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News

March 2023 – Best New Metal Releases

Wow – what a jam-packed month we just had. So much great music was released from so many different bands. We even gave out a couple of really high scores too. So for the month of March we realised that we couldn’t just focus on a handful of our favourite releases. It would be unfair not to mention the rest. Try to treat this more like a month in review if you can. We’re not sure if this is the format we’ll keep for months ahead (we’re kind of making this up as we go), but for now enjoy this slightly more comprehensive list of all the best metal releases for March 2023. We have no doubt you’ll find something here that pleases you earbuds!

Ad Infinitum ~ Chapter III – Downfall

Format: Album
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Release Date: March 31st, 2023
Shieldmaiden: Melissa Bonny (Vocals)

Elysion ~ Bring Out Your Dead

Format: Album
Genre: Gothic Metal
Release Date: March 17th, 2023
Shieldmaiden: Christianna (Vocals)

LYRRE ~ Not All Who Dream Are Asleep

Format: Album
Genre: Symphonic/Folk Metal
Release Date: 30th March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Michalina Malisz (Vocals, Hurdy-Gurdy)

Babymetal ~ The Other One

Format: Album
Genre: J-Metal
Release Date: 24th March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Su-metal (Suzuka Nakamoto; Vocals), Moametal (Moa Kikuchi; Vocals)

Frozen Crown ~ Call of the North

Format: Album
Genre: Power Metal
Release Date: 10th March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Giada Etro (Vocals), Fabiola “Sheena” Bellomo (Guitars)

Phantom Elite ~ Blue Blood

Format: Album
Genre: Symphonic/Melodic Metal
Release Date: 17th March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Marina La Torraca (Vocals)

Temtris ~ Khaos Divine

Format: Album
Genre: Heavy / Thrash Metal
Release Date: 17th March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Genevieve Rodda (Vocals)

Kamelot ~ The Awakening

Format: Album
Genre: Power Metal
Release Date: 17th March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Kobra Paige (Vocals), Svenja Kehder (Vocals; Choir), Tina Guo (Cello), Simone Simons (Vocals), Melissa Bonny (Vocals), Ina Morgan (Vocals; Backing)

Asylum Pyre ~ Call Me Inhuman – The Sun – The Fight – Part 5

Format: Album
Genre: Progressive / Power Metal
Release Date: 24th March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Oxy Hart (Vocals)

Visions of Atlantis ~ Pirates Over Wacken

Format: Live Album
Genre: Symphonic / Power Metal
Release Date: 31st March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Clémentine Delauney (Vocals)

Vintersea ~ At the Gloaming Void

Format: Single
Genre: Extreme Progressive Metal
Release Date: 15th March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Avienne Low (Vocals)

Seven Spires ~ Live at Progpower USA XXI

Format: Live Album
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Release Date: 17th March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Adrienne Cowan (Vocals)

Sukkhu ~ In Their Names

Format: EP
Genre: Black Metal
Release Date: 23rd March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Morgause (Vocals)

Nervosa ~ Endless Ambition

Format: Single
Genre: Thrash Metal
Release Date: 28th March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Prika Amaral (Vocals; Guitars), Helena Kotina (Guitars), Hel Pyre (Bass), Michaela Naydenova (Drums)

Serenity in Murder ~ Matrix

Format: Single
Genre: Symphonic Death Metal
Release Date: 17th March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Ayumu (Vocals)

Ioana Ellyn ~ The Wailing

Format: Single
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Release Date: 17th March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Ioana Ellyn (Vocals)

Velkhanos ~ Gunpowder

Format: Single
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Release Date: 3rd March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Miriam Ortiz (Vocals)

Infinitas ~ Xana

Format: Single
Genre: Melodic Metal
Release Date: 8th March 2023
Shieldmaiden: Mary Crane (Vocals)

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Press Release

French female-fronted symphonic prog-metal trio Oïkoumen release and stream new album ‘Dystopia’

2 years and a half after its debut and self-titled EP, French symphonic prog-metal trio Oïkoumen self-released a first full-length record called ‘Dystopia’ on CD & digital through the main legal platforms.

This concept album is about the anxiety generated by receiving all day long (bad) news from all around the world (from ecological and economic to human issues)

In addition to the official release-news, the band also shared the whole effort for full-streaming on Bandcamp.

Oïkoumen comes from a Greek word “oïkoumene” which refers to the known and habitable world. It is also a notion related to mankind and its relationships with its environment.

