quête:metal x

Anyone that cut their metal teeth with The Big Four, and then dug a little deeper into the indie scene, should receive a major endorphin rush when they discover that speed and thrash masters RAZOR are about to release their first studio offering in 25 years. The album, Cycle of Contempt, is a direct, cutthroat record that pulls no punches and takes no prisoners. From the catchy, concise riffs and insistent beats of album opener “Flames of Hatred” to the double-barreled assault, muted power chord chugging and combative gang vocal of album closer “King Shit,” Cycle of Contempt is a trenchant reminder of a time when clubs around the world were packed with long-haired bands that played as fast as they could and mosh pits that spun and tumbled like clothes in a short-circuiting dryer. As energetic and exciting as Evil Invaders and as urgent and powerful as RAZOR’s 1989 speed-fest Violent Restitution, Cycle of Contempt showcases a band that never stopped spewing venom. “I tried to write songs that everybody could listen to and say, “Yeah, I know a guy who's done that to me or done this, or I know that situation. I can relate to that,” band founder Dave Carlo says. “And I didn’t want to make everything specifically about me because when you do that, you exclude people. I wanted to include everyone that’s ever felt pissed off about anything.” An unrelenting slab of old-school thrash that showcases RAZOR's encyclopedic knowledge of the past along with Carlo’s growth as a songwriter, player, and lyricist, Cycle of Contempt is here to show that RAZOR are as dominating as ever.

Built on the classic Black Sabbath formula of downtuned leaden heavy guitar riffs, coupled with soaring vocal lamentations, Solitude Aeturnus are the American masters of the classic epic doom metal style. Their 1994 album Through The Darkest Hour features some of the strongest compositions of their career. The album has never previously been available on vinyl with the original cover art, which is now meticulously restored on this limited gatefold reissue. The music is spread over two LPs for best possible fidelity.

 

Built on the classic Black Sabbath formula of downtuned leaden heavy guitar riffs, coupled with soaring vocal lamentations, Solitude Aeturnus are the American masters of the classic epic doom metal style. Their 1994 album Through The Darkest Hour features some of the strongest compositions of their career. The album has never previously been available on vinyl with the original cover art, which is now meticulously restored on this limited gatefold reissue. The music is spread over two LPs for best possible fidelity.

 

Built on the classic Black Sabbath formula of downtuned leaden heavy guitar riffs, coupled with soaring vocal lamentations, Solitude Aeturnus are the American masters of the classic epic doom metal style. The band's 1996 album Downfall saw them experiment with shorter song structures and more varied guitar sounds, never straying too far from the kind of epic doom with ravishing vocals that made them a cult favorite. This is the first time that Downfall is available on vinyl with the original cover art, which has been meticulously restored for this gatefold reissue.

Built on the classic Black Sabbath formula of downtuned leaden heavy guitar riffs, coupled with soaring vocal lamentations, Solitude Aeturnus are the American masters of the classic epic doom metal style. The band's 1996 album Downfall saw them experiment with shorter song structures and more varied guitar sounds, never straying too far from the kind of epic doom with ravishing vocals that made them a cult favorite. This is the first time that Downfall is available on vinyl with the original cover art, which has been meticulously restored for this gatefold reissue.

Formed in 1982, DIO are an American heavy metal band, led by vocalist Ronnie James Dio. This release captures DIO at the legendary Donington Festival in 1987. This album features classic tracks from across Ronnie James Dio’s amazing career as a vocalist for Rainbow, Black Sabbath & DIO; and includes hits such as “Man On The Silver Mountain”, “Neon Knights”, “The Last In Line” and more! Donington ’87 will be released alongside Donington ’83.

The limited edition 2LP includes a lenticular LP sized art print plus etching side 4, 180g Vinyl & Gatefold. The limited edition 1CD set includes lenticular CD sized art print.
Standard LP includes etching on side 4, 180g vinyl & gatefold.

Formed in 1982, DIO are an American heavy metal band, led by vocalist Ronnie James Dio. This release captures DIO at the legendary Donington Festival in 1983, as part of their ‘Holy Diver’ Tour. This album features classic tracks from across Ronnie James Dio’s amazing career as a vocalist for Rainbow, Black Sabbath & DIO; and includes hits such as “Stargazer”, “Heaven and Hell”, “Holy Diver” and more! Donington ’83 will be released alongside Donington ’87.

"Seven years after the release of their last album “Eternal”, Stratovarius once more prove their status as symphonic metal flagship and come back with a big bang.

