FREE download at the following link here.

Vesperia will also be on tour with fellow metal warriors Crimson Shadows playing the following dates in Ontario.

‘For the Glory of the Swordsman’ Tour Dates:

May 18, 2012 – The Port – Barrie, ON w/ Crimson Shadows, Goliath, The Isosceles Project

June 1, 2012 – The Granite Club – North Bay, ON w/ Crimson Shadows, The Killing Field, Face the Hate, Sign of the Raven

June 2, 2012 – The Serbian Centre – Sudbury, ON w/ Crimson Shadows, Before the Black Gates

June 8, 2012 – The Corktown Pub – Hamilton, ON w/ Crimson Shadows, Deathmarch

June 9, 2012 – Dominion House Tavern – Windsor, ON w/ Crimson Shadows, Aeron’s Wake, Final Stage, Nepenthe

June 15, 2012 – Hard Luck Bar – Toronto, ON w/ Valfreya, Protokult, Nordheim

June 22, 2012 – The Atria – Oshawa, ON w/ Crimson Shadows

June 29, 2012 – The Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON w/ Sonburst, Crimson Shadows, Signs of Chaos

The Swordsman Tracklisting

1. The Swordsman 04:42
2. Huntress 03:28
3. To Times End We Ride 07:47
4. A Silence Prolonging (In Longing) 04:58

About: After several months of deep thinking and more than half a decade of live shows, line-up changes and the constant shake-ups in the music industry, the four musicians behind Bolero decided it was time for a big move – a change in name and mentality. Ladies, gentlemen and metal Vikings, we present to you, VESPERIA formerly known as Bolero.

Continuing to derive influences from thrash, black metal and traditional folk music, Vesperia are not leaving their epic orchestrations, throat-crushing speed nor ear-piercing guitar riffs behind, rather, they’re intensifying each element, adding more energy to their live shows just when fans thought they couldn’t get any more amped up and prepping to release their new demo as Vesperia, entitled ‘The Swordsman’.

Converting listeners and critics across the globe into believers and preachers of symphonic Celtic death metal since 2007, it’s clear VESPERIA has no plans of slowing down.
VESPERIA (Official) ‘PINTS HELD HIGH’ Music Video -

Carolus Rex isn’t arrogant in its approach to giving us a history lesson plus superb album in one; this is perhaps one where you have to pay attention to the lyrics to gain a sense of atmosphere that guitars and drums can’t quite reach. The first single is of course the title track, and it depicts Charles –at the tender age of 15 years old- becoming king, and over eagle-like soaring guitars and pounding war drums you immediately picture the open battlefield before him and his men. Take second single A Lifetime Of War for example, where Joakim and his army of choristers sing solemnly about bringing their dead king back to their fatherland after a literal lifetime of war. Long Live The King goes into detail about how he dies; Joakim giving his all to convey frustration and grief in his singing.

Sabaton have always been tactful in their portrayal of all participants of a war and this album is no different, from the victoriously bounding Gott Mit Uns to describing the king’s faltering at the Battle of Poltava. Poltava is a desperate and vicious battle of music and words, Joakim snarling, “Fear me! Or you’ll die by my sword!” is hard to ignore as the seething threat rings in your ears. These are definitely songs to listen out for on future tours.

You won’t find a new Coat Of Arms or 40:1 here however each song interlocks with each other, much alike a battle formation, supporting from beginning to end, and the result is a pretty solid album which shows Sabaton are maturing and honing their skills as musicians. Put in a randomised playlist and you can hear each track holds up well amongst their previous successes. Technically not much is different in regards to the music itself; Sabaton aren’t ones to shy away from their typical formulaic sound and they are comfortable enough with this consistency under the battle flag of power metal. But despite fans being fiercely loyal, I do wonder if they’ll accept this biographical epic fully for what it is, and not just yearn for another Art Of War. Still, the history buff in me loves it and I’ve certainly learnt a thing for two about their rich Scandinavian heritage.

