar and drumming on boxes…Professionally, I've written and recorded music under my own name, am half of an artsy pop duo called Arcanum with my friend, Tree, have done a lot of session work on mainly hip hop and R&B songs, and also write and record educational music for kids under the name Mark D. Pencil. I’ve always wanted to do a rock and soul thing, so my new project is more of a Mark Ronson sort of idea. I’m getting different singers to sing each song. I’m very excited about this and my new single is with Tèmi- a really cool singer. 

2. Where are you based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

I’m in Atlanta. It’s mostly hip hop and country around here. Locally, I’m a big fan of Lewis Ray’s voice. Luckily, I got him to sing on my next single! 

3. How would you describe your style?

My new project- the one with featured singers- is Rock and Soul. My other music is best described as artsy and alternative. 

4. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

My new single with Tèmi is called “Seasons Change (My Summer Flame)”. Expect future rock and soul singles with featured singers in the near future. 

5. Do you have any new music in the works?

A lot! New singles with featured singers, new Arcanum, and maybe new solo music and Mark D. Pencil too. 

6. How about playing shows and touring?

I usually play small acoustic gigs, mainly around Atlanta. I haven’t played since the pandemic though, but maybe sometime soon. 

7. What plans do you have for the future? 

To keep writing, recording, working with as many great artists as possible. 

8. Where can we listen to your tunes and where can we buy your stuff?

All of my music is everywhere music is sold and streamed. Just search for “Brett Schieber”, “Arcanum”, and “Mark D. Pencil”. 

9. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time? 

That’s a tough question. It’s difficult enough to even get anyone to listen at all! However, once someone listens, I hope they feel that it’s genuine and heartfelt because all of it truly is. 

10. Is that your final answer?

Thanks for your time and for listening!


Going with their own styling comes BONNIE who has three LP's along with 3 EP's as well. But not only do they have all of that content, but all new material in the works currently. This band talks of their works and what's planned next.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

BONNIE was founded in 2013 by singer BONNIE and songwriter / multi-instrumentalist Ueli “Hoffi” Hofstetter. Originally the band was named BONNIE & the groove Cats, as they started as a R’n’R-Band. Since 2013 the band played up to 250 shows in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy and Czech Republic and produced and released 4 full albums and 3 EP’s. They charted in Switzerland on No 5 with their EP “The Gap I” in 2019. 

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

BONNIE is just the name of front-girl BONNIE😊

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

BONNIE is based in Switzerland, in the suburban of Zurich. Swiss music scene has a large range from folk-music to metal and a lot of foreign bands are touring Switzerland – not only because chocolat! There are a lot of cool bands around like Steff la Cheffe or Stefanie Heizmann who play original stuff too.

4. How would you describe your style?

We call our style: “Vintage Soul and Roll” – as it includes different influences and shows what we are: open-minded. 

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

We released 3 full albums, 3 EP’s and a bunch of singles so far. 8000 Miles is our latest song, released November 26th 2021, including a video, that was filmed in planetarium Lucerne. We play our sound that is based on BONNIE’s warm voice with sensitive lyrics and varied arrangements. 

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

As we are writing / producing all the time, we have a bunch of songs that are finished or we currently in process. Music is the way. 

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

Due to the current situation we only play single shows here in Switzerland. But we’d love to go on tour all over Europe as soon as possible. 

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

We plan to go our way, writing and releasing songs and go on stage and play wherever we are wanted.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

You can find BONNIE on the website: www.bonnieandthegroovecats.com, on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bonnieandthegroovecats and on all significant download and streaming platforms. 

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

A voice to remember, smart hook lines and sound, authenticity and honesty.


Death Valley High, the San Francisco-based doom pop/death disco four-piece, mark this past Black Friday with the release of a new 5-track single, “Raise Hell/+ Down Side Up +” (https://linktr.ee/minushead) and the debut of a video for “+ Down Side Up +” (https://youtu.be/jewv-eoAiks).

“We are really just thrilled to return from the void of 2020 with some new music,” explains singer/guitar player Reyka Osburn. “No restrictions, no angles; just us creating, syphoning our world, and delivering what's in our heads and hearts. These are two new songs about motivation, from a darker angle. ‘Raise Hell’ being a ‘fight fire with hellfire’ call to arms and ‘+ Down Side Up +’ being about picking oneself up in the dark, calling on some ancestral bloodline strength.”

