An epic return!

[ Logo: Gaetano Amodio & Max Aguzzi ]

Action: DRAGONHAMMER
https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_DRAGONHAMMER_en.php
Base: Rome • Italy
Genre: Melodic Power Metal
Title: Second Life
FFO: Stratovarius, Freedom Call, Rhapsody Of Fire
Format: Album
Label: My Kingdom Music
Distro: Plastichead
Release: Nov. 04, 2022


DRAGONHAMMER are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email !


DRAGONHAMMER • Online:
► Website: www.dragonhammer.com/
► Facebook: www.facebook.com/dragonhammer.official/
► Instagram: www.instagram.com/dragonhammerofficial/
► YouTube: www.youtube.com//gaevil
► Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/5SR2YMJygmCg3Oo4NYmlaT

Bulletpoints:
• Their long awaited return with the 5ᵗʰ studio album
• Epic, precisely & catchy Melodic Power Metal
• Powerful & determined – renewed songwriting & sound

https://www.youtube.com/embed/t8Y02bnb7zQ
[ Official Lyric Video by Stefano Mastronicola ]

DRAGONHAMMER are one of the pillars of the Italian MELODIC POWER METAL scene, a band that marks the history of this music from 20 years.

[ Artwork: Luca Martinotti/SoloMacello ]

TRACKS
01. Prelude To Conquest 01:29
02. Kingdom Of The Ghosts 04:53
03. Diamond Of Peace 04:49
04. Into The Warrior’s Mind 06:55
05. Shattering Hope 05:40
06. Fallen Brother 04:39
07. Sickness Divine 04:43
08. The Rising 04:35
09. Silver Feathers 06:04
10. Second Life 06:35
11. Ending Legacy 05:10

total: 55:32 min.

With the new album „Second Life“DRAGONHAMMER open a new chapter giving a turn to their music, that is now more powerful, more epic and technically as sublime as it was in the past.

It is the evolution of the band’s way of creating music, renewed in sound and formation. Among the new characteristics of this work, the addition of new vocal elements, more symphonic keyboards and more powerful guitars stand out.

[ Pic: Giacomo Mearelli ]

LINE-UP
Mattia Fagiolo • Vocals
Flavio Cicconi • Guitars
Alessandro Mancini • Guitars, Orchestrations
Gae Amodio • Bass
Giulio Cattivera • Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Orchestrations, Choir Vocals
Marco Berrettoni • Drums

„Second Life“ stands for an album that opens up new visions for the future and wants to be the starting point of this new identity. So definitely you’ll get an explosive mix of Power and Epic Metal with great Symphonic parts!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/f9m6J_y8USk
[ Official Lyric Video by Stefano Mastronicola ]

„Second Life“ sees the official studio debuts of Mattia Fagiolo on vocals, Marco Berrettoni on drums, and Alessandro Mancini on guitar.

„Second Life“ is the first album without Max Aguzzi, one of the two historic founders of the band in 1999, who was also crucial for the artistic side of the band. Therefore, this album also represents a new way of making music for the band, which has found a way to regroup and continue on its path.

„Second Life“ is an album that incorporates all the stylistic characteristics of DRAGONHAMMER but evolves them with a fresher sound and a more advanced songwriting. It is a Power Metal album that, compared to the past, has a strong symphonic character and new vocal styles. The production was entrusted to the Kick Recording Studio in Rome (Italy).

About the lyrics, „Second Life“ tells a timeless story, where the thoughts and feelings of the men of yesterday flow to the present day. A story that, song by song, tells the evolution of a character from the past, delivering to the listener a set of experiences and considerations.

The key message is the one of the band’s literally „Second Life“:
a moment in which they are granted a second chance and become aware of what is really important!

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

90 / 100
➤ „… fantastic backdrop of orchestral magic … a gargantuan album of Power Metal to its core … symphonic power is what really makes ‘Second Life’ come to life … have all the hallmarks of fellow Italians Rhapsody, but also Blind Guardian and Twilight Force with their rapid-fire guitars, rhythmically thumping drums driving forward like caterpillar treads on a tank and a superb vocal performance from Mattia Fagiolo making this release really something special … this is classic European Power Metal done to a professionally high standard and any fan of the genre should invest in a copy …“
(Metal Digest)

9 / 10
➤ „… DRAGONHAMMER decided to go big for this album … the orchestration is exquisite, the rhythms are excellent and the guitar work is incredible … vocally, they hit all the hallmarks of Power Metal … powerful leads, big backing vocals and huge choirs to give a massive backdrop for the soaring musical themes. This is an album you can picture in your mind, complete with soundtrack, score, and action scenes …“
(Metal Temple)

4 / 5
➤ „… returned a bit more to their fantasy inspired style … epic atmosphere … a classic kind of Euro Power Metal … a bit more orchestration and symphonic elements this time … we get to hear the sounds of strings, lutes and flutes adding a bit of a medieval flair … songs surge along with a nice sense of velocity, many of them double-kick driven … lots of great solos, the one on ‘Sickness Divine’ being a favourite for me … it would be a shame for fans of the style to overlook this band … ‘Second Life’, being a strong album maybe give them just that, the second chance they need to break through …“
(Metal-Rules COM)

