About Mirror:

The musical brainchild of bassist Tas Danazoglou (Satan’s Wrath, ex-Electric Wizard), Mirror’s collection of cult crypt-kickers and mighty conjurings bears all the hallmarks of an instant classic. A chance meeting with respected producer (Ghost, Cathedral, Paradise Lost) and accomplished drummer Jaime Gomez Arellano led to the pair hitting on a shared vision of a classically aligned outfit that drew inspiration from the epic amplified landscapes of lore and legend whilst avoiding the lure of mere tribute, rather reinventing the sound and fury they loved anew. They were soon joined by Satan’s Wrath axeman Stamos K, and their fate further sealed by the arrival of the mightily operatic tenor of vocalist Jimmy Mavromatis, before the ouroborus was completed with the arrival of Los Angeles-based guitarist Matt Olivo (Repulsion). Together as Mirror they deliver a thunderously resonant salvo of metal magnificence.

This April, Mirror will support Repulsion at select dates in the UK. In regard to these special performances, Tas Danazoglou comments: “We are very excited to play two shows supporting Repulsion. We will deliver pure, relentless heavy metal and hopefully many more shows will follow.”

Mirror tour dates:

w/ Repulsion, Dripback
April 12 – Manchester, UK – Sound Control (+ Exxxecutioner)
April 13 – London, UK – Underworld (+ Lunatic Hooker)

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Photo credits go to the sensational King Hazard!

But first, let’s talk about the opening acts.

The first act was a local French-Canadian band. This band ranks so low on the relevancy meter that their name was totally lost on me. Aside from the sound issues from the get-go, this band totally sucked and the chorus to their most memorable song became the running joke among the audience; at random times throughout the venue, you could hear mocking chants of “Fuck the World,” quickly followed by jeers of laughter. OK, so it’s not nice to poke fun at a band comprised of 50-somethings who are probably just having fun, but bad is just bad.

Next up was the small band from Rhode Island, Them. This band might not be well-known, and they might be doing things on a micro-budget, but they’re bringing a big idea to the stage. Them is a theatrical power metal band not unlike King Diamond, yes, even with banshee-like falsetto vocals.

If the vocals didn’t do it for you, thankfully you had some pretty good musicianship to keep your heart pumping. And if that still didn’t trip your trigger, then there was the narrative to follow. So, if you like actors, costumes, a plot of possession, and a sacrifice with your metal, then you’ll be just fine indulging in a show by Them.

Although fans had been either captivated or caught in headlights up to this point, we were all there for one reason and one reason only, and that was to see the legendary Helloween!

With 30-plus years of metal and 15 studio albums under their belt, the German godfathers of power metal absolutely killed it! And they killed it for more than two hours with a set filled with early-era classics, material from the new album, and everything in between. The metal gods above bequeathed upon us a hell of a good time, and it was to be had for sure. The fans loved it and showed their admiration with roaring applause.

Although there was nothing spectacular about the show, meaning that there were no props or fantastical light shows, frontman Andi Deris is a pro at getting the crowd engaged and excited. Not only does he deliver belting vocals (even if he claimed to have been sick), but he can tell a story and keep the audience captivated. While it was cool to listen to Andi go into details about this and that the first time, the second time during the last song of the night felt like overkill. But that’s a minor detail in an otherwise amazing set.

As well, guitarist Sascha Gerstner was quite the character. Funny faces, weird gestures, unusual antics, Sascha is a quiet leader on the stage who’s not shy to show off a little. It was rather cool to also see younger, “newish” band members with such a classic band.

It was even cool that the band gives the guitar solo to Sascha instead of having founding guitarist Michael Weikath dazzle the crowd. However, I wonder if Sascha has ever heard Eddie Van Halen’s “Eruption.”

Aside from the couple gripes I had, it was still an amazing show, and it proved to some people who had always prejudged Helloween because of their name, never giving them a chance, that this band might be one of heavy metal’s best kept secrets.

Helloween Setlist:

Intro
Eagle Fly Free
Dr. Stein
My God-Given Right
Steel Tormentor
Mr. Torture
Waiting for the Thunder
Straight Out of Hell
Heroes
Drum Solo
Where the Rain Grows
Lost in America
Power
Forever and One (Neverland)
Halloween/Sole Survivor/I Can/Are You Metal?/Keeper of the Seven Keys
Before the War
Future World (+git-intro)
I Want Out

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About Hibria:

A Brazilian power metal band formed in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, in 1996, Hibria has grown in popularity in their home country and worldwide with the successful release of four albums and a live DVD that showcases their intense concert energy. All four of their past albums and live DVD released have reached the #1 position on sales charts for HMV stores across Japan and has led the band to be support for such bands as Metallica, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth, and they’ve performed at Rock in Rio and Loud Park, Japan’s most important Metal festival, where they shared the main stage with some of the world’s best-known bands.

