Tag Archives: metal

Finnish groove metal group Rattleplague makes a comeback with a new single, “Last To Rule The Reign”!

Pic: Juho Virinkoski

Rattleplague, a five-member metal and music enthusiast ensemble that made its initial mark in the early 2000s, has crafted a sound characterized by fiercely groovy riffs combined with angry and melodic vocals. The band, having worked on new music in the depths of Rajamäki Liquor Factory rehearsal space, now unveils the robust “Last To Rule The Reign” along with a lyric video.

The theme of the single revolves around the narcissistic and delusional worldview of a self-appointed ruler, a concept sadly prevalent in the world today. The vocalist of the band, Pete Alander, who wrote the song’s lyrics, shares, “We are living in a peculiar period in human history, where we can only guess with horror what kind of megalomaniac will be chosen to lead some superpower again. ‘Last To Rule The Reign’ is dedicated to all bullies, and through it, we want to wish only ill will to all despots. Your reign will be short, and no statues will be erected in your honor.”

Rattleplague drummer Esa Riiheläinen provides insight into the band’s current state and future plans: “It was great to release a new song after a relatively long break. ‘Last To Rule The Reign’ is powerful material, and it’s great to come back into the game with this song! We are constantly creating new music, and the plan is to add new stamps to the gig calendar.”

The band’s guitar duo, Sami Manner and Riku Vuorio, add, “The song started to take shape from a short riff, to which additional elements were gradually added. Guitar patterns were refined for a long time, and the end result is devilishly catchy to listen to.”

Rattleplague bassist Tommi Kaikkonen concludes, “We’ve been forging this for a while, but perhaps it’s precisely due to the patient crafting that all the pieces have fallen into place. We didn’t rush at all but let the process unfold at its own pace. It’s great to continue Rattleplague’s story from here.”

In 2016, Rattleplague released a six-track debut EP, “Bourbon Scenes,” followed by the successful singles “Feed The Queen” (2018) and “Curtains” (2019), both of which had accompanying music videos. The band has also performed live at various venues, including Hyvinkää Rockfest’s after party and a tour in Turkey, Istanbul. Recently, the band has been seen at live performances, including Rantakulmarock festival and Mäikä Klubi.

Rattleplague lineup:

  • Pete Alander: Vocals
  • Sami Manner: Guitar
  • Riku Vuorio: Guitar
  • Tommi Kaikkonen: Bass/Vocals
  • Esa Riiheläinen: Drums

Rattleplague discography:

  • “Last To Rule The Reign,” single (2023)
  • “Curtains,” single (2019)
  • “Feed The Queen,” single (2018)
  • “Bourbon Scenes,” EP (2016)

Rattleplague links:

Japanese metalcore quintet Sable Hills release new single ‘Odyssey’

Photo Credit: Jesse Kojima

Tokyo riff lords Sable Hills have shared their electrifying new single ‘Odyssey’ just a few days after announcing their signing to Arising Empire. It is the title track of the band’s highly anticipated third album, due for release this April. 

Stream ‘Odyssey’ here: https://arisingempire.com/odyssey
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/C7J8Yb8KS1o

Known for their dynamic blend of intense riffs and melodic harmonies, Sable Hills continue to redefine the boundaries of metalcore, captivating fans across the globe. Odyssey promises to be a groundbreaking addition to their discography, showcasing their unique style and musical prowess. Fans are eagerly counting down the days to the full album release, anticipating a collection of tracks that will further cement Sable Hills‘ status as titans of their genre.

Guitarist Rict comments: “The new song ‘Odyssey’ is the beginning of our long journey. We have a new member and a new label. Finally we’re ready to go. The song is very melodic, and also heavy. Very metal, and also hardcore. We’ll release this song with 100% confidence. So excited to show our new sound to you.”

