“Hello friends!

Time for some album(s) news. WINTERSUN ‘s Time is going to be two albums, titled TIME I and TIME II. We made this decision simply because of few reasons:

A) All the 80 minutes of material won’t fit on a regular CD and we didn’t want to cut anything out.

B) We want you to be able to hear new material sooner and not wait any longer and we want to go on tour sooner.

The music is very full and complex, so listening to this kind of hard listening (not easy listening) material straight for 80 minutes is a bit too much (even for me). Both albums will be approximately nice 40 minunte epic packages of fireworks.

We like the idea of releasing two albums within one year, so the band will stay more visible longer, which is important in these modern times. No more years of silence for us!

We hope you’ll approve our new little plan and support us when the Time comes!

TIME I mix is set to be finished by July, mastered in the beginning of July and released in early fall of 2012! TIME II will be released in 2013. Conception of album artworks, videos, live shows including rehearsals will keep us busy during the Summer and I’ll also continue mixing TIME II meanwhile. We’ll be hopefully posting some videos and teasers during Summer. Also some new live show announcements soon, so stay tuned for those!

We can’t wait for you guys to hear the TIME I material and to play it for you live! Have a great Summer!”

TIME I track listing:
1. When Time Fades Away
2. Sons of Winter and Stars
I Rain of Stars
II Surrounded by Darkness
III Journey Inside a Dream
IV Sons of Winter and Stars
3. Land of Snow and Sorrow
4. Darkness and Frost
5. Time

WINTERSUN are confirmed to headline this year’s edition of the so-called HEIDENFEST tour kicking off in October supported by KORPIKLAANI, VARG, TROLLFEST, and KRAMPUS, before they go on touring the world. Further infos, dates and tickets on www.heidenfest.eu

For more info visit: www.wintermadness.net | www.nuclearblast.de/wintersun | www.facebook.com/wintersun

No Bragging Rights completed many tours this past year with appearances at the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival, The Jamboree and many other notable festivals, and could not be more thrilled to take time off and start recording a new album.

Guitarist Daniel Garrow had the following to say, “We’re excited to work with Kelly again because we know this record is a priority and he’s sure to capture what we’re going for. My personal goals for these songs weren’t necessarily based on structure or “rules” but what feels right; trying to stay within a melodic balance throughout the duration on the song. There’s something for everyone in there if you liked our last two full lengths! We’re very excited to release this material and tour heavily!”

A new label announcement is on the way, so stay tuned.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyCmmx3R9A0

The band combine influences from the classic punk sound of GBH, THE EXPLOITED, ENGLISH DOGS, DISCHARGE, UK SUBS with modern extreme sounds and a thrash/crossover edge.

“We are joining the dark forces of Season of Mist!”, the band comments. “We’re more than honored to bring our blend of hardcore-street-thrash-punk to the battle to keep heavy music alive! We have a new album ready and we will see you all on the road everywhere in the world soon!”

THE CASUALTIES recently completed recording their Season of Mist debut album at Planet Z Studios in Massachusetts, USA with producer Zeuss (MUNICIPAL WASTE, MADBALL, HATEBREED). Full album details will be revealed in the coming weeks.

THE CASUALTIES will co-headline this summer’s “Tonight We Unite!” tour alongside NEKROMANTIX, DOWN BY LAW, LOWER CLASS BRATS, FLATFOOT 56 and THE SHEDS.

Three Decades Later… The Legacy Continues!

ASIA RELEASE NEW STUDIO ALBUM “XXX” WITH ORIGINAL LINE-UP: GEOFF DOWNES, STEVE HOWE, CARL PALMER & JOHN WETTON

BRITISH SUPERGROUP CELEBRATES 30th ANNIVERSARY WITH UK TOUR AND 30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF DEBUT ALBUM

Thirty years after its eponymous debut album, ASIA ascended to the top of the Billboard Top 100 chart (where it remained No.1 for nine consecutive weeks), the legendary British classic rock band returns with a brand new studio album, a 30th Anniversary edition of their debut album, 2 DVDs, and a world tour that includes UK, Europe, Japan and America.

