Photo Credit: Eivind Hansen

Dublin born, London based Tayne announce their debut album ‘Love', to be released 31st January 2025 (MNRK / Inside Job), with the release of ‘Scars’, splicing together Lady Gaga pop with a ‘terminator judgment day’ inspired percussive thud of destruction.

Watch the video to 'Scars' here: https://youtu.be/ky0D6js-E4s

Pre-order Love here: https://insidejob.lnk.to/TayneLOVE

“Thematically revealing, honest and being open” explains Tayne frontman Matt Sutton, “It's about allowing yourself to be vulnerable, showing your intimacy and not letting your baggage drag you down." 

As part of the launch, Tayne will be offering 20 Tayne tattoos to fans to be tattooed by the bands frontman who’s a resident at Kings Cross’ acclaimed tattoo shop Sacred Gold as well as Album Release party at Camden’s Home of Heavy Metal, The Black Heart, on Wednesday 5th February.

‘Scars’ is co-produced by Tayne & longtime collaborator Wayne Adams (Green Lung, Pet Brick), one of a number of collaborations with artists as diverse as Jesu, Cage Fight, Rolo Tomassi, Mastiff, Katie Kim & Poisonous Birds with Tayne supporting the likes of HEALTH, Author & Punisher and The Dillinger Escape Plan’s Greg Puciato.

Tayne have been announced for 2000 Trees & ArcTanGent festivals alongside fellow countrymen Kneecap, Taking Back Sunday, Rolo Tomassi, The Melvins, Between The Buried And Me, The Fall of Troy & more

Live dates:
Wed 5th February: Album Release Party at The Black Heart, London
29 - 30th May 2025: Supersonic Bloc Party, Paris, FR
9 - 12th July: 2000 Trees, Cheltneham
13 - 16th August 2025: ArcTanGent Festival, Bristol

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
http://www.mnrkheavy.com

Photo Credit: Tabea Hüberli

Multinational blues-rock institution Ellis Mano Band have released their new single 'Count Me In', taken from their new album MORPH, set for release on 21st February 2025 via SPV.

Watch the lyric video for 'Count Me In' here: https://youtu.be/7h8JU8sqqH4

Pre-order MORPH here: https://ellismanoband.lnk.to/morph

'Count Me In' is a powerful rock track that instantly grabs your attention with its mix of heart and energy. "The song combines the raw energy of Heartland Rock with a vocal style reminiscent of David Bowie’s expressive power," says the band. "It’s about love – or maybe it’s not – and the choices we make as we search for our way in life. With its catchy melody and sing-along potential, this song is an invitation to embrace the moment and live life to the fullest. For those ready to dive in completely: Count us in."

With MORPH, the Ellis Mano Band present a multi-faceted, coherent opus. “It is more than just an album for us - it's our next big step, our musical diploma,“ say the band. With songs like the epic ‘Countdown To Nothing’ and the powerful anthem 'For All I Care,'  the band invite their listeners to join in on an intense journey through the evolution of our sound. MORPH represents change and growth – a transformation reflected in every track. Energized riffs meet unexpected, quiet moments, creating a listening experience full of tension and depth. The artwork by Canadian album design legend Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi…) perfectly captures this essence and symbolizes the spirit of MORPH. "We are excited to share these new sonic worlds with our fans, both on record and live!” 

With several top 2 rankings in the Swiss album charts and excellent reactions from critics, the Ellis Mano Band continue on their path and will keep on delivering music at its best - timeless and 100% handmade.

On the single, the band comment: "‘Stray’ is a song that speaks deeply from the heart – inspired by all the dogs that remain unwaveringly loyal despite disappointment and pain. Chris Ellis, our singer, who has adopted street dogs himself, wanted to tell the story of an animal that continually seeks love but is left alone time and again. ‘Stray’ shows what true, unconditional loyalty means and reminds us that everyone deserves a home. It’s a musical call to give these strays a second chance." 

