Bex Marshall releases killer blues track!

British blues roots rock guitarist and vocalist Bex Marshall will release “I Can’t Look You In The Eye” the second single from her upcoming album Fortuna. The single is available on all streaming platforms at https://dixiefrog.lnk.to/ICantLookYou. Watch the music video on YouTube HERE. The new album Fortuna will be released on CD and digital by Dixiefrog Records on Friday March 1, 2024. Pre-order the CD HERE. Pre-save album digitally HERE.

“I Can’t Look You In The Eye is blues rock song born from not being able to comfortably stare at a person in conversation, says Bex. “Due to the fact that the energy and attraction between the of the two is so intense, almost like opposing magnets until the eyes connect. The song was co-written with Scott Coopwood from Clarksdale, Mississippi, with revered local musicians.” Bex Marshall has a super abundance of smarts and edgy spirit to go along with her surety of purpose. She conjures a vocal melting pot of old black woman’s heartache and powerful gritty soul and unique guitar skills which have been labelled by other guitarists as “the goal.” The long-awaited studio album Fortuna is a ten-track blues tapestry that bulges to the edges with addictive hooks and story lines. Bex is a writer of notability, she pushes the boundaries of blues and weaves the genre in and out of blues, funk, rock, and Americana. Bex steps forward with this record as a leading female guitarist, producing her powerful, self-penned album with soaring lead lines, technical ragtime, and ballsy slide playing. It’s been ten years since Bex Marshall’s last release. During this time, Bex has experienced a busy touring schedule, independently breaking into several international markets. Fortuna is an intense culmination of focus and personal release over the last few years.  Bex was able to stand still for a moment and draw in local London talented friends including Richie Stevens on drums (Tina Turner, Simply Red, George Clinton), Toby Baker on keyboards (BB King, Eric Clapton, Alexander O’Neil, Sinead O Connor), B.J Cole on Dobro (Elton John, Coldplay, Sting, Shania Twain, Robbie Williams), New York's Robert Eugene Daniels on bass (RIP “Red Bass”) Aurora Mannola on bass, London's gospel Queen Shola Adegoroye, and legendary Danny Bryan on percussion (Taj Mahal). After a week-long intense recording session at Snakepit Studios in North London, Fortuna was created. It’s an album of soulful rock blues, with funky undertones with touches of gospel and roots. The album was engineered, co-produced and mastered by Nick Hunt (Dave Stewart, Boy George, Placebo, George Clinton) who Bex has worked with on her previous album House of Mercy. “I have been influenced by multiple artists,” says Bex. “For me it never stops. Songwriters, vocalists, and guitarists – you name it! “I grew up listening to Tina Turner. Vocally, she was my heroine. Her tone, soul, and vocal range was so versatile. Other influences include Eric Clapton’s cool guitar style, John Lee Hooker’s back porch flavour, Freddie King’s sting, Hose Feliciano’s flair, Janis Joplin’s ragtime, and Elton John and Bernie Taupin's songwriting. I was lucky as my uncle had a stunning vinyl collection, and I was able to absorb all these relevant box ticking blues rock greats.” “She's mastered the art of making new material sound like it's been found in long forgotten vaults,” says Net Rhythms. Bex holds a songwriting retreat twice a year in Cyprus and believes that “bad songwriting is affecting the quality of our suffering.”  The album's lyrical content touches on the all too familiar addictions of life, from love to liquor, changes in society and bitter regret. The album features nine original tracks, one being an instrumental and one cover. “The album is where I am today musically and philosophically and reflective of the performer I am now,” says Bex. “I wanted to take the hard lumps out of life, and present them back in a different light, sometimes with humor, sarcasm, or resilience but always with a shed load of tenacity. I wanted to make a record with iconic guitar sounds, heavenly funky keyboards, roots infected vocal lines with the funk in the trunk. The album is the most upbeat offering from me to date and I want to produce a show of high energy blues rock euphoria to reignite people’s mojos.” During lockdown Bex’s good friend and bass player “Red Bass” (aka Robert Eugene Daniels) was living in London with us and after a few months sadly passed away. She was lucky enough to capture some of his bass lines in Snakepit Studios. Bex recorded demos for the album and finally used them in five of the 10 album tracks. “Red was a unique musician,” reflects Bex. “I was honoured to play music with him for over 20 years. We even shared the same birthday.” The final track of the record is called “When It's Gone” it’s a poignant song although written several years earlier, BJ Cole (Tiny Dancer, Coldplay) plays dobro on this track as a tribute to “Red.” Fortuna - Track Listing 1. Preaching to the Choir (3.40) 2. Dirty Water (5.26) 3. I Can't Look You In The Eye (3.21) 4. 5am (4.26) 5.Jungle (3.25) 6.Table for One (4.53) 7.Fortuna (3.08) 8.Lay Down and Die (3.53) 9. Scrapyard Dog (4.45) 10. When Its Gone (4.00) Production Credits Bex Marshall - Lead and Backing Vocals, Rhythm, Acoustic, Slide and Lead guitar Toby Baker – Keyboards, Hammond, Rhodes, Wurlitzer Bass Guitar - Robert Eugene Daniels (Tracks - I Can't Look You In The Eye, Table for One, Fortuna, When Its Gone, and Aurora Mannola Drums - Richie Stevens Dobro - BJ Cole Shola Adegoroye - Gospel BVs Danny Bryan – Congas, Darbuka, Percussion Produced and arranged by Bex Marshall and Nick Hunt Engineered - Nick Hunt Mastering Engineer - Nick Hunt Second recording engineer - Mike Haslam Photography and Album artwork - Barry Warren Recorded and Engineered at House Of Mercy Studios London Catering Johnathon Lolley Scott Coopwood - Guitarist – I Can't Look You In The Eye Barry Bays - Rhythm Guitar – I Can't Look You In The Eye Mike Capperelli - Engineer – I Can't Look You In The Eye Photography and album artwork - Barry Warren Video production - Andrew Radford and Ben Radford Supported by HELP MUSICIANS Distributed by Dixie Frog Records Sponsored by Teye Guitars, Ozark Resonators, Blackstar Amps, DR Strings In Memory to my father Coleridge William Marshall 1948-2023 RIP Robert Eugene Daniels (aka “Red Bass”) Copyright Bex Marshall. All rights reserved 2023 All tracks written by Bex Marshall except track 2. Dirty Water (Buddy and Julie Miller BUG MUSIC INC) track 3.  