Author: wamdines

Italian power metallers, Frozen Crown, who recently announced their first ever European headline tour, have shared the following year-end message:

“Dear friends, how many INCREDIBLE achievements we scored together! If you’re reading this post, yes, a huge ‘thank you’ goes to you as well!

War Hearts, our fifth album (and our first one on Napalm Records) was out 2 months ago, and we already sold on our shop more copies than we used to sell in an entire year (with all limited versions being sold out, the regular one being currently out of stock because of too many unexpected orders, and a new limited coming soon).

We just came back home from an incredibly awesome tour supporting Kamelot, where we had the chance to grow even stronger together as a band and as a family. And, most importantly, we just announced our first headlining tour, together with two awesome bands as special guests (Fellowship and Lutharo), and we’re so damn thrilled about this, as it’s going to be the first time we have the chance to play a full Frozen Crown set, but also to test ourselves and give proof of how strong our fanbase and us are.

We got to this point despite all odds, despite the pandemic, despite being based in a country that’s totally conservative and hostile towards young bands and female musicians, despite not having any funds except the ones we managed to earn through our own merch (thanks to your INCREDIBLE support). And we did all this just because of you and your love.

See you on the road very soon, and to the ones living far from where we’re going to play this spring: keep letting us know where you want us to play, keep sharing your thoughts with us and your support, and keep listening to our music, as that’s the only way we have to grow bigger and bigger and to be able to play everywhere.

Much love! 

Jade, Federico, Niso, Sheena, Ikki & (last but not least) Alessia!”

Tickets for Frozen Crown’s upcoming tour are available at frozencrown.net.

Frozen Crown recently released their guitar-driven new single, “I Am The Wind”, taken from their War Hearts, out now. Dominated by the dynamic vocal duo of frontwoman Jade and guitarist Federico, bold guitar riffs and flawless drumming once again underscore their passion for modern power metal together with a gripping official music video.

Check out the official music video for “I Am The Wind”:

Frozen Crown constantly define and refine their sound, pushing their trademark elements to new levels of complexity without forgetting the characteristic catchy hooks. War Hearts exceeds their previous successes and solidifies their place in the global metal scene.

War Hearts is available in the following formats:

– Ltd. 1LP Gatefold Crystal Clear Black Marbled (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive) – strictly ltd. to 200 copies
– 1LP Gatefold Translucent Red (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive)
– Digisleeve
– Digital

Order here.

War Hearts tracklisting:

“War Hearts”
“Steel And Gold”
“To Live To Die”
“Night Of The Wolf”
“On Silver Wings”
“Edge Of Reality”
“Bloodlines”
“I Am The Windv
“King Of The Sky”
“Ice Dragon”

“War Hearts” video:

“Steel And Gold” video:

Album introduction video:

Frozen Crown are:

Giada “Jade” Etro – vocals
Federico Mondelli – vocals, guitar
Fabiola Bellomo – guitar
Francesco Zof – bass
Niso Tomasini – drums
Alessia Lanzone – guitar

German techno-metallers, Electric Callboy, have shared a new vlog featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the band’s recent guest appearance on a special broadcast of the popular German talk show, TV Total.

Electric Callboy recently shared the following message with their fans:

“The wait is over – we‘re hitting the road with our new tour!

Every concert on this tour will be a massive celebration, and we’re so pumped to make each one unforgettable. We’ve been working hard on new music and some cool surprises, and we’re ready to make this our biggest, most electrifying tour yet.

Tickets are available now! Make sure to grab yours before they’re gone.”

The band has followed up with a tour trailer, which features a sneak peek of their new single. Check it out below.

Tour dates:

November 2025
1 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena
5 – Stockholm, Sweden – Hovet
12 – Antwerp, Belgium – Lotto Arena
14 – Prague, Czech Republic – Forum Karlin
15 – Leipzig, Germany – QUARTERBACK ARENA
16 – Dusseldorf, Germany – PSD Bank Dome
17 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg – Rockhal
19 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
20 – Stuttgart, Germany – Schleyer-Halle
23 – Krakow, Poland – Tauron Arena
24 – Budapest, Hungary – MVM Dome
26 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle
27 – Frankfurt, Germany – Festhalle
28 – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena
29 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena

January 2026
17 – Rotterdam, Netherlands – Ahoy RTM
18 – Paris, France – Zénith Paris (La Villette)
20 – Lyon, France – Radiant
22 – Barcelona, Spain – Sant Jordi Club
23 – Madrid, Spain – WiZink Center
25 – Lisbon, Portugal – Sala Tejo/MEO Arena

There is a lot to celebrate for Electric Callboy these days. Two years after the release of TEKKNO (2022), their label Century Media Records, their agency CONTRA Promotion as well as their management Exact Management surprised the band in Cologne while being a part of one of the biggest TV shows in Germany.

