Photo Credit: Luke Shadrick

Dormant, the brand new experimental metal unit, have released their second ever single 'Fractured Memories'.

Another crusher, following their debut single 'Essence', you can listen to 'Fractured Memories' here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dormant2/fractured-memories

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/BTGSa68Z0_o

The band comment: "'A song delving into the thought of tainted nostalgia, that sometimes we can see our past through rose-tinted glasses and reminisce on ‘the good old days’. This can be a very nice feeling but sometimes these thoughts can be shrouded with negative energy. The thoughts that wake you up at 3am, the bad decisions you made that you wish you could turn back. The times you thought you were having a good time but later found out it was at the expense of somebody else. It’s about learning to live with these negatives and flip them into the lessons of how to be better."

Breaking genre boundaries and crossing EDM, cinematic scoring and heavy metal, Dormant are made up of members from Blood Youth, Red Method, Profiler, Sunfall, and Creak. Their combination of monumental guitars, technical rhythms, and catchy choruses paired perfectly with ripping synthesis, and tension-building cinematic scoring will leave listeners gasping for more - along with a burning passion to experience this new energy live. 

Dormant are:

Moose Boakes - Vocals
Aidan Cooper - Rhythm Guitar / Vocals
Connor James - Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals
Rudi McDonald - Bass Guitar
Brad Ratcliffe - Drums 

For more information:
https://www.youtube.com/@dormantnoise
https://www.instagram.com/dormant.noise
https://www.facebook.com/dormant.noise

Photo Credit: Johan Baath

Today, battle-hardened heavy metal warriors Grand Magus release 'The Wheel Of Pain', the second single from their upcoming tenth studio album, Sunraven. 

Sunraven will be released on October 18th through Nuclear Blast Records, and conceptually deals with the legendary poem Beowulf, an ancient tale of epic proportions about heroes and monsters, honour and bravery, victory and defeat. In short, themes that have always played an important role in the lyrical concept of Grand Magus.

JB (vocals & guitar) comments:
“The album is about Beowulf and Grendel. In essence, Sunraven is Beowulf, and that’s my own invention. But some of the songs are written about and from the perspective of Beowulf, and some of the songs are written about and from the perspective of Grendel, the monster he faces in Denmark. That kind of steered me and carried me through the lyrical process this time. I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve always been fascinated by that tale. These myths and legends are about all the basic things that we sing about – life, death, glory, dishonour, love, hate, overcoming difficulties, facing impossible opposition and so on.”

Pre-order/pre-save the new album here: https://grandmagus.bfan.link/sunraven.ema

Listen to the single 'The Wheel of Pain' here: https://grandmagus.bfan.link/the-wheel-of-pain.ema

Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/MQhwv_nO1Ps

ABOUT GRAND MAGUS

Not every band can be 100 percent authentic and true. Not every band has the necessary cojones to summon the spirit of heavy metal. But Grand Magus are not every band. A trio of windswept warriors, driven by belief in the power of this ageless music that so many of us consider a real world lifeline, they return in 2024 with glad tidings of heroism and valour.
 
Over the course of 25 years, the Swedish trio have established themselves as stoic standard bearers for heavy metal in its purest, most triumphant form. From their early years as honorary combatants in the doom scene, Grand Magus have grown in confidence and stature with every passing year. Initially signed to legendary UK imprint Rise Above Records, they released acclaimed albums like 2003’s Monument and 2005’s fiery breakthrough opus Wolf’s Return, and garnered effusive plaudits for live shows that always resounded with the thump of metal’s beating heart.
 
Later signed to Roadrunner and then Nuclear Blast Records, Grand Magus have marched on through the decades with their now trademark sign, a continual benchmark for red-blooded heaviness. Bulging with fresh anthems, albums like Triumph & Power (2014) and Sword Songs (2016) took the band to new heights, as their status as a thunderous, rabble-rousing live band continued to grow. In 2019, ninth studio album Wolf God put the seal on a second decade of active service, and Grand Magus set off on tour as 2020 dawned; only to be confronted with a worldwide Covid shutdown that might have even spelled the end for Stockholm’s finest.

