Photo Credit: Ville Juurikkala

Finland’s celebrated Von Hertzen Brothers have unveiled 'Starlings', the first single from their highly anticipated ninth studio album, In Murmuration, due for release on 25th October. 

Watch the visualiser for 'Starlings' here: https://youtu.be/e5_IlXYTLVg

Stream 'Starlings' here: https://symphony.to/von-hertzen-brothers/starlings

Pre-order In Murmuration here: https://linktr.ee/VonHertzenBrothers

Vocalist / gutiarist Mikko von Hertzen comments on 'Starlings': We had the song title ‘Starlings’ in our heads since, as ardent bird enthusiasts, we just love those birds and their murmuration in the sky. I actually had a simple note on my phone from way back that said: “Song title: Starlings - their movement and intuitive flow."

"The murmuration of those beautiful little birds is a very poetic and metaphoric phenomenon. At least we think so. The science behind it is absolutely fascinating: How the birds read each other while manoeuvring at great speed, creating these absolutely amazing formations and shapes that continuously change. And they do it not for the beauty of it but for protection from predators. Anyway, to our eyes it looks much like the dance of the northern lights made by birds. So, we decided to write a song about it… In the end, the song turned out to talk more about that natural and beautiful flow versus how clumsy we humans are. Essentially, it’s a song about how there is power and beauty in teamwork and how the individual elbowing and struggle to succeed is unappealing, ugly and tiring. Of course, we tried to write it in a funny, relatable way."

The band chose to release the single on the 19th of August, which in Finland is Magnusdagen (Magnus’ Name Day).

Mikko continues: "For those who don’t know it yet, all of us brothers were named ‘Magnus’ after our forefathers. There’s no better day than today to release a new VHB tune!"

New album In Murmuration follows the profound and epic journey of their acclaimed, pandemic-era masterpiece Red Alert in the Blue Forest (2022).

In Murmuration will be released on Von Hertzen Brothers’ own label, DoingBeingMusic, on limited-edition crystal-clear vinyl gatefold LP, CD and digital. Merch bundles will be available from the band’s website. Pre-orders are available now.

Von Hertzen Brothers will play album launch shows in Finland and the UK at the end of 2024 before returning to the UK, Europe and the US, including Cruise to the Edge in spring 2025.  

UK dates are as follows:

Nov 28: Troon Winter Storm Festival 
Nov 29: Buckley The Tivoli 
Nov 30: Trecco Bay Planet Rockstock 
Dec 02: London The Garage 

In true Von Hertzen Brothers style, In Murmuration creatively juxtaposes the band’s previous release. Whilst their imaginative, multi-genre hard rock and harmonies remain, the band’s artistic pendulum has swung more towards an air of optimism and renewal. The result is a work filled with big choruses, stadium rock anthems, art-rock with 90s vibes and catchy power-pop.

Whilst the themes within the album may not be as deliberately opinionated as on previous releases Red Alert in the Blue Forest and War is Over, there is a naturally occurring sense of constant change throughout. Precise and intriguing observations on the global political landscape, the tricky human relationships of this age, resilience and personal growth all provide lyrical subject matter. The first half of the album embodies a transformation of mood, bringing forth some positivity and love, and the second half journeys through challenging relationships, a literal call for change, separation, loss, longing and a final resolution.

Vocalist/guitarist Mikko von Hertzen says: “The shapes and the overall tone of the musical content on this album could be a bit surprising to some of our newer followers, but not to those who have been listening to us from the beginning. Musically speaking, we have proudly carried the cloaks of ‘prog-wizards’ for the last two albums, but what has not been so widely discussed lately is our ability to write good pop choruses and great catchy rock anthems with good vibes. We felt like it was now time to bring forth that side of us once again. The lyrical themes still deal with the everyday struggles of being humans in this f*cked up world, it’s a source that keeps on giving, but we wanted to step out of the forest and into the sunlight to mingle, discuss and celebrate. We live in an age of constant change where everyone is trying to find a secure footing in life, sometimes full of joy and sometimes filled with utter disappointment. Amid all that, the trick is to stay alert and lean to one another. Like starlings in murmuration. After the pandemic, and now as the world has once again opened, we have somehow felt lighter in our everyday lives. We acknowledge the contradiction of course, since the world with its horrors hasn’t changed much… It would have been easy to drown in those doomsday moods, but writing these songs we felt the need to tackle these problems from a more forgiving and positive standpoint.” 