The additional tracks on the single, available digitally (HERE), include “The Twist 2020,” a revisited track (originally just “The Twist”) on its 10 year anniversary. “Warm Bodies (Chase Alan Willis Remix),” and a remixed version of “Raise Hell” featuring Death Valley High alumni Daniel Ka$$hu aka Mevius.


American Melodic Death/Black Metal band Somat released their new album "Screams of the Somnambulist". The release was recorded, mixed and mastered by the band in "Darkmoon Studios".

Check out the album from the link below:

https://somat.bandcamp.com/releases

Somat was formed in late September, 2021 by Velda S Cardwell (Guitar, Bass, Keyboards) and Michael Helmont (Drums) in South Carolina, USA. After recording a short practice demo, they sought a vocalist who would fit their needs in Caleb Bourguignon, who is based in Nova Scotia.


American Blackened Sludge Metal band Flowers Of Flesh released their new self titled EP. The release was mixed and mastered at Apothecary Sound by Tim Nyss, who also played session drums and bass and did the art. Francois  Boyenval also contributed to the sessions cello on the last track.

Check out the release from the link below:

https://flowersoffleshofficial.bandcamp.com/releases

Flowers Of Flesh was formed in 2021 at Cleveland, Ohio by Jake O'Brien (guitar/vocals) who has influences by Scott Walker and Lee Ranaldo as well as movies and soundtracks.  


Sometime has gone by since last talking with GABRIEL CYPHRE, way back when he had released his music, and to this day he has continued to do so. But quite a lot has to be said here, about his time of performance, releasing more content and where this all leads too next for him....

1.  It's been 8 years, close to almost 10 years! Since we last spoke way back when in 2013, then you were a one man band are you to this day?

Gabriel: Hi Natalie, it's nice to be back here speaking to you, and wow, it feels like it was only yesterday, time flies! And of course I am, it's only passion for music and art in general that drives me to keep making contents by my own, that's the best part of it, that you get to express your feelings anyways the way you wish, with the music, instruments, compositions, lyrics, photos, and videos, without having others telling you what you can do and what you cannot do. Of course this has big disadvantage: time. I spent many hours everyday learning new skills to keep improving and creating new things.

2. So if you are still that one man band, when it comes to a live show how does that work out, do you become an octopus and play all the instruments at once!

Gabriel: I wish I could, but no. Usually a one man band pays tour members that play live music without being officially part of the band, which is not my case anyways. I simply don't do live shows around the world. If I had to do live shows then I wouldn't have enough time to create new contents, and also, I don't even have any idea of how to set up a live show. I'm a cat, I like to stay at home and work from home, a live show would not make me happy, even though could be profitable.

3. Speaking of live performances did GC get to play shows or go on tour since 2013? How did those play out for you?

Gabriel: I haven't played a single live show since 2010, when I had a live performance with Jeffree Star, and that was a big defeat for me, but, oh well, you don't grow without trying new things even if you're not successful at those, do you? 

Now, usually when I talk about it to friends, they always ask me questions about it, and here I'm giving you content people want to know. 

Yes I've met Jeffree Star in real life, in 2010, he had pink short hair, with a half shaved side, I was the first to get on the stage and perform, and he was there in the backstage.

Before my performance we were shaking hands, and he was the first coming to me saying "Hi, nice to meet you" with a big smile on his face, he was pretty kind, and he invited us (me and my band members) to his side of the backstage to eat food, there was a big amount of food everywhere, we said thanks but didn't join their party because we didn't know any of those people there. Then after my performance (because I was the first to perform that night) I went to the backstage, and we were taking photos with every bands there was; there were also other bands called Brokencide and another British band that I cannot recall the name, and Helalyn Flowers that for some technical problem didn't manage to reach us that night; but when we were about to take a photo with Jeffree, he turned around and went away, he was looking at us like he was pissed, his drummer stepped forward promising us to take a photo later and to leave them alone. That's what we did. At the end of the night, we were all supposed to take photos with fans, but, Jeffree star and his band was already in their van trying to go away; our manager asked us to take photos with his fans and tell people to wait for Jeffree to come in the hall, because Jeffree was mad at something and wanted to leave as soon as possible without being interrupted by the fans (there were about 300 people anyways, not too many); but all the people were stopping Jeffree's van from leaving, they realized he wouldn't take any photo with them and we couldn't have a photo with him as well.

The very next day, I've got a private message on twitter from Jeffree Star, and here I mention his words, I still have the screenshot: "You'll never be anyone, so stop trying to be me motherfucker!". And that was the day I have learnt an example not to follow, how not to behave with fans, followers, or just people that you inspire, because, he was one of the top 3 artists that I was mostly inspired from at that time, and reading those angry words and negative feelings against me, well I can assure you that was like a stab in the heart.

