September 2024 Rock And Metal News
AESTHETIC PERFECTION
Fall Goth Tour 2024
Supporting Rammstein’s Till Lindemann with Twin Temple
- Special Headlining Shows
The Bad Vibes EP Drops October 11th
The 90s are back—at least in the world of Aesthetic Perfection.
Daniel Graves, the Austrian-American industrial pop trailblazer, returns with his most ambitious
project yet: The Bad Vibes EP. This 3-song sensory assault delivers a disorienting punch of 90s
nostalgia, where dial-up modems hum alongside samples of televangelists and infomercial hosts, all
set against a backdrop of blistering guitars, guttural screams, and relentless mechanical rhythms.
Anchored by Graves’ signature melodies and sharp pop sensibilities, The Bad Vibes EP is both a
reflection on American culture during the Satanic Panic and a commentary on our present moment.
Wearing its influences proudly, The Bad Vibes EP evokes the raw energy of The Downward Spiralera Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson’s Portrait of an American Family while remaining
undeniably Aesthetic Perfection. Mixed by the legendary Sean Beavan (Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn
Manson, Guns N’ Roses) and featuring the searing guitars of Sebastian Svalland (PAIN,
Lindemann, Letters from the Colony) with live drums by Mike Schopf (Cil City), this EP bridges
the gap between past and future with unparalleled intensity.
The Bad Vibes EP will be released as a series of singles, starting with “Into the Void” on September
13th, followed by “Self Inflicted” on October 4th, and concluding with “Bad Vibes” on October
11th.
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| TURBOKILLShares Title Track for New Album ‘Champion‘Out September 27th via Steamhammer/SPV Watch the Visualizer for “Champion” HEREPre-Order the Album HERE |
| Today, TURBOKILL shares the title track for their forthcoming second album ‘Champion‘, due September 27 via Steamhammer / SPV. The album will be released worldwide digitally and on CD and vinyl. The Saxon-based band formed around ex-Alpha Tiger singer Stephan Dietrich is pure European Power Metal with a sound characterized by strong melodies and Dietrich‘s memorable voice. A short tour at the beginning of the year, under the banner “New Wave of German Metal” with the bands Sintage and Fireborn in the package, highlighted the quintet‘s instrumental skills and first-class Power Metal. After their show at the Backstage Club in Munich, Rock Hard magazine counted TURBOKILL among the “elite of Teutonic steel.” The band‘s musicians naturally wanted to live up to this honor and vitalized by the energy of their live performances, the band subsequently recorded a suitably inspired album under the direction of Lars Rettkowitz (FREEDOM CALL) in his Emperial Sound Studio. Check Out the Visualizer for “Champion” HERE |
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GWAR’s ‘Hell-O! (36th Anniversary Edition)‘ Red Splatter on Clear Vinyl With
Expanded Artwork & Never Before Seen Photos Out Now!
Order HERE
| Catch GWAR Live On Tour Now! |
| Human Scum! Raise Your Horns! Infamous Lords and Masters of Shock Rock are thrilled to release the re-issue of their landmark masterpiece album, ‘Hell-O!,’ on this, its 36th anniversary. The new release is blood-spattered clear vinyl and includes expanded artwork featuring never-before-seen photos from the time, including the original album release show in Richmond. ‘Hell-O! (36th Anniversary Edition)‘ will be available in physical form only with limited runs of both CD and Vinyl. It is out now on the band’s own label: Pit Records. To help celebrate this momentous release, the iconic heavy metal collective is also reprinting the “GWAR Must Die” t-shirts made oh-so-famous back in their original pillaging days by human rabble everywhere. Get yours HERE! As some of you may know, the current lead singer of the band, Blóthar the Berserker, once inhabited the earthly form of GWAR’s original bass player, Beefcake the Mighty. We asked Blóthar for his feelings on this momentous occasion: “It was the 80’s. I was so young and scared. I will always remember wandering around the seedy sex arcades of Times Square, pants around my ankles, tears in my eyes…little did I know, I was working on the most important record in the history of shock rock. We were polishing a turd for the ages…we wanted to call it ‘Beat the Meatles,’ but the record company said no…and ‘Hell-O‘ was born.” |
Myles Kennedy
Vocalist/Guitarist/Songwriter MYLES KENNEDY Releases Animated Masterpiece for Latest Track “Miss You When You’re Gone” | Watch HERE Upcoming Third Solo Album, The Art Of Letting Go, Slated for Release October 11, 2024 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order HERE Debut Track “Say What You Will” Currently Top 20 on the Rock Charts The Most Spun Single of Myles’ Solo Career Myles and His Trio Comprised of Drummer Zia Uddin and Bassist Tim Tournier to Tour Around the Globe |
