An Uplifting End – Amaranthe
After recently delivering the official anthem for the Swedish team at the international e-sports world championship, Amaranthe now follow up with level two and have unveiled a music video for their latest single ‘PvP‘.
Directed by none other than Poland’s Grupa13, who previously worked with the band on ‘Archangel‘ and ‘BOOM!1‘, the video is a colourful and uplifting way to end another blunt year of the pandemic.
Stream or download the song: https://amaranthe.bfan.link/pvp
Amaranthe were recently forced to postpone their upcoming co-headline tour with Beyond The Black, but announced the following re-scheduled dates for next year:
06.10.2022 | AT – Vienna, Arena
07.10.2022 | DE – Leipzig, Haus Auensee
08.10.2022 | DE – Ludwigsburg, MHP Arena
09.10.2022 | BE – Antwerp, Trix
11.10.2022 | UK – Manchester, O2 Ritz
12.10.2022 | UK – London, Forum Kentish Town
14.10.2022 | FR – Lyon, Ninkasi Kao
15.10.2022 | ES – Barcelona, Salamandra
16.10.2022 | ES – Madrid, Mon Live
18.10.2022 | FR – Bordeaux, Rock School Barbey
19.10.2022 | FR – Paris, Elysée Montmartre
21.10.2022 | DE – Berlin, Columbiahalle
22.10.2022 | DE – Offenbach, Stadthalle
23.10.2022 | CH – Zürich, X-Tra*
25.10.2022 | IT – Milan, Live Club
26.10.2022 | CH – Lausanne, Metropole
28.10.2022 | DE – Geiselwind, Event Hall
29.10.2022 | CZ – Zlin, MOR Cafe
30.10.2022 | HU – Budapest, Barba Negra
31.10.2022 | DE – Munich, Zenith
02.11.2022 | PL – Warsaw, Progresja
04.11.2022 | DE – Oberhausen, Turbinenhalle
05.11.2022 | DE – Hamburg, Zeltphilharmonie
06.11.2022 | NL – Utrecht, Tivoli Ronda
08.11.2022 | DK – Copenhagen, Amager Bio
09.11.2022 | NO – Oslo, Sentrum Scene
11.11.2022 | SE – Gothenburg, Pustervik
12.11.2022 | SE – Stockholm, Klubben Fryshuset
Order the band’s latest album Manifest here:
http://nblast.de/Amaranthe-Manifest
Amaranthe have spent the last decade establishing themselves as a formidable, positive and fervently melodic force for metallic good. From their explosive self-titled debut in 2011 to the more sophisticated, streamlined likes of 2014’s Massive Addictive and its immaculate follow-up Maximalism (2016), Amaranthe have masterfully blurred the lines between melodic metal, crushing brutality, cinematic sweep and futuristic sparkle. Led by the endlessly ingenious songwriting of guitarist Olof Mörck and powerhouse vocalist Elize Ryd, their rise to prominence has been a joy to behold.
Amaranthe
Widely acclaimed as a dazzling live act, the Swedes reached a new peak of creativity on 2018’s hugely successful Helix: an album that pushed the band’s vision to new heights, breadths and depths, while showcasing the brilliance of Elize and her co-vocalists, Henrik Englund Wilhelmsson and recent recruit Nils Molin.
AMARANTHE is:
Elize Ryd | vocals
Olof Mörck | guitars, keyboards
Henrik ‘GG6’ Englund Wilhelmsson | vocals
Johan Andreassen | bass
Morten Løwe Sørensen | drums
Nils Molin | vocals
Not just a glorious return but a wholesale upgrade for their exuberant sound, Manifest is simply the most daring album that Amaranthe have released to date. The perfect antidote to the nagging anxieties plaguing us all in these troubled times, it’s a technicolour celebration of metal’s ageless power, blazing with all of life’s colours and chaos, but delivered with utmost artistry and skill.
Musical Debauchery – THE JOKE JAY
THE JOKE JAY share heartbreaking video “Most Of The Tears” from the double-album “Awaken”
The Joke Jay, the new band around namesake Joke Jay (And One), producer and synth-pop mastermind Olaf Wollschläger (Vorsprung durch Technik), and allrounder Hilton Theissen (Zoodrake, Akanoid, Dark Millennium) presents themselves with their debut double album “Awaken” in the timeless and individual appearance of a classic rock/pop band with various influences from alternative rock to electro styles of the 70s to 90s, and an approach of uncompromising, musical debauchery.