8,9 / 10
➤ „… in the 1990s, this record would probably have won the favour of many … ‚Second Life‘ is not just a record for nostalgics, but a mature, well-constructed and equally well-played work that will surely provide moments of joy for lovers …“
(Heavy Metal Webzine IT)

17 / 20
➤ „… filled with fantastic epic atmospheres and an accomplished phantasmagoria ‚Second Life‘ will only meet the approval of the public … I just hope that this work meets a wider audience. In any case all the trumps have been shot to succeed in this enterprise …“
(Kaosguards)

8,5 / 10
➤ „… action-packed Power Metal … ‚Second Life‘ is just fun and didn’t bore me even on the umpteenth ‚repeat‘, you always discover new nuances … I really like Mattia Fagiolos‘ voice … drummer Marco Berrettoni totally inspires me … a round thing and in this compilation hopefully really a second life for the band …“
(Powermetal DE)

8,5 / 10
➤ „… especially worth mentioning is the powerful-precise drumming of drummer Marco Berrettoni … know their craft … combine dynamic hardness factor with opulent, suspenseful captivating mood level – exactly what it comes down to in Classic Melodic Power Metal … recommendable … for the followers of Majestica, Stratovarius, Freedom Call and Rhapsody Of Fire …“
(FFM-Rock)

81 / 100
➤ „… adorable …“
(Hatena Blog)

8 / 10
➤ „… great keyboards merge with vigorous riffs and excellent solos … 55 minutes of a good experience …“
(Riff Of Metal)

8 / 10
➤ „… another great work to their already lush discography … does not afford a single weak song and convinces with individual highlights, such as the incredibly great ‚Kingdom Of The Ghosts‘, which should bring tears of joy to the eyes of every genre fan.“
(Soundmagnet)

8 / 10
➤ „… nicely balanced, energetic and despite the rather classic Power Metal quite fresh … if you want to remember classic Power Metal, DRAGONHAMMER and its ‚Second Life‘ is a great way to go. People who adore the genre and don’t like novelty might also find it to their liking. The tempo and melody changes are a bonus of the album.“
(Hellmagazine)

16 / 20
➤ „… the new member Mattia Fagiolo delivers a performance that will please those who prefer singers who are not only in the high notes … guitar lovers will find many typically neo-classical solos … I was pleasantly surprised and believe that any Power Metal lover will be more than thrilled …“
(French Metal)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… a successful rebirth … melodies are by no means presented too briefly … quite racy in places … pull out all the stops …“
(Crossfire)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… finally again a work full of fast, European Power Metal and then also from one of the mother countries of this genre, Italy … naturally I like the speedy Power Metal stompers like `Kingdom Of The Ghosts‘ or `Into The Warrior’s Mind‘ best, but DRAGONHAMMER also know how to integrate now and then skillfully epic and symphonic elements into their sound … well-dosed synths, great vocals … choirs and a pinch of pathos … majestic-hymnal … best, coherent and entertaining Power Metal entertainment …“
(Obliveon)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… preference for high-speed anthems with plenty of double bass … lightning fingers … broad-based choruses … the whole thing does not seem as overloaded as with Rhapsody, because the synth debauchery is kept within limits and fits comfortably into the overall structure … epic … everything is performed very catchy and ear-pleasing, but without crossing the border to sugar shock … DRAGONHAMMER have found their own band style for themselves in certain ways …“
(Hellfire)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… Power Metal, arrangements full of ideas, orchestrations, pathos and a lot of passion … yes, perhaps the ’second life‘ of DRAGONHAMMER starts here and I must admit in the best way …“
(TuttoRock)

7 / 10
➤ „… approaches the sounds typical of Rhapsody – and in general of the great tradition of Symphonic Metal of the 90s – without, of course, forgetting the ballads … a journey, yes, into the clichés of the genre, but realised with all care and attention, also thanks to the excellent work of Marco ‚Cinghio‘ Mastrobuono in the studio, who has brought this ‚Second Life‘ straight to the point … true resurrection of a band … a good album … written with care and passion …“
(MetalItalia)

7 / 10
➤ „… da wird mächtig Dampf gemacht … die Jungs sind spielerisch sehr begabt … der Sänger ist in einigen Bereichen mit seiner Stimme unterwegs, die so manch anderem verwehrt bleiben. Auch dem Schlagzeuger muss man allerbeste Qualität attestieren. Von Anfang bis Ende zeigt er keine Müdigkeit, fällt durch ein beständig gutes Drumming positiv auf. Einmal beim Lob austeilen, möchte ich auch nicht die Leistung an den Gitarren vergessen … für Vinyl spricht das exzellente Cover-Artwork, das dann erst richtig zur Geltung kommen würde … für Power Metal-Freunde empfehlenswert.“
(Bleeding4Metal)