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| [photo credit: Chuck Brueckmann] |
| With the release of his upcoming solo album, The Art Of Letting Go, less than one month away, vocalist/guitarist/songwriter MYLES KENNEDY – known for his work with rockers Alter Bridge and Slash and the Conspirators – is releasing another incredible music video for the third song now available from the album. The song, “Miss You When You’re Gone,” is a mid-tempo track that continues to showcase Myles’ lyrical ability to create a composition that resonates with its listener. The song talks about a relationship that is growing apart as Myles sings: “This is gonna hurt like hell, I know too well.” The music video is an animated masterpiece from the mind of Kennedy and longtime animated video collaborator Ollie Jones. The video tells the story of a girl who moves into a house and befriends a ghost that lives there. Their relationship continues through all phases of the main character’s life driving the meaning of the song home. |
| The debut single – the upbeat rocker “Say What You Will” – is currently moving up the US Active Rock charts with a bullet. Sitting in the Top 20 at Active Rock, the song is the most spun single of Myles’ solo career and has become an instant classic among fans and program directors alike. The music video – with over 1.5 million views to date – was directed by Gordy De St Jeor (Mammoth WVH) and tells the story of a bullied and timid student who breaks out of her shell with the help of a teacher, janitor and school principal portrayed by Kennedy, Uddin, and Tournier in the school talent show. The music video is now available worldwide and can be seen HERE. From the opening guitar riff of the title track “The Art Of Letting Go” to the haunting melody of album closer “How The Story Ends,” MYLES KENNEDY is back with a collection of songs that is sure to cater to old and new fans alike. Songs like “Mr. Downside,” “Miss You When You’re Gone,” and “Saving Face” showcase the memorable storytelling that has become synonymous throughout all of Myles’ projects. The Art Of Letting Go marks the return of Myles, backed by his band comprised of Zia Uddin on drums and Tim Tournier on bass. The album is scheduled for release via longtime label home Napalm Records on October 11, 2024. |
| The debut single – the upbeat rocker “Say What You Will” – is currently moving up the US Active Rock charts with a bullet. Sitting in the Top 20 at Active Rock, the song is the most spun single of Myles’ solo career and has become an instant classic among fans and program directors alike. The music video – with over 1.5 million views to date – was directed by Gordy De St Jeor (Mammoth WVH) and tells the story of a bullied and timid student who breaks out of her shell with the help of a teacher, janitor and school principal portrayed by Kennedy, Uddin, and Tournier in the school talent show. The music video is now available worldwide and can be seen HERE. From the opening guitar riff of the title track “The Art Of Letting Go” to the haunting melody of album closer “How The Story Ends,” MYLES KENNEDY is back with a collection of songs that is sure to cater to old and new fans alike. Songs like “Mr. Downside,” “Miss You When You’re Gone,” and “Saving Face” showcase the memorable storytelling that has become synonymous throughout all of Myles’ projects. The Art Of Letting Go marks the return of Myles, backed by his band comprised of Zia Uddin on drums and Tim Tournier on bass. The album is scheduled for release via longtime label home Napalm Records on October 11, 2024. |
| Pre-Order The Art Of Letting Go HERE: |
TESTAMENT
Unleashes the Coffee Beast Metalheads Everywhere Have Been Drooling For
The OFFICIAL ‘Brazen’ Coffee Collab With Concept Cafes Will Be Awakening The Ancient Underworld Across North America On The Klash of the Titans Tour
“Testament has had such a massive impact on Metal, that in working with the guys, we really wanted to humbly pay tribute to that legacy through a monumental coffee concept for the Metal community. We’ve always wanted to explore the origins of coffee and bring these legends to life through a Testament-telling of the tale. ‘Brazen’ incorporates elements & existential ideologies spanning the course of Testament’s legendary career & blends it all into one strike of the fang. All we know is this coffee is only for the most Brazen of souls!” – Concept Cafes
Are you BRAZEN enough to slurp the sacrifice and be illuminated in the enlightenment?!
