AMORPHIS – 360° VIDEOS OF SPECIAL SHOWS LAUNCHED!

Finnish masters of melancholic progressive metal, AMORPHIS, recently played special shows (‘An Evening With Friends’) in Helsinki. The band performed ‘Under The Red Cloud‘ in its entirety among others. These shows were filmed with a 360 degree camera.

Watch them now on AMORPHIS‘ YouTube channel.

More on ‘Under The Red Cloud‘:
‘Death Of A King’ OFFICIAL VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc-gEds3eTM
‘Sacrifice’ OFFICIAL VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiOX2axSWvg
‘Death Of A King’ OFFICIAL TRACK & LYRICS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ql4Xe6MxQ4
‘Under The Red Cloud’ OFFICIAL TRACK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juj4d5NlMCI

AMORPHIS live 2016:

10.09. FIN       Nivala – Tuiskala
03.10. RC       Beijing – Yu Gong Yi Shan
05.10. RC       Mao Livehouse
07.10. HK       Hongkong – Hidden Agenda
09.10. J           Saitama Shi – Loud Park

»Eclipse« – 10th Anniversary Shows
05.11. FIN       Helsinki – Nosturi
26.11. FIN       Terminaali Areena – Oulu
29.11. D         Herford – Club X
30.11. D         Cologne – Essigfabrik
01.12. NL        Tilburg – 013
02.12. D         Regensburg – Airport Obertraubling
03.12. D         Dresden – Reithalle
04.12. CH       Zurich – Komplex 457
08.12. FIN       Jyväskylä – Lutakko
09.12. FIN       Joensuu – Kerubi
10.12. FIN       Kouvola – House Of Rock
16.12. FIN       Seinäjoki – Rytmikorjaamo
17.12. FIN       Himos – Himos Areena
30.12. FIN       Tampere – Pakkahuone
31.12. FIN       Helsinki – Virgin Oil

AMORPHIS live 2017:

02. – 06.02.     USA     Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, FL – 70000 Tons Of Metal

w/ OVERKILL, NILE, SWALLOW THE SUN
06.03. USA     Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
07.03. USA     Norfolk, VA – The NorVa
08.03. USA     Washington, DC – Howard Theatre
09.03. USA     Clifton Park, NY – Upstate Concert Hall

—

10.03. USA     Providence, RI – Firehouse 13
12.03. USA     Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
14.03. USA     New York, NY – Stage 48
15.03. CDN     Ottawa, ON – Mavericks
16.03. CDN     Quebec, QC – Le Cercle
17.03. CDN     Montreal, QC – Foufones Electriques
18.03. USA     Toronto, ON – Mod Club
19.03. USA     Pittsburgh, PA – Rex Theater
21.03. USA     Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom
22.03. USA     Columbus, OH – Ace Of Cups
23.03. USA     Louisville, KY – Diamond Pub And Billiards
24.03. USA     Westland, MI – The Token Lounge
25.03. USA     Cudahy, WI – The Metal Grill
26.03. USA     Chicago, IL – Reggies Rock Club
28.03. USA     Minneapolis, MN – The Cabooze
29.03. CDN     Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre
30.03. CDN     Regina, SK – Exchange
31.03. CDN     Edmonton, AB – The Starlite Room
01.04. CDN     Calgary, AB – Dickens
02.04. CDN     Kelowna, BC – Level
03.04. CDN     North Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre
04.04. USA     Seattle, WA – El Corazon
07.04. USA     Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go
08.04. USA     Anaheim, CA – City National Grove
09.04. USA     Mesa, AZ – Club Red
11.04. USA     Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
12.04. USA     Merriam, KS – Aftershock
14.04. USA     Dallas, TX – Trees
15.04. USA     San Antonio, TX – Fitzgeralds
16.04. USA     Houston, TX – Scout Bar
17.04. USA     Jefferson, LA – Southport Hall
18.04. USA     Ybor City, FL – The Orpheum
19.04. USA     Winter Park, FL – The Haven
20.04. USA     Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
21.04. USA     Baltimore, MD – Soundstage
23.04. USA     Amityville, NY – Revolution Bar & Music Hall

—
More info:
www.amorphis.net
www.facebook.com/amorphis
www.nuclearblast.de/amorphis

ORDER ‘UNDER THE RED CLOUD’:

Pick up the Limited Edition Double Red Vinyl exclusively from the Nuclear Blast UK store:http://nblast.de/AmorphisRedSigned

CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX SHARE FIRST TRACK FROM NEW ALBUM ‘BRONZE’ / LISTEN NOW

CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX have shared the first track from their forthcoming album ‘Bronze’. The UK dark progressive rockers will release their stunning new full-length on November 4th.