It hints at what we are all part of but also points all that we still have to discover.

The ouroboros refers to the eternal renewal of mankind and time as cycles. It is pierced by rays of light to bring a bit of optimism in this dark reality.

+++

As a band Oïkoumen was founded in 2017 by Elie V. composer and Laura M. lyricist. At this time the band was more rooted in historical themes. Then Yael F. joined in 2018 as the bass player and synths programmer.

First influenced by big names of the symhonic metal scene such as Epica, Nightwish and Within Temptation, the band released its debut and self-titled EP (2020) with the aim to tell about historical subjects in their works and share epic vibes.

However, with the single “The Green Queen” and then the album ‘Dystopia’ (fall 2022), the band heads towards a more brutal and incisive aesthetic with the harmony and rythmics but still with symphonic vibes thanks to the orchestras.

FFO : Epica, Gojira, Dream Theater, Tool, Nightwish, Amberian Dawn, Meshuggah, Jinjer…

BUY MERCH AND PHYSICAL EDITIONS OF THE ALBUM

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Press Release

RATBREED Releases New Single “Under Fire” with Lyric Video via Wormholedeath Records

Finnish heavy metal band Ratbreed has released their second single “Under Fire,” accompanied by a lyric video via Wormholedeath Records. The band’s new album is set to be released soon, which will be the follow-up to their debut album “Evoke The Blaze” which was released back in 2018.

Ratbreed is known for its unique heavy metal sound, and “Under Fire” is no exception. Produced and recorded by the band themselves, the mixing and mastering were taken care of by Juho Räihä (Swallow The Sun, Wolfheart, etc.) at Soundspiral Audio. The band’s first single “Master Of Deception” was released in September 2022, and it was an instant hit among their fans.

The new single “Under Fire” is a perfect example of Ratbreed’s musical prowess, and it features the powerful vocals of Jasmin Anglén, accompanied by the skilled guitar work of Mikko Kaipainen and Fabio de Oliveira. Tatu Nyman on bass and Mikko Toivonen on drums provide a solid backbone to the band’s heavy sound, making for an unforgettable musical experience.

The band has also released a lyric video for “Under Fire,” which perfectly captures the intensity of the music and showcases the band’s lyrical prowess. The single cover art was created by Petri Lampela, and the band photo was taken by Mike Sirén.

Ratbreed’s discography includes their debut album “Evoke The Blaze” (2018), and several singles including “Gates Of Underworld” (2018), “Hunting High, Reaping Low” (2018), “Master Of Deception” (2022), and their latest release “Under Fire” (2023). They also have two demo releases, “Escape From The Asylum / Mad World” (2016).

To stay up to date with Ratbreed’s latest news and updates, follow them on Facebook and Instragram:

facebook.com/ratbreed
instagram.com/ratbreedmetal

“Under Fire” is now available for streaming and purchase on all major music platforms. Don’t miss your chance to experience the unique heavy metal sound of Ratbreed. Buy/Stream HERE

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News

Italian power metal band KALIDIA have split-up

In what is obviously sad news for the weekend, Kalidia have officially announced that they are no longer active.

A statement posted by frontwoman Nicoletta Rosellini on her Facebook profile reads:

Dear friends,

It’s with heavy heart that we announce that we’ve disbanded, for the good of all the people involved.

Unfortunately during the latest years, our vision on the future of the band strayed away: we tried our best to make it work anyway, but we now understand that it’s better for everyone to take different paths, without forcing anyone to do things they don’t want to.

It was such a long and, most of the time, joyful adventure and we would like to thank you all for the unconditional support and love you showed us in these 12 years. The music and the good memories remain forever.

Take care and hopefully our paths will cross again – the band members are already working on new exciting music projects!

On a happier note, Rosellini also updated us on her future plans in a subsequent video released on her YouTube channel. In the video, she details how herself and Dario Gozzi (drummer of Kalidia), together with Paolo Campitelli and some other as yet unnamed members, have formed an entirely new band and have already recorded a new album in the same genre. You can watch the full video below:

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News

DEMONS BY DESIGN releases “Feed Me Like A Drug” (Feat. Kirsten Jørgensen)

DEMONS BY DESIGN is the side project of Colin Emery (PERFECT NME). Drawing inspiration from earlier musical and conceptual influences, it seeks to recombine these various elements in a new way and to present them in a contemporary fashion.

This musical freedom allows for a lot of scopes to experiment with sounds and atmospheres, incorporating elements of industrial, goth, and metal, to name a few. The occasional collaboration with guest artists also helps to add an additional layer to a song’s atmosphere and impact.