Not only musically the band is once more at the pulse of time. The environment and humanity’s future has always been an important and reoccurring theme in Stratovarius’ music and so the title of the new album “Survive” as well as the accompanying artwork doesn’t surprise - especially in the view of the current global situation.
The new album brings a total number of 11 brand new tracks"

"Seven years after the release of their last album “Eternal”, Stratovarius once more prove their status as symphonic metal flagship and come back with a big bang.

Not only musically the band is once more at the pulse of time. The environment and humanity’s future has always been an important and reoccurring theme in Stratovarius’ music and so the title of the new album “Survive” as well as the accompanying artwork doesn’t surprise - especially in the view of the current global situation.
The new album brings a total number of 11 brand new tracks"

"Seven years after the release of their last album “Eternal”, Stratovarius once more prove their status as symphonic metal flagship and come back with a big bang.

Not only musically the band is once more at the pulse of time. The environment and humanity’s future has always been an important and reoccurring theme in Stratovarius’ music and so the title of the new album “Survive” as well as the accompanying artwork doesn’t surprise - especially in the view of the current global situation.
The new album brings a total number of 11 brand new tracks"

"Seven years after the release of their last album “Eternal”, Stratovarius once more prove their status as symphonic metal flagship and come back with a big bang.

Not only musically the band is once more at the pulse of time. The environment and humanity’s future has always been an important and reoccurring theme in Stratovarius’ music and so the title of the new album “Survive” as well as the accompanying artwork doesn’t surprise - especially in the view of the current global situation.
The new album brings a total number of 11 brand new tracks"

DARK MEDITATION may hail from Seattle, but their sound is steeped in
traditions associated with other corners of the globe'England's workingclass cities, frosty Scandinavian towns, Southern California meccas of
the '80s
Or as the band puts it, DARK MEDITATION sounds like the bastard amalgamation
of Venom and Judas Priest fighting it out on the Sunset Strip while Danzig and
King Diamond cheer them on. While such reference points may suggest a nexus
of evil kitsch and arena-level theatrics, the band's debut album Polluted Temples
comes from a place of down- and- out urgency and punk ethics, adopting the
gloomy anthems and riff worship of heavy metal titans for their sonic exorcisms
rather than their rock n' roll panache. It's an album that basks in big hooks,
righteous guitar work, and an arena-level stomp without compromising any grit,
grime, or guts.
Tracks: Prelude / Babalon.Money.Magick / Haunt of Fear / Strange Caress (of the
night) / Masters Coil / Desolation Days / The Howling Wild / Drink of the Blade /
Nocturnal Forever / Polluted Temples

140gm gold vinyl in gatefold. MENTALIST, the Saarbrücken Germany based Melodic Metal group, like maybe no other recently new band has managed to leave big, positive marks in the Power Metal scene! After the big success of the debut album ‘Freedom Of Speech’ (2020), the German/ Swedish foursome consisting of Peter Moog (guitars), Thomen Stauch (dr., ex BLIND GUARDIAN), Kai Stringer (guitars) and Swedish exceptional singer Rob Lundgren just scraped past the German official media control album charts with their 2021 effort ‘A Journey Into The Unknown’ (trend charts: #63)! On iTunes, MENTALIST reached an impressive #2 as highest position at the Metal charts, and the fans of the Facebook group ‘Power Metal’ with 110K followers voted ‘A Journey Into The Unknown’ as best Power Metal release of the year 2021. ‘Empires Falling’, the third full length by the German/Swedish outfit, now continues where its predecessors have stopped! Oliver Palotai (keys, Kamelot) und Mike LePond (b., Symphony X) again joined MENTALIST as energetic guests on keyboards and bass. On this release, outstanding musicianship teams up with fabulous melodies and fine, subtle arrangements as parts of epic, stirring and energy-driven songs which reinforce the high quality of MENTALIST. The front cover artwork again was designed by Andreas Marschall (Blind Guardian, Running Wild), the mix & the mastering once more was handled by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe, Pretty Maids etc.). ‘Empires Falling’ will be released on September 16th, 2022 on CD, digital, and as gold vinyl 2-LP. A tour for Autumn 2022 is currently in preparation. Track listing: Solution Revolution; Stairs Of Ragusa; Tears Within A Paradise; Empires Falling; If You Really Want; Columbus; Noah’s Ark; Generation’s Legacy; Heavy Metal Leia; Out Of The Dark; Years Of Slavery; Forbidden Fruits (Bonus Track); Bumblebee (Bonus Track)

