Mad About Rock

  Following the success of their recently released single “Choke On Your Mistakes”, in which they openly and harshly criticize today's cancel culture, DARKNESS SURROUNDING now deliver another impressive preview of their upcoming album “Is There Salvation?” (release date: September 19): “Achromatica” (release date: August 29). With “Achromatica” the Wuppertal-based quintet brings another multi-layered track between melodic death and metalcore, accompanied by a creative and symbolic single video that both musically and visually captures the state of an increasingly polarized world. “'Achromatica' is about increasingly pronounced black-and-white thinking as well as the inability to see the big picture and perceive nuances”, explains the band. The song thus reflects a social climate so characterized by sensory overload and algorithmic simplification that nuances are lost, while the common ground seems increasingly unattainable. The accompanying music video plays with contrasts,...

  As the summer festival season winds down after a string of unforgettable performances, THE HALO EFFECT surprise fans with a brand-new release — a cover of the beloved 1997 hit 'If You Were Here' by Swedish alternative pop-rock icons Kent (originally released in Swedish as “Om du var här”). Handpicked by bassist Peter Iwers, the track is a heartfelt tribute to a band that helped shape Sweden’s musical landscape. The Halo Effect’s rendition blends Mikael Stanne’s rich, emotive clean vocals with a hypnotic, pounding bass line and soaring melodic guitars, honoring the song’s essence while infusing it with the band’s signature sound. Listen to 'If You Were Here' on all platforms: https://thehaloeffect.bfan.link/iywhsg Watch the visualizer for 'If You Were Here': https://youtu.be/Gz3Q94CXG4c Peter Iwers reflects: “Kent was a band that left a mark on many, weaving together pop rock and synth in a way that deeply moved me. This song remains one of my personal favori...

  The pioneers of melodic death metal are back, and they’re ready to redefine the genre they helped create. THE HALO EFFECT, a band formed by some of the most iconic names in the Gothenburg metal scene, today proudly announces the release of their highly anticipated new album, March Of The Unheard. More than just a nod to their iconic roots, March Of The Unheard boldly announces that melodic death metal is still evolving. Thirty years after their members first propelled the Gothenburg sound to global prominence, THE HALO EFFECT proves there’s no shortage of fresh ideas and electrifying energy in the genre. As a testemony of the album’s ferocity, THE HALO EFFECT has released a stunning video for the lead single 'What We Become'. A quintessential display of the Gothenburg sound, the track is a masterclass in melodic aggression, featuring razor-sharp guitar leads, driving percussion, and shout-along hooks that have kept metalheads enthralled for generations. The video perfectly ca...

  THE HALO EFFECT have unveiled the stunning video for the third single from the highly anticipated album March Of The Unheard, set for release on January 10, 2025, via Nuclear Blast. The new single is an anthemic masterpiece, driven by soaring melodic guitars and THE HALO EFFECT’s unmistakable signature sound. Capturing the very essence of Gothenburg’s melodic death metal legacy, the track delivers a powerful blend of haunting melodies and crushing intensity, cementing the band’s place as modern torchbearers of the genre. The accompanying video takes fans on an immersive journey through the streets of their hometown, Gothenburg. With sweeping visuals and a raw, heartfelt connection to their roots, the video is both a tribute to the city that shaped them and a striking visual complement to the single’s energy and emotion. Guitar wizard and main songwriter Niclas Engelin comments: "'Cruel Perception' is packed with guitar harmonies and melodies that sprung from my noodling...

  French melodic death metal outfit Apocryphal have unveiled their third single “My Hero Inside” taken off their upcoming album “Facing The End”, which is scheduled for release on 12 November 2024 via The Circle Music. The new single, as well as the full album, features Soilwork and The Night Flight Orchestra vocalist Björn "Speed" Strid on vocals. Watch the video to “My Hero Inside” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoCHU2fW7k4 The single is also available via all major streaming services. Pre-order the “Facing The End” album now via The Circle Music: https://thecirclemusic.gr/product-category/the-circle-releases/?filter_artist-name=apocryphal Pre-save the album on digital platforms: https://thecirclemusic.lnk.to/FacingTheEnd “The song ‘My Hero Inside’ delves into the dependencies and the lies we tell ourselves when we fall prey to these afflictions,” said the band. “It perfectly reflects the various states generated by addiction, alternating between dark, violent pas...

  Gothenburg's rising stars, THE HALO EFFECT, are back with a powerful new announcement - their highly anticipated second album, March of the Unheard, will be unleashed on January 10th, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records. Following the massive success of their critically acclaimed debut Days of the Lost, March of the Unheard delivers a triumphant continuation of the band’s signature sound. Packed with soaring melodies and electrifying energy, the new album promises to exceed fan expectations. The first single from the album, 'Detonate,' is an upbeat anthem that blends melodic hooks with relentless energy. Accompanied by a thrilling music video, 'Detonate' sets the stage for what promises to be yet another landmark release, delivering a strong message for the unheard: "Break the chains of this deadlock, before we detonate!" Guitar wizard and main songwriter Niclas Engelin comments: "Damn, time flies fast when you have so much fun touring, playing festival...

