[ Logo: Quasarborn ]

Action: QUASARBORN
Title: Novo Oružje Protiv Bola
Base: Belgrade • Serbia
Style: Progressive Technical Thrash Metal
Genre: Progressive Metal, Thrash Metal, Technical Thrash Metal, Power Thrash Metal
FFO: Forbidden, Vektor, Nevermore
Type: Full-length
Format: CD + Vinyl
Label: Doc Gator Records
Release: Sept. 15, 2023

QUASARBORN:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5iBnVI79KWWubuYszQwiUR?si=Q7KdzzbMQ1q5XUeiiEt9dw
https://www.facebook.com/quasarborn101/

🌐 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤 & 𝙋𝙍 Action:
𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 ᴳᴸᴼᴮᴬᴸ • 𝐸𝓈𝓉. 2001
https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_QUASARBORN_en.php

Bulletpoints:
🔘 The important 3ʳᵈ album of the Serbian all-rounders
🔘 Impressively complex, technical and catchy
🔘 Sophisticated musicality on the highest level

After the all-around quick-witted Serbian Tech-Thrashers have rammed two really massive THRASH METAL pillars into the ground of the profession in 2018 with their self-released debut „The Odyssey To Room 101“ and the follow-up „A Pill Hard To Swallow“ 2020, things could only continue positively for this whole special band. 


On May 10, 2013 the – not only stylistically – enormously independent formation has released the current album „Novo Oružje Protiv Bola“ first digitally; but this time the more than ever ambitious originators had in mind a much wider distribution of their music.

[ Pic: Jovana Uzelac ]

LINE-UP:
Luka Matković • Vocals, Guitars
Dimitrije Čuturilo • Guitars
Miloš Tomasović • Bass
Marko ‚Tihi‘ Danilović • Drums

For the physical release of „Novo Oružje Protiv Bola“, the skilled guys around bandleader Luka Matkovic have therefore for the first time put their trust in a label with Doc Gator Records and „Novo Oružje Protiv Bola“ will be released by the music publisher, who is highly esteemed in the scene, on September 15, 2023 as a jewelcase CD and in various colored limited vinyl editions.

After QUASARBORN’s first two albums were released with English lyrics, the band experimented with lyrics in their native language on the two pre-released songs „Ne mozes imati sve“ and „Novo oruzje protiv bola“. And this was quickly so well received both in their homeland and by the international audience that QUASARBORN decided to record the entire album in Serbian.

[ Artwork: Marko ‚Tihi‘ Danilović ]

TRACKS:
01. Novo oružje protiv bola 03:41
02. Urobor 05:17
03. Ne možeš imati sve 04:04
04. Voz 03:58
05. U plamenu 04:02
06. Od kolevke do rova 03:15
07. Ogledalo 03:13
08. Menja se 06:37
09. Prostor-vreme 05:28

total 39:35

This remarkably courageous approach makes the lyrics of the songs even more authentic, which address the overcoming of personal obstacles, the difficulties in interpersonal relationships, the never-ending search for one’s own identity as well as the struggle of each individual within a rotten system.

But QUASARBORN have also evolved musically:

„It’s not just technical Progressive Thrash Metal anymore, there are influences here that range from pop music to brutal Death Metal, and it’s all wrapped up in a recognizable QUASARBORN style. Everyone contributed to the songs, many guitar riffs were written by Tihi and Dimitrije, and Tomas contributed some nice bass passages and solos – unlike our first album, where I still wrote most of the material“, says mastermind Luka about the making of „Novo Oružje Protiv Bola“.

„Novo Oružje Protiv Bola“ was recorded as well as mixed, produced and mastered by Luka Matkovié at Citadela Studio in Belgrade between December 2021 and April 2023. The cover artwork, as original as the songs themselves, was designed by drummer Marko Danilovic Tihi.


On the song „Od kolevke do rova“ Danilo Trbojevié from Serbian Crossover Thrashers Nadimac can be heard as a guest vocalist and actor Lazar Dukié is responsible for the recitations on this song and in „Menja se“.

„Novo Oružje Protiv Bola“ as an album truly ventures far beyond the plate – a welcome, cultivated treat, and not only for Thrash gourmets, who are hereby served a feast as opulent as it is rich in variety.


https://youtu.be/uqmaqXiZN5Y
[ Official video by Jovana Uzelac & Marko ‚Tihi‘ Danilović ]
Singer and guitarist Luka Matković provides insight into the making of the video:
„Since 2019 we have been producing our own videos, with the help of our great friend Jovana Uzelac. For ‚Urobor‘ we had a really tight schedule, and there was no way to fit all five of us in the same place at the same time on such short notice. So the idea was to have each member play the song in a specific setting and location and create contrasts – outdoors/daylight, indoors/darkness. I wanted to do an outdoor shot in nature, so Jovana and I traveled to Zagajička brda in northeastern Serbia and did the farthest shots we’ve ever had in a video. Bassist Miloš Tomasović wanted to be filmed on the roof of a building in New Belgrade. Marko ‚Tihi‘ Danilović’s drums are the most difficult to transport, so we shot it in the studio, in the dark. Guitarist Dimitrije Čuturilo was filmed in several corners of Tihi’s basement. I edited the footage, and Jovana and Tihi did the colors. It went very fast, and we are very happy with the result!“


DISCOGRAPHY:
2018 • Blood Honey • Single
2018 • The Odyssey to Room 101 • Full-length
2020 • A Pill Hard To Swallow • Full-length
2022 • Ne mo​ž​eš imati sve • Single
2023 • Novo oru​ž​je protiv bola • Single
2023 • Novo oružje protiv bola • Full-length

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

96 / 100
➤ „… has exceeded expectations … an outstanding album in every respect …“
(Serbian Metal)

9,5 / 10
➤ „… highly talented combo … irrepressible energy … this band and this album are very special … especially the guitar work is absolutely breathtaking …“
(Obliveon)

9,5 / 10
➤ „… technical and enormously multifaceted Thrash … brings plenty of freshness … wonderfully multi-layered … modern, elegant and terrific pressure … the refined guitar solos work excellently … never before have you heard Thrash and Alternative to Progressive in this combination … insanely good …“
(Zephyr’s Odem)

14 / 15
➤ „… a strong band … the last album ‚A Pill Hard To Swallow‘ caused quite a stir in the underground … with ‚Novo Oružje Protiv Bola‘ the Belgraders go one better …“
(Legacy Magazin)

9 / 10
➤ „… not only recall the highlights of classic Techno-Thrash from Toxic to Coroner and Realm to Megadeth, but also have tasteful melodies in the style of Coheed And Cambria, Rush or Billy Talent …“
(Rock Hard)

9 / 10
➤ „Hectic Thrash that bursts upon the listener with the first bar like a swarm of hornets on the warpath … elegant, squiggly bar changes, enough hooks not to lose the song thread and a vocal that is able to set wonderfully melodic points of contrast … absolute banger …“
(Powermetal DE)

9 / 10
➤ „… this time a level of quality is reached, which is not sufficiently illustrated by any exclamation mark … kidnap both fans and not-yet-fans into really new spheres of Thrash Metal … to bring so much creativity under one hat requires an immense amount of discipline … from time to time more little things penetrate the ear, which raise the pleasure to an ever new level …“
(Bleeding4Metal)

9 / 10
➤ „… a well-balanced affair when it comes to melodies, heaviness and pure technical bad-assery. These guys really are serious when they say they play progressive Thrash Metal. Intertwined structures, chances of pace and heaviness as well as an understanding for dramatic structures and tension building are only a few tools these people use so well to forge their songs.“
(Reflections Of Darkness)

9 / 10
➤ „… works very well after a short familiarisation phase …“
(Darkscene AT)

4 / 5
➤ „… just riffs massively, each track bringing memorable moments to the table … infectious vocal lines … powerful rhythm section … an excellent example of the balance QUASARBORN are able to strike between almost poppy melancholic catchiness …“
(Sputnik Music)

87 / 100
➤ „… this album just riffs massively, each track bringing memorable moments to the table … QUASARBORN are able to strike between almost poppy melancholic catchiness – the clean intro, the multivocal harmonies in the chorus – and crushing distortion …“
(The Metal Archives)

8,5 / 10
➤ „… partly remind of old Forbidden, who joined forces with Vektor in a parallel world … goes quite to the point … the songwriting is so varied that one does not shy away from catchy choruses …“
(Deaf Forever)

8,5 / 10
➤ „Two months after its release, I still can’t stop listening to this album at least once every other day, and it’s become one of my go-tos in the gym. Even if you’re not into Thrash, I would recommend ‚Novo Oružje Protiv Bola‘, as it combines enough influences to keep the pickiest of listeners satisfied.“
(MetalBite)

8,4 / 10
➤ „… a perfectionist precise performance, sometimes breakneck, sometimes slower, dictated by drummer Marko Danilović Tihi … poignant and articulate vocal attacks, in the already known impressive range … unobtrusive riffs that skillfully maneuver between progger Thrash outrageousness … already puts QUASARBORN on the list of candidates for the regional Metal album of the year …“
(Balkanrock)

8 / 10
➤ „… technical Power/Thrash Metal with melodic and powerful vocals, for the first time in the local language … straight and progressive, melodic and aggressive, traditional and contemporary at the same time … tons of riffs … great, catchy melodies … the interplay is scary tight and the production fat and powerful without being overloaded. The band has done everything right!“
(Crossfire)

8 / 10
➤ „… very interesting album with really awesome riffs … technically and melodically very multifaceted … a versatile Tech Thrash disc … worth listening to …“
(AMMO Supports The Underground)

3,8 / 5
➤ „… usually like technical Thrash, this time they have opened up more to other influences, which is definitely a strength of the record. The almost poppy flair of ‚Voz‘, which can definitely be called a hit, fits just as well as the Death Metal influence in ‚U plamenu‘ or the passionate-melancholic flair of ‚Manja se‘ … edgy, precise riffs … interesting songs … insider tip for Thrash fans who like to let their eyes wander away from the big metropolises …“
(Handwritten Mag)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… most of the time you can expect Thrash Metal with a difference, possibly also incorporating influences from Anacrusis, but playing the melodic card in the chorus … sometimes it just needs a drum storm or just inspiring guitars … once they even push forward into extremely European customs in Speed Metal …“
(Saitenkult)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… definitely good and particularly pleasing to the listener’s ear where the lyrics are often expressed with a clean and very melodic approach, especially in the beautiful refrains that characterise the songs … very high technical and executive stature, but they never end up in sloppy note-bending or cerebral patterns of dubious efficacy and sense, allowing the listener to enjoy a test of great class and taste … splendid solos … a small pearl of originality … brings fresh air …“
(Heavy Metal Webzine IT)

7 / 10
➤ „… a solid Thrash album that hits high peaks with its dichotomy of catchiness and ferocity … there’s nothing lacking … maintains a pretty break-neck pace overall, however, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to check out what’s thrashin’ over on the Balkan peninsula … Thrash Metal with a distinctly European flair!“
(The Progressive Subway)

➤ „… the band is able to surpass themselves and exceed all expectations … fresh impulses … will make your heads bang and your brain cells work … versatility meets technical sophistication … have refined their craft once again … complex, technically demanding and at the same time catchy, a rather rare combination … total work of art …“
(Metaller DE)

➤ „… with nine rousing songs, you are literally drawn into the world of QUASARBORN … invigorates the senses and can inspire … more than just good Thrash Metal … an impressive work that takes the band to a new level … the versatility of the musical elements, coupled with profound lyrics, make ‚Novo Oruzje Protiv Bola‘ outstanding … appeals to both Thrash fans and lovers of more sophisticated music …“
(BlattTurbo)

➤ „… a really cool album … something that can best be described as Progressive Thrash or Technical Thrash – but bottom line, the genre doesn’t matter, because it sounds good … the band knows what buttons to push to make it all work in the best possible way … hopefully more people will discover QUASARBORN …“
(Rancor Metalzine)

➤ „… bring a breath of fresh air to a Metal subgenre that I consider a little worn out … for breathless headbanging … an album to change your mind about Thrash Metal with …“
(Metal Addicts)

➤ „… a Thrash Metal band that incorporate both Alternative and Progressive Metal details into their specific form and delivery … for those who find such a blend of elements to come across as generally interesting this is an album that should be quite the interesting one to become more familiar with …“
(Progressor)

➤ „… masterpiece … not only mandatory programme for Thrash fans, but also for friends of sophisticated Metal … fabulously good …“
(Metalglory)

➤ „This caught me off guard, fierce technical Thrash with a really strong energy and loads of hooks. Heaps of fun!“
(The Heavy Communion)

➤ „… a small masterpiece of contemporary, extreme Prog Metal … far more than just a cool Techno Thrash record … with their style and in this quality QUASARBORN should actually open doors with rather old school listeners as well as with followers of more modern Prog Metal sounds. If not, there is something very wrong here. Another candidate for the best list 2023!“
(Vampster)

➤ „… an album I would definitely recommend anyone with a penchant for Thrash to check out …“
(Metaltone DK)

➤ „This caught me off guard, fierce technical Thrash with a really strong energy and loads of hooks. Heaps of fun!“
(The Heavy Communion)

etc.

