Finally! This is our new website! Be sure to check the showlist and the bands we represent!
Drop us a message on our Myspace profile or listen to some tunes if you'd like! From now on new shows will be added when we have them and news will be posted when we have it as well.
LEMURIA ENTERS THE STUDIO TO RECORD FORTHCOMING B9 DEBUT ALBUM
Bridge Nine’s newest roster addition, Lemuria, are currently in the studio recording their yet-to-be-titled debut for the label! The band is holed up at the Magpie Cage in Baltimore, MD for the next few weeks with producer J Robbins (known for his work with bands like Jawbreaker, Hey Mercedes and the Promise Ring). Lemuria drummer Alex Kerns said, “Right when we started writing this album, we knew we wanted to record with J. His catalog and style best compliments the new songs we’re working on.”
Lemuria’s trademark sound of sweet post punk with pop sensibilities will be prevalent on this new album, as the songs “…don’t stray far from ‘Get Better’ in a way that will alienate people who are into that record. At the same time, I feel our new material is higher energy”, commented Alex. Highly influenced by bands like Archers of Loaf, Pavement and Superchunk, Lemuria’s B9 debut is sure to be their finest effort to date. And while anything following up the record that Punknews called “the best debut full-length of the year [Get Better]” will be a hefty task, Lemuria is ready for the challenge.
Stay tuned to Bridge9.com for more information (and videos!) on Lemuria’s recording sessions to surface soon, in addition to an album title and release specifics to be announced shortly.
BLOOD FOR BLOOD ARE REUNITING AND HEADING OUT ON TOUR AFTER 6 YEARS. AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE BAND:
"First off, we would like to thank all our fans for hanging in there over the last six long years. As of December 2010 Blood for Blood will embark on our first tour since 2004. Blood for Blood has agreed to join the Persistence Tour in Europe sharing a stage with long time friends Sick of it All as well as other acts soon to be announced.
The decision to play again was not an easy one to make. Over the last few years we have tried time and time again to contact Rob about a possible Blood for Blood reunion, but he has ignored every single attempt we have made. Therefore, we were left with no other choice but to find someone else to fill in for his BFB responsibilities. Now, let’s make this perfectly clear: we have no ill will towards Rob whatsoever. We wish him well and Blood for Blood will always be open to him.
That being said, we were left with the conundrum of finding a fill-in for Rob. After some careful thought we believe we found a perfect fill-in. We are pleased to announce that Billy Graziadei of Biohazard will be joining Blood for Blood on stage for Persistence Tour 2010.
Again thanks for all the countless emails and support letters from all our fans over the years. We are looking forward to seeing all your ugly faces again". BLOOD FOR BLOOD
BLOOD FOR BLOOD's last album, 'Serenity', was released in May 2004.
EDENBRIDGE - "HIGHER":
Fans of the Austrian Symphonic Metal masters may watch the clip to the new hit "Higher" here on our site.
The new album "Solitaire" will hit the streets in early July!
MOTHER OF MERCY ENTERS THE STUDIO TO RECORD THEIR BRIDGE NINE DEBUT:
Pennsylvania's MOTHER OF MERCY will enter the studio today to record their yet-to-be-titled debut album for Bridge Nine. Recording at Studio 4 with Will Yip (Blacklisted, Cradle of Filth, CKY), Mother of Mercy will be holed up Philadelphia for the next several weeks recording new material that "sounds like Only Living Witness and Megadeth", said bass player Drew Ferry. He went on to say, "I'm personally excited to get back into the studio with Will. Gypsy recorded our Six Feet Under full-length there and it was quite an experience witnessing the stories of the history involved inside of Studio 4 as well as Will's current endeavors. Looking forward to seeing what we can do this time around."
Mother of Mercy released the critically acclaimed album III last year on Six Feet Under Records and has spent some serious time on the road alongside bands like Comeback Kid, Cruel Hand, Title Fight and more. Additionally, Mother of Mercy has played highly coveted sets at Chaos in Tejas in Austin, TX and New England Metal & Hardcore Festival in Worcester, MA this past Spring. If their past work is any indication of what is to come from Mother of Mercy - raw, abrasive and dark metallic hardcore influenced by Samhain, Undertow and Obituary - their upcoming full-length album for Bridge Nine will be nothing less than stellar. Stay tuned for new music and news to be posted soon at:
Bridge Nine Records
SALTATIO MORTIS: MUSICAL SUPPORT
After top chart placements, sold-out tours, and mead-filled medieval fairs, the wandering minstrels are throwing themselves a birthday party. Saltatio Mortis will celebrate their 10-year anniversary at the historical Wuppertal city hall with an array of lively medieval tunes. Besides such esteemed guests as Victor Smolski (Rage) and Bodenski (Subway to Sally), none other than metal queen Doro Pesch will also be in attendance on 15 October to party with the gleemen. Further details regarding this event may be found here!: Saltatio Mortis
TRISTANIA: NEW ALBUM TEASER
The Norwegians present their fans with another video update. For the latest news regarding "Rubicon", fans should head over to Tristania's MySpace-site: Tristania
LIV KRISTINE: A NOWEGIAN JOURNEY OF EMOTION
Fans of the Norwegian A-list vocalist should highlight the month of August to mark the release of Liv Kristine's next solo album. "Skintight" offers fans a very personal album, in which the listener becomes a part of the music. Details about the new release may be found here:
Liv Kristine
Additionally, fans may visit Liv Kristine on Facebook: Liv Kristine , Twitter: Liv Kristine and YouTube
Liv Kristine to stay on top of the newest developments.