Justin Greaves comments: “It is time to give the world a glimpse of our new album with the track ‘No Fun’. This song might raise an eyebrow or two amongst our amazing fans, but then again, CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX have always liked to lay musical traps to lure people into our orbit. ‘No Fun’ is far from giving it all away as regards our new album –and this riff has been on demo since 2004, but only now was given birth. Yet it fits the sound, which is our best yet in my opinion and I am extremely happy with how the new album turned out. Stand by for more, but enjoy having ‘No Fun’ for now.”

The artwork of ‘Bronze’ can be viewed together with the now released track-list below.

01. Dead Imperial Bastard

02. Deviant Burials

03. No Fun

04. Rotten Memories

05. Champions Of Disturbance (Pt 1 & 2)

06. Goodbye Then

07. Turn To Stone

08. Scared And Alone

09. Winning A Losing Battle

10. We Are The Darkeners

Bronze consists primarily of copper, but it is the inclusion of other metals and non-metals that gives this alloy its specific characteristics. Ever since mankind discovered the secret of its making thousands of years ago, the golden and shining bronze has changed the course of history, spawned destruction and war, yet also been crafted into desired objects of extreme beauty.

You will find each of these traits inherent in the sixth studio album of CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX, which is aptly taking its title from this fateful alloy. Instead of copper, dark rock forms the base ingredient in this musical amalgamation process, but it is the addition of metal, progressive influences, gothic, wave, even pop, and many other elements as well as a changing cast of musicians that result in each song shining with its own individual hue and tone. Yet a deep sense of anguish, despair, longing, loss, melancholy, and nostalgia forms a binding force that holds ‘Bronze’ together and formulates an encompassing theme.

This musical darkness is reflected in the lyrical themes dominating the record, which partly revolve around battling inner demons and resisting oppression. The constant struggle comes as no surprise when taking into account that poetic mastermind Justin Greaves has recently gone public about his personal fight against severe depression. For him, not letting the “black dog” devour you is a big message mixed within his songs.

CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX have always confounded critics trying to pin their style down ever since multi-instrumentalist Justin Greaves recorded his first ideas in 2004 – which earned them tagging attempts ranging from “stoner prog” to “freak folk” to “psychedelic doom”. Despite the wide range of musical leanings within their albums, there are a unifying dark streak and sombre melancholy running through the songs. Founder Justin Greaves had already made himself a name as drummer for IRON MONKEY and ELECTRIC WIZARD among others. When the multi-instrumentalist finally decided to stand on his own musical feet, CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX was born as a project. This involves a changing cast of musicians and live set-ups, which mirror the ever ongoing evolution of the band and the fact that the songs were mostly not composed with their live performance on mind.

Between 2007 and 2014, CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX released a string of five critically highly acclaimed studio albums – from ‘A Love of Shared Disasters’ (2007), via ‘The Resurrectionists’ (2009), ‘Night Raider’ (2009), ‘(Mankind) The Crafty Ape’ (2012), until ‘White Light Generator’ (2014). This was complemented by EPs ‘I, Vigilante’ (2010), ‘No Sadness or Farewell’ (2012), and ‘Oh’ Ech-oes’ (2015), the live recording ‘Live Poznan’ (2013), and the ‘200 Tons of Bad Luck’ compilation (2009). Their ‘New Dark Age Tour EP 2015 A.D.’ was the band’s first release on Season of Mist that came with an extensive homage to PINK FLOYD. The strong influence of the UK rock giants can still be felt on ‘Bronze’, yet while CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX never denied their roots, this outstanding act has long created their own sonic cosmos and now takes it a dimension further. Be warned that ‘Bronze’ will infect you with a most deep fascination. Shine on…

‘Bronze’ was recorded at Chapel Studio and mixed with Karl Daniel Lidén.

CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX TOUR DATES

+PUBLICIST UK +THE DEVIL’S TRADE

08 Dec 16 Manchester (UK) Sound Control

09 Dec 16 London (UK) Dome

10 Dec 16 Nijmegen (NL) Doornroosje

11 Dec 16 Wiesbaden (DE) Schlachthof

12 Dec 16 Nürnberg (DE) Z-Bau

13 Dec 16 Zürich (CH) Werk 21

14 Dec 16 München (DE) Feierwerk, Kranhalle

15 Dec 16 Budapest (HU) Dürer Kert

16 Dec 16 Wien (AT) Arena

17 Dec 16 Tübingen (DE) Sudhaus

18 Dec 16 Dresden (DE) Scheune

19 Dec 16 Warszawa (PL) Progresja

20 Dec 16 Berlin (DE) Lido

21 Dec 16 Köln (DE) Underground

www.facebook.com/CBP444

www.crippledblackphoenix.co.uk

Pre-sales: http://smarturl.it/CrippledBlackBronze

Available formats

Digipak CD

Deluxe Digipak CD with slipcase and bonus tracks

Gatefold double vinyl in various colours

KYROS Reveal Album Art, Track Listing And Release Date For “Vox Humana”

Following the recent announcement of their upcoming double album entitled Vox Humana and accompanying maxi-single release, Cloudburst, KYROS have gone onto announced further information detailing the artwork, track listing and release dates. This is their first professional independent release since their eponymous debut album Synaesthesia released in 2014 through GEP Records.

The band have announced that the maxi-single, Cloudburst will be releasing on the 21st September whilst their eagerly anticipated double album, Vox Humana will be open to pre-orders on this day for an eventual release on the 5th November. Both products will be released as a physical CD format with purchasing available through their online store at www.kyrosmusic.com and Amazon UK and a digital release through iTunes, Tidal, Deezer, Spotify and many more online outlets.

Optional bundle packages will be available through the band’s online store where both the double album and maxi-single can be purchased together at a special discounted price. The buyer will receive the maxi-single soon after the day of release and the double album a few days before the official release date.

The artwork for Vox Humana was created by artist, Matt Verges with graphic design by Adam Warne. Original concept by Adam Warne, Joey Frevola and Matt Verges. All artwork for Cloudburst was put together by Adam Warne.

KYROS have also announced that they will be releasing a music video for “Cloudburst” within the coming days.

Guitarist Joey Frevola comments: “I am beyond excited that ‘Vox Humana‘ is finally being released to the public after all this time. We really believe in this record, and I’m confident our fans will walk away satisfied.“

Keyboardist and lead vocalist Adam Warne adds: “We have waited so long to be able to make this announcement. We are hugely excited for the release of ‘Vox Humana‘ and ‘Cloudburst‘ as we are especially proud of the work we have put into both releases – speaking from a musical, artistic and even business point of view. To say a lot of work has gone into this would be an understatement.“

CD1 / The Maker:

1. Vox Humana (0:28)
2. Technology Killed the Kids II (7:41)
3. Cloudburst (6:02)
4. Persistence of Vision (5:49)
5. The Lamb, the Badger & the Bee (6:41) 6. New Paradigm (8:58)

CD2 / The Human Voice:

1. Mind Electric (5:53)
2. Speak to Me (4:22)
3. Persistence of Perfection (4:59) 4. Monster (4:50)
5. Hounds (3:08)
6. The Darkness Grove (3:12)
7. Boiling Point (5:53)
8. Ego (5:02)
9. Dilate (8:17)

Cloudburst Maxi-Single Track Listing:

1. Cloudburst (Single Edit) (3:51)
2. Cloudburst (Album Version) (6:04)
3. Cloudburst (Instrumental Mix) (6:03)
4. Cloudburst (Feature Length Mix) (10:16)

Be Prog! My Friend Returns For 2017 – Ulver Are First Band Announced!

30th June – 1st JULY 2017 – BARCELONA

THE FESTIVAL WHICH HIGHLIGHTS THE WORLD’S BEST PROGRESSIVE BANDS RETURNS IN 2017 WITH ULVER…

Since its inception in 2014 the Barcelona based festival Be Prog! My Friend has played host to the likes of Opeth, Steven Wilson, Anathema, Devin Townsend, TesseracT, The Pineapple Thief, Magma, Agent Fresco, Camel, Meshuggah, Katatonia, Riverside, Ihsahn and Alcest.

Taking place in the beautiful open air surroundings of Poble Espanyol the site is one of the most important landmarks of tourism in Barcelona. By day the Catalonian hotspot is an architectural museum and at the end of June, start of July it will play host to some of the world’s finest progressive bands.

This year saw the festival co-headlined by Steven Wilson and fellow progressive heavy weights Opeth. Now Be Prog! My Friend have announced that it will return in 2017 on 30^st June and 1^st July with Norwegian experimental music collective Ulver.

