Derision- Ancient review

Good thrashing metal. This is what the UK scene has been missing on the ground level and Derision have risen to fill that hole.

Ancient is a prime example of some good 80’s metal thrashing with some modernised vocals sitting on top of the riffs, with the standard thrash metal double bass flowing seamlessly underneath.

The riffs are powerful and will toughen up your neck muscles as you headbang your way through the entire album without missing a beat. I found myself unconsciously nodding along to the songs as I was listening to them. The solo’s pack a kick as well, being fast and dramatic without being pretentious, a rare feat in metal.

There are a few niggles however, and whilst it doesn’t particularly tear away from the pleasurable listening, it does get a grating after a while, and that is that there is such little variance in the vocal styles so therefore it gets just a little boring hearing the same style of vocals over and over again with no difference between them. As I say, it doesn’t detract from the listening off the album, but it does get a little grating.

Overall a good effort from Derision, and I will definitely be checking out what they are doing in the future.

7/10

Shattered Skies- Pianomation Review

I recently did a review of Shattered skies debut EP Reanimation (Found here) and this is a follow on remixing off some of the songs from that album and, for once in life, a remix is actually worth going out and getting. This is the EP that makes the synth lines I critiqued in the previous review make a hell of a lot more sense, especially with the inclusion of the actual piano (hence the name)

If the entire debut album comes out as a mix of this EP and their Reanimation EP, it will be the release of the year, absolutely no doubt about it, as this, with the music just stripped down to bare basic’s of the piano and vocals in most songs. 2 of the songs are new and 2 are reworkings of songs from the original Reanimation EP, but my god do they sound different and add a haunting beauty that wasn’t there before.

With all the instrumentation being stripped away, this showcases the bands main strength, the vocal melodies. They are absolutely beautiful and so emotionally I found myself welling up at some points.

I could wax lyrical about this version all day and still not run out of things to say, but the best recommendation I can give people is to go Here and buy both the Reanimation EP and this one. My only complaint about this EP is that it ends. If they do their debut album in this style mixed with the Reanimation stuff, they will have a top-seller on their hands.   

10/10

Ghostfest 2012 is ready to once again take over Leeds University on the 30 June / 1 July with its biggest capacity and strongest line up yet

Ghostfest, the UK’s fastest growing independent metal and hardcore festival, is back and promises to top last year’s sold-out event with over 40 bands, three stages, even bigger names and an increased capacity to 2700. Taking place on the 30 June / 1 July at Leeds University Students' Union, the first headliners of many big-hitting names have been announced:

Emmure

Frankie Palmeri of Emmure says:

"We’re really excited to be a part of GHOSTFEST this year, see ya in the pit"

All Shall Perish

All Shall Perish say:

“Given we couldn’t make last years’ Ghostfest we’re really excited to be coming over to play the festival this year and the line-up looks incredible. Look forward to seeing you all there.”

Comeback Kid

They’re joined by Boston punks Defeater, tech-metal wizards The Haarp Machine, Ghost Music signings Silent Screams, melodic hardcore outfit Departures, noise-core mob Polar and fast rising Welsh boys Continents.

An excited Toyan St.Hilaire, Ghostfest’s director, comments:

“I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to this year’s Ghostfest! As well as having the biggest names and most international acts the festival has ever seen, the addition of a third stage has allowed room for even more amazing underground acts so there will always be something for everyone at any one time. When I started Ghostfest back in 2005, I set out to create the UK’s best metal and hardcore festival possible, and with this year’s lineup, Ghostfest 2012 is realising that ambition. Bring on June 30th!”

Ghostfest is proud to announce that Impericon, Monster and Time Will Tell will each be sponsoring a stage, and as usual Monster will be giving out free energy drinks! Leading music title Rock Sound magazine has also come onboard as media partner.

Tickets cost £35 Weekend / £25 Single day, with an exclusive pre-order available at http://www.impericon.com/uk/ghostfest.html from today. Tickets go on general sale atseetickets.com / ticketline.co.uk / leedstickets.com / Crash Records / Jumbo Records from 2 March.

http://facebook.com/pages/GHOSTFEST-OFFICIAL-FAN-PAGE

http://ghost-music.co.uk

http://www.impericon.com/uk/ghostfest.html

http://Impericon.com

http://monsterenergy.com

http://timewilltellclothing.tumblr.com/

Electro-metal fusionists COLLISIONS will support (hed) PE on their upcoming European tour and stream brand new track

"Collisions: fast, heavy and in your face. One to watch in 2012 for sure!"

M.D. Clayden – Pitchshifter/This Is Menace

Brighton's electro-metal fusionists COLLISIONS are set to storm Europe this March with their hybrid of drum & bass, metal, punk and electronica, when they hit the road with the legendary (hed) PE.