I Can't Look You In The Eye - Bex Marshall /Scott Coopwood Album Track By Track PREACHING TO THE CHOIR - This is a no-nonsense guitar track and firmly sets the pace of the album. It’s a blues rock ignition to the album engine and the third single to be released March 1st. Anthemic, skyscraper guitar licks kickstart the track and launch into driving funk groove train. This song gets straight to the nitty gritty, with lofty gospel vocals from Shola Adegoroye. Bex’s drawl shoots the accusation to the guilty party… preaching to the choir. Political? Personal? Judge for yourself. DIRTY WATER - This is the second track from the album, and it’s originally penned by Buddy and Julie Miller. It’s the only cover on the album. “I’ve been playing the song for a few years, but my interpretation is a lot grittier,” says Bex. “The original was so laid back, and a great song, but I wanted to ramp it up and make it howl with pain.” The track starts with an acapella vocal reminiscent of a back porch lament, gathering momentum into a tribal hambone, all heading towards a danceable rocker and crescendo of guitar licks and promises of abstaining once again. I CAN'T LOOK YOU IN THE EYE - This track features powerhouse slide guitar performed by Bex. The track was co-written by Scott Coopwood (Clarksdale, Mississippi) who’s guitar playing features as the solo (playing a custom Les Paul). Other musicians featured include Barry Barnes and recorded in Clarksdale, Mississippi. This four-to-the-floor number bombards the blues crossroads with harmonious heavy blues guitars and lyrically temps fate, while coyly celebrating the human consciousness of lust. 5AM - The change of tempo is stark and the pining and longing of the electric guitar spreads that repeat through the song, hypnotizing and encapsulating the regret which continually wheels around her head. Toby Baker’s Rhodes playing behind the guitar reflects the gentle madness of her frustrating inability to make it all better and harness the mood of the song to late night. Bex’s guitar solo transformers into a dramatic longing of emotion until conceding to the hour of 5am JUNGLE - Slide guitar comes in like a kid skidding over a shiny polished floor with a big smile on its face and sets the scene for a rockabilly inspired chicken pickin’ slide guitar solo. It’s a jungle out there! Imagine all the people you know are animals or insects, a humorous toe tapper, honky-tonk piano bar room frolics! TABLE FOR ONE - Mid-tempo bass-led groover, with Hammond and piano dominant throughout. The tale-telling vocals depict a lonely meal. The song features funky rhythmic stabs echo a Bo Diddley feel and keep the roots firmly while the jazzy lead break encourages a sarcastic look at the stigma attached to woman who like to eat alone, culminating in lead guitar outro.    FORTUNA - Boom and we're off! The title track of the album, shooting out of the stalls in a Steve McQueen Bullet-style car chase. The resonator dominates with heavy funk driving drums from Richie Stevens and sensational bass harmonizing bass playing from RED BASS smothered in piano drama. This is the kind of energetic lunacy to let your imagination run wild. LAY DOWN AND DIE - As you fly off the edge of the cliff of Fortuna at 100 miles an hour, the intro riff catches you and takes you on a ZZ Top reminiscent chugger, a good old-fashioned blues riffs but with quirks, slightly different Texas inspired blues rock. Lay Down and Die – “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.” SCRAPYARD DOG - The intro conjures up images of a slightly limp character walking slowly up to no good. The clavinet gives a vintage circus-feel to this track and Richie’s drums throw in a loose roots-reggae feel every now and again, playing late in the beat while the walking bass ploughs on, Bex plays her Ozark resonator back porch ragtime rock solo. WHEN IT'S GONE -The “Maggie Mae” vibe of this song mixes into the sweeping chorus of BJ Cole's guest Dobro playing, banks of layered harmonies reminding us that “When its gone, it’s gone.” Bex’s acoustic ‘63 Gibson hummingbird guitar harmonizes with BJ. The sweet harmonies of strings take over this end of the album track. The song embodies reflective sentiments, educational and a warning to all.  BEX MARSHALL - TOUR DATES 2024 TICKETS: www.bexmarshall.com/tour-dates Mon 26 Feb – Midnight Special Blues Club, Camberley UK BAND Sat 9 March – St Marys Sessions, Dorking UK BAND Wed 13 March – Clutha, Glasgow BAND Friday 15 March – Howlin Wolf, Glasgow BAND Mon 18 March – Plaquemine Lock SOLO Tues 19 March – The Wrotham Arms, Broadstairs Kent UK BAND Sat 23 March – Tenne Oederan, Germany BAND Sun 24 March – Bílina, Czech, SOLO Mon 25 March – Černošice, Czech SOLO Tue 26 March – Bruntál, Czech   SOLO Wed 27 March – Rožnov, Czech SOLO Thu 28 March - Brno-SP, Czech SOLO Wed 17 April – Hotel La Campagnola - DUO CH Fri 18 April – Nidaba Theatre Milan Italy DUO Sat 19 April – Hollywood Bar Lugano CH DUO Sun 20 April – Strampalato Brescia - Italy DUO Thurs 5 Sept – Spirit of 66, Belgium BAND Sun 8 Sept – Darlington R n B Festival BAND Sat 13 Sept – Blues at the Bay Stockton on Tees UK BAND Fri 25 Oct – Blues Route Helmond Netherlands BAND BEX MARSHALL Website | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube| Twitter | TikTok Visit the official Bex Marshall press release page www.noblepr.co.uk/press-releases/bex-marshall/i-cant-look-you-in-the-eye.htm Photograhy by Blackham Images

