Crushing It – OCEANHOARSE
In honor of the 40th anniversary of iconic thrash metallers ANTHRAX, Finland’s OCEANHOARSEhave released a cover version of the band’s classic “Only”. Coming along as a lyric video and in the unmistakable & groove-laden style of OCEANHOARSE, this version should not only please die-hard fans.
The band comments: "James Hetfield once called Only 'a perfect song'. Well, we wholeheartedly agree! As huge fans of the John Bush-era Anthrax, we wanted to record our version of this 90’s classic, to celebrate Anthrax’s 40th anniversary. We stayed pretty loyal to the original, but did Hoarse-fy it just a bit to make it our own. Enjoy!"
OCEANHOARSE released their critically acclaimed debut studio album Dead Reckoning on August 20th via Noble Demon. Featuring 13 tracks packed with crushing riffs, vocal harmonies and high voltage arrangements, Dead Reckoning shows a band willing to explore things in their very own style, instead of sticking to any kind of average formula. The album is available HERE.
Furthermore, to end this year with a bang, OCEANHOARSE invite you to join HOARSEFEST 2021, a festival currated by the band and taking place on December 26th in Helsinki. More information can be found at THIS LOCATION.
Also, the band will be back on tour with Swedish progressive metal masters SOEN in September 2022. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
TRACKLIST
1. Headfirst
2. Locks
3. Betrayed by Light
4. One with the Gun
5. Reaching Skywards
6. Fields of Severed Dreams
7. Submersed
8. The Intruder
9. Fight for Tomorrow
10. From Hell to Oblivion
11. REW
12. Dead Reckoning
13. The Damage
Frost Bitten Desolation – AUSTERE
AUSTERE have signed a multi-album deal with Lupus Lounge. The veteran depressive black metal duo from Wollongong in Australia's east coast state New South Wales is ending a more than a decade-long dormancy to release their third full-length album in 2022. Lupus Lounge will also reissue their much sought-after catalogue of past cult recordings as an essential anthology.
AUSTERE comment: "We are pleased to announce our signing to Prophecy Productions, for our upcoming third album, and moving forward", states the duo. "We feel that Prophecy is a unique label that believes in and supports their artists, and they have given us the freedom to create without restriction. Prophecy have immediately made us feel very welcome, and we look forward to releasing the first new Austere material in 13 years."
Martin Koller adds: "I have always had a strong personal affinity for depressive black metal, and therefore it hardly comes as a surprise that I have been following Austere since their first album", relates the founder of Prophecy Productions. "I was already working with Austere member Sorrow since he signed with Germ to Prophecy – another favourite band of mine. I am stoked to welcome Austere to Lupus Lounge and the Prophecy family now."
AUSTERE arose from an existing solo-project of multi-instrumentalist and singer Desolate alias Mitchell Keepin who joined forces with drummer, keyboarder, and vocalist Sorrow aka Tim Yatras in 2005. From the onset, the Australians started to explore their own path into a dark emotional sub-genre of harsh music that is often dubbed as depressive black metal, which had been originated by such bands as the Norwegians STRID and SILENCER as well as SHINING from Sweden.
Signature frost-bitten guitars, along with high-pitched screams and wails mark AUSTERE‘s debut album “Withering Illusions and Desolation” (2007). Those elements remain staples of the band via two well-regarded split-releases “Only the Wind Remembers / Ending the Circle of Life” (with LYRINX, 2008) and “Bleak…” (with ISOLATION, 2008) – AUSTERE‘s part on the latter was reissued on the EP “Only the Wind Remembers” (2008). In 2009, their sophomore album “To Lay like Old Ashes” (2009) witnessed AUSTERE refining the production while keeping the sound organic and raw, and adding more melancholic moments and melodies.
Although the Australians had quickly attracted an equally loyal and substantial following during their first few years, AUSTERE decided to go on hiatus before resuming activities in 2021.
AUSTERE will unveil their long-awaited third full-length album via the label in 2022.
Line-up
Mitchell ‘Desolate’ Keepin – guitars, bass, keyboards, vocals
Tim ‘Sorrow’ Yatras – drums, keyboards, vocals
Cherish The Memories – Jessica Clemmons
2021 has been a busy year for Jessica Clemmons. Her family grew from 3 to 4 with the birth of her beautiful second son River Matthews this June and she has been soaking up every moment of motherhood with her boys.
