Kreator, Sepultura Team Up For “Klash Of The Titans” North American Tour

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Kreator and Sepultura are bringing their “Klash of the Titans Tour” to the United States this spring.

The bands are set to launch the co-headlining tour May May 12 in Harrisburg, PA. The tour is scheduled to run through June 10 in New York, NY. It will feature performances in cities nationwide, such as Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA.

The tour’s schedule is noted below. Tickets are available through Sepultura’s official website and that of Kreator.

KLASH OF THE TITANS North America 2023
KREATOR + SEPULTURA Co-Headline Tour
Special Guests: DEATH ANGEL + SPIRITWORLD
May 12 – Harrisburg, PA
May 13 – Worcester, MA *
May 14 – Niagara Falls, NY
May 15 – Silver Springs, MD *
May 17 – McKees Rocks, PA
May 18 – Charlotte, NC *
May 19 – Atlanta, GA
May 22 – Dallas, TX *
May 23 – San Antonio, TX
May 25 – Phoenix, AZ 
May 26 – San Diego, CA *
May 27 – Los Angeles, CA
May 28 – San Francisco, CA *
May 30 – Seattle, WA *
May 31 – Vancouver, BC
Jun 02 – Salt Lake City, UT *
Jun 03 – Denver, CO
Jun 05 – Minneapolis, MN *
Jun 06 – Chicago, IL
Jun 08 – Toronto, ON *
Jun 09 – Montreal, QC
Jun 10 – New York, NY *

* SEPULTURA Closing

Sepultura Andreas Kisser said he is looking forward to joining Kreator on the road, especially because Kreator was “a very strong influence in our early days.” He said “it’s great to see they (Kreator) are stronger than ever.”

Mille Petroza, Krator front man shared Kisser’s enthusiasm about the tour, saying “I’m really happy to be back in the U.S. this May with the mightiest of all…Sepultura.”

Both men said they were also equally looking forward to sharing the stage with Death Angel, which, along with Spiritworld, will be a special guest on the tour.

Kreator’s tour with Sepultura is just one live run the band has scheduled. The band is scheduled to join Lamb of God and Municipal Waste for the “State of Unrest 2023 Tour” starting Feb. 15 in Munich, Germany. Tickets are available for that tour here.

The band is also scheduled to join Testament for a handful of dates in South America from April 19 to May 2. Tickets are available for that tour here.

More information on the tour is available along with all of Sepultura’s latest news at:

Website: https://sepultura.com.br

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sepulturacombr

More information on the tour is available along with all of Kreator’s latest news at:

Website: https://kreator-terrorzone.de

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kreator

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.

Stratovarius’ ‘Survive’ Has Plenty of Staying Power

Courtesy: earMusic

Late this past September, veteran power metal band Stratovarius returned with what is now its 16th album in the form of Survive. Released Sept. 23 through earMusic, the record more than seven years after the release of the band’s then latest album, Eternal (2015). The new album’s release has given audiences reason to be excited as is. The recent announcement of a scheduled performance April 23 at Metal Fest alongside the likes of Kreator, Testament, and Accept in support of Survive has given audiences even more reason to be excited for the band. Survive is a welcome addition to this year’s field of new hard rock and metal albums and proves it was well worth the wait. This is proven in part through the record’s features musical arrangements, which will be discussed shortly. The lyrical themes that accompany the record’s musical arrangements are just as important in the album’s appeal as its musical arrangements and will be examined a little later. The record’s production rounds out its most important elements and will also be discussed later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the album. All things considered they make Survive another powerful offering from Stratovarius that is also among the best of this year’s new hard rock and metal albums.

Survive, the latest album from Stratovarius, is an impressive new offering from the veteran power metal band that will appeal to a wide range of hard rock and metal audiences, including the band’s established audience base. Its appeal comes in part through its featured musical arrangements. The arrangements are once again a variety of fully engaging and entertaining power metal compositions for the most part. The only time when the band pulls back at all comes late in the record’s 57-minute run as the band makes its way through the contemplative opus, ‘Breakaway.’ Even in that moment, the contemplative approach is limited to the song’s verses. The choruses meanwhile are just as energetic and fiery as the rest of the album’s content. As with so much of Stratovarius’ existing work, the arrangements featured here immediately lend themselves to comparison to works from the likes of Sabaton, Visions of Atlantis, and Dragonforce in the best way possible. Stylistically, the arrangements are similar but in terms of the general sound, each song still boasts its own identity separate from those of the other noted bands and even from other songs that Satratovarius has crafted throughout its extensive catalog. To that end, the arrangements featured in this record are unquestionably important to this album.

