Metal Cross – Soul Ripper

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

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

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

European heavy/power metal, with its strong melodies, big chorus, heavy riffs and bulletproof musicianship, is one of the most recognisable styles in metal. With roots back in the metal gods Iron Maiden, Rainbow and Judas Priest, the style morphed, evolved and developed throughout the years, producing new stars to the constellation (Avantasia, Rhapsody, Sabaton, to name just a few), but never really lost its soul and essence. This is the world where international act SCREAMING SHADOWS move.

With four strong albums in their back-catalog, the band led by Tygers Of Pan Tang guitarist Francesco Marras is back with one of its strongest offerings yet: “Legacy Of Stone”. A powerful set of songs that embrace the true heavy metal and NWOBHM influences of the past, but delivers them with a cutting-edge musical sharpness and a clear punch in production. Clearly, one of the best heavy/power metal records in 2021.

“Legacy Of Stone” is available now in digital, LP, and CD formats via From The Vaults.

Line-up:
Francesco Marras: guitars
Alessandro Marras: vocals
Michele Sanna: drums
Jürgen Steinmetz: bass

Webshop:
https://targetshop.dk/en/screaming-shadows

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

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

From the same time & space as Mercyful Fate, EVIL put the Danish heavy metal in the worldwide map in the early 80’s, becoming one of the cult bands of the country.

“Ride To Hell” features the first demo tape from the band, released originally in 1983, as well as the live release “Live On Stage”, recorded in Copenhagen in 1985.

With sound completely remastered in Angioni Studio (Tygers Of Pan Tang, Mike Tramp), ”Ride To Hell” comes in four very limited ed. vinyl formats in 180gr (green, orange, purple & black) as well as on CD. On top of this, the release comes with restored artwork and rare photos.

If you’re a fan of classic, head-banging, fist-pumping 80s heavy metal, then this is an absolute must-have in your collection!

And remember… Evil’s power is not to be taken lightly!

Evil is back and working on a new studio album to be released in late 2021.

“Ride To Hell” will be re-released in CD, and LP (four different colours) by Mighty Music, on June 11th, 2021.

Line-up “’83 Demo”:
Kim Xmas: guitar
Pearl Angel: vocals
Pete Hurricane: bass
Freddie Wolf: drums
Tommy Strauss: guitars

Webshop:
https://targetshop.dk/evil

1984…
The year of Iron Maiden’s ”Powerslave”. The year of Mercyful Fate’s ”Don’t Break The Oath”. And the year of Evil’s ”Evil’s Message”!

The Danish heavy metal cult EP classic fuelled with five tracks of powerful and speedy heavy metal are to be re-released in a very special package in 2021!

Remastered by Tue Madsen (The Haunted) in Antfarm Studio ”Evil’s Message” comes in three very limited edition vinyl formats in 180gr Teal (blue/green), yellow, and marble grey as well as on CD for the very first time. On top of this, the release comes with rare photos.

If you’re a fan of classic, head-banging, fist-pumping 80s heavy metal, then this is an absolute must-have in your collection!

And remember… Evil’s power is not to be taken lightly!

Evil is back and working on a new studio album to be released in late 2021.

“Evil’s Message” will be re-released in CD, and LP (four different colours: black, teal, yellow, marbled grey) by Mighty Music, on June 11th, 2021.

Line-up “Evil’s Message”:
Kim Xmas: guitar
Pearl Angel: vocals
Pete Hurricane: bass
Freddie Wolf: drums

Webshop:
https://targetshop.dk/evil