GRAVE DIGGER: WHISPERS FROM THE GRAVE
To ease the anticipatory wait, the German metal legends have released a first glimpse of their recording sessions. Headbangers may watch the video here:
Further updates will follow in the coming weeks.
In celebration of pre-order launch at B9store.com for the upcoming full-length album Lock & Key, Cruel Hand has unveiled a short documentary they made while they recorded the album this past Spring! Check out the video here:
and if you haven't heard the eponymous new song posted on MySpace yet, head to Cruel Hand now.
Additionally, Cruel Hand is equally excited to announce a US tour later this summer with Bane, Trapped Under Ice and Alpha & Omega!
Cruel Hand's new material is full of just as many catchy, metallic riffs as mosh parts and is a heavy mix of influences like Madball, Leeway, Cro-Mags, Metallica, and so on. Their soon-to-be-released third full-length album Lock & Key is one of the most well-rounded hardcore albums in recent memory and is more than just a progression of Cruel Hand's past material, but a defining release for the band. Since the release of Cruel Hand's B9 debut Prying Eyes in 2008, the band has been a touring machine and one of the tightest live bands in the hardcore world.
During the next couple of weeks the Life Of Agony fans can pre-order this release with an exclusive "20 Years Strong" t-shirt for 19.99 through the ISR website at the following link:
I Scream Records
>
RUINER CALLS IT QUITS...
After six years, 700+ shows, several releases, countless tours of North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, Ruiner will be calling it a day in October 2010 (as October 5th is the anniversary of the band's first show). Vocalist Rob Sullivan commented, "This wasn't an easy choice to make. All of us started playing in bands when we were in middle school and for the first time in 12-13 years, some of us won't be having band practice on a weekly basis. But we know this is a choice we needed to make. We always ran this band at 100% and some of us now feel like we don't have the desire to tour anymore. We aren't the kind of band who wants to release records and rarely play the music, so we decided it is now an appropriate time to hang it up. We got to see the world a few times over and with that met a lot of incredible people. We will all be forever grateful for that, but we know this decision is the right one to make. I'm sure I could give many more reasons as to why, but the gist of it is if this band can't be done at full speed, we feel it is better to stop."
Ruiner released their third full-length for Bridge Nine, Hell Is Empty, in September of 2009 and have been on tour non-stop around the globe in support of it. Throughout their career, the band has shared the stage with Sick of It All, Propagandhi, Agnostic Front, Bouncing Souls, Anti-Flag, and countless others. Bridge Nine owner Chris Wrenn commented, "It's a sad day at B9HQ. Ruiner was one of the best and hardest working bands the label has ever worked with and we are sad to see them throw in the towel, but understand the circumstances. We wish them all the best of luck with their future endeavors."
Ruiner has a European tour scheduled this July with Carpathian which will go on as scheduled, as well as a highly-coveted appearance at the sold out THIS IS HARDCORE festival in Philadelphia on August 15th. Ruiner will schedule their final show in early October, stay tuned to Bridge9.com for details as they arise.
The new Skarhead video for the track "P.S.P." was just premiered on the I Scream Records Youtube channel. This is the second video from the new Skarhead album "Drugs, Music & Sex", which was released worldwide in November 2009, and is once again directed by Don Capria for Onetencrew Films. You can watch it here:
"Bloodred Rain", the new video from WATCH ME BLEED - the German band featuring MYSTIC PROPHECY guitar player Markus Pohl and SYMPHORCE drummer Steffen Theurer - can be viewed here:
The song comes off the group's debut album, "Souldrinker", which is scheduled for release on October 23 via Silverwolf Productions.
There's also a video for "I Sing For You", from this brand new Death By Stereo-album. You can watch it here:
New videoclip from Leaves' Eyes out now!!!
Right on time for the release of their new album "Njord", Leaves' Eyes has completed the brand-new video to their hit single "My Destiny". Patric Ullaeus (Revolver Film) has directed an opulent clip filled with terrific scenes and a thrilling story line that breathtakingly adapts the music for the visual medium.
The Trendcharts rank "Njord" on the sensantional position 15 - a huge "Thank You" to all supporters!