3,5 / 5 – great
➤ „… deserve to be more well known. They can write on the same level as big name bands – even better in some cases. Lots of bands peeter out and resort to Eurovision Metal, but such is not the case here. DRAGONHAMMER know exactly who they are and how to present themselves professionally within their cheesy, yet effective motifs … if you come across this album don’t skip it … it’s at the very least a great one-time listen, though it deserves another listen to let the songs sink in …“
(Sputnik Music)

3,5 / 5
➤ „… the catchiness has definitely improved, then there is the focus on melodies, thanks to clever guitar and keyboard solos and many epic choruses … the drums are very crisp … the new singer Mattia Fagiolo is much better suited to Power Metal than his predecessor … this ‚Second life‘ constitutes a sort of rebirth of DRAGONHAMMER; now all that remains is to continue on this road and improve even more, since the qualities and talent are not lacking!“
(All Around Metal)

➤ „… more powerful, more epic and more symphonic than ever …“
(Metal Utopia)

➤ „… Giulio Cattivera‘s keyboard orchestrations are always on point, and never cheesy, whilst the engine room – piston-legged drummer Marco Berrettoni and bass-playing pal Gae Amodio – play their part unobtrusively but with deathless precision … cinematic … if your’e a fan of this kind of music then there’s very little here that you won’t enjoy …“
(Sentinel Daily)

➤ „… an album that opens new horizons for the future of the band and wants to be the basis of this new identity that the band wants to adopt. So you will definitely get to listen to an explosive mix of Power and Epic Metal with great symphonic parts …“
(LifeSteps GR)

➤ „… there is no lack of energy here … fast and melodic riffs, clean and high vocals, catchy and epic themes, etc. … fans of the style will be well entertained …“
(HellHeaven)

➤ „… more epic, more symphonic, and more… well, everything … delivers 11 bangers crammed to the rafters with all the speed, gallantry and majesty anyone would very much hope to get barraged with when faced with an album cover that features bearded dudes throwing down against an immense black dragon … pretty much a win from most every angle, but new vocalist Mattia Fagiolo is the definitely the not-so-secret weapon delivering the death blow that vaults things over the edge … if you like the idea of kicking your day into full gear with a more raw form of Rhapsody, you will definitely find a very willing and well-armed companion with this record …“
(Last Rites)

➤ „… another brilliant and beautifully crafted dose of Power Metal as only boot-shaped land can achieve (well, maybe they don’t use the symphonic pageantry that since Skylark and Rhapsody gets used to it there, but they develop their art very well, let no one doubt it) …  recommendable …“
(The Dark Melody)

➤ „… a beautiful Power Prog Metal album, where all the human emotions were not lacking …“
(Tempi Duri)

➤ „… an epic journey that will make you sing along from beginning to end … with a great melodic structure, brutal riffs, a dynamic and versatile base … impressive vocals …“
(Metal Pedia)

➤ „… vocals are good … very tasteful … the orchestration and the arrangements on this album are absolutely killer and worth a listen alone … songwriting is really top-notch … the years of practice and maturity really shine through … quite long at 54 minutes, but it never feels like it drags or stumbles and the runtime goes by very quickly … DRAGONHAMMER have really put together a good album and if you’re someone who appreciates Power Metal, then I highly recommend you give this one a listen …“
(BloodFireJeff)

➤ „… everything fans would expect from a Power Metal band … it’s strong, it’s emotional, it’s full of details … bottomline, it’s perfect …“
(Metal Addicts)

DISCOGRAPHY
2001 • The Blood Of The Dragon • Full-length
2004 • Time for Expiation • Full-length
2013 • The X Experiment • Full-length
2017 • Obscurity • Full-length
2022 • Second Life • Full-length

[ Monogram: Dario Petrilli ]

 

Opulently combative, rousingly triumphed! 

[ Logo: Luc Armanet ]

Action: PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT
Base: Paris • France
Genre: Symphonic Power Metal
Title: Ferrum Fero Ferro Feror
FFO: Powerwolf, Rhapsody, Cradle Of Filth
Format: Album
Label: Renaissance
Release: Jan. 23, 2023

Bulletpoints:
• Gorgeous theatric debut album of the French hopefuls
• Operatic, most epic & exquisit sung Metal symphonies
• Highly original, classically inspired, beguilingly beautiful


𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐁𝐔𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 • Online:
► Facebook: www.facebook.com/phoebus.the.knight/
► Instagram: www.instagram.com/phoebus_the_knight/
► YouTube: www.youtube.com/@phoebustheknight6790
► Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/5ggmASfbhMARaaLErie3CA

𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐁𝐔𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 • 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡  𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤 & 𝙋𝙍 Action:
www.metalmessage.de/PR_PHOEBUS_THE_KNIGHT_en.php


 Official music video for „The Scarlet Dance“:
youtu.be/Z4S7lukdDMI

PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT comments on „The Scarlet Dance“:
„The ‚Scarlet Dance‘ is the first epic battle of the album. Phoebus found Selene in the Darkest woods and they’re going to fight the Beast with a strategy they came with. For this song, we went with the typical Power Metal riffs and verses, made a long orchestral bridge with some folk surprises after it and a chorus inspired by operatic melodies to make it a long, rich and truly epic song!“


 𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 ᴳᴸᴼᴮᴬᴸ • 𝐸𝓈𝓉. 2001 proudly presents:
When history meets fantasy, when Metal passion meets deepest love for great Classical music, the result is operatic SYMPHONIC POWER METAL at it’s best!