Testament’s OFFICIAL ‘Brazen’ Coffee explores the true origins of coffee from ancient temple rituals to the fabled lore of venomous miracle elixirs. ‘Brazen’ is a divine dark roast, sinisterly smooth and brazenly-bodied, the purest form of specialty coffee, tediously roasted to perfection. ‘Brazen’ makes a diabolical drip, an evil espresso and callous cold brew.
Testament shares “These custom signature collectible (12oz) tins will ONLY be available on tour as we raise Cain and reign supreme in the coffee game with ‘Brazen’. We want the fans to also help us choose the path, so we are bringing (2) different versions of ‘Brazen’ on tour so you can tell us on the socials which one is the chosen sacrificial lamb, so share on the socials and give us your feedback.”
Testament’s OFFICIAL ‘Brazen’ Coffee was roasted especially fresh right before the kick- off of the Klash of the Titans North American 2024 Tour to maximize the most ‘Brazen’ coffee experience ever!
AS I LAY DYING
| Metalcore LegendsAS I LAY DYINGAnnounce New Album, ‘Through Storms Ahead’ Out November 15, 2024 via Napalm RecordsPre-Order HERE Pulverizing New Single “We Are The Dead”, Featuring Alex Terrible (Slaughter To Prevail) and Tom Barber (Chelsea Grin), Out NowWatch the New Music Video HERE European Tour Begins November 15 in Germany! |
| With 25 years of reign and seven acclaimed albums under their belts, Grammy-nominated metalcore pioneers AS I LAY DYING are back with an unmissable new album that will define their legacy for years to come. Poised to be one of the most highly-anticipated metal comebacks in years, the band’s eighth full-length studio album, ‘Through Storms Ahead’, will drop on November 15, 2024 via Napalm Records. The album is available for pre-order now. Featuring explosive new tracks “Burden” and “The Cave We Fear To Enter” – which arrived earlier this summer as the band’s first new musical offerings in five years – ‘Through Storms Ahead’ is an evolution of newly explored elements that further bolster the proven line-up of vocalist Tim Lambesis and guitarist Phil Sgrosso alongside recent newcomers Ryan Neff (bass, clean vocals), Nick Pierce (drums) and Ken Susi (guitar). In celebration, AS I LAY DYING just dropped the eviscerating new metalcore anthem of the year, “We Are The Dead”. Featuring the gut-punching vocal talents of famed guest vocalists Alex Terrible (Slaughter to Prevail) and Tom Barber (Chelsea Grin, Darko), the latest album single arrives with an equally gripping new music video – proving equal parts mesmerizing, eerie and brutal. The video features appearances from both special guest vocalists. Guitarist Phil Sgrosso offers about the track and video: “‘We Are The Dead’ represents the more brutal territory from our new album, spotlighting our thrashier tendencies that we still enjoy mixing in amongst our more melodic sound. I think this is the meanest we’ve ever gone in terms of aggression, and who better to join us than two of deathcore’s finest, Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail and Tom Barber from Chelsea Grin. Shout out to our third-time video collaborator Tom Flynn for jumping in with us and pulling off another visually creative undertaking for the track |
Oceans of Slumber
Oceans of Slumber Lift the Curtain on Dark Cinematic New Album
Despite the many accolades that they’ve received over the past decade, Oceans of Slumber have never rested on their laurels. The Houston heavies have come to redefine the Southern Gothic by casting their tales of hope and despair against an ever-shifting backdrop of progressive metal. While it was produced by their long-time collaborator and GRAMMY nominee Joel Hamilton, the band’s sixth album and first for Season of Mist expands their vision to dark, cinematic new heights.
“A vengeful prog metal monster that needs to be heard”, Metal Hammer writes in a four-star review.
Where Gods Fear to Speak comes out tomorrow, Friday, September 13, but you can hear all ten monumental songs today by listening to the full album stream on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.
Where Gods Fear to Speak comes out September 13 on Season of Mist.
Pre-order & Stream
https://orcd.co/oceansofslumberwheregodsfeartospeakalbum
Oceans of Slumber defy any and all conventions. Where Gods Fear to Speak opens with more of the sultry, doom metal headbanging that the band’s long-time acolytes have come to expect, but the album’s spellbinding title track breaks entirely new ground. Punishing blast beats and a blackened torrent of melodic tremolo picking collide with powerhouse cleans, a skyrocketing guitar solo and synths that swirl like the aura of a mystical planet.