The video for the single was created in cooperation with VETO, the association of European animal welfare organisations. The non-profit limited company, which is committed to the welfare of shelter and street animals, provided the Ellis Mano Band with the film material used for the music clip.

The first public airing of Ellis Mano Band’s fourth album MORPH was performed during their support slot to rock legends Deep Purple, on their German tour in July 2024. The record features eleven tracks, including ‘For All I Care’, which was one of the highlights in their set supporting the British rock legends. Powerful and characterised by tempo changes, it is a contemporary, modernised homage to the essence of classic rock from the late 1960s to the end of the 1970s. A quiet acoustic interlude is thrown in for good measure. A definite nod to the unforgotten Old School. Compositional sophistication, variety and incredible playing are the hallmarks of the Anglo-American sound of the Ellis Mano Band. So it was only logical to engage a global great for the cover art. The cartridge with the broken tip and flowers growing in ist case was realised by Canadian album design legend Hugh Syme (Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, Kiss, Rush and many more). The music is just as impressive. It shows how the Ellis Mano Band continue their development in line with the album title.

Legendary artwork designer Hugh Syme comments: "I have always been motivated and inspired to bring a compelling, and (usually) improbable visual solution to those album covers I create for bands whose music, composition, performance and production I truly respect. Such is the case with the Ellis Mano Band. Thank you to Thomas Hammerl for bringing us together! All the best with the launch of the new 'MORPH' album project."

Ellis Mano Band are:
Chris Ellis - Vocals
Edis Mano - Guitars
Severin Graf - Bass
Nico Looser - Drums
Lukas Bosshardt - Keys

Ellis Mano Band online:
https://www.ellismanoband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/EllisManoBand
https://www.instagram.com/ellismanoband
https://www.youtube.com/@EllisManoBand

Track list:

1 Virtually Love
2 Count Me In
3 20 Years
4 For All I Care
5 Scars
6 Madness And Tears
7 Ballroom
8 Stray
9 Countdown To Nothing
10 State Of Grace
11 The Fight For Peace (Live)

Photo Credit: Mrs.CONTRAst

After the release of their fourth full-length record Nuklearth in 2020, the nuclear quintet Cytotoxin strikes back with their second standalone single 'Condemnesia'. The band continue their blast of a musical and lyrical concept, tackling the catastrophic incident at the Chernobyl power plant in 1986.

Watch 'Condemnesia' here: https://youtu.be/4stPeEBp6e0

Listen to 'Condemnesia' here: https://cytotoxin.bfan.link/condemnesia

With this second standalone single, Cytotoxin underline their instrumental skills, as well as vocal variety, and demonstrates that technical death metal can indeed be melodic and catchy. 'Condemnesia' sheds light on the victims of the Chernobyl incident, who suffered from acute radiation sickness and describes the desperate and hopeless situation for affected individuals and physicians in the Soviet hospitals.

Cytotoxin have recently announced brand new EU/UK tour dates for April and May this year. A full list of confirmed shows can be found below.

Cytotoxin EU/UK dates:
10/04/25 Berlin, DE
11/04/25 Magdeburg, DE
12/04/25 Chemnitz, DE
13/04/25 Hamburg, DE
14/04/25 Hannover, DE
15/04/25 Essen, DE
16/04/25 Chaleroi, BE
17/04/25 Paris, FR
18/04/25 Strasbourg, FR
19/04/25 Aalen, DE
20/04/25 Lindau, DE
21/04/25 Weinheim, DE
24/05/25 Manchester, UK

On the night of 26th April, 1986  an explosion at the Chernobyl power plant changed the course of the world.

Inspired by this catastrophe, the German death metal band Cytotoxin emerged in 2010, bringing a new level of intensity to the genre. By fusing technical and brutal riffs while thematizing the devastating effects of the reactor disaster, they quickly drew attention in the scene. Their debut album, Plutonium Heaven (2011), was a self-produced powerhouse, followed by their second record, Radiophobia (2012), which secured them a three-album deal with American label Unique Leader Records.