The festivlal organsiers comment: ‘Ulver are a fresh triumph of modern music, music that catches your heart and captures your soul. Ulver create music that cult festival Be Prog! My Friend must bring to Barcelona in its fourth edition in 2017.’

Tickets are currently on sale now at the reduced price of 75 Euros for a limited time only – http://www.ticktackticket.com/entradas/goto.do?claves=.127248&origin=TTT&codIdioma=ING

Press for Be Prog! My Friend festival 2016:

‘And so Prog finds itself in love with Barcelona, the delightful weather and everything that Be Prog! My Friend has to offer’ – Prog Magazine

‘The leading festival for progressive music in Spain, showcased avant-garde music in a magnificent location’ – The Independent

‘Set in the hazy sunlit square of Barcelona’s historic and quite stunning Poble Espanyol, it certainly beats the sodden mud of the British festival season’ – Total Guitar Magazine

‘If nothing else, it proves that prog is alive and kicking. Especially in Catalonia’ – Classic Rock Magazine

http://www.beprogmyfriend.com/

facebook.com/beprogmyfriend

Be Prog! My Friend takes place in the heart of Barcelona and with an airport only 12km away, regular, cheap flights make it an easy festival to get and from the UK. Bands will start playing from mid/late afternoon each day which will also mean visitors have plenty of time to explore the stunning city of Barcelona while they are there.

http://www.barcelonaturisme.com

Franck Carducci to release Live DVD – Tearing The Tour Apart – Crowd Fund Link Added

Seems like things have been very quiet lately with the Franck Carducci Band but Progradar has learned that they have been busy like bees, working on the production of a live DVD of the “Tearing The Tour Apart” tour.
The recording for this DVD was made during 2 concerts at Climax Club Legend at the end of 2015 and will feature special guest Jimmy Pallagrosi (Karnataka) behind the drums! There’s no news yet regarding any release date but, suffice to say, we will keep you updated!

The band have released a teaser for the forthcoming release:

I spoke to Franck himself about the making of the DVD and he told me this:

“It’s an absolute delight to be able to release a DVD of our live show. For me, the visual aspect have always been a full part of live music. That’s why acts like Genesis & Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Alice Cooper and of course Pink-Floyd have always been huge influences of mine. So a DVD was completely necessary to be able to share the full experience of our show and I do hope people will enjoy it!”

Franck Carducci has started a Crowd Funding Campaign for the new DVD, sign up at the link below:

Franck Carducci Band Crowd Fund at Kiss KIss Bank BaNK

You can buy Franck’s superb last album ‘Torn Apart’ (as well as his debut ‘Oddity’) on CD from The Merch Desk here:

The Merch Desk – Franck Carducci

And on digital from bandcamp here:

Franck Carducci – Torn Apart – Bandcamp

And here is what some sage music industry stalwarts have had to say about ‘Torn Apart’ :

http://www.franckcarducci.com/

https://www.facebook.com/franckcarducci/

TWILIGHT FORCE – ENTER EUROPEAN CHARTS + THE LORE OF AERENDIR!

On August 26th, TWILIGHT FORCE‘s label debut entitled ‘Heroes Of Mighty Magic’, was released through Nuclear Blast. Today, glorious news can be revealed! The album has hit charts in various European countries (#20 – UK Rock among others; find all entries below!).

Lynd comments:
“‘Heroes Of Mighty Magic’ has made its way to the bazaars of the world. Sold by many a merchant, among livestock, magic potions and other goods; the album has proven itself to be a popular item indeed. So popular that it has been inscribed in the weekly sonic tablets of the merchants!”

#17 – Sweden (Rock)
#20 – UK (Rock)
#41 – UK (Indie)
#44 – Switzerland
#54 – Germany

Additionally, the fourth part of their lore series has been launched today.

Learn more about bass player Born:

Catch up on the series:
The lore of Chrileon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7CvYv0I8U4
The lore of Lynd: https://youtu.be/JwFtRpxfZcs
The lore of Aerendir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_udzbbL2UU

Order ‘Heroes Of Mighty Magic’:
Limited Edition Double Gatefold Blue or Magenta Vinyl, exclusively from the Nuclear Blast UK Store:http://nblast.de/TwilightForceNBUK
Limited Edition Double CD from Amazon.co.uk: http://nblast.de/TwilightForceCDAmz
Digital album: http://nblast.de/TwilightForceiTunes

Listen to the track-by-track commentary version of ‘Heroes Of Mighty Magic’ over on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/user/twilightforceofficial/playlist/3ANk2ilrmyDgpugaNF5RUh

