Disarmonia Mundi, a name synonymous with melodic death metal, has been captivating audiences worldwide since its inception in 2000. Known for their intricate compositions, powerful vocals, and dynamic performances, the band has built a dedicated following. After almost a decade of silence since their last release, during which they pursued various musical projects, Disarmonia Mundi recently returned with the intense new single, “Oathbreaker”. They have now released an official lyric video for the track, which can be viewed below.
“Oathbreaker” is the first single taken from the band’s sixth forthcoming full-length album and is coming exactly nine years after the band’s previously critically acclaimed Cold Inferno (2015). The new track is a relentless and powerful melodeath assault showcasing the band’s trademark sound filled with crushing riffs, classic metal melodies, ruthless growling vocals by longtime screamer, Claudio Ravinale, opposed to the epic and melancholic vocal harmonies done by mastermind and producer Ettore Rigotti, and an overall gigantic wall of sound which returns the band to top form after all these years of silence.
The theme covered in the lyrics revolves around the figure of the antihero who abandons what is commonly accepted even at the cost of becoming the antagonist. The song has been recorded and produced once again in Ettore Rigotti’s own recording studio The Metal House and is once again released by the band’s long time label Coroner Records.
Professor Of Rock has shared the new video below, along with the following message:
“Today’s classic band, Kansas, was coming off a massive rock hit ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ and album Leftoveture and needed to keep the momentum going. And the answer came in one of the most unlikely hits of the 70s, ‘Dust In The Wind’. First of all, the song was a simple fingerpicking exercise that the guitarist Kerry Livgren was working on to get more limber. As he was playing it, his wife commented on how great the song was and that’s when Kerry laughed and explained it was just a simple exercise. But his wife told him he should put lyrics to it. Kerry was worried about showing the band this crazy idea, it didn’t fit their sound at all and it wasn’t even really a song! But against his better judgment, he listened to his wife and put some lyrics to it. But not just any lyrics, words from a 6000-year-old book. So he played it for the band and they all knew it had to be their next single. It was not an easy song to record though, it made Kerry’s fingers bleed and lead singer Steve Walsh had to pull the emotional vocal from deep in his soul… it was a revelation. It became Kansas’s only Top 10 hit and is one of the most famous songs of all time. Up next, an interview with the band on the unbelievable story.”
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Paul McCartney wrapped up his Got Back tour last night at The O2 Arena in London, England. During the encore, McCartney was joined by his Beatles bandmate, Ringo Starr.
Paul addressed his audience, saying, “We’ve got another surprise for you. Bring to the stage the mighty, the one and only Mr. Ringo Starr.”
Paul, Ringo, and band performed The Beatles’ classics, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Helter Skelter”.
During the concert, McCartney also brought out The Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood for a performance of another Beatles hit, “Get Back”. Video of the above mentioned performances can be viewed below:
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HEAVY BIRTHDAYS
Happy 79th Peter Criss (KISS) – December 20th, 1945
Happy 76th Alan Parsons (ALAN PARSONS PROJECT, PINK FLOYD, THE BEATLES) – December 20th, 1948 After working on albums like Abbey Road and Dark Side Of The Moon, this legendary producer/musician launched The Alan Parsons Project in 1975.
Happy 58th Chris Robinson (THE BLACK CROWES) – December 20th, 1966
HEAVY RELEASES
Happy 53rd THE ROLLING STONES’ Hot Rocks 1964-1971 – December 20th, 1971 GEORGE HARRISON & FRIENDS’ The Concert for Bangladesh – December 20th, 1971
Happy 16th BLINDED COLONY’s Bedtime Prayers – December 20th, 2006
In 1994, BraveWords & Bloody Knuckles magazine was born and here we stand 30 years later celebrating the past 12 months of music on our anniversary! What an incredible ride it has been and it’s far from over! And during the past three decades, we’ve literally seen/heard thousands of releases and this is the time of the season when we crown the finest! The BraveWords scribes have spoken, so join us each day this month as we count down to the BravePick of 2024!
Remember, everybody has an opinion and it’s time for ours! Stay tuned at the end of December for BraveWords’ writers’ individual Top 20s (new studio albums ONLY), Top 5 Brave Embarrassments (a fan favorite!), What/Who Needs To Stop In 2024? and Metal Predictions For 2025.
BravePicks 2024
11) EVERGREY – Theories Of Emptiness (Napalm)
Anything but empty. Progressive mainstays Evergrey proved once again why they are the masters of their genre with Theories Of Emptiness. The album shows a refreshed band with dynamic songwriting, exhilarating songs, and thoughtful lyrics while exploring moods from up-beat to their notorious downtrodden wonderment.
Theories Of Emptiness is a fantastic record that captures the imagination and the musical diversity results to their one of their stronger releases. Evergrey clouds the skies at #11.
“For us, progression is paramount”, states Tom S. Englund when discussing the eleven track opus, Theories Of Emptiness. “We’re dedicated to ensuring that our music remains innovative and avoids stagnation. With each album, we strive to introduce something new — a unique flavor, a different key or chord, fresh voices in our writing, or innovative production techniques.”
Tom Englund continues: “Our new album is soon to be yours! We can’t wait for that to happen, there are so many new and refreshing elements on it as well as respect paid to every part of our past. We have just refined what we always have done and tried to make it as contemporary as we possibly could to please ourselves and our sonic expectations. With the presence of Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood, we felt fired up, hungry and eager to do our utmost to ensure that we would write the best songs we possibly could – I really feel we have achieved that. Sound quality wise we feel that it is on par with the best the world has to offer today. It is a brave statement that I will stand behind for the rest of my life. Taking Evergrey into a new cycle feels just as when I did it the first time. We are more motivated than ever, and with a lot of touring to be announced very soon, we cannot wait to come and play this new music for you.
BravePicks 2024Top 30
11)EVERGREY – Theories Of Emptiness (Napalm) 12)THE CROWN – Crown Of Thorns (Metal Blade) 13)NECROPHOBIC – In The Twilight Grey (Century Media) 14)DJEVEL – Natt Til Ende (Aftermath) 15)INTRANCED – Muerte y Metal (High Roller) 16)KITTIE – Fire (Sumerian) 17)BLACKTOP MOJO – Pollen (Cuhmon Music Group)
18)BLOOD RED THRONE – Nonagon (Soulseller) 19)RIOT V – Mean Streets 20)PORTRAIT – The Host 21)ROTTING CHRIST – Pro Xristou (Season Of Mist) 22)SAXON – Hell, Fire And Damnation (Silver Lining) 23)ULCERATE – Cutting The Throat Of God (Debemur Morti Productions) 24)POWERWOLF – Wake Up The Wicked (Napalm) 25)ENSIFERUM – Winter Storm (Metal Blade) 26)OPETH – The Last Will And Testament (Reigning Phoenix Music) 27)DARK TRANQUILLITY – Endtime Signals (Century Media) 28)MORGUL BLADE – Heavy Metal Wraiths (No Remorse) 29)THE DEAD DAISIES – Light ‘Em Up (Independent) 30)MÖRK GRYNING – Fasornas Tid (Season Of Mist)
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
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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.
Repentless was BraveWords #1 album of 2015. The album peaked at #4 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and acheived Gold certification in Poland (10,000 units sold).
Repentless lineup:
Kerry King – guitars Tom Araya – bass, vocals Paul Bostaph – drums Gary Holt – guitars
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)