[ Logo: Ignition ]

Action: IGNITION
Title: Vengeance
Base: Duisburg • Germany
Style: Power Metal
Genre: Heavy Metal, Power Metal, Thrash Metal, Melodic Death Metal
FFO: Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, Primal Fear
Type: Full-length
Format: CD + Vinyl
Label: Doc Gator Records
Release: Sept. 15, 2023


PR:
https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_IGNITION_en.php

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oBGUsjD2nxZtftePbh78W?si=NgigQM70RMmicu1NNV6J5w

FB:
https://www.facebook.com/Ignitionmetalmusic


IGNITION are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & ema

Bulletpoints:
🔘 Third album of the knowledgeable steel professionals
🔘 Immensely dynamic and fluid US Power Metal
🔘 Even more powerful, gritty and altogether more compact

https://youtu.be/33ceFw9qw2E
[ Official Video ]

The band state:
„This track is an anthem for all those who are not afraid to unleash their inner warrior.“


IGNITION, that is classic fuel in the proven US POWER METAL style from the heart of the German Ruhr area, the origin of famous acts like Sodom, Kreator etc.

The quintet around singer Dennis Marschallik, the two guitarists Sebastian Ernst and Christian Bruckschen as well as bassist Andreas Leyer and the new drummer Lukas Leuuw convinces since 2014 with a rough and straight sound, forged from the finest steel, which is skillfully refined with influences from traditional and modern Metal.

[ Pic: Stephan Trapp ]

LINE-UP:
Dennis Marschallik • Lead Vocals
Christian Bruckschen • Guitars
Sebastian Ernst • Guitars
Andreas Leyer • Bass
Lukas Leeuw • Drums

The honest music of the band is often described as a mix of the old Blind Guardian and Trivium. So far, IGNITION released the EP „We Are The Force“ in 2016, which stirred the cauldron mightily and thus attracted the attention of the Metal scene.

No wonder that the following records „Guided By The Waves“ (2017) and „Call Of The Sirens“ (2020) became hotly anticipated and successful albums, duly celebrated by the trade press at the time – and by fans even today.

Together with the label Doc Gator Records, the playful five-piece will release the new long player „Vengeance“ on September 15, 2023, which will relegate some heavyweights who have become limp to their places and let their longships sink to the bottom of the stormy sea of the genre with twelve sound-strong thunderclaps.

Gone are the days of comparisons, gone are the days in the shadow of Blind Guardian or Trivium. Singer Dennis ‚Schally‘ Marschallik says about „Vengeance“:
„We have deliberately ventured with the album into new realms, which you do not know from us so and will still love,“ and bassist Andreas Leyer adds equally motivated:

„‚Vengeance‘ combines for me everything that makes IGNITION. We show ourselves more varied on this record and make a statement to the fact that for us Metal has many facets and that pigeonholing and a reduction to a defined genre ultimately means standstill!“

[ Artwork: Andrej Bartulović ]

TRACKS:

1. Ignite The Fire 03:31
2. The Wounds That Cause The Pain 04:45
3. Adrenaline 04:33
4. Beastmode 05:03
5. Kingdom of Lies 03:46
6. A New Dawn 05:30
7. The Rise 03:45
8. A Dark Fate 01:22
9. Betrayal 05:31
10. We Were The Shieldwall 04:05
11. The Funeral 04:35
12. The Final Hour 03:39

total 50:05

„From the gut and with a proper ‚fuck it!‘ attitude, we have taken off the blinders to other (sub)genres without denying our typical IGNITION trademarks,“ guitarist Christian Bruckschen lets slip – and his (guitar) colleague Sebastian Ernst adds:
„‚Vengeance‘ is honest and versatile Metal from our area, forged from pure Metal in the fire where tradition and modernity meet.“

All participants are firmly convinced that IGNITION will make every shield wall burst with their fourth album attack, because on „Vengeance“ the warhammer circles properly and the new battle songs will inevitably inspire every berserker and every shield maiden.

„Vengeance“ comes with a total of twelve songs that are included in physical format completely only on the CD version. However, the song „The Funeral“, which no longer fit on the vinyl format, is also included in the digital version. So vinyl fans don’t have to miss out on „The Funeral“ either, because each vinyl contains a code that entitles you to download the track.

So everyone gets the twelve powerful anthems from the boiling steel forge of the enormously steadfasts. Those who know the previous albums of IGNITION also know about „The Viking Saga Pt. I“ and „The Viking Saga Pt. II“. This content-rich saga continues the quintet on „Vengeance“. So „The Viking Saga Pt. III“ starts with the track „The Rise“.

DISCOGRAPHY:
2016 • We Are The Force • EP
2017 • Guided By The Waves • Full-length
2019 • Memory • Single
2020 • Call Of The Sirens • Full-length
2023 • Vengeance • Full-length

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

5 / 5
➤ „IGNITION take the Power in their Metal very seriously! Most of the songs on the album are bursting with bombast and ‚fist into face‘ energy, you can clearly notice these Germans‘ joy of playing throughout … a love letter to the joys of the mosh pit, an energy drink infusion … awesome thing, more of it!“
(Stormbringer AT)

9,8 / 10
➤ „… interestingly designed Power Metal, which is by no means designed according to usual genre templates … plenty of freshness … mix classic, melodic Teutonic steel of the brand early Rage to Blind Guardian, enriched with Iced Earth and Iron Maiden side blows … melodic … enormous potential … a bear strong album … breathtakingly coherent … puts many bands from the mishmash in the shade …“
(Zephyr’s Odem)

9,5 / 10
➤ „… IGNITION clearly show all genre limitations where the hammer hangs and manage to not only stay true to their very own style but also to improve it … harmonious, classic, partly epic-hymnal melodies that have made the leap into modernity with fresh elements and enough harshness to connect old and young … clearly a pleasure for all senses …“
(Obliveon)

4,5 / 5
➤ „… refreshing ideas are once again the basic concept … strikingly multifaceted … all compositions are perfectly matched to the plot of the lyric content and enhance the listening experience enormously … each song has its own atmosphere that transports the listener into another world … brilliant Power Metal album that takes the band to a new level … IGNITION have the potential to play their way to the top of the Power Metal scene … brings tears of joy to every Power Metal freak’s face …“
(Metal Underground AT)

9 / 10
➤ „… erinnert nicht selten an alte Blind Guardian … ein geiles Album, dass frisch und modern klingt und richtig Power hat, ohne dabei auf Melodie und Soli zu verzichten.“
(Powermetal DE)

9 / 10
➤ „… cool cocktail of traditional Power Metal, Thrash and modern tones … very playful and maturely executed … fat riffing and an equally great production … simply great, captivating songs … sounds so fresh and puts you in a good mood … high level is maintained throughout the entire playing time … not predictable and remains exciting … absolutely great and I definitely recommend it to every friend of this direction … a highlight from start to finish!“
(Neckbreaker)

4 / 5
➤ „Between Mystic Prophecy and Brainstorm … show IGNITIONS‘ heavier and more direct side, perhaps the most effective … convincing … flows along compactly and pleasantly … proof of how alive and well the underground scene is still, as well as rich in quality … recommended for lovers of Heavy Metal of substance, powerful and melodic without ever being too accessible or happy!“
(Loud And Proud IT)

13 / 15
➤ „… compositionally we are clearly dealing with the strongest IGNITION here … impressive how all band members put themselves one hundred percent in the service of the whole, without driving any ego tours … partly spectacular guitar work and steam hammer drumming … usual charismatic vocals …“
(Legacy Magazin)

3,75 / 5
➤ „… riffs are heavy, with that definite US crunch and that edge of complexity in the compositions without being flashy … solid … interesting … singer Dennis Marschallik has a good raw-edged wail … plenty of power and range … IGNITION have the right idea …“
(The Metal Crypt)

8,5 / 10
➤ „… excellent musical mixture … 12 crunchy banging US Power Metal bangers … with the pinch of Thrash incorporated and the melodic choruses they will surely please especially fans of early Iced Earth. Maybe I’m alone in this, but for me ‚Vengeance‘ is even the true successor to ‚Burnt Offerings‘, which was never created for me by the originals … this thing is plenty of fun …“
(Saitenkult)

8,5 / 10
➤ „Blinkers have been taken off here, influences opened … probably the most versatile album in the band’s history, without neglecting the typical trademarks … straightforward … very playful … full on the twelve …“
(Rock Garage)

8,5 / 10
➤ „…a diverse Power Metal album that should put the fear of God into many an old stager … ‚Vengeance‘ forges modernity and tradition into an alloy that ignites across the board …“
(Rock Magazine)

8,5 / 10
➤ „… easy to listen to … the no-frills version of everything I consider German Power Metal, with the modern overtones of Mystic Prophecy and Primal Fear as well as the more brute approach that is considered Grave Diggers‘ domain …“
(Metal Observer)

8,3 / 10
➤ „With complete old-school Heavy/Power Metal roots, the band has managed to incorporate elements of modern Thrash Metal with great success … melodies and vocal styles lead directly to the classic Heavy/Power albums from the early 90s, but some of the rhythmic work and guitar riffs are completely influenced by the American Thrash and Groove Metal bands from the 2010s … a combination that works very well, as it gives a very unique and fresh energy to almost all the songs on the album … very solid and powerful … makes you shake your head from beginning to end …“
(Metalrock Club)

3,8 / 5
➤ „… Power Metal American style á la Iced Earth … turned to the melodic side … anthemic choruses … that makes you think of Blind Guardian in the distance – but without the incredible bombast … there is audibly a lot of work in it … the songs are sophisticated and yet very catchy … round thing!“
(Handwritten Mag)

8 / 10
➤ „… solid … very good work by the instrumentalists … very inventive and technically demanding … accessible to a wider range of fans of melodic Power Metal …“
(Metal Melodic Sound)

8 / 10
➤ „… a powerful Thrash Power Metal album with strong guitar melodies and rhythm, dynamic and powerful drums … a combination of several bands with strong characters and from two different continents, and this is a smart combination. I recommend this album to fans of bands like Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, Orden Ogan, Savage Circus, Persuader, Trivium or Sinbreed …“
(Metal Opera)

8 / 10
➤ „The riffs are really heavy … the vocals are melodic and aggressive at the same time. I find it cool that they are always heavy and never drift into dull kitsch, as it is the case with many genre colleagues … in the style of (straightforward) Blind Guardian, Brainstorm, Symphorce and in places also Iced Earth or Persuader … so here there is a proper one on it …“
(Crossfire Webzine)