  International melodic death metal project ACT OF DENIAL has dropped the lyric video for their latest single 'Unbury The Hatchet', which bring you back to 90 and early 2000 with some old school Gothenburg vibe. The single has a new guest on drums, Eugene Ryabchenko (best known as drummer of FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE). Few words from AOD co-founder Luger: "We are extremely happy that we have a new song out after almost 3 years together with a new lyric video. Once again video is done by our buddy Wanderley Perna ( https://www.facebook.com/wanderleyperna , https://www.facebook.com/wdesignerbr ) who did also our 1st lyric video for 'Your Dark Desires' from debut album and he did amazing job as always. Thx bro!! We are also satisfied that we are recording again since it is very difficult for us at this point. People we are working with, are very busy already with their own bands and it is hard to find any time for some side projects. 1st album was made during Covid time whe...

International melodic death metal project ACT OF DENIAL is back with a new mesmerizing tune 'Unbury the Hatchet' song that brings you back to 90 and early 2000 with some old school Gothenburg vibe. 'Unbury The Hatchet', has a new guest on drums, Eugene Ryabchenko (best known as drummer of FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE). 'Unbury The Hatchet' is available only on bandcamp, so make sure you follow AOD page on bandcamp - https://actofdenial.bandcamp.com - not to miss this absolute banger! AOD shared: To all Denials!! Yesterday evening we dropped our new single 'Unbury the Hatchet'. Song is available only in our Bandcamp pay per download. To avoid any inconvinience below you'll find some random questions and answers that we have been getting lately together with explanations what we have mentioned earlier. Please, read the Q & A section at https://www.facebook.com/ActOfDenialOfficial/posts/pfbid02mViUSLkfsaaKp5tPjrEQGh4zumcVHE9W3yVi9MMmgHeGeKdtzuxQdpwX4PCZE3e...

  Guitarist Jorg August of Colombian melodic death metal quartet Eshtadur is unlocking the wisdom of his latest guitar playthrough for the band’s newest single “Fire Above Mountain Below”. Jorg comments: “Fire Above Mountain Below” conjures the ancient wisdom of the pre-Colombian tribes, phrasing 6/8 as a bambuco (Colombian folk rhythm) counterparts both guitars as the mystical connection that the mountain and the fire emerge in powerful magical forces.” “Fire Above Mountain Below,” also incorporates traditional Colombian folk instruments like the Tiple, adding a distinctive cultural layer to Eshtadur’s music. The song tells the tale of a time long past when ancient mountain tribes lived in harmony with nature until Christianized settlers brought forth a dark chapter, displacing and even annihilating these tribes in pursuit of wealth and power. Check out the playthrough video below: And music video for the track can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Ft6AbiHlf_A Along with it be ava...

  Re-Armed, the melodic death metal outfit announces the release of their new single, 'Lost and Cast Off'. With relentless energy and an apocalyptic narrative, the Finnish metal act takes listeners on a sonic journey through the depths of despair and mankind's undying quest for survival - without forgetting visual story telling with lyric video. The so-called AI behind this single is bands own written and integrated system called, 'Re-Armed = ATHNTC INDVDLS'. BAND COMMENTS ON: "Behold, our magnificent new song and creation 'Lost and Cast Off' made via our very own 'ATHNTC INDVDLS' - the Mozart of data mastication. We shoveled endless streams of data into our five cores and five processors. Including melodies, chords, and lyrical nuances - like a musical buffet for our algorithmic brains. We learned, adapted, and now spit out tunes with an artistic flair that leaves us wondering, did we even contribute? Can you spot the elusive line between man a...

  International melodic death metal project ACT OF DENIAL is back with a new stand-alone single 'Unbury The Hatchet', with new guest on drums, while the rest of the crew remains the same as in their debut album 'Negative', released on August 13rd, 2021. 'Unbury The Hatchet' will be available only on bandcamp very soon, so make sure you follow AOD page on bandcamp - https://actofdenial.bandcamp.com - not to miss this absolute banger! Here's what Eugene Ryabchenko - best known as drummer of FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE - had to say on the single: https://www.facebook.com/reel/339689595557614 Also check out Bjorn Speed Strid, talking about new song and lyrics content: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3218814701756822 'Unbury The Hatchet' line-up: Voi Cox - Lead guitar, programming Luger - Rhythm guitar Bjorn Speed Strid - Vocals, backing vocals Steve Di Giorgio - Fretless bass Eugene Ryabchenko - Drums John Lönnmyr - Keyboards 'Unbury The Hatchet' Credits:...

