Michael Schenker Group Premieres ‘Under Attack’ Lyric Video

Courtesy: Atomic Fire Records

Michael Schenker Group debuted the video for its latest single this week.

The band unveiled the lyric video for its new single, ‘Under Attack’ Friday, the same day that the band released its new album, Universal. The song’s musical arrangement is a solid composition that expertly blends elements of vintage rock and hard rock with a modern leaning for a whole that will certainly keep audiences engaged and entertained.

No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme. In listening to the song’s lyrics and reading them on screen, one is left to assume it is about an alien attack, of all things. At the same time, that approach could well also be an allegory of sorts about the conflict constantly going on in the world, hinting that there are greater things to worry about and that because of that, we need to stop fighting. That is all just this critic’s interpretation.

The lyric video for ‘Under Attack’ features the song’s lyrics on what is meant to look like a video display on an alien spacecraft. Various alien spaceships are also presented as part of the whole.

‘Under Attack’ is the third single from Universal. The record also produced the singles, ‘Emergency‘ and ‘A King Has Gone.’ The latter of the songs featured a guest appearance by Helloween front man Michael Kiske.

Courtesy: Atomic Fire Records

Michael Schenker Group announced last month, a tour in support of Universal is scheduled to launch Sept. 27 in San Juan Capistrano, CA. The tour is scheduled to run through Nov. 6 in Tulsa, OK and to feature performances in cities, such as Milwaukee, WI; Cincinnati, OH and Ft. Wayne, IN.

The tour’s schedule is noted below.

MSG US Tour 2022 w/ Eric Martin, Images Of Eden:

9/27/2022 The Coach House – San Juan Capistrano, CA

9/28/2022 Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA

9/29/2022 Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA

10/01/2022 Saban Theater – Los Angeles, CA    

10/02/2022 Count’s Vamp’d – Las Vegas, NV

10/04/2022 Oriental Theater – Denver, CO

10/06/2022 Pop’s – Sauget, IL

10/07/2022 Des Plaines Theater – Des Plaines, IL

10/08/2022 Arcada Theater – St. Charles, IL

10/09/2022 Pabst Theater – Milwaukee, WI

10/11/2022 The Art Theater – Hobart, IN

10/12/2022 Piere’s – Ft. Wayne, IN

10/14/2022 The King Of Clubs – Columbus, OH

10/15/2022 Agora Theater – Cleveland, OH

10/16/2022 Harpo’s – Detroit, MI

10/17/2022 Jergels – Pittsburgh, PA

10/19/2022 The Vault – New Bedford, MA * MSG only

10/20/2022 Flying Monkey – Plymouth, NH

10/21/2022 Cabot Theater – Beverly, MA

10/22/2022 Sony Hall – New York, NY

10/23/2022 Newton Theater – Newton, NJ

10/25/2022 Keswick Theater – Glenside, PA

10/26/2022 Tally Ho – Leesburg, VA

10/27/2022 Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA

w/ Damon Johnson & The Get Ready, Images Of Eden:

10/29/2022 Bogarts – Cincinnati, OH

10/30/2022 Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville, TN

w/ W.A.S.P., Armored Saint:

11/02/2022 White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX

11/03/2022 Concrete Street Pavilion – Corpus Christi TX

11/04/2022 Eaton Arena – San Antonio, TX

11/05/2022 Amplified Live – Dallas, TX

11/06/2022 Tulsa Theater – Tulsa, OK

Universal came Friday, less than two years after the release of MSG’s latest album, Immortal, which was released last year through Nuclear Blast Records.

More information on MSG’s upcoming album release and tour is available along with all of Michael Schenker’s latest news at:

Websitehttps://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/michaelschenkerrocks

Twitterhttps://twitter.com/MW_Schenker

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Hammerfall Debuts ‘Brotherhood’ Video

Courtesy: Napalm Records

Hammerfall is giving audiences yet another preview of its new album.

The band premiered the video for its new single, ‘Brotherhood’ Wednesday. The song is the third singe from the band’s forthcoming album, Hammer of Dawn, which is scheduled for release Friday through Napalm Records.

‘Brotherhood’ follows the release of the album’s then latest single, ‘Venerate Me,’ which was released last month. Its release was preceded by the release of the album’s lead single/title track in December.

