Genre: Melodic Death Metal

Label: Lifeforce Records

Release-date: September 26th (Europe), September 27th (US)

Reviewer: Monish Shringi

Back in 2000, close friends Marios Illiopoulos and Gus G. (yes Gus G.) formed the super group Nightrage. They managed to get the services of Tomas Lindberg (At The Gates) on vocal duty and session drummer Per Möller Jensen (The Haunted) and released their first album entitled “Sweet Vengeance” in 2003. After the departure of Lindberg and Gus.G, Nightrage went through several line-up changes, with Marios being the only founding member left. Their present line-up consists of Antony Hämäläinen on vocals, Illiopoulous and Olof Mörck on guitars, Anders Hammer on bass and Johan Nunez on drums. This line-up has remained the same since the release of “Wearing a Martyrs Crown” in 2007. Despite the changes, the band has managed to keep a consistent level of sound with all their releases till date.

With their fifth and latest full-length release, entitled “Insidious”, Nightrage look set to conquer the melodic death metal scene once again. They have never failed to impress me, and neither does their new sound. Frontman Antony Hämäläinen recently said in an interview that, "It sounds really heavy, stripped down and in your face. The songs are a bit shorter and with fewer acoustic guitars than Wearing a Martyr’s Crown. It’s a very pissed of sound, so it’s going to be a really heavy record. Lots of guitar solos and melodies there too of course.” And he has said rightly so. The new album is a perfect balance of insane guitar riffs, melodic licks and solos, progressive cleans and some nice acoustic breakdowns. The album consists of fifteen tracks, so there’s no excuse of shortages.

I was very impressed with the clean vocals on this album, even more than Wearing a Martyrs Crown, thanks to guest vocals by Apollo Papathanasio (Firewind, Spiritual Beggars) and Tom. S . Englund (Evergrey). Tomas Lindberg has provided guest vocals on three tracks in this album, along with two solos by Gus G., thus making this album the first to feature the original line-up since “Sweet Vengeance” dating back to 2003.

“Insidious” has thoroughly managed to astound the listener in all facets. Songs like “Delirium of the Fallen”,” Wrapped in Deceitful Dreams”, and “Solar Corona” are simply heart-warming and will make you fall in love instantly. Nightrage have delivered what one would call "an hour of melodic brilliance.” Definitely one of the releases of the year and the one to look out for!

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Order "Insidious" now via Amazon: CD | Mp3

[By: IRoar]

Melodic death metal has seen many transformations over the years. And like anything that gains popularity among the masses, it's seen its fair share of watering-down. With many bands choosing to blend (read: rip-off) the genre's sound for their own leverage.

Then comes Nightrage. Nightrage stand as a true testament to that what melodic death metal should sound like today. All it takes is a group of skilled veterans with a true passion towards their music to keep it alive. 2003's extreme masterpiece "Sweet Vengeance" is considered a cult classic among many melodic death metal purists. The album was reissued last year as part of a 2 disc compilation also featuring 2005's crushing "Descent Into Chaos."

Now the band is about to unleash a melodic death metal mammoth in the form of their latest studio effort titled "Insidious" (out September 26th via Lifeforce Records!) which might be the band's heaviest work to date. The album features guest appearances by the likes of Tomas Lindberg (At The Gates, EX-Nightrage) Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind, EX-Nightrage), Tom S. Englund (Evergrey), Apollo Papathanasio (Firewind), and John K (Biomechanical).

I got a chance to catch up with frontman Antony Hämäläinen to chat about the band's latest effort, their back catalog and which songs he enjoys performing live, among other topics.
Here's how it went:


First of all I'd like to thank you for this opportunity; it's always a pleasure to have you on Metality.

Thanks for having me!



Nightrage has just released it's latest offering, and probably heaviest to date, titled "Insidious" via Lifeforce Records. How has the reaction been from fans towards the new material so far?

It has been really good! People seem to be very happy with the idea of having some old and new guests come to the table and contribute a few parts. I'm glad everyone likes it.



What can you tell us about the lyrical concept behind the album? What subjects does the music explore?

Pretty much the same as we have always done. Marios and I get together with a bunch of potential song titles, and he picks the ones that fit the music. Usually subject matters on the human being in general ad how we treat one another. All the different emotions of life. Then when a title is picked, Marios gives me his ideas on the subject, I do the same, then I compose the vocal phrasings and melodies and fit the lyrics into them.