From the anthemic opener to the reflective closer, In Murmuration ebbs and flows much like the starlings after which it is named.

The instrumentation on this album has also evolved. The three brothers Mikko, Kie and Jonne, with drummer Sami Kuoppamäki, are joined by multi-instrumentalist Markus Pajakkala, who performed with the brothers on their acoustic tour in 2023. Notable for his saxophone solo on 2022's 'Peace Patrol', Markus brings a new dynamic to the album. Guests on the album include a gospel ensemble and the Budapest Art Orchestra.

Now in their 23rd year, Von Hertzen Brothers have consistently delivered music on their own terms and In Murmuration is no exception. This is their third self-produced album, the others being the award-winning Approach (2006) and War is Over (2017).

Von Hertzen Brothers are:
Mikko von Hertzen - vocals, guitars
Kie von Hertzen -  guitars, vocals
Jonne von Hertzen - bass, keyboards, vocals
Sami Kuoppamäki - drums
Markus Pajakkala - keyboards, woodwind

Von Hertzen Brothers online:  
http://www.vonhertzenbrothers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/vonhertzenbrothersofficial
https://www.instagram.com/vonhertzenbrothers/
https://www.youtube.com/@VonHertzenBrothers
https://twitter.com/vonhertzenbros
https://www.tiktok.com/@vonhertzenbrothers

Tracklist:

1. The Relapse
2. A Good Life  
3. Starlings       
4. Ascension Day          
5. Beneath the Silver Stars
6. Tightrope Walker
7. The Change
8. Separation
9. Snowstorm
10. Wait for Me

Photo Credit: Gonçalo Carvalho

Instrumental heavy psych trio Kanaan have joined forces with neo-folk trio Ævestaden, in a heady collaboration combining two of Norway's most lauded young groups.

This week Kanaan & Ævestaden have announced their beautiful album project Langt, Langt Vekk, due 11th October via Jansen Records.

In celebration, the new group have also released their new single 'Fiskaren'.

Stream 'Fiskaren' here and pre-order the album: https://orcd.co/fiskaren

Courageous, meditative, and progressive, the album is an exciting new jewel in the crowns of these two award-winning bands.

With Langt, Langt Vekk (translated as far, far away) the two bands have created a singular album. Traditional Norwegian folk music and rock has been combined several times before, but nothing sounds like this. Kanaan contributes its members’ jazz/psych background, rooted in improvisation and jamming. Ævestaden’s modern folktronica utilizes several ancient traditional instruments, in addition to the incorporation of traditional Swedish folk music. The result is something truly groundbreaking, in where both bands’ identities shines through.

Langt, Langt Vekk serves up reworked old traditionals and psalms along with grand new compositions. The album is impressively coherent, given the two band’s wildly different musical backgrounds. Fiddles, cow’s horn, kravik lyre, mouth harp, synths, harmonies, heavy guitars and a thundering rhythm section: Musically, it is impressively versatile, as well as consistently tasteful. 

It's the first new material from Kanaan since their 2023 record Diversions Vol. 2: Enter the Astral Plane (Jansen Records) - their eighth studio album since forming in 2018.

The trio came to prominence with psychedelic, jazz-inspired rock, but have gradually moved in a heavier direction, where their latest studio efforts have been labelled stoner rock. The band, consisting of Eskild Myrvoll (bass, synths), Ask Vatn Strøm (guitars) and Ingvald André Vassbø (drums, speed Farfisa), won the Spellemann award (Norwegian Grammy) in the rock category in 2021.