8 / 10
➤ „… hot candidate for continuous rotation … accelerator pedal is properly depressed, but without neglecting earworm-like melody lines … after repeated enjoyment, two things can be noted: First, that IGNITION have delivered a strong Power Metal album here, which does not need to shy away from the comparison with the competition; and secondly, that I must urgently get the first two discs!“
(Hellfire)

8 / 10
➤ „Powerful drumming, supportive background shouts, gripping rhythm tempo changes, shimmering twin guitar eruptions, fine melodies, intense moments of tension, as well as Dennis Marshallik’s striking vocals, which alternate between throaty and heroic clear voices, leave no doubt as to who has supremacy at sea: IGNITION! Blind Guardian, Orden Ogan, Lonewolf, Rebellion, Stormwarrior can of course still be mentioned as comparison values, nevertheless the song material also has its own recognisable recognition value … good album …“
(FFM Rock)

8 / 10
➤ „… very refreshing, here a pinch of Iron Maiden, there a bit of Trivium, and Dennis Marschallik’s voice reminds of the singers of Blind Guardian or Persuader. Powerful Power Metal is the guys‘ motto – and rightly so … a strong album that makes you want more!“
(Bleeding4Metal)

7 / 10
➤ „A metallic thunderclap from the heart of the Ruhr area … a must for all Metal fans looking for a sincere and powerful musical experience … a true masterpiece …“
(AM:plified Mag)

7 / 10
➤ „… solid … may well appeal to fans of Rage or early Blind Guardian …“
(Deaf Forever)

➤ „… clearly deserves the predicate rich in variety … the typical recognition value of the band remains … this is not least due to the successful vocal lines of Dennis Marschallik … have further developed … even better, even fatter, even more mature … the production is polished … the bass bangs well, the guitars are more differentiated than ever and virtuoso … the drums relentlessly drive all protagonists before them … fresh and full of ideas … 12 strong songs, partly arrow-fast or groovy …“
(Metalheads DE)

➤ „… nichts weniger als eindrucksvoll … kraftvolle Hymnen … emotionale Melodien … ein Werk, das die Grenzen ihres bisherigen Schaffens sprengt …“
(Metaller DE)

➤ „… one of the best Power Metal bands I’ve heard in a long time, managing to combine the inspiration of the classic bands with the more modern Metal sound …“
(Rancor Metalzine)

➤ „‚Vengeance‘ has become such a good album … I think from what I’ve heard here, the days of being the lost link between Blind Guardian and Trivium are long gone …“
(Metal Addicts)

➤ „… fuckin‘ brilliant … I fuckin‘ love it!“
(Iridium Heavy Rock And Metal Music Reviews)

➤ „… has become really good and should appeal to both traditional metalheads and younger audiences. You have to manage this balancing act first, without it sounding too forced and embarrassing. With ‚Vengeance‘ IGNITION have delivered a really strong album with a lot of catchy tunes. Should be heard!“
(Vampster)

➤ „… very well achieved, with well worked-out guitars and great solos, mixing melodic moments with Speed and Power …“
(Riff Of Metal)

➤ „Energetic, powerful and melodic … full of heavy riffs, good vocals and good choruses that may remind you of bands like Angel Witch or Iced Earth …“
(Trueno Metálico)

➤ „… melodic Metal meets riffing with a strong US influence … borrowings from Iced Earth … strong and haunting vocals from Dennis Marschallik, who might even be the biggest discovery for some listeners … in his style aggression meets melodic lead and depth, showing a talent that should not be underestimated … every friend of Power, Melodic or even US Metal should definitely strain their listening ears here … it’s worth it.“
(Metalglory)

➤ „Excellent … Teutonic Heavy/Power Metal! Powerful and dynamic!“
(Unique High Fidelity)

➤ „… one of the best Power Metal bands I’ve heard in a long time, managing to combine the inspiration of the classic bands with the more modern Metal sound …“
(Metaltone DK)

etc.

[ Logo: Old Ruins ]

Action: OLD RUINS
Title: Always Heading East
Base: Gelsenkirchen • Germany
Style: Black Metal
Genre: Melodic Death Metal, Black Metal, Post Black Metal, Atmospheric Black Metal
FFO: Early In Flames, Children Of Bodom, Arch Enemy, Tribulation
Type: Full-length
Format: CD + Vinyl
Label: Doc Gator Records
Release: Sept. 15, 2023

𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗥𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗦 ⚠️ 🎧 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗬 Alert🤘 • Feel free to share:
https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/16B7r7ccFBc2CGIdwzxSWA?si=40mlzhJsSlKidNDuGm5iEQ&nd=1

https://youtu.be/8tXT_4ny51o
[ Official Video ]

Bulletpoints:
🔘 The top debut album of the capable Germans
🔘 Individual, also vocally highly distinctive style
🔘 Melodic-catchy, gripping Black Metal


OLD RUINS can be rightly classified as BLACK METAL, whereby the resourceful German formation has created its own, very individual style with many influences from the areas of Heavy, Doom and Melodic Metal and is thus a very appreciated term to a large part of the underground scene already since their first demos on YouTube.

[ Pic: Anna-Lena Hickmann ]

LINE-UP:
Christian Krajewski • Lead Guitars, Vocals
Ersin Kara • Guitars
Oliver Krajewski • Bass
Alexander Czernik • Drums

OLD RUINS also made first plans for their stage debut, but the Lord Of Destruction had other plans and brought the world a pandemic. However, OLD RUINS were not discouraged by this and began in August 2020 with the recordings of the completely convincing 6-track debut EP „Old Ruins“, which physically and digitally passed the gates of hell on November 06, 2020 and brought darkness from the heart of the Ruhr area over Tristram. 


On September 15, 2023, OLD RUINS will release their first long-player entitled „Always Heading East“ on Doc Gator, with which the record company proves exquisite taste. 


OLD RUINS was founded in 2019 and was initially supposed to be a pure studio project of drummer Alexander Czernik and singer/lead guitarist Christian Krajewski. But the thus only really hungry players quickly developed a damn dark, very atmospheric sound, which is still not easy to categorize and which remains not least because of this permanently as fascinating as exciting and wear-free.

[ Artwork: Timon Kokott ]

TRACKS:
01. The Dark Wanderer 06:56
02. Tristram 04:56
03. The Desert Sands 04:55
04. Risen From The Grave 07:03
05. The Fallen Temple 06:50
06. Mephisto 05:41
07. Lord Of Hell 04:07
08. Sescheron 04:59

total 45:27

Inspired by their ingenious concept, they completed the line-up with Oliver Krajewski on bass and Ersin Kara on guitar. About their debut album „Always Heading East“ the conspiratorial gloomy souls say:


“The lyrics lyrically refer to the video game classic ‚Diablo‘ from Blizzard. The dark atmosphere of the game has always fascinated us immensely. Whether the tragic story without any happy ending, or the neglected (sound)worlds on ‚Always Heading East‘ were the main inspiration is hard to say today“, but „when you close your eyes and put the record on, you really dive into the mystical story of the dark wanderer“, Christian Krajewski raves fervently, adding: „If you’re not versed in the history of the video game, you can still immerse yourself in the dark musical world of the album and enjoy the soothingly atmospheric Black Metal sound. „

Where Iron Maiden have to deal with only one beast, the brave warriors of OLD RUINS are exposed to numerous spawns of hell. Face to face they bravely take on MEPHISTO the Lord Of Hate, LILITH – Daughter Of Mephisto and Queen Of The Succubi, TATHAMET The Seven-headed Dragon and BAAL The Lord Of Destruction.

Follow these exceptionally talented German top artists on their new adventures in „Always Heading East“ and dive into a dark, atmospheric sound experience of a very special kind – inspired by the legendary world of Diablo!

DISCOGRAPHY:
2020 • Old Ruins • EP
2023 • Always Heading East • Full-length

OLD RUINS are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email
oldruins.official@googlemail.com

🌐 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤 & 𝙋𝙍:
𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 ᴳᴸᴼᴮᴬᴸ • 𝐸𝓈𝓉. 2001
https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_OLD_RUINS_en.php

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

10 / 10
➤ „… explosive mixture … epic … melancholic … great melodies … predominantly midtempo … the vocals put the crown on the whole thing …“
(Bleeding4Metal)

9,5 / 10
➤ „OLD RUINS deliver a tour de force on their full-length debut, combining the raw frenzy of Black Metal with exquisite melodies and riffs from Heavy and Epic Metal. This album is by no means just a homage to a cult game, but skillfully forged black stainless steel!“
(Soundmagnet)

9 / 10
➤ „… a dark, atmospheric album, coupled with influences from Death Metal and doom, as well as from classic Heavy Metal … anyone who likes dark and atmospheric Black Metal should definitely risk an ear here …“
(Moshpit Passion)

8,7 / 10
➤ „… an album rich in detail, full of subtleties … multi-layered in its orientation, but still at home in melodic Black Metal. A promising newcomer, of whom you certainly haven’t heard the last … my insider tip for this month. Strong.“
(Zephyr’s Odem)

8,5 / 10
➤ „… a heavyweight … jewel …“
(Saitenkult)

8,5 / 10
➤ „… Krajewski’s harsh vocals are typical for the genre, but his fine guitar leads and harmonies are worthy of any Epic Metal combo and have nothing to do with some blind bludgeoning from the Black Metal mud corner. By the way, this also applies to the production …“
(Obliveon)

8,5 / 10
➤ „This is how Melodic Black Metal must be. Here, a black dripping atmosphere is conjured out of the hat … falling for the melancholy of the black vocals … strong riffing, which could almost be classified as heavy metal … this Black’n’Heavy mixture is a great mood, doesn’t let boredom arise and immediately runs into the auditory canals to burn itself there …“
(Hellfire)

8 / 10
➤ „… very great sounding atmospheric and melodic mixture of Black, Death, Doom and Heavy Metal …“
(A Different Shade Of Black Metal)

8 / 10
➤ „Rounded off by an oldschool but nevertheless tidy and powerful production that should satisfy purists as well as friends of modern Metal productions. Let’s hope that the Ruhr area formation will follow this promising starting signal with many more releases, because here we could have a very exciting new entry in the black metal lexicon. And in such a hopelessly overrun genre, this fact alone is a small accolade!“
(Powermetal DE)

8 / 10
➤ „… epic sound that lies somewhere between late-80s Bathory, mid-range Immortal, early In Flames and Dissection … while not missing out on great melodies and clear references to classic Heavy Metal … melancholy and epicness are the two cornerstones …“
(Metal DE)

8 / 10
➤ „… works excellently over the entire playing time … varied, full of strong melodic arcs … with numerous, successful epic moments … the so-called Gothenburg sound as well as Doom and Death Metal are also cleverly integrated … appealing level … the production is quite powerful and relatively modern, more like a Power Metal record … all kinds of subtleties make this album a feast for the ears …“
(Neckbreaker)

12 / 15
➤ „… should convince not only the quality-conscious Black- but also the inclined Epic-Metaller …“
(Legacy Magazin)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… score with a proper Heavy Metal attitude … spirit meets melancholy and finds a nice balance … the songs are varied, but always have their own style and sound homogeneous … everything sounds like from one cast … interesting and detailed, without overwhelming … comparisons to Alcest, but also newer Tribulation spontaneously come to mind …“
(Crossfire Webzine)

3,7 / 5
➤ „… sounds like dark big battles … besides genre-typical jangling and tremolo riffs there is also a good portion of Power, Thrash and Death Metal … partly almost traditional metal underpinnings. That makes mood. The sound is also not cold and clanking, but quite dense and fat … a plus of atmosphere even reminds something of the Irish Primordial … quite surprising …“
(Handwritten Mag)

7 / 10
➤ „It almost feels like there is a hidden meaning underneath the surface of Christian Krajewski’s vocals with a fresh emotive quality rising to the surface from the black depths, something which works very well … despite being shrouded in a cloak of darker atmospheres there is a real sense of epic majesty …“
(Metal Noise)