The musical arrangements featured in Survive are just part of what makes the album appealing. The lyrical themes that accompany that content add even more to that appeal. That is because of their diversity and accessibility. Right from the record’s outset, the band delivers an uplifting, encouraging message of determination and perseverance in the album’s title track. The band noted in an interview about the song that it was inspired by everything that the band has been through over the course of its life and that it is by connection, a song about survival. Longtime front man Timo Kotipelto sings on the theme in the song’s lead verse and chorus, “I have seen the truth/I’ve seen it in my dream/I have found my voice/But don’t know what to say/Oh, I have lost my way/And no one’s here to find me/I loathe my loneliness/I hate the emptiness/I’m hanging on a wire/Ablaze and set on fire/Waiting for the crack to come/I snap and let it go/I fall through the darkness/About to lose it all/I fall against the odds/I played and lost it all/Saw the future/Now it’s gone/Only the strong will survive/I will try to find the strength inside/Only the strong will survive/I will not give up/As long as I’m alive/Only the strong will survive.” The self doubt and eventual determination exhibited here in the first verse and chorus is continued in the song’s second verse, furthering the encouragement to push on as Kotipelto sings, “An eternal road where demons go to die/Runs through this barren land/Where my madness lies/Have I now lost my mind/Am I mute, deaf and blind/I scream without a sound/I just can’t let it out.” From there, he returns to the chorus, which presents the noted determination of the song’s subject, reminding audiences once again that they can overcome those personal doubts. When this clearly delivered message of inspiration is paired with the song’s equally powerful musical arrangement, the message is delivered even more strongly, making for quite the impact.

The uplifting message delivered through the album’s opener/title track is just one example of the importance of the album’s lyrical themes. The seeming theme featured in the album’s midpoint, ‘We Are Not Alone’ continues to exhibit that importance. In the case of this song, the overall picture comes across as a theme of unity over divisiveness. It does this by reminding listeners how insignificant we as a race are in the universe. This is most clearly inferred in the song’s chorus as Kotipelto sings, “In the end/We’re the same/On a universal scale/The world moves on/We just have to go along/In the end/All we are/Is a speck of dust/Among the stars/And we all hope/That we’re not here all alone/We are not alone.” So again, what audiences get is a deep, welcome theme promoting unity against an interesting bigger discussion on whether there is intelligent life out there. It is a unique way of delivering such a familiar theme that makes the theme all the more engaging and entertaining here. The message is furthered in the verses as the song’s subject waxes existential about his place in the world, which we all do. This makes the theme even more accessible to audiences and further shows the importance of the album’s lyrical themes even more.

‘World On Fire,’ which comes even later in the album’s run, is yet one more example of the diversity in the album’s lyrical themes and its overall importance. In the case of this song, the band noted in an interview that it is a commentary about the impact that humans are having on the fate of the planet’s environmental status. The topic is illustrated throughout the song, beginning with its lead verse and chorus, which state, “Our world is on fire/Don’t you dare to close your eyes/It’s time to realize/We lost the game/And are to blame/Mankind will expire/Better start to think/’Cause the ship’s about to sink/The storm is here/The end is near/Our world is on fire/Every day we saw the signs/Every day we closed our eyes/Now we pay for every choice that we’ve made/This is the moment that defines/Is all we’ll ever leave behind/A world we betrayed/Our world is on fire/Destruction/Now burning/Our world is on fire/Warning/Now the heat is rising/There’s no returning/Our world is on fire.” That mention at the end of the chorus about the heat rising sounds like it could be a reference to the world’s overall temperature rising, a direct reference to human’s role in the natural process that is climate change. The mention of burning happening could be a reference to the wildfires that have charred so many thousands of acres of forests the world over in the century-plus. The direct finger pointed at the human race, saying humans closed our eyes in a damning but true indictment of human’s role in what has happened to the planet. That mention of this moment being that which defines what we leave for the next generations is a warning to humans that if we do nothing, there will be nothing to leave behind. It is a familiar overall theme that is clearly presented without being preachy. The second verse continues in similar style as the fist and the chorus. To that end, there is no real need to examine its content. Simply put, the overall theme here is its own, separate from the rest of the lyrical content presented in Survive and also hits hard through its accessibility. It even further shows the importance of the album’s lyrical themes as part of the record’s whole. When it and the other themes examined here are considered along with the rest of the album’s lyrical content, the whole pairs with the album’s overall musical content to make the record’s overall content more than reason enough to hear this presentation.