"Insidious" is the first album to feature the same line-up on more than one release. Did that help form a better chemistry between the band as songwriters? How was the writing for this album handled?

Well basically we had those guys come in and play what we had already written. We felt that these parts would better suite the music rather then just have the same old guys doing it. We just wanted things to pop out at the listener and create a well rounded album.


You brought in an array of guest musicians to contribute to "Insidious;" such as veteran front man Tomas Lindberg, Gus G., Tom S. Englund, Apollo Papathanasio, and Elias Holmlid. How was it working with a wide variety of musicians on the album?

It was very easy. These are all guys we have known a long time and have worked with in the past. They came in and did their parts like the true professionals they are. It was an amazing pleasure to irk with them.



With the new album released. Nightrage will be going on tour with Firewind in October. What do you guys have in-store for your fans? Which songs can fans expect to hear live from the new album?

We have lots of goodies for them thats for sure! They can expect to hear the first two tracks from the new album, that much I will give away. And of course the so called "hits" from the other albums.



Back in November, 2010. Nightrage released a 2-disc compilation titled "Vengeance Descending," that featured reissues of the band's earlier releases "Sweet Vengeance" and "Descent Into Chaos." When looking back at the band's catalog, which songs would you personally pick as your favorite(s) to perform live?

Wow, that's a tough one to do, but I'll give it a shot. Since you mention this compilation album, one of my all time favorite songs from Nightrage is a song called "Black Skies". It was the Japanese bonus track for the Descent into Chaos album. That song is amazing and I hope we can play it someday live. "Glow of The Setting Sun", and "Being Nothing" are always fun to play live.



Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer our questions. It's always a pleasure to catch up with you. Would you like to add anything?

Thanks for the interview, and I hope to see all the Nightrage fans on tour!

Pre-order the new Nightrage record "Insidious" out September 26th via Lifeforce Records via
Amazon: CD | Mp3

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[PRESS RELEASE]

Nightrage have just finished work on 15 pre-production songs for the next ‘yet untitled’ Nightrage album, and they are looking forward to enter the studio to start recording in June.

Mastermind Marios Iliopoulos about the recording process:

"This time we have chosen a different approach in the recording process. All drums, bass, and guitars will be recorded at Zero Gravity Studios in Athens, Greece. Some of you might remember, this location was the set for our latest video “Wearing A Martyr’s Crown”.

On this record we want to break up the monotony of the typical Scandinavian weather/scenery and head to one of the most beautiful countries this band has ever played. So once again, Greece is our destination!

Antony will head into Arcane Digital Recording (located in sunny Chandler, Arizona USA) with our good friend Ryan Butler (Landmine Marathon, Misery Index, Phobia, Exhumed) for the vocal recordings. Another first for the band, trying out an American studio will be an interesting change. But for those of you who know Ryan’s work, you can expect the result to be old school and punishing.

Of course, our album would not be complete without the help from our longtime producer Fredrik Nordstrom (Dimmu Borgir, Opeth, In Flames, The Haunted, Exhumation, Firewind), who will drum edit, reamp, mix and master the album in Studio Fredman. We trust our long time friend Fredrik will do an amazing job once again. He’s been stunned by the quality of our new songs and is looking forward to working with us again.

We also have some very important guest musicians contributing to the album as well."

The new album will be released via Lifeforce Records in Europe and North America (release dates to be revealed soon) and Floga Records from Greece will be releasing the album as limited vinyl edition.

Australian melodeathers UNIVERSUM have posted a rough mix of a new track from their upcoming album "Mortuus Machina," which is scheduled for an early 2011 release.

The track is titled "Sum of The Universe," and features the spine wrenching vocals of Christian Alvestam (Ex-Scar Symmetry, Solution .45, Miseration), and face melting lead solos from Nightrage's Marios Iliopoulos and Olof Morck


"Mortuus Machina" will also be featuring a number of other notable guest musicians, such as: Ola Frenning (Soilwork), Tuomas "Tommy" Tuovinen (MYGRAIN), and Paul Wardingham.

For more information visit: Universum.com.au

South African band NEVERBORNE (who are currently residing in Surrey, U.K.) have announced that their upcoming album due for a July 19th will feature guest appearances by Nightrage front man and Metality favorite Antony Hämäläinen, and Ex-EVERGREY guitarist Henrik Danhage (which I'm still very disappointed at his decision of leaving EVERGREY).