Between navigating covid-induced lockdowns and her childrens’ nap schedules, Jessica has been delighted to spend time in the studio working on new music. She is very excited to announce that there is a brand new Jess And The Bandits album set for release in spring 2022 and that she will be coming over to the UK in May for collection of live shows.
After what has felt like a relentlessly challenging couple of years, Jessica has been reflecting on all that she is grateful for with the Christmas song that means the most to her. Originally penned by Thomas Rhett, Christmas In The Country holds a particularly special place in Jessica’s heart as it describe what Christmastime is like in her home-state of Texas so perfectly. Jessica recorded the track with her powerhouse vocals and Texan flare as part of her 2020 album My Country Christmas, but as her family grows and the Holidays become more magical each year, the lyrics feel even more poignant now.
“From the first time I heard this song it felt like home to me. It’s so cosy and the lyrics remind me of my Christmases in Texas as a little girl. Now that I’m a mother I want to make this time of year as special as possible for my boys for memories that they can cherish too. Christmas In The Country is the soundtrack to the Holidays in our household and I hope that my take on Thomas Rhett’s instant classic can help you reflect on all the precious times you have shared with your loved ones”
In Full Flight – AIRFORCE
UK heavy Metallers AIRFORCE show their moves in a winter flypast
Mr T donned his silk gloves and leather flying helmet for an epic reconnaissance mission as AIRFORCE backed BRITISH LION on their recent tour.
All live images copyright MST Photography
The Amazing Journey That Is Music – Filmore
The CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, welcomes Curb Records recording artist Filmore as the non-profit’s newest Artist Ambassador, further expanding its support and advocation for equitable music education opportunities across the U.S. Filmore took over CMA’s Instagram on Wednesday, 15 Dec to discuss becoming a CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador, his personal connection to music education, and what he has coming up in 2022.
As a CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador, Filmore will participate in various events and initiatives that enhance the CMA Foundation’s mission of ensuring this generation’s access to equitable music education opportunities. Filmore will also lead a focus group with Nashville-based Music Teacher of Excellence recipients to discuss the program, their experiences attending “The 55th Annual CMA Awards” and being recognised on live television during the broadcast.
“We are excited to have Filmore join the CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador collective,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “As someone who participated in choir as a kid and went to college for vocal performance, we couldn’t think of a better artist to shine a light on the importance of music in a student’s education. We cannot thank him enough for joining us to help enhance our mission of ensuring all students across the U.S. have access to participate in quality music programs.”
“I’m so ready to be a part of such an amazing mission and organisation," says Filmore. “As an artist, writer, and music graduate, I will help share my experiences with students and hopefully inspire them to continue chasing the amazing journey that is music!”
Filmore joins the CMA Foundation’s Artist Ambassador group alongside Lauren Alaina, Jimmie Allen, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, Caitlyn Smith, Tenille Townes and Charlie Worsham who have all supported music education initiatives in ways that are unique and personal to them.
Since its inception in 2011, the CMA Foundation has been committed to improving and sustaining music programs throughout the U.S. so all students have equitable opportunities to participate in a high-quality music education. The non-profit, which is in the midst of celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, believes music and the arts are part of a well-rounded education. During this time, the CMA Foundation has observed why music programs are not thriving, seeing first-hand the challenges educators are facing and, most importantly, the systemic issues that must be addressed in order for every child to have access to music. Committed to its vision, the CMA Foundation is working directly with school districts to identify needs, understand their challenges, build community support and develop local and national resources from partners as part of the non-profit’s systems change model.
The CMA Foundation will continue to provide unique opportunities and support for music teachers and students as more Artist Ambassadors are announced next year.
About the CMA Foundation – Established in 2011 as the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association (CMA), the CMA Foundation is committed to improving and sustaining high-quality music education programs across the United States, working to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in music. Through strategic partnerships, professional development and grant distribution, the CMA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), invests various resources across the national public school system, after school programs, summer camps and community outreach organizations.