So what are we to call this otherworldly occurrence?
“Dark cinematic metal” says the band’s maestro Dobber Beverly. Underground metalheads will always recognize him as the drummer for grindcore legends Insect Warfare, but Dobber is a classically trained pianist who composed every grand note on Where Gods Fear to Speak. “We’ve taken the raw and heavier direction of our last two albums and elevated it to the scale of a blockbuster IMAX movie”.
Staying true to Ocean of Slumber’s irreverent musings, Where Gods Fear to Speak takes more inspiration from The Handmaid’s Tale, The Dark Tower and Cormac McCarthy than it does Opeth. Each song acts as another gripping plot twist along a narrative arc that’s part science fiction, part western gunslinger with a heavy dose of post-apocalyptic romance. Lead single “Poem of Ecstasy” splices together an album’s worth of stand-out moments into its own mini-epic, cutting from a moonlight piano sonata to outlaw country, doom-laden power metal and what can only be described as “dystopian grindcore”.
“I’ll do everything to stay by your side” frontwoman Cammie Beverly belts, her cleans pushing back against the charging blast beats like a force field.
Performing such a radical play on extreme metal requires a talented cast of characters. Dobber’s Necrofier bandmate Semir Ozerkan adds heat with harsh backing vocals and warm but bruising bass fills, while co-guitarists Alex Davis and Chris Kritikos roar through Where Gods Fear to Speak like a sandstorm. The album also gets a lift from two special guests. Moonspell’s Fernando Ribeiro casts his big bad shadow over the chugging, rumbling “Run From the Light”. Amidst a spirited tug of war between distorted tremolo picking and folksy acoustic strumming, “Prayer” is visited by gothic angel Mikael Stanne of Dark Tranquility.
Even with all that talent on display, Oceans of Slumber still cede the spotlight to their leading lady. Cammie has always possessed one of the strongest voices in metal. Even though the album was recorded a cool 8,000 feet above sea level in Bogotá, Colombia, the grueling altitude couldn’t stop her bottomless belt from scaling the slippery crush of “The Given Dream”. But Where Gods Fear to Speak has her flexing a guttural new muscle.
“I’ve always wanted to do death growls”, Cammie says. “Where Gods Fear to Speak presented the perfect opportunity. Mixing harsh vocals in with my cleans speaks to the internal struggle between pleasure and pain that’s at the heart of this album”.
If the Oceans of Slumber’s impromptu cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” is the doomed end credits score to Where Gods Fear to Speak, then “Impermanence of Fate” is the album’s climactic finale battle. “I know my name and what it means / and what I have to say”, Cammie sings with all her might as the band rise up behind her with the jaw-dropping magnitude of a tidal wave.
“Every time you make a new record, you think it’s the best”, Cammie and Dobber say, “but Where Gods Fear to Speak easily has some of the best songs we’ve ever written. It sounds like an energetic, pissed-off band, with enigmatic storytelling and all those magical things”.
On Where Gods Fear to Speak, Oceans of Slumber remake progressive metal in their own dark, cinematic image.
More advanced praise for Where Gods Fear to Speak
“Simultaneously the heaviest and most melodic record they have ever made…Oceans of Slumber have given the best possible reply to those that questioned their vision. Where Gods Fear to Speak is a deeply moving and monstrously heavy next chapter in one of modern metal’s most fascinating stories” – Blabbermouth (9/10)
“Where Gods Fear to Speak continues their astonishing streak of encapsulating, rich albums that take you to another plane of reality” – Distorted Sound (8/10)
“Serves as yet another reminder as to why they deserve so much more” – No Clean Singing
“It will confront your will. It will expand your mind. It will pull at your heart” – The Prog Mind (9/10)
“The delicate balance of rhythmic bombast and melodies that keep you wanting more is a chemistry that is hard to find but the collective members in Oceans of Slumber have me stunned” – No Echo
“At the end of the day, this still sounds like an Oceans of Slumber record, it’s just a record that has a lot more heaviness while still keeping those nuances alive and well. – A&P Reacts
“Another stunning release in a stunning run of albums” – The Razors Edge
“A stellar album, packed with the highest quality doom-drenched progressive metal, and rich in depth and feeling” – Wonder Box Metal