While the content featured in Survive is unquestionably important to the album’s presentation, it is just part of what collectively makes the album so appealing. The production that went into the record’s production rounds out its most important elements. That is because it creates such a positive general effect. The production that went into the album ensured the vocals and instrumentations in each song were expertly balanced. The result is that there is zero problem understanding the lyrics being sung, and what’s more there is no problem actually hearing the vocals. At the same time, there is also no problem hearing the best of each band member’s performance. Each musician gets his own attention in each song to the end that every line comes together for a whole that is fully engaging and entertaining if only through its general effect. Of course as noted, the general effect is not all that this record has going for its presentation. That content examined works with the production thereof to make the album in whole a successful offering and new addition to this year’s field of new hard rock and metal albums.

Survive, the 16th new album from Stratovarius, is a strong new offering from the veteran power metal band. The record’s success comes in part through the record’s featured musical arrangements. The arrangements are another collection of powerhouse power metal compositions that are easily comparable to works from the likes of Sabaton, Visions of Atlantis, and Dragonforce. The lyrical themes that accompany the album’s musical arrangements are important to the album in its own way in their diversity and accessibility. The production that went into the album creates a positive general effect thanks to the attention and time spent balancing the vocals and instruments in each song. The positive general effect that results from that attention works with the album’s overall content to give audiences so much to enjoy here from start to end. The end result is that Survive becomes a record that will appeal equally to Stratovarius’ established audiences and hard rock and metal fans alike. They make Survive a record that will easily survive for the foreseeable future.

Survive is available now through earMusic. More information on the album is available along with all of Stratovarius’ latest news at:

Website: https://stratovarius.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/strato_official

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

Lamb Of God Debuts ‘Ghost Shaped People’ Video

Courtesy: Epic Records

Lamb of God kicked off the weekend by debuting a new music video.

The band debuted the video for its single ‘Ghost Shaped People‘ Friday. The song is featured in the forthcoming re-issue of the band’s 2020 self-titled album, which is scheduled for release March 26 through Epic Records.

The video for LOG’s new single is a full black and white presentation. It features a large screen set atop a large mound that is set against what looks like a post-apocalyptic setting. According to information provided about the video, the additional imagery used in the video is meant to tell the story of a man’s journey into the afterlife.

‘Ghost Shaped People’ is available to stream through a variety of outlets. The song’s musical arrangement is a blistering, guitar-driven track that will appeal to longtime Lamb of God fans while its companion lyrical content comes across as a statement about human nature. Front man Randy Blythe even asks in the song’s chorus, “How far are you willing to go/What is the cost of victory.”

The expanded packaging for LOG’s self-titled re-issue will feature the band’s original album along with two additional discs, one of which will feature the full audio of the band’s first livestream of 2020. That performance featured Lamb of God performing its latest album in whole along with four encores, ‘Ruin,’ ‘Contractor,’ ‘512’ and its brand new song ‘The Death of Us.’ The song in question was crafted for the soundtrack to the movie Bill & Ted Face the Music.

The second bonus disc featured in the forthcoming re-issue is a DVD that contains the full audio-visual presentation of the band’s noted livestream concert. It should be noted that the DVD will only be available with the re-issue’s physical releases and not digital. A trailer for the DVD and overall re-issue is streaming here.

‘Ghost Shaped People’ is just one of the bonus tracks featured in the new re-issue of Lamb of God. Along with that song, the re-issue also features the bonus track ‘Hyperthermic/Accelerate.’