7 / 10
➤ „… a heavy reliance on melody … not afraid to measure themselves with less explosive but still rocky dynamics … great passion of the musicians involved …“
(Heavy Metal Webzine IT)

➤ „OLD RUINS do a lot of things right on their debut ‚Always Heading East‘, above all they know how to create an atmosphere that sweeps the listener along and where it doesn’t matter if you know the source of inspiration or set off ignorantly down the dark paths to Tristram. Black/heavy/doom metal that isn’t hard to digest and is fun to listen to.“
(Breakout)

➤ „… they master a broader spectrum of Metal music … sounds sharp and does not have the atmosphere that the representatives of the genre usually aim for … compositionally it is also quite edgy, but this is due to the organisational talent that seems to generally characterise these creators … the melodic moments are pronounced … carry something distinctive …“
(Flight Of Pegasus)

➤ „In many ways, the album hits those emotions that grab you, consume you and at the same time are delivered so (almost) elegantly that you just want more all the time … there are elements of several branches of Metal, but imagine some of the early In Flames, a little Children Of Bodom, a little Arch Enemy and then add a little Tribulation and mix it well together, and you have the sound of OLD RUINS – presented here on a really good album that will surely appeal to many.“
(Rancor Metalzine)

➤ „A crushing Heavy/Post Black Metal album. It’s heavy. It hits hard. At the same time, it’s also beautiful and soaring high with its elegant moments that can touch your very soul. A moving record while being brutal with a high-dynamic sound.“
(Noisewriter)

➤ „Dissection/(early) In Flames/Dark Tranquillity meets Epic Heavy Metal in all its powerful, enthralling, captivating glory. High Heavens, Burning Hells!“
(KMäNriffs)

➤ „… much to love about this … heavy, but often not blistering, with headbanging beats and hypnotic riffs … the subtle Black Metal influence is there, without OLD RUINS having to rely on it much, creating a unique sound … great …“
(Wanna Hear a Great Song Today?)

➤ „… clear recommendation … melodic guitar harmonies … OLD RUINS are clever songwriters and change tempo and mood in pretty much all tracks again and again, so that no boredom arises … really strong album, somewhere between Black and Heavy Metal, whereby the latter clearly predominates … is really fun … I had not expected otherwise after the great EP …“
(Vampster)

➤ „… very atmospheric … influences from Melodic Metal clearly recognisable … slight doom influences that give the songs more depth and balance, making them even more accessible than they already are … perfectly staged and also produced … professionals at work …“
(Metalglory)

➤ „… imagine some early In Flames, some Children Of Bodom, some Arch Enemy and then add a little Tribulation and mix it all together well, presented on a really good album that I’m sure many will enjoy.“
(Metaltone DK)

etc.

[ Logo: Heretoir ]


Action: HERETOIR
Title: Nightsphere
Base: Augsburg • Germany
Style: Atmospheric Post Black Metal
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal, Post Metal, Post Rock, Shoegaze
FFO: Alcest, Lantlôs, Amesoeurs
Type: Full-length
Format: CD + Vinyl
Label: Northern Silence
Release: Oct. 06, 2023

https://www.facebook.com/heretoir/

PR:
https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_HERETOIR_en.php

Bulletpoints:
🔘 Third album of the poetic German tragedians
🔘 Enchanting songs, full of depth and beauty
🔘 Definitely one of the best acts of the genre


https://youtu.be/4mHhCYCksZI
[ Glacierheart – Nightsphere Part II • Official Lyric Video ]

The band states:
„‚Glacierheart – Nightsphere Part II‘ – a song with a very diverse songstructure that leaves room for aggressive blast beat passages summoning dark Black Metal atmospheres, as well as fragile Post Rock parts with emotional clean vocals. The lyrics tell an epic tale of war between the natural world and the manmade realm of machines. The grand finale of ‚Glacierheart‘ is dominated by fierce screams and rhythmic doublebass passages illustrating the clash of the spirits of the wild and industrialized mankind.“

https://youtu.be/A3jnmSpolX0
[ Twilight Of The Machines • Official Music Video ]

The band states:
„In a world in which the conflict between industrialized mankind and untouched nature is producing increasingly noticeable consequences, we wanted to process the theme in a piece of music. Inspired by the civilization-critical writings of John Zerzan and Stanley Diamond, we created a song that addresses the clash between the world of machines and the wilderness in a melancholic but also powerful way. The music video illustrates this confrontation in an impressive and stirring way, as the protagonist tries to escape his dreary working world and also to find refuge in the spirits of the woods.“

Only 5 months after their 2023 mini-album „Wastelands“, HERETOIR releasing their new intense full-length „Nightsphere“!

The new record is a concept album dealing with the struggle between the forces of nature and a world of machines. Humanity is in the midst of this confrontation, and the dichotomy between living as an animal among animals and existing as a cog in the wheel of progress determines the course of the story the five songs tell.

„Nightsphere“ is a dark album that weaves atmospheric Black Metal parts with melodic clean passages, swirling blast beats with calm Post Rock and ambient sounds, and the intensity of desperate screams with the poignant emotionality of melancholic clean vocals into a musical journey through an archaic world.

[ Artwork: Painting by Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach ]

TRACKS:

1. Sanctum – Nightsphere Part I 10:45
2. Twilight Of The Machines 08:34
3. Pneuma 06:57
4. Glacierheart – Nightsphere Part II 11:57
5. The Death Of Man 04:07
   
   total: 42:21

It is also the first album that was entirely written by the full band, featuring contributions of every single member. „Nightsphere“ features ambient sounds of the long-time befriended project Hidehidehide as well as guest-appearances of two giants of the (Post) Black Metal genre – Tim Yatras of Austere who fuels the song „Twilight Of The Machines“ with his anguish and Nikita Kamprad of Der Weg einer Freiheit who delivers intense and powerful vocals on „Glacierheart – Nightsphere Part II“.

„Nightsphere“’s natural and organic but powerful sound was crafted by David Deutsch and Justin Felder at 1408 Productions in Hannover, who were responsible for the mix of the record. Furthermore Nikita Kamprad of Der Weg einer Freiheit took care of the mastering of the album.

Prepare to dive into a highly atmospheric night-realm and emotional maelstrom with „Nightsphere“. All while new songs for a future release are already written and recorded. HERETOIR are more determined than ever to enter the stages of the world with full force!

The band says about „Nightsphere“:
„This album is very special to us as this is our first album that was entirely written as a full band, featuring contributions of every single member of the band. The songs are dedicated to the spirits of the wilderness. ‚Nightsphere‘ is an atmospheric maelstrom that will engulf you.“

[ Pic: Toni B. Gunner Photography ]

LINE-UP
David ‚Eklatanz‘ Conrad • Vocals, Guitar
Maximilian Forst • Guitar
Kevin Storm • Guitar, Backing Vocals
Matthias ‚Nathanael‘ Settele • Bass, Backing Vocals
Nils Groth • Drums, Backing Vocals

FLASHBACK:
Combining the emotional and atmospheric elements of Black Metal with progressive rhythm-laden modern Metal structures and the beauty of Post Rock and Shoegaze, HERETOIR is a nostalgic, melancholic and soothing soundtrack in a mad world. Founded (in Augsburg/Germany) by David C. in 2006, HERETOIR conceptually and lyrically deals with existence, self-reflection, fears and dreams – life in all its facets.

It is a musical universe set for the discovery of one’s deepest thoughts and the soul that rests in each of us. After a first demo and EP („Existenz“ (2008) & „.Existenz.“ (2009)), multiple compilation contributions and a split release with the band Thränenkind („Wiedersehen – unsere Hoffnung“, 2010) HERETOIR released their eponymous debut album „Heretoir“ on February 25th, 2011 through Northern Silence Productions.

Melodizing the topic of loss, „Heretoir“ was very well received by fans and press around the world, not least because of the powerful and atmospheric cover artwork of exceptional French artists Fursy Teyssier (Les Discrets) and Metastazis (artworks for Alcest, Anathema, Enthroned, As I Lay Dying, Gorgoroth and many more).

With the release of the debut album Matthias S. (bass), Max F. (guitar) and Emanuel D. (drums) joined the line-up and HERETOIR evolved into a full band. It didn’t take long for the group to share stages with acts like Agalloch, Alcest, Eluveitie, Graveworm, Sólstafir or Secrets Of The Moon.

In parallel with the progression of the live shows, the EP re-recording/compilation „Substanz“ was released on August 24th, 2012. After several European tours with Agrypnie, Der Weg einer Freiheit and Dornenreich and one tour through England with Dawn Ray’d, as well as performances at the Summerbreeze Open Air, the Ragnarök Festival, and support shows for renowned post-rockers God Is An Astronaut and melancholic masters Katatonia, HERETOIR was able to build up a reputation in the atmospheric Metal scene. In 2016 Emanuel D. left the band and Nils G. became the new drummer. The current line-up was completed by Kevin Storm, who joined the band in 2020.

Following more than 5 years of intense touring, the much-anticipated second album „The Circle“ was released in March 2017. „The Circle“ deals with the cycle of life, death and rebirth. Weaving crushing heaviness and atmospheric melodies, the album portrays an emotional journey – a life dedicated to self reflection and freedom.

Besides another very special cover art by Fursy Teyssier the album furthermore features guest vocals by Alcest mastermind Stéphane ‚Neige‘ Paut and mastering by the renowned sound engineer Lasse Lammert. „The Circle“ received incredible worldwide feedback by press and fans alike.

HERETOIR embarked on an extensive European tour in Spring 2017 together with the US Black Metal band Ghost Bath, visiting more than 15 countries in 5 weeks. More festival appearances and a tour with Finnish Melodic Death Metal masters Kalmah followed and in 2018 the band toured China for two weeks.

During the last years/pandemic the band worked hard and focussed on writing new material. 2023 marks an important year for HERETOIR: On 10 th February 2023 the remastered version of the debut album „Heretoir“ with bonus tracks was released. Only 3 months later the band released their new mini-album „Wastelands“ on May 19th, 2023 – their first new material in 6 years – with great worldwide reception.

HERETOIR are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email

DISCOGRAPHY
2009 • .Existenz. • EP
2011 • Heretoir • Full-length
2014 • Just For A Moment • Single
2017 • The Circle • Full-length
2019 • Golden Dust (Acoustic Version) • Single
2023 • Wastelands • EP
2023 • Nightsphere • Full-length

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

10 / 10
➤ „… an emotional masterpiece of Black Metal art, which is much more than just music … interplay between hopeful on the one hand and the realization and despair on the other … high pleasure … production and mastering ensure a perfect sound of the whole, which comes across neither too rough nor too smooth, but earthy and natural … this is exactly how atmospheric Post Black Metal Anno ’23 must sound.“
(Metal Only)

10 / 10
➤ „… shatter traditional classifications, and regardless of genre will make you think ‚this is just a great band‘. Every now and then, there’ll be a band who come along and remind you how and why you fell in love with music … for Post Metal fans or those looking for something a little different; add this album to your regular shuffle and playlists upon release day. You won’t regret it.“
(Ever Metal)

97 / 100
➤ „… one of the best Post Black Metal releases of 2023 … five masterful tracks … filled with dreamy and bleak soundscapes … will please any fan of the genre and the band … mid-tempo brilliance they are known for … blistering onslaughts mixed in between atmospheric passages … the weeping lead guitars are to die for … immerse the listener from start to finish … a seamless experience filled with different moods and engaging soundscapes …“
(Infernal Masquerade)

95 / 100
➤ „HERETOIR reminded me how fascinated I was by their previous album. ‚Nightsphere‘, with its similar, contradictory and opposed elements, offers a certainly different, but just as striking and contemplative approach.“
(Acta Infernalis)

95 / 100
➤ „… with bravura … 42-minute emotional journey … you land in your own refuge … musical craftsmanship! One could also simply call ‚Nightsphere‘ the Post Black Metal record par excellence … the Germans of HERETOIR are at the top of this relevant subgenre. Must-buy, year-end list material!“
(Zware Metalen)