Successfully funded with a Ulule Crowdfunding, „Ferrum Fero Ferro Feror“ was made with the 11.400 Euros collected there, thanks to the fans! It is then signed and will be released on Renaissance Records US.

[ Artwork: Mohamed Aouamri ]

TRACKS
01. Ante Lux 02:19
02. The Beast Within 05:03
03. The Iron Queen 04:43
04. The Scarlet Dance 06:46
05. Semen Pessimorum 02:39
06. Darkness Will Prevail 03:56
07. Children Of The Night 03:52
08. The Queen Of The Black Sun 08:11
09. Para Bellum 03:22
10. Massacres De Septembre 05:43
11. Ferrum Fero Ferro Feror 04:46
12. The Sword Of Justice 05:56

total: 57:30 min.

Each track of this truly fantastic debut album is a chapter of Phoebus’ story, the knight alchemist:
from the forgotten dimension of the „Darkest Woods“, going through the gates of Hell, to the crucible of Terror in Paris, you will follow Phoebus and his friends the Knights of Heliopolis, in an epic quest to defeat The Beast and his desire for eternal war.

To put all the events in a dramaturgic vision, this collection of songs is a blend of several musical moods, combining heavy ballads, Metal tracks with majestic orchestrations and instrumental parts.
Lyrics are for the most part in English and a bit of French, all performed with the beguiling lyrical bass voice of Axel, in clean and screamed vocals.

And what a solemn stroke of luck master Axel is for the music of the band:
All too seldom has such a noble sublime voice been carved out of such an inconceivably gigantic vocal talent with such immeasurable dedication and downright unearthly diligence!

So you can enjoy classical Symphonic Metal, Melodic Death Metal, musical, medieval pieces and even passages in the style of great masters like Bach, Mozart or even Rachmaninov!

Witness the legendary fight of Phoebus and his friends against the Beast and the vampire knights! To guide you in this quest, the master drawer Mohamed Aouamri (Sylve, Mortepierre) illustrated each chapters and gave life to this world of Fantasy and History.

[ Pic: Faallaway ]

LINE-UP
Phoebus • Vocals
Oswald Croll • Guitars, Backing Vocals
Hadrian • Guitars, Backing Vocals
Arkeuid • Bass, Vocals
Robin Of Locksley • Drums


„Ferrum Fero Ferro Feror“, Phoebus‘ first adventure with his companions, the Knights of Heliopolis, is waiting for you!
Go on an epic and original musical adventure, mixing Symphonic Metal, Heroic-Fantasy and History, written by Axel de Montalembert, composed by Adrien Djouadou and performed by the one and only PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT!

FLASHBACK:
PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT was born in the mind of Axel de Montalembert. Passionate of music, heroic-fantasy, esoterism and history, he created the story of Phoebus and his companions, the Knights Of Heliopolis, melting together heroic-fantasy and history.

To translate his great tale into music, he needed a composer that could write for a Metal band and a full orchestra to give to the story the epic breath it needed. That’s how he met Adrien Djouadou, a classically trained opera singer active on established stages and together, they created the whole concept of PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT.

Axel would write the lyrics and naturally, sing them and Adrien would compose the whole music, play the guitar and do the backing vocals. But PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT needed musicians, so they found a great team to play with them on this journey:
Noémie Allet on the bass and vocals, Adrien Guingal on the guitar and Guillaume Remih on the drums. Each member of the band would represent a character in the story of Phoebus and his companions.

Naturally, PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT became a Symphonic Metal band with a whole conceptual and visual universe. They value quality in music, production and work invested by involved parties. PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT finds its roots in bands like Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation, Powerwolf, Rhapsody Of Fire, Cradle Of Filth …

DISCOGRAPHY
2022 • The Last Guardian • EP
2023 • Ferrum Fero Ferro Feror • Full-length

PHOEBUS THE KNIGHT are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email ! 

 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙨!

 

Setting out for new shores!

[ Logo: Jan ‚Örkki‘ Yrlund • Darkgrove ]



Action: IMPERIAL AGE
Album PR: METAL MESSAGE ᴳᴸᴼᴮᴬᴸ • 𝓔𝓼𝓽. 2001
https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_IMPERIAL_AGE_en.php

Genre: Symphonic Metal
Title: New World
FFO: Therion, Nightwish, Rhapsody Of Fire

Format: Album + Live-Blu-ray/DVD
Label: Atlantean Records ltd.
Release: August 27, 2022

Bulletpoints:

• 3rd album of the Symphonic Metal aesthetes
• One of the most courageous releases of the genre
• Overwhelming songs cast by fate in uplifting forms
  
  

IMPERIAL AGE are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email – get in touch!

https://facebook.com/imperialageofficial

IMPERIAL AGE is one of the most successful international bands of Russian origin, which today has a multinational lineup and is based in Antalya, Turkey.