NAPALM NEWS:
The Napalm Records crew is happy to announce that Van Canto has joined its ranks. The German vocal acrobats signed a worldwide deal with the Austrian label and are currently working with Charlie Bauernfeind on their new album at the Blind Guardian Studios. The full-length will hit the streets in 2010. Fans may look forward to sweeping songs clad in the unique Van Canto sound. In addition, the band’s first two albums (“A Storm To Come” and “Hero”) will be released at the same time as their yet untitled new work.
Finnish Epic Fantasy Metal veterans Battlelore have renewed their contract with Napalm Records. Now nothing stands in the way of further journeys into Tolkien’s legendary realm of Middle Earth. Music fans who still have not experienced the unique sound of Battlelore, may listen here: HERE
Jyri Vahvanen: “We are very proud and happy to continue our musical journey under the Napalm Records banner. The new deal guarantees good conditions for future Battlelore albums, and for that we are very pleased!”
Napalm Records proudly announces the signing of cult band Troll! The legendary Norwegian Black Metal band is behind such classics of pitch-black art like “Drep De Kristne”. Lead by frontman Nagash, Troll create an inferno of bestial blastbeats, piercing guitar riffs and possessed vocals that seem the emerge right from the depths of hell itself. The band promises to make no compromises when it comes to the new material, hence a lesson in Black Metal will soon be unleashed! A first glimpse of the things to come can be found HERE. A new opus of satanic art is tentatively scheduled for winter 2009.
Nagash: ”The basic foundation and inspiration for Troll besides the Devil, has always been the Underground. And what soldier doesn’t like the smell of napalm in the morning?! Our choice was obvious.”
Gothic Metal icon Morten Veland (Tristania, Sirenia) has inked a deal with Napalm Records for his new band Mortemia. Morten promises his fans a sweeping listening experience, which will follow the path of Tristania’s masterpiece “Beyond the Veil”. The first songs stay true to his promise and offer beautiful melodies and bombastic choir passages, thus creating the perfect blend of traditional Gothic Metal and modern elements.
"I am happy to have signed to Napalm Records for my new project Mortemia. I am looking forward to the cooperation with the label and to bring out more music to all the metal fans out there."
Videoclip from Alestorm
Videoclip from TÝR
Banner from the new, upcoming Skyfire-release by Pivotal Rockordings
FIREBOX NEWS
Russian band KAUAN signed to Firebox Records.
Kauan (comes deep from Russia, Chelyabinsk) started by Anton Belov and Alexander Borovich in February 2005 and up to this moment had changed their name and genre - they started as a folk-black band but now they have moved to the direction of ambient post rock.
In September 2006 Lubov Mushnikova joined the band as a violin player. The band has worked with other people as well but none of them eventually fit the bands conception. During the recording of their first album some session members were invited to play cello and saxophone.
After the release of the first album, "Lumikuuro" (BadMoodMan Music, 2007),
Alexander Borovich left the band. Anyway Kauan did record as duet their second
album "Tietäjän Laulu", which was released by BMM Music in the late 2008.
Now Kauan is working on third album "Aava tuulen maa" which will be released at
late 2009 by BMM Music in Russia and Firebox on other world.
Kauan
Firebox Records
NEWS FROM BRIDGE NINE RECORDS
SOUL CONTROL ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM TITLE AND RELEASE DATE VIA BRIDGE NINE RECORDS
Soul Control has garnered quite the reputation from bold statements made in Revolver Magazine and elsewhere saying they’d be happy releasing EP’s in lieu of full-length albums and touring for the remainder of their career. Well well well… Soul Control has spent the last two weeks in the studio with production guru Jay Maas (Verse, Shipwreck) and their soon-to-be released full length album has been completed. Their Bridge Nine debut, titled Cycles, is set to hit the streets on August 25th, 2009.
Soul Control has been on a touring spree over the last year. Switching vocalists is a challenging situation for any band to endure, but Soul Control is one band that emerged from a change of frontman stronger and better than before. With a sound that started out as more straight forward mid-90's influenced hardcore, the quartet has emerged with a noisier, looser influence from Amrep bands like early Helmet and Jesus Lizard. As guitarist, and grandiose statement giver guy Jim Connolly stated, “We didn't just want to write hardcore songs with this part here and that part there-we wanted to write great songs and we had a change and a chance to re-explore that. With Rory, it felt natural and the change in how we wrote happened quickly.”
With the release of Cycles this August, Soul Control is preparing to show the world just how jazzy and loose hardcore can get. Until then, SC will be touring the east coast with Rotting Out and Backtrack in June. Get your groove on.