Pre-orders for Lamb of God’s forthcoming re-issue are open. The record’s track listing for each of its platforms is noted below.

The complete track listing for Lamb Of God Deluxe Edition is:

Disc 1

Lamb Of God Original Album + 2 Bonus Tracks

1.    Memento Mori

2.    Checkmate

3.    Gears

4.    Reality Bath

5.    New Colossal Hate

6.    Resurrection Man

7.    Poison Dream feat. Jamey Jasta

8.    Routes feat. Chuck Billy

9.    Bloodshot Eyes

10.  On The Hook

11.  Ghost Shaped People

12.  Hyperthermic/Accelerate

Disc 2

Lamb Of God – Live From Richmond, VA

1.    Memento Mori (Live)

2.    Checkmate (Live)

3.    Gears (Live)

4.    Reality Bath (Live)

5.    New Colossal Hate (Live)

6.    Resurrection Man (Live)

7.    Poison Dream (Live)

8.    Routes (Live)

9.    Bloodshot Eyes (Live)

10.  On The Hook (Live)

11.  Contractor (Live)

12.  Ruin (Live)

13.  The Death of Us (Live)

14.  512

Disc 3

Lamb Of God – Live From Richmond, VA DVD

1.    Memento Mori 

2.    Checkmate

3.    Gears

4.    Reality Bath

5.    New Colossal Hate

6.    Resurrection Man

7.    Poison Dream1.

8.    Routes

9.    Bloodshot Eyes

10.  On The Hook

11.  Contractor

12.  Ruin

13.  The Death of Us

14.  512

Digital copies will contain only Disc 1 and Disc 2.

Lamb Of God – Live From Richmond, VA vinyl track listing:

Side 1

1.    Memento Mori

2.    Checkmate

3.    Gears

4.    Reality Bath

5.    New Colossal Hate

Side 2

1.    Resurrection Man

2.    Poison Dream

3.    Routes

4.  Bloodshot Eyes

5.    On The Hook

In related news, Lamb of God’s tour with Megadeth is scheduled to launch in July following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Trivium and In Flames are scheduled to provide support throughout the tour. The UK leg of Lamb of God’s tour with Kreator will tentatively follow in November and December. Tickets for each tour are available here.

More information on Lamb of God’s new singles, album, upcoming live dates, news and more is available online now at:

Website: https://www.lamb-of-god.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lambofgod

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.

Fore Debuts ‘Today We Rise (No Tomorrow)’ Video

Courtesy: Infecting Cells PR

Independent rock super group Fore debuted its latest video this week.

The band debuted the video for its single ‘Today We Rise (No Tomorrow)‘ Wednesday. The band debuted the single by itself early this year along with the other songs from its album Hombre, ‘Pet,’ ‘Song For A Friend,’ ‘What’s Right For You,’ ‘Diagnosis’ and ‘Open Door,’ which is a cover of the famed Pennywise song. Each song is available to stream through Fore’s official Bandcamp page.

The video for ‘Today We Rise (No Tomorrow)’ features a group of skaters taking turns trying their best tricks in an emptied swimming pool in someone’s back yard. It plays out like a scene from some 90s skate punk video. Not ironically, the musical arrangement that accompanies the video is itself very much in the style of so much 90s skate punk music.

Much the same noted of the music and its video can be said of the lyrical theme that accompanies the one minute, 14-second song. The lyrical content featured in the song is a socio-politically charged presentation, again as with so much skate punk.

More information on Fore’s new video is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://forepunk.bandcamp.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FOREpunk

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://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.

Kreator Announces Release Date, Specs For New Retrospective Collection

Courtesy: Noise Records

Veteran metal act Kreator will open the new year with a new box set.

The band is scheduled to release its new collection, Under The Guillotine Feb. 26 through Noise Records. The box set features six vinyl re-issues of the albums that the band released during its time with Noise Records. Additionally, the collection features a DVD that presents a mini-documentary and two previously unreleased, vintage audio-only live recordings from the band.

A hardback book, figurine USB drive containing expanded audio of the album re-issues, and a reproduction End of the World demo cassette are also all part of the exclusive collection. The first 250 orders from Noise Records will also feature a signed art card from Mike Petrozza.