The band posted the following statement regarding the collaboration:

"We are excited to announce that we will be working with two guest musicians on our upcoming album. Antony Hämäläinen (NIGHTRAGE) will be providing guest vocals on the track 'Mechanical Ruin' while Henrik Danhage (ex-EVERGREY, DEATHDESTRUCTION) will be doing a guest solo on a track that's yet to be named.

"To be working with such talented musicians from bands that we admire and respect is really inspiring and we can't wait for you all to hear the final product.

"As of today, we've completed preproduction on 10 of the final 12 tracks and are due to begin recording with Karl Groom of Thin Ice Studios on July 19.

"Although we're still working on the album title, we can reveal the following track names: 'Forget To Live', 'Embers To Ashes', 'Mechanical Ruin', 'Confession' and 'Beneath The Scars'.

"The new album can be described as a natural progression of the NEVERBORNE sound that defined our debut release, 'In Absence Of Fear', with more focus on groove and melody"

Visit NEVERBORNE On Myspace

Melodic death metal heavyweights Nightrage posted a new tour diary, documenting their recent Greek tour in support of their latest release "Wearing A Martyr's Crown."

The video includes performance footage, as well as footage of the band on the road, you can check out the video below:



Update*

The band also just uploaded the "making of" their latest video for the titled track off their new album "Wearing A Martyr's Crown."

Click here to order "Wearing A Martyr's Crown"
Visit Nightrage on Myspace

Melodic death metal ass kickers Nightrage posted a new video for the title track of their latest album "Wearing A Martyr's Crown." Which is hands down one of the best melodic death metal album's of 09.

The band shot the video in Athens, Greece at Zero Gravity Studios, with director Bob Katsionis (Firewind) who also shot the band's video for "Scathing" from their 2007 release "A New Disease Is Born."

"Wearing A Martyr's Crown" is out now on Lifeforce Records.

[Press Release]


In mid-February, Nightrage will travel to Athens, Greece to shoot a video for the title track of their latest album "Wearing A Martyr's Crown."

The director of choice is once again Bob Katsionis, whom the band worked with before on the making of "Scathing" from their previous album "A New Disease Is Born."

Bob Katsionis has also worked with bands such as Rotting Christ, Nightfall and Firewind.

It's already been a whole year, since the last time I bugged Antony with a year-end list of questions recapping all his trails of awesome. The difference is, this is not only the end of the year, it's also the end of a decade!

Nightrage had a eventful year, releasing their fourth studio album "Wearing A Martyr's Crown" to great reception (Kerrang! 4/5, Rock Hard 8.5/10 and Metal Hammer's 5/7 among many other rave reviews).

The band is currently writing material for their 5th studio album! which by default will make 2010 another great year for the melodic death metal heavy weights and for the metal scene.

I ask Antony about sharing the stage with one of melodic death metal's forefathers Tomas "Tompa" Lindberg, his favorite albums of the year as well as the decade, and a lot more.

Here's how it went:

TMR: 2009 Saw the release of Nightrage’s latest studio album “Wearing A Martyr’s Crown” which was your first recording with the band, how has the experience of being the band’s front man been so far?

Antony: Its still great as it was 3 years ago. Nothing has changed. Everyone has given me (and the band) so many positive reviews. Its a really amazing thing to be a part of still.


TMR: Tomas Lindberg shared the stage with you to perform one of Nightrage’s classics “The Tremor” would there be a chance of hearing the both of you on future Nightrage material?

Antony: Yea that was an amazing experience for me. He is one of my personal heros kind of. And we got a nice chance to talk before the show while in the rehearsal. We have some nice things in common besides being in the same band. So it's always nice to just be real people and forget about this "larger than life" image to have on people sometimes. It was a great honor and if you would have told me 3 years ago I would share the stage with him I would have thought you were crazy (laughs). To get to the other part of your question yes of course I have thought about having him in on a song for the next album. I'll find out more soon. I'll have Marios ask him about it, they are still tight so I'm sure it would be easy to do.



TMR: 2009 has been a great year for metal; what are some of your albums of the year?

Antony: Dark Funeral, Hypocrisy, Struck By Lightning, Slayer, Napalm Death, Converge, Enslaved, Amorphis



TMR: Now that the decade is coming to an end, what are some of your favorite releases in the 2000s?

Antony: I'll just do a top 5 for this one.

