RETURN TO VOID - RETURN TO VOID

RETURN TO VOID - RETURN TO VOID

Finland's own Return to Void's story began in 2015, when Markku Pihlaja (vocals), Saku Hakuli (guitar), and Pasi Hakuli (bass) started playing acoustic versions of Bruce Dickinson's (Iron Maiden) solo material under the name Dick & Son's. After a few shows, the trio decided they wanted to be a full band, and recruited Kalle Kukkonen (drums) to join the group. Once they played a few more shows, they decided they wanted to write new and original material. They added a fifth member, Antti Huopainen (synth) and began writing their progressive metal, self-titled debut album, Return to Void.

The influence of Dickinson and Iron Maiden are undeniable throughout Return to Void; every track is well crafted and feels epic. Each song having it's own aura or personality, ranging from the lonesome wanderer of "Sight of Immortal Sea" to the larger than life hero of "Throughout the Ages". Each and every track feels as though you are at a party and meeting a different unique, dynamic, and interesting person every few minutes. The feeling of Return to Void is enormous; as though the group summoned Iron Maiden, DIO, or Black Sabbath and said 'teach me oh great ones', and teach them they did.

Return to Void is epic, exciting, unpredictable, and powerful; like a musical knight slaying a dragon. Fans of Iron Maiden to Megadeth will enjoy Return to the Void and should definitely snag a copy of it when it is released by Inverse Records on April 26th.

A lyric video for "Vail of Confusion" can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5OcNrnml6s

Tracklist

1. Throughout the Ages

2. Light Bearer

3. Vail of Confusion

4. Consumer Heaven

5. Sight of Immortal Sea

6. All the Darkness

7. Human Alien Hybrid

8. Fools King

9. Liar

10. Return to Void

Lineup

Markku Pihlaja - Vocals
Saku Hakuli - Guitar
Pasi Hakuli - Bass
Antti Huopainen - Synth
Kaarlo (Kalle) Kukkonen - Drums

Follow the band on social media here:

http://www.returntovoid.com

www.facebook.com/returntovoid

https://twitter.com/RTVBand

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxUGrtNe0G7ZQGpUpBvd-2w

Written by Ken Kaizer on March 8, 2017 for Bloodrock Media

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CRUCIFY THE FAITH - NEW BREED

CRUCIFY THE FAITH - NEW BREED

Every now and then you come across an album or a single that just digs itself into your brain in a way that you just cannot get tired of hearing it, that is Crucify the Faith’s EP New Breed.  Released on February 28th, the melodic deathcore quintet's most excellent execution of being heavier than a freight train while being so groovy even the Devil himself would dance to it.  If you have been looking for something of that caliber, then your search is over, New Breed is it. 

While New Breed is not perfect, it's a little rough around edges with transitions, but considering this is Crucify the Faith's first real release, that is almost nitpicking and is pretty damn forgivable, especially when there’s so much good to counterbalance any possible flaws. If anything the biggest flaw here is the EP is only 5 tracks long.  EP syndrome sucks big time when the songs are as killer as “The Strong Will Survive”, “New Breed”, and “Unreal”.  

New Breed will leave listeners at the edge of their seats, craving Crucify the Faith's rease of their first full length. As far as debuts go, it really doesn’t get much better than this! Snag a copy of New Breed with the quickness.

Tracklist
1.  Make It Through
2.  The Strong Will Survive
3.  New Breed
4.  This Generation Falls
5.  Unreal

Lineup
Aki Juvonen - Vocals
Jermu Laine - Guitar
Jere Kontiainen - Guitar
Lauri Kurkela - Bass
Valtteri Estola - Drums

Follow the band on social media:

CtF @ Facebook

CtF @ Instagram

CtF @ Youtube

Written by Ken Kaizer for Bloodrock Media on March 13, 2017

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ACHIOTE - LONELINESS OF ENDLESS DAYS

ACHIOTE - LONELINESS OF ENDLESS DAYS

Achiote released their sophomore album entitled Loneliness of Endless Days courtesy of V.R. Label Finland on February 10th. Achiote is a Finnish metal band combining heavy and soulful 90's rock, spiced up with norther romanticism. As the title, Loneliness of Endless Days implies, the album is about sadness and leaving things behind. The album comes from the band's own personal experiences of illness, divorce, and drifting apart.