Tracklist – CD1:
Awake
Moonage Daydream
Most Of The Tears
The Darkest
I Know
All The Pigs
Wisdom Of A Captains Heart
Shut The Fuck Up
Black Fashion
No Place Like Home
Tracklist – CD2:
Invasion
No Future
Sorry For You
Feel So Fucked
Dead Planet
Hello Mother Earth
Day: One
Demons
My Friend
War Of The Words
A Starman Cannot Fall
The Joke Jay set their standards on their double album "Awaken", leaving existing conventions aside and having the goal clearly in mind. No compromises, no apologies! "It took 5 years to bring this monster into the world. Here it is!" Hear it, Feel it, Love it. This is the beginning!" - THE JOKE JAY
You can order The Joke Jay debut “Awaken” digitally, on double vinyl or CD now here https://t1p.de/TheJokeJayAwaken
Soon, The Sun Will Turn – ENSLAVED OTHERWORLDLY BIG BAND EXPERIENCE
‘The Otherworldly Big Band Experience‘ will take place this coming Winter Solstice, on Tuesday December 21st at 21.00 CET / 20.00 GMT. Fellow psychedelic Norwegian prog band Shaman Elephant will be joining Enslaved onstage, inspired by the creative dynamics of their recent joint Norwegian tour.
Fans can expect an Enslaved show like none other, their biggest, boldest project to date – a colossal, kaleidoscopic stage show featuring a stellar setlist covering their career, both past and present. Including some tracks never previously performed live.
The Otherworldly Big Band Experience
Tuesday December 21st @ 21.00 CET / 20.00 GMT
Tickets are now on sale now: https://enslavedstore.com/collections/big-band-stream
The stream will be available to watch until the end of December 24th CET.
Stream FAQ + support info is HERE
Enslaved's Ivar Bjørnson has given some insight, "Soon, the sun will turn - once again marking the transition from one year to another and the onset of brighter days ahead. We are many who wish to see this coming Winter Solstice mark a lasting turning away from dark days behind us. We have kept it up all along; virtual tours, rehearsing, writing, and releasing an album and an EP. You heard us when we said, “this will not stop us!” - the Enslaved Community has grown stronger through the crisis. Now we will close this cycle with a grandiose virtual concert, and hope for you to join us from all over the world. “The Otherworldly Big Band Experience” is about wanting to show even more of what ENSLAVED is: ENSLAVED is also an idea. It is a live band that is teeth-grittingly metal, has rock’n’roll in its DNA, while maintaining and expanding on its position as a groundbreaking progressive metal act. All while exploring the boundaries of Norse Mythology and Rune-lore, Psychology and History. We have recruited both an extension to the line-up with the young and talented Bergen prog rock band, Shaman Elephant. We have worked together with some of the most talented moviemakers and visual wizards around - also young and from Bergen: Kolibri Media. Add the Enslaved live crew to the mix and you have got magick, no less. We have aspired to create a concert film that reflects this expanded representation of ENSLAVED and cannot wait to show you all. It is bigger than any project we have done before, and it is unlike anything else you have seen in this kind of music. You will see and hear songs that have never been performed before. Songs you might have heard will sound and look like you haven’t seen and heard before. There is new material, and material as old as the band. One constant binds it all together: it is ENSLAVED."
Watch the stream trailers:
Trailer 1: https://youtu.be/3aklcYLllns
Trailer 2: https://youtu.be/94SIhrbhUs8
Trailer 3: https://youtu.be/7rPHC02me3E
Enslaved‘s new EP Caravans To The Outer Worlds was released unto the universe last month. It is a tale of departure, about leaving behind a barren and desolate world, travelling boldly into the future. It signaled the end of an era for the psychedelic Norwegians, hinting at new pastures.
Sticking The Knife In – ANIMAL SUN
Written about a serial killer, alt-rock band ANIMAL SUN takes a dark turn in their new single “SAFE NOT SOUND”. This ominous track is the first taste of the band’s upcoming sophomore album, and the vintage-themed video ends with a fatal twist.