1. Nightrage - Sweet Vengeance
2. Dark Tranquillity - Damage Done
3. Hypocrisy - Virus
4. Napalm Death - Smear Campaign
5. Immortal - Sons Of Northern Darkness



TMR: The global recession has been a very effective step back for a lot of events, and festivals. Did the recession effect your state of metal?

Antony: Not for me really. I only go to shows in the area I live a friend is in town. When I'm home I don't really go out for much. Just hang with friends and drink. So for me this didn't hurt metal. Nothing will ever hurt this music.



TMR: What’s the craziest encounter you had this year?

Antony: I got to speak with Andreas from Sepultura when we were doing a festival in Portugal. That was very cool. He is a very nice guy and down to earth. It was a shock to speak with him since I have been a big fan since I was 11 years old. That's the best encounter I can think of.


TMR: What are 3 things you’d like to change about the past decade if you had the chance?

Antony: Nothing. You learn from everything you do. If not then you are not paying attention to life.



TMR: How many tweets have you tweeted so far in 09?

Antony: I think like 5. I don't really use the thing. I got it for the band really. It's not really something I keep up with. This facebook and email thing is enough headache for me (laughs).



TMR: Thank you so much Antony for taking the time to answer my questions, and for always being so kick ass! would you like to add anything?

Antony: Thank to you as well. I always love doing these awesome questions you have! Well only thing to add is that we are already writing the next album while on this break before some touring. We are currently at 7 songs done! The songs are shaping up more brutal and straight forward than WAMC. So I hope you all enjoy it! Thanks again!

[TMR sidenote]: I'm already getting extremely pumped up!! about the next Nightrage album... excuse me while I go punch random pedestrians in the face!

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Make sure to vote for Nightrage over at Metaltown.se

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Italian melodic-death metallers Disarmonia Mundi have finally completed their new record entitled "The Isolation Game".

The album has been recorded, produced, mixed and mastered at The Metal House Studio by Ettore Rigotti and contains 13 brand new tracks of wallshaking extreme metal also featuring guest appearances by Björn "Speed" Strid (SOILWORK) on vocals and guitarist Olof Morck (NIGHTRAGE) on solos on some tracks. The album will be released in December by Coroner Records.

The new single "Perdition Haze" from the upcoming album will be available in full streaming and digital download at the Disamonia Mundi MySpace, at Coroner Records MySpace and at Coroner Records offcial website the 31st of October at midnight.

THIS IS TOO BRUTAL FOR WORDS!!!!

That's right, Nightrage are currently streaming their latest studio album "Wearing A Martyr's Crown" on their Official Myspace, so head on over now to listen to some headbanging good metal, and then make sure to pre-order your copy here !

Wearing A Martyr's Crown will be out June 22nd (Europe and Japan) and August 4th (US)



www.myspace.com/nightrage
www.myspace.com/lifeforcerecords

Swedish/ Greek Death Metal outfit NIGHTRAGE have posted another new track from their upcoming album "Wearing A Martyr's Crown". The title track can now be found at the band's
Myspace profile.

Having released two critically acclaimed albums on Century Media ("Sweet Vengeance" and "Descent Into Chaos") and the Lifeforce debut "A New Disease Is Born" in 2007, NIGHTRAGE takes a fresh and exciting direction while staying truly uncompromising in this new start dubbed "Wearing A Martyr's Crown".

"Wearing A Marty's Crown", recorded at Studio Fredman with accomplished producer Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, Dimmu Borgir, At The Gates), represents a long anticipated return to their roots, which have always been firmly planted in the Gothenburg Death Metal soil.

"Wearing A Martyr's Crown" finds Nightrage more mature than ever, but present is also a distinct will for experimentation and fresh ideas - though always inside the boundaries of what made the NIGHTRAGE name from the beginning; sheer brutality, swirling and soaring melodies and acoustic guitar work to evoke scenes and emotions of the deepest melancholy.

Delving into a multitude of musical and lyrical vistas, this fourth opus from the international Melodic Death Metal martyrs deals with a multi-layered journey into the darkest depths of the human psyche, the futility of human behaviour and the most dimly lit corners of the untold arcane. Expect to have these eleven incantations burn your soul, yet leaving you wanting to come back for more.