ASIA will release their new studio album “XXX” (pronounced Triple X) on Frontiers Records on June 29th in Europe and July 3rd in North America. The new record, produced by Mike Paxman, which is being hailed as ASIA’s best album since its classic early 80s releases, will be released as a CD, collector’s edition CD/DVD (featuring new music videos and behind the scenes footage), and on vinyl (limited edition Europe only). Original artwork for “XXX” album courtesy of Roger Dean.

The first single taken from the highly anticipated new album is entitled “Face On The Bridge”, released worldwide on May 14th. The videoclip can be seen on Youtube now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BnTSkqNG_o

“We’re very pleased with, and confident about XXX,” says John Wetton. “It encapsulates, lyrically and instrumentally, the essence of ASIA today. However, it is the very same four people that gave you the original, iconic album 30 years ago. If you loved it then, you will love it now.”

“We wanted to recapture the energy of the first album,” adds ASIA’s guitarist, Steve Howe. “ASIA has always been about great songs, and fantastic musicianship. I’m sure fans of the first album, will fall in love with XXX.”

“XXX” CD EDITION – TRACK LISTING
1. Tomorrow The World (Wetton/Downes) 6:47
2. Bury Me In Willow (Wetton/Downes) 6:01
3. No Religion (Howe/Wetton/Downes) 6:36
4. Faithful (Wetton/Downes) 5:37
5. I Know How You Feel (Wetton/Downes) 4:53
6. Face On The Bridge (Wetton/Downes) 5:59
7. Al Gatto Nero (Wetton/Downes) 4:36
8. Judas (Howe/Wetton/Downes) 4:43
9. Ghost Of A Chance (Wetton/Downes) 4:21

Total Time 49:41

“XXX” SPECIAL EDITION 11-TRACK CD (+ BONUS DVD) – TRACK LISTING
1. Tomorrow The World (Wetton/Downes) 6:47
2. Bury Me In Willow (Wetton/Downes) 6:01
3. No Religion (Howe/Wetton/Downes) 6:36
4. Faithful (Wetton/Downes) 5:37
5. I Know How You Feel (Wetton/Downes) 4:53
6. Face On The Bridge (Wetton/Downes) 5:59
7. Al Gatto Nero (Wetton/Downes) 4:36
8. Judas (Howe/Wetton/Downes) 4:43
9. Reno (Silver and Gold) (Howe/Wetton) 5:15 (Bonus Track)
10. Ghost Of A Chance (Wetton/Downes) 4:21
11. I Know How You Feel (Midnight Mix) (Wetton/Downes) 5:23 (Bonus Track) Total Time: 60:20

BONUS DVD
1. Face On The Bridge (Music Video) (4:33)
2. Faithful (Music Video) (4:34)
3. The Making of XXX (Featurette) (20:33) Total Time: 29:40

In addition ASIA has also completed “Resonance”, a DVD concert film of the group’s 2010/2011 Omega World Tour, captured live in Switzerland which will be released later in the fall.

To celebrate their 30th Anniversary, ASIA will release a collector’s edition box set based on their legendary 1982 eponymous debut album, supported by a myriad of ASIA releases in 2012. The 30th anniversary edition of their debut album will feature 2 audio CDs (a re-mastered edition of the debut album, plus a CD of live rare tracks), an expansive historical booklet, a limited edition ASIA T-shirt, goodies from ASIA’s 1982 tour, plus a DVD of the new band documentary: ASIA – 30 Years On. A newly commissioned painting by Roger Dean updates the symbolic dragon and pearl from 1982 to 2012, the Year of The Water Dragon (in the Chinese calendar).

Confirmed 2012 tour dates so far include:
Japan
24th September – Tokyo Shibuya Kokaido
25th September – Tokyo Shibuya Kokaido
26th September – Osaka Sankei Hall Breeze
27th September – Zepp Nagoya