After multiple awards for their singles “Hypa Hypa” and “We Got The Moves” in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, the TEKKNO album has reached Gold status in Finland. Furthermore, the album has surpassed half a billion streams worldwide and the music videos for their singles are close to a quarter billion views. With over 250,000 tickets sold for their TEKKNO World Tour alongside playing in front of millions of people headlining festivals all over the world, this has been the most successful tour in the band’s history. Their amazing live energy was also honored by Heavy Music Awards in the UK, winning an award for the third year in a row and the second time as “Best International Live Artist”.

After a busy year of successful shows and festivals around the world, the band is set to play at major festivals this winter, starting at Toyosu Pit in Tokyo, Japan, which sold out just four weeks after the announcement. Electric Callboy’s momentum continues with festival performances across the globe, reinforcing their lasting appeal and solidifying their status as a standout act in the music scene. Starting strong in 2025, they’ll perform at the third sold-out edition of their own Escalation Fest on February 1st, with much more to come.

February
1 – Germany – Escalation Fest (SOLD OUT)

May
24-25 – UK – Slam Dunk

June
12-14 – Austria – Nova Rock
20-22 – Germany – Hurricane
25-28 – Norway – Tons Of Rock
26-28 – Finland – Provinssi
27-29 – Finland – Tuska 

Additionally, building on the success of their recent collaboration with the Japanese band Babymetal with the track “RATATATA,” they’ve launched a game where fans can showcase their dance skills and compete for a spot on the global leaderboard. Ready to join the challenge? Find out more at ratatata.io.

There is array of influences that have been stirred up in the melting pot to create Jack White’s frenzied rock’n’roll-meets-garage-rock-meets-blues-meets-punk guitar sound. There’s a whole lotta Jimmy Page, some rattling riffs reminiscent of the Stooges, nods to Mississippi Delta Blues dons such as Son House and Howlin’ Wolf, a bit of George Harrison here and some Dick Dale there.

But none of those guitar visionaries are the one that White pinpointed as the six-string player that he has learned the most from when asked the question in a Q interview in 2019. Instead, the Seven Nation Army star bestowed that honour upon cult US rockabilly musician Dexter Romweber.

Indiana native Romweber, who died earlier this year, was most well-known for fronting the punk-blues pair the Flat Duo Jets, a huge influence on The White Stripes and their singer-guitarist to the point that White went on to reissue their 1991 album Go Go Harlem Baby on his Third Man imprint in 2011.

Explaining why Romweber was his top-choice guitarist, White said, “It wasn’t the notes he was playing, I’ve never copied that, it’s just the wild abandon of how he attacked his guitar. And it was a cheap Silvertone guitar that doesn’t stay in tune. The idea of attacking an instrument like that appealed to me a lot. More important than virtuosity and learning notes.”

White wrote a heartfelt eulogy when news was announced of Romweber’s death back in February:

“He wasn’t a Rock N’ Roll musician, he WAS Rock N’ Roll inside and out, without even having to try, he couldn’t help himself. People toss that around a lot, but in Dex’s case it was actually true. To call him Punk would be like calling the Great Pyramid a sand castle. He was the type that don’t get 3 course dinners, awards, gold records and statues made of them because they are too real, too much, too strange, too good. Dex was a true tortured romantic, unfairly treated and broken hearted at all times but still hopeful… They don’t make them like Dex anymore, not till we get our act together as humans. I know your pain is over now Dex and you are living in true romantic bliss. You deserve it more than any of us.”

British melodic rock band, Nitrate, have released the deluxe edition of their latest album, Feel The Heat, available digitally on all platforms via Frontiers Music Srl. The focus track and accompanying lyric video “Live Fast, Die Young” (Radio Edit) are also out now. Watch the clip below.

Vocalist Alexander Strandell comments on the deluxe edition release, by saying: “It feels great to give the fans something more from this amazing album. It’s an honour to be involved with the Nitrate guys.”