So, there I have decided that it was the last time I would do a live performance, because it was definitely not worth it, having to risk to encounter another similar experience in the future. 


4. Are there any plans for anymore live showcases or touring in the coming future or perhaps an online gig?

Gabriel: There are definitely no plans for future live shows, it is a choice I have made back in 2010, and when I decide to chose something so important, that's a definitive choice, just like the choice I have made about not printing more albums to do my part with the battle against the plastic waste. Both are choices that damage my wallet , but I think there are things that are more important than money, nature and positivity are surely priceless.

5. Way back when you had released your new song and single titled "Children Of Madness", with that came your debut album "Master Of Madness", did that track appear on that release? 

Gabriel: Master of Madness was an album coming earlier than that single; Children of Madness was a single coming after the album, it was a track to thank all the supporters that were there spending their money to keep making me create music, even though there weren't many at that time. 

6.  How many has GC changed since that debut album release up until the then and now that is 2021 in terms of music and style or are you still the same old GC?

Gabriel: This is a really big question, I could stay here talking for ages about it. 

I'd say I have been changing a lot over the years, but something remained always the same. And now I explain it.

I have changed a lot, means that every album has it's own life, story and theme, after Master of Madness I have released "Rainbow on the Fallen Skylands" back in 2014, and it was a big mix of rock, metal, dubstep and orchestral instruments. 

The lyrics and the atmospheres were all inspired by a book I have wrote when i was younger, but have never released;  the book was about a story of a paradise destroyed to pieces by the darkness, and about a savior coming from another dimension that had to help the weak and fix the horror happening in that place. The story represents what's happening to our individual life, we born, we live our childhood, then we grow and realize that one day all the good things will end, and many of us grab ourselves to that hope that keeps us living better and boosts our self confidence, that hope called "religion", which is metaphorically the savior in my book, it is a kind of angel called "the bringer of rainbow", that falls to this place in ruins, and help all the super-natural beings he finds in this place, and they all fix the balance of the universe once they all reunite to work together against the foes. It is kind of the same story that we can read in the new testament, but it is in a more colorful and fantastic story.

After "Rainbow on the fallen skylands", without mentioning the EP and the singles, the next album was "Creepypasta" which is all inspired by different horror stories that were popular on the internet at that time, such as the "Slenderman" and "Jeff the Killer". For the making of the music for this album I have been inspired by all the famous horror movies of the 80s and 90s', for the very first time I wrote all the songs of this album in minor scales, and here I have learnt to write better lyrics and better compositions as well, still nothing comparable to the levels of what I can do nowadays. 

In 2018 I have released the very first big masterpiece I have ever done before, at least that what it is for me. It is titled "Memento Mori". 

I have been recently listening to it after a long time, and I was amazed about how I did manage to compose such music, and re-discover all the hidden meanings behind lyrics and the composition itself it was mind blowing.

The album is a "Remember that we have to die", it's a malencholic and yet romantic way of reminding the listener about the time ticking away, and that the listener is not alone. For me, it has been a therapeutic way of healing after a very important loss in my life. 

I was crying all the nights and I needed to exorcise those demons tormenting me by making music and writing lyrics. 

Of course the album respects a very symmetrical and studied structure, there are the 3 pillars of the album, "Memento Mori I Cypress, "M.M. II Ebony" and "M.M. III Ivory", each one of them, if united, make one single song of a Latin ancient Requiem prayer. The whole album has a symphonic orchestra sound and orchestral compositions, there's no track of rock at all.

In this album there's my favorite song of all times titled "Of Flash and Agony", the atmosphere of the music is inspired by a videogame called "Agony", but the lyrics are mostly poetry of a romantic love that has died, and one of the two lovers is suffering the loss of the other, "I die one kiss at a time", suffering a loss till the point of wanting to die. The album also contains "Soul Reaver", which is entirely inspired by the videogame titled the same way, and "Lightless Glory", this one is inspired by the story of the biggest mass suicide that happened in 1978 in Jonestown.

The album also contains "Darkness within" and "In the shadow of war", the first is inspired by the videogame "Vampyr" and the other by the stories of the world of Tolkien. All the songs of the album are connected by the number 13, 23, the cat, the theme of love and death, and the bible of the catholic religion. There would be a lot more to talk about this album, because the things hidden here and there are many, but maybe we'll do it another time.

