Author: u0zp4y

Ontario symphonic songstress Kylira will perform at TD Hall at Massey Hall in Toronto on December 7 to celebrate the release of her album Ghosts. Find tickets at tdmusichall.mhrth.com.

The special show, named A Spectacle Of Ghosts, will feature symphonic metal, a dance crew, sword fights, monsters, and more.

Album description: “Let Kylira, The Singing Swordstress, take you on a journey to worlds where monsters and creatures roam, where time stands still, and where beautiful music fuels stories and creations. Kylira is an archetype; a sensual woman who loves as fiercely as she fights. She is a monster tracker and warrior, armed with sword and whip, she solves mysteries and tames beasts to add to her incredible menagerie. Each song is a new mystery, and each music video is a conclusion to a story. With awe-inspiring vocals, unique harmonies, sweeping arrangements and epic guitars, Kylira will take you away to another world.”

International powerhouse rock group W.E.T. have returned with their new single “Believer”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl. In addition to the release of the single, a visualizer for “Believer” is available for viewing below.

Guitarist Erik Mårtensson comments on the new single:

“‘Believer’ was written by Jeff, Robert and myself. Being able to throw ideas and thoughts around between the three of us really took this song from good to great. And having Jamie join us on the drums brought a new flavour to the rhythm section that sets a new standard for W.E.T. We may have to do more of this…”

The acronym W.E.T. comes from the members’ association with other bands, Robert Säll & Andreas Passmark from Work of Art, Erik Mårtensson & Magnus Henriksson from Eclipse and Jeff Scott Soto from Talisman. And now, for the first time ever, the T is emphasized as Talisman drummer Jamie Borger has joined forces with the band’s original core members.

W.E.T. truly epitomizes what melodic rock has become in the new decade. The key element at the foundation of W.E.T. has always been to create a modern melodic hard rock sound that will drive the genre into the future. Combining powerhouse rhythms and top-notch production (courtesy of Erik Martensson), the music is equally classic and contemporary.

Although a side project to the members’ original bands, over the course of the band’s existence, W.E.T. have reconvened regularly over the last 15 years to produce four studio albums and a live record.

Starting with a genre-defining self-titled debut, Robert Säll (the “W” from Work Of Art), Erik Mårtensson (the “E” from Eclipse), and Jeff Scott Soto (the “T” from Talisman) accepted the daunting task to give that debut a follow-up, Rise Up. After that stellar follow-up, their third opus, Earthrage, cemented a legacy of music which will stand the test of time. Retransmission, their latest album, is nothing else than an absolute milestone, which is well in keeping with the tradition established by the three amazing records that have preceded this one.

Erik Mårtensson says:

“It’s always a challenge to find that sweet spot in our calendars when we are all available, not to mention the fact that Jeff lives in California and the rest of us in Sweden. But I also believe that adds to our ambition once we are able to gather. We are all aware that we don’t get too many shots at this, so when we do we gotta make it count.”

W.E.T. are:
Jeff Scott Soto – Vocals
Erik Mårtensson – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Robert Säll – Guitars, Keyboards
Magnus Henriksson – Guitars
Andreas Passmark – Bass
Jamie Borger – Drums

(Photo: Justin Roszkowski)

Croatia’s finest folk metal powerhouse, Manntra, bring roaring hymns and swelling horns, announcing their 8th studio album Titans, set for release on February 21 via Napalm Records.

With seven albums already under their belts and a reputation forged on stages like the mighty Wacken Open Air and tours with legends like German folk mainstays In Extremo, Manntra has proven themselves as a tour de force in the metal world. Titans is another testament to their unstoppable momentum, blending ancient tradition with modern sounds to create something truly unforgettable.