North America
Oct 17 – Red Bank, NJ, Count Basie
Oct 18 – Boston, MA, Wilbur Theater
Oct 19 – Westbury, NY, Westbury Theater
Oct 20 – Philadelphia, PA, Keswick
Oct 21 – Wilmington, DE, Opera House
Oct 23 – Verona, NY, Turning Stone Casino
Oct 25 – Ridgefield, CT, Ridgefield Playhouse
Oct 26 – Uncasville, CT, Mohegan Sun
Oct 27 – NY, NY, Best Buy Theater
Oct 28 – York, PA, Strand Capital
Oct 30 – Annapolis, MD, Rams Head On Stage
Nov 01 – Royal Oak, MI, Royal Oak
Nov 02 – St. Charles, IL, Arcada Theatre
Nov 03 – Sloan, IA, Winnavegas Casino Showroom
Nov 08 – Santa Ynez, CA, Chumash Casino
Nov 07 San Francisco, CA The Regency Ballroom
Nov 15 House of Blues Houston, TX
Nov 09 – Agoura Hills, CA, Canyon Club
Nov 10 – Las Vegas, NV, Green Valley Casino
Nov 11 – San Juan Capistrano, CA, Coach House
Nov 13 – Scottsdale, AZ, Talking Stick Casino
Nov 16 – Dallas, TX, Granada Theater
Nov 17 – Austin, TX, One World Theatre (2 shows)
Nov 20 – Clearwater, FL , Capitol Theatre
Nov 21 – Orlando, FL, Fl Plaza Theatre
Nov 23 – Manistee, MI, Little River Casino Resort

UK Dates
2nd September – Weyfest Festival, Weyfest, UK
15th December – The Wharf, Tavistock, UK
16th December – The Picturedrome, Holmfirth, UK
17th December – Queens Hall, Edinburgh, UK
18th December – TBA
19th December – City Hall, Salisbury, UK
20th December – Town Hall, Birmingham, UK
21st December – RNCM, Manchester, UK
22nd December – Shepherds Bush Empire, London, UK

ASIA is:
Geoff Downes – keyboards
Steve Howe – guitars
Carl Palmer – drums
John Wetton – bass and vocals

FOR ALL THINGS ASIA, PLEASE VISIT:
www.originalasia.com

In June the band will start tracking with Shep Goodman (Four Year Strong, Head Automatica, Get Scared) in New York City.

“After several months of working our asses off we’re finally in the process of narrowing down over 60 songs written. We can’t wait to start tracking and just have a great time in the States. This feel like it’s going to be a big step forward from our last album “Causing A Scene” and we’re really proud and enthusiastic about how things are coming across and how the songs are sounding so far. In a way we sort of went back to our roots this time and a lot of people may be surprised by the new
direction.”

The album is scheduled for a late fall release on PANIC & ACTION.

Check out the bands latest videos/singles here:
GHOSTS OF THE ATTIC
DJ GOT US FALLIN IN LOVE (*Usher cover)

Her Bright Skies on Facebook
Panic & Action Official Home Page

See them support AUGUST BURNS RED (mainly France and Germany), shows with Gallows and Texas in July thrown in + last but not least appearing at the German festivals HURRICANE, SOUTHSIDE, VAINSTREAM and also Swedens METALTOWN.

A handful more festivals to be announced later, but the band will spend the core of summer in Sweden cooking up something you’ll hear more from us about pretty soon. You’ll be excited! But for now summer and festivals, here’s the dates:

9 June GER Münster, VAINSTREAM Festival
12 june FR Lille, Splendid w/August Burns Red
13 June FR Strasbourg, La Latieriere w/August Burns Red
14 June GER Augsburg, Kantine w/August Burns Red
16 June SWE METALTOWN festival, Gothenburg,
18 June CH Basel, Sommercasino w/ Gallows
19 June FR Clemont Ferrand, Coop De Mai Club w/August Burns Red
20 June FR Marseille, Cabaret Aleatorie w/August Burns Red
22 June GER HURRICANE festival, Scheessel
23 June GER Cologne, MTC w/ Texas in July
24 June GER SOUTHSIDE festival, Neuhausen ob Eck
25 June GER Stuttgart, LKA Longhorn w/August Burns Red
26 June GER Saarbrucken, Garage w/August Burns Red
27 June LUX Schifflange, Café Dancing Votre Choix
28 June NL Amsterdam, Melkweg w/August Burns Red

Adept on Myspace
Panic & Action Offical Home Page

MANNERS streaming new song from upcoming record

The Connecticut hardcore band MANNERS is streaming a new song ” Widowmaker ” from their upcoming record to be released on New Jersey label MorseCode Recordings.