When work finally began on the tenth Grand Magus album, JB made tentative steps towards something bigger and better than past achievements. With a final deadline waiting at the end of 2023, he began to piece together some ideas in January, slowly forming the backbone of what would become the new Grand Magus album, Sunraven. After reconvening with bassist Fox and drummer Ludwig Witt in Halmstad, Sweden, the new songs swiftly came to life.

Not just the tenth Grand Magus full-length, but their first bona fide concept album, Sunraven is a full-bore return to the heavy metal might of Wolf God and Sword Songs, but with an underlying story that adds greater depth to the Swedes’ earthy bombast. Made manifest via a gritty but grandiose production courtesy of the band and co-producer Staffan Karlsson, Sunraven was inspired by the revered Old English epic poem of Beowulf. In true heavy metal style, these nine new songs dive deep into heroic fantasy, but with the same real world resonances that are scorched into the genre’s calloused skin.

Grand Magus are:
Janne "JB" Christoffersson – guitars, lead vocals 
Mats "Fox" Skinner – bass, backing vocals
Ludwig "Ludde" Witt – drums 

Grand Magus online:
https://www.facebook.com/grandmagusofficial
https://www.instagram.com/grandmagusband
https://www.grandmagus.com

TRACKLISTING:
1.     Skybound
2.     The Wheel of Pain
3.     Sunraven
4.     Winter Storms
5.     The Black Lake
6.     Hour of the Wolf
7.     Grendel
8.     To Heorot
9.     The End Belongs to You

Photo Credit: Ilona Gerasymova

Swedish metalcore act Awake The Dreamer unveiled their brand new single 'Tides', which is taken from their upcoming album Holocene, due on 27th September via Arising Empire.

Check out 'Tides' here: https://youtu.be/16bPpnawvw4

Pre-order Holocene here: https://arisingempire.com/holocene

'Tides' showcases a masterful blend of haunting melodies and powerful riffs, accompanied by dynamic vocals that delve into a narrative of inner conflict and emotional upheaval. This track not only sets the stage for the album but also highlights the band's evolved sound, effortlessly combining raw post-hardcore energy with melodic intricacies.

'Tides' is available now on all major streaming platforms and serves as a compelling introduction to what fans can expect from Holocene. The upcoming album promises to explore deeper themes and showcase Awake the Dreamer's firm hold on the metal scene, with their innovative sound and powerful storytelling.

Formed through childhood and high school friendships in 2015, Stockholm-based quartet Awake The Dreamer released their Grow EP the following year, leading to tours in Europe and Asia alongside bands including Ice Nine Kills, Northlane, Adept and Crystal Lake.
 
In 2019, Awake The Dreamer released their debut album Damaged Souls via Arising Empire. The 10-track release featured guest appearances from Adept's Robert Ljung ('Vigilant') and Crystal Lake's Ryo Kinoshita in ('Atmosphere').
 
Building on their robust musical journey, Awake The Dreamer are set to elevate their artistic expression with the release of their upcoming album Holocene. This new record promises to deepen their exploration of intense emotions and complex themes, setting a new benchmark for their signature sound in the metal scene.

Live dates:
Awake The Dreamer / Dead Like Juliet
Co-Headline Europe Tour 2024
with special guests: Atena
30.09 Berlin, Germany @ Cassiopeia
01.10 Leipzig, Germany @ Hellraiser
02.10 Den Bosch, Netherlands @ W2
04.10 Bochum, Germany @ Die Trompete
08.10 London, UK @ New Cross Inn
10.10 Mainz, Germany @ Schon Schön
11.10 Prague, Czech Republic @ Cross Club
12.10 Vorchdorf, Austria @ Metalnight Outbreak
13.10 Vienna, Austria @ Flex
14.10 Munich, Germany @ Backstage

Awake The Dreamer are:

Max Andrén | Vocals
Victor Sandberg | Guitar
Johan Norsander | Guitar

For more information:
https://awakethedreamer.se
https://www.facebook.com/awakethedreamerofficial
https://twitter.com/atdbandswe
https://www.instagram.com/awakethedreamer
https://www.tiktok.com/@awakethedreamer

Tracklisting:
1. Future
2. Tides
3. Take My Hand
4. Alone
5. Labyrinth
6. Holocene
7. Burns
8. Violence
9. Broken Home
10. Echoes

Photo Credit: Fordtography

Future alternative metal greats Defences have released a video for their new single 'Shadowlight', the title track from their upcoming album, due for release on 8th November via Long Branch Records. 