The new single FEED ME LIKE A DRUG is a perfect example of that;

Says Colin: “Kirsten’s (Kirsten Jørgensen) beautiful and exceptional vocals really accentuate the diversity of the song and adds that extra dimension. The combination of our vocals brings out that haunted dualism the song required.”

FEED ME LIKE A DRUG is an atmospheric, gothic-inspired song, with a dual storyline. It’s a dark tale of two lives entwined, of passion and of fate.

BUY / STREAM HERE

Colin Emery is the lead singer of the Norwegian metal band PERFECT NME. Their debut album was released in 2020 (Wormholedeath Records) and are currently working on a follow-up.

Kirsten Jørgensen is one of the founding members of both EVIG NATT and REISM. EVIG NATT is currently in the studio working on their fourth album, which comes out later this year. EVIG NATT’S music is aggressive but subtle, noisy yet beautiful, a maelstrom of symphonic darkness.

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Opinion

February 2023: Metal Releases (Our Top Picks)

It’s that time again where we look back over the month, and take stock of all the awesome metal that has graced our speakers. And what a month it was for symphonic metal fans with a new full-length album from not one, but two returning heavyweight bands – and to top it off, both of them introducing a spectacular new frontwoman. But that’s not all we got either!

1. Delain ~ Dark Waters

It’s a miracle this album even exists given the near total collapse of the band with all members except Martijn Westerholt having departed before its production. But remarkably, the band has been rebuilt, and reassuringly, it also feels like not all that much has changed. As we said in our review: “The waters may be dark, but they are still familiar. With “Dark Waters”, Delain have wondrously (and seamlessly) transitioned to the next chapter in their career”.

2. Enemy of Reality ~ Where Truth May Lie

This album just got released a few days ago, but it didn’t take us long to recognise it as one of the month’s highlights. We can’t wait to give this concept album a few more spins, and truly dissect every track. (Potential spoiler: There might be a review forthcoming). But in the meantime, you’ll just have to take us on our word that “Where Truth May Lie” is very much worth your time. So check it out!

3. Lovebites ~ Judgement Day

While this style of music won’t suit everyone, if you like J-metal music in any form then you owe it to yourself to at least investigate Lovebites’ latest. There is no denying the craftsmanship on display here, and the band have really gone all out. The music is fast and frenetic – you’ll feel tired just listening! (but in a good way).

4. Xandria ~ The Wonders Still Awaiting

Xandria have returned with Ambre Vourvahis taking over the lead vocalist spot, and we have to say, it’s a fantastic debut for the singer. We noted in our review, that Vourvahis can “more than capably fill the void that was left by the previous singer. And even brings something new to the table”. However, if you still miss Dianne van Giersbergen, you’ll be happy to know that she also released an amazing single this month called “After the Storm”. So it’s a win, win really!

5. Elyose – Déviante

It is not difficult to see how nu-metal is making a resurgence when you have the likes of Elyose leading the charge. Though if you ask us, this album falls more into progressive djent/groove metal territory (but what would we know). Semantics and genre definitions aside, one thing we can all agree on is the high caliber quality of this release. So don’t be turned off by the “nu-metal” label if this is a stumbling block for you. You could end up severely missing out!

6. Katra – After Ever

Last but not least, we have the unexpected (and long overdue) return of Katra with “After Ever” – so named as a likely tongue-in-cheek reference to her long absence from the heavy metal scene. It certainly feels like 2023 is turning into the year of the comeback, and based on the results we’ve seen so far, we’re definitely here for it!

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News Releases

French female-fronted prog-metal/rock band WEDINGOTH release and stream new album ‘Five Stars Above’

About 7 years after their latest record ‘Alone in the Crowd’ (2016), French female-fronted prog-metal/rock band Wedingoth finally released its fourth full-length record called ‘Five Stars Above’ and available right now as a self-released on digital through all legal platforms.

In addition to the official release-news, the band also shared the whole effort for FREE STREAMING on YouTube while physical editions will follow very soon.

Wedingoth is a musical project based on openness and the mixture of styles, whose claimed credo is eclecticism. It combines the power of rock and metal, served by an emotionally charged female voice, with atmospheric nuances inviting you to travel, supported by an orchestral technique.

Released on december 2009, the band’s debut album ‘Candlelight’, received positive reviews from both public and professional critics. After taking the road in Autumn 2010 toto conquer the scene, Wedingoth recorded its second album ‘The Other Side’ ; which is released in March 2012.