For fans of Rush, Evanescence and Progressive Metal! The synergistic sound and seemingly telepathic energy behind Dianthus can be traced to their beginnings in the heart of Riverside, California. Inspired by the well-known perennial flower, twin sisters (Jackie and Jessica Parry) bring forth delicate, yet dominant voices to the metal scene. An early upbringing in classical piano led them to begin creating music together at a young age. Not long after, they were captivated by the heavier genres in metal. The two enhanced their musical palettes with the addition of drums and electric guitar. Since forming, Dianthus has gained the likes of well-respected musicians such as Matt Sorum (Guns ‘N Roses / Velvet Revolver / Hollywood Vampires / The Cult) and Jeremy ‘Jinxx’ Ferguson (Black Veil Brides) who produced their debut CD. The twin metal duo are now ready to release their brand new album “Realms” which was produced by Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Symphony X, Butcher Babies, etc.). They had previewed the tracks “Realms” and “Creeping In” during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and now have finally been able to get in the studio and finish up their much-anticipated sophomore release. “Dianthus just released their new single "Realms" and it's probably going to get stuck in your head. The duo employs soaring guitar melodies, perfectly grounded drums, and excellent vocal hooks through the track for an overall killer experience.” – Metal Injection

Track listing: Realms; My First Breath Don't Change Creeping In The Quest for Nessie Spines Side B A Space in the Silence The Returning Lonicera Heart's Ease Nora's Finding; Secrets & Promises

Dass die Band aus Minneapolis, Minnesota kurz davor ist eine ganz große Nummer zu werden, zeigen nicht nur die fast 200.000 monatlichen Hörer*innen auf Spotify. Der Sound, den Villain of the Story liefern, ist unwiderstehlich und kombiniert das allerbeste aus modernem Metalcore und einem radiotauglichen Rocksound, den sonst nur Bands wie I Prevail so ausgeklügelt kombiniert bekommen.
Energetisch, eingängig und explosiv – so ist der erste Eindruck von „Losing Control“, der ersten Single des vierten Villain of the Story Albums „Divided“. Zwischen poppigen Rock Parts finden sich groovige Metalcore Elemente, die einen Sound auf der Höhe der Zeit abbilden und mit Spannung erwarten lassen, wie dieser Sound auf voller Länge klingen wird.

Die zweite Single „Karma“ zeigt sich hingegen mit harten Metalcore Elementen und einem catchy Pop Chorus, der sich schnell ins Gedächtnis einprägt. Auch Tracks wie „Never Again“ folgen diesem Ansatz. Es gelingt Villain of the Story unfassbar gut, diese harten Breakdowns mit poppigen Refrains zu verknüpfen und dabei enorm frische Metalcorehymnen zu kreieren. Dabei bleiben die US-Amerikaner jedoch nie eindimensional.

Im Sound von „Divided“ finden sich mitunter progressive Elemente, die mit dezentem Deathcore Einschlag an Bands wie Veil Of Maya und Born Of Osiris erinnern, was insbesondere durch die dezent platzierten elektronischen Elemente und Synthesizer unterstützt wird. Neben den leicht djentigen, bouncy Grooves, die Tracks wie „Jester“ und „Under My Skin“ zu wahren Moshpitmagneten werden lassen, sind es die unwiderstehlichen Vocals der beiden Sänger, die den Sound von Villain of the Story so einzigartig werden lassen.

Mit „Wrong“ liefern Villain of the Story jedoch auch einen krassen Kontrast, der noch mehr Farbe mit in das Bild von „Divided“ bringt. „Wrong“ ist eine herzzerreißende Ballade, die mit minimalistischer Klavierbegleitung dem Gesang seine ungeteilte Aufmerksamkeit gibt und die Band von einer vollkommen zarten Seite zeigt. Eine Seite, die spätestens aber vom schmetternden Beginn von „Don’t Go“ schnell wachgerüttelt wird. Es ist eben dieser Kontrast, der die Spannung im acht Track starken Album aufrecht hält und es so überzeugend macht.
Villain of the Story gehen mit “Divided” den nächsten Schritt in der Karriere ihrer Band und beweisen, dass Metalcore im Jahr 2022 noch lange nicht auserzählt ist. Stattdessen ist das vierte Album der Band ein wahres Genrehighlight das sowohl Fans von harter, als auch rockiger Popmusik vor allem in puncto Emotionalität bestens unterhält.

Sunrise On Slaughter Beach is Clutch’s thirteenth studio album – a slamming summary of everything that makes the band great and another giant leap forward into career longevity.