Cytotoxin quickly gained a reputation for their explosive live performances and razor-sharp precision on their instruments. Their third album, Gammageddon (2017), solidified their place in the tech death community, while their fourth album, Nuklearth (2020), showcased their versatility and songwriting capabilities. Following numerous European tours and major festival shows, Cytotoxin just made their U.S. and Canadian debut in November 2024. Now, they are ready to conquer new territories with their two new singles 'Hope Terminator' and 'Condemnesia' in hand.

Keep your gas mask ready, as the radiation spreads across the globe!

Cytotoxin are:
Vocals - Sebastian „Grimo“ Grihm
Guitar - Fabrice „Fonzo“ Töpfer
Guitar - Jason „Mathias“ Melidonie
Bass - Vitalis „V.T.“ Kast
Drums - Maximilian Panzer

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/Cytotoxinmetal
https://www.instagram.com/cytotoxin.official/
https://www.youtube.com/@CYTOTOXINOFFICIAL
https://www.tiktok.com/@cytotoxin.official
https://t.me/CYTOTOXINOFFICIAL

Photo Credit: Nick Fancher

Modern rock powerhouse Pop Evil follow their scorching singles 'What Remains' and 'Deathwalk' with a new, dark track 'Wishful Thinking', along with cinematic music video, via MNRK Heavy. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/UpLkY4zJoaA

The band comments on the track: "'Wishful Thinking' pushes us into a realm that's deeper, darker, and more intense than ever before."

The six-time RIAA gold-certified band are gearing up for their forthcoming eighth studio album What Remains, which is set for release 21st March, 2025.

For two decades, Pop Evil frontman Leigh Kataky has needed to mine the deepest of reserves in order to drag the band up from the blue-collar grassroots of his local Michigan scene to stand proud at the top of the modern rock game. Soaring successes, bitter defeats… Leigh Kakaty has survived it all.

What Remains is the culmination and story of this journey with Pop Evil, laid bare like never before. Continuing in the recent vein of 2023's acclaimed Skeletons, the new opus is both sonically and thematically Pop Evil's heaviest ever offering; a thundering collection of arena-ready modern rock and metal hits in which Kakaty opens heart, mind, and soul.

"There are a lot of issues and things that I've dealt with in this journey of Pop Evil that I've buried for a long time," the frontman explains of this document of resilience, perseverance, and accountability.

Pop Evil were born in North Muskegon, Michigan in 2001, Kakaty drawing on the lessons of a youth first shaped not by music, but by high school basketball — leadership, team work, the drive to improve in the lonely hours put in at the gym at 5am, the will to win suppressing any fear — in order to fight tooth and nail for their break-out moment.

"I was hustling and learning every day to make my dreams come true," Kakaty recalls of his time playing local bars and slinging early EPs out of the back of his truck. "Studying never interested me. Neither did getting a regular job. A knee injury wrecked my shot at playing sports. Music was all I wanted to do from that moment, and I didn't give myself a backup plan. Pop Evil gave me a purpose, and a reason to get up every day. It became a crusade."

Lipstick on the Mirror, their 2008 debut, and its follow-up, War of Angels, brought acclaim and global attention; 2013's Onyx delivered the first of the band’'s nine No.1 singles and six RIAA-certified gold and platinum plaques, but also a period of darkness brought on by the grief of Kakaty losing his father. "I was completely lost … I had just missed the last five years with my dad, chasing this dream when I could have been with him. I didn’t know if I wanted or could do Pop Evil any more," he says. The band’'s 2017 self-titled album, opened by the smash-hit 'Waking Lions' was written "pretty much to save my life" – but in turn “reminded me of the fire I have inside, and that God put me here to make music that could help people."

It's a mission statement enshrined in Pop Evil to this day — and which provided the spark for the genesis of What Remains.