Incoming! Exit Eden

 The queens of symphonic metal are united again with their new album FEMMES FATALES!

A blend of classic 80s covers and unique songs!

When Clémentine Delauney (Visions of Atlantis), Anna Brunner (League of Distortion), Marina La Torraca (Phantom Elite) and Amanda Somerville came together to form EXIT EDEN, topped by the release of their first album, Rhapsodies in Black, in summer 2017, it became immediately clear that this combination would be powerful and magical alike! With their debut entering the German album charts at #15 and rocking the stage at the legendary Wacken Open Air, these four outstanding and independent female vocalists proved how symphonic heaviness can go hand in hand with pop music - dressing well-known classics in a yet unheard soundscape, evoking more than just a cover album! Now, more than six years later, EXIT EDEN are back to mesmerize audiences with their second offering, illustrating strength and female empowerment while appropriately entitled Femmes Fatales, set for release on January 12, 2024 via Napalm Records. EXIT EDEN’s new masterpiece refers to the “femme fatale” as a symbol of women taking control of their own narratives with autonomy, intelligence, and independence and finding back the pure feminine energy in the world. 

Now performing as a trio, EXIT EDEN's new full-length follows the path of its predecessor, as it contains six cover versions of famous cross-generational super hits, but this time also shines by offering six original compositions. With one exception (“Dying in my Dreams”, co-written by Marina La Torraca), the remaining five original songs were brought to life by Anna Brunner and Hannes Braun (Kissin’ Dynamite), who is also responsible for recording, production and mixing, whereas the album was mastered by Jacob Hansen (Delain, Amaranthe, Volbeat, Destruction and many more).

Self-confidently leading straight into the tempting world of EXIT EDEN, opening “Femme Fatale”,  “Buried in the Past” and “Hold Back Your Fear” conjure a mystical atmosphere with strings and orchestral elements, topped by complementary vocals uniting the sonic diversity of the all-femme trio. Original track “Run!” showcases another astonishing facet of the album by bringing a folk-ish vibe along with the outstanding guest appearance of Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish), gracing the album with his distinctive voice. “Dying In My Dreams” and album closing “Elysium” set the tone as captivating mid-tempo tracks with an intense chorus speaking straight to the heart. Moving further along the path where Rhapsodies in Black left off, EXIT EDEN picked the next selection of international super hits - transforming them into their very own creation, yet still paying reverence to the originals on Femmes Fatales. “It’s a Sin” (Pet Shop Boys), “Separate Ways” (Journey), “Desanchantée” (Mylène Farmer), “Poison” (Alice Cooper), “Alone” (Heart) and “Kayleigh” (Marilion), re-arranged as undoubtably striking rock/symphonic metal compositions, form the common thread between the debut and Femmes Fatales. 

With stellar vocals, an exceptional concept and high-quality production, EXIT EDEN have crafted another standout album that absolutely succeeds in expanding the identity of the supergroup even more, and gives fans the chance to experience three of the most beautiful and talented women in metal united as one on Femmes Fatales. 