Nitrate’s fourth studio album, Feel The Heat, was released on October 13, 2023. Produced and mixed by Martin Bros Productions (Vega), it features a duet and backing vocals by female rock artist Issa, backing vocals by rock legend Paul Laine (Danger Danger/The Defiants), along with a song co/written by legendary song writer Bob Mitchell (co-writer of the Billboard #1 song Cheap Trick’s “The Flame”).

There are also backing vocals by Leon Robert Winteringham (LRW Project), Alan Clark (Change of Heart), and a couple of co-writes by Rob Wylde (Midnite City/Tigertailz). With Richard Jacques and Alex Cooper (Devilfire, Corvus) coming on board, Nitrate delivered a record full of anthemic hook filled tracks and a more intense AOR style.

Formed in 2015 in Nottingham, England by bass player Nick Hogg, Nitrate is a Melodic/AOR rock band heavily inspired by the late ‘80s rock scene. Influenced by the likes of Def Leppard, Europe, Journey, and Bon Jovi, they have previously released three critically acclaimed albums: Real World in 2018, Open Wide in 2019, and Renegade, in 2021.

For Real World in 2018, Nick brought in Rob Wylde (Tigertailz, Midnite City) to get the project started and help with the song writing/recording process; Joss Mennen (Zinatra, Mennen) on vocals gave an authentic 80’s sound, Pete Newdeck (Eden’s Curse, Vega, Grim Reaper) mixed the album and played drums with the whole thing being mastered by Harry Hess of Harem Scarem fame.

The second album, Open Wide, in 2019, saw a couple of changes in personnel including a new singer in Philip Lindstrand (Find Me, East Temple Avenue), and Marcus Thurston (Vega) on guitars alongside Nick and Rob with Pete and Harry Hess again Mastering. The names may have changed but the same concept of classic melodic rock still applied with the album getting rave reviews and featuring on several “Best of the Year” accolades.

This was again the case for the third album which featured a more AOR style, with more changes in personnel. The new lineup for Renegade was Nick Hogg on bass, Alexander Strandell on vocals, Tom Martin on rhythm guitars, James Martin on keyboards, Dario Nikzad on lead guitar, Mikey Wilson on drums plus Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge of Forever, Revolution Saints, Giant) on backing vocals and mastering. The album sold out of print and again was featured in 2021’s “Best of the Year” reviews.

Tracklisting:

“Feel The Heat”
“All The Right Moves”
“Wild In The City”
“Needs A Little Love”
“One Kiss (To Save My Heart)” (featuring Issa)
“Live Fast, Die Young”
“Haven’t Got Time For Heartache”
“Satellite”
“Strike Like A Hurricane”
“Big Time”
“Stay”
“One Kiss (To Save My Heart)” (Acoustic Version)
“Tough Guys Don’t Cry”
“Live Fast, Die Young” (Radio Edit)
“One Kiss (To Save My Heart)” (Alternative Version)

“Live Fast, Die Young” (Radio Edit) lyric video:

“Tough Guys Don’t Cry” lyric video:

Lineup:

Nick Hogg – Bass Guitar
Alexander Strandell – Lead Vocals
Tom Martin – Guitars
James Martin – Keyboards
Alex Cooper – Drums
Richard Jacques – Guitars

December 20, 2024, an hour ago

news heavy metal powerrage exciter high roller records

John Ricci, the former guitarist, founding member, and main songwriter for Exciter, recently announced the formation of a powerful new band, Powerrage. The band have announced their signing to High Roller Records.

The debut album is due out sometime in 2025. Watch out for a massive dose of Canadian speed metal.

Powerrage includes Ricci alongside bassist Todd Pilon (ex-Witchkiller), vocalist Jacques Belanger, who appeared on the Exciter albums The Dark Command, Blood Of Tyrants and New Testament, and dynamic new drummer Lucas Dery, who emerged from the Canadian metal scene.

Guitar sensation, Sophie Lloyd, has shared the video below, performing a shred version of “Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End)” by The Darkness.

Says Sophie: “Merry Christmas everyone! I hope this festive period brings you cosy times with your family and loved ones! I wish you an amazing new year! Thanks again for a wonderful year supporting me!”

Get tickets for Sophie Lloyd’s January 16 show at Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles, California, here.

Sophie’s debut album, Imposter Syndrome, is available via her own Autumn Records. The album is available as a digipack CD, Black Gatefold Vinyl and Limited Edition Gatefold Purple Splatter Vinyl. Orders can be placed here.

