STRATOVARIUS Premiere Music Video For "Halcyon Days"; European Tour Starts Today!

Melodic Metal legends STRATOVARIUS are pleased to unleash their “Halcyon Days” video from the band’s latest full-length, “Nemesis”, released via earMUSIC. Hailed by the media as, “the best STRATOVARIUS album since many, many years,” by Metal Hammer Germany, “a collection of the band’s greatest hits that you never heard until now,” by Metal Underground in the US and, “the strongest STRATOVARIUS album since the beginning of the century,” by KaaosZine in Finland, STRATOVARIUS were once again able to live up to their reputation as one of the leading names of the metal genre, once again exceeding fans’ and critics’ expectations and charting all over the world: Finland: # 3, Czech Republic # 12, Switzerland # 30, Spain # 32, Germany # 41, Sweden # 44, France # 56, Norway # 56, Austria # 62, Canada # 126.

Coinciding with the band’s European tour, set to commence in Helsinki, Finland, the band today proudly reveals the video for their second single. The footage for “Halcyon Days” was shot in Lithuania by Pekka Hara, and perfectly captures the song’s theme of finding one’s peace of mind.



The band explains: “It was a really nice experience working with Pekka and his team, and Lithuania was a pleasant surprise, very friendly people there and everything worked out great. This video sets the mood of the song perfectly. And the fact is: a band is nothing without the fans."

Prior to the video shoot, the band had launched a fan competition asking their supporters to send a picture of their most prized STRATOVARIUS item. Over 100 items were sent, of which the band handpicked the 10 most original objects, which are now featured in the video. Over the course of the next weeks, STRATOVARIUS will also launch a special fan item version of the video on their official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/stratovarius.

NORDIC NEXUS OF NEMESIS TOUR 2013:

08.03. Helsinki – Tavastia (FIN)
09.03. Kauhava – Tiikeri (FIN)
15.03. St. Petersburg – Aurora Hall (R)
20.03. München – Backstage Halle (GER)
21.03. Erfurt – Stadtgarten (GER)
22.03. Zlin – Masters of Rock Café (CZ)
23.03. Budapest – Club 202 (H)
24.03. Bratislava – Majestic Club (SK)
26.03. Vienna – Szene (A)
27.03. Nürnberg – Hirsch (GER)
28.03. Bochum – Matrix (GER)
29.03. Hamburg – Grünspan (GER)
30.03. Uden – De Pul (NL)
31.03. Paris – Cigale (F)
02.04. Strassburg – La Laiterie (F)
03.04. Lyon – Le Kao (F)
05.04. Barcelona – Razzmatazz (E)
06.04. Madrid – Arena (E)
07.04. Bilbao – Rock Star (E)
09.04. Pratteln – Z7 (CH)
10.04. Milan – Alcatrazz (I)
11.04. Ludwigsburg – Rockfabrik (GER)
12.04. Aschaffenburg  - Colos-Saal (GER)
13.04. Mons – PPM Fest (Festival) (B)
14.04. Osnabrück – Rosenhof (GER)
16.04. Copenhagen – Amager Bio (DK)
17.04. Malmö – KB (S)
18.04. Stockholm – Klubben (S)
19.04. Lahti – Finlandia-klubi (FIN)
20.04. Tampere – Pallahuone (FIN)
26.04. Mikkeli – Vaakuna (FIN)
27.04. Jyväskylä – Lutakko (FIN)
30.04. Helsinki – Virgin Oil (FIN)
18.05. Sao Paulo – Carioca Club (BRA)
24.05. Santiago – Blondie (CHI)
15.06. Kaarina – Saaristo Open 2013 (FIN)



Related links:
Stratovarius' Official Site
Stratovarius on Facebook
Stratovarius on MySpace
Eagle Rock Entertainment

STRATOVARIUS: Song Excerpts Of 'Nemesis' Available Now!

After the success of 'Polaris' and 'Elysium' and the warm response to the CD/DVD/Blu-Ray “Live In Tampere” that witnessed one show of the band’s last world tour with friend and historical drummer Jörg Michael, Stratovarius are about to reinforce their position as one of the undisputed leading name of the prog-symphonic Metal genre with an album that promises to be one of their best ever.

You can sense it in the air that their new CD 'Nemesis' is going to be a milestone in their career, judging by the fantastic reaction to the few bits and beats that – as it happens today – have leaked in the world of bits and beats of internet.