“You're always chasing that one song that can connect with that one person," Kakaty says. "And that process has to start with yourself. There's a lot of personal healing on this record, a lot of things I wanted to get out for my own mental well-being. I'm finally at a place where I can confront my demons."

Sonically, the album is a riotous explosion of life-affirming noise; a vortex of scything riffs and gut-punch drum beats that regularly give way to Pop Evil's hallmark anthemic choruses. 

"We set out to push boundaries” nods Kakaty. "Metal has always been a part of our DNA, but we've never made it such a focal point before. A lot of writing on this record has been about listening to what my soul is saying and letting the songs find their own path, rather than chasing a sound that might fit in on the radio. I think you can really hear the mood and emotion of the album's themes in the music."

Pop Evil online:
www.popevil.com
www.facebook.com/popevil
www.twitter.com/popevil
www.instagram.com/popevil

Photo Credit: Chris Rehn

Swedish rock sensation tAKiDA are back with a bang, dropping their new single, 'The Game' via Napalm Records. Packed with blistering guitar riffs, anthemic melodies, and powerhouse vocals, the track is primed to become a future radio staple, showcasing the band’s signature sound while pushing their musical boundaries to new heights.

Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/9cDq_wxrfjE

tAKiDA on their new single: ”It’s about a man and his true love from the past. All he wants is to get clean from his sex addiction and just focus on the two of them, but it’s too strong. There’re too many temptations out there and ultimately, he’ll be ending up alone.”

Ever since their start in 1999 and breaking onto the scene with their first album, tAKiDA have become one of Sweden’s biggest exports, ruling the Swedish rock scene with six platinum singles (one of them 4x platinum), three platinum albums and no less than five #1 albums. But tAKiDA are also making waves beyond the borders of their home country! Their most recent studio album, The agony flame (2024), marks their most successful entry onto the German album charts (#8) yet, while the album’s first single, 'The loneliest hour', hit #1 on the German Rock Airplay Charts.

Following their previous successes, tAKiDA continue to push boundaries and solidify their acclaim. With 'The Game', tAKiDA kick off the new year and dive deep into themes of passion, inner conflict, and unfiltered emotion, perfectly showcased through its evocative lyrics and explosive sound. In summer 2025, tAKiDA will bring their matchless stage performance to several German cities, starting on 18th July in Regensburg. Get your tickets now and explore 'The Game' – now available on all streaming services worldwide.  

In 2023, tAKiDA embarked on their biggest tour so far, including arena shows in their home country and huge festival appearances – even conquering the main stage at Wacken Open Air. In 2025, the band will return to Germany for an extended summer tour, set to rock the stages in twelve cities. 
 
tAKiDA Live 2025
21.02.2025 SE - Karlstad / Nöjesfabriken
22.02.2025 SE - Östersund / Folkets Hus
28.02.2025 SE - Göteborg / Filmstudion
01.03.2025 SE - Stockholm / Annexet
 
The Summer In Germany Tour 2025
w/ Those Damn Crows
18.07.2025 DE - Regensburg / Piazza
19.07.2025 DE - Hamburg / Stadtpark Open Air
20.07.2025 DE - Marburg / Schlossparkbühne
22.07.2025 DE - Neunkirchen (Saar) / Neue Gebläsehalle
23.07.2025 DE - Esslingen / Burg Esslingen Open Air
24.07.2025 DE - Berlin / Valley
25.07.2025 DE - Augsburg / Szene Wien
26.07.2025 DE - Osnabrück / Mit freundlichen Grüßen *
22.08.2025 DE - Haddeby / Baltic Open Air *
24.08.2025 DE - Monheim am Rhein / Monheimer Sommer Open Air
29.08.2025 DE - Hanau / Amphitheater Hanau
30.08.2025 DE - Chemnitz / Wasserschloss Klaffenbach
*without Those Damn Crows
 

tAKiDA are:

Robert Pettersson: vocals
Tomas Wallin: choirs, guitars
Mattias Larsson: guitars
Chris Rehn: bass, keyboards, guitars, programming and arrangements
Kristoffer Söderström: drums
 

For more information:
Instagram
Facebook
Website

Creators of power metal supertrack 'Heartless Madness', DYNAZTY today release their third single 'Call of the Night' - taken from new album Game of Faces, which will be released on 14th February via Nuclear Blast Records.