Incoming! Alterium

 

Power Metal Act ALTERIUM Releases Music Video for new Single "Crossroads Inn", a Metal Tribute inspired by Popular, Medieval Tavern Video Game

 

March 8, 2024 sees ALTERIUM, the new Italian power metal quintet led by Nicoletta Rosellini (ex. Kalidia, Walk in Darkness), release their much-awaited, first full-length studio album entitled "Of War And Flames" via AFM Records. The pre-sale is available at: https://alterium.bfan.link/of-war-and-flames

Following previously-released songs, "Siren's Call", "Drag Me To Hell", an epic cover version of Sabaton's "Bismarck" or just recently, their powerful title track "Of War And Flames", today, ALTERIUM are premiering a music video for their latest single "Crossroads Inn", a metal tribute inspired by the popular medieval tavern simulator video game!

 

In cooperation with video game creator Klabater, the following statement has been released:

"Welcome to Delcrys, adventurers!

The doors of the fantasy tavern are now open! To celebrate the arrival of the second chapter of the iconic video game ‘Crossroads Inn,’ Alterium wrote and recorded a track inspired by the lore of the game.

Crossroads Inn is a real-time management sim set in the immersive fantasy world of Delcrys. Players must build, manage, and expand their tavern, catering to the needs of adventurers from far and wide! The game is available on Steam, while “Crossroads Inn 2” has been announced and is currently in development - you can already add it to your wishlist!"

 

Singer and songwriter Nicoletta Rosellini comments: “I’m a huge fan of management video games, and I’ve spent hundreds of hours playing ‘Crossroads Inn,’ which also features great lore that inspired me to write lyrics for this track. I believe that power metal is the perfect genre to convey the funny atmosphere of a typical night at the tavern. We also recreated the whole scenery in our new music video!"

 

The song is now available on all digital services at 

https://alterium.bfan.link/crossroads-inn

 

Born in late 2022, ALTERIUM consists of vocalist Nicoletta and former bandmates Paolo Campitelli (guitars) and Dario Gozzi (drums) from Kalidia, soon joined by Alessandro Mammola (guitars, also in Draconicon) and Luca Scalabrin (bass, also in Altair).

 

After Kalidia parted ways, Nicoletta decided to take a different approach and finally unleashes her whole potential as both a singer and a songwriter. Produced by Lars Rettkowitz (Freedom Call), and featuring 9 original classy power metal tracks including the cover of “Bismarck”, "Of War and Flames" turns out to be a triumph of catchy choruses, terrific vocal lines, powerful sounds, strong guitar riffs, explosive drums, majestic choirs and captivating grooves, all skillfully mastered by Achim Koehler. 

 

Pre order here:

https://shop.afm-records.de/alterium/ 

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3TI18uK 

"Of War And Flames" track listing:

01. Drag Me To Hell 

02. Siren's Call

03. Of War And Flames 

04. Firebringer 

05. Crossroads Inn 

06. Shadowsong 

07. Crystalline

08. Heroine Of The Sea 

09. Chasing the Sun 

10. Bismarck 

ALTERIUM Online:

https://instagram.com/alterium.band

https://www.tiktok.com/@alterium.band

https://www.facebook.com/alterium.band

https://twitter.com/alterium_band

https://www.youtube.com/@alteriumband

https://www.alterium.band

https://www.afm-records.de

 

ALTERIUM is:

Nicoletta Rosellini – vocals

Paolo Campitelli – guitars

Alessandro Mammola – guitars

Luca Scalabrin – bass

Dario Gozzi – drums

A thunderous return!

 Heavy Rock Queens THUNDERMOTHER Unleash Music Video For Furious, New Single "Speaking of The Devil".

Following a previously-released, first track after the attention-getting line-up change, Swedish rock queens THUNDERMOTHER strike back with their brand new single! After “I Left My License In The Future” – a jaw-dropping, straightforward, energetic, catchy potential hit – already seen THUNDERMOTHER return stronger and more powerful than ever, today, the band is premiering a music video for their furious, new song "Speaking of The Devil"!

 

Founding member and guitarist, Filippa Nässil comments: "The new single is written by Linnéa and me, recorded live in Medley Studios with our long time great producer Søren Andersen. It’s a very bad ass song that we’re all proud of. I can’t wait to play this live on our upcoming tour ”15 years of rock” starting in Sweden now in February."

 

"Speaking of The Devil" is out now on all digital services at https://thundermother.bfan.link/speaking-of-the-devil

 

Skåne-born guitarist Filippa Nässil laid the foundation for THUNDERMOTHER in late 2009. While originally based in Växjö where she was pursuing her studies, she later relocated to Stockholm in her quest to assemble a band. Fast forward to 2024, and THUNDERMOTHER is on the cusp of celebrating its 15th anniversary, boasting an impressive track record of numerous successful tours worldwide. THUNDERMOTHER achieved remarkable success across Europe and held the distinction of being one of the world’s most active touring bands between 2017 and 2021.