Tracklisting:

“Do Or Die” (feat. Nathan James)
“Pressure” (feat. Brandon Saller)
“Imposter Syndrome” (feat. Lzzy Hale)
“Let It Hurt” (feat. Chris Robertson)
“Runaway” (feat. Michael Starr)
“Fall Of Man” (feat. Matthew K. Heafy)
“Lost” (feat. Cole Rolland)
“Hanging On” (feat. Lauren Babic)
“Avalanche” (feat. Trevor McNevan)
“Won’t You Come” (feat. Marisa Rodriguez)
“Judge And Jury” (feat. Tyler Connolly)

“Won’t You Come” video:

“Judge And Jury” video:

“Runaway” featuring Michael Starr of Steel Panther:

“Lost” featuring Cole Rolland:

“Hanging On” featuring Lauren Babic:

“Fall Of Man” featuring Matthew K. Heafy of Trivium:

As a heartfelt “Thank you!” for everyone’s love and support, Cemetery Skyline are releasing “The Coldest Heart” (Live Semi Acoustic 2024), which was captured in an intimate setting shortly before the release of their debut album, Nordic Gothic, in October. Watch a video from the session below.

Markus Vanhala (guitar) looks back: “We went all the way to New York City to celebrate the release of our album, Nordic Gothic, and besides all the partying at Duff’s we played a special secret show and did it the old school 90’s MTV Unplugged trio way. So here’s one result of that night, ‘The Coldest Heart’, in its most gentle and stripped down acoustic way. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed this special moment.”

The release comes shortly after Cemetery Skyline were excited to learn that they were nominated for the Finnish Emma 2025 in the categories “Best Rock” and “Best Artist” (public vote).

Cemetery Skyline recently announced four shows in their native Finland as well as several European festivals and Prog Power USA. See below for all dates.

Cemetery Skyline tour dates:

March
19 – Helsinki, Finland – Tavastia
20 – Tampere, Finland – Olympia
21 – Jyväskylä, Finland – Lutakko
22 – Lahti, Finland – Möysä

Cemetery Skyline festival dates:

June
12-14 – Finland – Rock Fest
27-29 – Finland – Tuska Festival
18-21 – Finland – Nummirock

July
17-19 – Finland – John Smith Festival
24-26 – Finland – Kuopiorock
25-26 – Finland – Qstock Festival

August
6-9 – Spain – Leyendas Del Rock

September
3-6 – US – ProgPower USA

Cemetery Skyline lineup:

Vocals: Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity, The Halo Effect, Grand Cadaver)
Guitars: Markus Vanhala (Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum, I Am The Night)
Keyboards: Santeri Kallio (Amorphis)
Bass: Victor Brandt (Dimmu Borgir, Witchery, ex-Entombed/Entombed A.D., ex-Firespawn and many more)
Drums: Vesa Ranta (Sentenced, The Abbey)

Nightwish have released a 45-minute documentary on the making of their latest album Yesterwynde.

The Finnish symphonic metal outfit’s 10th album was released in September of this year via Nuclear Blast, and was described by Metal Hammer as “a showcase of Nightwish’s incredible ambition.”

The documentary, which can be viewed below, includes interviews with the band as the album was coming together in the studio.

Explaining what the album means to her, vocalist Floor Jansen previously told Metal Hammer: “To me, it’s a continuous awareness about the beauty of the planet we’re on and the positivity of us as a species.

“We get all this negative feedback about killing the planet and hurting each other, and all of that is unfortunately true. But there’s also a lot of beauty to it – humanity has achieved amazing things throughout history, and we should remind ourselves of that. That is sometimes forgotten in the speed of the life we live today.”

In the same interview, Nightwish mainman Tuomas Holopainen said: “Yesterwynde has a very optimistic vibe to it. It celebrates life and humanity and mortality. The important things.

“The major theme of the album is time – going back in time, recognising your own mortality. Connecting to the past.”

Admitting that looking to the past was appealing, considering the state of the world today, Holopainen added that there was much to be grateful for about the present.

He added: “But it’s also incredibly good in many ways. And in many ways it’s better – the innovations of science and medicine, the child death rate.

“A small example: would you rather go to the dentist today or a hundred years ago? I want to emphasise that I’m not immune to the bad stuff that’s going on in the world. I’m aware of it and I do everything I can to help.

“But I think it’s good for our mental state to recognise the good stuff. And I think that we have the chance as a species to survive and get together. That’s the core message, the essence, of Yesterwynde.”