Stream 'Call of the Night' here: https://bfan.link/call-of-the-night
Watch the video for 'Call of the Night' here: https://youtu.be/CyOSaDCvKV4
Pre-order/pre-save Game of Faces here: https://bfan.link/game-of-faces-album

DYNAZTY have also announced their European headline tour together, alongside with Italian metal band NANOWAR OF STEEL.

Singer Nils Molin comments:
"Night-time. A time for calm and tranquillity or a time for fears, deceit and villainousness? When light shifts so does the mind of man. 'I have seen the depths of the dark well. I know the stories it can tell. The allure of danger, strangers and the promises they sell.'
We’re proud to present you with the opening track and one of my personal favourites of the album - 'Call of the Night'. Enjoy and don’t forget to place your pre-order of Game of Faces, out on February 14!"

The new album Game of Faces contains eleven brand new tracks and will be available in the following formats: CD jewel, vinyl, and digital. 

About DYNAZTY:

Following the release of their much-acclaimed latest offering Final Advent, Sweden's melodic metal aces DYNAZTY are returning with a new album Game of Faces, to be released 14th February on Nuclear Blast Records. Formed in 2008, DYNAZTY have over the years evolved from their humble beginnings rooted in the Scandinavian hard rock scene into becoming a powerhouse and formidable force to be reckoned with, on the top shelf of the modern melodic metal scene. Career milestones include the 2020 chart-breaking album The Dark Delight, certified for gold status in the band;s home country Sweden and neighbours Finland - with single tracks 'Heartless Madness' reaching platinum status and 'The Human Paradox' featured in DC comics and HBO’s Peacemaker series. Tours in recent years together with bands like SABATON, POWERWOLF, BATTLE BEAST, PAIN and Kissin Dynamite has showcased and established the band on the European continent as one of the most prominent live acts of their generation.

Fast forward to August, 2024 where DYNAZTY concluded an extensive run of European summer festivals with releasing a new song, 'Devilry of Ecstasy' as a precursor and first taste of a yet unannounced new album. Now the next step is unveiled in full with the herald of Game of Faces, DYNAZTY’s jawbreaker of a new album. The album is doubling down on punch and ferocity together with the band’s trademark attention to songwriting and production detail. Produced by DYNAZTY themselves and mixed by Swedish pioneer Jens Bogren, Game of Faces takes you on a journey exploring the essence of the human mind and existence with lyrical themes such as self discovery, spiritual death, rebirth and re-invention in 'Die to Survive', 'Fire to Fight' and 'Fortune Favors the Brave'. While taking on the duality and deceptive nature of human kind in the eponymous title track, the album’s opener 'Call of The Night' and first single release 'Devilry of Ecstasy'.

DYNAZTY are:
Nils Molin | vocals
Love Magnusson | guitars, keyboards
Mikael Lavér | guitars
Jonathan Olsson | bass
Georg Härnsten Egg | drums

More info:
https://www.instagram.com/dynazty_official
https://www.facebook.com/dynaztyband
https://x.com/dynaztyband

Tracklisting:

1. Call of the Night
2. Game of Faces
3. Devilry of Ecstasy
4. Die to Survive
5. Fire to Fight
6. Dark Angel
7. Fortune Favors the Brave
8. Sole Survivor
9. Phoenix
10. Dream of Spring
11. Mystery

Photo Credit: Dominique D’ Costa

Great American Ghost have shared their new single 'Echoes Of War', the newest glimpse of the band’s upcoming album Tragedy Of The Commons, out 31st January on SharpTone Records.

