Author: admin

Tysondog – Midnight

Written by admin on . Posted in Release.

Roughly four years after “Cry Havoc”, the first album in almost three decades from TYSONDOG, the cult NWOBHM band has a new set of songs on their sleeves. “Midnight” is the title of the record, which carries all the elements that made Tysondog such an interesting offer for all those who wanted to dig deeper than the obvious NWOBHM bands back in the day – and find gold. 

As the late legend Malcolm Dome (Classic Rock) put it, “This is a band who represent the true spirit and ethos of NWOBHM – and many years on from this particular movement, people the world over are still desperate to find out the minutiae of the genre. And it’s great to be able to listen once more to their album, providing that an absence of ability wasn’t to blame for their failure to make it to a higher level. So here’s to Tysondog, a band who came, who saw, who never conquered, but had a good time getting close. If you’ve never heard them before, enjoy the music. It’s worth checking out”. 

Back in 1984 the likes of Malcolm Dome, Geoff Barton & Dante Bonutto were tipping Tysondog for major success, emerging at that time from the force that had become known as the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. One way or another, the fates conspired to deprive Tysondog of the international fame that so many thought they were destined for and in time the band disappeared from the limelight. 

Back in the day, Tysondog “could have been a contender”, as Marlon Brando once said. The five-piece from Tyne & Wear collectively had one eye on Judas Priest and the other nine on producing classy Eighties British metal, and their no-nonsense approach was showcased on two cracking albums, two singles and an EP before they took a one-way trip to the vets. They re-appeared in 2012 with a new four-tracker “Hammerhead”, and with Jeff (Mantas) Dunn sitting behind the glass they ventured back into the studio in 2014 and re-emerged with “Cry Havoc”, their first full album in almost 30 years. 

Tysondog’s rich history was not forgotten & having re-started their engines, they have gradually worked their way back with a new perspective on life and, happy to see that people were, taking major notice, the band recorded “Midnight”, also signing to Danish label From The Vaults. 

“Midnight” is out now on LP (transparent red/black vinyl, limited to 300 copies), CD and digital formats.

Line-up:
John Clutch Carruthers – vocals
Kev Wynn – bass
Paul Burdis – guitar
Phil Brewis – drums
Stevie Morrison – guitar

Webshop:
https://bit.ly/tysonmid-CD

https://bit.ly/tysonmid-LP

STEEL INFERNO

Written by admin on . Posted in Artist.

STEEL INFERNO has been, slowly but surely, cementing their name in the European speed metal scene in the last decade. Since the band’s formation in 2012, the quintet released three studio albums, each one stepping a bit forward in terms of popularity and intensity: “Aesthetics of Decay” in 2016, “…And the Earth Stood Still” in 2020 and “Evil Reign” In 2022. 

The latter, which was Steel Inferno’s debut at From The Vaults, took the band in a slightly different direction. If the Steel Inferno’s early material was akin to European metal like early Accept and Judas Priest, the material in that record was closer to some of the earliest US power metal bands such as Helstar and Jag Panzer – all mixed with a fundamental inspiration from early thrash and speed metal. 

With this new-found approach, the band toured like crazy to support “Evil Reign”, until the time came to record new songs again. Angioni Studios was booked, speed riffs, solos were recorded, thunderous rhythms were taped and raging vocal takes were taped. The result is Steel Inferno’s new album, titled “Rush Of Power”. A thunderous monster of a record, which will hit you like a hurricane, adrenaline-pumping and will leaving craving for the next speed metal fix. “Rush Of Power” adds more speed, as well as complexity, to the Steel Inferno arsenal, while retaining a sense of creating good melodies. 

Are you ready for “Rush Of Power”?

“Rush Of Power” is out now on CD, LP (black and white vinyl versions available, each limited to 200 copies, plus red vinyl exclusive to Mephisto shop, limited to 100 copies) and digital via From The Vaults. 