BRIDGE NINE RECORDS WELCOMES STRIKE ANYWHERE TO THE FAMILY
One of the most influential melodic hardcore bands of our time, Strike Anywhere, has found a new home at Bridge Nine Records, as announced today by the label. Bridge Nine owner Chris Wrenn said, "We're really excited about working with such an established and hard working band as Strike Anywhere. I've wanted to work with these guys for a long time, I have been a fan since their first EP and look forward to helping them continue to spread their music and message." Strike Anywhere vocalist Thomas Barnett continued to say, "Bridge Nine has a cool combination of hardcore roots and culture, a love for the life and message. We felt immediately connected to it and understood upon talking with Chris and Karl. They get what we've been doing for the past nearly ten years, and seek to collaborate with us from a place of honesty: old roots, new friendship. The Bridge Nine commitment to the original platforms of hardcore and punk culture while trying to push it forward globally with creative ideas and unity feels like a perfect fit for us. We feel it's important to note that we have nothing but love and good feelings for Fat Wreck Chords. Our four years with that label were great times and a singular experience, so we go forward with their blessing and good will. For us, we just wanted to try something different and give this record a new home, new vision".
Formed in 1999 in Richmond, VA, Strike Anywhere has been a staple in the underground music scene since their inception. After their debut EP, Chorus of One, was released, Strike Anywhere teamed up with Jade Tree which issued Change Is a Sound in August 2001. The release of Exit English followed in 2003, and the rarities collection To Live in Discontent in January 2005. Strike Anywhere joined up with Fat Wreck Chords for their next full-length, the critically acclaimed Dead FM, released in June 2006 which saw the band touring the world numerous times over in support of the record. Strike Anywhere's momentum at this point in their career is just as strong as ever.
Strike Anywhere will be in the studio beginning next week with renowned producer Brian McTernan and their Bridge Nine debut, Iron Front, is poised to be one of the label's best releases of 2009. Thomas said of their new material, "There will be more of an expansion into both the melodic and heavier fast punk that are the foundations of our sound. Songs both global and personal, addressing topics such as borders, immigration, human rights, war, and the work left to be done in a Post-Bush America that still reveres corporate power and international empire. We have a few songs that deal further with issues of the earth, civilization and consciousness, punk songs about the apocalypse, and more events close to home inspiring a song about the limits of safety for the world outside of the gated suburbs, gun culture sickness, and police brutality. There is a song about grief and memory, art and immortality. We also have the happiest, party-while-you-protest song we have ever written. The sound of the record may be a bit heavier and more noisy, a part of our darker, less optimistic side than say the folk influences and street punk jangle of Dead FM. We have mad love for that record though, it's just time for the Iron Front and a return to roots and physicality".
Following their studio time, Strike Anywhere will head out across the US and Canada with Propagandhi throughout June, and the band will announce a special Fall tour in the coming months. Thomas said, "Touring new places is always the goal! Over the last three years, we made new friends and comrades in South America, Ireland, Finland, Latvia, Belarus, Moscow, Nova Scotia, the Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Greece. With all that touring we've also been experiencing one of the more wildly creative periods in our band's lifespan, and have been writing non stop across four different cities, two time zones, fifteen Dead FM tours, a shit load of diverse and raging material. This record may be just the tip of that iceberg". Expect Strike Anywhere's upcoming Bridge Nine full-length to hit stores in September of 2009 and get ready to see the band all over the globe within the next year.
NEWS FROM FIREBOX RECORDS
Firebox Records have signed finnish stoner metal band Plutonium Orange!
Plutonium Orange hails from Jyväskylä, Finland and have been established at 2000.
The band is best known for it´s Swallow the Sun members Juha Raivio (songwriting & guitar)
and Pasi Pasanen (drums). Juha is also main composer of Plutonium Orange.
The band have just finished their recordings in Studio Watercastle. Album will
be mastered soon at Finnvox studios.
7" single will be released during next summer. Debut album will follow at early autumn.
Plutonium Orange
New Saturnus line-up:
Saturnus is currently working on new tracks with a line-up consisting of
new and old members of the band. For various reasons Anders Ro Nielsen,
Tais Pedersen, Peter Poulsen and Nikolaj Borg has left the band.
Saturnus now consists of the founding members: Thomas A.G. Nielsen and
Brian Hansen. Guitarist Rune Stiassny which supported us at The Ethereal
Sessions tour in 2008 is now a member of Saturnus.
Future members and concert dates will be will be announced soon.
www.saturnus.dk is no longer the official Saturnus homepage.
Saturnus
is until otherwise announced the place to get the Saturnus news.
NEWS FROM CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC
OVERMASTER (feat. ex White Skull, ex Skylark and Doomsword members) signs to CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC!
OVERMASTER the band founded by ex White Skull’s singer Gus Gabarro, has signed a deal with CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC for the release of its first album.
OVERMASTER is a sort of “Italian power metal all-star band” being formed by Gus Gabarro (ex White Skull singer), Carlos (ex Skylark, Amethista, H-George, etc.) on drums, Alessio Berlaffa (Doomsword) and Pino Sicari (ex White Skull) on guitar and Dimitri Oldani (ex Edge of Forever) on bass.