About Filmore – “Groundbreaking” is just one word that can begin to describe Curb Records recording artist Filmore, a Wildwood, MO native, who now calls Nashville home. With over 193 million on-demand streams, appearances on NBC’s “TODAY” and The Bobby Bones Show, the singer/songwriter has honed his electric and engaging live show by opening for artists such as Sam Hunt, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Lauren Alaina, Brett Young, Chase Rice, Walker Hayes, and Pitbull; and has rocked performances at Stagecoach, Watershed, CMA Fest and Country Thunder. Song releases like “Slower,” “Love That About You,” and “Other Girl” are resonating with fans thanks to unprecedented streaming boosts, as prior to being signed, Filmore was the first independent artist to be featured on Spotify’s Hot Country cover. Filmore’s current radio single, “Who Cares,” is from his album, State I’m In.
For more information, visit filmoremusic.com
Out Of The Wizards Sleeve – Planeswalker
Planeswalker sees Jason Ashcraft and Sozos Michael returning to work together since the Helion Prime album “Terror of the Cybernetic Space Monster”.
Bringing his love for the popular Wizards of the Coast card game “Magic: The Gathering” and love for power metal together Jason approached Sozos about starting a new band together and Planeswalker was born.
Album release date is January 21st, 2022.
Pre-Order Link – https://planeswalkerpreorder.bigcartel.com/
Finding The Light – Sticky Fingers
“Crooked Eyes” takes a slight departure from Sticky Fingers’ signature style. Stripped back to the bones, Frost’s warm, honey-toned vocals melt over clean cut guitars and vintage organ.
Layered harmonies create a spine-tingling atmosphere, reminiscent of a gospel choir, which nods to the song’s narrative of overcoming your hardships and finding the light at the end of the tunnel. “Crooked Eyes” raises a glass to all the ups and downs, acknowledging the darker times and finding gratitude for ultimately becoming stronger individuals.
Frost speaks about the creation of the song sharing, "I started recording Crooked Eyes by myself but I was shithouse with using software such as Fruity Loops and GarageBand...so I’d go back and forward playing it live then trying to make the melting computer work. For some reason that day “computer said no”. I guess that’s where Rage Against the Machine gets their name from? I remember one day Seamus rockin over in these tight little red hot shorts and me and Paddy were there…I think the other boys might have been there but I can’t remember. I would usually wake up and there would be randoms under the house or on the floor…everywhere and asking “you got a ciggy bro” in American accents, UK accents sometimes even languages I’d never fucking heard before." He continues, "Anyways … we've tried to crack this song multiple times throughout our career and have never nailed it. Until now. There are some shitty recorded versions, there are also some recorded versions which are too fucking tidy and not rough enough around the edges. I started writing the verses when I moved down south of Sydney and the song then became very personal due to my drug addictions and nifty mind sets. To be completely honest this song really is from the heart due to some pretty serious shit that has happened but also a toast to all of that shit that we were able to get over which felt soul replenishing. Once again this song wouldn’t be what it is if it weren’t for the whole Sticky family. It’s about our struggles and also the love we share for each other and our good times…you know, the usual shit."
Small But Mighty – NONPOINT
NONPOINT will release their new EP titled RUTHLESS along with the premiere of the official music video for single “Back in the Game” on December 27, 2021.
With the roar of one word, “INDEPENDENCE,” Nonpoint has transcended the underground and taken their rightful place in metal history. Even now they continue to change the rules with their newest song “Back In The Game”, which keeps the Nonpoint tradition of inviting you in close, kicking you in the chest, then imprisoning an infectious lyric like, “Cause you’re looking at a one man death squad!” into your mind knowing it will never escape. This song and official video goes live across all streaming platforms December 27th at midnight along with the remaining songs from the Ruthless EP. This follows their independent label plan of delivering music to their fans through more frequent releases and videos from the band.
Elias Soriano, vocalist for Nonpoint stated, “This song sums up our view on how we approached independence from the very beginning. We will be small but mighty. Like the song says, ‘I may be one man, but I’m a deathsquad.’ We give everything we got with ultimate absolution.”