Giving insight on their latest onslaught, today, Manntra release their first single, a tribute to YouTube phenomenon Miracle Of Sound, an explosive cover of “Skal”. This high-octane track is a resounding toast to unity, revelry, and the timeless power of music. With their signature fusion of raw metal riffs, traditional folk instrumentation, and industrial elements, Manntra delivers an electrifying rendition of this modern classic, turning it into a full-fledged anthem for warriors, dreamers, and partygoers alike. Rooted in the band’s unique soundscape, “Skal” is a riot of pounding drums, razor-sharp guitars, and soulful pipes, seamlessly blending raucous energy with melodic folk charm, showcasing Manntra’s ability to bridge worlds with their masterful songwriting. Whether you’re a metalhead, a folk enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good party, this track will have you raising your glass and stomping your feet.

Manntra on the new single “Skal” (Miracle Of Sound Cover): “’Skal’ is the first single from our upcoming album Titans. We chose to cover this song by Miracle Of Sound because it captivated us from the first listen and already embodied the Manntra vibe. It felt like a song we could have written in a parallel reality. While we typically don’t do covers, this one perfectly aligns with the energy and themes of the album!”

Watch the video for “Skal” below.

Formed in 2012 around mastermind Marko Matijević Sekul, the band has proven to be extremely productive as Titans is already their eighth studio album. Over the years the quintet developed their trademark sound by combining raw metal riffs and hard-hitting industrial sounds with traditional folk instruments, unleashing a relentless storm of catchy metal hymns. Manntra’s high energy soundscape is skillfully built by supposed opposites: authentic folk instruments like pipes and mandolins interwoven with raspy male vocals and an uplifting industrial metal sound. With their newest masterpiece they clearly take no prisoners as the album sets off with the title track “Titans” delivering forceful rhythms and powerful drumming. This continues on tracks like “Higher” or “Riders In The Dawn” kicking off with strong intros. Like no other, Manntra manage effortlessly to transport the ancient tunes into modern times by combining its folk elements with synths like on “My Sandman” or the album closer “Nav” delivering massive melodies. But Manntra also stay true to their roots with “Teuta” telling the story of a legendary Illyrian queen who reigned in Croatia around 200 BC and “Unholy Water (Voda)” containing a catchy chorus and intense female folk vocals delivering a hymn like melody with lyrics partly in Croatian. The same can be witnessed on the extremely groovy and catchy “Heart Of The Storm”, while uplifting “Skal” is a song to get every folk party started. A clear highlight are the combined songs “Forgotten Pt.1” and “Forgotten Pt.2” which are true industrial metal masterpieces that seamlessly cross genres, heavily leaning towards electronic elements, while maintaining their very own soundscape.

Overall Titans convinces with an enormous hit-density and sets a clear mark, delivering proud hymns and in-your-face metal songs that are undeniable, proving that Manntra are on the very top of their game, ready to enter the next level of their promising journey!

Titans will be available in the following formats:

– 1 Vinyl Bundle (Tote Bag, Autograph Card, Drinking horn, Patch, Invitation Card “Online Meet & Greet” – Napalm Records mail order only – strictly limited to 300)
– 1 CD Bundle (Tote Bag, Autograph Card, Drinking horn, Patch, Invitation Card “Online Meet & Greet” – Napalm Records mail order only – strictly limited to 300)
– 1 LP Marbled Orange / Black – Napalm Records mail order only – strictly limited to 200
– 1 LP Black Vinyl
– 6p Digipak + Booklet

Pre-order here.

Titans tracklisting:

“Ceremony”
“Titans”
“Teuta”
“The Heart Of The Storm”
“Unholy Water (Voda)”
“Skal” (Miracle Of Sound Cover)
“Higher”
“My Sandman”
“Riders In The Dawn”
“Forgotten Pt.1”
“Forgotten Pt.2 – The Ritual”
“Nav”

“Skal” video:

Experience Manntra live.