 

Their last three albums, “Heat Wave”, the “Heatwave Deluxe Edition” and “Black & Gold” all released on AFM Records, gained European top chart positions (album charts Germany #6, Sweden #8, Switzerland #15, …) as well as securing the top spot on the Swedish Hard Rock charts. Such successes could not go unnoticed – the team around the world-famous SCORPIONS invited the Swedish powerhouse to join them on their 3 month North American stadium tour. After this successful and smooth collaboration and frenetically acclaimed live perfomances, there was only one option for the SCORPIONS – add THUNDERMOTHER on their European run as well. 39 shows with more than 600.000 spectators all over Europe and North America! Not to mention all the other highly-acclaimed gigs like an invitation from KISS to perform on their official “KISS cruise”, three appearances at Wacken Open Air plus numerous other prestigious festivals and fairs. THUNDERMOTHER are aiming to become the next headliner generation – with 2,000 shows under their belts, a Gaffa Award for being Sweden’s best Hard Rock act in 2020 on their shelves, the European double silver Impala Award on their walls and as the only band performance out of 40 a 5/5 review from “Rocknytt” (Sweden Rock Festival 2023) in the press!

 

THUNDERMOTHER 2023 – this is Linnea Vikström Egg, Majsan Lindberg, Joan Massing and Filippa Nässil. 

One line-up, one vision, one goal! Their slogan “We fight for Rock’N’Roll” has to be taken literally: THUNDERMOTHER don’t just play Rock’n’Roll. THUNDERMOTHER are Rock’n’Roll!

 

For More Info Visit:

www.thundermother.com 

www.facebook.com/thundermother 

www.instagram.com/thundermother 

www.afm-records.de 

 

THUNDERMOTHER Live:

FEB 23 Nöjesfabriken, Karlstad / Sweden

FEB 24 Folkets Park, Huskvarna / Sweden

MAR 1 Club Deströyer, Sundsvall / Sweden

MAR 2 Nöjesbolaget, Örnsköldsvik / Sweden

MAR 8 The Tivoli, Helsingborg / Sweden

MAR 9 Babel, Malmö / Sweden

MAR 10 Pumpehuset, Copenhagen / Denmark

MAR 15 Katalin and all that Jazz, Uppsala / Sweden

MAR 16 Frimis Salonger, Örebro / Sweden

MAR 22 Pustervik, Göteborg / Sweden

MAR 23 Kägelbanan Södra Teatern, Stockholm / Sweden

JUN 29 Tons of Rock 2024, Oslo / Norway

Incoming! Violet Eternal

 

VIOLET ETERNAL was born out of the desire of two musicians from Italy and Japan to work with each other in creating a new melodic metal band, blending power, and oriental choruses with fast-paced rhythms and interpersonal lyrics, with the ambiance of shredding guitar solos.

Band co-founder and guitarist Jien Takahashi comments:

"I wanted to create the ultimate melodic power metal duo after MAJUSTICE and other activities, I was hungry for new music. There were a lot of songs at the end of the previous activity, so I was looking for a way to shape it. In such a situation, I met Ivan Giannini online. I originally knew Ivan from his legendary work with VISION DIVINE and the album "Angel of Revenge" and his other band Derdian. I was completely fascinated by his emotional voice that seemed to burn the skies. So I was wishing I could do something with him. When I got in touch with Ivan, we immediately hit it off and we decided to make an album together."

After connecting with vocalist Ivan Giannini, Jien made a call to a mutual friend Ollie Bernstein (Illusion Force, Magic Opera) who he had a feeling would be interested in joining the duo in creating an album together plus he was also playing bass in Derdian, which Ivan was a member of too.

Not too soon after, more pieces to the project came together when the trio recruited Andrea Cappellari (Nekomata and former guitarist for Skeletoon).

With all the members collected, and music being written, the band was ready to hit the studio and decided to team up with producer Dennis Ward (Angra, Helloween) for their first full-length album "Reload The Violet", which will be released on Rockshots Records this coming May 2024. The album also features guests Takao (MinstreliX), Gabriel Guardian (IMMORTAL GUARDIAN), keyboardist YUHKI, drummer Ryuya Inoue, and Timo Tolkki (ex-STRATOVARIUS).

"From the time of production, Ivan and I were convinced that this album would be a game changer. I think it's a work that people who love melodic metal will enjoy. If you listen to the music of VIOLET ETERNAL when you feel down, you will surely feel cheerful with hot feeling. Our music will give you the courage. This album strikes hard with both powerful vocals and a perfect mix of oriental melodic metal and emotional vocals." says Jien Takahashi.

To introduce Violet Eternal to the world, today the band unveils their debut track "The Echoes of Time", a grand opus-style power metal anthem.

"If you're familiar with my other band MAJUSTICE and the album title track 'Ancestral Recall', 'The Echoes of Time' is a continuation of that song. It's a story about reuniting with someone broke up with in the past, but making mistakes again and again." adds Jien Takahashi.

Listen to "The Echoes of Time" at the following links:

Lyric Video - https://youtu.be/uP3UC2UyOlk

Digital - https://lnk.to/teotve

Recommended for fans of Stratovarius, Beast In Black, and Angra, Violet Eternal's debut album "Reload The Violet" is due out on May 3, 2024, from Rockshots Records.