The video for ‘Brotherhood’ is a relatively simple, straight forward presentation. It features the band performing its new single on a soundstage as the song plays over the visualization. A variety of camera angles add to the presentation, which is meant to give audiences a taste of the band in a live setting.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Brotherhood’ will appeal to not only Hammerfall’s fans, but to power metal fans in general. That includes fans even more specifically of bands, such as Saxon, Dragonforce, and Judas Priest.

The lyrical theme featured in ‘Brotherhood’ comes across as a statement of unity.

Hammer of Dawn will release through a variety of platforms noted below along with the album’s track listing.

Hammer of Dawn will be available in varying formats in various territories:
– Ltd Deluxe Box, incl CD Digisleeve, Hardcover Photobook, Plectrum Tin, Hammer Key Chain, Bottle Opener – strictly limited to 500 (Napalm Webstore exclusive)
– CD Digisleeve
– 1LP Gatefold Black
– 1LP Gatefold Marbled Orange Transparent/Black – strictly limited to 300 (Napalm Webstore exclusive)
– 1LP Gatefold Crystal Clear – strictly limited to 300 (EMP exclusive)
– 1LP Gatefold Curacao – strictly limited to 300 (Levy X & Ginza exclusive)
– Bundle CD + Shirt (outside North America only)
– Digital Album

Hammer of Dawn tracklist:
1. Brotherhood
2. Hammer of Dawn
3. No Son of Odin
4. Venerate Me
5. Reveries
6. Too Old to Die Young
7. Not Today
8. Live Free or Die
9. State of the W.I.L.D.
10. No Mercy

Courtesy: Napalm Records

In other Hammerfall news, the band has also announced it is scheduled to launch its “United Forces Tour” alongside Helloween March 22 in Oslo, Norway. The tour, which will take the band’s to cities across Europe, is scheduled to run through May 22 in London, England. The tour’s schedule is noted below.

UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022
25.03.22 NO – Oslo / Sentrum Scene
26.03.22 SE – Göteborg / Partille Arena
28.03.22 FI – Helsinki / Black Box
29.03.22 EE – Talinn / Noblessneri Valukoda
01.04.22 DE – Bamberg / Brose Arena
02.04.22 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle
03.04.22 DE – Berlin / Verti Music Hall
04.04.22 DE – Regensburg / Donau Arena 
08.04.22 ES – Madrid / Wizink Center
09.04.22 ES – Barcelona / St. Jordi Club
11.04.22 IT – Milan / Lorenzini District
12.04.22 DE – Kempten / Black Box
13.04.22 CH – Zürich / Samsung Hall
15.04.22 LU – Luxemburg / Rockhal
16.04.22 NL – Tilburg / 013
18.04.22 PL – Katovice / MCK
20.04.22 BG – Sofia / Arena Armeec
22.04.22 AT – Vienna / Gasometer
23.04.22 CZ – Prague  / O2
24.04.22 SK – Zvolen / Ice Stadium
26.04.22 HU – Budapest / Papp Laszlo Sportarena
29.04.22 DE – Bochum / Ruhrcongress
30.04.22 DE – Stuttgart / Schleyerhalle
01.05.22 DE – Frankfurt / Jahrhunderthalle
04.05.22 UK – Manchester / Manchester Academy
05.05.22 UK – London / Brixton Academy

More information on Hammerfall’s forthcoming album and tour is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Websitehttps://www.hammerfall.net

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/hammerfall

Twitterhttps://twitter.com/hammerfall

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

‘Hammer Of Dawn’ Is A Shining New Addition To 2022’s Field Of New Hard Rock, Metal Albums

Courtesy: Napalm Records

From its earliest days to the present, power metal stalwart Hammerfall has never made audiences wait too long for new albums.  Three years is the longest that the band has gone between releasing any of its 11 albums.  The band will keep that streak going Friday when it release its 12th album, Hammer of Dawn.  Set for release through Napalm Records, the 10-song album offers plenty for audiences to appreciate whether they are seasoned Hammerfall fans or more casual power metal fans.  That is proven through the record’s musical and lyrical content alike, as its current singles have proven.  Those songs are just a sampling of how the album’s overall content makes it so engaging and entertaining.  ‘No Son Of Odin,’ which is one of the album’s early entries, is another example of how that content makes the album succeed.  It will be discussed shortly.  ‘Too Old To Die Young’ is another standout addition to the album and will be discussed a little later.  ‘Live Free Or Die,’ which comes late in the album’s run, is yet another example of how much the album has to offer audiences.  It will also be discussed later.  Each song noted does its own share to show the album’s strength.  When they are considered along with the album’s singles and with the rest of the album’s songs, the whole makes the album one more of the year’s top new hard rock and metal albums so far.