The band have also made the slamming brand new track ‘Believe In This’, available to stream. Check it out here:


http://soundcloud.com/collisionsuk/believe-in-this

The (hed) P.E. tour directly follows COLLISIONS’ UK tour with South London Metallers, Bloodloss, dates are:

UK tour with Bloodloss

01 Mar, The Bell (formerly the The Hobgoblin), Bicester
02 Mar, The Wheatsheaf, Banbury
03 Mar, The White Swan, Aylesbury
08 Mar, The Hydrant, Brighton
09 Mar, Scream Lounge, Croydon, London

European tour with (hed) PE

20 Mar, L´empreinte, Savigny le Temple, France
21 Mar, Tivoli De Helling, Utrecht, The Netherlands
22 Mar, Nieuwe Nor, Herleen, The Netherlands
23 Mar, Orange Peel, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
24 Mar, Headcrash, Hamburg, Germany
25 Mar, Cassiopeia, Berlin, Germany
26 Mar, Undeground, Cologne, Germany
28 Mar, Universum, Stuttgart, Germany
29 Mar, Abart Music AG, Zurich, Switzerland
30 Mar, Bloom, Milan, Italy

Further UK shows:

13 Apr, 100 Club, London w/ The Spindle Sect
11 Aug, Screamfest, Eden Nightclub, Telford

Since forming in 2011, COLLISIONS have been filling dance-floors across their home town with a refreshingly unique, high-octane fusion of metal, punk and drum & bass. Support slots with the rap-electronica-rock crossover masters Senser and local buzz band Floors & Walls quickly established the Brighton four-piece as a must see live act, and simply through word of mouth their debut headline show at The Hydrant was a complete sell out.

COLLISIONS will be releasing their debut EP, “Believe In This”, later this year.

http://www.facebook.com/CollisionsUk

Pravus- Pravus EP Review

Pravus, the progressive death metal band from Surrey, the land of the posh and rich, show that all is not right in the area, with this outpouring of metal which is a furious outpouring of supressed rage and the melancholic acoustic beauty which makes the soul weep. Featuring progressive concepts and only 2 songs, yet clocking in at just over 30 minutes in length.

The furious metal and the acoustic beauty mesh well, and offer a slightly new take on the whole progressive scene. With some beautiful solo’s, this is a band who shows that speed isn’t everything, and that slow meaningful solo’s, straight out of a David Gilmour textbook which then melds straight into some technical mastery.

The lyrical concepts on this album are bizarre they make for some definite interesting listening, which with Danny’s screamed vocals, you can pretty much understand him all the time, which is a rarity in today’s metal scene. Normally the voice is used as a percussive instrument than a melodic in this scene, but Pravus are proving different. Also with a song that boarders on 20 minutes and never once did I get bored, they sure know how to keep things interesting.

I do have a few complaints however and one is that the sound mix doesn’t seem quite right, with the acoustic parts coming in a little lower than the metal, I kept on wanting to turn my speakers up then the metal kicked straight back in louder than before. This could be due to compression on a slight error on the production side of things.

Another is that some parts sound slightly muddy, which could again be a production error or intentional, I don’t know, but it did sound a little flat in some areas. but for a self-produced debut EP it can’t really be at fault.

Overall this is a very good EP with only a few flaws. I can’t wait to hear what else these guys have ins tore for us.

7/10

Pravus Release debut EP 29th February

Rhythmically complex with a sweet taste of melancholy Progressive Death Metal band Pravus are releasing their debut self-titled EP on the 29^th February.

Pravus who are “a mix of both Mastodon and opeth, with parts of Cannibal corpse and Nile thrown in for good measure” are set to release what will be one of Surrey’s finest EP’s of the year for the metal scene.

Pravus Track Listing

1.       He who bathes in the water of Afanc

2.       The Terminus Cosmographia part 1- Cosmic Alignment

3.       The Terminus Cosmographia Part 2- Breathing Finite

4.       The terminus Cosmographia Part 3- The Eschaton

Here is a little preview of what to expect-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgUNluQwvc4&context=C36088aaADOEgsToPDskIr1Cyg2y4mKR6JIJCmc4ZU

Shattered Skies- Reanimation Review

Ireland, this is not a name commonly associated with the metal scene unless you count the obvious Thin Lizzy, but it may be time to start turning our eyes and ears over the little piece of sea that separates us and them as Shattered Skies are a breath of fresh air in the djent scene that was vastly growing stale.

Using the traditional mix of insanely complex clean sections followed by the jagged, polyrhythmic off-time riffs with a smattering of synths, this sounds like a recipe for the traditional djent scene. However we now throw in the missing ingredient, an absolutely amazing singer who tends to prefer clean singing over the traditional screaming. His soaring vocals definitely make this band stand out from the crowd.

You can hear a lot of influence from both Meshuggah and Dream Theater in the songs and this is a very good thing, as it is both at once showcasing the incredible musicianship which is obviously eminent in the band, but also their song writing capabilities. Whilst listening through I had to keep on reminding myself that this is their debut EP and not something like their 2^nd or 3^rd album, their music is that far advanced.

My one complaint is that some of the synth work seems put in to just point out that they have a synth line and doesn’t add anything to the otherwise brilliant musical textures that is created by Shattered Skies. However it is partially the synth work that makes this band stand out, so it is a double edged sword.

Overall this is a very good effort from the Irish lads and an absolutely stellar debut EP. In the future forget your Meshuggah, forget your vildjharta, forget every other djent band out there, this is a band that demands and deserves to be heard.

9/10

Their EP can be bought from their bandcamp store here

Small Town Records’ The Elijah invite you to design your own personalised merchandise!