After turning down several record deals, they work independently and maintain a close relationship with their large worldwide fan base.

„New World“ is the third album by IMPERIAL AGE – following „The Legacy Of Atlantis“ (2018) and „Turn The Sun Off!“ (2012). The new album „New World“ is released via their own London-based label Atlantean Records ltd.

[ Pic: Imperial Age ]

LINE-UP:
Alexander ‚Aor‘ Osipov • Vocals
Jane Odintsova • Vocals
Anna ‚Kiara‘ Moiseeva • Vocals
Kublai Kapsalis • Guitar
Dmitry Belf • Bass
Manuele Di Ascenzo • Drums



IMPERIAL AGE, one of the most successful Metal bands of Russian origin is back against all odds!

Four years after the massive success of „Legacy Of Atlantis“, which sold thousands of copies, reached millions of streams and YouTube views and helped the formation to international fame, the multinational Symphonic/Power Metal sextet is back with its new opus magnum – „New World“.

[ Album 2022 • Artwork: Jan ‚Örkki‘ Yrlund • Darkgrove ]


TRACKS:
01. Windborn 03:40
02. Legend Of The Free 04:17
03. The Way Is the Aim 04:01
04. Shackles Of Gold 04:02
05. The Wheel 04:14
06. To the Edge Of The Known 03:40
07. Distant Shores 04:44
08. Call Of The Towers 18:12

total: 46:50 min.

This new album proved to be magical in every way:
During the crowdfunding campaign, which raised 188 % of the original amount needed, the musicians were hit by a tornado, unprecedented in the area, which chopped down a third of the forest where they were camping and writing songs, and completely destroyed their camp – though the musicians were hugely lucky that they themselves and all their equipment miraculously remained unscathed.

The choir’s preparations were so intense that the choir’s director and conductor, Taras Yasenkov, had to be taken by ambulance to a psychiatric hospital in the middle of the recording sessions, where he suffered a nervous breakdown – he has since fully recovered.

When the album was almost finished, the whole band laid down with Covid, and as if that wasn’t enough – a month later Russia attacked Ukraine and sent all plans to hell – forcing IMPERIAL AGE’s masterminds Alexander ‚Aor‘ Osipov and Jane Odintsova to leave the country in a hurry after the band released an anti-war manifesto – interrupting the whole process of album production and release …

[ Pic: Imperial Age ]

The lyrics of the third long player turned out to be frighteningly prophetic:
They deal with the quest for freedom and independence, the horrors of war, leaving home with no hope of return, and traveling through rough seas to distant shores – all the lyrics were written many months before all these topics became a grim everyday reality for the band.

As with most great things that involve a huge amount of super compressed energy, every step of the production of this album was achieved through a great effort by all involved:
composing the songs over many hours without food or sleep, long nights in the studio until sunrise, recording live orchestral instruments and choirs, countless rehearsals, hours and days of painting artwork, and many, many other things …

… but the musical end result sounds and ultimately feels the other way around:
upbeat, uplifting and powerful. It seemed as if IMPERIAL AGE were at the end, especially when Max Talion (drums) and Paul Maryashin (guitar) left the band.

[ Pic: Imperial Age ]

But against all odds, the band regrouped, resettled and survived – even reaching new heights:
not only did they record what was missing, hire new musicians (Manuele di Ascenzo from Italy on drums and Kublai Kapsalis from Turkey on guitar), move their entire web store to Italy, release three singles and two music videos, land a headlining European tour for September 2022 – but they also donated a portion of the proceeds to needy Ukrainian families, despite being immigrants themselves.
All this – because of and with great support from their immense worldwide army of ultra-loyal fans, who continue to support IMPERIAL AGE with thousands of album purchases, millions of streams and hundreds of donations.

The result – albeit 3 months late – bristles with IMPERIAL AGE’s trademark powerful, uplifting, visionary Metal with orchestra, choir and 3 lead singers – and yet the band has recorded their happiest, heaviest and most adventurous album yet!

[ Pic: Imperial Age ]

Every single song on this album is a hit, and there are simply no ‚B-sides‘ or weak tracks. „Legend Of The Free“ is one of the fastest and most upbeat Power/Folk Metal hits in the group’s latest collection, with strong lyrics about the pursuit of freedom, while the philosophical „The Way Is The Aim“ is a dance song about finding your own way, with Jane Odintsova switching from operatic to rock vocals.

The murderous, lyrically somber anti-war anthem „The Wheel“ is a must for all future live sets with its fast beat, catchy chorus and Aor’s high-pitched vocals, while „Shackles Of Gold“ immediately conjures up the image of pirates of the Caribbean wreaking havoc on Tortuga in the name of freedom.