More on ‘Heroes Of Mighty Magic’:
‘Powerwind’ video: https://youtu.be/gLxmoaewFVs
‘Battle Of Arcane Might’ lyric video: https://youtu.be/DP1R5cWC0jI
‘To The Stars’: https://youtu.be/oZMu0-nL3Xo
Trailer #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnAG66N4K38
Trailer #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2SrnaaO7SQ
Trailer #3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mm5SnDK5ZM
Trailer #4: https://youtu.be/O_k7-QgwLCQ
Trailer #5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN55u184w8Y

‘Heroes Of Mighty Magic‘ – Tracklist:
CD1
01. Battle Of Arcane Might
02. Powerwind
03. Guardian Of The Seas
04. Flight Of The Sapphire Dragon
05. There And Back Again
06. Riders Of The Dawn
07. Keepers Of Fate
08. Rise Of A Hero
09. To The Stars
10. Heroes Of Mighty Magic
11. Epilogue
12. Knights Of Twilight’s Might

CD2
01. Rise Of A Hero (Orchestral Version)
02. Flight Of The Sapphire Dragon (Orchestral Version)
03. Heroes Of Mighty Magic (Orchestral Version)
04. Battle Of Arcane Might (Karaoke Version)
05. There And Back Again (Short Version)
06. Powerwind (Chip Version)

More info:
www.facebook.com/twilightforce
www.nuclearblast.de/twilightforce

KORPIKLAANI RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘FC LAHTI’!

Finnish folk metal superstars KORPIKLAANI have released a new single today. A very special release – supporting the 20th Anniversary of their local football team FC Lahti. FC Lahti, play in finnish Veikkausliiga, the highest soccer league in Finland.

Jonne Järvelä states:
“When I was asked if Korpiklaani would want to support the local football team playing at the top level in Finland, my answer was definitely yes. My first idea on how to take this forward was the
thing that is important to us as a band, to write a song, a new official anthem for FC Lahti, and here it is now. Lyrics are not just about football, but also about love for your home
town without forgetting it’s history. I wish the fans of FC Lahti and everyone else too will like the song.”

Tomi Honkanen, the Managing director (President) of FC-Lahti adds:
“FC Lahti and Korpiklaani are two strong brands that generate strong emotions in Lahti and internationally.
At FC Lahti we highly value that Korpiklaani wears our colours and brings our great FC Lahti to the world. Lahti rocks!”

Order the song “FC Lahti” here: http://nblast.de/KorpiklaaniDownloads

KORPIKLAANI on tour with MOONSORROW and SKÁLMÖLD, full dates below:

Finnish Folk Metal Mafia, ROCK HARD, Kulturnews, metal.de,
metalnews.de & Dragon Productions present:

w/ SKÁLMÖLD
22.10. EST      Tallinn – Tapper
23.10. LV        Riga – Melna Piektdiena
24.10. PL        Gdynia – Ucho
25.10. PL        Warsaw – Proxima
26.10. PL        Wroclaw – Alibi
27.10. PL        Katowice – Mega Club
28.10. SK        Bratislava – Majestic

w/ MOONSORROW, SKÁLMÖLD
29.10. CZ        Prague – Club Meet Factory
30.10. A          Vienna – Szene
31.10. A          Graz – Explosiv
01.11. I           Bologna – Zona Roveri
02.11. I           Milan – Alcatraz
03.11. A          Innsbruck – Hafen
04.11. CH       Lausanne – Les Docks
05.11. CH       Solothurn – Kulturfabrik Kofmehl
06.11. CH       Winterthur – Salzhaus
07.11. D         Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal
08.11. D         Lindau – Vaudeville
09.11. D         Nürnberg – Hirsch
10.11. D         Köln – Essigfabrik
11.11. NL        Zoetermeer – De Boerderij
12.11. D         Hannover – Musikzentrum
13.11. D         Hamburg – Klubsen

More KORPIKLAANI dates:
25.11. RUS     St. Petersburg – Club Zal
26.11. RUS     Krasnodar – Arena Hall
27.11. RUS     Samara – Zvezda
28.11. RUS     Ufa – Ogni Ufy
29.11. RUS     Ekaterinburg – Teleclub
30.11. RUS     Omsk – Angar
01.12. RUS     Barnaul – Pharaon
02.12. RUS     Novosibirsk – Otpusk
03.12. RUS     Kranoyarsk – Havana
05.12. RUS     Irkutsk – Megapolis
06.12. RUS     Khabarovsk – Velicano
07.12. RUS     Vladivostok – Sanremo
09.12. RUS     Yaroslavl – Gorka
10.12. RUS     Moscow – Volta
11.12. RUS     Nizhny Novgorod – Milo Concert Hall