Steel Inferno is:
Thierry Zubritovsky – bass
Jens Andersen – guitars
Chris Rostoff – vocals
Lars Lyndorff – guitars
Krzysztof Baran – drums

Links:
Official site
Facebook
Instagram
Bandcamp
Spotify
Apple Music
Tidal

Video:

Metal Cross – Soul Ripper

Written by admin on . Posted in Release.

Metal Cross – Soul Ripper

Thirty-eight years after their first rehearsal, seven years after their now mythical concert reunion at Metal Magic Festival, Danish cult heavy metal band Metal Cross finally release its debut album, “Soul Ripper”. The long-awaited full-length record shows a band on top of their game, melting together the classic heavy metal of their now cult 80’s demos “Crucifying The Virgins” and “M.A.D.H.O.U.S.E.” with a renewed power and energy. It will indeed rip your soul and leave you thirsty for more from this Scandinavian heavy metal powerhouse. Out now!

Line-up:
Michael Steen Sørensen: lead guitar
Peter Mogensen: drums
Jon Lybæk: rhythm guitar
Ole Quist: bass
Esben Fosgerau Juhl: vocals

Webshop:
https://targetshop.dk/metalcross




Continue reading

SERPENT LORD – Apocrypha

Written by admin on . Posted in Release.

Heavy metal in its darker and most occult form is the proposition of SERPENT LORD (GR), a band coming from the land of heavy metal – Greece – with the will and the power to conquer the world. And that is exactly what they promise to do with “Apocrypha”, their second studio album, which brings nine hymns of sacred heavy metal, wrapped in a blanket of occult atmosphere and in-depth, cryptic lyrics full of symbolic meanings.

Then again, Serpent Lord (Gr) aren’t strangers to delivering a harrowing dose of occult heavy metal, with every aspect from their stage presence, to the musical production, exuding depth and atmospheric darkness. Having shared the stage with legends such as Primordial, Rotting Christ, Blaze Bayley, Necronomicon, Innerwish, Omen, Grand Magus, Exarsis, Northwind and many others, Serpent Lord (Gr) pride themselves in delivering a show to encapsulate the crowd; “For us, it’s not just a live show, it is a ritual. The songs talk about rituals, about magic and religions, about demons, so we try to create the appropriate atmosphere on our shows”, the band proudly states. Think Archangel banners, skulls, candles, books of magic, and even stage-side monks.

Initially founded in 2016, it wasn’t until the following year that the Greek entity delivered their first demo onto the unprepared world. Since then, Serpent Lord (Gr) have been developing their occult heavy metal in countless shows accross Europe, as well as in their debut album, “Towards The Damned” in 2018, which was hailed by the metal press, and in their double-sided single “Horned God”, released in the following year.

Now, the time has come for “Apocrypha” to delve deep into the aggressive, atmospheric and slightly progressive sound of the band and take Serpent Lord (Gr) a step forward. And below.

Line-up:
Konstantinos Sotirelis: bass, back vocals
Marios Arikas: vocals
Giorgos Terzitanos: guitars, back vocals
Lazaros Bouroutzoglou: guitars

Webshop:
https://bit.ly/serpent-apo

CROM – Into The Glory Land EP

Written by admin on . Posted in Release.

Welcome to CROM new chapter. “Into The Glory Land “ is the first output since Walter “Crom” Grosse (ex-Dark Fortress) signed his epic heavy metal project to From the Vaults, and only a foretaste for what will follow later in the middle of 2022. Two brand new songs of pure epic heavy metal and three emotional acoustic tracks will show both sides of the music Crom is standing for since 1997. “Into The Glory Land” EP is the logical further development since the last output “When Northmen Die” and the first official release with Crom’s first complete lineup ever.

Whilst playing with German melodic black metallers Dark Fortress, Walter “Crom” Grosse began working on a solo-project that was worlds apart from the raw aggression normally associated with the genre in which he started. The more the work progressed, the more Grosse realised that he much preferred to forge his own musical path, a path where melody is the defining factor, and, following on from the positive response to his debut EP “The Fallen Beauty”, he decided to focus his attention solely on the band that had become Crom.