Now you might think that 8 tracks are not much – but not in this case. The crown jewel of this album is the epic, dark, immensely powerful and colossal Metal symphony „Call Of The Towers“, which despite its whopping 18+ minute playing time manages to hold the listener’s attention by constantly shifting from an explosive Hollywood-style wall of sound, that pushes every instrument and vocalist to their limits, to acoustic tavern ballads, Bachian organ solos, and even 3 minutes of pure Sympho Black Metal with atonal chords, and a deeply somber atmosphere where male, female, and choral vocals constantly alternate.

All songs are sung by the three lead singers Aor, Jane Odintsova and Anna Kiara – plus a full academic choir as well as live orchestral instruments. „New World“ overwhelms the listener with polished and precise songwriting, highest musical level, enormous variety of vocals and instruments – all this paired with the heaviest Metal sound IMPERIAL AGE have delivered so far – and the new work proves once again why IMPERIAL AGE are so successful, although so many circumstances speak against them and they don’t even have a record company behind them!

•

DISCOGRAPHY:
2012 • Turn The Sun Off! • Full-length
2014 • Warrior Race • EP
2018 • The Legacy Of Atlantis • Full-length
2022 • New World • Full-length
2022 • Live New World (Live) • Full-length

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

10 / 10
➤ „… sound like no other band – their music encompassing Power, Symphonic, and Folk Metal elements – overall, a stunning and extremely pleasurable listening experience, IMPERIAL AGE have delivered a gorgeous symphony of superb Symphonic Metal.“
(Metal Gods TV)

5 / 5 – legendary
➤ „A Symphonic Metal album as if from one cast … impressive in every respect … overwhelms with sophisticated and precise songwriting, an enormous vocal variety and instrumental bombast … metal and classical music form an impressive symbiosis here … every song shows thoughtful arrangements and convinces with its individual melodicism.“
(Deep Ground)

4,5 / 5
➤ „… decidedly enjoyable thanks to the enviable combination of the three voices, two female and one male, which deftly range between parts set toward the lyrical and others sung normally … their Symphonic Metal is magniloquent, theatrical and epic, a sort of cross between the atmospheres of Therion and the brilliance of Rhapsody … very high level, in every respect … certainly stands as a candidate to be remembered as one of the best Symphonic Metal releases of the year …“
(All Around Metal)

4,5 / 5
➤ „… one anthem follows the other … with a nice dynamic and very neat choirs … a cinematic flight of fancy that could almost be called Hollywood Metal … Christofer Johnsson of Therion was not wrong, IMPERIAL AGE has a very great potential, and this third album proves it with flying colours … offering us Symphonic Metal at the highest level, which stands out strongly from the standards of the genre!“
(Rock Meeting)

90 / 100
➤ „There is no other band out there quite like IMPERIAL AGE … an epic, massive yet also beautiful fusion of Heavy Metal and bombastic Wagnerian classical music with catchy melodies that just instantly stick in your head, chugging riffs that will send you into a headbanging frenzy and a combination of male, female, Rock, operatic, choral and folky vocals will leave you breathless and in awe of the talent on display in this insanely excellent musical landscape of colossal proportions.“
(Darkzen Dragon)

9 / 10
➤ „… a pressing, powerful, intense, theatrical album: there is the power of the most exhilarating Power Metal, there is the deepest and most creative Therion, there is the most polished and exhilarating power synth Metal, there is an unparalleled theatricality…. something that very few bands, maybe none, dare to offer nowadays … indistinguishable overwhelming musical energy!“
(Metalhead IT)

8,9 / 10
➤ „… heavily influenced by Therion ’s tremendous symphonic pomposity … I’m sure the good ‚Rock ’n‘ Rolf‘ Kasparek would be proud of these guys … a victory … proof that every effort is rewarded …“
(The Dark Melody)

16 / 20
➤ „… the symphonic side is used here in a much more theatrical way than as a simple accompaniment … it’s easy to understand why IMPERIAL AGE caught the attention of Christofer Johnsson as there are so many similarities between them and Therion, both in the vocal performances, typical of opera, and in the tragic and dramatic side of the music … I was pleasantly surprised … could allow the band to rise to the first rank of Symphonic Metal bands …“
(French Metal)

8 / 10
➤ „… melodic-bombastic Symphonic Metal … accurately performed … especially the three voices of the band are convincing: Alexander Osipov (tenor) as well as Jane ‚Corn‘ Odintsova (mezzo-soprano) and Anna ‚KiaRa‘ Moiseeva (soprano). The interplay of the vocal section is quite impressive.“
(Metal DE)

8 / 10
➤ „… offers everything the Symphonic Metal heart desires and in addition extremely strong compositions and arrangements … varied … intense atmosphere … lots of dynamics … bombastic orchestrations … without failures …“
(Obliveon)

8 / 10
➤ „… much better than the two previous albums in terms of musical composition and production output. For those of you who like Power/Heavy Metal symphony music, IMPERIAL AGE offers all of that. By adding an orchestra, a majestic and elegant choir, with three tenors, mezzo-soprano and soprano, the band has a richer variety of music but still has a strong character and taste …“
(Metal Opera)