Order the latest KORPIKLAANI album, ‘Noita‘, here: http://smarturl.it/KORPIKLAANI-NoitaNB

More on ‘Noita’:
‘A Man With A Plan’ OFFICIAL VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc0sJvtKrRM
‘Ämmänhauta’ OFFICIAL VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvZMFmbdue8
‘Pilli On Pajusta Tehty’ OFFICIAL VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCGlO2Ssqwk
‘Lempo’ OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/GWCowljfU0s

More info:
www.korpiklaani.com
www.facebook.com/korpiklaani
www.nuclearblast.de/korpiklaani
Buy tickets: http://bit.ly/KorpiklaaniTickets

KYROS (Ex-Synaesthesia) To Return With New, Double Album “Vox Humana”

Multi-national Alternative / Progressive Rock outfit KYROS, formerly known as Synaesthesia — are set to return later this Fall with a release of their independently produced and engineered double album entitled Vox Humana, a follow-up to the critically acclaimed eponymous debut album, Synaesthesia, released in 2014 through GEP Records.

A culmination of approximately three years of writing, recording and mixing with efforts from all members; Adam Warne on vocals, keyboards and mixing, Joey Frevola on guitars and programming, Sam Higgins on vocals, guitars and additional programming, Peter Episcopo on vocals and bass guitar and Robin Johnson on drums and percussion, are proud to present Vox Humana as KYROS’ first professional release as a band since transitioning from a solo studio project whilst signed to GEP Records. The album also features a full live brass section with parts arranged by Raymond Hearne, more known as the drummer in the progressive metal band, Haken. Mastering of the album was expertly undertaken by Jens Bogren at the Fascination Street Studios (Haken, DragonForce and Opeth) in Sweden.

Guitarist and singer Sam Higgins says, “Vox Humana has been the catalyst for a huge amount of change, and I feel that it is a tremendous step forward for us as a band. It has led us to go independent, something we decided on for a great number of reasons, but the big one is that when push comes to shove, we know exactly what we want from our music and we needed control of that. Maybe it’s naive and maybe it’s arrogant, but ultimately we need the decisions to be ours, that way the end product is something that is a true expression of our vision as a band. The end result is a concept double album, spanning a broad range of sounds, with a narrative that explores themes around what it is to be human.

“Looking back, it almost seems inevitable that such an ambitious project would have a profound effect on our outlook as a band.”

Accompanying the release of the double album is the independent release of the band’s first maxi-single, entitled “Cloudburst.” This release includes the album mix of the track, as well as a special edition single edit, instrumental mix and newly written extended version of “Cloudburst.” This maxi single release also features mastering efforts from Jens Bogren.

“As well as the album, we will be releasing a maxi single, inspired by the 12” singles of the 80’s. We are all huge fans of Trevor Horn, so it was an easy decision to make. Taking ‘Cloudburst’ as the single was another easy decision, the song is heavily synth- driven, and has quite a ‘poppy’ sound to it, which made it the perfect choice. Hopefully the alternate versions of the song will give people a deeper insight into the track,” Higgins commented.

The double album, Vox Humana will be released through KMG Music in November as a physical premium double-CD package available from the band’s online merch store and Amazon and digitally through online outlets such as iTunes, Napster, Tidal, Amazon MP3 and Spotify.

The maxi-single, “Cloudburst” will also be released through KMG Music as a physical and digital release within the coming weeks.

KYROS on the web:

www.kyrosmusic.com

www.kyrosmediagroup.com

https://www.facebook.com/KyrosOfficial/

KYROS line-up:

Adam Warne – vocals, keyboards, mixing
Joey Frevola – guitars, programming
Sam Higgings – vocals, guitars, programming
Peter Episcopo – vocals, bass
Robin Johnson – drums, percussions

About KYROS:

Not afraid to take songwriting and musical experimentation to a whole new level by pushing the boundaries. Creating fresh, new and exciting music with influences ranging from eighties pop e.g. Depeche Mode and Kate Bush through to modern post-progressive and alternative rock music such as Muse and Porcupine Tree.