The playlist is as follows:

01           Dominium Maris Baltici - 0:29

02           The Lion From the North - 4:42

03           Gott Mit Uns - 3:15

04           A Lifetime Of War - 5:45

05           1 6 4 8 - 3:54

06           The Carolean’s Prayer - 6:14

07           Carolus Rex - 4:53

08           Killing Ground - 4:24

09           Poltava - 4:03

10           Long Live The King – 4:09

11           Ruina Imperii – 3:21

Total playing time: – 45:09

At under an hour long it’s short, but very sweet. A personal new favourite of mine and a definite grower for others, this album represents the next chapter for the Sabaton lads and another crushing blow to their musical foes. Long live the kings! 9/10

Carolus Rex is out via Nuclear Blast in both English and Swedish language versions on May 25th. Check Sabaton.net and Planetmosh.com for current news and tour dates.

Just a reminder that this FREE festival starts tomorrow.

If you have not had chance to check it out yet this is what is on offer:

Friday
Headlining Skreamer
Only The Good
Sugerking
Sick Curcus
Templar
Intofear

Saturday
Kyrbgrinder
White Widows
Violent Playground
Joe Symes
Rufis
Canbibate23
Quartermaster

STARTS AT 8PM
The Give Back Festival
Bands Give Back To Fans

It will be held at the Dome Grand Central Hall Renshaw Street Liverpool L12SF

Please note it is an 18+ venue

For more information please check out the Official Facebook Page HERE 

Martin Le Mar, who’s previous credits include Tomorrow’s Eve and Mekong Delta has been unveiled as the new vocalist for Nachtgeschrei.
In the bands own words ‘After a long search , the decision was made quickly. We rehearsed and did test recordings with many great singers but Martin just blew us away.’
However, not ones to forget their past, a ‘Best Of’ release titled ‘Eine Erste Kerbe’ sees the light of day on the 18th of May, showcasing the bands history over the last three studio albums, and available to buy via Amazon, iTunes, Musicload and other digital music stores.
The band are currently writing new material and planning live shows, so watch this space.

http://www.nachtgeschrei.de

http://www.massacre-records.de

Hot on the heels of their well received ‘City Of Sun‘ EP (released in February 2011), ‘Chasing Boats‘ is four tracks of adrenalin fuelled, massively riff driven, melodic mayhem.

Indeed, ‘Chasing Boats‘ ably defines the Hertfordshire based quintet’s thunderous yet accessible sound. Like a tumultuous blend of Alexisonfire, Thrice and the juggernaut melodies of My Chemical Romance it highlights a band with ridiculous confidence and energy for ones so young.

Honed to a lethal sharpness by renowned producer Romesh Dodangoda (Lostprophets, Funeral For a Friend, Bullet For My Valentine, Kids In Glass Houses) the four tracks on offer are glowing statements of intent. Lead off track ‘White Compass‘ is everything you could want for a single – muscular beyond belief, insanely catchy and in possession of a complex and layered sound. Video to follow…Watch This Space!

Already seasoned road dogs, the quintet are looking to spend as much of 2012 on the road as possible. Previous live jaunts with the likes of Exit Ten, Fei Comodo, All Forgotten, Mallory Knox, Ispystrangers, Never Means Maybe, The Elijah, and Broadway have helped the band develop a powerful live show – and they aren’t afraid to show it off!

http://www.facebook.com/Thousandautumns

http://www.myspace.com/thousandautumnsuk

“Scythia is stoked to rock out for an honorable cause like animals.  A huge inspiration for our breed of folk metal is having a symbiosis with animals and nature… Especially bears, but dogs and cats are awesome as well.  We are also stoked about the killer line up, we have played with all of these bands before and believe that each and every band on this bill are top notch musicians capable of delivering incredible performances.” comments Scythia’s vocalist/ guitarist Dave Khan.

With support from local Vancouver speed thrash metal titans Cradle To Grave, power metallers Aeterna and Nanaimo, BC’s Viking warriors Eye of Odin, Scythia along with event organizer and Oboe of death player Morgan Zentner of Aesir Promotions are conquering higher ground for this great cause to help our furry companions in their time of need.