Check out the video for 'Shadowlight' here: https://youtu.be/BfYWD2WVot4

Stream the single and pre-orderShadowlighthere: https://defences.lnk.to/shadowlight
.
VocalistCherry Duesburycomments: 

"This song talks retrospectively about the process of exploring your inner darkness. This involves uncovering discarded, repressed and rejected parts of yourself and shedding a light on them, working through the uncomfortable, painful things we don't like about ourselves, and our fears. Being conscious of these things leads to acceptance, which leads to self-awareness.

"This process, known as Shadow Work, is something that has become an important part of my life. As difficult as it is, I frequently find myself facing my darkness and learning to understand it more deeply, or from a different perspective, eventually embracing it as part of me, rather than ignoring it and hoping it goes away.

"The lyrics for 'Shadowlight' were actually written in an attempt at foreshadowing, or manifestation before I’d even begun to do any of the work. It's an ongoing thing you never really stop doing, a healing journey that lasts a lifetime. I think that's the vibe you get by the song's conclusion. I remember being quite nervous about showing these vocals to the guys when I first demoed my ideas, because it felt incredibly raw at the time, almost to the point of being cheesy. To be singing about learning to love all of myself, especially when I hadn't really yet. Luckily they all loved it, I hope everyone else does too!"

Following their tour with Swarm6ix earlier this month, Defences have announced an album release show in London. 
 
Upcoming live dates:

Nov 09: London Camden Assembly (Album Release Show)
Dec 07: Brighton Hammerdown Winter Militia 

With strong support in the form of millions of streams across their catalogue of releases, many UK tours with multiple sell-out headline shows, not to mention numerous festival appearances including Download, Takedown, Turbulence and Burn It Down - the band from Hertfordshire, UK, now present their label debut for Long Branch Records.

Defences comment on the album: “Shadowlight stems from a period of solitude and deep reflection, as we explore what it means to accept your inner darkness. Acknowledging, understanding and ultimately accepting it for what it is, learning how to sit with it or use it to change your outlook. The album sees all sides of this, tying in the parallel of the artistic process itself and what it is to create. To open yourself up to the possibility that you may not achieve what you believe in your core to be something you deserve, that you may not reach your potential. This cycle of disappointment and self-sabotage is commonplace, with nothing left but to chase a sense of absolution and validation forever out of reach."

Defences are:

Cherry Duesbury - Vocals
William Young - Keys, Vocals
Calum Wilmot - Guitar
Owen Hughes-Holland - Bass
Kyle Parke - Drums

Defences online:
FACEBOOK
YOUTUBE
INSTAGRAM
HOMEPAGE
TIKTOK

Track list:

1 The Curse
2 Gold In The Dark
3 Perish
4 Ego(Maniac)
5 Silence & The Sound
6 Breathe It In
7 Inspirit
8 The Almost
9 Greatness
10 Shadowlight

Photo Credit: Gonçalo Carvalho

Nordic psych/neofolk collaboration Kanaan & Ævestaden have released their new single 'Vallåt efter C.G. Färje', ahead of their beautiful new joint album project, Langt, langt vekk, due 11th October via Jansen Records.

Stream 'Vallåt efter C.G. Färje' and pre-order the album here: https://orcd.co/vallat 

The project comment: "'Vallåt efter C.G. Färje' is another old folk tune which has received an extreme makeover. Ævestaden's etheric neo-folk is combined with Kanaan's crunchy guitars and thundering drums. 8½ minutes of wild, proggy, psych folk!" 

Courageous, meditative, and progressive, Langt, langt vekk is an exciting new jewel in the crowns of these two award-winning bands.

