MASTER BOOT RECORD Reveals Details for New Album “FLOPPY DISK OVERDRIVE”

On March 20th, MASTER BOOT RECORD will release his Metal Blade Records debut, FLOPPY DISK OVERDRIVE.

There are few truly unique musical artists, but the music made by MBR arguably exists in a category of its own. “The main elements include chiptune, demoscene & video game music, thrash/death metal and some black metal as well as classical and symphonic patterns and progressive structures,” explains sole progenitor and mastermind MBR. “But everything is programmed and done with synthesizers.” The result, influenced as much by classical baroque music, bay area thrash metal, and Commodore 64 games, is a frenzied mashup of what logic suggests should be disparate sounds, but in the hands of MBR make sense, taking the listener in unexpected and always thrilling directions, smashing through genre walls.

FLOPPY DISK OVERDRIVE sees MBR sound evolve again, embracing all of the elements fans have come to expect from the project, but taking a step forward. MBR comments: “This album has got some new elements such as the synthesized clean guitars sounds which adds that early thrash metal feel – as well as some baroque atmosphere – but the album still features my trademark sound mixing chiptune, classical and metal music.” Remaining prolific – and 100% synthetic – MBR works with an audience. “I have a very fast workflow due to the fact everything is MIDI. Also, most of the time, I stream live while composing. A good amount of my stuff after the second album until now has been composed live, as well as many of the cover songs. I stream my DAW desktop while chatting on my IRC. Also I handle every aspect of making the record, including the artwork.”

Having previously been involved in multiple projects – most of which were focused on mixing metal and electronic music – he first began working on what would become MBR four years ago. “It was around April 2016 when I started to work on the point & click adventure Virtuaverse, a video game I am doing with my friends Valenberg and Elder0010. While writing that soundtrack, I tried some heavier sounds and especially this floppy disk drive sounding guitar sound, and that’s how MBR first originated.” Prolifically creative, once he had all of these elements in place, he would go on to release four albums in three weeks, dropping them on Bandcamp on the fly, at the same time churning out cover versions of themes from video games he loved growing up. In the three years since, seven more albums followed, each one building on the last, forever refining the MBR sound. The project’s name was inspired by the title of its first release. “I stumbled on a command line text that is on the cover art of my first album ‘FIXMBR.’ and at a point it says, ‘Are you sure you want to write a new MBR?’ And pretty much that was how I felt at that moment. I needed to restart from scratch for a new project with a new sound.”

MBR will be touring FLOPPY DISK OVERDRIVE, adding a live drummer and guitarist to play alongside the electronic elements. The Italy-based unit will be hitting Europe and North America not long after the album drops.

DON JAMIESON Reveals Details for New Album “Denim & Laughter”

On February 21st, rock & roll comedian Don Jamieson will release his new album, Denim & Laughter, via Metal Blade Records. Former ‘That Metal Show’ host Jamieson comments: “This album was recorded in front of about 40 hardcore fans in a speakeasy in a secret location in Los Angeles on October 19, 2019. Now the rest of you can enjoy it! I’ve recorded my stand-up albums in comedy clubs, rock clubs and now an illegal club. Comedy is way more fun when you’re at the risk of being raided at any moment! Special thanks to one of my favorite all-time bands, Saxon, for letting me do the comedic version of their classic album ‘Denim & Leather‘. And I can’t wait to tour the U.K. and Europe with their singer, Biff Byford. They follow in a prestigious line of my album cover band parodies…Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin. But of course, the album is not just for rockers, but for all people who like humor with a rock and roll attitude. Comedy is like rock and roll…it’s no fun if it’s not dangerous. And being a comedian on Metal Blade Records makes the whole package complete.”

In support of this record, Jamieson will be performing on the Monsters of Rock Cruise set to sail Feb. 8-13 before hitting the road in the UK and Europe this spring with Biff Byford. Each show will take an “evening with” format and will be split into two halves. The first half will be a comedy set by Jamieson, who will quiz Biff on all aspects of his life and his legendary career. The second half will be a live show featuring Biff and his solo band. As Biff explains: “The show will consist of some old songs, some new songs, some cover versions and some songs off the solo album.”

Check out Jamieson‘s new project, ‘That Jamieson Show’ on https://www.compoundmedia.com/, where he interviews rockers and comedians. Jamieson‘s stand-up act is his take on everyday life, with a heavy dose of sarcasm. Amongst his many accomplishments, his Metal Blade Records stand-up albums – Live & Hilarious, Hell Bent For Laughter, Communication Breakdown – all debuted on the Billboard comedy charts. Jamieson also became an “Emmy Award-Winner” for his work on HBO’s ‘Inside The NFL’, where he and long-time comedy partner, Jim Florentine, wrote, produced and performed sports-themed comedy sketches.