Hammer of Dawn, Hammerfall’s forthcoming 12th album, is a shining new offering from the veteran power metal band.  Its current singles have already done plenty to make that clear.  They are just a small example of what makes the record engaging and entertaining.  ‘No Son Of Odin,’ which comes early in the album’s run, is another example of what makes the album a success.  The musical arrangement featured in this song is just one part of what makes the song stand out.  The driving guitar work from Oscar Donjak and Pontus Norgren pairs with the solid time keeping of drummer David Wallin and low end of bassist Fredrik Larsson to flesh out the song so fully.  The production is to be commended as each musician’s part cuts through so clearly without overpowering that of its counterparts.  Front man Joacim Cans’ vocals soar so powerfully, too.  His delivery immediately lends itself to comparison to that of Judas Priest front man Rob Halford.  The whole of the song’s musical content makes for its own powerful presentation.  When the power in the song’s arrangement pairs with the song’s lyrical content, the whole becomes even more engaging and entertaining.

The lyrical theme featured in ‘No Son Of Odin’ is, on the surface, a presentation based on classic Norse mythology.  That in itself is interesting enough.  On a deeper level though, the song’s lyrical content seems to be much more than that.  At least, that is the interpretation of this critic.  The deeper meaning comes across as being a statement of celebrating individualism, which is an all too familiar topic in the rock community.  This is inferred as Cans’ sings in the song’s second verse, “From the day that I was born/I’ve been misunderstood/I broke new grounds/I set the sails/Played by my own rules/Lightning strikes and thunder roar/I’ve seen my destiny/I’m the hammer/The hammer is me/Pounding to be free/Watch me wind up the power/Relentlessly pursuing my foes/I am fierce eyed and evil/Hell’s gonna follow wherever I go.”  From there, he sings in the song’s chorus, “I am I/I am me/Heart of steel/No son of Odin/I am strong/I am brave/Let the hammer pave the way.”  The song’s lead verse builds on the song’s second verse, finding Cans singing about not being royalty so to speak, being proud of who he is.  He goes so far as to note that “My home lies beneath us/through fire and ice/alone in my fight.”  He mentioned along with that, that he had never been to Valhalla.  Again, this all comes across as an allegory of sorts about that pride and individualism.  If in fact that is the case, then this is truly a unique, original way in which to deliver such a familiar theme.  To that end, it makes the song all the more interesting.  When it pairs with the fiery energy in the song’s musical arrangement, the song in whole makes for even more interest and proof of what makes Hammer of Dawn work.  It is just one of the songs that shows the record’s strength.  ‘Too Old To Die Young,’ which comes later in the album’s run, is another notable addition to the album.

‘Too Old To Die Young’ presents a musical arrangement that wastes no time catching listeners’ ears.  In the case of this song, the sharp guitar line and bass line work with the drums and vocals to lend the song to comparison to works from the likes of Dragonforce, Saxon, and Judas Priest.  The harmonies (instrumental and vocal), ensure audiences’ engagement and entertainment from beginning to end. 

The lyrical content that accompanies the song’s musical arrangement makes it all the more appealing.  In the case of this song, its lyrical content the theme comes across as delivering a message of making the most of life.  This is inferred in the song’s lead verse and chorus in which Cans sings, “For as long as I remember/I’ve been paving my own way/Life’s one true defender/Since my first step/Walked wherever I may/Of all the stars in the heavens/I’m the brightest of them all/Always shining/Carry on/Carry on/I will shine a light/Forever and a day/”  It is inferred even more as he sings in the song’s second verse, “Turn the amp up to eleven/let your time on Earth be loud/Why limit your sins to seven/Nothing ventured/Nothing gained/Stay unbowed/Wade out in the water/Let us part the raging seas/So come-at-able/Come with me/Carry on/Always strive/Succeed and plan to live forever.”  Again, here is a statement that seems to deliver a message of living life; of perseverance and determination.  Again, if that is indeed the case, then the song gains even more appeal, especially when it pairs with the energy in the song’s equally enjoyable musical arrangement.  The whole here is just one more example of what makes the album that is Hammer of Dawn stand out among this year’s new hard rock and metal albums.  ‘Live Free or Die’ is yet another  notable addition to the album.