With Langt, langt vekk (translated as far, far away) the two bands have created a singular album. Traditional Norwegian folk music and rock has been combined several times before, but nothing sounds like this. Kanaan contributes its members’ jazz/psych background, rooted in improvisation and jamming. Ævestaden’s modern folktronica utilizes several ancient traditional instruments, in addition to the incorporation of traditional Swedish folk music. The result is something truly groundbreaking, in where both bands’ identities shines through.

Langt, langt vekk serves up reworked old traditionals and psalms along with grand new compositions. The album is impressively coherent, given the two band’s wildly different musical backgrounds. Fiddles, cow’s horn, kravik lyre, mouth harp, synths, harmonies, heavy guitars and a thundering rhythm section: Musically, it is impressively versatile, as well as consistently tasteful. 

It's the first new material from Kanaan since their 2023 record Diversions Vol. 2: Enter the Astral Plane (Jansen Records) - their eighth studio album since forming in 2018.

The trio came to prominence with psychedelic, jazz-inspired rock, but have gradually moved in a heavier direction, where their latest studio efforts have been labelled stoner rock. The band, consisting of Eskild Myrvoll (bass, synths), Ask Vatn Strøm (guitars) and Ingvald André Vassbø (drums, speed Farfisa), won the Spellemann award (Norwegian Grammy) in the rock category in 2021.

Ævestaden are a neo-traditional folk trio, who combine ancient instruments and folk songs with electronic music in a cutting-edge and idiosyncratic sound. The band consists of Norwegian Eir Vatn Strøm (the sister of Kanaan's Ask Vatn Strøm) and Kenneth Lien, along with the Swedish Levina Storåkern. They have received several awards for the albums Jag är sen igjen (a collaboration with Benedikt) and Solen var bättre där.

More information (Kanaan):
Facebook || Instagram || Bandcamp

More information (Ævestaden):
Facebook || Instagram || Bandcamp

Tracklisting:

1. Ganglåt bortåt
2. Habbor og Signe
3. Fiskaren
4. Langt, langt vekk
5. Farvel
6. Vallåt efter C.G. Färje
7. Hva har min Jesus gjort for meg
8. Dalebu Jonsson
9. Vardtjenn

Photo Credit: Luke Shadrick

Interlaker have revealed their new single 'Carving Circles', another glimpse of their highly anticipated self-titled debut album, on 25th October via Hassle Records. 

Stream the single and pre-order the album here: https://hasslerecords.ffm.to/interlaker

Discussing the track, vocalist David Jakes comments: "Things are pretty tricky when there’s a breakup between two people with a child, as many will know. I moved back to Cambridge from London when this happened to me, so I missed quite a few of my daughter's big birthdays as a result; I looked at a lot of them through photos and FaceTime. That’s what ‘Carving Circles’ is about; there are a few moody and darker moments that pop up on this record but this track particularly encapsulates that feeling perfectly."

Guitarist Jack Wrench adds: "On this track we didn't worry ourselves with keeping within parameters of conventional song structure, we just followed that mood. We have only had one opportunity to play this track live, but I think it was the strongest response of the set. So we're excited for people to get know this song".

Anyone who has loved rock music over the last decade or so will be familiar with David Jakes and Jack Wrench. Jakes was the broodingly intense singer with Lonely The Brave; a complex character blessed with a once-in-a-generation voice. And Wrench was the explosive drummer with Arcane Roots, a man equally at home with math-rock complexity and sheer rock power. These two exceptional talents have been united in Interlaker, who might just be the sensational rock band you’ve been waiting for since they walked away from their former projects. 

Jakes and Wrench – who only knew each other vaguely from their previous bands – brokered their new partnership on Instagram; exchanging casual messages, discovering a mutual love of REM and Pearl Jam, before progressing to swapping demos and song ideas, eventually writing and recording their brilliant debut album entirely online. 

Jack Wrench commented: “We both approached recording the album with a zero-pressure attitude. We were both just up for writing music again.”

That method allowed Jakes, who holed up in his parents’ house over the summer to record his parts solo, to “put everything on the line” in his performances, recording as and when the mood struck, in his constant quest for vocal perfection.