Now with the success of their new independent label, 361 Degrees Records, they continue to add to their story as they partner with Amuse Music Distribution, an independent music distribution company who helps independent artists stay independent with an unbelievable team that helps them grow beyond their reach. In 2021 alone their song “Ruthless” reached #16 on Billboard’s Rock Chart, and were featured on the New Metal Tracks and Kickass Metal Playlist on Spotifywith over 1.6 million combined subscribers, SiriusXM Octane’s Big Uns Countdown, LA Lloyd top 30, Loudwire Nights and “Ruthless” was the featured track for AEW’s nationally televised event BLOOD AND GUTS on TNT in May 2021. “Ruthless” has reached over 3.5 million streams. Now their fan-voted cover of Prince’s “When Doves Cry”, at over 1 million streams, has quickly become a fan favorite, from the crowd applause at shows to their support and momentum online.
Their touring in 2022 continues with January dates throughout the country, along with an appearance on the World Famous Shiprocked Cruise.
Ruthless Tracklisting:
1. | Back in The Game |
2. | Get Better |
3. | I Don’t Care |
4. | Ruthless |
5. | When Doves Cry |
Nonpoint Tour Dates:
1/7/2022 Indianapolis, IN @ Emerson Theater
1/8/2022 Battle Creek, MI @ The Music Factory
1/9/2022 Ft. Wayne, IN @ Piere’s
1/11/2022 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
1/12/2022 Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon
1/14/2022 Hampton Beach, NH @ Wallys
1/15/2022 Easton, PA @ One Centre Square
1/16/2022 Asbury Park, NJ @ House of Independents
1/18/2022 Charleston, WV @ Rock City Bake Company
1/19/2022 Charlotte, NC @ Amos
1/20/2022 Huntsville, AL @ Sidetracks Music Hall
Nonpoint will be appearing at ShipRocked January 22-27, 2022
Tickets on sale NOW! at nonpoint.com
Nonpoint is:
Elias Soriano (Lead Vocals)
Robb Rivera (Drums)
Rasheed Thomas (Guitar /Backing Vocals)
Adam Woloszyn (Bass)
Jason Zeilstra (Lead Guitar)
Atomic News – Udo Dirkschneider
German heavy metal icon Udo Dirkschneider will turn 70 years old on April 6, 2022. He is THE constant among the German metal scene.
Born in Wuppertalduring the post-war period, when heavy metal hadn’t even been envisioned, he is one of the decisive characters who helped shape the genre so significantly over the course of about five decades. Originally becoming world-famous as a founding member of ACCEPT, he continues to steadily expand upon his international successes with his U.D.O. and DIRKSCHNEIDER outfits. Dirkschneider has remained true to himself over the years and he has now decided that it’s time for another change in his career: today, U.D.O. announces his official signing to Atomic Fire Records!
Udo states: "As a globally active artist, it is very important for me to work with our respective partners in a trusting and highly professional way since large parts of our careers depend directly on their work. But, a friendly relationship and fun in day-to-day cooperation are just as important. With my U.D.O. and DIRKSCHNEIDER bands, I have always paid attention to long-term partnerships, which really did not make the decision to change labels again after nearly 20 years of cooperation with AFM Records easy for me. I would like to specifically thank Jochen Richert and his team once again for the very trusting and personal cooperation over the last two decades! But when the opportunity arose to follow a fresh path with the newly founded Atomic Fire Records label and experience new inspirations, I seized it immediately and won't let go. The opportunity to work with a nationally and internationally experienced and successful team consisting of friends and years-long companions was too tempting. The team and the concept as well as Atomic Fire Records' professional setup worldwide has convinced me completely and I look very optimistically and happily toward the future and a cooperation with Markus Wosgien, Markus Staiger and Florian Milz and their team."
Atomic Fire Records CEO Markus Wosgien says, "I was nine years old when I listened to a real metal song for the very first time, a live version of 'Metal Heart' - and it hooked me immediately. On that day, heavy metal became the centre of my life. I started spending my whole pocket money for ACCEPT's records before I also discovered other groups. ACCEPT were the ultimate band and the definition of heavy metal - it just had to sound like this. I was working with U.D.O. in support of their »Mastercutor« album during my time at AFM Records, but I even had the chance of cooperating with ACCEPT for four full-lengths after their reunion in 2009. To welcome Udo Dirkschneider to Atomic Fire Records is a kind of a knightly accolade for us. He's an icon and an old hand of metal who still has a lot to say. We're pleased to release an outstanding album around his 70th birthday and can't wait for all those U.D.O. hits that are yet to come."