KYROS (known as Synaesthesia 2012-2015) formed in 2012 in London, England and consists of Adam Warne on lead vocals and keyboards, Joey Frevola and Sam Higgins on guitar, Peter Episcopo on bass guitar and Robin Johnson on drums. The five piece came together after Adam was in need of completing the band line up to transition from a solo studio project to a fully fledged performing and writing group.

Although only having existed for a few years, the group has already released a critically acclaimed debut album and a successful limited edition EP. The debut album featured artwork designed by Freyja Dean, the daughter of legendary album cover artist Roger Dean. Songs from these two releases have received airplay on various radio stations including Team Rock Radio. On top of this, KYROS has performed a number of impressive shows ranging from festival dates in UK, Germany and USA to supporting high profile bands such as Marillion and Anathema. In 2015, the band performed sixteen dates across Europe supporting Spock’s Beard, all with hugely receptive crowds and positive reactions.

KYROS has also gained positive reactions from within the press. They received top spot in the ‘Tip for 2014’ and runner up in the ‘Tip for 2016’ awards from Prog Magazine as well as a nomination for the ‘Limelight’ category within the Progressive Music Awards. Their debut album received critical acclaim from all over the spectrum. The band has attracted interviews and article write-ups from respected journalists such as Malcolm Dome and Rich Wilson. Both gave positive words regarding the debut album and their thoughts on the future and direction of the band. Wilson described the album as being “an exceptional debut from a band who will only improve.”

In Autumn 2016, KYROS will be independently releasing a maxi single entitled “Cloudburst,” which is to be shortly followed by a double-album called Vox Humana. This album will mark the band’s fourth overall release as well as being the band’s second official album release.

NOSOUND PREMIERE NEW VIDEO FOR “IN CELEBRATION OF LIFE” FEAT. ANATHEMA’S VINCENT CAVANAGH FROM NEW ALBUM SCINTILLA

With the release of Nosound’s new studio album, Scintilla, the band is pleased to be able to premiere their new video for the song “In Celebration Of Life” featuring guest vocals from Anathema’s Vincent Cavanagh.

Giancarlo Erra explains how the song is a collaboration with and tribute to music fan Alec Wildley “’In Celebration Of Life’ was probably among the first tracks written for Scintilla, it was inspired by an artist and well known member of the fellow prog community, Alec Wildey. Those who knew Alec know what happened t and I’m not going to delve into details, but it really was a tragedy that shook everyone.

He was a big fan of Nosound and our Kscope label mates, in the past Alec contacted me to see if we could work together, but I was always too busy, this time I felt particularly hit by the situation, for personal and musical reasons, so I wrote the track and recorded it all quickly in my studio as I wanted Alec to be able to hear it. His lyrics fitted perfectly the music and the message we wanted to send. His reaction to the song was, and I suspect will always be the highest point in my personal career, with my music I felt part of something bigger and beyond me.

Although it was a very difficult time when we decided to collaborate, paradoxically we created a celebration of life song. As I always say the beauty of music is to transform something negative into something positive, transform pain in beauty, anger in happiness, desperation in hope.”

Giancarlo continues on how Anathema’s Vincent Cavanagh became involved “This uplifting anthem to life immediately struck a chord with Vincent. I played him the song without saying anything about all this, and he liked it immediately. When I told him about Alec, his emotional and moving reaction told me that he too was somehow linked to that situation, and we instantly knew that we were going to work together on this track. Anathema and Nosound were two of Alec’s favourite bands and we know now that wherever he is, he’s enjoying the track he worked on with me and Vincent.

For the video we wanted to tell a story, but one that everyone can interpret in their own way: there was a lot of thought put in as to how to leave it open. So,while I’m not going to reveal my personal story, I encourage you to look at the details and enjoy the song we wrote In Celebration Of Life, something we should all remember to do every day.”

Scintilla will be Nosound’s fifth album, introducing a wholly new musical and visual approach for Giancarlo Erra’s ever-evolving band, it is an emotionally complex and musically direct work presenting a stripped-down set of compositions that mark a major departure from Nosound’s trademark symphonic lushness and production precision. Taking in influences from Post Rock, Shoegaze and Alt-Singer-Songwriters, the album imaginatively utilises a mostly organic and acoustic sound palette. As well as featuring Andrea Chimenti , Anathema’s Vincent Cavanagh lends his distinctive vocals to two of the album’s tracks, and cellist Marianne De Chastelaine returns once more to the Nosound fold (this time in a more free-flowing and improvisational capacity).