8 / 10
➤ „… stylistically more close to Therion, where symphonic embellishments, operatic vocal parts and a solemn atmosphere count … this is a big plus … IMPERIAL AGE have their own style and idea, and this is very much appreciated … played with flair and epic atmosphere … there is no lack of hits and interesting melodies … in the Symphonic Metal category this is one of the most important albums of 2022 …“
(Power Metal Warrior)

8 / 10
➤ „… a convincing and enjoyable album in a genre that is less and less represented in Power Metal …“
(Power Metal France)

78 / 100
➤ „… listens nicely and shows a more mature band … the fans will no doubt be pleased with this new record … the fast-paced tracks provide an energetic experience …“
(Metalfan NL)

7,5 / 10
➤ „… the new album is definitely worth listening to … the band has clearly found its place in the genre … those who like this kind of music will definitely find what they are looking for here … strong performance from a great band …“
(Rock Garage)

Recommendation!
➤ „… quite a bit offered for fans of Symphonic Metal … varied … a few surprises … a lot of heart and soul … really big with orchestra … a lot of Metal … especially the fat choirs give the music something epic … partly reminiscent of typical Female Gothic/Symphonic Metal bands like Nightwish, Delain, etc., but also of early Therion works …“
(Amboss)

➤ „… heavy (Metal) operatic sound … a standout force … operatic Wagnerian bombast … theatrical accolades … with an ear for cinematic drama … intelligent vocal melodies … over the top choruses … powerful … a solid portion of thrive and strut … intense appealing melodies … impressive vibe of uniqueness and extravagance … those taking time, will embrace this extraordinary band … IMPERIAL AGE indeed has no equal!“
(Headbangers Lifestyle)

➤ „… great job … sounds really good … crisp … epic … phenomenal … very melodic … certainly stand out with this signature sound … really great … each song has his own identity … awesome symphonic brave sounding Metal … grand … bombastic …“
(Power Metal Ranger)

➤ „… like a Metal opera … if you’re a Symphonic Metal fan, you’ll definitely, definitely going to love this album …“
(Metal Shop Steve)

➤ „… holy shit … leaves me with an awe … I need more … I need all of it … absolutely amazing …“
(Play again?)

➤ „… offers everything you expected and hoped for from Imperial Age … epic, bombastic, polyphonic, super harmonizing parts … solo parts, which put the individual voices in a classy way and really cool duets …“
(Dark-Art)

➤ „… for Symphonic Metal fans this album is a real recommendation, because here you can find everything that makes this genre … catchy music, melodious vocals and a lot of epic background create a comfortable feeling while listening …“
(Metalmamas Neuigkeiten)

➤ „… bright and clear … truly gives an high intensity … so many great scales … music and vocals from singer Alexander ‚Aor‘ Osipov is huge … like the sound of an adventure in a place never seen before … all sectors shoot through the roof … if you are already intrigued by the imaginative journey of Symphonic Metal, add IMPERIAL AGE and I am sure you will fall in love …“
(Noisewriter)

➤ „Celtic and folk are definitely two of the directions IMPERIAL AGE explore, with ‚The Way Is The Aim‘ highlighting both – the vocals big enough to fill an opera house, with the audience stunned by their immense power … the band have so much presence, their style echoing a Metal symphony with an all encompassing sound that hooks you at every twist and turn.“
(Frenzy Fire)

➤ „… their melodies stand out more than those of the demanding Therion … the symphonic arrangement is still strong and feels even more luxurious than on the previous work …“
(Piro Piro Metal)

➤ „… IMPERIAL AGE detracts in no way from their predecessors Nightwish or Epica … great display (they must be impressive in concert), several and varied voices, metallers, epic, lyrical, assists, choirs …. and an orchestration typical of a great band … instrumentally they sound very good, well constructed songs and melodies in many cases that make you sing and enjoy with them … none of the vocals will leave you indifferent … fast, dynamic sounds full of emotion …  it’s your turn to enjoy them!“
(Nada Hay Bajo El Sol)

➤ „… very melodic but never dull … in structure reminded me of Therion: a solid metal base on top of which layers of orchestrations, vocal lines and choruses are laid down … depending on the moments they go from epic to dramatic, often achieving a soundtrack mood … the melodies stick with you from the first listen … just where ‚Leviathan‘ had failed: it is an album with a definite direction, with convincing and energetic pieces, without dips from beginning to end …“
(The Murder Inn)

➤ „… epic … reaches the level of mastery we expect from Imperial Age … we have to acknowledge the hard work they had to do to release this album and how well they did it … the band has proven once again why they are one of the best of their style … a highly recommended work for any lover of the genre, and that, after everything they have been through in the last few years, is a triumph …“
(Track To Hell)

etc.

[ Seal: Imperial Age ]

 

Heavy Metal, straight from the pot! 

[ Logo: Sven Biwo ]

Action: BIWO
https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_BIWO_en.php
https://www.facebook.com/biwoband/

Base: Castrop-Rauxel • Germany
Genre: Melodic Heavy Metal
Title: Life And Death
FFO: Wizard, Rebellion, early Majesty

Format: Album
Label: Independent
Release: Nov. 11, 2022

Bulletpoints:

• Refreshing debut album of a true idealist
• Straightforward, 100 % honest & all around spirited
• Timeless-classic Heavy Metal of the old school
  
  
  BIWO is available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email !
  