Epic post rockers The Elijah have invited their fans to design their own personalised merchandise in a unique offer available this week. From today through to Sunday 4 March, anybody visiting the band’s webstore will be able to design their own, one off, personalised piece of merchandise. The band will then produce each piece specifically to order.

Fans can choose from two designs in one of five colours, printed on one of twelve coloured t-shirts or one of five coloured sweatshirts, over four sizes, effectively being able to order any one of 85 merchandise designs! Not only are the band offering this amazing opportunity to order a one-off piece of bespoke merchandise, but everyone who makes a purchase from the store is entered into a competition to win a signed copy of the album to be delivered before release.

Check out The Elijah's advance album track video, I Destroy:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lT_4IMqAn1s

The Elijah’s debut album is to be released through Small Town Records in summer 2012.

www.facebook.com/theelijahuk

Birch Mountain/Malfeitor- Dawn of Silent Decay Split Review

Split CD’s are a personal bane of mine, as just as I am getting into a band, it switches to a different band which is generally a worse band, as it’s one band eeking off another’s fame. This here is not the case and I am pleasantly surprised. By no means are both bands perfect, but both are pretty good, so for once, a Split EP didn’t ruin my listening pleasure.

To Start with, Birch Mountain. This is a band who reminds me heavily of the prog infused Mastodon with heavier vocals. This is a very good thing as I love Mastodon. It swaps between some brutal riffs which you can headbang to, to some slower more technically complex passages which send the mind reeling, and the two intertwine perfectly.

However, the bad aspect is that they do sound to much like Mastodon, and you sometimes feel that whilst listening to the band, that you could be listening to Mastodon and be getting a slightly better listening experience. This doesn’t occur often, but when it does it becomes a niggle in the back of the mind. Now this isn’t to slate the band, as I thoroughly enjoy their offering, but I just think a little more variation could do the band good.

Now onto Malfeitor, who offer a more traditional death Metal approach to their music. They offer a lot more of the brutal headbanging riffs and crushingly heavy lines. It seemed like a natural progression from the first band Birch mountain which I thoroughly enjoyed, as it’s rare for split EP’s to follow so naturally, which whether that is the person at HellThrasher productions doing a bloody good job, or just pure luck, is off no consequence, it works and that’s all that matters.

My only niggle on Malfeitor is that they sound a little too generic and don’t stand out enough for me unfortunately.

Overall this is a good Split, and the best Split I’ve heard in a long time.

7/10 

Abazagorath-Abazagorath EP

Abazagorath were on of the forerunners of the US Black Metal scene and their latest EP does their legacy justice. This is a true work of absolute evil which is being released by No Visible Scars on the 27^th Feb (Moved forward from early April due to things moving faster than anticipated).

This EP opens up with some wonderfully dark acoustic playing on the opening track Conjuring. It conjures up images of walking through graveyards on the blackest night. When the full band kicks in, it is a beast of an introductory track with a slow mournful solo towards the end which makes it seem like the after mentioned graveyard has come alive and the living are now dead.

When the EP kicks in proper it is a magnificent piece of black metal, which as I mentioned before, does their legacy proud. As this is their first release after a hiatus, I was expecting the material to be a little rusty, but I was surprised beyond measure, by how intense the music is. This sounds like a band who will take no prisoners.

With songs titles such as The Antigod and Storms of Destruction, you can tell where their lyrical inspiration comes from, and their sound isn’t far from the majestic soundscape which is Behemoth. This is very high praise as Behemoth are one of this reviewers favourite bands.

For people into Black Metal and are looking for some lesser known bands from the origins of the USBM scene, this is the band for them, I can’t recommend them highly enough. They are fantastic, their musicianship is top notch and they are brutal as anything.  I don’t have a single negative thing to say about this album, which is rare. I absolutely loved it.

10/10

7 HORNS 7 EYES debut new single 'Divine Amnesty' from forthcoming album

After spending many months working on their highly anticipated debut full-length, progressive atmospheric death metallers 7 HORNS 7 EYES are determined to bring a fresh sound to a genre that many would argue has gotten stale, by finally releasing the stunning, 'Throes Of Absolution', throughout Europe on April 23 via Basick Records. In anticipation of this release, the band have released the album’s first single,'Divine Amnesty', over at Terrorizer Magazine.

To listen to the track, click here.



Featuring a guest appearance by Jeff Loomis (ex-Nevermore), the album has been produced and mixed by 7H7E’s guitarist, Aaron Smith, at his own Envisage Audio studio. Jens Bogren (Opeth, Amon Amarth) mastered the outing, guitars were re-amped by Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Killswitch Engage), whilst Travis Smith (Nevermore, Katatonia) crafted the artwork.

A teaser video for Throes Of Absolution can be viewed here, and the track listing for the album is below.