‘Live Free Or Die’ offers audiences a more modern hard rock sound than that of the album’s other songs.  The power metal sound and approach is just as present as ever, but there is something about the guitar line here that really makes this song lean more in a modern hard rock direction, too.  That balance of modern hard rock and power metal gives this song an identity that is just as unique as the other songs’ arrangements from one another and from this song and the rest of the album’s works.  When this notable arrangement pairs with the song’s lyrical theme that openly preaches about the price of freedom, praising those who died for the world’s freedoms, the whole makes the song in whole even more accessible.

As noted, the lyrical theme featured in ‘Live Free Or Die’ preaches about the freedoms that we enjoy around the world while praising those who died for those freedoms.  Cans sings of these topics right from the song’s outset, “I am free like an eagle/Spreading my wings in the sky/Protecting the winds that are changing/Therefore, I must give the eye/I know we must defend it/From those who would take it away/There is a price for this freedom/Way more than we wish to pay/Nothing’s free in freedom/Pay the price/There’s no cost reduction to paradise/Live free or die/Come and break the chains/Or do not come at all/Live free or die/Come on/Shout it out and heed the freedom call.”  The message continues in the song’s second verse, “By the blood of my brothers/I do solemnly swear/To spread the gospel of freedom/Even if nobody cares/No way to alter the past times/Rewrite our lost yesteryears/Only one thing to remember/Freedom spells nothing like fear/I’ll ignite the fire/Roll the dice/Let us stand together/Break the ice.”  If this collective content is not about the noted topic of freedom and honoring those who paid that ultimate price for freedom, then it would certainly be interesting to know the song’s true lyrical theme.  Otherwise, it certainly will resonate with a wide range of audiences and do so even more when it pairs with the song’s unique musical arrangement.  When the song in whole is considered along with the other songs examined here and with the rest of the album’s songs (including its singles), the whole makes Hammer of Dawn a work that Hammerfall fans and power metal fans alike will appreciate from beginning to end.

Hammer of Dawn, the new forthcoming album from Hammerfall, is a work that will appeal widely among the band’s fans and to power metal fans in general.  That is proven through its musical and lyrical content alike.  The album’s singles and the songs examined here all do well to make that clear.  When they are all considered along with the rest of the album’s entries, the whole makes the record easily one of the best of the year’s new hard rock and metal albums so far.

Hammer of Dawn is scheduled for release Friday through Napalm Records.

Courtesy: Napalm Records

In other Hammerfall news, the band has also announced it is scheduled to launch its “United Forces Tour” alongside Helloween March 22 in Oslo, Norway. The tour, which will take the band’s to cities across Europe, is scheduled to run through May 22 in London, England. The tour’s schedule is noted below.

UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022
25.03.22 NO – Oslo / Sentrum Scene
26.03.22 SE – Göteborg / Partille Arena
28.03.22 FI – Helsinki / Black Box
29.03.22 EE – Talinn / Noblessneri Valukoda
01.04.22 DE – Bamberg / Brose Arena
02.04.22 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle
03.04.22 DE – Berlin / Verti Music Hall
04.04.22 DE – Regensburg / Donau Arena 
08.04.22 ES – Madrid / Wizink Center
09.04.22 ES – Barcelona / St. Jordi Club
11.04.22 IT – Milan / Lorenzini District
12.04.22 DE – Kempten / Black Box
13.04.22 CH – Zürich / Samsung Hall
15.04.22 LU – Luxemburg / Rockhal
16.04.22 NL – Tilburg / 013
18.04.22 PL – Katovice / MCK
20.04.22 BG – Sofia / Arena Armeec
22.04.22 AT – Vienna / Gasometer
23.04.22 CZ – Prague  / O2
24.04.22 SK – Zvolen / Ice Stadium
26.04.22 HU – Budapest / Papp Laszlo Sportarena
29.04.22 DE – Bochum / Ruhrcongress
30.04.22 DE – Stuttgart / Schleyerhalle
01.05.22 DE – Frankfurt / Jahrhunderthalle
04.05.22 UK – Manchester / Manchester Academy
05.05.22 UK – London / Brixton Academy

More information on Hammerfall’s forthcoming album and tour is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Websitehttps://www.hammerfall.net

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/hammerfall

Twitterhttps://twitter.com/hammerfall

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Hammerfall Debuts Visualizer For New Album’s Second Single

Courtesy: Napalm Records

Hammerfall gave audiences another preview of its new album this week.