TOMORROW IS LOST Announce New Album “Therapy”

United Kingdom NWOCR / alternative-metal rockers Tomorrow Is Lost will release their new full-length album entitled Therapy on March 13, 2020 via Eclipse Records. The album was produced by Dave Boothroyd (Phil Campbell [Motörhead], Don Broco, The Bastard Sons) at 6db Studios, was mastered by Jon Astley (Judas Priest, The Who, The Rolling Stones) at Close To The Edge, and the album’s artwork was designed by Andy Pilkington of Very Metal Art.

Therapy is a dynamic, anthem-ridden collection of eleven brilliant songs recorded by the Newcastle rock band who have quickly cemented themselves as the forerunners of the NWOCR (new wave of classic rock) movement which is set to explode worldwide in 2020. Featuring one of the most dynamic, talented, new female vocalists to hit the scene, Tomorrow Is Lost can easily hold their own alongside the likes of rock heavyweights Halestorm, Evanescence, and Paramore. From the opening track on the album, “Wildchild” sets the scene with unrelenting angst and could easily become THE active rock anthem of 2020! The song “Hideaway” changes course and captures the essence of trauma paired alongside the journey of recovery and positivity, while “White Noise” is short, sharp and gets right to the point of how some people turn a blind eye to bad things that happen in plain sight. All in all, the album is a shining example of everything a perfect rock album should be and judging by the momentum this band has created throughout the United Kingdom.

The band have also revealed their first music video from the album, for the first single “Wildchild”, directed by Shaun Hodson of Loki Films. Watch it right now at this location.

“When we shot the ‘Wildchild’ video, we wanted to create something that was dark in mood, while at the same time being vibrant and jam-packed full of energy” says front-woman Cass King. “We really wanted to experiment more with a bit of drama and color which is something we’ve unintentionally strayed away from in our previous music videos. The whole video was shot under a black light and we went with a bit of a tribal/war paint vibe, so we had a lot of fun with it and we captured what we were going for! Shooting the video itself only took about two hours in total, but we spent over five hours messing around with different color paints and stuff to see what worked well under the black light. We also learned that tonic water glows blue under UV lights…who knew eh?”

SEPULTURA Talk About The Artwork Of “Quadra”

The age of Quadra comes closer: On February, 7th, SEPULTURA will release their new album via Nuclear Blast. An impressive album that immerses the listener, drawing them deeper into the concept, with its energetic thrashy tunes.

Today, the band releases a new album trailer discussing the artwork of Quadra. Check out the video here.

A pure and raw thrash piece on one side and a melodic yet experimental one on the other – with their catching and fascinating concept album around the number of manifestation, SEPULTURA define their own universe where they alone are the masters, their “Quadra” (portuguese for “playground”).

In support of the album, the band will kick off their North American Quadra tour with SACRED REICH, CROWBAR and ART OF SHOCK on March 18th in San Diego. The tickets and VIP are on sale from this location.

Confirmed dates for the SEPULTURA “Quadra Tour” with SACRED REICH, CROWBAR and ART OF SHOCK are:

Pre-order your copy of Quadra here.

Quadra will be available tin the following formats:
– 2 CD-digipak
– 2 CD + Blu-ray Earbook,
– Vinyl
– Black vinyl LP
– Picture vinyl LP
– Silver vinyl LP (limited to 500 pieces)
– Crystal clear vinyl (limited to 300 pieces)
– Glow in the dark vinyl LP (limited to 300 pieces, Impericon exclusive)

DEVILSKIN Release Official Music Video for “Corrode”

The unstoppable DEVILSKIN unveil “CORRODE,” a monstrous new video, single and details of their long awaited fourth album.
The New Zealand four piece–who have toured with the likes of Slash, Halestorm, Motley Crue, and Disturbed–have announced their new album, titled RED, which will be released worldwide Friday April 3 on all formats across all platforms.

RED is the universal colour of passion, vitality, blood, danger, romance, anger, horror and love. Everything evocative. Of all the colours, RED is a warning and a statement.

“We wanted to reflect the diversity, strength and depth of the songs on the album with an undeniable declaration.” Says Devilskin bassist Paul Martin. “We are so very excited to share these songs, we are extremely proud of how far we have come and what we have achieved with this recording.”

The single “Corrode” encapsulates the red theme perfectly, its angsty lyrics tell of being completely overwhelmed and submerged in grime and stress. Fighting your way through it all and rising to ask for help. Directed by Alex Hargreaves (Alien Weaponry, Beastwars) filmed and edited by DOP Piotr Ziomus (Kwasnik Pictures) the video is powerful, confronting and evolves to show the bigger picture that we don’t always see in our own lives. Martin continues, “Perspective is so important, more-often-than-not, the difference between our happy places and our darkest spaces is just the angle we are looking from. This song is about the journey and the challenges you need to face when you feel lost. It’s saying it’s fine to ask for help.”