Throes Of Absolution track listing:


1. Divine Amnesty
2. Phumis: The Falsehood of Affliction
3. The Hill Difficulty
4. Cycle of Self
5. Delusions
6. A Finite Grasp of Infinite Disillusion
7. Vindicator
8. The Winnowing
9. Regeneration

The band previously released a digital single, entitled Convalescence, which can be purchased here on iTunes or streamed for free from Basick. In addition to the title track, the single also features two tracks from Throes Of Absolution ("Vindicator", "The Winnowing"), so download your copy now to get your first taste of the latest from 7 HORNS 7 EYES!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT 7 HORNS 7 EYES

http://www.facebook.com/7horns7eyes

http://www.youtube.com/7horns7eyesOfficial

http://www.7horns7eyes.bigcartel.com/

http://basickrecords.bandcamp.com/album/convalescence-ep

http://www.basickrecords.com/bands/7_horns_7_eyes

BRAVE THE MOMENT announce debut single - ‘Nothing But The Remnants Of Our Divide’

Cheeky British tech-metallers BRAVE THE MOMENT are set to burst onto the UK metal scene with the release of their anger-fuelled first single ‘Nothing But The Remnants Of Our Divide’, on March 26. The single is taken from their forthcoming, as yet untitled debut album, which will be released this summer.


The single details the story of the untimely demise of a band, explains drummer, Murray Rawson: “Our last band (Our Divide) was dying a painful death, the track‘Nothing But The Remnants Of Our Divide’ is about that break up. It's a statement about how we are in a much better place now and the value of the lessons we learnt through the whole break up process, something which many musicians who have been in bands can probably relate to!”




Single artwork was designed by Alex Tillbrook and gives a flavour of the album to come. The track listing for the single is below.

Nothing But The Remnants Of Our Divide track listing:

1. Nothing But The Remnants Of Our Divide
2. Being Human
3. Your Defeat Is Imminent

BRAVE THE MOMENT will release their debut album in the summer of 2012 to coincide with a string of dates nationwide and a video release. Head over to their Facebook page to download a free track and prepare for the single release on March 26.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BRAVE THE MOMENT 

https://www.facebook.com/bravethemoment

http://soundcloud.com/brave-the-moment

http://www.youtube.com/user/bravethemoment

Australian extreme metallers ETERNAL REST announce new line up / new track / debut album name (recorded by Psycroptic)

Australian extreme metallers ETERNAL REST have announced that their forthcoming debut album will be titled, ‘Prophetic’, and will be released worldwide in Spring 2012. The album has been recorded and engineered by Joe Haley (PSYCROPTIC).


The band have also announced the completion of their line up adding Josh Robinson on vocals and Jannico Kelk on bass.


Guitarist Jake Kaiser comments: “It has been a long journey since the start of our album recording, finding/auditioning new members, recording in many different locations and rehearsing constantly, but we’re pleased to say that our debut album "Prophetic" is finally finished. The material on this album is a big step up from anything we have previously recorded, with the addition of new members adding their skills and working with an amazing engineer (Joe Haley - Psycroptic) we could not be any more excited to get this album out for you all to hear.”

ETERNAL REST have released a teaser track entitled ‘Preaching The Decimation Of Spheres’ from their forthcoming debut album, which is a mercilessly dark and blistering all out death assault, showcasing what to expect from the rest of the album. Check out the track here.

Catch the band at the following gigs before they head off on tour in support of the album later this year:

March 3 - Chaos VI - Wodens Tradies Club, CANBERRA, NSW - SYBREED and loads more.
March 17 - Moshsphere - The Tempo Hotel, BRISBANE - SYBREED and loads more.

More news about Prophetic from ETERNAL REST will be coming soon, so stay tuned!

CEREBRAL BORE: NEW TRACK PREMIERING NOW AT INFIDEL AMSTERDAM‏

A brand new track from Scottish death metallers CEREBRAL BORE, titled "Horrendous Acts of Iniquity", is premiering now exclusively at Infidel Amsterdam YouTube channel.

The band recorded the new song at Foel Studio in Wales with producer CHRIS FIELDING, who also produced the band's debut album, MANIACAL MISCREATION. The track will be released as a digital single on iTunes on Monday, February 20th.

Listen to "Horrendous Acts of Iniquity" now at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4wKboUbqQw

CEREBRAL BORE guitarist PAUL MCGUIRE comments:
"We are all really excited about getting some new material out and starting a new chapter for Cerebral Bore. The song is a taste of what will be on offer on the next album, and it will hopefully get people perked up nicely for its release later this year, so be sure to listen to it a thousand times and sing along when it comes to show time!"

CEREBRAL BORE are due to kick off a North American tour on Sunday with GOATWHORE and HATE ETERNAL. See them live at the following shows:

CEREBRAL BORE w/ GOATWHORE, HATE ETERNAL, FALLUJAH

Feb. 19 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
Feb. 20 - El Paso, TX - House Of Rock
Feb. 21 - Tempe, AZ - Clubhouse
Feb. 22 - Hollywood, CA - Whisky A Go Go
Feb. 23 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Catalyst Atrium
Feb. 24 - Portland, OR - Branx
Feb. 25 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
Feb. 26 - Boise, ID - The Venue
Feb. 27 - Salt Lake City, UT - In The Venue
Feb. 28 - Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep
Feb. 29 - Kansas City, MO - Beaumont Club
Mar. 01 - St Paul, MN - Station 4
Mar. 02 - Des Moines, IA - House Of Bricks
Mar. 03 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's Rock Club*
Mar. 05 - Toronto, ON - Hard Luck**
Mar. 06 - Ottawa, ON - Maverick's**
Mar. 07 - Montreal, QC - Les Foufounes Electriques**
Mar. 08 - Clifton, NJ - Dingbatz**
Mar. 09 - Brooklyn, NY - Saint Vitus**