Further details on what’s behind Udo Dirkschneider‘s upcoming opus will be unveiled in the near future.
U.D.O. are:
Udo Dirkschneider | vocals
Andrey Smirnov | guitar
Sven Dirkschneider | drums
Fabian Dee Dammers | guitar
Tilen Hudrap | bass
U.D.O. live:
”Game Over” – South America Tour 2022
14.01. MX Mexico City – Circo Volador
15.01. MX Chihuahua – House of Shows
16.01. MX Monterrey – Café Iguana
18.01. CO Bogotá – Ace of Spades
20.01. CL Santiago – Blondie
22.01. BR Recife – Clube Internacional
23.01. BR São Paulo – Carioca Club
25.01. BR Rio Branco – Espaço 14 Bis
27.01. BR Belém – Botequim
29.01. BR Fortaleza – Complexo Armazém
30.01. BR Salvador – Concha Acústica LF
01.02. BR Rio de Janeiro – Circo Voador
”Game Over” – Russia Tour 2022
06.02. RU Yuzhno Sakhalinsk – City Hall
08.02. RU Khabarovsk – House of Officers
09.02. RU Vladivostok – Fesco Hall
11.02. RU St. Petersburg – Aurora
13.02. RU Nizhny Novgorod – Milo Concert Hall
15.02. RU Kazan – Korston
17.02. RU Ufa – Tinkoff Hall
19.02. RU Samara – KRC Zvezda
21.02. RU Penza – Drama Theater
22.02. RU Saratov – Drama Theater
25.02. RU Voronezh – Arena Club
26.02. RU Rostov-on-Don – Rostselmash (Palace of Culture)
27.02. RU Moscow – Izvestiya Hall
28.02. RU Volgograd – Concert Hall
01.03. RU Astrakhan – Arcadia (Palace of Culure)
”Game Over” – Europe Tour 2022
07.03. FR Paris – Petit Bain
08.03. FR Strasbourg – La Laiterie
10.03. ES Barcelona – Salamandra
11.03. ES Madrid – Teatro Kapital
12.03. ES Pamplona – Sala Totem
17.03. CZ Pilsen – KD Šeříková
18.03. CZ Zlín – Masters of Rock Café
19.03. CZ Ostrava – Garage Club
20.03. SK Bratislava – Majestic Music Club
22.03. SK Zvolen – DK ZSR
23.03. HU Budapest – Barba Negra
24.03. RO Cluj-Napoca – Form Space
25.03. RO Bucharest – Quantic Club
26.03. BG Sofia – Hristo Botev Hall
31.03. IT Bergamo – Druso
01.04. IT San Donà di Piave (VE) – Revolver
03.04. BE Antwerp – Kavka Zappa
05.04. DK Copenhagen – Amager Bio
06.04. DE Hamburg – Gruenspan
08.04. NO Trondheim – Byscenen
09.04. NO Odal – Milepelen
10.04. NO Stavanger – Folken
12.04. SE Gothenburg – Trädgår’n
13.04. SE Helsingborg – The Tivoli
15.04. FI Tampere – Klubi
16.04. FI Jyväskylä – Lutakko
17.04. FI Helsinki – Vanha Yo-talo
19.04. EE Tallinn – Rock Café
20.04. LT Riga – Godvil
21.04. LV Vilnius – TBA
23.04. DE Vacha – Vachwerk
25.04. DE Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt
26.04. DE Cologne – Essigfabrik
27.04. DE Munich – Backstage
28.04. DE Regensburg-Obertraubling – Eventhall Airport
29.04. DE Memmingen – Kaminwerk
30.04. DE Leipzig – Hellraiser
02.05. DE Saarbrücken – Garage
03.05. DE Nuremberg – Hirsch
05.05. DE Langen – Neue Stadthalle
06.05. DE Coesfeld – Fabrik
07.05. DE Halen – Hell Over Halen
08.05. DE Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn
10.05. CH Pratteln – Z7
24-26.06. DE Neuhardenberg/Berlin – Midsummer Music Festival
29-30.07. SE Rejmyre – Skogsröjet