Energetic alt-pop rock band ANIMAL SUN shines with catchy choruses, dark thought-provoking lyrics full of emotion, and a dynamic sound sure to make you dance. Their debut album ‘Echoes Of A Dream’ has acquired over one million streams on Spotify alone since it was release in June 2021.
Our new single "Safe Not Sound" is a glimpse into our next album, delving into the shadows of the mind where troubled thoughts run rampant."
Steven Blake, vocalist
ANIMAL SUN shines with catchy choruses, dark thought-provoking lyrics full of emotion, and a dynamic sound sure to make you dance. Their debut album ‘Echoes Of A Dream’ has acquired over one million streams on Spotify alone since it was release in June 2021.
Following their first national tour, they are moving full-steam ahead as they are in the process of recording their sophomore album and will be launching an indiegogo page with limited edition merch offerings to allow fans to help them with funding for the album and upcoming touring.
They released their new single “SAFE NOT SOUND” digitally on December 3rd 2021, while it’s video will drop a week later on December 10th. Plus, be on the lookout for ANIMAL SUN to be out on the road again touring in mid-to-late spring 2022!
It’s A Wonderful Life – NEW MEDICINE
NEW MEDICINE, released their new single “Life Like This” via Imagen Records!
Formed in 2009, New Medicine delivers modern hard rock from the Minneapolis side of Minnesota’s Twin Cities. The quartet, consisting of singer/guitarist Jake Scherer (aka Jake Rose) bassist Matt Brady, guitarist Dan Garland, and drummer Ryan Guanzon, have a style that blends the drive of hard rock with the emotion of post-grunge with a hip hop flair, giving them a rowdy, slick sound that mixes equal parts swagger and sulkiness.
New Medicine made their debut in 2011 with Race You to the Bottom (Photo Finish/Atlantic Records) which earned them a top spot on the Billboard 200. Their sophomore album Breaking The Model (Imagen Records) released in 2014 found a massive audience since it’s release on Spotify garnering more than 65 million streams on Spotify alone.
The band took a hiatus in 2015 but released a new single “Die Trying” in 2020 and since have released 3 more singles “Fuck It,”“Own It” a collaboration with former tour mates Adelitas Way and “Life Like This.” The band is back making music in the studio and plans on a new EP to be released in 2022, along with some select reunion tour dates.
Frontman Scherer (aka Jake Rose) currently resides in Nashville where he writes and produces songs for country and rock artists like, Florida Georgia Line, Jimmie Allen, Colt Ford, Cassadee Pope, Adelitas Way, Broken Love and many more.
Country to Country
Country to Country is pleased to announce that Morgan Wade, Tiera and Priscilla Block will take to the main stage as part of the Country Music Association’s international series Introducing Nashville.
Since 2019, CMA’s international artist-focused touring series Introducing Nashville has taken Nashville-style songwriter rounds across the globe, which see artists taking the stage together in an acoustic line-up to share the stories behind their songs. This line-up of incredibly talented artists is a great representation and a true cross-section of what is coming out of Music City right now. For more information about Introducing Nashville, visit IntroducingNashville.com
Country to Country 2022 is also delighted to confirm the Spotlight Stage is returning, presenting some of the brightest upcoming artists including BRELAND, Brittney Spencer, Callie Twisselman, Callista Clark, Seaforth, Tenille Arts and Tenille Townes with more to be announced.
Situated in London and Glasgow’s main arena, the Spotlight Stage hosts performances in between main artist sets. Many of the biggest new acts winning fans on American country radio and supporting major tours play the Spotlight Stage, giving fans the chance to see stripped back performances from some incredible up and coming talent.
A favourite amongst C2C fans, the C2C Official Aftershow Parties are back! Taking place post mainstage celebrations in indigo at The O2, the Official Aftershows will continue the party with headline sets from special guests. Nashville’s own resident DJ Hish will once more host and close out the night with his legendary sets.
Tickets are on sale now www.gigsandtours.com and www.axs.com.
Headlining next year’s festival are country music superstars Luke Combs, Darius Rucker and Miranda Lambert. Also making their return next year are multiple CMA Award winners and nominees Kip Moore, Brett Young, and Ashley McBryde alongside Russell Dickerson, Scotty McCreery, Flatland Cavalry, Runaway June and Hailey Whitters who all make their main stage debuts.