* No GOATWHORE
** HATE ETERNAL and CEREBRAL BORE only

View the tour flyer at http://earacherecords.com/myspace/cb_goathate_full.jpg

CEREBRAL BORE w/ SUFFOCATION, CATTLE DECAPITATION, HATE, BLOOD RED THRONE, SEPHIRAH

Mar. 13 - London, UK - The Underworld
Mar. 14 - Derby, UK - The Old Bell
Mar. 15 - Liverpool, UK - O2 Academy
Mar. 16 - Dublin, Ireland - The Pint
Mar. 17 - Plymouth, UK - The White Rabbit

View the tour flyer at http://earacherecords.com/myspace/cb_suffocation_mar12.jpg

MANIACAL MISCREATION is out now worldwide. Get the CD in Europe at http://bit.ly/eO2FYH or in North America at http://bit.ly/jOTneO

The album is also available on iTunes at http://bit.ly/rP2K6Q

Get more CEREBRAL BORE news and info at:

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cerebral-bore/192210687462914
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/cerebralbore2
Twitter - http://twitter.com/Cerebralbore2
Tumblr - http://cerebralbore.tumblr.com

Shadowside confirmed on Metal Open Air

Band will perform at the festival in April
"Inner Monster Out" is a sales and critics success in Brazil

Brazilian Metal band Shadowside are scheduled to perform on Metal Open Air, festival that takes place in São Luís, Brazil, from April 20 to 22. The lineup consists of bands such as Anthrax, Blind Guardian, Megadeth, Venom, Symphony X, Andre Matos, Korzus, Torture Squad and many others.

Lead singer Dani Nolden recorded a message inviting all fans to visit Metal Open Air. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr2rt9auqhs.

Tickets are available at Ticket Brasil (www.ticketbrasil.com.br) and on the official website www.metalopenair.com.

Recognized by media and fans as one of the hottest new Heavy Metal bands, Shadowside recently released the album "Inner Monster Out" in Brazil, which was chosen best album in 2011 according to several websites, magazines and respected journalists in the country. The material was produced, mixed and mastered by Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, Arch Enemy, Evergrey, Hammerfall, Bring me the Horizon) at Fredman Studio in Gothenburg, Sweden. Inner Monster Out features special guest appearances of vocalists Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity), Björn “Speed” Strid (Soilwork) and Niklas Isfeldt (Dream Evil).

The success of "Inner Monster Out" opened doors to other parts of the world. Recently, Shadowside signed with japanese label Spiritual Beast for the release of the album in Japan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and South Korea on March 14. European and USA release dates will be announced soon. Two bonus tracks are on the japanese edition of the album: previously unreleased track Virtual Pain and a cover version of Motörhead's Ace of Spades.

Also, the band recently won the "2011 Rock Show Awards" as Metal band of the year. "Rock Show Awards" is one of the most important music awards in Brazil with focus on Rock and Pop music.

A video for "Angel with Horns", first single of the new album, is available on YouTube and has already surpassed the 117,000 views mark. Check it out at www.youtube.com/ShadowsidePress7.

Flyer of the Metal Open Air lineup: http://migre.me/7X0hg

Links relacionados:
http://www.facebook.com/shadowsideband
http://twitter.com/shadowsideband
http://www.youtube.com/ShadowsidePress7
http://www.lastfm.com.br/music/Shadowside
http://www.shadowside.ws
http://www.myspace.com/shadowsideband

7 HORNS 7 EYES reveals artwork for 'Throes Of Absolution'

Progressive atmospheric death metallers 7 HORNS 7 EYES will be releasing their debut full-length album, Throes Of Absolution, across Europe on April 23, 2012 viaBasick Records. Featuring a guest appearance by Jeff Loomis (ex-NEVERMORE) and already named one of Metal Sucks' "Albums That Will Fuck Your Face Off In 2012", this highly anticipated album features artwork by the renowned Travis Smith of Seempieces (OPETH, DEVIN TOWNSEND).





A teaser trailer for Throes Of Absolution can be viewed here, and the track listing for the album is below.

Throes Of Absolution track listing:

1. Divine Amnesty
2. Phumis: The Falsehood of Affliction
3. The Hill Difficulty
4. Cycle of Self
5. Delusions
6. A Finite Grasp of Infinite Disillusion
7. Vindicator
8. The Winnowing
9. Regeneration

The band previously released a digital single, entitled Convalescence, which can be purchased here on iTunes or streamed for free from Basick. In addition to the title track, the single also features two tracks from Throes Of Absolution ("Vindicator", "The Winnowing"), so download your copy now to get your first taste of the latest from 7 HORNS 7 EYES!

Hopes Die Last release stunning new video to the genre defying track 'Keep Your Hands Off'

Blank TV have premiered HOPES DIE LAST's latest video "Keep Your Hands Off", the genre defying epic closer on their "Trust No One" album, released this week via Standby Records. Featuring producer Nekso, it's an evolution of the signature HDL sound with the intertwining layers of electronica adding a whole new dimension.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzfPd94Q4LY

"Trust No One" is out now on Standby Records. Hopes Die Last will be touring Europe extensively, more news soon!