Stream 'Echoes Of War' here: https://bfan.link/echoes-of-war
Watch the track visualiser here: https://youtu.be/hUaOs4q6-XA

"This song is this record," exclaims vocalist Ethan Harrison on single 'Echoes Of War' out today. "The keystone that holds the entire thing together. The culmination of everything we took into the studio and of everything we hoped to accomplish with Tragedy Of The Commons creatively. This is the foundation of the new Great American Ghost."

A strong statement that fits the intense track, serving as the final preview of Tragedy Of The Commons. Screeching and squealing guitars pierce the barrage at the centre of 'Echoes of War', and Harrison carries a hauntingly hypnotic hook. Great American Ghost’s metalcore roots push through industrial influence to create pure chaos, lined with lyrics about about disbelief in the concept of free will. 

Pre-order Tragedy Of The Commons here: https://bfan.link/tragedy-of-the-commons

Upholding an uncompromising vision with clear intention, Great American Ghost know exactly what they want to say about their community, the greater world around them, and humanity as a species. Tragedy Of The Commons offers a powerful statement on exploitation, oppression, and scarcity. On the Will Putney produced record, Great American Ghost transmit their message without filter, delivered through a combination of basement-born hardcore spirit, staggering metallic precision, polemic lyrical provocations, and unexpectedly arresting melodies.

Great American Ghost will join Bleed From Within and After The Burial on a European tour next autumn. UK dates as follows:

10/10 London, UK @ O2 Forum Kentish Town
10/11 Manchester UK @ O2 Ritz
10/12 Glasgow, UK @ Barrowlands

Great American Ghost are:

Ethan Harrison - vocals
Grayson Stewart - guitar
Anthony Laur - bass
Niko Gasparrini - guitar

For more information: 
https://www.instagram.com/greatamericanghost
https://x.com/GAGBOSTON
https://www.facebook.com/GreatAmericanGhost

Tragedy Of The Commons Tracklist:

1. Kerosene
2. Echoes of War
3. Lost In The Outline
4. Forsaken
5. Ghost In Flesh
6. Writhe
7. Genocide
8. Hymn of Decay
9. Chapel Paralysis
10. Reality//Relapse
11. God Is A Loaded Gun

Photo Credit: Mika Toivanen

Marko Hietala, the iconic vocalist and bassist, makes a triumphant return with his powerful new single 'Rebel of the North'. This high-energy classic rock anthem is a perfect showcase of Marko's talent for crafting timeless, hard-hitting music. The single serves as another taste of his highly anticipated upcoming album, Roses from the Deep, which is set to release 7th February 2025 via Nuclear Blast, and is eagerly awaited by fans worldwide.

Stream 'Rebel of the North' here: https://markohietala.bfan.link/rebel-of-the-north

Accompanying the release is a unique and visually striking music video. Filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of a picturesque Spanish village, the video captures the band’s electrifying performance, seamlessly blended with the song’s bold and inspiring lyrics. The stunning contrast between the rugged rock sound and the tranquil Mediterranean setting makes this release a feast for the senses.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/gA5HLCY8VKw

Marko Hietala comments: "This one is a rocker. The main riff will put you into the Nordics with a slam. And the story is about reimagining, reinventing, and then gathering yourself into a better new being. We should never take ourselves for granted. It leads to becoming jaded and boring. Your inner kid wants to learn and apply anything and everything. Just don’t get in the way of yourself."

Pre-order the record here: https://markohietala.bfan.link/roses-from-the-deep

This marks Hietala’s first major project since his critically acclaimed Pyre of the Black Heart captivated fans worldwide in 2020.

Roses From The Deep promises to deliver a unique blend of dark, introspective lyricism and soaring, cinematic soundscapes. Drawing inspiration from myth, nature, and the human experience, Hietala has crafted an album that transcends genres, with elements of progressive rock, folk, and symphonic metal seamlessly intertwined.