However, after Memento Mori, I have been releasing loads of singles, till finally, the fifth studio album, and this time I have completely composed, written, and produced in my new studio with new instruments and devices, that's why the cost of this album has been absolutely higher than all others, about €21.500,00, and the sad part is that I will never get it back, because, as you may know, nowadays you can make money with music only if you're a billionaire, otherwise it's only a loss of capital, but, on the other hand, it is my passion, and what makes me keep doing music in 2021 is only the burning desire of expressing feelings; I receive messages everyday from fans telling me how my music has been therapeutic for them, and that makes me feel happy, and there's no money that can buy this feeling of gratitude I have for it.


The new album is titled "Why So Serious", it is heavily influenced by Marilyn Manson, Slipknot, and a little bit of David Bowie as well. The theme is obviously about the Batman's Joker, and the music and the lyrics reflect exactly the Joker's character: aggressive, energetic, funny, and a little romantic as well.

I have been using the Batman's Joker as a symbol of rebellion against nowadays society, against the wrong political administrations carrying the weak to the bottom, and the rich always to the top. We are facing a moment in history where the capitalism that has been re-designed by the USA in 1950, already crossed a border that is no longer sustainable, and the songs of this album is a wake up call for the listeners; again, there is too much to say about it, that it won't be enough just a couple of hours talking about it.

Like almost all other albums, this one is made of 13 songs, with the 3 pillars, "The Killing Smile I", "II", and "III". My favorite song of the album is indeed "Ha Ha Ha!", it represents the whole album, it's as energic as I was (and still am) while the making of the album, the lyrics are exactly about the main theme of the album, a big wake up call telling that we are slaves in invisible chains. "Killer Quinn", it's the only pop song of the album, it is the most romantic one, well, as romantic as the Joker would be anyways. I have used the Joker's world as a metaphor of our world, a big example is "Gotham in Flames", I am singing about Gotham, "Gotham is in flame, and who are you gonna hate when there's no one left to blame?" It's a clear mirror that reflects our world, in flames because the criminals set it to fire, and there's no one to blame but ourselves, we are the criminals killing our own world, ignoring the climate change and killing each other for money. Another song i love from this album is "Joker Forever", when you know all the things that are wrong in the world, such as disequalities, wrong political choices, politicians telling us lies to keep us behave like sheeps, you feel that feeling where your are in chains that you cannot even see, like a door that you are promised to walk through one day, but that day never comes, then you feel that feeling of revenge rising inside you, and you wish to just make everyone notice you by doing something extreme, such as a mass massacre, and that's what this song is all about "I complete you, a freak like me breaking your rules, You'll love me when my lips go blue", because history have teached us that those who make a change, are the same that have been making a loud noise, and being persecuted for singing outside of the choir, look at Galileo Galilei, Oscar Wilde, Nikola Tesla, Jamal Khashoggi, or Julian Assange, ambassadors of truth, persecuted by a corrupted law; those are my heroes, and this song talks about them as being the Jokers of our world, rebels for a good cause.

Another song I love about this new album is "Damaged Mind", it's about something I have learnt during many years, that you always have to be yourself to achieve what you want, you cannot walk somebody else's road, because everyone of us has different possibilities and luck, and we need to find those that work best for us, instead of emulating everybody else and being unhappy for the whole life. I sing "You'll never make it if you care what others think, we mature with the damage", and this exactly summarize what I'm just talking about, the road we are walking can be though, most of the times it feels like everything works against us, so many doors closed for us, but then, after trying a million times, you finally open one, and man if that feels good! I know there are many people struggling not being able to achieve what they wish, relationship, job, passion, because they simply do what they are teached to do,  but the magic trick is exactly walking always to the point we wanna get, even though it's exhausting, and painful, and everybody does everything possible to stop you from doing that, I know how that feels, and that's what I mean "we mature with the damage", the more the stones they throw at you, the stronger you get, and the closer to your target you get.

As you can see, each album I have made, it has been a huge change if compared to the previous release, but, there are things that remained always the same, such as the number 13 being present in every album; this number symbolizes the death to the matter or to oneself and the birth to the spirit: the passage on a higher level of existence, for the superstitious, this number brings bad luck or misfortune, therefor it is indeed my fav number, and I hide it very well everywhere I can, even in my art name. 