OVERMASTER’s music follows the guidelines of traditional German heavy metal, supported by the unique boost and energy of Gus’ vocals.
The band will enter FEAR STUDIOS in September 2009 to record the tracks of their debut album, to be released early in 2010.
Overmaster
NEWS FROM BRIDGE NINE RECORDS
H2O TURNS THEIR VIDEO OVER TO THEIR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND FANS! NEW VIDEO FOR ‘NOTHING TO PROVE’ PREMIERES TODAY
Want to see the shortest video with the most cameo appearances from punk and hardcore legends ever? You are in luck, H2O just finished up a brand new video for the title track on Nothing to Prove. This new video was filmed all over NYC and Los Angeles, and features appearances from Civ and Arthur Smilios (Gorilla Biscuits), Lou Koller and Pete Koller (Sick of It All), Danny Diablo, Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory), Jimmy Gestapo (Murphy’s Law), CM Punk, Scott Vogel (Terror), Roger Miret, Vinnie Stigma, and Mike Gallo (Agnostic Front), Freddy Cricien, Hoya, and Mitts (Madball), John Joseph and Mackie (Cro-Mags), Dannyboy (La Coka Nostra, House of Pain), Paul Delaney (Kill Your Idols, None More Black), Liza Graves, Suzi Homewrecker, Jacqui Valentine, Roxie Darling (Civet), and Rick Jimenez and John Moore (This is Hell). Additionally, the video showcases some of H2O’s biggest fans, best friends, and family.
Vocalist Toby Morse said, “We wanted to do a fun, energetic video with the people closest to us. We included our friends who made appearances on Nothing to Prove and sent out MySpace bulletins to invite the fans to be a part of this as well. This video is a great representation of what we are all about and was made in appreciation of the people surrounding us.”
Directed by Joseph Pattisall, the video for Nothing to Prove is a stripped down, guerrilla style video highlighting not H2O, but the people around them who continue to inspire the band. Joseph said, “I've been a huge H2O fan ever since I saw them open up for Shelter at the old 9:30 club in Washington DC in 1995. After being shooting the ‘What Happened?’ video last year, Toby hit me up wanting to do something more casual, something to ‘give back’ to their friends and fans. Being such a huge, longtime fan of the band, I could not have been more excited to work on this video with them.”
You Tube
NEWS FROM I SCREAM RECORDS
Hoods sign worldwide deal with I Scream Records
I Scream Records is very proud to welcome Hoods to the family.
Hoods founded in Sacramento, CA, in 1995 by Mike Hoods have grown into a Hardcore institution. Their music is a call to arms for all of those who have grown tired watching Hardcore be exploited and bastardized. Mike Hood has used his years of experience to craft one of the most brutal and honest West Coast Hardcore bands ever.
Hoods have released several albums on a number of independents and now the long-awaited new album "Pit Beast" is set for release in May 2009.
“14 years and we’re still here. Still playing Hardcore, still having fun and bringing the mosh. I had no idea when I started Hoods if we would even last a year. With so many ups and many more downs we definitely made our mark. Not only for West Coast Hardcore but all over the world. I live, eat and breathe this music". Mike Hood
Laurens says: "We are excited to join forces with Hoods in the year I Scream Records is celebrating its 15th anniversary. They're one of the hardest working bands out there and a great addition to our roster"
Hoods are on tour in North America in April 2009 and will invade Europe in May 2009. Make sure to check 'em out at a venue near you.
Hoods
Founded in Brussels, Belgium in 1994, I Scream Records is celebrating it’s 15th anniversary this year. In the label's humble beginnings it was fueled by only a few thousand dollars and Laurens Kusters' passion and belief in the lifestyle and the power of music. Over the years, I Scream Records has grown into one of the leading European Hardcore & Punk labels. I Scream Records has built an impressive catalogue with releases from bands like Madball, Ramallah, Stigma, Earth Crsis, North Side Kings, Agnostic Front, Discipline, MOD, Blood For Blood and Lionheart, to name a few. In early 2006 I Scream Records started its American operations and has since started to make its mark in the States as one of the most diverse independents.
NAPALM NEWS
The new LEAVES’ EYES Double DVD / Double Live CD "We came with the Northern Winds/En Saga I Belgia" is available now! To celebrate this special day, a video stream of "New Found Land" was put online for your viewing pleasure!
You Tube
The first reviews are more than promising!
"Leaves’ Eyes present heir fans with an awesome package consisting of two DVDs and two CDs. This is the true definition of value for money! An absolute Must-Have for fans!"
Bruder Cle / Rock Hard GER
Watch the new videoclip from Italian hardcoreband Concrete Block here:
You Tube
BRIDGE NINE NEWS
BRIDGE NINE RECORDS SIGNS POLAR BEAR CLUB.