MANNERS – Widowmaker
http://youtu.be/UGa5k4aPy30?hd=1

http://www.facebook.com/mannersct

MorseCode Recordings
Most Precious Blood / Indecision / The May 4th Massacre / Manners
Store.MorseCodeRecordings.com
www.MorseCodeRecordings.com
www.youtube.com/MorseCodePro
www.facebook.com/theMorseCodeRecordings

Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Aquilus, and how long the project has been in existence.
I am Horace and I create the music for Aquilus, I’m currently mainly focusing my composing on piano, guitar, and mandola, but I’ll play/use any instrument that takes my fancy; balalaika, lute etc.

The project has existed since around 2000 when the first material was composed; (That material appears on the Arbor EP which wasn’t recorded until years later).

Where are you based out of and what is your local music / metal scene like there?
I live in a beautiful forested land just outside of Melbourne, Australia, which is inspiring for such art.

I don’t know much about the local metal scene, I preferred to keep to myself and create whatever I pleased. Though when concerts for Aquilus eventually begin I will naturally become more familiar with the scene, I doubt much of it will interest me though, I’m pretty picky when it comes to music, most of it bores the hell out of me, and I don’t listen to much metal these days, though I will continue to make metal for the time being, metal and whatever else with it; the kind of music I want to hear.

Is there any story or overall concept behind the CD title Griseus?
Yes, but I’ll let the listener conjure up whatever they will from this grey painted music.

What was the most difficult aspect about the writing and recording process of Griseus?
That I only have one set of hands – The time it takes to do it all myself. I could give you 5 new Aquilus albums tomorrow if I had some way of magically producing them instantly…

Over the duration of recording Griseus approximately 2300 litres of black tea was consumed, vino intake calculated to be approximately 1200 litres.

What other bands or projects were you and are you involved with now?
I’m not involved with any bands, nor was I involved with any serious projects in the past. I don’t usually like working with other people, unless they’re acting under my influence, I’m the anal composer that likes to have total control over their music.

What are some of your favorite classical pieces and why?
Rachmaninov’s second concerto would be one of my favorites, that’s brilliant. Tchaikovsky’s ‘Pathetique‘ is another, actually I think I’ll put that on right now with a bottle o’ vino. Also Chopin’s nocturnes, they’re gorgeous.

Who did the stunning cover art for Griseus and how much input did you have on it?
The artwork is from a 19th century painting that hangs in my folks’ house, I grew up looking at it in dreamy wonderment, so it has a personal and sentimental meaning to me, as well as making a beautiful cover. The other artwork that appears on the release is from photos I’ve taken from around where I live, which also has meaning to me and which the music is anchored to. After working through the night on Griseus it was nice to step outside at dawn and relax under a foggy willow and take the smoky mountain air, this particular willow I refer to appears on the disc of Griseus.

Would you ever want to compose for a film or documentary – or have you already?
I have done some score work and have had some of my music used in films. Later in life I think I will focus more on soundtrack work, and I am fond of a lot of soundtracks, Thomas Newman for instance has created some neat pieces.

In my review, I stated your music was probably influenced by entities such as Emperor and Ennio Morricone? How accurate do you think this is and do you listen to either?
I have heard the artists mentioned but I don’t know them very well, I shouldn’t be so lazy and give both of them more of a listen.

Has Aquilus ever played live or plan to do so in the future? Wouldn’t it be something to hear Griseus with a full symphony orchestra!
Concerts for Griseus will hopefully be commencing soon, they will consist of a unique arrangement of material from across the album set up into three acts.
And yes, indeed it would, one day I am hoping to record a DVD of a concert with orchestral accompaniment, perhaps after the next album this will be realized.

Will any of your early work be released through ATMF and looking back, what do you think about it now?
At the moment only Griseus will be released through ATMF.

Most of the previous works were just me experimenting until I was ready to produce a proper first album, some of it’s okay.

What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most after hearing Griseus for the first time?
Hmmm I don’t know, whatever gets their d*cks hard… (Second bottle o’ vino in progress)

How close are you to writing a whole new collection of songs and how will they compare to what’s heard on Griseus?
Most of the main material for the next album is already written and I can’t wait to start recording it, the material on Griseus is between five and ten years old now, the next album will be of similar styles, but done much better. There will also be some piano pieces with operatic vocalisation which I think will come out rather well.