Ævestaden are a neo-traditional folk trio, who combine ancient instruments and folk songs with electronic music in a cutting-edge and idiosyncratic sound. The band consists of Norwegian Eir Vatn Strøm (the sister of Kanaan's Ask Vatn Strøm) and Kenneth Lien, along with the Swedish Levina Storåkern. They have received several awards for the albums Jag är sen igjen (a collaboration with Benedikt) and Solen var bättre där.

More information (Kanaan):
Facebook || Instagram || Bandcamp

More information (Ævestaden):
Facebook || Instagram || Bandcamp

Tracklisting:

1. Ganglåt bortåt
2. Habbor og Signe
3. Fiskaren
4. Langt, langt vekk
5. Farvel
6. Vallåt efter C.G. Färje
7. Hva har min Jesus gjort for meg
8. Dalebu Jonsson
9. Vardtjenn

Germany’s Burn Down Eden are quickly moving up the ranks in the thrash metal hierarchy upon the release of their much-anticipated, new EP, Epiphany, which is set for a 6th December release via Seek & Strike. This is the successor to their Dismal EP, which was released earlier this year.

It’s dynamic first single, 'Epistrophy,' highlights a more diverse side of the band and takes you on a different path completing the story started with the previous EP. It’s overall an epic journey of extreme metal bliss that covers a wide array of melodic and technical prowess.

Check out the 'Epistrophy' video here: https://youtu.be/HKZ7nBXTO80

Burn Down Eden state: “The first single, ‘Epistrophy,' is about a side quest in the game Cyberpunk, where you have to re-establish the protagonist’s connection with seven different rogue vehicles. Nerd shit, haha. You can quickly tell that this EP starts a little bit brighter. Can’t be death and slaughter all the time! Its video to the song supplements the whole theme of just having fun and leaning into the good times.

"With the Epiphany EP, we pick up right where we left off with the Dismal EP released earlier this year. The technical and musical level is higher than ever. Epiphany has the same overall dark vibe as Dismal, but with a slightly brighter touch to it, which is why these specific five songs were chosen to be on this second EP. Together, the two EPs result in the desired full-length album.

“Once Epiphany drops in full on Dec 6th, you’ll finally be able to listen to it as a full-length album, which was the way we originally envisioned. It feels like one thrilling flow from start to finish or you can listen to both EPs back to back. It doesn’t matter! In the end, what you’re having is a cauldron full of technical Death Metal riffs, neoclassical shredding, exotic scales, clever harmonies, groovy headbangers, lethal high-speed blasts and atmospheric counterpoint Black Metal layers garnished with lyrics that show the ugly face of humanity. That’s what BURN DOWN EDEN is all about!"

Burn Down Eden online:
https://burndowneden.de
https://www.facebook.com/burndowneden
https://www.instagram.com/burndowneden_official

Epiphany tracklist:

1. Epistrophy
2. Fake News For Breakfast
3. Tears Of Persephone
4. Burn Down Eden
5. Suckbox

Dead Icarus, the new project of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, as well as Gabe Mangold of Enterprise Earth and Brandon Zackey, are back with a new single 'The Unconquerable'.

Watch the visualiser here: https://youtu.be/LYJcdZaYWsM

Stream here: https://deadicarus.ffm.to/theunconquerable

Stay tuned for more information about the band's forthcoming debut album for MNRK HEAVY, the details of which will be announced soon.

"It's been over a year since we released our debut single 'Sellout,'" says Varkatzas. "As we prepare for our upcoming tour with Nekrogoblikon, we wanted to celebrate by dropping a brand new banger 'The Unconquerable.' This song showcases our affection for Cradle of Filth-style, atmospheric black metal merged with the elements of metalcore and hardcore that we love. Lyrically, the song is about a feeling that is un-nameable and stronger than all else, something that propels you forward almost unconsciously with unrelenting drive and purpose. We hope you enjoy the track and ominous visualizer crafted by Riivata Visuals."