Another thing that has remained the same is the duality in the lyrics I write, and every single album has a spirit animal that is recalled in the lyrics, photos and music; for Master of Madness it was a butterfly symbol of metamorphosis and rebirth. Rainbow on the Fallen Skyland has a Flamingo as a spirit animal, it symbolizing effortless grace, balance and rebirth; ancient Egyptians considered the flamingo the embodiment of the sun god, Ra; Because of their bright, fire-like plumage, their image became a symbol of fire, emotions, and inspiration. Creepypasta has a dead deer as a spirit animal, symbolizing the death of gratefulness, kindness, and innocence.  Memento Mori has a black cat, symbol of a bad omen and death. Why So Serious has a Hyena as spirit animal, which symbolizes good humor, slyness, and resourcefulness, Hyenas do indeed make loud barking noises that sound like cackling laughter, but it's not because they're amused by anything. Instead, a hyena's "laughter" is actually a form of communication used to convey frustration, excitement, or fear, just like the Batman's Joker.

7. You had said that album was part metalcore, gothic, and dubstep are those the genre of choice to this day or have you changed up the styling?

Gabriel: I have been changing style of music all the time, as previously declared, but one genre of music has remained the same since 2016, and I'm talking about that gothic "veil" in all my songs that I have made since then to the present days; some song has more of it and some other a little less.

8. So what have you released since that debut album, give us a brief summary if you may.

Gabriel: So far 5 studio albums in total and many covers and singles. As I have previously said, the albums are: "Master of Madness", "Rainbow on the Fallen Skylands", "Creepypasta", "Memento Mori", and "Why So Serious".

9.  A new album is expected this August being released on F13 which I think you also did for your debut album releasing it on a F13 Day too! So will that be a GC staple?

Gabriel: The album has been released October the 13th, and it was available for pre-order in August the 13th.

10. Do you have any newer music in the works?

Gabriel: I'm always working on new music, I have loads of singles and covers that have never been released because, you know, as I said, it's always a big loss of money, but, yea, I am already starting to work on a new album as well, cannot say too much at the moment tho.

11. What about side projects any other activities at work or is GC the main aspect of you?

Gabriel: You mean if I have another project where I make music? I do not , it takes a big amount of time to make music for my project, but I do produce other bands music in my studio, I play instruments, compose their songs, record and mix them up for them, but that's one of my jobs, I am not officially a part of any other project, and probably never will; I love my project, I wouldn't change it for anything else. 

12. When it comes to your appearance you tend to change things up, what's the current look for you?

Gabriel: Oh yes! I love changing, I don't feel like I'm a guy or a girl, I just love to stay in that limbo between the two, so I can switch based on my mood from one to the other; and the same thing can be told about what I look in the videos and in the photos, I think you can express more if you give yourself the chance to change things and being open to new horizons.


13. Does GC have any collabs in terms of fashion or anything along those areas because it seems you got quite the style and would think something would commence; rather appeal, comic, or maybe even beverages oh GREEN coffee since you tend to have green hair at times. 

Gabriel: I do have some collaboration going on with important brands at the moment, I have been blessed with the most amazing fans in the world, and I'm very picky when I am about to sign a contract with new sponsors, because I need my fans to get the best contents and products. Differently from other influencers, I have declined, and still declining many opportunities that have been proposed to me, because I have high standards when it comes to business and art.  

14. Upon your Spotify your debut album "Master Of Madness" isn't listed why is this, will we see a reissue or re-release coming soon?

Gabriel: That's true, my old music productions have been taken down, it was my choice, of letting the new people that discover my music to find only the best music productions I have made. I have been receiving tons of messages from my oldest fans, asking me all the time where they could find my old songs, well they are still available to buy but only in one of my online shops; this way, only those that already liked these songs back then, still have a chance to get them today; while the new fans are not even that much interested in those songs because they simply don't know them. If those songs will be re-released in all other platforms? I don't know, probably just a couple of them for a future greatest hits.

15. With that album it will be 10 years in just 2 years from now, would you consider celebrating it in any shape or form? It would be a cool idea to not just perform it in full, but really throw back and make yourself LOOK as you did during that album's cycle would be cool addition.

Gabriel: That's actually a quite interesting idea! We have 2 years to think about it, maybe I could actually do something nostalgic like that.

16. So what can the fans both new and old expect to see from you between now into the rest of this year?

Gabriel: I have in mind of making new videos, but who knows, time will tell us.

17. Would you like to say or add on anything more?

Gabriel: Actually yes, I am grateful to you for giving me another chance to speak with this interview. Thank you Natalie and knowing you're still keeping your blog fresh and alive after all these years, well that's really inspiring.

18. Is that your final answer?

Gabriel: Sure thing, thank you Natalie.

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