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VISIONS OF ATLANTIS Launches Digital Live Series, “Armada Live Over Europe”

[photo credit: Robert Eikelpoth, edit by Blake Armstrong]

Pirates never rest, nor do the raging seas! Immediately after touring all over Europe and the UK, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS surprises their devotees with another stunner and announces the upcoming digital live series Armada Live Over Europe. By releasing songs and respective live videos over the upcoming weeks, the international symphonic metal frontrunners keep the excitement at the highest level, starting the video series with “To Those Who Choose to Fight” and “The Land of the Free”. The live video captures the explosive energy of a VISIONS OF ATLANTIS live show and allows listeners to relive the matchless spirit of the past tour at home. Contemporarily on all digital platforms, the live album will take shape in five parts, starting today with the first two tracks. Follow the band’s socials to discover the release dates of all five chapters of this adventure!

Armada Live Over Europe contains a live version of each song cut from the tour’s setlist, with recordings from various shows and venues. “To Those Who Choose to Fight” and “The Land of the Free” set the stage for this adventurous ride and were the first tracks the band performed at La Rayonne in Lyon, France on October 9. It’s also the opening track from VISIONS OF ATLANTIS’ latest full-length album, Pirates II – Armada, which marks the band’s most successful record to date, entering international charts at top positions, such as #5 on the German and Austrian Official Album Charts, #4 on the UK Rock & Metal Charts and #2 on the US Hard Music Album Charts, just to name a few. Both live songs are now available on all streaming services worldwide and arrive alongside equally palpable live videos. Stay tuned, as there’s more to come already next week. Until then, enjoy the gripping live video below and make sure to get your tickets for the upcoming shows in Germany and the US!

Pirate Queen Clementine states:

“This Armada tour has been the most exciting experience in VISIONS OF ATLANTIS’ history and we are delighted to keep it alive with this brand new live video series!
Whether you’ve attended one of these shows or not, this will be a beautiful way to board the ship again and experience our Armada show from another perspective!
Every video was recorded during the tour, in various cities, honoring our Sailors from all over Europe!
Be a part of this digital adventure and mark the date down: every Tuesday, magic gates open and you can board our ship and gather with many other pirates!
Together, we are the Armada!”

Watch the live video for “To Those Who Choose to Fight” and
“The Land of the Free” BELOW:

(2024) Pirates II – Armada (2022) and Pirates. The pirate crew, fronted by vocalists Clémentine Delauney and Michele Guaitoli, have managed to create their very own inimitable universe with symphonic heaviness and stunning visuals, and encourages their listeners to join them into a world where spirits are free, hearts are true and where light always rules over darkness, whatever the cost. Fans can expect a colorful range of songs, mostly taken from the band’s previous two records VISIONS OF ATLANTIS shows the gripping stage presence and artistic high-quality of Armada Live Over Europe.

Armada Live Over Europe tracklisting:
1. To Those Who Choose to Fight
2. The Land of the Free
⁠3. Monsters
⁠4. Heroes of the Dawn
5. Where the Sky and Ocean Blend
⁠6. Clocks
7. Legion of the Seas
⁠8. Tonight I’m Alive
⁠9. Collide
⁠10. Hellfire
⁠11. The Dead of the Sea
12. Clemi’s Speech
13. Underwater
14. Pirates Will Return
15. Melancholy Angel
⁠16. Master the Hurricane
17. Armada

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS live:
Armada Tour
12.12.24 DE – Jena / F-Haus
13.12.24 CH – Morgins / C’est l’Hiver! Festival
14.12.24 DE – Cologne / Volta
15.12.24 DE – Lindau Club / Vaudeville
 
Armada Over North America
25.04.25 US – Mechanicsburg / Lovedrafts
26.04.25 US – Baltimore / Ottobar
27.04.25 US – Pittsburgh / Preserving Underground
28.04.25 US – New York / Meadows
29.04.25 US – Cambridge / Middle East
01.05.25 CA – Quebec City / La Source Martinière
02.05.25 CA – Toronto / Lee’s Palace
03.05.25 US – Detroit / The Sanctuary
04.05.25 US – Joliet / The Forge
05.05.25 US – Minneapolis / Turf Club
07.05.25 CA – Edmonton / Starlite
08.05.25 CA – Calgary / Dickens
09.05.25 US – Seattle / El Corazon
10.05.25 US – Portland / The Bossanova Ballroom
11.05.25 US – San Francisco / DNA Lounge
12.05.25 US – Los Angeles / Whisky A Go Go
14.05.25 US – San Diego / Brick By Brick
17.05.25 US – Las Vegas / Sinwave
18.05.25 US – Phoenix / The Rebel Lounge
19.05.25 US – Salt Lake City / Soundwell
20.05.25 US – Denver / Oriental Theater
21.05.25 US – El Paso / Rockhouse Bar & Grill
22.05.25 US – Dallas / Granada Theater

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS are:
Clémentine Delauney – Vocals
Michele Guaitoli – Vocals
Christian Douscha – Guitars
Herbert Glos – Bass
Thomas Caser – Drums

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS online:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
X

Source: Napalm Records

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Album Review Staff Review

Lay of the Autumn – Of Love And Sorrow (Review)

Whilst I have a healthy appreciation for all sub-genres of metal, if you have been following my reviews on this site for any length of time, then it is likely you will have noticed my predilection to power metal in particular (more so when it is symphonic). So you can imagine my happiness when “Of Love And Sorrow”, newly released on October 25, 2024 thanks to Rockshots Records, promised to deliver an experience which harked back to the golden era of bands such as Sonata Artica, Stratovarius, and Nightwish.

The album marks the debut of the rising Italian force known as Lay of the Autumn, whose name may sound familiar to Insomnium fans (if you don’t know the reference, do yourself a favour and investigate “Across The Dark”). Like that band’s music, “Of Love And Sorrow” possesses a similar melancholy, but this is where the sonic comparisons really end. Despite their newcomer status, the line-up also consists of a strong pedigree of musicians, including Davide Scuteri (Ravenword, Choirs of Veritas) as the keyboardist and sole lyricist/composer, and Michele Olmi (Chronosfear, Embrace of Souls) on drums. But the real prize for me was with the surprise reveal of Ukranian vocalist Iryna ‘ERIA’ Boyarkina, whom I have always admired in other projects – even her brief stint in the oft-maligned pop-metal band SEMARGL.

