Helion Prime Reveals New Album Details

It's been about two years since the band's sophomore release "Terror Of The Cybernetic Space Monster," and Sacramento sci-fi power metallers Helion Prime return with their third effort and the much shorter title, "Question Everything," set for release on Monday, October 5 via their label Saibot Reigns.

This is Helion Prime's first album with new vocalist Mary Zimmer, who has also accompanied the band on two separate tours of the United States. It also sees the band's original singer, Heather Michele, returning in a writing capacity and contributing all lyrics and melodies. Heather Michele also along with other former Helion Prime vocalist Sozos Michael and with John Yelland (Judicator/Dire Peril) add their guest vocals on the full length.

The third record is a concept album, with each song revolving around different figures throughout human history who had the courage to question the status quo of their respective worlds/societies, in some cases even dealing with harsh persecution as a result. Those Helion Prime chose to write about-faced prejudice, mockery, ex-communication, and persecution - yet through it all, they held true to their beliefs and ideas. Time would be their greatest ally as their ideas and identities were eventually validated, oftentimes not until after their passing. They serve as an inspiration for all minds to continue thinking outside the box and staying true to themselves. More...

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Headline News

Genghis Tron Announces Return From Hiatus

Genre-bending innovators, Genghis Tron, have announced their return. The band has begun recording their third full-length with producer Kurt Ballou at GodCity Studio in Salem, Massachusetts.

The new album is a follow-up to the release of Board Up The House (2008). Following the amicable departure of former vocalist Mookie Singerman, founding members Hamilton Jordan and Michael Sochynsky will be joined by two new collaborators: vocalist Tony Wolski and Sumac/Baptists drummer Nick Yacyshyn.

“We said it was just a hiatus and we meant it! It’s been incredible writing music again and hearing everything come together in the studio,” says Sochynsky. “This is the album we’ve always wanted to write. We can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on.”

Genghis Tron recently reissued their two full-length albums Board Up The House & Dead Mountain Mouth on vinyl for the first time in over 10 years. Orders are available here.

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Kataklysm Posts Second "Unconquered" Trailer

Canadian melodic death metal heavyweights Kataklysm announced their 14th full-length studio album, "Unconquered," will be unleashed on September 25th via Nuclear Blast Records.

Today, the band releases the second album trailer discussing the artwork. Watch as Maurizio details the process of working with Blake Armstrong to bring the "Heart Beast" back to life below.

Maurizio comments, "The artwork represents the record; it's a rebirth in a very positive way even after all these years. Hope you enjoy 'Unconquered.'" More...

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Interview

Volcanova Prepares To Unleash "Radical Waves"

Given it's frosty climate and heritage, the Nordic countries have always been a perfect place for metal music to be born and thrive. Over the past thirty years, the world has witnessed the rise of Swedish death metal, Norwegian black metal and Finnish symphonic metal, but now it's their cultural neighbours Iceland who are beginning to grow and make their own claim to be a new home of rock and metal of all kinds. In this sparsely populated nation, bands are signing with bigger labels and attracting a global audience, the ears of which are soon to be treated to the stoner metal/desert rock sound of Volcanova.

Forming in 2014, Volcanova, from the capital city of Reykjavík, are now less than two weeks away from the release of their debut album, "Radical Waves," which will appropriately reach shores on August 21st through The Sign Records. Iceland may not be the country one would expect the sounds of the American deserts to reach, but the trio have a brilliant take on the genre and could very well become one of their home country's most beloved bands in just a few years.

To find out more about the album and the band, I spoke with frontman Samúel Ásgeirsson and bass player Þorsteinn Árnason to discuss the record, as well as the vibrant artwork which adorns the front cover, the hilarious music videos for "Sushi Sam" & "Super Duper Van" and much more. You can listen to the interview in full below. More...

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Leaves Eyes Posts Documentary Teaser Online

German symphonic metal outfit Leaves Eyes has posted a new teaser video online, giving a glimpse into the upcoming documentary, "Viking Spirit." The video also contains new music from the band, which will appear on their forthcoming new album, "The Last Viking," scheduled to be released through AFM Records on October 23rd. You can check out the clip below.