...to the extent that the band entered the studio again, only a few weeks after having completed the album, to record an additional song they had been working on for a while.

The acoustic ballad “Old Man And The Sea” will be an extra track included in a 2.500 numbered limited edition vinyl of their NEW album.

You can now listen to excerpts of 'Nemesis' here:



The 11-track 'Nemesis' will be released in North America via Armoury Records on February 26, 2013. Here is an exclusive interview with Timo Kotipelto that we conducted on Monday, January 21 at Eagle Rock Entertainment, in which he discussed the production process behind 'Nemesis', the inclusion of NEW drummer Rolf Pilve, and he even shares some very useful vocal tips. So sit back, relax, and crank 'Nemesis' on February 26!



Related links:
Stratovarius' Official Site
Stratovarius on Facebook
Stratovarius on MySpace
Eagle Rock Entertainment

STRATOVARIUS: Exclusive interview with Timo Kotipelto about 'Nemesis' & NEW Lineup!

Finnish Power Metal legends STRATOVARIUS, will be unleashing a brand NEW studio offering entitled 'Nemesis'. The bands 15th studio album was produced and mixed by guitarist Matias Kupiainen and mastered by Mika Jussila (Finnvox Studios).

The 11-track 'Nemesis' will be released in North America via Armoury Records on February 26, 2013. Here is an exclusive interview with Timo Kotipelto that we conducted on Monday, January 21 at Eagle Rock Entertainment, in which he discussed the production process behind 'Nemesis', the inclusion of NEW drummer Rolf Pilve, and he even shares some very useful vocal tips. So sit back, relax, and crank 'Nemesis' on February 26!



Related links:
Stratovarius' Official Site
Stratovarius on Facebook
Stratovarius on MySpace
Eagle Rock Entertainment

STRATOVARIUS To Celebrate The Release Of 'Nemesis' In New York City Via Listening Party!

Finnish Power Metal legends STRATOVARIUS, will be unleashing a brand NEW studio offering entitled 'Nemesis'. The bands 15th studio album was produced and mixed by guitarist Matias Kupiainen and mastered by Mika Jussila (Finnvox Studios).

The 11-track 'Nemesis' will be released in North America via Armoury Records on February 26, 2013. Says Kotipelto of the record: “It has a darker more modern sound. We, as a band, have gone through a lot and have matured as songwriters. Making the album this time was easier because we gave it as much time as it needed. We have worked our asses off to make this and we hope the fans will like it.”

In celebration of the bands upcoming effort, members of the band will be present at a public listening party at Idle Hands Bar in New York City.  The event will take place on the evening of January 21, and both Timo Kotipelto (singer) and Jens Johansson (keyboardist) will be present!

Related links:
Stratovarius' Official Site
Stratovarius on Facebook
Stratovarius on MySpace
Eagle Rock Entertainment

SONATA ARCTICA Discuss 'Stones Grow Her Name' Tour & Share Many Useful Tips For Musicians!

Finnish Power Metallers SONATA ARCTICA recently wrapped up their North American 'Stones Grow Her Name' tour with ARSIS. Once again the Power Metal quintet were received with plenty of enthusiasm by their devoted fans, who sang along night after night to songs like "Full Moon", "Replica", "Paid In Full", and "Black Sheep". Additionally, the band presented the masses with a ton of NEW songs from their latest album entitled 'Stones Grow Her Name' (available now via Nuclear Blast Records).

Prior to the first stop of the tour on December 6, 2012, at New York City's Gramercy Theatre, we had the chance to chat with the bands keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg and their bassist/former guitarist Marko Paasikoski. During the interview, which you can watch below, we discussed the 'Stones Grow Her Name' tour and they shared a ton of useful tips for musicians from all levels and walks of life. Without further due, here is video footage of our interview with Henrik and Marko from one of Finland's finest musical exports since CHILDREN OF BODOM! Enjoy!!!



Related links:
SONATA ARCTICA
ARSIS
"Stone Grow Her Name" Tour Blog

SONATA ARCTICA Announce End Of The Year North American Tour!

Finland’s SONATA ARCTICA will be returning to North America next month and cranking their melodic Metal to “11” for eleven shows! Debuting NEW material off their seventh studio album 'Stones Grow Her Name', the tour will launch in New York City on December 6th and close with a raucous party on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood on December 20th.  Direct support will be provided by melodic tech-deathsters and label mates ARSIS.