  
  

[ Pic: Pedyfotografie Fotoschmiede ]

LINE-UP:
Sven Biwo • Vocals & Guitar
Finley • Guitar
Justus • Bass
Hanno • Drums


It is clear to hear that here is a musically thoroughly inspired genre fan ambitious at the start, who makes his real music for just such real fans – uncomplicated Heavy Metal brotherhood is there so very heavy!

The enormously varied and sustainably catchy songs breathe the unique, unused 80s spirit with delicious fervor and in such depth that you simply cannot escape the charm of BIWO if you feel sincerely connected to the early Heavy Metal from that time.
Yes, we mean the very special time when the blessed and equally obscure GAMA Records released unforgettable records by top artists like Stormwitch, Veto and Tyran‘ Pace – and the scene cult around it grows with every year.

Self-promoting and giga-virtuoso orgies of perfection are therefore not at all what BIWO is about, rather the eternally attractive underground is indulged in.


Single „Live Now“:
https://youtu.be/uz3uCLY5DzQ

Mastermind Sven Biwo explains „Live Now“:
„There are enough assholes in the world – people who want to pull you down. We invite you to forget all that shit for a moment. Live now – and do what you feel like doing! Because tomorrow might be too late. Don’t waste your time with negative stuff – grab a beer, raise your fist and shout it out loud!“

And although bandleader Sven sees himself more as a soloing mainman with guest musicians, the result sounds damn organic, homogeneous and completely free of wear and tear. All songs on „Life And Death“ were composed and recorded by Sven Biwo single-handedly. The mix and mastering were also done by master Biwo at Cubi Studios Bochum. The pleasantly idiosyncratic artwork is deliberately not an obligatory Photoshop bombardment – it comes from the brushes of Gudrun Müller.

[ Artwork: Gudrun Müller ]

TRACKS:
01. Live Now 04:20
02. Fountain Of Youth 04:04
03. Win This Fight 03:22
04. Mother Earth 08:36
05. Poor Boy 04:43
06. I 04:54
07. Alone In The Dark 04:11
08. Judgment Of The Gods 06:45

total: 40:44 min.

The idea for the band was born in January 2020 when Sven (guitar and vocals) and Justus (bass) met at a benefit concert. With Hanno (drums), whom Justus knew from his school days, a man for the kettles was then also found.

Shortly before the first rehearsal the pandemic came and with it the break for the formation. However, Sven took advantage of the creative break and began to transform the ideas into songs and to realize a finished album. The final touches were put on „Life And Death“ in the summer of 2022, when the first real rehearsals began and the tracks were given a new shine in the rehearsal room. (Markus Eck)

MEDIA FEEDBACK:

9 / 10
➤ "... has it mighty in itself ... melodic, classic heavy metal, down-to-earth and full of playing joy ... the straightforwardness stands out positively ... this kind of heavy metal is simply - simply ingenious ... additional or even superfluous gimmicks do not exist here ... a solid, melodious three-quarters of an hour of music at its best ... covers pretty much everything that makes the heart of every metal fan beat faster ..."

(Bleeding4Metal)

8 / 10
➤ "The production is charmingly earthy and conveys a certain live feeling, because it doesn't come out of the speakers perfect and flawless, but has rough edges ... inevitably parallels to the early works of Stormwitch, Iron Maiden, Running Wild and Grave Digger come up, although Sven Biwo sings much more melodically than Rolf Kasparek or Chris Boltendahl .... an extremely likeable Heavy Metal debut, which will be played more often thanks to great melodies, a knack for cool compositions and a certain glow of nostalgia."

(Powermetal DE)

7 / 10
➤ "... the vocals are pretty heavily layered, allowing for a faster lyrical delivery and some harmonized vocals in some areas ... the lead guitar work is pretty nice ... unpolished feel ... a good album ... the overall effect works ... there's a lot of promise for the future if they decide to keep this as a main project ..."

(Metal Temple)

➤ "… an album with great musical ideas … when I listen to a track as 'Mother Earth' my mind flies away back to the 1980’s to the first Metal albums that I have listened to … the way the guitars are played address too much there. It’s possible to feel that feeling and heart are far beyond technique … guitar phrases are simple, but very effective and melodic … what I liked the most about 'Life And Death' is the nostalgia it brings and how it connects to the fresh sonancy BIWO deliver … I caught myself flying away with 'I' just remembering old songs I used to hear in my teens … has this incredible power of making us fly away with great joy …"
(Metal Addicts)

➤ "… an instant melodic Heavy Metal classic! … sets the tone perfectly … the song is about not letting people hold you down, and doing what you feel like doing today … fans of old school Metal are gonna love this … and how about that hook in the chorus? … fantastic solo, too … positive message … great …"
(Wanna Hear A Great Song Today?)

etc.