4,5 / 5
➤ „… an emotional up and down between fantastic post-rock melody arcs, black metal outbursts, cathartic clear vocals and thoughtful acoustic passages … thoroughly great album … offers almost everything you expect from HERETOIR or Post Black Metal in general in just three quarters of an hour … radiates a captivating atmosphere at all times …“
(Stormbringer)

14 / 15
➤ „… all the components of the sound are woven together into a homogeneous overall picture through a sombre underlying mood … another flawless masterpiece …“
(Legacy Magazin)

4 / 5
➤ „… entirely touching and involving … spiritual but gloomy ascension … the sonic horizon of Nightsphere is constantly raised and remains strong … this is the echo of human’s cry who stares at darkness, nostalgia and ruinations.“
(Heavy Music HQ)

90 / 100
➤ „… full of angry feelings and melancholic atmospheres.“
(X-Reviews)

8 / 10
➤ „… revel between beautiful melodies, carried drama and wild Black Metal frenzy … convinces musically all along the line … clear buy recommendation for all HERETOIR fans!“
(Powermetal DE)

8 / 10
➤ „… a good mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts … great … if you are a fan of atmospheric Post Black Metal, you should check out this album!“
(Occult Black Metal Zine)

8 / 10
➤ „… the songs can captivate despite an average length of just under ten minutes and are entertaining … HERETOIR sound more self-confident and firm in their own sound and break away somewhat from their Post Metal role models … stylistically ‚Nightsphere‘ is somewhat less experimental compared to its predecessors …“
(Metal DE)

8 / 10
➤ „… an impressive work by HERETOIR that meets and even exceeds expectations … an album that musically captures the conflict between nature and technology in an impressive and stirring way and at the same time touches the soul of the listener …“
(AM:plified Mag)

8 / 10
➤ „… compositional cleverness … an exciting journey through the desperate sound realm of Black Metal … with almost mesmerizing repetition Heretoir draws the listener under its spell … ‚Nightsphere‘ can be seen as a Gesamtkunstwerk, which convinces with a richness of ideas and musical variety … pleases already at the first listen and has enough details which guarantee a lasting listening experience …“
(Markus‘ Heavy Music Blog)

77 / 100
➤ „‚Nightsphere‘ is inclusive of all past aspects and traits … varietal, focused and particularly active for post-black metal today …“
(Grizzly Butts)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… great cinema. A gripping, complex, atmospherically dense sound with various moods and high recognition value. Really great and also just as well implemented.“
(Dark Festivals)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… melancholic and dreamy … take the listener on an astral journey and enchant with countless melodies, acoustic pads and piano sounds … very well done … what I like best is the diverse guitar work, which comes into its own very well, especially over headphones …“
(Crossfire Metal)

3,5 / 5
➤ „… isn’t common among Post Black albums … broody and melancholic, obviously by choice … it’s excellent atmosphere music … an album that is absolutely worth a listen.“
(Metal Epidemic)

7,3 / 10
➤ „… a well-made Blackgaze/Atmo-Black album with a moving and consistent core tone in addition to well-written songs …“
(Metal Storm)

➤ „The star here is David ‚Eklatanz‘ Conrad’s vocals and the explosion of many levels of despair and anguish … shows all the skills to convey emotion … to be compared to a broken jaw and an eye opener …“
(Metal Addicts)

➤ „… a gloomy album that combines the atmospheric Black Metal parts with clean melodic passages, lots of blast beats and quieter, almost Rock sounds … full of intensity through the desperate screams and more melancholic with clean vocals to emphasize the emotions … strongly composed … has its own unique sound …“
(Rancor Metalzine)

➤ „… all grandiose, as already with ‚Wastelands‘ … all tracks work and literally stick in the auditory canal … HERETOIR manage to captivate the listener from beginning to end … you hardly know how to deal with the oppressive mood that the album makes you feel …“
(Vampster)

➤ „… majestic and cavernous … there is something insidious about it … something between a funerary dirge and an ambient, dream-like backing … reflective … a solid, fantastic album whose concept is brought to life by the music HERETOIR has created … come for the music, stay for the story – I promise that it will devastate you.“
(Nine Circles)

➤ „… a masterpiece not to be missed under any circumstances … meticulous in every detail … carefully crafted … magnificent … truly immeasurable … moves to tears … offers everything it needs in the Post-Black realm …“
(Noisewriter)

etc.

[ Logo: Olymp ]

Action: OLYMP
Title: Olymp
Base: Augsburg • Germany
Style: Classic Heavy/Speed Metal
Genre: Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, NWOBHM
FFO: Atlain, Stormwitch, Running Wild
Type: Full-length
Format: CD + Vinyl
Label: Independent
Release: Oct. 13, 2023

OLYMP are available for interviews via phone, Zoom, Skype & email

PR:
https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_OLYMP_en.php

Bulletpoints:
🔘 The debut album of the Bavarian Heavy Metallers
🔘 A lively and affectionate homage to the 80s
🔘 Powerful songs full of joy, dynamics and dedication


https://www.youtube.com/embed/lTecD7OaE3U
[ Official album trailer ]

OLYMP is not just a myth, but rather true teutonic CLASSIC HEAVY/SPEED METAL.
Driving riffs in traditional 80´s style, will make your heads bang wild.

The whole is literally old school to the bone. The roaring bass and striking twin-leads will raise even the last sceptic to the peak of Olympus.

[ Pic: Christian Wieser ]

LINE-UP:
Butschi • Guitar, Vocals
Armin • Guitar
André • Bass
Dommi • Drums

Since the beginning of 2018, Butschi (guitars, vocals), André (bass), Armin (guitars) and Dommi (drums) have been working on original songs in their rehearsal room.

OLYMP emphasize their ambitions to reach the Olympus of the Metal gods by their longtime stage experience and the upcoming release of „Olymp“, their 2023 debut album.

[ Artwork: Giulia Schmidt-Kaiser ]

TRACKS:
01. Hades 04:26
02. Death And Glory 04:40
03. Icarus 06:03
04. Hero 04:48
05. City Of Gods 05:02
06. Pandora 03:54
07. Fire And Fury 06:53
08. Metal Priest 03:02

total: 38:48 min.


https://www.facebook.com/OlympMetal/

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

8 / 10
➤ „… absolute pearl … key appeal: I just couldn’t resist the charm of the cover artwork … refreshingly different … somewhere between Angel Witch and Agent Steel the debut album of the Germans entertains non-stop … they actually always find their way into my ear … remarkably creative riffs and solos …“
(Hellfire)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… OLYMP do their thing really well … know how to turn the Heavy/Speed Metal wheel, how to keep it turning … you can hear the passion of the guys in every minute, as well as the years of work that went into ‚Olymp‘ … powerful riffs, crisp drums and a shouter who performs vocally dirty and raw, as it was just cool and hip in the 80s … I have my fun with the sound and fans of the genre certainly also … extra praise for the very cult cover artwork!“
(Obliveon)

➤ „In the spirit of the 80s, this German Metal sensation creates a sonic universe that combines nostalgia and freshness in a stunning potpourri … epic! … masterpiece … impressive time travel … the driving riffs, the booming bass and the characteristic twin leads are all there … truly ‚old school to the bone‘ … a compact but powerful experience that will surely make hearts beat faster …“
(Metaller DE)

➤ „… this thing makes fun (and thirsty) from front to back with its hearty eighties mix of Omen, Maiden, Running Wild and Grave Digger …“
(Rock Hard DE)

➤ „… sounds so original and old school that it’s hard to believe they haven’t been around since the 80s … with such drive and lots of love and not least dedication and ability … almost a time machine straight back to the 80s …“
(Rancor Metalzine)

[ Logo: Front Row Warriors ]

Action: FRONT ROW WARRIORS • https://frontrowwarriors.com/
Title: Wheel Of Fortune
Base: Stuttgart • Germany
Style: Melodic Metal
Genre: Heavy Metal, Melodic Metal, Melodic Hard Rock, AOR
FFO: Heart, Warlock, Pretty Maids, Zed Yago
Type: Full-length
Format: CD + Vinyl
Label: ROAR • Rock Of Angels Records
Release: June 09, 2023

FRONT ROW WARRIORS are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email

Bulletpoints:
🔘 Debut album of the highly gifted Germans
🔘 Fantastic songwriting, top playing culture
🔘 Highly catchy material, a true feast for many ears

https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_FRONT_ROW_WARRIORS_en.php

FRONT ROW WARRIORS, the South German top artists, launched their third single „Chasing Shadows“ with a lyric video worth seeing on September 15, 2023 – top-notch AOR/Melodic Metal, as you can enjoy it rather rarely from today’s acts in this fine form.

The catchy uptempo number, which is played in an equally brisk and rousing fluidity, is another excellent song from the enormously substantial debut album „Wheel Of Fortune“, which was released on June 09, 2023 as blue vinyl and CD digipak via ROAR Records – a work that is fantastic in many respects and which continues to receive excellent to completely enthusiastic reviews in the music press!

„Chasing Shadows“ tells the tragic love story of two young people who desperately try to escape their ecclesiastical conventions, but ultimately fall apart because of lies and slander, and ultimately both tragically lose their lives. The moving story is based on the Greek mythology „Hero and Leander“ by the poet Ovid. Jim Evgenidis of Iconfilmworx skillfully directed „Chasing Shadows“.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/gjGHqZQ58G0?si=m_LoV3Tl3gf_Poz9
[ Official Video „Chasing Shadows“ ]

Formed in 2019 in Stuttgart by Jay-G, drums (Shining, Sharon), Elkie Gee, vocals (Ampyre, Antares) and Sorin Badin, a well-known Romanian guitarist (Cardinal, Samsara, Crystal Maze) under the name FRONT ROW WARRIORS, they completed the formation in 2020 with Richie Seibel, keyboards, (Lanfear, Ivanhoe, Them) and Timo Michels, bass, (5th Season, Pump). In the summer of 2022, guitarist Stef Binnig-Gollub (Septagon) joined the multiple capable MELODIC METAL band.

[ Pic: Front Row Warriors ]

LINE-UP:
Elkie Gee • Vocals
Sorin Badin • Lead Guitar
Stef Binnig-Gollub • Guitar
Timo Michels • Bass
Richie Seibel • Keyboard
Jay-G • Drums

The band’s goal is to take the audience on a musical journey through the era of Hard Rock and Metal of the past 30 years, creating catchy hooks that immediately inspire you to sing along. The whole thing impresses with outstanding guitar and keyboard work as well as deeply exceptional, uplifting lead vocals. Each band member represents one of the many styles and influences that make up the music of FRONT ROW WARRIORS.

The results were impressive, and the band was voted Germany’s best Hard Rock band in 2021 by the German Rock and Pop Musicians Association.

The successful mixture of AOR and Hard Rock inspired by the 80s and 90s, up-tempo numbers – partly very close to classic Melodic Metal – and epic ballads can now be found on the highly anticipated debut album under the title „Wheel Of Fortune“, which was produced by Michael Bormann, co-produced and mixed by Achim Köhler. The mastering was done by Patrick W. Engel. The renowned book and cover illustrator Uwe Jarling crowned this absolutely fantastic release with an awesome cover artwork. All well known names, which did each a great job for a great formation!

[ Artwork: Uwe Jarling ]

TRACKS:

1. Intro 01:01
2. Chasing Shadows 03:24
3. Fantastic 04:13
4. Love Is Not A Game 05:15
5. Deadly Sins 03:54
6. Damnation 00:47
7. Hell Invaders 04:28
8. Wheel Of Fortune 05:03
9. Hell Awaits 04:15
10. Dystopian Time (feat. Todd Michael Hall) 05:27
11. The Hunter 03:49
12. Wasted Life 06:37

total 48:13

As a special guest, US singer Todd Michael Hall (Jack Starr ́s Burning Starr, Riot V) shines in a duet. Vocalist Elkie was voted best Hard Rock singer 2022 by the German Rock and Pop Musicians Association with the song „Dystopian Time“.