After much rumor-spreading and speculation (that turned out to be true), Bridge Nine Records and Polar Bear Club are proud to announce that the upstate New York band has officially joined Bridge Nine's ever-growing roster. Label owner Chris Wrenn said, "We couldn't be more excited to add Polar Bear Club to the family. This was one of the best and easiest decisions we've made and it's a great way to start off 2009. Not only are they an incredible band, but they know who they are and what they want to be-and they fit in perfectly with the way B9 is growing."
With their upcoming Bridge Nine debut named one of the Most Anticipated Releases of 2009 by Alternative Press, Polar Bear Club is already off to an incredible start. Formed in 2005, Polar Bear Club initially had no expectations of ever becoming a full-time band. Spread out amongst states and time-zones, the band released the EP The Redder The Better before they hit the studio to record 2008's critically acclaimed Sometimes Things Just Disappear on Red Leader Records, which was also named one of AP's Top 10 Most Essential releases of '08. As the interest in the band grew, they dropped jobs, took leaves of absence from school and hit the road with Gaslight Anthem, Crime In Stereo, Broadway Calls, American Steel, A Wilhelm Scream and many more. When it came time to find a new label, Emmett Menke said, "We couldn't be happier about signing to Bridge Nine. We've been talking with labels for some time now, and as cliche as it sounds, there isn't a better match out there for us. Polar Bear Club has always been fans of Bridge Nine as a label and the bands they've worked with. It's rare these days to be a part of a label that doesn't feel the need to rest on its laurels and is continuously push the envelope. We've been hard at work writing a new album for the past couple weeks and we can't wait to share with the world what Polar Bear Club and Bridge Nine have to offer."
Bridge Nine Records will waste no time. Starting in the spring of 2009, the label will re-release Sometimes Things Just Disappear on gatefold vinyl. In the meantime, Polar Bear Club will be touring the world, kicking things off in February in UK and Europe with The Gaslight Anthem and UK troubadour Frank Turner - complete with a performance at Shockwave's NME magazine awards show at Shepard's Bush Empire in London on February 8th. The band will then hit the studio in April to record their new full-length album due out in the Fall of '09, which will undoubtedly push the envelope for "absolutely spectacular post hardcore" (Alternative Press) for years to come.
If you haven't done so already, check out Polar Bear Club at Myspace profile
and check out their awesome E-Card at Bridge Nine Records
NAPALM NEWS
11 Hour from The Netherlands signed to Napalm
11th Hour’s mastermind is no other than jack-of-all-trades Ed Warby, who already carved his name into the history of Metal with Gorefest and Hail of Bullets. With his new band, Warby takes a turn towards old-school Doom Metal. Slow motion grooves, viscious riffs, and a bleak atmosphere are at the heart of the music. The songs resonate with darkness and despair and grab the listener from the get-go. A full length release is tentatively scheduled for fall 2009.
"The 11th Hour is upon us, and it is with great pleasure that we announce our freshly forged bond with Napalm Records. It's an honor to be added to such a great and diverse artist roster and we feel it's the perfect home for our massive brand of doom metal! Now let's open those floodgates of doooooom…
The Leaves' Eyes-DVD will be released soon
Fans of vocalist extraordinaire Liv Kristine and her companions have waited patiently. But the wait is now over, as Leaves‘ Eyes prepare to release their first DVD. With a total playing time of approximately 6 hours, the band delivers an impressive package. The first disc comprises “We Came With The Northern Winds”, a band documentary with a running time of two hours. The movie highlights the band's career and offers fans an exclusive and intimate glimpse into the world of Leaves' Eyes, as well as presenting the viewer with impressions of past tours (222 concerts spanning over 4 continents and 34 countries). The second disc documents Leaves’ Eyes memorable headlining gig at the Belgian Metal Female Voices Festival 2007. The show featured the legendary Viking longboat stage set, as well as a setlist full of fan favorites. The package also delivers a double audio CD of the show as a special bonus.
New Napalm-signing called Fejd
Since the beginning of the new century, the brothers Patrik and Niklas Rimmerfros have focused their work on the traditional music of their native country of Sweden. It comes as no surprise that FEJD play quaint and original Folk, while skilfully combining traditional and modern instruments. This leads to a lively blend of classic Heavy Metal and Northern melodies. The songs are crowned by poetic, yet sorrowful lyrics sung entirely in Swedish. The Napalm debut will be released in the spring of 2009.
"No label could be more 'right' for us, as we've reached a new chapter in Fejd's history. Napalm Records has a fine tradition of Folk-inspired acts and the enthusiasm needed to make this into something big and historic. Together Fejd & Napalm Records will take on the world by storm in 2009."
No less than three Napalm bands are ready to present their fans with new video clips.