Scintilla is available on the following formats:

A deluxe CD/Blu-Ray in Mediabook with a 24 page booklet. The Blu-Ray contains HD stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes, plus additional video content.

An audiophile double 180g vinyl edition (mastered at 45rpm to ensure quality) in a gatefold cover with booklet and poly-lined inner bags. Also includes a download card featuring the vinyl master at 320kbps.

Nosound online:

www.nosound.net

www.facebook.com/nosoundnet

www.twitter.com/nosoundofficial

www.instagram.com/nosoundofficial

https://www.youtube.com/user/nosoundnet

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ESBEN AND THE WITCH ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ‘OLDER TERRORS’ AND SHARE NEW TRACK ‘SYLVAN’

The dark atmospheric rockers ESBEN AND THE WITCH are now sharing the first track from their forthcoming album ‘Older Terrors’. The band will release their new full-length on November 4th.

ESBEN AND THE WITCH comment: “Our forthcoming album ‘Older Terrors’ was written and recorded over the course of a year in Berlin, our adopted home. We’ve spent eight years getting here, sweating on stages, holed up in studios and exploring all that which inspires awe and terror. The album features four tracks. In this digital age of music we wanted to create a collection that worked together but could also be separated, each track standing alone, carving its own path and telling its own tale. This record is dedicated to the sublime. To Edward Young’s Night Thoughts, John Martin’s apocalyptic visions, Caspar David Friedrich’s forays into the forest and to the sparks of light that glimmer in times of utter darkness.”

Regarding new track, “Sylvan” the band adds: “We wanted to paint a picture of a forest in flames. Of wild destruction, spectacular and terrifying. The calm amidst the ancient pines shattered by an insatiable desire, all-consuming, all-devouring and with a raging intensity so fierce it can set anything on fire. Ultimately, as the flames engulf the trees, it is a song about searching for meaning and even beauty in a burning world.”

Track-list

01. Sylvan

02. Marking the Heart of a Serpent

03. The Wolf’s Sun

04. The Reverist

Something ancient and primordial stalks the four tracks on the fourth full-length of ESBEN AND THE WITCH. The haunting voice of Rachel Davies weaves arcane spells through hypnotic patterns. Interlaced in these invocations is the emotive string sorcery provided by guitarist Thomas Fisher, while Daniel Copeman evokes a state of trance with his shamanic drumming and wide sonic landscapes painted by electronic synthesizer magic.

ESBEN AND THE WITCH were formed in Brighton, a windswept English seaside resort, when Daniel Copeman hooked up with Thomas Fisher in 2008. After a number of failed auditions for a vocalist, Fisher had a chance meeting with longtime friend Rachel Davies, who proved to be the perfect fit as singer for the newly created three-piece. A band name was found in the foreboding Danish fairytale “Esben and the Witch”.

The self-released ’33 EP’ (2009) and a 7″ single entitled ‘Lucia, at the Precipice’ (2010) caused a vibrant buzz that led to a first record deal. With the single ‘Marching Song’ (2010), ESBEN AND THE WITCH heralded their debut full-length ‘Violet Cries’, a Gothic post-rock nightmare that hit the stores in January 2011. The album was immediately picked up by critics and fans alike, managing to climb to #13 in the UK Indie Chart. Two singles, ‘Warpath’ and ‘Chorea’ and the ‘Hexagons’ digital EP followed in the same year.

2012 saw the trio commence work on their sophomore album ‘Wash the Sins Not Only the Face’ which was released in early 2013 and again scored critical praise. ESBEN AND THE WITCH decided to take matters into their own hands and published the third full-length ‘A New Nature’ (2014) on their own imprint, ‘Nostromo Records’. The band travelled to Chicago to record with Steve Albini and the result was an intense, sprawling creation inspired by the trio’s increasingly heavy live show.

Having established themselves as a highly individual act and an excellent reputation as an outstanding live force, ESBEN AND THE WITCH have honed their songwriting skills to the sharp crystalline edge that now manifests itself clearly on ‘Older Terrors’. Beauty, emotion, and musical depth celebrate a glorious wedding on these tracks. You are herewith invited to join this aural feast.

Pre-order the album – smarturl.it/EsbenandtheShop

Line-up

Rachel Davies: vocals, bass

Thomas Fisher: guitar

Daniel Copeman: drums, synths

http://esbenandthewitch.co.uk/

www.facebook.com/esbenandthewitch

https://twitter.com/WEAREEATW

https://esbenandthewitch.bandcamp.com/

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ORDER ‘UNDER THE RED CLOUD’:

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