Album pre-order - https://bit.ly/VioletEternalCD

Track Listing:

1. The Titans - 1:35

2. The Echoes of Time - 4:59

3. Now and Forever - 3:53

4. Ember Flame - 4:06

5. Under the Violet Sun - 3:38

6. Land of Golden Sun - 4:13

7. Never Surrender - 3:41

8. Heartless - 3:27

9. Over the Sorrow - 4:17

10. Sonata Black - 5:17

Album Length: 39:12

Album Credits:

Violet Eternal Line-up :

Ivan Giannini (Vocals)

Jien Takahashi (Guitarist)

Sound Producer :

Dennis Ward (Sound Producer)

Additional Musicians :

Track 02 to 10. Andrea Cappellari (NEKOMATA, ex-SKELETOON) as Guitarist

Track 02 to 10. Ollie Bernstein (ILLUSION FORCE, MAGIC OPERA) as Bassist

Track 09. Takao (MinstreliX) as Guitarist

Track 09. Gabriel Guardian (IMMORTAL GUARDIAN) as Guitarist and Keyboardist

Track 10. YUHKI as Keyboardist

Track 09 to 10. Ryuya Inoue as Drummer

Track 10. Timo Tolkki (ex-STRATOVARIUS) as Song writer

Album Artwork: Jien Takahashi

More Info: Rockshots.eu | Linktr.ee/violeteternal

Music Venue Trust Annual Report publishe

London, Wednesday 24^th January 2024 - Music Venue Trust (MVT), which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues (GMVs) has launched its 2023 Annual Report, which highlights the important contribution that its members make to the UK economy while painting a stark picture of the challenges, such as rising rent demands and high energy costs, still facing the overwhelming number of live music spaces. 

 

With 125 GMVs shutting at the rate of two per week last year, this report throws into sharp focus the contrast between those companies and artists at the top end of the live music sector currently enjoying record revenues and profits, and the remaining grassroots music venues, 38% of which reported a loss in 2023 despite an increased demand for tickets.

 

A survey of the remaining 835 members of the Music Venue Alliance (MVA), who employ over 28,000 people throughout the sector, found that they staged over 187,000 events in 2023, with 1.7m individual artist performances attracting audience visits of over 23.5m.  However, despite generating over £500m in revenues, GMVs made just £2.5m or 0.5% profit for the period. 

 

This report also details how, without a combination of grants and donations totalling £3.1m from MVT’s own Pipeline Investment Fund, Arts Council England and other bodies, the whole sector would have operated at a loss during this period. In total the amount that GMVs are subsidising live music rose from £79m in 2022 to £115m in 2023, an increase of £36 million or 45% over the previous 12 months.

With energy costs remaining high and rent increases averaging 37%, 164 member venues – particularly smaller venues or those in rural locations - accessed the MVT Emergency Response Service which, for the first time since the organisation’s launch a decade ago, found that the primary cause of venue closure was a lack of financial viability.

Beverley Whitrick, COO of Music Venue Trust said, “2023 was the worst year for venue closures since Music Venue Trust launched ten years ago. We are still losing on average two venues a week and those that have survived are now consumed by threats to their continued existence that they have no chance of overcoming without immediate help.  Without external support our entire sector would be bankrupt. We have been warning of these consequences for the last six years yet still the top end of the live music sector posts record profits while, with a few notable exceptions, turning a blind eye to those who discover, nurture and develop the artists that generate that revenue for them.”

Mark Davyd CEO of Music Venue Trust said, “Enough is enough, this report speaks for itself and we will not allow this to continue. We must either find a way to act collectively to get these venues and the artists who rely on them the financial support they need to survive or we will seek legislation to compel it.  The idea that we, as an industry, cannot voluntarily create a levy to support our grassroots sector, unilaterally and without government intervention is absurd but we cannot escape the fact that we are simply not acting fast enough. For that reason, Music Venue Trust is asking all of the main political parties for manifesto commitments ahead of the forthcoming General Election that state that there must be a contribution from the most successful parts of our industry into the grassroots research and development carried out on their behalf. It’s time to stop the excuses - we can no longer accept complacency from those in a position to help prevent the annihilation of our sector.”

To access the full Annual Report please click here

-ENDS-

 

For further information 

 

Consumer Media:

Sue Harris

Republic Media

Tel: +44 (0) 777 568 5376

sue@republicmedia.net /media@musicvenuetrust.com

 

Music Industry Trade Media:

Andy Saunders

Velocity Communications

Tel: + 44 (0) 7939 133050

andy@velocitypr.co.uk

 

 

About Music Venue Trust 

 

Music Venue Trust is a UK registered charity which acts to protect, secure, and improve the UK's Grassroots Music Venues.

Created in January 2014, Music Venue Trust aims to secure the long-term future of GMVs in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, whether they are iconic venues such as Hull Adelphi, Exeter Cavern, The 100 Club, Band on the Wall, King Tut’s, and Clwb Ifor Bach, or lesser-known venues that are equally important to their geographical or musical community. These venues play a crucial role in the development of British music, nurturing local talent, providing a platform for artists to build their careers and develop their music and their performance skills.

MVT works to gain recognition of the essential role these venues fulfil, not only for artist development but also for the cultural and music industries, the economy, and local communities. The geographical spread of GMVs provides access to live music, for both performers and audience members, in many locations that do not have alternative cultural venues. The charity provides advice to the government, the cultural sector, and the music industry on issues impacting GMVs and is the nominated representative that speaks on behalf of the Music Venues Alliance, an association of venues from across the UK. 