Audiences who prefer CDs to vinyl are not forgotten here. A 2CD set featuring 30 songs will also be available. For those vinyl audiophiles who do not want to have to pay for the full box set, an 18-song double vinyl intro set from Kreator’s Noise Records age will also be available.

The CD set and introductory vinyl set each feature rarities and remixes from the band’s catalog. Pre-orders for each platform are open.

More information on Kreator’s forthcoming vinyl set is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://kreator-terrorzone.de

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KreatorOfficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kreator

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://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.

Jinjer, Judas Priest Added to Knotfest.com Live Streaming Concert Series

Cosa Nostra PR

Knotfest.com is continuing its live streaming concert series this month with two more concerts.

Up first in this month’s schedule of live shows is Jinjer’s March 5, 2020 show held at Max Watts in Melbourne, Australia.  Now audiences will get to see that performance through Knotfest.com at 5 p.m. ET July 9.

The second of this month’s live streaming shows through knotfest.com is Judas Priest’s full concert recording, Battle Cry, which was released on DVD and Blu-ray March 25, 2016 through Epic Records.  The concert featured in the recording was originally recorded on Aug. 1, 2015 at the annual Wacken Open Air Festival.

The set list that is featured in Battle Cry doesn’t just focus on the band’s then most recent album Redeemer of Souls.  Instead the band attempts to cover as much of its expansive body of work as possible over the course of its ninety minute run time.

Judas Priest’s performance is scheduled to stream 3 p.m ET on July 17 through knotfest.com.

Knotfest.com’s ongoing concert series has already featured performances from Slipknot, Lamb of God, Trivium, Behemoth, Amon Amarth, Anthrax, Kreator, King Diamond, Carnifex, Suffocation, Suicide Silence, and In Flames.  The concerts have helped raise money to charities that help with COVID-19 relief efforts.

More information on Knotfet.com’s concert series is available online along with all of the latest Knotfest.com news at:

 

Website: http://Knotfest.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/knotfest

Twitter: http://twitter.com/knotfest

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://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.

 

Fore Debuts Two New Singles; Band Continues Work On Its Debut Album

Courtesy: Infecting Cells

Punk rock super group Fore is giving audiences their first previews of its debut album.

The band — Christian “Speesy” Giesler (ex-Kreator), Jermaine Kling (Venom Prison, Masscare, The Absence), Taylor Nordberg (Masscare, The Absence) and Brian Stephenson (Old James, Skull Fist) — debuted two new singles from the as-yet-untitled album this week in the form of ‘Pet’ and ‘Song For A Friend’ through its official Bandcamp page.

The band debuted two other songs from the album — ‘What’s Right For You’ and ‘Today We Rise (No Tomorrow)’ — last month.

Stephenson said in a recent interview, he was happy to work with his band mates on the new project.

“So inevitably stoked to be on board with such fine gentlemen on a project I’d never have imagined could have come to fruition,” he said.  “A real punk rock group with heavy metals A-team. DIY, in your face. More than a band. A movement. Stoked is not even close to how this feels for me. Surrounded by legends, and to be a part of something so special is truly and uniquely a gift. The riffs and playing on these songs are in a league of their own. Only something the finest craftsmen in their respective fields could create and to put my voice to it is a high honor. Punks not dead.”

Kling added his own thoughts to the conversation.

“The world needs a punk, it has been far too long without,” he said.  “If you know a punk, then hand them this music. They will rejoice, I know because I was there.”

Nordberg and Kling are mixing and mastering Fore’s debut album at their own Smoke & Mirrors Productions in Spring Hill, Fla.

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

 

Website: http://forepunk.bandcamp.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FOREpunk

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://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.

 

Verbeuren Named Megadeth’s New Permanent Drummer

Courtesy: Soilwork/Nuclear Blast Records/Adrenaline PR

It looks like the Megadeth drummer carouse has finally stopped spinning.

The band has announced that Dirk Verbeuren is the band’s new full-time drummer.  In taking on the new position Verbeuren has stepped down as a member of Soilwork.  In his place drummer Bastian Thusgaard has been tapped to take over drumming duties for the band.  Verbeuren has been performing with Megadeth in recent months, taking the place of Chris Adler (Lamb of God), who had originally filled in after Megadeth’s previous full-time drummer Shawn Drover left the band alongside guitarist Chris Broderick in 2014.  The pair went on to form Act of Defiance with vocalist Henry Derek and bassist Matt Bachand.