Confirmed dates for SONATA’s “Stones Grow Her Name North American Tour 2012”are:

- 12/06/12: Gramercy Theatre in New York, NY
- 12/07/12: The Palladium in Worcester, MA
- 12/08/12: The Note in West Chester, PA
- 12/09/12: Empire in West Springfield, VA
- 12/11/12: The Opera House in Toronto, ON – CANADA
- 12/12/12: The Altar Bar in Pittsburgh, PA
- 12/13/12: Peabody´s in Cleveland, OH
- 12/14/12: Harpo’s in Detroit, MI
- 12/15/12: Mojoes in Joliet, IL
- 12/17/12: Bluebird Theater in Denver, CO
- 12/20/12: Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, CA

'Stones Grow Her Name' achieved “Highest 1st Week Sales” status for the band in North America and debuted at #9 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart this past May. In Canada, the album debuted at #74 on the Top 200 and #7 on the Top Hard Music Albums chart. In Europe, 'Stones Grow Her Name' debuted at #9 on the English Rock album charts. In SONATA’s native Finland, the NEW album achieved Gold status in seven days.

'Stones Grow Her Name' can be purchased from the Nuclear Blast USA Webshop, your local independent retailer, Amazon, and iTunes.

“Shitload Of Money” and “I Have A Right” are SONATA’s latest videos.

Watch Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of "The Making Of: Stones Grow Her Name" on SONATA ARCTICA’s YouTube channel.

Related links:
SONATA ARCTICA
ARSIS
"Stone Grow Her Name" Tour Blog

MANOWAR's Two Concerts In Spain Back ON After Being Cancelled - Official Statement Available!

Yesterday we reported that MANOWAR's concerts in Barcelona and Madrid (Spain) were cancelled due to "technical" issues. Well, the two concerts are back on! The band has issued the following update:

"Magic Circle Management and MANOWAR are pleased to announce that, after working through the whole night with the very best interests of the fans at heart, all of the technical issues were solved regarding the shows in Barcelona and Madrid so now the shows will happen as originally planned.

"The faith of the faithful will be rewarded.

"Doors in Barcelona opens at 8:00 PM, show starts at 9:30 PM.

"Doors in Madrid opens at 7:00 PM, show starts at 8:30 PM."

Commented MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio: "You really know what people are made of during times of trouble. Our true fans once again triumphed and showed the world who really believes in true Metal.

"We intend to play two very special shows for those who stood tall through this crisis with us and to those who did not, we all say Hail, Kill And Die."

As previously reported, MANOWAR' twelfth studio album 'The Lord Of Steel' is available now in most of the world!

'The Lord Of Steel' was mixed and mastered at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands with the help of mixing engineer Ronald Prent and Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper. Some of the track titles are "Annihilation" and "Hail, Kill And Die!"

If there is difference between MANOWAR's 2007 release 'Gods Of War' and this new album, is that 'The Lord Of Steel' is not a concept album, yet each song tells a different story, retaining the MANOWAR vision of righteousness, honor and everything MANOWAR fans have come to know and love.

Related links:
Manowar's Official Site
Manowar on Facebook
Manowar on Twitter

MANOWAR Forced To Cancel Two Concerts In Spain Due To Technical Issues - Official Statement Available!

This just in:

"We regrettably inform you that, due to unsolvable technical issues provided to the band in the last minute, MANOWAR is unable to perform their previously scheduled shows in Barcelona and Madrid on October 13 and 14.

"All fans planning to attend those shows are encouraged to seek a full refund from the point of sale.

"'The Lord Of Steel' world tour continues in Paris, France on Tuesday, October 16, 2012." 

As previously reported, MANOWAR' twelfth studio album 'The Lord Of Steel' is available now in most of the world!

'The Lord Of Steel' was mixed and mastered at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands with the help of mixing engineer Ronald Prent and Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper. Some of the track titles are "Annihilation" and "Hail, Kill And Die!"

If there is difference between MANOWAR's 2007 release 'Gods Of War' and this new album, is that 'The Lord Of Steel' is not a concept album, yet each song tells a different story, retaining the MANOWAR vision of righteousness, honor and everything MANOWAR fans have come to know and love.