Dead Icarus lean on the uncanny creative union between vocalist Varkatzas, guitarist and producer Gabe Mangold, and drummer Brandon Zackey. The band truly gets their wings from the undying commitment made by their members. The musicians pursue their artistry with a resolute sense of focus, manifesting in the precise execution of airtight technical riffs, virtuosic solos, blast beat assault and battery, and hard-hitting vocals. 
   
Countless fans worldwide initially got to know Varkatzas as co-founder and original frontman for influential Southern California metalcore stalwarts Atreyu. After two decades earmarked by chart-shaking success, a pair of Gold albums and Gold singles, sold-out shows around the globe, and critical renown, he embarked on his next chapter in 2020. Enter Mangold. Celebrated as guitarist for Enterprise Earth, he and Alex instantly clicked and forged a musical partnership, yielding their 2024-released Ad infernum EP. inciting critical applause, Revolver promised, "Fans of old-school Atreyu will definitely enjoy."

Dead Icarus online:
https://www.instagram.com/deadicarusmusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@deadicarusmusic
https://www.youtube.com/@deadicarusmusic

Photo Credit: Fordtography

Future alternative metal greats Defences have released their new single, 'Silence & The Sound', the fifth single taken from their new album, Shadowlight, out 8th November via Long Branch Records

Watch the visualiser for 'Silence & The Sound' here: https://youtu.be/Rz4k6LVBjVE

Stream the single and pre-orderShadowlighthere: https://defences.lnk.to/shadowlight
.
Following strong support in the form of millions of streams across their catalogue of releases, many U.K. tours with multiple sell-out headline shows, not to mention numerous festival appearances including Download, Takedown, Turbulence and Burn It Down- the band from Hertfordshire, U.K., now present their label debut for Long Branch Records.

"With this song sonically, we wanted to create a somewhat eerie soundscape, but with a juxtaposition feel-good Paramore-esque chorus," comment the band. "Ultimately the music itself ties in with the song’s theme of Cherry alone with her thoughts walking in nature, whilst going through a myriad of different emotions in the process. We also decided to feature the original voice notes of Cherry documenting her thoughts, which can be heard subtly in the final mix."

Defences comment about the album: “'Shadowlight' stems from a period of solitude and deep reflection, as we explore what it means to accept your inner darkness. Acknowledging, understanding and ultimately accepting it for what it is, learning how to sit with it or use it to change your outlook. The album sees all sides of this, tying in the parallel of the artistic process itself and what it is to create. To open yourself up to the possibility that you may not achieve what you believe in your core to be something you deserve, that you may not reach your potential. This cycle of disappointment and self sabotage is commonplace, with nothing left but to chase a sense of absolution and validation forever out of reach."

Defences will return to British stages with Swarm6ix joining them as special guests.
 
Upcoming dates:

Sep 05: Birmingham, Subside /w Swarm6ix
Sep 06: Nottingham, The Old Salutation Inn /w Swarm6ix
Sep 07: Tunbridge Wells, Sussex Arms /w Swarm6ix
Sep 08: Bridgewater, Cobblestones /w Swarm6ix
Dec 07: Brighton, Hammerdown Winter Militia 

Defenses are:

Cherry Duesbury - Vocals
William Young - Keys, Vocals
Calum Wilmot - Guitar
Owen Hughes-Holland - Bass
Kyle Parke - Drums

Defences online:
FACEBOOK
YOUTUBE
INSTAGRAM
HOMEPAGE
TIKTOK

Track list:

1 The Curse
2 Gold In The Dark
3 Perish
4 Ego(Maniac)
5 Silence & The Sound
6 Breathe It In
7 Inspirit
8 The Almost
9 Greatness
10 Shadowlight

Following the introduction of new singer Fabian Getto with 2023’s ‘Shelter’ and ‘Cerulean Skies’, German folk metal quintet EQUILIBRIUM return with their first new material of 2024. ‘Gnosis’, building on the bands unique blend of modern and folk metal, is released in time for a slew of EU festival appearances over the summer. In addition, the band will be supporting SEPTICFLESH on their October-November EU run. All dates are listed below.