New bangers like “Red Alert (Boss Metal Zone),” “Nosferatu Madre,” “Skeletons on Mars,” “Jackhammer Our Names,” and “Mercy Brown” take their rightful place alongside Clutch classics. Sunrise On Slaughter Beach is the natural culmination of what Clutch began as teenagers in the early ‘90s.

Recorded at the The Magpie Cage Recording Studio, Baltimore, MD, the album was produced and mixed by Grammy nominated Tom Dalgety (Ghost, Royal Blood, Pixies) with additional engineering by J Robbins (Jawbreaker, Against Me!, The Sword).

Sunrise On Slaughter Beach is Clutch’s thirteenth studio album – a slamming summary of everything that makes the band great and another giant leap forward into career longevity.

New bangers like “Red Alert (Boss Metal Zone),” “Nosferatu Madre,” “Skeletons on Mars,” “Jackhammer Our Names,” and “Mercy Brown” take their rightful place alongside Clutch classics. Sunrise On Slaughter Beach is the natural culmination of what Clutch began as teenagers in the early ‘90s.

Recorded at the The Magpie Cage Recording Studio, Baltimore, MD, the album was produced and mixed by Grammy nominated Tom Dalgety (Ghost, Royal Blood, Pixies) with additional engineering by J Robbins (Jawbreaker, Against Me!, The Sword).

Sunrise On Slaughter Beach is Clutch’s thirteenth studio album – a slamming summary of everything that makes the band great and another giant leap forward into career longevity.

New bangers like “Red Alert (Boss Metal Zone),” “Nosferatu Madre,” “Skeletons on Mars,” “Jackhammer Our Names,” and “Mercy Brown” take their rightful place alongside Clutch classics. Sunrise On Slaughter Beach is the natural culmination of what Clutch began as teenagers in the early ‘90s.

Recorded at the The Magpie Cage Recording Studio, Baltimore, MD, the album was produced and mixed by Grammy nominated Tom Dalgety (Ghost, Royal Blood, Pixies) with additional engineering by J Robbins (Jawbreaker, Against Me!, The Sword).

Sunrise On Slaughter Beach is Clutch’s thirteenth studio album – a slamming summary of everything that makes the band great and another giant leap forward into career longevity.

New bangers like “Red Alert (Boss Metal Zone),” “Nosferatu Madre,” “Skeletons on Mars,” “Jackhammer Our Names,” and “Mercy Brown” take their rightful place alongside Clutch classics. Sunrise On Slaughter Beach is the natural culmination of what Clutch began as teenagers in the early ‘90s.

Recorded at the The Magpie Cage Recording Studio, Baltimore, MD, the album was produced and mixed by Grammy nominated Tom Dalgety (Ghost, Royal Blood, Pixies) with additional engineering by J Robbins (Jawbreaker, Against Me!, The Sword).

Oliver Hartmann zählt mit seiner Band Hartmann schon seit dem ersten Album 'Out in the cold' zu den besten deutschen Hardrock-Acts und ist seit fast zwei Jahrzehnten weltweit als gefragter Sänger und Gitarrist bekannt. Man kennt ihn auch als festen Bestandteil des Megasellers Avanatsia, als Kopf des erfolgreichen Pink Floyd-Tributes Echoes, sowie als Ex-Frontmann der Neo-Classic Metaller At Vance. Hartmann spielte mit Größen wie Toto, Uriah Heep, Edguy, Hooters, Mother's Finest, House of Lords und feierte 2020 ihr 15-jähriges Bestehen. Nun erscheint ihr 10.Album'Get Over It', das erneut von Oliver Hartmann in Zusammenarbeit mit Sascha Paeth (Avantasia, Kamelot, Beyond The Black, Edguy u.v.m.) produziert wurde. Als Gastmusiker wurden erneut Jimmy Kresic (Keyboards) und Ina Morgan (Chorgesang) einbezogen. Musikalisch bewegt sich diese Veröffentlichung im modernen AOR- und Melodic Rock-Genre und richtet sich an Fans von Foreigner, Gary Moore, Thunder oder auch Bryan Adams. Es bietet neben Midtempo-Rockern wie ‚Remedy', ‚One step behind' oder ‚What you give is what you get' auch die Rockballaden ‚Just drive', ‚Can't keep away from you' sowie ‚In another life'.Neben einigen Sommerfestivals wird Hartmann im Herbst dieses Jahres wieder auf Tour unterwegs sein. Die Shows in Deutschland und der Schweiz werden um Shows in Spanien ergänzt - unterstützt und präsentiert von Guitar-Magazin, Eclipsed, FGN-Guitars und ROCKANTENNE.