Indeed, if ever there was a singer deserving of greater breakout success, it would be Iryna. And with Lay of The Autumn, that may finally be a real possibility. When the band had first showcased their music, it was with the initially promising instrumental track “Si Sta Come D’Autunno Sugli Alberi Le Foglie”. Although it was pleasant and gave a strong indication of their virtuosity, it did feel as though a big component was still missing. And now we realise how true a statement that was. As good as the rest of the band are, Iryna simply lifts them to an all-new level. Our first taste of her vocals is on the spectacular “Flowing Tears“, which picks up steam after the beautiful piano-laden intro “When It Rains“. The track’s symphonic grandeur transitioning to a breakneck mid-way section, featuring plenty of resplendent keys and quick guitar notes, thus fulfilling their pledge early on to bring a fast, melodic intensity.

The band does borrow heavily from the established staples of both symphonic metal and power metal. But if anything, that proves to be a positive instead of a negative here. “Lost In Your Eyes” is another banger, with its synth-heavy start, steady tempo, and romantically catchy chorus: “In an instant I saw // the cosmos enclosed in a glance // In your eyes“. With Iryna’s convincing performance successfully preventing it from sounding contrived, which could have easily transpired. “After All This Time? Always“ carries on this epic love-letter, with a tale of unrequited love that is inspired by Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series (the song’s title is even a direct quote from the franchise). And it is with this outpouring of emotion that Iryna’s warmth of character is allowed to truly resonate with listeners.

I’ll love you forever and ever
Death cannot erase my feelings
After all this time? Always
I’ll never deny my love

Lay of the Autumn – After All This time? Always

“Thrown Away“, contrary to its title, is anything but a disposable composition, as a result of its heavy bombasts, thundering beats, and goth-tinged arpeggios fostering plenty of energy and excitement. Additional ferocity is injected by Andrea Gambaro, whose very impressive growling capabilities not only make an appearance here, but also later for the title track “Of Love And Sorrow“. The momentum doesn’t slow with next song “Undergo Deconstruction“, a philosophical piece which attempts to unravel the truth of reality, and the concept of self: “You don’t have a soul // you are a soul //you have nothing else // you are nothing else“. Iryna appropriately using more of her angelic, high-pitched ‘head’ voice as a way to perhaps drive this point home. While “Love You To Death” has that pure Rock Opera-feel about it; you can almost picture it being performed as a powerful solo number in a Broadway musical. “Who Is To Blame“, on the other hand, is a decidedly bleak commentary on the state of the world and the wars being waged for your mind: “The wolf disguised himself as a lamb // to devour your sense of justice // The essence of the world has been lost // in this endless war to catch your soul“. But rather than looking to assign fault as the album comes to a close, I’m simply left wondering who to congratulate for this incredible feat of a debut. The answer of course is: Lay of the Autumn. So to them I say, bravo!

Verdict: “Of Love And Sorrow” by Italian newcomers Lay of the Autumn lives up to its title and potential, offering a celebration of life and death expressed via a humble imitation of their biggest peers (back in a bygone age when they were still at their peak). The album is a commendable and thought-provoking initial effort, and one that I hope will be rewarded with an equally good follow-up in the not-too-distant future.

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Album Review Staff Review

Unleash The Archers – Phantoma (Review)

Unleash the AI. It’s been just shy of two months since Canadian power metal band Unleash the Archers came out with their latest studio album “Phantoma“. Long enough for any hype to have settled, and the surrounding AI controversies to have dissipated (…more on this later). Neither of these factors contributed to the delay in writing this review. But truth be told, I’ve found it harder to connect with this album than with past titles in the band’s discography. So it took more time than usual to fully evaluate this release.

“Phantoma” is the fourth conceptual album by Unleash The Archers. They first experimented with this format on 2011’s “Demons of the AstroWaste, but it was the connected saga of “Apex” (2017) and “Abyss” (2020) where it was undeniably perfected. With “Phantoma“, Unleash the Archers had the prescience to craft a fictional story around the topic of artificial intelligence, not knowing that the world was on the cusp of being changed forever with the arrival of ChatGPT. As you could likely imagine, this technology presented some unique opportunities for Unleash The Archers whilst they were in the midst of producing their album. Though you can rest assured, for it was only ever used very sparingly when it came to the songwriting process. Only a few AI-generated words (or phrases) were incorporated into one of their songs, and it was mostly added for the novelty value. The music and lyrics that you hear on “Phantoma” is still very much from the magnanimous minds of lead vocalist Brittney Slayes and company: Grant Truesdell (Guitars, Vocals), Andrew Saunders (Guitars, Vocals), Scott Buchanan (Drums), and Nick Miller (Bass).

With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s discuss the new album. As soon as “Human Era” starts, it’s obvious that Unleash The Archers are trying something a bit different this time around. It’s a slower start, easing you into the album with a mid-tempo, prog-rock number. The sci-fi influence is easily prominent, thanks to the electronic synth elements helping to give it a more futuristic vibe (in much the same vein as “Abyss” before it). As a means of setting up the tone and atmosphere for the album, it largely succeeds. However, you can also feel the narrative weight of this song. A burden which Slayes as the narrator does her best to carry, but it’s ultimately just too much at times. There is precious little in the way of memorability here as well, at least by typical UTA standards. The next track, “Ph4/NT0mA” fares somewhat better. Bringing us closer to the more “classic” Unleash The Archers style we all know and love, with the soaring vocals and fast drum beats leading listeners into the mammoth chorus: “I long to be free at last // Searching inside me to find // Phantoma“.

But third track “Buried In Code” is the first real highlight for me. It appeals to my inner programmer. Especially in the chorus. “Line by line // I’m working it overtime” are lyrics which I can definitely relate to during my day job. And it’s the only song on here with ample catchiness to get stuck in my head, even when I’m not listening to the album. “The Collective” is another high point, in large part due to its second half, and the repetitive loop of the lyric: “We are the collective“. It’s worth noting that Slayes also reaches a few satisfying high notes at the end, and it’s important to savour these kinds of moments if they occur, because they are less of a norm on this album.