"Wearing a Martyr's Crown" track listing:

01. Shed The Blood
02. Collision Of Fate
03. A Grim Struggle
04. Wearing A Martyr's Crown
05. Among Wolves
06. Abandon
07. Futile Tears
08. Wounded Angels
09. Mocking Modesty
10. Failure Of All Human Emotions
11. Sting Of Remorse
12. Holier Than Thou (Metallica cover, Japanese bonus)
13. Failure Of All Human Emotions (demo version, on Japenese + European digipak)

Click Here To Pre-Order Your Copy Now (and get a limited editition digipak)

Album: Wearing A Martyr's Crown

Band: Nightrage

Genre: Melodic Death Metal


Release Date: June 22nd (Europe and Japan), August 4th (US), 2009

Producer: Fredrik Nordström

Label: Lifeforce Records


Let me start off by saying, in today's Melodic Death Metal scene, a big chunk is moving towards modernizing they're music by making it more accessible and softening the brutality. Nightrage decided to take a step forward in their own path, ignoring the hordes of douche bags attempting to turn Melodic Death Metal into Metalcore. If "A New Disease Is Born" was the band's experimental album, where they drifted into a more "modern" sound, then "Wearing A Martyr's Crown" is the band's return to form, with a completely fresh formula. Think of the melody from "Sweet Vengeance" mixed in with the brutality of "Decent Into Chaos" with a completely fresh approach towards song writing and you'll get "Wearing A Martyr's Crown".

First of all, Marios will never cease to amaze me when it comes to crafting TRULY melodic death metal music, songs like "A Grim Struggle" will hit you with an addictive riff, along with powerful pounding drums, while new front man Antony Hamalainen will crush your bones with nothing less then straight up growls, from the glory days of the genre (A young Tomas Lindberg, with a whole lotta energy) the way Antony introduces the listener to the album on opening track "Shed The Blood" is the "Melodic Death Metal Way To Do It !"

Acoustic work on the album is as usual top notch, the bass is ripping it apart in the mix, Anders really kicks alot of ass on his bass lines, while Olof gives the extra edge the Nightrage sound needs.

The album's title track, and "Wounded Angels" will suffice any old school Nightrage fan, its got the mind blowing fast guitar work, along with drums that will turn you to dust, courtesy of young Jo Nunez (the dude's only 21, and he's already destroying the drums on the album)

"Wearing A Martyr's Crown" see's the debut of an entirely new line-up in the band, with new commers Antony Hämäläinen (Vocals), Olof Morck (Guitars), Anders Hammer (Bass), and Jo Nunez (Drums) joining founding member Marios Iliopoulos, to complete one hell of a line up. Gus G. makes a surprise guest appearance on the instrumental track "Sting Of Remorse"

Songs like "Mocking Modesty", "Abandon" and "Futile Tears" will beat the living shit out of you with its perfect balance of melody transcending into brutality, "Mocking Modesty" also has Rotting Christ's Sakis Tolis ripping up the mic along with Antony.

In conclusion "Wearing A Martyr's Crown" is a classic Nightrage release, freshly sealed.

If your looking for a top notch "Gothenburg" metal album, then with no doubt go right ahead and pre-order your copy now. This is an album recommended for all Melodic Death Metal fans, and for fans of straight up good metal in general.

Favorite songs so far: "Shed The Blood", "A Grim Struggle", "Among Wolves", "Mocking Modesty" "Wounded Angels" and "Futile Tears"

*A reminder that the band posted the first song "Shed The Blood" from the album on their Myspace (currently streaming)

Nightrage Links:

Official Site
Myspace
Facebook
Youtube
Pure Volume
Virb
TRIG

Nigthrage wrapped up work on their latest studio album "Wearing A Martyr's Crown" out on June 22nd, mark your calenders because you'll be in for a classic "Gothenburg Metal" ride with the Nightrage signature twist. The album will straight up beat the living shit out of you with its brutality! (I'll save all my praise for the album review, which will follow this post)

I got the chance to have "a word" with the band's new front man Antony Hamalainen who is always beyond human awesomeness, about the band's upcoming album, the lyrical themes, the recording process at Studio Fredman, and also Antony answered some of your questions about beating up Hollywoord celebrities, Emo chicks, also he teaches us a couple of curse words in Finnish, and alot more:

Here's how it went:

TMR: First of all I'd like to say that "Wearing A Martyr's Crown" is one hell of a kick ass release, are you happy with the final result ?

Antony: Well thanks so much dude! So far for me the album is still really fresh and it's the best thing from Gothenburg I've heard since the last DT album. This album has everything I could ever want in a record from Nightrage.



TMR: Can you tell me a little about the lyrical theme behind the album ?