 

Music Venue Trust is a charity registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales: Charity Number 1159846

 

Music Venue Trust (Scotland) is a charity registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator: Charity Number SC052001

WAO Canada

 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces 2024 Battle Rounds

- One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2024 -

WMBC Trailer - https://youtu.be/b55Fh5Vo64k

One band to rule them all! With hundreds of submissions from bands across the country, Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce a majority of their 2024 battles with more to follow with dates and bands. All the battles are listed by participating cities (please note Ottawa bands will be hosted at Montreal rounds). The national final will be held in Edmonton, AB on May 25th.

Bands that have been selected to participate in the battles will have the chance to win their performance slot as the only independent Canadian band to be crowned champion and perform at International Battle at one of the world's most prestigious and largest metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 31st – August 3rd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

The winning band receives the following:
- A slot at the 2024 Wacken Open Air Festival.
- Full professional backline provided.
- $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
- VIP camping at the festival.

Wacken Metal Battle Canada 2024 Battle Rounds:

VANCOUVER (TBA)

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EDMONTON
ROUND 1 - THU, FEBRUARY 1 - STARLITE ROOM
Malicious Intent, Fall of Earth, The Usual Suspects, Heir To Ash
https://www.facebook.com/events/740225274703866/

EDMONTON
ROUND 2 - THU, FEBRUARY 15 - STARLITE ROOM
Boneyard, All Was Lost, Ashes of Yggdrasil, Age of Ashes

EDMONTON
ROUND 3 - THU, FEBRUARY 22 - STARLITE ROOM
Reket Betties, Burried Beneith, The Judge The Jurror, Call of The Siren

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CALGARY
ROUND 1 - THU, JANUARY 25 - DICKENS
Divide The Dead, Mors Sanctorum, Passing Pluto
https://www.facebook.com/events/1041416670452096/

CALGARY
ROUND 2 - THU, FEBRUARY 8 - DICKENS
A Mile West, Hooker Spit, Reduced To Rubble, Victoria Lies

CALGARY
ROUND 3 - THU, FEBRUARY 22 - DICKENS
Goar, Infrastrvctvre, Neon Detour, and Rising Tempest

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OSHAWA
ROUND - FRI, FEBRUARY 9 - ATRIA BAR
Beguiler, Gravearth, Incarnatus, Divine Curse
https://www.facebook.com/events/931267525322604/

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HAMILTON
ROUND - SAT, FEBRUARY 10 - MAINSTAGE REHEARSAL STUDIOS
Atria, 30 immolated ; 16 returned, Kings In Graves, Savelene, Flidais
https://www.facebook.com/events/337866369078276/

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TORONTO ROUND 1 - SAT, FEBRUARY 17 - BOVINE SEX CLUB
Phantom Lung, Out of Spite, Bloody Monroe, Deafened
https://www.facebook.com/events/763470685628572/

TORONTO
ROUND 2 - SAT, FEBRUARY 24 - HARD LUCK
Rippr'd, Devilwitch, LÜZR, Reformatory
https://www.facebook.com/events/2046971162655827/

TORONTO
ROUND 3 - FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - HARD LUCK
The Ocean Cure, Xephyr, Kozen, Jaodae

TORONTO
ONTARIO FINAL - FRI, APRIL 19 - RIVOLI

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MONTREAL
ROUND 1 - SAT, FEBRUARY 17 - PIRANHA BAR

MONTREAL
ROUND 2 - SAT, MARCH 2 - PIRANHA BAR

MONTREAL
ROUND 3 - FRI, MARCH 29 - PIRANHA BAR

MONTREAL
EASTERN FINAL - FRI, APRIL 26 - PIRANHA BAR

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QUEBEC CITY
ROUND - FRI, FEBRUARY 23 - LA SOURCE DE LA MARTINIÈRE

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NATIONAL FINAL
SAT, MAY 25 - STARLITE ROOM, EDMONTON, AB

Info:

The 2023 battles hosted over sixty participating bands from across Canada with Trois-Rivières, QC's STRIGAMPIRE being selected to represent the country at the international battle that hosts 29 other participating countries at Wacken Open Air. At the 2023 WMBC national final, STRIGAMPIRE performed alongside Western Canadian finalist NECHT (Calgary, AB) and Ontario finalist EATEN BY SHARKS (St. Catharines, ON).

The Wacken Metal Battle Canada national final was held in Toronto, ON on May 13th at Lee's Palace where the three final bands from Western, Central, and Eastern Canada were judged on various categories of professionalism and musicianship by a panel of experienced industry professionals that included Pedro Almeida (A&P Reacts), Antonio Almeida (A&P Reacts), Noel Peters (Inertia Entertainment), Tim Henderson (BraveWords), Thorsteinn Kolbeinsson (Wacken Metal Battle Iceland), Sarah Lutz (Looters), Kevin Michaud (Front Row Promotions), Luc Laine (CFLX 95.5 FM - Alerte Metallique), Rae Chatten (Rock'n Roam, Live Nation), Mark Tremblay (Metal on Metal Podcast) and JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada).