Country to Country has become a staple in the UK festival calendar and has brought country music to the UK and Ireland masses, with tens of thousands of fans attending each year. The festival continuously hosts the best in country music and entertainment, bringing over the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, UK and Europe. In 2019, C2C welcomed over 70,000 fans, who enjoyed music from artists including Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Chris Stapleton, Brett Eldredge, Hunter Hayes, Lyle Lovett, Cam, Dustin Lynch, Ashley McBryde, Chase Rice, Carly Pearce, Drake White & The Big Fire and more; as well as programming from the Festival Stages, BBC Radio 2 Stage, CMA Screenings, The Bluebird Café, Aftershows and C2C Sessions.
Tickets are available from:
London – www.axs.com/c2c / 08448 244824 and www.gigsandtours.com / 0844 811 0051
Dublin – www.ticketmaster.ie
Glasgow www.gigsinscotland.com / 08444 999 990
The Rot Is Setting In – The Dollyrots
The Dollyrots to release Down The Rabbit Hole, a 24-track collection of B-sides, rarities, and cover songs with a Dollyrots twist. The diverse collection features songs from throughout the band’s 20-year history, remastered and including some previously unheard tracks and alternate takes.
Down The Rabbit Hole is available for pre-order now as a deluxe 2-disc digipack with fold-out poster insert and will be available at major retail outlets and streaming platforms both in the USA and abroad via Wicked Cool Records on January 21, 2022. Get Down the Rabbit Hole deluxe 2-disc digipack, merch and choose your preferred music service here: https://orcd.co/downtherabbithole.
The Dollyrots StageIt Christmas Party is on Wednesday, December 22 at 5 pm pst / 8 pm est. They will be playing songs from the “A Very Dollyrots Christmas” album and maybe a few surprises too! Join the party here – https://www.stageit.com/the_dollyrots/the_dollyrots_2021_christmas_party/103302.
The band has also released their own version of Leona Lewis’s “One More Sleep” as their annual holiday single, the track is now available on all streaming platforms and as a name your price download on their Bandcamp here: https://thedollyrots.bandcamp.com/track/one-more-sleep-single.
The Dollyrots are Kelly Ogden on vocals and bass and Luis Cabezas on guitar, with Justin McGrath on live drums.
Their 2019 album Daydream Explosion was deemed by NPR as a ‘Notable Release,’ Huffington Post called it a “foot-stomping medley,” while New Noise said it is “pop-punk perfection,” while debuting on three Billboard charts. Their 2017 album Whiplash Splash hit the Heatseekers chart at #13 and the Independent Albums chart at #31. The band’s 2016 live album/DVD Family Vacation: Live in Los Angeles hit #15 on Heatseekers, while previous studio album Barefoot And Pregnant peaked at #7 on the same chart.
The Dollyrots are excited to announce they will be part of Little Steven’s Underground Garage very first GREAT ROCK ‘N’ ROLL SEA CRUISE, along with Graham Parker, The Dictators, The Stranglers, Buzzcocks and more. The cruise departs from Athens, Greece and will visit the ports of Mykonos, Greece and Izmir, Turkey from August 18th through August 23rd, 2022. Get more information by going to undergroundgarage.com.
The band is currently in the studio working on more new music to be released in 2022, along with multiple tour plans in the works.