Manntra are:

Marko Matijević Sekul – Vocal / Synth / Guitar / Pipes
Andrea Kert – Drums
Zoltan Lečei – Bass
Zlatko Štefančić – Guitar / Mandolina / Pipes
Dorian Pavlović – Guitar / Acoustic

(Photo – Franz Schepers / Marko Ristić)

December 3, 2024, 2 hours ago

news black death dimmu borgir

Norwegian symphonic black metal band, Dimmu Borgir, have returned to the studio to work on new material with producer Fredrik Nordström. The band’s latest studio album, Eonian, was released in May 2018 via Nuclear Blast. Eonian is the group’s final album to feature lead guitarist Galder (real name Thomas Rune Andersen), who left the band in August of this year.

Dimmu Borgir shared the image below earlier today (Tuesday, December 3), showing drummer Dariusz “Daray” Brzozowski in the studio with Nordström. The photo is simply captioned “#studiotime”.

Dimmu Borgir recently confirmed their appearance at the 2025 edition of Norway’s Tons Of Rock festival, where they will perform on Friday, June 27.

Stay tuned for further updates from the band.

Armored Saint, who are currently opening for W.A.S.P. across North America on their Album One Alive World Tour ’24, have issued the following message:

“After going out to Thanksgiving dinner in New Orleans with the band and our crew, and then a hang with a couple guys from W.A.S.P. and their crew, Joey Vera went to sleep. When he woke up in the morning in Houston he realized his left eye was impaired. His vision looked like it was only at 60% and he had several huge floaters in his sight. Hoping it was just fatigue he went on with his day and Saint played Houston, the first of three dates in Texas.

“The next day when he woke up in San Antonio the eye was not better and obviously worse. He became extremely concerned and found an Ophthalmologist. The doctor was not a specialist but did various tests and said it was very possible this was something called PVD, Posterior Vitreous Detachment. The doctor recommended seeing a Retinal specialist but it was too late in the day to do that. Joey explained the situation to the band but the show had to go on. So Joey subdued himself onstage (which is not a natural state for him as a performer) and we rocked the house at the Aztec theatre.

“By Sunday in Dallas even though he didn’t show it, his anxiety had grown extremely high. Because it was Sunday there were few options to see a doctor. He decided after the show (he performed again mind you) to go to the Baylor University emergency hospital. Unfortunately there was little they could do test wise other than an ultrasound which again confirmed PVD but not much else. The band reluctantly contacted a couple of bass player friends in case he would have to go home so we could continue the tour.

“Finally having an off day on Monday, the band stayed in Dallas (our next show is in Little Rock, Arkansas tonight) and Joey found a Retinal specialist in Fort Worth. The Specialist confirmed he had PVD with a tear on the retina and confirmed the blurry eyesight he was seeing in his eye was blood.

“He recommended immediate laser surgery. He had about ten minutes to make a decision. After considering the limited options he decided what to do. “Gotta do it!”

“The surgery went well and other than an Uber ride from hell Joey returned to the band bus feeling more relieved physically and emotionally. It will take several weeks before his sight will return to normal and follow up doctor visits are on tap.

“Arriving in Little Rock on Tuesday Joey and the band are ready to resume playing our last 10 shows of this 7 week tour with W.A.S.P.

“If Joey is a little more tame than he usually is onstage, I know you’ll all understand why. Although I’m sure it will be difficult for this bad ass mother fucker to contain himself.” – John Bush & his brothers in Armored Saint

Remaining tour dates are as follows:

December
3 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall
4 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion
6 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel
7 – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee Theatre
9 – Tucson, AZ – The Rialto Theatre
10 – San Diego, CA – House Of Blues
11 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
12 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl
13 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
14 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium

Fans hoping for new Depeche Mode music may need to temper expectations.

During a recent conversation with NME, frontman Dave Gahan noted the band was in no hurry to follow up 2023’s Memento Mori.

“Martin and I have talked,” Gahan confirmed, referring to bandmate and fellow songwriter Martin Gore. “We actually saw each other recently, and it was really nice. We spent some time in Italy where Anton Cobijn and his wife were renewing their wedding vows in a really nice spot just outside of Rome. We had a really nice time without any work or show pressure.”

Of course, Gahan couldn’t totally avoid discussing work while catching up with Gore.