Indeed, her vocals sound more subdued on the whole. They are still great – don’t get me wrong. But they’re lacking the same intensity that we’ve come to expect from her over the years. This makes a nice segue for talking about the next track, “Green & Glass“. As this is where the problems I have with this album return, and the band starts to lose me again. I’ll be honest and just say that I really don’t like this song. It’s the weakest song on the album, which makes its promotion all the more perplexing. At any rate, it epitomises my previous criticisms. Slayes’ performance sounds very wishy-washy, and at times, effect-heavy. And it’s almost as if her role as narrator has taken precedence over her kick-ass singing duties.

The album really drops off in the second half too. “Gods in Decay“, for example, takes the commercialised approach introduced by prior album “Abyss“ to even greater depths. Plus, how about the rather clichéd 80’s power ballad, “Give it Up or Give It All“? All of these are troubling signs. That’s not to say that “Abyss” was a bad album by the way. It had lots of highlights. “Legacy“, in particular, will forever be one of my all-time favourite UTA songs. But I’m not sure that this style should be pushed any further. Even the likes of “Ghosts in the Mist“, which should be a fantastic tune in theory, falls disappointingly flat. There is an interesting enough guitar hook, but the rest of it sounds bland. And it doesn’t help that the band seemingly put little enthusiasm into the track. This is something of a recurring theme now. It all feels like a muted affair. The production does not help in this regard either. As the usually incendiary vocals of Slayes are sometimes extinguished by the rest of the mix. The sound engineer can’t take all the blame though, as there is a concerted effort on the part of Slayes to scale back her vocal intensity as well. One can only wonder why. And I admit it is likely a relative observation too. It’s probably much more striking to long-time fans who are more familiar with the band’s backlog. “Seeking Vengeance” at least restores some faith that the old UTA are still alive and well. Although it’s almost too little, too late at this point. And is immediately counteracted by the plodding energy of “Blood Empress” in any regard. Although I did appreciate the referential nod to Slayes‘ stage-name in this last song’s lyrics.

I stand before my people, fresh out of the fight
I’ve taken every step to put wrongs to right
And though at times I may have lost sight of the way
With no one there to stop me, I came to slay

Unleash the Archers – Blood Empress

Despite this proclamation, it still feels like that killer instinct is missing somewhat. They no longer sound hungry. Everything is a bit more rote, like a band that is just going through the motions. Perhaps that’s unfair to say, but I cannot help but to compare this release to their past work, and the difference is palpable. It may simply be a reflection of where they are at in their lives right now. And maybe this change is an inevitable part of their evolution. But I still wish that Unleash The Archers would show us a bit more fire in their belly. After all, it was this type of energy that initially attracted me to the band. And I’m just not getting that vibe this time around. At least not consistently. Slayes, for her part, sounds like she could be running on low power mode at points. Here’s hoping that they can still regain some of that original vitality, and put out another record to rival the exuberance of “Apex“ or “Time Stands Still“.

Verdict: The archers have been unleashed, but it seems that they could be running low on ammunition, as this album rarely fires. Though when it does, it usually hits the mark. Still, as a longtime admirer of this band, I just can’t shake the feeling that Unleash the Archers, with “Phantoma”, are becoming a ghostly apparition of their past glory.

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Album Review Staff Review

Mayan – Dhyana (Review)

While Mark Jansen and Arièn van Weesenbeek are mainly known for being members of Epica, their other band Mayan certainly has its own take on bombastic symphonic metal and shouldn’t be overshadowed by bigger names in the genre. This is my very first review on the site so I want to start with a release that is very special to me. Dhyana, Mayan‘s third full length album is nothing short of phenomenal and an absolute game changer for what metal music can be. I discovered it when it was released in 2018 and have been continuously coming back to it ever since. The first big surprise about Dhyana is the amount of band members involved which adds up to eleven people, six of which are vocalists! You could say that Mayan is kind of a supergroup considering that all of its members were previously in other bands. On top of that they’ve managed to hire the City of Prague philharmonic orchestra to perform all of the classical instrumentation which adds a lot of production value to the music.

Now having a metal band with six singers and an orchestra might sound like a difficult or even impossible project to manage without it being a complete mess, right? Well fear not because the technicians in charge of the engineering, mixing and mastering are professionals and knew exactly what they were doing. They’ve done a splendid job at mixing all of these elements together with each band member (and the orchestra) having their moments to shine without getting in the way of one another. The music is composed in such a way that the different instruments and voices interact and answer to each other, thus pulling the listener into a jaw-dropping and hair-raising musical journey that demands full attention.

Beyond the huge sound and production value, Dhyana contains a lot of diversity within its songs taking you through symphonic metal, death metal, power metal and more. The vocals shift between operatic soprano vocals (Laura Macrì), clean male singing (Henning Basse, Adam Denlinger) and female singing (Marcela Bovio) as well as death growls (Mark Jansen, George Oosthoek). Having all of those characters in just one album makes for a delightfully entertaining musical experience. As soon as “The Rhythm of Freedom” begins, you are assaulted with blast beats, fast guitar riffs, massive keys and orchestration before the different vocalists arrive one by one. This song sends you straight into the overall mood of the album which induces a mixed feeling between triumph and apocalypse. As soon as Henning starts to sing, you will lose all sense of reality and find yourself chanting with him while raising your fist in the air. “Saints Don’t Die” is another great example of his impactful presence. Despite him leaving the band the same year this album was released, Adam does a good job at filling in for him live and brings his own potent voice in tracks like “Tornado of Thoughts (I Don’t Think, Therefore I Am)”. This song will thrust you into a twirling dance of varied tones and vocal styles all complementing each other (as they do throughout the whole album).

While the album is generally intense and bombastic, it does have its calmer moments when Laura will often take the spotlight with her spine-chilling performances like on the title track or the soft moments in “The Illusory Self”. She also increases the dramatic tone of the orchestra in heavier sections like in “Rebirth from Despair”. As for Marcela, every appearance that she makes is awe-inspiring, just listen to her choruses in “The Power Process”, “Saints Don’t Die” and “The Illusory Self”. After watching some live videos of the band I realised that she even throws in some harsh vocals in “Rebirth from Despair”. Wow! These last three tracks are great examples of how all the elements on the record contribute in building up a perfect climax with each vocalist making an entrance. With that being said, the foundation of the band’s sound is actually death metal and I must give praise to Arièn‘s drumming since he provides precise and heavy drum beats that will make your neck snap and that somehow fit hand in hand with the symphonic bombast. The guitars and base add to the intensity of the drums and turn the beats into tasteful headbang-worthy grooves. We even get some guitar solos in “The Flaming Rage of God” and “The Power Process” and a base solo in “Rebirth from Despair”. In this song we have a fantastic duel between Mark and George who reinforce the weight of the music with their crushing harsh vocals especially on the apocalyptic-sounding “Maya (The Veil of Delusion)”. I should also add that each song is memorable and has new details to pick up on with each subsequent listen. With the music being so well fashioned, it’s good to also have meaningful lyrics which I believe evoke psychology, spirituality and religion.