Australian metallers ELYSIAN detail plans for debut album ‘Wires of Creation

In recent years the Australian metal scene has exploded wildly onto the worldwide stage with bands such as Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus, Psycroptic and Circles all turning international heads; the latest band to want a piece of the pie is Melbourne based melodic deathers ELYSIAN, who are set to release their aggressively punchy debut album, ‘Wires of Creation’, worldwide on March 26. The release storms its way through eleven tracks of hook laden, flowing dark melodies, technical solo interludes and snarlingly evil vocal work.


Guitarist Gabe Hutchinson comments: “Our main goal was to create a dynamic experience from start to finish whilst maintaining heavy songs. Overall it's a really heavy melodic death album but at times soars into things like an instrumental Pink Floyd-esque song with an electronic feel or a intricate percussive section. As a band, we grew up listening to music that incorporated acoustic ballads with blazing shred songs all in the one album, and it wasn't called progressive; it was called a good album. Some bands aim to have their songs sound disjointed by dramatically switching between genres; that’s not what we have done, the whole album flows, it attacks and it releases, its aggressive but gives you time to breath and take it in.”


A teaser song 'Mans Design' taken from ‘‘Wires of Creation’ can be heard here and the complete track-listing for the album is below.





Wires of Creation track-listing:

1) Mans Design
2) Sigma
3) Climb from Fear
4) Eternal Breath
5) Sense Offender
6) The Gate
7) Play the Hand
8) Calming the Storm (instrumental)
9) Conquest
10) Machine
11) A Cry from Helplessness
             I. Remorse
             II. The choice
             III. The Fall




The band are currently working on a video and will then hit the road in April with an Australian tour in support of their album. ELYSIAN will also support Arch Enemy in Melbourne on April 31.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ELYSIAN

https://www.facebook.com/ElysianMetal

Listen online - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gubxkRx3hnE 

Pop punkers The Hype Theory will support McFly on 28 March before heading out on tour with Adelaide and Franko, and release Valentine's Day video “Where We Started”

"...bubbling with sunshine, melody and above all talent."

Kerrang!

The Hype Theory will support chart toppers McFly at The Regent, Ipswich, on the 28 March on their Keep Calm And Play Louder Tour, before heading out on a full UK co-headliner with Adelaide on the first five dates and Franko on the rest. This directly follows the band's UK co-headliner with Jetpack and completes their relentless spring tour schedule before hitting the festivals and taking on Europe.

As a show of love for their fans, The Hype Theory have a Valentine's gift – a brand new music video “Where We Started”, which is out today via Blank TV. The track is also released as 50 limited edition physical CDs packaged in a Valentines Day card that are hand signed and dedicated from the band.

Where We Started video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juijZ3Mgjgs

Tour Dates:

March 2 - The Vic Inn, Derby

Co-headliner with Jet Pack
March 5 - Koopas, Swansea
March 6 - Central Station, Wrexham
March 8 - Soundhouse, Leicester
March 9 - Club Revolution, Peterborough
March 10 - The Krispin Klub, Kettering

Supporting Mc Fly
March 28, The Regent, Ipswich

Co-headliner with Adelaide
April 26 The Square, Harlow, w/Adelaide
April 27, Stereo, York, w/Adelaide
April 28, Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh
April 29, The Classic Grand, Glasgow
April 30, The Intake Club, Mansfield

Co-headliner with Franko
May 1, Dry Bar, Manchester
May 2, The Picket, Liverpool
May 3, TBC, Newcastle
May 4, Vudu, Birmingham
May 5, Guildford Community Centre, Guildford
May 6, The Hydrant, Brighton
May 7, Upstairs at the Garage, London

Middle Eastern progressive rockers ABSOLACE announce release date, track-listing for new album – Fractals‏

Dubai based progressive rockers ABSOLACE, will release their hauntingly beautiful second album ‘Fractals’ worldwide on March 26th. The release is a ten track, emotionally-rich opus, mixing soaring melodies, crunching riffs, thought provoking lyrical themes and atmospheric soundscapes akin to bands such as Karnivool, Porcupine Tree and Tool.

Singer Nadim Jamal comments: “The album mainly revolves around the idea of living with the belief that chaos defines everything that is and everything that happens in our world. Every evolutionary development, every plane crash, even the sperm that makes it through from millions of competing swimmers that eventually grows into 'you' - it is all defined by an infinite string of micro events. With ‘Fractals’ we let things play out and gave parts the space we felt they needed, it became more of a soundscape, but definitely doesn’t leave out our heavier sound – there are some seriously brutal riffs for sure. It’s been a big step for us – and even more importantly it's a stepping-stone to the next album. It's our baby and we're very proud of it.”
A teaser song 'Chroma Mera' taken from their new album, Fractals, can be heard here and the complete track-listing for the album is below. Artwork for Fractals was designed by Dave Hunter, drummer with Australian metallers CIRCLES.