Stream 'Gnosis' here: https://equilibrium.bfan.link/gnosis
Watch the video for 'Gnosis' here: https://youtu.be/r7fIMdM51GY

Founding member René Berthiaume states:
"We have worked the whole last year on new songs for EQUILIBRIUM and 'Gnosis' will be the first one that we gonna share with the world. This year was a challenging but also very satisfying process since we had to go deep to find the ingredients that we truly want to use for our next chapter. I think the new songs are the most organic, earth-connected, emotional and epic tracks we have ever written. 'Gnosis' delves into themes of ignorance, suffering, and transformation. The song speaks to the chaos that often accompany profound change, while also offering a glimmer of hope for new beginnings and enlightenment. The perfect song to initiate our new chapter!"

By blending a furious modern metal sound with elements of traditional folk, Germany’s EQUILIBRIUM has created a distinctive sound that is enthralling and spiritually uplifting.
 
Their longevity can be largely attributed to their willingness to grow and evolve, consistently exploring new sonic territories and revealing different sides of their artistry with each release. But the core of their appeal has remained consistent: harsh metal presented with vast cinematic soundscapes that speak to the entire human experience.
 
Despite its often-dark tonality, EQUILIBRIUM’s music is meant to evoke feelings of hope and confidence. They incorporate aspects of many different musical cultures, focusing on the things that unite us as people, rather than the things that define us.    

EQUILIBRIUM are:
René | Guitar
Fabian | Vocals
Dom Crey | Guitar
Hati | Drums

More info:
https://equilibrium-metal.net/band
www.nuclearblast.de/equilibrium
https://www.instagram.com/equilibrium_official
https://de-de.facebook.com/equilibrium

Modern Primitive European Tour 2024:
03.10. DE Hamburg - Gruenspan 
04.10. BE Kortrijk - DVG Club 
05.10. NL Drachten - Iduna 
06.10. NL Hengelo - Metropool 
08.10. FR Nilvange - Le Guelard Plus 
09.10. DE Bochum - Matrix 
10.10. FR Paris - Le Trabendo 
11.10. FR La Roche-sur-Yon - Quai Metal 
12.10. FR Vannes - L'Echonova 
13.10. FR Toulouse - Le Metronum 
15.10. PT Porto - Hard Club 
16.10. PT Lisbon - Lisboa ao Vivo 
17.10. ES Madrid - Nazca 
18.10. ES Barcelona - Salamandra 
19.10. FR Lyon - La Rayonne 
20.10. CH Aarau - Kiff 
22.10. IT Milano - Legend Club 
23.10. HR Zagreb - Boogaloo 
24.10. HU Budapest - Analog Music Hall 
25.10. AT Vienna - Simm City 
26.10. PL Wroclaw - Transformator 
27.10. DE Nuremberg - Hirsch 
28.10. DE Hanover - MusikZentrum 
29.10. DE Heidelberg - Halle02 
30.10. DE Munich - Backstage 
31.10. CZ Zlin - Masters Of Rock Café 
01.11. DE Leipzig - Hellraiser 
02.11. DE Berlin - Orwo Haus 

Photo Credit: Harry Steel

The UK's most exciting new heavy band, HERIOT, have today unveiled their new single 'At the Fortress Gate', their second glimpse of their long-awaited debut album. Devoured by the Mouth of Hell will be released 27th September via Century Media. 

Recorded with Josh Middleton (Sylosis, Architects) and GRAMMY Award-winning Will Putney (END, Fit For An Autopsy, Better Lovers), you can stream 'At the Fortress Gate' here: https://heriot.lnk.to/DevouredByTheMouthOfHell

The video for 'At the Fortress Gate' is directed by the band's long-time collaborator Harry Steel and filmed at HERIOT's performances this summer at Hellfest, Jera on Air, Download Festival, Resurrection, Rock Am Ring and Rock im Park. Watch the video from this link, from 6pm BST today 14th August: https://youtu.be/Oa6SICQj_Mo

Devoured by the Mouth of Hell is available for pre-order from the following link: https://heriot.lnk.to/DevouredByTheMouthOfHell

The band comment: "'At the Fortress Gate' blends elements from both our early and newer influences. It's been one of our favourite unreleased tracks to perform live over this festival season, and we can't wait to add it in the set for the Fit For An Autopsy tour later this year!"