Antony: Marios and I did the all the lyrics together. And our themes lay mostly on the personal side. Subjects people can relate to. Pain, depression, ego, and martyrdom.



TMR: You guys recorded the album, at the legendary Studio Fredman, how was the experience working in Melodic Death Metal's finest studio ?

Antony: For me it was just an amazing dream come true. Fredrik is a killer guy to work with and very funny. I share a lot of the same asshole humor he does.



TMR: How long was the recording process ?

Antony: It was less then a month. It was very fast because we had pre-produced every single song to the fullest.



TMR: "Wearing A Martyr's Crown" sounds more in the same direction as the first 2 Nightrage albums, did you guys intend to pick up the sound you had on the first 2 releases ?

Antony: Vocally I just did what comes natural for me. I wrote about 90-95% of the vocal lines, melodies, and phrasings for the vocals. The other 5-10% goes to Olof and the production work he did. It just came out like that. And we knew it would from the demo stage as well. We never sit down and say "hey lets do an album like this" yah know? It's more or less the feeling Olof and Marios have when they are writing the music. Then I hear the song and do what I feel best suites the song vocally.



TMR: How would you describe "Wearing A Martyr's Crown" ?

Antony: Heavy, melodic, and no compromise.



TMR: Do you guys plan on shooting a video for a song off the album? if so, did you decide on which song would be featured ?

Antony: Yes we have an idea for one. Everything is pretty much planned out for it and if it happens it'll be a monster!



TMR: The album has alot of energy which will obviously blow up live, which song(s) are you looking forward to the most to perform live?

Antony: Failure, Shed, Wearing, and Among. These are my top four at the moment.



TMR: What do you guys have cooking up for the album, Tour-wise ?

Antony: We want to tour everywhere in the world we can. Just depends if people buy the album. If they do we will tour a lot, if they don't then we won't! (laughs)


TMR sidenote: because Antony is such a chill dude, he even answered some of your questions about James Hetfield, Dave Mustaine, and more:


TMR: How do you say, "Fuck Shit Up" in Finnish, and also what's a good cuss word in Finnish ?

Antony: I guess it would be "Vittu tätä paskaa". It doesn't translate well into english though (laughs). A good curse is just "Perkele" for me. I say it all the time.



TMR: Do you think Emo chicks are hott ?

Antony: What the fuck is emo?



TMR: If you had the chance to kick a Hollywood celebrity in the balls, who would it be ?

Antony: I wouldn't give any of them the time of day. The sooner these type of people die the better.



TMR: In a fight between James Hetfield and Dave Mustaine, who would you back up ?

Antony: It's a very tough one I love both bands the same. But I'll take Hetfield's side. He's funnier then Dave.



TMR: If you where stranded on an island, whats 3 things you'd need with you to survive ?

Antony: ipod, laptop, and a plane



TMR: Antony once again I'd like to thank you for being one of the awesomest people to have a word with, and for totally bringing back the missing link into the Nightrage sound, would you like to add anything for your fans out there ?

Antony: Once again thanks so much man for all your support with the band. It means a lot to us. Hope to see everyone on tour and thanks to all of you who will buy the album.



June 22nd (Europe, and Japan) August 4th (US) are the dates that "Wearing A Martyr's Crown" will hit the world, and crush you to the ground. (Get your ass ready to pick up a Gothenburg CLASSIC!)

Visit Nightrage on Myspace to get your first taste of the album, the band posted the song "Shed The Blood" which will give you a perfect example of how brutally melodic this release will be.

Nightrage Links:

Official Site
Myspace
Facebook
Youtube
Pure Volume
Virb
TRIG

Recently Melodic Death Metal titans Nightrage posted a 3 part video report for their recording sessions for the band's upcoming album "Wearing A Martyr's Crown" slated for a June release, which is produced by the legendary producer Fredrik Nordström (who is responsible for too many awesome album to list)

From the sneak previews we get for the album in the videos, it sounds pretty sick! and I can hear some back to the roots of the "Sweet Vengeance" days in their. I cant wait for this album, I'm really looking forward to Antony's debut with Nightrage, and Marios is simply a kick ass guy and an awesome guitar player.

Links for the latest updates concerning Nightrage:

Myspace
Youtube
Facebook

Here's the 3 part video report, from Studio Fredman!!!