Related links:
Manowar's Official Site
Manowar on Facebook
Manowar on Twitter

SONATA ARCTICA To Tour North America With ARSIS; Band Working On NEW Music!

Finnish Power Metallers SONATA ARCTICA have revealed the first batch of dates for the North American 'Stones Grow Her Name' tour. ARSIS will serve as main support. Here is the initial list of tour dates, with more to be added soon! So stay tuned!

- 06.12.2012: Gramercy Theatre, New York, NY (USA)
- 07.12.2012: The Palladium, Worcester, MA (USA)
- 08.12.2012: The Note, West Chester, PA (USA)
- 09.12.2012: Empire, Springfield, VA (USA)
- 11.12.2012: Opera House, Toronto (Canada)
- 13.12.2012: Peabody’s, Cleveland, OH (USA)
- 15.12.2012: Mojoes, Joliet, IL (USA)
- 17.12.2012: Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO (USA)

SONATA ARCTICA has announced that they are working on NEW music:

"You didn't really think that we have 5 weeks off between the last summer festival and the first club show in Finland, did you ? We did had a week off and then met up to rehearse some stuff for a couple of days. We managed to get 4 songs together and during the next two days we went to the Tico-Tico studio in Kemi and had a hilarious recording session. What we recorded and how will be revealed during this fall.  The next couple of weeks will be spent fixing equipment, rehearsing some new songs and trying to get the show together for the fall tours. We'll change the setlist a bit from the summer and try to throw in some surprise-things as well (of course it will only be a surprise for the first show before it's all over the internet :-) )." - HENKKA

Related links:
SONATA ARCTICA
ARSIS
"Stone Grow Her Name" Tour Blog

MANOWAR Premiere 'The Lord Of Steel' Album Trailer; Band Announces Leg 1 Of World Tour!

As previously reported, MANOWAR' twelfth studio album 'The Lord Of Steel' is set to be released on September 28 (dates vary from territory to territory)!

'The Lord Of Steel' was mixed and mastered at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands with the help of mixing engineer Ronald Prent and Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper. Some of the track titles are "Annihilation" and "Hail, Kill And Die!"

If there is difference between MANOWAR's 2007 release 'Gods Of War' and this new album, is that 'The Lord Of Steel' is not a concept album, yet each song tells a different story, retaining the MANOWAR vision of righteousness, honor and everything MANOWAR fans have come to know and love. Here is what Joey DeMaio had to say about the bands newest effort:

"We were talking about a concept album but then got inspired to go in a different direction. This is where we are right now," explained DeMaio. "I've been doing research on getting the best microphones and pre-amps for the guitars. The bass sound is death defying. We've done a lot of work on drums too, giving Donnie [Hamzik, drums] room to stretch out. And Eric [Adams, vocals] will simply sound bigger than life, as always."

Without further due, here is 'The Lord Of Steel' album trailer! The video includes a bunch of tour dates for what is to be leg 1 of the bands world tour.



Related links:
Manowar's Official Site
Manowar on Facebook
Manowar on Twitter

MANOWAR Unveils Album Cover Art For 'The Lord Of Steel': The Metal Hammer Edition

 
As previously reported, MANOWAR' twelfth studio album 'The Lord Of Steel' is set to be released on June 16 on iTunes and the bands web store! In celebration of the bands NEW album, on the very same day of its release, Metal Hammer magazine will unleash a special issue called the "Steel Edition" and it will include a hard copy of 'The Lord Of Steel', as well as a digital copy.

"Metal Hammer has shown a great understanding for MANOWAR and the special bond to our fans. They understand that we always strive to do something special for our Manowarriors and with great enthusiasm they have put a special magazine together," said MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio. "The 'Metal Hammer Steel Edition' and 'The Lord Of Steel - Hammer Edition' are a perfect match!"

'The Lord Of Steel' was mixed and mastered at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands with the help of mixing engineer Ronald Prent and Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper. Some of the track titles are "Annihilation" and "Hail, Kill And Die!"

If there is difference between MANOWAR's 2007 release 'Gods Of War' and this new album, is that 'The Lord Of Steel' is not a concept album, yet each song tells a different story, retaining the MANOWAR vision of righteousness, honor and everything MANOWAR fans have come to know and love. Here is what Joey DeMaio had to say about the bands newest effort:

"We were talking about a concept album but then got inspired to go in a different direction. This is where we are right now," explained DeMaio. "I've been doing research on getting the best microphones and pre-amps for the guitars. The bass sound is death defying. We've done a lot of work on drums too, giving Donnie [Hamzik, drums] room to stretch out. And Eric [Adams, vocals] will simply sound bigger than life, as always."