Loneliness of Endless Days is a bit unexpected, when one hears "Finnish" and "metal" together, the immediate assumption is that the music will be all about devil worshiping, destroy everything, and murdering foe. That is not quite what Achiote is about, which is definitely not a bad thing. Because melt your face off death and destruction is what is expected, it could be a disappointment to some when they hit play. For others, it will be a pleasant surprise, an against the grain Finnish metal band.

Achiote may not be the next Emperor or Dying Fetus, that isn’t to say they aren’t a solid band. Tracks like “Desert Sun”, “Ghost Under the Sun”, and “Ocean Blue” showcase the groups ability to blend various musical influences into catchy, yet heavy hitting tracks. Providing a nice contrast to some of the more somber tracks on Loneliness of Endless Days, both of which exemplify the diverse capability of the band’s members.

As fans listen to this album they will hear that different can be good. Loneliness of Endless Days isn't your typical Finnish heavy metal album, it has it’s own flavor, which makes it enjoyable in it’s uniqueness. There is very much an early Finger Eleven or Alice in Chains feeling to the album, which grunge fans will find endearing.

Tracklist
1. Alpha Nexus
2. Blinding Lights
3. Desert Sun
4. It's a Trap
5. Loneliness of Endless Days
6. Ghost Under the Sun
7. Something Isn't Right
8. Seduction
9. Ocean Blue
10. Whisper to a Deaf

Follow Achiote here:
https://twitter.com/achioteband
https://www.facebook.com/achioteband/
http://www.achioteband.com/
Check out Achiote's video for "It's a Trap" here: https://youtu.be/ofodqWNedBQ

Written by Ken Kaizer for Bloodrock Media on March 13, 2017
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DAMNATION PLAN - REALITY ILLUSION

DAMNATION PLAN - REALITY ILLUSION

Finnish death metal mavericks Damnation Plan released their second full length album, Reality Illusion on March 10th courtesy of Inverse Records.   Four long years fans had to wait for their craving for more Damnation Plan to be satisfied.....and it was worth the wait.  

On the rare occasion an album's intro is so good that it gets the adrenaline pumping and primes the earholes for what is to come, you know you are in for a good time.  From the instant one hits play,  Reality Illusion, brings it.  A killer blend of heavy as hell, with tight melodies, and infectious grooves, Damnation Plan gets it right track after track. 

Reality Illusion's transitions are as smooth as silk; when one brilliant track ends another begins, without sounding redundant or stale.  It isn’t until the instrumental interlude “The Empowerment” begins that one realizes they've lost track of time, lost in the music, without an ounce of regret.  Even as the slower tempo,  "Maze of Despair", coaxes you back into the glorious madness, it feels natural, it is where you belong.  There are so many killer tracks on Reality Illusion, it is difficult to pick a favorite.  “Rise of the Messenger” with it's beautiful harmonies and the intense, roller coaster ride that is “Final Destination”, are gifts from Damnation Plan.  

Reality Illusion is classy, meaningful, technical, and precise. To be honest, Reality Illusion should come with a warning label, CAUTION:  Contents may be highly addictive, resulting in deep reflection, severe headbanging, OCD like behavior, and a desire to mosh. 


Tracklist

1. Intro
2. Beyond These Walls
3. Rulers Of Truth
4. Rise Of The Messenger
5. Blinded Faith
6. The Empowerment
7. Maze Of Despair
8. Iron Curtain Falls
9. Reality Illusion
10. A Chapter In Greed
11. The Final Destination

Lineup

Antti Lauri - Lead Guitars 

Jarkko Lunnas - Drums 

Asim Searah - Clean Vocals 

Tommy Tuovinen - Harsh & Clean Vocals 

Jukka Vehkamaa - Bass 

Kalle Niininen - Rhythm Guitars

Follow the band on social media:  

http://www.damnationplan.com/

http://www.facebook.com/damnationplan

https://twitter.com/damnationplan

Written by Ken Kaizer for Bloodrock Media on March 13, 2017

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DEMISE OF THE ENTHRONED - ANGELICIDE

DEMISE OF THE ENTHRONED - ANGELICIDE

Prepare to have your faces melted off when Michigan's own Demise of the Enthroned drop their hellfire new EP entitled Angelicide on April 8th.  Angelicide is a cutthroat collection of unapologetic, fast and heavy death metal tracks that will have listeners adrenaline pumping and horns flying high in the air.  One listen will assure metal fans of two simple things:  1)  Demise of the Enthroned is brutal as hell and they do brutal extremely well and 2) Angelicide is just the beginning of a glorious, extensive, and vicious warpath that will be paved in molten metal and blood by these dudes.