“As the promoter and creator of this event, I am proud to say that Aesir Promotions will be putting on a show to help support such a worthy cause. As an animal owner and lover, I feel that abandoned pets are easily over looked and I was very happy to find the Richmond Animal Protection Society, which is a no kill shelter.” says Morgan Zentner, “We have support from bands all over BC and Alberta donating merch for raffle prizes and the support from the metal community in Vancouver has been fantastic. All of the performers for the show are of high caliber and we are all looking forward to helping out our furry friends.”

Also for your viewing pleasure! One of Vancouver’s best belly dancers, the radiant Mahafsoun will be joining Scythia on stage for a memorable performance.

Show Details

Date: Saturday, June 2, 2012

Venue: The Astoria, 769 East Hastings

Time: 8pm

Cost: $12 or $10 with donated item

Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/330164173709449/

Bands: Scythia, Cradel To Grave, Aeterna, Eye of Odin

RAPS wish list:

- Good Quality Cat Food (Wet and Dry)
– Towels and Blankets
– Laundry Soap
– Cleaning Supplies
– Arm & Hammer Litter Freshener
– Paper Towels
– Frebreeze Mr. Clean
– Orijen kibble for cats and dogs
– EVO canned food for dogs
– Natural Balance canned food for dogs
– GO! canned food for dogs
– Wild Salmon Oils
– Pill Pockets

Scythia Links:

Free Download – For The King – http://scythia.bandcamp.com/track/for-the-king-free-download

Free Download – Voice of The Sword – http://scythia.bandcamp.com/track/voice-of-the-sword-free-download

RIVAL SONS

The as-yet untitled follow-up to the band’s 2011 breakthrough album, PRESSURE & TIME, was recorded with Grammy-nominated producer DAVE COBB and Grammy-winning engineer VANCE POWELL.  The album is due to be released on Earache Records in late August.

RIVAL SONS guitarist SCOTT HOLIDAY comments:
“We have officially completed and turned in our next full length record.  We thought we might give ourselves a bit more time to work this time around, as opposed to the 20 days for Pressure & Time…  BUT, it was even MORE crazy this time.  Everything was finished in about the same amount of time (22 days), but this time we are giving much more music (a much longer record) – nearly twice that of P&T.

“Done in Nashville this time – amazing people, music, music scene, countryside, and some cool record shops.  We re-enlisted our long-time producer and friend, Dave Cobb (Jamie Johnson, Secret Sisters, Shooter Jennings, and uh… Rival Sons), and this time we brought in the engineering and mix wizardry of one Mr. Vance Powell (Jack White, Dead Weather, Kings of Leon).

“Songs were once again written and recorded on the spot, allowing the listener to really peer in and catch a snapshot of the moment, and our immediate instincts.  Most songs were captured in a few takes, not to mention plenty of first-takers.  Pretty off the cuff and unadulterated.  We have never had a wish to be predictable or sedentary with our music, and this record explores and supports that ethos pretty well.  In other words, this record is not P&T, but delves into a bunch of other musical ideas and sounds.  Much more of a ‘long-form’ record as a whole.  Fist-pumpers, ass-shakers, foot-stompers, air guitaring/bassing/drummers, tear-jerkers, heart-string-pullers, and a few straight up freak outs.  That’s all I’ll say for now.  Due out late this August.”

Watch a video of RIVAL SONS frontman JAY BUCHANAN at the mixing studio at

RIVAL SONS have announced a European tour, including two shows in the Netherlands and Germany with GUNS N’ ROSES.  Don’t miss them at the following shows:

May 18 – St. Catharines, ON – Barracuda Pretty
May 19 – Columbus, OH – Rock on the Range
May 20 – Grand Bend, ON – Motorplex