READ MORE: The Best Song From Every Depeche Mode Album

“I actually did ask Martin if he’d been writing and he was like, ‘Nah!’” the singer recalled. “That’s normal – especially when you’ve worked intensely for a couple of years. It takes a while. Wait and see. I wouldn’t rule out us getting together at some point, but it’s not on the cards at this point.”

Dave Gahan Will Perform at the Mark Lanegan Tribute Concert

While Gahan may not have any Depeche Mode-related plans, the singer is still staying busy. He’ll be performing at the all-star Mark Lanegan tribute concert, taking place in London on Dec. 5.

“For me, he’s right up there as a 20th and 21st Century voice and writer,” Gahan said of the former Screaming Trees singer, who died in 2022. “We talk about the Nick Caves and Johnny Cashes of this world in terms of what a voice can do. There are few of them, but Mark is at the top of that list.”

READ MORE: How Depeche Mode Found Their ‘Personal Jesus’ in Elvis Presley

Gahan also recalled spending time with Lanegan when the two were on tour together in 2009.

“His music changed the way I think about music, songs, songwriting and the use of your voice as an instrument to create this amazing cinematic story,” the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer admitted. “Even if you’re not interested in what he was saying in any particular phrase, there was just something about the way he opened his mouth. I was completely engaged.”

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Gallery Credit: Corey Irwin

More From Ultimate Classic Rock

Village People singer Victor Willis has called on the media to stop calling his band’s 1978 hit single “Y.M.C.A.” a “gay anthem.”

In a long post to Facebook, Willis — who commonly performed dressed as a police officer — addressed the famous song’s history.

“There’s been a lot of talk, especially of late, that ‘Y.M.C.A.’ is somehow a gay anthem,” the singer noted. “As I’ve said numerous times in the past, that is a false assumption based on the fact that my writing partner was gay, and some (not all) of Village People were gay, and that the first Village People album was totally about gay life.”

Willis went on to insist that he “knew nothing” about YMCA’s “being a hang out for gays” when he wrote the song’s lyrics.

READ MORE: Top 200 ’70s Songs

“I therefore wrote ‘Y.M.C.A.’ about the things I knew about the Y in the urban areas of San Francisco such as swimming, basketball, track, and cheap food and cheap rooms,” he explained. “And when I say, ‘hang out with all the boys’ that is simply 1970s black slang for black guys hanging-out together for sports, gambling or whatever. There’s nothing gay about that.”

Willis went on to threaten legal action to those who continue to call “Y.M.C.A.” a gay anthem.

“Come January 2025, my wife will start suing each and every news organization that falsely refers to ‘Y.M.C.A.,’ either in their headlines or alluded to in the base of the story, that ‘Y.M.C.A.’ is somehow a gay anthem because such notion is based solely on the song’s lyrics alluding to elicit activity for which it does not,” the singer declared, adding that such insinuations were “defamatory, and damaging to the song.”

Victor Willis Thanks Donald Trump for Using ‘Y.M.C.A.’ at His Rallies

Elsewhere in his lengthy Facebook post, Willis addressed the use of “Y.M.C.A.” at Donald Trump rallies.

“Since 2020, I’ve received over a thousand complaints about President Elect Trump’s use of ‘Y.M.C.A.’ With that many complaints, I decided to ask the President Elect to stop using ‘Y.M.C.A.’ because his use had become a nuisance to me,” Willis noted. However, the singer’s stance on Trump’s usage softened as he saw other artists refusing to let the controversial politician use their songs.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Wins 2024 Election: Rockers React With Joy and Anger

“I simply didn’t have the heart to prevent his continued use of my song in the face of so many artists withdrawing his use of their material,” Willis explained. Trump’s embrace of “Y.M.C.A.” has also provided a financial windfall for the singer.

“’Y.M.C.A.’ is estimated to gross several million dollars since the President Elect’s continued use of the song,” he admitted. “Therefore, I’m glad I allowed the President Elect’s continued use of ‘Y.M.C.A.’ And I thank him for choosing to use my song.”