  Brace yourselves, metalheads! In a seismic announcement that has sent shockwaves through the metal community, three of Sweden's most iconic metal bands, In Flames, Arch Enemy and Soilwork are teaming up for a UK and EU tour titled the 'Rising From The North' 2024 tour. The line-up promises an unforgettable night of Swedish metal mayhem. Anders Fridén from In Flames stated: "Couldn’t be more excited to announce this tour. It’s been a long time coming and we are finally back together again on stage with our friends in ARCH ENEMY and SOILWORK. We plan to bring you an unforgettable night of melody and mayhem! This is some of Sweden's finest - a tour you simply should not miss!!!" Michael Amott from Arch Enemy adds: “Check this Swedish Metal extravaganza across Europe in 2024! We go way back with IN FLAMES and SOILWORK to the very early days of Arch Enemy and honestly couldn’t be happier to announce this run with our Swedish comrades - this tour is going to be a...

  Joining the ranks at Sliptrick Records: Electric Deathbeat (FIN) Modern Metal | Melodic Death Metal Electric Deathbeat is a modern metal band hailing from Oulu, Finland. The first full line-up of the group saw its daylight in 2014 and included two pair of brothers; Juha handling vocals, guitars and synths & Antti Väyrynen taking care of low-end frequencies. Joni Alatalo & Jiri Huovinen on guitars and Waltteri Väyrynen (Opeth, ex-Paradise Lost, ex-Vallenfyre, Bodom After Midnight etc.) behind the drums. The same line-up had earlier played years together also in local bands like Luna Tremensis & The Wargasm. A second configuration saw minor changes as Jiri changed from guitar to drums due Waltteri having a bunch of projects going on already. A debut album Dead Echo Paranoia was released worldwide in 10th of July 2015. In Spring 2016, Electric Deathbeat was the co-headliner in European Tour "The Singularity Tour" with Danish companions from Raunchy. The tour includ...

  Originally called Vildvittra, based on the characters created by Astrid Lindgren as part of Ronja Rövardotter, the band’s name later evolved into Vittra, inspired by the mythical creatures appearing in Swedish folk stories. And while Swedish folk is a recurring theme weaving in and out of their music, the band is firmly rooted in Melodic Death and Thrash Metal in the veins of Dissection, early In Flames, Megadeth, and At The Gates. Founded in 2017 by David Döragrip (vocals) and Johan Murmester (guitar), the lineup was completed in 2018 with Alex Smith (drums) and Gustav Svensson (bass) joining the band. In the studio and on stage Vittra has also been joined by Lars Elofsson on lead guitar since 2021. This was also the year they released their debut EP Wardens, recorded at SolnaSound Production, Sweden, with the support of Simon Johansson (Soilwork, Wolf). Only a few months later, they entered SolnaSound again – this time supported by both Simon and Mike Wead (King Diamond, Mercyf...

  About 3 months after the official release of its brand new full-length album 'Freedom Won't Save Our Souls', French metal/melo-death/thrash crossover trio Haundead just premiered another music video, illustrating the song "Survive" on YouTube . For reminder, 'Freedom Won't Save Our Souls' is still available on CD & Digital with the help of the Domino Media Group (Colossus Of Destiny, Jian, Sound Of Memories...) while a digital release will follow soon on the main platforms.  Check out the video for "Survive" below: Haundead is a melodic death metal band from Lyon (France) Influenced by the swedish metal scene, metal from the 90’s, american thrash-crossover movement or modern post-rock vibes, HDD consisting in four friends build up a project gathering their music composition and mostly things they want to listen. Band started early 2018 with Olivier Ramassamy (vocals), Alexandre Bouteiller (guitar), Sébastien Vallart (bass) and ...

  Finland's melodic death metallers Re-Armed has released today a new EP celebrating its 20th anniversary, titled “XX”. The EP contains two new songs, one demo song “Morrow” (first demo - released originally 2002) that is fully re-produced, re-recorded, re-armed and renamed as “Tomorrow”, one acoustic version from previous album's “Beyond the Horizon” track and two special versions from previously released songs “Evolve Cycle” as arcade version and “Ode to Life” as orchestral version - all these versions are released with videos and are available on YouTube. The EP is available on all the major streaming platforms. The band comments on the special release: “We wanted to put together a somewhat special release that includes something new, but also echoes from the past. The new and the latest single ‘Tomorrow’ from the release is great example of that. The track was originally released under the name of ‘Morrow’ in 2002 as first demo for the band. It was more than exciting to sha...

  Primalfrost, the one-man melodic death shredding unit created by Canadian guitarist Dean Paul Arnold (Belphegor touring guitarist, Operus, ex-Vital Remains) unleashed his first full-length in seven years on December 28th, 2021. Entitled “Lost Elegies”, this third album follows 2014’s “Prosperous Visions” and features eight tracks packing their own punch. In support of the record, Primalfrost is sharing a new visualizer for the epic 11-minute album closer "Tenebrous Skies". Listen below: As the sole composer/multi-instrumentalist, Arnold had songs composed solely on guitar pro, as well as written and arranged in an actual recorded pre-production setting. There are songs on “Lost Elegies” that are both years old and completely new, as well as material hashed together from both old/new ideas. “I’m sure it will be received very well, it’s definitely a solid continuation of the band’s sound, but definitely in a matured/refined way. I’ve had plenty of time to really hone and re...