May 28 – Landgraaf, Netherlands – Pinkpop Festival
May 29 – Lille, France – La Peniche
May 31 – Leffinge, Belgium – Zwerver
Jun. 01 – Nuremberg, Germany – Rock im Park
Jun. 02 – Nürburg, Germany – Rock am Ring
Jun. 03 – Den Bosch, Netherlands – W2
Jun. 04 – Rotterdam, Netherlands – Ahoy (w/ GUNS N’ ROSES)
Jun. 06 – Aarhus, Denmark – Voxhall
Jun. 07 – Sölvesborg, Sweden – Sweden Rock Festival
Jun. 08 – Mönchengladbach, Germany – Warsteiner Hockey Park (w/ GUNS N’ ROSES)
Jun. 10 – Castle Donington, UK – Download Festival
Jun. 12 – Hamburg, Germany – Stadtpark (w/ EVANESCENCE)
Jun. 14 – Dortmund, Germany – Westfalenhalle (w/ EVANESCENCE)
Jun. 16 – Bulle, Switzerland – Ebullition
Jun. 19 – Prague, Czech Republic – MeetFactory (w/ EAGLES OF DEATH METAL)
Jun. 20 – Zagreb, Croatia – Tvornica
Jun. 22 – Milan, Italy – Gods of Metal Festival
Jun. 23 – Roeser, Luxembourg – Rock A Field Festival
Jun. 24 – Dessel, Belgium – Graspop Metal Meeting

Jun. 30 – Owen Sound, ON – Big Music Fest

Jul. 05 – Sundsvall, Sweden – Sundsvall Festival
Jul. 06 – Turku, Finland – Ruisrock Festival
Jul. 14 – Joensuu, Finland – Ilosaarirock Festival
Jul. 17 – Uppsala, Sweden – Katalin
Jul. 19 – Tonsberg, Norway – Slottsfjell Festival
Jul. 20 – Tromso, Norway – Bukta Festival
Jul. 21 – Njordfordeid, Norway – Malakoff Rockfestival

RIVAL SONS have just released a new music video for the track, “Face of Light”.  Watch the video

PRESSURE & TIME is available now as a special redux edition, including two incredible bonus tracks, “Company Man” and “Life For This Road”, plus a bonus DVD featuring these great videos:

* ‘Gypsy Heart’, ‘Pressure and Time’ and ‘Soul’ live from High Voltage festival
* ‘Pressure and Time’, ‘All Over the Road’ and ‘Get What’s Coming’ official promo videos
* ‘Pressure and Time’ live backstage at Werchter festival
* Pressure & Time promo trailer

Get the PRESSURE & TIME redux CD/DVD now in Europe at http://bit.ly/jucwYJ  or in North America at http://bit.ly/mtaFfm

The PRESSURE & TIME redux is also available on iTunes, including all bonus tracks and videos, at http://bit.ly/GAVj7p

Get more RIVAL SONS news and info at:

Official site – http://www.rivalsons.com
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/rivalsons
MySpace – http://www.myspace.com/rivalsons
Twitter – http://twitter.com/rivalsons

Born in 2011 and bursting straight out of Leeds, Chasing Dragons comprise five fiery individuals from lead singer Tank spitting out potent vocal passages to Zebs and Mitch Sadler duelling with harmonious guitar licks, Ant Varenne handling the bass, and Tom Wheelwright laying out the jack-hammer beats. With a growing fan-base on the rise due to an onslaught of highly successful shows throughout the North, sharing stages with Attack!Attack! (UK), The Headstart, Skarlett Riot, Our Innocence Lost, and others, Chasing Dragons are now prepared to strike out on their own and are braced for nationwide exposure with a host of shows penned for the Autumn (and beyond) to coincide with their album launch.

Chasing Dragons plan to hit the ground running with their national release “Take Flight For A Firefight” this Summer. Produced by acclaimed maestros Graeme Atkinson (Take The Seven) and Carl Bown (While She Sleeps, Fightstar), the record pitches nine tracks that merge heart throbbing vocal lines and harmonious punchy riffs crossed with unrestrained infectious energy. The opening cut ‘Spawn Of The Succubus’ is unashamedly biting and gritty, and is the perfect appetizer for the raucous rock crew. The record then begins to take shape, cleverly weaving its way from the catchy rock-pop hook laden ‘Seeds Of Tomorrow’ to the contagious ‘City Of Steel’. Chasing Dragons have produced an impressive debut and are sure to breakthrough this year; no doubt they’ll fly!

–CHASING DRAGONS OFFICIALLY RELEASE ‘TAKE FLIGHT FOR A FIREFIGHT’ ON 13th AUGUST—
www.facebook.com/musicchasingdragons