Dave Jakes commented: “I tend to over-analyse everything, but it seemed to work out alright. I’m a bit fixated on my vocals.”

“Dave’s voice and songwriting craft will always retain an identity, so we can push the music in any direction,” continues Wrench. “The biggest kick I got out of the recording process was presenting Dave with a musical backdrop where I was like, ‘I have no idea where he will go with this’. I’ve never heard Dave singing that blend before.”

Jakes’ occasionally impenetrable, yet always expressive lyrics are also at their very best, covering what he describes as “everything in life: stuff about my daughter and family, drinking too much, mental health".

The sense of the unpredictable that courses through Interlaker’s album has also extended to an unlikely return to the live arena. The band – augmented by live members including Wrench’s brother – made a triumphant live debut at London’s Omeara last year, and have more shows scheduled throughout 2024, including their debut festival performance, which occurred at 2000trees festival in July.
. 
Rest assured, Interlaker are a tale of the unexpected that everyone is going to love.

Catch Interlaker live:

Sep 20 - The Hope & Ruin, Brighton
Sep 21 - The Bodega, Nottingham
Sep 28 - The Star, Guildford

Tickets: https://interlaker.com/live/

For more:
https://interlaker.com/sign-up/
https://interlaker.com
https://facebook.com/InterlakerOfficial
https://instagram.com/interlakerofficial
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1sgjRSBP1ij45SrUmvuLJq?si=zAO-tx7hTfmsm9-msHjtpg

Album tracklist:
 

1. The Hunger
2. Ghostride
3. Call Out The Wolves
4. Be The One
5. End Unkown
6. Spite Of Day
7. Miracle
8 Coming Out
9. Carving  Circles
10. Bottomless Pit

Photo Credit: Moritz Hartmann

German modern metal quintet Doomcrusher have released their new crushing single 'Adrenaline', ft. label mates Any Given Day, via Arising Empire.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/RhsRgi33KnQ
Available on all DSPs at midnight here: https://doomcrusher.lnk.to/adrenaline

In the crucible of the apocalyptic atmosphere that envelops our world, Doomcrusher were forged. Born out of the deepest desire to be the harbinger of change, the band emerged with a resolute mission: to defy the impending doom that looms on the horizon.

Founded by Andy Posdziech (Any Given Day), Jean Bormann (Rage), Marv Kinkel and Rob Lee, Doomcrusher's sound is a powerful fusion of stomping mid-tempo industrial riffs, seamlessly intertwined with uncompromising gutturals resolving into uplifting hooks.

The band's sound is further enriched by sophisticated electronic elements, adding depth and complexity to their musical tapestry. The ambition is clear - to redefine modern core music while staying true to the roots of the metal genre. Their music is not merely an auditory experience, it's a journey through the realms of sound; a deliberate exploration of the boundaries of heavy music.

Doomcrusher stand as a defiant force against the inevitable, a rebellion that crushes the darkness of doom with an unwavering belief in the transformative power of music.

Doomcrusher are:
Marv Kinkel - Vocals
Jean Bormann - Guitar & Vocals
Andy Posdziech - Guitar
Rob Lee - Bass
Silas Fischer - Drums

Doomcrusheronline:
www.instagram.com/doomcrusher.official
www.tiktok.com/@doomcrusher.official
www.facebook.com/doomcrusher.official
www.twitter.com/doomcrusherband

Photo Credit: @lsmrtnck

Rising post-hardcore group Our Mirage have unveiled their latest music video for the single 'Right Now', out via Arising Empire. This latest release showcases a bolder and more intense side of the band, guiding viewers on an emotional journey.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/tPxnYlY24pQ
Stream the song here: https://arisingempire.com/rightnow
 

'Right Now' highlights the band's inventive prowess, mesmerising with both its musical complexity and captivating visual storytelling. The video exudes a mysterious aura, inviting anticipation for the band's future musical direction.

Moreover, Our Mirage have announced their imminent tour across Europe, offering fans a chance to immerse themselves in the live rendition of their music. A full list of confirmed dates can be found below. 