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German heavy metal giants, Mob Rules, are preparing to release their eighth studio album, Tales From Beyond, on March 18, 2016, and from the sounds of it, this will be an incredible album. After spending 10 months in the studio, Mob Rules promises a “deeply melodic mix of progressive and power metal.” And when it comes to their lyrics, the band “continues to go their own unmistakable path, influenced by historic events and inspired by literature.”

Tales From Beyond comes to us courtesy of Steamhammer/SPV as Digipak (includes one bonus track + poster), double colored vinyl LP, and digital download. In addition, there will be an extra iTunes version including an additional exclusive bonus track called “Ghost Town,” which has also been newly recorded.

April 2016 will see Mob Rules join Axel Rudi Pell as special guests on his extensive tour, presenting the songs from Tales From Beyond live for the first time.

Tales From Beyond Track Listing:

1.Dykemaster’s Tale 8:50
2. Somerled 5:56
3. Signs 5:21
4. On The Edge 6:00
5. My Kingdom Come 5:11
6. The Healer 4:29
7. Dust Of Vengeance 4:54
8. A Tale From Beyond (Part 1: Through The Eye Of The Storm) 5:48
9. A Tale From Beyond (Part 2: A Mirror Inside) 4:55
10. A Tale From Beyond (Part 3: Science Save Me!) 5:08
11. Bonus track DigiPak: Outer Space 3:29

Mob Rules Live 2016:

Exclusive Release Show
19.03. D-Oldenburg – Cadillac

On tour with AXEL RUDI PELL
01.04.16 D-Hamburg – Grosse Freiheit 36
02.04.16 D-Karlsruhe – Substage
03.04.16 D-Nürnberg – Hirsch
05.04.16 D-Munich – Backstage
06.04.16 D-Berlin – Huxleys
08.04.16 D-Osnabrück – Hyde Park
09.04.16 B-Vosselaar – Biebob
10.04.16 NL-Zwolle – Hedon
12.04.16 D-Cologne – Live Music Hall
13.04.16 D-Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal
15.04.16 D-Erfurt – Stadtgarten
16.04.16 CH-Pratteln – Z7
17.04.16 CH-Pratteln – Z7

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Vocalist Ralf Scheepers spoke about “Bullets & Tears”:

‘Bullets & Tears’ is a powerful melodic track with a catchy guitar riff and an extraordinary melodic guitar intro, which is backed up by a choir chant later in the song. The story of the track is about a guy and how he went through all [the] ups and downs in his life. He is growing stronger through every task and each disappointment he went through. The time for him has come to take his personal little revenge upon those people who gave him hell… you’ll always meet twice in life!

Pre-order Rulebreaker here. All digital pre-orders of the album come with an instant download of “The End is Near.” “In Metal We Trust,” and “Bullets & Tears.”

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Bassist Mat Sinner spoke about “In Metal We Trust” to Invisible Oranges:

‘In Metal We Trust’ combines the early vibe of Primal Fear songwriting with all we’ve learned over the past years and our current production status and skills. Enough space for all the guitarists to deliver some great shredding and Ralf’s vocal trademarks, German traditional metal speed with a pounding production and sound – enjoy!

Pre-order the album here.

In support of Rulebreaker, PRIMAL FEAR has just announced a North American Co-Headline Tour with Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody! See the dates below.

Primal Fear Tour Dates:

w/ Brainstorm & Striker
05.02.16 ES – BARCELONA – Razzmatazz 2
06.02.16 ES – MURCIA – Garaje
07.02.16 ES – MADRID – Arena
09.02.16 FR – TBA
10.02.16 FR – Paris – Divan Du Monde
11.02.16 GER – Siegburg – Kabana
12.02.16 CZ – Prague – Nove Chelmince
13.02.16 GER – Cham – LA Café
14.02.16 GER – Hamburg – Logo
16.02.16 GER – Hannover – Musikzentrum
17.02.16 GER – Saarbrücken – Garage
18.02.16 GER – Stuttgart – LKA
19.02.16 CH – Pratteln – Z7
20.02.16 GER – München – Backstage
21.02.16 HU – Budapest – Barba Negra
23.02.16 AT – Vienna – Szene
24.02.16 PL – Cracow – TBA
25.02.16 GER – Berlin – K17
26.02.16 GER – Wuerzburg – Posthalle
27.02.16 GER – Essen – Turock
28.02.16 BE – Vosselaar – Biebob

North American Co-Headline Tour With Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody:
4/26: Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre
4/28: New York, NY @ Stage 48
4/29: Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar
4/30: Cleveland, OH @ Agora Ballroom
5/1: Detroit, MI @ Token Lounge
5/3: Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall
5/4: Minneapolis, MN @ Mill City Nights
5/5: Kansas City, MO @ Granada Theatre
5/6: Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theatre
5/8: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
5/9: Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw
5/11: San Francisco, CA @ RockBar
5/12: Los Angeles, CA @ The Grove
5/13: Las Vegas, NV @ LVCS
5/14: San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
5/15: Phoenix, AZ @ Club Red
5/17: Dallas, TX @ Trees
5/18: Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
5/20: Orlando, FL @ The Haven
5/21: Tampa, FL @ Orpheum
5/22: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
5/24: Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage
5/25: Albany, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall
5/26: Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
5/28: Worcester, MA @ Palladium
5/30: Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
5/31: Quebec City, QC @ Imperial
6/1: Toronto, ON @ Mod Club