The band unveiled the visualizer for its new single, ‘Venerate Me’ Thursday. The CG video features a book whose pages feature black and white images of the band members. The images appear seemingly magically as the song plays over the presentation.

‘Venerate Me’ is the second single from Hammerfall’s forthcoming album, Hammer of Dawn, which is scheduled for release Feb. 25 through Napalm Records. The band premiered the album’s lead single/title track Dec. 1.

The song’s musical arrangement is a fully immersive, full, throttle composition. Stylistically, it is just as much of a powerhouse power metal opus as ‘Hammer of Dawn.’ However, there are subtleties in the arrangement’s sound that sets it apart from its predecessor. Once again, the comparison to works from Sabaton and other similar acts is inescapable.

Founding member/guitarist OScar Dronjak said ‘Vernate Me’ is one of the most notable of the songs featured in the band’s new album.

“The second single is here, and I’m very, very proud of it!,” he said.  “The music was written during the darkest, most uninspiring days of the pandemic and still came out as one of the strongest on the whole album. Joacim’s fantastic lyric idea makes this track really stand out, and the special guest appearance towards the end really pushes it over the edge!”

The edge that Dronjack mentions comes from a guest vocal appearance by metal legend, King Diamond.

Front man Joacim Cans talked about the song’s lyrical theme.

“Lyrically one of my greatest efforts dealing with the fact that we die twice!,” said Cans. 
”First when we take our last breath and second when someone says your name for the last time. Say my name and I will never die!”

Hammer of Dawn will release through a variety of platforms noted below along with the album’s track listing.

Hammer of Dawn will be available in varying formats in various territories:
– Ltd Deluxe Box, incl CD Digisleeve, Hardcover Photobook, Plectrum Tin, Hammer Key Chain, Bottle Opener – strictly limited to 500 (Napalm Webstore exclusive)
– CD Digisleeve
– 1LP Gatefold Black
– 1LP Gatefold Marbled Orange Transparent/Black – strictly limited to 300 (Napalm Webstore exclusive)
– 1LP Gatefold Crystal Clear – strictly limited to 300 (EMP exclusive)
– 1LP Gatefold Curacao – strictly limited to 300 (Levy X & Ginza exclusive)
– Bundle CD + Shirt (outside North America only)
– Digital Album

Hammer of Dawn tracklist:
1. Brotherhood
2. Hammer of Dawn
3. No Son of Odin
4. Venerate Me
5. Reveries
6. Too Old to Die Young
7. Not Today
8. Live Free or Die
9. State of the W.I.L.D.
10. No Mercy

Courtesy: Napalm Records

In other Hammerfall news, the band has also announced it is scheduled to launch its “United Forces Tour” alongside Helloween March 22 in Oslo, Norway. The tour, which will take the band’s to cities across Europe, is scheduled to run through May 22 in London, England. The tour’s schedule is noted below.

UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022
25.03.22 NO – Oslo / Sentrum Scene
26.03.22 SE – Göteborg / Partille Arena
28.03.22 FI – Helsinki / Black Box
29.03.22 EE – Talinn / Noblessneri Valukoda
01.04.22 DE – Bamberg / Brose Arena
02.04.22 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle
03.04.22 DE – Berlin / Verti Music Hall
04.04.22 DE – Regensburg / Donau Arena 
08.04.22 ES – Madrid / Wizink Center
09.04.22 ES – Barcelona / St. Jordi Club
11.04.22 IT – Milan / Lorenzini District
12.04.22 DE – Kempten / Black Box
13.04.22 CH – Zürich / Samsung Hall
15.04.22 LU – Luxemburg / Rockhal
16.04.22 NL – Tilburg / 013
18.04.22 PL – Katovice / MCK
20.04.22 BG – Sofia / Arena Armeec
22.04.22 AT – Vienna / Gasometer
23.04.22 CZ – Prague  / O2
24.04.22 SK – Zvolen / Ice Stadium
26.04.22 HU – Budapest / Papp Laszlo Sportarena
29.04.22 DE – Bochum / Ruhrcongress
30.04.22 DE – Stuttgart / Schleyerhalle
01.05.22 DE – Frankfurt / Jahrhunderthalle
04.05.22 UK – Manchester / Manchester Academy
05.05.22 UK – London / Brixton Academy