Alright so over the past couple of days there has been a pretty good amount of new awesome metal videos being released ... first up the latest video for In Flames for the song "Delight And Angers" which is the 3rd video coming from the band's latest studio effort "A Sense Of Purpose"

IN FLAMES - Delight And Angers - HD


Well its a pretty good live performance.

Next is the latest video for Viking Metal warriors Amon Amarth for the song "Guardians Of Asgaard" featuring LG. Petrov of Entombed. (wait, let me say this again, featuring LG. FUCKING! PETROV.. MOTHER FUCKERS!!! of Entombed... much better.) the video is shot in the snow with warriors in battle, while Amon Amarth along with LG. Petrov own a secluded area with their metalness.

Guardians Of Asgaard ft. LG Petrov


Pure Metalness !!!

Alright so I havent heard much for Swiss Folk Metallers Eluveitie besides their album Spirit (not all of it, but "Your Gaulish War" kicks alot of ass) the band is releasing an accoustic album and recently released their latest video for the song "Omnos"

ELUVEITIE - Omnos


Isnt Anna hott ?

I've been a fan of Nightrage for years now, and when Jimmie Strimmel took over the vocals since Tomas Lindberg had other commitments to fullfill, I've been thinking that the dude's very promosing and that he's got some pretty high pitched growls, well after he was let go of from Nightrage, he formed Dead By Apirl, the band already started cozing a fuss over on alot of website (between scene kids and tr00 heads) about whether or not the band kicks ass...Well anyway here's the video for the song "Losing You" from the band's upcoming debut album droping in May.

Dead By April - Losing you (Official video)


Jimmie has some pretty good chords.

Well 2008 is coming to an end (Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year) , and this year we had a ton of releases and stories going on in the metal scene and the music scene in general, for example after 17 years, Axl Rose finally decided to release the eagerly anticipated "Chinese Democracy", Gorgoroth are still arguing over who gets the band name in the separation (which is starting to sound like a couple fighting over custody for their child) Divine Heresy has a new vocalist, you get the picture.


Nightrage frontman Antony Hämäläinen (who is always beyond awesome) recaps 2008.
Antony tells his craziest encounter this year, favorite albums, and talks about the band's upcoming release "Wearing A Martyr's Crown".

Here's how it went:

TMR: Whats the craziest encounter you had this year ?

Antony: Meeting Glenn Danzig on his tour bus. A friend was working merch for him and she asked for me to come along after the show.

He was a very very cool guy. I have been a huge fan of his from a very young age. It was a strange feeling for me to be that close to him. This was the only time in my life I have been so star struck.

But then out of nowhere a dominatrix and a stripper walk out from his back lounge. I looked at Silenoz (Dimmu Borgir) and asked him in Norwegion "what the hell is going on here?" and he replied "It's been like this all the time on this tour".

This I think is kind of strange for Scandinavian bands like ours. We are not into this "Hollywood" life style. It's all about the music then the drinks. Not having strippers on your bus (laughs).



TMR: Any favorite albums for 08 ?

Antony:

Disfear - Live the Storm
Firewind - The Premonition
Landmine Marathon - Rusted Eyes Awake
Krisiun - Southern Storm
Amon Amarth - Twilight Of The Thunder Gods
Stam1na - Raja
Septicflesh - Communion



TMR: Any plans for the holidays ?

Antony: Time with family. It is a hard time for my family in the cold dark.



TMR: Whats your new years resolution ?

Antony: I do not believe in these. You are who you are and you will never change anything most likely.



TMR: What are you guys planning for 09 ?

Antony: Touring non stop.



TMR: When do you guys plan on releasing a taste of "Wearing A Martyr's Crown" ?

Antony: It maybe around April of 09. The recording will be finished in March so we should have a single out by then.



TMR: Would you like to add anything ?

Antony: Thanks to everyone again for your support and dedication. hail The Metal Reporter!



I'd like to thank the always awesome Antony Hämäläinen, for taking the time to answer my questions, make sure to check out the band's Myspace for the latest updates on "Wearing A Martyr's Crown".


Here's the latest Webisode (5) for Nightrage in the Studio:

Thats Right its a NIGHTRAGE DOUBLE DOSE !!! (hopefully we'll turn it into an Overdose soon !!)
Marios checks in and answers a few questions involving why Jimmie left the band,on the possibility of guest singers on the new album and More...
Heres how it went :

Horns: How’s the recording coming along?