Fractals track-listing:

1: Sirens
2: The Rise
3: I Am, So I Will
4: Chroma Mera
5: Wade 2.0
6: Shape and Form
7: The Fall
8: Dichotomy
9: Alpha Omega
10: Closure

Having recently signed to Spellbind Records for distribution in the Middle East, ABSOLACE will headline Thundermarch Festival in India on the 25th February and play their album release show on March 2nd in Dubai.

An official video for their track ‘I Am, So I Will’ is to be released shortly, so stay tuned!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ABSOLACE

https://www.facebook.com/absolace

http://www.absolace.com

The Hype Theory Live

I went to see The Hype Theory live at the Garage on the 24^th January with my co-writer will for a nice enjoyable evening of pop-punk goodness.

As the venue is quite big, I was expecting the line-up to be a bit more coherent, with their being no other pop-punk bands on the bill, with the majority of the acts being acoustic. Also I was quite surprised that The Hype Theory weren’t headlining, they were only main support to yet another acoustic act. This kinda dampened the atmosphere of the night in a way, as The Hype Theory’s special blend of Pop-Punk goodness would have rounded off the night extremely well, however the night ended up on a bit of a downer due to some of the slow acoustic songs.

On to the Hype Theory. They did not disappoint, playing a blistering set from their album Glory Days. Every song was played perfectly and the crowd were singing along to every song. This is a band that really knows how to get the audience going. This is the 2^nd time Metal Junkie have gone to see The Hype Theory and in all honesty, the first time was better in a way as previously it was a more intimate venue so there was more crowd interaction. Nevertheless, The Hype Theory absolutely killed it onstage.

My only complaint is that The Hype Theory weren’t headlining as they would have made a perfect end to the night, but as it was, it was an extremely good night. Definitely recommend going to see them when they next come around to play!

The Hype Theory- 5/5

Overall- 4/5

Shadowside announces new album release date in Japan

"Inner Monster Out" is successful both in sales and reviews in Brazil
Band is confirmed to play on Metal Open Air Festival in April

The success of "Inner Monster Out", considered by the large majority of the media in Brazil as one of the best releases of 2011, has reached other parts of the world. Shadowside has just signed with Spiritual Beast for the release of this material on March 14. The album reaches stores in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and China.

"We are extremely excited about releasing this album in Japan and I don't think it could have happened in a better moment for us. The album was just recently released in Brazil with great success, we love it since it's exactly what we were looking for: a heavy, full of energy, straightforward yet melodic Metal album. We are very proud to be working with Spiritual Beast and hope the fans there will love Inner Monster Out just as much as we do!", said lead singer Dani Nolden, who recently was chosen by the readers of Whiplash, largest Rock/Metal news portal in Brazil as the best female singer in the country.

The tracklist of Japan's edition of "Inner Monster Out", including an exclusive bonus track and one previously unreleased song, is:

01. Gag Order
02. Angel with Horns
03. Habitchual
04. In the Name of Love
05. Inner Monster Out (feat. Björn "Speed" Strid, Mikael Stanne, Niklas Isfeldt)
06. I'm Your Mind
07. My Disrupted Reality
08. A Smile Upon Death
09. Whatever Our Fortune
10. A.D.D.
11. Waste of Life
12. Ace of Spades (Motörhead cover)
13. Virtual Pain

The third Shadowside record was recorded, mixed and mastered by Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil, Evergrey, Hammerfall, Dimmu Borgir) in Gothenburg, Sweden. The CD features special guest appearances of singers Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity), Björn "Speed" Strid (Soilwork) and Niklas Isfeldt (Dream Evil).

Recently, Shadowside was confirmed to play at the festival Metal Open Air, that will run from April 20-22 and will take place in São Luís, Brazil. The event already has in the cast so many Brazilian and international bands such as Anthrax, Blind Guardian, Exodus, Megadeth, Symphony X, Venom, Almah, Andre Matos, Hangar, Korzus, Matanza, Shaman, Torture Squad e others.

Also, Shadowside won "Metal band of the year" on the third edition of Prêmio Rock Show 2011, one of the most important music awards in Brazil dedicated to Rock and Pop music.

A video for the song "Angel with Horns", first single of the new album, is available on YouTube and overcame the 115,000 views mark. Check this and other videos of the band in studio and on tour at http://www.youtube.com/ShadowsidePress7.

Inner Monster Out CD is available on presale at http://www.hmv.co.jp/en/product/detail/4935192 ou http://www.amazon.co.jp/インナー・モンスター・アウト-シャドウサイド/dp/B006WQJK0W.



Related links:
http://www.facebook.com/shadowsideband
http://twitter.com/shadowsideband
http://www.youtube.com/ShadowsidePress7
http://www.lastfm.com.br/music/Shadowside
http://www.shadowside.ws
http://www.myspace.com/shadowsideband
http://www.spiritual-beast.com
http://www.facebook.com/spiritualbeast
http://www.twitter.com/spiritualbeast
http://www.youtube.com/spiritualbeast
http://www.hmv.co.jp/en/product/detail/4935192
http://www.amazon.co.jp/インナー・モンスター・アウト-シャドウサイド/dp/B006WQJK0W.