Roses From The Deep represents a journey into the hidden layers of our emotions and the beauty we often overlook in darker times. It’s an album about fragility, resilience, and finding light even in the depths of shadow.

The album comes in following formats:
CD Jewelcase
2 LP gatefold, oxblood red

Line-Up:
Marko Hietala | Bass, Vocals
Tuomas Wäinölä | Guitar
Vili Ollila / Bob Engstrand | Keyboards
Anssi Nykänen | Drums

Follow Marko Hietala on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/markohietalaofficial
https://www.instagram.com/marko_hietala_official

Tracklisting:

01. Frankenstein's Wife
02. Left On Mars
03. Proud Whore
04. Two Soldiers
05. The Dragon Must Die
06. The Devil You Know
07. Rebel Of The North
08. Impatient Zero
09. Tammikuu
10. Roses From The Deep

Photo Credit: Jacek Jaca Wisniewsky

Ahead of the of their highly anticipated upcoming album release, ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ (Lat. PROROK ILJA), Polish black metal icons PATRIARKH (formerly Batushka) unleash their fourth gloomy single, 'ВЕРШАЛИН VII' (Lat. 'WIERSZALIN VII').

'ВЕРШАЛИН VII' attacks mercilessly and sets free a relentless storm of black and death metal. The song kicks off with a compelling narration, before it drags listeners into a path of fierce blast beats and haunting screams. Once more, PATRIARKH nails their balance of various influences, defying all rules and setting their own path. 

Stream 'ВЕРШАЛИН VII'  here: https://lnk.to/PATRIARKH-PROPHET-ILJA

Pre-order new album ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ here: https://lnk.to/PATRIARKH-PROPHET-ILJA

The conceptual full-length, ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ (Lat. PROROK ILJA), drops tomorrow 3rd January 2025 via Napalm Records. The eight brand-new songs delve into the true story of Eliasz Klimowicz, the enigmatic Prophet Ilja, and transforms these events into dark yet mesmerizing atmospheres, interwoven with their deeply rooted Eastern Orthodox traditions.

PATRIARKH comment on the new album: “With this new release, we are starting a new chapter in our history - not only is our name changing, but our music is also undergoing a natural evolution. The story on the album encouraged us to get out of our comfort zone, and we reached for means that we had not used before in our music. Many of you will wonder if this is still black metal? Or is it even metal? Radio play, audiobook, theater, film soundtrack, folk music, performance... All these terms will fit here. Some will hate, others will love...”

ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ details a true story that happened in the band’s home area of Podlasie, in the village of Grzybowszczyzna, in the 1930s and 40s. The album takes the listener into the world of Eliasz Klimowicz, the titular Prophet Ilja, an illiterate peasant who was the leader of the Orthodox Grzybowska Sect, active until the 1960s, cultivating and transmitting the history of the self-proclaimed prophet. PATRIARKH spread their gospel by using an arsenal of folk instruments, such as tagelharpa, mandolin, mandocello, hurdy gurdy and stringed dulcimer, and worked with a symphony orchestra and choirs to give their new creations the most organic and vivid feeling possible. As is trademark with PATRIARKH’s music, Orthodox sacredness is mixed with black and doom metal, now largely enriched with folk music, neo dark folk, and even film music. The band utilizes the entire palette of Orthodox music, venturing into the areas of Byzantine monody, liturgical chant and Russian polyphony, neatly adapting folk and liturgical melodies to their own style. 
                 
The lyrical side of ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ is an interesting mix of theatre and pastoralism. PATRIARKH uses fragments of texts from the theatre play Prorok Ilja and draws from the messages contained in the works of Włodzimierz Pawluczuk, combining it with folk and liturgical texts. On ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ, listeners can hear various languages – and Polish for the first time ever.