Soilwork front man Bjorn “Speed” Strid shared his thoughts on Verbeuren’s departure in a statement released to the press.  He was completely supportive of the decision both on the part of Megadeth and Verbeuren.  “In regards to the statement Megadeth released yesterday, confirming that Dirk will join them as their full-time drummer, I just want to take the time to wish Dirk good luck on this new venture and thank him for 12 great years together,” he said.  “Together we have created a beast of a band and have pushed the limits musically further than we ever could have imagined.”  Strid also made mention of Thusgaard’s new appointment with the band in his statement, noting “Meanwhile, I’m sure many of you have seen us at a festival in Europe this summer with our friend, Bastian Thusgaard filling in on drums and I’m sure we can all agree on what a monster he is. Thank you Bastian, you are absolutely killing it. Check out the remaining festival dates and come see us. We’ll be there. Thank you.”

Verbeuren was just as warm in his thoughts on his time with his now former band mates in his own statement.  He also offered up his thanks to his new band mates, and fellow musicians in making his transition.  “They say the biggest decisions in life are the hardest to make,” he said.  This decision falls under that category. As a drummer I’ve always enjoyed the evolution of my path. The past twelve years with Soilwork have been incredible, a portion of my life I honor with pride. When I was approached to join Megadeth- a childhood dream come true and something I never anticipated. I was beyond excited to even consider the realm of possibility. But truth be told, I couldn’t have rightfully made this step without the support and blessing of my Soilwork family. For that I owe a huge thank you to Bjorn, Sven, David, Sylvain and Markus. You have allowed me to see what lies ahead, and you’re my brothers in metal. Chris Adler, thank you for introducing me to Megadeth and for your encouragement and support. Dave, David and Kiko, I’m thankful for your warm welcome and thrilled to perform and create badass music with you guys. To the fans, this is a new chapter for us; I hope we can enjoy this ride together!”

In regards to what fans have to expect from Soilwork and its sound as it moves ahead Strid had the following to say:   “In the recent years Soilwork have found new ways of expressing ourselves and as much as of a cliché it is, I strongly believe that this is very much of a new era for us and that we still have so much left to say, whether it being with or without Dirk. This band has grown to be quite a metal collective and an institution that paves the way creatively and we hope that you, the fans, can feel the presence and the heart in our music still to this day. Believe me, it’s there. I can assure that you will forever get 100% Soilwork, as long as we release albums. We aim to surprise ourselves and the listeners by constantly developing our sound and songwriting, something I believe we have succeeded in doing and yet remained true to our roots. That is something to be proud of and we are. We appreciate all our loyal fans and are excited that so many of you share our musical vision.”

Soilwork has a string of festival dates currently scheduled for August.  Those live dates will be followed up soon after by a short string of UK dates with Arch Enemy.  It will have one headlining date on that schedule, too.  After that stretch the band will take some time off before launching a South American tour on September 9^th in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.  The tour is currently scheduled to run through September 20^th in Guadalupe Inn, Mexico.  The band will take off the rest of the year after wrapping that tour and will then go back out on the road for a European tour with Kreator, Sepultura, and Aborted beginning February 1^st in Metz, France.  That tour is currently scheduled to run through March 4^th in Essen, Germany.  The band’s current live schedule is noted in full below.

 

SOILWORK 2016 International Festivals and Headliners:

8.14.2016 Rasnov, Romania – Rockstadt Extreme Fest

8.19.2016 Dinkelsbuhl, Germany – SummerBreeze Open Air

8.20.2016 Saint-Nolff, France – Motocultor Festival

 

SOILWORK August 2016 UK Tour with ARCH ENEMY:

Tickets available from seetickets.com

 

8.21.2016 Norwich, UK -Waterfront w/ ARCH ENEMY
8.22.2016 Sheffield, UK – Corporation w/ ARCH ENEMY
8.23.2016 Cardiff, UK -Tramshed w/ ARCH ENEMY
8.24.2016 Southampton, UK – Engine Rooms w/ ARCH ENEMY
8.25.2016London, UK – The Underworld (tickets) (headline – NO ARCH ENEMY)