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Legendary Producer Martin Birch Passes Away

Martin Birch, the legendary producer best known for his work with Iron Maiden from 1981 to 1992, as well as Black Sabbath's first two albums with Ronnie James Dio, has sadly died at the age of seventy two. Birch also worked with such bands as Deep Purple, Blue Oyster Cult, Fleetwood Mac, Rainbow and Whitesnake, with whom he worked with from 1978 to 1984.

Whitesnake vocalist David Coverdale paid tribute to Birch, saying: "It is with a very heavy heart I've just had verified my very dear friend and producer Martin Birch has passed away.

"Martin was a huge part of my life...helping me from the first time we met through until Slide It In... My thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and fans... Broken heart."

Other notable people who led tributes included Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, who said: "Really sad to hear of the passing of Martin Birch. Brilliant producer. Had the pleasure of working with him on the Black Sabbath albums Heaven And Hell and Mob Rules. Condolensces to Vera and family."

While Wendy Dio added: "My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Vera and his daughter Haley. He was a genius producer and a very dear friend of Ronnie’s (James Dio). May he RIP."

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Mayhem Reschedules European Tour Dates

Norwegian black metal legends Mayhem has revealed the rescheduled European tour dates for the Northern Ritual Tour MMXXI with special guest Mortiis.

The band comments: "It is unfortunate yet neither surprising nor avoidable that the European tour that was to take place this fall will have to be postponed. These are uncertain times, to say the least, yet everyone is doing everything they can to get Mayhem back on the road. The 2020 tour is hereby moved to February/March of 2021, and we sincerely hope that this will be sufficient. Time will tell!"

The tour dates are as follows: More...

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Michael Schenker Group Announces New Album

Michael Schenker is currently in the final stages of recording a brand new MSG album, which is set to be released on Nuclear Blast on January 8th, 2021. The album title will be "Immortal," a perfect statement to describe Michael Schenker's legacy and to celebrate his 50th anniversary as a musician. "It's going very well. We have a lot of guest musicians, who will undoubtedly help to make it an exceptional success," says Michael Schenker. He also adds: "First of all I want to say that I am very grateful to any musicians that have helped to create a fitting tribute to my long career on this special release. I want to thank all of them for their incredible contribution."

Nuclear Blast founder Markus Staiger idolised Michael Schenker in his teenage years as his early output set him on the path of hard rock. He comments "I am really looking forward to releasing this brand new MSG album, after the two excellent Michael Schenker Fest records. At the age of 14, the self-titled MSG debut completely blew me away and shaped my taste accordingly, since then I've followed and loved his music and unique compositions. These ten new tracks are pure magic!"

The album was predominantly recorded at the Kidroom Studio in Germany, with Michael's long time partner Michael Voss who co-produced the album and also sings on two tracks. "It is always a pleasure to work with Michael Voss, who works around the clock and is a phenomenal musician and producer. He was composing the melody and lyrics for a power ballad I had written the music for, and he ended up singing along. It turned out so amazing, I did not think anyone else could have done a better job for this song. Truly great." More...

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Unleash The Archers To Stream Album Release Show

Canadian melodic power metal quartet Unleash The Archers will release their masterful fifth full-length concept album, "Abyss," on August 21st, 2020 via Napalm Records. With "Abyss," the band re-cements themselves as an unequalled, undeniable metallic force with their strongest album to date!

Lockdown got you locked up? Unleash The Archers would never leave their diehard fans hanging! The band is thrilled to announce their official "Abyss" virtual album release show, exclusively streaming on Saturday, August 22 – just one day after the album's release! Witness the band perform tracks from "Abyss" and other fan favorites straight from Vancouver venue The Rickshaw Theatre. The streaming event will take place at 12pm PDT/3pm EDT/9pm CEST, and will be viewable for just $10 via a virtual ticket, available to purchase now here. Viewing instructions will be provided to ticket buyers upon purchase, and the stream will be available for 24 hours after the initial show time. Unleash The Archers fans – don't miss this!

Frontwoman Brittney Slayes says:
"We are so excited to hit the stage again! Even though we will just have to imagine all of our fans' smiling faces are behind the cameras, we know we are going to have a blast playing these new songs for everyone. It is also a great chance to support one of our favourite local venues that has been hit really hard by the global pandemic. The Rickshaw is a huge part of the metal community in Vancouver so we are happy to have a chance to give back to them. We absolutely can't wait to rock out and let the music take us far away from all the darkness in the world right now, and really hope everyone can join us and take a little break from the madness for a while!"

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