First in the line are Grave Digger, who shot a clip to the title track of their upcoming album “Ballads of a Hangman”. The video to “Ballad of a Hangman” offers everything a metal heart could yearn for: Eerie ruins, murderous monks, a damsel in distress, and the band at what they do best! To ease the anticipatory wait, fans may watch the video here: You Tube
The Modern Age Slavery decided to elevate their song “Vile Mother Earth” to the next level. The result is a video that captures the sheer brutality and intensity of the track and leaves the viewer gasping for air. Fans may watch the video here:
You Tube
Last but not least are Russian Pagan Metal warriors Arkona, who decided to bring their song “Slavsia, Rus!” to the big screen. The Video turns more to the folk roots of the band and presents them with impressive visuals. Friends of authentic Folk/Pagan Metal should make sure the check out the video here: You Tube
Serenity will bring the material of their latest album “Fallen Sanctuary” to the stage in spring 2009. The band revolving vocal genius Georg Neuhauser will support Kamelot on their upcoming European tour. A package that will surely bring sweet ecstasy to every Symphonic Metal fan. Dates can be found HERE
Pilgrimz win "Best Video" at 2008 Danish Metal Awards:
Danish metal revelation Pilgrimz win the category "Best Video" for "Shake A Feather" at the 2008 Danish Metal Awards, in Copenhagen, on Saturday November 15th.
The band was also nominated in the categories "Best Live Band", which was won by Volbeat and "Best Debut".
Their full length "Boar Riders", released in Europe on June 23rd 2008, is an amazing combo of Scandinavian metal, dirty rock ‘n’ roll and modern hardcore. The record was produced and mixed by the magicians, Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Mercenary) and Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Sick Of It All).
The clip can be seen here: You Tube
Check them out on MySpace as well: Pilgrimz
BRIDGE NINE NEWS
DEFEATER SIGNS TO BRIDGE NINE RECORDS.
Formed in Massachusetts in 2004 and solidified in 2008 from a diverse
background of musicians, Defeater is a forward-thinking
hardcore band with more to them than just mosh parts. The band
recently released their debut full-length Travels on Topshelf Records and now,
to celebrate their new home, Bridge Nine Records will be re-releasing
Travels on CD internationally as well as the vinyl edition in
conjunction with Topshelf Records on February 24th, 2009.
The relationship with Defeater and Bridge Nine as well as their former
label, Topshelf was an easy one to arrange. B9 owner Chris Wrenn
explained, "Topshelf is owned and operated by [Bridge Nine employee]
Seth Decoteau. When he first gave us promo copies of this record, it
clearly stood out as something great. Most bands need time to grow
and develop, but Defeater is already proving that they're far ahead of
anyone around them. And Seth works his ass off- once it became clear
that not only was Defeater ready to take that next step forward
but Topshelf wanted to help push this record further-it made sense."
The band, too, was excited about the opportunity. Guitarist/vocalist
Jay Maas said, "I believe very strongly in taking the passions in my
life seriously; this is a road I have been on since I was 14 years old
and I'm not done seeing where it leads. We are super stoked and we
know how lucky we are to be working with such great people at Bridge
Nine. We couldn't be more excited."
Defeater has a wide array of influences and at first listen, you'll
hear tracks reminiscent of Botch and Deadguy mixed with traditional
hardcore. Ethically influenced by bands like Fugazi and musically by
Minor Threat and Modern Life Is War – Defeater is no copycat band.
Jay said, "We have been careful to know where we are going before we
start driving there. It's important to us to flesh out mood and place
instead of just blindly sitting down with my guitar hashing out
riffs." He continues to say, "…I wanted to make a record that you
could get into even if for some reason you don't care about the
meaning behind the lyrics, but at the same time I wanted to make sure
the listener to at least knows that there is more going on lyrically
than a bunch of non-interconnected thoughts and emotions."
With each band member being active in their local scene, perhaps one
of Defeater's biggest contributions is what they are doing for the
planet. Drummer Andy Reitz co-runs GREENVANS, which is a company that
rents out vans that run on waste vegetable oil to other bands.
Meanwhile, Defeater also tours in a converted veggie van and printed
their last record on 100% recyclable materials. Jay said, "For the
first time in recorded history we are seeing the actions of humans
actually affecting the planet in a very global way. It's nice to see
people starting to take the environment more seriously but we are
still a long way from where we need to be. We printed our record on
100% recycled materials, it costs more but it's worth it. We have
converted our van to run on waste vegetable oil and it works
amazingly well".
Be on the lookout for more news on Defeater and their plans for world
domination in the coming year. Meanwhile, Bridge Nine Records will
re-release Travels on February 24th, 2009 – and note that there will
be a small sticker over the packaging boasting the Bridge Nine logo in
an effort not to waste useable materials that were already printed for
Travels.
IN MEMORY OF....
ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the passing of Shadow Gallery vocalist, Michael A. Baker. Mike suffered a heart attack, Wednesday afternoon, October 29th, 2008. He was 45 years old. Mike was a founding member of Shadow Gallery and for the past 16 years, helped shape the sound of the band with his magical voice. Additionally, he made many appearances on rock records around the world. Those who knew him best were moved by his gentle spirit, sincere kindness , fun nature and passion for both music and sports. He was a warrior in the studio, a true professional. Mike was our friend, our singer and our brother. We loved him and will miss him enormously, but he will always be remembered in our hearts and through his music. You can sign the guestbook at:
SHADOW GALLERY
R.I.P.
Former GRIP INC. vocalist Gus Chambers passed away on October 13, 2008 at the age of 52. Chambers, who resided in Coventry, England, reportedly took his own life. According to the Coventry Telegraph:
Coventry Telegraph Website
PIVOTAL ROCKORDINGS NEWS
Skyfire Update
The Swedish progressive metallers Skyfire have some news:
We expected the recording of this album to take a while, but unfortunately things took longer than we thought. Because we are working with lots of keyboard tracks as well as orchestra and choir samples (this was the big secret we were keeping from everyone, but since things are taking so long it's only fair to let you guys know!), recording this album will obviously take longer than usual. The month of July was especially tedious for us. As a result of the delays, we had to book the mix for next month, so we will hopefully be able to post some new music in October or November. This also means that the album itself will have to be released later than expected. We don't want to make any promises we can't keep, so we will just say that the new album will come out sometime early next year. We know this might come as a disappointment to many, but if you guys were able to wait since 2004, a few extra months should be nothing. =)
The artwork for Swedish progressive metallers Skyfire’s latest album Esoteric has been revealed on the band’s studio diary located at:
REVOLUTION MUSIC
A cool clip from their recording sessions is located at:
YOU TUBE PROFILE
LATEST NAPALM NEWS
Napalm Records is very proud to announce that the legendary German Metal band GRAVE DIGGER has joined their ranks. The band, who has been releasing cult classics since the early eighties, signed a worldwide record deal with the Austrian label.
Currently, the band and charismatic frontman Chris Boltendahl are working on their new studio album "Ballads of a Hangman", which will hit the streets on 9 January 2009. A yet untitled MCD will be released as a preview on 28 November 2008. More details cannot be revealed at this point in time, but the band promises that the new recordings will consist of "120% Metal". Headbangers can expect a celebration of true classic Heavy Metal.
Chris Boltendahl: "Grave Digger look forward to working together with their new label NAPALM RECORDS. We have observed the excellent work of the label in the past few years."
"Napalm did see the writings on the wall and is one of the leading companies for example in Online Promotion and Marketing. They elevated older bands like Atrocity to new heights and established newcomers like Alestorm. Thus, we are convinced that Napalm will bring out the best in us, and in return we will deliver a masterpiece of German True Metal. A storm is coming, the sea is rough, the coxswains are the veterans, only the ship is new and manned by an excellent crew who know their craft."
Also new to Napalm Records' roster is the Dutch-Mexican band STREAM OF PASSION. One of the band's founding members is Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon, Space One) and presents its listeners with a one-of-a-kind blend of Symphonic Gothic Metal. The versatile, yet catchy songs are crowned by the charismatic voice of frontlady Marcela Bovios. She elevates her vocal work to a completely new level. Fans of a more symphonic brand of Gothic Metal should make sure to have STREAM OF PASSION on their list of must-have CDs.
Stream of Passion: "We're thrilled to let the world know that we have signed a record deal with Napalm Records. From the very beginning, we had a very good feeling about all the negotiations and the nice people at Napalm. Now it's the time to let you all know that a new chapter in the Stream of Passion history is about to be written!"
MORE NAPALM NEWS:
Mastermind and multi-talent Oliver Palotai signs to Napalm Records with his band SONS OF SEASONS. Oliver, who also plays guitars in Doro and keyboards in Kamelot, promises that the debut album will deliver a Symphonic Metal masterpiece: "Since the beginning, Sons Of Seasons turned out to be the melting pot of all our creative energies and we are impatient to finally get into the studio and go on tour. In early 2009, we will introduce the first chapter of Sons of Seasons by releasing our debut album "Gods of Vermin."
NAPALM NEWS:
Liv: “I am very happy and proud to announce that I just signed a contract for my next few solo albums with Napalm Records. My decision to take this step is easily explainable; I am very satisfied with the cooperation between Napalm Records and Leaves’ Eyes so far. I appreciate the work of everybody working at Napalm Records and I have a good feeling about our past and future cooperation. Having both my solo project and Leaves’ Eyes on one label makes it a lot easier for label, band, co-musicians and me to coordinate everything, especially when it comes to planning and organizing tours, productions, promotion work etc. In the nearest future I will certainly pay a visit to beautiful Eisenerz and show Max a few ideas I’ve already been working on for my third solo album.”
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