Grosse has never made any secret of his admiration and respect for Quorthon. Like many other musicians, he is influenced by the epic melodies of the legendary Bathory, but, unlike many, he has allowed the influence to subtly shade, rather than define, the musical content. Crom has an individuality that can only be described as, well… “CROM”!

Delicate acoustic guitars are counter-pointed by crushing metal riffs. A powerful vocal performance is accompanied by melodies that are in turn poignant or majestic. With his use of choirs, epic arrangements, skilful transitions, and stirring melodies, Grosse is able to conjure up images of mighty warriors and lost loves; epic struggles  and tragic personal losses; despair and ultimate salvation.

After three albums (“Vengeance” in 2008, “Of Love And Death” in 2011 and “When Northmen Die” in 2017) Crom is now ready for a new chapter in its career, signing a new record deal with From The Vaults and releasing the new EP “Into The Glory Land”.

Line-up:
Walter “Crom” Grosse: vocals, choirs, lead & acoustic guitars, bass
Steve Peyerl: lead guitars
Thomas Hagl: drums

Webshop:
targetshop.com/crom

ALIEN FORCE – We Meet Again

Written by admin on . Posted in Release.

The wait is over. Finally, classic heavy metal merchants ALIEN FORCE broke the 35-year silence since their last studio album and finally released a new collection of songs. “We Meet Again” is the eagerly awaited new Alien Force studio album, and it doesn’t disappoint: it’s melodic, it’s tight and it bears that classical sound that made the Danes a band to be reckoned in the international scene. Few bands could hold the pressure of three decades and a half of accumulated expectations, but Alien Force do it in spades!

In 1982, the band currently known as Alien Force started playing music under the name Zeyking. The band was started by the two brothers Henrik Rasmussen (guitar) and Michael Rasmussen (drums) and the style was already then classic heavy metal. Together with Peter Svale Andersen (vocals) and Michael Østerfelt, (bass) Zeyking released the single “Get It Out”.

In 1985 the band changed its name to Alien Force and with a record deal with Telaeg Records, released their first LP “Hell And High Water”. The record is nowadays a classic in the NWOBHM underground, being reprinted several times. Tracks from the record are still used for the live concerts the band plays. In 1986 Alien Force released their second LP “Pain And Pleasure” via their own record company Alien Records, since their previous label had close.

Up through the 90’s it was difficult for the band to hold their breath and try to survive. Band members were replaced, the name and style changed, but it was all in all a difficult period and the band decided to stop after playing at many festivals and club gigs. In 2008, the band was invited to play a reunion concert in the famous rock club The Rock. The concert was a great success and Alien Force once again got blood on their teeth and not least the desire for metal back. Shortly after, the band entered their home studio with new energy and new ideas for songs and got more invitations to play festivals again, but unfortunately their guitarist Michael Wenzel lost his life to cancer and it was a great blow for the band again.

After a long break, in 2018, Alien Force was invited to play Keep It True, one of Germany’s largest underground metal festivals. Alien Force presented themselves with the original line-up from the “Hell And High Water” album and the concert served as a turning point. The band met fans from all over the world, who welcomed them with open arms and showed the band that they have a loyal fan base larger than believed.

In 2020, Alien Force hits the studio again, inspired by the many concerts in Europe after the Keep it True experience. Together with Peter Brander in Media Sound Studio, they have recorded ten new songs ready for a new album, released by From The Vaults, the new trad heavy metal label with an A&R team composed by Michael Stützer (Artillery), Tom Noble (Tygers Of Pan Tang manager) and Kim Vestergaard (Artillery manager). The title of the album says it all: WE MEET AGAIN.

“We Meet Again” is out now on vinyl, CD, and digitally via From The Vaults.

Line-up:
Peter Svale Andersen: vocals
Henrik Rasmussen: guitar
Michael Rasmussen: drums
Frank East: bass

Webshop:
targetshop.dk/alienforce

MIRAGE

Written by admin on . Posted in Artist.

Mirage was created in Randers, Midtjylland, Denmark, in 1982 and soon turned the musical style into heavy metal. Two years later, the 7″ single “Shave It Off / Savin’ Love” was released, on green vinyl. It was the entrance door for the group to sign a record deal with Danish label Skylight Records.

The EP “…And The Earth Shall Crumble” was the first and only result of this record deal. Released in 1985, it turned international heads in the direction of Mirage, whose heavy metal/hard rock with distinctive hints of Hammond parts stands as a foundation of the Danish heavy scene. The English label Metal Masters heard the EP and wanted to release it as a full LP, which meant three songs were added. The band seemed to be destined for global success – much like their compatriots Mercyful Fate – in those days. Unfortunately, the label went bankrupt and Mirage found themselves without the backing of a company to release their second album. The collective released two cassette demos independently in 1987 and 1988respectively, but nothing much happened and the band slowly faded away by the end of the 80’s.

While guitarist Jan Buller, bassist Sten Roland, and keyboardist Morgue Law spent some time playing in the blues-rock band “Third Stone From The Sun”, a “…And The Earth Shall Crumble” reissue surfaced in 2002, including the tracks of the two pressings, as well as the “Shave It Off / Savin’ Love” single and the tracks from the later demos. The interest in the band continued to cross generations and, while vocalist Torben Deen had a stint with the AOR rock band “Reality Bites” and shifted to the progressive rock band “Motive” (where Morgue Law also played), the 1987 & 1988 demos were digitally reissued as an EP.

However, there’s an untold chapter from Mirage story. In the 80’s, after releasing “…And The Earth Shall Crumble”, the band wrote a second release, which unfortunately never saw the racks due to the label’s demise. Now, the band is back to tell that chapter and release that record.

On the back of the first album (“…And The Earth Shall Crumble”, released in 85) it was written: “Watch out for the sequel”. Alright, here is the band again, back in the very recognizable Mirage style: Metal with melody and good lyrics! 

“The Sequel” was released on digital, CD and LP (black vinyl, limited to 300 units) by From the Vaults on July 15th, 2022.

Link:
Facebook

Alien Force – Pain And Pleasure

Written by admin on . Posted in Release.

In 1982, the band currently known as Alien Force started playing music under the name Zeyking. The band was started by the two brothers Henrik Rasmussen (guitar) and Michael Rasmussen (drums) and the style was already then classic heavy metal. Together with Peter Svale Andersen (vocals) and Michael Østerfelt, (bass) Zeyking released the single “Get It Out”.

In 1985 the band changed its name to Alien Force and with a record deal with Telaeg Records, released their first LP “Hell And High Water”. The record is nowadays a classic in the NWOBHM underground, being reprinted several times. Tracks from the record are still used for the live concerts the band plays. In 1986 Alien Force released their second LP “Pain And Pleasure” via their own record company Alien Records, since their previous label had close. This was regarded as yet another classic of the genre and much trafficked since then, in all its physical forms.

Now, for the first time ever, “Pain And Pleasure” are available digitally, in all relevant streaming platforms.

Line-up “’Pain And Pleasure”:
Frank East: bass
Michael Rasmussen: drums
Henrik Rasmussen: guitars
Peter Svale Andersen: vocals

Listen/download:
https://backl.ink/147115659

Alien Force – Hell And High Water

Written by admin on . Posted in Release.

In 1982, the band currently known as Alien Force started playing music under the name Zeyking. The band was started by the two brothers Henrik Rasmussen (guitar) and Michael Rasmussen (drums) and the style was already then classic heavy metal. Together with Peter Svale Andersen (vocals) and Michael Østerfelt, (bass) Zeyking released the single “Get It Out”.

In 1985 the band changed its name to Alien Force and with a record deal with Telaeg Records, released their first LP “Hell And High Water”. The record is nowadays a classic in the NWOBHM underground, being reprinted several times. Tracks from the record are still used for the live concerts the band plays.

Now, for the first time ever, “Hell And High Water” are available digitally, in all relevant streaming platforms.

Line-up “’Hell And High Water”:
Frank East: bass
Michael Rasmussen: drums
Henrik Rasmussen: guitars
Peter Svale Andersen: vocals

Listen/download:
https://backl.ink/147115749