Fans of bands like Morbid Angel and Lamb of God will find Demise of the Enthroned to be just what the doctor ordered.  Keep your eyes and ears open for the release of Angelicide by Demise of the Enthroned next month and definitely head out to their EP release party on April 8th at the Machine Shop in Flint, Michigan.  And remember when you have whiplash from headbanging and your ears are bleeding, but you can't stop listening to Angelicide, personal injury lawyers do not frequent moshpits so suck it up, spray some Windex on it, and fucking enjoy!

Tracklist

1.  Angelicide

2.  Death Eater

3.  Texas Funeral

Lineup

Jay Shireman - Vocals

Nathan McKervey - Guitar

Chris Allen - Guitar

Dan Faulman - Bass

Pete Onderko - Drums

Follow them on social media here:

www.facebook.com/pg/DOTEMetal

www.reverbnation.com/demiseoftheenthroned

And check out some of their performances:

https://youtu.be/S9HAw5O0Sbc

https://youtu.be/6Vbi_vPzwWA

Written by Ken Kaizer for Bloodrock Media on March 12, 2017

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#demiseoftheenthroned #bloodrockmedia #angelicide

MY OWN GHOST - LIFE ON STANDBY

MY OWN GHOST - LIFE ON STANDBY

Life On Standby, the sophomore album of rockers My Own Ghost, drops April 17th, courtesy of Secret Entertainment. With all the buzz their first album, Love Kills (2014) generated, it is certain the Luxembourg natives are eager to see how big of a splash their follow-up makes.  Life On Standby is catchy, quirky, radio friendly, and tells the tale of many the people who watch life pass them by not living it to the fullest. 

Far too often female fronted bands try too hard to compensate in a male-dominated field, while completely understandable, not every group is going to be an Arch Enemy or Butcher Babies. The truth is not every female singer in a rock band needs to be either, Life On Standby is an excellent example of that. Self awareness is an invaluable and powerful thing.   

Life On Standby is a great callback to the female fronted alt-rock bands of the late 90s. Reminiscent of bands like L7, early Bjork/The SugarCubes (albeit more linear) or later groups like Evanescence. The earnest vocals, jazz rock inspired riffs, and electronic elements work very well together. Tracks like “Don’t Say You Love Me”, “Everytime I Break”, and the album’s debut single “Life On Standby”, clearly showcase the band’s talent and abilities, which is quite refreshing.  Life On Standby is a solid rock release and is totally worth a listen.

Tracklist

1. Life On Standby
2. Everytime I Break
3. Alive
4. 10 Weeks Of Summer
5. If I Stay
6. Don't Say You Love Me
7. No Air
8. The Night Before I Die
9. When Love Is Not Enough
10. Hope

Lineup
Julie Rodesch - Vocals
Fred Brever - Guitars
David Soppelsa - Guitars
Joe May - Bass
Michael Stein - Drums

Follow My Own Ghost on social media:
https://www.myownghost.com
https://www.facebook.com/myownghostofficial
https://twitter.com/MyOwnGhost1
https://www.instagram.com/myownghost_official
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAHA8wskiz7cVcpkh_Z9yUA
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5E9UyGDHq75a7WvWMhIZoo

The band just released a music video for the track "Life on Standby" and it can be seen here: https://youtu.be/1egfMk5Ht7E

Written by Ken Kaizer for Bloodrock Media on March 10, 2017

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SERPICO - AIN'T BETTER TO LEAVE

SERPICO - AIN'T BETTER TO LEAVE

Finnish Hard Rock group Serpico released a new single and video "Ain't Better to Leave" on February 22nd. Reminiscent of a time when rock music was all about sick guitar solos, loose women, and fast cars, the latest treat from Serpico reminds us of the good ol' days when metal was heavy and fun. Fans looking for something out of the ordinary and old school fans of bands like Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Judas Priest, and other hair bands of yesteryear will find this single an entertaining joyride. True to form with their tongue in cheek attitude and penchant for rebellious tunes, Serpico's "Ain't Better to Leave" is yet another reason to head bang a lil harder and push your hotrod a lil faster.