RED Track List:
1. Do You See Birds
2. All Fall Down
3. Corrode
4. Eyes Red Heavy
5. Same Life
6. The Victor
7. Bllod & Bone
8. Endo
9. Bright Eyes
10. Sweet Release
11. Be Like the River
12. Everybody’s High But Me

“We really took our time with RED,” Martin enthuses, “we had the vision and we knew it had to be done right. The songs each have so much life and we felt a real duty to do them justice. There are some really personal and very real moments on this album. We absolutely did not hold back, there are songs about struggle, depression, suicide and loss and there are songs about strength, hope, victory and love. We demoed almost 30 songs for this album so we had a lot of work to do to narrow the list down. One of last songs we wrote, it almost missed the cut too, but the throat punch we call Do You See Birds opens the album and sets the tone on a real rollercoaster of a ride. We felt it was especially important to give the listener a total immersive experience from start to finish. There’s lots of mood, colour and texture in the songs as well as between them. It’s a trip.”

The amazing response of the first two singles “Endo” and “All Fall Down” show the promise this album holds. Both songs receiving high rotate radio play and amassing serious numbers online.

From the epic moodiness of “Blood & Bone,” the caged rage of “Same Life,” the visceral impact of “The Victor,” to the poignant beauty of “Sweet Release,” the resplendent grandeur of “Bright Lights,” right through to the swagger of “Be Like The River” and the manic fury of “Everybody’s High But Me,” Devilskin have bared their soul with their finest performances yet.

The album will be released digitally on all the usual formats, physically via CD and LP and there will be a limited edition deluxe box set.

Devilskin is a four piece band from Hamilton New Zealand formed in June 2010, they already have guts, class, kudos and confidence. The sum total of a determined and accomplished group of musicians who know what they want, the music is organic, dynamic and real.

The band features the spectacular Jennie Skulander on lead vocals. Her powerful and compelling voice and alluring stage presence sets her apart from any vocalist New Zealand has put up so far. With an unerring gift for melody, Jennie‘s incredible voice sweeps from whisper to roar, rips with power, drips with melody and captivates with sincerity.

Jennie previously fronted Rotorua band Slipping Tongue garnering a swathe of fans with their videos, EPs and album. Slipping Tongue also impressed many when they opened for Coheed & Cambria in 2008.

On lead guitar is Nail from popular Waikato band Chuganaut who won the NZ Battle of the Bands and the World Battle Of The Bands in 2004. Played BDO in 2005 and opened for Iron Maiden at Mt Smart stadium in 2009. Chuganaut has played numerous national tours and released several singles, EPs, videos and an album. Nail‘s searing guitar work and high energy performance bring real intensity to the live show.

Playing bass guitar is Paul Martin, known as the Axeman from arguably, New Zealand’s most popular radio show, the Axe Attack. Lead guitarist and vocalist for World War Four, Paul’s previous bands include Knightshade and Blackjack. He has opened for Black Label Society (2006), Heaven & Hell (2007) and Motörhead twice (2008), and played BDO (2009). Paul’s powerful and aggressive bass style is a propulsive force in the bands sound.

Nic Martin joined Devilskin as drummer in August 2011 at the age of 15. Paul‘s son, Nic is the youngest artist to ever play the BDO when he performed with World War Four in 2009 at the age of 13. Nic adds to the show with a real display of power and passion on the drums. With a fierce style all his own and the inexhaustible energy of youth, Nic‘s truculent style and showmanship are fast becoming a talking point on the NZ live music scene. Not to mention making Devilskin one of the few bands featuring a father and son in their line-up.

Together, Devilskin have the ability to write songs that have depth and passion. They create a compelling and irresistible sound and perform a stunning, explosive, live show.

DRAGONFORCE Announces USA Tour with UNLEASH THE ARCHERS and VISIONS OF ATLANTIS

This past September, DragonForce unleashed their 8th full-length, Extreme Power Metal, worldwide. In support of this release, the band will head out on the road next month in Europe, before touring the USA with Unleash the Archers and Visions of Atlantis. Both of these treks will see Alicia Vigil (Vigil of War) handling bass and backing vocals for DragonForce.

Alicia Vigil comments: “So beyond stoked that DragonForce chose me to be a part of this! I can’t wait to travel the world and play these new cities with them and be a part of their legacy!”