In conclusion, Mayan have put together one of the most thrilling albums I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing by successfully unifying different genres of music and doing so in a classy way. It’s a complex yet extremely moving musical experience that resonates deep within my soul. If you enjoy metal music that’s ambitious and, like me, agree with the “more is more” philosophy, then I think Dhyana will make the same impression on you as it did on me. With all the efforts put into its masterful execution, I can’t give it anything less than the maximum score. I eagerly await this project’s next output and I shall continue to return to this album as I’m sure that it will keep renewing itself. By writing this review I can only etch the surface of this album, but that’s why it has endless replay value.

Rating: 10/10

10 of 10 stars
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Album Review Staff Review

Alterium – Of War and Flames (Review)

A lot of fans were naturally disappointed when Kalidia, one of Italy’s best power metal groups, announced they were splitting up in 2023. But change can sometimes be a positive thing, and looking back on the news now, it is difficult not to view it as anything but a blessing in disguise. Seeing as the former members have now risen up from the ashes, brushed themselves off, and forged ahead with separate metal acts. One of these ventures is the recently revealed Xeneris, featuring ex-Kalidia members Frederico Paolini (co-founder, composer/guitarist) and Roberto Donati (co-founder, bassist). While the other is Nicoletta Rosellini’s (vocals) very own Alterium project, accompanied by former bandmate Dario Gozzi (drums), which just released its first full-length album “Of War and Flames” on March 8th, 2024 via AFM Records/Soulfood Music.

This ‘two for the price of one’ deal is not the only happy side-effect, since the breakup also seems to have given both parties a revitalised purpose and vigour. That’s certainly the case when judging Alterium‘s debut album, but one could also make the same early inference from Xerenis’ first single “Eternal Rising“. With regards to Alterium in particular, it seems as though the new setting has done a world of good for frontwoman Rosellini, who sings like she has been given a whole new lease on life. Rounding out the band roster is: Paolo Campitelli (guitars), Alessandro Mammola (guitars) and Luca Scalabrin (bass). Each of whom brings their past experience of working with other bands in the power metal genre (e.g. Draconicon, Kaledon, and Altair). And like the mathematical summation symbol (Σ) present in the band’s logo, Alterium benefits substantially from the accumulation of this combined wisdom. Because the end outcome is a highly cohesive and formidable new quintet, equipped with a near limitless amount of energy and creativity at its disposal.

A fact apparent from the beginning, with opening gambit “Drag Me To Hell” immediately breathing new life into the genre. The flying pace and boundless exuberance of the track will definitely get a few hearts racing, while it barrels through your speakers and stealthily earworms its way into your head. Those of a geekier persuasion may also pick up on the references to Warcraft lore in the lyrics, which describes the crowning of a new Lich King. It’s not the last time Rosellini exposes some of her gaming interests on the album. Another example later on is “Crossroads Inn“, which serves as a fun, light-hearted metal tribute to a management video game bearing the same name. Only in the power metal genre could a game simulating a medieval tavern be conveyed so earnestly, and the Italian group spare no effort or detail in recreating the atmosphere in an accompanying music video as well.

In earlier moments of the album, Rosellini lends her enchanting vocals to “Siren’s Call“, where she makes a truly compelling appeal: “Hear my cry // Flowing with the winds and storms // Once you’re mine, forever you will be“. The song is of course inspired by the scene in Homer’s “The Odyssey“, where Odysseus is forced to tie himself to the mast of his ship in order to resist the dangers of the siren’s call. Honestly if the sounds he heard were even remotely close to Rosellini’s enticing performance here, then I could fully understand the necessity of this measure. The following track “Of War And Flames” takes us from Greek mythology to Egyptian mythology. The song shares the same title as the album, and once you hear it you’ll understand why, as it’s definitely the main highlight. The tune focuses on the story of Sekhmet, a goddess of war who embodied the powers of the sun god Ra, and was said to be capable of vanquishing her enemies with her fiery breath. If you need help visualising her, the album artwork also depicts Sekhmet as she is entering her temple. You could argue that she bears a likeness to Rosellini herself, who is similarly renowned for the characteristic warmth of her singing voice, and whose vocal delivery is regularly a force to be reckoned with as well. The track is further enhanced with regal choirs and symphonic parts, and blessed with a multitude of hooks and catchy vocal lines, including in the pre-chorus bridge showcasing Rosellini’s range and impressive ability to sustain notes:

Her bloodlust never ends
Not even after the revenge
Surrender to her rage

Alterium – Of War and Flames

Alterium continues to impress elsewhere on the album, turning up the heat and intensity again with “Firebringer“. In typical power metal fashion, it is a fast, robust track – but with some added symphonic flourishes to give it that richer dynamic. Rosellini’s melodious and powerful tones also fluctuate between a tight, lower register to a more open and airy pitch. “Shadowsong” guides us into the latter half of the album, introducing a plethora of intricate instrumentation, and mighty face-punching drum beats, whereas “Crystalline” finally slows down the tempo a bit, and gifts us with beautifully drawn-out, soaring guitar solos amidst a touching piano-laden ballad; a sound that admittedly has more in common with Rosellini’s gothic metal band Walk in Darkness. Nevertheless, “Heroine of the Sea” quickly pushes it back to a more power metal focus, with a bobbing, mid-tempo number which takes you on a pirate voyage across the seas: “Sailing on, to a new adventure // Time to fight, time to die”.