HERIOT's only headline show of 2024, their intimate album release at Bristol's Exchange on 27th September, sold out in a matter of days.

HERIOT's debut album will continue their ascendancy as the pre-eminent new force in the UK heavy scene. The new singles 'At the Fortress Gate' and 'Foul Void' follow 'Siege Lord' and late 2023's 'Soul Chasm', the first two glimpses of new material following their signing with Century Media and support shows with Architects in summer of 2023.  

HERIOT's debut EP Profound Morality (2022, Church Road Records) catapulted the quartet into the global spotlight, with praise worldwide and a debut, sold-out, headline tour across the UK. The band have since supported Lamb Of God, Thy Art Is Murder, Rolo Tomassi, and performed to packed tents at Download Festival, 2000trees, Wacken Open Air, Bloodstock, Mystic Festival and many more, gathering a legion of fans in the process. They since followed Profound Morality with the ferocious standalone single 'Demure' (February 2023, Church Road Records).

Fully-focused and with a razor-sharp edge, the awe-inspiring double-vocal attack of Jake Packer and Debbie Gough is all-conquering; the titanic support of Erhan Alman (guitar) and Julian Gage (drums) rock-solid. 

HERIOT have deservedly been grabbing attention with all four pairs of hands, weaponising metallic sludge and hardcore, unholy levels of distortion, speed and gut-punching talent. Elements of Nails, Knocked Loose, Code Orange, and Vein.fm combine and collide to exhilarating effect, creating a sound that is truly groundbreaking, fully worthy of the notice the band are achieving.

In their short recent history HERIOT have caught the attention of Pitchfork, The Guardian, Metal Hammer UK, Rock Sound, Brooklyn Vegan, Kerrang!, Revolver, and Knotfest, among many others, heralding the quartet as "one of the most promising young bands in modern metalcore", and "probably the best new metal band in Britain".

HERIOT are:

Jake Packer - Vocals/Bass
Debbie Gough - Vocals/Guitar
Erhan Alman - Guitar
Julian Gage - Drums

For more information:
https://www.heriotmetal.com
https://www.facebook.com/heriotmetal
https://www.instagram.com/heriotmetal
https://twitter.com/heriotmetal

Full list of HERIOT live dates:

09/09/24 NO PLAY FESTIVAL, LIVERPOOL
27/09/24 EXCHANGE, BRISTOL [ALBUM RELEASE SHOW - SOLD OUT]

With Fit For An Autopsy, Sylosis, and Darkest Hour:
 
22/11/24 ELECTRIC BRIXTON, LONDON
23/11/24 STYLUS, LEEDS
24/11/24 QMU, GLASGOW
26/11/24 O2 RITZ, MANCHESTER
27/11/24 O2 INSTITUTE, BIRMINGHAM
28/11/24 SWX, BRISTOL
30/11/24 DOORNROOSJE, NIJMEGEN
01/12/24 KAVKA ZAPPA, ANTWERP, BELGIUM
02/12/24 GRUENSPAN, HAMBURG, GERMANY
03/12/24 PUSTTERVIK, GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN
04/12/24 JOHN DEE, OSLO, NORWAY
05/12/24 FRYSHUSET KLUBBEN, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
07/12/24 AANIWALLI, HELSINKI, FINLAND
09/12/24 AMAGER BIO, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
10/12/24 HOLE44, BERLIN, GERMANY
11/12/24 PROXIMIA, WARSAW, POLAND
12/12/24 MEET FACTORY, PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
13/12/24 REITHALLE, DRESDEN, GERMANY
14/12/24 BARBA NEGRA, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
15/12/24 SIMM CITY, VIENNA, AUSTRIA
17/12/24 LIVE CLUB, MILAN, ITALY
18/12/24 Z7, PRATTELN, SWITZERLAND
19/12/24 BACKSTAGE, MUNICH, GERMANY
20/12/24 SUBSTAGE, KARLSRUHE, GERMANY
21/12/24 ESSIGFABRIK, COLOGNE, GERMANY