Dead By April - The Affliction Europe Tour 2024
Special guests: Our Mirage, All Faces Down
03/10 CZ Prague (new show) MeetFactory
04/10 PL Warsaw Proxima
05/10 DE Berlin SO36
06/10 DE Hamburg Fabrik
07/10 DE Stuttgart Im Wizemann
08/10 NL Amsterdam Melkweg (sold out)
09/10 DE Munich Backstage
10/10 DE Frankfurt Batschkapp
11/10 DE Cologne Essigfabrik (sold out)
12/10 AT Vorchdorf Metalnight Outbreak
13/10 AT Vienna Flex (new show)

Tickets: here

Hailing from Germany, Our Mirage hit your feelings deep. From their ambient music to poignant lyrics that really strike a nerve, this young group are becoming known for the emotion that they pour into their music.

On their 2020 album Unseen Relations, released via Arising Empire, Our Mirage delved deeper, using their intuition to focus on relatable problems and struggles that we deal with on a regular basis. The band's latest album Eclipse explores self-discovery, viewing the process as a rudimentary and obligatory part of human life. 

Our Mirage are:
Timo Bonner | Vocals
Steffen Hirz | Guitars
Manuel Möbs | Bass
Daniel Maus | Drums

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/OurMirageBand
https://www.instagram.com/ourmirageband
https://www..ourmirage.de

Photo Credit: Eivind Hansen

London-based purveyors of beauty and chaos, Tayne, have unveiled their captivating new single ‘Down', a tantalising glimpse into their highly anticipated debut album. 

Matthew Sutton (vocals/bass) explains: “We wanted to take Tayne into a new territory that felt modern and give it more pop sensibilities. 'Down' embodies the core theme of the album, love is conflict. ‘Our lust for hurt is love’s metaphor’ -  desires of love and acceptance destroyed by intimidation, make us fake, afraid, lie and cause pain.”

Watch the video for 'Down' here: https://youtu.be/eORG6Mnyl2s

Stream on all platforms:  https://fanlink.tv/taynedown

'Down' is the first video in a trilogy leading the visual narrative throughout the music directed by Leif Johnson, a member of London based video collective NEWD.

Leif comments: “The story behind the three Tayne music videos was so compelling and unique. As a director, I'm interested in people and stories, as well as beautiful compelling aesthetics. The themes explored within Tayne songs come from a real story that has multiple angles, through the point of view of Matthew Sutton and his experiences as the son of a gay father at a time in Ireland. All this when Irish laws prohibited homosexuality, the personal and political struggles for both the LGBTQ+ community as well as their families. It's important to remember how far we have come and how all camps should work and collaborate for wider understanding, acceptance and ultimately love. Growing up as the older loving brother to a lesbian sister, I was very close and in-tune with her journey from being the my sweet little sis who felt detached from the world, to the strong woman she is today. I feel it's also important to have the understanding and patience needed to educate people as the world evolves around them.”

Sutton adds: “The artwork and music videos leaned into telling a story based on my own father's conflicts with love. My dad being a family man, married with kids and then realising he was gay, coming out, navigating those tribulations and transforming his life and finding love and acceptance again. The three acts of the story were broken into each individual video. The Conflict, The Transformation & The Acceptance / Celebration. 

"'Down' examines my dad's “conflict” in love, the focus in this case deals with his sexuality. Being married in a heterosexual relationship but understanding the reality of being gay man is a big conflict. I can’t imagine the tension and angst that must’ve brought. 

"My whole existence stems from a massive conflict in love, that of my mom and dad's relationship it’s really profound but I’m very grateful for it.”

Catch Tayne live:
Sept 11: UK, London, Soho - All Is Joy Studios
Sept 20: DE, Hamburg, Reeperbahn Festival
Oct 12: UK, Bristol, Strange Brew with Sugar Horse
Nov 24: UK, London, Victoria - Portals Festival 

Tayne are: 
Matthew Sutton (vocals / bass)
Tom Hancock (guitar)
Paul Traveller (drums)

Tayne online:
https://www.youtube.com/@tayneband
https://www.instagram.com/tayneband
https://x.com/TayneBand
https://www.tiktok.com/@tayneband
https://www.facebook.com/tayneband
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