Alterium rachet up the speed and technicality for one more power metal jaunt in “Chasing the Sun“, the last original composition on the album and one of the more interesting due to the meter changes and neo-classical arrangements throughout its duration. I also need to give particular credit to the mixing and production of this album, for everything sounds so crisp and neatly balanced. It really does have a completely fresh sound – even after over a month of listening to it before writing this review. Alterium close out their debut album with a final cover of Sabaton’s “Bismark“, and while this Swedish band are probably a little over-represented when it comes to covers of their songs at this point, it is still an admirable and enjoyable rendition. Plus it is very much consistent with the band’s affection for performing songs that contain a story or historical context. On the whole, Alterium have impressed on every conceivable level with “Of War and Flames“. I’d always had an inkling that they would create a great album, but I was wholly unprepared for them to go a step further and deliver such an epic masterpiece. I couldn’t have asked for a better continuation of their previous legacy, and I’m personally more excited than ever to see where they take us next.

Verdict: Alterium’s “Of War and Flames” is mandatory listening for every power metal fan. The decision by ex-Kalidia members to found this new entity has not only borne out to be a calculated and beneficial manoeuvre, but has surprisingly culminated in the best power metal album I’ve heard for a long time. A triumph of both perseverance and adaptation.

Lokheira Interview (Irene Mavroudis Ramaglino) – 04/2024

California-based metal band Lokheira recently signed with WormHoleDeath records, and released their debut album “Dark of the Night” across major digitial platforms on February 23, 2024. We were granted the lucky opportunity to fire off some quick questions to lead singer Irene (Mavroudis) Ramaglino in order to find out more about this release and the band itself, as well as enquire about some of her interests. Read the full interview below:

Can you briefly describe your style of music?

Melodic groove metal, but we do play different types of metal for the most part, depending on the feel and theme of the song.

How did you come up with the name for the band?

We like different Mythologies, including Greek Mythology, and therefore I remembered reading the word “Lokheira” from the Homeric Hymn to Artemis, Goddess of The Hunt. Paired with Artemis’ bow Khryselakatos, “of the Golden Shaft,” Lokheira is the name of Artemis’ arrows, which the name translates to “Showered by Arrows”.

A lot of bands claim to be a family, but in your case it’s actually true right?

Yes, Rob and I are husband and wife, whereas George and I are siblings.

Can you tell us a bit about your latest album “Dark of the Night”?

The album is centered around the theme of the Seven Deadly Sins, each song telling a story centered around either the sin of Pride, Greed, Wrath, Envy, Lust, Gluttony or Sloth. Each song is about real-world events, either personal or historical.

It looks like the three of you handled everything on this release, including the mixing and production. Is that correct?

Yes, Rob handled the mixing and mastering for the album and all three of us handled the production.

Do you have a favorite song on the album, and if so what makes it stand out for you?

Personally, Battle of The Hot Gates (Gluttony) always held a special spot in my heart as it is actually the very first song that I have recorded with my husband years ago and were excited to finally be able to release it. It’s about the war that occurred between the Persians and Spartans at Thermopylae.

Which bands or artists would you say have had the biggest impact on you?

Unleash The Archers, Evanescence, Theocracy, Orbit Culture, and Pink Floyd.

What music has got your attention at the moment? Any recent discoveries?

No recent discoveries, but mostly melodic and power metal is what I enjoy listening and singing to. Other than metal music, I listen/sing to Greek music, hard/classic rock, and music from my “Fallout” playlist, including Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, and Billie Holiday.

What is next for Lokheira? Are there any plans to take your music on the road?

We are currently working on another album, which we are really excited about, having to do with infamous people throughout history. Eventually, yes, we are looking for two more musicians to add to our line-up.

 Would you be interested in having a profile page on our website?

Yes, that would be awesome! I would be honored.

Picture of Lokheira band members sitting outside with band logo above

I grew up around a musical family and I am often told that I was born singing.

Irene Ramaglino

Can you explain your background a little. Is Lokheira your first time in a band?

I grew up around a musical family and I am often told that I was born singing. My first time performing/singing on stage was with my father’s band, Greek Compania, back when I was 8 years old. Other than Lokheira, I have been the lead female vocalist of Helios Greek Band since 2012.

It says in the press notes that the song “In The Dark of The Night” came from a dream you had. Can you elaborate on that? How do you normally get your ideas?

I woke up from a dream in the middle of the night, where the melody and idea of the song came from. I then wrote the lyrics to the song in the middle of the night and went over the music the next day with my husband, Rob, and his brother Josh, who is the featured guitar soloist on that. I told them that I wanted it in the style of power metal and from that stemmed the theme of the album.

Melodies will randomly pop up in my head from time to time and I will quickly record it on my phone to work on it with Rob and George later. Normally, one of us will come up with a melody or riff first and then the others are brought in to expand on the ideas.

We noticed you carry a recurve bow in much of the promo imagery. Do you practice archery as a hobby?

I’ve always had an interest in archery, but unfortunately, I can never find the time between work, music, and my growing family. I actually play as a Ranger class when I play Dungeons & Dragons and RPG’s. I am pictured with a bow in the band photoshoot to coincide with the meaning of our band name, “showered by Arrows,” as if I were using Artemis’ bow.

Normally, one of us will come up with a melody or riff first and then the others are brought in to expand on the ideas.

Irene Ramaglino

If you had the chance to collaborate with anyone in the music industry, who would it be?

I think it would be cool to collaborate/sing with Benjamin Burnley (Breaking Benjamin), Amy Lee (Evanescence), Brittney Slayes (Unleash the Archers), Tommy Vext, and anyone else who would want to collab! I’m always down to perform/sing, it’s my passion.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for interviewing us! You can find us on Social Media platforms (Facebook, and Instagram) but also find our social media/music links here: https://linktr.ee/lokheira

Our CD is currently in production for “Dark of The Night,” while we are currently working on our new album – still brainstorming the best name for it. This next album will also feature different metal genres, and we are really excited for it.

Picture of Lokheira band sitting on some steps outside
Categories
News Press Release

Xeneris Start Their Ascent In The Metal Scene With Debut Album ETERNAL RISING

Xeneris, the Italian powerhouse of symphonic power metal, is set to ignite the global metal scene with their highly anticipated debut album, “Eternal Rising” slated for release on June 14th, 2024, and available to pre-order HERE.

Prepare to be hypnotised by their first single and video “Eternal Rising“, a mesmerising tale of resurrection and resilience, narrated through the myth of the phoenix’s rebirth. This song embodies the determination to move forward in life’s challenges, echoing the phoenix’s immortal cycle of death and rebirth.