 

SOILWORK in South America:

9.9.2016 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Treato Odisseia

9.10.2016 Sao Paulo, Brazil – Clash Club

9.11.2016 Curitiba, Brazil – Music Hall

9.13.2016 Buenos Aires, Argentina – Uniclub

9.14.2016 Montevideo, Uruguay – MM Box

9.16.2016 Santiago, Chile – Blondie

9.17.2016 Lima, Peru – The Blood

9.18.2016 Bogota, Columbia – Auditorio Lumiere

9.20.2016 Guadalupe Inn, Mexico – Lunario

 

KREATOR, SEPULTURA, SOILWORK, ABORTED European Tour:

Presented by: EMP, ESP, Meinl, Metal.de, Metal Hammer, Metal + Wine, Metalnews.de, Musix, Nuclear Blast, Peta, Piranha, RTN-Touring, Tätowiermagazin, Visions.

 

2.1.2017 Metz, France – B.A.M.

2.2.2017 Tilburg, Netherlands – 013

2.3.2017 Munich, Germany – Tonhalle

2.4.2017 Hamburg, Germany – Mehr! Theater

2.6.2017 Copenhagen, Denmark – Amager Bio

2.7.2017 Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller

2.10.2017 Helsinki, Finland – Black Box

2.11.2017 Tampere, Finland – Pakkahuone

2.12.2017 Tallinn, Estonia – Rock Cafe

2.13.2017 Vilnius, Lithuania – Siemens Arena

2.15.2017 Warsaw, Poland – Progresja

2.16.2017 Wien, Austria – Gasometer

2.17.2017 Wiesbaden, Germany – Schlachthof

2.18.2017 Berlin, Germany – Columbia-Halle

2.19.2017 Pratteln, Switzerland – Z 7

2.21.2017 Trezzo, Italy – Live Club

2.22.2017 Grenoble, France – Summum

2.23.2017 Barcelona, Spain – Razzmatazz

2.24.2017 Madrid, Spain – Riviera

2.25.2017 Toulouse, France – Bikini

2.26.2017 Paris, France – Bataclan

2.28.2017 Manchester, UK – Academy

3.1.2017 Dublin, Ireland – Vicar Street

3.2.2017 London, Uk – O2 Forum

3.3.2017 Balen, Belgium – Torhout

3.4.2017 Essen, Germany – Grugahalle

Death Resonance, Soilwork’s new compilation record, will be released Friday, August 19^th via Nuclear Blast Records.  Audiences can pre-order the record online now here.  Audiences can also order the band’s most recent album The Ride Majestic online on CD, vinyl, and digital formats.  While ordering the band’s new music audiences can also check out the videos for a pair of songs from The Ride Majestic—‘Death in General,’ and ‘Enemies in Fidelity’—online, too.  The album’s title track is streaming online, too via YouTube.

More information on Soilwork’s upcoming tour dates, music, and more is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.soilwork.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/soilwork

Twitter: http://twitter.com/soilwork

 

 

 

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

Exmortus Streaming New Single Online, Starts Tour Tonight

Photo Credit: Stephanie Cabral

Exmortus is more than just another metal band.  The band’s members prove that on Slave to the Sword, its Prosthetic Records debut, that they are quite the talented individuals.  The band covers the famed Third Movement of Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Serenade’ on its new record.   The song can be streamed online now via Invisible Oranges at http://www.invisibleoranges.com/2014/01/song-debut-exmortus-moonlight-sonata-third-movement/.  The album will be released in its entirety Tuesday, February 4^th.  Audiences can pre-order the album now via the Prosthetic Records online store at http://www.indiemerch.com/prostheticrecords/item/24154.  It can be pre-ordered on CD and even audio cassette as well as 12-inch vinyl in special packages that will also include an exclusive t-shirt featuring the album’s artwork.  The album’s artwork was crafted by artist Philip Lawvere (Celtic Frost, Kreator).

The vinyl pressings of Slave to the Sword will be available in exclusive mail-order only black and blood red variants.  Fans can get a look at the special blood-red variant below.