The band was signed by ROAR Records, the debut has been released in June 2023 as CD-Digipak and vinyl, also in download format.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0xsgg8Jtk3oJqOKzuGIG2d?si=QQWKCmxKTaei2Oz3r3sbMg

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

10 / 10
➤ „Take six good musicians and awesome tunes … the result is FRONT ROW WARRIORS. For a debut album really strong. You have to be grateful when there is still good, horny music on the plate … the Swabians give everything. You shouldn’t just see them as newcomers … they will fight their way into the front row very soon.“
(Hellfire)

10 / 10
➤ „… Heavy Metal as it can not sound more classic … I feel I’m transported back to the glory days of Warlock, because with Elkie we also have here a singer with a Rock throat, but for me because of her style still sounds much more interesting than the ‚Queen of Metal‘.“
(MetalZone – Support The Underground)

10 / 10
➤ „… Heavy Metal as it can not sound more classic … I feel I’m transported back to the glory days of Warlock, because with Elkie we also have here a singer with a Rock throat, but for me because of her style still sounds much more interesting than the ‚Queen of Metal‘.“
(Metalheads DE)

10 / 10
➤ „… dedicated to melodic, but harder Hard Rock, which occasionally flirts a bit with AOR, but above all rather seeks the proximity to Heavy Rock. The voice of Elkie Gee also not infrequently reminds of the singers of the great U.S. female (fronted) bands like Heart, Vixen, Phantom Blue and inspires with its power. And also the English pronunciation is impeccable. But also the musical realization belongs for me to some of the best I have heard from the German Hard Rock scene in the last years … the songwriting is first class.“
(Ivy Wolfisberg Blog)

95 / 100
➤ „… Elkie elevates each track to a really high level … an impressive debut … twelve brilliant songs … power and melody conspire and every single one of them knows to convince … Front Row Warriors definitely knows how to play their way into the front ranks of the Hard Rock / Heavy Metal landscape already with this debut …“
(Musika BE)

9,5 / 10
➤ „… function like a unit that has grown over many years … I failed to detect even one off-key note after repeated listens … one song features Riot vocalist Todd Michael Hall as backup …“
(Bleeding4Metal)

9,1 / 10
➤ „Much of the power of this band lies in Elkie’s voice, one of the best female voices out there, and even the simplest song is made to shine … there really is no weak point on this album. They couldn’t have had a better debut … the quality of the songs here closes mouths … and opens others …“
(Metallerium)

9 / 10
➤ „… a singer who, á la Heart, is effortlessly at home in all registers … hammer-strong debut … amazing hit density …“
(Hardline)

9 / 10
➤ „… reveal an incredible amount of inspiration, creativity and great talent on their album debut … all of this, coupled with their years of experience and the savvy of the entire production team, makes ‚Wheel Of Fortune‘ one of the strongest debuts in recent years and a great hope for the future … phenomenal …“
(Undercover Rock And Metal)

9 / 10
➤ „… the band really puts their foot down, the musicians play on a technically high level, the interplay works perfectly … kick-ass music … Elkie’s voice has an enormous power, determines the sound of the band significantly …“
(Rocknews CH)

8,5 / 10
➤ „From the guitars you can hear different bands like the Scorpions, Jaded Heart and a few more … the keys are more restrained than Axel Rudi Pell, the drums remind me of Mike Terrana or Bobby Rondenelli in the way they were played with a lot of power … very catchy and harmoniously produced … convinced me completely.“
(Rock Garage DE)

8,5 / 10
➤ „… high-class album in the intersection of catchy Hard/Heavy Rock … masterpiece of a German band that skillfully recommends itself with fat hooklines, slamming guitars, catchy melodies and magical vocals all along the line …“
(Saitenkult)

8 / 10
➤ „… a great album, and all Metal fans should give this appealing work a listen …“
(Metal Factory)

8 / 10
➤ „… powerful, crisp and at times traditional Hard Rock with a proper 80s broadside … with a wealth of great songs …“
(Rock It!)

8 / 10
➤ „… crisp, partly atmospheric Melodic Heavy Metal, which can be pigeonholed quite well with bands like later Pretty Maids, Bonfire, Eclipse, Crystal Ball or Jaded Heart … singer Elkie Gee does her thing really well! Fans of classic, rocking Melodic Metal should definitely get this one!“
(Crossfire Webzine)

7 / 10
➤ „… front woman with a strong voice … twelve tracks with a lot of feeling … successful debut …“
(Rock Hard DE)

➤ „… without exception experienced musicians, that succeeded in this excellently … powerfully produced and also exemplary mixed, the 10 songs and 2 intros bang out of the speakers and keep the promise. Because even if most of the songs start quite metallic, they almost always get the curve to Hard Rock and yet remain independent and modern enough to scare off neither the one nor the other faction. A great balancing act …“
(Metalglory)

➤ „… simply a great record, which convinces with music without a lot of fuss and should bring FRONT ROW WARRIORS into the focus of many Melodic Metal fans …“
(Metal Inside)

➤ „… sounds super professional for a debut album and thrills from front to back on the first listen. It’s been a while since a debut album blew me away right away … above all, the fantastic vocals with through the bank catchy hooks and strong choruses … a really skillful balancing act between catchy Hard Rock and sophisticated as well as Melodic Heavy Metal … there are almost too many highlights to list them all … inspires more and more from run to run …“
(Tracks Magazin)

➤ „… FRONT ROW WARRIORS have delivered a very strong album that can strike fear into other female-fronted bands, because singer Elkie puts the crown on the songs with her charismatic voice. But also the other musicians deliver a performance on the highest level. Listen to the songs and you will be as excited as I am!“
(Nightshade)

➤ „Characteristic of the band’s sound are the distinctive, raspy voice of Elkie Gee, whose clean vocals are somewhat reminiscent of the legendary Doro Pesh, and the keyboards, which feature a tasteful selection of synths that are deliberately typical of these years … an honest and genuine album …“
(Metalshock IT)

➤ „… interesting one … took me by surprise … you get a lot of diversity … quiet impressive … really, really great voice … solid songwriting … melodic, catchy tunes … great riffs … memorable album … I enjoyed it very much … there’s a lot to love here …“
(Power Metal Ranger)

➤ „In many ways I found it hard to believe at first that this is a debut album, because it seems very accomplished – good old melodic Heavy Metal – with a lot of life, nerve and not least melody … they have their own sound – not least because of the vocals of Elkie Gee – here the band has hit the nail on the head … 12 strong tracks – tracks that each deserve to be highlighted …“
(Rancor Metalzine)

➤ „… gripping choruses … good melody arcs … power ballads … fast riffs … epic … comes fat out of the boxes … knows how to inspire … who likes melodic metal, can access here without hesitation …“
(Breakout)

➤ „Excellent studio debut effort by the female-fronted Stuttgart sextet!“
(Unique High Fidelity)

[ Logo: Blood Python ]

𖤐 With a hypnotic doomy edge, abyssic sworn to real Steel!

Band: BLOOD PYTHON
Title: Thunder City
Base: Oslo • Norway
Style: Occult Heavy Metal
Genre: Occult Rock, Traditional Heavy Metal, NWOBHM
FFO: Angel Witch, Heavy Load, Mercyful Fate
Type: Full-length
Format: Digital
Label: Independent
Release: Sept. 15, 2023

Bulletpoints:
🔘 Second album from the fascinating Scandinavian phenomenon
🔘 Occult & traditional Heavy Metal with a clear 80’s vibe
🔘 Catchy, with depth, soulful atmosphere & occasional experimentation


BLOOD PYTHON @ SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/2ZwyjxGoF6AH2PML6CIjf2?si=7wWdf9ZpR5q7npMRKNpwgg&nd=1

OCCULT HEAVY METAL from the eerie forests of Eastern Norway – BLOOD PYTHON rise from the graves of witchcraft, 80’s cassettes and shattered dreams.

Placed upon the sacrificial altar is the tough but brooding new album „Thunder City“, that is testament to BLOOD PYTHON’s struggle through world-spanning plague and the challenges of semi-lo-fi basement music production.

[ Artwork: Erik Alm ]

TRACKS:

1. Witch’s Brew 04:41
2. Omens 04:12
3. The Wolves Ain’t Far Behind 04:36
4. Conqueror 04:19
5. Empire 04:37
6. Swamp Sacrifice 07:14
7. Lord Of Night 03:51
8. The Gods That Fell To Earth 10:02

total 42:12

Listen on Bandcamp:
https://bloodpython.bandcamp.com/


With the first album „Acheron“ laying the foundation and catching the attention of underground Metal bums of Oslo, the hard-hitting, catchy and charismatic music of „Thunder City“, the new album of BLOOD PYTHON seeks to reach the next level.

[ Pic: Johnny Normann Berg ]

https://www.youtube.com/embed/e0lGre-bsCc?si=eXYg1Nxb5q7x0CpG
[ Acheron • Album 2022 ]

DISCOGRAPHY:
2022 • Acheron • Full-length
2023 • Thunder City • Full-length

🕷 Get prepared for strongest late 70s/early 80s vibes, wonderful obscure and sacral atmospheres & deepest artistic dedication! 🦇

🛒
https://bloodpython.bigcartel.com/


🌐 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤 & 𝙋𝙍 Action:
𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 ᴳᴸᴼᴮᴬᴸ • 𝓔𝓼𝓽. 2001
https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_BLOOD_PYTHON_en.php

MEDIA FEEDBACK:
90 / 100
➤ „… the musicianship is endearingly raw, with almost whispered cleans that tend toward melodic overlays, gritty guitar work and occasional horror-score keyboards … in the emphasis on straightforward catchiness, one can even detect a hint of post-Ghost appeal style … the songwriting have a niche Metal charm that is hard to resist …“
(The Metal Archives)

4 / 5
➤ „This one caught me by surprise … very raw and unadulterated ore of classic Heavy Metal … definitely has some DNA from protean stuff like Mercyful fate or even Venom … theatrical vibe, like something from Stormwitch or Cloven Hoof … rough, strained voice—like if Quorthon was a bit better … this is a band to check out …“
(The Metal Crypt)

8 / 10
➤ „… a real talent who deserves your attention … peculiar and yet utterly compelling in its macabre wonder … pure, lethal and at times foreboding Heavy Metal summed up by the majestic ‘Swamp Sacrifice’, which boasts the fluidity and spectral nature of Ghost … a dimension of shadows and spectre worth visiting …“
(Metal Forces)

8 / 10
➤ „BLOOD PYTHON’s second album will again divide listeners into delighted traditionalists and believers in modernity. ‚Thunder City‘ has charm and warmth because it doesn’t claim perfection, but creates metal from the gut and the heart.“
(Soundmagnet)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… simple but effective riffs and catchy solos … especially atmospheric, discreet keyboards in the background, which provide a gloomy atmosphere … epic choirs and acoustic guitars … theatrical vocals, which are often performed in multiple voices, mostly in a medium pitch and often a bit rough … cool doom riffs and some New Wave Of British Heavy Metal-like twinleads … production sounds nice old analog, very appropriate to the gloomy mood … oddball old school Metal album … like it well!
(Crossfire Webzine)

➤ „… this new album just takes things to the next level – both in terms of music and lyrics … so we are dealing with a very talented one-man band – and one of the kind I would definitely recommend …“
(Rancor Metalzine)

➤ „The songs exude a charm that surrounds the dark aura … can satisfy many hearts … a very own, rich, powerful Heavy Metal sound … a really interesting Heavy Metal band for those who like traditional sounds … spicy to wholly savory to fullest deliciousness …“
(Noisewriter)

➤ „This is a creator that knows his way around early 80’s traditional Heavy Metal for sure … the somewhat closed in mix that has been applied also gives the material the proper sound aesthetics of the time, comparable to the kind of albums released by cult labels such as Mausoleum Records and Black Dragon Records back in the day … to seek out by those who love and treasure early 80’s traditional Heavy Metal and who enjoy this specific style as well as the sound aesthetics you generally found among the underground metal bands some 40 years ago.“
(The Viking In The Wilderness)