More information on Hammerfall’s forthcoming album and tour is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Websitehttps://www.hammerfall.net

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/hammerfall

Twitterhttps://twitter.com/hammerfall

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Hammerfall Announces New Album Details; Debuts Lead Single’s Video; Announces New Live Dates

Courtesy: Napalm Records

Hammerfall will tentatively release its next album this winter.

The band announced through a news release distributed Wednesday, it is scheduled to release its next album, Hammer of Dawn, Feb. 25 through Napalm Records. In anticipation of the record’s release, the band premiered the video for the album’s lead single, the album’s title track, Wednesday.

The video was shot at Liseberg Amusement Park in Gothenburg, Sweden. Directed by Ullaeus, the video features the band performing its new single inside one of the park’s fun houses as a young woman works her way through the facility.

Front man Joacim Cans talked about the video shoot in a prepared statement.

“We already had the idea to shoot a video at legendary amusement park Liseberg 20 years ago,” said Cans. “But like any good bottle of Champagne this idea needed to rest and mature before taken into action. And f***, I am happy we waited!”

Added Cans, “Together with director Patric Ullaeus we have created something unique and astonishing that totally blows me away every time I watch it. You can really tell that we haven’t played together for almost two long and never-ending years. We are as energetic as a pack of hungry wolves in the video ready to shred and deliver the heavy metal gospel!”

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Hammer of Dawn’ is an up-tempo composition. Cans’ powerhouse vocals pair with the instrumentation to make the whole appealing to fans of works from the likes of Sabaton, Judas Priest and others of that ilk.

No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the release announcing the album’s coming release and single/video’s premiere. Reading through the lyrics provided with the video, it would seem that the song’s lyrical theme is one of pushing through life’s adversities whether personal or emotional/mental. That is this critic’s interpretation and should not be taken as the only interpretation.

Hammer of Dawn will release through a variety of platforms noted below along with the album’s track listing.

Hammer of Dawn will be available in varying formats in various territories:
– Ltd Deluxe Box, incl CD Digisleeve, Hardcover Photobook, Plectrum Tin, Hammer Key Chain, Bottle Opener – strictly limited to 500 (Napalm Webstore exclusive)
– CD Digisleeve
– 1LP Gatefold Black
– 1LP Gatefold Marbled Orange Transparent/Black – strictly limited to 300 (Napalm Webstore exclusive)
– 1LP Gatefold Crystal Clear – strictly limited to 300 (EMP exclusive)
– 1LP Gatefold Curacao – strictly limited to 300 (Levy X & Ginza exclusive)
– Bundle CD + Shirt (outside North America only)
– Digital Album

Hammer of Dawn tracklist:
1. Brotherhood
2. Hammer of Dawn
3. No Son of Odin
4. Venerate Me
5. Reveries
6. Too Old to Die Young
7. Not Today
8. Live Free or Die
9. State of the W.I.L.D.
10. No Mercy

Courtesy: Napalm Records

In other Hammerfall news, the band has also announced it is scheduled to launch its “United Forces Tour” alongside Helloween March 22 in Oslo, Norway. The tour, which will take the band’s to cities across Europe, is scheduled to run through May 22 in London, England. The tour’s schedule is noted below.

UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022
25.03.22 NO – Oslo / Sentrum Scene
26.03.22 SE – Göteborg / Partille Arena
28.03.22 FI – Helsinki / Black Box
29.03.22 EE – Talinn / Noblessneri Valukoda
01.04.22 DE – Bamberg / Brose Arena
02.04.22 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle
03.04.22 DE – Berlin / Verti Music Hall
04.04.22 DE – Regensburg / Donau Arena 
08.04.22 ES – Madrid / Wizink Center
09.04.22 ES – Barcelona / St. Jordi Club
11.04.22 IT – Milan / Lorenzini District
12.04.22 DE – Kempten / Black Box
13.04.22 CH – Zürich / Samsung Hall
15.04.22 LU – Luxemburg / Rockhal
16.04.22 NL – Tilburg / 013
18.04.22 PL – Katovice / MCK
20.04.22 BG – Sofia / Arena Armeec
22.04.22 AT – Vienna / Gasometer
23.04.22 CZ – Prague  / O2
24.04.22 SK – Zvolen / Ice Stadium
26.04.22 HU – Budapest / Papp Laszlo Sportarena
29.04.22 DE – Bochum / Ruhrcongress
30.04.22 DE – Stuttgart / Schleyerhalle
01.05.22 DE – Frankfurt / Jahrhunderthalle
04.05.22 UK – Manchester / Manchester Academy
05.05.22 UK – London / Brixton Academy

More information on Hammerfall’s forthcoming album and tour is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.hammerfall.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hammerfall

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hammerfall

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Lord’s New Record Is A Covers Compilation That Is Actually Worth Hearing

Courtesy: Dominus Records

Independent rock band Lord released its latest record this week.  Its new covers compilation, Undercovers Vol. 1 released Friday through Dominus Records.  The 23-song (yes, 23 songs) comes less than a year after the trio released its then latest EP, Chaos Raining, and approximately two years after the release of its then latest new album, Fallen Idols.  This latest compilation stands out from so many other compilations already released this year in part because of its featured songs.  This will be discussed shortly.  The band’s take on the songs makes for its own share of interest and will be discussed a little later.  The songs’ sequencing puts the finishing touch to the record’s presentation.  When this element is considered along with the other noted items, the record in whole proves that while it is largely a space filler between albums, is still a positive addition to Lord’s catalog.

Lord’s new covers compilation, Undercovers Vol. 1 is a positive new presentation from the longtime independent hard rock band.  The record’s appeal comes in large part through its songs.  The songs are important to note in that they are not just a bunch of songs that the band recorded specially for this compilation.  Rather, they are mostly covers that the band has recorded throughout its life and has only now made available together.  Simply put, they were brought together as a way to entertain the band’s fans in lieu of a live recording and even new live dates while promoters and venue heads decide their next steps for live music.  They are not just some random space-filler used to appease contractual obligations.

Bassist Andy Dowling explained the songs’ collection during a recent interview.

“Covers have been a big love of ours since the early days of Dungeon right up to and including now,” said Dowling. “Over the years in Lord these tracks have ended up on limited edition releases, bonus tracks in isolated parts of the world and other weird and wonderful places. These songs have been scattered over so many different places that even we struggle ourselves to remember where on earth all of these songs can be found.” 

“While bands around the world continue to navigate these uncertain times, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to release this collection of cover songs, as well as new recordings, to keep the LORD machine moving while we continue to write new music,” he added. 

Additionally, Dowling pointed out that two of the songs featured in the compilation —  Savage Garden’s ‘To the Moon and Back’ and Judas Priest’s ‘Reckless’ – were the only songs specially recorded for the compilation.  Those two songs are only a small portion of the 23 (yes, 23) total songs featured in this recording, and are important because they are a highlight of the diversity in the collection.  The band also took on The Police (‘Message in a Bottle’) here, as well as songs from Bon Jovi, Helloween, Metallica, and Little River Band just to name a handful of other acts featured in the compilation.  The short and simple is that the bands covered here come from a wide range of genres.  From hard rock –Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Anthrax – to classic rock – Little River Band – to 80s hair rock – Bon Jovi – to prog – Queensryche, Symphony X – to mainstream pop and rock – The Police, Savage Garden – Lord takes on music from so many influences.  That diversity in the bands and music featured here helps to build the band’s reputation and at the same time, perhaps even introduce audiences to music to which they might not have otherwise listened.  If for no other reason, that diversity in the bands and songs will keep audiences engaged and entertained.  It is of course just one of the elements that make this recording so interesting.  The band’s performance of said songs adds to the record’s interest.

Lord’s take on The Police’s ‘Message in a Bottle’ is just one example of the importance of the band’s performances.  Lord’s take on the classic song is interesting in that while it stays largely true to its source material, it essentially amps up that original in a sort of 80s power metal style work.  That updated take — complete with machine gun-fast bass drum work, melodic guitar lines, and operatic vocals – shows that the song strangely enough works just as well in this case as in the original presentation.  It is not one of those woks that hits listeners in its first listen, either.  Rather, it will grow on listeners with each listening, highlighting its longevity.