Since 2013, with a pause year in 2017 and 2020 due to COVID-19, Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2024 will be the 33rd edition of the festival and will be held from July 31st – August 3rd. The 2024 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Scorpions, Amon Amarth, Blind Guardian, In Extremo, Pain, Beast In Black, and many more. Details here.

Strigampire joins the list of previous winners The Slyde (Toronto, ON - 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON - 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON - 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON - 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC - 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON - 2013).

2023 battles were hosted in Vancouver, BC, Edmonton, AB, Calgary, AB, Toronto, ON, Hamilton, ON, Ottawa, ON, Montreal, QC, and Quebec City, QC.

In Profile: Inherently Lost

 

IN PROFILE:

Formed: 2017

Locale: Ohio

Label: Indenpedent

Current Release: Single: "Unraveling Sanity"

Last album released 2020 "Our Last Midnight"

Links:

https://inherentlylost.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/InherentlyLost/

https://www.instagram.com/inherentlylost

Let's start at the beginning then. When did the band form?

 -It's honestly been so long that I had to reach out to Mark to find out haha!  It was 2017 that we found our first round of members, and actually started to become a band.

Who's in the band?

- We have Mark on keys and male vocals, Joe on guitar, Drew on bass, Mikey on drums, and me Noreen on lyrics and female vocals.

Were any of you in bands before? 

- And The Weak Lie Frail, One Hit Kill, Orwellian, and Torso Murder are a few of Mark’s previous bands. Khai and All In for Joe. She’s In Pain, Tilt 360 and Iron Brigade for Andrew.

How would YOU describe your sound?

-We are all influenced by different types of Metal, so we just pretty much put them all together haha!  I typically say Black/Death/Melodic Metal.

What are your musical influences?

-Oh so many haha!!!  I guess the first artists that got me interested in singing was TLC and Celine Dion.  When Evanescence came out I was mesmerized haha!  I found my favorite genre Symphonic Metal while searching for other bands like them.  That's when I found Within Temptation, Nightwish, Xandria, Eluveitie, and fell in love with Epica!  I'm not only influenced by these powerful ladies as a vocalist, but also the bands writing abilities, and lyrics.  Mark, Tuomas, and Chrigel are musical and lyrical geniuses.  I feel every note and word.  An absolutely breathtaking experience.

What have been up to lately? any new stuff to delight our ears?

-Oh yes!  We are working on quite a bit of new stuff at this time.  I've been going through a lot of things in my personal life, and write to process my thoughts and feelings.  I have two new songs that we still need to put music too, but I have the vocal pattern in my head already haha!  Mark got me some new equipment to help with practice and live sound production.  Now if only the weather could pick a season, so my sinuses could settle down would be great haha!  In the meantime just working on my vocal strength, techniques, and confidence.  That's a hard one for me though haha!

How about live dates? What have you been doing and what ya got planned for 2024?

 -No live shows at this time.  We are focusing on creating new stuff right now.  We are about to start recording them soon, so we hopefully are going to have our new album Art of Corruption out in the next few months.  Then yes we will have lots of live shows!

 Name something about yourselves that fans won't know

 -Hmmm something that no one knows about us.  I can only think of two things.  I drive the guys crazy, because I don't know their language when it comes to the musical parts.  Can sometimes make writing a challenge,  but they are patient with me  ;)  Usually ends up comical or in playful banter.  The other is Mikey owns a banana mask hahaha!!!

 What's the most embarrassing moment you've had?

- In my whole life, or just with the band?  I have an answer for both haha!  I'm not one that gets embarrassed easily.  I will gladly make an a** out of myself if it brings a smile to someone's face.  I will share the more appropriate one.  I was in Junior High I do believe.  It was years since I last went bowling at that time.  My ball got stuck, and my friends mom jokingly told me to run after it and push it.  Well I didn't know it was extremely slippery and I did as I was told.  Did a flip in the air and landed on my tailbone hard!  I contribute that day to why I have no butt hahaha!!!!

Do you have any superstitions? Any things you do before a show?

- No superstitions for the show, but I do knock on wood when you don't want something to come true when I or someone says something haha!   Things I do before a show is usually work haha!  I will make sure I play my strong female vocalists in my car, so I can practice as much as possible, try to watch what I eat, be very careful with what I drink, and the most important is the facial and vocal warm ups.

Are there any musicians or bands you'd love to work with?

- Pretty much all the ones I mentioned as my influences.  That would be amazing to just talk to them let alone collaborate!  From what I have seen in behind the scenes, interviews,  and read about personal experiences with them, I think any interaction would be life changing andat times pretty hilarious haha!!!  Now locally it would be Storms Within and Animus.  Those ladies have such stage presence, vocal talent, and the bands are just all around amazing.

Any final thoughts?

-Not really thoughts.  I just want to say thank you for reaching out to us, Check out our 2 singles from our new album Unraveling Sanity and Red Hot(Motley Crue cover) available on all platforms,  and I want to apologize for being wordy.  I am a writer though, so maybe that just comes with the territory

haha!