Watch the official video for “Eternal Rising” BELOW:

Masterminds Frederica Paolini states:

Eternal Rising’ tells a story of resurrection and resilience narrated through the myth of the phoenix’s rebirth: every 500 years, the phoenix dies and rises from its ashes, thus ensuring immortality through this purifying ritual. For us, it’s a concept very representative of our musical journey that is reborn and continues, representing also the will to continue our path with renewed passion.

Formed in December 2022, after the disbandment of Kalidia (one of the hottest Italian power metal bands with over 7 million streams and 5 million YouTube views), Xeneris is the brainchild of Federico Paolini (co-founder, composer and guitarist) and Roberto Donati (co-founder, bassist). Coupled with Mayran jaw-dropping vocals and the rhythmic genius of Stefano Livieri. Xeneris manage to honour the heritage of Kalidia, expanding the musical spectrum fusing power metal, symphonic metal, and progressive metal into an electrifying blend of irresistible melodies, powerful riffs, and grand arrangements.

Federico is thrilled to invite fans:

Get ready to be transported on a mesmerizing odyssey through the annals of myth and legend. From traversing the Mediterranean alongside Ulysses to beholding the Phoenix’s resurrection. Follow Dante’s descent into Hades and surrender to the seductive allure of an Arabian night, where the Sahara’s gentle zephyrs embrace you in their warm embrace.

Xeneris invites metal enthusiasts worldwide to join them on this epic voyage, as they redefine the boundaries of symphonic power metal. Prepare to be captivated by the grandeur of “Eternal Rising” and immerse yourself in a world of myths, real-life and fantasy legends, and introspection from human experiences.

Tracklist:
1. Barbarossa
2. Before The River Of Fire
3. Eternal Rising
4. Pandora’s Box
5. A New Beginning
6. To The Endless Sea
7. Shahrazad
8. Scilla And Cariddi
9. Burning Within
10. The Glorious Fight
11. Equinox

Line-up:
Marianna Iacona (Vocals) 
Federico Paolini (Guitars) 
Roberto Donati (Bass) 
Stefano Livieri (Drums)

Xeneris online:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
YouTube

Source: Frontiers Music

Categories
Album Review Staff Review

Amaranthe – The Catalyst (Review)

Amaranthe is a band that has deviated little in its sixteen-year tenure. Having established their genre-mashing signature style from the outset with 2011’s self-titled debut album Amaranthe – a carefully orchestrated balance of competing influences including pop, EDM, power metal and core/death metal – the Swedish metallers have done pretty much everything in their power to adhere to this template ever since. And to their credit, they have been successful in replicating it again and again during their career (and some might argue with sparingly little to show in the way of nuance).

This level of consistency is perhaps something to be applauded. But on the flip side, it can breed predictability. And worse, a growing sense of tedium. Which brings us to their latest album The Catalyst, and my biggest question heading into this review: can it add anything new to the equation, or return to us some of the initial excitement of those earlier albums? Back when the music still felt a bit fresh and daring. The short answer is ‘no’. But at least it does make somewhat of an earnest attempt.

In the words of Amaranthe’s guitarist Olof Mörck: “We have done these things before, but we’ve never been as theatrical as we have this time”. And to an extent, this is true. There is certainly plenty of drama and build-up at the start of the opening title track “The Catalyst“, until the inevitable onslaught of the band’s trademark heavy dance rhythm punches out at you from the speakers. And no matter how many years have passed, their music is still as youthful and vibrant sounding as it has ever been. There is an infectious level of optimism as well. But this is nothing new for Amaranthe either. Something that is new however is the harsh vocals of Mikael Sehlin, who makes his growling debut on The Catalyst in place of previous member Henrik Englund Wilhelmsun. According to Sehlin’s Facebook page, he has previously been the lead singer for Engel, Degradead, and Paralydiu. But regardless of how the band found him, Amaranthe have clearly chosen wisely with Sehlin, for he comes across as a very natural fit, and transitions seamlessly into the role.

The vocals have always been an extremely strong feature of Amaranthe. So it’s good to know that this album is no exception. Sehlin joins the impressive clean vocalists of Elize Ryd and Nils Molin, and together their singing forms a harmonious chemical reaction that definitely needs no catalyst. We of course have to focus our praise on Elize Ryd though, who takes centre stage in this theatrical play, and for good reason. Ryd regularly pushes the music to unimaginable heights with her soaring high notes. And at an apparent ease that would make most singers jealous. “Outer Dimensions” is one such example of where Ryd’s voice lifts listeners above and beyond the stratosphere.

Perhaps that’s why the choruses remain such a highlight. Amaranthe certainly know how to pen catchy lyrics. Songs like “Insatiable“, “Liberation“, and “Damnation Flame” will have you singing along on your first listen, guaranteed. Whereas other tracks, such as “Breaking the Waves” and “Interference”, may take a bit more time to latch onto you. But at the end of the day, it’s still Amaranthe. And not a great amount has changed, despite some of the marketing hype. There are glimpses where the band does break away from this ‘rinse and repeat’ approach at various times, for instance on the cool, cyberpunk-inspired “Re-Vision“, or the more classically-inclined duet “Stay A Little While“, but these moments are rare and disappointingly transient in the grand scheme of things. The new found theatricality does at least show up strongly in the visual department, where Amaranthe have really taken their dramatic flair to the next level. For instance, on the video for “Damnation Flame“, which showcases some interesting transitions between live-action and illustrated animations.

Yet ultimately, your enjoyment of The Catalyst will come down to your level of tolerance for treading the same beats. I have no doubt that relatively new fans will absolutely lap this up. But if like myself, you have been following Amaranthe from day one, then it’s highly likely at this stage you might be starting to tire of the band. And it’s through no fault of their music, per se, which is still of the utmost highest order. But more a case of simply wanting to hear something different after all this time. And while this latest album hints at some promising moves in that direction, it’s sadly not enough to surpass the overriding sense of familiarity.

Verdict: The Catalyst is another slickly produced collection of highly catchy and upbeat power anthems. But now seven albums deep, it won’t do anything to cure your fatigue of Amaranthe’s sound. And for long-time fans, that’s really its biggest problem.

Categories
News Press Release

Canadian Metal Experts UNLEASH THE ARCHERS To Release AI Inspired Concept Album, Phantoma

Canada’s most exciting metal band, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of their transfixing sixth studio release, the AI inspired concept album Phantoma, out May 10, 2024 via Napalm Records. The new album follows the band’s breakout 2020 album, Abyss, which won the Juno Award for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year after debuting at #1 on the US Current Hard Music and Top New Artist charts.