The band’s take on a-ha’s ‘The Sun Always Shines on TV’ is yet another example of the band’s performances here.  In the case of this performance, the band has opted more for an 80s hair metal style performance that makes for quite the contrast against a-ha’s keyboard-driven original composition.  There is the slightest touch of a power ballad early on in the original composition, what with the string arrangement, but that soon gives way to the band’s more familiar new wave approach, which is more present throughout the song.  Lord’s take on the song, as noted, is more of an 80s hair power ballad type work.  It gives a-ha’s original quite the unique new identity in this case with its amped up take on the song.  Where it ends up standing with listeners will be left for those audiences to decide.  That aside, it definitely makes for its own interest. 

W.A.S.P. is another of the bands whose work is covered in this compilation.  In this case, Lord took on the band’s hit song ‘Wild Child.’  In this case, the stylistic approach taken by Lord is largely the same as that of W.A.S.P.  The difference is that Lord’s cover is actually an improvement on the original.  It would seem here that is more due to the production.  The production makes the song sound so much fuller and richer here than the original.  It makes the song sound more modern with a throwback feel.  To that end, it is yet another example of the impact of the band’s performances here, and the importance thereof.  When it is considered along with the other performances noted here and the rest of the record’s featured performances, the whole of those performances makes for even more engagement and entertainment.  It is just one more example of what makes this compilation worth hearing.  The sequencing of the songs featured in this compilation rounds out its most important elements.

The sequencing of Undercovers Vol. 1 is important to examine because of its role in the record’s general effect.  The record starts in contemplative fashion with its cover of Savage Garden’s ‘To the Moon and Back’ but very quickly after, it picks up with its take of Iron Maiden’s ‘Judas Be My Guide.’  It is not even until the record reaches its midpoint in its take of Cutting Crew’s ‘(I Just) Died In Your Arms’ that the album’s energy even remotely pulls back.  From that point on, the compilation’s energy remains relatively high, even as the band takes on what are some otherwise reserved songs.  Even in those cases, the band manages to amp up those songs, including their energies.  So overall, the sequencing ensures that the album’s energy remains relatively high throughout its 100-minute (one hour, 40 minute) run time.  That the record’s energy remains relatively high, and even gives a break point roughly halfway through ensures that the record will run fluidly throughout, ensuring even more, listeners’ engagement and entertainment.  When that certain engagement and entertainment is considered with the impact of the band’s unique performances and the variety of songs featured here, that whole makes the compilation overall, its own standout presentation.  Add in the fact that this compilation marks the first time that the band has ever united the previously recorded covers in one setting, and the compilation gains even more appeal.  It shows that this was not just some randomly recorded presentation used to appease contractual obligations.  Between this and everything else noted, the record in whole proves to be a covers collection that is actually worth hearing.

Lord’s new covers compilation Undercovers Vol. 1 is an interesting presentation that rockers and even pop music fans alike will find worth hearing at least once.  That is due in part to the songs featured in the recording.  The band does not just take on a bunch of hard rock and metal songs here, though there are a lot of those songs featured here.  The band also takes on songs from pop and pop rock acts, such as Savage Garden, The Police,  a-ha, and even Kylie Minogue.  That variety in itself makes for reason enough to hear this presentation.  That only two of the songs featured here were specially recorded for the compilation shows that this was not just some randomly thrown together presentation that was made to appease any contractual obligations for the band.  Rather, it was a way for the band to bring together so many of the covers that it has recorded over the course of its life.  That makes the presentation more special in itself.  The band’s performance of the featured covers makes for its own appeal.  That is because they give those originals their own unique identities from one to the next.  The songs’ sequencing rounds out the most important of the compilation’s elements.  That is because it ensures the record’s pacing remains stable throughout while also constantly giving listeners something interesting rather than redundant.  Each item noted here is unquestionably important in its own way to the whole of the compilation’s presentation.  All things considered, they make the record a work that despite being a covers compilation, still a presentation that is worth hearing, and at least once at that. Undercovers Vol. 1 is available now through Dominus Records.

More information on Undercovers Vol. 1 is available along with all of Lord’s latest news and more at:

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