➤ „… excellent grasp of traditional-Metal form and function … has the potential to be a Norwegian classic … an album that scrapes close to the edge of excellence and should definitely make a name for itself among Norwegian fans of 80s narrative Metal …“
(Metallurgi)

➤ „… an impressive work … the dark mysticism and 80s vibes make it a must for fans of Occult Rock and traditional Heavy Metal …“
(AM:plified Mag)

➤ „… what BLOOD PYTHON really does is create atmosphere! The album is imbued with a darkness, an unpolished underground aura … carries the gloom/horror heritage well, tidy, no frills … should be given a chance …“
(Forgotten Scroll)

✨ 𝐼𝓂𝓂𝑜𝓇𝓉𝒶𝓁, 𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒶𝓅𝒽𝓎𝓈𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁 𝓂𝓎𝓈𝓉𝒾𝒸𝒾𝓈𝓂 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌𝓈 𝓃𝑜 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒 …

[ Logo: Anoushbard ]

🌓 𝒜𝒩𝒪𝒰𝒮𝐻𝐵𝒜𝑅𝒟 • 🇮🇷 • Eastern 𝓔𝔁𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓮 𝓔𝓽𝓱𝓷𝓸 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓜𝓮𝓽𝓪𝓵 • Est. 2017 • #anoushbard

http://www.facebook.com/anoushbard/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4vn1sbM398VhKpkvXMO78d
https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Anoushbard/3540462240

https://anoushbard.bandcamp.com/album/abandoned-treasure


Bulletpoints:
🔘 Second album of the soulful Iranian top artists
🔘 Sophisticated progressiveness, emphatically varied
🔘 Uniquely melodic, atmospheric, with strong identity

Action: ANOUSHBARD
Base: Tehran • Iran
Genre: Extreme Ethno Progressive Metal
Title: Abandoned Treasure
FFO: Orphaned Land, Melechesh, Opeth
📁 Genres: Progressive Metal, Death Metal, Atmospheric Metal, Folklore
Format: Album
Label: Independent
Distro: /
Release: April 01, 2023

🌐 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤 & 𝙋𝙍 Action:
𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 ᴳᴸᴼᴮᴬᴸ • 𝐸𝓈𝓉. 2001
https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_ANOUSHBARD_en.php

https://youtu.be/wHA41wTOOnY
[ The Righteous Ardaviraf (Preparation)
Official lyric video ]

The band says about „The Righteous Ardaviraf“:
„The song describes what our ancestors thought and believed about life after death. It happened many centuries ago: In the book ‚Arda Viraf‘ the story of the upright and meaning-seeking Wirāz is written down. Wirāz was a fervent, deeply devoted priest of the ancient Zoroastrian religion, who was chosen to go on an afterlife journey – to find out what really happens to a person and his soul after death. This was celebrated in a very special ritual intimately, with appropriate, solemn clothing. Thereby the holy book of the religious cult was read, the ‚Arda Viraf‘. The traveler was given three goblets of wine, which, by means of a special addition, caused him to fall into a death-like sleep for seven days. When he woke up, he could tell his experienced story. We strongly recommend our followers and fans to read more about this truly famous story, especially in its country of origin, Persia, which is set several centuries before Dante Alighieri’s kindred ‚Divine Comedy‘.“

Deepest spirituality:
The – rebellious – appeal of the forbidden has always represented an additional attractive element for true passionate and fervent idealists to live out their inclinations. This is also the case with ANOUSHBARD. The band risks so much to be able to fully devote themselves to their music.

And the correspondingly profound and lovingly polished, consistently convincing to brilliant result is ultimately also the fascinating mirror of the artistic ideal of these absolute conviction offenders.

With their second album „Abandoned Treasure“ these highly estimable thoroughbred musicians have completed a fabulous, completely timeless work, which reveals itself to be as hard-hitting as it is stylistically uncompromising – and which can intoxicate the senses with sophisticated high-quality sounds!

[ Artwork: Anoushbard ]

TRACKS
01. The Righteous Ardaviraf (Preparation) 03:16
02. The Righteous Ardaviraf (Journey) 05:46
03. The Righteous Ardaviraf (Return) 02:25
04. Destructive Spirit (Agra Mainyu) 03:37
05. Tower Of Silence (Dakhma) 04:57
06. Abandoned Treasure 05:45
07. Blacksmith’s Apron 06:58
08. Mother 05:23

total: 38:07

[ Pic: Anoushbard ]

LINE-UP
Sherwin Baradaran • Guitars, Vocals
Siavash Motallebi • Guitars
Arman Tirmahi • Bass

FLASHBACK:
Founded in 2017 by Sherwin Baradaran and Siavash Motallebi, the first album „Mithra“ was released in 2020. The debut album consists of 6 tracks, all of highly unique identity. Already on it, the participants had found their very own, fascinating and completely distinctive style.

Most of the extremely varied and diversely dynamic compositions thematize Iranian culture and often mystical stories passed down from it. Subsequently, ANOUSHBARD worked on another album, titled „Abandoned Treasure“ and featuring 8 tracks. As on the previous album, those involved mastered to focus on Persian literature and stories.

During all the years of existence, ANOUSHBARD had many difficulties in finding suitable co-musicians such as drummers or bassists. In 2021, Arman Tirmahi officially joined the formation as a bassist. He helped the group with the second album.

Nima Seylani, an accomplished Oud player, also joined the line-up. Many in the Western industrialized nations will find it hard to imagine: but the biggest obstacle in ANOUSHBARD’s path are the government regulations for Metal music there. Unfortunately, Metal is completely banned in Iran, so it’s not possible at all to perform in public or release an album.

Singer and guitarist Sherwin says:
„We named the band ANOUSHBARD, which was a political prison in the Sasanian Empire (224 – 651 AD) and which means a place where you forget your identity and disappear forever. As a band, we call ourselves that because we are very interested in the history of our country and in our Persian roots.“

DISCOGRAPHY
2020 • Mithra • Full-length
2021 • Blacksmith’s Apron • Single
2023 • Abandoned Treasure • Full-length

🌓 𝒜𝒩𝒪𝒰𝒮𝐻𝐵𝒜𝑅𝒟 • 🇮🇷 • Eastern 𝓔𝔁𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓮 𝓔𝓽𝓱𝓷𝓸 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓜𝓮𝓽𝓪𝓵 • Est. 2017 • #anoushbard

💿 2nd album „Abandoned Treasure“
🗓️ Release: April 01, 2023

💥 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙨!

[ Logo: Nicolas Spreutels ]

Action: KATE NORD
Base: Casperia • Italy
Genre: Symphonic Fantasy Metal
Title: Compass To Your Heart’s Desire
FFO: Nightwish, Epica, Enya
Format: Album
Label: Independent
Release: Dec. 16, 2022

🌐 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤 & 𝙋𝙍 Action:
𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 ᴳᴸᴼᴮᴬᴸ • 𝐸𝓈𝓉. 2001
https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_KATE_NORD_en.php

Bulletpoints:
• Deeply soulful, upliftingly visionary debut album
• Sensational clear, operetta-like female vocals
• Inspiring noble mix of Melodic, Power & Symphonic Metal

https://www.youtube.com/embed/9f1yYLIXZ78
[ Embrace The Cold • Lyric Video ]

Kate says about the song:
„This is a dark and epic story about facing difficult times and the struggle to keep going nonetheless. ‚Embracing the cold‘ is not about giving up or bending to your circumstances, but is rather a metaphor for radical acceptance of your situation and trying to make the most out of what you have. Embrace the cold, to find your way back to the sunlight!“

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qeen4n2uWZ8
[ Compass To Your Heart’s Desire • Album Teaser ]

KATE NORD is a classically trained Finnish singer/songwriter who creates high quality SYMPHONIC FANTASY METAL in central Italy.

With her versatile, impressively clear as well as amazingly soprano strong exceptional voice, this fabulous golden throat can easily compete with the best and most famous of the entire guild.

[ Pic: Marco Savi • SPF Produzioni ]


LINE-UP:
Kate Nord • Vocals, Keys, Orchestration
Francesco Mattei • Guitars
Andrea Arcangeli • Bass
Omar Campitelli • Drums

„Compass To Your Heart’s Desire“ is KATE NORD’s debut album as a solo artist, with a special guest solo by Timo Tolkki, popular by Finnish Power Metallers Stratovarius.

[ Artwork: Nicolas Spreutels ]

TRACKS:
01. Recitative To The Moon 01:47
02. All Alone 03:28
03. The North Wind And The Troll 03:50
04. Embrace The Cold 02:59
05. Wither And Rust (feat. Timo Tolkki) 05:04
06. Dream Of Daylight 05:37
0. Breathe In The Night 03:43
08. Dance Of The Fairies 02:58
09. Aeternam Vale 04:24

„Compass To Your Heart’s Desire“ is inspired by Scandinavian folk tales about trolls and fairies and the illustrations to these tales, such as the works of John Bauer, as well as fantasy novels as well as the works of the world famous fantasy grandmaster J. R. R. Tolkien.

„Compass To Your Heart’s Desire“ is embedded in wonderfully powerful Heavy/Power Metal sounds with slamming drums and furious distortion guitars, often bursting with fully melodic, catchy outbursts.

[ Pic: Marco Savi • SPF Produzioni ]

FLASHBACK:
Her first release as a solo singer was a cover of Howard Blake’s „Walking In The Air“ in 2017.

Kate’s musical resume includes formal studies in classical singing in both Finland and Italy. She began her music studies in Porvoo, Finland with pianist Diana Bärlund, who also taught former Lordi keyboardist Awa (Leena Peisa).

Kate already appeared as a lyricist of the Italian Progressive Power Metal ensemble Noveria since the band’s formation in 2013. She was also featured as a guest vocalist on Noveria’s album „Forsaken“, released 2016 via Scarlet Records.

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

98 / 100
➤ „… a stunning album … a must for any fan of (female fronted) Symphonic Metal … fantastically beautifully composed and arranged … goosebumps … beauty and purity … phenomenal voice … incomparable … if you think Tarja Turunen is the best female singer, then Kate Nord comes right after!“
(Musika)

95 / 100
➤ „… very melodic, harmonic structures … a good album full of first-line classic elements … KATE NORD’s beautiful voice is unique with a clean, white and soft register! Excellent soprano!“
(Darkzen Dragon)

9 / 10
➤ „With a good sound … style influenced by Nightwish, Xandria, Amberian Dawn, including her soprano skills … intense songs … very emotional and melancholic … brilliant vocal performance … very outstanding … an exquisite album … recommended from start to finish …“
(Locos Por El Power Metal)

9 / 10
➤ „… an exhibition of classical vocals … outstanding … has a unique ability to transport emotions … very well produced … KATE NORD sets a very high bar in terms of individual performance … very promising … Symphonic Metal fans can be very excited about ‚Compass To Your Heart’s Desire‘ …“
(Metal Temple)

80 / 100
➤ „… reminds me of a good Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation … so good for those who prefer something more melodic, clear and beautiful rather than something heavy and aggressive … Timo Tolkki is a guest musician … I can recommend it to those who like opera and classical music, and it is also suitable for those who listen to pop music, as a few songs are quite catchy …“
(MariMetal)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… will not fail to appeal to fans of formations such as Epica and Nightwish, but also to those who are not generally accustomed to sounds of this kind, resulting in an effective product that is worth giving a chance.“
(Heavy Metal Webzine)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… turned out quite pompous … immediately the intro shows their skills in all facets … the voice is clearly focused … very harmoniously kept … everything sounds like from one cast … who likes Nightwish, Within Temptation, Epica or the soundtrack to ‚The Lord Of The Rings‘ (keyword: Enya), should definitely listen in here!“
(Crossfire)