Sable Hills have captivated audiences with their electrifying headline tours, notably Chaos J.P. 2023, which featured the likes of Like Moths To Flames and Knosis, led by Ryo Kinoshita, former vocalist of Crystal Lake. This tour marked an important return to Japan for these acts after a long hiatus.

The band’s ascent to prominence was ignited by their debut album EMBERS (2019), which received widespread acclaim and positioned them at the pinnacle of Japan’s metal scene, allowing them to share the stage with renowned Japanese bands such as coldrainCrystal Lake, and international heavyweights Fit For A King and After The Burial. Appearing at major festivals Bloodaxe Festival at Club Citta Kawasaki and True North Festival at Shin-Kiba Studio Coast further enhanced their reputation.

The release of their second album DUALITY marked another high point in their career. The album’s release tour, extending from Japan to Europe, included performances at Wacken Open Air in Germany and Brutal Assault in the Czech Republic. At Wacken2022Sable Hills achieved an historic victory, winning the METAL BATTLE 2022, a first for a Japanese band.

In 2023, the band kept on striving forward, selling out their show at Spotify O-WEST and performing at major festivals including coldrain‘s BLARE FESTKNOTFEST and at Wacken Open Air for the second consecutive year. Their very own FRONTLINE FESTIVAL at Kawasaki Club Citta was a resounding success, attracting close to 1000 attendees.

Sable Hills are:
Takuya Mishima – Vocals
Wataru Yuasa – Guitar & Vocals
Rict Mishima – Guitar
Takuya Ueda – Bass
Keita Kondo – Drums

Sable Hills online:
www.instagram.com/sablehillsjp
www.tiktok.com/@sablehillsjp
www.facebook.com/sablehillsjp
twitter.com/sablehillsjp
www.sablehills.jp

Finnish Garden of Stone released Idol of Flesh single – The debut EP Tides of Decay out on February!

Promo picture by Tapio Haverinen

The Finnish melancholic metal band Garden of Stone is set to release their debut EP ‘Tides of Decay’ on February 15th 2024 via Inverse Records. The second single Idol of Flesh is released today with lyric video: https://youtu.be/oFHPsf3i5AM 

Guitarist Ville Penkari comments:
“Idol of Flesh is the second single from Garden of Stone’s upcoming debut EP, Tides of Decay. The song showcases the band at their heaviest. Where Hymn of a Dead Man Pt.1 is slow and brooding, Idol of Flesh is fast and heavy. The song hits hard at the listener until the heavy guitars and brutal screams turn into a soft embrace of clean guitar and singing melodies. This does not go on for too long, as the song is driven home with the energy that was established at the beginning, without forgetting a breakdown that will make your neck move without your permission.The lyrics handle fear as an entity that is crowned as both the ruler of all and the highest currency.” 

LISTEN Idol of Flesh single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/gos-idol 

BIOGRAPHY:
Garden of Stone is a melodic metal band that weaves together melancholic rock and heavy metal. From the band you can expect brooding atmospheres, beautiful melodies, and face melting riffs.
 

The band was formed in 2023 when guitarists Jere Mäntysalo and Ville Penkari recruited Jesse Salo to sing and scream for their project. Soon after, drummer Tapio Haverinen joined to keep the rhythm department in check. The group was completed when bassist Kalle Hänninen joined to govern the lowest frequencies. Guest drummer Matias Rokio arranged and played the drums for the upcoming EP. The band published their first single, Hymn of a Dead Man Pt.1, in December of 2023, with the EP “Tides of Decay” just around the corner.

The first single Hymn of a Dead Man Pt.1 is available on streaming: https://push.fm/fl/gos-hymn 

Line-up:
Jere Mäntysalo – Guitar

Jesse Salo – Vocals

Kalle Hänninen – Bass

Ville Penkari – Guitar

Matias Rokio – Drums


Links:
https://www.facebook.com/gardenofstonetre 
https://www.instagram.com/garden_of_stone_official 
https://gardenofstoneband.bandcamp.com