Frontwoman and lyricist Brittany Slayes conjured Phantoma’s concept in 2021; before the swarm of pressing commentary surrounding AI began to reach an all-time high. Led by the album’s protagonist Phantoma, a Phase 4 / Network Tier 0 unit – model A, the story recounts the trials of AI gaining sentience on a dystopian, near-future planet earth. With the band’s one-of-a-kind blend of power metal, traditional heavy metal, modern prog and pop sensibilities, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS spin a web of sharp musicality, high sci-fi concept and important social commentary about discovering the brutal truths behind the manufactured sheen of social media posturing.

Today’s album announcement kicks off with the release of its first single, “Green & Glass” – an unforgettable opus traversing the album’s dystopian concept with dynamic verses and prog-laden guitar work. Its innovative accompanying music video features Phantoma discovering new and harrowing realities, and was created using AI while still supporting traditional artists by having character models trained exclusively on a body of work licensed from artist Bo Bradshaw.

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS says about “Green & Glass“:

We struggled for a while to decide which song would lead the way for this record, and in the end chose ‘Green & Glass’ because it is the song that inspired the cover artwork, but also because it doesn’t give too much away about the concept behind the album. We wanted nothing more than to be able to create a fully cinematic retelling of the story through our music videos, and were so stoked when the boys at RuneGate Studio expressed an interest in learning how to use Stable Diffusion to make our dreams come true! They trained the model on the work of Bo Bradshaw, which gives it a beautifully unique animation style; we got to bring his magnificent t-shirt artwork to life!

Watch the remarkable official video for “Green & Glass” BELOW:

Following 2020’s triumph Abyss, which was dubbed by Bandcamp as “a mandatory listen” and named by Loudwire as one of the best rock and metal albums of the year, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS ascend with Phantoma. Defying controversy and bringing their imagination to life, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS utilized AI during the writing, filming, and production process on Phantoma, and weaved electronic and synthwave elements throughout the album’s 10 colossal anthems, which – in line with its theme – prove much darker and heavier in comparison to the bright positivity of Abyss.

Album opener “Human Era” sets the tone with imagery of a bleak, windswept futurescape that crescendos headlong into the breakneck pace of power metal bastion “Ph4/NT0mA” – a masterwork of dueling guitar solos and vocal acrobatics. Trad-metal influenced “Buried in Code” lights the way with pummelling rhythms before the album’s path turns dark on heavy metal hardered “The Collective“, with Brittany Slayes’ warm tones inviting the listener to ‘join or stand aside’! Hair-raising first single “Green & Glass” unveils the truth before the upbeat 80s flavored “Gods in Decay” and the extraordinary balladic anthem “Give It Up Or Give It All” showcase the varied song writing prowess of UNLEASH THE ARCHERS’ modern era. A trifecta of concept closers begins with the moody “Ghosts In The Mist“, leading into the soaring yet menacing “Seeking Vengeance” before closing with the bittersweet tale of “Blood Empress“.

Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, and with the lead guitarist Andrew Kingsley at the helm as both principal songwriter and producer, Phantoma is an exciting advancement in UNLEASH THE ARCHERS’ songwriting and storytelling mastery, and a giant leap forward in their towering musical trajectory.

Pre-order Phantoma HERE

Phantoma track listing:
1. Human Era
2. Ph4/NT0mA
3. Buried In Code
4. The Collective
5. Green & Glass
6. Gods In Decay
7. Give It Up Or Give It All
8. Ghosts In The Mist
9. Seeking Vengeance
10. Blood Empress

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS will tour across the globe in 2024, with dates already announced in North America, Europe, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. See below for all currently booked tour dates!

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS on tour:
European Festivals:
7/05 – Ballenstedt, DE @ Rock Harz
7/06 – Knislinge, SE @ Time To Rock
7/12 – Visovice, CZ @ Masters Of Rock
7/19 – Laukaa, FI @ John Smith Fest
7/21 – Baile Figa, RO @ Celtic Transylvania
8/02 – Wacken, DE @ Wacken Open Air
8/09 – Villena, ES @ Leyendas Del Rock
8/10 – Walton-On-Trent, UK @ Bloodstock

Supporting POWERWOLF in North America:
8/29 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Hollywood Palladium
8/31 – Denver, CO @ The Ogden Theatre
9/03 – Chicago, IL @ The Riviera Theatre
9/04 – Cleveland, OH @ The Agora Theatre
9/05 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
9/07 – Tampa, FL @ Jannus Landing
9/08 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
9/09 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
9/12 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
9/13 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
9/14 – New York City, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount
9/15 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS is:
Brittney Slayes – Vocals
Scott Buchanan – Drums
Grant Truesdell – Guitar, Vocals
Andrew Kingsley – Guitar, Vocals
Nick Miller – Bass

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS online:
Website
Facebook
X
Instagram

Source: Napalm Records

Categories
Album Review Staff Review

Elettra Storm – Powerlords (Review)

You better batten down the hatches. A storm is brewing on the horizon, and it’s gaining in size and intensity. The debut album of Italian power metal unit Elettra Storm is forecast to arrive on the 16th February 2024 and it bears the suitably self-aware title of “Powerlords“. Led by industry power metal veteran and SinHeresy co-founder Davide Sportiello, alongside the charismatically sensational frontwoman Crystal Emiliani (Re-X), it is obvious there is no shortage of talent or experience in this new musical ensemble. Their initial venture is further supported by the skilful mixing and mastering of mastermind producer Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio (Wind Rose, Elvenking, Twilight Force), plus cover artwork handled by Beatrice Demori/Oround Media (Moonlight Haze). With star-studded credits like these, you would be right in thinking this project is on a path bound for victory.

Elettra Storm hits the ground running with relentless enthusiasm on album opener “Higher Than The Stars“, and it’s not long before they build up sufficient speed to take off and soar into the clouds. It’s almost impossible not to get swooped up with them in the whirlwind of blisteringly quick guitar/keytar-fuelled notes left behind in their wake. But if that should fail, then the heavenly and empowering vocals of Emiliani are surely fated to lift you higher.