2022 Tour dates:
w/ The Von Tramps
March 10 Reggie’s Rock Club Chicago, IL
March 11 VFW Post 246 Minneapolis, MN
March 12 X-Ray Arcade Milwaukee, WI
March 13 Beachland Cleveland, OH
March 14 Rumba Café Columbus, OH
March 15 The Melody Inn Indianapolis, IN
March 16 Old Rock House St Louis, MO
March 17 Nightshop Bloomington, IL
March 18 The Sanctuary Hamtramck, MI
March 19 Southgate House Newport, KY
w/ Bowling for Soup & Lit
April 12 Empress Ballroom Blackpool, UK
April 13 O2 Academy Glasgow Glasgow, UK
April 14 Grimsby Auditorium Grimsby, UK
April 15 Scarborough Spa Scarborough, UK
April 16 O2 Academy Birmingham Birmingham, UK
April 17 O2 Academy Bournemouth Bournemouth, UK
April 18 Riviera International Centre Torquay, UK
April 19 Brangwyn Hall Swansea, UK
April 21 De La Warr Pavilion Bexhill On Sea, UK
April 22 Winter Gardens Margate, UK
April 23 O2 Academy Brixton London, UK
w/ Buzzcocks, The Dictators, & more
Thursday, August 18 – August 23 Great Rock n Roll Sea Cruise Athens, Greece
A Champion Twanger – MK
West Yorkshire’s seasoned musician ‘MK’ unleashes his debut single entitled ‘Butterfly’. An enchanting and melodic guitar instrumental that resonates with feeling and passion and showcases a taste of what’s to come from the British guitarist’s solo album ‘Calling’ landing in 2022. Accompanying the release is his official video featuring a contemporary dance performance from ballerina Leah Evans.
At the age of 14, the young MK (A.K.A Mike Kremastoules) received his first guitar as a Christmas present from his Grandma A life changing event that first triggered his life long passion and dedication for making music. After heavily immersing himself under the influences of innovators such as Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Gary Moore, Brian May, Mick Ronson and Be-Bop Deluxe’s Bill Nelson – the self-taught MK later progressed on to achieve a wealth of experience performing and recording with a variety of UK wide blues & rock bands. The Leeds (UK) born and bred MK is particularly renowned for his tenure as the lead guitarist with early 80’s NWOBHM outfit ‘Ded Ringer’ (Neat Records). Despite being an accomplished musician adept at fret-board wizardry and histrionics, MK’s approach to guitar playing is melodious, soulful, embedded with feeling and aspires to take listeners on an emotional journey.
The Coronavirus Lockdown in 2020 was an inspirational time for MK.. A period that ignited the commitment of writing and releasing material as a solo artist. He called this his own personal ‘Calling’. His soul’s urge was to instinctively use this time to create music as a solo artist, for the very first time ever. The result of the isolation and flowing creativity soon produced an accumulation of instrumental songs that form his debut album. A full body of work that reflects MK’s own rich diversity in playing styles such as blues, classic rock, heavy metal and progressive rock etc. whilst offering hints of Eastern European flavours inspired by his own Greek descendants. Co-produced by close friend, session musician and former band mate Dave Johnson of Spellsound Studios – each track on ‘Calling’ has been shaped to have it’s own unique voice, personal meaning and character. More news about the official release will be unveiled in coming months.
‘Butterfly’ with its underlying theme of hope for new beginnings at the start of a romantic relationship is available on digital platforms from 10th Dec 2021
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/505oDoGD4PvNtNSgHbc8tm
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/butterfly-single/1599257985
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MKkremastoules
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MKkremas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike__kremastoules/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikekremastoules
Website: https://www.mikekremastoules.com/
A Mystical Journey – TEMPLE OF SHADOWS
Introducing TEMPLE OF SHADOWS, the new band featuring long time friends, Justin ‘JD’ deBlieck (Ex-Ice Nine Kills) and Joel DeMartino (Moonstriker). The band has released their new single “The Hermit” to all major platforms today! The band premiered the official lyric video on Bravewords.com.
“Our vision for this project was to combine our collective love for various genres of music while incorporating a unique and thought provoking, but ultimately relatable concept. The result is a continuous forward moving energy that propels you from moment to moment throughout each characters stories" says Justin deBlieck. Adds Joel DeMartino, "Temple of Shadows is more than a couple guys getting together to write songs. It’s a conceptual journey, where we explore the archetypes and their relationship to the alchemical process and it’s pursuit of the philosophers stone."
Temple Of Shadows is a brand new band fronted by long time friends, Justin ‘JD’ deBlieck (Ex-Ice Nine Kills) and Joel DeMartino (Moonstriker). Together they deliver dueling vocals, shrouded in cryptic lyrics over high energy progressive rock. Their music explores the parallels between the tarot and alchemical transmutation. Alike the alchemists of old, their songs are riddled with hidden meanings sending the listener on a mystical journey through the collective subconscious.
SHAPESHIFTER is:
Justin deBlieck – Vocals and instrumentation
Joel DeMartino – Vocals