One year later only, in Summer 2013, Wedingoth returned to the studio to develop its third album. This one was released in October 2016 under the name ‘Alone in the Crowd’.

After French and European tours, Wedingoth released their 4th album ‘Five Stars Above’ in early 2023, with all the maturity and musical emotion that defines its music.

STREAM THE FULL ALBUM ON YOUR FAVOURITE PLATFORM

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News

Enter the Dystopian World With TEMTRIS’ “Eternal Death Machine” Single and Video Release

Aussie heavy metal sensation TEMTRIS is excited to present the second highly anticipated single and video, “Eternal Death Machine,” from their upcoming 7th studio album, “Khaos Divine.” Set to be released worldwide on March 17th, 2023 via WormholeDeath, “Khaos Divine” is a modern metal concept album that explores a dark and dystopian city controlled by a new world order.

Temtris introduces you to the strong female character of the story “Ember” on their album cover, giving you a taste of what’s to come in this powerful modern tale.

Don’t miss out on this incredible metal experience.

Be sure to check out “Eternal Death Machine” Official Music Video:

TEMTRIS are:

Genevieve Rodda – Vocals
Anthony Fox – Lead Guitar
Nadi Norouzian -Lead Guitar
Nicholas Bolin – Drums
Vane Danov – Bass Guitar

Keep up with TEMTRIS by following their social media pages.

www.temtris.com
www.facebook.com/Temtris
www.instagram.com/temtris_official
www.youtube.com/@temtris6323

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Releases

Out This Friday: Enemy of Reality’s third album “Where Truth May Lie”

Greek symphonic metal act Enemy of Reality will release their highly anticipated third full-length album “Where Truth May Lie” on February 24th via Vinyl Store. 

The follow-up to the band’s 2016 second album “Arakhne” is another full concept album, this one based on a fictional story involving a Priest in ancient Greece, who is trying to find an answer for certain tragic events that destroyed his life, while several mythical forest creatures (known from Greek Mythology as Satyrs) claim that the only truth is hidden in music, dance, wine and erotic pleasures. To achieve a unique mix of sounds, the band recorded on several songs parts from certain traditional string instruments, as well as an ancient Greek wind instrument (Avlos), that is seen in various ancient portraits as played by ancient Greeks and mythical creatures. Pre-orders are now available at this location. 

Having released two full-length albums “Rejected Gods” from 2014 and “Arakhne” from 2016, with both receiving warm and positive reviews from various publications in Europe, Enemy Of Reality is a four-piece band from Athens, Greece, whose sound can be described as melodic and majestic symphonic metal. Featuring soprano Iliana Tsakiraki as their front-woman also known from her participation in “The Great Mass” by Septic Flesh, the band have played with various artists such as Therion, Arch Enemy, Epica, Lacuna Coil, Anathema,Τarja, Saturnus, Leaves Eyes, Tristania, Xandria, etc…

Album Credits:
Artwork by Thoth Graphics
Produced by Angelo Vafeiadis & Enemy of Reality 
Produced by Michael Skarakis at 133 Productions
Mastered by Nasos Nomikos at VU Productions Mastering Studio
 
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/enemyofrealityofficialpage
https://instagram.com/enemyofrealityofficialband
https://www.vinylstore.gr

Categories
Press Release

Rock Metal Sensation DISILLUSIVE PLAY signs with Wormholedeath and Announces “Songs for the Non-Existant”

BANG!

You don’t have to wait for it anymore! It’s a fact!

Disillusive Play is excited to announce the signing with Wormholedeath label for the distribution and promotion of their second full album entitled “Songs for the Non-Existent”, which will be released in Spring 2023.

The album will include 11 songs.

For Disillusive Play there were never strict limits on the music style. The different influences of every member are put together and the final outcome can be described as hard/heavy rock with a metal attitude and some progressive nuances. However, if some influences should be mentioned, these would be bands like Queensrÿche, Conception, Marillion, King Crimson, Pendragon, and also more modern bands such as Halestorm, Stone Sour, Avenged Sevenfold and many, many others.

After a very hard working and tough period, Disillusive Play is coming back with some very strong inspirations that deal with several aspects of society, everyday life, and feelings. A wide range of thoughts is revealed concerning criticism, racism, inequality, persistence, weakness, unfulfilled dreams, family, past relationships, life choices, suppressed souls, despair, and hope.