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/M0NCHQMWt2Q

Follow the band on social media:
Ain't Better to Leave @ Spotify
Serpico @ Facebook
http://www.serpicoband.com
Serpico Youtube -channel
https://twitter.com/SerpicoOfficial

Written by Ken Kaizer for Bloodrock Media on March 9, 2017
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NIGHON - THE SOMME

NIGHON - THE SOMME

The latest release from Finland’s symphonic shock metal band Nighon entitled The Somme is an epic and ambitious undertaking, a grand thematic album based on the turbulent times of both World Wars and at times war in general. While it definitely does not fall under the “easy listening” umbrella it nails exactly what it sets out to do: It’s emotion driven, adrenaline pumping throughout and even the most somber moments are still crackling with static energy. Honestly that is the beauty of The Somme, it, like all great works of art. can be dissected into parts that are high quality but once taken in together, it becomes something greater than the individual parts.

Amazing tracks like “Lest We Forget” or “Blow Them to Hell” will get your blood pumping without fail and one can easily understand why a sick throwdown like “The Greatest of Catastrophes” was chosen for the album’s first single, but the beauty of The Somme comes from the entrancing nature of the ride the entire album takes you on. It is like a good night at the cinema. Adding to the impressiveness of The Somme is the way Nighon chose to end it, considering the dramatic aura and theme, it would have been easy for them to conclude on something slow and bleak, instead they bring the album to a close with beautiful vocals in tracks "Tragedie" and "Somme" (don't let the names fool you), which considering the high spirits and optimism of the Allies and their respective post WWII, it is just fitting.

Rarely does a concept album come together as well as The Somme, especially without feeling pretentious or forced. Every single track on this album is well crafted and brilliantly put together. Pick up Nighon's The Somme on May 5th because this album is something no metal fan will want to miss hearing.

Tracklist
1. Marseille 1914
2. The Greatest of Catastrophes
3. The Dirge
4. Lest We Forget
5. Medic
6. Blow Them To Hell
7. Altafjord
8. Scharnhorst
9. Reclaiming Ravenpoint
10. You Do Not Know What the Night May Bring
11. Minor Secundus
12. Tragedie
13. I Fear For Tomorrow
14. Somme

Lineup
Mika Paananen - Drums
Nico Häggblom - Vocals
Alva Sandström - Vocals
Björn Johansson - Guitar
Michael Mikander - Lead Guitar
Mats Ödahl - Bass

Band Links
http://www.nighonofficial.com
https://www.facebook.com/nighonmusic
https://twitter.com/nighonofficial
https://www.instagram.com/nighonofficial
https://soundcloud.com/nighon-1
https://www.youtube.com/nighonofficial
http://www.nighonofficial.com/propaganda-cast/

The brand new music video "The Greatest Of Catastrophes" is available here: https://youtu.be/6JCvH4g-glQ

Written by Ken Kaizer for Bloodrock Media on March 9, 2017
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A Lie Nation - Begin Hate

A Lie Nation - Begin Hate

Finnish melodic extreme metalers A Lie Nation will release their second EP entitled Begin Hate, April 5th via Inverse Records. A Lie Nation claims to be driven by aggressive, black metal vocals, and melodic, yet heavy, guitars and Begin Hate is all of that and more. The four track EP can essentially be described as a shotgun blasting chainsaws of black metal pleasure through your skull.  While shotguns and chainsaws may seem like good bedfellows A Lie Nation is not here for hugs and kisses.  

Saying Begin Hate is intense is an understatement. Every track is as brutal as the last and is seething with tear your face off pure badassery. Most black metal fans probably haven't experienced a band with the ability to be ruthless while maintaining a move your body groove and melody since 1987 and death metal gods, Death released Scream Bloody Gore. Do yourself a favor and check out their new music video “Shooting the Messenger” and grab a copy of Begin Hate next month!

An official video from the track "Shooting The Messenger" is available here:  https://youtu.be/ghNkztlf0uQ 

Tracklist:  

1) Rot of the Spirit

2) Shooting the Messenger

3) Into Black Divine

4) A Burn Afar

Lineup:

Markus Leinonen - Drums

Joonas Kokkoniemi - Bass Guitar

Joni Moisanen - Guitar

Miikka Pyykkönen - Vocals

Jussi Tuomisto - Guitar

Check out the band here:

https://www.facebook.com/alienationofficial

http://alienationmetal.com

https://twitter.com/alienationmetal

https://www.instagram.com/alienationband/

https://alienationmetal.bandcamp.com/

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUVkaIeuSJ7XXxvq3bVjWQg

https://open.spotify.com/artist/56tUivD4LuAu4fSuTdhI9h

https://soundcloud.com/a-lie-nation

https://myspace.com/a-lie-nation/

https://www.reverbnation.com/alienation2

Written by Ken Kaizer on March 7, 2016 for Bloodrock Media

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AncarA - Garden of Chains

AncarA - Garden of Chains

Earlier this week Finnish alt Hard Rock group, AncarA gave the music industry a melodic adrenaline shot in the arm with the release of their fourth album, Garden of Chains. An eclectic blend of various heavy musical genres with flavors that fans of bands like Disturbed to Pagan’s Mind will find entrancing. Garden of Chains is already making waves on the scene.