7 / 10
➤ „… brings back memories of glorious Nightwish times with Tarja as the front woman … musical treat …“
(Metal DE)

7 / 10
➤ „… varied vocals that give you goosebumps especially in the middle registers … fantastic melodies … KATE NORD’s songwriting talent is beyond question on this album … from brisk to gloomy, bombastic to dreamy and classical to Metal, the artist glides through the stylistic elements with her songs and skillfully combines them into a coherent, entertaining album … fans of female fronted Metal and Symphonic Metal may heartily enjoy!“
(Der Hörspiegel)

➤ „… practices her soprano voice with bravura … opera-inspired … stunning classical content … imagine Nightwish mixed with Rhapsody Of Fire with female vocals taking classical singing to the extreme … this is it.“
(Metal Addicts)

➤ „This album is awesome, Symphonic Metal with touches of Progressive and Power Metal, masterfully executed, with great arrangements and beautiful vocals … excellent work …“
(Metal Pedia)

➤ „Tremendous listening experience … even if I don’t like to draw comparisons, in the case of KATE NORD some with Tarja are obvious, after all they both have the same home … so if you like to be enveloped by symphonic sounds and enchanted by a beautiful voice, this is the right address!“
(Metalmamas Neuigkeiten)

➤ „… a promising debut and an artist to keep an eye on if female-fronted Symphonic Metal is your thing.“
(Sea Of Tranquility)

➤ „… this is tightly packed … good production … soul piercing through every line and riff … KATE NORD’s singing voice is clear in every word, in every syllable, and she is the clearest of all … her high voice is no different from a graceful fairy goddess … great … her throat is the best … as for the symphonic part, it is both elegant and beautiful, changing depending on the song … everything can make happy … truly heavenly …“
(Noisewriter)

[ Logo: John Connor ]

Action: RAVENLIGHT
Base: Belfast • Northern Ireland
Genre: Symphonic Power Metal
Title: Immemorial
FFO: Nightwish, Kamelot, Sonata Arctica
Format: Album
Label: Distortion Project Records
Distro: Code7
Release: Jan. 27, 2023

Bulletpoints:

• 2nd studio album of the Irish nature mystics
• Beauty, longing & power in a touching trinity
• Tasteful, emotional songs full of beauty & aesthetics

https://youtu.be/bt4-f6an7-U
[ Official music video by TWKOM & John Connor ]

RAVENLIGHT comments on „Reflections“:
„We chose ‚Reflections‘ as the first single for ‚Immemorial‘ as it was one of the early songs that set the tone for the rest of the album, it showcases a mix of emotional vocals and lyrics alongside heavy riffing and strong hooks, the contrast of light vs dark, heaviness vs beauty and hope vs fear runs throughout the whole release, and so it seemed like the perfect song and video to welcome the audience into that theme.“

https://youtu.be/NNaTeYLAoNU
[ Official music video by John Connor ]

RAVENLIGHT comments on „Spirit Of Life“:
„A unique track on the album – while most the songs represent darker themes, we decided to keep ‚Spirit Of Life‘ as the light in the darkness. The song was written to be infectiously fun and just a good time for the audience and listeners, so we made the video a little bit weirder than usual too!“

[ Pic: TWKOM Media ]

LINE-UP
Rebecca Feeney • Vocals
John Connor • Guitars, Keyboards
Dean Kane • Bass
Michał Bugajski • Drums

RAVENLIGHT returns, stronger than ever with their long awaited second album, „Immemorial“!

[ Artwork: John Connor ]

TRACKS
01. Masque Of Red Death (04:27)
02. Reflections (04:22)
03. The Painters Dream (04:33)
04. Spirit Of Life (03:58)
05. Paper Ships (03:37)
06. Rain (03:46)
07. Spiral (04:22)
08. Left Behind (05:57)
09. The Maze (04:13)
10. Springtime Lament (08:40)

total: 47:58 min.

Channelling their live energy into this new release, „Immemorial“ features 10 tracks of hard hitting Power Metal showcasing a range of styles and themes, from the reflective „Spiral“, to the grandiose „Springtime Lament“, this album highlights the band’s evolution and determination from the past few years.

FLASHBACK:
Formed in 2018, RAVENLIGHT play an energetic brand of progressive tinged SYMPHONIC POWER METAL which have gained them a reputation as one of the most exciting and unique bands to emerge from the Irish Metal scene in recent years.

Starting with their 2018 EP release „End Of The World“, RAVENLIGHT quickly made their mark on the local scene and further afield with a number of shows across Ireland, including an invite to support Progressive Metal legends Evergrey in Dublin in March 2019.

At the start of 2020, RAVENLIGHT went back to the studio and recorded their debut album, „Project Genesis“, which was released in June 2020 across Europe and Japan via Novus Records, gaining positive reviews and press across the continent.

Unfortunately due to the pandemic, live shows to promote the album were postponed indefinitely, however instead of resting on their laurels, RAVENLIGHT returned once again to the studio to record their 2021 covers EP, „Intermission“ alongside a series of music videos shot over various lockdowns.

With restrictions easing, RAVENLIGHT made their long awaited return to the stage, with a delayed album launch show, a mere 21 months after the release of the album, an appearance at the Siege Of Limerick festival and shows supporting Firewind, Cruachan and Stormzone across Ireland.

DISCOGRAPHY
2018 • End Of The World • EP
2020 • Project Genesis • Full-length
2021 • Intermission • EP
2023 • Immemorial • Full-length


RAVENLIGHT are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email !

🌐 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤 & 𝙋𝙍 Action:
𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 ᴳᴸᴼᴮᴬᴸ • 𝐸𝓈𝓉. 2001
https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_RAVENLIGHT_en.php

💥 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙨!

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

9 / 10
➤ „… an impressive album and it delivers everything, modern Symphonic Metal can offer: powerful guitar riffing, well composed orchestral arrangements, catchiness, epic melodies, ballads as well as dynamic and fresh songs … excellent vocalist who keeps the sound perfectly together and stamps her vocal authority on every track … set the bar very high for all other releases in 2023 … a must have …“
(Metal Temple)

85 / 100
➤ „I was already thrilled with the first album. It’s no different now. Maybe just a little bit better … all in all very good …“
(Musika BE)

8,5 / 10
➤ „The band stays true to their style, where emotive, melancholic and to some extent dramatic melodies lead a parade of tunes that invite moments of tranquillity … a good album mainly for Symphonic Metal lovers.“
(Locos Por El Power Metal)

3,5 / 5
➤ „There are immeasurable reasons why this album impresses. Firstly, there is the lead singer who surely would’ve been a big name back in the day. Lastly, everything else. The album does not require extra immiscibility, it is already blended to perfection. The pounding drum, the beautifully played piano, and riffs; they strike a perfect balance between heavy and melodic. There is a sense of immenseness about the music, despite how straightforward it is. There is a great deal of passion behind it, and I believe that comes through immaculately.“
(Sputnik Music)

80 / 100
➤ „… beautifully done Symphonic Metal songs with fresh and hard-hitting Power Metal … variety of styles … at all times musically … reflexive, melodic … Rebecca’s beautiful voice stands out a lot, it gives a unique softness to each track …“
(Darkzen Dragon)

8 / 10
➤ „… has a very appealing orchestration … to enjoy, with eyes closed … beautiful vocals … RAVENLIGHT please keep it up, since today you have at least one more regular listener!“
(Obliveon)

8 / 10
➤ „… I’m very impressed! Symphonic Power Metal is not my thing generally, but what this band are doing is unique to the Irish scene and offers something completely different. It also helps that they’re extremely good at what they do!“
(Burning Metal Irl)

8 / 10
➤ „Symphonic class and not bombastic noise is what we expected, and they bring it with more than a little of their beautiful Irish charm layered in as well …“
(Powerplay)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… some potential … good balance between the metallic and orchestral side … catchy melodic arcs … I really like its oldschool interpretation of Symphonic Power Metal and provides a nice counterbalance to the many identical sounding bands that populate the genre these days …“
(Powermetal DE)

72 / 100
➤ „… arrangements are kept simple and, to some extent raw, providing an ideal backdrop for Rebecca Feeney’s mesmerizing performance. She excels both in technique and emotional expression, displaying impressive control and a remarkable low register that adds weight and gravitas to her singing. The transitions between operatic and powerful rock vocals are seamless and a major strength of the album.“
(Metal Archives)

70 / 100
➤ „Although ‚Immemorial‘ addresses itself primarily to the users of Symphonic Power and related subgenres, I believe it can easily have its say outside this narrow market as well thanks to a down-to-earth, immediate and catchy making, which shrugs off the all too cloying excesses of certain colleagues and distances itself from certain disposable music. Well done.“
(TrueMetal IT)

7 / 10
➤ „… somewhere in the intersection of Nightwish, Edenbridge, Crystal Gates and The Dark Element … Rebecca Feeney puts the stamp on the tracks with her expressive voice … should be a welcome addition to the collection of fans of this style of playing …“
(Hellfire Magazin)

7 / 10
➤ „… not simply looking back … the band also push forward by integrating interesting influences … a strong album that will appeal to a diverse range of listeners … fans of early Nightwish and traditional European Symphonic Power Metal will enjoy it, especially if they’re seeking something less pop-oriented … ‚Immemorial‘ is more than just retrogressive Symphonic Metal and may resonate with Metalheads who enjoy Occult Rock and even female-fronted Progressive Rock.“
(Metal Observer)

3,5 / 5
➤ „… vocal approach inspired by Nightwish’s Tarja … contains some interesting influences of traditional Irish music …“
(All Around Metal)

10 / 15
➤ „… with fine prog elements. Vocally, Mrs. Feeney moves in the higher, opera-like areas on … RAVENLIGHT know how to please in this genre, which is overflowing especially in recent years. Especially the now and then interspersed progressive elements, the piano passages and the wise decision not to inflate the songs too pompously, let you listen again and again …“
(My Revelations)

➤ „This optimally functioning, catchy melodic mix can make ‚Immemorial‘ a small, fine treasure for all those who would like to experience it as dreamy and enchanting as possible.“
(Sonic Seducer)

➤ „… true, signature Symphonic Metal style … like a good stew, it evolves on low heat … let its flavors meld and blend into each other … Rebecca’s vocals are once again superb and at times rise to the sublime, to a level that definitely and defiantly rivals some of the bigger and indeed biggest names working in the genre … excellent …“
(Über Röck)

➤ „Balm for the ears! … RAVENLIGHT definitely can’t escape a comparison with Nightwish, but that’s not necessarily a bad attribute … RAVENLIGHT, however, don’t reach so strongly into the symphonic box and so ‚Immemorial‘ could please all those who like clear female voices and like to lose themselves in pleasant tones …“
(Metalmamas Neuigkeiten)

➤ „… a remarkable Symphonic Metal work … with front lady Rebecca Feeney, the Northern Irish band has a singer with an excellent voice in its ranks, which should not only appeal to fans of classically trained voices, but also to fans of more Rock-oriented vocals …“
(Female Fronted Power)

➤ „… durch ihren variablen Gesang erlebt man Emotionen, die für solche Songs sehr wichtig sind … eine talentierte Band, die ihre Instrumente perfekt beherrscht … musikalisch sind sie wirklich sehr gut …“
(Nightshade)

➤ „… guitars play an important role in RAVENLIGHT’s music. They are strong, with great overtones, with flashy lines, and, most of all, prominent … RAVENLIGHT give Rebecca all the chances to bright very shiny and she does … great …“
(Metal Addicts)

➤ „… full of freshness, but with a certain nostalgic touch … a good album, strongly reminiscent of Nightwish in their first phase, combining this concept with a more progressive development … from beginning to end we can enjoy different subgenres in it … enjoy them!“
(Nada Hay Bajo El Sol)

➤ „… RAVENLIGHT have grown a lot … will definitely surprise you … it’s really different and a big step forward …“
(D Metal Galaxy)

etc.