Music is unity! This is the motto that also unites the members of Disillusive Play. A no-destination journey with the sole goal of writing and producing the music of their hearts and communicating it to our fans, pure, unfiltered, and full of energy in every live. Disillusive Play is a band based in Athens, Greece that has been together since 2014. Disillusive Play music can be considered Melodic Progressive Metal.

Disillusive Play has a strong presence in the local live scene with many lives together with well-known artists and bands such as: “Gus G”, “Newman”, “La Tulipe Noire”,” The Silent Wedding”, “Meden Agan” and many more, together with a powerful presence in local music festivals (Ladies of Metal Festival, etc) and club gigs.

“Open Arms” is Disillusive Play’s first full release. The album is featuring Johnny Thermos of “The Silent Wedding” on keyboards. The 9+1 compositions have a modern metal sound with progressive parts and nuances. “Open Arms” has been released in 2018 and is available for purchase and streaming on all major digital music platforms as well as in physical form.

The Band will release their new full studio album near the Summer of 2023. 

The new album, entitled “Songs for the Non-Existent”, will feature Marios Karanastasis (The Silent Wedding) on the duet of the album, Bob Katsionis (ex. Firewind) on Keyboards, Iliana (Enemy Of Reality) in backing vocals, and guest appearance of bass player Panagiotis Bourazanis in one track.

Line-up

Vocals: Antigoni Kalamara
Lead guitar: Jim Knikos
Rhythm guitar: Fotis Trivizas
Bass: Michalis Mytilinis
Drums: Aris Dolianitis

To stay updated on Disillusive Play’s music and upcoming album, follow the band:

www.disillusiveplay.com
www.youtube.com/user/disillusiveplay
www.facebook.com/disillusiveplay
www.instagram.com/disillusiveplay
twitter.com/disillusiveplay 

Check the band on Spotify & iTunes!

Don’t miss the astonishing video for “Queen of the night”

Categories
News

Grammy-nominated metal cellist TINA GUO featured on new KAMELOT single “Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem)”

U.S. power metal band Kamelot have just released “Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem)”, the second single taken from their much anticipated upcoming album “The Awakening”, due for release on 17th March 2023. The single, accompanied by a new lyric video, features a guest appearance by Grammy-nominated heavy metal cellist Tina Guo. This is not the first occasion that Guo has collaborated with a high profile band within the power metal genre. Fans may also recall her contribution on Sabaton’s 2021 single “Steel Commanders”.

According to Kamelot vocalist Tommy Karevik:

‘Opus of the Night’ honors the traditional dark and melodic sound of the band while bringing some new and exciting elements to the table.

In addition to Tina Guo, Kamelot’s 13th studio album is also set to feature guest vocals by Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum, Dark Side of the Moon). In describing the new album, Kamelot guitarist Thomas Youngblood says:

With The Awakening, we have one of our most diverse albums in years. We’ve fused elements from progressive, power and gothic metal to symphonic and melodic metal on this one. Working with incredible guest artists from around the music industry and having producer Sascha Paeth and Jacob Hansen mixing gave us another step up on overall sound. This album offers everything to KAMELOT fans and also reaches beyond borders to new metal and hard rock legions.

Tracklist:

1. Overture (Intro)
2. The Great Divide
3. Eventide
4. One More Flag in the Ground
5. Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem)
6. Midsummer’s Eve
7. Bloodmoon
8. NightSky
9. The Looking Glass
10. New Babylon
11. Willow
12. My Pantheon (Forevermore)
13. Ephemera (Outro)

Categories
News

IMPERIAL AGE set to relocate to the UK

In what is no doubt a serious boon for metalheads who live in the United Kingdom, symphonic metal band Imperial Age appear to be planning a permanent relocation there. While on their recent successful tour in the UK, the band received an endorsement from the Arts Council England, which would enable them to apply for a special immigration avenue into the country.

The band were both thrilled and honoured by the offer, which also proved to be quite timely given the fact that their current residency permits in Turkey were due to expire within a couple of months. The band had already relocated to Turkey after leaving Russia in 2022 following the start of the conflict with Ukraine.

In order to make the move to the UK though, Imperial Age explained that they would need to cover the NHS health surcharge for 3 years in advance, as well as other related expenses. So they turned to their fans and crowdfunding for support, who rose to the challenge and made sure the funding goal was reached in less than 24 hours. However, the fund is still open, and you can continue to support and help out the band with their costs: relocate.imperial-age.com

We wish them every success in moving to their new home!