"The Lord Of Steel - Hammer Edition" will first be released digitally on June 16 on www.thekingdomofsteel.com and in a limited variant "Steel Edition" of Metal Hammer #233 on June 26, exclusively from Metal Hammer U.K.

For the "Metal Hammer Steel Edition" featuring "The Lord Of Steel Hammer Edition", go to this location (international shipping options available).

Here are a few samples of what you can expect:





Related links:
Manowar's Official Site
Manowar on Facebook
Manowar on Twitter

SONATA ARCTICA Is Streaming Their NEW Album 'Stones Grow Her Name' Right Now!

'Stones Grow Her Name', the seventh studio album by Finnish melodic Metallers SONATA ARCTICA is going to be released TODAY via Nuclear Blast Records - and the record is available for streaming in its entirety through May 21st at the location below.

Tracklist:

01. Only The Broken Hearts (Make You Beautiful)
02. Shitload Of Money
03. Losing My Insanity
04. Somewhere Close To You
05. I Have A Right
06. Alone In Heaven
07. The Day
08. Cinderblox
09. Don't Be Mean
10. Wildfire, Part II - One With The Mountain
11. Wildfire, Part III - Wildfire Town, Population: 0

Bonus Track for Deluxe Digi-Pak version ONLY:

12. Tonight I Dance Alone

Click here to listen to SONATA ARCTICA's NEW Album 'Stones Grow Her Name' (Courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records)



Related links:
Click here to order the NEW Sonata Arctica Record!
Sonata Arctica's Official Site

MANOWAR Reveals NEW Album Title & Announces Release Date!

MANOWAR has been hard at work on what is to be their twelfth studio album! According to Aftonbladet (Swedish newspaper), the title of their NEW record is 'The Lord Of Steel' (set to be released on June 16 on iTunes and the bands web store). On this very same day, Metal Hammer magazine will unleash a special issue called the "Steel Edition" and it will include a hard copy of 'The Lord Of Steel', as well as a digital copy.

'The Lord Of Steel' was mixed and mastered at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands with the help of mixing engineer Ronald Prent and Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper. Some of the track titles are "Annihilation" and "Hail, Kill And Die!"

If there is difference between MANOWAR's 2007 release 'Gods Of War' and this new album, is that 'The Lord Of Steel' is not a concept album, yet each song tells a different story, retaining the MANOWAR vision of righteousness, honor and everything MANOWAR fans have come to know and love. Here is what Joey DeMaio had to say about the bands newest effort:

"We were talking about a concept album but then got inspired to go in a different direction. This is where we are right now," explained DeMaio. "I've been doing research on getting the best microphones and pre-amps for the guitars. The bass sound is death defying. We've done a lot of work on drums too, giving Donnie [Hamzik, drums] room to stretch out. And Eric [Adams, vocals] will simply sound bigger than life, as always."

Here are a few samples of what you can expect:





Related links:
Manowar's Official Site
Manowar on Facebook
Manowar on Twitter

DragonForce announce EXCLUSIVE New York City Show

London's Power Metal badasses DragonForce, have announced that their only East Coast show of 2011 will take place at New York City's Gramercy Theater on Friday, October 21, 2011. Here is the OFFICIAL press release:

"Special ‘Up Close and Personal’ show to take place at NYC’s Gramercy Theatre

First Los Angeles, then Toronto, and now New York City. The mighty DragonForce announce the last in a trio of special, intimate shows on October 21st at New York’s Gramercy Theater. DragonForce’s return to New York will be their first since 2009, and will give fans and media the unique opportunity to preview the band’s new singer Marc Hudson and whet their appetites for what’s to come with some brand new material from their highly anticipated forthcoming album.

This special show will be the band’s only East Coast appearance in the US before moving to the big stage with full production for their World Tour, which commences early 2012. Tickets are limited to 2 per person and are available NOW for $20 (plus surcharges) in advance through the link below or $23 (plus surcharges) day of show."







Related links:
Official site of DragonForce
Click here to purchase tickets