The album was recorded in January and May 2024 at Tall Pine Records (Behemoth, Zalewski, Afromental), Heinrich House (Behemoth, Vesania, Hate), Wem Studio (Kasa Chorych, Lukasyno, Cira) and Radio Białystok studio. Mixing and mastering was handled by Wojciech Wiesławski at Hertz Studi"Варфоломейo (Vader, Behemoth, Decapitated), and production was helmed by band mastermind and leading vocalist Bartłomiej "ВАРФОЛОМИЕЙ" Krysiuk.

“ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ is an album full of emotions, sentimentalism and folklore. It’s pastoral, lyrical, epic, multidimensional and multicolored, just like my Podlasie is multicolored,” says Варфоломей. Dive into the deepest of all shadows with this black metal masterpiece and join PATRIARKH on this intriguing ride.

PATRIARKH recently returned from global touring, but they are not slowing down. Tomorrow, the band will reveal the new album in full during their release show together with a symphonic orchestra and male choir. Don’t miss the chance to attend and experience the spirit of true patriarchs and dark Orthodox sacredness live as they hit the road for Poland in March. 

PATRIAKH are:
ВАРФОЛОМИЕЙ – vocals
МОНАХ ТАРЛАХАН – guitars
МОНАХ БОРУТА – guitars
АРХАНГЕЛ МИХАИЛ – guitars
ЛЕХ – drums
ХИАЦЫНТОС ЯЦА - choir
ЯЗЫЧНИК – choir

PATRIARKH online: 
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS

PATRIARKH Live 2024
Asia & Australia Prophecy 2024
12.12.24 NZ - Auckland / Tuning Fork
13.12.24 AU - Melbourne / Max Watts
 
NOWY WIERSZALIN Poland 2025
03.01.25 PL - Łódź / Wytwórnia - SINFONIA ORTHODOXIA w/symphonic orchestra and male choir
22.02.25 PL - Krosno / Rock Klub Iron
07.03.25 PL - Wrocław / Transformator
08.03.25 PL - Zabrze / CK Wiatrak
09.03.25 PL - Kraków / HYPE PARK
14.03.25 PL - Lublin / Fabryka Kultury Zgrzyt
15.03.25 PL - Olsztyn / Scena Zgrzyt
16.03.25 PL - Warszawa / Klub Proxima
17.03.25 PL - Białystok / Zmiana Klimatu
21.03.25 PL - Gdynia / Podwórko.art
22.03.25 PL - Szczecin / Kosmos
23.03.25 PL - Poznań / 2progi

ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ track list:

1. WIERSZALIN I (Lat.) - ВЕРШАЛИН I (Cyrillic)
2. WIERSZALIN II (Lat.) - ВЕРШАЛИН II (Cyrillic)
3. WIERSZALIN III (Lat.) - ВЕРШАЛИН III (Cyrillic)
4. WIERSZALIN IV (Lat.) - ВЕРШАЛИН IV (Cyrillic)
5. WIERSZALIN V (Lat.) - ВЕРШАЛИН V (Cyrillic)
6. WIERSZALIN VI (Lat.) - ВЕРШАЛИН VI (Cyrillic)
7. WIERSZALIN VII (Lat.) - ВЕРШАЛИН VII (Cyrillic)
8. WIERSZALIN VIII (Lat.) - ВЕРШАЛИН VIII (Cyrillic)

ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ will be available in the following formats:

Wooden Box (Digipak, bonus CD, pendant, flag & patch) - 300 copies (Napalm Records Mailorder and Patriarkh Shop exclusive)
Deluxe 2LP GATEFOLD GOLD Vinyl (Alternative album cover artwork, bonus vinyl, & 24pp vinyl booklet) - 300 copies (Napalm Records Mailorder and Patriarkh Shop exclusive)
1LP GATEFOLD SILVER Vinyl - 300 copies (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive)
1LP GATEFOLD MARBLED ORANGE RED BLACK Vinyl - 300 copies (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive)
1LP Gatefold in Black Vinyl
6 Page Digipak
Digital Album