The ascendency felt in this track could turn out to be emblematic of their career trajectory, for even at this earliest of acquaintances, it is clear Elettra Storm have the potential to rise to the highest echelons of the metal scene. A first impression that is only reaffirmed again and again as the album continues to play out, and they consistently hit the major jackpot – with winning numbers like “Redemption” and latest single “Origin of Dreams” following in quick succession. Guitarist Francis D. Mary steps up his duets with Emiliani on both these songs, and the two pair up beautifully in the vocal department. The harmonies continue in “Powerlords“, which marks its arrival with the type of pomp and ceremony that one might expect from such a boastful title. But it’s hard to argue with this confident self-declaration when the band has the receipts to back it up.

We are the Powerlords
We bring magic to your eyes
We heed the freedom calls
Standing stronger by your side

Elettra Storm – “Powerlords”

“Alone” sees the band break out their acoustic instruments, if only momentarily. There is a distinct Blind Guardian-esque feel to this power ballad, and both the sweeping guitar solos and Emiliani’s vocals sound the most weighty and emotive we have heard them so far. The mid-tempo “Heirs of the Descent” is memorable for its repeated catchiness, while ensuing track “Sacrifice of Angels” reaches Dragonforce-levels of crazy speed metal. I hate to think how challenging this would be for the band to perform live, but there is little doubt it would be an energetic crowd pleaser if they could somehow pull it off. Emiliani does well to keep up with the chaotic pace of her bandmates, who seemingly push their abilities to the max. We draw closer to the album’s conclusion with “Spirit of the Moon“, and Emiliani hintingly reflects on this fact in her opening lyrics: “The end of my quest is near // The end of all“. It is not without a touch of sadness that we have reached this point, but the band provides us a worthy send-off, especially with the slightly lengthier “Voices in the Wind“, delivering some of the catchiest vocal lines yet. Each member of the band is an expert artisan of their craft, whether you care to mention the gallivanting drum work of Matteo Norbedo, or the nimble-fingered fret work of guitarist Matteo Antoni, and this last track serves as a final reminder. The real highlight throughout the entire production, however, is Crystal Emiliani, who has a natural affinity for this style of music (considering this is her first foray into the genre) and possesses the uncanny ability for blending emotion with raw potency.

We were right to list “Powerlords” as one of our most anticipated metal albums for 2024. Combining the splendour of early 00’s power metal, which was made famous by the likes of genre heavyweights such as Stratovarius and Rhapsody of Fire, with the more modern stylings of female-fronted power metal bands like Unleash the Archers and Frozen Crown, Elettra Storm have hit upon a magic balance between the two. It’s still power metal at the end of the day, and still features all the typical fantasy tropes and enchanted stories that are par for the course with this genre – and could perhaps even make Luca Turilli blush. But if that sounds like your cup of tea, then you simply can’t go wrong with “Powerlords“. It’s an escapist’s dream, and a pure joy from start to end.

Verdict: “Powerlords” is all but guaranteed to take the world by storm upon its release, especially when buoyed by the rising star power of relative newcomer Crystal Emiliani. A strong first outing for Elettra Storm, and a worthy addition to any power metal collection.

Categories
News Press Release

Elettra Storm set their sights ‘Higher Than the Stars’ with powerful new single

Hot on the heels of announcing their multi-album deal with Scarlet Records, Elettra Storm have now released a video for ‘Higher than the Stars’, the first single from their upcoming debut album ‘Powerlords’ that is set to be released on February 16th.

The Italian unit are a brand new power metal sensation: featuring the talented and gorgeous Crystal Emiliani on vocals and supported by top-notch musicians, the band’s debut album is a glorious 100% power metal ride at its finest, blending the magic of early 00’s genre superheroes like Stratovarius and Rhapsody of Fire with the modern female-fronted approach of Unleash the Archers and Frozen Crown.

Be ready to be enchanted by tales of mighty archangels, moon goddess and underground civilizations; an escapism from the daily-life fatigue, but also a reflection on humanity virtues and faults.

‘Powerlords’ is the ultimate record for both young and grey-bearded metalheads, in whom the power of the dragonflame still burns bright!

Watch the video for ‘Higher than the Stars’ below:

ELETTRA STORM are:
Crystal Emiliani – vocals 
Francis D. Mary – guitars, vocals 
Matteo Antoni – guitars 
Davide Sportiello – keyboards, bass 
Matteo Norbedo – drums

Categories
News Press Release

FROZEN CROWN Signs Worldwide Contract with Napalm Records

Italian power metal band FROZEN CROWN have inked a worldwide contract with Napalm Records! The five-piece was founded in 2018, and have since become one of the most influential Italian metal bands in the current scene. So far, FROZEN CROWN have released four albums – The Fallen King (2018), Crowned In Frost (2019), Winterbane (2021) and this year’s Call Of The North – which have brought the band huge media exposure, millions of streams and video views, and big European tours with the likes of Dragonforce and Nanowar Of Steel, as well as two headlining tours in Japan. 

Their current album Call Of The North is FROZEN CROWN’s most mature work so far, showcasing the best of the band’s unique power metal style infused with classic heavy metal, melodic death metal and speed metal influences, all topped with bombastic production highlighting opulent orchestrations and harmonies.

Frozen Crown on the signing:

“We’re happy and honored to join the Napalm Records family and we’re ready for our next big step together! Since we founded this band in 2018 we worked hard incessantly, day after day, not only trying to put our best in our studio albums and live, but also managing the band all by ourselves, conquering every single little accomplishment with our DIY attitude, always keeping loyal to our (extremely) small entourage. Thanks to the support of our lovely fans, FROZEN CROWN eventually grew bigger, and got to a point where we were not able to handle it all by ourselves anymore. At the same time, we knew we needed more firepower to push the band further and bring it to the next level. And speaking of firepower, Napalm Records was just the best record label to start this new chapter with!!! We’re excited beyond words to be part of the best metal label in the world, and we can’t wait to start working together on our new album, joining forces with this huge team of professionals!”

Sebastian Muench, Senior A&R Napalm Records, adds:

“FROZEN CROWN are simply one of the most creative power metal bands to emerge in the last five years. Their previous releases, Winterbane and Call Of The North, are brilliant. We look forward to working with FROZEN CROWN to reach the next level in their career.”

Check out our review of their latest album Call Of The North HERE

FROZEN CROWN are:
Giada “Jade” Etro – Vocals
Federico Mondelli – Vocals, Guitar
Fabiola Bellomo – Guitar
Francesco Zof – Bass
Niso Tomasini – Drums