DragonForce guitarist Herman Li adds: “Alicia was recommended to me by a number of musician friends in LA. She impressed me with her playing, her professionalism, and her ability to learn the DragonForce songs really quickly! I’m excited to have her playing on this tour and I think the fans will really like what she brings to the show.”

DragonForce will be streaming their world tour live on twitch.tv/hermanli. Livestreams will include performances, backstage and special guest appearances.

Known as the fastest band in the world, Grammy-nominated extreme power metal band DragonForce is based in London, England. Their platinum-selling record, Through the Fire and Flames, brought them international acclaim and was featured as the most-challenging song on Guitar Hero III. Their energetic and humorous live performances have won them fans on every continent.

The group is known for their long, complex and fast guitar solos performed by Herman Li and Sam Totman, who founded the band after meeting through a classified ad in 1999. Since then, the band has released eight studio albums, including Valley of the Damned (2003), Sonic Firestorm (2004), Inhuman Rampage (2006), Ultra Beatdown (2008), The Power Within (2012), Maximum Overload (2014), and Reaching into Infinity (2017). 2019 brought the next chapter in DragonForce history: Extreme Power Metal!

Regarding Extreme Power Metal, Li says, “This album again combines the best of DragonForce in an even bigger, more epic way than we have ever done before. We are so excited for fans to hear it!” The keyboards on this new album were performed by Coen Janssen of symphonic metal titan Epica, bringing a new dimension into a DragonForce album. Totman says, “We worked really closely with Coen on this new album. We are so happy with what he has brought into this new album. Every fan will be so happy to hear his majestic playing!”

Drawing from a wide range of influences, the band’s sound combines the sing-a-long choruses of classic 80’s rock with triumphant, uplifting melodies and fantasy-themed power-metal-inspired lyrics. As a nod to their passion for all things video-game related, the band frequently incorporates retro game sounds and melodies into their recordings and live shows.

To stream and purchase Extreme Power Metal, please visit this location.

ALL HAIL THE YETI Join LIFE OF AGONY and DOYLE on Beast Coast Monsters Tour 2020

RUSH’s Neil Peart Has Passed At 67

It’s a sad day in the world of rock and metal as the legendary Canadian rock band Rush has announced the passing of their drummer Neil Peart at the age of 67.

According to the following tweet from Rush, Neil has passed as a result of brain cancer.

Neil Peart’s influence on modern drumming in all aspects of heavy music can never be understated and his name will forever be synonymous with the title of “legend.”

I send my deepest condolences to Neil’s band mates, family, friends, and fans at this time. He may no longer be with us physically but he will live with us forever through the music.

SEVEN SPIRES Release Video For “Drowner of Worlds”

FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE Delivers Message To Fans Regarding Upcoming North American Tour

Italian orchestral-death metal giants FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE will descend upon North America in March in support of their critically lauded album, Veleno. For the first time in the band’s celebrated career they’ll be doing a full-tour, accompanied by a classical string quartet, which will be an unprecedented experience for death metal fans. Today, the band has issued a message for fans that can be viewed below.

FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE will be joined by special guests THE AGONIST on the excursion, that begins in Dallas, TX on March 16th and culminates in Los Angeles on April 6th. Tickets are on sale now at this location.

“Once again, we’re sharing the stage with a wonderful string ensemble and, this time, in some of the best live music clubs across North America. About a year ago, we had the pleasure to perform a special show in our hometown with a classical string quintet. We filmed the entire event and, a few months later, it became our first ever official live Blu-Ray, “An Evening In Perugia.” Right after that, we’ve been literally flooded with requests from all over the world to make it happen abroad. Everyone in our team, including band, management and label, could only work at making it happen as soon as possible.

So here we are, bringing the full experience across North America in March/April 2020. For the first time in the history of Death Metal, a band is touring with a full string ensemble. Every night will be a night to remember, featuring the longest set we’ve ever played in the continent. No excuses to miss it then, every single detail is going to be perfect and, above all, it might be a once-in-a-lifetime event… Don’t hesitate and get your ticket before it’s too late! Let’s write a new page of Death Metal history together!” – Francesco Paoli

Italian for ‘venom’, Veleno marks FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE’s first record in 3 years, since the release of their critically acclaimed record King (2016). The ‘metal part’ of Veleno was recorded in Rome, Italy at Bloom Recording Studio and Kick Studio with long-standing collaborator Marco Mastrobuono, while the ‘orchestral part’ – the ensembles – were tracked at Musica Teclas Studio in Perugia. Fleshgod Apocalypse then took the effort over to Grammy-nominated Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, EPICA) at Hansen Studios in Denmark for mixing and mastering. The entire production of Veleno took, according to Paoli, about three months. Artwork for the album was created by Travis Smith (AVENGED SEVENFOLD, OPETH, KATATONIA).