Tracklisting:

1. Foul Void
2. Harm Sequence
3. Opaline
4. Siege Lord
5. Sentenced to the Blade
6. Solvent Gaze
7. Lashed
8. At the Fortress Gate
9. Visage
10. Mourn

Photo Credit: Andy Ford

“This is not a side project. It’s a new touring and recording band, and with Forever We Burn, our debut studio album, we’re showing our love for all things gothic and grand, along with a collective belief that dark music doesn’t have to be confined to the shadows.” – Aaron Stainthorpe

High Parasite, the new UK outfit led by Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride, have released their bewitching third single, 'Wasn't Human', paving the way for their debut album, Forever We Burn, on 27th September via Candlelight / Spinefarm. 

In addition to the single, the band have unveiled a stunning gothic performance video, directed by Shaun Hodson of Loki Films.

Watch ‘Wasn't Human’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_2gFuY_R-k 

Stream / Pre-order here: https://highparasite.lnk.to/ForeverWeBurn

Muses vocalist Aaron Stainthorpe: "A femme fatale of the witching order is attempting to draw from the earth, air and fire an entity to help her nefarious acts in wishing darkness upon all mankind.

"From a secretive druids’ stone circle, forested in the cold northlands of Yorkshire, the summoning has begun, but who can tell what devilish forces will be brought into the light!

"This is the very first High Parasite video to actually feature the entire band performing together as a unit in the bowels of a satanic mill lost to the decay of yesteryear." 

The band are currently preparing to showcase their distinctive brand of darkness with an exclusive album release performance on 28th September at Nightrain in Bradford. Prepare to immerse yourself in the raw energy of High Parasite. Tickets available here.

Forever We Burn features 10 new tracks, produced by Gregor Mackintosh (Paradise Lost), who also adds some signature guitar lines; as a body of work, it both delves into the darker recesses of the human condition and heralds the arrival of a new name and a familiar, formidable voice…

The name (an acknowledgement of mankind as parasite-in-chief) is High Parasite; the voice, that of Aaron Stainthorpe…

As a revered and founding pillar of doom metal maestros My Dying Bride, with a legacy spanning over three decades, the spotlight will doubtless focus on Aaron’s distinctive profile, initially at least; pull back the red velvet curtains, however, and another force emerges in the form of bassist / vocalist / songwriter Tombs – a key player in the creation of High Parasite as a livin’, breathin’ entity.

Every song bears the indelible stamp of Stainthorpe and Tombs, their collaboration forming the dark, pulsating core of this five-piece ensemble, fleshed out by Sam Hill (rhythm guitar), Jonny Hunter (lead guitar) and Dan Brown (drums).

High Parasite will take their realm of dark music to major venues across the UK and Ireland in October and November in support of Cradle Of Filth. Don’t miss the special Halloween performance at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on 31st October. Check out the full list of dates below. 

Cradle Of Filth / Butcher Babies / High Parasite tour dates:
Oct 27: UK Bristol, O2 Academy
Oct 28: UK Bournemouth, O2 Academy
Oct 29: UK Birmingham, O2 Institute
Oct 31: UK London, O2 Forum Kentish Town
Nov 01: UK Swansea, Patti Pavilion
Nov 02: UK Manchester, Damnation Festival
Nov 03: UK Nottingham, Rock City
Nov 05: IRE Belfast, Limelight
Nov 06: IRE Dublin, Academy
Nov 07: UK Glasgow, SWG3
Nov 08: UK Newcastle, NX

High Parasite online:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Candlelight