Courtesy: Prosthetic Records

The special vinyl package includes a download card and color insert.  Only 110 copies of the vinyl album will be pressed.

Exmortus kicks off a tour in support of Slave to the Sword today.  The tour kicks off tonight at The Juke Joint in Anaheim, California.  Dark Tranquility and Omnium Gatherum will join Exmortus for the first leg of the tour (Jan. 23^rd – March 2^nd).  Lich King comes on board for the second leg of Exmortus’ tour (March 7^th – March 23^rd).  That leg of the tour includes a chance for fans in North Carolina to catch the band live.  The band will perform live at The Milestone in Charlotte, North Carolina on March 11^th.  And the third leg of the tour (March 25^th – April 14^th) will see both Destruction an Krisiun join up as supporting acts.  The band’s complete tour itinerary is listed below.

EXMORTUS WINTER/SPRING 2014 TOUR

with Dark Tranquility & Omnium Gatherum
(# Exmortus ONLY)
1/23 Anaheim, CA – The Juke Joint (NAMM after-party with Mobile Deathcamp, Night Demon, etc.)
1/27 Tucson, AZ- The Rock #
1/28 El Paso, TX- Larry O’s Lounge #
1/29 Laredo, TX – Cold Brew Rock Bar #
1/30 New Orleans, LA – Siberia #
2/1 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
2/2 Baltimore, MD – Soundstage
2/3 New York, NY – Stage 48
2/4 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
2/5 Montreal, QC – Foufounes Electriques
2/6 Quebec City, QC – Dagobert
2/7 Ottawa, ON – Mavericks
2/8 Toronto, ON – The Opera House
2/9 London, ON – London Concert Theatre
2/10 Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s
2/11 Columbus, OH – The Shrunken Head
2/12 Joliet, IL – Mojoes 22
2/13 Lawrence, KS – Granada Theater
2/14 Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
2/15 Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue
2/17 Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theater
2/18 Seattle, WA – El Corazon
2/19 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater
2/20 San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge
2/21 Las Vegas, NV – LVCS
2/22 West Hollywood,CA – House of Blues
2/23 Tempe, AZ – Club Red
2/25 Dallas, TX – Trees
2/26 Houston, TX – Scout Bar
2/28 Louisville, KY – Diamond Pub & Billiards
3/1 Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar
3/2 Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero

with Lich King
3/7 New York, NY- Blackhorn 51
3/8 Trenton, NJ- Backstage at Clamps
3/9 Richmond, VA- Strange Matter
3/10 Charlotte, NC- The Milestone
3/11 Columbia, SC- New Brookland Tavern
3/12 Savannah, GA- Dollhouse Productions
3/13 Jacksonville, FL- Atticus Bar
3/14 Miami,FL- Churchill’s Pub
3/15 Tampa, FL- The Brass Mug
3/17 Johnson City,TN- The Hideaway
3/18 Pittsburgh, PA – Howlers Coyote Cafe
3/19 Columbus, OH- Ace of Cups
3/20 Cleveland, OH- Now That’s Class
3/21 Rochester, NY- The Bug Jar
3/22 Florence,MA – JJ’s Tavern

with Destruction & Krisiun
3/25 Austin, TX @ Infest
3/26 El Paso, TX @ Tricky Falls
3/27 Phoenix, AZ @ Joe’s Grotto
3/28 Las Vegas, NV @ Cheyenne Saloon
3/29 Anaheim, CA @ Mirror Image
3/30 W. Hollywood, CA @ Whisky-A-Go-Go
4/1 San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
4/2 Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
4/3 Portland, OR @ Tonic Lounge
4/4 Vancouver, BC @ The Venue
4/5 Edmonton, AB @ Pawn Shop
4/7 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
4/8 Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room
4/9 Des Moines, IA @ Woolys
4/10 Chicago, IL @ Reggies Rock Club
4/11 Rochester, NY @ Montage Music Hall
4/12 Toronto, ON @ Mod Club
4/13 Quebec, QC @ Complexe Meduse
4/14 Montreal, QC @ Foufounes Electriques

More information on Exmortus, its upcoming Prosthetic Records debut, tour and more is available online at http://www.facebook.com/exmortusofficial.  To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.