More Dates Will Be Announced Soon:
Japan – June 2016
Latin America – September 2016
Europe Part 2 – October 2016

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Earlier last week, new progressive thrash metal band, One Machine, released the video for “Forewarning,” which we brought to you with great enthusiasm. Shortly after the video release, on September 18th, the band released their second full-length album, The Final Cull, via Scarlet Records.

Featuring guitarist/songwriter Steve Smyth (Testament, Nevermore, Forbidden, Dragonlord, Vicious Rumors), One Machine delivers a crazy good mix of thrash metal, progressive metal, power metal, and much more. With their unique blending of styles they avoid sounding like anyone else, and they sure as fuck don’t sound cheesy doing it. It’s clear that their sole purpose is to thrash hard and heavy — and that, Yellers, is always a good thing!

If you’re curiosity is piqued, head on over to Metal Injection for a full album stream of The Final Cull. You know you’re going to like it, so make sure to order the album here.

The Final Cull was tracked at Death Island Studios, with Marco Angioni and Tue Madsen helming.

European fans can catch One Machine on tour this fall! See below for all currently confirmed tour dates.

One Machine European Tour Dates:

Friday, September 18th – London UK @ Barfly Camden
Saturday, September 19th – Westbury UK @ Charlies Westbury
Wednesday September 23rd – Norwich UK @ B2
Thursday September 24th – Glasgow UK @ Audio
Saturday September 26th – Manchester UK @ Club Academy
Friday October 2nd – Dublin, Ireland @ Fibber Macgees
Saturday October 3rd – Belfast UK @ Limelight 2
Saturday October 10th – Cardiff UK @ Fuel Rock Club
Saturday October 17th – Leicester UK @ Ragefest, Firebug
Friday October 23rd – Southampton UK @ Firehouse
Saturday October 24th – Oxford UK @ The Cellar
Thursday November 19th – Newcastle UK @ Trillians
Friday November 20th – Manchester UK @ TBC
Saturday November 21st – Lowestoft UK @ Attitude Fest
Sunday November 22nd – Bristol UK @ Tunnels

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Today, the band has revealed the album’s second track, entitled “Forewarning,” and it’s a full-throttle old-school thrasher with high-pitched, almost power metal vocals. Check it out right now in the player above.

Guitarist Steve Smyth states:

Here is the opening song from our forthcoming album, The Final Cull, entitled “Forewarning”! Heavy out the gate, with a bit of a story inside the lyrics as well, which relate to advance warning of subliminal programming and psychological warfare, and the struggle to defeat it. This one was a lot of fun to tear up in the studio! One of the fastest songs on the album (and there’s lots of these on the album), so press play, turn it up, and try not to bang your head! We dare you!

Rock Hard \m/

Hibria will release their fifth and upcoming self-titled full length on August 7, 2015, for North America. Album pre-order available here.

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“Army of the Night” can be found on Powerwolf’s upcoming album, Blessed & Possessed, which will see worldwide release on July 17th, via Napalm Records. Pre-order the album here.

Powerwolf are set to hit the road, appearing at numerous summer festivals and headline shows on their upcoming Wolfsnächte-Tour 2015 later this year! See below for dates.

Powerwolf Wolfsnächte-Tour 2015:

w/ Orden Ogan + Xandria (*) bzw. Civil War (**)
03.09.15 CH – Pratteln / Z 7*
04.09.15 DE – Speyer / Halle 101*
05.09.15 DE – Cologne / Live Music Hall*
06.09.15 NL – Leiden / Gebr DeNobel*
09.09.15 UK – London / 02 Academy Islington*
10.09.15 FR – Paris / Trabendo*
11.09.15 CH – Vevey / Rocking Chair*
12.09.15 FR – Strasbourg / La Laiterie*
01.10.15 DE – Bremen / Aladin*
02.10.15 DE – Oberhausen / Turnbinenhalle*
03.10.15 DE – Hamburg / Grosse Freiheit*
04.10.15 NL – Nijmegen / Doornroosje*
22.10.15 DE – Berlin / C-Club**
23.10.15 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser**
24.10.15 DE – Munich / Backstage**
26.10.15 AT – Wien / Arena **
29.10.15 DE – Ravensburg / Oberschwabenhalle**
30.10.15 DE – Geiselwind / Music Hall**
31.10.15 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn**
01.11.15 BE – Antwerpen / Trix**
07.11.15 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage*

Rock Hard \m/