Marios: The new album coming along very smoothly and we have the best time writing the new songs. The music is written by me and Olof and we have a really good chemistry doing some great arrangements and tunes together. The lyrics is a team work along me and Antony, he understand the concept and the themes that we are dealing with Nightrage. We are very excited with the new songs and we feel that we have that fire and the drive to make the best Nightrage album so far, and also recapture the old true feeling and emotions that we had on our first 2 albums.


Horns: Can we expect another duet song on this album, like on Sweet Vengeance?

Marios: We have some ideas about it and we haven’t decided anything yet, it all depends from the songwriting and how the new songs will shine. We also feel that we have a really strong unit as a band right now and we want to keep up in our strengths as well, but at the same time a cool guest from some friends will only add to the whole picture.


Horns: People are dying to know what happened with Jimmie it was all of the sudden and much unexpected, what ever happened with him?

Marios: We had so many problems with Jimmie he was totally the wrong guy being in the band, he had his own issues and he was putting his own problems in the band. It came to a point that we couldn’t work together anymore. He was very confused and he had this Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde persona that could cause so much pain in himself and his friends. I believed in him and I was trying to help him but he was not able to listen, I wish that he will find himself one day and fix his life together. One day I just told him that he is out of the band, it was so hard and painful and I feel very sorry for him.


Horns: What are you guys listening to lately?

Marios: The new Metallica rocks the hell out man, the masters are back. I listen also my old albums like Maiden, Testament. I really like some Greek bands like Septicflesh, Rotting Christ and Firewind that they are doing a good name for Greece. We as Nightrage we have the same attitude and we want to give a good name for Greece and the metal in general.


Horns: I Hope you guys take over the world with your new album!
And I wish Antony all the best ... BRING BACK THE TRUE NIGHTRAGE SOUND ANTONY!!! All the Best my Dear Friend/Metal Veteran MARIOS thank you for taking the time to send me feedback you’re a true legend bro!! SHREDD AND RIFF LIKE THERES NO TOMORROW!!
HORNS UP BROTHAS!!

Marios: Thanks for the killer support man and we are looking forward to share the new shit with the whole metal world. Hail from Nightrage.

Boomp3.com

Check out the latest Nightrage "Studio Report"



Check out the rest of the episodes over at NightrageTV

Nightrage is back and this time they'll Cock Punch you,melt your ears,rip your hair and set you on fire while your still head banging like a mother fucker ... got the chance to ask Frontman Antony Hamalainen a few questions about the upcoming album, hows it shapeing up and how does it feel to be part of Nightrage...Heres how it went :


Horns: Are you guys in the writing process ?

Antony: yes we are. so far it's going really well. this time we have marios and olof writing all the music together and Im doing the lyrics and vocal melodies. Marios is also writing awesome lyrics that we are using as well, he is the
multi talented man of the band!


Horns: Now that its been a while, hows being a part of nightrage feel ?

Antony: for me it still all feels very new. but I'm having a lot of fun on the road with the guys and feel very accepted in the writing process as well. Nightrage feels like a real family and a real team to me. Its finally all coming together for us nicely.


Horns: What bands are you into lately ?

Antony: I'm really not listening to much new stuff anymore. everything i hear just pisses me off. its all cookie cutter shit. The only bands i think that are still putting out decent records are Disfear, The Haunted, and Dark Tranquillity. Still I'm listening to all the music i grew up on; Immortal, At The Gates, Carcass, Emperor, Testament, Slayer, Napalm Death etc etc


Horns: Did you listen to the new Metallica ? if yes how much do you hate it ?

Antony: I don't hate it at all. Most people that say they hate this record are the kind of people that have no life and just want to complain about the band. They are to successful for underground people to handle. But I'm a musician and i don't just judge a record based on one song. I dissect it all, and Metallica put out the best album since 15 years ago. So I will not hate on a band for trying to recapture some amazing moments.


Horns: did you guys consider Tomas popping up on the album ?

Antony: We thought about it. asking Tomas to do a duet with me, we're not sure if it is a good idea or not. The new album is sounding very much like the first 2 Nightrage albums. And everyone really seems to like my voice live. all the reviews have been 100% positive. so im excited about that. but of course if Tomas wanted to do it I would be interested very much. He is one of my heros.


Thank you soo much Antony for taking the time to give us a feedback, and cant wait to hear you lay down your destruction on the new album !!!!

Nightrage on Myspace

Check out Antony and the rest of the band Rocking the Shit Out !!!! Live and on Tour :




From NightrageTv: