Eruption – Tellurian Rupture

Apocalypse is not necessarily a bad thing. The actual meaning of the word is ‘revelation’. But through the ages it was shown over and over again that ‘to reveal something’ is to ‘face something bad’. Of course, we could go on and on by asking ‘But what does bad actually mean?’ Let’s face it – doom or delight is in the eye of the beholder. 

The apocalyptic concept behind the upcoming ERUPTION’s fourth studio album “Tellurian Rupture” is about bleak, dark, and heavy things. At least for civilizations, that is. Yet with a fall of an empire comes rebirth. Forged under the grey skies ridden with COVID-winds, when every prognosis seemed hopeless and induced despair, “Tellurian Rupture” was not an easy undertaking. Through perseverance, blood, sweat, and tears a behemoth of power-infused thrash metal was born. 

“Tellurian Rupture” is Eruption’s most ambitious album to date. It’s epic, dark and technical, explosive at one time and brooding the next minute, yet it still maintains the foundation on which every Eruption’s album was built – catchy melodies, sharp riffing and memorable vocal hooks. The album is a gargantuan listening voyage, an emotional rollercoaster of anger, despair, fear, but also hope. 

As the planet’s crust ruptures and ancient titans rise once more witness the destruction, embrace chaos, and welcome rebirth! 

Formed in late 2004, Eruption is a thrash metal band from Ljubljana, Slovenia. Throughout the years, the band has always kept fast, guitar-based and infectiously melodic metal as their mission statement, culminating in the releases of “Lifeless Paradise” in 2009, “Tenses Collide” in 2012, and “Cloaks of Oblivion” in 2017. All three full-lengths, accompanied by 2014’s “Live Transmissions” EP, saw the band explore classic machine gun thrash riffing accompanied by the soaring melodic vocals and sci-fi musings of vocalist Klemen Kalin. 

The energetic blend of influences allowed the band to present its music in a dynamic, furious stage show that saw Eruption share the stage with names such as Warbringer, Nuclear Assault, D.R.I, Iced Earth, perform on the main stage of festivals such as MetalDays and Underwall as well as garner excellent live responses from around Europe. 

“Tellurian Rupture” is out now on digital, CD and LP (black/gold vinyl, limited to 300 units).

Lineup:
Klemen Kalin: vocals
Gregor Lavtar: guitars
Gregor Kamenšek: guitars
Nika Krmelj: bass guitars
Ivan Cepanec: drums

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https://bit.ly/eru-tell-LP
https://bit.ly/eru-tell-CD

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Mirage – The Sequel

An intro and a creaking door welcome you into the MIRAGE universe. Full throttle from the off! 

That’s no wonder. The Danish band’s debut album “…And The Earth Shall Crumble” created quite a stir in 1985 in both the Danish and in international metal scenes. And, to say that in a year when Accept’s “Metal Heart”, Megadeth’s “Killing Is My Business…”, Dio’s “Sacred Heart”, W.A.S.P.’s “The Last Command” and Iron Maiden’s most Faust live album “Live After Death” were released, it’s quite a bold statement. 

Then again, Mirage was no ordinary band. Their melodic blend of heavy metal and hard rock turned their songs into absolute hard’n’heavy hymns, that aged really well, while “…And The Earth Shall Crumble” turned into a gem very sought-after in the following decades. 

But now is 2022. After a hiatus of more than three decades, Mirage is finally back with their second album. 

Wait a minute… “Second album”? 

You heard it right. The record Mirage should have released some thirty-odd years ago is finally a reality! Back in the late 80s the band had to quit because the English record company sent their royalties to their Danish record company, who pocketed the money and filed for bankruptcy! Despite interest from the Danish label Medley Records, the second album was never released, though all the songs were written. 

So, everything on the upcoming Mirage album was written in the late eighties. 

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 recognisable Mirage style: Metal with melody and good lyrics! 

“The Sequel” is out now on digital, CD and LP (black vinyl, limited to 300 units) via From the Vaults.

Line-up:
Torben Deen – lead & backing vocals
Søren Ahm – guitars, keyboards, bass
S.A. Sørensen – drums
Stine Annesen – backing vocals

Webshop:
https://bit.ly/mir-seqLP

https://bit.ly/mir-seqCD

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Evil – Book Of Evil

Back in the early 80s, the Danish heavy metal scene was taking its first steps, learning a (very) own path away from the strong rock and punk rock backgrounds that the country provided their youth. Those were the years where the highly acclaimed metal bands Mercyful Fate and Artillery took form. But also a few others that, in the following years, saw their career follow different paths and fates, loading to disbanding with a band or simply fading away. Formed in 1983, Copenhagen-natives EVIL were one of these bands. Their debut demo, already in ‘83, set the Danish heavy metal on fire with their heavy metal frenzy and their now-mythical 1984 EP “Evil’s Message” was the confirmation that Denmark had probably one of the strongest metal scenes in Europe back then. Unfortunately, that wasn’t meant to last and the band disappeared from circulation in 1985. 

A return to action was later tried in 2015, with original drummer Freddie Wolf, now on guitars, leading a new line-up that released the debut album “Shoot The Messenger”. But Evil’s career still wasn’t meant to be and the band laid dormant again… Until now! 

The mighty Evil is now re-born with new joining members including vocalist Martin Steene (Iron Fire, ex-Force Of Evil), drummer Henrik Molin (ex-Shadowspawn), bassist Jakob Haugaard (Iron Fire) and guitarist Nikolaj Ihlemann (ex-Nightlight), continuing the original inspirations of bands like Judas Priest and Accept. 

In its current re-vitalized form, Evil has recorded ten new songs. The album, titled “The Book Of Evil”, was produced in Hellfire Studio, Copenhagen, and Antfarm Studio, Aarhus, mixed and co-produced by rewarded metal producer/mixer Tue Madsen. “We have made the new material in the spirit of the eighties but with a modern metal state of mind” Freddie Wolf says. 

The band is now ready to take back a leading role among old-school metal bands. 

Evil is coming! 

“Book Of Evil” is out now on digital, CD and LP (crystal and golden vinyls, each limited to 300 units), via From The Vaults.

Line-up:
Freddie Wolf – guitar
Martin Steene – vocals
Henrik Molin – drums
Jakob Haugaard – bass
Nikolaj Ihlemann – guitar

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https://bit.ly/evil-shop

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V/A – Heavy Metal Rock Vol. 1

Heavy metal is so much more than just music, or a music style. Since its very early beginnings, it gathered people under one flag, it gave to the rejected and misfits of society a sense of belonging and a “tribe” that cared for its members. Unlike many “specialists” predicted, the genre is alive and well more than 40 years after Tony Iommi invented the first heavy and downtuned rock’n’roll riff. More young bands jumping to the style wagon, more astonishing releases every day and new, young fans, discovering new and old bands and opening the doors to the heavy metal world, from which they’ll never go out again. 

From The Vaults is a label created to unite both ends of the heavy metal spectrum. With an A&R team that includes Michael Stützer (from Artillery fame) and Tom Noble (long-time Tygers Of Pan Tang manager), it was created to sign new fresh-blooded groups and old bands of musicians that are slowly realizing that their steady, married profiles can actually fit a “weekend warrior” life again. 

Enter “Heavy Metal Rock Vol. 1”. The label compilation compiled by Michael Hvolgaard Andersen, named after the genre-thematic Heavy Metal Rock Meeting festival that is to be held in Helsingør this March, brings you the best Danish bands signed to the label. From the spiked heavy metal of veterans Evil to the more melodic approach of Meridian, “Heavy Metal Rock, Vol. 1” is a catalog of what’s timeless, new and exciting in the genre right now, released exclusively in the most iconic heavy metal formats of all times: black vinyl. 

Furthermore, you’ll be able to find some never-heard-before songs from bands such as Wasted, Atro City, Mirage, Anoxia, Meridian, Pectora, Steel Inferno or Street Fighter (featuring Rasmus Bom Andersen of Diamond Head fame), while banging your head to the latest songs of Metal Cross, Evil and Alien Force, which have all recently released album on From The Vaults. The “treasures” department go straight to Mirage’s “The Emperor” and Atro City “Introseduction”, two heavy metal underground classics that see edition in black gold for the first time ever. All songs in the compilation were mastered at Angioni Studios by Marco Angioni. 

All good reasons to get your hands into one of the 300 copies of “Heavy Metal Rock Vol. 1”, a record that, more than a compilation, is a way of life statement. 

“Heavy Metal Rock Vol. 1” is out now on LP format (black vinyl, limited to 300 units) via From The Vaults.

Webshop:
https://bit.ly/hmrock1

Tysondog – Midnight

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

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Metal Cross – Soul Ripper

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




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SERPENT LORD – Apocrypha

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

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

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