Any final words of wisdom?
Sure, to any artists that are reading this, don’t rush your art, keep working until you have perfected something worthy of sharing …or until you run out of time. Alas, the latter will usually come first. Cheers

(Interview by Kenneth Morton)

Aquilus on Facebook
ATMF Records Official Home Page

UK tour with Page 44 and Adelaide in June

Forming in early 2009, South Coast rockers The Afterparty have recently added the finishing touches to their debut studio offering ‘Restless‘ with producer Matty O’Grady (You Me At Six, Deaf Havana).

The four track EP will feature lead track ‘Sticks & Stones‘ and new single ‘So Much To Say‘, and is scheduled for release on July 2nd 2012 via Engineer Records.

Vocalist Nic Matthews revealed that ‘Restless‘ is “a record we’re all super proud of. We set out to write some honest, catchy rock songs and feel it’s the best material we’ve written to date. The tracks have got big singalong choruses, tons of energy and a great feel good vibe. We can’t wait for people to hear the new material and get back on tour.”

New track – ‘Sticks & Stones‘ – can be heard here.

The band’s video for first single ‘So Much To Say‘ will be rolled out in support of the bands eight date UK tour with Page 44 and Adelaide in June:

20 Bristol, Thekla
21 Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
22 Manchester, Dry Bar
23 Leeds, Cockpit
24 Andover, The George
25 Birmingham, O2 Academy 3
26 London, Relentless Garage (Upstairs)
27 Leicester, The Shed

www.engineerrecords.com

The Afterparty on Facebook

Choices by Truth And Its Burden (Rite Of Passage Records)

Truly impassioned hardcore collectives may hail from any section of the world, as music has always been the universal language. Truth And Its Burden call Johannesburg, South Africa their home, an exotic, extremely historical location to be sure. Recently signed by Rite Of Passage Records (a subsidiary of the mighty Mediaskare imprint), Truth And Its Burden exudes a massive amount of conviction within their lyrics along with a mesmerizing soundtrack that should easily appeal to genre fans all across the globe. Choices is their stunning full-length debut, and it’s destined to catapult the band onto even greater glories.

Choices begins with the convincing sounds of The Deal, instantly hooking the listener in with its crucial lyrics and soaring musical dynamics. “I’m only human and I’ll share this burden with you,” the chorus conveys with an overwhelming sense of sincerity and fervor.

The Decider then emerges with it’s a stunning exuberance that really grabs your attention. Since Day One is a thrilling track with its shimmering guitar interludes and magnetic spoken word aesthetics. My Distance then pummels the senses with its dazzling wall of sound. “And I struggle and I feel pain and anguish, and they made me strong enough to press on,’ vocalist Ashley Beers sings with a incredible sense of perseverance and strength.

“Every Gift, Each Day” continues with a potent sense of wonder as “I can’t seem to save myself these days” and the entire composition packs such a tremendous punch. Partial is a peaceful instrumental interlude where thoughts may be collected before slamming into the colossal barrage of the fully loaded Placed In My Path. Threadbare has a swampy grunge like underscore while still making one want to launch themselves into the nearest mosh pit.

Symphony Conspiracy is another brief instrumental respite that plays like a remote musical memory from the past. The band then blasts into Building A Better Me, a wonderfully cathartic tune showing a good deal of diversity within the confines of one song. And then closing out Choices on a highly memorable note is the breathtaking Realigning Faith, ending the album on an ultimately inspiring note.

Calvin Clayden supplies an atmospheric wall of sonic artistry on guitar, always keeping the interludes lively and interesting. The rhythm section attack is first rate, courtesy of drummer Dale Keegan and bassist Niekie Van Niekerk. And then the aforementioned Mr. Beers slams it all home with a ferocious magnetism, delivering the powerhouse lyrics with a gripping sense of urgency.

They’ve toured South Africa with The Ghost Inside and even made their way over to the European continent. Here’s hoping Truth And Its Burden head on over to the States and unleash their heartfelt message of positivity as well as their hard-hitting soundscapes. Another landmark discovery from the folks at Mediaskare Records!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

Truth And Its Burden on Facebook