High Parasite are:
Vocals - Aaron Stainthorpe
Bass - Tombs
Rhythm guitar - Sam Hill
Lead guitar -  Jonny Hunter
Drums -  Dan Brown 

Forever We Burn track list

1: Forever We Burn 
2: My Syndrome
3: Grave Intentions
4: Wasn’t Human
5: Concentric Nightmares
6: Hate Springs Eternal
7: Parasite
8: Let It Fail
9: Widowmaker
10: We Break We Die

Photo Credit: Dante Torrieri

New England extreme metal powerhouse, Escuela Grind, will release their new LP, Dreams on Algorithms, on 18th October via MNRK Heavy (High on Fire, Zakk Wylde). 

Recorded at Salem, Massachusetts' GodCity studio with producer Kurt Ballou, and mastered by Nick Townsend (Dr. Dre, Betty Davis) the record is the highly anticipated follow-up to Escuela Grind's celebrated 2022 full-length debut, Memory Theater, a recording hailed as "an opus of extremity" by The New York Times. 

Today, Escuela Grind release their new single 'Concept of God', directed by Seby X Martinez of Negative Kitty (Body Count, [adult swim]). Speaking on the track, the band say, "'Concept of God' is about the chaos that ensues when humans come together; the good and bad things that happen when opposites and like-minded individuals attract. The main lyrics in the song are, “the concept of god only exists because of people". View Escuela Grind's "Concept of God" video here: https://youtu.be/BCggx1lJUH8

Pre-order/save Dreams on Algorithms here: https://escuelagrind.ffm.to/dreamsonalgorithms

Speaking on the album title, Dreams on Algorithms, vocalist Katerina Economou says, "We wanted to write an album that identifies what it’s like to consume in this era we live in: what we receive through our phones, the social media landscape, and personalised algorithms, and how it is translated by our subconscious. I think most people can relate to something in their online sphere infecting their dreams. This transfer was something we really wanted to expand on, and all of the songs have themes relating to dream analysis and technology."

Dreams on Algorithms was launch with the first single 'Turbulence', which showcased clean vocals over an earworm chorus - a first for Escuela Grind - without pulling away from unhinged brutality. Stream the 'Turbulence' video, directed by Michael Jari Davidson (Alice In Chains), at this location.
 

Striking cover art by AC Tremblay foreshadows the inherent power and thematic investment contained in Dreams on Algorithms. "We have collaborated with the incredible AC Tremblay once more to create this vision of Dreams on Algorithms, says the band. "We wanted a similar expression as our last album, but with a different colour palette. The art of Kurt Seligmann, Bauhaus theater sets, Nightmare on Elm Street, Eiko Ishioka, and the Cremaster Cycle were source materials of inspiration for this visual storytelling. The amount of detail and attention that AC Tremblay pays to his drawing is what we love most about working with him. You’ll be able to find many Easter eggs from the album's lyrics within the artwork. We’re still finding new details."
 

Unquestionably one of the hardest working bands in music today, Escuela Grind is currently in the midst of a two-month tour of Europe which includes a slew of high profile festival appearances. The remaining itinerary is as follows:

August 10    Vinelz, CH @ Openair Am Bierlersee
August 13    Copenhagen, DN @ Stengade
August 14    Hannover, DE @ Bei Chez Heinz
August 17    Moderna, IT @ Pignoletto Fest
August 24    Malmo, SE @ Malmo Massacre

For more information on Escuela Grind:
Facebook || Website || Twitter || Instagram || MNRK Heavy

Escuela Grind are:
Katerina Economou (vocals)
Jesse Fuentes (drums)
Kris Morash (guitar)
Justin Altamirano (bass)

Dreams on Algorithms track listing:

   1.) DOA
   2.) Always Watching You (stream VIDEO)
   3.) Constant Passenger
   4.) Moral Injury
   5.) Concept of God
   6.) Animus Multiform
   7.) Scorpion
   8.) Planned Obsolescence
   9.) Toothless
 10.) Turbulence (stream VIDEO)