With the epic feat of filming the video for “Ending Mode” on the frost covered peaks of Mount Everest, to the intense yet melodic tracks “Changes Come” and “Perfect Enemy”, it’s no wonder they have carved a place on both of Finland’s top 10 album and singles charts and show no signs of slowing down.

Video for “Ending Mode” can be seen here: https://youtu.be/MJW6eWHbvCI

AncarA’s Garden of Chains is not standard, run of the mill, heavy Finnish fare.  They do their own thing and they do it exceptionally well. Whether that be passionate vocals or blending heavy metal and alternative rock with electronic undertones, Garden of Chains draws you in with a variety of layers of sonic goodness.  Layers that will give listeners something new to appreciate with every listen.  Tracks such as “The End (Easier Than Love)” and hypnotic closer “Better Man” will take listeners on a tremendous hard rock journey.  Garden of Chains does not disappoint, obviously failure would not be expected from a band that has performed an entire concert 4,600 meters high on Mount Everest.

Check out the band here:

https://www.facebook.com/ancaraband/

http://www.ancarasite.com/

https://twitter.com/ancaraband

https://www.instagram.com/ancaraband/

https://www.youtube.com/Ancarasite

Tracklist:

1. The End (Easier Than Love)

2. Wake Up

3. Feeding The Fire

4. Changes Come

5. Ending Mode

6. Child Of The Sun

7. Perfect Enemy

8. Incomplete

9. The Warmth

10. Garden Of Chains

11. Better Man

Lineup:

Sammy Salminen -Vocals

Juha ”Juice” Wahlstén - Guitar & Vocals

Toni Laroma - Guitar

Toni Hintikka - Bass

Rale Tiiainen - Drums

Written by Ken Kaizer on March 6, 2017 for Bloodrock Media

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EMPERORS AND ELEPHANTS - MOTH

EMPERORS AND ELEPHANTS - MOTH

After regrouping to mourn the loss of Jeff Windisch (founding member/guitar), Chicago’s hometown heroes of Emperors and Elephants have come back refreshed, revived, and strong as ever. Their second album, Moth, makes it’s debut on March 17th, courtesy of Pavement Entertainment. It’s release is quite the welcome back for fans. As expected from Emperors and Elephants, Moth is brimming with gritty vocals, animalistic drumming, prominent bass, and of course killer guitar riffs.

With 12 solid tracks of the band’s signature heavy sound, Moth will satisfy the palate for old and new fans alike. Some stand out tracks include “Porcelain Kiss”, “Give Away the Sun” and the album’s phenomenal closing track “Wicked Game” a powerful track that sounds like it was made for a Tarantino film.

Their first video from Moth, "Porcelain Kiss", was released on March 1st on YouTube and can be seen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrb8-ozPNNI

For those concerned that the addition of new members may have changed Emperors and Elephants sound, you can sleep easy knowing that everything is well and good with the band.  The band has maintained their awesome blend of killer riffs, dope drums, and Alice in Chains like vocals, despite the addition of a new guitarist. Moth proves that even devastating tragedy can be turned to triumph and music is the best therapy of all. Moth and Emperors and Elephants (for that matter) are a must listen for fans of Godsmack, Avenged Sevenfold, and Mushroomhead.

Check out the band here:

http://www.emperorsandelephants.com/

https://www.facebook.com/EmperorsandElephants

https://www.twitter.com/EmperorsandElephants

Moth is available by pre-order in a special album bundle package here

Tracklist:

01. Hidden

02. Not Today

03. Porcelain Kiss

04. Cracks in the Wall

05. Poison

06. Chicago

07. Give away the Sun

08. Jester

09. Trigger

10. Whisper in the Storm

11. Hold You Back

12. Wicked Game

Line-up:
Jesse Andrews: Vocals
Jason Meudt: Drums
Ron “Stoppable” Vanders: Bass
Jeff Windisch: Guitar
Anthony Modica: Guitar

Written by Ken Bowden of Bloodrock Media on March 5, 2017

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