Prog-death-metallers Betraeus and Spires are set to invade Ireland this March on a Molten Magazine sponsored tour

“Betraeus are without a doubt another shining addition to the UK underground”

Lee McBride, Terrorizer

“Crushingly heavy, technical, atmospheric and vocally melodic”

Nik Young, Metal Hammer

2011 was a big year for Betraeus where the band leaped from local heroes to a national act, with a killer Download Festival appearance, releasing their critically acclaimed 'Towards the Sun' EP on Siege of Amida Records and embarking on their highly successful debut UK tour among their achievements.
With no intention of slowing, the Manchester prog-metallers are ready to take on 2012 and have set their sights on the rest of the world. First stop – Ireland!

Betraeus will play three shows across the country with fellow Mancunian prog-metallers Spires in support, and Ireland’s biggest monthly rock mag, Molten Magazine, are joining them for the ride as official media sponsors. Check them out on the following dates:


22 March - The Blind Pig - Limerick
23 March - The Pint - Dublin
24 March - The Limelight - Belfast

For those who have yet to check them out, Betraeus fuse chopping riffs and blasting rhythms with intense atmosphere and have an immense talent for fusing brutality with beauty. December’s EP release catapulted them to the forefront of the UK underground, with achievements including a number three slot in in the the Scuzz TV most requested chart for the title track's video, but also a "band of the day" feature on broadsheet The Guardian's website. Check out the video to the EP's title track:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JLZ6V4--Yg

The band first displayed their diversity on a big scale at Bloodstock 2010, when they played a brutal set on 'New Blood' stage as well as a more mellowing session on the acoustic stage. Check out the acoustic performance of "Blossom The Void" at the festival:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8R2EnvHN-I

http://www.facebook.com/Betraeus
https://www.facebook.com/SpiresOfficial
www.moltenmagazine.com

7 HORNS 7 EYES announces release date, track-listing for new album - Throes Of Absolution

7 HORNS 7 EYES announces release date, track-listing for new album - Throes Of Absolution 

Progressive, atmospheric, death-metallers 7 HORNS 7 EYES will be releasing their debut full-length album, Throes Of Absolution, on April 23rd, 2012 throughout Europe via Basick Records.

Featuring a guest appearance by Jeff Loomis (ex-NEVERMORE) and already named one of Metal Sucks’ “Albums That Will Fuck Your Face Off In 2012”, this highly anticipated album has been many months in the making, but worth the wait!

In regards to the state of the band and their upcoming release, guitarist Aaron Smith comments: “7H7E has been on quite a journey since we embarked on recording this album, full of some big ups and downs-- not the least of which being signed to Basick Records/Century Media, enduring a front-man change, re-recording all the album vocals, and sharing the stage with some great bands…and let me tell you—it feels amazing for us to know that we finally get to release this thing out into the world. Many of our fans have waited patiently for years for this record to drop, likely wondering at times if it ever even will, and we can't thank them enough for sticking by us. Here's to our fans and to 2012 being a great new year for 7 HORNS 7 EYES! See you on the road!”

A teaser trailer for Throes Of Absolution can be viewed here, and the complete track-listing for the album is below.

Throes Of Absolution track-listing:

1. Divine Amnesty
2. Phumis: The Falsehood of Affliction
3. The Hill Difficulty
4. Cycle of Self
5. Delusions
6. A Finite Grasp of Infinite Disillusion
7. Vindicator
8. The Winnowing
9. Regeneration

The band previously released a digital single, entitled Convalescence, which can be purchased here on iTunes. In addition to the title track, the single also features two tracks from Throes Of Absolution ("Vindicator”, “The Winnowing”), so download your copy now to get your first taste of the latest from 7 HORNS 7 EYES!


More news about Throes Of Absolution and 7 HORNS 7 EYES will be coming soon, so stay tuned!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT 7 HORNS 7 EYES 

https://www.facebook.com/7horns7eyes

http://www.basickrecords.com 

7 HORNS 7 EYES TRACK FREE on Basick Records Sampler - http://www.basickrecords.com/free

Circles release tour video and announce second Australian tour

Circles release tour video and announce second Australian tour

Melbourne based CIRCLES have posted an 8 minute video diary from the current Eye Embedded tour, exclusively on Terrorizer TV. The band are taking their brand of catchy, modern metal to the road, in a string of dates across the east coast of Australia, which sees them play this weekend in Sydney before heading to Brisbane on the 3rd Feb.
View part one of the tour diary here.

2012 has already kicked off well for the band, after winning the hearts of the UK's national Radio 1 DJs Fearne Cotton from the Daytime Show and Daniel P Carter from the evening Rock Show who have both said they love the band and want to see them live, promoting rumours that the band are soon to hit UK shores.


CIRCLES recently announced a second Australian tour, an impressive triple bill of some of the finest progressive metal that the country has to offer with Twelve Foot Ninja and Jericco taking place in March on the national 'Swarm Tour'. Tickets are on sale now.


SWARM TOUR - MARCH 2012 - Twelve Foot Ninja, Jericco & Circles

Mar 1 - The Basement, Canberra
Mar 2 - The Patch, Wollongong
Mar 3 - The Annandale, Sydney
Mar 10 - Enigma Bar, Adelaide
Mar 24 - Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
Mar 29 - Mac's Hotel, Melton
Mar 30 - Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
Mar 31 - Pelly Bar, Frankston